All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

The interminable bid to sign Alexander Isak rumbles on for Liverpool, but sporting director Richard Hughes has a lot of work cut out as he chases multiple deals before the closure of the summer transfer market.

Newcastle United’s star striker has already been the focus of a rejected bid, totalling an initial £110m, and the Reds are expected to return, for the 25-year-old has suffered a catastrophic failure in relations with those at St. James’ Park.

However, Liverpool are also in desperate need of signing a centre-half in the coming weeks, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate lacking cover at the rear.

Liverpool focused on signing defender

Following Palace’s victory at Wembley, their chairman, Steve Parish, admitted that they might have to cash in on Marc Guehi this summer, the centre-back having entered the final year of his contract and been on Liverpool’s radar for months.

However, Liverpool are also tracking 18-year-old Parma defender Giovanni Leoni, with deals on the cards for both defenders.

Transfer Focus

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

It would be difficult to pull Leoni away from his Italian homeland at this fledgling stage of his career, and that’s why sporting director Richard Hughes has identified an alternative option to strengthen the backline.

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are rivalling Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Aston Villa for Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, having been in regular contact with intermediaries.

Marseille are also in the mix and hope to close a deal this month, so Liverpool will need to get the deal done quickly.

What Joel Ordonez would bring to Liverpool

Ordonez, 21, might be in the early stage of his career, but he’s already made 84 appearances for his Belgian side after making the first leap away from his Ecuadorian homeland.

Now ready for a big move to a top-five league, Liverpool could hit gold in bringing him over, intrigued by his blend of aggressiveness and proactive passing.

Looking at how Ordonez and Leoni rank up statistically over the past year, there’s a case to be made that the Club Brugge man is the superior player at this point in time, with a roundedness about him that suggests he could even be a fitting alternative to Guehi, should Liverpool’s pursuit of the Eagles star prove fruitless.

Goals scored

0.10

0.08

Assists

0.00

0.00

Shot-creating actions

0.57

0.23

Touches

61.63

58.10

Pass completion

91.6%

87.7%

Progressive passes

2.75

1.58

Progressive carries

0.73

0.00

Successful take-ons

0.26

0.23

Tackles + interceptions

1.97

1.18

Clearances

4.84

4.73

Aerials won

1.12

1.23

Leoni is a talented young player, but there’s little to suggest that he has what it takes to break free and become a smooth passer beyond the capacity of Ordonez, who has actually been described as having “an impressively complete profile for a centre-back of his age”, by scout Jacek Kulig.

The same, of course, is true for Leoni, but Ordonez has far more experience and thus more substance behind forking out a sizeable figure this summer.

Should either Van Dijk or Konate fall to injury this season, an understudy would be required to step up, and given that Ordonez has already fought against Aston Villa over two legs in the Champions League, he has the confidence and receipts to do exactly that: step up.

Though Guehi would be Liverpool’s first-choice pick this summer, there’s no certainty that Liverpool will manage to convince Palace to reduce their demands and secure the England international’s signature.

Should they fail to do so, this South American up-and-comer has the physical attributes and the smooth, forward-tuned ball game to make a real impact in Slot’s squad, certainly proving an upgrade on the young and untested Leoni.

A dream partner for Isak: Liverpool in discussions to sign £87m winger

Liverpool could add one or two forward to Arne Slot’s frontline this month.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 12, 2025

Manchester City are now set to “present an offer” for a £43m star who Pep Guardiola called “sensational”, journalist Orazio Accomando has revealed.

Man City looking to offload more players before deadline

Guardiola has previously made it abundantly clear he doesn’t want to work with an oversized squad next season, with the Man City boss saying: “I said to the club I don’t want that. I don’t want to leave five or six players in the tribune. I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay.”

As such, despite recently offloading Jack Grealish, City may look to get some more players off the books before the transfer deadline, and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Galatasaray are pursuing Ederson.

It remains to be seen whether City opt to cash-in on the Brazilian this summer, with reports from elsewhere revealing they have little interest in sanctioning a departure, but if they do, they may need to bring in a replacement.

That is due to the fact that new arrival James Trafford has limited experience in the Premier League, making just 28 appearances in the competition, and the Blues could now make a move for a goalkeeper who has proven himself at the top level.

That is according to an update from Accomando on X, who states that Man City are now set to “present an offer” for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the next few days, as they continue to work on offloading Ederson.

Donnarumma is also a major target for Manchester United, and PSG are now willing to sanction a departure, having made it clear that Lucas Chevalier is their new number one, with the French club looking to receive £43m.

Pep's an admirer of "sensational" Donnarumma

Guardiola is a long-term admirer of the Italian goalkeeper, having once lauded him as “sensational” after impressing against City in the Champions League, and he continued to catch the eye in last season’s competition.

Man City now "leading" chase to sign £86m star who's keen on Etihad move

There has been a new update on City’s pursuit of a “special striker”.

ByDominic Lund Aug 13, 2025

Indeed, the Italy captain played a major role in his side reaching the Champions League final, with journalist Carlo Garganese singling the 26-year-old out for praise after impressing in the semi-final against Arsenal.

That said, there are doubts over whether Donnarumma would be a good fit in a Guardiola system, given that he isn’t the best with his feet, averaging 29.95 touches per 90 over the past year, compared to Ederson’s 60.34, so it may be worth persisting with the Brazilian.

Glasgow Rangers have one foot in the play-off round of Champions League qualifiers after they hammered Viktoria Plzen 3-0 at Ibrox on Tuesday night.

Djeidi Gassama continued his electric start to life in Glasgow with two goals on the night, making it four goals in four matches after an impressive opening three outings against Panathinaikos and Motherwell.

Minutes

15

34

83

Shots

1

1

2

Goals

1

1

0

Key passes

0

0

1

Dribbles completed

2/2

0/1

2/3

Cyriel Dessers also scored from the penalty spot and assisted the opening goal for the former Sheffield Wednesday man against the Czechia outfit.

There was also an Ibrox debut given by Russell Martin. Oliver Antman is still unpacking his boxes after a switch from Go Ahead Eagles, yet was able to put in an impressive performance.

Oliver Antman's impressive debut for Rangers

The Finland international did not need any time to settle into life at Ibrox, as he was thrown into the starting XI and heavily contributed to two of the three goals.

It was his driving run, coming inside from the right, that resulted in him being tripped up inside the box, forcing the referee to award the penalty that Dessers scored from.

Antman also delivered a peach of a cross from the right flank to tee up Gassama for his second goal of the night, whipping an inch-perfect ball onto his head.

Whilst the Finnish forward may share the same name as an Avenger, it is another Rangers star who has emerged as their own superhero – Nasser Djiga.

Why Nasser Djiga is the new Rangers superhero

The Burkina Faso international was even better than Gassama and Antman on the night, as he put in a virtually fautless display at the heart of the defence, whilst the two wingers still lost possession and fluffed attacks to go along with their impressive contributions.

Playing Martin’s style of football is not easy. Rangers need players who are mobile enough to recover situations when the team commit turnovers in their own half, as well as players who are confident and composed enough to make passes under pressure.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Djiga showed that he is the perfect central defender for the way that the manager wants to play, as he was a colossus defensively and immaculate in possession.

His best contribution in the match came when the Gers were 1-0 up. Matej Vydra had the ball with time and space to pull the trigger around the penalty spot, but the Wolves loanee seemed to come out of nowhere to make a sprawling, goal-saving, block.

There was also moment in the 60th minute when John Souttar played a careless pass that put his side in danger, but Djiga used his pace to recover the ball in behind and retained possession with a clever first-time pass to Max Aarons.

He had countless moments like that throughout the game, including one to cover for an out of position James Tavernier in the closing seconds, to prevent the away side from creating anything of note, making numerous blocks and recoveries to keep Jack Butland quiet.

His faultless defensive performance was even more impressive than Gassama and Antman’s exploits on the wing because of how difficult it it to play the way Martin wants to play, which is why it was such a brilliant showing from the defender.

Rangers could unlock Gassama's full potential in move for "offensive" star

Glasgow Rangers could unlock Djeidi Gassama’s full potential in a move for this star.

ByDan Emery Aug 5, 2025

Djiga may not be Antman, but the 22-year-old titan could be the Man of Steel for Rangers.

Manchester City have enacted a sea change involving their squad this summer and Pep Guardiola could now be about to make a bold move for a Real Madrid ace.

Man City see plates spin in transfer market

The Citizens are known for their swift approach to negotiations and their speedy nature has led to the capture of Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg on a five-year deal.

Speaking after becoming Manchester City’s latest signing, the versatile 18-year-old stated: “I am incredibly happy and proud to have joined Manchester City. It’s a dream for any young footballer to become part of this club and to join such a group of world class talent.

“I am still very young with a lot to learn but the chance to be coached by Pep Guardiola, the best manager in the world, will only help me to become a better player.”

Nevertheless, legendary Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson could soon be set for Galatasaray after enduring a drop-off in performances last season and may potentially be joined by Ilkay Gundogan in the Turkish capital.

Acting to secure his replacement, contact has been made between the Citizens and Burnley over James Trafford, who could complete an unexpected return to the Eithad Stadium courtesy of a £40 million buyback clause included in his deal at Turf Moor.

Arsenal beat Man City and Liverpool to sign "highly-rated" forward after bid

Mikel Arteta is poised to win the race.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 17, 2025

Newcastle United had long been thought of as the natural next destination for the England Under-21 international, though Manchester City mean business this window, and it doesn’t appear that they are likely to care about feathers ruffled along the way.

Having said that, recent noises do back up the notion that Guardiola is keen on a first-choice goalkeeper, but it may not be Trafford between the sticks after all come the start of competitive action.

Man City set to offer £50m+ package to land Andriy Lunin

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City would be willing to offer £52 million inclusive of add-ons for Andriy Lunin as the Ukraine international continues to be behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order at Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old would be open to a move given his situation and desire to play a ‘leading’ role elsewhere, but his current employers see him as an important asset for the future and wouldn’t let him depart without a fight.

Andriy Lunin for Real Madrid in 2024/25 – La Liga (Fotmob)

Save percentage rate

65%

Goals conceded

7

Clean sheets

4

High claims

2

Pass accuracy

84.8%

Labelled a “complete goalkeeper” by RB Leipzig star Peter Gulacsi, Lunin made 14 appearances across all competitions last term for Real Madrid, keeping six clean sheets in the process.

Nevertheless, with Ederson now possibly on his way our, it may be time for a change of guard between the sticks at the Etihad Stadium and the Kharkiv-born man is emerging as a strong contender to become the Brazil international’s successor alongside links to Trafford.

Nottingham Forest are probing the market for reinforcements and could now have put themselves in a position to land a talented defender, according to reports.

Nottingham Forest in flux over Morgan Gibbs-White's future

Following Anthony Elanga’s departure to Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest star man Morgan Gibbs-White is sweating over his future after the Tricky Trees threatened legal action due to Tottenham Hotspur’s manner when triggering a release clause at the City Ground.

Now, it remains to be seen whether a move will go through, though the England international has set an exemplary example in training despite being at the centre of a contentious situation.

Regardless, life goes on at Nottingham Forest and they are pursuing signings after being thrown an unexpected Europa League berth, for now, pending Crystal Palace’s appeal against expulsion from the competition.

Nuno Espirito Santo has worked wonders during his time at the City Ground and reports suggest Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey is now on the Tricky Trees’ shortlist as a potential Gibbs-White replacement.

Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha have both joined the club from Botafogo, and Cunha has since shared his excitement in being involved at Nottingham Forest as they aim to once again exceed expectations.

Gibbs-White would love him: Nottingham Forest exploring move for £50m CM

Morgan Gibbs-White might be convinced to stick it out at Nottingham Forest if this ambitious purchase gets over the line.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 16, 2025

He stated: “I feel great, really happy and grateful for this opportunity. I hope I can make a big contribution to the team and add a great deal so we can achieve many things together, it’s an indescribable feeling, I’m so happy.”

Continuing the theme of defensive reinforcements, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly back in talks to bring a star from one of Europe’s top five leagues to the East Midlands.

Nottingham Forest resume talks to land Pablo Maffeo

According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are back in talks to sign Mallorca right-back Pablo Maffeo and all parties are now hopeful of driving towards an agreement that will see him end up at the City Ground.

Despite initially holding out for £8.6 million, his current employers have lowered their price to around £6.9 million and may be willing to reduce the fee further depending on structure.

Five similar players to Pablo Maffeo (FBRef)

Antonino Gallo

Lecce

Giuseppe Pezzalla

Empoli

Tyrick Mitchell

Crystal Palace

Ki-Jana Hoever

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Gideon Mensah

Auxerre

Last campaign, the former Spain Under-21 international registered two assists in 31 appearances for Mallorca across all competitions, and he is now said to be negotiating personal terms ahead of a potential switch.

Patience may be needed from Nottingham Forest to secure a deal for the ex-Manchester City man, who fashioned 60 shot-creating actions across 2024/25 in La Liga.

Coming in as a genuine competitor to Ola Aina, supporters will be intrigued to see two quality players with experience fight it out for a place in Espirito Santo’s squad this season.

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.

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.

Manchester City won’t be taking the Club World Cup trophy home with them after all, after a dramatic 4-3 loss to Al-Hilal in the pre-season tournament.

Pep Guardiola and Co.’s defensive frailties were clear for all to see when watching the back-and-forth knockout tie in Orlando, with the Citizens registering a bumper 30 shots in total, only to be undone in extra-time by Simone Inzaghi’s never-say-die side.

With the tournament now out of the way, City can press on with even more signings away from previously landing Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Ait-Nouri in quick succession, as the rumour mill begins to kick back into life.

Man City's transfer latest

It has been somewhat quiet on the transfer front from City’s point of view after landing all those high-profile names in quickfire fashion, with the main hot topic centring on Kevin De Bruyne finding a new club to call his home in Napoli, alongside Oscar Bobb reportedly being looked at by Serie A giants Juventus.

However, a new development seems to suggest City will be busy with another fresh incoming very soon.

Indeed, Football Insider’s Mick Brown has now revealed that City will accelerate a move for Newcastle United star Tino Livramento to join the Etihad ranks, with the Magpies defender now done with his England U21 international duties at the Euros.

Scouts had even been sent on City’s end to watch Livramento in action at the tournament as Guardiola’s men try and hunt down a long-term right-back replacement for Kyle Walker.

After lifting the Euros trophy, the in-the-spotlight 22-year-old’s summer could become even better if he seals a switch to the sky blue half of Manchester shortly, with Livramento’s attacking qualities playing out from defence in the Premier League potentially making him a perfect candidate to be Guardiola’s next João Cancelo.

Why Livramento can be Pep's next Cancelo

Cancelo was once a regular mainstay of the City XI, but in Orlando, he was having the last laugh over his ex-employers when contributing with an assist for Al-Hilal to down the Citizens 4-3.

Irrespective of this memorable contribution souring his relationship with his former side even more, the Portuguese full-back was a firm fan favourite previously, with nine goals and 22 assists coming his way from 154 appearances at the Etihad.

Three Premier League titles would even be lifted by the long-standing City servant before a move to Al-Hilal opened up, with Guardiola never fully recovering from Cancelo’s exit, arguably, having had to now force Matheus Nunes into an uncomfortable position down the right-hand side when he’s far more suited to a central midfield role.

This is where Livramento could well come to the rescue in offering the Spaniard a more reliable, attack-oriented option down the right resembling Cancelo at this peak, with their similarities not just ending there.

Livramento

RB

87

1

6

Livramento

LB

19

0

1

Cancelo

RB

247

13

44

Cancelo

LB

114

6

20

Much like the one-time Champions League winner, the promising 22-year-old can also comfortably slot into any side in the left-back spot away from just the right, as seen in his 19 career games lining up on the opposing channel.

The London-born defender is some way off hitting Cancelo’s elite level when you consider the table further, but with Ait-Nouri already making that left channel look his own at the Club World Cup – with two key passes registered from his 119 touches versus Al-Hilal – Guardiola would surely drop Livramento into any upcoming City team selections on the right.

Having also amassed 14 goal contributions further up the pitch in the right midfield position, this could really go down as a golden deal much like when Cancelo first entered the building, with Toon content creator Kendall Rowan once referring to the youngster as a “superstar.”

City clearly requires even more fresh blood after a reality check loss to Al-Hilal, with their next major buy perhaps coming in the form of snapping up Livramento for a substantial £60m.

Man City believe "excellent" £50k-p/w ace wants to join, bid being prepared

The Citizens are feeling confident.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 28, 2025

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.

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.

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.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 28, 2025

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.

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.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 12, 2025

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.

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.