Many Leicester City fans have responded on Twitter a meme of James Maddison’s celebration the other day, where he is lifted into the air by fellow centre back Caglar Soyuncu.
The Foxes faced Arsenal on Saturday evening, managing to further their gap on the Champions League spaces to nine points, and taking them to an impressive second spot in the league.
From their 12 games so far this season, they have won eight, drawn two and lost two, taking them to 26 points – nine points above fifth-placed Sheffield Wednesday; eight points behind leaders Liverpool. Indeed, Brendan Rodgers really couldn’t have asked for a much better start.
Facing struggling Arsenal was always going to be a good measurement of how far they have come, and whether they could dominate a top team when they are almost expected to.
They managed to fully live up to their expectations with a 2-0 win, and when James Maddison scored the second, his jubilant celebration was fully justified. Caglar Soyuncu could also be seen getting carried away as well, as he managed to lift his teammate Maddison high into the air – which was soon turned into a meme.
The club account tweeted the photo of Soyuncu lifting Maddison but put the background as the Lion King when Simba gets lifted by Rafiki.
Many fans loved to see the meme and responded with their positive messages – as you can read below…
This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
It’s fair to say that one of Leeds United’s best players is Pablo Hernandez.
The Spaniard has won the club’s Player of the Year award for the past two seasons, and it’s no coincidence that Leeds’ frontline have struggled for goals while he’s been out with injury this term.
Aged 34, the midfielder is unfortunately in the twilight of his career, and despite the Whites signing a £15m man in his position last summer they may still have to look for a replacement in the near future.
Watch Leeds United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
Replacement needs lining up
With Hernandez well into his 30s and his contract expiring at the end of the season, Leeds certainly need a strategy for when their talisman hangs up his boots.
The former Spain international provides an element of class that no other player in the team really has, and it’ll be hard to replace that, but it’s certainly a necessary move that United need to make.
Marcelo Bielsa does have another player he can call upon in that position, but he’s certainly not a like for like replacement for the ex-Swansea City man.
Costa not the man
Unfortunately for the Yorkshire outfit, Helder Costa isn’t the man to fill the Spaniard’s boots.
The Portuguese winger isn’t the creative force that Hernandez is, and when he eventually calls it a day on his career the 25-year-old won’t be able to provide the creativity that his senior teammate provides.
Indeed, the 34-year-old’s strengths lie in his ability to unlock a defence and the 2.4 key passes he completes per game are vital to Leeds’ attacks, but that element is lost when Costa is playing in his absence as he makes just 0.5 key passes per match – that’s despite now starting on a regular basis.
To add another worrying factor, Bielsa has stated in the past that the £10.8m-rated Wolves loanee is struggling to replicate his fellow winger, suggesting he doesn’t drift off the wing to provide support in a central area.
When Hernandez goes, Leeds will either have to adapt their style to be more suited to a player of Costa’s ilk or find another man who can bring what the midfielder provides.
As Mohamed Salah’s contract continues to run down at an alarming rate, Liverpool could yet turn towards the Serie A and one star player who now reportedly favours a move to Anfield.
Liverpool transfer news
Things can’t get much better for Liverpool on the pitch. Arne Slot has enjoyed one of the best starts in the club’s history and is already breaking records, having won 11 of his first 12 games in charge. The Reds have looked relatively untouchable unless Nottingham Forest are in town, which continued against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, as Darwin Nunez’s goal sealed all three points.
Away from the pitch, however, problems remain. Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah are all on course to leave as free agents at the end of the season as Liverpool head towards what would be the ultimate disaster. And although the best-case scenario is that all three sign fresh deals at the club, those at Anfield must prepare for the worst, which could see one Serie A star arrive.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scores
According to reports in Spain, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia now favours a move to Liverpool if he decides to leave Napoli after contract talks with the Italian club reportedly reached a standstill, eyeing up the possibility to step into Salah’s shoes. The ‘Egyptian King’ of course followed a similar career path, launching his career on Merseyside after an impressive spell in Serie A.
Slot convinced by powerful £17m right-back as Liverpool eye Trent successor
The Reds could land a bargain deal…
ByTom Cunningham Oct 24, 2024
With his current deal not set to expire until 2027, the winger certainly has time to make his decision but if the Reds come calling in their search to replace Salah, the Georgian may well join international teammate Giorgi Mamardashvili at Anfield in 2025.
By completing such a move, Kvaratskhelia will get a hefty pay rise that is yet to come his way at Napoli, where he earns a reported £24,000-a-week.
"Cheeky" Kvaratskhelia could replace Salah
Of course, it’s not so long ago that Kvaratskhelia was causing Fabinho and Trent Alexander-Arnold all sorts of nightmares as Napoli defeated Liverpool 4-1 in 2022, and now he can take that earlier audition and potentially replace Salah at Anfield.
The Georgia star earned the praise of former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp during that campaign, with the Liverpool legend telling reporters via This Is Anfield after his battle against Alexander-Arnold: “I know people will talk about one or two situations when Trent tried to be in front of him and the ball goes through.
“But he is really good, the boy, and really quick and you have to defend him together in these moments. When he has the advantage of the first movement, then he is already gone.
“You have to try to be there in the moment when the ball arrives, but if you cannot do that then you need to be protected because he has speed, he is cheeky, he goes inside, he can go outside, that makes it always really difficult.”
The Napoli man has certainly got off to a eye-catching start under new boss Antonio Conte too, scoring four goals and assisting another two in eight Serie A games to leave his stock higher than it’s been since 2022.
Chelsea have identified another new potential signing as they look to add more firepower to Enzo Maresca’s ranks in the upcoming transfer windows, it has been reported.
Chelsea seeking Nicolas Jackson alternative despite top form
Nicolas Jackon endured a tricky first season in Chelsea colours after arriving from Villarreal, but has improved drastically in the early stages of the 24/25 Premier League campaign.
The Senegal international found the net against Liverpool to take his tally of goals up to five for the season already, while he has already grabbed three assists, averaging a goal contribution every 78 minutes, only just below Erling Haaland’s 72 minutes.
Nicolas Jackson scores for Chelsea
However, there is the sense that Chelsea want to add another option to their frontline despite recently offering Jackson a new and improved contract, and the Blues were strongly linked with a move for Nigerian marksman Victor Osimhen over the summer window.
A move eventually broke down for the Napoli man, and former Blues boss Antonio Conte refused to re-integrate him into the Italian side, which meant that he was shipped off to Turkish side Galatasaray on loan, where he has scored three times in four games.
Not just Sanchez: Maresca must drop 5/10 Chelsea ace who lost 100% duels
The Chelsea man was given an opportunity to impress and did not grasp his chance.
ByDan Emery Oct 21, 2024
The Blues remain in contact over a potential January move, but they are also looking at other potential options, with Osimhen likely to be a very expensive addition who would demand to be a regular starter and the Blues only just recovering from a similar deal to sign Romelu Lukaku from fellow Serie A side Inter, which ended in disaster. Now, they have identified a different option.
Red hot goalscorer on Chelsea's radar
That is according to TEAMtalk, who report that Chelsea are holding discussions over a potential deal to sign Egyptian marksman Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Linked to West Ham over the most recent summer transfer window, Marmoush clearly took that personally and has enjoyed a phemonenal start to the season in the Bundesliga, grabbing nine goals and four assists in just seven German top flight outings, and contributing a goal or assist roughly every 45 minutes, even faster than Haaland’s return.
This has attracted plenty of attention, with the report highlighting interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and others. In Chelsea’s case, “there have been discussions to understand the possibilities of a deal”, and it is the Blues who “hold the most serious interest in snapping him up” in 2025.
He would be cheaper than Osimhen, though not by much. Under contract in Frankfurt until 2027, the German side will “accept no lower than £50m (€60m / $65m) for their talisman”, a fee that is only likely to rise should his performances continue in the same vein.
Nicolas Jackson vs Omar Marmoush 24/25 (Domestic league)
Omar Marmoush
Nicolas Jackson
Appearances
7
8
Goals
9
5
Assists
4
3
Minutes per goal/assist
45.7
78
Shots on target per 90
2.44
1.62
The 25-year-old would add some extra firepower to Chelsea’s attack, who at present can only call upon Jackson, João Félix or Christopher Nkunku to lead the line, a trio bought for a measly £125m.
However, with his impressive goalscoring record, he could leave that trio behind him should he be able to translate his form in Germany to the Premier League.
Where would Everton be without Dwight McNeil this season? At the nadir of Sean Dyche’s tenure, most likely – if they aren’t already.
It’s been doom, gloom and no room for positivity at Goodison Park this season, although The Friedkin Group are on the cusp of purchasing Farhad Moshiri’s majority stake and the aforementioned McNeil played his defining part in winning for the first time in 2024/25.
Loss, loss, loss, loss, draw. Win? Win. It happened, and the rot has been stopped. The grotty flow stemmed. Everton have been a day late and a dollar short throughout the first phase of the season but now they have claimed victory and risen above the dreaded dotted line, with four points from six Premier League matches.
McNeil has been excellent, prolific, potent and influential. Without him, Dyche might be toast already.
Dwight McNeil is keeping Dyche in a job
He’s the flavour of the month (McNeil, not Dyche), with his brilliant brace against Crystal Palace last weekend indeed giving Everton their first league victory of the season. Previously, he’d scored and assisted against Aston Villa, putting his team 2-0 up, and had also claimed an assist against Everton, before the shocking capitulation.
Premier League
6
3
2
Carabao Cup
1
1
0
He’s already equalled his three-goal return in the top flight last season, having played 29 fewer games. Dyche, the man who cut his teeth while a youngster at Burnley, is now reaping the rewards of nurturing his protege at a different club.
There’s something poetic about that, to be sure. Without his contributions, Everton may well have lost all six matches without any inspiration at all. As per Sofascore, the winger turned number ten has complemented his direct return with 3.5 key passes, 4.2 ball recoveries and an average of one tackle per game, underscoring his completeness.
There’s a technical quality in there that’s reserved for the very best of English football, and though he doesn’t always harness it in the most prolific of ways, the 24-year-old is starting to come out of his shell, spread his wings and step up like a talisman.
Now let’s talk about how to make him even better. It involves Dyche’s dismissal.
Who could replace Sean Dyche at Everton?
Links have been tenuous and that’s understandable. Dyche has the Merseysiders’ backing so active rumours are going to stem from hearsay and snippets of information. But there are some pointers.
Everton manager Sean Dyche
Last month, before Everton scored their opening win of the campaign, Football Insider reported that Graham Potter would be interested in taking on the Blues’ manager position, should it become available.
Linked with the England job after Gareth Southgate stepped down, Potter is an experienced Premier League manager who worked wonders at Brighton & Hove Albion, though did fail to succeed during his eight-month stint at Chelsea.
The 49-year-old implements a smooth and complex-designed system, with interchanging parts and convoluted passing passages. When it works, though, it works a treat.
Potter would be a good choice – he’s Prem-proven and enforces a possession-heavy approach. But the transmutation might be too much of a shift, a diametrically opposite plan for the players to absorb while looking to stave off the ever-looming threat of relegation.
The appointment of West Bromwich Albion’s Carlos Corberan might be more apt.
Manager Focus
Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast's Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.
Carlos Corberan would make McNeil even more unplayable
Will Dyche see out his second full campaign as Toffees boss? Right now, it looks unlikely. Everton chiefs have expressed their full backing of Dyche and his direct and defensive approach, but this endorsement might only prove to be a stay of execution, with sections of the fanbase turning against him.
Everton, should they dismiss Dyche, would be wise to turn the tactical style on its head and appoint a manager with a more fluid and expressive approach, and Corberan might be the perfect option.
According to The Times, Everton wanted to approach former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa after Frank Lampard’s sacking and Dyche’s appointment, but, obviously, it didn’t work out. Corberan served as Bielsa’s understudy at the time and has since shaped his own style, but it would clearly strike a chord at Goodison.
McNeil would rise to a level yet unseen with the Spanish tactician at the helm, for he is already demonstrating immense creative capacities within a system that does not promote playmaking to the nth degree.
Corberan has been described as a tactical “genius” by former Leeds star Romario Vieira. The 41-year-old has thus incorporated elements of Bielsa’s style into his own game, and it’s working a treat for West Brom, who perch atop the Championship table after seven matches.
Principally issuing a 4-2-3-1 formation, McNeil would find that he has a natural place in the side, playing behind striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and allowing the electric Iliman Ndiaye to occupy the left flank. There’s something there, we’ve all seen it in flashes, but it needs gripping and harnessing and shaping into something coherent. A manager of Corberan’s ilk could have the means to achieve that.
West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan.
With a confident and aggressive strategy that breeds exciting and attractive play, West Brom are flying, but the temptation of joining Everton and heading a new project could convince him to jump ship.
Sky Sports commentator Dom Goodman has remarked that the Baggies are “horrible to play against” due to Corberan’s strategy, and now this must be brought over to Everton, releasing the Toffees from the shackles of recent years and lifting them back to lofty heights.
For now, Dyche continues to lead from the dugout, but he needs to do something drastic to turn the tide completely. It might be better for Everton to just bite the bullet and move for Corberan, who can lead them forward after years of strife.
Everton wanted to sign "special" £30m star but are stuck with Lindstrom
Sean Dyche could have signed a talented Championship sensation this summer…
Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, as links re-emerge between player and club.
Unai Emery and Monchi are aiming to build upon their first summer signings of Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres, marking a statement of intent ahead of the eagerly anticipated 2023/24 campaign.
Could Aston Villa sign Jadon Sancho?
Last month, FootballTransfers reported that Villa were one of the clubs ‘keen’ on signing Sancho, who could leave United this summer.
An updated stance coming this week via GIVEMESPORT relayed the news, recharging the spark that the Villans could secure the talented Englishman’s signature.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Rudy Galetti named the 23-year-old as one of the “many names” on Emery’s list to “strengthen the wing”, adding that the club have “asked for information” on the forward.
Potentially available in a swoop worth £50m, according to other reports, Monchi and Emery could highlight Villa’s ambitions going forward in signing the Londoner.
How good is Jadon Sancho?
In a move that was so highly anticipated, the Englishman has struggled to seek his form on display in Germany at Old Trafford.
In 79 total appearances so far for the Red Devils, Sancho has recorded 18 goal contributions, highlighting his difficulty in finding his feet on his return to Manchester.
It’s been a challenging period both on and off the pitch for the 23-year-old, who has come under intense scrutiny for his inconsistent form, however a move this summer could give the dynamic whiz a chance to breathe and re-capture his true ability.
Hailed as a “phenomenon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the former Manchester City academy starlet was electrifying when adorning the yellow of Borussia Dortmund, making a monstrous 114 goal contributions in 137 appearances for the club.
Such talent doesn’t simply disappear, and in signing Sancho, Emery could nurture and promote the skill of the England international, giving him a licence to roam in his free-flowing attack.
Being one of the most talked about English talents for his time in Germany, Villa could capture a marquee deal if they can strike a deal with United for the winger, who could bring stardom back to Villa Park in a way many have seen before.
Likened statistically to former Villa hero Jack Grealish by FBref, Emery could unearth his own copy of the treble winner, in the bid to take the club further up the ranks.
Former Aston Villa forward Jack Grealish.
Similarly to the Birmingham-born gem – who was described as "almost unplayable" by BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand earlier this year – Sancho is a clever player for his exploits on the flank, seeing him hailed for his “explosiveness” when in possession by U23 scout Antonio Mango.
Such praise is supported by his numbers, averaging 4.62 progressive carries per 90 over the past year, excelling in a similar way to Grealish who averaged a monstrous 7.08 per 90 in his final season at Villa.
The 23-year-old also averaged an impressive 1.86 successful take-ons per 90, and exercised his impressive creative attributes with an average of 2.30 key passes per 90 in the league last season, with the City ace enjoying a similar record having averaged 1.97 successful take-ons per 90 and 2.19 key passes per 90.
Those of a Villa persuasion are no doubt fully aware of what the 27-year-old is able to produce, having registered 75 goal involvements in 213 games during his time with the Midlands side, prior to leaving for the Etihad on a £100m deal in 2021.
Hiring a player in the calibre of Grealish, could be fundamental to the progression of success at Villa Park, with Sancho able to unlocked and rejuvenated under the watchful eye of Emery.
It’s easier to say who hasn’t made the move to Saudi Arabia these days rather than those who have, such is the high number of stars opting for the big-money transfer, rather than remaining in Europe.We’ve seen Karim Benzema make the switch, with N’Golo Kante joining him. Meanwhile, many other Chelsea stars also jumped ship to swap Stamford Bridge for Saudi Arabia.Players in their prime have even been making the move, too. Ruben Neves ended his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, before Celtic star Jota also made a similar move, despite still only being 24.And it seems as though Paul Pogba could potentially be about to follow suit, in what would be one of the biggest transfers yet. After all, the Frenchman was pictured in Saudi Arabia recently sparking a great deal of speculation.
What’s the latest on Paul Pogba and Juventus?
Playing for Juventus right now isn’t exactly the easiest of rides. The Italian giants were handed a point deduction in Serie A last season after Financial Fair Play issues, placing them in a Europa Conference League spot. And if things couldn’t get any worse, they were then kicked out of that spot altogether, forced to settle for a campaign without European football.
As for Pogba, he endured arguably his most frustrating season yet as a player. This comes from a midfielder who had a spell to forget at Manchester United, too.
The France international is yet to really get going at Juventus, in truth. Every time it looked like he might last season, an injury occurred. In total, in the last campaign, he missed 52 games. That is, give or take, the entire season.
For a player who was meant to find his feet again after leaving Old Trafford, it’s not exactly an ideal situation.
From Pogba’s perspective, too, not getting any younger, his ambition may not lie at a club without European football. After failing to ever make an impact at United, he will not want to waste any more time in what once looked like a career destined for greatness.
With that in mind, his next career step is certainly something to keep an eye on this summer.
Paul Pogba pictured in Saudi Arabia
Sparking even more rumours about his future in Italy, Pogba recently took to Instagram to post pictures in Saudi Arabia. With that, many jumped to the conclusion that a transfer could be possible this summer – while a video also emerged of him.
As per Fabrizio Romano, however, sources close to the 30-year-old have since poured cold water on the rumours of a potential move this summer.
The journalist explained: “Paul Pogba on Instagram after links with Saudi clubs — already denied by several sources close to Paul tonight.”
Of course, things can change quickly in football and it would be unwise to rule out a Saudi move just yet.
Even so, with that said, it looks as though Pogba is set to remain a Juventus player for the time being. No doubt, the focus will instantly turn to regaining their Champions League place next season, and potentially winning the Scudetto once more.
It’ll be far from easy, though, given last season’s struggles alongside the chaos off the pitch, culminating in a deduction of points. All in all, for Pogba and Juventus, it was a season to forget so it’s no shock it had led to a summer of uncertainty and speculation.
Southampton are “looking at a deal” for Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who spent last season on loan at Watford, according to reports.
Who will Southampton sign this summer?
So far, there has been very little in the way of transfer activity at St. Mary’s, which is hardly surprising given their relegtion from the Premier League and loss of finances that come with it.
The Saints have an almighty task to bounce back at the first time of asking, though major clubs from the top flight are reportedly looking to steal away some of their best squad members.
Midfielder James Ward-Prowse, who starred as Southampton’s arguable best player last season, is attracting interest from the likes of Fulham and West Ham with the Englishman also open to leaving.
Meanwhile, other big sides are chasing Belgium international starlet Romeo Lavia, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all linked to the 19-year-old recently.
Mislav Orsic has since departed on a transfer to Trabzonspor, while Mohamed Elyounoussi and Theo Walcott left the club on Bosman deals following their contract expiries.
Given Russell Martin could see some stars depart this summer, supporters will be eager to hear news of any potential incomings, with The Telegraph now sharing it.
Reliable journalists Mike McGrath and John Percy, writing for the outlet, claim Southampton are “looking at a deal” for Leicester’s Choudhury.
Soccer Football – Championship – Watford v Swansea City – Vicarage Road, Watford, Britain – October 5, 2022 Swansea City manager Russell Martin reacts Action Images/Peter Cziborra EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
The Englishman, who was a regular on loan at Watford last season, could be allowed to leave the King Power but that final decision ultimately rests with Enzo Maresca.
Not much else is said in regards to Choudhury, but it appears Martin and co do have a few transfer targets in mind this summer.
What’s been said about Hamza Choudhury?
The 25-year-old was practically undroppable for Watford last campaign, playing the fourth-highest number of Championship minutes for them (WhoScored).
In that time, no other Hornets star made more tackles or interceptions per 90 than Choudhury, with the defensive midfielder proving to be a rock in front of Watford’s back four (WhoScored).
The former England Under-21 international has also been praised by members of the press, with Ben Jacobs calling him an “all-action” midfielder.
Commenting on Choudhury’s previous links with Newcastle, the reporter lauded his “tremendous vision”.
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing PSV sensation Xavi Simons, as Mikel Arteta seeks upgrades to his squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
The Spaniard enjoyed a title-challenging season with the Gunners, however, it will be a transfer window objective to equip the tools necessary to close the gap on Manchester City.
In bolstering his side with a player as talented as Simons, Arteta could build something special this summer.
Indeed, with Kai Havertz now confirmed as a Gunner, the Emirates may see a new dawn of talent in the squad especially if rumours regarding Simons’ future are to be believed.
As reported by French outlet L’Equipe – relayed by Get French Football News – earlier this week, the Dutchman is ‘against’ a reunion with Paris Saint Germain despite the club potentially wanting to exercise their €6m buy-back clause.
It’s stated that the 20-year-old is ‘leaning towards a new challenge’, with Arsenal named as one of the clubs aiming to snatch the midfielder.
Most prominently, the report adds that the PSV star could choose his destination, as long as the €6m (£5m) buy-back fee is matched, making him a huge bargain with his estimated valuation being €60m (£52m).
What could Xavi Simons offer to Arsenal?
Hailed as “innovative” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the graduate from La Masia could excel in Arteta’s side, particularly with other speculated arrivals in mind.
While Arsenal’s ploy for Havertz is complete, Simons remains as speculation, but the Gunners could form a partnership for the ages by equipping both in midfield.
The German was predominantly played as a forward at Chelsea, however, excelled in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen when occupying the number eight and ten roles.
In four seasons, the 24-year-old established himself as a key player for Die Werkself and contributed 61 goals and assists before heading to the Premier League.
kai-havertz-bayer-leverkusen-arsenal
Arteta could unlock the player that shone as one of Germany’s best by playing him in the middle of the park, with his attributes suggesting that he could have a perfect partner in an individual as similarly versatile as Simons.
Capable of playing central and on the flanks, the 20-year-old netted a monstrous 19 goals and registered nine assists in Eredivisie last campaign, showing his innate ability in the final third from midfield.
When comparing his blockbuster season to Havertz’s final term in the Bundesliga, via FBref, it’s clear to see the impact the two could have by playing in a midfield pivot as both flex strengths in areas key to progressing in Arteta’s set-up.
Last campaign, Simons averaged highly in terms of progressive play, averaging 4.82 progressive passes and 4.75 progressive carries per 90, numbers that are almost mirrored by Havertz back in the 2019/20 season.
The Aachen-born star scored an average of 5.10 progressive passes and 4.36 progressive carries, showing his capabilities in playing slightly deeper than the role he’s accustomed to in England.
Both players possess the ability to get among the goals, not just highlighted by their individual tallies in the respective campaigns, but their off-ball efforts.
Simmons averaged 7.93 progressive passes received this season, while Havertz received a monstrous 9.17 for Leverkusen, communicating how potent they could be at the Emirates, as per FBref.
Such numbers are expected of midfielders in Arteta’s side, with high-scoring skipper Martin Odegaard ending the season with an average of 5.55 progressive passes received and 2.39 progressive carries, via FBref, indicating that the duo could slot perfectly into the Spaniard’s system.
The summer is about adding significant depth to Arsenal, which Arteta and Edu could do by signing Simons, who would be a perfect addition to the midfield.
Manchester City confirmed on Monday that central midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is set to depart the club on a free transfer at the end of the month to join Barcelona.
The 32-year-old dynamo is poised to end his seven-year spell at The Etihad after 304 competitive appearances and 14 trophies won, with three of those coming in the season just gone.
Who could replace Ilkay Gundogan at Man City?
TEAMtalk revealed earlier this month that the Citizens are one of three Premier League teams to have shown an interest in signing Real Madrid central midfielder Federico Valverde.
Liverpool and Chelsea are also said to be in the mix for his signature. However, it is claimed that the player, who is valued at €65.9m (£57m) by Football Transfers, is not currently keen on a move and the Spanish giants are in no rush to cash in on him.
Pep Guardiola must now attempt to convince the Uruguay international to ditch Los Blancos as the Spanish head coach could forget about Gundogan by securing the Real ace's services this summer.
Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City.
Valverde, who was once hailed as "untouchable" by boss Carlo Ancelotti, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.25 across 34 LaLiga outings, which would place him seventh in the City squad – ahead of the likes of Gundogan, Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, and John Stones.
He also contributed with seven goals and four assists from the middle of the park, whilst he also created eight 'big chances' for his teammates.
Gundogan, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.08 across 31 Premier League matches and chipped in with eight goals and four assists to go along with six 'big chances' created.
Ilkay Gundogan's Manchester City stats.
As you can see in the graphic above, as provided by Opta, the pair have a similarity score of 80.7%. Indeed, they are both excellent contributors in possession but are not particularly active in the defensive side of the game.
Both players rank in the top 8% of midfielders in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions for non-penalty expected goals and expected assiststed goals combined per 90 over the last 365 days, which essentially means they are adept at getting into excellent scoring positions and are capable of providing their fellow attackers with high-quality chances to score from.
This is backed up by their aforementioned statistics in their respective leagues as they are both capable of being difference-makers in the final third by bursting from midfield to win games with goals and assists.
Valverde, whose number one player comparison on FBref is Gundogan, would be an exceptional replacement for the Barcelona-bound general as the £135k-per-week ace is a midfielder who has proven himself to be capable of making a huge impact at the top end of the pitch.
At the age of 24, the Real Madrid star would also arrive at Manchester City with plenty of time to improve and develop and would, therefore, be a long-term signing to take Gundogan's place. That would no doubt be perfect for Guardiola as it would give him time to work with the midfielder in order to implement his ideas.