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While there are a few areas of the team that need to be addressed in the summer, Arsenal are most desperately in need of attacking reinforcements.

Specifically, the club must sign a new striker, as with Gabriel Jesus set to be out until the new year, Mikel Arteta’s only option up top for the start of next season will be Kai Havertz.

Moreover, even when the German was fit earlier in the season, it was clear that the Gunners were not scoring enough goals to seriously challenge Liverpool in the Premier League.

As a result, they need to bolster their forward line in the summer.

Arsenal's striker search

Fortunately, the club look ready to address this problem at the end of the season, and if reports are to be believed, one of their key targets, who has been compared to Kylian Mbappé, has now set his sights on joining Arsenal.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to a recent report from Spain, Newcastle United star Alexander Isak has made it clear that he wants to join Arsenal in the summer.

The Swedish international, who has been a target of the Gunners for some time now, wants to join a side capable of winning the league and views the North Londoners as just that.

However, the report claims that Liverpool are also keen on the striker and that to let him go, the Magpies will demand a potentially record-breaking fee from the Gunners, which other stories from earlier this season claimed could be up to £150m.

It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line for Arsenal, but given Isak’s unreal ability, one well worth fighting for, especially as he’s won comparisons to Mbappé.

How Isak compares to Mbappé

So, before addressing the other reasons why Arsenal should go all out to sign Isak this summer, it’s worth first examining this comparison to Mbappé and where it comes from.

It primarily stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and, in this instance, has concluded that the Frenchman is the fifth most similar forward to the Swede.

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key passes, goal-creating actions, tackles won, aerial duel win percentage and more, all per 90.

Isak & Mbappé
Statistics per 90	Isak	Mbappé
Non-Penalty Expected G+As	0.78	0.75
Key Passes	1.54	1.53
Goal-Creating Actions	0.57	0.40
Tackles Won	0.22	0.20
Aerial Duel Win %	32.2%	33.3%
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

However, a comparison to one of the best players in the world is obviously not the sole reason Arteta and Co should break the bank to sign the former Real Sociedad star.

In fact, the most significant argument for bringing him to the Emirates this summer is his utterly sensational output.

For example, in just 33 appearances, totalling 2613 minutes, the Solna-born marksman, whom teammate Anthony Gordon dubbed the “best striker in Europe,” has scored 23 goals and provided five assists.

That means he is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.17 games, or every 93.32 minutes, which is the sort of output that could clinch the title for Arteta’s side next season.

Ultimately, Arsenal need a new number nine this summer, and while he will undoubtedly cost a king’s ransom to get out of Newcastle, they should be doing all they can to secure Isak’s services.

Arteta has found a "sensational" Hale Ender who's Arsenal's new Smith Rowe

The incredible talent will be a superstar for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 25, 2025

حقق فريق الترجي فوزًا غاليًا، على نظيره لوس أنجلوس الأمريكي، في المباراة التي جمعتهما اليوم بهدف نظيف، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025.

الترجي التقى لوس أنجلوس، في إطار مباريات الجولة الثانية لمواجهات المجموعة الرابعة من منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025 المقامة في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

ويقع الترجي التونسي مع لوس أنجلوس في المجموعة الرابعة من بطولة كأس العالم، مع فلامينجو البرازيلي وتشيلسي الإنجليزي.

طالع.. رسميًا.. تحديد أول الفرق المودعة لـ كأس العالم للأندية 2025

وسجل البلايلي، هدف الترجي الوحيد في الدقيقة 70 من عمر المباراة، بتسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء سكنت شباك الحارس المخضرم هوجو لوريس.

وشهد اللقاء حصول لوس أنجلوس على ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة التاسعة من الوقت بدل الضائع وتصدى لها بشير حارس الترجي.

وودع لوس أنجلوس البطولة بشكل رسمي، بعد الخسارة أمام فريق الترجي، بالإضافة إلى أن فوز الأخير يعد أول فوز للفرق العربية في البطولة بنظامها الجديد.

ورفع الترجي رصيده إلى 3 نقاط في المركز الثالث من المجموعة متساويًا مع تشيلسي صاحب المركز الثاني، بينما يتصدر فلامنجو المجموعة وضمن بطاقة التأهل لدور الستة عشر.

وتعرض الترجي، في بداية مشواره في البطولة، للهزيمة بهدفين دون رد أمام فلامينجو البرازيلي، حيث يحتاج إلى الفوز في المباراة المقبلة، من أجل التأهل إلى الدور القادم. هدف الترجي أمام لوس أنجلوس

⚽️ BELAILI PUTS IT AWAY!@ESTunis1919 is up 0-1!

Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #LAFEST pic.twitter.com/f6RGkeuyZB — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 20, 2025

Jose Mourinho has aimed a playful “the treble is mine” dig at Inter ahead of their clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 Champions League final.

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Portuguese coach made history in 2009-10Won Serie A, Coppa Italia & Champions LeagueNerazzurri back in the hunt for European crownFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Italian outfit are back in the hunt for European football’s grandest prize, having last got their hands on that trophy in 2010. Enigmatic Portuguese coach Mourinho was calling the shots at San Siro back then.

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He completed a clean sweep of major honours in that campaign, with Inter having hoped to repeat those heroics in 2024-25. They were, however, to suffer a Coppa Italia semi-final defeat to arch-rivals AC Milan, while Scott McTominay inspired Napoli to Serie A title glory.

DID YOU KNOW?

Inter can still finish their season with a flourish, as they prepare to face PSG in Munich, but Mourinho – who spent two memorable years with the Nerazzurri – is pleased to see that his place in the history books remains untouched.

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WHAT JOSE MOURINHO SAID

He has told : “I’m going to be very naughty, but very honest. I was worried they could win the treble, because I didn’t want them to win the treble, the treble is mine!

“But now they lost the championship and the Italian cup, I would love them to win the Champions League, but of course Luis Enrique’s doing an amazing job in Paris. He transformed the team, they lost let’s say the number one player [Kylian Mbappe], but they rebuilt it in a fantastic way, so if Luis wins, I’m also happy for him.”

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It might be one of the most overused words in the modern football lexicon, but Tottenham Hotspur are undoubtedly going through a project under the management of Ange Postecoglou.

That might sound like a bit of nothing phrase, but, in reality, it just means that while things might look bleak at the moment – and they certainly do – fans and pundits might need to wait a few more years to see the club’s plan come to fruition.

This will likely mean that players such as Son Heung-min, Yves Bissouma and Richarlison will be moved on and replaced by exciting and hungry youngsters.

The absurd amount of injuries the club have had to deal with this season has already seen some of those up-and-comers be given more game time, and should Daniel Levy and Co be able to get a specific deal over the line in the summer, they’ll have another young star in their squad who’s already being compared to an incredibly valuable talent on the continent.

Spurs rising stars

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at a few of Spurs’ other promising prospects, such as Archie Gray.

The former Lees United gem is still only 18 years old, and while respected football analyst Ben Mattinson described him as a “future £100m” central midfielder, he has been a vital part of the defence this term.

So far, injuries have seen the Durham-born gem make 19 appearances at centre-back, seven at right-back, and five at left-back.

Another new arrival who’s made a significant impact on the first team despite still being a teenager is Lucas Bergvall, who joined the club from Swedish side Djurgarden for a fee of around £8.5m – which is starting to look like a bargain.

In recent months, the Swedish midfielder has become an increasingly important player for the manager and has made 36 appearances.

Impressively, 18 of those appearances have been starts, and he has managed to rack up a decent tally of one goal and four assists to boot.

Finally, while he’s not had quite the same impact on the first team this season, Mikey Moore looks like he’s set to become one of the North Londoners’ most dangerous attackers in the near future.

Appearances

36

36

16

Starts

28

18

7

Minutes

2619′

1746′

632′

Goals

0

1

1

Assists

0

4

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0

0.13

0.18

Minutes per Goal Involvement

0

349.2

210.66′

He’s made 16 appearances so far, totalling just 632 minutes, in which he’s scored a goal, provided two assists and was even compared to Neymar Jr by James Maddison.

Overall, the future looks incredibly bright for Tottenham, and it could be brighter if Levy and Co complete a deal to sign another exciting youngster in the summer, a youngster compared to an £83m star.

Spurs' potential £83m superstar in the making

Now, while all the talents mentioned above are already officially Tottenham players and will be next season – lest they be sold for some reason – the player in question might not be, despite starting for the team last Thursday.

Mathys Tel joined the Lilywhites on a short-term loan last month, but, importantly, there is an option to buy in the deal at £45m, and while his next move is not entirely down to the North Londoners, reports from last month seemed to indicate that he’d be open to staying for the long term.

Now, there might be some fans who remain unconvinced by the 19-year-old attacker, and considering he’s not hit the ground running in England, scoring one goal in six games, that would be understandable.

However, during his still relatively limited game time for Bayern Munich last season, he showed just why respected talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as a “mind-blowing talent.”

In just 1406 minutes of first-team football, he scored ten goals and provided six assists, which comes out to an astounding average of a goal involvement every 87.87 minutes and also saw him win comparisons to Borussia Dortmund’s rising star, Jamie Gittens.

Appearances

41

Starts

10

Minutes

1406′

Goals

10

Assists

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.39

Minutes per Goal Involvement

87.87′

The comparison primarily stemmed from FBref, which compared players in similar positions in the Bundesliga last season, created a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and concluded that the Englishman was the fifth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Frenchman.

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots, live passes, blocks, clearances, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.52

0.43

Progressive Passes

2.31

2.20

Shots

3.69

3.66

Expected Assists

0.26

0.25

Live Passes

33.2

30.3

Shot-Creating Actions

3.86

3.92

Blocks

0.94

0.93

Clearances

0.51

0.59

Carries

35.5

33.8

While the comparison to one of the most exciting talents in Germany is already encouraging enough regarding the Sarcelles-born star’s development, it’s also a good sign for his future value.

For example, it was only last month that the German publication Bild, as relayed by the BBC, reported that Dortmund value their incredible youngster at up to £83m in light of his growing reputation and the interest in him from other sides.

So, if the young Englishman is worth such an astounding amount of money and is so statistically similar to the Bayern loanee, who’s to say that he, too, won’t be worth as much down the line once he gets even more game time?

Therefore, while he has not hit the ground running at Tottenham, Levy and Co should be doing all they can to bring Tel to N17 this summer, as with the right coaching, he could be an extraordinarily valuable asset on and off the pitch in the future.

Not just Porro: Levy must ensure £35m flop isn't at Spurs next season

Ange Postecoglou needs to be brutal and part ways with multiple Tottenham Hotspur players this summer.

1 ByEthan Lamb Mar 12, 2025

Manchester City fans have joked that iconic English manager Neil Warnock will succeed Pep Guardiola after spending a day with the club.

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Warnock spends day with Man CityHails Guardiola as the "greatest" managerCity fans joke he will succeed SpaniardFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

On Thursday, former Sheffield United manager Warnock paid City's training ground a visit, where he enjoyed a "great day" with the team and Guardiola. After hailing him as the best manager in his lifetime, fans quipped that the 76-year-old could replace the Spaniard at the Etihad when his contract ends in 2027.

AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

@eyesareopen78 wrote on X: "Pep's succession plan been revealed?"

@sana_unnisa7 tweeted: "What a day! Surrounded by legends and led by the GOAT—Pep’s influence is unmatched."

@_savinha_ commented: "Warnock saw most Fergie’s matches and still went for Pep as the GOAT. He knows ball."

@Swanny289 put: "I hoped they enjoyed it by being disciplined," and @FITRADER8 added: "Greatest Premier League manager of all time and Greatest Championship manager ever."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Guardiola will undoubtedly go down as one of the best managers of all time, partly for the success he has had at Barcelona, City, and Bayern Munich, but also for how many coaches have been influenced by his style and tactics. He will certainly be a very hard act to follow at City.

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WHAT NEXT?

Guardiola's City are next in Premier League action on Friday night at home to in-form Wolves.

What a performance it was from new Manchester City signing Omar Marmoush against Newcastle United. The Premier League champions thrashed Eddie Howe’s side 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium, with the Egyptian attacker getting a scintillating hattrick.

Marmoush scored his first goal in the 19th minute, and by the 33rd, he had three goals.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt man starred, helping his new club to an important win against a top-four rival. Simon Bajkowski, chief Manchester City writer for The Manchester Evening News, was certainly complimentary of Marmoush. He gave him a 9/10 rating and described his performance as ‘explosive’.

However, it was not just the new City number seven who was a standout player. There were plenty of impressive performances against Newcastle.

City’s standout players vs. Newcastle

Another of the best City players against the Magpies was someone who Pep Guardiola described as a “mini Rodri”, new signing Nico Gonzalez. The former FC Porto man looked right at home in their midfield.

The stats from the game, courtesy of Sofascore, show just how well the midfielder performed. He had 114 touches and completed 97% of his passes, with the influence from his time in Barcelona’s La Masia academy shining through. He also won four out of four ground duels.

Attacking midfielder James McAtee also impressed for the Citizens against Newcastle. Despite minimal opportunities in 2024/25, he has, on the whole, made it count. McAtee has scored six times this season, which includes two Premier League goals in his last three appearances.

It was an excellent performance against the Magpies from two of City’s new January signings and an academy player. One of their summer signings, Savinho, was a standout out, too. He has been superb since moving to the Etihad Stadium.

Savinho’s current market value

The Brazil international was on fire against Howe’s side. He registered an assist, creating the third goal for Marmoush, as well as completing three dribbles and winning six ground duels. It was a fantastic performance to build on his exploits this season.

Savinho has certainly impressed Guardiola during his time at City so far. After their most recent outing at the Etihad Stadium, he explained that he “wasn’t expecting this super impact” from the Brazilian to start his career in England.

The 20-year-old has managed two goals and nine assists in 33 appearances this season across all competitions. Of those, one goal and seven assists have come in the Premier League. It has been a superb start to life in the English top flight.

The City winger has got some impressive stats on Sofascore, too. In just 15 starts in the Premier League, Savinho has created ten big chances and averages 1.6 key passes per game. He is a creative machine.

Stat

Number

Starts

15

Expected goals

3.54xG

Assists

7

Big chances created

10

Key passes per game

1.6

Dribbles completed per game

2.1

Dribble success rate per game

58%

Signing the “electric” winger, as football analyst Ben Mattinson described him, has been a superb investment so far from the Citizens. They brought him into the club in the summer from French side Troyes, a sister club of City, for a fee of £30.8m.

It might be unsurprising to hear that, since his move, the Brazilian’s value has shot up. He is now deemed to be worth around £98m by CIES Football Observatory. That is an incredible rise of 218% from what they paid for him just months ago.

It does not seem like the 20-year-old will slow down any time soon, either. He has hit the ground running in the Premier League, and surely will only get better.

It seems unlikely City will sell him, at least for a while, but Savinho has been worth every penny so far, and will surely only increase in value.

Man City's 70-touch star was just as good as Marmoush vs Newcastle

Man City secured a wonderful victory against Newcastle in the Premier League.

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 16, 2025

Pakistan’s home series against West Indies early next year is likely to be postponed until the following season. The two sides were to play a three-match T20I series in January but ESPNcricinfo understands both boards are happy to reschedule it for 2024.The resulting space in the calendar potentially allows players from both sides to become available for the various T20 leagues during that period. The ILT20 in the UAE, the SA20 in South Africa, the BBL in Australia and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) are all taking place in that month.West Indies have already visited Pakistan twice in the last 10 months, albeit because the Covid-19 pandemic split one white-ball series in December 2021 into two. The two sides played three T20Is that month, before a Covid outbreak in the West Indies camp meant the subsequent ODIs had to be postponed to June this year. They played the ODIs in Multan, as part of the 2023 World Cup Super League.This series of three T20Is was penciled in between New Zealand’s visit to Pakistan in the winter of 2022-23 and the Pakistan Super League next year. The three games will most likely be added to West Indies’ visit in February 2024 when they are due to play three Tests as part of the World Test Championship.Various West Indian players have already been signed up to take part in the BBL, SA20 and ILT20. Pakistan’s players did not feature in the SA20 auction because of a combination of – at the time – their international home schedule but also suspicions that they would not find a place in a league in which all six franchises are owned by IPL teams. No Pakistani players have been given NOCs for the ILT20 either. The beneficiary could be the BPL which emerges as a destination for some of them in that newly opened window.

Arsenal are believed to be the main contenders to sign a “special” forward in January, after making an approach to acquire his services, and it is believed that personal terms won’t be an issue either.

Arsenal enter market for new striker after Gabriel Jesus ruptures ACL

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was dealt some very bad news recently, with in-form striker Gabriel Jesus set to miss the remainder of this Premier League campaign after rupturing his ACL in the FA Cup.

Related Sky Sports share what source has said about Cunha possibly joining Arsenal

The north Londoners have been reliably linked.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jan 23, 2025

This leaves Arteta with Kai Havertz has his only striking option, prompting reports that Arsenal have identified a host of striker targets to potentially bring in before January deadline day on February 3.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres, Galatasaray hitman Victor Osimhen, Botafogo forward Igor Jesus and Wolves sensation Matheus Cunha are all reportedly being considered as options by Emirates Stadium transfer chiefs, with the reliable Fabrizio Romano stating last week that Arsenal are making constant calls in their attempts to sign a new number nine.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Wolves (away)

January 25

Man City (home)

February 2

Leicester City (away)

February 15

West Ham (home)

February 22

Nottingham Forest (away)

February 26

“Arsenal are working on the striker position. Mikel Arteta already confirmed that Arsenal are working for a new addition,” said Romano to GiveMeSport.

“And I can tell you that also in the last 24-48 hours, there were many calls from Arsenal to ask about situations of important players around Europe. So Arsenal are exploring opportunities for the striker position, let’s see what they will be able to do. But for sure, Arsenal are looking at that. So work in progress.”

Wolves’ Cunha is believed to be a serious target for Arsenal on their shortlist, but they can only sign the Brazil international on a permanent deal, as they’ve used up both of their domestic loan spaces on Neto and Raheem Sterling.

Some reports suggest that the forward, signed by Wolves from Atlético Madrid for £44 million after an initial loan, could command nearly double that amount to sign this month (Ben Jacobs).

Arsenal in pole position to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves

Nevertheless, according to GiveMeSport and journalist Dean Jones, Arsenal are the team in pole position to sign Cunha if he does leave Molineux in the coming days.

Chelsea have been named as other suitors for the “special” South American, but it is Arteta’s side currently out in front, coming after they made a “surprise” enquiry over signing Cunha earlier this transfer window.

Personal terms won’t be an issue when it comes to tempting Cunha with a move to the Emirates, after they explored that possibility with the player. The 25-year-old was actually closing in on improved terms with Wolves, but they reached an impasse, with Cunha insistent on a relegation clause.

While these contract talks briefly stalled Arsenal’s move for the former La Liga star, it is now believed they favourites for his signature above the likes of Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Tottenham.

Wolverhampton Wanderers fell on Tuesday night, the latest in a growing line of Premier League sides unable to stand against the unabating Newcastle United storm.

The 3-0 win at St. James’ Park made it nine straight wins across all competitions for Eddie Howe’s men, with Alexander Isak’s brace extending his scoring run to eight top-flight fixtures in succession. But Anthony Gordon also got in on the spoils and continues to be a pillar of strength for the Magpies.

The January transfer window is in full swing and Newcastle could perhaps do with one more part to complete their frontline. Technical director Paul Mitchell may have the perfect winger in his sights.

Newcastle transfer news

As has been reported in recent weeks, Newcastle have an interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, and could choose to strike before the month is up.

Chiefly behind such claims, Miguel Almiron has been green-lit for an £11m return to Atlanta United over the pond, freeing up space and PSR breathing room.

Newcastle will face stern competition from Liverpool, who have been put off by the Cherries’ £50m winter price tag and could reevaluate their intrigue at the end of the season.

There’s a glorious chance to steal ahead here, and PIF need to ensure they get it done, mirroring Gordon with a right winger of interesting likeness.

What Antoine Semenyo would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle already have a complete and tricky winger in Gordon, but he’s patently at his zenith when plying from the left flank. Semenyo’s expertise on the alternate suggests that he could work in conjunction with the Three Lions star, supplying Isak while overlapping to strike on goal himself.

Content creator Alice Abrahams said this of the 25-year-old’s quality: “A ball carrier with pace, power, and real athleticism. His ability to drive at defenders and create is outstanding.”

The left-footer ranks among the top 2% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers this season for shots taken and the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, perfectly illustrating the above praise.

Hailed as an “unreal talent” by Premier League analyst Umir Talks, Semenyo has the burgeoning clinical edge to succeed under Howe’s wing, also athletic and combative enough to bring the fluent and many-angled skill set that Gordon provides so neatly on the left.

Gordon was awarded Newcastle’s Player of the Season for 2023/24 after posting 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, and he’s been excellent in recent weeks, going somewhat under the radar due to Isak’s brilliance.

When looking at Gordon’s statistics across the current campaign, you’re drawn to his completeness. Well, chuck Semenyo’s for Bournemouth into the table, and you see that Newcastle would sign a unique winger with Gordon-esque qualities, charging the United frontline with something wonderful and distinct.

Matches (starts)

20 (19)

20 (20)

Goals

6

6

Assists

4

2

Shots (on target)*

2.2 (0.9)

4.0 (1.2)

Big chances missed

9

7

Pass completion

80%

77%

Big chances created

5

7

Dribble (success)*

1.5 (51%)

2.2 (58%)

Ball recoveries*

3.6

5.1

Total duels (won)*

5.1 (52%)

6.9 (45%)

We’ll go out on a limb here and posit that Newcastle’s attacking quality would only go from strength to strength with Semenyo added to the mix. After all, Isak’s striking true, Gordon’s wreaking chaos and Jacob Murphy continues to amaze with his industrious and creative approach.

Semenyo would complete the cake, reflecting Gordon’s prowess on the opposite flank.

5 tackles, 4 key passes: Newcastle ace is proving he’s as valuable as Isak

The Newcastle United central midfielder put in another excellent display for Eddie Howe.

ByDan Emery Jan 16, 2025

Bukayo Saka has been told he needs to decide whether to remain a one-club man or go and win silverware elsewhere.

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• Saka's ambition questioned
• May have to move to win trophies
• Contract is up in 2027

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Saka returned from a three-month hamstring injury with a goal against Fulham on Tuesday evening, but his side's title bid has stalled in his absence and the Champions League is their last chance to avoid another trophyless season. Former Manchester City winger and Premier League title-winner Shaun Wright-Phillips has questioned Saka's motivations, claiming he may have to leave to become a serial title-winner.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Saka has won just one trophy since breaking into the Arsenal first team, an unused substitute for the 2020 FA Cup final. Kylian Mbappe signed for Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer with England team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold set to follow in the coming months – and Wright-Phillips suggests a move to Spain could pay off for Saka. Arsenal have been stung in previous circumstances before, when they were forced to sell star striker Robin van Persie to Manchester United with one year remaining on his deal in 2012.

• WHAT WRIGHT-PHILLIPS SAID

  Wright-Phillips told : "In Saka's position, does he want to be a one club man, or does he actually want to go and win silverware? I’m not saying Arsenal won’t win anything, but players know that if they sign for Real Madrid, they’re going to get a medal every season. That could be in their thought processes. From what I see, Saka and [William] Saliba love the club. So for them not to sign new contracts, that would catch me off guard."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR SAKA?

  Saka is fully fit for the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid beginning next week, but is first back in action for the Gunners' trip to Everton on Saturday.