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Leeds United will move back to third in the Championship if they can secure all three points against Swansea City at Elland Road this evening.

The Whites dropped down to fourth in the division after West Bromwich Albion's win on Tuesday night but can move straight back ahead of the Baggies tonight with a win.

Daniel Farke's side host the Swans in Yorkshire and are up against a side with one win in their last six matches, which has left the Welsh outfit 18th in the league.

Leeds will also be looking to pile the pressure on Ipswich Town, who also play this evening, as they could move to within four points of the Tractor Boys if results go their way.

The Whites come into this match off the back of a 1-1 draw away at Rotherham United last Friday night and will be looking to bounce back to winning ways this time out.

Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring with a fine finish into the far bottom corner before a strike from Hakeem Odofin secured a point for the hosts.

Leeds injury news

Farke has confirmed that Georgino Rutter is back to full fitness after an abdominal strain made him a doubt for the clash with the Millers.

The 21-year-old wizard still managed to start and register an assist in that game – his sixth of the season – and he is now back to 100% ahead of today's clash.

Rutter has created 15 'big chances' for his teammates in 15 Championship starts, to go along with three goals, so far this season and has proved himself to be an outstanding option at this level who could be the difference-maker against Swansea at the top end of the pitch.

It has also been confirmed that club captain Liam Cooper is available for selection after being withdrawn with ten minutes to play against Rotherham due to cramp.

Djed Spence has been back in training with the Whites and could be involved in the matchday squad for the first time since his debut against Sheffield Wednesday at the start of September.

Archie Gray has been deployed at right-back, despite being a central midfielder by trade, and the Tottenham Hotspur loanee's return to fitness could provide the 17-year-old talent with some strong competition for his place in the XI over the coming weeks and months.

Sam Byram and Pascal Struijk both started on the bench after their respective injury issues over the international break but Farke has revealed that they are both fit and available to feature against the Swans.

With all of this information in mind, the German head coach must now unleash Struijk from the start at Elland Road tonight and instantly ditch Cooper.

The Dutch central defender should return to the starting XI to partner Joe Rodon if he is 100% fit and able to be named in the line up as he has been a key figure at the back so far this season.

Pascal Struijk's season in numbers

After the club's relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, Struijk was provided with the opportunity to establish himself as the go-to centre-back for Leeds as the likes of Robin Koch and Max Wober secured loan exits away from Yorkshire.

He has grasped that chance with both hands and enjoyed a terrific start to the season with his commanding and progressive performances for the Whites.

In possession, the Dutch titan has showcased his ability to play out from the back under pressure and to play through the lines to build attacks and help the team to break down stubborn defences.

Struijk ranks within the top 5% of Championship centre-backs for progressive passes (5.82) and the top 29% for progressive carries (0.73) per 90 this term.

This shows that the impressive colossus has the requisite forward-thinking mindset and technical quality to progress his side up the pitch through passes and carries, and has been one of the best in the division in his position with the former.

Struijk has not allowed his silky play on the ball to detract from his defensive actions, though, as the Dutchman has made 2.2 tackles and interceptions and 6.6 ball recoveries per match across 16 league outings, which shows that the 6 foot 3 star is able to win possession back for his side on a frequent basis.

He has also won 59% of his duels, including 60% of his aerial battles, and this means that the giant gem has been able to dominate opposition players in physical contests more often than not.

The 24-year-old ace has also avoided making a single error that has led to a goal or a shot for an opponent and is yet to give away a penalty, which illustrates how solid his performances have been.

Liam Cooper's season in numbers

Struijk should be unleashed ahead of Cooper as the Scotland international has offered less for Leeds this season, both from an offensive and defensive perspective.

Out of possession, the 32-year-old veteran has made 1.9 tackles and interceptions and 3.2 ball recoveries per game across nine Championship appearances.

This shows that he wins the ball back far less often than his Dutch teammate, who has averaged more than twice as many ball recoveries per match. Cooper has, however, won 58% of his duels so far this season and can provide a similar level of strength in his physical battles.

The left-footed enforcer does not offer as much quality on the ball in comparison to Struijk. He ranks within the top 14% of Championship centre-backs for progressive passes (4.71) and is in the bottom 19% for progressive carries (0.20) per 90.

These statistics indicate that Cooper is not able to produce as much thrust in possession to push Leeds up the pitch and to find teammates in attacking positions to make things happen offensively.

Therefore, Struijk should return to the starting XI tonight against Swansea in place of the Scottish battler due to his superior quality on and off the ball.

Farke hailed him as a "crucial" part of his team earlier this season and the statistics back that up, which is why his inclusion this evening could be key to their chances of coming away with all three points.

Mikel Arteta achieved a feat that Arsene Wenger couldn't as Arsenal beat Tottenham in consecutive away fixtures for the first time in 36 years.

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• Arteta achieves north London derby feat
• Won his 100th Premier League as Arsenal boss
• Gunners edged out their rivals 3-2

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners took a convincing three-goal lead within the first 40 minutes of the North London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium courtesy of an own goal by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and a goal each from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz. The hosts nearly pulled off a remarkable comeback through Cristian Romeo and Son Heung-min's strikes but Mikel Arteta's side eventually emerged triumphant.

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  With the win over Ange Postecoglou's side on Sunday, Arsenal have beaten their rivals in consecutive away Premier League fixtures for the first time since the 1988-89 season. Arsene Wenger failed to achieve the feat across his entire 22-year reign as Gunners boss, with George Graham the last man to manage it back in 1988. In their previous 17 meetings at Spurs' home, the Gunners managed to win only twice.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  It was also Arteta's 100th victory in the Premier League since taking charge of the north London side and he managed to achieve the milestone in just 169 games. Wenger took 179 matches to register a century of wins in the league.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Arteta's men will be next seen in action on Saturday as they host Bournemouth in a crucial Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium.

Liverpool might have dropped points last time out in the Premier League, but Jurgen Klopp can take much confidence from emerging from Manchester with a dogged draw against the formidable champions.

Perched near the summit, the Reds have restored their strength and style as one of the English top-flight's foremost outfits, and despite failing to qualify for the Champions League last term, look well on the way to achieving that this year.

With Fulham making the trip to Merseyside to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, Klopp will look to field a strong line-up to ensure that his side avoids any hiccups and maintains their pursuit of the league title at the end of the campaign – with table-topping Arsenal only two points ahead before the matchweek began.

Klopp will still be without Spanish midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic, as well as left-back Andy Robertson, while Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota are now absent after picking up issues against Manchester City.

With this in mind, Football FanCast predicts that the hosts will make as many as seven alterations from the side that defeated LASK 4-0 in the Europa League on Thursday night…

1

GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

Alisson is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks and Caoimhin Kelleher will deputise between the sticks in his place, with the 25-year-old Irishman making six appearances this season but yet to play a minute in the Premier League.

2

RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold

Appointed vice-captain in the summer following James Milner and Jordan Henderson's summer sales, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been revitalised following a disappointing 2022/23 campaign.

As per FBref, the England international ranks among the top 1% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 2% for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for progressive passes per 90.

After picking up an assist off the bench in midweek, he will be hungry to leave his mark once again against Marco Silva's side.

3

CB – Joel Matip

Joel Matip is out of contract at the end of the season but he remains a crucial member of Klopp's ambitious squad, having started eight matches already in the Premier League this term.

The 32-year-old Cameroonian is imposing and deceptively skilful, and his partnership with Virgil van Dijk in front of Kelleher's goal will give Fulham a tough time bypassing.

4

CB – Virgil van Dijk

Some questioned Van Dijk after he – admittedly – flattered to deceive as Liverpool toiled last term. But the towering Dutchman is now back at his apex and has been simply sublime this season – a rock at the back and a galvanising leader.

As per Sofascore, the Red skipper has completed 92% of his passes this term, making 4.5 ball recoveries and 5.1 clearances per game and winning an incredible 80% of his duels, showcasing his importance to the squad.

5

LB – Kostas Tsimikas

Robertson's injury sent shivers of consternation throughout the voiceful Liverpool support, with Kostas Tsimikas branded “abysmal" by one LFC podcaster for a poor performance earlier in the season.

But the Greek international has grown into his starting berth over the past few weeks and bagged two assists against Brentford in the Premier League before the international break.

He will be expected to stand strong on home soil, offering creativity while preventing Fulham from causing an upset.

6

DM – Alexis Mac Allister

Signing from Brighton & Hove Albion for £35m in July, Alexis Mac Allister arrived with a weight of expectation after a stellar campaign on the south coast – sandwiching triumph at the 2022 World Cup with Argentina in the middle.

With Klopp deciding not to sign a starring defensive midfielder in the summer, Mac Allister has been fielded from deep throughout the lion's share of his time on Merseyside, and while he would prefer to play higher up the pitch, he has done a stellar job.

7

CM – Dominik Szoboszlai

Dominik Szoboszlai has been phenomenal for Klopp's side in the engine room, starting all 13 fixtures and dazzling with his all-encompassing displays, completing 88% of his passes and averaging 7.1 ball recoveries and 2.2 key passes and 1.1 tackles per outing.

He will hold the key to unlocking Fulham's defence, orchestrating the attacking efforts from the centre, drifting forward and presenting a threat with his ferocious striking skills.

8

CM – Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones' "flying start" to the season – as was said by The Athletic's James Pearce – took a detrimental blow after the Englishman was shown a red card against Tottenham Hotspur at the end of September.

With injuries meaning he only returned to the Premier League last week against Manchester City, Jones will be fervently hoping for a starting spot tomorrow in the place of Ryan Gravenberch, who started against LASK and has impressed since joining in August.

Ranking among the top 1% of midfielders for pass completion, the 22-year-old could instil the composure to dictate the flow.

9

RW – Mohamed Salah

Bagging a penalty against LASK on Thursday after a lively display, Mohamed Salah has now scored 199 goals for Liverpool, and you wouldn't bet against his getting on the scoresheet tomorrow.

The £350k-per-week goal machine is one of the Premier League's greatest-ever forwards, and he has been described as "one of the best" by pundit and former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand.

10

LW – Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz will be expected to retain his starting spot on the left wing after scoring and being substituted before the hour mark against LASK, with Klopp seemingly keeping one eye on the Colombian's fitness ahead of another start on Sunday.

Jota may be out injured but Diaz has proved to be a tremendous attacking outlet for his side, with his mercurial efforts and tenacity down the left channel perhaps proving to be the difference-maker tomorrow.

Antony was told to "just get off the pitch" while chatting to Mason Mount and Andre Onana after Manchester United's 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

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• Man Utd outplayed at Selhurst Park
• Antony in discussion with Mount & Onana after defeat
• Jamie Carragher slammed the Brazilian

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A brace from Michael Olise and goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell condemned United to their heaviest Premier League defeat of the season. The 4-0 loss at Selhurst Park marked a significant setback for the Red Devils in their pursuit of European football for next season since they find themselves two points behind sixth-place Newcastle United with three games to go.

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  After the dust had settled on the pitch, Antony was seen engrossed in discussion with Mount and Onana as he seemed unhappy with something that had transpired in the match. The Brazilian kept whispering to Mount, covering his mouth, which irked Carragher and the Liverpool legend lambasted the winger for the lack of professionalism after the defeat.

• WHAT CARRAGHER SAID

  While working as a pundit with Carragher said: "Just get off the pitch! Talking and whispering behind your hand, you have been absolutely awful. They are probably talking about one of the players, somebody else, the setup or the manager. Just get off the pitch. Shut up and get in, you've been beaten 4-0. Whispering and talking about other players. Honestly…embarrassing."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The defeat extended United's record of losses in a Premier League season to 13, surpassing their previous high of 12 losses set in the 2013-14 season under David Moyes.

Sheffield Wednesday have "identified" a key transfer target ahead of the January window opening, according to an update from reliable journalist Joe Crann.

Sheff Wed form under Rohl

There was a point earlier in the season when the Owls' Championship fate almost felt sealed before the campaign had even hit thee halfway stage, with a host of defeats leaving them adrift at the bottom of the table.

Thankfully, Danny Rohl has come in as manager and made a world of difference, with the 34-year-old arguably proving to be one of the most exciting young appointments the club have made in some time, playing a modern brand of high-octane pressing football.

Wednesday have won three of their last four Championship matches, rising off the bottom in the process, and while there is still a lot of work to do in the relegation fight, there is now genuine hope that a speedy return to League One can be avoided next May.

For that to happen, further signings in the January transfer window could be on the to-do list, depending on how much funds are made available to Rohl, given the current financial situation at the club. It looks as though the Owls are looking to the Premier League for a possible addition.

Sheff Wed want James Beadle

Taking to X on Monday, Crann claimed that Sheffield Wednesday are eyeing a move for Brighton goalkeeper James Beadle.

"Understand that Brighton goalkeeper, James Beadle, is being considered as a potential target for #SWFC – he’s currently on loan with Oxford United but there’s talk of a potential recall in order to get him into the Championship."

In Crann's report for The Sheffield Star, he adds that Wednesday "aren’t the only Championship outfit believed to be interested in his services with Birmingham City also thought to be keeping tabs on him", and "his reputation as a ball-playing shot-stopper would make him an interesting addition considering the way that Rohl wants his team to play."

Beadle could be a fascinating signing by the Owls next month, even if that is on loan for the remainder of the season, assuming Brighton don't want to lose a talented young player permanently.

At just 19 years of age, the Englishman has already made his mark at senior level, catching the eye on loan at Oxford United, with the rumoured Wednesday target making 21 starts in League One so far this season, winning one Man of the Match award from WhoScored along the way.

Cameron Dawson is enjoying an impressive run of form under Rohl, including making a vital penalty save away to Stoke City, so he understandably feels like the first-choice at Hillsborough currently.

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Beadle could add stern competition for playing time, however, and if the Owls manager sees him as a better option in terms of suiting his playing style, he may not hesitate in throwing him straight into the side.

Having a 'keeper who is excellent with the ball at his feet is so vital for many teams nowadays, with Alisson and Ederson perfect examples at Liverpool and Manchester City respectively, so Beadle could be the next piece of the jigsaw in Wednesday's side.

Ryan Reynolds has described Wrexham as the "most wonderful city" and aimed a sly dig at the NFL in a recent interview.

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• Co-owner promoting new Disney series
• Admits his attachment to Welsh town
• Saw club promoted to League One

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Hollywood actor was appearing on the US talk show 'Today' and was asked about his 'football' team Wrexham, prompting a classic response from Reynolds as he thanked the host for calling the sport by its proper name and pointing out that NFL players don't use their feet in the popular sport Stateside. He then went on to give an overview of the club's season and admitted the Welsh town has inspired him in recent years.

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  Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have turned the once-unknown National League team into a global franchise that continues to grow both on and off the pitch. Wrexham's back-to-back promotion is a testament to the changes implemented by the acting duo who have aspirations to take them all the way to the Premier League.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REYNOLDS AND WREXHAM?

  Having recently celebrated their promotion, Wrexham's players are taking some deserved time off before getting on the road for their pre-season tour of the US this summer. But for Reynolds, the work will continue as they prepare for the club's next challenge in the third tier of English football.

Jurgen Klopp bid farewell to Liverpool by singing the name of his apparent successor Arne Slot in front of the club's fans at Anfield.

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• Klopp's Liverpool era comes to a close
• Slot set to replace him at Anfield
• German sings chant for Feyenoord boss

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Klopp's near nine-year reign at Liverpool came to a close with a 2-0 win over Wolves at Anfield on Sunday, two days on from Feyenoord coach Slot revealing he is indeed set to replace the German at the Merseyside outfit next season. In a bid to get some extra support from fans for the Dutchman, Klopp told them to back the 45-year-old in the same way they did for him back in 2015, and led a chant to the tune of 'Live is Life' by Opus.

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• WHAT JURGEN KLOPP SAID

  After a few renditions of this chant from him and the crowd, Klopp told those inside Anfield: "Imagine the next season starts and you are not waiting for what's going on, no! You go full throttle it, you welcome the new manager like you welcomed me. You go all in from the first day."

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  Klopp will be a very hard act to follow. After announcing he would step down at the end of the season at the start of the year, Liverpool have somewhat run out of steam. They were in contention for the quadruple after their Carabao Cup triumph but they faltered in the league, FA Cup, and Europa League. Despite that, Klopp won them the Premier League, Champions League and five other major trophies, and leaves a Liverpool legend.

Manchester City look to be closing in on making a new signing after submitting an offer for a player who now looks likely to join Pep Guardiola's side, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

Man City January transfer rumours…

Ins and outs may be expected at the Etihad Stadium in January as Guardiola looks to ensure his side are well equipped to fight for the Premier League title against the might of Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa and company.

Citizens outcast Kalvin Phillips looks like he may be heading to Newcastle United in January, as Eddie Howe's men are reportedly confident of being able to acquire the England international on a loan basis once the window opens.

Fabrizio Romano: Man City now keen on "brilliant" La Liga breakout star

He’s enjoying a very impressive campaign…

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Sean Markus Clifford

Dec 26, 2023

Regarding potential new arrivals, Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen has emerged as a target for the Sky Blues, with his current employers believed to be keen on cashing in on his services as his contract ticks down at Stamford Bridge without talks of an extension.

Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol have been utilised on the left-hand side of defence this campaign; nevertheless, neither are natural left-backs, which could pave the way for the Netherlands Under-21 international to become a handy pick-up to offer strength in depth to Guardiola's backline.

Injury issues could also play their part in potential arrivals in mid-season in the North West. Manchester City look set to be without John Stones for a period of time after the 29-year-old turned his ankle when sliding in to make a challenge on Beto in his side's 3-1 victory away to Everton on Wednesday night.

Now, the Citizens are believed to be well down the line with the pursuit of a potential arrival that could soon join the club, according to transfer guru Romano.

Man City make Claudio Echeverri bid…

Taking to social media platform X, transfer insider Romano has confirmed that Manchester City have made an official bid of €25 million to sign River Plate talent Claudio Echeverri, with the quoted figure being the value of his release clause, adding that a deal will be done.

Alluding to the terms of his deal, the Argentina Under-17 international is set to stay at his current club on loan to continue his development, though he now looks to be on the verge of sealing a transfer to the Sky Blues in a similar fashion to that of Julian Alvarez in 2022.

Labelled someone with an "exciting future" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the attacking midfielder has made six senior appearances across all competitions in 2023, notching one assist in the process (Echeverri statistics – Transfermarkt).

Rising to prominence with his performances in Indonesia, Echeverri is now in a position to put the finishing touches to a dream move to continue his development at the Premier League champions.

Luka Modric has highlighted Jude Bellingham's work ethic as his most impressive trait amid the midfielder's stunning debut season at Real Madrid.

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• Bellingham has stunned in first Madrid season
• Veteran team-mate heaped praise on youngster
• Pair aiming to win Champions League this week

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bellingham has scored an outstanding 23 goals and made 12 assists in all competitions to help fire Madrid to La Liga success and the Champions League final in his first season since joining the Spanish giants from Borussia Dortmund.

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  Modric has been impressed by the 20-year-old for many reasons throughout the campaign, but it is his mentality and his work in training that has earned the most praise from the Croatian veteran, citing his football IQ as another excellent trait.

• WHAT MODRIC SAID

  He told : "Jude has shown to everyone what kind of player and what kind of talent he is, but what surprised me most about him, because I didn't know him when I saw him playing and I heard the things about him, was his mentality. His work ethic is second to none. He is amazing every training session, every game. His winning mentality is what impressed me most apart from his football IQ."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM AND MODRIC?

  The veteran midfielder and the youngster will look to complete the European and domestic double this week when they come up against Dortmund in the Champions League final. They will then turn their attention to Euro 2024, with Modric in action for Croatia while Bellingham will compete with England.

The festive period was not a very joyful one for Arsenal this season, as the Gunners followed up their draw away at Anfield with three losses on the bounce to leave themselves down in fourth in the Premier League and out of the FA Cup.

At present, the Gunners look miles from their best, but with the January transfer window comes the opportunity for Edu and Co to improve the squad, and the latest player touted for a move to N5 would do precisely that, Everton's Amadou Onana.

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By
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The Belgian would improve Arsenal's already impressive midfield and could become the perfect partner for Declan Rice.

Arsenal transfer news – Amadou Onana

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are looking for a new midfielder this winter and are currently 'exploring' a marquee deal for Everton star Onana.

The Toffees are understandably reluctant to sell one of their best players amid a relegation-threatened season, but according to the report, offers of around £60m – almost twice the £33m they paid for him in 2022 – could be enough to tempt them into selling.

Other reports on Monday have stated that talks are ongoing between the two parties over a respective move this winter.

Amadou Onana's season in numbers

The former LOSC Lille man has played 16 league games for the Toffees this season, scoring one goal, maintaining a passing accuracy of 84.8%, winning 2.3 aerial duels per game, winning one Man-of-the-Match award and averaging a match rating of 6.82, per WhoScored.

While the fee is certainly high, the prospect of seeing a player that talent scout Jacek Kulig described as a "one-man army in midfield" alongside Rice should be all the convincing Arsenal need to get it done.

That said, if they do need more convincing, they need not look further than the highlights of their game at Goodison Park last season.

Why Onana is a perfect partner for Declan Rice

If Arteta were to pick his strongest XI, you can be pretty sure that Rice and Martin Odegaard would be in the midfield three, which means that the only spot up for grabs is the role alongside the former West Ham captain, be that as a left eight or number six.

Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny have proven themselves useful as temporary solutions in that role. Still, their age means that they cannot be the long-term solution, and while Partey isn't necessarily too old yet, his injury record has become a genuine concern.

Finally, while Kai Havertz has looked better in recent weeks – scoring four goals in the run up to Christmas – he has yet to convince many that he should be a starter in this team.

Therefore, there is a spot for Onana to come in and make his own, but how do his underlying numbers stack up alongside Partey, given that the Ghanaian would probably lose out with his arrival?

Well, when comparing their numbers from last season – when Partey was fit – it's the Toffees ace that comes out ahead in most essential metrics.

In fact, the only area in which the 30-year-old comes out on top is his passing accuracy. In all areas relevant to an all-action defensive midfielder, such as tackles won, interceptions, and aerial duels won, the Belgian comes out on top, very much living up to the "complete package" label that Jacek Kulig gave him in December.

Ultimately, playing Onana in the six role could allow Rice to move into the left-eight position permanently, which in turn could lead to Arsenal's midfield becoming one of the most formidable units to break down in European football.

The £105m summer signing has been exquisite playing further back but his explosive ball-carrying abilities mean he could well be suited to playing further forward.

Agreeing a move for another holding midfielder, be it Onana or someone else, could well allow this to happen. Therefore, the club should be pushing to get this deal over the line in the coming weeks.