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Arsenal’s summer transfer window appears set to undergo many twists and turns before Andrea Berta’s wishlist is fulfilled, with a surprise update now coming to light on one of the club’s top targets.

Arsenal laying groundwork for key summer transfer deals

Berta’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium back in March prompted much excitement, and he’s widely reported to have already laid serious groundwork on key summer deals for Arsenal.

BBC journalist shares "information" about Gyokeres or Sesko joining Arsenal

There’s been a significant update on the Gunners’ striker search.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 4, 2025

Arsenal are working on deals for both Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, before deciding which striker to formally make a move for (Sami Mokbel), and they’re believed to be firm contenders for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The north Londoners were believed to have sealed a deal for the latter, with Fabrizio Romano giving his famous ‘here we go’ and the BBC claiming a medical had been scheduled, but Zubimendi himself has now come out to deny reports that he’s set to become Berta’s first signing of the summer.

“My future? It will be a long summer. I don’t know how it will end,” said Zubimendi to Radio Nacional, via Madrid Zone.

“If Xabi Alonso calls me to join Real Madrid? I’ve always said Xabi is my idol, and it was a privilege to have him as my coach at La Real B. If he called me now? I don’t want to talk about that hypothesis, I’d rather talk about the present. It would be disrespectful to talk about that while I’m on national team duty. I posted pics on a Spanish beach while rumors said I’m in London doing medical exams for Arsenal? Yes, I did that to make it clear those rumors were not true.”

According to reliable media sources, Berta has also met with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, but his exit is far from certain as well.

The Spain international rejected a move last summer in favour of remaining in Bilbao (The Athletic), and despite many reports to the contrary, he could end up doing the same this year.

Nico Williams could reject Arsenal and sign new contract

According to GiveMeSport, Williams could now snub a move to Arsenal and sign a new contract instead, with Mikel Arteta dealt a significant blow in his pursuit of the winger, who’s privately refused to rule out remaining in La Liga.

Bilbao have apparently engaged in “fresh” talks with Williams over an extension, and Ernesto Valverde’s side are apparently aiming to keep him for a longer period whilst also raising the £50 million release clause in his contract.

Given Arsenal have long been tipped as serious suitors for the 22-year-old, with Berta personally holding talks, this comes as a real surprise considering Williams was thought to be closing in on an almost-certain exit from the Estadio de San Mames in 2025.

Chelsea held talks with Williams’ camp last week as well, according to journalist Simon Phillips, but the Gunners’ London rivals could also be facing a serious setback after this update.

The highly-rated forward bagged 19 assists in all competitions across 2023/2024, playing a key role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, and showcasing his talent often during the second half of last season with some dazzling performances.

Leeds United have had some brilliant academy products down the years, but one youngster they’ve had on their books has not reached his potential after being likened to Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney at youth level.

Leeds’ best ever academy products

The Whites have been responsible for producing a number of well-known Premier League players over the last 30 years from their famous academy. Some, as a result of the club’s well-documented financial problems in the early 2000’s, made their name known at first team level elsewhere.

Leeds United's most expensive sales of all time

A look at the record departures from Elland Road.

By
Charlie Smith

Oct 3, 2025

Meanwhile, others have impressed at Elland Road before being snapped up in the transfer market, the latest being Archie Gray, who joined Tottenham in 2024 in a deal thought to be worth £40m.

Leeds’ best academy products in pictures

Right now, Leeds have Archie’s younger brother, Harry Gray, coming through the ranks, and he actually made his first-team debut at the age of 16 years, 6 months, and 13 days.

Those in Yorkshire will be hoping they can keep hold of the forward, who is already being likened to Michael Owen and Harry Kane, but one attacker who hasn’t lived up to the hype has been Joe Gelhardt.

Leeds talent set to be sold after Gerrard and Rooney comparisons

Many expected big things when Leeds swooped to sign Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa following the club’s promotion to the Premier League. A deal for the exciting teenager cost the Whites just £1m, and he would progress into the first team, making his top flight debut in 2021.

The attacker has gone on to score just three goals for the Whites, one of which being a stoppage-time winner against Norwich City, while he also produced a piece of brilliant skill which helped keep Leeds in the Premier League in 2022.

However, Gelhardt has struggled for consistency and has been sent out on loan to Sunderland and Hull City, and now looks set to be sold on a permanent basis in 2025 if a club comes in with an offer in the region of £3m-£4m.

Long-time Merseyside Boys’ manager Tim Wyatt even said that Gelhardt caught the eye just as much as Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney did when they were all 14 years of age.

Wigan’s former head of academy and now sporting director Gregor Rioch was also full of praise for Gelhardt while he was at the Latics, saying he “had the X-factor”.

It’s a case of what could have been for Gelhardt at Elland Road, and still just 23 years of age, he’ll be looking to get his career back on track elsewhere.

Rivals thought Liverpool would fall off a cliff when Jurgen Klopp packed up and left, but Arne Slot came and chased their wistful dreams right back from where they came.

Only 11 months after Klopp sang Slot’s name, Carabao Cup trophy in the bag but not much else (aside from qualification back into the Champions League after the misery of 2022/23), Anfield’s new Dutch boss returned the song, having won the Premier League and defied all expectations.

Slot’s proven himself, joining an exclusive club of managers who won the English top flight in their first year, and now he’s been entrusted to work with sporting director Richard Hughes and make sweeping changes in the transfer market.

Slot chased the doubters away, and with Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz joining from Bayer Leverkusen, Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez arriving soon and a new centre-forward soon to be targeted, there’s so much to be excited about if you’re of a Liverpool persuasion.

Of course, some outgoings are happening too, with the legend that is Andy Robertson mooted for a departure in the coming months.

Liverpool's left-back situation

Robertson, 31, is entering the final year of his £160k-per-week contract and sadly looked a weak link under Slot’s wing. It’s understandable: he’s been run into the ground across so many years of tireless service.

With a deal agreed to sign Kerkez, Robertson is going to be relegated to the backbench, and so with Atletico Madrid circling, it might be that FSG reluctantly let their stalwart go.

Kerkez might be young, but there’s no question that he’s already reached a degree of superiority over Liverpool’s veteran, whose athleticism and once unending batteries have ebbed back over the past year.

If Robertson does leave, though, could Liverpool be selling themselves short? His back-up, Kostas Tsimikas, is on Leeds United’s radar, after all. Liverpool might need one more star on the left side of the backline, and the chosen target may just be the most exciting of the lot.

Liverpool consider another left-back

According to TEAMtalk, Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is interested in moving to Liverpool despite the efforts of Arsenal, who effectively have the lead in the race right now.

Hato, 19, has been a revelation in his homeland and has been priced at €50m (£43m), a valuation which Ajax are not willing to reduce this summer.

Further reports claim that Chelsea are also in the frame, and that Liverpool and the Blues have been informed by the player’s camp that the race is very much open at this stage.

What Jorrel Hato would bring to Liverpool

Liverpool are stocking up nicely with the 21-year-old Kerkez, aren’t they? So why does Slot want another left-sided defender in Hato? Well, the young Dutchman would provide that extra bit of depth on the flank, all the while fostering qualities as a central defender too.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig actually hailed Hato as “one of the most talented centre-backs in Europe in his generation” just a few years ago, during his formative phase. But despite this, the Netherlands star has played the past year of his professional career as principally a left-back, owing to his gas tank, tenacious attitude and dynamism, driving up and down the wing.

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 9% of full-backs across Europe last season for pass completion, the top 14% for tackles and interceptions combined and the top 15% for ball recoveries per 90.

Impressive stats, and useful to shine a light on the skill set that has seen a natural centre-half perform with such aplomb in a wide berth.

Hato and Kerkez are both rising defensive stars of immense potential, and choosing which one would be ‘better’ under Slot’s wing is effectively splitting hairs, but we’re hair splitters over here, and Ajax’s age-belying prospect is an absolute marvel.

Hailed for his “special” talents by scout Phil Costa, so skilled, so versatile, Hato could become one of the best in the world across multiple positions, and if that isn’t enough to send frissons of excitement through the Liverpool fanbase, what is?

It’s for this reason that he has been described as an “exceptional athlete” by analyst Ben Mattinson. When considering Hato’s quality across not one but two positions that Liverpool need to strengthen, you could argue he’s the more exciting man than Kerkez.

Certainly, there’s more thrill involved with the teenager than Robertson, who Jamie Carragher called “an absolute legend” in January, but a defender who has been “hanging on in every game.”

If, at the eleventh hour, Liverpool’s bid to sign Kerkez falls through, Hato would prove an excellent alternative; but, if all goes to plan and Hughes secures another excellent signing for the title-winning Reds, adding Hato to the mix would surely complete the set.

Slot's own Mane: Liverpool enter race to sign "unbelievable" £51m star

Liverpool are presented with a unique market opportunity to sign a talented youngster.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 16, 2025

Everton are building for the new campaign under David Moyes and have revived their interest in an experienced midfielder who could be available on the cheap this summer, according to a report.

Everton encounter confusion in Kenny Tete pursuit

Over the last few days, Everton appeared to be closing in on Fulham right-back Kenny Tete after talks were said to have progressed on a free transfer deal that would see the Dutchman pitch up at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

However, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Fulham have now submitted a fresh contract offer to Tete as his present terms at Craven Cottage come to an end, with a final decision on his future expected in the next few days.

He explained: “Fulham have sent today new improved contract proposal to Kenny Tete after he verbally agreed to join Everton earlier this week. Both Fulham and Everton have proposals on the table now for the right back who’s available as free agent. Final decision soon.”

Despite a deal looking signed and sealed, there may be more work to do for the Toffees on the market following recent developments, though David Moyes is seemingly wasting no time in his mission to strengthen.

Villarreal forward Thierno Barry could join Everton following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s departure, but they will seek to negotiate at a figure below his current £40 million release clause.

Dream Gueye replacement: Moyes pushing Everton to sign £17m "big game" star

Everton may need a replacement for Idrissa Gueye.

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 24, 2025

Plenty of bodies have gone out the door at Finch Farm and there is a need for strength in depth as the Toffees enter a new era under Moyes.

Now, Everton fans could have something to shout about after the Tete debacle amid news that their side have revived their interest in a proven Premier League midfielder.

Everton could sign Wilfred Ndidi for a bargain price

According to talkSPORT, Everton have revived their interest in Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and could land the Nigeria international for £9 million due to a release clause in his contract that is now active after the Foxes’ relegation.

Manchester United are also attentive to his situation, while Saudi Pro League clubs linger in the background, ready to offer the 28-year-old an escape route from the King Power Stadium.

Labelled “brilliant” by James Maddison, Ndidi registered one goal and five assists in 30 appearances across all competitions last campaign, though he couldn’t help his side escape relegation under Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s stewardship.

Possessing a high level of pedigree, the former KRC Genk man has won 65 caps at international level for Nigeria and would be an ideal replacement for Orel Mangala following the latter’s departure.

Nevertheless, competition is fierce for his signature, meaning Everton will need to act quick on the market to ensure he is wearing a different shade of blue next season.

There’s no certainty Liverpool will sign an out-and-out striker in the summer transfer market, even with Darwin Nunez in the process of leaving Anfield and joining Serie A champion Napoli.

It’s funny: in the build-up to the market, many of a Reds persuasion would have ranked the acquisition of a high-level striker among Richard Hughes’ chief priorities as Liverpool’s sporting director.

However, the Reds have armed themselves with a wide breadth of fresh quality, and though they are yet to sign a centre-forward, there’s no question that Arne Slot has the tools to defend his Premier League title and challenge for the various other trophies up for grabs.

Signing a new striker would hardly be a bad thing, though, especially with rumours linking Liverpool to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, who was declared “the best striker in the Premier League” by pundit Jamie Carragher last season.

However, should Luis Diaz be on the move too, that stance will no doubt change.

Luis Diaz's Liverpool future: the latest

At the start of June, Liverpool reportedly rejected a formal approach from Barcelona for their trusty forward Diaz. The 28-year-old hit 17 goals and eight assists across all competitions last season, filling in plenty at number nine to compensate for the struggles of Nunez and Diogo Jota.

Liverpool’s supposed stance is that he’s going nowhere, but that hasn’t stopped a gurgling stream of rumours from flowing through.

With interest coming from the Saudi Pro League too, there’s every chance the Colombian moves ship after his successful year in Slot’s system, for he has just two years remaining on his current deal and earns a comparatively meagre salary at £55k per week.

Given the potential finances involved in an agreement with a team like Al-Nassr, Liverpool’s position may well shift, though it would mean that the Merseysiders would need to sign a replacement.

Diaz’s dynamic qualities worked a treat for Slot last year, bringing something unique to the squad. Such players are few and far between, although Hughes has found a potential successor with similar properties.

Liverpool line up Diaz replacement

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are interested in signing Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman this summer, albeit they are behind Arsenal in the race at this stage.

The Gunners, who have a long-standing interest in the 27-year-old, are engaged in negotiations, with the Serie A side seeking a €50m (£43m) fee.

With Hughes keeping an eye on Lookman, things may yet accelerate. A deal would depend on the outcome of Diaz’s quandary, but given his dynamic faculties, it’s a move worth exploring.

Why Liverpool should sign Ademola Lookman

Liverpool have one of the best left-sided forwards in the business in Cody Gakpo, but the Dutchman would need competition if Diaz were to leave.

Mohamed Salah is a matchless forward, but he turned 33 this month and cannot be expected to haul such a heavy load again without more goalscoring support from his peers – Lookman could help in that regard, for sure.

Lookman, indeed, could blend the skill sets together, especially as he has some experience as his team’s focal frontman, and performing prolifically at that.

Broadcaster Maximiliano Bretos praised Lookman for his “monster” 2023/24 season, winning the Europa League and posting 27 goal involvements across 45 matches.

It was his stunning hat-trick which won Atalanta the Europa League and ended Bayer Leverkusen’s incredible unbeaten run, which stretched across the vast chasm of a campaign.

There was no doubting it: this former Everton, Leicester City and Fulham prospect, who never quite brought it together in the Premier League, was a “superstar”, as had been said by 90min’s Sean Walsh.

Perhaps he didn’t quite reach the same heights last year, but he still scored 20 goals and provided seven assists for his Italian outfit – a higher tally than Diaz for Liverpool, it should be noted.

And the underlying data speaks in his favour too. As per FBref, Lookman ranked among the top 4% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last year for goals, the top 1% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 2% for progressive carries per 90.

With Newcastle set to demand £200m for Isak this summer, Liverpool might be better off heading down this left-field track and signing a versatile forward who was recognised for his talent at a young age and has since realised his potential after first weathering adversity.

After all, FBref’s data reveals the Sweden international to have been among Lookman’s most comparable strikers in 2024/25, having played with a roundedness that aligns with the complete nature of Isak’s skill set, as has been noted by pundit Alan Shearer, who said in January, “his all-round game is magnificent.”

His performances out wide have also led the stats-led site to draw up Salah as one of his most comparable wingers, something which should hardly come as a surprise given the Nigerian’s ball-striking prowess and direct style of play.

Would he be expected to emulate Salah’s ridiculous output? Absolutely not. The Egyptian King scored 34 goals and supplied 23 assists in Slot’s system last year.

But the fact that Liverpool are pursuing a player with a semblance of their talisman bodes well for Slot’s project, especially as Lookman would be best utilised centrally or out on the left, meaning the forwards could play side-by-side.

All this hinges on Diaz’s fate, of course, but with so much exciting activity happening on Merseyside this summer, there are so many reasons to be excited for Liverpool fans.

A Mane repeat: Liverpool likely to finalise move for £40m "monster" soon

Liverpool have enjoyed a fantastic transfer window and it’s not slowing down.

1

By
Matt Dawson

Jun 29, 2025

Nottingham Forest may soon have to contemplate life without star winger Anthony Elanga, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side casting their eyes towards a Premier League star in search of a quality replacement.

Liverpool racing Nottingham Forest to sign "fantastic" £17m Diaz heir

Diaz could still leave the club this summer.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 2, 2025

While nothing is signed or confirmed just yet, Elanga is gradually heading in the direction of Newcastle United – coming as a blow to Nuno as he prepares the club for their first campaign back in Europe for decades.

The versatile Sweden international was one of Forest’s most influential attackers last season in their chase for Champions League qualification, which went all the way to the final day, with Nuno’s side having to settle for a place in the Conference League through no fault of Elanga’s.

The 23-year-old bagged 12 assists and scored six goals in all competitions under Nuno last season, so much so that Newcastle are now attempting to agree a £55 million deal for Elanga with “positive” talks ongoing.

If Elanga does depart the City Ground, Forest were looking at PSV Eindhoven sensation Johan Bakayoko in January, and the Belgian is re-emerging as a rumoured target.

According to information from Nottingham Forest News, Liverpool forward Harvey Elliott is being considered as well, following his sublime performances with England at the Under-21 European Championship.

Elliott opened the scoring for England in their 3-2 final win over Germany late last month, helping Lee Carsley’s side with four other goals en route to the final, and the 22-year-old’s exceptional displays have placed him on the radar of numerous top-flight sides who could look to tempt him away from Anfield.

Liverpool will reportedly demand around £50 million to sell the former Fulham academy graduate, but this hasn’t deterred Forest.

Forest identify Harvey Elliott as potential Elanga replacement

According to Forest News, Elliott is on Nuno’s initial shortlist of potential replacements for Elanga, alongside Bakayoko.

The attacking midfielder struggled for Premier League minutes in an illustrious title-winning side last term, but contributed when called upon. Elliott was out for a large portion of the early-season with a broken foot, but began to find his own towards the latter stages of 2024/2025.

Elliott scored the winner in a 1-0 victory at PSG in the Champions League round of 16, after also scoring against both Lille and PSV in the league phase, so he’s a player capable of performing at the very highest level.

Clubs may well lure him with the promise of more consistent game time, and considering Elanga’s potentially imminent exit, we certainly cannot discount Forest.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he looks to leave Liverpool this summer,” said former scout Mick Brown to Football Insider recently.

“There are a number of clubs in the Premier League and abroad who want to sign him. He’s a better player than a lot of people give him credit for, and when he comes on as a sub he always produces quality moments.

“It’s difficult to understand why he hasn’t been playing at Liverpool. Maybe he doesn’t get on particularly well with the manager, maybe he’s just not the right fit for their system, but he’s a very talented player.

“I expect clubs will be queuing up for him if he does become available. He’s the type of player who would add something to most teams in the country.”

Glasgow Rangers completed their latest signing of the summer transfer window on Tuesday when they confirmed the arrival of Djedi Gassama at Ibrox.

The 21-year-old winger has arrived at Rangers on a four-year deal to bolster Russell Martin’s options on the flanks, after he scored seven goals in 43 games last season.

Gassama will be hoping to provide a threat in the final third on a regular basis for the Scottish Premiership giants next term, and could be in line to make his debut against Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifier later this month.

The French forward may not be the only player to arrive at Ibrox this week, though, as there is another player who wants to make the switch to Glasgow in the coming days.

English star pushing to sign for Rangers

One of Martin’s transfer targets is said to be pushing for a move to Ibrox this week, and it could be an even better signing than Gassama if they can get it over the line.

Transfer Focus

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

According to the Daily Record, Leicester City central defender wants to complete a transfer to Rangers from the Championship side by the end of this week.

The report claims that the former England international is ready to plead with the Foxes to give him the green light to make the move to Ibrox, in order to be in the squad to face Panathinaikos later this month.

It adds that Martin is a big fan of Coady and that the player wants to join the club to be the ‘linchpin’ of the new defensive set-up at Ibrox next season.

Why Coady would be a better signing than Gassama

At least for next season, the veteran central defender could be an even better signing than Gassama because of the quality and experience that he could use to hit the ground running.

Gassama, at the age of 21, is a young and promising forward who may need time to adapt to Scottish football and to grow as a player, having only managed eight goal contributions in 43 games in the second tier in England last term.

Meanwhile, Coady is 32 and has made 198 appearances in the Premier League. He has proven himself at the very top level in domestic European football, and showcased his in-possession qualities when Leicester were in the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.

As you can see in the table above, the English star is a centre-back who has the quality and mentality to be incredibly progressive with his use of the ball, helping his team to play through the thirds quickly and effectively in a ball-dominant team.

Off the ball, Coady won 64% of his duels that season for the Foxes in their title-winning campaign, which shows that he can also dominate opposition attackers in physical tussles.

The former Wolves captain, who was described as an “infectious” character by Gareth Southgate, is a proven quantity who would be able to arrive at Rangers to provide instant, almost guaranteed, quality on the pitch with his abilities in and out of possession as a centre-back.

There is far less risk attached to signing a proven player like Coady, who was playing in the Premier League last season, than bringing in a 21-year-old from the second division in England.

Raskin repeat: Rangers racing to sign £9m "set-piece specialist" at Ibrox

Rangers are reportedly interested in a deal for a star who could be their next Nicolas Raskin.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 14, 2025

That is not to say that Gassama will be a bad signing, or that he is not an exciting addition, but Martin also needs instant quality and that is why Coady may be an even better piece of business if they can get it over the line this week.

Marseille president Pablo Longoria has opened up about the departure of key midfielder Adrien Rabiot after his dressing room bust-up with England international Jonathan Rowe. Longoria says Rabiot's exit was not pre-determined and the club have been left with a void after his transfer to AC Milan. However, the Marseille president claims the club needed to act to maintain the spirit of discipline.

• Rabiot and Rowe's dressing room fight

  After a 1-0 defeat against 10-man Rennes in the first game of the season, tensions escalated in the Marseille dressing room, ending in a physical altercation between Rabiot and Rowe, which saw a young player knocked unconscious. The pair were subsequently banished from the squad and put up for sale, with Rowe joining Bologna before Rabiot headed to AC Milan – the pair came up against each other on Sunday in Serie A.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Marseille president has no regrets about losing Rabiot

  The incident rocked the club's start to the season and saw Rabiot, a crucial midfielder last season, exit Roberto De Zerbi's team. While the president admitted they have lost a quality asset, he feels it was the correct decision.

  "It's good to close this matter and look forward. I have no regrets because we were very clear," he told . "We have to say things about Adrien. The first is that it doesn't change the consideration I have for him. I believe the player has brought us a lot. But when you have the strong conviction that the club must be structured in such a way that decisions are respected, there are no regrets. When you are loyal to your princes, you can sleep peacefully."

  Longoria further added: "The situation as such is regrettable because no one wants to reach this point of no return, especially when we are talking about a player who is important in sporting terms and for the team. But regarding the follow-up and the decisions taken, when you do things according to your convictions, there are no regrets."

• Former teammates hold no grudges against each other

  Rabiot was asked about the events that transpired between him and Rowe last week when he attended a press conference. The player insisted that there is no bad blood between them and that it will be nice to see him. He also shared that the two texted each other after departing from Marseille. Milan won 1-0 against Bologna with Luka Modric sealing the win for the Rossoneri with his first goal.

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• AFP
  

  Marseille to clash with Real Madrid in Champions League opener

  Marseille have signed Brighton's Matt O'Riley on loan as a replacement for Rabiot. The French club will be travelling to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Madrid in their opening fixture of the Champions League on September 17.

‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results’. Well, Manchester United are finally mixing things up a bit this summer.

Indeed, the recent captures of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha – signed for a combined fee of around £130m – point to the Red Devils going down the Premier League-proven route, something that has hardly been the norm in recent years.

Since the summer of 2019, for instance, the only player plucked from a top-flight rival for a significant fee was that of Mason Mount, with then-boss Erik ten Hag dishing out £55m to prise the Englishman from Chelsea.

Of course, that statement deal has hardly worked out, considering the injury-hit playmaker has scored just four goals in two years, although the warning signs were there, with Mount scoring just three goals in his final year with the Blues.

Such woes hopefully won’t be replicated with regard to Cunha and Mbeumo, however, with the pair fresh off the back of having scored 35 league goals combined in 2024/25 – just nine fewer than United recorded collectively last season.

Ruben Amorim’s forward line has been given a much-needed fresh lick of paint, although a new number nine still remains elusive. Might there be an option within the Premier League to consider?

Premier League striker wants to join Man Utd

£64m was spent on Rasmus Hojlund in 2023. A further £36.5m was dished out on Joshua Zirkzee a year later. And yet, here we are, still waiting for a reliable and clinical centre-forward to arrive at Old Trafford.

The most prominent name to have been linked in recent weeks is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, with recent reports indicating that talks have been held regarding a potential move for the 29-year-old.

That said, the Midlands side appear to have rebuffed such interest amid their desire to keep hold of the Englishman, with alternative options also being considered by Amorim and co.

Transfer Focus

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

As per GIVEMESPORT, United have been presented with a chance to sign Nicolas Jackson from Stamford Bridge, with the Senegalese striker said to be keen to join the club this summer.

The report adds that contact has been made to gauge whether or not the Red Devils would be interested in pouncing on that potential opening, with Jackson’s role at Chelsea under threat following the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

While the west Londoners’ would surely need to compromise on their reported £100m asking price for the 24-year-old, an affordable deal could well be one for United to consider this summer.

Why Jackson could be a clever capture for United

On the face of it, plucking the former Villarreal man from his current home might not be too popular a move for those of a United persuasion, with Jackson enduring a mixed time of things in English football.

The mercurial talent notably came under fire for his recent red card in the defeat to Flamengo at the Club World Cup, having also been sent off against Newcastle United at the tail-end of the Premier League season.

He can undoubtedly be erratic – as evidenced by his 19 big chances missed in 2024/25 – although there is reason for optimism, with the forward boasting a respectable record at top-flight level to date.

Across his two seasons at Chelsea, the £100k-per-week marksman has hit double figures for league goals in each of those campaigns, scoring 14 and ten times, respectively, for the Blues. He’s a player who has got “Louis Saha vibes”, according to Rio Ferdinand.

That solid record would certainly be an upgrade on what United’s current options have to offer, with Hojlund and Zirkzee scoring just seven league goals between them last time out.

What that impact also points to is that – like with Mbeumo and Cunha – Jackson has proven that he can make the difference at Premier League level, having even been dubbed a “monster of a striker” by John Obi Mikel.

Cunha, for instance, has scored 27 league goals across the last two campaigns, while Mbeumo – who did endure a spell out with injury in 2023/24 – netted 29 times in that same period, with the pair only just ahead of Jackson’s return of 24.

Throwing that ‘proven’ trio into the mix to lead the line for Amorim could well be just the solution to help steer United back toward European qualification. Yes, it might not be a title-winning combination, although needs must as far as the Red Devils are concerned.

Jackson wouldn’t be the most glamorous of additions, but, with Alexander Isak noted as the most statistically similar striker to him in Europe – as per FBref – perhaps there is a diamond there waiting to be unearthed.

He finishes like RVP: Man Utd make "phenomenal" £67m CF their main target

Manchester United have set their sights on a new talisman for Ruben Amorim.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 24, 2025

After an inauspicious but victorious start to their Scottish Premiership title defense, Celtic’s need for attacking reinforcements was emphatically underlined further.

On Sunday, after the champions’ flag had been flown, the Hoops struggled to break down a solid and stubborn St Mirren, requiring a deflected strike from Luke McCowan with just two minutes remaining to pinch all three points at Parkhead.

In less than a fortnight, Brendan Rodgers’ side will take on either Kairat or Slovan Bratislava in a season-defining Champions League play-off tie, the first leg in Almaty between that pair ended 1-0 on Wednesday, and supporters are concerned about the squad’s current lack of quality.

So, with that clash looming large, could Celtic soon sign a new highly-rated youngster?

Celtic's search for firepower

Inarguably, Celtic’s squad is weaker now than it was in May, largely due to the fact Nicolas Kühn has been sold to Como for a reported fee of £16.5m.

The German winger scored 21 goals across all competitions last season, most notably bagging a brace during the famous Champions League victory over RB Leipzig, also on target as the Hoops came agonisingly close to a victory over Bayern Munich in Bavaria.

This saw him sold for a more than 500% profit, having arrived from Rapid Wien for just £3m a year and a half earlier, but fans are demanding that this money be reinvested in a similarly high-quality replacement.

Well, according to a report from TEAMtalk, Celtic are intensifying their interest in Brøndby winger Clement Bischoff, with Premier League trio Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Brighton also noted as being interested.

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They add that, should he move to Glasgow, he would add ‘dynamism’ to Rodgers’ wide options, valued at just over £6m.

It’s safe to assume Celtic have sent scouts to Brøndbyvester, given their long-standing interest in Brøndby​​​​​​​’s top scorer last season Mathias Kvistgaarden, who instead joined Norwich City for £6.9m, but will the Scottish champions land their man this time?

What Clement Bischoff would bring to Celtic

Still only 19 years old, Bischoff made his Danish Superligaen debut as recently as February 2024, but was a key figure for Brøndby last season, making 39 senior appearances across all competitions, 27 of which were starts.

He scored two league goals, on target against Viborg and Lyngby, while also providing ten assists, starting both legs of Brøndby’s Conference League qualifying victory over Havnar Bóltfelag to start this campaign. He also started their first two Superligaen fixtures, scoring the only goal as they beat Nordsjælland away from home last month.

His performances saw him included in Denmark’s squad for the under-21 European Championships earlier this summer, starting three of four fixtures, netting against Ukraine and during the quarter-final defeat to France in Prešov.

During that tournament, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelled him a “quality winger”, adding elsewhere that he is “flamboyant”, noting that his strengths include “explosive” pace, dribbling, ball-striking technique and the fact he is ambidextrous.

So how does he compare to the man he could well be replacing in Glasgow Kühn?

As the table documents, while Kühn comes out on top for the vast majority of metrics, it’s worth noting that Bischoff is still a teenager, while the German joined Celtic as a 24-year-old, and played almost twice as many minutes during the timeframe analysed.

The young Dane’s statistics are largely similar to Kühn’s, which is certainly high praise, coming out on top when it comes to shooting accuracy and crosses per game, while only a small amount below in terms of shots, assists and chances created.

Thus, Bischoff is clearly an ultra-talented player, one that could prove to be a bargain if Celtic are able to secure his signature.

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