Arsenal are now rivalling Tottenham Hotspur to sign a “truly fantastic” midfielder, but it could take a huge bid to get a deal done this month.

Gunners looking to sign midfielder despite Zubimendi's fine form

Martin Zubimendi has adapted remarkably well to life in the Premier League since arriving in the summer, and Declan Rice recently praised his midfield partner, saying: “He’s not the biggest player or the strongest, but his brain, the way it works, allows the team to function in such a good way.

“He’s been unreal. He’s played so many minutes for us, the way he gets on the ball, obviously he’s Spain’s No.6 at the minute and rightly so, you see the quality he brings, the calmness, the composure, the way he thinks.”

Rice has also remained a key player for Mikel Arteta, and the Englishman’s brace against AFC Bournemouth last time out could be priceless in the Premier League title race, with the north Londoners now six points clear of Manchester City, after a late Chelsea equaliser.

Although Arteta is blessed with some top-quality options in the middle of the park, Arsenal have now set their sights on another midfielder, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which reveals they have joined the race to sign AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit.

A whole host of Premier League clubs are in the race for the central midfielder, including Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool, with a scout saying: “He is a very clever footballer, many clubs actually thought they had spotted a player that others might not be aware of, but it has become apparent in recent months that everyone is watching him.”

However, should the Gunners be keen to get a deal done this month, they may need to make a huge bid, as there is a belief Smit’s current employers could hold out for as much as £65m.

Related Contact made: Arsenal leading Man Utd in race for "unstoppable" £61m star

The Gunners have made an approach to sign an attacker.

Posts ByDominic Lund "Truly fantastic" Smit is destined for the Premier League

Scout Jacek Kulig has admired the 19-year-old for quite some time, taking to X to commend his performances for AZ Alkmaar during the 2024-25 campaign.

Since then, the young Dutchman, who is represented by the same agent as Jurrien Timber, has continued to impress for Alkmaar, chipping in with two goals and five assists in 27 matches across all competitions this season, having established himself as an important player.

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The starlet is also a skilled dribbler of the ball, who is capable of driving the ball forward, averaging 2.38 progressive carries per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 94th percentile, compared to other midfielders.

The next logical step is for Smit to move to one of Europe’s top leagues, but signing a new midfielder shouldn’t be a priority for Arsenal, given the partnership Rice and Zubimendi have formed.

Tottenham are set to hold talks over signing a highly-rated AC Milan transfer target this week as Thomas Frank looks to bolster his options this month.

Tottenham set for January transfer spend amid Frank pressure

Following a dismal run of just three wins from their last 11 games in all competitions, pressure is mounting on Frank with the Champions League places growing further out of reach.

A lot can happen between now and May, with just seven points separating 13th from 4th in what is an increasingly tight battle for Europe, but Spurs quite simply need inspiration from somewhere amid their lacklustre spell.

The sale of Brennan Johnson — last season’s top goalscorer and Europa League final hero — for around £35 million has also left Frank even more bereft of star attacking options as we head into the second half of 2025/2026.

Tottenham’s lack of creativity in the final third has been a key theme of their struggles throughout the campaign, but Johnson wasn’t fancied by Frank after the arrival of star winger Mohammed Kudus last summer.

Spurs did make an approach to Antoine Semenyo and tabled an attractive offer, according to journalist David Ornstein, but the Ghanaian politely snubbed their advances in favour of a move to Man City.

Related Tottenham now in 'advanced talks' to sign 'maverick' West Ham star

The Hammers are open to selling.

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With both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski still sidelined, and Kudus’ knock against Sunderland adding to their shortage of depth in attack, Spurs’ mission to sign a new attacker must surely take centre stage.

However, there is another key target on their agenda — Santos left-back Souza.

The highly-rated Brazilian was subject to a rejected offer from Spurs this window, but according to journalist Eduardo Burgos, the Lilywhites are by no means giving up in their chase for him.

Tottenham to hold fresh Souza talks this week as second bid prepared

Sharing a fresh update this afternoon, Burgos took to X and shared news that Tottenham will hold fresh talks to sign Souza “this week”.

A second offer for the 19-year-old is also being prepared by the north Londoners, who saw an opening offer of around £8.5 million turned down.

Souza made 29 appearances for Santos last season, bagging a goal and two assists from left-back, and the teenager has been impressing in South America for quite some time.

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Como first-team scout Ben Mattinson has publicly branded Souza an ‘outstanding’ left-back with a ‘balanced’ profile, as well as a ‘quality delivery’ from out-wide.

AC Milan and BlueCo are also reportedly targeting Souza, according to Burgos at least, so it is clear just how highly-rated he is among elite club circles, with Spurs now looking to steal a march on them.

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Oxford United are now reportedly considering a move to hire a former Premier League manager to replace Gary Rowett.

John Terry delivers Oxford United verdict

The Championship side have been on the hunt for a manager ever since they sacked Rowett exactly one week ago. With one win in 10 games, Oxford were left with no choice but to commence their search for a new name and attempt the great escape out of the bottom three.

Releasing a statement confirming Rowett’s dismissal, chairman Grant Ferguson, said: “Gary joined during a challenging period and deserves immense credit for the hard work and leadership that saw us retain our Championship status last season.

“However, following a disappointing run of results, we have had to take this difficult decision in the best interests of the Club. On behalf of the Board, I would like to place on record our thanks to Gary and Mark for their contribution to the Football Club and to wish them all the best for the future.”

Currently sat three points adrift of safety having played one game more than teams above them, the U’s can ill-afford to get their next appointment wrong and have already reportedly looked towards Chelsea legend John Terry. The former Premier League defender has already ruled himself out of taking his first job in the dugout, however.

Terry’s verdict leaves Oxford back to square one on the hunt for their next manager. The last thing they need is to waste any time in their search too, with fixtures coming thick and fast.

With that said, reports are now claiming that the U’s are now considering a move to hire a former Premier League manager who has more than enough experience for the job.

Oxford United considering Steve Bruce move

According to former U’s manager Mick Brown, Oxford are now considering a move to hire Steve Bruce to replace Rowett. The veteran manager has been out of a job since leaving Blackpool in October, but could be set for a return to the dugout courtesy of those at the Kassam Stadium.

Brown told Football Insider: “He’s still got a good reputation and he’s got a lot of experience in the Championship, keeping clubs up and getting other promoted, it’s been a long career.

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“He’s gone from one club to another in the Championship and the lower leagues. That could be valuable for Oxford because he has got that experience at this level.

“The issue there is, there comes a time when he stops being capable of doing the things he’s built his reputation on, and you saw that when he left Blackpool.”

The 64-year-old has taken charge of the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the Premier League and is no stranger to Championship football. Whether Oxford decide to make their move remains to be seen, however.

Rangers could be sweating over the future of two of Gio van Bronckhorst’s key players at Ibrox with Gers duo Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo in danger of leaving…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge has claimed that teams will be eyeing up the Rangers pair during the summer transfer window. He believes that both of them will attract interest from elsewhere due to their form for the Ibrox giants this term.

Bridge told GIVEMESPORT: “I do expect Kent, and I do expect Aribo to get interest. I really do. I know you’ve touched on Aribo before with Palace, and I’m sure clubs will look at him. He’s a really, really, really good player.”

Fuming

Rangers fans will surely be fuming with this claim as both players are crucial for van Bronckhorst and losing either of them would be a huge blow.

Kent may not have found his goalscoring touch this season but he has remained a constant menace to opposing defences with his ability to take players on with the ball. He has two goals and six assists in 19 Premiership matches for the Gers, averaging 1.8 key passes per game and creating nine ‘big chances’ in total.

This suggests that he has been let down by his teammates at times as they have been unable to finish off the opportunities that he has been handing them. Whilst he has not been prolific himself, the creative threat that he offers on the wing is huge for Rangers and that is why losing him would be a major blow for van Bronckhorst and fans will be fuming with the prospect of his departure.

Aribo, meanwhile, has produced seven goals and four assists in 26 Premiership matches from midfield. He has averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.12, showing that he has been consistently delivering top-class performances for the Light Blues this season.

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Therefore, selling Aribo would be a nightmare for the club as he has proven that he is an excellent player in the Scottish top-flight. It would be difficult to replace him, and Kent, in the summer and Rangers must navigate the situation carefully to avoid making any howlers ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Although, it is worth saying that interest in them does not guarantee that they will leave. Ross Wilson is not going to roll over and allow his top performers to leave for nothing, but he will also need to consider offers if and when they arrive, as he did in January when he decided to sell Nathan Patterson to Everton.

AND in other news, Possession lost 33x: Rangers gem with 6 key passes was let down by his teammates today…

Sunderland have been gifted a potential double boost ahead of their game away at Charlton Athletic in League One this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Building momentum

Alex Neil will now be looking to build some momentum after gaining his first win as manager at the Stadium of Light, following their 3-0 win away at Wigan Athletic in the division last time out.

They are facing an Addicks side who are now looking anxiously over their shoulders after five defeats in a row in the league, and another three points would really help in terms of their play-off push.

The Latest: Two returnees?

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Neil has teased that two out of Nathan Broadhead, Aiden McGeady and Luke O’Nien could now return to the team, following periods out with injury:

“Of the three, there’s one who is nowhere near ready, there’s one who is getting there, and there’s one who is a lot closer – I’ll let you decide which one is which!”

The Verdict: Needed

Even though Charlton does look like a winnable fixture on paper, the Black Cats will no doubt be wary about their previous bad form, and so getting two of those three players back would be a welcome boost and may certainly be needed.

Broadhead, McGeady and O’Nien currently rank in the best-six performing players for the Wearside club in League One so far this term, as per WhoScored, and have scored ten goals and made a further five assists in total between them.

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Nonetheless, after Neil confirmed one of them won’t make it, we will not know who has made it into the squad until the team sheet is released, but SAFC fans will be eager to see two of those players listed.

In other news, find out whose display against Wigan was lauded by Neil here!

Liverpool are interested in signing exciting Barcelona teenager Gavi in the summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Gavi bursts onto the scene

The 17-year-old has emerged as arguably one of the most prodigious young players in world football, coming through Barca’s academy to become a key first-team player.

Gavi has already made 33 appearances for the La Liga giants, registering five assists and scoring twice in that time, also being hailed as ‘spectacular’ by his manager Xavi.

The Spaniard’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023, so Barca are running out of time to tie him down to a new contract.

The Latest: Liverpool linked with move for Gavi

According to Mundo Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Gavi’s current contract situation is described as ‘stranded’, with Liverpool one of the clubs ‘interested in his case’.

Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also mentioned in the report, although it is stated that the midfielder ‘does not consider anything’ other than staying at Barca currently.

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The Verdict: Barca unlikely to sell

While Gavi could be a magnificent signing for Liverpool, given his amazing potential – Demetrio Albertini has compared him to Italy legend Francesco Totti – it really is difficult to see him leaving Barca any time soon.

At 17, he will surely continue to develop at his boyhood club in the same manner as his current boss, forging a special career for himself at the Camp Nou in the process.

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In an ideal world, Gavi would be in a Liverpool shirt next season, but much like the Reds selling their own teenage star in Harvey Elliott at this point in his career, it is almost impossible to see such a transfer developing.

In other news, a key Mohamed Salah update has emerged. Read more here.

When Vincent Janssen signed for Tottenham all the way back in 2016, it’s safe to say neither he or his advisors expected Spurs to reach a Champions League final just three years later.

If that eventuality was in mind, then two possible scenarios could have played out. The Dutchman would either be a key part of that side in 2019 or he’d be nowhere near the team.

Sadly, it was the latter that Janssen experienced. Still on the books of the north London club, he wasn’t included in the matchday squad as the Lilywhites eventually lost to Liverpool.

Just a few weeks later he was finally taking his leave from the club after a pretty dismal 104 or so weeks in the English capital.

Janssen signed for the club in a deal worth £17m and promised so much upon his arrival in the Premier League.

The now 27-year-old had bagged 32 times in 49 outings for AZ Alkmaar, catching the attention of plenty across Europe.

The Netherlands international looked a natural-born goalscorer but like many who have tried themselves in the top-tier of English football, he was a disaster.

During his three years at the club, of which one year was spent on loan at Fenerbahce in Turkey, he cost the club the best part of £3m in wages on £25k-per-week, meaning that he ransacked Daniel Levy’s pockets of £20m.

Sadly, that money didn’t really get Tottenham anywhere. The club did compete among Europe’s elite at that time but with the striker playing a very minimal part in that, featuring on just 46 occasions and scoring six times.

He attracted vast amounts of criticism and after moving to Turkey on a temporary basis, was labelled a “fraud” by pundits in that part of the world.

It’s safe to say the attacker hasn’t had the best of careers and the very fact he cost Levy and co £3.3m per goal says it all.

Janssen completed his days in the capital by playing for the U23s and try as he might, he could never prove his fitness or his quality. He missed 50 matches and a whopping 292 days through injury as his career rather fell away. Now, the forward is playing his football in Mexico, where again he is failing disastrously, scoring once in 20 outings this term.

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Spurs have had some questionable offensive players down the years, namely Roberto Soldado, but with 16 goals to his name in the white of Tottenham, it’s evident who the bigger mistake here was.

Both players arguably suffered from the rapidly improving Harry Kane at the time, and it says a lot that no striker has really settled into life at the club since he appeared on the scene.

Both Janssen and Soldado were pretty hefty flops.

AND in other news, Forget Son: 103-touch Spurs gem who’s “a bit of Modric” stole the show yesterday…

Wolves’ Portuguese midfield duo Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho could be heading for the exit door this summer, with the former being heavily linked with a big-money move to the likes of Barcelona after the conclusion of this season.

Moutinho, on the other hand, is at the moment set to play out the final few months of his contract at Molineux, with his £100k per week wages deal coming to an end at the end of the campaign.

The former Monaco star arrived in West Midlands for a bargain £5m fee back in 2018, and has become a fan favourite at the club, making 167 appearances in all competitions so far, scoring five goals and setting up another 23.

This season the midfield maestro, who turns 36 in September, has averaged a 7.08 match rating in the Premier League, the fourth highest out of the entire team, as they continue to fight for European football next season.

Pundit Danny Murphy was in awe of his ability after he starred in a Wolves win against Brentford earlier in the season, saying: “Thirty-five years of age. I think he’s missed five games in three and a half years which is some going. That’s durability for you. He’s such an intelligent footballer.”

Meanwhile, reporter Tim Spiers once dubbed him as “gorgeous”, while previously highlighting the “dazzling” ability he can offer from the centre of the pitch.

To add to the evidence that Moutinho’s career at the top level can continue for at least another season, he ranks in the top 15% among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions for key passes per 90 (1.42), top 10% for dribblers contested per 90 (3.07) and top 10% for switches per 90 (3.28).

Furthermore, there is also evidence that the 142-cap Portugal legend has still got a good work-rate left in him, ranking in the top 17% for pressures in the defensive third per 90 (7.91) and top 20% for tackles won per 90 (1.86).

With a ready-made replacement in the shape of Luke Cundle coming through the academy and impressing in the first team when given the opportunity to do so, it would be very beneficial for him too to have one full season at senior level learning directly from Moutinho while receiving plenty of game time.

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Therefore, it would be foolish from Wolves and manager Bruno Lage not to renew the 35-year-old’s deal, for at least one more season with him still showing the ability and level required to be a top footballer in the Premier League.

In other news: Lage may solve big Molineux dilemma by unleashing “excellent” unseen 18 y/o Wolves gem

Spurs could sign a dream partner for Harry Kane in Napoli star Victor Osimhen as an update emerges on the club’s pursuit of the striker.

What’s the story?

According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Antonio Conte’s side are named among the suitors for the Nigeria international.

The report claims that along with Spurs, the likes of Premier League rivals Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle are all in the running for his signature.

Indeed, it’s further added that Napoli will not contemplate a sale of their star forward unless a bid of around €100m (£84m) materialises – that figure of course would be a record-breaking sum for Spurs.

Imagine him and Kane

While Kane and Heung-min Son have been the best duo in the Premier League for a number of years now – they figure right at the top for most combined goals in the top-flight – the England star may thrive even more with a clinical and pacy number nine ahead of him.

Even during his time with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, Osimhen made an immediate impression on his coaches, with then manager Andries Jonker saying: “He has great potential in him. He is ambitious, quick and highly unpredictable, he will be a star in the future if he maintains his focus.”

But perhaps the biggest indication of why the Nigerian may be the perfect signing for Spurs is the way his former Nigeria teammate Odion Ighalo has talked about his attitude and desire to succeed.

He said: “He’s the future, he’s going to do so well in football. I love him, he’s down to earth, he’s hard working, he has a future and he has the mentality of a winner, that’s what I love about him. He has that lion heart. I love him, I just want him to keep working hard the way he’s doing, he’s going to break so many records in Europe and Nigeria.”

As Kane gets older, the likelihood is that he will find himself playing more and more deeper and perhaps even becoming a bona-fide number ten rather than the figurehead of the attack.

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Osimhen leading the line with his speed and movement would give Kane the kind of electric striker who he could pick out with his pin-point passing and vision.

The man with 63 career goals to his name could be the perfect dynamic striker to compliment Kane up front for Spurs.

AND in other news: Left in 2019, now worth £50m: Levy suffered shocking Spurs howler over “insane” star

Kalvin Phillips has told Leeds United that he wants to sign a new contract at Elland Road, David Anderson reports.

The Lowdown: Villa links

The 26-year-old has once again been linked with a move to Aston Villa in recent weeks.

Villa, who tried to sign Phillips back in 2019, are reportedly leading the race for the England international this summer and are willing to pay £60m for his services.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

Phillips would also be offered a huge salary worth around £10m a year in the Midlands, but it seems as if he now wants to remain in Yorkshire.

The Latest: Positive talks

Anderson took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to provide a ‘big boost for Leeds’ regarding Phillips.

The midfielder has reportedly held talks with the board, which of course includes Andrea Radrizzani and the San Francisco 49ers group, and informed them that he wants to put pen to paper on a new deal this summer.

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The Verdict: Huge…

Phillips starred under former manager Marcelo Bielsa and looks set to be key in a new role for Jesse Marsch. The American has gone with a double pivot at Elland Road and only has four central midfielders on the books.

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It is an area of the pitch that could do with bolstering in the summer, so knowing that their star midfielder wants to stay is massive. You could also say that a new deal for Phillips is well overdue, with his last extension coming in the club’s promotion campaign back in 2019/20 – he has since gone on to become England’s player of the year.

In other news: ‘Leeds feel…’ – Journalist now drops major injury twist after what he’s heard from Thorp Arch.