Liverpool are interested in signing the Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra at the end of the season.
The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Cagliari, and he has impressed with regular opportunities at the Italian club. Liverpool will face competition from Barcelona for his signature.
According to reports from Spain, Liverpool have an upper hand in the race because of their financial resources. Furthermore, Liverpool will be able to offer him an important role in the team.
It is no secret that Liverpool need to invest in a quality right back at the end of the season. Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong have struggled with persistent injury problems. Liverpool needs more depth in that area of the pitch, and the 21-year-old would be a solid long-term acquisition.
The 21-year-old is a tremendous talent with a bright future, and the Italian outfit will not want to lose him easily. They could demand a premium for his signature. Barcelona are facing financial difficulties and is unlikely to be able to pay over the odds. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can afford him.
The opportunity to join clubs like Liverpool or Barcelona will be quite exciting for the young defender. It would be a huge step in his career, and he will look to test himself at the highest level. It remains to be seen where he ends up.
Lucas Bergvall is being linked with a move away from Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season.
The 20-year-old Swedish midfielder is highly sought after across Europe, and he is on the radar of multiple clubs. In 2024, he rejected Barcelona and chose the Premier League, and since then, his rapid development has placed him at the centre of Tottenham’s future plans while also attracting the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs. This season, with numerous appearances, he has proven himself as one of the team’s indispensable players.
Spurs do not want to lose Lucas Bergvall
Tottenham’s management currently considers him “unsellable,” viewing Bergvall as the core of their midfield for the next five years. The club’s financial structure is strong, supported by new sponsorship deals and a cleaned-up wage budget, meaning they are not forced into a high-profile sale. However, the team’s instability in the league and proximity to the relegation zone have fueled speculation about his future. Should a dramatic scenario unfold, the possibility of his departure could increase.
Bergvall’s market value has risen sharply. Analysts expect that if Tottenham were to negotiate, talks would start around £50 million. His long-term contract, running until 2031, gives the club significant leverage in any discussions.
Several clubs are monitoring the situation. Aston Villa and Chelsea tested the waters in the winter, and more serious approaches are expected in the summer. Sources have informed CaughtOffside that Arsenal and Chelsea remain interested, with “creative offers” possible. Barcelona’s interest has not completely faded, and if financial fair play restrictions are overcome, they could return to the race.
Fans and media alike see Bergvall as the “New Eriksen”. Tottenham supporters overwhelmingly believe he must be kept at all costs, while English media describe him as one of the Premier League’s most refined technical talents, perfectly adapted to the league’s physical demands.
In conclusion, Lucas Bergvall is set to be one of the main protagonists of the summer transfer window. Tottenham’s strong contractual position and commitment to the player mean the club holds full control. The Swedish talent could remain as North London’s new leader or write a fresh chapter in another European capital.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent a simple three-word message to his players ahead of Sunday’s huge game away to Manchester City.
When asked in his pre-match press conference if he had a “final message” for his players, Arteta stated simply that he wants them to “go for it” at the Etihad Stadium.
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“Go for it, let’s be ourselves and go for it,” Arteta said. “Put everything we have on that pitch.
“Huge belief, huge conviction, and go for it, because we are more than capable of doing it.”
He added: “This is exactly where we want to be. This brings a lot of positive things, and I don’t see anything that has to hold you, because this is where you want to be … playing against an opponent that requires the best of you.”
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Can Arsenal players find their belief in potential title-decider vs Man City?
As much as Arteta talks a good game, it will be interesting to see if Arsenal’s players really play like they believe in themselves on Sunday.
There have been times this season when the Gunners have had the opportunity to run away with the league, and they’ve failed to really capitalise.
This game will be a huge opportunity for Arteta’s side as they surely have to use this six-pointer as the moment to stamp their authority on this title race.
Mason Mount was not exactly Mr Popular as he returned to his former club Chelsea with Manchester United in Saturday evening’s Premier League clash.
The England international was once a real fan-favourite at Stamford Bridge, but he has clearly soured his relationship with Blues supporters since leaving to join Man Utd back in 2023.
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Mount did not get a friendly reception upon his return to Chelsea tonight, and it seems the player himself couldn’t resist a little dig back at the home crowd.
See below as Fabrizio Romano shared an image of the moment Mount decided to shush the Chelsea fans as the game neared full time…
Mount will likely have enjoyed that, with the 27-year-old also on the winning side today in what could end up being a crucial result in this season’s race for Champions League qualification.
Manchester United dent Chelsea’s Champions League hopes
United won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to a first half goal from Matheus Cunha, and it’s a result that surely secures their place at Europe’s top table next season.
The Red Devils are now ten points clear of Chelsea, who sit just outside the top five after an awful run of form that will likely now see them have to settle for Europa League football next term.
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United really needed a big improvement and they’ve got it under interim manager Michael Carrick this season, with the club looking in much better shape since sacking previous manager Ruben Amorim.
Chelsea, by contrast, only seem to have got even worse since replacing Enzo Maresca with Liam Rosenior, with this youthful squad once again struggling for consistency.
Liverpool are understood to still be keen on a potential transfer deal for Bradley Barcola this summer, with the French winger stalling on signing a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Reds urgently need to strengthen in attack this summer after a difficult season, with Mohamed Salah recently confirming he’ll be leaving the club at the end of the season.
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Olise and Diomande, like Salah, are primarily right-sided players who favour their left foot, so would be more direct replacements for the legendary Egyptian.
Barcola, however, could also be targeted to give LFC that extra goal threat and spark from the left flank, as an upgrade on the inconsistent Cody Gakpo.
Bradley Barcola surely set for transfer away from PSG
Barcola has an impressive total of 13 goals and eight assists in all competitions for club and country this season, but he hasn’t always established himself as a regular starter for PSG.
The 23-year-old is clearly a fine talent who deserves more playing time, and there’ll be plenty of clubs ready to give him that.
That would likely explain why Barcola is yet to move any closer towards an agreement over a new PSG contract, as sources confirmed to us this evening.
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“No progress for PSG on Barcola’s contract,” our source said. “Nothing advanced with any club, but he could leave. Liverpool have liked him for some time, and this development could lead to concrete talks soon.”
It remains to be seen if LFC will definitely make Barcola a priority, but with others like Olise and Diomande perhaps less realistic and more expensive, it could be a sensible option for the Reds to explore.
There is not yet any indication of PSG being ready to let the player go, so it’s hard to know what kind of price could tempt them, but this is something that could develop and gather pace in the weeks ahead.
This is the big one – it’s Manchester City vs Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday in what increasingly feels like winner-takes-all in this season’s Premier League title race.
The Gunners go into the game top of the table, albeit only with a slender lead that Man City can cut into, while Pep Guardiola’s side also have a game in hand over their rivals.
Bukayo Saka will miss out, Martin Odegaard’s fitness is not yet certain, while Erling Haaland’s form will be one key detail to watch.
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They met in the Carabao Cup final just a few weeks ago but this game arguably feels even bigger, as it’s almost a cup final for the Premier League title itself, whilst potentially also giving Arsenal a springboard to compete for the Champions League.
Read on as we identify the six main things to watch out for in this Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash…
Arsenal may have to play for a draw, but is it enough?
While there’s in some way more pressure on Arsenal going into this game due to the fact that they’re chasing a first title in 22 years, it’s worth remembering that City actually arguably need the win more or their title hopes would likely be over.
In which case, we may see Arsenal play for a draw, as it might suit them to rely more on their strong defensive record, particularly while they have so many key attacking players like Bukayo Saka, and potentially also Martin Odegaard, out injured for this game.
And yet, it feels like the one thing Arsenal have lacked in recent title challenges is that statement victory away from home. They’ve drawn their last two visits to the Etihad, which is some progress since that highly damaging 4-1 loss in 2022/23, but a bit more ambition in that 0-0 draw late on the following season would have seen the title go to north London instead of Manchester.
? "If somebody offered you a draw today, would you take it?"
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It’s important not to let emotions get the better of Arsenal, though, and Mikel Arteta will surely know that a point keeps City a decent distance behind, with the destination of the trophy out of their hands.
How will the Carabao Cup final will impact the psychology of the game?
We know these two met very recently in another big game, and on that occasion it was City who came out on top, lifting the Carabao Cup after a 2-0 win over Arsenal at Wembley.
In many ways, it’s the perfect test for Arsenal’s players, who stayed and watched City lifting the cup and celebrating in front of them – can you respond? Can you learn from the mistakes of that day? Or will that defeat only inhibit your performance?
City are the far more experienced side in terms of getting over the line and winning major trophies, so one imagines that will only boost their confidence for this match. Winning tends to beget more winning, though of course this hasn’t exactly been a vintage City side this season, so could some complacency also kick in?
2025/26 league stats
Arsenal
Manchester City
Wins
21
19
Draws
7
7
Losses
4
5
Goals for
62
63
Goals against
24
28
Goal difference
+38
+35
What to make of Arsenal’s big-game record?
Until defeats against Liverpool and Manchester United this season, Arsenal were on a lengthy unbeaten run against the so-called ‘big six’ sides in league matches.
Arteta tends to know how to get something extra from his players in these important games, but the catch is that City, particularly away from home, have been a bit of an exception to that rule.
Arsenal have drawn their last two games at the Etihad, and were only a matter of seconds away from winning with just ten men last season, but it’s undoubtedly a difficult ground for them, with the north Londoners failing to win there since all the way back in 2015.
Given that Arsenal aren’t in great form right now, while City have picked up, this is probably not the fixture they’d ideally pick if they could, but it’s also true that they don’t have to be perfect – a draw there for a third season in a row would not be a bad result by any means.
How will injuries impact things?
Another worry for Arsenal is the sheer number of injuries they’ve had, with Bukayo Saka confirmed as missing this game, while it’s not yet clear if Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori will return. Even if they do, they’re unlikely to be at peak fitness or form.
City mainly have a clean bill of health, though, with Pep Guardiola confirming that Nico O’Reilly will be back, though Ruben Dias is still out and that’s a pretty big loss, while Josko Gvardiol also remains a long-term absentee.
The issue for Arsenal is that their main injuries are in attack, which is already the main area of weakness in their current squad. Noni Madueke is really no substitute for a fully fit and in-form Saka, and even if Eberechi Eze being back is a big boost, there’s no one else who offers quite the same ability to dictate a game as Odegaard does.
Eze was missed in the Carabao Cup final, so he can provide a bit of spark in the final third for Arsenal, but for the most part this current situation probably only adds to the north Londoners’ need to set up quite defensively.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 17, 2026
Strangely, it’s gone a little unnoticed, but Erling Haaland really hasn’t been in great form for a while now.
The Norway international has a good record against the Gunners, scoring home and away against them last season, as well as in their encounter at the Emirates earlier on in this campaign.
In total, Haaland has 33 goals in 45 games this season, but in his last 13 league games he has just three goals, two of which came from the penalty spot.
Of course, it would be unwise to ignore the fact that he recently scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup win against Liverpool. It’s possible that we’re about to see him get back to his best form, though at the moment he doesn’t look like someone who’s going to have a lot of joy against William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Can Arsenal respond to bottler tag?
We’ve all seen it by now, so surely the Arsenal players have as well.
We’re talking, of course, about this viral clip from last weekend when City won 3-0 way to Chelsea just a day after Arsenal’s slip-up in the 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
This kind of thing surely has to fire Arsenal up to prove their critics wrong. This a club that has been mocked and ridiculed as bottlers for far too long. They may never get a better chance to finally change people’s perspectives.
How do you see this game going, and who do you ultimately expect to go on and win the league? Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments!
Paris Saint-Germain chief Luis Campos has reportedly held surprise talks with the representatives of Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazil international has been an inconsistent performer for the Gunners, though he showed a lot of potential when he first broke through as a youngster at the Emirates Stadium.
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Still, it’s perhaps a bit of a surprise to see PSG eyeing Martinelli, though that’s what’s being reported by L’Equipe, as cited and translated by Get French Football News.
The report also suggests PSG have held talks over RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, who would perhaps make more sense as the Ligue 1 giants’ priority target in that position.
Martinelli could make sense as an alternative for PSG to keep in mind, especially as it may well be that the 24-year-old would perform better in a more attack-minded side, and in a slightly less competitive league.
Should Arsenal sell Gabriel Martinelli?
Arsenal surely need to offload Martinelli this summer if the money is right, as they could do a lot better on that left-hand side of their attack.
With just one Premier League goal all season (though he’s done better in the Champions League, Martinelli really seems to have gone backwards, and it’s meant Mikel Arteta’s side just haven’t looked quite good enough in the final third.
Of course, others have also under-performed, but bringing in a truly elite forward on that side could also help the rest of the attack up its game.
Would PSG really sign Martinelli?
Martinelli seems like a bit of a gamble for PSG, especially as he probably wouldn’t come very cheap.
See below for our Transfer Fit rating for this deal, which we gave a very low 9/25 – find out more about how we score these here…
Gabriel Martinelli
TOTAL SCORE: 9/25
Transfer fee
**
Performance
*
Achievements
**
Career phase
***
Squad need
*
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PSG already have Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, and Bradley Barcola as options on that left-hand side, and all look a lot better than Martinelli.
Quite simply, this rumour doesn’t make much sense at all, but it’s coming from a respectable source, so perhaps it’s going to be one to keep an eye on.
Clubs look at a lot of players and will have Plan B, Plan C, and even Plan D targets behind their favoured options.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard could reportedly have a chance of playing against Manchester City tomorrow as he’s been included in the travelling squad for the game.
The Norway international has been struggling with an injury in the last couple of games, having been taken off in that 1-0 win away to Sporting Lisbon in the recent Champions League quarter-final.
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It seems Odegaard may now have a chance of playing at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, though, with the reliable Hand of Arsenal account posting on X that he’s travelling to Manchester.
See below for details as a final decision on Odegaard is expected tomorrow…
? Martin Ødegaard has been included in the travelling Arsenal squad for tomorrow. Final decision tomorrow on his inclusion in the official matchday squad. pic.twitter.com/cum57qCqgU
It perhaps sounds like it’s a bit too much of a close call for Odegaard to realistically have a chance of starting the game, but perhaps it points towards the 27-year-old being on the bench.
That would be better than nothing, with Arsenal perhaps able to call on him as a substitute if required in what will likely be a close game in this title race six pointer.
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Arsenal facing injury crisis ahead of Man City trip
It looks touch and go for Odegaard, while Arteta also could not confirm if the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, or Noni Madueke could make it back in time.
This has been a common theme for Arsenal all season, with others like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Magalhaes also missing chunks of the campaign.
Tottenham were so close to a vital three points against Brighton this afternoon before a late equaliser by Georginio Rutter.
It wasn’t great defending by Spurs as they held onto a 2-1 lead late on, with Kevin Danso losing the ball in his own penalty area, allowing the ball to be squared to Rutter, who made no mistake with a clinical finish.
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It looked like Xavi Simons had won it for Tottenham as he fired in a superb goal late on in the second half, but they couldn’t hold on and are now stuck in the relegation zone, with West Ham and Nottingham Forest above them also still having games in hand.
Watch below for the critical moment as Danso’s mistake was immediately punished…
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 18, 2026
Perhaps it’s being a bit harsh on Tottenham as it was a good Brighton move and a really well-taken finish, but at such an important stage of the game, and such an important period of the season, they surely needed to do better.
Can Tottenham escape relegation?
Tottenham will have hired new manager Roberto De Zerbi to get them out of trouble, but so far it’s proving a tough job for the Italian tactician.
Manchester City reportedly lead Arsenal in the race for the transfer of Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento.
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The 23-year-old has shone at St James’ Park and could now be someone the Magpies struggle to keep hold of, though it seems Arsenal might struggle to afford him.
That’s according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states that Man City currently look more likely to be able to make the right kind of financial commitment to sign Livramento this summer.
Livramento has looked like an elite talent for some time now, having first really caught the eye at former club Southampton.
Ex-Gunner Theo Walcott was full of praise for Livramento at the time, telling talkSPORT that he had been “fantastic” for them and that he even reminded him of Gareth Bale.
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“It just shows that there’s a future star there but again we need to be careful as we always do but its why we love football isn’t it? I can’t complain, he’s been absolutely fantastic,” Walcott said of Livramento back in 2021.
“Do you know what, he reminds me a little bit of Gareth (Bale) when he came through as a full-back.
“That’s a big statement of course to compare him to someone like that but just feel like his presence and the way he drives and the pace and the power and it’s no surprises that you know what he’s going to do.
“He’s so strong with the ball and very clever and technically he is fantastic.”
TEAMtalk also mention Newcastle facing interest in Italian midfield maestro Sandro Tonali this summer.
IT could be a difficult transfer window again for NUFC after they lost Alexander Isak last year, with Tonali and Livramento’s futures now looking uncertain.
On top of that, the Telegraph have reported on Anthony Gordon wanting to leave, and the England international wasn’t in Eddie Howe’s squad for the Bournemouth game today.
The likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig are also credited with an interest in the highly-rated 16-year-old, who is fast becoming one of the most sought-after teenage talents in world football.
However, it seems there are early signs of Newcastle making the most significant progress on a potential deal for Eichhorn, according to TEAMtalk.
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The Magpies are said to be stepping up their interest in the German youth international, though it’s also not a deal that would be entirely straightforward to get done.
Kennet Eichhorn transfer could face complications due to regulations
The report from TEAMtalk explains that there are some regulations that might impact Newcastle’s chances of signing Eichhorn for the time being.
Kennet Eichhorn (Foto von City-Press GmbH Bildagentur)
Bundesliga clubs would supposedly hold the advantage in the race for Eichhorn as he cannot move to England until he turns 18.
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Newcastle fans will hope there’s some way around this, but it looks like an ambitious deal for their club to get done with so much competition.
It may be that NUFC can agree a deal now that sees the player move once he turns 18, but it remains to be seen if he’d really be keen on that option.
TEAMtalk also name the likes of Bayern, Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund as suitors for Eichhorn, and that could work well for him at this early stage of his career.
Newcastle are a big club but it would be quite a gamble to move abroad so early, so continuing his development in German football would probably be the best thing for his career progression.
Arsenal are reportedly one of the clubs in the mix for a surprise potential transfer swoop for Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons this summer.
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The Netherlands international only joined Spurs from RB Leipzig less than a year ago, but has struggled in what has been a hugely challenging season for everyone associated with the club.
It may well be that Simons and Spurs are soon relegated to the Championship, in which case it’s hard to imagine him sticking around for very long.
See below as journalist Ekrem Konur now claims that Simons is already being eyed up by Tottenham’s rivals Arsenal, as well as by Bayern Munich and his former club Paris Saint-Germain…
The report states that Simons is likely to cost around €50m, but it’s also hard to imagine THFC wouldn’t charge a lot more than that if Arsenal came calling.
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Do Arsenal need Xavi Simons?
Arsenal could do with adding someone with a bit of spark and creativity to their squad for next season, with Mikel Arteta’s side sometimes criticised for lacking enough flair and quality in the final third.
It could be that Simons would be a decent option for AFC, but he only has four goals and five assists in all competitions this season.
At the same time, though, the 22-year-old has been in a struggling Spurs side and might improve with better players around him.
It might also be that Simons will fare better after a year spent developing and gaining experience in English football.
Still, as already mentioned, the issue will surely be if Tottenham are prepared to sell to their bitter rivals, as these two clubs rarely do business together.
The Red Devils are the latest club to be linked strongly with the England international, with Fichajes claiming they’re ready to make a big offer for him.
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That report mentioned interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich, but not from Man Utd, so it remains to be seen how concrete this latest update is.
While it’s easy to imagine United might also have an interest in Gordon, one imagines the Telegraph’s information is probably more accurate than that of Fichajes.
That doesn’t necessarily mean MUFC aren’t going to end up being in the mix, but it probably suggests that Fichajes’ claims of a big bid being prepared probably need to be taken with a pinch of salt, or are premature at best.
Where next for Anthony Gordon?
Gordon has shone at Newcastle, having also previously looked like an exciting young talent during his time at former club Everton.
Capable of playing a variety of attacking roles, Gordon has 17 goals and four assists in all competitions for Newcastle this season, and could surely be an upgrade on some of the current attacking players at the Emirates Stadium, Anfield, and Old Trafford.
United invested a lot in attacking players last summer, though, so may well look at other positions as more of a priority for the time being, even if Gordon would undoubtedly be an exciting player to be able to bring in, perhaps as a superior option to Matheus Cunha.
Arsenal, meanwhile, surely need someone better than Gabriel Martinelli, who has just one league goal all season, while Leandro Trossard has also lost form lately and is not getting any younger.
Liverpool have endured a frustrating season so could do with making some changes, and Gordon makes sense as an upgrade on the inconsistent Cody Gakpo.
Where do you see Gordon ending up? Let us know in the comments!
Leicester City midfielder Harry Winks has been filmed angrily shouting at a fan after today’s defeat to Portsmouth that puts the club in serious danger of relegation from the Championship.
The Foxes have endured a nightmare campaign after being relegated from the Premier League last season, with it now looking increasingly likely that they’re heading for consecutive drops and life in League One next season.
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Understandably, it seems tensions are high, but Winks really lost the plot here as he can be seen yelling in an angry exchange with an unseen fan, telling the person to “shut the f**k up” before being escorted onto the team bus…
? WOW…Harry Winks in a furious exchange with a fan…it goes from bad to worse for Leicester City ?
This seems far from ideal at a time when everyone at the King Power Stadium needs to be sticking together, and one imagines Winks will have to issue an apology for losing it at a fan like this.
Leicester City nightmare continues as relegation now inevitable
Leicester are currently 23rd in the Championship and a whole eight points from safety with only three games left to play.
In short, there’s really very little prospect of LCFC staying up this season, meaning they’re looking at life in English football’s third tier next season.
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Leicester finished 18th in the Premier League last season, going straight back down after just one season back in the top flight, and they’ve just been unable to rescue themselves from this negative spiral.
Remarkably, it’s just ten years ago that this club won the Premier League title in what is one of football’s most remarkable fairytales, and it can’t be too often that a club has gone from being champions of England to playing in the third tier in the space of just a decade.
I’m aware there’s been a lot of speculation about Sporting Lisbon players in the last few days, with transfer rumours about two names in particular.
I’ve done a bit of digging and it looks like there are some conversations that have gone in in the last few days that has to led to a number of stories, some of which are more based in reality than others.
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So, my understanding from speaking to a variety of sources in the industry, who have asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, is that Arsenal chiefs used the opportunity to speak to their Sporting counterparts.
Arsenal discuss three Sporting players
Arsenal have been among the clubs linked with two players: Ousmane Diomande and Morten Hjulmand. There’s also been talk of others like Chelsea and Manchester United being credited with an interest in those players.
However, it’s important to note that conversations like this when club officials are visiting during games is very common and not necessarily a sign that the aforementioned players are priority targets. It’s more about establishing relationships and asking to be kept in the loop if certain players are going to be available.
It’s also likely that links with the likes of Chelsea and Man United would have come from Sporting’s side to try to strengthen their own negotiating position if it were to come to dealing with Arsenal.
Will Arsenal and Sporting negotiate another transfer?
Interestingly, I’ve heard mixed messages about Arsenal’s relationship with Sporting after slightly tense negotiations over Viktor Gyokeres last summer.
The Gunners ended up bringing in the Sweden international from the Portuguese giants, but there was a lengthy back and forth that some sources said left some “bad blood” between the clubs.
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Not everyone is convinced that will be an issue, however, and I’m inclined to believe them. Some clubs have better relationships than others, but it’s normal for talks over major deals to run into complications.
At the end of the day, Sporting are known for selling players when the time is right, and if a club like Arsenal come in with decent money then there’s always a chance of an agreement.
Players like Diomande, Hjulmand, and Fresneda will also likely be keen, just as Gyokeres was, to take the chance to move to a major Premier League club if the interest is there.
Jones came up through Liverpool’s academy, but has not quite lived up to his potential, and no longer commands a regular first-team place at Anfield.
According to TEAMtalk, Villa are now emerging as strong contenders to sign the England international in what could be a summer of major changes to Arne Slot’s squad.
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Jones looks like he could be a decent addition to Unai Emery’s squad, even if he’s not quite shown himself to be good enough to start regularly for a big club like Liverpool.
Curtis Jones set for Aston Villa transfer?
TEAMtalk report that Villa and Liverpool have a good relationship, despite some issues this season with Harvey Elliott’s loan spell at Villa Park.
Elliott has not played very often for Emery’s side and LFC probably aren’t too happy about that, but that shouldn’t necessarily prevent the clubs agreeing another deal.
It surely makes sense for the Reds to offload Jones, with the Telegraph also recently naming the 25-year-old as one of the players who could be shown the door in a major clear-out this summer.
Arne Slot has hinted he would rather keep Curtis Jones
It will be interesting to see how this develops, however, as Slot himself has recently said that Jones remains part of his plans.
See below as Fabrizio Romano quoted Slot as discussing Jones’ future back in February, suggesting he was not planning to allow the player to leave…
? Arne Slot: “It’s perfectly normal that Curtis Jones is in the interest of big clubs, like us, trying to extend with him and clubs wanting to sign him”.
“He will be part of our plans for the upcoming weeks, months and also for next season”. pic.twitter.com/A9iGT3E0vV
Jones could be a useful squad player for Liverpool, but all speculation since then suggests he’s no longer part of the long-term plan at Anfield.
That may be because Jones himself wants to leave and play more often, or it could be that LFC have decided that they’d like to take the opportunity to make pure profit from selling a homegrown player.
Anthony Gordon transfer speculation is now surely set to intensify even further as he’s been left out of the Newcastle United matchday squad today.
The Magpies are taking on Bournemouth at St James’ Park, but Gordon is not involved for what has officially been reported as a slight hip injury.
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That’s according to the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, who admits that it is not a great look for Gordon given that there’s talk of him looking to leave and that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has spoken about not wanting to use players who aren’t 100% committed to the club…
Anthony Gordon not involved against Bournemouth 24 hours after Eddie Howe said he can only pick players who are totally committed to the club. Not a great look in that context but official reason given is a slight hip injury #nufchttps://t.co/G6j3Z918Oa
“Anthony Gordon not involved against Bournemouth 24 hours after Eddie Howe said he can only pick players who are totally committed to the club. Not a great look in that context but official reason given is a slight hip injury,” Edwards posted on X.
This follows the Telegraph reporting on Gordon being open to leaving NUFC this summer, with Liverpool and Arsenal mentioned as suitors for the England international.
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Anthony Gordon surely heading for Newcastle exit
It may be that Gordon is just carrying a knock that Newcastle have decided not to take any risks with, but it’s certainly not ideal timing.
The 25-year-old has been a key player for Howe’s side and it would be a big blow to lose him, especially after the Alexander Isak saga that dragged on for so much of last summer.
It’s easy to imagine Gordon being good enough for the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, and one imagines other clubs could also get involved in the race for his signature.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly growing increasingly unhappy with his situation at loan club Barcelona.
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The England international is unsettled and seriously considering a change as it seems Barca are now leaning towards not taking up their option to make his loan permanent.
That’s according to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, who state that Rashford would like his situation resolved quickly.
A lot has been written about Rashford in recent transfer reports, but it all seems to point towards his time at the Nou Camp coming to an end.
Marcus Rashford transfer saga timeline
Here’s a recent summary of the Rashford situation, which could make things slightly complicated for Man Utd in the upcoming transfer window…
January 10, 2026: Fabrizio Romano reports on his YouTube channel that it looks increasingly like Rashford will continue with Barcelona, with the club communicating this to the player’s camp.
January 31, 2026: Michael Carrick is described as keen to working with Rashford if he stays on as manager next season in a report from the Telegraph.
March 18, 2026: Barcelona reportedly hope to be able to sign Rashford on loan again rather than signing him permanently, according to the Daily Mail.
March 19, 2026: BUT then a report from the Daily Mirror states that United will not accept a second loan offer for Rashford.
April 16, 2026: BBC Sport report that Rashford would be open to coming back to Old Trafford next season.
All in all, it’s hard to know precisely how MUFC will deal with the Rashford situation, but there’ll surely be buyers who come in for him at some point.
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It seems a bit harsh, though, that Barcelona seem so clearly to have decided against signing him after his impressive impact during his time there on loan.
Arsenal could reportedly be set to enter into a bidding war with Real Madrid for the potential transfer of Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi.
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The Gunners are up against Los Blancos in the race to sign the talented 20-year-old, who has shone in the Bundesliga in recent times, drawing comparisons with Paul Pogba.
That’s according to a report from Fichajes, who state that Arsenal are emerging as very serious contenders for Manzambi, in what looks like a two-horse race for his signature.
It surely wouldn’t be easy for Manzambi to turn down Real Madrid, but Arsenal are also emerging as a real powerhouse under Mikel Arteta, with the club still chasing a possible Premier League and Champions League double this season.
The Switzerland international has seven goals in 46 games in his club career in total, as well as three goals in ten caps for his country.
Although primarily a defensive midfielder, Manzambi has also occasionally played further forward, either in a central attacking role and even out wide.
WhoScored list his strengths as long shots and dribbling, which will likely be why he’s drawn comparisons with Pogba.
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Arsenal to strengthen in midfield
Arsenal will surely look to add depth in midfield this summer after relying so heavily on Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice without much rotation this season.
Manzambi could be ideal to come in as someone who could initially provide cover, but then develop into more of a regular once he gains more experience.
Still, it’s perhaps hard to imagine he’d start regularly straight away, though that’s possibly true for if he moved to the Bernabeu as well.
Chelsea remain interested in signing the Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki at the end of the season.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, they are in constant discussions with the player regarding a potential move. New talks took place last week between Chelsea management and the player’s representatives. It remains to be seen whether they come forward with an official proposal for Sunderland as well. They will not want to lose the 21-year-old defensive midfielder easily, and Chelsea might have to pay a premium.
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The Blues need more quality in the middle of the park, and the 21-year-old could be an excellent addition. However, his arrival would surely spell the end for Romeo Lavia. The former Southampton midfielder has not been able to live up to expectations since joining the club and has suffered persistent injury problems. Chelsea could look to get rid of him in the summer and replace him with the Sunderland star.
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Chelsea is among the biggest clubs in the world, and the 21-year-old will certainly want to compete at the highest level with them. It remains to be seen whether the two clubs can agree on a deal.
Chelsea is pushing for Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign. It will be interesting to see if they can finish the season strongly and secure a place in the top five.
Chelsea will be hoping to fight for major trophies, and they need to tighten up defensively. Signing another quality defensive midfielder would be a wise decision. The 21-year-old will add defensive, steel and physicality in the middle of the park. He could form a solid partnership with Moises Caicedo.
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing the Real Madrid defender, David Alaba.
The 33-year-old Austrian International will be out of contract in the summer, and he is likely to be on the move. According to reports via FussballDaten, Manchester United are keeping tabs on his situation along with several other clubs.
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Man United could use David Alaba
They need greater quality and depth in the defensive unit, as well as more experienced players. The Real Madrid defender might not be a bad option. However, he has suffered persistent injury problems, and his availability could be a concern. There is no doubt that he has the experience and the quality to play for Manchester United.
He can operate as a central defender as well as a full back. His versatility would be a huge bonus for Manchester United. Signing someone of his experience for free could prove to be a wise move. Apart from his qualities as a player, his winning experience and leadership skills could be invaluable for the Manchester United dressing room. They are well placed to secure Champions League qualification next season, and they will look to fight for major trophies. They need more quality and experience in the team.
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The opportunity to move to the Premier League could be exciting for the Real Madrid star as well. This could be his final opportunity to compete at an elite club. Manchester United are among the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play in the Premier League will be hard to turn down as well. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United follow up on their interest with an official proposal for the player.
Tottenham Hotspur are looking for a quality replacement for Cristian Romero.
The Argentine defender has been linked with a move away from the London club at the end of the season, and they have identified Marcos Senesi as his replacement.
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Spurs step up efforts for Marcos Senesi
According to reports from Spain, they have now intensified their efforts to sign the 28-year-old Argentine defender. He will be a free agent in the summer, and he could prove to be a bargain acquisition for the London outfit. Meanwhile, they are keen on Andy Robertson as well. They are in advanced negotiations to sign the Liverpool defender on a free transfer. It is clear that they are looking to add more depth and experience to the defensive unit.
Both players could be excellent additions for Tottenham. They have been quite poor at the back of this season, and they are 18th in the Premier League table. They have conceded 51 goals in 32 league matches, and Tottenham will need to improve in that area of the pitch if they want to fight for trophies next season.
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Multiple clubs from across Europe are monitoring. The situation of the Argentine defender and Tottenham must act quickly in order to get the deal done. They need to improve multiple areas of the squad during the summer transfer window, and signing a quality defender like Senesi on a free transfer would help them strengthen other areas as well.
Manchester United are hoping to sign Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP at the end of the season.
According to reports from Spain, they have now accelerated their efforts to sign the 26-year-old Danish international. He has consistently shown his quality in Portugal, and this is the right time for him to take the next step and move to England.
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Man United keen on Morten Hjulmand
Manchester United are seeking a quality replacement for Casemiro, and they believe the 26-year-old could be ideal. He will help them control games from the deep and protect the defensive unit as well. He has the physicality and technical attributes for English football, and Hjulmand could be an asset for Manchester United. He has an €80 million release clause in his contract, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester United can get the deal done. They are prepared to make a significant financial commitment to get the deal done.
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The midfielder will want to compete at the highest level and fight for trophies. Both clubs could be exciting opportunities, but it remains to be seen where he ends up. The Portuguese club might need to be more reasonable about their demands for the move to go through. It seems unlikely that Manchester United or Liverpool would pay €80 million for the Danish international.
They will need to improve other areas of the squad, and they will not want to overpay on the midfielder.
Manchester United and Liverpool are pushing for Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and whoever manages to finish in the top five could have an edge in the transfer race.
Liverpool are very interested in signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.
Gordon is likely to cost a lot of money. He has been a key player for Newcastle with 22 goal contributions this season. Newcastle will not want to lose him easily, and he could cost around £80 million, according to reports from Spain.
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Liverpool need Anthony Gordon
Mohamed Salah has announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season, and Liverpool needs more quality on the flanks. They need someone who can score goals consistently and help create opportunities in the final third. Gordon is versatile enough to operate on either flank, and he can slot in as the centre forward as well.
He has shown his quality consistently with Everton and Newcastle. This could be the right time for him to take the next step and join a bigger club. Liverpool will be able to provide him with European football and the opportunity to fight for trophies. In addition to that, Gordon is a lifelong Liverpool fan, and the opportunity to join them will be hard to turn down for the attacker. He is entering the peak years of his career, and he will want to compete at the highest level.
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The asking price is quite high, and Liverpool needs to improve multiple areas of the squad. It remains to be seen whether they can convince Newcastle to lower their demands in the summer.
This has been a difficult season for Liverpool, and they need to plug the gaps in their squad if they want to bounce back strongly next year. Investing most of their budget in an attacker will not be a wise decision.
Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old Argentine defender will be a free agent in the summer and is a target for clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United. However, a report from TEAMtalk claims that Liverpool are leading the race for his signature, and they are hoping to wrap up the move in the summer.
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Slot set for Marcos Senesi reunion?
The defender has played under Arne Slot at Feyenoord, and he could be keen on a reunion. Liverpool needs more depth in the defensive unit, and Senesi could be a useful addition. He is well settled in the Premier League, and he has shown his quality with the Cherries. He has the quality to play for a bigger club, and the move to Liverpool would be ideal for him at this stage of his career.
Joe Gomez could be on his way out of the club in the summer due to the lack of playing time, and the 28-year-old could replace him.
Ibrahima Konate will be a free agent in the summer as well. Liverpool might need to invest in more than one central defender. It remains to be seen whether they can quickly secure an agreement with the South American defender.
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Chelsea and Manchester United need more depth at the back as well. The Blues will need to replace players like Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile. The two players have fallen out of favour at Chelsea and are no longer part of the first-team plans. Senesi could prove to be an upgrade. He will also add quality and experience to the team.
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Chelsea could use Alex Scott
Scott could prove to be an interesting addition for them. Multiple clubs are monitoring his progress, but Chelsea are now hoping to get ahead of their rivals by making an early move.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Bournemouth midfielder, as per reports from Spain.
The Cherries would only sell the player if an offer surpasses £50 million in the summer. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will pay that kind of money for Scott. The 22-year-old is a young midfielder with a lot of potential, and he could justify the investment in future.
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Meanwhile, Manchester United and Tottenham also need more creativity and control in the middle of the park. They need a technically gifted midfielder who will help drive the team forward. Scott could be an exceptional acquisition for all three clubs. However, the Cherries might need to be more reasonable about the asking price for the move to go through.
The young midfielder could be attracted to the idea of joining a big club in the summer. Joining Chelsea, Manchester United, or Tottenham would be a major step up in his career, and he would get to play alongside top-quality players.
It remains to be seen whether the interested parties decide to follow up with an official proposal in the coming weeks.
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is reportedly a target for Real Madrid at the end of the season.
The Netherlands International has done quite well since joining Arsenal, and he is currently one of the best right-backs in the Premier League. According to a report from Sports Boom, Real Madrid believe that he could be the ideal successor for Dani Carvajal.
They signed Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer at the start of the season, but the former Liverpool defender has not been able to make the desired impact. He has not been a regular starter for the La Liga club either.
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Jurrien Timber has been excellent
On the other hand, Timber has established himself as a key player for Arsenal, and Real Madrid believes that he has an elite profile. The Dutch defender is capable of operating on either flank, and he could be a superb acquisition for Real Madrid. However, Arsenal view him as an “untouchable” asset and are unwilling to open negotiations. It will be difficult for Real Madrid to get the deal done. Meanwhile, Arsenal are determined to keep him at the club, and they are prepared to offer him a new deal with a “record” salary hike.
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It remains to be seen whether the defender is prepared to commit his long-term future to the London club. He joined the club for a fee of €40 million in 2023, and he has a contract with Arsenal until 2028. The new deal could see his wages rise to £220,000 per week.
The report further claims that Arsenal would only open talks for the defender if an offer of around €100 million is presented. It is highly unlikely that Real Madrid will pay that kind of money for a full-back, and therefore, the transfer seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich were keen on Timber a few months ago.
Eduardo Camavinga has been heavily linked with a move away from Real Madrid in recent weeks.
Real Madrid still see the player as a valuable piece in their squad planning, but his lack of regular starting opportunities and the prospect of high offers from Premier League clubs increase the likelihood of a departure. The club is expected to demand around €60 million (£52m) for a possible sale, according to sources close to the situation.
Eduardo Camavinga on the radar of top clubs
Arsenal and Manchester United stand out as the clubs showing the “most concrete interest”, sources have informed CaughtOffside. Chelsea and Tottenham’s attention is more limited, while PSG view a return to France as an attractive project. Barcelona could also bring Camavinga into the picture if the Bastoni deal does not materialise.
No official bid has been made yet, but once the summer transfer window opens, offers in the €55–60 million euro range from Premier League clubs are expected. The player’s contract with Real Madrid runs until 2029, which strengthens the club’s position at the negotiating table. Should he move to the Premier League, it is said he could demand a weekly salary of £200,000–250,000.
Among the scenarios, a Premier League transfer is seen as the strongest possibility. Staying at Real Madrid is possible, but it carries the risk of his market value dropping. A return to PSG or a surprise move to Barcelona are considered less likely.
The general expectation is that Camavinga will head to England this summer, opening a new chapter in his career.
Arsenal and Manchester United could use more control and defensive steel in the middle of the park. The French international could be the ideal acquisition for them. He would be an upgrade on Christian Norgaard and Manuel Ugarte. A fresh start would be ideal for the player as well. He would regain his form and confidence through regular football in England.
The 23-year-old’s winning experience and versatility could be a huge bonus for the English clubs. He can operate as a central midfielder, a defensive midfielder, a central defender, or a full back. He has also won the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League twice during his time at the Spanish club.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson has fueled speculation regarding a potential summer departure from Selhurst Park after officially switching his representation to a new agency.
The 29-year-old shot-stopper has signed with Unique Sports Group (USG), a move that often precedes a major transfer or contract negotiation.
The timing of the switch is particularly notable given the intensifying rumors linking Henderson with a move to Tottenham, who are looking to replace Guglielmo Vicario.
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Dean Henderson sparks exit talks with agency switch
Joining USG puts Henderson in the same stable as several high-profile Premier League stars, including Anthony Gordon, Marc Guehi and Reece James.
Industry insiders suggest that a change in agency at this stage of the season is a clear signal that the player is preparing for “all eventualities” once the transfer window opens in June.
?? Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson has signed today with Unique Sports Group as new agency. pic.twitter.com/Y6rwwiGBY3
Palace are looking to build a quality team for the future and while Oliver Glasner will not be around next season, the new manager will surely want a keeper of Henderson’s quality to stay.
Newcastle United have made a significant move to sign Yan Diomande as the club prepares for a potential summer reshuffle that could see star winger Anthony Gordon depart St James’ Park.
The news comes from prominent insider on X, who reports that the Magpies have made a move for the 19-year-old Ivorian forward.
Diomande, who has taken the Bundesliga by storm this season with RB Leipzig, is widely considered one of Europe’s most “explosive” young talents, having already recorded 11 goals and 5 assists in domestic competition.
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Newcastle ready to offer lucrative deal to sign Yan Diomande
According to the insider, Newcastle are determined to win the race for Diomande by outbidding their Premier League rivals in terms of personal terms.
Despite heavy interest from the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United, the Tyneside club is reportedly prepared to offer a “more lucrative contract” to entice the winger to the North East.
The insider posted on X: “One of our trusted sources at Newcastle United is stating that the club will look to sell Anthony Gordon. The source states that Newcastle United have made a move for Yan Diomande. They are willing to offer a more lucrative contract compared to their Premier League rivals.”
Leipzig are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of €100 million (£87m) for their prized asset.
While Newcastle must remain mindful of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, the potential sale of a high-value homegrown star could provide the necessary headroom for such a marquee investment.
What this means for Anthony Gordon?
The news of a move for Diomande directly coincides with fresh rumours regarding Anthony Gordon’s future.
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Following a season where the England international has scored 16 goals across all competitions, his stock has never been higher.
However, with Newcastle currently sitting 14th in the table and facing a “summer exodus” to balance the books, Gordon is being touted as a primary candidate for a major sale.
Player
Games
Goals
Assists
Anthony Gordon
46
17
5
Yan Diomande
31
12
8
Yan Diomande vs Anthony Gordon 25/26 stats vs Transfermarkt
There is plenty of interest in Gordon from the Premier League and abroad.
If Newcastle can successfully flip Gordon for a profit and replace him with the younger, high-ceiling Diomande, it would represent a bold tactical pivot as Eddie Howe looks to reignite the club’s top-four ambitions for 2027.
Roberto De Zerbi has claimed that he does not plan to leave Tottenham next season unless his vision for the club’s future ceases to align with that of the ownership.
Despite the club currently sitting in the Premier League relegation zone, the Italian tactician has insisted that the potential of playing in the Championship is not his primary concern.
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Roberto De Zerbi says relationship with Tottenham hierarchy crucial for him to stay
“The problem is not the league. The problem is to keep the relationship with the board and to have the same ideas in the project.”
When pressed to clarify that being on the same page as the Spurs hierarchy, rather than the club’s divisional status, is the deciding factor for his tenure, De Zerbi said: “Yes. Everyone on the same page”.
The comments suggest that while De Zerbi is committed to a long-term rebuild, he requires total transparency and tactical backing from the board.
For a club that has being going through a turbulent time and cycled through multiple managers in 2026, the demand for a unified project is a significant ultimatum.
Can De Zerbi keep Spurs up?
The immediate task for De Zerbi remains daunting. Following a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in his debut match, Tottenham remain sitting in 18th place.
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The club is currently on a disastrous 14-match winless run in the Premier League and has yet to record a single victory in the 2026 calendar year.
With only six games remaining, the pressure to find a winning formula is immense.
While De Zerbi has pointed to the impending returns of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski as reasons for optimism, he must first find a way to navigate a difficult run-in that includes fixtures against Chelsea and Everton.
If he cannot bridge the gap to safety, the strength of that relationship with the board will be tested sooner than expected.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has backed Arsenal to clinch the Premier League title, despite the Gunners facing a daunting run of fixtures and mounting pressure from Manchester City.
Rooney’s comments come at a crucial moment in the 2025/26 campaign. Arsenal, who have led the table for the majority of the season are going through a dip in form, having just won one game in their last five across all competitions, having lost three and drawn one.
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The two defeats came in cup competitions, losing 2-1 to Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final and 2-0 against Manchester City in the League Cup final.
They also suffered a massive set-back in the league, losing 2-1 against Bournemouth at home.
“Yes, it’s a massive game obviously for both clubs. I still think Arsenal will win. I think City obviously have to be perfect with all their results. Arsenal could afford to get a draw in that game as well. But I still think Arsenal will just nick it.”
The title race could go down to the wire
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The battle for the crown is set to go down the wire. Currently, Arsenal are six points ahead of City but have played one more game than Pep Guardiola’s side.
Team
Key Remaining Fixtures
Arsenal
Man City (A), Newcastle (H), Fulham (H), West Ham (A), Burnley (H), Crystal Palace (A)
Man City
Arsenal (H), Burnley (A), Everton (A), Brentford (H), Bournemouth (A), Crystal Palace (H), Aston Villa (H)
Out of the two, Arsenal have an easier run of fixtures and should be expected to see it through if they can get at least a point against City.
Man City meanwhile have no other option but to win every single game between now and the end of the season in order to remain in the title race.
The deal, which is expected to be finalised before the end of the current campaign, will see the 49-year-old German take the reins at the Vitality Stadium in June.
Iraola, who guided the Cherries to a club-record points total last season, confirmed earlier this week that he will step down at the expiry of his contract to pursue a fresh challenge.
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Marco Rose to become new Bournemouth manager
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the South Coast club moved decisively to secure Rose ahead of other candidates, including Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna.
“Bournemouth are set to appoint Marco Rose as new head coach from June. Agreement done with former RB Leipzig manager to replace Andoni Iraola next season. Rose has agreed terms with #AFCB and the contract is set to be approved soon.”
?? Bournemouth are set to appoint Marco Rose as new head coach from June.
Agreement done with former RB Leipzig manager to replace Andoni Iraola next season.
The appointment is a significant statement of intent from Bournemouth’s hierarchy, led by president of football operations Tiago Pinto.
Rose’s availability, having been a free agent since leaving Leipzig in March 2025, allowed the club to bypass lengthy compensation negotiations and begin immediate planning for the 2026/27 season.
Rose’s impressive European portfolio
In Marco Rose, Bournemouth are appointing a manager with a decorated history in some of Europe’s most competitive environments.
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Known for a heavy-metal style of football characterised by high pressing and rapid transitions, Rose is viewed as the ideal successor to continue the progressive work started by Iraola.
Club
Honors / Achievements
RB Salzburg
2x Austrian Bundesliga, 1x Austrian Cup
RB Leipzig
1x DFB-Pokal (2023), 1x DFL-Supercup
B. Dortmund
2nd Place Bundesliga (2021/22)
Marc Rose achievements
Rose’s experience in the Champions League and his track record for developing elite young talent were reportedly key factors in Bill Foley’s decision.
As Bournemouth chase a top-half finish this term, the arrival of a “title-winning boss” suggests the club is no longer content with Premier League survival, but is now firmly aiming for silverware and European qualification.
Chelsea has officially announced that Moises Caicedo has signed a new long-term contract extension, ending months of speculation and cementing his place as the cornerstone of the club’s midfield until June 2033.
The agreement is a significant show of faith from both the player and the club’s ownership, rewarding Caicedo for a stellar run of form that recently saw him help the Blues secure the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
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Moises Caicedo: “My dream is to become a Chelsea legend”
Speaking to the club’s official website after putting pen to paper, Caicedo expressed his deep commitment to the project in West London.
Despite the team currently sitting 6th in the Premier League and navigating a period of transition, the midfielder insisted he has no desire to be anywhere else.
He said:
“I am so happy to have extended my contract at Chelsea. I believe in this team, this club and I know we’re going in the right direction. We’ve only just begun together.
“There is still a lot more to achieve, and I’m very hungry to keep improving every day. I want to win more trophies with Chelsea and give everything for this club and for the fans.
“We have enjoyed some great times together already and my dream is to become a Chelsea legend, and I will work as hard as possible to make that happen.”
Caicedo has been an excellent signing for Chelsea
Since his record-breaking move from Brighton in 2023, Caicedo has evolved into one of the most complete defensive midfielders in world football.
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The Spanish giants had reportedly placed Caicedo at the top of their summer wishlist along with Alexis Mac Allister.
By securing his future for the next seven years, Chelsea have ensured their midfield engine room remains powered by one of the game’s elite talents for the prime of his career.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided some mixed injury news ahead of his side’s huge game away to Manchester City this weekend.
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The Gunners take on City at the Etihad Stadium for what is being billed by many as a Premier League title decider, with so much at stake in this closest of title races.
See below as Charles Watts has the key updates from Arteta’s press conference today, with slightly more hopeful news on the likes of Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber, who have not yet been completely ruled out…
At Mikel Arteta's press conference:
On Madueke: "We have another session tomorrow. It didn’t look that bad after the game, I’m hoping he could be available."
On Saka "Bukayo is out, that’s for sure. He’s just starting to do some stuff, but at the moment he’s not available."
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Mikel Arteta on Arsenal injuries ahead of Man City clash
On Saka’s injury, Arteta said: “Bukayo is out, that’s for sure. He’s just starting to do some stuff, but at the moment he’s not available.”
On a more positive note, though, the Spanish tactician did suggest Noni Madueke could be available to fill in for Saka on that right-hand side, whilst also suggesting later calls would be made on Odegaard, Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori.
“We have another session tomorrow. It didn’t look that bad after the game, I’m hoping he (Madueke) could be available,” he added.
“We will try again. Some players are quite close. We will try tomorrow to push everybody,” he said when asked about Odegaard, Timber, and Calafiori.
Manchester City also have a few players out
City also have some injuries, even if it’s quite clearly not as bad for them as it is for Arsenal.
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The Gunners are said to be long-term admirers of the 16-year-old, who can play as a winger or central attacking midfielder.
That’s according to the Telegraph, who add that Arsenal are keen on Monga after keeping tabs on him as he’s become regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the country.
Our information in recent months has been that Chelsea are also interested in Monga, but it may now be that Arsenal are moving ahead in the race for his signature.
Jeremy Monga could be a smart signing for Arsenal’s future
The Telegraph reports that Arsenal want to smarten up their recruitment of young players, so it certainly makes sense that Monga is on their radar.
The teenager is behind Arsenal stars Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman as the third youngest Premier League player ever, and he’s played alongside the latter of those for England at youth level.
Monga could do well to link up with Dowman at the Emirates Stadium, though one imagines he might also be tempted by Chelsea due to their current project that’s focused so much around developing young talents.
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Monga will likely have a lot of options, and AFC fans will just have to hope their club can come out on top here and land this huge prospect for the future.
It sounds like Monga could be a fine investment, and someone the Gunners could surely sell for a profit later on even if he didn’t end up making it as a regular in their first-team.
Liverpool have reportedly done extensive background checks on Crystal Palace central midfielder Adam Wharton as they prepare a summer move.
The Reds are eager to strengthen in the middle of the park ahead of next season, with Wharton identified as one of their top targets and being discussed internally by the club.
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That’s according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states that Liverpool could get a deal done for the England international for around £70m.
That would represent Palace’s biggest ever sale, with the Eagles likely to be keen to hold on to Wharton for a bit longer if possible.
Still, we’ve seen a lot of big names leave Selhurst Park in recent times, such as Eberechi Eze to Arsenal last summer, and Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January.
Adam Wharton transfer race hotting up
This is not the first story we’ve heard about Wharton in recent times, and it probably won’t be the last, with the 22-year-old showing himself to be a top talent with a big future.
An intelligent and technically gifted player, Wharton has a real knack for dictating play from a deep midfield role, and that could be something very useful to this LFC side.
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Manchester United are also in the market for a new midfielder, with the Daily Mail mentioning Wharton as one of a few different names on the Red Devils’ list.
Adam Wharton looks ideal for Liverpool
Liverpool would do well to land a talent like Wharton, who gets a high score with our Transfer Fit rating system (read more about how these are calculated here)…
Adam Wharton
TOTAL SCORE: 21/25
Transfer fee
****
Performance
****
Achievements
****
Career phase
*****
Squad need
****
Given his surprisingly low £70m asking price, current career trajectory, and the fact that he’d surely be an upgrade on Alexis Mac Allister, this deal ticks all the boxes for Arne Slot’s side.
At the end of the season, all the attention at Manchester United will turn towards their next permanent manager.
Interim manager Michael Carrick has so far done a brilliant job to save their season by taking them closer to Champions League qualification.
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Initially brought in as a temporary, steady-the-ship interim fix, the 44-year-old has completely transformed the mood around Old Trafford.
And if the latest whispers are anything to go by, his temporary gig is on the verge of becoming permanent.
According to journalist David Ornstein, Carrick is now the clear-cut favorite to take the full-time reins this summer.
Michael Carrick in pole position for Man United job
Shedding light on the Old Trafford boardroom dynamics, Ornstein recently dropped a major update.
He noted that while formal interviews haven’t officially kicked off just yet, the club’s extensive background checks and agent conversations are essentially complete.
Sporting Director Jason Wilcox is spearheading the entire recruitment process, and according to Ornstein, Carrick currently sits firmly in “pole position.”
He said:
“I hear United have completed all of their background work and no doubt spoken to representatives, although I’m told no interviews with candidates have taken place yet.
“It’s a huge call for United and their sporting director Jason Wilcox — he’s leading the process and will make a recommendation to the board. As things stand, it might feel like Carrick is in pole position.”
Thomas Tuchel has officially penned an extension with the England national team, Carlo Ancelotti is fully committed to leading Brazil into the 2026 World Cup, and Julian Nagelsmann remains heavily locked into his ongoing project with the German national setup.
Fortunately for Carrick, you simply can’t argue with his initial impact. Since stepping into the high-pressure cauldron in January, he racked up an impressive seven wins in his first 11 Premier League matches, catapulting the Red Devils up to third in the table.
Pep Guardiola has spoken ahead of Manchester City’s big game against Arsenal this weekend, so what can we learn from the Spanish tactician’s pre-match thoughts?
Man City go into this game six points behind the league leaders, but with a game in hand, and of course with a big opportunity to cut right into that lead by dealing a potentially huge blow to Mikel Arteta and co.
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It’s being billed by some as the title decider for this season, though of course there are still plenty more games left that could swing things in either direction. Still, there’s no doubt it has the feel as one of the biggest Premier League matches in many years.
Here’s a look at Guardiola’s key points as he spoke to the press ahead of the game and provided some insight into City’s preparations.
Guardiola seems calmer than Arteta
One interesting quote from Guardiola is his line that he’s been telling his City players this is just a game.
“Today I will say to the players, ‘It’s just a football game’,” he said. “So we have to approach it like a football game.
“Really important, of course, but if we are distracted too much by emotions, this kind of things, after you will lose the focus. What is the target? It’s the perform well. That is exactly what we have to do.”
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Perhaps when you’ve already won multiple titles and don’t have a lead at the top to lose, there’s some truth to that.
Still, it’s also a potentially massive psychological boost for City, and in stark contrast to Arsenal, who have seemed nervous about losing their lead at the top for the last few weeks.
But…he knows this game is City’s last chance
Even if Guardiola is relaxed, he also knows that the reality is this is his side’s last real chance to stay in the title race.
When asked if he felt this was a ‘final’ for the Premier League title, he responded: “Yeah, obviously. If we lose, yeah, it’s over.
“But the other two results, knowing that Arsenal didn’t win against Bournemouth, still we have games to play.
“Six games is a lot, our calendar, it’s terrible I would say: Everton away, Bournemouth away, Aston Villa the last game at home, Burnley, Crystal Palace, and Brentford. Crystal Palace, look what’s going on! Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in Europe. Still many things to do.”
Guardiola enjoys watching Arsenal play
Is this a mind game or just straightforward praise for a rival? Whatever the thinking behind it, Guardiola has hit back at some of Arsenal’s critics, saying he enjoys watching them.
“People are so demanding; from the media, supporters, everyone. I enjoy watching them. I learn a lot in many, many things,” he said.
“And the people, what they want is to win. And we fight in an aspect that is really, really important that we cannot fight again; 22 years without winning the Premier League. In that aspect, we cannot fight. They have something that makes them unique.”
Arsenal have had some criticism this season for being overly defensive and relying too much on set-pieces, and we can probably expect that kind of approach in this weekend’s game.
It is worth remembering, though, that that’s pretty much how Guardiola himself set up in the fixture at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season.
What are your predictions for this big game? Let us know in the comments!
Tottenham are reportedly making serious progress in their pursuit of Marcos Senesi, with talks advancing over a potential free transfer this summer.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Spurs are currently leading the race to sign the Bournemouth centre-back, although the move remains dependent on Tottenham maintaining their Premier League status.
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Senesi, who is set to become available without a transfer fee, has quickly become one of the most attractive defensive options on the market.
His availability has drawn attention from several clubs, including Manchester United, who were previously believed to be among the frontrunners.
However, Tottenham’s recent push appears to have shifted momentum in their favour.
Why Marcos Senesi has become a popular target
Senesi has quietly built a reputation as one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League during his time at Bournemouth.
The 28-year-old Argentine centre-back is known for his strong tackling, positional awareness, and composure under pressure, qualities that have made him a consistent performer at the heart of Bournemouth’s defense.
Since arriving from Feyenoord, Senesi has adapted well to the physical demands of English football.
His leadership at the back and ability to play the ball out from defense have earned praise.
Another factor making Senesi appealing is his experience. At 28, he is entering the prime years of his career, offering a balance between maturity and physical capability.
Tottenham’s strong interest in Senesi shows their ongoing need to strengthen their defensive line.
Injuries and inconsistency at the back have been recurring challenges in recent seasons, forcing the club to explore dependable solutions ahead of the new campaign.
Reports suggest that Tottenham view Senesi as a player capable of stepping into the starting lineup immediately.
His experience in English football means he would require minimal adaptation time, a crucial factor for teams competing across multiple competitions.
However, the deal is not without conditions. Tottenham’s ability to finalise the transfer reportedly depends on their Premier League status.
If the club were to face relegation, financial constraints and squad restructuring could impact their recruitment plans significantly.
Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young talents linked with a potential summer move, with both Bayern Munich and Liverpool reportedly monitoring his situation closely.
According to Daily Mail, the 20-year-old could become available if Tottenham face the possibility of relegation from the Premier League, a scenario that would likely force the club into difficult transfer decisions.
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Gray has built a reputation as one of England’s most promising midfield prospects, and the uncertainty surrounding Tottenham’s league position has only increased speculation about his future.
Should Spurs fail to retain their top-flight status, several young stars could be placed on the market, making this summer a potentially transformative period for the North London club.
Gray’s rise has caught the attention of Bayern and Liverpool
Gray’s rise through English football has been impressive. After breaking through as a teenager, he quickly demonstrated maturity beyond his years, showcasing composure on the ball and strong tactical awareness.
His ability to operate both as a central midfielder and in deeper defensive roles has made him highly valued.
In situations like this, young players with high market value often attract the most attention from bigger clubs. Gray fits that profile perfectly, a talented midfielder with years of development ahead of him.
Reports also suggest that teammate Lucas Bergvall could attract offers if Tottenham’s situation worsens.
The Swedish midfielder has reportedly drawn interest from clubs such as Chelsea and Aston Villa, both of whom are keen to strengthen their squads with technically gifted young players.
Recent speculation linking Manchester United with a summer move for Alphonso Davies has been firmly dismissed, with journalist Christian Falk stating that reports of talks between the two parties are simply not true.
However, while those specific claims have been denied, the wider picture surrounding Davies’ future at Bayern Munich remains interesting.
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The German giants are believed to value the player highly, but certain factors, including his injury record and salary, mean that a move elsewhere cannot be completely ruled out under the right circumstances.
No Alphonso Davies talks with Man United
Man United, who have been reviewing their options at left-back due to injuries and inconsistent availability in recent seasons, were quickly linked to the Bayern star.
But Falk has clarified that there have been no official discussions between Man United and Davies’ camp.
This suggests that the speculation may have been driven more by general interest in strengthening United’s defense rather than concrete negotiations.
That said, it’s no secret that United, like many top clubs, are constantly evaluating elite players capable of improving key positions.
Davies, widely regarded as one of the fastest and most dynamic full-backs in world football, naturally fits the profile of a player many teams admire.
Davies remains a highly valued member of the squad. Manager Vincent Kompany is said to be a strong admirer of the Canadian international, particularly because of the speed and attacking threat he provides from the left flank.
Before the current season began, Bayern made it clear during contract discussions that they saw Davies as a crucial part of their long-term plans.
Kompany reportedly emphasised how important Davies’ pace is to his tactical philosophy, especially in systems that rely on quick transitions and overlapping full-backs.
When fully fit, Davies offers qualities that few defenders in world football can match. His ability to recover defensively, burst forward in attack, and create chances from wide areas has made him one of Bayern’s most recognisable players.
This makes the idea of letting him leave far from straightforward.
Manchester City have reportedly been dealt the blow that Ruben Dias will not be fit in time to play against Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend.
The Portugal international has been an important player for Man City down the years, but he also missed the Carabao Cup final victory over the Gunners.
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In truth, Pep Guardiola has a lot of depth in that area of his squad, with Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nathan Ake all available as perfectly solid options for City.
There’s not yet been an update on Nico O’Reilly, who went off injured in the win over Chelsea last weekend, but the Manchester Evening News report that Dias is out of Sunday’s match at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City’s other injury issues
Josko Gvardiol remains out of action with a long-term injury that has derailed his campaign, while John Stones is also out for the time being.
Overall, though, City have a strong squad that should be able to cope, even if fans will be eagerly awaiting an update on O’Reilly, who has been such a key player for them this season.
The 21-year-old has shown himself to be an outstanding talent, and scored twice against Arsenal in that Carabao Cup final last month.
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Arsenal facing injury crisis ahead of City trip
Arsenal are in a much worse situation with injuries, with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka missing a lot of games recently.
There are also concerns about Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, and Gunners supporters will hope Mikel Arteta has positive updates on these key players ahead of the trip to Manchester.
A full-strength Arsenal XI should have what it takes to get a result at the Etihad, but if they again find themselves under-strength then it could prove crucial to allowing Guardiola’s men back into this title race.
Chelsea could reportedly still have a chance of beating Brighton to the potential transfer of FC Koln forward Said El Mala.
The talented young German attacker looks like an exciting prospect with a big future ahead of him, and it could be that we’ll be seeing him in the Premier League soon.
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This could allow Chelsea back into the mix, according to Falk, who says El Mala could cost around €50m.
Chelsea given Said El Mala transfer boost
Discussing El Mala’s future, Falk made it clear that Brighton are still leading the race for his signature, though nothing is done yet and that means Chelsea can’t be ruled out.
“It is TRUE: Brighton are in the lead for Said El Mala,” Falk said. “But it could be that other interested clubs still have a chance in this race, like Newcastle and Chelsea.
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“That’s because the Brighton offer was about €35m plus €4m in add-ons, and Cologne want €50m. If they don’t get this money, perhaps they’ll be open to talking with Chelsea again. This could happen.
“At the moment, the way is clear – El Mala looks very likely to be playing Premier League football next season. Now we have to see whether he ends up at Brighton, which is the current plan, or if FC Köln say it won’t work because of the money on the table.”
Chelsea could do with changing things up in attack
CFC would surely do well to land a talent like El Mala to give them something a bit different in attack, with some of their recent signings struggling.
There could well be doubts about the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, who have not had anywhere near the kind of impact that the club will have hoped.
El Mala could be an upgrade, and it will be interesting to see if Chelsea can get there ahead of Brighton, though even that might point towards a future move for the west London giants given how much those two clubs have done business in recent times.
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon is reportedly attracting serious interest from Bayern Munich, with the German champions adding the England international to their shortlist of attacking targets.
According to German journalist Christian Falk, Bayern’s recruitment team view Gordon as a highly versatile option capable of strengthening multiple areas of their forward line.
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While Bayern are not yet at the stage of submitting formal offers, their growing interest highlights Gordon’s rising reputation across Europe.
After establishing himself as one of Newcastle’s most energetic and effective attackers, the 25-year-old is now being considered by one of the continent’s biggest clubs, a sign of just how far his career has progressed in recent seasons.
Why Bayern Munich see Gordon as a valuable multi-role option
One of the biggest reasons behind Bayern Munich’s interest is Gordon’s flexibility in attack.
The club are believed to be targeting players who can cover multiple positions, ensuring depth across their frontline during a long and demanding season.
Gordon primarily operates as a left winger, but he has shown he can also play on the right side when needed.
That versatility makes him particularly appealing to Bayern, where squad rotation is essential due to the heavy workload of competing in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League.
At Bayern, Gordon could provide support for attacking stars such as Luis Díaz and Harry Kane, while also offering cover for wide players like Michael Olise.
Both the Premier League sides are closely monitoring the England international as they plan to strengthen their wide attacking position in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Gordon will have several offers on the table if he is made available for transfer by the Magpies.
It remains to be seen if he wants to continue his career in the Premier League or follow the foot steps of England striker Kane.
Manchester United’s midfield has been crying out for a massive structural reset for quite some time now.
With the legendary Casemiro officially confirming he will be packing his bags when his contract expires at the end of June, the desperate search for his long-term successor has started.
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The Red Devils are in desperate need of midfield additions and a number of midfielders are on their radar ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to highly reliable transfer guru David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Red Devils are now firmly in the hunt for Atalanta’s 26-year-old Brazilian powerhouse, Ederson.
Man United midfield needs an overhaul
With Manuel Ugarte currently struggling to nail down a spot and potentially facing the Old Trafford exit door himself, adding a versatile, combative anchor like Ederson makes perfect sense.
Since the Brazilian’s current contract expires next summer (June 2027) and he has absolutely no intention of renewing, Atalanta are reportedly holding out for around £44 million.
However, seasoned suitors believe a deal could realistically be struck closer to the £35 million mark.
Both Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have shown serious, concrete interest. However, the stars seem to be aligning beautifully for Man United.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico have recently hit a massive impasse regarding the player’s personal terms, effectively pausing their pursuit.
That leaves Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal as the main threat. But here is where United hold the ultimate trump card: guaranteed playing time.
If Ederson moves to the Emirates, he faces the monumental task of trying to displace elite, established starters like Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, heavily restricting him to a frustrating rotational role.
At Old Trafford, Casemiro’s departure leaves a gaping, immediate hole in the starting XI.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has made the big claim that he feels Hugo Ekitike can come back even stronger after the “devastating” news of his serious injury this week.
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The France international has started well at Liverpool after his transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, but he now faces around nine months on the side-lines.
This means Ekitike will miss this summer’s World Cup, and most likely won’t get back on the pitch for Liverpool until midway through next season.
Slot admits it’s a big blow and that his thoughts are with the player, though he also made the bold prediction that he’s someone who could bounce back and keep on improving despite this setback…
? Arne Slot says Hugo Ekitike's injury is "devastating" but has backed him to come back even stronger ?? pic.twitter.com/29t6pmuRyW
“Devastating for him,” Slot said in his press conference on Friday morning.
“Coming to a new club, having so much impact straight away. Playing against your old club in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, with so much more to come for him in the summer.
“Your first thoughts are always with him being out for such a long time, missing out on so many special moments.
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“But, he’s not the first and will not be the last player that experiences something like this in the start of his career, and there are so many examples of players that came back even stronger.
“That’s the challenge he has now and I’m 100% sure he will be one of those that in 10-15 years time can say maybe this injury even helped me to become stronger and become even more ready to perform even at a higher level than I did before.”
Hugo Ekitike’s strong start at Liverpool
Ekitike impressed at Eintracht Frankfurt and he certainly took that form with him to Liverpool with a highly promising first season.
The 23-year-old is on 17 goals and five assists for the 2025/26 season, and one imagines he could easily have hit the 20-goal mark if he’d stayed fit.
Coming back from serious injuries like this is never easy, but Ekitike will surely benefit from Slot’s encouragement, while he’s also young enough that he should have a good chance of making a strong recovery and continuing to develop as both a player and an athlete in years to come.
Manchester United reportedly have a concrete interest in signing Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller, whose release clause is a bargain £32.6m.
The 25-year-old has really caught the eye in the Bundesliga in recent times, leading to talk of Man Utd being keen on him from a variety of sources.
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TEAMtalk have linked Stiller with United, while we’ve also previously received information about him being one of a number of names on the Red Devils’ list.
Angelo Stiller a concrete target for Manchester United
Discussing Stiller’s situation, Falk admitted United could sign him on the cheap, but also made it clear that Stuttgart have the option to increase the Germany international’s current buy-out clause.
“There is a lot of interest in Stiller from the Premier League; Manchester United are concretely interested,” Falk said.
“The Red Devils were there last summer but didn’t clinch a deal because they came too late in the transfer window. But this could be a serious option for them this summer.
“The 25-year-old has a release clause in his contract (€37.5m [£32.6m]), but VfB Stuttgart can buy this option from Stiller (for an amount between €2m-4m). Then, they’d have the idea of selling the midfielder for €50m [£43.5m].
“There are a lot of things that could happen, but I can say that there’s still a chance Stiller would leave Stuttgart in the summer.”
Would Angelo Stiller be a good fit for Man United?
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Angelo Stiller
TOTAL SCORE: 19/25
Transfer fee
****
Performance
****
Achievements
**
Career phase
****
Squad need
*****
It’s clear that Stiller ticks a lot of boxes in terms of being affordable, as well as proven, but still not too old, whilst also clearly strengthening a position United are weak in.
One downside with Stiller is his lack of Premier League experience, but he’s played in the Champions League, so he’s no stranger to playing at the very highest level.
Chelsea are likely to accept transfer offers for Enzo Fernandez this summer as he’s become increasingly unsettled at the club.
As first reported here for the Daily Briefing, the Argentina international is ideally someone the Blues would try to keep, but there’s also an acceptance that he’s not happy.
There is also genuine interest from Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants long being in the market for that profile of midfield player.
Fernandez now looks like an opportunity for Los Blancos, and he would also be keen to explore this option if possible.
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As ever, though, an agreement is needed between the clubs, and Chelsea surely won’t let the former Benfica man go on the cheap.
What sources are saying about Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid transfer
Having spoken to numerous well-placed sources in the industry, there’s definitely the sense that Chelsea are prepared to let Fernandez go if the money is right.
“There’s been uncertainty surrounding Enzo for some time,” one source said. “Chelsea would rather not sell, but they’re at the stage now where they’ll have to accept big offers because it’s just not worth keeping an unhappy player.”
“There haven’t been any direct talks yet, but clearly Enzo has caught wind of Madrid’s interest and he seems keen to explore that opportunity,” another source said.
Should Chelsea let Enzo Fernandez go?
Fernandez is one of the big faces of this Chelsea project, having joined in an exciting big-money move from Benfica a few years ago.
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However, it would perhaps also be fair to say that he’s been a bit underwhelming overall, and if he’s not happy then it might be a good time to accept his departure and find a replacement who could do a better job anyway.
Chelsea fans will probably have mixed feelings about this as it’s taken them so long to build this squad, so they won’t want to see more upheaval this summer.
It also surely depends on what other players are realistically available in the months ahead, with someone like Anderson looking somewhat unrealistic, while others like Adam Wharton will also surely have a lot of suitors too.
After an absolutely legendary career and a massive initial impact at Manchester United, Casemiro’s legs are starting to look undeniably heavy.
With his exorbitant, reported £350,000-a-week wages burning a massive hole in the club’s finances, it is easy to see why the midfielder is being allowed to leave the club at the end of the season.
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Former Man United striker Louis Saha wants the Red Devils to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes in the summer transfer window.
Man United told to replace Casemiro with Newcastle star
‘I’ve always been a big fan and defender of Casemiro,’ Saha said, as reported by Metro.
‘He was asked to do one too many roles in the last two years, but that’s been cut and now he’s settled and his role is defined. He’s proved he’s a world-class player and I understand why the fans want him to stay.
‘United need aggressiveness and someone that will dictate the midfield. I see someone more like [Sandro] Tonali or [Bruno] Guimaraes, who are two monsters in midfield.
‘With players like [Kobbie] Mainoo, you need someone alongside him who has the experience and vision to manage the transition when Casemiro goes. You need that experience, directness and decisiveness. It’ll be hard to replace.
‘If you bring in a young player, it’s a disruption. It’s great for the future, but you need experience. If Casemiro goes, I think a combination of [Adam] Wharton and Guimaraes would be great because Guimaraes is more of a captain.’
Red Devils need to get their transfer business right
The glaring issue for United’s revamped recruitment team, now spearheaded by the INEOS regime and key figures like Jason Wilcox, is absolutely avoiding the expensive mistakes of the past.
Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain was supposed to solidify the center of the park, it hasn’t quite yielded the dominant, game-breaking partnership with wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo that everyone prayed for.
Guimaraes could be the ideal midfield player for Man United but he may cost in the region of £100m.
The Magpies are known for playing hard ball over their players, as seen with Alexander Isak’s transfer saga last year.
Guimaraes is one of the best and most consistent midfielders in the Premier League right now and he could work wonders for Man United.
Buying a Premier League-proven asset means they already understand the blistering pace and intense physicality of the division, completely bypassing the frustrating adaptation period.
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One imagines this result could be crucial for Slot as he needs some confidence-boosting performances and results between now and the end of the season.
Liverpool board split over Arne Slot
According to the latest from X journalist Indy Kaila, one issue with Slot is that he doesn’t have the full backing of the Liverpool board.
Richard Hughes seems to be the main one pushing for the Dutch tactician to stay, while Michael Edwards, who is more senior, is less sure about keeping him.
Indy Kaila posted: “Richard Hughes is really the key player in keeping Arne Slot at Liverpool. He’s all in on Slot for next season and has plans to bring in two pacey wingers to shake things up.
“Now, Michael Edwards is still on the fence about Arne Slot, which adds some tension. Since Hughes is calling the shots on football decisions, it puts Edwards in a tricky spot. If Michael Edwards wants to move on from Slot, he’d have to go against Richard Hughes, and that could really sour their close relationship.
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“Will Hughes get his way, or will Edwards make a bold move to override him? All information above has come from reporter who works closely with us.”
It will be interesting to see how this pans out, but Slot certainly doesn’t seem to be in the most secure situation.
Who could replace Arne Slot as Liverpool manager?
The most obvious name that will come to mind is Xabi Alonso, who is a former Liverpool player, and who is available after being sacked by Real Madrid earlier this season.
Still, these links have also been played down to a certain extent, with the Times reporting that one issue LFC have with Alonso is his commitment to playing three at the back.
That would be a big change from how Liverpool have played under Slot and under previous manager Jurgen Klopp, while it’s also generally not a system that has much of a history of succeeding in English football.
Still, there could be other names out there, such as Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, who will be leaving the club at the end of this season.
Cesc Fabregas could also be on the move to a bigger club soon after doing an impressive job at Como, while there will also surely be eyes on the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, and Julian Nagelsmann, depending on how they do at this summer’s World Cup.
Manchester United have reportedly made formal contact over a potential transfer move for Benfica midfielder Richard Rios.
The Colombia international has shone during his time in Portugal, and it seems he’s been identified as a potential replacement for Casemiro in Man Utd’s midfield.
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United will no doubt be keen to invest in new signings in midfield as Casemiro is coming towards the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte has largely flopped during his time at Old Trafford.
That could mean MUFC realistically need to make more than one new addition in that area of their squad.
Manchester United preparing multiple midfield moves?
Rios is the latest name to be linked with United, and he’s one of the cheaper options out there if recent transfer rumours are anything to go by.
See below as Florian Plettenberg has been among the reporters to claim that Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is a top target for United, though he could cost £100m or more…
??? Forest expect Elliot #Anderson to join either Manchester United or Manchester City if he leaves this summer.
If United can win the race for a world class talent like Anderson, then that wouldn’t leave them with much more to spend, so a cheaper option like Rios could be ideal.
The 25-year-old might not be the kind of glamorous name that a lot of Red Devils supporters are craving, but he’s a solid defensive midfield player who can also contribute going forward.
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Rios has an impressive record of eight goals and six assists in all competitions for club and country this season, as per WhoScored stats.
Benfica often sell their best players when big enough offers come along, and one imagines Rios might be keen to now try testing himself in a more competitive league.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is once again proving his value on the pitch for Crystal Palace, but questions about his long-term future at Selhurst Park are refusing to go away.
The French striker has returned to scoring form after a difficult few months, yet uncertainty surrounding his contract and a collapsed transfer earlier this year means his situation could become one to watch closely as the summer approaches.
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According to Sky Sports, Mateta was on the verge of joining AC Milan during the February transfer window, only for the move to fall apart after concerns were raised during his medical.
Now, after battling back to fitness and rediscovering his scoring touch, the 28-year-old has given Palace fans a timely reminder of what he brings to the team, just as his international ambitions are also gaining momentum.
Mateta has returned to goal scoring form
Mateta’s winter transfer saga was one of the more surprising stories this year.
AC Milan had identified him as a potential attacking option, but the deal reportedly collapsed late on Deadline Day after medical tests revealed issues related to his knee.
While setbacks like that can derail momentum for many players, Mateta responded in the best possible way, by focusing on recovery and getting back onto the pitch.
His return to action last month was an important milestone, but it was his performance in the UEFA Conference League quarter-final first leg against Fiorentina that really grabbed attention.
Starting his first match since the failed transfer, Mateta delivered a statement performance by scoring twice, showing sharp movement and clinical finishing that highlighted his importance to Palace’s attack.
Crystal Palace star has ambitions to play for France
With his 29th birthday approaching in June, Mateta is also pushing hard for international recognition.
He made his debut for France in October and wasted no time making an impression, scoring three goals in his first two appearances.
That early impact has put him firmly in the conversation for a potential place in France’s squad for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
Recent developments in the French squad could also play in his favor. Injuries to other forwards, including the unfortunate setback suffered by Hugo Ekitike, may open up opportunities for players like Mateta to strengthen their case.
For Mateta, continuing to score consistently at club level will be key if he hopes to secure a place in the international setup.
The Red Devils made a lot of changes up front last summer, bringing in an entire new front three in the form of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo.
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However, Sesko has perhaps been a bit underwhelming so far, so Man Utd could do well to bring in Thiago as an upgrade after his superb performances for Brentford this season.
The Brazil international has 24 goals and one assist in all competitions so far, with only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland scoring more than him in the Premier League.
Manchester United advised to sign Igor Thiago
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce praised Thiago’s performances and suggested he was the obvious choice for United in this summer’s transfer window.
“I mean, who’s going to buy Brentford’s centre-forward, Igor Thiago?” Allardyce said.
“Manchester United need to look no further as far as I’m concerned. He’s hit the 20-goal mark, you don’t need to look any further.
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“I thought they’d go for [Jean-Philippe] Mateta, but maybe with his age they thought better of it.
“But this Brazilian lad [Thiago], he’s scored 20 goals already and has got Brentford almost pushing for Europe.”
Who else could be in the mix for Igor Thiago transfer?
Thiago’s fine form will surely mean he has plenty of suitors in this summer’s transfer window, so it might not be easy for United to get a deal done.
For now, it seems nothing is concrete or advanced over Thiago’s future, and it will be interesting to see if he can star for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup to add a bit more to his potential price tag this summer.
According to a report from The Sun, Chelsea are already open to selling Alejandro Garnacho this coming summer.
The Argentine winger joined the Premier League side from Manchester United in a £40 million move last summer.
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However, his time at Stamford Bridge has been difficult and the winger has been mainly used as a back up option.
Even when he has been given the opportunities to impress, Garnacho has struggled with consistency and that could force the Blues to cash in on him just one year after signing him.
Chelsea have failed with the Garnacho gamble
When Chelsea swooped in to rescue Garnacho from Old Trafford, it looked like a genuinely shrewd piece of business.
The 21-year-old had flashed moments of absolute brilliance in Manchester, and signing a highly-rated, Premier League-proven attacker for £40m felt like a rare bargain for the Todd Boehly regime.
However, the transition to life in the capital has been anything but smooth.
Displacing Chelsea’s already bloated options of wide forwards has proven to be a monumental task.
Instead of becoming the electrifying focal point of the attack, Garnacho has frequently found himself lost in the shuffle, reduced to brief, frustrating cameo appearances off the bench.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has reservations about Garnacho and his ability to become an asset at the club.
The youngster has only scored one Premier League goal all season, a poor return from a player who joined the club after experience in the league.
Garnacho has only started 21 of Chelsea’s 51 games this season and the Premier League side believe that it is the right time to offload him this summer before his value goes down.
If Chelsea officially put him on the market, expect a host of top-tier European clubs, particularly in La Liga, where his style of play would arguably be a much more natural fit, to heavily monitor the situation.
While there is no denying his raw talent and massive ceiling, the volatile, high-turnover environment at Cobham is notoriously difficult for young players trying to find their rhythm.
Arsenal reportedly have an eye on a player who’s been compared with club captain Martin Odegaard as they’re linked with Eirik Granaas.
The 16-year-old looks like an outstanding prospect as he’s already playing first-team football with Fredrikstad, and he’s been on Arsenal’s radar for almost a year.
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That’s according to the Sun, who also claim that RB Leipzig are interested in Granaas, who is from Drammen, the same city as Odegaard.
It seems clear that the teenager is going to be one to watch in years to come, so Arsenal would do well to move for him quickly if possible.
Arsenal would have to wait to sign Eirik Granaas
Eirik Granaas in action
One issue, however, is that Brexit rules mean Arsenal would not be able to sign Granaas until he turns 18, as noted in the Sun’s report.
That might end up favouring any other European clubs that come into the equation, while somewhere like Leipzig generally looks like a good destination for young players like this anyway.
The Bundesliga side have done great work in recent years when it comes to developing young players and giving them a chance to play before cashing in on them for significant profit.
Perhaps a more likely scenario here is that Granaas goes to somewhere like Leipzig first, and ends up being a target for Arsenal again later on in his career if he continues to progress well.
The Gunners could do with investing in more young talent, however, as one area they’ve struggled in in recent times is making enough money from player sales.
Building a competitive team is one thing, but in the modern era of Financial Fair Play it’s also vital for clubs to be able to sign players on the cheap and then sell them for more money later in order to balance the books.
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Ever since his blockbuster switch to Newcastle United, the electric winger Anthony Gordon has repeatedly been linked with a move to Anfield.
According to a prominent inside source on X, Gordon has definitively told his representatives to “make the move happen” to Liverpool.
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Despite famously breaking through on the blue side of Stanley Park with Everton, the 25-year-old is a lifelong, passionate Liverpool fan, and the prospect of finally returning to his boyhood club appears to be an opportunity he is absolutely desperate to take.
Liverpool move attracts Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon
It’s not hard to see why Gordon is actively pushing for the St James’ Park exit door.
Despite enjoying a spectacular individual campaign for Newcastle, racking up 17 goals across all competitions, including an incredible 10 strikes during their Champions League run, the Magpies have struggled with domestic consistency and look incredibly likely to miss out on European football next season.
For a player entering the absolute prime of his career, competing for major honours on the biggest stage is the target.
Liverpool are actively hunting for elite attacking reinforcements. Following the devastating, season-ending Achilles injury suffered by forward Hugo Ekitike and the impending departure of Mohamed Salah at the end of the season, the Reds are desperate for explosive, reliable options on the flank.
Anfield move can take Gordon’s career to the next level
Gordon’s relentless pressing energy, tactical discipline, and proven Premier League pedigree make him a flawless fit for the high-octane football played at Anfield.
While Liverpool’s sporting directors are reportedly highly keen on bringing Gordon back to Merseyside, they are playing the waiting game.
The Anfield hierarchy wants to thoroughly assess the club’s summer budget and fully establish the managerial vision before committing to what will inevitably be a massive transfer fee.
If Newcastle’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) constraints force them to cash in on a major asset this summer, Gordon seems ready to leave the club for move to Anfield.
While other European heavyweights circle, Liverpool know they hold the ultimate trump card: the emotional, irresistible pull of Anfield.
Whether the Reds officially pull the trigger and meet Newcastle’s valuation remains to be seen but Gordon’s intent to make the move happen can make the summer transfer window interesting.
Meanwhile, the Sun’s report also suggests that Bayern Munich could be appealing for the 25-year-old as it would give him the chance to link up with England teammate Harry Kane.
February 20th 2026 – Gordon himself is quoted by Goal as saying transfer speculation over his future is “rubbish”.
April 13th 2026 – Bayern Munich are the latest to be linked with Gordon by Florian Plettenberg.
April 16th 2026 – The Telegraph report that Gordon is open to leaving Newcastle, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern linked as suitors.
Arsenal could do with signing Anthony Gordon
Arsenal clearly have issues in attack at the moment, with Gabriel Martinelli only scoring one Premier League goal all season, while Leandro Trossard is yet to score for the Gunners in all competitions in 2026.
Gordon, meanwhile, has an impressive record of 17 goals and four assists in all competitions for Newcastle this season, so he could surely strengthen Mikel Arteta’s side.
£75m isn’t bad for a player of his calibre either, so we’d give this a 21/25 with our Transfer Fit rating system…
Anthony Gordon
TOTAL SCORE: 21/25
Transfer fee
***
Performance
*****
Achievements
****
Career phase
****
Squad need
*****
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Gordon is at a good stage of his career, in fine form, and proven in the Premier League in a position Arsenal need to strengthen, so if they really can get him for £75m that’s surely superb business.
Tottenham are already prepared to listen to offers for Conor Gallagher this summer, according to Football Insider.
26-year-old England international who only just arrived in North London a few months ago could now be heading out of the club after failing to impress following his move from Atletico Madrid.
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Snapping up Gallagher in January looked like an incredibly shrewd piece of business for Spurs.
His relentless motor, aggressive pressing capabilities, and box-to-box tenacity felt practically tailor-made for the high-octane, front-foot demands of Premier League football.
Conor Gallagher was expected to be a hit at Tottenham
Displacing an established engine room that boasts the dynamic energy of Pape Matar Sarr, the tempo-setting of Yves Bissouma, and the technical grace of Rodrigo Bentancur has proven to be a massive mountain to climb.
Rather than immediately becoming the beating heart of the midfield, Gallagher has frequently found himself utilised as a rotational impact sub.
For a player desperate to cement his spot in the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, sitting on the bench simply isn’t an option.
Spurs are looking to save finances during times of trouble
It likely comes down to ruthless squad optimisation and the ever-present reality of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Unsurprisingly, several top-flight clubs are already aggressively circling.
Midfielders with Gallagher’s Premier League pedigree are a rare commodity, and ambitious teams hovering around the European spots, would jump at the chance to build around him.
The midfielder is reportedly on high wages in North London and that is also one of the reasons why Spurs are looking to offload him in the summer transfer window.
After seeking out long-term stability with his January move, the absolute last thing he probably expected was to be packing his bags again just six months later.
Following a bruising Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich and a frustrating La Liga campaign that sees Los Blancos languishing nine points behind arch-rivals Barcelona, the patience of the boardroom has seemingly run dry.
According to Daily Mail, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is already preparing for life after Alvaro Arbeloa, pinpointing two absolute heavyweight candidates to take over: Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino.
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If Pérez has his way, Klopp is the ultimate dream appointment.
Jurgen Klopp is wanted by Real Madrid
Since stepping away from the emotional pressure-cooker of Liverpool back in 2024, the German tactician has been serving in a strategic oversight role within the Red Bull football empire.
However, Madrid is a club that currently desperately needs a transformative, charismatic figure capable of uniting a fractured dressing room of superstars and delivering major honours.
Mauricio Pochettino is another manager on their radar
Pochettino is a highly attractive and practical alternative.
Currently gearing up to lead the United States Men’s National Team into the massive 2026 World Cup on home soil, the Argentine’s stock has remained surprisingly high in Madrid.
Los Blancos have previously courted him during his stints at Tottenham and Chelsea, but the timing never quite matched.
Pochettino’s proven track record of nurturing elite young talent makes him a perfect mentor for Real Madrid’s rising phenoms like Arda Güler and Francisco Mastantuono.
The writing seems to be firmly on the wall for Arbeloa. Promoted from the Castilla youth setup just a few months ago in January to replace Xabi Alonso, the enormous step up to the first team simply looks like a bridge too far for the 43-year-old.
The sheer weight of a potentially trophyless season is an unforgivable sin in Madrid.
Whether it’s the high-octane passion of Klopp or the tactical, talent-nurturing approach of Pochettino, a massive managerial change is expected soon at Real Madrid.
Saudi sources reportedly remain optimistic about landing Liverpool director Richard Hughes at some point despite an initial approach being rebuffed by the Reds.
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Al Hilal are keen to bring in Hughes from Liverpool to work on their recruitment, but for now it looks like he’s set to stay at Anfield, according to talkSPORT.
Hughes’ current Liverpool contract runs until the end of next season, so it seems the Reds remain in control of the situation for now, but perhaps not for much longer.
Even if Hughes is not currently heading to the Saudi Pro League, it seems their sources are confident he will make the move eventually, according to the report.
Richard Hughes facing important summer for Liverpool
Even if Hughes is highly regarded inside Anfield, there will surely be a lot of pressure on him and other senior figures this summer after a disappointing season.
While there has been a lot of focus on the performance of manager Arne Slot, it’s also worth noting that the club’s recruitment last summer has ended up looking really poor.
LFC invested huge amounts of money in a lot of new signings, with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz both costing record-breaking figures but proving underwhelming on the pitch so far.
This seems far from ideal for the club, as there may well be the very real risk of both Edwards and Hughes leaving at the same time.
With that in mind, it perhaps makes sense that Slot seems safe in his job as manager for now, with some stability definitely needed in what may well be a period of big change.
Journalist David Ornstein has delivered a definitive blow to Arsenal’s summer transfer hopes, revealing there is “no chance” of the Gunners securing the signature of PSG star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
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Khvicha Kvaratskhelia unlikely to join Arsenal
Despite Arsenal’s desire to bolster their attacking options following a season that has seen them reach the Champions League semi-finals and challenge for the Premier League title, a move for the Georgian international appears completely off the table.
“Everyone loves Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but I fully expect him to stay at PSG,” Ornstein wrote, quelling the rumors that had excited the North London faithful.
“He seems extremely happy there, and they are certainly extremely happy with him. I don’t think Arsenal or anyone else has a chance at the moment.”
The update comes as a disappointment to those who viewed Kvaratskhelia as the final piece of Arteta’s offensive puzzle.
Since joining PSG from Napoli in January 2025 for €80 million, Kvaratskhelia has become an indispensable figure for Luis Enrique.
His direct style and technical brilliance were on full display during the recent Champions League quarter-final win over Liverpool, where he scored in the first leg to help dismantle the Reds.
Plenty of interest from Premier League for Kvaratskhelia
Arsenal are far from the only Premier League club to have registered an interest. Liverpool have been long-term admirers, with the Reds reportedly considering a hijack attempt shortly before his move to Paris.
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to leave the club at the end of the 2026/27 season, marking the definitive conclusion to one of the most transformative eras in the history of Anfield.
According to The Athletic, the 34-year-old Dutchman has just one full year remaining on his contract before an “expected farewell” in the summer of 2027.
While van Dijk remains an undisputed starter under Arne Slot, the club’s strategic pivot toward younger defensive options suggests that a renewal is not currently on the table.
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With van Dijk set to be 35 by the time his deal expires, he appears prepared to walk away as a free agent.
Van Dijk to go down as one of Premier League’s best ever
When van Dijk eventually departs in 2027, he will do so as arguably the greatest centre-back to ever wear the Liverpool shirt.
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Since his £75 million move from Southampton in 2018, a then-world-record fee, he has been the pillar upon which Liverpool have built their recent success.
Van Dijk’s impact on the club’s identity is impossible to overstate. He instantly transformed a vulnerable defence into the foundation of a dominant side that won every major trophy available.
While the atmosphere at the club is currently at a low point following recent European and domestic exits, van Dijk’s commitment to seeing out his contract ensures that the Anfield faithful will have one final year to celebrate a genuine club legend.
Chelsea have reportedly entered the high-stakes battle to sign Palmeiras’ latest wonderkid, Eduardo Conceicao, as the club continues its aggressive recruitment of the world’s most elite teenage talents.
The 16-year-old winger has become the subject of an intense transfer war, with The Times reporting that Chelsea are now vying with Manchester City, Barcelona, and PSG for his signature.
Conceicao, a standout for the Brazil Under-17 national team, is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from South America since his former teammate Endrick.
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Chelsea face fierce competition for Eduardo Conceicao
(Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
While early suitors reportedly attempted to secure a deal for approximately £25 million, Palmeiras are holding out for a much higher figure.
As per the report, the Brazilian giants have protected their asset with a €100 million (£87m) release clause, though industry experts expect a compromise closer to the €40m–€50m range including performance-related add-ons.
Manchester City, under the direction of new sporting director Hugo Viana, were previously thought to be the frontrunners.
However, the entry of Chelsea and Barcelona, the latter of whom are desperate not to repeat the mistake of having missed out on the likes of Endrick and Estevao Willian, has turned the pursuit into a multi-club sprint.
There are other clubs vying for his services as well. The Daily Briefing previously reported that both Arsenal and Liverpool have had bids rejected for the exciting youngster.
Conceicao has already made an impact in 2026, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists in just seven appearances during the prestigious Copinha youth tournament.
Chelsea’s recent focus on South American youth
Under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, Chelsea have pioneered a “buy young” strategy that specifically targets the South American market.
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Conceicao fits the profile of recent high-profile signings such as Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez.
Chelsea’s recent strategic partnership with River Plate further underlines their intent to dominate this region.
By securing Conceicao, the Blues would not only weaken a rival’s future squad but also ensure they possess the most formidable assembly of U21 attacking talent in world football.
Chelsea have secured a massive long-term boost as world-class midfielder Moises Caicedo has reportedly “given the green light” to a lucrative new contract, snubbing interest from European giants Real Madrid in the process.
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Moises Caicedo gives green light for new Chelsea deal
The breakthrough in negotiations comes at a vital time for Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership.
With the club enduring a turbulent 2025/26 campaign under manager Liam Rosenior, securing the commitment of their most vital assets has become a priority to stabilise the project.
Romano posted on X: “Breaking: Chelsea are closing in on new deal for Moisés Caicedo! The agreement will be valid until June 2033 with final details being sorted, as @CLMerlo reports. Caicedo has given green light to #CFC stay for long term.”
?? BREAKING: Chelsea are closing in on new deal for Moisés Caicedo!
The agreement will be valid until June 2033 with final details being sorted, as @CLMerlo reports.
The deal follows in the footsteps of captain Reece James, who also recently penned a long-term extension.
For Caicedo, the move represents a clear show of faith in Chelsea’s future, despite the club currently sitting 6th in the Premier League and facing a battle for Champions League qualification.
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Reports from Spain suggested that Florentino Pérez was prepared to launch a massive bid for the ‘world-class‘ midfielder.
However, Caicedo recently moved to shut down the rumors, telling El Chiringuito TV that his only focus is on becoming a “Chelsea legend.”
By committing to a nine-year deal, Caicedo has effectively ended any speculation regarding a move to the Santiago Bernabéu, ensuring he remains the centerpiece of the Blues’ midfield for the next decade.
A prominent Tottenham insider on X has shared a much-needed positive update on James Maddison, suggesting the playmaker is finally on the verge of returning to first-team action.
The news comes as a vital lifeline for manager Roberto De Zerbi, whose side is currently sitting in the relegation zone after a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.
With Tottenham’s top-flight status hanging by a thread, the return of their primary creative engine could be the difference between survival and a historic fall to the Championship.
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James Maddison expected to be back in two weeks
The update comes from the well-known insider account, which has been at the forefront of injury news at Hotspur Way this season.
According to insider, the England international is nearing the end of his grueling rehabilitation process.
“Expectation that Madders could be around two weeks from a return to first-team action.”
If this timeline holds, Maddison could potentially be in the squad for the final four games of the season.
Aston Villa vs Tottenham – 2nd May 2026
Tottenham vs Leeds – 12th May 2026
Chelsea vs Tottenham – 17th May 2026
Tottenham vs Everton – 24th May 2026
While De Zerbi has been careful not to rush players back, the desperate situation in the league table may force the Italian’s hand.
Nightmare injury during pre-season
Maddison’s absence has been the black cloud hanging over Tottenham’s entire 2025/26 campaign.
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The incident, which occurred during the club’s tour of South Korea, was initially feared to be a minor knock but was later confirmed as a complex ligament tear.
Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has provided a rare glimmer of hope for Tottenham supporters, revealing that Dejan Kulusevski is set to remain at the club next season even if the unthinkable happens and Spurs are relegated to the Championship.
The North London side currently sits in 18th place with just six games remaining to save their top-flight status.
Following a disastrous 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi’s debut last Sunday, the pressure has reached a boiling point at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
While a mass exodus of stars this summer is expected, Di Marzio believes the Swedish international is committed to the project.
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Di Marzio: Dejan Kulusevski “definitely” staying
Speaking to bettingsidor.se via Football London, Di Marzio emphasised that Kulusevski’s character makes him the ideal candidate to lead a potential rebuild.
Di Marzio said:
“I definitely think Kulusevski will stay at Tottenham, even if they get relegated. He is a good example for other players and Roberto De Zerbi likes him. He has the right mentality, so I think Kulusevski can be one of the most important players for their project, regardless if they are in the Premier League or the Championship.”
“De Zerbi will really try to keep him. He loves players like him who have a strong identity and personality. He will definitely try to keep him.”
Kulusevski’s time at Tottenham has been marred with injuries
Kulusevski has not played a single minute of competitive football since May 2025 after suffering a severe right kneecap injury against Crystal Palace.
After a secondary minor operation in March 2026 to clean up the joint, the winger is finally nearing a return to fitness, though he is unlikely to feature before the end of the current campaign.
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When fit, his quality is undeniable and easily one of Spurs’ best players. He contributed with 10 goals and 11 assists last season, helping Spurs to a historic Europa League trophy.
Overall, in 146 games for the club, he has scored 25 and assisted another 30, with his performances attracting praise from likes of Pep Guardiola as well.
If Kulusevski stays in the event of relegation, there is no doubt that he will play a massive role in the fight for return to the top tier next season.
If Rashford does end up missing out on staying at the Nou Camp, it seems he’d be open to returning to Man Utd, according to BBC Sport.
Could Marcus Rashford still have a role to play at Manchester United?
It has seemed unlikely for some time now that Rashford could have any kind of future at United, but perhaps there’s still a way back for him.
The 28-year-old was once a key player for the Red Devils, but he suffered a significant loss of form before going out on loan to Aston Villa last season, and then to Barcelona this term.
Rashford is also one of United’s highest earners, so it makes little sense for them to bring him back unless he’s ready to become a regular starter and consistent performer again.
Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has tragically died in a car crash at the age of 48.
The Austrian’s passing has been announced by another of his former clubs, Red Bull Salzburg, in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
The post read: “We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
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See below for the post, which shows a picture of Manninger during one of the two spells he had with Salzburg throughout a playing career that spanned over 20 years…
Wir trauern um unseren ehemaligen Torhüter Alexander Manninger, der tragisch bei einem Verkehrsunfall verunglückt ist. Unsere Gedanken sind bei seiner Familie und seinen Freunden. Ruhe in Frieden, Alexander. ?? pic.twitter.com/AjfpNOwNU7
— FC Red Bull Salzburg (@RedBullSalzburg) April 16, 2026
Alex Manninger’s career
Manninger is perhaps most well known in England for his spell with Arsenal as a youngster, where he played a key role in their 1997/98 double-winning season.
Despite not being a particularly big name before he arrived, Manninger put in a series of strong displays late on in the campaign when called upon to fill in for the injured David Seaman.
Manninger has remained fondly remembered by Gunners supporters for his contribution to the club’s success in the Premier League and FA Cup that season, and they’ll surely be devastated to hear about the passing of this popular former player.
The former Austria international also had a spell as a backup ‘keeper at Liverpool in 2016/17, whilst also making a name for himself with various Serie A clubs, including Juventus.
Awful news that Alex Manninger has passed away after a car accident. Played such a key role in the 1998 double, stepping up when the team needed him with David Seaman out.
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Tributes have been pouring in on social media this afternoon after the sad news of Manninger’s passing.
The Austrian FA also put out a statement on the news, saying: “The news of Alex Manninger’s death is deeply shocking. With him, football loses a special person. In this difficult time, our sincere condolences go to his family, his friends, and all those who were close to him. Much strength for the time ahead.”
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have shortlisted West Ham United attacker Jarrod Bowen as one of the options ahead of the transfer window.
With Mohamed Salah leaving the club at the end of the season and Hugo Ekitike suffering a long term injury that is expected to keep him out of action for this year, the Premier League giants are identifying attacking options in the market.
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The Reds desperately need reinforcements, and they need them fast.
Jarrod Bowen can solve attacking crisis at Liverpool
If you’re looking to replace even a fraction of what Salah brings to Anfield, the profile has to be highly specific.
You need a left-footed right winger with a relentless work rate and an eye for goal. At 29 years old, Bowen fits that exact description perfectly.
Despite West Ham enduring an absolutely miserable 2025/26 campaign that has them deeply entrenched in a relegation dogfight, Bowen’s individual quality has consistently shined through.
He’s already racked up 10 goals and nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this season.
He is incredibly strong on the ball, tactically disciplined out of possession, and a proven England international at the absolute peak of his career.
Reds have several other names on their summer shortlist
The club is reportedly monitoring former academy product Harry Wilson and highly-rated Bazoumana Toure.
They are also still heavily linked with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, though prying him away will require beating off intense competition from Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
There is no single player in world football who can step into Salah’s boots and immediately replicate his historic numbers. It’s an impossible task.
However, rebuilding a successful attack is about finding reliable players. Bowen knows the Premier League inside out, possesses the exact tactical profile Arne Slot is looking for, and could be available at a serious discount if West Ham fail to beat the drop.
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This news has now been made official, though of course neither the club nor the player have yet made an announcement about where he could be moving to next.
Silva is undoubtedly a City legend and one of the best players in the Premier League from the last decade or so, with the 31-year-old winning six titles during his time in England, as well as the Champions League and other major honours.
Manchester City pay tribute to Bernardo Silva
City have paid tribute to Silva on their official site, with a club statement noting that his “contribution to our greatest sustained period of success is incalculable” and that “he will be deservedly remembered both as one of City’s finest and most popular players of all time.”
City also added that they plan further tributes for the player nearer the end of the season.
They added: “The Club and all of our fans will now take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to a wonderful servant of Manchester City Football Club at the end of the season.”
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What next for Bernardo Silva and who could replace him?
It won’t be easy to replace a world class talent like Silva, but our understanding is that those plans are already underway.
City have been aware of Silva’s decision for some time now, with the player yet to decide on his next step despite top European clubs being sounded out while Saudi sides also take notice of his situation.
It is also our understanding that City are continuing to assess targets such as Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali in midfield.
The precise profile the club go for will depend on a number of other factors, however, with there still being no final resolution on the future of manager Pep Guardiola and another star player in the form of Rodri.
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