Former Arsenal and England striker Alan Smith believes the Gunners have significantly revamped their striking options this summer by signing Gabriel Jesus. 

“Jesus is an upgrade on Lacazette for sure. He’s younger and quicker. Lacazette has worked really hard for Arsenal but I saw signs that physically he couldn’t reach the levels needed in the Premier League and obviously his goal output went down.

“Jesus has got his best years ahead of him. He’s joining a club with a coach who knows him well, who has faith in him, and who feels like he can improve the player.

"And he can improve because if you’re playing through the middle consistently – which he wasn’t at City, coming in and out and being asked to do different things – mentally now he can be a bit more focused as to what is expected of him. Also, it’s a big statement from the club that he’s been given the number nine shirt. 

“You wear the number nine and there is a pressure on you to perform and score goals. You hope he will thrive on that pressure.”

The Brazilian is the latest capture in what has been a busy transfer window for the North London giants, as they prepare for what will likely be another tough scrap for a top four spot with arch-rivals Spurs. Yet, Smith insists they are not done yet, naming two targets he hopes will arrive at the Emirates very soon.   

“Lisandro Martinez is an experienced player from Ajax, someone who can come in and offer good options to Kieran Tierney who has picked up a lot of injuries.

“Youri Tielemans meanwhile is an excellent player and hopefully Arsenal can get that one over the line because they’ve been linked with him for a long time.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in both Tielemans and Paqueta, however one player holds a significant advantage over the other 👀 @DAHughes_https://t.co/bBwGEf140R pic.twitter.com/RnmJqfvkdH

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) July 13, 2022

"I’m sure they’ve been talking to Leicester and to the player’s agent for a long time as well. So that one would be a big boost. 

"Rafinha looks dead in the water and that’s a shame, but if they can get Tielemans and Martinez – on top of their other signings – that’s a really good summer.”

It’s a positive summer that might in some way compensate for a very disappointing finale to 2021/22, with Tottenham ultimately pipping their neighbours to a Champions League spot.

Looking at the bigger picture however, Smith – who made 264 appearances for Arsenal, winning two league titles along the way – is greatly encouraged by the progress being made. 

“Arteta is definitely taking them in the right direction and he’s getting the backing as well. You can’t knock the ownership who have provided the funds to overturn that squad and build a side in his image. Hopefully they will continue on an upward trend.”

So much of that upward trend can be attributed to Arsenal’s array of young talent with Bukayo Saka standing out among them. Now a pundit for Sky television, Smith commentated on several games featuring the 20-year-old last season and very much liked what he saw. 

“Saka is a brilliant talent and I just love watching him play. He’s got the potential to solidify a starting place with England and he’s one of those players who just makes the game look easy.

“He’s not a tall lad but he’s so clever with his movement and even with aerial challenges, he moves himself into the defender and times his jump better, just to get a flick on it. His balance too is superb.

"I love Saka and all the Arsenal fans love him as well. Hopefully the club can keep him for his best years. He’s just been a revelation.” 

Another exciting prospect up front is Gabriel Martinelli, though injuries have somewhat blighted his development since joining in 2019.

Brilliant at times, at other times drifting in and out of games, does he have the consistency to really establish himself as a Premier League superstar? 

“There were times towards the end of last season, playing on the left, when Martinelli was unplayable and a lot of people are wondering if he might be an option down the middle over the next few years.

"I think that’s a possibility and I’m sure it will be something Arteta looks at in training and in a few matches. We will have to wait and see on that one and he would have Jesus, Nketiah and Balogun as competition. 

“I do like him. He’s a bums off seats kind of player but the idea is to create a bigger squad so he can be rested and pulled from the team sometimes to sit on the bench. He’s a tremendous talent.”

Should Saka and Martinelli shine, and should Mikel Arteta’s project in the capital continue to take meaningful leaps forward, the future appears rosy for Arsenal with their aspiration to once again be the top dogs in North London attainable for sure.

Even so, Smith is concerned about similar strides being made a mere four miles away. 

“It won’t be easy for Arsenal with all that’s going on at Tottenham, with the signings they are making and Conte.

"He is a first-class manager and getting that Champions League spot was a huge bonus for the club and for him. You wonder what would have happened had they not got it, because he’s a man of ambition. 

“So, it won’t be easy at all. If it’s as close as last season maybe this time Arsenal can pip them. It’s going to be fascinating to see how that battle goes.”

Former Liverpool and England star Danny Murphy believes the Reds have been ‘shrewd’ in agreeing to Mo Salah’s contract demands, with the alternative a far more expensive option.

"After Mane left, keeping Salah became very important for the club. To lose both would have been a huge blow and I don’t think Salah is the kind of player who will fall into a comfort zone and drop his levels just because he’s got more money.

"He’s got plenty anyway and he still keeps scoring a stupid amount of goals and playing to a high level. So, I’m not concerned about that.

"From a business point of view, I think it’s really shrewd because even if it was the four hundred grand a week that has been reported in certain parts of the press, you’re talking twenty million a year.

"If you’re trying to bring in someone to replace the goals that Salah scores that’s going to cost a lot more than twenty million and that’s before you start on the wages. So, keeping him makes sense."

If retaining a striker who has scored 128 Premier League goals since joining in 2017/18 was ultimately an easy decision for Liverpool, then replacing the nearly-as-prolific Sadio Mane was an essential measure.

Step forward, Darwin Nunez, a forward who has already proven his worth many times over for Benfica.

Yet, though the Uruguayan hit-man will no doubt find the net regularly in English football, is there a danger he might initially need time to settle, with time being a commodity the Reds can ill-afford as they prepare to once again chase down a near-perfect Manchester City? Murphy thinks not.

"You obviously don’t want a slow start from Nunez but it’s not as important as it could have been and that’s because of Jota, and also Luis Diaz.

"Diaz looks settled in his new environment. He isn’t fazed by the pressure. He has all the attributes that endear him to fans with that mixture of quality and work ethic, which is crucial at Liverpool for Jurgen Klopp.

"So, there is an expectancy on Nunez, and excitement to see him, but with the strength in depth up front now it’s not crucial that he flies from the start."

While their £85m man has naturally dominated the headlines this summer, another new striking option arrived at Anfield relatively unheralded, with Fulham winger Fabio Carvalho joining for a nominal fee.

Having spent five years at Craven Cottage in the late-2000s and still possessing an emotional attachment to the club, Murphy has closely watched the teen come of age in recent seasons.

"This lad is a talent. He always wants the ball and he’s a lovely technician. I don’t think Carvalho is going to be eased in.

🔴 I really think Fabio Carvalho might surprise a few people this season.

His talent is clear and he'll be hoping for a strong pre-season at #LFC.

With five subs in the Premier League, he should get a fair few minutes when the season begins.https://t.co/iA19nxeHv7

— Matt Addison (@MattAddison97) July 6, 2022

"I think he’s going to feature a fair bit because this lad can play. We obviously talk about the big names because they have come for big money but we will see more of Carvalho than you think."

If Klopp’s squad is well stocked with attacking talent, its midfield is arguably one top-class player short ahead of a long and demanding campaign, or at least that is the view of many Liverpool supporters, excited to see their club linked to England’s prodigious Jude Bellingham.

The Match of the Day football pundit however, suspects they may need to show a little patience.

"I get the impression that Jurgen Klopp is happy with his lot for the moment.

"Longer term they will be looking at someone like Declan Rice to replace Jordan Henderson and he is someone who undoubtedly has the quality to play anywhere in that midfield.

"Also, Jude Bellingham is a wonderful talent who can play anywhere in the middle of the park. Would he add quality and competition? Yes.

"I think Bellingham will be courted by lots of clubs and Liverpool aren’t daft, they will be keeping an eye on the situation."

At least as the situation slowly develops, Liverpool fans have their Spanish maestro Thiago to enjoy, spraying passes long and short.

Having played a similar role for five different top-flight clubs across a long and illustrious career, Murphy knows all-too-well how difficult it is to create in tight spaces.

"Thiago impressed me when I first saw him playing at Barcelona and he has never stopped impressing me. I’m a midfielder and I love watching midfielders play progressive football.

"His best asset is his courage on the ball. He will take it in any pressurised situation and get you higher up the pitch.

"A lot of people think that every player has that courage but I’m telling you now, that’s the hardest thing, to keep getting on the ball and keep making things happen against any opposition, against any tactics designed to stop you.

"He is never going to out-jump you or out-run you, or smash you in tackles, but he will out-think you and out-play you, and out-manoeuvre you. I imagine he’s an absolute nightmare to play against."

If the 45-year-old Talksport pundit is clearly an admirer of Thiago Alcantara, the same can be said of Richarlison, the forward who this week joined Tottenham, another of Murphy’s former employers.

The Brazilian is a divisive character perhaps, but Murphy believes he has all the attributes to succeed in North London.

"I’m a fan of Richarlison. He’s a winner. He has fire in his belly and he plays with passion. He falls around sometimes and goes down like a sack of spuds and I don’t like that about him but I’m sure Conte will have that out of him.

Official, confirmed. Richarlison joins Tottenham on a permanent deal for £60m fee to Everton, with add-ons included - club statement confirms. 🇧🇷🤝 #THFC

Spurs next target: Clément Lenglet. More to follow soon. pic.twitter.com/P6vZ7JwemS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2022

"But I love his endeavour and his willingness to get in behind and chase players down. I think it’s a clever signing because he’s hungry and he reminds me of Conte in his attitude. He doesn’t care who he upsets, he just wants to win."

Mention of Conte leads us to Spurs’ chances this season, especially after a busy transfer window has seen them add strength in depth to an unquestionably fantastic first eleven.

Might they even challenge at the very top this term?

"If you’re a Tottenham fan you’ve got to be delighted because they’re having a real go. They’re not going for players who are 32 from Juventus. Bentancur was 24. Bissouma is 25. Romero – who is a really good player – was 24.

"They’re looking to the future for sure. But I don’t think the Tottenham hierarchy or Conte will realistically think this season they can mount a title push. In seasons to come, who knows."

Real Madrid have once again proved to be an incredible winning machine.

This year Carlo Ancelotti has led the club to victory in La Liga and in the fifth Champions League in the last eight years, an extraordinary result that confirms the exponential growth of Real on a world level.

But what are the strategies behind the management of the club? How does Real Madrid work behind the scenes?

Here are some of the most important factors that make the difference up to the excellent results of the last few seasons, especially in Europe where Real Madrid are confirming themselves again and again, as well as on their transfer market strategies.

1) The Role of Florentino Perez

The president of Real Madrid is key within the club, something that in many other world top teams does not happen.

Florentino is informed about all negotiations, all internal decisions, personally chooses the manager and often also has conversations with the players before the club decides to buy them.

A present and reassuring figure who makes the difference in the long run because everyone at Real Madrid knows that the last word belongs to Florentino Perez.

2) The Men Behind The Scenes

Their names are José Angel Sanchez and Juni Calafat. The first is the general manager of the club, Florentino Perez's right-hand man: all direct talks with agents pass through him.

If today Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo play for Real Madrid instead it is due to Calafat, described as an authentic champion in the search for talent: the main man for scouting.

Calafat has an increasingly stronger power in the club and already since January he was working on Aurelien Tchouaméni deal, a detail which made it possible to overtake many other clubs.

Real Madrid, Rodrygo agree contract extension through 2028 -report https://t.co/9wDDWOrfXq pic.twitter.com/NUffbibSNW

— Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) July 4, 2022

3) Respect For Leaders

In the Real Madrid dressing room there is total respect for the leaders. Players like Karim Benzema and Luka Modric have been leading the group for years with enormous respect from all the youngest, ready to follow their ideas.

This aspect of leadership that is never excessive makes the difference: this is why Real have extended Modric's contract until June 2023.

4) Speed In Making Decisions

It is not a secondary detail. Real Madrid are able to decide very quickly, which does not often happen to English or Italian clubs for example.

Having missed out on Kylian Mbappé deal, Real immediately reached an agreement with Aurelien Tchouameni on personal terms, in a matter of a few hours.

Antonio Rudiger as well as David Alaba were tempted by many clubs, but Real acted quickly and bought them both.

5) Talent Planning

There is great planning for the future at Real Madrid. It is no coincidence that Tchouameni, Camavinga and many other talents sign with Real and not with other top clubs: Real work for months with the players' agents to then act at the best moment.

A formula that will continue, with many players followed in Europe but keep an eye also on South American young stars for the future...

6) Internal and External Communication

The communication factor in top clubs is decisive. Real Madrid have great attention in managing negotiations and internal dynamics, considered in the club as one of the great secrets that allow excellent results on the pitch.

It's not the same with many other top clubs, but Real Madrid are always keeping an eye on the situation of the communication.

7) "No One Is Bigger Than The Club"

This is a statement that never goes out of style at Real.

Florentino Perez repeated it after losing Kylian Mbappé in the battle with PSG, a few days after Real won the Champions League: the position is clear in every negotiation, those who want to sign for Real Madrid must not feel they are above the club and the group.

8) Protection Of The Manager

The 2021/2022 season was magical for Real Madrid, but in many moments there was some tension on the press around Carlo Ancelotti as after the first round lost to Paris Saint-Germain.

There has always been support from the club, it was made known to Carlo that he would stay regardless of the results; in a few weeks, he then won the La Liga and the Champions League.

9) Contracts Under Control

There is a great deal of contractual planning in Real Madrid: Vinicius Junior signs until 30 June 2027 to avoid the proposals of other clubs, Courtois and Valverde's contracts have already been sealed in recent months, nothing is accidental.

The next one could be Eder Militao. Real Madrid never want to take risks with key players' contracts, the strategy so far works perfectly.

10) The New Santiago Bernabeu

This is the next step to continue the Real Madrid project: the new Santiago Bernabeu is on its way and will be part of the future-oriented revolution of a club that makes programming its secret to always be successful, this has happened in the last 8 years.

In order to continue, the new Bernabeu is an important factor for Madrid.

Santiago Bernabéu nights, where the impossible happens. #UCL

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 4, 2022

*Credit for all the photo in this article belongs to AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 7th July 2022