Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that a high-earning Man United player would fit right into his first team at the Emirates, according to a report, with sporting director Andrea Berta and co now planning to open transfer talks.

Berta considering deal for Saka alternative at Arsenal

While Berta’s “top priority” is agreeing a contract extension with star winger Bukayo Saka, as per Fabrizio Romano, it has also been reported that the 53-year-old is considering the possibility of bringing in an alternative to the Englishman this summer.

Berta has Arsenal in "pole position" to sign cut-price Brazil international

The transfer chief’s influence is tipped to play a vital role.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 3, 2025

Saka was a sore miss during his lengthy lay-off due to a hamstring injury, with the £195,000-per-week star finally returning to action this week in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham – scoring their second and playing a crucial role as Arteta’s side grabbed all three points.

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

His absence seriously debilitated Arteta, who watched on from the sidelines as Liverpool eventually seized a huge gap at the top of the Premier League table, with Arne Slot’s side now looking certain to win this year’s domestic crown.

According to GiveMeSport, Berta is pondering the transfer of a Saka stand-in who can provide a real quality and an attacking threat when the 23-year-old is unavailable – as Arsenal look to avoid being left short again in another title challenge next term.

We’ve already seen Arsenal repeatedly linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams this week, who’s capable of playing both on the left and right, while some reports believe Berta could land versatile Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.

New targets are likely to emerge before the first summer transfer window on June 1st, and a very surprising name has now come to light.

Mikel Arteta "determined" to sign Antony for Arsenal

According to reports in Spain, £200,000-per-week Man United outcast Antony is now being considered by Berta.

The Brazilian has seriously come into his own since departing Old Trafford on a loan deal to Real Betis, notching four goals and four assists in 12 appearances, including some big performances in Europe which helped the La Liga side to a Conference League quarter-final place.

Antony’s rejuvenated form has caught the eye of Arsenal’s head coach specifically, who is said to be a big admirer of the former Ajax sensation not wanted by Ruben Amorim.

Indeed, it is believed Arteta is “determined” to sign Antony for Arsenal, and sees the 25-year-old as perfect for his system. In response, Berta and Arsenal intend to open swift negotiations and want to secure his signature “as soon as possible”.

Arsenal are also prepared to submit a significant bid for Antony and better any offer made by Betis to keep him permanently. United, meanwhile, think the next window will be a golden opportunity to cut their losses on the forward.

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in February 2006 remains one of the Gunners’ finest nights in their history.

In the clubs’ first-ever meeting, a sole Thierry Henry goal was enough to give the north Londoners a slim advantage going into the second leg at Highbury.

Arsene Wenger’s side would pull off a big Champions League upset by holding the likes of David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo to a goalless draw to make the quarter-finals.

19 years on, Arsenal are once again heading to the Santiago Bernabeu, this time hoping to secure a semi-final berth after a spellbinding 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

But what has come of the side that beat Real Madrid nearly two decades on? Here, we look back and reminisce over the players who started on that special night.

1 Jens Lehmann Goalkeeper

German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann made history in the 2005/06 Champions League, helping the Gunners produce a record 10 consecutive clean sheets in the competition.

The shutout in Madrid was clean sheet number 5, and Lehmann miraculously repeated the feat in the second leg, partly thanks to a sensational save to deny Raul.

Since retiring, the Invincible has been in coaching roles at Arsenal and Augsburg, and can currently be seen as one of the managers in Baller League UK.

2 Emmanuel Eboue Right-back

The 2005/06 campaign saw Emmanuel Eboue’s breakthrough at Arsenal, with the full-back standing in for Lauren in the Cameroonian’s final season at the club.

Eboue managed to keep Robinho quiet at the Bernabeu, with the Brazilian taken off after an hour for Spain legend Raul.

The Ivorian has kept a low profile since retiring and has previously opened up on his mental health struggles following the end of his playing career, while he remains a cult hero in N5.

3 Philippe Senderos Centre-back

Philippe Senderos was called upon to deputise for Sol Campbell while the England ace was out.

Senderos had not long turned 21 at the time of the first leg and kept Ronaldo at bay for 180 minutes, during which he was faultless, perhaps bar a fluffed clearance in the second leg that could have cost Arsenal dear.

Another former player to step away from the limelight since retiring, Senderos retired in 2019 after playing for second-tier Swiss side Chiasso.

4 Kolo Toure Centre-back

Kolo Toure was a part of the Invincibles squad before moving to Manchester City in 2009.

He marshalled the back four alongside Senderos and was one of the heroes of the 2006 Champions League run, scoring the eventual winner in the semi-final against Villarreal.

Toure moved into coaching following retirement and was most recently the manager of Wigan Athletic, though he failed to win any of his games in charge.

5 Mathieu Flamini Left-back

Mathieu Flamini was Arsenal’s makeshift left-back throughout their Champions League run with Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy both unavailable.

The Frenchman played every minute from matchday 2 until the quarter-final second leg against Juventus, securing 9 clean sheets in 10 games.

Now a successful entrepreneur, Flamini is a partner at GF Biochemicals, which looks to provide sustainable solutions for oil-based products that harm the environment.

6 Freddie Ljungberg Right-midfield

Freddie Ljungberg is an Arsenal hero, and another of the Invincibles squad who stuck around long enough to beat Madrid on their own backyard.

The Swede had chances to score himself before Henry’s opener as Arsenal made a threatening start in Spain, coming closest but for a last-ditch challenge from Roberto Carlos.

Ljungberg was an Arsenal youth team coach and briefly the Gunners’ interim manager following Unai Emery’s sacking, and can also be seen alongside Jens Lehmann in the Baller League, where they manage N5 FC.

7 Alexander Hleb Centre-midfield

Alexander Hleb was a January signing from VfB Stuttgart, and had seemed a shrewd addition to the side based on his first impressions.

His link-up play set up several chances on that night in the Bernabeu, and was a key player for the Gunners until his departure to Barcelona in 2008.

Now 43, the Belarussian has seemingly stepped away from football altogether since retiring in 2019.

9 of the greatest Arsenal free-kicks of all time

Declan Rice’s heroics against Real Madrid have got to be among the best.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 9, 2025 8 Gilberto Silva Centre-midfield

Gilberto Silva was Arsenal’s primary midfield general post-Patrick Vieira, and the experienced head in the middle of the park before leaving north London in 2008.

Another Invincibles star, Gilberto won the league and FA Cup during his time at Arsenal.

Having retired in 2015, the Brazilian is an athlete mentor and public speaker, as per his X account. He is also a club ambassador for the Gunners.

9 Cesc Fabregas Centre-midfield

Cesc Fabregas was in something of a breakthrough campaign at Arsenal as he emerged from the shadow of the departed Patrick Vieira, whose Juventus side he helped knock out of the Champions League with a goal in the quarter-final.

In the round of 16 against Madrid, Fabregas played the all-important assist for Thierry Henry to give Arsenal the lead in the Spanish capital.

A former Gunners captain, Fabregas is now the manager of Italian side Como, who are set to secure safety in Serie A following their promotion last year.

10 Jose Antonio Reyes Left-midfield

Jose Antonio Reyes became an instant hero following his arrival at Arsenal in January 2004, and was an integral part of the team in his first 18 months at the club.

His Gunners career petered out after that, but Reyes did play in all bar one of Arsenal’s matches in the Champions League, starting both legs against Madrid.

Reyes sadly passed away in 2019, though he is still fondly remembered by the Arsenal faithful as one of their Invincibles heroes.

Newcastle United are on course to qualify for Europe for just the second time since the 2012/13 season.

The Champions League campaign in 2023/24 didn’t quite go to plan for Eddie Howe’s side, but if they do return, the club will be more mature in their bid to reach the knockout stages.

Prior to this, the last time Newcastle played on the continent was in the Europa League during the 2012/13 season, reaching the quarter-finals of the competition.

Their star player back then was Yohan Cabaye and the Frenchman became something of a cult icon during his spell at the club.

Why Yohan Cabaye was a cult figure for Newcastle

In the summer of 2011, the Magpies signed Cabaye from Lille for a fee in the region of just £4.3m, and it soon proved to be a bargain.

His first season was a magnificent success, registering four goals and grabbing six assists in the Premier League as the Toon secured European qualification for the first time in nearly a decade after a fifth-place finish.

While the following season saw the club drop to 16th in the top flight, Cabaye continued to impress, and he was beginning to attract plenty of attention.

This ability to both score and create chances caught the eye of PSG, who swooped to sign him in January 2014 for £20m, ensuring Newcastle made a profit on the player.

18 goals and 12 assists in 93 matches for the club was impressive indeed but has Howe now found the club’s new Cabaye?

Newcastle's next Yohan Cabaye

Newcastle have made plenty of superb signings since PIF completed their takeover of the club, notably Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes.

However, the underrated Sandro Tonali deserves his flowers too having now proven himself to be one of the best signings the club has made in years when he joined from AC Milan two years ago.

That being said, it did not start in the best possible way. Indeed, a ten-month ban came into force in October 2023 after he was found guilty of betting on matches involving Milan.

Since returning to the first-team fold earlier this season, however, Tonali has been in excellent form, proving himself to be well worth the reported £55m fee they shelled out.

Tonali’s stats in the PL for Newcastle this season

Goals

3

Assists

1

Big chances created

1

Key passes per game

0.4

Total duels won per game

3.7

Tackles per game

1.5

Via Sofascore

Across 38 matches in all competitions for the club, the Italian has scored five times and chipped in with two assists, the last of which came on Sunday against United.

Cabaye was the fulcrum for Newcastle during 2011/12 as they finished fifth, and it appears as though Tonali is embracing a very similar mantle under Howe, aiming to drive the Toon towards another stint in continental football..

The £120k-per-week midfielder has been dubbed as a “big game player” by talent scout Jacek Kulig previously, and he is exuding these talents this term.

His three league goals have all come during vital wins over Southampton, Brentford and Manchester United this season, highlighting how good he is when the pressure is on.

If he continues his recent form over the final few games of the campaign, Newcastle will secure a spot in the Champions League group stages for the second time in three seasons.

It’s safe to say they struck gold on this one.

Related 8/10 Newcastle star who won 100% duels was even better than Barnes

Newcastle sealed a 4-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday evening.

Posts ByConnor Holden Apr 13, 2025

Glasgow Rangers have allowed the Scottish Premiership title to slip away from them once again, as their rivals are one matchday away from sealing their fourth successive league success.

The Light Blues, who are not in domestic action this weekend because they have already been knocked out of the SFA Cup, are 15 points behind their city rivals with just five games to play.

This means that Rangers would have to win all five of their games and Celtic would have to lose all five of their matches, with a goal difference swing of 43 needed, for the Gers to win the league.

Barry Ferguson is currently in interim charge until the end of the season and he has done little in the Premiership to further his cause for the job in the long term, drawing 2-2 with Aberdeen last time out in the Premiership.

In that draw, Rangers needed a last-gasp equaliser from Ianis Hagi, who scored a stunning goal to make it 2-2, to avoid a fourth defeat in six league games for Ferguson.

The Light Blues did, however, do well to earn a 2-2 draw after they found themselves 2-0 down and down to ten men after Ross McCausland’s red card.

Why Ross McCausland was sent off against Aberdeen

It should be acknowledged that the Northern Ireland international was not put into an ideal situation by Ferguson as he started the match as a right wing-back.

The young forward, who had only started three league games this season prior to that match, is a winger by trade and is, therefore, not used to defending one-on-one situations or covering the space behind him.

There was no right-back to help him out in the wide areas, as there would be when he plays on the wing in front of a back four, and this left him completely exposed defensively.

This meant that he was consistently finding himself in positions – chasing back after wingers with no support – that he was not used to, which led to several poor challenges trying to correct his positional mistakes.

Irrespective of his lack of experience in those areas of the pitch, McCausland has made 66 appearances for the first-team and should know better than to make a challenge like the one in the clip above whilst on a yellow card, as you run a risk of a red card no matter what part of the pitch you are in.

This means that his red card was as much his own fault as it was Ferguson’s for putting him in that position to begin with, and the Gers now have a decision to make over his future.

Why Rangers should move on from Ross McCausland

The Scottish giants must ruthlessly cash in on the 21-year-old forward in the upcoming summer transfer window because he has failed to prove himself to be a valuable member of the squad.

McCausland, as aforementioned, has played 66 times for Rangers and is yet to establish himself as a regular in the team, with just four Premiership starts this term.

The Northern Irish attacker, who came up through the academy system in Glasgow, has failed to kick on since emerging as a first-team option under Philippe Clement last season, and is now surplus to requirements.

Appearances

29

13

Starts

15

4

Goals

3

0

Key passes per game

1.4

0.6

Big chances created

3

0

Assists

4

1

As you can see in the table above, McCausland was an average performer at the top end of the pitch last term, and has offered very little to the team in the current campaign – with as many red cards as goal contributions (one).

The Light Blues need better quality in the wide areas moving forward, which is why they should sell the youngster this summer, and that is why they should regret cashing in on Fashion Sakala during Michael Beale’s time at Ibrox.

Why Rangers messed up with Fashion Sakala

Back in the summer of 2023, the former Gers head coach decided to revamp his attack and opted to sell Antonio Colak and Sakala, who was sold to Al-Fayha for a reported fee of £4m.

The versatile attacker, who can play through the middle as a centre-forward or on either flank as a winger, was ruthlessly ditched by Beale despite a return of 12 goals and eight assists in all competitions for the Gers in the 2022/23 campaign.

Appearances

29

Starts

22

Goals

12

Big chances created

7

Assists

7

Dribbles completed per game

1.9

Dribble success rate

51%

As you can see in the table above, Sakala was a constant threat at the top end of the pitch in the Premiership with 19 goal contributions in 22 starts, which made the decision to move him on that summer a strange one.

The Zambia international was not a perfect player, as he was erratic in his use of the ball at times, but he could always provide a spark in matches, hence why Alan Hutton once described him as a “firework” for Rangers.

Sakala was miles better than McCausland at the time, shown by his output in the Premiership, and that has not changed since his move to Saudi Arabia.

The 28-year-old dynamo has scored 29 goals and provided 15 assists in 68 appearances in all competitions for Al-Fayha since his exit from Ibrox, including seven goals and four assists in 24 league matches this term.

These statistics show that Sakala has continued to provide a constant threat at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and a creator of goals during his time in Saudi Arabia, having also done so in Scotland.

This means that the Zambian speedster continues to be miles better than McCausland, who has failed to deliver consistent quality in his senior career to date, and is showing why Rangers messed up by selling him to Al-Fayha in 2023.

Not just McCausland: £3.4m flop must never start for Rangers again

Rangers will need to move a few players on this summer to raise funds.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 14, 2025

The Gers lost a quality and versatile attacking option when they decided to move on from Sakala in 2023, and now they have struggled to find similar quality in that position in the present day.

Despite missing out on automatic promotion, Sheffield United have reportedly joined the race to sign an experienced midfielder who knows all about Premier League football.

Wilder issues rally cry as Sheffield United prepare for play-offs

For the majority of the campaign, Sheffield United found themselves in a three-way battle to earn automatic promotion and had plenty of hope that they wouldn’t be the side to miss out in the Championship. One slip too many quickly allowed Burnley and Leeds United to end the race, however – leaving the Blades to fight for a place in the Premier League through the play-offs.

Sheffield United's "legend of the EFL" is outscoring Campbell after leaving

This former Sheffield United attacker is continuing to look a threat in-front of goal.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 27, 2025

Speaking about his side’s disappointment, manager Chris Wilder rallied his troops, telling reporters: “We can’t start feeling sorry for ourselves, I don’t think people expect me to and the coaches and players.

“We’ve got to raise ourselves, dust ourselves down and go again. We haven’t disgraced ourselves, we haven’t let ourselves down. Hopefully the majority of the supporters will see that and back us in the play-off games and if we get the better of four 45-minute halves, we have a trip to Wembley.”

Just who the Blades square off against in the play-offs is the big unanswered question. As things stand, they will be joined by Sunderland – who have their place confirmed – Bristol City and Coventry City, who must both win on the final day to secure their spot once and for all. Should they fail to do so, then Millwall, Blackburn Rovers and even Middlesbrough could all take advantage.

Given how strong Wilder’s side have been this season, to now miss out on promotion entirely would be a major blow on and off the pitch, especially as they look to sign one particular midfielder.

Sheffield United join Wilfred Ndidi race

According to The Boot Room, Sheffield United have now joined the race to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City this summer in a deal that will cost just £9m thanks to the Nigerian’s relegation release clause. The Blades aren’t alone in their interest though, with Everton and Burnley also among the clubs chasing the midfielder’s signature this summer.

A veteran in the Premier League these days, Ndidi would be an important arrival for the likes of Burnley and quite possibly Sheffield United if they earn promotion through the playoffs. Without victory at Wembley, however, it seems unlikely that they’ll be able to attract the Leicester star.

Earning plenty of praise throughout his time with the Foxes, former Leicester boss Mike Stowell took time to speak about Ndidi’s qualities on the BBC Radio Leicester’s ‘When You’re Smiling’ podcast earlier this season, saying: “I have always known (Wilfred Ndidi) as a number six because of his defensive attributes.

“But he is also dogged and will go all day long and put his body on the line. He is very clever with his challenges and those long legs of his just give him range.”

Manchester United’s stalemate against neighbours Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon solemnly underlined the issues Ruben Amorim is dealing with.

The Portugal tactician inherited a mess and is trying his best, but he’s not going to reach the heights that INEOS will have envisaged when appointing him unless surgery is undertaken in the transfer market this summer.

However, the Red Devils are in a fragile financial state and know that they must trim the blubber from their first-team ranks if they are to make real headway in the transfer market this summer.

Man Utd need to fix their wage bill

Pep Guardiola’s Citizens are the only Premier League club to have a higher reported wage bill than Manchester United. Capology record that Old Trafford is drained some £181m per annum on first-team salaries.

Luckily, a sizeable chunk is all but confirmed to be sliced this summer. Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are all into the final months of their deals, which will free a combined £335k per week from the books.

The resurgent Casemiro was widely expected to be sold this summer but he’s been in fine fettle of late and may play a role in the year to come. Albeit, the 33-year-old pockets a bigger pay packet than anyone else of a Man United persuasion.

Chopping away at such players to create room for exciting incomings is the way forward. It’s a daunting task, to be sure, but one that could will Old Trafford back into shape if handled correctly.

Another top earner, Antony, is out on loan at Real Betis, in fairness, and is not expected to return to Amorim’s brood. Freeing up his financial space will be a significant step in the right direction.

The same can be said for United’s other high-earning star currently out on loan.

Man Utd must axe their high earner

Since signing for Aston Villa on loan in January, Marcus Rashford has scored three goals and provided four assists across 12 fixtures.

He has been crucial in driving Unai Emery’s side into the FA Cup semi-finals and Champions League last eight, also pushing for a top-four (or five) finish in the Premier League.

However, he was described as a “major problem” by journalist Liam Canning, with performances toward the end of his time under the wing of Amorim proving to be “nothing short of shocking.”

This divorce of positivity and withdrawal of commitment was unacceptable for a player earning a gigantic wage at £300k per week.

But in truth, Rashford’s displays for his boyhood club had petered out over a number of years, with his brilliance over the 2022/23 campaign sadly standing as an outlier now.

Marcus Rashford – Man Utd Stats by Season (last 6 years)
Season	Apps	Goals	Assists
24/25	24	7	3
23/24	43	8	6
22/23	56	30	11
21/22	32	5	2
20/21	57	21	14
19/20	44	22	9
Stats via Transfermarkt

Villa have a buy option in their loan deal for the England international, which stands at £40m. Amorim wasn’t happy with him and deserves a clean slate to kickstart his project – of course, given that Rashford has earned north of £55m since making his professional debut, the argument for his permanent sale is only reinforced.

While Rashford has shown in the past that he can be a “goal machine” for Man United, as has been remarked by Statman Dave, there was a real sense of disconnect through the final days of his time at the club, there in the flesh.

He might be thriving at Villa Park, but for a player who has earned such vast sums as a Red Devil and ultimately lost his way, maybe cashing in and starting anew wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

Sweeping changes, at the start of a new INEOS and Amorim era, might just end up bearing fruit.

Amorim's own Salah: Man Utd pushing to sign "Europe's best player" for £67m

Man United need to make a range of impactful signings in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 7, 2025

A Wolverhampton Wanderers player who has been praised by Vitor Pereira recently is looking to leave Molineux this summer, it has been claimed.

Wolves transfer rumours as Pereira plans for 2025/26

The Old Gold are on course to remain in the Premier League after a crucial come-from-behind win over relegation rivals Ipswich Town last time out.

Goals from Pablo Sarabia and Jorgen Strand Larsen took Wolves to 32 points after 31 games – 12 clear of Ipswich in 17th.

Talking after the victory, Pereira said: “I’m very happy for the club, the supporters and the team because we deserved it. Today they scored first, but we had some chances. In the second half, we increased our level and we started to feel we came here to win. It’s not time to wait, it’s time to play, press them and win the game. I was very happy with that.

“I don’t care if we lose, I just want my team pressing and putting more pace on the ball and changing one or two things. It’s a result because we played with quality in second half, creating opportunities.”

Over the last few weeks, there have been numerous transfer rumours coming out of Molineux as Pereira and co plan for his first full season in charge in the Midlands.

Reports have claimed that West Brom star Grady Diangana would be open to joining Wolves, whereas another winger in Jadon Sancho is also of interest to the Old Gold.

More goals than Cunha: Wolves now plotting swoop to sign "superb" new star

He could replace Cunha…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 5, 2025

Contact has been made by Wolves over a deal for Sancho, however, with incomings, there is also expected to be outgoings. Fabio Silva could be one who leaves on a permanent basis, with Wolves wanting £25m to sanction a full-time exit.

Sam Johnstone looking to leave Wolves this summer

Now, according to The Telegraph, relayed by Molineux News, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is eyeing a move away from Wolves over the coming months.

Signing a new goalkeeper is a priority for Wolves and Pereira, with Johnstone keen to exit after arriving for £10m last summer.

The 32-year-old has made just 10 appearances this season keeping one clean sheet in the process. However, Johnstone has come in for praise from Pereira recently, who said he was “very happy” with the shot-stopper.

“He’s competing with Sa, Daniel, and King. He’s competing every day. He plays at a good level with his feet. For me, it’s important.

“He’s a goalkeeper that can control the space in the back of the defensive line. He has good skills on the goal, good skills outside to control the crosses. He’s a good goalkeeper.

“We have four good goalkeepers. Very hard workers. With the personality to be leaders and to help everybody in the club. I’m very happy with them.”

Now, it seems as if a move away from the Midlands for Johnstone is one to keep an eye on.

Celtic are in the market for reinforcements this summer, and Brendan Rodgers may have found the answer in his search to populate the forward areas with healthy competition, per a report.

Celtic look to finish season strong before summer recruitment drive

While the other side of the city end the season trophyless, Celtic are on the brink of another domestic treble heading into their final six matches of the campaign. This weekend, the Bhoys can wrap up the Scottish Premiership title by claiming a point against Dundee United at Tannadice.

On the same token, Aberdeen await in the Scottish Cup final next month as the chance to record another clean sweep lays a gripping backdrop for Brendan Rodgers.

Undoubtedly, the Irishman’s first port of call will be competing for the two remaining trophies on offer to Celtic, but he will also have one eye on what is set to be a busy summer at Parkhead. Per reports, the Hoops remain interested in Stoke City winger Million Manhoef, even if his £10 million price tag threatens to put a dampner on their pursuit.

Crystal Palace youngster Jesse Derry is also a target for Celtic after refusing to sign a new contract at Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, he would likely be a developmental addition for years to come.

Related Celtic fumbled the next Dembele when "generational" star left on the cheap

Celtic fumbled another Karamoko Dembele when they lost Ben Doak on the cheap.

Posts ByDan Emery Apr 22, 2025

With the Bhoys set to enter the Champions League at the final qualifying stage next year, targets will become public knowledge before too long due to the time constraints on their scope for business.

Bolstering the forward line is a key mission for Rodgers to support Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah, so it won’t be a surprise to hear that Celtic are now circling for a talented young striker.

Celtic position themselves to sign Moussa Soumano

According to Africa Foot, Celtic are in the mix to sign AC Ajaccio striker Moussa Soumano and have recently monitored the Saint-Denis-born man in action for the Ligue 2 outfit. However, Brentford are believed to be in the lead for his signature after putting forward a £2.5 million bid, though it is unclear whether his club have chosen to accept their proposal.

Moussa Soumano’s record in 2024/25 – Ligue 2

Appearances

27

Goals

4

Assists

2

Leeds United, Leicester City and Serie A clubs have also run checks on the 19-year-old, who will enter the final year of his deal come the end of the season. Primarily a centre-forward, Soumano can also play on the left flank and has completed 25 dribbles on league duty as AC Ajaccio veer towards the end of the campaign in mid-table.

Versatility is always a trait that can be put to good use at Celtic, especially considering the volume of matches Rodgers’ men need to encounter due to their involvement in multiple competitions.

However, they may have their work cut out for them in the chase for Soumano as Thomas Frank’s Brentford appear to be the primary contender to sign the prodigious talent.

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.

A big Diaz upgrade: Liverpool make approach to sign future "£100m" star

Liverpool could be about to make a move for a sensation who could replace Luis Diaz.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 30, 2025

Liverpool have made new contact with the agents of a “world-class” player ahead of a potential summer move, an exciting new transfer rumour has claimed.

A huge summer awaits at Liverpool

The Reds may be the new Premier League champions, but there are still flaws within the squad that Arne Slot will want to address this summer. New full-backs will be needed, for example, with Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving and Andy Robertson arguably past his best, and a centre forward also looks to be required.

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move to Liverpool, with the Argentine seen as an upgrade on Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, both of whom have struggled to make their mark this season.

Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne has been linked with a shock move to the Reds from Manchester City, having confirmed that he will leave the Etihad at the end of the current campaign. West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus is another rumoured option for Liverpool when the summer window arrives, with Arsenal also believed to be interested. Now, one of the most well-known attacking players in Europe has been linked with a switch to Anfield, though.

Liverpool make contact with "world-class" Real Madrid star Rodrygo

According to The Boot Room, Liverpool have “spoken” to the representatives of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo over a summer move to Anfield, as have Manchester City and Arsenal.

These are fresh discussions, having only happened in “recent weeks”, with previous reports earlier in the year also saying that contact had been made.

The idea of Rodrygo playing for Liverpool is mouthwatering, considering he is a world-renowned star who still has so much of his career ahead of him. The 24-year-old has 68 goals and 50 assists for Madrid, which is no mean feat, while Luka Modric has called him a “world-class” footballer.

If Liverpool managed to entice him to the club ahead of next season, it could feel like one of the biggest transfer coups in their recent history, and the Brazil international may well be considered the natural long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right flank.

Rodrygo can also be a threat from the left-hand side, however, so he could even arrive as an immediate upgrade to Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, amid doubts over the latter’s future with the Reds.

It remains to be seen if Rodrygo sees his future away from Madrid, however, at a time when there are so many superstars at the club, and always a great chance of winning major silverware every season. The report states that he is “not happy” but will “assess” things in the summer when the managerial situation at the Bernabeu is cleared up.

Huge Nunez upgrade: Liverpool plot big move for "the best CF in the world"

Liverpool desperately need to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 9, 2025

Liverpool are a major attraction in their own right, and could easily only go from strength to strength under Slot, so the £204,000-a-week Rodrygo’s head will hopefully be turned by a move to Merseyside.