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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.

Manchester United are in the market for some statement arrivals this summer and could take a step closer to landing one of their primary targets, per reports.

Man Utd look to tool up for next season

The Red Devils’ prospects this season hang in the balance as the curtain starts to come down on a disappointing Premier League campaign. However, they could still make a forgettable year a memorable one by winning the Europa League.

Ruben Amorim has endured a baptism of fire since entering the dugout at Old Trafford and will need time to piece together a squad worthy of challenging for domestic honours.

Improving a forward line that has failed to yield enough goals is a priority. Manchester United have made contact over a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to try and solve that problem.

Villarreal’s Alex Baena has a £50 million release clause that the Red Devils could look to take advantage of during the summer window, though he is more likely to take up a berth behind the main striker at Old Trafford.

One thing is clear: United need reinforcements, and a sea change is expected in the off-season to prevent another below-par Premier League campaign in 2025/26.

Man Utd and Amorim want to sign 30 y/o compared to Matic in £34m transfer

Man United and Ruben Amorim have their eye on a player who will improve their midfield.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 27, 2025

INEOS will hope that winning the Europa League can strengthen returns to reinvest in prospective targets. That remains to be determined, but plenty of work is already ongoing in the infancy of their latest recruitment drive.

Stepping up their pursuit of fresh blood, Manchester United have now put forward a significant proposal to a talented striker who is on their radar.

Man Utd offer five-year contract to Matheus Cunha

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United have now submitted a five-year contract to Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha as they look to get a deal over the line for the Brazil international.

Despite some ends needing to be ironed out regarding his salary structure, a new meeting has been scheduled between his entourage and the Red Devils to smooth over the fine details.

Matheus Cunha’s impressive Premier League campaign for Wolves

Appearances

29

Goals

15

Assists

6

Shots on target

40

Chances created

52

Successful dribbles

57

Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause could be paid by Manchester United, though they would prefer the fee to be spread across three or four years to avoid conflict with PSR regulations. There is a feeling of confidence from all sides that a deal can be agreed, while Rasmus Hojlund is set to be made available should a deal come to fruition.

Labelled “absolutely sensational” by Micah Richards, Cunha is exactly the type of inventive presence Manchester United need in the final third to unlock defences under Amorim next season.

Now, it remains to be seen whether a transfer can be pushed over the line or whether any complications present themselves in negotiations.

With promotion to the Premier League confirmed with two games to go, Leeds United can finally turn their attention towards trying to build a side capable of staying in England’s top flight.

Such a feat might be easier said than done, with every promoted side from the Championship in the last two years returning straight back after just one season in the top division.

However, despite the achievements of boss Daniel Farke throughout 2024/25, it emerged yesterday that the hierarchy may consider sacking him to appoint a more proven Premier League manager to aid their ambitions next season.

Undoubtedly, such a decision would be extremely harsh after the German secured promotion, but football is a cutthroat industry with bold decisions needing to be made to avoid relegation in 2025/26.

That being said, bold decisions will need to be made in the market to create a side capable of consolidating next campaign, with money needing to be spent by the hierarchy to aid their attempts.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of new signings

There’s no denying that the Whites will likely be linked with a whole host of players after their return to the Premier League, but it’s important that quality over quantity arrives at Elland Road.

One name that has been constantly linked with a summer switch to Yorkshire is Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Julian Weigl, after previously featuring under Farke during their time together in the Bundesliga.

The 29-year-old, who’s made 29 appearances in the league this campaign, has been firmly on the club’s radar, but no deal is currently on the cards, leading to potential moves for other targets.

The hierarchy could subsequently look to pursue a move for West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek this summer, with the Czech international reportedly open to a move to Yorkshire.

According to IDNES, the 30-year-old is unhappy after losing his place under Graham Potter, opening the door for a transfer to join Leeds with just 12 months left on his contract.

They revealed that the newly-promoted side a strongly considering a move this summer.

Why Leeds should prioritise a move for a PL star over Weigl

There’s no denying Weigl would be an excellent addition to the Leeds squad, having the quality and experience to make a real difference at the heart of the side.

During his professional career, he’s featured for the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Benfica, often being a key member of the respective sides in the Champions League.

Such experience is key, especially heading into a season which could be a challenge for the Whites – that’s if the last couple of campaigns for newly-promoted sides are anything to go by.

However, given the fact he’s never played in England’s top-flight, such a deal could be seen as a risk, with the right additions needing to be made – potentially seeing them prioritise a move for Soucek as a result.

When comparing the duo’s respective stats from the ongoing season, the West Ham star has massively outperformed him, highlighting why the club should opt for his signature instead.

Games played

30

29

Goals & assists

8

2

Shots taken

1.9

0.6

Key passes

0.6

0.3

Tackles won

0.8

0.7

Clearances made

3.1

2.5

Aerials won

3.6

1.2

The Czech star, who’s been labelled “superb” by EXWHUEmployee, has registered more goals and assists this season, whilst also notching a higher tally of shots per 90 – showcasing the attacking threat he possesses from deep-lying positions.

He’s also managed to complete more key passes per 90, whilst also winning more tackles and aerials – offering Farke an all-round presence at the heart of the midfield next season.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Soucek would set the club back in the coming months, it would undoubtedly be a worthwhile investment, having the experience to help them in their Premier League quest.

With just 12 months left on his current deal at the London Stadium, it could be worth getting him on the cheap, possibly becoming their first signing back amongst England’s elite.

A dream first deal after promotion: £15m star wants to sign for Leeds

The player is reportedly keen to secure a permanent move to Leeds United this summer.

ByDan Emery Apr 23, 2025

Burnley are now in a transfer battle with Leeds United as they both want to sign a “unique” Ipswich Town star, according to a recent report.

Burnley begin transfer plans as they eye midfield reinforcements

The Clarets only confirmed their promotion to the Premier League on Monday evening, but already Scott Parker and club chiefs are working on transfer business ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

Burnley want to sign Fulham ace who previously won promotion under Parker

Burnley are now looking to sign a player who has worked with their manager before.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 24, 2025

It’s been claimed by EFL pundit Lee Hendrie that Jonjo Shelvey will likely not be at Turf Moor next season. The midfielder’s contract expires at the end of the campaign, and it is likely that he will not be offered a new deal, according to Hendrie.

That might be because Burnley already have his replacement in mind, as according to Give Me Sport, the Clarets are now interested in signing Harrison Reed from Fulham, a player who Parker knows well from his time working at Craven Cottage.

Fulham are said to be looking to strengthen their midfield this summer, and Reed could be allowed to leave should they receive the right offer. This has alerted Burnley, who are looking to strike a deal as the Clarets try to bring Premier League experience to their team.

Burnley in transfer battle for Ipswich star Hirst

But it is not just the midfield that the Clarets are looking to strengthen, as according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Burnley are interested in signing George Hirst from Ipswich this summer.

O’Rourke states that as well as the Lancashire side holding an interest in Hirst, Championship rivals Leeds are also keen on securing a deal for the striker, as the Tractor Boys look set to return to the second tier in English football.

However, while both sides can offer Premier League football, Ipswich are not willing to let Hirst just leave, as O’Rourke states that the Tractor Boys are desperately looking to tie the striker down to a new contract to ward off the interest, with Liam Delap expected to leave Portman Road this summer.

Hirst currently earns £27,500 a week at Ipswich, so the interested parties may have to stump up a significant increase to better whatever his current employers are offering.

Apps

76

Goals

18

Assists

11

The 26-year-old, who has been dubbed “unique” by Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, has had to be very patient this season, starting just three of the 21 Premier League games he’s played. Hirst has scored two goals in the process, his latest coming in the 4-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in March.

The Scotland international is still under contract until 2027, so Ipswich still have time on their hands, but Burnley and Leeds can both offer the forward another chance of playing in the Premier League, and this may be too hard for Hirst to turn down.

Reportedly prepared to spend to make the deal happen, Aston Villa and NSWE have reportedly set their sights on winning the race to sign a defender worth £50m this summer.

NSWE prepared to spend despite Aston Villa PSR concern

This summer wouldn’t be the first time that those at Villa Park spent big, given how they’ve splashed the cash to improve Unai Emery’s side in recent windows. Unlike in the past, however, NSWE will reportedly have to walk a fine line if they are to avoid breaking any profit and sustainability rules in a problem that they’re already looking to solve in an unexpected way.

Whether selling stakes in the women’s team solves Villa’s problem remains to be seen, but such a possibility certainly adds pressure to the achievements that the men’s team are in pursuit of. By qualifying for the Champions League for a second consecutive campaign, Emery’s side would undoubtedly provide the entire club with some added funds.

Aston Villa now join 6-team tussle to sign "bulldozing" teenage sensation

He’s a man in demand…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 6, 2025

What will have certainly helped on that front is their 2-1 victory over top-four rivals Nottingham Forest to maintain their push to sneak into European contention. Emery was well aware of just how important the result was, telling reporters: “I’m very happy because here in Villa Park we are feeling very strong.

“We are transmitting our energy to the supporters and their energy is transmitting to us. We are, more or less, winning, responding well.

“The supporters are happy with how we are responding and getting challenges like today against Nottingham, who are having a fantastic season. We’re trying to keep going in the challenges we have: today, next Wednesday, then again in Premier League, the FA Cup semi-final in London.”

What’s more, that financial boost courtesy of European qualification could yet see Aston Villa win the race to sign an in-demand defensive reinforcement in the coming months.

Aston Villa targeting £50m Diomande

As impressive as Aston Villa’s depth has been since the January transfer window, it won’t be long before they lose loanees Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi. And that’s when they could turn towards a £50m defender.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa and NSWE are now prepared to spend to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Club, who value their talented defender at £50m ahead of this summer.

The 21-year-old has also attracted interest from Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea to form a hectic Premier League race for his signature. Whether other clubs are willing to spend like Aston Villa seemingly are remains to be seen, however.

Described as an “aggressive” and “tough tackling” defender by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Diomande would be worth every penny in a £50m deal this summer, no matter who wins the race for his signature.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been handed another injury doubt ahead of their looming derby clash at home to Tottenham, following the now-confirmed news that star defender Gabriel Magalhaes is set for weeks on the sidelines.

The Gunners welcome Spurs to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday brimming with confidence, as Arteta’s side look to extend their remarkable recent dominance over their fiercest rivals and strengthen their grip atop the Premier League summit.

Arsenal enter the 198th North London derby in commanding form despite a late setback at Sunderland ending their 10-match winning streak. They sit four points clear at the top of the table, and history suggests they’re well-positioned to maintain that advantage.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal have won five of their last six Premier League encounters with Spurs, including three consecutive victories – their longest winning run against Tottenham since the late 80s (The Analyst).

Home advantage has proven decisive in this fixture. Indeed, Arsenal have lost just one of their last 32 home Premier League derbies against Tottenham, winning 19 and drawing 12, with that solitary defeat coming in November 2010 (The Analyst).

The Emirates has become a fortress against their arch rivals, with Arsenal having scored in each of their last 26 home league games against Spurs, netting at least twice in the previous eight meetings.

However, Arsenal have had numerous injury doubts to contend with, as they have for most of this season.

Gabriel is now reportedly set for at least a month on the sidelines after injuring his thigh on international duty with Brazil, with Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus have all been missing recently.

Riccardo Calafiori could miss Tottenham as Arsenal dealt another injury doubt

As well as this, star left-back Riccardo Calafiori, who’s been one of Arsenal’s players of the season so far according to Ray Parlour, was nursing a hip problem on international duty with Italy.

After checks this week, Fabrizio Romano stated that Calafiori is ready to play with no injuries, just ‘overload’, so Arteta’s latest update actually comes as quite a surprising twist.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, via football.london, Arteta says that Calafiori has been unavailable, and they’ll have to wait and see if he can take part against Spurs, pending another Saturday training session.

With Gabriel already ruled out, losing Calafiori would strip Arsenal of their two most versatile defensive options in one fell swoop.

If the former Bologna star is ruled out, Myles Lewis-Skelly is poised to return at left-back, with one of Cristhian Mosquera or Piero Hincapie replacing Gabriel. Calafiori’s been in exceptional form this term, so much so that Lewis-Skelly, one of Hale End’s latest rising stars, has barely got a look-in despite his excellent end to 24/25.

The 23-year-old would be a sore miss for Arteta, who is now facing a real selection headache ahead of one of Arsenal’s biggest games of the year.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has lavished praise on a Gunners who’s done something he never expected.

Arsenal look to extend unbeaten run against Brentford

Arsenal return to the Emirates tonight seeking to rebuild momentum against Brentford following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea, where Arteta’s side failed to capitalize on their one-man advantage despite playing almost an hour against ten men.

The north Londoners have also seen their five-point lead atop the Premier League table reduced to two after Man City’s thrilling 5-4 win away to Fulham on Tuesday, so nothing but a win will do against one of the worst away teams in the division this evening.

Arteta faces selection dilemmas ahead of Brentford’s visit, with defensive concerns persisting following the unexpected absence of both first-choice centre-backs at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham

Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich

Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal

William Saliba suffered a training ground injury in the build up to Chelsea, compounding Gabriel Magalhaes’ absence and marking only the second occasion in 162 matches both defenders have missed simultaneously.

It could well be the third time in 163 matches against Brentford, with Saliba a doubt for tonight’s clash and Gabriel still weeks away from returning to the field.

Arsenal’s incredible unbeaten streak has now reached 17 matches across all competitions, yet Arteta demands improvements following the Chelsea stalemate. The Gunners managed just eight shots at Stamford Bridge – their lowest total in any Premier League fixture this season.

Arsenal hold new talks with Juventus star who Alonso has recommended to Real Madrid

The Gunners are ‘captivated’ by him.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 3, 2025

Leandro Trossard, who’s been in excellent form with 10 goal contributions already this term, looks set to miss the Brentford game with Havertz also suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.

Mikel Arteta says Merino has took him by surprise at Arsenal

Bearing this in mind, if Arteta doesn’t start Viktor Gyokeres, then makeshift number nine Mikel Merino could well be handed another chance to impress.

The Spain international has been nothing short of extraordinary in a very unfamiliar role, scoring 20 goals this calendar year for club and country, and Arteta has now had his say on the matter.

When asked by reporters whether he thought Merino could become a striker like this, Arteta admitted the 29-year-old has taken him completely by surprise.

Merino’s equaliser ensured that Arsenal’s unbeaten streak didn’t end in west London on Sunday, and the former Newcastle star has fast become a fan favourite.

2025 has been a real year to remember for the midfielder, who was one of Edu’s final signings before his departure as sporting director late last year.

Arteta can take a lot of the credit for transforming Merino into an attacking powerhouse and having the initiative to experiment with him up front, but the versatile star has seized that opportunity with both hands.

Arsenal’s terrible luck with injuries last year seems to have carried over to this season.

On top of the mountain of attacking injuries, Mikel Arteta is now set to be without Gabriel Magaheles for up to two months.

Fortunately, the squad is fairly well stacked in defensive areas, and so while it’s not ideal, the Spaniard should be able to find a way to make his backline work.

Moreover, that defensive depth is likely to get even stronger within a few years, as Hale End are currently brewing someone who could be a dream Gabriel heir.

Arsenal's next Hale End stars

It feels like every season now, a Hale End gem or two emerge and slot right into Arsenal’s first team, be that Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly or even Max Dowman.

The good news for the Emirates faithful and Arteta is that the production of incredible young talents shows no signs of stopping, with a few academy gems looking likely to make a first-team appearance or two in the coming years.

One of those who seems destined for the senior side is Northern Irish youth international Ceadach O’Neill.

The 17-year-old attacker joined the club in 2023 and has shone for the u18s.

On top of being able to play across the frontline, the “brilliantly” talented gem, as dubbed by the Gunners’ U21 coach David Horseman, has shown an eye for goal, scoring 11 and providing five assists in 32 games for the u18s.

Right Winger

11

2

3

Centre-Forward

7

6

1

Left Winger

7

3

1

Right Midfield

2

0

1

Left Midfield

1

0

0

Another hugely exciting young attacker is Brando Bailey-Joseph.

The 17-year-old only signed scholarship terms with the club a few months ago, but has already been rewarded with a professional deal thanks to his sensational performances this season.

For example, in 14 appearances this season, totalling 929 minutes, he’s scored four goals and provided four assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.75 games, or every 116.12 minutes.

Hale End expert Will Balsam has described the youngster as an “explosive” attacker whose “quickness and sharp cuts” make him a “menace” for opposing defenders – which sounds like the sort of left-winger the first team could use.

In all, there are more than a handful of academy gems like O’Neill and Bailey-Joseph who could soon make it into the first team, but few are as exciting as Hale End’s best defensive prospect in years.

Hale End's future Gabriel replacement

Now, for a youngster to be considered as a future replacement or heir for Gabriel, they’ve got to be something pretty special.

Fortunately, as things stand, Marli Salmon looks to be just that.

In fact, Mattinson has gone out on a limb and described the exceptionally talented prospect as “the best CB Hale End has produced.”

What makes the 16-year-old so special, then? Well, like the big Brazilian he might one day step in for, he’s excellent at reading the game and is incredibly cultured on the ball.

For example, Mattinson has described him as “technically advanced,” and Balsam argues that he’s “different gravy on the ball” and has a perfect “mix of control and aggression.”

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

However, if he wants to one day step into Big Gabis’ shoes, he also needs to be someone who can engage in a bit of old-school defending, someone who can hold their own against the battering rams.

Fortunately, despite looking relatively slight – he is still 16 after all – the Hale Ender is already showing signs that he’s far stronger than he looks.

According to Balsam, he’s an “athletically gifted” defender who marries technical composure with “freak physical attributes.”

Finally, the last sign that he has a bright future ahead of him is that he featured in pre-season and, just like Dowman, didn’t look too out of place.

Ultimately, there is still a long way to go, but Salmon looks like he could be Hale End’s next superstar and the perfect long-term replacement for Gabriel.

A new Zubimendi: Berta makes first move to sign "Rodri-like" CM for Arsenal

The incredibly exciting prospect could be another Zubimendi for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 20, 2025

Aston Villa have now joined the race for Manchester City’s James Trafford ahead of the January transfer window, amid a new update on the goalkeeper’s future at the Etihad Stadium.

It is well-known that Emiliano Martinez wanted to leave Villa during the summer, with the 33-year-old keen on a deadline day move to Manchester United, but he ultimately ended up staying put, and Unai Emery has reintroduced his first-choice goalkeeper to the starting XI.

Emery has been vindicated for his decision to start the Argentinian ahead of Marco Bizot, as he has started to show signs he could be getting back to his best, having kept three clean sheets in the Villans’ last four matches in all competitions.

Most recently, the former Arsenal man put in a top performance in the 4-0 victory against AFC Bournemouth, saving Antoine Semenyo’s penalty and receiving a 8.2 SofaScore match rating for his overall display.

However, given the World Cup-winning goalkeeper’s age, and his previous desire to leave, Emery may have one eye on a replacement, and the Europa League side have now joined the race for a Premier League shot-stopper ahead of the January transfer window.

Aston Villa join race to sign James Trafford

According to a report from Football Insider, Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign Man City’s Trafford, with the Englishman’s future at the Etihad Stadium now in doubt, given Gianluigi Donnarumma’s emergence as Pep Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper.

It is now looking increasingly likely the 23-year-old will leave the Blues this winter, with an initial loan move potentially on the cards, and he is viewed as a ‘strong alternative’ to Martinez, possessing the ability to replace the Villa goalkeeper between the sticks.

The 6 foot 6 colossus, who is represented by the same agent as Ezri Konsa, has been unable to establish himself as City’s number one, but his performances for the Clarets last season indicate he could be a fantastic signing for the Villans, keeping 29 clean sheets in the Championship alone.

Scott Parker was clearly happy with his goalkeeper’s performances too, describing him as “world-class”, while Statman Dave has revealed the Carlisle-born shot-stopper prevented the second-highest number of goals of any under 23 goalkeeper in Europe’s top 20 leagues last term.

Trafford isn’t the finished article and has yet to prove himself over a sustained period at Premier League level, making an error leading to a goal in City’s 2-0 home defeat against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this season, but he is still very young for a goalkeeper, and has a lot of potential.

Emiliano Martinez has been named among the best goalkeepers in the Premier League Every 2025/26 Premier League goalkeeper ranked from best to worst

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ByCharlie Smith Oct 9, 2025