Top Managers’ Transfer Targets: Key Moves for Gameweek 21

Transfer behaviour among top managers ahead of Gameweek 21 provides a valuable snapshot of how the best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players are reacting to form, fixtures and squad value. By analysing the most common transfer combinations across FPL, clear trends emerge — particularly around Arsenal assets, budget enablers and premium exits.

These are not short-term punts. Instead, they reflect structural decisions driven by expected value, DEFCON scoring and upcoming fixtures.

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The Most Popular FPL Transfers Among Top Managers

Across Fantasy Premier League, just a handful of transfer combinations account for a significant share of activity among top managers this Gameweek. These moves highlight a coordinated shift away from certain premium assets and towards value-driven alternatives, as shown in the Transfer Analytics tool.

What stands out immediately is how often the same names appear on both sides of these moves — particularly Ekitiké, Rice and Gabriel — signalling wider agreement on squad direction rather than isolated decisions.

The Gameweek 21 transfer network shows how Ekitiké exits funnel into Watkins and Thiago, while Arsenal players dominate midfield and defensive reshuffles.

Gabriel Replaces Timber: Arsenal’s Defensive Focus

Why Gabriel Is Being Prioritised

Gabriel has emerged as the standout Arsenal defender in Fantasy Premier League. Over his last three appearances and since his return from injury, he has delivered 25 FPL points, combining two goals with a clean sheet. Importantly, those returns are underpinned by strong defensive involvement, with 17 DEFCON contributions boosting his baseline for bonus points.

His expected FPL total of 18.18 closely matches his actual output, suggesting that his returns are supported by underlying numbers rather than variance. Despite upcoming fixtures against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, top managers appear comfortable investing in Arsenal’s defence — and Gabriel’s set-piece threat makes him the clear preference.

Why Timber Is Being Sold

Jurrien Timber has not performed badly, but relative value is driving the transfer. Across the same spell, he has registered one assist and one clean sheet for 12 points. Those returns are respectable, but his projected points over the next five Gameweeks are 5.4 lower than his teammate Gabriel, according to the Predicted Points & Stats tool — a gap that helps justify the move, particularly when factoring in security of minutes.

For managers making a sideways Arsenal switch, upgrading Timber to Gabriel offers greater goal threat, which helps explain why this has become the most popular defensive transfer among top FPL managers.

Watkins Becomes the Forward to Own

Watkins’ Form Justifies the Investment

Ollie Watkins has surged back into favour in Fantasy Premier League thanks to an explosive run of form. He has scored four goals in his last three matches, producing 24 FPL points and regularly collecting bonus. His expected goals figure of 2.99 suggests this output is sustainable, supported by seven shots on target across that period.

With Crystal Palace (A) followed by Everton (H) next on the fixture list, managers see little reason to delay the move. Watkins’ role, minutes security and volume of chances make him one of the most reliable premium forwards ahead of Gameweek 21.

Why Managers Are Abandoning Ekitiké

Ekitiké is the most transferred-out player in FPL this week, with over 610,000 managers selling him as shown in the Transfer Analytics tool. The reasons are clear. A reported hamstring issue leaves his minutes uncertain, while an away fixture against Arsenal further reduces his appeal.

Even before the injury flag, his underlying output had begun to dip compared to alternatives. When forwards like Watkins and Thiago are firing, top managers show little patience.

Thiago: The Budget Forward Powering Squad Restructures

Thiago has quickly fallen out of favour — and right back in — among Fantasy Premier League managers. Priced at just £6.9m, he followed a four-game run without a return by delivering three goals and one assist across his last three matches, including a hat-trick against Everton. That haul matches Ollie Watkins for 24 FPL points over the same period.

For managers selling Ekitiké, Thiago has emerged as the most popular route for redistributing funds elsewhere.

Rice Over Saka: Arsenal Value Over Premium

Why Rice Is Being Backed

Declan Rice has quietly become the top scoring midfielder in Fantasy Premier League. Over the last three Gameweeks, he has produced two goals and one assist, scoring 22 points in total. His 24 defensive contributions make him particularly valuable under DEFCON scoring, while his involvement from corners adds a consistent attacking route.

Crucially, Rice allows managers to retain Arsenal exposure while freeing up funds — a key driver behind this move.

Why Saka Is Being Sold Despite Strong Numbers

Bukayo Saka continues to deliver solid returns, with 17 points and three assists in his last three matches. His expected FPL score of 18.13 confirms that his underlying numbers remain strong. However, at £10.2m, managers appear increasingly unwilling to pay a premium when similar returns are available elsewhere in the same squad and at a cheaper price.

The shift away from Saka reflects broader structural priorities rather than a lack of confidence in his ability.

Roefs and the Return of the Budget Goalkeeper

Why Roefs Is Gaining Popularity

Mark Roefs leads the goalkeeper transfer market this Gameweek, featuring in four of the top ten most popular goalkeeper transfer combinations. Across his last three matches, he has made 11 saves, kept a clean sheet and returned 13 FPL points. At £4.9m, he offers a strong balance of save potential and value.

Upcoming fixtures against Brentford, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Burnley add further appeal, particularly for managers looking to maximise funds in attacking positions.

Why Raya No Longer Fits the Structure

David Raya has been sold by over 146,000 managers this week. While Arsenal’s defence remains strong, Raya has managed just five points across his last three appearances, conceding four goals without recording a clean sheet.

At £6.0m, the opportunity cost is now too high. With budget goalkeepers offering comparable output, top Fantasy Premier League managers appear comfortable moving on.

What This Means for FPL Gameweek 21

Taken together, these transfer trends reveal how top Fantasy Premier League managers are approaching Gameweek 21. Value is being prioritised over reputation, DEFCON scoring is heavily influencing decisions, and squad flexibility is winning out over locking funds into premium goalkeepers or single-star attackers.

Arsenal assets remain central despite difficult fixtures, while budget forwards like Thiago are enabling aggressive optimisation elsewhere. For FPL managers looking to align with elite thinking rather than chase short-term points, these moves offer a clear strategic blueprint.

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