This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Speaking to Centro Suono Sport (via Calcio Mercato), Moise Kean’s father has admitted his son’s move to Everton was a “mistake”.
What did he say?
The Italy international joined from Serie A giants Juventus in a high-profile move earlier in the summer, but has struggled to settle into life on Merseyside. The 19-year-old has made 11 appearances for Marco Silva’s side this season, but has failed to open his goal-scoring account.
His previous three games in the Premier League have not even seen him take the pitch, with reports in recent days suggesting that he missed the match-day squad against Southampton due to disciplinary measures for being late to a team meeting. Now, Kean’s father has expressed his regret at seeing him move to England at such a young age, and urged for him to make his return back to his native Italy.
He said (as translated by Sky Sports): “Sending my son to England was a mistake, because he’s still too young, he’s not feeling good at Everton, I didn’t like this transfer. I hope he can come back to Italy as soon as possible, I hope he goes to Rome, but the important thing is that he comes back here.
“At Everton, where he is playing now, he is not settling in well. I think he was supposed to wait a few more years before he had an experience abroad. If there is a possibility for him to come back to Italy, I hope he can do that, so as not to ruin him.”
Regret
When Everton managed to sign Kean in the summer – a teenage starlet who had shown he could score goals for a big side like Juventus by netting six in 13 games in Serie A last season – it was seen as a major coup. A highly-talented prospect who still has the peak years ahead of him, coming to the blue half of Merseyside to tear things up.
Instead, his first few months at the club have been nothing short of a disaster. The £36m-rated ace’s failure to score a single goal, and then the recent news of him being dropped from the match-day squad, have painted a picture of a young forward who is experiencing some serious struggles adapting to life in a new country and environment.
So whilst Everton were understandably right to pursue a move for someone as talented as Kean, perhaps they should really take into consideration in the future about the kind of character, age and profile of the player they are signing.
Juventus are a higher calibre of club in a league with limited similarities to the English top flight; life at Goodison is a completely different kettle of fish and Kean has failed to transition effectively.
Liverpool’s interest in completing the signing of an “incredible” player who’s been likened to Lionel Messi has now gone up a notch, according to a fresh transfer claim.
Liverpool transfer news
The Reds are still being linked with possible new signings despite the window closing several weeks ago, as Arne Slot looks to bolster what is already a squad brimming with elite-level quality.
Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson has been targeted by Liverpool in the past and has again emerged as an option, as they look to pip rivals Manchester United to his signature in 2025. Andy Robertson is now 30 years of age and arguably not quite the world-class force he was a few years ago, so it is important that a long-term replacement is lined up.
Fulham defenderAntonee Robinson.
Another left-back in the form of Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is also thought to be being eyed up by the Reds, with the Hungarian playing alongside Dominik Szoboszlai at international level. United are once again keen, so there could be a battle to snap him up. Meanwhile, another former target, Nicolo Barella, is also being linked with a switch to Anfield in one of the upcoming transfer windows, with the Italian reportedly seen as the ideal profile of midfielder for Slot to bring in.
Liverpool ready to splash the cash on "incredible" Wirtz
According to a new report from Caught Offside, Liverpool are still looking to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, having shown interest in him in the past. The Reds’ willingness to snap up the 21-year-old is believed to be “strengthening”, with the Germany international “understood to be open to a move to the Premier League” and the Reds now “xpected to be willing to pay the €100m required”, which is roughly £83.5m.
Wirtz could be a phenomenal addition for Liverpool, having shone so much for Leverkusen in their title-winning Bundesliga season last time around. The German scored and assisted 15 times apiece in the league and Europa League, not only winning the former but also reaching the final of the latter.
Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has even compared aspects of his game to Messi, in terms of his choice of pass, and Joe Cole said of him back in May: “Incredible. I’ve watched him three times this year now and he’s blown me away every time. He’s got a South American flair with a German efficiency about him. We’ve all heard of Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden, and Musiala. This lad will be new to the British viewers. Let me tell you, he is every bit as talented as those players. He could go on to be anything.”
Still only 21, the sky feels like the limit for Wirtz, and he could add an extra dimension to Liverpool’s attack, battling Szoboszlai for minutes in a central attacking midfield role, as well as being able to shine out on the left wing, if required.
Liverpool flop who left for £5m is now outperforming Jota & emulating Messi
Liverpool never got the best out of this dud.
ByKelan Sarson Sep 23, 2024
Leverkusen will clearly be desperate to keep hold of their star man, so it won’t be easy for the Reds to get him, while Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also represent great options for him, but he should be considered a primary addition.
Everton are the worst-performing team in the Premier League when it comes to keeping the ball, with their possession at 36.3% on average across their first five games this season.
Sean Dyche’s side are struggling, having conceded 14 goals in their opening five games, only scoring five, as they look lost in their identity.
As pressure is mounting, a loss this weekend against Crystal Palace could spell the end for Dyche, with incoming new owner Dan Friedkin already compiling a list of suitable replacements just in case.
Dyche's Everton system
Dyche is well known for his more rigid and pragmatic system, looking to create a team that wins their duels, defend first, and hits teams directly on the break or through long balls. This shows instantly in the metrics, as Everton attempt the most long balls per 90 of any Premier League team this season, with 77.8 long passes attempted per 90.
Alongside this direct manner of play, Dyche’s men play the fewest short passes in the division, averaging 133 per 90, and the least “medium” range passes per 90, with 114.6. These passing metrics show us the intention of Everton under Dyche, to keep less of the ball, absorb pressure, and break directly with long balls, gaining chances and set pieces through this method.
Stats (per 90 mins)
Number
Rank in league
Goals
1.00
14th
xG
1.04
17th
Progressive Passes
25.2
18th
Short Passes Attempted
133.0
20th
Medium Passes Attempted
114.6
20th
Long Passes Attempted
77.8
1st
Shots
12.0
12th
Shots on Target
3.40
17th
Tackles
22.2
1st
Blocks
9.60
16th
Interceptions
11.0
2nd
Despite all of this, Everton have conceded the joint most goals in the league after five games, with 14 goals conceded, which shows this method of having less of the ball and looking to be defensively compact, is not working, and is instead putting them under more pressure.
Everton complete the highest number of tackles and the second-highest number of interceptions in the league, yet still concede the third-highest xG in the league, whilst also generating the fourth-worst xG in the league.
If you do this, it is inevitable you will lose games, which has shown quickly for the Toffees this campaign, still searching for their first win of the season and possibly even a new manager in due course.
Everton's potential replacement for Dyche
According to GIVEMESPORT, Everton could look to offer Lee Carsley a ‘romantic’ return to Goodison Park if the new owners sack Dyche, having spent six years with the club from 2002-2008 in his playing days, making 198 appearances for Everton, scoring 12 goals, and providing seven assists in 16,329 minutes played.
Carsley was appointed the interim manager of the England senior national team following the departure of Gareth Southgate and since his appointment, many of the players, including Declan Rice in an interview after their 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland, have said the new boss is “refreshing”. That’s particularly what he could be at Goodison Park.
The 50-year-old – who is “unbelievable” in the eyes of pundit Troy Deeney – has taken charge of two Nations League games for the England senior side so far, winning both fixtures 2-0 in impressive style while holding 76% possession in the first game, and 79% in the second game.
Carsley likes to set his side up in a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 system from the get-go, with an emphasis on keeping hold of the ball, looking to control the game, and giving his attackers freedom to solve problems in the attacking third. This often sees a slightly more rigid base, with a very fluid frontline.
A key figure of Carsley’s style, is the creation of wide triangles and diamonds, from which players can express themselves, playing what many would describe as “mini rondos” in tight areas, little pass and move sequences, to break through the opposition and problem solve in the attacking third.
This saw Jack Grealish find his mojo again, playing as a left-sided number eight/ten in Carsley’s system, which goes from its original 4-3-3/4-2-3-1, into more of a 3-1-6/3-2-5, allowing the full-backs to join in, forming these wide triangles/diamonds (seen below).
Grealish was able to fluidly move between roles, drifting wide at times to receive the ball, dropping into deeper central zones to pop the ball about, and then driving at the heart of teams from central areas, making little one-two combinations with his teammates to open up pockets of space.
For Everton, this could see the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom given more freedom to roam, allowing them to get on the ball in a variety of areas on the pitch, making them harder to pick up for the opposition, and giving them more creative freedom to make things happen.
The other key factor of this appointment would be the drastic change in philosophy, going from a coach like Dyche who wants to absorb pressure, average low amounts of possession (36.3%), and hit teams directly.
Carsley is the opposite, who wants to control the game, holding large amounts of the ball, and play through teams at their tempo, building through the lines, and sustaining pressure in the opposition half.
Someone like James Garner could be really important for this, adding more passing quality, and having the confidence to receive the ball in central areas, circulating possession until the right moment to penetrate, whilst a midfield partner such as Tim Iroegbunam could provide the duel-winning capabilities to protect the backline, and sustain pressure high up the pitch.
Everton midfielder James Garner.
Whether this type of managerial appointment would work for Everton, remains to be seen, as it would be a massive change of expectations for each individual, which would likely come with a settling period, as many players aim to get to grips with this new style of football.
However, with Carsley’s Everton bond already intact, and a very exciting brand of football, fans would likely be willing to give him time, buy into his philosophy, and get behind the team as they look to make it work. This would certainly be a bold appointment, but an exciting one for Toffees fans alike.
DCL would love him: Friedkin considering amazing Dyche successor at Everton
He could bring the best out of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
West Ham United and manager Julen Lopetegui are considering whether to move for a free agent striker after summer signing Niclas Fullkrug's injury blow.
Fullkrug suffers injury for Germany in worry for West Ham
Fullkrug, who signed for West Ham in a £27 million deal from Borussia Dortmund in early August, missed Germany's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands on Tuesday evening after sustaining an achilles tendon injury.
West Ham offered chance to sign Euro 2024 ace on free deal with John Egan
Lopetegui is dipping into the free agent market.
ByEmilio Galantini Sep 5, 2024
The 31-year-old has played 63 Premier League minutes under Lopetegui thus far, making three appearances off the substitute's bench, with Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann confirming he won't feature against Fulham this weekend.
"Unfortunately, the area is a bit problematic because it's the transition to the Achilles tendon at the bottom of the calf," said Nagelsmann on Fullkrug's injury.
"If something were to happen, it would be long-term. That's why we're not taking any risks. He will have to take a few days off. He will not be playing in the Premier League at the weekend."
Fullkrug has since returned to West Ham for a medical assessment, with Lopetegui set to find out the extent of his injury as the Hammers await a further medical diagnosis.
West Ham summer signings
From
Fee (Transfermarkt)
Max Kilman
Wolves
€47.5m
Crysencio Summerville
Leeds United
€29.3m
Niclas Fullkrug
Borussia Dortmund
€27m
Luis Guilherme
Palmeiras
€23m
Mohamadou Kante
Paris FC
Undisclosed
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Man Utd
€18m
Wes Foderingham
Sheffield United
Free transfer
Guido Rodriguez
Real Betis
Free transfer
Jean-Clair Todibo
Nice
Loan transfer
Carlos Soler
PSG
Loan transfer
West Ham summer departures
To
Fee (Transfermarkt)
Flynn Downes
Southampton
€17.85m
James Ward-Prowse
Nottingham Forest
Loan
Maxwel Cornet
Southampton
Loan
Nayef Aguerd
Real Sociedad
Loan
Kurt Zouma
Al-Orobah
Loan
Said Benrahma
Lyon
€14.4m
Angelo Ogbonna
Watford
Free transfer
Thilo Kehrer
Monaco
€11m
Nathan Trott
FC Copenhagen
€1.5m
Ben Johnson
Ipswich Town
Free transfer
Joseph Anang
St. Patrick's Athletic
Free transfer
“West Ham have confirmed an injury to new forward signing and German international Fullkrug,” said insider ExWHUemployee.
“A top source confirmed that the player will be out for Germany’s game and is returning to West Ham for treatment. The injury is thought to be an Achilles heal tendon and calf injury and the club will monitor and scan the injury to get an official diagnosis of how serious the injury is.
“The source finished with saying “he hates international breaks” and I think as fans we all agree. We will keep you updated.”
West Ham consider signing free agent striker after Fullkrug injury
The free agent market is still a solution for Tim Steidten and co in regards to bringing in more talent after the transfer window, and they can still choose to sign one until the Premier League squad submission deadline on Friday evening.
West Ham have been in talks with ex-Sheffield United stalwart John Egan, who played in a behind-closed-doors friendly for the Irons against Dagenham and Redbridge last week.
Sheffield United defender John Egan.
According to GiveMeSport, West Ham have considered signing a free agent striker after Fullkrug's injury – with the severity of his problem set to determine whether Lopetegui deems it a priority.
The east Londoners apparently refuse to rule out the possibility of bringing in a quick-fire replacement for Fullkrug and did ponder a swoop for ex-Barcelona forward Memphis Depay, before the Dutchman joined Corinthians.
If West Ham don't opt to make a Bosman attacking signing, out-of-favour striker Danny Ings is thought to be ready to seize an opportunity to impress under Lopetegui.
Liverpool are now ready to battle Newcastle United for the signature of Marc Guehi, but Crystal Palace are set to hold out for bids in excess of £60m if they are to sanction an exit for the defender, according to a report from Football Insider.
Is Marc Guehi leaving Crystal Palace?
With Guehi currently contracted until the summer of 2026, Palace are under no pressure to sell him this summer, but there is growing interest in his signature, with a number of top Premier League clubs now said to be eyeing moves.
Tottenham Hotspur have previously been linked with a move for the Englishman, with north London rivals Arsenal also being named as potential suitors, as Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his backline.
Newcastle and Liverpool have been competing for several of the same targets this summer, with the Reds ultimately beating the Magpies to the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai, while they are also competing for Sporting CP youngster Goncalo Inacio.
There may now be another battle for the signature of Guehi, according to a report from Football Insider, which details that Liverpool are now ready to fight it out with their Premier League rivals.
However, they have been made aware that the 6-foot defender will not come cheap, as Palace are set to ask for bids in excess of £60m, if they are to sanction an exit for one of their prized assets.
Spurs and Arsenal are also still in the frame, but there is a belief that Palace's asking price could make the difficult very difficult to orchestrate, even for the Premier League's elite clubs.
After dazzling for the second season on the spin at Selhurst Park, the Eagles are unwilling to let their academy graduate leave for less than they think he is worth.
Is Marc Guehi signing for Liverpool?
If Palace are unwilling to lower their asking price, it seems unlikely that FSG sanction a move for the 22-year-old, given that the owners are not exactly known for overspending on players.
Liverpool's net owner funding in the last five years comes in at second-lowest in the division, at negative £37m.
However, if the Eagles lower their asking price later in the transfer window, the up-and-coming centre-back could be a fantastic addition to Klopp's squad.
Hailed as an "exceptional talent" by members of the media, the former Swansea City now has four caps for England, having impressed at club level, averaging a 6.94 Sofascore match rating last season, a higher figure than Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Former manager Patrick Vieira has also heaped praise on the England international. saying: “He’s an ambitious player who wants the best for himself and wants to represent his country. He’s been working well, really hard.
“When you look at his performances for us in the year-and-a-half I’ve been here, it’s been really consistent and good.He just has to keep working like that and he will get a time to play in a World Cup and get a chance to represent his country."
Guehi is not yet the finished article, but he has proven himself at Premier League level, and has the potential to become a top player.
Manchester City are ready to pay to complete the signing of Achraf Hakimi, with Pep Guardiola said to be a big fan of the Paris Saint-Germain star, according to a report from Football Insider.
What's the latest Man City transfer news?
Man City are planning to spend big on West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, having submitted a £90m offer for the England international, although that proposal was swiftly rejected by the Hammers.
Central midfield is not the only position that needs strengthening, however, with Kyle Walker's future in doubt. A new right-back may be required, with the likes of Nahuel Molina and Hakimi being linked with moves to the Etihad Stadium.
It is detailed that Guardiola wants to build a side capable of competing on all fronts next season, with the PSG defender being identified as a player who could help them do that, and there has now been an update on City's pursuit.
According to a report from Football Insider, the Sky Blues are now "ready to pay" to complete the signing of the 24-year-old, as they hold a strong interest in his services.
Guardiola is said to be a big fan of the Moroccan, who features highly on Man City's shortlist of potential defender signings, but he would command a big fee. The Citizens' interest in the right-back comes amid doubts over the futures of Walker and Joao Cancelo, with the latter of the two set to leave this summer.
How much does Achraf Hakimi earn?
The PSG full-back is currently tied down to a £240k-per-week deal with the French champions, which is not due to expire until 2026, meaning his current employers will be in a very strong negotiating position this summer.
However, Man City are seemingly willing to spend big on the Morocco international, and there is every indication he could be worth it, given the threat he poses on the front foot.
In the past year, the former Inter Milan star has averaged 0.17 non-penalty goals per 90, placing him in the 93rd percentile compared to his positional peers, with a pass-completion rate of 89% placing him in the 98th percentile.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi.
Any player operating in a Guardiola system needs to be an assured passer of the ball, and the right-back fits the bill in that regard, while he has also been hailed as "sensational" by journalist David Amoyal.
Hakimi could be a perfect long-term replacement for Walker, and Man City should now look to test the waters with an opening offer – showing that Guardiola is not messing around in the market with midfielder Mateo Kovacic set to become the first signing of the summer.
An update has emerged on Chelsea and their ongoing plans to reshape their playing squad after they finished in the bottom half of the Premier League in the season just gone.
What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?
Mauricio Pochettino is in the market to bolster his options in the middle of the park and Sandro Tonali has emerged as a potential option instead of Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo.
The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that the Blues have had an offer of £60m turned down for the Ecuador international and that they are now considering a number of alternatives, including the AC Milan commander.
This is alongside their pursuit of a deal for Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson, who is seemingly closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge from the Spanish side after agreeing terms with the Blues. The reporter tweeted:
"Chelsea have agreed terms with Nicolas Jackson + intend to strike deal with Villarreal. €35m clause if needed. 21yo striker has committed. + #BHAFC rejected £60m #CFC Caicedo bid 2wks ago – Lavia, Kone, Tonali, Barella among alternatives."
Ornstein's article, which is attached to his Tweet, does not reveal how much it would take to snatch Tonali away from the Champions League semi-finalists but the Italian international is on the club's list of targets this summer.
Who is Sandro Tonali?
The 23-year-old Milan ace is a defensive midfielder who has the quality to make an impact at both ends of the pitch with his defensive awareness and creativity.
Whilst it remains to be seen how much the Italian giants would demand for his services, Football Transfers estimates his market value to be in the region of €68m (£58m), which is significantly more than the €39.7m (£34m) he was valued at in June 2022.
AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali.
This shows that the young maestro, who scout Jacek Kulig hailed as "Il Comandante", has been building his value over the last 12 months and that Chelsea would be bringing in a player who is on the up, rather than a depreciating asset with no sell-on potential.
Tonali enjoyed a terrific 2022/23 campaign in the Serie A with Milan. The Italian commander, who was once lauded as “extraordinary” by former Brescia manager Eugenio Corini, averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.21 across 34 appearances in the division and made 2.6 tackles and interceptions and 1.8 key passes per match.
Only Thiago Silva and N'Golo Kante (both with a score of 7.26) averaged a higher rating in the Premier League and only Kante (1.9) created more chances per game than the £76k-per-week dynamo.
There has been an update regarding Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Leicester City playmaker, James Maddison…
What's the latest on Maddison to Tottenham?
According to Italian journalist, Rudy Galetti, the Lilywhites are said to have made contact with the player's representatives regarding a deal to bring the 26-year-old to north London, albeit with the Englishman – who could be worth around €60m (£51m) – also the subject of strong interest from Newcastle United.
Writing on Twitter, the respected insider revealed: "Head-to-head between #Tottenham and #Newcastle for #Maddison. #NUFC have a slight advantage – they consider about €60m a fair price – but the race is fully open. Both clubs are in talks with the agent of James, who wants the move after the relegation of #Leicester."
This follows a previous report from 90min that suggested new boss Ange Postecoglou has given his approval with regard to the signing of the former Norwich City man, with the midfielder set to be up for grabs following Leicester's recent relegation.
How could Maddison fit in at Tottenham?
While the Coventry-born ace has been utilised on the right flank in recent times at the King Power Stadium, it is perhaps likely that he will take up one of the attacking, number eight berths in Postecoglou's preferred, 4-3-3 system, helping to provide a creative hub in the centre of the park.
It is perhaps clear to see that the north Londoners have been missing that link between the midfield and attack over the past few years, with BBC Radio London's Phil Parry stating that "there remains a big hole between the defensive part of midfield and the front three" as the club "have still not replaced Eriksen."
As Parry went on to note, "both Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski are runners and they do not have someone to pick the ball up in pockets, be intelligent and feed them accuracy", hence why the addition of Maddison could prove to be a "massive signing" – according to pundit Paddy Kenny.
Tottenham's Heung-min Son
While uncertainty remains over Kulusevski's future at the club – amid reports that Postecoglou is unconvinced by the on-loan Juventus gem – Son could be the man to benefit from Maddison's arrival, as the South Korean star looks to kick on from what was an injury-impacted 2022/23 campaign.
Having played through the pain barrier for much of the season, the 30-year-old 'only' contributed ten goals in 36 Premier League games, with that tally only likely to increase if given quality service by the Leicester gem.
The latter man – who also scored ten top-flight goals – showcased his creative flair after racking up nine assists and creating 69 chances in total, ensuring he ranked tenth in the division for that latter metric.
With Maddison also ranking in the top 15% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes, he is clearly someone that looks to play forward at every available opportunity, thus ensuring that the likes of Son can regularly gain possession in threatening areas.
Such a partnership could then prove crucial in ensuring that Spurs are not once again solely reliant on the goalscoring exploits of Harry Kane – who bagged 30 league goals last season – in their quest to break down opponents.
Celtic are reportedly close to securing their replacement for Ange Postecoglou as Brendan Rodgers inches closer to a return to Parkhead this month.
Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has held talks with the former Leicester City manager and a deal to bring him back to the Scottish giants is said to be 'all-but done'.
Rodgers enjoyed a terrific first spell with the club as he won a sensational seven domestic trophies in less than three full seasons at the helm.
However, his second stint in Glasgow could look a little bit different as it was recently reported that Hoops legend Scott Brown could be in the frame to form part of the Northern Irishman's backroom staff, after the Scotsman completed his first season in senior management with Fleetwood Town in England.
Would Scott Brown be a good appointment for Celtic?
Bringing the 37-year-old tactician in as part of Rodgers' staff could be a masterclass of a move by Desmond this summer for several reasons.
Firstly, the retired midfielder has a pre-existing relationship with the Celtic supporters and would be able to instantly reconnect with the fans in the stadium. He spent 14 years at the club as a player and should know exactly what the paying punters expect and demand from the side week-in-week-out.
Fleetwood Town boss Scott Brown.
The tenacious enforcer made a staggering 614 appearances for the Hoops during his playing career and won 23 domestic trophies in that time, including ten Scottish Premiership titles. This means that he knows the standards that are required to consistently dominate football in Scotland and can, therefore, make sure that the current squad is keeping up with that.
His performance in charge of Fleetwood in League One in the 22/23 campaign also suggests that he has the coaching ability to be an excellent addition to Rodgers' staff.
They had finished 15th and 20th in League One in the previous two seasons and the ex-Celtic man led them to a 13th-placed finish in the division. He also won four of his six FA Cup matches in charge of the club to take them to the fifth round for the first time in their entire history.
Former teammate Gary Caldwell hailed the Bhoys legend's work with Fleetwood as "fantastic" and the statistics back that up as Brown progressed the side in both the league and cup competitions.
Therefore, the 37-year-old boss could be an exceptional addition to Rodgers' staff if he is willing to make the move back to Parkhead due to his relationship with the supporters, his coaching pedigree, and his knowledge of what is needed to win consistently in Scotland.
Arsenal have entered talks with Ilkay Gundogan about a summer move, but there will be a great deal of competition for his signature, according to a recent report from Marca.
Is Ilkay Gundogan leaving Man City?
With Gundogan's contract set to expire at the end of the month, the midfielder has been linked with a move elsewhere, and there are reports that a move to Barcelona could be close, having verbally told the La Liga side he wants to join this summer.
However, the German is likely to have a number of other offers on the table, with clubs from Saudi Arabia said to be preparing huge offers, while French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, according to a report from L'Equipe.
There is also a chance the 32-year-old remains at the Etihad Stadium, with Manchester City now keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract, having initially been unwilling to offer anything other than a one-year deal.
According to a report from Marca (via Sport Witness), Arsenal have now entered talks over a move for the £140k-per-week midfielder, however, there will be fierce competition for his signature.
PSG may push to sign the Germany international if they appoint Julian Nagelsmann as their new manager, while Barcelona will try to sign him as well.
Mikel Arteta knows him well from their time working together at Man City, and he believes the central midfielder could have the quality to help his side compete for the Premier League title.
Will Gundogan join Arsenal?
Now that City have changed their stance on offering the former Borussia Dortmund man a long-term deal, it would be surprising if he is willing to move to another Premier League club, particularly if Pep Guardiola's side win the Champions League final later tonight.
However, if the Gunners are able to win the race for his signature, the maestro could be a fantastic signing, given that he played a vital role for City in their Premier League triumph last season, registering eight goals and five assists in 35 appearances.
Hailed as "incredible" by members of the media, the Man City star also has a habit of delivering in big games – scoring four in his last three league games to help wrap up the title for his side before netting a brace in the FA Cup final.
Although he is now 32 years old, Gundogan is showing no signs of slowing down, and Arsenal should undoubtedly table a contract offer this summer.