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Keeping Alexander Isak around right up until the early September deadline will have the same buzz as a brand new signing for those at Newcastle United.

It will be a tough few weeks ahead for the Toon as they try and keep a firm grip on their star-man in attack, with Isak potentially having his head turned by a mega-money £200m move to Al-Hilal, away from earlier interest in his coveted services from fellow Premier League outfit Liverpool.

To make matters worse, this chaotic transfer window has also been bumpy – away from Isak eyeing up a move away – when it comes to the amount of failed pursuits the Magpies have had to stomach, with Joao Pedro favouring Chelsea over a St James’ Park switch, on top of any movement for Hugo Ekitike also falling flat.

Still, not all hope is lost that a bold new striker will arrive through the door shortly, as Newcastle prepare to spend big to bolster up top.

Newcastle ready £86m bid for former Premier League striker

After all, Howe and Co. have already flexed their muscles in the hectic transfer market by securing the services of Anthony Elanga for an excessive £55m.

The lavish spending in attack won’t stop there if new reports are anything to go by, with £78m having to be forked out on Newcastle’s end if they want to land RB Leipzig goal machine Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian marksman did chip in with 13 Bundesliga strikes last season, meaning he might be a worthwhile investment, but the Toon might well be better off going after ex-Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez instead.

Indeed, wild reports emerging from Spain seem to indicate that Howe’s side are preparing a move for Alvarez if Isak deserts Tyneside this summer, with a fee around the £86m mark potentially enough to win the Atletico Madrid striker, which would send out shockwaves subsequently.

There is also, of course, the long-term target of Yoane Wissa on Newcastle’s radar, but even with the DR Congo international’s goalscoring prowess in the Premier League making him a catch at £50m, Alvarez does seem to represent a more eye-catching signing, especially as the Toon attempt to wrestle back some authority in the unpredictable market.

Why Alvarez is a more exciting signing than Wissa

Picking up the Argentina international could see lightning strike twice on the end of the Magpies, with Newcastle’s last striker addition from La Liga being Isak. Now, the rest is history, as the Swede has a bumper 54 Premier League strikes next to his name.

Alvarez finds himself stuck on 20 strikes in the top-flight after waving goodbye to the Etihad last year, with Wissa having a slight upper-hand here with a heftier 45 efforts in the taxing division, but it’s his exploits away from just the English game that will have caught Newcastle’s eye even more.

In all competitions last season, the skilful £86m “monster” – as he was once labelled by Argentine journalist Pablo Gonzalez – would end up wiping the floor with Wissa, as seen in his spectacular haul of 29 strikes and seven assists leading the line for Diego Simeone’s Rojiblancos.

Amazingly, that’s two more goals than Isak managed across the entirety of last season, as he now ponders a move to the Middle East, whilst also being a whopping 12 goal contributions better off than Wissa’s own tally back at Brentford.

CF

167

86

31

RW

49

12

8

SS

29

11

8

AM

20

8

7

LW

6

2

4

LM

1

0

0

The ball also remains firmly in the South American’s court as a more exciting proposition than Wissa with the ex-River Plate wonderkid turned Madrid royalty an even more adaptable presence than his Congolese counterpart, with the £86m forward more than comfortable to play as an out-and-out striker, as much as he can also slot in as a number ten, or as a winger on either flank with ease.

On the contrary, Wissa has only ever played eight career clashes down the right-hand side or as a number ten, with Alvarez’s weighty price tag now making more sense in terms of what he can offer Howe and Co. away from just being a potent striker option.

With 15 Champions League goals under his belt too, on top of two Premier League title successes in his back pocket for City, landing the “best forward in the world” – as he was branded by reporter Roy Nemer – would be some coup, with Wissa forgotten about in a flash if a statement move was sealed.

Better signing than Trafford: Newcastle line up swoop for £78m "monster"

Newcastle United could be about to win a better signing than James Trafford by landing this £78m monster.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 20, 2025

It would be hard to deny that this season was a disappointment for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side may have done well in the Champions League and finished second in the Premier League, but the club’s ambition was to win a significant honour, which they failed to do.

There were a number of players who failed to deliver, with Gabriel Martinelli being one of the attackers who really flattered to deceive.

Interestingly, the Brazilian’s inability to get back to the levels he showed in 22/23 might have cost him his place in the team, as recent reports have linked the club with an exciting youngster who could be an ideal upgrade.

Arsenal's chase for a new winger

Much of the chatter this summer has been about Arsenal’s need for a new winger.

Transfer Focus

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

Fortunately, they have several players on their radar, albeit that have yet to formally make a move for any of their targets.

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been one name linked, as has another Spanish-based forward in Nico Williams. However, if they are unattainable, then they could look forwards the Bundesliga.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now one of a handful of teams interested in Leipzig star, Antonio Nusa, ahead of the transfer window reopening on Monday.

While the report claims that the interest from the Gunners is currently the most notable, other teams like Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton, and Napoli are all keen on the dynamo, presently valued at €45m, which is about £38m.

It could be a somewhat complicated transfer to get over the line, but Nusa could be a special player, and someone Arsenal should pursue, especially as he could be an upgrade on Martinelli.

How Nusa compares to Martinelli

One of the significant strengths of Nusa is that he can play in a number of positions, be that off the right, up top or even wide midfield, but when it comes down to it, his most natural and best role is as a left-winger.

Therefore, if the “ridiculous” Norwegian entertainer, as dubbed by journalist Dean Jones, is to join Arsenal this summer, then one of his main competitors for game time would be Martinelli, so how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output this season, it would be fair to say neither was prolific, but even though he’s almost four years his junior, it’s the Leipiz star who comes out on top here.

For example, in 36 appearances for the German outfit, totalling just 2185 minutes, the Langhus-born ace scored five goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every three games, or 182.08 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 11 scored ten goals and provided six assists, but did so in 51 appearances, totalling 3564 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 3.18 games, or every 222.75 minutes.

Okay, what about their underlying numbers, then? Which winger comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Unfortunately for the former Ituano, while he does do better in some metrics, like shots, shots on target, and passes into the penalty area, he comes out as a clear second-best in the vast majority of others.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.52

0.38

Progressive Passes

3.09

1.87

Progressive Carries

3.61

4.69

Shots

1.94

2.12

Goals per Shot

0.13

0.12

Shots on Target

0.75

0.94

Goals per Shot on Target

0.35

0.28

Passing Accuracy

73.2%

71.4%

Key Passes

1.57

1.56

Passes into the Final Third

1.65

0.47

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.37

1.40

Live Passes

30.8

25.4

Shot-Creating Actions

3.34

2.90

Goal-Creating Actions

0.28

0.25

Tackles

1.69

0.92

Blocks

0.88

0.73

Interceptions

0.52

0.16

Clearances

0.56

0.70

Successful Take-Ons

2.25

1.48

Ball Recoveries

4.38

3.10

For example, the former Club Brugge gem emerges victories in metrics like non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, tackles and many, many more, all per 90.

Moreover, the 20-year-old “1v1 specialist,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, also does far better when it comes to successful take-ons per 90, which could help make the North Londoners’ left-hand side so much more effective.

Ultimately, Martinelli could still be a valuable squad player for Arsenal next season, but it’s clear that, despite being considerably younger, Nusa is the better winger and, therefore, someone the club should be going all out to sign.

He's just like Saka: £68m winger is Tognozzi's dream target for Arsenal

The exciting wonderkid would be a superb addition to the Arsenal squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 13, 2025

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.

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.

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.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 12, 2025

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.

Rangers' managerial search hits Ancelotti stumbling block

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.

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.

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.”

In front of a packed house, West Indies qualified for Super Eight and put New Zealand on the brink of elimination

Matt Roller13-Jun-2024This was T20 at its very best: played under the floodlights with high stakes, high skill, and high drama. When New Zealand and West Indies were drawn in the group of death, this fixture was earmarked as one of the biggest of this stage. When New Zealand were thrashed by Afghanistan in Guyana, this became close to a knockout match.The Uriah Butler Highway – the route out of Port-of-Spain – was gridlocked. The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is 50km away from Trinidad and Tobago’s capital city, and the afternoon rush hour combined with thousands of cricket fans driving south towards San Fernando brought the country’s main road to a standstill. Rightly so: T20 cricket was coming home.Yes, the format was first played professionally in England and has been turned into a commercial behemoth by India, but Trinidad is T20’s spiritual home. This country, with a population of 1.5 million, has produced more of the format’s superstars than anywhere else in the world and their success is the source of immense national pride.Related

New Zealand's decade of excellence unravels in a hurry

Rutherford and bowlers take West Indies to Super Eight; New Zealand's campaign in trouble

Incredibly, this was West Indies’ first men’s World Cup match in Trinidad, in either format. The 8.30pm start time meant that the venue was nearly full before the toss, filled with West Indies maroon and Trinidad red. Those two colours of shirts formed snaking queues for fried fish and cold beer; they blew their air horns and banged their drums; and they vied for space on the sprawling grass banks on the eastern side of the ground.They stood with their team as David Rudder, the Calypso icon, held his microphone like a preacher and implored them to Rally, Rally ‘Round the West Indies. Rudder is 71 now and revealed last year that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This was a rare public performance and the crowd hung on his words in a stripped-back rendition of his anthem.Sherfane Rutherford turned the game around in the last two overs of the West Indies innings•ICC/Getty ImagesAnd then, barely half an hour later, West Indies were 30 for 5. This was a two-paced pitch with variable bounce but New Zealand’s seamers only had to bash away at a good length: the first three wickets were the result of huge swipes, before Rovman Powell and Brandon King both steered catches to Devon Conway with no conviction.West Indies’ recent success under Daren Sammy’s coaching has led expectations to swell ahead of a World Cup on home soil. “I just wonder if West Indies’ batters have not quite got the emotions under control,” Carlos Brathwaite, who snatched the 2016 title for them, said on commentary. “Yes, we love the intent, but then you have to marry that with sufficient smarts as well.”Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s captain, recognised the chance to bowl West Indies out and went for the kill: he stuck with his four main seamers and when Andre Russell walked in at No. 8, he pushed a fifth fielder up into the inner circle and brought both mid-on and mid-off up, daring him to hit Lockie Ferguson down the ground.Russell obliged, crunching his first ball over Ferguson’s head for four, and when Williamson pushed mid-on back to the boundary, Russell hit the very next ball over his head for six. But Williamson didn’t budge: he threw the ball to Trent Boult, his best bowler, and Russell miscued his speared-in offcutter to short third.Williamson will be roundly criticised for his decision to bowl his frontline bowlers out by the end of the 18th over but at 112 for 9, it looked to have paid off. Williamson bet big on his flush: he could hardly have expected Sherfane Rutherford – at that stage 31 off 27 balls – to reveal he was sitting on a full house.

Rutherford’s knock was rightly the difference between the two teams tonight. But it was also as well as I’ve seen West Indies bowl for some time. Alzarri Joseph was as good as I’ve seen him bowl in this format.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) June 13, 2024