Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has weighed in on the performances of one Arsenal player who’s looked transformed so far this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side are finally back in action this weekend now that the often-dreaded international break is done and dusted, with the Premier League title hopefuls set to take on Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s early kick off.
Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus will all miss the clash with long-term injuries, but Christian Norgaard and Ben White could return to the fold after they were both spotted in first-team training this week.
Meanwhile, Arteta has been boosted by the imminent return of star defender William Saliba, with the Spaniard confirming that he is actually in contention to play against Forest despite being forced off against Liverpool with an ankle problem.
Nothing but three points will do for Arsenal after their pre-international break defeat at Anfield, and it supporters will be keen to see how winger Noni Madueke continues his fine start to life at the Emirates Stadium.
Signing from Chelsea this summer in a deal potentially rising to £52 million, the England winger has hit the ground running at both club and international level – scoring his first Three Lions goal after an excellent solo run in their 5-0 win over Serbia.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
£5m
Martin Zubimendi
£60m
Christian Norgaard
£15m
Noni Madueke
£52m
Cristhian Mosquera
£13m
Viktor Gyokeres
£55m
Eberechi Eze
£67.5m
Piero Hincapie
Loan
Madueke was arguably Arsenal’s best player against Liverpool too, with the player’s private individual coach, Isaksson-Hurst, saying Arteta has a “very direct” and “very dangerous” asset at his disposal.
Neville has also been very impressed with Madueke, as he explained on an episode of the Stick to Football podcast.
Gary Neville heaps praise on Noni Madueke at Arsenal
The former Man United defender said that Madueke has looked completely transformed since joining Arsenal, telling his fellow podcast guests that the ex-PSV Eindhoven forward has carried himself completely differently when compared to his Stamford Bridge days.
The 23-year-old is still yet to grab his first goal or assist under Arteta, but Forest’s trip to north London represents a prime opportunity to do so as the visitors begin to find their feet under a brand-new manager.
Celtic were dealt a big blow earlier this month when Nicolas Kuhn officially completed a move to Serie A side Como for a reported fee of £16.5m.
The German forward, 25, produced 13 goals and nine assists in the Scottish Premiership for Brendan Rodgers last season, which means that the club have lost a scorer and a creator of goals.
Kuhn’s exit has left a hole in the squad in the right wing position ahead of next season, but the Hoops also have a hole to fill on the left flank because Jota may be out until the start of next year with a knee injury.
According to the Daily Record, Celtic are set to push to sign Belgian forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha on a permanent deal to take up that place on the left wing.
The report claims that the club have been in talks with Royal Antwerp in recent weeks and that they are now hopeful that a deal can be struck for the 24-year-old attacker.
Why Balikwisha would be an exciting signing for Celtic
Balikwisha would come in as a like-for-like replacement for Jota as another right-footed left winger who likes to drift inside onto his favoured foot to score and create goals.
The 24-year-old talent has caught the eye with some impressive performances in the Pro League for Royal Antwerp, and his statistics suggest that he would be an exciting player for supporters to watch at Parkhead next season.
Starts
27
12
xG
6.46
2.65
Goals
7
4
Big chances created
6
7
Key passes per game
1.5
1.6
Assists
5
3
As you can see in the table above, Balikwisha is a winger who offers a threat in front of goal as a scorer, whilst also creating three chances every two games on average.
This shows that the Belgian sensation is constantly looking for that killer pass to provide his teammate with a high-quality chance to score, which means that fans could get excited when he gets the ball at his feet, knowing that the forward will be aiming to make something happen.
The Royal Antwerp star did miss 29 matches through injury last season, though, so there may be some concerns over whether he will be available week-in-week-out, but his form in Belgium suggests that the forward will be an exciting player when fit.
If Celtic are able to strike a deal for Balikwisha in the coming days, there is still a hole to be filled on the right flank after Kuhn’s departure and the club are reportedly keen on a winger who would be just as exciting as the Belgian whiz.
Celtic in the race to sign free agent forward
According to Football League World, Celtic are among a number of teams that are interested in a deal to sign Tyrhys Dolan on a free transfer this summer.
He has been a free agent since his contract with Blackburn Rovers expired at the end of last month, and there is a fairly long list of suitors aiming to sign him.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The report claims that Celtic, Rangers, Bristol City, and Espanyol are all among the contenders to secure a deal for the right-sided attacker in the coming days or weeks.
It adds that he has strong interest from several unnamed clubs in the English Championship and that he has had offers from teams overseas, alongside the four teams mentioned in this latest report.
This shows that there is plenty of competition for his signature and that the Hoops will need to move swiftly and convincingly to secure his signature ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Why Celtic should push to sign Tyrhys Dolan
The Scottish Premiership champions should push to win the race for Dolan’s services this summer because he would be a valuable signing who would be just as exciting as Balikwisha at Parkhead.
Despite the modern trend of inverted wingers cutting in onto their favoured foot, the English forward is a right-footed player who predominantly plays on the right wing, which means that he could fill the spot left by Kuhn’s exit in that position.
Tyrhys Dolan in action for Blackburn Rovers.
Dolan is a versatile player who is not limited to one position, though, as he has also started 18 or more career games as a left winger, a right winger, an attacking midfielder, and as a striker, showing that Rodgers would be able to call on him in a multitude of roles.
His durability is also something that may be attractive to Celtic. The 23-year-old star has not suffered a single significant injury in his career, to date, and has already racked up 210 first-team appearances for Blackburn, playing 44 of their 46 league games last season.
Dolan’s performances for Blackburn, in a midtable team that failed to make the play-offs in either campaign, also suggest that he would be an exciting player for supporters to watch in action in the Premiership.
Appearances
36
44
Touches per game
37.6
38.1
Goals
5
7
Conversion rate
15%
14%
Big chances created
7
7
Key passes
40
44
Assists
4
6
As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old talent has scored 12 goals and created 14 ‘big chances’ in the last two seasons in the Championship, and has been unfortunate to only register ten assists from those 14 ‘big chances’.
These numbers may not be mind-blowingly amazing, but they are impressive within the context of him playing for an average team in the Championship, because at Celtic he would be in a dominant team that puts him in more positions to shine in the final third.
Dolan, once praised as “outstanding” by former manager John Eustace, could thrive in a team that has won their domestic title in each of the last four seasons, in the same way that Balikwisha could do on the opposite flank.
He'd revive Yamada: Celtic in ongoing talks to sign "creative" £5m star
Celtic remain in talks to sign a star who could help to revive Shin Yamada as a regular goalscorer.
ByDan Emery Jul 21, 2025
Both players have shown potential as both scorers and creators of goals from their respective wing positions, which is why both of them would be exciting signings if the club can pull them off.
Tottenham Hotspur were left feeling rather empty when Daniel Levy made the bold decision to dismiss Ange Postecoglou at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, just weeks after he ended 17 years of silverware-searching by winning the Europa League.
But Spurs’ 17th-place Premier League was inexcusable, and the cracks ran back through the lion’s share of the previous season, with injuries yet again wreaking havoc down N17.
Tottenham Hotspur manager AngePostecogloucelebrates after winning the Europa League
And anyway, Tottenham have at least appointed the perfect successor, with Thomas Frank having left his admired Brentford post to lead the Londoners into a new era.
With last year’s title paving the road into the Champions League, sights are now set on going from strength to strength. Frank has certainly started off on firm footing there, having welcomed Mohammed Kudus into his brood, with Levy also activating permanent options in Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso’s loan deals.
But more is certainly needed.
The latest Spurs transfer news
Tottenham thought they had reached an agreement to sign Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, but the Tricky Trees are looking to put paid to the move, alleging that the Lilywhites illegally approached the England international.
As such, it appears Frank has swivelled his outfit’s attention to RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, having initiated talks. Arsenal and Chelsea both have concrete interests of their own.
Simons would add an elite injection of creativity and dynamism into the attacking midfield, but Spurs are also seeking an industrious, deeper-lying player.
And according to Football Insider, their sights are set on Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Oliver Glasner is desperate to keep the 21-year-old, with Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi both slated for departures from south London this summer.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton
Liverpool, Manchester City, and Real Madrid have also been keeping tabs on the English talent, who has been priced north of £100m by the Eagles, looking to fend off interest in their prized possession.
Why Spurs want Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace knew they had a star on their hands when signing a teenage Wharton from Blackburn Rovers for £18m in February 2024.
He had only featured 51 times for Blackburn’s senior side, but increasingly caught the eye for his confident, age-belying performances in the Championship.
Across a term-and-a-half in the Premier League, Wharton has demonstrated a tactical aptitude and coolness on the ball that evades most young midfielders looking to earn their trade, with Three Lions teammate Declan Rice singling him out as a “top-level” midfield prospect ahead of last year’s European Championship.
As per FBref, Wharton ranked among the top 9% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive passes, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for ball recoveries per 90.
Through this data, we can glean that the touted talent is nurturing one of the most exciting passing profiles in the business, with his immense rate of recovery indicating an energy and athleticism that would be perfect for Frank’s high-energy style of play.
He’s only played 36 times in the English top flight, racking up five assists, but Wharton has already proven himself to be a superstar in the making, instrumental in helping Palace toward their maiden FA Cup title, defeating Manchester City in the final.
Beforehand, journalist Henry Winter had lauded the maestro as a “passing machine” for his effort against Aston Villa in the semi-final, continuing to label him as “the best player on the pitch.”
Though Tottenham already have talented creative midfielders such as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, the Englishman is routinely injured and knocked out of kilter, talented though he is, while Kulusevski is more of a workhorse, and whether Frank opts to deploy him down the right flank with a greater regularity remains to be seen.
Simons, a 28-cap Netherlands international, isn’t quite the same profile as Gibbs-White, who can play deeper and is perhaps more embracing of the defensive side of the game, but he would still be a significant addition to a Tottenham side looking to make an impact across multiple fronts.
The 22-year-old, moreover, is tactically sharp and incredibly potent when in dangerous positions, be that as a creator or someone willing to strike on goal. In this way, he could be a wonderful partner for Wharton, whose stroked long passes would find a home at the Dutchman’s feet, who, in space, can make things happen.
Left winger
41
10
11
Right winger
17
5
5
Attacking midfield
17
6
7
Centre-forward
1
–
–
Wharton is not one-note, either. Across the recent Premier League campaign, injuries limited him to just 16 starts. But, as per Sofascore, he still applied an active defensive presence, averaging one interception and 1.7 tackles per game, also avoiding a single error across the term.
Contrast that with, say, Yves Bissouma, who made six errors of various shapes and sizes despite only starting 16 matches himself, and you can really see the kind of upgrade Tottenham would enjoy in the engine room by signing Wharton.
This steely stability would be perfect for a playmaker such as Simons, who would need to look around and see a fluent system in order to settle and thrive.
Crystal Palace's AdamWhartonin action with Ipswich Town's Julio Enciso
Completing these deals would achieve a sense of synergy that simply wasn’t there last season, with Wharton establishing a strong through line into the final third, which Simons could clasp onto and make things happen for a Frank team who promise so much, who are capable of so much.
Their own Gyokeres: "Sensational" £50m striker now wants to sign for Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur could be edging closer to another big-money signing this summer.
The mission is clear for Andrea Berta this summer. Sign a new striker or risk the wrath of Arsenal fans the world over.
To give the Italian his credit, he’s done a pretty good job in the first month or so of the summer transfer window, but there’s still much to do and full judgment will be reserved until the market closes.
While the Gunners are yet to confirm any new signings, there are three on the way in the shape of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and most excitingly, Martin Zubimendi.
Celebrated by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente as “one of the best midfielders in the world”, European football expert Sid Lowe has previously noted that the 26-year-old “is just about as good a deep-lying midfielder there is in Europe, apart from maybe Rodri.”
So, what we can grasp from that is he’s a pretty good player.
But, and this is a key but, Mikel Arteta and Co are yet to sign a new forward.
The latest on Arsenal's hunt for a new striker
There appear to be two candidates to be cast as the new no.9 at Arsenal; Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
Sesko was headhunted by the Gunners last summer but the Slovenian ultimately signed a new contract with RB Leipzig. He’s stayed in Germany an extra year but is widely expected to leave the Bundesliga behind this window.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
Unfortunately for Arsenal, Leipzig had been demanding in the region of €80m (£68m) to €100m (£85m) for the striker. In recent days, German publication BILD suggest that they are now willing to lower that to something around the €70m (£60m) mark with add-ons.
If that fee is kept to, then you wouldn’t bet against Arsenal offering the right amount.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The situation surrounding Gyokeres is complex as well, particularly after a reported falling out with the Sporting hierarchy over the terms of his exit.
A report from Portuguese outlet, O Jogo, has revealed that the Swede’s club are holding out for a figure of €80m (£68m), but that wasn’t what was agreed prior to the summer.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
The publication goes on to note that the Gunners have actually already struck an ‘agreement’ with the player’s agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, regarding a fee.
Cetinkaya is allegedly ‘betting’ on a price of around €60m plus €10m in add-ons (£60m overall), an amount that they claim was agreed with the player’s agent and Sporting before the window got underway.
So, whoever Arteta manages to get his hands on, it’s likely the Gunners will have shelled out something around the £70m mark.
Why Gyokeres could take Bukayo Saka to new heights
If 2024/25 proved anything, it’s that Arsenal are far too reliant on Bukayo Saka. Still, that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
He has been the club’s best player in recent years and demonstrated that by scoring 12 goals, the second-highest at the club and registering 14 assists last season, topping the charts for that particular metric.
Saka produced those numbers all while missing several months of the campaign with a long-term hamstring injury.
During that time, the Gunners suffered the consequences. Despite the emergence of wonderkid, Ethan Nwaneri, Arteta’s lack of depth on the right flank was exposed.
As was their lack of overall quality in the final third, particularly when Kai Havertz also suffered a hamstring injury.
During Saka’s time on the sidelines, Arsenal dropped points in five of the 12 league games he missed, points that ultimately proved costly in their bid to win the title. They also only scored more than two goals in a game in two of those fixtures, the 5-1 drubbing against Manchester City and the 3-1 win over Brentford.
So, Saka is pretty crucial and so is the addition of a new centre-forward. The idea of Arsenal’s best player combining with a striker as potent as Gyokeres is a mouthwatering one.
As far as pure goalscoring is concerned, there isn’t a better player in Europe. He found the net a whopping 54 times in 52 games last season and considering Arsenal need goals, he should be the number one option this summer.
Described as a “monster” by journalist Alex Turk, that aptly sums up his ability inside the penalty area. His record over the last couple of years is nothing short of freakish.
For Saka, this should be a match made in heaven. While Gyokeres is a goalscoring machine, Saka is the creative machine. Last season, the right-winger ranked number one in the Premier League for expected assists per 90 minutes (0.41), shot-creating actions per 90 (6.09) and goal-creating actions per 90 (1.20).
1. Bukayo Saka
0.41
2. Kevin De Bruyne
0.36
3. Savio
0.31
4. James Maddison
0.29
5. Trent Alexander-Arnold
0.28
Those numbers were produced all without a direct out and out centre-forward in Arsenal’s ranks for much of the season.
Thus, just imagine the remarkable numbers he could put up if he were playing alongside Gyokeres in Arteta’s attack. This could just be the combination that helps move Arsenal closer to the title next season.
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One of West Bromwich Albion’s top performers in the 2024/25 campaign was experienced central midfielder Alex Mowatt, who caught the eye in the middle of the park.
The 30-year-old maestro started 39 games in the Championship and contributed with seven goals, five ‘big chances’ created, and two assists for the Baggies.
Mowatt is a great example of the kind of proven quality that you can get by signing experienced Championship performers, as they signed him off the back of spells with Leeds United and Barnsley.
West Brom could, now, repeat that trick by signing another central midfielder who is well-versed in the second tier of English football, if a fresh report is to be believed.
West Brom eyeing swoop for Championship star
According to a TEAMtalk reporter, West Bromwich Albion are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Sheffield Wednesday star Barry Bannan, as Ryan Mason looks to improve his squad.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The journalist claims that fellow Championship teams Stoke City and Wrexham, who have been promoted from League One, are also eyeing up the Scottish maestro to bolster their own midfield set-ups.
Bannan’s contract with the Owls is due to expire at the end of this month, which means that the veteran midfielder is set to be available on a free transfer.
West Brom are seemingly in the race to land him on a free transfer, alongside Stoke and Wrexham, and they could repeat their Mowatt masterclass by winning this race.
Why West Brom should sign Barry Bannan
Bannan would arrive at The Hawthorns as one of the most experienced players in the division, with 374 appearances in the second tier in his career to date.
The 35-year-old star, who was hailed as an “incredible” character by teammate Josh Windass, has been there and done it in the Championship, which means that he could hit the ground running in the Midlands, as Mowatt did.
Bannan is also a midfielder who can provide similar qualities to Mowatt at the top end of the pitch, as he has the ability to offer goals and assists from the middle of the park.
The Scottish veteran ended the 2024/25 campaign with a haul of four goals and five assists in the Championship, having managed 28 assists in the previous three seasons combined.
Non-penalty goals
0.10
Top 33%
Expected Assisted Goals
0.17
Top 15%
Assists
0.13
Top 26%
Shot-creating actions
3.87
Top 9%
Passes made
58.17
Top 16%
Progressive passes
8.43
Top 1%
As you can see in the table above, Bannan ranked very highly among his positional peers in the division in a host of key possession and attacking-based metrics, particularly when it came to creating chances for his teammates.
These statistics show that the Sheffield Wednesday ace still has plenty to offer at the age of 35, as he can make things happen with the ball at his feet as a passer.
Therefore, Bannan could be a shrewd addition to the squad on a short-term contract, possibly for one season, as an experienced player who can hit the ground running.
His experience in the Championship suggests that he would almost be guaranteed to be a smart signing for the Baggies, who would know exactly what are getting from him, as was the case when they signed Mowatt from Barnsley.
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Liverpool are making some exciting moves at an early stage in the transfer window and have now turned to La Liga in their quest for more reinforcements, according to a report.
Liverpool on the verge of announcing Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez
Jeremie Frimpong is already through the door at Anfield, and he will soon be joined by Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz, who is scheduled to undertake a medical later this week.
With a deal for the Germany international set to hit record territory, German football expert Raphael Honigstein believes the Reds are buying a ‘superstar’ in the making as they build for the new campaign.
Florian Wirtz in action for Germany.
He stated: “He has played for Leverkusen and Germany so knows the demands that are on him, but still, he will have to adjust to the pace of the Premier League and the more physical way.
“Opponents will try to negate his influence and that might prove a challenge, but he is young enough and good enough. He is not easily intimidated and stands up strong to the challenge. You are buying a superstar.”
Milos Kerkez’s father has confirmed his son’s move to Liverpool is ‘basically a done deal’, signifying another statement of intent from the Reds in their hunt to defend the Premier League title.
He'd be incredible with Wirtz: Liverpool make approach to sign £43m winger
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Through the middle, Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike and Sporting marksman Viktor Gyokeres are on Liverpool’s radar, though it remains to be seen whether outgoings can open up space for a new number nine to arrive.
While Wirtz and Kerkez have stolen most of the attention on the market, the Reds have now made contact over a deal for a highly-rated winger.
Liverpool make contact to sign Jesus Rodriguez
According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Liverpool have made contact with Real Betis over winger Jesus Rodriguez and are joined by Aston Villa in their pursuit of the Spain Under-21 international.
In spite of the fact he recently renewed his deal, he has a release clause extendable to £42.75 million and is now said to be on the market, with the Reds taking the step of getting in touch with the La Liga outfit and the player to ascertain the conditions involved in a potential deal.
Jesus Rodriguez in 2024/25 – La Liga (FBRef)
Shot-creating actions
34
Goal-creating actions
5
Touches in attacking penalty area per 90 mins
5.59
Successful take-ons per 90 mins
2.43
Compared to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Rodriguez registered five goals and four assists in 44 appearances across all competitions last campaign, playing a starring role in his side’s run to the Europa Conference League final.
Unfortunately, Chelsea ran out comfortable winners against Betis. Still, his performances throughout that run and domestically have put him in the shop window for a move to the Premier League champions.
Clearly, Liverpool are already preoccupied with several other pursuits, though it seems like they are working on multiple deals at the same time as Arne Slot builds for next season.
Chelsea have already been one of the busiest Premier League sides in terms of transfer activity, and they’re fully expected to carry on this trend in the background of their looming Club World Cup campaign.
Chelsea miss out on Mike Maignan and Jamie Gittens
The west Londoners were attempting to get both AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens finalised before Tuesday’s 7pm mini-window deadline, but neither deal could be done.
Chelsea are in ongoing talks with Neymar-like forward – Sky journalist
The west Londoners are still working beyond the Club World Cup transfer deadline.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025
Chelsea had three bids rejected for Gittens in the space of a few days, with Enzo Maresca’s side never coming close to Borussia Dortmund’s valuation. Their highest offer came in at around £47 million, but even that wasn’t enough to convince the Bundesliga, who played hard-ball over their most sellable asset.
Chelsea’s determination to remain steadfast in negotiations and not pay over the odds was also prevalent in their discussions with Milan over a deal for Maignan. After failing to find middle ground on the France international’s price tag, Chelsea pulled out of that deal too, regardless of Maignan’s eagerness to join the Blues.
AC Milan's MikeMaignanreacts
“Chelsea were trying to sign Maignan, but they were always insistent they did not think he was worth more than £12.7m,” said Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.
“The player himself was desperate to move to Chelsea, he is 30 in July, is out of contract next summer and told Milan he will not sign a new deal. However, Milan said we will not let him leave for the figure Chelsea wanted.”
While both Maignan and Gittens are off the table, at least for now, it is believed that Chelsea remain in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike (Florian Plettenberg). It is also worth noting that Chelsea can still register new players during the Club World Cup, thanks to a unique registration period which will become active from June 27 to July 3 – when the group stages conclude.
Chelsea to terminate Axel Disasi contract as Juventus make contact
Given Chelsea’s extensive plans to strengthen throughout the squad, players will need to make way, with BlueCo also rumoured to be targeting a centre-back.
Player sales will be crucial for them this summer, as Chelsea look to trim the wage bill and generate funds for their recruitment strategy both in the coming weeks and later in the window.
According to Italian news site Tutto Juve, as translated by Sport Witness, Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is attracting interest from Serie A heavyweights Juventus.
Disasi
Disasi has been regularly linked with a Stamford Bridge exit, with Tutto Juve even reporting that both the Frenchman and Chelsea are to mutually agree a contract termination to facilitate his move away.
Juve have made contact to enquire about Disasi’s situation, and could be buoyed by the prospect of signing the 27-year-old on a free transfer.
They’re also attracted by his versatility, given he can play both right-back and as a centre-half. Disasi doesn’t appear part of Maresca’s long-term plans, having just spent the second half of 2024/2025 on loan at Aston Villa.
Disasi has been lauded as a “complete” defender by pundits, but the potential signing of another centre-back would only push him further down the pecking order.
Birmingham City won the League One title with a staggering 111 points in the 2024/25 season and are now preparing for a campaign in the Championship.
The Blues are already being linked with plenty of players, including Reading’s Charlie Savage, Swansea City’s Harry Darling, and Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper James Beadle.
Chris Davies is also looking to bolster his attacking options ahead of a season in the second tier, as Birmingham have been linked with a loan move for Aston Villa winger Louie Barry.
The English dynamo scored 15 goals in League One on loan at Stockport County in the 2024/25 campaign, but is unproven above the third tier, and the club are reportedly eyeing a star who would be an even better signing this summer.
Birmingham enquire about move for £8m star
Whilst Barry may be an exciting signing on loan because of his impressive performances in League One, with 15 goals, he has yet to prove himself in the Championship and would be a risky addition.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Birmingham have made an enquiry over a deal to bring Demarai Gray back to the club in the summer transfer window.
The reporter claims that the Jamaica international is exploring the possibility of a return to England ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, and that Sunderland are another English side with an interest in the winger.
Jacobs’ GIVEMESPORT article adds that Al-Ettifaq, his current team, would be willing to cash in on him for a fee of £8m this summer, as they are willing to accept that he would like to return to England.
The report reveals that Birmingham have made contact to enquire about a deal, but states that it remains to be seen whether or not he would be willing to drop down to the Championship instead of exploring a Premier League move.
Why Birmingham should sign Demarai Gray
Davies should work hard to convince the 28-year-old wizard to make the move to St. Andrew’s this summer because he would be an even better signing than Barry, due to his pedigree at the top level.
Birmingham will have ambitions of eventually making their way back to the Premier League and the Al-Ettifaq star is vastly experienced at that level, with 200 appearances under his belt.
Gray, who was described as “electric” by journalist Scott Saunders during his time at Everton, produced nine goals and five assists in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Premier League seasons combined for the Toffees.
This shows that he can make a decent impact at the top end of the pitch in the top-flight, whilst Barry has yet to score or assist a goal in either of the top two divisions in his career to date.
Premier League
200
19
14
Championship
72
8
3
Saudi Pro League
47
4
4
Bundesliga
10
1
2
As you can see in the table above, Gray has plenty of experience in the top two leagues in England as well as 57 matches in the Pro League and the Bundesliga.
The £8m-rated star would, therefore, arrive as a high-profile addition for the Blues and one that would align with a long-term ambition to return to the Premier League, as he has proven that he has the quality to play at an even higher level than the Championship.
Gray could realistically follow the club on a journey from the second tier to the top-flight and be a useful player at both levels, given what he has already achieved in his career.
Whereas, there is no guarantee that Barry can make the step up to the Championship, as he is yet to prove it, let alone the Premier League, which is why it would be a bigger risk to sign the Aston Villa youngster.
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With this in mind, Gray would be a better signing for the Blues with the long-term goal of reaching the Premier League because of his experience and quality, as well as it being a permanent move rather than a loan, as Barry would be.
Arsenal have reportedly sealed their first sale of the summer transfer window already, with Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta waving goodbye to one “high level” player who’s completed a move to Europe.
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A fair few high-profile members of Arteta’s squad are currently bound for the N5 exit door.
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Kieran Tierney’s pending move to Celtic will be a welcome return to Parkhead for the Scotland international, who gets to work under Brendan Rodgers six years after their pair parted company in 2019.
1
Kai Havertz
£280,000
£14,560,000
2
Gabriel Jesus
£265,000
£13,780,000
=3
Declan Rice
£240,000
£12,480,000
=3
Martin Odegaard
£240,000
£12,480,000
5
Thomas Partey
£200,000
£10,400,000
6
Bukayo Saka
£195,000
£10,140,000
7
William Saliba
£190,000
£9,880,000
via Capology
Meanwhile, it is reliably believed that Jorginho is set to join Flamengo once his £110,000-per-week Arsenal contract expires, but the Brazilian side are also exploring a deal to bring him in early, so he can take part in the Club World Cup next month (The Athletic).
Uncertainty continues to surround Thomas Partey’s long-term future with no fresh terms currently agreed as things stand, despite widely reported talks, but Arteta is adamant that he wants the Ghana international to stay.
“Yes,” said Arteta when asked if he wants Partey to extend his contract.
“I think consistency-wise it’s been his best season. The way he’s played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional and he’s a really important player for us.”
The writing appears on the wall for Albert Sambi Lokonga in terms of an exit, with the Belgian spending 2024/2025 on loan at Sevilla. The same can also be said for left-back Nuno Tavares, who’s impressed on a loan-to-buy deal at Lazio.
Nuno Tavares seals exit from Arsenal to Lazio
The Portuguese, despite some injury woes over the second half of the campaign, has racked up nine assists in all competitions and won over the Serie A side’s supporters with some impressive displays.
Nuno Tavares for Lazio.
According to Il Messaggero, via Sport Witness, this form has been enough to convince Lazio to keep him there permanently.
The newspaper claims Lazio have paid £4 million to sign Tavares from Arsenal indefinitely, and the 25-year-old will complete his move to Europe after a regrettable four-year stint at the Emirates where he never quite established himself.
He performed well on various loan spells, with ex-Marseille boss Igor Tudor calling him a “high level” player during his temporary stint in Ligue 1. Arteta also had initial high hopes for him when Edu signed Tavares from Benfica in 2021.
“One of the biggest qualities he has is that he is not fazed at all when is playing,” said Arteta about Tavares. “He was not fazed to make a debut like he did, the risks that he takes, the actions that he puts in place.
“Plus what you can see, his physicality, he is naturally a very gifted athlete. He can run and he can change speed and direction, and technically he is very gifted. But, for me, the most important thing is that he is a defender and he needs to defend first, and then he can provide the rest of his qualities.”
While the dream for many Arsenal fans this summer will be to see Alexander Isak arrive in a big-money deal, the fact of the matter is that he feels pretty untouchable.
A reported £150m asking price has been slapped on his head and despite Mikel Arteta’s need to strengthen in attack, it’s unlikely you’ll see the Gunners fork out that amount of money, particularly considering they need fresh faces in other areas of the pitch too.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
It perhaps explains why they’re currently working on a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres, then. Reports in recent days suggest that they are in talks and an agreement may well be close.
But, if that move doesn’t come to fruition, attention could be turned to Benjamin Sesko and one other alternative.
Arsenal could sign £59m Sesko upgrade
Last summer, it looked as though Arsenal were going to sign Slovenian centre-forward, Sesko.
The striker had a release clause at RB Leipzig and despite interest from the north Londoners, he penned a new contract in Germany and decided to stay another year.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates
Well, a year on, Arsenal are still interested in the 21-year-old, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein noting earlier in the week that they have done a lot of work to potentially sign the player.
The player still has a release clause with certain conditions, meaning it could see Arsenal pay in the region of £67m.
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If they are seeking a cheaper alternative, then they need to look no further than Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy.
England’s elite clubs have all been presented with the opportunity to sign the striker this summer as according to German publication, BILD, the player has a release clause of £59m, which can only be triggered by a certain set of teams.
Those clubs are Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona.
It’s a strange situation but due to the nature of the release clause, if any of the sides above submitted a bid of £59m, Dortmund would have no choice but to accept.
How Guirassy compares to Sesko
Sesko, described as “the new Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig is clearly one of the most promising and exciting young strikers in the game right now.
In the Bundesliga, he’s scored 13 goals in 33 matches and registered a further eight across other competitions. It’s a solid tally considering his age, but Arsenal want to win now. Thus, signing Guirassy for a cheaper fee may well be the answer.
After all, when it comes to finding the net, he’s certainly more prolific. Aptly described as a “goal monster” by journalist Michael Adjei, also playing in Germany’s top-flight, Guirassy scored 21 in 30 league outings this season.
In all competitions, the 29-year-old has found the net on 34 occasions in 45 fixtures. While he was a menace domestically, it was in the Champions League where he racked up some astonishing numbers.
Guirassy most notably scored a hat-trick in the quarter-finals against Barcelona, which were three of 13 goals he scored in 14 European ties this season. He’s a man for the big occasion and being in his prime, he’s ready to help Arsenal now. Unlike Sesko, he’s not a project striker.
So, where else does he beat the Slovenian? We’ve crunched the numbers.
Goals
0.73
0.49
Assists
0.14
0.19
Shots
2.98
2.50
Pass success %
73%
68%
Key passes
0.87
0.72
Progressive passes
1.52
1.74
Successful take-ons
0.38
1.48
Aerial duels won
3.77
2.65
Analysing certain metrics, it’s no surprise to see that Guirassy is more dangerous in front of the goal considering he takes more shots. He’s also involved in the build-up play, registering more key passes every 90 minutes.
Sesko is certainly the more progressive and quicker of the two, certainly judging by the number of take-ons he achieves, but what’s crucial for the way Arteta uses his centre-forwards is that Guirassy trumps the Leipzig sensation for aerial duels won.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
We’ve got two different profiles here, but at the end of the day, goals win you games of football and that’s what the Gunners have missed most this season.
The Dortmund star may well be 29 but he’s in his prime, he’s in the form of his life, and for £59m, you won’t find many better options.
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