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Aston Villa will "continue to pursue" Juventus and Italy star Federico Chiesa in the summer window as the Midlands club look to make further efforts to challenge the Premier League big six, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

Aston Villa transfer news – what's the latest on Federico Chiesa?

It has been a whirlwind ten months since Unai Emery took charge of Villa, from a dogged relegation fight to a completely different fight entirely, one for European football; it would be an understatement to say that the Spaniard has done an exceptional job at Villa Park thus far.

The uptick in form and glamour that has come with one of Europe's most famous managers being at the helm has also led to more prestigious names being linked with the club.

Earlier this month saw the signing of Leicester City's Youri Tielemans, a player that only a year ago was heavily touted for a move to Arsenal.

The newest name, however, is yet another step up in quality, Juventus star and Italian international Chiesa.

BirminghamLive have confirmed that previous reports suggesting that the West Midlands outfit were targeting the 5 foot 9 dynamo were, in fact, accurate, and he was high on Emery's wish list.

A stumbling block for a deal, however, might be the price that the Turin club want for their exciting winger, with FootballTransfers reporting it to be in the region of £51m, which would smash Villa's previous transfer record of £38m for Emiliano Buendia.

What has Dean Jones said about Chiesa to Aston Villa?

Jones was straight to the point regarding the Villain's pursuit of the Juventus wideman, explaining that he was exactly the kind of high-profile player the club were after.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "So I think that that is definitely a high-profile player, which I would expect Aston Villa to continue to pursue."

How good is Federico Chiesa?

This comes alongside Aston Villa already seemingly set to secure the big signing of Villareal star Pau Torres.

It was a mixed year in the famous Black and White of the Bianconeri for Chiesa last season, with WhoScored giving him an average rating of 6.59 across his 21 Serie A appearances.

He played well while on the pitch, but due to a series of injuries and fitness issues, he only started six league matches over the course of the season, appearing as a substitute in the other 15.

Despite the injury problems he has faced over the last year or so, his underlying numbers are still brilliant and indicate just how good he could be for Emery should he be able to play a season free of them.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, Chiesa is in the top 4% for assists, top 13% for tackles, top 15% for progressive carries, top 16% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for expected assists, all per 90.

With numbers like that, it's not hard to see why broadcaster Roger Bennett labelled the dazzling winger a "wizard" following one of his performances at Euro 2020, a competition he played a huge role in helping Italy win.

If Emery and Villa can convince Chiesa, who has been hailed as a "beautiful" player, that the project being built in the West Midlands is one he wants to be a part of, the top six could quickly become the top seven.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for Romeo Lavia this summer and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the midfielder ahead of next season.

How much will Romeo Lavia cost?

According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are in "concrete" talks to sign the Southampton midfielder.

Plettenberg took to Twitter to reveal: "Talks between Liverpool & Lavia are concrete and ongoing. Understand there is no agreement in terms of salary conditions yet.

"As reported: His price tag is around £50m Klopp wants him! Very press-resistant player – even in high-pressure situations, he loses the ball only once out of 10 times."

It was reported earlier this week that Liverpool were prepared to wait to sign Lavia in a bid to convince Southampton to lower their expensive £50m asking price for their player, however, it is looking like the recently relegated club are not willing to budge on their valuation.

As a result, FSG must sanction the move and put their trust in Jurgen Klopp to develop Lavia into another superstar that can bring more success to the Merseyside giants in the future, just like the German coach has done many times before.

How good is Romeo Lavia?

The Reds have already secured deals for two explosive attacking midfielders, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai both joining the squad at Anfield, however, bolstering the deeper roles in the midfield set-up would be advantageous.

There has been mounting speculation that Thiago Alcantara could be making an exit this summer; the Liverpool star is now in the last year of his contract and interest could present an opportunity to cash in, paving the way for Lavia to replace him.

When comparing the positional peers' outputs over last season, the Saints talent came close to Thiago in several key attributes including pass completion rate (86.2% v 86.2%), progressive passes (102 v 120), blocked passes (22 v 22), shot-creating actions (41 v 41) and aerial duels won (41.2% v 36.8%), as per FBref.

The Manchester City academy graduate has already started to earn high praise for his influence at St Mary's, with former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes lavishing Lavia with compliments on his deep-lying playmaking skills:

"He has got a pass in his locker and he is big and strong and likes to defend. He does not want to get forward too much and sits in front of the back four and sets the play in motion from there."

Whilst Rio Ferdinand also had a positive opinion on the player:

"He is a young player who can do both sides of the game, equally good defensively but also once he is one the ball he has tremendous feet and can pass it."

Fabinho and Stefan Bajcetic have returned to pre-season training and are expected to stay at the club for next season, so should Thiago depart in the coming weeks it would make more sense for the Belgian midfielder to replace him whilst Bajcetic continues to compete to be the successor to his Brazilian teammate.

With that being said, the signing of Lavia would be a big addition for Liverpool in their pursuit build a midfield for the future and if Lavia can continue his development he could be an incredibly valuable Thiago replacement.

Everton are believed to be interested in signing versatile Juventus centre-back Koni De Winter during the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Who is Koni De Winter?

The 21-year-old joined Empoli on loan last summer in order to pick up some much-needed experience at the top level.

De Winter started 12 games in Serie A in 2022/23 and made 14 appearances for Empoli in total, but he is now back at Juve and weighing up his future. His current deal in Turin doesn't expire until the summer of 2026, but that doesn't mean that a permanent exit is out of the question.

It could be that Juventus find it difficult to promise him regular playing time moving forward, so a move away good could ultimately aid him in his career, allowing him to become a genuine key man.

Everton are in the market for a new centre-back this summer, especially having opted against making Conor Coady's loan move from Wolves permanent beyond the end of last season, and it looks as though they could be turning their attention to De Winter.

Could Everton sign Koni de Winter?

According to Tutto Juve [via Sport Witness], the Blues have "inquired" about the availability of the Belgian youngster as Sean Dyche looks for summer reinforcements. Lille are also mentioned as being interested in signing the Juve man, who has returned from his summer holiday and is knuckling down ahead of the 2023/24 season.

It is stated that Juve do think highly of him, which could act as a blow to Everton's hopes of snapping him up before the new season gets underway, with the Serie A giants happy to keep hold of the defender, seeing him as a bright long-term prospect. The Blues are keen on "furthering the discussions" over a move in the coming weeks, though.

Everton's squad felt a little old at times last season, with the likes of Coady, Seamus Coleman and James Tarkowski being relied on too often – the trio played 85 times between them in the Premier League – so it is perhaps vital that fresh blood is injected into the squad this summer.

Centre-back De Winter could be perfect in that respect, coming in as an exciting young option with a high ceiling, having won 14 caps for Belgium's Under-21s, while his versatility – with Massimiliano Allegri seeing him as a right-back option – offers another potential asset to Everton.

Last season, he averaged a sizeable 4.5 clearances per game for Empoli – only Tarkowski (5.2) and Michael Keane (4.6) averaged more for Everton – while he also completed 85.5% of his passes, showing that he is capable in possession, too.

The key to the whole saga could be Juventus' willingness to allow De Winter to move on, and if the player himself sees a long-term future and a regular path into the first team there. The promise of potentially being more of a key figure at Goodison Park could hopefully sway his thinking, although it isn't easy for anyone to leave one of the biggest clubs in Europe, where there is always a good chance of winning trophies.

Tottenham Hotspur, despite retaining a fierce stance that Harry Kane will not leave this summer, continue to be linked with a host of replacements for their key man.

Who are Tottenham Hotspur signing this summer?

The latest comes from Mexican outlet Jovenes Futbolistas MX, who detail the Lilywhites' interest in Feyenoord forward Santiago Jimenez.

In what could prove huge news if true, the report states that Ange Postecoglou is planning to offer around €40m (£35m) to tempt the Mexico international to join his revolution.

With James Maddison and Manor Solomon having already signed this summer too, he would provide the key addition to spearhead his new-look attack.

However, a move for the young marksman remains wholly dependent on the outcome of the Kane saga, as Bayern Munich continue to push for his signature.

Despite that, the north London outfit have already met with the players' representatives.

Who is Santiago Jimenez?

Whilst the 22-year-old in question might be an unknown name to many, he has quietly been tearing up the Eredivisie with his electric play style and lethal finishing.

Just last term saw him score 15 in the Dutch league, and across all competitions including his stint in his homeland, notched an outstanding 28 goals across all competitions.

Whilst quite a volatile league for its exports, players like Luis Suarez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ruud van Nistelrooy all stand as the potential ceiling for a number nine departing that division.

Given his goalscoring levels at such a young age, Jimenez clearly has all the hallmarks of a player ready to reach those heights, especially after the praise handed to him by former Liverpool winger Dirk Kuyt, who claimed:

"He’s back here in the middle of the defenders and he’s really fast. Watching the keeper before he shoots, the rest. In my opinion, he is currently the best striker in the Eredivisie."

Such glowing praise, and an endorsement of his athleticism, will likely have Postecoglou reeling at the opportunity of working with such a malleable marksman with the world at his feet.

Whilst not a direct heir to Kane in terms of his creativity, although his 0.6 key passes per game in the Eredivisie denote an admirable level, he would be a natural successor in terms of swapping one lethal number nine for another. The England captain recorded 30 league goals last campaign, whilst averaging 1.5 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

In fact, his signing could even prove to be more beneficial for Spurs' new Australian coach, who often likes to sacrifice his striker in order to spearhead the press.

During his spell at Celtic, Kyogo Furuhashi often abandoned his goalscoring duties to lead a vicious high press, in which chances would instead be forged for his teammates. When this works to perfection, the forward should still get his opportunities.

The Japan international would manage to score 34 goals last season in all competitions despite putting in such a tireless shift.

With speed in abundance and youthful energy that could be directed into such a pursuit, Jimenez could prove instrumental in underpinning a new philosophy that should get fans back invested in the club.

Given he is already regarded as one of the paramount assets of his division, perhaps it is time for him to make the next natural step up and ply his trade in the physically-demanding Premier League.

Scottish giants Celtic have made some exciting additions to their talented playing squad so far during the summer transfer window.

Who have Celtic signed this summer?

Brendan Rodgers, who replaced Ange Postecoglou in the dugout last month, has officially completed the signings of Marco Tilio and Odin Thiago Holm

The Hoops are also reportedly set to add £2m-rated Hyun-jun Yang and Hyeok-kyu Kwon to their roster as the pair are on the verge of their respective moves to the club.

One of those players – Yang – has been sensationally tipped, by Gangwon president Byung-ji Kim, to potentially become "world class" in the future "like Son Heung-min".

The Northern Irish tactician has proven himself to be capable of playing a huge role in the development of such a talent, with Raheem Sterling possibly being the best example.

Now at Chelsea, the England international had only made three first-team appearances for Liverpool as a teenager prior to Rodgers' appointment in 2012.

The 50-year-old boss worked with the exciting young talent and placed his faith in the winger's ability alongside the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez for the Reds.

Sterling racked up 23 goals and 25 assists in 126 competitive matches under Rodgers' management, which earned him a £49m move to Manchester City in the summer of 2015.

He went on to directly contribute to 226 goals (131 goals and 95 assists) in 339 games for the Cityzens. In that time, the "world-class" – as he was dubbed by England legend Frank Lampard in 2020 – forward won five Premier League titles, four League Cups, and one FA Cup.

Rodgers could now unearth his next version of Sterling by working with Yang at Parkhead over the coming years to unearth the potential that Kim sees in him.

How many goals did Hyun-jun Yang score for Gangwon?

The 21-year-old Gangwon winger, who is capable of being deployed on the left or the right, scored nine goals across 71 competitive matches for the South Korean club and his form throughout 2022 suggests that he could be an excellent option for the Bhoys.

Yang racked up eight goals and five assists in 33 K League 1 starts, which works out as a direct contribution every 2.54 games on average. Meanwhile, only Liel Abada (ten), Jota (11) – who has since departed – and Kyogo Furuhashi (27) scored more league goals for Celtic last term.

This is a slight improvement on Sterling's return of a goal or assist every 2.62 outings under Rodgers during their time together at Anfield at the start of his career.

The South Korea U23 international also created six 'big chances' for his teammates in 2022 – as many as current Hoops left winger Daizen Maeda managed in 35 Scottish Premiership appearances last season.

These statistics indicate that the ability is there for Yang to provide quality as a scorer and creator of goals from a wide position, if he is able to translate that form from 2022 over to Scottish football next season.

However, it is down to the exciting whiz and Rodgers to work together to help him to fulfill his potential over the years to come, as the ex-Liverpool boss did with Sterling, in order to make Kim's "world class" prediction a reality.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly showing a strong interest in Eintrach Frankfurt star, Randal Kolo Muani, with the Frenchman being lined up as a possible replacement for contract rebel, Harry Kane.

What are the latest transfer Tottenham rumours?

While there have been somewhat audacious claims that the Lilywhites are interested in a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe, journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed that it is Kolo Muani who is the "priority" target for Ange Postecoglou and co, with negotiations having already taken place regarding a potential €80m (£69m) deal.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "EXCL. Randal Kolo Muani to be the priority target striker for Harry Kane's replacement at #Tottenham ! Interest's huge and talks on player's side has just started. I understand this deal could happen as ENIC Group gave green light to Daniel Levy for a sale of Harry Kane.

"It's an 80M€ deal. Eintracht Frankfurt have already discusses with clubs before. Not yet from Spurs. The French striker's keen to the move. Wait&See"

This comes amid reports that Spurs are looking to sell Kane if the Englishman does not agree to extend his contract at N17, hence the need to line up a suitable successor to the free-scoring marksman.

How many goals has Randal Kolo Muani scored?

There's likely to be some real excitement among Spurs supporters amid the club's tentative links to the aforementioned Mbappe, although questions will have to be asked as to whether the 24-year-old is actually a viable option, considering the sizeable fee that it would likely take to prise him from the Parc des Princes.

If a deal for the former Monaco ace – who has been the subject of a £260m offer from Al Hilal – is ultimately too much of a pipe dream, then Postecoglou has seemingly lined up a worthy alternative in the form of his compatriot, Kolo Muani.

While the latter man is arguably not of the same ilk as his international colleague – who boasts 310 goals and assists in just 260 games in all competitions – the former Nantes ace did catch the eye with 40 goal involvements in just 46 games in Germany last season, a haul not too far off that of Mbappe (51 goals and assists in 43 outings).

Lauded as "ice-cold in front of goal" by German legend, Lothar Matthaus, Kolo Muani had previously scored 23 goals and contributed 16 assists in just 83 outings for his former employers, although he truly came alive in the Bundesliga last time out.

With both men able to operate in a central role or on the flanks, they have unsurprisingly earned comparisons to French icon, Thierry Henry in recent times, with pundit Joe Cole noting Mbappe's likeness to the ex-Arsenal man, while the Bundesliga website previously said of Kolo Muani:

'Much like Kolo Muani, legendary France striker Henry started his career by impressing with his pace and trickery out wide before being repurposed as a centre-forward. Both players also clock in around the 6'2" mark and cut very similar, rangy figures.

'Kolo Muani also has a languid dribbling style and immense turn of speed that were hallmarks of Henry's game – especially at a young age. He bears similar strength on the ball and a cheekiness to his play that will leave Bundesliga defenders both in his wake and cutting frustrated figures.'

What the duo share, in particular, is there innate dribbling ability and direct nature in attack, with the Frankfurt ace ranking in the top 7% among his European peers for progressive carries and in the top 5% for successful take-ons, while Mbappe is only slightly ahead as he ranks in the top 5% and the top 1% for those same two metrics, respectively.

As such, the likeness between the pair could suggest that even if Tottenham can't get Mbappe in the door this summer, they could be set to snap up the next best thing instead…

Life at Manchester United does not seem to be getting any easier for former skipper, Harry Maguire, with the struggling Englishman seemingly in need of a fresh start amid his mounting woes at Old Trafford.

Having recently been stripped of the captaincy by manager Erik ten Hag, the 30-year-old – who started just eight Premier League games last season – was also on the receiving end of a visible rant from new signing Andre Onana during the recent 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in pre-season.

It would appear that the former Leicester City man – who has been the subject of a £20m offer from West Ham United – has fallen way down the defensive pecking order of late, with rumours rife that he could be on his way before the September deadline.

Read the latest Manchester United transfer news HERE…

If the £80m signing is to find a new home over the coming weeks, Ten Hag will likely be keen to find a suitable replacement to help bolster his centre-back options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Who could replace Maguire at Man United?

The Red Devils had been heavily linked with a move for Monaco star, Axel Disasi, in recent months, although as journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed, despite showing an "interest" in the Frenchman, it would appear that he is on his way to rivals Chelsea on a €45m (£38m) deal.

Amid that potential setback, reports in Spain have indicated in recent days that United are among the clubs to have made an offer for RB Leipzig sensation, Josko Gvardiol, with both Manchester City and Liverpool also keen on signing the exciting 21-year-old.

Although valued at a rather steep €100m (£86m), as per the report, the signing of the Croatian international could allow the Old Trafford outfit to forget all about the Stamford Bridge-bound, Disasi.

Should Man United sign Josko Gvardiol?

A player currently "at the beginning of something very special" in his career – according to talent scout Jacek Kulig – Gvardiol could prove to be a dream fit for Ten Hag due to his ability to feature as a natural, left-sided defender, unlike Disasi, with the former Ajax boss having previously outlined his preference to have a left-footer in that role.

With Lisandro Martinez currently the only other left-footed option at the heart of the defence – excluding usual full-back Luke Shaw – it would make sense to bring Gvardiol into the fold to provide further competition and cover, with Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane to be deployed on the opposite side.

The Leipzig rock's quality on the ball would make him a particularly astute option for United as the youngster regularly looks to play out from the back, notably ranking in the top 1% among his European peers for attempted passes, as well as in the top 4% for successful take-ons.

Disasi, by contrast, ranks in just the top 46% and the top 7% for those same two metrics, respectively, thus indicating that Gvardiol would be a worthy alternative in the search to find a replacement for Maguire.

Also able to offer the benefit of his ability to feature at left-back, the versatile, Zagreb native also showcased his defensive class in the Bundesliga last term after averaging 1.9 tackles and interceptions per game, with Disasi only just ahead after averaging 2.3 in that regard in Ligue 1 – as both men performed better than Maguire (1.3 tackles and interceptions per game in 2022/23).

Those similarities between the pair with regard to their ball-playing and ball-winning quality would suggest that even if United are forced to watch Disasi head to west London, they could forget all about the former Reims ace by snapping up a younger option, like Gvardiol, instead.

Tottenham Hotspur bringing in Brentford striker Ivan Toney after his football ban expires would be taking a 'risk' despite his evident qualities, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Is Ivan Toney moving to Tottenham Hotspur?

Last month, FootballTransfers reported that Tottenham had earmarked Brentford striker Toney as a potential replacement for talisman Harry Kane this summer despite his current ban for breaching gambling regulations.

The report states that Spurs are most likely to swoop for Toney in the January transfer window; however, they could act this off-season depending on the future of Kane, who may leave his boyhood club for Bayern Munich in a transfer worth as much as £100 million before the close of play in the market.

In the campaign gone by, £46k-a-week earner Toney enjoyed an unbelievable vein of form for Brentford, registering 21 goals and five assists from 36 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

In conversation with talkSPORT, pundit Darren Ambrose has urged Spurs to replace Kane with Toney, stating: "Someone mentioned it last week, go and sign Ivan Toney. I know he can’t play until January, but you’ve got a proven Premier League goalscorer that can come into the team in January. 20-plus goals again."

According to The Sun, Toney is mulling over whether to change agency and join CAA Stellar, which could be a signal that the England international is planning to seek a new challenge.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks that Toney would be a risky piece of business for Spurs to try and wrap up despite his excellent exploits in 2022/23.

Brown stated: "Ivan Toney would be really interesting. I mean, the problem is that he's not going to have played any football for a long time when he finally becomes available again, so you'd be taking a bit of a risk if you wanted to go for him straight away. It's hard to know whether the season he's just had a one off or the start of something big."

What next for Tottenham Hotspur?

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has been given a bit of a raw deal due to the fact the Kane situation surrounding the club has detracted away from his positive efforts to steady the ship in north London ahead of the new campaign.

Nevertheless, the Australian boss will continue to press on with pursuing transfer targets and Nottingham Forest striker Brennan Johnson could come into his thinking if Kane does depart, though the Tricky Trees will ask for around £50 million for the Wales international, according to The Daily Mail.

Spurs are also expected to wrap up the signing of Blackburn Rovers youngster Ashley Phillips on Friday for a fee of £2 million after his release clause kicks in at Ewood Park, as per The Evening Standard.

Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo is another name on the radar in north London and it is finally anticipated that Spurs will launch an attempt to secure his services, as per Football London.

Adarabioyo would be keen to take on the challenge of playing for Tottenham and he has also attracted interest from Ligue 1 side Monaco.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked to former target Michail Antonio, as Gary O’Neil gets to work on solving the Old Gold’s issues in front of goal.

After a depleting summer at Molineux, the return to action commenced on Monday night in what ended in a 1-0 away defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, however, the story was far from the lack of points.

O’Neil’s side were explosive for 90 minutes, registering a mammoth 23 shots on goal to the host's 15, as well as grasping a higher rate of expected goals, with 2.35 xG to United’s 2.21 xG, via Sofascore.

While the performance was bold and exciting, there was however a resounding continuation of last campaign’s woes in finishing moves with a goal, making the club’s hunt for a goalscorer still a prominent target this window.

What’s the latest on Michail Antonio to Wolves?

As reported by TEAMtalk, Wolves could be on the prowl for West Ham United striker Antonio, as the Irons continue their search for a forward to replace Gianluca Scamacca.

The 33-year-old talisman was linked with a move to Molineux back in the January window, with talkSPORT listing him as a target for former boss Julen Lopetegui.

Valued around £9m by FootballTransfers, the Old Gold could reach a compromise to secure the Jamaican, who is out of contract in east London next summer.

What could Michail Antonio bring to Wolves?

If there’s one area that Antonio is seasoned in, it’s scoring goals.

While the forward has undergone some testing campaigns in claret and blue, he has contributed to the action in the final third.

Last term was a poor one for the Irons, facing a relegation battle for the majority of the season to eventually claim 14th place and six points above the drop zone.

Despite the trialling form of the squad, Antonio contributed to eight goals in the Premier League, scoring five and assisting three in a campaign that broke his run of hitting double figures for three consecutive years.

In the three seasons prior to last, the Jamaican netted 10 goals in the league, as well as providing for his teammates with 16 assists over the 2021/22, 2020/21 and 2019/20 seasons, via Transfermarkt.

Once hailed as “special” for his activity in the final third by manager David Moyes, the 33-year-old has scored 61 goals throughout his Premier League career representing the Hammers, making him a strong acquisition for Wolves.

Monday night’s performance was just as thrilling as it was agonising, as O’Neil’s side registered six shots on target at Old Trafford to no avail, in a game that could’ve been different with a player with an enhanced clinical nature involved.

After months of speculation regarding his future at Molineux both long and short-term, Fabio Silva took to the field to try and break the deadlock, in a cameo that saw him miss a decisive chance.

While the Portuguese attacker’s talent is unquestionable, the 21-year-old is lacking the maturity in his game to be relied on as an assured outlet for goals, which is where Antonio could find a way into the squad.

Indeed, across 63 senior appearances for the Midlands side, the former FC Porto wonderkid has found the net only four times, averaging one goal every 630 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

Another loan move could be beneficial for the young starlet, making way for a more prolific and experienced talent such as the 33-year-old to capitalise on the electrifying chances presented by the Old Gold’s attack.

Arsenal have already enjoyed a fruitful summer window, yet could be set to take one huge step towards truly usurping Manchester City with another big purchase.

How much would Douglas Luiz cost?

Whilst last weekend marked the third piece of silverware for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta’s regime, there was an element of fortune about the late equaliser that led to the penalty shootout.

There are still a number of gears they can go up before they can claim they have surpassed Pep Guardiola’s outfit, with some late movements in the market sure to aid that pursuit.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Being linked with Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz just last month showcased one such option who would bolster an already impressive side, adding some much-needed attacking impetus to the engine room.

However, having signed a new long-term contract at Villa Park back in October, FootballTransfers now value the Brazilian at €39.8m (£34m).

How good is Douglas Luiz?

To add some firepower to the midfield would not only help in their pursuit of that coveted Premier League title but also help elevate many of the squad seeking to reach new personal goals.

Bukayo Saka was the only player in the division other than Mohamed Salah to hit double figures for both goals and assists, whilst Martin Odegaard was the top-scoring midfielder too.

However, both of their efforts were somewhat overshadowed by the Cityzens, with the latter in particular losing out on many plaudits due to yet another stellar campaign from Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian was once again creatively mesmeric, scoring ten goals and assisting a further 31 across all competitions of the 2022/23 season.

This even led Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp to suggest:

“His football brain and IQ make him no.1 for me, and hopefully we can find a little bit more about what makes him tick because every young footballer should watch him and the way he plays in midfield.

“Right now, he's the best midfield player in the world.”

However, it is worth noting that the 32-year-old did so surrounded by far more quality, with plenty of experience at competing at the top level.

Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden all combined from the midfield to aid De Bruyne’s exploits, as they boast an attacking impetus paired with relentless hard work.

There are arguably few players in the English top-flight that exemplify such a play style more than Luiz, who has shone ever since trading the Etihad for the Midlands.

Just last season saw the 25-year-old maintain a 7.10 average rating of his own, buoyed by his 12 goal contributions, 86% pass accuracy, two tackles and 1.2 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

This, paired with the fact that journalist Ashley Preece branded him an “enforcer”, paints the picture of an ideal asset to help Odegaard surpass the levels set by De Bruyne.

After all, the Norway international did post 22 goal contributions in the league, maintaining 2.1 key passes per game too. Meanwhile, his rival would post 23 goal contributions, yet saw his key passes per game rise to 3.1.

The disparity between the two is minimal, and the addition of someone as attack-minded as Luiz could be the catalyst that shifts the dynamic between the two.

He can create from deep, burst forward to score, and yet still offers balance and solidity in the midfield. All of these assets are certain to help Odegaard finally announce himself as the new best-attacking midfielder in the league.