Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes Stuart Dallas will be a ‘big miss’ for Leeds United in the relegation battle after he picked up a serious injury last weekend.
The Lowdown: 12 months out?
Dallas faces a lengthy period in the Thorp Arch treatment room after he suffered a femoral fracture against Manchester City.
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The Northern Irishman, who has started 121 of Leeds’ last 122 league games, was stretched off at Elland Road and had surgery on the injury within 48 hours.
A Leeds source believes Dallas’ injury could be worse than first feared in a ‘devastating’ blow that may rule him out for the majority of next season.
Jesse Marsch is gearing up for his first full campaign as Whites boss, however, it remains to be seen whether or not Leeds will still be a Premier League club heading into the 2022/23 season.
The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments
Talking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke had this to say on Dallas, describing the versatile full-back as a ‘big miss’ both on and off the pitch ahead of the trip to Arsenal.
“He’s versatile and willing to play anywhere for the club. I think off the pitch now it’s going to be a big miss because he’s a big character and a leader in that dressing room.
“The situation that Leeds find themselves in right now, they need all those leaders and characters to come to the fore and help them get out of trouble. So yeah, it’ll be a big miss, not just on the pitch, but also off it.”
The Verdict: Transfer plans changed?
Marsch already has a fairly small squad as it is, and the injury problems at Elland Road haven’t stopped after he replaced Marcelo Bielsa at the end of February.
Alongside Dallas, Tyler Roberts, Crysencio Summerville and Adam Forshaw are out for the rest of the season, while Junior Firpo and Patrick Bamford have also suffered serious injuries during Marsch’s time in Yorkshire.
On that basis, you’d expect that a number of additions could be made over the summer to bolster the squad, regardless of what division they are in. Dallas was normally the answer to any problems at left-back, right-back or in midfield, so Victor Orta may well be on the hunt for a versatile signing to replace the much-beloved Leeds star this summer.
In other news: Leeds officials sent abroad as Radrizzani plots move for 56-goal attacker.
Leeds United are in a great position to bring Brennan Johnson to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to Dean Jones, with the transfer insider and journalist revealing in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, should Leeds go on to secure their status as a Premier League side this season, coupled with Nottingham Forest failing to secure promotion to the top flight in the Championship play-offs, Victor Orta will be in a fantastic position to land his reported £20m transfer target this summer.
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Regarding the Whites’ interest in the 20-year-old attacking midfielder, Jones said: “They should make him their number one target, 100%. They are in a great position to sign Brennan Johnson if they do stay up and Forest don’t manage to get promoted.”
Supporters will be buzzing
While it is undeniable that Leeds’ place in the Premier League next season appears extremely uncertain following the weekend’s results, should the Whites go on to secure survival, the prospect of landing a player as talented as Johnson is undoubtedly something that will leave the Elland Road faithful buzzing.
Indeed, over his 46 Championship appearances this season, the £900k-rated forward has been a revelation in Steve Cooper’s attack, scoring 16 goals, registering ten assists and creating 15 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots, making 1.3 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.
These metrics have seen the £2.5k-per-week Wales international average a quite breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Nottingham Forest’s fourth-best outfielder in the second tier – with the 20-year-old playing a starring role in the Reds’ widely unexpected securing of a top-six finish in the league.
As such, the suggestion that – as long as Leeds stay up and Forest remain in the Championship – Orta is in a great position to secure the signing of Johnson this summer is undoubtedly incredibly exciting for everyone involved with the Whites.
However, with Jesse Marsch’s side currently sitting 18th in the Premier League standings, it would appear a wise move for Leeds to hold off on printing shirts donning the attacking midfielder’s name just yet.
AND in other news: “Very possible…”: Phil Hay drops big Leeds injury update, supporters will be buzzing
Aston Villa forward Leon Bailey has been dealt a blow after picking up another injury in the win over Norwich City on Saturday.
What’s the word?
Speaking in his post-match press conference following the 2-0 victory over Dean Smith’s side, manager Steven Gerrard revealed that the Jamaican speedster faces a race to be fit for next week’s trip to Turf Moor, having been withdrawn just 40 minutes into the clash with the Canaries.
Asked about the summer signing’s status, the Villa boss said: “It’s an ankle issue. In terms of the extent and the damage I’m sure he’ll be MRI scanned in the next 24 to 48 hours. I’m really disappointed and frustrated for him because he’s worked really hard to get back, he’s been training ever so well.”
The Englishman then went on to add: “He said there was a bit of a twist after the contact so we’ll get him looked at. He’s obviously going to be a major doubt for the next game against Burnley because it’s very rare that you come off the pitch and you’re available for the next game, so we are concerned about it.”
Huge Blow
That frustration for all concerned stems from the fact that it has been a disrupted debut campaign for the 24-year-old since his £25m move from Bayer Leverkusen, having been restricted to just seven Premier League starts for the Midlands side.
The £27m-rated man had missed a fair portion of the season over the festive period with a thigh injury, although since his return to action in February he has failed to nail down a regular starting berth, despite the club’s inconsistent form.
He had arrived last summer with a big reputation after providing 65 goal contributions in 156 games in all competitions for the Bundesliga side, although has since chipped in with just one goal and two assists in the top-flight during his brief stint at Villa Park.
Nevertheless, he had begun to show signs of life in his recent outings, notably going close to scoring early on in Saturday’s win, only to be denied by a fine save from opposition stopper Tim Krul, while Birmingham Mail writer John Townley wrote that he looked “lively in spells” prior to his withdrawal.
With Gerrard’s men still not certain of survival – despite reaching the ‘magic’ 40 point mark with that latest victory – they are still in need of all the help they can get, with Bailey’s potential absence in the coming weeks far from an ideal situation.
Yes, it has not gone to plan so far, but there is certainly an immense talent in there somewhere, with his former coach Heiko Herrlich previously suggesting that he “can do anything” such is his undoubted quality.
He looked as if he had begun to build some rhythm in recent weeks, although this latest setback is set to be a huge blow for both his manager, the supporters and the player himself.
In other news, “I’m told”: Journo gives huge Aston Villa transfer boost, Gerrard will be delighted…
Liverpool splashed the big bucks and then some over the summer, hopeful of retaining their Premier League title in style.
However, the majority of the whopping £415m spent now looks as if it has gone down the drain, with both Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak remaining goalless, despite costing a combined £225m to bring to Anfield.
Arne Slot thankfully has the January transfer window coming into view now to try and turn around his side’s lacklustre campaign, with Liverpool all the way down in eighth position at the moment, as Manchester United are even ahead of the Reds on goal difference.
Liverpool planning to spend big again
You would think that the Merseyside giants might be more cautious in the transfer department after such a wild summer spending spree.
However, reports suggest that the underwhelming reigning champions could go all out to try and win Michael Olise from Bayern Munich for an astronomical £177m fee.
Moreover, one of the best players in the top-flight this term in the shape of Antoine Semenyo is reportedly also on their radar as they try to upgrade on an attack that looks short on confidence, even with Mohamed Salah starting week in, week out.
On top of flashy recruits being rumoured to join the Anfield ranks in attack, an update from Liverpool-based writer DaveOCKOP has also revealed that the Reds are holding initial talks with Crystal Palace over midfield star Adam Wharton.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It is stated that the move is more likely for the summer of 2026 than the upcoming January window, but never say never when it comes to Liverpool’s ambition in this department, with it also being revealed back in September that the English international’s preference – if he were to leave the Eagles behind – was a switch to Slot and Co.
Having just made his first start for the Three Lions during this international break, the sky really does appear to be the limit for Wharton currently, with a mammoth £100m price tag also above his head.
How Wharton can become Slot's own Gerrard
As Slot looks to reshape his midfield in 2026, he could find a new beating heart at the centre of his team in the form of Wharton, much like a certain Steven Gerrard was back in the day.
By the close of his distinguished career at the very top, Gerrard was showered with some immense praise, with Gabriel Agbonlahor notably once describing him as the best midfielder in Premier League history, even ahead of Kevin De Bruyne.
Indeed, away from bagging a stunning 186 goals and picking up 155 assists for his boyhood club, the well-rounded servant also closed out his long-standing career on Merseyside with a Champions League title.
As Liverpool’s website affectionately put it when Gerrard hung up his boots, the Englishman was a revered “gladiator” for his boyhood side.
Of course, it would be crazy to expect Wharton to be as impactful from minute one of his own Anfield journey, but in time, he could be Gerrard 2.0, displaying a similar level of composure and ball manipulation from midfield.
Games played
16
20
9
Goals scored
0
0
0
Assists
3
2
0
Touches*
49.6
45.7
43.9
Accurate passes*
28.5 (81%)
26.7 (79%)
25.2 (78%)
Key passes*
1.3
1.3
1.6
Big chances created
5
5
5
Tackles*
3.0
1.7
1.3
Ball recoveries*
4.8
5.1
4.0
Total duels won*
4.9
3.2
3.2
The data above displays Wharton’s similar well-roundedness from the middle of the park, which is very much like the Liverpool great, with the 21-year-old only getting better with time, as he becomes more and more used to the demands of the Premier League.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t quite uncovered a goalscoring mojo in the top-flight yet, like Gerrard, but with the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai next to him if he takes on this huge Anfield opportunity, there is a possibility that he enhances his varied game to that next level.
Hailed as a “genius” at a very early age at Blackburn Rovers by ex-boss Tony Mowbray, and now an “incredible” star by former Selhurst Park teammate Eberechi Eze, it does feel as if a big move soon awaits Wharton.
If all clicks into place for the 21-year-old at Liverpool, he might well be the second coming of Gerrard; a powerful English midfield technician who has all of the tools to be a Three Lions mainstay for years to come.
It will take some big bucks to land his services, but if Slot can win a new legend in the process, it’s a bold investment that’s definitely worth making.
New Trent: Liverpool star is "one of the most underrated players in England"
Slot could find a shrewd solution to Liverpool’s problems in this talent.
Erik ten Hag’s spell as Manchester United manager was a topsy-turvy one to say the least, with the Dutchman ultimately falling below the standards many expected upon his arrival.
He won two trophies during his two full seasons in charge at Old Trafford, winning the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, with the latter coming against rivals Manchester City in 2023/24.
However, despite achieving a 56% win percentage, results were often too inconsistent, especially considering the 55-year-old spent over £600m on new additions during his tenure in the Premier League.
The likes of Antony, Casemiro and Andre Onana were all signed under his watchful eye, leading to questions being asked about the recruitment, given their lack of impact since their respective big-money moves.
Ten Hag also made numerous questionable decisions over the minutes handed out to players already at his disposal – often leading to discontent from the Red Devils fanbase.
Ten Hag’s reluctance to utilise Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo joined United back in January 2021, costing a small fortune after the hierarchy paid a fee in the region of £37m after making just five senior appearances before his move to England.
The Ivorian would only make nine appearances in his first two years at Old Trafford, before spending the second half of his second year out on loan at Rangers.
Another loan spell at Sunderland, where he scored 14 times, would catapult him into Ten Hag’s side for the 2023/24 campaign – but he would often struggle to get into the manager’s first-team plans.
Amad would only make 12 appearances across all competitions, with only four of his outings coming from a starting position – subsequently falling down the manager’s pecking order.
Such decision-making from the manager would lead to concerns from the fanbase, especially given his form away from Old Trafford on a temporary basis the year prior.
The attacker has since recaptured his best form with the Red Devils since the former manager’s dismissal, highlighting the mistake Ten Hag made by not playing him during his tenure at the club.
The former United star who was ahead of Amad
Over the last 12 months, Amad has developed into a key first-team member, with Ruben Amorim utilising the 23-year-old on a consistent basis since taking the reins in November last year.
Despite an ankle injury disrupting his progress, Diallo still managed to rack up 26 Premier League appearances – ending the campaign with 14 combined goals and assists.
His most impressive outing came against Southampton at Old Trafford, scoring a second-half hat-trick and securing a 3-1 victory after being 1-0 at the break.
The youngster also netted the winner in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad, further showcasing the impressive nature he demonstrated despite the measly Premier League finish.
However, whilst his career at the club has been saved by Amorim, he was once behind Omari Forson in the pecking order during Ten Hag’s stint in charge of the Red Devils.
The midfielder joined the club at the age of 15, spending various years in the youth system before making his first senior start against Fulham back in February 2024.
The youngster would end the season with seven appearances for the senior side, leading to Statman Dave labelling the teenager as an “exceptional” talent.
Forson was often preferred to Amad during such a campaign, leading to questions being asked of the manager by the fanbase – especially given the Englishman’s move away from the Red Devils.
The 21-year-old departed Old Trafford at the end of his contract in the summer of 2024, rejecting the chance to extend his stay in Manchester in favour of a new challenge.
Games played
11
Minutes played
233
Goals & assists
0
Pass accuracy
86%
Tackles made
1.2
Cross success
33%
Duels won
45%
Dribbled past
0.9
He subsequently joined Serie A side Monza on a free transfer last summer, making just 11 appearances last campaign – so far being unable to match the potential he emerged through the ranks with.
Given his failures away from Old Trafford, Ten Hag’s decision-making to utilise Forson ahead of Amad was a baffling one and one that was evidently a huge mistake.
As for the Ivorian, he will be hoping to kick on and build on his form from last year in the months ahead, hopefully playing a key role in any success endured during Amorim’s spell in charge.
Man Utd's future "£100m-plus footballer" is a bigger talent than Baleba
Manchester United may have saved themselves millions with one talent already at the club.
Leeds United have had a busy summer transfer window, with a large focus on strengthening their attack.
Despite finishing as the Championship’s leading goalscorers last term, Daniel Farke’s side have concentrated on signing new forwards to help add to their forward line ahead of their relegation fight from the Premier League.
Two of their new additions have been free transfers, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin switching to Elland Road after his Everton contract expired, and Lukas Nmecha joining from Wolfsburg. Their other addition in attacking areas was that of AC Milan and Switzerland star Noah Okafor.
However, Farke is clearly still keen to add attacking depth to his side. Leeds are linked with a late move for yet another attacker.
Leeds push for new attacker
As the Whites’ search for a fourth attacker in the window goes on, they have been linked with a shock move for former Chelsea and Tottenham star Timo Werner. However, the RB Leipzig star rejected the newly-promoted side.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Instead, Farke and his side could make a move for a Ligue 1 star.
That’s according to a report from Sky Sports who say that Leeds are said to be looking for a ‘versatile forward’ in the next few days, and Strasbourg star Dilane Bakwa is a player ‘of interest’ to the 49ers group.
Leeds have been smart with their money on forwards this summer, making those two free signings, so there could be room left in the budget.
That is money that would be needed in this deal, given that Bakwa has been reportedly valued at £30m by Strasbourg this summer.
Why Bakwa would be a good signing
France U21 international Bakwa has certainly garnered a huge reputation in Ligue 1. He ticks the versatile attacker box that Leeds are looking for, and can play on both the right flank and as a centre-forward.
Last season, the 23-year-old, who hails from Creteil, just outside of Paris, played a huge part in Strasbourg reaching the UEFA Conference League. In 30 top-flight appearances for Liam Rosenior’s side, he bagged six goals and assisted a further nine.
The Strasbourg number 26 has already started the new campaign on fire. In the first two Ligue 1 games of the season, he has two assists, including this pinpoint cross to Emmanuel Emegha, which the striker headed home.
If Leeds manage to agree a deal to bring Bakwa to Yorkshire, they’d love for him to replicate the impact of their last great signing from Ligue 1, Raphinha.
Of course, the Brazilian is a Ballon d’Or contender for Barcelona, and has been on fire under Hansi Flick for the past 12 months.
Former Leeds forward Raphinha.
Looking back at his days at Elland Road will surely always remind Leeds supporters just how good he was in White.
The Brazilian superstar played 67 times for the club, scoring 17 goals and assisting 12. Strikes like this against Everton were what made him so deadly.
Well, there are certainly similarities between Raphinha and Leeds’ potential new signing Bakwa. The attacker is also lighting up Ligue 1 before his prospective move to Elland Road, and is predominantly a right-winger but can lead the line, just like his Brazilian counterpart.
When looking at the underlying statistics from their most recent seasons in Ligue 1, it is easy to see why Bakwa could be the second coming of Raphinha at Leeds.
For example, the Frenchman averaged 3.86 progressive carries and 0.51 goals and assists per game last season, compared to the former Rennes winger’s tally of 3.40 progressive carries and 0.43 assists per 90 minutes.
Goals and assists
0.51
0.43
Progressive passes
4.66
3.67
Goal-creating actions
0.58
0.27
Progressive carries
3.86
3.4
Ball recoveries
3.32
5.21
A fee of £30m is a big investment just days before the transfer window slams shut, but Bakwa could be worth it for Leeds.
He is a “menacing” attacker, according to football scout Antonio Mango, and can hurt Premier League defenders with his efficiency in the final third.
If Bakwa can replace Raphinha, then he will be well-loved by Leeds fans this season and beyond.
Better than Okafor: Leeds eye last-minute move to sign "unplayable" star
Leeds United are reportedly eyeing up a last-minute move to sign a star who is even better than Noah Okafor.
Well, if Arsenal didn’t already need a new striker, one look at their first six fixtures of the new Premier League season tells you they certainly do.
Andrea Berta has replaced Edu and he’d been completing negotiations on a number of targets but now is the time to strike and ensure the Gunners are ready to hit the ground running once the campaign commences in August.
17th Aug
Manchester United (A)
23rd Aug
Leeds United (H)
30th Aug
Liverpool (A)
13th Sept
Nottingham Forest (H)
20th Sept
Manchester City (H)
27th Sept
Newcastle United (A)
Truth be told, Mikel Arteta and Co couldn’t have been handed a much tougher start with away fixtures at United, Liverpool and Newcastle, while having to play newly-promoted Leeds and title rivals Man City.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetaduring a lap of appreciation after the match
So, this squad needs to be ready. It needs extra firepower. But, the age-old question, who will they sign?
The latest on Arsenal's striker hunt
Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are the two names that feature most prominently on Arsenal’s summer wish list but both deals, at the moment, look complicated.
Gyokeres – the scorer of an enormous 54 goals in 2024/25 – is likely to leave Sporting but Portuguese reports revealed earlier this week that Arsenal have so far yet to meet the Lisbon club’s demands. As a result, they’ve put their pursuit of the Swede on hold.
That means that Sesko has become the number one target again. One report comes from journalist Graeme Bailey who now insists that ‘Sesko is still the furthest along in terms of a deal being done’.
That said, if a deal cannot be agreed, Bailey reveals that ‘it wouldn’t take an awful lot for Arsenal to divert’ their attention elsewhere.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Gyokeres is name-dropped, while Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike are also on the shortlist.
While Arsenal tried and failed to sign Watkins last January, Ekitike isn’t a name we’ve heard mentioned too often in Arsenal circles. Up to now, the race has been between Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
What Ekitike could bring to Arsenal
Arsenal need goals. In 2024/25, no player recorded double figures in the Premier League. Kai Havertz was the top scorer with just 15 – albeit with the caveat that he missed several months through injury – and Mikel Merino ended the campaign as the centre-forward.
To Merino’s credit, he did a fine job, scoring six goals in 12 games. Obviously, that wasn’t enough to help them reach the Champions League final and it served as evidence that the Gunners need a new striker. No ifs, no buts, no maybes, they simply have to sign one.
So, if it’s goals Arsenal require then surely Gyokeres must be the number one option? He scored more than any other player in Europe’s top leagues over the last season and is a rampant finisher. He’s even got experience of English football having played for Brighton and Coventry.
However, there have been doubts, some red flags, so to speak. Had the powerful Swede scored that many goals in a top-five league, you doubt there’d be question marks. However, he did it in the Portuguese top-flight.
We’re not trying to dismiss the quality of the division here but it does pale in comparison to the Premier League or LaLiga for instance.
Then you have the traits Gyokeres could bring. Competent in front of goal, of course, but as data analyst Ben Mattinson outlines, the Swede has a “heavy first touch” and “doesn’t anticipate contact or shield the ball well.”
So, is there a player out there with a better all-around package? In that regard, Ekitike’s your man.
Cast out by PSG despite being heralded as the “next Kylian Mbappe” in some quarters, he departed Paris having played just 33 games, scoring four goals in the French capital.
Luis Enrique and Co are unlikely to lose much sleep given their recent Champions League heroics, but the 22-year-old has become something of a phenomenon in the Bundesliga for Frankfurt.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike.
The Frenchman ended 2024/25 with 22 goals and 12 assists to his name. Not mindblowing numbers, sure, but his electric play is seriously pleasing on the eye.
What should fill Arsenal fans with excitement is regular comparisons to their all-time leading goalscorer. Scout Jacek Kulig has suggested that his most similar player is the great Thierry Henry, while one PSG content creator went as far as to claim he is “the new Henry.” Fine praise indeed.
So, what makes them alike? Well, the goal below tells you all you need to know.
The similarities between Henry and Ekitike here are scary. He’s got the same languid but smooth and powerful running style, brushing defenders aside with ease and then sliding the ball home.
His movement is first class, he’s a phenomenal dribbler and unlike Gyokeres, there’s less chaos to his running style and first touch. Everything feels a bit neater and tidier in that regard.
Let’s throw another bonus in there for you. One of Ekitike’s most similar players in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year, according to FBRef, is Alexander Isak.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Now, we all know how much Arteta rates the Swede and for a fraction of the price, they could sign a player with the potential to be just as good.
Gyokeres might be the best goalscorer on the planet right now but doubts surrounding his playstyle continue to linger. Ekitike is a proper on the last shoulder of the defender striker, someone with pace, power and a Henry-likeness to boot. Arsenal should be all over this move.
He's a lot like Isak: Arsenal in talks to sign amazing upgrade on Sesko
Arsenal are turning their attention to a striker they tried to sign in the winter.
The summer transfer window officially opens for business next month, and Leeds United are likely to be busy as they prepare for a season in the Premier League.
One player who is on the club’s radar is Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Elland Road, and the forward is reportedly open to talks over a permanent switch to West Yorkshire.
The 25-year-old attacker ended the season with ten goals and 12 assists in the Championship, and Leeds are now eyeing a new target who could be amazing for Solomon in the Premier League.
Leeds eyeing Premier League defender
According to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon (25/05/2025), Leeds United are eyeing a new target in the form of West Ham United left-back Aaron Cresswell.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The reporter claims that Daniel Farke is lining up a move to snap up the experienced defender on a free transfer when his contract with the Hammers expires at the end of next month.
Nixon adds, however, that there is also interest from celebrity-owned Championship side Wrexham, who have just been promoted from League One, which means that there is competition for the 35-year-old star’s signature.
The journalist also reveals that Leeds would view the veteran full-back as a squad player, rather than a guaranteed starter, but that does not mean that he would not be an incredibly valuable addition, particularly for Solomon.
Why Leeds should sign Aaron Cresswell
Junior Firpo’s contract is set to expire this summer, and it still remains to be seen whether or not he will put pen to paper on an extension, which means that there is a vacant spot at left-back to be filled as it stands.
Aaron-Cresswell
Cresswell, as Nixon’s report suggests, may not come in to start all 38 games in the Premier League next term, but he is a vastly-experienced top-flight performer who could be relied upon to deliver quality displays when called upon.
Capped three times by England, he played 312 Premier League matches for the Hammers, and 369 games in total, during his time at the London Stadium, which means that Farke would have a defender who has been there and done it at that level.
Appearances
18
Starts
10
Pass accuracy
87%
Dribbled past
0.1x
Ground duel success rate
67%
Aerial duel success rate
50%
As you can see in the table above, Cresswell, who played as a left-back or as a wide centre-back in a three, started ten Premier League games this season and delivered solid defensive displays.
The veteran full-back, whose ball-striking was described as “lovely” by teammate Ryan Fredericks when lauding his left foot, has shown that he still has the physicality and quality to dominate opposition defenders in duels, whilst rarely being dribbled past.
Leeds United'sManorSolomonin action with Harrogate Town's Toby Sims
This suggests that he could be amazing for Solomon, who is a direct winger who wants to constantly attack to score and assist goals, because he is not a defensively weak left-back who needs constant support and doubling up from his forward ahead of him.
This means that the Israel international, should he sign permanently at Elland Road this summer, could love to have Cresswell behind him because his defensively solidity could allow him more freedom to stay higher up the pitch to influence games in the final third.
Leeds could land their best winger since Raphinha by signing £25m "machine"
Leeds United could land their best winger since Raphinha by swooping for this star.
Arsenal have now seemingly held some initial talks over signing a Real Madrid star, with sporting director Andrea Berta looking to the Bernabeu for potential reinforcements this summer.
Arsenal set for busy first summer window under Berta
According to reliable media sources, like Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have already reached an agreement with Martin Zubimendi to become Berta’s first major signing of the next transfer window, following months of reported negotiations.
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The Gunners have spent generously in recent years.
ByCharlie Smith Sep 5, 2025
The Gunners are expected to trigger Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause and seal their replacement for exit-bound Jorginho nice and early, with Berta making a fire-start to his tenure as sporting director.
2. Arsenal
68
3. Newcastle United
66
4. Man City
65
5. Chelsea
63
6. Aston Villa
63
7. Nottingham Forest
62
The 26-year-old’s arrival in north London, as per Ben Jacobs, could even be confirmed by the end of this month, even if there is still an err of caution at the Emirates Stadium.
“Zubimendi, I’m told it is pretty much agreed in principle. I’d be surprised if May ends, and we don’t hear that Zubimendi is an Arsenal player,” said Jacobs.
“Internally at Arsenal, they basically think that one is done. The caution around letting that slip is because Liverpool thought it was done as well.
“Until it’s signed, Arsenal are super cautious, but in terms of contract length, terms, payment around the clause and triggering the clause, all of that Arsenal feel is there and ready to go. It’s a case of saying, ‘OK, let’s get this signed.’ I think we have a very high percentage chance of, in the next few weeks, Zubimendi being confirmed as an Arsenal player.”
After Zubimendi, it is believed Arsenal are looking at signing a second-choice keeper, full-back, right-winger, left-winger and new striker (GiveMeSport), with Mikel Arteta’s side also among the many contenders for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen’s signature.
Arsenal are said to have already made a formal offer to Huijsen, according to some reports from Spain (Cadena SER), as they look to get ahead of Real Madrid and tempt the 20-year-old with an alternative home in the Premier League.
Arsenal make contact over signing Real Madrid striker Rodrygo
According to Diario AS journalist Eduardo Burgos, £202,000-per-week Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is also in their thinking when it comes to attacking reinforcements.
Berta is widely tipped to sign a new striker when the window reopens, with Arsenal having some contact over signing Rodrygo and are among the sides most interested in his services.
The versatile Brazilian, who’s played on the right-wing, left-wing and as a striker under Carlo Ancelotti this season, has 13 goals and 10 assists to his name from 50 appearances in all competitions – so he’d likely cost a marquee fee if Real even entertain the notion of him leaving.
“He is a special striker, he can play in all positions,” said Ancelotti about the 24-year-old. “He is fast, smart and effective one on one. The learning is over. He is a Real Madrid player for all purposes.”
It has been a strange season in front of goal for Chelsea in the Premier League in 2024/25. The Blues are one of the highest scoring teams in the top flight this term, with 62 goals to their name, bettered by just five times. However, only Liverpool, with 81 goals, have scored more than 67.
So, in that sense, it has not been too bad for the Blues. Yet, they have still underperformed their expected goals, as per Understat. That metric suggests the West London outfit are almost eight goals short of what they should have, with an expected goals tally of 69.87xG.
With that in mind, it might not come as much of a surprise that Chelsea are chasing a striker in the summer window.
The latest on Chelsea’s move for a striker
One player who seems to be a target for several of the elite sides in the Premier League is RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The 21-year-old has impressed once again for the Bundesliga side this term, and could be subject to a transfer this summer.
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According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of the sides thought to be ‘preparing’ a bid for the Slovenian international, and they are believed to ‘consider Sesko a top target’ going into the 2025 window.
However, they are not going to be alone in the race for the striker. Sesko, valued as high as £76m by Leipzig, is a wanted man in the Premier League.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
Chelsea’s “Big Six” rivals, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all linked with a summer move for the striker. Outside of the Premier League, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain want to sign the Slovenian.
Why Sesko would be a good signing
It has been an impressive campaign for 21-year-old striker Sesko. He has played an important role for Leipzig across all competitions, leading the line alone or in a front two. He has even played as a second striker and attacking midfielder at times.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates
In total, the Leipzig number 30 has played 43 games in all competitions, scoring 21 goals and registering six assists. That includes 13 goals and five assists in 31 appearances in the Bundesliga this term.
One of the eye-catching things about the Slovenian attacker is his consistency in front of goal. In the German top flight this term, he has never gone on a run of more than four games without a goal, showing how regularly he can find the back of the net.
Sesko certainly has a unique profile, and is someone who football talent scout Jacek Kulig described as a “complete CF”. His ability to score goals consistently and play in a two-man strike partnership speaks volumes about his quality.
If the Blues do bring Sesko to Stamford Bridge, they might have a player in the squad who can upgrade on Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal international has struggled for consistent form this term for the Blues, despite being the first-choice striker at Stamford Bridge.
In 29 Premier League games this season, Jackson has found the back of the net on ten different occasions. However, he has recently broken a Premier League goal drought of 12 games thanks to a goal in a 1-0 win over Everton, which came either side of an injury.
Indeed, there are stats via FBref that suggest Sesko is an upgrade on Jackson. For example, the Leipzig man averages 0.38 goals per shot on target per 90 minutes, compared to 0.29 goals per shot on target each game by Jackson.
Goals per shot on target
0.38
0.29
Progressive passes
1.72
1.52
Goal-creating actions
0.35
0.41
Progressive carries
1.8
1.89
Aerial duels won
2.66
0.78
Make no mistake about it, a deal to sign Sesko this summer will be an expensive one. However, he could be the answer to Chelsea’s occasional struggles in front of goal, and he is more consistent than Jackson across a whole season.
Although £76m is a lot of money, this seems like a deal that Chelsea could do to help improve their fortunes from a goal-scoring point of view.
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