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It seems like Chelsea will try and sign a new winger in the summer transfer window. With Jadon Sancho potentially returning to Manchester United, if they decide not to buy him permanently, they could well need reinforcements in wide areas.

Enzo Maresca’s current crop of wide men are certainly not uninspiring. Aside from Sancho, those permanently at the club include the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke.

Those two wingers have six and 11 goals to their names across all competitions, respectively, this season. In recent weeks, Tyrique George has broken through, and Cole Palmer now plays a more central role.

However, they could well look to sign an additional player in wide areas, and are seemingly plotting an ambitious move this summer.

The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of a winger

Chelsea have been linked with a number of options should they try and sign a new winger this summer. One of those players is another Red Devils star, Alejandro Garnacho. News broke on Thursday, courtesy of talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, that Chelsea are ‘interested’ in the 20-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

Alternatives are also seemingly being considered, as the Blues could well be set to target Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to Caught Offside. The report suggests the West London outfit are ‘stepping up their pursuit’ of the Brazilian forward this summer.

According to the article, Chelsea are the side who ‘are currently leading the race’ to sign the Los Blancos superstar, but they are not the only team in the hunt.

Their Premier League rivals, Manchester City ‘are keeping a close eye on the situation’ and could also make a move. Whichever side win the race, Madrid could command a huge fee of £101m.

Why Rodrygo would be a good signing

Make no mistake about it, Chelsea would be signing a global superstar if they manage to bring Rodrygo to Stamford Bridge. Described as “terrifyingly good” by Sam Tighe, a football journalist and broadcaster, he has been fantastic for Madrid once again this term.

It has been a productive season again for the Brazilian this season. Across all competitions for the La Liga giants, he has found the back of the net 14 times and provided a further ten goals for his teammates in 51 games.

In fact, the 24-year-old’s underlying numbers from this season from Sofascore reinforce the fact that he has played well. For example, he has averaged 2.1 key passes and 2.1 successful dribbles in those 51 appearances this season.

If there is one competition that the winger thrives in, it is the Champions League. Rodrygo has a strong record in the competition, with 39 goals and assists in 64 games. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig rightly pointed out that he “loves the UCL”.

It is a competition that Chelsea are hoping to be in next term, and they will hope Rodrygo can turn up on the biggest stage again.

Should the West London side bring Rodrygo to the club, he could be the second coming of Diego Costa. Not in the sense of how he was as a player, of course, given the former Atletico Madrid star was a striker and Rodrygo is a winger.

Instead, the similarities between the two are the fact that they are both Brazil-born, high-profile La Liga stars, who were expensive, too. Sky Sports reported that the then-25-year-old striker cost Chelsea £32m, which in today’s money, according to The Transfer Index, would be £61.5m, a steep fee indeed.

Costa was sensational for the Blues. The Spain international, who has not yet retired but is currently without a club, scored 59 goals and registered 21 assists in 120 games.

Across three Premier League seasons, they won two titles, and Costa scored 20 league goals in both of those.

If Rodrygo can have anywhere near the impact at Chelsea that Costa managed, then it would be an excellent piece of business. Of course, the fee is expensive, but to acquire a player of his talent, you have to pay that kind of money.

Costa joined the Blues from La Liga and became a club legend, taking the West Londoners to astronomical heights. They will surely want Rodrygo to do the exact same thing if he moves to Stamford Bridge.

Could be another Sterling: Chelsea lead Arsenal in race for "superstar"

Chelsea are looking to add depth to their side this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

May 22, 2025

While much of the chatter surrounds the thought of Ange Postecoglou leaving Tottenham Hotspur behind this summer, that shouldn’t derail their plans in the transfer window.

Indeed, while much of the blame for finishing 17th in the Premier League has been sent in the direction of the Australian, the player squad needs improving significantly too.

Dominic Solanke failed to truly get going in a Spurs shirt after signing for £65m last summer, while Heung-min Son’s best days clearly look as though they are behind him, scoring just once since Christmas.

Despite Kevin Danso permanently arriving in a £21m deal, the Lilywhites also need to drastically improve at the back, perhaps not just tactically but also from a personnel point of view. In the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, they shipped a staggering 65 goals, a tally only worse than Wolves and the three relegated sides.

So, who could they turn to?

Spurs confident of signing Premier League winner

Once the manager situation has been resolved, the first order of business for Daniel Levy and Co should be to strengthen the first-team squad.

Adding more bodies to their forward line would tick plenty of boxes as far as the fans are concerned, with one option reportedly Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku.

Reports have indicated in recent days that they’ve had contact with the Blues regarding a summer deal.

Not just content at improving their options in central areas, they could also sign a new winger. The most heavily tipped option at the moment is Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane.

Transfer Focus

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

The German is out of contract at the end of the month and will be available to sign on a free transfer unless he pens new terms in Bavaria.

According to Foot Mercato, Bayern sent an improved contract offer to the former Manchester City star earlier this week but with no resolution forthcoming, Spurs are now believed to be ‘confident’ of signing him.

Postecoglou’s side are set to face competition from other English clubs, including Arsenal, while Saudi and Turkish sides are also looking at Sane.

How Leroy Sane could replicate Gareth Bale at Spurs

What is there to say about Gareth Bale that hasn’t already been said? After two spells in north London, the Welshman is an iconic figure.

From that ridiculous volley against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium to that remarkable hat-trick in the San Siro against Inter Milan in the Champions League, very few have been quite as skilled as he.

Across those two spells, he featured in 237 games, scoring 71 goals in the process.

A left-footed whizz with the ability to create something out of nothing, there are certainly similarities between Bale and Sane.

We’re not for one moment suggesting that the Germany international will be as good as the Welsh sensation but the way they manipulate the ball and attack their full-backs is certainly similar.

Described as a “superstar” by scout Antonio Mango, Sane has certainly proven that out in Munich, where he has 61 goals and 55 assists in 220 games to show for his efforts. 13 of those goals came this term while he also found the net on ten occasions last season, registering 13 assists.

Like Bale, he’s a duel threat, someone capable of scoring and creating chances. He’s also devilish when cutting inside from the right onto his favoured left foot, just as Bale was all those years ago.

To get a greater sense of how similar they are, we’ve compared the two players during their respective peaks.

Analysing the numbers, Bale was clearly a more prolific player in front of goal but where Sane makes up for that is in terms of his creation.

He’s registered more assists per 90 minutes across the peak of his career to date, and while both wingers love to take on the opposition full-back, it’s the Bayern star who comes out on top in this regard.

He succeeds with far more take-ons but they are quite evenly matched for progressive carries.

Sane is, of course, now heading towards the later stages of his career but for a 29-year-old Premier League winner on a free transfer, you can’t really go wrong here.

It would add trophy-winning experience to the squad and it would provide an additional threat. He’s an immediate upgrade on the departing Timo Werner and he’s a different sort of right winger to the pacey right-footed Brennan Johnson.

He'd send Son packing: Spurs make enquiry to sign "phenomenal" £50m star

Spurs have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements in forward areas this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 30, 2025

When it comes to transfers, Arsenal are set to be one of the more active Premier League sides over the coming months, with Mikel Arteta even admitting that the club will undergo a “big” window of recruitment.

Arsenal laying groundwork for key summer signings

A lot of groundwork has already been laid on Arsenal’s summer deals by sporting director Andrea Berta, not to mention his boardroom predecessors Edu and Jason Ayto.

Arsenal back off with Liverpool now favourites to sign "dream" striker

Arne Slot’s side are in pole position right now.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 6, 2025

Predating Berta’s arrival at the Emirates, Arsenal entered advanced talks to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad as far back as January, and the Gunners are now hoping to finalise the Spain international’s capture despite very mixed messages.

Members of the media are convinced that Arsenal are set to sign Zubimendi, while Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay and the player himself have publicly tried to pour cold water over an imminent move to N5.

Arsenal will be mindful that the 26-year-old publicly rejected a move to Liverpool at the last minute in 2024, and supporters will also be erring on the side of caution when it comes to celebrating Zubimendi’s capture, at least until he’s pictured hoisting the red shirt aloft.

In any case, they’ve worked extensively on his transfer, not to mention a potential move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenia international is one of Arsenal’s top striker targets alongside Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP, but as things stand, it appears Berta is prioritising a deal for the former.

Fabrizio Romano shared news on Friday that Arsenal are advancing for Sesko, but cautions fans that it still isn’t on the verge of being done just yet.

With critics eager to see Berta sign a much-needed striker this summer, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has shared another update on their pursuit of Sesko.

Benjamin Sesko keen to join Arsenal with talks ongoing

According to the reliable reporter, Sesko is keen to join Arsenal, and the north Londoners are currently in very positive talks with his representatives.

Arteta’s side are moving forward with conviction when it comes to agreeing personal terms, but Berta will also have to dig deep into the Arsenal coffers to get this one over line.

Called an “underrated” striker by members of the press, Sesko bagged 21 goals in all competitions last season, which is a fairly modest return, but the club’s repeated attempts to sign him in the last 12 months show what a big fan Arteta must be of the player.

At this stage, Arsenal may as well just go all in and finally acquire the 22-year-old’s signature.

Leeds United have showcased in their previous stint in the Premier League that they are capable of thriving and causing upsets – but more importantly, avoiding relegation back to the Championship.

The Whites spent three seasons in the top-flight between 2020 and 2023, registering a ninth-place finish in their first year back in such a division after a 16-year absence.

Such a spell saw striker Patrick Bamford enjoy the best run of his career, netting 17 goals in the league, subsequently earning his first call-up to the England national team.

However, it’s highly unlikely the 31-year-old will make the same impact under Daniel Farke this time around, after failing to net a single goal across all competitions in 2024/25.

The club will need added reinforcements within the final third if they are to be a success and avoid relegation and suffer an immediate return to England’s second tier.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for a new striker

With the new season already less than two months away, it’s pivotal that Leeds identify the right players to help bolster their ranks and have the best chance of survival.

Josh Sargent is a name that has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with the American international potentially costing around £17m after his record of 15 goals in 32 appearances this season.

However, he’s not alone on their shortlist, with Fulham talisman Rodrigo Muniz also in their sights, that’s if Football Insider’s latest update is to be believed.

They claim that Farke’s side are preparing an opening offer for the Brazilian international, who registered eight goals in his 31 league appearances – only eight of which came from the start.

It also states that the 24-year-old is seen as an excellent option for the Whites this summer after his experience in the Premier League, but it’s unclear how much the Cottagers would demand for his signature.

Why Leeds’ latest target would be a better signing than Beto

In their attempts to bolster the attacking department this summer, numerous players have been mentioned as a potential option, with Everton’s Beto another player on their list.

Over the last couple of days, it was confirmed that the Whites still held a keen interest in the Guinea-Bissau talisman, who cost £30m back in the summer of 2023.

It remains unclear if David Moyes’ side would be willing to part ways with the 27-year-old forward, but Farke’s side are willing to pursue a move for his signature.

Like Muniz, he has the experience in England’s top flight that the hierarchy are looking for during the off-season, but it’s safe to say they should look past a move for the former Udinese star.

When comparing his figures from 2024/25 to those of the Fulham ace, he’s been outperformed in numerous key areas, with the Brazilian the man the hierarchy must pursue this summer.

Muniz, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by teammate Willian Borges, has registered the same number of goals, but has managed a better minute per goal ratio – highlighting his clinical edge in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more passes and registered more passes into the final third, handing the opportunity for other attackers around him to bolster their own tallies.

The Brazilian’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerial duels and drawing more fouls, offering Farke an all-round option within the final third in their attempts to secure survival.

Given their hunt for a new talisman, it’s crucial that the hierarchy land the right player to give themselves the best possible chance of retaining their top-flight status.

Big money will likely be splashed given how expensive players in the Premier League have become, with a move for Muniz needing to be the priority in the coming weeks.

The new Phillips: Leeds want to sign £15m star with "undeniable" potential

Leeds United are reportedly keen on a star who would be Daniel Farke’s own Kalvin Phillips.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 9, 2025

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces a huge task ahead of him in the 2025/26 campaign, potentially coming under serious pressure should he fail to win a trophy.

The Spaniard has now been in the role at the Emirates for five and a half years, with his only trophy coming in the FA Cup back in his first season at the helm.

In the Premier League, the Gunners have finished as runners-up in each of the last three seasons, being unable to make that final step and end the two-decade wait for a league triumph.

Investment is needed from the hierarchy during the off-season if they are to finish at the top of the table next time around, handing the manager the tools he needs for success.

With the transfer window now in full swing, countless names have been mentioned as options for Arteta, leading to moves being made on various deals.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions this summer

A striker has been firmly on their radar over recent weeks, leading to talks being held with the representatives of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, but no agreement has yet been reached.

Moves have also been made to sign PSG wonderkid Warren Zaire-Emery, looking to take advantage of his situation in France which has seen him losing his starting place in Luis Enrique’s side.

However, they may look past a deal for the teenager, given the progress that has been made to sign Sevilla star Lucien Agoume, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the Gunners are leading the race for his signature, with fellow English sides Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also firmly in the race for his signature.

It also states that the 23-year-old is available for a fee in the region of £20m this summer, potentially forming an excellent partnership with one other talent in North London.

Why Arsenal’s £20m target would be perfect alongside Zubimendi

Over recent months, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been the name on all supporters’ lips after he’s been consistently linked with a move to Arsenal.

It was confirmed back in January that a deal had been agreed to land the 26-year-old this summer, but such a move has been quiet over the last couple of weeks.

That was until Fabrizio Romano confirmed that a deal is imminent with the midfielder still set to make the move to the Emirates despite interest from Real Madrid.

It’s been reported that the hierarchy are set to pay just over his €60m release clause in his contract, securing the deep-lying option Arteta has been crying out for.

However, he could thrive alongside Agoume in North London next season, with the Frenchman having all the tools to star in the middle of the park and giving the Gunners a new dimension.

Agoume, who’s been labelled “one of the most talented defensive midfielders” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed 83% of passes and achieved a dribble success rate of 76% – subsequently able to drive forward after Zubimendi regains possession for the side.

He’s also created 1.2 chances per 90, showcasing his ability his progress the play and aiding the attackers in front of him to thrive and bolster their title credentials.

The 23-year-old’s talents continue without the ball, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and making 1.7 interceptions per 90, handing Arteta an added ball-winning option alongside Zubimendi and taking some of the pressure off his shoulders as a result.

£20m in today’s market would be a superb piece of business by the hierarchy, landing a young player who could improve massively in the years ahead given his tender age.

The prospect of a partnership between Agoume and the Spaniard at the heart of the side is certainly an exciting one, handing Arteta the strength and depth he needs to push for the title in 2025/26.

He's the next Timber: Arsenal submit offer to sign "insane" £43m star

After Jurriën Timber proved to be such a revelation this season, could Arsenal return to the Eredivisie to sign an “insane” defender worth £43m?

By
Ben Gray

Jun 21, 2025

Still chasing potential incomings despite their PSR concerns, Aston Villa have now reportedly opened talks to sign an experienced winger who scored against Manchester United last season.

In just three days, Aston Villa will face the PSR deadline in the hope that they’ve done enough to avoid any sanctions. Whether that means player sales or even the sale of their women’s team is the big question. Already, names who could be sacrificed include young gem Louie Barry who Villa are reportedly ready to sell this week to meet PSR requirements.

Meanwhile, fresh reports have suggested that Villa could also follow Chelsea in selling their women’s team for over £100m this summer. The sale would take advantage of a PSR loophole and could save their transfer window.

Once Monday’s deadline has passed, Aston Villa should finally know where they stand on the transfer front and that could see them spring into action to get their business underway.

If they are in a position to spend, then they could do so to welcome the likes of Lucas Chevalier. The Villans have reportedly opened talks to sign the LOSC Lille goalkeeper and have tabled an offer worth £40m.

Aston Villa chiefs now prepared to sell "superb" 16-goal forward this week

The Villans must be ruthless.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 26, 2025

Their pursuit of the Frenchman comes amid rumours that Emiliano Martinez could leave the club this summer. Reports have even gone as far as to suggest that the World Cup winner now wants to join Premier League rivals Manchester United.

It’s not just in the defensive third that Aston Villa could make changes, though. A fresh name who knows all about scoring against Premier League opposition is now threatening to steal the headlines.

Aston Villa hold talks to sign Pepe

As reported by ESPN Brazil, Aston Villa have now held talks to sign Pepe from FC Porto this summer. The 28-year-old winger has already got his name on the scoresheet at the Club World Cup – netting in a 4-4 draw with Al-Ahly and could now be on the move for over €15m (£12m+) in the coming months.

At the peak of his powers, Pepe proved that he has the quality to perform against Premier League sides when he scored in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Manchester United in the Europa League’s table phase last season.

Just one of the six goals that he managed alongside his four assists in all competitions last season, Pepe would offer Unai Emery some much-needed attacking depth following the end of Marco Asensio’s and Marcus Rashford’s loan spells.

As the Spaniard looks to enjoy more success in the Europa League next season, having that depth will be more important than ever for Aston Villa.

During the off-season, weekends don’t tend to generate much excitement for football fans. It’s time to enjoy the summer weather and disassociate ourselves from the stresses of supporting a team. However, for Arsenal fans on Sunday, there was certainly something to get the blood pumping.

It’s been two years now, two long years that the Gunners have needed a new striker and they finally look set to bring one to the Emirates Stadium.

For much of the transfer window so far, the question has been, will Mikel Arteta sign Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres?

Well, it looks like the answer has arrived emphatically; Gyokeres.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein broke the news over the weekend that the reds were set to sign the Swede from Sporting, finally agreeing a fee with the Portuguese club that will see him move for a guaranteed fee of £55m plus an extra £8.6m in add-ons.

Arsenal, however, are not done there.

What's next for Arsenal after Gyokeres

This has been a particularly busy fortnight for Andrea Berta with Arsenal having confirmed the arrivals of three players: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.

It’s now widely expected that Noni Madueke will complete his move to the red side of London this week with Fabrizio Romano reporting on Monday that he will sign a contract until 2030 after undergoing the final part of his medical.

Transfer Focus

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

After that, Arsenal look set to bolster their defence with the addition of a young defender plying their trade in LaLiga.

That’s according to a number of sources, including the aforementioned Ornstein who claimed at the start of this week that Arsenal “are working to complete” a move for Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera. Personal terms have reportedly already been agreed.

An update was also provided by sources in Spain, via Sport Witness. They report that the player was left out of training on Monday and is now already flying to England to undergo a medical and officially put pen to paper on his contract.

Previous reports have suggested it could take a bid of £17m to lure him away from Spain.

What Mosquera could bring to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal team

The arrivals of Zubimendi and Gyokeres will undoubtedly cause much fanfare this summer but should Berta and Co get a deal over the line for Mosquera, it must also be celebrated.

After all, the 21-year-old has showcased himself to be one of the best young defenders in Spain over recent years.

On the face of it, you may not think Arsenal need to sign another centre-half. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are immovable objects at the heart of Arteta’s defence and have steered the Gunners to the best defensive record in the Premier League over the last two seasons.

Yet, it could be argued that they’ve struggled to find adequate backup. Italy international Riccardo Calafiori, who is a centre-back by trade, has played more as a left-back since arriving in the English capital and Jakub Kiwior’s future remains up in the air.

To his credit, Kiwior did stand out while Gabriel nursed a hamstring injury and actually looked like the more composed out of him and Saliba when Arsenal travelled to the Bernabeu. It was Saliba’s mistake that led to Vini Jr’s goal in the second half.

The Frenchman and Gabriel will resume their partnership in 2025/26 but Mosquera, a front-footed modern defender, will fit like a glove into this Arsenal team.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has described Mosquera as “one of the best backline aggressors of his age” while noting that the youngster will be the “aggressor and leader that Gabriel is but from right centre-back”.

What that means is that the Valencia star could be the perfect profile to help transitions into midfield, thus helping the likes of Zubimendi and Declan Rice get on the ball more.

Anytime Arteta’s side find possession in the hands of those two this season, something is bound to happen. European football expert, Sid Lowe, has noted that the Spaniard “is just about as good a deep-lying midfielder there is in Europe, apart from maybe Rodri,” while we all know the power and carrying ability that Rice has from deep.

To rubberstamp why Mosquera would be so beneficial to the build-up and midfield transition, we’ve highlighted the following numbers via FBRef.

What the metrics above suggest is that Mosquera is very much ball-dominant. He loves to carry the ball forward and he marries that attribute with the composure to play out from the back.

For context, his pass completion rate of 90.5% was greater than Gabriel’s 90.2% in the Premier League last season.

He’s not just front-footed, but he’s an aggressive defender too, something Mattinson outlined. Only 16% of centre-backs in LaLiga tackled a higher percentage of dribblers. Only 4% of positionally similar players made more ball recoveries.

This is an elite defender in the making and his ability to make an impact higher up the pitch and carry the ball into midfield will only be beneficial, particularly for someone like Rice.

The club’s record signing loves to drop into the hole and then burst forward. He does that regularly with Gabriel and Saliba behind him but should one of them be unavailable, Mosquera will ensure Rice and Zubimendi can play in the same way.

Way better than Madueke: £50m PL star wants to join Arsenal alongside Eze

Arsenal could sign another Premier League star beyond just Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 11, 2025

Liverpool are now looking to sign an attacking superstar who has been likened to Florian Wirtz to replace Luis Diaz in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Diaz linked with Liverpool summer exit

The future of Diaz has been a big talking point at Anfield in recent months, with the 28-year-old not exactly committing his future to the Reds, hinting that “negotiations” have taken place over an exit.

“We’re there, negotiating. We’ll see what can happen, for us and for the club. We’ll try to do our best and make the best decision. We’re in the process of negotiations, talking with the club, with Liverpool, with everyone who’s approaching us. But I’m very calm where I am, you know, very happy. Trying to make the best decision, now.”

Bayern Munich appear to be the front-runners to snap up Diaz before the summer transfer window reaches its conclusion, but it remains to be seen what his decision will be, with Liverpool reportedly not willing to hand him a contract extension.

If the Colombia international does move on, a top-quality replacement will need to be found by Liverpool, with Lyon’s Malick Fofana one player who has been mentioned as an option, as well as Newcastle United ace Anthony Gordon, who was backed up come in last year.

Liverpool express interest in Real Madrid's Rodrygo

According to AS, Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo to replace Diaz this summer, should the Colombian leave Anfield.

The 24-year-old Madrid ace is valued at as much as £112m by the La Liga giants, which is almost as much as the £116m the Reds paid Bayer Leverkusen for Wirtz, who he has been compared to as a player by FBref.

Rodrygo is arguably one of the world’s best wide attacking players currently, so the idea of him in a Liverpool shirt is a mouthwatering prospect.

The Brazil international has enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Madrid, winning three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns, among other trophies, while Carlo Ancelotti has lauded him in the past.

“He is a special striker, he can play in all positions. He is fast, smart and effective one on one. The learning is over. He is a Real Madrid player for all purposes.”

In reality, though, Liverpool’s chances of signing Rodrygo appear to be unlikely, given the amount of money they would have to pay for him, having already spent a record-breaking amount on Wirtz.

Slot's next Wirtz: Liverpool in contact to sign "the new Haaland" for £78m

Liverpool are planning to sign a new striker in the summer transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 14, 2025

While the Reds’ finances appear to be good this summer, being able to splash out the same amount again feels like a stretch too far, and there is also no guarantee that Diaz will depart.

Sunderland are yet to pick up a win during their pre-season outing to the Algarve, but there have been promising signs aplenty anyway.

Indeed, the Black Cats have faced some formidable opponents out in Portugal in the form of Sevilla and Sporting, meaning a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 loss aren’t disastrous outcomes, when you also consider a large chunk of the first team personnel selected by Regis Le Bris are still getting used to one another as brand new recruits.

In particular, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki caught the eye of Sunderland spectators watching on, with the skilful midfield duo set to be joined by another impressive body in the middle if emerging reports are correct.

Sunderland agree terms with £17m battler

Of course, Sunderland fans will take any progressing deal with a pinch of salt until it’s officially over the line, having been burnt recently by Armand Lauriente’s deal falling through at the last minute.

Lauriente was even pictured jetting off to the Stadium of Light to complete a move, but the wheels unfortunately came off the deal in the end.

Hopefully, any last-minute mishaps are out of the Wearside outfit’s system, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein dramatically revealing via X that Sunderland have now agreed personal terms with long-term target Granit Xhaka.

The exclusive development by Ornstein reveals that Xhaka is only considering the newly promoted side as his next onward destination, with the hope on his end that the deal can be tied up rapidly for him to return to the Premier League.

In a window where Sunderland have already made a few statement deals a reality, this could well be the pick of the bunch, with the deal for the Swiss international – who is said to be valued at €20m (£17m) – a far more exciting signing to seal than Lauriente’s ever was.

Why signing Xhaka would be more exciting than Lauriente

Lauriente no doubt would have made his presence known donning Sunderland red and white, off the back of an explosive campaign in Serie B.

After all, the silky Frenchman wasn’t labelled “amazing” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig just by fluke, with a stunning haul of 18 strikes last season for Sassuolo clinching a glorious promotion up to the Italian top-flight.

Xhaka also has a sumptuous rocket up his sleeve, yet the seasoned 32-year-old would pick up his impressive tally of two strikes and seven assists in the far choppier and intense terrain of the Bundesliga last campaign, with the Bayer Leverkusen number 34 elevating his game to the next level in Germany.

From 174 games in the top division – with 66 of those coming about for Leverkusen – the midfield enforcer would collect 11 goals and ten assists, 12 of which were registered at the BayArena, as his side were even crowned champions of the usually Bayern Munich-dominated Bundesliga during his two-campaign stint.

On the contrary, Lauriente only has 133 games next to his name in total when plying his trade in Serie A and Ligue 1, with Xhaka’s expertise of the taxing Premier League also making him a far more worthwhile signing to pursue, away from festering in any lingering disappointment of the Frenchman’s deal collapsing.

Whilst he did experience many bumps along the way at Arsenal, Xhaka – in retrospect – is now viewed as a cog that allowed the Gunners to tick during testing times, as seen in his impressive 17 goals and 25 assists from a mammoth 225 top-flight appearances.

On top of that, he also battled away valiantly for the Gunners’ cause time after time, with 1001 duels being won in total, gaining him the label of a “monster” by Arsenal-based writer Connor Humm.

With the necessary grit required for a relegation battle, on top of possessing the quality to try and push Sunderland away from that mire, this really would be a standout addition to make for a £17m star also lauded as a “technician” by Chelsea great Joe Cole.

Lauriente might well have developed into a dazzling attacker under Le Bris’ wing, but if it’s readymade Premier League performers the ex-Lorient manager is after, he should ensure this move is sealed.

Adingra will love him: Sunderland in talks to sign "sensational" £22.5m ace

Sunderland is continuing to negotiate a deal to snap up a £22.5m star

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 22, 2025

Last year, Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the third successive season, but who can deny that Mikel Arteta’s burgeoning side have gotten better and better since the start of his reign?

Injuries ruined what could have been the year for the Gunners, but Arteta and new Emirates technical director Andrea Berta have come together and devised a summer plan, which is angled toward trophy-winning success in 2025/26.

A host of signings have been welcomed to north London over the past two months, but it’s the latest which is the most exciting, the most emphatic.

Maybe, having signed Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal have what they need to crown the Arteta era.

Why Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal have needed a reliable frontman for some time, one who will provide a confident stream of goals across the campaign.

And in Gyokeres, they have their man. Having bagged 97 goals and 28 assists besides over just two years with Sporting Lisbon, it’s inconceivable that the 27-year-old won’t bring a degree of prolificness beyond that of the Gunners’ current crop.

Despite interest from elsewhere – namely from Manchester United – Arsenal have agreed a deal worth £64m for the Swede, who will finalise his big-money move this weekend.

Many supporters, no doubt, would have liked to have signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. The Sweden striker, Gyokeres’ countryman, has informed his club that he wishes to explore a move away, with Liverpool leading the race for his signature.

Arsenal might not sign Isak, but they have one of the game’s most clinical strikers all the same. And anyway, with Bukayo Saka fully fit and raring to take the division by storm next year, the soon-to-be No. 14 is in safe hands.

In fact, it is Saka who stands above these other players. Arsenal have hit the jackpot on their homegrown hero, who is undoubtedly the cream of the crop.

The Arsenal star worth more than Isak & Gyokeres

Saka, 23, is one of the Premier League’s leading players. Pundit Karen Carney has said that “it’s scary how good he will be in three or four years”, and she’s right.

He’s the real deal, all right, and he’s already proven himself to be a game-changing player of the highest standard. After breaking out of the famed Hale End academy, he has made 263 senior appearances for Arsenal, scoring 70 goals and providing 71 assists.

You felt this throughout the 2024/25 campaign, with Saka sidelined for a significant stretch after Christmas that ultimately proved detrimental in the quest for silverware.

But he is, of course, fit again, and will play an instrumental role for club and country next season, challenging for the biggest prizes in red before donning that white shirt and fighting for gold over the pond with Thomas Tuchel’s England.

There’s indeed a case to be made that he is one of the most valuable players in the game, worldwide. This is actually backed up by the numbers, with one site penning him down above two aforementioned names.

Well, according to the renowned research centre CIES Football Observatory, the £98m-rated Saka is valued higher than both Isak and Gyokeres.

Newcastle’s centre-forward is only marginally behind the Three Lions sensation at £97m, while Gyokeres falls some way below at £68m, and this is reflected in the sealed deal for the number nine in north London.

Isak, of course, has a price tag of £130m as Newcastle prepare for his potential, but Saka, too, would demand an astronomical amount if any suitors approached Arsenal.

It bears testament to Saka’s inborn ability, his work-rate and indeed Arteta’s shrewd coaching that he has reached this level. He has many levels yet to go, but at this stage already, he is undoubtedly “world-class”, as has been said by pundit Rio Ferdinand.

Arsenal might have a prolific marksman in Gyokeres, and Isak may have been labelled “the best striker in the Premier League” last season by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, but Saka is something special, something different.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

As long as he remains the nucleus of this thrilling Gunners project, glory days will surely rain down on the Emirates Stadium once again.

Bigger talent than Simons: Arsenal lining up "world-class" £87m talent

Arsenal are hoping to follow the signing of Viktor Gyokeres with more attacking quality.

By
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