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Arsenal chiefs are convinced that a forward is keen to join them before January transfer deadline day, with the Gunners ready to make another winter window bid in an effort to acquire his services before the clock runs out.

Mikel Arteta chasing last minute January striker signing at Arsenal

Manager Mikel Arteta has made no secret of the club’s desire to bring in another forward, after his squad suffered crippling injuries to prolific attackers Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, leaving them with just Kai Havertz as their sole senior striker.

Arsenal ask Bayern Munich about signing £40m striker who Mikel Arteta likes

The Spaniard is a real admirer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 30, 2025

They’ve scatter-gunned the market in search of proven quality, as Arteta looks to better their chances of catching Liverpool in the Premier League title race. Arsenal even made contact over a potential deal for Jhon Duran, but the Colombian is now on his way to Al-Nassr in a mega-money Saudi move.

They were also rumoured to be weighing up a winter swoop for 2024 summer target Benjamin Sesko, but the RB Leipzig starlet apparently won’t be going anywhere before deadline day, according to the club’s sporting director, Marcel Schafer.

Following that development, Arsenal have begun to throw their hat in the ring for Mathys Tel, after the Bayern Munich striker decided to quit the Allianz Arena (Fabrizio Romano).

Arsenal have asked Bayern about signing Tel, but the Frenchman isn’t their only late target, with Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins subject to a rejected offer from north London.

Arteta’s side are reliably believed to have submitted a £60 million offer for the £130,000-per-week striker, who’s scored 11 goals and provided another nine assists in all competitions under Unai Emery this term.

However, the Villans snubbed this approach out of hand, and it was cheekily right on the eve of their Champions League win over Celtic on Wednesday.

Now, it appears Arsenal are planning to try again for the England international.

Arsenal preparing fresh Watkins bid after receiving encouragement

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for The Boot Room, Arsenal are preparing a second bid for Watkins, and they’re convinced that the 29-year-old is keen on moving to the Emirates Stadium in a bit of encouragement for the club.

However, one major roadblock still comes in the form of Villa, who have just lost Duran to Al-Nassr and certainly won’t want to weaken Emery any further by handing Watkins over to Arsenal so late in the window.

It would surely take a huge proposal to get Villa even thinking about offloading both Duran and Watkins in the same window, but if they somehow become tempted, there is little denying he’d be a stellar signing for Arteta

“He is a terrific player – he has shown that for club and country now,” said ex-Man United defender Phil Jones.

“What I like about him is that he can come short and offer that dynamic, but he can also go in behind. He is a real handful and he is quite comfortable playing on the shoulder of the defender.”

Barring Liverpool – and, of course, Manchester City – fans, Newcastle United’s legion support might have watched Arsenal dance over Pep Guardiola’s side last weekend with the greatest anxiety.

Eddie Howe’s side have been resurgent over the past few months but had spluttered to a stop. St. James’ Park had played host to successive United defeats, against Bournemouth and Fulham in the Premier League.

Newcastle held a 2-0 lead going into the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, beating the Gunners in their own backyard last month. But Arsenal had the momentum, had put five past the four-in-a-row champions.

No matter. Tyneside roared like never before as the Londoner opponents were swallowed up and spat back out without having claimed a single goal across the two fixtures, conceding twice in each.

Having become freighted by the failure to complete a successful summer transfer window after an injury-hit year, the Magpies surprised everyone with their stunning run of winter form, and though they’ve indeed hit a snare in the road recently, they proved that they can step up when it matters with a dominant two-legged victory over Arsenal.

How Newcastle flattened Arsenal

Arsenal might have picked City apart at the weekend, but Newcastle were determined not to be rolled over. Instead, they landed the heaviest punches despite going into the second leg with a two-goal lead, thus expecting to come under the kosh.

Oh, the Gunners looked to damage their opponents and showed moments of sharp attacking intent, but Newcastle were too slick and too cohesive, the many different talents of the 11 pooled into one coherent and unstoppable machine.

Alexander Isak scored with a devastating strike only moments into the game, but it was chalked off for a marginal offside. However, the tone has been set. The 25-year-old didn’t get on the scoresheet, but he put in a first-class display.

Europe’s top clubs have pawed at Isak’s signature with covetous hands this season, with Newcastle enjoying the success of one of the game’s deadliest marksmen. Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher went as far as to say that he’s “the best striker in the Premier League” after Christmas.

This was plain on Wednesday evening, with Arsenal and William Saliba simply unable to contain the Sweden international as he shifted and skipped into space, blending physicality and intelligence with assassin-like shooting.

Anthony Gordon sealed the deal after the interval with a tidy finish after calamity at the back for David Raya in the Gunners goal, hashing a simple pass.

However, it was Jacob Murphy, scorer of the first, who deserves the most praise for his incredible job on the right flank this season.

Jacob Murphy is Howe's "unsung hero"

Before 20 minutes, Isak broke free from the stricken Saliba once again and clattered a thunderous strike against the post. It fell fortuitously to Murphy, but there was nothing lucky about the positioning and clean finish.

Newcastle failed to sign a new right winger last summer despite the desperate need for one. Murphy, already a valued member of Howe’s unit, has taken his game to the next level.

With five goals and eight assists across 24 matches in all competitions this season, the 29-year-old is very much integral, not riding on the coattails of the bigger names in the frontline but producing excellent numbers to advance the push for silverware and Europe.

Murphy’s rise has been one of the most heartwarming facets of Newcastle’s meteoric rise since PIF took over. The fact remains that the Toon need a high-class right winger to complete Howe’s team, but Murphy has been immense in mitigating that need.

In fact, he’s even been described as the “unsung hero” of Newcastle’s first team by correspondent Scott Wilson in the past, and might actually be turning into Howe’s very own version of Nobby Solano – remember him?

The St. James’ Park legend was an unsung hero in his own right way back when, playing the bulk of his career in black and white, posting 48 goals and 78 assists across 315 appearances.

Usually positioned in right midfield, the Peruvian player was hard-working and succeeded in balancing his goal contributions. However, his commitment to the cause was showcased through his role as a back-up right-back, boasting suitable defensive qualities.

His connection with Alan Shearer is something that is fondly remembered by the Magpies faithful to this day, combining for 22 direct goal contributions in the Premier League, something that Murphy is replicating in a sense with the free-scoring Isak.

Howe’s deadly duo are among the finest partnerships in English football right now, perfectly illustrated through Murphy’s reaction to slot home against Arsenal.

As per FBref, Murphy ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 19% for interceptions and blocks and the top 10% for clearances per 90.

He’s a playmaking force, but he’s maybe Newcastle’s most industrious forward too, leaping back into the defensive third when out of possession to protect his team’s goalmouth.

Gordon is the flashier name on Newcastle’s attacking flanks and perhaps boasts superior athletic and technical skills. But Murphy has fashioned himself into a top-level player through hard work and resilience. He embodies what it means to be a United star.

No doubt, Newcastle will look to invest in a new wideman this summer, but the £35k-per-week Murphy has proved that he is one of the best in the business right now, reforging a devastating strike partnership with Isak in the mould of Solano and Shearer.

Forget Isak & Gordon: 8/10 Newcastle ace showed he’d walk into Arsenal's XI

Newcastle sealed a famous win over Arsenal to march into the Carabao Cup final.

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By
Joe Nuttall

Feb 6, 2025

The former Real Madrid player will be eligible to play for Mexico next year, which led to fans asking for his inclusion

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• He has appeared in 198 matches with América

• Fidalgo has scored seven goals in the 2025 Clausura
• América will face Pachuca in the "Liguilla" Quarterfinals

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be held across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, is drawing nearer. Amid the growing anticipation, Álvaro Fidalgo’s potential call-up to the Mexican national team has become a topic of discussion in recent months. The Club América midfielder has now spent four years playing in Mexico and holds Mexican nationality, making him eligible to represent next year once he reaches the five-year residency requirement.

  Fidalgo has become a fan favorite among América supporters, playing a pivotal role in the team’s three consecutive league titles. He has appeared in 198 matches and is currently wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Henry Martín. Despite his success in Liga MX and growing connection with Mexican football, the idea of wearing the green jersey remains distant for the Spanish midfielder, who has emerged as a potential candidate to join Javier Aguirre’s squad.

  In a recent interview with ESPN, Fidalgo discussed his future at Club America and firmly ruled out the possibility of joining the Mexican national team for the upcoming World Cup, stating that it is not something currently on his radar.

  “I have one year left on my contract, and it’s a very complicated topic,” he said. “Honestly, I don’t know exactly how the situation stands. As you mentioned, maybe the coach doesn’t like me—it’s a tricky subject. There's still a lot of time before the World Cup, and I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what my short- or long-term future holds. To be honest, if you ask me today if I’ve thought about it or planned for it, the answer is no. I’m focused on the present, on what’s happening now, and for many reasons, I don’t see myself on the Mexican national team.”

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The reality is that Fidalgo has never truly felt part of, nor shown a strong inclination toward, representing Mexico in his footballing career—or, at the very least, he has been extremely cautious and measured about the topic. In Mexico, there has long been a tendency to push for standout foreign players in Liga MX to join the national team, and Fidalgo's case has often been driven more by media attention than genuine interest from the player himself.

  Despite consistently downplaying the possibility of donning the green jersey, the Spaniard’s undeniable quality and status as an idol at the country’s most decorated club make him a natural candidate for. Whether his perspective changes as his eligibility date draws closer next year remains to be seen—and in the end, it may depend on whether he chooses to knock on Aguirre’s door.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT ÁLVARO FIDALGO SAID

  Despite distancing himself from the national team conversation, Fidalgo took the opportunity to praise the level of Mexican football, emphasizing the depth and talent in his position that could fuel the national team’s success.

  “There are many quality players in those positions. For example, as a holding midfielder, guys like Edson [Álvarez], [Erik] Lira, and Isra [Reyes]—who can also play right-back or center-back—are doing a great job," he said. "In the No. 8 role, you have ‘Chiquito’ Sánchez, Luis Chávez, Charly Rodríguez, Marcel Ruiz, and a very promising young player in Elías Montiel. As a No. 10, you’ve got Julián [Quiñones], Orbelín [Pineda], Carlos Rodríguez, and many other great players."

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?

  Aguirre’s team will face Switzerland on June 7 in Utah, followed by a match against Turkey on June 10 in North Carolina, as part of their preparations for the Gold Cup, which kicks off on the 14th of the same month.

Birmingham City’s clash with Newcastle United could well be one of the FA Cup ties of the weekend, with the League One leaders flying under Chris Davies.

Meanwhile, the Magpies, under Eddie Howe, have suffered successive home league defeats but are still pushing for a top-four finish and recently qualified for the final of the EFL Cup final.

FA Cup 2024/25: Cup final details, results, TV picks & more

Find all the latest and key FA Cup info here ahead of the weekend’s final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City.

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By
Ross Kilvington

May 12, 2025

A place in the last 16 awaits for both clubs, a round Birmingham have reached just once in the last 13 years.

Birmingham v Newcastle team news

Birmingham

Paik Seung-ho, Willum Willumsson and Emil Hansson have all been missing in recent weeks through injury, whereas Lee Buchanan has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

Aside from that, Birmingham appear to have come through the EFL Trophy win at Stevenage with no further issues.

Newcastle

Howe had Harvey Barnes, Joelinton and Jamaal Lascelles missing for the EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal, and with such a quick turnaround, the trio look set to be absent again.

The Newcastle boss could ring the changes, though, with Nick Pope still awaiting his first appearance back after recovering from an injury. Sven Botman was replaced with an issue late on against Arsenal and looks set to miss the trip to St Andrew’s.

Where to watch Birmingham v Newcastle on TV

The match is scheduled to kick-off at 5:45pm (GMT) on Saturday 8, February and will be broadcast live on BBC One. It can also be streamed in the UK on BBC iPlayer.

In the USA, amid connections between Birmingham and minority Blues owner Tom Brady, the match is also set to be streamed on ESPN+.

Birmingham v Newcastle referee

The man in charge of the fourth-round tie at St Andrew’s will be Matthew Donohue. He will be assisted by Paul Hodskinson and Nigel Lugg and the fourth official is set to be James Bell.

Blues supporters will recognise Donohue, who has taken charge of numerous Birmingham games in the past, however, this will be his first time refereeing a Newcastle first-team fixture.

Birmingham v Newcastle form

Birmingham

The Blues last tasted defeat way back in November against Shrewsbury Town and are currently unbeaten in 18 games in all competitions, sitting four points clear of second-place Wycombe Wanderers with two games in hand.

Davies’ side are on course for an immediate return to the Championship, dropping just six points from a possible 39.

Newcastle

The Magpies had won nine games in succession in all competitions at the end of 2024 and beginning of 2025, with Alexander Isak firing in front of goal.

However, a 4-1 home defeat to Bournemouth last month ended that run, and they have since lost another Premier League game at St James’ Park to Fulham. Despite this, Newcastle qualified for the EFL Cup final, beating Arsenal 4-0 across two legs.

Birmingham v Newcastle head-to-head

The two sides have met plenty of times in the league throughout their histories, and they have also been drawn against each other three times in the FA Cup.

Interestingly, all three ties required replays in 1906, 2007 and 2017. The last time Birmingham and Newcastle met was in the Championship in the 2016/17 season, drawing 0-0 at St Andrew’s.

Everything you need to know about Noa Lang's salary details playing for PSV

Dutch forward Noa Lang joined PSV in the summer of 2023, transferring from Belgian side Club Brugge, where he had spent three seasons. Lang had also previously featured in the Eredivisie with PSV's fierce rivals, Ajax, but moved on due to limited opportunities in Amsterdam.

So far, Lang has played a crucial role in PSV's success and is often regarded as one of their best players. His current contract with PSV runs until 2028, with the Dutch star earning a substantial income for his efforts.

How much exactly does he earn in Eindhoven, though?

GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!

*

• Noa Lang's wages at PSV in numbers

  Under Lang's current five-year contract with PSV, he earns €30,769 weekly, totaling €1.6 million annually.

  Lang is a key squad member but is not among the club's current top five earners.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in Euros	Annual wages in Euros
  Noa Lang	Dutch	€30,769	€1,600,000

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• AFP
  

  Top earners at PSV

  Sergino Dest is PSV's highest-paid player, with Ricardo Pepi in third place. Dutch players Rick Karsdorp, Tyrell Malacia, and Luuk de Jong are in second, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in Euros	Annual wages in Euros
  Sergino Dest	American	€75,385	€3,920,000
  Rick Karsdorp	Dutch	€56,731	€2,950,000
  Ricardo Pepi	American	€45,192	€2,350,000
  Tyrell Malacia	Dutch	€45,192	€2,350,000
  Luuk de Jong	Dutch	€38,077	€1,980,000

• Top earners in Eredivisie

  Jordan Henderson leads the Eredivisie wage rankings, with Sergino Dest as PSV's sole representative on the list.

  Daniele Rugani is third, while fellow Ajax players Brian Brobbey and Steven Berghuis are fourth and fifth, respectively.

  Player	Club	Weekly wages in Euros	Annual wages in Euros
  Jordan Henderson	Ajax	€90,000	€4,680,000
  Sergino Dest	PSV	€75,385	€3,920,000
  Daniele Rugani	Ajax	€75,385	€3,920,000
  Brian Brobbey	Ajax	€57,692	€3,000,000
  Steven Berghuis	Ajax	€56,731	€2,950,000

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• AFP
  

  Highest paid players in the world

  The salaries of Eredivisie players are significant but are lower compared to top global football players, with none making the top list.

  The top five earners are from the Saudi Pro League, led by Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr with the highest salary.

  Karim Benzema, formerly of Real Madrid, is second, followed by Riyad Mahrez, previously with Manchester City and now at Al-Ahli, in third.

  Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, both from Senegal, are in fourth and fifth places, respectively.

  Player	Club	Weekly wages Euros	Annual wages Euros
  Cristiano Ronaldo	Al Nassr	€3,846,154	€200,000,000
  Karim Benzema	Al Ittihad	€1,923,077	€100,000,000
  Riyad Mahrez	Al Ahli	€1,003,846	€52,200,000
  Sadio Mane	Al Nassr	€769,231	€40,000,000
  Kalidou Koulibaly	Al Hilal	€667,308	€34,700,000

Nottingham Forest may have their work cut out keeping hold of their stars this summer, with a player who has been “superb” this season now being targeted by a Premier League rival, according to reliable reporter Ben Jacobs.

Forest pushing for the Champions League

After the shock 5-0 defeat at AFC Bournemouth at the end of January, Forest got their push for the Champions League back on track with a 7-0 battering of Brighton & Hove Albion in their last Premier League outing.

The Tricky Trees now find themselves six points clear of fifth-placed Manchester City, having surpassed all expectations this season, and there is a real possibility they could qualify for Europe’s elite competition.

The only downside that comes with the remarkable overperformance is the fact some of Nuno Espirito Santo’s key players are now being targeted by Europe’s biggest clubs, with Liverpool and Real Madrid keen on signing Murillo as a result of the defender’s impressive displays this season.

Nottingham Forest make £30m+ bid to sign new Real Madrid "beast" for Nuno

He would be a serious statement of intent from Forest.

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By
Ben Browning

Feb 10, 2025

Murillo is not the only player being targeted by one of Forest’s Premier League rivals, however, with reliable reporter Ben Jacobs telling GiveMeSport’s Market Madness podcast that Newcastle United are keen on signing Anthony Elanga.

Jacobs said: “Absolutely [Newcastle will sign a right winger]. Put your mortgage on it. They’ve got to replace Miguel Almiron. Amongst others, they still like Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.”

The Magpies were also plotting a move for Elanga before the January transfer window, at which point a deal wasn’t possible, with the Tricky Trees presumably unwilling to sell an important player mid-way through what could end up being a memorable season.

Elanga enjoying a "superb" season at Forest

It is little wonder the winger is attracting the attention of Forest’s Premier League rivals, given the level of his performances this season, receiving praise from BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone for the way he has kicked on since leaving Manchester United.

The Sweden international has three goals and eight assists to his name in the Premier League this term, following up an impressive debut season at the City Ground.

With the 22-year-old contracted until 2028, Nuno’s side should be in a strong negotiating position, and there is also a decent chance they will finish above Newcastle this season, considering they are currently six points clear.

If Forest were to qualify for the Champions League at Newcastle’s expense, it seems unlikely Elanga would pursue a move to St. James’ Park, but Forest should still be wary of the Magpies’ interest, as losing the £25k-per-week forward would be a major blow.

Arne Slot confirmed that Jurgen Klopp will be back at Anfield for Liverpool's Premier League title celebrations on Sunday.

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• Liverpool won their 20th league title in April
• They will lift the trophy on Sunday
• Klopp will be in attendance at Anfield during the celebrations

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool clinched the title last month, but the official handover of the silverware has been scheduled for the final matchday of the season. With Crystal Palace visiting Merseyside, the stage is set for a celebration that will resonate with fans across the city.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Klopp, who famously guided the Reds to their 2020 Premier League crown, will grace the occasion, as Liverpool wrap up a memorable campaign under Slot. Club legend Alan Hansen will play a ceremonial role, handing over the trophy to captain Virgil van Dijk, which will be his first public appearance at Anfield since recovering from a serious health issue last year.

• WHAT SLOT SAID

  “I’ve heard he’s there, yeah,” Slot told reporters. “Nice.”

  The Dutchman then took a moment to reflect on the long road to Premier League glory.

  “Proud and special, but I think proud sums it up the most," he said. "After working here for a year now, I know how hard it is to win – it’s the hardest trophy to win. Because cup trophies you can, doesn’t have to be, but you can win those by a lucky draw, penalty shootout, and all of a sudden, you arrive in the final.

  "But it’s always harder to win the league because it’s 38 games in a period of time where the league has never been as strong as it is. Never been so much competition even for teams to go into the Champions League. Never been a season when 16 and 17th in the Premier League play in a final against each other in the Europa League. That’s what makes it so hard. Definitely a proud moment for me, the players and also the fans. Let’s hope it will be special."

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  The festivities will extend well beyond the pitch on Sunday. Once the trophy is in hand and the lap of honour completed, the squad will attend a private event at a Liverpool nightclub to mark their achievement with close friends and family. Then on Monday, the city will unite in celebration with a victory parade beginning at 14:30 BST. The route mirrors the one taken in 2019 and 2022, when the club celebrated Champions League and domestic cup triumphs, respectively. It will conclude at Blundell Street, where thousands of fans are expected to greet their champions.

Aston Villa face arguably their biggest match of the season tonight as the club travel to Belgium to face Club Brugge in the last-16 of the Champions League.

A win would set them up nicely for the second leg at Villa Park and Unai Emery will be doing everything he possibly can to ensure they return to the Midlands with a lead.

Villa reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup courtesy of a 2-0 win over Cardiff City last week, a game in which Marcus Rashford shone.

Marcus Rashford's impressive numbers since signing for Aston Villa

Since arriving from Manchester United on a six-month loan deal, he has yet to score but has provided three assists. Two came against Chelsea in the Premier League, while another was recorded on Friday evening in the cup.

The Englishman started on the left wing against the Championship side and looked lively throughout, delivering nine crosses into the penalty area, while making six key passes, registering six shots in total and creating two big chances during the game.

It was a sublime performance, one that Emery must have envisaged Rashford delivering upon his arrival. With so many options in the final third, shoehorning everyone in wasn’t going to work. Therefore, the manager had to be patient and find out exactly who works best with who.

It appears as though Rashford and fellow January arrival, Marco Asensio, work extremely well together, shining during the clash against Cardiff.

This depth in the final third could propel the club to win their first major trophy since 1996, as they shouldn’t be counted out in either the FA Cup or Champions League.

That said, the United loanee could be back among the subs on Tuesday evening.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Who should replace Rashford in the Aston Villa lineup

For the tie against Brugge, however, Emery must use the England international as an impact player, bringing Morgan Rogers back into the starting XI.

Rashford last played a match in the Champions League in November 2023 and hasn’t scored at this level since October 2021.

Thus, dropping him to the bench in order to restore Rogers to the starting XI makes perfect sense. The former Middlesbrough sensation scored a hat-trick against Celtic while grabbing an assist during the win over Bologna earlier this season.

Jamie Carragher previously dubbed the youngster as “unstoppable” last year and when in full flow, opposition defences find it extremely difficult to stop him.

As well as his goal contributions in Europe’s premier club competition, Rogers has managed to create three big chances, while averaging 1.6 key passes and succeeding with 3.3 dribbles per game – a success rate of 58% – which has helped Villa reach the last 16 of the competition.

Rashford may have delivered a superb performance against Cardiff, but making that step up to the Champions League after several months away might come too soon.

Therefore, Emery must unleash his trusted lieutenant Rogers against the Belgian outfit this evening, and it is a game where he can utilise his attacking abilities to secure a win for Villa.

Aston Villa hold concrete interest in "world-class" £50m Duran replacement

The Villans have set their sights on a top striker to replace Jhon Duran this summer.

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By
Dominic Lund

Mar 2, 2025

Dani Dyer has shared adorable wedding photos on social media after tying the knot with West Ham and England star Jarrod Bowen.

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• Dyer and Bowen get married
• Couple shared wedding photos on Instagram
• The setup was inspired by Netflix hit Bridgerton

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dyer and West Ham United forward Bowen got married in a charming countryside ceremony. The former Love Island winner delighted fans by sharing a selection of dreamy photographs from the wedding on her Instagram, simply captioning the post: “The Bowens.” The images showcased the radiant bride in a flowing off-the-shoulder gown, exuding elegance, while the groom looked suave in a tailored black suit.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Preferring a more intimate setting, Dani and Jarrod opted to exchange vows in front of a small group of just 50 guests. Adding a whimsical flair, the ceremony was reportedly inspired by the beloved Netflix series Bridgerton, featuring live violin performances to enhance the romantic ambience, according to the Mail.

• TELL ME MORE

  In a touching moment, her father, actor Danny Dyer—best known for his role as Mick Carter on —walked her down the aisle. Dani, 27, also ensured her three children played special roles on the day. Her twin daughters, Summer and Star, who turned two earlier this year, served as flower girls in the ceremony. Meanwhile, her four-year-old son Santiago, whom she shares with ex-partner Sammy Kimmence, was chosen to be one of the page boys.

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• Getty/Instagram @DaniDyerxx
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  After becoming Mrs. Bowen, reported that she will be updating her surname—but not abandoning her iconic family name altogether. Instead, she will be becoming Dani Dyer-Bowen.

Arsenal are now closely monitoring an “excellent” striker who’s been dubbed “the new Lautaro”, and they may hold a key advantage in the race for his signature, according to a report.

Gunners stepping up striker pursuit

In the wake of yesterday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United, Mikel Arteta insisted he doesn’t regret the decision not to sign a striker during the January transfer window, stating it is not the reason his side are now 15 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

However, at this point, it seems likely the Gunners will make a move for a new striker in the summer, having been linked with a number of big names, and there has recently been an update on their pursuit of Victor Osimhen.

A £62m fee has reportedly been agreed to sign Osimhen from Napoli this summer, with Kai Havertz set to be moved to a deeper role to make way for the Nigerian, but he is not the only target they have in mind.

Arsenal schedule meeting with £63m striker's agents for transfer talks

He’d be an excellent option.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 9, 2025

The north Londoners are said to be leading Tottenham Hotspur in the race for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, and another more left-field option is also now emerging as a target.

According to a report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are now closely monitoring Bologna striker Santiago Castro, having been impressed by his consistent form in Italy.

Premier League rivals Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham United are also interested, but the Gunners could hold a key advantage in the race for Castro’s signature, given that they have a strong relationship with Bologna due to previous transfer dealings.

The 20-year-old could be available for a relatively low fee this summer, with the Italian club likely to hold out for €25m – €30m (£21m – £25m).

"Excellent" Castro draws Martinez comparisons

The Bologna forward has received high praise from Jacek Kulig this season, with the football talent scout lauding him as “excellent”, while also claiming he is known as “the new Lautaro” in Italy, due to similarities in his tenacious play-style.

The youngster certainly shares Inter’s talisman’s ability to score goals and set up his teammates too, having picked up nine goals and eight assists in all competitions this season, establishing himself as a key player for Bologna.

As such, there are clear signs the Buenos-Aires-born ace could be a fantastic long-term signing for Arsenal, but it is still imperative they bring in a top striker alongside the starlet this summer.

Given Castro’s lack of experience at the top level, it would be a gamble for the Gunners to bring him in as their first-choice striker, so Osimhen, who’s scored a total of nine Champions League goals, should remain one of their main targets.