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Arsenal have been throttled by injury setbacks over the past few months, but the biggest prize is still up for grabs – and Mikel Arteta knows his side can go all the way.

Indeed, it would take a collapse of epic proportions to fall at the Emirates against PSV Eindhoven next week after winning 7-1 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. One of the Madrid sides will meet the Gunners in the quarter-finals.

By then, Arteta will hope to have Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back in the mix, suppressing the selection crisis that has pulled Arsenal away from Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

Tuesday evening’s thrashing of PSV was a reminder of what Arsenal can do, even when sapped, even when depleted. This is a world-class outfit, and with a few well-placed summer signings, could make the 2025/26 campaign one for the history books.

Arsenal's summer transfer plans

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are both ruled out for the season, but Arsenal don’t have the cannons they so covet even when both forwards are fully fit.

An out-and-out number nine is needed, and while Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is the first-choice target, it may be more realistic to target the £58m-rated Benjamin Sesko instead.

But Arsenal need to focus on more than just one frontal third. Indeed, news broke out in January that the north Londoners are progressing to the advanced stages of negotiations with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, transfer slated for the summer after he rejected Liverpool last year.

Then, of course, Arteta and projected new sporting director Andrea Berta will need to seek a reinforcement or two on the flanks. Saka and Martinelli might be absent but even a fully-fit Arsenal squad this season has suffered from the absence of potent depth.

Raheem Sterling’s loan move from Chelsea will conclude in a few months, and on the basis of the evidence, it would be a travesty to pursue a permanent deal for the 30-year-old.

Given the significance of getting it right with a new striker, Zubimendi and perhaps something else too, Arteta may want to consider the future of a current Gunner plying their trade out on loan.

He flattered to deceive in the past, but there’s enough promise to suggest he may deserve a second shot – especially since he’s being compared to none other than Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes.

Arteta could save millions with Arsenal loan star

Arsenal are by no means in need of a rebuild; this is the best Gunners team in a generation. However, investment is a must this year and Arteta may be inclined to bring one player back to the fold to ease the financial burden.

That player is Fabio Vieira, always regarded as a talented and technical player but struggling to meet the rigours of Premier League football after signing from Porto in 2022 for a £34m fee.

He made 49 appearances for Arsenal across his first two campaigns, scoring three goals and registering nine assists, but ultimately failed to nail down a starting berth – there’s still time though.

Now 24, the Portuguese playmaker is back at his former stomping ground on loan, and after a slow start has become an important cog in Martin Anselmi’s machine.

Right winger

15

1

3

Attacking midfield

9

1

0

Central midfield

4

2

1

Left winger

1

0

0

As you can see, Vieira’s playmaking abilities and flexibility have seen him operate across a range of tactical roles, with his performances on the right flank in particular sure to have helped in overcoming the absence of Saka these past few months.

He also ranks among the top 16% of attacking midfielders and wingers performing in the Europa League this season for pass completion and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, highlighting the creative spark that could have enhanced Arsenal’s attacking fluency this season, perhaps adding a dimension to ensure the strikers hit their stride.

Such skills have seen the £45k-per-week talent be likened to Manchester United’s captain, as per FBref, with Fernandes also boasting sharp ball-playing skills. In fact, football writer Muhammad Butt has even described the Portugal sensation as a “genius” on the ball.

While Vieira isn’t on his compatriot’s level, his smooth passing and competent defensive work – superior to that of his time in an Arsenal shirt – suggests he might not be finished in north London just yet. Writer Hayley McGoldrick has even described him as “special, special player” with an “incredible” ability to make an impact.

Indeed, as per Sofascore, Vieira has created seven big chances from only 12 starting appearances in Liga Portugal this term, also winning 50% of his ground duels. This latter metric is important, for he won 41% and 45% of such battles across his two campaigns in the Premier League.

Defensive contribution serves as one of the central pillars of Fernandes’ game. Man United have fallen by the wayside in recent years but his leadership has been a saving grace. Just imagine Old Trafford’s current state in a Fernandes-less world.

This is of course reflected through the metrics: the 30-year-old has averaged 2.3 tackles per Premier League game this term while winning 51% of his ground duels. Such a success rate (almost identical to Vieira’s) might not seem all that impressive, but you must remember such players operate in the thick of opposition defensive zones.

Before Vieira left for Porto, Arteta reportedly confirmed internally his desire to keep the midfielder on the books, saying he “aligns perfectly” with the club’s vision.

There’s time yet for this one to make a stunning resurgence, and it’s just a shame that he’s not at the Emirates now to provide relief for Arteta’s injury-hit side.

Worth more than Odegaard: Arsenal have struck gold on Arteta's "machine"

The international star is already one of Arsenal’s best players.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 6, 2025

Chelsea’s bid to secure Champions League qualification continues on Sunday afternoon, with Enzo Maresca’s side taking on rivals Arsenal at the Emirates amid what is an action-packed day of football.

One man who will be forced to watch on for that all-London affair, however, is 82-cap England international, Raheem Sterling, with the 30-year-old, who is currently on loan with the Gunners, unable to feature against his parent club.

Quite whether the former Manchester City man would have started anyway, even amid Arsenal’s attacking injury woes, remains to be seen, albeit with the experienced winger having supplied two assists in midweek during the Champions League clash with PSV.

That bright showing against the Eredivisie side represented a notable high point in an otherwise low-key temporary stint in north London for Sterling, having only started ten games in all competitions, scoring only once.

The struggling forward had likely been hoping for a fresh start under the tutelage of former City assistant, Mikel Arteta, although on the evidence to date, he has simply regressed even further following a tricky two years at Stamford Bridge.

Raheem Sterling's Chelsea woes

The one-time Liverpool man has, perplexingly, been a polarising figure across his time in English football. That was best epitomised by ex-City teammate Kevin De Bruyne, who stated that the press perception of Sterling had led him to believe the winger would be ‘arrogant’, albeit having ultimately encountered what the Belgian described as ‘one of the nicest, most humble guys I’ve met in football’.

On the pitch too, the former teen sensation has not always received the recognition he deserves, having scored 20 goals in 82 games for his country, while most notably netting 131 times during his spell at the Etihad.

It was that form in Manchester that tempted Todd Boehly and co into splashing out a reported fee of £50m for his signature in 2022, with then-boss Thomas Tuchel describing Sterling as a “huge player” at the time.

Sadly, as his subsequent loan move has indicated, things simply haven’t worked out in west London, with the ageing star scoring just 19 goals in 81 games in all competitions to date.

That resulted in the £325k-per-week asset being exiled at the start of the current campaign by Maresca, resulting in his temporary switch away, with it hard to see any way back at his parent club, amid the largely youth-centric approach that Boehly has overseen.

Seemingly an expensive mistake considering his wage and transfer fee, Sterling’s case is one which Chelsea will hope to avoid in future. Unfortunately, however, the scenario already looks to be repeating itself.

Chelsea have unearthed the new Raheem Sterling

Signing an English talent who’s fallen on hard times from a Manchester-based, Premier League rival – sound familiar?

Like with Sterling – who had admitted his “game time was getting limited” at the Etihad – Chelsea made the decision to rescue Jadon Sancho from his Manchester United hell over the summer, after making a loan swoop of their own late in the window.

Signed on a deal that includes an obligation to buy for a fee between £20m-£25m, the 24-year-old had also fallen way down the pecking order back at Old Trafford, after spending the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

Prior to that, the £73m signing had scored just 12 goals and contributed only six assists for the Red Devils, having failed to replicate the stunning form he showcased during his first spell in Germany, after racking up over 100 goal contributions for Dortmund.

On the face of it, landing the once promising forward for a potential fee of just £20m looked like astute business, particularly with Sancho starting strongly in west London after registering three assists in his first three league games for the club.

Stat

Sancho

Sterling

Games

22

12

Goals

2

0

Assists

4

1

Big chances created

5

0

Key passes*

1.3

0.4

Pass accuracy*

85%

83%

Successful dribbles*

1.9

0.7

Possession lost*

8.2

4.9x

Remarkably, however, the Man City academy graduate has only registered one more assist in the league since then, while scoring only twice.

Those woes were highlighted by the fact that in Thursday’s win over FC Copenhagen, Sancho registered a shot on target for the first time since Boxing Day, indicating just what a limited threat he has become in a Chelsea shirt.

That rapid decline has led to notable criticism from the likes of John Obi Mikel, with the former Blues hero stating that the Englishman has simply “disappeared” of late:

Those damning remarks emphasise just how poor the £100k-per-week man has been in 2024/25, having been branded with a 4/10 match rating from GOAL’s Peter McVitie during the midweek Conference League clash.

It now looks for all the world that Chelsea have been lumbered with another expensive error, even if the Daily Mail has claimed that Sancho could actually return to his parent club, if the Blues agree to fork out a costly penalty fee.

Either way, whatever happens this summer, this simply isn’t a deal that has worked out, with Sancho sadly heading the way of Sterling, rather than replicating the brilliance of Cole Palmer.

Their new Obi Mikel: Chelsea must regret selling "priceless" star for £34m

Chelsea may have sold their answer to John Obi Mikel with this “priceless” star

ByConnor Holden Mar 13, 2025

Liverpool are expected to enter the summer transfer window with attacking intent, bolstering Arne Slot’s talented squad with high-quality additions across the park.

While fans eagerly await news of forwards to strengthen a somewhat lopsided frontline, the realm of full-back is sure to receive focused attention too. And interestingly, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, it’s left-back that will receive the biggest facelift in spite of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to Real Madrid.

Milos Kerkez is the name on everyone’s lips, but Liverpool aren’t a team to place all their eggs in one basket, and may well have found the perfect alternative.

Liverpool transfer news

Kerkez, 21, is expected to leave Bournemouth this summer, with reputable sources like Fabrizio Romano suggesting Liverpool are among the favourites to complete a deal.

However, Kerkez isn’t the only exciting talent on the market. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool have joined the race to sign Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso.

Riddled with monetary issues, Juventus are ready to hold a fire sale as they try to avoid financial sanctions and Cambiaso is among those listed.

A top player, the Old Lady will field enquiries worth €60m (£50m), with Manchester City and Bayern Munich also interested.

Kerkez, meanwhile, is understood hold a lesser value, around £40m.

Why Andrea Cambiaso may be better than Kerkez

Cambiaso has completed 74 matches, notching 14 goal involvements, for Juventus since joining from Serie A rivals Genoa in 2022.

Physically gifted and endowed with the pace and potency down the flank to serve strongly as an all-encompassing wide defender, Cambiaso may well be a better, more refined pick for Slot’s Liverpool than Kerkez.

No disrespect to the Hungarian, who would mark an upgrade on both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, but Juventus simply have one of the best in the business, who has shone despite his side’s struggles this year under the recently dismissed Thiago Motta.

Matches (starts)

26 (20)

29 (29)

Goals

2

2

Assists

1

5

Touches*

64.7

57.8

Pass completion

92%

81%

Key passes*

1.1

0.9

Dribbles*

0.9

0.6

Ball recoveries*

3.6

4.6

Tackles + interceptions*

2.0

2.6

Clearances*

0.6

2.7

Duels (won)*

3.3 (52%)

3.8 (51%)

In fairness, there’s not the greatest deal of statistical difference between the two players, but deeper diving reveals Cambiaso to be among the most balanced attacking full-backs in the game.

Indeed, the 25-year-old has even been singled out for his “world-class vision” by journalist Zach Lowy. He might be on the wrong side, but this would certainly help to ameliorate Alexander-Arnold’s looming departure.

As per FBref, Cambiaso actually ranks among the top 12% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for pass completion and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90, emphasising his athleticism and creative flair.

That’s not to say Kerkez isn’t a holder of such virtues himself, but if we refresh ourselves with the table above, he’s not yet as refined or relentless as the Italy international.

With so much upheaval set to take place at Anfield this summer, Liverpool may do well to welcome Cambiaso to the ranks. He won’t come cheap, but there are scant few superior options across Europe who could make the marked improvement on Slot’s already-thriving team.

Liverpool hit gold on "magic" Klopp signing now worth even more than Trent

Liverpool are going to need their players to step up with Trent off to Real Madrid.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 25, 2025

Manchester United are now willing to make a £67m offer to ensure they win the race for an “incredible” striker, who fits Ruben Amorim’s system “perfectly”, according to a report.

Red Devils keen on a striker

Man United signed off before the international break with a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Leicester City, and Rasmus Hojlund was back amongst the goals, finally finding the back of the net after a 13-game drought in the Premier League.

However, given that the Dane has bagged just three league goals all season, while Joshua Zirkzee has also struggled in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, it is clear to see why Amorim wants to bring in a new striker in the summer transfer window.

A promising new update has revealed there could now be an opening to sign Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who has been followed closely for several seasons, while United are also the favourites to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

Man Utd want to sell £10m-a-year star and replace him with "monster" player

Amorim wants Man Utd to strengthen their defensive options this summer, leaving one of his current options out in the cold.

ByBrett Worthington Mar 25, 2025

There is no shortage of top strikers from across Europe on the shortlist, but a new report from Spain suggests a Premier League forward has now become a serious target, with Man United now willing to shell out €80m (£67m) for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha.

United could go all out to sign Cunha, whose ability to play in multiple positions has caught the eye, and negotiations could be stepped up in the coming weeks, with a view to sealing a deal ahead of the summer transfer window.

Wolves view the striker as an important player, but they are willing to sanction his departure this summer, and they may have little choice in the matter, with reports from elsewhere revealing he has a £63m release clause.

"Incredible" Cunha fits Amorim's system "perfectly"

There are indications the Brazilian could be an ideal signing for United this summer, with former scout Mick Brown asserting he is a good fit for Amorim’s style of play.

“I think he fits the system perfectly. He can press, he’s quick, his passing and creativity is very good, and he can play through the middle and score goals too.”

The 25-year-old has been impressing in the Premier League for quite some time, having previously been lauded as “incredible” by former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, and he has been a reliable source of goals and assists this season.

The Brazil international has amassed 13 goals and four assists in 26 Premier League games, while also recently bagging his first goal for his national side.

It is clear United need to bring in a new striker this summer, given Hojlund and Zirkzee’s struggles, and Cunha has proven himself as a reliable goalscorer in the Premier League.

Manchester City are back in action once again in the Premier League this evening as they prepare to travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.

The Cityzens come into this match off the back of a 2-0 win over Leicester City at The Etihad last time out in the top-flight, thanks to goals from Jack Grealish and Omar Marmoush.

Pep Guardiola will still be without star striker Erling Haaland, due to an ankle injury, but the Spanish head coach knows that he can now rely on Marmoush to step up in that position.

Why Omar Marmoush has been a worthwhile signing for Man City

The Egypt international joined the club from Eintracht Frankfurt in the January transfer window and has hit the ground running in Manchester as a versatile forward, who can play out wide or through the middle as a striker.

He started as the centre-forward against Leicester and showed off his goalscoring instincts and technique to pounce on a mistake by Mads Hermansen and fire the ball in off the crossbar.

The 26-year-old sensation has now scored five goals and created three ‘big chances’ for his teammates in seven starts in the Premier League this year, which shows that he has provided an instant threat in the final third as both a scorer and a creator.

These statistics illustrate why he has been a worthwhile signing for City already, because he has made an impact right away and offered quality in front of goal in the absence of Haaland.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Guardiola must, now, unleash Kevin de Bruyne from the start – for his last Manchester derby before he leaves in the summer – to partner Marmoush in attack this evening.

Why Kevin de Bruyne should start against Man Utd

There is, of course, the sentimental angle in the sense that this will be his last chance to play in the derby before his contract expires at the end of the season, so it could be a good moment to bring him back into the XI to have one last dance with the Red Devils.

The Belgian whiz, who has scored three goals and provided six assists against Man Utd in his career, was an unused substitute in the win over Leicester, which could allow him to come into this game fresh and raring to go.

De Bruyne, as you can see in the clips above, has been a sensational creative force for the Cityzens over the years, with his ability to pick out sublime passes and crosses to assist his teammates.

The Belgium international, who Frank Lampard claimed “plays like a superstar”, has consistently created ‘big chances’ for his fellow attackers to find the back of the net throughout his Premier League career with the club.

24/25

12

11

23/24

15

21

22/23

28

31

21/22

25

16

20/21

23

19

19/20

32

33

18/19

11

11

17/18

36

19

16/17

33

24

15/16

22

8

As you can see in the table above, de Bruyne tends to create ‘big chances’ when he starts matches for City in the top-flight, which is why he should be unleashed this evening.

Jeremy Doku, who did not contribute to a goal or an assist last time out, could drop to the bench with Grealish moved out to the left, allowing the Belgian star to play centrally behind Marmoush.

Dream De Bruyne replacement: Man City competing to sign "world-class" star

Manchester City are facing “serious competition” from Premier League rivals as they seek to sign a “world-class” star to replace Kevin De Bruyne.

ByBen Gray Apr 4, 2025

This would, hopefully, allow the Man City legend to provide the Egyptian star with the ‘big chances’ he needs to add to his growing collection of Premier League goals since his move to The Etihad in January.

Leeds United know that they could have achieved promotion to the Premier League by Monday night if results go their way over the Easter period.

The Whites are currently five points clear of Sheffield United in third place and will officially be promoted if they win both of their matches and the Blades drop any points in their two games.

Daniel Farke’s side beat Preston North End 2-1 at Elland Road last time out to ensure that they had a healthy gap to third place, and they can now get the job done, with a bit of luck from others, in the next few days.

The Whites would still have plenty of work to do to win the title, as they are currently level on points with Burnley, but the main aim of promotion would have been secured.

Farke and his staff could, then, start to think about plans for the 2025/26 campaign and how they will build a squad that is capable of avoiding an instant relegation from the Premier League.

How they set up their midfield in the top-flight, should they get there, will be particularly interesting, given that they currently play with a traditional number ten in Brenden Aaronson.

How Leeds United's midfield could look in the Premier League

The USA international has not done enough this season to suggest that he will be good enough for Leeds to play with an attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 system at Premier League level.

Aaronson has consistently failed to offer enough quality at the top end of the pitch against the other teams in the current top six in the Championship, as shown in the table below.

Bristol City (A)

0

0

Burnley (H)

0

0

Sunderland (A)

0

0

Sheffield United (H)

0

0

Coventry (H)

0

0

Coventry (A)

0

0

Burnley (A)

0

0

Sunderland (H)

0

0

Sheffield United (A)

0

0

Given that the script will flip for Leeds next season, fighting at the bottom end of the table instead of the top, Farke could rework his midfield set-up to play with Ao Tanaka in front of two holding midfielders.

The Japan international has scored four goals and provided two assists in a deep-lying midfield role this season, which suggests that he could offer a threat in the final third, but he has also made 3.6 tackles and interceptions per match, meaning that the midfield star could provide an added layer of defensive protection for the Whites.

This would, then, allow Ethan Ampadu to play as a defensive midfielder alongside another physical enforcer, with Tanaka ahead of them, and showcase his defensive skills, having won 61% of his duels in the Championship this term.

The Wales international can provide a solid presence at the base of the midfield, and Leeds are reportedly interested in a star who could complete the midfield set-up alongside Ampadu and Tanaka.

Leeds eyeing Premier League colossus

According to Claret and Hugh, Leeds are eyeing up a summer swoop to sign West Ham United defensive midfielder Tomas Soucek ahead of the summer transfer window.

Farke is said to be a fan of the Czechia international and has identified him as a possible target for his Premier League squad for next season, if the Whites are promoted.

Claret and Hugh quote a ‘transfer insider’ as revealing that Leeds are looking at both Soucek and Irish forward Evan Ferguson, who is on loan at the London Stadium from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The insider said: “Leeds are planning for next season — Daniel Farke has already started preparations for the summer window. He likes Souček, but there’s already a Premier League offer in for him. I think Leeds like Ferguson too, and he’d get games there.”

Transfer Focus

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

The claim that there is already another Premier League offer in for the former Slavia Prague midfielder suggests that it will not be an easy deal for the 49ers to get over the line, but they should push to bring him in because he could be an excellent addition to the squad to complement Ampadu in midfield.

Why Leeds should sign Tomas Soucek

Soucek provides a mix of physicality, experience, and quality in the middle of the park, having been a regular in the Premier League for the Hammers since his move to London in the summer of 2020.

Despite being a defensive midfielder, the towering colossus has scored 39 goals in 239 appearances in all competitions for West Ham, including 34 goals in 188 Premier League outings.

This means that he has scored even more goals in the Premier League than former Leeds star and current Barcelona superstar Raphinha, who scored 17 goals in 65 top-flight games in England.

Whilst Soucek has played more matches in the division than the Brazil international, his output at the top end of the pitch, compared to the position he plays, makes him a big threat.

This could make him the perfect partner for Ampadu, who has only scored two goals in 82 games for Leeds, to make up for the Welshman’s lack of quality as a goalscorer from midfield.

Soucek, whose defensive determination was described as “magnificent” by Trevor Sinclair, is also a proven Premier League midfielder when it comes do doing the dirty work out of possession.

Clearances

3.01

Top 5%

Aerial duels won

3.98

Top 2%

Percentage of dribblers tackled

50%

Top 40%

Shots blocked

0.67

Top 7%

Blocks

1.38

Top 32%

Challenges lost

0.71

Top 23%

As you can see in the table above, the Czechia international ranks incredibly highly among his positional peers in the division in a host of key defensive metrics.

He rarely loses challenges or allows players to dribble past him and is dominant in the box, making clearances and winning aerial duels on a regular basis.

Therefore, Soucek could be the perfect signing for Leeds to make in the summer because of his experience in the division, with the best part of 200 appearances in the league, the goal threat he can provide from midfield, and the defensive quality to keep opposition teams at bay.

Farke already his next Rutter in Leeds "weapon" who's shining out on loan

Daniel Farke may have his next Georginio Rutter in this Leeds star who is out on loan.

ByDan Emery Apr 16, 2025

Farke would then be able to field a midfield including Soucek and Ampadu at the base with Tanaka ahead of them linking the midfield and the frontline.

Tottenham Hotspur are facing a summer of major change, both in the dugout and in terms of first-team players, with uncertainty surrounding Ange Postecoglou and Spurs anticipating a ‘sell to buy’ transfer window.

Tottenham preparing for season-defining Europa League semi-final

Amid a very regrettable domestic campaign, where the Lilywhites have suffered an inexcusable 19 Premier League defeats, the success of their season rests entirely on the Europa League.

24-year-old confirms decision to leave Tottenham after talks with Spurs

They’ve reached an agreement to mutually part ways.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 29, 2025

After dramatically knocking out Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals, Spurs face this year’s fairytale underdogs, Bodo/Glimt, in a two-legged semi-final which many are expecting them to win.

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

However, even if Tottenham get past the Norwegian minnows and go on to win their first major trophy since 2008, there is still the very real possibility that Postecoglou and Spurs part company – two years after they appointed the Australian to replace Antonio Conte.

The Telegraph reported last week that Postecoglou is heading towards the Tottenham axe, regardless of their success in Europe, and winning the competition could be the most honorable way for him to part ways and end his N17 stay on a high.

Tottenham are already being linked with a host of different managers, from big names to lesser-known quantities, and Postecoglou could be joined out of the exit door by some big-name first-team players.

Matt Law reported recently that Spurs may need to sell players and generate funds for their transfer activity, with right-back Pedro Porro and striker Richarlison among the men tipped to potentially leave. A more regularly mentioned nominee for the transfer list is star defender Cristian Romero.

The Argentine is attracting serious interest from Atlético Madrid ahead of the summer, and it is believed chairman Daniel Levy is growing more open to the possibility of cashing in on him (GiveMeSport).

There are even suggestions that Atlético head coach, Diego Simeone, is personally driving their interest in the £165,000-per-week defender.

Now, another update has emerged courtesy of Spanish news outlet Marca.

Cristian Romero has already told Tottenham he wants to go

The outlet reports that Romero informed Tottenham of his desire to leave in March, and Atlético have been working on a deal for the ex-Atalanta centre-back for as long as five months.

However, they’re postponing formal negotiations for after the Lilywhites’ Europa League campaign, where they may have a better understanding of what it will take to strike a deal for Romero.

While Atlético only wish to bid around £34 million for his signature, as things stand, Spurs are demanding much more for a player who’s been described as “world-class” during his time at the club.

Injuries have largely hindered the 27-year-old’s season, which has been the case for a lot of Tottenham players, but Romero has certainly showcased his serious quality alongside Micky van de Ven in Postecoglou’s high line, especially last season.

And just like that, Tottenham Hotspur have one foot in the Europa League Final.

Ange Postecoglou’s side played host to Norwegian outfit FK Bodø/Glimt last night in what could have been a real banana peel sort of fixture.

However, instead of wilting under the expectation and pressure, as they have so often this season, the North Londoners showed everyone just why they were such firm favourites heading into the tie.

The Lilywhites ran out 3-1 winners, and while most of the starting lineup put in a good showing, there was one player who once again stood up and showed he could be something of a new Son Heung-min for the club.

Spurs' top performers

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of Spurs’ other top performers from last night, such as Dominic Solanke.

The former Bournemouth man was under immense pressure to score his penalty in the second half, but he didn’t seem to care, as he calmly stepped up and put it away, as he did in Germany.

It wasn’t just the goal, though, as his simple presence at the tip of the attack and his tireless running was a real pain for the Norwegians’ defence.

Another Englishman who stepped up in a big way was James Maddison, who, on top of scoring the Lilywhites’ second goal, was running things from the middle of the park.

The mercurial midfielder left quite the impression on GOAL’s Sean Walsh as well, who awarded him a 9/10 match rating at full-time, writing that he delivered a ‘statement performance’ for his team.

However, there was another starter from last night who put in a strong showing, a player who can divide opinion among fans and pundits alike but is showing why he could be something of a new Son for Tottenham in the coming years.

Spurs' new Son

So, while the likes of Pedro Porro, Richarlison and even Yves Bissouma all put in solid displays last night, none of them could be described as being remotely similar to an on-song Son.

Brennan Johnson, on the other hand, could.

Chalkboard

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Okay, so before the torches and pitchforks come out, we are not saying that Johnson is anywhere close to being as talented as the South Korean superstar, nor do we think he’ll ever reach that near enough world-class level either.

However, and this is an important point of comparison, last night was another reminder that even when he’s not at his best, the Welshman can put the ball in the back of the net when starting out wide.

For example, before the clock had even hit a minute, the former Nottingham Forest star, who picked up an 8/10 match rating from Walsh, found himself just a few yards out when he headed it home to open the scoring and set the mood for the whole game.

Granted, he probably should have scored another at some point, but for all the derision he gets for having the odd drop in form here and there, the “frightening” winger, as dubbed by content creator HLTCO, has been an essential source of goals for Postecoglou this season.

For example, he has now scored 17 goals and provided seven assists in 47 appearances this year, totalling 3077 minutes.

In other words, the Nottingham-born star is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.95 games or every 128.20 minutes of action.

Appearances

47

43

Minutes

3077′

3062′

Goals

17

11

Assists

7

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

0.53

Minutes per Goal Involvement

128.20′

133.08′

To put that into context, Son has produced 23 goal involvements in 43 games, totalling 3062 minutes this season, which comes out to an average of one every 1.86 games, or more crucially, one every 133.08 minutes.

Finally, on top of his surprisingly impressive goal involvement per minute ratio, the 23-year-old dynamo is also comfortably the club’s top goalscorer this season, with Solanke lagging behind in second place with 14 goals to his name.

Ultimately, while Johnson is not going to reach the same levels in his all-around play that Son did in his peak, he has shown this season that he could at least replicate the South Korean’s raw output, and with potentially six games left of the season, he could hit 20 goals in all competitions.

Better than Iraola: Spurs could hire "incredible" Europa League winner

The experienced manager would be an excellent hire for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 1, 2025

Manchester United slumped to another defeat in the Premier League this season when they were beaten 4-3 by Brentford in a dramatic clash on Sunday.

The Red Devils have now lost 16 times in the top-flight this term and sit 15th in the table as it stands, winning just ten, and there is no denying that it has a dismal domestic campaign.

Ruben Amorim’s side could still win the Europa League and secure Champions League football for next season, but United will know that they need to improve their domestic form.

On the same day that Manchester United were thrashed by the Bees, Red Devils loanee Antony added another goal to his collection for Real Betis, with the stunner against Espanyol.

The Brazilian forward, who joined Real Betis on loan in the January transfer window, has now scored three goals in his last four appearances for the Spanish side, whilst his parent club continue to struggle.

Antony's impressive form on loan at Real Betis

The left-footed flop started the season with zero goals and zero assists in 12 appearances in the Premier League and the Europa League combined for Manchester United.

Antony, who produced three goals and two assists in 38 matches for the club in the 2023/24 campaign, was allowed to go out on loan in January because he had not performed well enough at the top end of the pitch over the previous 18 months.

Three goals and two assists in 50 games is not a good enough return for an attacking player who reportedly cost the club a fee of £86m from Ajax in the summer of 2022.

Perhaps the weight of that transfer fee has been too much for Antony to carry during his time at Old Trafford because his performances for Real Betis are those of a star who is playing with the weight off his shoulders.

Appearances

13

7

xG

2.66

0.76

Goals

4

3

Big chances created

8

4

Key passes per game

2.5

1.0

Assists

2

2

As you can see in the table above, the Brazil international has made an instant impact in Spain in both LaLiga and the Conference League with his exciting performances at the top end of the pitch.

He has been directly involved in 11 goals in 20 matches, with seven goals and four assists, in those two competitions, which shows that he has provided a huge threat in the final third from a right wing position.

Despite his impressive burst of performances for Real Betis in recent months, Manchester United could find a winger who is miles better than him by landing a player they have an active interest in.

Man Utd preparing bid for Premier League star

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are one of the clubs that are interested in a deal to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Arsenal are also eyeing up a possible swoop for the Cameroon international ahead of next season.

Transfer Focus

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

It states that Newcastle United are also keen on the Bees sensation but his club’s valuation of up to £65m is said to make it a difficult deal for the Magpies to do this summer.

The outlet does, however, reveal that Manchester United are preparing an opening offer to sign the forward from Brentford, although it remains to be seen how much that bid will be, and that they could sell the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony to fund a deal.

INEOS and Amorim must push to win the race for his signature, amid competition from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, because he could come in as a forward who is miles better than Antony.

Why Manchester United sign Bryan Mbeumo

Whilst Antony has caught the eye with his goals and assists for Real Betis since January, the former Ajax star remains an unproven quantity in the Premier League.

As aforementioned, the £86m signing did not provide enough quality, through goals and assists, in the top-flight during his time with Manchester United before being sent out on loan at the start of this year.

Mbeumo, on the other hand, has shown that he has the ability and the consistency to make a big impact in the Premier League, which would make him miles better than Antony has been for the club at that level.

The Brentford star, who has scored 68 goals for the club in all competitions to date in his career, has been in sensational form for the Bees in the current campaign and could be a terrific addition to Amorim’s squad.

No Manchester United player has scored more than eight goals in the Premier League this season, and no Manchester United winger has scored more than seven goals in the division, which illustrates how desperate the Portuguese coach is for an influx of attacking talent in the summer transfer window.

Appearances

35

xG

10.82

Goals

18

Big chances created

16

xA

8.84

Assists

6

As you can see in the table above, the Brentford star has been in incredible form in the top-flight with a return of 24 goal involvements, and more than twice as many goals as any Red Devils star has managed.

Mbeumo, who was once described as “incredible” by reporter Dom Smith, has scored more goals this season than Antony has managed in his last four league campaigns combined (17) for Real Betis, Manchester United, and Ajax.

This suggests that the £65m-rated star would be miles better for United than Antony has been, or would be next season, because he carries a significantly greater goal threat and has already proven himself in the Premier League.

Therefore, INEOS must ensure that the bid they are reportedly preparing to make is enough to tempt the Bees into cashing in on their star forward, because he has the quality to be an exceptional addition to Amorim’s squad heading into the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

He'll be amazing with Bruno: Man Utd agree personal terms to sign £53m star

Manchester United are closing in on a “special” star who would thrive alongside Bruno Fernandes.

2 ByDan Emery Apr 28, 2025

Fair to say, it has been a very forgettable season for West Ham United.

The Hammers are currently 15th in the table, a major downturn following three top-half finishes in four years, while they’ve enjoyed just five home wins, their lowest tally since being relegated in 2010/11.

The Irons could improve that tally in their final home match of the season on Sunday, welcoming Nottingham Forest to East London, although, having won only four of 16 Premier League matches under Graham Potter, confidence is unlikely to be sky-high.

Thus, a big summer is ahead for the Hammers and, if they’re going to start contending for European spots once again, their recent recruitment record needs to improve.

Jarrod Bowen's West Ham career

While many of West Ham’s recent big-money signings have turned out to be massive flops, the reported £22m paid to sign Jarrod Bowen from Hull City in January 2020 has proved to be an absolute bargain.

Now the club captain, he has scored 72 goals and provided 50 assists in 236 appearances for the Hammers, including the historic late winner against Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League Final, securing the club’s first trophy for 43 years.

So, let’s assess how he compares to West Ham’s other big-money signings of the London Stadium era.

Players

Fee

Appearances

Max Kilman

£40m

39

Crysencio Summerville

£25m

22

Niclas Füllkrug

£27m

18

Luis Guilherme

£25m

12

Edson Álvarez

£35m

71

James Ward-Prowse

£30m

65

Mohammed Kudus

£38m

78

Lucas Paquetá

£50m

118

Gianluca Scamacca

£30m

27

Nayef Aguerd

£30m

58

Kurt Zouma

£30m

103

Nikola Vlašić

£33m

31

Saïd Benrahma

£30m

155

Sébastien Haller

£45m

54

Pablo Fornals

£24m

203

Jarrod Bowen

£22m

236

Issa Diop

£22m

121

Felipe Anderson

£36m

73

Marko Arnautović

£20m

65

André Ayew

£20.5m

50

What the table above highlights, first and foremost, is that West Ham have spent, and arguably wasted, an absolute mountain of money since relocating to the London Stadium almost a decade ago.

A few players on that list, namely Kurt Zouma, Pablo Fornals, and Saïd Benrahma did establish themselves as stalwarts, while others have been mercurial talents without ever really getting it all together; looking at you, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paquetá, Felipe Anderson, and others.

That’s not to mention the complete flops, who we won’t name, and let you make up your own mind!

Nevertheless, Bowen has been, indisputably, West Ham’s best signing of the modern era, so should the Irons go shopping in the EFL Championship again, as they search for their next gem?

West Ham chasing a new centre-back

According to a recent report by Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian, West Ham are ‘continuing’ to pursue a deal to sign Burnley central defender CJ Egan-Riley.

It has been widely reported, including by L’Équipe, that the 22-year-old is close to joining Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, who are owned by Todd Boehly’s company BlueCo, and his current market value is estimated to be around £12m, according to Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, West Ham are still very much in the running to sign the centre-back who Graeme Bailey of TBR Football describes as a “brilliant young defender”, while Andy Bayes of BBC Sport outlines that he, alongside partner Maxime Estève, has played a ‘key role’ in Burnley’s promotion.

So, let’s assess how Egan-Riley compares to West Ham’s current selection of centre-backs this season.

Appearances

43

27

39

34

Minutes

3,705

1,788

3,439

2,077

Tackles

60

41

36

33

Tackles won

42

26

23

39

Interceptions

36

23

42

50

Clearances

199

72

202

118

Blocks

39

24

56

24

Errors leading to a shot

2

3

5

1

Ball recoveries

185

70

143

70

% of aerials duels won

49.3%

48.9%

67.3%

70%

Pass completion %

86.2%

87.7%

86.5%

85.9%

Touches per 90

79

58

58

50

As the table outlines, Konstantinos Mavropanos has been West Ham’s best-performing centre-back this season, but Egan-Riley certainly compares favourably to the existing trio.

The Burnley youngster ranks first when it comes to tackles and ball recoveries, while many of his other statistics are more than comparable, while admitting he’s played the most minutes, and is operating at a lower level in the Championship, of course.

Nevertheless, the available evidence suggests he would be an excellent addition for the Hammers, if they’re able to beat Strasbourg to his services, and that is why he could be the best signing since Bowen because, at the age of 22, he could be a star for the club for many, many, years to come.

Huge upgrade on Soucek: West Ham make contact to sign "midfield machine"

West Ham could be about to kickstart the needed overhaul of the squad under Graham Potter this summer.

ByEthan Lamb May 9, 2025