The defender snatched the crucial goal in a truly thrilling 120 minutes, one of the club's greatest European nights

Football, bloody hell. Alex Ferguson was talking about the 1999 Champions League final then but that magical evening in Barcelona was tame compared to this wild, unpredictable and unforgettable night which saw Manchester United go 2-0 up against Lyon, blow their advantage then fall 4-2 behind in extra-time despite playing with a one-man advantage.

But somehow the Red Devils conjured the spirit of the Camp Nou and scored three times in seven epic minutes to win 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate reach the Europa League semi-finals.

Harry Maguire played the role of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, heading in the critical goal in the 121st minute to avoid penalties and complete the most epic of turnarounds. But only a few minutes earlier the Red Devils had been staring in the face of one of their most embarrassing and infuriating defeats as Lyon came back from nowhere, scoring twice in the space of six minutes through Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico to cancel out Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot's first-half efforts for United.

They then brushed off having Tolisso sent off in the 89th minute and went ahead thanks to a low drive from the brilliant Rayan Cherki in the 104th minute. It looked to be game over when Alexandre Lacazette tucked in a penalty early in the second half of extra-time. But when Manchester United are concerned, it is never over.

United unfurled an impressive banner and let off fireworks before kick off. Ruben Amorim's side then made a booming start. Ugarte tapped them in front after a sweeping move involving Noussair Mazraoui, Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho. Casemiro and Fernandes – with a lethal volley against the bar – came close to doubling the lead before Dalot finally did so on the stroke of half-time, firing in off the post after a lofted pass from Maguire.

United played with freedom and enjoyment in the second half but crucially failed to kill Lyon off, Garnacho wasting their best opportunity. Lyon looked dead but came alive when United failed to clear the danger in the air and Tolisso nipped in to head past Onana. Just a few minutes later they found the equaliser as chaos reigned around the United area and Nicolas Tagliafico stabbed the ball over the line, Lacazette putting it back in for good measure.

Old Trafford was completely deflated but United were handed a huge advantage when Tolisso was shown a second yellow card in the 89th minute for tripping Leny Yoro. And yet they blew it, the excellent Cherki sticking one in the bottom corner after United failed to stop the livewire Malick Fofana. The substitute then earned a penalty in the second half of extra-time after being trod on by Luke Shaw.

When Lacazette scored from the spot a number of United fans gave up and began filing out of the stadium. Those that stayed saw Fernandes reduce the deficit to one goal in the 114th minute but still few believed the comeback was really on. That is, until substitute Kobbie Mainoo curled in an equaliser in the 120th to send Old Trafford potty.

Penalties beckoned but Maguire was having none of it and he headed Casemiro's cross in off the post in the 121st minute to snatch the most remarkable victory and set up a semi-final tie with Athletic Club. And given what took place tonight, United will dare to dream of making it back to Bilbao for the final and of lifting the trophy.

GOAL rates Man United's players from a truly unbelievable night at Old Trafford…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Andre Onana (7/10):

Blocked out all the noise surrounding him and made two fine saves, getting low to thwart Cherki in the first half and then denying Corentin Tolisso. Couldn't be blamed for any of the goals and had the last laugh over Nemanja Matic as he has a semi-final tie to look forward to.

Leny Yoro (6/10):

Brought the ball out very well, charging confidently up the field with the ball twice. His defending was a little suspect, being dazzled by Cherki and making a lazy flicked clearance which allowed Ainsley Maitland-Niles to shoot. Could have been stronger against Tolisso but then bravely blocked Fofana's shot with his head.

Harry Maguire (9/10):

Set the tone for a dominant display with an early crunching tackle on Cherki. Was quickly on top of every whiff of danger and moved the ball around superbly, especially when he set up Dalot with a chipped pass from his own half. Lost a bit of focus after the break but made amends by pulling off the clutch moment.

Noussair Mazraoui (7/10):

Started the move for the opener with a wonderful pass from defence to Fernandes. Defended comfortably before being taken off at half-time for Shaw.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Diogo Dalot (7/10):

Played a sumptuous long pass to Fernandes and then controlled a similar ball from Maguire to fire in the second. Really enjoyed himself in attack in the second half but it amounted to nothing. He then couldn't handle the brilliant Fofana and didn't clear the danger before Cherki scored.

Casemiro (8/10):

Plugged several holes in midfield and spread the play nicely, pulling off flicks and tricks in the second half. Had an early effort saved by Perri but could have struck it better. His legs appeared to give way in extra-time but he then laid the ball off for Mainoo before crossing for Maguire's winner. Class is permanent, even when you can no longer run.

Manuel Ugarte (7/10):

Got the ball rolling albeit with an easy finish. Held the midfield together comfortably with Casemiro for most of the game but faded as Lyon grew back into it. Taken off in the 88th minute.

Patrick Dorgu (4/10):

The weak link. Left Maitland-Niles open in the first half then failed to clear the danger leading to Tolisso's goal. Offered little going forward, often losing the ball.

Getty Images SportAttack

Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):

Lively from start to finish but wasteful at the crucial moments. Set up the opener with a clever cut-back to Ugarte, then his pressing sparked Casemiro's effort. Ran through on his own in the second half but bungled the finish and later he again failed to make the most of a free run into the area. Would have been one of the main culprits had United gone out so he might want to invite the team out for dinner again.

Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

No shots on goal again although he got no service from his team-mates. The fact that Mainoo took his place up front says it all.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

Played ball to Garnacho leading to the first goal then was inches was from scoring a screamer of a volley, crashing against the bar. Orchestrated a lot of the play from deep then had to drag the team back from the brink, coolly converting the penalty.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Luke Shaw (3/10):

A huge downgrade on Mazraoui. Not to blame for either goal but his lack of physical presence and rustiness from being out for so long played into Lyon's hands. Made things even worse by giving away the penalty.

Mason Mount (5/10):

Didn't do many positive things when he came on.

Kobbie Mainoo (9/10):

Saved United with a brilliant finish when no-one in the stadium seemed to believe the comeback was possible.

Harry Amass (6/10):

An improvement on Dorgu.

Christian Eriksen (6/10):

His cool head helped United find their feet.

Ruben Amorim (6/10):

Bringing on Shaw over Lindelof was a big mistake but his other substitutions worked. But his tactics cannot be hailed. This was all about belief.

Manchester United are looking to bolster their ranks on the cheap this January, and are now “determined to do everything possible” to land a new star for Ruben Amorim before the winter window closes, according to a fresh report.

Manchester United need goals

One of the biggest problems Manchester United have had this season to date is finding the back of the net. Currently 13th in the Premier League, the Red Devils have scored just 23 goals in 20 games, the fifth-lowest number in the top flight so far and less than half the number of goals scored by league leaders Liverpool.

Fewest goals scored in the Premier League this season
Southampton	12
Everton	15
Ipswich	20
Crystal Palace	21
Manchester United	23

In attack, Rasmus Hojlund has found the net just twice, while summer addition Joshua Zirkzee has three goals to his name but his future at the club remains in doubt after he was booed off by his own fans in the first half of their defeat to Manchester United.

Factor into that equation that fact that joint-top goalscorer Marcus Rashford (4) has not featured in the Premier League in over a month and could leave this window, and it is clear that Manchester United are crying out for a solution at the top of the pitch in a bid to move up into the top half of the table come the end of the campaign. Now, they may have found their man.

Manchester United stepping up move for "complete" attacker

That comes as Sky Sports report that the Red Devils are now “determined to do everything possible” to sign out-of-favour forward Randal Kolo Muani this winter, ahead of the likes of Chelsea and Juventus.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt forward has fallen down the pecking order at Paris Saint Germain and is free to leave this winter, either on loan or permanently.

And it appears to be a temporary move that most clubs are chasing, with the report suggesting that United are “considering a loan deal, ideally with an option to buy” in the summer, in a move that would likely see them have to cover a significant chunk of his £200,000 a week wages.

Man Utd make new approach for £30k-p/w Brazilian INEOS wanted before Ugarte

He could be Manchester United’s answer in midfield.

By
Ben Browning

Jan 10, 2025

To that end, it is reported that “there have been very specific talks with his management” over personal terms, and that is set to intensify as “direct negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain are expected to follow” as they look to land the striker.

Still just 26-years-old, Kolo Muani has grabbed two goals and an assist this campaign in just 10 appearances,but has not been a part of the PSG squad for any of their last four games.

Though he has struggled in the French capital, Kolo Muani is loved by his teammates in the France national team squad. Matteo Guendouzi dubbed him “one of the best strikers in Europe” while Antoine Griezmann labeled him a “complete” player who can “score off the dribble, score with headers” and will always “look for space in behind”.

Despite United pushing to complete a deal, it is far from sealed yet, with several clubs also still in the race. According to the report, “Chelsea, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Juventus and AC Milan” are all among those also keen on his services this winter. Can the Red Devils get the deal over the line in a bid to fix their goalscoring woes?

Everton have been in contact with one midfielder’s club, as they eye a £2m signing before the end of the January transfer window.

Latest Everton news

It has been an impressive start to life back at Goodison Park for David Moyes, with the Scot winning two of his first three matches in charge of the Blues again.

Having lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa and then won 3-2 against Tottenham at Goodison last weekend, Everton picked up a brilliant 1-0 victory at Brighton on Saturday afternoon. The two victories have seen the Merseysiders go seven points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, with the early signs extremely positive under their new manager.

Blues supporters will now be hoping to see new faces arriving in the current window and Ajax attacker Brian Brobbey has been linked with a move, as Everton potentially look to hijack West Ham’s attempts to snap him up. He is thought to be in London to complete a transfer to the Hammers, though.

Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil has also been backed to seal a switch to Goodison, having stood out as an important player for the Black Cats this season. He has started 28 of his side’s 29 Championship matches to date in 2024/25, registering three assists and averaging 1.9 tackles per game, helping them get into the playoff positions.

Everton in contact over signing of £2m midfielder

According to a new update from The Sunday Mirror [via Everton News], Everton have been in contact with Botafogo over the signing of defensive midfielder Danilo Barbosa.

The Blues have been offered the opportunity to snap up the 28-year-old in a £2m deal, although Championship pair Leeds United and Sheffield United are also thought to be in the conversation, providing stiff competition.

Barbosa may not be a household name, considering he isn’t plying his trade in Europe currently, but he could be just what Everton are looking for in the middle of the park, adding a presence in that area of the pitch.

The former Brazil Under-20 international has averaged 3.7 clearances per match in the Copa Libertadores this season, highlighting his off-the-ball ability, and he has made 96 appearances for Botafogo.

Barbosa does have experience of European football, however, despite not playing there currently, having appeared a combined 169 times during stints with Braga, Nice, Valencia, Standard Liege and Benfica.

At 28, he is also now experienced enough to be able to seamlessly slot into Everton’s team, even though the pace of the Premier League may take a little time to adjust to, as well as still being young enough to be in his peak years for a while.

Related Everton want to hijack deal to sign "prolific" £25m star already in London

He’s a wanted man…

Posts 1 ByTom Cunningham Jan 25, 2025

With Idrissa Gueye now 35 years of age and midfield reinforcements needed anyway, Barbosa could stand out as a good option for the Blues, especially as he would only cost as little as £2m.

England coach Matthew Mott warns captain won’t be risked in fifth T20I

Matt Roller26-Sep-2022England will not take any risks with Jos Buttler’s fitness during the Lahore leg of their Pakistan tour as they look to ease him back from a calf injury sustained playing in the Hundred last month.Buttler was never in contention to play in the first four T20Is in Karachi and, even with the series level at 2-2, he will not be considered for selection in the fifth game on Wednesday, the first of three at the Gaddafi Stadium.He has played an active role at training on the tour and acted as 12th man during Pakistan’s three-run victory on Sunday night, and clarified upon arrival in the country that he felt it was important to travel “whether fit to play the games or not”.”With regards to Jos, he’s still a while off,” Matthew Mott, England’s coach, said on Sunday night. “He’s not a player we want to take a risk on at this stage, so close to a World Cup, and it was a reasonably significant injury that he had.Related

England T20 squad living in the now with an eye on the future

Haris Rauf closes out a thriller as Pakistan square series in three-run win

Batting order, bowling chaos, as clash of ideologies creates a classic encounter

Fast, just fast: Rauf stirs Karachi's primal instincts

“He’s champing at the bit for a game but we’ll just try and see how we go: maybe in the last game or two, he might be a chance.”England’s last-gasp defeat on Sunday night meant that the series is squared heading into the Lahore leg of the trip – both teams travelled on Monday afternoon – and Mott added that playing in “high-pressure situations” would serve as ideal preparation for the World Cup next month.”We couldn’t ask for better preparation than games like tonight [Sunday] where it’s all on the line with a couple of overs to go and players are under pressure. To play in high-pressure situations in front of a big crowd that was right into the game [is great].”Yes, we would love to have won, but I think when you head into a World Cup, you want to play against good opposition in tough games and it’s been every bit of that.”

Despite losing their final game in the Champions League group stage against PSV 3-2, Liverpool still managed to finish top in the group phase, automatically qualifying them for the round of 16. The Reds won seven of their eight games played, earning 21 points and finishing with 12 goal difference.

One man in particular who took his chance against PSV, was Harvey Elliott, who has struggled for minutes under Arne Slot so far, but managed to score in their final Champions League group game, also managing 70 touches, enjoying 100% dribble success and winning 100% of his ground duels.

After his performance in Holland, Elliott could have shown his manager that attacking reinforcement isn’t needed, with recent links to Lyon attacking midfielder, Rayan Cherki, proving he can provide that creative spark needed, whether it’s from the bench or a starting position.

Liverpool's very own Cherki

Elliott has made 14 appearances for Liverpool this campaign, scoring three goals, providing one assist and totalling 404 minutes played so far.

Market Movers

The 21-year-old did miss the start of the season with a broken foot, but since returning, Slot has been easing him back, with substitute appearances in the Premier League and starts in cup competitions.

The youngster joined from Fulham back in the 2019/20 season, being an extremely highly rated teenager at the time. His value quickly skyrocketed, going from a €4.00m (£3.3m) player to a €22.00m (£18.4m) player in the span of two years, spending time with Blackburn on loan – as per Transfermarkt.

According to Transfermarkt, Elliott is now worth €35m (£29.2m), having stagnated at this value since September 2022, having a brief dip in December 2023, before returning to the same value.

This £29.2m valuation is higher than the French attacking midfielder being linked to the club, begging the question of whether Liverpool really need him.

Cherki vs Elliot comparison

Cherki has made 24 appearances so far this season, scoring five goals, providing eight assists and totalling 1,501 minutes played. His current value is €30m (£25m), which is less than Elliott’s as previously stated.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Cherki

Elliot

Goals

0.30

0.13

Assists

0.48

0.35

Progressive Carries

4.77

3.00

Progressive Passes

10.1

7.85

Progressive Passes Received

8.08

7.55

Shots Total

2.41

2.96

Passes into Final Third

4.77

5.11

Passes into Pen Area

3.97

2.75

Key Passes

4.11

2.19

Shot-Creating Actions

7.68

4.72

When comparing the two players’ metrics – having used Cherki’s from this season and Elliott’s from last season due to minutes played – you can see Cherki outperforms Elliot in all but two areas, the Englishman having a higher shot volume and completing more passes into the final third, thus showing his willingness to drop deep and link play.

Elliott was labelled “elite” for a performance against Newcastle back in 2022 by Statman Dave on X, with a midfield performance orchestrating play, completing long passes, making ball recoveries and completing dribbles in the final third.

Whilst Cherki has perhaps shown a higher level thus far, Elliott has shown his potential already playing in the Premier League, and given more trust and responsibility, Elliott could go to the next level, taking the creative burden as a playmaker in this Liverpool side, which would see his underlying numbers spike.

Liverpool hold concrete interest in "exceptional" £50m Salah replacement

The Reds now hold concrete interest in a forward who has been in impressive form this season, as a potential heir to the Egyptian.

ByDominic Lund Jan 30, 2025

Pakistan fast bowler Fatima Sana has been ruled out of the Women’s Asia Cup due to a twisted ankle. A PCB release said Sana had picked up the injury during the Women’s CPL, which was played in early September. She has been advised four weeks’ rest by the PCB’s medical panel.The Women’s Asia Cup runs from October 1 to 16 in Bangladesh. Pakistan had named their 15 for the tournament on September 7. They are yet to name a replacement for Sana.Sana had represented Barbados Royals in what was the inaugural edition of the Women’s CPL, which was played from September 1 to 4. She played two of Royals’ three games, picking up three wickets. Immediately before that, she had played for Royals in the Women’s 6ixty – a T10 tournament – claiming two wickets in five games.The Women’s Asia Cup will also feature hosts and defending champions Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and UAE. Pakistan will start training for the tournament on September 19, with the squad and reserve players assembling at the Lahore Country Club for a ten-day camp.Pakistan squad: Bismah Maroof (capt), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Tuba Hasan
Reserve players: Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Umme Hani, Waheeda Akhtar

Middle-order batter had missed a chunk of IPL and 2021-22 Ranji Trophy knockouts for Mumbai due to a hamstring injury

Deivarayan Muthu07-Sep-2022

Ajinkya Rahane will lead West Zone in the Duleep Trophy this season•BCCI

Having recovered from the hamstring injury he had sustained during IPL 2022, Ajinkya Rahane is feeling refreshed and ready to start from scratch in India’s domestic season, which kicks off with the zonal-format Duleep Trophy from Thursday.Rahane, who had missed a chunk of the IPL and then the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy knockouts for Mumbai, is set to mark his return by leading West Zone in the Duleep Trophy.”The recovery has been good,” Rahane said on the eve of their Duleep Trophy opener in Chennai. “I was in NCA for a couple of months. The NCA staff and BCCI looked after me really well. I’m completely fit, and this is my first game after injury.Related

'I'll try to repeat what I did last year' – Shams Mulani looks to continue rapid rise

North-East show fight on Duleep Trophy debut, get time with Rahane as reward

Shaw 'back on track' with much-awaited hundred

Newsfile: India's 2022-23 domestic cricket season

Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup return in India's 2022-23 domestic calendar

“It [a full-fledged domestic season] is really important. I’m looking forward to start from zero again. For me, I don’t want to think about my past or future; it’s about being in the moment, and that’s why I said I want to start from zero again. You always get goosebumps when you go on the field, and I always like that feeling.”When you get that goosebumps, you get the motivation – whichever game you’re playing, whether it is a domestic game or international game. That feeling should be there. That feeling is still there [for me], and I’m really excited about this season, starting with Duleep Trophy.”Rahane refused to view the upcoming domestic season as a path back to the national side – he has not played for India since the Cape Town Test against South Africa this January – and instead said that his focus was to just stay fit throughout the season.”We will see what happens in the future, but I believe it’s important to be in the moment and focus on what’s in hand right now rather than focus on your future,” he said. “[It] took me two months to get fit. I had to follow a strict diet and routine for these two months, but it was really good, and the [NCA] staff were really positive. I’m out of that now. [I] just want to be fit throughout the season, and keep scoring runs.”This [at Chepauk] was just my second session outdoors. I was just batting indoors in Mumbai, so I’m not thinking too far ahead or thinking too much about my batting. I [have] got the experience, but it is important to be in the moment and respect the opponents and respect the conditions wherever we are playing, and then take it from there.”Rahane captains West Zone against first-timers North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy starting Thursday in Chennai, while East Zone simultaneously play North Zone in Puducherry on the opening day of India’s 2022-23 domestic season.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has opened up on the heartache of receiving no new contract offer from the club, saying 'it wasn't nice'.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• De Bruyne leaving this summer
• Still wants to play at highest level
• Man City decide against new deal

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Speaking to the press after City's 2-0 win at Everton on Saturday, the 33-year-old spoke out about the behind-the-scenes activities that led to him announcing his Etihad exit earlier in April. While De Bruyne's Premier League performances haven't quite been up to scratch this season, it's clear he still backs himself and is not happy about the club's decision to let him go once his current deal ends.

Advertisement

• WHAT DE BRUYNE SAID

  According to De Bruyne, "there was a little bit (of shock)" when he found out he wouldn't be offered a contract extension. He said: "I didn't have any offer from them through the whole year and the club made a decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I'm showing but I understand that clubs have to make decisions. It was half a week till I reported it out and it wasn't nice. My family weren't home. They were on holiday so it was a bit weird but it is what it is… I told (Txiki Begiristain, sporting director and Ferran Soriano, CEO) that I feel like I still have a lot to give. I know I'm not 25 anymore, but I still feel like I can do my job."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Belgium international has struggled for consistent form over the past two seasons and has been increasingly plagued by injuries as he's grown older. But at 33, De Bruyne still has the quality and physical capacity to turn a top-level game on its head, as he showcased in a brilliant display against Crystal Palace earlier this month. When his City contract ends, there will no doubt be several clubs interested in bringing him in.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR DE BRUYNE?

  The Belgian star evidently isn't ready to retire just yet, but there aren't many clubs that would be able to match his extortionate Etihad wages. In the same interview, De Bruyne told the press, "I'm open for anything because I have to look at the whole picture. I'm looking at sporting reasons, family and everything together." Before that transfer rolls around, he'll be keen to play a central role in securing City Champions League qualification.

Chelsea have now made a formal bid as they attempt to get a potentially “exciting signing” over the line by January deadline day, with Enzo Maresca’s side very much in the market for a fresh attacking option.

Enzo Maresca coy on Chelsea transfer plans for January

The west Londoners recently recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace, seemingly putting an end to their search for a centre-back this window, while Maresca has remained coy over whether Chelsea will make a new signing before February 3rd.

Real Madrid ready to offer Chelsea £202k-per-week star for Enzo Fernandez

The Galacticos really want Maresca’s captain.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 24, 2025

The Italian has refused to rule out a potential incoming over the coming days, but appears relaxed about the situation overall – amid reports that a host of his squad members could depart Stamford Bridge.

“Listen, the club, the sporting directors, we pay attention if something can happen,” said Maresca on January transfers.

“But at the moment, as you said, 10 days to go and we haven’t done nothing. We called back Trev [Chalobah] and we will see in the next 10 days if something is going to happen.”

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

Aston Villa (away)

February 22

Southampton (home)

February 25

Lazio are in talks to sign Cesare Casadei, prompting noise of a Chelsea swoop for Hellas Verona midfielder Reda Belahyane, while Renato Veiga is rumoured to be on his way to Juventus on loan until the end of the season (Fabrizio Romano).

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku and Ben Chilwell are also attracting rumoured interest ahead of the January deadline, and if their possible transfers come to fruition, Maresca could be left short in some areas.

Mykhailo Mudryk faces a lengthy ban after failing a recent drugs test as well, with Bayern Munich’s interest in Nkunku reportedly motivating Chelsea to target fresh forward options this month.

One of their top targets, according to credible media sources, is Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Chelsea make "formal" bid to sign Garnacho from Man United

According to South American journalist Uriel Ligt, Chelsea have now made a “formal” bid for Garnacho, as negotiations begin to intensify.

This follows on from reports earlier this week that Chelsea were set to hold talks over Garnacho (The Telegraph), with Maresca’s side now putting an official proposal on the table as they look to prise the Argentine away from Old Trafford.

It is unclear just how much this bid is worth, but other media sources believe United want around £65 million for a player who’s been called a potentially “exciting signing” for Chelsea by members of the media (Matt Law).

Garnacho has racked up eight goals and five assists in all competitions for Ruben Amorim’s side so far this term. However, United’s PSR issues could force them to sell up this month.

It would be fair to say that the last couple of weeks haven’t been particularly enjoyable for the Arsenal faithful.

They’ve seen their team drop more points in the Premier League, crash out of the FA Cup and given themselves an extraordinarily large hill to climb in the League Cup, and then, to top it all off, Gabriel Jesus is now out with an ACL injury.

Altogether, this has made the need for a new attacking signing this month all the more pressing, and one of the names that keeps popping up is Dušan Vlahović.

The Serbian international is an incredibly talented forward and someone who’d certainly improve Mikel Arteta’s squad, but based on recent reports, the club could end up signing another striker who’d be an even better addition.

Arsenal plot striker swoop

According to a recent report from journalist and transfers expert Ben Jacobs, Arsenal have maintained their strong interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško.

Transfer Focus

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

Interestingly, Jacobs has revealed that the Slovenian international was “sold” on the North Londoners project in the summer but opted to remain in Germany as he believed it was “best for his short-term development.”

However, Jacobs does pour some cold water on the news by claiming it’s “unclear if Sesko could be persuaded to move mid-season.”

A potential price tag is not mentioned in the journalist’s report, but stories from last month claimed that Leipzig would demand at least €70m for their star attacker, which comes to about £59m.

In all, it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given how well Sesko is playing this season, his age and his potential, it could prove to be value for money down the line and a better investment than signing Vlahovic.

How Šeško compares to Vlahović

So, if Arsenal are currently looking at both Vlahović and Šeško as potential additions to the squad, either for this month or in the summer, which one should they go for?

Well, when we compare their pure output from this season, which is, of course, what matters most for a centre-forward, it’s a close-run thing, but it’s the Leipzig star who comes out on top.

In his 24 appearances so far, totalling 1683 minutes, the unreal “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 12 goals and provided three assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 1.60 games, or every 112.20 minutes.

In contrast, the Juventus star has found the back of the net 12 times and provided two assists in 23 appearances totalling 1873 minutes, meaning he is averaging a goal involvement every 1.64 games, or every 133.78 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Serbian international, he comes out an even more distant second-best when we take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers from this season.

Progressive Passes

1.95

0.88

Progressive Carries

2.11

0.95

Shots

2.36

3.48

Goals per Shot

0.24

0.06

Shots on Target

1.22

1.02

Passing Accuracy

69.2%

67.6%

Shot-Creating Actions

1.87

1.91

Goal-Creating Actions

0.33

0.07

Successful Take-Ons

1.46

0.27

For example, the Leipzig star, whose “ball striking is a joke” according to Mattinson, comes out ahead in almost all relevant metrics, including but not limited to actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shots on target, successful take-ons, goal-creating actions, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

Finally, while there isn’t a massive difference in their ages, the fact that the Slovenian is three years younger at 21 and already outperforming his former Fiorentina star further cements the idea that he is the forward with a higher ceiling.

Ultimately, while both players are incredibly talented and would surely improve Arsenal’s frontline, it is quite clear that Šeško is the better option and therefore, the Gunners must do what they can to sign him as soon as possible.

No.1 target: Arsenal want to sign 'very expensive' winger who's like Saka

The incredible international could become as important to Arsenal as the Englishman.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 15, 2025