All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Whilst Benjamin Sesko continues to steal the headlines, Manchester United have now reportedly joined the race alongside Tottenham Hotspur to sign a teenage sensation.

Newcastle take advantage in Sesko race

Although initial reports indicated that Sesko is likely to favour a move to Manchester United this summer, it is now Newcastle United in the driving seat heading towards the forward’s signature. According to reports, the Magpies have taken pole position and have submitted a bid worth £70m to match RB Leipzig’s price tag.

As Sky Sports’ Keith Downie reported, however, there is still a chance for Manchester United if they decide to match or better Newcastle’s offer. Sesko is still open to both projects and, as ever this summer, there’s still every opportunity for a transfer hijack to take place.

Ruben Amorim would certainly welcome the chance to complete his revamped frontline too. So far, both Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have arrived to kick things off, but it’s clear that the addition of a star striker would truly round things off.

Of course, what may not help their pursuit of Sesko or an alternative option is the fact that Rasmus Hojlund is keen to stay and fight for his place rather than leave to fund his replacement.

He told reporters after scoring in Man United’s 4-1 victory over Bournemouth in pre-season: “The most important [thing] for me is to keep working hard and stay focused and then we’ll see what happens. My plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot.”

Man Utd now chasing teenage sensation

Whilst it won’t steal the same headlines as Sesko, those at Old Trafford are still chasing one particular incoming. According to Expressen, as relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester United are now racing Tottenham Hotspur to sign Kevin Filling from AIK Fotboll.

The 16-year-old talent has impressed the Premier League duo, who are now looking to secure his signature despite the fact that they will be unable to welcome the forward on an official basis until 2028 when he turns 18.

Unlike in the Sesko saga, however, Manchester United could hold a key advantage thanks to INEOS. The United owners also hold a majority stake in FC Lausanne-Sport and they want to sign Filling then send him on loan to the Swedish club.

Most important deal since Bruno: Man Utd make enquiry for "world-class" gem

Manchester United are set to make another key move within this summer’s transfer window.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 2, 2025

In one swift move, INEOS could land a deal that benefits two of their clubs, with those at Old Trafford eventually reaping the rewards by welcoming a player who’s full of potential.

Filling is also a player who has already made his mark on senior football. The teenage gem enjoyed a dream debut for AIK in the Allsvenskan league, scoring in his first game to once again showcase his talent to the likes of Manchester United and Spurs.

Tottenham are working on other targets amid the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.

Thomas Frank will be hoping for a conclusion to the drama fairly soon, given the England international was scheduled to undergo a Hotspur Way medical eight days ago before Forest ultimately blocked the transfer.

Player's camp in talks with Tottenham, Frank convinced he'd join Spurs

The Dane is personally confident they can secure his signature.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2025

They’ve written a letter to both Spurs and the player’s agent threatening legal action, following what they deem to be an unlawful approach for the 25-year-old, and this has put an unceremonious halt to Gibbs-White’s north London switch (Sky Sports).

Nevertheless, Tottenham remain hopeful they’ll eventually get the green-light to make Gibbs-White their fourth signing of the summer after Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus (Fabrizio Romano), even if Forest insist he’s not going anywhere (Sky Sports).

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Chairman Daniel Levy was ready to trigger Gibbs-White’s ‘confidential’ £60 million release clause before Forest stepped in, and they’re not looking for a ‘quick resolution’.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how it plays out from here,” said BBC Radio Nottingham’s Colin Fray.

“Most thought it would be ironed out and the transfer go through. Not many were expecting him back at training and here he is. That is another twist in the story.

“Forest have set their stall out that they aren’t looking for a quick resolution. They want to keep him.”

Amid this messy situation, the Lilywhites do have other plans they’re looking to see through before deadline day on September 1.

Tottenham reportedly want a new holding midfielder and number six. Talks have reportedly been held with Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha’s representatives, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, and it is believed by some that Juventus ace Douglas Luiz is keen on a move to Spurs – just one year after his switch to Turin from Aston Villa.

As well as this, a new centre-back is on the agenda, and Ukraine international Illia Zabarnyi is re-emerging as a top target.

Tottenham ready to pay £60m-plus for Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi

As per Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, via his official website, Tottenham are actively trying for Zabarnyi, despite his eagerness to join European champions PSG.

Di Marzio also reports that Tottenham are ready to pay north of £60 million for Zabarnyi, the amount “requested” by Bournemouth, if they’re given encouragement that the 22-year-old will forego a switch to France in favour of N17.

PSG have seen multiple bids rejected for Zabarnyi, worth up to £52 million, and they’re yet to return with an improved offer. Given Spurs are prepared to go higher and meet Zabarnyi’s asking price, this could open the door for Frank’s side, but it will hinge on the player’s own decision.

The defender has been a rock at the heart of Bournemouth’s defence and played a key role in their chase for European football last season.

“He is probably the most underrated player,” said pundit Jamie Redknapp.

“I also spoke with Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko, and he mentioned that Illia has everything it takes to reach the next level. Everyone is talking about Dean Huijsen. Yes, he is a fantastic young player, but Zabarnyi plays very aggressively in defense as well. I was genuinely impressed by him. He shows remarkable calmness on the pitch.”

Tottenham are continuing to reshape their squad ahead of Thomas Frank’s first full season in charge of the Lilywhites, and it could soon be a case of one in, one out as midfielder Yves Bissouma is told he’s free to go.

Player's camp in talks with Tottenham, Frank convinced he'd join Spurs

The Dane is personally confident they can secure his signature.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2025

Spurs could be forced to sell at least one overseas star this summer due to UEFA Champions League squad rules and their current abundance of non-locally trained players, according to a recent report from the Telegraph, and they have a few options to choose from.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Son Heung-min, Bryan Gil, Manor Solomon, Richarlison and Cristian Romero, alongside Bissouma, have all been linked with moves away from N17 this summer. A couple of them could realistically follow goalkeeper Josh Keeley out of the door, with the Irishman on the verge of a reported £1 million move to Luton Town (Alasdair Gold).

Romero has attracted serious interest from Atlético Madrid for months, even if we’ve seen reports of a move to La Liga die down recently, while both Bryan Gil and Manor Solomon appear to be prime candidates for the chopping block after spending 2024/2025 out on loan elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Richarlison is a wanted man in both Brazil and Saudi Arabia, with journalist Leonardo Lacenda recently reporting that Vasco de Gama president, Pedrinho, personally phoned the striker recently.

“It’s happening! President Pedrinho, accompanied by a member of the Vasco leadership, contacted Richarlison directly through a phone call,” said Lacerda, via Bolavip.

“The goal was to get a closer look at the striker’s situation, as he’s unlikely to remain at Tottenham next season. In addition to Vasco, the striker is attracting interest from Fluminense, Flamengo, and Palmeiras. Two Saudi Arabian clubs have also entered the fray—Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.”

Murmurs of a Son Heung-min exit, after links with a move to Saudi and Los Angeles FC, have gone fairly quiet – but the same cannot be said of Bissouma.

Last week, it was reported that a Fenerbahçe representative flew to London for talks with the midfielder (Yağız Sabuncuoğlu), with the Telegraph stating he’s a likely high-profile sale before deadline day on September 1.

Tottenham tell Yves Bissouma to leave with Joao Palhinha talks held

Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has shared more on the 28-year-old’s future in a piece for TBR Football.

It’s claimed that Bissouma is informed that he’s free to leave Spurs in the coming weeks, even if he’ll only do so for the right offer, but Tottenham are already moving for a potential replacement in the form of £166,000-per-week Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The former Fulham star sealed his long-awaited move to the Allianz Arena last summer for an initial £43 million, but his switch has been far from plane sailing. The 30-year-old’s debut season at Bayern was marred by injury and a lack of playing time, with a return to the Premier League already on the cards.

Bailey reports that Tottenham have held new talks with Palhinha’s representatives in the last week, so the Portugal international is emerging as a serious option to succeed Bissouma after a few impressive years at Craven Cottage.

After announcing the official arrival of Reinildo Mandava, Sunderland have now reportedly opened talks to sign another reinforcement in the form of a £22m striker.

Reinildo: Joining Sunderland is a "dream come true"

Becoming their fourth arrival of the summer, Reinildo arrives from Atletico Madrid in a free transfer which could quickly make him one of the bargains of the summer. Following Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fee and Noah Sadiki through the door, the experienced left-back is part of an incredibly impressive summer transfer window so far at the Stadium of Light.

Excited to get going, the new arrival told Sunderland’s official website: “It is a dream come true because it has always been my ambition to play in the Premier League – and I can’t wait to play for an historic club like Sunderland.

“I’m excited to meet the team, to fight, and to give everything for the Club. I want to help, to give power to my team-mates, and transmit my experience in the dressing room. Above all else, I want to make people happy and I will give everything to make that happen.”

Having featured at the very top level, including the Club World Cup most recently, Reinildo should have little trouble finding his feet in the Premier League. Whether that spells trouble for Dennis Cirkin as he looks to keep hold of his starting place under Regis Le Bris.

Le Fee 2.0: Sunderland lodge bid to sign 'one of the best LW's out there'

Sunderland fans could soon be cheering on a new star who might be their next Enzo Le Fee.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 9, 2025

Ultimately, however, whether it’s the battle for a midfield spot now that Diarra has arrived or Cirkin and Reinildo’s battle at left-back, it’s the type of competition for places that Le Bris needs next season if Sunderland are to survive.

It’s also the type of competition that he could hand star striker Wilson Isidor amid rumours that the Black Cats have opened talks to sign another forward this summer.

Sunderland open talks to sign Luis Suarez

According to O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland have now opened talks to sign Luis Suarez from UD Almeria in a move that could hijack Sporting Club’s attempt to replace Victor Gyokeres this summer.

Whilst the Almeria star is not quite his Inter Miami namesake, he is a talented forward available for just €25m (£22m) and Sunderland certainly haven’t been afraid to spend that kind of money in recent weeks.

Just last season, the 27-year-old was the star of the show even as Almeria failed to secure promotion from La Liga 2 – scoring 31 goals and assisting another eight in all competitions.

Taking his total tally to 100 goals at club level, the forward is now ready to feature at a higher level – whether that’s in the Premier League or at one of Portugal’s best sides in Sporting. Either way, Suarez may have quite a decision to make and one he can’t get wrong at the peak of his powers.

For Sunderland, it could be yet another statement of intent. For Sporting, meanwhile, it would be a frustrating blow if they were to lose Gyokeres and then fail to sign their top target.

In what could see them finally land a long-term target, Newcastle United are now reportedly accelerating their move to sign a £30m star with talks now advancing.

Newcastle's summer plans set to heat up

With the PSR deadline approaching as well as the start of pre-season, Newcastle insiders reportedly believe that the transfer window is set to heat up in the next week or two. And that Magpies could yet play a large part in that. The Champions League awaits Eddie Howe’s side next season and, for the first time in over a year, PIF seemingly have money to spend.

He's an Isak clone: Newcastle start discussions to sign £50m "superstar"

Newcastle have enquired about signing their next Alexander Isak.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 23, 2025

Unlike the last time that they were forced to balance European football with domestic commitments, Newcastle could put together a squad capable of competing on all fronts this summer. Just who comes in is the big question.

If reports are anything to go by, then the likes of Anthony Elanga will be a name to watch. The Nottingham Forest star was the subject of Newcastle’s interest late on last summer and is now seemingly back on their radar one year later.

Signing a right-winger is reportedly among Newcastle’s priorities this summer and with Bryan Mbeumo likely on his way to Manchester United rather than St James’ Park, a move to sign Elanga would certainly make sense.

That’s not Newcastle’s only priority, however. With Nick Pope now 33 years old and coming off the back of an injury-hit campaign, those in Tyneside have also set their sights on signing a new shot-stopper in the coming months.

Newcastle advance talks to sign James Trafford

To that end, the most prominent name mentioned over the last year has been James Trafford, and it now looks as though the Magpies could get their man.

According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are now in advanced talks to sign Trafford and are accelerating their £30m move to sign the Burnley star, which could be finalized as early as this week, with the goalkeeper reaffirming his desire to join Newcastle.

For all involved at St James’ Park, Trafford’s arrival would be seen as the ultimate success. He’s been a top target since early last summer and has since enjoyed a standout season as Burnley earned promotion back to the Premier League. At just 22 years old, he is one of the best young goalkeepers around.

Praised for an “incredible season” by scout Jacek Kulig back in February, £30m could quickly look like a bargain price for Trafford if he brings his Burnley form into Howe’s side next season.

With Antonio Cordero secured and Trafford reportedly on his way, the Magpies are off to a solid start on the transfer front this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly identifying targets for incoming new manager Thomas Frank already, with the Dane also having his own input on their summer recruitment plans as he prepares for his debut season in the Lilywhites dugout.

Thomas Frank already identifying transfer targets at Spurs

According to Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media sources, Frank is closing in on the Spurs job and an agreement has been reached for him to replace Ange Postecoglou – just days after the Australian was given his marching orders.

Tottenham now offered £42m star who Mourinho held talks to sign for Spurs

The former Spurs boss FaceTimed him constantly.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025

Romano has given his renowned ‘here we go’ to the appointment and there is an expectation that Frank could even be confirmed as Tottenham’s new manager in the next few days (BBC), with the 51-year-old poised to swap Brentford for north London.

The move is so advanced, in fact, that reports are already flooding in regard to Frank identifying his preferred summer transfer targets for Spurs.

GiveMeSport reported earlier this week that Frank has recommended Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy as a possible signing, in the event they cannot beat Man United in the race for Bryan Mbeumo.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

This comes amid reports that they’re after a new left-winger after the departure of Timo Werner, with Spurs said to be eyeing Man City star Jack Grealish, who is almost certain to depart Eastlands this summer (talkSPORT).

The arrival of a new forward in that area would also raise questions about the future of Mathys Tel.

The Frenchman arrived at N17 on loan in January, and the deal includes an option to buy for around £45 million. However, it is believed that Spurs would want to whittle down that fee if they do opt to keep Tel, following a mixed first six months at the club.

Tottenham to open talks over cut-price Mathys Tel deal

According to TEAMtalk this week, that is most certainly the plan, and Tottenham are set to open talks over a reduced-price move for Tel in the coming weeks.

They also state Frank has personally told Spurs chiefs that the 20-year-old’s permanent arrival would sufficiently reinforce his attacking options ahead of a 2025/2026 campaign where they’ll be competing in the Champions League.

Frank apparently believes Tel is a perfect fit for his high-pressing system, and is a major fan of the winger’s work rate among other desirable traits, like his versatility.

Taking this into account, Frank has requested that the club keep Tel right where he is, which could end up being the right call considering his glowing reputation among Bayern Munich circles.

Ex-Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann once tipped Tel to bag ’40 goals a season’ at some point in his career, while Bayern back-up keeper, Sven Ulreich, called him a ‘role model’ for younger players.

“Mathys is a fine guy, is inquisitive, willing to learn, down-to-earth and works a lot on himself,” Ulreich said.

“He is a role model for all the young players who come here. He comes up and does his job. We’ve had other examples that didn’t handle it that way.”

Newcastle United’s qualification for the Champions League next season will give Eddie Howe hope that he can lure some high-profile players to Stamford Bridge.

One player they are showing interest in is Jadon Sancho. The Manchester United winger looks set to depart Old Trafford this summer.

The Englishman could cost the club around £25m, and he would certainly bolster their wide options, given his return of five goals and eight assists for Chelsea this season.

It would be a massive statement of intent if Howe could secure a deal for the former Borussia Dortmund starlet. While adding wingers will help the club next season, perhaps it is other positions that require strengthening first.

Newcastle enter the race to sign Barcelona star

One position that Howe must improve is his goalkeeping department. The club conceded 47 Premier League goals last term, the worst defensive record out of any side in the top five.

Thus, bringing in a top-class goalkeeper ahead of another Champions League campaign makes perfect sense.

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona’s keeper Marc-André ter Stegen could be set to leave the club following the arrival of Joan Garcia.

PSG, AC Milan, Manchester City, and Juventus have all expressed interest in the German international, but Newcastle are also entering the race.

Beating these clubs to the signature of Ter Stegen would be a major coup for Howe; that much is certain. Indeed, he would be an even better signing than Sancho.

Why Newcastle must sign Marc-André ter Stegen

Signing Sancho could prove to be a massive gamble. For Man United, the winger scored just 12 goals across 83 matches for the club. His loan spell at Chelsea didn’t exactly see him sparkle either.

His 41 matches for the Blues saw only five goals netted, and it was no surprise that they declined to sign him permanently. Given the fact that Newcastle can call upon players such as Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, and Jacob Murphy on the wing, do they need to splash out to sign Sancho? Especially with the risks involved with his lacklustre form.

In this instance, making a move for Ter Stegen would be seen as the smarter approach. That’s for sure.

Last season, Nick Pope kept just eight clean sheets from 35 appearances, while Martin Dubravka kept five clean sheets across ten domestic matches for the Magpies.

If Howe is serious about progressing far in the Champions League next season, making a move to bring Ter Stegen to England would be a very shrewd move indeed.

Metric

Pope

Dubravka

Clean sheets

8

5

Saves per game

3.1

2.9

Touches per game

34.8

38

Goals conceded

35

12

Goals conceded per game

1.3

1.2

Pass success rate

65%

76%

He played just nine games last season for Barcelona, keeping a solitary clean sheet. The German has been with the La Liga giants since the summer of 2014, playing over 400 competitive matches in the process.

A total of 175 clean sheets have been kept throughout that period. While he may not have featured much this term, in La Liga during 2023/24, he was excellent.

Across his 28 matches, Ter Stegen made 2.7 saves per game – a success rate of 74% – while he was also successful with 100% of his runs out per game.

He was comfortable on the ball, as evidenced by his average of 40 touches per game, while a 94% pass accuracy in his own half suggests the German moves the ball on effectively.

The player was lauded as “ice cool” by popular X page Goalkeeper.com for the way he snuffed out an opponent’s attack in the Champions League in September 2023.

Given the fact that he has a contract until 2028 with the Catalan giants, a move would cost the club, although it hasn’t been determined just how much Hansi Flick will demand for his player.

Sancho would be a fine signing, no doubt, but bringing Ter Stegen to the north-east would certainly turn heads.

Newcastle accelerate pursuit of £60m striker who now wants move to Tyneside

Eddie Howe could bring a clinical forward to Tyneside.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 13, 2025

Full-backs in today’s game are a crucial position of the pitch, with modern-day managers wanting to see them effect the game in attack, while also being solid defensively.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of the best right-backs the Premier League has seen, but he has now left Liverpool for Real Madrid. But where does he rank in regards to best right-backs in Premier League history?

Ranking factors Appearances Longevity Titles Goals Clean sheets What others have said about them 20 best right-backs in Premier League history: in pictures 20 Dan Petrescu Sheffield Wednesday, Chelsea, Bradford, Southampton

Starting the countdown is Romanian icon Dan Petrescu, who was an attacking full-back best known for his time at Chelsea.

Petrescu cost the Blues a then-club-record £2.3m from Sheffield Wednesday back in 1995, but he starred at Stamford Bridge across a five-year spell before also featuring for Bradford and Southampton in the top flight, contributing to more than 50 league goals along the way.

Games

215

Goals

23

Assists

33

Clean sheets

42

19 Antonio Valencia Wigan, Man Utd

Starting out as a winger when he moved to England with Wigan, Antonio Valencia was slowly moved back to an attacking right-back role under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He still had that attacking output and was called a player who “has got everything” by Ferguson, with the Ecuadorian winning two league titles at Old Trafford.

Games

325

Goals

24

Assists

46

Clean sheets

105

Titles

2

18 John O’Shea Man Utd, Sunderland

Versatile defender John O’Shea would turn out as a right-back on numerous occasions for Man Utd and was also used as a centre-back and left-back during his career.

The Irishman, called a “great professional” who “never complains” by Sir Alex Ferguson, was a reliable performer and made more than 250 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils before going on to spend seven years with Sunderland.

Games

445

Goals

13

Assists

13

Clean sheets

115

Titles

5

17 Wes Brown Man Utd, Sunderland

Continuing the trend of right-backs to have played for Man Utd and Sunderland is Wes Brown, who won five Premier League titles with the Red Devils between 1997-2011.

Like O’Shea, Brown was used in a variety of defensive roles during his career and could excel at right-back. Sir Alex Ferguson, who knew his stuff, was also a big fan, calling Brown “the best natural defender in the country” back in 2009.

Games

308

Goals

4

Assists

9

Clean sheets

98

Titles

5

16 Seamus Coleman Everton

Arguably the best value-for-money signing in Premier League history, Seamus Coleman has been crucial for Everton since joining from Sligo Rovers in 2009.

Costing just £60,000, the Irishman has gone on to make more than 350 league appearances for the Toffees, coming in for praise from Frank Lampard who called Coleman “amazing”.

His longevity has been brilliant, and in his prime, Coleman has also been a real threat in the final third, contributing to 46 top flight goals.

Games

371

Goals

22

Assists

24

Clean sheets

96

15 Paulo Ferreira Chelsea

One of Jose Mourinho’s first signings at Chelsea back in 2004, Paulo Ferreira would enjoy a successful spell at Stamford Bridge, winning three Premier League titles.

The Portuguese defender sometimes went under the radar but played 29 times in the 2004/05 season which saw the Blues concede just 15 times in the league campaign.

Games

141

Assists

4

Clean sheets

56

Titles

3

14 Kieran Trippier Burnley, Tottenham, Newcastle

After coming through the Man City academy, Kieran Trippier made a name for himself in the Premier League with Burnley before spells with Tottenham and Newcastle.

A set-piece specialist from right-back, Trippier was dubbed as the perfect modern-day full-back by defensive icon Roberto Carlos and has scored and created numerous goals in the top flight.

Games

210

Goals

6

Assists

38

Clean sheets

52

13 Joao Cancelo Man City

Another brilliant attacking full-back, Joao Cancelo’s stay in the Premier League was relatively short, but he made a big impact at Man City under Pep Guardiola with his eye for a pass.

He won three titles in four seasons at the Etihad and was named in the PFA Team of the Year twice, while also being dubbed one of the best right-backs in the world by Nigel de Jong.

Games

98

Goals

5

Assists

11

Clean sheets

41

Titles

3

12 Gary Kelly Leeds

A one-club man with Leeds United, Irishman Gary Kelly was one of the best right-backs in the early years of the Premier League and made more than 300 top-flight appearances for the Whites.

Twice named in the PFA Team of the Year, Kelly was defensively sound but would also get forward when he could, averaging an assist every 10 appearances at Elland Road.

Games

325

Goals

2

Assists

31

Clean sheets

103

11 Stephen Carr Tottenham, Newcastle, Birmingham

Another old-school right-back, Stephen Carr made an appearance in 15 separate Premier League campaigns but will best be remembered for his time at Tottenham, where he was included in the PFA Team of the Year on two occasions.

Although he never got near to winning the title, Carr was extremely reliable and was a right-back who “had everything” according to Irish teammate Kenny Cunningham.

Games

377

Goals

8

Assists

17

Clean sheets

83

As Aston Villa prepare for a busy summer in the transfer market, how they would love to unearth a forward as prolific as Christian Benteke.

The Belgian striker scored 49 goals in just 101 appearances for the Villans, thereby averaging a goal every 172 minutes, despite the fact they were struggling throughout his time at the club.

Having arrived from Genk for just £7m in 2012, Benteke was sold to Liverpool for £32.5m three years later, quite the return on investment.

A decade on from his departure, could Villa be about to make a Benteke-esque striker move in this transfer window?

Aston Villa targeting new striker

According to a report by Football Transfers, Monchi has made Brighton & Hove Albion forward João Pedro a ‘high-priority’ target this summer, adding that the Brazilian is valued at around £58m by the Seagulls.

Pedro has not been seen since being sent off at Brentford on 19 April, first serving the customary three-match suspension.

However, despite then being available for Brighton’s final two fixtures of the campaign, Fabian Hürzeler chose not to select him.

This is because, as outlined by Pedro was involved in a ‘training ground altercation’ with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, merely fueling speculation around his future.

Sam Dean of the Telegraph has previously documented that Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are all ‘interested’ to Pedro this summer, but could Aston Villa position themselves at the front of the queue by acting swiftly?

Why Pedro would be a better signing than Rashford

Now that his loan spell has come to an end, there was always going to be much speculation about Marcus Rashford’s future.

In 17 appearances for Villa, he looked like a different player, enjoying a ‘career rehabilitation’ in the Midlands as he scored four goals and registered six assists, on target against Brighton and Manchester City in the Premier League, also bagging a brace at Preston North End in the FA Cup.

Nevertheless, Jamie Jackson of the Guardian reports that, even though he is contracted to the club until 2028, Rashford has no future at Manchester United, who value him at £40m, with reports in Spain documenting Barcelona’s long-standing interest.

However, rather than pushing to make Rashford’s deal permanent, would Villa be better served signing Pedro?

Well, let’s attempt to find out.

Goals

0.46

0.38

Assists

0.28

0.19

Key passes

1.39

1.77

Progressive passes

3.61

2.15

Shot-creating actions

3.33

3.54

Successful take-ons

1.34

1.14

Progressive carries

3.06

2.66

As the table outlines, Rashford and Pedro’s statistics this season are remarkably similar.

In around 300 more minutes across all competitions, the Englishman scored one more goal, registered two more assists and accumulated more shot-creating actions per 90.

Nevertheless, Pedro came out on top for carrying metrics across passing and dribbling, suggesting he’s even more of a livewire than Pedro in forward areas.

Presenter Sam Ucko labels the Brazilian a ‘special player”, while Liam Tharme of the Athletic praises his ‘technical prowess’, which enables him to drop deep and be involved in the build-up play.

So, the smarter business decision would be to spend big on the younger Pedro, rather than splurging on a 27-year-old whose best days could be behind them.

Pau Torres 2.0: Aston Villa submit offer to sign £21m "big game player"

Aston Villa are looking to do their transfer business early

ByJoe Nuttall May 28, 2025

Aston Villa have opened direct transfer talks with one player over joining Unai Emery next season, according to reports, as the Premier League top five contenders attempt to build upon another impressive campaign.

Aston Villa seal vital win over Tottenham in Champions League race

Nerves were rife throughout Villa Park in their crunch encounter against Tottenham on Friday night, before their opening goal 30 minutes from full-time, with defender Ezri Konsa breaking the deadlock before Boubacar Kamara doubled their advantage.

Monchi now leading Aston Villa charge to sign "exciting" Serie A midfielder

Monchi is reportedly a fan of the Argentine midfielder.

ByTom Cunningham May 16, 2025

Villa eventually ran out 2-0 victors over Ange Postecoglou’s side and cemented a crucial win in their chase for Champions League qualification.

The result means Emery’s side are still right in the thick of it, as they contend for a top five finish heading into the Premier League final matchday, and it is shaping up to be a dramatic last game with six teams involved in the battle for Europe.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Chelsea

66

5. Aston Villa

66

6. Man City

65

7. Nottingham Forest

62

Emery, speaking after their victory against struggling Spurs, heaped praise on his players for making their home ground a serious fortress.

“I’m very grateful for the supporters,” Emery said. “Here, we are feeling strong and we’re feeling comfortable. We only lost one match here in the Premier League, the first match against Arsenal. Progressively, we were getting better. Of course, we drew some matches in the way, and now we are missing some points from those moments, but we have to accept it.

“We have to accept the 37 matches we’ve played being consistent, more or less, and getting the moment we are in now, feeling good and in our best moment. We’re achieving the challenges we are facing. We enjoyed in the FA Cup and in Carabao Cup, but mostly our moment in the Champions League.

“The Premier League is the most important competition we are facing because through it we are getting again our main objective, and the objective is to be in Europe.

“We are in Europe next year, but we are in the running for the Champions League positions, and we can have chances in the last match in Manchester to get it.”

Aston Villa open talks with Axel Disasi over joining next season

The result of their Champions League chase will have direct effects on their recruitment plans off the field, but that hasn’t stopped NSWE and Monchi from making moves behind-the-scenes.

Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi could remain beyond 2024/2025, with the Frenchman very highly-rated by Emery, his coaching staff and Villa’s transfer chiefs.

That is according to Foot Mercato, who state that Villa have already opened talks with Disasi over joining them next season.

The 27-year-old cost Chelsea £39 million to sign from Monaco in 2023, and Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that they’re keen to sell him for profit this summer. It is unclear how much Villa would be willing to pay to keep Disasi in the Midlands, but he could be a significant addition.

The defender has been called a “leader” at times, and his experience at the top level could be invaluable for Emery.