All posts by n8rngtd.top

Leeds United are ready to splash the cash this summer as they prepare for life in the Premier League and could now exceed other suitors in the hunt for a talented striker, according to a report.

Leeds United miss out on Habib Diarra

Transfer stories are never as cut and dry as they seem in media reports, but Sunderland will be the ones to pick up Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra after agreeing a package worth £30 million plus add-ons to sign the Senegal international.

Intriguingly, Leeds United had held interest in Diarra previously before confirmation of his move to the North East. Nevertheless, the Elland Road faithful will take comfort from the fact that Jaka Bijol can operate in a deep-lying midfield role if needed.

Moving on, Leeds could look to add Dominic Calvert-Lewin to their forward line, and supporters will be keeping an eagle eye on his next move after the England international confirmed that he would be leaving the Merseyside club under freedom of contract.

Posting on social media, the Whites’ target confirmed he is now seeking a new opportunity to shine, as he stated: “This choice to move on was not simply about me-it was a decision my family and I spent a long time considering together.

“We believe it’s the right moment to seek a new challenge and continue growing, but that doesn’t lessen the bond I’ll always have with Everton.”

Leeds United’s first five Premier League fixtures
Everton (H)	Elland Road
Arsenal (A)	Emirates Stadium
Newcastle (H)	Elland Road
Fulham (A)	Craven Cottage
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)	Molineux

Fundamentally, bringing in some level of proven pedigree will be the difference between Leeds staying up or being relegated back to the second-tier at the first attempt, and they may be well on their way to that if reports are to be believed.

Leeds United ready to make Gonzalo Garcia proposal

According to reports in Spain, Leeds are willing to make a £17 million offer for Real Madrid hotshot Gonzalo Garcia following his breakout at the Club World Cup in the United States.

Sunderland are also willing to offer the former Spain Under-19 international a route to the Premier League. However, the Whites are willing to put up a significantly higher amount of money upfront, while AS Roma and Real Oviedo are also attentive to his situation.

He rejected Forest: 49ers now racing to sign "versatile" int'l for Leeds

The Whites could deal Forest a frustrating blow.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 27, 2025

Labelled a “classic number nine” by Xabi Alonso, Garcia registered 28 goals and six assists in 46 appearances across all competitions last season, combining his exploits at first-team level and with the Los Blancos’ second string.

Despite the Whites being keen to secure his signature, Real Madrid are set to insert a buyback clause worth £25.6 million in order to have some form of say in his future.

Garcia is rising star and could be a unique market opportunity for someone to take up. Now, Leeds need to convince him that Elland Road is best for his development.

It’s a good time to be a Liverpool fan. Here’s why.

Liverpool have just won the Premier League, in case you missed it, in the first season since Jurgen Klopp called it a day. FSG were ruled in the court of public opinion to have an impossible task on their hands, and few felt threatened when Feyenoord boss Arne Slot was appointed the iconic German’s successor.

But Slot is now champion of England, and he’s certainly being rewarded for his triumph in the summer transfer market.

Last week, Liverpool announced the signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, having already raided the German side for Jeremie Frimpong.

Wirtz is one of the brightest number tens in world football, and his £100m fixed fee may rise to a British-record £116m.

Now, Milos Kerkez has alighted in Merseyside as he completes the finer details of his move to Anfield. The Bournemouth left-back will sign in a move worth £40m. He is touted as Andy Robertson’s successor.

The young Hungarian has leapt at the chance to sign for Slot’s Reds, but what is it about his take on the full-back game that has prompted FSG to barrel ahead and make him the most expensive wide defender in Liverpool’s history?

Why Liverpool have signed Milos Kerkez

Robertson is a legend, but there’s no question he’s been on the decline. The 31-year-old is being targeted by Atletico Madrid, and Kerkez, a decade his junior, is the perfect heir.

While Kerkez, 21, has only been in the English football for two years, he came into his own under Andoni Iraola’s wing last season, starting all 38 of Bournemouth’s top-flight fixtures, scoring twice and laying on five assists.

Athletic, energetic and unrelentingly intense, he’s the real deal, having also been coveted by Manchester City and Real Madrid. Liverpool were always a step ahead, and he’ll help take this wonderful team to the next level.

In a way, Slot has hit the jackpot with the squad he inherited, but we must not forget that Liverpool had gone four years without tasting the Premier League, and he fuelled the fire that hadn’t proved quite enough over the past several seasons.

He deserves a squad fashioned in his vision, and Kerkez fits the bill. However, Liverpool still need a centre-back, and sporting director Richard Hughes has just the player in mind.

Liverpool prepare bid for new defender

According to French journalist Sébastien Vidal, Liverpool are set to table their opening bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi “at the end of the week”, news which follows Fabrizio Romano’s confirmation that FSG are indeed keen after agreeing to sell Jarell Quansah to Leverkusen.

It emerged several days ago that the Merseysiders have a long-term interest in the England international, who is out of contract in one year.

They would be willing to pay £30m, but this is not expected to convince the Eagles to part ways.

Transfer Focus

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

However, Guehi, who is 24, has just helped Palace to glory in the FA Cup and wants assurances over his playing time, with Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also considered suitors.

How Marc Guehi and Milos Kerkez could work in tandem

Guehi always had some degree of elite potential, having risen through the ranks at Chelsea’s Cobham academy before being sold to Palace for £18m in 2021 after two impressive loan spells with Swansea City in the Championship.

Now, he’s “England’s best centre-back” to some, and the online analyst who made that claim could certainly draw on data to substantiate his claim.

Indeed, Guehi won the FA Cup last year but has produced consistently quality performances over a series of years to attract Gareth Southgate’s attention, having featured prominently at Euro 2024, and now Thomas Tuchel’s too.

Solid as an ox and deceptively elegant on the ball, Guehi has the perfect style for ‘Slotball’, protecting Alisson Becker’s goal while subscribing to the ball-playing focus the coach expects.

It’s definitely a stylistic approach that could see him thrive with Kerkez, who has already proven himself invaluable alongside a ball-playing defender in Dean Huijsen, who Liverpool wanted before he signed for Real Madrid for £50m earlier this summer.

Guehi, as it goes, was recorded by data-focused site FBref to be one of the rising Spaniard’s most comparable players in the Premier League last season, ranked as he was among the top 11% of positional peers for goal involvements, the top 9% for through balls, and the top 21% for ball recoveries per 90.

It hasn’t just been a flash in the pan, though, with Guehi also standing out under Roy Hodgson’s wizened wing, injuries limiting his game in 2023/24 when Oliver Glasner first took the helm.

Marc Guehi in the Premier League
Stats (* per game)	23/24	24/25
Matches (starts)	25 (23)	34 (34)
Goals	0	3
Assists	1	2
Touches*	61.6	64.9
Pass completion	87%	84%
Key passes*	0.3	0.5
Ball recoveries*	4.8	4.3
Dribbles*	0.3	0.4
Tackles + interceptions*	1.8	2.6
Clearances*	3.5	4.6
Duels (won)*	3.6 (60%)	4.9 (59%)
Data via Sofascore

He’s a top player, praised for his “incredible” footballing ability by teammate Eberechi Eze, and with a clear emphasis on progressing play through dribbling upfield or picking out calculated forward passes, Kerkez could find the dream long-term partner on the left side of defence.

Of course, Virgil van Dijk holds down the fort rather well in that area, but the skipper turns 34 next month as he entered the penultimate year of his Liverpool career, and, as analyst Ben Mattinson so neatly puts it, he’s “one of those versatile CB’s who can play both sides equally as comfortably.”

With such striking completeness and a blooming title-winning taste, Guehi would be a worthy addition to the Liverpool cause and the perfect left-sided partner for Kerkez to go from strength to strength under Slot’s watchful guidance.

The next Torres: Liverpool preparing huge bid to sign "frightening" striker

Liverpool aren’t messing around in the transfer market this summer.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 23, 2025

It is the start of a new era at Glasgow Rangers after Russell Martin was officially unveiled as the new head coach at Ibrox last week, shortly after the takeover was made official.

The former Scotland international has joined the club as their long-term replacement for Philippe Clement, having left Southampton at the end of last year, and is tasked with bringing glory back to Ibrox.

Rangers have failed to win the Scottish Premiership title in each of the past four seasons, and they ended the 2024/25 campaign without a single trophy to show for their efforts.

The Light Blues know that they will need to be active in the summer transfer window to improve their squad, as the current playing group ultimately failed this season.

This means that there could be several new stars added to the club before the deadline in September, which could create uncertainty for some of the fringe players.

One player whose future at Ibrox could be thrown into doubt by possible new additions in their position could be Brazilian forward Danilo, who has not had the easiest of times in Glasgow so far.

Why Danilo’s future at Rangers could be in doubt

The Light Blues swooped to sign the centre-forward from Dutch outfit Feyenoord in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of £6m, as Michael Beale looked to improve the club’s attacking unit.

Danilo is a bit of a tricky player to judge at Rangers because there is little doubt that he has the quality to make a big impact on his day. In fact, the striker scored five goals and provided four assists in just 878 minutes in the Premiership this season.

However, the fact that he only played 878 minutes, despite his impressive statistics in that time, is part of the problem for the Light Blues marksman.

Danilo’s injury history	#1	#2	#3
Type of injury	Broken cheekbone	Knee injury	Knee injury
Date of injury	September 2023	December 2023	September 2024
Return date	October 2023	May 2024	November 2024
Days out	43	171	65
Matches missed	9	32	12
Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Danilo’s injury record during his time at Ibrox so far is less than ideal, as he has missed a whopping 53 matches in two seasons.

Put simply, his injury history suggests that he will not be a player who can be relied upon by Martin moving forward, because the attacker has yet to prove that he has the durability to be available week-in-week-out at Ibrox.

This is why the Scottish head coach should consider ruthlessly parting ways with the Brazilian forward before the end of the summer transfer window, particularly when you consider the club’s reported interest in other players in his position.

Rangers eyeing up Pro League centre-forward

According to the Daily Record, Rangers are keeping tabs on KVC Westerlo centre-forward Matija Frigan, as Martin lines up a potential swoop for the gem in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that he is one of the strikers the club are watching, after a £20m cash injection from the new owners, and that they are also in talks to sign Maccabi Tel Aviv marksman Dor Turgeman after seeing an initial offer turned down for the Israel international.

Transfer Focus

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

It does not state that they have made an offer, or that they are in talks, to sign Frigan as of yet, which means that he could be behind Turgeman on their wishlist in the number nine position.

The Croatian marksman, though, is being tracked by the Premiership side, as they weigh up their options, and could be a genuine target for Martin and Kevin Thelwell.

However, the outlet does not reveal how much the Belgian side are set to demand for their centre-forward this summer, so it remains to be seen how much the Scottish giants would have to pay for his services.

Why Rangers should sign Matija Frigan

The Gers should swoop to sign the 22-year-old forward because he could arrive at Ibrox as a big upgrade on Danilo, not least because of his reliable availability record.

He has played 69 matches in all competitions for Westerlo since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, including 39 times this term, which shows that he has been consistently available for the Belgian outfit.

Frigan’s form in front of goal in the Pro League this season also suggests that he has the quality to be a big goal threat for Martin next term, whilst also potentially exciting supporters with his skills in the final third.

The young marksman marksman, as shown in the clip above, has the technical ability to beat defenders to create moments of magic, which could be particularly useful when facing low blocks of defenders sat behind the ball in the Premiership.

Frigan’s statistics in the Pro League this season in comparison to Danilo’s also suggest that he has the potential to offer even more in front of goal than the Brazilian.

24/25 season	Matija Frigan (Pro League)	Danilo (Premiership)
Appearances	39	23
Goals	13	5
Goals per game	0.3	0.2
Big chances missed	12	5
Conversion rate	14%	11%
Big chances created	6	8
Penalties won	3	0
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Croatian forward scored more than twice as many goals, averaged more goals per game, and had a better conversion rate of shots to goals than the Rangers flop.

Frigan, who was once described as a “complete” striker by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could come in as a big upgrade on Danilo as a goalscorer in the Premiership, as evidenced by their respective league form, because of how clinical and reliable he is in front of goal.

The Westerlo attacker would also be a big upgrade on the Gers number 99 because of his aforementioned availability record, which suggests that he is more likely to be available to Martin on a regular basis throughout the campaign.

Therefore, Rangers should sign Frigan and attempt to part ways with Danilo before the end of the summer transfer window because it would represent an improvement in the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.

He wants to leave: Martin must axe Rangers dud who earns more than Igamane

Russell Martin must instantly axe this player from the squad if he is appointed.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 4, 2025

Manchester City have opened talks over a deal for an “incredible” defender, who is now high up their list of targets, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Man City set sights on new full-backs

Pep Guardiola’s rebuild got underway during the January transfer window, with Kyle Walker being shipped out on loan to AC Milan to make way for Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes, while Nico O’Reilly has come into the fold on the opposite side of the defence.

It was an impressive debut campaign on a personal level for O’Reilly, who rotated with Josko Gvardiol at left-back, with the Englishman picking up five goals and two assists in all competitions, and Guardiola has praised Nunes for his defensive performances.

However, there have been suggestions the manager is now looking to upgrade his options at full-back, having identified Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento as a priority target for the summer.

Man City could now sign "exceptional" £100m star who Pep loves in swap deal

City may have an opportunity to sign an attacker in a stunning swap deal, with Pep Guardiola known to be an admirer.

By
Dominic Lund

May 26, 2025

Livramento is not the only Premier League defender of interest to Man City either, with Romano recently taking to X to reveal they have now opened talks over a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Ait-Nouri is now believed to be “high” on City’s list of targets at left-back, and having now submitted an enquiry, talks are expected to continue as we approach the summer transfer window.

There may be competition for the defender’s signature, however, with Liverpool also being named as potential suitors earlier this month, at which point it was revealed that Wolves could look to hold out for a fee of £51m.

"Incredible" Ait Nouri impressing at Wolves

The Algerian was one of Wolves’ most consistent performers in the Premier League throughout the 2024-25 campaign, averaging a 6.95 WhoScored match rating, the second-highest in the squad, proving himself to be both solid defensively and a threat going forward.

Indeed, the 23-year-old is impressive at both ends of the pitch, as showcased by the fact he has regularly chipped in with goals over the past year, while also ranking highly for tackles per 90, when compared to other full-backs.

Statistic	Average per 90
Non-penalty goals	0.12 (88th percentile)
Assists	0.20 (84th percentile)
Successful take-ons	1.82 (97th percentile)
Tackles	2.58 (82nd percentile)

As such, the France-born defender is able to play in a number of different positions, according to former manager Gary O’Neil, who said: “I’m enjoying working with Rayan, I think he’s an incredible talent, a great guy and he brings a real enthusiasm and life to the place. We can use him anywhere so, unfortunately, at the moment we have to because we don’t have many others.

“But he is talented enough when we roll him in and play him in midfield a few times and we played him as a right 10 in the second half today.”

Guardiola will no doubt be pleased by O’Reilly’s emergence as a first-team regular, but should the manager decide to sign another left-back, Ait-Nouri has proven he could be a brilliant option.

Liverpool have been busy in the transfer market over the past several weeks. Well, the transfer window hasn’t actually opened yet, but that’s a credit to Richard Hughes’ savvy negotiating.

Arne Slot created something special this season, but the Dutch coach is no fool, and knows the importance of strengthening whilst ahead. Liverpool have been crowned Premier League champions, and are now ringing the changes.

There’s been a concerted focus on strengthening the flanks, over these past weeks: Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical, while discussions with Bournemouth for left-back Milos Kerkez are ongoing, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool enquire about new defender

Improving the defence is very much the order of the day for Slot and Co this summer but their efforts may not stop with the full-backs.

Transfer Focus

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

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made initial enquiries to RB Leipzig as they consider a move for Castello Lukeba, with the left-footed defender earning Slot’s nod of approval.

Though Lukeba, 22, has a €90m (£74m) release clause in his contract, FSG would be hoping to bag him for a cheaper fee. However, while Slot is personally keen on a move, Real Madrid and Manchester United are both known admirers too.

Liverpool have already made it known they would be open to signing a centre-half this summer, having failed in their bid to sign Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen, but in Lukeba, they could score the perfect fallback.

Why Liverpool want Castello Lukeba

A defensive hybrid, Lukeba is a naturally central defender, though bears an athleticism and energy that has seen him weave out onto the left flank, which is an interesting proposition for Slot to chew on.

He’s powerful, yes, but not overbearing in the backline, playing his role consummately. Lukeba missed three months of the campaign with muscular difficulties, but featured prominently across the latter phase of the year.

Liverpool will be frustrated they missed out on Huijsen, who has been regarded as a “world-class” player in the making by analysts, but in Lukeba, the dream alternative has been identified.

Leipzig have fostered Lukeba, pulled him to the fore, but now he should take the next step in his career and join the Liverpool fold. After all, he’s got the balanced skill set to make Slot forget all about Huijsen.

League Stats 24/25 – Dean Huijsen vs Castello Lukeba
Stats (* per game)	Huijsen	Lukeba
Matches (starts)	32 (26)	23 (18)
Goals	3	0
Assists	2	0
Touches*	63.9	65.4
Pass completion	84%	87%
Key passes*	0.5	0.2
Dribbles*	0.1	0.9
Ball recoveries*	3.3	3.2
Tackles + interceptions*	2.7	2.0
Clearances*	6.1	3.0
Duels (won)*	3.6 (56%)	4.0 (65%)
Data via Sofascore

He might not be quite as attack-minded or silky on the ball as Huijsen, but Lukeba is still crisp and collected. Moreover, he’s a veritable machine when it comes to defensive duties, so commanding in the duel.

And that’s not to say Lukeba isn’t good on the ball. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 13% of centre-backs across Europe this season for passes attempted and the top 20% for progressive passes per 90.

With only four of his 23 Bundesliga outings coming from the flank, it’s clear he could play the role envisaged for Huijsen, especially given both are left-footers.

Analyst Ben Mattinson hailed the Frenchman’s “freak profile,” drawing positive awareness to the dynamic and powerful set of skills. He even went on to say that transferring to Anfield would be a “perfect move” for Lukeba, and given that Huijsen is now out of bounds, Slot must throw the kitchen sink at getting it done.

He's the new Coutinho: Liverpool set to sign "generational" star very soon

Liverpool are moving quickly to make new signings for Arne Slot’s side.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 27, 2025

Arsenal are now “working behind the scenes” to sign an £85m “superstar” as a potential replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Gunners pursuing new winger amid Martinelli criticism

Martinelli has been a key player for the Gunners for several seasons now, having made the left-wing spot his own, but the Brazilian has received some criticism as of late, with Jamie Carragher suggesting he isn’t good enough for a Premier League title-winning side.

Speaking earlier this year, Carragher compared Mikel Arteta’s current frontline to the attacking options Arsène Wenger had at his disposal in the 1997/98 season, saying: “They had [Marc] Overmars, [Nicolas] Anelka and Dennis Bergkamp. This team, at the moment, is playing with [Gabriel] Martinelli, [Leandro] Trossard and [Kai] Havertz. It’s not enough.”

After a very impressive 2022-23 campaign, the 23-year-old’s attacking output has certainly declined over the past two seasons, which indicates that Carragher may be correct about an upgrade being necessary.

Season	PL appearances	Goals	Assists
2022-23	36	15	6
2023-24	35	6	4
2024-25	32	8	4

As such, according to Brown, in an interview with Football Insider, Arsenal have now set their sights on a potential replacement, namely AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, having already started work on a deal.

The former scout said: “Rafael Leao is one of the players Arsenal have been looking at. They’ve been working behind the scenes, scouting him and figuring out what it would take to sign him.

“He’s very direct, quick and skilful which is exactly the type of winger they’re looking for. I think Arsenal have lacked that type of player this season because apart from Saka they don’t have decisive players in the final third who will make a difference.”

Club now happy to sell top Arsenal target for £60m+ as Berta talks advance

There has been a development in the Gunners’ pursuit of their “number one target”.

1

By
Dominic Lund

May 18, 2025

"Superstar" Leao could be Martinelli upgrade

The report makes it clear the Gunners are willing to sell Martinelli this summer, should they be able to find a top-level replacement, and there are plenty of signs the AC Milan star could be exactly that.

The Portugal international has been one of the Serie A’s star players for quite some time, and the current campaign has been no exception, picking up eight goals and ten assists in 34 league outings.

The 25-year-old, who has been lauded as a “superstar” by members of the media, has also outperformed Martinelli across a number of key attacking metrics over the course of the past year.

Per 90 minutes	Gabriel Martinelli	Rafael Leao
Non-penalty goals	0.28	0.34
Assists	0.14	0.26
Shot-creating actions	2.88	4.17
Successful take-ons	1.50	2.84

A deal for Leao will not be cheap, with previous reports revealing AC Milan could hold out for a fee of £85m, but there are clear signs the winger could be an upgrade on Martinelli, whose performance levels have undoubtedly dropped in recent times.

Whilst Leeds United lapped up most of the praise in the Championship this season, winning the second-tier title, Scott Parker’s Burnley were more than worthy challengers to the West Yorkshire side’s throne.

After all, Daniel Farke’s side only clinched the title on the final day via goal difference, with the Clarets hoping and praying for a shock Plymouth Argyle victory in Devon, but Parker’s men had to make do with the tag of being runners-up despite also achieving a remarkable haul of 100 points.

Still, there would be celebrations aplenty as the Lancashire side instantly returned to the promised land of the Premier League.

Burnley certainly have their unbelievable defensive record to thank for sealing automatic promotion, with James Trafford a formidable option in between the sticks all season long.

Trafford's standout season in goal for Burnley

Unfortunately for the Turf Moor side, some of their standout performers could still depart for more luxurious pastures this summer, even as the Clarets return to the elite league.

Trafford definitely fits into this category, with rumours circulating that Newcastle United are keen on adding the ex-Manchester City stopper to their roster off the back of his unerring quality in the second tier.

Unbelievably, the Carlisle-born ‘keeper would only concede 16 goals across Burnley’s triumphant 46-game marathon, leading to a jaw-dropping 29 clean sheets being tallied up.

Parker has even gone as far as labelling Trafford as “world class” off the back of such a memorable campaign for his promoted side, but he isn’t the only standout figure in the Clarets camp that is attracting deserved Premier League action.

Indeed, there was a performer who was just as lively, albeit at the complete opposite end of the pitch.

The Burnley "superstar" who is ready for the Premier League

Parker will already be wary about the difficult challenge ahead, considering he has only picked up nine career wins at Premier League level as a manager.

But, he will be slightly less hesitant about diving back into the tricky division if he can keep Josh Brownhill situated at Turf Moor, with the 29-year-old keen to make an impression on the top-flight again after taking the second tier by storm in 2024/25.

Staggeringly, the experienced EFL head managed to bag more goals in Championship action this season than Trafford would ship, with a bumper 18 goals coming his way to help his team soar into the top two spots.

With six assists also next to his name, the midfield “superstar” – as he was previously labelled by one of his former bosses in Lee Johnson – will be raring to go in the top-flight next season with or without his current employers.

The likes of Everton and West Ham United are reportedly taking an interest in the skilful Clarets captain to boost their own options centrally.

Brownhill’s G/A numbers by division
Division	Games	Goals scored	Assists
Championship	231	41	25
Premier League	111	6	6
League One	67	8	4
Sourced by Transfermarkt

After all, even with the table above confirming that Brownhill’s most comfortable location is the Championship, he has shown flashes of his immense quality in the Premier League before even whilst Burnley have struggled, with his 2023/24 output seeing him pick up six of his overall 12 goal contributions.

This is why both the Toffees and the Hammers are presumably keen, but if Parker and Co are serious about staying put in the top-flight for the long-term, losing Brownhill would be a disaster.

The much-loved number 8 does already have two top-flight relegations on his CV, but after such a sensational personal season alongside the strong Trafford, he could be just what the Clarets need moving forward to return back to their former Premier League glory days.

Burnley make contact to sign ace with "great potential" amid Kompany talks

The Clarets are on their way back to the top-flight.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 2, 2025

Already planning ahead for life without loanee Marcus Rashford, Monchi is now battling to sign an alternative option for Aston Villa in a deal that could be worth just £35m this summer.

Aston Villa keep pressure on Champions League places

With just three Premier League games remaining, Aston Villa ensured that they kept hold of a glimmer of hope in the race to secure Champions League qualification by defeating Fulham 1-0. Coming courtesy of Youri Tielemans’ header, those in the Midlands have kept the pressure on Chelsea and Nottingham Forest as they desperately await a crucial slip.

Manager Unai Emery had his say on what was a narrow but all-important victory at Villa Park, telling reporters: “Today we wanted to be closer to qualifying for European football so it is fantastic. If we had not won, forget it (Champions League) completely.

“The best gift we can achieve is the Champions League and we are not the favourites to get it, but we will fight for it. We must now focus on Bournemouth next weekend which is so, so difficult. Villa Park is very important and we feel so strong here. The supporters are fantastic and we can feel that it is our fortress.”

Aston Villa now prioritising move to sign "fantastic" Real Madrid player

The Villans could make their move…

By
Tom Cunningham

May 3, 2025

There remains plenty of questions to be answered away from the action as well as on the pitch in the Midlands and one of those centres around Rashford. Following an impressive loan spell at the club, Aston Villa could look to land the winger’s signature on a permanent basis. It remains to be seen whether Rashford feels the same way about Villa Park, however, leaving the club to find an alternative option.

Monchi battling to sign Hutchinson for Aston Villa

According to Caught Offside, Monchi and Aston Villa have now joined the battle to sign Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town this summer in a move that would see Villa welcome their Rashford alternative. The deal could yet be a routine one to seal too, given that the winger reportedly has a release clause of just £35m after Ipswich suffered Premier League relegation.

In a difficult campaign, the 21-year-old has only been able to show glimpses of his quality – scoring three goals and creating another two – but will be desperate to stay put in the top flight.

Despite a disappointing output, Hutchinson still found himself at the centre of praise from manager Kieran McKenna, who told reporters earlier this season: “I think its enjoyable seeing a hungry, talented, young player getting to grips with the league and trying to make his impact – discovering the things that are different, the things that are an increasing challenge for him. And also finding the things that work for him and where he can have his impact.”

A player who Aston Villa’s recruitment team ‘rate Hutchinson highly and consider him a smart investment for the future’, so he could be one to watch if the Villans fail to sign Rashford this summer.

After last night’s huge Champions League triumph, Arsenal have demonstrated that they are capable of beating Europe’s elite, a signal as to how far they’ve developed in recent years.

Mikel Arteta deserves a tremendous amount of credit for the work he’s done in rebuilding the side over the last five years, with all his work leading up to the win over Real Madrid.

After such a display at the Santiago Bernabéu, supporters will undoubtedly be hugely confident that the side can go all the way and claim their first European title come the end of the campaign.

However, with the summer transfer window approaching, decisions will need to be made on the futures of numerous players currently plying their trade at the Emirates.

Signings will need to be made to continue the rebuild, potentially allowing the Gunners to compete with Europe’s elite on a consistent basis for many years to come.

The latest update on Arsenal’s hunt for summer signings

Over the last couple of days, links to Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres have rapidly developed, with Arsenal just one of the sides in the race to land his signature this summer.

Reports earlier this week claimed that Gunners sporting director Andra Berta has already held talks with his representatives over a move to North London ahead of the window opening.

It’s also been reported that the Swedish international is keen on a move to join Arteta’s side, with a £60m fee mooted to land the talisman, who’s netted 87 times in the last two seasons.

Any deal for the 26-year-old would see the side finally land the focal point they’ve desperately lacked, but he could be joined in the final third by Spanish winger Nico Williams.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have pulled out of the race, leaving Arsenal as the favourites to trigger his £50m release clause in the coming months.

Why Gyokeres would star at Arsenal along with £50m star

Given his goalscoring record in the Liga Portugal over the last couple of seasons, it’s no secret that Arsenal would be getting themselves a proven goalscorer who would take the side to the next level.

However, there’s only so much a striker can do on his own, often relying on the creativity of players around him to produce the goods to allow them to thrive.

Injuries have massively plagued Arteta’s side in the final third throughout 2024/25, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all missing large chunks of the campaign.

Depth is desperately needed this summer, with a potential partnership of Gyokeres and Williams alongside Saka one to be feared by sides across the Premier League.

The Spaniard has all the tools to provide the Swede within the final third, with his stats from LaLiga demonstrating the quality he possesses with the ball at his feet.

The 22-year-old, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Ben Mattinson, has registered five assists this season, but his underlying stats showcase how much of a threat he is in the final third.

Williams has notched a total of three successful take-ons and 5.3 progressive carries per 90, undoubtedly at his best when marauding forward with the ball at his feet.

Nico Williams’ stats for Athletic Club in LaLiga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	27
Goals & assists	10
Progressive carries	5.3
Carries into final third	2.7
Progressive passes	3.2
Successful take-ons	3
Key passes completed	1.9
Crosses completed	5.1
Shot-creating actions	5.2
Stats via FBref

He’s also registered 1.9 key passes and 5.1 crosses completed per 90, with both of his respective tallies providing Gyokeres with ammunition to score within the final third.

The Spaniard’s talent doesn’t stop there, achieving 5.2 shot-creating actions and 3.2 progressive passes per 90, once again highlighting the talent he boasts to provide opportunities for those around him.

Whilst the pair would likely set the Gunners hierarchy back around £110m this summer, it’s a bargain price given the elite-level talents they would be signing.

The prospect of the pair linking up at the Emirates is a hugely exciting one, with the pair having the skillset to push the club closer to ending their two-decade wait for a league title.

Forget Saka: Arteta may have unearthed the new Henry in 10/10 Arsenal star

Mikel Arteta may have found his new hero after Arsenal’s Champions League triumph over Real Madrid.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 17, 2025

Arsenal are preparing for a first Champions League semi-final since 2009 after defeating defending European champions Real Madrid.

The Gunners were 3-0 up from the first leg thanks to Declan Rice’s double and Mikel Merino’s strike, and sensationally won 2-1 at the Bernabeu after a late winner from Gabriel Martinelli.

Their reward is a tie against Paris Saint-Germain, with the winner heading to Munich to face either Barcelona or Inter.

The last week or so has seen Arsenal add to their prestigious list of memorable European nights, with their first-leg victory over Los Blancos arguably the greatest night the Emirates Stadium has ever seen.

With that in mind, here is a look at the best European matches in the club’s illustrious history.

What happened to the Arsenal team that beat Real Madrid in the Bernabeu?

Arsenal will be looking to emulate these heroes from 2006.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Apr 15, 2025

11

Roma 1-0 Arsenal (6-7 on penalties)

2008/09 Champions League, round of 16 second leg

After securing a 1-0 win at home, Arsenal went to Rome’s Stadio Olimpico in 2009 hoping to finish the job without any major issues.

However, the Gunners fell behind pretty quickly, with Juan levelling the aggregate scoreline inside 10 minutes.

With no further goals on the night, a shootout was required, and despite Eduardo’s miss for the visitors, Manuel Almunia saved from Mirko Vucinic and Max Tonetto blazed over to send Arsene Wenger’s side through to the last eight.

10

Arsenal 2-0 Juventus

2005/06 Champions League, quarter-final first leg

Arsenal delivered one of their finest results in the Champions League when seeing off Juventus in the first leg of their quarter-final in 2006.

Buoyed by eliminating Real Madrid in the previous round, the home side went ahead through Cesc Fabregas, who slotted past Gianluigi Buffon just before the break.

Thierry Henry then scored against his former club to double Arsenal’s advantage and cap a magical night at Highbury, with the Old Lady held to a goalless draw in the second leg in Turin.

From Cole to Wilshere: The best 11 players to come out of Arsenal's academy

There have been plenty of stars to come out of Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy.

By
Ben Browning

Feb 14, 2025

9

Arsenal 3-0 Anderlecht

1969/70 Fairs Cup, final second leg

It feels strange to put a final so low on this list, but 55 years on, Arsenal’s victory against Anderlecht in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup to secure their first European trophy would be worth a mention in any case.

Down 3-1 from the first leg, Ray Kennedy’s consolation in Belgium would set up a superb comeback at Highbury.

Eddie Kelly got the ball rolling in north London, before two goals in two minutes from John Radford and Jon Sammels handed the Gunners the trophy.

Bertie Mee’s side would go on to win the league and cup double the following season.

8

Arsenal 1-0 Porto (4-2 on penalties)

2023/24 Champions League, round of 16 second leg

Arsenal had been out of the Champions League for six seasons before their long-awaited return in 2023/24, with their wait for a quarter-final stretching back to 2010.

So when they went 1-0 down late on against Porto in the first leg, history looked like repeating itself, with Arsenal’s last seven Champions League campaigns ending at the last-16 stage.

Leandro Trossard put Mikel Arteta’s side in front on the night, but there were no more goals on a tense night in north London.

Thankfully, the Gunners were faultless from the spot, with David Raya’s save from first-leg hero Galeno sparking wild celebrations at the Emirates.

7

Milan 0-2 Arsenal

2007/08 Champions League, round of 16 second leg

Arsenal were underdogs heading into their clash in the San Siro to face reigning European champions Milan, but came away with one of their best results on the road in Europe.

A goalless draw at the Emirates meant a score draw would be enough to send the Gunners through without the need for extra time, but if anything, it looked as though another 0-0 was on its way.

Six minutes from time, Cesc Fabregas picked the ball up in the centre of the field and unleashed a shot from 30 yards, which somehow found the corner to all but seal the result for Arsenal.

Emmanuel Adebayor scored late on to put the icing on the cake.

6

Inter 1-5 Arsenal

2003/04 Champions League, group stage

Rather incredibly, Arsenal’s heroics against Milan may not even be their greatest in the San Siro.

While their victory over Inter was only in the 2003/04 group stage, it probably trumps their win over the Rossoneri for the fact that a win was vital, and that the scoreline remains stunning to this day.

Arsenal had a horrendous start to their group campaign, earning one point from their first three matches, and required a win in Milan to stay alive.

That meant beating a team that had thumped them 3-0 at Highbury just two months earlier.

Fortunately, Thierry Henry was in red-hot form, and hit a brace to help smash an Inter side that fell apart in the second half, with Freddie Ljungberg, Edu and Robert Pires all getting in on the act before the final whistle as Arsenal smashed their opponents on their way to winning Group B.

5

Arsenal 1-0 Parma

1993/94 Cup Winners' Cup final

Arsenal’s most recent European trophy was secured 31 years ago, when an unfancied Gunners side saw off favourites Parma in the Cup Winners’ Cup final in Copenhagen.

George Graham’s side, who were also without the suspended Ian Wright, took a surprise lead through Alan Smith’s volley in the first half.

Parma’s stars, including Gianfranco Zola, Faustino Asprilla and Tomas Brolin, had plenty of chances either side of Smith’s effort, but the defence remained resolute to bring the trophy home.

4

Villarreal 0-0 Arsenal

2005/06 Champions League, semi-final second leg

Arsenal were 90 minutes away from their first Champions League final after a 1-0 success in Highbury’s final European game against Villarreal.

The surprise package in the Champions League that season, Villarreal were hoping to overturn their deficit to set up an all-Spanish affair in the Paris finale.

And just when Arsenal looked like seeing it out, the hosts were awarded a soft penalty in the final moments, with extra time now looking like a certainty.

But Jens Lehmann had other ideas, diving to his left to keep Juan Roman Riquelme’s spot-kick out and send the Gunners through.

3

Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona

2010/11 Champions League, round of 16 first leg

While this tie eventually ended in controversial defeat, the first leg of Arsenal and Barcelona’s last-16 tie in February 2011 can still give fans goosebumps.

Led by Pep Guardiola, tournament favourites Barca took the lead through David Villa’s first-half finish, only for a late Gunners comeback to send the visitors home defeated.

Robin van Persie levelled an absorbing tie after catching out Victor Valdes at his near post, before an incisive breakaway saw Samir Nasri find Andrey Arshavin free in the box to slam home the winner.

2

Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid

2024/25 Champions League, quarter-final first leg

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal came of age when they came up against the European champions at the Emirates Stadium, with a second-half blitz seemingly putting the tie beyond their opponents.

A close tie exploded into life in the second half when Declan Rice curved a superb free-kick around the Madrid wall to draw first blood, before repeating the trick with an arguably better strike just minutes later.

Makeshift striker Mikel Merino then rounded off a super move to give Arsenal a golden chance of defeating their fancied opponents and make the semis for the first time in 16 years – a chance they didn’t pass up.

9 of the greatest Arsenal free-kicks of all time

Declan Rice’s heroics against Real Madrid have got to be among the best.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Apr 9, 2025