All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is famed for identifying a host of transfer targets and working on potential deals for several of them before deciding which one is best to pursue.

Striker open to joining Premier League rival after "complicated" Arsenal talks

He was thought to be Mikel Arteta’s preferred option.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 19, 2025

We’ve seen this throughout the summer window thus far, with Berta simultaneously holding talks over both RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres at one point (BBC).

The ex-Atletico Madrid chief ultimately decided on Gyokeres, who is believed to be on the verge of a move to Arsenal after an agreement in principle was struck with Sporting earlier this week (The Athletic).

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£140m

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg also reported earlier this summer that Berta was holding “numerous” talks over signing a winger, before the Gunners eventually settled on Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, who was officially announced as a new Arsenal player on Friday.

This is simply the way Berta operates, as explained by journalist Ben Jacobs.

“The best way of describing it is that Andrea Berta’s approach is different to Edu. If he was going to a party, he would lay out three or four outfits, try them all on and finally decide what to wear,” said Jacobs on talkSPORT.

“Andrea Berta is out in the market, effectively lining up both deals, whereas Edu tended to pick one and be very meticulous, and then discreetly try and get it over the line, often with a series of bids.

“It was either a very smart tactic because Arsenal had confidence that they would get that man, or it dragged on, and we got more summer sagas. We won’t see that with Andrea Berta.”

Berta’s methods appear to be shining through again in Arsenal’s pursuit of a central attacking midfielder, which is their next priority after Gyokeres and Madueke (Ben Jacobs).

Much has been made of their interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in particular.

Arsenal have held positive talks with Eze’s representatives, and there’s an expectation that they’re set to formally approach Palace over signing the star playmaker, who bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Arsenal praised as Berta targets Xavi Simons as Eberechi Eze alternative

However, Berta is starting to spin more plates in the attacking midfield department, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that Arsenal hold an interest in RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.

The Dutchman only completed an initial £43 million permanent move to Leipzig from PSG in January, but Romano states he’s prepared to leave the Bundesliga side already and top Premier League sides are aware of this.

Simons can play on both the left and more centrally, having starred for Leipzig in both positions for the last two years. In 2023/2024, he racked up 10 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, adding to that tally with 11 goals and eight assists in 24/25.

The 22-year-old can be devastating on his day, and journalist Buchi Laba believes that Simons would be a better signing for Arsenal than Eze.

“For me, I will take Xavi Simons ahead of Eberechi Eze,” said Laba on X.

“He’s a better player, More flexible and for his age, more experience and fits the Arsenal system more.”

Arsenal and other English suitors are apparently hopeful they can sign Simons for £56m (talkSPORT), which would also make him a cheaper option than Eze, with Palace refusing to budge on his £68 million release clause thus far.

This is the summer of the striker, with Premier League champions Liverpool just one of many elite clubs who are prioritising the purchase of a new number nine.

Indeed, Arsenal’s lengthy wait for a centre-forward looks set to come to an end with the addition of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, while Manchester United have also earmarked the likes of Ollie Watkins amid their own search for an upgrade.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have already brought in Club World Cup hero Joao Pedro to ‘replace’ their prior summer signing, Liam Delap, while at Tottenham Hotspur, a reunion could be on the cards for Thomas Frank and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

The merry-go-round of transfer deals has been particularly enthralling this summer, with that none more true than with the Reds’ interest in both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

With Darwin Nunez looking all but certain to depart – while Luis Diaz remains a target for Bayern Munich – a new attacking figurehead is surely needed at Anfield, with Arne Slot and co identifying Ekitike as the alternative to their dream target, Isak.

A bid for the Frenchman appears to be in the works, although the Merseysiders might also have their eye on an even more exciting deal…

Liverpool's ongoing transfer search

As was evident last term, Slot’s side more than got by without an orthodox marksman leading the line, with Diaz netting 17 times in all competitions, while Cody Gakpo chipped in with 18 goals of his own.

With 34-goal superstar Mohamed Salah still the main man on the right flank, a more fluid approach to the forward line has thus far worked a treat in the Slot regime, with Liverpool’s club-record pursuit of Nunez having unfortunately backfired.

That plan could continue with the signing of Real Madrid star, Rodrygo, with the Brazilian – who can operate all across the front line – having been earmarked as a marquee summer target for those at Anfield.

Transfer Focus

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

As per reports in Spain, the Reds are actually leading the race for the 24-year-old’s signature, with the versatile winger already believed to have given his endorsement to the move.

While both Bayern and Chelsea are also said to be in the frame, it is Liverpool who are at the front of the queue right now, with negotiations ‘already underway’ and ‘steady progress’ having been made.

Said to be valued at €100m £85m), the former Santos starlet has reportedly been told he can leave the Bernabeu this summer. Madrid’s ‘trash’ could then prove to be Liverpool’s treasure.

Why Rodrygo would be a better deal than Ekitike

As already stated, Liverpool appear to be in need of a new number nine, with that man Nunez ending 2024/25 with just seven goals to his name in all competitions – three fewer than Man United struggler, Rasmus Hojlund.

Ekitike, following his 22-goal season in Germany, would undoubtedly fit the bill, with TNT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves even going as far as to suggest that he is the “perfect centre-forward”.

That said, that campaign represents the major standout of his career to date, having actually only scored 44 goals in total at senior level from 136 games – excluding his time in Stade Reims’ B team.

Rodrygo, by contrast, is only a year older than the Frenchman, but has already racked up far more experience at the top level, scoring 68 times in 270 games at Madrid, alongside providing a further 51 assists.

That has come despite the Brazil international typically lining up in a right-wing berth, despite looking better suited either on the opposite side, or as a centre-forward. Indeed, former boss Carlo Ancelotti previously suggested that he saw him “more as a centre forward than a wide man.”

Non-penalty goals

0.48

0.35

Assists

0.29

0.22

Shot-creating actions

3.50

4.56

Pass completion

75.3%

85.7%

Progressive passes

1.95

4.69

Progressive carries

3.04

5.07

Successful take-ons

1.90

2.15

Progressive passes received

7.53

11.33

Touches in opposition box

6.73

5.84

While Ekitike struggled to make his mark at an elite outfit like Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored just four goals in 33 games, Rodrygo has more than impressed even amid the intense competition for places in the Spanish capital.

On the Champions League stage, in particular, he has already scored 25 times from just 65 appearances, with his finishing levels having been described as “terrifyingly good” by journalist Sam Tighe in the past.

For comparison, Ekitike has only made four appearances in Europe’s premier competition, while failing to score.

Ekitike, it must be said, is a real talent, but it would surely represent an even bigger coup to land Rodrygo, particularly for what could prove to be a ‘modest’ £85m fee.

If Isak is no longer in the equation, perhaps there is a world in which both men end up in Slot’s side, ahead of next season?

He's better than Ekitike: Liverpool chasing "monster" £60m Isak alternative

Liverpool are looking to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

The last couple of weeks have been highly unusual from an Arsenal perspective.

While fans have grown accustomed to the club dragging their feet in the transfer window, they’ve seen the Gunners sign Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi, while also getting closer to the statement signing of Viktor Gyokeres.

Furthermore, the Premier League runners-up have also been heavily linked with more attackers, such as the incredibly exciting Eberechi Eze, who has a £68m release clause in his contract.

The England international would undoubtedly be an excellent addition to the Gunners’ squad, but one that might require an exit.

Why Arsenal want to sign Eze

Eze has been one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League for some time now, and was even linked with Arsenal last summer.

However, if he was impressive in years past, he reached an entirely new level and was utterly sensational for Palace last season.

For example, despite playing for a mid-table side, the Englishman managed to rack up a tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games.

Moreover, he didn’t just score the third goal in a comfortable win, or a consolation goal in a hefty defeat; he bagged important, game-changing goals, such as the only goal in the club’s FA Cup triumph.

In addition to being an output machine, the former QPR gem would also provide Mikel Arteta with more tactical flexibility, as while he thrives in attacking midfield, he’s more than capable of doing a job out on the left.

Finally, as he grows in importance for the national side, he’d be able to form a closer partnership with Bukayo Saka at club and international level were he to join Arsenal, which can only be a good thing.

With all that said, bringing in another top-class attacker like Eze would be expensive and could lead to changes being made in the squad.

What Eze's arrival would mean for Arsenal

If Gyokeres is also signed this summer, which looks increasingly likely, then it seems unlikely that Arsenal would also add Eze without then making a sale.

After all, the Gunners have never been a side that hoards talent or likes to maintain massive payrolls.

So that leaves the question? Who would be the one to make way for the Englishman?

Transfer Focus

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

Well, it obviously wouldn’t be Saka, Gabriel Jesus is out injured, Kai Havertz is a clear favourite of Arteta, and Ethan Nwaneri is currently in talks for a new deal.

That leaves Gabriel Martinelli and £27m signing Leandro Trossard, and with reports now clarifying that Al Nassr are not looking to sign the former, it might be time for the latter to leave the Emirates.

That seems to be an opinion shared by the Belgian himself, as, according to recent reports from Turkey, Süper Lig side Fenerbahçe are now willing to meet his financial demands for a possible transfer.

The report claims that now the Turkish giants have agreed to the winger’s demands, they have offered Arsenal a fee of €15m, which is about £13m.

It seems likely that the Gunners will reject such an offer, but as it is just the first, there is every chance that a final, agreeable price will be reached.

Moreover, it may be what is best for all parties, as the former Brighton & Hove Albion star’s exit could allow the club to sign Eze, and based on their respective form last season, that would be a big upgrade for Arteta and Co.

Appearances

43

56

Minutes

3303′

3455′

Goals

14

10

Assists

11

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.35

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

172.75′

For example, the “sensational” Belgian ace, as dubbed by journalist Charles Watts, produced 20 goal involvements in 56 appearances, totalling 3455 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 2.8 games, or every 172.75 minutes.

In contrast, the Eagles’ ace averaged a goal involvement every 132.12 minutes.

Ultimately, Trossard has been a great player for Arsenal, but if his departure helps the club sign Eze, then the club should do what they can to facilitate it.

Madueke will love him: £65m star pushing to sign for Arsenal "every hour"

Noni Madueke could be joined in the Arsenal attack by a £65m game-changer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 7, 2025

There’s no rest for the wicked, at least not at Chelsea.

The West Londoners appear to be on something of a warpath this summer, as they put together a squad capable of genuinely competing on all fronts again next season, from the Champions League to the Premier League.

For example, the likes of Liam Delap and Mamadou Sarr were signed prior to the Club World Cup, and then just this afternoon, Joao Pedro’s £60m move from Brighton & Hove Albion was confirmed.

It’s not just incomings, though, as the Blues could be set to cash in on Noni Madueke, and if reports are to be believed, they’ve already identified the ideal player to replace him, someone who could be unreal alongside Pedro.

Chelsea target brilliant Madueke upgrade

Chelsea completed the £29m signing of Madueke from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, and since then, the talented winger has been a useful player to have in and around the first team.

Transfer Focus

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

However, it now appears that the Englishman could be on the move this summer, with reports in recent days linking him to London rivals Arsenal.

In fact, Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has claimed that the Gunners have already made an offer to the player, while other stories have claimed that the West Londoners could let him go for around £50m.

Interestingly, this could be a brilliant move from the club, as it now looks like they identified another young winger, someone who’d be even better than Madueke: Malick Fofana.

Yes, according to a recent report from the Independent, Chelsea are one of several sides incredibly interested in the Lyon winger.

The report has revealed that, alongside the likes of Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal, the Blues have already made contact with the French outfit over the exciting prospect.

Unfortunately, it won’t be a cheap transfer to get over the line, as Lyon have reportedly set an asking price of around £52m.

However, as he’d be an upgrade on Madueke and could be incredible alongside Pedro, that might be a fee worth paying for Chelsea.

How Fofana compares to Madueke

So the first thing to address is why we think Fofana could be an upgrade on Madueke, as he’s not exactly a household name among most Premier League fans, at least not yet anyway.

The first is his output, as in 41 appearances, totalling just 2280 minutes last season, the “frightening” French phenom, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, scored 11 goals and provided six assists.

That comes out to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.41 games, or every 134.11 minutes.

In contrast, the Blues’ exciting wide man scored as many goals but provided five assists, and did so in 44 games, totalling 2589 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.75 games, or every 161.81 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Englishman, the one-sided nature of this comparison persists when we examine their underlying numbers from last season, as the Lyon ace comes out on top in the majority of relevant metrics.

That includes things like non-penalty goals plus assists, passes into the final third and penalty area, goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.51

0.44

Progressive Passes

2.54

3.05

Progressive Passes Received

11.6

10.0

Progressive Carries

6.33

6.81

Expected Assists

0.25

0.14

Key Passes

1.41

1.42

Passes into the Final Third

1.13

0.71

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.81

1.55

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.73

0.35

Live Passes

35.2

29.2

Goal-Creating Actions

0.62

0.35

Carries into the Final Third

3.22

2.21

It’s these metrics combined with his output that suggest he’d be so effective alongside Pedro as well.

Just imagine how the Brazilian would fare with such a creative and dangerous winger to his left or right, and it wouldn’t be one way either.

The fact that the former Brighton star was able to score ten goals and provide seven assists in just 30 games last season suggests he, too, could help the Frenchman’s output soar.

Ultimately, Madueke has been a useful player for Chelsea over the years, but as things stand, Fofana looks to be the superior winger and someone who could help the Blues’ new centre-forward hit the ground running next season.

A better signing than Pedro: Chelsea eyeing £85m move for the "next Mbappe"

The dangerous goalscorer could be incredible for Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 2, 2025

Arsenal supporters are being forced to wait patiently for their first confirmed signing of the summer, despite new sporting director Andrea Berta’s well-documented transfer attempts behind-the-scenes.

The Gunners are reportedly closing in on a few key deals, namely for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Arteta wants Arsenal to sign £204k-p/w forward with crucial meeting this week

The Spaniard is personally very keen to sign him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025

Arrizabalaga looks poised to complete a £5 million move to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s new back-up keeper and understudy to David Raya (David Ornstein), while Zubimendi is on course to seal a switch to the Premier League one year after rejecting Liverpool.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Zubimendi actually caused quite a stir with his recent comments suggesting that his future was still up in the air, but the likes of Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano have since confirmed that Arsenal are still expected to sign the 26-year-old after agreeing a deal with Sociedad.

After Zubimendi and Kepa, the north Londoners also remain in the market for a new winger and striker.

Arsenal have Real Madrid forward Rodrygo on their long list of wide options, with links still surrounding Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, so that is certainly a position to keep an eye on. However, the most noise continues to surround Berta’s attempts to bring in a centre-forward.

Groundwork has been laid on deals for both RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, according to the BBC, with Arsenal exploring the conditions of moves for both men before deciding which one to formally pursue.

While Arsenal have already held “concrete” talks over Sesko, Gyokeres remains firmly on the radar.

Portuguese newspaper Record even reported this week that Arsenal made an official £55m opening bid for Gyokeres, with journalist Graeme Bailey sharing an update on the story.

Viktor Gyokeres camp clash with Sporting over rejected Arsenal bid

Speaking to The Boot Room, Bailey reports that the offer has been rejected by Sporting, which isn’t surprising when factoring in that their president, Frederico Varandas, confirmed that an offer below £60m wouldn’t be enough.

Bailey adds that Gyokeres’ camp clashed with Sporting after they snubbed Arsenal’s offer, but Arteta’s side remain in “constant contact” over his signature alongside Man United.

“Speaking to sources, Gyokeres is convinced that he is moving this summer, and he believes he will be in England – not that he has ruled out other countries, it is just where he believes he will be playing,” said the reporter.

“He did make it clear from the start that a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Pro League was not a consideration despite them making an approach this month.

“Arsenal and Man United are in constant contact, the lines of communication with those two clubs has been ongoing for months.

“The player’s representatives are working hard on his future, but there is no deadline here – it could be this month, but likely July, I am told, before something is agreed, but there is no panic. They are calm.”

Varandas’ preferred price tag could be around £68 million, but there are the strikers wages to consider, with Gyokeres reportedly demanding as much as £250,000-per-week.

It’s been a roller-coaster few days for the Tottenham Hotspur faithful.

On Friday afternoon, the club announced that they had sacked Ange Postecoglou, thanking him for ending their 17-year trophy drought but highlighting the team’s dire Premier League form as the reason he was let go.

Thomas Frank appeared to be the frontrunner to replace the Australian over the weekend, and then yesterday, Fabrizio Romano gave his move the ‘here we go’ treatment.

And now, reports have suggested the club could go out and sign the Danish manager, a Premier League attacker who has won comparisons to Bryan Mbeumo.

Tottenham transfer news

Given their horrific league form this season, it’s hardly been surprising to see Spurs linked with a host of talented attacking players, such as Eberechi Eze and even the man himself, Mbeumo.

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 reportedly has a release clause worth an astounding £68m, although even at that price, the Crystal Palace ace would be more than worth it, as in 43 appearances this term, he managed to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists, all while helping the team win the FA Cup.

The Brentford star, on the other hand, has been linked with a £60m switch to North London, but with his preference clearly being Manchester United, it feels like Frank won’t be able to bring the Cameroon international with him this summer.

However, that might not be such a problem, as the Lilywhites have now been linked with another Premier League star who has won comparisons to the Bees star: Antoine Semenyo.

According to a recent report from talkSPORT, Spurs are incredibly interested in the Bournemouth star.

The good news is that the report claims Daniel Levy has already personally met with the player’s camp concerning a move but a problem could be the Cherries’ asking price.

Indeed, the 25-year-old could cost Spurs a club-record £70m, and while that is a lot of money, it’s a deal worth pursuing, especially as he’s so similar to Mbeumo.

How Semenyo compares to Mbeumo

Now, before we look at some of the other reasons Spurs could and should sign Semenyo this summer, it’s important to examine this comparison to Mbeumo and where it has come from.

In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions in the Premier League this season and then created a list of the ten most comparable players.

By doing this, it has been concluded that the Brentford star is the eighth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Bournemouth ace this year.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.44

0.42

Progressive Carries

3.93

3.43

Passes into the Final Third

1.38

1.66

Live Passes

29.5

30.7

Shot-Creating Actions

3.71

3.80

Interceptions

0.31

0.37

Carries into the Penalty Area

1.88

1.98

The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including but not limited to expected non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, passes into the final third, carries into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

Now, while being compared to a player who scored for fun in the league this season is already a positive sign, the fact he’s so similar to the former Troyes gem is also a good sign for his potential game time at Tottenham next season, as Mbeumo was Frank’s second most used player during his time at Brentford.

With all that said, what are some of the other reasons the North Londoners should be splashing the cash on the Cherries star this summer?

Well, first and foremost, he is a dangerous outlet. In 42 appearances, totalling 3562 minutes this season, the often “unplayable” attacker, as dubbed by journalist Ed Aarons, scored 13 goals and provided seven assists, which works out to a goal involvement every 2.1 games, or every 178.1 minutes.

Finally, the 27-capped international would also provide Frank with plenty of tactical options, as he can play off the right just as easily as the left and has even played centrally at points as well.

Ultimately, while he won’t be cheap, Spurs should do all they can to sign Semenyo, as not only is he a superb attacker in his own right, but he also shares some of Mbeumo’s best traits.

Mega Johnson upgrade: Frank has told Spurs to sign "unplayable" £60m star

The free-scoring attacker would be unreal for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 9, 2025

Manchester United now hold the strongest interest in a “sensational” goalkeeper target, having already made contact to discuss a deal, according to a report.

Man Utd looking to replace Andre Onana

It was yet another difficult campaign for Andre Onana at Old Trafford, with former United man Nemanja Matic particularly critical of the goalkeeper prior to the Europa League quarter-final clash against Lyon.

Of course, Ruben Amorim’s side went on to progress past the French club, but after losing the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur last month, it appears as though the manager has now set out to replace his goalkeeper.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Man United are well-placed to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as a replacement for Onana, and there has since been a further update on their pursuit of the Argentina international.

According to a report from TyC Sports (via Sport Witness), United now hold the strongest interest in Martinez, having made contact to discuss a potential move several months ago, before ultimately deciding to stick with Onana.

Barcelona have also expressed an interest in the Villa shot-stopper, but the La Liga champions now appear to be going for Joan Garcia, which could open the door for a move to Old Trafford.

A deal could be on the expensive side, with the report revealing Unai Emery’s side are set to hold out for a large fee, although it is unclear how much they would be looking to receive.

"Sensational" Martinez could be huge Onana upgrade

Onana would’ve been hoping that a good showing in the Europa League final would give him a shot at redemption, but he ultimately put in a disappointing display, and it is clear that Amorim must bring in an upgrade this summer.

There are signs the Argentine could fit the bill, having outperformed the Cameroonian across a number of key metrics for goalkeepers per 90 minutes over the past year.

Statistic

Emiliano Martinez

Andre Onana

Goals against

1.20

1.32

Save %

72.1%

68.9%

Clean sheet %

28.3%

23.4%

Crosses stopped %

11.3%

5.5%

Jamie Smith has lauded the 32-year-old as “sensational” in the past, and he won the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award in both 2022 and 2024, once again indicating that he would be a real improvement on Onana between the sticks.

Man Utd hold secret talks to swap Sancho for "generational" £75m PL forward

The Red Devils have held discussions over a swap deal involving Jadon Sancho…

ByDominic Lund Jun 4, 2025

It remains to be seen whether the £150k-a-week goalkeeper would be interested in a move to Old Trafford, without European football of any description on offer, but he would be a real statement signing for Man United this summer.

The window might not be officially open yet, but silly season is in full swing, and Arsenal look set for a busy one.

Earlier today, it was revealed that Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is just a medical away from officially joining the Gunners, and it feels like he won’t be the last international to join from La Liga.

For example, for well over a year now, Mikel Arteta’s side have been heavily linked with Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and then, over the last month or so, links to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo have appeared everywhere.

And now, another exciting attacker, someone who has been compared to both aforementioned wingers, has been touted for a move to the Emirates this summer.

Arsenal's winger search

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth going over some of the other wide talents linked with Arsenal in recent weeks and months, like Antoine Semenyo and Rafael Leao.

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 could be attainable for a fee of around £70m, and while that’s a lot of money, he is a Premier League-proven star who has amassed an impressive enough tally of 20 goal involvements in 42 games for Bournemouth this year.

On the other hand, Leao could cost as much as £145m thanks to the release clause in his current contract, but he too has enjoyed a brilliant personal campaign this season, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists in 50 games for AC Milan.

However, while both players would be exciting additions to the team, another name has now entered the fray: Takefusa Kubo.

According to a recent report from Spanish newspaper AS, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal are now interested in signing the Real Sociedad star.

In fact, the report claims that the Gunners and Premier League rivals Liverpool have already made contact with the Japanese international, who has a release clause worth €60m – £50m – in his current contract.

While it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, Arsenal should persevere with it, especially as Kubo has won comparisons to both Williams and Rodrygo.

How Kubo compares to Williams & Rodrygo

Before we get into some of the other reasons why Arsenal should be looking to sign Kubo this summer, it’s worth examining these comparisons to Williams and Rodrygo, as, after all, they are some of the most exciting wingers around at the moment.

Well, in this instance, it all stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in La Liga and then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one.

In this instance, it concluded that the Spaniard is the sixth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Japanese star this season, while the Brazilian comes in eighth.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.31

0.35

0.32

Progressive Carries

5.04

5.32

5.28

Expected Assists

0.14

0.19

0.20

Goals per Shot

0.12

0.09

0.11

Clearances

0.49

0.41

0.42

Carries into the Penalty Area

2.16

2.61

2.34

Aerial Duels Win %

36.7%

39.3%

30.4%

We can better understand how this conclusion has been reached by looking at the underlying metrics in which the trio rank closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, expected assists, clearances, progressive carries, goals per shot and more, all per 90.

On top of his similarities to the two sensational wingers and his tally of seven goals and four assists this season, another argument for why the Gunners should sign the “dangerous” international, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is his individual underlying numbers.

For example, FBref places him in the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for goal-creating actions from take-ons and passes blocked, the top 5% for shot-creating actions stemming from a defensive action, the top 7% for successful take-ons, the top 8% for fouls drawn and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while he might not be at the top of many transfer wishlists, Kubo would be an exceptional addition to Arsenal’s right-sided attacking options and someone who could get even better as the team continues to progress.

£45m star who's shades of Patrick Vieira must never play for Arsenal again

The international ace has served Arsenal well, but it’s time to go.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 27, 2025

Burnley will be playing Premier League football once again next season after they finished second in the Championship to secure promotion back to the big time.

The Clarets finished on a staggering 100 points in the second tier, somehow only finishing second to Leeds United, and are now preparing to build a squad that can avoid an instant relegation from the top-flight.

Scott Parker will need to make some big and tough decisions on players who will leave Turf Moore, and ones who will come in, and one star whose future is uncertain at the moment is Ashley Barnes.

Why Ashley Barnes could be released this summer

The veteran striker signed for the club from Norwich City in the January transfer window and put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season, which means that his current contract is due to expire at the end of next month.

Speaking ahead of the final game of the season, Parker was asked if a decision had been made on the striker: “Not at the moment, no.

Transfer Focus

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“We’ve not really discussed in great detail next year or certainly how it would look in terms of players’ contracts. We’ve got one game left and that’s been the main focus.

“But Ashley Barnes has been incredible since he’s come in and there’s an opportunity for him at the weekend as well, depending on the decision I make.”

In the weeks since those comments, there has still not been any official confirmation of his release or a new contract, but his limited impact on the pitch could mean that they look elsewhere ahead of a Premier League season.

Barnes ended the campaign with one goal in 21 appearances, including two starts, in the Championship, and the Clarets have been linked with a striker who could be the next version of the veteran forward, George Hirst.

Why George Hirst could be the next Ashley Barnes

Burnley and Leeds are both reportedly interested in signing the Ipswich Town centre-forward after their relegation from the Premier League has already been confirmed, and he could be Barnes 2.0

Barnes joined the Clarets from Brighton at the age of 25, having come up through the lower leagues in League One and the Championship, and went on to score 42 goals in 200 Premier League games for the club.

Like the Burnley icon, Hirst has worked his way up the EFL. He played in League One for Portsmouth and Ipswich and the Championship with Blackburn Rovers and the Tractor Boys, before his first taste of regular top-flight football at the age of 25/26 this season.

Appearances

25

23

Minutes per game

24

35

Goals

3

1

Assists

1

0

Ground duel success rate

33%

34%

Aerial duel success rate

59%

44%

As you can see in the table above, Hirst’s form for Ipswich this season in the Premier League has been more impressive than Barnes’ last outing in the top-flight with the Clarets in the 2021/22 campaign.

These statistics also show that the striker, who was described as “unique” by Kieran McKenna, has the physical attributes to be a Barnes-esque figure for Burnley, particularly with his strength in the air to win flick ons and compete with opposition defenders.

Parker has struck gold on Burnley star who's worth more than Brownhill

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ByKelan Sarson May 23, 2025

Hirst, who has scored three goals from 2.13 xG, has the potential to combine physical and technical attributes to be an effective centre-forward at Premier League level if he can kick on with regular minutes, as he only averaged 24 minutes a game behind Liam Delap.

That is why Parker could unearth Burnley’s next Ashley Barnes by signing the experienced striker, who has done the hard work in the lower leagues and could now be given a chance to really show his quality at the top level.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is facing stiff competition from Saudi Arabia in pursuit of his reported top target to replace Ange Postecoglou, with the tactician said to be keen on a move to the Middle East.

Tottenham are very likely to replace Ange Postecoglou this summer

All signs are currently pointing towards Spurs’ final fixtures of 2024/2025 being Postecoglou’s last in charge.

Player set for Tottenham transfer decision after £21m agreement

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has a real recruitment opportunity this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini May 13, 2025

The reliable David Ornstein is now among the media sources to report that Postecoglou is highly likely to depart Tottenham, regardless of their success in the Europa League final, following links to numerous managerial candidates to succeed the Australian.

Son Heung-min

7.05

Pedro Porro

6.98

James Maddison

6.98

Dominic Solanke

6.88

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund) and Edin Terzić (free agent) are all reportedly managers attracting interest from Tottenham ahead of next season, following their tepid Premier League campaign.

Spurs broke their record for most Premier League losses in a single season after their 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace last weekend, with the Lilywhites also sitting a lowly 17th in the table, just one spot above the already-filled relegation zone.

Postecoglou has been criticised for stubbornness over changing his approach in games this season, with former Man United keeper Peter Schmeichel slamming this aspect of his coaching style after a 6-3 defeat to Liverpool.

“It’s on [Postecoglou],” Schmeichel told Premier League Productions.

“He’s playing to his principles. Today it was crazy, the high line, the space they left behind, they’re not playing with a ‘keeper who’s comfortable cleaning up behind. You can’t play a system the players can’t play because of principle. For that they’ve conceded three on Thursday and six today.

“When you look at the table, they’re not on the front page, they’re on the second page. Tottenham are not supposed to be on the second page, it’s because of the way they play.

“The stubbornness of wanting to play that way, they got what they deserved, and it could have been a lot worse.”

Tottenham managerial target Marco Silva eyeing move to Saudi Arabia

Understandably, a large section of supporters wish to see change, even if their season could still be saved by a potential first trophy in 17 years and a place in the Champions League draw next term, through victory in the Europa League final on May 21.

According to Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio recently, Fulham boss Marco Silva is Tottenham’s “first” choice to replace Postecoglou, with the Portuguese now in pole position on Levy’s managerial shortlist.

However, another update, courtesy of Pete O’Rourke for Football Insider, claims Spurs won’t exactly have a free run at hiring the 47-year-old.

As per O’Rourke, Silva is now keen on a move to Saudi Arabia amid Tottenham’s serious interest, and Saudi sides are “ready to move” for the tactician. Al-Hilal are named as one of the SPL teams expressing a real fondness, and they could feasibly offer him mega-money to vacate Europe.

It is unclear whether Levy would be willing to do the same thing, but he’ll certainly be keen to avoid a lengthy managerial saga akin to their drawn-out search for José Mourinho’s successor in 2021.