Liverpool have reportedly beaten arch-rivals Manchester City to the signature of American wonderkid Noah “Dash” Allen, according to the latest reports from BallerzScout.
The 14-year-old sensation, who has already drawn comparisons to USMNT icon Christian Pulisic, is the latest high-profile youth prospect to join the Reds’ burgeoning academy at Kirkby.
The move marks a significant victory for Liverpool’s recruitment team, as they have managed to secure a talent that had previously been training within the Manchester City setup as recently as late 2024.
The young winger, widely known by the nickname “Dash” due to his explosive pace, recently completed a successful trial on Merseyside.
During his time at the academy, Allen reportedly shone in several fixtures, notably netting a goal against Birmingham City that sealed the club’s decision to offer a permanent spot in their youth ranks.
Born in 2012, Allen’s journey has come full circle; he was born in England before moving to the United States at a young age.
After developing his skills in the Colorado Rapids youth system, he has now returned to the UK to begin his professional journey with the Premier League leaders.
Player profile: Who is Noah Allen?
At just 14 years old, Allen is already being heralded as one of the standout American prospects of his generation.
He is primary a right-winger, but capable of operating as a creative “Number 10.”
Known for his blistering pace, Allen has elite technical skill, and a “star-man” charisma on the pitch.
Regarded as one of the brightest talents to emerge from America, all eyes will now be on the young attacker who will now hope to develop into a top player at Liverpool.
Newcastle United have been warned not to spend big money on the potential transfer of Chelsea misfit Nicolas Jackson this summer.
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The Senegal international is currently on loan at Bayern Munich and hasn’t made a particularly positive impact there, having also struggled to perform consistently at Stamford Bridge.
Of course, the transfer market never sleeps, so Newcastle will, like many other clubs, surely already be looking at summer targets.
Jackson may well be one of them as Eddie Howe could probably do with more depth up front, but Mick Brown has told Football Insider that he doesn’t think it would be a good move for NUFC.
As well as being expensive, Brown says he’s also heard that Jackson doesn’t have the best attitude, so it certainly seems like one to avoid.
“He isn’t consistent enough in front of goal which Newcastle are looking for at the moment,” Brown said.
“That’s the issue they’ve had this season, consistency, and Jackson isn’t the person who’s going to go to St James’ Park and be the answer to everybody’s problems.
“From what I hear, there are a few question marks about his attitude and they’ve been there since his time at Chelsea, I think it’s a big reason they let him go.
“What type of money are Chelsea going to be asked for as well? Last summer it was around £70-80million I believe, so around that again?
“So if Newcastle want to sign a new striker, I can’t see Jackson being the one they go for, because it’s going to be expensive and I don’t think he’ll solve their problems.”
Newcastle signed Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa last summer after selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool, but it looks like they’ll surely be in the market for further signings up front this summer.
Woltemade started well but has faded, while Wissa arrived injured and hasn’t made the desired impact, though they can surely aim higher than Jackson, who has now flopped at both Chelsea and Bayern.
Savinho scored a genuinely strange goal for Manchester City to equalise against Newcastle United in their FA Cup clash this evening.
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Harvey Barnes gave Newcastle a 1-0 lead earlier in the game, but good work by Jeremy Doku on the left-hand side set up Savinho to make it 1-1.
However, the Brazilian winger didn’t know too much about it, as he just stood waiting in the penalty area as the ball bounced in off him and over the line.
Watch below as Savinho somehow scored whilst standing completely still as though he didn’t quite expect Doku’s cross to get to him…
Savinho goal levels it up in Newcastle vs Manchester City clash
Savinho doesn't know much about it, but he's equalised for Manchester City at St. James' Park ?
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 7, 2026
City have fielded a heavily rotated line up tonight, with Pep Guardiola admitting before the game that all these changes are necessary due to the amount of games they’re playing.
Still, so far this second strong side is doing a decent job, with Guardiola still able to pick a lot of quality even if he’s resting the likes of Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rodri, Ruben Dias, Antoine Semenyo, and Marc Guehi.
Savinho is a very capable backup, and this is just the kind of moment he needed after struggling to really make that much of an impression since moving to the Etihad Stadium.
One thing City will really hope for now, however, is avoiding the score staying like this and going to extra time.
Arsenal also rotated a lot for their game earlier today but were able to get the job done in 90 minutes, and that could be important as these two face a busy schedule whilst competing for the Premier League title and preparing to play each other in the Carabao Cup final later this month.
Manchester United are reportedly preparing to try offering €40m to try to convince Barcelona to sell talented young left-back Alejandro Balde.
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The 22-year-old has impressed a great deal at Barca in recent times, earning the reputation for being one of the best young full-backs in Europe.
While Barcelona would surely ideally keep Balde, they face interest from Man Utd, according to Fichajes, and there’s a recognition that they might need to accept an offer in the region of €40m to ease their financial issues.
It will be interesting to see if this develops into something concrete, but it would be quite the coup if the Red Devils could land themselves a top talent like this for a pretty reasonable price.
Alejandro Balde looks the part for Manchester United
We will surely see United making more changes to their squad this summer, with Balde looking like he could be a useful addition to give the club a long-term successor to the ageing and injury-prone Luke Shaw.
MUFC did sign Patrick Dorgu last January but he’s ended up playing further forward, so it could make sense to bring in Balde as the new first-choice left-back.
Given his age, rumoured asking price, and all-round profile, it’s hard to see this as anything other than an excellent potential signing for United.
The only worry is recent performance, with his form actually going down slightly this season with a WhoScored rating of just 6.70, but fans can probably be fairly confident of that just being a temporary blip.
United fans will surely be hoping something serious can develop here, but it probably won’t become clear for a little while yet if it’s a particularly realistic deal.
Fichajes can be quite speculative, so even if there’s interest from United, and it would undoubtedly be a fine signing, it doesn’t mean they’ll actually be able to do it.
Clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal could reportedly be in luck as Real Madrid are reportedly already prepared to consider selling Dean Huijsen.
The talented young centre-back joined Real Madrid from Bournemouth last summer after some hugely impressive form in the Premier League.
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Huijsen hasn’t been entirely convincing since the big move to the Bernabeu, however, and Fichajes report that he could now be available for just £54m.
The Spanish outlet does not name any specific clubs looking into signing Huijsen, but he was very strongly linked with all three of Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea less than a year ago.
Dean Huijsen will surely still be on the radar of Premier League clubs
As reported by Fabrizio Romano last summer, Huijsen was being eyed up by all three of Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea, as per his post on X below…
?? Dean Huijsen scores, gets his 4th MOTM Award… with his future set to be decided soon, probably this month.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all involved in the race to sign Spanish CB with £50m release clause.
Huijsen’s fine form during his time at Bournemouth surely means those clubs would still be keen if there really were a genuine possibility of him coming back to England already.
Fichajes also state that the Spain international could cost just £4m more than Real paid for him in the summer, as reported by BBC Sport at the time.
That’s not a bad price to be paying for a talented young player who is perhaps just going through a bit of a wobbly spell due to being at a new club going through changes of managers and other issues this season.
Dean Huijsen could surely still be an important signing for Liverpool
Arsenal already have a lot of quality and depth in defence, so it probably wouldn’t make much sense for them to target Huijsen as a priority.
Liverpool, however, look in urgent need of strengthening in that department after conceding a lot of goals this season, and with Ibrahima Konate coming towards the end of his contract.
We’d still rate this as a superb signing for LFC – a strong fit for their current needs, and reportedly available for a very generous price…
Liverpool have officially confirmed that star midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has committed his long-term future to the club, putting pen to paper on a bumper new contract.
The Dutch international, who has become the heartbeat of the Reds’ midfield, signed the extension at Anfield on Saturday, following months of speculation regarding interest from abroad.
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Liverpool officially confirm new deal for Ryan Gravenberch
The club officially announced the agreement, revealing that Gravenberch has signed a six-year extension that will keep him on Merseyside until June 2032.
The deal represents a significant pay rise for the 23-year-old, reflecting his status as one of the first names on Arne Slot’s team sheet.
“I feel really, really good. I was really proud to extend my contract at such a big club. So, I’m really happy that I can stay for many more years.
“I felt directly the trust from the club, also from the manager. The decision for me was easy to make. My family is also happy here. We are now here almost three years, so I know everything already. I’m happy that I’m here.”
New Gravenberch deal fends off interest from European heavyweights
The timing of the contract is a massive statement of intent from Liverpool’s sporting hierarchy.
In recent months, rumours had intensified linking the Dutchman with moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona, both of whom were reportedly monitoring his situation as a “top priority” for the summer of 2026.
By tying Gravenberch down until 2032, Liverpool have effectively issued a ‘hands-off’ warning to the European elite.
With the midfield anchor secured, the club now turns its attention to securing a similar long-term agreement for Ibrahima Konate.
Ryan Gravenberch has been a revelation for Liverpool midfield
Ryan Gravenberch has been nothing short of a revelation since his move from Bayern Munich.
While his debut season under Jurgen Klopp was one of adaptation, his transformation under Arne Slot during the 2024/25 campaign was historic.
Shifted into a deeper “number 6” role, Gravenberch evolved into one of the best defensive pivots in world football.
His ability to break lines with his signature driving runs and his elite interception rate were the foundation of Liverpool’s success.
He played an integral role in returning the Premier League title to Anfield last May and was rightfully rewarded with the Premier League Young Player of the Season award and a spot in the PFA Team of the Year.
The Premier League table has been given a radical shake-up as a supercomputer has predicted how the final standings will look at the end of the season.
The data-driven forecast, conducted by CasinoHawks (via The Sun), suggests a historic shift at both ends of the table, including a title winner decided by the narrowest of margins and a traditional “Big Six” powerhouse facing the drop.
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Arsenal to edge Man City for Premier League title
In the race for the crown, the supercomputer predicts that Arsenal will finally end their title drought, finishing at the summit with 86 points.
The Gunners are tipped to secure 26 wins, edging out Manchester City by a single point after Pep Guardiola’s side finishes on 85.
The battle for Champions League football also sees a return to form for Manchester United, who are predicted to finish third with 68 points.
They are followed by Chelsea in fourth with 65 points, beating out Liverpool and Aston Villa for the final elite European spot on goal difference, as all three clubs are projected to finish level on points.
Tottenham to relegate along with Burnley and Wolves
While the title race is gripping, the most shocking revelation from the supercomputer is the predicted demise of Tottenham.
In what would be one of the most stunning collapses in Premier League history, Tottenham are tipped to finish 18th, suffering relegation with just 31 points.
They are predicted to go down alongside Burnley (29 points) and Wolves (18 points).
The prediction raises serious questions: could the unthinkable really happen to Spurs? Since taking the reins, manager Igor Tudor has failed to make a positive impact, with performances steadily worsening rather than improving.
The squad appears devoid of confidence, and based on the current trajectory and these latest figures, a drop to the Championship looks increasingly like a grim reality.
With no more wins predicted for the remaining campaign, the North London club faces a desperate fight to prove the data wrong.
Manchester United face a defining summer transfer window, but their hopes of securing top targets Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton appear to hinge entirely on qualifying for the Champions League.
According to recent report from The Sun, the Red Devils may be priced out of a move for the England internationals if they fail to secure a top-four finish.
While United have long identified both players as the ideal successors to the departing Casemiro, the financial and competitive hurdles are mounting.
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Manchester United fight for top four finish
The race for European football has intensified following Manchester United’s first defeat under interim manager Michael Carrick, a late 2-1 loss to Newcastle United.
Despite the setback, United remain third in the Premier League with 51 points, currently holding their position over Aston Villa on goal difference.
However, the margin for error is non-existent. Both Chelsea and Liverpool sit just three points behind with 48 points each, making the upcoming fixtures against fellow top-four hopefuls critical.
Manchester United midfield reinforcement a priority
United’s pursuit of Wharton and Anderson highlights a glaring historical issue at Old Trafford.
The club has earmarked the engine room as their absolute priority for the summer, a necessary move considering they have recruited only two out-and-out central midfielders in the last eight years.
However, the 22-year-old is said to be “keen on only joining a club in the Champions League,” effectively placing a “Europe or bust” ultimatum on United’s recruitment team.
With rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City also monitoring the duo, United’s ability to provide Champions League football will be the deciding factor in whether they finally fix their long-standing midfield deficiencies.
Mohamed Salah could play a decisive role in determining the future of Cody Gakpo at Liverpool, according to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown.
Cody Gakpo’s future at the club was uncertain last summer with Bayern Munich showing strong interest in signing him.
However, the Reds ultimately decided to keep Gakpo while selling Luis Diaz to Bayern instead, with the Netherlands international subsequently committing his future to the club by signing a new contract.
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Mohamed Salah set to decide Cody Gakpo future at Liverpool
“Gakpo is somebody who could have left last summer.
“He was one of a few players who were spoken about, these attacking players at Liverpool who haven’t quite been as impressive as Slot may have hoped.
“He ended up staying, but his performances this season haven’t done much to change the opinion that he might be a bit below the level they hope for.
“In that case, if a huge offer comes in from somewhere like Bayern Munich, then I’m sure they’ll listen and be prepared to let him move on.
“The problem is, Mohamed Salah is going to play a big part because there’s a big chance he could leave Liverpool and they won’t want too much change.
“After everything that happened last summer and the chaos of it all, I can’t see Liverpool letting more than one attacker leave, otherwise it just adds to the unsettled feeling.
“So a lot will depend on what happens with Salah. If he leaves, I expect they’ll keep Gakpo, and if he stays then maybe Gakpo will go instead.”
Salah’s Liverpool future remains uncertain
Salah’s incredible time at Liverpool could come to an end at the end of the season.
The Egyptian forward has spent nine years at Anfield and, during that time, has rewritten the club’s record books while establishing himself as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history and one of the finest to ever play in the Premier League.
With 254 goals and 121 assists for the club, Salah has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success, helping the Reds win two Premier League titles, the Champions League, two League Cups and the FA Cup.
Although the current season has been one of his quieter campaigns in a Liverpool shirt, Salah has still registered 17 goal contributions in 31 games, highlighting the extraordinary standards he has set for himself.
That said, Salah’s future at the club has become uncertain after the public fallout between him and Slot earlier in the season.
Saudi Pro League clubs have long held a strong interest in signing Salah and, while the Egyptian has been incredibly loyalty to Liverpool, reports suggest he could now be open to a move away.
Cody Gakpo’s future could hinge on Salah decision
Liverpool are reportedly keen to avoid a repeat of last summer’s attacking overhaul, when several forwards were linked with departures at the same time.
According to Brown, that situation means the club are unlikely to allow multiple attackers to leave in the same window.
Competition
Played
Goals
Assists
Premier League
27
6
3
Champions League
7
2
1
FA Cup
3
0
0
Total
37
8
4
Cody Gakpo stats 25/26 via Transfermarkt
If Salah departs, Liverpool would likely retain Gakpo to maintain stability in their forward line. However, if Salah decides to stay at Anfield, the club could be more willing to listen to offers for the Dutch attacker.
As a result, Salah’s future could ultimately determine whether Gakpo remains part of Liverpool’s plans moving forward.
Despite a recent lack of minutes in the Premier League, the Japanese international remains a vital part of Daniel Farke’s side.
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Pete O’Rourke on Ao Tanaka future at Leeds United
Speaking on the player’s situation, Pete O’Rourke highlighted that while Tanaka hasn’t been a fixture in the starting lineup lately, his departure is not on the cards.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, he said:
“It’ll be an interesting one. I still think he’s got a role to play for Leeds.
“He’s obviously been on the bench for the last six Premier League games. Leeds have got this starting eleven that they’re sticking with right now, with Stach, Ampadu and Gruev in midfield.
“He’s obviously struggled for appearances in recent weeks, but has still made 22 appearances in all competitions and popped up with three goals.
“I don’t think Leeds would be pushing him out the door right now. He’s still a important squad player for the club and I’m sure he will remain that until the end of the season as well.”
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The Mexico international has had a mixed career in recent times, but overall he looks like he could be a good option to strengthen Leeds’ forward line.
It remains to be seen if Gimenez will definitely be on the move, but he hasn’t been entirely convincing for Milan, so probably could be someone who’s realistically available in the near future.
Santiago Gimenez transfer could be worth the gamble for Leeds United
Gimenez has a career total of 99 goals for club and country, with his best form coming during a spell with Feyenoord.
The 24-year-old has just seven goals in 30 games for Milan in two seasons with the club, though he previously impressed with 65 goals in 105 appearances while he was in the Netherlands.
Gimenez also has a fairly underwhelming total of six goals in 46 caps for the Mexican national team, so it remains to be seen how he’d get on in the Premier League.
LUFC do need a striker, however, and can’t afford to be too picky, so if this deal can be done on the cheap it could end up being decent business just to strengthen the depth in Daniel Farke’s side.
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has made it clear that Gabriel Jesus seems likely to leave the Emirates Stadium, and that he’d need replacing.
The Brazil international previously made a great start to life with the Gunners when he joined from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, but the move hasn’t really worked out for him.
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In more recent times, Jesus has struggled to stay fit and has also not made that much of an impact when he has been on the pitch.
Parlour now thinks Jesus will surely be leaving soon in order to get more playing time, though the pundit feels that would leave Arsenal a bit short of options in attack.
Ray Parlour on Gabriel Jesus’ Arsenal future
Discussing the Jesus situation and Arsenal’s depth up front, Parlour made it clear that when he was at the club they’d have had four strikers in their squad.
“I think Jesus might leave at the end of the season, he is at that age where he wants to be playing week in, week out,” Parlour told the Metro.
“We could lose him. We had four strikers when I played. That’s what I don’t understand. (Regardless of Jesus leaving), bring in another one anyway. That can give the other options a lift because they see the standard being set.”
Julian Alvarez to replace Gabriel Jesus at Arsenal?
Parlour then specifically named Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as an ideal option to come in up front at Arsenal.
Alvarez is surely better than Jesus, but if Arsenal want someone to come in who can definitely give them an upgrade on Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, then there’s surely someone else out there who’d represent better value for money.
Discussing Alvarez, Parlour told the Metro: “For me, Alvarez would be a great addition to the squad. There will always be people coming and going in the summer because it’s a big squad and they can’t keep everyone happy.
“But Alvarez would be a fantastic option to have with his pace and what we saw at Man City.
“It was always going to be difficult for him playing with Erling Haaland there but when he did start and when he did play, he was always lively.
“He’s a young man too, so if he’s available it’s a yes for me. When know how Arteta likes to work with young players to make them better so I think it would be a great addition, definitely.”
Arsenal are reportedly interested in a potential transfer swoop for Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Georgia international has not quite been at his best so far this season, contributing a total of eight goals and six assists across 30 games in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
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It seems Kvaratskhelia is now open to leaving PSG and this has Arsenal on alert and eyeing up a potential transfer, according to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes.
Arsenal could do with someone like Kvaratskhelia as an upgrade on inconsistent duo Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, though it’s also not clear if this deal would be worth the risk right now after the former Napoli man’s slump in form.
The pros and cons of Arsenal signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
The 25-year-old surely has it in him to get back to his best again, and perhaps a change of scene is what he needs, with Mikel Arteta often doing well to improve players at Arsenal.
Kvaratskhelia would surely not come cheap, and it’s not often we see Arsenal going all out with a big-money move for one player, with Declan Rice the only real exception in their history.
All in all, there might be some logic in splashing the cash on Kvaratskhelia, but the uncertainty of moving for a player struggling for form in a weaker league certainly loses the deal points as far as we’re concerned.
Liverpool’s sporting directors are reportedly ready to launch an offer of around €80m for the transfer of Nottingham Forest central defender Murillo.
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Murillo is also a target for Chelsea, as we’ve previously reported, but after his superb form for Forest it makes sense that other big clubs could also be keen on the Brazilian.
Liverpool are now being strongly linked with Murillo by Fichajes, with the Reds looking for the 23-year-old as a potential replacement for Ibrahima Konate.
The report states that the Reds are accelerating their efforts to sign Murillo due to the fact that Konate looks set to leave as he nears the end of his contract.
Murillo looks ideal to replace Ibrahima Konate
Murillo has shown his quality in the Premier League, even if Forest as a whole haven’t been at their best this season, and his age and price tag makes him a strong fit for LFC.
Using our Transfer Fit rating system, we’ve scored Murillo as a 19/25 match for Liverpool’s needs, even if he wouldn’t come cheap.
Murillo
TOTAL SCORE: 19/25
Transfer fee
***
Performance
****
Achievements
**
Career phase
*****
Squad need
*****
While he’s lacking the experience of playing for a top club and winning silverware, he has at least shown what he can do against Premier League forwards.
Chelsea could also surely do with Murillo due to their issues in defence this season, with Wesley Fofana struggling with both fitness and form, while the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo not quite looking like they should be starting regularly for a top four club.
Former Arsenal star Alex Iwobi has revealed the chaotic way his exit from the Emirates Stadium was handled as he rushed into a move to Everton.
The Nigeria international hadn’t quite been a regular starter for the Gunners towards the end of his time there, despite showing a lot of promise as a youngster.
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Iwobi came up through Arsenal’s academy and started well for the north Londoners, and he’s since gone on to have a fine Premier League career, particularly with current club Fulham.
Iwobi recalls that he was given extra holiday by former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, but then ended up being called by his agent and by Marco Silva during his time on the beach with his parents.
Alex Iwobi on how he ended up leaving Arsenal
Speaking in the video clip above, the 29-year-old said he didn’t have much time to think about his move to Everton.
He very quickly ended up staying in a very dark and lonely hotel in Liverpool, and it seems he struggled with homesickness after leaving London for the first time.
Looking back, Iwobi says he could perhaps have asked more questions about what life at Everton would be like.
Still, Iwobi has gone on to have a fine Premier League career, now becoming a key player for Silva at Fulham.
Arsenal fans will still have plenty of fondness for their former player, but it’s a shame that his time at the Emirates Stadium couldn’t have been handled a bit better.
Some Gooners might even feel Iwobi’s career since then has shown that he could have at least been a decent backup player for the club.
Chelsea are showing a surprise interest in signing former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez from Al Hilal this summer, as first reported via the Daily Briefing.
My understanding is that Nunez is highly likely to leave the Saudi Pro League club this summer, perhaps on an initial loan deal.
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Nunez had a mixed spell at Liverpool, so might not be every fan’s cup of tea, though he did manage 25 Premier League goals in his time in England, picking up one top flight title in the process.
Sources on potential Darwin Nunez to Chelsea transfer
“Chelsea have liked Nunez for a while and still see him as someone to add spark and depth up front.”
It remains to be seen if CFC will go ahead and make Nunez a priority, but the interest in the 26-year-old is there, and it looks like he’ll be available.
An issue, however, is his high wage of £400,000 a week with Al Hilal, though he may be ready to accept a pay cut in order to get out of Saudi Arabia.
As you can see below, Nunez fits the bill as a relatively proven striker, which is something Chelsea need, so even if he’s far from the best in the world he’s surely an upgrade on the struggling Liam Delap.
Darwin Nunez
TOTAL SCORE: 12/25
Transfer fee
**
Performance
*
Achievements
***
Career phase
**
Squad need
****
However, he is in poor form and not exactly young, so it’s hard to see him suddenly improving a great deal as he approaches his late 20s.
Being available on loan, or possibly on the cheap, bumps up his score slightly, but there’s also uncertainty about precisely how that deal could be structured.
Do you think Nunez would be a good fit for Chelsea? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly working on signing his fellow countryman Sandro Tonali for the Gunners.
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The Newcastle United and Italy midfielder has shone during his time in the Premier League, and it’s easy to see why he’s being linked with bigger clubs.
According to Tuttosport, there is interest from Arsenal, but also from Manchester United, with Tonali surely someone who Newcastle could find hard to keep hold of.
The report suggests, however, that Newcastle could command as much as €100m for Tonali, and that seems like far too much for Arsenal to be paying for someone they arguably don’t need that much.
Still, AFC seem to be pursuing Tonali if Tuttosport are to be believed, with Berta driving the interest, and with the player’s agent recently watching the north London giants’ win over Brighton.
Sandro Tonali to Arsenal transfer doesn’t tick all the boxes
The transfer fee of €100m is far too high for someone who wouldn’t necessarily start over Declan Rice or Martin Zubimendi, while he’s also not even a player at the stage of his career where he could improve much further.
The 25-year-old may have won the Carabao Cup with Newcastle, but if Arsenal really want to elevate their current squad they would surely need an elite-level young player for the long term, or an immediate upgrade with more experience of winning the kind of big trophies they’re chasing.
Tonali isn’t either of those, so it will be interesting to see if this proves another miscalculation by Berta, with last summer’s signings like Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke not being particularly convincing either.
From Newcastle’s point of view, they surely need to avoid another disruptive saga like the Alexander Isak to Liverpool story of last summer.
Keeping a key player like Tonali will be important to help Eddie Howe take this team forward, so they’ll hope their high asking price proves enough to ward off suitors.
Tottenham have reportedly already held talks with former Marseille and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi after an awful start by Igor Tudor.
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The north London outfit are on an awful run of form, losing three out of three since Tudor replaced Thomas Frank less than a month ago.
Tudor is only at Spurs on an interim basis, but the Telegraph report that discussions are already taking place with De Zerbi as the club consider making a second managerial change in the space of a month.
De Zerbi impressed a great deal during his time in the Premier League with Brighton, so could be ideal to help Tottenham out of their current predicament as relegation becomes a very real danger.
Roberto De Zerbi makes sense for Tottenham, but would he take the job?
De Zerbi might well be ideal for Tottenham, but would the Italian tactician necessarily go for this opportunity now with the club in such a dire state?
Spurs are on a run of five consecutive defeats in the Premier League, leaving them just a point above the relegation zone.
It would be a big gamble for De Zerbi to take the job now when there’s so little time to turn this situation around.
And if THFC were to go down to the Championship, it would surely only be even harder for them to convince a coach of De Zerbi’s calibre to take over.
Glenn Hoddle has hinted at Tottenham return
Meanwhile, former Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle has hinted he’d be ready to return to the club.
This would be a slightly left-of-field appointment since Hoddle’s been out of the game for so long, but it might just be the kind of short-term move that does enough to lift the mood and rally the players to put up more of a fight in their final few games of the season.
Manchester City attacking midfielder Phil Foden is reportedly still likely to be offered a new contract despite his poor form and possible doubts over making England’s World Cup squad.
Foden has been out of sorts for some time now, though of course he has generally been one of City’s best players during the Pep Guardiola era.
The 25-year-old is a classy performer on his day, combining skill and intelligence to make him a great all-rounder in a variety of attacking roles.
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Still, Foden will have just a year left on his contract this summer, even if the Athletic suggest it’s still inconceivable that he wouldn’t be offered a new one.
Foden is surely coming up to a crucial moment, though, as he needs to up his game to show he deserves good renewal terms, as well as a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad to go to North America this summer.
Can Phil Foden turn things around for Manchester City and England?
With 110 goals in 357 games for City, Foden has played a big part for the club, picking up major honours like six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, and four League Cups along the way.
Foden has arguably been a little less impressive for England, with just four goals in 47 caps, but if used properly he could surely make an impact at a major tournament.
For the moment, though, Foden has just ten goals and five assists so far this season, and, crucially, no goals and only one assist in his last 17 appearances in all competitions.
City really need Foden to rediscover his best form as soon as possible as they look to stay close to Arsenal in the Premier League title race, but it’s hard to see where any kind of miraculous comeback is going to come from right now.
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is now looking less likely to join Trabzonspor permanently after his loan spell there this season.
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The Cameroon international has flopped at Man Utd and will surely be sold by the club at some point, particularly after the fine form of Senne Lammens since he moved to Old Trafford last summer.
Still, as reported by the Manchester Evening News, there could be issues with Onana making his loan with Trabzonspor permanent as the Turkish side can’t afford his asking price.
Andre Onana future becoming clearer due to United demands
It now surely seems likely that Trabzonspor won’t be able to spend the kind of money required on Onana, who could cost as much as £43m.
As quoted by the MEN report, Trabzonspor vice-president Zeyyat Kafkas has explained the challenges for his club in signing Onana permanently.
“As the figure fromManchester Unitedfor the purchase of Andre Onana is in the range of €45-50m, our president has sincerely informed the community in line with Trabzonspor’s realities,” he toldGunebakıs.
“I don’t think this information affected Onana at all. Because Onana’s thinking is that if it’s not England, he wants to continue at a club in Europe.
“His family thinks the same way. The president also wanted to explain Trabzonspor’s reality. However, if the conditions change, the situation changes.”
As Kafkas suggests, this now surely paves the way for Onana to seal another move, with the 29-year-old perhaps already looking for other options out there for him in Europe.
It will be interesting to see if anyone comes in for him, though, as MUFC surely need to adjust their asking price to something more realistic if they want to offload him.
Liverpool is hoping to sign Tyler Adams from Bournemouth, and they will face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United.
The 27-year-old United States International has done well in the top-flight, and he could be a useful acquisition for Liverpool. They need more physicality and defensive cover in the middle of the park, and Adams is well settled in the top flight. He could make an immediate impact and help Liverpool tighten up defensively.
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Liverpool learn asking price for Tyler Adams
According to a report from Fichajes, he is likely to cost around £40 million. Liverpool have the financial muscle to get the deal done, and it remains to be seen whether they follow up on their interest with an official proposal in the summer.
His arrival will help protect the defensive unit and allow the creative players to operate with more freedom. The opportunity to join Liverpool will be tempting for the player. He is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to join an elite club.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Manchester United need more depth in the midfield as well. Chelsea need someone who can support Moises Caicedo, and Manchester United will need to replace Casemiro. It will be interesting to see where the 27-year-old ends up eventually. He has the quality to play for a bigger club, and he will look to join a competitive team in the summer.
It will be interesting to see whether the cherries are willing to sanction his departure for a reasonable sum. He has been an important player for them, and he is one of their leaders in the dressing room.
West Ham United have reportedly secured the services of the former Arsenal youth goalkeeper Jack Tomlin.
The 16-year-old has been informed that he will not receive a scholarship from Arsenal and will now join the London rivals instead, as per Arsenal Insider. He will look to continue his development at West Ham, and it will be interesting to see if he can become a first-team player for them in the future.
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Jack Tomlin joins West Ham
Tomlin is highly rated in England, and he has a bright future. West Ham will be hoping to groom him into an important player for the future.
The 16-year-old was a part of the Arsenal under-18 squad, and he has now joined up with the West Ham under-18 side. He will further his career at the London Stadium now and establish himself as an important player for their youth team.
West Ham are looking to build for the future, and the 16-year-old could be an asset for the club in the long term.
There is no doubt that West Ham need more quality and depth in the goalkeeping department. Having said that, the 16-year-old is still nowhere near ready for the first team. They will need to groom him properly over the next few seasons before he can make his mark in the Premier League.
Time will tell whether Arsenal will regret the decision to let him leave. The young goalkeeper will certainly look to prove them wrong and make his mark in English football.
Meanwhile, West Ham continues its push for survival, and it will be interesting to see if it can preserve their status as a top-flight club.
Chelsea picked up a 4-1 win over Aston Villa recently, and Jadon Sancho left the onlookers disappointed with his unprofessional behaviour during the game.
The attacker was brought on after the hour mark to help turn the game in favour of the West Midlands club, but his first act after coming on was a conversation with his former teammate Cole Palmer. Furthermore, he was seen hugging it out with the Chelsea captain, Reece James, after the final whistle.
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Jadon Sancho slammed
Former Premier League scout Bryan King believes the conduct was unprofessional and that the player should focus more on helping his team than on pleasantries with rival players. Sancho has previously been on loan to Chelsea, and there is no doubt that he shares with his former teammates.
However, King believes that the attacker should have been more professional.
Former Aston Villa scout Bryan King, speaking toVilla News, said: “I thought it was very unprofessional, to be honest.
“The only explanation is that he forgot what colour shirt he had on.
“Saying hello to Cole Palmer when you come on as a substitute? He could have done that before the game if it was that important. It’s even worse because Villa were losing.
“It doesn’t matter who your friends are; you don’t do that until after the game. If you want to be with them and don’t want to be at Villa, why are you there? It’s just very unprofessional.
“I wouldn’t have thought it would go down well with the staff or the rest of the players. It isn’t a good sign and raises questions of where he will go at the end of the season.”
The move for the Premier League has simply not worked out, and a return to Germany could be ideal for him. He is very much at the peak of his powers, and he will get his career back on track with regular opportunities.
Sancho should look to join a club where he will get a defined role and regular opportunities. He has previously shown his quality in Germany, and he will be desperate to rediscover his form and confidence.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate continues to be linked with a move away from the club, and Real Madrid are hoping to sign him.
According to a report from BILD, the French international has decided to close the chapter with the Premier League club and move on. The development will be a huge boost for Madrid. It will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done.
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Ibrahima Konate wants out
Konate will be a free agent at the end of the season, and he’s unwilling to sign a new contract with Liverpool. Meanwhile, the report mentions that Liverpool is not too keen on Nico Schlotterbeck as his replacement. It will be interesting to see if the German defender is now prepared to sign a new contract with Borussia Dortmund.
He has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months. He will cost around €40 million, and Liverpool is not determined to get the deal done. It will be interesting to see if they decide to move for other players in the summer. They need more quality and depth in the central defensive unit.
That’s a medium rating, with LFC clearly in need of a new centre-back, and with the Germany international fairly reasonably priced, even if he’s not played a particularly high level or won a lot. He’ll also be 27 next season, so there might not be much room for further development.
Can Liverpool replace Konate properly?
It remains to be seen how they fill the void left by Konate in the summer. The French international has been a key player for the club since joining them, and he should prove to be an excellent acquisition for Real Madrid if they manage to secure his services. Signing a player of his quality for free could prove to be a masterstroke.
Liverpool will need to improve defensively if they want to fight for major trophies next season. Signing a quality central defender to replace the French International will be an absolute priority for them.
Manchester United are looking to sign the Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram.
According to a report from Calciomercato, Manchester United is targeting the 24-year-old, but the Italian outfit might not be willing to sanction his departure. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United is willing to pay the asking price for him.
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Khephren Thuram has done well
Thuram has been excellent in Italy, and he has the quality to play in the Premier League as well. Manchester United needs to replace Casemiro, who will leave at the end of the season. They need a reliable defensive midfielder who can protect the defensive unit and drive the team forward.
The 24-year-old midfielder could be the ideal fit for Manchester United. He will be excited about the possibility of joining the Premier League club. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can convince Juventus to sell the player. It is fair to assume they will have to pay a premium to get the deal done.
Meanwhile, Thuram is at the peak of his powers, and this could be the right time for him to take on a new challenge and join a bigger club. The move to the Premier League could unlock his true potential and help him develop further.
Thuram has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United can wrap up the move quickly. A quality midfielder like him could make a huge difference for the Red Devils in the middle of the park.
Manchester United are currently pushing for Champions League qualification, and they will look to build a team capable of winning trophies. Signing the French International could be a defining acquisition for them. He has all the tools to establish himself as a key player in English football, and he could hit the ground running with Manchester United.
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Man United eye Samuel Amissah move
The 18-year-old is a tremendous talent with a bright future, and Manchester United are keen to secure his signature. They are looking to build for the future, and the 18-year-old would be a superb investment.
The central defender can operate as a fullback and as a defensive midfielder. He is very impressive with the ball at his feet, and he could add a new dimension to the Manchester United defence. The opportunity to join one of the best clubs in the world will be exciting for him, and he will prove himself at the highest level. Manchester United could groom him into an important first-team player.
Amissah will be excited about the possibility of joining Manchester United as well. It would be a major step up in his career, and he would get to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The 18-year-old is likely to be available for a nominal investment because of his contract situation. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United can get the deal done.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Chelsea are providing fierce competition for the talented Young defender. Manchester City and Tottenham are also keeping tabs on his situation. It will be interesting to see where the 18-year-old defender ends up.
Clubs will be hoping to secure his signature on a bargain, given his contract situation.
Arsenal and Chelsea have also done well to nurture young players in the past, and they could play a key role in the 18-year-old’s development.
Liverpool have been urged to make a move for the Real Madrid midfielder, Federico Valverde.
The Uruguay International has been outstanding for Real Madrid since joining the club, and he has established himself as one of the finest midfield players in European football. Valverde has also been linked with Manchester United.
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Murphy on Federico Valverde
Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy believes the South American is the closest in style to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, and he could prove to be an outstanding acquisition for the club.
Danny Murphy said via TEAMtalk: “Call me old fashioned, but I’d be going for someone in the middle of the pitch who is a leader. Someone everyone can look up to. A bit like Szoboszlai has done this season.
“I always look at Federico Valverde at Madrid. If they could get him, he’s everything. He’s as near to Gerrard as I’ve seen – he’s got wonderful athleticism and he can do everything.
“He’s not as good as Gerrard, but he’s a phenomenal player.”
Liverpool need more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and it will be interesting to see if they decide to make a move for the Real Madrid star. There is no doubt that Valverde would help them improve.
Liverpool need more quality in the middle of the park if they want to compete at the highest level regularly. Valverde is at the peak of his career, and it was no surprise that he is being linked with a move to the Premier League. Liverpool would do well to secure his signature in the summer.
Federico Valverde
TOTAL SCORE: 18/25
Transfer fee
*
Performance
*****
Achievements
*****
Career phase
**
Squad need
*****
It probably wouldn’t surprise you to see we’ve given Valverde a high Transfer Fit rating – this would be a superb signing for the Reds, even if it’s probably a tad unrealistic.
Liverpool will look to compete at the highest level regularly, and they need more technical ability and drive in the middle of the park. The Real Madrid star could be the ideal acquisition in the long-term, and it remains to be seen where he ends up.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Fulham defender Antonee Robinson at the end of the season.
They will also face competition from Aston Villa. According to Sports Boom, the defender will cost around £25 million in the summer. The London club signed him for £2 million, and he has been exceptional for them over the years.
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Man United keen on Antonee Robinson
He is currently one of the finest players in his position in the Premier League. Manchester United are hoping to secure his signature, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. The 28-year-old United States International could be a solid long-term replacement for Luke Shaw.
The asking price is quite reasonable for a player of his quality and experience. Manchester United have the finances to get the deal done, and it remains to be seen what they decide.
On the other hand, Aston Villa are monitoring his situation as well. Lucas Digne is entering the twilight stages of his career, and they need to start planning for the future. They are pushing for Champions League qualification, and they need more quality in the team. The 28 year-old United States International could be a superb acquisition for them.
Both clubs have the finances to get the deal across the line, and it will be interesting to see where Robinson ends up. The 28-year-old has proven himself in the Premier League with Fulham, and he will look to take the next step in his career and join an elite club now. He could be attracted to the idea of joining a club where he could be fighting for major trophies. Manchester United could be an attractive destination for him.
Arsenal are interested in signing the Como attacker Jesus Rodriguez at the end of the season.
The 20-year-old has impressed in Italy, and Arsenal are hoping to secure his signature. They will also face competition from Manchester City. According to Sports Boom, both Premier League clubs are interested in the 20-year-old, and they view him as a top prospect for the future.
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Arsenal could use Jesus Rodriguez
It will be interesting to see if the Italian club is willing to sanction his departure. The player has been labelled as an “assist machine”.
Arsenal could use more creativity on the flanks, and the 20-year-old would be a long-term acquisition. He will add unpredictability, pace and flair to the team. The opportunity to join one of the best clubs in the world will be quite exciting for him. Arsenal regularly competes for major trophies, and the opportunity to sign a talented young player like Rodriguez will be exciting for them as well.
Meanwhile, Como is likely to demand around €55 million for the young attacker. They rate him highly, and they do not want to lose him easily.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are looking to add more quality on the flanks. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. They have the financial muscle to pay the asking price, and they are likely to be an attractive destination for the player as well.
Both clubs could provide him with a platform to regularly fight for trophies. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.
The asking price is quite high for someone who is still largely improving at the highest level. However, he could justify the outlet in future.
Troy Parrott has been linked with a return to the Premier League at the end of the season.
The 24-year-old has been outstanding for AZ Alkmaar, and he could prove to be a quality acquisition for the right team. According to Sports Boom, Leeds United and West Ham United are interested in the Irish attacker.
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Troy Parrott asking price set
The player is likely to cost around £17 million in the summer, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. He has 24 goals and seven assists to his name this season, and he could be an excellent acquisition for both clubs.
Leeds United are fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they will look to establish themselves as top-flight regulars. They need more depth in the attacking unit. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has done well since joining the club, but he needs more support in the attack. Signing another reliable striker like Parrott would be a wise decision.
Meanwhile, West Ham United could use more depth in the attacking unit. Even though they have invested in Pablo and Taty Castellanos, Parrott could be a very useful option for them in the attack. The 24-year-old will feel that he has unfinished business in the Premier League. He has previously failed to make his mark in English football with Tottenham. It remains to be seen whether any club is willing to pay the asking price for him in the summer.
He has been a prolific goal scorer for the Dutch outfit and has impressed for the national team as well. There is no doubt that he is ready for the Premier League, and he could make an immediate impact.
The asking price seems reasonable for a player of his quality.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been linked with a move away from the club, and they are keeping tabs on the RB Leipzig striker Romulo Cardoso.
The 24-year-old has done quite well since moving to the German club, with 11 goal contributions this season. The Brazilian has impressed with his performances, and he could prove to be a quality acquisition for the West Midlands club.
According to Sports Boom, Aston Villa view the player as a “purebred No.9” and believe he has the quality to succeed in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Fulham are also interested in the player. It remains to be seen whether Aston Villa can win the race for his signature.
Cardoso has the physicality and technical attributes to succeed in English football, and he could establish himself as an important player for Aston Villa. The hard-working striker will help create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well.
Apart from his link-up play and ability to score goals, he is extremely potent in the air. His 6-foot-5 frame makes him difficult to handle in the air.
Aston Villa certainly have the financial resources to get the deal done, and they are currently pushing for Champions League qualification. If they manage to secure European football for the upcoming campaign, they are likely to be an attractive destination for the 24-year-old attacker.
He will look to prove himself at the highest level, and the opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion might not have been a masterclass in free-flowing attacking football, but it was a massive step toward the Premier League title.
A deflected ninth-minute strike from Bukayo Saka proved to be the difference, allowing Mikel Arteta’s side to capitalize on Manchester City’s slip-up and move seven points clear at the top of the table.
However, the post-match narrative was quickly dominated by a clash of styles and a fiery war of words.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler was visibly frustrated at the final whistle, launching an astonishing rant against Arsenal’s tactics.
Hurzeler was annoyed by Arsenal tactics
Annoyed by the Gunners’ perceived gamesmanship and slow restarts, with data showing Arsenal took over 30 minutes to restart play across the match, Hürzeler accused the visitors of ruining the spectacle.
“There was only one team who tried to play football today,” the German manager fumed, pointing out that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya went down for treatment on three separate occasions.
Hürzeler boldly declared that Arsenal’s approach “was not football” and stated, “I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way.”
Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes in action (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Gabriel Magalhães, who put in a monumental Man of the Match performance filled with vital blocks and towering headers to keep Brighton at bay, was quick to dismiss Hürzeler’s complaints.
Speaking to the media, the Brazilian center-back made it abundantly clear that the Brighton camp’s frustrations mean very little to the league leaders.
“That is for the referee to decide on the pitch. If he wants to give a yellow card or not, he decides the time we take.
“We just have to do things the way we are doing and keep going.”
Gabriel’s blunt dismissal perfectly shows the ruthless mentality currently driving Arsenal.
Arteta’s squad is no longer interested in winning popularity contests or earning praise for playing aesthetically pleasing football if it means dropping points away from home.
With the Premier League trophy firmly in their sights, Arsenal’s sole focus is crossing the finish line, no matter how many feathers they have to ruffle along the way.
Manchester United have reportedly begun exploring a potential summer move for Juventus striker Jonathan David as the club evaluates further reinforcements in attack.
According to TEAMtalk, representatives acting on David’s behalf have held discussions with United through intermediaries regarding a possible transfer at the end of the 2025/26 season.
United sit third in the Premier League table despite suffering a midweek defeat to Newcastle United.
With Champions League qualification firmly within reach, the club’s leadership is already planning how to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Man United plan to strengthen their attack
Man United significantly reshaped their forward line last summer by signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško.
The trio have provided the team with increased pace, pressing intensity, and tactical flexibility in the final third.
However, the club’s recruitment strategy remains focused on building depth and competition in key attacking areas.
Modern Premier League campaigns demand squads capable of coping with domestic and European schedules, and United are keen to ensure they have enough quality options across the front line.
One uncertainty surrounds Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford. The Dutch striker has struggled to consistently secure a starting role and has been linked with a possible move away.
If he were to depart, United would almost certainly seek another striker capable of offering a different attacking profile.
David’s situation at Juventus has not been impressive
Jonathan David of Juventus FC in action (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
David’s time in Italy has not gone entirely according to plan. Since joining Juventus, the Canadian international has struggled to replicate the prolific scoring form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards during his time in Ligue 1 with Lille.
So far this season, David has scored seven goals in 37 appearances for the Turin club.
While his work rate and movement remain highly regarded, the lack of consistent goal output has led to speculation that both the player and Juventus could consider a fresh start.
Transfers are a big part of football, and it’s every bit as chaotic and unpredictable as the beautiful game on the pitch that we all know and love.
Huge amounts of work happens behind the scenes via scouts, sporting directors, agents, and intermediaries, to determine if a player is the right fit for their club, both in terms of what they can offer on the pitch, and if they’re a realistic and affordable target.
When it comes to covering football transfer news, we know fans are desperate to find out inside information on the players their teams are chasing, but also to gain an insight into what this player could offer, and realistic expectations about how good a piece of business it could be.
This kind of analysis is going on inside football clubs all the time, and while there can never be a totally foolproof method for guaranteeing every signing will be a success, our years of experience in covering the transfer market has afforded us some insight into what clubs are doing to assess players and how that guides their recruitment decisions.
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With that in mind, we aim to provide our readers with a scoring system of our own, to help contextualise player links and to give fans not just a news story, but hopefully a glimpse into what a deal means for their team’s future.
We’ve put together the following five categories, each of which we’ll rate out of five for a total score of 25 for each player. The higher the score the better, and these are the categories we’ve chosen as the most significant, with a full breakdown of what they mean…
Transfer fee
This one’s pretty simple – how much is this player going to cost? Are they already at a big club, with a long-term contract? If so, it’s probably going to end up being too expensive to be worth it. Transfer fees and asking prices can obviously change depending on certain clauses, if the player is unhappy, and if a club sees another similar player suddenly moving for a higher or lower price than expected.
Performance
This one’s pretty important – how well is Player X actually performing? We’ll do our best to crunch the numbers, whether that’s goals and assists for attacking players, or tackles and interceptions for defensive players. This will be based on recent form, because fans deserve to know if the big name they’re being linked with has actually been well below par recently. Even a goal machine like Erling Haaland can go through a dry spell, and whether that’s a temporary blip or the start of a long-term decline is not always obvious, but in the here and now it’s something that has to be taken into account.
Achievements
While recent performances are important, there will also be times when a club is looking for someone even with the knowledge that their best years might be behind them. While there’s often so much talk of the need to find the best talents before they hit their peak, there’s sometimes also a clear need for adding an experienced old head to balance out the youth of a squad, and to provide guidance on the training ground and in the dressing room as much as on the pitch. Of course, some players will already have plenty of games and trophies under their belt at a relatively young age, which just adds to their value.
Is a player just breaking through and causing a sensation? Have they just hit their peak and find themselves a big fish ready to leave a small pond? Do they look a bit too expensive when they have maybe two or three years left at the top at most? We’ll do our best to convey that with this rating.
Squad need
Are we looking at a player who’s going to immediately prove a major upgrade on what the club already have, or are they a bit of a luxury player? Is this transfer target perhaps a complete waste of time because they’ve spent their career playing as a wing-back but are now being linked with a team who play with a back four? We’ll use this category to evaluate how much Player X is actually needed by whoever’s being linked.
Weak, medium, or strong?
After taking those all into account, we’ll give a total score out of 25 to grade how strong a fit this player is.
0-8 = LOW
9-17 = MEDIUM
18-25 = HIGH
Michael Olise Transfer Fit rating
So, to take one example doing the rounds at the moment, Michael Olise is being linked with Liverpool and he’s a world class player, approaching his prime, whose only issue is probably his price tag.
Unsurprisingly, this gets a high score from us…Olise would be a near-perfect signing for Liverpool right now!
Michael Olise Transfer Fit score (CaughtOffside)
Michael Olise
TOTAL SCORE: 21/25
Transfer fee
**
Performance
*****
Achievements
****
Career phase
*****
Squad need
*****
Julian Alvarez Transfer Fit rating
While it might be intuitive to think of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as a tempting target for Arsenal, who lack a world class striker, our verdict gives a slightly more mixed picture, taking into account his huge price tag and recent dip in form.
Julian Alvarez Transfer Fit rating (CaughtOffside)
Julian Alvarez
TOTAL SCORE: 15/25
Transfer fee
*
Performance
**
Achievements
***
Career phase
****
Squad need
*****
Sandro Tonali Transfer Fit rating
Finally, an example of a signing we wouldn’t recommend for Arsenal is Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.
It’s important to note that this does not mean he’s a bad player by any stretch of the imagination, and perhaps for a different club we’d have him a much higher score, but he’s been strongly linked with Arsenal in recent times and it’s hard to justify it based on his likely cost and their current squad needs.
Manchester United’s search for a permanent manager is beginning to take clearer shape as the club prepares for a pivotal summer.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, reported by the Express, the Red Devils have narrowed their shortlist to three primary candidates as they look to appoint a new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.
United parted ways with Ruben Amorim at the beginning of 2026 following a disappointing spell in charge.
Former midfielder Michael Carrick was then placed in temporary control of the first team until the end of the campaign.
Roberto Martinez is being considered by Man United
Among the names under serious consideration is Portugal national team manager Roberto Martínez, as reported by Jacobs.
The Spaniard, who has been in international management for nearly a decade, is reportedly open to returning to club football after the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Martínez built his reputation in English football with Swansea City before achieving one of the FA Cup’s greatest upsets in 2013, when his Wigan Athletic side defeated Manchester City at Wembley.
A subsequent spell at Everton demonstrated his commitment to possession-based football, though defensive issues ultimately cost him his job.
On the international stage, Martínez guided Belgium’s “Golden Generation” to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup and later took charge of Portugal in 2023.
Under his leadership, Portugal secured the 2025 UEFA Nations League title, strengthening his reputation as a tactically astute and diplomatic manager capable of handling elite talent.
Julian Nagelsmann has been linked with Manchester United (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Alongside Martínez, two other prominent names continue to circulate within United’s decision-making circles, Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi.
Both are widely respected for their progressive tactical approaches and ability to develop young players.
United’s leadership is reportedly assessing which candidate best aligns with the club’s long-term football strategy, particularly as they aim to rebuild a squad capable of competing for major trophies again.
Whether United ultimately turn to Martínez’s experience, Nagelsmann’s innovation, De Zerbi’s attacking philosophy, or even extend Carrick’s role, the choice will play a crucial role in shaping the club’s ambitions beyond 2026.
Arne Slot’s position as Liverpool manager is expected to come under serious review at the end of the 2025/26 season, with growing uncertainty surrounding the club’s direction.
According to reports from TEAMtalk, Liverpool’s ownership group, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), are closely monitoring the situation following a disappointing campaign that has fallen well short of expectations.
Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League table and are fighting to secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
That reality marks a significant decline from last season’s title-winning success and has intensified scrutiny around Slot’s tenure at Anfield.
Complicating matters further is the availability of former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has been without a managerial role since leaving Real Madrid in January.
Liverpool have struggled to perform this season
When Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy last season, the expectation was that Slot’s side would remain among England’s dominant forces.
Instead, the current campaign has been marked by inconsistency, defensive fragility, and struggles against direct rivals.
Several factors have contributed to the team’s uneven form. Injuries to key players, squad fatigue, and the challenge of integrating new signings have all played a role.
However, Liverpool’s hierarchy reportedly expected the team to remain firmly in the title race rather than battling for a Champions League place.
FSG are known for taking a measured approach when it comes to managerial decisions, but sources suggest the scale of the drop-off has raised internal concerns about whether the current project is progressing as planned.
Xabi Alonso looks on (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
One name continues to dominate discussions about Liverpool’s potential future direction: Xabi Alonso.
The Spaniard, a legendary figure from Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League-winning side, has quickly built a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches.
His deep understanding of Liverpool’s culture, combined with his tactical reputation and experience at elite clubs, makes him an appealing option for the club’s leadership.
As noted by Falk in his latest column, Olise is currently under contract with Bayern until 2029, which means it’s not exactly a desperate situation for the club to give him a new deal.
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At the same time, however, the German journalist suggested it could be a risky game for Bayern to play after finding themselves having to scramble late on to tie Dayot Upamecano down to a new contract.
It may well be that Bayern would be taking a risk not sorting this out sooner, as there will surely be clubs like Liverpool and Man City continuing to keep a close eye on Olise’s situation and perhaps ready to offer him better terms.
Michael Olise transfer insight from Bayern Insider Christian Falk
“Michael Olise is currently on a contract running until 2029, and Bayern Munich would love to have him sign a new contract until 2031. But this all takes time. With three years left on Olise’s current terms, Bayern have time on their hands,” Falk wrote.
“But, of course, they also heard that Liverpool are interested and Manchester City is watching the player. But they also have the Konrad Laimer contract negotiations to think about, the Harry Kane negotiations… It’s a complicated situation. What if you sign one player until 2031 and then the others say, ‘Hey, I want a longer contract’?
“It’s a bit of a dangerous game; the longer you wait, the more it invites other clubs to pick up the phone and call the player. Michael Olise isn’t, at the moment, one of the top earners (picking up around €15m [£13m]. Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane perhaps earn about €10m more.
“Bayern can always give the right winger more money, but the longer they wait, the more complicated the situation becomes. Bayern don’t want another “Upamecano case”. Nobody wants that!”
Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle has suggested he’d be ready to step in and replace the struggling Igor Tudor as manager.
Spurs have made an awful start under interim manager Tudor, who was brought in to replace Thomas Frank as the north London club hover dangerously close to the relegation zone.
There’s now only one point in it as Tottenham lost 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace last night, while West Ham picked up a crucial win away to Fulham at the weekend.
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It probably wouldn’t be wise for Spurs to make yet another change after barely giving Tudor any time, but it’s also easy to imagine that Hoddle would be a popular choice among the club’s fans.
Glenn Hoddle on potential return as Tottenham manager
Hoddle is one of Tottenham’s all-time great players, and he also had a spell as manager with the north Londoners between 2001 and 2003.
Speaking on the FA Cup podcast Could It Be Magic, Hoddle hinted he’d be tempted to return to management after a long spell out, describing Spurs as particularly tempting as he’s supported them ever since he was a young child.
“I think it would actually. Particularly with Tottenham, as that’s my club,” Hoddle said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
“I’ve supported them since I was eight years of age. So they were a massive part of my life.”
Looking back at his previous spell with THFC, he added: “I managed them probably at the wrong time, I’ve got to say. Let’s put it that way.
“Politically and financially, there wasn’t money there. Certainly, it wasn’t what they told me I was going into.”
Tottenham’s remaining fixtures
Liverpool (A) Nottingham Forest (H) Sunderland (A) Brighton (H) Wolves (A) Aston Villa (A) Leeds (H) Chelsea (A) Everton (H)
How many points do you realistically see THFC getting from these games? Let us know your thoughts on their current predicament and your predictions for the end of this season in the comments below!
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The Magpies have still found a role for Trippier on a regular basis this season, with the veteran defender continuing to do his job well even if he’s now more of a squad player than an automatic starter.
Trippier performed well in the win over Manchester United this week, with Newcastle manager Howe singling him out for praise afterwards.
Eddie Howe praises Kieran Trippier performances
“It was, I mean, vintage Kieran, really. He was feeling cramped and feeling the effects of the speed of the game, as a number of our players were,” Howe said, as quoted by the Shields Gazette.
“And that’s where you’ve got to remember he’s playing every week. It’s a tough physical challenge for someone who’s 21, let alone someone who’s Kieran’s age.
“I thought he was magnificent for us today. Not just in how he played, but his experience, his game management, his know-how, his little things that people might not see. His experience is invaluable to us. So big congratulations to him.”
Kieran Trippier still set to leave Newcastle
The report from the Shields Gazette notes that Trippier is still set to leave St James’ Park at the end of this season when his contract expires.
The 35-year-old clearly still has a lot of quality and could have plenty to offer to a Premier League club, though it’s perhaps hard to see him earning a new NUFC deal.
Newcastle will likely want to continue to build around a younger player in Tino Livramento, who should soon be back from injury and starting ahead of Trippier again.
It’s still not clear where Trippier could end up next, but it will undoubtedly be a big story to watch out for this summer.
Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a surprising name in discussions surrounding Atletico Madrid’s managerial future, according to reports from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV.
The former Liverpool manager has been mentioned as a potential candidate to replace Diego Simeone should the long-serving Argentine coach depart the club.
Simeone remains firmly in charge at Atletico, but speculation about the club’s long-term direction has intensified in recent months.
If Atletico eventually decide to usher in a new era, Klopp’s profile, built on high-intensity football and major trophy success, makes him an interesting option for one of Spain’s biggest clubs.
Jurgen Klopp is currently working at Red Bull
Since stepping away from Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season, Klopp has taken on a different challenge within football.
The German accepted a senior leadership role as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, overseeing the strategic direction of several clubs within the company’s football network.
The position allows Klopp to influence sporting decisions, recruitment strategies, and coaching philosophies across clubs such as RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and others.
After years of operating under the intense demands of elite football management, he has embraced the opportunity to spend more time with family and attend personal events.
Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool in 2024 (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Simeone has been Atletico Madrid’s defining figure for more than a decade.
Since taking charge in 2011, he has transformed the club into one of Europe’s most competitive teams, winning La Liga titles in 2014 and 2021, as well as reaching two Champions League finals.
Yet every long managerial era eventually faces questions about succession.
Atletico’s leadership may eventually consider a different style of football as the squad evolves, and Klopp’s high-energy pressing philosophy would represent a dramatic stylistic shift.
The German has been mentioned as a potential future candidate for the German national team job, depending on the long-term plans for Julian Nagelsmann, and his name has occasionally appeared in speculation surrounding other elite clubs.
Manchester United are continuing to track the progress of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as they evaluate potential reinforcements for the centre of the pitch ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the Red Devils remain interested in the 21-year-old Brazilian, whose development at Stamford Bridge has not gone unnoticed across the Premier League.
Santos has emerged as an increasingly important figure in Chelsea’s midfield under head coach Liam Rosenior.
His rise has made him one of the club’s most important young players, while also placing him firmly on the radar of clubs seeking dynamic midfield talent.
Santos has performed well under Rosenior
Santos’ career trajectory has been closely linked with Rosenior in recent seasons.
The two previously worked together during the Brazilian’s loan spell at Strasbourg, where the midfielder enjoyed a breakout campaign in Ligue 1.
Santos scored 10 goals during that season, helping Strasbourg secure qualification for the UEFA Conference League and establishing himself as one of the league’s standout young midfielders.
After returning to Chelsea, Santos initially struggled for consistent opportunities under former manager Enzo Maresca.
His first senior appearance for the club came at the FIFA Club World Cup, but regular minutes proved difficult to come by during the early stages of the campaign.
That situation changed significantly following Rosenior’s arrival.
Man United hold long term interest in the midfielder
Andrey Santos in action for Chelsea (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Man United’s interest in Santos is not entirely new. Jacobs reports that the club first explored his situation during discussions involving Alejandro Garnacho in previous negotiations between the two sides.
United’s recruitment team are currently analysing midfield options as part of their ongoing squad rebuild.
However, it remains unclear whether Chelsea would consider selling.
The London club reportedly rejected approaches from Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah last summer, while several European teams also expressed interest.
I’m aware there has been a report doing the rounds about Arsenal needing to make a major sale this summer, and I’ve just finished some calls to my sources close to the agents industry.
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From what I’m hearing, however, it’s not likely that Ethan Nwaneri or Myles Lewis-Skelly will be leaving. Things could change, of course, but the people I spoke to were not aware of that as a concrete possibility. Nwaneri’s loan move was intended to provide the young midfielder with experience rather than putting him in the shop window, and both he and Lewis-Skelly only recently signed new long-term contracts.
Martin Odegaard transfer won’t come cheap
What’s important to note about Odegaard’s situation is that he is not pushing for a move and Arsenal will only sell if the price is right.
The situation should become clearer soon, but there is understandable interest in the Norway international, whose asking price could be as high as €100m. After an injury-hit season and a slight loss of form, however, sources expect clubs to try negotiating for less than that. That’s where the uncertainty lies, and where other players’ futures can also be significant.
Martinelli, by contrast, is likely to be available for more like €65m. As things stand, he looks more likely to leave, and it’s possible that if, for example, White were also to move on, that would be enough to balance the books sufficiently so that Odegaard’s exit was not also required.
Which clubs are chasing Odegaard and Martinelli?
One source told me: “Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid will be interested in Odegaard’s situation. A lot would depend on the structure of the deal, but expect them to be there.”
This has been confirmed by other sources as well, with no mention yet of Premier League clubs. Arsenal, in any case, would certainly prioritise a sale abroad.
With Martinelli, Barca and Atletico have again been mentioned by multiple sources. Much will depend on what happens with Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at the Nou Camp and likely to join permanently, albeit without a full agreement in place yet.
Juventus are reportedly preparing an ambitious transfer strategy for the upcoming summer window, with Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali emerging as their primary target.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian giants could attempt to bring the 25-year-old back to Serie A if they secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Juventus sit sixth in the Serie A table, four points behind fourth-placed Roma in the race for the final Champions League spot.
That gap makes the closing months of the campaign crucial not only for sporting reasons but also for the club’s ability to attract top-level reinforcements.
Tonali, viewed as one of Italy’s most complete midfielders, has been identified as a potential cornerstone of Juventus’ midfield rebuild.
Tonali has enjoyed a meteoric rise at Newcastle United
Since joining Newcastle United from AC Milan in 2023, Tonali has grown into a key figure in Eddie Howe’s midfield.
His passing range, his work rate and his composure on the ball is crucial for Howe’s team.
He is capable of dictating tempo from deep positions while also contributing defensively with aggressive pressing and ball recoveries.
Those attributes have made him one of Newcastle’s most valuable assets and a player the club are unlikely to sell easily.
However, reports in Italy suggest Juventus believe a fee in the region of €75 million could be required to convince the Premier League side to consider negotiations.
Each of those clubs is believed to be exploring midfield reinforcements for different reasons.
Arsenal continue to strengthen their squad depth, Manchester United are planning a long-term midfield evolution, and Real Madrid are constantly evaluating options as they reshape their engine room for the future.
Real Madrid are reportedly preparing an ambitious move in the upcoming summer transfer window, with the club identifying Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck as key targets.
According to Spanish radio station Onda Cero, the Spanish giants have set aside around €100 million to pursue the two players as part of their ongoing squad evolution.
Madrid’s recruitment strategy continues to focus on strengthening both midfield and defence while maintaining a balance between experienced leaders and emerging talents.
Rodri and Schlotterbeck are seen as players who could immediately improve the squad while also contributing to the club’s long-term project.
Real Madrid want Man City star as their midfield anchor
Rodri celebrates a goal for Manchester City (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Rodri has been one of the most influential midfielders in world football during his time at Man City.
The Spanish international has become synonymous with Pep Guardiola’s system, acting as the team’s deep-lying orchestrator and defensive shield.
Although players like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni have formed the backbone of the new generation, the club is still keen to add a specialist holding midfielder with Rodri’s experience.
Real Madrid are also assessing their defensive options. Borussia Dortmund centre-back Schlotterbeck has emerged as a strong candidate, with journalist Matteo Moretto reporting that the German defender is aware of Madrid’s interest and would be eager to move to Spain if the opportunity arises.
Schlotterbeck has built a reputation in the Bundesliga as a composed ball-playing defender with strong positional awareness and leadership qualities.
Real Madrid’s reported €100 million plan shows the club’s commitment to maintaining competitiveness at the highest level.
By targeting Rodri and Schlotterbeck, the Spanish giants are attempting to strengthen two crucial areas of the pitch simultaneously.
Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up Hertha BSC wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn, according to German football journalist Christian Falk.
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Writing in his latest column for CF Bayern Insider, Falk discussed Eichhorn’s future as it looks like he’s already very highly rated and attracting plenty of interest.
Arsenal and Man Utd have been named as being among the 16-year-old’s suitors, while Falk also mentioned interest from Bayern Munich and other Bundesliga clubs.
It’s clear that Eichhorn is already thought of very highly, with Falk expressing just how much there are top teams who are already prepared to do what they can to add him to their squads.
Kennet Eichhorn has drawn comparisons to midfield greats
As per the teenager’s Wikipedia page, Eichhorn seems to base his game around his midfield idols like Sergio Busquets, Toni Kroos, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Eichhorn’s playing style sounds very much like Busquets as he is primarily a defensive midfielder, but with the quality on the ball to dictate play from deep.
He is probably not as flashy as someone like De Bruyne, but he has the intelligence and composure of someone like Kroos, and that bodes very well for his career ahead.
Who’s trying to sign Kennet Eichhorn?
Discussing Eichhorn’s situation, Falk said: “It is TRUE: Bayern have communicated their concrete interest in Kennet Eichhorn to his advisors.
Kennet Eichhorn (Foto von City-Press GmbH Bildagentur)
“He’s one of the biggest talents in Germany – and at only 16 years of age! This is quite something that such a young player can already be so helpful in his team. He’s so good, in fact, that Bayern are determined not to lose him to a rival (domestic or otherwise).
“Other clubs are, of course, focusing on him; Arsenal, Manchester United and some other Premier League clubs are among them. But there are also several Bundesliga clubs keeping an eye on Eichhorn’s situation.
“He has a release clause, which makes a summer move more than possible. Bayern Munich are thinking that if he makes a move to the Bundesliga, there’s always a chance for the Bavarians to get the player eventually. But if the talent gets lost to the Premier League, it then becomes a lot harder to get him back to Germany.
“Eichhorn is at the same agency as Jamal Musiala. They’re always in talks with his agency. It’s not an offer, but Bayern have made it plainly clear that if Kennet Eichhorn fancies a move in the summer, they’re ready and waiting to make something happen.
“They want to be given advance notice if he wants to leave Hertha Berlin. They want the player – they don’t want to lose him. Bayern Munich are concretely interested. However, should he wish to spend another year in Berlin tending to his development, that would be okay for Bayern. But it would be unacceptable to lose him to the Premier League.”
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Goretzka is coming towards the end of his time at Bayern, with his contract due to expire so he becomes a free agent this summer.
Arsenal had an interest in the experienced Germany international in January, but it seems the player was keen to see out his contract and end the season at the Allianz Arena.
Christian Falk on Leon Goretzka to Arsenal transfer
“It is TRUE: Arsenal are currently leading the race for Leon Goretzka,” Falk said.
“This is indeed true from Goretzka’s point of view. The Gunners didn’t make an offer in January, but they did signal that they were aware of the fact that Goretzka was considering a move away from Bayern.
“There were very concrete talks with Atletico Madrid – their sporting director was in Munich. The player’s goal is to move to the Premier League; he would love to play for Arsenal. Of course, he can’t guarantee that Arsenal will come back again in the summer with a concrete offer.
“In his heart, he feels this would be a perfect next club. I heard he loves the Premier League and his playing style suits English football.
“However, he’s not focused on one club and only one club this summer. If Arsenal are there, he’d be more than happy to sit at the table and listen to offers. Tottenham are also interested, and that could be an option, but Spurs are not as attractive an option as Arsenal right now. Arsenal are playing very well at the moment, and they’re in the Champions League.
“For Leon Goretzka, it would be a great thing to win the Champions League with another club. So, we have to wait and see if Arsenal make an offer!”
Leon Goretzka can give Arsenal more midfield depth
Arsenal have a strong squad this season, but one area they’re arguably lacking a little is in central midfield, so Goretzka could have an important role to play.
Both Thomas Partey and Jorginho left at the end of last season, and although Mikel Arteta brought in Christian Norgaard from Brentford, he’s barely featured this term.
Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice is clearly Arsenal’s first choice partnership, but they could do with more rotation options, and an experienced player like Goretzka seems ideal.
Arsenal are already laying the groundwork for their future.
Ecuador international Piero Hincapie is set to join Mikel Arteta’s squad on a permanent deal from Bayer Leverkusen at the conclusion of the current season, according to The Sun.
It signals a clear statement of intent from the North London club as they continue to refine a squad built for sustained domestic and European dominance.
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Hincapie’s trajectory over the past few years has firmly established him as one of Europe’s premier defensive talents.
Rising to global prominence during Bayer Leverkusen’s historic, invincible Bundesliga triumph under Xabi Alonso, the Ecuadorian has consistently demonstrated a tactical quality well beyond his years.
His natural left-footedness makes him an incredibly valuable commodity in today’s game.
For Arsenal, this signing would be a tactical masterstroke that perfectly aligns with Arteta’s fluid, physically imposing system.
While the Gunners already boast a formidable central defensive partnership in William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, the grueling demands of competing in the Premier League and the late stages of the Champions League require world-class depth.
Hincapie is a player who can play on the left-back position as well as the centre-back position, making him an ideal permanent signing for the Gunners.
As the current season draws toward its climax, Arsenal supporters have yet another reason to look forward to the 2026/27 campaign, knowing their defensive ranks are about to be strengthened even further.
O’Hara was clearly in no mood for his co-host Jason Cundy making light of the situation, with the former Chelsea man suggesting he was seeing positive signs from interim manager Igor Tudor…
Tottenham getting relegated and Cundy has managed to get O’Hara to leave the studio on TalkSport. We might be looking at an all timer sports bar ?? pic.twitter.com/LKN4PRc5pi
O’Hara said it was “pointless” having this discussion with Cundy, who was clearly enjoying himself a bit as he wore a strange, blurry-looking Ange Postecoglou mask.
Tottenham are in real danger of relegation
Tottenham fans will all be feeling as fed up as O’Hara right now, with their team looking in genuine danger of an unthinkable drop to the Championship.
The north London outfit are on just 29 points from 29 games so far this season, and their remaining fixtures don’t exactly look kind.
In their final nine games, Spurs will have tests like Liverpool and Chelsea away, while it’s also hard to see them picking up points even from opponents like Aston Villa, Brighton, and Wolves.
Tottenham’s remaining fixtures
Liverpool (A) Nottingham Forest (H) Sunderland (A) Brighton (H) Wolves (A) Aston Villa (A) Leeds (H) Chelsea (A) Everton (H)
How many points do you realistically see THFC getting from these games? Let us know your thoughts on their current predicament and your predictions for the end of this season in the comments below!
Tottenham are preparing for a crucial summer that could define the club’s immediate future, with several managerial candidates already under consideration.
According to GiveMeSport, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino and Italian tactician Roberto De Zerbi have emerged as the leading names on Tottenham’s shortlist should the club appoint a new permanent manager at the end of the season.
However, the club’s precarious position in the Premier League table could change things in the future.
Tottenham remain locked in a tense relegation battle, and their league status could significantly influence the type of manager they ultimately pursue.
Pochettino is the fan favourite for next manager choice
Pochettino’s potential return to north London would undoubtedly capture the imagination of Tottenham supporters.
During his previous spell at the club between 2014 and 2019, the Argentine transformed Spurs into consistent Champions League contenders and led them to the 2019 Champions League final.
His philosophy of high-intensity pressing, youth development, and attacking football earned widespread admiration. Many fans still view his departure as the end of one of Tottenham’s most exciting eras in modern times.
De Zerbi represents a very different but equally intriguing option. The Italian coach has earned praise across Europe for his sophisticated tactical approach and emphasis on possession-based football.
His work in the Premier League with Brighton previously showcased his ability to develop young players while implementing a distinctive style of play.
Tottenham’s recruitment team reportedly admire De Zerbi’s progressive philosophy and believe his approach could help modernise the team’s playing identity.
Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs looking set to battle it out over the transfer of Fulham wonderkid Samuel Amissah this summer.
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The highly-rated young Englishman is seemingly expected to be on the move this summer, with interest being reported from other Premier League clubs and some European giants.
Arsenal, Man United, and Chelsea are among Amissah’s main suitors in England, while Ajax, Juventus, and Marseille are also mentioned by the Telegraph.
Amissah can play defensive midfield or defence, so it looks like he has qualities he could bring to a lot of top teams straight away, even if he’s still learning the game.
Youngsters like Samuel Amissah tipped to move in changing transfer landscape
The Telegraph notes that Amissah is likely to be on the move in a summer transfer window that could be dominated by similar deals.
The report mentions similar recent deals, such as Rio Ngumoha and Ayden Heaven moving between Premier League clubs on the cheap and quickly gaining a lot of market value.
It makes sense in this era of PSR that clubs would be eager to have the opportunity to sign young players on the cheap and quite quickly be able to sell them for a considerable profit.
Young players being discovered earlier
Amissah is not yet a particularly big name, but he’s been involved in Fulham’s first-team this season, being named on the bench seven times by manager Marco Silva.
Mateus Mane has also enjoyed a breakthrough season with Wolves, while the Telegraph notes that Man United youngster JJ Gabriel has been quite well known since he was just 14.
In the modern era, fans can use the internet to find out more about their favourite young players than used to be possible in the past, and the dynamics of the market now also mean they’re seeing more involvement earlier and earlier.
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