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Burnley are plotting a summer move for a Premier League player who was “on fire” last season, according to a fresh transfer update.

Burnley sign Weiss but Trafford exit close

The Clarets are still looking to bring in ideal new signings ahead of next season, with Scott Parker well aware that improvements will be needed in his squad to avoid the fate of recent promoted sides.

On Thursday, Burnley officially completed the signing of young goalkeeper Max Weiss from Karlsruher SC, with the German speaking of his happiness at moving to Turf Moor.

“I’m really excited to be here. It’s an amazing Club with a big ambition and all the conversations I have had with people from here have been so good and very positive. The training ground facility looks amazing, the pitches are so nice and I can’t wait to get in for pre-season and meet the rest of the team.”

That said, it looks as though James Trafford’s time as a Burnley player is close to its conclusion, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming the goalkeeper has “fully agreed personal terms” with Newcastle United.

Burnley plotting move for Premier League ace

Now, according to a new report from Football Insider, Burnley are “interested” in signing West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek this summer, with the Czech out of contract with the Hammers in 2026.

It is stated that the 30-year-old is not seen as a part of Graham Potter’s future plans at the London Stadium, but the Clarets “could find it hard to afford a deal” for the £90,000-a-week star, perhaps due to his wages.

Soucek could be an astute signing for Burnley this summer, with the West Ham man now a proven Premier League player who has scored 36 goals in 194 appearances in the competition.

He is also an 81-cap and 15-goal Czech Republic international, while Joe Cole hailed his performances for the Hammers last season.

At 30, Soucek isn’t getting any younger, but he isn’t a player who relies on pace, and his physicality and eye for goal in the middle of the park can be a great asset for Burnley for several years, should they be able to afford him.

Rangers, under new owners the 49ers Enterprises, look set for a busy summer transfer window after appointing Russell Martin as their new manager.

The Gers have already kickstarted their business on an incoming front, announcing midfielder Lyall Cameron as a new Rangers player after he signed a pre-contract agreement earlier in the year.

More new signings could be on the way, and X’s AI tool Grok has already predicted who Rangers could sign this summer, with a £6m star potentially in line to return to Glasgow.

£6m star returns to Ibrox: AI predicts who Rangers will sign this summer

It could be a busy few months for the 49ers.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 14, 2025

But who could be on the way out? Well, we’ve asked Grok to predict who Rangers and the 49ers could sell ahead of Martin’s first season at Ibrox.

AI predicts 5 players Rangers will sell this summer

1

Nicolas Raskin

(£25m)

The biggest sale of the summer at Rangers according to AI could be midfielder Nicolas Raskin. It is stated that ‘his recent performances have boosted his profile, making him a valuable asset’ to those in Scotland.

The Belgium international has been linked with numerous clubs in Europe such as Marseille, Fiorentina, and FC Porto.

Grok says an exit is a ‘high likelihood’ and that this summer ‘is a prime window to cash in before his value risks depreciating’, citing a fee in the region of £25m.

2

Cyriel Dessers

(£6m)

Next on the list is forward Cyriel Dessers, and an Ibrox departure wouldn’t shock many Rangers supporters given what has been said in the media in recent weeks.

There have been claims that Dessers, who won the Scottish Premiership Golden Boot award in 2024/25, has already agreed a £30,000-a-week contract with Greek side AEK Athens.

Grok says his exit is also a ‘high likelihood’ and that ‘his sale could fund a younger striker’. A £6m fee has been mooted for Dessers to leave.

3

Mohamed Diomande

(£10m)

Next on the list who has a ‘potential’ chance of leaving according to Grok is midfielder Mohamed Diomande, who was only signed by Rangers last year.

They say Diomande ‘showed promise but had an inconsistent 2024/25’ and that ‘interest from other clubs exists, and a £10m bid could see him sold’.

The Ivory Coast international is still under contract at Ibrox until 2028 and was a regular in his first season in Scotland.

4

Robin Propper

(£3m)

Defender Robin Propper has been linked with an Ibrox exit and a return to FC Twente just 12 months after leaving the Dutch side for Rangers.

There were reports that Propper had agreed a three-year deal to re-join FC Twente and claims that Martin didn’t want the 31-year-old.

However, a move is yet to go through and Grok say that the chances of Propper leaving Rangers are ‘moderate’ and that his exit for £3m ‘could free up wages and squad space’.

5

James Tavernier

(£5m)

The last player on the list who could depart Rangers this summer is club captain James Tavernier, who has regularly been linked with an Ibrox exit over the last 12 months.

The 33-year-old is into the last year of his Gers deal and Grok states the 49ers ‘may see his sale as part of a huge rebuild’.

Although AI says the chances of the right-back leaving are ‘low to moderate’, it is added that a £5m bid could tempt Rangers into a sale.

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.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 11, 2025

One of the most interesting transfer sagas that will develop this summer regards Aston Villa’s former loanee Marcus Rashford. His future is up in the air at Old Trafford, and it does seem likely that he will depart Manchester United after a decade at the highest level for his boyhood club.

He went on loan to Villa Park in January, but it remains to be seen if he will stay at the club. The Villans have a £40m buy option for the winger, but BBC Sport reported that ‘there have been no negotiations over a permanent transfer’, and Rashford thinks United ‘would be prepared to sell him for £40m to anyone this summer’.

So, if they do not keep hold of the England superstar, it means Villa will need to sign a new winger. Perhaps that player could be Rashford’s international teammate.

Aston Villa’s potential Rashford replacement

It will be fascinating to see if Rashford stays at Villa Park beyond this season. However, if that is not to be the case, then it seems as though Unai Emery’s side have done due diligence on alternative options.

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 a report from TEAMTalk, the Villans are a ‘team to watch in the race’ to sign their former attacker Jack Grealish. The Manchester City star seems destined to leave this summer, and could now launch a move for their ex-captain, who was a superstar at Villa Park.

Emery is said to be ‘a big admirer’ of the forward, and could push for a deal to be done. However, they will face competition from Everton and Newcastle United, as well as Scudetto winners Napoli.

Grealish is valued at £40m by Football Transfers, and could cost upwards of that price.

Why Grealish would be a good signing

If Villa are to bring Grealish back to his boyhood club this summer, it would be a sensational return for a true maverick of the Premier League. Despite a tough season for City, the England international is still a player capable of magical moments.

He has only played 20 games in the Premier League under Pep Guardiola this season. In that time, the 29-year-old scored and assisted one apiece. Despite four goal involvements in five games in City’s run to the FA Cup final, he was snubbed of an appearance at Wembley, with Guardiola choosing to bring Claudio Echeverri on for his debut, instead.

Should Grealish get to call Villa Park home again next season, he would surely love to reignite the exceptional form that earned him the £100m move to City in the first place. In 213 games for the Villans, he scored 32 times and created 43 goals.

So, how does that stack up to Rashford’s form at Villa Park? Well, the Wythenshawe-born superstar was sensational during his 17-game stint in Claret and Blue, leaving a huge impression in such a short time.

During his brief career as a Villa player, Rashford found the back of the net four times and grabbed six assists. He played 940 minutes, the equivalent of 10.4 games, leaving him with a goals per game ratio of almost one.

With that being said, Grealish could be the perfect Rashford replacement. The numbers from the 2020/21 campaign, his final season at Villa, compared to the United star’s stats from the same season, show exactly what he can do in a Villa shirt.

According to FBref, the former Villa skipper averaged 3.33 key passes and 7.08 progressive carries per 90 minutes. In comparison, the Red Devils’ number 10 averaged 1.33 key passes and 4.14 progressive carries each game.

If Villa get that version of Grealish, or even a player half as good, they have an excellent replacement for Rashford. Both players were sensational that season, with 16 goals and assists for Grealish and 20 for Rashford.

To bring back a player to his boyhood club who can be one of the best attackers in the country, as the stats show, might be a genius move for Villa.

As Statman Dave once called him, he is a “menace”. If Emery can bring the best out of Grealish, it will be a fantastic deal for the club and player.

Emery's new Duran: Aston Villa lead chase for "frightening" £40m sensation

Unai Emery is aiming to bolster his attacking options this summer

1

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 7, 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.

As bad as Gusto: Chelsea's 4/10 flop must never play for the club again

Chelsea secured the Europa Conference League last night, but multiple players failed to deliver.

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.

1

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.

Huge Richarlison upgrade: Spurs prepare offer to sign £30m "wrecking ball"

The up-and-coming marksman would be an incredible signing for Spurs.

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.

Slot's answer to Coutinho: Liverpool frontrunners to sign £50m "magician"

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.