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.

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Aston Villa are looking to upgrade their attacking options this summer

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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.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy and the Lilywhites board have held fresh talks about Ange Postecoglou’s future after their glorious night in the Europa League on Wednesday, with their current stance on keeping or sacking the tactician emerging.

Ange Postecoglou's plea to Spurs board during victory parade

The 59-year-old became a Lilywhites hero overnight, guiding the club to their first piece of major silverware in 17 years and only European trophy since 1984.

Tottenham "dreaming" of signing £67m ex-PSG star after Europa League triumph

Spurs’ summer transfer window has suddenly become much more interesting.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 23, 2025

Postecoglou came under fire for a bold statement earlier in the campaign, namely that he ‘always’ wins trophies during his second season in charge, but that message will now go down as one of the most memorable quotes in recent football history after Tottenham’s Europa League triumph.

Player

Rating

Guglielmo Vicario

7.7

Yves Bissouma

7.6

Cristian Romero

7.4

Bruno Fernandes

7.4

Destiny Udogie

7.2

Brennan Johnson also etched himself into Spurs folklore with his scrappy winner minutes before half-time, with the defensive heroics of Micky van de Ven – who made a match-saving clearance off the line – and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s vital saves proving decisive on an unforgettable night for the club.

Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro’s robust defensive displays also helped to shut out a lacklustre Man United side who simply couldn’t find any joy at all in the final third, despite their dominnace in possession.

While Postecoglou’s future at Spurs remains uncertain (David Ornstein), despite their celebrations, it is pretty clear that the manager wishes to continue his mission.

The north Londoners endured a lacklustre domestic campaign, breaking their all-time record for most Premier League defeats in a single season, but Postecoglou sent a subtle message to the board during their victory parade in London on Friday.

“I told them, and they laughed,” said Postecoglou after Tottenham’s open-top bus celebrations.

“I told them and they didn’t believe. And here we are. I’ll leave you with this: all the best television series, season three is better than season two.”

Postecoglou’s hint suggests the ex-Celtic boss has every intention to build upon their European success, but it remains to be seen whether Levy is on the same page.

Tottenham stance on sacking Postecoglou after fresh boardroom talks

In the wake of their triumph in Bilbao, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that high-ranking Tottenham chiefs are discussing what to do next in the managerial dugout.

According to the reporter, Levy and the Spurs board held fresh talks regarding Postecoglou after their Europa League final win, with O’Rourke sharing what their current stance is about potentially sacking him.

It is believed that, following their midweek celebrations, the club are now ’50/50′ when it comes to sticking or twisting with Postecoglou – indicating that they now have much more to think about in what has suddenly become a major conundrum.

While reports in the build-up to their clash with United indicated that Postecoglou could be sacked regardless of their Europa triumph, and that apparently remains the case, the emotion of such a momentous occasion makes this call far easier said than done in practice.

In terms of possible replacements, there are no shortage of options that have been linked in a long Tottenham managerial target list which includes the likes of Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund), Edin Terzić (free agent), Xavi (free agent) and Francesco Farioli (free agent).

Manchester United’s summer could be make or break for manager Ruben Amorim in his spell in charge of the club – needing to make some huge calls on his first-team squad.

The 40-year-old took the reins back in November, only having the January window to make the changes he requires to the squad that he inherited at Old Trafford.

He’s already landed Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha this summer, costing a fee in the region of £62.5m, but undoubtedly offering a new dimension considering he registered a total of 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League this season.

Such a move is highly unlikely to be their last in the transfer window, with more changes needed in various areas to avoid a repeat of 2024/25, which saw the club finish in 15th place.

With the summer window now open, Amorim has been targeting numerous players to right the wrongs of recent months, looking to help him in his quest to be a success at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

United’s front line has been the area that has mainly been of concern to new additions, especially considering the Red Devils scored just 44 times in 38 appearances this season.

The likes of Victor Osimhen, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Moise Kean have all been mentioned as potential targets this summer, but no deals have yet been agreed for any of the targets.

However, attacker Jesus Rodriguez is the latest name that has emerged as a potential target for Amorim’s squad, that’s according to Estadio Deportivo’s latest report.

They claim that they are firmly in the race for the 19-year-old star, who’s registered three goals and one assist in 2024/25, with Aston Villa also interested in his signature.

It also confirms that the Spanish winger has a €35m (£29m) release clause in his deal with Real Betis, potentially offering a cheaper alternative to another summer target.

Why United’s £29m target would be a better signing than Mbeumo

Over the last couple of days, winger Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as a key target for United, offering the club an added dimension in the final third alongside Cunha.

The Cameroonian international notched 20 Premier League goals throughout 2024/25, managing to become just one of five players in the division who have achieved such a feat this season.

His subsequent form has led to the Red Devils’ interest, with the 25-year-old stating his desire to make the switch to Old Trafford ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season.

However, if the club are to make a move for Mbeumo this window, they will have to fork out a fee in the region of £70m, that’s after having their opening offer of £55m rejected this week.

Such a figure would be a huge investment, with Amorim able to land a deal for Rodriguez for over half the price should he decide to pursue a move for the teenager.

When comparing their respective stats from this season, the Betis star has managed to outperform Mbeumo in numerous key areas – showcasing why he would be a better addition this window.

Rodriguez, who’s been labelled “ridiculous” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more progressive carries and carries into the final third per 90 – showcasing the threat he possesses with the ball at his feet.

Games played

21

38

Goals scored

2

20

Progressive carries

4.3

3.4

Carries into final third

2.9

1.8

Take-ons completed

2.4

1.3

Pass accuracy

73%

66%

Passes into final third

1.7

1.6

The Spaniard’s talent at driving the opposition doesn’t stop there, completing more of the take-ons he’s attempted, subsequently liking to take the ball into forward areas whenever possible.

He’s also completed more passes and more passes into the final third, allowing the likes of Cunha the opportunity to hit the ground running upon his own move to Old Trafford.

Whilst Mbeumo may be the first person on many supporters’ wish lists this summer, his £70m price tag may be slightly too expensive, especially considering the signings needed in other areas.

Such a figure could lead the hierarchy to a move for Rodriguez, offering a cheaper but just as effective option in the final third – having the potential to develop massively over the years ahead given his tender age.

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Manchester United could be about to land their marquee signing just a week into the transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 6, 2025

Arsenal have proved to be a day late and a dollar short this season, with injuries and the after-effects of dithering in the transfer market leaving Mikel Arteta with another trophyless campaign.

But progress is hardly a linear thing in football, and only the blind or negligent would fail to see the immense gains the Gunners have made over the past five years. Now, though, it’s time for action.

A luckless year on the injury front might have formed the crux of the on-field issues, but careful moves over the coming months could see the north Londoners go from strength to strength, having proven their credentials with an excellent Champions League effort, defined by the two-legged thrashing of Real Madrid.

Signing an elite-level striker is a given, with more needed on the left and right wings too. Making such moves with confidence and clarity could change a lot for the outfit, especially in bringing Martin Odegaard back into the ascendancy.

How Arteta can fix Martin Odegaard

Odegaard’s form has been dissected ad nauseum this season, the Norwegian playmaker returning from injury and still searching for that elusive flame that has powered his success since signing for the club in August 2021 for £30m, having initially joined on loan earlier that year.

Context is important, and not only have Arsenal been disrupted by an overload of injuries, one of the most damaging concerned the skipper, who returned in November after several months out but has struggled to get back into gear.

There’s still a lot to like. As per FBref, Odegaard ranks among the top 1% of Premier League midfielders this season for progressive passes and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90, but his influence, decision-making and decisiveness have all left plenty to be desired.

The 25-year-old’s ‘lack of adventure’ is something he will need to rectify, but sporting director Andrea Berta can certainly help him by securing some new forwards to feed on Odegaard’s creativity.

He might not be the priority, but this one could help restore the Scandinavian superstar.

Arsenal chasing £70m forward

According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal are in the mix for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, no doubt emboldened by the fact he’s a boyhood Gunners supporter.

Transfer Focus

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

As a result of that fact, it’s alleged that the player is ‘very open’ to moving to the Emirates Stadium this summer, giving Arsenal hope that a deal could be done if they were to send in an offer.

Bournemouth are looking for a £70m fee, which is likely too tall, but the Ghanaian’s desire to move to the Emirates Stadium could help Arteta as he searches for Bukayo Saka competition on the right.

Arsenal are keeping tabs on the situation, sure, but Manchester United are also big admirers and need a right-sided forward more than the Gunners.

Why Semenyo can fix Odegaard

Semenyo has been described as a goalscorer with “deadly precision” by Opta analyst Owurako Ampofo, two-footed and thus incredibly hard to read.

He’s a maverick, the stylish and fleet-footed profile required to make a difference at Arsenal and add a dimension on which Odegaard can focus, tighten, to bring himself back into form.

Aggressive and powerful, Semenyo has been one of the main drivers for Bournemouth this season, scoring 11 goals and supplying seven assists across all competitions.

A right-sided forward might not be Arsenal’s priority, but there’s no question a player of Semenyo’s ilk would add the depth and dynamism that has been lacking this season.

Should Saka fall to injury again, for example, it’s paramount that competition is prudently sourced to combat such a possibility.

Described as a “duel monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Semenyo carries a certain likeness to Arsenal’s talisman, which could see him fit snugly into Arteta’s system.

Moreover, it hands Odegaard a new forward to play with an intuitive understanding of his style of play. Of course, the fact that he’s a ball-striking machine doesn’t hurt either.

As FBref record, Semenyo ranks among the top 5% of Premier League positional peers this term for shots taken per 90 (3.57), emphasising his hunger for goals, his hunger to influence.

The Ghana international, furthermore, is not restricted to a single positional placement. In fact, his ability to make out on the left or even in a more central berth suggests Arteta could use him with Saka and Odegaard, a frightening thought for the Londoners’ opponents.

Semenyo – Bournemouth Stats by Position (24/25)
Position	Apps	Goals	Assists
Right winger	19	7	2
Left winger	19	3	5
Centre-forward	1	1	1
Stats via Transfermarkt

Semenyo wouldn’t be the solvent of Arsenal’s inconsistencies by himself, especially if ferried about numerous positions, but he could plug some yawning holes and latch onto Odegaard’s playmaking.

His multi-tooled style of play is further defined by his ability to score from every angle. As per Sofascore, Semenyo has scored five Premier League goals with his left foot, four with his right. He’s missed 12 big chances, so he isn’t the most accurate shooter in the business, but given the staggering number of shots he likes to get off, a slight profligacy can be forgiven.

Especially if he’s being supplied by Odegaard at the top of his game. The £240k-per-week midfielder’s return to the fore is a matter of time, make no mistake about that.

But his issues across the current year, injuries aside, are part of a wider Arsenal problem that could be solved quite simply through the acquisition of a new centre-forward, plus two wingers, one for either side.

Of course, in the Cherries winger, Arsenal get one who can compete on both flanks and has proven himself an able goalscorer either way. Having created 11 big chances and won 6.3 duels per game too, he’s very much that high-level athlete, both combative and creative, who could have a marked impact on the Arsenal resurgence, which maybe, just maybe, will see Arteta’s project reach apotheosis.

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By
Matt Dawson

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Tottenham Hotspur are now set to open talks over a deal for an “unbelievable” star, who is one of their top attacking targets for the summer transfer window, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Spurs set out to bolster attacking options

While Tottenham’s season was saved by the Europa League final triumph over Manchester United, there will still be major concerns over their Premier League form, finishing in 17th place after collecting just 38 points.

The forward line was not the problem for Ange Postecoglou’s side, who scored 64 goals across the campaign, which is as many as fourth-placed Chelsea, but it appears as though the manager is now keen to upgrade his attack in the summer.

Having secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, Spurs should be in a strong position to attract some top players, and they are the favourites to sign Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane, despite rival interest from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.

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Sane is, of course, experienced in the Premier League, having picked up 25 goals and 30 assists in the top flight for Manchester City, but the north Londoners also have another winger on the shortlist, who has experienced success in England more recently.

According to Brown, in an interview with Football Insider, Tottenham are now set to open talks over a deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who has been identified as one of their top attacking targets for the summer.

Brown said: “Tottenham are one of the clubs looking at Eze,”

“I hear his agent has a few contacts there so I have no doubt they’ll be speaking to him, that’s where a lot of moves of this type start.”

However, it could be difficult to lure the England international away from Palace, as the winger is thought to be “happy” at Selhurst Park, and he is protected by a £68m release clause.

Eze could be "unbelievable" signing for Tottenham

Eze was, of course, instrumental in Palace’s shock FA Cup triumph, scoring the only goal against Manchester City in the final, while he has previously been lauded as “unbelievable” by Statman Dave.

As such, it is little wonder Tottenham are so keen on the 26-year-old, who picked up 14 goals and 11 assists for Palace in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, more goal contributions than any of Postecoglou’s players.

Considering the forward is happy at Selhurst Park, the only way to stand a chance of securing his signature may be triggering his £68m release clause, but his recent performances suggest an outlay of that amount would be justifiable.

With Son Heung-min set to turn 33-years-old this summer, it could be important for Postecoglou to bring in a long-term replacement this summer, and Eze’s performances for Palace suggest he could be the ideal heir to the South Korean.

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.

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Despite earning promotion to the Premier League, Leeds United could be set to lose one of Daniel Farke’s key men amid reports that a European club have now opened talks in pursuit of his signature.

Leeds United's summer plans after promotion

With the Championship season concluded, and the title secured, Leeds have instantly turned their attention towards the summer transfer window ahead of their Premier League return. Those at Elland Road will be desperate to avoid the same mistakes as those promoted before them in recent years, who instantly suffered relegation, and the ambition of the 49ers may well ensure that they do exactly that.

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Chairman Paraag Marathe reiterated the 49ers’ desire to turn Leeds into a top club once again rather than simply just survive in England’s top flight. He told reporters once promotion was sealed: “Two years of getting to this point, but all that hard work and all that difficulty makes this much more rewarding and makes this so special,” said Marathe on the bus.

“This is a journey and this is not the end. We have to keep going. This is what Leeds does. We are going to have some difficulties, but we are going to get where we want to go and we are going to be one of the best clubs in all of Europe.”

While talk is often cheap, reports suggest that the Leeds owners are ready to put their money where their mouths are this summer, with links to the likes of Kostas Tsimikas already emerging.

The Liverpool left-back has reportedly attracted the interest of those at Elland Road fresh from becoming a Premier League champion at Anfield and could be on the move.

As the Reds’ second-choice behind Andy Robertson, the Greek international may yet decide to call it quits in Merseyside in pursuit of a starting place. Following the latest update on Junior Firpo’s Elland Road future too, Leeds would be an ideal destination this summer.

Lazio in talks to sign Firpo from Leeds

According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Lazio are now in talks to sign Firpo at the end of his current Leeds deal next month. The left-back is in talks over putting pen to paper on a new contract in Yorkshire, but the prospect of his Elland Road exit is now a growing possibility.

AC Milan and Atlético Madrid have also been linked with Firpo, and his agent has offered the left-back to Lazio after meeting sporting director Angelo Mariano Fabiani.

An experienced defender, who earns more than £3m-a-year at the club, Leeds should feel frustrated by Firpo’s likely exit after securing promotion to the Premier League. It goes without saying, however, that it’s one they must get over quickly before finding an instant replacement.

In what looks like his final season at the club, Firpo received high praise from Farke. The Leeds boss told reporters in September: “If I’m honest I haven’t thought about this scenario so far because it was such a difficult summer for other things.

“You know how much I rate Junior [Firpo] and Sam [Byram] and how important they are for us. Junior played a really good game against Burnley, after long travel, improved defensive skill and turning into a leader. Great will to improve further.”

Manchester United have a reported interest in Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, who worked with Ruben Amorim in Portugal, but they look unlikely to win the race for his signature.

A recent report claimed that the Sweden international has decided that he would rather sign for the club’s Premier League rivals Arsenal instead of making a move to Old Trafford to reunite with his former boss.

The former Coventry star, who scored a staggering 52 goals in all competitions for Sporting in the 2024/25 season, is available for a fee of just over £61m, but it is the Gunners who seem to be in pole position to bring him over to England.

His incredible goal return in Portugal suggests that this news is a blow for Amorim and for Manchester United. However, the club are reportedly eyeing up a star who could be the manager’s next version of Gyokeres.

Man Utd battling to sign Spanish striker

The Premier League giants appear to be in the process of identifying alternative options in the number nine position, as the Swedish star looks to be headed elsewhere.

Transfer Focus

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

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are one of a number of teams eyeing up a move to sign FC Porto’s Spanish striker Samu Aghehowa in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all also keen on doing a deal for the former Atletico Madrid centre-forward in the coming weeks.

It states that the Portuguese giants are looking for a fee of up to £63m for the 21-year-old marksman, with United and their Premier League rivals now set to battle it out for his signature.

Whilst they appear to be on the back foot with Gyokeres, the Red Devils should push to win this race to unearth Amorim’s next version of the Sporting superstar.

Why Samu could be Gyokeres 2.0 for Amorim

The Porto marksman is similar to the Swedish ace from a physical perspective, as he stands at 6 foot 4 and has the physicality to occupy and cause problems for defenders.

In fact, talent scout Jacek Kulig once described him as a “monster” in the making due to his physicality and speed, which suggests that the forward could offer similar attributes to Gyokeres.

The Spain international’s performances in the Portuguese top-flight also suggest that he has the potential to be a prolific striker for United, albeit not as prolific as Gyokeres could be in the short-term.

Starts

23

31

xG

14.07

30.95

Goals

19

39

xG differential

+4.93

+8.05

Minutes per goal

119

72

Conversion rate

23%

28%

As you can see in the table above, Samu enjoyed a brilliant season with Porto, scoring 19 goals in 23 starts and outperforming his xG, yet still ended with 20 fewer goals than the Sporting number nine.

It is worth remembering, though, that the Spanish marksman is six years younger than Gyokeres and has plenty of time left ahead of him to hone his skills and improve his output as a scorer.

Samu, dubbed “outstanding” by journalist Josh Bunting, did also score six goals in nine matches in the Europa League, which shows that he can perform on the European stage.

Whilst he may not be the final, polished, product in comparison to the seasoned Gyokeres, the Porto star appears to have the physical and finishing attributes to develop into Amorim’s next version of the Swedish marksman, which is why he could be a shrewd signing for the club.

Twist: "Extraordinary" £60m+ star now plans to snub Man Utd to join Arsenal

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1 ByDominic Lund Jun 8, 2025

The summer transfer window is nigh. Everton have one final Premier League match to play out this season, against Newcastle United on Tyneside, but 13th place has been sealed and Goodison Park has been left behind.

The air was blue but the mood was not last weekend, with The Toffees’ victory over Southampton one of the most charged and emotional days in the club’s modern history. A day of celebration.

David Moyes ensured it was so, having led the squad away from the lower levels of the Premier League after replacing Sean Dyche in January. The Scottish tactician will lead Everton into the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and his sights will be set on progress.

While fans are excited about potential incomings, many are leaving at the end of their contracts and interest in star defender Jarrad Branthwaite remains too. Whether the English sensation stays or goes, Moyes wants a new centre-back.

Everton considering bid for new centre-back

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are weighing up a bid for Nantes centre-back Nathan Zeze, though they face fierce competition from Bournemouth, who have already submitted a verbal offer of around €20m (£17m) as they look to replace the Real Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen.

It’s understood that the reason Everton have yet to make any concrete move stems from the ongoing reshuffle process, with the bosses internally deciding who should leave and who should stay.

As per the report, centre-back is deemed to be a ‘priority’ for the Toffees this summer, with the Friedkin Group ready to back Moyes in the market ahead of a fresh start next season.

Why Everton should sign Nathan Zeze

Veteran defender Michael Keane is among the many Everton first-teamers facing the end of their contract this summer, and he could be replaced by a younger man in Zeze.

Hailed as an “elite” youngster by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman has the potential to reach the level of someone like Branthwaite, with a modern outlook and a left-footed preference that suggests he could even replace the England international, who has been courted by Manchester United over the past year, with Liverpool and Manchester City also among those to register their interest.

In a way, Zeze could become Moyes’ own Branthwaite, arriving as a youngster and becoming one of the most talented defenders in the Premier League at an early age.

Zeze’s development in France could positively impact his start to life at Everton. Take, for example, Branthwaite’s 2022/23 loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie. The renowned Premier League defender used that spell, 20 at the time, in Holland to foster his youthful talents, and he’s now reaping the benefits of his toils.

That campaign also serves as a better yardstick than his English exploits, when comparing him with Zeze.

Matches (starts)

27 (21)

18 (17)

Goals

2

0

Assists

1

0

Touches*

56.6

62.1

Pass completion

87%

86%

Ball recoveries*

6.6

3.7

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

3.4

Clearances*

3.4

6.6

Duels (won)*

3.4 (56%)

4.8 (61%)

As you can see, Zeze has arrived on the senior stage with a firm defensive quality, so strong in the duel and active in clearing danger away. Moreover, he’s incredibly fierce in ball-winning situations, something that could be translated well into Moyes’ system, where Branthwaite is thriving.

The teenager, who will turn 20 in June, has already played 35 times for the Nantes first team, his maturity underscored by recent weeks, playing every minute of five of his side’s past six Ligue 1 matches, conceding only five goals in that period.

Branthwaite is the cream of Moyes’ defensive crop, but Zeze has that ‘elite’ capacity which could propel him into the upper echelon of defenders in the Premier League.

The Friedkin Group just need to make sure they seal the deal before Bournemouth canvass a proposal the prospect can’t resist.

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A busy summer awaits for Rangers.

Now that Russell Martin has officially been unveiled as the new Rangers manager, he has plenty of work to do if his team are going to be ready for the start of Champions League qualifying on 22/23 July, with Panathinaikos, Servette or Brann their potential opponents; the draw takes place next Tuesday.

With pivotal European ties just around the corner, Martin is eager to get his transfer business done early, so could it be all change in the striker department?

Rangers seeking a new striker

According to a report by Scott McDermott and Anthony Evans of the Daily Record, Rangers remain in talks with Maccabi Tel Aviv over the signing of striker Dor Turgeman, who they claim is valued at £4m.

Liav Nachmani of Israel Hayom previously documented that Turgeman has ‘expressed a willingness’ to join the Scottish giants, who have ‘been monitoring him for several months’, although the Israeli champions do not want to let him leave easily.

Born in Ashdod, Turgeman joined the Yellows as a 15 year old, making 109 senior appearances since his senior debut five years ago, scoring 32 goals.

This season, he was the third-highest scorer in Ligat HaAl with 16 goals, also on target four times in the Europa League, netting against Panevėžys and then TSC Bačka Topola twice as Maccabi Tel Aviv made it through qualifying, before also getting on the scoresheet against Real Sociedad in October.

Turgeman has international experience too, a key figure in the Israel side that reached the U21 Euros semi-finals two summers ago, earning eight senior caps to date, scoring against Norway in a World Cup qualifier in Debrecen back in March.

So now, could the 21 year old swap the Israeli Mediterranean coastline for Glasgow’s west end?

How Turgeman compares to Dessers

According to a report by Andrew Newport of the Daily Record, Greek side AEK Athens ‘are willing to spend big’ to sign Cyriel Dessers this summer, adding that the Nigerian striker is valued at £5m.

On top of this, Greek journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos of SporTime claims that the Yellow-Blacks are “in talks” with Rangers, so is now the right time to cash in?

Let’s assess Dessers’ statistics for the club since he arrived from Cremonese for a reported £4.5m two summers ago.

Appearances

109

Minutes

6,845

Goals

51

Assists

16

Big chances missed

58

As the table outlines, Dessers’ scoring record at Rangers has been impressive, on target every 134 minutes on average, but the fact he has missed 58 big chances across the Scottish Premiership and Europa League goes a long way to explaining why Alan Pattullo of the Scotsman describes him as a complex ‘enigma’.

So, would Turgeman be an upgrade? Let’s try and find out.

Appearances

55

44

Minutes

3,423

2,887

Goals

29

20

Minutes per goal

118

144

Assists

7

6

Big chances missed

31

4

Big chances created

4

12

Shots on target (per 90)

1

0.7

Shots on target %

50%

37.5%

Touches per 90

29.1

31.6

Touches in opposition box per 90

5.5

3.1

Average Sofascore Rating

6.81

7.10

As the table outlines, while Dessers did score more goals this season, Turgeman’s underlying statistics are broadly more impressive, missing 27 fewer big chances, creating eight more big chances and registering a greater number of touches per 90.

Writer Kai Watson describes the Israeli international as a strong ball carrier and “lethal inside the box”, while Nene Afadzinu of Football Talent Scout praises his ‘excellent first touch’, hold-up play and close-control, adding that he is capable of being deployed as a team’s ‘focal point’ considering he ‘relishes a duel’ and ‘presses intensely’.

Meantime, Rui Martins of Total Football Analysis outlines how Turgeman’s physical attributes give him a ‘significant competitive advantage’, believing he ‘is ready to be tested at a higher level’.

Thus, if Rangers are able to sell 30 year old Dessers and sign 21-year-old Turgeman for a lower fee, this would appear a no-brainer of an upgrade.

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