All posts by z3u9t.icu

The mood around Arsenal at the moment is a brilliant one.

Mikel Arteta’s side closed the gap on Liverpool atop the Premier League to just two points with their win over Newcastle United last weekend.

Then during the week, they picked up another three points in the Champions League thanks to a steady 2-0 win against Olympiacos.

This weekend brings a fresh challenge as Nuno Espírito Santo’s West Ham United make their way to the Emirates for a game that Arteta can win by boldly dropping Gabriel Martinelli.

Arteta's record against Nuno

This afternoon’s game against West Ham will be the eighth time Arteta has faced off against Nuno since becoming a head coach, and as things stand, the Spaniard has a good record against him.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Of the seven games they’ve already managed, the Gunners’ boss has won four, lost two and drawn one.

Interestingly, all seven games have been in the league, with three against Wolverhampton Wanderers, one against Tottenham Hotspur, and three against Nottingham Forest.

24/25

Forest

0-0

24/25

Forest

3-0 (Arsenal)

23/24

Forest

2-1 (Arsenal)

21/22

Spurs

3-1 (Arsenal)

20/21

Wolves

2-1 (Wolves)

20/21

Wolves

2-1 (Wolves)

19/20

Wolves

2-0 (Arsenal)

The most recent match between the two managers was a 0-0 draw at the City Ground back in February – a result emblematic of the North Londoners’ title challenge fizzling out.

Unsurprisingly, given the record, the Spaniard’s side has a healthy goal difference against the former Sao Tome-born boss, scoring 12 goals across the seven games and only conceding six.

However, while Arteta has generally gotten the better of Nuno, it would be fair to say that their most notable meeting was a 2-1 Wolves win in February 2021, as both Bernd Leno and David Luiz managed to get themselves sent off.

The Brazilian was handed his marching orders for a foul in the penalty area, and the German for handling the ball outside of it.

Arteta will be hoping for an altogether more straightforward win this afternoon, and one way he can do that is by dropping Martinelli for another attacking star.

The Arsenal star Arteta should start in place of Martinelli

Now, it might seem harsh to drop Martinelli after he scored against Olympiacos during the week, but there are a few reasons why Arteta should do it anyway and start Eberechi Eze in his place.

The first is that, under Nuno, there is a very good chance that West Ham will come to the Emirates and sit back for most of the game, looking to hit the Gunners on the counterattack.

So, to deal with what will likely be a low block, Arteta needs to get as many technicians on the pitch as possible, meaning Eze’s intricate dribbling and ability to play a pinpoint pass will be far more useful than Martinelli’s speed.

This then leads to the second argument, which is that, should the North Londoners find themselves a goal or two up by some point in the second half, the East Londoners will be forced to come out of their shape and stretch the game.

At this point, the speed and directness of the Brazilian will be far more helpful to the manager, and therefore, he could come on for the Englishman.

Now the club have a proper squad and a strong bench, it makes sense for the Spaniard to pick his starting line-ups based on how games are likely to play out, to maximise the team’s effectiveness and ensure players have the chance to play in situations most favourable to their skill set.

Finally, the reason the former Crystal Palace “magician,” as dubbed by Micah Richards, couldn’t just start in the middle of the park is that, over the last two games, Martin Odegaard has shown a level fans haven’t seen for well over a year.

He helped change the game at St James’ Park and was the Man of the Match on Wednesday, so dropping him now would be illogical and potentially damaging.

Ultimately, Martinelli deserves to play more, but given the sort of game it’s likely to be this afternoon and the need to keep Odegaard in midfield, Arteta should start Eze on the left.

Arsenal planning new deal for "one of the best in the world" after Saliba and Saka

Contract extensions are a key priority for Andrea Berta.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 3, 2025

Newcastle United have stepped away from the action zone as the October international break takes the stage. But Newcastle are anything but idle, having appointed a new technical director in Ross Wilson from Nottingham Forest.

Wilson, 41, leaves the City Ground having overseen a rise from relegation candidates in the Premier League to European contenders, having finished seventh last year after heavy spending.

In the dugout, Eddie Howe is a meticulous man. He knows every nook and every cranny of his opponents’ half, having profiled each player and grasped their strengths and their weaknesses. Wilson has a personality apt to connect with the tactician’s own bearing.

Newcastle have earned their flowers for their fast rise in the years since PIF completed their club takeover, qualifying for the Champions League in two of the last three seasons and winning the Carabao Cup last year.

But Paul Mitchell left his post less than one year after Dan Ashworth departed, and there’s no denying the Magpies recruitment drive has been knocked somewhat out of kilter. That is now anticipated to change.

Ross Wilson's recruitment record

Before Nottingham Forest, it was Rangers. While in Scotland, it was Wilson who sat behind the desk when Steven Gerrard led the club to the Premiership title, still the Gers’ sole title success since 2011.

And after moving to the Premier League, his reputation has only grown, with Wilson considered a real coup for the Tynesiders and further evidence of the fall from stability at Forest.

According to the i Paper, it is understood that Newcastle will seek to reward Sandro Tonali, Sven Botman and Tino Livramento with new deals once the transfer specialist is instated.

One of Wilson’s biggest strengths is his ability to identify and sign first-team candidates who both align with the manager’s tactical vision and the club’s wider culture.

Though this summer was one of much upheaval at Newcastle, there’s no denying Howe has eased the loss of Alexander Isak to Liverpool with a range of impactful additions, Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw in particular shining across the early months of the season.

Still, the direction has been at times uncertain, business taking an almost fragmented quality. Wilson, in tandem with Howe, could change that, with some exciting potential options already being discussed.

Who Ross Wilson could sign at Newcastle

Wilson signed his fair share of first-team players at Nottingham Forest, having joined from Rangers in 2023. At the time, the Midlands side were embroiled in a relegation battle in the Premier League and had not yet parted with Steve Cooper and brought in Nuno Espirito Santo.

Forest now have their own issues, with Edu and Nuno’s conflict leading to a divorce which has left the club’s meteoric rise in tatters. Wilson played his part, though, and may now fancy a step-up to St. James’ Park.

Newcastle, for sure, have work to do if they wish to settle permanently alongside the Premier League elite. With Wilson and Howe working together, this could bear dividends, especially when considering Howe’s recent comments regarding Elliot Anderson, who was sold to the City Ground for about £35m in 2024 as the Toon scrambled to ease their PSR suffering.

Last week, the manager called Anderson, 22, a “precious” talent who he would “love” to welcome back to his boyhood club, and now Newcastle have landed Wilson, that potential lane of communication has very much stretched open.

It would be a costly one to engineer, to be sure, but now, it certainly seems a whole lot more likely.

And there’s more. Nick Pope is still performing at 33 years old, but he’s out of contract at the end of the season and a replacement might be required, even with Aaron Ramsdale having joined on loan in August.

James Trafford came within a whisker of signing for the Magpies this summer, and now that he’s on the fringes at Manchester City, he might recieve a call from Wilson down the line.

That should just about do it. Howe leads a complete and robust Newcastle side, but even though £55m was forked out for Forest’s Anthony Elanga this summer, there might be a desire to add another winger to the ranks.

And who better than Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who was very much on the club’s radar this summer? The Cherries fought off interest from many of the Premier League’s biggest hitters, with the Ghanaian forward signing a new contract at the club.

The vultures still circle, though, and Newcastle are among that kettle of suitors looking to strike a deal, having prepared a bid in the final weeks of the window. Liverpool are also keen, showing interest as recently as this week, and they have been met with demands of a £75m payment from the south coast club.

Semenyo would cost a pretty penny, alright, but there’s little question that he’d be a fantastic addition, having scored six goals and supplied three more across seven top-flight appearances this season.

We know already that Howe wanted to bring the prolific forward to the club, and now Wilson will help promote Howe’s vision.

GK

James Trafford

RB

Tino Livramento

CB

Malick Thiaw

CB

Sven Botman

LB

Lewis Hall

DM

Sandro Tonali

CM

Bruno Guimaraes

CM

Elliot Anderson

RW

Antoine Semenyo

LW

Anthony Gordon

ST

Nick Woltemade

It’s exciting to note that even with Isak having been sold this summer, Newcastle have a dynamic crop of players capable of hitting even loftier heights than were struck last season. But with the likes of Trafford and Anderson and Semenyo added to the fold, Newcastle would go from strength to strength.

One Premier League analyst has even claimed Semenyo is “one of the best players in the world”. These are the heights Newcastle must be striving for, and Wilson can make it happen.

Howe has found the next Saint-Maximin in "frightening" Newcastle star

Summer signing aims for Saint-Maximin’s flair with Newcastle’s need for consistency

ByWill Miller Oct 11, 2025

Still on the hunt for reinforcements after confirming the arrival of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Everton have now reportedly made their first approach to sign a Serie A winger.

Latest on Jack Grealish to Everton

After Dewsbury-Hall, Everton seemingly returned straight to the transfer market in an attempt to land further upgrades. And the name that they have since stumbled upon is Jack Grealish. The Manchester City winger desperately needs to leave the Etihad and those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium could now provide him with the perfect opportunity to depart this month.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Everton have offered Manchester City a straight loan for Grealish without an option to buy. It’s a deal that would see them opt out of any mandatory fee, but also one that could see them miss out on a permanent deal for the winger in a frustrating blow if he rediscovered his best form in Merseyside.

Having already signed Dewsbury-Hall, Carlos Alcaraz and Thierno Barry, Grealish’s arrival would likely complete Everton’s much-needed attacking overhaul. Given that both the Chelsea midfielder and the Man City man would be from the Premier League’s top six, too, the Toffees’ summer would suddenly begin to look more and more impressive.

Welcoming Dewsbury-Hall after he put pen to paper, David Moyes told the club’s official website: “We are pleased that Kiernan has chosen to join Everton. He had other clubs interested in signing him but he was excited by the opportunity and the challenge at Everton.”

Everton make first approach to sign Gonzalez

With that said, as their search to complete their attacking overhaul continues, Grealish is not the only name on The Friedkin Group’s list. According to TuttoSport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton have now made their first approach to sign Nico Gonzalez from Juventus this summer. The Serie A winger has been granted his exit and it’s now the Toffees and Fulham who have made initial enquiries for his signature.

Like Grealish, the 27-year-old is already thinking about his World Cup place one year in advance and knows that game time will be key to ensuring that he’s in the squad for Argentina’s first defence of the trophy.

Minutes

1,750

721

Goals

3

1

Assists

2

1

Key Passes per 90

0.98

3

When compared, it’s easy to see why Gonzalez has found himself on Everton’s shortlist alongside Grealish. It is, however, also clear that Grealish is the standout option due to his creativity in possession.

He’d be Gueye 2.0: Everton closing in on move for "exciting" £22m star

Everton are looking for plenty more new signings this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 7, 2025

Despite earning praise from manager Igor Tudor for his “strong” desire and “great availability”, Gonzalez’s output compared to the minutes that he played last season do not make for pretty reading. On paper, the Argentine outscored Grealish, but if the latter enjoyed similar game time then it may well have been a different story.

The last time Newcastle United played football, they celebrated a 1-0 loss against Everton in the Premier League.

That was because, owing to results elsewhere, the Magpies sealed their place in next year’s Champions League, finishing fifth. Given that Eddie Howe’s side beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup several months earlier, the 2024/25 campaign is etched down as one of the greatest in the club’s history.

The fruits of Newcastle’s labours can be found in the £55m acquisition of Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, and the submitted bid for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig has mused “could reach world-class striker levels”.

These are statement moves. Era-defining moves. And Howe, not one to rest on his laurels, is already planning for another.

Newcastle plan talks with Premier League star

With Liverpool formally registering their interest in Alexander Isak, Newcastle have a tough call to make. However, if that iconic talisman is plying his trade somewhere else next term, Ekitike would certainly soften the blow.

And moreover, the line of communications opened from west to east could lead to Howe getting one of Liverpool’s most talented prospects.

That’s according to Football Insider, who claim Newcastle (and Tottenham Hotspur) have entered the race to sign Harvey Elliott, who is expected to leave Anfield due to limited opportunities in Arne Slot’s system.

The 22-year-old is valued at £40m and also has interest from overseas, but Newcastle’s desire to initiate contact with the player’s representatives signals a strong curiosity about getting a deal done.

Why Newcastle want to sign Harvey Elliott

Elliott has long been regarded as one of the Premier League’s most talented young players, having featured 147 times for the Reds (notching 15 goals and 20 assists) and having won a range of prizes.

But his opportunities were reduced in Slot’s system last year, and it’s understandable that he wants a fresh start to ascend to the next level in his development.

Newcastle could give the young creative this chance, partnering him with another blooming talent in Ekitike – especially if Joe Willock leaves Tyneside, as has been mooted.

In spite of Elliott’s second-string role on Merseyside, he’s established himself good and proper. The quality is undeniable, and have Newcastle not tasted the fruits of signing an upcoming star from Liverpool in recent years?

24/25

28

5

3

23/24

53

4

14

22/23

46

5

2

21/22

11

1

0

*20/21

1

0

1

19/20

8

0

1

Former Liverpool U18s head coach Neil Critchley once said that Elliott is capable of “some real bits of magic” on the ball, and it’s this silky style that the Magpies would add to a brood that might contain Ekitike over the coming seasons.

Such a partnership really could be a thing to be feared. The French forward’s blend of high-speed running, off-the-ball intelligence and unrelenting shooting lends itself to Elliott’s playmaking prowess.

As per FBref, Elliott ranked among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for goal contributions, the top 2% for passes attempted and the top 2% for progressive passes per 90.

For a player so frustrated out on the fringes, this isn’t bad data at all. Certainly, entrusted with a more prominent role at St. James’ Park, he could go from strength to strength.

Furthermore, the England U21 superstar also knows how to unleash a fizzling strike into the back of the net, thus widening the offensive proportions of Howe’s set-up.

Howe’s is a system built on swiftness, sharpness and success in the transition. Such flowing attacking play is something that Ekitike would thrive as the frontal piece of, but also something that Elliott could use to establish himself, settled in the middle, collecting and shepherding the ball forward.

There are many variables at play; who knows how Newcastle will shape up come the end of the summer transfer market?

However, there’s plenty of reason to be excited for those of a Magpies persuasion right now.

A dream for Bruno: Newcastle likely to see £50m bid accepted to sign new CM

As Newcastle United look to bolster their midfield options, the Mapgies are reportedly set to see a £50 million bid accepted to sig a great “leader”.

Jul 15, 2025

Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign a “special” £25 million international winger, according to a new report.

Nottingham Forest in contact to sign new striker after Jesus

The Reds have made two signings so far this summer, both of whom arrived from Brazilian side Botafogo. But given the club are looking to go deep into the UEFA Conference League as well as achieve further success in the Premier League, then Nuno Espirito Santo will be wanting more arrivals before the Premier League season gets underway.

Nottingham Forest among frontrunners for £20m+ Elanga replacement after talks

The Reds are progressing in talks to sign a player who will replace the departed Anthony Elanga.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jul 13, 2025

Igor Jesus, who is a striker, is one of the two players to arrive at the City Ground this summer, and he will join Chris Wood, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Emmanuel Dennis as the contracted forwards at Forest, but the latter could be free to leave the club given he has fallen down the pecking order. Meanwhile, Awoniyi’s return to action is unknown, and therefore, Forest are in the market for another centre-forward.

According to recent reports abroad, Forest have made contact with Inter Milan over the signing of Mehdi Taremi. Fulham and Turkish outfit Besiktas were already in the race to sign Taremi, but the Reds have now added his name to the list, with all three teams making contact with Inter but are now waiting for the striker to decide his next move. He could cost any side as much as £6.8 million.

Nottingham Forest join Everton in race to sign "special" £25m winger

As well as looking at new forward options, the Reds are also looking at who could replace Anthony Elanga, and according to The Express, Forest have registered their interest in signing Ben Doak from Liverpool.

Unfortunately for Forest, they are not the only team from the Premier League interested in the winger, as Doak is a “leading target” for Everton, as they have made an enquiry, but the likes of Bournemouth and Crystal Palace have also submitted enquiries about signing Doak.

It goes on to add that Doak, who has earned six caps for Scotland to date, would be open to leaving Anfield this summer, after returning from his loan spell at Middlesbrough. The 19-year-old is out of contract next summer, and therefore, Liverpool could be open to letting Doak leave, should they receive an offer worth £25 million.

This is despite the fact he has played just 10 times for the Premier League champions, but Liverpool will see his loan spell at Boro as a productive campaign, as he scored three goals in 24 league games.

Apps

24

Starts

21

Goals

3

xG

4.40

Shots per game

1.1

Goal conversion

11%

Assists

7

xAG

4.52

Big chances created

7

Key passes

1.9

Successful dribbles

1.5 (40%)

Doak is a player who is admired by a lot of clubs, and it may not come as much of a surprise, given former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp labelled Doak “special”. Klopp said: “Special boy. Really confident, has something nobody else delivers, really, this kind of dribbling, this kind of straight-forward bravery, all these kinds of things.”

Arsenal have emerged as the leading contenders to sign a “rising star” for Mikel Arteta this summer, amid their plethora of other potential deals, with sporting director Andrea Berta showing no sign of slowing down.

Arsenal complete signing with medical "done", announcement due "this week"

Mikel Arteta is set to welcome another player.

4 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 9, 2025

The north Londoners have already signed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, with the latter completing his medical earlier this week (David Ornstein).

Arsenal are now attempting to bolster a host of different areas in attack after this trio of transfers, and supporters are anticipating the end of their long search for a prolific number nine, as their club close in on a deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Chelsea’s Noni Madueke could join the Sweden international, having agreed personal terms, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze also holding “positive” talks to join Arsenal in a separate deal (ESPN).

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

25/26 – summer

£65m

Sky Sports back that Arsenal could sign both a left-winger and Eze this summer, in what is a very exciting prospect for fans, but it plunges the futures of both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli into serious doubt.

Eze would come in to complement Gunners captain Martin Odegaard, as per Sky this week, and his versatility means Arteta could also utilise the 27-year-old as an alternative to Bukayo Saka when required.

Saka spent months out injured midway through 2024/2025, which undoubtedly hampered Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge, so it would be useful for Arteta to have different quality options on that side.

With Berta working on multiple attacking signings already, and a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo also still on the cards, it does beg the question: where does FC Porto sensation Rodrigo Mora fit in?

Arsenal in pole position to sign FC Porto starlet Rodrigo Mora

The 18-year-old was a member of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League-winning squad and displayed real flashes of brilliance during FC Porto’s Club World Cup campaign – scoring a brilliant solo goal in their 4-4 draw with Al-Ahly.

Arsenal sent scouts to run the rule over Mora during his CWC outings, with the teenager emerging as “one of the most highly-rated youngsters in world football”.

That is according to Football Transfers, who state that Arsenal are now the current favourites to sign Mora, ahead of both Man City and Man United, having expressed the most significant interest so far.

The Portuguese’s contract includes a £60 million release clause, but given Berta’s pursuit of other illustrious forwards, it would be quite a move if he managed to get a transfer done this window.

Perhaps the versatile attacking midfielder could come as an alternative to Eze, following his impressive 2024/2025 haul of 12 goals and four assists in all competitions.

He’s also already a record-breaker, having become the youngest debutant in Portuguese football history two years ago.

“We now have Rodrigo Mora, who just turned 18. He’s a brilliant footballer, another rising star,” said Porto president André Villas-Boas.

“We love the game, and I believe that passion fuels the talent we see right now. Technically gifted, for sure.”

Turning their focus towards the Club World Cup, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now reportedly made their first approach to sign a South American star this summer.

Who Wolves could sign next after Lopez

Wolves still have money to burn after welcoming Fer Lopez and could yet do so to make an emphatic statement ahead of Vitor Pereira’s first full season in the charge. The sales of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha may have dealt the Midlands club a frustrating double blow, but they have also provided those at Molineux with the funds to pursue names such as Harvey Elliott.

£85m release clause: Wolves make first approach to sign South American gem

The Midlands club could sign the midfielder in a cut-price deal.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 26, 2025

The Liverpool youngster seems to be edging closer to the exit door at Anfield and recent reports revealed that it is Wolves who are confident of getting a deal done to secure his signature. Priced at £40m, Pereira could yet welcome a player who just dragged England into the U21 Euros final with a fantastic winning goal to add to his first effort.

His price tag may seem steep on paper, but Elliott would be worth every penny on the pitch. At just 22 years old, the Liverpool gem is already a two-time Premier League winner and has also won both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his time in Merseyside. What makes those achievements even more special is the fact that he is yet to reach the peak of his powers.

Wolves have an opportunity to sign an underrated youngster this summer and must do everything to secure his signature. It’s then that Elliott could also be joined by a Club World Cup star as the focus remains on welcoming exciting young talents in the Midlands this summer.

Wolves make first Wallace Yan approach

As reported by Globo Esporte and relayed by Sport Witness, Wolves have now made their first approach to sign Wallace Yan from Flamengo. The 20-year-old forward has a release clause to join European clubs worth €40m (£34m) and could yet swap South America for the Midlands as a result this summer.

The young forward has already enjoyed the feeling of scoring against English opposition too, having netted Flamengo’s third goal in a shock 3-1 victory over Chelsea at the Club World Cup.

A player who was described as “selfless” by analyst Ben Mattinson in April, Yan is full of potential and joining following former Fluminense midfielder Andre to Wolves could be the perfect way to reach that potential.

The deal won’t come cheap, but the Brazilian proved that has the quality to match Premier League opposition when he squared off against Chelsea. Now, Wolves would be wise to make their move.

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund was mere centimetres away from netting a potentially crucial goal in last month’s Europa League final, having seen his goalbound header denied by a simply remarkable acrobatic clearance from Micky van de Ven.

The suggestion from TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist that the Dane could have done better with that attempt appeared distinctly harsh, with his colleague, Darren Fletcher, perhaps putting his best when suggesting that the 22-year-old might be the “most unlucky number nine” that the Red Devils have ever had, following his disallowed goal on the final day against Aston Villa.

Whether it is the fault of the £64m man, or due to the wider problems of the team, he simply hasn’t kicked on in a United shirt as expected, with the player who ran Galatasaray ragged in October 2023 having hardly been seen since.

Short of quality and confidence, Hojlund ended 2024/25 with just ten goals to his name in all competitions, having only netted four times in the Premier League, while missing just six ‘big chances’.

That latter statistic illustrates that the ex-Atalanta starlet isn’t necessarily wayward in front of goal, albeit the lack of opportunities created perhaps points to the lack of trust in him from his teammates – something which was said to be an issue at the tail-end of the previous campaign.

Having ended the 2023/24 season as the club’s top scorer, there is a player in there somewhere. The issue is, United’s patience appears to have – rightly – worn thin.

Man Utd's search to replace Rasmus Hojlund

While Hojlund may be keen to stay and prove himself at Old Trafford, a return to Italy does appear the most likely outcome, with Champions League finalists Inter Milan reportedly ready to bring him back to Serie A.

With one number nine seemingly on his way, another could be set to arrive in the form of Viktor Gyokeres, albeit with the Swede currently in a public dispute with Sporting CP over his future, amid the suggestion that the club have rowed back on their willingness to let him leave for around €70m (£59m) this summer.

Things are getting messy in Lisbon, it would seem, hence why United’s newly crowned sporting director, Jason Wilcox, must continue to consider alternatives, with TEAMtalk reporting that talks have been held between the club and the representatives of Juventus striker, Dusan Vlahovic.

Transfer Focus

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

The suggestion is that the Serbian’s agents reached out to Wilcox and co in order to try and engineer move, with the 25-year-old believed to be prioritising a Premier League switch.

While the report does state that the former Fiorentina man is not deemed to be a ‘priority target’ for Ruben Amorim, the contact was said to be ‘positive’, ensuring the Premier League outfit could return to the table later down the line.

Amorim, it would seem, might have his heart set on a reunion with Gyokeres, although Vlahovic would surely be the next best thing. Oh, and he might be available for just €30m (£26m).

How Vlahovic compares to Viktor Gyokeres

The ‘definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results’, with United perhaps wary of dipping into the Serie A market for a third successive summer in order to sign a new striker.

Indeed, 2023 saw Erik ten Hag plump for Hojlund, despite the then 20-year-old having scored just nine league goals for Atalanta the year prior. A year later, the Dutchman then forked out £36.5m for Joshua Zirkzee, a player who had netted just 11 times in Serie A for Bologna in 2023/24.

The result? Two goal-shy, albeit talented figures who scored just seven league goals between them for United last time out, with there certainly a fear that Vlahovic could continue the trend, having actually only scored ten Serie A goals last season – plus a further five in all competitions.

2024/25

29

10

4

2023/24

33

16

3

2022/23

27

10

2

2021/22 (Juventus)

15

7

1

2021/22 (Fiorentina)

21

17

4

2020/21

37

21

2

2019/20

30

6

1

2018/19

10

0

0

The difference is, Vlahovic’s work prior to that is reason for excitement, having scored 81 top-flight goals, across his time in Turin and Florence, since the start of 2020/21, with a further six strikes coming the year before that for his former employers.

It is for that reason that, much like Gyokeres, he has been hailed as a “goal machine” by scout Antonio Mango, with writer Emmet Gates also tipping him to be a “generational talent” in the past.

A hulking, brute of a striker at 6 foot 4, the Serbian star truly is an imposing focal point at the top end of the pitch, a trait he shares with the 6 foot 2 Gyokeres.

While the latter man may be the “hottest striker in Europe” right now, as per ESPN’s Mark Ogden, following his haul of 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting, the Swede certainly boasts similar traits to his Juventus counterpart.

That is particularly seen in their ability to score out of nothing from range, with both men possessing a cannon of a stronger foot. Indeed, analyst Ben Mattinson has hailed Gyokeres as a “ball-striking monster”, while Sky Sports’ Nick Wright has described Vlahovic as ‘dangerous from long distance’.

Such quality is evidenced by the fact that both men have taken on free-kick duties of late, with Vlahovic scoring four between 2022/23 and 2023/24, while Gyokeres netted three in 2024/25 alone, as per Transfermarkt.

As alluded to in the case of Hojlund, United are in desperate need of a striker who can conjure up a moment of magic on their own, with neither Vlahovic nor Gyokeres particularly reliant on the service around them.

That said, both can provide that poacher’s instinct when required too, with the Juve sensation ranking in the top 10% of strikers across Europe for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, as per FBref, while the former Coventry City man ranks in the top 15% in that regard.

While Vlahovic may be a left-footer, unlike Gyokeres, the pair are both a force to be reckoned with, with the Belgrade-born star’s consistency at the elite level over a number of seasons certainly to be admired.

Yes, he may not be the leading target for Amorim and Wilcox, although if prising Gyokeres from Lisbon proves too great of a task, then they may have already opened the door to the next best thing.

He'd be amazing with Ekitike: Man Utd "optimistic" of sealing deal for star

Manchester United appear to be edging closer to completing a deal for one top-level talent.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2025

Milos Kerkez is edging toward a move from Bournemouth to Liverpool, with sporting director Richard Hughes discussing the final details with his successor in the Cherries transfer seat.

This in itself is a fantastic deal for Anfield, whose veteran left-back Andy Robertson is an “absolute legend” but one “hanging on in every game” for Arne Slot’s side this season, says pundit Jamie Carragher.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold signing for Real Madrid at the end of his Liverpool contract, it was also important for FSG to welcome a successor, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong has been picked as the man for the job, signed for £29.5m.

Further change is afoot higher up the field, but Liverpool have already shown a willingness to secure a new centre-back this summer, pushing to sign Dean Huijsen before he rejected a wealth of Premier League interest for Real Madrid.

Why Liverpool need a defender

Virgil van Dijk is now a two-time Premier League winner, dominant and immense as the captain guided his team through the campaign with elite consistency.

It’s brilliant that Van Dijk signed a new deal on Merseyside, extending his stay for two more years, but he turns 34 next month and Liverpool need to find a long-term heir.

That could have been Huijsen, who was hailed as “the perfect left centre-back” by analyst Ben Mattinson after his campaign on the south coast. Complete in an age-belying fashion, the Spain international, only 20, would have secured Liverpool’s backline for years to come, had he joined.

And though FSG are big on acting upon unique market opportunities, they must surely recognise the need for a fallback. Ibrahima Konate arrived in 2021, and no first-team centre-back has since followed him.

Konate, moreover, is being courted by Los Blancos, who want to snap him up as a free agent next summer. Liverpool are currently locked in talks over a new deal with their French defender.

Given Jarell Quansah’s future is also uncertain, a Huijsen alternative to ease the burden on Van Dijk and co would be great, and the Premier League champions have identified the man for the job.

Liverpool begin move for new CB

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool have entered the race for Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae, with sources close to the South Korean claiming he will be allowed to leave the Allianz Arena this summer.

With the various parties all seeking a swift resolution, Bayern have reduced their asking price from €50m (£44m) to about €35m (£30m), which would work well for the Reds given their need for reinforcements across a myriad of positions.

With Chelsea and Newcastle United also exploring a move, Liverpool would be wise to take their interest up a notch, ready to pounce.

What Kim Min-Jae would bring to Liverpool

Kim has struggled to truly hit his stride for Bayern, but certainly showcased his quality as an elite-level central defender when in the Serie A with Napoli, heralded as an “iron barrel” of a player by his former teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

According to Luciano Spalletti, former Napoli boss, Kim has the minerals to become “the best centre-back in the world”, keeping 14 clean sheets from 35 matches as the Blues won the Scudetto in 2022/23, a colossus in protecting his side’s goal.

A player capable of getting stuck in and performing with a more elegant touch, Kim’s is the prototypical modern profile, his strength suggesting he would thrive in the rigorous Premier League.

Bayern signed the 28-year-old from Napoli in July 2023 after meeting his £43m release clause, and though he’s since recovered the Bundesliga from Leverkusen after missing out in his debut term, it hasn’t been the smoothest sailing for the left-sided defender, who made four direct errors leading to a goal this term, as per Sofascore.

Still, such lapses haven’t prevented the £194k-per-week titan from producing otherwise impressive performances, completing 93% of his passes, averaging 5.7 ball recoveries per game and winning 65% of his aerial battles.

His aerial dominance, crisp and progressive passing and left-sided berth suggest Kim could be the perfect foil for Van Dijk, especially when data-led site FBref suggest the two players bear a tactical likeness.

Goals

0.09

0.08

Assists

0.02

0.00

Touches

87.13

103.14

Pass completion

91.7%

92.9%

Progressive passes

5.05

6.45

Shot-creating actions

1.19

1.02

Progressive carries

0.50

0.62

Ball recoveries

3.11

5.51

Tackles + interceptions

2.31

3.06

Clearances

4.55

3.60

Aerials won

2.85

3.06

Securing a new centre-half who can ease Van Dijk’s defensive burden wouldn’t be a bad thing, especially with Liverpool determined to go one better than this term and compete for silverware across four different major fronts.

There’s clearly a likeness to the players, who both employ confident passing games but maintain creative flair too. Moreover, they are persistent commanders of aerial traffic, directing whipped-in danger away from the box.

If Liverpool wish to maximise the time they have left with their legendary skipper, overloading him with minutes might not actually be the best track to take. Instead, Van Dijk could thrive in an environment that allows him to step away from the action without sending Slot’s system into a spin.

Kim’s similarities to the Dutchman would allow him to do exactly that, regarded in the past as ‘the South Korean Van Dijk.’

Given Quansah was used so sparingly this season, and indeed Konate’s future is uncertain (as is his fitness, routinely missing chunks of the campaign), this would be the perfect, affordable deal for an experienced and dynamic defender who could fill in for the captain or play alongside him.

He'd be incredible with Wirtz: £80m star dreaming of signing for Liverpool

Liverpool are making some serious moves in the transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 6, 2025

Liverpool’s attack has been sensational throughout 2024/25, playing a huge role in Arne Slot’s success in claiming the Premier League title during his first season at the helm.

The Reds managed to notch a total of 86 goals in their 38 appearances – the most of any side in the division – with Mohamed Salah leading the way with 29 goals.

However, despite their success, there could be a change in the attacking department ahead of next season, with the club needing fresh impetus to maintain their performance levels.

The likes of Diogo Jota, Darwin Núñez and Luis Diaz could all leave Anfield this window, raising some key funds in Slot’s ambitions of landing new signings.

With the transfer window now open, numerous players have already been touted with a switch to Merseyside this summer, which could see the hierarchy massively back the manager during the off-season.

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

Since claiming the title, Liverpool have been extremely busy in the market, as seen with right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who’s already joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen.

He could be joined by the likes of Milos Kerkez, Marc Guehi and Alexander Isak, who have all also been strongly touted with a summer switch to Merseyside.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix in the form of Victor Osimhen, with the striker firmly on their radar, according to TBR’s latest update.

Their report claims that discussions have been held over a move for the Nigerian striker, who scored 37 goals in 41 appearances on loan at Galatasaray from Serie A outfit Napoli.

It also states that the Reds’ hierarchy are targeting a new striker this summer, with a big name expected, which could see the 26-year-old move to Anfield – but they would have to meet the £60m price tag on his head.

Why Osimhen would be a better signing than Wirtz

Florian Wirtz is a player who has been the subject of huge interest from Liverpool in recent weeks, with a move progressing in the right direction ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The German, who registered 30 combined goals and assists this season, could cost the Reds a pretty penny, after already having a club-record bid of £110m rejected by Bayer Leverkusen.

It would be a huge investment from the hierarchy, showcasing how much the board have faith in the manager to make the changes he desires after his first season at the helm.

If he can carry his tally of contributions over from the Bundesliga, it would be an addition that could massively bolster their ambitions of becoming back-to-back champions in the Premier League.

However, they could be about to make a better addition than the midfielder this summer in the form of Osimhen, who would solve arguably what’s been Slot’s biggest issue.

When comparing the Nigerian’s stats with those of current strikers Jota and Nunez, he’s massively outperformed the pair, handing the side that focal point they’ve been desperately lacking.

Osimhen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has massively outscored the duo, whilst registering a higher shot-on-target rate – offering the manager the clinical central option he’s been devoid of as of late.

Games played

30

26

30

Goals & assists

31

9

7

Shot on target accuracy

42%

25%

38%

Shots on target per game

2.2

1

1

Aerials won

3.5

1.6

1.5

Aerial success rate

60%

40%

37%

Fouls won

1.9

1.1

1.1

He’s also managed to win more of the aerial duels he’s entered this campaign, with such a talent aiding the likes of Salah in the attacking areas, which could see him improve his own tallies in the final third.

Whilst a deal for Wirtz is undoubtedly an exciting one, it’s an extra to what’s already an impressive midfield department, offering key depth alongside the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, Osimhen would undoubtedly be signed as the number one striker, looking to fill the void in a position that has arguably been a disappointing one over the last 12 months – as seen by the records of Jota and Nunez.

If the club are to have any chance of securing another league title next campaign, the signing of the Nigerian international is vital, with his skillset massively improving the goalscoring options at Slot’s disposal.

He's Coutinho 2.0: Liverpool hold talks to sign "Ballon d'Or level talent"

Florian Wirtz isn’t the only midfielder Liverpool have their eye on.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025