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Arsenal summer signing Cristhian Mosquera has piled praise on two Hale End academy gems he’s noticed since his arriving in North London, claiming they boast maturity far beyond their years.

Hale End prospering with conveyor belt of Arsenal sensations

Arsenal’s academy has long been a cornerstone of the club’s identity, and in recent years, it has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most established talent factories.

Since the rise of England winger Bukayo Saka, whose breakthrough into the first team has been nothing short of spectacular, the academy’s reputation for developing technically gifted, versatile and exciting young players has only grown stronger.

Appearances

270

Goals

73

Assists

71

Bookings

31

Red cards

0

Minutes played

20,448

Saka, who’s about to be rewarded with a brand-new contract which could make him the club’s only £300,000-per-week player, set a very high benchmark for Hale End graduates.

His success has inspired a new generation of starlets emerging from the club’s youth ranks, many of whom are now knocking on the door of the senior squad or making waves in loan spells elsewhere.

15-year-old Max Dowman is chief among them, having just become the second-youngest debutant in Premier League history behind fellow rising Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri.

Ethan Nwaneri

15 years, 181 days

Arsenal

Max Dowman

15 years, 235 days

Arsenal

Jeremy Monga

15 years, 271 days

Leicester City

Harvey Elliott

16 years, 30 days

Fulham

Matthew Briggs

16 years, 68 days

Fulham

Dowman, after coming on against Leeds United, marked his first Arsenal league appearance by winning a penalty for Viktor Gyokeres to fire home in a 5-0 thrashing of the newly-promoted side.

Meanwhile, left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, despite his ongoing battle with Riccardo Calafiori for a starting place this season, established himself as an England international during his breakthrough campaign last term.

The teenager started every Champions League knockout game for Arsenal in 24/25, including both of their semi-final legs against PSG, with Lewis-Skelly making 39 senior appearances in all competitions as a firm regular in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven.

Sporting director Andrea Berta awarded both Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri with new long-term contracts in the summer to stave off interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, and Mosquera has already been blown away by what he’s seen from the pair.

Cristhian Mosquera piles praise on Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri at Arsenal

Speaking to The Athletic, Berta’s recruit lavished praise on Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, saying the youngsters already “play like they’re 30” and it’s “incredible” to behold.

As Lewis-Skelly fights for his left-back spot, Nwaneri is yet to start a single Premier League game so far this season — but that is testament to the abundance of attacking quality in Arsenal’s squad.

Martin Odegaard’s new injury could free up space for the latter to accumulate more minutes, if Eberechi Eze doesn’t completely steal the number 10 role, but it is important to remember that Nwaneri is still very much in his infancy.

Interestingly, Arsenal chiefs hold very high hopes for Mosquera too, and there is a belief behind-the-scenes that their new defender could soon become one of the best centre-backs in world football.

Liverpool’s defence have borne the brunt of the criticism for the club’s landslide in form this season. Such reproval has hardly been undue. However, Arne Slot’s forwards have also struggled to implement his tactics.

The plain truth is that the Reds have so many punctures across their system, and the boss has an increasingly slim period to overturn the plummet in form that has led to nine defeats across 12 matches in all competitions.

Ahead of their trip to West Ham United on Sunday, Liverpool languish in 13th place in the Premier League, and there are so many creases for Slot and his staff to iron out if a turnaround is to be found.

Mohamed Salah has for so long been an unstoppable force for the Anfield side, but he’s been among the most disappointing members of the team this season, and the right wing is becoming a weak link.

Liverpool considering Mo Salah successor

If Salah sees out the £400k-per-week contract he extended back in April, he will leave Liverpool in 2027, marking a decade on Merseyside.

He has scored 250 goals and provided 116 assists across 419 appearances in a Liverpool shirt, and he is one of the greatest players in Premier League history.

Goals scored

0.77

0.34

Assists

0.48

0.17

Shots taken

3.23

2.43

Shot-creating actions

4.51

3.27

Touches (att pen)

9.50

6.21

Pass completion (%)

70.6

68.1

Progressive passes

3.84

4.19

Progressive carries

4.14

3.94

Successful take-ons

1.55

0.92

Ball recoveries

2.70

2.77

But there’s no denying the 33-year-old has been miles south of his usual standards this season, wasteful in the final third and drifting on the edge of Slot’s malfunctioning system.

There remains hope that Salah will rediscover his form, but a success plan needs to be put in place, and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh has been earmarked as a possible option.

According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are ‘seriously considering’ a move for the 21-year-old winger, who has established himself in the Premier League since the start of last season.

It’s unclear at this stage what Brighton would demand for their rising star, but he wouldn’t come cheap, certainly more than the £35m figure the Seagulls paid Newcastle to bring him to the south coast in 2024. Some sources suggest discussions could enter the £100m ballpark.

Why Liverpool want Yankuba Minteh

Minteh has actually worked under Slot’s wing before, scoring nine times across 36 matches on loan during the 2023/24 season, assisting five goals too.

Newcastle were then forced into selling their Gambian prospect to ease PSR-related concerns, and he has become a star in the Premier League, hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “one of the standout wingers” in the division back at the start of the term.

While he’s only scored once across 12 matches, Minteh has assisted four goals and maintained the kind of athletic level of performance that would raise the bar at Liverpool, with Sofascore recording that he has averaged 2.5 dribbles and won 6.3 duels per game.

His qualities are further underscored by FBref’s data. In the Premier League this term, Minteh ranks among the top 6% of positional peers for progressive carries and successful take-ons, the top 1% for goal-creating actions and the top 11% for tackles won per 90.

This blend of physicality and potency – the wide forward scored seven goals last year – is almost reminiscent of Sadio Mane in his Liverpool pomp.

This was actually picked up by one football scout, who has said that Minteh can “can reach Sadio Mane[‘s] level” if he continues to foster his natural qualities.

Minteh is still so young. He is 21. Mane, for what it’s worth, was 24 when moving from Southampton to Liverpool in a £34m deal.

Mane didn’t match Salah’s jaw-dropping output, but he certainly came close, and 120 goals and 46 assists over 269 outings during Jurgen Klopp’s golden years is hardly a poor return.

Unlike Salah, the 34-year-old always had a bit more fury in his game, so combative and electric on the ball.

If Minteh could capture even a portion of the form Mane projected at Anfield over so many years, he would more than endear himself to the Reds fanbase.

But, as those in the know would tell you, he has what it takes to emulate the Senegalese icon.

He'd revive Isak: “Best manager in the world” now Liverpool's top target

Arne Slot is losing grip on his position as Liverpool manager after a shocking run of form.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 29, 2025

Chelsea have been in constant contact to discuss the signing of an “unbelievable” Barcelona player who they absolutely love, according to a report.

Blues' summer transfer plans taking shape

The Blues’ form in the second half of the Premier League season has been patchy to say the least, but they have returned to form in recent weeks, securing two wins on the spin to ensure they are firmly in contention for the Champions League places.

As such, Enzo Maresca should be well-positioned to attract some top players this summer, and the manager appears to be especially keen on signing a new striker, with Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap among the targets.

Maresca is also eager to bolster his options at the opposite end of the pitch, with a new centre-back of interest, and the west Londoners are now believed to be the favourites to sign AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, having proposed a seven-year contract.

Chelsea now have "strong" chance of signing £206k-per-week Barcelona star

Enzo Maresca’s side have thrown their hat in the ring.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 26, 2025

Huijsen is attracting widespread interest, however, which means Maresca may have to move on to alternative targets, and a report from The Boot Room has revealed Chelsea absolutely love Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.

The Blues have been in constant contact with Kounde’s agents, such is their level of interest, with the Frenchman’s future now up in the air, given that he is yet to commit to a new contract to extend his stay at the Camp Nou beyond 2027.

Barca want to keep hold of the defender, and talks have been held over a new deal, but a move could be possible if the two parties are unable to make any progress, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool also in the picture for his signature.

"Unbelievable" Kounde could upgrade Maresca's backline

It is little wonder the Blues are so keen on signing the France international, given that he has been a vital player for a Barca side on course to win a treble this season, after defeating Real Madrid 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.

Kounde scored the winning goal with just minutes left to play in extra time, finding the back of the net for the fourth time this season, while he has also showcased his attacking threat by picking up eight assists.

The 26-year-old has predominantly featured at right-back, but he is also very much capable of playing in the centre of defence, and he has impressed manager Hansi Flick with his fitness levels, which were lauded as “unbelievable” earlier this season.

The £223k-a-week defender could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea this summer, but it looks like it could be difficult to pull off, given that he has been one of Barcelona’s most important players this season, and his recent performance against Real Madrid may make them even more hesitant to sanction a departure.

Conor McGilligan has reacted to the news of Leeds United wanting to sign a £20 million+ player in January.

The Whites are back in Championship action on Sunday, as they travel to Wales to face Swansea City. Daniel Farke’s side could finish the weekend at the top of the table, depending on how results go.

Farke has already unearthed Leeds' very own James McAtee

The Leeds United head coach may not need to reignite his interest in the Manchester City man.

ByDan Emery Nov 20, 2024 Leeds United eyeing James McAtee loan deal

It has been a productive campaign for the Yorkshire side so far, but with January six weeks away, Leeds and the 49ers appear to have their eye on business they would like to conduct. It emerged this week that Leeds are interested in signing James McAtee on loan from Manchester City in the New Year.

The Whites have been linked with a move for the creative midfielder before, and a new report has revealed that the interest from Leeds remains the same. The Whites are looking to take McAtee on loan in January, as the Blues are willing to sanction a temporary departure, given his lack of game time under Pep Guardiola this season.

However, Leeds are not the only team interested in the England under-21 international, so it could be a race to win his signature when January arrives. Despite that, a YouTuber and Leeds fan has reacted to the news that the club want to sign McAtee in the New Year.

Conor McGilligan reacts to Leeds wanting to sign McAtee in January

YouTuber and Leeds supporter McGilligan took to X to react to the news of Leeds wanting to sign McAtee in January. The 22-year-old has remained with City this season after doing ever so well while on loan at Sheffield United this season.

But so far, McAtee has played just six times in all competitions, and only one of those has come in the Premier League. Therefore, speculation has led to teams looking at signing McAtee in January, with Leeds looking into a potential loan deal.

That is something that McGilligan believes would be the signing of the transfer window, as he wrote on X: “Probably be the signing of the window. But can you have him, Piroe, and Aaronson all competing at points for the 10 role?”

Apps

37

Goals

9

Assists

3

Leeds are a side that already has plenty of attacking options, especially in that number 10 position, but Farke may feel McAtee can offer something different to what the other players bring to the table now.

However, as stated before, there are plenty of other teams interested, Nottingham Forest being one side chasing McAtee, and a report stated that City could accept permanent offers in excess of £20 million, making a deal more difficult to do for Leeds if that is the case. As well as Forest chasing the midfielder, other Premier League teams such as Fulham, Leicester City, and Southampton are also interested in McAtee.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that an “awesome” Sheffield United could depart alongside Gustavo Hamer in the summer transfer window.

Hamer has been linked with Sheffield United exit

The Blades suffered Championship playoff final heartbreak on Saturday, losing 2-1 to Sunderland in the dying seconds at Wembley, bringing an end to an ultimately disappointing season.

Hamer has been sensational for United this season, scoring 10 goals and registering eight assists in the league, not to mention winning the Championship Player of the Year award, highlighting what a magnificent individual campaign he enjoyed.

Sadly, the Blades now face a real battle to retain the services of the 27-year-old, who may want to test himself in the Premier League or another top division moving forward, rather than staying put in the Championship for another year. Everton have already been linked with a move for Hamer earlier this month, whereas Leeds United tried to sign him last summer.

Hamer may be far from the only United player to move on to pastures new, however, with plenty of other heroes potentially wanting a new challenge after the misery of Saturday and failure to get back into the top flight. Now, a worrying update has emerged regarding one such figure.

Sheffield United could also lose "awesome" star

Speaking to EFL Analysis, Bailey said that Sheffield United could also lose Vinicius Souza this summer, ahead of a potential exodus:

“I don’t see how they can hang onto their Brazilian stars, though. Gustavo Hamer ran the final before going off injured, which is a very strange repeat of what happened to him whilst with Coventry City. The other is Vinicius Souza – a huge talent, quite literally – the giant Brazilian has been awesome for United but there are a host of clubs looking at him. I also think their Bosnian star Anel Ahmedhodzic is unlikely to want another Championship season.”

Souza is another key man for United, so losing him would be a major setback, following a season that has seen the 25-year-old shine at the base of Chris Wilder’s midfield.

The Brazilian averaged an impressive 3.2 tackles per game across 38 Championship appearances, as well as two clearances per match, while Jimmy from Blades Ramble has hailed his performances, admitting he has proven him wrong:

“I have to hold my hands up because I did not think there was a player in there and one performance does not make an absolute superstar, but everything he’s showing at the minute is showing that he can definitely cut it at this level. It was one of the most impressive performances on Friday night, and he won Player of the Match. If we can keep hold of him, I think we’ll do really well.”

3 amazing defenders Sheffield United can sign to replace Robinson in the PL

Sheffield United could look to axe Jack Robinson with the experienced defender’s contract nearly up.

ByKelan Sarson May 20, 2025

United must do all they can to convince Souza to remain at the club and try his luck again this season, but in truth, it is easy to see him joining Hamer out of the Bramall Lane exit door.

Under the management of Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur have become, without a doubt, one of the most entertaining teams to watch in European football.

The Australian’s philosophy and methods ensure that, whether at home or away, there will be a bucketload of goals when Spurs play.

However, to get the absolute most out of this style of football, the team needs a ground-covering monster in the middle of the park, someone ready to crunch into tackles and then progress the ball rapidly up the pitch, someone like Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.

Fortunately, while they can’t go out and sign the Ecuadorian, the club have recently been linked to another exciting defensive midfielder who’s been compared to him.

Tottenham chase midfield monster

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Tottenham are one of several teams interested in signing Palmeiras star Richard Rios this month.

In fact, the report has revealed that the North Londoners have already seen an offer rejected by the Brazilian outfit but are still keen to bring him to N17, while the likes of Nottingham Forest and Everton are also pushing to land the Colombian international.

The report has revealed that the 24-year-old midfielder has a €100m release clause in his current contract, but it’s far more likely that a lower offer will eventually be accepted.

It could end up being a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line this month, but considering Rios’ ability, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he’s been compared to the brilliant Caicedo.

How Rios compares to Caicedo

So, Spurs fans might not like him all that much – he is a Chelsea star, after all – but Rios being a primarily defensive midfielder and being compared to Caicedo is a tremendously encouraging sign, but where has this comparison come from?

Well, it primarily stems from FBref, which compared players in similar positions at last year’s Copa América, then created a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and, in this instance, concluded that the Ecuadorian was the most similar midfielder to the Colombian at the tournament.

We can better understand how this conclusion was reached by looking at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, progressive passes received, non-penalty expected goals, passing accuracy, passes into the penalty area, blocks, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

Progressive Passes Received

3.00

3.00

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.06

0.04

Passing Accuracy

80.1%

80.0%

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.80

0.75

Blocks

2.00

2.25

Aerial Duels Won

0.40

0.50

However, it’s not just a comparison to the Blues’ midfield general that makes the Vegachí-born star such an appealing prospect, as his general underlying numbers from the last 365 days have also been brilliant.

For example, FBref has placed the “ball-carrying machine,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, in the top 2% of midfielders in the next best 14 competitions for tackles in the final third, the top 7% for dribblers challenged and take-ons attempted, the top 8% for total shots, top 10% for passes blocked, the top 11% for goals plus assists and more, all per 90.

On top of that, Mattinson also describes the dynamic ace as a “press-resistant” monster with an “engine which allows him to get up and down the pitch all game,” which makes him sound like the perfect addition to Postecoglou’s all-action side.

Ultimately, there are risks to signing a player from outside of Europe, but Rios looks like the real deal, and with comparisons to a star like Caicedo, Spurs should make sure they sign him before someone else gets there first.

Real Madrid want him: Spurs heading for Bale repeat with "future £100m" ace

Spurs cannot sell the incredible talent this month.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 14, 2025

There’s been a suggestion that one “hugely respected” chief is a favourite to replace Edu Gaspar at Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta’s key club ally departing N5 in what is a real blow for the Spaniard and Gunners.

Edu quits Arsenal as Arteta suffers week to forget

It’s been a really regrettable week at the Emirates Stadium, starting with Arteta’s side falling seven points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool in the title race after their damning 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

Why Edu Gaspar decided to leave Arsenal

It comes amid a tough start to the season for the Gunners.

ByBen Browning Nov 4, 2024

Alexander Isak’s only goal of the game secured Eddie Howe his first win since mid-September and Arsenal’s second top-flight loss in two weeks. The north Londoners have now gone three straight league matches without victory, and if that isn’t rectified immediately, their chase for a first domestic crown in 21 years is seriously threatened – even this early in the campaign.

To add insult to injury, the man responsible for Arteta’s hire and an array of key signings like Martin Odegaard has now left his post. Edu arrived back at the club in 2019 after originally donning Arsenal colours during his playing career, first taking up the role of technical director.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (Knee)

23/11/2024

Kieran Tierney (Thigh)

23/11/2024

Riccardo Calafiori (Knee)

23/11/2024

Martin Odegaard (Ankle)

10/11/2024

The South American was then promoted to sporting director three years later in 2022, with both Edu and Arteta playing a major role in building this Arsenal project together – liaising with each other on transfers and helping to transform the club from mid-table fodder back to an elite English side.

Evangelos Marinakis has made Edu a double-your-money offer to oversee the development of his club group, with the tycoon targeting him as a possible chief executive. Marinakis, who owns Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave, has apparently lined Edu up for a key role leading operations at this trio of sides (The Telegraph).

“One of the key points that attracted Edu to Evangelos Marinakis’ project is control,” said journalist Ben Jacobs on X.

“Like Michael Edwards at FSG, Edu will take on a ‘CEO of football’ type role (title to be determined) and have the ability to lead on adding clubs.”

At Arsenal, the question is who will now step into the 46-year-old’s shoes. Arteta is set for a big say on how Arsenal replace Edu, and we personally think Bayer Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes would be a fine choice for Arsenal’s new transfer chief.

He’s just helped Xabi Alonso achieve a historic unbeaten season domestically, all while operating with fairly limited funds compared to that of Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich.

However, journalist John Cross of The Mirror believes someone else closer to home could actually be a favourite.

Suggestion Jason Ayto is a favourite to replace Edu at Arsenal

Writing a piece for the outlet on Monday, Cross has suggested that assistant director Jason Ayto is an “obvious choice” to replace Edu at Arsenal.

Ayto, who has worked closely under Edu and knows the inner workings of his former boss, is apparently “hugely respected” within the club and could be a major contender to take up the former Valencia midfielder’s mantle.

It will be interesting to see if Arsenal look internally, at candidates like Ayto, or focus more externally at outsiders. However, one thing is for certain, Arsenal’s hierarchy must make an informed decision and take their time – as Edu will be a very hard figure to replace.

As they look to land an act of transfer genius once again, Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly closely following a former Premier League winner who has stolen plenty of headlines since leaving England.

Brighton transfer news

The Seagulls are continuing to defy the odds. Even when some thought Roberto De Zerbi’s exit could at least stall their incredible rise, Fabian Hurzeler emerged from Germany’s second tier to take charge.

On paper, the arrival of a 31-year-old looked a step too far for Brighton; a risk too great to work out. But eight games into the season, the Premier League’s youngest manager has enjoyed victories over Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United as well as a draw against title contenders Arsenal. Brighton have once again plucked a gem from nowhere like they have so often in the player market too.

Those in Sussex may yet steal further headlines in 2025 too, especially if they welcome a Premier League winner back to the Premier League amid his recent rise away from English football.

According to reports in Spain, Brighton are closely following Takumi Minamino, who Hurzeler believes is the perfect fit for his side at the Amex. The winger swapped Liverpool for AS Monaco in 2022 and has been back to his best ever since after being limited to a squad role at Anfield.

Leaving the Reds as somewhat of a cult hero having played a large part in their domestic cup success as well as a hand in Premier League victory, Minamino may now get the chance to complete unfinished business courtesy of Brighton.

Brighton monitoring La Liga "Rolls Royce" who recently pocketed Lewandowski

He came through Blackburn Rovers’ academy…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 10, 2024

Now 29 years old and someone who has won every trophy there is to win in English football, the Japan star can join international teammate Kaoru Mitoma and former Liverpool teammate James Milner to offer key experience within a relatively young squad.

"Composed" Minamino is ready for Premier League return

Although his time at Liverpool didn’t go exactly to plan despite coming away with a number of winners’ medals, Minamino has battled back well at Monaco and is now ready to take the Premier League by storm.

Helping the French side to an excellent start in Ligue 1, where they sit top and unbeaten, the winger has scored three goals and assisted a further two in all competitions to follow up on last season’s nine goals and six assists. It’s a rise that some may have seen coming in and around Liverpool even as he struggled for game time, with The Tactical Times dubbing the forward “unnaturally composed” in 2021.

As Brighton continue to make progress under Hurzeler, Minamino represents an ideal option to turn to when 2025 arrives.

Newcastle United currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League table and are battling it out to secure a position in the Champions League for next season.

The Magpies have won their last six matches in all competitions and are fresh off the back of a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in North London on Saturday.

As you can see in the highlights below, all three of Eddie Howe’s starting attackers were involved in the two goals, with Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak scoring and Jacob Murphy assisting the second goal.

Murphy has now contributed with an eye-catching three goals and seven assists in 17 appearances in the Premier League this season, which shows that he has stepped up to provide regular quality on that right side of the attack.

The former Norwich star turns 30 next month, however, and is unlikely to be the long-term solution to Howe’s problems in that position moving forward.

Newcastle could dip into the market in the January transfer window to find a long-term option to grow into that role, by signing a player closer to Hatem Ben Arfa in style than Murphy.

Hatem Ben Arfa's time with Newcastle

The French magician was a left-footed star who could play as an attacking midfielder or on the right flank, cutting in onto his left foot from the right, during his time at St. James’ Park.

In three years on Tyneside, Ben Arfa contributed with 14 goals and 15 assists in 86 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies, which shows that he offered plenty of quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Beyond his goals and assists, the Toon sensation was simply a joy to watch. The mercurial playmaker, who averaged 2.9 successful dribbles per game throughout his career, was not afraid to run at defenders to get the team up the pitch and fans off their seats.

As you can see in the clip above, Ben Arfa had the ability to weave in and out of multiple challenges to create moments of magic in the final third, which resulted in wondergoals when he could apply the finishing touch to go with it.

Of course, not every mazy dribble ended with a goal or an assist, otherwise he would not have been playing for Newcastle battling in midtable in the Premier League at the time, but he often provided a spark when the team needed one out of nowhere.

Ben Arfa was a player the fans could get excited to watch play football week-in-week-out and Howe could unearth the club’s new version of the French sensation by swooping to sign one of Newcastle’s reported transfer targets before the end of the January window.

Newcastle eyeing Premier League gem

Last month, Football Insider reported that the Magpies are one of the clubs interested in a deal to sign Southampton forward Tyler Dibling ahead of the second half of the season.

The outlet claimed that Newcastle and Manchester United are both eyeing up the 18-year-old starlet after his impressive start to life in the Premier League with the struggling Saints.

It was reported that Dibling would prefer a move to St. James’ Park over one to Old Trafford, however, due to concerns over the kind of game time he would get with Ruben Amorim’s side.

Football Insider added that it could take a fee of up to £30m to convince Southampton to part ways with their star academy product, despite their struggles on the pitch in the top-flight this season.

It was not revealed, however, whether or not Newcastle would be prepared to offer that kind of money to secure a deal for the England youth international in the January transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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

The report did state, though, that any deal for Dibling is more likely to happen in the summer transfer window and that relegation from the Premier League for Southampton, who have six points on the table, could make an exit for the teenage star ‘inevitable’.

Whether it happens this month or ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Howe could unearth the club’s next version of Hatem Ben Arfa by striking a deal to bring Dibling to St. James’ Park to bolster his options at the top end of the pitch.

Why Tyler Dibling could be Hatem Ben Arfa 2.0

Firstly, the Saints star does not turn 19 until February and is not yet at the peak of his powers in senior football, so he is someone who could come in with the long-term picture in mind.

This means that Howe could work with him on the training pitch to help the teenage sensation to fulfill his potential and elevate himself to a Ben Arfa level, or even higher, talent.

Anthony Gordon produced seven goals and three assists in 65 Premier League matches for Everton, a hardly prolific return, yet has managed 17 goals and 14 assists in 70 top-flight games under Howe, which shows the kind of development the manager can oversee.

Dibling’s form at youth level, with 19 goals and 11 assists in 59 academy matches for Southampton, suggests that the potential is there for him to develop into a regular contributor in the final third at first-team level, like Gordon.

As you can see in the clips above, from a clash with Newcastle’s U21 side in 2022, he has the technical ability to produce Ben Arfa-esque moments driving forward with his left foot to score impressive goals.

Despite his age, inexperience, and the six-point team he is playing in, Dibling has showcased glimpses of his talent at Premier League level so far this season.

Appearances

19

Starts

13

Goals

2

Big chances created

2

Successful dribbles

27

As you can see in the table above, the English whiz, who U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed is “balling out”, has contributed completed more than two dribbles per start on average, and scored twice.

Howe could bring the left-footed star, who has predominantly been deployed on the right flank but can also play centrally, to St. James’ Park with a view to helping him take the next step in his career, as he did with Gordon, to turn Dibling into Ben Arfa 2.0 for the Magpies.

Newcastle want to sign "outstanding" £58m star who's been better than Isak

Newcastle United will have a contingency plan in place in case Alexander Isak does leave.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 6, 2025

Newcastle United will be hoping for a strong run of form over the festive period. The Magpies have had a poor start to the season, languishing in 12th place in the Premier League after 15 games, with just 20 points to their name.

Certainly, Eddie Howe might be disappointed with the performances of some of his players in front of goal. Not all of his attacking stars have performed, with Alexander Isak the only player to break the ten goal involvement mark so far. Worryingly, centre-back Fabian Schar is their third top scorer in all competitions.

Magpies supporters will surely be desperate for the performance levels of some of his players to pick up soon. Someone else who has underwhelmed when he has played is Miguel Almiron.

Almiron’s stats this season

It has been an incredibly poor campaign so far for Paraguayan winger Almiron. The 30-year-old has been devoid of opportunities this term, playing just eight games in all competitions, and starting once in the Premier League.

The former Atlanta United man has played just 270 minutes in all competitions so far this term. That includes 19 minutes in the top flight, with 68 of those coming in his only start away to Chelsea. Even when the winger gets a chance, he fails to impress; Almiron has yet to score or assist in 2024/25.

It will surely be a concern for Howe that Almiron is not contributing. Although his role is very much as a squad player, he has shown in the past that he can chip in with goals and assists, including scoring 11 times in 34 Premier League games in 2022/23.

Howe will be hoping that Almiron, once the Magpies’ most expensive signing at £21m from Atlanta United, can rediscover his best form.

However, with limited opportunities, it seems like the winger could depart the club, with Newcastle – backed by the Saudi PIF -already focusing on a replacement from within the Premier League.

Newcastle's search for a winger

The player in question here is Nottingham Forest man Anthony Elanga. According to a report from journalist Joel Bland, “it’s pretty likely there’ll be a push made” to sign the Swede in January, should Almiron depart. Bland states that Newcastle “retain interest” in the player after wanting to sign him in the summer.

At this stage, it is unclear how much he would cost, but a bid of £50m from the North Eastern side was turned down on the final day of the summer window. He could cost around the same price as Newcastle’s other right-wing target, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.

Interestingly, he and Elanga are statistically similar on FBref, showing exactly what Newcastle’s thinking is when targeting a new right-winger; powerful runners who are creative in the final third and strong ball carriers.

In terms of that statistical comparison, both players have impressive ball-carrying numbers. Elanga averages three progressive carries per 90 minutes, with Mbeumo slightly fewer with 2.82.

The pair will bring a creative influence in the final third, with the Nottingham Forest number 21 playing 1.67 key passes each game, and the Cameroonian winger slightly more, at 1.74 per 90 minutes.

Stat (per 90)

Elanga

Mbeumo

Progressive carries

3

2.82

Carries into final third

1.89

1.74

Carries into penalty box

1.78

1.41

Key passes

1.67

1.74

Passes into final third

0.78

1.41

Passes into penalty box

0.56

1.41

On the face of things, Elanga’s goals and assist numbers are not much better than Almiron’s stats. He has two assists in 15 top-flight games and is yet to score. However, he averages 0.17 expected assists each game and 0.33 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, showing efficiency in the final third.

Should PIF get this deal over the line, it could be an excellent piece of business. Not only would they be signing a player with Premier League quality, but someone who is just as good as Mbeumo and an upgrade on Almiron, as the goals and assist numbers show.

Elanga, called a “frightening” player by journalist Laurie Whitwell, could become an instant success on Tyneside and be a fantastic addition to Newcastle as they look to transform their season.

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