All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

To say it’s been a busy summer for Chelsea this year would be quite the understatement.

While most of the Premier League were enjoying a break, Enzo Maresca’s side were competing in and winning the Club World Cup.

It was just as busy off the pitch for the Blues, as the board sold several players like Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga, while also bringing in stars like Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.

Moreover, with just over a month of the window remaining, the West Londoners look set to do more business, with Jorrel Hato the latest player set to join the club, and if reports are to be believed, they could also bring in another international ace who’d be an even better signing.

Chelsea target better signing than Hato

At the moment, it looks like Chelsea are getting close to signing RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, but the player closest to making the move to Stamford Bridge is undoubtedly Jorrel Hato.

Transfer Focus

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

In fact, the Dutchman’s move to the club received the “here we go” treatment from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano yesterday afternoon, who revealed the fee is set to be in excess of €40m, which is about £35m.

There is no denying that in signing the highly-rated 19-year-old, the Blues have improved their defence for the present and future, but it also appears as if they are interested in another star who’d be an even better signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from BBC Sport, which has reaffirmed Chelsea’s interest in Marc Guehi.

The report claims that alongside the likes of Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, the Blues have registered an interest in the Crystal Palace star since the end of the season.

In terms of how much the England international would cost, the story states that the Eagles want around £40m, which could prove to be great value, especially as he would likely be a better signing than Hato.

Why Guehi would be a better signing than Hato

Okay, so the first thing to say is that, like plenty of others, we do feel confident that Hato will be a great addition to Chelsea’s squad this summer, as he’s young, highly promising and already has an impressive amount of experience under his belt.

However, there are still a few reasons why we think that this summer, Guehi would end up being the better acquisition.

The primary one actually relates to experience, as while the Ajax gem has an impressive tally of 111 senior club appearances under his belt, the Palace star dwarfs that with a whopping 216 across his stints with the Eagles, Swansea and Chelsea.

Appearances

216

111

Goals

8

4

Assists

4

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.05

0.11

National Team Caps

23

6

Moreover, you have to take into account the competition in which most of those appearances were made, as according to Opta Analyst, the Premier League is comfortably the toughest in world football.

In contrast, the Eredivisie comes in as just the tenth toughest, behind the likes of Brazil’s Serie A and Portugal’s Primeira Liga.

On top of the simple fact that this means the Englishman has been playing far more challenging games, it also means he should be able to adapt to playing for the West Londoners quicker, as he does not have to change leagues or take a step-up.

Then, while the fact that the 19-year-old has already won six senior caps for the Netherlands is certainly promising, it once again pales in comparison to the 23 won by the former Blues gem, especially when you consider he played a key role in the Three Lions’ run to the final of the European Championship last year.

Finally, while it’s good to invest in promising young players, Maresca and Co need signings who can help them win things over the next couple of seasons.

So, it’s crucial that, at 25 years old, the “sensational” Palace ace, as dubbed by Steve Parish, is just two years from reaching his peak, whereas it could be another seven years until the Rotterdam-born ace hits his, according to research carried out by The Athletic.

Ultimately, Hato is a great signing, but due to having more quality experience and being closer to his peak years, Guehi would likely be a better signing for Chelsea this season.

Better than Garnacho: Chelsea agree personal terms to sign £61m target

Chelsea could seal a better signing than Alejandro Garnacho.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 31, 2025

As the Premier League campaign draws near and they continue their summer business, reports are now claiming that Tottenham Hotspur have launched an approach to sign a Barcelona midfielder.

Palhinha reveals delight at Premier League return

After missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White, who opted to sign a new contract at Nottingham Forest instead of joining up with Thomas Frank’s side, a new midfielder always seemed on the Tottenham agenda. And whilst Joao Palhinha is a different type of player to Gibbs-White, he will offer the Lilywhites the reinforcement that they’ve been craving.

Delighted to be back in the Premier League following a tough year at Bayern Munich, Palhinha – on paper – is the perfect midfielder for Frank’s hard-working, combative midfield.

It wouldn’t even be absurd to suggest that the ex-Fulham man could be the Dane’s new version of Christian Norgaard, who thrived under his management at Brentford before leaving for Arsenal this summer.

That said, Palhinha isn’t the only midfield name to find himself on Tottenham’s radar following their Gibbs-White disappointment earlier in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham make first Casado approach

As reported by Sport in Spain, and relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham made an approach to sign Marc Casado from Barcelona before they secured Palhinha’s signature.

The 21-year-old is free to leave the La Liga giants for around €30m (£26m) this summer and, although he reportedly turned down the chance to complete a move the first time around, it will be interesting to see whether Spurs come calling with a second attempt to secure his arrival this month.

Praised for his “superb attitude” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Barcelona’s loss could quickly become Tottenham’s gain if they managed to convince Casado into a move this summer. Whilst Palhinha’s arrival does ease their desperation for another midfielder, the chance to sign a La Masia graduate is not one that the Lilywhites should turn down.

At just 21 years old, the Spaniard would be the long-term option that Palhinha – at 30 years old – can’t guarantee Frank’s side, especially given that they have no obligation to buy the latter after his loan spell next summer.

Celtic won their fourth game in five pre-season matches on Saturday when they put Premier League side Newcastle United to the sword at Parkhead.

The Hoops ran out 4-0 winners against the Magpies in front of their supporters, thanks to goals from Arne Engels, Johnny Kenny, Hyun-jun Yang, and Liam Scales.

Brendan Rodgers will surely be delighted with the way that pre-season is going for his team, given this impressive result, but there are still more gears for the Hoops to find as they continue to improve their squad with new signings.

Their most recent signing was announced on the morning of the clash with Newcastle, as the club confirmed the arrival of Shin Yamada on a permanent deal from Kawasaki Frontale.

The Japanese centre-forward got the chance to say hello to the supporters at Parkhead on Saturday, but he did not sign in time to be involved on the pitch.

It will now be interesting to see what kind of role the 25-year-old striker plays at Celtic next season, because he has arrived in Glasgow off the back of a frustrating campaign in his home country.

Why Celtic need to revive Shin Yamada

Speaking to the club’s official website as part of the announcement, Rodgers said: “He (Yamada) is a strong player who can score goals and create goals for others and I think he is someone who can definitely add an important dimension to our forward line.”

This suggests that the Northern Irish head coach believes that the Japanese number nine has the quality to make a big impact in the Scottish Premiership for the Hoops next term, despite his form in 2025.

In the 2025 J1 League campaign, Yamada scored two goals in 21 appearances for Kawasaki Frontale, whilst he also only provided one assist for his teammates and created 0.4 chances per game on average.

That does not mean that he is not likely to offer any quality in the final third for Celtic, though, because his form in the 2024 campaign was sensational.

Appearances

38

21

Goals

19

2

Minutes per goal

107

573

Big chances missed

14

8

Key passes per game

0.7

0.4

Assists

3

1

As you can see in the table above, Yamada scored a whopping 19 goals in 38 league games in 2024 before his decline in form in the first half of this year.

If Celtic can revive the striker and get him back to his best at the top end of the pitch, Rodgers could have a lethal and prolific centre-forward on his hands.

The Hoops are also in the market to add more quality to their options out wide, and they are reportedly pursuing a deal for a star who could help Yamada to get back to his goalscoring best.

Celtic in talks to sign new winger

According to the Daily Record, Celtic remain interested in a move to bring Royal Antwerp forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha to Parkhead before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that talks over a deal to sign the Belgian attacker have been ‘ongoing’, as Rodgers looks to bolster his options on the flanks after Jota’s injury and Nicolas Kuhn’s move to Como.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that Royal Antwerp boss Stef Wils has revealed that it is “possible” that the 24-year-old will complete a transfer away from the club ‘soon’, opening the door to a move to Parkhead.

The Daily Record adds that Balikwisha, who is reportedly valued at £5m, has been a long-term transfer target for the Hoops, and they are in talks to finally get a deal over the line.

It also reveals that Royal Antwerp are keen to cash in on the Belgian winger this summer because his current contract with the club is due to expire at the end of next season.

Why Yamada would love Balikwisha

Yamada could be one player who would be happy to see the Scottish Premiership champions secure a transfer for the Pro League attacker this summer, because the flanker could be perfect for the striker.

As aforementioned, the Japanese marksman needs to improve his form in front of goal after a frustrating year so far, and he will need wingers who can create high-quality chances for him in order to do that.

Balikwisha missed 29 matches with muscle injuries during the 2024/25 campaign, which limited his game time, but the 24-year-old talent still caught the eye with some impressive performances.

The Belgian whiz was described as a “creative” talent by analyst Will Glavin and his underlying numbers in the Pro League last season support that claim, as he scored four goals and provided three assists in 12 starts for Royal Antwerp.

xA

0.22

Top 33%

Assists

0.31

Top 22%

Successful passes

34.99

Top 15%

Chances created

1.99

Top 29%

Touches

60.61

Top 24%

Penalties won

0.08

Top 7%

As you can see in the table above, Balikwisha ranked highly among his positional peers in the Pro League in a host of key possession-based and creative metrics.

These statistics suggest that he has the potential to be a highly influential performer for Rodgers as a creative threat on the left flank if he can stay fit and start regularly, as he is able to create high-quality chances on a regular basis for his teammates.

That is also why Balikwisha could help to revive Yamada next season because he has the creative quality to provide the striker with enough opportunities for him to get back on the goal trail.

Whilst it will still be down to the Japanese striker to finish those chances, by the law of average, the more chances that are created for the forward the more likely he is to start scoring goals on a regular basis again.

He'll send Idah to the bench: Celtic lining up swoop for £7m "goal machine"

Celtic are eyeing up a deal for a striker who would send Adam Idah to the bench.

ByDan Emery Jul 18, 2025

Therefore, Yamada will surely be hoping that these talks with Antwerp lead to Celtic doing a deal with the Belgian side for Balikwisha, because he could be the perfect winger to play alongside him at Parkhead next season.

After dropping out of the race to sign Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their focus towards improving their backline with the addition of a Premier League rival.

Newcastle drop out of Ekitike race

In the end it seemed to be a choice of either opening the door for Liverpool to make their move for Alexander Isak or miss out on Ekitike for Newcastle, who swiftly chose to prioritise their Swedish star. As per Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies have now walked away from any potential deal to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt forward, allowing Liverpool to advance.

It’s a frustratingly familiar story for those at St James’ Park this summer. Despite doing well to welcome Anthony Elanga and with James Trafford likely on his way, Eddie Howe has been forced to watch on as the likes of Joao Pedro and now Ekitike head elsewhere. Back to square one on the transfer front, Newcastle must now assess their options.

With pre-season underway and around one month to go until the Premier League is back, there are a number of options that Newcastle could turn towards after missing out on Ekitike, but Yoane Wissa remains the standout name.

The Brentford forward scored 19 Premier League goals last season – more than Ekitike managed in the Bundesliga – and is certainly ready for a big move away from West London.

He remains one to watch, and the same can be said for another Premier League rival as Newcastle look to welcome further fresh faces before the end of August.

Newcastle pushing to sign Disasi

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are now pushing to sign Axel Disasi from Chelsea after opening negotiations with those at Stamford Bridge. There is reportedly some belief that the Magpies could land a deal for just €30m (£26m), which would be a cut-price from the Blues’ €35m (£30m) valuation.

Newcastle now plotting shock £50m move to sign "brilliant" South American

This would be one of the most unexpected moves of the summer.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 17, 2025

Although the Frenchman’s move hasn’t gone exactly to plan at Chelsea, he could quickly rediscover his best form with a summer switch to St James’ Park. It’s there that the 6’3 defender could act as instant competition for Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, before eventually replacing the ageing latter.

Minutes

854

412

2,934

Progressive Passes P90

3.37

1.52

3.62

Tackles Won P90

0.95

1.96

0.64

Ball Recoveries P90

3.16

3.04

4.11

Finally gaining some much-needed game time on loan at Aston Villa last season, Disasi impressed at times and began to live up to the praise of U23 scout Antonio Mango, who previously described the defender as “brilliant”.

If Newcastle can land a deal worth just £26m too, then they should consider that an impressive bargain for a defender who should be at the peak of his powers at 27 years old.

Time was, FSG were routinely criticised for their purportedly hesitant approach to first-team strengthening. Who’s railing against Liverpool’s owners now?

Certainly not those of a Reds persuasion, but there’s no question that many of Liverpool’s rivals have watched on and groaned at the ruthless attack on the market, pulling in not just numbers but players who have the potential to win Arne Slot more silverware over the coming years.

Liverpool will enter the 2025/26 campaign as the defending Premier League champions, having won last year’s title at a canter. It will be a new season carrying all the newfound permutations and curveballs, but while pre-season predictions often fall flat, many will expect the Reds to be right up there in the thick of the title battle.

While fans have become acquainted with a trio of thrilling additions over the past few weeks, Liverpool still remain keen on a host of players.

Alexander Isak is the name on everyone’s lips, as Liverpool need a new striker, but it doesn’t seem that likely that Slot will get his mitts on the Sweden star.

The latest on Liverpool's striker search

Liverpool are trying to offload Darwin Nunez, who has been the focus of negotiations between the Reds and Serie A champions Napoli, but the two clubs are struggling to find common financial ground.

When the Uruguayan does take his leave, Liverpool will need to sign a replacement, especially as Slot was left wanting after a season of inconsistency and disappointment from his central strikers: Nunez and Diogo Jota.

Alexander Isak would be the dream, but at £200m the Newcastle United talisman is quite simply too expensive. That’s why alternative names have bobbed up, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike both of a vested interest to the Anfield side.

Liverpool will need to get it right, bagging themselves a goalscorer capable of leading the line toward title-winning endeavours for many years. But it will have to be within financial parameters; FSG will want bang for their buck.

All this said, Liverpool have signed Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a British-record £116m fee, and the German should have enough about him to elevate any number nine Liverpool bring in.

However, there’s another man whose name hasn’t been discussed with the same intensity as the aforementioned, but who is very much in the race and could prove to be Liverpool’s most exciting capture of the summer window.

Liverpool shortlist Isak alternative

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool have shortlisted Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as they prepare for Nunez’s potential sale.

Though it is the Naples side that want Liverpool’s number nine, any dealings between the two clubs will be separate. Osimhen is expected to leave after returning from a loan spell with Galatasaray, relationships having previously broken down.

The 26-year-old might have his faults, but he’s an elite-level goalscorer who would come at a cheaper price than the likes of Ekitike and Isak, also on the shortlist, with previous reports suggesting a figure in the £64m ballpark.

What Victor Osimhen would bring to Liverpool

Osimhen might not have envisaged a move to Turkey for the 2024/25 campaign, but he passed his stop-gap test with flying colours, notching 37 goals across 41 matches in all competitions, winning the Super Lig title.

Remarked to be “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, Osimhen hasn’t exactly struggled to prove himself on other stages, either, so destructive and deadly in Serie A, and with nine goals and an assist across just 17 Champions League outings too.

He’s also a proven trophy winner, leading I Partenopei to the league title in 2022/23 before an injury-hit follow-up year. Such exploits established the Nigerian international’s “world-class status”, as has been said by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley.

24/25 – Galatasaray

41

37

8

23/24 – Napoli

32

17

4

22/23 – Napoli

39

31

5

21/22 – Napoli

32

18

6

20/21 – Napoli

30

10

3

While Liverpool were sent into a frenzy when they captured Wirtz, one of the most sought-after players in the world, replacing Nunez with Osimhen could work out to be an even more exciting deal.

Indeed, adding such an out-and-out striker to the ranks might just prove the difference-maker as Liverpool chase down hordes of trophies next season and beyond.

The disparity couldn’t be much greater. Since arriving at Liverpool for a towering £64m fee, Nunez has only scored 25 times in the Premier League, playing 95 matches in total.

Osimhen would bring a wholly different style, and a clinical shooting quality too. He scored 26 league goals for Galatasaray and only missed 25 big chances, as per Sofascore.

Furthermore, Arsenal and Manchester United have both been locked in talks with the African sensation as they look to shore up their own frontlines, underscoring Osimhen’s attractiveness on the market.

When considering the partnership that could be forged between the striker and Liverpool’s new maestro Wirtz, fans will no doubt find themselves awash with excitement, but it’s Osimhen’s prowess in the final third which might elicit the loudest roars.

He’s hardly a static frontman, either, ranked last season among the top 18% of forwards across Europe for progressive carries and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Liverpool need a striker, and while the overload of quality Slot has at his disposal suggests that a fair few marksmen worth their salt could play a prize-winning role for the outfit, Osimhen is a cut above and might prove to outperform even Wirtz if finally given a chance to shine in the Premier League.

A Mane repeat: Liverpool likely to finalise move for £40m "monster" soon

Liverpool have enjoyed a fantastic transfer window and it’s not slowing down.

1 ByMatt Dawson Jun 29, 2025

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is attempting to have his say on the club’s summer recruitment plans, and the Italian has his eyes on one player in particular to reinforce a key area of the squad.

Chelsea ready to offer six-year deal to £45m player, talks "now advancing"

The west Londoners could make their next signing soon.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2025

Maresca’s side want to strengthen a number of areas before their manager’s second full season in charge at Stamford Bridge. Over the last week, Chelsea have been holding talks with Borussia Dortmund officials over Jamie Gittens, and it is believed by some that a deal could soon be done.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Alongside Gittens, Chelsea are reported to still be in the market for another centre-back, which perhaps indicates that at least one of Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, Renato Veiga or Tosin Adarabioyo could be sold.

Even after their £30 million deal for Liam Delap, there are many suggestions that Chelsea could look to sign a second new striker as well, following widely reported talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal for Hugo Ekitiké.

As well as this, Chelsea could still bring in another goalkeeper. As per journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are looking to sell both Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez this summer, with a move for AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan not completely off the table despite failing to reach an agreement before the Club World Cup.

Barcelona keeper Marc-André ter Stegen has been linked in the past week too, so their hunt for a shot-stopper could still be one to keep an eye on.

Enzo Maresca asks Chelsea to sign Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa

According to journalist Christian Martin, speaking to DSports, £150,000-per-week Aston Villa number one Emiliano Martínez is now said to have major admirers at Chelsea, including Maresca.

Maresca is “asking” Chelsea to make a move for Martinez, and goalkeeping coach Willy Caballero has also given his seal of approval to the potential transfer.

“They want him as their starting goalkeeper,” said Martin.

“Enzo Maresca is asking for him, Willy Caballero, who is part of the coaching staff and trains the goalkeepers, has already given his approval. For now, Chelsea is a very reliable and precise option.”

The Argentine World Cup winner boasts both top-level quality and proven experience on the biggest stages. After becoming a leader at Villa, there is every reason to believe the 32-year-old could be tempted by the prospect of Champions League football next season and becoming Chelsea’s new number one.

Unai Emery’s side are also under pressure from PSR to sell big-name players before the start of the next football financial year, which begins on July 1, so a deal could well be had here.

Having lay dormant over the last year or so, Liverpool’s recruitment team have sprung into life this summer, enjoying a simply remarkable start to the window to only bolster Arne Slot’s already imperious outfit.

In deals akin to a Football Manager save, the Anfield side have moved swiftly and efficiently to strengthen their hand, having already confirmed marquee deals for Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez – alongside the goalkeeping duo of Armin Pesci and Freddie Woodman.

That has all come before the start of July, with the Premier League champions impressively improving, rather than weakening, their ranks, even amid Trent Alexander-Arnold’s eventual departure.

And there could be more to come yet. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, now with just 12 months remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, remains a top target for the Reds. A replacement for the seemingly departing Darwin Nunez will also need to be found.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, doubts over the future of Luis Diaz could spark the need for a new option on the flanks, with work already being done on that front…

Latest on Liverpool's search for a winger

Had things worked out differently, the Merseysiders may well have signed off on a particularly statement deal a year ago, with a move for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon – which would have seen Joe Gomez head in the opposite direction – failing to come to fruition.

Despite subsequently adding Federico Chiesa to the fold instead, the desire for a new winger has certainly not abated, with recent reports suggesting that Liverpool could be among a raft of clubs in the mix for Lyon starlet, Malick Fofana.

Transfer Focus

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

According to TEAMtalk, while it is Everton who appear to hold the strongest interest in the 20-year-old, Liverpool – alongside the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea – have also made an enquiry too, ahead of a potential swoop.

The race for the Belgian’s signature is said to be ‘open’, with top-flight clubs lining up to pounce on Lyon’s current woes, following their recent relegation from Ligue 1.

That dramatic drop into France’s second tier has left suitors hoping that they can secure Fofana’s signature for below the previous €50m (£42m) asking price, ensuring a potential bargain could be up for grabs.

Why Liverpool should pounce for Malick Fofana

For all the wisdom of looking within the Premier League for a ready-made figure like Kerkez, there is a real intrigue over plucking an exciting young talent from abroad, with the Reds already raiding the Bundesliga for one of their brightest stars, in the form of Wirtz.

Still just 22, the £116m man has arrived in English football off the back of a stunning stint at Bayer Leverkusen, having registered 122 goals and assists in just 197 games for the German side. In the words of The Athletic’s Bundesliga correspondent, Seb Stafford-Bloor, the playmaker is “already one of the best footballers [he’s] ever seen live”.

What also stands out regarding the rising star is his innate versatility, having showcased his ability to feature off either flank, as a number ten, or even as a false nine for both club and country to date.

That flexibility is seemingly shared by the “explosive” Fofana – as hailed by data analyst Ben Mattinson – with the former Gent ace having also operated on the left or right wing in his senior career thus far, as well as a centre-forward or attacking midfielder.

Where the Belgian is also akin to Wirtz is in their dribbling prowess, with the Lyon man ranking in the top 2% of his peers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, while his German counterpart ranks in the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.

Jamie Gittens – Borussia Dortmund

8

4

12

Kenan Yildiz – Juventus

7

5

12

Eliesse Ben Seghir – Monaco

6

3

9

Malick Fofana – Lyon

5

4

9

Antonio Nusa – RB Leipzig

3

4

7

Jean-Matteo Bahoya – Frankfurt

2

3

5

Jesus Rodriguez – Real Betis

2

1

3

Mamadou Diakhon – Stade Reims

2

1

3

Yan Diomande – Leganes

2

1

3

Bazoumana Toure – Hoffenheim

0

3

3

Of course, the latter man is the superior talent – as his record of 22 goals and assists in the league showcased last term – but Fofana has also dazzled when given the chance, providing five goals and four assists in Ligue 1 in 2024/25, despite starting just 16 games.

That solid return has ensured that Fofana ranks in the top 10% of his European colleagues for non-penalty goals, at an average of 0.47 per 90, with that actually placing him ahead of Wirtz, who averaged 0.38 for that same metric.

Much like the ex-Leverkusen man ranked among the brightest stars in the Bundesliga, Fofana is a diamond in his own right in Ligue 1, having even been noted as being ‘Eden Hazard-like’ due to his ability to weave his way past defenders.

And so, having already forked out for one exceptionally exciting talent in the form of Wirtz, Liverpool and Slot could now raid another of Europe’s top five leagues in similar circumstances.

Worth more than Guehi & Kerkez: Slot has hit gold on Liverpool "superstar"

Liverpool have already hit the jackpot on this shrewd Jurgen Klopp signing.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 28, 2025

While the Premier League’s elite have been spending money by the bucketload – Liverpool and Manchester City, we’re looking at you – Arsenal have been idle.

Should we be surprised? Not really. Over the last two transfer windows, the Gunners have failed to improve their forward line and efforts to finally sign a striker so far this summer have been fruitless.

Two names dominate the headlines with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres at the forefront of their minds. The trouble is, both deals look complicated.

Reports from Sky Germany suggest that Arsenal are unwilling to pay RB Leipzig’s asking price for Sesko, while it was claimed in Portugal a few days ago that they have paused their efforts to sign Gyokeres, instead looking at Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

Signing a new centre forward isn’t the only thing on the agenda for Andrea Berta this summer.

Arsenal’s hunt for a new winger

Due to a number of factors, chiefly Bukayo Saka’s workload and the inconsistent form of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal need a new winger this summer.

Unfortunately, it now looks as though it’s unlikely that’ll be Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish sensation, Nico Williams.

The north Londoners have been interested in the 22-year-old for over a year now but the wide attacker is prioritising a move to Barcelona, his dream club, instead.

As a consequence, interested parties in the form of Arsenal and Chelsea have ‘cooled’ their interest in the words of The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

With that blow fresh in the mind, it looks as though Arsenal have been ramping up their efforts to sign Real Madrid star, Rodrygo.

Transfer Focus

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

That’s according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who took to social media on Tuesday afternoon to reveal that Mikel Arteta and Co have a ‘genuine interest’ in the Brazilian.

Exploratory talks dating back to May have already been held with the player’s representatives but it will take a fee of around £77m to convince the Spanish giants to sell.

Madrid have a new manager in the shape of Xavi Alonso and it appears as though the former midfielder isn’t too keen on Rodrygo. Consequently, Arsenal should do all they can to convince the player to jump ship.

How Rodrygo compares to Nico Williams

Williams has swiftly been thrust into the limelight over the last year when aged just 21, he was one of the players of the tournament at Euro 2024 as his nation won the title.

The left winger was fabulous throughout, most notably scoring the opening goal in the final against England.

Since then, however, he’s failed to truly kick on, even if the frightening potential still lurks within.

Williams has never been a rampant goalscorer, finding the net on just five occasions in the league this season.

Rodrygo, on the other hand, would be capable of offering Arteta the added goals he needs his side to produce if they are to challenge for the title and Champions League.

Last season, Martinelli and Trossard managed to score just 16 goals between them in the 73 Premier League matches they featured in. Well, in his own last 73 LaLiga matches, Rodrygo has a better record than both players combined, scoring 20 times.

While 2024/25 wasn’t his best campaign, shoved out on the right-hand side to accommodate Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, this is a player who is far more comfortable in front of goal than someone like Martinelli, and crucially, Williams too.

You only have to cast your minds back to 2022/23 when the Brazil superstar found the net 19 times, bettering Martinelli’s best season haul of 15, which coincidentally came in the same campaign.

Another string to Rodrygo’s bow is not just his versatility – able to play up front or on either flank – but his creativity.

Games

159

141

141

125

Goals

50

33

35

28

Assists

30

18

26

29

Goals per game

0.31

0.23

0.24

0.22

G/A per game

0.42

0.36

0.43

0.45

Analysing the data, Williams is also a particularly creative individual, thriving in that area more than his goalscoring.

However, Arsenal are still proficient creators of chances. What they need is someone capable of sticking the ball in the back of the net and Rodrygo has done that on a far more regular basis in all competitions since 2022 than Martinelli, Trossard and Williams.

Last term, no player in red and white reached double figures for goals. Kai Havertz was their top scorer with 15 and they ended the campaign with Mikel Merino playing as a makeshift striker.

On that evidence, Arsenal need a centre-forward, but they also need more contributions from elsewhere on the pitch. Madrid’s “world-class superstar”, as he’d been described by teammate Luka Modric, would certainly help in that regard.

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Brentford are keen to bank maximum value on their star forward, the £60m-rated Bryan Mbeumo, this summer, meaning Newcastle United have hope yet in pipping Manchester United to his signature.

However, Mbeumo has intimated his desire to sign for Old Trafford, and thus Eddie Howe and his transfer coterie will need to turn toward alternative targets.

Having already missed out on Man United-bound Matheus Cunha, a bounce-back is needed, for sure. And Newcastle might just be centring on the perfect new forward.

Newcastle lining up new forward

Though Tynesiders will be relieved to hear The Athletic’s David Ornstein declare there’s “no chance” Alexander Isak will be leaving the club this summer, the need for more firepower is evident.

That’s why, as per Sky Sports report Rob Dorsett, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is on Newcastle’s shortlist, with Howe in particular desperate to bring in such an attacking profile.

The 24-year-old is expected to leave the AMEX this summer – amid admirers in the Premier League and in Europe – and Brighton will do business if their €70m (£59m) valuation is met.

Why Joao Pedro would be perfect for Newcastle

Though Pedro attacks from a central berth, and Mbeumo is a principally right-sided forward, he could regardless fill in a hole at St James’ Park, should Callum Wilson depart at the end of his contract later this month.

Joining Brighton from Watford in a deal just shy of £30m in June 2023, Pedro has scored 30 goals and provided ten assists across 70 appearances in all competitions.

Across his two years on the south coast, the former Hornets star has converted 19 goals in the Premier League, only missing 17 further big chances, as per Sofascore.

Moreover, Pedro drifts out to the left before arcing inward, suggesting Howe could utilise the Brazilian across central and wide berths, maximising his dynamic and skilled approach and indeed his suitability at Newcastle, with the manager apt to field such flexible players as Anthony Gordon across different parts of the frontline.

Centre-forward

119

34

18

Left winger

40

14

0

Attacking midfield

27

8

1

Right winger

5

0

0

As per FBref, he also ranked among the top 1% of Premier League forwards this season for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90. Such qualities have led the data-driven site to draw him against the two aforementioned forwards.

Yes, the £50k-per-week star’s creativity and ball-playing skills are not unlike those of the dynamic Mbeumo and indeed Cunha, whose exploits with Wolverhampton Wanderers have led journalist Nathan Juddah to describe him as a “maverick” and a “flawed genius”.

Pedro’s countryman, indeed, created 13 big chances in the English top flight, and given United only finished eighth for big chances created this term, you can see why Howe is demanding such a profile.

Moreover, his discussed clinical quality aligns with that of Mbeumo, who has been hailed as “one of the best wingers in the Premier League” by The Athletic’s Jay Harris after scoring 20 top-flight goals across the year.

This player, a veritable conglomeration of Newcastle’s desired profiles, would be perfect for Newcastle, aiding Isak and, through his “magical” talent on the ball, as has been noted by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, he might just hit the ground running.

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It’s been a tale of two halves for Everton this season.

The mood was dour when Sean Dyche’s side dragged themselves to the Premier League campaign’s midpoint, 16th after successive losses against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, their 15-goal haul better only than Southampton, a team that have since failed to pull themselves from the pit of the division, utterly miserable throughout.

A different trajectory for David Moyes’ Everton, though. The Scottish manager replaced Dyche shortly after those aforementioned defeats and has now sealed a 13th-place finish, far more optimism, far more fluency, and a new sense of hope that simply wasn’t there during the Farhad Moshiri era.

However, Dyche left the club in a somewhat stable fashion. No doubt, he needed to go, but defensive foundations had been laid and solidified, and one or two positive additions were welcomed last summer – namely, the £15m signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille.

Moyes will also thank his lucky stars for Jarrad Branthwaite, who has grown into his role as one of the country’s most talented defenders over the past few years.

Jarrad Branthwaite is Everton's biggest star

A formidable presence, Branthwaite might only be 22 years old, but he’s shaped into one of the most powerful and precise centre-backs in the Premier League.

Described as an “absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig last season, Branthwaite has continued to prove himself Everton’s defender par excellence, more athletic and accurate than James Tarkowski and with an underrated technical side too.

Dyche and Moyes’ tactical approaches preclude fluid ball playing with the regularity that Branthwaite perhaps wants (he will be frustrated at having been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad), but interest from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United make a telling comment on the high regard he is held in by possession-focused outfits.

Matches (starts)

35 (35)

30 (28)

Goals

3

0

Assists

0

1

Clean sheets

12

8

Touches*

52.2

51.9

Pass completion

80%

83%

Ball recoveries*

5.2

3.1

Tackles + interceptions*

3.3

2.1

Clearances*

4.5

6.3

Duels (won)*

5.3 (68%)

3.9 (63%)

As you can see above, he’s maintained a brilliant level across the past two campaigns, and it’s no surprise he was absent through injury during the 2024/25 season’s opening, when Dyche’s Toffees were at their nadir.

But would you believe it, he hasn’t actually been Everton’s best defender this season. Moyes will thank his stars for Branthwaite and Ndiaye and so on, but Jake O’Brien may well have been the most astute signing of them all.

Why Jake O'Brien has been even better than Branthwaite

When analysing the role O’Brien has played for Everton this season, it becomes clear that he’s been an instrumental part of the club’s success in steering away from relegation danger and erecting a framework for a promising new era under the wing of The Friedkin Group.

Everton signed the Republic of Ireland international from Lyon last summer for a £17m fee, but he failed to make more than a smattering of appearances for Dyche, playing two cameos in the Premier League before Moyes’ first match in January against Aston Villa.

Since coming off the bench at Goodison Park on that day, the 24-year-old has started 16 top-flight fixtures, principally at right-back, missing just one game due to injury.

He’s scored crucial goals in 1-1 draws against Brentford and West Ham United and has kept four clean sheets, winning 55% of his duels and averaging 4.3 clearances per game, as per Sofascore. He hasn’t made a single error.

Typically a central defender, O’Brien’s emergence on the right has been something of a masterstroke from Moyes, with Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman, who have a combined age of 75, both approaching the end of their contracts and lacking the powerful physicality and mobility of this rising star, whose defensive roots actually align with Moyes’ vision too.

Hailed “an absolute revelation” for the Merseysiders by TNT Sports commentator Adam Virgo, O’Brien has indeed proved his positional dynamism, his roundedness and his willingness to provide his services in any way Moyes sees best fit, and to a high standard at that.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 13% of Premier League full-backs this season for goals scored, the top 2% for clearances, the top 5% for aerial battles won, and the top 7% for long passes completed.

That final metric, his ranged distribution, is an interesting one. The 6 foot 6 O’Brien might be perfunctorily categorised as a hulking defender, good in the air and solid against onrushing forwards, but lacking on the technical side.

However, this simply isn’t the case. His crisp forward passing opens up a dimension for Moyes, who is rooted in his pragmatic style but open to advanced tinkering, creating a layered style that has worked a treat for Everton as they prepare to transition to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

It’s probably fair to say that Everton would have been in a spot of bother, had Moyes failed to: a) recognise O’Brien’s potential as a moonlighter at right-back or b) find he had the Irishman in his squad to begin with.

O’Brien has been brilliant, adding a defensive dimension that has kept Coleman and Young on the back burner. With Nathan Patterson unreliable on the fitness and, consequently, form fronts, his performances have maybe even been instrumental.

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