Leeds United have been dealt a huge setback ahead of their upcoming Premier League meeting with Arsenal on Sunday.
What’s the latest?
Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Evening Standard), Gunners boss Mikel Arteta revealed that Ben White, who missed Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over West Ham United last weekend due to a hamstring injury, is now back in contention for the clash against Leeds tomorrow afternoon.
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Regarding the current condition of the centre-back, the Spaniard said: “Ben White is still in contention. He needs to train [on Saturday] to make sure that he is available to play.”
Marsch will be gutted
Considering how just how important it is for Jesse Marsch and his side to pick up a positive result from their trip to north London on Sunday, coupled with how impressive White has been for the Gunners this season, the news that the England international is in contention to feature against Leeds is sure to have left the American gutted.
Indeed, over his 31 Premier League appearances this term, the £36m-rated defender has been extremely solid in the heart of the Arsenal backline, helping his side to keep 13 clean sheets, along with making 1.4 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 3.1 clearances and winning 4.4 duels (at a success rate of 59%) per game.
These returns have seen the £120k-per-week talent average a SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as Arteta’s joint 10th-best player in the top flight.
As such, it is clear to see that the return of the former Leeds loanee would come as a huge blow to the Whites’ chances of leaving the Emirates Stadium will a decent result on Sunday afternoon – with a loss potentially seeing Marsch and his side fall into the relegation zone with just three matches left to play.
AND in other news: Leeds now plotting bid for “fabulous” £45k-p/w target, Orta should “take him all day”
Celtic are not interested in signing Caen attacker Alexandre Mendy in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Anthony Joseph.
The Lowdown: Striker on Celtic’s radar
Ange Postecoglou is enjoying a superb first season as Hoops manager, building an impressive squad as they sit on the cusp of regaining the Premiership title.
Summer reinforcements are expected, though, and a recent claim suggests that the club could be in the market for a new striker at the end of the season.
One such player with whom they have been linked is Mendy, who has scored 16 goals in 31 appearances in French Ligue 2 for Caen in the current campaign and has been dubbed a “very strong” player in the past by his former coach Jocelyn Gourvennec.
However, taking to Twitter on Saturday with a fresh update on the matter, Joseph claimed that it is a move which won’t come to fruition, as Celtic have not been in touch over the 28-year-old:
“Understand there’s been no contact from Celtic for Caen striker Alexandre Mendy.”
The Verdict: Big summer ahead at Celtic
It will be interesting to see if a new striker does come in at Parkhead this summer, with Postecoglou sure to be weighing up whether or not his current options are strong enough.
Either way, it is imperative that Celtic’s squad is strengthened all over the pitch, especially with Premiership glory also set to bring automatic Champions League qualification with it.
It has been a long time since the Hoops made any kind of impact in Europe’s biggest club competition, and they will need a better squad if that is to change next season. Therefore, they should at least give stronger consideration to signing Mendy, particularly given his impressive scoring return in recent months.
In other news, Celtic have reportedly been handed a transfer blow. Read more here.
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Joao Palhinha to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a report by Portuguese publication O Jogo (via Sport Witness), who claim that all three of Tottenham, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Paris Saint-Germain have made an approach for the defensive midfielder.
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However, the report goes on to state that none of these offers have reached Sporting Lisbon’s €30m (£25m) valuation of the Portugal international, before suggesting that Antonio Conte’s side continue to keep an eye on the situation of the 26-year-old.
He’d be a huge upgrade
Considering how impressive Palhinha has been in Portugal this season, in addition to it being reported that Harry Winks could be on his way out of north London this summer, it is easy to see why Conte would be interested in a deal for the midfielder.
Indeed, over his 24 Liga Portugal appearances this term, the £23.4m-rated talent has highly impressed for Ruben Amorim’s side, scoring three goals and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.1 shots and making 0.3 key passes per game.
However, it is the £24k-per-week dynamo’s defensive metrics that are particularly eye-catching, with the 26-year-old making an average of 3.1 tackles – the joint third-most in the league – one interception, 0.9 clearances and winning a whopping 7.4 duels – at a success rate of 61% – per fixture.
These returns have seen the player who Amorim dubbed “special” average an excellent SofaScore match rating of 7.13, ranking him as Sporting’s joint sixth-best player in the Portuguese top flight.
And, should Palhinha be able to maintain this level of form following a potential switch to Spurs this summer, it is undeniable that the 12-time capped international would be a huge upgrade on the £91k-per-week Winks.
Indeed, the former England midfielder has featured for a total of just 170 minutes over Tottenham’s last 11 Premier League fixtures, as well as averaged a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.91 over his 16 league outings in 2021/22.
As such, should Winks be moved onto pastures new this summer, signing the Portuguese sensation as the £15.3m-rated man’s replacement would indeed appear to be a very smart move by Fabio Paratici.
AND in other news: Paratici on course to seal “exciting” £34m Spurs signing, he’s perfect for Conteball
Rangers manager Danny Rohl has confirmed that as many as six players are currently injury doubts to square off against Livingston in the Scottish Premiership this Saturday.
It’s bad timing for the Gers, who are attempting to make it four league wins from four under their new manager. Victory over bottom side Livingston would also see those at Ibrox rise to third if Hibernian also fail to beat Dundee. It would be the result of the strong start that Rohl has made to turn things around following the disaster that was Russell Martin’s tenure.
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The German told reporters in the build-up to Rangers’ return to action that he believes they’re “in a good way”, but still need to work on breaking old habits on the pitch.
As January approaches, the former Sheffield Wednesday boss may also be eyeing up some potential improvements to his squad amid recent links with the likes of Kilmarnock’s David Watson.
The midfielder would add the kind of depth that the Gers could do with this weekend following the latest injury news.
Rangers vs Livingston team news
As revealed by Rohl, as many as six stars could miss Rangers’ game against Livingston this weekend following a frustrating international break. Mikey Moore, John Souttar, Derek Cornelius and Bailey Rice are all certain to be absent after picking up knocks, whilst Youssef Chermiti and Liam Kelly are facing a race against time to return to full fitness.
Rohl told reporters: “I am very happy and very proud of my players during the international break. We do have a couple of injuries from players returning, such as John Souttar, Micky Moore, and Derek Cornelius, who all have muscle injuries. Bailey Rice got injured during training, and Liam Kelly is a question mark at the moment.”
It’s a particular blow for Tottenham Hotspur loanee Moore, who scored his first Rangers goal against Dundee just before the international break. The 18-year-old, who was dubbed “brave” by former manager Martin upon arriving, has now seen his recent momentum halted by an untimely injury.
With Rangers set to face Braga in the Europa League next Thursday, Rohl will hope to have a positive update on several injuries just in time for what is a crucial game.
Rangers open talks to sign "quality" attacking star ahead of Aberdeen
After a frustrating start to the season, one ex-chairman has taken aim at Newcastle United and PIF for what they did for one of their big-money players in the summer.
Howe: Newcastle looked "jaded" in Arsenal defeat
If any 10-minute period could sum up Newcastle’s season so far, it was against Arsenal as the Gunners turned the game on its head with two late goals. The Magpies thought they had done enough.
They had their lead courtesy of Nick Woltemade, who rose highest to head home in the first-half. For the most part, it looked as though they had stifled any Arsenal threat, too. But then Mikel Merino and a last-gasp Gabriel arrived on the scene. With one win in six games, Eddie Howe was forced to reflect on another disappointing evening at St James’ Park.
The Magpies’ poor start follows a difficult summer, in which Alexander Isak finally got his move after a lengthy saga. They’ll be desperate for a change in fortune in Tyneside, but they’re receiving no sympathy from one former chairman.
Rummenigge slams "idiot" Newcastle after Woltemade saga
Despite the fact that he’s now scored twice in three Premier League games, former Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has slammed Newcastle and PIF for their decision to spend a club-record fee on Woltemade in the summer.
He told reporters in a brutally honest assessment:
Of course, this comes just months after Newcastle hijacked Bayern’s deal to sign the towering forward in impressive fashion. Whether Rummenigge’s criticism is fair or simply as a result of the sour taste left behind by that saga is certainly something to ponder.
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So far, Woltemade looks likely to pay back the £69m fee that the Magpies paid out in the form of goals and prove that they were right to pay his £132,500-a-week salary demands.
St James’ Park will soon be packed to the rafters as Newcastle United return to Champions League action.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies competed in Europe’s main competition during the 2023/24 season, and – for the most part – didn’t disgrace themselves on the big stage, despite facing off against AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Paris St. Germain.
On home turf, the Toon even amazingly downed the French giants 4-1, with the likes of Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, and many more first-teamers who are still in Howe’s plans to this day lining up for that famous tie.
Bruno Guimaraes also found himself in the middle of the park for Newcastle on that unforgettable night, with Dan Burn shining in the backline, with a hope now that the duo, and others, can star again when Barcelona come to town tomorrow night.
The stars when Newcastle thumped PSG
With Alexander Isak no longer in Howe’s camp, Newcastle need a leader more now than ever, with Guimaraes often leading from the front as a shining example.
After all, away from scoring against Liverpool this season while donning the captain’s armband, the “passionate” South American – as he has been labelled previously by Howe – has also managed to average a sensational 7.5 ball recoveries per league clash, on top of winning 5.5 duels on average, as per Sofascore.
Therefore, with the pressure ramped up tomorrow against Hansi Flick’s visitors, Howe will hope he can rely on his dependable number 39 to shine again as both a skilful but fiery presence centrally.
When casting minds back to that famous night against PSG, Guimaraes was definitely a well-rounded performer with an assist picked up, alongside winning five aerial duels to keep the French titans at bay.
That assist allowed for hometown hero Burn to steal the limelight, with his vital header gifting the Toon a much-needed two-goal cushion.
While Burn will no doubt get the nod to start again versus Barca, he might not be the only valiant defender Howe relies on under the St James’ Park floodlights.
One of his defensive teammates now aims to be as defensively stern as the lofty 33-year-old to guide his side to another momentous scalp.
The "unsung hero" who could be this season's Burn
The Magpies will fancy their chances ahead of this one-off clash with Flick and Co., despite a slow start back in domestic action.
Heading into their showdown with PSG two years back, Newcastle had just about edged past Burnley 2-0 in the bread and butter of the league, with the Toon now diving headfirst back into the Champions League this time around after a similarly cagey 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
While some of the attacking play saw chances be wasted, the defensive showing against the Old Gold will have pleased Howe, with Fabian Schar continuing his rock-solid start to the season by collecting a clean sheet against Vitor Pereira’s men.
Away from just this slim win, the Toon’s “unsung hero” – as he was once labelled by journalist Jordan Cronin – has also helped his side pick up another two shutouts in the league so far by bettering Guimaraes’ duels won count at 5.8 duels won per game, with the Swiss enforcer now tasked with the tough job of trying to nullify Robert Lewandowski.
Games played
19
Wins
5
Draws
5
Losses
9
Goals scored
1
Assists
2
Clean sheets
4
He might well be able to rise to this hard occasion when assessing his previous numbers in the Champions League with both Newcastle and his former employers in FC Basel, with Schar – who was signed in the Mike Ashley era for just £3m – picking up an impressive goal and two assists from his 19 encounters in the hotly contested competition.
One of those efforts even came about during the Magpies’ win over PSG as his stunning long-range effort beat Gianluigi Donnarumma, and with memorable clean sheets also coming his way in the tournament versus Liverpool and Chelsea, he could be the main star for Howe’s men as they try to topple Barca.
Dubbed a “true legend of the club” by one Newcastle content creator earlier this year, it could be that Schar is remembered as the poster boy for another unbelievable night in Europe, in the same way Burn is fondly looked back on to this day for his out-of-the-ordinary showing against PSG.
Burn, signed for just £13m from Brighton, remains such an astute capture for the PIF regime, although it’s hard to look past the £3m spent on Schar as even bigger Magpies bargain.
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Bryan Mbeumo is a player who has dominated the news around Manchester United over the last couple of weeks, with the attacker firmly on the lips of all supporters.
The Brentford star has become one of the Premier League’s leading talismen, after registering 20 goals under Thomas Frank in the capital throughout last season.
As a result of his goalscoring form, the Red Devils have been firmly in the race to land the 25-year-old, even making two separate bids for his signature this window.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates scoring their first goal
The latest offer of around £62.5m, including add-ons, was rejected, with Keith Andrews’ side holding out for £70m to part ways with the Cameroonian during the off-season.
He’s also stated his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer, potentially linking up with a new striker should he make the move to join Ruben Amorim’s side ahead of 2025/26.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Victor Osimhen has once again reemerged on United’s shortlist this summer, with the Nigerian a player who’s been subject to interest after scoring 37 goals on loan at Galatasaray last season.
He’s not the only striker who’s been in their sights, with Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres still a player they want to sign, despite the Swede stating his desire to join Arsenal.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
However, another name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Ivan Toney a player on their radar, according to Football Insider’s latest update.
They claim that the English forward appears to be keen on a return to the Premier League, moving back to his homeland after joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli less than 12 months ago.
The report also states that the Red Devils hierarchy have been watching the 29-year-old in recent weeks and that Toney ‘wants’ to join the club after scoring 30 goals in his 44 appearances in the Saudi League.
Why United’s latest target would be the perfect ST for Mbeumo
As previously mentioned, Mbeumo has been a player who has caught the eye of many supporters across the country, with his talents leading to United’s keen interest in his signature.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
However, he’s often starred in a right-wing role, a position that he will have to switch from if he moves to Old Trafford, likely operating in a number ten role behind the striker.
It’s a position that he could thrive in under Amorim, especially if the Red Devils can secure a deal for the Cameroonian international along with former teammate Toney.
The 25-year-old previously starred alongside the English striker in London, with the pair operating alongside each other for four seasons, helping the Bees win promotion from the Championship and subsequently securing their top-flight status.
In the 2020/21 campaign, the pair registered 59 combined goals and assists between them, with Toney scoring 31 times and Mbeumo providing 10 assists – with both tallies being the highest at the club.
2023/24
42
13
10
2022/23
71
29
12
2021/22
68
16
12
2020/21
95
38
20
Total:
276
96
54
The pair topped both of the respective categories in three of the four years they spent together at Brentford, with the only exception coming in 2023/24 after the striker was banned for betting offences.
Despite not starring together anymore in the present day, Toney, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist Simon Stone, has still managed to score 30 times in 2024/25, ten more than Mbeumo’s tally.
However, the pair’s respective goalscoring tallies combined from last season are higher than the Red Devils managed as a whole squad, showcasing the added threat the pair would bring to Old Trafford.
With the former Bees striker seemingly wanting to join Amorim’s side this summer, it is a deal worth exploring, with the Englishman having the experience of finding the back of the net in England’s top flight.
If Mbeumo also makes the move, the pair could replicate the form they produced in the capital, potentially playing a massive role together again and helping United push for a place in Europe next season.
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Manchester United could be about to end their hunt for a new striker this summer.
Officially kicking off a new era, Rangers are now reportedly set to secure their first signing of Russell Martin’s tenure, with one of Scotland’s hottest prospects undergoing a medical.
Rangers commence new era
It’s not just the start of a new era in the technical area at Ibrox this summer. It’s also a new chapter for Rangers away from the pitch following the news that the 49ers have officially completed their takeover of the club. A long time coming, the American owners will be well aware of the task at hand and must use this summer to bridge the gap on Old Firm rivals Celtic.
After completing the takeover, Andrew Cavenagh told the official Rangers website: “We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the Rangers Board, shareholders, staff, and supporters. This club’s history and traditions speak for themselves, but history doesn’t win matches.
“We know that the true way to honour the club’s heritage will be to drive performance. Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs – at the top.”
Since then, the 49ers have completed their first priority by appointing a new manager in Martin. The former Southampton boss arrives in the face of plenty of pressure and will be desperate to prove any doubters wrong at long last.
All pulling in the same direction, it looks as though the 49ers are ready to back their man to take the Gers back to the top of the Scottish Premiership. Whilst recent links have emerged to the likes of Flynn Downes, however, a young Scottish gem looks set to become the first signing of the Martine era at Ibrox.
Rangers set to sign Josh Mulligan
According to Ibrox Noise, Rangers are set to sign Josh Mulligan from Dundee with the midfielder undergoing a medical at the club. The 22-year-old’s arrival seems imminent and he looks destined to take his place in his history as the 49ers’ first signing and the first arrival under Martin. One of Scotland’s hottest prospects, Rangers’ pursuit should come as no surprise.
Described as an “aggressive” wing-back and central midfielder by journalist and football consultant Kai Watson, Mulligan has looked destined for a big move for some time. Now, at 22 years old, he is set to get exactly that courtesy of Rangers.
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Having started 24 games for Dundee in the Scottish Premiership last season, the right-midfielder is more than ready to step up at Ibrox and represents the direction that the 49ers could take Rangers towards this summer. Starting with Mulligan, the Gers could be in for a hectic transfer window.
This is the summer for signing a new striker, with that certainly true of those at Manchester United, having been forced to witness Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund score just seven Premier League goals between them in 2024/25.
Having splashed out over £100m on that youthful pairing across the last two summers, the Red Devils are once again ready to dip into the market for a centre-forward. The problem is, so is everyone else.
Indeed, reports have suggested that Liverpool are seeking to secure a replacement for the potentially departing Darwin Nunez, while Arsenal’s lengthy bid for a proper number nine could also come to an end, amid links to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have already edged out Ruben Amorim and co for the capture of Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, with the Blues also among those in the mix for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike – now that’s just getting greedy.
Unsurprisingly, those top-flight rivals appear to be shopping in the same pool, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres no doubt an in-demand target, amid his expected exit from the Lisbon outfit.
A reunion with Amorim in Manchester has been more than mooted, but the prolific Swede certainly isn’t the only target under consideration.
Latest on Man Utd's striker search
With it already reported that Gyokeres is open to making a move to Old Trafford, despite the lack of Champions League football on offer, further reports outlined that a bid is in the works for the £60m man.
The now 27-year-old previously scored 66 goals in just 68 games during Amorim’s spell in charge of the Primeira Liga outfit, with the 6 foot 2 ace unsurprisingly earmarked as a standout target to ease United’s goalscoring woes.
That said, alternatives are also under consideration, with Italian outlet Tuttosport suggesting that the Red Devils could be ready to battle the Gunners for the signing of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Indeed, the belief is that the Nigerian sensation has turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi side Al Hilal, amid the hope of securing a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs instead.
The report goes as far as to suggest that it is the interest of both United and Arsenal that led to the 26-year-old snubbing a move to the Middle East, albeit with it yet to be seen whether the pair will firm up their apparent interest.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates after the match
If either side does wish to prise the former Lille man from Naples, following his year-long loan spell at Galatasaray, then previous reports have indicated that he could be available for a fee of around €75m (£63m).
Why Osimhen could be the next Ronaldo
The wait for a centre-forward solution continues at Old Trafford, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s haul of 18 league goals still ranking as the joint-best top-flight return for the club in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Season
Player
Goals
2024/25*
Bruno Fernandes & Amad
8
2023/24
Bruno Fernandes & Rasmus Hojlund
10
2022/23
Marcus Rashford
17
2021/22
Cristiano Ronaldo
18
2020/21
Bruno Fernandes
18
2019/20
Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial
17
2018/19
Paul Pogba
13
2017/18
Romelu Lukaku
16
2016/17
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
17
2015/16
Anthony Martial
11
2014/15
Wayne Rooney
12
2013/14
Wayne Rooney
17
2012/13
Robin van Persie
26
Ronaldo, of course, endured an ultimately acrimonious exit from the Red Devils in the end, albeit while still clinging on to the limelight three years later, following his crucial equaliser in Portugal’s eventual Nations League final triumph over Spain on Sunday night.
Ever the man for the big occasion, the 40-year-old is THE goalscorer of this or even any era, with his latest effort taking him up to 938 career goals in total.
Osimhen, meanwhile, may currently rest on ‘just’ 151 club career goals – plus 26 for his country – although that has come from only 264 games, having been a hit in Belgium, France, Italy and Turkey thus far.
Indeed, the centre-forward “monster – as described by analyst Ben Mattinson – ended 2024/25 with 37 goals to his name in all competitions for Galatasaray, with 26 of those coming in the Turkish Super Lig.
Osimhen
Previously a central figure in Napoli’s 2022/23 Scudetto charge, following his 26-goal Serie A haul, Osimhen, in a similar vein to the great Ronaldo, appears to have that knack for being able to shine no matter the club, country or arena.
It is for that reason that former Besiktas forward Nihat Kahveci has described him as being “like Cristiano Ronaldo”, while Osimhen also boasts a remarkable heading ability, akin to his Al Nassr counterpart, having been hailed as a “beast in the air” by Mattinson.
A man who also likes to steal the limelight – like ‘CR7’ – Osimhen is also a true “goal poacher” too, as hailed by compatriot Segun Odegbami, with such instincts seemingly lacking from Hojland and the current crop.
As already stated, the battle is on across the Premier League and Europe for a new centre-forward. Osimhen, unsurprisingly, will have a long list of suitors – now is the time for United to pounce.
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Man Utd could be set to land the perfect partner for Bruno Fernandes this summer
With a big summer ahead, Aston Villa have reportedly made their first approach and opened talks to sign an impressive Champions League star in the event that Emiliano Martinez departs.
Emi Martinez could leave Aston Villa
As Aston Villa look to comply with profit and sustainability rules, one player they may sacrifice is Martinez. The talented shot-stopper seemed to be saying his goodbyes to Villa Park last Friday in Unai Emery’s side’s final home game of the season. Clearly emotional in what could have been his final farewell, the rumours around the Argentine’s future have been coming thick and fast ever since.
Martinez has instantly become a wanted man in the transfer market, with reports indicating that Barcelona, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are all interested in his signature ahead of the summer transfer window.
Villa will, of course, be keen to avoid selling to a rival club which may well open the door for both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to come swooping in. Meanwhile, those in the Midlands will need to find themselves a new No.1.
To that end, a number of names have already threatened to steal the headlines. The main name mentioned has so far been Joan Garcia. The Espanyol goalkeeper has enjoyed an excellent season in La Liga and now looks destined for the Premier League.
Whether Villa decide to go all out for his signature remains to be seen, however. Instead, amid fresh reports, sporting director Monchi could choose to sign a Champions League star who is full of potential.
Aston Villa open Chevalier talks
According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, Monchi has now opened talks to sign Lucas Chevalier from LOSC Lille for Aston Villa in the event that Martinez departs this summer. Having made their first approach, Villa will be hoping to sign one of the most talented young goalkeepers that European football has to offer and instantly ease their Martinez concerns in the process.
Starts
34
36
Saves per 90
2.68
2.60
Save Percentage
74.6%
67.9%
Clean Sheets
11
8
Outperforming Martinez in several departments, it could even be argued that Aston Villa would be landing an impressive upgrade by signing Chevalier this summer. At just 23 years old, the Lille shot-stopper still has his best years to come too, which could yet take place in the Midlands.
Unsurprisingly earning a lot of praise over the last year, scout Jacek Kulig described Chevalier as an “excellent young goalkeeper” back in March as he continued a solid campaign in Ligue 1.
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As Martinez potentially heads for the exit door, Aston Villa should go all out to sign the Chevalier in this summer’s transfer window, with all signs pointing towards the very top for the Lille star.