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In an attempt to put together a far more productive summer transfer window than the one just gone, Newcastle United have already reportedly turned their attention towards 2025 and one potential free transfer.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies' failure off the pitch is yet to impact them on the pitch, with Eddie Howe's side drawing once and winning twice, which includes a smash and grab victory over a Tottenham Hotspur side also gunning for a place in the Premier League's top four. Goals from Harvey Barnes and a winning strike from Alexander Isak to crucially get off the mark for the season sealed the three points.

As the fixtures start coming thick and fast, however, it will be interesting to see how Newcastle cope given that they didn't add extensive depth in the summer window. Now, those at St James' Park may need to wait an entire year before another fresh face steals the show, especially in Howe's frontline, where one forward could arrive.

Newcastle sold a striker for just £2m, now he's more clinical than Isak

He’s turned his career around and then some…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 11, 2024

According to TuttoJuve, Newcastle are on the front row to sign Jonathan David on a free deal upon the expiry of his current Lille contract next summer. The Magpies aren't alone in their reported interest though, with both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal also leading the way to sign the impressive striker.

At 24 years old, David already has 153 goals to his name throughout his career, finding the back of the net for KAA Gent, Lille and Canada on the international stage. On a free, he could represent one of the bargains of the summer next year and a player who would hand Howe the perfect partner for the equally clinical Isak at Newcastle.

"Superb" David could partner Isak

With Callum Wilson now 32 years old and into the final year of his Newcastle contract, the Magpies could be wise to show the veteran forward the door and welcome an instant upgrade in David. The Lille star is just about to enter his prime and would undoubtedly form a deadly partnership with Isak for years to come; the kind that could fire Newcastle back among Europe's elite.

Goals

19

21

Assists

4

2

Expected Goals

17.5

20.3

Key Passes

32

27

Combined, Isak and David managed a staggering 40 goals last season, which only adds to the astonishment that Newcastle could land the latter in a free deal next summer.

Of course, they reportedly face plenty of competition, but those at St James' Park must aim to make a statement signing next summer if they are to get back on track both on and off the pitch.

Described as "superb" by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig after his early form for Canada in 2019, David would arguably be Newcastle's most important arrival since the likes of Isak and Bruno Guimaraes. The Canada international will undoubtedly be one to watch throughout a season that may only see the transfer rumours increase in the later stages.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could be without an important player in his squad for beyond four weeks after he picked up an injury this week.

Tottenham vs Arsenal – team news and injury updates

The Gunners are preparing for one of their biggest games of the season this weekend, as a North London Derby clash away to Tottenham looms for Arsenal this Sunday in their first game back post-internationals.

Arteta "dreams" of signing £68m forward, he's plotting a unique Arsenal bid

The Gunners boss has just agreed a new contract.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 12, 2024

Arsenal dropped their first points of the new Premier League campaign against Brighton two weeks ago, with Arteta's side held to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. After signing a brand-new contract, which runs until 2027, Arteta's next focus will be returning to winning ways at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Unfortunately for the Spaniard, he's got a real selection headache on his hands. Arteta will be unable to call upon a few key players, with star midfielder Declan Rice suspended after picking up two yellow cards and a subsequent sending off against Brighton.

Tottenham (away)

September 15

Man City (away)

September 22

Leicester City (home)

September 28

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Mikel Merino has been ruled out of the Spurs clash through injury, and possibly won't return until after the October international break. Fellow new arrival Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt for Arsenal's trip to Tottenham as well, following the defender's freak calf injury on international duty, sustained through a collision with France winger Ousmane Dembélé.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to miss Arsenal's next game too, with the Japan international not expected to be available until later this month. This series of absences, coupled with that of club captain Martin Odegaard, means Arteta is planning to drop Kai Havertz back into midfield against Tottenham, with summer signing Raheem Sterling potentially set to play a false nine role.

Going back to Odegaard, the consensus has been that the Norway star is expected to miss three weeks after he picked up an ankle injury and was forced off during his nation's 2-1 win over Austria on Monday.

Odegaard could be sidelined for over four weeks at Arsenal

Now, according to Arsenal insider James Benge, it is believed that Odegaard could actually be sidelined for beyond four weeks at Arsenal, which means he would miss their crucial Champions League clash with PSG, as well as their blockbuster clashes against Atalanta and Man City.

“We’re talking three weeks at a minimum, talking to people that know. I mean, they were pretty confident that there wasn’t a break or anything like that," said Benge on Charles Watts' YouTube channel (via GMS).

“But even they were talking about something that could stretch beyond four weeks. Once you get to that four-week mark, you’re into the next international break, and the difference between a four-week and a five-and-a-half-week absence isn’t necessarily huge.

“It’s such a testing time with that PSG game on 1 October. At the three-week mark, he’s probably going to miss the PSG game as well. Even if he’s able to play, it’ll be limited.”

The 25-year-old, who joined Arsenal for just £30 million from Real Madrid in 2021, will be a sore miss for their upcoming games – and it will be interesting to see how Arteta copes with the midfielder's absence.

It's safe to say that this has not been a rip-roaring start to the new season for Tottenham Hotspur. They may have dispatched Everton with some aplomb but they have now dropped points to Leicester City and Newcastle United.

The draw with Leicester across the opening round of fixtures was painful but the 2-1 loss at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon will no doubt sting even more.

Spurs arguably had the better chances, hitting the bar and constantly getting into promising positions courtesy of wide players Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson.

However, their defensive susceptibilities came back to bite them on a ground where, let's be honest, they've been pretty dreadful in recent years.

Remember that 6-1 defeat? Of course, you do. Things weren't quite as bad this time around obviously but it still left plenty to be desired.

Why Tottenham lost to Newcastle

A lack of end product could be blamed for Spurs' defeat on Tyneside. After all, they only found the net courtesy of an own goal from Dan Burn.

It was Johnson who was crucial to that goal and he was a big threat when he came on at half time, attempting three crosses and completing both of his two dribble attempts.

However, there wasn't much forthcoming from his fellow winger in summer signing Odobert. The Frenchman was a threat but that final pass was missing on too many occasions. He created just one key pass and missed a 'big chance' of his own,

It was ultimately their defensive performance that let them down the most. Players were caught out of position for both goals, scored in the first 45 minutes by Harvey Barnes and then in the second period by Alexander Isak, a man who has proven himself to be a constant thorn in Tottenham's backline over the years.

While standing out in moments, Cristian Romero must share some of the blame for Sunday's dropped points.

Cristian Romero's performance in numbers

Romero is one the most elusive football players going. On his day, the Argentine is a titan at the back and he pops up with pretty important moments in the final third too, scoring against Everton last week.

However, he's also rash and hot-headed, the first trait we saw for both goals conceded by Postecoglou's men.

For the first, Romero went sprinting out of the backline to press the Newcastle midfield but in the process of forcing a throw-in, Eddie Howe's side took it quickly. Where did the ball go? Exactly where the Spurs defender should have been, with the delivery sent straight into the path of Barnes who fired home.

He was arguably more at fault for the second. Once more he was caught straying out of position which left an acre of space in behind for Newcastle to capitalise on. Capitalise they did.

Jacob Murphy darted onto a ball and then slid it across the face of the goal for Isak who was handed a tap-in. That moment drew notable criticism from the Sky Sports commentary team, who stated: "Truly dreadful, you can't ball watch, you've got to drop off. Romero just seems to be watching the ball, he's got no idea where Murphy is. Udogie gets sucked in too."

Minutes played

90

Touches

60

Accurate passes

46/53 (87%)

Key passes

0

Long balls

0/3

Clearances

2

Interceptions

0

Tackles

2

Ground duels won

2/2

Aerial duels won

3/5

Romero's performance was also aptly summed up by Football.London's Alasdair Gold. The reporter handed him a 5/10 match rating, writing that he 'defended well until the goal when he was caught out of position after pressing up the pitch. Caught flat-footed for the second goal as well.'

So, two moments where the defender lost his concentration cost his team today and Spurs will now have to stew on this one for two weeks until the Premier League returns following the international break.

Bigger talent than Cardoso: Spurs struck gold with "future £100m" player

Ange is going to turn him into a force to be reckoned with…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 31, 2024

Liverpool are in the process of rebuilding their midfield after a disappointing campaign last season and now a new update has emerged on a huge transfer target that could revolutionise the centre of the pitch at Anfield.

What's the latest on Liverpool's move for Federico Valverde?

According to reports coming out of Spain, Liverpool are preparing a €90m (£77m) bid to sign Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, an offer that Madrid will find very difficult to reject.

As per the report, Jurgen Klopp has been a huge admirer of the player for a while and there are now doubts surrounding Valverde's future at the Santiago Bernabéu due to the competition that exists in the centre of the pitch.

Will Liverpool sign Federico Valverde this summer?

There is no doubt that a refresh in midfield is needed following the departures of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita and the club has already secured a £35m deal for World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.

Many of the remaining midfield options available to Klopp are reaching the latter stages of their careers with Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara well into their 30s at this point, whilst Fabinho will turn 30 before the turn of the year – so there is a real opportunity to build the next generation of success at Anfield.

As a result, the ambitious move for Valverde would be warmly welcomed as the 24-year-old would not only inject high energy, youth and a strong winning mentality into the heart of the team, but could finally replace Georginio Wijnaldum's deadly press and unrivalled work rate in midfield.

Before leaving the Merseyside giants in 2020 upon the expiration of his contract, Wijnaldum played a vital role in the success that Liverpool have experienced both in domestic competition and on the European stage, providing huge game-changing moments like his semi-final brace against Barcelona to lead the team to their first Champions League trophy since 2005.

Now Klopp could land his next game-changer with Valverde also a big game player who adopts the winning mentality and work ethic that is crucial to earn multiple accolades across several competitions.

The Uruguayan star – hailed "untouchable" by Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti – is an extremely attacking-minded talent who ranks in the top 16% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, shots in total, pass completion and progressive carries.

Wijnaldum, by comparison, ranks in the top 8% for non-penalty goals and the best 12% for shots to outline their similar attacking threat.

In comparison to Valverde's positional peers on Merseyside, neither Jordan Henderson nor Harvey Elliott were able to complete more progressive carries (70), goal contributions (11), shot-creating actions (81) or completed passes (1427) than Valverde in the Premier League last season, as per FBref.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Liverpool to acquire the services of Valverde this summer as he could have a huge impact on improving performances next season and become the much-needed game-changer that the team has been crying out for in midfield since Wijnaldum departed.

Chelsea are “interested” in a summer deal to bring AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi to the Premier League, according to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins.

Who is Axel Disasi?

Disasi is a centre-back who currently plies his trade at the Stade Louis-II having moved there from Stade Reims back in 2020, where he’s since gone on to become a regular feature of the first-team having started 37 out of the 38 Ligue 1 games last season.

The France international still has another two years remaining on his contract, but it’s been reported that he’s keen to complete a move to the top-flight in England, with Manchester United the primary club to have been linked.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Kalidou Koulibaly is close to completing a move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal so Mauricio Pochettino will know that he’ll need to recruit backline reinforcements this window, with the 25-year-old having been highlighted as a potential target.

Are Chelsea signing Disasi?

Taking to Twitter, Hawkins revealed that Chelsea are keen to sign Disasi ahead of the new campaign but stated that they are set to face stiff competition for his services. He wrote:

“Monaco will discuss from 40 M € [£34m] for Axel Disasi. Manchester United, which has not yet made an offer, is ahead. Erik ten Hag will talk to the player shortly. Arsenal and Chelsea, who are about to lose Kalidou Koulibaly, are interested in the defender.”

Could Disasi be a good addition for Pochettino?

Disasi was labelled a “hidden gem” by talent scout Jacek Kulig when breaking into senior football but he’s certainly not under the radar anymore with the name he’s made for himself at AS Monaco, so the centre-back would certainly be a strong recruit for Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.

The 6 foot 3 colossus averaged 2.9 clearances, 2.6 aerial wins and 1.5 interceptions per league game last season, via WhoScored, so can be a real rock at the heart of a backline, but he’s also equally capable of posing a threat at the opposite end of the pitch.

The World Cup participant posted six goal contributions (three goals and the same number of assists) during the previous campaign in Ligue 1 and ranked in the 96th percentile for progressive carries by centre-backs, so loves to push his team higher up the field.

For a player who positively impacts the game both defensively and offensively, this deal would be a no-brainer to complete should the opportunity present itself.

Southampton fans will hope that the longer the transfer window goes on, the more chance there is of captain James Ward-Prowse remaining at the club for at least another season.

However, the more realistic prospect is that a Premier League team makes a bid that satisfies the Saints, who in turn will have to find a replacement – not just in terms of his quality in midfield, but also what he brings as a leader.

Are Southampton interested in signing Matt Grimes?

Grimes has been touted as a possible target for Southampton ever since Russell Martin was lined up to become the Saints' new manager. With Martin finally being appointed last week, those rumours have gathered momentum.

According to The Guardian, Martin is looking to bring Grimes to St Mary's as he is after a leader to guide the club out of the Championship at the first attempt.

Former England U21 international Grimes has two years left to run on his contract at the Liberty Stadium, where he earns £12.5k-per-week, according to Capology.

Is Matt Grimes a good replacement for Ward-Prowse?

Any player coming in for Ward-Prowse will have huge boots to fill, and there are certain aspects that simply cannot be replaced – one of those being the England international's set-piece prowess, with his 17 goals from free-kicks behind only David Beckham's 18 in Premier League history.

Grimes is more of a creator of goals than a goalscorer himself, setting up 0.16 goals per 90 minutes in the Championship last season, as per FBref. By comparison, Ward-Prowse set up 0.11 per 90 in the Premier League.

Ward-Prowse is also someone who likes to cross the ball into the box (6.43 per 90 minutes, compared to 1.41 for Grimes), whereas Grimes is someone who prefers to keep things ticking along (104.3 passes per 90 v 66.2 for Ward-Prowse).

There are plenty of similarities between the pair in terms of their playing styles, though, such as their goal-creating actions per 90 (0.24 for Ward-Prowse, 0.30 for Grimes), blocks (0.80 v 0.73) and even yellow cards received (0.16 v 0.18).

More than any of those metrics, though, it is Grimes' leadership qualities that make him a good fit to replace Ward-Prowse. The 27-year-old was named Swansea City captain in 2019, having finally established himself by that point following a series of loan moves early in his career.

Martin spent two years working with him, meaning he knows exactly what he will be getting should a deal go through.

"He is so important," said Martin in November 2021. "I think he's got the most passes in Britain and Europe, the most accurate passes, the most forward passes.

"He's just a brilliant leader. He's not a shouter, but when he talks, people listen. It's really important we do everything we can to keep him."

The irony of that last statement is that it may well be Martin who plucks Grimes from Swansea in a move that would very much kick-start his Southampton tenure.

Maybe then Southampton supporters will slowly come to terms with the prospect of losing Ward-Prowse.

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing La Liga starlet Aleix Garrido as the club prepares to introduce reinforcements ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Gunners enjoyed a successful season, finishing second in the Premier League and confirming their return to the Champions League for the first time since 2016/17.

With the transfer window officially opening on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta is due to have a busy summer, with the latest link potentially emerging as heir to an imminently departing star.

What’s the latest on Aleix Garrido to Arsenal?

Spanish publication Sport has claimed that Arsenal are showing an interest in Barcelona youngster Garrido.

As relayed by Sport Witness, the report claims that the north Londoners ‘pay attention’ to the 19-year-old, saying that several clubs have been informed of the benefits the player has, stating his ‘evolution and capacity for growth’.

Having signed a contract in April to keep him at Barcelona until 2025, it’s unlikely that the player will be available to buy this summer, though a loan could be suitable.

What could Aleix Garrido offer to Arsenal?

Making his senior debut in April against Elche, the teenager lived his childhood dream by playing nine minutes for his boyhood club at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.

Rising through the ranks at the infamous La Masia academy, the Ripoll-born starlet has Barcelona’s DNA programmed into his style of play, seeing him hailed as a “wonderful talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.

The youngster, who was described as being “on fire” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, recorded six assists in six games in the UEFA Youth League.

As written by journalist Tom Maston via GOAL, the Spaniard was described as a player whose ‘passing ability allows him to stand out as an elite talent’, highlighting an ability typical of central midfielders nurtured in La Masia.

For Arsenal, it’s an encouraging sign for the club to be mentioned alongside one of the Spanish champions’ best young talents in a player that could develop at the Emirates in a pending vacant role.

With Granit Xhaka almost certainly departing to the Bundesliga this summer, the Gunners will be down a midfielder, which could allow the talent of Garrido to flourish among some of the Premier League’s best prospects.

Swiss midfielder Xhaka had a solid final campaign in north London, scoring seven goals and recording seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances, via Sofascore, to assert himself as one of Arteta’s most trusted individuals.

There was a point in his Arsenal career that some couldn’t have imagined his departure to cause upset to so many after his fallout with the Emirates faithful back in 2019.

The 30-year-old has an established career behind him, and one that 19-year-old Garrido could dream of following in terms of the impact he’s made to the clubs he’s represented.

The young Spaniard could flourish in central midfield under the guidance of Arteta, who himself spent some time in Barcelona’s academy during the early days of his playing career.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has made a head start to his transfer business at Ibrox, signing Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling and Kieran Dowell on free transfers, and they have all been tied down before the transfer window even opens.

Unfortunately, the Light Blues don’t have a mass fortune to spend in the transfer market, meaning free transfers will potentially make up the bulk of the incomings and any other business will largely be assisted by the 42-year-old moving on some deadwood in the squad that is surplus to requirements.

The likes of Scott Wright and Jon McLaughlin are likely to be sold, while Antonio Colak, who only joined last summer, could also depart. Another name who should be let go is Kemar Roofe, as the striker could still bring in a decent transfer fee.

He only played six times last season, struggling with a variety of injury issues which kept him out for 35 matches in total, hardly justifying his £26k-per-week wage.

There is no doubting his quality, with the 30-year-old netting 36 times in just 78 appearances, yet, having another season where he barely features will be a waste of precious funds which could be spent elsewhere, especially with the Ibrox side looking for new strikers following the departure of Alfredo Morelos.

Could Rangers sign Nikola Krstovic this summer?

The Gers were linked with Krstovic as far back as February according to Football Insider, with the same outlet claiming the club had scouted the 23-year-old on ‘several occasions’ with a view to signing him this summer, although a reported fee of between £4m-£5m was being demanded by his club, Dunajska Streda.

Beale looks like he is about to agree a deal to sign Sam Lammers from Sampdoria, however, his goal record isn’t nearly as good as the Streda hitman, netting only twice all season compared to the 26 goals the Montenegro international has scored.

He obviously knows how to find the back of the net on a regular basis, having scored a total of 81 club career goals and with five caps for his country too, he has emerged on the international scene, further underlining his capabilities.

A goal every 117 minutes in the Slovakian top flight last term was better than all but one player in the Gers side who played over five Premiership matches, suggesting that he could be a regular scorer under Beale if he maintained his current form.

Journalist Josh Bunting had plenty of praise for the 23-year-old last year, saying: “Nikola Krstović scoring again for DAC 1904, I honestly can see a big enough side take a punt on him sooner rather than later, only 22 but what a talent he is and he’s showing it in Europe this season. He’s aggressive and he’s clinical. Has all the attributes you want in a striker.”

Roofe underwent surgery back in March to sort out his hip injury, however, there is no set timeline on his return to the first team picture and perhaps Beale may be best moving him on in order to launch a move for a player such as Krstovic this summer.

The Mauricio Pochettino appointment has generated anticipation, excitement, and optimism within the Chelsea fanbase.

Although those of a blue persuasion wouldn’t like to admit it, the team that the Argentine built at Tottenham Hotspur was exciting and free-flowing, where the four-man attacking cohort of Harry Kane, Son Hueng-min, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen ripped the division apart.

These figures were central to the Spurs side on the cusp of Premier League titles.

The state of the current Chelsea squad gives the 51-year-old a similar project to when he started at White Hart Lane – a chance to completely reshape and rebuild an unbalanced outfit.

One name that has been mentioned to kickstart the Pochettino revolution is Leicester City’s James Maddison, who would be a marvellous addition to Stamford Bridge.

What’s the latest on James Maddison to Chelsea?

According to reputable journalist Simon Phillips on his Substack, the 2021 Champions League winners view Maddison as a genuine target in the upcoming window but feel that the Englishman is not a priority.

Described as “fantastic” by Frank Lampard, it has been suggested that an offer of around £40m could be enough to tempt the recently-relegated Foxes into the sale.

It looks extremely likely that the 26-year-old will depart the King Power Stadium and with his contract expiring in 2024, the 2016 Premier League winners will surely cash in on one of their prize assets.

Who could James Maddison replace at Chelsea?

The £110k-per-week star has been the shining light in a desperately poor season for Leicester. In 30 top-flight appearances, he notched 19 goal contributions, a phenomenal return for a dismal team.

His influence cannot be understated as the playmaker has averaged 2.3 key passes per game in the Premier League this campaign, which is more than the imperious trio of Martin Odegaard (2.1), Jack Grealish (1.8), and Ilkay Gundogan (1.2).

He also ranks impeccably highly across the continent, as he sits within the top 15% in Europe's top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, as well as the best 13% for shot-creating actions per 90, according to FBref.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Mason Mount is keen on joining Manchester United and Chelsea could sign a ready-made replacement in Maddison.

When comparing the two players, the Leicester star averages 1.67 successful take-ons per 90, whilst Mount only manages 0.86 for the same metric.

Maddison also outperforms the former Derby County ace for xAG (expected assisted goals) – 0.34 vs 0.16 – whilst playing in a much worse outfit, to show if he was surrounded by more superior assets he could really flourish.

The two-cap international oozes technique, flair, and creativity – three traits that have ghosted Chelsea players, including Mount.

Lauded as “outstanding” by Brendan Rodgers, the thought of Maddison under Pochettino's guidance is a frightening prospect. Indeed, he would surely be a dream replacement for their potentially departing playmaker.

Newcastle United are interested in an ambitious swoop for Napoli phenomenon Victor Osimhen, with the Serie A champion's future uncertain after Luciano Spalletti's recent departure from Naples.

What's the latest on Victor Osimhen to Newcastle?

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via the Mirror), who claim that Eddie Howe's Magpies are set to battle it out with Premier League rivals Manchester United this summer for the Nigerian frontman, having received a £100m windfall after qualifying for next year's Champions League.

The report states that Newcastle have 'made contact' with the player's agent and are now looking at the feasibility of a move for an ace integral in Napoli's Scudetto this term.

A stumbling block comes in the form of Osimhen's valuation, with I Partenopei demanding roughly £130m for the 24-year-old after such a sensational season.

Should Newcastle sign Victor Osimhen?

Napoli signed Osimhen for around £81m from French outfit Lille in 2020 and he swiftly asserted himself as an impressive striker in Italian football, scoring 28 goals across his first two campaigns.

This season, he has truly emerged as one of Europe's foremost forwards, posting 30 goals and five assists from 38 matches across all competitions as Napoli emphatically secured the Serie A title for the first time since 1990.

Newcastle already boast a formidable strikeforce in Callum Wilson and £63m club-record signing Alexander Isak, who have plundered 18 and ten goals respectively this term. The Swede was even hindered by injury issues for much of his maiden season in English football.

However, a signing of Osimhen's ilk would lift the offensive calibre to a whole new level, the forward ranking among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals and the top 3% for touches in the attacking box per 90, as per FBref, and subsequently being hailed as a "goal-machine" by journalist Mimo Fawaz.

The £91k-per-week phenom would indeed be hard to prise away from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium but Spalletti's departure to take a year-long sabbatical surely opens the door for the likes of Newcastle and the Red Devils.

Newcastle are on the up and will not want to rest on their laurels after finishing in the top four, instead looking to utilise their newfound prominence to continue an ascent to the very forefront of domestic and continental football, and to do so, closing the gap on imperious Premier League champions Manchester City is the goal.

Pep Guardiola's defending champions have taken precedence in England after the sagacious Spaniard arrived in 2016, and this term could yet complete a historic treble, having clinched the league title and await their fate in both the FA Cup and Champions League finals.

A definitive factor behind the blistering success is down to the signing of prolific prodigy Erling Haaland, who has scored an incredible 52 goals from 51 outings during his first season with the Sky Blues, also supplying nine assists.

Ranking among the top 1% of forwards for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 10% for rate of assists and the top 5% for touches in the attacking box per 90, the Norwegian sensation has taken the world by storm and rivals will be desperately searching for a way to dethrone his side, and Newcastle could unearth the formula by signing Osimhen.

The semblance between the strikers is uncanny, and Osimhen would undoubtedly become the Tyneside club's "heart and soul" – as praised by reporter Mina Rzouki for his feats in Naples – not only bridging the gap but perhaps harnessing a level of fluidity to leapfrog the divisional giants and claiming centre-stage as the Premier League's new leading force.