Published Aug 21, 2026, 6:15 AM GMT+1

Matt specialises in football analysis, transfer insight and original feature writing across the Premier League, EFL and Scottish football.

A sports writer for 15 years, Matt graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in 2018 and has developed particular expertise in Arsenal and the wider Premier League while also reporting on clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United, Celtic, Rangers and teams across the EFL. He joined Football FanCast as part of its writing team in 2019 before progressing to Assistant Editor and then becoming a Senior Editor in 2021.

His work combines authoritative reporting with data-led analysis, tactical insight and informed transfer assessment. Matt regularly examines how players fit into different systems, what their underlying numbers reveal about their performances and whether transfer targets represent realistic solutions for clubs. His analysis aims to go beyond the headline, explaining not just what has happened but what it means for a team, manager or player.

Matt's journalism has also appeared through the Press Association, with his work featured by Sky Sports and the Daily Mail. He previously served as Arsenal and Premier League Editor at VAVEL and gained first-hand club-media experience with Chesterfield FC. Over his career, he has interviewed figures including Arsène Wenger, Ray Parlour, Alan Smith, Lucy Bronze and Steph Houghton. Matt's voice has been heard across Arsenal Fan TV and Love Sport Radio.

Through his reporting, analysis and features, Matt brings readers credible football insight grounded in research, statistics, tactical understanding and years of experience covering the professional game.

Today, Matt leads Football FanCast's features team as Senior Editor, overseeing the publication's opinion coverage while helping shape its overall editorial standards and content strategy.

Following a reserved month or so after the arrivals of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, Roberto De Zerbi is trying to force through moves to bolster his forward line.

Moves for Savinho and Cody Gakpo have been in the pipeline but there is a new name in their crosshairs now and he goes by the name of Omar Marmoush.

Yes, Spurs are trying to agree a double deal for both City players before the window slams shut at the beginning of September and have held talks regarding both players.

Why Omar Marmoush is an upgrade on Dominic Solanke

A move for Marmoush would be one of Tottenham's most exciting all summer. After all, it's a necessity that Spurs bolster their forward line after what they witnessed in 2025/26.

Dominic Solanke has not been a poor signing, far from it, but at £65m and in the wake of Harry Kane leaving, more was expected.

Solanke did find the net on 16 occasions in his debut year in north London but last term was a struggle for a variety of reasons, not least the fact he spent the vast majority of Thomas Frank's tenure out injured.

He only actually played 11 times under the Dane, such were his woes. Once all was said and done, the Englishman ended last season with just six goals to his name. Richarlison was their top marksman on 12 which rather said it all.

So, Spurs need a replacement and in Marmoush, they could find the perfect player.

A look at the data tells us that the Egyptian is a more dynamic forward player, a far more progressive asset, something that could be crucial to De Zerbi's style of play.

Marmoush may not have played too much for City last term but he was still streets ahead of Solanke per 90 minutes for some crucial metrics, notably shot-ending carries and big chances created from open play.

He is not a one dimensional attacker, he is multi-faceted and would be well worth the cash.

Spurs could still sign an alternative to Omar Marmoush

A move for the 27-year-old is no guarantee in the remaining days of the window so alternatives must be lined up.

The word is that Tottenham still want three players; two wingers and a striker. Savinho and Marmoush are two of them while the other could be Liverpool's Cody Gakpo. That, however, remains a complex deal to do.

If a move for Savinho falls through, then Spurs have considered Chelsea's Pedro Neto. That said, he boasts a £100m asking price which would no doubt prove inhibitive.

A cheaper route at Chelsea could be Nicolas Jackson, who according to Fabrizio Romano, is attracting interest from Spurs. Taking to YouTube, the journalist said: "Central striker, Omar Marmoush is an option. Nicolas Jackson is an option. I don't have any confirmation on the name of Victor Osimhen that was going around in the recent days and weeks. So, this is the situation about Tottenham."

Chelsea reportedly value the striker at £60m this summer and while there may well be doubts about the Senegalese's consistency in recent years, he would represent an upgrade on Solanke for similar reasons to Marmoush; he's far more dynamic and overall a far more menacing proposition in the final third.

Even last term when Jackson played second fiddle to Kane on loan at Bayern, netting just 11 goals, his numbers in many metrics trumped that of Solanke.

Like Marmoush, Jackson is just smoother in possession. He's much more adept when running at defenders and getting in behind. He's quicker, his movement is better and he's more likely to carve an opportunity out of nothing.

Lest we forget, too, that the Chelsea man has already made an impact in the Premier League. In 2023/24, his first year in England, the 25-year-old scored 17 goals. For that reason he has been described as "one of the best strikers in the world" by his agent Ali Barat.

REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

Now fast approaching his prime, there is a feeling that in a Spurs team quickly taking itself to the next level, the environment would be perfect for Jackson to thrive again.