All posts by n8rngtd.top

Russell Martin and his Glasgow Rangers players are already hard at work in pre-season as they prepare for their European qualifier later this month.

The new Gers head coach will be looking to progress through to the next round of Champions League qualifiers, and will want the best possible squad available to him at Ibrox.

Max Aarons and Lyall Cameron have already been added to the team during the summer transfer window so far, but the Light Blues will not stop there.

According to Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam, central midfielder Joe Rothwell turned down LaLiga teams to join Scottish Premiership giants on a permanent deal.

The former Bournemouth star has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Ibrox and could make his debut against Panathinaikos later this month.

What Joe Rothwell could bring to Rangers

Rothwell will bring an experienced head in the middle of the park that Rangers do not currently have. Nicolas Raskin (24), Mohamed Diomande (23), Bailey Rice (18), and Connor Barron (22) currently make up Martin’s midfield ranks.

This means that the 30-year-old maestro, who has played 204 games in the English Championship, could be a mentor to the younger players in the squad, and give valuable advice to the likes of Barron and Rice, as he has been there and done at a good level in the game.

The midfield whiz, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Leeds United, will also offer quality in possession through his impressive passing range.

Rothwell is a metronomic midfielder who likes to constantly get on the ball to progress play for his team with progressive passes and passes into the final third, helping to create chances for his teammates.

As you can see in the table above, the experienced star provided plenty of quality on the ball in the 2024/25 Championship campaign with Leeds, who won the title to secure promotion to the Premier League.

He played in a ball-dominant title-winning side and showcased his ability to consistently progress play and create chances in the middle of the park, which suggests that he could thrive in a ball-dominant Russell Martin team chasing the Premiership title.

Whilst Rothwell, who is also capable of scoring screamers, looks set to be a terrific addition to the squad, Rangers are eyeing another midfielder who could be an even better signing.

Rangers in the race to sign former Liverpool gem

According to Liverpool-focused outlet DaveOCKOP, Rangers are one of a number of teams in the race to sign RB Salzburg central midfielder Bobby Clark in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that Liverpool could be due a sell-on clause fee as a result of the English starlet moving on from the Austrian side this summer, just a year on from his Anfield exit for a fee of £10m.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that Rangers, Leicester, West Brom, Sunderland, Koln, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hamburg, Birmingham, Leicester, and Southampton are all eyeing up a move for the midfield talent.

DaveOCKOP reveals that the former Newcastle United youth prospect is expected to look for a fresh opportunity to play elsewhere next season, and that there is a concrete chance that he will leave Salzburg.

However, it currently remains to be seen how much of the £10m that was paid for him last summer Rangers would need to pay to secure his services.

Why Rangers should sign Bobby Clark

The Scottish giants should push to win the race for the English midfielder this summer because he could be an even better signing for the club than Rothwell in the long run.

Clark is ten years younger than the signing from Bournemouth, at the age of 20, and this means that he has far more potential, both in terms of development and his viability as a long-term option for Martin in midfield.

If the Gers can land a deal for the Salzburg youngster, he could be a starting option in the middle of the park for the next decade if all goes well, whereas Rothwell is heading into the latter stages of his playing career.

Clark is not the finished article in the present, like Rothwell, though, after he only started seven of his 17 appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga last season, but he did show a lot of promise in the OFB Cup, the domestic cup in Austria.

As you can see in the table above, the English midfielder thrived as a starter in the cup across two appearances in the competition, creating eight chances and winning a staggering 30 duels.

Whilst it is an incredibly small sample size, it does show the kind of quality that he could provide if Martin is able to help him take the next step in his development after failing to earn regular starts with Salzburg.

Clark, who was hailed as “exciting” by reporter Lee Ryder, also showed a lot of promise during his time at Liverpool, with one goal and two assists in 14 first-team appearances for the Premier League giants, which earned him a £10m move to Austria.

The 20-year-old gem produced 18 goals and 11 assists in 64 games for Liverpool’s U18 and U21 sides combined, further illustrating the kind of attacking quality he can provide at his best.

As dispensable as Propper: English club submit bid to sign Rangers flop

Rangers have received an offer for a player who should be as dispensable as Robin Propper.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 2, 2025

Therefore, Clark could be an even better signing than Rothwell because he could be an incredibly exciting midfield talent if Martin can unlock his immense potential as a dynamic, attack-minded, midfielder, who still has many, many, years left ahead of him to develop and improve.

Leeds United’s summer transfer business is now in full swing.

Lukas Nmecha is their first official surprise capture, with the news coming out of the blue that the former Manchester City striker will link up with Daniel Farke’s men after his Wolfsburg contract expired.

The newly promoted Whites don’t look to be content with just Nmecha joining the building to improve their attacking potency, however, with Leeds chasing down the services of Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz as well.

Leeds enter advanced talks for £29m striker

It remains to be seen whether the club’s pursuit of Muniz goes on to be a success story – considering Fulham have already turned down a whopping £32m approach.

However, Leeds are now reportedly setting their sights elsewhere in attempting to further bolster their centre-forward options.

As per a new report from Sky Italia – which has been relayed by Sport Witness – Leeds have now submitted a significant bid in the £29m range for the services of US Lecce star Nikola Krstovic.

The report states that Krstovic may need some convincing to relocate to England, with the Serie A hotshot perhaps waiting it out, instead of jumping at the Whites’ advances, for a move to come his way up the Italian top division.

At this stage, however, no Serie A outfit has expressed an interest in the Montenegro international, with Leeds perhaps in the driver’s seat now over a deal if their bid is to be believed.

How Krstovic compares to Nmecha & Muniz

Amazingly, despite just landing Nmecha, Leeds could win an instant upgrade on the German by the 25-year-old’s arrival through the door.

Moreover, if the Cottagers aren’t willing to budge on Muniz, Krstovic might be deemed as a dream alternative to the pricey Brazilian, with the Lecce number 9 a constant source of entertainment in Serie A last season.

Between them last campaign in league action, Nmecha and Muniz powered home a combined 11 goals, with the in-demand Fulham man doing a lot of the heavy lifting with a hefty eight coming from him alone.

Krstovic would manage that amount just on his own when leading the line for Lecce in Serie A, whilst also managing to find himself on the scoresheet in Coppa Italia action for his relegation-threatened outfit.

Of course, the Lecce attacker did start a lot more games for his Italian employers last season in the league, but when it comes to looking at all their respective statistics side-by-side, only one individual looks ready to lead the line for Leeds week in week out, and that’s Krstovic.

The 25-year-old immediately sticks out with more goals and assists next to his name, but when you delve even deeper, he also shines brighter when winning more duels on average and also creating more big chances as a valued teammate.

Additionally, the Serie A gem wouldn’t feel too fazed by the prospect of being a marksman that Leeds have to rely on to push to safety, with a remarkable 11 of Lecce’s 27 overall league strikes last season – as the Italian minnows just finished above the relegation zone in 17th – coming courtesy of the dangerous Montenegrin.

For £3m cheaper than Muniz, it’s a no-brainer to go after this striker target instead of chasing after the expensive Fulham man, with Krstovic even previously being hailed as possessing a “hunger for goals” by one of his former bosses in Roberto D’Aversa.

Firpo replacement: Leeds now keen to sign UCL star who's "likely to leave"

Junior Firpo is set to leave the club at the end of the month.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 19, 2025

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

Chelsea are set for a hectic next few days, as they attempt to take advantage of this unique registration period and sign new players before the June 10 deadline.

Chelsea attempting winger signing before Club World Cup

Despite reported talks for targets in other positions, there is a belief among some reliable media sources that Chelsea hold a serious desire to upgrade their wide options after completing a deal for Liam Delap.

£80m forward clear he wants to join Chelsea with "positive talks" held

Enzo Maresca’s side are very active in the market right now.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 6, 2025

Chelsea haven’t given up on signing AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, who’s told the Rossoneri he wants a move to Stamford Bridge, but plans to bring in a winger have also been accelerated after the departure of Jadon Sancho.

Sancho returns to Man United after Chelsea failed to agree personal terms with the £300,000-per-week forward, and they will now pay a £5 million penalty fee to Ruben Amorim’s side after opting out of the obligation to buy in his contract.

This leaves Maresca a wide-man short, and Myhkailo Mudryk also remains ineligible due to his on-field ban for failing a drugs test.

“Chelsea’s next priority after Liam Delap is a right-footed left winger,” said reliable journalist Ben Jacobs on X this week.

“Alejandro Garnacho, Nico Williams and Jamie Gittens are three names under consideration. The desire to add another winger is more with Mykhailo Mudryk’s absence in mind. Process likely to take time regardless of the outcome.

“Another forward is also possible as Christopher Nkunku is expected to leave. This could be another number nine, despite faith in Nicolas Jackson. Or it could be a versatile attacking midfielder. Chelsea will be opportunistic should Morgen Rogers become available, but Aston Villa have no intention to sell even with a tight PSR position.”

Movement has occurred behind-the-scenes in Chelsea’s pursuit of some targets, mainly Williams and Gittens.

Chelsea have informed Williams’ agents that they’re prepared to pay his £50 million release clause, and have been pushing for Gittens as an alternative to the Spain winger recently (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea propose swap deal in discussions for Mohammed Kudus

According to reports from the last 24 hours, Maresca’s side do have another option – West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian’s contract includes an £85 million release clause, which becomes active in July, but the Hammers are open to entertaining other offers.

That is according to The Mirror and journalist Ryan Taylor, who report that Chelsea have held talks with West Ham over Kudus. The Blues are said to have proposed a “multi-player-package deal” during these discussions, meaning they’re prepared to use more than one squad member as makeweights to bring the African’s price down.

However, West Ham are not interested in a transfer of this nature, meaning Chelsea may have to go back in with another proposal if they’re to strike a deal for the 24-year-old.

Kudus is widely expected to leave the London Stadium, two years after Chelsea tried to sign him from Ajax in 2023, and despite a mixed 2024/2025, the former Eredivisie starlet has still impressed in flashes during his time at Rush Green.

“He’s a top, top talent and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet,” said teammate Aaron Cresswell.

“I won’t go near him in training because I know if I’m going to try to knock him off the ball. I had better make sure he’s not looking and doesn’t see me coming. You just can’t get near him. He’s so strong, so quick, so sharp.”

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.

1

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.

1

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.

1

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.