Arsenal are expected to be among the busiest Premier League sides this summer, as they look to match English champions Liverpool and end Mikel Arteta’s long wait for another piece of major silverware.

Arsenal hold talks with "big" summer window looming

The north Londoners have a few key items on their transfer agenda over the coming months.

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Arsenal are already set to end their search for a new back-up goalkeeper early doors, with Chelsea shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga agreeing to join them. If all goes to plan, he will come in to replace Neto as an understudy to David Raya, and Kepa is apparently set to fight for his place as the Gunners’ number one.

For just £5 million, Arsenal are on the verge of securing an experienced and adept alternative to Raya, but they also have many other plates spinning behind-the-scenes.

Arsenal remain in ongoing talks for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with no agreement yet found on price despite the Slovenia international reportedly shaking hands on personal terms (CaughtOffside).

If they cannot strike a deal for the 22-year-old, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres remains on Arsenal’s radar as an alternative to Sesko.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Arsenal are also reliably reported to be targeting a new winger, so Arteta’s prediction of a “big” summer window appears to be very much coming true.

“It’s going to be a big one [summer] and we are very excited about it,” said Arteta back in April.

“When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step. Every summer is big because it is an opportunity – and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now, that is necessary.”

As well as the aforementioned targets, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is closing in on a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal have agreed to pay £60 million for Martin Zubimendi

Despite Zubimendi appearing to pour cold water over reports that he’s set for a medical, and some rumoured late threat from Real Madrid, both The Athletic’s David Ornstein and trusted transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano have claimed in the last few days that the Spain international’s move to Arsenal is still very much on track.

The “fantastic” 26-year-old midfielder would be a world-class replacement for Jorginho, so much so, that Arsenal are actually agreeing to pay more than they need to for his signature.

That is according to journalist Aritz Gabilondo, who detailed in an article for Spanish news outlet AS this week that Arsenal will fork out around £60 million to sign Zubimendi from Sociedad, despite his release clause being £50 million.

This is apparently a gesture of good faith to Sociedad, and the fee will be paid in three installments. If Real or any other side had any hope of hijacking the deal, which Gabilondo describes as “complete and signed”, then they would’ve had to match or better the £60 million offer.

Arsenal expect Zubimendi in time for pre-season, so the Gunners remain utterly convinced that they’ve secured his signature, despite some recent noise to the contrary.

Echoing other sources, AS write that the delay in his announcement as an Arsenal player revolves around Sociedad wanting to register his sale as part of the next financial year, which begins on July 1.

Following Saturday’s gut-wrenching penalty shootout defeat in the Scottish Cup Final, all Celtic supporters have turned their attention to the club’s plans for the summer.

Before they are next in action, Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to have a few new signings he can showcase, with some key areas clearly to address at Parkhead.

Kieran Tierney is set to arrive at left-back, while a replacement may also be needed for the injury-stricken Jota on the flanks. Kyogo Furuhashi arguably hasn’t been properly replaced since he left in January either.

But, where does their latest target feature?

Celtic's latest transfer target

According to a report by Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex, Celtic are ‘interested’ in Djurgardens’ defender Keita Kosugi, claiming that Paris Saint-Germain have also made a move to secure his services.

The 19-year-old spent his youth career with Shonan Bellmare, before travelling to Sweden for a trial with Djurgarden in March 2024, impressing to such an extent that the Blue Stripes rewarded him with a four-year contract less than a week after his 18th birthday.

How Kosugi could be Celtic's latest Asian success story

Something of an attacking threat from left-back in a similar mould to Tierney, the defender has made 43 appearances for the Stockholm-based giants, scoring five goals.

He was notably on target against both Víkingur Reykjavík and Rapid Wien during their historic run to the Conference League semi-finals, bagging a stunning equaliser during the quarter-final comeback in Vienna.

It’s that star quality that could see him be an enormous success story in Scotland, just as his fellow countrymen have been since the Ange Postecoglou era.

Indeed, to date, eight Japanese players have made a senior appearance for Celtic, many of whom have made a massive impression.

Shunsuke Nakamura was the first, with Ryan Benson of Opta’s the Analyst noting that he is ‘one of the best free-kick takers of all-time’, and many of his compatriots have followed since.

Four of the eight Japanese players have had a huge impact at Celtic, two of whom remain key figures in Rodgers’ team right now.

Daizen Maeda picked up all of this season’s individual accolades, Celtic’s player of the year, PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year and SFWA Footballer of the Year and rightly so, considering he scored 33 goals in all competitions.

The forward arrived in 2022 from Yokohama F. Marinos for just £1.5m, which has proved to be an absolute bargain, so could Kosugi represent similarly excellent value for money?

Well, Han June of Football Asian believes the left-back to be “one of Asia’s hottest young prospects”, praising his “fearless defending”.

Meanwhile, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout is impressed by his ‘pace…work rate…versatility and technique’, among other attributes, labelling him ‘a modern defender’.

As the table outlines, Kosugi is a very well-rounded player, impressing both in and out of possession, supporting Kulig’s assertion that he is an “exciting talent”.

Writer Kai Watson believes he is an “excellent prospect”, noting that Kosugi is a “promising attacking threat” as well as being “defensively… superb”, regularly “winning the ball back to drive forward”.

Thus, with Greg Taylor and Jeffrey Schlupp set to depart, even with Tierney poised to return, Kosugi has all the attributes to be Celtic’s latest Japanese sensation.

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This summer is huge for Leeds United in their attempts to recruit well and bridge the gap that has been created between the Championship and the Premier League.

No promoted team in each of the last two seasons has managed to survive the drop, with Daniel Farke’s side the latest to try their luck in England’s top-flight.

The Whites have previously demonstrated that it is possible, finishing ninth under Marcelo Bielsa during their previous effort after securing promotion ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

However, the gap has arguably been widened, making such a task for Farke even harder in 2025/26, with his future already coming into question in recent weeks.

If he is to keep the side in the top-flight, he will need backing from the hierarchy, with numerous key additions needed in various areas of the pitch at Elland Road.

The latest Leeds’ pursuit of new additions this summer

Over recent weeks, Leeds have been in the market for a new talisman, even making contact with Newcastle United over a potential deal for striker Callum Wilson.

The 33-year-old’s deal is set to expire at St James’ Park this summer, with the Whites looking to take advantage and land the star, who’s registered 49 goals in 130 appearances for the Magpies.

However, he’s not the only attacker on their list during the current transfer window, with Hamburg star Davie Selke already on their list, according to ExpressSport.

The report claims that Farke’s side have already been in direct contact with the 30-year-old’s representatives after he netted 22 goals in 31 Bundesliga 2 outings this season.

It also states that his deal expires on the 30th of June, with no new contract on the horizon, leading to a battle between the Whites, RB Leipzig and West Ham United this summer.

Why Leeds’ latest target could be the next Tanaka

Midfielder Ao Tanaka has starred beyond all imagination at Leeds over the last 12 months, cementing his place within the heart of the side after his switch from Fortuna Düsseldorf.

The 26-year-old featured in 43 outings during the title-winning campaign, scoring five times and registering two assists – a superb return for a central midfielder.

The Japanese international will likely be a key member of the squad in the Premier League, looking to build on the success endured during his debut year in Yorkshire.

He was named in the EFL’s Team of the Season as a result, highlighting the excellent business conducted by the hierarchy – something which needs to be replicated this summer.

Selke could follow in his footsteps by joining Farke’s side from a German club, before making himself a key member of the squad and contributing to their success.

The striker’s stats from the 2024/25 campaign are nothing short of remarkable, certainly adding a new dimension to the club’s attack with his impressive skillset.

The Hamburg talisman, who’s been labelled a “monster” by Sky Germany’s Phillipp Hinze, finished as the top scorer in the German second tier, registering two shots on target per 90 – showcasing his threat in attacking areas.

Games played

31

Goals & assists

22

Shots on target per 90

2

Touches in opposition box

6.2

Aerials won

4.8

Aerial success rate

65%

Dribble success

47%

He’s also registered 6.2 touches per 90 in the opposition’s penalty area this season, offering Farke a fox-in-the-box type forward that he’s missed since taking the reins.

Selke has been a huge threat in the air this season, winning a staggering 4.8 aerials per 90, offering the side a needed focal point to play off, and handing other talents around him the opportunity to improve their own tallies.

Given the interest in his signature this summer, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on the German’s signature, with his ability certainly offering Farke a different option in front of goal.

Should he complete the move, if he gets anywhere close to the levels produced by Tanaka, it would be a superb piece of business, especially considering he could be available on a free transfer.

A better signing than Phillips: Leeds eye move for "phenomenal" £10m star

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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.

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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.

Central Sparks outmuscled by classy innings from opener, ahead of Finals Day rematch

ECB Reporters Network19-Jun-2024

Blaze beat Central Sparks by five wickets at Edgbaston in a last group match which turned out to be a dress rehearsal for a Charlotte Edwards Cup semi-final at Derby on Saturday.A ninth win in ten games left Blaze top of the final table while the defeat saw Sparks drop to fourth after Southern Vipers climbed above them with a bonus point win over South-East Stars at Hove.Sparks were restricted to 138 for eight by an impressive Blaze attack led by Kirstie Gordon (4-0-14-2) and Grace Ballinger (4-1-16-1). After solid contributions from top three Abi Freeborn (39, 32 balls), Davina Perrin (37, 33) and Amy Jones (36, 26), the rest folded as Josie Groves and Heather Graham also each took two wickets.Marie Kelly, on the ground where she learned her cricket, then swept Blaze to victory. Kelly’s classy unbeaten 89 (63) underpinned her side’s progress to 139 for five from 19.2 overs as a Sparks bowling attack which had bowled Vipers out for 98 three days earlier found life much more difficult. It is Blaze who will head to Derby with momentum behind them.Sparks chose to bat but started slowly as Ballinger opened with a maiden. Gordon conceded just a single from her first over as only 25 runs came from the first six overs.Perrin then began to climb into some shots and smote Graham over long off for six to raise the 50 stand from 51 balls. The 17-year-old added five fours to her six before going down the pitch to Groves but finding only Ella Claridge at mid off.Freeborn top-edged a sweep at Sarah Glenn to short fine leg and while Amy Jones settled, she watched a succession of partners find careless ways to get out. Eve Jones and Courtney Webb belted full tosses to fielders and Katie George managed to pull a good-length Graham delivery to mid off.Jones at least kept the innings moving but fell in the penultimate over when she charged and missed at the excellent Gordon who hit Em Arlott’s leg stump two balls later. When Graham knocked out Charis Pavely’s middle stump with the last ball of the innings, seven wickets had fallen for 49 runs in 43 balls.Sparks’ innings having started with a maiden, Blaze’s began even more hesitantly with a wicket maiden in which Teresa Graves chipped Em Arlitt to mid off. Kelly and Kathryn Bryce (27, 32) responded perfectly with a measured stand which passed 50 in 47 balls. Kelly had had an unproductive tournament, amassing just 48 runs in seven innings, but more than doubled that tally in one go as she reached her half-century in 37 balls.The pair added 106 in 86 balls before Kathryn Bryce was stumped at the second attempt by Freeborn off Potts. That triggered a clatter as Sarah Bryce edged Georgia Davis, Pavely hit Graham’s off-stump and Claridge, after striking two important boundaries, sliced Hannah Baker to point, but Kelly saw her side home at her spiritual home.

Surrey 185 for 9 (Curran 48, Evans 41, Hollman 5-16) beat Middlesex 129 for 8 (Davies 35, Abbott 5-18) by 56 runsSean Abbott’s 5 for 18, including wickets with successive balls led the way as Surrey crushed London rivals Middlesex by 56 runs at Lord’s to return to the top of the South Group table.The Aussie seamer mixed slower balls with great yorkers to expose the home side’s fragile batting and ensure they were never in the hunt for a victory target of 186.Abbott’s wasn’t the only five-wicket haul of the night with Luke Hollman taking a career-best 5-16 in the format, including three in one over, but Tom Curran (48 from 28) and Laurie Evans (41 from 20) steered Surrey to a challenging 185 for 9 despite the Middlesex leg-spinner’s heroics.For Middlesex defeat was their 13th in a row at home in the Blast, a run now stretching back more than two years.Dom Sibley, dropped on nought by Martin Andersson, soon departed lbw for 5 after Surrey were invited to bat, but thereafter Dan Lawrence and Laurie Evans dominated the remainder of the powerplay for the visitors.Evans was particularly belligerent, upper-cutting one from Henry Brookes over the ropes before bludgeoning Tom Helm over mid-on for a second six. Lawrence was more classical, creaming one for four through the covers and cutting to good effect.The introduction of Hollman though changed the landscape. The leg-spinner began the fightback, pinning Evans lbw attempting to sweep one off the stumps before causing skipper Ollie Pope to sky one to extra cover in his next over.He wasn’t done there producing a trio of wickets in his third over – and it might have been more. Lawrence found the hands of Helm at long-on, while Rory Burns should have been stumped first ball, Jack Davies fumbling the chance, but the wicketkeeper atoned two balls later when Surrey’s red-ball skipper was undone by a googly. And Hollman capped a magical over, trapping Jamie Smith, a man with a strike-rate of 210 this season, lbw.The Brown caps had stumbled to 106 for 6, but Curran remained and counter-attacked fiercely. Three times the allrounder cleared the ropes with Brookes the bowler to suffer most, though the former Warwickshire quick gained some recompense when Curran holed out two short of 50 in the last over.Chasing 186, Andersson perished early caught in the deep off Abbott and when he removed Stephen Eskinazi and Holden with the last two balls of the powerplay, the latter for a first-ball duck, undone by a yorker, the rate was already over 10.Leus Du Plooy, recovered from a virus, fell in the next over to Curran and the hosts, dismissed for a worst ever score of 78 in the format nine days earlier, were staring at defeat once more at 41 for 4.Davies (35) cracked Abbott’s hat-trick ball through mid-on for four, but the usually explosive Ryan Higgins was trapped in front later in the over.At the other end, Curran was forced out of the attack after being struck on the arm, but Hollman was unable to repeat his heroics with the ball bat in hand and Davies became Abbott’s fifth victim as the visitors won comfortably.