Tanner Bibee will miss his scheduled start for the Cleveland Guardians against the Kansas City Royals on Opening Day due to an illness. It was reportedly due to food poisoning, and MLB fans had a lot of fun with that.
During an appearance on the before the 2024 seasonBibee claimed he eats Chipotle every day he pitches, and that led to a whole lot of jokes.
The jokes came fast and furious.
Bibee recently signed a five-year, $48 million contract extension and he has developed into the team's clear No. 1 starter.
In 2024, Bibee went 12-8 with a 3.47 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP and 187 strikeouts in 173 2/3 innings over 31 starts. That followed a rookie season in 2023 in which he went 10-4 with a 2.98 ERA in 25 starts.
The 26-year-old was excellent in spring training, as he went 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP.
Hopefully Bibee recovers quickly and can get back on the mound soon. Ben Lively will step in and start in his place.
Division Two leaders edging closer to promotion despite Gloucestershire racking up 482
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay09-Sep-2025Leicestershire’s march towards promotion may be in danger of becoming something of a shuffle, but a resilient batting performance saw the Foxes go a long way towards securing the draw that depending on results elsewhere, could prove enough to see them over the line on the second day of their Rothesay County Championship match against Gloucestershire.Big half-centuries from Lewis Hill, his fifth of the season, and Shan Masood, on his Championship debut for the county, saw Leicestershire recover from 86 for 3 and secure a batting bonus point before closing on 270 for 4. Both achieved personal landmarks in the course of their innings, Masood passing 12,000 first-class runs, and Hill 5000.Leicestershire still trail the visitors by 212, and need another 63 runs to be sure of not being asked to follow-on, but a poor weather forecast for days three and four means the draw is now strong favourite, and there should be enough play for Leicestershire to secure at least two more batting bonus points.A return of 14 or 15 points could prove sufficient to confirm their return to the top division.A sunny morning at the UptonSteel County Ground, Grace Road, saw Gloucestershire resume their first innings on 382 for 7, but play began with one of those somewhat unedifying periods of county cricket when the bowling side opts to hurry through a few overs to improve a negative over rate, which in this case saw Leicestershire opening batsmen Rishi Patel and Sol Budinger squeezing 11 overs of their occasional off-spin into the first 20 minutes of play.While on one hand this meant the Foxes were no longer in any danger of being deducted any points at the end of the game, it also meant they had little chance of taking the two wickets they needed for a third bowling bonus point, and Zaman Akhter and Matt Taylor happily and comfortably built a half-century partnership before, with the seamers now back into the attack, Taylor top edged a pull at a short delivery from Logan van Beek, and Hill took a good catch at deep square leg.Van Beek then produced a fine delivery to bowl Josh Shaw, but Akhter and last man Ajeet Singh Dale laid about them to good effect, Akhter registering a third half-century of the season to underline his status as aspiring all-rounder before edging an Ian Holland out-swinger to wicket-keeper Ben Cox.Having made important contributions with the bat, Taylor and Singh Dale then looked dangerous with the ball, finding sufficient movement to beat both Patel and Budinger in impressive spells before lunch. Budinger could consider himself unfortunate however, when having hit Taylor for consecutive boundaries, the left-hander got a delivery that kept markedly low before thudding into off stump.Patel, who has struggled for form in recent weeks, followed shortly after the break, an uncertain defensive push at Shaw giving Ben Charlesworth a straightforward catch at second slip, and though Holland tried to dig in, the Leicestershire captain’s inclination to stay on the back foot cost him when a fullish Taylor delivery stayed low and pinned him leg before.Hill, however, has been one of Leicestershire’s most consistent run scorers this season, and having played himself in, the 34-year-old former captain began to unfurl some fine shots, including four boundaries in five balls before a glorious on-drive off Shaw took him past 50, the half-century coming off 57 deliveries.Masood, coming in to the side in place of Peter Handscomb (the Victorian having returned to Australia to prepare for the forthcoming season down under), also began slowly, but as the ball got older and the bowlers began to tire, he too began to show his class, with one particular late cut verging on the exquisite. The partnership had passed 150 when Hill, to his dismay, was given out caught behind on 88 off the bowling of Matt Taylor.His dismissal brought in another making his Championship debut for Leicestershire, Steve Eskinazi, and the tall right-hander gave Masood solid support in steering their side to the close without further loss.
Barcelona enter a decisive moment in their season with uncertainty surrounding Marcus Rashford, who left training for the second consecutive day due to a severe flu, casting doubt over his availability for the highly-anticipated return to Camp Nou against Athletic Bilbao. As Hansi Flick’s side prepares for their long-awaited homecoming, crucial injury boosts and a renewed push for confidence shape the narrative ahead of a demanding run.
Rashford doubt for Bilbao clash
Barcelona’s preparations for their landmark return to Camp Nou began on an uneasy note as Rashford left training early for the second straight day. According to , the English forward, who has featured in every match since he joined on loan from Manchester United, reported to the club's training ground with persistent flu symptoms and was advised to return home immediately.
"Marcus has a fever. He couldn't train yesterday or today. I'm doubtful for tomorrow," Flick said of the Englishman at a press conference ahead of the weekend's match. Rashford’s absence would be significant as he has contributed significantly to the Catalan side with six goals, nine assists, and a central role in Barca’s attack this season. Furthermore, the timing of this illness particularly worrying as the club enters a demanding stretch of fixtures.
AdvertisementAFPBarcelona’s long-awaited Camp Nou homecoming
Saturday’s match carries emotional weight beyond the footballing stakes as Barcelona finally return to Camp Nou after nearly three years away. Renovation delays, regulatory hurdles and phased construction forced the club to play at the Johan Cruyff Stadium and the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys across two chaotic seasons. The reopening, limited to 45,401 seats due to ongoing work, marks a symbolic reset for the team and supporters.
The rebuilt areas, upgraded facilities, and the introduction of the new “Gol 1957” supporters’ section are intended to restore the stadium’s identity and energy. For a club that struggled to maintain fan connection during displacement, stepping back onto their own turf against Athletic is more than a logistical milestone.
Yamal, Garcia and Raphinha all fit for Bilbao clash
As uncertainty hovers over Rashford, Flick at least receives a rare wave of good news on the medical front. Lamine Yamal has returned to full training after recovering from pubalgia and is expected to feature against Bilbao, likely with controlled minutes.
Joan Garcia, previously sidelined with a meniscus injury, has completed rehabilitation and is set to regain his role between the posts. Raphinha has also progressed through the final phase of recovery and is scheduled to rejoin full sessions immediately after the break.
The only absentee among the returning group is Pedri, who continues separate training but is on track for a timely comeback in the Champions League clash against Chelsea on November 25. For a team that has endured continuous disruption across key positions, this development adds to the team's depth ahead of an intense fixture calendar.
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Getty ImagesFlick's call for confidence and Camp Nou’s spark
Barcelona’s biggest challenge may be rediscovering their conviction, a point Flick himself underlined after the uneven performance against Celta Vigo. The German manager acknowledged the current lack of confidence but expressed optimism that returning players and a more complete squad would steady the team.
"Perhaps right now we lack the confidence we should normally have and need. But now some players are coming back, and that will help us a lot. We have a fantastic squad, and if we play at the high level we did in Vigo, everything will be fine," says Flick.
The emotional spark of returning to Camp Nou further adds a layer of motivation that could also prove decisive for the campaign going ahead.
Everton have made contact over the signing of a “world-class” defender with many trophy wins to his name, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Everton eyeing Richarlison reunion
The Blues are expected to make plenty of changes to their squad in the summer transfer window, both in terms of incoming signings and current players moving on.
Richarlison is arguably among Everton’s best attacking players in the Premier League era, scoring 53 goals in 152 appearances, and the Merseysiders are reportedly interested in bringing him back to the club.
The Brazilian has struggled to consistently shine in a Tottenham shirt, with injuries certainly not helping in that respect, and Blues supporters will hope that he feels he has unfinished business with his former club.
Appearances
152
Goals
53
Assists
15
In terms of other potential signings, ex-Manchester United midfielder Fred is seen as a good option to add to Everton’s midfield, with the Brazilian now playing for Turkish giants Fenerbahce. Grasshopper Zurich attacker Adama Bojang has also been mentioned as a target.
Better than Thierno Barry: Everton considering bid for lethal £42m striker
Everton are looking to sign a striker or two this summer
ByRoss Kilvington Jun 17, 2025 Everton make contact over signing Kyle Walker – Romano
Writing on X on Monday, Romano claimed that Everton have made contact with Manchester City legend Kyle Walker over a potential move to Merseyside this summer.
Walker will be allowed to leave City before next season gets underway, acting as an immediate boost for the Blues, and he could jump at the chance of remaining in the Premier League during the autumn of his career, with David Moyes also approving a transfer for the right-back.
At 35 years of age, there is no doubt that the England international’s best days are now likely to be behind him, but he still possesses electric pace and is a born winner, having clinched league title glory six times in his career, also winning one Champions League crown.
Walker has been among Europe’s best right-backs over the past decade, with his speed arguably making him the best possible opponent for Kylian Mbappe, who called Walker a “tank”. Pep Guardiola has also heaped praise on him in the past.
“I would say first of all [as] a footballer, [he] has a genetic [quality that] is incomparable, physicalities, something unique. After is the personality. When he talks to his mates, the people listen and now I think he is making a step as a more mature player, on and off the pitch.”
Granted, Walker is likely to demand high wages, which Everton may struggle with compared to other clubs, but if he agrees to join them, it would feel like a major coup.
The Blues could get a couple of good years out of him, with the Englishman putting his experience to good use, acting as an upgrade on Moyes’ recent right-back options, too.
The Premier League has seen some world-class wingers since 1992, with Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah the current best player in the top flight.
The Egyptian King has extended his stay at Anfield and looks set to continue to light up the division, but where does Salah rank among the best wingers in Premier League history?
Ranking factors Appearances Goals Assists Titles What others have said about them 20 best wingers in Premier League history: in pictures 20 Leroy Sane Man City
Arguably one of the quickest left-wingers the Premier League has seen, Leroy Sane’s spell at Man City under Pep Guardiola was extremely successful.
The German was one of Guardiola’s first signings at the Etihad and would destroy full-backs with his pace alone, with the Spaniard calling Sane “the best wide player in the world” in 2019.
Games
90
Goals
25
Assists
28
Titles
2
19 Harry Kewell Leeds, Liverpool
After coming through Leeds United’s academy, Harry Kewell made a big impact in the Premier League with the Whites and then Liverpool between 1996-2008.
The Australian, could score all sorts of goals, beat defenders with ease and use his pace to great effect and won the Young Player of the Year in the Premier League in 1999/00.
Games
274
Goals
57
Assists
38
18 Alexis Sanchez Arsenal, Man Utd
Alexis Sanchez’s Premier League career may have been stained slightly due to how his time at Man Utd went, however, he lit up the division with Arsenal between 2014-2018.
Under Arsene Wenger, Sanchez would be the Gunners’ main man in attack, so it’s no surprise that the legendary Arsenal manager would call the Chile star a winger who has “something special”.
Games
154
Goals
63
Assists
31
17 Bukayo Saka Arsenal
Over his career, Bukayo Saka could quite easily rise up this list even higher, and he has already made a big impact for Arsenal since turning professional in 2018.
The England international has become a key player for club and country, cutting in off the right to score with his left foot on a regular basis. Regarded as one of the best attackers in the world, Saka has even been called Thierry Henry’s “favourite player” and “one of the best players in Europe” by Robert Pires.
Games
200
Goals
55
Assists
45
16 Marc Overmars Arsenal
Continuing the trend of great Arsenal wingers brings us to Marc Overmars, who would star in his first season in north London to help the club win their first Premier League title in 1997/98.
The Dutch speedster was called “world-class” by Arsene Wenger and also had great technical ability, so it wasn’t a shock when Barcelona paid big money for Overmars after three years at Highbury.
Games
100
Goals
25
Assists
14
Titles
1
15 Steve McManaman Liverpool, Man City
An academy graduate at Liverpool, Steve McManaman’s ability to dribble past defenders with ease was frightening, and he was key for the Reds out wide in the 1990s.
Going down as an arguably an underrated Liverpool legend, McManaman’s displays caught the eye of Real Madrid, where he would go on to become ‘the most successful English player to head overseas’.
Games
275
Goals
41
Assists
59
14 John Barnes Liverpool, Newcastle
John Barnes was approaching 30 years of age when the Premier League was formed, however, he arguably saved the best years of his career as a winger in the latter stages of his career.
Barnes was even called “the best player” Jamie Carragher has ever trained with and the “best finisher” ahead of Fernando Torres, Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler, which says all you need to know about how good Barnes was at Anfield.
Games
201
Goals
28
Assists
29
13 Freddie Ljungberg Arsenal, West Ham
After scoring seconds into his debut against Man Utd in 1998, Freddie Ljungberg didn’t look back and would go on to become a Premier League great.
The skilful Swedish winger would win two titles under Arsene Wenger and had a knack of scoring important goals for the Gunners. His career in north London has seen him recognised as the 11th best player in Arsenal’s history.
Games
241
Goals
48
Assists
29
Player of the Season
1
Titles
2
12 David Ginola Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Everton
Iconic winger David Ginola lit up the Premier League in the 1990s and will be best remembered for his time at Newcastle and Tottenham, so much so he was voted PFA Player of the Year during Man Utd’s treble-winning season.
Ginola’s ability to dribble past defenders with ease was his main attribute, and he made the game look extremely easy in his prime, being named among the top 10 Frenchman to play in the Premier League.
Games
195
Goals
21
Assists
42
Player of the Season
1
11 Son Heung-min Tottenham
Son Heung-min has shown during his time at Spurs that he can do it all. Create, take defenders on, score every type of goal, the South Korea star has lit up the division for more than 10 years now.
Regarded as ‘the best finisher in world football’, Son also became the first player from Asia to score more than 100 goals in the Premier League and even won the Golden Boot with 23 goals in 35 games in 2021/22.
Chelsea are now eyeing a summer move for a “composed” defender, with manager Enzo Maresca believed to be a keen admirer, according to a report.
Blues eyeing centre-back amid latest Disasi update
Axel Disasi has spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa, and it looks as though the 27-year-old could be heading for a permanent exit at the end of the season, with the Villans now opening talks over a summer deal.
Maresca’s side have been faring well in their pursuit of the Champions League without Disasi, and they are now just one win away from securing qualification for Europe’s elite competition next season, with the crucial trip to Nottingham Forest pencilled in for next weekend.
As such, it could make sense to sanction the Frenchman’s departure, but Maresca may be keen on bringing in a top-level replacement, should his side return to the Champions League, with FA Cup-winning captain Marc Guehi among the potential targets.
Crystal Palace's Joel Ward and MarcGuehicelebrate with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
After leading his Crystal Palace side to FA Cup glory, Guehi is likely to have no shortage of interest this summer, but the 24-year-old is not the only English centre-back of interest to the west Londoners.
According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Chelsea are now interested in signing Leicester City defender Ben Nelson, who caught the eye with his impressive performances for Oxford United in the Championship last season.
£172k-per-week star keen to join Chelsea regardless of Champions League race
He’d want the move to Stamford Bridge no strings attached.
13 ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025
The Blues have been keen on Nelson for quite some time, having also considered a move back in the January transfer window, and their interest seems like it stems from their manager, with Maresca believed to be an admirer.
The Italian has previously described his former player as “ideal”, while also adding: “He’s quick. He can play right or left – it’s perfect.”
"Composed" Nelson destined for the top
Not only is Maresca a big fan of the Leicester ace, but he also impressed teammate Peter Kioso during his time with the U’s, with the fellow defender saying: “Nels has come in and done what he’s needed to do. Credit to him, he’s still a young lad and I feel like he’ll go to the very top in football, just from his mentality and how he reads the game, and how composed he is.”
Player
Current club
Potential cost
Marc Guehi
Crystal Palace
£60m
Antonio Rudiger
Real Madrid
Unknown
David Hancko
Feyenoord
£42m
Ousmane Diomande
Sporting CP
£68m
The 21-year-old missed large parts of the campaign with injury problems, but he remained a key player when fit, making 17 appearances for Oxford in the Championship, featuring at centre-back on every occasion.
Having put in some solid performances in the second tier at a young age, the £5k-a-week defender may soon be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, but Chelsea should also make sure to bring in a more experienced centre-back, having identified a number of targets.
Liverpool have lost their underdog moniker under the management of Arne Slot, who is a Premier League-winning manager in his maiden campaign.
That’s for the best. Anfield, after all, plays host to one of the best and most fearsome outfits in world football, and the powers that be will no doubt be aware Arsenal and Manchester City are ready to make sweeping changes over the summer.
It’s the full-backs, however, who have been the first port of call. Jeremie Frimpong is on the verge of completing his transfer as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, while plans have been drawn to secure a long-term star at left-back.
In something of an open secret, FSG are looking to close talks with Bournemouth for their rising talent Milos Kerkez, who is desperate to make the move to Merseyside.
Liverpool advancing in talks for Milos Kerkez
Andy Robertson became a two-time Premier League winner this year, starting 28 matches with one to spare. However, the 31-year-old is on the decline and bringing Kerkez in as his heir is a brilliant move.
Not least because the two can work together next season, the younger man absorbing the teachings of one of the modern game’s finest full-backs.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Kerkez, 21, is closing on his dream move to Merseyside, with personal terms all wrapped up and now advancing discussions with the Cherries, who have previously listed the Hungarian at £45m.
Hailed a “revelation at Bournemouth” by pundit Jamie Carragher, Kerkez is the perfect wide defender for Slot’s side, with a balanced approach, energy and tenacity, athleticism and initiative.
Kerkez would add a dimension for sure, but that’s not Liverpool done and dusted in the rearguard. Indeed, FSG may yet green-light another move for a central defender to complete a title-winning defence.
Liverpool line up new centre-back
Liverpool missed out on Dean Huijsen, the Bournemouth centre-back moving to Real Madrid despite the vested interests of the Premier League’s biggest hitters.
Huijsen isn’t the only talented defender on the market, though, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi also on the Reds’ radar.
According to GIVEMESPORT’s Dean Jones, Liverpool continue to circle for the Three Lions star, though they are joined by a host of further clubs: Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Juventus.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts
Currently, Guehi is understood to have a market value of £50m, but after Oliver Glasner orchestrated an incredible FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, the Eagles may well look for something steeper, a fresh update that will no doubt have Liverpool and the rest chewing over.
That said, the 24-year-old is about to enter the final year of his deal, so this might be one that carries into the thick of the summer market.
What Marc Guehi would offer Liverpool
Crystal Palace signed Guehi from Chelsea for £18m in 2021, and now he is immortal.
Across 155 appearances, he’s scored eight goals and risen in reputation and actual ability to become one of England’s finest. Now, his triumph in the FA Cup has solidified his greatness in south London.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
This might make it more difficult to pull him away from Glasner’s clutches, for Palace will compete in the Europa League next year, but the savvy Steve Parish runs the risk of losing his prized asset on a free if bids are turned away over the coming months.
Regarding Liverpool, Slot and co may want to exhaust every reasonable option to bring him to the club. The two-footed centre-half really could be the perfect signing alongside Kerkez, especially since he bears a likeness to Huijsen.
Matches (starts)
34 (34)
30 (25)
Goals
3
3
Assists
2
1
Touches*
64.9
64.4
Pass completion
84%
84%
Key passes*
0.5
0.5
Dribble success
86%
40%
Ball recoveries*
4.3
3.4
Tackles + interceptions*
2.6
2.9
Clearances*
4.6
6.0
Duels (won)*
4.9 (59%)
3.8 (57%)
As you can see, both players have dynamic qualities on the ball and are strong and sure in their defensive work.
But why are we discussing Real Madrid-bound Huijsen? Well, given the similarities and, dare we say, superiorities across certain areas in Guehi’s favour, it’s hard to imagine he’d be anything other than a bona fide success alongside Kerkez in the years to come.
After all, we’re talking about “one of the most impressive defensive lines in Europe,” something echoed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, whose expansive style of football under the wing of Andoni Iraola could see Kerkez dovetail right into the Liverpool scene.
Bournemouth defenders Milos Kerkez & Dean Huijsen
Guehi, who has had a taste for success with Palace this year, is a defender catered toward the highest station. His ability to pick out promising attacks with regularity is something Huijsen has built into his efforts this year, and is something that Kerkez has indeed used to charge his exploits.
Over the past year, Guehi has established himself as a starting fixture for England, but the signs of brilliance have been there for far longer.
His former teammate at youth level for England, Josef Bursik, once remarked that the “tank” of a defender is fantastic to play with as it’s “like having a brick wall in front of you.”
With a silky ability to play out from the back, ranking among the top 9% of Premier League centre-backs this year for through balls and the top 18% for shot-creating actions per 90 (as per FBref), Guehi could thread neat balls out wide, into space, into Kerkez’s path.
It’s quite the exciting combination, one Liverpool fans may begin to salivate over given Kerkez looks pretty nailed-on to sign for Liverpool in the coming weeks.
More importantly, it’s all evidence that Liverpool, Premier League champions, aren’t resting on their laurels, and are acting like the goliath institution that they are.
Liverpool big admirers of £90m Wirtz alternative who's a Bellingham clone
Liverpool are interested in signing Florian Wirtz this summer.
Ahead of what could be another busy summer at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have now reportedly held direct talks with one European club chief over signing a £42m defender.
Chelsea making summer transfer plans
As ever, the Blues will be ones to watch this summer. Even as their Champions League qualification remains unconfirmed, those at Stamford Bridge are likely to be in a position to splash the cash in an attempt to finally put a side together capable of taking Chelsea back into the Premier League title picture.
With the summer transfer window fast-approaching too, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast. Names such as Ollie Watkins and Dean Huijsen have particularly been mentioned among the headlines in recent weeks and there’s no denying that both would hand Enzo Maresca key upgrades at opposite ends of his strongest side.
Watkins would be a particularly interesting arrival thanks to his place at Aston Villa – a direct rival for Champions League qualification. A proven goalscorer in the Premier League, the England international could finally be the answer to the Blues’ striker problems if he decides to swap the Midlands for the London club this summer.
In pursuit of a rival star, to say that Champions League qualification would go a long way towards luring such players to Stamford Bridge would be a major understatement – especially if it means that Aston Villa miss out on a place.
Whilst it’s easy for the Blues to get ahead of themselves, however, Maresca chose to remain fairly grounded when quizzed on the frantic top five battle – telling reporters: “The mood is good and I’ve said for a few weeks now that it’s a matter of how we manage emotions until the end [of the season],’ the Blues head coach explained.
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They’ve set their sights on another young talent.
ByTom Cunningham May 3, 2025
“When we win games, we are happy and when we don’t win, we’re not happy. But it’ll be a race until the end and we need to manage the emotions. In this moment, the main thing is to watch ourselves and be focused on ourselves. This is the main point. For sure, there are more clubs involved [in the top-five race] but for us, it’s important to stay focused on ourselves.”
Chelsea step up move to sign Hato
Away from the action on the pitch, meanwhile, BlueCo have reportedly been busy. According to Dutch journalist Mike Verweij on De Telegraaf’s Kick Off podcast, Chelsea have now held direct talks with Ajax chief Alex Kroes over signing Jorrel Hato this summer.
The teenage full-back has enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Netherlands and BlueCo are now reportedly set to step up their chase for his signature in a deal worth £42m this summer. Adding competition for Marc Cucurella in the process, Hato would go a long way towards handing Maresca a complete squad.
Praised for an “excellent” season by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Hato looks likely to be one to watch as Chelsea push to welcome yet another young talent this summer.
With their entire season now hinging on the Champions League, it’s obvious where Arsenal need to strengthen this summer: attack.
Mikel Arteta’s side still boast the best defence in the Premier League, and with Martin Zubimendi looking like he will be joining Declan Rice in midfield this summer, it’s evident that up top is where the Gunners are lacking.
The club must share this sentiment, as the last few months have seen a whole host of strikers touted for moves to the Emirates, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak being one of the most significant and consistent.
However, with stories suggesting he could cost up to an eye-watering £150m, it’s a move that feels out of reach, which could explain recent reports linking the North Londoners to another free-scoring forward who’d be the perfect answer to the Toon star.
Arsenal's striker search
With Arsenal clearly needing a new centre-forward this summer, it’s worth looking at some of the other names that have been linked with them recently, such as Benjamin Sesko.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Slovenian international has long been touted for a move to the Emirates, but the £58m links feel that bit more substantial this time, and considering he’s already racked up 20 goals and six assists this season, he’d surely be a great addition to the squad.
Someone who wouldn’t cost the Gunners a penny in transfer fees is Jonathan David. The Canadian international’s contract with LOSC Lille comes to an end in the summer, and with an incredible track record of 96 goals and provided 24 assists in his last 181 club appearances, he’d be an unreal free agent.
However, if Arteta and Co want a genuine answer to Isak’s game-changing abilities this summer, they’ll need a statement signing of their own, which is where Viktor Gyokeres comes in.
According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, the Gunners are now ready to ‘up the ante in their pursuit’ of the Swedish international.
In fact, the report has revealed that the North Londoners have made him their ‘main focus’ ahead of the transfer window and are set to hold talks with his representatives about a move.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
It’s a move that could reportedly cost Arsenal around £70m, and while that is a lot of money, this is a deal they should be looking to conclude as soon as possible, as he might be the perfect answer to Isak.
Why Gyokeres is Arsenal's perfect answer to Isak
Okay, the first and most obvious reason Gyokeres could be the perfect answer to Isak for Arsenal is his price tag.
With him potentially costing £80m less than the Toon star, his transfer wouldn’t completely disrupt the club’s other recruitment plans for the summer, in turn allowing Arteta to sign another winger and possibly a further, up-and-coming attacker who could be slowly introduced into the side.
On top of costing far less than the former Real Sociedad star, the Sporting “powerhouse”, as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, is also far sturdier and more reliable.
For example, throughout his entire career, the former Coventry City star has missed just five games for club and country, and one of those was so that he could rest.
In stark contrast, the Magpies’ talismanic marksman has missed a staggering 67 games for club and country, which, for someone who is still only 25, is more than a slight concern.
Appearances
39
48
Minutes
3054′
3858′
Goals
26
52
Assists
6
12
Goal Involvements per Match
0.82
1.33
Minutes per Goal Involvement
95.43′
60.28′
Finally, when it comes down to their raw output, the Stockholm-born “monster,” as dubbed by Mattinson, actually blows the Newcastle ace out of the water.
For example, in just 48 appearances, totalling 3858 minutes, he’s scored 52 goals and provided 12 assists for Sporting, which comes out at a staggering average of 1.33 goal involvements per game, or one every 60.28 minutes.
In contrast, Isak has scored 26 goals and provided six assists in 39 appearances, totalling 3054 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.21 games, or every 95.43 minutes.
Granted, the latter is playing in a far harder league, but the sheer amount of goals scored by the former is out of this world.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeres
Ultimately, while Gyokeres is not yet proven in the Premier League, he’s set to cost £80m less than Isak while having a far better injury record and significantly better goal involvement to game ratio.
Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign the Sporting CP star this summer, as he’s the perfect answer to the Toon titan.
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Arsenal are now keen on signing an “incredible” £50m forward, who could be a “great fit” for Mikel Arteta’s side, but there is set to be competition from Liverpool, according to a report.
Gunners set to strengthen attacking options
The Gunners have done incredibly well to reach the Champions League semi-final, given that they have been without a striker since Kai Havertz suffered a hamstring injury in February, but it is near certain a new forward will be brought in this summer.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has now stated a new striker “will arrive” at the Emirates Stadium, with the north Londoners identifying the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres as potential targets.
Not only that, but Arteta is seemingly eager to strengthen out wide too, with a bid for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams now in the works, while they could also snap up Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman for a fee of just £30m.
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There is certainly no shortage of targets for Arsenal, and a report from The Sun has now revealed they could look to raid one of their Premier League rivals, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo of interest, but there will be competition for his signature.
Newcastle United and Liverpool are also keen on a move for the 25-year-old – he is thought to be Magpies director Paul Mitchell’s dream target so the Gunners could throw a spanner in the works by hijacking a move instead of going for Isak.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match
Mbeumo’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026, and he will not come cheap with the Bees looking to receive a fee of around £50m for his services, while there is an option for the Cameroonian to extend his stay by an extra year.
"Incredible" Mbeumo could be "great fit" for Arsenal
Amid links with a move to north London in the January transfer window, Robbie Lyle from AFTV stated he could be a “great fit” for the Gunners, and his performances this season indicate he could be a fantastic signing.
The France-born forward has scored a remarkable 18 goals in the Premier League, the joint-fourth highest total in the division, while also providing six assists, indicating he is more than ready for a move to a top club.
Most recently, the right-winger showcased his finishing ability by picking up a brace and an assist in his side’s impressive 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Lauded as “incredible” by reporter Dom Smith, Mbeumo could take Arsenal’s attack to the next level, but he may have to move to the left wing if he is to receive regular game time, given that very few players in the world are capable of displacing Bukayo Saka.