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Leeds United now know what their opening set of fixtures in the Premier League look like, with August appearing to be a tough starting month for the already nervous Whites.

Indeed, top-flight stalwarts Everton, Arsenal, and Newcastle United all come in quick succession for Daniel Farke’s men to get the new season underway, with Leeds fans just praying an early result can be picked up to ease the expected anxiety around Elland Road.

Of course, there is still some time to go before Leeds’ Premier League adventure kicks off, with the off-season handing the newly promoted team plenty of opportunities to snap up some top-flight-ready talents.

Leeds in talks to sign £17m star

Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha – who both played in the Serie A and the Bundesliga last season – have already entered the building but there is plenty more on the way for Leeds.

Indeed, the West Yorkshire titans could be about to secure an even better signing than their new 6-foot-3 Slovenian, with a Premier League-proven battler now on their shopping list.

According to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, Leeds are in talks regarding the signature of Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back Igor Julio.

The report states that significant funds have come Leeds’ way after the glory of promotion, with the Whites desiring a player of Igor’s characteristics to try and consolidate as a Premier League-capable outfit.

Valued at around the £17m mark according to Transfermarkt, it will be intriguing to see who comes out on top in the race to land the Seagulls’ number three, with the report revealing that Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers are other keen parties from England.

Leeds will hope they can put their newfound millions to good use by landing the Brazilian, with Igor already having an upper hand over his potential new teammate in Bijol in being instantly ready for the challenge ahead of the English top-flight.

Why Igor would be an even better signing than Bijol

Of course, plenty will be expected of Bijol on his arrival in England, but it will take him time to get up to speed with his daunting new environment.

On the contrary, the imposing South American already has two top-flight campaigns under his belt on the South Coast, with the 27-year-old consistently sticking out as a reliable member of the Seagulls camp when thrown into action.

When glancing at the table above, it’s clear that the Brazilian shines with the ball planted at his feet, with a stunning 94% pass accuracy averaged during his debut Premier League campaign for Brighton.

This unerring ability to pick out a pass under pressure will stand him in good stead to shine under Farke’s wing, therefore, with Leeds defensive mainstay Joe Rodon successfully completing 92% of his passes last season.

This is where Bijol falls flat in comparison, with the Slovenian only average an 84% pass accuracy across the same time span.

On top of that, Igor has even more top-flight experience on his side when weighed up next to the ex-Udinese man, notably when on the books of Fiorentina.

104 Serie A appearances came his way when plying his trade in Florence. To add context, Bijol falls short of that amount by 14 games.

Of course, Bijol will have a key role to play next season as Leeds adjust to their new level.

But, having also recently been lauded as an “animal” by ex-Seagulls coach Inigo Calderon, picking up Igor could be just what Leeds crave in winning a battler ready to roll his sleeves up for the cause, with the 27-year-old well aware of what it takes to be a success in such a gruelling division.

Big Piroe upgrade: Leeds in the race to sign "deceptively quick" £21m star

Leeds United are reportedly in the race to sign a striker who could be an upgrade on Joel Piroe.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 28, 2025

Thomas Frank has a huge task on his hands next season if he is to transform the situation at Tottenham Hotspur after the club’s form in England’s top flight.

The Lilywhites finished the season in 17th place in the Premier League last time around, losing 22 times in the process – leading to Ange Postecoglou’s subsequent dismissal in North London.

However, the side’s Europa League triumph against Manchester United in Bilbao is evidence of the levels they can reach, needing to use such an achievement as a springboard into 2025/26.

Frank will need to be backed by the hierarchy in his quest, needing to make key changes to his squad he desires to push them back towards a top five finish in the near future.

The Dane has showcased at Brentford he’s able to thrive in the Premier League, hoping to do so again across the capital as he wastes no time in making moves in the market.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

Wingers have been high up on their list in recent weeks, with Spurs strongly linked with a move to land Bryan Mbeumo, securing a return between the player and the manager.

However, he looks set to make a move to Manchester United this window, leading to West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus also emerging as a potential option.

Whilst the aforementioned duo have been on their radar, progress appears to have been made on a deal to land Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that Frank’s side are set to make a £65m bid to land the 25-year-old this window after 11 goals and five assists in the league this campaign.

It also confirms that the Cherries aren’t prepared to lose another one of their star players, but the Lilywhites are confident they can secure a move for his signature this window.

Why Semenyo would be Frank’s next Solanke

Striker Dominic Solanke joined in a £65m deal from the same club last summer, with the English international seen as the heir to Harry Kane after his departure 12 months prior.

The 27-year-old managed to score 16 times in his 45 appearances across all competitions, with five of his efforts coming in Europe and helping the side end their 17-year trophy wait.

Like many players in the current first team squad, he’s had his own injury issues this campaign, restricting him from having the dream first year in North London.

However, he’s still managed to showcase his talents within the final third, ending the year as the club’s second-highest goalscorer in the division for 2024/25.

Frank could be about to land his next version of Solanke this window, with Semenyo following in his footsteps and moving to Spurs to rekindle their impressive partnership.

Whilst the fee touted appears to be an expensive one, the Ghanaian international has showcased his skillset this season, adding a new dimension to Frank’s forward line should he complete a move.

Semenyo, who’s been labelled “incredible” by journalist Owuraku Ampofo, registered 16 combined goals and assists, a figure that would’ve made him the joint-highest contributor in the current squad.

His underlying stats are just as impressive, registering 1.2 shots on target per 90, along with 1.9 successful dribbles – highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.

The 25-year-old has also created 1.3 chances per 90, whilst also notching 5.9 touches in the opposition box per 90, having the tools to star alone or even provide players around him in North London.

If he can transfer his skillset over to the Lilywhites next season, it would be a superb deal at £65m, having the potential to improve further with further quality players around him in Frank’s side.

Such a transfer could provide the added cutting edge needed for success, handing the manager the best possible chance of impressing during his first year at the helm.

Big Johnson upgrade: Spurs open initial talks to sign £70m "monster"

Tottenham are hoping to sign a right-sided forward this summer.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 21, 2025

Manchester United’s summer could be defining for Ruben Amorim in his tenure at Old Trafford, needing a huge summer to transform his fortunes at the club.

The 40-year-old has already wasted very little time in the transfer market, completing a £62.5m deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha.

After scoring 15 Premier League goals this campaign, the Brazilian will likely improve the options currently at the club, helping the manager in his quest to take them back to their former glory.

However, he will likely need to be joined in the attacking third by numerous other additions, with Jason Wilcox attempting to work his magic during the off-season.

Various other players have been mentioned with a potential switch to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with the Red Devils in desperate need of an overhaul.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers

Given United’s measly tally of 44 league goals this season, it’s clear that additions are needed in such a department to transform the situation currently unfolding at the Theatre of Dreams.

Players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Dušan Vlahović and Jean-Philippe Mateta have all been mentioned as targets this window, but no deals have yet been agreed for any of the aforementioned stars.

However, another player has entered the mix over the last couple of days, in the form of Bryan Mbeumo, with the Brentford forward edging closest to a move, according to German journalist Christopher Michel.

He claims that the Red Devils are becoming “optimistic of finalising” a deal for the 25-year-old for the start of their pre-season ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

It’s also reported that Thomas Frank is trying to hijack a deal for the £70m star, looking to take the Cameroonian with him to North London after being appointed Tottenham Hotspur manager.

Why United’s £70m target could be incredible alongside Ekitike

United’s hunt for new additions has seen no sign of slowing down in recent days, with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké firmly in their sights, according to Sky Germany.

They claim that the Red Devils have made contact with the Bundesliga side over a move for the 22-year-old star, who’s registered 22 goals across all competitions in 2024/25.

It’s also reported that the French international has a €100m (£84m) release clause in his deal, but they face a battle with other Premier League sides, with Arsenal and Chelsea also in the race for his signature.

It remains to be seen if the club would be able to fork out such a fee for the Frankfurt talisman, especially after completing a deal for Cunha and edging closer to a move to land Mbeumo.

However, it’s a move they should pursue, with the Bees attacker having all the tools to form a deadly combination with Ekitike within the final third at Old Trafford.

The Cameroonian, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by one analyst, may have scored 20 league goals this season, but he’s also demonstrated his creative nature throughout the 2024/25 season.

He’s registered 3.7 progressive passes and 1.9 key passes per 90, having the skillset to provide Ekitike with the ammunition needed to succeed in front of goal should he move to Manchester.

Mbeumo has also registered 1.6 passes into the opposition box per 90, whilst completing 5.3 crosses per 90, with his ability to cause carnage certainly aiding other attackers at Old Trafford.

£70m may appear to be another massive investment from the hierarchy, given the early business conducted this summer, but it’s one that would add a different dimension to Amorim’s attack.

The prospect of the Bees’ star partnering the French star alongside Cunha in the final third is certainly an exciting one, with the trio single-handedly hoping to push the club back up the table next campaign.

He's better than Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign £40m Ekitike alternative

Manchester United appear to be making moves to land a star who could sign ahead of Viktor Gyokeres.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 13, 2025

The scorer of the game’s ‘winning’ goal over Real Betis in midweek, Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson put in a display that perhaps epitomises his Stamford Bridge career, having got himself on the scoresheet despite enduring a largely frustrating performance.

Indeed, at one stage the Senegalese striker produced a dismal touch when racing clear in behind the Betis defence, with that moment alone outlining the limitations of a centre-forward who ended 2024/25 with just 13 goals to his name in all competitions – fewer than the much maligned Christopher Nkunku (14).

Unsurprisingly, the search has begun to find a suitable replacement or rival for the 23-year-old, with the Blues having closed in on a deal for Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap, following his 12-goal haul in the Premier League this season.

It remains to be seen whether the 22-year-old – who is set to undergo a medical on Monday – will be Enzo Maresca’s leading number nine next summer, not least with attention also turning toward Eintracht Frankfurt sensation, Hugo Ekitike.

What is evident is that the £30m capture of the Englishman could mark the start of a hectic summer in west London – with an even bigger statement signing already being plotted.

Chelsea's continued transfer search after Delap

It was confirmed on Friday that Chelsea had won the race for the former Manchester City man’s signature, with the Conference League winners notably edging out rivals Manchester United in the battle for his services.

Competition with the Red Devils could continue if recent reports are anything to go by, with Maresca and co believed to have turned their attention toward a long-time target of the Old Trafford side – Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the Blues are said to be weighing up an approach for the towering centre-back, albeit with David Moyes’ side seemingly reluctant to sell their prized asset.

Transfer Focus

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

The 22-year-old was the subject of a £50m offer from United last summer, although the Toffees were looking for a fee closer to £70m at the time. It remains to be seen whether that price tag is the same this time around.

The report suggests that even if Ruben Amorim’s side renew their interest, the Blues could hold the advantage amid Branthwaite’s desire for Champions League football – something that appeared to be high on his agenda when contemplating an exit a year ago.

A colleague of Delap at U21 level for England, Branthwaite could represent an even bigger talent than his compatriot…

Why Branthwaite would be a bigger coup than Delap

For all the excitement of having won the race for Delap, with it having been reported at one stage that almost every Premier League club was keeping tabs on his situation, it’s worth remembering that this is still a deal that poses a risk.

Indeed, the in-demand marksman is fresh off the back of what was just his first campaign at the top level, having previously scored just eight goals in the Championship with Hull City in 2023/24.

Whether the youngster will be able to kick on again under the tutelage of Maresca, whom he previously worked with at the Etihad, remains to be seen, with the pool of evidence in the Premier League undoubtedly small.

That, it must be said, is not true of Branthwaite, with the former Carlisle United man – who joined Everton for just £1m in January 2020 – have shone over the last two seasons at Goodison Park, after previously catching the eye on loan at PSV Eindhoven during the 2022/23 campaign.

That stint in the Netherlands saw the 6 foot 5 giant described as the “complete” defender by manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, while analyst Ben Mattinson also lauded him as a “two-footed ball-playing, physical beast”, such is the wide array of his talents.

Since then, the £70m man has enjoyed two standout seasons in England’s top-flight, racking up 65 league appearances in that time after emerging as a crucial figure alongside James Tarkowski.

Described as a “monster” by pundit Ian Wright, Branthwaite notably ended 2024/25 having won 63% of his total duels, while averaging 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game, alongside making 6.3 clearances, as per Sofascore.

For context, the fellow left-footer he could well replace or rival at Stamford Bridge – Levi Colwill – won just 57% of his total duels, while averaging 2.2 tackles and interceptions, alongside making 3.3 clearances per outing.

With three eye-catching seasons under his belt in a row – including his time in the Eredivisie – Branthwaite has now repeatedly proven himself at the elite level. Delap, meanwhile, still has a way to go to illustrate that he can be a consistent success on the big stage.

The next Ashley Cole: Chelsea 'advancing talks' to sign "immense" £46m star

Chelsea are keen to sign a defender or two this summer

By
Ross Kilvington

May 31, 2025

Fresh from their play-off comeback victory, Sunderland have reportedly registered their interest in signing an EFL star who could become one of Regis Le Bris’ first Premier League signings.

Watson magic seals Sunderland victory

If there was ever a way for Tommy Watson to get fans back onside after choosing to join Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the season, then it was always going to come through a special visit to Wembley.

Level at 1-1 following Eliezer Mayenda’s excellent equaliser, Watson came from the bench and showed all the composure in the world to play his effort beyond the outstretched Michael Cooper in the 95th minute. A player some booed in recent weeks to a boyhood Sunderland star now forever cemented as a hero in the Wearside history books, Watson couldn’t have asked for a better ending.

The man of the hour shared his joy following Sunderland’s victory, telling reporters: “After the last few weeks, I’ve been dreaming of that moment. I’m really happy that it’s going to end positively and this monster of a club is back where it belongs. It’s been tough, but I’ve learned so much from it. I knew something like that could happen. So I’m just buzzing.”

Although likely forgiven, the Black Cats will still need to replace Watson in the coming months ahead of their Premier League return. The talented 19-year-old, meanwhile, looks destined to become an impressive star at The Amex.

Sunderland can replace Bellingham with academy "diamond" who's like Watson

Sunderland might not need to splash the cash to win themselves a Jobe Bellingham replacement.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 27, 2025

With plenty of work to do in the summer transfer window, just who Sunderland welcome on the incomings front remains to be seen, but rumours over their potential targets have already been coming thick and fast.

Sunderland register interest in Kwame Poku

According to GiveMeSport, Sunderland have registered their interest in signing Kwame Poku from Peterborough this summer, so have made their approach. The Black Cats have reportedly joined the likes of Birmingham, Sheffield United and a staggering number of other interested parties in the race to secure the winger’s signature.

Revealing the sheer amount of interest in Poku, Peterborough director of football Barry Fry recently told reporters: “The last time I heard, there were 26 clubs in for him. I’m not surprised.

“The kid has what it takes to reach the Premier League. We have developed him over the past four years to the point where he is ready to take the next step in his career.”

The interest in Poku should come as little surprise, however. The 23-year-old enjoyed an excellent season in League One, scoring 12 goals and assisting another 11 to earn the high praise of manager Darren Ferguson, who told reporters in November: “Kwame is just unplayable at the moment. I would hate to play against him. He needs to give someone else a chance of winning player of the month. They’ll have to rename it the Kwame Poku Trophy!”

Though he may have plenty of suitors, Sunderland’s place in the Premier League could leave them with a major advantage in the race to sign Poku.

Nice time to be a Liverpool fan, ay. Arne Slot’s side lifted the Premier League trophy after drawing with Crystal Palace at Anfield, ending a memorable campaign.

FSG will be delighted, but they won’t want this triumph to stand as a flash in the pan. Instead, footballing chief Michael Edwards has been tasked with building a new dynasty on Merseyside, and sweeping changes are anticipated ahead of the summer transfer window.

Well, more than that. The cogs are whirring away, deals firmly in the pipeline. Liverpool might have been forced into a poignant divorce with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will join Real Madrid on a free transfer, but frustration has been assuaged by the flurry of activity in recent weeks.

Changes aren’t just anticipated; Liverpool are acting with the incisiveness of champions.

Liverpool closing on exciting deals

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ll be aware Liverpool are closing on the audacious signing of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz for a club-record fee.

Wirtz, 22, won the Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2023/24 and has been described as a “generational talent” while at it by sports media professional Cristian Nyari, and Liverpool have beaten Manchester City and Bayern Munich to his signature.

It’s not yet set in stone, but the Reds have backed up their title-winning season with a monstrous gambit, and before the transfer window’s even opened its stalls.

And that’s not all. Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical, surely just days away from completing his transfer to Merseyside, the Werkself right-sider ready to link back up with Wirtz.

Trent might be leaving, but FSG have acted with intent to sign two players who, combined, replace the vice-captain’s one-of-a-kind talents and might even transcend them.

But there’s more. In fact, Fabrizio Romano has chimed in to reveal talks are advancing with yet another sought-after star.

Liverpool advancing talks for another signing

As per Romano, Liverpool are still engaged in talks with Bournemouth for Milos Kerkez, who is “very keen” on moving to Anfield this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

The Hungarian, 21, is expected to fetch a fee of around £45m, though Liverpool will surely want this whittled down.

Slot has wanted a new left-back signed, given the 31-year-old Andy Robertson is on the decline and Kostas Tsimikas, his deputy, is available for transfer.

Favourites to get the deal done, with Man City and Real Madrid also registering their interest in recent weeks, Liverpool are pulling out all the stops to reward Slot for his incredible feat, and Kerkez might just prove to be the most important signing of the lot.

Why Liverpool want Milos Kerkez

Now, that might seem like something of a bold claim. Let’s make it clear: Wirtz is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, and will cost in excess of €100m (£85m), though not as much as some exorbitant initial claims.

He’s a marquee signing, and that’s a fact, but Kerkez is a player whose signing needs to be agreed upon if Liverpool are to make headway and better this Premier League-winning campaign.

Certainly, Kerkez could prove to be the more transformative addition to Liverpool’s flanks.

Though Frimpong will bring a unique style to the right side of Virgil van Dijk’s backline, the Dutchman will find himself jockeying for a number one berth with Conor Bradley, who signed a new long-term contract with the Anfield side last week and is one of the most exciting young full-backs in the game.

However, Robertson has been continually criticised for his athletic regression, his lapses in concentration. Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher acknowledged the “absolute legend” last month but went on to outline how he is “hanging on in every game now.”

Kerkez could dynamise Liverpool’s defence, provide a worthy heir for the coming age. Pundit Izzy Christensen has hailed the “machine” for his role at Bournemouth this term, and he’s indeed maintained a high level that has outstripped that of Robertson.

Though Robertson is still more precise on the ball, this is largely down to a tactical approach from Slot, which could be inculcated smoothly into Kerkez’s own game, should he sign this summer.

One thing’s for certain, Kerkez would be a massive upgrade, and a more important signing than Frimpong besides. That’s not to the 24-year-old Leverkusen star’s discredit, but rather illustrates where the focus lies at Liverpool.

There’s a completeness about the Hungary international which suggests he could be the archetypal modern full-back, whereas Frimpong, though fleet-footed and electric on the ball, has drawn criticism for his defensive work at times.

Xabi Alonso’s man only won 45% of his ground duels in the Bundesliga last season, as per Sofascore, albeit fielded in a more advanced position than your typical wide defender.

Of course, a potential by-product of that is that Frimpong lacks the defensive nous that, for example, Kerkez would have, for he has simply not enjoyed the repetitive absorption of such skills in recent years, having been stuck in the attacking half, ready to explode and surge forward.

Liverpool are forging ahead with a deal for Wirtz, and rightly so. But sporting director Richard Hughes has got his hands in several pies and he’s juggling the responsibility expertly. Barring something drastic and deflating, all three exciting talents will be playing in Liverpool red next year.

Does it really even matter which one’s the most important, if that is indeed the case?

Liverpool are brewing their own version of Wirtz in "fearless" academy star

Liverpool could do with an academy sensation breaking into Arne Slot’s senior squad.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 24, 2025

Tottenham want to sign a “special” Man City player who Pep Guardiola rates very highly, with the man in question thought to be keen on an exit from Eastlands when the summer transfer window reopens.

Tottenham battle Man United for Europa League after tough seasons

After cruising past Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-finals, Spurs now face Premier League rivals Man United in the Europa League final – where both sides will be battling to save their respective seasons.

Tottenham make formal offer to £50m star who Real Madrid think is incredible

Los Blancos are convinced he’s the best available on the market in his position.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 9, 2025

Ange Postecoglou has led the Lilywhites to a dismal 19 league defeats this campaign, equalling the club’s record for most Premier League losses in a single season, with United suffering from a similar run of form.

The Red Devils are 15th in the league and winless in their last five encounters, but their fortunes are drastically different in Europe, having just impressively knocked Athletic Bilbao out in the semis with a 7-1 aggregate win over the La Liga side.

Now, either team could end their regrettable 2024/25 campaigns on a major high with silverware on a spot in next season’s Champions League group draw on the line.

“Who cares if we’re struggling in the league? Why is that important? If it’s so easy to get to a final, then why doesn’t everyone who finishes in the top three do it?” said Postecoglou on Tottenham and United’s critics ahead of the final in Bilbao later this month.

“It’s a separate thing. It’s got nothing to do with league form. We understand our league form hasn’t been great.

“We understand the struggles we’ve had. A lot of them are because of the situation we’ve been in. But how that diminishes the achievement of getting to a final.

“Like I said, this club and others have finished in first, second or third in the Premier League, and haven’t made finals. Why should that be diminished? I couldn’t care less who’s struggling and who’s not. I think both us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there.”

Tottenham eyeing move for Man City attacker James McAtee

Winning the competition and confirming their place in the Champions League next term will also play a key role in attracting desired transfer targets, and one of them is believed to be Man City playmaker James McAtee.

McAtee has attracted interest from Nottingham Forest and other sides ahead of the summer, with The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey reporting that Spurs are also in the mix for his signature.

Overall, the Englishman has struggled to stake his claim as a regular in Guardiola’s starting elevens, which is hard to do, but McAtee has still impressed when given the opportunity – scoring seven goals in all competitions.

Bailey reports that Tottenham are keen on signing McAtee this summer, and the 22-year-old is eager to pursue more game time away from the Etihad.

While Guardiola hasn’t quite found enough room for the ex-Sheffield United star, he’s still lavished McAtee with praise when it comes to ability.

“I am so happy for him, he is a special player. A hat-trick is not easy,” said Guardiola about McAtee earlier this term, after a hat-trick against Salford City in the FA Cup.

“He has an incredible sense in front of goal, he has the right tempo, he changed the rhythm to score, and I am very happy for him.”

Last season, Arsenal couldn’t live without Martin Odegaard in the team.

Alongside the likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, he was the heartbeat of this side, most notably in forward areas.

Most notably, there was that magical assist against Porto in the Champions League, one of 12 assists and one of 23 goal involvements he registered in 2023/24.

Sadly, his form in 2024/25 has left so much to be desired. While Odegaard has actually registered 11 assists in all competitions, he’s only found the net on five occasions, the latest of which came against PSV back in March.

So, Arsenal could do with an upgrade, someone capable of scoring and assisting in equal measure.

Arsenal could sign Premier League assist king

Mikel Arteta has a number of areas he needs to strengthen the squad this summer, chiefly in attack where Arsenal lack an out-and-out number 9.

In that regard, the Gunners are pushing to sign Viktor Gyokeres and he could be the second signing of the summer behind midfielder Martin Zubimendi who the club are reportedly confident of signing.

Transfer Focus

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

Not just content with improving the base of their midfield, Andrea Berta could also go out and sign a more creative force with Lyon’s Rayan Cherki linked in the last week. Still, he’s not a fraction on Manchester City hero Kevin De Bruyne.

A few weeks ago, it was announced that the great Belgian would be leaving the Etihad Stadium in the summer on a free transfer at the conclusion of his contract.

Speaking following the news, Pep Guardiola stated: “[He is] one of the greatest midfielders ever to have played in this country, and I think with Man City there’s no doubt. Greatest or not the greatest, always you have to be careful with players that played at Maine Road, incredible players in the last 20, 30 years in this club.”

So, where could he end up? Well, one report over the weekend, which comes courtesy of journalist Graeme Bailey, suggests that Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa are all in the race for him.

Bayern Munich and clubs in Italy are also interested in the playmaker, but the three English sides have all been discussing De Bruyne behind the scenes, exploring whether they want to make a move for the 33-year-old.

How De Bruyne could be the new Bergkamp

Cast in bronze outside the Emirates Stadium, Dennis Bergkamp is one of the biggest legends in Arsenal history.

Signed in 1995 from Inter Milan, the Dutchman would later go down as one of the best players in Premier League history. He dazzled with his close control, terrified defenders with his dribbling, struck the fear of god into goalkeepers around the country and could unlock even the deepest of blocks.

What Arsenal would do for a player like that now, eh? Bergkamp played 422 times for the Gunners, scoring 120 goals and registering 116 assists. In the Premier League, he ranks sixth in history for assists with 64. One of the men ahead of him? De Bruyne.

Described as “one of the best midfielders of his generation” by Jamie Carragher, there is very little that the magical Belgium hasn’t achieved.

A six-time Premier League winner, the Manchester City icon has posted a ridiculous 261 assists in 647 club games. 177 of those assists have come in 418 City games. 119 of them have come in the English top-flight.

Like Bergkamp in his prime, De Bruyne is one of the best playmakers we’ve seen. Even at the ripe old age of 33, he can pick the lock of the sternest of defences, and he’s a pretty fine goalscorer too, finding the net 108 times in sky blue.

To further rubberstamp the comparisons between the two. only De Bruyne has registered more assists per 90 minutes in Premier League history than Bergkamp. The duo stand proud as two of the best attacking midfielders or shadow strikers we’ve seen in English football.

So jaw-dropping in fact, De Bruyne is actually quite far ahead of the legendary Bergkamp now for assists.

Let’s set the record straight, signing an ageing player on high wages might not be the best port of call but this is hardly another Willian or Raheem Sterling situation here. The City sensation is one of the finest to ever do it, and slapping his level of experience in this Arsenal team would surely go down a treat.

Arteta must axe £27m Arsenal dud who was worse than Odegaard v Bournemouth

Arsenal dropped yet more points, this time at home as they hosted Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.

By
Matt Dawson

May 4, 2025

A Bundesliga side are “ready” to sign a Rangers star valued at more than £20m this summer, according to a new update.

Rangers exit Europa League as worrying 49ers takeover update shared

The Gers’ hopes of winning the Europa League came to an end on Thursday evening after a 2-0 defeat to Athletic Club. Rangers were hoping that they’d be returning to Bilbao at the end of May for the final, however, goals in either half from Oihan Sanchet and Nico Williams ensured it would be Athletic Club taking on Man Utd in the semi finals.

For those at Ibrox, attention will soon turn to the 2025/26 season, especially as they currently trail Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership by 15 points.

Rangers: Attacking 4-3-3 manager wanted at Ibrox is now "ready" for return

He’s been linked with a move to Glasgow.

By
Charlie Smith

Apr 17, 2025

The 49ers Enterprises are currently in the process of completing an Ibrox takeover, however, ex-Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness has heard that the American investors aren’t aware of how passionate Rangers fans are and are viewing the deal as a “business transaction”.

“I’m hearing some very interesting things from my sources at Rangers this week. They’re saying that the 49ers are looking at this like a business transaction, they don’t really get what they’re going into – in terms of the fans, the sectarian situation and the religious connotations.

“The Rangers fanbase have a massive passion. It’s alright to see it occasionally, but you’ve really got to live in it and get to know it if you’re going to invest like this. It’s an unusual beast and it’s very powerful. What I’m hearing is that the 49ers don’t quite understand that side of it.”

One of the first tasks for the 49ers will be to appoint a new permanent manager, however, they could also lose a number of players.

Recently, Hamza Igamane has been linked with a move away from Glasgow, with Marseille making a serious move. Meanwhile, Leon Balogun is unlikely to be offered a new Rangers contract and looks set to leave for free.

Borussia Monchengladbach “ready” to sign Rangers star Raskin

Now, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, relayed by Sport Witness, Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach are “ready” to sign Rangers star Nicolas Raskin this summer.

Those in Glasgow have recently valued Raskin at more than £20m, and according to Tavolieri, Monchengladbach are prepared to swoop.

He doesn’t state if Rangers are willing to do business, however, Raskin himself recently admitted his desire to “compete at a big club” ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“I’ve been here for two and a half years. It’s gone very well for me, especially this season. You have to see what the club wants, what comes on the table, and try to do the best for everyone. As a footballer, you always want to look ahead and see what you can do better.

“If you want to give yourself the best chance of playing in an international competition, you have to be able to compete at a big club. But the goal isn’t to go to a club where you’ll play less and lose that advantage of playing every week. It’s a balancing act that needs to be found.”

A move away from Ibrox could therefore be one to keep an eye on for the Belgium international.

Birmingham City are now ready to offer a £30,000-a-week contract to sign a 23-year-old on a free transfer this summer, according to a recent report.

Birmingham City eye proven Championship defender

The Blues’ stay in League One was short-lived, as expected, as they have been by far the best team in the division. Chris Davies’ side are back in action on Thursday evening, with nothing on the game apart from pride, as Birmingham wrapped up promotion and the League One title a long time ago.

Wagner and Brady already in "talks" to sign EFL star for Birmingham City

They’re not alone, though.

1

By
Charlie Smith

Apr 11, 2025

They have four games left to play in the league, but the focus will likely be turning towards next season and what the club wants to do in the summer transfer window. It’s already been reported by Wales Online that the Blues are interested in a move to sign Harry Darling from Swansea City. The centre-back is out of contract at the end of this campaign, and while he has an offer on the table from the Swans, Birmingham are keen on swooping in and securing a free transfer.

The 25-year-old has performed well for the Welsh side this season, and his experience of Championship football could be the reason why Davies wants to add him to his Birmingham team for the next campaign.

Birmingham plan to offer big contract to Kwame Poku

It is not just Darling that the Blues want to sign on a free transfer; according to Football League World, Birmingham City are preparing to offer £30,000 a week to sign Kwame Poku on a free transfer from Peterborough United.

It was reported earlier this month that the Blues were already in talks with Poku over a move to Birmingham. It was also claimed that, as well as Birmingham, Crystal Palace and Rangers are also interested in the EFL attacker, who has once again had an impressive season.

Football League World now reports that Birmingham are planning to beat Rangers and Palace to the signing of Poku by offering the attacker a £30,000-a-week contract, which is likely a significant increase on his current deal with Peterborough.

Posh did try and secure Poku’s future at the club earlier this season, but the forward turned down what was a record contract offer for Peterborough, and now the League One side expect him to leave for nothing at the end of this campaign.

The 23-year-old has scored 12 goals and recorded eight assists in 26 League One games this season, and that has been achieved in a team that has underperformed and been nowhere near competing for a League One play-off place.

Poku’s potential arrival at Birmingham would see him join the likes of Jay Stansfield, Alfie May, Keshi Anderson, Scott Wright and Lyndon Dykes – there will be a lot of competition in the forward ranks, which is exactly what’s needed to fire upwards instead of looking downwards next term.