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Arsenal now hold a firm interest in signing another “dangerous” forward, despite recently signing Eberechi Eze, and his club desperately need to sell.

Gunners keen on another forward after Eberechi Eze

The Gunners’ attacking quality was on full display in the recent 5-0 victory against Leeds United, with Viktor Gyokeres bagging his first two goals for the club, but the one downside was Bukayo Saka sustaining a relatively lengthy injury.

The injury is not as bad as first feared, but Saka is set to miss around four weeks due to a hamstring issue, with Martin Odegaard also picking up a knock, joining Kai Havertz on the sidelines.

Three injury setbacks at such an early stage of the season has underlined just how important it is for Mikel Arteta to have a deep squad, with the manager saying: “We’ve been two weeks and we’ve already lost Kai, Martin and Bukayo, so it tells you how well-equipped you have to be in this league to manage and to maintain the level that we want.”

Arteta should already have enough players to deal with the absences, given the recent arrival of Eze, while the Spaniard also has Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard at his disposal, but the north Londoners have now entered the race for another forward.

That is according to a report from Diario Nervion on X, which states Arsenal now hold a firm interest in signing Sevilla forward Dodi Lukebakio, who looks like he could be on the move this summer.

The Spanish club desperately need to sell players this summer, given their difficult financial position, and there is widespread interest in Lukebakio, with Everton and AC Milan also named as potential suitors.

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However, the 27-year-old is reluctant to leave the La Liga side, having already turned down moves away in the past, so it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible.

"Dangerous" Lukebakio would provide depth in attack

Lauded as “dangerous” by The Athletic’s Michael Cox, the Belgium international enjoyed a very impressive 2024-25 campaign, chipping in with 11 goals in La Liga, matching the number of goals he scored for Hertha Berlin in the previous season.

The Brussels-born forward is also established at international level, having picked up 26 caps for Belgium, with his attacking quality on show when assisting Romelu Lukaku in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden.

That said, there are doubts over whether the forward, who is known to pocket £50k-a-week, would be a necessary signing, given the arrivals of Eze and Noni Madueke this summer, while Trossard also remains an Arsenal player.

As such, Lukebakio should not be a priority target for the Gunners, and they should instead focus on getting a deal for a Jakub Kiwior replacement over the line, with Piero Hincapie recently emerging as a major target.

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Em sua primeira coletiva como técnico do Corinthians, Cuca reconheceu que a derrota por 3 a 1 contra o Goiás, pelo Brasileirão, foi merecida. O treinador explicou suas escolhas e disse que o Esmeraldino dominou o segundo tempo na Serrinha

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+Róger Guedes é único destaque, e defesa é grande culpada em derrota do Corinthians

– A derrota foi justa, fomos superiores em poucos momentos. Começamos aquém do que poderíamos e deveríamos. Eles começaram melhor, fizemos o gol, melhoramos, pensamos que íamos tomar conta do jogo e eles nos trouxeram muitos problemas, principalmente pelo lado direito, onde tínhamos feito dupla marcação com Barletta e Fábio, mas não foi suficiente. Em uma bola cruzada pelo lado, eles empataram, e no segundo tempo eles foram melhores – iniciou o técnico na coletiva:

-Terceiro gol do Goiás é culpa minha, tentei empatar colocando o Júnior Moraes e tirando o Balbuena, e tomamos o gol. Eu não me arrependo, tento por o time, uma bola o jogador arrisca e pode empatar o jogo. Não estou nada satisfeito com o meu trabalho e com o que vi do nosso jogo. Não é esse o jogo que eu quero, que pretendo ter – comentou.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o Timão!

COPA DO BRASIL

O treinador e o elenco corintiano terão pouco tempo para digerir a derrota, tendo em vista que o clube tem a decisão contra o Remo, pela Copa do Brasil, na quarta-feira. O técnico deixou claro sua insatisfação com a postura da equipe e disse que a preparação para o duelo será focada na parte mental, deixando o lado técnico e tático em segundo plano.

– O espírito, compromisso. Tem que ser totalmente diferente do que jogamos hoje, senão não vamos ganhar o jogo nem fazer três gols. Não vou esconder, não adianta vir aqui e falar meia dúzia de coisas bonitas. Não, a responsabilidade é de todos nós. Não é porque estou aqui há dois dias que não é minha, é minha também. Quarta-feira tem que ser totalmente diferente, desde o primeiro segundo.

continua após a publicidade

> Clique aqui e saiba como apostar na Copa do Brasil

– A preparação nem é técnica, é mais emocional. Temos que encontrar o remédio para colocar a alma em campo, deixar tudo em campo. Isso é princípio básico no futebol. Comecei assim no vestiário, falando com eles e vou agir dessa forma. Partes tática e técnica não são o mais importante, e sim o comportamental. Temos que melhorar isso e eles sabem – ponderou.

INTENSIDADE

Outro ponto que deixou Cuca insatisfeito foi a intensidade apresentada pela equipe. Ele citou a viagem do Goiás ao Peru pela Sul-Americana, no meio da semana, dizendo que o Corinthians não poderia ser superado na parte física. Cuca ainda estipulou um prazo para quando acredita que a equipe estará mais organizada.

+ Veja tabela e a situação do Timão no Brasileirão
​
– O Goiás viajou, chegou ontem à 0h e correu mais do que nós. Isso é fato e não pode acontecer. Tem que ter uma postura diferente, começando por mim. Cobro e vou cobrar, assim como serei cobrado, com toda razão. Hoje todos estão tristes e sabendo que podem e devem melhorar muito – enfatizou.

-Mesmo tendo jogo domingo e quarta, entra um pouco do meu trabalho. Em 10, 15 dias você vai ver um time mais ajustado, pode me cobrar, menos espaçado. Está sem os encaixes, ajustes necessários para uma equipe, sem saída de bola. É uma série de coisas que temos que melhorar, isso cabe ao treinador, minha responsabilidade e eu vou assumir – afirmou.

An inspection by the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department has found that one of the stands at Green Park stadium is unsafe, and the state officials have advised the stadium authorities not to fill it up to capacity.On Tuesday, a delegation from the PWD along with members of the engineering department at Harcourt Butler Technical University in Kanpur were at Green Park to check for structural frailties. Sanjay Kapoor, the venue director, said this was routine.”Whenever an event is held anywhere, government departments conduct their own surveys,” Kapoor said. “PWD and HBTU also conducted their inspection three days before the match and found that some seats in C block cannot be used for spectators as it is not safe.”Related

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The C stand is one of the oldest structures at Green Park. It has been undergoing repair work for the past two days. The upper block can seat 4800 people but on the PWD’s advice, only a limited number of those seats will go on sale.”About 1750 seats of the upper block of are still available for spectators,” Kapoor said, “We are going for full capacity in the lower block.”The last time Green Park hosted a Test match, against New Zealand in 2021, there were visibility concerns, even though the floodlights were in operation. The final day’s play ended 12 minutes early with New Zealand’s 10th wicket pair holding on for a dramatic draw. Kapoor insisted that the floodlights are “ready to use” if they become needed and considering the forecast for at least the first three days of the game, they might be.”When you organise an international match, you have to take permission from government departments,” he said. “But it is useless to say that we are organising this match without any government permission. Apart from this, all the floodlights are fine and ready to use. To avoid the terror of monkeys, we have made two-tier arrangements.”The Kanpur Test will begin on Friday, September 27. India will be looking to sweep the series having already won the Chennai Test last week, by 280 runs.

كشف جون أوبي ميكيل لاعب خط الوسط النيجيري الدولي السابق عن مرشحه للفوز بلقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز وذكر اسمين لفريقين آخرين يتنافسان على اللقب.

ويعتقد ميكيل أن آرسنال يملك أقوى تشكيل في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ويسعى فريق ميكيل آرتيتا للتقدم عن المركز الثاني الذي احتله في المواسم الثلاث الماضية.

ولهذا السبب فقد أنفق آرسنال بشكل قوي لتعزيز صفوفه حيث أنفق أكثر من 250 مليون جنيه إسترليني على ضم ثمانية تعاقدات جديدة، وكان فيكتور جيوكيريس أبرز الصفقات.

وقال ميكيل في تصريحات نقلتها “مترو” البريطانية: “بفضل دعم النادي وملاكه ومسؤولوه وميكيل أرتيتا، قد يكون لدى ليفربول أقوى تشكيل في الدوري الإنجليزي، ولكن من حيث العمق فإن آرسنال الأقوى، هناك لاعبان في كل مركز”.

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وأضاف: “آرتيتا يعلم أنه لا عذر له وأنا سعيد لأنه أعلن ذلك بصراحة، عليه الفوز بالدوري الإنجليزي أو دوري أبطال أوروبا، والفوز بكأس الرابطة أو كأس الاتحاد لن يكون كافياً”.

وواصل: “أعتقد أن المنافسة محصورة بين ليفربول وتشيلسي ولدينا فرصة جيدة للفوز”.

وتابع: “حالياً إذا نظرتم للفريق الذي تعتقدون أنه قادر على هزيمة ليفربول، أقول تشيلسي بفضل أسلوب لعبنا، نحن أفضل فريق من حيث البناء من الخلف”.

وختم:” بفضل أسلوب ماريسكا، لا يهم مقدار الضغط علينا لأننا نملك الثقة والشجاعة، نحن قادرين على إيذاء ليفربول ويمكن الصمود حتى نهاية الموسم لذا الأمر بين ليفربول وبين تشيلسي”.

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.

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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.

Arsenal transfer chief Andrea Berta is closing in on his first official signing as new sporting director, as he looks to finalise a deal for one “world-class” player, and the Gunners are said to have already scheduled a medical for him.

Arsenal set to reinforce multiple squad areas this summer

Managr Mikel Arteta is set to be backed to the hilt this summer, with a lot of noise surrounding their pursuit of a new forward, both out wide and in terms of a striker.

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Talks have been held over a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, while extremely strong links continue to surround RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with the reliable David Ornstein expecting Berta to sign one of the centre-forward pair.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

However, the midfield area is also set to be strengthened.

Jorginho is out of contract in the summer and has agreed to join Flamengo in time for the Club World Cup, while uncertainty continues to surround Thomas Partey’s long-term future with no deal struck on fresh terms as yet.

This makes the signing of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi all the more imperative, and following months of negotiations, they appear set to get their man through the door, despite reports this week that Real Madrid still pose a threat.

Fabrizio Romano gave his famous ‘here we go’ to Zubimendi’s Arsenal transfer, but reports in Spain carried on to suggest that Los Blancos could still hijack the £51 million deal.

However, BBC journalist Sami Mokbel’s latest update on the saga has now seemingly removed all doubt.

Martin Zubimendi set for Arsenal medical with paperwork finalised

According to the reporter, Arsenal have scheduled an imminent medical for Zubimendi, and once it is completed, the Gunners will announce his signing in a major boost for Arteta.

“Martin Zubimendi set for medical before completing switch to Arsenal,” said Mokbel.

“All relevant paperwork with Real Sociedad has been completed. Announcement pending successful medical.”

The 26-year-old, one year after he snubbed a move to Liverpool, is now on the verge of signing for Arsenal and seriously reinforcing Arteta’s midfield options ahead of a potentially more successful Premier League title challenge next season.

Called “world-class” by Kieran Tierney, Zubimendi has also been labelled world football’s “second-best” midfielder.

“For me, Martín is the second-best player in the world. We are incredibly lucky to have these two, who I consider the best players in the world.” said Spain boss Luis de la Fuente on Zubimendi and Rodri.

“But we also have other fantastic players who’ve been here and are with us now—another fantastic player, Pepelu hasn’t come yet, but he’s been called up with us.”

The Premier League has had some of the best passers in recent history, such as Paul Scholes, Xabi Alonso and David Beckham.

Pass completion percentage is now a big part of the modern day’s data-driven analysis, with possession-based styles being adopted by more and more managers.

But who was statistically the best passer in England’s top flight during the 2024/25 season? Using data from football analytics site FBref, we’ve listed the top 10 Premier League players by pass completion rate. (Note: players have to have played at least 30 minutes per match to be counted.)

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Data correct as of 25th May 2025

1

William Saliba

Arsenal

94.3%

2

Manuel Akanji

Man City

93.6%

3

Ruben Dias

Man City

93.5%

4

Curtis Jones

Liverpool

93.1%

=5

Andre

Wolves

92.9%

=5

Ezri Konsa

Aston Villa

92.9%

7

Jan Bednarek

Southampton

92.7%

8

Mateo Kovacic

Man City

92.6%

9

Leny Yoro

Man Utd

92.4%

10

Jack Stephens

Southampton

92%

Here's a detailed look at the top 10 Premier League passers in 2024/25… 10 Jack Stephens (Southampton) 92% pass completion

Southampton defender Jack Stephens, though the centre-back had an injury-impacted campaign as he only started 17 times.

He still scraped into the top 10 come the end of the season, squeezing ahead of Premier League-winning captain Virgil van Dijk in the process.

9 Leny Yoro (Man Utd) 92.4% pass completion

Manchester United may have endured a dreadful season, but one of the brighter elements of the campaign perhaps came in the form of Leny Yoro’s emergence in the first team.

The Frenchman took time to make his mark at Old Trafford after getting injured soon after signing, but ended the season as one of their most reliable players – made all the more remarkable given his age of 19.

Interestingly, another new signing was United’s next-best passer – Matthijs de Ligt clocked an average of 89.9% successful passes throughout 2024/25.

8 Mateo Kovacic (Man City) 92.6% pass completion

With numerous injuries at the Etihad Stadium, Mateo Kovacic was able to get more game time with Man City than he was perhaps expecting last season. He took his opportunity, whether that be in the form of scoring goals or his general all-round play.

As to be expected in a Guardiola side, Kovacic is tidy on the ball played a big role in the absence of Rodri.

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ByBarney Lane Oct 28, 2024 7 Jan Bednarek (Southampton) 92.7% pass completion

Southampton’s possession-based style saw Saints centre-back Jan Bednarek end up in the top 10.

The Saints may not have got anywhere near enough points on the board, but Bednarek’s pass completion rate was a rare positive sign at St Mary’s.

6 Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa) 92.9% pass completion

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has been a regular under Unai Emery and offers the versatility of being able to play at right-back and centre-back.

The Englishman has now made over 200 appearances for Villa and is clearly comfortable on the ball.

5 Andre (Wolves) 92.9% pass completion

Arguably a surprise name on the list is Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Andre.

The Brazilian midfielder arrived from Fluminense ahead of the 2024/25 season but wasn’t a nailed-on starter under Gary O’Neil. He had been in and out of the starting lineup, but started more regularly under Vitor Pereira, showing his true worth to the Old Gold during this time.

4 Curtis Jones (Liverpool) 93.1% pass completion

One of the players who starred under Arne Slot during his first season as Liverpool manager was midfielder Curtis Jones.

Jones had the best pass completion rate of any Reds star and started 19 games last term as his rise in the first team continues.

3 Ruben Dias (Man City) 93.5% pass completion

Another Man City star on the list is Ruben Dias, with the Portugal international a mainstay in the Man City side.

Dias has found himself in the opposition half for plenty of City’s Premier League games due to their dominance, and he’s kept possession most of the time when on the ball. In fact, both of City’s centre-backs were exceptional last term…

2 Manuel Akanji (Man City) 93.6% pass completion

The top Man City passer last season was Manuel Akanji, who also occasionally chipped in at right-back as injuries bit hard at the Etihad Stadium.

The Switzerland international has seemingly nailed down a centre-back role under Pep Guardiola, becoming a trustworthy player in the absence of John Stones and Nathan Ake – particularly on the ball, if these stats are anything to go by.

1 William Saliba (Arsenal) 94.3% pass completion

Topping the charts this season is Arsenal star William Saliba, reaching over 94%.

A guaranteed starter for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta, Saliba’s place at the top of the game for some time is all but assured. Part of the reason for that is his calmness in possession, as evidenced by his high pass success rate.

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Manchester United haven’t been shy of spending money over recent years, as seen by their window back in the summer of 2022 under former boss Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman was in charge and spent upwards of £200m in his first window to try and transform the fortunes of the side after numerous years of failure at Old Trafford.

Players such as Casemiro, Lisandro Martínez and Antony all arrived to join the Red Devils, arguably costing too much given their lack of impact since arriving.

The latter is currently spending the rest of the campaign out on loan at Real Betis, registering just one goal for the Red Devils up until January, leading to his subsequent temporary stint elsewhere.

Ruben Amorim will likely have funds available at his disposal this summer to improve their Premier League standing, needing to avoid a repeat of such a window.

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With just a couple of weeks remaining until the summer window opens, United will have a huge task to try and right the wrongs of this season and build a competitive squad ahead of 2025/26.

Various players in different positions have all been targeted already, with the likes of Liam Delap, Ederson and Matheus Cunha just three names mentioned with a switch to Manchester.

However, another name has entered the mix, in the form of Monaco’s right-back Vanderson, that’s according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update on the transfer front.

It confirms that the Red Devils are considering a move for the Brazilian this summer, with the Ligue 1 outfit demanding a fee in the region of £30m to offload the 23-year-old.

It also confirms that options are being considered across all areas of the pitch, with Amorim tempted to land a new right wing-back to help fit his 3-4-2-1 system in which he’s implemented since taking the reins.

Why United’s £30m target could be their own Frimpong

Jeremie Frimpong has been a name massively mentioned across England in recent weeks, appearing to be edging ever closer to a switch to the Premier League.

It’s been reported that the Dutch international has approved a move to join fellow top-flight outfit Liverpool this summer, with Arne Slot’s side needing to trigger his £29.5m release clause.

The Bayer Leverkusen star would be the direct replacement for the departing Trent Alexander-Arnold, handing the Red Devils’ rivals another impressive option.

However, United will be hoping to close the gap to the Merseyside outfit next campaign, with Vanderson offering Amorim’s men their own version of the full-back.

When comparing their respective figures from the ongoing campaign, the Brazilian has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – showcasing how much of a superb addition he would be at Old Trafford.

The right-back, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has registered more progressive passes and completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted – highlighting the impressive nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.

He’s also won more tackles per 90 and made more interceptions per 90 – handing Amorim an excellent option at both ends of the pitch, something which is perfect for a wing-back in his system.

Games played

28

33

Goals & assists

4

10

Progressive passes

4.5

2

Pass accuracy

78%

76%

Passes into final third

3.3

1.1

Shot-creating actions

2.6

2.5

Tackles won

2.1

0.9

Interceptions made

1.8

0.3

Take-on success

50%

29%

Aerials won

46%

33%

His talents don’t stop there, registering more shot-creating actions and winning more aerials than Frimpong – having the tools to be an excellent option should the club pursue a move for his signature.

£30m for Vanderson appears to be a superb price for a star who could easily slot into life in the Premier League, handing Amorim his own version of the soon-to-be Liverpool talent.

If United are to return to their former glory in the coming months, shrewd additions are needed to progress, with the Brazilian having all the tools to be a success at Old Trafford.

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Newcastle United are edging ever closer to securing a place in next season’s Champions League, and they already have their eyes on players for next season, as they are eyeing a move to sign a “brilliant” £30 million defender, according to a recent report.

Newcastle chasing defensive reinforcements

Signing a new centre-back has become somewhat of a priority for the Magpies this summer, as injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles have seen Newcastle stretched thin at the heart of their defence throughout this campaign.

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Securing Champions League football could mean Newcastle have a hefty sum of money to spend this summer, and already defensive targets have been drawn up by Eddie Howe and co. According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are keen on signing Facundo Medina from French side RC Lens.

The Magpies are not the only team chasing his signature, as Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Everton are also keen from the Premier League, as well as AS Roma and Bayer Leverkusen from Europe. However, potential Champions League football at St James’ Park next season could see them have the edge in this race.

As well as looking at Medina, Newcastle are also interested in signing Jon Aramburu from Spanish side Real Sociedad. However, he is more of a right-back by trade and would likely be seen as a long-term replacement for Kieran Trippier.

Newcastle now eyeing fresh move to sign Milan star Thiaw

Medina is not the only centre-back on the Premier League side’s radar, as according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Newcastle are monitoring Malick Thiaw’s situation at AC Milan ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

The report states that Milan are considering selling Thiaw this summer, as his departure will help them balance their books. He is expected to leave at the end of the campaign, and he could be sold for around £26m. Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich are interested in a deal and would be willing to pay this figure, but Newcastle, along with Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, are all keen on bringing him to England.

This is not the first time that Newcastle have been linked with a move for the AC Milan defender, who is under contract until the summer of 2027, as the Magpies wanted to sign Thiaw last summer. Sporting director Paul Mitchell is a big fan of Thiaw’s, approving his signing back then despite a deal never going through.

Apps

21

Starts

19

Clean sheets

7

Interceptions per game

0.7

Tackles per game

1.1

Clearances per game

3.5

Errors leading to a goal

0

Thiaw, who has been dubbed “simply brilliant” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been at Milan since August 2022, playing his first full campaign there alongside Newcastle star Sandro Tonali.

In his three years at the club, he has failed to establish himself as a firm regular however, playing just over 20 games in each of the last three campaigns. But at 23, he has time to develop into an excellent defender, and given the teams interested in a deal, this would be an exciting addition to Howe’s backline should it go through.

Liverpool are believed to be “working on” tying down an “outstanding” player to a new contract alongside Virgil van Dijk, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Salah signs new Liverpool deal

The news that Reds supporters have been dreaming of finally came true on Friday, with Mohamed Salah signing a new two-year deal at Anfield.

There have been concerns all season long that the 32-year-old Liverpool legend would leave the club, but he will now be on Merseyside until at least 2027, saying he intends to win more trophies there:

“If I don’t believe that, I would not have signed. I believe the team can win trophies and with the support of the fans and the city, and that the supporters always give us in the games, I believe we can win many trophies in the next years.”

Now, the hope is that other players will follow suit, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk also both out of contract at the end of this season.

While it looks increasingly likely that the latter will stay put and do the same as Salah, the former’s head appears to have been turned by a move to Real Madrid. That said, nothing has been confirmed over Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool at the peak of his powers.

Liverpool want new deal for "outstanding" ace

According to Romano in his newsletter for GiveMeSport, Liverpool are still looking to seal a new deal for Ibrahima Konate, as well as Van Dijk:

“They are in negotiations. Now the priority was obviously Salah and Van Dijk, but the next one could be Konate as Liverpool are working on it.”

Ensuring that Konate remains at Liverpool for the foreseeable future is of the utmost importance, considering he is still only 25 years of age and eight years Van Dijk’s junior.

The Frenchman is appreciated by so many at Anfield, from Arne Slot to the supporters, and captain Van Dijk also hailed him earlier this season, saying after their win away at Wolves in September:

“As you saw, he is important with the goal, he is defensively solid, a bit unlucky with the goal we conceded, but obviously the qualities he has are outstanding, in my opinion.

“He is learning, growing, getting better and looking after himself much better in order to be ready every three days as that’s what asked. And also we have a young player behind him in Jarrell, who is also doing well. We have to keep pushing each other and he is doing a good job.”

Relatively speaking, the £70,000-a-week wage that Konate earns is low compared to many of his teammates, so he deserves an improved contract to show that he is truly appreciated.

Related Liverpool confident of winning race for "amazing" £60m+ star this summer

The Reds are in a good position to strike a deal…

Posts 2 BySean Markus Clifford Apr 12, 2025

Granted, injuries have hampered him at times in his career, so there is a slight risk involved in handing him an extension, but he should only get better in the coming years, and losing him at this point in his career could be a big blow to the Reds.