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Liverpool are reportedly interested in completing a sensational move for Kylian Mbappe in the summer transfer window, according to new report from Spain.

What next for Kylian Mbappe?

The 24-year-old has arguably taken on the mantle from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the biggest footballing star of his generation, already achieving so much in his career, despite his age.

Mbappe won the 2018 World Cup with France, immediately gaining legendary status, and he has scored 212 goals in just 260 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain, cementing his status as possibly the world's best player currently, along with the likes of Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr.

It looks as if the French superstar could leave PSG before the start of next season, however, with Real Madrid possibly the favourites to snap him up for an eye-watering sum of money.

Liverpool have been linked with Mbappe in the past, however, and it looks as though they are still eyeing an incredible swoop for him.

Are Liverpool keen on signing Mbappe?

According to Marca, Liverpool have "also thrown their hat in the ring" to sign Mbappe this summer, with Jurgen Klopp keen on the move coming to fruition. It is even stated that the Reds, and by extension owners FSG, are "willing to pay more than $300m (£235m)", which would obliterate the club's transfer record.

In truth, it is difficult to see the PSG icon heading to Anfield this summer, simply because of the amount of money being talked about, for starters. Liverpool reportedly have a £200m budget to spend on several players, namely midfielders, so it is impossible to see them being able to fund a move.

The Reds also don't have Champions League football next season, which Mbappe surely wants to be playing in, even scoring at Anfield in the competition back in 2018, so that is another reason why a transfer ambitious. That being said, if the move did miraculously happen, it could be one of the most exciting in Liverpool's history, considering what a special talent he is, being hailed as "world-class" by Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

He has every chance of going down as one of the greatest players in history, should he continue at his current level for another decade or so, and joining the Reds would make the rest of world football sit up and take notice. For now, though, it looks like little more than a pipe dream, unless Liverpool gets an enormous injection of cash from somewhere before the end of the summer transfer window.

An update has emerged on Celtic attacking midfielder Jota and his immediate future at Paradise ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest on Jota's future at Celtic?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Hoops forward is set to move to Saudi Arabia to sign for Al Ittihad to link up with Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante.

The reporter tweeted: "Al Ittihad are closing in on deal to sign Celtic star Jota! Agreement is being discussed between all parties and it’s now very close. Still not signed. Jota, keen on the transfer — waiting to discuss final contract details."

The Daily Record has added that the transfer could be for a fee in the region of £25m. However, the Scottish giants will not see all of that figure added to their budget as Benfica are due 30% of the profit on the £6.5m they received for the exciting gem last summer, which would be roughly £5.5m.

Who could replace Jota at Celtic?

It could be incredibly difficult to find a player who is able to replace the consistent stream of goals and assists that Jota provided for the club, but Brendan Rodgers could dip into the summer transfer window to snap up another winger.

One player with the potential to be a dream replacement for the Portuguese dynamo is LAFC forward Kwadwo Opoku, who is a reported €4.8m (£4.1m) transfer target for the Hoops.

The 21-year-old has struggled for form in 2023, with a record of two goals and two assists in 17 MLS appearances. However, his performances last year suggest that the quality is there for him to thrive at Celtic as a scorer and creator of goals.

Opoku scored eight goals and created 11 'big chances' in 20 MLS starts in 2022, which works out as a vital attacking contribution every 1.05 starts on average. Whereas, Rodgers' other left-wing option, Daizen Maeda, scored eight goals and made six 'big chances' in 25 league starts for the Glasgow giants last term.

This shows that the LAFC star was able to provide consistent quality from a wide position, as Jota has in Scotland over the last two years.

In the 2022/23 campaign, the former Benfica prospect scored 11 goals and created 13 'big chances' in 26 Scottish Premiership starts for Celtic, which works out as a goal or huge opportunity conjured every 1.08 starts on average.

These statistics suggest that the potential is there for Opoku, whose performances in 2022 were lauded as "magnificent" by journalist Owuraku Ampofo, to be a Jota-esque figure on the wing for Rodgers.

The talented LAFC youngster has the ability to be a threat as a goalscorer and creator like the £25m-rated ace, which is why Rodgers could unearth the dream Jota replacement by signing the MLS gem and helping him to rediscover his best form from last year.

There has been an update regarding Manchester United's pursuit of Southampton starlet, Romeo Lavia, with the Red Devils still seemingly keen to strengthen their midfield ranks despite securing the signing of Mason Mount.

What are the latest Man United transfer rumours?

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Old Trafford outfit are among a raft of Premier League clubs who are interested in signing the 19-year-old this summer, with the one-cap Belgium international said to be valued at around £50m by the Championship side.

Writing on Twitter regarding that interest, the transfer insider stated: "Romeo Lavia is emerging as one of this summer's most in-demand players. Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have all held talks, whilst former club Man City, Man Utd and Newcastle are being kept informed. Southampton want £50m… "

In his attached piece for 90min, Bailey goes onto add that none of those suitors are believed to be willing to meet the Saints' asking price at present, with some form of compromise needing to be met as the 5 foot 11 teenager is seemingly not keen to ply his trade in the second tier next season.

How good is Romeo Lavia?

Despite having just a year of senior football under his belt, the former Manchester City gem has warranted such hefty interest amid what was a breakout 2022/23 campaign at the St Mary's Stadium, with the youngster quickly proving himself something of a "monster" in the centre of the park, according to journalist Benjy Nurick.

While Erik ten Hag has already bolstered his midfield department with the signing of Mount, there are reports that the Dutchman would ideally like to bring in another body following the Englishman's arrival, particularly with both Scott McTominay and Fred potentially up for grabs.

Amid that desire for a new midfielder, there has been much speculation that the former Ajax boss is keen on a reunion with Moroccan midfielder, Sofyan Amrabat, having previously coached the 26-year-old at Eredivisie side FC Utrecht.

The Netherlands-born maestro would reportedly cost in the region of just €30m (£26m) due to his expiring contract with current side, Fiorentina, albeit with rumours abound that the 6 foot 1 ace would prefer a move to Spain – amid interest from Barcelona.

As such, the signing of Lavia – who already boasts Premier League experience – could represent a dream alternative as far as Ten Hag is concerned, with the Saints star also a figure who the 53-year-old can build his side around for the next decade or so, due to his youth.

While a major benefit of Amrabat's capture would be his ability to dictate proceedings and offer a composed presence in front of the back four – as he ranks in the top 5% among his European peers for pass completion at an average of 88.8% – Lavia can also act as that midfield metronome, as he has averaged 86.2% in that regard over the last 365 days.

In a defensive sense, it is the latter man who comes out on top, however, with the Belgian ace having averaged 3.2 interceptions and tackles per game in the Premier League last term, while Amrabat averaged just two tackles and interceptions per game in Serie A.

As a point of reference, United's Brazilian monster Casemiro averaged 4.4 in that regard in 2022/23, ensuring that it is Lavia who could prove to be a more natural successor to the 31-year-old as that ball-winning asset at the base of the midfield.

While, of course, the aforementioned £50m price tag could prove a sticking point, if the Red Devils are to strike a deal for the Brussels-born machine it would no doubt be a very wise investment.

Aston Villa’s interest in Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson has left the City Ground outfit concerned, according to reports from The Athletic.

Who are Villa signing in 2023?

Villa are sure to be one of the busiest clubs in the summer transfer market, kick starting their business early by locking up an agreement with Leicester City star turned free agent Youri Tielemans.

The Villans hierarchy, NSWE, were reported earlier this year to be gearing up to hand Unai Emery a “huge” summer budget, and they have also delivered him a helping hand in the market by bringing in renowned transfer guru Monchi, who helped transform Sevilla from a relegated side in 2000 to one of Europe’s dominant forces, winning the Europa league twice during his tenure.

Of course, the Midlands outfit will be hoping the Spanish duo can repeat some of that magic on the continental stage this year in the Europa Conference League, but that competition also brings increased pressure to improve the depth and quality available throughout the squad.

The priority after the capture of Tielemans seems to be a wide player who can add pace and goals, with links to the likes of Harvey Barnes and Wilfried Gnonto, and attention has now turned to Brennan Johnson.

According to a report from The Athletic detailing the Reds’ summer business and transfer plans, the City Ground hierarchy are growing concerned about the interest in their talisman, namely from Villa.

NSWE, Emery and Monchi are very keen to bring the Wales international across the Midlands and this has become a “genuine concern” for those in situ at Forest.

They are not actively seeking to cash in on their star man, but given he has risen up through the ranks from their academy they are aware they could generate a massive profit from his sale and potentially land themselves in a good position when it comes to Financial Fair Play.

That said, they have already rejected a £30m offer from Brentford, so it seems Villa would have to really test their resolve with an impressive offer.

How many goals has Brennan Johnson scored?

The 22 year-old, labelled “fantastic” by Cooper, scored eight times in the Premier League last season and also provided three assists, an impressive return in a team who scraped clear of relegation and largely struggled to create chances and score goals.

However, delving deeper into his numbers suggests he may not be worth splashing a large portion of the summer budget on. According to FBRef’s metrics, which compares players with their positional peers across the top five European leagues, Johnson was in the bottom half of players for every single statistic they measure – except aerial duels, where he was 59th percentile.

He measured in the bottom one per cent for shot creating actions, which suggests he struggles to make chances out of nothing either for himself or his teammates, and also ranked poorly in tackles and interceptions, painting the picture of a player who won’t provide much pressing and defensive cover from the front.

If Emery is desperate to land a direct winger who can score and create goals but also help his team out of possession, especially in tough European games, Johnson is not the one.

West Ham United are now ready to test Harry Maguire's resolve to stay and fight for his place at Manchester United, with the centre-back high up on David Moyes' list of centre-back targets, according to a report from The Telegraph.

Is Harry Maguire leaving Manchester United?

Journalist Ben Jacobs believes that Maguire may seek pastures new this summer, despite the fact Erik ten Hag may want to keep hold of him as a back-up option, recently saying:

"Obviously, ten Hag's perspective is that Maguire is going to get diminished game-time, but he is valued as a leader at the football club. Maguire may look to go elsewhere because he has to start thinking about the Euros and, ultimately, the long-term England game-time."

There have been several Premier League clubs linked with moves for the England international, with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham and Sheffield United recently being named as potential suitors by transfer insider Dean Jones.

Jones also details that £35m could be enough to seal a deal for the centre-back, although some of his sources believe that Man United will ot be able to receive that figure, so they may have to consider selling him for a lower fee.

According to a report from The Telegraph, West Ham are now ready to test the defender's resolve to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez now above him in the pecking order.

The Englishman believes he can force his way back into the Man United starting XI, and he is currently happy at the club, but he is now emerging as one of Moyes' top targets to bolster the centre-back area.

The offer of first-team football would give the 30-year-old a huge decision to make ahead of the European Championships next summer, with the Hammers looking to bring him in on loan at this stage, rather than on a permanent basis.

How good is Harry Maguire?

The Man United defender, hailed as "fantastic" by former teammate David de Gea earlier this year, has received heavy criticism over the past few years, and he has admitted he has found it difficult to ignore the critics at times, but a lot of it has been unwarranted, given the level of some of his performances.

At the 2022 World Cup with England, the former Leicester City man averaged a 7.34 SofaScore match rating, the second-highest figure in the squad, showcasing that he is still very capable of competing at the top level.

The Sheffield-born centre-back only received limited game time for the Red Devils last season, making a total of 16 Premier League appearances, but he did impress at times, ranking in the 88th percentile for aerials won per 90, and the 89th percentile for blocks in the past year.

A move to the London Stadium could be exactly what Maguire needs to reignite his career, particularly if he wants to keep his place in the England team for next summer's Euros, and West Ham should undoubtedly pursue a deal. However, a loan move is probably wise, as it may be difficult to match the defender's £200k-per-week wages if he is signed on a permanent basis.

Leeds United's slow start to the summer transfer window is now starting to gain steam after the 49ers assumed full ownership of the club, and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Alexander Nubel has been linked with a move to Elland Road despite the club's recent relegation from the Premier League.

How much would Alexander Nubel cost?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that the Whites "have explored" the conditions of a transfer for Nubel as an alternative to Newcastle United's Karl Darlow.

Jacobs said:

"I also think they'll look for a goalkeeper, and Nubel has been the one that Leeds have explored from Bayern Munich.

“Darlow has been another player on the radar, but I think Nubel will be available for under £10m. And Leeds could be in the mix for that particular player.”

A previous report from German outlet Sport BILD claims that Leeds boss Daniel Farke is hoping to sign his compatriot for around £8m, and for a 26-year-old shot-stopper with experience at one of Europe's most prestigious outfits and with a successful loan stint at French side Monaco recently completed, it could be a move worth making.

Who is Alexander Nubel?

This isn't the first time Leeds have pursued a Bayern Munich player of late, with the Championship side signing central midfielder Marc Roca from the German champions for an initial £10m last summer.

The dynamic Spaniard was hailed as a "key" signing by pundit Alan Hutton upon his arrival from the Bundesliga, but failed to live up to the hype and has now been loaned out to Real Betis after a timid term in West Yorkshire.

While the 26-year-old did demonstrate his abilities by forging 2.1 tackles per game, as per Sofascore, his ball-playing prowess was not up to scratch and would not suit the fluid possession-based style of Farke, evidenced by his bottom 14% ranking for pass completion compared to midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, via FBref.

Perhaps certain segments of the Leeds support will fear a similar outcome should Nubel be deemed the man to replace under-fire Illan Meslier – who is believed to be transfer-listed after flattering to deceive last season – but there is every indication that the 6 foot 4 colossus would be a veritable machine for the English outfit.

“He is a very good goalkeeper with a [Manuel] Neuer vibe about him," claimed European football expert Kevin Hatchard of the then Schalke star, speaking to talkSPORT in 2019 following links to Tottenham Hotspur.

“He’s good with his feet, commanding, and he’s got a bit of arrogance about him, which I don’t think is a terrible thing.”

Since then, Nubel signed for Bayern on a free transfer, making just four appearances before joining Monaco on a two-year loan deal in 2021, where he has since forged 97 displays.

Once hailed as an "incredibly talented goalkeeper, with the world at his feet" by Germany's U21 coach Klaus Thomforde, Nubel saved 140 shots in Ligue 1 last term while conceding 58 strikes; Meslier, comparatively, shipped 67 goals and made just 94 saves.

Leeds will be determined to ensure their stint back in England's second tier is nothing more than a sojourn from the top-flight, and by strengthening the defensive department with a signing of Nubel's ilk, this could be achieved to emphatic success.

Arsenal may have already welcomed one top midfielder into their ranks this summer, shattering their transfer record; and yet he could still prove to be the second-biggest deal made to bolster their engine room.

Is Joshua Kimmich leaving Bayern Munich?

With Declan Rice having joined in a £105m move, the England international officially became the second-most-expensive English player ever just behind Jude Bellingham.

Mikel Arteta hopes that his presence will underpin a dynasty in north London, set to challenge for the foreseeable future for every elite honour.

However, if reports from June were to be believed, the Gunners also had their eye on a move for Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich, aiming for one of the paramount midfield generals in world football.

The 28-year-old still has two years left on his mouth-watering £323k-per-week deal, but could likely be tempted by the evolving project at the Emirates.

He is valued at €67.9m (£58m) by Football Transfers, which would still represent a remarkable coup should he be attained for a similar price.

How good is Joshua Kimmich?

Whilst his potential arrival might overshadow the signing of Rice, it is likely that they would immediately strike up a partnership rather than step on each other’s toes.

After all, the former West Ham United captain is far more defensive-minded than Kimmich, who last term enjoyed a standout year offensively.

Featuring 33 times in the Bundesliga, the German international maintained a 7.73 average rating, buoyed by his 11 goal contributions, 90% pass accuracy, 2.4 tackles and 2.7 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

That rating and his key passes made per game would have made him comfortably the best performer in both of those categories when compared to Arsenal’s squad last term.

He was imperious all over the pitch, and his injection of energy and experience would prove vital in toppling Pep Guardiola’s treble-winners, especially considering the eight Bundesliga titles and sole Champions League the midfielder has won.

Although two years on, there is precedent to suggest that the following statement made by journalist Muhammad Butt still rings true. “Joshua Kimmich is the best midfielder in the world," he claimed.

This notion was somewhat supplemented by Bundesliga writer Alex Chaffer, who also branded him a "mentality monster".

To emphasise his attacking excellence, when compared to other midfielders across Europe he sits in the top 6% for assists per 90, the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, and the top 1% for progressive passes per 90, via FBref.

Partnering such offensive impetus with the solidity Rice would provide holds great promise, as they are clearly both extremely talented and have varied enough play styles to complement each other.

Last season in the Premier League, the England powerhouse maintained a 7.19 average rating of his own, as his 88% pass accuracy, 2.1 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 1.5 clearances per game helped him shield his back four with ease, via Sofascore.

Comparing him against the same group as Kimmich, it is instead interceptions where he stars, ranking in the top 5% per 90.

This should emphasise just where his play style remains, and exactly why he would complement a potential new partner.

Hammers boss David Moyes even lauded him for his defensive intelligence back in 2020, noting:

“In my mind, he is arguably the best holding midfield player in the country and the best thing about Declan is he will get better.”

Despite how difficult a deal this would be to make, his potential move will still have fans salivating at the prospect of this monstrous new-look partnership that Kimmich and Rice could form.

Liverpool have made a fresh bid to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, however it was immediately knocked back by the Saints, as it was well below their asking price of £50m, according to a report from Sky Sports.

Is Romeo Lavia signing for Liverpool?

There have been conflicting reports about whether Lavia is close to a move to Anfield, with Foot Mercato recently detailing the midfielder is "one step away" from completing a switch for a fee of around €50m (£43m).

Journalist Ben Jacobs recently told GiveMeSport that the Reds believe they will be able to get a deal over the line, saying: "Liverpool are preparing another offer, which will be over £40million, and the feeling is relatively positive that there is a deal there to be had.

"There is some Chelsea interest at this point, but it may become strong, especially with Moises Caicedo talks not moving as fast as they would like.

"But the key point in all this is that Lavia wants Liverpool. Knowing the player's desire, Liverpool have got more confidence. Now it's about agreeing a package with Southampton."

According to a report from Sky Sports, however, Liverpool's most recent bid was still below an initial £40m, way under the Saints' asking price of £50m, so it was immediately knocked back.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

The total package took the Reds closer to Southampton's valuation, but a compromise is yet to be reached, meaning they have started to run the rule over other targets, including Fluminense midfielder Andre.

In an ideal situation, Jurgen Klopp would like to bring in two new midfielders and a defender before the transfer deadline, and the Southampton star remains keen on a switch to Anfield, with personal terms not expected to be a problem.

However, as the Saints are currently unwilling to budge on their asking price, Liverpool are now considering alternative options.

How good is Romeo Lavia?

Lauded as "outstanding" by members of the media, the Belgian certainly made a good impression during his first season in a Southampton shirt last season, averaging 2.1 tackles per game in the Premier League, a higher amount than Fabinho.

The 19-year-old also averaged more interceptions than the Brazil international, indicating he could be a fantastic long-term replacement, however there are doubts over whether he justifies a £50m outlay at this stage.

Although he clearly has a lot of potential, the Brussels-born midfielder has only made a total of 29 appearances in the top flight, so it is difficult to justify a £50m price tag, and it is no wonder Liverpool are considering other midfielders.

That said, Andre has performed worse than the youngster on almost every key defensive metric over the past year, despite playing in a far weaker league, averaging fewer tackles, interceptions and blocks per 90.

As such, Lavia remains the Reds' best option to replace Fabinho, and they should see if they can reach a compromise in the coming days, but they will need to move swiftly, with the Premier League season set to get underway in less than two weeks.

Celtic started off their week with a bang by officially confirming the signings of South Korean duo Hyeok-kyu Kwon and Hyun-jun Yang on permanent deals.

They have since announced the arrival of Polish centre-back Maik Nawrocki as their fifth addition of the summer transfer window, as those three have joined Marco Tilio and Odin Thiago Holm in committing their futures to the Scottish giants.

Where does Hyeok-kyu Kwon play?

Kwon is a defensive midfielder who has joined from Busan IPark to bolster Brendan Rodgers' options in the middle of the park ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

He is a ball-winning expert who specialises in breaking up opposition attacks with his ability to make vital interventions in midfield, which is backed up by his K League 2 form in 2023.

The 22-year-old talent made 1.9 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game across 19 appearances in the division prior to joining Celtic this week, whilst he also completed 86% of his attempted passes.

Meanwhile, Matt O'Riley and Callum McGregor topped the midfield charts for tackles (1.5) and interceptions (one) per Scottish Premiership match respectively last term. This suggests that Kwon could be an outstanding defensive option for Rodgers in that position.

The Northern Irish head coach could now land a dream partner for the South Korea U23 international by signing reported £13m transfer target Fabian Rieder to provide an attacking threat alongside the towering gem's steel.

How many goals did Fabian Rieder score last season?

The Switzerland international plundered nine goals in 43 matches for BSC Young Boys throughout the 2022/23 campaign and could thrive alongside a powerful enforcer like the 6 foot 3 Celtic tank.

Rieder also registered 11 assists from midfield and his impressive form came off the back of five goals and 11 assists in 42 outings during the previous season.

He was directly involved in 20 goals for Young Boys last term and could be a phenomenal attacking threat from a number eight position, given that Matt O'Riley led the way for Celtic with 15 goal involvements in the Premiership.

The Swiss maestro, who journalist Dean Jones claimed has "twinkle toes", also caught the eye at the U21 European Championship this summer as he averaged 2.3 key passes per game across four appearances.

No Hoops player, in any position, managed more than 2.1 chances created per outing last season, which suggests that the potential is there for Rieder to be a terrific creative threat for Rodgers if he is able to translate that form over to Scottish football.

The 21-year-old dynamo, who recorded an assist on the opening day of the 2023/24 Super League season last weekend, is a player with the ability to score and create goals on a regular basis and could be a game-changer for the Bhoys if they are able to bring him in this summer.

Having Kwon in a defensive-midfield role next to him could allow the left-footed whiz to thrive as it could allow the £13m-rated talent to focus on going forward to make an impact at the top end of the pitch.

The South Korean colossus could cover the back four with his ability to make tackles and interceptions consistently, which would then provide Rieder with the space and freedom to work his magic.

Last season, Arsenal commendably pushed Manchester City in the Premier League title race, but Pep Guardiola’s experienced squad eventually overpowered the Gunners.

Ultimately, a lack of squad depth contributed to their loss of form at the crucial latter stages of the campaign.

However, Mikel Arteta is set to formulate another title bid, with Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Kai Havertz having been added to the team. The club is also on the verge of completing a deal for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya as Arsenal prepare to play Champions League football for the first time since 2017.

The North Londoners still have room to be active in the transfer market, with Mohammed Kudus linked to the Emirates Stadium.

What’s the latest on Mohammed Kudus to Arsenal?

According to the Daily Star, Arteta is still keen to bolster his midfield options, with Kudus on the shortlist.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Last week, Brighton had reached an agreement in principle with Ajax to sign the 23-year-old for a fee in the region of €40m (£34.5m), which would be a club-record purchase, surpassing the £30m that was paid for Joao Pedro.

The article had stated that Kudus was ‘close’ to agreeing personal terms with the Seagulls, with Roberto De Zerbi viewing the playmaker as a ‘key target.’

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how the Ghanaian will react if the high-flying Gunners initiate formal contact. His repertoire and adaptability would make him an esteemed addition to any side.

Would Mohammed Kudus be a good signing for Arsenal?

The 5 foot 9 livewire has been at Ajax since 2020, but last term he emphatically rose to European prominence in what was a stirring breakout season.

Described as “electric” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Kudus recorded 25 goal involvements in 42 appearances. His rank within the best 3% outside of Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for non-penalty goals per 90, non-penalty xG per 90, and successful take-ons per 90 demonstrate that he is ready to elevate his career by moving to a competitive division.

Arguably his most attractive trait is his impressive versatility – as per The Athletic in their series of profiling 50 exciting players under the age of 25 – the attacker has accumulated 2,272 minutes since the start of the 2021/22 season, playing 22% of the time as a striker, 40% as a right-winger and 35% in midfield roles.

This type of player closely mirrors what Kai Havertz also supposedly offers Arsenal. The German moved to North London earlier in the window, after spending three seasons at Chelsea.

With the Blues, the German was most often deployed as a centre-forward, and despite netting the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final, he failed to produce any notable or long-lasting consistency.

But, Arteta views the former Bayer Leverkusen prodigy as an advanced eight, who can drift into attacking phases of play from a deeper position with more freedom, instead of being rigidly cemented as a focal point.

Nevertheless, Havertz began the recent Community Shield match as the striker, which shows that Arteta will also consider fielding him up top if needs be.

Interestingly, the possible arrival of Kudus would also afford the Spanish coach this kind of luxury.

Therefore, the 24-cap international would be a tremendously exciting signing that could trump Havertz’s influence and proposed role.