Since Todd Boehly's arrival, Chelsea's transfer tactic has centred around signing players for the future rather than those currently in their prime. However, the Blues have struggled to regain their place in the Premier League's top four, with several arrivals struggling to get going at Stamford Bridge. The American is seemingly sticking to his ways rather than switching things up, however.
Reports suggest that the London club have now turned their attention towards beating Manchester United and a number of other clubs to the signature of one particular South American gem, with Boehly reportedly bidding hard for the youngster's signature.
Chelsea transfer news
Stagnating in the Premier League's mid-table for the second consecutive season, it's fair to say that Chelsea's summer rebuild hasn't exactly gone to plan so far. The Blues showed the exit door to the likes of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz to welcome Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and many more. Yet, even after splashing the cash, Boehly has seen the same results on the pitch. The American owner will hope that with time and players realising their potential, Mauricio Pochettino's side will find their best form. Potentially helping them on their way to that return could be a Brazilian gem too.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.
According to Mundo Deportivo via Sport Witness, Chelsea are bidding hard to sign Estevao Willian, who is also known as Messinho at Palmeiras. The 16-year-old has also attracted the interest of Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, who are also doing the same and Chelsea, whereas Paris Saint-Germain are also keen in what could be a busy race for his signature.
Wherever Estevao decides to go, he must wait until he turns 18 years old to complete a move to Europe, handing the likes of Chelsea plenty of time to build their deal for the winger. Attracting plenty of interest, the teenager looks set to have a crucial decision to make when the time comes.
Estevao is a "huge talent"
The fact that Estevao is already reportedly attracting the interest of some of Europe's top clubs tells the story of a 16-year-old with the world at his feet. With a big decision to make, Chelsea will hope to eventually add the teenager to what is a squad increasingly full of potential. And whilst Boehly's transfer tactic is yet to work out, Estevao could eventually become the player that Chelsea have been looking to take centre stage for years to come, should he choose a move to Stamford Bridge. Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig has certainly been impressed by the youngster, posting on X:
Whilst Chelsea's attention should be focused on potential January arrivals, it should be seen as a positive that Boehly is planning for the future, especially when it comes to signing a player of Estevao's potential.
Manchester United have made contact to express their interest in a move to sign a central talisman in January, according to a fresh report that has emerged.
The Red Devils have made an extremely mixed start to the new campaign having won nine and lost seven of their opening 16 games in thePremier League, although they are still firmly in contention to secure a place in the top four should they start picking up results on a more consistent basis.
Ahead of the upcoming window opening, Erik ten Hag will know that he needs to strengthen his squad should he want to try and qualify for the Champions League, and with Sofyan Amrabat having been nothing short of underwhelming following his summer arrival on loan, defensive midfield is a position that needs addressing.
Fulham’s Joao Palhinha has been identified as a potential candidate by the manager, with the 28-year-old having firmly established himself as Marco Silva’s overall best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 7.18 (Fulham statistics).
July 4, 2022
Sporting CP
Fulham
Jul 31, 2020
SC Braga
Sporting CP (end of loan)
Aug 7, 2018
Sporting CP
SC Braga (loan)
The Portugal international came extremely close to joining Bayern Munich over the summer, but with a deal collapsing on deadline day despite him travelling for a medical, he ended up remaining at Craven Cottage, and his impressive performances have brought him onto the radar of other clubs in the top-flight.
Man United hoping to land Palhinha
According to Football Transfers, Man United are interested in Palhinha and have made Fulham aware that they would be keen to secure his services in January.
“Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have all expressed their desire to sign Palhinha in recent weeks, with FootballTransfers exclusively reporting that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are set to turn their attention to the Fulham man after learning Aston Villa’s asking price for Douglas Luiz. Sources have informed us that Palhinha may cost €58 million (£50m) in 2024, with a January move on the cards if a suitable bid is tabled.”
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Palhinha could be a "monster" for Ten Hag
As it stands, Palhinha ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles so he loves to get stuck into challenges to try and win back possession for his team, but he’s also more than capable of making a positive impact at the opposite end of the pitch (FBRef – Palhinha statistics).
Standing at 6 foot 2, Lisbon’s native has already posted three contributions (two goals and one assist), in 14 Premier League appearances this season, so considering how effective he can be both defensively and offensively, he’s such a well-rounded player.
Sponsored by Adidas, Ten Hag’s target even knows what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level because he has secured five pieces of silverware since the start of his career, so he will possess the winning mentality required to achieve what is expected of him at Old Trafford.
As dubbed by Video and Data Analyst Marcus Bring, Palhinha is a “defensive monster”, and when you look at all of the positive qualities that he could bring to the side, Man United have a no-brainer of a decision to make should the opportunity present itself in the coming weeks.
Glasgow Rangers started their new era under Philippe Clement with a dominating performance in the Premiership.
The Ibrox side defeated Hibernian 4-0 in Glasgow and the performance, while far from perfect, was a massive improvement from the regular lacklustre showings under Michael Beale.
The 43-year-old had led the club to a woeful start to the 2023/24 season, failing to qualify for the Champions League group stages along with suffering a defeat to Celtic and the writing was on the wall that his tenure could be over sooner rather than later.
AS Monaco's former managerPhilippe Clement.
Indeed, a dreadful home loss against Aberdeen was the final straw and he was sacked at the start of October.
Steven Davis was placed in interim charge of the Gers for two matches and despite winning only one of these ties, the faith he had in several youngsters was refreshing to see and proves that the chances are there for talented youth products who have shone for the academy recently.
One name stands out more than most, however, as Zak Lovelace has the potential to become a regular in the Light Blues starting XI over the coming years.
How much did Zak Lovelace cost Rangers?
Lovelace made his first team debut for Millwall aged just 15 back in December 2021 after enjoying success in their youth teams and he became the second youngest player in their history.
With Rangers aiming to recruit some of the brightest talents in Britain, Lovelace was earmarked as a potential signing and Giovanni van Bronckhorst secured his signature in the summer of 2022, and due to cross-border rules, the teenager cost the Light Blues just a £100k compensation fee.
It could eventually turn out to be a bargain due to his seemingly limitless potential, and he has already made his mark at Ibrox.
How many appearances has Zak Lovelace made for Rangers?
It didn’t take long for the Dutchman to give the former Millwall starlet his senior bow for the Gers. Just a couple of months or so after joining, Rangers faced Queen of the South at Ibrox in a League Cup tie and Van Bronckhorst heavily rotated the starting XI.
Lovelace came on with just 14 minutes left to make his debut for the club and showed flashes of just why the Light Blues wanted to lure him north of the border.
Throughout the remainder of the campaign, the teenage sensation netted 18 goals for the B team across all competitions – including two in the UEFA Youth League – along with helping himself to ten assists, and it was a stunning start to life in Scotland.
Beale rewarded him by giving the player a cameo against Celtic in May and so far this season, he has featured twice in the Premiership.
He started off brightly against St Mirren, causing their defence plenty of trouble on the right wing and came close to setting up an opening goal with a wonderful pass across the face of the St Mirren goal.
16 years 1 month
16 years 4 months
16 years 4 months
16 years 5 months
16 years 7 months
Lovelace made one key pass and was fouled once, yet he had to go off before the half-time break due to injury and it is unclear when he could add to his four Rangers appearances.
The Belgian will be keen on allowing the young talents to flourish over the next few months and could he even repeat Rangers’ Lovelace masterclass from 2022 as the club are keen on a player who is making a splash down south – Mason Cotcher.
Are Rangers interested in signing Mason Cotcher?
According to the Sunderland Echo, Rangers are showing a keen interest in the 17-year-old who plays for the Sunderland U18 side, but he is yet to feature during the current season.
Clement could face some stiff competition for the youngster however, as Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion are also keeping tabs on Cotcher and the Gunners may have just secured the upper hand with regard to securing his signature.
The teenager was named in the starting XI for Arsenal’s U18 side against Middlesbrough as a trialist just a few days ago as they appear to be stepping up their interest in the striker and Mikel Arteta is trying to lure some of the finest talent in the country down to London.
What is Mason Cotcher’s best position?
The youngster is quite versatile and can feature across the front three, but it appears as though playing through the middle is his favoured position, and certainly the one he has scored the most goals from.
For the Sunderland U18 side last season, Cotcher netted nine goals and grabbed one assist across 21 matches, a more than solid return for the striker, and he could certainly follow in Lovelace’s steps by moving from the Championship to Scotland.
The 17-year-old has also earned national recognition, playing twice for the England U17 side, and he will be keen to make progress up the age groups as fast as possible.
Due to the teenager being on a scholarship deal at the Black Cats, he could technically move away at any time and with the cross-border rules allowing Rangers to potentially exploit situations like this, could they perhaps be in the best position to sign him?
Considering Lovelace only cost £100k, it is possible they could sign the Sunderland gem for a similar fee and much will be made of how interested Arsenal and Brighton are, as they will have to fork out more for his services.
Clement already looks to be eyeing future signings that will add some depth to his youth squads and having given young winger Ross McCausland a run out against Hibs on the weekend, there is a clear pathway from the B team to the starting XI of the first team if players work hard.
This could only be an advantage when going after teenage starlets from English clubs as there is a chance at playing in front of a full house at Ibrox, while potentially featuring in European competition and this is something Cotcher will need to weigh up when deciding his next move.
If he does move to Rangers, it could be the catalyst for plenty more teenage sensations arriving in the coming months.
Tottenham Hotspur had enjoyed a tremendous start to life under Ange Postecoglou and had established themselves as Premier League table-toppers after ten matches.
It was an unforeseen rise; while the craggy-faced Australian's appointment was viewed as rational – his tactical vision and approach aligned with the club's DNA, and won chairman Daniel Levy over despite interest in coaches such as Julian Nagelsmann – few expected him to blitz into early title contention.
Ange Postecoglou
Spurs had fallen by the wayside last season and finished eighth, but Postecoglou instilled belief and implemented his playing style swiftly, and the results were there for all to see.
But a triad of recent league defeats has exposed the frailty and thinness of Spurs' squad, and the January transfer window must be used to land some impactful additions.
Tottenham transfer news – Jota
According to The Times, Tottenham are 'stepping up' their interest in signing Al-Ittihad's Jota in a loan deal in January, with the Portuguese winger's playing time in Saudi Arabia severely hindered by a league limit on the number of foreign players eligible for inclusion in the matchday squad.
While Postecoglou's priority is the defence, injuries to Manor Solomon and Richarlison have made the proposition of signing the loan-listed 24-year-old enticing.
The surprise academy star who could replace Richarlison at Spurs
Postecoglou could find a devastating new attacking outlet in this rising Spurs starlet.
ByAngus Sinclair Nov 17, 2023
Jota starred under Postecoglou's wing at Celtic before completing a £25m transfer to the Saudi Pro League in July, though he was linked to Tottenham prior and could now make the move, replacing Bryan Gil on the flanks.
Bryan Gil's Tottenham statistics
Gil arrived with such promise. Leaving his Spanish homeland to join Tottenham in a £22m deal from Sevilla in 2021, this mercurial winger was touted for big things.
ESPN's David Cartlidge had dubbed him a "potential star in the making", and there was – is – so much to like; electric pace, deft dribbling and comparisons to Manchester City's Jack Grealish.
Tottenham winger Bryan Gil.
But he's failed to get going and yields just two assists and a grand total of zero goals from 34 Tottenham appearances, joining Valencia in a loan move in January 2022 and only returning to the pack this summer.
With Tottenham's mountainous pile of injuries calling for heavy rotation, Gil started during the recent loss against Aston Villa and did actually play well, completing 3/4 dribbles and making one key pass, as per Sofascore, but he boasts not the physicality nor the confidence to star for Postecoglou at present, and Jota should be brought in to take a starring role.
The statistics that show why Tottenham should sign Jota
Jota has not enjoyed the start to life in the Saudi Pro League that he would have hoped for, playing just five times, scoring one goal and not earning a single start – his last appearance came in September.
It's proved to be a waste of everyone's time, and given that Jota reportedly earns £200k-per-week it has not been a prudent business venture, especially after such a prolific 2022/23 campaign with Celtic, where he plundered 15 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, even scoring against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The 5 foot 8 dynamo was absolutely incredible in the Scottish Premiership, clinching 11 goals and assists apiece, also creating 13 big chances and completing 80% of his passes, praised for his “perfect” technical skills by journalist Josh Bunting.
While the Premier League would be a step up, Postecoglou knows Jota's skill set well and could slot him right into the system, with his past exploits highlighting his cutting edge; he has even been described as a "genius" by pundit Ally McCoist.
If the Lilywhites can successfully manufacture a loan deal, a big upgrade on Gil could be secured while not precluding winter investment on the backline, which, all in all, makes for a fantastic window for Postecoglou as he looks to steer his side back on track after such a stellar start.
Aston Villa have seen an abundance of talent take to the pitch at Villa Park over the years, however not all names have been as memorable as others.
Unai Emery’s current crop of stars are reviving the good times in the Midlands, from the expertise of Emi Martinez between the posts, to the reliability of Ollie Watkins leading the line, the Villans seem to be destined for new highs.
Having a reliable goalscorer hasn’t always been the case for Villa in the Premier League era, from Rudy Gestede to Danny Ings, some players have simply failed to live up to expectation of fulfilling the number nine role.
While some transfers have been worse than others when it came to acquiring strikers in the past, one name sticks out as having a woeful time at the club, however his form since leaving tells a different story.
Borja Baston’s statistics for Aston Villa
In January 2020, Dean Smith made the decision to sign striker Borja Baston from Swansea City on a free transfer, in the bid to boost his options going forward.
Smith had captured the signature of Brazilian forward Wesley in the summer prior, however following the new signing’s anterior cruciate ligament blow early into his debut season at Villa, Baston was introduced as an additional reinforcement.
borja-baston
The Spaniard had been in South Wales for three-and-a-half years prior to his move to Villa, signing for the Swans from Atletico Madrid in 2016, where he then endeavoured on several loan spells back to Spain before bidding farewell.
Earlier in the 2019/20 campaign, Baston had netted six goals in 20 Championship appearances for Swansea, making enough of an impact for Smith to deem him as the appropriate signing to make.
At the point of his arrival, Smith lauded the striker as being “hungry” to achieve, however by the summer, his time at Villa had ended with just two appearances, 16 minutes played and certainly no goals.
Borja Baston's Aston Villa career
Touches per game
4.5
Shots per game
0
Key passes per game
0
Dribbles per game
0
Error that led to shot
1
Goals
0
Figures via Sofascore
As highlighted in the table above, Baston’s time at Villa was a disaster and the hunger that he had displayed to Smith was nowhere to be seen, however since leaving, his form tells a different story.
What Borja Baston is doing now
After leaving Villa, Baston returned to Spain to sign for CD Leganes on a free transfer, where he took the time to rediscover his form slowly, scoring five goals in 35 appearances in the second-tier of Spanish football.
The 2021/22 campaign finally saw the forward come to life, as he signed for fellow La Liga 2 club Real Oviedo, and the goals began to fire in.
In that season, Baston netted 22 goals in 40 league appearances for Oviedo, coming joint-first in the league scoring charts to showcase his proficiency in the final third, after years of struggling to find his footing again.
Ollie Watkins
Borja Baston
2020/21
16
5
2021/22
11
22
2022/23
16
10
2023/24
9
3
Total
40
52
Figures via Transfermarkt
As portrayed in the table above, Baston actually outscored Villa frontman, Watkins, that campaign, and has managed to keep within reach of the Englishman since his exit from Villa Park back in 2020.
No one would have predicted that Baston would go on to hit 22 goals in a season after his time at Villa, however football is unpredictable and one right move can change the trajectory of a striker's form.
Newcastle United are believed to be a plotting a formal bid for a gifted Championship starlet with a big future in the game, a new report has claimed.
Newcastle want January signings
The Magpies' struggles this season have been well-documented, with constant injury problems making it difficult for them to replicate last year's brilliance. A second consecutive top-four finish in the Premier League is looking increasingly difficult, but with the January transfer window now underway, they will have a chance to make new signings, with Eddie Howe surely keen on boosting the squad options that he currently has.
The absence of Sven Botman at the centre of Newcastle's defence has hurt them badly so far this season, and a lack of top-quality centre-backs means that they have been linked with moves for the likes of Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie and highly-rated Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo.
Newcastle's midfield has struggled at times, too, not helped by Sandro Tonali being suspended for ten months and not being back until next season, and Kalvin Phillips continues to stand out as a primary target, with a loan move for the Manchester City and England ace mooted.
It is important that signings arrive for the here and now this month, but equally, it is also paramount that Howe looks to hoover up top young talent as well, which is where a new transfer story comes into play.
Newcastle eyeing move for Rory Finneran
According to a fresh update from Football Insider, Newcastle are readying a bid for Blackburn Rovers teenager Rory Finneran, with scouts left impressed after watching him in action recently.
St James' Park
"Newcastle are plotting a formal move for Blackburn Rovers starlet Rory Finneran, sources have told Football Insider. Finneran, 15, is regarded as a future star by the Championship club and is already a Republic of Ireland Under-17 international.
"Newcastle are readying an offer for the defensive midfielder – who has impressed Magpies scouts at youth level for both club and country. Finneran has regularly taken part in first-team training with Blackburn and was named on the bench for their recent 2-1 win over Bristol City on 12 December."
Finneran may be something of an unknown, considering he is still just 15 years of age, but he is someone who is highly thought of at Blackburn, with the report's description of him as a "future star" outlining his potential. The midfielder has already made ten appearances for his current club's Under-18s, despite being three years younger than that age group, further showing the speed at which he is developing.
Newcastle could be an ideal club for Finneran to move to, with the Magpies' current issues not masking the fact that they are still heading in a positive direction overall.
Newcastle battle rivals for shock Dybala signing as release clause revealed
This could be a high-profile statement of intent by the Magpies.
ByHenry Jackson Jan 1, 2024
The emergence of Lewis Miley this season could even be used as inspiration for the Blackburn starlet, too, with the 17-year-old enjoying a breakthrough campaign that has seen him becoming a genuinely important first-team player.
Everton manager David Moyes has now personally requested the signing of an “excellent” midfielder this summer, according to a journalist.
Toffees in need of summer rebuild
There has been a major improvement in performances since Moyes returned to Goodison Park, and the manager has achieved his main aim of avoiding relegation from the Premier League ahead of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock this summer.
However, the Toffees have made a habit of drawing far too many games, meaning they have now won just one of their last ten matches, most recently slipping up against already-relegated Ipswich Town in the penultimate match at Goodison Park.
Moyes’ side raced into a two-goal lead against the Tractor Boys, but the visitors fought back to earn a point on the road, which underlined the need to bring in new reinforcements in the summer transfer window.
The next Barkley: Everton considering move for "unbelievable" £15m star
David Moyes is looking to overhaul his Everton squad this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair May 2, 2025
Targets have been identified in several key areas, including striker, with the Merseysiders now leading the race for Jamie Vardy, while the Friedkin Group are also ready to back Moyes by making a move for Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer.
Everton are interested in bringing in a new midfielder from elsewhere, but they also need to secure the future of Carlos Alcaraz, who has shown some promising signs since arriving on loan from Flamengo back in January.
Evertonmanager David Moyes withEverton's CarlosAlcaraz
According to journalist Bruno Lemos (via Sport Witness), Moyes has now personally requested for the Friedkin Group to sign Alcaraz on a permanent basis this summer, regardless of whether the mandatory clause to sign the midfielder for €18m (£15m) is triggered.
There are conflicting reports as to how many games Alcaraz will have to feature in for the Toffees to be obligated to sign him permanently, but Moyes wants a deal done either way, having seemingly been left by his performances in the second half of the campaign.
"Excellent" Alcaraz has earned permanent move
Upon arrival at Goodison Park, the 22-year-old was described as an “excellent ball carrier who can add real quality to our attack” by sporting director Kevin Thelwell, and he has since gone on to put in some impressive performances for Moyes’ side.
The attacking midfielder has featured 13 times in the Premier League, picking up one goal and two assists, most recently setting up Beto’s opening goal in the 2-2 draw against Ipswich at the weekend.
Not only does the Argentine contribute going forward, but he is also more than willing to pitch in defensively, ranking highly across some key defensive metrics over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.
Statistic
Average per 90
Tackles
1.60 (80th percentile)
Interceptions
0.99 (99th percentile)
Clearances
1.35 (95th percentile)
Alcaraz has proven he is well worth snapping up on a permanent basis this summer, so it is no surprise that Moyes has made it clear he wants club chiefs to get a deal over the line.
Brighton and Hove Albion have made contact to enquire about a deal to sign a new defender, according to a fresh report that has emerged.
Roberto De Zerbi's season so far
The Seagulls have made a generally positive start to the new campaign having won six, drawn four and lost four of their opening 14 games, meaning that they currently find themselves eighth in the Premier League table.
Luton Town (4-1)
Liverpool (2-2)
West Ham United (3-1)
Wolves (4-1)
Fulham (1-1)
Aston Villa (6-1)
Newcastle United (3-1)
Everton (1-1)
Manchester City (2-1)
Manchester United (3-1)
Sheffield United (1-1)
Chelsea (3-2)
Bournemouth (3-1)
Nottingham Forest (3-2)
Ahead of January, Roberto De Zerbi will know that strengthening his squad further could allow him to challenge for a high place in the division, not to mention how far he could take his side in the Europa League, and he’s set his sights on one target in particular.
Sevilla right-back Juanlu Sanchez has established himself as Diego Alonso’s overall second best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 7.03 (WhoScored – Sevilla statistics), and the 20-year-old’s impressive form has seemingly caught the eye at The Amex.
The Spain youth international was recently the subject of interest from the south coast outfit who were reportedly considering making a move, and if the following update is to be believed, the hierarchy have now taken their admiration one step further prior to the upcoming transfer window opening.
Brighton interested in Juanlu Sanchez
According to Spanish outlet ABC Sevilla (via Sport Witness), Brighton are keen on Sanchez ahead of January. The Seagulls have reached out to ask how much it would take to secure the services of their target “in recent days”, after sending scouts to assess his performances. The Sevilla defender is set to have a release clause of €25m (£21m) in the new year, and whilst an official offer is yet to be made, there is “clear interest”.
Sevilla defenderJuanlu Sanchez.
Sanchez could be a "gifted" player for De Zerbi
Being a right-back, Sanchez is naturally stronger in the defensive aspect of his game which he’s proven so far this season where he currently ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles and the 98th percentile for blocks (FBRef – Sanchez statistics).
Sponsored by Nike, De Zerbi’s target is also capable of making a positive impact in the final third having posted 23 contributions, 13 assists and 10 goals, in 128 appearances since the start of his career (Transfermarkt – Sanchez statistics).
The Seville native also has previous experience competing in both the Champions League and Europa League, so he will additionally know what it takes to be successful at the level required in the competition that the club are currently in.
As described by Jose Manuel Rodriguez, Sanchez is a genuinely “gifted” player, and whilst he could be ready to be thrown straight into the starting line-up, being just 20 years of age, he could be more of an exciting signing for the long-term future of Brighton.
An update has emerged on Arsenal and their plans to make further additions to their playing squad during the upcoming January transfer window…
Arsenal transfer news – Ruben Neves
According to a report from Spanish outlet Sport, Mikel Arteta is eyeing up a deal to sign Al Hilal central midfielder Ruben Neves ahead of the second half of the campaign.
The outlet has claimed that the Gunners boss is pushing for the signing to improve his midfield options in 2024, and is making his case to the board.
Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
It is stated that the Spanish tactician has identified Neves as a target due to the uncertainty over the future of Thomas Partey, with it being said that the Ghana international could be on his way out of The Emirates, although it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to seal an exit.
Arteta could now secure a dream heir to the former Atletico Madrid ace by landing his target in January…
Partey's Arsenal statistics
The 30-year-old enforcer has only played four times in the Premier League so far this season but was an integral part of their top-flight campaign last time out.
Partey played in 33 of the club's 38 league matches as they finished runners-up behind Manchester City in the title-race and he displayed his qualities in and out of possession.
douglas-luiz-saka-partey-arsenal-opinion
Defensively, the veteran battler contributed with 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game and came out on top in 59% of his contests throughout the season.
In possession, Partey completed 88% of his attempted passes and made an impact at the top end of the pitch with three goals and two 'big chances' created in those 38 games.
The statistics that show why Neves could replace Partey
Neves, on the other hand, was lining up for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League last season and caught the eye with his impressive displays.
The 5 foot 11 dynamo, who was lauded as an "incredible" player by former teammate Hugo Bueno, made an excellent 3.7 tackles and interceptions per match to go along with a duel success rate of 53% across 35 league outings.
Ruben Neves' statistics over the last 365 days.
These statistics suggest that the Portugal international has the ability to provide a defensive presence in front of the back four in a similar fashion to Partey, as they are both midfielders who can break up opposition attacks on a regular basis to win the ball back for their respective teams.
He also made his presence felt at the other end of the field with six goals and one assist for the Old Gold, alongside a pass success rate of 84%.
Neves also ranked within the top 20% of his positional peers within the Premier League last season for progressive passes (6.5) per 90, which suggests that he has the ability to play forward passes between the lines to progress his team up the pitch.
The 26-year-old magician has also made 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game across 12 Saudi Pro League appearances for Al Hilal this season, to go along with five 'big chances' created for his teammates.
Arteta and Arsenal could, therefore, secure a dream heir to Partey's position, should he leave in January, if they are able to snap the former Wolves star away from his current club.
With football's ever-growing popularity and commercial reach, football kits have increasingly become seen as fashion pieces as well as representations of the teams that wear them.
It's not just clubs, though; international teams will regularly release one or two new kits every year, especially when there is a tournament on the horizon, and with Euro 2024 fast approaching, expect to see a raft of shirts released in the coming months.
With that in mind, Football FanCast has created a list of the 12 best shirts ever worn at the European Championships.
12 Poland 2012
Kicking off the list is an inclusion that may surprise some: Poland's home shirt from their European Championships on home soil in 2012.
While the tournament was excellent, with Poland and Ukraine being fantastic hosts, the men in white and red didn't do much on the pitch.
They took two points from their first two games courtesy of two 1-1 draws. However, the draw against Russia on matchday two was almost seen as a win given that the visitors scored first and the fierce rivalry between the two teams. Unfortunately, a loss to the Czech Republic in their third game meant they finished rock bottom of their group, but they looked good doing it.
Poland tend to make great shirts most years, but this simple design with the rectangle across the chest, an eagle in the middle and a badge off to the side all come together to make an excellent, modern kit that wouldn't look out of place today, 11 years on.
11 West Germany 1988
Okay, we're going a little further back in time for this one.
Germany have a history of producing quality designs for international tournaments. Something about that white and black base just looks brilliant regardless of what else they do to it. That said, for our money, their 1988-1990 effort is their best to date.
The 1988 competition was staged in West Germany, and while the team made it out of their group – beating Spain and Denmark in the process – they were beaten in the semi-finals at the hands of eventual winners, the Netherlands.
The top itself is undeniably iconic. The plain white base with the German flag printed across the front in Adidas' best template is instantly recognisable, and Germany even modelled their 2018 kit on the design.
10 England 2021
The first England entry on the list, and like every other shirt here, it's a corker.
If we are being honest, England shirts can often be quite dull. You can't do much with an almost entirely white top, but for Euro 2020, Nike found a way to make it far more interesting.
The thick navy collar combined with the jagged stripes up the side gives some much-needed intricacy to the shirt, and we just love the badge's central placement – why can't all badges be central?
The tournament itself was a memorable one for the Three Lions as the cross-continent nature of the competition meant that they played most of their games at home, including a memorable round-of-16 win over Germany.
Alas, it was still England, and so it inevitably ended in penalty shootout heartbreak as Italy clinched the title in a tightly contested final at Wembley Stadium.
9 England 2022
england-fifa-womens-world-cup-2023
Back-to-back England, but the Lionesses' shirt for the 2022 European Championship deserves to be on this list.
Where the men came agonisingly close to lifting what would've been the country's first European title, the women went one better. The final was once again held at Wembley Stadium, only this time, the opposition was Germany. It was a fantastic spectacle, with England clinching it in extra time, much to the delight of a sold-out crowd.
The shirt itself was also a stunner. It didn't have the navy detailing of the men's, instead featuring a faint diamond pattern base with an iridescent Three Lions and Nike tick.
8 Sweden 1992
Much like in the domestic game, in international football, some teams are instantly recognisable from the colour of their shirts alone, and Sweden are a great example of that.
The rich yellow and royal blue colour combo is unmistakably Swedish, and it just so happens to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing combinations as well.
With so many iconic kits to choose from for the Swedes, we have opted for their 1992 home shirt. It has everything you'd want from a Sweden top: a rich yellow base, royal blue stripes that pop from a mile away, and a chunky retro collar with a perfectly placed Adidas logo at its base.
The competition itself took place in Sweden and was a relative success for the Swedes, as they made it out of their group and to the semi-finals, where they would be beaten by Germany.
7 Italy 2021
Few international football teams look as stylish as Italy, and their effort for the 2020 European Championship is no different.
When picking the best Italian shirts, you are spoilt for choice, but we reckon this is their best effort to date. The two-tone blue base looks brilliant on the pitch, and the Renaissance-inspired print just gives it that edge over some of their plainer designs, as do the collar and gold detailing.
It was also a tournament to remember for Gli Azzurri as they went in as dark horses and ended up winning it all after breaking English hearts in the final at Wembley Stadium.
6 England 1996
Okay, this is the last England shirt, we promise – but it is a beaut.
1996 is one of those years that has become mythologised in English football. It was a tournament that made people genuinely believe the team would finally lift some silverware again, and in front of a home crowd as well.
The game against Scotland and Paul Gascoigne's goal live on and are instantly recognisable for England fans – even for those who weren't around to see it – but as it always does, the tournament ended in penalty disappointment for the Three Lions, once again at the hands of the Germans.
That said, at least the team looked good, thanks to this brilliant shirt from Umbro. The incorporation of electric blue around the number and along the chunky collar really helped the shirt to pop, and a central badge always helps make a shirt look better.
5 Denmark 1992
Scandinavia's second representative on the list, Denmark, have produced some stunning kits over the years, but we reckon their home shirt for the 1992 European Championship takes the cake.
The 1986 top might get more attention, but the design and history attached to this one give it the edge. The plain red base paired with the striped red and white sleeves really makes this top stand out amongst other red and white shirts – and we just love a retro collar.
1992 is probably the greatest year in Danish football due to the fact that they – somewhat surprisingly – won the European Championship that year. It was surprising for a couple of reasons: one, for as good as they were, they were underdogs compared to teams like Germany and the Netherlands; and two, they didn't even qualify for the tournament.
The Danes only entered the competition after Yugoslavia were disqualified following the breakup of the country and the ensuing violence.
4 USSR 1988
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or the USSR, might not exist anymore. Still, when they did, they had an excellent track record in international tournaments – and an even greater record of beautiful kits.
The 1988 European Championship was the last Euros they appeared in, as they played as the Commonwealth of International States (CIS) for the 1992 edition of the tournament following the dissolution of the state.
1988 was a massively successful tournament for the team, though, as they beat England and the Netherlands in the group stage before beating Italy in the semi-final. Unfortunately, they couldn't do the double over the Dutch in the final, and they would have to settle for second at their last-ever Euros.
The shirt itself was a stunner. The base was red and white and used one of Adidas' best-ever templates, while the collar and detailing made it stand out from the others that used the same base design.
3 Croatia 1996
Now, this one might be a bit marmite in that some will love it – like us – and some will probably hate it, but you just cannot make a list like this and not include Croatia's iconic shirt, specifically the 1996 edition.
The checkerboard pattern is certainly garish; there's no getting away from that, but it's unique, eye-catching and instantly recognisable. The tricolour detailing around the collar and sleeves takes it up another level and comfortably makes it one of the three best kits ever worn at a European Championship.
The team themselves had a reasonably impressive tournament that year, with group-stage wins over Turkey and Denmark – who were then the reigning champions. However, they were ultimately knocked out in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Germany.