Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is showing little sign of slowing down after their now-completed deal for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.
Arsenal seal Christian Norgaard signing after deal agreed
The 31-year-old, as per widespread reports in the last two days, will be Arsenal’s third summer capture after midfielder Martin Zubimendi and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Mikel Arteta personally wants Arsenal to sign £94m forward this summer
They know the costs of what would be a marquee deal.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 25, 2025
Zubimendi has finalised a £56 million move to N5, as per Fabrizio Romano, with Arsenal also activating the £5 million release clause in Kepa’s contract. The Spanish duo are now set to be joined by Norgaard, following a whirlwind last 48 hours.
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
Interest in the Denmark international emerged earlier this week, but talks for Norgaard soon intensified, and before long, a deal was agreed for the midfielder to replace the exit-bound Thomas Partey.
While Romano states that Arsenal will pay around £9 million, there are some discrepancies over the 31-year-old’s final price tag, with the BBC reporting that his actual fee is closer to an initial £10 million plus an additional £5 million in performance-related add-ons.
“Norgaard is a modern defensive-anchor player. There’s no doubt he can rival Partey, or offer more options to Arteta – offering him more depth in his squad,” said former West Ham, Crystal Palace and Wolves coach, Edu Rubio, to the BBC.
Christian Norgaard with Kasper Schmeichel on international duty.
“Christian can break up play, intercept, tackle, block and win aerial duels. He can let Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice do their thing while he protects their backs. He can also recycle the ball and play forwards effectively. In a league where there are so many transitions, a player who senses danger and has a great ability to regain the ball can be a must-have in your team. His physicality, and the fact it’s been tested at the Premier League, also makes him a very sensible signing. He can be a great addition to Arsenal.”
After Norgaard, and Arsenal’s negotiations over a deal for young Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, links continue to surround Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
Arsenal working on Noni Madueke deal with Chelsea
As per TUTTOmercatoWEB, Berta is leading the charge for Madueke, who cost Chelsea around £30 million to sign from PSV Eindhoven in 2023.
The England international was called one of Chelsea’s “best players” by manager Enzo Maresca, and he earned recent praise from Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel for his performances in their latest round of fixtures.
According to TMW, Arsenal and Chelsea are working on a deal for Madueke in ongoing talks, with the 23-year-old potentially up for sale given the sheer competition for places in Maresca’s preferred attacking formation.
With Kepa about to join the club, and Raheem Sterling signing on loan last summer, the two sides already have an excellent business relationship – so this one could have legs.
The 2025/26 campaign will be all change for Wolverhampton Wanderers. After a strong end to last season for Vitor Pereira’s side, the Old Gold promptly lost their two biggest names, Matheus Cunha, who switched to Manchester United and Rayan Ait-Nouri, who joined their rivals, Manchester City.
Now, the West Midlands side will have to recruit well and pick themselves up to build on what was an impressive end to the season. Under Pereira, they went from relegation candidates to one of the inform sides, going unbeaten in eight of the final 11 top-flight games.
The transfer window reopens on Monday, giving Wolves the chance to reshape their squad ahead of a huge campaign in 2025/26. Here is a look at their dream lineup next season, with some of those potential new additions.
1 GK – Jose Sa
The man between the sticks once again next term for the Old Gold will surely be Jose Sa. The Portugal international just won the Nations League for the second time with his country, and will surely be hoping to carry that form into the new Premier League season.
Last campaign, Sa started off shakily and was actually dropped from the starting lineup by former boss Gary O’Neil. However, his performances picked up, and he ended the season with seven clean sheets to his name in 29 games.
2 CB – Santiago Bueno
Santiago Bueno
Santiago Bueno’s future at Molineux isn’t as clear-cut as others in this side. Wolves may well recruit at centre-back, but with the need to replace Cunha and Ait-Nouri, they might not have the money left over.
The Uruguay international played 29 games in the Premier League last season, but his involvement definitely decreased under Pereira. However, his performance at Old Trafford at the end of the campaign was described as “assured” by journalist Liam Keen. Perhaps the new boss will have seen enough promise in that to show faith.
3 CB – Toti
Toti Gomes warming up for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
A key man at the back for the Old Gold last season was Toti, and it seems like he will be one of their first-choice defenders again in 2025/26. His role in this side is as the central centre-back in Pereira’s back-three system.
Last season, Toti, who has also played international football for Portugal, made 31 Premier League appearances. He also captained the side in their penultimate game of the season, showing excellent leadership skills and trust from the manager.
4 CB – Emmanuel Agbadou
A January addition for the Old Gold, Emmanuel Agbadou, was impressive during his first few months in the Premier League. He played 18 times in all competitions, helping his side to five clean sheets and even managing to get himself on the scoresheet.
He has certainly made a great impression during his short stint in the West Midlands. Journalist Nathan Judah said he was “one of the signings of the season” before going on to say that “he looks so comfortable” playing in the English top flight. A great start to life at Molineux.
5 RWB – Nelson Semedo
It is imperative for Wolves that they manage to keep Nelson Semedo at Molineux this summer. The club “have made an offer” to their captain, with his contract set to expire in a few months time. They can’t afford to lose such an experienced player.
Semedo was crucial for both O’Neil and Pereira last term, taking over the captaincy halfway through and dealing with that situation admirably. He played 34 Premier League games and grabbed four assists. Given this is a dream lineup, let’s assume he chooses to stay in the West Midlands. He would certainly be a huge loss.
6 CM – Andre
After his summer move to Molineux from Fluminense last summer, Andre really grew into his role in that Wolves midfield. Football analyst Ben Mattinson said he “quietly had a really good season” for the Old Gold, praising him for his technical ability in possession. As per FBref, he averaged 3.96 progressive passes per game, highlighting exactly what Mattinson meant.
In total, the Brazilian, who is a full international for his country, made 33 Premier League appearances last season. He played 90 minutes on 11 occasions under Pereira, showing just how much he trusts the midfielder.
7 CM – Joao Gomes
Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes
The other half of Wolves’ Brazilian pivot is Joao Gomes. The former Flamengo man was a key member of the Old Gold midfield, playing 36 games and using his extra attacking responsibility well, scoring three goals and grabbing an assist.
If some of Andre’s statistics stand out, then Gomes’ certainly do. He played the most progressive passes among his teammates last season, with 165, and topped the charts for tackles and interceptions, with 141, just pipping Andre in second, who notched up 128. That is a midfield pairing that will be crucial to Wolves’ success next season.
Progressive passes
165
1st
Passes into final third
122
1st
Tackles and interceptions
141
1st
Ball recoveries
200
1st
Progressive carries
59
4th
8 LWB – Gerard Martin
Finally, we reach the first new signing of this Wolves dream lineup. That man is Barcelona left-back Gerard Martin. According to a report from one Spanish news outlet, the Old Gold have ‘expressed interest’ in signing Martin this summer. They suggest that an offer of £10m or more would be enough to convince the La Liga champions to sell him.
Make no mistake about it, Martin would have a tough job on his hands, replacing Ait-Nouri, “the best left back” in the Premier League, according to Wolves man Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. However, he has been in and around a fantastic environment at Barca, and played an important role under Hansi Flick last term.
In total, the 23-year-old featured 42 times for the club last season, grabbing three assists, including two against Inter in the Champions League semi-final. With the quality of delivery on show from Martin, it surely showcases just how deadly he can be as a wing-back.
9 RAM – Bilal El Khannouss
Leicester City's BilalElKhannoussin action
The second new signing in this dream Wolves side is Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss. GiveMeSport reported at the end of May that the Old Gold ‘have set their sights on making a move’ for the Morocco star ‘as a direct replacement for Cunha’. It is a deal that could cost them upwards of £22m.
Replacing Cunha will obviously be no easy task for whoever Wolves sign this summer, but perhaps El Khannouss is the best man for the job. After all, he is a “magician” according to football scout Antonio Mango, and that is what they are surely looking for.
At just 21 years of age, it was a seamless adaptation to the Premier League for the Morocco international last season. The Foxes’ attacking midfielder scored twice and grabbed three assists in 32 Premier League games last season, including a winning goal away to Tottenham Hotspur.
10 CF – Jorgen Strand Larsen
Jorgen Strand Larsen’s silky link-up play, which should combine superbly with El Khannouss, will still make for a great watch. Last term, he played 21 key passes in the Premier League.
The Norway star will join the club permanently after he made 35 appearances in the Premier League, enough to trigger the buy clause. In that time, he was sensational, with 14 goals and four assists, showing some of the aforementioned link-up play. Pereira will hope he can continue that excellent form into next season.
Robin van Persie is a striker who managed to hugely impress at Manchester United, leading the club to their last Premier League title back in the 2012/13 campaign.
The Dutchman controversially left rivals Arsenal to join the Red Devils in a £24m deal, a move that would be a massive bargain given his form in front of goal at Old Trafford.
He registered 30 goals in his 48 appearances across all competitions, 26 of which came in the league, subsequently claiming the division’s Golden Boot award.
Former Manchester United forward Robin van Persie.
Van Persie’s talents with the Red Devils are there for all to see, with current boss Ruben Amorim potentially wishing he had his own version of the talisman in the present day.
However, the 40-year-old may be able to land just that this summer, with the manager already laying the foundations for potential additions within the final third.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
With Rasmus Hojlund touted with a move away from United this summer, it’s no surprise to see various names linked with a summer move to join Amorim’s men.
The likes of Moise Kean, Hugo Ekitiké and Benjamin Sesko have all been mentioned as potential additions, as the hierarchy look to add a new dimension to their attack.
However, another name has entered the mix in the form of Dušan Vlahović, with the Juventus talisman set to depart the Italian club this summer, according to GIVEMESPORT.
They claim that United will be offered the opportunity to land the Serbian international for a fee in the region of £20m this summer, with the attacker demanding £200k-per-week.
It also states that the 25-year-old is extremely keen on a move to the Premier League this window, after scoring 10 goals in just 21 league starts this campaign.
Why Vlahovic could be the perfect Gyokeres alternative for United
Viktor Gyokeres is another striker who has been hugely touted with a move to join United this summer, unsurprisingly so given his tally of 54 goals in all competitions this season.
The Swede has also been subject to huge interest from Arsenal, with the pair battling it out for his signature ahead of the reopening of the window next week.
However, any deal would likely cost the Red Devils hierarchy a pretty penny, with Sporting CP demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with the 27-year-old this window.
Such a fee could lead to a move to Vlahovic becoming the main target, given the difference in fee, offering a cheaper alternative who could follow in Van Persie’s footsteps.
The Serbian, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Statman Dave, possesses a similar skillset, with a powerful strike off his stronger left foot – also being able to play off the shoulder, similarly to the Dutchman.
Juventus' DusanVlahovicduring the warm up
He could also provide a cheaper yet effective option than Gyokeres, managing to produce some impressive figures in numerous key areas despite the difference in fee.
Vlahovic has registered 1.5 shots on target per 90 in Serie A this campaign, showcasing the accuracy that he possesses when finding himself in front of goal within the final third.
Games played
29
Goals scored
10
Shots on target
1.5
Touches in opposition box
6.7
Aerials won
2.1
Aerial success
48%
Take-on success
1.4
Progressive carries
1.4
He also managed to win 48% of the aerials he’s contested, whilst registering 6.7 touches in the opposition’s box per 90 – handing Amorim a fox in the box option at Old Trafford.
£20m is a bargain in today’s market, especially for a talent like the 25-year-old, with such a deal likely to allow for a potential profit down the line in years to come.
Whilst Gyokeres may be many supporters’ first choice, a move for Vlahovic shouldn’t be looked past, with the Serbian having all the tools to follow in Van Persie’s footsteps at United.
Amorim's own Wirtz: Man Utd lead race to sign "sensational" £70m star
Manchester United appear to be making huge moves with a deal for one talent this summer.
Despite winning the Premier League in the 2024/25 campaign, Liverpool are incredibly active in the summer transfer window in an attempt to bolster their squad.
The window officially opened for business on Sunday and the club have already confirmed Netherlands international Jeremie Frimpong as their first signing of the year.
He has come through the door as the direct replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has completed a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup.
Liverpool are also reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, as David Ornstein has claimed that the Germany international is keen to make the move to Anfield.
The 22-year-old star delivered 16 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for Leverkusen during the 2024/25 campaign, which suggests that the Reds could be bringing in an influential figure at the top end of the pitch.
These new signings coming in could provide added competition for the existing stars at Anfield, and one player who may need to be on his toes is Ibrahima Konate.
Why Ibrahima Konate could be concerned this summer
The France international started 30 of his 31 appearances in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season, as the main partner for Virgil van Dijk at the back.
However, it did not always look like that was going to be the case for the former RB Leipzig star. Last summer, Football Insider reported that Arne Slot was not convinced by the centre-back, due to his performances on the pitch and in training, as well as his injury record.
Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool
That was seemingly backed up by the Dutch head coach’s decision to go with Jarrel Quansah next to van Dijk ahead of Konate on the opening day against Ipswich Town. However, the English youngster endured a difficult half against Liam Delap and was replaced by the French titan at half-time.
Konate then went on to be a regular starter in the Premier League, despite those early concerns about his place in the side, but there were still moments that could throw his long-term future into doubt.
Appearances
31
Starts
30
Ground duel success rate
61%
Aerial duel success rate
71%
Error led to shot
2
Error led to goal
1
As you can see in the table above, the French colossus was largely dominant in duels on the deck and in the air, but was also no stranger to making a mistake at the back.
Errors crept into his performances, with three errors leading to shots or goals for the opposition, in the Premier League, and that is why the club’s reported interest in a new central defender could leave him concerned this summer.
Liverpool eyeing deal for new centre-back
According to Football Insider, the path has been cleared for Liverpool to pursue a deal to sign RB Leipzig central defender Castello Lukeba in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
The report claims that the German side’s seventh-placed finish in the Bundesliga, which means that they will not be playing European football next season, has cleared the path for the Reds to swoop in for the centre-back, making them one of the favourites to secure his signature.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It states that the French star has a release clause of £74m in his contract with Leipzig, and that Liverpool are on high alert after his team failed to qualify for Europe.
The report adds, however, that the Premier League giants will attempt to use the situation to negotiate a lower fee for the 22-year-old titan, which means that they could sign him for less than the £74m release clause.
Konate could, now, be concerned by this news because another centre-back arriving at Anfield this summer could create competition for his place that could see him drop out of the starting XI on a regular basis.
If Liverpool can get a deal over the line for Lukeba in the coming weeks or months, Slot could have a centre-back on his hands who has the potential to be an upgrade on his current partner for van Dijk.
Why Castello Lukeba could replace Ibrahima Konate
Analyst Ben Mattinson described him as the “perfect” left centre-back slash left-back hybrid, which could mean that he could move over to the left side of the pairing with the captain on the right in order to replace Konate.
The Leipzig star’s reliability, first and foremost, is what may attract Slot to him. In 103 appearances in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga for Lyon and Leipzig combined, the 22-year-old star has not made a single error that has directly led to a goal for the opposition.
On that evidence, it’s hardly a surprise that Mattinson has also referred to him as “one of the best defensive prospects in world football” and one of “the best U21 centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.”
In comparison, Konate has made five errors leading to goals in just 82 appearances in the Premier League, which suggests that he is nowhere near as reliable as Lukeba in that sense.
This means that Slot could rely on the £74m-rated star more to deliver consistent performances without making critical mistakes that create chances for the opposition.
Appearances
31
23
Tackles + interceptions per game
1.8
2.0
Dribbled past per game
0.3x
0.3x
Ground duel success rate
61%
65%
Aerial duel success rate
71%
65%
Error led to shot
2
0
Error led to goal
1
0
As you can see in the table above, Lukeba also made slightly more tackles and interceptions per game on average at league level this season, whilst also winning a higher percentage of his ground duels.
Konate appears to have the edge over him when it comes to winning aerial duels, although the Leipzig star is not weak in that respect, but overall, the Liverpool defender comes out second-best.
These statistics indicate that the Reds number five should be concerned about his place in the starting XI if Lukeba walks through the door, because the young titan has the qualities to displace him next season.
Slot could improve his team by signing the French star to provide a more reliable presence at the heart of the defence in comparison to Konate, due to his lack of errors in the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, which is why this could be an excellent addition for the club.
He's like Wirtz: Liverpool can axe Diaz by signing 'England's best winger'
Liverpool face the summer sale of one of their most important players.
Chelsea secured the Europa Conference League title last night, becoming the first side to win such a title alongside the Europa League and the Champions League.
Enzo Maresca’s side produced a stunning second-half comeback after being a goal down against Real Betis at the break, ending the game as 4-1 victors in Wrocław.
Goals from Enzo Fernández, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo secured the triumph for the Blues, topping off what has been an excellent few weeks.
Such a result saw the Italian claim his first trophy after taking the reins last summer, looking to build on such success throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
However, despite the inspirational second-half comeback, numerous players failed to deliver in the European final, putting their place at Stamford Bridge at huge risk.
Chelsea’s poor performers against Real Betis
Winger Noni Madueke once again started for Chelsea last night, but the Englishman was unable to produce a performance to remember – often failing to deliver in the final third.
The 23-year-old only completed 50% of his dribbles and was unable to complete a single cross, with the attacker’s showing in Poland one to forget.
He wasn’t alone in struggling to perform, with right-back Malo Gusto also producing a disastrous showing, subsequently being replaced at the break by Reece James.
The Frenchman had to play in an inverted role, but made a mistake that led to the Spanish side’s opener, whilst failing to win a single one of the tackles he entered.
However, despite the showing from the aforementioned duo, one other first team member failed to deliver in the final, with his outing last night needing to be his last one for the Blues.
The Chelsea dud who must never play for the club again
Despite such a triumph, this summer promises to be a huge one for Chelsea, with incomings and outgoings to be expected at Stamford Bridge over the coming months.
Maresca has some huge decisions to make, including whether to make Jadon Sancho’s deal permanent or pay a £5m fee to send him back to Manchester United.
As for incomings, the likes of Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitiké and Joao Pedro have all been touted with moves to join the Blues, with the manager evidently targeting reinforcements in the final third.
However, regardless of what deals he decides to pursue or approve, he needs to offload centre-back Benoit Badiashile and allow the defender to move on to pastures new.
He joined the club in a £35m deal from Monaco back in 2023, making 53 appearances, with the majority of his showings this season coming in the Conference League.
The 24-year-old started the final against Betis, featuring for 61 minutes before being replaced by academy graduate Levi Colwill, highlighting his lack of impact.
He may have registered 92 touches, but he was disappointing without the ball, losing 100% of the tackles he entered and committing a foul which led to him being carded.
Minutes played
61
Touches
92
Passes completed
81/84 (96%)
Tackles won
0
Fouls committed
1
Interceptions made
1
Aerials won
0
Badiashile also only made one interception and failed to come out on top in any aerial duels, struggling to produce a display worthy of a European Cup final.
As a result of his showing against the Spanish outfit, he was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by The Standard’s Malik Ouzia – showcasing his lack of positive impact.
With the summer transfer window now just around the corner, it would be a surprise to no one if Badiashile was offloaded during the off-season, ending his spell in West London.
He demonstrated last night that he’s unable to deliver in key moments, with Maresca needing to cut his losses and sell him to allow for added investment in key areas this summer.
Forget Jackson: Maresca has found the new Drogba in 9/10 Chelsea star
Chelsea came from behind to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the Conference League final on Wednesday night
Already thinking about summer reinforcements, the 49ers are now reportedly plotting a fresh Rangers move to sign a relegated Premier League defender at a bargain price.
With the Scottish Premiership season coming to an end, Rangers’ search for a new manager is only likely to heat up. It’s one that the 49ers desperately need to get right after showing plenty of patience in their decision ahead of an all-important summer transfer window.
Just who arrives with that said is the big question. So far, the biggest names mentioned have been Steven Gerrard and Rafael Benitez., whilst Davide Ancelotti – the son of Carlo Ancelotti – has also threatened to steal the headlines as of late.
While he would have been an exciting appointment however, the young coach has decided he will not step into senior management just yet and will instead continue as his father’s assistant when the latter takes up his post as the Brazil national team boss.
Davide Ancelotti set to follow Carlo to Brazil in huge blow for Rangers
The young coach will not make the move to Ibrox this summer.
ByHenry Jackson May 16, 2025
Meanwhile, if those at Ibrox are looking for the manager who’s most eager for the job then interim boss Barry Ferguson may find himself at the front of the queue this summer. He told reporters when quizzed on whether he’s keen to take the job a few weeks ago: “Everybody’s got an opinion, I don’t care about people’s opinion, I know I can do the job.
“I know I’ve got a real good staff behind me. I’ve been asked this question two or three weeks in a row, I think it’s clear, it doesn’t scare me one single bit. I know there’s a hell of a lot of work to be done, everybody knows that. And that’s a challenge that I would meet head on. And I know I would change it.”
As candidates continue to battle it out for the 49ers’ attention, it’s only set to get busier at Ibrox, with the summer transfer window now fast approaching. On that front, it could also be a big few months for the Gers as they attempt to bridge the gap on Scottish champions and Old Firm rivals Celtic.
Rangers plotting Burgess move
According to Rangers Review, the 49ers are now plotting a bargain Rangers move to sign Cameron Burgess from Ipswich Town this summer. The Premier League defender is set to become a free agent at the end of his contract at Portman Road next month, allowing those at Ibrox to come swooping in to land a free deal.
Whilst the current campaign ended in disaster for Burgess and his teammates, with relegation confirmed for Kieran McKenna’s side, the defender looks set to receive a fresh start, no matter what in the coming months.
Ipswich boss McKenna has been full of praise for Burgess since his debut for the club, with his comments back then shedding light on the type of personality the Ibrox faithful would be getting: “I spoke on Tuesday night about Cam Burgess; how he’s conducted himself and applied himself over the last couple of months that I’ve been here. He’s been excellent so I’m happy for him that he’s going to get his opportunity to play on Saturday and then obviously in some more games going forward.”
With a decision to make, the Ipswich defender could now be on his way to the Scottish Premiership and Rangers when his current deal comes to an end at Portman Road.
Chelsea are poised for yet another summer of spending.
Since Todd Boehly took over at Chelsea three years ago, the club have signed over 40 first-team players for in excess of £1bn, but are not forecast to slow down in the transfer market any time soon.
However, they could keep their powder dry and not make a move for a highly-rated English youngster, given that a certain wonderkid is already set to arrive in West London this summer.
Chelsea's interest in Jamie Gittens
According to a report by German publication Bild, Chelsea, as well as newly re-crowned Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, are ‘interested’ in signing Jamie Gittens this summer, with Borussia Dortmund valuing their star winger at around £85m.
The 20-year-old Englishman, who previously spent time at Chelsea’s academy, has played a starring role during an otherwise disappointing season for die Schwarzgelben, scoring 12 goals across all competitions, earning widespread praise.
Seb Stafford-Bloor of the Athletic believes he has become one of Europe’s ‘most destructive players’, adding that he ‘influences matches’ and is a ‘game-breaker’, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a ‘direct winger’, praising his ‘quick feet [and] trickery’.
Gittens is obviously a high-quality, high-potential attacker, but Chelsea already have a bigger talent on their hands, who they should prioritise before making any more big-money signings.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The future superstar on his way to Chelsea
Back in June 2024, it was confirmed that Chelsea had completed the signing of teenager Estêvão Willian from Palmeiras for a reported fee of £29m, which could rise to £55m, with the Brazilian set to arrive in West London this summer, having now celebrated his 18th birthday.
Estevao Willian for Palmeiras.
As noted by Arthur Ferridge of the Evening Standard, Estêvão will remain with Palmeiras for the Club World Cup before moving to Chelsea afterwards, meaning he could face his future employers this summer; the duo are on course to potentially clash in the quarter-finals.
Despite the fact he’s been 18 for under a fortnight, Estêvão is one of the most highly-rated youngsters on the planet, and the table below will outline why.
Club appearances
72
Club minutes
4,655
Club goals
22
Club assists
13
International caps
4
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels the teenager a “world-class talent”, analyst Ben Mattinson believes the “superstar” is a “future Ballon d’Or winner”, while international teammate Neymar believes the “big talent…. will be a genius” in the near future.
That’s certainly high praise for a player still in his teenage years.
Nathalia Tavares from Breaking the Lines outlines that the winger ‘is a left-footed attacker’ who has predominantly been deployed on the right flank, describing him as ‘creative’ and ‘capable of carrying the ball’ forward, impressed by his ‘excellent’ link-up play and ‘natural flair’.
On top of this, Luis Kircher from Total Football Analysis praises his maturity and ‘understanding of how to influence games’, describing his astronomical rise as ‘nothing short of sensational’.
So, let’s assess his statistics in last season’s Brasileirão.
Appearances
31
87th
Minutes
2,097
118th
Goals
13
3rd
Assists
9
2nd
Shots
82
3rd
Shots on target
35
2nd
Goals – xG
+2.5
15th
Shot-creating actions
139
4th
Goal-creating actions
19
1st
Attempted take-ons
182
1st
Take on success %
46.2%
8th
Progressive carries
145
1st
Progressive passes received
291
1st
Carries into opposition box
67
1st
As the table outlines, despite limited minutes, his statistics last season were exceptional, doing so at a high level too; Global Football Rankings believes the Brasileirão to be the sixth-strongest league in the world, making it the best outside Europe.
The teenager ranks first for pretty much every dribbling-related metric included – underlining his comparisons to Gittens – while his tally of 13 goals, bettered only by Yuri Alberto and Alerrandro, is also eye-catching and noteworthy.
Thus, while, of course, Gittens is undeniably a top talent too, Chelsea should resist the temptation to splash another £85m on a youngster, instead prioritising making space in the squad for Estêvão, who’ll be ready to explode once he arrives in July.
Best signing since Palmer: Chelsea could land a £60m Gyokeres alternative
Chelsea should sign a “clinical” Premier League striker instead of Viktor Gyökeres
Manchester United are still alive in their quest to obtain Champions League football and could now have an opportunity to land one of Europe’s most talked about playmakers, per reports.
Manchester United look to boost summer budget
Despite a fairly dismal domestic campaign, the Red Devils could still wheel away with a place in the Champions League league phase next season should they claim the Europa League crown later this month.
After a storming victory over Athletic Club last Thursday, Manchester United have one foot in the final and will look to build on their three-goal advantage next week at Old Trafford.
Should they prevail, Ruben Amorim would then be tasked with a money-spinning winner-takes-all clash against either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodo/Glimt, with the former looking the more likely to progress to the showpiece occasion.
Financially, Manchester United could make around £85.8 million from winning the Europa League, factoring in subsequent Champions League qualification. Unsurprisingly, this could give INEOS a much-needed leg-up in the market, so Viktor Gyokeres and Matheus Cunha could join the Red Devils from Sporting and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively, if all goes to plan.
Manchester United’s remaining fixtures in all competitions
Brentford (A)
Premier League
Athletic Club (H)
Europa League semi-final second leg
West Ham United (H)
Premier League
Chelsea (A)
Premier League
Aston Villa (H)
Premier League
*Potential Europa League final appearance on 21/05/2025
Talks have been held over Manchester United signing Jonathan Tah on a free transfer once his contract at Bayer Leverkusen expires, though there is further interest in his services from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Fundamentally, it remains to be seen how Amorim’s squad takes shape. Plenty of individuals could be moved on, but how you supplement their departures is what counts. Now, Manchester United have found out that they can sign one of the top playmakers in all of Europe’s top-five leagues if he is made the star man at Old Trafford.
Manchester United given demands by Lyon's Rayan Cherki
Per reports in Spain, Manchester United could see Rayan Cherki arrive from Lyon this summer if he is given a ‘leading role’ in their line-up moving forward under Amorim. The France Under-21 international would be open to a new challenge at the end of this season and it is said that negotiations could intensify over the next few months that may see him end up at Old Trafford.
Perfect for Cunha: Man Utd in advanced talks to sign "world-class" talent
Manchester United have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements, with a deal edging closer for one star.
ByEthan Lamb May 2, 2025
Earning adulation for his entertaining displays, Cherki has registered 12 goals and 19 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions this season for Lyon. Creating 68 chances on Ligue 1 duty, the 21-year-old has shot to prominence as one of Europe’s maverick inventive forces and now looks destined to take the next step in his career at one of the elite.
Now, Manchester United need to make sure they can give him assurances on first-team action, which may be the factor that helps any deal over the line.
With promotion to the Premier League sealed, Burnley have reportedly already turned their attention towards the summer transfer window and the signature of a struggling Chelsea ace.
Burnley still fighting for Championship title
Promotion may be sealed for both Burnley and Leeds United but the Championship title is set to go down to the final day with the former desperately hoping for Daniel Farke’s side to slip up. As things stand, the Whites will win the title with 100 points on goal difference if both sides win on the final day of the season – representing the quality that both have shown throughout the majority of the campaign.
After being named the Manager of the Season, Burnley boss Scott Parker told reporters: “I’m really excited and proud of the achievement on an individual level, but of course, I couldn’t do this without a group of people and a group of staff that have supported and been the main driver all season.
“This is a group that has been on a journey this year, which has probably epitomised everything that a team may go through at times. I’ve witnessed the progression of this group as players and human beings to the point where they achieve success.
“We’ve worked hard as coaches, but you need a group of players that can engage. With the defensive record and everything else we have gone through this year, we’re well worthy of being promoted out of this division.”
Burnley want to sign Fulham ace who previously won promotion under Parker
Burnley are now looking to sign a player who has worked with their manager before.
ByBrett Worthington Apr 24, 2025
Away from their promotion party, meanwhile, the Clarets are already reportedly thinking about Premier League reinforcements, which could yet include a struggling midfielder who’s desperate for a move this summer.
Burnley keen to sign "fantastic" Dewsbury-Hall
According to TeamTalk, Burnley are eager to win the race to sign Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this summer, who is free to leave Chelsea after just one season at the club. The former Leicester City star has struggled for game time since arriving at Stamford Bridge and now needs to summer switch if he is to get back to his best.
Whilst his preference is to play European football, Dewsbury-Hall may have little choice but to revive his career outside of the spotlight and under Parker at Burnley next season. It’s there that all parties would benefit if the £80,000-a-week ace returned to his talented best in the middle of the park.
Dewsbury-Hall
Despite his struggle for game time, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has never had to question his midfielder’s work rate, telling reporters in March: “I am very happy for Kiernan. He is now much better compared to the start of the season, probably because he is understanding his role. He is working very well every day in training, even if he doesn’t get many minutes in the Premier League.
“It’s not easy to work every day with the same intention, but he is working fantastic. He showed how important he can be for us, and hopefully he can be even more important from now on.”
Liverpool are on the verge of winning their second-ever Premier League title in the coming weeks, as they sit 13 points clear at the top of the table with just six games left to go.
The Reds have only won the Premier League once in the history of the competition, winning under Jurgen Klopp in the 2019/20 campaign, and are not set to secure their second.
Arne Slot is on course to claim the title in his first season as a manager in England, having arrived from Feyenoord last summer, and he will go down as the latest in a long line of impressive recruits from the Eredivisie.
Liverpool have tapped into the Dutch market for players in the past, whether that has been directly from the Eredivisie or not, and have now done so to find a brilliant manager, having been successful in the past on the playing side of recruitment.
Liverpool Manager ArneSlotcelebrates at the end of the match
One Dutch recruit, who did not come directly from the top-flight in the Netherlands, was integral to the first Premier League title success, as central midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum played a key role.
Why Wijnaldum was integral to Liverpool's title win
The Netherlands international played 37 of the club’s 38 Premier League matches that season, starting 35 of them, as part of a regular midfield trio of himself, Jordan Henderson, and Fabinho.
Of the players to start at least one game, no Liverpool star completed a higher percentage of their passes than Wijnaldum (90.8%), which shows how reliable he was with the ball at his feet.
He also averaged 4.20 progressive passes and 2.27 progressive carries per 90 to build up play from a midfield position, which shows that the Dutch ace did not always play it safe with the ball at his feet.
Wijnaldum’s development at Anfield was interesting because he was signed from Newcastle United in the summer of 2016 off the back of a return of 11 goals and five assists in the Premier League for the Magpies during the 2015/16 campaign.
The Dutch star arrived at Liverpool as an attacking midfielder who had proven his quality at the top end of the pitch in the top-flight for his previous club, but Klopp developed him into an all-round midfielder who could be a solid option as a number eight.
He ended his Liverpool career with just 22 goals, four of which came in the Premier League in the title-winning campaign, in 237 matches, which illustrates his change in style from Tyneside to Merseyside.
Jurgen Klopp and Gini Wijnaldum
That change in style, however, made him integral to Klopp’s title-winning team because Wijnaldum was a consistent performer, hence his 35 starts, who offered reliability and progression in possession, putting in the hard yards whilst providing quality on the ball.
Instead of being a consistent goalscorer or constantly creating chances, the former Newcastle star did his job in the middle of the park without too much fuss, chipping in with the odd goal here and there, to make himself a reliable figure for the German head coach.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Liverpool have, now, unearthed their new version of Wijnaldum in the current squad, and it is not Alexis Mac Allister – despite his impressive form of late, with a goal and an assist in his last two matches.
Liverpool have unearthed their new Georginio Wijnaldum
Mac Allister did arrive at Liverpool off the back of scoring ten goals in the Premier League for Brighton & Hove Albion in the 2022/23 campaign, but six of those strikes came from the penalty spot.
This meant that the Argentina international only provided four goals and two assists in the top-flight outside of penalties before his move to Liverpool to become a well-rounded midfielder at Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates for Liverpool
Whereas, Dominik Szoboszlai scored ten goals and provided 13 assists as an attacking midfielder for RB Leipzig in all competitions during the 2022/23 campaign before his switch to England, and only two of those goals were penalties.
The Hungary international, as Wijnaldum did when he joined from Newcastle, arrived at Anfield as an incredibly promising attacking midfielder who had the potential to provide goals and assists, and has followed the Dutchman’s path to becoming an all-rounder in the middle of the park.
Szoboszlai has scored eight goals and provided seven assists in 63 appearances for Liverpool in the Premier League to date, which illustrates the shift in style in his game since his time in the Bundesliga.
The Hungarian dynamo has been moulded into a perfect box-to-box midfielder for the Reds since switching Germany for England, utilising his fantastic work rate and engine in midfield more so than his ability to score and create goals.
He has started 24 of his 30 appearances in the Premier League so far this term and, interestingly, offered more than Wijnaldum did during the title-winning campaign under Klopp in several parts of the game as a midfielder.
As you can see in the chart above, Szoboszlai has been far more creative with his use of the ball than the Dutchman was, whilst also doing more out of possession by making blocks, tackles, and interceptions.
That chart shows that the 24-year-old Liverpool star, who was described as “unstoppable” by Fabrizio Romano earlier this year, is a brilliantly well-rounded midfield figure because he can combine quality on the ball with hard work and defensive quality off it, making him a key player for Slot in the middle of the park.
Appearances
30
Goals
5
Big chances created
9
Assists
3
Tackles + interceptions per game
1.3
Duels won per game
2.9
As you can see in the table above, Szoboszlai has still found a way to incorporate his attacking qualities into his game, with eight goal contributions, but they are not as prevalent as they were during his time with Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
Therefore, Liverpool have repeated the masterclass they played with Wijnaldum, turning him from an attack-minded midfielder into an all-round number eight, with the Hungary international, who is now set to have played an integral role in the club’s second-ever Premier League title success.
Liverpool strongly positioning themselves for £68m goalscoring midfielder
He would offer a goalscoring boost from midfield.
ByTom Cunningham Apr 16, 2025
Hopefully, this trophy will be the first of many titles in his Premier League career with the Reds, as they will hope that this season is far from a one-off success.