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Nottingham Forest are making late strides in the window and find themselves in talks to sign a defender who could add valuable competition within their backline, per Fabrizio Romano.

Nottingham Forest move away from Nuno Espirito Santo debacle

In strange fashion, Nuno Espirito Santo has been the talk of the town in the East Midlands amid a public disagreement with Evangelos Marinakis and Edu, leading many to suspect whether his long-term future lies at the City Ground.

After his side drew at Crystal Palace last weekend, the Portuguese boss hit out at the ‘absurd’ narrative that he could be set for the exit door, and Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett has confirmed that the situation has deescalated, for now at least.

He stated: “Nuno and Edu’s differences may have been put aside for now, but you sense the resentment will linger.”

Nevertheless, the reporter later hinted that nothing can be guaranteed in light of Marinakis being known for having an impulsive nature, as he added: “If there’s one thing we have learned about the current Forest – the only certain thing is that nothing is certain.”

Either way, Nottingham Forest continue to push their recruitment drive and Dominik Livakovic is on their radar to provide competition between the sticks in a deal that could see rotation between the Croatia international, Matz Sels and Angus Gunn.

Better signing than Luiz: Nottingham Forest working to sign £14m PL star

As Nottingham Forest close in on signing Douglas Luiz from Juventus, could a “versatile” PL star once worth £14m prove to be a better addition?

By
Ben Gray

Aug 22, 2025

Norwich City full-back Kellen Fisher could also be on his way to the Tricky Trees, and they don’t seem set to stop there in the hunt for quality as Espirito Santo looks to address key areas before the deadline next Monday.

Romano: Nottingham Forest in club-to-club talks to sign Victor Kristiansen

Taking to social media platform X, Romano has confirmed that Nottingham Forest are progressing in talks to sign Leicester City full-back Victor Kristiansen as they look to add cover ahead of a busy fixture schedule.

Despite rumours linking the Tricky Trees with a swoop for Nahuel Molina, the renowned reporter added that the Argentina international looks set to stay at Atletico Madrid rather than making a move to England.

Likened to Kostas Tsimikas by Jacek Kulig, who has also been linked with the City Ground, Kristiansen made 31 appearances across all competitions last term for the Foxes, registering a solitary assist and featuring exclusively on the left-hand side of their backline.

Earning £25,000 per week at the King Power Stadium, per Capology, the Denmark international has plenty of room to develop at 22 years of age and would likely be a genuine competitior with Neco Williams for a starting slot if Espirito Santo can force a deal over the line.

Alisha Lehmann has been among the revellers at Oktoberfest in Munich, with the Swiss star making a point of passing through Germany before the 2025-26 campaign gets underway with new employers Como Women. Lehmann was in a party mood when chugging a huge beer in Bavaria – as is tradition – with the former Aston Villa and Juventus star also dressing up for the occasion alongside some of her club colleagues.

• Lehmann embracing fresh start with Como Women

  Switzerland international Lehmann is still in the process of finding her feet in new surroundings at Como. She linked up with them over the summer after savouring Serie A title glory with Juventus last season. A desire to find more regular game time led the 26-year-old to seek out another new challenge – with any thoughts of heading back to the WSL being put on hold for now.

  Lehmann is fully embracing the project being pieced together by Como, telling of joining their ranks: “It’s an independent club, fully focused on women’s football – and that really matters to me. From the start, I could see this wasn’t just another team; it’s a project with real purpose and vision. [So] signing with FC Como Women just felt right.

  “It sends the message that being strong, ambitious and expressive can all go hand in hand; that’s important for the future of the sport. We’re in a moment where women’s football can define itself on its own terms, and independent clubs like Como Women have the opportunity in leading the movement. [It] isn’t just about winning matches. It’s about building something that lasts. This is the first time I’ve joined an independent club. That was a big part of my decision. It shows there is a different way of doing things.”

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  Milan & Munich: Busy schedule for Lehmann

  Como have been allowing Lehmann to enjoy herself on and off the pitch, with a visit to the legendary Milan Fashion Week being paid. Lehmann and Co teamed up with Prada and Nike for a special event that allowed modelling skills to be put to the test. After working the camera, it was time for collective hair to be let down.

  Lehmann headed to Munich alongside team-mates, including American forward Alex Kerr, with Como stars getting into the spirit of things as they attempted to down the contents of a famous stein while donning traditional dirndl dresses.

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  Kane & Bayern stars regularly attend Oktoberfest

  Famous faces from the world of football are nothing new at Oktoberfest. Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich send players and coaching staff along on an annual basis, allowing the stresses of pursuing points and trophies to be forgotten for a few hours. England captain Harry Kane has embraced that tradition since heading to the Allianz Arena.

  Kane said in 2024, having attended alongside his wife Kate: “Really good day at Oktoberfest and to see the German tradition. Such a good team tradition and to go with Kate Kane and the players, staff and everyone in the sunshine was perfect. Great way to end a great week with some of our fans there as well.”

  Georgia Stanway is another English star to be shining in Bavaria, with the two-time European Championship winner revealing in October 2024 that she had been partying in Munich when it was revealed that the Lionesses were set to take in a friendly reunion with Euro 2022 finalists Germany. The Bayern midfielder said: “The moment that we got sent a message to say ‘promote the tickets’, me and the Germans were actually at Oktoberfest. Immediately I sent a video saying ‘girls, come to the game’ with our steins. Unfortunately it wasn’t approved by the media. It didn’t make the cut.”

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• New season for Lehmann: Como ready for season opener

  Kane has been in red-hot form for Bayern in front of goal of late, taking him to 100 goals in total for the Bundesliga giants, while Stanway has helped the club’s women’s team to make an unbeaten start to the 2025-26 campaign. Lehmann and Como are set to get their new domestic season up and running on Sunday when playing host to Lazio.

Everton manager David Moyes has responded to his opening-day defeat at the hands of newly-promoted Leeds United in the Premier League by striking a deal for a top transfer target.

Yes, a £40m deal has been agreed for Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder who has been described as a “world-class talent” by former Saints academy manager Andy Goldie.

It fixes a gaping hole on the Toffees’ attacking right flank, though there remains a desperate need for greater depth, if Moyes is to pull it all together and ensure his side challenge for a place at the higher end of the league table.

In particular, Everton need a right-back.

Everton pushing to sign new right-back

Everton released the 40-year-old Ashley Young at the end of his contract last season, retaining club legened Seamus Coleman. However, the skipper is into the twilight of his career, and so Jake O’Brien continued to deputise as a right-back at Elland Road.

Nathan Patterson, after all, was sidelined through injury once again.

O’Brien, 24, is a talented, tenacious defender, but he’s naturally a centre-back, and so it’s clear that Everton need to make a signing who could add a bit more dynamism and impetus to the side.

Well, according to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are preparing for the departure of young prospect Hector Fort, with the 19-year-old at the centre of a loan approach from West Ham United.

The report continues to suggest that the Premier League is the likely destination for the up-and-comer and that other teams, such as Everton, remain in the running.

Just last summer, Barca rejected an offer north of £30m so it would not be a surprise if the Toffees had to pay big to secure his services.

What Hector Fort would bring to Everton

Fort, a versatile full-back, would join a list of players to have made the move from La Blaugrana to the blue half of Merseyside, but his ability to play across both flanks, his technical gifts and his ball-playing acumen suggest he could become Everton’s next version of cult hero Gerard Deulofeu.

Swiftly asserting himself as he joined Everton from Barcelona on loan for the 2013/14 season, Deulofeu notched eight goal contributions across 29 matches for the club, with the manager at the time, Roberto Martinez, going on to hail him as a “real diamond” of a player.

He spent two-and-a-half years at Goodison Park, all told, playing with a point to prove, and though he ebbed and flowed, none can contest the winger’s skilful style.

The same could be attributed to Fort, who, hailed for his “immense” talent by journalist Antonio Mango, would be determined to showcase his qualities and unleash some of his Catalonian flair on the Premier League, be that at right-back or on the left.

As per FBref, Fort ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 26% for shot-creating actions and the top 14% for ball recoveries per 90.

In La Liga, he might have only featured 17 times last term, but he played his part in winning the title, with Sofascore recording that the teenage talent completed 92% of his passes and avoided making a single error, bespeaking his cultured style even at this stage of his career.

Fort would certainly present Everton with a welcome contrast on the right side of defence, and with a point to prove on a short-term deal, the Spaniard might even find himself enjoying the same success as Deulofeu when his 31-year-old compatriot was in his pomp.

And as a natural right-back, he would surely mark an upgrade on O’Brien too, allowing the Irishman to shift into his own natural berth and enrich the dynamism and fluency that Moyes is trying to achieve.

Better move than Grealish: Everton open talks to land Premier League star

Everton are interested in a deal to sign a star who could be even better than Jack Grealish.

By
Will Miller

Aug 23, 2025

Greg Vanney knows LA Galaxy’s season has been a disappointment, with the reigning MLS champions bottom of the Western Conference and out of the playoffs. But on Wednesday at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Campeones Cup final against Toluca offers a chance to salvage something meaningful, with Vanney viewing a trophy as a vital boost for his players and the club.

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  Contrasting champions

   Vanney reflected on the team’s performance and the challenge ahead against Toluca.

  “The first half of the season was a bit disappointing, but in the second half we’ve been much more solid and consistent,” Vanney said at the Campeones Cup media day. “We performed well in the Leagues Cup, our results and play have been steadier, and this is a great opportunity to finish the season strong.”

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  Vanney eyes Champions Cup momentum

  Vanney stressed that beating Toluca would be a valuable momentum boost. 

  “We’ve secured a spot in the next Champions Cup, which is definitely a positive. Now we have the chance to add another trophy to our cabinet – a milestone for the players who have been with us all season," Vanney said. 

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  'You have to respect their efficiency'

  Vanney compared Toluca, the defending Liga MX champions, to Cruz Azul, a team they previously drew with in the Leagues Cup but ultimately lost to on penalties. 

  “They’re a team with quality across the pitch and presented some interesting challenges when we faced them. Defensively, they can be very aggressive and mark tightly, yet they maintain a solid structure. In attack, they have versatile players who can score with very few chances. You have to respect that efficiency.”

  Toluca, for their part, have also stressed winning the Campeones Cup would be vital for their side. 

  “We’re motivated to keep competing for every trophy. There’s no clear favorite; it will be a very even match, but we trust in our strengths to reach the goal,” Manager Antonio Mohamed said. “We didn’t lose any game on the field, only on penalties. 

  "That was hard to take, but since then, the team has improved in many areas – competitiveness, fitness, and mentality. We’re in a much better moment now."

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  Confidence is high

  Galaxy midfielder Edwin Cerrillo, who helped the team lift the 2024 MLS Cup, echoed Vanney's sentiments. 

  “This is a big chance to win another title with this club. Thanks to our strong performance last year, we’re in this position. Toluca is a strong team that deserves respect, but we also have confidence in ourselves," he said. 

Sir Alex Ferguson’s 26-year reign as manager of Manchester United saw him win two Champions Leagues and 13 Premier League titles, among a vast number of other trophies.

Next to the success, what Ferguson will be remembered for in years to come is the quality of players that he managed, including some of the best that the Premier League and the world have ever seen.

The list included Ballon d’Or winners like Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Owen, as well as world-regarded midfielders like Paul Scholes and Roy Keane.

However, the downside of managing such a plethora of star players is that some unsung heroes end up receiving less attention than they deserve.

Park could have been Man Utd difference in 2011 Champions League final

In an interview with Gary Neville, Ferguson was asked about some of the most underrated players he coached, and one he highlighted in particular was Park Ji-Sung. The South Korean star joined United in 2005 and won four Premier Leagues, three League Cups and one Champions League before leaving for QPR in 2012.

Ferguson’s comments related to his regret about not properly utilising Park in the 2011 Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley.

Alongside Park, Ferguson named Brian McClaire and Ronny Jonsen as the most underrated players he managed, who were both also instrumental in numerous trophies that Ferguson won with United.

Loved by his teammates as well as the boss

Nicknamed “Three-Lung Park” by some of the Old Trafford faithful, the South Korea star made 205 appearances for Manchester United and registered 27 goals and 28 assists.

His work ethic not only earned his managers’ admiration but also his fellow teammates. Park and Patrice Evra have a close friendship, and the left-back has previously shared that he doesn’t think that Park gets enough credit and that he was a “soldier” who put in “man-of-the-match” worthy performances against Barcelona in both legs of the 2008 Champions League semi-final.

Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand have both praised Park as a team-first kind of player. Ferdinand said of Park, “you wanted him in your team,” and Rooney praised him further, saying:

“All of us who played with Park know he was almost as important to our success. That’s because of what Park gave to the collective.”

While Park doesn’t receive the praise some of his United compatriots receive, those fans who watched him, those teammates who played with him, and most of all, Sir Alex Ferguson all know the effort and quality he brought to United during his time there.

Marcus Rashford is reportedly set for a key new role at Barcelona as Hansi Flick is determined to make a tactical change after defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla. Once written off and loaned out of Manchester United, the English forward has gone from Premier League exile to Barcelona’s next big hope. After being ditched by Ruben Amorim and sent packing to Aston Villa in January, his career looked in freefall. But fast forward a few months, a new boss and a new sense of purpose have changed everything.

• Flick’s plan for Rashford after a double disaster

  According to the German coach, furious with his team’s lack of intensity and pressing, has spent the international break dissecting every detail. Against PSG, Barca were bullied by the French champions’ power and precision. Whereas, against Sevilla, they were simply outworked. And his solution is bold: reinventing Rashford as Barcelona’s centre-forward.

  Flick’s blueprint involves Rashford spearheading the attack, with Raphinha on the left, Lamine Yamal on the right, and Fermín Lopez just behind them. That trio, though, have all been nursing injuries, and their fitness will determine when the new system debuts. The manager is already eyeing Barcelona’s next fixtures as a testing ground. The first could be Girona on October 18 at Montjuic, followed by a crucial Champions League clash against Olympiacos on the 21st. If all goes well, the real test will come a week later: El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26.

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  Rashford's chance to make it count as a No.9

  Flick's plan to use Rashford as a No.9 has been brewing for a long time. During pre-season, Rashford looked like a man reborn, scoring in a 5-0 friendly demolition of Daegu FC and impressing Flick with his movement and aggression. In that match, he was told to lead the line in the second half after he replaced Lewandowski. The forward did not disappoint, and that has inspired Flick to experiment once more in the thick of the campaign. 

  "He can play at No.9 or No.11," said Flick. "We changed it because we had to be careful with Ferran. We wanted to see how he adapted to the position."

  Rashford has always said his best work comes from the left flank, cutting inside onto his right foot; the same way he’s scored most of his career goals. But Flick sees something different: a powerful runner who can press defenders, stretch the backline, and finish with composure. Barcelona’s recent lack of pressing has cost them dearly, and the manager believes that with Rashford up front, the team can rediscover the ferocious energy that powered them to a domestic treble last season.

• Deco drops transfer bombshell regarding a new No.9

  The tactical shift also aligns with the club’s broader vision. Sporting director Deco has made it clear that Barcelona won’t chase a big-name striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, who turned 37 this year and still has a contract until 2026. With rumours linking Barca to Erling Haaland and Serhou Guirassy, Deco’s stance suggests Flick’s new approach is part of a long-term evolution rather than a stopgap fix.

  “We shouldn’t be obsessed with signing a number 9,” he said. “Perhaps you can do without one. This isn’t the time to talk about signings. Ferran (Torres) can play as a 9. PSG won the Champions League without a penalty-area player. Talking about a ‘9’ is a bit of a mistake, although there are good players."

  The Polish legend, who has alternated starts with Torres this season, is being eased out of a full-time role. Flick wants to preserve his experience but is ready to inject youth and pace into the front line. That’s where Rashford fits perfectly: a player who combines Premier League explosiveness with Champions League pedigree. If the experiment works, he could become the long-term heir to Lewandowski’s throne.

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  Rashford looking to shine in El Clasico

  All eyes are now on Rashford’s adaptation. If he delivers against Girona and Olympiacos, he could lead the line at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid, a chance to silence doubters and announce himself as Barcelona’s new star striker. A few months ago, he was on the fringes. Now, he’s on the verge of becoming the man Hansi Flick builds Barcelona around. And if the experiment works, the Nou Camp faithful might soon have a new anthem to sing; not for Lewandowski, but for Rashford, the Englishman who came to Spain and found himself again.

A new film documenting one of Roy Keane's most infamous moments is out in 2025

When it comes to football, Roy Keane is a blockbuster and now one of the former Manchester United captain's most infamous incidents is coming to the big screen, with Oscar-nominated Steve Coogan set to star.

'Saipan' focuses on the events that precipitated the controversial 'Saipan Incident', which saw Keane sensationally leave the Republic of Ireland camp on the eve of the 2002 World Cup, a development which sent shockwaves through the Irish football-loving public. It is not the first film to centre on Keane, with Dave Tynan's 2014 short film '' capturing a snapshot of the young midfielder, but it is set to be the biggest.

Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know, including cast, directors and more.

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  When is the release date for 'Saipan'?

  'Saipan' will be released in British cinemas on January 23, 2026.

  It had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025 and it is expected to be released worldwide in mid October 2025. The Irish premiere is scheduled for November 6, 2025 in Keane's hometown of Cork.

  It was was initially scheduled for a major theatrical release in thesummer of 2025, with production beginning in the summer of 2024 and filming wrapping in autumn 2024. 

  Wildcard and Vertigo Releasing have acquired UK and Ireland rights for the film, while Bankside Films have boarded the film for worldwide sales.

  The film was shot in Ireland and Saipan.

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• Watch the 'Saipan' trailer

  A trailer was released for the film on June 23, 2025. The teaser gives a glimpse of the tension between Keane and McCarthy, which came to a flashpoint ahead of the 2002 World Cup in the small Pacific island, as well as the chorus of commentary from within and without the camp.

  A longer trailer was released in mid October 2025. You can watch it below.

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  Who is in 'Saipan'? Cast & list of actors

  Actor	Character
  Steve Coogan	Mick McCarthy
  Eanna Hardwicke	Roy Keane
  Jack Hickey	Niall Quinn
  Harriet Cairns	Theresa Keane
  Oliver Coopersmith	Jason McAteer
  Micheal Woods	Journalist
  Chris McCurry	Journalist
  Una Carroll	Air hostess
  Peter McDonald	Mick Byrne
  Jamie Beamish	Dickie Moloney
  Aoife Hinds	Karen
  Niall McNamee	Alan Kelly
  Jack McKee	Damien Duff
  Ryan Guy	Gary Breen
  Shea Harmon	Kenny Cunningham
  Matthew Cassidy	Dean Kiely
  Miles Paloma	Steven Reid

  Steve Coogan will play Mick McCarthy, who was manager of the Ireland team, in 'Saipan'. The Oscar-nominated actor, renowned for his roles in , and will feature as English-born Irish coach McCarthy opposite Eanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane.

  Hardwicke, who, like Keane, hails from Cork, is a BAFTA-nominated actor for his role as Ben Field in and has featured in TV shows such as and , as well as earning plaudits for the lead role in the film .

  Niall Quinn, one of the senior players in the Ireland squad at the time who would go on to employ Keane as Sunderland manager, will be played by Jack Hickey (, ).

  Harriet Cains, known for roles in and , will play the role of Keane's wife Theresa Keane. and actor Peter McDonald, who played Irish football legend Johnny Giles in the 2009 film , will play popular kitman Mick Byrne.

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  Who the director of 'Saipan'?

  Lisa Barros D'Sa and Glenn Leyburn are the directors of 'Saipan'.

  The pair, who have worked together on (2019), starring Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville, as well as the 2013 comedy-drama , will work with a script from Paul Fraser ()

  The directors told : "We’re thrilled to be working with this extraordinary cast and creative team to tell the story of an infamous moment in Irish and football history that drew battle lines across a nation, cast its hopes, dreams and sense of identity into disarray, and briefly made a tiny volcanic island in the Pacific one of the most famous places on earth."

Lewis Hamilton has now decided between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with the Formula 1 legend insisting he is a “big” fan of one of the players in the ‘GOAT’ debate.

Hamilton chooses between Ronaldo and Messi

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is now on the horizon, with the eighth edition set to take place in Baku from September 19th to 21st, in what is round 17 of the Formula 1 season, and McLaren head into the race in a strong position to win back-to-back constructors’ championships.

McLaren are currently 337 points clear of second-placed Ferrari, courtesy of finishing second and third at Monza, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris collecting 617 points between them up to this stage.

Hamilton, on the other hand, hasn’t won in Azerbaijan since 2018, and Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has admitted the 40-year-old has struggled after making his big move to the Scuderia.

Carlos Alcaraz says England star may be "the best player in the world"

The 2025 US Open winner has suggested an England international is among the best footballers on the planet.

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 9, 2025

Vasseur said: “I don’t know if we underestimated the importance of the change. Probably, because he spent 10 years at McLaren, then 12 with Mercedes, but it was a kind of continuity – two teams based in the UK with the same engine, same environment.

“[Joining Ferrari] is a complete change for him, in his life, the culture of the team and everything. To do it in three test days in the winter period is quite difficult – and I think also the expectation was huge.”

The Briton will be looking to get back on track in Baku, after a mixed year so far, but there are no doubts over the fact he is one of the best F1 drivers of all time, having won a joint-record seven World Drivers’ Championships.

Alongside his clear love of F1, the Ferrari driver is also-well known to be a big football fan, having been a supporter of Arsenal growing up.

Hamilton has also decided between Ronaldo and Messi, claiming he is a fan of both players, saying:

Messi signs off in emphatic fashion in Argentina

The 38-year-old may no longer be playing in Europe, but he is still performing at the top-level, scoring a brace against Venezuela in his final home game for Argentina in the most recent international break.

Having racked up a remarkable 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances during his time with Barcelona, while also winning eight Ballon d’Ors and the 2022 World Cup, it is difficult to argue with Hamilton’s assessment of the Rosario-born star being the greatest of all time.

Winning a second World Cup in 2026 could arguably end the debate, and Argentina have now sealed their place at the competition, which is due to take place across North America from next June until July.

If you ask most fans which team had the best defence in the Premier League, most would likely say Arsenal.

Likewise, given the amount of money they spent in the summer, Liverpool would likely be described as having the best attack by most.

However, when it comes to the midfield, opinion could be split, although with players like Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Christian Norgaard, it might just be Mikel Arteta’s side again.

In particular, Zubimendi and Rice have had brilliant starts to the campaign, and what’s even more impressive is that the North Londoners could have had an even stronger midfield had they not sold an international who is a hybrid of the Spaniard and Englishman.

Zubimendi's start to life at Arsenal

Considering the club spent the best part of a year chasing the former Real Sociedad star, paying around £52m for his services and beating Real Madrid to do so, it would be fair to say that there was a level of expectation that he’d start his Arsenal career in positive fashion this season.

Fortunately, while there have been a few moments in which he’s clearly been surprised by the speed of English football, that is exactly what has happened.

For example, the game-changing Basque star has started all six Premier League games so far, as well as the Champions League clash away to Athletic Bilbao.

In those games, he has racked up two goals, both of which came in the game against Nottingham Forest, courtesy of a sensational volley and a perfectly placed header.

Moreover, there have been several times when he should have earned himself an assist, most recently when he played a perfectly dinked ball over the top of Newcastle United’s defence on Sunday, only for Nick Pope to pull off a brilliant reaction save and stop Jurrien Timber.

He’s not just been a goal threat, though, as, according to FBref, he ranks in the top 7% of midfielders in the Premier League this season for blocking passes and the aerial duels won, both per 90.

In short, Zubimendi has come in and almost straight away has become Arteta’s conductor from deep, helping break up opposition attacks and kickstart them for the Gunners.

He’s not the only summer signing making a splash in midfield in the Premier League this season, though, as a former Arsenal star who has been compared to the Spaniard and Rice is having a great campaign himself.

The former Arsenal star who is a Zubimendi & Rice hybrid

There are a few former Arsenal stars enjoying a positive start to the season this year, from Alex Iwobi at Fulham to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with Marseille.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

However, although the pair are playing at the moment, they have not been compared to both Zubimendi and Rice, unlike Granit Xhaka.

Yes, the Swiss international, who left the club for around £21m in the summer of 2023 and then joined Sunderland this summer, is the former Arsenal star playing so well he’s been compared to two of Arteta’s very best players.

The comparison stems from FBref, which has concluded that in the Premier League this season, the Englishman has been the third most similar midfielder to the Black Cats ace, and the Spaniard is the eighth most similar.

To gain a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached, you can take a look at the underlying numbers in which the former Gunners star ranks closely to the two international stars.

When it comes to the former West Ham United captain, these metrics include non-penalty expected goals, expected assists, through balls, switches, shot-creating actions, and more.

It’s clear from these numbers and the eye-test that, like the Englishman, the former Bayer Leverkusen ace still has a wand of a left foot, and as Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley puts it, is “still one of the best passers in Europe.”

Then, when it comes to the San Sebastián-born ace, the similarities tend to fall on the more defensive side of things, with their tackles won and interceptions per 90 being a key area in which the pair rank closely.

Ultimately, there is a strong case for Arsenal having the best midfield in the league, thanks largely to Rice and Zubimendi.

However, just think how much better their squad would be had they also kept hold of Xhaka.

Arsenal's "world-class" striker left for £0, now he's outperforming Gyokeres

The experienced striker is currently looking more dangerous than the Arsenal star.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 30, 2025

Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-match suspension after being sent off in the closing moments of Los Blancos' heated 2-1 win over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Ukrainian was the only player dismissed following a brawl sparked by Vinicius Junior’s celebration late in the Clasico.

• Heated Clasico ends in chaos

  It was chaos at the Bernabeu on Sunday night as the high-stakes El Clasico ended in a heated brawl involving players from both benches. What started as Vinicius's celebration right in front of the Barca dugout quickly spiralled into a full-blown scuffle that needed security to calm things down. Los Blancos' second-choice goalkeeper Lunin, who wasn’t even on the pitch, got caught up in the middle of it all. The Ukrainian sprinted from the bench to confront the Barca players and had to be held back by his teammates. Players including Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal and Thibaut Courtois were also seen exchanging words with Lamine Yamal, who didn’t hold back either. However, it was only Lunin who was sent off by referee Soto Grado.

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  Lunin handed one-match ban after El Clasico brawl

  Lunin’s red card has now resulted in a one-match suspension, confirmed by the Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday. The referee’s official report stated that Lunin was sent off "for leaving his bench towards the opposing bench in an aggressive attitude, having to be held back by his own teammates.”

  Real Madrid appealed the decision as they felt the call was harsh, but the committee backed the referee’s version of events, calling it a minor breach of sporting conduct. 

  The suspension will keep Lunin out for one game. However, Los Blancos have the option to appeal again if they want to take it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). 

  Meanwhile, none of the other players involved, including Vinicius, Carvajal, Bellingham and Yamal, faced further action. 

• Real Madrid had last laugh after Yamal’s pre-match jab

  Before the Clasico even kicked off, Barcelona’s teenage star had taken a swipe at Madrid, stating that they complain all the time. His comments reportedly sparked anger in Madrid's dressing room, who wanted to teach the young winger a lesson on the pitch. Needless to say, those words by Yamal came back to haunt him. The Barca wonderkid struggled to make an impact at the Bernabeu, managing just two shots and creating a couple of chances as Madrid’s backline kept him quiet. 

  Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for Los Blancos in the 22nd minute before Fermin Lopez levelled for the visitors. But Bellingham’s strike just before half-time proved to be the winner. Mbappe's second-half penalty miss didn’t cost the hosts as they cruised to a win. Madrid players, including captain Carvajal, made sure to respond to Yamal after the game, which led to further escalation between the two teams.

  As well as the bust-up, Madrid's victory was overshadowed by Vinicius' furious response to his substitution in the second-half. The Brazilian has since apologised to his team-mate's and the club's fans, though he neglected to mention coach Xabi Alonso in the statement he posted on social media on Wednesday.

  Before that, he attempted to explain the fiery nature of the match, saying: "This is how the Clasico is; there are many things happening on and off the pitch. We try to maintain balance, but that's not always possible. We didn't want to offend anyone, neither the young players nor the fans."

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  Madrid pull clear at the top in La Liga

  The win put the Los Blancos five points clear at the top of La Liga, with nine wins from their first 10 games. Meanwhile, the defending champions are chasing behind with seven wins. With the dust yet to settle from the Clasico, both Spanish giants now turn their attention back to league action. Madrid will host Villarreal later this week without Lunin, who was expected to be on the bench, as they look to maintain their strong form. Meanwhile, Barcelona take on Elche on Sunday, hoping to close the gap at the top.