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YouTuber Mark Goldbridge has claimed that Ronald Araujo would be a "dream" signing for Manchester United if they miss out on defender Kim Min-jae.

Who wants to sign Kim Min-jae?

It seems the Red Devils are desperate to add some reinforcements to their back line this summer with Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg claiming a central defender is a first "priority" for the club.

And it has appeared that United are very keen on signing Napoli ace Kim. However, reports in Portugal (via Mirror) have recently claimed that Newcastle United now lead the race to land the South Korea international.

And so, if United miss out on that target to their Premier League rivals, they may have to shop elsewhere in the market and Goldbrige has claimed one man from Barcelona would be an ideal alternative.

Indeed, when speaking on The United Stand YouTube channel, Goldbridge said: "I mean, I think Araujo – I never can pronounce his name – at Barcelona would be a dream. Dream."

How much is Araujo's release clause?

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Barca star in the recent past. Indeed, the defender's contract was due to expire in 2023, and Marca had claimed that Manchester United and Liverpool were keen on moving in.

However, Araujo has since committed his future to his current side, extending his deal at Camp Nou through to 2026, with his release clause rising to €1bn billion (roughly £870m). He also told ESPN: "I am really happy and I am convinced that staying is the right decision because there are good years ahead for the club.

While adding specifically on the exit talk: "[The Premier League interest] didn't distract me at all. I was convinced what I wanted. It's true money is a factor, but for me it's not the most important thing. I am happy at Barcelona."

With that being the case, it feels as though there is more of a chance of United landing Kim this summer than pulling off a move for Araujo who has been dubbed a "monster" by some in the media.

However, contracts don't always end up necessarily meaning that much in the world of football. And with that £870m release clause in his contract, perhaps hopeful owner Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani – who has bid well over five times that much in recent weeks – would want to pay that sort of money if he also views Araujo as a "dream" transfer.

For now, though, it all feels a little bit fanciful.

Aston Villa are reportedly edging closer to sign a La Liga ace this summer, with Unai Emery wanting one of his former players to join him in the Midlands.

The Spaniard has transformed the club since his arrival in October, giving Villa Park the chance to experience European nights again after starting the season in relegation form.

Now, it seems the 51-year-old is aiming to regroup with players he has worked with in the past, with one notable talent being singled out as a potential boost to Villa’s defence.

What’s the latest on Pau Torres to Aston Villa?

As reported by FootballTransfers exclusively earlier last month, Aston Villa are interested in signing Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres this summer.

Since the first report, GIVEMESPORT have revealed that Villa are ‘leading the race’ to sign the Spaniard, as per journalist Rudy Galetti.

The 26-year-old has a reported release clause of €50m (£43m).

What could Pau Torres bring to Aston Villa?

Once lauded as an “extraordinary talent”, Torres has been one of the stand-out central defenders in LaLiga this season, as supported by his numbers.

The commanding figure in Villarreal’s defence averages a monstrous 4.40 clearances per 90, as well as making 1.31 tackles and winning 1.73 aerials per 90 as per FBref.

The most impressive attribute displayed by the Villarreal-born ace is his ability in carrying the ball forward, ranking him as one of the best in Europe to do so in comparison to other defenders in the continent's top five leagues.

With an average of 2.25 progressive carries per 90, the Spaniard ranks in the top 1% of defenders to take the ball upfield, as well as averaging a huge 5.83 progressive passes per 90, displaying his competencies to transition play from the back – as per FBref.

Hailed by Emery himself as being a player he has “never seen” a defender like, the 26-year-old could become an integral force in Villa’s back line, particularly if paired with the injury stricken Diego Carlos, who the Spaniard ensured will be a “big part” of his plans.

The centre-back has made just three appearances for the Villans since signing from Sevilla last summer after suffering a cruel rupture to his Achilles just months after making the move.

The two players could become a force to be reckoned with, as the Brazilian showed similar strengths in La Liga being a strong figure in the box in making 1.46 blocks per 90, as well as being trusted on the ball, like Torres.

As per FBref, the 30-year-old maintained a high pass completion rate of 87.3%, as well as ranking in the top 7% in the league for attempted passes, with an average of 66.81 per 90.

While the 26-year-old’s exploits in roaming upfield are more impressive, it suggests that the duo could form a partnership in opposing strengths, with Carlos having the potential to act as the anchor between the two.

Emery must act fast in sealing the deal for the centre-back, who is also reportedly being eyed by Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has retired from football in typical fashion after he snapped back at rival fans for booing him in his goodbye speech.

Why is Ibrahimovic retiring?

The AC Milan forward is finally hanging up his boots at the tender age of 41, having scored 511 goals for clubs including Paris St-Germain, Manchester United, Ajax and both Milan teams, while also winning league titles in four different countries.

Ibrahimovic has played only four matches in Serie A this season due to fitness struggles and his injuries are a big reason why he won’t have his contract renewed, with AC Milan confirming as much before this week’s game against Verona (via ESPN).

Despite not being able to feature much this term, he helped bring the Scudetto to San Siro in 2021/22 when he netted eight goals and claimed three assists in 23 games.

Having not been fit enough to play any part in the final game of the Serie A season this weekend, he still was in attendance and took to the pitch after the game to deliver an emotional speech.

However, as caught in footage shared on Twitter, the Verona fans were more than happy to boo him.

In typical Ibra fashion, he quickly quipped back: “Keep booing. This is the biggest moment in your year seeing me”.

As quoted by Sempre Milan, the rest of his speech was pretty emotional as he even shed a tear or two, saying: “I can’t breathe but it’s fine. So many memories and so many emotions here. The first time I arrived at Milan you gave me happiness, the second time you gave me love.”

He also added: “I want to thank the fans. You received me with open arms, you made me feel at home, I will be a Milanista for life. The time has come to say goodbye to football, not to you. See you around if you’re lucky, forza Milan and goodbye.”

After seeing the footage of those brutal comments he made to the Verona crowd, supporters on social media flocked to Twitter to have their say.

Here are some of the best reactions…

The compliments just kept rolling in…

Chelsea are considering submitting a bid to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer, according to reports.

Is Romeo Lavia leaving Southampton?

Lavia only arrived on the south coast last summer from Premier League rivals Manchester City, but having impressed during 34 appearances in his debut season, where he established himself as Ruben Selles’ second best-performing defensive player, he’s bound to attract interest now that they have been relegated to the Championship.

The Belgium U21 international still has another four years remaining on his contract at St. Mary’s, though the Sky Blues reportedly have a £40m buy-back clause available to them which they could trigger should they want him to return or to sell him on for a higher fee.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the Blues and Mauricio Pochettino do “really appreciate” the 19-year-old but made it clear that nothing was “advanced or imminent”, though it sounds like they are now thinking about testing the waters in an attempt to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

Are Chelsea signing Lavia?

According to Football.London, Chelsea have Lavia firmly on their "radar" and are "considering making a move" as a cheaper alternative to Moises Caicedo. Todd Boehly and his recruitment team have conducted "extensive scouting sessions" on the midfielder and clearly must have been impressed with what they have seen in order to be weighing up an offer. Southampton are "likely" to demand a fee of £50m to ponder parting ways with their prized asset in the weeks and months ahead.

Should Boehly cash out on Lavia?

Chelsea are reportedly targeting other defensive midfield candidates in the form of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Caicedo, but should they not be successful in their attempts to land Roberto De Zerbi’s star, Lavia would be an excellent alternative having been dubbed a “monster” at the base of midfield by journalist Benjy Nurick.

The Elite Project Group Ltd client ranks in the 96th percentile for blocks and won 35 out of his 60 tackles made throughout the course of the previous term, which was the second-highest success rate out of all of his fellow teammates, as per FBRef, highlighting how strong he is at protecting the backline.

The Adidas-sponsored gem, who has the versatility to operate slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his natural role in front of the defence, can also get involved at the opposite end of the pitch having scored one goal and provided the same number of assists in his opening campaign at Southampton, and he would only excel further under the guidance of Pochettino.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in a Serie A gem, as Mikel Arteta prepares for the opening of the transfer window.

The Gunners had a stellar season in the Premier League, however after falling just short of their first league title since 2004, the Spaniard will have a list of areas to improve in this summer.

A host of talent has been linked to a move to the Emirates ahead of next campaign, with the latest name being a star in Italy.

What’s the latest on Federico Chiesa to Arsenal?

As reported by Italian outlet La Repubblica, Arsenal are interested in Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.

The report names Arsenal as one of the clubs interested in the attacker, along with Newcastle United, with the Italian giants wanting €60m (£51m) for his services.

It’s suggested that the Gunners have taken the ‘first step’ in contacting Juve for information regarding the player.

What could Federico Chiesa offer to Arsenal?

Lauded as “magic” by one Liverpool reporter on Twitter, the 25-year-old has had a troubled time in Turin since making the switch from Fiorentina in 2020.

The move was initially a two-year loan spell, however, Juve opted to trigger their option to buy in 2022 following a cruciate-ligament injury leaving him sidelined for nine months.

While things haven’t worked as smoothly as hoped in Turin for Chiesa, it could be good news for Arsenal who could land themselves an established attacking threat in the Italy international.

Likened by FBref to Bukayo Saka based on his statistics over the past year, Arteta could introduce an additional threat to his dangerous front line, in a winger that could challenge the likes of Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian has been superb for Arsenal this season, ranking third in the club’s Player of the Season awards, with the 21-year-old having scored 15 goals and assisted five in the Premier League.

While his place is not likely to be replaced by a new face, Arteta must achieve added depth to his side, particularly with the addition of Champions League football next campaign.

Chiesa could undeniably add quality to the Spaniard’s plans, as told by his numbers over the past year.

The Italian ranks in the top 4% of wingers in Europe in terms of assists, averaging 0.42 per 90, offering quality in an area that Martinelli lacked, as shown through his average of 0.16 per 90, via FBref.

It’s vital for a side challenging at the top to have powerful reinforcements in the squad, take treble winners Manchester City’s rotation between the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish as an example, the side are rarely short on quality.

When comparing Martinelli and Chiesa via FBref, the two are similar in their strengths as supported by their statistics, with the Italian coming out marginally on top of the Brazilian in areas he excels at in Arteta’s side.

With an average of 4.53 progressive carries and 2.26 successful take-ons per 90, the lively Juventus winger could provide another outlet on the flanks in a set-up that relies heavily on wide threat.

Martinelli averages 3.95 progressive carries and 1.97 successful take-ons per 90, however is more active in the penalty area than the Arsenal target, with an average of 6.99 touches in the box to Chiesa’s 4.81 per 90.

Arteta could sign an alternative option to his attack to flood his squad with quality, an essential area with Champions League football looming.

Tottenham Hotspur are among the "frontrunners" to sign forward Manor Solomon for free this summer, but Shakhtar Donetsk have threatened to sue them if they do.

Who will join Spurs this summer?

Incoming new manager Ange Postecoglou, who will officially start work on July 1, has still already earmarked transfer targets and held strategy meetings with chairman Daniel Levy.

The Australian, after putting pen to paper on a move down south from Celtic, is ready to green-light the signing of a star centre-back and holds a serious interest in Leicester City star James Maddison.

Spurs are also after a new goalkeeper to succeed Hugo Lloris, who has since confirmed his desire to leave N17 this summer as he seeks a new challenge.

Postecoglou, amid reported doubts over the likes of Richarlison, is plotting to sign a new forward this window too. Tottenham did want to sign Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal, but with the winger on his way to Chelsea, they may need to look at alternatives.

Solomon, who impressed on loan at Fulham during the second half of 2022/2023, is apparently on their radar and journalist Dom Smith of The Evening Standard claim Spurs are among the "frontrunners".

However, Fulham are firmly there as well, and this report from Smith relays that Tottenham could even land themselves in legal trouble with a swoop for Solomon.

Shakhtar have apparently threatened to sue Spurs if they sign the Israel international on a free deal, coming after a FIFA ruling allowed players to leave Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.

The Ukranian Premier League side have been left frustrated by an amendment to the legislation which allows players to independtly halt their contracts and move wherever, without approval from their employers.

As such, Shakhtar could take their frustrations out on Tottenham through the courts if they move for Solomon on a Bosman.

How many goals did Manor Solomon score for Fulham?

The 23-year-old, who has now jetted to Ibiza for a seven-day holiday before deciding his future, enjoyed a real hot streak of form at Fulham last season.

Solomon scored in five straight games between February and March, and four overall in the league under Marco Silva, with the Whites now eager to re-sign him permanently.

Israeli sports journalist Josh Halickman has also described the forward as an "exceptional athlete" and puts him up there with some of the country's best sports people of recent times.

Chelsea's transfer activity so far this summer has been dominated by players that have either left of are set to leave, but there is plenty of time remaining for new head coach Mauricio Pochettino to bring in one or two players of his own.

The Blues may be well stocked in attack, though the likely departures of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz will still leave a gap to be filled in terms of a creative player.

Plenty of names have been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, including the likes of Jonathan David and Wilfried Zaha, but another candidate has emerged that may just be an ideal fit in West London.

It could be argued that Chelsea have never truly replaced Eden Hazard since he joined Real Madrid in 2019, but versatile Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus could be just that man.

According to Chelsea football writer Simon Phillips, via his Substack page, the Blues have a serious interest in signing Kudus and have made him their priority option in terms of a number 10.

What can Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus bring to Chelsea?

Kudus can indeed play as a number 10, but as pointed out by Phillips, the left-footed speedster can play out on the right – where he is given licence to cut inside – and through the middle, whether as a centre-forward or playing just off one.

Indeed, that is much the same as Hazard, who showed across seven years at Chelsea that he was comfortable playing in an array of positions, namely out on the left and also through the middle.

It is not just positionally the pair are alike, though. Indeed, the comparisons grow stronger when looking at their dribbling stats. Taking the figures from Hazard's final Premier League season at Chelsea in 2018-19, he was successful with 67.32% of his take-ons, as per Squawka.

That is a staggeringly similar number to Kudus with Ajax in Eredivisie last season at 67.91%, with the 22-year-old unsuccessful from 2.1 take-on attempts per game, compared to 2.2 for Hazard.

They also have similar passing accuracies across those respective seasons (84.33% for Hazard, 87.6% for Kudus) and got away similar numbers of shots on target (1.4 v 1.5).

The comparisons do not stop there, either, as Hazard scored 0.5 goals per game from outside the box – the exact same figure as Kudus, though the latter preferred to use his left foot and the Belgian his right.

As highlighted by Independent writer Karl Matchett, Kudus is a "sensational" and "magical" player who, beyond being one of the best dribblers around, is also tactically aware, has an eye for goal and is aggressive in winning the ball back.

It is that last part that sets Kudus apart from Hazard. The Ghana international averaged 5.5 ball recoveries per game last season, whereas Hazard's figure was down at 3.2 in the 2018-19 season.

Many attackers have arrived at Stamford Bridge over the past four years with the promise of becoming the next Hazard, but in Kudus – expected to be available for around £40m – they may have finally found just that.

Arsenal "might look at" Torino centre-back Perr Schurrs "as a backup option for their defence", claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

Arsenal transfer news – what's the latest on Perr Schurrs?

It looks to be a busy summer for Arsenal this year, with a deal for Jurrien Timber looking more likely as time goes on and the club now all but set to land West Ham United's Declan Rice.

The newest name added to the North London side's ever-growing shopping list is Netherlands U21 international, Schurrs.

In an article for GIVEMESPORT last week, Dean Jones confirmed that at one point, the Gunners had, in fact, 'scouted him' and that if plans for some of their other targets don't work out, Schurrs 'is a left-field name to look out for.'

However, Edu and Co. will want to get a move on if they're serious about landing the former Ajax man, as they aren't the only ones monitoring his situation.

According to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, the 6 foot 3 titan has a few other suitors interested in his services, including Newcastle United, Napoli and Crystal Palace.

The price touted for the 23-year-old is €40-50m (£34-43m) according to Italian publication Tuttosport, which considering the North London club's other spending plans this summer, might just prove to be a bridge too far.

What has Dean Jones said about Perr Schurrs to Arsenal?

Jones quickly highlighted that Arsenal's interest in the player was primarily as a potential backup option for their new defence.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "He was talked to me most recently as the type of player that Arsenal might look at as a backup option for their defence if they needed a new centreback."

Would Perr Schurrs be a good signing for Arsenal?

The defender, who played with Jurrien Timber at Ajax, has been hailed as a "mountain".

Hailed as a "great Dutch talent" by former Arsenal star Marc Overmars, Schurrs would make a great backup signing for Arsenal – but not at the price reported.

He had a strong season for Turin's second team last year, averaging a decent match rating of 6.67 across his 30 Serie A games, even picking up a couple of assists along the way, per WhoScored.

His underlying numbers are also respectable, if not outstanding.

According to FBref, the player averages 1.97 tackles, 1.08 interceptions, 1.08 blocks and 3.95 clearances, all per 90.

However, the Gunners already have a defensive unit packed with stars, and with the potential addition of fellow Dutchman Timber in the coming weeks, dropping another £34-43m on a player that might not start and hasn't got outstanding numbers to back him up might not be the best use of money.

That said, if Overmars rates him as highly as he appears to, there might just be something there for Mikel Arteta to work with.

Everton are interested in signing Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton during the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

Could Heaton be available this summer?

The 37-year-old has enjoyed an impressive career, performing at the top level for many years and representing the likes of Cardiff City, Burnley and Aston Villa along the way.

Heaton started his career at United, however, and is now back there during the autumn of his career, having arrived as a backup option in 2021, and he has made three appearances for the Red Devils in his second spell at Old Trafford.

While the £41,923-a-week and three-cap England international did recently sign a new deal with United that will keep him at the club for one more year, that doesn't mean that there isn't still speculation surrounding his future.

With Everton looking to bolster their squad after another tricky and disappointing season in the Premier League, it looks as though Heaton could be an option.

Are Everton eyeing move for Heaton?

According to Football Insider, the Blues have "made contact" with United over a possible move for the goalkeeper this summer, having been the "subject of a few other enquiries" already, including from newly-promoted Luton Town.

That being said, the report goes on to add that the Reds are "not prepared to sanction" Heaton's exit, due to uncertainty over the future of current first-choice stopper David De Gea. It has left the veteran in "limbo" when it comes to his own career, amid interest from "several" clubs.

Heaton could be a shrewd signing by Everton in the summer transfer window, not coming in as No.1 – but acting as a solid squad option with a huge amount of experience who has made a whopping 200 appearances under Sean Dyche, who has hailed the player in the past on a number of occasions while at Burnley.

At 37, he may still have a few years left in him, considering many 'keepers can remain at the top level until they are around 40 years of age, and he is someone who could fill in and do a job when required, most likely in competitions such as the FA Cup and EFL Cup.

Signing Heaton as a direct replacement for Jordan Pickford may not be good enough, given his advancing years, but having a homegrown deputy who knows the game inside and out could make sense, especially as he was once hailed as "unbelievable" by Alan Shearer during his Burnley days.

Mikel Arteta is on a mission this summer to improve his Arsenal side as they look to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title once again.

According to recent reports, the Spaniard could be ready to raid his former employers for the third time in just the last 12 months, with defender Aymeric Laporte potentially set to join Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko in making the move from City to the Gunners,

How much will Aymeric Laporte cost Arsenal?

The Gunners have been linked with a move for the centre-back recently, although they face some competition with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in order to land him this summer.

City are prepared to part with the player should they managed to get a deal for Josko Gvardiol over the line and according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via TEAMtalk), Guardiola has set a €30m (£26m) price tag for the defender.

The report also states that Serie A side Juventus are also keen on signing Laporte this summer, yet due to financial problems, they may find it difficult to get a deal over the line which could leave Arsenal and Spurs in the driving seat.

Will Arsenal sign Aymeric Laporte?

The Gunners have already signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea, and with Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber set for medicals at the start of next week, it certainly looks like Arteta isn’t messing about when it comes to bolstering his options ahead of 2023/24.

Another defender would give the Spaniard some strength in depth to his squad, especially with the added rigours of Champions League football while also giving him the licence to finally ditch Rob Holding from his squad.

The Englishman was drafted in to cover the injured William Saliba as he missed the final 11 league matches of the season and the club conceded 18 goals during that spell, winning just five of those games as City took advantage and secured the Premier League crown.

Holding played just 14 top-flight games during 2022/23 and ranked a lowly 17th in the squad for overall Sofascore rating, while ranking outside the top ten for tackles per game and interceptions per game, failing to have a positive influence in the side during his rare opportunities – hence why its time he was moved on this summer.

Laporte also didn’t exactly enjoy the most productive of seasons for City, starting only 20 matches across all competitions as the Manchester side won the treble, however, across the previous 365 days, he has displayed his forward-thinking mentality from the back and this is something Arteta is looking for in his defenders.

Across Europe’s big five leagues, Laporte ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes per 90 (seven) and progressive carries per 90 (2.59), showing that not only does he start attacks from the back via his passing range, but he also likes to venture forward with the ball often.

Holding, by contrast, made just 4.35 progressive passes per 90 and 0.53 progressive carries per 90 across Europe’s big five leagues, clearly suggesting that he isn’t even in the same league as Laporte in terms of possessing a keen attacking mindset.

Journalist Muhammad Butt dubbed Laporte as a “beast” previously, and he could become another quality addition to the Arsenal side.