Looking to put their champions status to instant use, Liverpool are now reportedly set to submit a concrete proposal to sign a serial winner who is available at a bargain price this summer.
Liverpool just getting started with big summer ahead
It was Mohamed Salah’s words which sparked motivation after last season’s third-place finish and those words now have a place in Anfield history after Liverpool went on to achieve exactly what he promised.
The Egyptian took to social media last season to say: “We know that trophies are what count and we will do everything possible to make that happen next season. Our fas deserve it and we will fight like hell.”
Liverpool could now be offered instant Robertson heir in stunning swap deal
The Reds would instantly benefit.
ByTom Cunningham Apr 30, 2025
Fast-forward less than 12 months and Liverpool did, in fact, fight like hell and they did, in fact, become champions once again. The Egyptian King more than lived up to his promise, enduring his own historic season to make sure that his side are back where many believe they belong. But he’s not done there.
Salah once again took to social media this week to reiterate that his focus is already on repeated success next season, albeit whilst taking time to celebrate Liverpool’s 20th league title.
FSG could yet share that sentiment too, with recent rumours suggesting that Liverpool could be in for a summer of spending. The likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are just two players who have already been linked with a move to Anfield this summer and now the Reds are reportedly preparing a concrete offer for a serial winner.
Liverpool preparing Coman proposal
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are now preparing a concrete proposal to sign Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich this summer. The Premier League champions are reportedly frontrunners for his signature in a deal that would cost them just €40m (£34m) in the coming months.
The Frenchman has won it all throughout his career, from the Champions League, to several Bundesliga titles as well as league titles in both France and Italy. Now, at 28 years old, he could attempt to add another to his set by joining Liverpool and helping them to make it two from two under Arne Slot.
Whilst Coman has struggled for starts in the Bundesliga this season, he may get a starting role at Liverpool if Luis Diaz does leave the club this summer, which is a rumoured possibility. It’s then that his task would be to replicate or improve on the South American’s success within Slot’s front three.
Starts
12
26
Goals
5
12
Assists
4
5
Key Passes per 90
2.38
2.19
Once dubbed “brilliant” by former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, the numbers show that there’s still a talented player in Coman, who has simply been denied key game time at times this season.
Following a campaign full of attacking struggles and injuries, Arsenal are now reportedly pushing to sign a Serie A talent worth as much as £81m who Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of.
Arsenal's striker problem explained
Although Bukayo Saka’s mid-season hamstring injury hardly helped their cause, Arsenal’s attack simply hasn’t been sharp enough throughout the current campaign. Even with the best defence in the league statistically, the Gunners have been unable to mount a serious title challenge on Liverpool, who have sealed their Premier League crown with four games to go, and the blame for that lies in Arteta’s frontline.
2024/25
63 (*before Bournemouth)
2023/24
91
2022/23
88
In the last three season that they have competed for the Premier League title, the current campaign has been Arsenal’s worst in front of goal by far and the last four games are unlikely to help change that.
Many have had their say on the Gunners’ goalscoring struggles, including Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher, who said in March: “But the problem they have is not a finishing problem. It’s a creation problem. They don’t create enough chances. That’s the biggest problem that they’ve got right now.”
Their own Bruno Fernandes: Arsenal holding talks over "exciting" £66.5m ace
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ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025
It’s a problem that reared its head against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek and one that Arteta will be desperate to solve ahead of his side’s trip to face the French champions next week. 1-0 down on aggregate, Arsenal have an uphill battle to gain a place in the Champions League final.
At this stage, however, it seems unlikely that Arteta will be able to solve his attacking issues within his current squad. Instead, new sporting director Andrea Berta must turn towards the summer transfer market, which may yet see the arrival of a Serie A talent that Arteta has become convinced by.
Arsenal now pushing to sign £81m Yildiz
According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are now pushing to sign Kenan Yildiz from Juventus this summer with Arteta convinced that the 19-year-old winger can provide a much-needed solution to his side’s offensive troubles. The teenager won’t come cheap, however, given that Juventus have reportedly slapped a hefty €90m (£81m) price-tag on their young star.
Kenan Yildiz
2,223
6
2
48
Bukayo Saka
1,454
6
10
49
Gabriel Martinelli
1,956
7
4
34
Leandro Trossard
2,264
8
5
36
Still just 19 years old, Yildiz’s output may not have exploded into life just yet but the number of key passes that he has managed this season suggests that there’s a creative player there waiting to thrive once at the peak of his powers.
Dubbed “exciting” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Yildiz could find himself at the heart of Arsenal’s frontline for the next decade if he decided to swap Juventus for North London this summer.
Juventus' KenanYildizcelebrates
With Arteta already convinced by his talents, it will be interesting to see whether Berta is on the same page in pursuit of the teenage sensation when the summer arrives.
Manchester United slumped to another defeat in the Premier League this season when they were beaten 4-3 by Brentford in a dramatic clash on Sunday.
The Red Devils have now lost 16 times in the top-flight this term and sit 15th in the table as it stands, winning just ten, and there is no denying that it has a dismal domestic campaign.
Ruben Amorim’s side could still win the Europa League and secure Champions League football for next season, but United will know that they need to improve their domestic form.
On the same day that Manchester United were thrashed by the Bees, Red Devils loanee Antony added another goal to his collection for Real Betis, with the stunner against Espanyol.
The Brazilian forward, who joined Real Betis on loan in the January transfer window, has now scored three goals in his last four appearances for the Spanish side, whilst his parent club continue to struggle.
Antony's impressive form on loan at Real Betis
The left-footed flop started the season with zero goals and zero assists in 12 appearances in the Premier League and the Europa League combined for Manchester United.
Antony, who produced three goals and two assists in 38 matches for the club in the 2023/24 campaign, was allowed to go out on loan in January because he had not performed well enough at the top end of the pitch over the previous 18 months.
Manchester United'sAntonyduring the warm up before the match
Three goals and two assists in 50 games is not a good enough return for an attacking player who reportedly cost the club a fee of £86m from Ajax in the summer of 2022.
Perhaps the weight of that transfer fee has been too much for Antony to carry during his time at Old Trafford because his performances for Real Betis are those of a star who is playing with the weight off his shoulders.
Appearances
13
7
xG
2.66
0.76
Goals
4
3
Big chances created
8
4
Key passes per game
2.5
1.0
Assists
2
2
As you can see in the table above, the Brazil international has made an instant impact in Spain in both LaLiga and the Conference League with his exciting performances at the top end of the pitch.
He has been directly involved in 11 goals in 20 matches, with seven goals and four assists, in those two competitions, which shows that he has provided a huge threat in the final third from a right wing position.
Despite his impressive burst of performances for Real Betis in recent months, Manchester United could find a winger who is miles better than him by landing a player they have an active interest in.
Man Utd preparing bid for Premier League star
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are one of the clubs that are interested in a deal to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report claims that fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Arsenal are also eyeing up a possible swoop for the Cameroon international ahead of next season.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It states that Newcastle United are also keen on the Bees sensation but his club’s valuation of up to £65m is said to make it a difficult deal for the Magpies to do this summer.
The outlet does, however, reveal that Manchester United are preparing an opening offer to sign the forward from Brentford, although it remains to be seen how much that bid will be, and that they could sell the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony to fund a deal.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates scoring their first goal
INEOS and Amorim must push to win the race for his signature, amid competition from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, because he could come in as a forward who is miles better than Antony.
Why Manchester United sign Bryan Mbeumo
Whilst Antony has caught the eye with his goals and assists for Real Betis since January, the former Ajax star remains an unproven quantity in the Premier League.
As aforementioned, the £86m signing did not provide enough quality, through goals and assists, in the top-flight during his time with Manchester United before being sent out on loan at the start of this year.
Mbeumo, on the other hand, has shown that he has the ability and the consistency to make a big impact in the Premier League, which would make him miles better than Antony has been for the club at that level.
The Brentford star, who has scored 68 goals for the club in all competitions to date in his career, has been in sensational form for the Bees in the current campaign and could be a terrific addition to Amorim’s squad.
No Manchester United player has scored more than eight goals in the Premier League this season, and no Manchester United winger has scored more than seven goals in the division, which illustrates how desperate the Portuguese coach is for an influx of attacking talent in the summer transfer window.
Appearances
35
xG
10.82
Goals
18
Big chances created
16
xA
8.84
Assists
6
As you can see in the table above, the Brentford star has been in incredible form in the top-flight with a return of 24 goal involvements, and more than twice as many goals as any Red Devils star has managed.
Mbeumo, who was once described as “incredible” by reporter Dom Smith, has scored more goals this season than Antony has managed in his last four league campaigns combined (17) for Real Betis, Manchester United, and Ajax.
Brentford's BryanMbeumolooks dejected after the match
This suggests that the £65m-rated star would be miles better for United than Antony has been, or would be next season, because he carries a significantly greater goal threat and has already proven himself in the Premier League.
Therefore, INEOS must ensure that the bid they are reportedly preparing to make is enough to tempt the Bees into cashing in on their star forward, because he has the quality to be an exceptional addition to Amorim’s squad heading into the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.
He'll be amazing with Bruno: Man Utd agree personal terms to sign £53m star
Manchester United are closing in on a “special” star who would thrive alongside Bruno Fernandes.
In a move that would instantly boost their attacking options, Aston Villa now reportedly want to sign a Premier League rival who put on an impressive performance in front of Unai Emery earlier this season.
Aston Villa's summer plans taking shape amid PSR concerns
It’s a big summer for the Villans. Even if they don’t have Champions League football to offer, those in the Midlands must maintain the level of Unai Emery’s side and they must do so whilst complying with PSR rules. That’s what may hold them back, however. According to recent reports, Aston Villa will likely have to sell before buying this summer if they want to avoid breaking any profit and sustainability rules.
To that end, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast over just who Aston Villa could sell this summer to avoid any potential sanctions. Among those mentioned is Morgan Rogers. The talented midfielder has enjoyed an excellent season in the Midlands, attracting plenty of interest as a result, and his sale would certainly ease Villa’s concerns.
Given just how impressive he’s been this season, though, it seems unlikely that Villa will be desperate to part ways with Rogers to a Champions League rival such as Chelsea this summer.
Deam Watkins replacement: Aston Villa pushing to sign "legendary" star
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ByRoss Kilvington May 16, 2025
However, such a sale would at least allow sporting director Monchi to welcome a number of fresh faces and potentially get permanent deals over the line for Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford.
Those in the Midlands club are seemingly in for a busy summer on all fronts, with new targets beginning to emerge and star players finding themselves on the radar of several rival clubs.
Aston Villa eyeing "unbelievable" Joao Pedro
According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa now want to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, who are set to demand as much as €60m (£51m) to sell the Brazilian this summer. The forward hasn’t quite been as consistent as last season, but that hasn’t stopped him from leaving his mark in the Premier League, with 10 goals and six assists to his name.
Emery should already be more than familiar with the 23-year-old’s quality too, after getting a first-hand glimpse when Pedro created both of Brighton’s goals in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Villa Park earlier this season.
Brighton’s asking price should come as little surprise, either. Pedro is clearly rated highly at The Amex and Fabian Hurzeler’s praise has reflected that this season. The Seagulls boss told reporters back in November when asked about his forward after a 2-1 win over Bournemouth: “In possession he is unbelievable. He makes the difference for us today.
“It’s also very important to see how he works against the ball. He invests a lot out of possession. He does a lot of work in the shadow and the work that is unseen. That’s why it is very good to have him as a leader on the pitch.”
Ange Postecoglou enjoyed the most glorious vindication as he lifted the Europa League after leading his Tottenham Hotspur side to victory against Manchester United, making good on a promise that was scoffed at by detractors when made.
However, there’s no detracting from the fact that Spurs have flattered to deceive this season, 17th in the Premier League with one match left to play, having been battered by injuries and consequent struggles for any measure of fluency.
Things need to change next season, and Daniel Levy will certainly be wrestling over the manager’s seat, with Postecoglou’s future uncertain in spite of his success in ending the club’s interminable trophy drought.
However, by doing so, the Aussie tactician has salvaged something special from this difficult year, placing Tottenham in next year’s Champions League group stage. By doing so, it’s opened the door for exciting signings to strengthen the squad.
Spurs favourites to seal statement signing
As per Spanish sources, Tottenham are the favourites to sign RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons this summer after unlocking the door to Europe’s elite stage.
Leipzig failed to qualify for Europe this term and have thus informed Simons he will be allowed to leave, though they will demand €80m (£68m) for his release.
Liverpool had been in the running for the Dutchman but have moved to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz instead, with the German side looking for a €150m (£126m) payment. However, the Lilywhites will feel that they can secure a signing every bit as impactful and for almost half the cost.
Why Spurs must sign Xavi Simons
Described as a “superstar” in the making by analyst Ben Mattinson, Simons left Paris Saint-Germain to make his name at Leipzig back in the summer of 2023, playing the coming campaign as a loanee before signing permanently in a €50m (£42m) deal.
Alternating between central attacking midfield and wider berths, he’s been an invariably prolific presence, posting 44 goal contributions from 76 matches in all competitions.
Xavi Simons celebrates
Described as a “game-changer” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Simons has the potency to make a stunning impression in Postecoglou’s Spurs squad, but he also has the strength and solidity to thrive in the wider lens of English football.
When looking at how he compares with Liverpool’s soon-to-be-signed superstar in the Bundesliga this year, you begin to see that Tottenham could bag themselves a winner here.
Matches (starts)
25 (25)
31 (25)
Goals
10
10
Assists
7
12
Shots (on target)*
2.0 (0.9)
2.3 (1.3)
Touches*
68.0
73.4
Pass completion
83%
82%
Big chances created
12
17
Key passes
2.0
1.8
Dribbles*
1.3
2.6
Ball recoveries*
5.1
3.6
Tackles + interceptions*
1.6
1.3
Duels won*
5.4
5.2
Honestly, there’s a case to be made that Simons has enjoyed the better Bundesliga campaign, marginally outperforming last year’s Player of the Season across many of the underlying metrics and proving he has what it takes to thrive in the Premier League, confident in the duel and precise with his passing.
This robust Netherlands star is exactly what Tottenham need, and though at £68m he’d prove their record signing, it would be money well spent for a team now with a unique opportunity to put the year’s issues in the past and turn toward a sustained period of success.
Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtzreacts
It would make quite the statement, retorting to Liverpool’s capture with their own version, one who could go punch-for-punch with the German in the Premier League.
Without question, Wirtz is one of the most exciting midfielders of his generation. Former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes has even said he’s “probably the best midfielder in the world.” However, his loyalties obviously lie with the Werkself.
If anything, Simons’ metrics simply highlight the calibre of player Postecoglou would be bringing into his ranks, ready to steer this Tottenham team toward an illustrious new era.
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Amid rumours that Rayan Ait-Nouri could be on his way to Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly tracking an “interesting name” who could replace the left-back.
Man City advancing in Ait-Nouri deal
Having already lost Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, Manchester’s other club are now aiming to deal Wolves a second transfer blow. According to Fabrizio Romano, City are now advancing their deal to sign Ait-Nouri from the Midlands club with talks already held and the left-back already approving the summer switch.
Given that they spent a large part of the 2024/25 campaign flirting with relegation before Vitor Pereira’s arrival turned things around, there should be major concern around Molineux that Wolves could suffer their worst nightmare without Cunha and Ait-Nouri.
They must get things right in search of replacements this summer. Losing Cunha was always expected after his £63m release clause came to light, but whether Wolves had the same expectation in Ait-Nouri’s case is the big question.
Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha celebrate for Wolves.
Whether caught by surprise or not, they must commence the difficult task of replacing their influential left-back if he joins Manchester City in this summer’s transfer window.
Starts
37
Assists
7
Key Passes
46
Ball Recoveries
145
If the Algerian’s influence wasn’t clear, then his numbers should highlight just how important he’s been going in both directions for Wolves. Already without Cunha’s goals, Pereira may now have the task of replacing Ait-Nouri’s creativity and could yet turn towards an “interesting name” to do exactly that in the coming months.
Wolves actively tracking Clement Bischoff
According to Molineux News, Wolves chiefs are now actively tracking Clement Bischoff who sources described as an “interesting name” when speaking to the outlet about the Midlands club’s transfer activity.
The Brondby teenager may be one for the future, but his versatile ability to play as both a left-midfielder and a left-back mirrors that of Ait-Nouri’s. That alone should ensure that he’s among the top candidates to replace Wolves’ star defender in the event that he joins Manchester City.
Described as an “excellent” two-way dribbler when one-on-one by analyst Ben Mattinson, Bischoff looks set to be one to watch this summer. For Wolves, a deal to sign the teenager would represent smart business which considers the short-term needs of Pereira’s side as well as the long-term aim that the manager may have in place for his side.
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BySean Markus Clifford May 30, 2025
In terms of replacing Ait-Nouri’s output too, the fact that Bischoff has managed 10 assists in all competitions for Brondby this season suggests that he would be more than capable of replicating the Algerian’s influence.
The transfer window may be closing for six days this afternoon, but that won’t stop Arsenal from working on potential deals.
Mikel Arteta’s side finished second in the Premier League for the third time on the bounce this season, and while they managed to make it to the semi-finals of the Champions League, that’ll only fuel the team’s hunger to finally get over the line next year.
The Gunners have been linked to a host of talented players in recent weeks and months, but the one who looks closest to putting pen to paper and moving to North London is Martin Zubimendi.
Yet, as brilliantly talented as the Spaniard is, there is now another international linked with Arsenal, who’d be an even more exciting signing.
Arsenal transfer news
Amazingly, the first reports linking Arsenal to Zubimendi appeared all the way back in January 2023, and while they became a little stronger last summer, they really took off this January.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It was at the start of this year that Sami Mokbel claimed that the Real Sociedad star would be making his way to the Emirates at some point this summer, but since then, there has been some concern among fans that Real Madrid could turn his head.
After all, there has been no shortage of publications from the midfielder’s homeland claiming that Los Blancos would convince him to turn his back on Arteta and join up with Xabi Alonso.
Fortunately, that all seems to be nothing more than paper talk, as respected journalist David Ornstein revealed this morning that the powers that be at the Emirates consider the move to be “done & signed.” At the same time, Real sources claim that the Spanish giants never truly pursued the player.
In yet more good news, the Gunners have now also been linked to another international star, someone who’d be a more exciting acquisition than Zubimendi: Anthony Gordon.
Yes, according to Ornstein’s latest report for The Athletic, the Gunners are now interested in the Newcastle United star.
He claims that the Toon star has his ‘admirers’ at the Emirates, a claim James McNicholas backs up in the same article.
While no price is mentioned, reports from earlier this month linking the player to Liverpool claim he could cost around £80m.
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gordon’s ability, it’s one worth fighting for.
Why Gordon will be more exciting than Zubimendi
So, the first thing to say is that when Zubimendi finally makes his way to the Emirates, he will be an incredible signing for Arsenal.
After all, we saw him put in stellar performances for Spain in the semi-final and final of the Nations League, and you don’t get chased by some of the biggest clubs in the world if you aren’t someone special.
However, when it comes down to pure excitement, there is one massive reason why Gordon would provide more of it in North London: his output.
At the end of the day, fans watch football for the goals and attacking trickery which the Newcastle United star should bring to N5 in abundance.
For example, in 48 appearances last season, totalling 3869 minutes, the former Everton star managed to score 12 goals and provide 16 assists, which came out to a superb average of a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 138.17 minutes.
Appearances
48
42
Minutes
3869′
2946′
Goals
12
9
Assists
16
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
0.38
Minutes per Goal Involvement
138.17′
184.12′
Even this year, when he’s not been at his very best, the dynamic “nightmare,” as he described himself, scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 42 appearances, totalling 2946 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.62 games, or every 184.12 minutes.
Ultimately, while Zubimendi will almost certainly help Arsenal tick and will likely help kickstart plenty of attacks from the base of midfield, it’s Gordon who’ll either finish them or help them along by taking on opposition defenders and getting the fans on their feet.
Therefore, while he won’t be cheap, the club should do all they can to sign the Newcastle star this summer, as he’d be a tremendously exciting addition to the team.
He's a Sesko upgrade: Arsenal stepping up pursuit of £84m "powerhouse"
The incredible goalscorer would be a serious threat at Arsenal.
Arsenal supporters are being forced to wait patiently for their first confirmed signing of the summer, despite new sporting director Andrea Berta’s well-documented transfer attempts behind-the-scenes.
The Gunners are reportedly closing in on a few key deals, namely for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Arteta wants Arsenal to sign £204k-p/w forward with crucial meeting this week
The Spaniard is personally very keen to sign him.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025
Arrizabalaga looks poised to complete a £5 million move to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s new back-up keeper and understudy to David Raya (David Ornstein), while Zubimendi is on course to seal a switch to the Premier League one year after rejecting Liverpool.
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
Zubimendi actually caused quite a stir with his recent comments suggesting that his future was still up in the air, but the likes of Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano have since confirmed that Arsenal are still expected to sign the 26-year-old after agreeing a deal with Sociedad.
After Zubimendi and Kepa, the north Londoners also remain in the market for a new winger and striker.
Arsenal have Real Madrid forward Rodrygo on their long list of wide options, with links still surrounding Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, so that is certainly a position to keep an eye on. However, the most noise continues to surround Berta’s attempts to bring in a centre-forward.
Groundwork has been laid on deals for both RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, according to the BBC, with Arsenal exploring the conditions of moves for both men before deciding which one to formally pursue.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
While Arsenal have already held “concrete” talks over Sesko, Gyokeres remains firmly on the radar.
Portuguese newspaper Record even reported this week that Arsenal made an official £55m opening bid for Gyokeres, with journalist Graeme Bailey sharing an update on the story.
Viktor Gyokeres camp clash with Sporting over rejected Arsenal bid
Speaking to The Boot Room, Bailey reports that the offer has been rejected by Sporting, which isn’t surprising when factoring in that their president, Frederico Varandas, confirmed that an offer below £60m wouldn’t be enough.
Bailey adds that Gyokeres’ camp clashed with Sporting after they snubbed Arsenal’s offer, but Arteta’s side remain in “constant contact” over his signature alongside Man United.
“Speaking to sources, Gyokeres is convinced that he is moving this summer, and he believes he will be in England – not that he has ruled out other countries, it is just where he believes he will be playing,” said the reporter.
“He did make it clear from the start that a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Pro League was not a consideration despite them making an approach this month.
“Arsenal and Man United are in constant contact, the lines of communication with those two clubs has been ongoing for months.
“The player’s representatives are working hard on his future, but there is no deadline here – it could be this month, but likely July, I am told, before something is agreed, but there is no panic. They are calm.”
Varandas’ preferred price tag could be around £68 million, but there are the strikers wages to consider, with Gyokeres reportedly demanding as much as £250,000-per-week.
Arsenal may be about to seriously enter the market for Thomas Partey’s replacement, with the 32-year-old reliably believed to be on the verge of leaving following difficult talks over a new deal at the Emirates.
Partey is fresh off the back of his best-ever Arsenal campaign, making over 50 appearances in all competitions and staying relatively injury-free in comparison to previous seasons.
"I had a message" – Journalist says £80m star now expects to join Arsenal
He’s got his eyes on a move to north London.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025
The Ghanaian was regularly linked with a move to Turkey or Saudi Arabia, prior to his newly-found first-team status last season, with Partey enjoying an excellent last 10 months. He starred under Mikel Arteta as one of the Spaniard’s generals in midfield, and as an emergency right-back when required, motivating Gunners chiefs to open talks over a fresh contract with his current terms due to expire on June 30.
However, those discussions have now hit a standstill, and there is a “concrete” possibility that Partey will call time on his five-year stay in north London sooner rather than later (Fabrizio Romano).
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has “completed” his paperwork and will soon be unveiled as a new Arsenal player, but Partey’s potentially imminent departure has suddenly elevated the need for another defensive midfielder to support Declan Rice.
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
Sporting director Andrea Berta hasn’t got limitless cash to spend, especially amid his pursuit of a new winger and striker, so Arsenal will need to operate cleverly here.
Arsenal hold talks with Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoume
As per TEAMtalk, echoing other reports, Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoume is firmly on the agenda as a possible solution.
The 23-year-old Frenchman was an impressive mainstay towards the back end of 2024/2025, starting all nine of Sevilla’s final La Liga matches and standing out as a shining light amid an otherwise uninspiring run of form for the team overall.
Agoume got on the scoresheet against Atlético Madrid and registered three assists in that run of games, with Arsenal taking note of his exploits. As per TT and journalist Fraser Fletcher, Arsenal have held preliminary talks with Agoume’s camp, emerging as frontrunners for the 23-year-old’s signature despite interest from Man United and rivals Tottenham.
The move is being driven by Arteta, who apparently wants a long-term new midfield addition. They’ve scouted Agoume on many occasions too, identifying him as a candidate to replace Partey in the engine room, and it is believed he’d cost just £20 million.
“I know Agoume because I watch a lot of football,” said ex-Sevilla boss Enrique Sanchez Flores, after Agoume initially joined them on loan in January last year.
“Lucien is ready, he has an extraordinary physique and a magnificent physical condition.”
Canada have India left to face in the group stage and the opening batter said, for all the stars, they must play the ball, not the name
Sidharth Monga11-Jun-20241:24
O’Brien: ‘Ultra-aggressive’ Johnson perfectly suited for this surface
Twenty more runs, and who knows what Canada might have been able to achieve? And looking at the way Aaron Johnson started they threatened to go past the run-a-ball mark, which has been successfully defended in New York on the last two days.Canada now have only a remote chance to make it to the Super Eights but for a while they dreamed. All thanks to Johnson’s half-century on a surface where every batter has struggled. Not surprisingly, Johnson called it the best international innings of his life.Related
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“I think it’s my best innings so far in international cricket,” he said. “And growing up, you know that Pakistan, one thing they have is quality fast bowling attack, right? And to be able to get a decent total on the board for my team, I think that’s up there with the top, probably top two best innings for me.”Johnson took advantage of the early full lengths and never looked back. “If it’s in my area, my team-mates, my coach, they give me the license to back myself and play my shots. So, once I get going, I knew that they would pull the length back because they saw that I’m scoring so it’s just a matter of me batting as long as possible for the team.”The relentlessness of bigger attacks is something that stood out for Johnson. “One thing I learned, if you’re going to score runs, you have to bat very, very hard,” he said. “You have to focus. Because again, these guys, just imagine, I batted well against Shaheen Shah [Afridi], and then Babar signal to Amir to come and bowl. And you’re thinking to yourself, I remember when I was playing cricket in England, these guys were playing for Pakistan international team. I went to the ground to watch them play. So, to be playing against them, it’s a wonderful experience.”Aaron Johnson took on the Pakistan attack in tricky conditions•Getty ImagesEarlier this year, Johnson spent time with Carlos Brathwaite in Toronto. And the Jamaican-born Johnson is also friends with Chris Gayle and Andre Russell. He cherishes the friendship but is also aware that he represents Canada now.”I’m here representing the Canadian national team and as you say my fellow West Indians, Carlos, Chris Gayle, and these guys. Last game we won, I got a personal message from Russell – we’re very good friends. Chris Gayle and these guys would text you sometimes or just to like some of the posts that you make.”Yes, I get some amount of inspiration from them. And one thing Carlos said to me when we met about two, three weeks ago in Toronto is just relish the opportunity and express yourself. Someone you can change the game for your team. So don’t stress too much, don’t think too much about it, just react to what you see.”Possibly Canada’s last match in this World Cup will be against India, and Johnson is aware of the line between respect and awe. “Again, as I say it’s just a ball,” Johnson said when asked about the challenge Bumrah and Co. pose. “The ball is very round the moment you walk on the field, anyone can win. Yes, you have to have respect for these guys. They have been doing it for years.”There are some of them, like someone like Babar today, he’s a legend. I’m pretty sure he will be a legend of the game, right? And hopefully we get to play against Kohli, Rohit, all of these guys, the list goes on and on. And you have to respect them, but at the end of the day, you have to know that you’re a professional cricketer also. And if they did it, you can do it also. So, it’s about respecting them, but also respecting yourself.”