Eyeing summer reinforcements, Unai Emery is now reportedly pleading Monchi to do everything to sign one particular La Liga star for Aston Villa when the transfer window swings open.

Aston Villa set sights on serial winner

The Villans already stole plenty of headlines during the January transfer window when they signed Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio on loan from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain. Now, just months later, they could look to put the funds gained through Jhon Duran’s big-money Al-Nassr move to good use, completing Emery’s side in the process.

The rumours are already coming thick and fast ahead of the summer transfer window too. Names such as Ayyoub Bouaddi have already threatened to steal the headlines alongside Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Serbian forward looks set to be available at a bargain price, which could yet see Aston Villa take full advantage and end their search to sign a replacement for Duran.

Meanwhile, the Villans have also turned their attention towards La Liga and signing a player who would be a match made in heaven with Emery in the Midlands. And the Spaniard seems to be well aware of that potential.

According to reports in Spain, Emery is now pleading Monchi to go all out to sign Isco this summer following the midfielder’s revived spell at Real Betis. A serial winner who won five Champions Leagues at Real Madrid, the Spanish star could follow Asensio’s path to the Premier League when the transfer window commences.

Aston Villa have possible £42m replacement if they can't sign Asensio

He’s just 19 years old…

1

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 15, 2025

If they fail to sign Asensio on a permanent deal, then Isco would certainly make perfect sense. Although 32 years old these days, the Real Betis man is yet to lose his silky touch and audacious vision with eight goals and four assists to his name in all competitions this season. Ticking boxes for both experience and star power, Monchi should listen to Emery’s reported request.

"Great" Isco the perfect match for Emery

Those in attendance at Villa Park have watched on as the likes of Morgan Rogers and, most recently, Asensio have thrived under Emery, but the best could be yet to come if Isco arrives this summer.

The former Real Madrid star has the technical prowess to slot straight into the Spaniard’s midfield to create a quartet of control, ruthlessness and power alongside Asensio, Rashford and Ollie Watkins. From a side struggling to keep hold of their Premier League status five years ago, Aston Villa could form one of the most mouth-watering attacks in England’s top tier.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Isco	Marco Asensio
Starts	10	10
Goals	5	4
Assists	2	4
Key Passes	30	20

Isco has unsurprisingly earned plenty of praise from Manuel Pellegrini since arriving at Real Betis, with the manager telling reporters earlier this month after his star man netted the winning goal against former club Real Madrid: “I think individual performances are always important.

“Isco has a great level and infects the team with his quality and physical dedication. I’ll take the number of chances and the few times Real Madrid came.”

There is perhaps no coincidence that Manchester City’s season began to go downhill after Rodri suffered a long-term injury back in September.

The club had won four of their first five Premier League games of the season but then won only four of their next 13 while missing the Spaniard.

He returned to training at the start of the month, which means a first-team comeback might not be too far away.

What Man City have missed with Rodri out injured

The midfielder enjoyed arguably the finest individual campaign of his career last season. Across 50 games for City, he scored nine goals and registered 14 assists in all competitions.

When compared to his positional peers in the top flight throughout 2023/24, Rodri ranked in the top 1% for passes attempted (112.26), progressive passes (11.55) and carries (77.16) per 90.

These statistics certainly prove that Rodri is highly influential for the Etihad side, dictating games with a superb passing range while creating chances for his teammates on a regular basis.

Helping Spain win the 2024 European Championship boosted his profile and the 28-year-old won the Ballon d’Or in October 2024.

It was hardly a surprise, therefore, that his injury has hit City hard, but did Pep Guardiola sell an ideal replacement a few years ago for peanuts?

Man City sold an "elite" Rodri replacement

A number of high-profile midfielders have come and gone from City, notably Cole Palmer and Douglas Luiz, however, want to talk about another academy star here.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

A certain Romeo Lavia is the player in question. He made only two first-team appearances for City before being sold to Southampton for a fee of just £10.5m in the summer of 2022.

The club inserted a buyback clause into the contract and, following an excellent first season with the Saints, where he made 34 appearances for the club, clubs soon began showing interest.

Indeed, in 2023, Chelsea spent £58m to bring the midfielder to London, giving the Saints a major profit. He might not have played as often as he would have liked due to injury problems, but at his best, Lavia would have made for an ideal Rodri replacement.

Due to a hamstring injury, Lavia has featured for Chelsea just 13 times this season. In the Premier League, the Belgian youngster succeeded with 92% of his passes, made 1.5 tackles per game and won 53% of his ground duels.

The midfielder ranks in the top 5% for pass completion percentage (91.8%) when compared to his peers in the Premier League this season, indicating that he has similar sorts of qualities to Rodri.

Accurate passes

29.5

Key passes

0.6

Tackles

2.1

Interceptions

1.1

Possession lost

7.2

Total duels won

4.9

Hailed as “an elite number 6” by scout Jacek Kulig earlier this season, his value has risen since departing City for £10.5m nearly three years ago.

Indeed, according to Transfermarkt, Lavia is valued at £33.5m, which proves that the Manchester side sold him far too hastily.

His current valuation has risen by 219% since departing the Etihad and given the fact he is now finally beginning to show his best form at the Blues, it could be a move that Guardiola regrets sooner rather than later.

Man City are brewing Pep's new Busquets in their young "Rodri back-up"

Man City need support for Nico Gonzalez and Rodri.

1 ByJoe Nuttall Mar 24, 2025

Former Manchester United star Ben Foster has ripped Alejandro Garnacho, and urged the Red Devils to 'ship him out' this summer.

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• Garnacho fell out with Amorim at Man Utd
• Former Red Devil Foster rips into the winger
• Urges Man Utd to sign 'good and honest' players

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Garnacho has been expected to leave United this summer after his fallout with boss Ruben Amorim near the end of the season, after the Argentine winger was left on the bench for the Red Devils' Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur. The Portuguese coach is reportedly displeased with the 20-year-old and even told him to 'pray' that he can find a new club for himself.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Former United goalkeeper Foster has now doubled down on the issues with Garnacho's attitude, as he ripped the Argentine for his 'haircut obsessions' and urged the 20-time Premier League champions to sign 'good and honest' players.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT FOSTER SAID

  Speaking to talkSPORT, Foster said: 'I think for Man United it's best to ship [him] out. If I was the manager, I'd be a little bit similar to Amorim in the case of I just want team players. I want a bunch of lads who are good, honest, hard-working team players. And I don't get that vibe from Garnacho, I don't get that vibe from a few of the players.

  'You look at the full-time whistle after the Europa League game. You have Brennan Johnson doing an interview. He looks like he hasn't had a haircut for about three months, [hair] horrible all over the place, but his interview was incredible. You could tell he's a real nice lad, he's hard working, he does everything for the team. Then you look at Garnacho. Fresh trim a day ago, dyed blonde, ready for the final.

  'The full-time whistle goes, he's sat on the pitch sulking by himself, not trying to get behind the other lads, picking them up, saying 'well done we got this far'. And I think that there is the big contrast. I just want good lads, honest, hard-working lads.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR GARNACHO?

  United are set to sign Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer and are expected to make a few more signings over the next months. As such, it can be expected that Garnacho will not be a part of the squad heading into next season.

Paris Saint-Germain want to sign Bournemouth's Ilya Zabarnyi as the club searches for a long-term replacement for veteran defender Marquinhos.

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Ilya Zabarnyi on PSG's wishlistPSG looks for a long-term replacement for MarquinhosFrench club submitted bid for Lazio's Mario GilaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

PSG director Luis Campos is scouting the market for the right long-term replacement for Maquinhos, who has been one of the foundation block of Qatar's decade old Champions League dream. As per a report by , PSG's hunt has landed them at the doors of Bournemouth for 22-year-old centre back Zabarnyi. The French side reportedly also made a bid for Lazio's Mario Gila.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Bournemouth's defence is in the spotlight after seeing Dean Huijsen leave for Real Madrid while Liverpool are attempting to sign Milos Kerkez. Now, it's the Ukrainian international who has been identified by PSG for their defensive makeover. Zabarnyi, who joined the Cherries in 2023, was a regular starter for the club in the 2024-25 campaign and has played 86 games since he set foot in the Vitality Stadium. Looking at the possible departure of their two star talents, the Cherries have identified Adrien Truffert of Stade Rennais as their next talisman. The English club is said to bid for the French defender in the coming days.

TELL ME MORE

The French side are reportedly facing a stiff competition for another target, Gila, from Chelsea and Bournemouth. The Lazio defender was bought by the Serie A club from Madrid in 2022 and had an impressive 2024-25 season, with the Italian club now valuing him at €40 million (£34m/$46m). The Spanish side have a sell-on clause on Gila's contract with 50 per cent of his next sale going straight to the account of Madrid.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR PSG?

After winning the Champions League, the French side will now take on Atletico Madrid on 16 June as they kick off their Club World Cup campaign. The club will then head to Italy for their Super Cup match against Europa League winners, Tottenham on 13 August.

Arsenal today are an entirely different team from the one Mikel Arteta took control of over five years ago.

The manager has helped transform a meandering and seemingly lost club into one that looks destined to win something significant in the coming years.

However, it has not been a linear journey for the Spaniard, as just a year into his tenure, his position was starting to look seriously untenable.

Thankfully, the emergence of Emile Smith Rowe and his early partnership with Bukayo Saka steadied the ship and practically saved the Spaniard’s job, so it’s good news that Hale End has provided him with another version of the Englishman.

Emile Smith Rowe's career

So, while Smith Rowe did make his senior debut for Arsenal back in a Europa League group game in the 18/19 season, it makes sense to start in the 20/21 campaign, as it was in the Premier League game at home to Chelsea on Boxing Day, that it became abundantly clear to everyone watching that the youngster was a serious talent.

He started that game and, alongside Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, injected the dynamism the club lacked in the prior 14 league games, of which Arteta had overseen just four wins.

The Croydon-born gem ended the season with a brilliant haul of four goals and seven assists in 33 games and carried his form over to the following campaign, in which he scored 11 goals and provided two assists in just 37 appearances.

By the start of the 22/23 season, it felt as if the Hale Ender was ready to truly explode, but in a stroke of terrible luck, he was blindsided with injury problems, which limited him to just 196 minutes of action across 14 appearances.

Unfortunately, while he was sitting on the sidelines, the club were mounting a surprise title charge, with Martin Odegaard having the season of his life as the team’s most attacking midfielder and racking up a stellar haul of 15 goals and seven assists in 45 games.

Appearances

115

Goals

18

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.26

So, while the young Englishman did miss some games through injury the following year, the primary reason he was limited to just 475 minutes was the simple fact that there wasn’t a place for him in the starting lineup anymore, which likely made the club’s choice to accept up to £34m for his service from Fulham in the summer far easier.

Since moving to West London, the former fan favourite has still suffered from some minor injuries but has generally looked good when on the pitch, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 31 appearances.

In all, while Arsenal would likely have used Smith Rowe more this season in light of their attacking struggles and injuries, selling him to the Cottagers was probably the best thing for all parties involved, especially as Hale End might’ve already provided Arteta with the perfect replacement.

Arteta's new Smith Rowe

For all that has gone wrong this season, one of the most significant positives has been the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, and it should come as no surprise that it is the latter who is Arteta’s new Smith Rowe.

Now, this comparison works for a few reasons, such as the fact that they are both attacking midfielders who can thrive on the wing, they’re both English and even the fact that their breakouts came under this manager.

However, we’d argue the most important similarity is how they impacted the first team in a time of need.

As mentioned above, the now Fulham star announced himself to the wider footballing world by forming a brilliant partnership with Saka and turning the ship around at a time when it looked like changes were going to be made in the dugout, and while it’s not been anywhere as dire this season, there are some unmistakable similarities.

For example, while the “unplayable” Nwaneri, as dubbed by Jack Wilshere, was making cameo appearances and getting the odd cup start earlier this season, his involvement in the first team dramatically increased once the attacking injury crisis was in full swing, with nine of his 12 starts coming since January 1st.

Appearances

29

Minutes

1087′

Goals

8

Assists

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.31

Minutes per Goal Involvement

120.77′

Moreover, when he has played, the “sensational” Hale Ender, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has often contributed, with his eight goals and one assist coming in 1087 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement on average every 120.77 minutes, which for an 18-year-old is incredible.

Finally, while Smith Rowe broke through and formed a partnership with Saka, the Enfield-born dynamo is doing the same with Lewis-Skelly, who played a big part in his goals against Bolton Wanderers and PSV Eindhoven.

Ultimately, fans will be hoping his Arsenal career progresses in a different way, but as things stand, there are plenty of similarities between Smith Rowe and Nwaneri.

He earns way more than Isak: Berta must axe "frustrating" Arsenal star ASAP

The talented Arsenal star needs to be moved on.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 25, 2025

Aston Villa’s transfer activity since Unai Emery took charge of the club in October 2022 has been nothing short of remarkable.

During that time, the likes of Jhon Duran, Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres, Amadou Onana, Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford have all joined the Midlands side.

A few years ago, these sorts of transfers would have been unthinkable. Now, thanks to Emery, not only are they possible, but transfers like this have become the norm.

With the summer window fast approaching, who will be the next big name to secure a move to the Midlands? Only time will tell.

Emery appears to be keeping a close watch on those currently playing in the Premier League, however, targeting a move for someone who could even be an upgrade on January arrival, Rashford…

Marcus Rashford's start to life at Aston Villa

It was clear that the Englishman wasn’t in Ruben Amorim’s plans at Manchester United, despite scoring in his first two league matches in charge.

A move to Villa was arguably the ideal chance for Rashford to prove his worth ahead of perhaps convincing the Portuguese manager that he has a future at Old Trafford. Or, that someone like Emery will take a chance and sign him permanently this summer.

The 27-year-old has yet to open his account for the Midlands side, but he has registered four assists, including two during a stunning display against Chelsea.

Against the Blues, Rashford came off the bench for the second half, providing assists for Asensio to score twice in the 2-1 victory.

He also attempted four dribbles, succeeding with two, while creating two big chances, making three key passes and losing possession just five times throughout the second half.

Rashford is thriving under Emery, no doubt about it. With the likes of Asensio, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins in the same attack, Villa have been excellent at times.

The United loanee is approaching 28 years of age, however, and spending £40m on someone who might only have a year or two at their absolute peak might not be the best decision.

With that in mind, it is no surprise that the Villans are also considering other Premier League talents to bolster their attacking ranks next season…

Aston Villa targets Premier League winger

According to Caught Offside, Villa are battling Newcastle United in the chase for Bournemouth winger Dango Ouattara this summer.

Transfer Focus

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The Cherries could well cash in on one of their star players, with a fee of around €40m (£33.5m) looking like it could be enough to secure the signature of the Burkina Faso international.

Serie A sides Napoli and AC Milan are also keen on the player, and this could mean Emery will need to lead his side back into the Champions League next term if he wishes to add the winger to his squad.

Of the January signings, both Rashford and Asensio are currently on loan. As alluded to previously, the former could be signed for around £40m this summer due to the option to buy clause being inserted as part of the deal.

There is no doubt the Englishman has impressed for Villa since arriving on deadline day, but he will turn 28 in October and might not have long left at his peak.

Ouattara, on the other hand, has only just turned 23, meaning he could be a better signing, certainly over the long term anyway.

Dango Ouattara could be an upgrade to Marcus Rashford

The 23-year-old has been with Bournemouth since the summer of 2022, but he has taken a few seasons to acclimatise to the Premier League.

Comparing Rashford and Ouattara’s stats in the PL this season

Metric

Rashford

Ouattara

Goals

4

7

Assists

3

4

Big chances created

8

9

Successful dribbles per game

0.9

1

Shots per game

1.2

1.8

Total duels won per game

2.3

3.7

Stats via Sofascore

Indeed, across both 2022/23 and 2023/24, Quattara scored only twice in the top flight, along with recording just five assists for the club.

This season, however, he has been a different beast indeed. The winger has played 26 league games so far this term, scoring seven goals and providing four assists. Add in another two goals in the FA Cup at the time of writing, and it is clear to see why Emery wishes to sign him.

Earlier this year, analyst Ben Mattinson heaped plenty of praise on the youngster, saying he was “one of the league’s most underrated players” following a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest in January.

This may have been the game which confirmed he is ready to take the next step up, attracting the attention of Villa and Newcastle among others.

In the Premier League this season, Ouattara has registered 11 goals and assists, 2.85 shots per 90, 55 shot-creating actions, 0.36 goal-creating actions per 90 and succeeds in 45.6% of his take-on attempts, proving how effective he has been going forwards.

Compare this to Rashford and it is evident who has been the better player in the top flight throughout 2024/25. The Englishman has registered seven goals and assists for both United and Villa while recording 1.75 shots per 90, 46 shot-creating actions, 0.31 goal-creating actions per 90 and succeeding with just 30.9% of his take-on attempts.

Ouattara has also created more big chances in the Premier League (eight vs nine) than the current Villa star, while also succeeding with more dribbles (one vs 0.9) per game than Rashford.

It has been an excellent season for the “incredible” starlet – as hailed by former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington – one that could be the springboard for a move to a club such as Villa soon, and with it, potential Champions League football.

They will have to splash the cash to secure his signature, but based on his displays since the start of the season, it could be money well spent. That’s a certainty.

Related Their very own Saka: Aston Villa racing Newcastle to sign "physical" winger

He’s impressed at times this season.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Mar 29, 2025

James Anderson was available for nothing more than the morning team talk

Paul Edwards13-May-2023
They know about overseas cricketers at Old Trafford. They saw some of the very best of the bunch half-a-century and more ago and they saw them before the practice of engaging foreign players for a season or two became common in the English game. But they’ve also watched some sleazeballs fly in and collect their cash without making a discernible contribution to Lancashire cricket.So when Daryl Mitchell took three Somerset wickets from 13 tight overs on Friday, the cognoscenti in the old pavilion were impressed, even if they reserved most of their final judgement on the New Zealander. Rather less of that judgement is withheld this long-shadowed evening, though, now that Mitchell has become only the ninth Lancashire cricketer to make a century on his first-class debut. And a little was removed when the new centurion turned and acknowledged the enthusiastic applause of the members, a habit that one or two home-grown players would do well to acquire.A couple of Somerset cricketers congratulated Mitchell, too, even though his innings of 105 had done more than anything else to dull the always formidable threat of Craig Overton and Matt Henry, thereby limiting the visitors’ lead to 35 on a pitch not noticeably replete with devilment. But there were still at least two points in the day’s play when Somerset threatened to dominate this match without ever taking the wickets that would have confirmed the fact.Yet if they had been bashed by Mitchell, Tom Abell’s cricketers were unabashed by the challenge of trying to force a victory and the final 28.2 overs of the day saw them progress to 114 for 3, with the skipper particularly dynamic in making a 63-ball 48 that included seven fours. However, Abell was bowled when trying to reverse-sweep a straight ball from Tom Hartley and the day’s last over brought another success for Lancashire when George Bartlett was bowled for 12 by a fine ball from Saqib Mahmood.Either early wickets for Lancashire or quick runs followed by an enterprising declaration by Somerset could still produce a positive result on the final afternoon, although one’s guess is that none of the above will be forthcoming. Yet that is an uncharitable thought at the end of the sort of day when one realises the cricket season has truly arrived. Gorse Hill Park sang in the green wonder of it this morning and the Old Trafford stewards, who are a fairly cheery bunch these days, sported even sunnier smiles of welcome. Maybe it’s unfair on the cricketers, too, whose efforts have produced three fluctuating days, an arm-wrestle, to be sure, but so far, at least, one in which neither team has slumped to the horizontal.This morning, for example, Overton removed Will Williams and Steven Croft before the first Palo Cortado had slipped down in the 1864 suite and then had George Balderson caught behind for a fine 71 just before luncheon, when Lancashire’s deficit was 202. But this was a day on which Somerset’s bowlers were denied, not only by Mitchell but also by a couple of the fresh generation of Lancastrians, cricketers who will soon be pushing their seniors for places in the side once everyone is available.For while Croft and Dane Vilas contributed only 22 runs to the cause, George Bell and Hartley shared stands of 57 and 89 respectively with Mitchell, both partnerships being much more than announcements of promise. Bell, in particular, showed that while many young cricketers struggle to adapt to Championship cricket, there are those who take to the county game with an amenable shrug. Over last season and this, Somerset’s James Rew has shown he is a member of that group and today Bell offered further evidence, in only his seventh first-class match, that he belongs amongst them, too. The shot he played to get out might appear on the front cover of but by then Bell had made 38 polished runs and shared the stand with Mitchell that finally expunged the probably slight possibility that Lancashire might be asked to follow on.Perhaps encouraged by the quality of this support, Mitchell continued to invest every shot with total commitment. He swept or reverse swept on length and hit strongly down the ground, taking a big stride to the pitch of the ball and often lifting his drive well over the inner ring of fielders. So far over in the case of two boundaries off Josh Davey and Kasey Aldridge that the ball also crossed the rope.Behind these gaudier efforts Mitchell’s defensive strokes were devoid of flourish but stacked with care. He reached his century with a deliberately crafted edge to third man off Henry, but his compatriot quickly applied the best salve to any wounds, first by having Hartley caught at deep square leg for 47 and then by removing Mitchell four balls later, snaffled by Tom Lammonby at midwicket when trying to pull. With James Anderson available for nothing more than the morning team talk, Lancashire’s innings closed on 326. Somehow that seemed a poor reward for Overton, whose figures of 4 for 52 from 22 overs reflected his well-directed aggression.

استقر مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك، برئاسة حسين لبيب، على الجهاز الفني الجديد الذي سيتولى تدريب فريق القلعة البيضاء، الفترة المقبلة.

وكان مجلس الزمالك، أعلن رحيل الجهاز الفني للفريق بالكامل بقيادة أيمن الرمادي، بشكل رسمي أمس الإثنين.

طالع| صاحب تجربة عربية وحيدة.. الزمالك يتوصل لاتفاق مبدئي مع مدربه الجديد

وكان أيمن الرمادي تولى تدريب فريق الزمالك بشكل مؤقت عقب رحيل البرتغالي جوزيه بيسرو بعد خروج الفارس الأبيض من بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية.

ويبحث الزمالك عن مدرب أجنبي جديد في الفترة الحالية من خلال مديره الرياضي، جون إدوارد، بعد رحيل أيمن الرمادي.

وعلم بطولات أن البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا بات أقرب المرشحين لتولي القيادة الفنية للفريق، بعد التوصل لاتفاق مبدئي بشأن بنوده الشخصية.

ويحظى يانيك فيريرا بسمعة طيبة كأحد أبرز المدربين الشباب في بلجيكا، إذ سبق له قيادة نادي ستاندارد لييج، إلى جانب عمله كمساعد مدرب في أندية أوروبية مرموقة، كما خاض تجربة ناجحة في المنطقة العربية مع الفتح السعودي بين 2019 و2022، حيث قدم مستويات مميزة استمرت لعدة مواسم. تشكيل الجهاز الفني الجديد لـ الزمالك

كما اقترب فيريرا من حسم تشكيل الجهاز الفني الجديد لـ الزمالك، والذي قد يكون كالتالي:

– المساعد الأول: فرنسي بيير بارلي.

– مدرب الأحمال: الإسباني رؤول لوبيز.

– مدرب حراس المرمى: البلجيكي چوجوسلاف لازيتش.

– محلل الأداء: فرنسي.. چوليان لاچوكس.

– حازم إمام: مدرب مساعد.

The year of 2025 has been a struggle for Arsenal with not much good fortune falling the way of Mikel Arteta’s plucky side.

That FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United had more ramifications than just crashing out of the cup with Gabriel Jesus subsequently suffering an ACL injury that will keep him out for the rest of the calendar year.

With Bukayo Saka already on the treatment table, the last thing they then needed was an injury to Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian is now back but missed over a month of action. Kai Havertz? Well, Arsenal’s trip to Dubai didn’t have the same effect as it did in 2024, with the German suffering a season-ending hamstring injury.

Combine their rotten injury luck with some puzzling refereeing decisions throughout the campaign and it is hardly a surprise that Arne Slot’s Liverpool sit 12 points ahead at the summit of the Premier League table.

That being said, there are some positives that Arteta will be able to take into the summer and beyond.

The biggest positives of Arsenal's season

Truth be told, there aren’t many, but we cannot look past the emergence of Hale End duo Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

For a long while it looked as though Nwaneri would be the biggest prospect to come out of the academy, notably being handed his first-team debut as a 15-year-old.

This term he has been handed more minutes than Arteta will have imagined due to injuries across the forward line but he’s proving why he could be a generational talent, scoring eight goals in 29 outings this term.

Then, there’s a certain Lewis-Skelly. Aged 18, he’s made a remarkable impact as an inverted left-back. So impressive has the teenager been that Thomas Tuchel saw fit to name him in his very first England squad,

He does lack discipline at times but no one can deny the positive impact both of these two young talented footballers have had on this Arsenal team.

If we’re looking for another positive then the defence has remained resolute. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes look as imperious as ever.

Gabriel, in particular, has perhaps been Arsenal’s player of the season, chiefly coming up trumps in several set-piece scenarios.

Yet, we haven’t mentioned Jurrien Timber yet. His form in 2024/25 is reason to celebrate.

Chalkboard

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

Jurrien Timber's season in numbers

This time last year Timber was on the comeback trail as he stepped up his recovery from a horrific ACL injury suffered on his Premier League debut when Nottingham Forest came to town.

It was a nightmare scenario for the Dutchman but he’s shown this campaign exactly why the club’s recruitment team saw fit to hand Ajax £38m fee for his services.

As data analyst Ben Mattinson outlined earlier this season, the full-back is now “one of the best Emirates-era signings” having made that right-back berth his own with Ben White on the sidelines.

It is a testament to the Netherlands international’s performances that White – a player who contributed four goals and five assists in 2023/24 – hasn’t been talked about much since he was out injured.

In short, Timber has been exceptional this term barely missing a minute of action which is made all the more impressive when you consider memories of that ACL injury will very much be lingering at the back of his mind.

While the 23-year-old is unlikely to match White’s numbers from last season, he has assisted three goals and scored twice, the latest of which came in that 7-1 rout of PSV Eindhoven a few weeks ago.

His form over recent months has been particularly good and he perhaps saved the finest performance of his Arsenal career to date for the 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

In the words of Arsenal podcaster Adam Keys, the defender was “immense” this weekend and “made a couple of big transition-stopping tackles to keep Arsenal in control.”

Minutes played

90

Touches

64

Accurate passes

29/33 (88%)

Key passes

0

Accurate crosses

0/2

Successful dribbles

1/2

Ground duels won

5/9

Aerial duels won

4/5

Clearances

3

Interceptions

2

Tackles

1

Fouled

3x

The stats made for excellent reading with the Dutch gladiator completing 88% of his passes, winning nine duels and being fouled three times.

One of the most press-resistant defenders out there, Timber did it all on the right-hand side, from contributing in attack to nullifying Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku with ease.

He even had time to mock Enzo Maresca near the end of the game as Arsenal remained resolute to see out a 1-0 victory at the Emirates.

Speaking of the Emirates, have there been many better signings than Timber since they moved from Highbury?

It’s a bold statement, but particularly at the back, there has hardly been a rich history of sturdy defenders at their new most recent home aside from the likes of Saliba, Gabriel and Laurent Koscielny.

Certainly, in recent times Timber has to be right up there as one of the club’s best bits of recruitment. The club-record arrival of Declan Rice will steal the headlines such was his whopping £105m price tag but his fellow summer arrival in 2023 deserves just as much praise for the way he’s become such a fan favourite in north London.

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O Palmeiras buscou empate em 2 a 2 com o Atlético-MG no fim do jogo de ida das quartas de final da Libertadores. Os dois gols do resultado palmeirense tiveram participação de Gustavo Scarpa, o principal jogador do time no momento. Acontece que ele vai deixar o clube no fim do ano justamente no melhor momento de sua carreira.

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Já com pré-contrato assinado com o Nottingham Forrest, da Inglaterra, o meia vive seus últimos meses no Verdão, mas não tem tirado o pé, pelo contrário, parece estar até melhor do que vinha apresentando anteriormente e ele reconhece essa ótima fase.

-Eu estou feliz para caramba, realmente está chegando ao fim de um ciclo. Eu tinha um certo receio de ter más atuações após ter assinado pré-contrato, mas coloquei na minha cabeça que precisaria seguir dando meu máximo, que as coisas iriam fluir, e realmente tem fluido. Vivo meu melhor momento da carreira. Estou muito feliz com isso, amadureci como pessoa, como jogador, mas amanhã é um novo dia, não adianta carregar os elogios de uma partida, temos que pensar na próxima – comentou o camisa 14 na zona mista do Mineirão.

Muito desse momento iluminado que Scarpa vive é por conta de sua polivalência e não apenas por sua qualidade na bola parada. O meia tem se desdobrado em diversas funções e posições em campo, mostrando um preparo físico invejável, que surpreende até mesmo o próprio jogador. Além disso, ele valoriza a força mental nesta fase.

-Eu também estou muito surpreso com a minha parte física, nunca imaginei que fosse conseguir fazer área a área tão bem e com qualidade, o pessoal da preparação física me ajudou demais e eu também me cuido, tenho meus hobbies alternativos que fortalecem minha mente, isso me deixa mais leve. Realmente estou muito feliz, é um momento muito marcante e eu tento não me empolgar, porque quando você vive um momento legal, é normal você dar uma empolgada, mas a maturidade chegou na minha vida e eu vou levar bem leve – afirmou o meia antes de completar:

-A comissão técnica tem muito mérito nisso, o trabalho mental, a força mental, têm sido a prioridade dessa equipe, e isso nos ajudou muito. Aí depois, você estar bem mentalmente, a técnica, jogo tático, acabam fluindo – concluiu.

O Palmeiras volta a campo no próximo domingo, às 16h, para enfrentar o Goiás, no Allianz Parque, pela 21ª rodada do Brasileirão-2022. O Verdão é o líder da competição com 42 pontos.

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