Their best CF since Aubameyang: Arsenal in talks to sign £58m "powerhouse"

The Arsenal team today is undoubtedly better than the one from a few years ago.

Bukayo Saka has reached another level entirely, Declan Rice is a monster in midfield, David Raya is a reliable presence between the sticks and the defence looks set to be the best in the Premier League for the second year running.

However, one area that is probably weaker than it was at the start of the decade is striker; as for all their hard work, neither Kai Havertz nor Gabriel Jesus are prolific, at least not compared to former goalscorer extraordinaire Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The Gabon international was a force of nature for most of his time at the Emirates – he was the fastest Arsenal player to hit 50 Premier League goals and left with a tally of 112 goal involvements – but now it looks as if Andrea Berta and Co could be about to sign someone who’d be the club’s best striker since the former captain.

Arsenal's striker search

With Arsenal’s most acute area of need heading into the summer window being the striker positions, it’s not a shock that they’ve been linked with a mountain of potential signings over the last month or so.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

One of the most talked-about links has undoubtedly been to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, who has already racked up a sensational haul of 24 goals and five assists in 34 appearances this term – an average of a goal involvement every 1.17 games.

However, with the Toon reportedly after £150m for their star man, a move this summer feels increasingly unlikely, so reports have also touted the more affordable Benjamin Sesko for a transfer to the Emirates.

RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoshoots at goal

The Slovenian international could be available for around £67m, although at just 21 years old, there is a risk that Arteta and Co would be signing another project player when what they really need at this point is the finished article, someone like Viktor Gyokeres.

Fortunately, according to a recent report from Italy, the Sporting CP phenomenon is not only a target for the Gunners but also their primary striker target.

Moreover, the report has revealed that the North Londoners have now opened talks to try and sign the Swede and that the talks have been “positive” thus far.

A potential price for the marksman is not mentioned in the report, but stories from late last month claimed that he could be available for as little as £58m.

While that is still a sizable sum of money, it could prove to be incredible value for money in this case, and as Gyokeres could be the club’s best striker since Aubameyang, Arsenal should do all they can to get this deal over the line as soon as possible.

Why Gyokeres would be Arsenal's best striker since Aubameyang

Unsurprisingly, when it comes down to it, the reason Gyokeres would be Arsenal’s best centre-forward since Aubameyang was in his pomp is the simple fact that he is a lean, mean, goalscoring machine.

For example, in just 50 appearances last season, the Stockholm-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists, which comes out to an average of 1.16 goal involvements every game.

This year, the Swedish monster has done even better, racking up a sensational tally of 42 goals and 11 assists in 42 appearances, which comes out to an average of 1.26 goal involvements every game.

Appearances

42

34

27

MIinutes

3340′

2776′

1204′

Goals

42

15

7

Assists

11

5

2

Goal Involvements per Match

1.26

0.58

0.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

63.01′

138.8′

133.77′

In contrast, Havertz produced 20 goal involvements in 34 appearances prior to his injury this term and Jesus nine in 27 appearances, meaning the German was averaging a goal involvement every 1.7 games and the Brazilian every three games.

Finally, on top of maintaining a level of output that is simply out of this world at the club level, the 26-year-old Sporting star is also incredibly effective at the international level.

For example, in 26 senior caps for Sweden, totalling 1568 minutes, he has scored 15 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.23 games, or every 74.66 minutes.

Ultimately, Arsenal are already an incredible team, but they lack a genuinely prolific number nine; if they sign Gyokeres, that won’t be a problem anymore.

Better than Nico Williams: Arsenal lead race to sign "Bergkamp-esque" star

The incredible international would make Arsenal a far scarier proposition.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 3, 2025

They need Quenda now: Chelsea star just dropped awful 4/10 for his country

The international break has come at the right time for Chelsea, with Enzo Maresca’s side needing a break to end their recent poor run in the Premier League as of late.

The Blues have lost three of the last five league outings, with their most recent coming at the weekend against Arsenal at the Emirates, with Mikel Merino’s goal the difference between the sides.

However, Maresca’s men still occupy a place in the top four with just nine league games remaining this season, looking to secure a Champions League place in his first campaign at the helm.

Chelsea manager EnzoMarescalooks dejected after the match

It would be a huge boost for the club after missing out on competing with Europe’s elite in the last couple of years, with their success potentially proving that the huge investment has been worthwhile.

Their spending has shown no signs of slowing down in recent months, with the Blues making yet another key addition in recent days – setting themselves up for future success.

Chelsea’s move to land Geovany Quenda

In recent days, Chelsea have made yet another addition after clinching a deal with Portuguese outfit Sporting CP for the signature of 17-year-old wide player Geovany Quenda.

The teenager, who can operate off either flank, has set the club back a fee in the region of £42.7m, taking the spending during the Todd Boehly era to over £1.3b.

Sporting CP's GeovanyQuendain action

However, Quenda is set to spend the 2025/26 season back on loan at the Liga Portugal outfit, before linking up with the Blues ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

He looks set to operate in wide areas, mainly off the left-hand side if recent reports are to be believed, and potentially able to feature in a wing-back role should the manager decide to utilise a back-five at Stamford Bridge.

Many must wish he was moving to West London this summer, especially after one first-team member’s display for his country on Thursday evening.

The Chelsea player who dropped a 4/10 for his country

Given the money spent over the last couple of years, it’s no surprise to see numerous players featuring for their respective nations during the international break.

Eight of Maresca’s key players were selected to represent their country, with many of them featuring in various matches across the globe last night.

Spain's Marc Cucurella

Marc Cucurella started and featured for the entirety of the contest against the Netherlands in Rotterdam, but was unable to produce a performance to remember as they only managed to draw 2-2.

He received his 14th cap for his country, but it was one to forget, being run ragged by one player, which contributed to their inability to claim another victory.

The 26-year-old only managed to win four of the 12 duels he entered, whilst being dribbled past four times, including by Jeremie Frimpong, who spun the full-back, leading to the host’s second goal.

Cucurella also committed two fouls in the process, whilst only managing to complete 50% of his attempted crosses, failing to have a positive impact at either end of the pitch.

Minutes played

90

Touches

85

Duels won

4/12

Dribbled past

4x

Fouls committed

2

Crosses completed

1/2 (50%)

Dribbles completed

0

He also failed to complete any dribbles, with only two of his 62 attempted passes being key passes, unable to create any clear-cut opportunities within the final third.

As a result of his dismal showing for Spain, the left-back was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by GIVEMESPORT, showcasing how disappointing he was during the draw.

Given his disappointing outing last night, many supporters must wish that Quenda was moving to the Bridge this summer, offering another option in wide areas for Maresca.

However, Cucurella will remain the number one option for the next couple of years at least, with the Spaniard needing to return to his usual high standards ahead of the return to club action in a week’s time.

James upgrade: Chelsea working to sign "the best RB in the Premier League"

Chelsea are reportedly working to sign a player who would be an upgrade on Reece James.

1 ByDan Emery Mar 20, 2025

Arsenal watching "world-class" £70m+ striker who Wenger compared to Henry

Arsenal have been scouting a “world-class” £70m+ striker who Arsène Wenger once compared to Thierry Henry, according to a report.

Gunners' striker issues on show at Old Trafford

Prior to Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville questioned the decision not to bring in a new striker over the past few years, branding it “poor recruitment”.

Mikel Merino once again had to lead the line against United, with Kai Havertz set to miss the remainder of the season with injury, but the Spaniard struggled to have an impact, failing to score for the third game on the spin in the Premier League.

Gabriel Jesus is the only other senior striker at Mikel Arteta’s disposal, but Neville believes the manager isn’t a big fan of the Brazilian, meaning signing a new forward in the summer may be one of the Spaniard’s main priorities.

A number of targets have been identified, including Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen, and a report from The Boot Room has now revealed Arsenal scouts are also watching Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram.

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez celebrates with MarcusThuramafter the match

The Gunners watched Thuram in action in the Champions League recently, and they are likely to be impressed by what they saw, given that he scored in his side’s 2-0 victory against Feyenoord.

Chelsea and Liverpool scouts were also in attendance to run the rule over the striker, so there may be competition for his signature this summer, should the north Londoners decide to formalise their interest.

However, a deal will not be cheap, as the Frenchman has a release clause of just over £70m included in his contract, and the Italian club want to enter talks to remove or increase that figure.

"World-class" Thuram enjoying another impressive season

The 27-year-old has been a regular source of goals and assists for Inter since arriving from Borussia Mönchengladbach, following up a solid debut campaign by scoring 15 goals in all competitions this season, including two in the Champions League.

Barring an injury-marred 2021-22 campaign, the Parma-born striker has impressed in front of goal over the course of the past six seasons, and there are signs he is entering his prime, given that he is on course to have his most prolific campaign to date.

Season

League appearances

Goals

Assists

2019-20

31

10

7

2020-21

29

8

3

2021-22

21

3

0

2022-23

30

13

6

2023-24

35

13

8

2024-25

27

13

4

As shown, the France international regularly chips in with assists, which may be one of the reasons he was compared to compatriot Thierry Henry by Arsenal legend Wenger. More recently, the Inter star has also received high praise from journalist Zach Lowy.

Arsenal’s recent drop-off indicates they may need to bring in a top striker if they are to compete for the Premier League title next season, and Thuram’s performances this season indicate he could be in that category.

Talks progressing over new contract for £11.4m-a-year Liverpool superstar

Talks are progressing between Liverpool and one of their star men over a new contract, with a deal now said to be ‘close’, according to a recent report.

Liverpool's summer transfer plans

Arne Slot and co. still have so much of their attention on the pitch as they look to wrap up the Premier League title, with the Reds also into the last 16 of the Champions League and among the favourites to win that competition as well, with a League Cup final to play next month too.

He's outscoring Nunez: Liverpool must rue axing Klopp's irreplaceable star

This Champions League winner has been in fine fettle this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 25, 2025

But as the season progresses it means the summer transfer window is getting ever closer and those high up at Anfield must already have their eyes there, as they have some big decisions to make over key players.

One player whose future is up in the air is of course Mohamed Salah, and Liverpool are being linked with a move for Lamine Yamal, which would be quite a shock but possible due to Barcelona’s financial difficulties, which will force them to sell at least one or two key men this summer.

Barcelona talent Lamine Yamal

It’s been reported that Liverpool are “above all” the other Premier League teams in the race to sign Yamal, but face competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, who are also watching on.

The Reds are among the teams who are dreaming of signing the 17-year-old at the end of the season, but Barcelona have no plans to sell their superstar if they don’t absolutely have to.

In defence, with questions over the future of Virgil van Dijk, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool are prioritising signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window in order to add more depth whether the Dutchman stays or gos.

Talks progressing over new contract for Liverpool superstar

While the Premier League leaders begin the search for a new centre-back, according to a report from Spain, Liverpool are now close to agreeing a new contract with Van Dijk after talks progressed in recent weeks.

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Mohamed Salah

The report states that the Reds’ intentions are clear – they want the Netherlands international to remain at the club. Talks between the player and the club have now ‘progressed’ to a point that it is being reported that a deal is ‘close’ to being agreed, with the captain ‘considering’ the latest offer.

It is reported that Liverpool believes their captain still has a lot to offer at the age of 33, and his leadership and experience mean he can remain a key figure in the team. They consider the renewal of Van Dijk’s contract a priority as they try to maintain stability in the defence during a summer where there could be a lot of change. For Van Dijk, while he has offers from elsewhere, he feels comfortable at Liverpool and hasn’t ruled out staying for another season.

Apps

306

Goals

26

Assists

13

The Dutchman currently earns £11,440,000 a year at Anfield, making him the second-highest earner at the club behind Salah. Despite being at the latter end of his career, Van Dijk still remains a key player for Liverpool and Slot, and with new arrivals expected in defence over the summer, keeping Van Dijk makes more sense for the new signings, as he can help them settle in with his experience and defensive qualities.

Romano: Leeds make contact to sign “outstanding” £21m attacker in January

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Leeds United have received a response after making contact to sign an “outstanding” attacker in the past few days.

Leeds showing fight in battle for survival

Heading into a tricky three-game run against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, Daniel Farke would’ve been fearing the worst, given the widespread speculation about his future, but his side have managed to amass a very respectable four points.

Even in the 3-2 loss at the Etihad Stadium, the Whites showed heart, fighting back from 2-0 down, which will be very encouraging for Farke, and the 2024-25 Championship title-winners remain outside the relegation zone for the time being.

That said, it is still very close near the bottom of the Premier League table, with both Nottingham Forest and West Ham United starting to pick up better results since hiring new managers.

Consequently, it is little wonder Leeds have started looking at new signings ahead of the January transfer window, recently making an approach for Tromso star Jens Hjerto-Dahl, and they have now set their sights on £21m summer Como signing Martin Baturina.

That is according to Romano (via Leeds United News), who said: “Baturina is a player Como still wants to focus on, they’re not thinking about a January exit. I’ll tell you the behind-the-scenes story. In the last few days, Leeds has been in touch, the teams are starting to move.

“Leeds has proposed opening talks with Como and the player’s agents about a possible transfer, even a permanent one. Leeds would have practically repaid Baturina to Como,”

“The response I understand from both Como and the player was ‘No, thanks’. Baturina wants to stay at Como, he believes in the project Como is happy with Baturina, with how he trains, the potential he has.

“Baturina continues to work hard, but the door has been closed for Leeds. In short, it also marks some clarity regarding the rumours that have been circulating about the future of the Croatian midfielder.”

Leeds scouts now spotted watching "fantastic" European standout alongside Man Utd

He’s one to watch.

ByTom Cunningham 6 days ago

"Outstanding" Baturina could have bright future ahead

Leeds will be frustrated they didn’t receive the ideal response after making a move for the 22-year-old, given just how impressive he was at Dinamo Zagreb, registering 22 goals and 39 assists in 165 outings, while he has also now scored his first goal for Croatia.

Scout Ben Mattinson has also waxed lyrical about the attacking midfielder, saying a little over a year ago: “His vision and weight of pass is outstanding.”

However, the former Dinamo Zagreb man hasn’t exactly hit the ground running since moving to Italy, being benched for the majority of Como’s Serie A matches this season, having recorded just one goal contribution in his first seven outings.

As such, Baturina clearly isn’t the finished article just yet, so it is not majorly disappointing that Leeds appear to have missed out.

Arsenal make strong move to sign “special” £111k-p/w Paris Saint-Germain star

Arsenal have now made a strong move to sign a “special” Paris Saint-Germain star, who is still yet to accept an offer to extend his stay at the Parc des Princes.

Gunners under pressure after Aston Villa defeat

The Gunners’ lead at the summit of the Premier League table was reduced to just two points on Saturday, after slipping up at Villa Park, with Emiliano Buendia netting a stoppage-time winner to secure all three points for the hosts.

Gary Neville has suggested the defeat shouldn’t be a major cause for concern, given that Aston Villa are a good side, saying: “That’s a game you can lose. I wouldn’t be panicking at all if I was Arsenal off the back of that. You’re going to lose a game or two, you just are, and you’re going to win a lot of games.”

However, after coming second three years on the spin, Mikel Arteta’s side may be feeling the pressure, with Manchester City now breathing down their necks, and the north Londoners are looking to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window.

That is according to a report from Le10 Sport (via Sport Witness), which states Arsenal have now made a strong move to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, who isn’t entirely happy at the French club, and is still yet to put pen to paper on a new contract.

PSG have made an offer to Barcola, which would see his salary increase significantly from £111k-a-week, but he is yet to commit to a new deal, amid interest from the Gunners and Premier League rivals Liverpool, who are very active contenders.

Arteta’s side have been interested in the French forward for quite some time, and the latest development is exciting, as there are plenty of signs he could be a fantastic addition to the squad…

"Special" Barcola could be exciting signing for Arsenal

With Gabriel Martinelli not in the best of form, receiving widespread criticism for some of his performances this season, it may be a savvy move to sign a new left-winger, and the PSG star has been in impressive form.

Eze 2.0: Arsenal make contact to sign £88m talent who's "like Mbappe"

Arsenal could land themselves another Eberechi Eze by signing the incredible young game-changer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes 6 days ago

Indeed, the 18-time France international has already amassed eight goal contributions in 18 matches this term, while also receiving very high praise from scout Ben Mattinson earlier this year, who described proved him as “one of the best left wingers in Europe”.

Not only that, but the 23-year-old also ranks extremely highly across a range of key attacking statistics over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Assists

0.42 (95th percentile)

Progressive carries

5.13 (87th percentile)

Touches (Att pen)

8.72 (98th percentile)

Should the opportunity present itself, Arsenal should definitely step up their interest in Barcola, and it is promising news they have already made a strong move to secure his signature.

Arsenal plan talks with club chief over signing £20m forward after Madueke

Arsenal are planning to hold talks with a club chairman about signing another forward, after their £50 million deal for Noni Madueke, with sporting director Andrea Berta making serious statements in the transfer market.

Eze's dream CF: Arsenal in talks to sign £69m "monster" & it's not Gyokeres

Arsenal could still change their mind on Viktor Gyokeres.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 10, 2025

Madueke is poised to make the switch to north London and will become the latest in a long line of deals between both Chelsea and Arsenal. The England international specifically comes as the seventh player to move from Cobham to London Colney in the past six years, not to mention the second in this window alone, following Kepa Arrizabalaga.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£75m

After opening formal club-to-club talks earlier this week, Arsenal reached a swift agreement for Madueke, worth over £50 million including add-ons. The 23-year-old agreed personal terms over this move a while ago, but Berta has now managed to convince Chelsea to sell their winger too.

Madueke joins Kepa, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard as Arsenal’s fourth signing in total this summer, and takes the club’s expenditure to around £125 million.

Arsenal are also in advanced talks to sign striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, with there being no sign of this deal collapsing just yet as Berta looks to end their long wait to bring in a prolific goalscorer

The Gunners could yet another attacking midfielder after Madueke too, as links still surround Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The 27-year-old would join Mikel Arteta’s side in a separate deal to his international teammate (Fabrizio Romano), following another electric campaign at Selhurst Park, where he racked up 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Eze’s FA Cup-final-winning goal in a 1-0 win over Man City at Wembley ended the club’s history-long wait for a major trophy, but Palace face the very real prospect of losing their star man before deadline day on September 1.

Arsenal plan to contact Steve Parish over Eberechi Eze deal

The attacking midfielder joined Palace in a deal worth around £20 million from QPR in 2020, and he’s since justified that price tag time and time again.

His value has now more than tripled, with the Eagles holding steadfast in their demands for his full £68 million release clause to be paid.

That is according to The Guardian and journalist Ed Aarons, who also report that Arsenal are planning to contact Palace chairman Steve Parish directly about signing Eze, and he is unlikely to accept any proposal below the clause.

Reports suggest that Arsenal have held productive talks with Eze’s camp already, but formal negotiations are yet to open with the south London club, so this could be one to watch in the coming weeks.

Called a “sensational” footballer by members of the press, Sky Sports state that Arsenal are targeting their ex-academy ace to complement club captain Martin Odegaard in an attacking midfield, rather than out wide.

Gueye upgrade: Everton now preparing bid to sign £75k-p/w "monster"

Everton only went from strength to strength to strength when the Friedkin Group ended Farhad Moshiri’s dysfunctional reign toward the end of 2024, moving swiftly to replace Sean Dyche with David Moyes in the dugout.

Relegation candidates in the bleak of winter, Everton played to Moyes’ tune across the second half of the campaign, finished comfortably in 13th place in the Premier League.

Everton manager DavidMoyesbefore the match

The Scotsman has overseen a slow start to the transfer window, albeit with chief executive Angus Kinnear settling in and dealing with an overload of potential departures. Albeit, Charly Alcaraz’s loan spell has been made permanent for a £13m fee.

Much has been made of the need for forwards, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin going and the Toffees closing in on his replacement in Villarreal striker Thierno Barry, 22, who has a £34.5m release clause.

But Everton may yet need to package their midfield with one or two impactful additions.

The latest on Everton's midfield situation

Everton always knew this was going to be a significant summer, with so many comings and goings taking place. Midfield is indeed more settled than other areas of the field, but the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure have departed, and with Alcaraz now a permanent feature, Everton might want to invest in a deeper-lying replacement.

There is, however, hope on Merseyside that 35-year-old star Idrissa Gana Gueye might renew his Everton vows to spend a year at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Gueye is still an effective player, but he’s a veteran, and it might be good to seek a replacement, one who could contest for that starting spot next season. That man might prove to be Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, who has emerged as a top target for Everton.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

That’s what Football Insider believe, having detailed Everton’s desire to rival Manchester United for the Nigeria international by making a formal offer for the player.

Suitors are lining up as he is entering the penultimate year of his contract at the King Power, Leicester having been relegated from the Premier League last season.

GIVEMESPORT have also chimed in, stating that the Foxes recognise that clubs might not fancy paying the full release clause and might instead settle on a more agreeable £5m figure.

Part of this is due to Ndidi’s high £75k-per-week salary.

What Wilfred Ndidi would bring to Everton

Leicester signed Ndidi from Belgian side Genk way back in January 2017, when he was only 20 years old. Arriving in a deal worth £15m, he always had a huge task in replacing N’Golo Kante, but he’s done himself justice over his years on English soil.

Everton's Dwight McNeil in action with Leicester City's WilfredNdidi

Still only 28 years old, Ndidi has featured 303 times for his current club, notching 40 goal involvements and playing a tackle-heavy defensive role that has since bloomed into something more dynamic and modern, the anchor raised.

In this way, he could prove to be a fantastic replacement for Gueye but also an upgrade on the older man, bringing to Everton a fitting combative style but also a slick passing game that can help the evolution of Moyes’ system.

1.

Idrissa Gueye

Everton

123

2.

Daniel Munoz

Palace

109

3.

Noussair Mazraoui

Man Utd

102

4.

Moises Caicedo

Chelsea

100

5.

Joao Gomes

Wolves

99

Remarkably, no Premier League player won more tackles than Gueye in 2024/25, the veteran belying his age to play a priceless part in the stabilisation of a side that stared down the barrel of a smoking gun.

Everton need someone to step into his boots and emulate such qualities. Ndidi could be that man. Indeed, as per FBref, the 6 foot 2 star ranked among the top 5% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues last season for tackles, the top 7% for blocks, the top 3% for clearances and the top 4% for aerial battles won per 90.

Leicester City's WilfredNdidiin action with AFC Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier

He also averaged assists at a rate of 0.19 per 90, which underscores a ball-playing side to Ndidi’s game that could prove invaluable as Everton look to break free from the pragmaticism which has defined so much of their football in recent years, and instead become a force to be reckoned with in England’s top flight.

Gueye, by contrast, averaged 0.09 assists across all competitions in 2024/25. This was hardly to the detriment of Everton’s fluency and success; it wasn’t within the ball-winner’s jurisdiction. However, it illustrates the presence they would sign by reeling in Ndidi, for sure.

Last season, Ndidi served in a collapsing Leicester system, but he still plied his trade dutifully. As per Sofascore, across his 28 appearances in the league (all starts), the African midfielder racked up five assists, created five big chances and averaged 0.6 key passes per game.

Moreover, he won three tackles, 6.3 duels and made 4.5 ball recoveries on average each Premier League outing. Thus, his ability to slot right in and claim the torch from Gueye is highlighted.

Leicester were abject last year, but Ndidi has long been a pillar of strength in the Midlands. One FIFA expert even named him “the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League” back in 2020, while ESPN’s Colin Udoh described him as an “absolute monster”.

Of course, there’s hope that Gueye will be staying put over the coming year, but he will indeed turn 36 around the start of the campaign, and Everton will need to cover him – especially as the versatile midfielder Doucoure has left.

Moyes has succeeded in stabilising the club, and Kinnear will know, of course, that the wage bill has been slashed by the recent exodus, thus putting the high-salary Ndidi in an attainable bracket.

With Barry potentially shoring up the frontline for a hefty £34.5m fee, Everton could hit the jackpot in shrewdly signing Ndidi, for he could absorb some tricks of the trade from his older positional peer before emphatically replacing him down the line.

Calvert-Lewin upgrade: Everton advancing in talks to sign £34m striker

Everton are edging closer to signing a La Liga forward

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 1, 2025

Game
Register
Service
Bonus