Manchester United are interested in signing Villarreal defender Pau Torres, according to reports from Spanish media.
The lowdown: Torres a wanted man
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for some time now, and Chelsea were among the leading contenders in last summer’s transfer window.
Since then, Torres has gone from strength to strength in Spain and has helped guide the La Liga outfit to an unlikely Champions League semi-final spot, having overcome Juventus and Bayern Munich along the way.
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It now appears that the strongest interest could be coming from the northwest of England…
The latest: Transfer tussle
As per Spanish sources, United are set to do battle with local rivals Manchester City for the capture of the Spanish defender.
Reports claim that the Red Devils and City have the ‘same goal’ for next season in attempting to capture Torres this summer.
It is stated that the 17-cap ace – who was hailed as ‘sensational’ by Spain manager Luis Enrique – is regarded as the ‘best option’ for Erik ten Hag as the Dutchman looks to strengthen the squad at Old Trafford.
The verdict: Top-drawer player
Bringing Torres to United would be a superb piece of business from Ten Hag and what looks sure to be a new-look backroom team.
While club captain Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly make up a well-stocked defensive department, they have fallen short of their expected levels at various times this season, as proven by the concession of 52 Premier League goals.
So far this season, Torres has scored five times in 42 appearances across all competitions whilst earning an impressive 7.07 Sofascore rating from 29 La Liga outings – making 3.2 clearances and 54.6 accurate passes per match and helping to keep 10 clean sheets in the process.
That is the type of solidity and assurance that Ten Hag and United could do with as they seek to restore the Old Trafford club to its former glories.
In other news: Rangnick has set his sights on one of Serie A’s brightest talents…find out more here
Leeds United could sign their new Stuart Dallas this summer in Bristol City starlet Alex Scott…
What’s the story?
According to The Mirror, the Robins rate him at around £10m, and while he is under contract with the club until 2025, their financial issues could see some Premier League clubs look to take advantage.
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It’s added that both Leeds and Spurs have scouted the 18-year-old ahead of a planned summer raid for the midfielder.
Shades of Stuart Dallas
Having played in a number of positions this season for Bristol City – including as a right-sided winger, central midfielder, holding midfielder, a number ten and a second striker – Scott has had a footballing education unlike most teenagers his age.
Indeed, that versatility is something which will surely impress Jesse Marsch, and it will also draw very eye-catching similarities to Leeds’ very own Swiss army knife in Stuart Dallas.
Whether Scott can match that level of impact that the Northern Irishman has had at Elland Road remains to be seen, but it is promising to say the least.
Bristol City’s player pathway manager Brian Tinnion hailed the teenager as “one of the top young talents in the country” before adding: “His work rate and his desire to learn has been unbelievable.
“He has been taken in very well by the senior lads, they know he’s got the quality to play with them. He has every single attribute you would want in a professional footballer. He can tackle, he’s great with both feet, he can head the ball, his delivery is good and his overall quality is great. He lets his football do the talking and he’s getting better all the time.”
Essentially, he is the do-it-all player who Leeds already boast in Dallas.
Given his age, and having already played a number of times in the Championship this season – 37 to be precise – Scott would seem to be a very shrewd addition in the mould of a Joe Gelhardt.
Imagining the prospect of both Scott and Gelhardt leading the way for Leeds over the coming years would be a sight to behold, with both having cut their teeth in the Championship.
The future would certainly be bright at Elland Road with the signing of Scott this summer, and it could give them their long-term successor to Dallas.
AND in other news – Marsch now facing his first major Leeds United mistake, Elland Road will be fuming
Thomas Frank has changed the dynamics at Tottenham Hotspur, and though it’s been a tough start to the campaign for the Londoners, we are perhaps seeing shoots of success.
Spurs had only won once across eight matches before Frank challenged his former club, Brentford, and came away with the spoils, thus reviving a fight for European contention. There is much ground still to cover this season, but defeat on home turf against the Bees would have made things tricky indeed.
There was something to be observed about Tottenham’s attacking play, with their xG total against Brentford coming in at 2.18, their highest in the Premier League since the season opener against Burnley in a 3-0 win.
But what about the defending? Tottenham have not been as compact and well-drilled at the rearguard this season as may have been anticipated when Frank was appointed. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, elite centre-backs both, have more to give.
Spurs' defensive record under Thomas Frank
Before keeping his protege, Keith Andrews, out, Frank watched on as Tottenham conceded 15 goals across five Premier League matches, failing to win any of those games.
At times, Spurs have been something of a shambles at the back. Some of the defending against Fulham just over a week ago would be a case in point.
What is the source of this struggle? Structural problems? A taint lingering from the erratic Ange Postecoglou era?
The main thing is that many of the goals Tottenham have shipped this term have been avoidable – though, aren’t they all?
Tottenham put in an improved defensive display, but Romero and Van de Ven and the rest need to work harder still if they are to rival some of the sternest Spurs defences in modern times. Think Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. Think Ledley King.
For now, Frank must make do with what he has got, but come next season, he may find he has the north London club’s next version of King ascending to first-team action.
Spurs' new version of Ledley King
King was quite the defender. Rivalling Harry Kane for the crown of Tottenham’s finest academy graduate of the past three decades, he broke into the first team in 1999, playing the sum of his career at White Hart Lane.
Harry Redknapp once hailed King as “an absolute freak”, so powerful and tenacious in the defensive third.
The former England international was sharp-witted and boasted that rare ability to time things to perfection, his defensive skillset operating on some unerring internal stopwatch.
To have a new prospect emerge and emulate the club icon would be a difficult thing indeed, but in Luka Vuskoic, ENIC Group might just have their man.
Tottenham signed Vuskovic in 2023 and have handed him to Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga on a one-year loan deal. The 18-year-old is thriving in Germany, showing he has the talent to rival someone like King down the line, perhaps even with a more robust and promising skillset than someone like Van de Ven.
Van de Ven can score goals, alright, but so can Vuskovic, the teenage talent showing in Germany this year that he has something of a penchant for the spectacular.
A rare profile, Vuskovic ranks among the top 3% of central defenders in the Bundesliga this season for goals scored, the top 9% for chances created and the top 1% for aerial duel success rate per 90, as per FBref. He has what it takes to be a superstar.
The Premier League is regarded by many to be the toughest league in the world, but it’s interesting to note that Vuskovic is perhaps playing slicker stuff than Spurs’ athletic centre-back, and that bodes well for his future in London.
Matches (starts)
14 (14)
11 (11)
Goals
3
2
Assists
0
0
Clean sheets
4
2
Touches*
68.1
79.2
Accurate passes*
52.1 (91%)
51.0 (86%)
Chances created*
0.1
0.6
Dribbles*
0.3
0.3
Recoveries*
3.7
4.1
Tackles + interceptions*
2.2
1.5
Clearances*
3.3
8.8
Duels (won)*
3.1 (48%)
7.5 (67%)
Errors
2
1
The fact that Van de Ven has won less than half of his duels in the Premier League this season is an indicator that he needs to do more to stop the rot that has spread.
But such rot is in its early stages, and can be dealt with. Frank has options for the rest of the term, but adding Vuskovic to the mix could inject that King-like presence to help take the project to the next level.
Anylst Ben Mattinson described him as a “freak athlete” and a “freak talent” with a “scary ceiling,” so the echoes between him and King are underscored there.
Whether the Croatian talent adapts to life in the Premier League remains to be seen, but the signs are promising. He could be a centre-half who ends up overtaking two top stars in Van de Ven and Romero, scratching a similar ballpark to someone like King.
Kolo Muani upgrade: Spurs prepare move for "one of the best CFs in the PL"
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in a deal to sign a centre-forward who could be an upgrade on Randal Kolo Muani.
A Champions League-winning striker is “one to watch” for Rangers, as Danny Rohl plans for an exciting January transfer window at Ibrox.
Rohl fumes after woeful Rangers defeat
The Rohl era got off to a disappointing start on Thursday evening, with the Gers losing 3-0 away to Brann in the Europa League, as their appalling start to the season continues.
Speaking after the game, Rangers’ new manager was not amused with what he saw from his players, assessing the defeat and apologising to the fans.
“(At the end) I first apologised (to the fans) for this defeat and the performance. They’ve travelled a lot for the team and they’re always there. This club has a lot of passionate fans and they deserve this. It was very important for me to show that I understand them. I said as well to them I’m working very hard to improve this group of players and get results.
“It was a great welcome before the game. Then you hope you can give them straight away the three points and a good feeling. So this makes me sad that I couldn’t. That was the reason why I walked to them to give them the big respect that they deserve. This is my job. We have to understand our fans are very patient and you cannot expect that they are always happy with us when we have such a performance.”
Thursday’s loss was further proof that lots of added quality is required for Rangers, whether that be in January or next summer, and a high-profile name has been linked with a move to Ibrox, amid reports Andrew Cavenagh is set to back Rohl in January.
Rangers backed to sign Champions League winner
Speaking on Hotline Live [via Ibrox News], Daily Record journalist Daniel Caw talked up the idea of Rangers signing RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, due in part to his connection with new first team performance manager Sascha Lense.
Timo Werner for Tottenham
Werner would be an eye-catching addition for Rangers, with the Leipzig ace winning the Champions League with Chelsea back in 2021, as well as scoring 24 goals in 57 for Germany.
RB Leipzig
214
113
47
VfB Stuttgart
103
14
11
Chelsea
89
23
21
Tottenham
41
3
7
Now 29, his very best days may be behind him, but that’s not to say he couldn’t be a potent weapon, with even the hard-to-please Roy Keane praising him in the past.
“He’s a nuisance to play against, isn’t he, Werner. There’s question marks about his end product and whatever, his final pass. But he does affect games, he is a threat.”
Fewer touches than Butland: Rohl must drop Rangers flop who won 0 duels
Danny Rohl must drop this Rangers flop who had fewer touches than Jack Butland.
ByDan Emery Oct 24, 2025
The Lense factor will hopefully come in handy for Rangers, and if they snapped up Werner in January, it would give Rohl an enormous boost midway through the season. Whether he wants to depart a top club in Leipzig is up for debate, though.
Manchester United have previously been a club associated with being the home to numerous top-level attackers who have helped aid their success in the Premier League.
However, the last few years have been a struggle for the Red Devils, with Ruben Amorim unable to create a frontline capable of achieving success in various competitions.
His side only registered 44 goals in England’s top-flight throughout 2024/25, with no player able to register double figures for goals, with Amad and Bruno Fernandes both only scoring eight times.
Such a record was the fifth worst in the division, with three of the sides registering fewer goals subsequently being relegated – highlighting the club’s lack of success in such an area.
One of the players who struggled at Old Trafford during the aforementioned campaign was offloaded during the recent window, with such a decision potentially being a mistake given his form as of late.
Rasmus Hojlund’s form away from United
Back in the summer of 2023, United forked out a fee in the region of £72m for striker Rasmus Hojlund from Italian side Atalanta, with real hope he could end their goalscoring worries.
The Dane did manage to meet expectations in his first year in England, scoring 16 times across all competitions, with five of his efforts coming in the Champions League.
However, he struggled to impress in 2024/25, only netting five Premier League goals, even going 21 games without a goal at one stage, which further highlights his lack of impact in the final third.
The Red Devils board decided to ship him back to Serie A, with the forward joining Napoli on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy should they finish in a Champions League spot.
Hojlund has already managed to impress in Naples, already scoring four times in his first six outings for the club – including a double in Europa against Sporting CP.
His form has also transferred to international level, as seen by his latest showing against Belarus, where the 22-year-old netted twice and also laid on an assist for former teammate Patrick Dorgu.
Despite his recent success on the pitch, he’s still valued lower than one current United player who’s managed to find some impressive form over the last couple of weeks.
The United player who’s worth more than Hojlund
In an attempt to bolster the club’s attacking department, the United hierarchy splashed over £200m on new attacking talent during the recent summer transfer window.
Matheus Cunha joined in a £62.5m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers after he scored 15 goals in England’s top-flight during the 2024/25 campaign.
The Brazilian was also joined in attacking areas by Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, with the Cameroonian international also costing a pretty penny at £71m.
Like Cunha, he also managed to impress last time around, subsequently scoring 20 times and being one of just five players in the division to achieve such a feat.
The aforementioned duo were joined by centre forward Benjamin Sesko, leading to the board forking out £74m for his signature from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.
At just 22, he’s already impressed in his professional career, as seen by his tally of 21 goals in all competitions last season – 13 of which came in Germany’s top-flight.
He has bags of time to develop into an elite-level forward, but he’s already shown glimpses of his quality during the early games of his career at Old Trafford.
Games played
7
Goals scored
2
Shots on target
1.4
Chances created
1.2
Aerials won
3.7
Touches in opposition box
4.2
Duels won
4.9
Fouls won
1.6
Sesko, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, has scored in each of his last two outings for the Red Devils, currently sitting as the club’s joint top scorer in the Premier League for the 2025/26 campaign.
His underlying stats also demonstrate his impressive nature, winning 3.7 aerial duels per 90 – a tally which makes him the perfect focal point for Amorim’s side – something which they have lacked in recent times.
As a result of his immediate impact in Manchester, Sesko has seen his market value soar in recent months, with the Slovenian international now valued at £103.6m by CIES Football Observatory.
Such a value is higher than that of the departed Hojlund, with the Dane now only valued at £67.9m by the same site after his recent demise at Old Trafford.
The early signs for the new big-money addition are all positive, but it’s crucial he continues to build on his early success at avoiding suffering the same fate as the Dane.
As for the latter, it’s great to see the youngster regaining his feet after a tricky few years in the North West, but his departure could be one the Red Devils live to regret.
Man Utd have signed a "machine" who looks like a new Bruno-type player
Man Utd look like they’ve snapped up the next Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford…
Nuno Espírito Santo kicked off his West Ham United tenure in fine fashion on Monday night.
The former Nottingham Forest boss didn’t pick up all three points in the Premier League clash with Everton, but they fought back from a goal down to claim one.
It was a display full of the sort of grit and determination that was so lacking under Graham Potter, and surely a positive sign of what could come this season.
Moreover, there were some standout performances from his starters, including a duo he could help make one of the best in the league.
The players who could thrive under Nuno
Starting with the obvious, there is no reason to think Jarrod Bowen won’t continue to be West Ham’s most important player under Nuno.
After all, the Englishman scored the goal on Monday night and racked up an unreal haul of 24 goal involvements in 36 games last season, despite the club doing so poorly for practically the entire campaign.
Finally, the Irons’ new manager was able to turn Chris Wood into a lean, mean goalscoring machine for the Tricky Trees last season, so just imagine the impact he could have on the former Hull City ace.
Speaking of the development of the Kiwi marksman, if he was able to chalk up 20 goals and three assists in 40 appearances under Nuno last year, there is no reason Callum Wilson couldn’t also have something of a late career revival this year.
The former Newcastle United star is the same age as the Forest man, and you only need to go back to 23/24 to reach the last campaign in which he was effective in front of goal, as he scored 10 goals and provided one assist in 26 games that year.
It could also be a great season ahead for Soungoutou Magassa and Freddie Potts.
The two of them are young, exciting and impressively technical central midfielders who can play in the six, and considering the development of now England international Elliot Anderson last year, there is no reason why they couldn’t be looked upon similarly this time in 26/27.
With all that said, there is one duo in particular that could be in for an extraordinary campaign under Nuno this season.
The West Ham duo Nuno could transform
While plenty of fans would probably love Nuno to transform their centre-back partnership this season, he’s not a miracle worker.
Chalkboard
However, the Portuguese coach could help make the partnership of El Hadji Malick Diouf and Crysencio Summerville on the left-hand side one of the best in the Premier League.
It’s something that certainly feels possible, as even though he only arrived in the summer, the “explosive” Senegalese international, as dubbed by one analyst, has already been described as “one of the best full-backs in the league” by another analyst.
While that is certainly high praise indeed, it’s not hard to see where they are coming from, as in just six Premier League games, the 20-year-old already has three assists to his name.
Moreover, on another night, he could have picked up one or two more against Everton, as he was constantly firing in dangerous cross after dangerous cross into the Toffees’ penalty area.
At the same time, Summerville was consistently driving at his opposite number and more often than not beating them.
In fact, the Dutchman completed three of his five dribbles, more than anyone else on the night, won five of eight ground duels, amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of 0.67, took 55 touches, played one key pass and won two fouls.
Minutes
77′
Expected Goals
0.42
Expected Assists
0.12
Touches
55
Accurate Passes
27/29 (93%)
Key Passes
1
Shots on Target
1
Successful Dribbles
3
Ground Duels (Won)
8 (5)
Fouls Won
2
Clearances
3
Shots Blocked
1
The “unstoppable” winger, as dubbed by Statmand Dave, was so effective against David Moyes’ side that he was named the Man of the Match.
So, imagine how dangerous a pairing these two will be when they’ve had more time to play together. The former Leeds United star will be a nightmare for opposition defenders, capable of cutting inside with his close control, while Diouf will be hurtling up and down the pitch, firing in sensational crosses into dangerous areas.
Add to that a manager who was known for using flying wing-backs at Wolverhampton Wanderers and then utilising attacking full-backs at the City Ground, and the Irons left-hand side could become one of the most dangerous in the Premier League.
Ultimately, there is much of the season to come, but West Ham look like they could have something of a cheat code on one side of the pitch, and Bowen on the other.
14 goals in 19 games: West Ham are brewing 18-year-old Fullkrug upgrade
The young gem could be a real star for Nuno and West Ham.
Glasgow Rangers are reportedly planning to table an offer for an attacking player who “does everything”, seeing him as a potential alternative to Jamie Vardy.
Rangers linked with stunning Vardy signing
Vardy has been one of the most prominent attacking stars in the Premier League over the past decade, famously starring for Leicester City en route to an unfathomable title triumph in 2015/16.
Now, the 38-year-old is being strongly linked with a summer move to Rangers, having brought to an end a legendary spell at the King Power Stadium at the end of last season, saying goodbye to the fans.
“I’ve had 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, some downs, but the majority all highs. But it’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about but I think the timing is right. I just want to sincerely thank you all for taking me in as one of your own.”
Recent reports have suggested that the Gers have opened talks with Vardy over a move to Ibrox, seeing him as an ideal option to bring added firepower to Russell Martin’s squad, as the new manager looks to win the Scottish Premiership title at the first attempt.
Given his age, it is understandable why some may have reservations about a move, but there are no great signs of the Englishman slowing down, and he could be an inspired signing for a year or two. It looks like a younger option is being looked at, though, following a new update.
Rangers planning bid for attacker who "does everything"
According to Gol [via The Daily Record], Rangers are planning a bid for Girona striker Bojan Miovski, seemingly seeing him as an option if they miss out on acquiring Vardy’s signature. The 26-year-old is also reportedly wanted by Celtic this summer, so it could be a tug of war between the two biggest clubs in Scottish football.
Bojan Miovski for North Macedonia.
Miovski could be a great signing for Rangers this summer, even though Vardy is arguably the preferable choice in the sense of high level experience, with the striker 12 years younger than the Leicester icon.
The Gers have felt the wrath of the North Macedonian plenty of times in the past, with Miovski scoring four goals against them in nine appearances, three of which came in six league outings.
Meanwhile, former Rangers attacker Billy Dodds has lauded his ability, saying: “I really like Miovski. How he played against England, you’re stepping up the levels and notching up the standard of football, then seeing him today, seeing him throughout the season. You get some people who don’t join in the game, don’t link up, but score goals. Others you see not scoring goals but they link up. This guy does everything.”
Rangers and 49ers set to sign "aggressive" Premier League player for Martin
A transfer has reportedly been agreed.
ByHenry Jackson Jul 8, 2025
A return to Scotland may appeal to Miovski, having only netted twice for Girona in 17 La Liga appearances last season, and he stands out as a top-quality option for Rangers alongside Vardy.
It’s fair to say Ruben Amorim’s reign at Manchester United to date has been a bumpy ride full of many ups and downs.
Amorim has collected 17 victories from the Old Trafford hot-seat, but that has been followed up by a worrying 17 losses being tallied up, which included a soul-crushing Europa League final defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.
Matheus Cunha
Even with the pain of this loss out in Bilbao still hurting – with no European football on the menu this coming season – the Red Devils have been able to flex their muscles in the transfer market, as seen in the notable £62.5m capture of Matheus Cunha.
But, what’s around the corner for the Red Devils?
Man Utd in surprise talks to sign £70m star
Well, Bryan Mbeumo is reportedly also edging closer to a switch to the red half of Manchester despite their aforementioned problems, with a hat-trick of standout purchases from within the Premier League perhaps on the cards if another deal is also secured.
As per a report by Football Insider, United have been in surprise talks recently over snapping up Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.
It’s stated that a move was being explored after United had held talks with the 6 foot 5 man mountain’s agent, but it is looking more likely that Branthwaite will pen a contract extension at the Toffees, over moving to nearby Manchester.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Yet, as has been seen in the manic transfer window so far, many twists and turns can occur, with United known to be keen admirers of the £70m-rated centre-back for some time now, having been linked with the one-time England international last summer.
A move might well finally happen for Branthwaite and the Red Devils, with Amorim’s strugglers hopeful that the strong Everton number 32 can go on to be their modern-day iteration of Rio Ferdinand if a deal is finalised.
How Branthwaite can be Man Urd's next Ferdinand
It’s been nearly 23 years now since Ferdinand crossed enemy lines to leave Leeds United behind for the Theatre of Dreams for £30m.
Rio Ferdinand
But, even nearly two decades on, Ferdinand is still seen as the cream of the defensive crop from United’s recent and more success-laden years, with a mammoth 189 clean sheets coming his way from a stacked 504 Premier League outings, away from his ridiculous trophy collection boasting six top-flight title successes.
As it did at Elland Road over 20 years ago, Branthwaite’s exit would certainly upset the Everton masses if he were to shortly walk away from Merseyside, having showcased himself, just like Ferdinand, to be one of England’s finest young centre-halves.
Ferdinand did already have 54 Premier League clashes under his belt in West Yorkshire before sealing a major switch to link up with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, and now Branthwaite will surely fancy a similar big move to elevate his game to the next level.
Games played
75
Goals scored
4
Assists
1
Goals conceded
92
Clean sheets
21
After all, the now-retired United number 5 was only a year older than Branthwaite is now when he first made the leap to Old Trafford, with the 22-year-old also definitely capable of adjusting to the pressures of the Theatre of Dreams when glancing at his standout numbers from the table above.
Branthwaite would be able to chip in with goals and assists aplenty too, just like Ferdinand in his pomp, with his output during his breakout 2023/24 season seeing him fire home three strikes, away from further proving his imposing nature in the air by winning 3.9 duels per game throughout 2024/25.
Once lauded as a “colossal” presence by Statman Dave, on top of also being labelled as a “beast” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, this could be yet another signing that helps United push out of their current mire.
A positive new horizon could soon come Amorim and Co’s way as Branthwaite potentially goes down as a modern icon at the back, whilst Cunha and Mbeumo also aim to be heroes in their own right.
He'd be perfect for Mbeumo: Man Utd prepare bid for "exceptional" £28m ace
Manchester United appear to be making serious moves in the transfer market.
Arsenal love signing a defender. Even this summer, with the Gunners’ need for more quality and depth in attack abundantly clear, it’s not stopped them from looking at more defensive options.
Dean Huijsen was regularly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium after a fabulous debut campaign at Bournemouth, one that even saw him score against Mikel Arteta’s side.
Yet, he ended up heading back to his native country where the Spanish centre-back signed for Real Madrid in time for the Club World Cup.
Also on their radar is Ajax’s young superstar defender, Jorrel Hato.
Why Arsenal want to sign Jorrel Hato
Last summer, there was interest from Arsenal in signing the Dutch starlet from Ajax, but he ultimately stayed put in Amsterdam.
The Gunners turned their attention to another hybrid defender instead, signing Italian star Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
Well, a year on, the interest remains in the 19-year-old sensation. That’s according to Fabrizio Romano who reported last week that Arsenal have been in contact with the Dutch side about potentially signing him.
So, why do they want him? Well, in the words of scout Jacek Kulig, Hato is “one of the most talented centre-backs of his generation in Europe”, rubberstamping the teenager’s simply frightening potential.
Despite being a centre-back by trade, it was actually at left-back where the youngster thrived for Ajax in 2024/25, playing 46 games in that role.
From that position, he put in some seriously impressive performances. Indeed, compared to full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues and the continent’s premier competitions, he ranks among the best 9% of players for pass accuracy per 90 minutes, the top 14% for aerial duels won and the best 14% for interceptions.
As data analyst Ben Mattinson also outlined, he’s a bit of a “Jurrien Timber 2.0”. That’s not just because he can play competently in the middle and on the sides, but he’s also incredibly hard to beat.
Timber was very rarely beaten by a defender in 2024/25, only losing 0.34 challenges per 90 minutes, enough to rank him among the best 5% of full-backs in the Premier League. Hato is even better in this regard, ranking in the finest 1% of players in the top five leagues for his metric, losing just 0.10 challenges per 90.
So, he’s really one of the best in his position, even before he’s reached his 20th birthday. There wouldn’t be many better Huijsen alternatives out there, that’s for sure.
Ajax Amsterdam's JorrelHatocelebrates after the match
But, what would his arrival mean for those already at the club?
What Hato's arrival would mean for Arsenal
Well, it’s safe to say that Arsenal don’t have a bottomless pit of money this summer and if they are going to spend big, it surely has to be on strengthening the forward ranks.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres continue to be linked with a move to bolster the striking ranks at Arteta’s disposal. Thus, how can they free up room for Hato, both in terms of game time and financially?
Well, with Kieran Tierney already out the exit door, heading for Celtic, there’s one less competitor for a place at left-back. Myles Lewis-Skelly could also be moved into midfield, his more natural position.
But, as far as sales go, we’re looking at Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Kiwior looked certain to leave a few months ago but after Gabriel’s hamstring injury, the Pole came in and deputised to an exceptional level.
He notably kept a clean sheet in the win over Real Madrid at the Emirates and looked the more assured of the two between him and William Saliba at the Bernabeu, where it was the Frenchman’s error that led to a Madrid consolation goal. He even scored in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Gabriel
42
3,500
Jakub Kiwior
30
2,155
Riccardo Calafiori
29
1,497
Myles Lewis-Skelly
39
2,306
Oleksandr Zinchenko
23
789
Kieran Tierney
20
447
So, with Kiwior now more likely to stay, it will surely be Zinchenko to depart. According to new reports, he could now be ‘closing in’ on an exit.
Back in January, the £30m signing from Manchester City attracted the interest of Borussia Dortmund but a move ultimately didn’t happen.
Six months down the line and a deal could finally materialise with Dortmund once again monitoring the situation, according to Caught Offside. The same report notes that Zinchenko has a fellow suitor in the form of AC Milan who view him as a possible reinforcement.
Arsenal would now be happy to sell the Ukrainian, but only if they receive a fee in the region of £10m-£15m.
A departure this summer would be unsurprising, particularly given his waning minutes over the season that’s just concluded.
Indeed, the 28-year-old has gone from one of the first names on the teamsheet back in his debut year in London to someone who can barely get a game.
He revolutionised the style Arteta’s side played with, inverting from his left-back position but the manager has now found fresher blood capable of doing that, chiefly Lewis-Skelly.
Zinchenko only played 23 games in all competitions in 2024/25 and only started five league games all season long. It’s safe to say it wasn’t the finest year of his career, even if he did score a Champions League goal against PSV Eindhoven.
So, if the former City title-winner does move on, not only will it free up funds for more transfer business but it would also free up a space in the squad for Hato to fill.
For Andrea Berta, this is surely a no-brainer if the stars align.
He's a dream for Rice: Arsenal are about to submit bid for £84m "magician"
The outrageously talented international would be game-changing for Arsenal.
West Ham United have reportedly agreed personal terms to sign a £20m midfielder and are in talks with his club over a deal.
West Ham start summer business with move for Celtic striker Cummings
The Hammers endured a difficult 2024/25 Premier League season after splashing the cash last summer, with Julen Lopetegui being sacked at the beginning of the New Year and former technical director Tim Steiden departing shortly after.
Max Kilman
Wolves
€47.5m
Crysencio Summerville
Leeds United
€29.3m
Niclas Fullkrug
Borussia Dortmund
€27m
Luis Guilherme
Palmeiras
€23m
Mohamadou Kante
Paris FC
Undisclosed
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Man Utd
€18m
Wes Foderingham
Sheffield United
Free transfer
Guido Rodriguez
Real Betis
Free transfer
Jean-Clair Todibo
Nice
Loan transfer
Carlos Soler
PSG
Loan transfer
Evan Ferguson
Brighton
Loan transfer
Graham Potter arrived and saw out the new season with the Irons, and he’ll soon be preparing for his first full season at the London Stadium, looking to put his own stamp on things in the transfer market.
West Ham have already sealed their first summer signing, with Celtic forward Daniel Cummings set to move to London.
Daniel Cummings for Celtic
Talented 19-year-old striker Cummings is out of contract at Celtic Park in the summer and has already agreed terms and undergone a medical with the Hammers, with Fabrizio Romano saying it is a “done deal”.
Cummings has been free-scoring for the Hoops in their youth sides and was even given a Champions League appearance by Brendan Rodgers in the 24/25 campaign, so seems to be a star in the making and will officially arrive on July 1st.
Approach made: West Ham now in contact to sign "incredible" £20m defender
The Hammers have come forward for a centre-back, who they are now seriously interested in signing.
ByDominic Lund May 25, 2025
After the Scotland youth international, West Ham now look to be targeting more experienced additions to the squad, with a new midfielder being worked on.
West Ham agree personal terms with £20m Raphael Onyedika
According to journalist Sebastian Vidal, relayed by GiveMeSport, West Ham have agreed personal terms with Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
Described as a potential “major signing” for the Irons by Vidal, talks are also underway with Club Brugge over agreeing a fee for Onyedika, thought to be worth around £20m.
A Nigeria international, Onyedika is attracted by the idea of playing in England but is still under contract with Club Brugge until 2027 after signing for the Belgian giants from FC Midtjylland in 2022.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, the 24-year-old can also play as a box-to-box central midfielder or even give cover as a centre-back, so would provide Potter with plenty of versatility, should a deal go through.
Onyedika even has Champions League experience with his current employers, scoring in the competition against Man City in 24/25, and by the looks of things, a move to West Ham is one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.