All posts by n8rngtd.top

It must be said: Liverpool are perhaps enjoying a better summer transfer window than they ever did under Jurgen Klopp.

FSG’s incisiveness gives us all the material we need to surmise their Anfield ambitions over the coming years. Though afflicted by the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left for Real Madrid on a free transfer, Jeremie Frimpong has joined from Bayer Leverkusen in a £29.5m deal to jockey with Conor Bradley for the right-back berth.

And with Milos Kerkez on the cusp of replacing Andy Robertson, 31, who is being targeted by Atletico Madrid as he enters the last year of his contract, Arne Slot’s new-look defensive flanks could be solidified for many exciting years to come.

The Premier League champions should also see Florian Wirtz follow Frimpong from Leverkusen to sign for the Reds in what could rise to a British-record £116m fee (£100m will be paid upfront and a further £16m is possible through add-ons).

The elite playmaker allegedly rejected interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City to join Liverpool, with his medical set for this week.

Liverpool have turned a corner, all right, now acting like the behemoth they are. However, such signings are fantastic, but Liverpool’s priority perhaps remains at number nine, with a new centre-forward needed to ease Mohamed Salah’s talismanic burden.

Why Liverpool need a new striker

Three years ago (almost to the day), Liverpool signed Darwin Nunez from Benfica in an initial £64m deal. It could have reached a club-record £85m fee, but that never happened, largely because of the Uruguayan’s stop-start performances.

Now, he’s going to be sold, with suitors in the Saudi Pro League and mounting interest in Serie A, Napoli and AC Milan both keen on completing a deal.

He needs to go, and Salah needs help. The Egyptian has just turned 33 and the balance of output must be spread across Slot’s frontline next year, lest he be overwhelmed by responsibility once again.

Looking at the forwards’ respective hauls across the 2024/25 season, it’s interesting that Nunez and Diogo Jota, the two recognised central strikers, languished near the bottom, better only than the rarely-played Federico Chiesa.

The expectation is that Nunez will be sold, but he will be sold as a Premier League champion, having also registered four goal involvements en route to lifting the Carabao Cup in 2023/24 too.

Salah needs a new dance partner, and there so happens to be one on FSG’s radar.

Liverpool remain in race for new striker

As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool remain in the race for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike alongside Chelsea, though Manchester United are ramping up their efforts for the striker, with club-to-club talks having begun last week.

This shows that Liverpool will need to accelerate their own interest, but likely, they will struggle to do so until Nunez has been offloaded. Crucially, this will need to happen soon, although Plettenberg’s earlier report on the matter claims the French forward is aware of Anfield’s plan.

However, with Frankfurt obstinately holding onto their €100m (£85m) valuation, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool or indeed anyone will pay up, with Chelsea already sounding out alternatives.

This is followed by transfer insider Graeme Bailey’s claim that the Merseyside outfit can be considered frontrunners after holding talks, and that the player’s entourage have informed interested parties that he might actually be available for a cheaper figure than Frankfurt want.

Why Liverpool should sign Ekitike

Ekitike is only 22, but he’s already proved himself capable of approaching world-class level, with analyst Ben Mattinson even declaring him as “one of the best strikers out there” in March.

This has been ratified by the data: not only did Ekitike finish the campaign with 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, but he also wrapped it up ranked among the top 4% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues last year for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 19% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

He’s come a long way already, only scoring four times and making 33 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain before being loaned out and then sold, having signed the Reims prospect for €35m (£30m) in July 2022.

Perhaps the Eagles want too much, but that’s up to sporting director Richard Hughes to engineer a more agreeable package for one of the most talented frontmen out there.

His elegance and underlying data suggest he could not only help Salah maintain his high level of performance but also become Slot’s very own version of the Premier League all-timer.

In 2017, when Liverpool purchased Salah from Roma in a deal worth £34m, few expected him to become a superstar under Jurgen Klopp, having previously failed to make it work with Chelsea, scoring twice over 19 games before being offloaded to Italy.

Now, he’s a legend, having scored 245 goals and provided 113 assists across 401 trophy-filled fixtures as a Liverpool sensation.

Salah is chiefly a deadly marksman, but he’s also something of an underrated playmaker. Of course, all know of his impressive creativity, but perhaps not so much his highest-station calibre in that regard, among conversations with some all-timers in the ball-playing department.

But it’s not just the way these two will play together (although that’s a tantalising thought), but indeed Ekitike could prove to be Liverpool’s next version of the Egyptian King, albeit in a different attacking position.

As we have discussed, Ekitike is enjoying new prolific heights but this stands atop the wide foundations of an expansive skill set, with all the facets no doubt gleaned by Liverpool’s renowned data-driven team.

The same was true for Salah, who enjoyed his time in Italy, earning praise for his goalscoring, but was far more even in that earlier iteration.

As you can see, he was consistent in his playmaking, dribbling and crispness in retaining possession, also chipping in with a lively amount of defensive work, also winning a fair amount of duels on a game-by-game basis.

And you could even draw upon the right winger’s 16 big chances missed on that final campaign in Rome, scoring 15 times. Ekitike actually mirrored that in the German top division last season, 15 goals, 16 big chances squandered.

His constant drive forward, electric and connective with those around him, project the style of a complete forward, something Liverpool typically like at number nine and, of course, a style which Salah has used to wreak havoc on the Premier League for so many years.

Liverpool saw something that others didn’t and welcomed Salah as he was getting going. Now they are basking in the glory of it, have been for many years.

By following this well-beaten internal path, they might just hit the jackpot once again, landing an “incredible” new attacking asset, as Ekitike has been called by teammate Rasmus Kristensen.

Salah’s is a story of merciless predation on hapless Premier League and European defences. His greatness is carved into the division and Liverpool’s most fundamental history; have a conversation about the best of the best, and he shall be named.

Ekitike’s got a long way to go, but he too has weathered the storm of a tough start to life at one of the continent’s superpowers, and having taken a so-called step down to find his feet, is now ready to move to the Premier League and become one of the best of the best.

Better than Ekitike: Liverpool make approach to sign "the new Haaland"

Liverpool could be about to forget about Hugo Ekitike with a move for another talisman.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 16, 2025

Amid rumours that Rayan Ait-Nouri could be on his way to Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly tracking an “interesting name” who could replace the left-back.

Man City advancing in Ait-Nouri deal

Having already lost Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, Manchester’s other club are now aiming to deal Wolves a second transfer blow. According to Fabrizio Romano, City are now advancing their deal to sign Ait-Nouri from the Midlands club with talks already held and the left-back already approving the summer switch.

Given that they spent a large part of the 2024/25 campaign flirting with relegation before Vitor Pereira’s arrival turned things around, there should be major concern around Molineux that Wolves could suffer their worst nightmare without Cunha and Ait-Nouri.

They must get things right in search of replacements this summer. Losing Cunha was always expected after his £63m release clause came to light, but whether Wolves had the same expectation in Ait-Nouri’s case is the big question.

Whether caught by surprise or not, they must commence the difficult task of replacing their influential left-back if he joins Manchester City in this summer’s transfer window.

If the Algerian’s influence wasn’t clear, then his numbers should highlight just how important he’s been going in both directions for Wolves. Already without Cunha’s goals, Pereira may now have the task of replacing Ait-Nouri’s creativity and could yet turn towards an “interesting name” to do exactly that in the coming months.

Wolves actively tracking Clement Bischoff

According to Molineux News, Wolves chiefs are now actively tracking Clement Bischoff who sources described as an “interesting name” when speaking to the outlet about the Midlands club’s transfer activity.

The Brondby teenager may be one for the future, but his versatile ability to play as both a left-midfielder and a left-back mirrors that of Ait-Nouri’s. That alone should ensure that he’s among the top candidates to replace Wolves’ star defender in the event that he joins Manchester City.

Described as an “excellent” two-way dribbler when one-on-one by analyst Ben Mattinson, Bischoff looks set to be one to watch this summer. For Wolves, a deal to sign the teenager would represent smart business which considers the short-term needs of Pereira’s side as well as the long-term aim that the manager may have in place for his side.

Romano: Wolves make approach to sign "highly rated" gem wanted in Europe

The Old Gold are making moves for the future…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 30, 2025

In terms of replacing Ait-Nouri’s output too, the fact that Bischoff has managed 10 assists in all competitions for Brondby this season suggests that he would be more than capable of replicating the Algerian’s influence.

Newcastle United have been a revelation in the 2024/25 campaign. Eddie Howe’s men won their first trophies in decades, lifting the Carabao Cup by beating Liverpool in the final, and achieved their goal of reaching the Champions League once again.

A key part of that was Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder was pivotal in the heart of the midfield for the Magpies, showing exactly why they invested £55m into his signing almost two years ago. He played 36 Premier League games overall, chipping in with six goals and assists from the base of midfield.

It was a genius singing from Italian giants AC Milan, so much so that the North Eastern side might be looking to repeat the feat this summer.

Newcastle's next potential signing from Milan

It was a poor season for Milan in 2024/25, but they have some excellent players. Their squad has been pulled apart already this summer, with the likes of Tijani Reijnders and Mike Maignan seemingly on the move to the Premier League, heading to Manchester City and possibly also Chelsea, respectively.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Well, Newcastle could get in on the act by bringing French full-back Theo Hernandez to St James’ Park this summer.

Calcio Mercato reported that initial ‘surveys’ have been conducted by the Magpies, suggesting they have made first contacts regarding a deal for Hernandez.

The Premier League outfit will not be the only side trying to sign the Frenchman this summer.

Having already said no to Saudi side Al Hilal, Atletico Madrid, and other unnamed sides from England and Spain, are trying to pounce to sign the defender. As for a fee, it could mirror the £29.4m Al Hilal had agreed for Hernandez before that deal collapsed.

Why Hernandez would be a good signing

The 2024/25 campaign was nothing short of a terrible one for Milan. The Italian giants came eighth in the league, which Dougie Critchley said was “their lowest finish since 2014/15, with their fewest points since 2015/16”, a truly disappointing season.

Yet, 27-year-old left-back Hernandez still put in some strong performances despite the struggles the Rossoneri experienced. He played 49 games across the campaign, scoring five times and grabbing six assists in the process.

Not only will Hernandez bring attacking output and a real engine on the left-hand side for the Magpies, but he is also a leader. Last season, he captained Milan 13 times, so adding that kind of attribute to a dressing room already filled with leaders can only benefit the North East outfit.

When looking at some of Hernandez’s underlying numbers, courtesy of Sofascore, from the 2024/25 campaign, it is easy to see what he can bring to the Newcastle side. Described as a “beast” by football scout Antonio Mango, he has some standout stats.

For example, across all competitions last season, the Frenchman, who was born in Marseille, played 71 key passes and won 55 aerial duels. Per 90 minutes, that leaves him with an average of 1.6 key passes and 1.2 aerial duels won.

There is not really a need to worry about adaptability from Serie A to the Premier League, either. Tonali is the living proof that, if you are athletic enough, your game can translate over to the English top flight easily. As the stats suggest, Hernandez certainly has those physical attributes.

In fact, Tonali was so good last season that he made Jamie Carragher’s Premier League team of the year. The former defender-turned-pundit said the former Milan star has “made a huge difference” at the base of midfield for Howe.

There is certainly evidence to suggest that Hernandez will be able to adapt to the Premier League with ease.

Not only does he have stats which show how well he has played this season, to support that argument, but his former Milan teammate Tonali has transitioned seamlessly.

If he can become anywhere near as good as Tonali has been in that famous Black and White striped shirt, then he will be a success at St James’ Park. Perhaps, he can be the second coming of his ex-teammate in the Serie A.

He's Gordon 2.0: Newcastle eyeing £43m "magician" after Mbeumo rejection

Newcastle are looking to make a series of signings this summer.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 4, 2025

It might’ve only opened a few days ago, but the transfer window is already in full swing, and Arsenal need to get a move on.

After three years of coming close but failing each time, Mikel Arteta’s side need to ensure they finally get over the line in the Premier League next season, although to do that, the board need to provide them with some game-changing additions, or they’ll be left behind by their rivals.

For example, Manchester City have signed Tijjani Reijnders, Chelsea are close to signing Liam Delap, and perhaps most worrying of all, Liverpool look dead set on securing the sensationally gifted Florian Wirtz as soon as possible.

Yet, there might not be a need for fans to worry too much, as reports are now linking Arsenal to another tremendously exciting talent who could be their own answer to the Bayer Leverkusen gem.

Arsenal's transfer news

Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other potentially game-changing players Arsenal have been linked to and could still sign in recent weeks, like Eberechi Eze and Rafael Leao.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former has a release clause in his current deal, reportedly worth around £68m, which would be a fee more than worth paying, as in just 43 appearances for Crystal Palace this season, the FA Cup winner scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.

Likewise, Leao enjoyed a stellar campaign of his own, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists in 50 appearances, although with a release clause reportedly worth a staggering £145m, he might just be out of reach this summer.

However, there is another, arguably even more exciting, name now linked with the North Londoners: Xavi Simons.

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are one of several teams keen on the RB Leipzig star this summer.

The report has revealed that, alongside the Gunners, rivals including Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all interested in signing the Flying Dutchman, who is valued at about £65m by the German outfit.

It would be a costly and somewhat complicated transfer to get over the line, but given his ability and potential, one Arsenal should fight for, especially as he could be their answer to Wirtz.

Why Simons would be Arsenal's answer to Wirtz

So, there are actually several ways in which Simons could be looked at as Arsenal’s own Wirtz – should this transfer happen – and the first is that he’s already won comparisons to the Leverkusen star.

For example, FBref compared players in similar positions in the Bundesliga this season and came to the conclusion that the German was the fourth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Dutchman.

The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key passes, passing accuracy, passes into the penalty area, tackles and more, all per 90.

On top of their undeniable statistical similarities, the pair would also seriously improve the attacking output of the teams they may be set to join.

For example, in the league alone this season, the Liverpool target racked up a brilliant haul of ten goals and 13 assists in 31 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.34 games.

It’s safe to say the former PSV star has really showcased why he’s “one of the best 10s in the world” in the words of one analyst on social media, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists in 25 league appearances, which comes out to a still sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.47 games.

Finally, both stars would be moving from the Bundesliga to the Premier League at 22 years old to inject more creativity and cutting edge into two title rivals for next year.

Ultimately, while he might not be as exciting a name, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Simons this summer, as he could very much be their answer to Wirtz.

The dream XI Arsenal could build: £85m star & the "new Haaland" both sign

After another disappointing season, Arsenal have a big summer of transfers ahead of them.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 3, 2025

Burnley will be striving to return to their Premier League glory days under Scott Parker with the Clarets once a top-flight regular when Sean Dyche was positioned at the helm.

Indeed, the former Turf Moor favourite even steered Burnley to a very impressive seventh place finish come the end of the 2016/17 season, before the close of his up-and-down reign at the club saw relegation down to the Championship served up.

Vincent Kompany failed in his efforts to reinstate Burnley as a Premier League staple when he was in charge, meaning Parker will now be hopeful he can buck the trend, especially if a number of new, impactful signings enter through the door to help him out.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Burnley's list of summer targets

Unfortunately, the majority of the transfer gossip coming out of Turf Moor currently involves outgoings rather than incomings, with CJ Egan-Riley reportedly closing in on a move away to RC Strasbourg.

But, there have been a few names in the air to excite Burnley fans regarding incomings, with Zian Flemming now a permanent part of Parker’s camp after a bright loan stint, alongside the newly promoted side showing a keen interest in the Swedish leagues when it comes to 20-year-old forward Abdoulie Manneh.

But, one of the freshest reports involving the Clarets sees them allegedly chasing down the services of £10m Union Berlin right-back Josip Juranovic alongside Daniel Farke’s Leeds United.

Journalist Graeme Bailey revealed a development recently, stating that Burnley are one of four Premier League clubs – which includes Fulham and West Ham United alongside the Whites and the Clarets – keeping close tabs on the attack-minded full-back.

Juranovic’s eye for an assist could see Burnley win their best option down the right flank since Kieran Trippier donned a Clarets strip, with the now Newcastle United man first earning his stripes in the Premier League on the books of the Lancashire side.

How Juranovic can be Burnley's best right-back since Trippier

It might well be forgotten about now that Trippier began his journey in the top-flight with the Clarets, considering his name is now synonymous with the elite division.

Indeed, the Magpies veteran has notched up a mammoth tally of 203 games in the Premier League, with a healthy 38 assists also coming his way across that stretch of clashes.

But, whilst his consistent heroics at St James’ Park have seen him win multiple England call-ups alongside lifting a solitary EFL Cup, his sturdiest overall career total of assists still stands with Burnley, with 37 coming his way from 185 games.

Juranovic will be aiming to come in and be as explosive down the right channel for Parker’s men, therefore, with the Zagreb-born defender already proving across his varied career to date that he can cut open a team for fun much like Trippier at his peak.

Looking at the table above, it’s clear Juranovic has been able to thrive when launched into some tough domestic divisions previously, with a high ten goal contributions coming his way from 62 games at his current employers in Berlin, alongside also starring in Scotland, Poland and his native Croatia.

Off the back of this, he should be able to come in and succeed in the Premier League, with his performances for Croatia on an international stage even seeing European football expert Zach Lowy label the 29-year-old as “immense.”

Further capable of lining up as a winger, a centre-back or a midfielder if needed, he could also be a perfect utility body for Parker to depend upon, away from potentially being Turf Moor’s second coming of Trippier.

Forget Egan-Riley: Burnley can find their next Mee in "unbelievable" star

Scott Parker could well have Burnley’s next Ben Mee with this defensive warrior.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 19, 2025

Manchester City will stop at nothing this summer to build a side which is capable of winning both the Champions League and Premier League once again.

Pep Guardiola will be losing Kevin De Bruyne when the season finishes, but he is already eyeing up a move for Florian Wirtz or Morgan Gibbs-White to replace him.

Elsewhere, several ageing City stars could find their positions in the squad under threat when the transfer window opens as a summer overhaul is needed.

Could the manager turn to Spain in order to further bolster his team?

Man City now want to sign Real Madrid superstar

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid could be willing to sell Rodrygo, but only if the price is right. If a club bids €100m (£85m), then it appears Los Blancos will cash in on the Brazilian, and he isn’t short of admirers.

Indeed, City, Liverpool and PSG are all keen on snapping up the forward this summer in a bid to improve their own squads.

Despite having a contract until 2028, the expected arrival of Xabi Alonso as manager could see Rodrygo moving away from the Spanish capital.

Bringing in a new forward or two could certainly help Guardiola revitalise this area of his team. Omar Marmoush may have only joined in January, but Rodrygo could be an instant upgrade for him.

Why Man City must sign Rodrygo this summer

Since making the move to Spain from Brazil in 2019, the 24-year-old has been a consistent figure for Madrid over the previous six years.

During that time, he has registered 118 goal contributions – 68 goals and 50 assists – across 267 games. His performances have helped the club win two La Liga crowns as well as winning the Champions League in 2022 and 2024.

Fluid across the front three, Rodrygo is perhaps best on the right flank, but he could also offer plenty on the left or through the middle.

Lauded as “world-class” by Luka Modric, the former Gremio man could be an instant upgrade on Marmoush for Guardiola heading into next season. As indicated above, he has repeatedly delivered the goods at the elite level for a number of years now, while it was just under two years ago that Marmoush was allowed to walk out of Wolfsburg for nothing.

Indeed, in domestic and European competitions this season, Rodrygo has registered more touches in the attacking third (1161 vs 870) than Marmoush, while also registering a higher percentage of successful take-ons (47.2% vs 39.5%) and more carries into the final third (124 vs 82).

The Egyptian might have scored more goals this season, with Rodrygo not hitting the heights of the previous few campaigns. But perhaps a fresh start is required, especially as Madrid have largely underperformed as a whole throughout 2024/25.

By signing the Brazilian star, Guardiola would be bringing in a player who has seen and done it all on the club scene. He would help revive Erling Haaland, especially if operating in a wide position, which could be another bonus for the manager.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Spending £85m on one target might not be ideal. But for that price, City might have a great chance of claiming back the Premier League title.

Pep's next Yaya Toure: Man City set sights on "incredible" £30m midfielder

Pep Guardiola could soon transform the midfield positions at Manchester City with his next Yaya Toure.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 9, 2025

As rival fans have been so intent on reminding the Arsenal faithful in recent weeks, this season is yet another that the team are set to finish second in the Premier League.

Instead of Manchester City, it’s Liverpool who have pipped them to the post this time, although, with the Reds now 15 points ahead, it’s not been all that close.

Frustratingly, Mikel Arteta’s side still have the best defence in the competition, so the failure to finally get over the line once again falls at the feet of their faltering attack, which has scored 14 fewer goals than the Champions.

So, with it clear where the club need to strengthen in the summer, it’s hardly been a surprise to see endless reports linking them to some of the most exciting strikers around, such as Viktor Gyokeres and, previously, Alexander Isak.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, Andrea Berta and Co could now be looking at a cheaper alternative to the former, who is currently outscoring the latter.

Arsenal's striker search

Arteta and Co’s desire to sign Isak is hardly a secret, and considering he’s racked up a brilliant haul of 26 goals and six assists in 39 games this season, it’s hardly surprising either.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, with a price tag that could exceed £150m, it’s a transfer that looks like it’s not going to happen anytime soon.

Gyokeres, on the other hand, feels a little more realistic.

The Sporting CP monster has been in absurd form this season, scoring 52 goals and providing 12 assists in 48 games, and it looks like he could be available for around £70m.

Yet, even then, that’s a lot of money to spend on a single player if the Gunners want to improve other areas of the squad as well, which might explain the links to Daizen Maeda.

According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in the Celtic star.

Alongside the Gunners, the report revealed that Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and other Premier League sides have watched the Japanese international this year.

While the level of competition for the attacker is far from ideal, the fact he could be available for a fee of just £25m is undoubtedly positive news.

It might not be a transfer that excites the fans, but given his price tag and his incredible output, it might be one worth fighting for.

Why Arsenal might want to sign Maeda

The first thing to say is that we aren’t claiming that Maeda is a better player than Isak or Gyokeres, but there are certainly a few arguments for why Arsenal might want to sign him over the latter.

Obviously, the first reason is the price, as at just £25m, the Japanese international’s arrival would conceivably allow the club to go big on at least one or two other attacking players to completely rejuvenate the entire frontline.

However, saving money is not going to excite the fans, so what are the tangible reasons that the Gunners may opt to pull the trigger on him?

Well, first and foremost, he’s proven himself to be a lean, mean output machine north of the border.

For example, this season alone, he has racked up an unreal tally of 33 goals and 11 assists in just 47 first-team appearances, totalling 3711 minutes of action.

That means the Osaka-born “physical beast,” as dubbed by former boss Ange Postecoglou, is averaging a goal involvement every 1.06 games, or every 84.34 minutes, and on top of that, he’s outscoring Isak.

Moreover, he’s a versatile attacker and can play off either wing or straight down the middle, and if we know anything about Arteta, it’s that he appreciates players who are comfortable in more than one position.

Ultimately, while Gyokeres would be the more exciting signing, Maeda still looks like he’d be a fine addition to the Gunners attack, and if he can replicate even half of his form north of the border in the capital, then the Emirates might finally see the Premier League trophy next season.

He'd revive Odegaard: Arsenal racing to sign £70m goalscoring "powerhouse"

Martin Odegaard could do with some additional firepower with him at Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 1, 2025

Chelsea have now held internal talks over the possibility of re-signing a star former player, with Enzo Maresca’s side now looking to strengthen yet another area of the squad which could soon be weakened.

Chelsea firmly in Champions League race after win over Fulham

The Blues were staring down the barrel of west London derby defeat to Fulham on Easter Sunday, but thanks to two dramatic late goals from Tyrique George and Pedro Neto, Maresca’s blushes were spared.

Chelsea preparing £43m offer for "surprising" new striker target

The west Londoners have another name on their agenda.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 23, 2025

The 2-1 win at Craven Cottage keeps Chelsea’s hopes of Champions League qualification firmly alive, and there are more than four spots up for grabs this year amid a tight race for fifth with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.

Defeat at Fulham would’ve spelled disaster for Maresca, but Neto’s 93rd minute winner sparked jubilation in the away end and could come as a season-defining strike.

“Personally, the goal from Pedro doesn’t change my view from the season,” said Maresca on Neto’s late goal.

“I said three or four days ago, and I will repeat, Chelsea in the last two years have never been in a Champions League spot and this season we spent the whole season there. So today’s win doesn’t change my view.

“It’s already a good season and can become very good if we finish in a Champions League spot, no doubt. But for sure today was an important win because first of all it’s a derby, second it gives us the chance to be there and probably was the most difficult win and the reason why is because they all played yesterday, so for us it was a must-win game. And I think after we conceded the goal is the reason why we struggled a bit more because for the players it became more difficult and second half we were much better.”

The race for Europe will also be crucial in determining the club’s transfer plans for this summer, as it will boost the club’s budget and do wonders in attracting their top targets for next season.

Chelsea discuss re-signing Man City legend Kevin De Bruyne

Now, as per reliable journalist Simon Phillips, an attacking midfielder could be on the agenda for Chelsea, with Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix and Carney Chukwuemeka all likely to be sold or loaned out in the summer.

They’ve also refused to rule out bringing in veteran players if they come as good value, prompting them to consider a move for Man City legend and former Cobham star Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian is out-of-contract and set to leave Eastlands this summer, bringing an end to 10 years of major success at City where he’s been right at the heart of their dominance.

He is undoubtedly one of the best creative midfielders the Premier League has ever seen, and Phillips now reports that Chelsea are internally discussing re-signing De Bruyne, 11 years after Jose Mourinho sold the player to Wolfsburg for just £17 million.

His “beloved” status at the Blues follows a decade of stunning performances, where he’s also managed 107 goals and 177 assists in all competitions.

The 33-year-old has suffered from his fair share of injury problems in the last two seasons, though, and would likely need to take a cut on his sky-high £400,000-per-week salary.

Manchester United have made a £115m+ offer for the services of an “exceptional” attacking player, according to an exciting new transfer update.

Man Utd eyeing high-profile signings

The Red Devils and INEOS continue to be linked with some massive talents ahead of the summer transfer window, including Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling. The Englishman has been one of the new bright sparks in an otherwise hugely disappointing season for Saint, and Ruben Amorim could snap him up if his side win the Europa League.

Meanwhile, United are said to be leading the race to sign Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who has enjoyed an excellent campaign for an impressive Cherries side. Amorim reportedly loves him as a player, with the Ghanaian registering 12 goal contributions (eight goals and four assists) in the Premier League in 2024/25 to date.

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is also seen as an option for the Red Devils before next season gets underway, following some eye-catching performances for the Bundesliga side. That said, rivals Liverpool are also firmly in the mix and may even be winning the race to sign him.

In terms of potential outgoings at United in the summer, Rasmus Hojlund could depart Old Trafford, following a tough season. The Premier League giants may be happy to accept offers of £55m.

Man Utd make £115m+ offer for Netherlands star Simons

According to a report from Spain, Manchester United have made a huge £115.7m bid for RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons ahead of the summer.

The story describes him as “one of the most promising players in Europe”, following a strong campaign for the Bundesliga side, having joined permanently from Paris Saint-Germain after an initial loan spell.

Simons is a young player with a huge amount of promise, and it is encouraging for United supporters to see the club being so ambitious in the transfer market.

A lot may depend on whether Amorim’s side are back in the Champions League next season by virtue of winning the Europa League, with the Dutchman arguably wanting to play in Europe’s top club competition.

Simons could be such an asset for United, combining great technical ability with end product and versatility in the final third, with Christoph Freund saying of the 21-year-old:

“He is a very good player. He had a very good European Championship and a great season with Leipzig. He’s developed really well. I think he’s going to have a really good career at the highest level. He has everything, mentality, character and is just an exceptional player.”

This season, Simons has scored nine goals and bagged five assists in the Bundesliga, and he also enjoyed a good EURO 2024 campaign with the Netherlands last summer, assisting three times and netting in his country’s eventual 2-1 defeat to England in the semi-finals.

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His aforementioned versatility allows him to thrive as both an attacking midfielder and out wide, which would immediately add a huge amount of depth to United’s attack.

Birmingham City are thought to be in talks with an EFL star after clinching promotion back to the Championship.

Birmingham City going for silverware after League One promotion

The Blues have had a brilliant campaign under Chris Davies and sealed promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking in midweek.

A 2-1 victory at Peterborough United sealed a guaranteed top-two spot, and the League One title could also be won if Wrexham fail to beat Wigan Athletic on Saturday lunchtime.

Birmingham are on course to comfortably clear the 100-point mark in the third tier, however, they are actually preparing for Wembley this weekend.

The Blues will once again take on Peterborough in the final of the EFL Trophy, so it could be a double celebration if things go to plan this weekend.

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Ahead of the summer transfer window, Tom Wagner and Tom Brady already appear to be working on St Andrew’s signings ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign, and one player who the Blues will face this weekend is a target.

Birmingham City in talks to sign Kwame Poku for free

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, talking to EFL Analysis, Birmingham City are in talks to sign Peterborough United star Kwame Poku.

The 23-year-old actually scored the Posh’s goal against the Blues in midweek and has enjoyed a fine season in the third tier.

However, according to Bailey, Birmingham aren’t the only side in discussions, including Premier League side Crystal Palace and Scottish giants Rangers.

“His people are in talks with a number of clubs – and yes, one of them is Birmingham. There are others, though – Crystal Palace, Millwall, Luton and Norwich among them.

“However, the big danger is Rangers – they want him and have watched him numerous times. Talks have continued but complicated by their takeover and then new manager.”

The winger has impressed Sky Sports co-commentator and pundit Don Goodman this season, who said last month that Poku appears to be ready for the step up to the Championship.

“Kwame Poku, 10 goals and six assists this season from just 20 games, 19 starts, is very impressive. It’s on the back of 11 goals and seven assists last season.

“He’s been on my radar for a couple of seasons now, along with Ephron Mason-Clarke, who is now doing really, really well at Coventry.

“So whether he’s ready for the Premier League just yet is a debate to be had, but certainly if I was a Championship club and I needed an exciting, ball-carrying winger that both scores and creates goals, he would be on my radar.”

It looks as if a move to the Midlands will be one to watch over the coming months, with Poku actually out of contract at the end of the season, meaning a transfer may not cost a penny.