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Erling Haaland exit reports have resurfaced again as Man City attackers tops transfer wishlist

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By:Ahad Shaukat

Speculation surrounding the future of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has resurfaced once again, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly continuing to monitor the Norwegian star.

According to TEAMtalk, the two Spanish giants remain interested in Haaland as part of their long-term attacking plans.

However, the latest reports have been quickly downplayed. Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta has firmly rejected claims that negotiations have taken place with Barcelona, dismissing suggestions that discussions over a potential future move are already underway.

Haaland remains firmly under contract with Man City after signing a major extension last year that ties him to the club until 2034.

Barcelona’s interest sparks intense debate

The renewed speculation began after Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font claimed he was attempting to secure a “preferential option” to sign Haaland if the striker ever decided to leave Man City.

Font’s comments immediately drew attention across European football, as Barcelona have long been linked with the prolific Norwegian forward.

The club has been rebuilding its squad in recent years and is expected to pursue high-profile signings if financial conditions allow.

However, Pimenta quickly dismissed the suggestion that any formal negotiations had taken place, clarifying that Haaland’s camp has not engaged in talks regarding a transfer.

Erling Haaland is committed to Man City

Erling Haaland in action for Manchester City
Erling Haaland in action for Manchester City (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Haaland’s current situation makes any immediate move unlikely. The striker signed a long-term contract extension with Man City in 2025, committing his future to the Premier League champions for the foreseeable future.

Since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has established himself as one of the most dominant goal scorers in world football.

Haaland has consistently delivered impressive goal-scoring numbers, playing a key role in Man City’s domestic and European ambitions under manager Pep Guardiola.

Real Madrid’s interest in Haaland is not new. The Spanish giants have previously been linked with the striker as part of their long-term strategy to assemble one of the strongest attacking lineups in Europe.

Real Madrid monitor Man City star’s situation as experienced player nears key decision

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Liverpool face €70 million battle with Barcelona for defender considered Van Dijk replacement

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By:Ahad Shaukat

Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni could soon develop into a transfer battle with Barcelona.

According to Sport, the Premier League side will face strong competition from Barcelona, who are also closely monitoring the Italian international’s situation.

Bastoni has emerged as one of the most highly regarded central defenders in European football.

Inter Milan are believed to value the 26-year-old at around €70 million, and reports suggest the player could be open to a move away from Italy should the right opportunity arise.

Bastoni has become one of Europe’s best defenders

Bastoni has become a central figure in Inter Milan’s defence over the past few seasons.

Operating primarily on the left side of Inter’s defensive line, Bastoni has excelled in a system that demands defenders to initiate attacking play from deep areas.

His precise passing range and ability to carry the ball forward have made him particularly valuable in possession-based systems.

The defender has also established himself as a regular for the Italian national team, further enhancing his reputation across Europe.

Why Liverpool are interested in the Inter defender

Alessandro Bastoni warming up for Inter Milan
Alessandro Bastoni warming up for Inter Milan (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Liverpool’s interest in Bastoni has been reported for some time, with the club believed to be evaluating options to strengthen their defense in the coming years.

With veteran leaders such as Virgil van Dijk approaching the latter stages of their careers, the club is exploring long-term solutions capable of anchoring the back line.

Bastoni’s ability to play progressive passes and operate comfortably in a high defensive line makes him an appealing fit for Liverpool’s tactical philosophy.

Barcelona’s involvement in the race for Bastoni adds a new dimension to the transfer saga.

Reports suggest that the Catalan club’s transfer strategy could be influenced by the outcome of their presidential election, which may shape the club’s recruitment priorities moving forward.

From Spain: Liverpool given chance to sign versatile 23-year-old for just €50m

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Man United frontrunners to sign £45 million Premier League midfielder ahead of Liverpool & Chelsea

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ahad Shaukat

Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams has emerged as a key transfer target for several Premier League heavyweights ahead of the upcoming summer window.

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea are all actively monitoring the situation of the United States international, with United currently believed to be leading the race for his signature.

Adams has attracted significant attention thanks to his strong performances and leadership qualities in midfield.

While Bournemouth remain keen to keep hold of the player, reports suggest the club could consider offers in the region of £45 million if serious interest materialises.

Tyler Adams has impressed top Premier League clubs

Adams has become an integral figure in the team’s midfield structure. The 27-year-old is widely admired for his work rate, tactical awareness, and ability to disrupt opposition attacks.

Adams typically operates as a defensive midfielder, providing protection for the back line while helping his team transition quickly from defence to attack.

His ability to cover ground, press aggressively, and recover possession has made him one of the most effective ball-winning midfielders in the Premier League.

In addition to his club performances, Adams is also a key player for the United States national team, where he has frequently served as captain.

His leadership qualities and experience at international tournaments have further boosted his reputation across European football.

Man United lead the race to sign Adams

Tyler Adams in action for Bournemouth
Tyler Adams in action for Bournemouth (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Man United’s reported interest in Adams matches with their ongoing efforts to strengthen the midfield department.

The club has been searching for players capable of providing energy, defensive stability, and tactical discipline in the center of the pitch.

Liverpool and Chelsea are also believed to be exploring midfield reinforcements as part of their long-term squad planning.

Adams’ playing style, combining defensive intensity with intelligent positioning, makes him an appealing option for teams that prioritize high pressing and quick transitions.

Despite the growing interest, Bournemouth are under no immediate pressure to sell. Adams is under contract until 2028, which gives the club a strong negotiating position.

However, a substantial offer could test Bournemouth’s resolve, particularly if the player expresses a desire to take the next step in his career.

Man United & Liverpool handed £86.2m transfer boost following major development 

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Managers shortlisted: Man United have FIVE managers on their radar for the hot seat

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By:Ahad Shaukat

Manchester United’s season has taken a more positive turn since Michael Carrick stepped in as interim manager following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this year.

However, despite the recent improvement in results and performances, the club is still believed to be planning for a long-term managerial appointment once the season concludes.

According to reports from The Sun, United’s hierarchy have drawn up a shortlist of five potential candidates to take permanent charge at Old Trafford.

The list reportedly includes Oliver Glasner, Unai Emery, Andoni Iraola, Roberto De Zerbi, and Julian Nagelsmann, all managers with strong reputations in European football.

Michael Carrick faces uncertain future at Man United

Carrick’s appointment as interim boss initially appeared to be a temporary measure designed to steady the club after Amorim’s difficult spell.

Since taking over, however, the former United midfielder has overseen a noticeable improvement in the team’s structure and results.

Players have responded positively to Carrick’s leadership, with several improved performances helping United regain momentum in the Premier League and reestablish some confidence within the squad.

Despite this progress, sources suggest the club’s leadership remains committed to appointing a long-term head coach with a clearly defined tactical identity.

United have five managers on their radar

Oliver Glasner, Manager of Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner, Manager of Crystal Palace (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The shortlist reportedly reflects a mix of experienced managers and progressive tacticians.

Oliver Glasner, currently at Crystal Palace, is expected to leave the London club at the end of the season. The Austrian manager gained widespread praise during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he led the club to UEFA Europa League glory in 2022.

Unai Emery, meanwhile, has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most tactically astute managers. His work at Aston Villa has earned admiration across the Premier League, while his previous success, including multiple Europa League titles, highlights his pedigree.

Andoni Iraola, currently impressing with Bournemouth, is viewed as one of the league’s most progressive coaches thanks to his high-energy tactical style.

Former Brighton and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi is also being considered. Known for his possession-based football and innovative tactical approach, De Zerbi has previously attracted interest from several top European clubs.

Finally, Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann remains a highly respected figure in the game. At just 38, Nagelsmann has already managed clubs like RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, gaining recognition as one of the brightest coaching minds in modern football.

Man United & Liverpool handed £86.2m transfer boost following major development 

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Real Madrid continue to monitor Liverpool star despite his involvement in contract talks

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ahad Shaukat

Real Madrid are reportedly continuing to track the situation of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, as uncertainty surrounds the French centre-back’s long-term future at Anfield.

According to talkSPORT, the Spanish giants remain attentive to developments regarding Konaté’s contract negotiations with Liverpool, which are still ongoing.

Liverpool are working to secure the 26-year-old’s future, but interest from top European clubs means the situation is being closely watched.

Real Madrid are understood to be among the teams keeping tabs on the defender’s availability should talks between the player and Liverpool fail to produce an agreement.

Konaté has become increasingly important for Liverpool

Konaté has grown into one of the club’s most reliable defensive players. The France international has formed an important partnership in Liverpool’s backline, combining physical strength with impressive recovery pace and strong aerial ability.

Konaté’s defensive attributes make him particularly well suited to the high-intensity style Liverpool have often employed in recent years.

In addition to his club performances, Konaté has also continued to establish himself within the French national team setup, further enhancing his reputation as one of Europe’s leading young defenders.

The French centre-back is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and that has alerted Real Madrid who love to sign players as free agents.

Real Madrid are looking to strengthen their defense

Ibrahima Konate in action for Liverpool
Ibrahima Konate in action for Liverpool (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s reported interest in Konaté aligns with their long-term efforts to refresh their defensive line.

With some experienced defenders entering the latter stages of their careers, the club is believed to be evaluating options capable of strengthening the squad for the coming years.

Despite the growing speculation, Liverpool are unlikely to let Konaté leave easily. The club considers him a key part of their future defensive plans.

Liverpool are already preparing for defensive changes with young centre-back Jeremy Jacquet set to arrive from Rennes at the end of the season, while promising defender Giovanni Leoni is also expected to return after recovering from injury.

Liverpool remain committed to keeping the French defender, but interest from Real Madrid ensures that the situation will continue to attract attention.

Swap deal: Liverpool ready to finally sign long-term target in smart exchange

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Arsenal and Chelsea given hope of making €100m signing ahead of Barcelona

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By:Ahad Shaukat

Atlético Madrid are reportedly determined to block any attempt by Barcelona to sign Julián Álvarez, as speculation surrounding the Argentine striker’s future intensifies ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Diario Sport, the Spanish club have no intention of strengthening one of their biggest domestic rivals and would reject any approach from the Catalan side.

Reports suggest that the club might consider offers from the Premier League, but only if the proposal significantly exceeds €100 million.

Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs believed to be monitoring Álvarez’s situation closely.

Julian Álvarez has reached a new level at Atlético

Since joining Atlético Madrid, Julián Álvarez has become a central figure in Diego Simeone’s attacking setup.

The 26-year-old Argentina international is admired for his relentless work rate, pressing ability, and versatility in the final third.

Álvarez can operate both as a central striker and as part of a more fluid attacking system, making him particularly valuable in Simeone’s tactical approach.

His ability to combine intelligent movement with clinical finishing has seen him become one of the club’s most consistent attacking threats.

The forward also carries significant pedigree on the international stage. Álvarez played a key role in Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where his performances alongside Lionel Messi elevated his reputation across world football.

Barcelona face competition from Arsenal and Chelsea

Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid against Barcelona
Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid against Barcelona (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

While Barcelona face significant resistance, interest from England continues to grow. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly assessing the possibility of making a major move for the striker.

Barcelona have reportedly been admirers of Álvarez for some time as they look to strengthen their attacking line in the coming years but competition from Premier League clubs is set to make their life difficult.

The Catalan giants are looking for a long term replacement of Robert Lewandowski and Álvarez is high on their radar for the summer transfer window this year.

Arsenal preparing ‘formal offer’ for 48-goal star, Andrea Berta personally involved 

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Report: Chelsea winger on the radar of Barcelona after details of secret clause emerge

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By:Ahad Shaukat

Barcelona have reportedly added Chelsea winger Pedro Neto to their list of potential summer transfer targets as the club prepares for another important rebuilding phase.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants are keeping a close eye on the Portuguese international’s situation at Stamford Bridge in case they decide to reinforce their wide attacking options during the upcoming transfer window.

Barcelona’s recruitment strategy is expected to focus on strengthening three key areas of the squad: a striker, a centre-back, and a winger.

While the club already possesses quality options on the flanks, the technical department is exploring alternatives should the opportunity arise in the market.

Pedro Neto has emerged as an option for Barcelona

Neto, now 26 years old, has long been regarded as one of the Premier League’s most technically gifted wide players.

His pace, dribbling ability, and creativity in one-on-one situations has built a reputation as a player capable of unlocking defenses with direct attacking play.

After making his name at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Neto moved to Chelsea in a deal that attracted significant attention across Europe.

Neto’s contract includes a release clause or exit mechanism that could facilitate a transfer should Barcelona decide to move forward with negotiations.

For now, however, the Spanish club are simply observing his situation rather than actively pursuing a deal.

Barcelona have depth in their current attacking options

Pedro Neto in action for Chelsea
Pedro Neto in action for Chelsea (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Barcelona’s attacking lineup already includes several prominent wide players.

Young superstar Lamine Yamal and Brazilian international Raphinha are currently considered automatic starters in the wide roles, both delivering consistent performances this season.

In addition, the club is still evaluating the future of Marcus Rashford, who joined on loan from Manchester United.

Barcelona have the option to make that deal permanent depending on how the remainder of the season unfolds.

Because of these existing options, Neto is not currently a priority signing. Instead, he represents a contingency option should circumstances change during the summer.

Report: Chelsea considering transfer move for 21-year-old who’s perfect for Liam Rosenior 

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Bid prepared: Man United ready to trigger star’s release clause, player wants transfer this summer

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By:Mark Brus

Manchester United are reportedly ready to trigger Nico Williams‘ release clause this summer, while the Spanish winger also feels it’s the right time for him to leave Athletic Bilbao.

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The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the most exciting young attacking players in Europe in recent times, though he’s gone slightly off the boil this term.

That hasn’t put Man Utd off from targeting him, however, with Fichajes reporting that the Red Devils are preparing a move to pay his clause and get him out of Athletic Bilbao.

Williams could undoubtedly be a useful option for United’s squad, though on current form there’s no guarantee he’d get into their starting XI on a regular basis.

Nico Williams might not be worth it for Manchester United

Williams has only four goals and two assists in 19 La Liga games, which is not the kind of player you pay close to €100m for.

Fichajes’ report is not that clear on how much the Spain international’s clause is, but they state that it’s close to that fee, and it’s the kind of figure that would’ve made sense a year ago.

Williams has long been linked with big clubs, but there are perhaps signs that he’s going backwards, so given that MUFC already have pretty good attacking options, there doesn’t seem to be much need for them to pay this much for Williams.

Nico Williams Transfer Fit rating

Nico Williams TOTAL SCORE: 12/25
Transfer fee –
Performance **
Achievements ****
Career phase ****
Squad need **

You can read more here about CaughtOffside’s Transfer Fit rating as we score this potential deal at the lower end of medium.

If Williams can get back to his best, then there’s no doubt this could be a good deal, while it might also be worth pursuing if they can get him for a lot less than €100m.

For now, though, he’s far too expensive and out of form, so there must be better options out there for United.

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Swap deal: Liverpool ready to finally sign long-term target in smart exchange

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Liverpool are reportedly ready to do a swap deal with Real Madrid in order to finally clinch the transfer of long-term target Eduardo Camavinga.

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The France international has been someone the Reds have wanted for some time now, and it seems he’s finally going to be available.

That’s what’s been reported by Radio Marca in the last few days, and now a further report from Spanish outlet Fichajes claims he’s on Liverpool’s radar and could swap places with Alexis Mac Allister.

The report claims Madrid want Mac Allister to add a different kind of profile to their midfield, while the Argentina international also brings more experience than the younger Camavinga.

LFC might view this as an upgrade for them, however, as Mac Allister hasn’t been quite as good this season, and bringing in a younger player might be good for the present and future.

What Eduardo Camavinga could bring to Liverpool

Another interesting thing to consider with Camavinga is that he can play as a left-back, which is another position Liverpool might do well to strengthen in.

The Merseyside giants are set to lose Andrew Robertson as a free agent this summer, while last year’s left-back signing Milos Kerkez has been disappointing so far.

Camavinga himself might favour playing in midfield, where he can also give Arne Slot’s side something different, but the club could benefit from having an alternative to Kerkez as well.

This will certainly be an interesting saga to watch, and it’s also worth noting that reports suggest Liverpool could be in for another left-back as well as a midfielder this summer.

Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde has also been linked with the Reds by Fichajes, so there look like there will be intriguing opportunities there for the club if they want to make a change again.

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Report: Chelsea considering transfer move for 21-year-old who’s perfect for Liam Rosenior

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Chelsea are reportedly eyeing up a transfer raid on their fellow BlueCo club Strasbourg, with Valentin Barco a target for Liam Rosenior.

Rosenior knows Barco well from his time managing him in Ligue 1, and it could be that they’ll be reunited at Stamford Bridge this summer, according to Fichajes.

The report states that Chelsea rate Barco highly, with the 21-year-old impressing as a top young talent during his time in France.

The fact that he’s also played under Rosenior should help him adapt well at Chelsea, where he can add quality and depth in two positions.

What Valentin Barco could bring to Chelsea

Barco mainly plays as a central defensive midfielder, but he can also provide the Blues with an option at left-back if needed.

It remains to be seen how Chelsea would use him, with Rosenior already having Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo as his two main starters in midfield.

Then again, it’s also hard to see CFC giving Barco a lot of chances to start at left-back, given that they already have Marc Cucurella and Jorrel Hato in that position.

Do Chelsea really need Barco? The Argentine may well be a big talent, but it’s perhaps hard to justify this move now, so we’ve given him this low-medium score with our Transfer Fit rating system…

Valentin Barco TOTAL SCORE: 13/20
Transfer fee **
Performance ****
Achievements **
Career phase ****
Squad need *

As you can see, Barco scores well for his recent form and the fact that he’s a young player with his best years ahead of him, but he lacks experience, isn’t a priority position for Chelsea, and would probably not be worth the money even if they could have favourable terms with Strasbourg.

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From Spain: Liverpool eye €60m star to already replace struggling Slot signing

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up a potential transfer move for Alejandro Balde as he’s made available by Barcelona for the right price.

According to Fichajes, the Catalan giants are prepared to accept around €60m to let Balde go, with sporting director Deco unsure about the player.

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It remains to be seen if anyone will come in for Balde, but Fichajes suggest that Liverpool could be suitors to watch.

The Reds could certainly do with making a change at left-back, with last summer’s signing Milos Kerkez proving unconvincing, while Andrew Robertson looks set to leave at the end of this season.

Alejandro Balde to solve Liverpool’s left-back issues

Balde has perhaps not been at his very best for Barcelona this season, but on his day the 22-year-old is an elite talent.

He’s also still young enough to turn his form around and develop into an even better player, so this could be a smart signing by LFC.

At the same time, €60m is a lot to pay for someone who’s not currently performing at their best, so we’ve used our Transfer Fit rating system to score him 16/25 – medium.

Alejandro Balde TOTAL SCORE: 16/25
Transfer fee *
Performance ***
Achievements ****
Career phase ****
Squad need ****

Liverpool could probably do better than Balde, but he is certainly also worth considering, with any kind of upgrade on Kerkez making sense as a priority.

The Hungary international shone during his time at Bournemouth but is yet to show that kind of form at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Robertson is about to become a free agent, so is surely heading out of Liverpool after a great career at the club.

The veteran Scotland international looks past his best now, however, with Kerkez starting over him in Arne Slot’s side for most of this season.

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe responds to question on Michael Carrick’s chances of landing Man United job

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has responded to a question about Michael Carrick’s future after his fine start as interim manager.

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The former Man Utd midfielder was recently placed in charge of the club after the sacking of Ruben Amorim, but it remains to be seen if he’ll stay at Old Trafford beyond this stint until the end of the season.

Carrick is not hugely experienced at the highest level of management, though he previously impressed as Middlesbrough boss and has done well to lift this United side after some dire form under Amorim.

Ratcliffe clearly seems happy with the job Carrick is doing, though he wouldn’t be drawn into answering if he’d give the 44-year-old the job permanently…

"Michael Carrick is doing an excellent job" ?

Sir Jim Ratcliffe speaks to Craig Slater on his hopes for both Mercedes and Manchester United, but refuses to comment on whether Michael Carrick could remain as head coach after this season ? pic.twitter.com/VncqaKC5jd

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 14, 2026

“He’s doing an excellent job, absolutely,’ Ratcliffe said, but when asked about the permanent job, he added: “Not going there!”

Michael Carrick’s strong star as Manchester United’s interim manager

Carrick has had a terrific impact with United so far, tweaking the team’s tactics and massively improving both results and performances.

United were on a run of just one win from seven before Carrick took over, with MUFC now on a run of six wins, one draw, and one defeat in his eight games in charge…

Carrick’s Man Utd opponents Score and result
Manchester City (H) 2-0 WIN
Arsenal (A) 3-2 WIN
Fulham (H) 3-2 WIN
Tottenham (H) 2-0 WIN
West Ham (A) 1-1 DRAW
Everton (A) 1-0 WIN
Crystal Palace (H) 2-1 WIN
Newcastle (A) 2-1 LOSS

Carrick is not as big a name as some of the other managers out there, with experienced figures like Roberto De Zerbi currently available, and others like Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola also set to be on the lookout for new clubs very soon.

Ratcliffe sounds happy with Carrick, but it remains to be seen if that will translate into giving him the job permanently, or if he just sees him as doing his duties as interim well before ultimately passing on the torch to someone else.

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Three in, three out: Man United working on TOTAL midfield revamp with stunning triple swoop

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Manchester United could reportedly be set to completely revamp their midfield this summer, with three players leaving and three new signings coming in.

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The Red Devils are closing in on a top four spot that would give them the crucial boost of Champions League football for next season and strengthen their hand in the transfer market this summer.

It’s already been confirmed that Casemiro will be leaving on a free transfer when his Man Utd contract expires at the end of this season.

On top of that, ESPN report that United will be ready to listen to offers for Manuel Ugarte, while Bruno Fernandes has a £57m release clause and faces an uncertain future.

Manchester United’s top three midfield transfer targets

Fans wondering how to buy Manchester United vs Aston Villa tickets will likely be aware that they’re set to watch the likes of Casemiro and possibly Fernandes in one of their final few appearances for the club.

Next season, it could be an entirely new MUFC midfield trio, with various reports linking them with Nottingham Forest duo Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs White, as well as with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.

That would likely represent a considerable outlay for United, but they’ll have more money to spend if they get back into the Champions League and make some sales.

High earners like Casemiro and Jadon Sancho leaving at the ends of their contracts should also free up significant space on the club’s wage bill.

How Manchester United could line up next season

If United get these deals done, we could see a very different and much stronger looking line up at Old Trafford next season.

While the club may also strengthen in other positions at some point, here’s a look at their starting XI with that new midfield three…

Man United potential line up 2026/27
Man United potential line up 2026/27 (CaughtOffside)

Would you be happy with these signings, United fans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

The post Three in, three out: Man United working on TOTAL midfield revamp with stunning triple swoop appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Sources: “Buzz” about Chelsea & Man United transfer target who’s available for €50-60m

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Manchester United and Chelsea are among the main suitors for exciting young FC Koln forward Said El Mala, as first reported here for the Daily Briefing.

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Koln are said to be realistic about El Mala’s future and it seems they would be prepared to accept offers in the region of €50-60m if they come in.

“They know there’s little prospect of him staying, and with so much interest they stand to make what they’ll see as a very good sale,” one source close to the situation told me.

Said El Mala transfer suitors revealed

I can reveal the long list of clubs mentioned to me as suitors for El Mala, though there’s mixed information so far on who the frontrunners could be.

Big names such as Man Utd, Chelsea, Man City, Newcastle, Tottenham, and Barcelona are all keen. There was previously also interest from Bayern Munich, but that’s now understood to have cooled as that’s not a position they’re prioritising this summer.

Interestingly, however, there’s some confidence in the circles of the agents industry that suggest Brighton have done some work on this deal and could be the favourites for El Mala.

The issue for Brighton is the cost, however, so not everyone I’ve spoken to is convinced. It remains one to watch if Koln don’t receive the kind of money they’re after from other clubs, as there’s no guarantee yet that the Chelseas and Man Utds of this world will make the 19-year-old a priority.

Huge buzz around Said El Mala

“Scouts from all the big clubs have given him rave reviews, there’s a real buzz about him in the industry,” another source told me. “Don’t rule out some clubs waiting until next summer, though, as he’s still a raw talent and not everyone will be keen on that asking price.”

In many ways, it seems like El Mala could benefit from joining a stepping stone club like Brighton first, and that may be what other big clubs are thinking too.

Koln will want to make as much money as possible from his sale, though, so that might mean trying to pitch him to someone like United or Chelsea now. The Blues’ recent policy of recruiting top young players could mean there’s the potential to win them round, even if it’s a big investment.

Christian Falk has previously reported that El Mala would be keen on a move to the Premier League.

The post Sources: “Buzz” about Chelsea & Man United transfer target who’s available for €50-60m appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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“We’ve missed him” – England legend wants surprise Man Utd star back in the squad for 2026 World Cup

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By:Mark Brus

England legend Stuart Pearce has called for Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw to come in to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup tournament.

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Shaw has had a mixed career for Man Utd and England, often looking like a top player on his day, but struggling with consistency, partly due to an unfortunate injury record.

Still, Pearce is a big fan of Shaw and feels he could still have it in him to be England’s first-choice left-back at the World Cup in North America this summer.

The 30-year-old has looked back to his best for United this season, and Pearce also feels that having his experience could be really valuable for the Three Lions.

Luke Shaw talked up for England World Cup spot

Shaw notably scored for England in that Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy, and he’s rarely let his country down in general.

Discussing the left-back spot with the Sun, Pearce made his case for Shaw being involved for Tuchel’s side this summer.

“If Manchester United carry on the ascension that they’re on at the moment, you have got to talk about Luke Shaw.

Luke Shaw of Man United in action
Luke Shaw of Man United in action (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“He’s got experience at the tournaments. When he’s been out of the England side, we’ve missed him. He’s a rounded left-back.

“More to the point, when you compare him to some of the others around, nobody probably had really nailed their colours to the mast in regards to playing there.

“Tino Livramento has come in as have Myles Lewis-Skelly and Nico O’Reilly. There’s a lot of players there that are good options.

“But I’m sure if Luke Shaw recovers the form we know he can, he could be the No 1 left-back.”

He added: “It’s his history. More so, his history plays a big part. The fact he’s been to tournaments. He knows what it’s like. He’s a good member of the squad.

“I worked with him at Under-21 level. I know his mentality. More to the point, I don’t think there’s been another left-back that has come along that has made us say, we can’t stop thinking about Luke Shaw.

“He’s a good member of the squad, 100 per cent. We’ve seen that with Jordan Henderson. The manager brought Henderson into the squad as much for what he is like as a person.

“You’ve got to have good tourists on the road with you, that’s for sure.”

Which other Manchester United players could make England’s World Cup squad?

It will be interesting to see if a few other big names at United make it into the England squad this summer.

Shaw is far from a certainty, and that’s also true of experienced figures like Harry Maguire and Mason Mount.

Kobbie Mainoo’s recent improved form should see him back in contention after he made it to the Euros two years ago, but there’s also a lot of competition in that area of Tuchel’s squad.

Marcus Rashford, currently on loan from United to Barcelona, also perhaps seems likely to be involved again after his improved form since leaving Old Trafford.

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Leeds set for major transfer windfall if rivals are relegated

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By:Mark Brus

Leeds United could reportedly be set to bank significant funds from add-ons included in Crysencio Summerville’s transfer to West Ham United.

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The Dutch winger was previously a key player at Elland Road and he’s continued to shine since his move to the London Stadium.

However, it’s not been a good season for West Ham overall, and they’re now facing the very real threat of relegation, which would likely see Summerville sold this summer.

If that does happen, reports claim this would mean potentially significant money for Leeds due to the sell-on clause included as part of his sale to the Hammers.

What next for Crysencio Summerville?

It is not yet clear where Summerville could end up, but it makes sense that his West Ham future is in serious doubt.

Tottenham are one club to be linked with the 24-year-old, but since they’re also in a relegation battle that is surely not yet something concrete.

If in theory both West Ham and Spurs were to go down, it surely wouldn’t make much sense for Summerville to seal a move that would keep him in the Championship next season.

For now, fans of the north Londoners will surely be looking into how to buy Liverpool vs Tottenham tickets as they look to keep an eye on how their team can possibly turn their poor recent form around and avoid the drop.

It will be interesting to see if Leeds perhaps enter the running to re-sign Summerville as they’re surely set to stay up, though there are not any concrete transfer news updates about that at the moment.

West Ham will likely lose other big-name players if they go down this summer, with speculation growing about Jarrod Bowen in particular, while talented young midfielder Mateus Fernandes also starting to attract attention.

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Bruno Fernandes has already negotiated possible escape route from Manchester United

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By:Mark Brus

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes was reportedly the one who negotiated a £57m release clause into his contract at Old Trafford.

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There has been talk before of Fernandes having a specific clause for clubs outside the Premier League, as per BBC Sport and others, and now a report from ESPN states that the Portugal international was the one who negotiated this detail into his contract.

It remains to be seen how much a worry Fernandes’ future will be for Man Utd this summer, but ESPN suggest it’s something bubbling away in the background with the potential to become a bigger story.

United have the option to extend Fernandes’ contract by one more year, but the player himself may be tempted to take the chance to try a new challenge this summer, according to ESPN.

Bruno Fernandes is too important for Manchester United to let go

Given his age, it perhaps seems unlikely anyone would pay as much as £57m to sign Fernandes, but it’s also not beyond the realms of possibility.

The 31-year-old continues to shine as one of the best players in the Premier League, with a fine record of seven goals and 14 assists so far this season.

Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United
318 games
105 goals
2 trophies

It seems likely it would be a huge challenge for United to replace Fernandes, as it’s hard to think of anyone on the market right now who can offer quite the same qualities as him.

Even if Fernandes himself isn’t entirely convinced about staying, MUFC surely need to do all they can to convince him and make him an important part of their team moving forward.

There have been signs of real improvement under interim manager Michael Carrick, with United now looking likely to seal Champions League qualification for next season.

Fernandes might be tempted to stay if things continue to go in the right direction, while his departure could prove a major setback after all the recent progress made.

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Euro giants ready to move for in-form Arsenal star – only small profit for Gunners

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By:Mark Brus

Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior is reportedly attracting transfer interest from Juventus ahead of this summer after impressing on loan at Porto.

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The Poland international was a useful squad player for the Gunners without ever really establishing himself as an automatic starter due to the presence of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Still, he also rarely put a foot wrong and he’s continued to impress with Porto, sparking interest from Juventus, according to Tuttosport.

It remains to be seen if Kiwior will definitely be on the move again that quickly, and ultimately that will be up to Porto, who might not want to sell him.

Jakub Kiwior transfer situation explained as Juventus eye Arsenal defender

According to additional information from the Sun, Kiwior will make his move to Porto permanent due to an obligation in his loan deal.

So, even if Kiwior is still only technically there on loan now, he has definitely left Arsenal, who can only make a small profit from his sale.

The Sun claim the north London giants paid £20m to sign Kiwior from Spezia, while they’ll bank £23m once his permanent transfer to Porto is finalised.

It’s also claimed that Arsenal have a sell-on clause, but that they’d only bank around an extra £1.7m if Porto sell the 26-year-old to Juve.

Arsenal struggle to sell players for big money

That’s a profit of just £4.7m for AFC, who have a surprisingly poor record when it comes to selling players.

The club lost a lot of star names during the Arsene Wenger era, but rarely for significant money.

See below as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is still Arsenal’s biggest ever sale for just €38m…(fees via Transfermarkt)

Player Fee
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain €38m
Nicolas Anelka €35m
Alexis Sanchez €34m
Cesc Fabregas €34m
Emile Smith Rowe €31.8m

Kiwior may not have been a regular starter for Arsenal, but he arguably looks like a player worth a lot more than just €20-25m.

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“No doubts” – Club chief confirms plan to sign Manchester United star

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By:Mark Brus

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund is set to make his loan move to Napoli permanent this summer, as confirmed by the club’s sporting director Giovanni Manna.

Fabrizio Romano has quoted Manna as saying there are no doubts about Napoli’s plans to sign Hojlund permanently from Man Utd this summer.

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The Denmark international has shown glimpses of his best form again since returning to Serie A, and it always looked likely that the Red Devils would seek to use this opportunity to offload him.

See below for details from Romano as he quotes Manna as confirming the deal, whilst saying Napoli are set to trigger their option to sign Hojlund for €44m…

? Napoli will trigger €44m buy option clause for Rasmus Højlund, as always reported.

Director Manna confirms: “There are no doubts. Rasmus will stay here. We have an obligation to buy from #MUFC in case of UCL access — but he is in our plans regardless of this condition”. pic.twitter.com/LLcbOGIBgS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 13, 2026

Romano posted: “Napoli will trigger €44m buy option clause for Rasmus Højlund, as always reported. Director Manna confirms: “There are no doubts. Rasmus will stay here. We have an obligation to buy from #MUFC in case of UCL access — but he is in our plans regardless of this condition”.”

Rasmus Hojlund transfer to Napoli suits all parties

This move won’t come as much of a surprise to anyone and it’s a deal that seems like it makes sense for all parties involved.

Hojlund looked a bright prospect during a spell at Atalanta earlier in his career, but things just didn’t quite work out for him in the Premier League.

United need to aim higher, while Hojlund needs to get back to playing regularly, and seems more suited to the pace of the game in Italian football.

Rasmus Hojlund stats Games Goals
Atalanta 2022/23 34 10
Man United 2023/24 43 16
Man United 2024/25 52 10
Napoli 2025/26 35 13

It could be that the 23-year-old will still have a fine career, but barring a really rapid transformation, it’s unlikely that MUFC will live to regret letting him go.

Hojlund scored 26 goals in his two seasons in Manchester, prompting the club to spend big on both Joshua Zirkzee and Benjamin Sesko in subsequent summers.

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Report: Man United sources confident they can deal huge transfer blow to Man City

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By:Mark Brus

Manchester United reportedly have some confidence that they could land top target Elliot Anderson ahead of rivals Manchester City.

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The 23-year-old Nottingham Forest midfielder is likely to be a man in demand this summer, and he’s one of several names Man Utd are looking at in midfield.

The Red Devils also like Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, according to ESPN, but Anderson is arguably the stand-out name there.

The report states that although Anderson has also been strongly linked with Man City, there is some belief inside Old Trafford that he could be convinced to join them instead.

How Elliot Anderson become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League

Anderson has done remarkably well to stand out as one of the top midfield players in the Premier League despite playing for a struggling Forest side this season.

See below for a useful graphic that illustrates just how much he deserves to be in the same conversation as the league’s other elite midfielders…

Elliot Anderson stats vs other Premier League midfielders
Elliot Anderson stats vs other Premier League midfielders (DataMB)

Anderson is superbly consistent and well-rounded, with his stats showing just how well he does at winning the ball back, and distributing it forward with progressive passes.

He’s also very close to Man City’s Rodri on forward passes, and just doesn’t really look like a player with any significant weaknesses.

Elliot Anderson looks ideal for Manchester United

It makes sense that MUFC are looking at Anderson, who ticks all the boxes to achieve a very high score in our Transfer Fit rating system (read more about how it works here)…

Elliot Anderson TOTAL SCORE: 19/25
Transfer fee *
Performance *****
Achievements ***
Career phase *****
Squad need *****

Anderson could be key to rebuilding this United midfield, with Casemiro set to leave at the end of his contract, while ESPN’s report also casts doubt over Manuel Ugarte’s future.

If they could win the race for this quality signing ahead of City it would be some statement of intent as the club looks to get back to being a serious title contender again.

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Aston Villa face nightmare transfer scenario as three big names could leave

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By:Mark Brus

Aston Villa reportedly look set for a difficult summer transfer window as they may come under pressure to sell the likes of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Emiliano Martinez.

It seems that Villa continue to have financial problems that will limit what they can do in the transfer market unless they also make major sales.

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That’s according to a report from the Daily Mail, which casts doubt over big names like Rogers, Tielemans, and Martinez in particular.

The report states that Villa are braced for bids for Rogers, who is one of the most exciting young talents in English football.

We’ve previously been informed of Rogers being a target for Chelsea and Liverpool, and there’ll surely be other top clubs interested if the 23-year-old does have to leave Villa Park.

Aston Villa struggling to cement place in the top four

Villa finished in the Champions League qualification spots two years ago and could do so again this year, but it looks like they’re still not making enough revenue to compete with the more traditional ‘big six’ clubs.

It will only become harder for them to do so if they still have to accept big offers for their best players.

Rogers would be a huge loss, but it would also be tough to replace key players with quality and experience like Tielemans and Martinez.

The Mail’s report also suggests that manager Unai Emery is exhausted, though it falls short of suggesting there’s any doubt over the Spanish tactician’s future.

Emery is said to be a big workaholic, but one perhaps also has to wonder how long he’ll be prepared to put so much into this job if he can’t keep his best players.

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Nine-player clear-out on the cards as Man United open to offers for flop signings

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By:Mark Brus

As many as nine players could leave Manchester United this summer as some come to the ends of their contracts, while the club are also open to offers for others.

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According to ESPN, it seems Man Utd could be prepared to let some flop signings go, with the likes of Andre Onana, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund, and Manuel Ugarte available.

On top of that, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia are all about to become free agents, while there’s hope that Marcus Rashford will either make his loan to Barcelona permanent or find another club.

It remains to be seen if United will succeed in offloading all of these players, but it certainly looks like it could be a big summer of change at Old Trafford.

Manchester United need a clear-out, but could this be too many exits at once?

There’s no doubt United need to make changes to this squad, with too many poor performers currently sitting on big wages.

At the same time, however, it could be a big upheaval if so many players leave at once, with MUFC perhaps at risk of losing some squad depth.

With Casemiro, for example, already confirmed as leaving at the end of his contract, it could perhaps be unwise to also offload Ugarte, who might be a decent backup option, even if he’s mostly proven disappointing during his time in English football so far.

Hojlund, meanwhile, has shown some promise whilst on loan at Napoli, so there might be some sense in giving him another chance to rotate with Benjamin Sesko, especially if the club also want to get rid of the under-performing Zirkzee.

What do you make of United’s plans? Are there any players here you’d like to see them keep, or should they all go? Let us know in the comments!

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Report: London outfit have a deal in place with Arsenal over 18-goal wonderkid

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By:Saikat

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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Dan Casey joins Fulham

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. Casey 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 is a promising talent

Dan Casey of Arsenal
Dan Casey of Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal Academy)

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.

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Report: Tottenham set to pounce on star pair if Premier League club is relegated

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By:Saikat

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.

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Tottenham want Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville

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.

Bowen and Summerville would improve Spurs

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 has scored consistently. 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.

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Arsenal preparing ‘formal offer’ for 48-goal star, Andrea Berta personally involved

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By:Saikat

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.

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Arteta wants Leon Goretzka

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 and 49 assists to his name for Bayern Munich.

Goretzka could be a handy option

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.

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Man United eye €40m ball-winner to transform Carrick’s midfield

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By:Saikat

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.

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Man United eye Joao Gomes move

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. Gomes 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.

Newcastle also keen on Gomes

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.

It remains to be seen whether either club can agree on a reasonable deal with Wolves in the summer. There have been rumours that Gomes could cost around €40 million.

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Arsenal & Chelsea in “very serious” talks to sign 45-goal hitman who wants London move

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By:Saikat

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.

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Julian Alvarez is open to an England return

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. Therefore, Arsenal and Chelsea would have a major advantage in any race to sign the player. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

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.”

Chelsea and Arsenal need Alvarez

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.

Alvarez has 45 goals and 15 assists in 98 appearances for the Spanish club.

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.

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Report: Tottenham icon will not say no to return even if they are relegated

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By:Saikat

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 a fan favourite.

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Mauricio Pochettino is a fan favourite at Tottenham

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.

Pochettino could be ideal

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.

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Man City target has just made a decision on his future which will boost Chelsea

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By:Saikat

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.

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Reece James could have improved Man City

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.

James can focus on his football now

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.

The post Man City target has just made a decision on his future which will boost Chelsea appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Report: Man United plot €80m summer heist for €320k-a-week Euro 2024 hero

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

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.

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Man United could use Nico Williams

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. Williams has also been linked with Arsenal.

Williams could fancy a Premier League move

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.

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Report: Chelsea rocked as superstar considers exit after PSG heartbreak

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

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.

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Enzo Fernandez is ready to leave

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 and PSG. 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.

Can Chelsea convince Fernandez to stay?

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.

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Real Madrid ready to snap up £70m PL star amid Liverpool, Man United & Chelsea interest

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

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.

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Real Madrid join Murillo race

According to reports from Spain, they are expected to open formal talks to sign the 23-year-old defender at the end of the season. However, it will not be easy to get the deal done. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United are also interested in the Brazilian. Murillo could cost around £70 million this summer.

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.

Murillo is a player in demand

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.

The post Real Madrid ready to snap up £70m PL star amid Liverpool, Man United & Chelsea interest appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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“I know what needs to be done”: Manager claims he could save Tottenham’s season

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

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.

The post “I know what needs to be done”: Manager claims he could save Tottenham’s season appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Report: Relegation twist could help Manchester United land £42m summer target

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

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.

The post Report: Relegation twist could help Manchester United land £42m summer target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Liam Rosenior drops intriguing transfer claim during praise for new Reece James contract

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

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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Rosenior, speaking at his press conference on Friday afternoon, was delighted with the news that James had committed his future to the Blues.

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

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) March 13, 2026

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.

The post Liam Rosenior drops intriguing transfer claim during praise for new Reece James contract appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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From Spain: Liverpool given chance to sign versatile 23-year-old for just €50m

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga as he looks set to be made available for just €50m this summer.

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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.

We’ve also previously received similar information casting doubt over Camavinga’s future, with Liverpool and Arsenal showing an interest in his situation.

Eduardo Camavinga transfer has the makings of a successful deal for Liverpool

In many ways, Camavinga’s situation is similar to that of Ryan Gravenberch’s when he was at Bayern Munich.

Eduardo Camavinga TOTAL SCORE: 18/15
Transfer fee ***
Performance ***
Achievements ****
Career phase *****
Squad need ***

How we calculate our Transfer Fit rating

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.

The post From Spain: Liverpool given chance to sign versatile 23-year-old for just €50m appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Bizarre: Liverpool eye risky transfer of Prem winger with 0 G/A in his last 14 games

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

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.

He is not for sale. In addition, FC Bayern are looking to extend his… pic.twitter.com/QT2HeI5o7M

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 3, 2026

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 post Bizarre: Liverpool eye risky transfer of Prem winger with 0 G/A in his last 14 games appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Update: Arsenal face paying £60m to sign PL star, Chelsea & other clubs also interested

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Arsenal are keen on the transfer of Kevin Schade, but there has been a new update on the Brentford winger’s situation from Christian Falk.

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.

The post Update: Arsenal face paying £60m to sign PL star, Chelsea & other clubs also interested appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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“In talks” – Christian Falk provides update on Arsenal & Manchester United transfer target

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Bayern Munich have had some early talks with those close to German midfield wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn, who is also a target for Arsenal and Manchester United.

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That’s according to Christian Falk in his latest column for CF Bayern Insider, with a further update on the highly-rated 16-year-old after revealing talks last week.

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
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.

The post “In talks” – Christian Falk provides update on Arsenal & Manchester United transfer target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Deal likely for “outstanding” Manchester United transfer target

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

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.

Lewis Hall has been linked with Manchester United

Hall’s fine form will surely mean he’s of interest to bigger clubs soon, and Manchester United have been one of the main names linked with him.

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.

Hall is younger, however, so might be the better long-term option, with Howe praising him as “outstanding” to signal his importance to his side.

Having lost Alexander Isak last summer, NUFC will surely be in no mood to let another of their most important players go.

The post Deal likely for “outstanding” Manchester United transfer target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Deal signed: David Ornstein confirms huge Chelsea boost in morning update

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

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 @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/n0cYLx4Z6p

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) March 13, 2026

Reece James contract is good news for Chelsea

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.

The post Deal signed: David Ornstein confirms huge Chelsea boost in morning update appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Spending spree: Man Utd set sights on bargain £30m signing alongside two other major investments

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

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.

Overall, that’s a high score from us, with a Transfer Fit rating of 17/25, which is the upper end of medium – find out more about how we score these here.

David Raum TOTAL SCORE: 17/25
Transfer fee ****
Performance ****
Achievements ***
Career phase **
Squad need ****

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Man United & Liverpool handed £86.2m transfer boost following major development

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

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

Fabrizio Romano recently linked Diomande with Manchester United in a report on his YouTube channel, so that could be another saga to watch out for.

“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.

He is not for sale. In addition, FC Bayern are looking to extend his… pic.twitter.com/QT2HeI5o7M

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 3, 2026

“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.

“As a result, LFC are shifting their focus within the Bundesliga to Yan Diomande.”

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.

The post Man United & Liverpool handed £86.2m transfer boost following major development appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Sources on “talks” as Arsenal battle with Man United for wonderkid transfer

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Arsenal and Manchester United have both had some initial contacts over the potential transfer of Inter Milan forward Pio Esposito.

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.

The post Sources on “talks” as Arsenal battle with Man United for wonderkid transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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“You were hung out to dry” – Peter Schmeichel slams Igor Tudor in direct message to Antonin Kinsky

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

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."

Uncle @Pschmeichel1 with a heartfelt message for Antonín Kinský ? pic.twitter.com/uDuXOczvoG

— 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.”

Antonin Kinsky tipped to leave Tottenham on loan

Not long after the game, there was a report from the Telegraph about Kinsky being likely to leave Tottenham on loan this summer in an attempt to rebuild his career.

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.

The post “You were hung out to dry” – Peter Schmeichel slams Igor Tudor in direct message to Antonin Kinsky appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Report: Man United & Chelsea in head-to-head transfer battle for “top talent”

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly both set to go head to head for the potential transfer of RB Leipzig starlet Assan Ouedraogo.

The talented 19-year-old has long been regarded as a big prospect, with Fabrizio Romano telling CaughtOffside a few years ago about how big clubs like Liverpool and Bayern Munich were looking at him.

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.

According to TEAMtalk, Man Utd and Chelsea are both really keen on Ouedraogo, though the Germany international could cost between €80-100m.

Assan Ouedraogo transfer won’t come cheap

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.

The post Report: Man United & Chelsea in head-to-head transfer battle for “top talent” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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How Liverpool have reacted to summer signing’s struggles as Real Madrid linked

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Liverpool sources are reportedly playing down transfer rumours linking the German playmaker with Real Madrid as he shows signs of improving his form.

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Wirtz hasn’t had an entirely positive first season with Liverpool since his big move from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, but it seems the Reds are set to stick with him.

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.

The post How Liverpool have reacted to summer signing’s struggles as Real Madrid linked appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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New twist as Man United join Arsenal in holding talks over €80m transfer

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Manchester United are reportedly also in talks over a potential transfer move for RB Leipzig central defender Castello Lukeba.

The Red Devils have had initial contacts over this deal, according to TEAMtalk, following on from a report from L’Equipe that Arsenal are also working on signing the France international.

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

As we reported yesterday, United are also eyeing Pierre Kalulu as an option to strengthen their defence this summer.

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 post New twist as Man United join Arsenal in holding talks over €80m transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Man United rival Arsenal for Sandro Tonali and eye four other transfer targets from PL clubs

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Manchester United are reportedly making Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali one of their top targets in that position for this summer.

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
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.

Should Manchester United sign Sandro Tonali?

Tonali was recently scored ‘low’ as a weak fit for Arsenal via our Transfer Fit rating system, largely because of how expensive he’d be and because of the options Mikel Arteta already has in that position.

United surely need Tonali more than Arsenal do, but as you can see, that doesn’t bring his score up that much…

Sandro Tonali TOTAL SCORE: 11/25
Transfer fee –
Performance **
Achievements **
Career phase ***
Squad need ****

The post Man United rival Arsenal for Sandro Tonali and eye four other transfer targets from PL clubs appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Erling Haaland’s agent responds to Barcelona transfer talk – but Man City have a bigger problem

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

The agent of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has played down links with Barcelona after recent transfer speculation.

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.

The goals have dried up for Erling Haaland

Normally a world class goal machine, Haaland is currently on an awful run of just two goals from open play in his last 17 games.

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.

The post Erling Haaland’s agent responds to Barcelona transfer talk – but Man City have a bigger problem appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Liverpool and Chelsea receive major boost in their pursuit of 23-year-old Brazilian star

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

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.

See below for the score we gave Murillo to Liverpool or Chelsea with our Transfer Fit rating system, and find out more about how it works here.

Murillo TOTAL SCORE: 17/25
Transfer fee **
Performance ****
Achievements **
Career phase ****
Squad need *****

Murillo needs a move

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.

It will be interesting to see where he ends up eventually. Murillo is also a target for Manchester United.

The post Liverpool and Chelsea receive major boost in their pursuit of 23-year-old Brazilian star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Man United plot £70m move for lightning-quick star with 14 goals & 37 assists

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

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.

Davies has also been linked with Liverpool.

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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.

Davies could be open to the move

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.

The post Man United plot £70m move for lightning-quick star with 14 goals & 37 assists appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Report: Arsenal & Tottenham line up move for €50m-rated Serie A wide player

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

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.

Palestra set for Premier League move?

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.

The post Report: Arsenal & Tottenham line up move for €50m-rated Serie A wide player appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Arsenal & Chelsea eye €20 million-rated “complete midfielder” from MLS club

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

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.

Report: Arsenal & Tottenham line up move for €50m-rated Serie A wide player

Mehmeti could fancy a big move

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.

Star will be sold below €95m clause as Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal circle

The post Arsenal & Chelsea eye €20 million-rated “complete midfielder” from MLS club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Man United prepared to land £60m World Cup winner by offering lucrative contract

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

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.

See below for the score we gave Romero to Manchester United with our Transfer Fit rating system, and find out more about how it works here.

Cristian Romero TOTAL SCORE: 20/25
Transfer fee ***
Performance ****
Achievements ****
Career phase ****
Squad need *****

Man United need someone like Romero

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.

The post Man United prepared to land £60m World Cup winner by offering lucrative contract appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Star will be sold below €95m clause as Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal circle

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

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.

Arsenal also keen on Williams

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.

Williams has also been linked with Liverpool.

The post Star will be sold below €95m clause as Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal circle appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Report: Liverpool make first move to sign €30m-rated Barcelona star

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

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.

Reds could use Araujo

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.

Araujo has also been linked to Chelsea.

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Man United plot move for €16 million midfield wizard, but Napoli hold all the cards

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By:Saikat

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.

Elmas could be tempted

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. 

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Man Utd, Chelsea and Spurs lead hunt for 20-year-old prodigy ready for Premier League leap

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By:Saikat

Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Taras Mykhavko from Dynamo Kyiv, according to TEAMtalk.

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.

Mykhavko is also a target for Liverpool.

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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.

Mykhavko could fancy a big move

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray is challenged by Taras Mykhavko of FC Dynamo Kyiv
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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Tottenham ready to revive move for PSG ace as Arsenal and Chelsea lurk in shadows

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By:Saikat

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the PSG attacker Lee Kang-In at the end of the season.

They will face competition from clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, who have been monitoring the 25-year-old South Korean attacker for quite some time.

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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.

Where will Kang-In Lee end up?

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.

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Arsenal and Liverpool lead race for Bundesliga gem with “exceptionally high” price tag

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By:Saikat

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.

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Have Arsenal just made a major £75million mistake?

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By:Mark Brus

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
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

According to the Guardian, Saka is now on a contract until 2031, with Arsenal set to pay him £15m a year until that time, amounting to roughly a £75m investment.

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.

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Exclusive: Arsenal considering 10 G/A star for important transfer upgrade

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

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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As reported here recently, Schade’s form has seen him become a target for Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United, though Brentford shut down any interest in the Germany international in January.

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.

That’s why we’ve only given the Schade to Arsenal transfer a 15/25 – very much a medium score on our Transfer Fit rating system.

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Arteta told he has “brave decision” to make after Arsenal star “changed the game” vs Leverkusen

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By:Mark Brus

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

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 12, 2026

“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
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.

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Report: Premier League rival plotting sensational summer move for Liverpool defender

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By:Ahad Shaukat

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.

The north London club are still keeping a close watch on developments, hoping another opportunity could arise in the coming months.

Robertson has an illustrious legacy at Liverpool

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.

Tottenham are looking for experience in defense

Andrew Robertson in action for Liverpool
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.

The left-back has clearly no future at Liverpool after the arrival of Milos Kerkez last summer.

European giants determined to keep 41 G/A attacker Liverpool are eyeing to replace Salah

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European giants determined to keep 41 G/A attacker Liverpool are eyeing to replace Salah

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By:Ahad Shaukat

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.

While Liverpool are expected to strengthen their attacking options in the upcoming transfer window, Bayern’s stance suggests that a deal for the 24-year-old could prove extremely difficult to negotiate.

Olise has been performing at a high level at Bayern

Olise has scored 15 goals for the German club this season and provided 26 assists in all competitions this season.

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.

Liverpool continue to monitor the French attacker

Michael Olise in action for Bayern Munich
Michael Olise in action for Bayern Munich (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Liverpool’s interest in Olise is believed to be connected with the club’s succession plan for Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian attacker is facing an uncertain future at Anfield and he could be replaced at Anfield as early as this summer.

Several reports in England have suggested Liverpool may target a winger capable of adding creativity and goal contributions from wide areas.

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.

Report: Liverpool alerted as Premier League star made available in tempting £60m transfer 

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Talks held: Manchester City director recently met with PSG star’s agent

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By:Mark Brus

Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana reportedly met recently with the agent of Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele.

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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.

See below for our Transfer Fit rating score (find out how it works here)…

Ousmane Dembele TOTAL SCORE: 17/25
Transfer fee *
Performance *****
Achievements *****
Career phase **
Squad need ****

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.

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Report: Liverpool alerted as Premier League star made available in tempting £60m transfer

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By:Mark Brus

Liverpool are reportedly one of the clubs to have been alerted to the availability of Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento this summer.

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.

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Arsenal hold initial talks with €60 million defender on the radar of Bayern Munich

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By:Ahad Shaukat

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.

Arsenal are believed to be among several clubs tracking his progress, while Bayern Munich are also reportedly monitoring the situation closely.

Lukeba has impressed Arsenal and Bayern Munich

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.

Arteta wants to invest more money in his defense

Castello Lukeba in action for RB Leipzig
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.

‘You never know’ – Arsenal attacking target ignites speculation over his future 

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