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We are now a month into the summer transfer window and Arsenal’s elusive striker doesn’t appear to be forthcoming just yet.

Coming into the ongoing market, Andrea Berta and Co knew, above all else, that new forwards needed to be brought into the club.

Well, Mikel Arteta has certainly issued his rallying call with reports suggesting that the Spaniard now wants his new centre-forward signed by the time Arsenal jet off to Singapore for their pre-season tour on July 19th.

So, no pressure Berta, it’s over to you.

The latest on Arsenal's hunt for a new striker

Without necessarily too many announcements, this has been a busy window for the Gunners with midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard both set to be announced before too long.

The north Londoners have raided Chelsea again to bring in Kepa Arrizabalaga in a £5m deal but they may not stop there. Noni Madueke, one of the Blues’ wingers, has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal ahead of a prospective move.

Now, the Gunners are preparing club-to-club talks this week. It’s certainly an interesting one, but it’s not the priority; signing a striker is.

Much of the chatter this summer has been dominated by Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres. Well, the latest on the Gyokeres saga is that Arsenal may have made a breakthrough in proceedings.

Transfer Focus

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

That’s according to a number of sources including David Ornstein, who reports this weekend that the Swedish attacker now “wants to join” Arsenal and Arteta is pushing for a swift conclusion to the deal.

Ornstein reveals that a deal has moved into an advanced stage and discussions will now continue regarding a transfer fee.

Portuguese outlet Mais Futebol suggests that a ‘deal is expected to close this Sunday’ worth around €80m (£70m), while reporting that he ‘will join Arsenal’ in the next few days once the remaining details are finalised.

Personal terms on a five-year contract have also been agreed, as per journalist Ben Jacobs.

Why Arsenal must prioritise Gyokeres over anyone else

In the last 24 hours, talk of Madueke moving to Arsenal has been rife among the fanbase.

While it’s true that Arsenal need to discover a backup for Bukayo Saka after his enormous workload finally saw his hamstring give way last year, there are obvious concerns surrounding the Chelsea winger.

The first is that supporters are tired of raiding Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s hand-me-downs. They have already brought in Kepa this summer but this would be the eighth occasion in the last ten years where someone has traded the blue of London for the red of London.

Petr Cech

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David Luiz

£8m

Willian

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Jorginho

£11m

Kai Havertz

£65m

Raheem Sterling

Loan

Kepa Arrizabalaga

£5m

Madueke is a player with plenty of potential. He scored a Premier League hat-trick in 2024/25, You don’t do that if you aren’t a talented player.

In total, the England international ended last campaign with 11 goals in 41 appearances before jetting off to America for the Club World Cup. Inconsistenty is there, of course it is, he’s still only 23, but considering Arsenal have been linked with wingers such as Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, this feels underwhelming.

You sense that it’s the order of the deals Arsenal are completing here. No one can disagree that Arteta needs a Saka backup and should the Gunners conclude deals for a striker, a winger of Rodrygo’s calibre and also further their interest by concluding a move for Eberechi Eze, no one would bat an eyelid at Madueke’s arrival.

Thus, it perhaps represents one of Arsenal’s least exciting moves this summer. It’s certainly less exciting than Gyokeres, let’s put it that way.

Just casting your eye at the Swede’s remarkable goal tally over the last two years tells you all you need to know. He’s a “monster” in the words of journalist Alex Turk, crashing home 54 goals in 52 games last term.

For a team lacking goals, he feels like the ideal signing. Remarkably, no player in Arsenal red and white scored more than nine goals in the Premier League throughout 2024/25. That’s the first time the Gunners have swept through a league season without a player hitting double figures since 1923/24, over 100 years ago.

Arteta’s side had to ride the wave of injuries, sure, but it speaks volumes. Arsenal have to sign a striker and Gyokeres, Europe’s leading marksman last campaign, would perhaps be the club’s most captivating acquisition since Declan Rice moved from West Ham United for a club-record £105m.

Gyokeres isn’t just a goalscorer either. Unlike Kai Havertz, he’s capable of running the channels and he’s one of the quickest and most powerful centre-forwards around.

For an Arsenal team that lacks pace in transition after turning the ball over, this should help enormously.

During his time in the Championship at Coventry City, Opta Analyst noted that ‘Mark Robins’ side thrived in the chaos of transition’ during the 2022/23 campaign. That was largely thanks to Gyokeres who, as the focal point of the attack, helped the Sky Blues to become the most direct team in the entire division.

With Gyokeres up top, Opta revealed that Coventry registered 123 ‘direct attacks’. The next best was Sunderland who registered just 77 in comparison. Arsenal are one of the best at hounding the opposition and you best believe that if they won the ball back, their forward line would now totally transform with the Sweden international leading the line instead of Havertz.

So, the Swede would undoubtedly add more goals to this Arsenal team, but the overall threat of Arteta’s other forward players should also improve if they are to attack with more pace and power.

This would be a game-changing signing over at the Emirates.

The dream squad Arsenal could build: £235m stars & "the new Haaland" sign

Here’s what the Arsenal squad could look like at the end of the summer.

ByMatt Dawson Jul 6, 2025

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will be desperate to ensure that his decision to sack Ange Postecoglou won’t come back to bite him, and he’s apparently prepared to back new manager Thomas Frank so he can give the Australian’s replacement the best-possible chance of success.

Frank holds Tottenham talks over signing £300k-p/w ace who's open to joining

The Spurs boss has been discussing him with Lilywhites hierarchy.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2025

Postecoglou ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy by guiding them to an historic Europa League final victory over Man United last month, a result which also gifted them a spot in the Champions League next season, but Spurs’ torrid 2024/2025 domestic form meant that Levy was forced into the tough call of letting him go.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

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via WhoScored

Frank is now tasked with re-settling the dressing room whilst helping Spurs to kick on from their memorable night in Bilbao, and the Dane has already paid homage to his predecessor’s work at N17.

“I think Ange has done something special. He’ll forever be a legend in Tottenham,” Frank said in his first interview as Tottenham boss.

“It’s important to understand we all stand on the shoulders of others. I’m going in on the foundation Ange built, and his coaching staff, and I’m very humble about that. I’ll do my very best to continue the great work he put in.

“The feeling, the excitement, the joy and the happiness in the fans’ faces, the pictures were ‘wow’. Hopefully, we can create more of those moments. That will be the ultimate dream: to do that and build on that.”

The 51-year-old is reportedly keen to upgrade his new ranks by signing a proven wide-attacking player, especially considering Son Heung-min may have already played his last competitive game for Tottenham amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

Many high-profile Premier League names have been linked already, but chief among them is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The England international guided Palace to their first ever major trophy last season, bagging the winner in a 1-0 victory over Man City in the FA Cup final, adding to his impressive tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Eze has been a star player at Selhurst Park ever since his move there from QPR, and Eagles chairman Steve Parish was left “astounded” by the lack of interest in him last summer.

Tottenham ready to pay £68 million for Eberechi Eze

The £100,000-per-week forward, who can play both as a CAM and out wide, has certainly got admirers this time round, and Spurs are one of the chief contenders for his signature.

Reports have suggested that Frank has personally recommended Eze as a target for Tottenham, with TEAMtalk now sharing an update on the situation amid rumours that the player would also be keen on a north London move.

The outlet states that Tottenham are ready to meet the price required to sign Eze, his £68 million release clause, and the ex-Arsenal academy man is “enthusiastic” about swapping south London for a place in Frank’s side.

Frank also apparently believes that Eze would be a stellar addition for the Lilywhites, and one capable of thriving both on the wing and as a complement to James Maddison in the centre of attacking midfield.

Palace are also open to receiving Eze’s final fee in installments, even if they’d want an upfront payment of £45 million, something which Tottenham are prepared to offer as well.

This could be one to watch in the coming days/weeks, as Spurs want to act “swiftly” and provide Frank with fresh additions ahead of a crucial campaign.

The decision not to sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent deal evoked memories of the Chelsea of old. A ruthlessness that famously saw Carlo Ancelotti given the sack after missing out on the Premier League title in his second season – just a year on from guiding the club to the double

In the case of Sancho, the Englishman had notably scored a stunner in last month’s Conference League final, albeit while ending 2024/25 with just three goals and five assists to his name in the league. Good, but not good enough.

That has been a commendable motto for the Blues over their glorious last 20 years or so, having repeatedly hired and fired, all while increasing the competition in their playing ranks with successive statement signings.

Take Nicolas Jackson, for instance, the Senegalese striker hardly disgracing himself – suspensions aside – with 24 league goals across his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge, albeit with just ten of those coming last term. Again, good, but not quite good enough.

£30m man Liam Delap looks to have swiftly usurped the former Villarreal man in the pecking order, all while being acutely aware that failure to perform himself could see yet another fresh face acquired – a certain Hugo Ekitike springs to mind.

As the old adage goes, pressure makes diamonds, with Enzo Maresca and co no doubt hoping that more exciting additions can thrive in this pressurised environment in west London…

Latest on Chelsea's search for new forwards

Sancho is gone, but in his place, young Jamie Gittens could be set to arrive, with Chelsea still working to bring the 20-year-old back to England from Borussia Dortmund, amid his prior stint in Manchester City’s youth ranks.

Despite reports that Gittens has agreed a seven-year contract with the Blues, there appears to still be club-to-club negotiations taking place regarding his reported £55m price tag.

With that deal yet to get the green light, it is still worth the west Londoners seeking alternatives, with TEAMtalk reporting that they are among the clubs to have made an enquiry over Lyon starlet, Malick Fofana.

Transfer Focus

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

That contact has come amid the Ligue 1 side’s recent relegation – something they are set to appeal – with clubs lining up to potentially pounce on their ongoing financial woes and apparent need to sell.

As per the report, the likes of Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have also made their move for the 20-year-old, with those suitors hoping to strike a deal for less than the Belgian’s previous £42m price tag.

Why Fofana could be Chelsea's next Eden Hazard

The signing of an exciting, young Belgian talent from Ligue 1 – ring any bells?

Of course, Chelsea famously won the race for a 21-year-old Eden Hazard back in the summer of 2012, with the then-Champions League holders plucking the winger from Lille for a reported fee of £32m.

198 goals and assists would follow in a Chelsea shirt for the now-retired wizard, although that doesn’t quite tell the full story. This was a player, at his pomp, who was a match for any opposition or opponent.

A man who could win a game on his own – take his solo stunner against Arsenal in 2017, for example – Hazard at his best was simply a sight to behold, jinking his way past defenders with consummate ease. It’s no wonder he was hailed the “best player in the Premier League” at one stage by pundit, Paul Merson.

Young Fofana has a way go to hit the levels of his sparkling compatriot, although the comparisons are – unsurprisingly – already being made, with GOAL noting that he has been described as ‘Eden Hazard-like’ by those in his homeland.

As per The Athletic’s Alex Barker, what particularly sets the 20-year-old apart, in a similar mould to Hazard, is his dribbling prowess, having been noted as “one of the best” in Ligue 1 in that regard.

Indeed, he notably ranks in the top 3% among his peers in France’s top-flight for progressive carries made per 90, as per FBref, while also ranking in the top 2% in that same metric among attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues.

Jamie Gittens – Borussia Dortmund

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Kenan Yildiz – Juventus

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Eliesse Ben Seghir – Monaco

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Malick Fofana – Lyon

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Antonio Nusa – RB Leipzig

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Jean-Matteo Bahoya – Frankfurt

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Jesus Rodriguez – Real Betis

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Mamadou Diakhon – Stade Reims

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Yan Diomande – Leganes

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Bazoumana Toure – Hoffenheim

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3

For context, Hazard ranked in the top 1% of Premier League wingers in that regard during his final season in English football (2018/19), having simply been a master ball-carrier for the Blues.

Like the 126-cap Red Devils star too, Fofana also boasts an end product to match that devastating flair, having ended 2024/25 with 11 goals and six assists to his name in all competitions, included six goals in just ten Europa League outings.

Described as a “starboy” by writer Zach Lowy, the Lyon gem looks destined to reach the top over the coming years, with Chelsea able to offer him the chance to follow in Hazard’s footsteps at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca's next Cole Palmer: Chelsea enter race to sign £50m PL "machine"

The incredible talent could be a star for Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 28, 2025

Following reports that Bryan Mbeumo favours a move to Manchester United this summer, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their attention towards a £51m alternative and PIF could soon open talks.

Mbeumo deals Newcastle frustrating blow

After qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Carabao Cup last season, it wouldn’t be absurd to assume that Newcastle entered this summer in a position of strength in the transfer window, especially compared to Manchester United. By contrast, the Red Devils suffered their worst-ever finish in the Premier League and compiled their misery by suffering defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

Newcastle negotiating to make £113k-p/w PSG ace their second summer signing

The Magpies are on the lookout for qualify reinforcements.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 11, 2025

Without Champions League football or European football at all, for that matter, it was easy to predict that the lure of Old Trafford simply wouldn’t be the same this summer. That assumption would have been wrong, however. The Theatre of Dreams seemingly remains exactly that. Already, Matheus Cunha has picked the Red Devils in a move worth £63m and now Mbeumo looks destined to follow suit.

It’s frustrating news for Newcastle, who will feel as though they did everything right to put themselves in a position to sign such talents. Nonetheless, they’ve been forced to look towards alternatives in hope of signing the winger that they’ve been searching for across the last 12 months.

To that end, Anthony Elanga has been the main alternative mentioned in recent weeks with Newcastle reportedly making the Nottingham Forest star their top target. But he’s not alone on their shortlist, with reports now indicating that Newcastle are also targeting a move to sign a £51m winger.

Newcastle and PIF could open Catamo talks

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle and PIF could now open talks to sign Geny Catamo from Sporting Club this summer. The Magpies are one of a number of clubs interested in the young winger in a race which includes Atletico Madrid as well as Arsenal, and may now make their move.

Sources told Caught Offside there is an expectation that some clubs test the waters with an opening offer worth as much as €30m (£25m) in the coming months. Given that Catamo reportedly has a release clause worth €60m (£51m), it seems unlikely that they will accept a sale worth less than half of that price this summer.

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Whilst he did add another two goals to take his total to seven outside of league action, Catamo’s numbers should be seen as a concern for Newcastle. If they were forced to pay the winger’s full release clause, then they should keep their focus on Elanga rather than spending big on a talent who is yet to prove himself on the big stage.

Chelsea are now in “ongoing” negotiations over a deal to sign an “incredible” striker, with a meeting taking place “in recent days”, according to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins.

Blues looking to bolster squad before Club World Cup

The initial summer transfer window is set to close on June 10th ahead of the Club World Cup, before reopening on June 16th, and the Blues are looking to get a number of deals over the line before the first deadline.

Jamie Gittens has emerged as a major target since it was confirmed Jadon Sancho will not be making a permanent move to west London, while there have long been doubts over the goalkeeper options, with Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen being used interchangeably last season.

The interest in Hugo Ekitike is a little stranger, given that Enzo Maresca has already added Liam Delap to his squad this summer, but the manager may feel he needs a more experienced option at centre-forward, with the former Ipswich Town man yet to prove himself at the top level.

There has now been a new update on Chelsea’s Hugo Ekitike pursuit, with Hawkins taking to X to reveal they are in “ongoing” negotiations over a deal for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, having held a meeting with his camp “in recent days”.

Deal close: Chelsea now nearing agreement to sign "world-class" £25m star

The Blues could seal a move for a new signing “tomorrow”, following a recent positive development.

1 ByDominic Lund Jun 8, 2025

The Blues are still considering a move for the forward, with contact yet to be broken off, despite talks not progressing, but a deal will not be cheap, with Frankfurt currently unwilling to compromise on their asking price of €100m (£84m).

Ekitike could be "incredible" signing for Chelsea

While the 22-year-old is the same age as Delap, he has more experience than the Englishman, having regularly provided goals and assists for Reims, Paris Saint-Germain and Frankfurt across spells in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.

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Teammate Rasmus Kristensen has also been left impressed by the Frenchman, lauding him as “incredible” back in January, so it is little wonder that Chelsea are keen to take him to Stamford Bridge, although there are doubts over whether he is worth £84m.

With the Frankfurt star contracted until 2029, the German club are in a strong negotiating position, but the Reims-born striker is yet to prove himself in the Champions League, while a return of 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga games last season isn’t out of this world.

As such, while Ekitike could go on to be a top striker, the £84m asking price is a little steep, so the Blues should continue to try and negotiate a lower fee.

In May 2025, Tottenham Hotspur brought home the Europa League to finally end 17 years of trophyless pain. Having fallen short so often since their EFL Cup triumph in February 2008, there will have been profound joy and relief that their hoodoo is over at last.

Ange Postecoglou endured a largely dismal second season at Spurs in 2024/25, but the club’s European campaign may yet reignite his tenure, amid plenty of poor performances in the Premier League, with Spurs dropping way short of expectations.

But after a dazzling night in Bilbao against Manchester United, European nights are set to continue with Spurs back in the Champions League.

5 managers who could replace Ange Postecoglou at Spurs

Failure to win the Europa League may yet bring about the end of Ange’s reign at Spurs, but who would do a good job in his place?

2 ByDominic Lund Jan 6, 2025

Spurs have a rich history on the European stage, and here, we have taken a look at the 11 best European matches in Spurs’ history.

11 Tottenham 3-0 Inter Europa League last-16, first leg (2012/13)

This victory over Inter wasn’t as seismic as the one from their maiden Champions League campaign in 2010/11, but it proved that Spurs could perform at their very best in Europe.

Having finished second in the group stage behind Serie A side Lazio, Spurs progressed to the knockout stages.

An impressive 3-2 aggregate victory over Lyon in the last 32 set up a tie against Inter, and the first leg at White Hart Lane certainly didn’t disappoint.

Goals from Gareth Bale, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jan Vertonghen gave the home side a 3-0 win over the 2010 Champions League winners with one of the club’s finest European results.

They lost the second leg 4-1, but progressed on away goals before losing to Basel in the quarter-finals.

10 Tottenham 2-0 Bayern Munich UEFA Cup third round, second leg (1983/84)

Having won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963 and the UEFA Cup in 1972, Spurs were going for their third European trophy during the 1983/84 season.

The Lilywhites lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their third-round clash against the Germans, meaning all was to play for in north London.

Steve Archibald levelled the tie with 40 minutes left before Mark Falco netted a late winner, taking Spurs into the quarter-finals.

They reached the final and defeated Anderlecht 4-3 on penalties, marking the last European trophy won by Spurs.

The 16 Best Champions League Knockout Games of All Time (Ranked)

After Inter’s crazy semi-final win over Barcelona, here’s a look at the best knockout ties the Champions League has thrown up over the years.

ByBarney Lane Feb 12, 2025 9 Man City 4-3 Tottenham Champions League quarter-final, second leg (2018/19)

While this may have been a defeat on the night, Spurs’ gritty display at the Etihad saw them qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League in dramatic fashion.

The first leg finished 1-0 in favour of the north Londoners, and was followed by a frantic start to the second leg, as Man City went into half-time leading 3-2, trailing on away goals.

Sergio Aguero finally put City ahead in the tie during the second half, but Fernando Llorente levelled things up on aggregate once more to hand Spurs the advantage.

Entering the final minutes, City were desperately searching for a winner, and it looked as though Raheem Sterling had put the club through with in the last minute, only for VAR to incredibly rule it out as Spurs reached the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time.

8 Milan 0-1 Tottenham Champions League last-16, first leg (2010/11)

Spurs had enjoyed a wonderful debut season in the Champions League group stages. Not only had they defeated defending champions Inter, but they managed to lose just once on their way to reaching the last 16.

Their reward? A tie against Milan. Harry Redknapp set his team up well at the San Siro that evening as a goal from Peter Crouch secured them a 1-0 victory. The game will be best remembered for the clash between Joe Jordan and Gennaro Gattuso on the touchline.

7 Tottenham 3-1 Inter Champions League group stage (2010/11)

Earlier in the 2010/11 season, Spurs played host to Inter at White Hart Lane in the Champions League group stages. Gareth Bale had scored a stunning hat-trick in a 4-3 defeat to the same team a few weeks prior, but this was a different story.

Bale was the star of the show yet again, but this time, Spurs won. Goals from Rafael van der Vaart and Peter Crouch gave the home side a two-goal advantage before Samuel Eto’o reduced the arrears with 10 minutes to go.

Bale assisted Roman Pavlyuchenko to seal a wonderful 3-1 win that put the club on the brink of qualifying for the last 16 on a night that seemed to rekindle the famous “Glory Glory” nights in north London.

6 Tottenham 1-0 Manchester United Europa League final (2024/25)

In truth, this wasn’t the greatest of European spectacles, but the euphoria pouring out of the stands at the final whistle more than made up for it as Spurs won their fourth European trophy.

Tottenham entered the Europa League final in terrible form, placing 16th in the Premier League (ironically one place above opponents Manchester United) and in the last chance saloon in terms of breaking their run of seasons without silverware.

But having gained a reputation for becoming chokers when it mattered most, Ange Postecoglou’s side delivered a winning performance after 17 years of waiting, with Brennan Johnson’s scrappy effort settling a tense finale against United.

The Red Devils were largely toothless throughout, with Rasmus Hojlund’s goalbound effort the closest they came to an equaliser, but Micky van de Ven’s sensational acrobatic clearance denied a route back into the game for Ruben Amorim’s side.

Spurs had their backs against the wall for much of the second period, determined not to let another opportunity slip away. A key stop in the dying moments from Guglielmo Vicario effectively secured glory for the Lilywhites, and nearly two decades of failure were over in a flash.

5 Tottenham 1-1 Anderlecht UEFA Cup final, second leg (1983/84)

Spurs reached their third UEFA Cup final in 12 years as they took on Anderlecht over two legs.

The first game in Brussels saw the teams draw 1-1, leaving the tie finely poised for the second leg in north London. That game also finished 1-1 thanks to a late goal from captain Graham Roberts and the match drifted into extra time.

No more goals were scored, with Spurs eventually winning the game on penalties to claim their second UEFA Cup.

4 Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Wolves UEFA Cup final, second leg (1971/72)

The 1971/72 season saw the inaugural edition of the UEFA Cup take place. It became the third competition organised by UEFA and was fairly similar in structure to the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, which had been played between 1955 and 1971.

Spurs would go on to play Wolverhampton Wanderers in the final of the competition, and enjoyed a relatively stress-free route to the final, defeating Milan in the semi-finals.

Spurs won the first leg 2-1 at Molineux before sealing their first UEFA Cup by drawing 1-1 with the Old Gold at White Hart Lane in the second leg.

3 Tottenham 5-1 Atletico Madrid European Cup Winners' Cup final (1962/63)

During the first half of the 1960s, Spurs were arguably the finest team in England. They became the first club to win the league and FA Cup double in the 20th century during the 1960/61 season, before retaining the FA Cup the following season.

The 1962/63 campaign saw Bill Nicholson’s side fail to win any domestic honours, but they did reach the final of the Cup Winners’ Cup after defeating Rangers, Slovan Bratislava and OFK Beograd to set up a final showdown against holders Atlético Madrid.

The Spanish side weren’t quite up to the level of their city rivals, Real Madrid, but still posed a challenge. However, Nicholson’s side sent them packing with a stunning 5-1 victory.

Captain Danny Blanchflower rallied his side as doubles from Jimmy Greaves and Terry Dyson, plus a strike from John White, secured the club their first European trophy.

In the process, Spurs became the first British side to triumph in a European competition.

2 Tottenham 3-1 Real Madrid Champions League group stage (2017/18)

Mauricio Pochettino was building something special at Spurs, and the 2017/18 season was their second in the Champions League under his leadership.

They crashed out in the group stages during the 2016/17 season, but the following year was very different indeed.

Despite being in a group containing Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and APOEL, Spurs won five of their six matches, including a wonderful 3-1 win over Madrid.

A brace from Dele Alli and a goal from Christian Eriksen gave the home side a 3-0 lead before Cristiano Ronaldo netted a consolation.

Considering Madrid had won the competition in the previous two seasons – and would go on to secure a historic victory against Liverpool that year – this is arguably one of the best results in Spurs’ history.

In an ideal reality, West Bromwich Albion would find themselves competing in the upcoming Championship playoff final after Tony Mowbray’s return had gone down as a rip-roaring success.

Unfortunately, that script hasn’t come to life, with Mowbray actually finding himself out of a job again after a dismal run of just five wins from 17 games led to the Baggies falling short of those coveted playoff spots.

West Brom do have plenty of time on their hands to assess who they would like to bring in as the 61-year-old’s successor now as the ongoing search shows no real signs of coming to a halt.

West Brom's list of manager targets

It’s been nearly a month since Mowbray was abruptly axed from the Hawthorns hot seat, meaning plenty of names have been linked to fill the vacancy.

Indeed, faces such as Stockport County manager Dave Challinor have been tipped to take on the reins, alongside ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin potentially getting back on the horse after his Saints dismissal.

Moreover, former Manchester United coach turned Minnesota United manager Eric Ramsay has also been regularly thrown about as a successor to Mowbray, but there’s one other name that looks to be the likeliest option away from any other rumoured bosses.

Indeed, journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed recently that West Brom still ‘really like’ Tottenham Hotspur background figure Ryan Mason, with his young and fresh approach one factor that ticks a lot of boxes for the Baggies hierarchy.

Ramsay is the same age as Mason – with both the fresh-faced managers only being 33 years of age – but the Spurs coach arguably has more experience of the hustle and bustle of the English game, meaning he might well be viewed as an upgrade on the left-field Minnesota boss.

Why Mason is an upgrade on Ramsay

There is a logic behind West Brom wanting to go down the route of appointing a youthful new manager, having been burnt by the experienced Mowbray returning and ultimately failing.

On top of that, the likes of Liam Manning – who is only six years older than Mason – managed to steer Bristol City to the playoffs just this season, whilst the equally blooming Danny Rohl improved on a near escape from relegation at the helm of Sheffield Wednesday by guiding them to a comfortable mid-table finish.

Whilst both of those figures will likely go on to achieve far more in their careers, Mason does hold an advantage over both of them currently – on top of also bettering Ramsay in this department – with the 33-year-old gaining experience on the job of what it’s like to be an interim boss of a Premier League team with Spurs.

Whilst Ramsay does have an impressive 24 wins under his belt in charge of Minnesota, he has no experience of what it’s like to be thrown into the deep end of Premier League action, having only ever watched from afar when situated at the Red Devils.

On the contrary, Mason has briefly shone when handed the reins of the North Londoners, with six wins collected during some testing and turbulent times after some notable managerial exits.

He could be what West Brom needs, therefore, to recover from the popular figure of Mowbray flopping, with Ange Postecoglou even going out of his way recently to label Mason as “outstanding” for his work at the Premier League side.

Clearly, the Baggies need to think somewhat outside of the box to bring success back to the Hawthorns after the tried and tested route of Mowbray unravelled.

Whilst Ramsay would fit that unorthodox label, he might well flounder attempting to adapt to the Championship. Whereas, the time could be just right for Mason to prove himself after a worthwhile education at Spurs.

Free transfer: West Brom in talks to sign 21 y/o with same agent as Fellows

He’s out of contract at the end of June.

ByCharlie Smith May 15, 2025

The Women’s FA Cup has just as much magic as its male equivalent, with the finale’s place at the end of the domestic calendar handing two teams the opportunity to finish the campaign on a high in front of a large capacity crowd.

That has only been heightened by the welcome rise in prominence within the women’s game of late, with the FA Cup final being held at Wembley Stadium since 2015.

While the national stadium has typically only been half full for such occasions in the past, the 2023 final between Chelsea and Manchester United saw over 77,000 witness the Blues secure a third straight triumph through Sam Kerr’s winner.

Large crowds like these are now the norm for showpiece women’s events, particularly at Wembley, with the FA Cup final and England internationals well in the habit of bringing in spectators en masse.

The 2024 final was further evidence of this, with United’s win over Tottenham Hotspur again drawing in over 75,000 supporters.

But who are the most successful clubs in the FA Cup’s history? Here is a look at the history of the competition and a detailed look at the most recent finals.

Women's FA Cup history timeline

1970: Following the lifting of a ban on women’s football, which had stood for nearly 50 years, the first FA Cup tournament is held by the Women’s Football Association (WFA). The National Sports Centre in Crystal Palace hosts the first final in 1971, won by Southampton Women’s FC.

1993: The Football Association takes administrative control of the competition, along with the rest of women’s football in England.

2015: The final is held at Wembley Stadium for the first time, as 30,000 spectators see Chelsea defeat Notts County 1-0.

2023: A world-record crowd attends a domestic cup final, nearly 12 months on from the Euro 2022 final at a sold-out Wembley.

2024/25 Women's FA Cup

The 2024/25 FA Cup takes place on Sunday, 18th May, one day after the men’s event. This year’s women’s final is between Chelsea and Manchester United, in what is a repeat of the 2023 final.

Chelsea are going for a treble after being crowned as unbeaten champions and having won the League Cup back in March, while holders United are defending their FA Cup crown, which was won through their 4-0 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in May 2024.

It has been an exceptional first year in charge for Sonia Bompastor since replacing Emma Hayes, with the Blues’ only defeats this term coming in the Champions League to Manchester City and Barcelona.

Manchester United are looking to end the season on a high after having to settle for third following their 4-3 defeat to Arsenal on the final day of the WSL season.

Women’s FA Cup past winners

18 different clubs have won the Women’s FA Cup, with Arsenal being the record winners, having won it 14 times.

Southampton Women’s FC is the next-most successful club, winning eight times, most recently in 1981.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s record is only bettered by Doncaster Belles, who appeared in 11 out of 12 finals between 1983 and 1994, winning six times. However, the Blues can draw level with them in 2025.

Club

Times won

Last won

Arsenal

14

2016

Southampton Women’s FC

8

1981

Doncaster Belles

6

1994

Chelsea

5

2023

Manchester City

3

2020

Charlton Athletic

3

2005

Everton

2

2010

Fulham

2

2003

Millwall Lionesses

2

1997

Manchester United

1

2024

Birmingham City

1

2012

Norwich City

1

1986

AFC Wimbledon Women

1

1985 (as Friends of Fulham)

Howbury Grange

1

1984

Lowestoft Ladies

1

1982

St Helens

1

1980

Queen’s Park Rangers

1

1977

Fodens

1

1974

Previous FA Cup finals 12th May 2024: Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United sealed their first FA Cup triumph against first-time finalists Tottenham Hotspur in 2024 in a comprehensive victory at Wembley.

Ella Toone got the ball rolling just before the end of the first period, with her long-range rocket adding to her catalogue of big-game goals.

The second half saw Spurs tire and crumble under the wave of United attacks, with Rachel Williams’ header and Lucia Garcia’s double seeing the Red Devils run out deserved winners.

Beth England came closest for the runners-up when her header smashed the bar, but there could be no complaints about the final result as United claimed their first major trophy.

14th May 2023: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United

Chelsea secured a league and cup double in 2023 after battling to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United. Marc Skinner’s side had most of the better chances, particularly in the first half when they had a goal ruled out for offside in the opening minute and forced Ann-Katrin Berger into a number of important saves.

Sam Kerr turned home Pernille Harder’s pinpoint cross in the second half, to which the Red Devils had no reply.

15th May 2022: Chelsea 3-2 Manchester City (aet)

The Blues edged a five-goal thriller against United’s closest rivals in 2022. Sam Kerr nodded Chelsea ahead before Lauren Hemp equalised just before half-time.

Erin Cuthbert’s screamer restored the Blues’ lead and had looked set to be the match-winner until Hayley Raso’s fine finish forced extra time.

Both sides had chances in the extra period, but Kerr took the crucial one in the 99th minute, with her deflected strike handing Chelsea another FA Cup.

5th December 2021: Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea

Postponed due to the pandemic, the 2021 finale took place nearly seven months later than usual. The date chosen for the final came a century after the FA’s ban on women’s football in 1921.

It was Chelsea who once again emerged victorious, as opponents Arsenal came up against an inspired Kerr, who scored twice after Fran Kirby’s early opener to seal a comfortable victory.

1st November 2020: Everton 1-3 Manchester City (aet)

Played in front of no fans during the pandemic-affected 2020/21 campaign, Man City won their third FA Cup in four seasons with an extra-time victory over Everton, who were in the first final in six years.

The 50th Women’s FA Cup final saw Sam Mewis’ header put Gareth Taylor’s team in front, before Valerie Gauvin’s equaliser from a corner took the sides to extra time.

Georgia Stanway’s poked finish left City with one hand on the cup, and she laid the ball on a plate for Janine Beckie to finally put the game to bed and secure a second successive cup triumph.

Leeds United look likely to make a £15m+ player their first summer signing following promotion to the Premier League.

Leeds preparing for Premier League return

The Whites can officially start preparing for life back in the top fight after winning promotion from the Championship on Easter Monday. Daniel Farke’s side hammered Stoke City 6-0 with four goals from Joel Piroe in the first half, while Junior Firpo and Willy Gnonto also got on the scoresheet.

Burnley’s 2-1 win at Sheffield United later in the day meant the party could get underway at Elland Road, with the players joining thousands of Leeds fans in the celebrations.

Talking on Monday evening, Farke said: “Don’t scare me with the Premier League right now. All the clubs who were promoted are already relegated before we were promoted. It’s important to enjoy it. This club has had tough times in the last years, it’s important that our supporters celebrate it and embrace it.

“We’re back where we belong. The next step is to make this club an established Premier League club. You can be sure I will work with all my skills to make sure we do this. But this is something for in a few weeks. Right now we celebrate the first step, the most important one, to take this club where it belongs. Let’s see what we can do.”

Leeds now considering promotion move for "sensational" England international

Leeds United are already looking to the summer transfer window after smashing Stoke City on Monday.

ByBarney Lane Apr 21, 2025

The 49ers have been working behind the scenes on potential transfer targets, though, with the Whites looking to sign players who have Premier League experience. Now, an update has emerged on one attacker who has that.

£15m+ Manor Solomon likely to be Leeds’ first signing after talks

TEAMtalk shared a Leeds transfer update the day after the Whites officially won promotion, stating that the 49ers are looking to make at least six new signings ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Leeds and Farke want to sign a goalkeeper, a left-back, a midfielder, a winger, an attacking midfielder and a striker over the coming months, but the first addition of the window is likely to be loanee Manor Solomon on a permanent basis.

The report reveals that ‘talks having taken place already with Spurs over a permanent move’, with Leeds ‘optimistic that a permanent arrangement’ will be agreed. Tottenham and Daniel Levy value Solomon at £15m to £20m, and a development over a fee is expected soon.

Games

37

24

Goals

9

4

Assists

11

2

Solomon has starred on loan in the second tier this season, contributing to 20 Championship goals on the left hand side, striking up a positive relationship with Firpo. Farke will be delighted if the 49ers sign Solomon for Leeds on a permanent transfer, with the manager hailing the winger recently, saying earlier this month: “Always a joy to work with. A top character. Yes can be tricky, he’s emotional! Especially when he doesn’t finish a game. But top.”

Manchester City staged an excellent comeback from two goals down to seal a 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League this afternoon.

When Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards put the away side 2-0 up, it looked as though it was going to be another poor result for the Etihad side in the top flight.

They rebounded wonderfully well to seal all three points and they remain fourth in the table at the time of writing as they chase a Champions League spot next season.

All the talk this week was on Kevin De Bruyne finally departing City, and he was outstanding against Palace.

Kevin De Bruyne’s stats vs Crystal Palace

The Belgian won’t go out winning another league title, but he is doing his best to make sure City finish in the top four.

Against Palace, he was pushed into a more advanced role and not only scored, but he also grabbed an assist during the tie.

De Bruyne also registered six total shots, missed two big chances, made four key passes and hit the woodwork in what was an energetic display in Manchester.

Accurate passes

Rúben Dias (105)

Key passes

Kevin De Bruyne (4)

Tackles

Chris Richards and Nico Gonzalez (4)

Ground duels won

Daniel Munoz and Nico Gonzalez (5)

Shots on target

Omar Marmoush (3)

He might be advancing in age, but there is no doubt that when he is at his peak, few come close to performing like this. That’s for sure.

Pep Guardiola wasn’t relying on him solely, however, as there was a young talent making his first Premier League start for the club who shone today.

Man City shown why they don't need Gibbs-White

It appears as though City are keen on replacing De Bruyne with Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.

Despite registering 14 goal contributions this season, Forest have reportedly slapped a £100m price tag on the attacking midfielder.

Do they really need him? James McAtee was superb this afternoon at the Etihad. On his first ever league start for the club, he scored a delightful goal in the second half along with creating two big chances and making two key passes throughout the game.

The youngster may have been deployed on the right flank against Palace, but he is at home in the number ten slot, playing there on numerous occasions this season to excellent effect.

McAtee’s maturity is getting better with each game. He only lost possession seven times during the clash, while making one tackle and winning two ground duels.

Chief Manchester City writer for the Manchester Evening News, Simon Bajkowski, gave the Englishman a match rating of 7/10, stating that he ‘made a lot happen’ when he was on the pitch.

Guardiola will need to bring in another big-name signing or two this summer to please the supporters and give the club a shot at winning another league title.

Is spending around £100m on Gibbs-White the right option, however? Especially with McAtee proving today that he can step up when it matters most.

Man City in contact with "electric" £30m full-back with Walker-esque pace

The Citizens could land a bargain deal…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 11, 2025