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Newcastle United have endured a tough start to the summer transfer window, but the intent to bolster Eddie Howe’s first-team squad is very much there.

In fact, an actual breakthrough has been found in recent days, with Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga finally here-we-goed after more than a year of fruitless efforts to bring him over to St. James’ Park.

The electric-paced winger is set to sign for £55m, having played a vital role in driving Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest into Europe, notching 32 goal involvements across his two seasons at the City Ground.

Bringing in such a profile is good news indeed, but Newcastle are still hoping to sign a central striker, having missed out on Joao Pedro after the Brazilian opted to sign for Chelsea in a £60m deal.

Why Newcastle want a striker

Newcastle are confident that they will fend off interest in Alexander Isak, but even so, rumours of the Sweden striker’s potential departure aren’t going to go away over the coming weeks.

Liverpool, namely, are proving a thorn in Newcastle’s transfer committees’ side, but PIF are believed to have priced their talisman at £200m, and they are under no obligation to sell after United repinned their Champions League badge.

Still, with Callum Wilson having left Tyneside at the end of his contract, Howe wants competition. Pedro was supposed to provide more depth, but he’s now off the cards.

Thus, Newcastle have been linked once again with Dominic Calvert-Lewin. According to talkSPORT, the former Everton star has held talks with United as he looks for a new club, but this perhaps isn’t the move fans are hoping for.

‘DCL’, as he is known, has quite the shoddy injury record, and he only scored three times across 26 Premier League outings last season, missing 16 big chances, as per Sofascore.

He would be a cost-efficient signing, to be sure, but the Magpies are aiming high this summer and they have their sights on a far more exciting striker.

Newcastle line up Calvert-Lewin alternative

Newcastle have shown they are willing to spend the big bucks for a new number nine to complement Isak, and that’s why Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Howe’s interest in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

The 23-year-old has attracted a wealth of interest over the past few months, but RMC Sport have now revealed that Newcastle are among the teams showing the greatest curiosity in the Frenchman.

Saudi duo Al-Qadsiah and especially Al-Hilal – who are believed to be readying an offer – are also keen, but suitors have thus far been kept at bay by the Bundesliga outfit’s €100m (£85m) valuation of their player, who is a great talent but an unpolished one at that.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle have one of the best strikers in world football, and thus some would consider interest in Ekitike as superfluous, but he’s a rising talent of the highest calibre, and came close to joining back in 2022 after a £33m deal with Reims was agreed, but for the player to pull the plug on proceedings.

And whoever said that having options was a bad thing? Newcastle will only reach the next level in their impressive development with an excess of options capable of pushing for a place at the top of the Premier League while competing across the campaign’s tournamental offshoots too.

If the finances check out – and the conjecture read from the past few months suggests that it’s not outside the realm of possibility for the Toon – then Ekitike is the forward to go for.

For sure, he’s miles better than Calvert-Lewin, who offers flimsy assurances of his ability to stay fit, let alone productive.

Moreover, Ekitike is nearly five years his junior, with so much scope for growth. He might not have anywhere near the same aerial ability as his English counterpart, but he’s far more energetic, creative and effective in the majority of critical moments.

Newcastle completed 705 crosses in the Premier League last term, as per FBref, the sixth-highest tally in the division. There is a ring to United’s long-standing interest in Calvert-Lewin, but is it enough to suggest he deserves a place over Ekitike, someone who can elevate the frontline to a truly exceptional standard?

Ultimately, it will prove a matter of financial variables. And Ekitike’s decision with such a vast range of interest in his services will be crucial too.

But if it does check out, and Frankfurt are inclined to reduce their extortionate asking price at some point in the transfer window, Newcastle could hit the jackpot in signing him.

After all, he has the making of a complete player, with his athleticism and high-speed running leading journalist Graeme Bailey to dub him “the next Mbappe”.

And anyway, he might not have such an eye-catching aerial record as Calvert-Lewin, but the 6 foot 2 Ekitike did win 4.2 duels per Premier League game in 2024/25, as per Sofascore, winning a respectable 46% of his aerial battles.

The Premier League striker did average higher, but he only came out on top 51% of the time, so the difference isn’t exactly glaring, and is something that Howe will coach Ekitike on improving and, anyway, shouldn’t hold much sway in the grand scheme of the manager’s reckoning.

With Newcastle preparing for the new campaign as Carabao Cup champions and Champions League competitors, they have the sway to potentially pull off such a deal.

Transfer Focus

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

Furthermore, their historic efforts to sign the France star could work in Howe’s favour, thus ending the interest in Calvert-Lewin.

Dream Scalvini alternative: Newcastle make approach for "dominant" £25m CB

Newcastle are looking to strengthen at the back this summer

1

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 9, 2025

Newcastle United are now exploring a move to sign an “extraordinary” £35 million defender ahead of Leeds United, according to a recent report.

Newcastle confident of landing Kudus after missing out on key targets

It has so far been a difficult transfer window for the Magpies, even though they secured a place in next season’s Champions League. Eddie Howe’s side have already missed out on signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, as the Cameroon international closes in on a move to Manchester United, and they have now missed out on Joao Pedro, as he joins Chelsea.

Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga is also another target of Newcastle’s, but they have already seen a bid rejected, and the Reds are determined to keep their winger. That means Newcastle are having to identify alternative targets, and according to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Newcastle are now confident they can sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

The Hammers are looking to sell the attacker in this transfer window, and therefore, they are likely ready to accept less for him than his £85 million release clause.

Newcastle explore move to sign £35m defender ahead of Leeds

As the Magpies weigh up a move for Kudus, according to reliable reporters Craig Hope and Simon Jones of The Daily Mail, Newcastle are looking into a move to sign defender Leonardo Balerdi from Marseille.

The Magpies are in need of a new centre-back this summer, and their search has now taken them to Balerdi, who is the captain of the French side.

The report states that Juventus have been looking into a move for the player, but given their financial situation, Newcastle sense an opportunity to pounce and beat them to his signature. However, they also face Leeds United in this race for the Argentine international, as back in May, they were given a boost in their pursuit as the player refused to rule out a move in this transfer window.

The 26-year-old played 27 times in Ligue 1 last season under former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, and given he is under contract until the summer of 2028, Marseille are looking to get around £35 million for his services should he leave this summer.

The French side are back in the Champions League next season, but the Magpies will hope the offer to play in the Premier League can help bring the Argentina international to St. James’ Park.

De Zerbi has only worked with the defender for a season, but the Marseille boss was left impressed by his performances last season, as he labelled Balerdi “extraordinary”. He said: “Balerdi? I hope that the big European teams don’t realise that he exists. I say every night before going to sleep that I am happy that he is going under the radar of the big teams. He is an extraordinary player.”

Leeds United know that they will need to make key additions across the pitch to improve their squad after they were promoted to the Premier League at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Leeds United's goalkeeper priority this summer

A new goalkeeper is high up on the list of transfer priorities for the Championship champions during the summer transfer window, after veteran shot-stopper Karl Darlow had to end the season between the sticks.

Illan Meslier’s high-profile errors were hard for Daniel Farke to ignore, and the Frenchman had to sit on the bench for the final seven matches of the campaign.

The Whites are now reportedly eyeing up a deal to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who was omitted from their squad for the Club World Cup in America this summer.

He spent the 2024/25 campaign and caught the eye with his impressive performances in Ligue 1, preventing 7.91 goals and avoiding any errors that directly led to a goal in 31 matches in the French top-flight.

Petrovic, who is a Serbia international, could come in to solve Farke’s problem in the number one position at Elland Road, if they can convince the Chelsea stopper to make the switch to West Yorkshire.

Leeds will also need strong defenders in front of their goalkeeper to prevent them from being overworked, though, and the club are reportedly closing in on a new centre-back.

Leeds United agree terms with new centre-back signing

According to LeedsLive reporter Isaac Johnson, Udinese defender Jaka Bijol has ‘agreed’ terms over a move to Elland Road in the summer transfer window, which is also backed up by reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness.

The journalist claims that the Whites are ‘growing in confidence’ that they can reach an agreement with the Serie A side over a deal to sign the Slovenia international, who has already given the transfer a green light.

Johnson adds that a fee of around £17m should be enough to get the move over the line, and that talks are ongoing between the two clubs over the fee.

Meanwhile, Italian outlet TuttoUdinese reports that negotiations are ongoing and that the Premier League side have already had a bid of £14m turned down, with an improved offer of £15m said to be inching the two clubs closer towards an agreement.

TuttoUdinese backs up Johnson’s claim that the player wants to sign for Leeds, as they reveal that Bijol has opened the door to a move to Elland Road, and that is now down to the teams to agree a fee.

Leeds have also been linked with an interest in Millwall centre-back Japhet Tanganga, but the statistics in the table above suggest that the Serie A star, dubbed “aerially dominant” by writer Kyle Newbould, would be the better option out of the two.

Bijol has proven that he can deliver quality performances in one of Europe’s major leagues, in Italy, and he could arrive in West Yorkshire as a strong signing for Farke’s team, as a centre-back who could protect the goalkeeper who is eventually signed to replace Meslier.

Ampadu 2.0: Leeds ready to pay up for “tremendous” £1.2m star

Leeds United could be about to sign their next Ethan Ampadu with this summer purchase.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 14, 2025

Leeds United have plenty of time ahead of them to dip into the summer transfer window to bolster their options ahead of a season in the Premier League.

The Whites know that they will have to recruit well to avoid the drop in their first year back in the top-flight, as the last six sides to go up have come straight back down again.

One player who does not appear to be on his way to Elland Road this summer, however, is winger Manor Solomon, who spent the 2024/25 season on loan in West Yorkshire.

Journalist Graeme Bailey told The Boot Room: “I am told that Solomon still thinks he can break into the first team at Tottenham. He has gained so much confidence from his spell at Leeds and now feels fully adapted to English football. He is a very interesting option, Spurs like him and are ready to let him prove himself during pre-season.”

Solomon produced 12 goals and ten assists in the Championship this season for Leeds to help them on their way to the league title, and this update suggests that he will not be joining on a permanent basis.

The other Premier League player who was on loan at Elland Road in the 2024/25 campaign was Joe Rothwell, and the club should not be looking to bring him back.

Why Leeds should not sign Joe Rothwell

The Whites should look elsewhere in the transfer market instead of attempting to bring the English whiz back from Bournemouth, because he is not suited to the physicality of the Premier League.

Rothwell arrived in West Yorkshire to provide valuable back-up in the central midfield positions for Daniel Farke in the 2024/25 campaign, and that is exactly what he did.

As you can see in the table above, the 30-year-old maestro offered a reliable presence with the ball at his feet, completing 91% of his attempted passes, and provided creativity with his ability to assist his teammates.

However, Leeds will need different attributes when they are battling against relegation from the Premier League next season, and that is why the club should avoid a deal to bring him back.

In the 2023/24 Premier League season, Rothwell lost 53% of his overall duels and 100% of his aerial battles for Bournemouth across 11 appearances, whilst being dribbled past six times in three starts.

This suggests that he does not possess the physical attributes required to thrive in the top-flight, hence why the Cherries opted to loan him to the second tier, and Leeds are now being linked with a star who would be a huge upgrade in that position.

Leeds pushing to sign Premier League star

According to reports in France, Leeds United have identified West Ham United central midfielder Tomas Soucek as a target for the summer transfer window.

The report suggests that the West Yorkshire outfit are now ‘pushing’ to bring the Czech international over to Elland Road to bolster the manager’s options in the middle of the park.

Transfer Focus

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

It is said that there is a chance that the former Slavia Prague star leaves the Hammers this summer, and the Whites are looking to potentially take advantage of that.

Leeds have added the 30-year-old titan to their list of targets and are seemingly set to pursue a deal for the midfielder, given that they are ‘pushing’ for him.

The report further claims that the Championship champions are looking for experienced options to bolster their efforts to stay in the Premier League, and Soucek – who is valued at £19m by Football Transfers – is a player who fits the bill perfectly.

Why Leeds should sign Soucek as a Rothwell upgrade

The midfield star has racked up 194 appearances in the Premier League in his career with the Hammers so far, and 245 appearances for the club in all competitions.

This shows that Soucek is an experienced player who has proven that he can perform on a consistent basis at the top level in England, as shown by how long his career at the London Stadium has been, which is not the case for Rothwell.

Soucek is also a proven goalscorer in the Premier League, with a return of 36 goals in his top-flight career, whilst Rothwell – who is also 30 – has never scored at that level.

Sky Sports commentator Andy Hinchcliffe described him as the most “dangerous” player in the box in the clip above, as he scored one of his nine Premier League goals this season against Wolves in December.

As you can see in the table above, Soucek also provides a level of physicality that Rothwell would not, as he wins duels at an efficient rate and is particularly impressive in the air.

As aforementioned, Rothwell did not win a single aerial battle in the 2023/24 season for Bournemouth in the Premier League, which shows that the West Ham star would be a major upgrade on him from an aerial perspective.

Soucek would add an imposing and physical presence to the Leeds midfield, with his ability to win duels and compete in the air, whilst the Bournemouth loanee would seemingly be a brittle option in the top-flight.

Therefore, hopefully, Leeds will win the race for the Czechia international this summer as a huge upgrade on Rothwell in the middle of the park, as he is a proven Premier League performer who can offer goals and physicality.

Leeds could land best signing since Raphinha in £35m Premier League star

Leeds United could land their best and biggest signing since Raphinha by bringing this star to Elland Road.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 4, 2025

Whereas, the Cherries outcast has not proven himself in the top-flight and does not offer enough physically to perform week-in-week-out at that level, which is why avoiding a deal for him in order to pursue Soucek would be a great move by the Whites.

As they look to commence their summer business, Fulham have now reportedly become the latest side to enter a hectic race to sign a Premier League-winning midfielder for Marco Silva.

Fulham confirm released and retained list

With another impressive Premier League season under Silva now over, the Cottagers have already commenced planning for the next campaign – confirming the list of players that will be leaving when their contracts expire this summer. The list includes Willian, who arrived for a short period in January, and striker Carlos Vinicius, whilst the likes of Tom Cairney have been offered new deals.

Whether Cairney joins Fulham’s list of departures amid interest from Wrexham is the big question. The experienced midfielder told reporters last month: “Nothing is sorted yet. Next week is my final game for Fulham. Hopefully it’s not. In football, sometimes things go to the last minute, and hopefully it’s not my final time at Craven Cottage next weekend.”

With a deal now on the table, all that is left for Cairney to do is put pen to paper and commit his future to the West London club once again. The midfielder was fairly clear that he wants to stay put at the club and that in itself suggests that negotiations should be routine at this stage.

Fulham now pushing hardest to sign £15m midfielder with 10 UCL appearances

The Cottagers have expressed a serious interest in an “outstanding” midfielder, with Marco Silva set to be backed this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

Jun 5, 2025

Whether it’s this summer or in the coming years, however, Fulham will need to find a replacement for their 34-year-old midfielder sooner or later. Replacing that experience won’t be easy, either, but those in West London may well hope that the lure of Silva’s project is far more tempting than it once was.

An established Premier League side these days, who have been threatening to creep into the European places in recent years, Fulham could even welcome a Premier League-winning midfielder this summer.

Fulham enter Kalvin Phillips race

According to Caught Offside, Fulham have now entered the race to sign Kalvin Phillips this summer. They have reportedly joined Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town in the battle to secure the Manchester City midfielder.

It’s been a rough few years for the England international. Ever since completing what would have been a dream move to Manchester City, Phillips has struggled for game time and form. Even out on loan at both West Ham United and Ipswich, the 29-year-old has still struggled to ever truly rediscover his best form. Now, he simply has to get his next move right.

Craven Cottage may be the perfect environment for revival too. The likes of Andreas Pereira and Raul Jimenez have burst into life courtesy of Silva’s Fulham side. The same can be said for Alex Iwobi. Now, Phillips could be next in line to complete a similar transformation.

Dubbed “strong” by Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna whilst on loan last season, Phillips showed glimpses of the quality that he could yet take to West London this summer. A Premier League winner no matter the criticism he has received, the midfielder has another crucial decision to make this summer.

Celtic can officially start to complete all of their business, inwards and outward, after the summer transfer window opened for business on Sunday.

The Hoops secured the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup during the 2024/25 campaign, as they missed out on the treble by losing to Aberdeen in the final of the SFA Cup in the final game of the season.

Brendan Rodgers could look to bolster his squad during the summer transfer window in a bid to secure the treble next season, whilst also improving in the Champions League, after his side lost in the play-off round this term.

In order to improve his options, the Northern Irish head coach could repeat the blinder he played with Moussa Dembele all the way back in the summer of 2016.

Celtic could repeat their Moussa Dembele masterclass

During his first transfer window at Parkhead, Rodgers swooped to sign the French striker from English side Fulham after his contract down south expired.

Transfer Focus

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

The Hoops were able to snap him up on a ‘free transfer’, although they did have to pay £500k in compensation due to his age, and it turned out to be a blinder of a deal.

Dembele went on to plunder a staggering 51 goals in 94 matches for Celtic in all competitions before signing for Lyon in a deal worth almost £20m, which meant that the Scottish giants made a significant profit on the striker.

Celtic could, now, repeat that blinder by signing another EFL star whose contract is running down, as The Scottish Sun recently reported that Blackburn Rovers attacker Tyrhys Dolan is of interest to the club.

Norwich and Rangers are also said to be keen on the winger, who is out of contract at Ewood Park this summer, and there could be a battle for his signature.

Why Tyrhys Dolan could be Moussa Dembele 2.0

Rodgers could repeat his Dembele masterclass because Dolan would arrive for a compensation package that would be lower than the £10m Blackburn reportedly value him at, due to his contract situation.

At the age of 23, he would arrive at Parkhead as a young talent with time ahead of him to develop and improve during his time at Parkhead, just as the French attacker did.

Dolan, once hailed as “outstanding” by manager John Eustace, could be a low-risk and low-cost signing from the lower leagues in England, but with the potential to be a star for the Hoops if he adapts well.

As you can see in the table above, Dolan provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the Championship during the 2024/25 campaign, despite playing for a side that finished in midtable, with 14 direct goal contributions for his side.

As part of a Celtic team that have won the last four Premiership titles in succession, a team that is able to dominate matches on a regular basis, the 23-year-old star could have more opportunities to showcase his ability to score and create goals from a right-wing position.

With this in mind, Dolan could take his game, and his output in front of goal, to the next level by playing for a side that is more suited to his attacking qualities.

This means that the English dynamo could score more goals and provide more assists than the 14 he managed in the Championship by virtue of playing in a Celtic team that is constantly on the front foot and looking for the next goal.

Therefore, Rodgers could repeat his Dembele blinder by signing Dolan to come in and potentially increase his value by delivering goals and assists on a regular basis in Scotland to make him worth the £10m Blackburn currently value him at, or perhaps worth even more further down the line.

Dream XI Celtic could build: Idah axed for "sensational" CF, Tierney starts

The dream starting XI that Brendan Rodgers could build for Celtic next season.

2

By
Dan Emery

May 31, 2025

And, if it does not work out then Celtic will not have lost too much money on it, as they would not have with Dembele either, due to the low compensation that it would cost to get done.

West Ham United’s issues within the final third have been evident throughout the Premier League this season, simply unable to find the goods within attacking areas.

The Hammers have scored just 40 goals in their 35 outings to date, with only four teams scoring fewer, three of which have already been relegated from the top-flight.

Only one player in the first team squad has managed to register double figures in terms of goals, highlighting the need for added investment over the summer.

Michail Antonio has missed the majority of the campaign through injury, whilst big-money addition Niclas Füllkrug has been unable to provide the goods – scoring just three goals in 2024/25.

Such scenarios have seen one player take all the responsibility in forward areas, with manager Graham Potter needing added reinforcements to help share the workload next time around.

West Ham’s leading attacker throughout 2024/25

Jarrod Bowen has frequently been West Ham’s leading star in attacking areas this season, registering 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions despite their lowly league standing.

The 28-year-old has scored various key goals throughout this campaign, with it unthinkable as to where the side would be without his contributions in recent months.

Goals against Southampton, Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur all secured points for Potter’s side, with their lack of threat in the final third an issue that desperately needs addressing this summer.

If he were to sustain an injury, it would leave the side with a real lack of threat, with Tomas Soucek currently sitting as the Hammers’ second top scorer on eight goals.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, Potter needs to make such a transfer a priority, with numerous names already entering the fold as potential options during the off-season.

Why West Ham should sign a star who’s better than Liam Delap

Liam Delap is just one name who’s been thrown into the mix over a summer move to join West Ham, with countless other sides also in the mix for his signature.

The 22-year-old, who’s scored 12 league goals this campaign, has a £30m relegation release clause within his contract, which has become active after the Tractor Boys dropped back into the Championship.

If they were to land his signature in the summer, they would face the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest for his services – potentially ruling them out of the race.

However, they should be looking elsewhere, potentially in the direction of Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha, who’s also previously been touted with a move to join the Hammers in the coming months.

When comparing the Dutchman’s stats with those of Delap, he has massively outperformed him, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to Potter’s squad.

Emegha, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored more goals to date, whilst also notching a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical nature in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst coming out on top in more of the aerial battles he’s entered – offering the Hammers an excellent all-round option in attacking areas.

It’s unclear how much a deal would set the hierarchy back, but given his record in Ligue 1 this campaign – it’s a deal worth exploring with the rewards there for Potter next campaign.

If the manager is to be a success at the London Stadium, he needs to get the recruitment spot on and target young talents rather than additions like those of Fullkrug, which haven’t worked out.

Emegha has the attributes to be a success in the top flight should the club decide to make a move, taking the weight off Bowen’s shoulders and allowing for a solid partnership in the final third between the pair.

Perfect Kudus replacement: West Ham on high alert to sign PL "nuisance"

West Ham will need to replace Kudus if he leaves this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

May 7, 2025

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign a young forward with a big future in the game, according to an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd have one foot in Europa League final

The Red Devils are in dream land after the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie with Athletic Bilbao on Thursday evening, having won 3-0 in Spain. After taking the lead through Casemiro, following brilliant work from Harry Maguire on the right wing, Bruno Fernandes doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after the hosts were reduced to 10 men.

Fernandes continued his superb form with his second of the night before half-time, and United saw out the second half in professional fashion, ensuring they take a 3-0 lead with them back to Old Trafford next Thursday.

In the other semi-final, Tottenham won 3-1 at home to Bodo/Glimt, meaning there is now a strong possibility of an all-English final in Bilbao later this month, with both teams knowing that victory will book a place in next season’s Champions League. That will aid their hopes of signing top players this summer, and a key Red Devils transfer update has now emerged.

Man Utd agree deal to sign Enzo Kana-Biyik

Taking to X on Thursday evening, Romano claimed that Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Le Havre striker Enzo Kana Biyik on a five-year deal, with an official announcment ‘soon’.

United clearly need to sign proven players who can immediately hit the ground running next season, but bringing in top young talent is always essential, with the Red Devils known for snapping up teenage stars and turning them into world-beaters, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Wayne Rooney.

In Biyik, United look set to be signing a hugely exciting prospect, with the 18-year-old scoring nine goals in just 17 appearances for Le Havre’s Under-18s.

United are in need of a new striker this summer, with Rasmus Hojlund struggling badly for form and the jury also still arguably out on whether Joshua Zirkzee is at the level required.

97% passing: 8/10 Man Utd star is now as undroppable as Bruno & Casemiro

Man Utd romped to a superb 3-0 win on the road on Thursday evening in the Europa League…

By
Robbie Walls

May 2, 2025

While Biyik wouldn’t be the immediate solution – a proven No.9 has to be a primary summer target – the hope is that he will blossom into a key starter over as the years pass.

Arsenal have been contacted by the representatives of a wantaway Chelsea player, and it is believed he could well be tempted by a north London switch.

Andrea Berta targets new Arsenal forward for Mikel Arteta

The anticipation of new sporting director Andrea Berta’s first summer window at Arsenal is growing and growing.

Rafael van der Vaart makes scathing Arsenal claim amid loss to PSG

The former Spurs midfielder has made a damning comparison.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 30, 2025

The 53-year-old orchestrated a plethora of high-profile deals during his productive 12-year stint at Atlético Madrid, and he’s now transferring that expertise to the Emirates Stadium in a major boost for Mikel Arteta.

Reports in both England and France claim Berta recently reached out to Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams’ agents for talks, so it is clear the Italian is aiming to make a head start on the first summer window, which opens from June 1st to June 10th.

Berta is rumoured to be prioritising the potential signing of a new winger and striker, as well as a new left-back, midfielder and second-choice keeper (GiveMeSport), so we can fully expect some fresh faces to arrive in attack before the beginning of 2025/2026.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard face uncertain long-term futures, according to some reports, while injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have left Arteta desperately short in the centre-forward area.

One player who could actually fill all of their roles, given his versatility, is £195,000-per-week Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.

The Frenchman has bagged 14 goals in all competitions this term, despite being used more as an impact substitute under Enzo Maresca, and he can play as a second striker, centre-forward, left-winger and even an attacking midfielder when required.

Christopher Nkunku could be tempted to join Arsenal after talks

He appears to be on the way out of Stamford Bridge this summer as well, with Nkunku’s representatives holding some talks with Arsenal and other Premier League sides.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who also told The Boot Room that his desire to stay in London could mean that Nkunku may well be tempted by the prospect of a switch to Arsenal.

“His people are touching base with clubs in England,” said Bailey.

“Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all been spoken to in the past few months. Chelsea want to recoup as much of their plus £50m outlay, but that looks difficult at this juncture.

“I am told the player is very happy in London, and so would a move to a Arsenal or Tottenham appeal? I believe it would but as it stands those options are not advanced – but Arsenal and Spurs both have an historic interest in the player. Both want a wide forward, so you could see the fit.

“There is interest back in Germany – Bayern Munich like him, a new deal for Leroy Sane doesn’t rule out them making a move but it is not pressing. Former club RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen also admire him. Atletico Madrid have also shown some interest, as have the Saudi Pro League – who are willing to offer him a pay rise to move.”

The former RB Leipzig sensation was unrivalled during his time in the Bundesliga, and has displayed real quality when given the chance at Chelsea. Nkunku is also a player who could reinforce multiple attacking positions for Arteta, so this could well appeal to the Spaniard, who is known to greatly value versatility.

A new club have emerged in the race to sign an “excellent” Wolves player permanently in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Wolves exit rumours emerge

Wanderers will be looking for plenty of incoming transfer business at the end of the season, but doubts surround the futures of several current players.

Matheus Cunha is the most high-profile Wolves hero who looks the most likely to move on this summer, with the Brazilian far from without suitors. A number of top clubs are keen on snapping him up, and Vitor Pereira will know that he has a battle on his hands to keep hold of him.

Elsewhere, Tommy Doyle has also been linked with leaving Molineux before next season gets underway, with journalist Graeme Bailey explaining the situation: “It seems Doyle is increasingly likely to go. There’s a lot of Championship interest in him, we’re going to see a fair few Championship players go, so there’s plenty of opportunities for quite a few teams [to sign him]. He’ll find a club, he’ll be alright, it’s just he’s not particularly suited to Vitor Pereira’s system, that’s just how it is.”

Fabio Silva is currently out on loan at Las Palmas and seemingly doesn’t have a long-term future, with prevuous suggeston they were ready to sell for £25m. Now, a new update has dropped regarding the Portuguese attacker, having reportedly held talks with Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this week.

"Excellent" £17m Wolves ace in talks to join new club

According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, VfL Wolfsburg have now held talks to sign Silva from Wolves this summer, providing competition for Frankfurt. Interestingly, Wolves’ asking price has dropped from £25m to £17m.

This summer definitely feels like the right time for Wolves to sell Silva, even though Stuart McCall hailed him during a loan stint at Scottish Premiership giants Rangers, saying:

“The one thing Silva has done well today, because he’s not been on the ball much, is his movement. It has been excellent. Lovely ball, really nice finish.”

As mentioned, the 22-year-old has been a huge disappointment for Wolves overall, scoring just five goals and registering only six assists in 72 appearances for Wanderers. Given the money they spent on him, that is a dismal return, and while he is still a young player, it is hard to see him ever being good enough for the Premier League.

Ivory Coast star likely to move in summer amid Everton and Wolves interest

Both sides are interested in bringing him to the Premier League.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Apr 19, 2025

If Wolves could get the £17m that they crave for Silva’s signature this summer, it could end up being seen as good business, even if it is a loss on what they paid Porto for him initially back in 2020.