Al-Ittihad ready to make €150m offer to Liverpool for Mohamed Salah before transfer window closes

Al-Ittihad are reportedly ready to test Liverpool’s resolve with a €150 million (£129m/$162m) bid for Mohamed Salah before the summer window closes.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Egyptian forward wanted in Middle East
  • Has a contract through to 2025
  • Big-money offer about to be tabled
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Egypt international forward is tied to a contract at Anfield through to 2025 and has expressed no desire in public to walk away from that deal. There have, however, been reports of his head being turned by interest from Saudi Arabia.

  • Advertisement

  • Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    According to , Al-Ittihad – who already have Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema on their books – are preparing a big-money bid for Salah. They will also put a contract proposal to the 31-year-old that would bring him in line with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar in the salary stakes.

  • AND WHAT'S MORE

    Such a deal would smash the Saudi transfer record, with the bid worth £86m ($108m) in guaranteed payments and £43m ($54m) in performance-related bonuses. Liverpool have no intention of sanctioning a sale, but their hand may be forced if Salah decides that he does want to enter into talks.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Getty

    WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

    Al-Ittihad are looking to bring more marquee additions onto their books ahead of the 2023 FIFA World Club Cup – which will be staged in Saudi Arabia this December – with there also reports of them mulling over a move for former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain defender Sergio Ramos, who remains a free agent at 37 years of age.

Debutant Mufti runs Lions close

A consistent team effort by England Lions gave them a 16-run win against UAE in Dubai and with it a 3-0 win in the series

ECB Reporters Network05-Dec-2016
ScorecardJoe Clarke top scored before he was bowled•Getty Images

England Lions completed a clean sweep of their one-day series against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai thanks to the depth of their batting and the quality of their bowling and fielding.The Lions top order failed to fire for the second game in succession after they were put in on a tricky pitch, with only Joe Clarke of the top five passing 30. But they still posted a decent total of 223 for 8, the highest of a low-scoring series, thanks to handy contributions lower down the order, led by 40 for the Surrey allrounder Sam Curran, who later impressed with the ball, alongside Craig Overton and Ollie Rayner, who both took three wickets.The UAE threatened to pull off an unlikely win led by Adnan Mufti, a 31-year-old left-hander from Rawalpindi, on his debut, but Mufti was run out by Liam Livingstone’s powerful throw from the long-on boundary with the UAE still 16 runs short.”I think it was quite good for us to be in a tight game at the end there,” said Rayner. “Their left-hander played really well and we had to work hard to get the win. Through the series we’ve had lots of different guys taking wickets with Stuart Meaker in the first game and Tom Curran in the second, and a few of us shared them out a bit today.”Overton is on his fourth Lions tour even though he is still only 22, and aiming to make up for lost time after suffering injuries in each of the last two winters. “It’s been frustrating with the injuries the last two years, but I had a good season with Somerset and so far things have been going well,” he said.Curran, returned to the team with his older brother Tom rested following his five wickets as the Lions clinched the series on Saturday, made the first breakthrough courtesy of a low one-handed catch by Clarke, who was keeping for the first time on the tour.Ben Foakes, who had worn the gloves in the previous two matches, then showed his ability in the outfield with a sharp catch at midwicket to give James Fuller his first success.Rohan Mustafa, the opener who has been UAE’s best batsman all series, was leading the charge again until he launched Rayner straight down the ground and Overton intercepted just inside the boundary. With the first ball of his next over, Rayner had Mohammed Usman, another left-hander, lbw sweeping, and when Overton claimed a deserved wicket in a probing opening burst of 4-2-2-1, UAE had slumped from 71 for 2 to 81 for 5.Rayner claimed a sharp return catch for his third wicket, and Tom Alsop snapped up Saqlain Haider at point to give Fuller his second. Then Overton returned to collect a couple more, although the Lions were relieved when Livingstone ended the last-wicket resistance.Livingstone had also made an impression with the bat, hitting two sixes in a fourth-wicket stand of 65 in 14 overs with Clarke. But they fell in quick succession to leave the Lions on 115 for 5, and they were indebted to Curran, the youngest member of the squad, for showing maturity as well as ability in partnerships of 45 with Foakes and 34 with Fuller.The Lions must now switch quickly to red-ball mode, with practice at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday before a four-day match against Afghanistan.

Wolves Could Sign Their Own Harry Kane This Summer

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing a striker from the Championship this summer.

Julen Lopetegui is set to “overhaul” his strike force, as per Sky Sports, in the bid to improve on this season’s woeful lack of goals.

Wolves are the Premier League’s lowest scorers this campaign, having found the net just 30 times in 36 games, 62 fewer than league leaders Manchester City.

With the future of Raul Jimenez in doubt, Lopetegui will have the chance to rebuild his front line with the hope to get his side firing again.

The club have been linked with a number of forwards ahead of the window, including Coventry City marksman Viktor Gyokeres and Barcelona’s Ansu Fati. However, there should be another option in the frame if Wolves are smart about things; Chuba Akpom.

What’s the latest on Chuba Akpom's future?

As per Sky Sports, Middlesbrough striker Akpom is a player “on the radar” of Premier League clubs this summer.

The former Arsenal forward’s contract expires next summer, as Boro extended his stay to an additional 12 months at the start of this season.

Wolves are currently 'leading the race' to sign fellow Championship forward Gyokeres, via the same report.

However, if a deal can't be concluded there then Akpom simply has to become an option for Lopetegui as he bids to steal him away from other top-flight sides.

What could Chuba Akpom bring to Wolves?

The 27-year-old Boro forward scored 28 goals in 40 appearances in the Championship this season, making him the top scorer just ahead of Gyokeres who registered 21 in eight more games.

Hailed as “incredible” by journalist Chris Wheatley after netting his 19th goal, the London-born striker was integral to getting Michael Carrick’s side to the play-off semi-finals.

Soccer Football – Championship – Middlesbrough v Reading – Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, Britain – March 4, 2023 Middlesbrough’s Chuba Akpom celebrates after he scores their third goal Action Images/Craig Brough EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account repre

Despite falling at the final hurdle to Coventry City, the campaign has been an unforgettable one personally for the Englishman, being named in WhoScored’s Championship team of the season – as per Sky Sports.

Boro’s near miss in the play-off semis has sparked rumours as to whether the forward will remain in the second-tier next term.

Wolves have been crying out for a goalscorer this campaign, and Akpom could be the missing piece to getting Lopetegui’s side firing in the Premier League.

By sealing aa deal, the former Real Madrid coach could sign his answer to the top-flight's most feared strikers, with Spurs star Harry Kane perhaps being the pick of the bunch considering he also learnt his trade for a while in the Football League.

The 27-year-old is actually averaging more goals per 90 than the impeccable Spurs talisman, with 0.7 per 90 minutes – as per FBref.

Although not boasting the assist count (2) of someone like Kane, Akpom's ability to drop deeper and play as an attacking midfielder shows there are further similarities. The former does that with great regularity in north London, having since become a “complete player”, as lauded by Zinedine Zidane.

Solving the lack of goals is the primary requirement for Lopetegui to tackle however natural goal-scorers are hard to find, and in the Boro star the Midlands club could retrieve a talent at the peak of his career and hungry for a breakthrough.

Only time will tell if Wolves will make a move for the 27-year-old, however with 28 goals this term, there’s no denying the club could land a much-needed talisman.

Smith seeks more improvement from Australia

Australia’s captain Steven Smith has conceded that his team has plenty of improvement left in them despite their victory in the tri-series final against West Indies in Barbados on Sunday

Brydon Coverdale27-Jun-20162:58

‘Our fielding needs a lot of work’ – Smith

Australia’s captain Steven Smith has conceded that his team has plenty of improvement left in them despite their victory in the tri-series final against West Indies in Barbados on Sunday. The win extended Australia’s margin as the No.1-ranked ODI side in the world and they have now lost only one of their past eight ODI series, the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy campaign in New Zealand this year.That run of success includes the 2015 World Cup triumph, but from that team they have lost Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson to retirement. Under Smith, the Australians will aim to add another significant piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet next year when the Champions Trophy tournament is held in England.The post-World Cup exodus of experience has left Australia without any current hundred-game players in ODIs, although a solid core are in the 50- to 80-game range: Smith (79), George Bailey (76), David Warner (74), Matthew Wade (68), Glenn Maxwell (67), Aaron Finch (64), James Faulkner (54) and Mitchell Starc (51). It is this group that will lead Australia into the Champions Trophy and while they will likely enter the tournament as favourites, Smith knows it won’t be easy.”We’ve still got a lot of work to do,” Smith said after the tri-series final. “I was pleased with the way we scrapped today. I’m using that word a lot, but it’s been a bit of a theme throughout this series with the wickets we’ve been playing on. I was pleased we were able to get the job done. Our fielding still needs a lot of work. We need to be able to have the energy we had today in every game, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t.”We’ve got to continue to start well with the ball. In the last three or four series we’ve been up against some pretty dynamic opening batters, but they’ve got the better of us at the start. We’ve been lucky enough to pull it back in the middle overs and bowl pretty well at the death. We’ll make things a lot easier for ourselves if we start really well.”There were no such issues against West Indies in the final. The first ten overs brought 48 for 0 but Josh Hazlewood struck in the next over with the first of his five wickets, and Mitchell Marsh claimed wickets in three consecutive overs to leave West Indies in trouble at 74 for 4 after 21 overs in their chase of 271.”I think Josh is getting better and better every day,” Smith said. “He’s getting more comfortable in his body. He’s been on the park for a significant amount of time now and he’s very comfortable in that regard. That’s a start. His skill set is outstanding. He hits terrific lengths, hits the seam and he’s getting better and better every day. I’m really pleased for him to win the Man of the Series in this particular series.”I thought the way Mitchell used his variations today was spot on. He’s come a long way in this series. I thought he batted beautifully the other day [league match against West Indies] and I guess he’s just going to gain a lot more confidence out of what he did the other day and what he’s done today. I’m really pleased for him.”That Australia had a decent total to defend was largely down to the work of wicketkeeper Wade, whose 57 from 52 balls batting at No.7 ensured that 173 for 6 did not become all-out in the low 200s. Wade has been Australia’s preferred ODI wicketkeeper since the retirement of Haddin last year, and in that time has made 352 runs at 32.00, with three fifties from 15 innings.”I thought Matthew Wade played beautifully,” Smith said. “He played with a lot of composure and played good cricket shots, and batted with the tail, who stuck around and did a terrific job to get us to 270. That was incredibly pleasing.”I think he can take a lot of confidence out of the way he played today. He’s played pretty well with the bat throughout the series as well. I’ve watched him in the nets, he’s probably hitting the ball as well as anyone. I wasn’t surprised that he was able to do what he did today. I’m pleased for him.”No doubt he was disappointed about not keeping at the World Cup. You’ve got to be disappointed with that. He’s been great around the group. He’s been very vocal. He gets the guys up as much as he can drive the energy. That’s what the keeper needs to do, and he’s done that very well throughout this series.”

Mahmudullah, Ayub slam tons in Dhanmondi Club win

A round-up of the Dhaka Premier League matches on May 10, 2016

Mohammad Isam10-May-2016Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club captain Mahmudullah celebrated his 200th List-A match with 130 against Cricket Coaching School, which paved the way for a 90-run win at the BKSP-3 ground.Mahmudullah added 203 runs for the third wicket in 39 overs with Marshall Ayub, who scored his maiden List-A century. He made 103 off 115 balls with 12 fours while Mahmudullah struck eight fours and five sixes during his career-best 130 off 139 balls. This meant that Dhanmondi Club surged to 290 for 5 in 50 overs.In reply, CCS had a good start, with Saif Hassan and Pinak Ghosh adding 60 for the first wicket. Captain Rajin Saleh built on it with 51 off 78 balls, but Jeevan Mendis and Shafiul Islam pierced through the middle order with two wickets each. Ayub picked up the last wicket to fall – Refatuzzaman – to cap off a memorable day. CCS were bowled out for 200 in 48.3 overs.Mohammedan Sporting Club went to the top of the points table in the Dhaka Premier League, after securing a four-wicket win over over Kalabagan Cricket Academy in Fatullah.Mohammedan and Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club are currently locked with eight points from five matches, but Mohammedan have a better net run rate.They chased down a revised target of 207, after rain interrupted the chase in the 21st over. Opener Ezaz Ahmed and No.3 Upul Tharanga put on 111 runs for the second wicket to set up the chase. Ezaz struck two fours and four sixes before being dismissed by allrounder Mahmudul Hasan for 60 off 68 balls. Tharanga stayed unbeaten on 90 off 114 balls, including eight fours and one six. Left-arm spinner Bishwanath Halder was the pick of the bowlers for KCA, taking 2 for 39.Having been sent in, KCA were bowled out for 231 with four balls to spare, with left-arm spinner Enamul Haque jnr claiming three wickets. Naeem Islam jnr and Naeem Islam pitched in with two wickets each. Jatin Saxena and Mehedi Hasan Miraz hit fifties, but the rest of the batsmen failed, the third-best score being opener Myshukur Rahaman’s 31 off 65 balls.Gazi Group Cricketers rode on a 155-run opening partnership between Shamsur Rahman and Anamul Haque to beat Kalabagan Kira Chakra by six wickets in Mirpur.Anamul, having kept wicket earlier, made 70 off 83 balls, including six fours and one six, before retiring hurt because of cramps. Shamsur hit nine fours and one six during his 91-ball 75. Though he, Mehedi Hasan, Faruque Hossain, and Farhad Hossain fell in quick succession, Alok Kapali, who had picked up three wickets, and Saeed Anwar jnr completed the 224 chase in the 46th over.Earlier, each of Kalabagan’s top four had starts, but none managed to convert it into a half-century. Tasamul Haque top-scored with 47 off 63, before he was the sixth batsman dismissed. Tanveer Haider and No.10 Abdur Razzak made late cameos to push Kalabagan past 200, but it wasn’t enough.

Newcastle eye up James Ward-Prowse move

Newcastle United are interested in making a move for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse this summer, according to a new transfer report.

The Lowdown: Ward-Prowse a standout for Saints

Saints are having a tough season in the Premier League, looking like they could get relegated to the Championship, as things stand.

While many of their players have struggled throughout the campaign, one individual who seems to have continued to produce consistently strong performances is Ward-Prowse.

The 28-year-old has been a talisman for Southampton, scoring seven goals and registering two assists, including a stunning trademark free-kick winner away to Chelsea.

Ward-Prowse could feel that it is time for a fresh challenge this summer, however, and if Saints go down, it is difficult to see him remain at the club.

That’s where Newcastle come into play, as they look to make significant signings during the summer transfer window.

The Latest: Newcastle eyeing up move

According to Football Insider, the Magpies are ‘eyeing up a move’ for Ward-Prowse at the end of the season, seeing him as a strong option to bring in.

The report states that the Englishman ‘is set to quit the Saints in the summer if they fail to stay in the Premier League’ and Newcastle have sent scouts to watch him in action. They are not alone in that respect, though, with Liverpool and Manchester United doing the same.

Ward-Prowse’s current Saints deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2026, so it will likely take a big offer to prise him away from the south coast club.

The Verdict: Great option for Magpies

Ward-Prowse could be an excellent signing by Newcastle, coming in as someone with a wealth of experience and quality who can enhance Eddie Howe’s squad depth greatly from the off.

At 28, the 11-cap England ace is at the peak of his powers and that shouldn’t change over the next three or four years, especially given his endurance levels in midfield.

Ward-Prowse’s free-kick ability speaks for itself, with few in Europe better than him in that area, and Nathan Jones hailed him as ‘absolutely world-class’ during his time in charge of Southampton.

Away from the technical aspects of his game, the £100,000-a-week midfielder is also a tenacious figure who would suit Newcastle’s hard-working style well, having averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in the league this season, as well as picking up a total of five yellow cards.

Rangers eyeing Darius Olaru transfer

Rangers will go into the summer transfer window with new midfielders on their radar including the Steaua Bucharest midfielder, Darius Olaru, on their list.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer rumours?

There have been reports suggesting Michael Beale’s men are now putting in the foundations to see four midfielders potentially leave in the summer.

Indeed, Football Insider has reported Steven Davis, Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack could all see their contracts expire at the end of the term with no signs of extensions on the horizon.

And this comes alongside the expectation for Malik Tillman to make a return to Germany having spent the campaign out on loan from Bayern Munich.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke expects Beale’s side to target a number of new arrivals to bolster their midfield:

“Maybe bringing in midfielders will be a top priority for Rangers. And this is why the Steaua Bucharest midfielder Darius Olaru is on their list.”

What would signing Darius Olaru mean for Rangers?

Olaru is a 24-year-old Romanian midfielder who has now been playing his football in the capital of his homeland for three years after making a move worth in the region of £530k.

And the central midfielder has played a big role in Steaua Bucharest’s season so far, having racked up 23 appearances in their top-flight, which has seen him captain the side a number of times.

In those games, the Romanian has been able to provide a respectable four assists as well as competing in the Europa Conference League where he assisted against West Ham United (via Transfermarkt).

Olaru has received some big praise from those within the club with Mihail Stoica likening him to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

This is a player who has shown a lot of versatility this season for the Romanian side having played a number of roles across the midfield including one appearance at left wing.

But with all of these potential departures, it does feel as if Olaru cannot be the only player who Rangers should be looking to bring in this summer.

Glen Kamara could also leave Rangers with a headache over the summer with reported interest in the midfielder coming from south of the border.

And if that is the case, then Beale may certainly have a challenge on his hands to overhaul his midfield in the summer.

ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد فوز الأهلي على سموحة

تمكن النادي الأهلي من تحقيق فوز صعبً على منافسه سموحة بنتيجة 2-0 باللقاء الذي جمعهما ضمن مواجهات بطولة الدوري المصري.

وأقيمت المباراة بين الأهلي وسموحة على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي، وذلك بالمواجهة المؤجلة من الجولة الخامسة للمسابقة المحلية.

وسجل محمد مجدي أفشة هدف تقدم الأهلي بالهدف الأول في الدقيقة الثالثة من الوقت بدل الضائع من الشوط الأول من رأسية مميزة بعد تلقيه عرضية كريم الدبيس.

وأضاف إمام عاشور هدف الأهلي الثاني بعد تلقيه تمريرة من حسين الشحات وينفرد بحارس سموحة ويصوبها في المرمى بالدقيقة 50.

اقرأ أيضًا:

الأهلي يُعلن تشخيص إصابة يحيى عطية الله أمام سموحة

هل يقصد الزمالك؟.. أول تعليق من إمام عاشور على احتفاله المثير للجدل في مباراة الأهلي وسموحة

وبهذه النتيجة تربع الأهلي على صدارة ترتيب الدوري المصري، بعد الفوز في 4 لقاءات والتعادل بـ3 مواجهات دون تلقي أي هزائم.

بينما يتواجد فريق الزمالك بالمركز الثاني في الدوري المصري برصيد 14 نقطة بعد الفوز في 4 لقاءات والتعادل بـ مباراتين وتلقى هزيمة وحيدة، ويشاركه بيراميدز صاحب المركز الثالث بفارق الأهداف. ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد فوز الأهلي أمام سموحة

1- الأهلي – 15 نقطة.

2- الزمالك – 14 نقطة.

3- بيراميدز -12 نقطة.

4- المصري – 12 نقطة.

5- سيراميكا كليوباترا – 12 نقطة.

6- زد – 10 نقاط.

7- فاركو – 10 نقاط.

8- الإسماعيلي – 9 نقاط.

9-بتروجيت – 9 نقاط.

10- الاتحاد السكندري- 9 نقاط.

11- غزل المحلة – 8 نقاط.

12- البنك الأهلي- 8 نقاط.

13- طلائع الجيش- 8 نقاط.

14- حرس الحدود – 6 نقاط.

15- إنبي – 6 نقاط.

16- الجونة – 6 نقاط.

17- سموحة – 5 نقاط.

18- مودرن سبورت – 4 نقاط.

يمكنكم متابعة ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز، بشكل محدث باستمرار.. من هنا

More vital than Isak: Key Liverpool target now ready for medical in London

Liverpool so often wrap up all their business nice and early, so prudent are FSG. But not this time, deals have dragged over to the eleventh hour, but Red fans won’t care a jot.

After weeks of posturing, Newcastle United have finally opened the door for Liverpool to sign Alexander Isak in what will prove a British-record £130m deal, including £5m in solidarity figures.

Isak is one of the best strikers in the world, but Liverpool may yet seal a signature considered even more important for the fluency and stability of Arne Slot’s project.

Liverpool confident they will sign Premier League star

As per transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Liverpool are growing in confidence that a deal can be pulled off for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.

Though Liverpool have agreed personal terms with the England international and have the blessing of Palace chairman Steve Parish, Eagles first-team manager Oliver Glasner has been loath to let the star centre-back leave, and everything hinges on sufficient replacements being welcomed through the gates.

Liverpool have offices in London, and thus a medical will take place in the capital if the Merseysiders get the green light at this late hour. Palace are holding out for £40m and a deal is “expected to happen”.

Why Marc Guehi could make a bigger impact than Isak

Guehi, 25, has been at Crystal Palace for four years after leaving Chelsea for an £18m fee, failing to break into the Stamford Bridge senior side.

But no matter, he’s only gone from strength to strength since, captaining Palace to an incredible FA Cup triumph last year before beating Liverpool in last month’s Community Shield clash.

Crystal Palace'sMarcGuehilooks dejected.

Hailed as a “monster in defence” by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, the £50k-per-week Guehi has so much quality, and he might even prove to be a better deal at this stage than Isak, who is going to cost FSG a pretty penny indeed.

Liverpool have started the current campaign imperiously from an attacking standpoint, and they were rather good in front of goal last term too.

Highest-scoring Premier League Clubs (24/25)

Rank

Club

Position

Goals

1.

Liverpool

1st

80

2.

Man City

4th

66

3.

Newcastle

3rd

65

4.

Arsenal

2nd

63

5.

Tottenham

16th

62

Data via Premier League

The thought of adding Isak to the fold is frightening, to be sure, but given the fragilities of Ibrahima Konate over Liverpool’s opening fixtures in August, and then the Frenchman’s injury scare and ever-looming contractual expiry date at the end of the term, signing Guehi might actually prove to be the most important of the two deadline-day deals for Liverpool.

The England international showcased against Aston Villa on Sunday his aptitude on the ball, scoring a looping finish with the skill of a seasoned attacking midfielder.

And Sofascore record that he has also won 75% of his duels across his opening three matches of the Premier League term. Without a doubt, he has what it takes to become a superstar in Liverpool’s ranks, potentially succeeding Virgil van Dijk as the club’s standout defender over the coming years.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi

Liverpool have completed the most incredible of transfer windows, but despite all the flashy business at the front end of the field, Guehi might just prove to be the shrewdest and most impactful of the lot.

Van Dijk-esque: Liverpool can forget Guehi with D-day bid for £23m "leader"

Liverpool are looking to sign a centre-back before the transfer window slams shut at 7pm.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 1, 2025

Arsenal could sign one of "the best midfielders in the world" who’s like Rodri

Come the end of the season, Arsenal will once again be challenging for the Premier League title after their excellent start to the campaign. Mikel Arteta’s side are currently in second place on 36 points, just a point behind Liverpool.

The Gunners’ most recent match was a 1-0 away defeat to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. The hosts took an early lead and continued to play a brave highline, which Arsenal were unable to take advantage of.

With teams starting to attack the void left by the inverted Oleksandr Zinchenko as seen this weekend, and Thomas Partey’s lack of availability recently, Arteta may look to sign another midfielder who can serve as rotation for Declan Rice or play alongside him.

Arsenal transfers latest – Martin Zubimendi

According to David Ornstein via the Athletic, Arsenal are interested in signing a midfielder, with Martin Zubimendi included in their transfer targets.

The journalist stated: "We know they like Martin Zubimendi, Nicolo Barella, Pedro Neto and others, but again I don’t know of any movement of that."

The Real Sociedad midfielder has a transfer market value of £34m as per Transfermarkt, which is a steal for someone of his quality, however, a move in the winter window is extremely unlikely due to the Gunners' financial fair play position.

Additionally, departures would have to occur first and there is no movement regarding exits for any of the club's current midfielders.

Martin Zubimendi’s style of play

Zubimendi has earned heaps of praise recently and according to Spanish national team boss, Jose Luis De La Fuente, the 24-year-old is “one of the best midfielders in the world” alongside Manchester City star, Rodri.

The Spain international has become an imperative cog in Imanol Alguacil Barrenetxea’s Sociedad side, featuring in every game this season.

The number four excels in multiple roles within the midfield, whether it is playing as a lone defensive midfielder, or working in a midfield two. This makes him the perfect backup for Arsenal, directly filling in for Rice or even partnering him when Arteta wishes to become more defensively cautious.

Zubimendi’s profile is certainly similar to Rodri’s, in terms of setting the tempo for his side to retain possession, shown by his pass completion percentage of 85.4% and his lack of shot-creating actions, 1.88 per 90.

He is also proactive out of possession, boasting similar defensive stats to Rice. The graphic below is how he compares to Arsenal’s number 41, based on their statistics in their respective leagues.

Tackles

1.82

2.15

Interceptions

1.28

1.56

Clearances

1.95

1.63

Progressive passes

5.11

7.49

Passes completed

43.32

61.28

Another crucial aspect of Zubimendi’s game is his availability, which is one of the most important yet rarely mentioned attributes to have.

He has only missed an incredible three games since 2019, whereas Partey has been unavailable for an astonishing 51. This makes the Spaniard a much more reliable option for Arteta and it almost makes purchasing the Sociedad player a safe move.

With the never-ending, intense schedule that Arsenal will endure due to domestic and European commitments, Arteta will be forced to rotate his side frequently and the fact that Zubimendi is versatile allows him to cover multiple midfield roles. He would be an excellent fit at the Emirates.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus