All posts by z3u9t.icu

Wolves have endured a tough start to the campaign, losing five of their opening six Premier League games.

A 1-1 draw with Spurs on Saturday offered some encouragement, though it was bittersweet given they led until a 94th-minute equaliser from Joao Palhinha.

The result still leaves them bottom of the table with a goal difference of -9. Cup competitions have provided some relief.

They beat Everton in the Carabao Cup third round and now face Chelsea at home for a chance to reach the quarter-finals.

But the domestic reality is clear: Wolves desperately need to rediscover consistency and firepower. Their attack has been blunt, generating the fourth-worst xG in the division – ahead of only Newcastle, Aston Villa and Burnley.

This summer also brought significant upheaval. Wolves sold Matheus Cunha to Arsenal for £62.5m and their dynamic left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City for £36m.

While those exits weakened the squad, they managed to keep Jørgen Strand Larsen, responsible for 22% of Wolves’ goals last season.

Newcastle had multiple bids rejected, including one worth £55m, before the Norwegian signed a new deal until 2030.

Alongside Larsen, Wolves added Tolu Arokodare, Ladislav Krejci, and John Arias.

Yet one of their most important figures this season could be found at left-back – a position vacated by Ait-Nouri.

The blow of losing Rayan Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri had become a fan favourite at Molineux since his arrival from Angers in 2021.

Over three seasons, he made 157 appearances, contributing 12 goals and 19 assists.

Renowned for his energy and ability to carry the ball upfield, he was as dangerous in attack as he was valuable in defence.

At just 24 years old, Ait-Nouri had already developed into one of the most exciting left-backs in the Premier League.

His progress earned him a £36m move to Manchester City in the summer, though an ankle injury has sidelined him until mid-October.

Internationally, he represented France at youth level before committing to Algeria, making 18 senior appearances since 2023.

Statistically, Ait-Nouri offered a strong all-round package.

Last season, he averaged 2.58 tackles per 90, 1.22 blocks per 90, and 2.63 shot-creating actions per 90.

Those numbers highlighted his mix of defensive solidity and attacking thrust.

Wolves’ challenge was always going to be finding someone capable of stepping into his shoes – a daunting task given his influence at both ends of the pitch.

How Wolves have found the new Ait-Nouri

Enter Hugo Bueno.

Signed from a Spanish youth side for just £3k, he now finds himself valued at £7m, as per Transfermarkt —a staggering rise of around 233,000%.

At 23 years old, Bueno has been gradually integrated into the Wolves first team, making 57 appearances to date, including six Premier League starts this season and two Carabao Cup outings.

A Spanish youth international, Bueno made his U21 debut in September 2023.

He also gained valuable experience on loan at Feyenoord, where he featured in the Champions League.

His rapid development has been crucial for Wolves this season, especially after Ait-Nouri’s departure.

On the pitch, this “exciting” talent, as described by Matt Hobbs, has shown he is more than capable of filling the void, with the pair noted as statistically similar players among those in their position in Europe, as per FBref.

The stats underline his progress.

Matches Played

20

Minutes

1,197

Tackles

9

Blocks

11

Interceptions

11

Last campaign, Bueno registered three goal involvements compared to Ait-Nouri’s 11.

Where he really stands out is in ball progression: he averages 4.59 progressive carries per 90 (to Ait-Nouri’s 2.58) and 3.61 progressive passes per 90 (versus 3.13).

His 85.7% pass completion rate also edges Ait-Nouri’s 84.2%. Defensively, Bueno is still finding his feet.

He averages 1.35 tackles per 90 compared to Ait-Nouri’s 2.58, and his 0.83 blocks per 90 are also slightly lower. But his attacking profile makes him a dynamic presence.

He creates 2.56 shot-creating actions per 90, almost on par with Ait-Nouri’s 2.63, showing his ability to contribute in the final third.

Wolves’ season will depend on more than just their left-back, but the emergence of Bueno has softened the blow of losing Ait-Nouri.

For a player signed for a nominal fee, he represents one of the best bargains in the Premier League – a reminder that sometimes the best solutions can come from within.

If Wolves are to climb off the bottom and restore their competitive edge, Hugo Bueno may just be the man to help lead them forward.

Pereira may have found the new Cunha in Wolves' "tremendous ball-carrier"

Has the new Matheus Cunha arrived at Wolves?

ByWill Miller Sep 30, 2025

He might still be in the job, but it feels like time has run out for Graham Potter at West Ham United.

The Englishman has been the club’s manager since January, and instead of leading them into an exciting new era, the team have regressed under him.

He has overseen 25 games with the Hammers, winning just six, drawing five and losing a staggering 14, which has seen him amass just 0.92 points per game.

The situation is so dire now that there is a real chance of relegation unless something changes, so it’s probably a good thing West Ham are now linked with someone who could be their new Sam Allardyce.

West Ham target Potter replacement

With just how badly they’re playing at the moment, it is surprising that Potter is still in the West Ham dugout, but with the number of coaches linked with the club, that could soon change.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

One of the managers most heavily touted for a move, or in his case, a return to the club, is Slaven Bilic.

However, considering he hasn’t managed in a top league for around five years, we are unsure whether he’s the right option.

Nuno Espírito Santo, on the other hand, would be a seriously exciting appointment, but as he has only just left Nottingham Forest, we aren’t sure this is a move all that likely to transpire.

Interestingly, another name has popped up, someone who would be a better fit than Bilic and more likely than Nuno: Sean Dyche.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the former Everton and Burnley boss is someone the club have been in contact with in case they fire Potter.

While he might not be the most inspiring choice, he is reportedly “itching” to return to top-flight management and could be just what West Ham need, an Allardyce figure, if you will.

Why Dyche would be West Ham's new Allardyce

So, it would be fair to say that describing someone as a club’s new Allardyce might not be the best way to make fans excited about a potential appointment.

Moreover, while he didn’t send them down, and did a far better job than plenty of their recent managers, the West Ham faithful weren’t particularly enamoured with Big Sam during his four years at the club over a decade ago.

However, with the club down in the relegation zone, morale at a considerable low in the fanbase and this season’s newly promoted sides looking dangerous, what the Irons need is stability and someone to ensure the worst doesn’t happen.

That is what the former England manager was a specialist at doing and what Dyche would be able to do if he was hired to replace Potter.

The “remarkable” manager, as dubbed by former professional turned pundit Ally McCoist, was called in by Everton to save them from the drop in January 2023, and he did just that, before being replaced once the club was stable.

24/25

16th

23/24

15th

22/23

17th

21/22

18th

20/21

17th

19/20

10th

18/19

15th

17/18

7th

16/17

16th

14/15

19th

That is why he could be an excellent option for the Hammers, as he could come in for this year, get the fans back onside, make the team more difficult to play against and then make way for a more progressive coach in the summer.

Moreover, even though he was brought in to save the Toffees from going down, the Englishman’s record there was far better than Potter’s is in East London.

Games

83

25

Wins

26

6

Draws

24

5

Losses

33

14

Points per Game

1.23

0.92

For example, the former Burnley icon oversaw 83 games for the Merseysiders, of which 26 were wins, 24 were draws and 33 losses, resulting in a pretty decent points per game average of 1.23.

Ultimately, Dyche wouldn’t be the most inspiring of choices, but like with Allardyce back in the day, he’d be a safe pair of hands to ensure the worst doesn’t happen this season.

Bilic upgrade: West Ham approach "incredible" manager admired by Mourinho

The experienced manager would be a brilliant hire for West Ham United.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 22, 2025

Chelsea are set for a very busy final month of the transfer window, as BlueCo set their sights on both strengthening the squad and shipping off a plethora of unwanted players.

Chelsea to bid for £192k-a-week star who Bayern have phoned "several" times

BlueCo remain busy in the market.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 29, 2025

While the Blues are in no danger financially, having made millions through player sales, Champions League qualification and winning the Club World Cup in recent months, there is a looming threat from UEFA.

Chelsea have effectively been ordered to balance out their squad through departures, or risk not being able to register new signings for the Champions League next season (Kaveh Solhekol), coming after they were fined for breaching FFP rules.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

João Félix comes as the latest in a long line of Chelsea casualties after he agreed an initial £26 million move to Al-Nassr, with the Portugal international officially joining Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic and Mathis Amougou out of the door.

Felix could soon be followed by many more, with Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Tosin Adarabioyo, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja, Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Alfie Gilchrist and Nicolas Jackson all tipped to potentially leave Chelsea as well.

However, one exit reportedly advancing is that of Raheem Sterling and his potential switch to west London rivals Fulham.

The 30-year-old spent 2024/2025 on loan at Arsenal after being frozen out by Enzo Maresca last summer, and according to a new report by TEAMtalk this afternoon, talks over a transfer to Fulham are seriously progressing.

Raheem Sterling close to agreeing Fulham move as Chelsea eye Alejandro Garnacho

As per the news outlet, Sterling is close to agreeing personal terms with Fulham as talks advance, and Chelsea are keen to get the England international’s sky-high £325,000-per-week wages off their books.

Maresca’s side are even prepared to shake hands on an outright sale worth £20 million – a price which Fulham see as a bargain – with Chelsea poised to take a £30m loss on the £50m they paid Man City for Sterling over three years ago.

What’s more, despite Chelsea’s advanced talks for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, the club are planning to replace Sterling with Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho – following previous reports that they could also bid for the Red Devils ace amid their shortage of left-wingers.

The Argentine, called “unplayable” at times by new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, would be an instant upgrade on Sterling, and it appears that Chelsea are maintaining their pursuit of Garnacho after considering a deal for him in January.

Manchester United need key additions in all areas of the pitch if they are to stand any chance of rising up the Premier League table during the 2025/26 campaign.

The Red Devils have showcased in recent times that they’re no longer one of the sides to be feared in the division, with Old Trafford no longer the fortress it once was.

Ruben Amorim’s side slid down the table last time around, ending the season in 15th place, a finish that was the club’s lowest since the division’s formation back in 1992.

However, it remains to be seen how much funding the boss will have at his disposal this window, potentially needing to rely on outgoings before he can make the desired additions he craves.

The likes of Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans were all released at the end of their respective deals, freeing up needed budget to allow Amorim to get busy in the market.

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

Midfielders have seemingly emerged as key targets for United in recent days, with Lyon star Corentin Tolisso being named as a potential addition this summer.

Reports in recent days have linked the 30-year-old with a £20m move to Old Trafford, after the hierarchy entered talks with his current side over a deal for his signature.

However, he’s not the only player currently on their radar, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz still remaining as a possible target, according to Football Insider.

Their report claims that the Red Devils are leading the race for the Brazilian midfielder, who looks almost certain to leave the club this summer, after making just three starts following his £42m move last year.

It also states that they could face competition from Everton and Nottingham Forest for the 27-year-old’s signature, leading to a loan-to-buy offer currently being mooted.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s own Pogba

Paul Pogba is a player who will remain in United’s history for a very long time, after he joined the club in a record £89m deal from Juventus back in the summer of 2016.

The Frenchman rejoined the club just four years after leaving them on a free transfer, with his return costing them a pretty penny and one which certainly raised eyebrows.

He made over 200 appearances during his second stint with the Red Devils, lasting just under six years, scoring on 39 occasions – including a superb strike against Swansea City.

However, Pogba would ultimately fall down the pecking order once more, leaving on a free transfer for the second time in 2022, re-joining former club Juventus in the process.

There’s no doubt he possessed a lot of quality, something which can also be said about current target Luiz – who could follow in the 32-year-old’s footsteps in joining from the Old Lady.

He also possesses a superb strike on him, but the Brazilian’s underlying stats from his time in Serie A could make him a superb piece of business for Amorim’s side next campaign.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Gary Lineker, registered 5.9 progressive passes per 90, with 2.7 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his talents in driving forward and finding a teammate at any given opportunity.

Games played

19

Progressive passes

5.9

Progressive carries

2.7

Tackles won

2.1

Tackle success rate

68%

Take-on success

79%

Aerials won

56%

He also won 2.1 tackles per 90, whilst winning 68% of the dispossession attempts he’s entered, capable of regaining possession before handing chances to those in forward areas – as seen by his superb tallies with the ball at his feet.

Luiz would be the perfect box-to-box option, as demonstrated by his 79% take-on success rate, having the capability to drive forward before making the killer pass to a teammate.

Given the interest from elsewhere, United will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on a deal for his signature, with one of their rivals subsequently strengthening as a result.

If he can get anywhere near the levels produced by Pogba during his time at Old Trafford, it would be a superb addition and one that could catapult the side up the table next time around.

Amorim's next Gyokeres: Man Utd make contact to sign "world-class" £86m CF

Manchester United appear to be making a move for a new striker this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 15, 2025

After confirming the arrival of 18-year-old Diego Leon, Manchester United chiefs are now reportedly discussing the chance to sign an impressive defender who is wanted by “half of the Premier League”.

Man Utd confirm Diego Leon arrival

In their second signing of the summer following the earlier arrival of Matheus Cunha, Manchester United have officially unveiled new man Leon. The left-back, who only turned 18 in April, is likely one for the future but certainly one to watch as he progresses under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford in the coming years.

Although the teenager won’t steal the same headlines as Cunha, his arrival could eventually prove to be just as important. With the South American confirmed too, Manchester United have officially continued their trend of welcoming young defenders in the last 12 months following Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven last season.

It’s not just young players that are on United’s radar, however. The Red Devils are still chasing a deal to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo with negotiations ongoing in pursuit of a deal worth over £60m this summer.

The winger is likely to cost around the same price as Cunha, who joined the club for £63m this summer, and would provide Amorim with yet another attacking upgrade.

Starts

38

29

Goals

20

15

Assists

7

6

Expected Goals

12.3

8.6

Last season’s numbers suggest that signing Mbeumo alongside Cunha would make it job done for Manchester United’s attacking rebuild, but they’re still reportedly targeting the likes of Victor Osimhen to truly round things off.

Meanwhile, those at Old Trafford are also reportedly discussing the chance to welcome a key defensive addition before the new Premier League season gets underway.

Man Utd discussing Bisseck deal

According to Caught Offside, Recruitment chiefs at Manchester United are now discussing signing Yann Bisseck from Inter Milan, but reportedly face competition from “half of the Premier League” for his signature. The central defender played his part as Inter reached the Champions League final last season and may yet bring that experience to English football.

Described as a “commanding” defender who is “dominant” in wide channels by analyst Ben Mattinson, Bisseck – like Mbeumo and Cunha – would hand Manchester United an instant upgrade on their current options.

Man Utd want midfield star who scores at exact same rate as Bruno Fernandes

He’s a wanted man…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 5, 2025

The Red Devils have already surprised many by taking charge of the race to sign Mbeumo and could yet do the same in pursuit of the Inter defender. Despite interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, the Manchester United name may remain strong enough to lure another reinforcement to Old Trafford.

Arsenal are attempting to sign another player with Brentford’s Christian Norgaard and Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, with the Gunners reliably reported to be closing in on deals for the latter two.

Agbonlahor slams "very odd" Arsenal transfer decision as Berta agrees deal

The Gunners are shopping “at Asda”.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2025

Earlier this week, following quick-fire talks with Brentford, Arsenal agreed a fee of around £10 million, plus an additional £5 million in add-ons, to sign the Denmark international as a replacement for Thomas Partey.

Norgaard has also been allowed to undergo a medical at Arsenal before signing his contract as the north Londoners’ third signing of the summer, following the reliably reported arrivals of Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Straight after sealing a move for the 31-year-old, sporting director Andrea Berta immediately began work on Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera too. Arsenal opened talks with the La Liga side over a deal for Mosquera on Thursday, and he could cost under £17 million given the player is entering the final 12 months of his contract.

The 21-year-old can play both as a right-back and centre-back, with Mosquera said to have already agreed personal terms over a switch to the Emirates Stadium. Amidst all of these negotiations, though, Berta is still trying to bring in a new striker for Mikel Arteta.

The Italian has been simultaneously laying groundwork on moves for both Sporting CP’s iktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, before deciding which transfer is most feasible for Arsenal to pull off (BBC).

News surrounding the centre-forwards has been more scarce than usual this week, thanks to Arsenal’s many other transfer deals, but an update has now come to light on their chances of signing Sesko.

Arsenal in ongoing talks for Benjamin Sesko who wants to join

As per Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Slovenia international wants to join Arteta’s side, and he’s posing absolutely no issues when it comes to agreeing personal terms, contrary to some reports that he wants high wages.

Arsenal remain in ongoing talks over a deal for Sesko, and negotiations are ongoing with both the player’s representatives and Leipzig themselves. O’Rourke’s sources insist that this potential move isn’t being held up by the 22-year-old’s demands, so the indication is it must be a club-to-club issue.

It’s an increasingly confusing situation, as while reports suggest Sesko has a release clause near £70 million, others state that Leipzig could still demand as much as £85 million to let their star striker leave.

He bagged 21 goals in all competitions last season, his best return to date since moving to Germany, and Sesko has been praised for his physicality in particular.

“Benjamin Šeško is among the game’s top young talents and has enormous potential to become a top player,” said former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell.

“He has all the qualities to do that. He’s extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air. Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his 1.95m (6’4″) is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.”

Liverpool will surely need to make some sales this summer to balance the books for all their incomings.

The Reds have splashed the cash already this summer, signing Jeremie Frimpong and lining up some more expensive moves, including a deal to sign Florian Wirtz for what Fabrizio Romano reports as £128m.

To make room and raise funds for other signings, FSG may well have to sell a couple of key first-team players. One man who has recently been linked with a move is Cody Gakpo, who Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg said is on the list for Bayern Munich, a club looking for a new winger.

Selling someone like Gakpo could free up funds, and means they’d need to sign a new winger to replace him.

Liverpool's new left-winger target

It would be a huge move for the Reds if Gakpo departed Anfield. It certainly seems as though his potential move to the German champions is one to keep an eye on, although it is not a guarantee, as there are a few targets in their sights.

Transfer Focus

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

However, if Arne Slot’s side are to lose Gakpo this summer, then it seems like they are already lining up his replacement.

According to a report from DaveOCKOP, Liverpool are ‘in active contact’ to sign Anthony Gordon this summer. He was a player they chased in 2024, but a move never materialised.

Liverpool’s ‘interest in the England international has persisted’ this summer, and they could now spend the £80m fee to sign him. At least, that is how much TEAMtalk suggested he is worth back in May. It seems likely that is how much he would cost the Reds.

Why Gordon would be a good signing

If the Reds were to bring Gordon to the club this summer, he would be joining on the back of some fine form for Newcastle in 2024/25. He impressed last season, described as an “exceptional” player by football scout Antonio Mango.

Last term for the Magpies, the England international played 42 games across all competitions, scoring nine goals and grabbing seven assists. In the Premier League, he bagged six goals and created the same amount, featuring in 34 games.

Who can forget his contributions for the Magpies in the Carabao Cup? Gordon assisted in the quarter final and scored in both legs of the semi-final against Arsenal to send Eddie Howe’s side to Wembley. That was a game they won, beating Liverpool 2-1, but the winger was suspended after picking up a red card in the Premier League.

It seems as though Gordon would be a direct replacement for Gakpo if he were to depart Anfield for the Allianz Arena this summer. He certainly impressed under Slot last term, helping Liverpool win their second Premier League title.

The Eindhoven-born winger, who joined the Reds from PSV, played 35 top-flight games and contributed ten goals and five assists in their title-winning season. Three of those goal involvements came at Anfield against Ipswich Town in a 4-1 win.

So, whilst Gakpo had a strong campaign in the 2024/25 season, there are stats, via FBref, to suggest that Gordon could be an upgrade on the Dutchman.

For example, the Magpies’ star averaged 1.89 key passes and 4.48 progressive carries per 90 minutes, compared to 1.77 key passes and 2.74 progressive carries each game from Gakpo.

Key passes

1.89

1.77

Progressive passes

3.63

2.42

Goal-creating actions

0.44

0.37

Progressive carries

4.48

2.74

Ball recoveries

3.59

3.58

Those numbers suggest that Gordon will add much more of a creative influence than the Liverpool number 18, and more dynamism and forward thinking when carrying the ball. He will add a whole new dynamic to an already deadly attack.

The £80m fee is an expensive one, but the Reds would need a replacement for Gakpo if he departs. Thus, signing Gordon could be the perfect move, a huge upgrade in many ways.

He'd be elite alongside Wirtz: £130m star is now Liverpool's no.1 target

Liverpool may not be done with their big spending yet

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 18, 2025

Arsenal will be one of the busiest Premier League sides in the transfer market over the coming months, and supporters can anticipate many twists and turns before the final deadline day on September 1.

Mikel Arteta challenges Arsenal hierarchy in transfer plea

Mikel Arteta has already confirmed that the north Londoners want to be very active when it comes to incoming signings, admitting to the press that he anticipates an exciting window before their 2025/2026 campaign.

Sky Sports: Berta now identifies £100m PL star among top Arsenal targets

The Italian’s shortlist has been revealed by a reliable media source.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 6, 2025

The Gunners lost out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by a whopping 10 points, and Arteta will be very keen for the Gunners to ensure they don’t squander their chances in a similar fashion next term.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

A combination of injuries and a general lack of potency in the final third saw Arne Slot clinch the domestic crown at the end of his very first season in charge at Anfield, and by contrast, Arteta still hasn’t got a single title to his name, nearly five years after replacing Unai Emery in the hot seat.

The Spaniard is under no disillusion – Arsenal need reinforcements.

“Obviously we need players because the squad is really short, and on top of that we are losing four or five players that are going to end contracts, and their loans are finished,” said Arteta about Arsenal’s summer window, towards the end of 24/25.

“So, we need to be sharp. Again, very disciplined in what we want to do, and make sure that we are strong in the next season. Finish the season, go to the beach and make sure the ones upstairs (hierarchy) do what they need to do.

“What I can promise is I will do my very best. I will give my life here. I will give everything. I will get every drop of everybody there is, squeeze it, to get the best.”

Arsenal’s ongoing pursuit of a new striker, with talks now advancing over a move for Benjamin Sesko (Fabrizio Romano), is taking centre stage right now – even if they have other key items on the agenda, like finally sealing a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal U-turn over selling Gabriel Jesus with new deal planned

Given their chase for a number nine, uncertainty has surrounded the long-term future of £265,000-per-week striker Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian enjoyed a real purple patch of form midway through 2024/2025, before succumbing to an ACL injury against Man United, but the consensus was that Arsenal will likely sell Jesus to make room for another centre-forward.

However, according to Football Transfers, a “shock twist” has come to light about the ex-Man City star.

Not only do Arsenal not plan to sell Jesus anymore, but they also wish to offer him a 12-month contract extension, which comes as a surprise when you consider Kai Havertz’s presence in the squad and their widely reported attempts to sign a prolific number nine.

Given this claim, perhaps Arteta is plotting a new role out-wide for Jesus? The 28-year-old can play there, and with Leandro Trossard entering the final 12 months of his deal, there could be more space in that area of the squad for him.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now set to say goodbye to Rayan Ait-Nouri as Manchester City are reportedly closing in £33.7m deal to sign the player.

The Algerian defender has been with Wolves since 2020, but after five seasons at Molineux, now is the time to cash in.

This follows on from Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha, bringing in £62.5m for Vitor Pereira to use this summer.

Cunha will be missed, no doubt about that, but Ait-Nouri has been one of the best players for Wolves in the Premier League over the previous few years.

Rayan Ait-Nouri's record at Wolves

Last season, the defender enjoyed his most productive season with regards to attacking output since he joined Wolves.

Across 41 matches, Ait-Nouri scored five times while registering seven assists for the club. He also created eight big chances in the Premier League for the Old Gold, while averaging 1.3 key passes and succeeding with 1.7 dribbles per game last term.

The onus for Pereira now is to find a player who can be signed cheaply that will go on to replicate the success that Ait-Nouri has at the club.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2024/25

41

5

7

2023/24

38

3

4

2022/23

27

2

1

2021/22

27

1

6

2020/21

27

1

2

He will have money to spend. That’s a certainty. Could he sign a player from his homeland this summer who might be an even bigger talent than Ait-Nouri?

Wolves eyeing move for Roger Fernandes

Journalist Graeme Bailey stated recently that Wolves are keeping tabs on Braga’s Roger Fernandes ahead of making a potential swoop.

Transfer Focus

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

“I think the Portuguese league will be somewhere that they explore; it wouldn’t surprise me if they do look towards that league again,” said Bailey.

“I’ve heard Roger Fernandes’ name linked to Wolves in recent weeks as well, wouldn’t surprise me if he was on the agenda.”

Despite typically operating as a right-winger, Fernandes can also play either left-back or left wing-back, positions that Ait-Nouri made his own at Wolves.

Quite how highly-rated the 19-year-old is evident by the fact that he even made his debut aged just 15 years and eight months for Braga back in August 2021 – a record in Portugal’s top-flight. Ait-Nouri, by contrast, was 17 when he made his first senior bow for Angers in August 2018.

Last season, meanwhile, Fernandes made 48 appearances across all competitions for the Portuguese side, scoring five goals and chipping in with seven assists.

For context, Ait-Nouri’s final season in France saw him register just three assists in 17 games in Ligue 1, before joining Wolves at the age of 19.

Fernandes shone at both ends of the pitch. Not only did he create six big chances while averaging 1.3 key passes per game, but the youngster also won over 50% of his contested duels while averaging 1.5 tackles per match for Braga.

Last summer, talent scout Jacek Kulig praised the teenager, describing him as “Braga’s biggest jewel” and “one of the most exciting U19s in Portugal.”

It would certainly be a significant coup should Pereira land the winger this summer, especially given his high ceiling for development.

Wolves might only have to pay a fee of around £25m to secure his services. With the club raising nearly £90m by selling Cunha and Ait-Nouri, it could prove to be a wonderful bargain this summer.

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Leeds United are tooling up for a return to the Premier League and could now be closer to making their first signing of the summer window, according to reports.

Leeds United look towards Premier League comeback

Following playoff heartbreak against Southampton, Daniel Farke finally led his side to the Championship title this time around and will now focus on navigating the challenges top-flight football has to offer.

The Whites could have a transfer budget of over £100 million to play with this summer, which may go a long way to securing the survival that the 48-year-old craves in charge at Elland Road.

Ipswich Town act as an example that capital spent doesn’t necessarily guarantee a sustained place among England’s footballing elite, but there are valuable lessons to learn from promoted sides’ ill-fortune over the past few years.

Looking to buck that trend, Leeds are eyeing a statement move for former star Kalvin Phillips and have held internal talks to hatch a plan that could tempt him back to Yorkshire from Manchester City.

Evan Ferguson is another potential Whites signing with Premier League credentials that could thrive in the correct surroundings. Admittedly, he has stalled since his injury troubles, though his age may work in his favour if a deal were to be agreed.

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Callum Wilson and Jamie Vardy have been mentioned as free agent options to bolster Farke’s frontline. Again, any possibility of a swoop would depend on whether they would fit the wage bracket at Elland Road.

Focusing on the foil behind the main men, Leeds and the 49ers have now stepped up their pursuit of a talented attacking midfielder to support their pool of centre-forward options.

Leeds United hold talks over Emiliano Buendia move

According to TBR’s Graeme Bailey, Leeds have now held talks to sign Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia. Having spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, the former Norwich City man is “open” to a move to Yorkshire and is someone who Farke trusts as his side look to retain their Premier League status.

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Labelled “delightful” by Dean Smith, Buendia registered five goals in 34 appearances across all competitions at his parent club and in Germany, though it is clear he needs to find a platform to gain regular minutes after a series of injury troubles.

Now, it remains to be seen if Leeds can pull off what would be regarded as a bit of a coup should they come to an agreement on a deal with the 28-year-old.

Buendia was regarded as one of the Premier League’s most talented stars outside the ‘Big Six’ not too long ago, so there is every chance Farke could reignite the Mar del Plata-born man.

Earlier this week, the Whites were said to be preparing a £16.8 million offer for the man in question, indicating there could be something in the water.