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It’s only June, and Arsenal have already been in more than their fair share of transfer sagas.

The big one has undoubtedly focused on the potential deal for Benjamin Sesko and, by extension, Viktor Gyokeres, who looks like the backup option.

Then there was the questionable jeopardy around the deal for Martin Zubimendi and the potential hijack from Real Madrid, which has thankfully been quashed by the likes of Fabrizio Romano and Sami Mokbel.

Finally, another saga that followed the club from last season concerned Nico Williams. Although recent reports are to be believed, Arsenal might now be looking at someone who’d be a better deal than the Spaniard.

Arsenal's search for a Williams alternative

The first serious links to Williams for Arsenal emerged last summer, off the back of a brilliant season for Athletic Bilbao and then a sensational European Championships with Spain.

Transfer Focus

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

However, even though nothing came of the Gunners’ supposed interest in the talented winger, links reappeared in the winter window and again in a big way earlier this summer.

Unfortunately, the dynamic 22-year-old has understandably caught the attention of several other top sides, and based on stories from the last week or so, it looks like he’ll be making his way to Spanish champions Barcelona this summer.

While it’s never ideal to miss out on a player as exciting as Williams, it’s not all doom and gloom, as the North Londoners now appear to be interested in someone who could be a better deal than the Bilbao gem: Noni Madueke.

At least that is according to a recent report from the Independent’s Chief Football Writer, Miguel Delaney, who has revealed that Arsenal are interested in the Chelsea winger.

In fact, the report claims that the Gunners have already made contact with the Blues over a potential move for the former Spurs academy star.

However, there is a sticking point: the West Londoners want up to £50m for the 23-year-old, which is a figure Andrea Berta and Co are not interested in going near.

It could be a complicated and somewhat costly transfer, but given Madueke’s ability and potential, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he could be a far better deal than Williams.

Why Madueke could be a better deal than Williams

Now, it should go without saying that signing either winger would help add more dynamism to Arsenal’s attack next season, but there are a few reasons why Madueke might end up proving a better deal than Williams, and the first relates to experience.

The Englishman might only be a year older than the Spaniard, but that is not the experience we are discussing here. Instead, we are talking about the former’s familiarity with the Premier League.

This is seriously important for the Gunners as they desperately need whoever they sign this summer to come in and hit the ground running next season, as fans and pundits alike have already made it crystal clear that they expect Arteta and Co to finally get over the line in the league.

The Bilbao gem might be more than comfortable in La Liga and would likely become so in England, but there’s a realistic chance that he would require some time to bed in, time which could prove costly in a closely fought title race.

Moreover, despite the excitement around the Pamplona-born dynamo, the Blues star’s output from this season actually makes for better reading.

For example, in 43 appearances, totalling 2521 minutes, the Barnet-born “mentality monster,” as dubbed by personal coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, scored 11 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.68 games, or every 157.56 minutes.

In contrast, the 28-capped Spaniard scored as many goals and provided seven assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3130 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.5 games, but more crucially, one every 173.88 minutes.

Yet, if even that is not enough to convince you, then perhaps the fact the Chelsea gem has the better underlying numbers might.

Yes, according to FBref, the “unbelievable” dynamo, as dubbed by former manager Mauricio Pochettino, comes out on top in the majority of relevant metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, progressive carries and more, all per 90.

On top of being a creative outlet through his carrying and passing abilities, the former PSV gem also comes out ahead for some defensive statistics, proving that he’s not just a flair player but someone who will come back and help out his full-back when needed.

Ultimately, Williams is an undeniable talent and perhaps someone easier to envision becoming a superstar.

Nonetheless, from output to the numbers under the hood, Madueke has him beat, and considering his familiarity with English football and the Premier League, he might just represent a better deal for Arsenal this summer.

He's more exciting than Zubimendi: Arsenal looking to sign £70m "superstar"

Arsenal could make an even more exciting signing than Martin Zubimendi.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 24, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy and his recruitment team are attempting to navigate a competitive summer transfer market, with a few key items on the agenda for new manager Thomas Frank ahead of a vital 2025/2026 campaign.

Their qualification for next season’s Champions League comes as an almighty boost for the Lilywhites when it comes to bringing in fresh squad upgrades.

Tottenham eyeing experienced £9m club captain after public exit admission

Daniel Levy has been made aware of a potential bargain.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 20, 2025

Spurs are set for a significant financial windfall after booking their place in Europe’s most prestigious competition, and they’ve already put some of it to good use by sealing a cut-price £30 million permanent deal for Mathys Tel.

Tel won’t be their only forward signing either, with Tottenham on the lookout for fresh wingers who could replace current club captain Son Heung-min, who may well have already played his last competitive game for them.

“Son could very well have played his last game for Tottenham, and well, if it was the Europa League final, it would be fitting,” said journalist Graeme Bailey to TBR Football recently.

“I am told he still believes he is more than capable of recapturing his best form – but Spurs are ready to make moves this summer and Son leaving could materialise.”

West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Man City star Jack Grealish, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, Southampton’s Tyler Dibling and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo have all been linked with moves to north London in the past week, as Levy and technical director Johan Lange assess which deal is best suited to the club.

One area of the squad you’d think would be far down their priority list, in terms of strengthening, is at full-back.

Destiny Udogie, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Ben Davies and Archie Gray – who can play right-back – are all available for Frank to utilise on the flanks, but Spurs are aware of their need for more locally trained players.to comply with Champions League squad rules.

They currently have just one club-trained player in goalkeeper Brandon Austin when they need to register four players who suit that criteria, otherwise their 25-man Champions League squad is in danger of becoming a 22-man one (Alasdair Gold).

Tottenham could make "clever" signing in former defender Kyle Walker-Peters

Bearing this in mind, Levy and co are contemplating a “clever” move to re-sign former defender and soon-to-be free agent, Kyle Walker-Peters, to fill one of the club-trained player spots.

The Englishman would count as a club-trained player as he came through the Hotspur Way academy, and according to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, Walker-Peters himself is pretty keen on a move back to Tottenham.

“The one I do believe they have considered for this summer is Kyle Walker-Peters,” he said on the Gold and Guest talk Tottenham podcast.

“He’s had a terrific career, over 200 appearances for Southampton, a Premier League regular for a lot of that. I think he has a couple of England caps as well.

“On one side, the full-back spots are pretty busy right now, there are a lot of full-backs there, but as the window goes on, if he’s not been snapped up yet, I can see it as a clever solution, he’s club-trained, he can play on both sides, and from my understanding I think he would love to come back to Spurs as well, they’re his boyhood club.”

The 28-year-old would be an experienced option at zero cost with his deal expiring in just nine days, but it would surely require one of the other full-backs to head out on loan or depart the club permanently.

With Spence able to play at left-back when required, perhaps the best solution would be to part company with Davies for a small fee. The Welshman has proved a reliable squad member and faithful servant over the course of his long stay at Tottenham, but with the 96-cap international’s contract expiring next summer, it could be a smart business decision.

The decision not to sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent deal evoked memories of the Chelsea of old. A ruthlessness that famously saw Carlo Ancelotti given the sack after missing out on the Premier League title in his second season – just a year on from guiding the club to the double

In the case of Sancho, the Englishman had notably scored a stunner in last month’s Conference League final, albeit while ending 2024/25 with just three goals and five assists to his name in the league. Good, but not good enough.

That has been a commendable motto for the Blues over their glorious last 20 years or so, having repeatedly hired and fired, all while increasing the competition in their playing ranks with successive statement signings.

Take Nicolas Jackson, for instance, the Senegalese striker hardly disgracing himself – suspensions aside – with 24 league goals across his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge, albeit with just ten of those coming last term. Again, good, but not quite good enough.

£30m man Liam Delap looks to have swiftly usurped the former Villarreal man in the pecking order, all while being acutely aware that failure to perform himself could see yet another fresh face acquired – a certain Hugo Ekitike springs to mind.

As the old adage goes, pressure makes diamonds, with Enzo Maresca and co no doubt hoping that more exciting additions can thrive in this pressurised environment in west London…

Latest on Chelsea's search for new forwards

Sancho is gone, but in his place, young Jamie Gittens could be set to arrive, with Chelsea still working to bring the 20-year-old back to England from Borussia Dortmund, amid his prior stint in Manchester City’s youth ranks.

Despite reports that Gittens has agreed a seven-year contract with the Blues, there appears to still be club-to-club negotiations taking place regarding his reported £55m price tag.

With that deal yet to get the green light, it is still worth the west Londoners seeking alternatives, with TEAMtalk reporting that they are among the clubs to have made an enquiry over 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.

That contact has come amid the Ligue 1 side’s recent relegation – something they are set to appeal – with clubs lining up to potentially pounce on their ongoing financial woes and apparent need to sell.

As per the report, the likes of Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have also made their move for the 20-year-old, with those suitors hoping to strike a deal for less than the Belgian’s previous £42m price tag.

Why Fofana could be Chelsea's next Eden Hazard

The signing of an exciting, young Belgian talent from Ligue 1 – ring any bells?

Of course, Chelsea famously won the race for a 21-year-old Eden Hazard back in the summer of 2012, with the then-Champions League holders plucking the winger from Lille for a reported fee of £32m.

198 goals and assists would follow in a Chelsea shirt for the now-retired wizard, although that doesn’t quite tell the full story. This was a player, at his pomp, who was a match for any opposition or opponent.

A man who could win a game on his own – take his solo stunner against Arsenal in 2017, for example – Hazard at his best was simply a sight to behold, jinking his way past defenders with consummate ease. It’s no wonder he was hailed the “best player in the Premier League” at one stage by pundit, Paul Merson.

Young Fofana has a way go to hit the levels of his sparkling compatriot, although the comparisons are – unsurprisingly – already being made, with GOAL noting that he has been described as ‘Eden Hazard-like’ by those in his homeland.

As per The Athletic’s Alex Barker, what particularly sets the 20-year-old apart, in a similar mould to Hazard, is his dribbling prowess, having been noted as “one of the best” in Ligue 1 in that regard.

Indeed, he notably ranks in the top 3% among his peers in France’s top-flight for progressive carries made per 90, as per FBref, while also ranking in the top 2% in that same metric among attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues.

For context, Hazard ranked in the top 1% of Premier League wingers in that regard during his final season in English football (2018/19), having simply been a master ball-carrier for the Blues.

Like the 126-cap Red Devils star too, Fofana also boasts an end product to match that devastating flair, having ended 2024/25 with 11 goals and six assists to his name in all competitions, included six goals in just ten Europa League outings.

Described as a “starboy” by writer Zach Lowy, the Lyon gem looks destined to reach the top over the coming years, with Chelsea able to offer him the chance to follow in Hazard’s footsteps at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca's next Cole Palmer: Chelsea enter race to sign £50m PL "machine"

The incredible talent could be a star for Chelsea.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 28, 2025

Everton are starting to make progress on transfers this summer and find themselves ready to put together a package for a solid performer who is now on their radar, according to reports.

Everton close to making first summer signing

Abdoulaye Doucoure, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ashley Young were among high-profile departures at Everton this summer, but they are now close to making their first capture of the window.

Reports suggest Villarreal striker Thierno Barry is on his way to the Toffees for a fee in the region of £30 million, while Millwall forward Mihailo Ivanovic is another potential recruit if they can come to an agreement on a deal to sign the Serbia international.

Defensively, free agent Nicolas Tagliafico is in advanced talks to join Everton after leaving financially unstable former club Lyon at the end of last campaign, providing competition for Vitaly Mykolenko without David Moyes having to take a significant chunk out his budget.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has also claimed that Ipswich Town midfielder Omari Hutchinson could be interested in joining the Toffees after suffering relegation at Portman Road.

He stated: “Privately, the player would love the chance to return to the Premier League. Ipswich, on the other hand, will be hoping to keep hold of him because he’d be a key man for them next season, as they try and win promotion back to the Premier League.”

Gueye upgrade: Everton now preparing bid to sign £75k-p/w "monster"

Everton are interested in signing a Premier League mainstay in a bargain deal this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 5, 2025

Later, he added: “There will be Premier League clubs sitting up and taking notice of him, and we know that Everton are in the market for wingers.”

While it remains to be seen if Everton could sign Hutchinson, they are in the market for a goalkeeper from the EFL that could be on the move this summer.

Everton look to sign Sheffield United stopper Michael Cooper

According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon on Patreon, Everton are keen on Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper following his excellent displays for the Blades last term.

The Toffees are ready to pay £5 million plus add-ons to bring the 25-year-old to Merseyside. However, Ruben Selles wants a higher amount and the Exeter-born man is in no hurry to leave unless he has guarantees of first-team football elsewhere.

Everton may gain an advantage given he has the same agent as Dwight McNeil and Jake O’Brien, who are also clients of Unique Sports Group alongside Cooper.

Jordan Pickford is the only senior goalkeeper on the books at Finch Farm amid Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia’s departures. Should they act to bring in a supplementary figure to the England international, someone with a 79.6% save percentage in England’s second-tier would be the profile you would want to acquire.

Moyes is beginning to make tracks as his side undergo a rebuild, and Cooper could fit the bill as a progressive signing under the guise of the Friedkin Group.

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are convinced they can sign a high-profile Chelsea player for just £35 million this summer, with BlueCo apparently weighing up the possibility of taking a significant loss on his sale.

Chelsea open talks for "new attacking priority" with near-£40m deal possible

He’s already expressed his desire to join them.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 23, 2025

The west Londoners have a glaring need to balance the books after their recent pact with UEFA.

Chelsea essentially agreed to balance out transfers through player sales this summer, or risk not being able to register new signings for their Champions League squad next season (Kaveh Solhekol), and there are many players in contention to leave Stamford Bridge.

Any potential incomings, like their current pursuit of RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, could well hinge on their ability to offload certain squad members.

Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja, Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Nicolas Jackson, João Félix, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Alfie Gilchrist have all been mentioned as players who could depart Chelsea before deadline day on September 1, with versatile attacker Christopher Nkunku also attracting serious interest.

The Frenchman actually racked up 15 goals and five assists in all competitions last term, including some noteworthy displays at the Club World Cup, but Nkunku has apparently been told that he’ll be a squad player next season if he stays.

In terms of potential suitors, Man United are said to have explored a swap deal for Nkunku involving Alejandro Garnacho, and fellow Premier League side Newcastle United have registered an interest in the 27-year-old too (Simon Phillips).

However, according to a report by TEAMtalk, both teams face stiff competition from Vincent Kompany’s Bayern.

Bayern Munich convinced they can sign Christopher Nkunku for £35m

Nkunku actually “100%” agreed personal terms over a move to the Allianz Arena in January, according to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, and it appears the Bavarians haven’t given up hope of bringing the former RB Leipzig star back to Germany.

TEAMtalk claim there is a belief at Bayern that they could sign Nkunku for as little as £35 million – £17m less than the £52m Chelsea paid for him in 2023 – and the report suggests that is actually a very realistic possibility.

United are named as rival suitors in the race for Nkunku, so Kompany won’t have a free run, but Nkunku is believed to remain keen on a move to Bayern with the European heavyweights also “prioritising” a move for him.

Maresca is on record stating he ‘loves’ Nkunku, but the competition for places in his squad means that he could find better luck getting minutes elsewhere.

There is no denying his quality, though, as evident by his return last season, with teammate João Félix calling him a “top player” and a pleasure to play with too.

Arsenal are closing in on their next major signing of the summer, with sporting director Andrea Berta sealing a huge transfer coup.

Earlier this week, the Gunners officially announced Cristhian Mosquera’s arrival from Valencia – nearly a fortnight after news emerged that they reached an agreement to sign the defender for a potential £17 million.

Player gets green-light to join Arsenal, medical scheduled in next 24 hours

He could play a part in their pre-season tour.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 24, 2025

Arsenal have paid Valencia an initial £13 million for the 21-year-old, but it could rise by a further £4 million with add-ons. According to Fabrizio Romano, Mosquera “only” wanted to join Mikel Arteta’s side, and Berta thinks he’s a very exciting new addition to the squad.

“We’re very happy and excited to have signed a hugely talented young player in Cristhian Mosquera,” said Berta in an official statement.

“We identified Cristhian as one of the strongest young defenders in European football, and he is an important signing for our future.

“Cristhian is a versatile defender who will strengthen our squad. We cannot wait to see him playing for us. Together with everyone at the club, we warmly welcome Cristhian and his family to Arsenal.”

After Mosquera, it is widely reported that Arsenal are about to end their long-winded pursuit of a prolific number nine with the signing of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

Berta and co actually reached an agreement in principle to sign Gyokeres at around the same time as they made a breakthrough for Mosquera (The Athletic), but negotiations dragged out due to issues surrounding bonuses and add-ons in the deal.

However, a breakthrough has since been made, and Gyokeres is set for an imminent Arsenal medical ahead of his potential £64 million move (Fabrizio Romano).

Viktor Gyokeres agrees £135,000-per-week Arsenal contract

Now, A Bola have also lifted the lid on some key contract details.

According to the Portuguese newspaper, via The Daily Cannon, Gyokeres has agreed a £135,000-per-week contract to join Arsenal, which will run for five years, and they back up that the 27-year-old will soon be announced as Berta’s next new incoming in a major boost for Arteta.

One of this summer’s most drawn-out transfer sagas is now coming to an end, and barring a last-second catastrophe, supporters can look forward to having a proven goalscorer lead their line next season.

According to journalist Duncan Castles this week, Gyokeres and his camp even had to navigate a legal row with Sporting before sealing his move to N5.

“Sporting wrote to Gyokeres to inform him he was in breach of contract, to which his lawyers replied, saying they didn’t feel he was in breach of contract because Gyokeres had promises from the club that they would allow him to leave this summer if his agents brought a certain fee and the club had reneged on those promises,” said Castles on The Transfers Podcast.

“There’s now a legal dispute between player and club in the background, and a general sense that I’m getting from Portugal is that Sporting want to make this as difficult for Gyokeres as possible.”

GOAL US unpacks the main weekend storylines from the Premier League, La Liga and other top competitions in The Euro XI

The first round of matches after an international break always feel a bit weird. Most players have been away for a couple of weeks. Their brains are still whirring back into gear. Some tactical ideas are filed away, while new ones are brought back to the fore. Not everything clicks. It's all a little disoriented. 

The good news is that it usually leads to one of two things: either, the games are really good and entirely silly. Or, they're frightfully boring, 22 guys just playing it safe. This weekend yielded a bit of both.

Serie A (usually bad) was good. Liverpool (usually very good) were bad – but got away with it, anyway. Arsenal (usually boring) were very exciting. And Erling Haaland scored two very good goals. It all offered quite a bit of content – which is ultimately what this sport is for.

GOAL US presents The Euro XI, with 11 key observations from the weekend.

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  1Liverpool and immaculate plot armor

  The cool kids call it "plot armor." Basically, it means that a certain character or team in any given story will be able to survive whatever adversity is thrown their way in order to uphold a narrative. They are, in effect, immune to the kind of thing that would derail others.

  And the Liverpool plot armor is strong these days. They beat Newcastle late a couple of weeks ago, with a 16-year-old (!) burying the winner in stoppage time thanks to a wonderfully crafted move. Last weekend was perhaps even more fortunate – and absurd. The Reds were, well, a bit rubbish against Burnley – who defended wonderfully for 93 minutes. 

  A 0-0 draw seemed a fair result. But then a foolish handball in stoppage time gifted Liverpool a penalty. Mo Salah stepped up and smashed it home. It was absurd and somehow predictable at the same time. The plot armor is immaculate.

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  2Erling Haaland is still a really good goalscorer

  It was fun to make fun of Erling Haaland for a while. It's easy to see why. He's a big, plodding goalscoring robot who just kicks the ball into the net really hard. There are nuances to being a professional footballer at the elite level – dribbling, passing, defensive work rate.

  Haaland strips all of that nonsense away and kicks the ball hard. It led to some criticizing the striker last season. Such were City's struggles that we forgot he was basically scoring a goal per game.

  Well, if there were any doubts about his quality, they are gone. Haaland scored twice and could've had at least two more as Man City battered Man United 3-0 in a frighteningly comprehensive derby win. Turns out the robot is really good at one thing, and that's just fine. 

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  3Arsenal have depth now

  It was every Arsenal fan's favorite excuse last year, the old "We don't have enough depth to win the league" adage. And sure, that might have been true. But they also finished well off a Liverpool side that were spending the last month of the season in Ibiza after they wrapped up the league.

  Depth be damned, they perhaps just weren't good enough? Well, there's an excuse gone, as Arsenal showed they can call on some guys off the bench. With Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli all out, they turned to Nono Madueke, Victor Gyokeres and Ebere Eze against Nottingham Forest. The result? A 3-0 win. 

  Complain about depth now.

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  4Brentford, the most charming club in soccer

  Brentford really should get relegated every year, but they especially should be relegated this year. Here's a club that operates on pretty much no budget, using players you've never heard of, relying on a mixture of lumbering veterans and unknown gems to stay alive in th emost unforgiving league in the world. It sounds a bit unfair, really.

  And after losing manager Thomas Frank, it seemed that they might be heading that way. But there is fight in the Bees yet, something they proved with a glorious last-minute equalizer to earn a draw with Chelsea on Saturday. They will need every single point they can get this season, and that was truly a lovely one. 

Leeds United have now opened talks over a deal for an “elite” striker, who is also being targeted by West Ham United, according to a report.

Leeds eyeing new striker amid Bamford and Joseph uncertainty

Leeds have already made one addition at centre-forward this summer, securing the signing of former Wolfsburg man Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer, but it is looking increasingly likely they will have to bring in at least one more striker.

That is because there are major doubts over the futures of Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph, with the former admitting he would be open to a move to the MLS, saying: “I think it’s something that, obviously over time I’ve spoke to Michaela [his wife] about it, in terms of playing abroad, and America being one of the options.

“It was something that when I was younger I always wanted to do at some point in my career, to kind of experience it, experience a new country, the living the lifestyle there and also trying myself in a new league.”

Joseph, on the other hand, has a more pressing desire to leave, having decided not to take part in the Whites’ pre-season training camp, with Daniel Farke adding: “He came to me, and to us, and said he wants a new challenge and would like to have a move.”

With two strikers potentially heading for the exit door, Leeds have now set their sights on a replacement, and a report from Italy (via Leeds United News) has revealed they have opened talks over a deal for AS Roma’s Artem Dovbyk.

Despite being a regular source of goals for Roma last season, the Italian club are not overly convinced by the 28-year-old, and they could sanction a departure this summer, should a potential suitor be willing to fork out £30m.

Leeds make approach for elite one-on-one dribbler praised by Ibrahimovic

He is in the top 1% for dribbles.

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By
Henry Jackson

Jul 30, 2025

West Ham are also in the race for Dovbyk, having submitted an enquiry alongside the Whites, so Farke’s side may have to fend off competition from their Premier League rivals.

"Elite" Dovbyk could be upgrade on Bamford and Joseph

In many ways, it is a surprise that Roma don’t have too many qualms about selling the centre-forward this summer, given that he enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in Italy, amassing a combined 21 goals and assists in all competitions.

Bamford, on the other hand, has been unable to put his injury problems in the rear-view mirror, while Joseph found the back of the net just three times in the Championship last season, indicating the Ukrainian striker could be a real upgrade.

Having also been lauded as a “fantastic finisher” and “elite target man” by journalist Zach Lowy, there are clear signs that Dovbyk could be capable of firing Leeds to safety next season, so they should undoubtedly pursue a deal if Roma are willing to sell.

AC Milan have been dealt a significant blow with Mike Maignan set to miss their next match after sustaining another calf injury. The issue, which forced him off during the win against Bologna, adds to a worrying pattern for the Frenchman, who has now missed 54 games since joining the Rossoneri, raising questions over the club's summer transfer strategy.

• Allegri rules Maignan out of Udinese clash with 'dangerous' calf problem

  Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed goalkeeper Maignan will miss the club's next match against Udinese after sustaining a right calf strain. The French international was forced off in the 56th minute of Milan's 1-0 victory over Bologna on Sunday and was seen leaving San Siro on crutches, according to . Allegri confirmed the blow post-match, expressing caution over the recurring nature of the injury. 

  "I don't think Mike will be in Udine because his calf is dangerous," he said. "The important thing is to work as a team like tonight, then even in difficult situations it's important to have this right spirit, one small step at a time."

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  Maignan's concerning injury record reveals worrying pattern

  The latest setback adds to a troubling injury history for Maignan since he joined the Rossoneri. The strain is to the same right calf that has caused him significant issues in the past, most notably in the 2022-23 season when complications kept him sidelined for 31 matches between September and February. In total, the France No.1 has now missed 54 games through various injuries since his arrival in Milan, a figure that starkly contrasts with other top Serie A goalkeepers. 

  The news soured what was otherwise a positive evening for Milan, who secured three points thanks to Luka Modric's first goal for the club. The 40-year-old midfielder fired home in the 61st minute to seal the 1-0 win. However, the victory proved costly, as defender Strahinja Pavlovic was also substituted with a hip flexor strain, leaving Allegri with two new injury concerns to manage.

• Milan may regret rejecting Chelsea's summer approach

  Maignan's persistent fitness issues will undoubtedly raise questions over Milan's decision to block his potential transfer to Chelsea in the summer. The Premier League club were reportedly on the verge of signing the goalkeeper before Allegri's arrival, with the new head coach insisting the club pull the plug on the deal to make Maignan a central part of his project. With the keeper once again facing a spell on the sidelines, the club may now be questioning the wisdom of retaining a player with such a problematic injury record.

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  What next for Milan as Terracciano steps up?

  In Maignan's absence, 35-year-old veteran Pietro Terracciano is set to deputise. The summer signing made his club debut after replacing the Frenchman against Bologna and is now in line to start against Udinese at the weekend and likely in the subsequent Coppa Italia fixture against Lecce. With Milan not competing in Europe this season, the lighter fixture schedule may provide some relief as the club awaits a full prognosis on the length of Maignan's absence.

Heung-min Son’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur was confirmed on Wednesday night, closing the curtain on what has been an incredible decade at the club for the South Korean.

He joined the Lilywhites from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2015, with no supporter able to predict the successful spell enjoyed in the first team in North London.

The forward made over 450 appearances for the club, scoring 173 times, a tally that puts him fourth in the club’s all-time highest goalscoring list – joining former teammate Harry Kane in the top five.

However, it was undoubtedly the perfect time to depart the club, helping them end their 17-year wait for a trophy by claiming the Europa League title last season.

There’s no doubt he will be a huge miss, leaving a huge hole in the attacking department, which could see boss Thomas Frank delve into the transfer market in the coming days.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Real Madrid star Rodrygo has been strongly touted with a move to join Spurs this summer, after he was made available for transfer by new boss Xabi Alonso.

It’s been reported in recent days that the Lilywhites are preparing an opening offer to land the 24-year-old, who scored 14 times for the Spanish giants last season.

However, he’s not the only Brazilian currently on their radar, with Manchester City star Savinho a player they’re considering, according to GIVEMESPORT.

Their report claims no bid has yet been made for the 21-year-old, but Frank’s side have held internal talks for the forward, who registered 14 combined goals and assists in 2024/25.

It also states the player may fall down the pecking order at the Etihad throughout the upcoming campaign, which could see the attacker, who’s valued at £61m by FootballTransfers, depart Pep Guardiola’s side.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be the perfect Son & Kulu hybrid

Despite Son’s departure from Spurs, new boss Frank will be hoping to rely upon Dejan Kulusevski within the final third this season, with the Swede able to continue his tremendous form from the 2024/25 campaign.

The 25-year-old has had injury struggles in recent times and is expected to miss the start of the new campaign, but could prove to be a vital option if the side are to rise up the table in the near future.

The Swede registered 21 combined goals and assists in his 50 outings for the club last season, subsequently offering a versatile option within the attacking areas for the Lilywhites.

He can operate off either flank or in a number 10 position, something which could prove to be useful after it was confirmed James Maddison needed surgery on his ACL injury.

Savinho could also prove to be another key option, having similar levels of adaptability, able to feature across the frontline, which could see him be a suitable replacement for the outgoing South Korean.

He’s been labelled as a similar player to both Son and Kulusevski by FBref, managing to outperform the pair in numerous key areas – showcasing why he’d be such an excellent addition this window.

Savinho, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by current boss Guardiola, completed more passes into the opposition box per 90, along with a higher tally of key passes – showcasing the creativity he possesses in attacking areas.

He also notched more progressive carries per 90, with more of his dribbles with the ball going into the 18-yard box, adding another direct option to Frank’s already potent front line.

The Brazilian achieved a better take-on success rate and completed more crosses per 90, arguably being the perfect blend of the departed Son and current first-team star Kulusevski.

It’s unclear how much City would be demanding to part ways with the 21-year-old this summer, but it’s clear that he would be an excellent option for Frank in his quest for success in North London.

If he can replicate the levels produced by the aforementioned duo at the Lilywhites, he will certainly be a fan favourite and one that can add a new dimension to the club’s attacking department.

The next Maddison: Spurs preparing approach for "exceptional" £22m talent

Tottenham Hotspur are set to make a move for a new attacking midfielder for Thomas Frank.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 6, 2025