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Newcastle United look to have beaten Tottenham to the signing of a talented young gem, having reportedly reached an agreement with him.

The latest on Newcastle's attacking situation

Alexander Isak’s Magpies future has continued to dominate the headlines in recent days, with Liverpool seeing a £110m offer for the Swede rejected on Friday.

Newcastle will now be bracing themselves for a second bid for Isak’s signature from the Premier League champions, but they are unlikely to budge until a replacement is sorted, rather than risking getting themselves into a mess.

That could potentially be RB Leipzig marksman Benjamin Sesko, with one report even claiming that the Magpies have beaten Manchester United to his signature.

Brentford attacker Yoane Wissa is another strong target, while Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson have also been mentioned as options.

At the other end of the pitch, Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi has been linked with a move to St James’ Park, with a new defender hugely important for Eddie Howe this summer.

Newcastle reach agreement with young English ace

According to NUFC Blog, Newcastle have reached an agreement with West Brom teenager Muawiya Gjhanem, pipping Tottenham and others to his signature in the process. The Magpies have actually beaten several ‘big six’ clubs.

The midfielder will “soon arrive on Tyneside” to complete the transfer, with the Magpies continuing to “bolster their academy ranks” with top young English talent.

Not a lot is understandably known about Ghanem, given his age and vast lack of experience, but signing top emerging talent has to be seen as a priority for Newcastle, allowing them to build into the future.

The 15-year-old predominantly operates as a No.8 in midfield, and he could learn so much from afar if he was at the same club as the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.

The report states that Ghanem has “been invited to England’s talent ID camps, showing he is very much on the Young Lions’ radar”, and it looks like the only way is up for him currently.

Better than Sesko: Newcastle eyeing £40m striker who's "turning heads"

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be even better than Benjamin Sesko.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 3, 2025

The fact that Newcastle have seemingly pipped a number of big clubs to the Englishman’s signature speaks volumes about the strides they have made as a club in recent years, with young stars seeing them as an exciting place to move to.

Manchester United’s senior players were forced to stage an intervention to address Alejandro Garnacho’s attitude before the winger’s exile from the first team and eventual move to Chelsea. Garnacho’s self-centred behaviour, both on and off the pitch, left Ruben Amorim and Red Devils players frustrated, ultimately leading to his Old Trafford exit just months after tensions began brewing.

• Man Utd leadershp group confronted Garnacho

  The Sun has reported that Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Harry Maguire were among the leaders who confronted Garnacho over his selfish attitude. Despite repeated attempts to get him to focus more on the team, the winger refused to change his ways. His clashes with Amorim, alongside temper tantrums and outspoken behaviour on social media, pushed him closer to the exit door.

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  Amorim was hoping to make Garnacho central to his plans

  Amorim initially hoped Garnacho would be central to his plans after arriving in November, but their relationship soured quickly. A series of flashpoints, including his conduct in Plzen, convinced the manager that the youngster was damaging the squad’s harmony. By January, it was clear that a parting of ways was unavoidable, with Amorim confident in his decision to exile Garnacho from the first-team squad.

• Garnacho's negative attitude affected Man Utd dressing room

  Garnacho’s mood swings and inability to handle setbacks only deepened the rift between him and the club. Senior players felt his negative energy was beginning to influence the dressing room. His eventual move to Chelsea came as little surprise to those who had witnessed the breakdown firsthand.

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  Garnacho returns to Old Trafford with Chelsea

  Garnacho returns to Old Trafford with Chelsea this weekend, just three weeks after leaving Manchester United. The reception he receives is expected to be frosty, given the circumstances of his departure. Amorim, meanwhile, has turned his focus to improving performances with his job now on the line.

Arsenal could reportedly launch a mega Kenan Yildiz swoop as the Gunners have been linked with a €60 million (£52m/$70m) swap deal to sign the Juventus ace. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has been on fire for the Old Lady this term. With two goals and four assists in just five appearances, Yildiz has rocketed to the top of Juve’s list of untouchables.

• North London's obsession with Yildiz

  reports that Mikel Arteta and his recruitment chiefs are “crazy” about the Turkish international. Behind the scenes, initial conversations are said to have been sparked, although it remains unclear whether they’ve reached out to the player’s camp, Juventus directly, or both. What is clear, however, is Arsenal’s burning intent to bring Yildiz to the Emirates.

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  Details of the deal

  Arsenal are willing to table €60m in cash along with Leandro Trossard as bait. Juventus, though, reportedly value Yildiz closer to the €80-100m (£70m/$94m-£87m/$117m) bracket, making the proposed package a test of their resolve. For Juve, the Belgian winger offers experience and versatility, but at 31 this December, his resale value is slim compared to the rising star they currently possess.

• Juve digging in their heels

  Sources close to the Italian club insist the Bianconeri want to hold on to their prized asset. In fact, Juve are already working to lock Yildiz down on a fresh contract running until 2030. That long-term plan signals just how central the young midfielder is to their future vision. Letting him go now, even with €60m plus Trossard on the table, would be a bitter pill to swallow.

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  Arteta desperate for more firepower

  Despite strengthening his frontline in the summer, with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Victor Gyokeres, and Noni Madueke, Arteta is still keen to inject fresh creativity and youth into his attack. Yildiz, with his ability to glide past defenders and unlock tight games, fits the bill perfectly.

A win is a win. Arsenal will no doubt take it. It wasn’t all guns blazing but the Gunners walked away from Old Trafford, a fixture they notoriously find difficult, with a 1-0 win on the opening weekend of the season.

It wasn’t pretty against Manchester United but Mikel Arteta’s side, who simply drew too many games last term, found a way to get over the line.

They did so with resilience, they did so with a few nerves, and they did so with set-pieces. Yep, Set Piece FC are back.

Since Nicolas Jover came to the club, Arsenal have been brilliant from corners in particular and it was a shock to absolutely no one that the game’s only goal came from a Declan Rice set play.

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How Arsenal defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford

Arsenal’s pre-season preparations were far from ideal. There was a lack of spark to their attack, really until the 3-0 win over Athletic Club last weekend.

On that occasion, Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz were on the scoresheet. It felt like a complete performance from seemingly Arteta’s strongest lineup.

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However, fast forward a week and that same flow, that same sharpness was lacking. In truth, Arsenal’s attack was bettered by the United forward line in every department but goals.

While Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, signed from Wolves and Brentford respectively, looked a constant threat, the same cannot be said for those leading the line for the visitors.

Still, Arsenal found a way and it came through yet another corner. In all honesty, though, United did not cover themselves in glory.

From the boot of Rice, the midfielder swung the ball in from the left corner flag and it was not dealt with properly, chiefly by goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

United have had a number of problems in their goalkeeping department in recent years and it was no different to start the 2025/26 campaign. Bayindir flapped at the ball and almost put it into his own net where Riccardo Calafiori headed home from a yard out.

That was the only chance of note that the Gunners had, as they had the likes of David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel to thank defensively. Raya, in particular, stood out for the away side, notably making a wonderful stop to prevent Matheus Cunha in the first half.

It left Gary Neville in awe but it’s unlikely many supporters would be in awe. While Arsenal found a way to leave Manchester with all three points, the same issues from last season were evident.

One of the biggest problems was the attack, and Arteta must find a way to get marquee signing, Gyokeres, firing.

Gyokeres' nightmare debut in numbers

Last weekend gave supporters huge hope that Gyokeres was going to be the man to fire Arsenal to the title.

His opening goal in the famous red and white was brilliantly taken, darting across the defender and heading home a Martin Zubimendi cross.

Yet, that same movement and speed of thought was not apparent at Old Trafford this weekend. In fact, Gyokeres endured a debut to forget, a matter outlined by Football.London’s Tom Canton who handed the Swede a 5/10 match rating and wrote: ‘Struggled to get into the game in the first half and was limited in terms of service and touches.’

It’s true that Gyokeres severely underwhelmed in Manchester. He left the field on 60 minutes to a chorus of jeers from United supporters and he trudged off having failed to have a single effort on goal.

That speaks of a disconnected frontline in general. While the summer signing could have done better, Gabriel Martinelli and Saka did very little to help the big striker thrive.

Saka is usually the creative hub of this team. No player created more goalscoring chances per 90 minutes in the Premier League last term.

Yet, on Sunday, he only completed one of his six dribble attempts and completed just one key pass. Martinelli, on the other hand, didn’t complete any dribbles. He also registered one key pass too. Combined, they lost the ball on 20 occasions.

On that evidence, Gyokeres was starved and was likely cursing his teammates at points. He did make the runs, but was often ignored, just as he was in pre-season.

The fact of the matter is that Arsenal will need to change the way they play in attack to accommodate the former Sporting man. What’s also true is that Gyokeres need to improve himself.

For such a strong, imposing player, the 27-year-old was bullied throughout, posting just four passes and winning only three of his 13 duels and only one of six in the air.

Gyokeres will likely score a lot of goals this season. After all, he did net 54 times in 2024/25, but he and the team will need to improve quickly for him to hit the ground running.

Arsenal took the points but their forward line will no doubt be a concern for Arteta.

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Bigger talent than Eze: Arsenal monitoring deal for "world-class" £35m gem

Arsenal look set to look past a move for Eberechi Eze in favour of another top-level talent.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 16, 2025

Two decades have passed since Mexico shocked the world in Peru with a 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 2005 U17 World Cup final. For many fans, that night at the Estadio Nacional remains one of the defining moments in Mexican football history. The tournament launched the careers of players such as Carlos Vela, Giovani dos Santos and Héctor Moreno.

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  An unforgettable October day

  Oct. 2, 2005 is etched in the memory of Mexican football. On that day, a squad of teenagers – most of them still unknown back home – lifted Mexico’s first FIFA World Cup trophy at the U17 level. Coached by Jesús “Chucho” Ramírez, the team stunned Brazil 3-0 in the final in Lima, introducing the phrase México, campeón del mundo” to the global stage for the very first time.

  That golden generation included the likes of Giovani dos Santos, Carlos Vela, César Villaluz, Enrique Esqueda, Héctor Moreno, Efraín Juárez, and Ever Guzmán. In Peru, they didn’t just compete – they dominated.

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  The birth of a historic partnership

  The final showcased the lethal partnership that would go on to define El Tri’s youth ranks for years: Dos Santos and Vela. Gio’s creativity and daring runs repeatedly tore defenses apart, while Vela’s killer instinct punished every mistake. Mexico’s opening goal in the final summed it up perfectly: Dos Santos slipped free, Vela applied the finish.

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  'Nobody believed in us'

  In an interview years later with , Juan Carlos “Torito” Silva admitted the squad thrived on proving doubters wrong:

  “Nobody believed in us," he said. "But we were never insecure, never afraid. Chucho made us visualize everything – we’d lie down, close our eyes, imagine being world champions. We even imagined playing Brazil in the final. And it happened. Everything we pictured came true.”

  The celebration of Omar Esparza's goal, Silva said, embodied that team’s essence: raw passion, grit, and an unwavering belief in themselves.

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  Why didn’t this generation shine more?

  But what happened to that golden crop? Some, such as Vela, Dos Santos, and Moreno, made their mark at the highest levels. Others struggled to keep pace. For Ramírez, though, the project was always about more than one tournament. Speaking to ESPN, he reflected on the legacy:

  “They had already won a World Cup," he said. "They’d gone to another at U20 level. It was supposed to be the foundation for bigger things. But then ideas changed. A new coach came in with different preferences and suddenly those eight years of development didn’t matter anymore.”

  Even with mixed outcomes for individual careers, the 2005 team remains a touchstone moment. That night in Lima showed Mexico it could dream bigger on the world stage – and, most importantly, it could win.

Tottenham Hotspur have now accelerated their pursuit of a “technically beautiful” Savinho alternative, with Manchester City reluctant to sanction the Brazilian’s departure.

Tottenham facing uphill battle in Savinho pursuit

With Son Heung-min exiting N17 and James Maddison set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, it is imperative that Tottenham bolster their attacking options ahead of the transfer deadline, which is in just one week’s time.

Savinho has emerged as one of Spurs’ major targets, and the Brazil international is keen on a move to N17, but Man City are hesitant to sanction a departure, and are looking to hold out for a fee in the region of £70m – £80m.

Promisingly, Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Thomas Frank’s side are prepared to spend big to secure the 21-year-old’s signature.

However, given that it is by no means a guarantee that City will be prepared to sell, the Lilywhites are continuing to run the rule over potential alternative targets, and there has now been a development in their pursuit of AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.

According to a report from Football Insider, Spurs are now accelerating the deal to sign Akliouche, with Monaco prepared to accept a bid in the region of £47.5m, which could make the 23-year-old a more realistic target than Savinho.

Transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke added: “He’s a top young player, 23 years old, probably one of the most exciting young talents in Ligue 1 right now – he can play as a winger, or as a number 10 as well.

Levy now launches Tottenham move to sign "sensational" £30m Eze alternative

Daniel Levy has now personally stepped up his interest in an attacking midfielder.

2

By
Dominic Lund

Aug 24, 2025

“If Tottenham aren’t able to resurrect their deal for Savinho, Akliouche would be a decent alternative, and it does seem that Monaco would sell at the right price.”

"Technically beautiful" Akliouche could be exciting Savinho alternative

Scout Antonio Mango is clearly a big fan of the Monaco star, having described him as a “dream to watch play football” and “technically beautiful”, off the back of an impressive 2024-25 campaign.

The Frenchman amassed 19 goal contributions in all competitions across the season, perhaps most memorably finding the back of the net with a stunning overhead kick against Rennes.

Savinho should remain Tottenham’s top target, given that the starlet is already proven in the Premier League, chipping in with ten Premier League assists for City last season.

However, Akliouche has proven that he could be a fantastic alternative option, and an asking price of around £47.5m seems reasonable, given the forward’s exploits last season.

It’s officially FPL season and that means absurd forfeits, creative team names and feeling guilty about cheering a late Bruno Fernandes penalty. Come on, we’ve all done it.

After three gameweeks, a clearer picture is beginning to emerge as to who the must-have players could be. Last season, it was Jacob Murphy who emerged as a surprise option, but in the current campaign the likes of Jack Grealish are proving to be worthwhile transfer coups.

There’s still plenty to think about, however, and with two wildcards at your disposal, there’s still time to ensure that your Dad who still thinks Fernando Torres is Liverpool’s No.9 does not win the family league title for a third straight season.

Best gameweek to use FPL wildcard

The international break is here and, more importantly, the summer transfer window has ended. Using your wildcard now could be wise. It would be an understandable urge, but holding fire and implementing a free hit this time around may be the way forward. That way, any slight gamble taken on a now-underperforming player can be solved for at least one week whilst some much-needed points are gained.

The fixtures are also not the most suitable after the international break. In back-to-back weeks, Manchester City face Manchester United and then Arsenal, which could instantly see potential wildcard pick Erling Haaland struggle to leave his usual mark.

More factors to consider are form, injuries and how far players have travelled during the international break. Whilst it may seem tempting to jump the gun and welcome Alexander Isak into your side, for example, the last thing you want is to spend £10.4m on a player who is unlikely to start until he is deemed ready to go after missing pre-season.

So, when is the best time to wildcard? Well, gameweek six stands out. By that point, it will be clear whether a new signing can hit the ground running or if they are even in a starting role. Any lasting effects of the international break will also be known by this point and the fixtures become more routine for the likes of Haaland and Man City, while Arsenal also have an easier swing coming in October.

After getting Haaland into your side that week, it would be an ideal time to captain the Norwegian against newly-promoted Burnley at the Etihad.

Best wildcard picks in FPL

By holding out until matchday six, several impressive options should emerge – including Isak. By that point, he should be ready to go and in a Liverpool side that already includes Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike no less. The Swede is almost a guarantee for goals and is far cheaper than Haaland or new teammate Salah, who cost £14.1m and £14.5m respectively.

To partner the Premier League’s record signing, getting Joao Pedro in is a must at this stage. At £7.6m, he is a bargain buy and should now start most games under Enzo Maresca following Liam Delap’s injury.

Having Ekitike, Haaland and Pedro together – albeit whilst sacrificing Isak and/or Salah – gives you three of the hottest players in the league right now and would leave room for a strong midfield.

Elsewhere, Xavi Simons at £7m is also one to watch as a player who scored 11 goals and assisted eight more for RB Leipzig last season before recently joining Tottenham. The arrival of several fresh faces in North London has thrown up some interesting FPL decisions to make, but Thomas Frank and Daniel Levy did not spend £52m on a benchwarmer, so his minutes should be secure once he settles, perhaps at the cost of Brennan Johnson.

If you’re searching for a differential, new Crystal Palace signing Yeremy Pino (£6.0m) looked fantastic off the bench in his Gameweek 3 debut, and the injuries to Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton mean he is almost certain to start most matches from here on out.

In defence, at least one Arsenal defender becomes a must as their fixtures turn from Gameweek 7 onwards, with Gabriel at £6.1m the safest for minutes while Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori – both £5.6m – offer a goal threat.

Continuing that theme, the obvious pick in goal is David Raya, but keep an eye on Marco Bizot at Aston Villa, who now appears to be Unai Emery’s favoured choice at just £4.5m.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe may not have been entirely truthful when insisting Manchester United had no plans to sack under-fire boss Ruben Amorim, according to body language expert Inbaal Honigman. The INEOS chief’s gestures and expressions reportedly revealed “tension” and “secrecy” during a recent interview, hinting that the club’s stance on Amorim’s future may not be as clear-cut as suggested.

• Ruben Amorim backed by Ratcliffe at Man Utd

  During a recent appearance on The Business podcast by The Times, Manchester United part-owner Ratcliffe was questioned about the future of head coach Amorim. Despite growing pressure on the Portuguese manager following a poor start to the Premier League campaign, Ratcliffe dismissed speculation of a sacking and insisted Amorim would be given time to prove himself. The billionaire said that he envisioned a “three-year” period for the coach to demonstrate his ability, stressing that United would not react to short-term struggles with “knee-jerk” decisions.

  However, Ratcliffe’s reassurances did little to quell speculation surrounding Amorim’s job security. The former Sporting CP coach has endured a difficult spell since arriving at Old Trafford last November, having won just 10 of his 34 league games in charge. His side currently sit 10th in the Premier League table and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town, amplifying pressure on his position.

  Despite Ratcliffe’s public backing, many supporters and pundits remain unconvinced by Amorim’s performance. Reports suggest that the Glazer family and Ineos executives are divided on how long the club should persist with the 40-year-old. While Ratcliffe called for patience, his body language during the interview has drawn attention for potentially revealing deeper uncertainty behind the scenes.

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  Body language expert decodes Ratcliffe's Amorim comments

  Body language expert Inbaal Honigman analysed Ratcliffe’s interview for OLBG, concluding that his mannerisms suggested discomfort and partial dishonesty. “Crossed arms form a protective gesture, as if hiding himself from the toughest questions,” she explained. “Even more so when Sir Jim’s hand covers his own bicep in a warm self-hug, soothing himself.” Honigman also noted that Ratcliffe displayed rapid blinking during tense moments, a “telltale sign of dishonesty.”

  She went on to explain that some of Ratcliffe’s gestures — particularly when he used firm, ‘chopping’ hand movements – indicated decisiveness and a clear plan. However, his shifting posture and brief self-soothing motions reflected “tension and even secrecy,” suggesting that he was holding back from expressing the full picture regarding Amorim’s job security. Such signals, Honigman claimed, often occur when individuals seek to appear confident while internally experiencing uncertainty.

  This interpretation aligns with the mixed messages emerging from Manchester United in recent weeks. While Ratcliffe has preached patience, reports from within the club suggest that performance reviews and contingency plans are already being discussed. Amorim’s tactical struggles — particularly his preference for a back-three system and reports of dressing room unease – have intensified doubts over whether he can deliver the turnaround the club needs.

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  Man Utd continuing to struggle under Amorim

  The timing of Ratcliffe’s comments is significant, coming amid a critical phase in Manchester United’s modern rebuild. The Ineos group, which owns a minority but controlling stake in football operations, has made it clear that stability is essential to returning the club to the top of English football. Ratcliffe’s insistence on long-term thinking is aligned with his broader vision of sustainable management and recruitment.

  Yet the contrast between words and body language has created intrigue among supporters and analysts alike. Amorim’s tenure has been marked by inconsistency, and Ratcliffe’s apparent unease during the interview could suggest the Ineos hierarchy is keeping its options open. The cost of sacking Amorim before his one-year anniversary – reportedly around £12 million – may also be a factor influencing the club’s caution.

  Manchester United’s struggles this season have heightened scrutiny of their new leadership structure. After finishing 15th last term and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham, expectations were high for a turnaround. But seven games into the current campaign, the club remains in mid-table, underlining the challenge Amorim faces to win the trust of both his players and owners.

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• Man Utd face crucial Liverpool test

  Manchester United return to action after the international break with a daunting trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on October 19. Amorim’s side will be under pressure to deliver a statement result to quieten speculation about his future. Failure to do so could reopen discussions within Ineos about whether a change is required sooner rather than later.

  For Ratcliffe, the next few weeks will test both his leadership philosophy and his credibility with supporters. While he has vowed to back Amorim, body language experts and fans alike will be watching closely for any further signs of doubt. The message from Old Trafford is that stability remains the goal – but as results continue to fluctuate, that promise will face its toughest examination yet.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone ahead of the Gunners' meeting with the Spanish side in the Champions League on Tuesday. Arteta, whose team have been accused of winning ugly this season, says that Simeone is a coach he looks up to and tries to learn from and reserved special praise for the Atletico manager's "passion."

• Arteta inspired by Atletico boss Simeone

  Arteta has revealed that he has been inspired by Simeone as he prepares to take on Atletico in the Champions League. Simeone has been in charge of Los Colchoneros since December 2011, and his team have become well-known for being difficult opponents who are tough to beat.

  Arteta told a press conference ahead of the game that he's learned a lot from studying the Argentine: "There is someone that I look up to and learn from in many situations. What is for me outstanding is his passion, I think for how long he's been in the game and in the same club, with the same players, and how you still have that handle and that capacity to transmit such an energy and willingness to win. It's a very tough environment that we live in, and to keep convincing players, you have to be extraordinary as well. I don't know him personally but everything that I have heard about him is that he's so good at doing that. That's one of the reasons why you are able to sustain at that level.

  "At the highest level, I think what he's done since he got to Atletico has been outstanding, not only what he has achieved but the way he's done it. I think the identity that he has created for the club, for the team, the spirit, I think they are very simple and clear to identify, and that's because the manager is very much them. That's extremely difficult to achieve for a short period of time and to do it for 14 years, I think he's been there now, he's done something incredible so it'll be a pleasure to meet him."

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  Saliba does his Atletico homework

  Arteta was also quizzed on defender William Saliba after he was spotted watching Atletico in action after Arsenal's win over Fulham. The Gunners boss admitted he was thrilled to see Saliba doing his homework on his next opponents without being asked.

  "I'm very pleased because I didn't encourage it, so it came from them," Arteta explained. "That's the most powerful thing – a game finishes, the job is done but now what's next, what's the next challenge, what's the next opportunity? We know that it's going to be a really tough one, so the earlier we start to think about it and prepare, the better. I love that initiative from the players and it tells you how much they want it and how focused they are on what is next."

  Atletico head to London on the back of some impressive results in big fixtures this season. They battered Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 last time out in the Champions League and also crushed bitter rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in La Liga in September.

• Arteta backs Simeone to shine in the Premier League

  Arteta has also backed Simeone to thrive in England if he were to try a new challenge in the Premier League. Simeone has recently been touted by Roy Keane as a good choice for Manchester United if Ruben Amorim were to be sacked, and Arteta thinks he would be a success.

  He explained: "If he works in the Champions League, which is the highest competition in Europe, he can do it anywhere. I don't know, you have to come here and try it and feel it, but I'm very sure that his know-how is unbelievable and his character and willingness will take him anywhere."

  Arteta also spoke about why Simeone's team is so difficult to play against: "First of all, the willingness to win. You can sense that in every single ball, in every single yard, the way they play, so it's about how they compete and then after how they play. I think there are two very different things, and in order to have to analyse what they are, the level of organisation is really high, the level of discipline is really high and then they have acquired a lot of talent throughout the years that are very specific for the needs and the way they want to play and they are very, very good at exploiting those opportunities."

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  Arsenal aiming to stay perfect in Champions League

  Arsenal will be hoping they can maintain their 100% record in the Champions League with another win over Atletico. The Gunners have opened up their campaign with wins over Olympiacos and Athletic Club so far, and are also yet to concede a goal in the competition.

Chelsea have made a habit of buying young players, using them for a few years and then selling them on for good money.

Perhaps the best example of this process recently is Noni Madueke, who joined the club for £29m in January 2023 and was then sold for £52m this summer.

Now, there is, of course, the chance that the now Arsenal player ends up further developing in North London and making the club’s decision to sell him look silly.

To some degree, he may already be proving that point. He was arguably the Gunners’ best player during their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool and after scoring in England’s 5-0 rout of Serbia, earned comparisons to Bukayo Saka.

Madueke certainly looks as though he’s on the point of exploding into life at the Emirates Stadium and his display against the Serb’s showcased that. He was full of pace, full of life and took his goal brilliantly.

However, that being said, Enzo Maresca already has his replacement for the Englishman, someone who could be an even better player, someone to rival Estevao for years to come.

Why Estevao is one of Chelsea's most exciting players

The player in question might not be Estevao, but like him, the Brazilian is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in this Chelsea squad.

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Described as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, the 18-year-old was finally allowed to join the team this summer after being signed last year, and in just a few appearances is already looking like something special.

For example, after Jamie Gittens struggled to make an impact against Crystal Palace in the opening game of the season, Enzo Maresca turned to the youngster to make something happen.

Then, in his first competitive start for the club against West Ham United, the dynamic winger more than justified the hype around him by providing an assist for Joao Pedro and utterly terrifying the Hammers’ defence whenever he had the ball at his feet.

It’s not just in club football where the Franca-born gem is turning heads either, as in just his second start for the Brazilian national team, against Chile, he scored his first international goal.

In all, even though it is still so early in his Chelsea career, it looks like Estevao could be one of the club’s very best players for years to come, and he could have a great partnership and rivalry with the Blues’ new Madueke.

Chelsea's new Madueke

Chelsea are a team full of talented youngsters, but in this instance, we are talking about Tyrique George.

Now, it is certainly the case that the Cobham graduate came very close to joining Fulham in the summer.

However, given his immense talent and Mareca’s willingness to play promising youngsters, there is a world in which he becomes the replacement for Madueke on this side.

After all, with 21 goals and 19 assists in 69 appearances across the junior sides, he is clearly too good to be kept out of senior football.

Moreover, even though he hasn’t had loads of opportunities, he has impressed when selected for the first team.

For example, in just 1154 minutes spread across 26 games last season, the “ridiculous” talent, as dubbed by creator Felix Johnston, was able to score three goals and provide five assists.

Furthermore, he filled in at left-wing, right-wing and even up top, and so, like Madueke before him, could become something of a utility attacker for the West Londoners.

Last but not least, the teenage star, whom Jadon Sancho claimed “has the world at his feet”, also put up some impressive underlying numbers in the Conference League last season.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and carries into the penalty area, as well as in the top 12% for expected assisted goals and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Chelsea might be thankful George’s transfer didn’t go through come the end of the season, as even though he is still young, he could be the perfect replacement for Maadueke in the squad.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 10, 2025