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With new sporting director Andrea Berta getting ruthless from the off, Arsenal are now reportedly ready to listen to offers for one particular player this summer amid interest from AC Milan.

Berta's summer plans at Arsenal

Heading into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain with a 1-0 deficit to overturn, Arsenal’s season is in danger of ending without a trophy once again. Already, Liverpool have been confirmed Premier League champions in what was a dominant run and given that the Gunners failed to win the Carabao Cup and were knocked out of the FA Cup in the early stage, they could look back on the current campaign with one full of moments to forget.

Mikel Arteta, as ever, is still full of hope, however, albeit whilst admitting that Arsenal need something special to advance next week. The Spaniard told reporters after his side’s defeat against PSG: “We have a lot of chances to be in that final. As I repeat myself, you have to do something special in the competition to have the right to be in the final. And the time to do it is going to be in Paris.”

What failure could do ahead of the summer transfer window though, is push the Gunners into action. Their attacking flaws have been there for all to see this season and need addressing even with star players returning from injury.

Mega Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal initiate talks for "superb" £34m monster

The experienced international could be just what Arsenal need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025

Names such as Alexander Isak have threatened to steal the headlines in recent months, but whether Berta has the blessing to pursue what could be a club-record signing remains to be seen. First, it looks as though the new sporting director is set to get ruthless on the sales front.

Arsenal ready to sell Calafiori

According to Milan Live, Berta and Arsenal are now ready to listen to offers for Riccardo Calafiori this summer just one year after he arrived from Bologna. The defender has had a torrid time with injuries since arriving, but has seemingly not done enough to keep hold of his place in North London even when fully fit. Now, amid interest from AC Milan and Juventus, Arsenal have reportedly set his price tag at €35m (£30m).

Calf problems

2

Knee injury

8

Knee injury

4

Muscle injury

3

Knee injury

11

Missing 28 games in total, the defender has simply been unable to make his mark. To put into context just how much his luck has turned for the worse too, the Italian missed just two games during his time at Bologna.

That said, Calafiori’s injury struggles have not stood in the way of Arteta’s praise, with the Arsenal boss telling reporters earlier this season: “He came back, had a little glimpse, then went on international duty and got injured, so we had to manage him again. Then we threw him against Man City away for the first Premier League start and I think he was superb.

“He’s really good. He’s adapted really well to the group, his understanding is exceptional and you see he’s a player with an enormous courage and personality to play, so he’s going to give us a lot.”

Eddie Howe may not have been at St. James’ Park on Wednesday evening, but the Newcastle United manager’s genius was very much present as his team brushed Crystal Palace aside.

Brushed them aside as if they were nothing. Eagles reduced to mites, returning to Selhurst Park in tattered frustration. For Newcastle, the 5-0 win has lifted them above Nottingham Forest and into third place, further into the firm soil of Champions League qualification.

With six Premier League games left to play, the Carabao Cup champions are playing brilliantly, top of the form charts and determined to return to Europe’s elite stage.

The unity from head to toe is a product of Howe’s tactics and the players’ reaction to the boss’s teachings. So many good performances. However, Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak proved themselves the picks of the bunch once again.

Isak & Murphy run riot

Last season, Anthony Gordon was crowned Newcastle’s Player of the Year after a standout season that saw him guide his team through injury-troubled waters.

Gordon remains a core part of a high-flying, trophy-winning Magpies attack, but this has been Isak and Murphy’s year. Both were on the scoresheet against Palace, with Murphy also setting up Fabian Schar’s goal before the break.

Isak is one of Europe’s best strikers, now boasting 25 goals and six assists across all competitions. It’s no wonder that the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool want to sign the £150m-rated man, but their efforts will likely fall short this summer.

Murphy, however, has ripped up the narrative to shift from inconsequential squad player to an utter force in the Premier League. How it’s happened? Hard graft and unbreakable trust from his manager, who has hailed his industriousness and promoted his potency in front of goal.

This new regime, painstakingly constructed, has served as a solvent for the years of hurt and upset on Tyneside, but Newcastle aren’t just an outfit pieced of superstars, with Murphy’s rise evidence that all can step up and reach new heights in Howe’s system.

Indeed, there’s another Newcastle star who’s gone from strength to strength in recent weeks and is now recorded as playing like Barcelona sensation Raphinha, who is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Newcastle's own Raphinha

The man in question, as you may well have guessed, is Harvey Barnes, who has risen in stature and responsibility over recent weeks and has been praised, alongside Murphy, as being one of the “two best wide players in the Premier League right now” by pundit Chris Sutton.

Newcastle ran rampant against Oliver Glasner’s Palace, and he got himself another goal.

Talk about a purple patch. Barnes’ strike means he has scored in three successive Premier League matches, four goals in total, having laid on two assists in as many fixtures before.

Barnes’ beauty lies in its simplicity. He carries an Arjen Robben-esque quality of swooping inwards and firing at goal. His strikes bear the crispness of a sure-handled rifle shot, the snap and confidence of a predator starting to pounce.

The 27-year-old played the full 90 against Palace, and though he wasn’t in the thick of the action, he still came away with an excellent goal to add to the haul, underlining his ability to strike when a chance falls his way. The Shields Gazette could award him no less than a 9/10 match rating for his performance, hailing his finishing.

Barnes might not have started all the time since transferring to Tyneside from relegated Leicester City in 2023, but he carries that natural threat that makes him such a dangerous weapon.

It’s something that Raphinha has built up himself under Hansi Flick’s wing at Barcelona this term. Though the Brazilian is more of a natural playmaker than Newcastle’s man, there’s little question that there are similarities between the two.

Both players have been clutch for their sides this season, Barnes growing into his increasingly talismanic role in recent weeks following Gordon’s suspension, picked up against Brighton & Hove Albion during that bitter FA Cup defeat.

Goals

0.64

0.50

Assists

0.21

0.31

Shots taken

3.35

3.38

Shot-creating actions

3.35

5.19

Touches (att pen)

6.28

5.76

Pass completion

78.6%

69.4%

Progressive passes

4.28

4.69

Progressive carries

4.71

2.96

Successful take-ons

1.36

1.69

Both wide forwards are among the most statistically prolific players in their divisions, with both athletically remarkable yet opting against the kind of unrelenting runs and creative passes that others produce. Instead, they conserve their energy, use their intelligence to pick out teammates or strike on goal at the perfect moment.

Barnes might not have enjoyed his counterpart’s consistency, but FBref record that data-wise they are comparable, a testament to the England international’s quality. It’s exciting to think that with further success over the coming weeks, he might indeed finish the season as one of the most talked-about stars.

Of course, the United star might be one of the best wide players in English football right now but Raphinha has actually been dubbed “Europe’s best player” across the 2024/25 campaign by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley.

Barcelona would hardly want to sell such a superstar but are financially troubled and have been reported to have listed him at €100m (roughly £86m) as suitors begin to circle.

It all just goes to show how staggering the project that Howe has created at St. James’ Park really is.

Newcastle were interested in signing the La Blaugrana sensation last summer but opted against it in the end due to PSR concerns. Perhaps they will be among the crowd of contenders this summer, for inevitably the clubs will line up for a player so talented, so in-form.

Chalkboard

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

However, with Barnes already in the mix, alongside a dynamic and deadly frontline, fans won’t lose any sleep if it doesn’t come to play. They already have their own version of the £86m-rated star.

103 touches, 87% passing: 9/10 Newcastle star is now as undroppable as Isak

Newcastle romped home to victory against Crystal Palace in a 5-0 demolition job at St James’ Park.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 17, 2025

In what was a must-win game for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Mohammad Rizwan and the bowlers helped them get the better of Guyana Amazon Warriors by five runs in a last-over finish in Providence.Chasing a mere 150, Amazon Warriors needed 11 from six balls with three wickets in hand. Naseem Shah held his nerve and had Keemo Paul caught at long-on with the first ball. For the rest of the over, he mixed slower balls into the pitch with yorkers to give away just five. While the result ended Patriots’ three-match losing streak, their playoff chances still look bleak. They need nothing less than a win in their last league match, against Barbados Royals on Friday, but also other results to go their way.Earlier, Patriots did not have a great start and were 26 for 3 inside five overs with Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers and Leniko Boucher all falling in single digits. But Rizwan’s 85 off 62 balls steered them to 149 for 6.Rizwan stabilised the innings with Rilee Rossouw and took the side to 64 for 4 at the end of ten overs. He was on 36 off 30 at that point but scored 49 off the next 32. In all, he hit eight fours and three sixes and was responsible for Patriots scoring 45 in the last four overs.Patriots’ Pakistani stars Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah celebrate the big wicket of Shimron Hetmyer•CPL T20 via Getty Images

Amazon Warriors had a much better start, reaching 41 for 1 after the powerplay. But they could not build on that, losing two wickets in the next four overs to be 67 for 3 at the halfway mark. Patriots pegged them back further by dismissing Hassan Khan and Shai Hope in successive overs. Dominic Drakes had Hassan caught and bowled and Navin Bidaisee castled Hope with a slider that kept low.After 15 overs, both sides were 100 for 5. But while Patriots had a set better in Rizwan, Amazon Warriors did not. With 50 needed from the last five overs, Dwaine Pretorius tried to take on Waqar Salamkheil but perished attempting a slog sweep. On the very next ball, Salamkheil could have had Romario Shepherd caught behind but Rizwan was not sure if there was bat involved. Replay showed a clear outside edge.Shepherd rubbed it in by pulling the last ball of the over for a six. Paul did the same against Naseem in the following over but could manage only a leg bye from the other five deliveries.With 21 needed from ten balls, Jason Holder had Shepherd caught at long-on with a short ball. Quenton Sampson hit two fours off the next three balls to bring it down to 11 needed from the final over. But Naseem denied them.

One of the biggest troubles for Leeds United this season is how poorly they have performed in front of goal. Daniel Farke’s side find themselves in a relegation battle, which many people expected would be the case. ESPN journalist Bill Connelly said they need “random bursts of quality attacking” to help them stay up.

Well, things haven’t worked out that way so far for the Whites. They’ve found the back of the net just nine times, better than just two sides, including bottom of the league Wolverhampton Wanderers. Leeds’ expected goals tally is just 12.94xG, the 12th best in the top flight.

One man who has struggled for his best goalscoring form is Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Calvert-Lewin’s struggles in front of goal

Leeds secured the signing of Calvert-Lewin in the summer on a free transfer, after his contract at Everton expired. He was brought in with the aim of bolstering their Premier League goalscoring stocks, although it hasn’t really worked out that well so far.

The experienced 28-year-old, who has 11 caps and four goals for England, has not quite hit the ground running in a Leeds shirt.

In nine games for the club so far, Calvert-Lewin has only found the back of the net once, against fellow strugglers Wolves.

It was a good finish, too, from the new Leeds number nine. He got on the end of a loopy cross from Jayden Bogle, finding space between the Wolves defenders and heading home. That is the kind of striking instinct Leeds fans may have expected.

However, it hasn’t really worked out for Calvert-Lewin, aside from that goal. His underlying numbers are surprisingly low, averaging just 2.8 shots per 90 minutes, with an expected goals per game of 0.33xG. That places him in the 25th percentile for Premier League strikers.

With a huge game against Nottingham Forest next up, Farke may decide to rotate the striker out of the side in favour of a man who knows where the back of the net is.

Leeds’ Calvert-Lewin alternative

Ultimately, Leeds need to start finding the back of the net more consistently soon. Goals win you football matches, and right now, they could do with a few victories to help propel them up the table.

Chalkboard

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

Well, Farke could well make the decision to axe Calvert-Lewin against Forest this weekend, and bring in Joel Piroe.

The Dutchman is someone who knows where the back of the net is, and Farke even called him the “best finisher” he’s ever seen as a manager.

With strikes like this one against Bristol City in the Championship last season, it is easy to see where the Whites’ boss is coming from.

Piroe bagged from quite a tight angle outside of the area, which takes some doing.

Indeed, he has put up some impressive numbers in a Leeds shirt so far. In 102 games for the club, the striker has 33 goals and ten assists. Last term in the Championship, Piroe was the main man up front and bagged 19 goals with seven assists in 46 games.

His underlying stats showcase how deadly he can be, too. During the league-winning 2024/25 season, the Dutch striker averaged 0.56 goals per 90 minutes, with an expected goals tally of 0.49xG. Both of those stats placed him in the top 5% of Championship strikers.

Goals

0.56

95th

Shots on target

1.14

89th

Expected goals

0.49xG

95th

Shot-creating actions

2.43

84th

Goal-creating actions

0.38

91st

Bringing Piroe into the side for the trip to the City Ground could be a stroke of genius from Farke. He has a point to prove, having fallen out of favour this season. He’s only played 164 top-flight minutes, but would surely love to get more regular game time.

Calvert-Lewin has been out of form this season. With someone who Farke himself has admitted is a deadly finisher waiting in the wings, he could be the difference in helping find the back of the net more often.

Farke can get DCL firing by ditching Aaronson for "unstoppable" Leeds star

Daniel Farke can finally get Dominic Calvert-Lewin firing at Leeds United by unleashing this speedy winger.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 6, 2025

Jamie Carragher has delivered his verdict on Arsenal and their Premier League title challenge after their dramatic 2-1 loss at Aston Villa.

Arsenal suffer first defeat in 18 games as five-point lead slips

Arsenal’s agonising defeat at Villa has ended the Gunners’ 18-game unbeaten streak whilst threatening their title aspirations, with Man City’s subsequent 3-0 dismantling of Sunderland now reducing the gap to just two points.

Emiliano Buendia’s 95th minute winner highlighted familiar weaknesses that have plagued previous title challenges.

Mikel Arteta’s makeshift defence, deprived of William Saliba and Gabriel through injury, conceded soft goals that championship-winning teams simply cannot afford.

Matty Cash’s thunderous opener exploited Eberechi Eze’s defensive negligence, whilst Buendia’s late intervention punished Arsenal’s inability to clear.

Leandro Trossard’s second-half equaliser briefly sparked hope of a hard-fought victory in the Midlands, yet Arsenal ultimately succumbed to Villa’s relentless pressure.

Arteta a big fan: Arsenal "could make a move" for "world-class" £65m forward

The Gunners are looking to bolster their attacking options.

ByDominic Lund 4 days ago

While Arsenal have only lost twice this campaign, Arteta will be hoping Saturday’s defeat doesn’t sap his squad’s confidence given the manner of their slip up.

Cristhian Mosquera’s ankle injury compounds their current defensive crisis, forcing 16-year-old Marli Salmon onto the bench against Villa.

Man City ruthlessly capitalised on Arsenal’s hiccup, delivering their arguable most complete performance this season against an in-form Sunderland side.

Rúben Dias opened the scoring with a spectacular 25-yard thunderbolt before Josko Gvardiol doubled the advantage through a towering header from Phil Foden’s corner.

Foden completed the scoring after 65 minutes, converting Rayan Cherki’s outrageous rabona cross for a serious highlight reel moment.

Pep Guardiola praised it as potentially City’s finest 95-minute display this season, emphasising how it is consistency rather than individual results that determines success.

The title race has dramatically intensified, with Aston Villa themselves now genuine contenders sitting third, merely three points behind Arsenal following seven consecutive wins in all competitions.

Make no mistake, it is all to play for, and Carragher is convinced that Arsenal have a ‘huge problem’ in the form of Foden.

Jamie Carragher says Phil Foden is a 'huge problem' for Arsenal

Speaking on Monday Night Football, Carragher insists that the England international, alongside Erling Haaland, poses a massive threat to Arsenal’s quest to win a first Premier League title in 22 years.

After a difficult 2024/2025, Arsenal have every right to be concerned, as Foden is now back to his imperious best.

Foden has emerged as City’s most potent attacking threat bar Haaland during their resurgent title challenge, scoring nine goals across all competitions so far this term.

The 25-year-old has also notched six Premier League goals in thirteen appearances, averaging 0.51 goals per ninety minutes whilst contributing two assists.

His recent purple patch has been particularly devastating, with five goals scored in his last three league games. His goal involvement rate of 0.69 per ninety minutes highlights his constant influence in the final third, with Guardiola praising his exceptional qualities following Saturday’s performance.

Foden already surpassed his career milestone of 100 City goals during the summer’s Club World Cup, cementing his status amongst the club’s elite scorers.

His personal renaissance couldn’t have come at a worse time for Arsenal, but luckily for Arteta, the title is still theirs to lose.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has conceded in his pre-Leeds press conference that the Reds need to get Alexander Isak more involved in games.

Isak, 26, joined the Anfield side this summer for a British record £125m fee. Last season, Jamie Carragher declared him “the best striker in the Premier League”. He scored 27 goals in all competitions for Newcastle United, including the winner in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, against Liverpool.

25/26 – LFC

17.1

5.6 (65%)

24/25 – NUFC

33.3

14.9 (77%)

23/24 – NUFC

26.8

12.6 (80%)

22/23 – NUFC

29.5

12.5 (78%)

But he’s toiling away at his new club, and to little avail at that. This speaks of the wider tactical imbalances at the club right now, with the forwards all struggling and the midfielders and defenders too.

Change is needed, but with new and elite centre-forward options strapped in, FSG are turning their attention to Liverpool’s attacking flanks.

Liverpool lining up a wide forward

Last month, Slot was quizzed on Liverpool’s transfer plans ahead of the January transfer window, as the dismal form raged on. That stain has only spread since, but the coach hinted that the Premier League champions’ priority lies not with the rearguard but on the wing.

Liverpool didn’t replace Luis Diaz when selling the versatile Colombian to Bayern Munich in August, and that was clearly a mistake. Cody Gakpo knows where the back of the net is, but he’s somewhat one-dimensional, with fans annoyed by the regularity of his cutting inside when the ball finds him down the left lane.

Perhaps that is why rumours have resurfaced of Liverpool interest in Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with TEAMtalk suggesting this week that Anfield is one of the few places the Brazilian would consider joining; Arsenal have also been mooted.

Rodrygo may be undergoing a divorce with superstardom at Los Blancos, but that doesn’t mean Florentino Perez will let the 25-year-old leave on the cheap, tentatively transfer-listing him for around €90m (£79m).

Why Liverpool should sign Rodrygo

It’s no secret that Liverpool are interested in signing Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo in January, but Rodrygo is cut from finer cloth, the Brazil international having conquered Europe and Spain too during his time with Real Madrid.

Across 286 senior appearances, he has scored 68 goals and supplied 53 assists, and last year, Jude Bellingham said “he’s probably the most gifted player in the squad”, with frightening speed and deadly finishing and a versatile take on the attacking game.

Though he has served Real Madrid’s wishes out on the right flank for most of his career, Rodrygo actually prefers playing off the left. The right-footer believes he is at his most clinical in that role, and last season, though he struggled on the whole, he scored six goals and supplied six assists across just 12 outings.

Right winger

148

34

31

Left winger

89

23

18

Centre-forward

85

22

8

Attacking midfield

4

–

1

Rodrygo would surely displace Gakpo and cement a regular starting berth under Slot’s wing at Liverpool. Gakpo, scapegoated at times this season, is still not the multi-faceted wideman that Diaz was, and Rodrygo would restore that presence that FSG are so intent on replacing.

Hailed as a “world-class superstar” by former teammate Luka Modric, he is the real deal, alright, with pedigree on the biggest stage and so much more still to give. Rodrygo has lost his way in Spain, but at Liverpool, he could become a leading man, especially with Mohamed Salah ostensibly winding down.

He is a man of many dimensions, and indeed has more in his locker than Gakpo, even with the Dutchman averaging 2.2 created chances per game in the Premier League this season, the most frequent of any Liverpool player and the fifth-highest average in the division.

But Rodrygo, even at his lowest ebb, ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 15% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive carries and the top 18% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

There is little question that Rodrygo would raise Liverpool’s level, adding width and pace and dynamism down the left flank and maybe serving out on the right when called upon.

Gakpo enjoyed plenty of success last season, scoring 18 goals and supplying seven assists across all competitions. He is a potent threat. But he also needs a counterpoint to jockey with out on the left, and Rodrygo would provide that presence and then some.

Wirtz will love him: Liverpool could hire "one of the best managers in the world"

Liverpool’s title-winning head coach is skating on thin ice this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is reportedly facing a significant blow to his January transfer plans after news about a top winger target.

While the January transfer window is set to become a major topic of discussion soon, all attention is currently centered around this weekend’s North London derby clash against Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The statistics paint a pretty bleak picture for Frank’s side, with as many as 11 players either set to miss the clash through injury or are doubts at the very least.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

29/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Mohammed Kudus

Knock

23/11/2025

Randal Kolo Muani

Jaw

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Concussion

23/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

23/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

23/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

Arsenal prolonged their unbeaten run against Tottenham to six matches in January this year, having also done the double over Spurs in 2023. The Lilywhites have also failed to chalk up a single victory against their fiercest rivals in three years, with their last win coming at the end of the 2021/2022 season under Antonio Conte.

Harry Kane’s brace and a goal from Son Heung-min handed Spurs a statement 3-0 victory on their run to qualify for the Champions League that year, but that remains their only triumph over Arsenal in their last nine meetings.

While the Emirates Stadium is a notoriously challenging hunting ground for Tottenham, having failed to win there in the top flight since 2011, Frank could actually be relieved this clash will be played out on enemy turf.

Frank’s side have lost three Premier League matches on home soil already this season, and their record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over the last 12 months has been abysmal with just four victories to show from 20 home league games.

They haven’t won at home at all in the league since their 3-1 win over newly-promoted Burnley on the opening weekend, leaving them second bottom of the home form table but sitting pretty atop of the away form standings (Footy Stats).

Tottenham will be handed some encouragement by Sunderland’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal just prior to the international break, but it is safe to say they’re up against it on Sunday, with there still being plenty of work to do on Frank’s squad as the Lewis family look to usher in a post-Daniel Levy era.

According to reports, Spurs are in the market for another winger this winter after missing out on Savinho in the summer, with Ademola Lookman believed to be on their radar as one potential signing.

Frank facing 'big blow' at Tottenham after news on Ademola Lookman

The Atalanta winger appeared to be exit bound last summer and even submitted a transfer request, but an exit failed to materialise. Tottenham were repeatedly linked with the Nigerian at the end of the last window, and those links have remained ahead of January.

Lookman bagged 20 goals in all competitions last season and took home 2024’s African Player of the Year award following his stunning performance in the Europa League final that year, which both won Atalanta the tournament and ended Bayer Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten run.

The 28-year-old, who is also out of contract in under two years, would undoubtedly be a superb signing for Spurs and one who can play in many different attacking positions, including as a striker.

However, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke for Football Insider, Frank faces a ‘big blow’ in his pursuit of Lookman, as it is now believed that new Atalanta boss Raffaele Palladino could now convince the player to remain in Italy.

Also, if Spurs were to lodge a bid for Lookman in January, Atalanta would demand a minimum of £50 million to consider selling, despite the player’s contract length.

All of this makes the prospect of a winter transfer to N17 looking more and more difficult for the ‘world-class’ forward, but there are alternatives.

Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo is apparently tempted by the prospect of a move to Tottenham amid Real Sociedad’s dismal start to 25/26, and he has a release clause in his contract, which means Spurs could bypass club talks and go directly to the player.

Nottingham Forest are on the lookout for solidity under Sean Dyche and could now be set to make an intriguing move courtesy of owner Evangelos Marinakis.

The Tricky Trees had a fairly ominous start to the Premier League campaign that culminated in the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo, which was followed by Ange Postecoglou’s short tenure at the City Ground that ended under acrimonious circumstances.

Now, Dyche is the man at the helm and there is a feeling that improvement is starting to take shape on the River Trent, characterised in clear fashion by their convincing victory over Leeds United before the international break.

Ultimately, Forest are still in the relegation zone and have their work cut out to ensure they survive in the top-flight this campaign, though the fact that players such as Elliot Anderson are earning rave reviews from Thomas Tuchel is a reason for some optimism in the East Midlands.

Paying tribute to the Three Lions midfielder, the England coach labelled him as ‘one of the best midfielders in the Premier League’ before a routine victory in World Cup qualifying over Serbia, emphasising the value of his services that the Tricky Trees have at their disposal.

Even then, a tricky fixture at Anfield awaits for Forest on the other side of the international break before a quickfire double header against Malmö and Brighton, requiring squad rotation to make sure Dyche has fresh options to choose from.

Stability is something that hasn’t always been easy to come by at the City Ground, and club owner Marinakis doesn’t wait around when it is time to make a decision, something he could again demonstrate in January.

Nottingham Forest set for intriguing Christos Mouzakitis pursuit

According to Tuttosport, Nottingham Forest are among a clutch of clubs that are keen on Olympiacos star Christos Mouzakitis, who is also wanted by Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, AC Milan and Napoli.

Intriguingly, the Greek giants are owned by Marinakis, and he is said to be the one who will have the final say on his next destination amid their £30 million asking price for the 18-year-old midfielder.

Mouzakitis is described by Tuttosport as a player who’s ‘already one of the greatest talents in Greek football history’, with a clutch of Premier League sides taking notuce.

However, Forest may well have an edge given their close ties to the teenager via their owner.

Known to idolise AC Milan veteran Luka Modrić, Mouzakitis is a recipient of the TuttoSport Goldenboy Web Award and has registered two assists in 13 appearances this season across all competitions.

Nevertheless, he is under contract until 2029, and Olympiacos will hold the cards should a bidding war start to take place for his services, making it a tough ask for any suitors to land their man for anything less than a premium.

Either way, Marinakis could be the defining factor for Nottingham Forest in this one, and it may be worth keeping an eye to see what developments occur over the coming weeks and months.

Nottingham Forest could also be set to allow a surprise departure

The fiery spectacle unleashed by Bayern Munich’s ultras during their Champions League victory over Sporting CP was not merely a display of passion, but reportedly a calculated strategic manoeuvre designed to manipulate UEFA’s disciplinary timeline. By triggering an inevitable stadium ban now, the supporter groups aim to serve their punishment during a low-stakes fixture, thereby ensuring a clean slate for the crucial knockout stages of the competition.

Bayern light up the Allianz Arena

The Allianz Arena was plunged into a thick fog at the start of the second half on Tuesday night as the Sudkurve – the heart of Bayern’s active support – ignited over 80 flares in a coordinated display. While the visuals were striking, creating a wall of red fire behind the goal, the action caused significant visibility issues and drew the immediate ire of the club’s hierarchy.

However, according to reports from , this was no spontaneous outburst. It was a pre-meditated "escalation" with a specific bureaucratic target in mind: UEFA’s disciplinary probation period.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe probation trap

To understand the ultras' logic, one must look at Bayern’s disciplinary record. The club has been operating under a suspended sentence following previous pyrotechnic incidents, most notably during the Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen in March this year. UEFA had explicitly warned that any further "pyro" violations within a two-year period would automatically trigger a partial stadium closure.

The Bayern ultras were fully aware of the danger and by lighting the flares against Sporting, they have effectively pulled the trigger themselves, forcing UEFA to convert the suspended sentence into an active punishment.

Why now? The Union Saint-Gilloise factor

Bayern’s next and final home game of the league phase is scheduled for January 21 against Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise. In the eyes of the ultras, this fixture represents the "ideal" moment to serve a ban. Union Saint-Gilloise are viewed as a far less attractive opponent than the European heavyweights Bayern are likely to face in the round of 16 or quarter-finals. By triggering the partial stadium closure now, the ban will almost certainly apply to the match against the Belgians.

Once served, the "probation" is effectively reset or at least the immediate threat of a closure is removed for the subsequent round. The strategy is to sacrifice the atmosphere for a group stage dead rubber to guarantee the Sudkurve is fully open and rocking when the stakes are highest in the spring.

The plan reportedly goes even deeper. suggests that the ultras are already one step ahead of the inevitable sanction. Anticipating that the Sudkurve standing area will be closed for the Union Saint-Gilloise match, leading figures within the ultra scene are reportedly already organising the purchase of tickets in other sectors of the Allianz Arena.

This would allow the hardline supporters to remain in the stadium, albeit in different blocks, effectively nullifying the "visual" impact of the ban while still technically complying with the UEFA ruling that closes their specific sector.

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Getty Images SportBayern chiefs furious about display

While the fans may see this as a tactical masterstroke against UEFA, the Bayern Munich board is less than impressed. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen did not hide his frustration after the match, fully acknowledging that the club is now powerless to stop the incoming sanctions.

"There will be a partial closure of the fans in the Sudkurve. That was a clear threat of sanction due to the probation we received," he said.

Dreesen expressed concern not just over the financial penalties—which are expected to be substantial—but the safety risks involved.

"I naturally do not find that good," he added. "The weather conditions meant the smoke and fog stayed in the stadium. I was briefly worried that the game might be abandoned due to visibility. It is simply unacceptable."

As the smoke clears, Bayern Munich must now prepare for a hefty fine and a quieter Allianz Arena in January. But if the ultras' calculation proves correct, the roar of the Südkurve will return just in time for the matches that define the season. Whether UEFA will see through the "trick" and impose a harsher penalty for recidivism remains the only flaw in an otherwise audacious plan.

Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways on Saturday, marking their first victory in the Premier League since the final weekend of October.

It was a win that lifted huge pressure off the shoulders of Thomas Frank, who, despite being in the dugout for a matter of months, was already facing questions and scrutiny about his job.

It’s another big week for Spurs who face Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday evening before coming up against Nottingham Forest next Sunday.

Heading into those games, Frank has received some positive and negative injury news.

The latest injury news out of Spurs

French forward Randal Kolo Muani has started to find his feet in Spurs colours in recent weeks, notably bagging against PSG in the Champions League.

However, he was withdrawn during the weekend’s win over Brentford and was spotted limping as he left the stadium.

Fortunately, he trained on Monday and looks set to play a part in Europe this midweek.

For James Maddison, things continue to look tough. The attacking midfielder featured on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football for their coverage of Wolves vs Manchester United and he may have to get used to off-field duties for now.

There is no specific time frame,” Frank began. “It will be a long time unfortunately before he [Maddison] is available.”

Spurs star will now miss the rest of 2025

While there is more positivity about Spurs heading into this week’s run of fixtures, there has been bad news on the injury front for Italian full-back Destiny Udogie.

The young defender has attracted criticism in recent weeks for his displays but missed the win against Frank’s former employers due to injury.

Speaking about the problem, the manager said: “Destiny picked up a hamstring injury at the end of the Newcastle game, so he’s out until January unfortunately.”

Ahead of their clash with Slavia Prague, a late call will be made on Brennan Johnson’s fitness but Yves Bissouma is set to miss out once again after his latest off-field controversy.

The Mali midfielder has not been seen in Spurs colours under Frank after he was dropped from the UEFA Super Cup squad for persistent lateness.

To make matters worse for Bissouma, a report at the weekend showed footage of the Spurs man allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas.

Commenting on the matter this week Frank said: “It’s an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it.”

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