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Chelsea have now entered negotiations over a deal to sign a rapid new centre-back, and an opening offer is set to be made within weeks.

Blues looking to sign new centre-back despite Cahill comments

With Levi Colwill suffering an ACL injury back in August, the Blues’ offer centre-back options have had to step up to the plate this season, and Gary Cahill has been very impressed with their performances, so much so that he believes his former club don’t need to sign a new defender.

Cahill said: “There has been a lot of noise around this for a long time, but I think the lads that are there are doing a very good job of proving that they don’t need to add to this position,”

“I’ve been very impressed with Wesley Fofana since he’s come back. Touch wood that he stays fit.

“Trevoh Chalobah: look at the job he’s been doing – he’s a bit of an unsung hero. Trevoh is probably the most underappreciated player at Chelsea.

However, while a senior centre-back may not be required, BlueCo are always keen to bring in exciting up-and-coming prospects, and they have now entered negotiations over a deal for Gremio defender Luis Eduardo.

That is according to a report from AS (via Sport Witness), which states Chelsea have now entered talks to sign Eduardo, alongside Premier League rivals Manchester United, with opening offers set to be made in the coming weeks.

The Blues are now trying to ‘accelerate’ their pursuit of the centre-back, given that scouts have been left impressed with his performances, with the 17-year-old well-known for his pace, having reached 38 km/h for Gremio earlier this year.

The speedster has a €60m (£53m) release clause included in his contract with the Brazilian club, although it is unclear whether BlueCo would be willing to shell out such a big fee on a very young player.

Chelsea now ready to trigger £44m release clause for "unstoppable" striker

The Blues are looking to sign a new centre-forward, who has been in fantastic form so far this season.

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 30, 2025

Luis Eduardo impressing at youth level

The teenager is yet to establish himself as a regular starter for Gremio, having made just one appearance for the senior team, but he has put in some eye-catching performances for both club and country at youth level.

Despite being a centre-back, the Corrente-born ace managed to score two goals in seven appearances for Gremio U20s in 2025, while he has also netted three goals in 13 appearances for Brazil U17s.

Eduardo could be one for the future, but Cahill is correct in his assessment that Chelsea don’t need to worry about bringing in a new centre-back anytime soon, given Chalobah’s recent form, most recently netting the opening goal in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Enzo Maresca also has Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile at his disposal as back-up options, and with Colwill still to return, the manager is well-stocked at centre-back.

The baseball card of the year, Paul Skenes's one-of-one rookie debut patch autograph, has a surprise new owner. The card was pulled by an 11-year-old collector who received a hobby box of Topps' Chrome Update product as a Christmas present.

Although the Pittsburgh Pirates put out a strong bounty for the card's finder, the collector decided to auction the card through Fanatics Collectibles. The auction recently ended with a $1.11 million sale, netting more than Skenes's $875,000 salary in 2025.

The buyer was later revealed as sporting-goods chain Dick's, who plans to make the card available to the Pittsburgh community by displaying it at their "House of Sport" store at Ross Park mall.

"Acquiring the Paul Skenes MLB Debut Patch card enables us to celebrate his incredible talent while giving our athletes a unique opportunity to experience a piece of baseball history up close," Dick's executive chairman Ed Stack said in a statement. "We're thrilled to bring this special card home and display it in our Pittsburgh House of Sport store where it can inspire the next generation of athletes and collectors."

The card features the patch that Skenes wore on his jersey sleeve during his Major League debut, making it a one-of-a-kind artifact for baseball fans. The Pirates offered season tickets for 30 years, to host a softball game at PNC Park, two autographed jerseys and a meet and greet with Skenes for the card. Skenes's girlfriend Livvy Dunne upped the ante by chipping in a spot in her luxury suite at a Pirates game.

Pittsburgh wanted the card. Ultimately, it ends up in the city. Just in a roundabout way.

MLS owners have reportedly taken their first concrete step toward identifying a successor to Commissioner Don Garber, convening a small, closed-door “succession committee” ahead of last week’s Board of Governors meeting, according to the Sports Business Journal. The group held its initial session with Garber in attendance as it began outlining early plans for the league’s future leadership.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Succession committee holds inaugural meeting

  A newly formed succession committee held its first closed-door meeting last Wednesday in Palm Beach, Florida, prior to the league’s full Board of Governors gathering the following day, per the SBJ report. The committee — tasked with planning for senior leadership transitions, including Commissioner Don Garber’s eventual replacement — is being co-chaired by LAFC’s Bennett Rosenthal and Columbus Crew’s Jimmy Haslam.

  Additional committee members include Jonathan Kraft of the New England Revolution, Oliver Mintzlaff of the New York Red Bulls, and John Ingram of Nashville SC. Garber himself attended the inaugural session, according to the report, underscoring his involvement in the early stages of the succession planning process.

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  Timing coincides with calendar shift and Garber’s contract

  The formation of the succession committee comes at a significant moment for MLS, which recently approved a major shift to a summer-to-spring calendar that will align the league with top European competitions. This calendar change complicates the timing of Garber's current contract, which is scheduled to expire at the end of the 2027 season – a date that would now fall midway through the 2027-28 campaign under the new calendar format.

  League officials have not clarified whether Garber's contract expiration date has been adjusted to accommodate this calendar shift. The commissioner, who has led MLS since 1999, has not publicly indicated whether he intends to remain beyond his current agreement.

• Getty Images Entertainment
  

  Deputy commissioner's retirement adds context

  The succession committee's first meeting occurred just one day after MLS Deputy Commissioner Gary Stevenson announced his plans to retire following next summer's FIFA World Cup.

  The succession planning process appears to be part of a comprehensive strategic review that began in late summer 2025, which league spokesperson Dan Courtemanche described as focused on improving the league’s structure.

  “Major League Soccer is currently engaged in a comprehensive, league-wide strategic planning process led by Commissioner Garber together with a committee of MLS owners and an external consulting firm,” Courtemanche told SBJ. “This process, which began in late summer 2025, is focused on strengthening the league’s organizational structure and preparing MLS for the opportunities and challenges that come with being a growing sports league.

  “Like is the case with most high-performance organizations, this work includes broad, long-term succession planning for senior leadership positions, along with a holistic review of organizational design and operational effectiveness across the league office.”

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  Garber approaches milestone

  As the succession committee begins its work, Garber is approaching his 27th year as commissioner, having guided MLS from its financially precarious early days to its current position as a stable, expanding league with 30 franchises across the United States and Canada.

Liverpool will surely need to make some sales this summer to balance the books for all their incomings.

The Reds have splashed the cash already this summer, signing Jeremie Frimpong and lining up some more expensive moves, including a deal to sign Florian Wirtz for what Fabrizio Romano reports as £128m.

To make room and raise funds for other signings, FSG may well have to sell a couple of key first-team players. One man who has recently been linked with a move is Cody Gakpo, who Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg said is on the list for Bayern Munich, a club looking for a new winger.

Selling someone like Gakpo could free up funds, and means they’d need to sign a new winger to replace him.

Liverpool's new left-winger target

It would be a huge move for the Reds if Gakpo departed Anfield. It certainly seems as though his potential move to the German champions is one to keep an eye on, although it is not a guarantee, as there are a few targets in their sights.

Transfer Focus

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

However, if Arne Slot’s side are to lose Gakpo this summer, then it seems like they are already lining up his replacement.

According to a report from DaveOCKOP, Liverpool are ‘in active contact’ to sign Anthony Gordon this summer. He was a player they chased in 2024, but a move never materialised.

Liverpool’s ‘interest in the England international has persisted’ this summer, and they could now spend the £80m fee to sign him. At least, that is how much TEAMtalk suggested he is worth back in May. It seems likely that is how much he would cost the Reds.

Why Gordon would be a good signing

If the Reds were to bring Gordon to the club this summer, he would be joining on the back of some fine form for Newcastle in 2024/25. He impressed last season, described as an “exceptional” player by football scout Antonio Mango.

Last term for the Magpies, the England international played 42 games across all competitions, scoring nine goals and grabbing seven assists. In the Premier League, he bagged six goals and created the same amount, featuring in 34 games.

Who can forget his contributions for the Magpies in the Carabao Cup? Gordon assisted in the quarter final and scored in both legs of the semi-final against Arsenal to send Eddie Howe’s side to Wembley. That was a game they won, beating Liverpool 2-1, but the winger was suspended after picking up a red card in the Premier League.

It seems as though Gordon would be a direct replacement for Gakpo if he were to depart Anfield for the Allianz Arena this summer. He certainly impressed under Slot last term, helping Liverpool win their second Premier League title.

The Eindhoven-born winger, who joined the Reds from PSV, played 35 top-flight games and contributed ten goals and five assists in their title-winning season. Three of those goal involvements came at Anfield against Ipswich Town in a 4-1 win.

So, whilst Gakpo had a strong campaign in the 2024/25 season, there are stats, via FBref, to suggest that Gordon could be an upgrade on the Dutchman.

For example, the Magpies’ star averaged 1.89 key passes and 4.48 progressive carries per 90 minutes, compared to 1.77 key passes and 2.74 progressive carries each game from Gakpo.

Those numbers suggest that Gordon will add much more of a creative influence than the Liverpool number 18, and more dynamism and forward thinking when carrying the ball. He will add a whole new dynamic to an already deadly attack.

The £80m fee is an expensive one, but the Reds would need a replacement for Gakpo if he departs. Thus, signing Gordon could be the perfect move, a huge upgrade in many ways.

He'd be elite alongside Wirtz: £130m star is now Liverpool's no.1 target

Liverpool may not be done with their big spending yet

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 18, 2025

As speculation continues to arrive about Sandro Tonali’s future, Newcastle United are reportedly in pole position to sign a midfield star who could replace the impressive Italian.

Juventus interested in Sandro Tonali

When Newcastle were without Tonali at the start of the season, it showed. Eddie Howe’s side struggled in pursuit of Champions League qualification and were lacking that added power in the middle of the park. Ever since the return of the Italian, however, the Magpies have dominated the majority of their midfield battles and formed quite the trio between Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

The perfect blend of combative midfielders and those who have the ability to step onto the front foot, not many can stand in the way of Newcastle’s bulldozing midfield three at their best.

As a result, interest was always likely to arrive with reports in Italy now indicating that Juventus are interested in signing Tonali in this summer’s transfer window. The Italian giants are seemingly looking to bring the midfielder back to the Serie A for the first time since he left AC Milan in what should send alarm bells ringing around St James’ Park.

Jamie Carragher has been among those to praise the Newcastle midfielder this season, even including him in his Monday Night Football Team of the Season. The Sky Sports pundit said when asked why: “I went for Tonali because Newcastle look like they are going to finish third in the Premier League.

Better than Mbeumo: Newcastle make "terrifyingly good" £67m ace a key target

Newcastle are in the market for a new winger, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo among those being mooted.

By
Joe Nuttall

May 28, 2025

“I don’t think many people would have predicted that. They’ve won a trophy for the first time in 70 years. But they actually made a poor start to the season. I don’t think their season turned around until Eddie Howe put him [Tonali] in the holding role.”

Of course, it remains to be seen whether Tonali will give into the temptation of Italy, but it seems as though Newcastle have a much-needed plan in place nonetheless.

Newcastle now leading race to sign Matteo Guendouzi

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now leading the race to sign Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio this summer. The former Arsenal midfielder is reportedly valued at just €40m (£34m) and could now be on his way back to the Premier League if Tonali decides to leave St James’ Park.

Not only does Guendouzi progress play better than Tonali, he has also outperformed the impressive Guimaraes in that department. Since leaving the Premier League with a whimper, the Frenchman has simply discovered another level to his game.

Earning plenty of praise ever since his time at the Emirates, football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed Guendouzi a “fantastic signing” by Marseille in 2021 and the midfielder has only proved to be equally as fantastic at Lazio.

In a move that would certainly steal headlines, Manchester United are now reportedly preparing to hijack Arsenal’s move to sign a clinical goalscorer who has already received an offer from the Gunners.

Strikers Man Utd could sign this summer

Since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo after his second stint at the club, Manchester United have needed a striker. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have both arrived in an attempt to ease that problem, but there remains little sign that either of those two arrivals will become the attacking solution that Ruben Amorim so desperately needs at Old Trafford.

Involved in a combined eight goals between them in the Premier League this season, it’s clearer than ever that Manchester United must overhaul their attacking options when the summer arrives.

On that front, INEOS are already seemingly preparing to do exactly that. Both Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap have found themselves on Manchester United’s radar in recent weeks and both could reportedly be on their way to Old Trafford this summer.

INEOS now readying big-money move to sign "underrated" £67m ace for Man Utd

He could replace Bruno Fernandes in the event of the captain’s departure.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 15, 2025

All it takes is one look at their numbers to realise just how much of an upgrade they’d be compared to Hojlund and Zirkzee. Whilst the United duo have managed eight contributions between them, Cunha has managed 15 goals and six assists, whilst Delap has scored 11 goals and created another two in the Premier League this season.

It is also worth noting that Manchester United could set their sights even higher if they qualify for the Champions League by beating Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final next week. And that could see the Red Devils pursue a move to sign a 52-goal star for Amorim this summer.

Man Utd preparing late Gyokeres hijack

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are now preparing a bid to sign Viktor Gyokeres ahead of Arsenal, despite reports that the Gunners have already tabled an offer worth £9m-a-year to the Swede and their deal is at an advanced stage. Having worked so successfully with Gyokeres at Sporting Club, however, Amorim may still hold hope that United can pull off what would be a shock hijack.

Praised for an “insane” free-kick by analyst Ben Matinson, ifCunha and Delap’s numbers were impressive, then Gyokeres’ are otherworldly. The Sporting star has scored a stunning 52 goals throughout the current campaign and now looks destined for a big move when the summer arrives.

Whether Manchester United are in a position to afford such a player is the big question. Previous reports have suggested that Gyokeres will cost as much as £64m this summer. If that is the case and the Red Devils fail to qualify for the Champions League against Tottenham next week, then the deal may be considered off the table for all involved at Old Trafford.

Over the years, the Chelsea fanbase has been blessed to witness countless strikers who have catapulted them to various levels of success in the Premier League.

Didier Drogba is arguably the club’s best-ever talisman, registering over 100 goals for the Blues over two separate spells at Stamford Bridge, including the equaliser in their Champions League triumph back in 2012.

The Ivorian cemented himself in the club’s history forever with such a moment, with his move from Marseille back in 2004 undoubtedly going down as one of the best in their history.

However, in the present day, the Blues lack that focal point at the top end of the pitch, with Enzo Maresca unable to rely on Nicolas Jackson, as seen in the defeat against Newcastle United last weekend.

As a result, groundwork has already been laid for possible additions, with the centre-forward positions likely to be the number one priority for the hierarchy.

The latest in Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, Chelsea have been linked with a move for a whole host of attackers, as Maresca looks to make his mark on the current first-team squad.

Liam Delap has been the main name mentioned, with Lille talisman Jonathan David also on their shortlist, with his contract at the Ligue 1 outfit set to expire at the end of June.

However, despite the links with the aforementioned duo, another name has been thrown into the mix, in the form of RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, according to TEAMtalk.

Their report claims that the Blues have already been in talks with the player’s agents over a move for the 21-year-old, who’s managed to net 21 goals across all competitions throughout 2024/25.

It also states that the hierarchy in West London view the Slovenian international as the ‘perfect transfer target’ and an upgrade on the currently suspended Jackson.

Why Chelsea’s latest target would be an upgrade on Osimhen

Despite the links to Leipzig’s Sesko in recent days, another name has emerged as a potential target, in the form of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who looks set to leave the Serie A side this summer.

The Nigerian is currently spending the year on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray after dropping down the pecking order after the appointment of former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte last summer.

His record of 24 goals in just 28 league games this campaign would undoubtedly add a different dimension to the Blues’ attack, handing Maresca the goal threat he desires.

However, any deal for the 26-year-old would set the hierarchy back £60m, with multiple other Premier League clubs also in the race for his signature this summer.

As a result, Maresca’s men would be better to prioritise a move for Sesko this summer, with the forward being a better option for the side based on the stats he’s produced to date.

The Leipzig star, who’s been labelled the “next Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has managed to post a higher shot on target accuracy rate – highlighting his clinical ability in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more passes per 90, whilst achieving a higher take-on success rate, handing Maresca an all-round threat within attacking areas – something which current option Jackson has struggled to do as of late.

The biggest asset Sesko possesses is his aerial ability, winning more of the aerials he’s entered, allowing the club to improve on their current record, which has seen them achieve just a 22% successful cross accuracy this campaign.

Both players would undoubtedly hand the club added reinforcements in their quest for Premier League glory, allowing one of them to emulate the success endured by Drogba at the Bridge.

However, if they are to reach the next level under Maresca, Sesko is the man they should target, with his figures making him a better fit and solving their current striker woes in West London.

He's worse than Jackson: Chelsea must axe their "total waste of money"

Chelsea must sell this “waste of money” who is even worse than Nicolas Jackson.

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By
Dan Emery

May 12, 2025

There has been a positive development regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of an “incredible” Premier League player, courtesy of Sky Sports.

Newcastle eyeing signings amid Champions League push

The Magpies are tantalisingly close to sealing a return to the Champions League, and victory at home to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon would be a massive step in the right direction.

It will allow Newcastle to sign top-quality players in the summer transfer window, with Girona midfielder Yangel Herrera mentioned as a potential option at the end of the season. He has averaged 2.2 tackles per game in La Liga in 2024/25 to date, which is more than any Magpies player has managed in the Premier League.

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has also been linked with a move to St James’ Park many times throughout this season, as Eddie Howe looks to bring in an elite right-sided attacking option.

The 25-year-old is reportedly Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell’s dream summer target, a claim which has been reinforced multiple times with updates this week confirming the Cameroonian is the Magpies’ “ideal” target because they want a player who can both deputise for Alexander Isak and start on the right wing.

Newcastle boosted as Brentford open to selling Mbeumo

According to a new update from Sky Sports, Brentford are now ready to “listen to offers” for Newcastle target Mbeumo this summer, acting as a boost for the Magpies. The Bees’ valuation of the Cameroonian is “thought to be in excess of £60m”, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham also credited with interest in the report.

Mbeumo is such an exciting player, possessing the dangerous ability to cut in from the right onto his deadly left foot, scoring 18 times in 35 Premier League appearances this season – better than a goal every two games.

The Cameroonian has been one of the best and most consistent attacking players in the country, with Brentford boss Thomas Frank lauding him and fellow attacker Yoane Wissa’s goalscoring ability: “That’s an incredible achievement from the two of them. All praise due the two of them for the hard work, how much they push, and then of course to my staff, and then I think a little bit to the way we play.”

At 25, Mbeumo is also still a relatively young footballer, with his prime years likely to come soon, so Newcastle could be signing at the perfect point in his career.

With all due respect to Jacob Murphy, who has had a fantastic campaign, the Magpies still need to look for a younger upgrade on him, turning him into a squad player instead.

Newcastle confident of signing "fantastic" £15m ace who scouts have watched

It would be a key signing in an important area of the pitch.

By
Henry Jackson

May 9, 2025

In Mbeumo, Newcastle could have the perfect option to make up a devastating attacking unit alongside Anthony Gordon and Isak, and qualifying for the Champions League will only increase their chances of signing him.

Liverpool are in the market for elite talent this summer and could now be prepared to take a step closer to landing one of their priority targets, according to a report.

Liverpool's summer begins with Alexander-Arnold bombshell

Despite a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, you would be hard-pressed to find too much discontent among Liverpool supporters following their Premier League title triumph.

That discontent may have increased ever so slightly however with the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold is joining Real Madrid. Albeit a poorly kept secret, the official confirmation on Monday to follow on from Sunday’s result certainly suggests that Arne Slot has some work to do in the summer window.

According to reports, Liverpool could replace Darwin Nunez with Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui. Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is also on the agenda, but the Italy international may be a more affordable alternative at £50 million.

Despite potentially costing £100 million, the Reds are also keen on a swoop for Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, even if Manchester City and the Magpies also remain in pursuit of the Three Lions international.

From a Liverpool perspective, their remaining three Premier League matches are dead rubbers. Pride is at stake, though there is a wider acknowledgement that changes are set to engulf the squad this summer.

Not just Quansah: Slot must axe Liverpool dud who made just 4 passes

Liverpool fell to a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, with one player failing to impress.

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By
Ethan Lamb

May 4, 2025

Excitement is in the air as FSG prepare to spend a considerable chunk on fresh blood, while departures are likely to unfold in the other direction to streamline Slot’s talented group of players.

With anticipation building ahead of a big window for all involved, Liverpool could now take one step closer to signing a talented import from one of Europe’s top-five leagues.

Liverpool prepare offer for Xavi Simons

According to Empire of the Kop, Liverpool are preparing a £51.1 million offer to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, though his current employers are more likely to sell the 26-cap Netherlands international for between £59.6 million and £68.1 million.

Labelled “amazing” by Dani Olmo, the former Barcelona star has registered ten goals and eight assists in 31 appearances across all competitions this season – the exact same number of created goals as Alexander-Arnold this term.

Intriguingly, Liverpool’s case to land Simons could be helped if RB Leipzig fail to qualify for the Champions League between now and the end of the campaign.

Capable of playing on either flank, in central midfield or behind the striker, Slot is confident that his large Dutch contingent of players could convince the Amsterdam-born man to make a move to Merseyside.

Versatility and end product from midfield are Simons’ main attributes, and he could now be destined for a shot at Premier League stardom as part of a Liverpool side that aims to conquer all in years to come. Now, it remains to be seen whether they can negotiate a package that suits all parties once the window opens.

Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta are reportedly bursting into the race to sign a marquee Brazil star, with talks over a new contract at his club now hitting a key roadblock.

Arsenal now targeting left-winger, right-winger and striker this summer

Mikel Arteta and the Gunners are in need of fresh options in the final third.

David Ornstein: Arsenal believe they've now signed "world-class" player

The Gunners are convinced it is inevitable.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 25, 2025

Leandro Trossard’s deal expires in 2026, and there has been little sign of a renewal at the Emirates Stadium so far, making the Belgian’s long-term future uncertain. Meanwhile, The Athletic have reported recently that winger Gabriel Martinelli is no longer considered untouchable if the right offer comes in.

Arteta’s side also struggled to replace star forward Bukayo Saka when the England international was out for an extensive period through injury, potentially prompting Arsenal to hold talks with Nico Williams’ representatives ahead of the summer.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reporting earlier this month that direct communication was held via the player’s representatives.

Bayern will allow Coman to leave for around £30 million (Ben Jacobs), so he could be a very realistic option for Berta and Arteta as the club look to sign a left-winger, right-winger and prolific striker (GiveMeSport).

Arsenal emerge as "strong contenders" to sign Barcelona star Raphinha

Now, according to CaughtOffside, Barcelona star Raphinha is emerging as a potential target.

The Brazilian has been a revelation under Hansi Flick this season, bagging 30 goals and 23 assists in all competitions and playing a key role with Barca on course to beat Real Madrid to the La Liga title.

Raphinha will face off against Real in the Copa del Rey finalon Saturday night, but while he prepares for one of Barca’s most important games of the campaign, Arsenal are lurking in the background.

It is believed the former Leeds star and his club have failed to reach an agreement on a new contract so far, and Raphinha will need to lower his wage demands if they’re to reach a compromise on fresh terms.

This has alerted Berta and co, with Arsenal now “strong contenders” to sign Raphinha if the Catalans are forced to sell. However, Flick’s side will still demand a premium to sell their superstar player – which could be up to £77 million.

The 28-year-old would be the ideal signing for Arteta, as he’s able to play on either flank and through the middle, but Barça are very unlikely to let him leave without a serious fight.

Raphinha also earns around £206,000-per-week, and if he demands more, the attacker would comfortably be among Arteta’s highest earners and put further pressure on the club’s wage bill.