This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Charlton travel across south London to take on Millwall at The Den this Saturday, and Lee Bowyer has a lot to reflect on from the previous performance against Preston.
Some supporters on Twitter were absolutely livid with the Addicks’ display last weekend, with one even stating that it felt like something from the Karl Robinson days.
Things just didn’t click for Athletic on that day, although one man – who should be dropped for the clash against Millwall – perhaps had more of a nightmare than most in the 1-0 defeat
Who was it?
Charlton centre-back Naby Sarr endured a miserable afternoon against Alex Neil’s side, to say the least.
The 26-year-old – who was recently handed his first Senegal call-up – was hauled off at half-time by Bowyer following a torrid 45-minute display in which it felt like he couldn’t do anything right.
Sarr received a yellow card after a loose touch with Daniel Johnson lurking, and also completed just 63% of his 27 passes – the defender also failed to make a single tackle, interception, block or clearance.
However, his Preston disaster-class is not the reason why we think he should be dropped.
What is the reason?
Sarr should be dropped because of his poor aerial ability in comparison to Tom Lockyer and Jason Pearce.
Why might aerial ability come into question against the Lions, you might ask?
Well, Millwall’s Matt Smith – a man who has made 12 appearances this season – is quite simply a monster in the air, and will surely bully any centre-back who can’t assert themselves aerially – the 6 foot 5 30-year-old wins a staggering 9.2 aerial duels per game.
On average, Sarr wins just 1.8 aerial duels per game, which is pretty poor for a man standing at 6 foot 4.
In comparison to his fellow Charlton centre-backs, Pearce wins a much more impressive 4.1 aerial duels, whereas Lockyer wins 3.7.
Both Pearce and Lockyer’s averages still aren’t comparable to Smith’s, although Sarr’s is substantially weaker and should mean Bowyer drops him to the bench for the south London derby this weekend.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Loan Watch series, which takes a closer look at those players who are aiming to galvanise their careers away from the spotlight of their parent club.
Aged 24 and spending his third consecutive season out on loan you would be excused for thinking that Lewie Coyle’s Elland Road career was all but over.
Indeed, the defender has made the transition from being an up and coming youngster to being a rather seasoned professional while not being able to make an impact at his parent club.
However, he is having an incredible loan spell at Fleetwood without anyone at Elland Road really taking notice.
A tweet from the agency that represents him shows just how well he is doing for Joey Barton’s side.
Snapshot
Coyle is seemingly a bit of a forgotten man at Elland Road, but some stats from his loan spell show that perhaps the Whites should consider bringing him back into the fold when his six-month stint comes to an end in the new year.
The 24-year-old has been excellent during his two previous seasons at Fleetwood, winning two Player of the Year awards, and he’s got a good chance of making that three after his electric start to this campaign.
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Coyle has four assists in 15 appearances this season, which is a simply brilliant return for a right-back.
Could play a part
The right-back could still have a part to play at Elland Road once his loan spell is up this term.
His performances at Fleetwood should have caught the eye of someone at Leeds, and although he may not immediately slot in at right-back he’d be a good second choice.
With Stuart Dallas appearing in his newfound midfield role and Luke Ayling looking like he’s better as a centre-back in a back three, there seems to be a bit of an opening at right-back for the Whites, and Coyle could be the man to fill it if he continues playing well during his loan spell.
Arsenal has been the home to many top-level talents over the years, many of whom have come through their academy before making a huge impact on the club’s first team.
Winger Bukayo Saka is the best example currently in Mikel Arteta’s side, with the 23-year-old scoring 59 times in his 229 appearances for the Gunners since his debut back in 2020.
In years gone by, Ashley Cole, Martin Keown and Tony Adams have all come through the Hale End academy setup, having a huge effect on the club’s first team – with the latter spending his entire career with the Gunners.
The unbelievable work done by the staff in the youth ranks has saved the club endless amounts of money in the transfer market – but they’ve also allowed numerous talents to slip through the net in the process.
England record scorer Harry Kane was once a part of the Arsenal setup, before joining bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur – with his tally of 342 goals at club level undoubtedly improving Arteta’s current attacking unit.
Harry Kane for England
However, one other talent was once a part of the club and was sold prematurely with his market value rapidly increasing after departing the Emirates.
Ismael Bennacer’s time at Arsenal
Midfielder Ismael Bennacer was one talent who thought he had what it took to become the latest player to come through Arsenal’s academy before making an impact on the first team.
The Algerian featured at different youth levels for the Gunners, including the U18 and U23 sides between 2015 and 2017.
He also managed to make a single appearance in the first team under Arsène Wenger back in October 2015, replacing Theo Walcott in the 3-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup.
However, he would fail to appear under the Frenchman again, being sent on a loan spell to French side Tours for the second half of the 2016/17 season – before securing a permanent move away from North London that summer.
Bennacer swapped England for Italy, moving to then Serie B side Empoli – with the talent going on to thrive in Europe over recent years.
Bennacer’s market value in 2024
After his minuscule £850k move to Empoli, Bennacer rapidly impressed with his increased game time making 77 appearances for the Italian side over a two-year period.
He helped the club secure a return to the Italian top-flight, before leaving at the end of the 2018/19 season, joining European giants AC Milan in a £13.5m deal – netting Empoli a hefty profit just two years after joining the club.
Bennacer has since taken his career to the next level, becoming an integral part of the Milan squad, helping them reach the Champions League semi-final back in the 2022/23 campaign – before falling to defeat to bitter rivals Inter.
Market Movers
Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?
Since his move to Milan five years ago, the 26-year-old has made 172 appearances for the Serie A side, with his market value skyrocketing as a result of his increased performance levels.
2017/18
39
2
4
2018/19
38
0
2
2019/20
35
1
1
2020/21
30
0
5
2021/22
40
2
1
2022/23
40
3
2
2023/24
25
2
2
Total:
247
10
17
The “fantastic” talent, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, now has a €50m (£42m) release clause in his current deal – seeing a whopping 4841% increase on the fee that the Gunners sold him for seven years ago.
His talents would make him perfect for Arteta’s side, providing cover and depth for the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, who look set to miss the North London derby this weekend.
However, their loss is Milan’s gain, with the Algerian developing into a top-level talent who is capable of being a success at the very top level of European football.
Arteta let Arsenal star walk away on a free, now he's outscoring Saka
The goalscoring sensation was incredible last season.
Mid-season international breaks are usually met with a hefty measure of scorn, halting the excitement that comes with the domestic campaign and heightening fears of injury layoffs.
Liverpool supporters are no different and are itching to see Arne Slot lead the Reds out once again, having blitzed through the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign, enjoying solid opening victories over Ipswich Town and Brentford before putting Manchester United to the sword in a one-sided affair at Old Trafford.
Andy Robertson and Arne Slot
So many players have made their mark across August, which is most impressive given the lack of transfer activity despite clear signs that reinforcements are needed. Still, Federico Chiesa was signed for a shrewd £12.5m and the fans must trust the process.
Why Liverpool signed Federico Chiesa
Let's pretend it's May. If supporters were told that they could pick one position to strengthen, few would have chosen the attacking right flank, with issues glaring in central defence and holding midfield.
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo
But Chiesa was available for a cut-price fee as he entered the final year of his contract with Juventus, and FSG pounced. The Italy international is a creative and versatile forward with dynamic qualities that make him the perfect foil for Mohamed Salah.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for progressive passes per 90, with ball-carrying and creating properties that could supplement Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and co, fuelling Liverpool's strikeforce with one final ingredient to ensure that they fire on all cylinders this year.
Ryan Gravenberch's evolution into a deep-lying maestro suggests that Liverpool's caution might pay off, and while defenders are coveted, Liverpool are well stocked in that area even if a fresh face will be needed sooner rather than later.
After all, maybe we're all forgetting about Joe Gomez somewhat, for he's still plying his trade on Merseyside and may prove to be a key component this year.
Liverpool hit the jackpot on Joe Gomez
Last year, pundit Steve McManaman hailed Gomez as an "absolutely priceless" member of Liverpool's team. However, such wording proved obsolete when Newcastle United came a-calling one year later, offering Liverpool an enticing sum to pull him to Tyneside.
Indeed, Newcastle's PSR issues this summer meant that sales were necessary, lest they fall to the snapping maw of financial repercussions.
Right-back
25
0
1
Left-back
19
0
1
Centre-back
5
0
1
Defensive midfield
2
0
0
For Liverpool, the opportunity to sign Anthony Gordon in a deal worth £75m, which would include a £30m cash payment plus the transfer of Gomez, who has not been against moving away after signing for a Brendan Rodgers-led Liverpool from Charlton Athletic for about £3.5m in 2015.
The versatile ace, aged 27, offers something very distinctive for the Reds but £45m is no small sum – indeed, it is nearly four times more than the paltry figure that was paid for Chiesa's services.
Gomez's ability to impress across the backline makes him a resourceful option for Slot, and there's every chance that he will rise to the occasion and play an important role.
Newcastle wanted to pay the big bucks for a reason, but alas, he shall continue to bless Liverpool with his presence, continue to perform for a club that has well and truly hit the jackpot on snapping him up way back when.
He's out on loan: The Liverpool "prodigy" who can one day replace Salah
It has been a busy summer so far for Aston Villa. The Midlands club have a big season ahead in 2024/25, as they return to the Champions League and will play in the competition for the very first time since its rebrand.
Indeed, they have so far made eight summer signings, although Cameron Archer has since left the club, and Samuel Iling Junior is set to depart on loan. However, Unai Emery has still brought in six main additions to his squad, notably signing Amadou Onana from Everton in a deal worth £50m. The Belgian got the dream start to his Villa career, with a debut goal against West Ham United.
Belgium's Amadou Onana
There have also been some major outgoings at Villa Park. Two key men have left the club, with French winger Moussa Diaby joining Saudi side Al-Ittihad and midfielder Douglas Luiz making the move to Italian giants Juventus.
With the transfer window set to shut on Friday, the Villans might yet look to add to their squad ahead of their huge season amongst Europe’s elite. They have recently been linked with one player who could add quality and European pedigree to their side.
Aston Villa target Premier League defender
The player in question here is Chelsea’s English centre-back Trevoh Chalobah. The 25-year-old has been made into something of an outcast under new Blues boss Enzo Maresca and it seems likely that he will depart the club before the deadline at the end of the week.
Now, according to a report from Ben Jacobs, in conversation with GIVEMESPORT, the Villans are one club that could swoop in and look to sign the Chelsea academy graduate. Jacobs reports that Emery’s side are one of the ‘more viable destinations’ for the 25-year-old to end up at this summer.
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah
However, they will not be alone in their quest to sign him. Jacobs also names Crystal Palace as another option for Chalobah, which could see him link up with a fellow Cobham graduate Marc Guehi. However, whether he ends up at Villa Park, Selhurst Park or elsewhere, Jacobs does confirm he will likely stay in the Premier League.
In terms of a price, the 25-year-old is believed to be valued at around £35m, according to a report earlier in the window. However, with a sale needing to happen fast, the Blues could well drop their price to ensure he definitely leaves the club this summer.
Why Chalobah would be a good signing
Since breaking into the first team at Stamford Bridge in 2021/22, the 25-year-old has made 80 appearances for his boyhood club, although last term he featured for the Blues just 13 times in the Premier League.
Trevoh Chalobah
Frustratingly, this is due to a long-term injury, which kept Chalobah out between the start of August and the 10th of January. He missed a total of 192 days and 32 games with that injury, although it is the only long-term injury of his career, and should not be too much of a concern to Villa.
The Villans would also be adding European pedigree into their squad, ahead of their exciting European venture next term. The 25-year-old, who has had three loans including one at Ipswich Town, has won the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup with the Blues.
Although he was not part of the squad that won the Champions League in 2020/21, Chalobah has still been involved in a squad with the majority of those players and likely will have picked up invaluable nuggets of experience which could be helpful in claret and blue. He has played in Europe’s premier competition, featuring nine times and getting on the scoresheet once.
Should the former England youth international make the switch from Stamford Bridge to Villa Park, it could be a repeat of Villa’s recent signing Ian Maatsen. Like a proposed move for Chalobah, the Dutchman was bought from the West London outfit, having also come through the esteemed Cobham academy. He cost £37.5m from Chelsea.
Former Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen
Not only that, but he also has Champions League experience, like the English defender. During a loan to Borussia Dortmund last term, he was part of the side that reached the final at Wembley before they fell to defeat at the hands of Real Madrid.
Not only would there be similarities between the signing of Chalobah to that of Maatasen, but he could also be a perfect partner for Ezri Konsa. The England international has become a key player under Emery and has featured 78 times under the tutelage of the Spaniard.
Ezri Konsa for England
Why Chalobah would be perfect alongside Konsa
The pair are very similar when it comes to their stats via FBRef, with both defenders excellent on the ball and good defensively, too. For example, last season, the Chelsea defender averaged 4.34 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, with Villa’s number four averaging slightly less at 4.16.
They are also neck and neck when looking at the tackles and interception stats from the 2023/24 campaign. The Cobham graduate averaged 2.26 per game, although the Villa defender averaged slightly more, at 2.4.
Ball recoveries
4.34
4.16
Tackles and interceptions
2.26
2.4
% of dribblers tackled
66.7%
85.2%
Clearances
4.81
2.14
In terms of their numbers on the ball, Chalobah averaged 2.92 progressive passes last term, which is far fewer than Konsa, who averaged an impressive 3.99 each game. Aside from being progressive on the ball, the pair look after the ball well, with the Chelsea defender averaging an 89.4% pass accuracy, and the Villa defender a 91.1% pass accuracy.
It certainly seems as those they would be two complementary defenders in Emery’s Villa system, which requires his centre-backs to be good on the ball and progress play forwards. They could become a dream pairing for the Spaniard.
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.
Chalobah was described as a “seriously talented” defender by football scout Antonio Mango and given the Champions League pedigree he would bring, combined with the fact it would replicate the Maatsen move, which has already shown to be a good value-for-money signing, this could be a shrewd addition for from Villa.
Aston Villa could land dream signing for Rogers in move for £50k-p/w PL ace
The Villans have been touted with an interest in the impressive centre-forward this summer.
A big update has emerged on Arsenal and their efforts to lure Chelsea centre-forward Kai Havertz to The Emirates ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
What's the latest on Kai Havertz to Arsenal?
According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners have made a second offer to sign the German international after they had a £50m proposal turned down by their London rivals.
The report claims that Mikel Arteta's side have submitted a £60m bid, with a guaranteed £55m, in the hope of convincing the Blues to part ways with the talented attacker.
It states that they have the contract ready for the 24-year-old marksman as they are prepared to offer him at least £210k-per-week to make the switch across the city.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano followed up on this story by tweeting: "Understand deal could be done around £65m fee. Talks to follow. Havertz has been clear: he wants Arsenal move."
The reporter then added that a five-year deal is actually "already agreed" with the player and that the Gunners are hoping to strike an agreement with Chelsea this week.
Where would Havertz fit in at Arsenal?
The German maestro is far from a prolific number nine who will come in and lead the team to the Premier League title in the same way that Erling Halaand did for Manchester City.
Chelsea centre-forward Kai Havertz.
However, Havertz could provide value to Arteta's side in a false nine role as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have shown that they have the quality to carry the goalscoring burden from out wide – they managed 29 top-flight goals combined last term.
He could be a Dennis Bergkamp-esque player for Arsenal in the sense that the 24-year-old magician could feature as more of a second-striker, with the Dutch legend having scored 118 goals and assisted 95 in 416 matches for the club.
In 2021, former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel compared the left-footed whiz to the former Arsenal star:
"I see a bit of Dennis Bergkamp, Robin Van Persie, [Dimitar] Berbatov kind of player. He can play in the half position because he has good runs, but also feels free from the nine and creates overload to one side."
Havertz has only scored 32 goals in 139 games for Chelsea but has showcased his ability to help the team in other, less direct, ways.
Over the last 365 days, the mercurial ace ranks in the top 9% or higher of players in his position in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions for passes attempted, pass success rate, and progressive passes per 90.
This shows that Havertz excels at progressing the ball up the pitch and is actively involved in matches even when he is not on the scoresheet, which means that the £65m-rated marksman could thrive with two goalscoring wingers on either side of him in Arteta's system, as they would be able to provide direct running and goals to complement his playmaking.
Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Leicester City's most coveted asset James Maddison for over one year now, and could craft a devastating midfield duo by securing his signature.
What's the latest on James Maddison to Newcastle?
That's according to a recent report from the Telegraph, claiming that with Newcastle 'close' to signing Inter Milan maestro Nicolo Barella, the signing of the England international is concurrently being explored as the Toon 'edge closer' to an agreement over a fee.
Leicester, who were relegated from the Premier League this year, are demanding £60m to facilitate the departure of the playmaker, but Newcastle and further suitors are not willing to meet such an exorbitant valuation.
The 26-year-old does only have one year left on his current deal, and as the window rages on and the Foxes are forced to allow their asking price to depreciate, the Magpies could complete their midfield with a first-rate acquisition.
Should Newcastle sign James Maddison?
With divisional rivals Tottenham Hotspur also holding a vested interest in the Leicester ace, Newcastle will need to ensure they act swiftly to tie up a deal this summer, though manager Eddie Howe boasts the allure of Champions League football and the prospect of cementing a starting berth in one of Europe's most affluent outfits.
Quite simply, there are scant few players who would overtly turn their noses at a move to St. James's Park following the lucrative PIF takeover in 2021, with the formerly relegation-threatened team now a cohesive squad with an exciting vision and a winning mentality.
Maddison would enrich this ambitious team, despite suffering the drop, he is one of the few City players to emerge relatively unscathed, having scored ten goals and supplied nine assists from just 28 starting top-flight appearances.
Hailed as "world-class" by England manager Gareth Southgate, the £110k-per-week gem would certainly add something new to the industrious Magpies midfield, deployed closer to the offensive third than his positional peers on Tyneside.
Joe Willock and Joelinton thrive astride Bruno Guimaraes, the kernel of the system and a superlative and dynamic deep-lying option, and while both are excellent ball carriers with goals and assists in their lockers, neither possess the prolific brilliance of the multi-faceted Maddison.
Leicester midfielder James Maddison.
And considering the two-cap maestro ranks among the top 15% of attacking midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes, the top 13% for shot-creating actions and the top 17% for tackles per 90, as per FBref, his dynamism in both creativity and tenacity underscores just how much value he could be to Howe as he seeks out silverware and sustained European campaigns.
And if the Toon are successful in their bid to sign Barella too, a remarkable new partnership could be born, with the Italian star, who is more of an orchestrator than a No. 10, earning acclaim for his ability to take his outfit into "different gear" – as praised by presenter Jack Collins – after pulling the strings on countless occasions.
The 26-year-old Serie A machine ranks among the top 19% of midfielders for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries and the top 8% for progressive passes received per 90, meaning he flourishes both spraying passes from deep and gallivanting forwards to wreak havoc from a frontal position.
The versatility in transition from both the "magician" – as heralded by Statman Dave – that is Maddison and the "genius" – as described by editor Mike Piellucci – of Barella could whip up a brilliant blend of abilities, two shining stars attacking from alternating angles like light refracting against glass.
Howe simply must attempt to sign both players this summer, consolidating his club's newfound power and crafting a midfield capable of rivalling any across the continent in both quality and determination.
Glasgow Rangers are keen to sign defender Auston Trusty as Michael Beale looks to continue his recruitment drive at the Ibrox side.
What’s the latest on Auston Trusty to Rangers?
According to The Athletic, Rangers are still interested in signing Arsenal centre-back Trusty this summer, having first been linked with him at the start of May.
A fee of around £2m was suggested last month as being enough to tempt him away from the Premier League, and this is a figure that Beale could certainly afford, especially with the Gers looking to move on some deadwood over the coming weeks.
Beale is looking at making his fifth signing of the summer, with Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell, Jack Butland and Sam Lammers all arriving in Glasgow since the end of 2022/23.
Could Auston Trusty replace Ben Davies at Rangers?
With the need for a total rejigging of the playing squad this summer, Beale will have to offload some players in order to raise funds for future purchases, and Ben Davies – who was only signed in 2022 – could be someone that might generate a solid transfer fee.
Stoke City are keeping tabs on the centre-back, and although he played more during the second half of the season, as per Sofascore, he only ranked 14th in the squad for overall rating (6.94/10), 16th for tackles per game (0.9) and seventh for interceptions per game (0.8), suggesting that he hasn’t exactly shone across these defensive metrics in relation to his teammates.
Kenny Miller even dubbed him as “very poor” following a mistake during an Old Firm clash back in April, when he failed to clear a simple ball over the top and Trusty may be the man to come in and replace him.
Meanwhile, Trusty enjoyed a solid season out on loan at Birmingham City in 2022/23, ranking third in the squad for rating (6.97/10), second for tackles per game (2.3) and first for interceptions per game (1.5), underlining his importance to the team while also averaging better numbers than Davies across these metrics.
The £13.8k-per-week brute is only 24 years old and has arguably yet to his peak years, which suggests that Beale could get the best out of the American should he make a move to Glasgow in the coming weeks. Having won the fans’ Player of the Year Award for his performances at St Andrew's, it indicates that he is able to settle in well at a club and takes no time in showcasing his ability, which could be a big bonus for the 42-year-old, as a fast start is a must next term.
Auston Trusty
Trusty was dubbed “incredible” by teammate George Friend back in October while also saying that he took to the Championship “so easily” – which surely bodes well ahead of a potential move to the Premiership.
Making a move for the American could be a shrewd investment by Beale and it looks set to be bad news for Davies if his signing is announced.
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a Ligue 1 star to bolster their attack, as Mikel Arteta prepares for a busy summer in charge at the Emirates.
While the Gunners enjoyed a high-scoring Premier League season, in a year that teased north London with their first league title since 2004, there is always room for improvement which the Spaniard could achieve in signing their latest target.
What’s the latest on Elye Wahi to Arsenal?
As reported by Foot Mercato late last month, Arsenal are interested in signing Montpellier forward Elye Wahi this summer.
The report claimed that the Gunners were in ‘pole position’ to sign the striker, who is believed to be valued around €35m (£30m).
In a recent interview with 100% Paillade, Montpellier president Laurent Nicollin revealed that Arsenal are a club that the goal machine “likes a lot”, as relayed by Get Football News France.
What could Elye Wahi offer to Arsenal?
Lauded as “powerful” by Francis de Taddeo, ex-academy director at his former club Caen, the forward could be an exciting revelation for the Gunners.
North London has enjoyed its fair share of French strikers, from Thierry Henry to Olivier Giroud, and it’s not unfamiliar for the club to have a Frenchman leading the line.
In 33 Ligue 1 appearances, the 20-year-old has contributed to a total of 24 goals, scoring 19 himself and assisting five in a memorable individual season, via FBref.
The interest sparks questions as to what his place would be in Arsenal’s side, and most importantly how this would affect Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal’s number nine has had a strong first season in the capital, despite missing a chunk of action after undergoing knee surgery for an injury sustained at the Qatar World Cup.
Arteta was left with little option following the Brazilian’s absence, with no option but to see Eddie Nketiah lead the line, a player that had previously struggled to maintain game time.
The Englishman did a stellar job in standing in for the former Manchester City ace, notably scoring twice against Manchester United, however, the issue remained that there was no other option for Arteta to consider other than the forward with ten Premier League goals prior to this campaign.
In Wahi, Arsenal would not only gain a stronger option to contest and interchange with Jesus but a forward in himself that is capable of leading the line.
As per FBref, the striker averages 0.64 non-penalty goals per 90, placing him in the top 7% of forwards in Europe in this area which signifies the prolific nature of his game.
Arteta could replicate the success that Pep Guardiola has in being able to rely on Julian Alvarez to get among the goals in the absence of Erling Haaland, which would be a huge step in terms of Arsenal’s progression, but certainly bad news for Nketiah.
Indeed, the Argentine has capped off a wonderful first season in English football where in the process of winning the treble, found the net on 17 occasions, a great deal better than the nine-goal haul of Arsenal's back up striker.
This season may well have been all about Haaland but Alvarez certainly played a huge part in dragging City across the line.
Therefore, another striker potentially arriving in north London could mean the end of the road for the 24-year-old Nketiah, who has struggled to impose his quality during his career at Arsenal so far.
Everton are ready to look at the summer transfer window, as Sean Dyche aims to improve his squad following securing their Premier League survival.
The Toffees confirmed their top-division stay on the final day with a win over Bournemouth, while the celebrations were fuelled by relief, the club must look towards improvement during the break in issues both on and off the field.
Most recently, the Blues have been linked to a Bundesliga starlet, who could be on the move to Goodison.
What’s the latest on Tom Krauss to Everton?
As reported by Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, RB Leipzig midfielder Tom Krauss has gained interest from Everton following a successful loan spell at Schalke.
The 21-year-old also has interest from fellow German clubs Mainz and Borussia Monchengladbach, with the Toffees included as one party who could sign the youngster.
The report speculates that the defensive midfielder is expected to cost in the region of €5m-€7m (£4m-£6m) making him an affordable asset for the Blues.
What could Tom Krauss bring to Everton?
Hailed by U23 talent scout Antonio Mango as “outstanding”, the German has spent the season on loan at Schalke, which despite ending in relegation, allowed him to showcase his abilities in deep midfield.
The 21-year-old averaged a Sofascore match rating of 6.80, cementing himself as one of the club’s top ten performers this campaign.
With Everton’s reported interest comes an exciting prospect for the Blues, as there is a player with great potential in the Leipzig-born ace.
Dyche may opt to plan for the future this summer, with Everton almost replicating the disappointment of the season before, a reshuffle is expected to be made at Goodison.
Krauss could be a strong heir to Idrissa Gueye, who despite being commanding in midfield, is closer to the end of his career than his best at 33-years-old.
The two bear many similarities to their games, as reinforced through their statistics in attributes essential for a player in deep midfield.
As per FBref, Gueye averages 1.96 interceptions, 1.75 blocks and 1.19 clearances per 90 over the past year, with the German hitting similar levels with 1.29 interceptions, 1.40 blocks and 1.25 clearances per 90 in the Bundesliga.
What stands out for the 21-year-old is his rate of tackles, ranking him in the top 1% of players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues, averaging a mammoth 4.01 per 90, with Gueye scoring 3.39 in this area.
Lauded as being capable of doing “almost everything” by members of the media, the young midfielder has earned his praise, and equally mass interest from both clubs within his home country and of course the Premier League.
Dyche could ease the transition in midfield when Gueye nears the end of his career at Goodison with the energy of the young maestro, and being available at such a low cost is a bonus in what could be a truly exciting link this summer.