All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Arsenal have suddenly sprung to life in the last few days.

For much of the last few weeks, fans were beginning to worry that Mikel Arteta’s side were being left behind by their Premier League rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City, who have been incredibly busy in the transfer window thus far.

However, seemingly out of nowhere, the North Londoners appear to have wrapped up deals for Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, and now it looks like they are making progress on a deal to sign Christian Mosquera.

On top of that, the Gunners are now being linked with Crystal Palace’s incredible Eberechi Eze, although there is another international touted for a move to the Emirates this summer, someone who’d be a better signing than the Englishman.

Arsenal target international talent

Considering Arsenal scored 17 goals fewer than eventual Premier League champions Liverpool this season, it’s no surprise that most of their rumoured targets this summer are attacking players, with a real focus on left-wingers, such as Nico Williams and Eze.

Transfer Focus

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

The former looked like he could be the answer to the Gunners’ problems in that area of the pitch, but as things stand today, he looks more likely to move to Barcelona than England.

Eze, on the other hand, does feel like a realistic target, as he’s proven himself in the Premier League for years now and has a release clause worth around £68m in his contract, which would make signing him relatively straightforward.

Yet, if Arteta and Co really want to take the team to the next level this summer and bring in someone who’d represent a real signal of intent, they might be better off signing Rodrygo.

The good news is that they might have the same idea, as, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Real Madrid superstar.

In fact, the report goes a step further, claiming that the Gunners are now preparing to make an offer of around €80m for the Brazilian international, which translates to around £68m.

Interestingly, the club want to stagger the payments into three installments, with the first being around €50m and the next two being €15m each, which is something they might not be able to do with the Palace star due to his release clause.

It would still be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s ability, experience and stature in the game, it’s one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Eze.

Why Rodrygo would be a better signing than Eze

Okay, the first thing to say is that both players are incredibly talented footballers and would, therefore, make excellent additions to Arsenal’s squad.

After all, their raw output from this season isn’t all that far apart, as the Palace star scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 games, totalling 3303 minutes, while the Real monster produced the same goal involvements in 3448 minutes across 53 games.

However, the first real argument for the latter being the superior player emerges when we take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.51

0.52

Progressive Passes

5.05

3.37

Progressive Passes Received

11.8

5.31

Progressive Carries

5.28

2.40

Shots

2.52

3.48

Goals per Shot

0.11

0.07

Shots on Target

0.93

0.94

Goals Per Shot on Target

0.30

0.26

Expected Assists

0.20

0.16

Key Passes

2.29

2.01

Passes into the Final Third

3.08

1.70

Shot-Creating Actions

4.95

4.69

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.35

Tackles Won

0.65

0.76

Blocks

0.84

0.94

Interceptions

0.51

0.38

Clearances

0.42

0.35

Carries into the Final Third

4.07

1.67

Carries into the Penalty Area

2.34

0.76

Aerial Duels Won

0.33

0.24

For example, even though the former QPR star comes out on top in some metrics, like shots and shots on target per 90, he does far worse in the vast majority of relevant statistics.

In fact, not only does the former Santos gem do better in most attacking areas, like progressive and key passes, but also in some of the defensive metrics as well, like interceptions and clearances, highlighting his willingness to do the dirty work and help out his team.

Finally, in addition to being vastly superior in a statistical sense, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, is two years younger and has significantly more experience at the highest level.

For example, he has won two Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and a host of other trophies, so he knows exactly what it takes to play at the very top of the game, which is something the Eagles ace just doesn’t have in his locker.

​​​​

Ultimately, both players would be excellent signings for Arsenal, but due to his incredible experience, age and superior statistics, Arsenal should be looking to sign Rodrygo over Eze this summer.

Better than Sesko & Gyokeres: Arsenal have "looked at" signing £82m star

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 27, 2025

As their search to sign a striker continues, Manchester United are now reportedly being pushed by their scouts to sign a fresh option who even outscored Matheus Cunha last season.

Man Utd still on the hunt for a striker

Whilst Manchester United can celebrate that they’ve already signed Cunha and are reportedly closing in on Bryan Mbeumo, they haven’t had the same transfer luck when attempting to sign an out-and-out No.9. Instead, they’ve faced a flurry of rejection.

After missing out on Liam Delap to Chelsea, the Red Devils seemed to turn their attention towards Viktor Gyokeres in an attempt to form a reunion between the Swede and Ruben Amorim. Reports have since emerged that the Sporting Club star prefers a move to Arsenal over Old Trafford, however, to potentially leave Manchester United back at square one.

Without European football to offer, those at Old Trafford are seemingly struggling to convince all of their top targets to join. Even if it’s not Gyokeres or Delap, though, Manchester United simply must sign a striker this summer.

Having already added Cunha and with Mbeumo reportedly on his way, a fresh face to lead the line would complete United’s attacking transformation. From the struggling Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, Amorim could have true quality to choose from next season and that would be vital to his chances of turning things around in Manchester.

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With that said, United’s search is still ongoing and scouts have now even reportedly had their say, pushing the Red Devils to sign an unexpected name in the coming months.

Scouts pushing Man Utd to sign Arokodare

As reported by Graeme Bailey, scouts are now pushing Manchester United to sign Tolu Arokodare from KRC Genk this summer. The forward is now also reportedly on the radar of club chief Jason Wilcox, who could yet solve Amorim’s striker problems by signing last season’s Belgium Pro League Golden Boot winner.

Bailey told United in Focus when speaking about the Red Devils’ interest in Arokodare: “Ruben Amorim knows what he wants, he wants that target man – we know the club are moving on from Rasmus Hojlund.

“Victor Osimhen and Victor Gyokeres, these are targets for a reason, but their first choice was Liam Delap – we know that – but we also know he [Amorim] wasn’t that keen. So could Arokodare emerge as a target? It’s not impossible – he is a huge talent, in every way.”

Starts

28

29

Goals

17

15

Assists

5

6

Expected Goals

22.7

8.6

A player who outscored Cunha last season, Arokodare could reportedly be available for just £20m this summer in a deal that Manchester United should take full advantage of.

Russell Martin is the 20th permanent manager in Rangers’ 153-year history, but he’s got plenty of work to do if he’s going to be a success at Ibrox.

Last season, the Gers finished second in the Premiership, a whopping 17 points adrift of the champions, and ended the campaign trophyless, most notably dumped out of the Scottish Cup having suffered their first-ever home defeat against lower-league opposition in the competition.

So, if the Light Blues are going to be ready for the start of Champions League qualifying next month, Martin is going to want to be very busy in the transfer market, so could he be reunited with a player for the third time?

Rangers targeting a new centre-back

According to a report by EFL Analysis, Rangers remain interested in signing centre-back Harry Darling, labelling this potential move to Glasgow a ‘very intriguing prospect’, with Norwich City also pursuing the defender.

The 25-year-old is a free agent, having left Swansea City, and has twice played for Martin before, first at Milton Keynes, before the new Rangers manager signed Darling three years ago when he was in charge of the Swans.

Recently-appointed Norwich boss Liam Manning, who replaced Martin at MK, described Darling as “outstanding”, adding that he is more than “capable” of playing at a high level, so could he turn down the Canaries and reunite with Martin once more?

How Harry Darling compares to Robin Pröpper

According to reports in the Netherlands, Robin Pröpper is set to re-join FC Twente this summer, with the Eredivisie side willing to pay around half of the £2.5m they received for the centre-back a mere 12 months ago.

The Dutchman made 43 appearances during his first, and potentially only, season at Rangers, scoring during victories over both Celtic and Dundee United, but more notably getting sent off just 13 minutes into the Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club.

Pröpper himself admitted that “maybe I underestimated” the level of competition one faces in the Scottish Premiership, with his performances often widely criticised, including by Aaron Nijjar of Football Insider, who noted that his ‘struggles continued’ following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park in December.

Meantime, Ewan Paton of the Rangers Review believes that Scottish football is ‘too quick and physical for his capabilities’, suggesting that supporters would be pleased to see the back of him.

But, would Darling be an upgrade? Let’s assess the pair’s respective statistics to answer that question.

Appearances

39

43

Minutes

3,337

3,210

% of dribblers tackled

56.5%

55.6%

Tackles per 90

0.8

1.2

Interceptions per 90

0.6

0.9

Clearances per 90

5

3.8

Ball recoveries

152

36

% of aerial duels won

64.2%

54%

% of ground duels won

66%

53.25%

Average Sofascore Rating

7.23

6.69

As the table outlines, pretty much across the board, Darling comes out on top for the vast majority of defensive metrics included.

Worth considering that also, according to Global Football Rankings, the EFL Championship is the 11th strongest division in the world, with the Scottish Premiership down in 43rd, albeit 11 of Pröpper’s outings did come in either Champions League qualifying or the Europa League.

Writer Kai Watson believes that Darling would be ‘perfect’ for Martin’s system, labelling him ‘very comfortable on the ball and a brilliant passer’, underlining that this deal is a no-brainer for Rangers, especially considering he’s a free agent.

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With all eyes on their Premier League return, Leeds United are reportedly looking to get their summer business underway by securing a double swoop for two Ligue 1 talents.

49ers aiming to back Leeds in transfer market

Whilst the 49ers group have been busy completing their takeover of Scottish giants Rangers, they’ll still be focused on ensuring that Leeds have a side capable of avoiding the drop at the first time of asking. In doing so, the Whites would become the first promoted side to keep hold of their Premier League status in the last six attempts. That’s the extent of the task at hand for the 49ers and Daniel Farke’s side.

Chairman Paraag Marathe is ready to back Leeds in the transfer market this summer, however, having told reporters last month when asked about potential business: “I’m not really ready to go into that, but yes, your speculation is probably right.

“It’s going to be a mix of seeing if there are inbounds along with outbounds. And that’s probably, that’s probably accurate, but really not ready to go into more detail than that. But we are looking at maximizing what we can do, and so that involves the whole bag, ins and outs.”

Just who arrives is the big question. The transfer window is now open and those at Elland Road will be desperate to see the 49ers get their business underway as soon as possible.

To that end, Dara O’Shea could be one to watch. Recent reports revealed that Leeds are interested in signing the Ipswich Town star and granting him an instant return to the Premier League following relegation.

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Back in the top flight, the impressive defender would be an impressive first pick. He ticks the box for experience both in the Premier League and now a relegation battle. On a personal note, O’Shea himself will be desperate to avoid the drop for a second season on the bounce.

He’s not the only target on Leeds’ radar, however. The 49ers are also reportedly targeting a double swoop to land a Ligue 1 duo this summer.

Leeds chasing double swoop for Fofana and Abdelli

As reported by Ouest France, the 49ers and Leeds are now chasing a double swoop to sign Yahia Fofana and Himad Abdelli from Angers this summer. The former would be an instant upgrade on Illan Meslier at just £8m, whilst the latter would offer plenty of leadership from midfield following his captaincy of the French side in recent years.

Clean Sheets

7

21

Saves per 90

4.09

1.62

Save Percentage

74.2%

72.7%

Having been dropped by Farke at the back end of last season as Leeds secured promotion, Meslier’s place remains in question and the arrival of Fofana could see the Frenchman exiled altogether at Elland Road.

Alongside Fofana, Abdelli would make an impact in his own right. The midfielder completed the same amount of progressive passes as £100m+ Liverpool target Florian Wirtz last season and two more than Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. He was a standout in Europe’s top seven leagues on that metric and could now be on his way to Elland Road.

Manchester United have been in contact to sign a “standout” £10m midfielder this summer ahead of Tottenham Hotspur.

Fernandes hints he could leave Man Utd after Europa League final

The nail in the Red Devils’ coffin for the season was hammered in by Spurs on Wednesday night, with Ange Postecoglou getting the better of Ruben Amorim in the Europa League final in Bilbao.

A 1-0 win for Tottenham ensured they’d win their first trophy in 17 years and qualify for the Champions League, whereas United will now have to make do with no European football and one of their worst seasons for more than 50 years.

Bruno Fernandes captained Man Utd in Bilbao but failed to take his side to glory, and with a summer of uncertainty at Old Trafford incoming, spoke about his future in Manchester.

“I will be here until the club tells me it is time to leave. I am available to make the club have great days again.

“The day the club thinks I am too much, or it is time to leave, football is like that and you never know. If the club thinks it is time to leave, because they want to make some money, that is what it is and football is like that sometimes.”

The Portuguese star is wanted in Saudi Arabia by Al-Hilal, and with the likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen also ageing and on big money, a new midfield gem could be on the to-do list for the Red Devils and Sir Jim Ratcliffe ahead of his first summer transfer window as co-owner.

Man Utd in contact to sign £10m midfielder ahead of Spurs

According to TBR Football, Man Utd are one of numerous clubs who have been in contact with Motherwell over a deal to sign midfielder Lennon Miller.

The 18-year-old is emerging as one of Scotland’s most exciting talents and has had approaches from the Red Devils, Spurs, Arsenal, Brighton, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle and West Ham.

Games

39

Goals

4

Assists

8

Minutes played

3,398

Atalanta, Bologna and Como in Italy are all keen on Miller, as are French side Strasbourg and Scottish champions Celtic, with reports earlier this year claiming Motherwell would want £10m for the teenage gem.

Set to turn 19 in August, Miller has already made more than 75 senior appearances for Motherwell, even captaining them between November and December last year.

Talking during that time, Barry Ferguson called Miller a “standout” performer for Motherwell and said “he has the potential to play at the highest level”.

The Red Devils have already shown they are looking at the future with recent deals for Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi-Martin, and by the looks of things, Miller could be the next if they manage to win the huge race for his services.

Goals, goals, and more goals; if there has been one thing Arsenal have lacked more than anything else this season, it’s been goals.

Despite being second in the Premier League, three teams have put the ball in the back of the net more often than Mikel Arteta’s side, and another three are just goals behind.

To be fair, the Gunners have been particularly unlucky regarding injuries to their star attackers this season, but even then, it would be hard to describe anyone other than Bukayo Saka as anything approaching prolific.

Fortunately, this is a problem that new Sporting Director Andrea Berta and Co seem to be taking head-on this summer, with recent reports linking the club to one of the most exciting strikers on the continent, who’d be a significant upgrade on Kai Havertz.

Arsenal's striker search

Given their clear problems in front of goal, it’s hardly surprising that, over the last few weeks, Arsenal have been linked with a host of brilliant strikers, such as Ollie Watkins and Liam Delap.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has been in fine form for Aston Villa this season, scoring 17 goals and providing 13 assists in 52 appearances, which makes his rumoured price tag of around £60m seem somewhat reasonable.

Likewise, the £30m release clause in Liam Delap’s contract seems like a steal, as whoever signs him will be getting a young striker who managed to score 12 goals and provide two assists in 35 Premier League appearances for a dire Ipswich Town side this season.

However, there is another young up-and-coming goalscorer from the continent who’s outscored the Englishman this season and is once again heavily linked with the Gunners: Benjamin Sesko.

Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic’s James McNicholas, Arsenal have very much maintained their intense interest in the RB Leipzig striker, and as things stand, he ‘remains a strong candidate.’

A price tag is not mentioned in the story, but reports from earlier this week revealed that his release clause may have increased to around £75m due to his impressive performances this season.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Sesko’s immense ability and potential, one Arsenal should fight for, especially as he’d be a significant upgrade on Havertz.

How Sesko compares to Havertz

So, if Arsenal do decide to fork out the money to sign Sesko in the summer, it won’t be with the intention of making him a bench option.

Therefore, he’d be in direct competition with Havertz for that starting berth next year, so which one comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes to their pure output – the bread and butter for any striker – it’s the Leipzig ace who comes out ahead.

So far this season, the 21-year-old “monster,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has managed to score 21 goals and provide six assists in 44 appearances, totalling 3255 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.62 games, or one every 120.55 minutes.

In contrast, the former Chelsea ace has scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 34 appearances, totalling 2776 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.7 games, or every 138.8 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Gunners’ number 29, the one-sided nature of this comparison only continues when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

Here, the “electric” Slovenian, as dubbed by Mattinson, comes out ahead in most metrics, including but not limited to goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Goals + Assists

0.77

0.64

Progressive Passes

1.52

2.92

Progressive Carries

1.68

1.42

Shots

2.92

2.84

Shot on Target

1.39

1.11

Shot-Creating Actions

1.80

2.25

Goal-Creating Actions

0.28

0.15

Successful Take-Ons

1.34

0.49

Aerial Duels Win %

58.3%

45.7%

Ultimately, not Havertz is still a great player, but Sesko has the better raw numbers and underlying statistics, all while still being just 21 years old, suggesting he’ll only get better.

Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to bring the Slovenian to the Emirates this summer.

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Looking to get their summer business started as soon as possible, the 49ers have now reportedly opened talks with a relegated Premier League defender for Leeds United who is set to become a free agent next month.

Farke receives Leeds backing

After winning the Championship title and earning promotion back to the Premier League, there were some reports that suggested Leeds were ready to part ways with Daniel Farke. Those have since been put to bed by chairman Paraag Marathe however, who took the chance to end any speculation in the middle of the Whites’ recent title celebrations.

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Marathe told reporters: “I’m very excited to run it back with Daniel and collaborate with him. I’m under no illusions that it is going to be easy. The past two seasons the three promoted teams came straight back down but we have something they don’t have, we have Daniel Farke first of all. I have ended the speculation. He is my man.”

That backing looks set to continue into the summer transfer window too, with reports already coming thick and fast regarding several potential targets. Among those already mentioned are both Beto and Caoimhin Kelleher. Two players who could be on the move from opposite ends of Merseyside, Beto and Kelleher could go from bitter rivals to teammates this summer.

Kelleher would be a particularly important incoming amid Leeds’ goalkeeping struggles at the end of the season. By signing the Irishman, those at Elland Road would finally have their replacement for Illan Meslier, who made one mistake too many throughout the campaign and even found himself dropped for Karl Darlow in the closing weeks.

It’s not just Kelleher and Beto who have reportedly made the 49ers’ shortlist, however. The American owners have also seemingly set their sights on a bargain deal to sign a relegated star this summer.

Leeds open talks to sign Walker-Peters

According to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, the 49ers are now in talks to sign Kyle Walker-Peters when his contract expires at Southampton at the end of next month to make him a free agent.

Bailey told Leeds United News when asked about the full-back: “I’m told no decision just yet. Leeds have had contact, but as we know they’re one of many clubs to be in touch with him. West Ham, Spurs, Everton… there’s loads. And some foreign clubs are lurking too. Can Leeds get him? Of course. But from what I can make out it’s going to be tough.”

Whilst it has been deemed a tough deal for those at Elland Road to pull off, the 49ers certainly seem in an ambitious move and there’s no denying just how much of a bargain they could land by signing Walker-Peters this summer.

Meanwhile, on a personal note, the experienced right-back should be desperate to receive another chance in the Premier League after a disastrous campaign at St Mary’s. Although dubbed “great” by former manager Russell Martin in pre-season, Walker-Peters has since started 32 of his side’s 36 games in a season that saw them become one of the worst sides in Premier League history.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Premier League

257

18

67

Champions League

60

2

13

FA Cup

13

1

3

Carabao Cup

10

0

6

Europa League

5

0

2

Club World Cup

2

0

1

CL Qualifying

2

0

1

Community Shield

2

1

0

UEFA Super Cup

1

0

0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 ByEthan Lamb May 7, 2025

This summer is massive for Ruben Amorim if he is to succeed as Manchester United manager, needing to oversee a huge transformation of the first-team squad.

Their lowly Premier League standing this campaign is evidence that changes are desperately needed if they are to return to their former glory in the years ahead.

Whilst they still have a chance to claim a trophy in the form of the Europa League, it has undoubtedly been a disappointing year for the Red Devils – recording their lowest points tally in the Premier League era.

However, with a couple of weeks left of the season, the hierarchy have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements for Amorim, aiding him in his quest of being a success at Old Trafford.

One area of the pitch in particular has been the subject of keen interest in the last couple of days, with the side in desperate need of reinforcements to take the Red Devils to the next level.

An update on United’s pursuit of new attackers this summer

Matheus Cunha has been the main target for United within the final third, with his move edging closer to completion, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is the latest player to emerge on the club’s shortlist, potentially linking up with the Brazilian at Old Trafford should they both move.

The Frenchman isn’t the only striker currently on their shortlist, with Liam Delap also a key target after his £30m release clause became active after Ipswich Town’s relegation was confirmed.

However, Lyon star man Rayan Cherki has been touted with a summer switch to Manchester, with CaughtOffside reporting Amorim’s men are leading the race for his signature.

The 21-year-old has notched 12 goals and 19 assists across all competitions this season, and could be available for as little as £25m during the upcoming window.

Why Cherki could be even better than Amad

Winger Amad Diallo has become a key player during the Amorim tenure at United, notching 11 combined goals and assists since his arrival, but injuries have massively halted his progress.

The Ivorian has been missing for the last three months with an ankle issue, with the side massively missing his presence within the final third – leading to their lowly league standing.

However, he could be about to provide a huge boost to the side between now and the end of the season, as it’s been confirmed that he’s set to return to training after his lay-off.

Such a situation will undoubtedly improve their chances of claiming the Europa League, but his place in the side could be under huge threat going into the 2025/26 campaign.

A move for Cherki would massively boost the forward line in Amorim’s side, offering an upgrade to Amad and pushing the side closer to success in the near future.

When comparing his stats with those of the Ivorian from the ongoing season, he’s massively outperforming him in numerous key attacking areas – with the £25m fee touted appearing to be a bargain.

The Lyon star, who’s been labelled “one of the best in the world” by one analyst, has registered more combined goals and assists to date, whilst also having a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical nature in the final third.

Games played

27

22

Goals & assists

18

12

Progressive passes

9.3

2.9

Shot-on-target accuracy

44%

32%

Shot-creating actions

6.2

4.5

Take-ons completed

2.1

2

Carries into final third

3.8

2.6

Crosses completed

5.2

2.2

He’s also managed to complete way more progressive passes and completed more of the dribbles he’s attempted – having the skillset to provide other players within attacking areas.

Cherki’s talents don’t end there, completing more crosses and managing to achieve more carries into the final third – with the youngster excelling with the ball at his feet.

The United side has been devoid of flair and entertainment within the attacking department in recent years, with a deal for Cherki providing the excitement the supporters have often failed to see in their recent demise.

He could feature alongside Amad at the top end of the pitch under Amorim for many years to come, having the tools to push the club one step closer to the glory days they once endured.

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Crystal Palace have now made contact over a move for an “aggressive” defender, who could be available for just £5m, according to a report.

Palace eyeing defender amid Marc Guehi uncertainty

Marc Guehi’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026, which means the upcoming transfer window will be Palace’s last chance to cash-in on the defender, and a number of Premier League clubs are in the race for his signature.

Chelsea are determined to win the race for Guehi, although the Blues may face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, who had a £70m bid knocked back in January, while Liverpool have also held talks over a potential deal.

As such, Oliver Glasner is likely to be tasked with bringing in a replacement this summer, and a number of targets have been identified, with IF Elfsborg’s Terry Yegbe recently becoming the latest player to be shortlisted.

Crystal Palace’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Manchester City (a)

April 12th

Newcastle United (a)

April 16th

AFC Bournemouth (h)

April 19th

Arsenal (a)

April 23rd

Nottingham Forest (h)

May 5th

The Eagles are leading the race for Yegbe, while they also hold an interest in Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof, who is set to be available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

As we approach the summer transfer window, Palace are not short on centre-back targets, and a report from Argentina (via The Hard Tackle) has revealed they have now made contact over a deal for Independiente De Avellaneda’s Kevin Lomonaco.

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Lomonaco could be a low-cost addition to Glasner’s squad, given that he is valued at just €6m (£5m), and the south Londoners are keen on securing his signature, although they may face competition.

London rivals West Ham United have also made an approach for the 23-year-old, with the race for his signature starting to heat up ahead of the summer transfer window.

"Aggressive" Lomonaco impressing in Argentina

There are some signs the centre-back could be an exciting acquisition for Palace, given that he has received high praise from an Argentine football expert.

The “aggressive” defender is an imposing figure at a colossal 6 foot 4, which he clearly uses to his advantage in aerial situations, but it is also important that he seems to be good with his feet, which is important for any modern-day centre-back.

It would, of course, be a gamble to sign Lomonaco, given that he is unproven outside Argentina, but at just £5m, it could be a risk worth taking for Palace, who are in need of a replacement for Guehi.