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Wayne Rooney has opened up on the biggest regret of his entire footballing career – and it involves Cristiano Ronaldo. Rooney played at three World Cups for England but has revealed that he wishes he had sat one of them out as he was not fully fit at the time. The legendary striker also admitted he was close to not joining Manchester United after a rival Premier League side enquired about him.

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  Rooney wishes he didn't play at 2006 World Cup

  Rooney was at the peak of his powers a few months out from the 2006 World Cup, his next tournament after exploding onto the scene at Euro 2004. However, the striker suffered a metatarsal injury just one month out from the World Cup in Germany when playing for United against Chelsea. He faced a race against time to be fit for the big event, which ended in massive disappointment as he was sent off in the quarter-final tie with Portugal. Rooney accidentally stamped on Ricardo Carvalho and Ronaldo was one of several players to encourage the referee to send Rooney off. Ronaldo was later seen winking at the Portugal bench. 

  And Rooney has admitted that he wished he had never gone to the tournament. He told 'The Wayne Rooney show' on the : "I regret going to the World Cup 2006 probably. I weren’t fit, I shouldn't have went and then it ended with getting a red card and so yeah if I went back, I probably wouldn't go."

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• How Rooney-Ronaldo partnership almost never happened

  Rooney struck up an incredible partnership with Ronaldo at United, winning three Premier League titles together and reaching successive Champions League finals. However, they nearly never played together. Rooney revealed that Newcastle United rivalled the Red Devils for his signature in 2004 before he eventually moved to Old Trafford for £27m.

  Rooney explained: "I would have certainly went [to Newcastle]. Manchester United wanted to wait a season and then sign me the year after they did sign me. Newcastle put a bid in and if Manchester United hadn't come in, I would have gone to Newcastle. Those two were bidding against each other. My agent's best mate was chairman at Newcastle at the time! So I'm sure he was getting nudged to try to get me as well.

  "I wanted to go to Manchester United, but I spoke with Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer. In true Bobby Robson style, on the phone he called me 'Mark'. I thought he had either forgotten my name or he was a genius – because that's my middle name."

• AFP
  

  Rooney: I was quicker than Ronaldo

  Rooney has said that he was quicker than Ronaldo in his prime although he was not the fastest player in the United squad. "We’d done tests at over 30 yards I think it was, and I was topping that and Owen Hargreaves was second," he said. "Owen was quicker than when people think.  so yeah, I was, I was faster than that. But there's all different aspects in, in football. Cristiano obviously dribbling with the ball is really quick, Ryan Giggs dribbling with the ball. Some players seemed quicker with the ball and then without it as well."

  While Rooney retired from football in 2020, Ronaldo is still going strong with Portugal and Al-Nassr. And Rooney is convinced his former team-mate will reach his long-held target of scoring 1000 goals before he hangs up his boots. He said: "One hundred percent.  He’s not retired before he’s caused thousands.  It’d be great for him as well if he does that and I’m sure over the next couple of years he’ll be playing with his son alongside him, so I think that’s a big thing as well for him."

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• Rooney etched into Man Utd history

  United's decision to sign Rooney back in 2004 proved a masterstroke, with the striker going on to become the club's all-time leading scorer with a staggering 253 goals. He also played a major hand in winning 12 trophies, including five Premier League titles and one Champions League.

Atlanta Braves second baseman Whit Merrifield blasted the current state of pitching in MLB after he was in the head by a pitch during the bottom of the seventh inning of Tuesday's win over the Colorado Rockies.

Merrifield, facing Rockies relief pitcher Jeff Criswell, took a 94 MPH fastball directly off of the back of his helmet, causing him to fall to the ground, where he remained for a few moments. Merrifield yelled at Criswell before he exited the game and headed toward Atlanta's dugout.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the nine-year MLB veteran angrily took exception to pitchers' propensity to throw "up and in" in the current age of pitch velocity.

"It's just ridiculous," Merrifield said. "Where the game is at right now, it's just ridiculous. … The way pitchers are throwing now, there's no remorse or regard for throwing up and in. Guys are throwing hard as they can and they don't care where the ball goes."

"It's bulls—. You can't hit a guy anymore back. There's no fear that, 'Oh if I hit this guy, then our guy is going to get hit.' That's not the game anymore. Pitchers don't have to hit anymore, so they don't have to stand in the box."

As MLB has embraced technology and data, the average fastball velocity has skyrocketed. In 2008, the average big league fastball was clocked at 91.9 MPH. Now? Heaters flew in at an average speed of 94.2 MPH in 2023, according to .

And pitchers seem to have less control over these increasingly-speedy offerings than ever. Of the top 15 seasons in MLB history in terms of hit by pitch rates, tracked since 1884, seven of them have occurred in the last seven campaigns (2018 to 2024).

Merrifield, who mentioned numerous teammates and MLB stars who have missed time after getting hit, feels something has to change before things become even more dangerous.

"It's just ridiculous and it has to be fixed or God forbid, something terrible is going to happen. If this hits me in a different spot — it's just pathetic."

"It's frankly pathetic some of the pitchers we're running out there that don't know where the ball is going at the major-league level. And it's got to be fixed."

Merrifield, one of three hitters on MLB's Competition Committee since 2022, said he plans to address this issue during a meeting Wednesday.

Max Dowman made Arsenal history in their Carabao Cup clash with fellow Premier League side Brighton. Mikel Arteta made wholesale changes for their meeting with the Seagulls as the Gunners look to secure their place in the next round of the competition as the likes of Kepa, Ben White and Piero Hincapie come into the side. However, it's Dowman's inclusion that will go down in the record books.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Dowman a history-maker

  Dowman already wrote his name into the club's lore back in August when he became the second-youngest player to make an appearance for both Arsenal and in the Premier League having come off the bench in a 5-0 win over Leeds. Team-mate Ethan Nwaneri is the youngest-ever player to make a Premier League appearance after he featured off the bench against Brentford at 15 years and 181 days in 2022, and in the process became the first player under the age of 16 to make a top-flight appearance.

  However, at 15 years and 302 days, Dowman is the youngest-ever Arsenal player to start a game for the club having been included from the outset against Brighton. Dowman is one of a number of changes made by Arteta after Sunday's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. The Gunners suffered a fair few fitness concerns against the Eagles after William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori were all withdrawn at various points.

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• 'We really have to manage his load'

  Arteta has previously hinted that Dowman would feature against Brighton, but also gave his views on how best to manager the teenager's workload. "I am calm over it because what we have decided for him for the first few months is happening," Arteta told .

  "When we have to give him games, whether it is in the youth cup, with the under-23s or with us, he has that. He has a lot of exposure in training with us too. We really have to manage his load."

  What has impressed Arteta about Dowman has been how he has performed in training, adding: "He is 15 years old and still growing. There are a lot of things we have to make sure are under control so he develops in the way he can do.

  "He will play minutes with us, for sure. When he has the chance to do that he needs to take it. If we looked at his passport every day, we would never play him – simple as that. But when you look at what he does in training, you have to play him. If not, you are blind, or I'm blind.

  "So it is finding a balance and an understanding – especially with the load, the things that are changing in his life, and make sure he can cope with that. So far, he has done that."

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  'He genuinely loves it here. He is a huge Arsenal supporter'

  On Dowman's future, Arteta suggested that the history maker will sign his first professional contract when he turns 17 next year, adding: "That's what we all want and I think what he wants as well.

  "But the feeling that I have is that he genuinely loves it here. He is a huge Arsenal supporter and his family are really happy with the way things are developing around him as well. Hopefully, he will be with us for many years."

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• Dowman not the only Hale End academy star starting

  Dowman isn't the only Hale End academy star to start for Arsenal against Brighton on Wednesday. Nwaneri features from the off for the Gunners, while Myles Lewis-Skelly also makes a what is a rare start for the north London side this season.

  The 19-year-old was a regular feature at left-back for Arsenal last term but has found Premier League playing time hard to come by having lost his starting spot to Calafiori. Indeed, all six of Lewis-Skelly's league appearances have come from the bench, with the England international featuring prominently in cup competitions. Wednesday's meeting with Brighton marks Lewis-Skelly's fourth competitive start this season, and his second in the Carabao Cup.

It’s all hands on deck for Liverpool in the summer transfer market, having conducted plenty of business in the early stages of the off-season.

Technically, the transfer market hasn’t yet opened, with the dealings of recent weeks made permissible by the exceptional short-term opening due to the incipient Club World Cup.

And FSG have made fine use of it, banking around £10m for the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was one month away from free agency but left early due to Real Madrid wanting him to play in the United States this month.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong has been signed, his £29.5m release clause activated, while Florian Wirtz is on the brink of joining for a British-record fee, and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is at the heart of advancing talks for a summer switch too.

With a new striker on Liverpool’s radar too, it’s all going on down Anfield Road. However, a few more exits are in the works too, with there being a sense that Luis Diaz could wind up at a new club before the end of summer.

Why Liverpool could sell Luis Diaz

Barcelona and Al-Hilal over in the Saudi Pro League have both been linked with moves for Diaz this summer, and The Athletic have reported that the former have even seen an approach rejected.

Diaz is only two years away from the end of his £55k-per-week contract, and FSG would be willing to run the deal down instead of accepting a lowball offer and losing one of Arne Slot’s most important forwards while in the shining prime of his career.

The rumour has it that the Reds would accept bids falling within the £60-70m ballpark, though it remains to be seen whether suitors will pay up.

And if they do, Liverpool would need to find a successor. Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has been on Anfield’s radar for a number of years, and would be in the thick of the chatter should things start to gather pace on this front.

Would Gordon truly represent an upgrade on the South American star? With a reported £80m price tag, would Liverpool be getting bang for their buck? It may well be that cashing in would be a mistake, but not as big a blunder as if FSG allowed another of Liverpool’s linked-away stars to leave.

Another Liverpool star wanted abroad

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Bayer Leverkusen have made contact with Liverpool to discuss the transfer of centre-back Jarell Quansah, understood to be on a separate line to that of Wirtz.

Newcastle have also expressed an interest in the defender this year.

Quansah’s future has been up for debate across recent months, with reporter David Lynch claiming he was a “genuine candidate for departure” back in May, after a frustrating year.

Valued at £50m, Liverpool would bank a healthy sum for their homegrown talent, but in spite of his struggles, it might be a grave mistake to let him venture off for a new challenge.

Why Liverpool mustn't sell Jarell Quansah

Quansash thrived when stepping up for Jurgen Klopp during the 2023/24 season, playing a crucial part for his team following Joel Matip’s career-ending injury.

However, he’s found life under Slot tough, withdrawn at half-time on the Dutch coach’s debut against Ipswich Town last August, his boss revealing post-match that he made the switch due to frustrations over Liverpool’s lack of success in the duel.

Still, the 22-year-old, who featured 25 times across all competitions last year, played a bigger part over the latter half of the campaign after struggling for purchase across the opening months.

Indeed, Quansah will be frustrated with his season, but there was still enough quality that shone through, suggesting Liverpool may yet see the “absolute monster” who was so indomitable in his emergence the year before, as was said by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Quansah might have trudged his way through a difficult 2024/25 campaign, but we wanted to draw your attention to his stunning breakout campaign under Klopp’s wing.

When collating the English talent’s data from 2023/24 against that of Dean Huijsen, who Liverpool had such a vested interest in before his transfer to Real Madrid, you begin to see why selling him would be such a big mistake.

As you can see, Huijsen might be rather good but Quansah has already proven himself capable of matching his qualities across the ball-playing department.

Furthermore, Real Madrid’s new recruit won 56% of his contested duels across his breakout Premier League season, whereas Quansah came out on top 67% of the time, illustrating his above-average usage of his physicality, of his defensive ability (metrics supplied via Sofascore).

And though we haven’t seen the same Quansah since Slot took the helm, there’s no question a high-level player remains in there, latent, waiting.

Losing Diaz would be a big blow, but given that he’s 28 and could command a huge figure, Liverpool would endure, not least because his contract is winding down.

However, Quansah is a homegrown talent, as Trent was, and he proved his ability to throw down with a sought-after star like Huijsen in the opening stage of his top-flight career.

Sure, several months ago, one data analyst said: “He never plays, and when he has this season, he’s not been good.”

That might be partially true, but we’ve got to remember it was only two years ago that Quansah had wrapped up a loan spell at Bristol Rovers in League One.

He’s an immense talent, and Liverpool might just come to regret parting with one of their own when in the fledgling phase of his promising career.

Just imagine him & Wirtz: Liverpool eyeing "the best striker in the world"

Liverpool have agreed a deal for Florian Wirtz and will now turn toward the front of the ship.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 11, 2025

Questions have been asked about Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca during his spell in charge after being appointed as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor last summer.

The Italian led Leicester City back to the Premier League, but jumped ship to take over at Stamford Bridge, with many wondering whether he would be the right man for the job.

However, nearly 12 months on from his appointment, he’s exceeded all expectations, showcasing he’s the right man for the job based on his success to date.

The 45-year-old has secured the Blues a place in the Champions League for next season, whilst also claiming Europa Conference League glory against Real Betis on Wednesday night.

It’s been a campaign to remember for Maresca, but if he wants to continue his progress in the role, he will need added funds provided by the hierarchy to help him in his quest.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last couple of hours, Chelsea have made huge strides in a deal to sign Liam Delap, with the 22-year-old agreeing to a move to join the Blues this summer.

It was confirmed that he has rejected offers from multiple other Premier League sides, leaving Maresca’s side to trigger his release clause and complete the formalities before announcing his move to West London.

However, despite the progress made on a deal for the Ipswich Town star, another name in the form of Viktor Gyokeres has once again entered the mix, according to Record Portugal.

The report claims that the Blues have made an enquiry to sign the 26-year-old this summer, after his stupendous record of 54 goals in just 52 matches across all competitions.

It also states that they face stern competition from Juventus for the Swedish international’s signature, with Sporting CP demanding a fee in the region of £60m to part ways with the talisman this window.

Why Chelsea’s £60m target would be a better signing than Delap

With Delap’s move appearing to be moving closer to completion, Maresca could finally be about to land the new striker that he’s been craving in recent months.

Nicolas Jackson has been his main talisman since his arrival, with the Senegalese international scoring 10 times in the Premier League during the Italian’s first year in charge.

Such a record is respectable, but if the side are to reach the next level under his guidance, they will need that proven goalscorer to fire them towards the top end of the table.

Delap has shown he’s capable of doing just that, scoring 12 times in the Premier League for the Tractor Boys, with such a record being an impressive one given their relegation this season.

However, when comparing his stats to those of Gyokeres, the Swede has showcased that his performance levels are night and day – proving that he would be a far better addition than the Englishman.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has massively outscored him in 2024/25, whilst also posting a higher shot on target rate – showcasing the clinical nature he possesses.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also registering more progressive carries per 90 – having the skillset to hand other players around him the best chance of improving their own tallies.

Gyokeres has also won more of the aerials he’s entered and draws more fouls, offering Maresca that focal point he’s craved, something which Delap may struggle to provide.

Given the progress on the deal for the Ipswich talisman, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to complete a deal for Gyokeres, or they could potentially miss out on his signature.

Nothing suggests that the club may not target both talents in the coming months, handing the Blues an added dimension in forward areas that could bolster their title charge in 2025/26.

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By
Ethan Lamb

May 29, 2025

Leeds United secured the Championship title with a 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle on the final day of the season earlier this month, and now have a season in the Premier League to look forward to.

The Whites racked up 100 points on their way to being champions of the second tier, but that does not mean that they are going to find the transition to the top-flight easy.

There are already doubts over some of the stars who led Leeds to the title, as Football Insider reported earlier this month that the club are not planning to build their attack around Joel Piroe.

The outlet claimed that there are doubts behind the scenes about whether or not the Dutch centre-forward can make the step up to the Premier League as Daniel Farke’s main number nine next season.

That is despite the fact that the left-footed striker won the Golden Boot in the Championship, narrowly beating Josh Sargent and Borja Sainz from Norwich to the trophy.

Why Leeds may have doubts about Joel Piroe

Leeds may have doubts about Piroe, though, because of the gulf in athleticism required between the two divisions, as the Premier League is an incredibly intense league.

The Whites need their centre-forward to be mobile and, or, strong to either run off the back of opposition centre-backs or to hold them off in order to retain possession for the team, because Farke’s side will not be able to be as dominant next term given that they are likely to be in a relegation battle, rather than a title race.

It is fair to say that Piroe is not the quickest centre-forward around, or that he uses his pace to leave defenders for dead. His game is more centered around positioning and finishing, being in the right place at the right time to use his lethal left foot.

However, Leeds need more than that in the Premier League because of the nature of the season that they are likely to face, with a lot of deep defending likely to leave them in need of a number nine who can either stretch a defence or hold the ball up.

As you can see in the table above, Piroe is not likely to hold the ball up effectively in the Premier League because defenders in the Championship found it far too easy to tackle him in dribbles and beat him in duels on the ground and in the air.

This explains why there are doubts behind the scenes about his suitability to a relegation scrap in the top-flight, because he does not appear to have the physical attributes required.

Leeds, with that in mind, are now reportedly eyeing up a deal for a striker who has already proven that they can compete in the Premier League.

Leeds leading race to sign Premier League striker

According to talkSPORT, Leeds United are leading the race to sign Newcastle United centre-forward Callum Wilson in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Whites are the ‘frontrunners’ to land the former England international, although there are no other teams named as being in contention to sign the marksman.

Transfer Focus

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

TalkSPORT adds that Newcastle have an option to extend the English forward’s contract by another year, as it is due to expire this summer, but they would be willing to allow him to leave on a free transfer if he can find a club to go and play regular football for.

This means that Leeds, and any other interested club, could land a bargain deal for the experienced cenre-forward by signing him on a free transfer ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Why Leeds should sign Callum Wilson

Farke must snap the Magpies marksman up on a free transfer if the opportunity presents itself in the coming weeks because he could come in as a big upgrade on Piroe.

Whilst there are doubts over the Dutchman’s suitability for the Premier League ahead of next season, Wilson has already proven, over many years, that he can be an excellent option at that level.

As you can see in the clips above, the Newcastle star racked up an extraordinary haul of 18 goals in the Premier League in the 2022/23 campaign, only one goal fewer than Piroe managed in the Championship.

He has found himself behind Alexander Isak in the pecking order this season, which is no shame given that the Swedish marksman has scored 23 Premier League goals, but he has an excellent goal-to-start ratio throughout his career in the top-flight.

As you can see in the table above, the experienced forward tends to score goals in the top-flight when his manager gives him starts, as has been proven throughout his time at Bournemouth and Newcastle.

This means that Wilson, once dubbed “outstanding” by Eddie Howe, would come in as a proven Premier League goalscorer who could offer a reliable presence at the top end of the pitch that Piroe may not be able to provide.

The clip above, albeit from many years ago, also perfectly illustrates the pace, quality, and strength that the Englishman would bring to the Leeds team, as these attributes have allowed him to flourish at the top table for many years.

Therefore, Farke must push the board to seal a deal for the Newcastle forward on a free transfer because he has the record and the physical attributes to come in as a big upgrade on Piroe to bolster the club’s hopes of avoiding an instant relegation back to the Championship.

Huge Byram upgrade: Leeds make contact to sign £15m-rated star for free

Leeds United could land an upgrade on Sam Byram by signing this Premier League defender.

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By
Dan Emery

May 15, 2025

It all comes down to tonight for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side might be coming towards their worst domestic campaign in a generation and sit 16th in the Premier League, but much of that will be forgotten if they can get to the Europa League final.

However, for that to happen, the North Londoners need to make the most of their 3-1 lead from the first leg and progress against FK Bodo/Glimt tonight.

That said, it won’t be an easy task, and following another dire display over the weekend, Ange must make several changes to the startling lineup, like dropping Wilson Odobert and one of their future superstars.

Why Postecoglou must drop Odobert

Now, there may be some of you scratching your heads and wondering why the manager would want to drop arguably one of the few players who looked good on Sunday and a man whose goal ensured that the loss column didn’t tick over to 20.

Well, the simple answer, which is partly down to his injury problems, is that he’s yet to prove he can be a reliable source of goals.

For example, the strike against the Hammers was just his third for the club in 18 appearances across all competitions, and the other two came in a single game, at home to AZ Alkmaar.

Therefore, in a game that could come down to incredibly fine margins, the manager should have his most prolific player starting in his preferred position: Brennan Johnson.

The Welsh international might still divide opinion among fans and pundits alike, but his numbers speak for themselves when it comes to a game like this.

For example, in 47 appearances this term, the former “frightening” winger, as dubbed by content creator HLTCO, has scored 17 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to a pretty impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.95 games.

Finally, it was Johnson who opened the scoring in the first leg, so he’s more than earned his place back in the side, as has another star from the home leg, which means dropping a future superstar.

The future Spurs star Ange must drop

While a few players should probably be dropped based on Sunday’s game, the starter in question was middling at best against the Hammers and took the place of one of the stars of last Thursday: Archie Gray.

Now, it has to be said that the Englishman is simply not a right-back, with respected analyst Ben Mattinson going as far as calling him a “future £100m cm,” so an underwhelming performance at full-back is nothing to be alarmed about for the long term.

However, with journalist Alasdair Gold awarding him just a 6/10 match rating and writing that he ‘didn’t do much wrong while not particularly shining either,’ he also shouldn’t keep his place in the team.

We say this because Postecoglou can’t afford to have players coasting in a game as crucial as tonight, especially not when he can replace them with others who can make a big difference, like Pedro Porro.

The Spanish right-back was arguably one of the best players in the first leg, with his lung-busting runs and exceptional passes making life impossible for the Norwegian champions.

In fact, it was his pinpoint, accurate cross that led to James Maddison scoring the North Londoners’ second on the night.

Moreover, while the former Sporting CP ace has been criticised for some questionable defending in the past, he was solid when it really mattered that night and entirely deserving of the 9/10 match rating he received from Gold at full-time.

Ultimately, in a game like tonight, when there might not be too many chances for his side to score, Postecoglou has to start Porro and Johnson, as the former has the ability to craft chances, and the latter can finish them.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 7, 2025

Liverpool’s attack has caught the eye throughout 2024/25, leading them to the success they’ve endured in the Premier League throughout Arne Slot’s debut campaign.

Mohamed Salah has undoubtedly been the Reds’ shining light within the final third, registering 33 goals and 23 assists in his 48 appearances across all competitions.

The Egyptian has catapulted the side to the summit of the division, with his contract extension a huge boost to their ambitions of replicating such success next campaign.

However, if they are to reach such levels once again, Slot will undoubtedly want to bolster his ranks to provide key depth in forward areas of the pitch.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in laying the foundations for an overhaul, with incomings and outgoings expected.

An update on Liverpool’s attacking department this summer

Darwin Núñez has ultimately failed to deliver in the final third for Liverpool this season, registering just seven goals in his 42 appearances across all competitions.

Such form has led to doubts over his future at Anfield, with the Reds willing to offload him for £35m this summer as Atlético Madrid ponder a move for his signature.

A sale would leave a huge hole at the top end of the pitch, but such a void could be filled by West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen if reports in Spain are to be believed.

The 28-year-old has been made a priority signing this summer, with the report stating that the Reds are readying themselves for an offer amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

His record of 10 goals and seven assists in 2024/25 has led to huge interest from the Merseyside outfit, but they would have to fork out £50m should they want to secure his signature.

The report concludes by suggesting the Reds have actually ‘already taken the first step toward securing.’

Why Liverpool’s £50m target is the dream Isak alternative

Given their hunt for a new talisman this summer, it’s no surprise that Newcastle United’s star man, Alexander Isak being linked with a move to Anfield after his own exploits in the final third throughout the ongoing season.

The Swede has notched 22 league goals to date, with only Salah scoring more in the division, but given his goalscoring record, any deal would set the hierarchy back a pretty penny.

It has previously been reported that the Magpies would demand a fee in the region of £150m to part ways with the 25-year-old this summer – a figure that may be out of Slot’s range.

Such a valuation could see other targets considered within the coming months, leading to a potential move for Hammers star Bowen, who could provide the goods on a consistent basis.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from 2024/25, Bowen has managed to match or outperform the Magpies star in numerous key areas – showcasing why he would be the perfect alternative should they be priced out of a move for Isak.

The 28-year-old, who’s been labelled “one of the best signings in West Ham’s modern history” by TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate – showcasing his clinical nature in attacking areas.

The former Hull City ace has also managed more progressive carries and progressive passes, offering Slot a much better all-round option in forward areas than Isak.

His talents don’t stop there, with the “unplayable” winger – in the words of Thomas Frank – attempting more take-ons along with more fouls won, with his nimble and energetic playstyle a real danger for opposition defenders.

Whilst the Swede will undoubtedly remain the supporters’ number one option, a deal for Bowen would be a sensational one, allowing for other investment throughout the squad.

£50m for a player of his quality in today’s market is a bargain, allowing the side to forget about Nunez and Isak, subsequently allowing them to make another stride for Premier League glory in 2025/26.

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Liverpool are planning to make a sweep of exciting signings this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 29, 2025

Arsenal are now in the race to sign a “spectacular” £85m forward who’s been likened to Gabriel Martinelli, but there is set to be competition for his signature from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on new winger

With the summer transfer window edging ever closer, it is becoming clear that Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking options this summer, and a top-level striker is believed to be of particular interest.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku are all on the shortlist, with the latter player also capable of playing out wide, which is another area in which Arteta is looking to strengthen.

The Gunners have set their sights on two wingers who have been impressing in La Liga this season, namely Barcelona’s Raphinha and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, but there has now been a suggestion they may also take a risk on an up-and-coming Serie A star.

Talks held: Arsenal open negotiations to sign "amazing" 20 y/o wonderkid

The Gunners have set their sights on a defender, who they have followed for years.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 27, 2025

According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now in the race to sign Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, but a deal will not be cheap, as the Serie A side are looking to hold out for a fee of €100m (£85m), given their determination to keep hold of the youngster.

There may also be fierce competition for Yildiz’s signature, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea also being named as potential suitors, which could make it difficult to get a deal over the line.

The 19-year-old is touted as a potential replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, given the Brazilian’s inconsistent form this season, and there are signs the Juventus starlet could be a like-for-like replacement.

"Spectacular" Yildiz compared to Martinelli

Martinelli may have been inconsistent this season, but the winger has still put in some top-quality performances, recently scoring in the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over Real Madrid to progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

As such, it is a good sign that Yildiz has been compared to the 23-year-old by football scout Ben Mattinson, who said: “See a lot of similarities between Yıldız & Martinelli, not entirely the same but their finishing and dribbling style is similar.”

The Turkey international is enjoying an impressive campaign with Juventus, picking up eight goals and five assists, and he has previously received high praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who lauded the starlet’s “high on-the-ball bravery to make spectacular solo runs”.

Yildiz clearly has a very bright future ahead of him, but there are doubts over whether his performances up to this point justify a £85m outlay, and with the youngster contracted until 2029, it may be very difficult to prise him away from Juventus.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is set for a decision over the potential signing of a “unique” player, after the 53-year-old personally held talks with his representatives.

Andrea Berta working on Arsenal targets ahead of summer window

According to reports, since his arrival was confirmed in late March, Berta has wasted absolutely no time in laying the groundwork over Arsenal’s top summer transfer targets.

Arsenal ready to pay £56m asking price for "star" after accelerating talks

The Gunners have pushed more “in recent weeks”.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 23, 2025

The former Atlético Madrid chief has been tasked with spearheading the club’s recruitment drive after 12 successful years at the Metropolitano, and he comes to Arsenal with a glittering reputation which he’ll be determined to maintain.

There are suggestions Berta could spend up to £300 million to reinforce Arsenal’s squad in almost all areas, including by bringing in a second-choice keeper, full-back, midfielder, left-winger, right-winger and striker (GiveMeSport).

Ahead of his debut summer window at the club, the Italian is also reliably believed to have personally reached out to the agents of key targets for discussions.

As per journalist Graeme Bailey, Berta has held talks with Martin Zubimendi’s camp, as Arsenal attempt to strike a full agreement for the Spain international after months of reported negotiations.

While Arsenal are in discussions to extend Thomas Partey’s contract, following his very impressive 2024/2025 campaign, Mikel Arteta will still be in need of further midfield reinforcement, with Jorginho set to leave on a free deal.

Alongside Zubimendi, in one of his “first acts” as sporting director, Berta also held talks with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to The Guardian’s Ed Aarons.

The highly-rated forward’s contract includes a tempting £50 million release clause, but it could still prove to be a costly operation when factoring in the Spaniard’s £170,000-per-week wages, agent fees and payment structure.

Berta set for final say over Arsenal deal for Nico Williams

According to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking to GiveMeSport, Berta is set to decide whether Arsenal sign Williams this summer – and it could prove to be one of his trickiest tasks.

“Nico Williams, the situation is this, there’s a €58million release clause, and he could finally, finally leave a club that he’s very much in love with,” said Jacobs.

“The overall cost of the deal is expensive, though, and the reason for that is because Williams has got a very high wage, €200,000 at the moment, and then there’s agent fees and taxes.

“So there is Premier League interest from Arsenal and from Chelsea as well. Arsenal are looking at a left-sided attacker. And it will be for Andrea Berta to decide whether or not there’s now value in Williams, because Arsenal have been put off by the cost in the past.”

The 22-year-old has enjoyed an excellent end to 24/25 after a dip in form, showcasing his “unique” talent, after he also racked up an incredible 19 assists in all competitions last season.

He is without doubt one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers, and he’d come in as great competition for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka out wide.