Burnley FC
Inter Milan calling? – Here’s why Burnley must hold tight onto this £10m hitman to soar to greater heights
Why Burnley should hold on to Jay Rodriguez amidst Inter Milan interest
According to The Guardian, Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez is the subject of interest from Italian giants Inter Milan, with the 30-year-old high on Nerazzurri manager Antonio Conte’s wishlist as a back up for Romelu Lukaku, who made his move to the San Siro from Man United in the summer transfer window.
Rodriguez returned to his boyhood club Burnley for a fee of £10 million this summer after spending seven seasons at Southampton and West Brom but, if reports are to be believed, the 1-cap England international might be on his way to the Serie A in what would surely be the most lucrative move of his career till date.
The Burnley-born striker netted 35 goals in 126 appearances for Southampton and bagged a further 33 in 90 outings for the Baggies before making a return to his former club this summer.
However, he is yet to start a game for Sean Dyche’s side in the Premier League this term, with the in-form strike partnership of Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes forcing him to be content with a place on the bench.
Rodriguez, though, has played cameos as a substitute in each of the Claret’s first seven league fixtures thus far, with the most recent of those resulting in a goal in the 2-2 draw away at Villa Park. The 30-year-old started and scored against Sunderland in the League Cup but that wasn’t enough to prevent a 3-1 defeat.
To put things into perspective, Inter Milan’s interest in Jay Rodriguez looks a bit bizarre on paper, given that he is already 30 and was playing in the Championship last season.
However, if the Serie A giants do, indeed, come calling for his services, Burnley are going to have their work cut out in keeping hold of their former academy product.
The 30-year-old might have struggled to nail down a starting role upon his return just yet but he is very much a key part of Dyche’s plans moving forward.
An industrious and instinctive centre-forward with proven pedigree in the Premier League, Rodriguez is an indispensable component of the Clarets’ strike force and one who suits the manager’s philosophy perfectly.
Plus, Matej Vydra is the only other recognized alternative in Burnley’s ranks, albeit the former Derby County and Watford man has found himself out-of-favour even since his move to Turf Moor last summer.
The Czech Republic international is apparently not the right fit for Dyche’s old-school tactics, which is probably one of the main reasons why Rodriguez was brought in to provide more firepower up top.
Still only 30, the Rodriguez is performing at the peak of his powers and it should be a no-brainer for Burnley to hold on to him at all costs. Agreed, it would be hard to repel interest from a club of Inter Milan’s stature but they should look to keep the Serie A giants at bay by slapping a massive price tag on the striker.
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Suffice to say, the homegrown star is very much central to Burnley’s hopes of securing a top-ten finish in the Premier League and they should leave no stone unturned in their efforts to keep him at the club.
Arsenal cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory at Turf Moor, extending their winning streak to nine consecutive matches across all competitions. Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice scored first-half headers as the Gunners moved seven points clear at the Premier League summit, maintaining their extraordinary defensive record with a seventh consecutive clean sheet.
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Viktor Gyokeres’ Confidence Looks to Be Growing
Viktor Gyokeres delivered his best 45 minutes in an Arsenal shirt, ending a five-match top-flight goal drought with a poacher’s header from Gabriel’s knockdown before producing an assist of sublime quality. His cross-field pass to Leandro Trossard for Rice’s goal demonstrated vision and technical execution that’s been absent during his recent struggles.
The Swedish striker scored his fourth league goal of the season and finally looked comfortable leading Arsenal’s attack. His intelligent movement created space for Bukayo Saka twice in the first half, nearly setting up additional goals before halftime. Though he was substituted at the interval for Mikel Merino—with no injury update provided—his opening-period performance suggested the confidence that made him Europe’s most prolific striker at Sporting CP is returning.
Declan Rice’s Set-Piece Deliveries Are Invaluable
Arsenal’s £105 million midfielder justified every penny with another masterclass from dead balls. His pinpoint corner delivery found Gabriel at the back post for Gyokeres’ opener, marking Arsenal’s eighth league goal from corners this season—the most ever by a team through their first 10 Premier League matches.
Rice then powered home a thumping header from Trossard’s cross to double the lead, showcasing his aerial threat that complements his set-piece creativity. Arsenal have now scored 12 of their 18 Premier League goals via set pieces this campaign, a 67% conversion rate that’s unprecedented in the competition’s history.
His ability to whip corners with perfect trajectory and pace has weaponized Arsenal’s attacking threat from defensive situations. Teams cannot afford to concede free-kicks anywhere near their penalty area when Rice stands over the ball, creating a psychological advantage that’s proving decisive in tight matches.
Besides Timber, Martin Zubimendi’s Fitness Might Also Be Crucial Going Forward
Zubimendi sat down for treatment late in the match before being substituted for Christian Norgaard, sparking concern about another potential injury to Arsenal’s already depleted squad. The Spanish midfielder has been instrumental in Arsenal’s midfield triumvirate alongside Rice and the injured Martin Odegaard, providing tactical discipline and progressive passing that’s allowed Arsenal to dominate possession.
With Odegaard still five weeks away from returning, Zubimendi’s fitness becomes even more critical. He’s started every Premier League match this season, forming the platform that’s enabled Arsenal to concede just three goals in 10 matches while maintaining territorial dominance.
Arsenal face Slavia Prague on Tuesday in the Champions League before traveling to Sunderland next Sunday, meaning any Zubimendi absence would force Arteta into midfield reshuffles at a crucial period. Jurrien Timber avoided injury again, but Zubimendi’s late treatment reminds everyone how thin Arsenal’s squad depth remains despite their impressive winning run.
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Arsenal extended their winning streak to nine consecutive matches with a dominant 2-0 victory at Turf Moor, moving seven points clear at the Premier League summit. Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice scored first-half headers as the Gunners recorded their seventh consecutive clean sheet, maintaining their extraordinary defensive record while William Saliba returned from injury.
The Standout Performers:
Declan Rice – 9/10 Delivered another complete midfield masterclass, setting up Gyokeres’ opener with an undefendable corner delivery before powering home a thumping header from Leandro Trossard’s cross.
His work rate never stopped, covering ground relentlessly while controlling proceedings from deep. Arsenal’s eighth set-piece goal in 10 matches came directly from his delivery, cementing his status as the Premier League’s most dangerous dead-ball specialist.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 9/10 Dominated aerial duels throughout, winning everything Burnley launched toward him.
His cushioned flick-on from Rice’s corner created Gyokeres’ opening goal, showcasing the attacking threat he brings from defensive situations. Defensively imperious, organizing Arsenal’s backline to another clean sheet against limited opposition.
Viktor Gyokeres – 8.5/10 Produced his best 45 minutes in Arsenal colors before being substituted at halftime with an alleged minor knock. His poacher’s header from Gabriel’s flick opened scoring, but his hold-up play and vision stole the show. The cross-field pass to Trossard that created Rice’s goal demonstrated technical quality absent during recent struggles, suggesting his confidence is finally returning.
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Leandro Trossard – 8/10 Marked his 100th Premier League appearance for Arsenal with an excellent display. Battled Kyle Walker throughout despite lacking the veteran’s pace, compensating with superb technical skill and intelligent movement. Provided the assist for Rice’s goal with a pinpoint cross before having his own rebound effort cleared off the line.
Other Notable Performances:
William Saliba – 7.5/10 Returned from injury without missing a beat, dealing comfortably with Burnley’s limited attacking threats.
Brought calmness to Arsenal’s defensive shape, positioning himself perfectly to intercept danger before it developed. His presence allows Arsenal to play their high line with confidence.
Jurrien Timber – 7/10 Another solid showing down the right flank, linking effectively with Bukayo Saka while defending his zone competently. Flashed one effort over the bar when pushing forward. Continues his remarkable consistency as Arsenal’s most reliable defender this season.
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Riccardo Calafiori – 7/10 Performed his defensive duties diligently while providing attacking threat when opportunities arose. His willingness to push high created extra numbers in attack, though Burnley rarely tested him defensively during a comfortable afternoon.
Martin Zubimendi – 6.5/10 Anchored midfield with conviction, breaking up Burnley attacks and recycling possession effectively. Limped off late in the match needing treatment, sparking concern about another injury to Arsenal’s depleted squad. Offered little going forward but fulfilled his defensive responsibilities.
Eberechi Eze – 6.5/10 Showed positive involvement during the first half without producing decisive moments. Faded after the interval before being substituted in the 71st minute. Still searching for consistent influence despite flashes of quality.
Bukayo Saka – 5.5/10 Uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal, missing two golden opportunities in the first half that he’d normally convert. Dúbravka saved well from his early one-on-one before denying him again after flowing Arsenal move. His marker struggled to contain him, but Saka couldn’t capitalize.
Substitutes:
Mikel Merino – 6/10 Replaced Gyokeres at halftime, shifting Arsenal’s shape with the striker withdrawn. Struggled to impose himself in advanced positions, lacking the focal point presence Gyokeres provided before his substitution.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6.5/10 Brought energy after entering in the 71st minute. Shot wide when well-positioned late on but demonstrated his confidence demanding the ball in dangerous areas. Deserves more opportunities after impressing against Brighton.
Piero Hincapie – 5.5/10 Brief cameo at left-back after Calafiori’s withdrawal. Insufficient time to make meaningful impact.
Christian Norgaard – 6.5/10 Replaced Zubimendi late after the Spaniard needed treatment. Forced Dúbravka into a smart save with a decent effort, showing alertness despite limited minutes.
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Viktor Gyokeres was substituted at half-time during Arsenal’s EPL fixture against Burnley. The Gunners made a brilliant start in the first-half, after Gyokeres himself headed home from close-range from an inch perfect Declan Rice corner. It was Gabriel Magalhaes who set him up with the assist.
Viktor Gyokeres was very Lively Throughout the First-Half
Gyokeres was buzzing with confidence in the first-half. After scoring his first, the Swede then played an outrageous flat cross-field ball to find Leandro Trossard. The Belgian, then, from the flanks set up the incoming Declan Rice with a perfect chipped cross.
Viktor Gyokeres vs Burnley (A)
— – (@imzftbi) November 1, 2025
45 mins played pic.twitter.com/HVZeZkAGPM
Rice expertly headed the ball past Martin Dubravka in the 35th minute, to double Arsenal’s lead – Gyokeres once again being in the thick of things.
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Viktor Gyokeres Caught an Elbow at the end of the First-Half
At the end of the first-half, tussling for the ball, right before the first-half whistle, Gyokeres took an elbow to the face. His complaints fell in the deaf ears of the match officials, even as the disappointed Swede walked off after the whistle.
The beginning of the second half saw Gyokeres being substituted, replaced by midfielder Mikel Merino. The whole fanbase on social media was flummoxed, leading to a boatload of rumors and speculations.
Why was Viktor Gyokeres Substituted at Half-Time Against Burnley?
While there is no concrete reason yet, it is believed that Viktor Gyokeres was substituted just for precautionary reasons. Arsenal also have a seemingly tough away fixture against Slavia Praha this mid-week.
Only if there is confirmation from Mikel Arteta would one know the actual reason behind the Swede’s substitution at half-time. But for now, it’s just precautionary or probably Gyokeres might have been rattled by the elbow.
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