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Manchester United are in a race with fellow Premier League side Everton in a bid to sign a £9 million international who has been labelled the “bargain of the summer”, according to a recent report.

Man Utd eyeing new midfield reinforcements

The Red Devils return to action at the end of this week, as they travel to Stockholm in Sweden to face rivals Leeds United in their first game of pre-season 2025. The hope Ruben Amorim will have is that his side will finally have Bryan Mbeumo through the door before that game gets underway.

Man Utd make loan proposal to sign £166k-a-week Bayern ace and get a reply

Man United have submitted a bid to sign a player from Bayern Munich on loan.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 13, 2025

Once the deal for Mbeumo is completed, there has been a lot of talk that the next target will be a striker, but INEOS and co are also scouring the market to strengthen their midfield department. It was recently reported that United have made a move for not one but two new midfielders.

It’s been claimed that United have made an approach to sign Richard Rios from Palmeiras, who has been heavily linked with a move to AS Roma. The Brazilian side are said to want at least £25 million for Rios, who could be considered a replacement for Casemiro.

The second midfielder United are chasing is Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha. The Red Devils have submitted a loan approach for Palhinha, but the German side turned it down straight away, with Bayern looking to sell the player on a permanent basis instead. These two players could be very good signings for United, but there is another midfielder firmly on their list of potential summer signings.

Man Utd in race with Everton to sign £9m ace called "bargain of the summer"

According to Football Insider, Man United are very interested in signing Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City. The 28-year-old has just suffered relegation with the Foxes, and while he is under contract until 2027, the midfielder has a £9 million release clause that can now be activated.

The Nigeria international is expected to leave the King Power Stadium, and while United are an option for the player, Everton, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Juventus are also in the race for the Nigerian international.

Ndidi, who has been dubbed the “bargain of the summer” by Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, has been a Leicester player since 2017. During that time, he has faced the Red Devils on 14 occasions in all competitions, and he has lost 10 times overall, with the Foxes only winning two games.

Apps

220

Goals

7

Assists

14

His potential arrival at Old Trafford could see him be a replacement for Casemiro, who could remain at United but may not have a bigger impact this season than he did last, due to competition for places and the fact he isn’t getting any younger. Despite the Foxes’ struggles last season, Ndidi still managed to impress, recording five assists in 28 Premier League games.

Next season is going to be a massive one for Arsenal.

After finishing second for the third campaign on the bounce last season, Mikel Arteta’s side will be desperate to finally get their hands on the Premier League title.

It would appear as if the board are just as desperate, as the last couple of weeks have seen the transfer rumours really heating up, with perhaps the most exciting of the lot being the links to Eberechi Eze.

Moreover, recent reports have now made it clear who Arsenal’s number one attacking target is, and it’s someone the Crystal Palace star will love playing alongside, someone other than Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal's striker search

While Arsenal need to address several areas in the team this summer, and appear to be doing so, it’s not controversial to say that the most critical business they’ll do is signing a new striker.

Transfer Focus

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

It would appear that the club agrees with that statement as well, as, over the last few weeks, they have been linked with a plethora of talented number nines.

Closer to home, there have been suggestions they could go back in for Ollie Watkins after missing out on him in the winter window.

However, another forward who has been even more heavily touted for a move to the Emirates has been Gyokeres.

The Sporting CP ace has reportedly agreed to personal terms with the North Londoners, but that may end up being for nothing, as the club’s number one target is someone else entirely.

At least that’s according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, which reaffirms Arsenal’s intense interest in Benjamin Sesko.

The report has revealed that RB Leipzig’s ace is their top striker target, although due to the German club demanding £80m and the North Londoners being unwilling to go above £60m, they have set a timeline to sign him by mid-July.

It will be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but Sesko would be worth fighting for and an incredible teammate for Eze.

Why Eze will love Sesko

While there are a few different reasons why Eze would love playing with Sesko, the most significant one is his output.

For example, despite still being just 21 years old at the start of last season, the Slovenian international scored an impressive 21 goals and provided six assists, in 45 appearances, totalling just 3258 minutes.

That means the “exceptional” talent, as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, averaged a goal involvement every 1.66 games or every 120.66 minutes, which is only made more impressive by the fact that the rest of the team underperformed compared to prior years.

Appearances

45

Minutes

3258′

Goals

21

Assists

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

Minutes per Goal Involvement

120.66′

Just imagine how much more effective the Palace star would be either playing behind or alongside a striker as dangerous as that, especially as he racked up 25 goal involvements in 43 games last season playing with Jean-Philippe Mateta, who scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 46 games.

The second reason the Englishman would love playing alongside the Leipzig star is the fact that he’d be a total handful for opposition defenders.

The former RB Salzburg star is 6 foot 5, able to hit speeds of 35.69 km/h, sat in the top 8% of forwards in the Bundesliga for percentage of successful take-ons last season, per FBref, and is capable of scoring with his head, from long range and inside the box.

In short, he is starting to look like an incredibly complete striker, and therefore, he’ll force defenders to pay more attention to him, thus allowing more space for the former QPR gem to operate in.

Ultimately, if Arsenal want to significantly improve their attacking output this summer, they should do everything possible to sign Eze and Sesko, as together, they could be utterly game-changing.

Ollie Watkins will love him: Arsenal in talks to sign £85m "superstar"

The incredible international could be a total game-changer for the striker and Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 4, 2025

Burnley are plotting a summer move for a Premier League player who was “on fire” last season, according to a fresh transfer update.

Burnley sign Weiss but Trafford exit close

The Clarets are still looking to bring in ideal new signings ahead of next season, with Scott Parker well aware that improvements will be needed in his squad to avoid the fate of recent promoted sides.

On Thursday, Burnley officially completed the signing of young goalkeeper Max Weiss from Karlsruher SC, with the German speaking of his happiness at moving to Turf Moor.

“I’m really excited to be here. It’s an amazing Club with a big ambition and all the conversations I have had with people from here have been so good and very positive. The training ground facility looks amazing, the pitches are so nice and I can’t wait to get in for pre-season and meet the rest of the team.”

That said, it looks as though James Trafford’s time as a Burnley player is close to its conclusion, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming the goalkeeper has “fully agreed personal terms” with Newcastle United.

Burnley plotting move for Premier League ace

Now, according to a new report from Football Insider, Burnley are “interested” in signing West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek this summer, with the Czech out of contract with the Hammers in 2026.

It is stated that the 30-year-old is not seen as a part of Graham Potter’s future plans at the London Stadium, but the Clarets “could find it hard to afford a deal” for the £90,000-a-week star, perhaps due to his wages.

Soucek could be an astute signing for Burnley this summer, with the West Ham man now a proven Premier League player who has scored 36 goals in 194 appearances in the competition.

He is also an 81-cap and 15-goal Czech Republic international, while Joe Cole hailed his performances for the Hammers last season.

At 30, Soucek isn’t getting any younger, but he isn’t a player who relies on pace, and his physicality and eye for goal in the middle of the park can be a great asset for Burnley for several years, should they be able to afford him.

Manchester United are now preparing an offer for an “unbelievable” star, and they are willing to use Joshua Zirkzee as a makeweight in the negotiations, according to a report.

Man Utd planning major summer revamp

Fresh off the back of losing the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, there were suggestions that no player would be safe at Old Trafford this summer, with The Mirror reporting: “Manchester United will listen to offers for every player in the wake of their disastrous Europa League final defeat.

“No player will be immune from being sold – including captain Bruno Fernandes – as United face up to a catastrophic financial black hole.”

Since then, Fernandes has re-affirmed his commitment to Man United by rejecting advances from the Saudi Pro League, but it is evident that INEOS could sanction the departure of a number of underperforming players this summer, amid ongoing financial issues.

Player

Potential value

Marcus Rashford

£40m

Alejandro Garnacho

£50m

Andre Onana

£35m

Rasmus Hojlund

£38m

Cashing-in on Hojlund would make sense, considering the Dane has scored just 14 goals in 62 Premier League games, but he is not the only United striker who could be on the move this summer.

That is according to a report from Italy, which suggests Man United are preparing to offer Joshua Zirkzee in the package to sign Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian striker still dreaming of a move to Old Trafford.

Man Utd now open talks to sign "world-class" £103k-a-week Barcelona player

He’s won 20 trophies in his career so far.

ByDominic Lund Jun 11, 2025

Osimhen has always been keen on a move to the Premier League, which explains why he has been reluctant to move to Saudi Arabia, and he could finally get a chance to prove himself in England, should Zirkzee be willing to head in the opposite direction.

It remains to be seen whether Napoli are interested in a deal of that nature, but the Italian club have had a lot of dealings with United in recent times, having signed Scott McTominay last summer, while they have also expressed an interest in Garnacho.

"Unbelievable" Osimhen has earned Premier League move

The Nigeria international seems determined to test himself in the Premier League, and he has certainly earned the opportunity to do so, chipping in with 26 goals and five assists en-route to Galatasaray’s Turkish Süper Lig title triumph last season.

The 26-year-old has also been described as “unbelievable” by members of the media, having finished as the top scorer in the Serie A during Napoli’s title-winning 2022-23 campaign.

After being shipped out on loan to Galatasaray last season, however, the centre-forward’s time in Italy looks like it could be over, with his current employers willing to accept offers in excess of £50m.

That could make Osimhen more affordable than Viktor Gyokeres, although a swap deal involving Zirkzee may be the preferred option, as it would allow United to get the Dutchman off the books, off the back of him scoring just three Premier League goals last season.

Selling well has never been Arsenal’s strong point. Their club-record departure currently stands at £35m, a move that saw Folarin Balogun head to Monaco.

In that instance, they did sell well. Balogun had only ever played ten times for the senior team, scoring two goals.

However, beyond that, there really isn’t much to write home about. Mika Biereth, a player who scored 27 goals this term was only sold for £4m, just rubberstamping the ideology that the Gunners don’t sell their assets for very much cash.

Given Arsenal’s need for a centre forward, there may well be a tinge of regret that he’s gone on to perform so well after leaving.

Yet, who will depart this summer? Well, Thomas Partey is one player whose future is still up in the air.

The latest on Thomas Partey's future at Arsenal

News broke on Sunday afternoon that Barcelona are reportedly in talks to sign Partey on a free transfer.

The midfielder’s contract expires in a month’s time and although Arsenal would allegedly like to extend, the Ghanaian has been free to discuss his options with other clubs since January.

It did look as though the former Atletico Madrid star would almost certainly be exiting the Emirates Stadium but Mikel Arteta has only had positives for him in recent months.

Indeed, the Spaniard said late last month: “In terms of consistency, this has been Thomas’s best season. His performances, his availability, it’s all been exceptional.”

Now, that doesn’t particularly sound like the words of someone who’s too keen on seeing Partey depart, does it?

Either way, with Martin Zubimendi allegedly on his way to Arsenal, it wouldn’t be too big a blow if Barcelona did prise him away from the Emirates Stadium.

Another Arsenal star wanted by Barcelona

It’s unlikely too many other senior players will leave the Emirates Stadium behind this summer but Arsenal’s transfer kitty isn’t unlimited and if they are to strengthen out wide and at centre forward, someone may have to leave.

Could that player be Gabriel Martinelli? Given his status as a bit of a fan favourite, it’s unlikely you’d see too many Arsenal fans vote in favour of the Brazilian leaving but that is a distinct possibility with one of Europe’s top clubs eyeing him up.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, according to Spanish outlet, SPORT, Barcelona are weighing up a move for the left winger if they cannot conclude a deal for Liverpool star Luis Diaz.

Diaz appears to be their number one priority in attack but Martinelli is another option, much to the frustration of those at Arsenal.

Described as a “talent of the century” once upon a time by ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Martinelli’s form has faltered since that 15-goal campaign of 2022/23, but he demonstrated towards the back end of this season why he’s so loved in north London.

The Brazil international most notably scored inside the Bernabeu against Barca’s rivals, Real Madrid, while he also bagged against Ipswich and then in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

Still aged 23, there is so much potential left to extract in the forward and Arsenal fans will pray that isn’t at Barcelona.

It’s certainly a different situation to Partey. The Ghana international is beyond his best years, but Martinelli has them in front of them. It would be a huge blow to lose the latter but not so much the former.

2019/20

26

10

3

2020/21

23

2

2

2021/22

36

6

6

2022/23

46

15

7

2023/24

44

8

5

2024/25

51

10

6

Of course, the Gunners have been linked with the likes of Rafael Leao and Nico Williams but Martinelli already knows the Premier League like the back of his hand and you’d be hard pressed to find another winger who works quite as hard as he does.

His end product needs refining, for sure, but much like Saka, he’s always tracking back. He’s the definition of a team player.

Martinelli is simply ready to explode and you can just envisage him doing that in a Barcelona shirt. Just look at Raphinha’s impact after trading the Premier League for LaLiga.

His fellow Brazilian cemented himself as one of the best players in the world this season. Now five years older than Arsenal’s number 11, he scored a ridiculous 34 goals.

It’s unlikely Martinelli will get to that sort of level but it shows the stunning numbers a forward player can reach in that Barca frontline.

Selling him this summer, regardless of any future improvements to the team, is certainly not a good idea. If the Gunners are going to sell any of their wide players, it should probably be Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal beware, you cannot afford to lose such a key component of the team. Partey, on the other hand, feel free to take him, Barca.

He's a lot like Xhaka: Arsenal working hard to sign £43m "duel monster"

The incredible youngster could be a superstar with Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 13, 2025

Still reeling from their failure to qualify for the Champions League, Aston Villa have instantly set their sights on summer upgrades which could reportedly include a defender who has won it all in English football.

Aston Villa may still face PSR consequences

It’s fair to say that Aston Villa went all in on Champions League qualification, knowing that failure would have its consequences – that failure simply couldn’t be an option. So, the reaction when Manchester United sealed a shock victory on the final day after Morgan Rogers’ goal had controversially been disallowed was always going to be strong.

Villa slammed the decision, which they feel cost them their Champions League place, citing that a more experienced referee should have been in charge of such an important game, rather than 35-year-old Thomas Bramall.

Whether the blame truly lies with Bramall or Villa, themselves, for missing out on a place in the top five is not the question those in the Midlands should be answering, however. Instead, they should turn their focus towards how they’re going to navigate their way past increasing profit and sustainability concerns.

Already, the likes of Emiliano Martinez have been linked with moves away from Villa Park in a shock exit which is becoming more and more of a possibility. The Argentine is undoubtedly one of Unai Emery’s key men, but could be shown the door as they look to balance their books this summer.

Perhaps in a defiant attempt to welcome upgrades even in the face of PSR concerns, Aston Villa could still welcome fresh faces in the coming months. The likes of Lucas Chevalier is one name on their reported shortlist to replace Martinez, whilst those in the Midlands have also seemingly set their sights on signing a Premier League champion at a bargain price this summer.

Aston Villa informed about Joe Gomez deal

According to Empire of The Kop, Aston Villa have now been informed about Joe Gomez’s situation at Liverpool and are one of eight Premier League clubs currently keeping an eye on the defender who will be allowed to leave Anfield this summer.

The veteran centre-back, who can also play as a left and right-back, will reportedly cost any potential suitor just €30m (£25m) in the coming months in what is a bargain deal for such an experienced player. After becoming a two-time Premier League winner in recent months too, Gomez himself is reportedly open to an Anfield exit in pursuit of a starting place elsewhere.

He's Grealish 2.0: Aston Villa keen on £55m star who has the "X Factor"

Aston Villa are looking to upgrade their attacking options this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 3, 2025

Whilst the 28-year-old has endured his fair share of injury problems, there’s a reason why he’s Liverpool’s longest-serving first-team player and Arne Slot recognised his quality earlier in the season, telling reporters: “Joe is patient in a good way, he always makes sure he is ready whenever the club or his teammates need him, and that is special when it comes to his mentality because not many players can do this for so many years that he has done this.”

If Aston Villa want to get back into the Champions League next season, then to say they could do a lot worse than signing a defender who’s won the competition would be a major understatement.

Leeds United’s attack has played a vital role in their success throughout the Championship title-winning campaign, producing the goods on countless occasions.

Daniel Farke’s side registered a total of 95 goals in the 46 appearances, the most of any side in the division, undoubtedly playing a key role in their ability to finish top of the table.

Joel Piroe scored 19 times, the most of any player in the division, proving his worth at Elland Road after joining the Whites for a fee in the region of £10m in the summer of 2023.

However, despite the impressive form of numerous players in 2024/25, added reinforcements are needed in such a department if they are to secure survival next time around.

With the transfer window just around the corner, the hierarchy have wasted no time in identifying targets for Farke, as the German looks to establish the club as a Premier League outfit once again.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of new attackers this summer

In recent days, Leeds have been in the race to sign Newcastle United forward Callum Wilson this summer, with the 33-year-old’s deal set to expire at the end of June.

They’re not alone in their pursuit of the Magpies centre-forward, with West Ham United just another team in the race to land the striker, who’s scored 49 times in his 130 appearances for the club.

However, he’s not the only forward-thinking option currently on their radar, with Sheffield United star Gustavo Hamer another option considered by Farke, according to talkSPORT.

The report claims that the 27-year-old is set to depart the Blades this summer after their play-off final defeat, with the Whites just one of the sides mooted as a possible destination.

It also states that the hierarchy at Bramall Lane are resigned to losing him in the coming months, but it doesn’t say how much they will demand to part ways with him this summer. That said, Transfermarkt value him at around £13m.

Why Hamer could be Farke’s next Summerville

Winger Crysencio Summerville captured the hearts of the fanbase during his stint at Leeds, producing numerous moments of magic during his three-year stint in Yorkshire.

The Dutchman joined the club in 2021, originally linking up with the youth setup, before making the jump up to the first-team and being a monster hit at Elland Road.

He scored the winner against Liverpool at Anfield back in the 2022/23 campaign, but it wasn’t enough come the end of the season as the club dropped into the Championship.

Relegation would be a blessing in disguise for his career, registering 20 goals and nine assists for the Whites last season, leading to a £25m move to join West Ham United.

The supporters must wish they were able to keep hold of the 23-year-old, but they could land their next version of the Dutchman in the form of his compatriot, Hamer.

Like Summerville, he’s enjoyed his latest spell in the second tier, registering 18 combined goals and assists, possessing a similar playstyle to the departed attacker, with both liking to cut inside off the left onto their right foot.

Games played

41

43

Goals & assists

16

28

Progressive passes

6.4

4.4

Passes into final third

4.4

1.7

Passes into 18-yard box

2.2

1.7

Take-on success

54%

53%

Times dispossessed

0.7

1.8

The Blades star, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by former teammate Ollie McBurnie, has managed to match or better Summerville in numerous key areas from his previous year in Yorkshire, showcasing how much of an excellent addition he would be this summer.

Whilst it remains unclear how much a deal would set the hierarchy back in the coming weeks, it would be a superb piece of business that would inject added quality into the front line.

If he manages to get anywhere near close to the levels produced by the departed Dutchman at Elland Road, he would be a potential bargain, strengthening their ambitions of staying in the Premier League.

He's the new Coutinho: Liverpool set to sign "generational" star very soon

Liverpool are moving quickly to make new signings for Arne Slot’s side.

ByAngus Sinclair May 27, 2025

A £150k-a-week Liverpool player is now on the verge of sealing a move elsewhere, with the deal at a very advanced stage, according to a report.

Important summer ahead for the Reds

Few would have predicted Arne Slot securing the Premier League title in his first season as manager, but the Reds have defied all expectations to secure top spot, with captain Virgil van Dijk set to get his hands on the trophy on May 26th.

However, despite the success this season, Slot is set to have a big job on his hands this summer, as the manager will be tasked with bringing in a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to join Real Madrid at the end of his contract.

Clubs from across Europe are also queuing up for Darwin Nunez, with the Uruguayan falling short of expectations this season, meaning a replacement is likely to be needed at striker, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak believed to be the dream target.

More exciting than Frimpong: Liverpool make enquiry for "world-class" star

Liverpool could be about to make a move for a star who could be more exciting than Jeremie Frimpong.

ByEthan Lamb May 14, 2025

One of the only additions Slot has made to his squad is Federico Chiesa, with the winger being handed a £150k-a-week contract last summer, but it appears as though the Italian’s time at Anfield could be coming to an end.

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Chiesa’s prospective move to Napoli is now at a ‘very advanced’ stage, with the forward excited by the opportunity to return to his home country after a disappointing spell on Merseyside.

The Serie A side are now stepping up their pursuit of the forward, having already submitted an offer, and a deal is close to completion, with Napoli keen to bring him in on a loan deal initially, with the option for a permanent purchase.

Slot should cash-in on Chiesa this summer

Rather than agreeing to an initial loan deal, the Reds should look to get the 27-year-old off the books permanently if possible, given that he has failed to adapt to life in the Premier League since arriving from Juventus.

While injuries have not helped the Italy international, he has made just five appearances in the Premier League, featuring for just 41 minutes in total, having been unable to make a name for himself on Merseyside, despite his previous exploits for club and country.

The former Juventus man’s only notable moment in a Liverpool shirt came in the EFL Cup final, scoring a late goal against Newcastle United, but his side were unable to force their way back into the game.

Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph underlines the fact they do not need Chiesa, so it is good news they are looking to get him off the books this summer.

With their return to the Premier League on the horizon, Leeds United have now reportedly made their first enquiry about signing a Champions League winner for a club-record £40m fee.

Leeds set for crucial summer

As celebrations gradually begin to end around Yorkshire, all eyes will be on the summer transfer window. It’s one that the 49ers simply cannot afford to get wrong and one which must see them spend if they are to keep Leeds in the Premier League at the first time of asking.

For two consecutive seasons now, all three promoted sides have suffered instant relegation from the top flight. Southampton, Ipswich Town and Leicester City failed to learn from Luton Town, Sheffield United and Burnley before suffering themselves as a result. Now, Burnley, Leeds and one other club must avoid following that same path. They must break a concerning trend.

Time to go: 49ers must axe Leeds ace who's played even less than Schmidt

The Leeds United man who played less than Isaac Schmidt should be let go this summer.

ByDan Emery May 8, 2025

To do that, the 49ers will need to ensure that Daniel Farke’s side are robust enough for the Premier League. Compared to their style in the Championship, Leeds will have to suffer out of possession if they want to enjoy any success next season, whilst they may need to avoid falling into the trap of adopting the same modern style in possession that could yet earn Southampton an unwanted record.

The transfer window will, of course, play a large part in what happens next at Elland Road. If rumours are anything to go by, then the 49ers are ready to spend too. The likes of Beto have particularly threatened to steal the headlines this week as the Whites look to bolster their frontline.

The Everton forward endured a slow start to life at Goodison Park but has shown his quality under David Moyes. If Leeds want robust then he’d certainly offer that. Meanwhile, in the goalkeeper department, those at Elland Road have set their sights on the opposite end of Merseyside and signing an instant upgrade on Ilian Meslier.

Leeds make first enquiry to sign Kelleher

According to Graeme Bailey for Leeds United News, Leeds have now made their first enquiry about signing Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool, who are reportedly set to demand as much as £40m to sell their goalkeeper this summer.

With Alisson Becker staying put and Giorgi Mamardashvili on his way from Valencia, the Irishman is heading for the exit door at Anfield, potentially allowing Leeds to take advantage for what would be a club-record transfer fee.

He may be Liverpool’s second-choice, but Kelleher hasn’t exactly seen his opportunities limited in recent seasons with Alisson continuing to struggle on the injury front. Any concerns that he wouldn’t be good enough to step up have quickly been put to bed in that time too, including against Real Madrid when he saved Kylian Mbappe’s penalty in a 2-0 victory back in November.

On a night to remember, Kelleher earned the praise of Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who dubbed his shot-stopper “outstanding”. For £40m, Leeds would be getting themselves a goalkeeper who’s ready to become a No.1 and an impressive one at that, after winning the Champions League, Premier League and domestic trophies throughout an excellent Liverpool tenure.

Strikers have been iconic over the years at Liverpool football club, with different generations of attackers giving the supporters memories to last a lifetime.

Luis Suárez is just one talent who’s captured the heart of most during his spell at Anfield, registering 82 goals in his 133 appearances for the club.

The Uruguayan spent three years on Merseyside before moving to Spanish giants Barcelona, leaving a huge hole at the top end of the pitch as a result.

Talents such as Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi and Diogo Jota have all operated at the top end of the pitch in recent years, with only one of them remaining during Arne Slot’s reign at the club.

However, the Dutchman could be about to land a player who could be his new talisman ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, looking to make it back-to-back Premier League triumphs.

An update on Liverpool’s striker situation this summer

Darwin Núñez is a player who looks set to depart Liverpool this summer after failing to deliver following his £85m transfer from Benfica back in the summer of 2022.

The Uruguayan has scored just 40 times in his 139 appearances, an average of one goal every three and a half games, leading to murmurs around his long-term future.

Atlético Madrid has been mooted as a possible destination for the 25-year-old, with the Reds demanding just £35m to sell him – resulting in a £50m loss on their investment.

However, such funds could be used to sign another star, with Benjamin Sesko the latest player touted with a summer switch to Merseyside, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The report claims that the RB Leipzig ace has a £55m release clause in his current contract, with the Reds impressed by his goalscoring tally of 20 goals in his 42 appearances throughout 2024/25.

It also states that he’s high on their shortlist, seen as an affordable alternative to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, allowing Slot to have the goalscoring striker he’s been craving.

Why Liverpool’s £55m target would be an upgrade on Nunez

It’s safe to say it’s unimaginable where Liverpool would’ve finished in 2024/25 if it wasn’t without Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian producing countless moments of magic at key points of the season.

The 32-year-old has registered a combined 56 goals and assists in his 48 appearances across all competitions, by far and away the most of any player in the first-team squad.

Luis Diaz sits as the club’s second-highest scorer in the league on 12 goals, a staggering 16 behind Salah, highlighting his importance to the side over the last few months.

Despite his new contract, he’s undoubtedly coming to the back end of his professional career, needing to land other targets in forward areas to spread the load rather than be reliant upon one player.

Sesko would provide exactly, with his goalscoring record in the Bundesliga, one that could the side to have that focal point they have often lacked despite the success they’ve endured.

When comparing his stats to those of current forward Nunez, the 21-year-old has massively outperformed him, highlighting how much he would improve the attacking department.

The Slovenian, who’s been labelled “the new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered more combined goals and assists than the Uruguayan, along with a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical nature.

Games played

30

26

Goals & assists

17

7

Shot-on-target accuracy

43%

37%

Take-ons completed

1.5

0.7

Take-on success

52%

38%

Aerials won

2.6

1.4

Aerial success rate

58%

35%

He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst coming out on top in more of the aerial battles he’s entered – offering the side an all-round threat in the final third.

Whilst £55m may seem a risk for a player who’s never played in England before, it’s a deal worth completing, especially when taking his dominance over Nunez into account.

Given his tender age, he has the opportunity to improve further under Slot’s guidance, potentially becoming the club’s next star attacker to lead them to consistent Premier League glory in the years ahead.

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