A “special” Liverpool player has now been linked with a shock move to a Premier League rival this summer, following an on-air claim by Sky Sports News.
Liverpool set to sell first-team stars this summer
So much focus is on the players the Reds could sign before next season, from Florian Wirtz to Milos Kerkez, but there are also a host of players who could leave Anfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has already departed for Real Madrid, while on the opposite flank, Kostas Tsimikas could be the man to make way at left-back, assuming Kerkez arrives from Bournemouth. Caoimhin Kelleher is also reportedly closing in on a move to Brentford, as he searches to be a No.1.
Liverpool's CaoimhinKelleher
Further up the pitch, Harvey Elliott has been linked with a move away, even potentially being part of a swap deal involving Bayer Leverkusen superstar Wirtz. The 22-year-old Liverpool attacker has struggled for playing time this season and may feel a new challenge is best for his development.
While Mohamed Salah has committed his future to the Reds, all of Arne Slot’s other attackers – Federico Chiesa, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez – have all seen their futures thrown into doubt to differing extents, ahead of potential big changes to the squad. Now, another exit update has dropped regarding another player.
Everton want Liverpool winger Ben Doak
According to some “breaking” news on Sky Sports on Monday morning, Everton are interested in signing Liverpool winger Ben Doak in the summer transfer window, in a move that would cause some shock waves across Merseyside.
Seeing a player move from Liverpool to Everton, or the opposite for that matter, is so rare, which is why this Doak update comes as a surprise. The Scotland winger spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Middlesbrough, in order to aid his development, and he bagged 10 goal contributions (three goals and seven assists) in the Championship. He is a huge young talent, being hailed by Jurgen Klopp during their brief time together.
For that reason, Liverpool selling the £30m-rated Doak, especially to their local rivals, would have to be considered a risk, given how high his ceiling could be.
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That said, if Slot and Richard Hughes don’t feel he has it in him to make the grade at Anfield, they need to be trusted, even though it would be preferable to sell him to someone else other than Everton.
Liverpool fell by the wayside under Arne Slot’s wing last season, the Dutch tactician getting the sack as the Anfield side failed to qualify for the Champions League and went without silverware.
That paragraph is completely, painfully incorrect, but it perhaps conveys the result that rivals had hoped for and expected after Jurgen Klopp packed his bags and left Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 term.
Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool's Premier League triumph
Liverpool might have lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, but things are going well indeed, with the Reds revelling in the glory of winning the Premier League and now making staggering moves in the transfer market.
FSG are planning for extensive changes this summer, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is sure to be the cream of the crop, currently in the process of signing for the Merseysiders.
However, Liverpool need new forwards too. Wirtz is technically an attacker, but he’s more of a playmaker, a string puller.
Liverpool looking for new forwards
With Luis Diaz potentially leaving Liverpool this summer, courted by Barcelona and Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, Reds sporting director Richard Hughes may want to turn toward a new wideman.
Liverpool's Arne Slot and Luis Diaz
And if recent reports are to be believed, Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon is one of Liverpool’s top targets to replace their Colombian talent.
Gordon, however, has struggled to recapture his form from 2023/24, and given the Magpies want £80m for his sale, Liverpool might be better off focusing their time and resources elsewhere.
Anthony Gordon looks dejected for Liverpool
Though the England international’s dynamism and ability to shift across the frontline is something which echoes Diaz, who has played a false nine role at times in Slot’s set-up, there might be another option on the market who can play that Bobby Firmino-esque role.
Though Wirtz would be the obvious pick for such a position, he might actually be placed on the wing during his Liverpool career, for his ball-carrying skills are “out of this world”, according to one data analyst.
Real Madrid star Rodrygo faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu, and while Arsenal are interested in striking a deal for the Brazilian, Liverpool have also been credited with an interest last month, holding discussions to ascertain the feasibility of launching an official bid.
But given Los Blancos would be hoping to bank around €100m (£84m) for the 24-year-old’s sale, FSG would need to be certain he’s the man for the job.
Luckily, Rodrygo ticks all the boxes, and could be the perfect fit.
Why Liverpool should sign Rodrygo
Real Madrid signed Rodrygo from Brasileiro Serie A giants Santos in a deal worth €45m (£39m) back in 2019, when the talented young forward turned 18.
He’s been immense in white, praised as a “world-class superstar” by former teammate Luka Modric. Rodrygo perhaps doesn’t get the acclaim teammates like Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham reap, but then he’s often placed on the right flank, which he doesn’t enjoy.
That’s because it inhibits the right-footer’s goalscoring, and given that Mohamed Salah has extended his Liverpool contract by two years, the Brazil star shouldn’t have that problem, instead allowed to play on the left or in the false nine role that Diaz has performed across the past year.
Right winger
145
34
30
Centre-forward
82
22
8
Left winger
78
23
16
Attacking midfield
4
–
1
It’s not as if he hasn’t played in the centre before, and with such dynamic technical qualities, Rodrygo could become Salah’s new Firmino, ranking as he does among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, as per FBref.
Regarded as a “magician” by Statman Dave, the £202k-per-week talent has a similar silkiness to his compatriot, who in his Liverpool pomp was one of the most elegant and influential forwards in the business.
Excitingly, Rodrygo is also a superior finisher to Firmino, evidenced by his missing just one big chance in La Liga this season, converting six big chances, as per Sofascore.
Moreover, he’s one of the definitive big-game players of his generation, as evidenced by his immense record in the Champions League knockout rounds.
As Liverpool look to clinch number seven in the coming years, Rodrygo’s profile would be doubly important. You’d have to say, his record and indeed future potential suggest Liverpool would be better off moving for him than pushing ahead with a move for Newcastle’s Gordon.
With Salah likely entering the penultimate year of his legendary Liverpool career, finding the right formula to win the Champions League is going to be crucial for the Egyptian, who would certainly relish the opportunity to play alongside a seasoned continental star like Rodrygo.
And further to the point, Rodrygo’s finishing could find the perfect battery power in Salah, who stormed his way toward the Premier League Playmaker award this season, scoring 34 goals from 52 matches in all competitions but also laying on 23 assists.
Two years ago, Salah declared his departing Brazilian peer would be remembered as one of “the best players to ever play for Liverpool”, and now he could find a new incarnation of Bobby Dazzler in Rodrygo.
Only a few months ago, in March, Jude Bellingham claimed Rodrygo is “the most gifted player in the squad.”
It’s clear that Rodrygo isn’t drawing the praise he perhaps deserves, and if Liverpool were to make their move, he could become a bona fide superstar in the Premier League, acting as the connective force in the frontline to elevate Salah and combine with Wirtz.
Rodrygo, for sure, could emulate his iconic countryman Firmino and become a staple of the incipient era at Anfield.
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Ipswich Town find themselves back in the Championship next term and could now pounce for one of the EFL’s brightest stars in their hunt for promotion, according to a report.
Ipswich Town look to replace Liam Delap
There were some encouraging signs in the Tractor Boys’ Premier League showing last season. Still, ultimately, they didn’t produce enough and find themselves in the second-tier desperate for another bite of the top-flight cherry.
Liam Delap’s £30 million move from Ipswich to Chelsea has given Kieran McKenna plenty of leeway in his hunt for a new centre-forward. At the same time, he will have also been encouraged by George Hirst’s maiden goal for Scotland against Liechtenstein last week.
Atlanta striker Emmanuel Latte Lath emerged as an early contender to replace Delap at Portman Road. Despite only joining Atlanta United in January, he could now be set for a quickfire return to English football.
Addressing their striker hunt, Craig Finbow believes Ipswich could look to recruit two forwards this summer in an attempt to freshen up their frontline before the close of play.
He stated: “It could well be two strikers that they look to get in and that will be the intriguing part. What do we do, do we potentially go abroad, do we go down the lower leagues?
Ipswich Town’s forwards in 2024/25 – how did they all fare?
Liam Delap
Appearances – 40 Goals – 12
George Hirst
Appearances – 29 Goals – 5
Nathan Broadhead
Appearances – 21 Goals – 2
“We’ve done that before with varying levels of success. I’d be quite excited to go abroad and find a striker from there.”
The Tractor Boys could do with some inspiration in front of goal as they head back to familiar waters, and they are now reportedly lining up a move for a shining star who can score and create.
Ipswich Town join the race to sign Kwame Poku
According to Football League World, Ipswich are the latest club to show an interest in Peterborough United forward Kwame Poku. However, they are faced with stiff competition to try and land his services.
Birmingham City are keen admirers of the Ghana international upon their return to the second-tier, while Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers are also lurking in pursuit.
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Dubbed a “huge talent” by former Colchester United boss John McGreal, Poku shone on either flank for Posh in their unsuccessful bid to win promotion, registering 12 goals and 11 assists in 31 appearances across all competitions.
With his contract at an end, the 23-year-old could walk out of the door at the Weston Homes Stadium for a sizeable compensation package due to being under the age of 24.
Poku is also said to have attracted interest from abroad, so it is fair to say Ipswich may need to work their charm on this one if they have designs on bringing the versatile attacker to Portman Road.
The wait for a new centre-forward continues to drag on, but Arsenal’s summer transfer activity is now in full swing, with Brentford’s Christian Norgaard all but confirmed to be the next addition of the Mikel Arteta regime.
This shock, swift deal for the 31-year-old Dane – which will likely cost in the region of £15m, including add-ons – has come as a bolt from the blue, in truth, with the Gunners targeting a Premier League proven replacement for the departed Jorginho, alongside the reportedly departing Thomas Partey.
At a time when supporters are almost begging for new reinforcements to pep up the forward line, the arrival of the defensive midfielder is not exactly the most glamorous or exciting of moves. That said, increasing the strength in depth in the centre of the pitch is nothing to be sniffed at.
Indeed, the north London side have seemingly already bolstered their midfield ranks with the capture of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, with the Euro 2024 winner set to move to the Emirates as a matter of when and not if.
Formerly a leading target for Liverpool, before turning down the Reds, the 26-year-old has been the centre of a drawn-out saga across the last 12 months or so, with it yet to be seen if the Spaniard will indeed live up to the billing.
The hope will be that those moves are just the start of a hectic window for Arteta and co, with even more eye-catching deals reportedly being lined up.
Latest on Arsenal's search for a new defender
An already impressive defensive unit – which shipped just 34 Premier League goals last season – could be strengthened even further over the coming months, if Arteta gets his way, with a handful of standout targets having already emerged.
Recent speculation has indicated that the Gunners could well be in the mix for Crystal Palace and England star, Marc Guehi, albeit with it yet to be seen whether the ex-Chelsea man – who has just 12 months remaining on his existing deal – would be willing to battle it out with Gabriel and William Saliba for a starting berth.
Elsewhere, meanwhile, Arteta’s love of a versatile asset could see Arsenal’s interest in a certain Jorrel Hato be ramped up in the near future, with journalist Graeme Bailey providing the latest on their pursuit of the Ajax starlet.
Transfer Focus
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The transfer insider has outlined that while it is Chelsea who are “pushing hard” to sign the teenage Dutchman, it is those at the Emirates who are quietly confident of striking a deal instead for what is a long-term target:
“Arsenal see Hato as the perfect addition to the left side of their defence, but obviously it’s far from a done deal. We know that Chelsea are pushing hard to sign Hato and Liverpool still really like him. But I think Arsenal would be annoyed if they didn’t get Hato considering how much work they’ve been putting in.
“Arsenal have been chasing Hato since he was around 14 or 15 years old, so I think there is a bit of confidence there. They want to sell Zinchenko to make room for Hato and then we still expect Kiwior to go as well. There will be plenty of room in that squad for Hato who is able to play a variety of roles.”
Reportedly valued at around £40m, amid such mounting interest, the 19-year-old would represent a truly standout capture for the north Londoners this summer.
Why Hato could be a bigger coup than Zubimendi
In the case of Zubimendi, the impending £51m arrival will certainly add touch of silk and steel to Arsenal’s midfield ranks, having notably ranked in the top 19% of LaLiga midfielders in 2024/25 for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, as well is in the top 14% for interceptions per 90. In essence, he is an effective performer both in and out of possession.
That was evident during Spain’s Nations League final defeat to Portugal, in particular, having notably opened the scoring in that 2-2 draw, while also producing a stunning surging run from deep at one stage to tee up Isco.
More than a safe and steady number six then, the Basque sensation will be a real asset over the coming years in the capital, with excitement brewing over the partnership he can strike up with Declan Rice next season.
For all that positivity, any deal for the aforementioned Hato would surely eclipse that move, with it likely to represent a truly sizeable coup if Arsenal can beat Chelsea to the signing of a player with “immense quality”, as per talent scout Jacek Kulig.
As Kulig also noted, the flexible defender – who can operate at centre-back or left-back – has already racked up over 100 appearances (111) for Ajax despite having yet to turn 20. For comparison, Zubimendi didn’t make his LaLiga debut until he had already turned 20.
Equally too, Hato has already matched Zubimendi’s tally of nine assists at senior level to date, despite making 125 fewer appearances for his current side.
Described by Kulig as “one of the most exciting left-footed centre-backs in world football”, the teenage titan notably enjoyed a particularly impressive 2024/25 campaign, having registered two goals and six assists in the Eredivisie from his defensive berth.
Games (starts)
31 (30)
36 (33)
Goals
2
2
Assists
6
1
Big chances created
6
1
Key passes*
0.6
0.5
Pass accuracy*
90%
84%
Tackles*
1.9
2.0
Interceptions*
0.7
1.2
Dribbled past*
0.3
0.4
Possession lost*
8.3
10.0
Again, for comparison, Zubimendi – despite operating slightly further forward than his young counterpart – chipped in with just two goals and one assist, with the La Roja star also falling behind with regard to pass completion, big chances created and key passes.
Yes, the difference in quality between the two leagues is certainly a factor – with Spain’s top-flight deemed to be the fourth-best in the world – yet it can’t be overlooked just what Hato is able to offer, even when operating in the backline.
With the potential for the Netherlands U21 international to be a fixture of Arsenal’s defence for a decade or so too, considering his age, this is certainly a deal worth pursuing.
Priorities, in the eyes of supporters, may lie elsewhere, but if the Gunners want to committ to enjoying long-term success, than a figure like Hato could be just the solution.
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Last season, Liverpool won the Premier League. And they are acting like it. We haven’t even reached July, but FSG have already signed Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong as well as Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.
It’s a time of great excitement for those of a Reds persuasion. However, Arne Slot’s squad aren’t without their foibles.
Falling in the Champions League’s last 16 against eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain was a bitter pill to swallow, and that frustrating result was followed by defeat against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
PSG deserved their victory and the Magpies did too. It was one stretch too far for the Merseysiders, who had already exceeded expectations to take a commanding lead that was indeed defended in England’s top flight.
Depth proved Liverpool’s issue. Slot was loath to enforce rotation last term, and the trickling-out of some of the side’s fringe players – like Jarell Quansah, with Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez soon to follow – illustrated that.
Quansah is signing for Bayer Leverkusen, and with Ibrahima Konate’s future uncertain as Real Madrid lurk (again), Liverpool need a new centre-back.
Liverpool chasing new centre-back
There’s one man who stands above other Liverpool defensive targets right now: Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace defender is just one year away from free agency, and FSG are starting to circle.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehicelebrates after the match
Though Tottenham Hotspur saw a £70m bid rejected for the England international only last January, Palace chairman Steve Parish will know that time is running out if he wishes to recuperate some funds from his prized defensive asset.
Some reports suggest Liverpool are closing in on Guehi’s signature, but in all likelihood, there will be something of a pause in the Anfield offices now that the bulk of the club’s summer activity has been sealed pronto.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
It would be wise, then, for sporting director Richard Hughes to closely assess the market for potential alternatives. If reports are to be believed, such a player has been identified.
Liverpool identify Guehi alternative
According to Caught Offside, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has been earmarked by Richard Hughes and Co as a potential option in central defence, though this would be a contentious move indeed.
Not that Liverpool would care if they got the job done. Branthwaite, 22, is also attracting interest from Chelsea and Manchester United after revealing a desire to move clubs in March after being overlooked by Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.
Everton believe their star defender is one of the most talented in the business, and as such have slapped a £70m price tag on his name.
What Jarrad Branthwaite would bring to Liverpool
While Guehi’s contract situation would likely see him prove a more cost-efficient solution for Liverpool, Branthwaite is an incredibly fearsome protector, and he’s left-footed besides.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Returning from a successful loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2023, Branthwaite has since become a star member at Everton, playing 65 matches in the Premier League, winning the club’s Players’ Player of the Season for 2023/24.
It might seem ludicrous to think that Liverpool and Everton would do business on the transfer front, but the Hill Dickinson Stadium side are interested in Ben Doak, who is valued at £30m.
Tough-tackling and shrewdly talented on the technical front, the 6 foot 5 star is bound to earn himself a move to a club competing in the Champions League sooner or later, and Liverpool could do a lot worse, especially as Slot’s first-class coaching would prove the perfect way to develop Branthwaite’s ball-playing game.
That said, it’s not all that bad as it is. Indeed, looking at Branthwaite’s metrics in the top flight last season when contrasted with Guehi’s, you begin to see that maybe moving for the Everton man wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
Matches (starts)
30 (28)
34 (34)
Goals
0
3
Assists
1
2
Clean sheets
8
11
Touches*
51.9
64.9
Pass completion
83%
84%
Key passes*
0.1
0.5
Ball recoveries*
3.1
4.3
Dribbles (success)*
0.1 (60%)
0.4 (86%)
Tackles + interceptions*
2.1
2.6
Clearances*
6.3
4.6
Duels (won)*
3.9 (63%)
4.9 (59%)
As you can see, Branthwaite is more accurate in the duel than his positional peer while also producing a shedload more clearances on average. He’s far less mobile, but a 60% dribble success rate does point toward a latent ball-carrying ability that could be hammered into shape over at Anfield.
It’s important to remember that Branthwaite operates in a system which actively dampens ball-playing expansiveness, and that, even so, he has maintained a decent degree of passing success, almost as accurate on the ball as Guehi, if less progressive with his distribution.
And anyway, the hulking Blues star is just a phenomenal defender, strong as an ox and sturdy as steel. Talent scout Jacek Kulig has even gone as far as to declare him “an absolute monster” for the Toffees.
Could Branthwaite make the leap? The gulf on Merseyside is chasmic, after all.
Well, though it’s difficult to pull meaningful passing data from his Everton efforts last term, for Sean Dyche and David Moyes both employ counter-attacking and somewhat pragmatic styles, he still finished the year ranked among the top 20% of centre-backs for assists and the top 13% for switches, as per FBref, almost indicating a Virgil van Dijk-like approach to passing.
Hailed as an “incredible” part of Everton’s team by reporter Joe Thomas, Liverpool would certainly ruffle a few feathers if they got this one over the line in the coming months.
But if the Eagles play hardball and efforts to sign Guehi prove fruitless, this Englishman might just be the perfect alternative. And who knows, maybe he’d even prove the better signing.
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You can imagine the frustration Ruben Amorim has had to endure during his time as Manchester United manager, so far being unable to change the club’s fortunes in the Premier League.
However, there’s only so much the 40-year-old can change, especially given the lack of talent he’s had at his disposal in numerous key areas of the pitch at Old Trafford.
He’s gone from having Viktor Gyokeres as his main talisman to having to rely on Rasmus Hojlund, with the Dane scoring 44 fewer goals across all competitions in 2024/25.
Rasmus Hojlund
Undoubtedly, Amorim must wish he could rekindle such a partnership with the Swede this summer, but the 27-year-old has already expressed his desire to join fellow top-flight side Arsenal this window.
As a result, he’s had to turn his attention to other forwards to try and improve the situation, with numerous names on their radar between now and the end of the summer market.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Moise Kean is a player who’s firmly been on their radar over the last couple of weeks, but United will have to act quickly to secure a deal with the Italian’s £44m release clause expiring on Tuesday.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is another talent who’s in their sights, after the Englishman was released at the end of his contract with Everton, leading to a pay-as-you-play contract with the Red Devils being mooted.
Everton's DominicCalvert-Lewincelebrates scoring their first goal
However, he’s not the only Premier League talisman on their shortlist this summer, with Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins a player they’re monitoring, according to CaughtOffside.
Their report claims that Amorim has made the 29-year-old his top target for the current window, after he registered 17 goals and 14 assists across all competitions in 2024/25.
It also states that Unai Emery’s side don’t want to part ways with their top goalscorer during the off-season, demanding a fee in the region of £60m if he were to depart the Villans.
Why United’s £60m target would be Amorim’s answer to Haaland
Striker Erling Haaland has been a player who has been a constant nuisance to countless backlines in the Premier League, undoubtedly being one of the most feared talents in the division.
The Norwegian has managed to find the net 85 times in his 97 league appearances in his three years across the city under Pep Guardiola’s guidance.
Such a record has seen him claim the Golden Boot award in two of his three years in England, with United supporters undoubtedly wishing they had their own version of the talisman.
However, talents such as Haaland are extremely hard to come by in the modern game, potentially costing a pretty penny in the process, with the club struggling to convince such talents to join given their recent decline.
That could be about to change this summer with a move for Watkins, with the Villa talent labelled as a similar player to the Manchester City talisman by FBref.
When comparing the pair’s stats from the most recent league campaign, the Villa star has outperformed Haaland in numerous key areas – showcasing the talent he possesses in forward areas.
Watkins, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by journalist John Townley, posted a better goal per shot on target rate, with such a record handing Amorim the clinical edge his side have hugely lacked in recent months.
Games played
38
31
Goals & assists
24
25
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Progressive passes
1.1
0.5
Pass accuracy
72%
66%
Progressive carries
1.9
0.7
Carries into final third
1.3
0.6
Aerials won
1.9
1.8
Fouls won
1.2
0.4
The England international also completed more passes whilst posting a higher tally of progressive passes per 90, having the skillset to provide the other forwards around him with added chances in front of goal.
His dominance over the Norwegian is further reflected by his tally of aerials won per 90 and carries into the opposition box, subsequently being an all-round threat that can cause problems in multiple different ways for the opposition.
£60m may appear to be a hefty sum for Watkins, but he’s showcased in recent times that he’s a readymade talent who can hand the Red Devils the goal threat they crave this summer.
If he can transfer his talents over with him to Old Trafford, it would be a sensational piece of business, handing the manager his very own version of Haaland in the process.
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Manchester United could finally end their pursuit of a new talisman with a move for one European star.
Cast your mind back to the summer deadline day of 2024 and you may remember Edu standing outside Arsenal’s Colney training base in the dark.
It was late, so late in fact that the window had closed.
Edu was providing a rundown of why the Gunners signed Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea. “It was never the plan,” the Brazilian said.
Well, nearly a year on, Edu and Sterling have gone. Andrea Berta and Noni Madueke have replaced them.
When Berta arrived at the Emirates Stadium, supporters were keen to understand his practices, keen to see him get to work in the window.
Well, it’s safe to say he’s done a fabulous job so far, bringing in the aforementioned Madueke alongside Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.
Viktor Gyokeres is also set to join once the add-ons of his move from Sporting have been finalised.
But Gyokeres aside, what else is happening this summer?
Arsenal's plans for the rest of the window
It’s safe to say that the Gunners have been particularly active in the market this window but they don’t have a bottomless pit of cash, and if and when Gyokeres finally arrives, it’s likely the focus will turn to outgoings.
Should they raise more cash there, it would not be a surprise to see Arsenal lodge a formal approach for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
The hierarchy at Arsenal have already held talks with the player’s agent and it’s believed that personal terms have already been agreed.
Still, he’s not the only player with whom things feel more advanced.
According to reports from Spain, Arsenal have now finally “completed” a move to sign Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The centre-back has been widely expected to move to England after he was spotted leaving Valencia’s training ground earlier in the week.
A leaked image even surfaced online of the player carrying out his media duties with Arsenal.
Yet, complications with the medical have allegedly led to a delay in the deal being confirmed. Alas, confirmation is now expected shortly.
That report from Spanish media suggests that all documents have been completed with only the player’s signature to be confirmed.
Why Mosquera is a good signing for Arsenal
This 21-year-old defender certainly isn’t a household name just yet but his education has been impressive and he’s got an old head on young shoulders.
Despite his age, he’s already played 90 times at senior level and he’s remarkably consistent too. No U21 player in Europe’s top five leagues played more minutes than him last season.
Mosquera’s availability is seriously impressive, as is the pressure that the centre-back’s been playing under.
Having come through the young ranks, he was thrown into the deep end of a relegation battle. One of Spain’s top sides, a former Champions League winner, were in deep trouble during the first half of 2024/25.
Cristhian Mosquera for Valencia.
After 17 games, Mosquera and his teammates sat 19th in LaLiga, having won just two games. Yet, he managed to help dig his side out of a hole and was seen as a saviour come the end of the campaign with Valencia finishing 12th.
Coming into the squad amid a crisis, becoming a fan favourite and playing a huge amount of minutes, there are certainly comparisons with Bukayo Saka’s rise at Arsenal.
While Mikel Arteta’s side have never been close to relegation, Saka was seen as a saviour when the Spaniard first became manager. Arsenal had endured several years away from the Champions League and never looked like competing for a title before the duo emerged on the scene. Yet, just like Mosquera, the young Saka carried the club on his shoulders.
Real Betis' Vitor Roque in action with Valencia'sCristhianMosquera
So, he’s clearly got elite mental fortitude, but how about his technical attributes? Well, he’s a lot like William Saliba in that regard.
Both standing at around 6 foot 3, they have a slightly gangly yet graceful play style.
Pass success %
90.5%
94.3%
Medium pass success %
93.9%
96.1%
Long pass success %
68.1%
79.9%
Progressive passes
3.33
4.08
Progressive carries
0.95
0.47
Tackles won
0.98
1.09
Interceptions
0.95
0.62
Aerial duels won
1.11
1.80
They are competent in the air but it’s in possession where they are most alike. Indeed, one analyst on social media notes how Mosquera is “Saliba-esque” when it comes to dribbling.
The clip below highlights this superbly well. In fact, if your vision was a little blurred, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was actually Saliba.
The way he holds the ball, rolls it forward and then bursts between the press is identical to Saliba who has made a living out of his supreme ball-playing confidence in an Arsenal shirt.
Long have the Gunners needed someone to play second fiddle to Gabriel and Saliba and in Mosquera, “an elite level prospect” in the words of analyst Harvey Diamonds, it looks as though they’ve found the ideal profile.
He’s got the mental stability of a young Saka and the technical defensive qualities of Saliba. That sounds like a lovely combination.
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The incredible international could be Arsenal’s new version of the Spanish magician.
Aston Villa are now keen on signing a “quality” £40 million striker who former Arsenal striker Ian Wright is a big fan of, according to a new report.
Alejandro Garnacho now open to Aston Villa transfer
The Villans have been very quiet in this transfer window so far, adding just two new players to their squad having been forced to work around PSR requirements before they could pursue any deals.
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Now that issue has passed, and the Premier League edges closer to getting underway, Villa could be about to start making an impact in this transfer window. The Villans are keen to add more power to their forward line, and one player who has emerged as a target is Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentine is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, as the Red Devils don’t consider him a part of their plans, and he’s been left behind in Manchester as the club have jetted off to Chicago for their pre-season preparations.
Manchester United's AlejandroGarnachoreacts
It was reported last week that Villa made an approach to Garnacho about a move to Villa Park, as United look to get around £70 million for the winger. Now, in a boost to their pursuit, Garnacho is said to be open to the idea of playing for Aston Villa and working under manager Unai Emery. It just remains to be seen if the club can agree a transfer fee with United.
Aston Villa and Wolves in race for Mika Biereth
As the club works on a potential deal for Garnacho, according to Caught Offside, Aston Villa are also interested in signing striker Mika Biereth from AS Monaco.
Mika Biereth scores for Monaco
The report states that Biereth’s fine form since joining the French side has now caught the attention of not just Villa but Newcastle United, Wolves and Everton from the Premier League. Indeed, the forward joined Monaco in January and scored an impressive 13 goals in 16 Ligue 1 games.
Despite the fact that he is under contract until 2030, Caught Offside reports that Biereth can leave Monaco for a fee of £40 million, which would mean Monaco would make a huge profit after paying Sturm Graz just €13 million (roughly £11 million) six months ago.
The 22-year-old is already known in England, as he started his career at Fulham, and while he didn’t play for the first team, he earned a move to Arsenal. Biereth didn’t play again in the first team, but he scored 11 goals in 21 Premier League 2 games in the 2021/22 season.
Apps
16
Starts
16
Goals
13
xG
11.32
Left-footed goals
1
Right-footed goals
12
Shots per game
2.6
Chance conversion
31%
Assists
2
Big chances created
8
During his time in the UK, Biereth had a spell at Motherwell, during which he was dubbed “quality” by manager Stuart Kettlewell. Meanwhile, after his spell at Arsenal, Ian Wright was left very impressed by his performances and stated he was “incredibly proud of him”.
It wasn’t long ago that those of a Newcastle United persuasion were itching for something to happen in the summer transfer market, and rightly so at that.
Well, plotlines have been gathering apace on Tyneside over the past several weeks, but maybe not in the manner which the club or indeed the fanbase had anticipated.
Newcastle have missed out on a range of their top targets, and while Eddie Howe has welcomed Anthony Elanga to his squad for a £55m fee, it’s clear that much needs to happen over the coming weeks, with the Premier League campaign looming large.
With Alexander Isak brooding in the background and defensive targets such as Marc Guehi and Malick Thiaw appearing priorities for the Magpies, it’s easy to forget that Howe wants a new central midfielder, but that too remains one of the club’s most important transfer objectives.
Newcastle plan to sign central midfielder
Last month, Newcastle sold homegrown midfielder Sean Longstaff to newly-promoted Leeds United in a deal worth £12m. Longstaff, 27, played a bit-part role fro his boyhood club and only started eight Premier League matches last term, the last of which came a week into December.
Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff
More depth is needed in the engine room, though, and Aston Villa’s John McGinn has been earmarked as an alternative. Everton have already seen a bid knocked back this summer, and Unai Emery doesn’t want to part with his captain.
In which case, United might turn to Ajax talent Kenneth Taylor, with NUFCBlog revealing inside information that confirms Taylor has been added to the shortlist.
The 23-year-old Ajax midfielder has been valued at £25m, and was also the subject of a formal offer from Portuguese giants Porto last month.
Why Newcastle want Kenneth Taylor
Ajax left something to be desired in the Dutch Eredivisie last season, but Taylor confirmed the strength of the club’s revered academy once more, claiming the Player of the Season award after winning the Marco van Basten award the year prior, acknowledging the outfit’s most exciting up-and-coming talent.
Having graduated from the youth ranks and made his first team debut back in 2020 as an 18-year-old, Taylor has only gone from strength to strength over the past four years as a senior in his homeland, having made 165 appearances in total and earned his first five caps for the Netherlands.
Last term, though, he truly came into his own, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists for his teammates across 52 matches in all competitions, operating across the different areas of midfield.
Though McGinn would add some industriousness, energy and spirit to Howe’s project, Taylor’s Dutch verve and hunger to impress at the highest level could make him the perfect alternative, perhaps even a better signing, bringing a sharp potency in front of goal that might be needed, should the matchless Isak be playing in different colours over the looming campaign.
Matches (starts)
33 (29)
34 (27)
Goals
9
1
Assists
6
4
Touches*
46.1
34.9
Pass completion
83%
87%
Big chances created
7
6
Key passes*
1.1
0.9
Dribbles*
0.4
0.6
Ball recoveries*
2.5
2.9
Tackles + interceptions*
1.6
1.4
Duels won*
3.5
4.1
As you can likely draw from the table above, Taylor is more of an able force in the final third than McGinn, placing an emphasis on pushing into dangerous positions and striking on goal.
Moreover, Taylor finished the 2024/25 campaign ranked among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe for goals scored, the top 7% for through balls and the top 2% for goal-creating actions, with his energetic and forward-moving style leading data-driven site FBref to liken him to Newcastle’s Joelinton.
This exciting mix of strong athleticism and creativity is exactly what Newcastle need to complete their set in the middle of the park.
Though McGinn has a wealth of Premier League experience and is a natural-born leader, Howe has carefully wrought a dynamic and hardy engine room that could do with a touch of youthful exuberance to complement the commanding Bruno Guimaraes, the elegant Sandro Tonali, and, indeed, Joelinton’s raging intensity.
McGinn would be a credit to Newcastle’s team, to be sure, but it’s unlikely that he would nail down a starting berth from the outset, given the strength of the Magpies’ existing options.
Further, the 30-year-old earns £120k per week at Villa Park, and whether the Newcastle chiefs would feel it a prudent move to make a bid for such a player when they would play a utility and squad-rousing role is a pertinent question, especially as the Lions would expect to bank a figure in excess of £30m for their stalwart.
Taylor, however, would be content with joining the club and absorbing the fruits of his impressive midfield peers’ craft. He’s only 23 years old after all, and has plenty of mountainous heights left to scale before reaching the level that his skill set suggests is attainable.
While Howe will be determined to address the more prominent points of concern at St. James’ Park, signing a defender and a goalscoring forward, he will also be aware that the new campaign will bring the added expectation and intensity of a return to the Champions League.
Kenneth Taylor for Ajax.
With Longstaff gone, a player of Taylor’s playmaking and progressive quality could prove a certain success for the long-term stability of Howe’s project.
McGinn, of course, would be a shrewd and impactful signing, but in five year’s time, Taylor could be among the finest midfielders across the continent, whereas the Scotland international will be staring at his career twilight.
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Newcastle desperately need to kick on in the summer transfer market.
Newcastle United could now complete the £35m signing of a “remarkable” striker, coming after a breakthrough around a similar price for AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw.
Magpies agree £35m deal for Malick Thiaw
Eddie Howe shared the latest on Alexander Isak’s situation at St James’ Park after the 2-2 draw against Espanyol on Friday, not exactly guaranteeing that he will be staying put.
“I don’t know how long that will be for. It’s clear I can’t involve him with the team at the moment. He is training later than the rest of the squad. There have been discussions since the tour. I don’t think disciplinary action has happened.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
“He is here, so of course he has a future at Newcastle. From our perspective, we would love to have him back with the team, but the situation has to be right for that to happen. He doesn’t have a fitness issue. I’m aware of a feeling within the squad that there’s something there not to the benefit of the group.”
It goes without saying that at least one top-quality striker will be needed for Newcastle if Isak does leave, if not two – the likes of Michail Antonio have been mentioned as a possible replacement for Callum Wilson.
Newcastle also need to strengthen in defence however, and a move for Milan starlet Thiaw is gathering pace. Indeed, Keith Downie revealed on Saturday afternoon that ‘Newcastle now have an agreement in principle with AC Milan’ for around £35m, and the German defender will sign a four-year contract on Tyneside.
AC Milan's MalickThiaw
Newcastle could also sign £35m striker this weekend
According to Downie, Thiaw may not be the only signing on the horizon, as Yoane Wissa’s representatives are travelling to the UK this weekend, looking to seal a move away from Brentford, also for around £35m.
The Bees striker is desperate to join a club in the Champions League despite interest from Saudi teams, and PIF are ‘ready to finalise a deal’ in the coming hours and days.
It is reaching the stage where Newcastle may have to bite the bullet and accept a huge offer from Liverpool for Isak, rather than keeping an unhappy player, and it looks as though the likely British transfer record windfall from that deal will fund multiple moves in several positions.
In Wissa, Newcastle would be signing an experienced and proven Premier League player – one who scored 19 league goals last season, also being lauded by Thomas Frank back in 2023.
“Wissa, we knew, has always been a goalscorer. He scored seven goals in the first season and seven in the second in the Premier League, for a player that didn’t play much. It’s remarkable. I definitely think he is best as a 9. He’s got that nose for goals.”
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Keeping a happy Isak is clearly still the ideal result for Newcastle, but there are plenty worse outcomes than picking up Wissa, Thiaw and a new midfielder with the funds generated from his exit.