All posts by n8rngtd.top

Chelsea are set to welcome two more new signings, with Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro poised to join Enzo Maresca’s side from Borussia Dortmund and Brighton respectively, but this £100m-plus double deal means that outgoings simply have to be sorted out sooner rather than later.

Chelsea offered £337k-per-week ex-Aston Villa star with decision made

They once came close to signing him.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 1, 2025

The Blues were given an almighty boost when their fourth total bid for Gittens was accepted by Dortmund, and the Englishman will now undergo a medical after Chelsea finally shook hands on a £55 million deal with the Bundesliga side.

Chelsea will also add another new striker to their ranks after their £30 million move for Liam Delap, with Pedro sealing a switch to west London for an initial £55 million, which may rise to £60 million if certain add-ons are met (Fabrizio Romano).

The moves take BlueCo’s total outlay for the window to around £140 million at least, and they now face some pressure from UEFA after allegedly breaking their financial fair play rules.

Chelsea and Aston Villa are apparently facing UEFA FFP breaches, with clubs required to limit spending on wages and transfer fees to around 80 per cent of revenue. They’re also permitted a loss of around £77 million over three years, less than the PSR threshold of around £105 million in that same timeframe, and this has sparked additional pressure on Chelsea’s recruitment team to raise money.

Maresca’s side are set to be fined this week as they attempt to reach a settlement, according to the i paper, so Chelsea may need an influx of cash from player sales to help balance the books.

Europe’s financial regulations are generally tighter than England’s, and they’re under more pressure in that regard, as Chelsea’s £200m sale of the women’s team to a separate company, Blueco 22 Midco Ltd, has not been permitted as a viable source of revenue by UEFA for 24/25 – despite being allowed by the Premier League.

Christopher Nkunku pushing to leave Chelsea

Even when taking into account the financial side of things, this influx of new attackers has also left Maresca awashed with too many final-third options, so the squad needs to be balanced out with key exit deals.

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, £195,000-per-week Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku is a prime contender for the Stamford Bridge exit door, and the club will indeed be forced to sell players in the coming weeks.

The Frenchman bagged 14 goals in all competitions last season but ultimately failed to break into Maresca’s starting eleven on a regular-enough basis, and he’s been regularly linked with an exit since January.

Nkunku is “pushing” to leave Chelsea right now as he seeks to embark on the next chapter of his career, as per O’Rourke, and their Premier League rivals have been credited with interest.

Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Nkunku, according to some reports, while the reliable Ben Jacobs reported in May that Tottenham made an enquiry over the 27-year-old’s availability.

While Nkunku has struggled to fit into a highly competitive squad, he has largely chipped in when required, and the former RB Leipzig sensation’s current teammates rate him very highly.

“Yeah, he’s a top player, we all know his quality, how he is as a player,” said João Félix last season.

“We already saw him doing amazing things at Leipzig. And yeah, I like to play with him. I think we think the game kind of like the same way. So I think he already know what I’m going to do, and I know what he’s going to do. I think it’s pretty easy to play with him. I think we connect very well.”

Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a forward this summer and have now made a formal approach to land a striker who models his game after one of the best forwards in the world, according to a report.

Tottenham Hotspur's hunt for attacking reinforcements

Thomas Frank has already tied up deals for Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel since walking through the door in N17. However, you get the impression there is plenty more to come given they will be playing Champions League football next term.

Looking to provide strength in depth across the front four positions, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo are prominent Tottenham targets, while West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus has also been mentioned in dispatches.

With a managerial change coming into play, Daniel Levy has outlined that he has full faith in new boss Frank to deliver success after carrying out a rigorous search for Ange Postecoglou’s successor.

He explained: “Whenever you have a new coach, it’s always a fresh start. [They] always have different ideas but we want to build on the success of winning a trophy last season.

“One of the things that stood out to me with Thomas was that he is clearly highly intelligent, a great communicator, super human being plus all the technical aspects which are obviously important.”

Tottenham now want to sign "combative" £20m La Liga ace ahead of Man Utd

The Lilywhites could have an instant advantage.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 22, 2025

Boca Juniors striker Miguel Merentiel could also be on Spurs’ radar after an excellent start to the Club World Cup, signalling that eyes and ears will be on all potential markets from the Lilywhites this summer to extract a fair rate of value for money.

Fundamentally, bolstering the offensive areas will give Frank the depth required to progress his side, so it won’t come as any surprise to hear Merentiel isn’t the only South American star the club is seeking to add.

Tottenham launch formal approach for Ian Subiabre

According to reports in his homeland via Sport Witness, Tottenham have launched a formal approach for River Plate’s Ian Subiabre to ascertain details about his current situation.

Chelsea previously had a meeting with his agent, Claudio Caniggia, though they eventually baulked due to his release clause that is mooted to amount to around £22.4 million.

Mainly used as a substitute, Spurs haven’t been deterred and could look to make an offer that includes a future sell-on percentage for the Argentina Under-20 international, who has scored three times in six matches at that youth rank.

Describing Julian Alvarez as a player he models his game on, it remains to be seen whether his release clause will be met or if a transfer fee would be structured via alternative means.

River may entertain bids after the Club World Cup and haven’t ruled out a departure in this case, meaning Spurs could well add another talented youngster to the ranks.

Over the years gone by, the Manchester United faithful have been blessed with countless attacking talents who have led them to numerous triumphs domestically and continentally.

Cristiano Ronaldo, George Best and Wayne Rooney are just three players from separate times who have starred at Old Trafford – with the latter remaining their record scorer to this day.

However, current boss Ruben Amorim unfortunately doesn’t have the same luxury, with main striker Rasmus Hojlund’s drought of 21 games without a goal earlier this season showcasing the problems they’ve faced.

The Dane has struggled to provide value for money after costing £72m back in the summer of 2023, with a move away from the club potentially on the cards before the end of the transfer window.

Any funds generated from such a move could allow the manager to land a new talisman who could offer the huge presence needed in their hopes of a revival in 2025/26.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new talisman

With Matheus Cunha already arriving, but likely to operate in a number 10 role, Amorim will want the hierarchy to hand him added funds to make the big-money addition he craves at the top end.

Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the main targets in recent months, but a deal for the Swede appears to be dead in the water after it was confirmed he’s only interested in a move to Arsenal.

Such a turn of events over the last few days has seen a new name enter the mix, with Victor Osimhen the latest striker in their sights, according to one GOAL journalist.

He claims that the Red Devils have already made contact with the Nigerian’s representatives after he scored 37 times in 41 appearances on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli this season.

Transfer Focus

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

Furlan also states that they face competition from PSG, Chelsea and Arsenal for his signature, after he rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.

Why Osimhen would be a better signing than Ekitike for United

In their hunt for a new striker, United have stumbled across Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké in an attempt to improve the options at Amorim’s disposal.

The Frenchman has starred in the Bundesliga throughout 2024/25, registering 23 combined goals and assists in his 33 league outings – but he could cost a pretty penny this summer.

He’s also on the radar of fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea, but any interested party will have to fork out a fee in the region of £84m to land the talisman.

There’s no denying he’s a quality player, as seen by his impressive tally this campaign, but such a fee may prove to be too expensive – especially when considering the other options on the table.

Osimhen would certainly be a better signing, with the stats from their respective campaigns highlighting why the hierarchy should pursue a move for the Nigerian’s signature this summer.

The Napoli ace, who’s been labelled “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, has massively outscored Ekitike, whilst also posting a higher goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical edge in the final third.

He’s also managed to win more aerials than the Frankfurt star, handing Amorim the focal point he needs in the attacking areas, subsequently offering a different dimension to the Red Devils’ attack.

Whilst he’s likely to command a higher pay packet to prise him to the North West, it’s a price worth paying given the difference between the quality of the two options.

If the club are to have any chance of returning to their former glory in the near future, top-level talents are required, with Osimhen just the man to do that given his record within the final third in recent seasons.

Huge Hojlund upgrade: Wilcox opens talks to sign "new Mbappe" for Man Utd

Ruben Amorim wants to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 15, 2025

Fulham are the club pushing the hardest to sign an “outstanding” midfielder, with Marco Silva set to be backed in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Cottagers set to back Silva amid uncertain future

Having been at Craven Cottage for just under four years, Silva is now among the longest-serving managers in the Premier League, but there is widespread interest in the Portuguese coach, with Juventus becoming the latest club to express an interest.

With Tottenham Hotspur and clubs from the Saudi Pro League also keen on the 47-year-old, it could be difficult for the board to retain his services, but they have now displayed a willingness to back the manager in the summer transfer window.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Silva has been promised money to improve his squad, while also revealing the Cottagers have now set their sights on a new midfielder.

Fulham are said to be the club pushing the hardest to sign Mainz attacking midfielder Nadiem Amiri, who is set to leave the German club this summer, having attracted widespread interest from the Premier League.

New target: Fulham now ready to pounce for 23-goal striker available for £0

The Cottagers have joined the race for a forward, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

Jun 3, 2025

Amiri has already turned down a move to Leeds United, while Crystal Palace have identified him as a potential target, but the west Londoners appear to be more determined to get a move over the line.

A deal would not break the bank either, with the 28-year-old expected to be allowed to leave for a fee of around £15m, and he could be brought in to replace Tom Cairney, amid interest from Wrexham, while fellow midfielder Harrison Reed is also set to depart.

"Outstanding" Amiri enjoyed impressive 2024-25 campaign

The Mainz star has been particularly impressive going forward as of late, picking up seven goals and five assists in 30 Bundesliga outings, and his displays at club level have led to a return to the German national side.

Upon selecting the central midfielder, manager Julian Nagelsmann said: “Nadiem is having an outstanding season. He’s a very good example of how you can take a step back to push your career forward.”

The German maestro had been uninvolved with his national side since 2020, but fought hard to regain his place, saying: “After I received a call from Julian Nagelsmann on Tuesday, I was in tears. It was my dream for so long to be able to play for the national team again. I worked hard, trying to improve every day”

Not only does Amiri have international experience, but he also has 10 Champions League appearances to his name, which could stand him in good stead to be a success at Craven Cottage, and a fee of £15m seems like a bargain for a player of his quality.

Birmingham City will be looking to enter the Championship and show off their renewed confidence after an explosive title-winning season in League One.

For far too long, the Blues have struggled in the chaotic second tier, with all those lower table finishes in the EFL’s elite division coming to a head when relegation finally occurred at the close of the dismal 2023/24 campaign.

Now, however, after an unforgettable 111-point season in the league below, Birmingham will jump back up to the unpredictable level, keen to impress.

They will surely be helped navigating back up to their tricky, new surroundings by a whole host of new signings entering through the door, with one face now rumoured to be joining the ever-growing camp perhaps their next Demarai Gray at St. Andrew’s.

How Demarai Gray burst through at Birmingham

Before going on to cement himself as a Premier League regular for Leicester City and Everton, Gray was the next rising star coming up the ranks in the West Midlands.

The homegrown product instantly caught the eye when he was thrown into the senior team deep-end, making his Championship bow under Lee Clark at the age of just 17 years, three months and three days.

He quickly became known for his trickery and speed on the ball, while also being able to fire home an opportunity after darting forward with intent.

In total, Birmingham’s former number 33 slotted home eight strikes and picked up four assists from 78 games for his boyhood employers, leading to Gray then going on to tally up a mammoth 200 Premier League appearances away from St. Andrew’s.

As it happens, there’s a Birmingham transfer target who will be aiming to become a recognised top-flight performer in time, too, with his ability to play down either the left or right channel with equal amounts of venom making him a similar style player to Gray.

Birmingham's next Demarai Gray

If Chris Davies’ men are to take the Championship by storm, they will have to scare second-tier defences stiff like they managed in League One, with Jay Stansfield and Alfie May proving to be too hot for many a third-tier team to handle, scoring 40 goals between them.

Throwing Kwame Poku into the mix could make an already dynamite Birmingham forward line even more of a mouth-watering prospect; therefore, with a report from GIVEMESPORT recently revealing that Davies and Co. are just one of a jaw-dropping 26 outfits eyeing up the EFL superstar on a free transfer.

Described as a “top-drawer” player by Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony, the forward has certainly been making all the right noises of late and if his numbers are anything to go by, he should settle into his new division swimmingly and become the club’s new iteration of Gray.

After all, away from collecting a gigantic 12 goals and 11 assists last season for Darren Ferguson’s men to show off his clinical edge, Poku’s versatility, energy and dazzling dribbling wherever he lines up on the pitch is very reminiscent of the 28-year-old during his St. Andrew’s heyday.

Whilst Gray has predominantly featured as a left winger for most of his varied career to date, he is capable of playing as a number ten or as a right winger if needed, much like the one-time Ghana international.

Of course, with the vast amount of teams sniffing around for Poku’s services, snapping him up could be an almighty slog, particularly as Premier League-bound Sunderland allegedly begin to circle.

But, Poku might well see the journey Gray went on with his hometown club as a bonus of coming to Birmingham over bravely leaping straight up to the top-flight.

Birmingham can sign their new Jutkiewicz with move for "phenomenal" striker

Birmingham City could go down the experienced route when landing a new striker this summer.

2

By
Kelan Sarson

May 27, 2025

Right from the moment Arne Slot got to work in his new job at Liverpool F.C., there was a sense that FSG had appointed a coach who knew his stuff.

But, perhaps, even FSG’s chiefs hadn’t expected such a startling ascension to the peak of the English pyramid; not 12 months into his role, Slot clinched the Premier League, he won it with dominance, Liverpool’s quest never really in doubt after Manchester City peeled away before a harsh winter dragged them down further still.

There’s no question sweeping changes are now needed: Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving for Real Madrid on a Bosman, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is on the verge of joining as his replacement.

Plenty more, such as a striker, since Darwin Nunez is leaving, is needed. However, numerous areas could be strengthened.

Liverpool only brought Federico Chiesa into the fold, signing the injury-prone Juventus star for a cut-price £12.5m fee. Chiesa, sadly, hasn’t kicked on, only starting one top-flight fixture.

The right-sided Chiesa was always up against it, for Mohamed Salah has just produced a talismanic campaign for the ages.

Mohamed Salah's historic season

Salah scoring goals is no new thing on the English scene. The Egyptian has been one of the most destructive forwards in European football since signing for Liverpool in 2017, leaving AS Roma for a £34m fee.

The 32-year-old’s season rubber-stamped his reputation as one of the finest to do it. Journalist Uri Levy has even said, “Mohamed Salah has a very good chance to go down in history as the greatest Premier League player of all time.”

And for good reason. Football is a team sport, but Salah has dragged his side toward gold. Across all competitions this season, he’s scored 33 goals and provided 23 assists across 51 matches.

His 28-goal return in the Premier League has also seen him break into the division’s top five goalscorers in history. With a two-year extension penned last month, Salah has a golden opportunity to overtake Harry Kane as the second-highest scorer of all time, behind only Alan Shearer.

He’s a true great, and Liverpool will struggle to replace him. Indeed, it would take an incredible feat to find a bigger talent than the winger, but FSG might just have found such a player ahead of the summer transfer window.

Liverpool make staggering offer

Spanish outlet Sport have made something of a bombshell claim concerning Liverpool and Barcelona, the latter of whom wish to sign Luis Diaz this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Standing in the way of La Blaugrana’s bid is Florian Wirtz, with the Bayer Leverkusen sensation at the top of FSG’s shopping list. The report actually reveals that Liverpool have presented an ‘astronomical offer’ to Wirtz as they look to beat Bayern Munich to the 22-year-old’s signature.

Signing Wirtz won’t be easy, even though Manchester City have pulled out of the running. Firstly, Bayern consider themselves favourites to sign the player, keeping him in his homeland, while Leverkusen are also looking to fetch a sum of €150m (£126m) for their star man.

For now, a waiting game, with the ball very much in the attacking midfielder’s court.

What Florian Wirtz would bring to Liverpool

Wirtz is a young and up-and-coming talent. Oh, he’s also one of the most talented and effective in the game. Former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes has even called him “the best midfielder in the world.”

Debatable? Certainly. Unfounded? Certainly not. Wirtz might only be 22 but he’s already racked up 197 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring 57 goals and providing 65 assists.

He’s not just a goal-getting machine, either (not that that’s a bad thing). As per Sofascore, Wirtz has created 29 big chances across the past two Bundesliga campaigns, with his athleticism underlined by physical metrics: he’s averaged 2.6 dribbles and 5.2 successful duels per game in 2024/25.

Given the Germany international’s skyrocketing journey to the highest echelon of European footballers, still so young, he could prove to be the best attacking player the club has seen in a very long time, maybe even eclipsing Salah.

Though ‘The Egyptian King’ has cemented himself in immortality, he was once discarded by Chelsea after failing to make his mark at Stamford Bridge. A career revival with two clubs in Italy propelled him back to the Premier League, but it wasn’t until he was 25 that Jurgen Klopp came calling.

Moreover, Wirtz has been described by journalist Zach Lowy as a “world-class” player who “could win the Ballon d’Or one day.”

From a wider, longer lens, Wirtz’s minutes will need to be managed to ensure he doesn’t burn out toward his thirties, having featured prominently across his fledgling years and having already overcome an ACL injury.

But his startling output and indeed the staggering £126m fee that Liverpool may have to pay highlight a ceiling that might not even be there. That is to say, Wirtz’s potential is boundless; with such talent and athleticism, he truly could become one of the greatest contemporaries in the Premier League and supercharge the Slot era toward a sustained spell of dominance, both domestically and abroad.

He’s got all the tricks and plenty more flicks besides, but Wirtz is also a focused and intelligent player whose decision-making and application have led talent scout Jacek Kulig to praise his “sensational blend of flair and creativity.”

And he’s only just getting started. With Slot tinkering away at the player’s skill set, we may well see him go from strength to strength and become one of the deadliest players in Europe, if he’s not already.

It’s a high bar to reach for, but he might just prove himself an even bigger talent than Salah.

Their best LW since Mane: Liverpool prepare move for "world-class" £50m ace

Liverpool could be about to land a star who could follow in Sadio Mane’s footsteps at Anfield.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 23, 2025

Liverpool’s success during 2024/25 has been nothing short of sensational, winning the Premier League with ease and being unlucky not to have added a Carabao Cup to their list of honours.

Arne Slot has produced a side that has made easy work of other sides in the division, losing just three times in their 35 matches – the best record of any side in the top-flight.

The Dutchman hasn’t made wholesale changes from the previous management, utilising all the players who were at the club after his appointment last summer.

However, despite the excellent run endured in recent months, he has the opportunity to make changes to his squad and take them to the next level ahead of 2025/26.

With just a couple of weeks until the transfer window opens, the manager and the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting added reinforcements to bolster his already impressive squad.

The latest on Liverpool’s pursuit of new signings this summer

Over the last couple of months, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been a player who has constantly been touted with a switch to join Liverpool this summer.

However, it appears they’re set to miss out on the 26-year-old, after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that he’s agreed a deal with fellow Premier League side Arsenal over a £50m switch.

Such news will be a disappointment to the fanbase, but they’ve quickly moved on to other options, with Athletic Club’s Mikel Jauregizar now their top target, according to Anfield Watch.

The report states that Slot and staff behind the scenes have been impressed with his showings in LaLiga this campaign and are ready to make an offer for his signature.

It also claims that any move could depend on outgoings in the coming months, but that the 21-year-old will be the player they go after if sales are made.

Why Liverpool’s target would be better than Gravenberch

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been a key part of Slot’s side this campaign, starting all but one league game to date, and cementing his place alongside Argentinian international Alexis Mac Allister.

It’s a stark change from last season as he struggled to break into the side, making just 12 Premier League starts under former boss Jurgen Klopp.

His £34m transfer fee was seen as a waste of money given his lack of action in 2023/24, but now it appears to be a bargain given his importance under his compatriot.

He will likely remain an integral part of Slot’s plans once again next campaign, but his game time could dramatically decrease should the Reds secure a summer deal for Jauregizar in the coming months.

When comparing the Spaniard’s stats to those of Gravenberch this season, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, highlighting what a phenomenal addition he would be for the club.

The youngster, who’s been labelled “Mr Consistent” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more passes into the final third – highlighting his ability to get the ball into forward areas.

However, he’s also dominated defensively, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst making more blocks per 90 – handing the manager that added defensive reinforcements he’s been desiring.

Jauregizar has also won more aerial duels this season, whilst drawing more fouls per 90 – handing the side a restbite option should they find themselves under the cosh.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Spanish youngster would set the club back, it’s evident that from the stats produced that he would be a phenomenal addition to the Reds squad.

If Slot is to maintain such success and claim a second title next campaign, it’s vital that the hierarchy work tirelessly to complete a deal – potentially seeing Gravenberch face stiff competition to maintain his starting role.

Dream Frimpong alternative: Liverpool make enquiry for "world-class" star

Liverpool could forget about Jeremie Frimpong with a move for another defensive star.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 10, 2025

Given the high standards he’s set for himself in 2024/25, Liverpool boss Arne Slot has a huge job on his hands this summer to continue the process made in recent months.

The Dutchman took the reins from Jürgen Klopp last summer, offering a seamless transition and leading the side to Premier League glory at the very first attempt.

He managed to achieve such a feat with multiple games to spare, winning 25 matches out of a possible 35 to date, losing on just three occasions, with one coming on home soil.

However, the Dutchman faces a huge task on his hands next time around to maintain such a success and hand the club an opportunity to make it back-to-back titles.

If such an achievement is to happen at the same point in 12 months time, this summer transfer window will be crucial, with the hierarchy needing to hand Slot the funds to make the additions he needs.

An update on Liverpool’s pursuit of new signings this summer

With the transfer window just around the corner, numerous names have been mentioned over a potential move to join Liverpool, including Bournemouth’s left-back Milos Kerkez.

The Hungarian has been on their shopping list for many months now, with the Reds still in the hunt for his signature, leading to a potential saga throughout the off-season.

However, the opposite side of the pitch could also be in line for investment, with Slot’s men closely monitoring a move for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, according to reports in Spain.

They state that the Reds are to submit an offer in the region of £34m for the 24-year-old star, who’s made 47 appearances across all competitions for the German outfit this campaign.

It also claims that the Dutchman is the manager’s key target for the upcoming window, with Frimpong having the tools to come into the side and soften the blow of one player’s pending departure.

Why Liverpool’s £34m target is the dream TAA replacement

Over the last couple of days, Liverpool fans have been left dismayed after right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold confirmed he would be ending his 20-year stint with his boyhood club.

The 26-year-old has racked up over 350 appearances after making his first-team debut back in the summer of 2016, winning a staggering six major trophies – including two Premier League titles.

However, after such an impressive stint at Anfield, it’s going to be tricky to replace such a talent, which could subsequently have an impact on their ambitions of going back-to-back in the Premier League next campaign.

It’s a positive sign that the hierarchy have already wasted little to no time in targeting a replacement, with Frimpong having the tools to do just that – or even provide an upgrade on the Englishman.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from 2024/25, the Leverkusen star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – with the fee touted potentially being a bargain for the Reds.

The Dutchman, who’s been labelled “one of the best wing-backs in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig, has managed to complete more progressive carries per 90 this campaign – handing Slot an added attacking threat from full-back.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, but whilst also attempting more take-ons – highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet.

Defensively, he’s been just as impressive, winning more tackles against players attempting to dribble past him – with Frimpong able to offer added stability, something which Trent often struggled with at Anfield.

£34m for a player of his calibre in today’s market is an absolute steal, allowing the club to land a player who can fill the role for many years, given his tender age.

Whilst losing Trent will be a huge disappointment to many, the Leverkusen star has the chance to allow supporters to forget about his departure and play a key role in any success endured under Slot in the years to come.

Better signing than Sesko: Liverpool plot move for "world-class" £64m ace

Liverpool appear to be making a huge move to land a new striker for Arne Slot this summer.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

May 7, 2025

The last few weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side have lost the Premier League title and looked lethargic in games against Brentford and Crystal Palace.

However, in the Champions League, they’ve thrived and, thanks to a demolition job of Real Madrid home and away, are set to play just their third semi-final in history tomorrow night.

On top of that, recent reports have suggested that Thomas Partey could be set for a new deal, and the transfer of Martin Zubimendi remains a real possibility.

Undoubtedly, having the two midfielders would be a serious boon for Arsenal next year, although there’s another star in the squad worth more than both combined.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Why Arsenal want Partey and Zubimendi

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at why Arsenal would want Partey and Zubimendi next year, and when it comes to the former, there are two key reasons.

The first reason is that, while he has endured some significant injury problems in the past, he’s been available for practically the entire campaign this year and has arguably been in the form of his Arsenal career.

For example, he’s made 47 appearances so far, in which he’s scored four goals, provided three assists, and, according to FBref, is in the top 4% of Premier League midfielders for successful take-on percentage, the top 6% for tackles in the attacking third, the top 7% for passes completed and more, all per 90.

However, as he’s set 32 in the summer and still has a miserable injury record, the club will need to add more quality to the number six position, which is where Zubimendi comes in.

The Real Sociedad star has been just as important to his team this year, making 43 appearances, in which he’s scored two goals and provided two assists.

Moreover, like the Gunners’ number five, the Spaniard also has some impressive underlying numbers, with FBref placing him in the top 7% of midfielders in La Liga for shots blocked, the top 9% for clearances, touches in the defensive third and successful take-on percentage, the top 16% for aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

In all, it would be fair to say that even at his age, Partey is worth his €14.7m – £12.5m – valuation given to him by Football Transfers, and Zubimendi is deserving of his €55.2m valuation, which comes to £46.9m.

Yet, despite their impressive campaigns, there is another Arsenal star worth millions more than them combined.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Partey and Zubimendi

So, when it comes to the most valuable Arsenal players, most fans will understandably think of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.

However, while they are worth enormous sums of money, the star in question is none other than Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain has been utterly sensational for the Gunners this season and, according to Football Transfers, is worth €116.4, which is about £99m, or £39.6m more than Partey and Zubimendi combined.

Now, that might seem like an awful lot of money for a central midfielder, but it would be hard to say it’s not warranted.

For example, in 47 appearances, the 26-year-old “monster,” as dubbed by podcaster and host Adam Keys, has scored seven goals and provided ten assists.

Moreover, FBref has placed him in the top 4% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for assists, the top 5% for goals plus assists, progressive carries and corner kicks, the top 7% for crosses and more, all per 90.

Moreover, there are certain intangible elements to his game, such as his leadership and ability to deal with the biggest occasions, that make him such an asset.

Ultimately, while Zubimendi and Partey would be incredibly useful players to have in the squad next season, we can’t see either one surpassing Rice as the club’s most important midfielder.

He's like Saka & Salah: Arsenal plan talks to sign £55m Ballon d'Or nominee

The free-scoring international could be just what Arsenal need.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 28, 2025

Leeds United are interested in signing an in-demand French striker who is also wanted by Scottish giants Celtic.

Leeds transfer rumours following promotion to the Premier League

The Whites and Daniel Farke are preparing for life back in the Premier League following a successful Championship campaign.

Promotion was secured for Leeds over the Easter weekend which resulted in a party at Elland Road on Monday evening. Farke’s side secured wins over Oxford United and Stoke City, whereas Sheffield United fell to defeat against Burnley to guarantee a top two finish for the Whites and the Clarets.

Talking after sealing promotion to the Premier League, captain Ethan Ampadu said: “It’s amazing. If you look at the scenes here, as it was after the final whistle, just pure excitement. Within ourselves we’ve got another target, so we can enjoy this now, but we’ve got another target we want to achieve. But right now, it’s very good.”

Centre-back Joe Rodon added: “For me it hasn’t sunk in yet. I don’t think it will until the end of the season, but I’m just delighted for everyone involved with the club, the fans and what it means to them. It’s what everyone has worked for all season and I’m buzzing.”

With top flight football back in Yorkshire for the 2025/26 season, the 49ers Enterprises may look to splash the cash on several new signings, and a new centre-forward is thought to be on the wishlist.

There are doubts at Leeds over Joel Piroe’s ability in the top flight, despite the striker scoring four goals in the first half against Stoke on Monday. There are also concerns over Patrick Bamford.

There have been some forwards linked with moves to Elland Road recently, including AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham. However, a new up-and-coming young forward appears to be on the Leeds radar, going off a recent update.

Leeds keen on French forward Moussa Soumano

According to Africa Foot, Leeds are one of several sides keen on Ajaccio forward Moussa Soumano. Aged just 19, Soumano is also wanted by Celtic and Leicester City, whereas Brentford have already made an offer worth €3m (£2.5m) to sign the attacker.

49ers not messing: Leeds swoop for "unique" £1.5m Premier League striker

The Whites have set their sights on a forward who is currently plying his trade in the Premier League.

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By
Dominic Lund

Apr 24, 2025

Also capable of playing on the wing if required, Soumano has scored five goals and provided two assists in 66 appearances for his current employers. Not exactly a prolific record, however, the 6ft French attacker has been hailed as a promising talent and is ‘considered one of the great hopes of Corsican football’ in Africa Foot’s report.

Soumano could be one to keep an eye on, with Leeds potentially looking to bring in some talented teenagers alongside some big names, just like they did with Crysencio Summerville and Mateo Joseph when they were last in the top flight.