Recently departed Arsenal midfielder Dan Casey is all set to complete a move to Fulham.
According to a report from Sky Sports, the 18-year-old has completed his medical at Craven Cottage, and he will sign a two-year contract with them.
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Casey will join up with the under-21 squad at Fulham, and it will be interesting to see if he can establish himself as a first-team player for them in future. The attacking midfielder is highly rated across the country, and he has a bright future.
Fulham will be delighted to have secured his services, and they will hope to nurture him into a first-team player.
The player left Arsenal last summer after turning down a professional contract with them. He has also been linked to clubs such as Crystal Palace and Manchester City. However, it seems Fulham have now won the race for his signature. The London outfit has secured an agreement with Arsenal over a compensation package for the teenager.
Casey has been with Arsenal since the age of seven, and he was a key player for their under-18 team last season. He managed to score 18 goals in 21 appearances for them. He was also given the opportunity to train with Arsenal’s first team.
There is no doubt that he is a talented player with a bright future, and he will be delighted to have sorted out his long-term future for now. It will be interesting to see if he can focus on his football and establish himself as an important player for Fulham.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal regret his departure in future.
West Ham United are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League, and it remains to be seen whether they can beat the drop.
If they are relegated at the end of the season, they could lose key players in the summer. According to a report from Sports Boom, Tottenham are planning a double raid on the London club if they go down.
Tottenham are hoping to sign Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville from West Ham. It is no secret that they need more quality and depth on the flanks. Bowen and Summerville have shown their quality in the Premier league and there is no doubt that both players would be exciting acquisitions for Tottenham.
However, the North London club is fighting for survival as well. It will be interesting to see if they can stay at the end of the season.
Tottenham have struggled in the final third this season and they need players who can add pace, flair and unpredictability to the team. Someone like Bowen would be an excellent addition. He has been a reliable creator for West Ham and he has scored goals consistently as well. He deserves to compete at a high-level and joining Tottenham could be the ideal next step for him.
If they can survive in the Premier League, they could be an attractive destination for the player.
Summerville has also impressed with Leeds United and West Ham. He has the quality to play for a bigger club and the Dutch attacker could be an asset for Tottenham. It will be interesting to see if the North London club can sign the two players for a reasonable outlay in the summer.
Arsenal are very interested in signing Leon Goretzka at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder will be a free agent in the summer, and Arsenal are now preparing a ‘formal offer’ for him. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Andrea Berta is personally involved in the transfer, and Arsenal are hoping to wrap up the move quickly.
Mikel Arteta views the player as a potential leader for the team, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal can get the deal done. The 31-year-old will add physicality and technical attributes in the middle of the park. Despite his age, he could be a very useful player for Arsenal in the short term.
He has proven himself in Germany over the years, and the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League could be exciting for the German international. The 31-year-old has won several major trophies during his time in Germany, and it remains to be seen whether he can help Arsenal win major trophies as well.
Signing a player of his quality for free would be a masterstroke for any club. The player has 48 goals to his name for Bayern Munich and 49 assists.
Arsenal have put together a quality team, but they need more depth in order to do well across multiple competitions. Adding someone like Goretzka could prove to be a wise decision. He has won several major trophies throughout his career, and his winning experience could be invaluable.
During his time with Bayern Munich, he won six league titles and the UEFA Champions League. He knows what it takes to compete at the highest level regularly, and he could transform Arsenal.
Manchester United are looking to improve the midfield unit with the signing of Joao Gomes at the end of the season.
The 25-year-old has done quite well in the Premier League with Wolves, and he’s expected to leave them at the end of the season. They are the favourites to go down in the summer, and Gomes does not want to compete in the championship with them.
According to Sports Boom, Manchester United is prepared to provide him with an exit route. They need more quality in the middle of the park, and the 25-year-old Brazilian could be the ideal acquisition. He could be the ideal alternative to Casemiro, who is set to leave the club.
The 25-year-old will add physicality, defensive cover, and control to the team. The opportunity to play for Manchester United will be quite exciting for him. It would be a major step up in his career, and he will look to prove himself at a big club.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are keen on the player as well. They could use more depth in the middle of the park, and Gomes would be an exceptional acquisition. He could form a solid partnership with Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães.
Both clubs have the financial muscle to get the deal done, and they will be attractive destinations for the Brazilian. It remains to be seen where Gomes ends up eventually. He is a reliable performer in the Premier League, and he could hit the ground running at Manchester United or Newcastle.
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old is a target for Arsenal and Chelsea. The London clubs are very serious about securing his signature, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. Barcelona are also interested in the player.
It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
If Barcelona failed to agree on a deal with Atletico Madrid and the player, he would have no problems returning to the Premier League. The former Manchester City striker is ready to return to England, and he would prefer to stay in London.
A source informed TEAMtalk: “Barca have been told from Alvarez’s side that this will not become a saga. They know both Arsenal and Chelsea are ready to go, they really want him.
“Alvarez’s camp talking to Arsenal and Chelsea is no tactic, they are very serious. He is happy to move to London and join one of Europe’s biggest clubs – that is not a problem to him and that has been made clear.”
Arsenal and Chelsea would have a major advantage in any race to sign the player. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Chelsea need an upgrade on Liam Delap, who has failed to live up to expectations. Alvarez would be an exceptional acquisition. He has been prolific since moving to La Liga, and he has shown his quality in England with Manchester City. He has been a star for his country as well.
At Arsenal, he could prove to be an upgrade on Viktor Gyokeres, who has not been able to score consistently since the big-money move to Arsenal. The 26-year-old could transform both teams in the attack. It will be interesting to see where he ends up eventually. The player is likely to cost in excess of €100 million in the summer.
Tottenham Hotspur are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they are expected to make a managerial change at the end of the season.
Igor Tudor has been brought in as the interim manager, but he is expected to be shown the door soon. According to GMS, they are keen on bringing Mauricio Pochettino back to the club in the summer. The Argentine manager is highly rated at Tottenham, and he is a fan favourite.
He helped Tottenham challenge for the league title during his time at the club and guided them to the final of the UEFA Champions League on a shoestring budget as well.
The report claims that Pochettino is open to managing Tottenham again and would not hesitate to join them, even if they are relegated to the Championship at the end of this season.
The Argentine is currently managing the United States national team, and he is expected to leave after the World Cup. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can get the deal done to bring him back to the hot seat. There is no doubt that he is a quality manager, and he could help them bounce back strongly. He knows the club well, and he is well-liked by the fans.
Tottenham need someone who can lift the spirits around the club, and the South American manager would be ideal.
It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can survive the drop this season. There is no doubt that they have quality players at their disposal, and they should be doing a lot better. It remains to be seen whether the players can step up and produce a strong performance in the remaining matches of the season.
Apart from their poor performances, they have also struggled with injuries.
Chelsea defender Reece James has signed a long-term contract with the club, and the Blues will be delighted to end the speculation surrounding his future.
The 26-year-old full-back has been linked with a move away from Chelsea in recent weeks, and Mark Brus has confirmed on the Daily Briefing that Manchester City were interested in securing his signature. They need to add more depth in the right-back department, and James would have been an exceptional acquisition.
James is undoubtedly one of the best players in his position in the Premier League, and he would’ve helped Manchester City improve. The fact that he has now committed his long-term future to Chelsea will come as a huge blow to the Manchester club. It will be interesting to see if they move on to other targets.
Real Madrid and Barcelona were also interested in signing the Chelsea defender.
The 26-year-old has had his fair share of injury problems in recent seasons, but he seems to have gotten over his injury nightmare, and he’s playing his best football once again. Chelsea will hope that he can stay fit and help them in the coming months. They will be hoping to fight for major trophies, and they need their top players firing on all cylinders.
James will also hope his injury problems are behind him and will look to perform at a high level consistently now. It remains to be seen whether he can help Chelsea secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign.
Chelsea are looking to build a formidable squad capable of fighting for major trophies every season, and they need Champions League football in order to attract top players. Finishing in the top four will be an absolute priority for them.
Manchester United are looking to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club Bilbao at the end of the season.
The club hierarchy is discussing offers in the region of €80 million for the Spanish international, as per reports from Spain. He is one of the finest attacking players in La Liga, and he has proven himself for club and country. He could add a new dimension to the Manchester United attack if he joins the club. Williams helped Spain win the UEFA Euro 2024.
They could use more cutting-edge in the final third. The 23-year-old will add explosive pace and flair to the team. Manchester United need more unpredictability going forward, and it will be interesting to see if they can sign Williams.
The Spanish club could be tempted to sell him if an offer of around €80 million is presented. It would help them improve multiple areas of the squad.
Meanwhile, Williams could be attracted to the idea of moving to the Premier League as well. It would be a huge opportunity for him to prove himself at the highest level. He has the physicality and technical attributes for English football, and he could make an immediate impact. His directness and flair make him a good fit for English football, and he could be a star for Manchester United.
Meanwhile, the attacker earns around €320,000 per week at the Spanish club. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United is willing to offer him such a contract.
The 23-year-old attacker has 10 goal contributions this season, and he has a long-term contract with the Spanish club until 2035. Manchester United will have to break the Bank if they want to get the deal done. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds over the next few months.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is now considering leaving the club at the end of the season.
The Blues recently crashed to a disappointing defeat against PSG in the UEFA Champions League, and the midfielder is now considering a potential exit to fight for trophies more regularly.
Chelsea are still going through a period of transition, and Fernandez wants immediate glory, according to reports from Spain. He is on the radar of clubs like Real Madrid. It will be interesting to see if any club is willing to come forward with an official offer to sign him in the summer.
There is no doubt that the 25-year-old is a top-class player and he’s one of the best in his position in the Premier League. He has the quality to succeed in La Liga, and Real Madrid will be able to provide him with the platform he needs. He has already won major trophies with his country, and he will now look to win league titles and the UEFA Champions League at the club level.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea can convince the player to continue at the club. They will need to present him with an ambitious project in order to keep him at the club. Losing the midfielder would be a huge blow for the club. Fernandez is one of Chelsea’s best players, and his departure would weaken them immensely.
Chelsea will be hoping to fight for trophies next season, and they need to keep players like Fernandez at the club. The 25-year-old is one of the first names on the team sheet, and they simply cannot afford to lose him. It will be interesting to see if they can keep him at the club beyond this season.
Real Madrid are looking to strengthen the defensive unit by signing Murillo from Nottingham Forest.
The 23-year-old has been outstanding in the Premier League, and he’s one of the best young defenders in the country right now. Real Madrid need to find a quality long-term replacement for David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger. The South American could be a solid long-term investment for them.
It will be interesting to see which of the four clubs decides to act on their interest and come forward with an official proposal to sign him. The 23-year-old will want to compete at a high level, and all four clubs will be attractive destinations for him.
Liverpool need a replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who will be a free agent at the end of the season. Chelsea will need to replace unwanted defenders like Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile. Meanwhile, Manchester United need a long-term replacement for Harry Maguire.
The Brazilian could prove to be an exceptional acquisition, and it remains to be seen where he ends up. He will want to join an ambitious project where he can compete regularly in the UEFA Champions League and fight for major trophies.
The opportunity to move to Real Madrid could be quite exciting for him. They have a strong Brazilian contingent at the club, and that could give them an edge in the transfer race.
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with multiple managers in recent weeks, and former player Gus Poyet is keen on the job.
The 58-year-old is currently without a job, and he believes he knows the club well and could help things around for them. They have been linked with multiple former players and managers in recent weeks. It will be interesting to see if they are prepared to sack Igor Tudor.
Poyet said (h/t Sun): “I remember before Igor Tudor got the job, people were talking about Robbie Keane – rightly so. They were talking about Tim Sherwood – rightly so. Even Harry Redknapp, they were asking him.
“And I was sitting at home and I’m thinking, ‘Why not me?’ I’ve been there. I know the place, I know the relegation battle.
“I know what needs to be done. Well, at least I have the experience. I know the Premier League. It’s sometimes funny that your name is not related there, but that’s the way it is now.”
Tudor was brought in as interim manager, expected to help Tottenham improve. Things have not gone according to plan, and they are still fighting for survival. Tottenham will not want to go down, and they should look to make changes quickly if they want to survive in the top flight. Appointing another new manager could prove to be a wise decision.
Poyet has managed in English football, and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham is willing to take a chance on him. It could prove to be an underwhelming appointment for the fans. They should aim for a top-class manager who has proven himself at the highest level.
There is no doubt that Poyet knows the club well, and he has managed clubs fighting for survival in the past. However, Tottenham need to aim higher. They have quality players at their disposal, and the manager will be able to bring out the best in them.
Manchester United are interested in signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United at the end of the season, and they have received a major boost in their pursuit.
According to a report from talkSPORT, the £42 million Portuguese midfielder does not want to compete in the second division of English football next season, and he is prepared to force an exit from West Ham if they are relegated in the summer.
The development will come as a huge boost for Manchester United, and they will certainly hope that the London club fails to secure safety. It could allow them to sign the 21-year-old midfielder for a reasonable fee. They need more control and creativity in the middle of the park, and Fernandez could be a long-term acquisition for them.
He has three goals and three assists to his name this season, and he will add control and technical ability to the midfield. He is capable of operating as a central midfielder and an attacking midfielder. His versatility will be a huge bonus for Manchester United if they can sign him.
The opportunity to play for them will be exciting for the young midfielder, and he will look to take the next step in his career. Manchester United could compete in the UEFA Champions League next season, and they will be an attractive destination for the West Ham star.
Meanwhile, the Hammers paid £42 million for him, and they are likely to demand a premium if they are forced to sanction his departure. It will be interesting to see if the two clubs can agree on a deal.
For now, West Ham will be desperate to secure Premier League safety so they can keep their best players.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has made an intriguing claim about Reece James’ other transfer options as he’s today signed a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
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It’s clear that Rosenior rates James very highly, as he said he couldn’t stop smiling about the news because it represented Chelsea securing the future of the best player in the world in his position.
Watch below as the CFC manager also hinted that James turned down other clubs in order to stay with his current employers…
? Liam Rosenior says Reece James had "many opportunities" to leave Chelsea! Which clubs could he be talking about? ?? pic.twitter.com/0ttHr2LgYI
Liam Rosenior on Reece James rejecting transfer opportunities elsewhere
“Yeah I can’t stop smiling because we’ve secured the best player in world football in his position,” Rosenior said to reporters.
“He had many, many opportunities to leave this magnificent club, and the good thing, it’s not just the size and the stature of the club that he’s come through from a very young age, but it’s his belief and confidence in what we’re doing here and where we want to go.
“We’ve had many conversations about it. For him to sign a deal and put his faith in us is a massive statement.”
Reece James has bounced back after Enzo Maresca difficulties
Rosenior only recently replaced Enzo Maresca as Chelsea manager, and that looks like it’s been a big boost for James.
The England international now looks back to his best, but this time last year, Maresca was critical of him and questioned his capabilities as club captain.
“For me, because you are the captain, you have to give more. You have to give more than the rest. I expect it from Reece and his team-mates expect if from him to always give more in terms of leadership,” Maresca said of James.
Rosenior’s praise for James speaks volumes, and perhaps shows just how much Maresca wasn’t really the right fit for this squad in so many ways.
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Even if Camavinga hasn’t quite nailed down a regular starting place for Los Blancos, he’s proven a useful member of their squad in recent years, and is still young enough that he could improve in the near future.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool are stepping up their interest in Camavinga, with Real ready to let him go, but not for less than €50m.
This is similar to what has been reported by Radio Marca, as cited and translated by Football Espana, though those initial reports did not mention Liverpool’s interest.
The Netherlands international was struggling to establish himself at Bayern but ended up getting his career back on track with LFC.
Camavinga could also benefit from a change of scene at this stage of his career, with the 23-year-old France international now looking like he needs to play more regularly and nail down one position.
Camavinga is mostly a central midfielder, but has also filled in out wide or at left-back during his time in Madrid, which probably hasn’t helped his progress.
If he can be trusted in his most natural role at Anfield then he could surely form a fine partnership with Gravenberch and have a successful Premier League career.
Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up a surprise transfer move for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh despite his dire recent form.
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The 21-year-old has at points looked like an exciting young prospect, but he’s gone horribly off the boil in recent times, with no goals or assists in any of his last 14 appearances for Brighton.
In total, Minteh has just one goal and four assists in the Premier League so far this season, but Fichajes claim Liverpool are eyeing him up to replace Mohamed Salah.
While the report mentions Arne Slot knowing the player well during his time when he had him on loan at Feyenoord, it’s hard to see there being any truth to this particular story.
Yankuba Minteh would be a hugely risky signing for Liverpool
While a lot of players go through a bad patch every now and then, Minteh currently looks like too risky a signing for a big club like Liverpool.
If the Reds really are set to lose the ageing Salah this summer, then they need to ensure whoever replaces him is ready to hit the ground running.
There might not be that many players in world football who can do that, but there are many who’d be a safer bet than Minteh.
The Gambia international is young enough that he could still turn things around and have a good career, but for now he gets an unsurprisingly low score with our Transfer Fit rating system…
Yankuba Minteh
TOTAL SCORE: 8/25
Transfer fee
–
Performance
–
Achievements
*
Career phase
****
Squad need
***
8/25 represents a weak score, as he only really gains any points from the fact that he’s previously shown some potential, is young enough to still improve, and plays in a position LFC need to strengthen in.
Otherwise, this is surely one for the Merseyside giants to stay well away from.
Other wingers on Liverpool’s radar
As recently reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool have made Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise a dream target, while RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande is seen as a more realistic option…
?? Michael #Olise remains a dream target for Liverpool ahead of the upcoming summer window, and further background checks have been made. However, #LFC now consider a transfer to be completely unrealistic.
Olise is probably the closest thing to Salah out there in this current market, though in many ways it looks like they’ve missed the boat for this profile of player.
Last summer a lot of left-footed right-wingers changed clubs, with Bryan Mbeumo moving from Brentford to Manchester United, Noni Madueke swapping Chelsea for Arsenal, and Newcastle signing Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.
Antoine Semenyo might also have been another decent option, but he moved from Bournemouth to Manchester City in January, so Liverpool could have a tricky task trying to replace Salah this year.
The Gunners are understood to be keen on Schade, as we first reported yesterday, but Falk says Bayern and Chelsea are also keen.
Writing in his latest CF Bayern Insider column, Falk stated that the Germany international could also be too expensive for the Bavarian giants due to Brentford looking for around £60m to let him go.
That could be good news for Premier League sides looking at Schade, with the 24-year-old impressing during his time with the Bees.
Kevin Schade transfer latest from Christian Falk
“It is TRUE: Bayern Munich are monitoring Kevin Schade. However, it’s not true that he’s high up on the shortlist,” Falk said.
“It’s a similar case to Diomande in the sense that he’s too expensive. I heard from Brentford’s side that they would start the poker at €70m [£60.3m]. This is too much. Perhaps they know it’s too much, and in the end, they won’t get this kind of money for him.
“There are so many Brentford rumours at the moment. Also, the striker, Igor Thiago, was linked to Bayern, but the club isn’t searching for this kind of player. But they are looking for a player like Schade.
“Bayern Munich are monitoring his situation, but it would be too difficult to sign him for this kind of money. So, it’s good for Chelsea, it’s good for Tottenham (I heard he’s on the list there as well).
“For Bayern, it would be interesting, given he’s a German player who could be involved with the national team, perhaps even for the upcoming World Cup if he’s lucky. But for the time being, Bayern don’t have him down as their number one target.”
Where could Kevin Schade move next?
Schade looks like he’d solve Arsenal’s issues in attack by providing an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on that left-hand side.
There could also be a role for him at Chelsea, who possibly need more reliable options than Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jamie Gittens.
At the same time, however, it’s perhaps hard to see any justification for an asking price as high as £60m for Schade.
Brentford have sold a few of their star players in years gone by, but £60m is not dissimilar to what Bryan Mbeumo moved for when he joined Manchester United on the back of far more convincing form.
Schade is arguably not quite at that level yet, though it’s also possible that his value will just continue to go up if clubs don’t move for him quickly.
See below for that video, which also mentioned Arsenal and Man United being keen on Eichhorn, with Bayern seemingly worried about losing out on this top talent to Premier League clubs…
Writing in his latest column, Falk said of Eichhorn: “It is TRUE: Both Manchester United and Arsenal have Kennet Eichhorn on their lists for the summer. Bayern Munich are aware of this. They called the agents and informed them that the club really want him.
“However, the teenager’s position could also be a problem in this case. Eichhorn also wants playing time and is talking with his family about what the future could bring for him. He’s injured at the moment, so he does have time for this and to think things through.
“A step in the Premier League could be interesting for him if clubs offer him enough playing time. At Bayern Munich, yes, he could have a more quiet role, given the club already has the likes of Aleksandar Pavlović, Joshua Kimmich, and Konrad Laimer, who could be back in midfield if they sign Read, and they also have Tom Bischof.”
Kennet Eichhorn (Foto von City-Press GmbH Bildagentur)
What next for Kennet Eichhorn?
Eichhorn clearly has a big decision to make on his future, as his rapid rise in the game means there’s a lot of interest in him despite his lack of experience.
While it must be tempting to jump at the chance to join clubs like Bayern, Arsenal, and United, there’s perhaps also a case for the player staying where he is to continue his development.
Then again, Bayern have also proven good for top young German players down the years, so that might be a lower risk than moving abroad at this stage of his career.
Lewis Hall has impressed for Newcastle United and the club are aware that scouts will have been purring after his strong performance in the Champions League against Barcelona.
The England international was one of Newcastle’s most impressive performers in that 1-1 draw with Barca at St James’ Park, keeping Lamine Yamal relatively quiet and helping Eddie Howe’s side forward with some lovely passing.
According to iNews, a new contract is likely for Hall, and they suggest it should be a priority for the Magpies, who must surely do what they can to tie the former Chelsea youngster down and improve his wages.
A report from Fichajes recently stated that Man Utd were looking at the 21-year-old in a bid to reshuffle their back four, and perhaps move Patrick Dorgu to a more attacking role.
We were also previously informed of Liverpool looking at Hall, though they ended up signing Milos Kerkez as a new left-back last summer instead.
Manchester United need a new left-back
Hall would surely be an upgrade on the inconsistent and injury-prone Luke Shaw, so it will be interesting to see if these particular transfer rumours persist.
It will be tricky for the Red Devils if Newcastle manage to tie Hall down to a new and improved deal, but other names are also being linked.
A report from TEAMtalk stated that another left-back target for MUFC is RB Leipzig’s 27-year-old Germany international ace David Raum.
Chelsea right-back Reece James has signed a new six-year contract to commit his future to the Blues, according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein.
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UPDATE: James’ new Chelsea deal has now been officially confirmed by the club on their website.
Posting on X this morning, Ornstein said: “EXCL: Reece James commits future to Chelsea by signing new 6yr contract. 26yo’s previous deal 2028; fresh agreement runs until June 2032. Deal aligns England right-back with #CFC incentivised wage structure.”
? EXCL: Reece James commits future to Chelsea by signing new 6yr contract. 26yo’s previous deal 2028; fresh agreement runs until June 2032. Deal aligns England right-back with #CFC incentivised wage structure. W/ @SJohnsonSport@reallycerys@TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/n0cYLx4Z6p
This is good news for Chelsea as James has been a key player for the club ever since rising up through their academy into the first-team.
Injuries have held the 26-year-old back at points, but he’s still played 225 games for the west London club, winning major honours such as the Champions League, the Europa Conference League, and the Club World Cup.
James will now hope to continue pushing on after getting more playing time this season as he’s done better at staying fit.
Will Reece James start for England at the World Cup?
With the 2026 World Cup finals just around the corner, it will be interesting to see if James can establish himself as a starter for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
James played under Tuchel at Chelsea, so the pair know each other well, but there’s strong competition from Real Madrid star and former Liverpool man Trent Alexander-Arnold.
On current form, however, James must have a decent shot at getting into the England line up, and this new contract could be another boost to his confidence for the weeks and months ahead.
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up RB Leipzig left-back David Raum as one of a number of transfer targets from the Bundesliga club this summer.
According to TEAMtalk, Raum could be available for just £30m due to approaching the final year of his contract, with the Red Devils keen on the Germany international.
This is not the only Leipzig player that Man Utd are looking at, however, with TEAMtalk’s report also mentioning a possible big move for their French central defender Castello Lukeba.
Meanwhile, another TEAMtalk report also mentioned that United are alongside Chelsea in targeting Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo to bolster their midfield.
Manchester United to launch triple transfer raid on RB Leipzig?
We’ve seen Leipzig sell star players like Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko in recent times, but it’s perhaps hard to imagine they’ll be keen on losing three such big names all at once.
That could make it tricky for United to land all three of Raum, Lukeba, and Ouedraogo, but it makes sense that these are players being considered.
MUFC will likely have a lot of options on their list for the summer, with Raum perhaps one of the more realistic names here due to his contract situation and asking price.
The 27-year-old has an impressive contribution of three goals and five assists in 24 Bundesliga games this season, so it could be that he’d be an upgrade on Luke Shaw on that left-hand side.
David Raum to Manchester United Transfer Fit rating
Raum has experience, strong recent form, and an affordable asking price, all whilst giving United something different in a position they could do with strengthening.
Manchester United and Liverpool may have been handed a significant boost as it looks like Yan Diomande is no longer a top target for Bayern Munich due to being too expensive.
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In a potentially major development in this saga, Christian Falk has played down the Diomande to Bayern links in his latest exclusive column for CF Bayern Insider.
Despite Diomande’s quality, it seems Bayern have been forced to consider other options ahead of him due to the likely cost of the deal with RB Leipzig.
“It is TRUE: Yan Diomande is no longer a priority for Bayern’s decision-makers,” Falk said.
“He obviously has so much quality and is playing very well in the Bundesliga this term. So, he’s not off the list because he’s a poor player, but rather because he’s too good and too expensive!
“Bayern know how much RB Leipzig are looking for in a transfer fee (negotiations will start at €100m [£86.2m]) and it’s a lot! Certainly more than what Bayern are prepared to pay at the moment.
“And the fact of the matter is that they already have Luis Diaz, who is the main man on the left side. They can’t pay so much money for what would effectively be a backup signing.
“So, it’s hard for Bayern Munich, given they love the player, but they won’t be involved in the poker with Premier League clubs. He’s too expensive.”
Yan Diomande transfer options as Bayern cool interest
“What I can say it’s not meaning that Man Utd are going to sign Yan Diomande, but it’s showing that Man Utd maintain a concrete interest in the player,” Romano said.
Diomande stats
Games
Goals
Assists
RB Leipzig 2025/26
26
11
5
“Man Utd people, scouts, were in attendance for the last game played by Red Bull Leipzig against Augsburg. I think Yan Diomande scored a goal. He’s playing very well recently.
“It’s not just about the goals. The assist, you can feel he’s an electric winger, very good one-v-one, very fast. He’s a player that several clubs are following, not only Man Utd, but the presence of Man Utd again to follow the player against Augsburg is showing that they are keeping a close eye on the player.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have also been mentioned as suitors for the Ivory Coast international, due to the fact that dream target Michael Olise would be too expensive and unrealistic for them.
See below as Florian Plettenberg has posted on X about Liverpool looking at Diomande as another option in that position…
?? Michael #Olise remains a dream target for Liverpool ahead of the upcoming summer window, and further background checks have been made. However, #LFC now consider a transfer to be completely unrealistic.
“Michael Olise remains a dream target for Liverpool ahead of the upcoming summer window, and further background checks have been made. However, LFC now consider a transfer to be completely unrealistic,” Plettenberg said.
“He is not for sale. In addition, FC Bayern are looking to extend his contract beyond 2029, with plans to improve his current deal. Incredible 13G/25A this season yet.
Diomande has 14 goals and five assists in all competitions for club and country so far this season, despite still being only 19 years of age.
Capable of playing on both flanks, Diomande looks like someone who can go right to the very top of the game, and like an ideal signing for both the present and future of big clubs like United and Liverpool.
As first reported here for the Daily Briefing, I’ve been informed about both the Gunners and the Red Devils showing an interest in Esposito.
However, both clubs have been sent the clear message that the talented young Italy international is not available, with Inter keen to tie him down to a new contract.
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“Inter are not even prepared to consider going to the negotiating table at this time,” one source said. “Esposito is seen as a key part of their future plans and they’ll hold talks over tying him down to a new contract soon.”
Esposito has impressed with more playing time in the Inter first-team this season, scoring seven goals in all competitions, and there’s surely more to come from him as he’s still just 20 years of age.
Pio Esposito transfer eyed by Arsenal and Manchester United
It is also my understanding that clubs like Arsenal and Man Utd will continue to monitor Esposito in the future as he could be a target to try for again at some point.
Inter fans can be relieved, however, to hear that their club seem confident of keeping hold of him despite interest from the Premier League.
Still, Arsenal and United could do with more options up front, with Esposito looking like someone well worth keeping an eye on.
Arsenal looking for new attacking players
Kevin Schade is an Arsenal target as well this summer, with wingers and strikers likely to be high up on the north London giants’ list of priorities.
Esposito could have been a good option to provide a long-term option to rotate with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, but perhaps the club should also be looking at more proven world class players who can make a big impact straight away.
It might also be that improving that threat from the left-hand side with a signing like Schade would also help Gyokeres to shine next season after some struggles to settle in his first campaign.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has sent a heartfelt and direct message to Tottenham ace Antonin Kinsky after his difficult week.
The young Czech shot-stopper suffered a nightmare performance for Spurs in their 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but Schmeichel has offered to talk to him if he wants.
Watch the video clip below as Schmeichel shows what a class act he is by insisting that Kinsky did nothing wrong and that in fact he was hung out to dry by Tottenham’s interim manager Igor Tudor, who humiliated him by substituting him off after just 15 minutes…
Peter Schmeichel’s message to Antonin Kinsky
"We've all been there as goalkeepers… You made a couple mistakes but you as a person did nothing wrong and you were hung out to dry. If you ever what to have a chat I'm here to talk to you."
— CBS Sports Golazo ?? (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 11, 2026
“I will say to Kinsky by the way, directly here to you … we’ve all been there, goalkeepers, as David de Gea said, it’s a different position,” Schmeichel said on CBS Sports.
“We know if we make a mistake, more often than not it’s a goal. The reality of goalkeeping is you are going to make mistakes and it is going to cost you goals.
“And the art of goalkeeping is how you react to that – he didn’t get a chance to react to that. But I will say to you directly, you did nothing wrong yesterday. You made a couple of mistakes, but you, as a human being, did nothing wrong and you were hung out to dry and I think that was incredibly wrong.
“If you ever want to have a chat, I’m here to talk to you … I’ve been there, I know what it’s like.”
THFC fans must surely feel some sympathy for Kinsky, though, as he really was thrown in at the deep end with a surprise start for this big game.
Tudor surely should have stuck with him, but it’s just one of many things the Croatian tactician seems to have got wrong during his stint as interim manager with Spurs so far.
Romano described Ouedraogo as a “top talent” and it’s proven accurate as he’s gone on to develop well at Leipzig, with big clubs keen on him once again ahead of this summer.
Ouedraogo has no release clause at Leipzig, so TEAMtalk state that that will put the Bundesliga club in a strong negotiating position.
We’ve seen Premier League clubs spend big on top talents in recent times, so it will be interesting to see if they’re prepared to go all out for Ouedraogo as well.
It certainly looks like he’d be the kind of investment that would work well for Chelsea, who have spent a lot on recruiting the best young players in world football.
Assan Ouedraogo to Man United or Chelsea?
At the same time, however, Ouedraogo might not fancy Chelsea right now as their inconsistent form looks like it could cost them a Champions League place.
That perhaps looks more likely for United right now, while the teenager would probably also stand a better chance of playing regularly there.
CFC have Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo as their first choice midfield, but MUFC are on the lookout for upgrades in that department as the ageing Casemiro will leave at the end of his contract this summer, while Manuel Ugarte has flopped since joining the club.
United have been linked with midfielders by the Sun, though their report suggests they might go after more proven Premier League players such as Sandro Tonali or Elliot Anderson, so it remains to be seen if they’d gamble with a young talent from abroad like Ouedraogo.
According to TEAMtalk, sources close to Liverpool insist there’s no substance to talk of Real Madrid hovering for Wirtz.
The report also explains that: ‘Private dressing-room meetings and support from teammates have played a key role in helping him (Wirtz) overcome early hurdles’ as the 22-year-old has shown clear improvement as the season has gone on.
Florian Wirtz surely not set for Real Madrid transfer
Having invested so much in signing Wirtz last summer, it makes sense that LFC are not prepared to give up on the player after just one season.
It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that a big club like Real Madrid would keep an eye on Wirtz’s situation, as he clearly remains a fine talent with plenty of potential.
Wirtz stats last three seasons
Games
Goals
Bayer Leverkusen 2023/24
49
18
Bayer Leverkusen 2024/25
45
16
Liverpool 2025/26
37
6
Wirtz was a joy to watch as a youngster at Leverkusen, and Liverpool did well to win the race for his signature last summer.
One imagines Real could have been among Wirtz’s suitors while he was still in the Bundesliga, but they surely don’t have much hope of landing him now.
Florian Wirtz not the only Liverpool signing to struggle
It would also be fair to say that Wirtz is far from the only member of Arne Slot’s squad to struggle this season.
Most of the club’s summer signings have been a bit disappointing, except perhaps for Hugo Ekitike, with Reds fans yet to see the best of big names like Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez.
But it’s not just the new boys, with established stars like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also below par for much of the campaign, with more rebuilding surely needed this summer.
Lukeba has shone during his time at Leipzig, establishing himself as one of the top young defenders in the game, and it seems inevitable that he’ll soon earn a big move.
Man Utd now look to have added Lukeba to their list of defensive targets, though TEAMtalk suggest he won’t come cheap, with an asking price in the region of €80m.
Manchester United eyeing Castello Lukeba and Pierre Kalulu
Liverpool may be ahead in the running for the moment, however, so it makes sense that MUFC are looking at Lukeba as an alternative to Kalulu.
Both players look like they’d be fine additions at Old Trafford, where there is surely room for at least one more new centre-back to come in.
Manchester United to make changes in defence?
Harry Maguire is nearing the end of his contract, so United would do well to bring in a long-term replacement this summer, even if there’s been some talk of the veteran England international staying if he agrees to take a pay cut, as per iNews.
There are other issues in this squad, such as Lisandro Martinez’s poor fitness record, while Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven haven’t been entirely convincing since joining the club.
Lukeba would surely be a more important signing for United than for Arsenal, who already have a lot of quality and depth at the back.
The Arsenal project might look more tempting, but Lukeba could have more of a key role if he joins United, while it’s also fair to say that the team looks to be back on the right track under interim manager Michael Carrick, with Champions League qualification now looking likely.
The Red Devils could face competition from Arsenal, however, with a recent report from Tuttosport claiming that Andrea Berta was working on signing his fellow Italian for the Gunners.
There has also been a report from the Chronicle suggesting that Arsenal had cooled their interest in Tonali, though, so that could be a boost for Man Utd.
The Newcastle star is being linked with United by the Sun as the club look for Premier League-proven players to strengthen their squad in the middle of the park.
Sandro Tonali among Manchester United’s midfield targets
As well as Tonali, United are also keen on Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.
See below for a graphic comparing the stats of those five players this season, with some interesting insights highlighting their differing strengths and weaknesses…
Manchester United’s midfield targets compared (DataMB)
Tonali is reasonably well-rounded but arguably doesn’t look like he has enough quality with his forward passes or key passes compared to players like Anderson and Wharton.
Baleba is also strong defensively, but has perhaps dipped with his overall form this season, even if he looked like a tempting target when MUFC first looked at him last summer.
The Norway international is one of the best strikers in world football on his day, so it’s not too surprising to hear talk of Barca looking to position themselves at the front of the queue for any potential deal.
This is what has been reported recently by Sport, who suggested the Catalan giants were keen to negotiate a special clause to give them first refusal if the player ever became available.
However, Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta has quickly shut this down, insisting her client is very happy with life at Man City.
Erling Haaland’s agent denies Barcelona transfer talk
Speaking on La Sexta, as quoted and translated by ESPN, Pimenta said: “We have a lot of respect and admiration for Barcelona, but there hasn’t been any contact whatsoever regarding a potential transfer.
“The player renewed his contract a few months ago, he’s very happy at Manchester City.
“Everything is going very well for him and we really have nothing to discuss about a transfer when everything is so good at City.”
However, it’s probably fair to say there’s a bit of an elephant in the room here, with Haaland currently going through one of the worst patches of his career at the Etihad Stadium.
Rarely have we ever seen the former Borussia Dortmund man struggle like this, but if it carries on for much longer then you have to wonder if City would be better off selling him for huge money.
Pep Guardiola’s side are still in the title race, but Arsenal are the big favourites and there’s little hope of MCFC catching them without their best attacking player rediscovering his form.
Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Murillo from Nottingham Forest.
The 23-year-old has been exceptional for the Premier League club, and he is on the radar of top teams. According to a report from INews, the defender is not pushing for a move away from the English club, but his stance could change if a top club like Liverpool or Chelsea comes calling.
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Murillo could be tempted
The defender could be swayed by interest from top teams, and it will be interesting to see whether Liverpool or Chelsea follows up with an official offer to sign him. Both clubs need a quality central defender, and the Brazilian would be ideal. He has established himself as a reliable performer in the Premier League, and he could improve both teams.
At Liverpool, he could be the ideal long-term replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who will be a free agent soon. As for Chelsea, he could replace players like Benoit Badiashile or Axel Disasi.
Nottingham Forest is unlikely to sanction his departure easily, and they could demand a premium. Figures of around £70 million have been mentioned. That said, Liverpool and Chelsea have the financial muscle to be top-dollar for the player. They have shown that they are willing to invest big money in players with high potential.
Meanwhile, joining a big club would be ideal for Murillo as well. He deserves to compete at a higher level and fight for trophies. Liverpool and Chelsea will be able to provide him with the platform. He needs. Joining a bigger club could also improve his chances of playing regularly for the Brazilian national team.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies at the end of the season.
The 25-year-old has been exceptional for the German club since joining them, and he’s currently one of the best left-backs in the game. According to Sports Boom, Manchester United want to secure his signature, and they would have to pay around £70 million in order to get the deal done.
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Alphonso Davies is an elite player
Davies has proven himself to be a reliable defender, and he is equally effective going forward. He has 14 goals and 37 assists during his time at the German club. He could add a new dimension to the Manchester United attack. It will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done.
Convincing the Canadian International to join the club will not be easy. He is playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and he’s consistently fighting for League titles. Manchester United must convince him they can help him fulfil his ambitions.
They have the resources to get the deal across the line, and it remains to be seen whether they can secure an agreement with the player. Arsenal have been linked with Davies as well.
The opportunity to move to England could be an exciting one for him at this stage of his career. He has proven himself in Germany and might be open to a new challenge now. He is at the peak of his career, and he could make an immediate impact in English football.
There is no doubt that he would be a major upgrade on players like Patrick Dorgu and Luke Shaw. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United can wrap up the move quickly.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Marco Palestra from Atalanta.
The 20-year-old full-back has done well for the Italian outfit Cagliari during his loan spell, and he has attracted the attention of the two Premier League clubs. According to Sports Boom, he could cost around €50 million, and it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal or Tottenham come forward with an offer to sign him.
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Marco Palestra could be a useful signing
Palestra has proved himself to be a reliable defender, and he can be quite effective going forward. He could add a new dimension to the Arsenal or Tottenham defence.
Ben White has been linked with a move away from Arsenal, and they need to replace him properly. The 20-year-old could be the ideal acquisition for them. The asking price is quite steep, and it will be interesting to see if Arsenal can negotiate a more reasonable deal to sign the player.
On the other hand, Pedro Porro has been linked with a move away from Tottenham. They will need to replace the Spaniard properly if he decides to move on. Signing Palestra could prove to be a wise decision. The 20-year-old certainly has the technical attributes for English football, and he could be an important player for Arsenal or Tottenham in the long term.
The defender is quite young, and he has plenty of room for development. Arsenal or Tottenham could nurture him into a future star. The opportunity to move to England will be tempting for the young defender, and he will hope to sort out his future quickly so that he can focus on his football once again.
Other clubs are monitoring the young defender as well, and the London clubs should look to move quickly if they want to win the race for his signature.
Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in signing Adri Mehmeti from the New York Red Bulls academy at the end of the season.
The 16-year-old midfielder is highly rated, and the two Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on his development. He is currently valued at €20 million, but the valuation could rise to €50 million if he continues to impress. Arsenal and Chelsea could look to sign him before his value explodes, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops.
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Arsenal and Chelsea want Adri Mehmeti
According to Sports Boom, Arsenal or Chelsea could look to sign the player and loan him back, allowing him to continue his development with regular opportunities. The deal would be lucrative for the selling club as well.
The player has been described as a “complete midfielder” for his ability to operate as both a central and defensive midfielder. He has the physicality for English football as well, and it will be interesting to see if Arsenal or Chelsea manage to secure his signature.
The opportunity to join a Premier League club will be quite exciting for the young midfielder. It would be a major step in his career, and he would get to test himself at the highest level. He is unlikely to start in the Premier League right now, but he could be an important part of the youth team at Arsenal or Chelsea.
Both clubs have exceptional youth facilities, and they could help the 16-year-old fulfil his potential. He will look to establish himself as an important first-team player for either club in future.
Whoever signs him could have a future star on their hands. If they can sign him for €20 million, the deal could look like a bargain in future.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move away from the London club, and he wants to join a team where he can regularly compete at the highest level. Manchester United are pushing for Champions League qualification, and they have shown great improvement in recent weeks. They could be an attractive destination for the South American.
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Man United eye Cristian Romero move
According to reports from Spain, the player could cost around £60 million, and Manchester United are prepared to offer him a lucrative contract in order to convince him to join the club. They need more quality and depth in the defensive unit, and the 27-year-old could be the ideal acquisition for them. He would be the ideal replacement for Harry Maguire.
Apart from his defensive qualities, his leadership skills and winning experience could prove invaluable. He has helped his country win the World Cup and Copa America. He helped Tottenham win the UEFA Europa League last season. The defender put on a man-of-the-match performance against Manchester United in the final, as his team won the European trophy last season.
Manchester United need a player of his quality, and it will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done. The defender has been linked with clubs from across Europe. He is one of the best players in his position, and it is unlikely that there will be any shortage of clubs keen on him. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can win the race for his signature.
The player can justify the £60 million price tag, and the investment could look shrewd.
Nico Williams has been linked with a move away from Athletic Club Bilbao in recent months.
The 23-year-old has been linked with multiple English clubs, and it appears that the Spanish outfit sanctioned his departure in the summer. According to reports from Spain, Manchester United are keen on securing his signature, but they will face competition from Chelsea and Arsenal as well. The player has a €95 million release clause in his contract, but the La Liga club is willing to accept offers below the clause.
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Nico Williams has been very impressive
Williams has been a player for club country in recent seasons, and he could prove to be a very useful acquisition for the Premier League club. Manchester United could use more depth on the flanks. The 23-year-old will add explosive pace and flair in the final third. He will help create opportunities for his teammates and add some much-needed unpredictability to the team.
Chelsea needs more quality on the flanks as well. Players like Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have not been able to live up to the expectations. Chelsea needs more cutting-edge in the final third, and the 23-year-old could be ideal. The Spanish International has shown his quality in La Liga at the international level. He has the quality to succeed in the Premier League as well.
Finally, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged the club to keep tabs on his situation. Arsenal signed Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze at the start of the season, but the two players have been quite mediocre. They could use more quality on the flanks. It will be interesting to see if they are prepared to break the Bank for Williams in the summer.
Liverpool are interested in signing the Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo at the end of the season.
The Spanish club is willing to sanction his departure for a fee of €30 million. According to reports from Spain, Liverpool is keen to secure his signature and has already made preliminary enquiries about a potential move. It will be interesting to see if they come forward with an official offer to get the deal done.
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Ronald Araujo is in demand
Clubs like Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on his situation as well. Liverpool will face intense competition for his signature, and they must act quickly to win the race. They need more quality and depth in central defence. Ibrahima Konate has been linked with a move away from the club. He will be a free agent in the summer, and Joe Gomez could be on his way out of the club as well.
Signing a reliable central defender should be an absolute priority for Liverpool this summer.
Araujo has proven himself at Barcelona and for his national team. The Uruguayan International could be the ideal acquisition for Liverpool. The opportunity to sign a player of his quality for just €30 million cannot be passed up on. It would be a bargain for Liverpool if they manage to get the deal done.
The 27-year-old can operate as a central defender or a full-back. His versatility will be an added bonus for Liverpool.
The opportunity to play in the Premier League at this stage of his career could be exciting for the South American. He has shown his quality in La Liga, and he will look to make his mark in the Premier League now.
Manchester United are interested in signing the RB Leipzig midfielder Eljif Elmas at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old playmaker is currently on loan at Napoli, and they have an option to sign him permanently at the end of the season.
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Man United keen on Eljif Elmas
According to a report from TMW, Napoli will be able to secure his signature for €16 million in the summer. It will be interesting to see if they are willing to take up the option. The North Macedonian international has done quite well for them, and he could be a very useful player for them in the coming seasons as well.
Manchester United are looking to add more depth and quality in the middle of the park, and they believe that the 26-year-old could be very useful for them. However, Napoli are clearly in the driving seat when it comes to securing his signature. It remains to be seen with Italian club is willing to sign him and sell him for a quick profit. Manchester United need more control, composure and technical ability in the middle of the park. The 26-year-old can operate as an attacking midfielder or a central midfielder.
The opportunity to play in the Premier League can be quite exciting, and it will be interesting to see if Elmas is tempted to join Manchester United. Napoli is a big club as well, and the opportunity to join them permanently could be tempting. It remains to be seen how the situation develops. The player will look to sort out his future quickly and focus on his football.
Manchester United have the finances to pay a premium for him, and it remains to be seen whether they follow up on their interest with an offer in the summer. Elmas has been linked with Liverpool in the past.
Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Taras Mykhavko from Dynamo Kyiv, according toTEAMtalk.
The 20-year-old central defender is highly rated across Europe, and he has a bright future. He could develop into a long-term asset for all three clubs, and it will be interesting to see if they are prepared to follow up on their interest with an offer to sign the player.
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Man United could use Taras Mykhavko
Manchester United need more depth in the defensive unit, and Mykhavko could be a long-term acquisition for them. Harry Maguire is in the twilight stages of his career, and they will need to replace him properly. The young defender could prove to be the ideal acquisition.
Similarly, Chelsea will need to replace multiple defenders in the summer. They have looked vulnerable at the back, and they need to improve in that area of the pitch. Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are expected to leave the club permanently.
As for Tottenham, Cristian Romero has been linked with top clubs, and he could be on his way out. Radu Dragusin has struggled for regular opportunities, and he might push for an exit as well. Tottenham might need to invest in multiple defenders in the summer. The 20-year-old could be a quality acquisition for them.
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray is challenged by Taras Mykhavko of FC Dynamo Kyiv. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Mykhavko will be excited about the possibility of playing in the Premier League. It would be a major step up in his career. Regular opportunities in England could accelerate his development and help him fulfil his potential.
However, he should look to join a club that offers ample opportunities. Sitting on the bench at a big club will not benefit him. It remains to be seen whether he can find a suitable destination in the summer.
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Lee Kang-In needs a move
The player has struggled to secure regular opportunities at the French club and needs to move on to play more often. Spurs could provide him with the platform he needs.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Tottenham made a serious attempt to sign the player in January. It will be interesting to see if they can win the race for his signature in the summer. They need more quality and depth in the attacking unit, and the South Korean could be ideal for them. The 25-year-old is capable of operating on either flank and centrally. He will add goals and creativity to the team.
The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be exciting for him, especially if he gets regular opportunities. However, Tottenham are fighting for survival in the Premier League. They must keep their status as a Premier League club intact if they want to attract quality players. The South Korean will not want to compete in the Championship next season.
Arsenal and Chelsea could also use more depth in the final third. They need someone who will add pace, flair and unpredictability to the team. The South Korean could be a useful acquisition for them if he is available at a reasonable price. It will be interesting to see which of the three clubs can get the deal done.
Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in signing the VfB Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch.
The 19-year-old has done quite well in Germany, and he has attracted the attention of Arsenal and Liverpool scouts. They have been monitoring his progress, and they are leading the race for his signature. According to a report from TEAMtalk, he could cost around €50 million.
The report further claims that it would take an “exceptionally high” sum of money to get the deal done. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool or Arsenal come forward with an official offer to sign him.
Jeltsch has proven himself to be a reliable defender in the Bundesliga, and he has the physicality and technical attributes for English football as well. Apart from his qualities as a defender, he is calm and composed on the ball, and his distribution would add a new dimension to Arsenal and Liverpool.
The asking price seems quite expensive for a young talent like him. Arsenal and Liverpool might prefer to sign him for a more reasonable fee. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops.
The defender has been likened to Mats Hummels due to stylistic similarities. He has a bright future ahead of himself, and he could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for the two English clubs.
The possibility of moving to the Premier League will be exciting for Jeltsch, and he will look to sort out his future quickly so that he can focus on his football. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. Both clubs could groom him into a star. They could also provide him with a platform to fight for trophies.
Arsenal recently handed Bukayo Saka a bumper new contract – the problem is, he’s no longer performing like the star player his pay packet suggests he is.
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The England international is not having his best season, and it was notable how much better Arsenal looked when they subbed him off for Noni Madueke in last night’s Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
While goals and assists aren’t everything, they’re pretty important currency for the star attacker of a top club, and those numbers only seem to be going in the wrong direction for Saka.
Bukayo Saka’s G/A numbers continue to decline
See below as a quite clear pattern has emerged showing that Saka peaked with his output two years ago, with injuries clearly seeming to take a toll since then…
Bukayo Saka stats in recent seasons (Sky Sports)
So far in 2025/26, Saka is on nine goals and five assists in 39 games in all competitions – a distinctly average return, and perhaps more concerning as the season goes on, with the 24-year-old on just two goals and two assists in 2026 so far.
The presence of Saka means Madueke has had limited minutes, but he’s still managed seven goals and one assist in 29 appearances, only 19 of which have been in the starting XI.
Bukayo Saka not justifying huge new Arsenal contract
If Arsenal had agreed that kind of deal a year or two ago, no one would bat an eyelid, but at the moment it looks like the club may have walked into a major mistake.
Saka’s fitness has been patchy, and it’s starting to look like it’s having an effect with his on-pitch displays.
For someone who’s played so much football already at a relatively young age, it wouldn’t be surprising if we saw Saka suffer in much the same way as other explosive young forwards did.
Names like Michael Owen and Marcus Rashford come to mind as players who peaked far earlier than the standard 25-28 age bracket due to becoming important first-team regulars as teenagers.
Bukayo Saka needs a rest, but when will it come?
It looks like Saka just needs a rest right now after such a gruelling schedule in the last few years, with the winger playing at a high level every three days pretty much constantly.
Unfortunately, Mikel Arteta needs his star man to be ready to fight for the Premier League title, Carabao Cup final, and continued runs in the FA Cup and the Champions League.
While Madueke is showing himself to be a fine alternative, it seems unlikely that Arsenal are going to bench their highest earner any time soon, with every game at this stage of the season looking hugely important.
And after that, there’s the World Cup with England to think about, with Saka almost certain to be on the plane to North America, and likely to be in Thomas Tuchel’s first XI at the tournament.
Arsenal know they have an elite talent on their hands, hence the big pay day and the frequent minutes, but as time goes on it increasingly seems like those two things can’t go hand in hand comfortably together.
Arsenal are exploring the market for wingers this summer, and Brentford’s Kevin Schade is understood to be one name being discussed internally.
The 24-year-old has caught the eye in the Premier League, weighing in with seven goals and three assists this season, following on from 12 goals in all competitions last term.
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My understanding is the summer could be different, however, with Arsenal now also showing an interest in Schade as one of the options to replace Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal need a new left winger – Kevin Schade could be the answer
Schade looks ready to make the step up to a higher level, just as many other players from Brentford have in recent times.
The Bees have sold big names like Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa in recent times, as well as David Raya and Christian Norgaard to Arsenal.
“Arsenal and Brentford have a good relationship, so that could help with Schade,” one source said. “He’s been on the radar of a few clubs for some time now, but Arsenal’s interest is growing.”
Having strengthened with attacking players like Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke last summer, it now looks like AFC just need one more addition to give them something different on the left, with Schade perhaps an ideal pick.
Kevin Schade transfer looks a good fit for Arsenal, but could they do better?
Schade has shown plenty of promise, but his numbers at the moment are perhaps a bit short of what a club like Arsenal need.
He’s young enough that he could still improve, particularly with better players around him, and he has that good blend of experience as well, having been in the Premier League since he was a youngster.
Kevin Schade
TOTAL SCORE: 15/25
Transfer fee
*
Performance
***
Achievements
**
Career phase
****
Squad need
*****
We’ve previously been informed that Schade would likely cost around €60m, however, and even if it’s a difficult market for attacking players right now, there are probably some better value-for-money options out there.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been told that he may have a “brave decision” to make on Bukayo Saka after Noni Madueke played a lot better than him against Bayer Leverkusen.
The Gunners were far from at their best in last night’s 1-1 draw in the Champions League, with Saka in particular struggling to provide the spark he normally does.
Madueke was subbed on to replace his fellow England winger, and it quickly became apparent that he was offering more of a threat.
The former Chelsea man then ended up winning the penalty for Arsenal late on, with Kai Havertz stepping up to equalise from the spot.
Should Mikel Arteta start Noni Madueke over Bukayo Saka?
Discussing how this all unfolded, former Premier League striker Charlie Austin said on Sky Sports News that Arteta may now have a brave decision to make.
Austin felt that Saka didn’t really perform, despite being the club’s star player, while Madueke changed the game when he came on.
“It’s a tough one,” he said. “I think when he’s come on, the performances he’s put in have warranted starting.
"What more can Madueke do" ?
Charlie Austin looks at whether Noni Madueke should be starting over Bukayo Saka for Arsenal and believes Mikel Arteta will be satisfied with the 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen ? pic.twitter.com/YxcpU5tB9E
“The issue that he has, unfortunately, is that Arsenal’s star boy plays in the same position as him, so it’s going to take the manager to make a brave decision to make that change.”
He added: “If I’m Noni Madueke, I’m asking the question: ‘What more can I do?’ because when he came on last night he changed the game…
“He got the ball, he ran at defenders, made things happen. In the 58, 59 minutes that Saka was on the pitch, he didn’t.”
Bukayo Saka vs Noni Madueke stats
Here’s a look at how Saka and Madueke’s stats compare so far this season…
Bukayo Saka vs Noni Madueke stats (DataMB)
Clearly, Saka still offers a lot, even if he isn’t passing the so-called ‘eye test’ at the moment in the same way as he has in the past.
At the same time, it’s also worth remembering that Saka has had a lot more minutes than Madueke, so perhaps the latter is showing signs that he could do a better job overall if he had more time on the pitch and more opportunities to develop better chemistry with his teammates.
Tottenham are reportedly continuing to monitor Andy Robertson’s situation at Liverpool as the summer transfer window approaches.
According to Football Insider, Spurs remain interested in signing the experienced left-back as a free agent should he ultimately leave Anfield at the end of the season.
Tottenham previously attempted to explore a move for the Scotland international during the January transfer window, but the deal did not materialize.
Robertson has been one of Liverpool’s most influential players since joining the club from Hull City in 2017.
Over the past decade, the 32-year-old has played a central role in one of the most successful periods in Liverpool’s modern history.
Under former manager Jürgen Klopp, Robertson formed a formidable full-back partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold, helping redefine the attacking responsibilities of defenders in modern football.
His relentless energy, crossing ability, and leadership qualities have made him a fan favourite at Anfield.
Robertson has also been part of Liverpool’s most important achievements in recent years, contributing to the club’s Premier League title, UEFA Champions League triumph, FA Cup victory, and domestic cup successes.
Andrew Robertson in action for Liverpool (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Tottenham’s continued interest in Robertson shows their desire to strengthen the left side of their defence.
The club has been exploring options to add experience and leadership to the squad as they plan for the next stage of their project.
A player with Robertson’s experience in high-pressure matches and European competitions would represent a valuable addition for Spurs, particularly if he were available without a transfer fee.
Bayern Munich are determined to retain Michael Olise this summer despite growing speculation linking the French international with a move to Liverpool, according to Fabrizio Romano.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Bundesliga champions have no intention of allowing the winger to leave and are attempting to quieten rumours surrounding his future.
Olise has been one of Bayern’s standout performers this season, making him an integral part of the club’s long-term plans.
His ability to create chances, beat defenders in one-on-one situations, and contribute consistently in the final third has made him a key figure in Bayern’s attack.
In the Champions League this week, Olise scored twice against Atalanta in a 6-1 win.
Olise typically operates as a right-sided winger but is capable of drifting inside to create scoring opportunities or linking with attacking midfielders in tight spaces.
Olise would be the ideal Salah replacement at Anfield but as expected, Bayern Munich have no intention to entertain offers for one of their best players.
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The France international’s representative, Moussa Sissoko, recently met with Viana in what is being described as a routine contact, the kind of which often takes place between high-level club officials and player agents.
Still, as reported by Sport, this has led to speculation about Dembele’s future, and it would certainly make sense if the former Barcelona man had interest from another top club like Man City.
This is not the first time recently that we’ve heard murmurings about Dembele’s situation, with TEAMtalk reporting on him being unhappy at PSG.
Ousmane Dembele transfer could transform Manchester City’s attack
Dembele is one of the very best players in the world on his day, as he showed last season when he put in some of the best form of his career to fire PSG to Champions League glory.
The 28-year-old won the Ballon d’Or for his efforts, and with his ability to play anywhere across the forward line, he could be a hugely important addition to this City squad.
Dembele probably wouldn’t come cheap and is clearly not someone with that long left at the very highest level, even if he’s been a bit of a late bloomer in his career.
Still, it’s hard not to give this deal a higher end of medium score overall, as Dembele could provide MCFC with an alternative to the out-of-form Erling Haaland, as well as an upgrade on inconsistent attacking players like Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush, Savinho, and Jeremy Doku.
City haven’t quite looked themselves this season, so injecting a proven attacking talent who can play a variety of roles looks like just what they need to get back to their best.
There have been a lot of recent transfer reports about Livramento, who is coming up to the final two years of his contract at St James’ Park.
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Just yesterday, the Telegraph reported that Arsenal were weighing up a summer bid for the former Chelsea youngster, while TEAMtalk now has further insight into his situation.
It seems Newcastle are open to letting Livramento go for around £60m this summer, and a host of clubs have been informed about his potential availability.
One of those is Liverpool, according to TEAMtalk, though they also suggest the strongest interest may be coming from Manchester City.
Tino Livramento could be an important signing for Liverpool
Liverpool signed both Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez last summer to give them a new right-back and left-back, respectively.
However, it would be fair to say neither player has exactly hit the ground running, even if Kerkez has improved a bit as the season has gone on.
Livramento can play right-back or left-back to a high standard, so even if he wouldn’t come cheap, he’d clearly do a job for Arne Slot’s side, whilst bringing a good amount of Premier League experience…
Tino Livramento
TOTAL SCORE: 17/25
Transfer fee
**
Performance
***
Achievements
***
Career phase
****
Squad need
*****
Overall, we give him a 17/25 Transfer Fit rating, which is the higher end of medium, as he looks a little overpriced, even if he otherwise ticks a few boxes. For that kind of fee, however, there could surely be better options out there.
Liverpool to raid Newcastle again?
Liverpool might not be too keen to enter into a protracted transfer saga with Newcastle again after how long it took them to eventually get Alexander Isak through the door last summer.
It might mean relations between the two clubs are strained, even if Livramento’s situation is admittedly quite different.
Arsenal have reportedly taken early steps toward a potential move for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, as the club continues to evaluate defensive reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to French outlet L’Équipe, the Gunners have already held initial discussions with Leipzig regarding the highly rated French centre-back.
Lukeba has become one of the most sought-after young defenders in European football.
Lukeba has steadily built a reputation as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe.
The 23-year-old France international joined RB Leipzig after developing through the academy at Olympique Lyonnais, where he first showcased his defensive intelligence and composure on the ball.
His performances in the Bundesliga and European competitions have highlighted his ability to combine defensive solidity with strong technical skills, a profile that modern top clubs increasingly value.
Standing out for his pace, positioning, and confidence in possession, Lukeba has often been deployed as a left-sided centre-back, a role that allows him to step forward into midfield and help initiate attacking moves from the back.
Castello Lukeba in action for RB Leipzig (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Arteta has a habit of focusing more on his defense and his transfer business in recent windows shows that.
The Gunners have placed considerable emphasis on signing players capable of fitting into a possession-based system while maintaining defensive stability.
Although Arsenal already possess several quality centre-backs, the club is believed to be evaluating options to strengthen depth and prepare for the future, especially with the demands of competing across multiple competitions.
Lukeba’s age, playing style, and potential make him an attractive option for Arsenal’s recruitment team.
That’s according to Simon Phillips, who has stated that Chelsea were keen on Calafiori before he joined the Gunners, while the Italy international is now keen to get more playing time and specifically play more often at centre-back than at left-back.
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Calafiori has impressed at Arsenal in his two seasons in north London, but he now seems to have fallen behind Piero Hincapie in the pecking order after some injury problems.
It remains to be seen if this could mean the 23-year-old will move this summer, with Arsenal surely likely to be keen to keep the player.
Riccardo Calafiori transfer still makes sense for Chelsea
Calafiori probably wouldn’t come cheap due to being a player at a rival club who’s yet to reach his peak, but apart from that this seems like a strong deal for Chelsea to be going after.
Chelsea really could have done well to sign Calafiori before Arsenal a couple of years ago, but he’d still surely have a positive impact for Liam Rosenior’s side.
If Calafiori wants to play centre-back, that’s probably ideal, as he’d represent a clear upgrade on unconvincing performers like Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo in that position.
At left-back, it’s less clear if he’d play regularly due to the presence of Marc Cucurella and Jorrel Hato.
West Ham United have been given a boost as Axel Disasi has spoken about how happy he is with life at the London Stadium.
The Frenchman spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, and then spent a few months back at Chelsea before sealing a loan move to West Ham this January.
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It remains to be seen how realistic it will be for the Hammers to keep Disasi if they end up getting relegated, but so far he’s performing well and has made it clear he’s enjoying life under Nuno Espirito Santo.
That surely gives West Ham a good chance of making Disasi’s move from Chelsea permanent if they can still offer Premier League football next season.
Axel Disasi on life at West Ham
“I needed to play, and especially in my position,” Disasi said. “Because it’s something that I missed last season [with Villa], when I was playing out of position.
“The manager has allowed me to express myself.”
Disasi looks back to his best since joining WHUFC and this could be a good move for him, though he’ll understandably prioritise continuing in the top flight if possible.
Chelsea will also surely be keen to offload the 28-year-old, but it will still also be important for them to get a good offer for him.
The Blues spent big money on bringing in Disasi from Monaco, and though he’s flopped at Stamford Bridge, there could still be decent money to make from his sale, which could mean inviting rival bidders to compete with West Ham for this signing.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and his latest comments will surely encourage Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners have invested heavily in their attacking department in recent windows.
Viktor Gyokeres joined the club last summer and he is the current leader of their attack but his form has been shaky throughout the season.
In 28 Premier League appearances this season, Gyokeres has just scored ten goals, which is clearly a poor return for a striker who plays for a club who regularly competes for the league title.
Alvarez is a player who has been constantly linked with a move back to the Premier League after impressing at Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone.
Arsenal given hope of signing Julian Alvarez
As reported by the Mirror, Alvarez has refused to rule out a move away from Atletico Madrid.
“I don’t know, I don’t know, but maybe yes, maybe no. You never know,” the former Man City striker said.
“But I’m very happy here. You ask me a question that will end up all over the place, but I’m happy.
“I’m thinking about the day-to-day, I’m working to improve, to give my best here, I never said anything bad about the club, I’m very grateful, the people also showed me their affection, so I’m very happy.”
The Newcastle attacker has not only played in the wide attacking positions but also up front when Eddie Howe has used him as a no.9.
Gordon could be tempted to leave Newcastle United
With Newcastle United struggling to qualify for the Champions League next season, players like Gordon could be tempted by other clubs who are regulars in the biggest competition in Europe.
Keith Wyness has discussed the future of Gordon on Football Insider and the expert has tipped him to join Liverpool in the near future.
He said: “Well, certainly, he was nailed on to go to Liverpool just a few months ago, and then it’s now switched to Arsenal.
“I think that Liverpool may still be the destination for him, I think, given he is from the area. I still think there’s an attraction for him to come down there.
“I think Liverpool, I don’t know, it depends on the Isak injury as well. We’ve got to see how their forward line stacks up. But I do think he’s more unhappy at Newcastle.”
Liverpool may hold advantage over Arsenal in Gordon race
Anthony Gordon celebrates scoring for Newcastle against Tottenham (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Gordon is a boyhood Liverpool fan and if both the teams make a move for him, the Reds may become the attacker’s preferred destination.
Two years ago, Gordon was close to joining the Merseyside club when the Magpies were struggling with PSR implications but Howe’s side sold other players to make their finances right and Gordon eventually stayed at the club.
With top clubs closely monitoring him and Newcastle struggling to keep up with the bigger clubs in England, it is highly likely that Liverpool, or perhaps Arsenal, make a move for him sooner rather than later.
West Ham United are being tipped to have to sell Crysencio Summerville this summer, especially if they end up getting relegated from the Premier League.
The Hammers are on a slightly improved run of just one defeat from their last five league matches, but they remain in 18th place on goal difference.
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It won’t be easy for West Ham to stay up, and that surely means a talent like Summerville is going to attract interest this summer.
Former West Ham scout Mick Brown has weighed in on the saga, suggesting he can see there being a lot of interest in the talented 24-year-old, and pressure on WHUFC to let him go.
Crysencio Summerville transfer warning for West Ham
“He was always one of those players who I thought would be in and out, show you a bit of quality and then fade away in the game, I didn’t know if he was consistent enough.
“But I have to give him credit, whether it’s been as a substitute or from the start, he’s done more for West Ham this season than most of their other players.
“He’s been their go-to player in recent weeks and has taken a bit of responsibility off of Bowen.
“The big problem, as we always say, is that when a player is performing above the level of his team, it always attracts interest from rival clubs.
“If that’s the case, there will be no shortage of suitors for him and it wouldn’t surprise me if he was allowed to move on.”
Can West Ham stay up?
West Ham remain in real danger, but they’ve improved slightly in recent games, while Tottenham in particular are going through an awful run of form.
That could give Nuno Espirito Santo’s side some hope, but they also face some very tough-looking fixtures in their run-in.
West Ham’s remaining Premier League games 2025/26
Manchester City (H)
Aston Villa (A)
Wolves (H)
Crystal Palace (A)
Everton (H)
Brentford (A)
Arsenal (H)
Newcastle (A)
Leeds (H)
As well as facing title-chasers Arsenal and Manchester City, they also face potential six-pointers against fellow strugglers Wolves and Leeds.
Summerville is certainly one player they could use in this period to get them out of the bottom three, but it may well be that we’re about to see the Dutchman’s final few appearances in a West Ham shirt.
Barcelona are reportedly confident of winning the race to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, despite strong interest from several Premier League clubs.
According to TEAMtalk, the Catalan giants believe they are currently leading the pursuit of the Italian centre-back, who has also attracted attention from Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal.
Bastoni has become one of the most sought-after defenders in European football due to his consistent performances for Inter Milan.
However, the Serie A club are determined to retain one of their most valuable players and are reportedly preparing a new contract offer that could extend his stay at the San Siro until 2030.
Bastoni has impressed top European clubs
Bastoni has developed into a cornerstone of Inter Milan’s defence since joining the club earlier in his career.
The 26-year-old Italy international is widely regarded as one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in Europe, known for his composure under pressure and his ability to start attacking moves from deep.
Operating primarily as the left-sided centre-back in Inter’s defensive system, Bastoni has been crucial to the team’s tactical structure.
His combination of defensive awareness, passing range, and positional intelligence allows Inter to build attacks effectively from the back.
In recent seasons, Bastoni has also gained valuable experience in European competitions and has become a regular member of the Italian national team, further enhancing his reputation across the continent.
While Barcelona currently appear to be leading the race, Inter Milan’s plans to offer a long-term contract demonstrate their determination to keep one of their most important players.
Liverpool are expected to step up their pursuit of Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, who has also been monitored by Manchester United.
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As first reported via my exclusive here for the Daily Briefing, the France international is attracting a lot of interest from the Premier League after impressing in Serie A.
Both Liverpool and Man Utd have scouted Kalulu closely, with the feedback being “very positive” so far, though Juventus understandably want to keep him.
It remains to be seen how likely a deal is while Kalulu has a contract that runs until 2029, but he’d likely be able to earn significantly more money at a top English club like Liverpool or United.
Pierre Kalulu transfer interest from the Premier League
As well as LFC and MUFC, there is also understood to be some interest from Tottenham, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa.
However, the Reds really need a top defensive signing amid doubts over Ibrahima Konate’s future, and with Virgil van Dijk set to turn 35 this summer.
“United are looking at a long list of options and Kalulu is one they really like,” another source said. “We can also expect Liverpool to step up their interest, whether or not they lose Ibrahima Konate.”
We’ll likely see a lot of similar players being linked with Liverpool and United in the weeks and months ahead, so how does Kalulu compare?
Here’s a neat graphic below from DataMB, with Kalulu coming out very well compared to other defenders linked with big clubs in recent weeks…
Defender stats comparison (DataMB)
Kalulu has that ball-playing and ball-carrying ability that top clubs will be looking for, but there is perhaps also room for improvement when it comes to winning his aerial duels.
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly considering leaving Old Trafford during the upcoming summer transfer window after a challenging season with the club.
According to a report from The Sun, the Netherlands international was keen to secure a move away in January but saw a potential departure blocked by the club.
The 24-year-old striker is said to be reassessing his future as he looks for greater opportunities to play regularly.
Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to settle at Man United
Zirkzee’s time in Manchester has been a stark contrast to his sensational breakthrough in Italy.
Arriving from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for a reported £36.5 million, he was originally billed as the dynamic, creative presence United’s frontline desperately needed.
However, the reality of his second season has been heavily underwhelming. He has managed just two goals across 18 Premier League appearances this term, with only four of those coming as starts.
The striker’s frustrations reportedly peaked during the winter window. While former head coach Rúben Amorim was initially open to letting him leave to secure essential playing time, United executives ultimately pulled the plug on loan interest from Serie A heavyweights like Juventus and AS Roma.
Zirkzee has plummeted down the pecking order, trailing natural strikers like Benjamin Sesko, as well as versatile attacking additions such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo.
Furthermore, the ongoing managerial transitions at Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick currently stepping in as interim boss, have offered Zirkzee very little tactical stability.
At 24, playing regular first-team football is a necessity and that is something he is not getting at Man United.
If Zirkzee ultimately decides to pursue a move, interest from clubs across Europe, particularly from the Serie A, could emerge.
Manchester United central defender Harry Maguire will reportedly have to accept a pay cut if he is to stay and sign a new contract at Old Trafford.
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The 33-year-old has had a mixed spell at Man Utd, but there’s no doubt that he’s bounced back well after a difficult start to life at the club.
Maguire could even now earn a new deal to extend his stay with the Red Devils, though that would apparently rest on him lowering his wages from £190,000 per week to £100,000 per week, according to iNews.
Still, even if United bring someone new in, they could probably continue to benefit from the presence of Maguire in their squad, even if only for his experience and leadership in the dressing room.
The veteran England international arguably seems like a more reliable squad player than the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, who has been inconsistent, and Lisandro Martinez, who has been hugely injury-prone during his time with United.
There clearly seems like an important role for Maguire to play, but it will be interesting to see if he agrees to lower his wages or if he can get a better offer elsewhere.
As quoted by the Guardian, when asked about Maguire, he said: “Harry’s an impressive character. He’s had a great career so far, hopefully there’s a lot more to come.
“The journey and the experiences that he’s had, certainly since he’s been here and with England as well, showed exactly what he is. I think we all know the player that he is and what he’s capable of doing.
“The other night [against Everton] I thought he was fantastic. Experience helps. His attributes help, and his character. His willingness to put himself out there. He’s really impressive at his age and he’s been really important for us.”
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is reportedly keen for experienced defender Fabian Schär to extend his stay at St. James’ Park as the club continues planning for the future.
According to Football Insider, discussions are expected to take place soon, with the Swiss international entering the final months of his current contract.
Schär has just over three months remaining on his deal with Newcastle.
While uncertainty often surrounds players approaching the end of their contracts, Howe is believed to be pushing internally for the club to retain the defender, who has been an important figure during Newcastle’s rise in recent seasons.
Schär has been a crucial figure for Newcastle under Howe
Schär has been a key part of Newcastle’s defensive structure since joining the club from Deportivo La Coruña in 2018.
Over the years, he has developed into one of the team’s most reliable and experienced players, earning praise for both his defensive ability and his composure on the ball.
The 34-year-old centre-back has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup under Howe, helping guide Newcastle through a period of significant transformation.
Since the club’s ownership change and subsequent squad rebuild, Schär has played an important role in maintaining defensive stability.
Fabian Schar of Newcastle United looks on (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Howe has repeatedly emphasized the value of experienced players within the squad, particularly those who understand the club’s culture and tactical approach.
Schär’s leadership and familiarity with the team’s defensive system make him an asset in the dressing room as well as on the pitch.
Newcastle have been working to balance their squad by combining established players with emerging talent.
In that context, keeping a seasoned defender like Schär could help provide continuity while younger players continue developing.
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The 29-year-old is coming towards being a free agent as his contract with Dortmund expires this summer, which has led to recent Arsenal transfer rumours about a possible move.
Sky Germany journalist Patrick Berger, posting on his official account on X, recently linked the Gunners with Brandt, while Barcelona were also mentioned as a name to watch.
Now the latest from Football Insider is that Villa are also exploring Brandt as a transfer target due to his status as a free agent, with the club needing a cost-effective window for PSR reasons.
Where next for Julian Brandt as Premier League transfer suitors linked?
Brandt being out of contract is sure to mean he’ll have a host of options to choose from this summer, with the German playmaker possibly heading to England next.
Football Insider have also previously linked Brandt with Everton, so that’s three Premier League clubs who could possibly be in with a chance of getting him.
With ten goals and four assists in all competitions this season, Brandt continues to show just how effective he can be with his classy performances in the final third.
It remains to be seen how successful he’d be in the English top flight after spending his entire career so far in the Bundesliga, but he’d surely be good enough to make an impact for clubs like Villa and Everton.
At Arsenal, it’s less obvious that he’d get that much of a chance to make an impact as there’d be a lot more in the way of competition for a starting spot in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, following news that the Brazilian forward has suffered a serious knee injury that will rule him out for an extended period.
According to transfer journalist Nicolò Schira, Spurs had previously explored the possibility of bringing the 25-year-old attacker to north London but have now decided to abandon their pursuit.
Rodrygo is expected to remain at Real Madrid while he focuses on recovery after sustaining a torn ACL, an injury that will also prevent him from participating in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup with Brazil.
Tottenham were closely monitoring Rodrygo
Rodrygo’s injury has had a significant impact on potential transfer discussions.
However, a torn ACL typically requires many months of rehabilitation. With Rodrygo facing a lengthy recovery period, Tottenham have reportedly shifted their attention to alternative targets as they continue planning for the next transfer window.
For the player himself, the injury represents a major setback at a time when he had been enjoying an important role at Real Madrid.
Rodrygo of Real Madrid (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Rodrygo has developed into one of the club’s most dynamic attacking players. Known for his pace, technical skill, and ability to score crucial goals in high-pressure matches, the Brazilian has been a key part of Madrid’s attacking unit in recent seasons.
Rodrygo’s versatility allows him to operate on either wing or as part of a front three, giving Madrid’s coaching staff multiple tactical options.
His performances in the UEFA Champions League have been particularly notable, where he has produced several decisive moments during knockout-stage matches.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised Rodrygo in the past by calling him ‘very, very good‘.
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto and manager Liam Rosenior have both issued apologies after a shocking incident with a ball boy during last night’s defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
Neto lost his head towards the end of the game, a 5-2 defeat for Chelsea at the Parc des Princes, with the Portuguese ace shoving into a ball boy and knocking him over in an attempt to get the ball back quicker.
This is not the first time this season that Chelsea players have had issues with their discipline, with the Blues receiving a staggering nine red cards so far this term.
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Neto, however, made it very clear that he was sorry and that he’d spoken directly with the ball boy and given him his shirt.
Pedro Neto apologises for pushing over ball boy
See below as Neto spoke to TNT Sports after the game to explain that he simply lost his head in the heat of the moment and that he was sorry…
"It was the heat of the moment. I want to apologise."
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2026
“I want to come out and say the situation that happened on the pitch, I want to apologise to the ball boy,” the 26-year-old said.
“I already spoke with him, the emotions of the game with us losing, I want to pick up the ball and I gave him a little push. I saw that I hurt him and straight away I apologised, I am not like this.
“I gave him my shirt because that cannot happen so I am really, really sorry.”
Liam Rosenior on Pedro Neto incident
Meanwhile, CFC boss Rosenior also had his say on the incident, insisting he hadn’t seen it, and bemoaning his players’ issues with discipline this season…
? Liam Rosenior: "I honestly didn't see it!" ??
The #CFC manager has had his say on *that* Pedro Neto incident…??
Had Chelsea kept it together a bit more, a 3-2 defeat or perhaps even a 3-3 draw would have been possible, making the second leg look very different.
Now, however, the west London giants are surely facing elimination from the Champions League as the holders go into the second leg with a three-goal advantage.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a move for AS Roma centre-back Evan Ndicka as the summer transfer window approaches.
According to transfer journalist Nicolò Schira, both Premier League clubs have been closely monitoring the 26-year-old defender’s situation in Italy and could step up their interest in the coming months.
Roma remain keen to retain the Ivory Coast international, but reports suggest that an offer in the region of €50 million could persuade the Serie A side to sanction a sale.
Ndicka’s consistent performances this season have made him one of the most reliable defenders in Italian football, drawing the attention of clubs across Europe.
Ndicka has consistently impressed with AS Roma
Ndicka has been a key figure in Roma’s defensive setup during the 2025/26 campaign, featuring in 32 matches across all competitions. His physical presence, composure on the ball, and aerial strength have made him a central component of the team’s defensive structure.
One of the most notable aspects of Ndicka’s recent form has been his unexpected contribution in attack.
The defender has scored in three consecutive Serie A matches, demonstrating his ability to pose a threat during set pieces and attacking situations.
Before joining Roma, Ndicka built his reputation at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he played a major role in the club’s UEFA Europa League triumph in 2022.
His experience in both the Bundesliga and Serie A has helped him develop into a well-rounded defender capable of adapting to different tactical systems.
The club has been evaluating several centre-back options in recent months to improve both depth and defensive stability.
Tottenham, meanwhile, could also be preparing for defensive changes. Reports have suggested that the club may be open to reshaping parts of their back line during the upcoming transfer windows, making a player with Ndicka’s profile particularly appealing.
Ndicka’s combination of physical strength, defensive intelligence, and experience in European competition fits the type of defender both clubs are believed to be targeting.
Manchester United are reportedly looking at Nottingham Forest star Murillo as a potentially “perfect” signing at centre-back this summer.
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The Brazilian has impressed during his time at Forest, and it seems inevitable that he’ll soon make the step up to a bigger club.
According to iNews, sources at Man United view Murillo as having the “perfect blend” of youth and experience, with the 23-year-old already having over 100 appearances under his belt in English football.
The Red Devils could do with a long-term replacement for the ageing Harry Maguire, who is close to the end of his contract, and it seems clear that the club’s hierarchy view Murillo as a signing that ticks all the boxes.
Why Murillo transfer looks a no-brainer for Manchester United
See below as we calculate the same score for Murillo and United, who also need a top central defender of precisely this profile…
Murillo
TOTAL SCORE: 19/25
Transfer fee
***
Performance
****
Achievements
**
Career phase
*****
Squad need
*****
Murillo will also need to think carefully about his next move, however, and it will be interesting to see if he has a clear preference out of all the top teams rumoured to be pursuing him.
Murillo transfer options
As well as United and Liverpool, we’ve also previously been informed of Chelsea’s strong interest in Murillo, and other outlets such as Football Insider and TEAMtalk have also mentioned the Blues, suggesting they’re in a good position in the race for his signature.
One imagines this season’s battle for a Champions League place could be crucial in the transfer market, with Murillo perhaps unlikely to pick Liverpool or Chelsea if they can’t work their way back into the top four.
The South American will also need to factor in playing time, but it seems likely that he’d be first choice for any of those clubs.
United have a lot of depth in that department thanks to the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, and Ayden Heaven, but it’s easy to see Murillo being an upgrade on most of those, while Martinez has had repeated fitness problems during his time at Old Trafford.
LFC will need Murillo too as Ibrahima Konate nears the end of his contract, and there’d surely be a starting spot for him at Stamford Bridge over unconvincing performers like Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has reportedly personally met with Nico Schlotterbeck in an ambitious attempt to hijack Real Madrid’s pursuit of the Borussia Dortmund star.
According to journalist Jorge C. Picon, Slot took the lead in presenting Liverpool’s long-term project to the German international, hoping to convince him to choose Anfield over the Bernabeu.
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Schlotterbeck, 26, has emerged as one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe. While Dortmund have recently presented him with a lucrative renewal offer to extend his stay beyond 2027, the lure of a big move away remains strong.
Liverpool want to sign Nico Schlotterbeck
The Reds’ interest in Schlotterbeck is more than just a casual inquiry; it is a calculated move to secure a world-class successor for their aging defensive core.
Liverpool view the left-footed German as the perfect tactical fit for Slot’s high-line system, offering both technical ball-playing ability and physical dominance.
With Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba nearing the end of their contracts, Madrid view Schlotterbeck as the future of their defence.
Slot’s personal intervention is seen as an effort to personally convince the player’s preference toward the Premier League.
As per the journalist: “Borussia Dortmund has presented him with a very good offer to renew his contract (which ends in 2027) and they’re regaining hope that he’ll stay with the club.
“Real Madrid is following the German’s trail, who they like a lot. He’s among the options to bolster the center of the defense depending on the departures this summer.
“The other club that wants him is Liverpool. Arne Slot even met with him to tell him about the project and try to convince him.”
? Actualización de Schlotterbeck:
El Borussia Dortmund le ha presentado una muy buena oferta para renovar su contrato (acaba en 2027) y vuelven a recuperar esperanza de que siga en el club.
El Real Madrid sigue la estela del alemán, que gusta mucho. Está entre las opciones… pic.twitter.com/q26IB4oMEe
While the captain signed an extension in 2025 to keep him at the club until 2027, he will be 36 by the time that deal concludes.
By targeting Schlotterbeck now, Liverpool hope to ensure a smooth transition and avoid a defensive void similar to the one that derailed their 2020/21 campaign.
The Liverpool hierarchy remains fully behind Arne Slot, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, despite the club’s recent 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.
The loss in Istanbul has intensified pressure on the Dutchman during what has been a turbulent second season at Anfield, but the club’s leadership is reportedly maintaining a patient approach.
“Liverpool, from what we hear, are behind Arne Slot. He’s under contract until 2027 and they want him to be their coach. The hierarchy are determined that he is the man to get things right.”
Liverpool fully back Arne Slot despite poor season
While Slot delivered the Premier League title in his debut campaign, the 2025/26 season has been a stark contrast.
The Reds currently sit in sixth place, 19 points behind leaders Arsenal, and have struggled with consistency throughout.
The 1-0 defeat at RAMS Park, Slot’s 100th game in charge, was further discouraging, marked by a seventh-minute Mario Lemina header that exposed familiar defensive vulnerabilities from set-pieces.
Ornstein noted that it would be disrespectful to suggest an exit is imminent, emphasising that the club is not looking to make a change before the summer at the earliest.
Is Slot the right man for the job?
Questions are inevitably mounting among the fanbase as Liverpool faces the prospect of a trophy-less season.
The team has already suffered five Premier League defeats due to 90th-minute goals this term, a club record, and the ‘invincible’ aura of Anfield has been tested by shock home defeats to bottom half teams.
The heavy summer investment, particularly the record-breaking signing of stars like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak has yet to yield results.
However, with the second leg against Galatasaray still to come at Anfield, and an FA Cup run still alive, the hierarchy is betting on Slot to instigate a late-season turnaround.
For now, the sack button remains unpushed, but the pressure will reach fever pitch if Champions League qualification is not secured.
Manchester United are very interested in signing the Inter Milan defender, Federico Dimarco.
The 28-year-old is in sublime form this season, and he has recorded 22 goal contributions. He has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the game, and Manchester United are prepared to pay a premium for him.
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Man United plan for Federico Dimarco
According to a report from football transfers, Manchester United are looking to open negotiations for him at €45 million, but they would be willing to go as high as €60 million in order to sign the Italian. However, signing him will be difficult. Inter Milan values him highly and does not want to lose him. They are looking to offer him a contract extension.
It remains to be seen whether the defender is prepared to commit his long-term future to the club. He has a contract with them until 2027, and they are looking to extend his deal until 2030. If he decides to sign a new deal with the Italian club, it will be impossible for Manchester United to get the deal done.
Manchester United’s best bet would be to convince the player to turn down an extension with the Italian club and move to England. If he decides to force an exit, the Italian outfit will be under pressure to sanction his departure.
€60 million is a lot of money for a player who will be out of contract in 2027. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
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Ehtan Nwaneri set for Arsenal return
Nwaneri will return to his parent club at the end of the season, and it will be interesting to see if he’s given the opportunity to hold down a starting spot at Arsenal next season.
Romano said on YouTube: “So, it has been different compared to the expectations for Nwaneri. But, at the moment, I can guarantee that Arsenal maintain full confidence in the player.
“So, Arsenal are waiting for him to complete the season at Olympique Marseille for this final 10, 11 games and then come back to the club, come back to Arsenal. They believe in Nwaneri 100%.
“So, the message from Arsenal is still optimistic. In the summer, they will speak to the player to understand what’s the best situation for him, whether it’s staying at Arsenal or maybe going on loan somewhere else.
“So, they will assess all the options with the player. But Arsenal maintain full trust in Ethan.”
The 18-year-old is a tremendous talent with a bright future, and he needs regular game time in order to continue his development. Sitting on the bench at Arsenal will not benefit him. If they cannot provide him with regular opportunities, they should consider sending him out on loan. He is a promising young player with a bright future, and regular football will bring out the best in him.
A loan spell could help him continue his development with regular opportunities. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Arsenal are looking to improve their attacking unit by signing Anis Hadj Moussa from Feyenoord.
The 23-year-old has done well for the Dutch outfit, and he has attracted the attention of multiple Premier League clubs with his performances. He has established himself as one of the finest dribblers in Europe right now, and Arsenal could use some unpredictability in the final third.
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Can Arsenal sign Anis Hadj Moussa?
The player is likely to cost around €35 million, according to SportsBoom. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal is prepared to pay. They have the financial muscle to get the deal done, and they should be able to convince the player as well. The opportunity to join the London club will be exciting for him.
The player is reportedly on the radar of clubs like Newcastle United as well. It will be interesting to see where he ends up eventually. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be tempting for him, and he will look to join a big club where he can fight for trophies.
Arsenal have signed players like Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, but they are still missing that extra bit of ingenuity in the final third. Moussa might be able to add more cutting-edge to the attacking unit. Moussa has 17 goal contributions this season.
The report claims that the 23-year-old has one of the best dribble success percentages in the top European leagues this season.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal follow up on their interest with an official proposal at the end of the season. They are looking to win the Premier League title this season, and they will be an attractive destination for most players. They should look to bring in a quality wide player and a striker in the summer.
Manchester United are interested in signing the West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes at the end of the season.
The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder has impressed in the Premier League, and Manchester United have been scouting him extensively. They are impressed with his performances, and they are looking to sign him at the end of the season.
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Man United very keen on Mateus Fernandes
The player could cost around €75 million, and it will be interesting to see if Manchester United can get the deal done. They have identified him as a “high priority” target, as per SportsBoom.
It is no secret that Manchester United need more quality in the middle of the park. Fernandes could be the ideal long-term acquisition for them. The 21-year-old is quite young, and he will only improve with coaching and experience. He has all the tools to develop into a top-class player for the Red Devils.
The midfielder will add control, creativity, and composure in the middle of the park. He has all the tools to develop into a quality box-to-box midfielder in the Premier League. The opportunity to move to Manchester United will be hard to turn down for him. They are among the biggest clubs in the country, and they could provide him with the platform to compete in Europe next season and fight for trophies.
Manchester United have shown significant improvement in recent weeks and are pushing for Champions League qualification. The opportunity to join them will be exciting for the young midfielder. He has himself in the Premier League with West Ham, and joining a bigger club could help him take the next step in his career. He could be the ideal long-term acquisition for Manchester United.
However, the asking price is quite steep, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester United are prepared to pay up.
The deadlock was broken just seconds after the restart when Alejandro Grimaldo swung an inviting delivery into the heart of the Arsenal box.
Andrich, who had narrowly escaped a red card in the first half, rose highest to power a header past David Raya, leaving the “set-piece experts” shell-shocked.
Leverkusen manager went straight to Arsenal set-piece coach
In a moment of pure sporting theater, Bayer Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand immediately sprinted toward the Arsenal technical area following the goal.
According to TNT Sports, Hjulmand went straight to Arsenal’s renowned set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, to celebrate.
The exchange appeared to be a pointed reference to the pre-match tension between the two camps.
Bayer Leverkusen manager, Kasper Hjulmand, immediately went over to Arsenal's set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, after they scored from a corner against the Gunners ? pic.twitter.com/aBSbQPbi5R
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2026
Hjulmand had spent the build-up to the game questioning the legality of Jover’s blocking tactics, suggesting that Arsenal often push the boundaries of the rules.
To see Leverkusen beat Arsenal at their own game, scoring from a corner, provided a moment of supreme irony that Hjulmand clearly couldn’t resist highlighting.
Bayer Leverkusen’s “No corners allowed” mind games
Ahead of the match, Leverkusen had leaned into the the set-piece merchants narrative surrounding Mikel Arteta’s side by placing “No Corners Allowed” warning signs around the corner arcs at the BayArena.
The signs, which featured a red slash through a corner flag, were shared across social media with the caption “Worth a try.”
Bayer Leverkusen posted “no corners allowed” ahead of facing Arsenal…
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2026
While many viewed it as harmless banter, the tactical preparation behind it was evident as Leverkusen neutralised Arsenal’s primary threat throughout the first half.
By scoring from a corner themselves, Leverkusen have not only taken the lead in the tie but have also struck a significant psychological blow against Jover and Arteta.
With the match still ongoing, Arsenal now face the challenge of proving they can find a breakthrough in open play against a Leverkusen side that seems to have solved their set-piece puzzle.
Frankfurt defender Nnamdi Collins has been linked with a move away from the German club at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old defender has done well for the German outfit, and clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool are monitoring his progress. It will be interesting to see if they decide to make a move for him at the end of the season.
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Nnamdi Collins on Premier League links
In an interview with The Mirror, the defender has revealed that he has read the reports linking him with Premier League clubs, but he is happy at the German club and is not considering a move.
He told: “It actually bounces off me pretty well. I’m reading these rumours for the first time myself, which is why I’m partly surprised. I’m very happy to be here at Eintracht.”
Collins has impressed in Germany, and he brings physicality to English football as well. He could prove to be a useful acquisition for clubs like Liverpool. Liverpool needs more depth in the defensive unit, especially with players like Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez expected to leave in the summer.
It will be interesting to see if they are prepared to test the resolve of the German club with an offer in the summer. The player is valued at £34 million, and they have the financial muscle to get the deal done. Even though the player has claimed that he is happy in Germany, the opportunity to join a club like Liverpool will be hard to turn down.
Similarly, Arsenal are an elite club. However, they have plenty of quality defenders at their disposal. They might not be able to offer Collins a regular starting role. He needs to join a club where he can play every week. Perhaps the move to Liverpool would be best suited for him.
Robert Andrich should have been sent off in the opening stages of Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen, according to BBC reporter Alex Howell.
The midfielder, who was already on a yellow card, escaped a second booking for a cynical foul that has now left Mikel Arteta’s side facing a mountain to climb in Germany.
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The incident occurred early in the first leg of the round-of-16 tie at the BayArena.
Having already been cautioned in the very first minute for a heavy challenge on Viktor Gyokeres, Andrich appeared to strike again just moments later, manhandling the Swedish striker to stop a dangerous Arsenal counter-attack.
(Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Andrich lucky to avoid sending off
Despite the clear nature of the infringement, the referee opted for a final warning rather than a dismissal.
Howell, providing live commentary on the match, highlighted the leniency of the officiating.
Howell tweeted:
“Andrich is very lucky to not get a second yellow for that foul on Gyökeres. One of those where you can imagine him getting one if he hadn’t been booked already.”
Andrich is very luck to not get a second yellow for that foul on Gyokeres. One of those where you can imagine him getting one if he hadn't been booked already
The decision to keep eleven men on the pitch for the hosts sparked immediate frustration from the Arsenal bench.
Andrich goal makes it worse for Arsenal
The failure to dismiss the German international became significantly more costly just seconds after the restart.
In the 46th minute, the very man who should have been in the dressing room found himself in the right place at the right time.
Andrich rose highest to meet a delivery in the box, heading the hosts into a 1-0 lead and punishing Arsenal for their inability to capitalize on their early dominance.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2026
The goal has completely shifted the momentum of the tie, leaving the Premier League leaders reeling in a hostile atmosphere.
Should Leverkusen hold on to their lead, or extend it, the decision to spare Andrich will undoubtedly be the main talking point for Mikel Arteta in his post-match assessment.
Chelsea and Newcastle United are interested in signing the FC Koln winger Said El Mala.
According to German publication Kicker, Chelsea is making serious efforts to sign the 19-year-old attacker at the end of the season, and it will be interesting to see if they can get that deal done. The player has registered 12 goal contributions this season, and he has impressed with his performances in German football.
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Said El Mala could improve Chelsea
He has the technical attributes for the Premier League as well, and he could be a very useful acquisition for Chelsea. They need someone who can take on defenders and beat them in one-on-one situations. They need to add more unpredictability in the final third.
El Mala could be a solid long-term acquisition for Chelsea. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them will be quite exciting for the young attacker as well. It would be a huge opportunity for him, and he will look to prove himself at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are on the player as well. They have an ambitious project and are looking to build a team capable of regularly fighting for trophies. They need more cutting-edge in the final third, and the 19-year-old would be an asset for them. It will be interesting to see whether they can convince the player to join the club rather than move to Chelsea.
El Mala will look to play regularly at a high-level and both clubs could be interesting opportunities for him. It will be interesting to see what he decides in the end.
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Gray, who joined Spurs from Leeds United for £40 million in 2024, has been a rare bright spark in an otherwise calamitous season for the North London club. However, it appears his future does not lie at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern Munich not interested in Archie Gray
Speaking to CFBayern, Christian Falk dismissed the rumours of a potential move, claiming that Bayern Munich are ‘not interested’ in signing Archie Gray.
The primary reason for Bayern’s lack of interest is their commitment to their own youth setup.
While there is no doubt about Gray’s quality, Bayern already possess a strong pool of emerging talent coming through their academy ranks.
The club is reportedly focused on the development of 19-year-old Lennart Karl, who has already broken into Vincent Kompany’s first-team squad, as well as highly-rated prospects David Santos and Noel Aseko.
Archie Gray could be a man in demand if Spurs are relegated
While Bayern have bowed out of the race, a move to Germany remains a distinct possibility.
Borussia Dortmund are reportedly considering Gray as a potential long-term replacement for Julian Brandt, who is expected to leave the Signal Iduna Park at the end of the season.
The interest in Gray comes amid growing uncertainty at Tottenham. Currently sitting just one point above the relegation zone following a string of defeats under interim boss Igor Tudor, Spurs could face a mass exodus of talent if the unthinkable happens and they drop into the Championship.
Gray’s versatility, having played at right-back, center-back, and across the midfield this season, has also attracted interest from Real Madrid.
However, reports suggest the youngster has reassured Spurs that he is prepared to ‘lead the fightback’ even if they are relegated.
Whether Tottenham can resist substantial bids for their £55 million-rated generational talent remains to be seen.
Arsenal are interested in signing the SC Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi.
The 20-year-old Swiss midfielder has impressed in the Bundesliga, and Arsenal are hoping to secure his signature at the end of the season. He could cost around £43 million, according to TEAMtalk, and it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal is prepared to pay up for him.
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Arsenal want Johan Manzambi
They have the resources to get the deal across the line, and they should be able to convince the player to join the club as well. Other clubs are monitoring his progress, and Arsenal might need to act quickly in order to win the race for his signature.
The highly talented box-to-box midfielder will add energy, drive, and creativity to the team. His arrival will be bad news for Christian Norgaard, who has already struggled for regular opportunities since joining the London club. It is fair to assume that signing the Bundesliga midfielder will signal the end of Norgaard at Arsenal.
It will be interesting to see how the situation develops. The young midfielder will need regular opportunities to continue his development. He must seek assurances on game time before joining Arsenal. Sitting on the bench at a big club would be detrimental to his development.
Mikel Arteta has done well in handling young players since taking over at Arsenal. He could play a key role in developing the 20-year-old midfielder. Arsenal are among the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them will be hard to turn down for the youngster. It remains to be seen whether the two clubs can finalise a deal.
Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen is being linked with a return to the Premier League, and Liverpool is keen on securing his signature.
According to reports from Spain, they would be willing to pay €70 million in order to sign the talented young defender. The 20-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he has previously shown his quality in the Premier League with Bournemouth. There is no doubt that he can succeed in La Liga as well, and it will be interesting to see whether Real Madrid is willing to sanction his departure.
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They need quality and depth in the defensive unit, and the 20-year-old is a long-term asset. It would not be a surprise if they refused to sanction his departure.
Meanwhile, Liverpool needs more quality in the defensive unit. They are likely to lose Ibrahima Konate in the summer when his contract expires. The French International has not signed an extension with the club. In addition, Joe Gomez could be on his way out of the club as well. He needs to play regularly at this stage of his career, and Liverpool will not be able to provide him with that opportunity.
Signing a talented young central defender should be a priority for Liverpool, and the Spaniard would be ideal for them. He knows the Premier League well, and he could make an immediate impact. The opportunity to join Liverpool could be an interesting option for the player, especially if Real Madrid is willing to sanction his departure. It remains to be seen how the situation develops over the next few months.
Real Madrid paid €50 million for him, and the opportunity to make a quick profit could be tempting. Also, Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, knows the player well from his time at Bournemouth, and he might be able to convince the player to return to England.
Iran has confirmed that it will not be participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The announcement comes as a direct consequence of the escalating military conflict between Iran and the United States-Israel alliance, which saw the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the opening day of strikes.
Sports minister confirms Iran will not participate in World Cup
(Photo by Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, confirmed the decision on state television on Wednesday, stating that the current political and security climate makes participation impossible.
The minister emphasised that the Iranian team would not be safe in a “hostile country,” especially given the recent history of conflict. Donyamali said (via The Sun):
“Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup.
“In view of the malicious measures taken against Iran, two wars were forced upon us within eight or nine months, and several thousand of our people were killed.
“Therefore, we definitely have no possibility of participating in this way.”
The decision follows reports that the U.S. and Israel launched “Operation Epic Fury” on February 28, 2026.
While FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently stated that President Donald Trump had offered assurances that the Iranian team would be welcome, Tehran has officially rejected the offer.
Iran accuse Australia of taking Women players hostage
(Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
This comes after Iran leveled serious allegations against Australia regarding members of the Iranian women’s national football team.
Esmail Baghaei Hamaneh, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accused Australian authorities of taking athletes “hostage” under the guise of offering asylum.
The claims follow reports that five members of the women’s squad sought humanitarian visas in Australia after refusing to sing the national anthem during a tournament on the Gold Coast.
Hamaneh lashed out on social media, referencing a Tomahawk attack on a school in Minab that reportedly killed 165 schoolgirls.
“They slaughtered more than 165 innocent Iranian schoolgirls… and now they want to take our athletes hostage in the name of ‘saving’ them?” Hamaneh wrote (via New York Post).
“The audacity and hypocrisy are staggering. To Iran’s Women’s football team: don’t worry — Iran awaits you with open arms. Come home.”
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the French goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier.
The 24-year-old has done quite well in France, but the move to PSG has not gone as planned. He has struggled for regular playing time this season, and a report from MediaFoot claims the player could be open to a move.
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Tottenham have made enquiries for the French goalkeeper, and he could prove to be an excellent acquisition for them. It is no secret that they need more quality in that area of the pitch.
Guglielmo Vicario has been error-prone, and Antonin Kinsky had a horror show on his Champions League debut for Spurs last night.
Tottenham need an upgrade in that area of the pitch, and the French goalkeeper could be ideal for them. He is highly rated in France, and he has a bright future. Even though he has struggled for regular opportunities in recent weeks, his talent is beyond doubt. He will be hungry to prove his quality at the highest level, and his desire to succeed will be upon us for Tottenham. It will be interesting to see if they follow up on their enquiry with an official offer to get the deal done.
PSG manager Luis Enrique has previously labelled him as a “top-class” keeper. He is still quite young, and he could improve with coaching and experience. He has all the attributes to develop into a top-class player for club and country. It will be interesting to see if PSG is willing to sanction his departure in the summer. Tottenham might have to submit an attractive offer in order to get the deal done.
The opportunity to move to England could be exciting for him, especially if Tottenham is prepared to provide him with regular opportunities.
Arsenal are currently fighting for the league title and are at the top of the Premier League table.
They are currently favourites to win the league this season, but their style of play has left former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel frustrated.
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The former Chelsea midfielder revealed to talkSPORT that Arsenal have been overly dependent on set pieces to win matches. He added that they have spent nearly £1 billion on improving the team, but they have not been able to win games in style.
He also added that Arsenal are cheating their way to the title. His claims will not go down well with the Arsenal fans, and it will only add to the bitterness between the two clubs and their respective sets of fans.
Mikel said: “When I watch Arsenal play right now, they depend solely, solely on corner kicks. You have spent almost a billion, Mikel Arteta, almost a billion. And you’re telling me the only way you can win games is through corner kicks? It’s ridiculous.
On recognising them as champions, he added: “Not if they go on and win the way they’re playing right now. No, I wouldn’t, because for me it’s cheating; they’ve cheated their way to winning the Premier League. So I wouldn’t recognise them as winners because, for me, it’s illegal the way they’re winning games. It’s illegal.”
There is no doubt that Arsenal have a quality team, but their style of play has often been branded as negative. For a team packed with several top-quality players, perhaps fans and neutrals would have expected a more adventurous style of football.
That said, Arsenal have not won a major trophy for over two decades. They will be desperate to win the Premier League title, regardless of their style of play. Mikel Arteta has been under a lot of pressure after the kind of backing he has received in the transfer market.
He will be hoping to deliver a major trophy this season, and winning the Premier League title would be a huge relief for him. The Spanish manager is unlikely to care what others have to say about his style of football, especially if he manages to deliver the league title.
Liverpool are plotting a summer move for Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad.
The 24-year-old Japanese international has done well in Spain, and he could prove to be a useful acquisition for Liverpool. Mohamed Salah has not been at his best this season, and the Egyptian has been linked with an exit. Liverpool will need to replace him properly, and they have identified the La Liga attacker as an option.
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According to reports from Spain, they would be prepared to pay €80 million in order to get the deal done. The reported offer would be hard for the Spanish club to turn down, and they are likely to sanction his departure if the offer is presented in the summer.
Convincing the player to join Liverpool will not be difficult either. It would be a huge opportunity in his career, and he will look to join the Premier League champions if the opportunity presents itself.
Liverpool needs more quality on the flanks, and ideally, they should look to invest in a left-sided attacker as well. It will be interesting to see if they can bring in two quality wingers in the summer. They have also been linked to Yan Diomande.
The 24-year-old Japanese international has the technical attributes to succeed in English football, and he will look to make his mark in the Premier League if the move goes through.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has “serious chances” to leave the club this summer, following a nightmare season that has left the North London side fighting for Premier League survival.
Despite signing a new four-year contract extension just last August, the 27-year-old’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is now shrouded in uncertainty.
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Taking to X, Romano revealed: “Cuti Romero has serious chances to leave Tottenham in the summer. Top clubs have started to call as exit is a possibility despite new deal signed last summer. Romero could be open to a sale, as Telegraph and TyC Sports reported.”
??? Cuti Romero has serious chances to leave Tottenham in the summer.
Top clubs have started to call as exit is a possibility despite new deal signed last summer.
Romero could be open to a sale, as Telegraph and TyC Sports reported.
The World Cup winner is reportedly frustrated with the club’s lack of ambition and the chaotic managerial changes that have seen Igor Tudor struggle to stabilise a squad left in disarray by Thomas Frank.
Several European heavyweights have already registered interest. Atletico Madrid remain long-term admirers, with Diego Simeone reportedly viewing Romero as the ideal leader for his defense.
Real Madrid and Manchester United are also said to be monitoring the situation closely, especially with the Argentine potentially available for a fee in the region of £60 million.
Tottenham also open to selling Romero as part of squad rebuild
While the ‘world-class‘ Romero’s departure would be a massive blow to the fans, the Spurs hierarchy appears increasingly resigned to a parting of ways.
It has been reported that the club is planning a ruthless summer overhaul, with Romero identified as one of the primary high-value assets to be cashed in on to fund a rebuild.
Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold has confirmed that Igor Tudor will lead the pre-match press conference on Friday, signaling that the interim manager will remain in the dugout for the crucial trip to Anfield.
The news comes in the wake of a humiliating 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, a result that has left fans and pundits questioning if Tudor is the right man to prevent a historic relegation.
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Taking to X, Gold broke the news of the club’s decision: “Spurs have confirmed that Igor Tudor is scheduled to take his press conference on Friday afternoon at 1.30pm ahead of the Liverpool match.”
Igor Tudor expected to remain in charge for the Liverpool game
Despite the outcry following the disaster in Madrid, the Tottenham hierarchy appears to be sticking with Tudor for at least one more game.
The 47-year-old’s brief tenure has been nothing short of a nightmare; since replacing Thomas Frank 25 days ago, he has lost all four of his matches in charge, conceding a staggering 14 goals in the process.
While Tudor claimed the move was made to protect the young keeper, the tactical chaos has reportedly left players unconvinced by his leadership.
Spurs could still sack Tudor amid serious relegation threat
While he will face the media on Friday, Tudor’s position remains incredibly insecure.
Tottenham currently sit in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone. With rivals like Nottingham Forest and Wolves beginning to pick up points, the once-unthinkable prospect of Championship football for the first time since 1977 is now a grim reality.
Match
Venue
Result
vs Arsenal
Home
Loss 1–4
vs Fulham
Away
Loss 2–1
vs Crystal Palace
Home
Loss 1–3
Atletico Madrid
Away
Loss 5-2
Igor Tudor is winless since taking interim role at Tottenham
The board, led by executive Vinai Venkatesham, is reportedly under immense pressure to act before the upcoming international break.
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The Argentina international has been one of the major signings of the Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali ‘BlueCo’ project, but it seems he might not be staying for the long term after all.
That’s according to a report from L’Equipe, who cast some doubt over Fernandez seeing out his long-term contract with Chelsea as he prepares to play against transfer suitors PSG in the Champions League this evening.
PSG eyeing Enzo Fernandez transfer to build star-studded midfield
PSG already have some of the finest midfield players in world football in the form of Vitinha and Joao Neves, but there’s still perhaps also some room for improvement.
Fernandez would likely be an upgrade on Fabian Ruiz and Warren Zaire-Emery, though one imagines he wouldn’t come cheap as CFC surely won’t be too keen to let him go.
In fact, a recent report from TEAMtalk stated that the Blues were keen to open talks with both Fernandez and Moises Caicedo over new contracts.
That is perhaps a message to a club like PSG over their chances of landing Fernandez, though aside from the cost we’re adamant that he’d be a great fit at the Parc des Princes…
Fernandez is close to ideal for the Ligue 1 giants’ needs, as he’s one of the finest midfielders in world football on his day, who’s won major trophies such as the Club World Cup and the Europa Conference League with Chelsea, and the World Cup with Argentina.
His price tag would likely be an issue, but at the age of 25 they’d also get him for what should be his peak years in the near future, so this could be a player well worth paying over the odds for.
This comes as Man City and Doku have talks scheduled to resolve the Belgium international’s long-term future at the Etihad Stadium, according to TEAMtalk.
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Despite showing moments of real quality since joining City, Doku hasn’t quite established himself as a regular starter, particularly since Pep Guardiola brought in Antoine Semenyo in January.
Doku could surely still have a role to play as a squad player at City, but that’s also probably not something the 23-year-old himself would be that happy with.
Jeremy Doku could get La Liga transfer opportunity
TEAMtalk’s report adds that Doku could get the opportunity to move to Spain as Atletico Madrid are planning to make major changes to their attack this summer.
It remains to be seen if City will allow such a deal to go ahead, as the report suggests they have already planned talks over a possible new contract for a player they rate highly.
Still, Doku himself seems to be unsettled, so Atletico may fancy their chances of getting a deal done here.
Should Man City keep Jeremy Doku?
Doku is an exciting talent who could still blossom into a more well-rounded player, but City might also do well to cash in on him.
With only three goals and seven assists in all competitions so far this season, Doku isn’t really contributing enough on a regular basis.
It’s not too surprising that MCFC felt they needed to add someone like Semenyo to their squad in January, while there was also the addition of Rayan Cherki in the summer.
All in all, that gives Guardiola a lot of options, so it might make sense to offload one or two of those players to perhaps make room for signings elsewhere in the squad.
Arsenal are reportedly considering a summer transfer window move for Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento amid uncertainty over his future.
The 23-year-old will have just two years left on his Newcastle contract this summer and has so far not shown a willingness to sign a new deal.
That’s according to a report from the Telegraph, which goes on to state that Arsenal are keen on Livramento and eyeing up a possible summer offer for him.
Tino Livramento transfer opportunity will surely be tempting for Arsenal and other big clubs
Livramento has done well at Newcastle, despite some injury problems, so his situation will surely continue to be of interest to Arsenal and other big clubs in the weeks and months ahead.
The former Chelsea youngster’s contract situation might mean he is able to move for relatively cheap this summer, though the Telegraph do not name a specific price in their report.
Livramento looks like he has it in him to be at the higher end of ‘medium’ for Arsenal in that he’d most likely add good depth to a position they may well need to strengthen in.
As noted by the Telegraph and by our previous reports, Ben White’s future at the Emirates Stadium could be in some doubt this summer, so the club will need to replace this experienced and influential player.
Livramento is also young enough that he could improve with time and perhaps challenge to be a starter later on, all without costing a fortune.
Tudor replaced Kinsky with the usual number one Guglielmo Vicario, in what really feels like the ultimate humiliation for the young ‘keeper who’d been given a very difficult task coming into such an out-of-form and unconfident team.
Antonin Kinsky expected to leave Spurs on loan in summer transfer window
According to the Telegraph, this incident now looks likely to mean that Kinsky leaves Tottenham on loan this summer.
The Czech Republic Under-21 international is seemingly considering his options in a bid to rebuild his career, in what now looks like a long way back for him with Spurs.
It’s not often you see goalkeepers substituted during games unless they’re injured, and the overall feeling is that Tudor handled this badly.
The Telegraph are already casting serious doubts over Kinsky’s future, with the report also quoting a former club employee as describing Tudor’s behaviour as “disgraceful”.
Antonin Kinsky had looked set for no.1 position at Spurs
The Telegraph’s report also suggests Kinsky had looked set to challenge for the number one spot at Spurs, though this plan is now in tatters.
Several of Europe’s biggest clubs are reportedly monitoring SC Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, with Premier League sides Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal among those showing interest.
According to TEAMtalk, representatives from the three English clubs have recently attended matches to scout the promising 20-year-old Switzerland international.
Manzambi has emerged as one of the most exciting young midfield prospects in the Bundesliga.
His performances have not only attracted attention from England but have also caught the eye of continental giants Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, setting the stage for a potentially competitive transfer battle in the coming windows.
Manzambi has impressed in the Bundesliga
Manzambi has enjoyed a rapid rise at Freiburg, establishing himself as one of the club’s most dynamic midfielders despite his young age.
The Swiss international is widely regarded as a modern box-to-box midfielder, capable of contributing in both defensive and attacking phases of play.
His game is defined by energy, physical strength, and tactical intelligence.
Manzambi regularly covers large areas of the pitch, helping his team recover possession while also driving the ball forward in transition. Scouts have also highlighted his composure on the ball and his ability to link midfield with attack.
Freiburg have built a reputation in recent years for developing talented players and giving young prospects opportunities to flourish.
Each of the three clubs has been seeking midfielders who can combine technical ability with athleticism, and the Swiss youngster fits that profile.
Man United have been exploring several midfield options as they continue reshaping the squad, while Chelsea’s recruitment model has focused heavily on signing young players with significant potential.
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, are also keen to add depth and energy to their midfield as they compete on multiple fronts.
Inter Milan are reportedly monitoring Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario as they begin planning for the future of their goalkeeping department.
According to Calciomercato, the Serie A leaders have been tracking the Italian international for several weeks and have identified him as a potential long-term replacement for veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Inter’s recruitment team is believed to be assessing several candidates capable of strengthening their squad ahead of the next season.
Vicario has emerged as one of the most intriguing options due to his performances in the Premier League and his growing reputation within Italian football.
Vicario’s development at Tottenham has been impressive
Vicario has gradually established himself as one of the club’s most reliable performers.
The 29-year-old shot-stopper is known for his quick reflexes, command of the penalty area, and ability to distribute the ball effectively from the back.
His recent form has been inconsistent though but there is no question about his quality as a goalkeeper.
The 29-year-old shot-stopper is known for his quick reflexes, command of the penalty area, and ability to distribute the ball effectively from the back.
His ability to produce important saves during difficult matches has helped maintain his status as one of the squad’s standout players.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has sent a classy social media message to Tottenham’s Antonin Kinsky after his horror-show against Atletico Madrid.
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Kinsky was brought into the starting line up for Spurs against Atletico in something of a surprise call from interim manager Igor Tudor, who then subbed the young shot-stopper after just 15 minutes.
Things couldn’t really have gone much worse for Kinsky, who conceded three goals, including making one absolutely shocking mistake, in that opening quarter-of-an-hour period.
Still, Tudor has received strong criticism for publicly shaming his ‘keeper by starting him in such a big game and then substituting him so quickly, with De Gea sending a clear message of support…
No one who hasn't been a goalkeeper can understand how difficult it is to play in this position.
“No one who hasn’t been a goalkeeper can understand how difficult it is to play in this position. Keep your head up and you will go again,” the Spaniard posted on X.
Footballing world rallies around Antonin Kinsky
This was a really nice touch by De Gea as Kinsky must be going through his own personal hell right now after such a disastrous outing last night.
The 22-year-old is still relatively inexperienced and learning the game, and surely needed backing from Tudor at that crucial moment.
The Red Devils legend slammed Tudor for putting him in such a difficult position and seriously harming his career.
“This will be a moment that everybody in football will remember when they see or hear (Kinsky’s) name…You’ve got to stick with him at least until half-time… He’s absolutely killed his career. I feel really sorry for him,” Schmeichel said.
Joe Hart also criticised Tudor’s decision on TNT Sports, as quoted by the Daily Mail: “To get to this level, signed by Spurs, one mistake does not alter you. That is a technical error, but what precedes that… was it the right decision? Maybe it was. But what I saw after…
“I hate being reactive because I like to know all the facts. But the fact he has taken him off in that situation having played him… he is young, 22, he is not a man, he has done nothing to try and hurt Spurs.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that he’s spoken with US President Donald Trump about Iran’s possible participation at the 2026 World Cup.
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Trump recently put the US at war with Iran, but there have been mixed messages about how soon the conflict could come to an end.
Infantino, posting on his official Instagram account, says he’s spoken with Trump and been given reassurances that Iran would still be welcome to participate at the World Cup, which will be held in North America this summer.
Gianni Infantino’s update after talks with Donald Trump
“This evening, I met with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump to discuss the status of preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and the growing excitement as we are set to kick off in just 93 days,” he said.
“We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.
“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World.”
It could be that everything has blown over by then, but this whole saga will once again raise serious question-marks over giving the US this tournament.
Mexico and Canada will also be co-hosts, but the US is obviously a big player in this and simply looks too unstable right now to be able to welcome fans from all over the world.
Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close watch on Bournemouth midfielder Marcus Tavernier as they prepare for what could be another busy summer transfer window.
According to Football Insider, the 26-year-old attacking midfielder has been added to the Red Devils’ shortlist of potential targets as the club evaluates ways to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The Bournemouth player has impressed scouts this season with his consistency and versatility, making him an attractive candidate for clubs seeking proven Premier League talent.
Tavernier has had a positive impact at Bournemouth
Tavernier has enjoyed a productive season with Bournemouth, playing a significant role in the team’s attacking structure.
In the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, the midfielder has been directly involved in nine goals across 25 league appearances, contributing both goals and assists from midfield.
Originally developed at Middlesbrough, Tavernier earned recognition for his energy, creativity, and ability to influence games in the final third before making the move to Bournemouth.
Since joining the south coast club, he has steadily improved his performances and developed into a key player in their attacking system.
His strengths include intelligent movement, sharp passing, and the ability to carry the ball forward under pressure.
Tavernier’s versatility also allows him to operate in several roles, including as an attacking midfielder, wide playmaker, or deeper creative presence in midfield.
Marcus Tavernier of Bournemouth in action (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Man United’s interest in Tavernier appears to be part of an effort to increase the team’s attacking creativity from midfield areas.
The club has been exploring options capable of complementing their existing players while providing additional depth for a demanding schedule that includes domestic and European competitions.
Reports suggest Bournemouth could be willing to consider offers if the right proposal arrives, with earlier estimates indicating that a transfer fee of around £40 million might be enough to secure the player’s services.
While it remains to be seen whether United will make a formal move, the midfielder’s creativity and versatility make him an interesting option for the Red Devils.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly two clubs on red alert as Alexis Mac Allister looks to have decided to leave Liverpool.
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The Argentina international has 19 goals in 137 appearances for Liverpool, helping them win the Premier League title last season, but it seems he now wants a new challenge.
Mac Allister has been an important player for LFC, so if he really is looking to leave Anfield then it’s going to be hard to replace him.
The former Brighton man is a fine all-rounder in midfield, providing work rate, quality on the ball, and an eye for the occasional goal from the middle of the park.
Having lost Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz last summer, and with Ibrahima Konate coming towards the end of his contract, it’s far from ideal that another key part of this squad could be moving on.
It’s been a strange season in the Premier League, with many fans and pundits bemoaning a dip in the overall entertainment value of the competition.
Arne Slot himself has said he’s not finding the football here much of a joy to watch anymore, and it will be interesting to see if that leads to players like Mac Allister looking to move abroad.
Fichajes’ report makes it clear that Mac Allister wants to try something different from the fast and frenetic pace of English football.
It’s always been a highly competitive league, but it seems to be getting even more so, while the style of play is also increasingly physically demanding and based a lot around set piece tactics and physicality, rather than free-flowing, attack-minded football.
It seems Tudor’s struggles could now seriously lead Tottenham into making a speedy change in the dugout, with former player and club legend Robbie Keane contacted about coming in, according to TEAMtalk.
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Tudor probably thought he’d have a bit more time, but things have been so bad that it seems Tottenham’s board are now already exploring options to replace him.
The latest on Igor Tudor and Tottenham’s manager situation
TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey has provided an update on Spurs’ manager situation, with Tudor seemingly in real danger, and with Keane approached over coming in to try to rescue the club as they look to be facing the very real threat of relegation.
“The club’s hierarchy are now in talks having previously decided that Tudor would get until after the Atletico second leg…but the first leg defeat has forced a rethink,” Bailey said.
He added: “As it stands the club are continuing to do work, as they have been for more than a week, on options to replace Igor Tudor – the hierarchy are aware that the squad have not reacted to Tudor as they hoped.
“Robbie Keane has been spoken to, but he is also a top target for Crystal Palace and has been linked to Celtic, heading into the summer.
“Spurs are considering all options and we understand a host of agents and intermediaries have contacted them about potential replacements. But Keane is very much a preferred option.”
? Igor Tudor on possibility of getting sacked: “It's not about me. We need to stay calm. Less talking”.
“Better less talking. Now is not the moment to try and give a big explanation”. pic.twitter.com/DTkEyWrEms
Tottenham are currently on a run of six consecutive defeats in all competitions, with the team’s dire form leaving them just a point above the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, last night’s heavy defeat in Spain surely means the team can kiss goodbye to their Champions League campaign this season.
Arsenal’s quest for a maiden European crown faces a significant hurdle as manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that captain Martin Ødegaard will miss tonight’s Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen.
Ødegaard has been grappling with a persistent knee injury originally sustained during a 1-1 draw with Brentford last month.
While the Norwegian international briefly returned for the North London Derby against Tottenham, he has since missed Arsenal’s last three fixtures.
Reports suggest he may be sidelined until late March or early April, leaving him in a race against time to be fit for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City later this month.
Arteta confirmed the update ahead of Leverkusen clash
While the loss of Ødegaard is a setback, the Arsenal squad received a major boost elsewhere.
William Saliba has been passed fit after missing the last two games with an ankle issue.
Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Martin Zubimendi are all available after being rested during the weekend’s 2-1 FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town.
Ben White traveled with the squad to Germany and could feature.
Alongside Ødegaard, Mikel Merino remains out following foot surgery, while Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard are considered late fitness tests.
Arsenal will not rely on Eberechi Eze in Ødegaard’s absence
Eberechi Eze in action for Arsenal (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Arteta is expected to turn to Eberechi Eze to occupy the number 10 role.
Eze has been in sparkling form, recently netting a brace against Tottenham and the winner in the FA Cup.
He is likely to support a front line featuring Viktor Gyökeres and former Leverkusen star Kai Havertz, who returns to the BayArena for the first time since his 2020 departure.
The Gunners will be hoping to take advantage in the first leg of the Round of 16 clash against the German side.
Although Arsenal are clear favourites to go through the next round, the Champions League has a habit of coming up with surprises.
Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea are all on the lookout for a proven Premier League midfielder this summer, with sources telling me about one name attracting growing interest.
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These clubs, in search of dynamism and pressing power in midfield, are said to view Adams as “a strong candidate who fits their tactical needs”, while there’s also the feeling that he could be available without costing a fortune this summer.
“Bournemouth could consider offers in the region of £30 million for Adams,” one source with ties to the agents industry told me. While this figure is seen as reasonable within the context of Premier League transfer strategies, Bournemouth’s position remains strong given Adams’ contract length and his importance to the squad.
Chelsea have long been linked with midfield reinforcements, and Adams’ recovery aligns with their plans to strengthen squad depth in the summer. Manchester United, meanwhile, are seeking greater energy and resilience in midfield, and Adams’ blend of Premier League experience and international pedigree makes him an appealing option. Liverpool are also believed to be tracking the player, aiming to expand their rotation in the middle of the park.
Tyler Adams transfer might have to wait until after the World Cup
According to sources, some clubs may prefer to wait until after the FIFA World Cup to make a definitive move, allowing them to assess Adams’ form and fitness over a longer period. This approach suggests that while negotiations could accelerate in the summer, a final decision might not be made until after the tournament.
Adams’ potential transfer is significant not only in financial terms but also in its impact on the strategic direction of these clubs’ midfields. For Bournemouth, a possible sale would generate substantial funds that could play a key role in reshaping their squad.
We’ve seen the Cherries being forced to sell star players in the past, such as Dean Huijsen last summer, and Antoine Semenyo in January, so it makes sense that Adams could be the next to attract interest as a realistic and affordable target.
Manchester United are reportedly exploring a move for Napoli midfielder Eljif Elmas as the club continues to assess options for strengthening its midfield ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, the Red Devils have expressed interest in the North Macedonia international, who has enjoyed a productive return to Napoli this season.
Elmas is back at the Italian club following a loan spell from RB Leipzig last summer.
Napoli reportedly hold an option to make the deal permanent for around £14 million, but speculation suggests the Serie A side could subsequently consider selling the midfielder for a higher fee if significant interest arrives.
Elmas has been impressive for Napoli on his return
Elmas initially made his name at Napoli after joining from Fenerbahçe earlier in his career, earning praise for his work rate and technical ability.
After moving to RB Leipzig, he returned to Naples in September 2025 on loan and quickly re-established himself as a valuable member of the squad.
During the current campaign, Elmas has made 36 appearances across all competitions, contributing one goal and three assists while delivering consistent performances in midfield.
Although originally expected to operate primarily in an advanced attacking role, injuries within Napoli’s squad have forced manager Antonio Conte to deploy him in several different positions.
His adaptability has proven crucial. Elmas has featured as a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder, and occasionally on both wings when the team required tactical adjustments.
Elmas’ ability to cover several midfield positions while maintaining composure on the ball makes him an attractive option.
His passing range and decision-making have been particularly praised in Serie A this season, helping Napoli maintain balance in midfield during a demanding campaign.
While Napoli have the option to sign Elmas permanently, reports suggest they could be open to selling him if a profitable offer arrives.
O’Hara also insists he has to try his best not to swear on air, before once again simply walking away in a fit of rage.
What next for Tottenham after Champions League humiliation?
While losing to a top side like Atletico Madrid is no disgrace, the manner of last night’s result will surely be a big worry for Tottenham fans.
The north Londoners look absolutely clueless under new interim manager Igor Tudor, and found themselves 4-0 down inside 22 minutes yesterday evening.
No wonder O’Hara was in a foul mood afterwards, with this Spurs side becoming almost unwatchable as they make awful mistakes in every game at the moment.
This heavy loss surely means the second leg is pretty much a formality for Atletico, with Spurs needing to focus on staying in the Premier League.
Based on how bad they’ve been under Tudor, however, it’s hard to see them staying up, and another change in manager may even be necessary to turn things around in the final few games of the season.
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Watch the video clip below as Schmeichel spoke on CBS Sports about Tudor’s surprise decision to sub Kinsky off after less than 15 minutes on the clock in last night’s defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Having made the big decision to start Kinsky over Spurs’ usual first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, it quickly looked like that call backfired as Kinsky looked really poor and conceded three early goals.
Still, Schmeichel says he feels Tudor needed to stick with his ‘keeper at that point, instead of taking him off and replacing him with Vicario in a humiliating moment…
“This will be a moment that everybody in football will remember when they see or hear (Kinsky’s) name…You’ve got to stick with him at least until half-time… He’s absolutely killed his career. I feel really sorry for him,” the Man Utd legend said.
Igor Tudor’s Tottenham nightmare continues
This latest result means Tudor has lost all four of his matches in charge of Tottenham so far since he came in as interim manager after Thomas Frank’s sacking.
The Croatian tactician is doing an awful job of trying to steady the ship at Spurs, and he could really have done without headlines like this as he looks to improve the morale in his squad.
There is now surely a very real risk of Tottenham getting relegated, and last night’s 5-2 defeat away to Atletico surely means they’re heading out of the Champions League.
It will be interesting to see if Tudor actually lasts much longer as he only seems to have made things worse since being trusted with the THFC job until the end of the season.
Juventus have reportedly initiated discussions with Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva over a potential move once his current contract expires.
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the Serie A giants are exploring the possibility of signing the Portuguese international as a free agent, although they are expected to face competition from several clubs around the world.
Silva’s long-term future remains uncertain with his deal at Man City approaching its final stages.
Juventus are looking to add experience to their squad
Juventus are believed to view Silva as an ideal addition to their midfield as they continue to reshape their squad.
The Turin club has been attempting to rebuild a competitive team capable of challenging for domestic and European honours after a period of transition.
His ability to operate in multiple roles, including as an attacking midfielder, wide playmaker, or deeper central midfielder, offers tactical flexibility that many top clubs value.
Bernardo Silva has been highly successful at Man City
Bernardo Silva of Manchester City (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Silva has been a central figure in Man City’s rise to dominance under Guardiola.
During his time at the club, he has played a crucial role in winning numerous major trophies, including multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and the UEFA Champions League.
Silva’s relentless work rate, creativity, and ability to control matches have made him a favourite among City supporters and a trusted figure in Guardiola’s tactical system.
Despite his importance to the squad, speculation about Silva’s future has surfaced repeatedly in recent years, with the player occasionally linked with moves to Spain, Italy, and other leagues.
Juventus are not the only club interested in securing Silva’s services. Reports suggest Galatasaray and Inter Miami are also monitoring the situation closely.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has become one of the most sought-after coaches in the Premier League as the end of the season approaches.
Several clubs are closely watching his situation, with Manchester United and Tottenham reportedly interested in the Spanish tactician, according to iNews.
Iraola’s contract with Bournemouth is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, meaning he could potentially become available this summer.
The 43-year-old has earned widespread praise for the work he has done at Bournemouth since arriving from Spanish club Rayo Vallecano. Known for his energetic tactical approach, Iraola has built a reputation for implementing an aggressive pressing style combined with quick attacking transitions.
His teams are often praised for their intensity, organisation, and ability to compete against more established opponents.
Under his guidance, Bournemouth have developed a clear playing identity, something that has caught the attention of several clubs searching for a progressive manager.
Before moving to England, Iraola impressed in La Liga with Rayo Vallecano, where he guided the Madrid-based club to promotion and later secured a memorable run to the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Andoni Iraola, Manager of Bournemouth (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Man United are looking for a new manager and despite Michael Carrick impressing in his interim role at the club, he is not certain to get the job at the club.
The Red Devils are carefully assessing their options till the end of the season before making a decision.
Spurs, on the other hand, sacked Thomas Frank recently and replaced him with Igor Tudor.
They are also in a similar situation as Man United, with options being assessed behind the scenes.
Iraola will be a man in demand and his contract situation could make things easier for interested clubs.
Tottenham suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid, leaving manager Igor Tudor searching for answers after one of the most chaotic matches of the club’s turbulent season.
The Croatian coach admitted after the game that the performance and particularly the events surrounding goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, were unlike anything he had experienced in his managerial career.
Spurs entered the match hoping to build momentum and stabilise their campaign, but instead endured a dramatic collapse against Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid, who ruthlessly exposed Tottenham’s defensive fragility throughout the contest.
A night to forget for Tottenham in Spain
Tottenham boss Igor Tudor started goalkeeper Kinsky instead of Guglielmo Vicario but the goalkeeper had a night to forget.
He made several high-profile early errors which lead to Spurs going down 3-0 in the first 15 minutes of the match.
The Spanish side capitalized on Tottenham’s defensive mistakes, repeatedly exploiting the spaces left in transition.
Tudor decided to take off Kinsky for Vicario in the 16th minute of the match to end the goalkeeper’s misery, who went straight down the tunnel after the substitution.
By the time the final whistle blew, the 5-2 scoreline reflected Atlético Madrid’s dominance and Tottenham’s inability to regain control of the game.
Following the match, Tudor said, as reported by Fabrizio Romano:
“It was the right call to play Kinsky. He’s an important goalkeeper. Then what happens next has no explanation”.
“I never seen anything like this in 15 years”.
“I changed Kinsky to help him… it’s a bad moment as everything is going in wrong direction for us”.
Antonin Kinsky of Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
While Tottenham struggled, Atlético Madrid demonstrated why they remain one of Europe’s most disciplined teams under Simeone.
Their defensive organisation and sharp attacking transitions proved too much for Spurs to handle.
Players across Atlético’s lineup contributed to the impressive performance, combining tactical discipline with efficient finishing in front of goal.
It is a mountain to climb for Spurs in the second leg and considering their form and recent performances, it is difficul to see them turnaround the deficit in the return leg in North London.
Manchester United are reportedly assessing the possibility of signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré as part of their ongoing squad planning ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Football Insider, the Ivory Coast international has caught the attention of United’s scouting department following a series of consistent performances in the Premier League this season.
Sangaré has been an important presence in Nottingham Forest’s midfield since joining the club from PSV Eindhoven. Known for his physicality, defensive awareness, and ball-winning ability, the 28-year-old has developed a reputation as a reliable defensive midfielder capable of shielding the back line.
During the 2025/26 season, Sangaré has made 32 appearances across all competitions, playing a central role in Forest’s midfield structure. His ability to break up opposition attacks and recycle possession has made him a valuable component of the team’s tactical setup.
Sangaré’s performances have not gone unnoticed. Several Premier League clubs have reportedly monitored the midfielder in recent seasons, recognising his ability to combine strength with technical composure.
Ibrahim Sangare of Nottingham Forest in action (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Man United’s interest in Sangaré shows an effort to reinforce the midfield department.
The club has been evaluating options capable of providing defensive stability while also supporting younger midfield talents already within the squad.
United’s recruitment team is believed to be exploring a variety of profiles for the position.
Alongside Sangaré, reports have also linked the club with his Nottingham Forest teammate Elliot Anderson, who has impressed with his creativity and energy in midfield.
The pursuit of Sangaré would likely be part of a wider strategy aimed at strengthening depth and balance within the squad as United aim to compete more consistently at the top level.
The signing of midfielder at Old Trafford is also linked with the impending departure of Casemiro who is set to move at the end of the season.
The Gunners were notably linked with the Italy international in January, but there is now growing uncertainty about a possible move.
That’s according to a surprise report from the Chronicle, which states that Arsenal did not mention Tonali’s name in recent transfer meetings, with the north London giants possibly set to only have £40m to spend this summer.
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That’s good news for Newcastle as it boosts their hopes of keeping Tonali, but Arsenal fans will surely be concerned if that’s really the kind of budget their club will be working with.
Sandro Tonali transfer doesn’t look ideal for Arsenal anyway
Using CaughtOffside’s own Transfer Fit rating system, we recently showed that Tonali doesn’t look a good fit for Arsenal at the moment anyway, primarily due to how expensive he’d be, whilst also taking into account what Mikel Arteta already has in that area of his squad.
Sandro Tonali
TOTAL SCORE: 7/25
Transfer fee
–
Performance
**
Achievements
**
Career phase
***
Squad need
–
Tonali is a fine player, but if AFC are going to spend big on a new midfield signing, then he would need to be someone who’d represent an obvious upgrade on Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
For all his qualities, Tonali doesn’t really look like that, nor is he someone who’d be happy with a place on the bench in most games.
Arsenal to sell before they can buy?
Arsenal’s budget issues follow a busy summer last year when they brought in Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Zubimendi, and other major signings to bolster both their starting XI and squad depth.
It’s perhaps not too surprising that the club are now a bit more limited with what they can spend, and that sales might need to happen before further new arrivals can join.
Tottenham Hotspur could be prepared to part ways with Cristian Romero this summer as the club begins planning a major squad overhaul.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Spurs are open to listening to offers for the Argentine centre-back amid growing interest from Atlético Madrid.
Tottenham are navigating one of their most difficult seasons in recent years.
With the club struggling in the lower half of the Premier League table and uncertainty surrounding the long-term managerial situation, senior figures behind the scenes are reportedly preparing for a significant rebuilding phase that could stretch across the next three transfer windows.
Romero, despite being one of Tottenham’s most recognisable defenders, is believed to be among the players whose futures may be reconsidered as part of that restructuring process.
Romero has been individually successful at Tottenham
The Argentina international has been known for his physical style of play, strong tackling, and ability to step out of defence to intercept opposition attacks.
At his best, Romero has been a central pillar of Tottenham’s back line and a key figure in Argentina’s international success, including their 2022 World Cup triumph and subsequent international campaigns.
However, Tottenham’s inconsistent defensive performances this season have led the club to reassess several areas of the squad.
While Romero remains highly regarded for his qualities, Spurs may be willing to consider offers if it helps fund a rebuilding project.
Cristian Romero in action for Tottenham (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Atlético Madrid are reportedly among the clubs most interested in Romero’s situation.
The Spanish side have long valued defenders with the kind of intensity and defensive aggression that characterise the Argentine’s playing style.
Under Diego Simeone, Atlético have traditionally built their identity around strong defensive organisation and physicality.
For Atlético, the opportunity to sign a defender already proven in elite European competitions could represent a valuable addition to their squad as they plan for the next phase of their project.
Real Madrid are closely monitoring the future of Manchester City midfielder Rodri as uncertainty continues to surround his contract situation at the Etihad Stadium.
According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, the Spanish giants are keeping a close eye on developments as the midfielder approaches a pivotal moment in his career.
Rodri’s current deal with Manchester City is approaching its final stages, with the 29-year-old expected to make an important decision about his future in the coming months.
If he chooses not to extend his contract this summer, he will enter the final year of his agreement with the Premier League champions, a situation that could open the door to a potential transfer.
Rodri’s importance at Man City
Rodri has become one of the most influential players in Pep Guardiola’s system.
Widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football, the Spanish international plays a crucial role in controlling the tempo of matches and protecting City’s back line.
Rodri’s ability to dictate play with precise passing, combined with his positional intelligence and defensive awareness, has made him indispensable to Guardiola’s tactical approach.
Over the past several seasons, he has been a central figure in City’s domestic dominance, helping the club secure multiple Premier League titles as well as their historic UEFA Champions League triumph.
Beyond his defensive responsibilities, Rodri has also delivered decisive moments in attack, often scoring crucial goals in high-pressure matches.
Real Madrid are planning to rebuild their midfield
Rodri celebrates a goal for Manchester City (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri comes as part of a broader effort to reshape their midfield following the departure of long-time leader Luka Modrić, who joined AC Milan last year.
The Spanish club has been gradually transitioning to a new generation of midfielders, combining experienced players with emerging talent.
Rodri’s profile fits perfectly with this strategy. His experience at the highest level, combined with his tactical discipline and leadership qualities, make him an appealing candidate to anchor Real Madrid’s midfield in the coming years.
Man City are likely to push hard to retain one of their most important players, but Real Madrid’s interest ensures the situation will be closely watched across Europe.
Senior figures at Chelsea have reportedly decided that Liam Delap is not going to be allowed to leave this summer as they’re confident he can turn his Blues career around.
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Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town last summer and has not made the best start to life at Stamford Bridge, with just two goals in 28 appearances in all competitions so far.
Still, it seems Chelsea remain confident that the 23-year-old will come good and mainly blame injury problems for his disappointing debut campaign, according to Sky Sports, as cited by the Daily Mirror.
Chelsea fans will likely have mixed feelings about this Delap transfer update, as he’s looked out of his depth so far but perhaps deserves a bit more time to develop and improve.
Mixed reports over Liam Delap’s Chelsea future as Man United still keen on transfer
It may be that Delap will come good, but CFC supporters will be desperate to see their club prioritising players that can make an impact straight away.
At the same time, however, it would undoubtedly be a big blow if the west London giants allowed Delap to join a rival like Man Utd and he ended up flourishing there.
Liam Delap Chelsea stats
Games
Goals
Premier League
20
1
Champions League
3
1
League Cup
2
0
FA Cup
3
0
Chelsea’s striker curse continues
Chelsea fans will be optimistic about Joao Pedro’s form this season, but for the most part they continue to really struggle when it comes to signing strikers.
Delap has flopped, just as Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku did in recent times, while going further back they have also brought in big names like Romelu Lukaku, Alvaro Morata, Radamel Falcao, and Gonzalo Higuain, only to find them performing well below expectations.
Building around Pedro is now surely what Chelsea need to focus on, and Delap could therefore still be a decent squad player or backup, but some fans will also question the logic of keeping someone who just seems to have found this move too big a step up.
Liverpool are interested in signing the Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old is highly rated at the Spanish club, and he has done quite well for them. His performances have attracted Liverpool’s attention, and they are hoping to make a move in the summer, according to reports from Spain.
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Marc Pubill to replace Konate?
Ibrahima Konate will be out of contract in the summer, and he has not signed an extension with the Premier League champion. They will need to replace the French International and the Spaniard could be a quality long-term acquisition.
Joe Gomez is expected to be on his way out of the club as well. They will need a versatile defender, and the 22-year-old could be ideal for them. Pubill can operate as a central defender or a right back. He will help Liverpool tighten up at the back. The opportunity to play for the Premier League champions could be exciting for him.
Pubill is highly rated at Atletico Madrid, and they will not want to lose him easily. He has a contract with them until 2030, and they are under no pressure to sanction his departure. Liverpool might have to pay a premium in order to sign the 22-year-old defender.
They have looked quite poor defensively this season, and they need to improve in that area of the pitch if they are serious about winning titles again. It remains to be seen whether they sign the Spanish defender in the coming months.
Liverpool have had a disappointing season by their standards. They could miss out on Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign. It will be interesting to see if they can attract top-quality players without a top-four finish.
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Antonin Kinsky should not have started
Kinsky was clearly lacking in confidence, and he should not have been handed a start here. The manager’s decision will leave the goalkeeper humiliated, and his confidence is likely to plummet further.
Tottenham is currently 4-1 down at halftime, with Pedro Porro scoring a consolation goal in the first half. It will be interesting to see if they can turn things around in the second half and salvage some pride.
But the tie already looks beyond them, and they will need a special performance to book their place in the next round of the competition.
Tottenham are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League. They have done well in the European competition, so far, but the performance against Atletico Madrid has been disastrous in the first half.
Progressing in the UEFA Champions League could have given them a much-needed confidence boost. However, they will need a strong performance in the second half to stay in the tie for the second leg.
Meanwhile, Vicario has also been heavily criticised this season for his inconsistent performances. The Italian has also been linked with a move away from the club. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham decide to replace him in the summer and bring in an upgrade.
Liverpool crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League tonight.
Mario Lemina scored the only goal of the game in the seventh minute, and Liverpool failed to get back into the contest. They had opportunities to find the back of the net, and they will be thoroughly disappointed with the result.
However, the Turkish outfit put them under continuous pressure, and the Premier League side can count themselves lucky to have come away with a narrow defeat here. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool can overturn the deficit in the second leg at home.
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Jermaine Pennant questions Rio Ngumoha decision
Overall, it was another disappointing performance from the Premier League champions, and former Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant has slammed the manager on social media. He questioned Slot’s decision not to bring on Rio Ngumoha.
Pennant wrote on X: “Ok, I’m done with slot now, played 65 mins and man of the match last game. 87 mins gone, every single player has been horrendous, and Rio has not came on…… please anyone tell make it make sense please.”
The youngster has shown time and again that he can inject some much-needed pace and unpredictability in the final third. Liverpool needed some of that against the Turkish outfit today, but Slot chose to bring on Cody Gakpo instead.
The Netherlands International has had a difficult season, and he has not been at his best. Relying on him to deliver the goods has not worked out for Liverpool. Players like Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz were also quite poor today. There is no doubt that the youngster deserved a chance to turn the game in his team’s favour.
Tottenham Hotspur are going through a difficult run of form, and they are fighting for survival in the Premier League.
Naturally, several players from the London club have been linked with moves away in the summer. The 19-year-old midfielder Archie Gray has also been linked with an exit. However, a report from Sports Boom claims that the player has reassured the London club that he will not push for a move elsewhere if they are relegated from the Premier League this season.
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Archie Gray wants Spurs stay
The development will come as a huge boost for Tottenham, and his display of loyalty will certainly lift the spirits around the club. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can turn things around in the coming weeks. They have quality players at their disposal, and they will hope that interim manager Igor Tudor can bring out the best in them.
Thomas Frank failed to get the best out of his team, and he was eventually shown the door. The former Juventus manager has not been able to make his mark since replacing the Danish boss. He will be desperate to help Tottenham and secure safety in the Premier League. A club of their stature should be pushing for Champions League football every season; instead, they find themselves in a battle for survival.
They will need to stay up in order to keep their best players. Even though the 19-year-old prodigy is prepared to continue at Tottenham, they simply cannot afford to go down.
They are likely to lose several top players if they are relegated in the summer.
Arsenal and Manchester United are looking to strengthen their attacking unit by signing Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian has been outstanding for the Turkish outfit Galatasaray and has attracted the attention of Premier League clubs. He could cost up to €140 million in the summer, and it will be interesting to see if the Premier League clubs are willing to pay up.
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Arsenal keen on Victor Osimhen
According to a report from Sports Boom, Arsenal are very keen on the 27-year-old Nigerian international, and manager Mikel Arteta views him as the “final piece of the puzzle”. The Galatasaray striker has 24 goal contributions this season.
Arsenal have put together a formidable team, but they need a reliable goal scorer to regularly challenge for major trophies. Viktor Gyokeres has not been prolific enough, and Gabriel Jesus is expected to leave the club at the end of the season. Osimhen could be an exceptional acquisition and transform Arsenal’s attack.
The opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs in England will be exciting for the Nigerian as well. He has shown his quality in France, Italy and Turkey. This could be the right time for him to take on a new challenge in the Premier League.
It remains to be seen whether they are prepared to pay the asking price for Osimhen. €140 million is a lot of money, and the two Premier League clubs will need to improve other areas of the squad as well. It will be interesting to see if they are prepared to break the Bank for the striker.
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Mateus Mane.
The player is reportedly valued at £50 million, and Tottenham are hoping to make a move for him in the summer if they can avoid relegation. It has been a disappointing season so far, and they are fighting for survival.
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Mateus Mane could leave
On the other hand, Wolves are more or less certain to be relegated in the summer. They are likely to lose important players at the end of the season, and the 18-year-old could be on his way out of the club.
Spurs need more quality on the flanks, and the 18-year-old could be a solid long-term acquisition for them. However, the asking price could be an issue. Tottenham operate with a strict budget, and they will not want to overpay for the young attacker. There is no doubt that Mane can compete at the highest level, and he could develop into a top-class player with the right guidance.
The opportunity to join clubs like Tottenham, Liverpool or Manchester United will be exciting for him. He will look to compete at a high-level and fight for trophies. If Tottenham can survive in the top flight, they could be an interesting destination for the player.
Meanwhile, Liverpool and Manchester United are better placed to fight for major trophies and could be more attractive destinations. It remains to be seen what the player decides.
Chelsea is looking to improve the attacking unit by signing Igor Thiago during the summer transfer window.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea has a strong interest in the player, and they are now stepping up their efforts to sign the Brazilian. The player has done quite well since moving to the Premier League, scoring 18 goals this season.
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Igor Thiago would improve Chelsea
The 24-year-old has shown that he has the quality to succeed in English football, and the opportunity to move to Chelsea could be attractive for him. They are among the biggest clubs in the country, and they could provide him with the platform to fight for trophies.
It will be interesting to see if Brentford is willing to sanction his departure. He has been a key player for them, and he has a long-term contract with the club. They will not want to lose him easily. Chelsea might have to pay a premium in order to sign Thiago. He is currently one of the best strikers in the Premier League and is rated highly at Brentford.
Meanwhile, Chelsea needs an upgrade on Liam Delap. The young Englishman has not been able to find the back of the net regularly, and Chelsea needs someone who can replace him properly.
On paper, Thiago looks like the ideal acquisition for them, and it remains to be seen whether they can convince Brentford to sell. Chelsea will be hoping to fight for major trophies, and they need quality players at their disposal. Improving the attacking unit should be a priority in the summer. Joao Pedro has done quite well for them, and another quality striker to support him would be ideal.
Chelsea is hoping to sign the PSG attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at the end of the season.
The 25-year-old has established himself as one of the best attacking players in European football right now, and he is a target for Arsenal and Liverpool as well. The player is reportedly valued at €90 million, and it will be interesting to see if the Premier League clubs are willing to pay up.
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Chelsea eye Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Chelsea are looking to add more cutting-edge in the final third, and they believe that the Georgian International could be a fundamental pillar of their system next season. The West London club is prepared to pay a premium to get the deal done and is looking to begin negotiations to sign the player.
Reports from Spain claim that Chelsea is emerging as the most attractive option for Kvaratskhelia.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal or Liverpool can convince the player to join the club. They could use more quality on the flanks as well. Arsenal need an upgrade on Leandro Trossard, and Liverpool need to replace Cody Gakpo.
Kvaratskhelia has the quality to transform all three clubs in the attack. He has proved himself in France and in the UEFA Champions League. There is no doubt that he has the physicality and technical attributes for English football. He could make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
It will be interesting to see where he ends up. He helped PSG win the league title and the UEFA Champions League last season, and he is at the peak of his career.
He has impressed under Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg, but he has failed to hold down a regular starting spot at Chelsea. It would be ideal for him to move on. He needs to play more often at this stage of his career. Manchester United is among the biggest clubs in the country, and the opportunity to join them will be exciting. If they can offer him regular gametime, it could be the ideal move for him.
Manchester United are looking to build for the future, and signing the young Brazilian could be a wise decision. If they can sign him for a reasonable amount of money, the investment could prove to be a masterstroke in the long-term. The player has the ability to justify the €40 million price tag in the future.
It will be interesting to see if Chelsea is willing to sanction his departure to a rival club.
Manchester United has an excellent record of grooming young players. They have helped several young players develop into superstars in the past. They could also play a role in the development of the Brazilian midfielder.
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Arsenal seal Piero Hincapie move
Arsenal are looking to build a formidable team for the future, and having a defender like him could prove to be invaluable. He is capable of operating as a central defender as well as a full back. He could be a very useful player for Arsenal in the long-term.
Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Yes, Piero Hincapie will be the first signing for Arsenal in summer 2026. It was always planned like this. If you remember with David Raya and Brentford, Arsenal did something similar a few years ago.
“So, signed a player on loan with a buy-out option clause, but was always going to be a permanent transfer in the following summer, that’s what’s going to happen also with Piero Hincapie.
“There is already everything signed between Hincapie and Arsenal in terms of contract, a five-year deal. So, it’s already signed and completed. Piero Hincapie already feels like an Arsenal player on a permanent transfer.”
The defender will be delighted to have sorted out his long-term future. He will look to focus on his football and establish himself as a key player for Arsenal now. The next challenge for him is to cement his place in the starting lineup. Arsenal have multiple quality defenders at their disposal, and it will not be easy for the South American to hold onto a regular starting spot.
Manchester United are interested in signing the RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande at the end of the season.
The 19-year-old has established himself as one of the finest young attacking talents in European football, and he has impressed with his performances in Germany and in Europe. Manchester United have been monitoring him closely, and they could look to make a move in the summer.
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They have added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to the attacking unit at the end of the season, but they are looking to add more depth in the wide areas. Diomande would be a superb long-term investment for them. He would add pace, flair, and unpredictability.
Manchester United have recently sent scouts to watch him in action, and it remains to be seen whether they come forward with an official offer in the summer.
Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel: “What I can say it’s not meaning that Man Utd are going to sign Yan Diomande, but it’s showing that Man Utd maintain a concrete interest in the player.
“Man Utd people, scouts, were in attendance for the last game played by Red Bull Leipzig against Augsburg. I think Yan Diomande scored a goal. He’s playing very well recently.
“It’s not just about the goals. The assist, you can feel he’s an electric winger, very good one-v-one, very fast. He’s a player that several clubs are following, not only Man Utd, but the presence of Man Utd again to follow the player against Augsburg is showing that they are keeping a close eye on the player.”
The opportunity to move to the Premier League could be exciting for the 19-year-old. 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. Regular action in the Premier League could help him improve further.
West Ham United have been told that both Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summervilla could leave the club even if the Hammers avoid relegation.
Struggling to find consistency this season, the Hammers have flirted with relegation all season.
That has put the future of some of their key players into question as clubs are sensing they have an opportunity to steal key players from the Hammers.
The chances of relegation this season are huge but even if they stay in the Premier League, Keith Wyness believes that Bowen and Summerville will leave the club for a new challenge elsewhere.
West Ham United have been warned
Former Everton CEO Wyness believes that the Hammers will be active in the summer transfer window to make big changes to the squad.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think Bowen and Summerville were already talked about in January as moving on, and I’m pretty sure they’re nailed on to go as well in the summer.
“So West Ham is going to be a very active club in terms of restructuring the squad, no matter which division they’re in. And also, I would just add that West Ham have never really done well in having a stable established sporting director position and group in there.
“There always seems to have been friction with managers and that never quite worked out. And that’s coming home to roost now in terms of the performances of the squad right now. And again, will that mean that will they have a really cohesive strategy going into the summer?
“It’s a club in deep problems right now, and some deep-rooted problems that stem right to the top. So let’s see where they get on with this relegation battle, but certainly, financially, and I think football wise, there’s some big question marks and some big red lights flashing right now.”
Jarrod Bowen in action for West Ham (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)
Bowen is West Ham’s talisman, captain, and easily their most consistent performer. He is tied down to a long-term contract until 2030, which protects his value.
However, as an established England international, playing Championship football is simply out of the question.
If West Ham manage to stay up, they will demand an astronomical, “hands-off” fee to even consider letting him go. However, if the club is relegated, a massive transfer scramble is expected.
Summerville has been in electric form in the second half of the 2025/26 season, scoring crucial goals and carrying much of West Ham’s attacking threat alongside Bowen. This purple patch has naturally put him on the radar of several top clubs across Europe.
But, just like Bowen, if relegation happens, Summerville will be one of the first out the door to help plug the financial gaps that come with dropping down a division.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt could be on the move this summer, with Arsenal and Barcelona reportedly among the clubs keeping a close watch on his situation.
According to Sky Sports Deutschland journalist Patrick Berger, both European giants are monitoring the German international as he approaches the final months of his contract in Dortmund.
Brandt has yet to begin formal discussions with any club regarding his next destination.
However, the 29-year-old is understood to be seriously considering a move abroad when his current deal expires at the end of the season.
Brandt’s situation at Borussia Dortmund
Brandt has been a key figure for Borussia Dortmund since joining the club from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019. Known for his creativity, technical ability, and versatility across attacking midfield roles,
Brandt has consistently contributed to Dortmund’s attacking play.
Over the past few seasons, he has often been deployed as a central playmaker but is equally comfortable operating on the wings or in deeper creative positions.
His vision, passing range, and ability to unlock defences have made him a valuable component of Dortmund’s attacking system.
Despite his importance to the squad, Brandt’s contract situation has created uncertainty about his future.
Julian Brandt of Dortmund in action (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Both Arsenal and Barcelona are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Brandt.
Arsenal’s interest appears linked to the club’s desire to add experienced creative options to their midfield as they continue to compete for major honours under Mikel Arteta.
Brandt’s technical qualities could make him a useful addition to Arsenal’s squad depth, particularly as the club balances domestic and European competitions.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have been actively searching for creative midfielders capable of operating between the lines.
The Catalan club’s financial constraints have often forced them to prioritise players available on free transfers, making Brandt an appealing option.
Real Madrid are reportedly assessing several managerial candidates as they prepare for a possible change in leadership ahead of next season, with Mauricio Pochettino emerging as one of the names under consideration.
According to sources cited by ESPN, the Argentine coach has been placed on the club’s shortlist as the Spanish giants evaluate options to replace Álvaro Arbeloa.
Discussions regarding the club’s future direction are ongoing, with president Florentino Pérez believed to be closely involved in shaping the next phase of Real Madrid’s sporting project.
Real Madrid are assessing their next manager target
Real Madrid’s leadership has reportedly begun reviewing potential managerial candidates.
While no final decision has been made regarding Arbeloa’s future, sources suggest the club is preparing for the possibility of a change in the dugout.
Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid player, has been part of the club’s coaching structure for several years and has worked closely within the organization’s development system.
However, managing Real Madrid comes with immense expectations, and the club’s leadership regularly reassesses its direction to ensure continued competitiveness at both domestic and European levels.
The former Spanish defender was given the job following Xabi Alonso’s sacking this season and since then he has struggled to steady the ship.
Mauricio Pochettino looks on during a match with the United States Men’s National Team (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
The North London club, currently battling relegation in the Premier League, are looking to stabilise their club and they feel Pochettino is the right man to do that job.
The manager has reportedly shown interest in moving back to Tottenham despite their struggles.
With Real Madrid now entering the picture, Pochettino would certainly favour a move to the La Liga giants.
It would give him the chance to manage in La Liga again and work closely with some world class players like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr. and others.
AC Milan are reportedly evaluating the possibility of signing Manchester City defender Nathan Aké as they look to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the next season.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Serie A club has added the Netherlands international to their shortlist, with the potential to secure him for a relatively modest fee compared to his market value.
Milan’s recruitment team is actively exploring opportunities to reinforce the back line, particularly with an eye on adding experienced defenders who can contribute immediately at the highest level.
Aké’s situation at Manchester City has therefore attracted attention, especially with his contract currently set to run until 2027.
Nathan Ake’s role at Man City
Aké has been a reliable member of Pep Guardiola’s squad since joining Manchester City from Bournemouth in 2020.
While not always a guaranteed starter, the 31-year-old has played an important role in City’s defensive rotation during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
The primary catalyst behind Milan’s opportunistic interest is Aké’s contract situation at the Etihad Stadium.
His current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2027, meaning he will enter the precarious final 12 months of his contract at the end of this current campaign.
The club is seeking experienced players capable of strengthening the squad while also fitting into their tactical approach.
Reports from Italy suggest that because his contract expires in 2027, Man City may consider reasonable offers if they decide to refresh parts of their defensive unit.
Arsenal could be open to selling Leandro Trossard during the upcoming summer transfer window, with reports suggesting the club may begin negotiations if offers in the region of £20-25 million arrive.
According to Sports Boom, the Belgian winger has attracted interest from several clubs, including Newcastle United and Aston Villa, while teams outside England are also monitoring the situation.
Arsenal’s squad planning for next season is already underway, and the club’s hierarchy may be willing to make difficult decisions in order to balance the squad and create space for new arrivals.
Trossard, who has been a valuable contributor since joining from Brighton in 2023, is among the players whose future could be reconsidered.
Why Arsenal could consider selling Trossard in the summer
Trossard has often delivered when called upon, providing goals and creativity across multiple attacking positions.
His versatility allows him to play on either wing or as a false nine, making him a useful option in manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical system.
However, Arsenal’s attacking depth has grown considerably in recent seasons. With players such as Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and other attacking options competing for minutes, Trossard has occasionally found himself rotating in and out of the starting lineup.
At 31 years old by the start of next season, Arsenal may view the summer window as an opportunity to generate funds while maintaining the club’s strategy of refreshing the squad with younger players.
Leandro Trossard celebrates with Arsenal teammate Viktor Gyokeres (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Both Newcastle United and Aston Villa are reportedly evaluating a move for the Belgian
international. Newcastle are believed to see Trossard as a reliable addition to their attacking depth, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Anthony Gordon’s future at St. James’ Park.
Trossard’s experience in the Premier League and his ability to operate across the front line make him an attractive option for Eddie Howe, whose team is seeking consistent attacking options to support their ambitions domestically and in Europe.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa reportedly believe the winger would fit naturally into Unai Emery’s tactical system.
Emery values intelligent attackers capable of quick transitions and positional flexibility, qualities that have long been associated with Trossard’s playing style.
Manchester United’s reported interest in Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde appears unlikely to lead anywhere this summer, with the Spanish club determined to keep hold of the highly rated left-back.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have no intention of allowing the 22-year-old to leave, viewing him as an essential part of their long-term plans.
United’s recruitment team continues to evaluate several positions ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer transfer window.
While the club had been linked with Balde in recent weeks, their priorities now appear to lie elsewhere following defensive reinforcements earlier in the season.
Barcelona are committed to keep Balde
Balde has emerged as one of Barcelona’s most promising academy graduates in recent years.
Since breaking into the first team, the Spanish international has impressed with his pace, attacking intent, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively down the left flank.
Barcelona’s leadership reportedly see Balde as a pillar of the club’s future defensive structure.
The club has invested heavily in developing young talent through its academy, and Balde represents one of the most successful products of that system in recent seasons.
Because of his importance, Barcelona have reportedly dismissed the possibility of negotiating his departure.
However, the club recently secured the signing of Patrick Dorgu, who is expected to compete for the left-back role moving forward.
Dorgu’s arrival has effectively reduced the urgency of pursuing another player in that position.
Instead, United’s recruitment strategy is expected to focus on other areas of the squad.
Reports indicate that the club is prioritising a new left-sided attacker, along with additional reinforcements in central midfield and possibly central defense as part of their broader rebuilding project.
Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons could become one of the players attracting significant transfer interest during the upcoming summer window.
According to journalist Nicolò Schira, the Dutch international may consider leaving Spurs at the end of the 2025/26 season as speculation grows about his future in north London.
Tottenham are enduring a turbulent campaign in the Premier League, with inconsistent performances leaving the club fighting to secure stability in the table.
Such uncertainty has inevitably raised questions about the future of several key players, including Simons.
Simons has struggled for consistency at Tottenham
Since joining Tottenham, Simons has not been able to prove himself like he did in the Bundesliga.
Simons is most effective as an advanced playmaker, capable of linking midfield and attack while creating scoring opportunities for teammates.
However, Tottenham’s overall inconsistency this season has limited the team’s ability to fully maximise his strengths.
Changes in management and tactical adjustments have also created an environment in which several players are reassessing their long-term prospects at the club.
Relegation could have serious consequences for Spurs
Xavi Simons in action for Tottenham (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
If Tottenham fail to survive the drop, a mass exodus is practically guaranteed. Spurs currently sit just a single point above the bottom three.
Simons is reportedly the club’s highest earner, taking home an estimated £195,000-a-week—a wage packet that would be completely unsustainable in the Championship.
While his current contract runs until 2030, elite European clubs are already closely monitoring the situation.
Ultimately, Simons’ immediate future is entirely intertwined with Tottenham’s desperate survival bid over the next two months.
If Igor Tudor cannot immediately right the ship and Spurs suffer the unthinkable humiliation of relegation, the young playmaker’s Premier League adventure will likely end before it ever truly found its footing.
Manchester City are reportedly progressing in their pursuit of Newcastle United right-back Tino Livramento, with the Premier League champions identifying the England international as their leading target to strengthen the defensive flank.
According to Football Insider, City are working toward a potential agreement that could see the 23-year-old move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.
City’s interest shows their ongoing effort to secure a long-term successor to former captain Kyle Walker, whose influence on the team has gradually diminished as he enters the latter stages of his career.
Livramento has been a huge hit at Newcastle United
Livramento has enjoyed an impressive campaign at Newcastle United, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic young full-backs.
Since arriving at St. James’ Park, the England international has demonstrated the pace, defensive awareness, and attacking ability that have made him one of the league’s best players in his position.
Livramento’s performances have been particularly notable for his versatility. While naturally a right-back, he has also shown the ability to operate on the opposite flank when required, providing versatility that modern top clubs value highly.
Tino Livramento of Newcastle United (Photo by Annabel Lee-Ellis/Getty Images)
Man City’s interest in Livramento stems from their desire to refresh the right side of defense.
Kyle Walker played a pivotal role during the most successful period in the club’s history, contributing to multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph under Pep Guardiola.
Livramento’s pace and technical ability make him an attractive option for Guardiola’s tactical system, which often requires full-backs to contribute both in defensive transitions and in possession.
Manchester United have reportedly identified PSG winger Bradley Barcola as one of the leading candidates to strengthen their attack this summer, as the club prepares for a potential reshuffle on the left wing.
The French winger has been added to United’s shortlist of attacking targets, with the club anticipating a major change in the position following the likely permanent departure of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona, as reported by a source on X.
United’s recruitment team is already evaluating options capable of filling the gap left by Rashford, who has spent part of the season on loan at the Catalan club and is expected to complete a permanent move in the coming months.
Barcola’s rapid rise at PSG has not gone unnoticed
Barcola has emerged as one of the most exciting young attackers in European football over the past two seasons.
Marcus Rashford is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Rashford’s expected move to Barcelona has accelerated United’s search for a new wide attacker.
Rashford has been a central figure at Old Trafford for years, but his likely exit means the club must now find a player capable of replicating his pace and goal threat from the left side of the attack.
Barcola’s age and skill set make him an appealing option. United’s recruitment strategy in recent windows has focused on signing younger players with high potential and resale value, and the French international fits that profile perfectly.
Liverpool are facing a critical situation regarding the future of Ibrahima Konaté, with the French defender attracting growing interest from several of Europe’s top clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
Negotiations over a new contract at Anfield have reportedly stalled, placing the centre-back’s long-term future in doubt, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.
With Konaté now entering the final months of his current deal, the uncertainty surrounding his situation has intensified speculation across Europe.
Clubs such as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Milan are closely monitoring developments, aware that the opportunity to sign a defender of his calibre could soon become available.
Liverpool working to keep their defensive leader
Liverpool’s hierarchy are reportedly determined to keep the 26-year-old at the club and have already presented their most lucrative salary proposal to date in an attempt to convince him to stay.
The club’s leadership wants clarity on the situation as soon as possible, hoping to avoid a prolonged saga that could extend deep into the summer window.
Keeping Konaté is seen internally as a priority, particularly as Liverpool continue reshaping their squad for the next phase of their project.
The French defender has been desrcribed as ‘outstanding‘ by club captain Virgil Van Dijk.
Inter Milan are also believed to be exploring a move as part of their defensive rebuild. With experienced defenders Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi expected to depart as free agents, the
Italian club are seeking younger options capable of leading their defence in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain continue to monitor the situation closely, though reports suggest the player may favour a move elsewhere in Europe if he leaves England.
Liverpool remain eager to secure his long-term commitment, but interest from some of Europe’s most powerful clubs ensures the situation remains far from straightforward.
Tottenham are reportedly preparing to sack interim manager Igor Tudor after a disastrous start that has left the club in a desperate fight for Premier League survival.
Just three weeks into his tenure, the Croatian is facing the sack following three consecutive defeats against Arsenal, Fulham, and Crystal Palace.
The hierarchy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is growing increasingly panicked, with the club now sitting just one point above the relegation zone.
With only nine games remaining to save their season, the board is considering a ruthless second managerial change.
Tottenham have a clear shortlist in place to replace Igor Tudor
Prominent insider on X has reported that the club is already looking beyond Tudor.
In a post on X, he stated:
“Spurs have a clear shortlist in place to replace Igor Tudor as manager. Spurs cannot get relegated. It would be the worst thing that has ever happened to the club.”
While Tudor is expected to lead the team for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, he is on the brink of being sacked.
Tottenham are reportedly eyeing a manager who can provide an immediate impact to avoid dropping into the Championship for the first time since 1977.
Tudor has failed to clean up Thomas Frank’s mess
Tudor was appointed mid-Feb to steady the ship following the sacking of Thomas Frank, who left the club in 16th place after a dismal run in 2026.
However, the club has overseen an even worrying decline under Tudor.
The new Spurs boss has struggled with player unrest, reportedly banishing five senior players from training, while his tactical decisions have been questioned by pundits.
Having inherited a team winless in the league since late December, Tudor has failed to pick up a single point, making him one of the statistically worst managerial appointments in the club’s history.
Who should Tottenham bring in next?
At the top of the club’s shortlist is former Brighton and Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi.
However, it is understood that De Zerbi will only commit to the role if Spurs can guarantee their Premier League status, a task that looks more difficult with every passing week.
Perhaps Spurs should turn to recently sacked Sean Dyche, who has built a reputation for stepping in at relegation-threatened clubs and steering them to survival.
Tottenham Hotspur’s hierarchy have identified two prominent first-team stars, Guglielmo Vicario and Pedro Porro, as the primary candidates to be sold this summer.
According to a report from The Telegraph, the club is prepared to sanction their departures if their respective valuations are met, as part of a radical squad overhaul aimed at changing the culture at the club.
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The decision follows a disastrous 11-match winless run that has left Spurs teetering just one point above the Premier League relegation zone.
With the club needing to balance the books and fund a massive rebuild under a new permanent head coach, the sale of these high-value assets is seen as a financial necessity.
Tottenham to sell Vicario and Pedro Porro
Despite both players being regular starters, Spurs feels that moving them on is the best way to reset the squad, with both being ‘targeted by supporters’ this season.
The sales would generate significant capital, with Vicario valued at approximately £25 million and Porro expected to command a fee in excess of £50 million.
While both have been key players in the past, the hierarchy is now prioritising players who are fully committed to a long-term project, especially if the club suffers the unthinkable prospect of relegation to the Championship.
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to attend Tuesday night’s Champions League first-leg tie between Atletico Madrid and Tottenham, according to The Athletic.
The former Spurs boss, now the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team, will be an official guest of Atletico at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
While his presence will undoubtedly spark speculation, Pochettino’s visit is primarily a scouting mission.
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He is reportedly keeping a “watching brief” over USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who joined Atletico Madrid from Real Betis in July 2025 and has recently established himself as a key figure in Diego Simeone’s midfield.
This will mark the first time Pochettino has watched his former club from the stands since his departure in 2019.
Mauricio Pochettino is strongly linked with Tottenham return
Pochettino’s return to a Tottenham fixture comes at a time of immense turmoil for the North London club.
Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League and are facing a genuine threat of relegation.
While the ‘world-class‘ Argentine is focused on the World Cup for now, Pochettino remains linked with a dream return as permanent manager in the summer.
Tottenham were the strongest under Pochettino
The sight of Pochettino in the stands serves as a stark reminder of how far Tottenham have fallen.
Between 2014 and 2019, Pochettino oversaw the most successful period in the club’s modern history, transforming them into consistent Champions League participants and title contenders.
Under his guidance, Spurs reached the 2019 Champions League Final, coincidentally held at Atletico’s stadium, and achieved their highest Premier League finish of second in 2017.
Category
Statistic
Matches Played
293
Won
160
Drawn
60
Lost
73
Win Percentage
54.3%
Points Per Game (PPG)
1.84
Mauricio Pochettino’s stats as Tottenham manager via Transfermarkt
Since his sacking seven years ago, the club has cycled through multiple managers without recapturing that same identity or stability.
As they prepare to face Atletico tonight with their season hanging by a thread, many fans view the Pochettino era as the benchmark the club has failed to meet ever since.
Tottenham look set to sell club captain Cristian Romero at the end of the season as part of a massive squad overhaul aimed at changing the club’s culture.
Despite the defender’s central role in the team, The Telegraph reports that Spurs are planning to move on from several high-profile stars this summer to fund a significant rebuild.
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The decision comes at a critical time for the club, which has endured a disastrous domestic campaign that has left them embroiled in an unlikely Premier League relegation battle.
Tottenham believe selling Cristian Romero is ‘best for all parties’
While Romero remains a vital asset on the pitch, the report claims that senior figures at the club increasingly believe that a parting of the ways is ‘best for all parties’.
The report adds that finances also play a significant role in the decision. Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham warned in January that Tottenham are “not immune” from Profit and Sustainability Rules, noting that any major summer arrivals must be balanced by significant sales.
By cashing in on Romero, who is valued at over £60 million, Spurs would generate the necessary capital to reshape a squad that has underperformed under multiple managers.
Romero is wanted by Atletico Madrid
Romero is set to return to the starting lineup for tonight’s Champions League last-16 clash against Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
He has missed the last four Premier League matches due to suspension, but is eligible for European competition.
With Spurs currently sitting 16th in the Premier League, a move to a consistent Champions League contender like Atletico is expected to appeal to the World Cup winner, who is seeking a summer exit.
Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021 and has since made 151 appearances, scoring 13 goals.
While his aggressive, front-foot defending made him a fan favorite, his disciplinary record has often left the team vulnerable.
As interim boss Igor Tudor fights to keep the club in the top flight, the looming summer exit of the club captain signals the end of an era and the beginning of a ruthless new chapter in North London.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has revealed that he is not currently in contract talks with the club, despite growing speculation regarding his long-term future at Anfield.
The Argentina World Cup winner, who has been a key part of the Liverpool midfield since arriving from Brighton in 2023, confirmed that no negotiations are currently underway to extend his stay on Merseyside.
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Mac Allister confirms Liverpool have yet to begin contract talks with him
Speaking about the situation ahead of the match against Galatasaray, Mac Allister remained calm regarding the lack of movement.
He said (via Fabrizio Romano): “We are not in contract talks with Liverpool. There are no negotiations over a new deal, but we are not in a rush.”
The 27-year-old’s current agreement runs until the summer of 2028, giving the club some breathing room.
However, the update comes at a time when Liverpool have been proactive in securing other key assets, such as Ryan Gravenberch, who recently signed a long-term extension until 2032.
Mac Allister’s father and agent, Carlos, echoed his son’s sentiments in a recent interview, noting that while the player is ‘happy’ at Liverpool, they are simply waiting for the club to make the first move.
The lack of formal discussions is reportedly a measured approach from the Liverpool hierarchy, who are currently balancing several high-profile contract situations, including Ibrahima Konate’s.
? Alexis Mac Allister: “We are not in contract talks with Liverpool. There are no negotiations over new deal, but we are not in a rush”. pic.twitter.com/YkEmTC3KTL
The delay in contract negotiations has inevitably alerted Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are reportedly monitoring Mac Allister’s situation closely as they look to refresh their midfield following the departures of veteran stars.
With Real Madrid having already raided Anfield for Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2025, there are fears among the Liverpool faithful that the Argentine could be the next star to swap the Premier League for the Bernabéu.
Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi will not be renewing his contract with the club, the Cherries’ director of football operations, Tiago Pinto, has officially confirmed.
The Argentine international, who has become a linchpin in Andoni Iraola’s backline since his move from Feyenoord in 2022, is now set to depart the Vitality Stadium as one of the most coveted free agents in European football this June.
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According to according to 365Scores (via MD), Tiago Pinto has confirmed that the player will be leaving the club on a free transfer:
“Senesi will become a free player next June and will officially leave the team at the end of his contract next summer. He will not have a future at the club, which means he will be out of the team’s plans for the new season.”
Marcos Senesi to leave Bournemouth a free agent amid interest from Chelsea
Under head coach Liam Rosenior, the Blues are searching for ball-playing, experienced defenders to bolster their possession-based system.
Senesi, a left-footed center-back with over 100 Premier League appearances, is seen as a cost-effective solution to Chelsea’s defensive inconsistencies.
By securing Senesi, Chelsea would avoid a hefty transfer fee, allowing them to redirect funds toward other priority areas like a new striker.
Other Premier League clubs also interested including Tottenham and Newcastle
While Chelsea are circling, they face stiff competition within the English top flight. Tottenham and Newcastle United have both registered firm interest, with the Magpies reportedly believing they are “strong favorites” to keep the 28-year-old in England.
Spurs, currently navigating a difficult season under Igor Tudor, view Senesi as an essential target, specially with the future of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven uncertain. Aston Villa and Everton are also monitoring the situation closely.
Reports from Spain suggest the Argentine prioritises a move to the Catalan giants, who are looking for an experienced, low-cost partner for their younger defenders.
While Juventus and Roma have also made contact, with Juve reportedly offering a four-year deal, the lure of La Liga and Hansi Flick’s project at Barcelona remains the player’s dream destination.
Michael Carrick has done a remarkable job since stepping in as interim manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim; however, he has not yet convinced the club to appoint him as a permanent manager.
Despite the “Carrick effect” revitalising the squad, Manchester United has reportedly shortlisted Roberto De Zerbi as a top target for the permanent role this summer.
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The former Marseille boss is understood to be ‘keen’ on the Old Trafford job as he eyes a return to the Premier League.
The Italian, who left Marseille by mutual consent in February, has made no secret of his desire to manage a leading English club.
De Zerbi’s stock remains high among senior figures at United, who admire his front-foot style of attacking football and his insistence on dominating possession.
Spurs are currently fighting for survival, sitting just one point above the drop zone.
The report suggests that while De Zerbi is a primary target, he would only consider the move if Tottenham secure Premier League survival.
With Igor Tudor under immense pressure after losing his first three games, the North London club may face a fight to beat United to De Zerbi’s signature.
Michael Carrick suffered first defeat as Man United manager vs Newcastle
The managerial speculation has intensified following a reality check for interim boss Michael Carrick.
After a sensational seven-game unbeaten run, Carrick suffered his first defeat as Manchester United manager in a 2-1 loss against 10-men Newcastle on Wednesday.
Despite Newcastle being reduced to 10 men following Jacob Ramsey’s red card, United failed to capitalise.
A late wonder goal from William Osula ended Carrick’s unbeaten run, leaving the United legend ‘bitterly disappointed’.
While United remain third in the table, the defeat has reignited the debate whether Carrick is good enough to lead the club permanently or if a high-profile appointment is necessary.
Liverpool has suffered a major injury blow with goalkeeper Alisson Becker ruled out of the Champions League clash against Galatasaray.
The Brazilian shot-stopper did not travel to Istanbul with the rest of Arne Slot’s squad for the round-of-16 first-leg encounter after sustaining a setback during training on Monday.
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Paul Joyce, writing for The Times, confirmed the news and explained that the issue arose following the team’s final session before departure.
Joyce wrote: “Alisson will miss Liverpool’s Champions League game with Galatasaray having complained of discomfort after Monday’s training session.”
While the problem is reportedly minor, the decision to leave the 33-year-old on Merseyside reflects a cautious approach from the Liverpool medical staff.
Nevertheless, the timing is a significant headache for Slot, as Alisson’s presence in high-stakes European away games has often been the difference for the Reds.
Giorgi Mamardashvili to step in for injured Alisson Becker
The report adds that the goalkeeper has not travelled to Istanbul and that Giorgi Mamardashvili is in line to replace him.
Mamardashvili is no stranger to the atmosphere at RAMS Park, having replaced Alisson as a substitute during Liverpool’s 1–0 defeat there back in September.
With 11 appearances already this season, the 25-year-old will be tasked with providing the defensive stability required to take a positive result back to Anfield.
Alisson Becker is among one of the most injury-prone goalkeepers
This latest setback unfortunately continues a frustrating trend for Alisson.
Despite his status as one of the world’s elite goalkeepers, his availability has been a persistent concern.
He has already missed nine matches this season across all competitions, including a significant spell in late 2025 due to a hamstring injury.
Since 2019, Alisson has faced a variety of muscle, hip, and calf issues that have forced Liverpool to rely heavily on their backup options.
Newcastle United are reportedly preparing an ambitious summer move for Sporting CP striker Luis Suárez, with the Colombian forward emerging as a major transfer target for Eddie Howe’s side.
According to journalist Sebastián Vidal, the Magpies have begun exploring a potential deal that could reach £50 million, as the club looks to strengthen its attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Newcastle are facing an increasingly competitive race for European qualification.
Inconsistency throughout the campaign has exposed areas where the squad may require reinforcements, and the club’s recruitment team is believed to be prioritising the addition of a prolific striker.
Suárez’s Outstanding Season in Portugal
The striker has enjoyed a remarkable season with Sporting CP, quickly establishing himself as one of the most productive forwards in Portuguese football.
Across all competitions this season, the Colombia international has scored 29 goals and provided six assists in 37 appearances, numbers that have drawn attention from clubs across Europe.
Sporting signed Suárez from Spanish side Almería last summer, and his impact has been immediate. The 28-year-old combines physical strength with intelligent movement in the penalty area, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Despite being under contract with the Portuguese club until 2030, reports indicate that Suárez would be open to considering a move to a bigger European league if the right opportunity arises.
Newcastle United are looking for attacking reinforcements
Luis Suarez of Sporting Clube de Portugal (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Newcastle’s interest in Suárez reflects the club’s desire to improve their attacking output.
Although Howe’s side has shown flashes of quality this season, the team has struggled for consistency in front of goal.
Several of Newcastle’s recent attacking signings have yet to fully meet expectations.
Players such as Anthony Elanga and Nick Woltemade have found it difficult to consistently influence matches, while forward Yoane Wissa has endured injury setbacks and struggled to replicate his previous scoring form.
These challenges have prompted Newcastle’s recruitment team to evaluate alternative options capable of providing a reliable goal threat.
Barcelona have reportedly begun closely monitoring Tottenham defender Luka Vušković as the Catalan club searches for promising young centre-backs to strengthen its squad in the coming years.
According to Sky Germany, the Spanish giants have added the 19-year-old Croatian to their defensive shortlist following his impressive performances while on loan at Bundesliga side Hamburg.
Although Hamburg are keen to retain the teenager for another season, Tottenham are believed to have different plans for the highly rated defender.
Vušković has impressed on his loan spell at Hamburg
Vušković joined Hamburg on loan to gain valuable first-team experience, and the move has proven beneficial for his development.
Despite his young age, he has quickly adapted to the intensity of German football and has become a consistent presence in Hamburg’s defensive line.
Standing well over six feet tall, Vušković combines strong aerial ability with composure in possession, qualities that have made him stand out in the Bundesliga.
The Croatian youth international was already regarded as one of Europe’s most promising defensive prospects before his move to Germany.
His performances this season have only strengthened that reputation, with scouts from several clubs reportedly following his progress.
Luka Vuskovic lining up for Hamburg (Photo by Marc Carrena/Getty Images)
Tottenham secured Vušković with the expectation that he would eventually become part of their long-term defensive structure.
While the current loan spell has allowed him to develop away from the spotlight of the Premier League, Spurs are reportedly keen to integrate him into the first-team setup once the season concludes.
Hamburg, however, are said to be pushing for a second loan agreement in order to keep the young defender for another campaign.
The Bundesliga club believe another year of regular football could further accelerate his development.
Barcelona have been actively rebuilding their defensive options in recent seasons and are keen to add technically strong centre-backs capable of playing out from the back.
Vušković’s composure and ball-playing ability match well with Barcelona’s traditional style of football.
Fulham defender Antonee Robinson has emerged as a target ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, with both Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly monitoring his situation.
Both clubs are evaluating potential reinforcements at left-back, though their transfer strategies may depend heavily on whether they secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
With Robinson believed to be available for a fee in the region of £25 million, the 28-year-old could represent a relatively affordable solution for two clubs seeking experienced Premier League defenders.
Robinson has experienced a meteoric rise at Fulham
Robinson has developed into one of the most reliable left-backs in the Premier League since joining Fulham from Wigan Athletic in 2020.
He is known for his blistering pace, attacking runs and his defensive consistency.
This season he has once again been among Fulham’s best performers, contributing both defensively and offensively with consistent displays down the left flank.
Robinson’s performances have also strengthened his reputation internationally, where he remains a vital player for the United States men’s national team.
Man United and Liverpool are interested in the left-back
Antonee Robinson in action for Fulham (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s interest is closely tied to the uncertain future of Andy Robertson, who has been a central figure at Anfield for nearly a decade.
As the Scottish international enters the latter stages of his career and speculation about his future grows, Liverpool’s recruitment team is exploring potential successors.
Man United, meanwhile, are also planning ahead in the same position.
Luke Shaw has been an important player at Old Trafford for years but has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.
While both Liverpool and Man United are monitoring the situation, Robinson’s reported preference for Anfield could give the Merseyside club an early advantage.
Arsenal are reportedly weighing up the possibility of sending young defender Myles Lewis-Skelly out on loan ahead of the 2026/27 season in order to accelerate his development.
According to Football Insider, the 19-year-old left-back could temporarily leave the Emirates Stadium after finding regular first-team opportunities limited in recent months.
Lewis-Skelly has started only one Premier League match since January, largely due to increased competition in Arsenal’s defensive unit.
Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a breakthrough period last season, making several appearances that showcased his composure on the ball ad his defensive quality.
His performances quickly earned praise from supporters and coaching staff, with many tipping him to become a long-term option in Arsenal’s defense.
However, the landscape at left-back has changed significantly this season. Arsenal strengthened their defensive depth with the additions of Piero Hincapié and Riccardo Calafiori, both of whom have become important options for manager Mikel Arteta.
Myles Lewis-Skelly celebrates after Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Everton are believed to be one of the clubs interested in securing Lewis-Skelly on a temporary deal.
The Merseyside side have been exploring options to strengthen their defensive depth and see the Arsenal youngster as a player who could bring energy and technical quality to their squad.
A loan move to Everton would also allow Lewis-Skelly to gain experience in the Premier League environment while continuing his development against high-level opposition.
Lewis-Skelly remains a player with significant potential, and the club are keen to ensure his progress continues.
If a deal with Everton or another Premier League club materialises this summer, it could provide the young defender with the consistent playing time needed to return to Arsenal stronger.
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario could be considering a return to Serie A this summer as uncertainty continues to surround both the club’s season and his own long-term future.
Reports from Italian outlet Tuttosport suggest the Italian international is open to leaving north London at the end of the campaign, particularly if Tottenham fail to stabilise their Premier League form.
Spurs find themselves in a precarious position in the league table. Sitting 16th with 29 points from 29 matches, the club are hovering just one point above the relegation zone.
With several crucial fixtures remaining, the possibility of dropping into the Championship, once considered unthinkable for a club of Tottenham’s stature, has become a genuine concern.
Vicario has fallen out at Tottenham
Tottenham’s difficult season has been marked by managerial upheaval and inconsistent performances.
The departure of Thomas Frank earlier in the campaign led to the appointment of Igor Tudor on an interim basis, but the team has yet to find consistent form under the Croatian coach.
If relegation were to occur, the club could face a significant reshaping of the squad.
High-profile players often seek moves away from teams relegated from the Premier League, and Vicario is widely seen as one of Tottenham’s most valuable assets.
The Turin club are believed to be evaluating options in the goalkeeping department as they plan for the coming seasons.
Vicario previously impressed in Serie A during his time with Empoli, where his performances earned widespread recognition and eventually led to his move to Tottenham.
His reputation has continued to grow, particularly after he was elevated to Italy’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Reports suggest preliminary contact regarding a potential transfer has already taken place, although formal negotiations have yet to begin.
Aston Villa are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Sources circulating on social media platform X claim the Midlands club have made initial enquiries regarding the England international’s availability.
While no formal bid has yet been submitted, the situation has drawn attention because Bowen is believed to be open to considering a new challenge at the end of the current season.
Bowen has been a consistent performer for West Ham
Bowen has been a pivotal figure for West Ham, captaining the side in recent seasons.
The versatile forward quickly established himself as one of the Hammers’ most reliable attacking players, combining pace, creativity, and a consistent eye for goal.
Over the past few seasons, Bowen has frequently been among West Ham’s top contributors in terms of goals and assists.
His ability to operate across the front line, primarily from the right wing but also centrally when required, has made him a key tactical asset.
Why Aston Villa are interested in a move for Bowen
Jarrod Bowen in action for West Ham (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)
Since Emery’s arrival, Villa have steadily strengthened their squad with players capable of competing both domestically and in European competitions.
Bowen’s profile fits well within that strategy. His high pressing intensity, ability to create chances, and experience in the Premier League could provide Villa with another dynamic attacking option.
The club has already demonstrated a willingness to invest in proven top-flight talent, and Bowen’s consistency makes him an attractive target.
Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur expressed interest in signing him during the January transfer window, but the Scotland international ultimately chose to remain at Anfield.
he experienced defender addressed the speculation in recent comments reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, clarifying that he decided to stay with the club that has defined his career over the past decade.
Robertson remains an important figure in Liverpool’s squad despite ongoing discussions about the club’s long-term plans in defense.
Tottenham were interested in January move for Robertson
Tottenham were reportedly exploring options to strengthen the left side of their defence during the winter window, and Robertson’s experience and leadership made him an attractive candidate.
The Scottish international has long been regarded as one of the Premier League’s most consistent full-backs, known for his relentless work rate, attacking delivery, and defensive resilience.
Andy Robertson of Liverpool in action (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Since joining Liverpool from Hull City in 2017, Robertson has become one of the club’s most influential players.
Under former manager Jürgen Klopp, he formed a legendary full-back partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold that helped redefine Liverpool’s attacking system.
During his time at the club, Robertson has played a key role in numerous successes, including the Premier League title, Champions League triumph, FA Cup, and League Cup victories.
His leadership qualities have also made him a senior figure in the dressing room.
While Tottenham’s interest highlighted the continued demand for Robertson’s experience, the defender’s decision to stay shows his deep connection with Liverpool.
Any decision regarding his next chapter is likely to come later this year as Liverpool continue planning their future squad.
Real Madrid are reportedly renewing their efforts to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, the La Liga giants have resumed discussions with the French centre-back’s representatives as they explore the possibility of bringing him to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Konaté’s contract situation at Liverpool remains unresolved, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.
Contract situation raises concern for Konate at Liverpool
Konaté has been an important part of Liverpool’s defensive setup. However, Liverpool now face a potentially complicated situation.
Reports indicate that negotiations over a contract extension have yet to progress, leaving the club at risk of losing one of their key defenders on a free transfer.
The uncertainty surrounding contracts has become a topic of discussion at Anfield recently.
As per the report, the Spanish giants have ‘resumed talks’ with the representatives of French defender.
The Spanish giants have frequently taken advantage of expiring contracts in recent years, signing high-profile players without paying large transfer fees.
The Premier League club lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid last summer and this summer, Konate could join his former teammate at the Bernabeu.
Madrid president Florentino Pérez would be willing to offer Konaté a significant signing-on bonus, believed to be around €15 million, to persuade the defender to make the move to Spain as a free agent.
Liverpool remain hopeful of resolving the issue, but the lack of progress in negotiations has opened the door to external interest.
Arsenal are preparing to complete the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, with the deal expected to be formally confirmed in June.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the agreement was always intended to become permanent despite initially being structured as a loan arrangement.
The move is considered a formality within Arsenal’s recruitment plans.
The loan structure was reportedly designed primarily to help the club manage Financial Fair Play (FFP) requirements, with the long-term transfer already agreed between the two clubs.
Deal structure and financial details of Hincapie’s move
The agreement between Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen is understood to be worth €52 million, with an additional 10 percent sell-on clause included in the deal.
The initial loan format allowed Arsenal to spread the financial impact of the transfer across multiple accounting periods, a strategy increasingly used by clubs to remain compliant with financial regulations.
In that case, Raya initially joined on loan before the transfer was completed permanently in a later window.
By structuring the Hincapié move in a similar way, Arsenal were able to secure a key defensive target while maintaining financial flexibility during the current season.
Piero Hincapie of Arsenal (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Hincapié has earned a strong reputation in European football during his time with Bayer Leverkusen, where he developed into one of the Bundesliga’s most reliable young defenders.
The Ecuador international is known for his composure on the ball, defensive aggression, and ability to operate across multiple positions in the back line.
Primarily a centre-back, Hincapié is also comfortable playing as a left-sided defender in a back three or even as a left-back when required.
This versatility makes him particularly valuable and his form at Arsenal has shown why he is highly rated by Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff.
The signing adds depth and flexibility to a defensive unit that has been central to the club’s recent progress.