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Aston Villa aren’t giving up their pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson, as Unai Emery bids to bolster his side ahead of the 2023/34 campaign.

Following his arrival in October, the Spaniard has transformed the outlook at Villa Park, taking the Midlands club to the next level alongside president of football operations, Monchi.

The former Sevilla business marvel could be on course to complete another coup in securing the signing of Johnson.

Who wants to buy Brennan Johnson?

The 22-year-old frontman has been rumoured to have been of interest to a number of Premier League clubs, with Villa and Brentford credited most recently, via the Daily Mail.

This week, an update from the Telegraph mentioned Forest’s ongoing battle regarding the Welshman’s future, who is ‘likely’ to be sold if a club can offer a fee in the region of £50m.

Whilst the Reds are reluctant to allow their star player to depart, the potential sale of the forward would relieve the financial pressures lingering over the City Ground at present.

How good is Brennan Johnson?

Following a season-long loan at Lincoln City in League One, the versatile forward has become at the forefront of everything threatening in the final third for Forest.

That year, the Nottingham-born gem scored 10 goals and registered 12 assists for the Imps, adding to his Football League tally the year after on his return to his birthplace.

During the 2021/22 Championship, the tenacious Wales international scored 16 goals along with nine assists to fire the Reds to promotion to the Premier League, where he has continued to rise in the top-flight.

Last season, the 22-year-old netted eight goals and provided three assists in his debut in the first division, attracting interest from elsewhere in the league this transfer window.

For Villa, the youngster could provide Emery’s side with an updated version of a former hero in the Midlands, with the Forest man posing similarities to academy graduate Jack Grealish.

The treble-winner, like Johnson, is deployable across the front line behind the striker, with the versatility to play on the flank as well as in central attacking midfield.

Having once been lauded as a “real handful” by scout Antonio Mango, the Welshman could replicate the threat of the treble winner at Villa Park.

As per analyst VisualGame on Twitter, the 22-year-old gem ranked higher than the 27-year-old in terms of take-ons completed at the beginning of last season, showcasing the way that he could give the Midlands a refreshed aura of their former star.

Identifiable as two strong carriers of the ball, Grealish averaged 1.97 successful take-ons per 90 in the Premier League last season, with Johnson following behind with 1.01 successful take-ons per 90 at Forest, via FBref.

The City Ground sensation averaged a higher percentage of shots on target per 90 compared to the Englishman, averaging 46.2% shots on target to the former Villa man’s 36.6% per 90, highlighting the level of threat he could provide in the Midlands.

If equipped in a much stronger side, the Welsh sensation could elevate his game in a way similar to Grealish, given Villa’s rise up the table and change in direction with reference to the Reds pottering on the relegation line.

Liverpool are hoping to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia for less than £50m this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Could Romeo Lavia join Liverpool?

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the Reds' biggest midfield transfer targets in the summer window, having already acquired the services of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Lavia caught the eye throughout last season for Saints, producing mature performances while so many around him struggled, and he was ultimately powerless to do anything about them being relegated from the Premier League.

On the plus side for Liverpool, Southampton heading down to the Championship means key players are far likelier to move on, and it would be a huge surprise if Lavia was still at St Mary's come the beginning of the 2023/24 season.

While the Reds have failed to get their man so far, another update has emerged regarding their pursuit of him, as they continue to push hard for his signing.

What's the latest on Romeo Lavia to Liverpool?

Speaking to Caught Offside, Romano said that Liverpool's interest in Lavia is still "concrete" and that they are hoping to sign him for less than Southampton are demanding:

"Staying with Liverpool, they keep working on Romeo Lavia. Nothing is advanced in terms of bids or club to club negotiations – still, contacts are taking place with the player’s agents and they are trying to understand the final price tag. Southampton always wanted around £50m but Liverpool are hoping for a different fee. He’s not their only target, but he is a concrete one, and Liverpool are still there.

"Chelsea are also following the Lavia situation due to the connection with Joe Shields, one of the Chelsea directors, but it’s not linked to the Moises Caicedo deal. Caicedo remains the priority for Chelsea, but Shields had Lavia at Southampton and Manchester City, so he knows the player well and there is a good connection there."

This is a positive update for Liverpool fans to hear, should some have been concerned about the club's interest in Lavia going a little quieter of late, with the imminent exits of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson dominating the headlines.

It seems clear that the Reds want to bring the young Belgian in, possibly seeing him as someone who could fill the Fabinho-shaped void in the No.6 role, blossoming into a truly formidable over time. He is already a top talent who has shown that he can excel in the Premier League, but he should only get better as his all-round game becomes more polished.

It is imperative that Lavia isn't the only other midfielder brought in at Anfield this summer, however, with another defence-minded figure also required, in order to make the loss of two such experienced heads not to felt at all.

Crystal Palace's Cheick Doucoure could be perfect, in that respect, coming in as a more experienced alternative to Lavia, allowing the Saints starlet to develop at his own pace, having been hailed as "frankly ridiculous" by journalist Jacob Tanswell.

Nottingham Forest have now shown interest in signing Sao Paulo's Jhegson Mendez, having already made an approach to sign the central midfielder, according to a recent report.

What's the latest Nottingham Forest transfer news?

Forest are set to sign Dean Henderson in a £20m deal, once Inter's Andre Onana puts pen to paper on a move to Manchester United, which is an important signing for Steve Cooper, given that George Shelvey is his only fully-fit goalkeeper at present.

A new central midfielder is also of interest to Cooper, with a bid recently being tabled for PSV Eindhoven's Ibrahim Sangare, as reported by journalist Daniel Taylor, saying: "Nottingham Forest have followed up their long-standing interest in Ibrahim Sangare by making offer for the PSV Eindhoven midfielder.

"NFFC first targeted the Ivory Coast international last summer. He is back on their list – but other clubs keen too."

As reported by Football Insider's transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke, the Reds could still make a number of additions this summer, saying: "Nottingham Forest could add six new signings this summer. Whilst fans shouldn’t expect to see a similar influx of players as last year, Forest are still set to add to their current squad."

According to reports from Brazil, Forest are engaged in several pursuits in South America, having been turned down by Botafogo star Matheus Nascimento, while they have also turned their attentions to Santos forward Deivid Washington (via Sport Witness).

A new midfielder is being considered by Cooper, and an approach has now been made for Sao Paulo's Mendez, although no official bid has been placed yet.

The 26-year-old only arrived at Sao Paulo from Los Angeles FC in January, with the Tricolor signing him on a free transfer, but he could already be on the move, with Forest showing an interest in bringing him to The City Ground.

Who is Jhegson Mendez?

The Ecuadorian has spent much of his career in the MLS, having played for Orlando City and Los Angeles FC, however he moved to Sao Paulo in January, and he has since gone on to make 22 appearances for the Brazilian club.

At the World Cup, the Mira-born midfielder was a key player for his national side, averaging a 6.95 match rating across his two appearances, the second-highest figure in the squad.

Over the past year, the Ecuador international has averaged 1.66 blocks per 90, placing him in the 91st percentile compared to his positional peers, while he has also averaged a pass-completion rate of 87.2%, showcasing his ability in possession of the ball.

ESPN data analyst has hailed the maestro as "hardworking", while also claiming he is "even more effective" without the ball, due to the amount of ground he covers, and the way in which he pressurises opposition players.

The only potential concern about signing Mendez is that he is unproven in a major league, having spent the vast majority of his career in the USA, and he may take some time to adapt to the Premier League.

Celtic are reportedly close to signing Busan I-Park midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu this summer.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news?

The Hoops and Brendan Rodgers could spend up to £30m this summer, with those at Parkhead looking to build on a brilliant 2022/23 treble-winning season.

Midfielder Odin Thiago Holm and winger Marco Tilio have signed five-year deals in Glasgow, joining from Valerenga and Melbourne City respectively.

Further reinforcements are on the agenda, especially after Jota departed for Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a deal worth £25m. Gangwon FC forward Yang Hyun-jun has been a key target and he previously admitted he would give up his salary to force through a deal with the Scottish Premiership champions.

"Celtic is a good offer, so I want to go. I have to do my best as a member of Gangwon. But I think the desire to go will still be there.

"I want to go to Celtic this summer. I hope Gangwon will allow me to transfer. If the transfer fee isn’t enough, I’ll even give my salary."

It looks as if Celtic will soon get their man, with Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph revealing on Friday that the two clubs have agreed on a £2m+ fee for the winger.

“Celtic are closing in on the signing of Gangwon FC winger Hyun-jun Yang. It's understood the clubs have now agreed a fee of just over £2m.

“Personal terms with the 21-year-old are not expected to be an issue.”

Alongside Yang, though, it seems as if the Hoops are also in for Kwon. Sports Chosun reporter Yun Jin-man shared a story on Friday regarding, stating that not one but two South Korean players ‘will join Celtic’ this summer.

It is believed that Kwon, the core midfielder of Busan I-Park, will follow Yang to Parkhead, saying that there is a high possibility a move goes through. The report states that Kwon has been a major target for Celtic, who first made an offer for the player back in December and have increased that bid this summer, although they don’t cite any specific figures.

Who is Kwon Hyeok-kyu?

Kwon is 22 years of age and is primarily a holding midfielder but can also turn out in a more advanced role or in the left if needed, showing how he could be a versatile option for Rodgers, should a move go through.

Sponsored by Nike and a South Korea U22 international, Kwon appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €550,000 Transfermarkt valuation and has made 43 senior appearances for his current employers, scoring three times and providing one assist.

Kwon has also spent time out on loan with fellow South Korean side Gimcheon Sangmu during his career, turning out on 36 occasions, and it appears as if he could come in and challenge Celtic’s eight current holding or central midfield options.

He has been compared to Manchester City star Rodri by the media in South Korea, and by the looks of things, he could be the next player to leave Asia for Scotland, following in the footsteps of Yang.

Newcastle United appear to be stepping up their interest in Nice midfielder, Khephren Thuram, having only just wrapped up a deal for Italy international, Sandro Tonali.

What's the latest on Thuram to Newcastle?

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, it does appear that the Magpies are set to make their move for the signing of the promising Frenchman, with Eddie Howe and co ready to rival Liverpool for the 22-year-old's signature.

Writing on Twitter, the respected insider stated: "Khephren #Thuram, as told yesterday, #Newcastle are moving for the midfielder and are serious for him. #Liverpool are pushing hard for the [French] player, but are also concretely approaching Romeo #Lavia: #Southampton won't give discount and will rejected any bid below £50m."

If the Tynesiders are to land the highly-coveted playmaker this summer, previous reports have suggested that the Italy-born maestro could command a fee of around £55m, with his current deal set to expire in 2025.

Would Khephren Thuram be a good signing for Newcastle?

Despite the recent £55m capture of the aforementioned Tonali, a further midfield addition looks likely to be on the cards for those at St James' Park ahead of next season, with PIF having previously lodged a £50m offer for Inter Milan sensation, Nicolo Barella.

As per the Independent, however, Newcastle are considering alternatives to the latter man due to the Serie A side's reported £80m valuation, hence turning to a "powerful" talent like Thuram – as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig – who is said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with the Italian, as per FBref.

In the case of Barella, the "box to box" gem – as described by pundit Jamie Carragher – is particularly adept at driving forward from his deep-lying berth, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 11% among his European peers for progressive carries, as well as averaging 1.92 touches per 90 in the attacking penalty area.

That record is undoubtedly similar to that of Thuram, with the 6 foot 4 ace – who has also been categorised as a "box to box" asset by Kulig – ranking in the top 6% for progressive carries, while also averaging 2.16 touches per 90 in the opposition box.

The pair have both been able to translate that forward-thinking approach into providing an end product, with Thuram chipping in with two goals and four assists in 35 Ligue 1 games last season, while Barella contributed six goals and six assists in 35 Serie A outings.

Not just a threat in an attacking sense, both men can also hold their own defensively, with the Inter star having recorded a solid average of 1.4 tackles per game last term, while the Nice ace was only just ahead having averaged 1.5 for that same metric.

With Barella recognised as "one of the best in Europe" – in the words of Carragher – it is safe to assume that Thuram could be on a similar trajectory such is the comparison between the pair, hence why the youngster would represent an ideal alternative as far as Howe is concerned.

In a recent episode of ‘The Beautiful Game Podcast’, Nigel James, the father of Reece James, was speaking about the Chelsea Academy. When quizzed on the biggest talent to emerge from the Cobham production line, he emphatically replied that it was “100%” Callum Hudson-Odoi.

This is glimmering praise, especially when considering the extraordinary quality of his son and the pool of players who began their careers as a Stamford Bridge youth.

However, Hudson-Odoi’s Chelsea career has drifted into irrelevancy and stands at a dangerous standstill. As a result, it has been confirmed by The Athletic that the 22-year-old wants to leave his boyhood club this summer and the Blues are prepared to listen to offers.

The winger feels the time has arrived for the next chapter in his career to find a better chance at regular first-team football. One of the clubs interested in this mercurial prodigy is West Ham, which can provide Hudson-Odoi with a massive opportunity to reinvent his stuttering career.

What’s the latest on Hudson-Odoi to West Ham?

According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, the Hammers are part of a Premier League cohort including Fulham, Nottingham Forest, West Ham, and Crystal Palace, that are interested in the Englishman and have made enquiries over what it may take to sign him.

Hudson Odoi only has one year left on his deal at Chelsea, and it's expected that an offer of around £10m would be enough to tempt the West London hierarchy into the sale.

Would Hudson-Odoi be a good signing for West Ham?

Hudson-Odoi has been at Chelsea since U8s level and has made 126 appearances for the senior team in all competitions.

The 2000-born forward was catapulted into the spotlight in the 2018/19 season by former manager Maurizio Sarri, who placed a huge amount of faith in the star. That year, he made his first start for the club in the Community Shield against Manchester City, then three months later he netted his first goal for the club against PAOK in the Europa League.

In April 2019, Hudson-Odoi made history when he assisted Olivier Giroud in the opening goal in a Premier League victory over Brighton to become the youngest player to assist a goal on his first domestic start, aged just 18 years and 146 days.

When Frank Lampard replaced Sarri, he described the attacker as “world-class”, and when he signed a new five-year deal at Stamford Bridge, he was projected to become Chelsea’s prize asset.

Since this, Hudson-Odoi has failed to find consistency or be regularly relied upon by either Lampard or Thomas Tuchel, though there is still a feeling that he holds that 'world-class' potential within him.

During his last two seasons in the capital, he only started 21 of 76 Premier League games. The German even resorted to starting the player at right-wing back as he continuously slipped down the pecking order.

The technician also had an underwhelming loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen last year, which has left Mauricio Pochettino uninspired and open to his exit.

Nevertheless, there is a spark within Hudson-Odoi. To appear in the Chelsea team at such a young age is an indication of his potential and the array of applause he has amassed from various greats within the game show he could flourish in a different environment.

He ranks within the best 16% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes and carries, and could provide pivotal competition for Said Benrahma next term.

The Algerian was the Irons’ top Premier League scorer last season with six goals, but four of them came from the penalty spot, and although he is a wondrously skilful asset, he can be annoyingly anonymous at times.

Indeed, the Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg has described the £55k-per-week man as “underwhelming” and “not worthy of the hype.” Considering he once scored 17 times in one season for Brentford, there is an argument to suggest he's fallen short of the mark.

As such, with David Moyes’ men lined up to compete in Europe again in the upcoming campaign, Hudson-Odoi could be set for far more minutes and has the capability to displace Benrahma.

Rangers are close to completing a deal to bring in Jose Cifuentes, according to Herald Scotland.

Who is Jose Cifuentes?

The midfielder was brought onto the footballing scene at just 16-years-old with Universidad Catolica in Ecuador. Despite being so young, he played five league games for the side and eventually joined CD America on loan to get even more regular football. Having caught the eye there in 2019, he was then poached by current club Los Angeles FC in the MLS.

The North American outfit stumped up a fee of around 2.7 million Euros (or £2.3m) to take him to the States and he has thrived ever since. He's become a frequent starter for the club and even helped them to second place in the standings in the 2022 season. Still only 24-years-old, he now has 123 appearances over the course of his footballing career and has bagged 13 goals with 15 assists along the way – solid stats for a central midfield player.

Having proven his mettle in the USA, Cifuentes could now be given the opportunity to try his luck in Scotland. That's because Rangers are now closing in on a move to bring him to the Scottish Premiership, according to a report from Herald Scotland. It suggests that a deal is pretty imminent for the midfielder, with a deal "expected" to be completed "sooner rather than later".

Is Cifuentes an Ecuador international?

Cifuentes will also add some international experience to the side. The 24-year-old talent has already become a reliable squad member for his national side, having made his debut for Ecuador back in 2019.

He hasn't featured as much as he would probably like – he has just 16 appearances to his name over the course of that four year period – but a move to Rangers could put him on their radar and get him some more caps under his belt. If he can impress on the European stage with the Gers, then that would surely help him to stand out too.

The MLS star then could soon become an official member of the Rangers team – and it seems as though it may only be a matter of when and not if now in regards to a transfer to see him wave America goodbye and say hello to the Scottish league for next season.

Arsenal are reportedly edging towards their first summer signing, as Eredivisie star Jurrien Timber has broken through as an intended target.

Mikel Arteta will aim to bolster his squad this transfer window after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title last season, securing the signing of this talent could prove to be a huge squad upgrade.

What’s the latest on Jurrien Timber to Arsenal?

As recently reported by Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal will ‘push’ on to strike a deal with Ajax over the Netherlands defender.

The journalist claimed that the Dutchman sees the club as an ‘attractive project for his future’, with ‘more to follow’ in terms of negotiation between the two sides.

A report via LondonWorld added that there is ‘confidence’ that a deal will be ‘finalised in the coming days’, with a fee of £35m stated to their understanding.

What could Jurrien Timber offer to Arsenal?

Hailed a “generational superstar” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Arsenal could land themselves one of the best upcoming talents in Europe by swooping the 22-year-old.

Deployed primarily at centre-back, the Dutchman is extremely versatile in his ability to cover the backline, and could act as a significant upgrade to Arteta’s plans to introduce a right-sided inverted full-back.

As reported by journalist Sam Dean, the Gunners had in their plans to recruit a ‘Zinchenko-like’ player, with the Ajax ace fitting the description perfectly in being one of the most effective progressive defenders in the Eredivisie.

His numbers support his plaudits, proving him to be a reliable outlet in defence with an assured 91.6% passing accuracy rate as well as showcasing his desire to be involved in play with an average of 81.65 passes attempted per 90, via FBref.

The 22-year-old’s ability on the ball could be perfect for the ongoing progression of Bukayo Saka, who has thrived this season in playing ahead of Ben White, forming an effective duo down the right side of Arteta’s favoured 11.

In 38 Premier League appearances, the English winger contributed 25 G/A, scoring 14 goals and assisting 11 in a memorable personal campaign, via FBref.

Playing ahead of an offensively competent full-back has unlocked Saka’s freedom going forward, but his numbers could be taken to the next level by switching out White for Timber.

Receiving an average of 14.71 progressive passes per 90 in the league, the 21-year-old ended the season at the top of the charts in this area in his position, showing his threat in getting into advanced positions.

Timber could be the perfect candidate to partner Saka on the right side, as told by his respective league-topping numbers in averaging 8.62 progressive passes per 90, the most of any centre-back in the Eredivisie, via FBref.

Arteta could hand the Utrecht-born gem the keys to unlocking the next stage of the Englishman’s potential in deploying him on the right side, giving him the chance to mirror the success that Zinchenko has seasoned the team with.

Tottenham Hotspur are homing in on their second signing of the summer in Brentford shot-stopper David Raya, with new manager Ange Postecoglou swiftly addressing the glaring weakness of the Spurs squad.

What's the latest on David Raya to Tottenham?

That's according to Fabrizio Romano, speaking to GIVEMESPORT – who has recently provided a pleasing update for Tottenham fans, underlining the increasing desire to sign the 28-year-old this summer.

Romano said: "For David Raya, they are confident. I think when all parties want the same, Brentford have already signed a new goalkeeper, the player wants to go, he's not extending the contract and Tottenham want him. When they all want the same, I think there is a good chance to make the deal happen.”

Bees boss Thomas Frank has previously been adamant that the Spaniard is available for no less than £40m, but there is a sense that with just one year left on his current deal, such a valuation might be whittled down.

Another report from the Telegraph does state that Manchester United are also intrigued by the player's availability, but Postecoglou can rest assured at present with his outfit firmly leading the pursuit.

How good is David Raya?

Veteran Hugo Lloris, who has occupied the No. 1 spot between the sticks since arriving from Lyon for £12m in 2012, still has one year remaining on his current deal but confirmed he wishes to depart this summer, having been at the epicentre of the club's defensive disarray this season.

Having made four errors leading to goal this term – the most in the Premier League – and Spurs having conceded 63 times in the league, it is evident that change is needed, with the 35-year-old, stalwart though he is, at the end of his career in north London.

And in Raya, who has been riding the crest of a wave with the Lilywhites' London rivals, an almighty upgrade would be achieved if the club manage to pull off the signing, with his ball-playing aptitude playing into Postcoglou's favour and his top-class shot-stopping feats good enough to rival any 'keeper across Europe.

Indeed, as per FBref, the two-cap international ranks among the top 8% of peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for save percentage and the top 6% for touches per 90, which illustrates his ability in possession and his superlative strength as a defensive wall, praised as "next level with the ball at his feet" by Dan Bardell.

Such a ball-centric game is no doubt attracting Postecoglou's undivided attention, with the former Celtic manager heralded for his "fast, attacking style of play" upon signing by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

By securing his signature, the Australian manager could emulate Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola's success with goalkeeper Ederson, who has been the glove-sporting centrepiece of the Sky Blues' incredible and illustrious exploits since signing from Benfica for £35m in 2017.

City's Spaniard manager called the 29-year-old Brazilian "the best" goalkeeper in the world with his passing ability, having succeeded with 53% of his long balls in the Premier League this season.

Raya might not be quite that good yet but his ability to play the ball comfortably from the back certainly deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the Man City stopper.

Starting with the perfect foundation to craft his outfit from is imperative for the success of Postecoglou at Tottenham, and by signing the Spanish 'keeper, such success could be realised.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to have moved ahead in the race to sign Leicester City midfielder, James Maddison, with the playmaker looking set to leave his current home this summer.

What's the latest on Maddison to Tottenham?

That's according to journalist Scott Wilson, who revealed that the Lilywhites have nudged in front of Newcastle United in the battle to land the 26-year-old, with the England international said to favour a move to north London ahead of making the switch to St James' Park.

Writing on Twitter on Monday, the transfer insider stated: "Tottenham ahead of #NUFC in the battle to sign James Maddison – with the Leicester midfielder preferring a move to London to a switch to the North-East. Suspect things might move fairly quickly once tonight's England game is out of the way…"

In his attached piece for the Northern Echo, Wilson went on to add that Spurs are seemingly ready to offer a more 'lucrative' salary in order to tempt the Coventry-born gem into making a move, with the player set to cost in the region of £50m with only 12 months left on his current contract.

Would Maddison be a good signing for Tottenham?

Despite the overall disappointment of slipping to relegation at the King Power Stadium, Maddison did enjoy a standout 2022/23 campaign on an individual basis after chipping in with ten goals and nine assists in just 30 Premier League games, taking his total tally for the Foxes to 96 goal involvements in only 203 outings across all fronts.

While the highly-rated "baller" – as described by The Athletic's Carl Anka – is likely to operate in an attacking midfield role in Ange Postecoglou's preferred 4-3-3 formation at N17, the £110k-per-week man has also been utilised in a wide berth in recent times, scoring three goals and registering four assists in seven outings as a right winger last season, as per Transfermarkt.

The former Norwich City man's quality on the flanks is also illustrated by his statistical likeness to his compatriot, Bukayo Saka, as he boasts an 89.4% similarity to the Arsenal wizard – according to Opta's Player Radars – with that seemingly making the 21-year-old the closest match to the Leicester ace.

That comparison can be seen by the fact that the latter man ranks in the top 4% for goals, while Saka ranks in the top 3% in that regard, with the pair also alike due to their creative quality, as Maddison ranks in the top 6% for chances created, while the Gunners dynamo ranks in the top 12% for that same metric – as per Opta.

That likeness to Saka is particularly noteworthy amid the youngster's recent standout display for the Three Lions against North Macedonia on Monday evening, with the fleet-footed gem bagging a hat-trick in that thumping 7-0 win at Old Trafford.

Such a stellar performance followed what was a largely standout season for the 5 foot 10 speedster as he registered 14 goals and 11 assists in the top flight as part of Mikel Arteta's ultimately failed title challenge, having been lauded as "exceptional" by national team boss, Gareth Southgate.

For Postecoglou to be able to land his own version of Saka with the signing of Maddison could prove to be a particularly special piece of business, with the hope being that the three-cap menace can prove just as influential in north London as his international colleague.