Tag Futebol

Arsenal are still chasing a deal for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, as has been the case for weeks, but the Premier League star could be joined by a fairly new summer target.

Arsenal respond as "impressive" player plans to leave against Arteta's wishes

His future remains open…

3 ByTom Cunningham Aug 4, 2025

Andrea Berta is pushing ahead with the club’s attempts to land Eze, already holding positive talks with his representatives and confirmation that the England attacker is very keen on donning the red and white again – 14 years after he was released from the academy set up (Fabrizio Romano).

Some media sources believe that Eze’s £60 million release clause, rising to about £68 million with add-ons, expired last Friday at 11:59pm – although other reliable outlets, like Standard Sport, now claim that the clause is actually active until August 15.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£208m

As discrepancies linger over the buyout, Palace are set to demand £30 million-plus up front before letting him negotiate – which could make or break the deal (The Guardian).

Arsenal haven’t made a formal bid yet, either. Right now, Berta and Mikel Arteta are believed to be prioritising outgoings, having spent over £200 million already this summer on Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and star new number nine Viktor Gyokeres.

Eze has apparently held direct talks with both Arteta and Berta, according to talkSPORT, with Arsenal aiming to do business at around the £55 million mark.

The 27-year-old’s eagerness to make the move to north London could be key to striking a deal with Palace, but the Eagles won’t make it easy, and they’ll need to replace the talismanic creator, who bagged eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League alone last season.

While Arsenal continue to express their serious interest in signing Eze before deadline day on September 1, a new target has also emerged in recent days – Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.

This is backed up by the BBC’s Sami Mokbel, who says that Arsenal could bring in the 20-year-old this window.

According to TEAMtalk, their interest is now developing.

Jeremy Jacquet wants to join Arsenal after "early" talks

As per the outlet, Jacquet is now very enthusiastic about joining Arsenal, and “early talks” have been held over a move which could set the Gunners back around £25 million – as the Ligue 1 side demand a premium for their exciting talent.

TT write that the France Under-21 international has been a “standout” performer across the channel, and Arsenal have extensively scouted Jacquet who’s become a top target for Arteta’s side.

Despite already signing Mosquera, who plays a similar role, Arteta is keen to add more depth defensively – which may even suggest that Jakub Kiwior’s future is uncertain amid rumoured interest from Europe.

“Jacquet is one of the best defensive prospects in France,” said football writer Phil Costa on X.

“Quite leggy, very agile, mobile and defends well in wide areas. Feels more White than Saliba (physically). He looked very promising on the ball at Clermont last season; took a lot of responsibility in their build-up.”

Jacquet only recently signed a new deal at Rennes, committing him to the club until 2029, so his side are in a very strong position to hold out for their desired £25m.

Russell Martin has been torn to shreds by furious Rangers fans who have demanded his sacking following the Scottish Premiership loss to Hearts on Saturday. Rangers are winless in their first five matches of the 2025-26 campaign and are currently placed 10th in the table. After leaving Southampton last year, Martin remained without a job for six months before accepting Rangers' offer.

• Rangers went down against Hearts

  The 2-0 loss to Hearts on Saturday meant that Rangers are now 11 points behind their arch-rivals and league leaders Celtic after five rounds of matches. The nightmare start to the new season has left Gers fans furious, with boos raining down from the stands and many demanding the immediate sacking of the English coach.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Rangers fans blast Martin

  A fan, with an X handle RFC1872, wrote: "On Russell Martin. his constant public comments about player "anxiety" are just tired excuses for a team that looks lost. It's not about the players being scared; it's about the manager being out of his depth. A new appointment is needed to save this season."

  Bull Lasso wrote: "Get Russell Martin gone come Monday. Get one of them in by Friday. Save the season @RangersFC."

  Michael demanded the sacking of Martin, writing: "Repost this if you agree that @RangersFC should sack Russell Martin."

  Paul Montgomery jokingly posted: "Rangers fans going mad understandably but I honestly do think if he’s given time Russell Martin will keep them up."

  An Ally McCoist parody account shared: "Listen, Russell, son… I’ve seen some bad starts in my time, but you’ve managed to take the biscuit, the tray, and the whole tea set with this one. Tenth place? At Rangers? That’s not a league position, that’s a bus route."

• What did Martin say?

  After the Hearts defeat, the Rangers boss was asked if he was considering stepping down, to which he replied: "No. I don't think many of them [the fans] wanted me here in the first place. They're entitled to their opinion, so I can't come out here and criticise that. The fans are always entitled to their opinion."

  The coach continued: "It is what it is. It doesn't affect me personally. Professionally, it's difficult because we need the team to play in a certain way that requires certain things. It's really difficult when the atmosphere is how it is. It's aimed towards me, not towards them. I'm trying to say that to them. It should hopefully take a bit off them at some point. But it is what it is. We'll keep working until I'm told not to. And we have to start winning."

  He added: "I haven't been told to have talks with them. Will the support remain? I don't know. We'll see, won't we? They've been great up until now. All of them. So we'll see."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Will Martin get sacked?

  According to , Martin retains the support of the Rangers board and he is unlikely to exit Ibrox anytime soon. Rangers will next face Hibernian in a Scottish League Cup quarter-final clash.

MatériaMais Notícias

Mano Menezes é o alvo da diretoria corintiana para assumir o clube após a saída de Cuca. E a opção do treinador tem a ver com o intuito de uma reformulação no Corinthians. A ideia é que o técnico que assuma o clube comece a dar espaço para os garotos e não tenha medo de colocar medalhões na reserva. Mano é visto como um profissional com esse perfil.

Essa situação é parecida com a que trouxe o treinador ao Timão em 2014, substituindo Tite, que voltaria no ano seguinte. O então presidente da época, Mário Gobbi, entendia que alguns atletas considerados ‘intocáveis,’ por conta das conquistas da Libertadores e Mundial em 2012, não estavam rendendo.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansEscalação do Corinthians: Fagner e Adson são relacionados, mas Bruno Méndez é baixa no DérbiCorinthians28/04/2023CorinthiansDanilo comandará o Corinthians contra o Palmeiras, mas Timão quer novo treinador diante do Del ValleCorinthians28/04/2023CorinthiansInternacional faz jogo duro, mas proposta do Corinthians balança Mano MenezesCorinthians28/04/2023

+Quem é melhor: Palmeiras ou Corinthians? Veja votação jogador por jogador feita por jornalistas do LANCE!

Naquela ocasião, o atual presidente corintiano, Duílio Monteiro Alves, era o diretor de futebol, mas saiu poucos meses após a chegada de Mano, por divergências com Gobbi. Em 2015, Roberto de Andrade assumiu a presidência corintiana e não renovou o contrato de Menezes.

Andrade era diretor de futebol do Timão até o mês passado, quando pediu para sair frente a pressão que sofria da torcida, principalmente a organizada. Até por isso, um possível retorno da atual gestão sempre foi descartado. Porém, agora, sem Roberto, Mano está de volta ao radar. Até porque Duílio nunca teve problemas com o técnico, ainda que não tenha sido favorável à chegada dele há nove anos.

O diagnóstico do departamento de futebol é que o time do Corinthians necessita de fôlego e que atletas mais jovens precisam ganhar espaço. Algo feito por Mano Menezes no seu atual trabalho, no Internacional. Inclusive, o desempenho no Colorado foi muito importante para a decisão corintiana.

Uma ala próxima da gestão defendia a contratação de Vanderlei Luxemburgo, mas Duílio Monteiro Alves descartou a ideia, pois não tem segurança pelos trabalhos recentes do profissional – ainda que concorde que ele tenha o perfil e o currículo desejado para o novo treinador corintiano. O vice-campeonato brasileiro de Mano com o Inter no ano passado dá mais credenciais para o gaúcho, na visão da diretoria corintiana.

Mano Menezes tem contrato com o Internacional, mas está balançado com a oferta do Timão, que bancária a multa rescisória de R$ 1 milhão que o treinador tem. Esse valor significa dois salários mensais, sendo R$ 500 mil casa, do profissional no Colorado. Parte desse valor é repassado para o auxiliar Sidnei Lobo, que também viria com Mano ao Corinthians.Conversas entre o técnico e as duas partes estão acontecendo desde o fim da tarde da última sexta-feira (28).

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Manchester United continued their pre-season preparations with a fairly drab 0-0 draw against fellow Premier League side Leeds United on Saturday.

Ruben Amorim’s side featured two new signings in Diego Leon and Matheus Cunha, whilst the Red Devils are still finalising a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.

Whilst there will be a lot of focus on who Manchester United bring in to bolster their squad during the summer transfer window, the club also need to move on the players who are not going to be involved under Amorim next season.

One of those players, Marcus Rashford, appears to be on the verge of a move away from Old Trafford, as Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign the England international.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are set to sign the 27-year-old attacker on a season-long loan, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer.

David Ornstein has added that the Spanish giants are also set to pay 100% of the forward’s wages during that loan spell, in what will come as a welcome relief to Manchester United.

Why Rashford to Barcelona is a good move for all concerned

Rashford is reportedly on £300k-per-week at Old Trafford, as per Capology, and that equates to around £15.6m per year, which shows that the club are set to save a huge amount of money as part of this deal.

Whilst it is not set in stone that the winger will sign for Barcelona on a permanent transfer next summer, as it is only an option, United can be thankful that they are not paying his enormous wages next season, given that he was not a part of Amorim’s thinking.

It is money that could be allocated elsewhere, potentially to bring in further attacking reinforcements, as Rashford has not been consistent enough in the final third to prove that he is worth spending that kind of money on.

The England international was sent out on loan to Aston Villa for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, which shows that Amorim did not see a future for the academy graduate in his side.

24/25 (Man Utd & Villa)

11

£15.6m

£1.4m

23/24 (Man Utd)

8

£15.6m

£1.95m

22/23 (Man Utd)

30

£10.4m

£346k

21/22 (Man Utd)

5

£10.4m

£2.08m

As you can see in the table above, Rashford has failed to hit double figures for goals in two of the last four seasons in all competitions, and has only cost under £1.4m per goal scored in a season in one of the last four.

These statistics suggest that it is for the best that the English forward joins Barcelona on loan, with his wages paid in full, because United will be offloading a player, even if potentially just for next season, who has not justified his cost.

His exit will also create a space in the squad for United to bring in a replacement for him before the end of the summer transfer window, and the club are reportedly eyeing a star who could be an upgrade on him.

Man United make contact to sign Ligue 1 star

According to Foot Mercato, Manchester United are interested in a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s versatile attacker Randal Kolo Muani.

The reporter claims that the Red Devils have already made contact with the Ligue 1 champions, as they pursue a potential transfer for the France international.

Transfer Focus

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

Aouna adds, though, that Newcastle United have also made contact with PSG over a potential deal for the forward, which means that there could be stiff competition for his signature this summer.

The journalist’s article on Foot Mercato also reveals that Juventus are interested in a deal to bring him back to Turin, after he spent the second half of last season on loan with the Italian giants.

This latest report does not outline how much money it would take to strike a deal with PSG for Kolo Muani, but a price tag of £50m was mentioned earlier in the summer.

Why Man Utd should sign Randal Kolo Muani

The Red Devils should push to win the race for his signature in the coming weeks because he could arrive at Old Trafford as an upgrade on Marcus Rashford.

Like the soon-to-be Barcelona player, the French attacker is a versatile talent who can play out wide on either flank or through the middle as a centre-forward, which would provide Amorim with a plethora of ways in which to utilise his qualities.

In fact, France teammate Kylian Mbappe described Kolo Muani as being a “very complete” forward, and United could benefit from his brilliant all-round play as their new centre-forward, if they can secure a deal for him this summer.

The 26-year-old star scored eight goals and provided one assist in 16 matches in the Serie A during the second half of last term, whilst Rashford only scored six goals in 25 outings in the Premier League.

xG

0.36

Top 41%

Goals

0.62

Top 9%

Shots on target

1.08

Top 27%

Successful dribbles

1.39

Top 20%

Touches in opposition box

6.03

Top 20%

Interceptions

0.31

Top 14%

As you can see in the table above, the Juventus loanee produced high quality in a host of key metrics, as he excelled as a dribbler and a goalscorer, whilst also putting in hard work to win the ball back for his side.

Whilst, with one assist, the creative side of his game was not on full display, Kolo Muani did assist 17 goals in 46 games for Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2022/23 campaign, which shows that he can be a fantastic creative threat when at his best.

The £50m-rated star, who scored two goals in three games at the Club World Cup, has delivered at least ten goals in all competitions in each of the last five seasons, whilst Rashford, as aforementioned, has only managed that in two of the last four years.

Kolo Muani could arrive as an upgrade on the England international because of his impressive form for Juventus in the second half of last season, as well as the almost guaranteed goals that his record suggests that he would provide in the final third.

Amorim's own Rodri: Man Utd agree personal terms to sign £26m sensation

Manchester United are starting to make things happen in the summer transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 19, 2025

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.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is a real fan of one Aston Villa star, and the Lilywhites are reportedly prepared to offer him something key which could well tempt him to north London.

Real Madrid "now expected" to make concrete move for £165k-a-week Tottenham star

Xabi Alonso’s side are big fans of the player.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 3, 2025

Spurs are poised to make J League sensation Kota Takai their second summer signing after a permanent deal for Mathys Tel, with the 20-year-old expected to undergo his medical at the club next week (Luca Bendoni, Sky Italia).

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The centre-back was identified by technical director Johan Lange, and there is hope within Tottenham that Takai could eventually replicate the journeys of Lucas Bergvall, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr as promising young players who are now crucial to the first team (Alasdair Gold).

Tottenham will pay a record fee for a Japanese player from the J League, around £5 million, but supporters will be hopeful that they could sign a few more senior players as well.

Frank’s side will be competing in the Champions League next season, and they’re in dire need of proven reinforcements to bolster their Premier League squad ahead of another congested fixture calendar.

Tottenham are known to be in talks for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, as reported by trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media outlets, with the Ghanaian also apparently keen on a switch to N17.

However, Kudus is not the only Premier League ace garnering their attention.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank wants Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey

Speaking to Football Insider, former Spurs scout and Daniel Levy employee, Mick Brown, has shared information on their interest in £40 million Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey.

Spurs have been linked with a move for the Englishman in the last few days, but Brown says Frank is a personal admirer of Ramsey, and Tottenham are prepared to offer him more top-flight minutes, which could turn his head.

“Jacob Ramsey has to make a decision,” said Brown.

“In his own mind, he’ll weigh up whether he thinks he’s going to be a regular in the Villa team. If that’s not the case, he has to ask the same question about whether he would be at Tottenham.

“From what I hear, Spurs would be prepared to offer him more minutes from the start of games than he is currently getting at Villa. If that is the case, I’m sure he would be happy to make that move.

“He’s had doubts about whether he’s going to be a regular starting XI player at Villa, or if he’s going to be better served moving somewhere else. So a move to Tottenham would be a fresh start and a new environment for him. There have been a few questions about what his future at Villa might look like, because the manager isn’t certain he’s going to be a big part of the plans.

“That opens the door for Spurs, because Thomas Frank rates him, and he’s one they’ve been interested in for a while.”

The versatile 24-year-old has made 167 senior appearances for Villa already, and possesses that unique blend of both youth and experience. Taking this into account, Ramsey could be an excellent option to reinforce Frank’s midfield whilst providing first-teamers with more competition for places.

Strength in depth will be vital for Frank next season, so this is a move which could tick a few boxes.

Celtic made the bold decision to cash in on fan-favourite Kyogo Furuhashi in the January transfer window without replacing him ahead of the second half of the season.

The Hoops sold the striker to Ligue 1 side Rennes and opted to go with Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda as their two senior number nine options, which led to them winning the Scottish Premiership title.

Rennes reportedly paid a fee of £10m to sign the 30-year-old striker from Celtic, who struck gold by selling him to the French outfit for that price.

Why Celtic hit gold by selling Kyogo Furuhashi

The Hoops played a blinder by selling him to the Ligue side for a fee of £10m because he has flopped over in France and is now reportedly set to move on from the club after just five months.

Reports in Japan recently claimed that Kyogo is likely to sign for English Championship team Birmingham City, which would be a downgrade from playing in one of Europe’s major leagues, and from winning trophies with Celtic.

The 30-year-old striker failed to score in six Ligue 1 games for Rennes in the second-half of the 2024/25 campaign and was an unused substitute on six occasions.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Kyogo’s market value has plummeted as a result of his form in France, going from £12m at the time of exit to £7.7m at the time of writing, as per Transfermarkt.

This shows that Celtic struck gold by selling him to Rennes for a fee of £10m, as his market value has already dropped below that figure, whilst they have also hit the jackpot with another Japan international who is worth even more than the striker.

Celtic have hit the jackpot with Reo Hatate

Former Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou was big on the Japanese market during his time at the club, signing the likes of Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, and Tomoki Iwata alongside Kyogo.

Hatate is one of the stars who the club have hit the jackpot on because he is now worth even more than the former Celtic striker, who was worth £12m on Transfermarkt in January, and left for a fee of £10m.

The 27-year-old star joined from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2022 and has been a key player in the middle of the park for the Scottish giants ever since.

He just enjoyed his most productive season to date in the Premiership, with a return of ten goals and 14 ‘big chances created’, and his soaring market value reflects that.

January 2022

£700k

June 2022

£2m

December 2022

£3.5m

March 2023

£5.5m

June 2023

£9.5m

June 2024

£8.5m

December 2024

£9.5m

June 2025

£11m

As you can see in the table above, Hatate’s value has soared by millions throughout his time at Parkhead and has risen all the way up to £11m at the time of writing, which is over £3m more than Kyogo’s current market value.

This shows that the club struck gold by bringing him to Glasgow in 2022 because they successfully identified a player who had the potential to develop and grow in value.

Hopefully, Hatate will continue to shine on the pitch and his market value will continue to soar, before the Hoops possibly make a profit on him in the future if they ever decide to cash in on him, as they did with Kyogo.

He'd be amazing with Hatate: Celtic now eyeing "Premier League-level" star

Celtic could find an amazing midfield partner for Reo Hatate by signing this star.

ByDan Emery Jun 23, 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.

Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool’s shining light under Arne Slot this season, undoubtedly playing a crucial role in the success they’ve enjoyed within the Premier League.

The Egyptian forward has registered a staggering tally of 56 combined goals and assists across all competitions, certainly being the club’s biggest threat in attacking areas.

The 32-year-old recently put pen to paper over a new two-year deal at Anfield, taking him to the summer of 2027 – a move that is undoubtedly a huge boost to the side.

However, given the fact that he’s edging closer to the back end of his professional career, the hierarchy needs to hand the manager the funds to land added threats within attacking areas.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, the manager has wasted no time in identifying targets to improve his squad, with moves already being made to secure a deal for new forward options.

An update on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers this summer

A new striker will undoubtedly be top of Liverpool’s shopping list this summer, with Viktor Gyokeres one of the names emerging on their shortlist over the last few days.

The Swede has been shortlisted as a potential addition at the top end of the pitch, but could face keen interest from other Premier League sides such as Arsenal and Manchester United.

However, he’s not the only attacker who’s appeared on their radar as of late, with Victor Osimhen the latest player who’s of interest to the Reds, according to TBR.

The 26-year-old has been high up on the club’s list of targets, with the report claiming that work has already been done behind the scenes to sign the Nigerian this summer.

It also states that the Napoli star, who’s spending the year on loan at Galatasaray, wants a move to England and currently has a £60m release clause in his deal with the Serie A outfit.

Why Liverpool’s £60m target is the dream Isak alternative

With the summer window rapidly approaching, Liverpool have wasted no time in identifying targets, with Alexander Isak a name who’s constantly been linked with a switch to Merseyside.

The 25-year-old has been in tremendous form within the Premier League this season, registering a staggering 23 goals in his 32 appearances to date – with only Salah scoring more in England’s top-flight.

His goalscoring record has undoubtedly led to huge interest from the Reds, but the Magpies’ £150m asking price on his shoulders has set them back in their pursuit of his signature.

Such a price tag has led to links to Osimhen this summer, with the Nigerian the perfect alternative to Isak if the hierarchy isn’t willing to fork out such a transfer fee.

When comparing their respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the Galatasaray loanee has managed to match or outperform him in numerous key areas, potentially being a superb option for Slot’s side.

The Nigerian, who’s been labelled “sensational” by The Overlap’s tactical analyst, has botched the same number of combined goals and assists to date, whilst managing to register more shots on target per 90 – highlighting his attacking threat in the final third.

He’s also managed to get more of his efforts on target, offering Slot a clinical option in his attempts to retain the club’s Premier League title during 2025/26.

Osimhen currently sits as the top goalscorer in the Turkish Süper Lig, highlighting his qualities in front of goal, handing the Reds the needed threat alongside Salah in the front three.

The Turkish Süper Lig’s top goalscoring charts
Player	Tally
1. Victor Osimhen	24
2. Krzysztof Piatek	21
3. Simon Banza	19
4. Youssef En-Nesryi	16
5. Ali Sowe	15
Stats via FotMob

There’s no denying that supporters will want Isak to be their main talisman next season, but his reported £150m price tag is simply unrealistic, with a move elsewhere allowing for investment elsewhere.

The Napoli star has the ability to thrive at Anfield, potentially being a better option given the difference in stats, subsequently ending their long-standing pursuit of a new forward on Merseyside.

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Chelsea are chasing Champions League qualification, looking to return to the competition after spending the past two seasons away from the top level. However, currently sitting sixth in the Premier League, it looks like the Blues will have to string together some big wins at the back end of the campaign to have any chance of finishing inside the top five.

Enzo Maresca’s side started out as one of the best attacking sides in the league, scoring for fun with big wins such as a 6-2 win against Wolves and a 4-2 win against Brighton.

But it looks like Chelsea may lean on their defensive qualities at the back end of this season, having only conceded three goals in their last five Premier League games, keeping three clean sheets.

The Blues are conceding 10.8 shots per game; only Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are conceding fewer. That being said, Chelsea have conceded 49.54 xG this campaign, leaving them 12th for this metric, proving there is still plenty of improvement to be made at the defensive end of the pitch.

Chelsea's readying bid for a new defender

According to reports from Spain, Chelsea have made Barcelona defender, Jules Kounde, a key part of their summer plans to shore up their defensive unit this summer and are willing to break the bank with an €80m (£68m) offer.

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The reports suggest the Blues are keen to add a versatile defender who can play not only as a central defender, but also as a hybrid fullback when needed.

Kounde would also offer much-needed experience to the Chelsea defence, something hugely lacking since Thiago Silva’s departure.

Kounde has made 50 appearances for the Spanish giants already this season, scoring three goals, providing eight assists and totalling 4,171 minutes played, proving to be an essential part of Hansi Flick’s success.

Why Chelsea could be targeting the next Azpilicueta

It could be argued that Kounde has the ability to become Chelsea’s next Cesar Azpilicueta, having played in Spain and having the versatility to play multiple positions in the defensive line.

Azpilicueta – who began his career at Osasuna, before joining Marseille – has gone down as a Chelsea legend, making 508 appearances for the club, scoring 17 goals, providing 51 assists and totalling 42,256 minutes played following his arrival in 2012.

Jules Koundé vs Cesar Azpilicueta (2021/22) comparison

Stats (per 90 mins)

Kounde

Azpilicueta

Goals + Assists

0.20

0.16

Progressive Carries

1.53

2.03

Progressive Passes

5.00

5.77

Pass Completion %

86.5%

83.1%

Key Passes

1.03

0.62

Shot-Creating Actions

1.81

1.93

Tackles

1.88

2.07

Blocks

1.31

1.57

Interceptions

0.76

1.13

Ball Recoveries

3.72

4.75

Aerial Duels Won

1.08

1.90

Stats taken from FBref

When comparing the underlying metrics of Kounde and Azpilicueta in the 2021/22 season, you can see how the hybrid fullbacks are similar, both having the ability to play at right-back or as a centre-back, but also ranking closely in many important metrics.

Ex-Barcelona boss, Xavi, labelled Kounde “one of the best defenders in the world” back in 2024, praising his individual quality in the Champions League against PSG to stop Kylian Mbappe. This 1v1 defending, recovery pace and willingness to battle makes the Frenchman an extremely effective wide defender.

Chelsea currently have good options on the right side of their defence, with Reece James, Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong coming through the ranks.

But with Trevoh Chalobah likely to leave the club in the summer, it wouldn’t hurt the Blues to acquire a player of Kounde’s quality, who can add much-needed experience to the back line going forward under Maresca.

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