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John Terry Hit Back After Rio Ferdinand Named Premier League’s 5 Greatest Centre-Backs

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Rio Ferdinand and John Terry engaged in a war of words after Ferdinand ranked the Chelsea legend as the fifth greatest centre-back in Premier League history.

Back in 2022, Ferdinand and Virgil van Dijk both ranked the five greatest centre-backs in Premier League history on TNT Sports.

Ferdinand and Terry played alongside for England for many years as they formed a formidable partnership at the back. However, the two had a very public falling out after Terry’s racism row with Ferdinand’s brother, Anton.

Terry received a four-game ban and a hefty £220,000 fine from the Football Association, but he was cleared in court after being charged over the incident.

Despite the two not seeing eye to eye, Ferdinand included Terry in his top five. He ranked the Chelsea icon as the fifth greatest centre-back in Premier League history, behind himself, Nemanja Vidic, Van Dijk and Jaap Stam. He said of his countryman:

“In terms of his longevity, what they [Chelsea] won, body on the line… [He was a] much better footballer than people gave him credit for. Can play off his right and left foot. And the team that he played for suited him as well.”

John Terry Responds to Rio Ferdinand’s Top Five Greatest Premier League Centre-Backs

John Terry and Rio Ferdinand

Terry saw Ferdinand’s top five and he couldn’t resist making his feelings clear. Taking to Instagram, the Chelsea legend posted a compilation of graphics showing statistics he recorded in his career – including the number of times he made the World XI, captains with the most Premier League titles and his win percentage being higher than any other defender.

Alongside the graphic, he wrote the caption: ‘Opinions are great but stats don’t lie.’

That didn’t go down well with Ferdinand, who responded: “The moment one has to start pushing their own records and stats, it’s really time to start addressing the fragile ego. You’re lucky I even put you in the top 5 after the racism case with my brother, so be thankful you made it.”

Terry refused to back down as he replied: “A fragile ego is putting yourself at number 1. Thanks for putting me in your top 5.”

John Terry Picks His Greatest Premier League Centre-Back Ever

john terry chelsea

Despite their issues, Terry has recognised Ferdinand as the greatest centre-back in Premier League history. The debate started again when Jermaine Pennant claimed Van Dijk is a much better defender than Terry ever was, a claim that Jamie O’Hara couldn’t fathom.

When asked to give his thoughts on the Double Tops Podcast, Terry said: “It’s not for me to say. I know this clip’s gone viral because Jermaine Pennant’s roped me in. The debate started about me, Rio [Ferdinand], [Nemanja] Vidic, and then all of a sudden it just got isolated to me.

“I think myself, Rio, Vidic… we’re different generations to Virgil [Van Dijk]. I think van Dijk is the greatest in this generation. He’s the best by a million miles in the Premier League and has been for the last four of five years. If it’s me to say, I’d say Rio.

“I don’t think it’s for me to sit on here and go I’m the best. What I will do… I will come out when someone says the high scoring defender and clean sheets. No, no, that’s me. So I’m allowed to defend myself in terms of that.

“But if I had to pick someone, Rio, over time, lonbegvity, what he won. Playing at one of the biggest clubs in the world at Man Utd, that’s the greatest for me.”

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Tottenham Eyeing Man City Forward Omar Marmoush

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Tottenham are showing an interest in signing a new forward in the summer transfer window as an alternative to Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.

After solving their defensive issues earlier in the window, attention for Tottenham can now turn to strengthening in other positions.

Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan-Paul Van Hecke have all arrived through the door at the back, while they have also been focusing on midfield additions.

Reports have claimed that Spurs have submitted a £100m bid to sign Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. The North London club are also in the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, though they face competition from fellow Premier League side Manchester United.

Alongside the defensive and midfield signings, they could also look to strengthen in the final third.


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Tottenham Eyeing Premier League Forward

Roberto De Zerbi looks on

According to reports, Tottenham are interested in signing Liverpool forward Gakpo in the summer transfer window, but they also have an alternative target.

It’s claimed that Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush is also an option for Spurs, despite him having a sky-high asking price.

The Egyptian international could also cost a lot in terms of wages, with Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg claiming that he earns around £280,000 a week at the Etihad Stadium.

Marmoush, described as ‘world-class’ by Flashscore journalist Anton Latuska, has struggled to cement himself as a guaranteed starter for Manchester City of late. That may change now Pep Guardiola has gone, but he started just eight Premier League games for City last season.

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Marmoush Could be Smart Signing for Tottenham

omar marmoush

The signing of Marmoush could be a smart one for Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

The Manchester City forward is a versatile option in the final third, capable of playing as a centre forward, as a number ten, or even out wide.

It will be interesting to see where De Zerbi plans on playing the Egyptian international if he does make the move, but his versatility alone could be crucial.

It is clear that Tottenham are targeting a particular profile of forward in the summer, given the links to Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, who can also play all across the front line.

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Five Players Tottenham Can Sign Instead Of Sandro Tonali

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Tottenham are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, although if the prospective deal for the Italian proves too expensive, the Lilywhites may be forced to pivot to alternative targets.

Tonali enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign for the Magpies, scoring three goals and providing six assists in 53 appearances across all competitions. This form has sparked interest from a host of clubs, including Spurs and Arsenal.

Despite this interest from the Premier League champions, Tottenham seemingly lead the way for the 26-year-old and have reportedly offered him a mouth-watering £275,000-a-week contract.

That said, this doesn’t mean Tonali’s move to North London is a done deal. According to various reports, Newcastle could hold out for around £100million, which would surely prompt Spurs to at least consider other options.

Thus, GIVEMESPORT have identified five alternative targets Tottenham could look at if they are ultimately unable to secure the services of Tonali.

Angelo Stiller

angelo stiller

Age: 25

Club: Stuttgart

Tottenham’s most pressing midfield issue last season was arguably the lack of ball progression. The likes of Conor Gallagher, Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur have desirable attributes, but getting the ball up the pitch through passing isn’t part of their repertoire.

Tonali also doesn’t excel in this aspect of the game, but Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller does. Stiller is renowned for his exceptional range of passing, and this is reflected in his impressive ball progression statistics.

The 25-year-old has been on the market for a couple of windows now and is yet to be snapped up by a big club, despite enjoying two outstanding seasons in the Bundesliga. He reportedly has a £35 million release clause in his contract, and Spurs should leap at this opportunity if the move for Tonali falls flat.

Adam Wharton

Adam Wharton via Reuters

Age: 22

Club: Crystal Palace

If Spurs are on the hunt for a pure midfield passer, then they should look no further than Adam Wharton. While Crystal Palace aren’t likely to sanction a deal for a fee that doesn’t closely resemble the asking price for Tonali, investing in a younger player with higher upside might make more sense regardless.

Spurs have already been linked with Wharton, and while the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United are also said to be in the race, Roberto De Zerbi may be able to offer the Englishman more certainty and more of a defined role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Wharton would fit the former Brighton manager’s style like a glove. De Zerbi’s build-up patterns are all about drawing the press in before playing round it with smart and incisive passes. Wharton’s best attribute is his forward passing in between the lines.

Mateus Fernandes

West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring Premier League goal against Sunderland via Reuters

Age: 21

Club: West Ham United

Like Wharton, Mateus Fernandes would represent a smart long-term acquisition for Tottenham. The North London side aren’t likely to win a major honour in the next two or three years, and thus, signing a younger player who can develop with De Zerbi’s project makes more sense than going big on a player in his prime in Tonali.

Spurs have reportedly been given the ‘green light’ to sign Fernandes, and there are suggestions that he could be added alongside the Newcastle man. Whether or not this is plausible financially remains to be seen, but Fernandes alone would suffice.

The West Ham midfielder thrived in a disjointed Hammers side last season, displaying his defensive tenacity, invention in possession and physical prowess. In a more settled system under De Zerbi, he could easily reach another level.

Manu Kone

Manu Kone Roma via Reuters

Age: 25

Club: Roma

Currently impressing for France at the World Cup, Manu Kone is looking for a new club this summer. He’s been linked with Arsenal, although he may ultimately make more sense for Spurs.

While reports indicate that Kone has given the Gunners priority over Tottenham, De Zerbi should have the ability to seduce the Frenchman. The likes of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi would block Kone’s minutes at the Emirates, while at Tottenham, his robust style could see him become the main man in the middle of the park in N17.

Given that he’d be arriving from overseas and with significantly less pedigree than the likes of Tonali, Wharton and Fernandes, Kone could cost considerably less, and thus preserve funds for other transfers.

Ayyoub Bouaddi

Bouaddi via Reuters

Age: 18

Club: Lille

If Tottenham really want to build for the long-term, then they should consider signing one of the hottest midfield prospects in Europe. Ayyoub Bouaddi is the subject of intense interest from the likes of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, but once again, Tottenham could sell a more enticing project to the youngster.

At the Emirates or the Parc des Princes, Bouaddi’s minutes are likely to be somewhat limited, particularly in the short-term. This could stall his development, while at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he would play regularly from the outset.

He boasts similar attributes to Tonali in his ability to cover ground and carry out defensive work, making him an excellent alternative.

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Arsenal Can Finally Sign Premier League Star Five Years After Initial Move

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Arsenal could finally land a player they’ve been courting for more than five years this summer, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster the squad that delivered the Premier League title to the Emirates Stadium last season.

Reports emerged on Thursday evening indicating that the Gunners have been in contact with Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and the Brazilian’s representatives over a prospective transfer. Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Friday morning that Arsenal have already launched a £55million move for the Magpies’ captain.

While Newcastle are reportedly not keen on selling their talismanic midfielder, the North Londoners may well return with an improved offer.

Arsenal’s priority this summer may be to strengthen in the attacking areas, but sporting director Andrea Berta evidently feels as though an upgrade in midfield is equally as important, with the likes of Alex Scott, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Sandro Tonali also said to be on the Italian’s radar.

Arsenal Considering Bruno Guimaraes deal this summer

Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes smiles as he walks into St James' Park via Reuters

A shock transfer report emerged on Friday evening, as Newcastle correspondent Craig Hope revealed that Arsenal are planning an audacious move for Guimaraes.

The journalist claimed that the Gunners have already held talks with the 28-year-old’s camp, with a view to making a move later this summer.

Given that Eddie Howe is already potentially set to lose Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, it’s no surprise that reports indicate that the north-east outfit are prepared to bat away any offers for Guimaraes.

However, it seems as though Arsenal are indeed willing to try their luck. Speaking on his YouTube channel on Thursday, Romano revealed that he’s aware of the Premier League Champions’ approach for Guimaraes.

“I can confirm the information going around England, reported by Craig Hope about Newcastle, about Arsenal’s interest in Bruno Guimaraes,” the transfer guru said.

“It’s true that Arsenal made an approach for Bruno Guimaraes. It was a direct approach on player side and club side with Newcastle, so Arsenal have reached out for Bruno Guimaraes. My understanding is that their intention was to try to approach for a deal around £55million, but Newcastle are not selling the player for that fee.

“Newcastle closed the doors to this approach from Arsenal. Now we will see if Arsenal return, if there is anything moving at the moment. Bruno Guimaraes is leaving everything in the hands of Newcastle, and he is respecting Newcastle.”

While Romano’s update suggests that Newcastle may be stubborn in their stance regarding Guimaraes, Arsenal won’t give up without trying.

Berta has developed a reputation for not backing down without a fight in transfer negotiations, and he’ll likely do everything in his power to land the former Lyon man if he feels he is the right candidate.

Guimaraes enjoyed another excellent season for Newcastle in 2025/26, despite Howe’s side’s troubles.

He scored nine goals and registered seven assists across 41 appearances, and this form has seemingly sparked interest from top clubs once again.

Martin Zubimendi suffered in the back half of last season for Arsenal, explaining why Berta and Arteta may feel the acquisition of Guimaraes to be necessary.

Arsenal Tried to Sign Bruno Guimaraes in 2021

Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Jr (Brazil) Ricardo Moraes via Reuters

Arsenal have long held an interest in Guimaraes. Back in the summer of 2021, the Gunners were heavily linked with the Brazil international, who was then plying his trade at Lyon in France.

He’d just enjoyed a breakout season in Ligue 1, six months after making the move from Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense.

A deal ultimately couldn’t be agreed, and the Gunners instead went on to add the likes of Martin Odegaard and Albert Sambi Lokonga to their squad that summer.

Fast forward six months, and Arsenal were again linked with Guimaraes before Newcastle ultimately landed the number eight in January 2022.

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The Magpies took the midfield maestro away from the North Londoners, signing him in a £40million deal.

Arsenal have been mooted as a potential suitor for Guimaraes in subsequent windows, but few concrete reports have actually surfaced on this front until this week.

Now, after years of monitoring him, he could finally be Emirates-bound, and for a cut-price fee, although it is clear they will have to improve on the initial £55million offer. Arsenal are understood to be readying a second bid and reports have suggested an offer of £60million could get a deal done.

Alan Shearer has described Guimaraes as ‘brilliant‘ in the recent past, and this legendary figure’s endorsement is a clear indication of just how important he is to the Magpies.

Everything runs through Guimaraes in Howe’s team, and thus, Arsenal would be landing the services of one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League if they can get a deal over the line.


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