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In stark contrast to this time last month, the mood around Chelsea at the moment is a good one.

Enzo Maresca has overseen three wins on the bounce, including an incredible result at home to defending Premier League champions Liverpool.

However, while the team has generally been performing well, there are a few players who continue to underwhelm.

One of those is undoubtedly Alejandro Garnacho, and therefore he should be dropped for someone previously compared to a young Callum Hudson Odoi.

Garnacho's slow start to life at Chelsea

It would be fair to say that the signing of Garnacho was not universally welcomed by the Chelsea support.

After all, while he’s an undeniably talented footballer, he doesn’t have the best of reputations and left Manchester United on poor terms.

Unfortunately, while there have been glimpses of the talent who racked up 21 goal involvements for a terrible Red Devils side last season, they have been nothing more than that, glimpses.

Garnacho in 24/25

Appearances

58

Minutes

3568′

Goals

11

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvements

169.90′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Overall, the Argentine international has been somewhat disappointing, as in his six appearances thus far, totalling 273 minutes, he has produced a grand total of zero goals and zero assists.

Worse yet, while some of the games have been against top opposition, he also failed to turn up in the EFL Cup game against Lincoln City and offered very little against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

In fact, he was so underwhelming against the Tricky Trees, that he was taken off at half-time with a combined expected goal and assist figure of just 0.01, no key passes, just seven accurate passes, zero shots and a match rating of 3/10 from the Standard’s Dom Smith, who wrote that he ‘ran down blind alleys and failed to produce anything dangerous.

In short, Garnacho is showing no sign of improving, and therefore, Maresca should take him out of the team for the game against Ajax.

The player who should replace Garnacho

Two names might stand out as potential replacements for Garancho against Ajax: Jamie Gittens and Estevao.

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However, the former has arguably been just as disappointing so far this season, and the latter is primarily a right-sided player and deserves another start in his favoured position.

Therefore, Maresca should do what he did against Benfica and bring Tyrique George in from the start, but instead of playing him up top, put him out on the left.

Now, it would be fair to say that the young Englishman hasn’t exactly blown anyone away this year, but it’s equally true that he has shown more in his limited minutes than the former United star.

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For example, he was the one who saved the club from a massively embarrassing defeat to Lincoln by scoring and assisting a goal.

On top of that, he has also simply looked more engaged and threatening in games, which could be down to him being an academy graduate or him having a better attitude.

Moreover, despite being just 18 years old at the start of last season, the academy gem, who respected analyst Ben Mattinson once described as a “young Hudson-Odoi,” was able to amass a tally of three goal involvements in 12 Conference League appearances.

Finally, while Ajax are not going to be pushovers, they are also going to be one of the easier Champions League opponents the West Londoners face this season, so it makes sense to give youth players a run-out in these fixtures.

Ultimately, George might not end up being a better player than Garnacho, but at the moment, he is offering far more, and therefore, MarEsca should start him against the Dutch giants.

Related Chelsea have a "joke of a footballer" and he's now just "like Cole Palmer"

The Chelsea star is becoming as crucial to Enzo Maresca’s side as Cole Palmer.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes

Malang Sarr looks unlikely to ever make it at Chelsea considering his lack of appearances over the past three years, and Graham Potter should look to get rid of the Frenchman this summer.

Should Chelsea get rid of Sarr?

Chelsea signed Sarr on a free transfer in 2020 after his contract at Nice expired, with the centre-back having accumulated 119 appearances during his time with the Ligue 1 side, which made him one of the most exciting young defensive talents in European football.

He was subsequently loaned out by the Blues and joined FC Porto for the 2020/21 campaign but struggled to make much of an impression in Portugal, making just 19 appearances in total, as he was forced to make eight appearances for the Dragões' B team.

Despite his lack of game time that season, he returned to Chelsea and became part of the first-team squad under Thomas Tuchel for the 2021/22 campaign, making 21 appearances, of which just eight came in the Premier League.

One of those came in the 4-2 home defeat by Arsenal, in which the French centre-back came in for some criticism from talkSPORT pundit Dean Saunders.

He said: “I’m going to be harsh but [Malang] Sarr was a shambles. Not good enough. For Sarr to come into the team when he’s not playing every week, he’s made so many mistakes."

After a difficult season in Chelsea colours, the Blues opted to send Sarr back to France in the summer, in the hope that he could rediscover his best form with Monaco.

Unfortunately, his performances there seem to have confirmed that the 24-year-old will never be good enough to be a regular in Graham Potter's side, as he has averaged a shocking 6.32 rating from WhoScored for his displays in Ligue 1 so far this term.

While Chelsea's decision to sign Sarr on a free transfer looked like something of a no-brainer given his impressive displays at a young age in France, his £135k-per-week wage looks like terrible business by the west London side.

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While Monaco have the option to buy the centre-back in the summer, his disappointing displays and lack of starts in Ligue 1 suggest that they may well avoid that option, and he could soon find himself back to being surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.

Sarr is contracted until 2025 but Potter must ensure that he leaves before then, as his time at Chelsea has been an entirely forgettable one.

West Ham United’s extra-time victory over Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup on Sunday was a rare moment of positivity in a season that has been incredibly bleak for the East Londoners.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side sit 18th in the Premier League, seven points from safety and without a win in their last ten league games.

Sure, there was a slight new manager bump when the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss joined in September, but since then, it’s hard to say he’s been any better than Graham Potter.

Worse yet, if reports are to be believed, West Ham could be about to repeat one of the worst transfer mistakes they made under the Englishman.

West Ham risk repeating Potter blunder

While it would have been smart for them to do it in the summer window, West Ham are clearly trying to save their season by improving the squad this month.

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

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For example, the double swoop for former Lazio ace Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe from Portuguese club Gil Vicente has already paid off, with the former netting against QPR.

However, while the two strikers look like good enough buys at the moment, it also looks like the Hammers could be about to make a signing that would be worryingly similar to one of Potter’s worst.

At least that is according to a recent report from the Daily Mail, which claims West Ham are interested in Antonín Kinský.

In fact, the report reveals that the Irons have already been in contact with Tottenham Hotspur about a potential deal for their backup keeper.

It’s not clear whether this would be a loan or a permanent move, but the report says it came about after the club missed out on Al Nassr’s Beto.

With all that said, even on loan, this feels like a potential transfer West Ham should avoid, lest they force Nuno to repeat one of Potter’s worst purchases.

Why signing Kinský would be repeating a Potter blunder

Now, it almost goes without saying that during his time at West Ham, Potter made mistakes on and off the pitch.

However, when it comes to his worst signing, it’s hard to look past Mads Hermansen.

The Danish shotstopper joined the Hammers for around £20m in the summer following an impressive season with Leicester City.

However, it took all of a few games in claret and blue for fans to realise he’s nowhere near good enough to play for the club.

In fact, it got so bad so early on that Jamie Redknapp argued that he “needs to be changed,” and commentator Ian Darke described the 25-year-old’s start to life in East London as “horrible.”

The former Foxes star has made only one appearance since the 3-0 loss to Spurs in September, in the FA Cup clash with QPR, in which he failed to keep a clean sheet.

In all, it’s hard to describe Hermansen’s move to the London Stadium as anything other than a failure, and now the club are in danger of making the same mistake with Kinsky.

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Sure, the Prague-born shot-stopper did look good on debut for the North Londoners last season, but since then, he has barely played, and when he has, he’s looked rough.

For example, in the derby with Arsenal in January of last year, the Czech youth international failed to stop a really quite savable effort from Leandro Trossard.

Worse yet, in the Lilywhites’ League Cup clash against Newcastle United earlier this season, he was at least partially at fault for both of the Magpies’ goals.

Finally, in his 12 games for the Hammers’ cross-city rivals, the 22-year-old has conceded 19 goals and kept just four clean sheets, averaging one point per game.

Kinsky (Spurs) vs Hermansen (WHU)

Player

Kinsky

Hermansen

Games

12

5

Goals Against

19

12

Clean Sheets

4

1

Points per Game

1.00

1.20

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Ultimately, if West Ham feel they need a new goalkeeper, they should look to sign someone more proven, as going in for Kinsky would just be a repeat of Potter’s Hermansen mistake.

Related West Ham now in negotiations to sign "special" £22m player for Nuno

He’s been tipped for a very bright future.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

Just over a month ago, it felt like Chelsea were on course for a serious title challenge, and then December happened.

The festive period has been a problematic time for the Blues in recent years, but this season it was worse than usual, with the side falling to eighth in the Premier League and replacing Enzo Maresca with Liam Rosenior.

The new boss got his tenure off to the best possible start with a thumping 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup, but to help him kick on and really achieve greatness, the club need to back him in the market.

Fortunately, it seems Chelsea are planning to do just that and are looking to bring in a hugely exciting youngster in the summer who could have a Cole Palmer-style impact on Rosenior’s team.

Chelsea target their new Palmer

He might not be in the best of form at the moment, in large part due to his fitness problems, but Cole Palmer is undoubtedly one of the most important players at Chelsea.

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The former Manchester City gem arrived at the club in the summer of 2023 to middling fanfare, but over the last two and a half years, he has shown everyone he can be a world-class player.

For example, in 109 appearances for the club, totalling 8619 minutes, the 23-year-old has scored 47 goals and provided 29 assists.

That comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.43 games, or every 113.40 minutes.

So, with numbers like these, it would make sense for the club to go out and look for another Palmer-like signing to make, and it appears they’ve found their target.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Chelsea are very interested in Fermin Lopez.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Blues are so keen to land the Barcelona star that they’ve already made contact with his camp and are prepared to spend 150m on him, which is about £130m, or a club-record amount.

The report states that while the Catalan giants view the youngster as vital to their project, an offer of this magnitude may force them to sell due to their own financial constraints.

In all, while it might require a truly monumental sum to make happen, this is a transfer Chelsea should pursue as Lopez looks like a superstar in the making and could be their next Palmer.

Why Lopez could be Chelsea's next Palmer

The first similarity between Palmer and Lopez is actually the proposed move itself.

If this transfer were to happen, it’d be another example of the Blues picking up a highly rated soon-to-be superstar from one of the world’s best clubs, as they did with the former City gem in 2023.

The second similarity is where the pair play on the pitch.

Like the Englishman, the Spaniard has shown an impressive and useful level of positional versatility in his short career.

Not only can he play in attacking and central midfield, but he can also play out wide, although he does tend to favour the left-hand side instead of the right.

With all that said, the most important similarity, and the main reason why the Barça gem could be Rosenior’s own Palmer, is that he’s simply an extraordinarily talented footballer and someone capable of transforming the Blues’ attack.

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That might sound hyperbolic, but it’s really not.

For example, in 21 appearances this season, totalling just 1316 minutes, the “sensational” 22-year-old, as dubbed by content creator Neal Gardner, has scored eight goals and provided nine assists.

That comes out to an incredible average of a goal involvement every 1.23 games, or every 77.41 minutes, and if that is not a world-class rate of return, what is?

Lopez’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Goals + Assists

1.03

Top 1%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.53

Top 1%

Goal-Creating Actions

1.03

Top 1%

Assists

0.49

Top 3%

Goals

0.53

Top 3%

Shots on Target

1.28

Top 7%

Passes into Final Third

4.03

Top 7%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

0.99

Top 7%

Successful Take-On %

52.2%

Top 7%

Through Balls

0.62

Top 8%

Shot-Creating Actions

4.89

Top 10%

All Stats via FBref

Moreover, his underlying numbers are just as impressive.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for goals plus assists and goal-creating actions, the top 7% for shots on target and passes into the final third, the top 10% for shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it would cost a king’s ransom, Chelsea should do all they can to sign Lopez this summer, as he could have a Palmer-like impact on Rosenior’s side.

Related Chelsea submit mega £104m bid to sign their answer to Declan Rice

The international game-changer would be an incredible signing for Chelsea, and Rosenior’s own Declan Rice.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes

It says something of Mikel Arteta’s insatiable hunger for success that he hopes Arsenal will ring a few changes in the January transfer window, despite the remarkable progress that his side have made this season.

The Premier League table-toppers spent a bucketload last summer, Arteta and the club’s new technical director Andrea Berta having added to an elite crop after three years of finishing second in gruelling title battles.

However, Viktor Gyokeres has flattered to deceive at number nine, while £67m recruit Eberechi Eze has only impressed in flashes.

More sharpness is needed from the Gunners, with Manchester City (and Aston Villa) breathing down their neck.

Arsenal could sign Champions League forward

Manchester City have Erling Haaland as their striker. He has scored 19 times in the Premier League this season, eight more than Igor Thiago behind him. Arsenal’s top scorer is Leandro Trossard with five goals.

Arsenal are in a fantastic position, and Arteta cannot allow any slip-ups this season. With this in mind (and with Man City on the verge of signing Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth), it might be worth using the winter window to the Londoners’ advantage.

Arteta has already confirmed the Emirates side are “actively looking” at potential deals this month, so perhaps they should consider AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, a long-term target who is riding the crest of a wave in Italy.

Last month, it was made known that Arsenal had made the Portugal international a top target ahead of 2026, though any deal will fall into the ballpark of £75m.

Electric-paced and versatile, Leao has recently reinvented himself as a prolific number nine, and he could help dynamise the Gunners frontline, said to even be keen on a move to north London if the opportunity arose.

Why Leao would be an upgrade on Gyokeres

Long have Arsenal been linked with Leao, whose efforts in Italy over the past several years have established him as “one of the best left wingers in the world”, as has been asserted by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Rafael Leao – AC Milan Career

Season

Apps

Goals + Assists

25/26

13

7 + 1

24/25

50

12 + 13

23/24

47

15 + 14

22/23

48

16 + 15

21/22

42

14 + 12

20/21

40

7 + 6

19/20

33

6 + 2

Data via Transfermarkt

But he’s developed under Massimiliano Allegri this season, placed in a central striking berth. This has led to seven goals and an assist from only 13 matches in all competitions, with the manager saying that his talisman “has genius” in his play, and that his predatory instincts in the final third make him an interesting central option.

Leao is still a physical and athletic force, ranking among the top 5% of strikers in Serie A this season for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Arsenal have Gyokeres at the spearhead, but the Swedish striker has left much to be desired since moving to the club from Sporting Lisbon, losing 66% of his duels and 79% of his dribbles in the Premier League, as per Sofascore.

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Former Milan coach Stefano Pioli once remarked that Leao is like “the early Thierry Henry”, starting his career out wide before drifting into a focal goalscoring role, one which has paid dividends this season.

Henry, of course, is one of the greatest players in Premier League history, and probably the most iconic Arsenal star of all time. His fleet-footed running and incredible close control married up with deadly finishing that led Arsene Wenger to riches.

If Arsenal and Arteta can land even half the player in Leao, then there’s plenty of reason for fans to get excited.

For now, we wait for any developments in Arsenal’s January transfer plans, but the interest in this snappy star is genuine, and he would surely be interested in moving to north London and becoming a leading man for one of the most exciting projects in Europe.

Related Not just Gyokeres: Arsenal's "one-dimensional" star shouldn't be starting

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Manchester United’s need to improve the first-team squad in January is evident for all to see, especially after the defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Matheus Cunha did manage to net his second Premier League goal of the season, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to secure any points for Ruben Amorim’s men.

The Red Devils managed to create three big chances at Villa Park, but missed two of them, showcasing the need for attacking reinforcements next month.

Bryan Mbeumo would certainly have finished such opportunities, but Amorim will be unable to call upon him for the next month due to his participation at AFCON.

As a result, INEOS have started drawing up a shortlist of players whom they could target to strengthen the forward line for the immediate and long-term future.

Man Utd pushing to land £65m Premier League sensation

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been just one English side named in the hunt to land PSG sensation Bradley Barcola during the upcoming January window.

The Red Devils are said to have been closely monitoring the Frenchman’s progress in Ligue 1, after scoring five times in the first 13 games of the campaign.

However, the Parisians don’t want to offload the 23-year-old anytime soon and have subsequently placed a £70m asking price on his head to fend off any interest.

He’s not the only attacker currently in INEOS’ sights, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo another player who continues to be touted with a switch to Old Trafford.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Amorim’s men are “pushing” to secure a deal for the Ghanaian, with his £65m release clause set to expire on January 10th.

Journalist Ben Jacobs further reports that Liverpool held talks about signing the player back in November, but as of now, both Manchester clubs, City and United, are more “advanced” with their own talks.

Why Semenyo would get Sesko firing at Manchester United

Spending big money on a new attacker hasn’t been alien to Manchester United in recent months, as seen by the deal to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in the summer.

The hierarchy forked out a reported £74m for the 22-year-old’s signature, with such a deal seen as the perfect one to solve the Red Devils’ centre-forward issues.

However, 13 league games into his career at Old Trafford, it appears that the move has been a failure, with the Slovenian international only netting two goals in the process.

His showing against Aston Villa further highlights his struggles, subsequently registering just 16 touches of the ball, completing just seven passes and missing a big chance in front of goal.

However, a deal for Semenyo could certainly help the youngster in his quest for success in England’s top-flight, especially if he can replicate his numbers from the current campaign.

Whilst his goalscoring record showcases his individual quality, he’s also managed to provide those around him at the Vitality with opportunities to impress.

Semenyo, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by journalist Josh Wyatt, has completed 1.6 take-ons per 90 – often able to get into dangerous areas with the ball at his feet.

Antoine Semenyo – PL stats (25/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

16

Goals & assists

11

Take-ons completed

1.6

Chances created

1.4

Progressive passes

3.4

Passes into opposition box

1.4

Shots on target

1.3

Recoveries made

5.3

Stats via FBref

He’s also been able to add the end product to his mazy runs in the Premier League, as seen by his tally of 1.4 chances created per 90 – not to mention his goal contribution tally.

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The 25-year-old has registered 3.4 progressive passes and 1.4 passes into the opposition box per 90, with such numbers potentially falling perfectly into the hands of Sesko to turn around his dismal start to life at the club.

£65m in the modern market is an excellent price for a player of Semenyo’s quality, but it remains to be seen if he would choose a move to Old Trafford over the Etihad.

If he does complete a move to join Amorim’s men, it would certainly be yet another statement of intent from INEOS to lead United back to their former glory in the years ahead.

It could also be the perfect chance for Sesko to ignite his career at the club, with the duo having the chance to form a deadly partnership alongside one another.

Related Man Utd flop is fast becoming the "worst" signing INEOS have ever made

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Posts ByEthan Lamb

Jamie Carragher took aim at one Liverpool star, who was “really poor” against Sunderland, as Arne Slot’s side endured another mixed evening at Anfield.

Liverpool struggle at Anfield yet again

After victory over West Ham United last weekend, Liverpool looked to their game against Sunderland as an ideal chance to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League and stop the rot. The Black Cats had different ideas, however, and soon reminded the Reds why they find themselves in the position they’re in.

In many ways, Chemsdine Talbi’s deflected effort summed up Liverpool’s recent fortunes. With the Premier League champions entering the game off the back of two Anfield losses, the last thing they needed was for Virgil van Dijk’s block to find the back of Alisson Becker’s net.

Related Fabinho 2.0: Liverpool in pole position to sign £35m midfield "machine"

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One positive for Liverpool in recent weeks has been the form of Florian Wirtz, though, and at long last the German made his mark in the Premier League. His effort went down as a Nordi Mukiele own goal, but there’s no doubt that one of the summer’s most expensive signings stepped up to get his side level.

It was far from a vintage display from the champions, but they’ll at least be relieved to avoid another defeat. Following victory at West Ham, Slot’s side should see the Leeds United game this weekend as the opportunity to turn the narrative to two wins from three games in the same week.

That said, whether Alexander Isak plays a part this weekend remains to be seen. The Swede didn’t follow up from last weekend’s first Premier League goal for the club and had just 15 touches, much to Carragher’s frustration.

Jamie Carragher slams "really poor" Alexander Isak

Watching on from commentary, Carragher slammed Isak as “really poor” and said that the forward has no “excuses” for his disappointing form at this stage of the campaign.

After smashing their transfer record to welcome the £280,000-a-week star, Liverpool were in dreamland in the summer. Alas, that dream has quickly turned into a nightmare for all involved.

Isak has gone from strike to strike-less at times. Liverpool sit eighth and their attack has never seemed so toothless under Slot. With Hugo Ekitke also struggling to find the back of the net in recent weeks, there’s no doubt that the Reds have an attacking problem on their hands.

It doesn’t get any easier, either. On paper, a trip to a newly promoted side should be a routine affair, but Liverpool will be squaring off against a Leeds side who just defeated Chelsea.

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Before then, Slot simply has to find a way to get Isak more involved. With just 15 touches, the Swede was always likely to struggle.

Liverpool open talks this week to sign "monster" Real Madrid target

West Ham are scouring the market for a new striker as Niclas Füllkrug prepares to depart the London Stadium in January, and a former Tottenham forward has now entered their radar.

Nuno Espirito Santo has called upon Callum Wilson and Lucas Paqueta to play the striker role in Fullkrug’s latest injury absence, but even once the Germany international returns, he won’t be donning Claret and Blue for long.

The 32-year-old’s disappointing spell at the London Stadium is set to end after just 18 months, with trusted sources like Fabrizio Romano confirming that Fullkrug plans to seek a new challenge as soon as the transfer window reopens.

Discussions have already been initiated and the player’s representatives are said to be in contact with potential suitors from Germany and beyond.

Fullkrug has made just 27 appearances for West Ham since his arrival on a four-year contract in August 2024, scoring only three goals, with his first season heavily disrupted by two long-term injuries that saw him miss a combined 28 games for club and country.

Niclas Füllkrug’s missed games for West Ham and Germany — 2024/2025

Injury

Missing from

Missing until

Games missed

Achilles tendon

08/09/2024

02/12/2024

16

Hamstring injury

11/01/2025

01/04/2025

12

Romano revealed in his GiveMeSport newsletter this week that West Ham are hopeful of finding a striker who would be a better fit than Füllkrug, with the club already considering options.

West Ham have Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee on their list of targets, with the Dutch striker struggling for regular opportunities under Ruben Amorim. The Hammers are also reportedly quite interested in signing Ivan Toney on loan as the England striker looks to battle his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

Nuno’s side explored the possibility of signing Real Madrid’s Endrick on loan too, but the Brazilian teenager is now on the verge of a move to Lyon instead.

Reports in Italy suggest AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez will cost around £21 million to sign in January, amid reports that West Ham are keen on handing the Mexico international a fresh start in the Premier League after a tough time at the San Siro.

While January is a notoriously difficult window, the east Londoners do have options on the table, and one of them is now former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott.

West Ham eyeing former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott

According to Turkish media, West Ham are eyeing a move for Parrott amid his scintillating Eredivisie campaign so far, as Fullkrug also ‘prepares to leave’.

The Republic of Ireland international left Spurs permanently in 2024 to join AZ Alkmaar in a deal worth just under £7 million, and he’s since found a new home in the Netherlands.

Parrott’s racked up 13 goals in 14 appearances for AZ already this season, with six of them coming in the Dutch top flight.

The 23-year-old has also fired them to third in the table and four wins from their last five games, with Parrott’s form now attracting West Ham’s attention as AZ make his price tag known.

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They want at least £26 million to consider parting company in January, and such a fee would mean they make a near-quadruple profit off hs sale.

Parrott heroically guided his country to the World Cup play-offs after scoring a hat-trick in their 3-2 qualifying win over Hungary on Sunday.

It’s turning out to be quite the year for him, and a return to London could be on the cards if he wills it and West Ham are prepared to pay AZ’s asking price.

It’s remarkable just how quickly the pendulum can swing at Manchester United.

From the optimism of a five-game unbeaten run, including three successive wins in October, the Red Devils can now be viewed through the lens of three games without a win, following Monday’s dismal defeat to Everton.

Results like that are perhaps to be expected for a side still enduring a hangover from last season’s 15th-place Premier League finish, although with AFCON looming, Ruben Amorim and co can’t afford to keep slipping up.

Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park thus provides a perfect opportunity for the Old Trafford side to bounce back, albeit with Amorim’s options again set to be somewhat limited.

Latest Man Utd team news

To borrow the old cliché, Selhurst Park has not been a happy hunting ground for United in recent times, having last tasted victory in south London back in July 2020.

Home or way, in truth, the Eagles have provided a stern test for the Manchester side, with United failing to win any of the last four meetings between the two teams, a run that includes the infamous 4-0 thrashing in May 2024, and the subsequent criticism of Casemiro from Jamie Carragher.

Hopes of ending that recent run will have been dented by the news that Matheus Cunha will once again be absent, with the Brazilian having missed the loss to the Toffees after sustaining a head knock in training.

That is a particular blow considering that fellow summer signing Benjamin Sesko is also still set to be missing until mid-December, with the £74m Slovenian having been sidelined since hobbling off in the 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Amorim doesn’t even have his makeshift marksman, Harry Maguire, to call upon either, with the 32-year-old also not set to be involved on Sunday due to injury.

Thankfully, the sight of Lisandro Martinez back on the bench last time out will spark hope that the Argentine cult hero can be involved again sooner rather than later, although it is likely that the 27-year-old will be eased back into the action gradually.

There is an intrigue at potentially seeing the ex-Ajax man deployed at left centre-back, with Luke Shaw at left wing-back, although in the meantime, Amorim might have a wildcard solution down that left flank.

Man Utd's new Evra could start at Palace

That Shaw-Martinez combination could be the answer later down the line, with Amorim certainly in need of genuine competition or an upgrade on Patrick Dorgu at wing-back, with the Dane again struggling against the Toffees.

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The former Lecce starlet notably flashed an effort wide at the backpost, prior to being hooked on the hour mark, having failed to provide a single successful cross, while losing possession 11 times from just 40 touches, as per Sofascore.

Whether the 21-year-old has been parachuted in too soon or not, he doesn’t look like the answer right now, with Amorim himself admitting that “you can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball”.

Equally, the decision to deploy a right-footed Diogo Dalot on that flank continues to leave supporters scratching their heads.

With that in mind, Amorim could surely do worse than hand a chance to the previously exiled Tyrell Malacia, with the forgotten Dutchman having been brought in from the cold in recent months.

Previously – and perhaps unfairly – included in United’s summer ‘bomb squad’, the injury-hit full-back might be a wildcard option, representing one of few genuine options on the left wing.

Malacia – 22/23 PL stats

Stat (*per game)

Record

Games (starts)

22 (14)

Goals

0

Assists

0

Big chances created

1

Pass accuracy

87%

Tackles

2.1

Interceptions

1.1

Dribbled past

0.5

Total duels won

50%

Stats via Sofascore

Part of the matchday squad in two of the last four games, including against Everton, albeit while yet to make an appearance this season, Malacia hasn’t featured for United since January, having made only eight appearances in the first half of 2024/25 following his belated return from injury.

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A 17-month horror stint on the sidelines had come after an initially positive start to life at United back in his debut 2022/23 campaign, with the ex-Feyenoord man having usurped Shaw at left-back following the debacle at Brentford.

The diminutive talent was even likened to a legendary figure of United’s past in the form of Patrice Evra, with Rio Ferdinand making that comparison in August 2022:

So cruelly ravaged by injury since then, the 26-year-old – to his credit – has fought his way back into contention, even after looking off the pace following his eventual return last November, with Amorim stating that it is hard for him as he is “not so offensive”.

After six months at PSV Eindhoven, and a summer exile, Malacia is now back in favour, with Amorim seemingly offering a route back into the side late last month:

Of course, those concerns over his attacking quality might still ring true, having yet to score or assist for the club, yet at a time when Dorgu is struggling, Malacia might well be able to provide a sense of balance off the left.

It would be a bold call to thrust the nine-cap Netherlands international into the mix against Palace’s Daniel Munoz, but Amorim needs to find a solution – the diminutive full-back might just be it.

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Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is being made to sweat over the fitness of one Spurs star ahead of their vital North London derby clash with Arsenal.

Frank’s side are desperately seeking to end their dismal run against Arsenal and salvage pride in one of English football’s most intense rivalries.

Tottenham have lost seven of the last nine North London derbies, and it’s been 14 years since the Lilywhites last won away to Arsenal in the Premier League. These shocking statistics hang heavy over Frank, who’s faced criticism for Spurs’ lack of creativity in open play this season.

Spurs are also faced with the mountainous task of breaking down a water-tight Arsenal backline which boasts the most superior defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues.

Mikel Arteta’s title chasers went on an historic eight-game run without conceding a single goal before their 2-2 draw with Sunderland, so you could hardly ask for a worse time to come up against Arsenal, who also splashed nearly £270 million on a plethora of new stars in the summer transfer window.

In 65 league visits to Arsenal, Spurs have won only twice, with their rivals triumphing 26 times. Even more concerning, Tottenham have failed to keep a clean sheet in a staggering 25 consecutive Premier League games away to the Gunners, a record that stretches back over a decade, and Arsenal have won 84 matches in the all-time head-to-head compared to Spurs’ 61.

Make no mistake, Arsenal dominate the derby, but there’s real encouragement to be found in Spurs’ overall away record this season.

An excellent run of four wins, one draw and zero defeats outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has catapulted them to top of the away form table with an average of 2.60 points per game, though Frank will be hoping as many players as possible will be back in contention after a mini-injury crisis.

No other top-flight has more men out of action right now, with as many as 11 sidelined.

Tottenham absentee list

Problem

Estimated return date (subject to change)

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

Star winger Mohammed Kudus missed Spurs’ 2-2 draw with Man United and their 4-0 win over Copenhagen with a knock, with the Ghanaian also not called up for his national team’s friendlies against Japan and South Korea. Meanwhile, striker Dominic Solanke is “unlikely” to feature against Arsenal amid his slow recovery from what was once deemed a ‘minor’ ankle problem.

It remains to be seen how long Randal Kolo Muani will be out for too, after he fractured his jaw against United.

Frank sweating over Lucas Bergvall ahead of North London derby after injury setback

There is also the matter of young midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who’s been missing since their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea due to a concussion.

The 19-year-old was sent home from international duty earlier this week after initially being included in Graham Potter’s first ever Sweden squad, with national team official Stefan Pettersson now revealing he was withdrawn due to a ‘setback during training’.

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Pettersson, speaking to the media, says they didn’t hesitate sending Bergvall back to N17 after a “reaction” to testing.

The teenager has been a revelation ever since arriving at Tottenham in an £8.5 million deal from Djurgardens.

Bergvall’s managed 60 total appearances for the club already, enjoying a fantastic September with successive Player of the Match awards and his first Premier League goal for the club against West Ham.

Frank’s preferred midfield partnership of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha has largely kept Bergvall out of the starting eleven recently, but the tactician will be hoping that he can upon his fellow Scandinavian from the bench for their all-important clash on enemy turf.