It’s been a bruising and rather dismal season for the Arsenal faithful this year, but last night’s game is one that’ll live in the memory for years, if not decades, to come.

Mikel Arteta’s side went into the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid in the knowledge that they needed at least a one-goal lead heading to the Bernabéu but did far better than that.

Two utterly sublime free-kicks from Declan Rice and yet another striker’s finish from Mikel Merino mean the hosts will travel to Spain with a genuine chance of making the semi-finals for the first time since the 2008/09 season.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

There were outstanding performances from Arteta’s men across the pitch, including from one starter who could well be the club’s own Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham's performance vs Arsenal

Going into last night’s game, the significant threats Arsenal had to be aware of were Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Junior, Rodrygo and Bellingham.

The latter, alongside Rice, is arguably one of England’s best players, but unlike the former West Ham United star, he did not have a particularly good game.

Granted, he made a few incisive passes that perhaps would have led to a goal on another night, but apart from that, he was practically a passenger and just watched the game pass him by, which is not something you can usually say about the UCL winner.

We aren’t the only ones to hold this opinion either, as the Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick gave him a 5/10 match rating at full-time, writing that he ‘drifted in and out of the game.’

It’s also backed up by his statistics, as in his 96 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.25, had just one shot on target, didn’t make a single cross or play a single long ball, lost ten of 14 duels, lost the ball nine times, committed one foul and was dribbled past twice.

Minutes

96′

Expected Goals

0.07

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.18

Assists

0

Touches

45

Shots on Target

1

Crosses

0

Long Balls

0

Duels (Won)

14 (4)

Lost Possession

9

Fouls

1

Dribbled Past

2

It was a bad day at the office for the world-class international, and to his credit, he admitted as much afterward and even accepted that the Gunners could have won by more.

However, he’s still a brilliant player, so it’s exciting for Arsenal that they could already have their own version of him in the squad.

Arsenal's own Bellingham

So, there are a few players in Arsenal’s squad who are arguably at a world-class level, such as Bukayo Saka and Rice, but one who seems destined to get there and become the team’s own Bellingham, especially after last night, is Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Now, before the pitchforks come out, we are not saying the teenager is at the level of the Real star, and they aren’t even playing the same position at the moment, but there are some undeniable similarities.

The first is that both players burst onto the scene when incredibly young, with the former Borussia Dortmund ace debuting for Birmingham City at just 16 years old, while the Gunners’ young phenom was just 17 when he made his first competitive appearance earlier this season.

Moreover, despite being so young and inexperienced, both played with such an extraordinary level of self-belief, boarding on arrogance from the word go, which translates into their playstyle, with the Islington-born gem bursting past some of Real’s most prominent stars last night.

We aren’t the only ones to think this either, as in his analysis after the game, Jamie Carragher claimed that the Hale Ender “reminds me a little bit of [Jude] Bellingham at that age.”

Lastly, while the “unplayable” 18-year-old, as Jack Wilshere dubbed him, is playing at left-back at the moment, he’s a midfielder by trade, and due to his strength, awareness and technical ability, we would not be surprised to see him move into the middle of the park as time progresses, potentially alongside Bellingham for the Three Lions.

Ultimately, Arsenal are blessed with several incredible players, but Lewis-Skelly looks like he could develop into a genuinely world-class talent.

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Leeds United will be playing Premier League football next season. Daniel Farke, his staff, and the players all celebrated after the full-time whistle of Burnley’s win over Sheffield United.

Sky Sports were on hand to capture the celebrations and took a moment to have a word with the German manager, who was not too interested in looking ahead to the future.

Farke said “don’t scare me with the Premier League” to the reporter, partly in jest, but that is now the big problem that the club have to solve in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The West Yorkshire outfit will be tasked with building a team and a squad that is capable of stepping up to the Premier League without coming straight back down.

This means that Farke and his staff will have to make some incredibly ruthless decisions on players and their futures at Elland Road, as some may not be cut out to make the step up, and one player who could be on the chopping block is Patrick Bamford.

Why Patrick Bamford could leave Leeds this summer

The former England international is still contracted to the club through to the summer of 2026, which means that it is far from a certainty that he will be on his way out ahead of next season.

Bamford has made a return to the team in recent weeks, coming off the bench in the last five matches, but there has been little evidence to suggest that he would be good enough to be an option in the Premier League.

Since the start of last season, the English striker has scored eight goals from 11.63 xG in 48 Championship matches, including zero goals from 2.11 xG in 15 games in the division this term.

There is not much hope of Bamford being an effective player in the Premier League for Leeds next season if he cannot make the most of his chances in the second tier, underperforming his xG by almost four goals.

24/25

16

0

23/24

35

8

22/23

31

6

21/22

10

2

20/21

38

17

As you can see in the table above, he has failed to kick on since his return of 17 goals in the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa in the 2020/21 campaign, failing to hit double figures in all competitions in any of the following four seasons.

These statistics suggest that the left-footed dud should be moved on by Leeds in the upcoming summer transfer window, in order to make room for a player who could make the step up.

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Bamford was linked with a move to Wrexham during the January transfer window and this suggests that there could be a level of interest in his services heading into the next window, which Leeds could now capitalise on.

This also means that he may not be one of the first players out of the door, though, because his contract is not expiring and it may take time for a deal to be finalised for him to move on from Elland Road, particularly as the top earner on £70k-per-week – as per Capology.

Instead, one of the first players who should be axed by the Whites this summer, ahead of a Premier League season next term, is versatile defender Sam Byram, who is out of contract this year.

Why Leeds should release Sam Byram

The 31-year-old defender’s deal runs out at the end of June and this means that Leeds have an instant decision to make on his future in the coming weeks.

Farke loves the English full-back, as evidenced by the reported claim that he had to convince the club to sign him on a free transfer in 2023 despite reluctance from above him, but the manager must be ruthless with his decisions to build a team capable of competing in the Premier League.

The German boss, who also signed him during his time in charge of Norwich City in 2019, must axe Byram from the squad and attempt to recruit competition for Jayden Bogle in the right-back position.

His availability is a slight concern because the defender has not played more than 18 matches in all competitions in six of the last eight seasons, but he has played 73 times for Leeds in the last two campaigns combined.

Signing him to a new deal would require a show of faith that his fitness issues are fully behind him and that he is able to cope with the intensity and the rigours of the Premier League week-in-week-out.

Appearances

34

Starts

15

Key passes per game

0.2

Assists

1

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.5

Duel success rate

55%

As you can see in the table above, Byram has been a solid, but unspectacular, performer in the Championship for the Whites in the current campaign.

But it remains to be seen how useful the defender would be in the Premier League if his current role is only to be a back-up option in the second tier. His lack of outstanding displays at that level suggests that he would not handle the step up to the top division.

This is why Leeds must be ruthless by axing the £20k-per-week ace from the squad, particularly with his contract situation providing the club with an opportunity to move him on without having to find a buyer.

The Whites need to build a squad that can survive in the Premier League and that is why they should brutally part ways with the out-of-contract defender to make room for another player to come in and take his place in the squad in the summer transfer window.

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This could make Byram the first player to be moved on ahead of promotion to the Premier League this summer, with Bamford possibly following him out of the door later in the window.

Birmingham City will only be looking up after a triumphant promotion out of League One, knowing that the club is in a far better place than it was when relegation was confirmed at the close of the 2023/24 season.

Indeed, Blues chairman Tom Wagner has managed to regalvanise proceedings away from previous toxic owners by giving the West Midlands giants plenty of cash to spend.

This cash was spent wisely rather than erratically, with Jay Stansfield an instant fan favourite in St. Andrew’s quarters for his 19-goal heroics in the third tier.

Birmingham won’t suddenly start spending frugally now they’re back in the EFL’s top division, however, with plenty of targets already on their mind that could possibly break the bank.

Birmingham pushing to sign EFL star

Much like fellow promoted side Wrexham, the Blues will be eager to flex their muscles again in the transfer market.

Indeed, Chris Davies’ ambitious side are already being linked with a surprise swoop for former star Che Adams, alongside further showing an interest in AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers who has an impressive 76 Championship appearances next to his name.

But, away from signing some distinguished second tier performers, the newly promoted outfit could also shop back in League One for some top gems, with Birmingham reportedly “pushing hard” again for Peterborough United superstar Kwame Poku according to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett.

Reports in the past have even suggested that Davies and Co have offered a bumper £30k-per-week deal to the Ghanaian, with Birmingham also having to cough up a sum of money for the explosive 23-year-old owing to a compensatory fee, regardless of his current Posh deal nearing to its expiry date.

Clinching a deal for Poku could see the determined Blues win themselves an ideal partner for the potential incoming of Adams, with the pair ready to take the second tier by storm based off their blistering recent form.

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How Poku could shine alongside Adams

Davies could do with more exciting talents down the right flank at St. Andrew’s with ex-Rangers man Scott Wright his only recognised option here at the moment.

This is where Poku would come to the rescue, with the former Colchester United forward picking up 19 of his bumper 23 goal contributions playing down this channel with swagger for Darren Ferguson’s underachievers.

It was only a matter of time before the standout Posh number 11 was poached by a bigger fish, considering he has managed to end the season with this sizeable contribution of 23-goal involvements despite being absent for 23 clashes due to injury.

Also capable of playing just behind the lone striker in Davies’ preferred 4-2-3-1 set-up, the “unplayable” attacker – as he’s been previously lauded by his manager – could be about to give £15m man Stansfield a run for his money too, on top of also offering up chances galore for Adams if he decides to leave Torino behind for familiar pastures back in England.

Games played

27

33

Goals scored

12

9

Assists

8

3

Touches*

46.3

24.1

Shots*

2.4

1.7

Accurate passes*

20.3 (80%)

11.0 (75%)

Key passes*

1.2

0.8

Big chances missed

3

11

Big chances created

9

5

Looking at the table above, the experienced EFL striker and Poku could be about to form a match made in heaven, with both players content with minimal touches of the ball before unleashing havoc. Indeed, Adams has only needed 24 touches on average this season per Serie A clash, yet he still finds himself on a reasonable nine strikes.

With Poku also boasting eight assists despite only averaging a meagre 20.3 accurate passes himself, the duo might end up striking fear into Championship defences out of the blue, which would more than help their new side acclimatise to the tougher division subsequently.

Birmingham could even be eyeing up the prospect of back-to-back promotions if everything goes swimmingly, with the likes of Poku and Adams joining showing they mean business.

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Tottenham Hotspur could reunite with ex-managing director Fabio Paratici once his worldwide ban concludes on June 30, and it is now believed the transfer chief may end up playing a vital role in signing a “top-level” Liverpool player.

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The ex-Juventus man, who gained popularity among the Spurs fan base after sealing deals for the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Romero, Porro, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr during his time there, could well be coming back to N17.

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Paratici was forced to resign as managing director in early 2023, after he was slapped with a 30-month worldwide ban from FIFA. The 52-year-old was found guilty of false accounting during his time at Juve, with Paratici unable to work in any official footballing capacity since then.

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

That isn’t to say he hasn’t been of use to Spurs since then, though, as it is known that Paratici has been advising the club on an unofficial consultancy basis.

However, with his ban due to end on June 30th, reports from Italy are adamant that an official Tottenham return for Paratici could be nearing (Corriere della Sera).

The official held extensive talks with AC Milan over becoming their new sporting director, but those negotiations broke down, which has freed up a move to N17 as a result.

Daniel Levy has publicly praised Paratici’s work ethic and “tough” negotiating style in the past, and it is believed by some that the Lilywhites chairman has been working hard to tempt him with a return to the club.

Levy held private talks with Paratici over re-joining Spurs as far back as late March, and there has been no sign of this potential appointment slowing down since then.

Fabio Paratici could sign Federico Chiesa for Tottenham

Now, CaughtOffside report that he could play a vital role in luring £150,000-per-week Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa to north London.

The Italy international’s debut season in England hasn’t exactly been a dream for him, and Arne Slot’s side could choose to part ways with Chiesa for as little as £13 million.

Tottenham are emerging as potential contenders for Chiesa, and Paratici’s excellent relationship with his agent, Fali Ramadani, has been described as a “crucial” factor which could give them an edge in the race for his signature.

CaughtOffside also back up previous reports that Paratici is expected to come back, and he could now mount an assault for Liverpool’s attacker after he returns.

Despite Chiesa’s lack of luck at Anfield, the ex-Juve star has shone on the biggest occasions in past seasons, including Euro 2020, and he’s still just 27-years-old. For just £13m, Chiesa would be an arguable snip, with the only real sticking point financially being his salary.

Chiesa has also been called a “top-level” talent since making the move to Merseyside last summer, having impressed on the odd occasion for Liverpool, and perhaps he’d have more luck earning game time down south.

Arsenal booked their place in the Champions League semi-final last night with a sensational 2-1 win over defending champions Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The victory secured a 5-1 aggregate win, putting a stop to the Spanish outfit’s chances of making it back-to-back European triumphs after their win at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund last season.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s second-half strikes were enough for Mikel Arteta’s men to advance to the next stage of the competition, subsequently setting up a tie with French giants PSG.

It was a superb showing from the Gunners in Madrid, restricting Carlo Ancelotti’s side to limited opportunities and preventing his star-studded side from making yet another miraculous comeback.

Numerous players starred during the victory, playing a pivotal role in their chances of landing their first-ever European trophy in the coming months.

Arsenal’s star performers against Real Madrid

Mikel Merino once again started as Arsenal’s main centre-forward, not looking out of place and producing yet another impressive showing at the top end of the pitch.

The Spaniard registered two assists in the win and completed four passes into the final third, providing numerous opportunities for other attackers, as seen by his assist tally.

Declan Rice picked up where he left off from the first leg, completing 96% of the passes he attempted, three of which were into the final third, starring with the ball at his feet.

Out of possession, the 26-year-old was just as impressive, winning 100% of the tackles he entered, whilst making four interceptions, restricting the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior for large spells.

Despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other player hugely impressed at the Bernabeu – easily walking into Madrid’s side after such a showing.

The 8/10 Arsenal star who showed he would walk into Madrid’s team

For many years, Madrid have been the golden boys of European football, as seen by their tally of 15 titles – the most of any side in the competition’s history.

Six of their victories have come since 2010, but Arteta’s side produced an incredible showing over two legs to stop their chances of extending their record as the most successful side in history.

Given the stature of the club, only the best talents in the world could be able to cement their place in the squad, but Gunners full-back Jurrien Timber certainly wouldn’t look out of place within their side.

The Dutchman produced a sensational showing against the Spanish outfit last night, arguably his best since returning to action after missing the majority of his debut season through injury.

Timber featured for 89 minutes of the clash, limiting Vini Jr to minimal chances throughout the contest, making four recoveries to stop their Brazilian.

Jurrien Timber’s stats for Arsenal against Real Madrid
Statistics	Tally
Minutes played	89
Touches	42
Passes completed	10
Passes into final third	5
Ground duels won	3
Times dispossessed	1
Tackles made	2
Stats via SofaScore

He also made five passes into the final third, with such a tally being 50% of all the passes he completed during the game, offering Arteta’s side a quick transition on the counterattack.

His impressive showing didn’t stop there, winning three ground duels, only being dispossessed once in what was a superb all-round performance from the 23-year-old – leading to one content creator labelling him as “phenomenal”.

To top off his excellent showing, he was handed an 8/10 match rating by the Evening Standard’s Simon Collings – further highlighting how much of a key role he played at the Bernabeu.

Given Madrid’s issues in the right-back role, there’s no denying the Dutchman would be able to star in their side, with the Gunners having a huge talent on their hands.

If they are to go all the way and win the competition this season, Timber will undoubtedly play a key role, potentially providing the difference in the next couple of rounds.

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Manchester United could now be offered the chance to sign a “strong” Juventus star in exchange for selling striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to a recent report.

Amorim determined to keep key man at United

United are all set to play the second leg of their Europa League semi-final tie against Athletic Bilbao, knowing they are in a very good position to seal their place in the final. Leading up to United’s biggest game of the season, there has been talk about Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal wanting to sign talisman and captain Bruno Fernandes.

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Al-Hilal are said to be prepared to pay a British record transfer fee and also pay the Portugal international more than £1 million a week to get him out of Old Trafford. However, that may not be an easy task for the Saudi team, as Ruben Amorim has once again confirmed that he wants Bruno to stay at the club, as he is “one of the top players in the world”.

Amorim said in his pre-match Bilbao press conference: “Our idea didn’t change. We want to keep the best players – and Bruno is clearly one of the top players in the world. We want Bruno here.

“It is easy to understand [his importance] – not just because of the numbers but the way he plays and the importance he has during his five years here.

“It’s normal; a lot of clubs want a player like Bruno. He is a leader, and he’s the captain, so he’s really important. He is a top player; we need top players.”

Man Utd could be offered £135k-p/w star in exchange for Hojlund

While Amorim makes it clear he wants Fernandes to stay, he may be open to the idea of letting other players leave, in particular Hojlund, and the Red Devils could now be offered an intriguing player swap. According to Tuttosport, Juventus could be prepared to offer Douglas Luiz to Man United in exchange for Hojlund.

The report states that the Serie A giants are leading the race to sign Hojlund this summer and have taken steps to move towards a deal. There is talk that Dušan Vlahović, who Juventus are open to selling this summer, could be a part of a deal for Hojlund, but it also mentions that Luiz is an ‘important card to play’ in the negotiations for the United striker.

Luiz, who has been dubbed “strong” by Aston Villa sporting director Monchi, only joined Juve in the summer but has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot, featuring in just 17 Serie A games and mostly from the bench. Despite being under contract until 2029, Juventus may look to use Luiz in a deal for Hojlund to bring United’s price down.

Douglas Luiz’s 24/25 Serie A stats

Apps

17

Starts

3

Minutes per game

30

Touches per game

29.4

Passes per game (accuracy)

21.2 (90%)

Key passes per game

0.9

Tackles per game

0.7

Balls recovered per game

1.7

Hojlund, who earns £85,000 a week at Old Trafford, has struggled in front of goal all season for United, and it could be that the Red Devils do move him on, so it allows them to bring in a suitable replacement. However, it is unclear if the Premier League side would be interested in doing a deal which sees them sign a new midfielder in Luiz, who earns a staggering £135,000 a week at Juventus despite barely making an impact. If there is going to be a player swap, United may want a striker for a striker instead of a new midfielder.

A significant update has now emerged over the future of an “amazing” Liverpool player, courtesy of Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Liverpool fringe players struggle at Brighton

The Reds were beaten 3-2 away to Brighton on Monday evening, meaning the new Premier League champions have now gone three matches without a victory since officially winning the title last month.

It was a chance for fringe players to chance, as Arne Slot shuffled his starting lineup, but in truth, few did their future chances much good, including Harvey Elliott, who seemed to hint at a possible summer exit after the game, saying:

“It’s been hard with how much I’ve played. I’ve tried as hard as I could and whatever happens, happens. It’s about what’s best for my career. It’s about reflecting and seeing what I can do. I’m here at the moment and I’m focusing on the final game.”

A big summer transfer window is expected at Liverpool, with Jeremie Frimpong on the verge of signing from Bayer Leverkusen, and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez also strongly linked with a move, but there will also likely be lots of outgoings. Now, a new rumour has emerged regarding the future of another Reds player alongside Elliott.

"Amazing" Liverpool defender linked with exit

Taking to X on Tuesday morning, the reliable Plettenberg claimed that there is “interest” in Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah from a host of clubs, and there is a chance of a potential summer exit.

Selling Quansah this summer would be a risk by Liverpool, considering he is a young player with a high ceiling, with Alexis Mac Allister showing his appreciation for him last year, saying:

“He was amazing. The job he did with Virg [Virgil van Dijk] is so important for the team because it gives us that calmness that we need to play football. “Even on the ball he was amazing. Very happy and very glad for him.”

Appearances

13

Starts

4

Minutes played

489

Clearances per game

2.1

Tackles per game

0.9

Pass completion rate

91.5%

Goals

0

Assists

0

That said, Liverpool have to be ruthless this summer, and if Slot believes an upgrade on the Englishman can come in and bolster his squad, accepting an offer may be the right decision.

Quansah leaving would be a transfer twist, however, considering a recent report in 2025 claimed that the Reds have no plans to sell the £50m-rated defender, continuing to see him as an important part of the club’s future.

If the 22-year-old, who started vs Brighton, is happy to stay as a possible squad player, keeping him on still makes the most sense, with the England international still having plenty of time to mature into a future regular, but sporting director Richard Hughes has a big decision to make this summer.

This summer is huge for Liverpool if they are to maintain the success they’ve endured throughout Arne Slot’s first season in charge of the football club.

His side claimed the Premier League title with multiple games to spare, but the real challenge will come next campaign, with a real battle expected at the top end of the table.

Manchester City and Arsenal are likely to spend big this summer to try and close the gap produced by the Reds in recent months, which could bring a tasty battle for the title in 2025/26.

However, if Slot’s men aren’t to get left behind by their rivals, they too will have to enter the transfer market and make key reinforcements in numerous areas across the pitch.

In recent weeks, one player has constantly been touted with a switch to Anfield, with another update in recent days shedding light on the situation in such a department.

Liverpool’s hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer

Dean Huijsen is the man most linked with a summer move to Liverpool, after previously holding talks with his representatives over a switch to join the Reds.

The Spaniard has a £50m release clause within his current deal at Bournemouth, but LaLiga giants Real Madrid have now made their own move for the 20-year-old sensation.

It remains to be seen if Slot’s men can complete a deal for him, turning their attention to another target in the form of Benfica star Tomas Araujo, according to Anfield Watch.

The report claims that the Reds’ hierarchy are keen on a move for the 22-year-old, who could also cover at right-back if needed, with Manchester United and Chelsea also keen on his signature.

It also states that the Portuguese youngster currently has a €80m (£67m) release clause in his deal, but it’s unclear whether a deal could be done for less than such a fee.

Talks have also allegedly been held with the player’s agent, Ali Barat, who coincidentally is also advising Huijsen. While Barat is driving Huijsen’s move to Stamford Bridge, discussions have also been held between Liverpool and the agent regarding a move for Araujo.

Why Liverpool’s £67m target would be the dream Huijsen alternative

Slot has done an excellent job in creating a seamless transition between taking the reins last summer from Jürgen Klopp, putting them level with Manchester United on 20 league titles in their history.

Their defensive department has played a key role in achieving such a record, conceding just 37 times in their 36 outings to date – the second-best record of any side in England’s top-flight.

The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have played a key role within the backline this campaign, with a move for any of the aforementioned targets adding further depth to the defensive unit.

Huijsen would undoubtedly be the supporters’ first choice given his rise in the Premier League with the Cherries, but a deal for Araujo could prove to be an excellent one should he move to Merseyside.

When comparing his stats to those of the Spaniard, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – showcasing how much of an excellent addition he would be to Slot’s squad.

Araujo, who’s been labelled “complete” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst completing more take-ons, handing the side the added ball-playing option within the backline.

He’s also managed to win more tackles and come out on top in more of the aerial battles he’s entered – offering a superb option within the backline to further bolster their defensive quality.

How Araujo compares to Huijsen in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Araujo

Huijsen

Games played

27

30

Minutes played

2239

2324

Progressive passes

5.3

4.9

Pass accuracy

85%

83%

Tackles won

1.7

1

% of tackles won

75%

64%

Take-on success

55%

40%

Aerials won

61%

60%

Stats via FBref

His dominance over Huijsen is there for all to see based upon the stats produced by the pair, undoubtedly being the better option when pursuing a move for another centre-back this summer.

Whilst Araujo would cost a little bit more than the Spaniard, it’s a worthwhile investment, having all the tools to develop further, given his tender age of just 22.

If the club are to maintain the success endured this campaign, added squad depth is certainly needed, with a big-money deal for Araujo undoubtedly handing Slot just that.

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In what would be one the most interesting deals in the Premier League this summer, Liverpool could yet be offered the chance to sign a replacement for Andy Robertson in a swap deal for one of Arne Slot’s midfielders.

Liverpool must replace Robertson

It becomes increasingly difficult to criticise a club when they sit on their Premier League throne, but Liverpool – crown or no crown – are not yet the finished product under Slot. Their strengths have made them unstoppable at times, but their weaknesses have ensured that they’re not quite impenetrable and a large part of those weaknesses have come down their left-hand side courtesy of Robertson.

There’s no denying his legend status at Anfield. The Scot is now a two-time Premier League winner as well as a Champions League winner and every domestic trophy that English football has to offer. From a left-back relegated with Hull City, Robertson has won it all in Liverpool colours and will have his place among the best in his position in the club’s history books.

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That said, those days may well be exactly that – history. For the first time in his Liverpool career, Robertson has truly struggled to act as the reliable servant he has so often been and the Reds should act ruthlessly as a result this summer.

Whether the 31-year-old agrees with that sentiment is another question, however. When asked about the potential of competition arriving this summer, Robertson told reporters earlier this season: “I think we’ve been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world.

“That comes with playing with one of the greatest clubs in the world. I look back on these eight years I’ve had here as the starting left-back at that club and I feel a lot of pride. Your time comes and I don’t think it’s my time yet, but even if we do bring someone in, then so be it. I’ll always back myself.”

Liverpool could be offered surprise Antonee Robinson swap

One left-back who has been linked with a move to Anfield is Antonee Robinson and the Reds could yet receive quite the opportunity to land his signature. According to The Boot Room, Liverpool could be offered the chance to sign Robinson in a swap deal with Harvey Elliott. Fulham have reportedly spoken about re-signing their academy graduate, who Jurgen Klopp once dubbed “brilliant”, and Liverpool’s interest in their left-back has come up in the same conversations.

The American has enjoyed an excellent season, with 10 assists to his name in the Premier League, and could now earn the biggest move of his career as a result this summer.

Starts

32

27

Assists

10

0

Tackles Won

56

22

Ball Recoveries

142

91

The numbers paint quite the picture and it’s far from a pretty one for Robertson, who has been outperformed by Robinson in the current campaign. As the numbers show, it wouldn’t be absurd to suggest that the American has been the best in his position in the Premier League this season.

The celebrations stretched deep into the night. Liverpool won the Premier League last weekend, in case a reminder is due, after Arne Slot’s side gave Tottenham Hotspur a hiding to clinch the club’s 20th top-flight trophy.

It was a poetic way to seal the title, the 5-1 victory a consummate showing of Liverpool’s attacking flair, their togetherness, their hunger.

Even Slot, who has been so businesslike and cool throughout his debut campaign in the dugout, allowed himself to get lost in the occasion, bellowing his predecessor’s name in the wake of his big win. A fitting tribute. Further evidence, if any more is needed, that he is the man to lead this bunch.

One season is all it takes for this brilliant coach, but he and his players will be desperate to consolidate this new chapter with more silverware in the coming years. That means signings are needed.

Federico Chiesa, whose impact has been minimal, remains the only first-team addition since August 2023, and while this is a balanced squad of ample depth, Andy Robertson, 31, looks a mite blunter than before, with the growing interest in Milos Kerkez evidence that left-back is a priority position for FSG.

Liverpool's pursuit of Milos Kerkez

Let’s remember from the off: Richard Hughes was the man who engineered Bournemouth’s signing of Kerkez two years ago, bringing the prospect, 19 at the time, in from AZ Alkmaar for a reported £15m fee.

The Cherries have most certainly got bang for their buck, but could strike richer still by selling him this summer. Kerkez feels destined for a transfer away to a team competing in the Champions League.

However, Liverpool are no bullies and won’t push for a deal until Andoni Iraola’s quest for a Europe-qualifying finish is wrapped up, one way or another.

The Times reported in March that Liverpool were actively pursuing the 21-year-old, who is valued at £45m. This is steep. Moreover, Sky Sports News have revealed that Manchester City and Real Madrid have now registered interest of their own.

Each party will be confident in the chips in front of them, but honestly, it’s too early to determine the likelihood of Kerkez’s direction until one or all show their hand.

However, though Liverpool admire the Premier League “revelation,” they know how it goes in the market and appear to have centred on an alternative, just in case.

Interestingly, though, this fallback may prove to be an even better signing than the Vitality Stadium man.

Liverpool eyeing Kerkez alternative

According to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, Liverpool are interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers star Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Molineux are growing resigned to the fact that Ait-Nouri has earned the right to search for the next step in his career, should a suitable bid be received, having been one of their standout performers over the past several years.

The 23-year-old wouldn’t come cheap; in fact, with a supposed value of £51m, he’d cost FSG more than if they were to move for Kerkez. However, Ait-Nouri has the tactical grasp to slot right into Liverpool’s high-flying system.

Why Ait-Nouri would be perfect for Slot

Ait-Nouri might have made 131 appearances in the Premier League but he’s still so young, still has so much potential to tap into.

The Algeria international, born in France, was described as an “incredible talent” by ex-Old Gold boss Gary O’Neil, with his performances this season leading to four goals and seven assists across 33 Premier League outings. He also bagged against Bristol City in the FA Cup.

His eye for goal, both directly and through a playmaking lens, is something to behold, but it’s only one part of a completeness that few full-backs can harness.

Underscoring that point, he ranks among the top 6% of Premier League full-backs this season for goal involvements and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, emphasising that robust athleticism and attacking quality.

It’s worth noting Robertson has yet to score or assist in the Premier League this term, having typically been an unceasing source of output under Jurgen Klopp.

He’s still an experienced and valued part of the team, not least because of his deep-rooted connection with Virgil van Dijk, but Kostas Tsimikas has never managed to make the berth his own and will likely be sold to make way for one of Ait-Nouri or Kerkez this summer.

Looking more closely at the transfer targets in question, the case could be made that, yes, Ait-Nouri is the player to go for.

Prem 24/25 – Rayan Ait-Nouri vs Milos Kerkez
Stats (* per game)	Ait-Nouri	Kerkez
Matches (starts)	33 (33)	34 (34)
Goals	4	2
Assists	7	5
Touches*	61.8	59.1
Pass completion	86%	80%
Big chances created	8	7
Key passes*	1.1	1.0
Dribbles*	1.6	0.6
Ball recoveries*	4.0	4.5
Tackles + interceptions*	3.2	2.6
Clearances*	1.8	2.8
Duels (won)*	5.8 (54%)	4.1 (53%)
Stats via Sofascore

There’s a lot to unpack in that table, but you can clearly see Ait-Nouri is more energetic and active than his Bournemouth counterpart, edging him in creative metrics too.

If the Anfield test serves as an audition for potential targets, Ait-Nouri passed with flying colours back in February, subduing Mohamed Salah as Liverpool scraped their way to a nail-biting victory.

The Algerian won five duels, made two dribbles and made two further key passes, also making three clearances as he contributed toward a second half in which the Reds failed to attempt a single shot.

Kerkez has been one of the emerging success stories in the English top division this year, but Ait-Nouri has the sweeping skills to make a real difference in Slot’s team, combative and determined in defence with an offensive dimension that is singular in its residence on the left flank of the field.

He was even hailed as “one of the Premier League’s best players in 2024” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley. And you could change the four to five in that quote; Ait-Nouri has only gone from strength to strength under Vitor Pereira’s wing, instrumental in Wolves’ ongoing six-game winning run, striking a goal-and-assist performance against Spurs and assisting again during the recent 3-0 win over doomed Leicester City.

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Either left-back would be a welcome and worthy addition to Slot’s project. But if we’re being pedantic – and you best believe Liverpool’s data-driven analysts are among the most scrupulous in the business – Ait-Nouri is the one to go for.

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