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It must be said: Liverpool are perhaps enjoying a better summer transfer window than they ever did under Jurgen Klopp.

FSG’s incisiveness gives us all the material we need to surmise their Anfield ambitions over the coming years. Though afflicted by the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left for Real Madrid on a free transfer, Jeremie Frimpong has joined from Bayer Leverkusen in a £29.5m deal to jockey with Conor Bradley for the right-back berth.

And with Milos Kerkez on the cusp of replacing Andy Robertson, 31, who is being targeted by Atletico Madrid as he enters the last year of his contract, Arne Slot’s new-look defensive flanks could be solidified for many exciting years to come.

The Premier League champions should also see Florian Wirtz follow Frimpong from Leverkusen to sign for the Reds in what could rise to a British-record £116m fee (£100m will be paid upfront and a further £16m is possible through add-ons).

The elite playmaker allegedly rejected interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City to join Liverpool, with his medical set for this week.

Liverpool have turned a corner, all right, now acting like the behemoth they are. However, such signings are fantastic, but Liverpool’s priority perhaps remains at number nine, with a new centre-forward needed to ease Mohamed Salah’s talismanic burden.

Why Liverpool need a new striker

Three years ago (almost to the day), Liverpool signed Darwin Nunez from Benfica in an initial £64m deal. It could have reached a club-record £85m fee, but that never happened, largely because of the Uruguayan’s stop-start performances.

Now, he’s going to be sold, with suitors in the Saudi Pro League and mounting interest in Serie A, Napoli and AC Milan both keen on completing a deal.

He needs to go, and Salah needs help. The Egyptian has just turned 33 and the balance of output must be spread across Slot’s frontline next year, lest he be overwhelmed by responsibility once again.

Looking at the forwards’ respective hauls across the 2024/25 season, it’s interesting that Nunez and Diogo Jota, the two recognised central strikers, languished near the bottom, better only than the rarely-played Federico Chiesa.

Mohamed Salah

38 (38)

29

18

Luis Diaz

36 (28)

13

7

Cody Gakpo

35 (23)

10

5

Diogo Jota

26 (14)

6

4

Darwin Nunez

30 (8)

5

3

Federico Chiesa

6 (1)

0

0

The expectation is that Nunez will be sold, but he will be sold as a Premier League champion, having also registered four goal involvements en route to lifting the Carabao Cup in 2023/24 too.

Salah needs a new dance partner, and there so happens to be one on FSG’s radar.

Liverpool remain in race for new striker

As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool remain in the race for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike alongside Chelsea, though Manchester United are ramping up their efforts for the striker, with club-to-club talks having begun last week.

This shows that Liverpool will need to accelerate their own interest, but likely, they will struggle to do so until Nunez has been offloaded. Crucially, this will need to happen soon, although Plettenberg’s earlier report on the matter claims the French forward is aware of Anfield’s plan.

However, with Frankfurt obstinately holding onto their €100m (£85m) valuation, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool or indeed anyone will pay up, with Chelsea already sounding out alternatives.

This is followed by transfer insider Graeme Bailey’s claim that the Merseyside outfit can be considered frontrunners after holding talks, and that the player’s entourage have informed interested parties that he might actually be available for a cheaper figure than Frankfurt want.

Why Liverpool should sign Ekitike

Ekitike is only 22, but he’s already proved himself capable of approaching world-class level, with analyst Ben Mattinson even declaring him as “one of the best strikers out there” in March.

This has been ratified by the data: not only did Ekitike finish the campaign with 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, but he also wrapped it up ranked among the top 4% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues last year for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 19% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

He’s come a long way already, only scoring four times and making 33 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain before being loaned out and then sold, having signed the Reims prospect for €35m (£30m) in July 2022.

Perhaps the Eagles want too much, but that’s up to sporting director Richard Hughes to engineer a more agreeable package for one of the most talented frontmen out there.

His elegance and underlying data suggest he could not only help Salah maintain his high level of performance but also become Slot’s very own version of the Premier League all-timer.

In 2017, when Liverpool purchased Salah from Roma in a deal worth £34m, few expected him to become a superstar under Jurgen Klopp, having previously failed to make it work with Chelsea, scoring twice over 19 games before being offloaded to Italy.

Now, he’s a legend, having scored 245 goals and provided 113 assists across 401 trophy-filled fixtures as a Liverpool sensation.

Salah is chiefly a deadly marksman, but he’s also something of an underrated playmaker. Of course, all know of his impressive creativity, but perhaps not so much his highest-station calibre in that regard, among conversations with some all-timers in the ball-playing department.

But it’s not just the way these two will play together (although that’s a tantalising thought), but indeed Ekitike could prove to be Liverpool’s next version of the Egyptian King, albeit in a different attacking position.

As we have discussed, Ekitike is enjoying new prolific heights but this stands atop the wide foundations of an expansive skill set, with all the facets no doubt gleaned by Liverpool’s renowned data-driven team.

The same was true for Salah, who enjoyed his time in Italy, earning praise for his goalscoring, but was far more even in that earlier iteration.

Matches (starts)

34 (32)

31 (29)

Goals

14

15

Assists

6

11

Shots (on target)*

2.1 (0.9)

2.6 (1.1)

Big chances missed

8

16

Pass completion

83%

80%

Big chances created

8

13

Key passes*

1.9

2.4

Dribbles*

1.6

1.2

Tackles + interceptions*

1.0

1.2

Duels won*

3.7

3.1

As you can see, he was consistent in his playmaking, dribbling and crispness in retaining possession, also chipping in with a lively amount of defensive work, also winning a fair amount of duels on a game-by-game basis.

And you could even draw upon the right winger’s 16 big chances missed on that final campaign in Rome, scoring 15 times. Ekitike actually mirrored that in the German top division last season, 15 goals, 16 big chances squandered.

His constant drive forward, electric and connective with those around him, project the style of a complete forward, something Liverpool typically like at number nine and, of course, a style which Salah has used to wreak havoc on the Premier League for so many years.

Liverpool saw something that others didn’t and welcomed Salah as he was getting going. Now they are basking in the glory of it, have been for many years.

By following this well-beaten internal path, they might just hit the jackpot once again, landing an “incredible” new attacking asset, as Ekitike has been called by teammate Rasmus Kristensen.

Salah’s is a story of merciless predation on hapless Premier League and European defences. His greatness is carved into the division and Liverpool’s most fundamental history; have a conversation about the best of the best, and he shall be named.

Ekitike’s got a long way to go, but he too has weathered the storm of a tough start to life at one of the continent’s superpowers, and having taken a so-called step down to find his feet, is now ready to move to the Premier League and become one of the best of the best.

Better than Ekitike: Liverpool make approach to sign "the new Haaland"

Liverpool could be about to forget about Hugo Ekitike with a move for another talisman.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 16, 2025

Arsenal are in the market for a new attacker this summer, and sporting director Andrea Berta has been handed a boost in regard to one target who appears to have his eyes firmly on a move to N5.

Arsenal maintaining Benjamin Sesko talks

The Gunners have been seriously pursuing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko for the last fortnight.

Walcott 2.0: Arsenal now eyeing "one of the fastest players in the PL"

The rapid international would be an exciting addition to Arsenal’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 11, 2025

Talks have been held with the Bundesliga side over a move for their talismanic forward, who scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, with Arsenal and Leipzig reportedly negotiating to find middle ground on the fee.

While reliable reports suggest that Saudi sides are now expressing a keen interest in Sesko to rival Arsenal, the player’s priority is to remain in Europe, and it is believed by some media sources that the 22-year-old has already agreed personal terms (CaughtOffside).

There appears to be cautious optimism that a move can eventually be struck for the Slovenia international, but in case a deal falls through, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres remains on their shortlist (Fabrizio Romano).

The Swede is fresh off an excellent campaign, where he bagged 54 goals in all competitions, helping Sporting to their first domestic double in 20 years.

Gyokeres’ ruthless finishing has attracted interest from across the continent, with Man United also rumoured to be contending for his services. However, he definitely won’t be leaving for £59 million, as Sporting president Frederico Varandas confirmed to the media this week.

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

“I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for 60m euros plus 10m euros because I never promised that,” Varandas said.

“To this day Sporting has not had an offer for Gyokeres – neither today nor last season.”

Viktor Gyokeres prioritising move to Arsenal with meeting held

While a lot of negotiation still needs to be done over a potential fee, if Arsenal decide to go there in the event they cannot agree a Sesko deal, they can be encouraged by the 27-year-old’s stance on a move to the Emirates Stadium.

According to CNN journalist Nuno Farinha, speaking on CNN Portugal, Gyokeres’ agent held a meeting with Arsenal chiefs on Wednesday to lay groundwork over a potential transfer.

Farinha also says that Arsenal has always been Gyokeres’ preferred landing spot, with the ex-Coventry City star seemingly prioritising a move to north London over Man United.

While a lot of debate is surrounding Gyokeres’ price tag, especially after Varandas’ comments, Portuguese newspaper Record recently stated that Sporting have been demanding around £67 million.

“His overall game is good. He is big and strong, he can play on the ball and his finishing is ridiculously good,” said pundit John Wenham to Tottenham News.

“That would be an exciting signing.”

Nottingham Forest are preparing for their first campaign back in European competition since 1996, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side marking themselves out as last season’s surprise Premier League package.

Nottingham Forest now rivalling Chelsea to sign "complete" £25m midfielder

He’s a wanted man…

ByTom Cunningham Jun 20, 2025

Forest were serious contenders to qualify for the Champions League for a large portion of 2024/2025, but they fell just short on a dramatic final day which eventually saw Newcastle United and Chelsea pip them to a place in the top five.

Aston Villa took the final Europa League spot in sixth, meaning Forest ultimately had to settle for a place in the Conference League, and the far less lucrative prize pool.

In any case, Forest certainly weren’t initially tipped to qualify for Europe and end their near-two-decade-long wait to compete outside English shores, so we can safely call last term an undoubted success for Nuno.

It is now the task of Evangelos Marinakis and the Forest board to build upon their excellent campaign in the transfer market, with Forest also under less PSR pressure than this time last year after earning an extra £32.4 million in Premier League prize money.

Their seventh-placed finish and place in Europe means Forest could “fall a decent way short” of the £85 million they’re permitted to lose this financial year without breaching PSR (The Athletic), meaning Nuno’s side have more wiggle room to spend on summer recruitment.

Forest could still be forced to sell star midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, considering the England international has just two years remaining on his contract, and he’s shown zero indication that he’s willing to pen an extension at the City Ground (The Mail).

Gibbs-White’s potential sale, combined with both their league and European earnings, looks likely to fund Forest’s summer transfer window as they gear up for a crucial 2025/2026 campaign.

“Nottingham Forest will look to strengthen,” said ex-Premier League chief scout Mick Brown to Football Insider this week.

“Their recruitment has been excellent recently, and they’re able to bring players into an environment where they all work together for the club.”

Forest are targeting new forwards to complement Nuno’s squad and back the Portuguese with more firepower, as they look to compete on multiple fronts, with Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović a serious option for them.

Nottingham Forest hold talks with Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović

The Serbia international is out of contract next summer as things stand, and if the Old Lady cannot agree to extend their talisman’s deal, he could be allowed to leave for as little as £26 million.

That is according to journalist Rudy Galetti, who also told TEAMtalk this week that Forest have contacted Vlahovic’s representatives for discussions in an effort to tempt the centre-forward with a Premier League switch.

The Tricky Trees are described as favourites to sign Vlahovic, who is very keen on a move to England. Despite interest from Serie A heavyweights AC Milan, Forest stands out as the most “concrete” option for him.

Called a “superstar” striker by members of the Italian media, Vlahovic has hit double figures in every single season since 2020/2021, across spells at both Juve and Fiorentina.

The 25-year-old, who won Serbia’s Footballer of the Year award in 2024, would be a bold statement of intent from Forest, but his reported £200,000-per-week wage demands prove a major obstacle.

It’s the start of a new era for Everton, in more ways than one.

Having waved goodbye to Goodison Park, their home since 1892, the Toffees will call Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock home from now on.

Their first match there will be a pre-season friendly against Roma on 9 August, before beginning their home Premier League campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion a fortnight later.

Meantime, in terms of the playing squad, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has departed as a free agent after making 273 appearances for the Blues, while it was confirmed on Wednesday that star centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new five-year contract, which is a massive boost for David Moyes and his team.

So now, could their first new arrival of the summer be imminent?

Everton seeking more attacking firepower

With Calvert-Lewin having now departed, Mark Douglas of the i Paper is reporting that Everton are ‘close’ to signing Villarreal striker Thierno Barry for £27.5m.

The 22 year old Frenchman only joined el Submarino Amarillo from Basel just 12 months ago, but scored 11 goals in La Liga last season, with Beth Limb of Total Football Analysis praising his physical presence, noting that Barry ‘often towers’ above defenders, adding that he also ‘possesses some excellent off-the-ball movement’.

However, he is not the only striker on the Toffees’ radar because, as reported by Football Insider, the Blues are interested in signing Evan Ferguson.

They add that Brighton are looking to move on the Republic of Ireland international permanently this summer, placing a £28m price tag on his head, with Fulham and Nottingham Forest, as well as a few ‘leading European sides’, also monitoring the situation.

Transfer Focus

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

Ferguson has just endured a nightmarish loan spell at West Ham, seeing only eight appearances for the Irons after making the switch in January, starting only once, totalling a miserly 151 minutes.

This has seen his valuation plummet, so could a move to Merseyside revitalise his career?

Why Evan Ferguson would be a better signing than Thierno Barry

At the peak of his powers about two years ago, Evan Ferguson was one of the hottest prospects in world football.

His hat-trick against Newcastle in September 2023 made him the fourth-youngest player to bag a Premier League treble, behind only Chris Bart-Williams, Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler.

Then-Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker even asserted that “I do see a hint of [Erling] Haaland about him”.

However, since then, Ferguson has scored just three club goals, enduring a 336-day goal drought before netting his most recent goal against Wolves in October, with Andy Naylor of the Athletic believing that injuries have massively hampered his development.

Nevertheless, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout still believes, at just 20 years old, he is a “big talent”, so let’s assess how he compares to Barry.

Season

Club(s)

Minutes

Goals

Assists

2024/25

Brighton &

West Ham

541

1

Zero

2023/24

Brighton

1,721

6

2

2022/23

Brighton

1,345

10

3

2024/25

Villarreal

2,441

11

4

2023/24

Basel

2,520

12

5

2022/23

Beveren

2.522

20

4

As the table outlines, while Barry’s raw statistics are more impressive, Ferguson possesses vastly more elite-level experience.

As recently as 2022/23, Barry was representing Beveren in the Belgian second-tier before his big breakthrough came with FC Basel, scoring 14 Swiss Super League goals for the RotBlau, but doing so in the 21st strongest division in the world, according to Global Football Rankings.

Barry was away with France at the U21 Euros last month, bagging the winner against Georgia in the 12th minute of injury time at Štadión pod Dubňom​​​​​​​ in Žilina, but was not a regular starter for Gérald Baticle’s side, as les Bleuets reached the semi-finals.

Ferguson, on the other hand, is a fully-fledged Ireland international, scoring five times for the Boys in Green to date, albeit, admittedly, Heimir Hallgrímsson does have slightly less talent at his disposal than Didier Deschamps.

Nevertheless, it is clear that Ferguson has a higher ceiling than Barry, it is simply about rediscovering his potential from the Irishman’s point of view, so could he achieve this in an Everton shirt?

He’s certainly worth the gamble.

Calvert-Lewin upgrade: Everton advancing in talks to sign £34m striker

Everton are edging closer to signing a La Liga forward

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 1, 2025

The 2025/26 Premier League season is just around the corner, with defending champions Liverpool set to kick things off against Bournemouth on Friday, August 15.

The Reds will be looking to make it back-to-back titles under Arne Slot after splashing the cash in the transfer market, whereas Arsenal are aiming to go one better following three successive second-place finishes.

Other storylines to look out for are Ruben Amorim’s first full season as Man Utd manager, whereas Thomas Frank is the new boss at Tottenham following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland are the three newly promoted sides looking to stop the recent trend of going straight back down, and Everton have now moved to their new £800m stadium.

With the fixtures now out, AI predictor tool ChatGPT has forecasted the scores for the opening weekend of the Premier League season, with 24 goals in total.

AI predicts Round 1 of the 2025/26 Premier League Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth Friday August 15

Starting off the new campaign at Anfield, Liverpool have been predicted to comfortably see off Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.

The Cherries had a solid season in 24/25, finishing ninth, however, ‘the champions should start strongly, especially at Anfield’, continung their recent dominance againt their visitors.

Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool

February 2025

Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth

September 2024

Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool

January 2024

Bournemouth 1-2 Liverpool

November 2023

Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth

August 2023

Aston Villa 1-2 Newcastle Saturday August 16

On Saturday lunchtime, Aston Villa take on Newcastle, with the two teams both ending on 66 points in 24/25.

The Magpies qualified for the Champions League ahead of the Villans on goal difference and ChatGPT says ‘Newcastle’s quality edges them in a tight game’.

Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle

April 2025

Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa

December 2024

Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle

January 2024

Newcastle 5-1 Aston Villa

August 2023

Aston Villa 3-0 Newcastle

April 2023

Brighton 2-1 Fulham Saturday August 16

One of three 3pm kick-offs, Brighton have been backed to get off the mark at home to Fulham with a 2-1 win, the same scoreline from the 24/25 season.

‘Home advantage and attacking flair give Brighton the edge’ under Fabian Hürzeler, according to AI.

Brighton 2-1 Fulham

March 2025

Fulham 3-1 Brighton

December 2024

Fulham 3-0 Brighton

March 2024

Brighton 1-1 Fulham

October 2023

Brighton 1-0 Fulham

February 2023

Sunderland 0-1 West Ham Saturday August 16

In what is sure to be an electric atmosphere at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland may not have their fairytale start back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017.

The Black Cats may even be handed late heartbreak against the Hammers, as ChatGPT says ’West Ham are likely to snatch a late winner’.

Sunderland 2-2 West Ham

April 2017

West Ham 1-0 Sunderland

October 2016

West Ham 1-0 Sunderland

February 2016

Sunderland 2-2 West Ham

October 2015

West Ham 1-0 Sunderland

March 2015

Tottenham 2-0 Burnley Saturday August 16

Thomas Frank’s first Premier League game in charge of Tottenham comes against Scott Parker’s Burnley following the Clarets’ 100-point haul in the Championship.

Spurs ‘should have enough to see off Burnley’ and record a comfortable 2-0 win, according to ChatGPT.

Tottenham 2-1 Burnley

May 2024

Tottenham 1-0 Burnley

January 2024

Burnley 2-5 Tottenham

September 2023

Tottenham 1-0 Burnley

May 2022

Burnley 0-1 Tottenham

February 2022

Wolves 1-3 Man City Saturday August 16

The first Saturday evening fixture of the new campaign sees Vitor Pereira’s Wolves take on Pep Guardiola’s Man City.

The Sky Blues will have a relatively new look about them following a summer rebuild, however, they ‘should be too strong for their hosts’ and a 3-1 victory for City has been predicted.

Man City 1-0 Wolves

May 2025

Wolves 1-2 Man City

October 2024

Man City 5-1 Wolves

May 2024

Wolves 2-1 Man City

September 2023

Man City 3-0 Wolves

January 2023

Chelsea 2-0 Crystal Palace Sunday August 17

Following a busy summer at the Club World Cup, Chelsea don’t have much time off and are set to take on Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge first up.

Enzo Maresca’s side finished in the top four in 24/25, whereas Crystal Palace won the FA Cup under Oliver Glasner. It could be a tight game, but ChatGPT says Chelsea will ‘dominate at home against their south-london visitors’.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea

January 2025

Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace

September 2024

Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea

February 2024

Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace

December 2023

Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace

January 2023

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Brentford Sunday August 17

Nottingham Forest earned European football in 24/25 following a brilliant Premier League campaign, whereas Keith Andrews is the new man in charge of Brentford after Frank’s departure.

They may play out the first draw of the season, as ChatGPT says ‘two well-matched sides could share the spoils’ in a 1-1 draw.

Nottingham Forest 0-2 Brentford

May 2025

Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest

December 2024

Brentford 3-2 Nottingham Forest

January 2024

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Brentford

October 2023

Brentford 2-1 Nottingham Forest

April 2023

Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal Sunday August 17

The biggest game of the opening weekend sees Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to take on Man Utd, so it’s no surprise it has been given the Super Sunday 4:30pm slot.

Amorim and Arteta could both be under pressure if they don’t get off to a good start, with a ‘tightly contested Super Sunday ending in a stalemate’ predicted.

Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal

March 2025

Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd (p)

January 2025

Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd

December 2024

Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal

May 2024

Arsenal 3-1 Man Utd

September 2023

Leeds 1-2 Everton Monday August 18

Rounding off the opening weekend in the first Monday Night Football sees Leeds host Everton at Elland Road.

The Championship title winners under Daniel Farke haven’t been used to losing many games in recent years, however, ChatGPT says ‘Leeds may feel the pressure returning after a two-season absence’, with Everton backed to come away with a narrow win.

Everton 1-0 Leeds

February 2023

Leeds 1-1 Everton

August 2022

Everton 3-0 Leeds

February 2022

Leeds 2-2 Everton

August 2021

Leeds 1-2 Everton

February 2021

After six long and arduous weeks of trying, it looks as though Manchester United are finally set to announce their second landmark signing of the summer.

Matheus Cunha arrived rather swiftly at the start of the window but since then it’s not been plain sailing for Jason Wilcox and Co. However, a breakthrough in negotiations was reached with Brentford a few days ago to seal the signing of Bryan Mbeumo for a fee of around £71m.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday that the winger had arrived at Carrington to complete the formalities of a move to Old Trafford.

Yet, United aren’t done there with a new centre-forward being earmarked by the recruitment team.

Man United's pursuit of a new striker

With Rasmus Hojlund scoring just four league goals in 2024/25, it’s abundantly clear that Ruben Amorim needed more firepower.

Mbeumo and Cunha will certainly provide that but they’re not out-and-out centre-forwards.

Transfer Focus

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

Nicolas Jackson is, however, and reports this weekend suggest that the club has held talks with the player’s agent over a potential move. Considering his hit-and-miss form at Chelsea, this isn’t one that is likely to excite Man United supporters.

Viktor Gyokeres’ name will, though. It’s been widely expected that the Swede will move to Arsenal this summer but with Amorim at the wheel, United have stood a chance of securing a player who played so well under the Portuguese at Sporting.

Well, it’s still a move that could come to fruition with reports from Portugal this weekend reporting some exciting news as far as United fans are concerned.

It suggests that with Arsenal’s move stalling, the Red Devils have leapt into the race again and are said to be ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement on a fee for the attacker.

It’s alleged that United are willing to pay just over €70m (£60m) to bring the player back to England.

Despite all of that, Romano has made it clear that the striker is still giving his priority to Arsenal.

Why Viktor Gyokeres could be Man United's answer to Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak’s name has been a hot topic this week with Liverpool laying down a statement of intent.

Indeed, The Athletic’s David Ornstein suggested that the Premier League winners were ready to do a deal at around £120m, but Newcastle United insist that he will not be going anywhere this summer.

That’s understandable considering just how good he was in 2024/25. The Swede found the net on 27 occasions in all competitions and scored 23 in the league, only second to Mo Salah.

In short, he was really rather impressive, showcasing exactly why some, including analyst Raj Chohan, think that he is “the best striker in the world.”

Well, if a player with 27 goals is up there as the best, so is Gyokeres. Described as “the best finisher in the world” by analyst Spencer Mossman and as a “monster” by journalist Alex Turk, there are not many better at hitting the net with such regularity as Isak’s fellow countryman.

Once of Coventry City and Brighton, Gyokeres has done it before in England, but it’s in Lisbon, Portugal, where he’s really found his footing.

On the way to winning the Portuguese league title last season, he scored 39 league goals in 33 games and beat the goalkeeper on 54 occasions in 52 outings across all competitions. That backed up a scintillating 2023/24 term in which the Sweden international bagged 43 in 50.

Like Isak, he’s incredibly prolific, and they do share some similar traits, notably in their ability to carry the ball long distances and run the channels.

Goals

1.25

0.75

Assists

0.22

0.20

Shots on target

2.12

1.34

Key passes

1.96

1.34

Progressive passes

2.18

2.88

Successful take-ons

1.92

1.37

Progressive carries

4.26

2.71

Aerials won

1.15

0.85

Signing a player with little experience of the Premier League is always a risk, but with United simply needing more firepower, if they could hijack Arsenal’s move for Gyokeres, it would be a serious statement of intent.

Long have they needed their answer to someone like Isak, a pure out-and-out goalscorer, a powerhouse forward. In Gyokeres, they’d surely find that.

Better signing than Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks to land "exceptional" £60m ace

Manchester United’s huge activity within the transfer market looks set to continue despite a deal for Bryan Mbeumo.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 20, 2025

West Ham United haven’t yet made much headway in the transfer window this summer. So far, Graham Potter has only made two signings, with Jean-Clair Todibo joining permanently after his loan spell.

With less than three weeks until the club’s first Premier League match of the season, Potter must act swiftly to bring in a few bodies to bolster his squad.

The attacking department is a primary concern. Niclas Fullkrug is the only senior centre-forward at the club, meaning West Ham have work to do still.

West Ham's search for a forward

One player who looks like he is close to signing is Callum Wilson. The former Newcastle United striker is available on a free transfer after departing the Magpies and could be a solid option.

Reports suggest he has already agreed terms with West Ham, although he is 33, and it likely won’t be a long contract. A younger option could be just what the Hammers require.

According to Football Insider, the Irons have also made an enquiry about Idrissa Gueye regarding a potential summer swoop.

The Metz starlet is only 18, but has plenty of clubs such as Liverpool, Brighton, Sunderland and Crystal Palace swarming around him.

French news outlet L’Equipe claim that a fee of £17m will be enough to secure his signature this summer.

This should be a move Potter is all over, especially as Gueye could be an instant upgrade on Wilson.

Why West Ham United want to sign Idrissa Gueye

There is no doubt that Wilson is a proven Premier League goalscorer, having netted 88 goals in the competition across 239 games for Newcastle and Bournemouth.

The caveat, however, is that his injury record is notoriously poor. During his five-season spell with Newcastle, he made 130 appearances in all competitions.

He missed 114 matches due to various injury setbacks, hampering any chance of consistency during his time on Tyneside.

Gueye, meanwhile, has already racked up 22 senior appearances during the early stages of his career thus far, while securing his first cap for Senegal.

Recording five goals and an assist in Ligue 2 last season proved that he can shine at that level, no doubt about that.

Goals

5

Assists

1

Big chances created

1

Total duels won per game

4.6

Shots per game

1.9

Successful dribbles per game

0.3

Via Sofascore

Hailed alongside several other Senegal starlets as “an exciting crop of talents” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Gueye has the potential to reach the very top of the game.

The striker scored every 188 minutes for Metz in the second tier, while finishing the season with an impressive 19% goal conversion percentage.

He also missed five big chances, suggesting his final total would have been higher if the youngster were more clinical in the final third.

This will come with experience, however, and a move to West Ham will allow him to secure game time in the Premier League.

Wilson, should he stay fit, will score goals for the Irons. But his wages will be high, and there is no guarantee he will be 100% fit for every game.

Gueye, on the other hand, has a raw unpredictability about him. If given chances, he could explode onto the scene for West Ham this season.

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Newcastle United have not enjoyed a fruitful summer transfer window so far, but Eddie Howe still has time to prove the noise is nothing more than a tempest in a teacup.

However, few of a Toon persuasion, if any, could say that Alexander Isak joining Liverpool wouldn’t be a detrimental blow to Howe’s grand plan.

It’s important to remember that the Sweden striker, who scored 27 goals last season, including a strike against Arne Slot’s Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, may yet remain at St. James’ Park.

Though the club will be cautious about keeping a player, star man he may be, against his will, it would be ludicrous to cash in for a British record £130m sum without sourcing an able replacement.

And that’s currently the focus on Tyneside.

Newcastle’s search for Isak replacement

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is the top target at number nine.

However, the Magpies are joined in the pursuit of their quarry by Manchester United, complicating matters having already fallen short in many a transfer tussle this summer.

He’s not the only one on the radar, though, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that the Tynesiders actually lead Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, having been described as the ‘frontrunners’.

Wissa, 28, was one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards last year, and Brentford want £50m for his sale.

However, his morale at the Gtech has deteriorated after what he believes is a gentleman’s agreement to leave for much less, terms shaken upon last summer. Brentford’s stance over the coming weeks will determine whether Newcastle will get their man.

As per the report, it remains to be seen if a compromise fee of £40m will be reached.

Why Newcastle want Yoane Wissa

Wissa might not be as ‘exciting’ as someone like Sesko, who is one of Europe’s most coveted strikers and billed as “the new Erling Haaland” by the likes of talent scout Jacek Kulig, but he’s proven in the Premier League.

In fact, he’s proved on English shores that he can chalk up 20-goal campaigns, and that’s something that could prove invaluable for Newcastle next season as they look to qualify for the Champions League once again, while fighting in Europe’s elite sphere concurrently.

Sure, the likes of Anthony Gordon would help someone like Sesko find their footing, but would the England winger not find a more secure partner in Wissa?

Gordon, 24, is one of the finest wingers in the Premier League, and he has forged quite the partnership with Isak over the past couple of years.

In 2023/24, Gordon was awarded the club’s Player of the Year award. It was his first full season in black and white, and he had contributed 22 direct goal involvements in the league to drive the Magpies through a frustrating, injury-hit season.

The recent term proved tougher for Gordon, who only scored six top-flight goals. Even so, his talent has been picked up by big hitters such as Arsenal and Liverpool, leading Howe and co to slap a £100m price tag on his head, warding such suitors away.

He’s described himself as “a nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, so athletic, so snappy, so fierce. Gordon’s movement and energy would be perfect alongside such a calm and composed finisher in Wissa, one whose pedigree in the division has been proven.

Wissa’s “absolutely sensational” finishing, as it has been hailed by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, is underscored through the data. The Congo DR international has posted 41 goals and assists across the last two seasons alone.

Having scored at a rate of 0.59 in the league last year, as per FBref, while keeping it crisp on the ball too, the data-driven site revealed him to be one of Isak’s most statistically comparable players.

It’s clear that he would add a sense of focus and confidence in the final third that Sesko perhaps might not, and that’s something that would only serve to enhance Gordon’s own game.

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

33 (30)

Goals

19

13

Assists

4

5

Touches*

29.1

30.7

Shots (on target)*

2.6 (1.2)

2.1 (0.9)

Big chances missed

17

10

Pass completion

79%

68%

Key passes*

0.8

0.6

Dribbles*

0.4

1.2

Ball recoveries*

2.3

1.9

Tackles + interceptions*

0.8

0.4

Duels (won)*

3.4

4.1

Thus, Wissa could be Gordon’s new Isak, a pillar of strength, a focal point, standing proud at the front and allowing the Three Lions star to shuttle up and down the flank, stretching and creating.

The ability to score many goals in the Premier League with consistency is a rare and precious thing. Isak would attest to that. To sell the 25-year-old to Liverpool is to lose one of the finest players in the world, and though the British-record fee that his sale would demand would ameliorate the loss, it’s absolutely crucial that that fee is redirected toward the right replacement.

Though that could be plural. Such would be the financial recuperation that both Wissa and Sesko could arrive at Howe’s door without Newcastle even topping the fee they would land from Isak’s departure.

And though Sesko has potential, it’s hard to imagine that he would provide the kind of goal threat that Isak has mastered. Wissa, obviously, isn’t as complete or technically sharp as the Swede, but he is settled into his prolific place in the Premier League, and so signing him would maintain a level of fluency that could in turn propel Gordon back into the ascendancy after a challenging season.

Here is an elite finisher. Perhaps not a natural-born goalscorer, but chiselled across a number of seasons in the Premier League. He’s worked hard for his opportunity, has Wissa, and now Newcastle must push to seal his signature and receive instantaneous success in the final third.

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Tottenham Hotspur have now discussed signing a “genius” attacker, who is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.

Frank needs to strengthen attacking options after Son departure

Son Heung-min’s ten-year stint at Tottenham came to an emotional end this summer, with the South Korean winger making the difficult decision to move to the MLS and join LAFC.

Of course, it is extremely sad to see Son depart, but the 33-year-old signed off on the best possible note, after finally getting his hands on some silverware, lifting the Europa League as captain back in May.

The forward will be very difficult for Thomas Frank to replace, and the need for the manager to improve his attacking options was exacerbated by the recent major injury blow to James Maddison.

As such, Tottenham have now set their sights on a new attacking midfielder, according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states they have discussed a move for Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, who would be keen on returning to the Premier League this summer.

A number of clubs are said to be in talks with Leicester, who are prepared to cash-in on El Khannouss this summer, with Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Bayer Leverkusen and Al-Ahli also named as potential suitors.

It is not made explicitly clear whether Spurs have held direct talks with the Foxes, or simply discussed a move internally, but there is certainly interest on their behalf, and there is a feeling a deal could amount to £25m.

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Leicester were relegated without putting up too much of a fight last season, but the 21-year-old caught the eye of scout Antonio Mango at times, who believes the youngster has a lot of potential.

Tottenham were already keen on signing a new attacking midfielder prior to Maddison’s injury, having pursued Morgan Gibbs-White, and it has now been revealed that Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has emerged as an alternative option.

It could be ideal to bring in El Khannouss alongside Eze, given that a deal would not break the bank, and the Moroccan now has a full season in the Premier League under his belt, chipping in with two goals and three assists last term.

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Given that the starlet is yet to prove himself as a top player, Eze should be Tottenham’s top target, but it would be a real bonus if they were able to get both attacking midfielders through the door before the transfer window closes, following Maddison’s injury.

Tottenham Hotspur’s hunt for a new attacking midfielder has been unsuccessful to date, with Thomas Frank unable to land any of his transfer targets in such a position.

The need for a new attacking option in the role was evident before the Dane’s arrival, but after injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, such a need has grown tenfold.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze have been the new manager’s main targets throughout this summer, but the former agreed a new deal at Nottingham Forest, whilst the latter joined North London rivals, Arsenal.

With less than a week remaining in the transfer window, owner Daniel Levy desperately needs to hand the manager the tools and money he needs to land the player he desires.

As a result of missing out on the aforementioned duo, the boss has turned his attention to various other targets, but the Lilywhites face a race against time to complete a deal for their signatures.

Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder this summer

Over recent days, Spurs have made their move to land Como star Nico Paz, stumping up a £61m offer to land the Argentine before the September 1st transfer deadline.

However, the offer was swiftly rejected by the Serie A outfit, with the player now expected to remain with his current employers for at least the 2025/26 campaign.

The youngster isn’t the only player currently in their sights, with West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta another target they’re eyeing, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The journalist confirmed that the Lilywhites have reached out to the Hammers to discuss a possible transfer, with talks seemingly heading in the right direction for the 27-year-old.

It has previously been reported that the Brazilian could be available for as little as £40m before the transfer deadline, potentially seeing Frank’s side land themselves a bargain transfer.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kudus

Despite failing to land a new attacking midfielder in recent weeks, Spurs have already conducted shrewd business in the transfer market to date – completing a deal for Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

The hierarchy forked out £55m for the Ghanaian’s signature earlier this window, with such a figure seeming to be a bargain given his early-season form in North London.

He’s yet to find the back of the net for the Lilywhites, but has already racked up two assists in his first two league outings – with both coming in the 3-0 triumph over Burnley on the opening day.

However, he could also be aided in his attempts at the club if the hierarchy back manager Frank in the market, potentially landing a number ten who could provide Kudus with needed opportunities in front of goal.

A deal for Paqueta could see a reunion between the pair, after they operated together in the Hammers first team for two years – before Kudus joined Spurs this summer.

Any move could hand the new addition the platform for added success in North London, with the Brazilian’s figures from the 2024/25 season showcasing the creative threat he possesses.

Paqueta, who’s been labelled “one of the best 10s in the world” by one data analyst, ranked in the 94th percentile for through balls completed per 90 (0.7), whilst also ranking in the 81st percentile for passes into the final third (5.1).

Games played

33

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

78%

Progressive passes

5.9

Passes into final third

5.1

Key passes made

1.4

Through balls completed

0.7

Take-on success

45%

Goals per shot on target

0.7

Both tallies highlight his desire to break the lines and thread balls into dangerous areas, which could massively aid Kudus in trying to build on his impressive start to life under Frank.

He also achieved a pass accuracy rate of 78%, with 5.8 of his passes per 90 being described as progressive – further showcasing his ability to cause the opposition havoc at any given opportunity.

Paqueta has shown evidence that he’s capable of finding the back of the net himself, posting a goal-per-shot-on-target rate of 0.7 – which saw him rank in the top 6% of all players in England’s top-flight last season.

Kudus’ assist tally already this campaign could allow the big-money addition to return the favour to his former teammate in forward areas, should the Lilywhites hierarchy land the Brazilian.

The prospect of the pair linking up once again is certainly something for the Spurs fans to get excited about, with their partnership potentially playing a huge role in their potential success in 2025/26.

£40m would be a bargain transfer fee for Paqueta, subsequently landing a player with top-flight experience which could prove vital in any chances of Premier League title glory in the years ahead.

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