Sunday's game was a tale of two Dutch coaches who are having very different experiences in charge of the two biggest clubs in England

Manchester United fans might have thought they had witnessed their worst-ever results against Liverpool, the 5-0 in 2021 and the 7-0 last season. But if the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era has taught us anything, it's that things can always get worse.

Yet again on Sunday, United were blown away by their hated rivals from down the East Lancashire Road, and although the 3-0 scoreline was not as bad as those previous maulings, the performance was on a similar level. Virgil van Dijk said that Liverpool should have scored five or six goals, and it was difficult to disagree.

Liverpool bossed the game, and there was also a bloodbath on the touchline, where the two Dutch managers cut very different figures. Arne Slot was in his element and said the game had gone as well as he could have hoped. He has had less than two months to work with the squad, but Liverpool already look close to the finished article, solid in defence and frighteningly good in attack.

United, however, look dishevelled and out of sync with each other in their third season under Erik ten Hag. To say they are still a work in progress would be being too kind. Instead, it is tempting to recall Ralf Rangnick's assessment in 2022 that the club needed "surgery of the open heart".

Rangnick uttered those brutal words just as Ten Hag had been named as United's next manager, but nearly two-and-a-half years later, they still ring true.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Old Trafford…

Getty ImagesWINNER: Liverpool's flying wingers

United once prided themselves on their wing-play, but Liverpool showed them how it's done on Sunday. Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah were electrifying, and the Red Devils had no response to their breakneck speed and trickery.

Diaz had Noussair Mazraoui tied up in knots from the get-go, skipping past him to set up Trent Alexander-Arnold's disallowed goal. He then combined with Salah to eventually break the deadlock, making the most of a peach of a cross.

Diaz again demonstrated his new-found love for scoring with an expert finish for his second goal, which was served up by Salah. The Egyptian could not end the game without scoring against United, though, bagging his 15th goal in 16 games against the arch-enemy – and 10th in his last seven visits to Old Trafford – early in the second half.

Salah and Diaz are working up quite the partnership already, notching a combined six goals and four assists in 2024-25, while all seven of Liverpool's goals this season have had their fingerprints on them.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Casemiro

There was some hope among United fans that Casemiro's extended summer break had led to a reboot. He came back looking trimmer for pre-season and was impressive in the Community Shield, as well as in the opening Premier League game against Fulham.

The revival, however, is over already. Casemiro was back to his worst here, looking utterly unfit for purpose when facing a truly top team.

The Brazilian misplaced 10 passes in the first half, and his sloppy ball that was cut out by Ryan Gravenberch could not have come at a worse time, as United's full-backs had committed themselves down the pitch and it was all to easy for Liverpool to break and score. The Brazilian was then too easily felled by Diaz in the build-up to Liverpool's second goal.

The former Real Madrid star was a liability, and it was no surprise that he was hauled off at half-time, even if it was for Premier League debutant Toby Collyer.

Jamie Carragher, who caused a storm when he urged Casemiro to quite elite football last season, must have been enjoying himself in the commentary box as he gloated: "Two goals from two Casemiro mistakes."

Getty ImagesWINNER: Manuel Ugarte

United's latest signing was not registered in time to play on Sunday, but Manuel Ugarte got a taste of the Old Trafford atmosphere when he was presented to the supporters before kick-off. However, he may well have been alarmed by what he saw from the stands and how his new side were ripped apart, but he would also have sensed an opportunity.

He should be guaranteed a place in the starting line-up in United's next game at Southampton as Casemiro looks to be at his lowest ebb. All the Uruguayan has to do to improve on the hapless Brazilian is keep the ball and be able to keep up with the pace of the game.

His capacity to win the ball cleanly and frequently will also be vital, as Liverpool were able to play their way through United's midfield time and time again with little resistance.

Unfortunately, Ten Hag suggested Ugarte will need time to bed in and will not be put straight into the starting line-up after the international break. The former Paris Saint-Germain man must try and settle as quickly as he can as his new side clearly need him badly after this humiliation.

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Getty ImagesLOSER: United's local heroes

Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both scored against Liverpool last season at Old Trafford, but this was a very different story for United's homegrown players, who were the team's second-worst performers behind Casemiro.

Mainoo looked incapable of influencing proceedings, perhaps smarting from the early bang on the head he took. He had the excuse of getting no support from Casemiro and then having to work with the inexperienced Collyer, but it was his mistake which led to Liverpool's third goal, going to ground after being challenged by Diaz.

Mainoo's patchy display was surprising given his usual level, but Rashford's performance was achingly familiar. He kept misplacing passes, with his only good ball coming when he teed up Joshua Zirkzee, and every time he attempted a run down the left wing, he ran into a Liverpool player.

When Amad Diallo was brought on, many supporters expected to see Rashford come off. The sight of Alejandro Garnacho being replaced instead was, therefore, met with a chorus of boos, which was a telling comment on Rashford's dismal display.

MatériaMais Notícias

Eleito em 2003 craque do Petrolina no Campeonato Pernambucano, o ex-atacante Ferrugem colocou à venda os prêmios conquistados pelo bom desempenho dentro de campo para ajudar financeiramente a família.Desempregado ao final do ano passado, o ex-jogador abriu uma lanchonete junto à esposa, e pretende usar o dinheiro para aumentar a produção da lanchonete que abriu junto à esposa. A informação é do ‘ge’
+ Confira a classificação do Brasileirão!

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Após 18 anos, Ferrugem decidiu leiloar o prêmio que registra sua passagem pelo futebol.A ideia do ex-jogador é adquirir uma máquina de fazer coxinha para atender a demanda do estabelecimentona cidade Saúde, no interior da Bahia.

-Olhei para o troféu que fica na estante da sala e tive a ideia de fazer um leilão virtual, para ver se consigo a máquina de coxinha e a moto, que quero usar para fazer as entregas. Sempre tem um torcedor fanático que gosta de colecionar. Esse troféu é muito importante – disse ao ‘ge’.

– Eu não vou utilizar a verba para uma coisa banal, é um investimento. Foi a única maneira que pensei na hora – completou.

Quem entregou a premiação a Ferrugem foi o ex-jogador e comentarista da Globo, Walter Casagrande.

-A sensação foi boa demais. No dia, eu me lembro que quem cantou foi o Emílio Santiago. Foi uma festa top. Casagrande fez todo o cerimonial e entregou o troféu a mim e aos outros nove jogadores, integrantes de cada time – contou.

Apesar da quinta colocação no Campeonato Pernambucano, Ferrugem ficou eternizado pela atuação de gala contra o Náutico, em 2003.

-Graças a Deus, naquela noite, eu estava abençoado. Minha esposa estava na arquibancada com meu filho. O professor me chamou, botou no jogo e foi aquele feito. 3 a 0, com três gols em 15 minutos – concluiu.

A decision would need to be made about the value of a global event behind closed doors

Andrew McGlashan04-May-2020

The Australia v New Zealand ODI on March 13 was played to empty stands at the SCG•Getty Images

The fate of the men’s T20 World Cup in Australia, slated for later this year, could yet come down to the likely absence of crowds rather than the challenge of getting teams into the country.The shape of the 2020-21 season in Australia remains in significant doubt, but there have been a few positive indications in recent days that the scheduled cricket may yet be able to take place with Australia being one of the countries managing to effectively tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.The strongest indications revolve around the visit by India – the cancellation of which could cost Cricket Australia A$300 million [US$192 million approx.] – but there also remains a chance of the T20 World Cup still happening. At its recent meetings, the ICC said that preparations were still on for the 16-team tournament due to start on October 18 with a final decision not expected to be taken until August.Discussions continue between CA and the federal government about what needs to be put in place for international cricket to take place later in the year, and on Friday the Australian Institute of Sport published a framework for the return of sport at all levels in the country.While a bilateral series has huge logistical and bio-security challenges to overcome in the current climate – the first indication of how they are tackled could come in the English season – they are multiplied many times over for a 16-team world event, some from countries severely hit by the pandemic. However, the Australian government sports minister, Richard Colbeck, believes a solution could be possible, meaning a decision would need to be made about the value of a global event behind closed doors.”I’d love to see an Australia-India Test series this summer and I’d really like to be able to see the World Cup go ahead, but that will be quite a complex protocol to bring that number of countries in from around the world,” Colbeck told SEN Radio. “The issue [for the World Cup] is not so much the teams as the crowds and that’s probably one of the hurdles we really have to consider and probably one that world cricket will look at pretty closely as well.”We all know the difference in atmosphere when you see a filled stadium verses one that’s empty… they will be some of the broader considerations, but in a team sense I’d like to think that we can build some protocols with the cooperation of the sport and the players, that’s going to be extremely important, with appropriate quarantine and bio-security protocols to see if we can make the competition go ahead.”In one of the first signs in sport that the overall situation is improving in Australia, the Warriors rugby team from New Zealand arrived in Tamworth, New South Wales, on Sunday to prepare for the resumption of the NRL later this month. However, New Zealand has also had significant success tackling Covid-19, to the extent that the country recorded zero new cases on Monday. Expanding travel exemptions to a wider spread of nations would need to be a careful process.”Those conversations are being had, discussions about what the protocols might look like,” Colbeck said. “They will be difficult because one of the things that has been a key part of our success is that we limited access to Australia from areas where there were significant outbreaks of Covid-19 and that’s contributed to the low rate of spread we have now. But we would have to be prepared to consider appropriate plans put forward by the various codes.”Asked more broadly about crowds returning to sports events when social-distancing regulations are eased, Colbeck said it was hugely reliant on being able to trace possible cases. “Our capacity to be able to open up sport to crowds and all those sorts of things is going to be really dependent on our capacity to track and trace then quarantine community spread.”Australia and New Zealand played an ODI behind closed doors at the SCG in March shortly before restrictions were ramped up. Players have spoken about how it was a strange experience, but are confident that it would not detract from the spectacle if it meant a chance to resume the sport.”If this is the case and we have to play behind closed doors, the more and more that happens we’ll get more used to it and understand it,” Marnus Labuschagne said. “I don’t think it takes anything away from the actual game. For us it’s just about being ready and making sure that we’re ready to make any sacrifices that we can to get cricket back on TV and cricketers back out there playing.”

It's been a real season of two halves for Tottenham Hotspur this year.

Ange Postecoglou watched his team go ten games unbeaten at the start of the Premier League campaign, then slump to fifth and lose their last four on the bounce.

Champions League qualification might be just out of reach for the Australian's side this season, but with a real chance of making it into the Europa League in their first campaign without Harry Kane in the side, it's hard to be too down on the Lilywhites in 23/24.

However, if Daniel Levy and Co want to give Postecoglou the best chance of lifting European silverware next year, they should consider signing an upgrade for the inconsistent Richarlison this summer, and based on recent reports, that might just be happening.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Tottenham have maintained their interest in Brentford's star striker, Ivan Toney, and, ahead of the summer window, are leading the race for his signature alongside West Ham United.

The report has revealed that the two London clubs are prepared to battle it out for the forward once the window opens, with Manchester United stepping away from the fight following concerns from INEOS over the Englishman's character.

While the Hammers indeed represent a challenge for the Lilywhites, particularly following the reports that former Real Madrid and Spain manager Julen Lopetegui is set to take the reins, Levy and Co must be confident in their ability to offer the striker a more appealing package, especially if they clinch Europa League qualification.

The lack of competition isn't the only good news either, as the report has also revealed that the Bees would now be willing to accept offers around the £50m mark for a striker priced at closer to £100m just last year. So, with a lack of quality centre-forward options, this feels like a deal Spurs can't ignore.

How Toney compares to Richarlison

Now, there is one major thing to take into account when comparing Richarlison's output to Toney's, which is the fact that the latter only came back to football in the new year after serving an eight-month betting-related ban, so while we could compare their output from this season alone, it wouldn't be entirely accurate.

So, with that in mind, how did the pair stack up to one another last year when they both had an entire season to prove themselves?

Toney vs Richarlison in 22/23

Players

Toney

Richarlison

Appearances

35

35

Goals

21

3

Assists

5

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.74

0.20

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Unfortunately for the Lilywhites' Brazilian marksman, he didn't do all that well. He scored just three goals and provided four assists in 35 games, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every five games, while the Bees' ace scored 21 goals and provided five assists in 35 games, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.3 games.

It's such a landslide victory for the "world-class" 28-year-old, as described by manager Thomas Frank, that even when including the pair's hauls from this season, the Northampton-born star comes out ahead with a goal involvement every 1.6 games to the former Everton man's 2.8.

Toney vs Richarlison since 22/23

Players

Toney

Richarlison

Appearances

50

66

Goals

25

15

Assists

6

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.62

0.34

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Ultimately, while Richarlison has looked better this season and Toney has been a bit rusty, their respective bodies of work over the last couple of seasons very clearly demonstrate that the "unplayable" Englishman, as Alan Shearer described him, is the superior striker.

So, if Spurs want to genuinely challenge for trophies next season, they should stump up the cash and add a genuinely clinical number nine to Postecoglou's free-flowing attack.

Related Spurs must finally axe Pochettino signing who earns more than Son

The transfer might be the worst in the club’s history.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 7, 2024

Everton claimed three vital points in their hunt for Premier League survival, beating local rivals Liverpool 2-0 at Goodison Park on Monday night.

Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured the Toffees' first Merseyside derby win on home territory since October 2010, moving the club eight points clear of the relegation zone with just four games remaining.

The victory is a crucial one for Sean Dyche's side, but it's also derailed Liverpool's title ambitions – with the Reds now sitting three points off the summit, but only a point clear of Manchester City, who have two games in hand.

Every single Everton player put in a huge shift during the victory, but one player, in particular, shone throughout and produced an even better performance than goalscorer Branthwaite.

Jarrad Branthwaite's stats against Liverpool

The 21-year-old centre-back has been a pivotal part of the Toffees' squad this season, starting 31 Premier League games so far this campaign, often partnering James Tarkowski at the heart of the defence.

Branthwaite featured for the whole 90 minutes, making eight clearances and blocking four shots as he helped preserve the Toffees' clean sheet.

He also won 75% of the duels that he contested, whilst making one tackle, but neither of which were his biggest contributions during the encounter at Goodison Park.

The defender displayed a cool head, like that of an experienced centre-forward, as he bundled the ball past Alisson to give Dyche's side a deserved lead going into the break.

However, despite his brilliant display at the back, one other Everton player produced an even better performance, justifying his recall to the starting lineup for the crucial clash.

James Garner's stats against Liverpool

After missing the clash against his former side on Sunday afternoon, midfielder James Garner was recalled to the starting eleven for the meeting with Jürgen Klopp's men – a decision that proved to be a sensational one.

Whilst the 23-year-old only managed to complete nine passes, an average of one just every 10 minutes, the former Manchester United man produced a brilliant display out of possession, restricting the visitors to minimal chances throughout.

Garner won 100% of the duels he entered, also winning two tackles and two interceptions, with his tireless effort proving vital in the middle of Everton's midfield.

The Toffees' number 37 also managed to complete 100% of his dribbles during the game, proving why Dyche decided to recall him for such an important fixture.

Minutes played

90

Passes

9

Duels won

6/6 (100%)

Tackles

2

Interceptions

2

Dribbles completed

1/1 (100%)

He was subsequently awarded a 9/10 rating by Liverpool Echo journalist Chris Beesley, with the Everton reporter claiming the 23-year-old added "bite" to the squad – a huge bonus in a derby encounter.

His display against the Reds reflects how much of an underrated and important part of Dyche's side Garner is, with the youngster capable of nailing down a long-term place in the heart of the Toffees' side.

Dyche must bench Everton's 6/10 star who lost the ball 14x vs Forest

The Toffees face a huge game at Goodison Park against their Merseyside rivals.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 24, 2024

Liverpool fans have called for more signings after the Reds finally completed a deal for Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Liverpool have had a quiet transfer window
• Mamardashvili signed for next season
• Fans grow restless as deadline day draws close

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Merseyside club have agreed to shell out £29 million (€34m/$38m) for Mamardashvili, who will set sail for English shores next summer to provide competition to Alisson Becker. However, barring this deal, it has otherwise been a quiet window for Liverpool and the fans are clamouring for more incomings before the window slams shut on Friday.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  An X User, @MrBDK_YT wrote: "WE HAVE SIGNED SOMEONE, CHIESA NEXT PLEASE."

  Meanwhile, @Lyvinston wrote: "Now sign some real players."

  Whereas, @mahfxz_ demanded: "Sign branthwaite if you’re bad."

  @LFCUNLOCKED went a step ahead and wrote: "Finally now can we try some first team signings PLEASE 🙏 and whilst your at it draft up the 3 contracts to 3 of our most important players thank you 😊."

  And another fan, @GongR1ght opined: "Finally a signing but not the one required."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Liverpool are reported to be working to sign Chiesa before deadline day. Juventus are ready to offload the Italian for around €15 million (£13m/$17m) and the Reds are determined to make the most of the opportunity.

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• IMAGO
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  Liverpool have won their first two Premier League matches under Arne Slot against Ipswich Town and Brentford. However, their first real test of the season comes next weekend when they travel to Old Trafford to lock horns with Manchester United.

Crowds appear a certainty at Australian cricket grounds this summer and the case for the T20 World Cup has improved after the federal government’s announcement that some venues will be able to host up to 10,000 spectators for sporting events from July.At the moment the move only applies to grounds with a capacity below 40,000 so excludes the five major Test venues – MCG, SCG, Adelaide Oval, Gabba and Perth Stadium – but would cover some of the smaller grounds used for cricket, including Hobart, the WACA and Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast, and is another positive step as sport continues its comeback in Australia. South Australia and Queensland state governments have also said they plan to reopen their borders in July as domestic travel restrictions are eased.The move to allow spectators back in reasonably significant numbers raises the likelihood that crowds may be able to attend international cricket and the Big Bash during the summer. It could also boost the chances of the T20 World Cup still taking place in October and November, although Prime Minister Scott Morrison said decisions over the larger grounds would take more time and for the World Cup there remains the logistical challenge of having 15 visiting teams in the country.ALSO READ: T20 World Cup fate under ‘very high risk’- Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts“This is going to be looked at over the next few weeks. For the larger ones [venues] I would venture that it would be the subject of a discrete approval for each venue that would be worked out with the Chief Health Officer in each state or territory,” Morrison said.”So by the time you get into July there may be that type of opportunity for the rules that apply to those under 40,000 carry over to those above 40,000. These will be practical, commonsense issues, work through by the medical expert panel over the next few weeks and I think they will give a great instruction.”The chance of crowds for big-ticket events during the season, especially the India series, would add another element to Cricket Australia’s financial planning which has seen them model for up to a 25-30% reduction in revenue if games were played behind closed doors. It could also increase the challenge for them in getting their budget plans approved by the Australian Cricketers’ Association who have already cast doubt on the bleak picture painted by the board.Cricket Australia recently announced a full fixture list for the 2020-21 season although with the caveats that much could change. As it stands Australia are scheduled to resume with a one-day series against Zimbabwe in August but that remains in significant doubt with the more likely resumption of international cricket being the women’s series against New Zealand in late September.Cricket Australia’s decision makers were encouraged by the announcement over crowds, albeit as the start of a long process towards working up plans for bigger venues set to host international and BBL cricket.Across the Tasman in New Zealand there are even fewer restrictions with full crowds able to attend this weekend’s rugby matches.

خرج لاعب فريق الكرة بـ الأهلي، من حسابات القلعة الحمراء في نصف نهائي بطولة كأس انتركونتيننتال.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع الفائز من مباراة بوتافوجو البرازيلي وباتشوكا المكسيكي يوم 14 ديسمبر الجاري.

بينما يعلب المتأهل من ذلك اللقاء مع ريال مدريد في النهائي يوم 18 من الشهر نفسه.

طالع | ميدو يختار المجموعة الأنسب لـ الأهلي في كأس العالم للأندية 2025

وعلم “بطولات”، أن اللاعب من المقرر أن يغيب لمدة 3 أسابيع وبعدها يعود للتدريبات لمدة أسبوع بشكل منفرد، بعد تعرضه للإصابة في العضلة الخلفية من الدرجة الثانية، والتي أبعدته عن السفر مع بعثة الفريق إلى جنوب إفريقيا لمواجهة أورلاندو بايرتس.

وبذلك يتأكد غياب مصطفى شوبير عن المشاركة مع الأهلي في بطولة كأس انتركونتينينتال والتي تقام بـ دولة قطر.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع أورلاندو في الثالثة عصر السبت المقبل، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية لدور المجموعات لبطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

Amar Virdi, the Surrey offspinner, has said that club cricket in the UK is full of untapped talent from ethnic minority backgrounds and encouraged counties to be proactive in helping young players understand how to break into professional set-ups.Speaking from England’s bio-secure bubble at the Ageas Bowl, Virdi detailed the challenges faced by cricketers from Asian backgrounds trying to play professionally, and said that it could be “very daunting” for players from minority backgrounds to play for bigger clubs.”I started at Indian Gymkhana Cricket Club [in Osterley], which is a majority-Asian club, and I found it daunting moving to Sunbury which I did at about 12 years old,” Virdi said. “But it was the best move for my cricket, because it’s important to play at a standard where it’s recognised and you’ve got ex-pros at the club and you’ve got a lot of support.”It’s changing now, but a maybe a lot of kids from minorities don’t go to private schools. Maybe they’re first or second generation here, maybe they might not be able to afford those opportunities. That also can be a problem because maybe they’re not being seen by people in the county set-up.”ALSO READ – Virdi hoping to jump to front of England spin queueVirdi emphasised the role that his own parents had played in his career to date, but said that one of the main stumbling blocks for young Asian players is that their families do not know how the county set-up works. His comments demonstrate that the lack of ethnic diversity at county clubs is a deep-rooted structural problem: Vikram Solanki became the first British Asian head coach at a county this month when he was appointed at Surrey, and Mark Alleyne remains the only black British man to do so this century.”A lot of people don’t understand how much commitment it takes from a parent,” Virdi said. “If you’re at a private school, you’re getting cricket there on a weekly basis or a few times a week, but my school didn’t even play cricket, so that’s another avenue.”I’m really lucky because my parents were really supportive. A lot of people’s parents are busy making ends meet, and they don’t have time necessarily to take their kids to practice, but I’m so thankful to my mum and dad that they took time to support me, driving me up and down the country, and without that I wouldn’t be here.”A big thing, I think, that should be done is more education for the minority communities and for parents to know how the actual county system works. A lot of people I speak to don’t even know how to start. There’s so much talent, from so many different communities, it definitely needs to be tapped into.”Virdi also suggested that a major stumbling block for a lot of Asian players in the UK was that they had grown up supporting a subcontinental side rather than England.”A lot of it is to do with your mindset and definitely your upbringing,” he said. “Growing up a lot of people’s parents support India, for example, so you grow up supporting India or wherever you’re from or where your family background is. What’s fundamental is that even from a young age I’ve always supported England and that’s important to have that mindset firstly.”If Virdi makes his Test debut this summer, as he thinks he can, he would become only the third Sikh to play for England after Monty Panesar and Ravi Bopara. The ECB’s South Asian action plan, devised in 2018 to help engage South Asians in the UK who feel there are barriers to entry within the game, stresses the need to “celebrate heroes”, and Virdi said that seeing someone who “looks very similar” in the England team growing up had spurred him on.”Growing up I watched Graeme Swann and Monty [Panesar] bowling and that was very inspirational to me,” Virdi said. “Obviously with Monty as well because he looks very similar to me, especially being from the community that I am. We’re in a minority in a lot of industries so when you do see someone progressing and doing well in that particular field that you’re in, it really motivates you and shows you that can do it if they’re doing it as well.”

Arsenal chiefs have held internal talks over signing a £199,000-a-week player to replace a member of Mikel Arteta's squad, with this summer set to be a fascinating one.

Edu tipped for record summer spend at Arsenal this year

Sporting director Edu, according to some reports in the media, has pretty big plans for Arsenal when the transfer window reopens.

Arsenal now appear favourites to sign £60 million striker after agent talks

He’s been praised for having “everything”.

ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2024

Indeed, Arsenal could be set for a record spend this summer, coming after they splashed over £208 million on new recruits in 2023.

Declan Rice

£105 million

Kai Havertz

£65 million

Jurrien Timber

£34 million

Leandro Trossard

£21 million

Jakub Kiwior

£17 million

Rumours suggest Edu is targeting a new striker, goalkeeper, defender and midfielder for Arsenal, but certain players will have to make way if the club are going to invest heavily in Mikel Arteta's squad for the second year running.

Many senior members of the Arsenal team could leave, starting with their academy graduates. Edu could sell Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe to fund a move for Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes, who will soon command a £100 million release clause in his Magpies contract.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are willing to sell both Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey, with the high-earning duo thought to be attracting serious interest from Saudi Arabia. There is also the matter of sorting out Aaron Ramsdale's future in north London.

The England international has lost his place between the sticks to David Raya, and has been regularly linked with a move away from Hale End over the last fortnight as we approach the summer window's opening.

Ramsdale would be a potential coup for any side interested in bringing in a new shot-stopper. The 25-year-old is still young with many years still ahead of him, and the former Bournemouth ace already possesses bags of experience playing at the very top level.

Interestingly, Arsenal have been linked with re-signing a former star of theirs to replace Ramsdale – £199,000-per-week Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny. The Pole has won 10 major trophies across his career, and he could feasibly help Arsenal win more if he were to make the move back to England.

Arsenal hold internal Szczesny talks as they eye Ramsdale replacement

Fabrizio Romano has backed that Arteta will "100%" sign a new goalkeeper this summer, and now journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport that Arsenal chiefs have held internal talks over a deal for Szczesny.

"It’s true that Arsenal have shown an interest in signing Wojciech Szczesny," said Jones.

"But it is hard to know if there is genuine scope for it to progress at the moment.

"They are on the lookout for a new back-up goalkeeper because Aaron Ramsdale is going to leave after this season, and Szczesny – with his experience and ties to the club – is a really good option to consider. That is why they have had initial conversations about whether it could open up.

"He is definitely not the only option for them though. I have heard of at least two other goalkeepers recently that Arsenal have sounded out about next season."