All posts by z3u9t.icu

Sunderland are yet to pick up a win during their pre-season outing to the Algarve, but there have been promising signs aplenty anyway.

Indeed, the Black Cats have faced some formidable opponents out in Portugal in the form of Sevilla and Sporting, meaning a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 loss aren’t disastrous outcomes, when you also consider a large chunk of the first team personnel selected by Regis Le Bris are still getting used to one another as brand new recruits.

In particular, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki caught the eye of Sunderland spectators watching on, with the skilful midfield duo set to be joined by another impressive body in the middle if emerging reports are correct.

Sunderland agree terms with £17m battler

Of course, Sunderland fans will take any progressing deal with a pinch of salt until it’s officially over the line, having been burnt recently by Armand Lauriente’s deal falling through at the last minute.

Lauriente was even pictured jetting off to the Stadium of Light to complete a move, but the wheels unfortunately came off the deal in the end.

Hopefully, any last-minute mishaps are out of the Wearside outfit’s system, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein dramatically revealing via X that Sunderland have now agreed personal terms with long-term target Granit Xhaka.

The exclusive development by Ornstein reveals that Xhaka is only considering the newly promoted side as his next onward destination, with the hope on his end that the deal can be tied up rapidly for him to return to the Premier League.

In a window where Sunderland have already made a few statement deals a reality, this could well be the pick of the bunch, with the deal for the Swiss international – who is said to be valued at €20m (£17m) – a far more exciting signing to seal than Lauriente’s ever was.

Why signing Xhaka would be more exciting than Lauriente

Lauriente no doubt would have made his presence known donning Sunderland red and white, off the back of an explosive campaign in Serie B.

After all, the silky Frenchman wasn’t labelled “amazing” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig just by fluke, with a stunning haul of 18 strikes last season for Sassuolo clinching a glorious promotion up to the Italian top-flight.

Xhaka also has a sumptuous rocket up his sleeve, yet the seasoned 32-year-old would pick up his impressive tally of two strikes and seven assists in the far choppier and intense terrain of the Bundesliga last campaign, with the Bayer Leverkusen number 34 elevating his game to the next level in Germany.

From 174 games in the top division – with 66 of those coming about for Leverkusen – the midfield enforcer would collect 11 goals and ten assists, 12 of which were registered at the BayArena, as his side were even crowned champions of the usually Bayern Munich-dominated Bundesliga during his two-campaign stint.

Games played

225

Goals

17

Assists

25

Completed passes

14,865 (88%)

Tackles

368

Duels won

1001

On the contrary, Lauriente only has 133 games next to his name in total when plying his trade in Serie A and Ligue 1, with Xhaka’s expertise of the taxing Premier League also making him a far more worthwhile signing to pursue, away from festering in any lingering disappointment of the Frenchman’s deal collapsing.

Whilst he did experience many bumps along the way at Arsenal, Xhaka – in retrospect – is now viewed as a cog that allowed the Gunners to tick during testing times, as seen in his impressive 17 goals and 25 assists from a mammoth 225 top-flight appearances.

On top of that, he also battled away valiantly for the Gunners’ cause time after time, with 1001 duels being won in total, gaining him the label of a “monster” by Arsenal-based writer Connor Humm.

With the necessary grit required for a relegation battle, on top of possessing the quality to try and push Sunderland away from that mire, this really would be a standout addition to make for a £17m star also lauded as a “technician” by Chelsea great Joe Cole.

Lauriente might well have developed into a dazzling attacker under Le Bris’ wing, but if it’s readymade Premier League performers the ex-Lorient manager is after, he should ensure this move is sealed.

Adingra will love him: Sunderland in talks to sign "sensational" £22.5m ace

Sunderland is continuing to negotiate a deal to snap up a £22.5m star

ByKelan Sarson Jul 22, 2025

Fulham have now made an approach to sign a “top striker”, having expressed a “concrete interest” in securing his signature, Sky reporter Sacha Tavolieri has revealed on X.

Cottagers eyeing new striker amid Rodrigo Muniz uncertainty

Rodrigo Muniz’s future at Craven Cottage is in doubt, with the striker attracting interest from Premier League rivals Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur, with Thomas Frank’s side said to have made an offer for the Brazilian.

Losing the 24-year-old could be seen as a real blow for Marco Silva, given that he was a regular starter throughout the 2024-25 campaign, picking up a total of eight goals and one assist in 31 Premier League appearances.

However, the Cottagers should be able to pocket a tidy fee for the forward, should they choose to sanction a departure, given that Spurs’ bid was believed to amount to £32m, which would provide them with adequate funds to sign a top replacement.

Talks held: Fulham now approach agents of "incredible" £34m UCL finalist

The Cottagers have come forward to sign a midfielder…

ByDominic Lund Jul 2, 2025

In a recent update on X, Tavolieri has now revealed that Fulham are assessing potential options to replace Rodrigo, stating they hold a “concrete interest” in signing KRC Genk striker Tolu Arokodare, but there could be competition for his signature.

Alongside Fulham, a number of other Premier League clubs have made approaches for Arokodare, although the Sky Sports reporter appears to indicate Silva’s side are leading the race for his signature, with a move to Craven Cottage deemed the “most concrete possibility”.

A move may hinge upon Muniz leaving the club, however, with the Nigerian viewed as a “serious option” in the event of the former Flamengo man exiting Craven Cottage this summer.

"Top striker" Arokodare could be ideal replacement for Muniz

The Genk striker is yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues, but he has maintained a solid goal record throughout his career so far, and the 2024-25 campaign was by far his most prolific to date.

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

2021-22

40

13

2

2022-23

34

10

4

2023-24

52

15

3

2024-25

45

23

7

The Nigeria international’s exploits last season suggest that he could now be entering his prime, indicating he could make an instant impact at Craven Cottage, and Genk manager Thorsten Fink clearly holds his star player in very high regard.

Fink said: “Tolu is a top striker. He is fast, strong in the air, left and right-footed, and he scores. What more could you want as a coach? Moreover, he now also carries out his defensive duties, which he didn’t do before.”

With Genk looking to hold out for a fee of £25m, a deal for Arokodare will be affordable, should Fulham decide to cash-in on their Brazilian star this summer, and he has all the tools to be a success in west London.

Manchester United are now in talks over swapping Jadon Sancho for a “superstar”, in a deal that could suit all parties, according to a report.

Sancho set to leave Man Utd this summer

One way or another, Sancho will almost certainly leave Man United this summer, having originally been meant to join Chelsea in a £25m deal, before the Blues opted to pay a £5m penalty fee rather than sign the winger on a permanent basis.

The 25-year-old flattered to deceive at Stamford Bridge, picking up just three goals and five assists in the Premier League, and the former Borussia Dortmund man could now look to move abroad again, in order to get his career back on track.

United are considering selling Sancho for a cut-price fee of just £15m this summer, amid interest from Serie A giants Juventus, who are tempted to make a move, and the Englishman is prepared to take a big wage cut to seal an exit.

Man Utd set to make £34m bid for "immense" star who Amorim thinks is ideal

The Red Devils plan to make a proposal to sign a defender, with Ruben Amorim believed to be a keen admirer.

ByDominic Lund Jul 9, 2025

However, the two clubs may also be able to orchestrate a deal of a different nature, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Man United are in active talks over a swap deal, which would see Dusan Vlahovic arrive at Old Trafford.

Juventus are willing to sanction Vlahovic’s departure this summer, given his astronomical £320k-a-week and £16.7m-a-year salary, leading to interest from a number of Premier League clubs, with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa also considering moves.

Clubs from the Saudi Pro League are also keen, but the striker has rejected approaches and would rather stay in Europe at this stage of his career, meaning a swap deal for Sancho could be suitable for all parties.

"Superstar" Vlahovic could reignite career at Old Trafford

Much like Sancho, the Serbian showed some very promising signs early on in his career, before never really managing to kick on, having failed to improve on the Serie A goal tally of 24 that he achieved with Fiorentina and Juventus in the 2021-22 campaign.

Season

Serie A appearances

Goals

2020-21

37

21

2021-22

36

24

2022-23

27

10

2023-24

33

16

2024-25

29

10

Ten league goals per season isn’t enough to justify the centre-forward’s massive wages, so it is no surprise that Juventus are looking to get him off the books, but the 25-year-old could be a solid acquisition if he is able to rediscover his previous form.

Man United need a striker, with Rasmus Hojlund flattering to deceive once again last season, and Vlahovic has displayed a keen eye for goal in the past, while it would also be a relief to get Sancho off the books.

The transfer window hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Newcastle United in recent times, with the Magpies notably enduring a protracted saga involving Marc Guehi last summer, prior to also seeing a bid rejected for Anthony Elanga on Deadline Day.

Fast forward almost 12 months, and little has changed in that regard, with a fresh bid for that man Elanga having been swiftly knocked back by Nottingham Forest, with moves for Burnley’s James Trafford and Brighton’s Joao Pedro also proving difficult to get over the line.

With a return to Champions League football looming, Eddie Howe and co can ill-afford another messy summer, having thus far only secured the capture of Spanish teenager Antonito Cordero on a free transfer from Malaga.

Keeping hold of the likes of Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes may be viewed as almost as key as any potential incoming, but the Tynesiders are in need of a squad capable of challenging, not just a starting XI.

With that in mind, there may be reason for encouragement amid the news that Newcastle are in the mix for an exciting Premier League talent.

Latest on Newcastle's transfer search

For all the frustration over the Magpies’ lack of business thus far, it is to their credit that the club are seeking to pursue proven, ready-made Premier League talents, in the form of Pedro and Elanga.

Whether that duo to eventually arrive at St James’ Park remains to be seen, although they would provide Howe with the ability to make an instant impact in the top-flight, without the need for any period of adaptation.

The same could also be said of Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, with journalist Graeme Bailey reporting that Newcastle are among a raft of Premier League clubs to have made a move for the 22-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, the suggestion is that contact has been made after an initial enquiry was lodged, with the Carabao Cup winners said to be watching developments closely, amid the prospect of the England U21 star sealing a departure from Anfield.

Not only would Newcastle have to fend off rival English suitors for his signature, but they may also need to contend with the looming presence of Jurgen Klopp, with the German keen to take Elliott to RB Leipzig.

For whoever does ultimately nudge ahead in that race, the suggestion is that the playmaker would command a fee of more than £40m, with two years left on his existing deal.

Why Elliott would be a good signing for Newcastle

That potential £40m fee may have a few eyebrows raised, should any suitor cough up to meet the asking price, not least with Elliott having started just two league games last term under Arne Slot.

With that being said, Newcastle have previously reaped the rewards of a similar investment, having forked out what at the time looked to be an eye-watering £45m sum for Elliott’s former England youth colleague, Anthony Gordon.

Indeed, the promising forward had scored just seven times in 78 games at Everton, prior to making the switch in January 2023, with the Magpies gambling on his potential, rather than his record at the time.

Despite enduring a trickier 2024/25 campaign, which yielded just nine goals and seven assists in all competitions, the 24-year-old was an electric force the previous season, notching 28 goals and assists in total.

That had come after an initially quiet first six months at St James’, with Gordon appearing to be revived by his performances at the U21 European Championship in the summer of 2023, having scored twice en route to England’s glory.

Elliott, currently something of a bit-part player at club level, has also taken on a talismanic presence for the Young Lions this time around, with the versatile left-footer having scored five goals amid the surge to the final.

That return included a stunning, solo effort against the Netherlands in the semi-final, with the one-time Fulham starlet only rubberstamping why he is a simply “special” talent, in the words of former Reds striker, Neil Mellor.

Games (starts)

6 (6)

Goals

5

Assists

0

Big chances created

0

Key passes*

1.7

Pass accuracy*

82%

Tackles & interceptions*

1.2

Balls recovered*

4.0

Successful dribbles*

0.7

In a similar manner to Gordon on the Blue half of Merseyside, Elliott hasn’t exactly pulled up any trees at Anfield to date, with 35 goals and assists in 147 games, although he has shown more than a flicker of his quality.

Ranking in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as per FBref, Elliott has illustrated what he can do when given a rare outing, with a new home perhaps what is needed for his brilliance to be truly unlocked.

Gordon, once released by Liverpool as a teenager, has dazzled in his new home on Tyneside. Why can’t his compatriot do the same?

Pedro & Elanga upgrade: Newcastle showing huge interest in £40m "machine"

Newcastle are hoping to sign several new forwards in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 27, 2025

Lionel Messi called an English icon a “once in a generation player” and claimed that there was “nobody like him” in world football.

The Argentine is regarded as the greatest footballer of all time by many, beginning his professional career back in 2004 at the age of 17.

After Ronaldinho set up Messi’s first goal in a Barcelona shirt, he has gone on to break numerous records and is the most decorated player in the history of professional football with 45 team honours.

On a personal note, no player has won more than his eight Ballon d’Or titles, while he has also been named FIFA’s world’s best player on eight occasions. Messi’s first Ballon d’Or crown came in 2009 and his last was in 2023, a year on after leading Argentina to World Cup glory.

2009

Barcelona

2010

Barcelona

2011

Barcelona

2012

Barcelona

2015

Barcelona

2019

Barcelona

2021

Barcelona

2023

Inter Miami

Messi named Brazilian striker Ronaldo as his favourite ever player, and he has also named his 10 favourite teammates, all of which played alongside him at the Nou Camp.

Lionel Messi’s 10 favourite teammates in pictures:

The iconic attacker has also come up against several English stars in his career, and one in particular stood out.

Messi: Wayne Rooney was “special" and a “once in a generation player”

One player who Messi came up against on several occasions was Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney. The England striker is the Red Devils’ record scorer with 253 goals, but Messi broke Rooney’s heart twice in the Champions League.

Messi scored in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals at the Stadio Olimpico and Wembley Stadium, with Barca lifting the European crown on both occasions. Rooney scored Man Utd’s goal in the 3-1 defeat at Wembley, and he was a player who caught the eye of Messi during his career.

Talking back in 2015, Messi hailed Rooney after the striker became England’s all-time leading goal-scorer with his 50th international goal.

That tally has since been surpassed by Harry Kane, however, Messi called Rooney “a once in a generation player” and that there was “nobody like him”.

There has been a post doing the rounds on social media, appearing to take aim at Liverpool’s spending in recent times, namely their ability to fork out what were then record fees for Virgil van Dijk and Alisson.

That has been brought into the limelight amid the impending arrival of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz for a reported total price tag of around £126m, with that significant outlay potentially set to eclipse Chelsea’s £115m capture of Moises Caicedo – the current British record.

Caicedo revenge: Liverpool can hijack Chelsea move for "England's best LW"

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz faces an uncertain future with firm interest in his signature.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 5, 2025

Rival supporters should know better, however, with this a club who have certainly received bang for their buck in the FSG era, with Van Dijk and Alisson, in particular, having been central figures in securing a plethora of major honours since their arrival.

As those £75m and £67m deals showcased, respectively, the Anfield side are willing to splash out only at the right time – and for the right player – with the decision to plump for Wirtz no doubt a calculated one, rather than merely a desperate show of strength.

The Merseysiders – who have already snapped up Jeremie Frimpong to boot – appear to have sprung into action after a quiet 24 months in the transfer market, with the imminent addition of Wirtz seemingly not the last of the summer for Arne Slot’s side.

Latest on Liverpool's business after Wirtz

The signing of the German sensation appears to be a matter of when and not if, with the Premier League champions having fended off rival interest from the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich to get their man.

At a time when the Bundesliga’s best talents typically ended up in Bavaria, there has been an element of surprise at Wirtz’s decision to leave his homeland behind, albeit with that perhaps showcasing the strength of the project on offer at Anfield.

Indeed, a third exciting signing of the summer could also be on the way in the form of Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, with the Hungarian full-back seemingly edging ever closer to making the switch.

Transfer Focus

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

As revealed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano – writing in his GIVEMESPORT newsletter – there is set to be a final round of talks amid the hope of striking a deal with the Cherries, with the player himself having already agreed to the move.

It is said that the 21-year-old will be ‘next’ after Wirtz’s acquisition, with previous reports outlining that the rampaging left-back will command a fee of around £45m, should a deal be agreed.

Part of an exciting Bournemouth side last term, Kerkez could be a dream ‘consolation’ after the Reds missed out on his in-demand teammate, Dean Huijsen.

Why Kerkez could be as exciting as Huijsen

It may appear strange to say for a team that only just stormed to Premier League title glory, although there does appear to be surgery needed at Anfield, particularly with regard to the backline.

Indeed, the controversial exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold has sparked Frimpong’s acquisition, while Kerkez could be a ready-made replacement for Andy Robertson, with just a year remaining on the 31-year-old’s contract.

There has also been talk regarding the signing of a new centre-back, not least with uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s own contract extension, with recent months seeing Liverpool emerge as a leading suitor for the aforementioned Huijsen.

Available for £50m due to a release clause in his Bournemouth contract, the 20-year-old Spaniard caught the eye following what has proved to be a solitary season on the south coast, with Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid ultimately winning the race for his signature.

Huijsen – who Jamie Redknapp described as looking “effortless” on the pitch – was the star attraction of Andoni Iraola’s high-flying side, but Kerkez is a standout talent in his own right, having been hailed as a “revelation” by Jamie Carragher.

Federico Dimarco

13

Rayan Ait-Nouri

11

Robin Gosens

10

Nathaniel Brown

10

Alejandro Grimaldo

10

Antonee Robinson

10

Maximilian Mittlestadt

9

Milos Kerkez

8

Emanuel Valeri

8

Sergi Cardona

8

A young and high-potential defender, much like Huijsen, the £45m man started all 38 league games in 2024/25, having chipped in with two goals and five assists in that time from his left-sided berth.

It is that attacking quality that stands out regarding the Hungary international, as he also created eight ‘big chances’ and averaged one key pass per game in the top-flight. Huijsen too is also a real threat in the opposition box, having registered five goals and assists of his own from centre-back.

What is most impressive about their pair, however, is that such forward-thinking quality is backed up by their defensive strength, with Huijsen averaging 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game while being dribbled past just 0.3 times. Kerkez, meanwhile, averaged 2.6 tackles and interceptions, while having been dribbled past on just 0.4 occasions.

For context, the long-serving Robertson averaged just 1.8 and 0.6 for those same two metrics, respectively, having also only registered one assist, showcasing the potential upgrade that could be acquired.

Yes, Huijsen may have been the name on everybody’s lips at the Vitality Stadium of late, although Kerkez – who Opta’s Matt Furniss claimed is ‘on his way to being one of Europe’s best full-backs’ – is equally as exciting.

Dream Huijsen alternative: Liverpool enter race to sign £50m Van Dijk heir

With a deal for Florian Wirtz all but signed, Liverpool are considering a swoop for a centre-back.

3 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 11, 2025

Despite losing their last five games of the regular Championship season, Sunderland are Premier League-bound once more after Wembley produced yet more drama in a play-off final.

Tommy Watson would break Sheffield United hearts right at the death to hand his hometown club a passage up to the big time, but all these jubilant celebrations will soon be met by the crashing fear of realism as Sunderland attempt to stay afloat in such a brutal division.

Already, however, the Wearside high-flyers have been active in the transfer market to try and boost their young squad, with Enzo Le Fee about to pen a permanent Stadium of Light contract.

Away from the standout loanee joining for good, there are a whole host of other rumours involving incomings that will please fans of Regis Le Bris’ underdogs.

Sunderland's growing list of transfer targets

Amazingly, Le Fee might not be the only statement addition in the centre of the park this summer.

The rumour mill continues to churn out the wild possibility of Jordan Henderson returning to his hometown roots, whilst another flashy buy in the midfield department could soon come in the form of Manchester United winger Amad Diallo.

Yet, away from Henderson and Amad’s names being tentatively linked, Sunderland could look to improve defensively this summer by shopping in Le Bris’s native France.

As per a new report from the Daily Mirror, that has been relayed by the Sunderland Echo, the AS Monaco ace is being looked at by the Black Cats as part of an ambitious summer rebuild, meaning the old guard in the building might be moved to one side for the likes of Singo to shine.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, any move for the £20m-rated defender could prove to be an upgrade on long-serving hero, Luke O’Nien.

How Singo compares to O'Nien

O’Nien’s appearance at the final whistle at Wembley tells you all you need to know about his warrior-like character as the veteran defender celebrated with his arm in a noticeable sling.

Whilst that grit and determination might well be of value to the Black Cats in such a demanding league, the strong 30-year-old could soon take a back seat for a fresh body to arrive in the form of Singo.

After all, whilst O’Nien can play both as a right-back or as a centre-back like Singo, it’s clear from the numbers below that the 23-year-old target is more accustomed to being a Premier League-level defender for Sunderland right now, over the long-standing Wearside servant.

Games played

27

48

Goals scored

1

3

Assists

2

1

Touches*

65.9

73.5

Accurate passes*

45.1 (87%)

52.7 (87%)

Big chances created

3

1

Ball recoveries*

5.1

3.4

Clearances*

4.0

3.9

Total duels won*

4.7

3.9

Clean sheets

7

16

Indeed, Singo has already shown he can cut it with the top dogs in Ligue 1 when amassing one goal and two assists when lining up either in the heart of defence or down the right flank last season.

But, away from solely offering Sunderland a new expansive option out from the back, he also possesses that same hunger and drive to battle like O’Nien, with the “monster” Ivorian – as he’s been labelled by football analyst Ben Mattinson – actually bettering his ex-Wycombe Wanderers counterpart in terms of clearances, ball recoveries and duels won throughout last season, even when plying his trade in a top league.

Also capable of pulling off an audacious flick like this one, everything is pointing in the direction that landing the “freak athlete” – as he’s been further noted by Mattinson – would be a worthwhile addition for Le Bris’ men ahead of Premier League action finally returning, with a sprinkle here and there of quality giving the Black Cats a hopeful fighting chance at survival.

Sunderland could soon sign their next Amad in "unplayable" EFL star

Sunderland could finally win their next Amad Diallo with this tricky attacker.

ByKelan Sarson May 29, 2025

It would be fair to say that this season was a real slog for Arsenal and their fans.

Mikel Arteta’s side came into the campaign with the express intention of winning the Premier League at the third time of trying, but as we all know, it wasn’t to be.

Instead, the North Londoners had to deal with a number of bizarre sending-offs, then a cascade of injuries and a general lack of cutting edge throughout the side.

Things can only get better next season, right? Well, while it’s impossible to be sure, the Gunners can certainly help their cause and finally get over the line next year by going out and making a real splash in the transfer market this summer.

Fortunately, while the club are yet to officially announce any new additions, there have been plenty of links, and it’s not too difficult to work out what Arteta’s dream lineup for the start of the 25/26 season may look like.

1 GK – David Raya

While there has been talk of a new goalkeeper signing this summer, it would be astounding if it wasn’t David Raya who started between the sticks on the first day of the 25/26 season.

The Spaniard won his second Golden Glove in successive seasons last week and has more than cemented his place in Arteta’s squad, thanks in part to his brilliant agility and reflexes, which have seen him pull off more than his fair share of doubles saves this year.

2 RB – Jurrien Timber

We come to our first position, which could be up for debate, as both Ben White and Jurrien Timber bring different qualities to the right-back position.

However, so long as the latter has recovered from his recent surgery in time, we reckon he’ll keep his place in the starting lineup, as the solidity and tenacity he adds there is crucial to the team’s brilliant defensive record.

3 CB – Gabriel Magalhaes

The first centre-back in the team is another player who missed the end of this season due to surgery: Gabriel Magalhaes.

The club are hopeful he’ll be back to full fitness for the start of next season, and if that’s the case, we cannot see anyone starting ahead of him, as the Brazilian international was superb for most of this year.

On top of his impressive ability to get on the end of set-pieces, the “absolutely unstoppable” colossus, as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, is a rock at the back.

4 CB – William Saliba

Partnering Gabriel at the back will be none other than the incredible William Saliba.

The French international has now made 134 appearances for the North Londoners, 100 of which have come in the Premier League, and while he wasn’t quite at his best this season, his immense talent and potential is undeniable.

5 LB – Myles Lewis-Skelly

The final defender in the starting lineup is the outrageously gifted Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Now, there is certainly an argument that it could and perhaps should be Riccardo Calafiori, but the Hale Ender has come on leaps and bounds since making his debut last year, and he looks to have cemented himself in the manager’s preferred lineup.

It’s easy to see why as well, as on top of being far sting and more defensively secure than any 18-year-old academy prospect has any right to be, the youngster is also a real outlet, and as we saw against Manchester City, has an eye for goal.

6 DM – Martin Zubimendi

We’ve made it to the first new face in the team: Martin Zubimendi.

The Spanish international, who is set to cost the club around £51m, might not officially be an Arsenal player just yet, but it’s been pretty widely reported that he’s a medical away from it all being confirmed.

It’s easy to see why Arteta and Co have been so keen to sign the 26-year-old as well, as he’s got an abundance of experience marshalling the midfield for Real Sociedad.

Moreover, he was dubbed one of the “best central midfielders in the world” by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente about seven months before he helped the country win their fourth European Championships against England.

7 CM – Declan Rice

Starting just ahead of Zubimendi in the left-eight will be Arsenal’s £105m man, Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain might have started this season a little slowly, but after Christmas, he was frankly superb.

He truly announced himself on the biggest stage against Real Madrid in the Champions League, scoring two sensational free-kicks in the first leg and then putting in a midfield masterclass away in the second.

8 CM – Martin Odegaard

The most attacking of the midfield three will be Martin Odegaard.

It’s undoubtedly true that the club captain’s return of six goals and 12 assists in 45 games this year has been seriously underwhelming, but it’s also true that he’s been the team’s player of the year twice since joining on a permanent deal in August 2021.

Therefore, there is every chance that following a summer of rest, the midfield maestro could be back to his mercurial best for the start of next season.

9 RW – Bukayo Saka

Was it ever going to be anyone else?

Starting off the right for Arsenal next season, and likely for many seasons after, will be Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End icon is undoubtedly the club’s most important and best player, and he once again showed us that this season.

For example, even though he missed over three months of football due to a hamstring injury and surgery, the “legend in the making,” as dubbed by Kulig, racked up a brilliant haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 2619 minutes across 37 appearances.

Appearances

37

Minutes

2619′

Goals

12

Assists

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73′

That means the talismanic winger averaged a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes for the team this season.

10 LW – Rodrygo

We come to the second and arguably most ambitious signing in the team: Rodrygo.

The Real Madrid superstar, whom journalist Sam Tighe described as “terrifyingly good,” lost his guaranteed starting spot in the Spanish capital this season and, as such, has been touted for a move away, with Arsenal being one of the more prominent destinations.

It could end up costing the Gunners around £85m to get done, but given his brilliant record of 118 goal involvements in 267 games for the club, he’d be more than worth the outlay.

Moreover, with two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles under his belt, the 24-year-old would bring a serious winning mentality to N5.

West Ham United are now closely monitoring an “intelligent” £84m striker, who is also in the sights of Premier League rivals Arsenal and Aston Villa, according to a report.

Hammers set sights on new striker

Niclas Fullkrug may have won over some West Ham fans with his extremely honest reflection on the team’s performance in the 1-1 draw against Southampton last month, which left manager Graham Potter not best pleased.

However, the German has hardly set the world alight himself during his first season at the London Stadium, netting just three Premier League goals, and with the striker now 32-years-old, it could be a shrewd move to bring in a replacement this summer.

Celtic’s Daizen Maeda is one potential option, with the Hammers currently preparing a substantial offer for the versatile Japanese forward, while Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap also remain of interest.

Delap could be an ambitious target, given the level of interest in the Englishman, and the same applies to Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, with a report from Spain now revealing that West Ham are now racing their Premier League rivals for the Brazilian’s signature.

Arsenal and Aston Villa are also keen on Jesus, who the Hammers have been closely monitoring, with the Gunners thought to be seriously considering a move, which could pose a major problem for Potter’s side.

The 24-year-old is also protected by a €100m (£84m) release clause, although the Brazilian club should be willing to sanction his departure for a lower price.

Their best signing since Bowen: West Ham in the race to land £12m EFL star

As West Ham United manager Graham Potter looks to oversee a major squad rebuild this summer, should they make a move to sign a “brilliant” EFL star?

May 18, 2025 "Intelligent" Jesus impressing for Botafogo

Brazilian pundit Walter Casagrande has been impressed by some of the Brazil international’s performances since returning to his home country after a spell with Dubai-based side Shabab Al-Alhi, lauding him as “very intelligent” in September last year.

The forward played an important role in Botafogo’s 2024 league title triumph, picking up five goals and three assists and receiving some very high praise for his displays.

Jesus could now be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, and at 24-years-old he is at the right age to be a long-term success at the London Stadium, but the serious interest from Arsenal could be a major issue for West Ham.

With Leeds United looking to solve their biggest problem this summer, one transfer target is now reportedly ready to quit his current Premier League club in favour of a move to Elland Road.

Leeds' goalkeeper problem

After winning the Championship title and sealing automatic promotion to the Premier League, Leeds still have one major problem to address this summer. And that comes courtesy of Ilian Meslier. The shot-stopper is at the centre of Leeds’ greatest weakness and very nearly derailed his side’s promotion until Daniel Farke ruthlessly replaced him with second-choice Karl Darlow.

Leeds enquire over signing £40m Champions League winner in club-record deal

He could be a major upgrade.

2 ByTom Cunningham May 9, 2025

However, the current No 2 is far from a permanent solution ahead of the Whites’ return to the Premier League, and the 49ers seem to be well aware of that.

Already, a number of Meslier replacements have been mentioned as the summer transfer window approaches, and Leeds will have to narrow their shortlist down if they are to finally solve their goalkeeper problem.

Two names mentioned have been Caoimhin Kelleher and Djordje Petrovic in recent reports. Both goalkeepers have endured excellent seasons, with Kelleher often called in to replace an injured Alisson Becker at Liverpool as they secured the Premier League title, and Chelsea loanee Petrovic providing some standout numbers on loan at Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.

Both would be instant upgrades on Meslier, whose mistakes came around more and more often at Leeds throughout the campaign. They were mistakes that went unpunished eventually, but mistakes that could ultimately cost the Yorkshire side their Premier League place if repeated next season.

After dropping his goalkeeper for Darlow in April, Farke told reporters: “Obviously he was involved in both [Swansea] goals in the last game, and it was a shame because after the penalty save he was on his way to being man of the match.

“So it was clear we had to make a decision. And we had to make it early in the week, because in that position the players need clarity, and Karl [Darlow] needs the time to prepare.”

Leeds receive Sam Johnstone boost

Meanwhile, if it’s not to be Petrovic or Kelleher this summer, then those at Elland Road could reportedly turn towards another Premier League option.

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Sam Johnstone is now ready to quit Wolverhampton Wanderers to join Leeds this summer.

The experienced shot-stopper has often found himself behind Jose Sa in the pecking order in the Midlands and could now leave the club just one summer after arriving. Wolves’ No 2 could quickly become Leeds’ No 1 as a result, with the 49ers already thought to be plotting a move to sign the former West Bromwich Albion man.

Previously praised for a “sensational” save by Gary Lineker, Johnstone will be desperate to regain a starting place away from Wolves this summer and replacing Meslier would hand him the chance to do exactly that.

At 32 years old, however, there may be some concerns around Elland Road over the goalkeeper’s ability to become a long-term solution to their biggest problem ahead of a vital Premier League campaign.