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In stark contrast to this time last international break, the mood around Arsenal is incredibly positive.

Mikel Arteta’s side are unbeaten in the Champions League, and more importantly than that, sit atop the Premier League table a point clear of Liverpool.

Moreover, it’s not as if the Gunners have ground their way to the top, as they have not only conceded fewer goals but also scored one more than the Reds.

Mikel Arteta has his side playing fun, exciting football. Yet, even though you might expect Martin Odegaard or Eberechi Eze to be their most creative players, it’s someone else who holds that title at the moment – someone far more surprising.

Odegaard vs Eze last season

Before getting to the player currently leading the team in a creative sense this season, it’s worth looking back at how the club’s chief creators got on last year.

Eze was still plying his trade with Crystal Palace at the time, and ended up having the season of his life, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in 43 appearances.

In contrast, Odegaard was only able to amass a tally of six goals and 12 assists in 45 appearances for the Gunners, in a season in which some in the fan base felt like he underachieved.

However, when taking a look at their underlying numbers from last season, which midfielder ends up looking like the better creator?

Well, it might come as something of a surprise to many, given the way their respective campaigns were viewed, but when it comes to purely creative metrics, it’s the Norwegian who came out on top last year.

Progressive Passes

9.11

3.37

Progressive Carries

3.54

2.40

Expected Assists

0.25

0.16

Key Passes

2.36

2.01

Passes into the Final Third

4.61

1.70

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.85

1.35

Shot-Creating Actions

4.73

4.69

Goal-Creating Actions

0.69

0.35

Successful Take-Ons

0.95

2.33

For example, across all competitions, he performed better in various aspects, including progressive passes and carries, expected assists, passes into the penalty area, key passes, and more, all per 90.

Now, there are likely a couple of reasons why he performed so much better than the Englishman, such as the team they both played for and the fact that that Oliver Glasner relied on his former star to be more of a goalscorer. However, these numbers still prove Odegaard is a creative tour de force.

With all that said, neither he nor Eze top the list of creative Arsenal players this season.

Arsenal's most creative player this season

So, with Eze and Odegaard already out of the running, you might have expected Bukayo Saka to be Arsenal’s most creative player this season, or maybe even Noni Madueke before he went down injured.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, you’d once again be wrong. Moreover, even though Declan Rice tops the list for chances created in the Premier League, that is primarily down to his set-pieces.

With all that said, who has been Arteta’s chief creator this season?

Surprisingly, it’s been Jurrien Timber, who, according to Squawka, has created the most chances from open play in the entire team this season, clocking up eight chances at the time of writing.

The Gunners’ “game-changing signing,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has been exactly that so far this season, marrying his most monstrous defensive displays with this newfound creativity.

Perhaps the best display of this came in the game against Newcastle United, as he not only kept the Toon quiet on his side of the pitch but also continuously got forward to help create chances for his team.

It’s not just the eye test where the Dutchman impresses, though, as his underlying numbers really help to demonstrate just how complete he is as a player.

Goals

0.34

Top 2%

Goals + Assists

0.52

Top 2%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.34

Top 2%

xG: Expected Goals

0.31

Top 2%

npxG: Non-Penalty xG

0.31

Top 2%

Progressive Passes

6.38

Top 2%

Shots on Target

0.86

Top 2%

Passes into Penalty Area

2.07

Top 2%

Through Balls

0.86

Top 2%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.28

Top 2%

SCA (Shot)

0.69

Top 2%

GCA (Shot)

0.17

Top 2%

GCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.17

Top 2%

Tackles Won

2.41

Top 2%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

1.55

Top 2%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

1.03

Top 2%

Tkl+Int

5.34

Top 2%

Touches (Att 3rd)

23.10

Top 2%

Penalty Kicks Won

0.17

Top 2%

According to FBref, he sits in the top 2% of full-backs in the Premier League for actual and expected non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions, progressive passes and tackles, the top 7% for total shots and pass completion, the top 11% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, even though he doesn’t get quite as much attention as some of the other stars in the team, Timber is undoubtedly one of Arsenal’s most important and now creative players.

Arsenal can fix Odegaard blow by starting their "best attacker" in new role

The exceptional Arsenal star can help solve Mikel Arteta’s Martin Odegaard problem by playing in a new position.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 9, 2025

The Blaze 170 for 3 (Elwiss 53, K Bryce 49*) beat Lancashire 169 for 4 (Mack 59, McCarthy 1-13) by seven wicketsThe Blaze gained revenge for Monday’s County T20 Cup semi-final defeat as they chased 170 to beat Lancashire Thunder in their second game of the Vitality Blast women’s competition at Emirates Old Trafford.Following a home tie against Bears yesterday, opener Georgia Elwiss set up the chase with 53 off 43 balls. She shared 101 inside 12 overs for the first wicket with Marie Kelly, who contributed 40. But Kathryn Bryce’s nerveless 49 not out off 29 sealed a seven-wicket win with five balls remaining.Katie Mack had top-scored with 59 off 37 balls at the top of the order for County Cup champions Thunder, who totalled an imposing 169 for 4 having been inserted on a used pitch at the start of a double header T20 day with the Red Rose and Nottinghamshire men. This was their first game.England leg-spinner Sarah Glenn struck once with her leg-spinners for the visitors and took a brilliant diving one-handed catch at backward point to help remove Mack on Lancashire’s Pride day.Thunder overseas Mack is playing the first three games of this competition before making way for her compatriot, the international leg-spinner Alana King. There was plenty of invention on show from Mack, who was supported by a quartet of scores in the twenties from opening partner Tilly Kesteven, Seren Smale, Fi Morris and Sophie Ecclestone.Mack and Kesteven shared 50 inside the first six overs, and when Mack was superbly caught by Glenn off the seam of Elwiss, Lancashire were 106 for two in the 13th over.Last year’s Charlotte Edwards Cup T20 regional champions The Blaze dragged things back well for the next few overs, Glenn getting Smale stumped. But Thunder ended with a bang as 30 runs came from the last three overs, with Ecclestone hitting three fours in 22 off 15 balls and Morris two fours and a heaved six over midwicket in 27 not out off 22.However, the runs kept coming, which was good news for The Blaze. Elwiss hoisted Ecclestone for an eye-catching six over long-on in the fourth over, added to two boundaries, as the score reached 38 without loss.Opening partner Kelly was actually quicker out of the blocks as she and Elwiss took the score to 63 after six overs and beyond. But Elwiss was the one who went to 50, off 39 balls, by which time the score was 103 for 1 in the 12th over. Kelly had only just miscued the seam of Tara Norris to mid-off.A feature of Elwiss’s innings – and perhaps the deciding factor in the game – was how she didn’t let England left-arm spinner Ecclestone settle. She returned figures of nought for 26 from 3.1 overs.The game did tighten up when Elwiss dragged Mahika Gaur’s left-arm seam to long-off, leaving Blaze 109 for 2 after 13 overs. The target became 49 off the last five overs and later 18 off two with Gaur having struck again.But fabulous Kathryn Bryce, who hit six fours and six over long-off, and New Zealander Maddy Green took 16 off the penultimate over from the spin of Sophie Morris, including a straight six from the latter, to ice the game.

AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan was once a top target for Chelsea in the summer transfer window, and they could now try again in January, with the Frenchman making his Rossoneri exit stance crystal clear behind-the-scenes.

The France international, who’s widely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in world football, held talks to join Chelsea before the Club World Cup, but the west Londoners only wanted to pay around £12 million for his signature (Ben Jacobs).

Joao Pedro

Noni Madueke

Jamie Gittens

João Félix

Jorrel Hato

Djordje Petrovic

Liam Delap

Lesley Ugochukwu

Dario Essugo

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Mamadou Sarr

Renato Veiga

Estevao

Armando Broja

Kendry Paez

Carney Chukwuemeka

Alejandro Garnacho

Mathis Amougou

Basir Humphreys

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Marcus Bettinelli

Christopher Nkunku

Nicolas Jackson (obligation to buy in 2026)

Alfie Gilchrist

Lucas Bergstrom

Ben Chilwell

Milan were demanding closer to £25 million, so despite Maignan’s eagerness to join Enzo Maresca’s side, as widely reported, the deal hit a roadblock and ultimately couldn’t be done before the transfer deadline on September 1.

Maresca personally wanted Chelsea to sign a new goalkeeper and centre-back during the summer (Simon Phillips), but the Italian ultimately didn’t get his wish, even if they were exploring opportunities until late in the window.

Chelsea’s pursuit of a keeper points towards a lack of faith in current number one Robert Sanchez, and while the latter has impressed them a lot more lately, Maresca is believed to be unhappy with his options in that area of the park (Simon Phillips).

With Gianluigi Donnarumma joining Man City, Maignan is coming back into the frame as a top goalkeeping target for 2026, with his current Milan contract due to expire next summer.

Mike Maignan's stance on leaving AC Milan with Chelsea "ready" to move in January

According to journalist Graeme Bailey for TBR Football, Chelsea are “ready” to move for Maignan in January and sign him on a pre-contract ahead of next season.

Les Bleus’ number one has also postponed all new contract talks with Milan, which is a clear indicator that he’s set his sights on leaving the San Siro next year, and Chelsea could be set to benefit from the proven keeper’s arrival.

While Sanchez has kept two clean sheets in his first three Premier League games, there is little denying Maignan would be an upgrade, as explained by Liverpool’s Alisson.

Dhoni also said they didn’t have the kind of openers who would target 60 runs in the powerplay

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Apr-20251:36

Bangar: ‘CSK are in tatters at the moment’

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni wants his team to “look deep down inside” after they lost their fifth straight game in IPL 2025. CSK were trounced by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by eight wickets with nearly ten overs to spare in a chase of 104.”I think it’s quite a few nights haven’t gone our way,” Dhoni told the broadcaster after the loss. “What’s important is to look deep down inside. I feel the challenge was there. But it’s important to accept that challenge, figure out ways how you’ll tackle the difficult deliveries, and then look to get runs on the board. Today, I felt we didn’t really have enough runs on the board.”Not nearly enough. CSK posted only 103 – their lowest total ever at Chepauk – after being put in to bat by KKR. Before Friday’s game, CSK had been chasing in all five games and Dhoni had even said after losing the toss that he wanted to bat first. But a change in ideas didn’t change CSK’s fortunes.Related

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CSK suffer fifth loss on the trot as KKR register monster win

CSK's lowest totals: where does the collapse against KKR rank?

Edge or no edge – MS Dhoni lbw stirs up debate

In the first innings, the pitch was not easy to bat on. KKR seamer Vaibhav Arora swung the new ball away from left-hand openers Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, and offspinner Moeen Ali found turn immediately when he was given the second over. The ball also stopped a bit in the pitch, which forced some miscued shots. CSK crawled to 31 for 2 in the powerplay before slipping to their third-lowest score in the IPL.”Yes, it did [stop] but it has been the case over here,” Dhoni said about the surface. “Whenever we bowled first, even in the second innings, it stopped a bit. But today in the first innings also it was stopping. But also, if you lose too many wickets, it looks very different because it puts pressure on the batsman who is going in, and with quality spinners it becomes slightly difficult. And we never really got any kind of partnerships going. So that also makes it tough. I feel overall a bit more partnerships, a bit more runs, a bit more application, and we’ll be on track.”

“What is also important is not to get desperate seeing the scoreboard. You need, maybe one or two boundaries and run rate keeps on going. If you start looking for 60 in six overs with our line-up, it will be very difficult for us”MS Dhoni

When asked what message he would pass on to his batters whose slow returns have made CSK the slowest starters in powerplays this season, Dhoni said: “What is important is to also see the conditions. I feel there have been couple of games where we have done decently well. But what is important is to back your strength and play the shots that you can play.”What is important is our openers are good openers, and they just need to back themselves and play authentic cricket shots. They’re not the ones who will start slogging or look to hit across the line. But what is also important is not to get desperate seeing the scoreboard. You need, maybe one or two boundaries and run rate keeps on going. If you start looking for 60 in six overs with our line-up, it will be very difficult for us. It’s important to get partnerships going, maybe look to capitalise in the middle and the later overs. That’s what our strength will be. But if we lose too many wickets, the middle order needs do their role differently and the slog has been delayed for quite a while.”It’s also the first time CSK have lost three consecutive games at home in a single IPL season. The loss to KKR took them to a new low as it was the biggest margin of defeat for them in the IPL in terms of balls remaining, the 59 left in the KKR chase beating the previous record – Mumbai Indians (MI) beating CSK with 46 balls left in 2020. They are, however, not at the bottom of the points table, being placed ninth, just above Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) with a marginally better net run-rate.

عاد فينيسيوس جونيور نجم ريال مدريد لإثارة الجدل وهذه المرة خارج الملعب، بعد أن تلقى اتهامات من السلطات المحلية في البرازيل.

ووفقاً لما نشرته صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية، نقلًا عن تقارير برازيلية، فإن فينيسيوس قد تلقى شكوى قُدمت ضده بتهمة “الإخلال بالنظام العام” بعد إقامته احتفالاً مبالغاً فيه بعيد ميلاده الخامس والعشرين في ريو دي جانيرو.

وتنظر القضة في المحكمة الجنائية الخاصة التاسعة في ريو دي جانيرو المختصة بالجنح البسيطة، وكان جار يسكن بالقرب من فينيسيوس قد اتهم اللاعب بإحداث ضوضاء مبالغة بين 19 يوليو وساعات الصباح الأولى من 21 يوليو ما أدى للإخلال بالنظام العام في المنطقة السكنية.

وقد استجاب ضباط عسكريين لشكاوي متعددة وفقاً لتقارير الشرطة، وأكدوا بالفعل صحة ارتفاع مستوى الموسيقى وأصدروا تعليمات للمنظمين لهذا الحفل بخفض الصوت.

أقرأ أيضاً.. ثنائي ريال مدريد قد يلحق بمباراة الكلاسيكو أمام برشلونة

وعلى الرغم من ذلك وفي الوقت الذي غادر فيه الضباط فإن الصوت قد عاد لمستويات عالية للغاية، كما أكد جار نجم ريال مدريد فينيسيوس جونيور.

وكان الاحتفال بعيد ميلاد فينيسيوس جونيور قد أقيم في عقار فاخر ويتم إقامة حفلات الزفاف والمناسبات الرسمية فيه، وقد حضر ما يقرب من 500 ضيف أبرزهم إدواردو كامافينجا لاعب خط وسط ريال مدريد.

وأقام فينيسيوس في الحفل عروض حية وألعاب نارية وفعاليات ترفيهية على طراز مدن الملاعب، وقام مغني الراب ترافيس سكوت بإطلاق أغاني ليتحول عيد الميلاد لمهرجان كبير.

وسيتم عقد جلسة استماع تمهيدية وفقاً لهيئة القضاء في 6 نوفمبر المقبل، ويمكن أن تصل عقوبة في هذا النوع من قضايا الجنح للسجن لمدة تتراوح بين 15 يوماً وثلاث أشهر أو غرامة مالية بموجب القانون البرازيلي.

Glasgow Rangers are in a three-club battle to bring an “aggressive” Premier League player to Ibrox this summer, according to an update from journalist Santi Aouna.

Martin buoyed by Rangers win

The Gers won 4-2 at home to Alloa Athletic in the second round of the Scottish League Cup on Saturday, and while some weren’t wholly convinced about the performance, manager Russell Martin found plenty of positives.

“There will be a lot of players who finish the day in a much better place than they were before, they have got some minutes in the tank and there will be a lot of learning for them. I am happy we won, and we are through because these can be difficult games but of course there’s a lot to work on and improve.

“I think there was a lot of good intention, so a lot of the guys were really trying to do what they have been asked to do and the stuff we worked on. There’s a lot to be pleased with and also lots to improve which is exciting because these are the guys at the minute who have been supporting the group that have been playing the most minutes and they have been playing really well and deserved the opportunity to play today and a lot of them will be in a better place.”

Martin will know the importance of more signings for Rangers this summer, not least at left-back, with Jefte set to move on and Martin confirming his interest in Brentford’s Jayden Meghoma. It isn’t just the Bees full-back that the Gers have their eye on in that position, though.

Rangers in battle to sign "aggressive" Alex Moreno

According to Aouna on X, Rangers and Martin are among the clubs interested in signing Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno this summer, but Real Betis are in pole position to get their man and Girona are also keen.

Moreno could be a statement signing by Rangers, even though Betis look the most likely to snap him up, having proven himself in the Premier League, making 55 appearances in the competition. At 32, the Spaniard has a huge amount of experience at a high level and has been lauded by Villa manager Unai Emery in the past.

“In the attacking third, he is getting into he box and finding not only crosses, but passes as well – very good. Now, what we’ve decided for him – because of his quality I knew before from Spain – I like sometimes the one side using the right or left back higher. We are doing it with the left-back higher than the right-back because to like use Moreno higher and more aggressive in attack.”

Related Martin's desperate to keep him: Rangers bracing themselves for "huge blow"

The Gers could lose one of their key men.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Aug 16, 2025

As mentioned, signing Moreno, on £35,000-a-week may be wishful thinking currently, but if they could strike a deal, it would be strong business. If not, another left-back, like Meghoma, is needed.

Sunderland are believed to be looking to sign an “elite” attacking player during the summer transfer window ahead of rivals Leeds United.

Sunderland agree Alderete fee

It has been a relentless summer for the Black Cats in the market, with Regis Le Bris adding a huge amount of depth to his squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.

The latest addition for Sunderland looks likely to be Getafe defender Omar Alderete, with a £10m deal reportedly agreed to sign the 28-year-old. The Paraguayan started 34 La Liga matches last season, proving to be a key man, winning an average of three aerial duels per game.

Black Cats supporters will certainly be hoping that the club’s summer business still isn’t done there, however, with Sevilla centre-back Loic Bade also strongly linked with a move to Stadium of Light in recent days.

Now, a new name has been thrown into the mix for Sunderland, as they look to bring in additional quality at the other end of the pitch ahead of their Premier League opener at home to West Ham on Saturday.

Sunderland make contact to sign Leeds striker target

According to Il Messaggero [via Sport Witness], Sunderland have made an approach for Roma forward Artem Dovbyk ahead of fellow promoted side Leeds United.

The 28-year-old is wanted by both promoted Premier League clubs, and West Ham, with his current club demanding over £23m for his signature this summer, with the Black Cats making an enquiry.

Dovbyk is an experienced attacker who could add much-needed firepower to Sunderland’s squad, having scored 17 goals in 45 appearances for Roma, not to mention 11 in 36 caps for Ukraine.

The attacking ace is right in his peak years, so it wouldn’t be a case of the Black Cats signing a youngster who is still maturing, and journalist Zach Lowy has described him as an “elite” player.

“Victor Osimhen is going to be the most pursued center forward this summer but I don’t think Artem Dovbyk will be too far behind. He’s approaching the prime of his career as a CF and has proven to be not just a fantastic finisher, but an elite target man with link-up ability too.”

If Sunderland were able to beat Leeds and West Ham to Dovbyk’s signature, it would feel like an added bonus, especially in terms of getting the better of one of the other promoted sides from last season, as they have already done with midfielders Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki.

Related Sunderland are "very hot" in pursuit of "elite" £30m Europa League winner

It’s a potential big boost for Regis Le Bris.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Aug 11, 2025

Plenty of goal threat is needed if Le Bris’ men are to stand a good chance of avoiding a return to the Championship, and Dovbyk could be a strong addition to aid that issue.

Chelsea have added another promising player to their books, continuing BlueCo’s policy of signing world football’s most exciting young talents.

Chelsea plan offer for "world-class" new target in bid to hijack AC Milan

The west Londoners are not done this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 1, 2025

Enzo Maresca already has a squad filled with youth, so much so, that there is a real case to be made for the club to prioritise more experience.

Most recently, Chelsea agreed a deal with Ajax worth over £35 million for teenage starlet Jorrel Hato, who joins Liam Delap (22), Jamie Gittens (20) and Joao Pedro (23) as their latest incomings of the window.

Despite his age, Hato already boasts over a century of senior appearances from his time at Ajax, including some noteworthy Europa League performances.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Hato underwent his medical yesterday, according to Fabrizio Romano, with Chelsea adding yet another starlet to their ranks ahead of the new season.

Todd Boehly and the board haven’t been shy when it comes to splashing the cash on these prestigious talents, having spent nearly £270 million this window alone, and Chelsea are yet to make any signings over the age of 23 in the build up to deadline day.

Chelsea also fielded the youngest ever starting eleven in Premier League history last year (OptaJoe), and amid their talks for RB Leipzig starlet Xavi Simons, not to mention an expected bid for Alejandro Garnacho, their average age isn’t likely to go up any time soon.

Chelsea confirm signing of Jesse Derry from Crystal Palace

The club are very much still prioritising players with huge sell-on value and potential, with Chelsea recently agreeing a deal for young Crystal Palace attacker Jesse Derry too.

The 18-year-old “sensation” was on the verge of a move to Germany, before Maresca’s side hijacked the transfer to keep him in London. Derry was a man in-demand, attracting interest from eight European clubs, but it was Chelsea who ultimately won the race for his signature (Fabrizio Romano).

Now, almost a week later, Chelsea have confirmed Derry’s arrival, with the Englishman putting pen to paper on a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

The teenage forward represented England at this summer’s Under-19 European championships, coming after he racked up 20 goals and five assists in just 27 outings for Palace’s Under-18s during his time at Selhurst Park.

Derry made the step up to Under-21s football at Palace last season too, but he’ll now attempt to battle his way into Maresca’s set up over the coming years.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is tasked with signing a new number nine to lead Mikel Arteta’s next assault on the Premier League title, but which target would be most succesful for the Gunners?

Renowned for his methodical approach to squad building during his years with Atletico Madrid, new Arsenal transfer guru Berta has a different task at the Emirates – put the finishing touches on a sqaud teetering on the brink of the ultimate success.

To do so, the Italian simply must get his choice right in the striker market this summer, with injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz decimating the Gunners’ title chances in 2024/25.

£140m signings start alongside Zubimendi: AI predicts Arsenal's 2025/26 line-up

It could be a productive transfer market for the Gunners.

4 ByCharlie Smith Jun 28, 2025

With that in mind, we’ve asked AI tool Grok to predict which of Berta’s targets would score the most goals in an Arsenal shirt next season, assuming they all stay fit and play a reasonable amount of minutes.

3 Benjamin Sesko – 15-20 Premier League goals

The latest update on Arsenal’s interest in RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko is an extremely positive one, with Berta reportedly locked in talks over a deal which could even go over the Slovenian’s £70m release clause. The player himself is said to be very keen on the move, and Grok’s prediction for his debut campaign in North London might explain why.

AI predicts Sesko’s “6 foot 5 frame, pace and aerial ability” would create a lethal combination with Arsenal’s chance creators, particularly Bukayo Saka’s left-footed crosses after cutting in from his role on the right wing.

However, while it predicts Sesko could cross the 25-goal mark in all competitions, he rates below the other options due to his “history of missing big chances in the Bundesliga”.

2 Viktor Gyokeres – 20-25 Premier League goals

Gyokeres’ links to Arsenal have taken many twists and turns, with the latest update revealing the Sporting CP superstar has actually threatened the Portuguese club that he will go public about his situation if they do not find a solution with his sutiors.

The Swede’s price has been a point of much controversy, with rumours of a broken gentleman’s agreement leading to Sporting demanding £68m for his signature.

AI predicts the former Coventry man, now bang in his prime at the age of 27, will score more than Sesko and could even reach 35 in all competitions owing to his “physicality, direct style, and ruthless finishing”, which would help him adapt quickly despite never playing in the English top flight.

1 Alexander Isak – 22-25 Premier League goals

Finally, Grok predicts Newcastle United star Alexander Isak would be the best option from a pure goals standpoint, setting the same ceiling as his countryman Gyokeres but with a higher floor of 22, perhaps thanks to his experience in the Premier League already.

Starts

17

27

34

Goals

10

21

23

Assists

1

2

6

Shots per game

2.3

2.6

2.9

Dribbles per game

1.5

1.4

1.2

Interestingly, the only major statistic which has declinded throughout the 25 year-old’s time in England is his dribbling, indicating the elevation in his movement and football IQ to put himself in better positions to finish Newcastle’s attacks, rather than help start them.

Recent reports claims Arsenal may move on from their interest in Isak, but Grok suggests his “elite finishing” would create a lethal combination in Arteta’s system, reaching around 33 goals in all competitions, assuming he is rested in certain domestic cup matches.