All posts by z3u9t.icu

Glasgow Rangers have utilised the loan market to great effect in recent seasons to bolster their squad with talents they would otherwise be unable to afford.

Malik Tillman from Bayern Munich. Vaclav Cerny from Wolfsburg. Abdallah Sima from Brighton & Hove Albion. These are all recent examples of exciting forwards who thrived at Ibrox after joining on loan.

However, not every talented loan player has found success in Glasgow, as Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo failed to hit his stride with Rangers.

The current Red Devils star spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Ibrox and only delivered three goals and zero assists in ten matches in the Scottish Premiership, a far cry from the 11 goals and eight assists he produced for United last season.

Rangers schedule medical to sign teen star

Rangers and Russell Martin may now have to be careful with their latest reported target, as they are looking to bring in another teenage loanee from the Premier League.

Transfer Focus

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

According to journalist Paul Gilmour, Rangers have scheduled a medical for Tottenham Hotspur winger Mikey Moore for later this week, if all goes to plan.

The Gers are closing in on a season-long loan deal for the England U19 star, and Gilmour describes it as a ‘mutually beneficial’ deal for all parties involved.

He adds that Birmingham, Charlton, West Brom, and Coventry were also among the teams interested in a deal to sign the 17-year-old forward, which shows that Rangers have beaten off plenty of competition to close in on a deal for the Spurs gem.

Why Mikey Moore may be an Amad Diallo repeat

As was the case with Amad, there is no doubt that Moore is a young talent with huge potential to be a star in the future, as he has already made a first-team breakthrough at Spurs at the age of 17, playing 21 times.

However, this move to Ibrox would be the English dynamo’s first experience of playing senior football on a regular basis and there is no telling how he will adapt to that, as the youngster could struggle to make the transition at first.

That was the case for Amad, who had only played 14 first-team games before his loan to Rangers, and he then only managed three goals and zero assists in 13 games for the club.

Analyst Ben Mattinson claimed that Moore has “superstar potential”, as Amad – who now stars for Manchester United in the Premier League – did, but it is down to him to realise that potential on the pitch in Scotland.

Tottenham

21

1

2

Tottenham U21s

5

2

2

Tottenham Youth League

5

0

0

Tottenham U18s

24

19

13

England U19

11

3

3

England U17

12

10

4

England U16

14

7

2

England U15

4

1

0

As you can see in the table above, the English forward has all the tools to be a success if he can translate his youth form over to senior level, as he scored and assisted goals on a regular basis for club and country at various age groups.

Moore has only scored one goal for Tottenham’s first-team, as shown in the post above, though, and this means that it remains to be seen if he can make an immediate impact at Rangers.

Ultimately, this is an exciting move for the Gers but it is also a gamble as there is the potential that he follows in Amad Diallo’s footsteps at Ibrox, as an incredibly talented player who will use this loan as an initial struggle before going on to thrive in England in the future.

He's as bad as Propper: £5m Rangers flop "edging closer" to an Ibrox exit

This Rangers flop who was as bad as Robin Propper is now closing in on an Ibrox exit.

ByDan Emery Jul 27, 2025

Of course, Martin will be hoping that he can help Moore to enjoy a successful first loan spell, unlike Amad’s, if this deal gets over the line as planned.

Everton are looking to strike on the market and could now have moved ahead of their rivals in the race to sign a midfielder with Premier League experience, according to a report.

Everton ready to bring in new recruits

The Toffees have added Carlos Alcaraz and Thierno Barry to their ranks as they begin to step up their hunt for reinforcements, and they could now look to fight Manchester United for the signing of Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi in a bargain £9 million deal off-set by his relegation release clause.

Shedding some light on the situation, Pete O’Rourke stated: “I think he will leave Leicester this summer. Obviously, this release clause in there makes it easier for clubs to try and sign Ndidi.

“I think it could be one of the bargains of the transfer window due to that £9million release clause. I’m not surprised Everton have been having a look at him. There’s also interest from Crystal Palace, Fulham and Manchester United as well. There will also be interest from abroad, as Juventus are very much interested in the midfielder.”

In recent weeks, Everton have also made an enquiry to sign Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, though they were rebuffed in their approach despite being willing to pay £30 million for the Scotland international.

Abdoulaye Doucoure and Orel Mangala have left vacancies to be filled within David Moyes’ engine room, and the Friedkin Group have their sights on premium arrivals to replicate their impact at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton’s first five Premier League fixtures

Leeds United (A)

Elland Road

Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

Hill Dickinson Stadium

Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

Molineux

Aston Villa (H)

Hill Dickinson Stadium

Liverpool (A)

Anfield

With that in mind, the Toffees could now burst ahead of their rivals to bring in a midfielder who has already enjoyed plenty of success in the Premier League.

Everton in active negotiations to sign Douglas Luiz

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are in active negotiations to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, and they could now leap ahead of several rival suitors in the race for the Brazil international.

Moyes views the former Aston Villa man as an ideal addition to solidify his engine room due to his top-flight experience and quality in possession, and he may be available for a bargain fee of £21.6 million after a disappointing campaign in Turin.

Everton now want to sign new Premier League 26 y/o with Moyes a "big fan"

The Toffees are in the market for reinforcements.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 9, 2025

After a return of 27 appearances across all competitions, Olympic gold medallist Luiz is also being tracked by Fulham, Manchester United and Aston Villa. Still, Everton appear to be the ‘most active’ club when it comes to pursuing a transfer with the Toffees ‘serious about making a move’.

Now, it is expected that they will up their bid to bring him to Merseyside in the coming weeks and hope to convince the Rio De Janeiro-born star that his future lies under the guise of Moyes.

Previously, Luiz has been labelled “amazing” by Roy Keane and clearly has a lot left to give at the elite level and a change of clubs could be the perfect tonic to reignite his career.

After months of speculation, Manchester United finally secured the signature of Bryan Mbeumo earlier this week, with the Cameroonian international penning a five-year contract.

The hierarchy forked out a whopping £71m for the 25-year-old’s signature, becoming Ruben Amorim’s second signing of the summer after Matheus Cunha joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, whilst it may be a hefty sum, it could prove to be a worthwhile investment should he replicate his form in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign.

He registered 20 league goals last time around, with only talents such as Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland finding the net more in the same period.

Despite the big-money addition of Mbeumo, the hierarchy are still working tirelessly to improve the current squad to try and be successful in the 2025/26 season.

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

Ollie Watkins is a player who’s been constantly linked with United over the last couple of weeks, leading to strong interest from Amorim’s side this summer.

The England international could be available for a fee in the region of £60m this summer, a figure that could be slightly inflated given he’s 29 and coming into the back end of his professional career.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix over recent days, with PSG striker Randal Kolo-Muani also in their sights, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the Red Devils are preparing an opening offer for the Frenchman after scoring 10 goals in his 22 appearances on loan at Italian side Juventus.

It also states that Newcastle United are in the hunt for the 26-year-old, with Luis Enrique’s side currently demanding a fee in the region of £39m for his signature this summer.

Why United’s £39m target would be a better signing than Mbeumo

There’s no doubt that signing a player after scoring 20 league goals in England’s top flight is excellent business for a club who were lingering in the bottom half all campaign.

However, there may be some concerns around his impact next season, potentially having to operate in an unnatural role at the club given Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

The Cameroonian operated in a right-wing position during his time at Brentford, but could be forced to play in a central attacking midfield role during his time at Old Trafford.

It could prove to be a huge investment on a player who’s not featuring in a familiar position, potentially failing to replicate his excellent form from 2024/25 as a result.

As a result, Kolo Muani could be a better option this summer, handing the manager the centre-forward he’s craved since taking the reins back in November last year.

When comparing the Frenchman’s stats to those of Mbeumo from the most recent season, he’s managed to better him in numerous key areas, highlighting the threat he carries in attacking areas.

Kolo Muani, who’s been labelled a “superstar” by former Ballon d’Or winner Lothar Matthäus, may have been outscored, but he posted the same goal per shot on target rate, showcasing the clinical edge he possesses in front of goal.

Games played

26

38

Goals & assists

12

27

Shot on target accuracy

48%

43%

Goal per shot on target

0.4

0.4

Pass accuracy

71%

66%

Take-ons completed

1.5

1.3

Aerials won

1.2

0.9

Aerial success rate

39%

31%

He also managed to register a higher shot on target accuracy rate, whilst winning more aerial battles – handing Amorim the all-round talent he desires at the top end of the pitch.

Such dominance is further reflected in his tally of take-ons completed and a higher pass completion rate highlights he can also provide for others along with finishing off attacks himself.

£39m could prove to be an excellent fee for the 26-year-old striker, who will be entering the prime years of his career should he complete a move to Old Trafford.

If he can solve the issue the Red Devils currently have within the final third, he would be worth every penny, filling the void at the top end of the pitch, subsequently making him a better signing than Mbeumo.

He'll love playing with Mbeumo: £70m CF now keen on signing for Man Utd

Manchester United have set their sights on a new centre-forward this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 22, 2025

Leeds United have a huge task on their hands in the 2025/26 Premier League season. They will be looking to defy the odds and survive relegation from the English top flight, which is not something the last six promoted clubs from the past two seasons have managed.

The Whites, who were centurions with their points tally in the Championship last season, will be relying on the quality already in the squad, coming from the likes of Ethan Ampadu. However, they have also been busy in the transfer market, too, with Jaka Bijol the headline signing so far.

Yet, the Yorkshire outfit do not seem to be done just yet, when it comes to incomings. Reports in the last couple of days suggest they are set to strengthen in midfield.

Leeds' latest midfield target

Daniel Farke’s side have already got Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff in their sights. The Guardian have recently reported that a £12m deal, including add-ons, is a real possibility, with personal terms easy to agree.

Transfer Focus

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

However, the Magpies’ academy graduate is not the only midfielder Leeds are targeting.

German news outlet Bild are reporting that they are ‘very interested’ in signing Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach.

The Bundesliga side are said to be reluctant to sell but ‘willing to discuss a suitable offer’ if Leeds submit one. However, they are standing firm on their price.

Hoffenheim are demanding at least £17m from the Whites to do a deal, explaining that they need to ‘dig deep into their pockets’ to sign him.

Why Stach would be a good signing

Stach would bring to Leeds two crucial things you need to help survive in the Premier League. They are experience, which he has plenty of, being 26 years of age, and physicality. Given that he stands at 6 foot 4, it is safe to assume he can handle the physical nature of the league.

As for the experience aspect, the German midfielder is a key part of the Hoffenheim side. He made 39 appearances last season, with six of those coming in the Europa League. That included a group stage appearance against Tottenham Hotspur, a game in which he scored.

One of the interesting things about Stach is his versatility. Whilst he is a midfielder by trade, described as an “anchor” by football scout Antonio Mango, the 26-year-old can also slot in at centre-back. Last term for Hoffenheim, he played as a defensive midfielder 26 times and at the heart of his side’s defence on 13 occasions.

That is similar to one of Leeds’ most important players, Ampadu. The Welshman is also a versatile footballer and played a similar role to Stach last term. He slotted in at centre-back 16 times and the base of the midfield 13.

The value of having a player with this profile in your squad was highlighted by Farke back in December. He described Ampadu as “my most important player”, showing just how crucial he is to the side. For Leeds to have two players of that profile would surely serve them well.

Indeed, not only are they similar in this sense, but Stach and Ampadu have similar numbers on FBref. Both are progressive players, with the German averaging 5.3 progressive passes each game compared to the Leeds star’s 4.17 progressive passes per 90 minutes.

On top of that, look at the similarity between their ball recovery numbers. Stach averages 5.96 per game compared to Ampadu’s 5.08. They are neck and neck.

Progressive passes

5.3

4.17

Tackles and interceptions

3.9

2.83

Blocks

1.64

1.02

Progressive carries

1.15

1.02

Ball recoveries

5.96

5.08

Aerial duels won

1.85

2.4

If Leeds get this deal over the line, Stach could switch to Elland Road and become, in many ways, the second coming of their number four, Amapdu. Farke has made it clear that this profile is important, so having two players with that versatility would be a huge benefit.

For just £17m, a deal for this “fantastic” player, as Mango called him, could be one of the bargains of the summer.

Their new Klich: Leeds considering move for PL star after internal talks

Leeds United are reportedly considering a deal to sign a star who could be their next Mateusz Klich.

ByDan Emery Jul 9, 2025

Arsenal are at the centre of many intriguing transfer stories this summer, and there is no sign of things slowing down at the Emirates Stadium with new sporting director Andrea Berta working tirelessly to reshape the squad.

The threat Gyokeres has text Sporting as he pushes to join Arsenal

He’s prioritising a move to north London.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 1, 2025

Mikel Arteta is already poised to welcome the arrivals of Spain international duo 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

Zubimendi was in London last month to finalise a move to Arsenal, while Kepa has been confirmed as a new Arsenal player after he completed a medical last week.

football.london have reported that Arsenal could announce the transfer Zubimendi in the next few days as well, following the start of football’s new financial year – which allows them to register both Kepa and the 26-year-old as part of the 2025/2026 balance sheet.

Arsenal have also agreed a near-£15 million deal for Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard, including add-ons, with the Denmark international set to replace Thomas Partey.

Norgaard will step into the shoes of Partey, who’s now officially a free agent after deciding to call time on his five-year stay in north London.

Arteta wanted Partey to stay, and Arsenal did hold negotiations to extend the African’s former £200,000-per-week contract, but both the club and player amicably decided to go their separate ways.

“The relationship between Thomas Partey and Arsenal is still solid, even though today will be his last day as an Arsenal player,” said Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, giving his verdict on the reaction to his departure.

“Arteta did his all to keep him, but they didn’t agree on terms. I have seen Arsenal fans insult Thomas Partey and that’s very unfair. Football is about give and take and players come and go. A player has the right to request and the club has the right to reject, thats why it’s called negotiation.

“I believe Partey did his best for Arsenal, and it’s for the betterment of the player and club that he’s leaving. There’s nothing more he can offer Arsenal and nothing more Arsenal can offer him too. It’s business at the end of the day. The club and player has decided what it’s good for both.”

Thomas Partey in talks to join Galatasaray after leaving Arsenal

The former Atlético Madrid star, called “sensational” by La Liga expert Gerry Armstrong, enjoyed his best-ever campaign at Arsenal last term – making over 50 appearances in all competitions and playing a key role under Arteta.

The question now is; what’s next for Partey?

Well, according to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, Partey is now in talks to join Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray after quitting Arsenal, with Okan Buruk’s side also opening discussions for Man City star İlkay Gündoğan as they look to reinforce their midfield with proven quality.

A Süper Lig switch, where Partey will also have the chance to compete in the Champions League next season, could be an ideal next move as he enters the twilight phase of his career.

He’d also have the chance to add a league title to his CV, as Galatasaray are most likely set for another interesting title race with José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe next season.

Wrexham are currently preparing for a season in the Championship after they finished second in League One to earn promotion up to the second tier.

The Red Dragons are yet to make their first signing since the end of last season, but there will be plenty of work going on behind the scenes to identify targets to improve the team.

Phil Parkinson will have to judge which of his players are ready to make the step up to the Championship after a season in League One, which means that some difficult decisions could have to be made.

Why Thomas O'Connor may be replaced

One player who could be replaced as a regular starter is left-sided central defender Thomas O’Connor, who has been at the club since they were in the National League.

The former Southampton academy graduate has never played above League One level in his career to date, and was a regular starter – starting 25 of his 31 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign – for Wrexham this season.

O’Connor was, however, an unused substitute in five of the last seven matches and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to handle the step up to the Championship, a level that he has never played at before.

Transfer Focus

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

The BBC reported earlier this month that Wrexham, Norwich, Birmingham, and Sheffield United are among the teams interested in a deal to sign Harry Darling on a free transfer from Swansea City.

His contract with the Welsh side is due to expire at the end of this month, and the Red Dragons are one of the sides looking to snap him up for nothing.

Why Darling would be an upgrade on O'Connor

Parkinson must push to convince Darling to make a move across Wales rather than joining Birmingham, Norwich, or Sheffield United, as he would improve the club’s options at the back.

Despite being right-footed, the 25-year-old Englishman often plays on the left-side of a centre-back pairing and this means that he could take O’Connor’s place as the left-sided centre-back in a back three at Wrexham.

Unlike the current Red Dragons defender, Darling is an experienced Championship defender who has made 108 appearances at that level, which means that he would arrive at the Racecourse as a proven second tier star.

He would be a relatively risk-free signing as someone who has been there and done it and could immediately improve Wrexham’s team, particularly when you take his performances this season into account.

Appearances

31

39

Goals

0

5

Clearances per game

2.9

5.0

Dribbled past per game

0.5x

0.3x

Ground duel success rate

53%

66%

Aerial duel success rate

57%

64%

As you can see in the table above, Darling’s defensive work in the Championship, in terms of his success rate in duels and how often he was beaten by opposition attackers, was more impressive than O’Connor’s was at a lower level.

This suggests that the Swansea star, who was hailed as “outstanding” by former boss Luke Williams, is a big upgrade on the current Wrexham left centre-back, particularly from a defensive perspective.

Darling also, as shown in the table, scored five goals from centre-back, compared to O’Connor’s barren return in League One, and this suggests that he would offer a much greater goal threat in the 2025/26 campaign.

The English titan, who ranked in the top 31% of centre-backs in the league for progressive passes per 90 (3.70), is a ball-playing defender who has shown that he can mix technical quality and class on the ball with strength and reliable out of possession at Championship level.

Big Rathbone upgrade: Wrexham still in race to sign "outstanding" PL star

Wrexham could be about to land a big upgrade on Oliver Rathbone by signing this Championship-experienced ace.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 12, 2025

Therefore, he would be the perfect signing, as a proven second tier star, to come in as a big upgrade on their left-sided centre-back position this summer.

Chelsea have already made a couple of signings during the 2025 summer transfer window, and have confirmed the addition of midfielder Dario Essugo from Sporting CP. The most recent of those signings was Mamadou Sarr, the young French centre-back who joined from sister club Strasbourg of Ligue 1.

The other addition was Liam Delap, who made the move to Stamford Bridge from now relegated Ipswich Town. He cost the Blues £30m, the price of his relegation release clause at Portman Road, although BBC Sport say he will cost Chelsea £20m up front.

Delap, a European champion with England under-21 back in 2023, might not be the only player from that successful side to join the Blues this summer.

Chelsea chasing another English talent

Delap joins his fellow under-21 European Championship winner, Cole Palmer, in the Chelsea squad. It certainly fits the transfer policy we have seen from the Blues under Todd Boehly, to sign young talents who will have an impact now and in the future.

Transfer Focus

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

The man who could join his former England teammates at Stamford Bridge is James Trafford. According to a report from The Telegraph, Chelsea could ‘enter the race’ for the Burnley goalkeeper, having kept a close eye on him ‘for more than a year’.

Indeed, the West London club do not go into the race for Trafford as favourites. Rather, they could end up hijacking the move, with fears at Newcastle United, who are ‘negotiating over the asking price’ with Clarets, that Chelsea could poach the goalkeeper.

Burnley have asked for £30m or more for the goalkeeper, a fee Chelsea would need to match to pull off the hijack.

Why Trafford would be a good signing

If Chelsea were to sign Trafford this summer, and poach him right from underneath Newcastle’s nose, he would join the club with a great reputation. It was a sensational 2024/25 campaign for the Burnley shotstopper, with football scout Antonio Mango calling him the “future England No1” based on those efforts.

Indeed, it was a magical season for Trafford, helping his Burnley side to promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. In 45 Championship games, he conceded just 16 goals and kept 29 clean sheets.

Those numbers are ridiculous. It was a team effort, of course, with a strong defence in front of him, but certainly a large part of the defensive success was down to Trafford between the posts. He conceded an average of 0.36 goals per game across the season, as per FBref.

That is one of the many metrics in which Trafford ranked first amongst Championship goalkeepers last season. Another impressive stat is his save percentage, which was 84.5% last season.

FBref stats show that he stacks up well against Premier League goalkeepers, too. In 2024/25, Trafford conceded the least number of goals compared to top-flight shot stoppers who played at least 50% of games, kept double the amount of clean sheets and had the highest save percentage.

Goals conceded

16

1st

1st

Goals conceded per game

0.36

1st

1st

Saves

85

14th

=13th

Save percentage

84.5%

1st

1st

Clean sheets

29

1st

1st

Equally too, there are a number of similarities between Trafford and Chelsea’s new number nine, Delap. Not only have they played alongside each other for England under-21s, but the pair also represented Manchester City’s academy alongside each other.

In all, they have played 21 games together, and it is certainly interesting that the pair have had such a similar career. After plenty of loans across the EFL, they each left City – joining Burnley and Ipswich for £19m and £20m, respectively – forged their own paths and made a real name for themselves, before potentially reconvening at Chelsea. It is quite the story.

On top of that, the Blues also pipped Newcastle to the signing of Delap. Back in May, it was reported by TEAMTalk that they had ‘showdown talks’ with the striker. However, Chelsea won the race to sign him, and they could well be set to repeat the feat with Trafford.

Paying £30m for a goalkeeper with the quality of Trafford seems like an easy decision for the West Londoners to make. This could be one of the sagas of the window, and one Chelsea will be hoping they can win.

Better than Delap: Chelsea step up move for £85m "monster in the making"

Chelsea are looking to improve their attacking options further

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 9, 2025

Liverpool have put paid to any notion of second-season syndrome under Arne Slot’s wing by attacking the transfer market with vicious intent.

The Reds surpassed expectations by winning the Premier League last term, and they did without a proper focal frontman. Sure, Luis Diaz filled in nicely as a false nine, but Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota both flattered to deceive, and the former is at risk of being sold.

If and when that happens, Liverpool will need to sign a new centre-forward, and though Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak appears to be off the market after securing a route back into the Champions League.

A whole host of names have been linked with a move to Anfield, and one of the most recent belongs to Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, having reportedly made contact with the Swedish goalscorer in May.

Manchester United currently lead the race, and maybe that hints the 27-year-old might not be the best option on the market for the Merseysiders.

Still, Liverpool desperately need a new number nine.

Why Liverpool need a striker

Last season, Mohamed Salah led Liverpool to the Premier League title. Football is a team sport, and the sum of a brilliant team is greater than its individual parts, but the Egyptian King proved an exception to that rule.

Across 52 matches in all competitions, Salah scored 34 goals and supplied his teammates with 23 assists. He leapt his way into the upper level of the all-time Premier League scoring charts, now fifth with 186 goals, one strike behind Andy Cole and two ahead of the retired Sergio Aguero.

His talismanic campaign, making good on a promise, has crowned him a two-time English league winner, picking up the sweeping gamut of individual accolades too.

Why does this matter? We were going to discuss Liverpool’s interest in a new striker, after all. Well, Liverpool’s main man turns 33 in just a few days, and though he’s extended his record-breaking contract by two years, he cannot be expected to heave the bulk of his attacking peers in the same way.

Liverpool need someone more reliable than Nunez, who only scored seven goals last term. The likes of Gyokeres have been touted, sure, but Liverpool might have found an even better option.

Liverpool hold talks for new striker

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are still interested in Eintracht Frankfurt centre-forward Hugo Ekitike, despite Chelsea making all the noise in recent weeks.

In fact, the reporter claims Liverpool have “held concrete talks with the player’s camp”, perhaps just awaiting clarity on the futures of their expendable forwards.

The major sticking point is that Frankfurt want €100m (£84m) for their rising star, but given that he’s yet to fully grow into his skin, this perhaps skates beyond the line of plausibility.

Why Liverpool should sign Hugo Ekitike

Ekitike only scored four goals across 33 senior outings for Paris Saint-Germain, thus choosing to make his name away from the bloated Parisian superpower.

He hasn’t looked back. After finishing the 2023/24 campaign in good form, Ekitike stepped into his first full term on strong footing, wrapping things up with 22 goals and 12 assists across 48 fixtures.

Once hailed as “the next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, it’s easy to see why he’s held in such high regard, fostering a keen-edged offensive style and marrying it with his rounded underlying qualities.

Sporting’s Gyokeres might be among the hottest commodities on the market, but Liverpool’s data-driven system would be sure to reveal Ekitike as the more desirable pick.

Matches (starts)

33 (31)

Goals

15

Assists

7

Shots (on target)*

3.5 (1.5)

Big chances missed

16

Pass completion

76%

Big chances created

12

Key passes*

1.3

Dribbles*

1.6

Duels won*

4.2

The key thing is he’s finding his feet in front of goal and boasts a combative and creative underlying skill set. For sure, Gyokeres has proven to be a more clinical goalscorer in Portugal, but Ekitike’s multi-faceted game suggests his ceiling his higher, having already been hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson as “one of the best centre-forwards out there.”

Further to that point, Nunez was as prolific as they come for Benfica before Liverpool paid the big bucks to bring him over to England, scoring 34 goals across 41 games in 2021/22.

Ekitike, however, bespeaks completeness through his data. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons and the top 19% for ball recoveries per 90.

Athletic and dynamic, the archetype for greatness is right there, especially when considering he’s five years Gyokeres’ junior too.

Journalist Bence Bocsak recently discussed Anfield’s interest in the “unique talent”, going on to say, “For the right price, Ekitike would be the perfect forward at Liverpool under Arne Slot.”

Finances will, of course, hold sway in the decision-making, and Liverpool (like Chelsea) aren’t likely to fork out something in the ballpark of £84m for a raw centre-forward, his potential untapped.

Ekitike truly is the perfect profile to unify Liverpool’s frontline over the coming years. Would Gyokeres bring a consistent supply of goals? Yes, he would. But is he the perfect man for the job?

In Ekitike, Slot can fashion a superstar, and that’s the Liverpool way.

Worst sale since Mane: "World-class" Liverpool star now in talks to leave

Liverpool may be set to lose one or two of their first-team regulars this summer.

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Aston Villa are pushing hard to sign an “exciting” £25m La Liga star, having now submitted a proposal, according to a report.

Villa set sights on new goalkeeper

Emiliano Martinez may well have signed off in the worst possible way in a Villa shirt, having been dismissed for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford, before his side went on to lose 2-0 against Manchester United in controversial fashion.

However, the goalkeeper will, of course, be fondly remembered, should he decide to move on, given everything the Villans have achieved in recent years, securing a second European campaign on the spin despite the defeat against the Red Devils.

Not only that, but there have been hints that Martinez could remain at Villa Park beyond the end of the campaign, with Unai Emery simply saying “no way” when asked whether the Argentine has played his final game for the club.

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That said, while Emery clearly retains hope of keeping hold of the shot-stopper, Villa and Monchi’s pursuit of potential replacements suggests there is concern the 32-year-old will move on during the upcoming window.

According to a report from Spain (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa are now pushing hard to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, having submitted a proposal, but there is likely to be fierce competition for his signature from some top clubs.

Indeed, Newcastle United, Barcelona, Arsenal, Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen have also made proposals for Garcia, and with all the aforementioned clubs set to take part in next season’s Champions League, it could be difficult for the Villans to win the race.

The Spaniard, who has a reported asking price of £25m, is set to meet with his agent later this week, in order to choose his next club, having set his sights on joining a top side, so a decision could be on the horizon very soon.

"Exciting" Garcia could be solid Martinez replacement

Having proven himself with Espanyol, scout Ben Mattinson believes the Spanish shot-stopper is now ready to make the move to a top club, saying: “An uber-athletic keeper with dominant cross claiming, composure on the ball, standing at 6’3” tall, García is an exciting keeper ready for a step up.”

The 24-year-old is at a good age to be a long-term success at Villa Park, and he was an indispensable member of the Espanyol starting XI last season, appearing in all 38 of the Spanish side’s La Liga outings.

It will be a concern for Villa that so many other top clubs are in the race for the Espanyol star, but it was recently revealed that he has set his sights on being a regular starter, rather than playing second fiddle to another goalkeeper.

As such, if Martinez moves on this summer, a move to Villa Park could appeal to Garcia, given that a starting spot will be up for grabs.

Arsenal chiefs are ready to bid up to £63 million for another key target after offering him a contract, according to a report this week, with sporting director Andrea Berta wasting no time at all after reportedly sealing a move for Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal seal deal for Zubimendi with more signings on the cards

Fabrizio Romano confirmed earlier this week that Arsenal are set to make Zubimendi their first signing of the summer window, securing a replacement for the exit-bound Jorginho in swift fashion.

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The Gunners have reached out and made contact.

ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2025

The Spain international, who played a role in his country’s triumph at Euro 2024, replacing Rodri in the final against England, has been a star player for Sociedad over many years.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

However, after initially rejecting a Premier League switch to Liverpool last summer, Zubimendi will now depart his boyhood club and make his long-anticipated move to England – where Arsenal will welcome the 26-year-old with open arms.

Man United legend Paul Scholes criticised Arsenal’s capture of the midfielder when speaking on The Overlap, but fellow pundit Gary Neville explained why he disagrees.

“I’m surprised you say that, I’m really surprised you say that,” said Neville in response to Scholes, who suggested there isn’t a place in the Arsenal first-team for Zubimendi.

“I genuinely don’t believe Rice or Partey are anywhere near as good at receiving the ball as some of the other midfielders in the Premier League.

“I think Declan Rice is a brilliant player and Thomas Partey is a very good player, but I don’t think they’ve got anyone who can control a football match properly in the top games. I think they really struggle with that. I think Jorginho is the best of them. I’m surprised you don’t see that. They need someone to control the ball and keep it moving.”

After agreeing Zubimendi’s move, on-lookers are keen to ascertain who will follow him to N5.

It is no secret that Berta is in the market for a new striker at Arsenal, and he’s highly expected to bring a prolific goalscorer to the Emirates, which is viewed as one of the missing pieces of Mikel Arteta’s jigsaw.

Arsenal ready to bid £63m for Viktor Gyokeres after offering £135k-per-week deal

According to Portuguese news outlet A Bola this week, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres remains high on their agenda.

The Sweden international has established himself as one of Europe’s most lethal marksmen, chalking up a pretty incredible 52 goals across 50 appearances in all competitions this season alone.

The 26-year-old is a rumoured top target for Berta, and A Bola report that the north Londoners have offered him contract terms worth £135,000-per-week after tax. They also state that Arsenal are ready to bid up to £63 million for Gyokeres after making this proposal, as they seek to win the race for his signature early doors.

Other Portuguese media outlets have reported that Arsenal are fearful Chelsea could hijack their move for Gyokeres, so it is little surprise Berta is attempting to move in early.

Called a “massively underrated” striker, the former Coventry City star appears certain to finally depart Sporting before summer deadline day on September 1.