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Chelsea are now determined to win the race for a “decisive creator”, and they are readying a €30m (£26m) offer for his services, according to a report.

Blues pursuing new attacking midfielder

Throughout the campaign, Enzo Maresca’s side have largely done a good job crafting opportunities for Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku in attack, having created 83 big chances in the Premier League, the joint-second highest total in the division.

Those figures suggest a lack of cutting edge from the strikers may be a problem for the Blues, so it is little wonder they are set to pursue a new striker in the summer transfer window, and they are now leading the race for Borussia Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy.

However, Maresca is also clearly keen to bring in a new playmaker this summer, with Lyon assist king Rayan Cherki among the potential targets, alongside Como’s Nico Paz, who has impressed manager Cesc Fàbregas with his performances in Italy this season.

He's like Lampard: Chelsea want to sign one of 'Europe's best young stars'

Chelsea could be about to sign an attacking midfield star who plays like former Blues icon Frank Lampard.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 21, 2025

There has now been a new update on Chelsea’s pursuit of Paz, with a report from Spain revealing the west Londoners are now readying a €30m (£26m) offer for the 20-year-old, as they are determined to win the race for his signature.

Doing so could be a tall order, however, with the Argentine attracting attention from some of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid, who retain the option to re-sign their former player for the bargain fee of less than €10m (£8.6m), which could be appealing.

The report states the youngster has been one of the Serie A’s stars this season, so it is little wonder he has garnered interest from some European giants, and he is said to be a prime target for the Blues, whose model is built around signing young players.

"Decisive creator" Paz impressing in Italy

Although Real Madrid have a buy-back clause, they may be ruing the decision to let the Como star leave in the first place, given the level of his performances in the Serie A this season.

The Spain-born maestro has six goals and seven assists to his name in 30 appearances, and his displays have earned him a call-up to national side Argentina, setting up a goal on his debut against Bolivia back in October.

The starlet has developed a strong relationship with Como forward Assane Diao, and Ben Mattinson lauded him as a “decisive creator” after setting up the Senegal international’s goal in the 3-0 victory against Lecce last time out.

Paz’s performances for Como suggest he is now ready for a move to a top club, so it is exciting news that Chelsea are stepping up their transfer pursuit, but Real Madrid’s cheap buy-back clause could pose a major problem.

An “unbelievable” Premier League player is now ready to leave his club this summer, amid interest from Nottingham Forest, according to a report.

Forest set to bolster attacking options

Forest will be in a good position to attract some top players this summer, should they manage to qualify for the Champions League, and Nuno appears to be particularly keen on strengthening his squad in attacking areas.

With signing a new striker on the agenda, the Tricky Trees have recently emerged as potential suitors for AFC Bournemouth’s Evanilson, having shortlisted the Brazilian, alongside Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who could be available for £50m.

Not only does Nuno want to bring in a new striker, but the manager is also interested in signing a new winger, with Manchester City’s Jack Grealish of interest, while teammate James McAtee has been named as a target in attacking midfield.

Napoli and Roma chase £80k-p/w Nottingham Forest ace amid new contract talks

Forest have a battle on their hands to keep hold of one of their best attackers.

By
Brett Worthington

Apr 28, 2025

There is a feeling the midfielder could be available for £25m this summer, with Forest keen, and there has now been a new update on the City ace’s future, which suggests he may not remain at the Etihad Stadium for much longer.

According to a report from Football Insider, McAtee is now ready to approve a move away from Man City this summer, amid interest from Nottingham Forest, given that he has struggled to force his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans.

The 22-year-old has only featured sporadically this season, meaning he is eager to reignite his career, and a move to the City Ground could be on the cards, although there is also interest from the likes of West Ham United and Fulham.

By June, the Salford-born midfielder will have just one year remaining on his contract, with City keen to agree a contract extension to ensure they receive a fee that reflects his value.

"Unbelievable" McAtee needs regular game time

The former Sheffield United loanee caught the eye in the early stages of his career, picking up nine goals and three assists for the Blades during their promotion-winning 2022-23 campaign, but he has struggled to make a breakthrough at Man City.

At 22-years-old, the attacking midfielder needs to be receiving regular game time, so it is little wonder he is thinking about moving on for the good of his career, and there are plenty of indications he could make an impact at Forest.

Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap was left particularly impressed with the England U21 international after bagging a brace in his side’s 2-1 victory against Ukraine U21s earlier this season.

Delap believes McAtee can achieve great things in the game, but that will only be possible if he receives regular game time, and a move to Forest could be an attractive proposition, should they manage to qualify for the Champions League.

Last month, Liverpool officially confirmed that Mohamed Salah had put pen to paper on a new two-year contract extension with the club to extend his stay at Anfield.

The Egypt international’s deal was due to expire this summer, making him a free agent, but he has decided to commit to the Reds until the summer of 2027.

Salah has scored 33 goals and provided 23 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool so far this season, which illustrates how big of a boost this news was to Arne Slot.

The forward told the club’s official website: “Of course I’m very excited. We have a great team now. Before also we had a great team. But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.”

The news of his new contract at Anfield also means that the right-wing position has been locked down for next season, as Salah’s form suggests that he will be the first-choice in that role for Slot for another two years.

Who plays on the left side of the front three on a regular basis in the 2025/26 campaign remains up for debate, though, as does the future of Luis Diaz.

Why Luis Diaz could move on from Liverpool

Earlier this week, CaughtOffside reported that Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal are eyeing up both Diaz and Darwin Nunez for moves in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The outlet claimed that Slot would rather keep hold of the former Porto star, but that the club would be prepared to cash in on him if an offer of £67m comes in for his services.

It revealed that Al Hilal are ready to pay big to land the winger, who has also been of interest to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, this summer, which means that his future at Anfield is currently up in the air.

As you can see in the table above, Diaz’s output has improved in the Premier League in comparison to last term, after he struggled in front of goal in the 2023/24 campaign.

Liverpool, however, may also see this as inconsistency from a 28-year-old forward who should be in the prime years of his career, and may wonder if it is sustainable or if his finishing will revert to type next year.

Therefore, the club could decide that now is the right time to cash in on him for £67m, amid interest from Saudi Arabia, whilst his value is high off the back of a strong season.

Liverpool would need to have a top-quality left-wing option to replace him, though, and their interest in a Ligue 1 star could be the end of Luis Diaz.

Liverpool eyeing move for Ligue 1 star

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Lyon forward Malick Fofana in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Reds and fellow Premier League side Arsenal are the two main suitors for the Belgium international, as they look to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

Transfer Focus

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

It reveals that Liverpool are planning a swoop to sign the 20-year-old starlet, as they look to take advantage of Lyon’s ‘financial problems’, whilst the likes of PSG, Juventus, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United are also said to be eyeing him up.

CaughtOffside adds that the Reds are serious about a move for the Ligue 1 sensation, who is valued at roughly £42m by the French outfit, and that they are looking at him amid doubts over the future of Diaz and Diogo Jota.

With this in mind, FSG swooping to sign Fofana from Lyon in the summer transfer window could spell the end of Luis Diaz’s career at Anfield.

Why Malick Fofana could be the end of Luis Diaz

If the Reds complete a deal to sign the 20-year-old star from Lyon this summer, the club could be even more open to cashing in on the Colombian forward amid strong interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Having turned 20 at the end of March, Fofana is a young player with plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve, which would make him a long-term addition for the club. He is eight years younger than Diaz and could, therefore, provide more to the team over the next five or six years, or more.

Last month, talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed that the forward has “enormous potential” and a “big future ahead”, and that is backed up by his impressive performances for Lyon at such a young age this season.

Despite being a teenager for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign, Fofana has featured regularly in both Ligue 1 and the Europa League, and chipped in with more than ten goals across both competitions.

As you can see in the table above, the £42m-rated star has scored 11 goals and provided five assists, and outperformed his xG by roughly five goals.

Fofana also ranks within the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Men’s Big 5 Leagues and European competitions for progressive carries per 90 (6.69) over the last 365 days, which illustrates how effective he is at getting his team up the pitch through dribbles.

Diaz, meanwhile, ranks in the top 32% with 4.17 progressive carries per 90 in that time, which suggests that the Lyon star could immediately provide more to the team as an outlet to get the ball up the pitch and into dangerous positions.

Fofana’s finishing this season, outperforming his xG by more than five goals, also suggests that the potential is there for him to provide a similar goal threat if Liverpool’s other forwards can get him into high-quality positions on a regular basis.

Fabrizio Romano reveals what he's heard about Liverpool signing De Bruyne

Could a shock move to Anfield materialise this summer?

By
Henry Jackson

May 9, 2025

Therefore, Liverpool signing the Lyon star could be the end of Diaz at Anfield because he is an incredibly talented player, who plays in the same position, and the club could bring him in as the long-term option on the left flank, leaving the door open for a move to Al Hilal for the Colombian star.

Tottenham Hotspur are now confident they can win the race for a midfield “magician” following their Europa League triumph against Manchester United, according to a report.

Spurs end 17-year trophy drought in Bilbao

Tottenham’s long wait for a trophy came to an end earlier this week, sealing European glory with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, which sparked some wild scenes upon their return to north London.

Ending the 17-year wait for major silverware was of the utmost importance to Ange Postecoglou, who once again delivered in his second season, but his side’s Europa League triumph also secures a return to the Champions League next season, despite their dismal Premier League form.

As such, moving to Spurs should be an attractive proposition for some top players in the summer transfer window, and they are now growing in confidence they can win the race for a midfielder, who is also being targeted by Man United.

Indeed, according to a report from The Boot Room, both Tottenham and United are interested in signing Lille’s Angel Gomes, who is set to be available on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract this summer, and the north Londoners are now confident about winning the race.

The Red Devils’ defeat in the Europa League final means they will not be playing European football of any description next season, which could make a move to north London more appealing for Gomes, who has been a long-standing target for Postecoglou’s side.

"Magician" Gomes could be excellent signing for Spurs

Ange has been plagued with injuries throughout the campaign, with the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison spending time on the sidelines, while there is also a feeling the manager could look to offload fellow midfielder Yves Bissouma in the summer.

As such, it makes perfect sense for Tottenham to bring in more depth in the middle of the park this summer, and the Lille maestro could be an excellent addition to the squad, having received his first England call-up earlier this season.

Tottenham submit bid for Kompany-esque defender to replace Cristian Romero

He’s been likened to the former Man City captain and Bayern Munich manager.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 24, 2025

Indeed, the Englishman caught the eye of former interim boss Lee Carsley, while he has also received high praise from former teammate Jonathan Panzo, who said: “He’s like a magician,”

“He’s a small player, but his IQ is so smart and he just knows how to get around the pitch.”

Tottenham’s return to the Champions League should ensure they have money to spend in the upcoming window, but signing Gomes on a free transfer would still be a smart piece of business, and a move to north London should be far more appealing than Old Trafford after the heroics in Bilbao.

Everton are all set for a summer of change now their move from Goodison Park has been completed and could now make a surge to land one of the Premier League’s most recognisable names.

Everton and the challenges that await them this summer

Without stating the obvious too much, there is still a lot of work for David Moyes and the Friedkin Group to do before the Toffees can safely say they have the strength in depth required to compete next term.

Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Ashley Young have departed, alongside several loanees, offering an indication of where incomings may surface.

At the same time, questions exist over other out-of-contract stars, such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Seamus Coleman.

In recent times, Everton losing out on Liam Delap to Chelsea has also hit the headlines. Nevertheless, the other end of the field may require the most attention to ensure the Toffees maintain their strong foundations next campaign.

Central defender Michael Keane is another star due to leave on a free transfer who hasn’t yet confirmed his future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Why may his renewal become important? Simply put, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is attracting a lot of interest from elsewhere, including former suitors Manchester United.

The England international is the jewel in the Toffees’ crown and it remains to be seen whether he will stick around. Seeking a contingency plan, Moyes could turn to Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah as an unexpected solution for a fee in the region of £29 million.

While that may come as a surprise to Everton supporters, they may be even more intrigued by the latest name to crop up on their shortlist as a target to strengthen their backline.

Everton eye shock move for Man City star John Stones

According to The Mirror, Everton are eyeing a shock move for Manchester City defender John Stones and he would need to take a pay cut from his £250,000 per week wages to sign for his former club.

The England international has one year left on his deal, and it is said that the Citizens wouldn’t stand in the way of his departure or be difficult to negotiate with due to his need for regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Dubbed “sensational” by Jamie Carragher, Stones has struggled with injuries this term and made just 20 appearances across all competitions, registering three goals and two assists.

Having turned 31 years of age, his time at the Etihad Stadium could now be over, and his openness to a move back to the blue half of Merseyside may prove to be a catalyst in the Toffees’ pursuit of a new defender.

Of course, Everton fans will know all too well that Stones is a force to be reckoned with after watching him claim six wins against his former side over the years. Now, he could be in the Blues’ corner the next time they face Pep Guardiola’s men.

Arsenal are active early doors as we enter the mini-summer transfer window, which is open from June 1 to June 10, and gives Andrea Berta the chance to register new players in quick fashion before pre-season.

Arsenal in "concrete" Benjamin Sesko talks as Berta gets busy

Despite Berta holding extensive discussions over a move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres (Florian Plettenberg), with reports in Portugal also suggesting they’ve made a contract offer to the Sweden international, it now appears RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is the favourite to become Arsenal’s new striker as things stand.

Thierry Henry hails "complete" £114k-p/w star who Arsenal are favourites to sign

The Gunners legend has explained why he’d be a fantastic addition.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 30, 2025

Earlier this week, trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano shared information from his sources that “concrete” talks over signing Sesko have started, and this is echoed by Sky Germany’s Plettenberg.

Berta is said to have met with Leipzig director, Marcel Schafer, in London a few days ago, where they discussed the Slovenia international’s future. Arsenal’s focus is currently on Sesko, despite still having Gyokeres high up their shortlist of striker targets, with club-to-club negotiations underway.

Sesko bagged 21 goals in all competitions for Leipzig last term, bettering his tally of 18 from the previous season, and he already rejected a proposal to join the Gunners last summer, as well as offers from Chelsea and Man United, in favour of remaining at his current club.

Arteta is also reported to be a big fan of Sesko behind-the-scenes, with the Spaniard refusing to give up as Arsenal attempt to lure the 22-year-old to north London once again.

Arsenal offered Leroy Sane amid Benjamin Sesko talks

Arsenal also want to sign a new winger this summer, and they’ve been “very active” in the market when it comes to this key goal. Berta has held “numerous talks” with potential targets (Florian Plettenberg), with Bayern Munich’s £242,000-per-week winger Leroy Sane emerging as a key option.

Credible media sources report that Arsenal are looking at signing Sane on a free transfer (The Times), with talks over a new Bayern deal failing to reach a conclusion as things stand, despite the efforts of super-agent Pini Zahavi.

Now, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, answering questions in a Q&A, claims Arsenal have been “offered” the chance to sign Sane on a free deal, alongside Tottenham, but their London rivals are unlikely to take up this opportunity.

“He’s [Sane] been offered to Spurs and Arsenal but could also stay at Bayern Munich,” said Bridge.

“I don’t think Spurs will sign him.”

The 29-year-old possesses great top-level experience from his time at Man City and in Bavaria, scoring a century of goals across those two spells with a further 99 assists in all competitions.

He could be a fantastic alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side, but his desired contract could prove problematic. Sane is apparently after a £192,000-per-week base salary with £2.5 million in bonuses and a signing-on fee to remain at Bayern (Sky and Sport Bild), so it remains to be seen if Berta is willing to give in to those demands.

Where would Arsenal be without Declan Rice? During the 2024/25 campaign, if it was ever possible, he made his £105m price tag look like a bargain.

Send West Ham another £100m, the Emirates faithful cried. Quite. Rice put in some extraordinary performances throughout the back end of the campaign.

Who can forget those free-kicks against Real Madrid? The Gunners will be keen to erase their semi-final exit at the hands of PSG from their minds but no one will be forgetting his stunning displays in a hurry.

Once all was said and done, Rice ended the campaign with his best haul of goals and assists in a single season, netting nine times and registering ten assists throughout all competitions.

It was hardly a surprise, therefore, to see him crowned the Fans’ Player of the Season for his efforts.

This summer, they will hope to replicate that deal with Andrea Berta now guiding the transfer ship.

The latest on Arsenal's transfer plans

This has certainly been a busy few weeks for Berta since entering the club but he’s already getting his hands dirty, notably tying Gabriel down to a new contract.

Elsewhere, it’s all about how he can add to the current group with talks reportedly progressing well over a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

However, as David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported, Arsenal could be in the market for as many as three forwards with a centre forward, a left winger and a right-winger to play second fiddle to Bukayo Saka.

On the left, it could be Real Madrid’s Rodrygo who arrives. Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the Gunners have a keen interest in the Brazilian and now they are set to ramp up their interest in the coming week.

Reports from Spain reveal that ‘Arsenal have decided to go all out’ to sign the 24-year-old and are now ‘willing to submit’ a €70m (£59m) bid in order to close a deal.

The coaching staff and Berta are both aligned on the fact that Rodrygo would be the ‘ideal’ profile to bring to north London this summer.

Why Rodrygo would be Arsenal's best signing since Rice

Two years ago, Edu and Arteta came together to seal the biggest transfer in the club’s history.

Transfer Focus

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

Arsenal fended off competition, largely from title rivals Manchester City, to bring Rice from east to north London in a remarkable deal totalling £105m. It took a while to get across the line, but it’s all been worth it.

Unsurprisingly, Arteta and Co haven’t gone near that fee since with their business in the transfer market leaving plenty to be desired.

Last summer was decent on the surface but it didn’t get Arsenal any closer to winning the league. In fact, they had a poorer season, certainly at domestic level.

David Raya signed permanently last summer and shone, notably sharing the Golden Glove with Mats Selz, but Riccardo Calafiori endured an injury-hit season, and Mikel Merino, bizarrely, didn’t show what he was truly capable of until becoming a makeshift striker.

The Spaniard has quickly become a fan favourite after a pretty torrid first few months back in England, but he ended the season with six goals in 12 games as a striker. Not what he was signed for, sure, but he’s coming into his own, even scoring for Spain this weekend.

So, this summer, Arsenal need to make a splash. They need that Rice-esque deal to bring them closer to the Premier League title and Rodrygo could be just that.

Sure, a centre forward is needed, but their output on the left-hand side, notably when Bukayo Saka was out injured, simply wasn’t good enough in 2024/25.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are great players to have in your squad but their end product hasn’t reached dizzy heights yet.

Martinelli did score in the Bernabeu this season but that was just one of ten goals in 51 matches, a goal every 5.1 games. As for Trossard, he also scored ten but did so in 56 matches, meaning the Belgian found the net once every 5.6 games.

In Rodrygo, they would secure an instant upgrade, someone with the capabilities to break games open.

The Madrid star, who is in the shadow of Vini Jr and Kylian Mbappe in Spain, still found a way to score 14 times last season across 51 matches, once every 3.6 games. In 2023/24, he was even better, netting on 17 occasions and the year before that, he scored 19 times. He’s a goalscorer and a better one than Martinelli at that.

Martinelli’s finest campaign in England saw him beat the goalkeeper on 15 occasions back in 2022/23 and while he’s still young, he is actually just a year Rodrygo’s junior.

Described as “one of the best in the world” by his former boss, Carlo Ancelotti, this would be a sublime signing. His impact on this team could certainly be akin to Rice if he finds a way to replace Martinelli and Trossard.

Martinelli upgrade: Arsenal leading race for "frightening" £42m sensation

The young talent could develop into someone special at Arsenal.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 6, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have lost out in the race for a highly-rated forward, as La Liga champions Barcelona agree terms to seal his signature before Thomas Frank’s side had the chance.

Tottenham preparing bid for £30m colossus wanted by Napoli, Milan and Inter

Spurs could scupper Antonio Conte in the race for his signature.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 21, 2025

Spurs are expected to back their new manager to the hilt this summer, especially after they qualified for the Champions League with their historic Europa League final win in Bilbao.

The Lilywhites are set for a significant financial windfall, which Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge described as “huge” in terms of their recruitment drive. Chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange no longer have to operate under a sell-to-buy policy, with Spurs already agreeing a permanent deal for Mathys Tel as they continue to scour the market for new wingers.

With Son Heung-min’s future uncertain, amid links to Saudi Arabia, the likes of West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, Man City outcast Jack Grealish, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo have all been linked within the past fortnight.

Tottenham face competition from Man United for Mbeumo, who’ve now submitted a fresh £60 million bid for the Cameroonian, while Bournemouth are expected to demand around £70 million for Semenyo (The Athletic).

Levy and Lange will need to either dig deep into the Tottenham coffers or get very creative in their pursuit of a high-profile winger, as all of their reported targets are likely to cost a premium.

The north Londoners did have their eyes on a bargain option, though, in the form of FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghji.

Bardghji, dubbed the ‘Swedish Messi’ by some, burst on to the scene with a heroic performance against Man United in the Champions League nearly two years ago.

He bagged a stunning late winner against them at the end of an unlikely 4-3 group stage victory over the Red Devils in November 2023, with Bardghji set to leave Copenhagen on the cheap this summer as his contract expires in late December.

The 19-year-old, after coming back from a serious injury, is now on the verge of joining Barcelona – but Spurs did try their hand.

Barcelona hijack Tottenham talks for Roony Bardghji

Tottenham held talks with Bardghji and his representatives in a bid to tempt the winger to London, according to journalist Graeme Bailey and TBR Football, but Barça are now seemingly set to “win the race” for his signature.

That is according to TBR again in another update this week, with Bailey reporting that while Tottenham hoped to inspire a ‘Lucas Bergvall-type’ transfer by opening talks with Bardghji, Hansi Flick’s side have hijacked their move by closing in on a deal for the top talent.

This is echoed by reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano, who believe that Bardghji’s move to the Camp Nou is merely a matter of time with terms agreed.

Levy has now missed out on a potential bargain forward who could’ve joined for the meagre price of just £1.7 million, not to mention a player who’s been likened to Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah.

“He has very similar characteristics to Mohamed Salah,” said Scandinavian journalist Nicklas Degn.

“When Copenhagen have to come up with something brilliant or unlock a team, it is Roony they look to. He has this unique talent.”

The mission is clear for Andrea Berta this summer. Sign a new striker or risk the wrath of Arsenal fans the world over.

To give the Italian his credit, he’s done a pretty good job in the first month or so of the summer transfer window, but there’s still much to do and full judgment will be reserved until the market closes.

While the Gunners are yet to confirm any new signings, there are three on the way in the shape of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and most excitingly, Martin Zubimendi.

Celebrated by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente as “one of the best midfielders in the world”, European football expert Sid Lowe has previously noted that the 26-year-old “is just about as good a deep-lying midfielder there is in Europe, apart from maybe Rodri.”

So, what we can grasp from that is he’s a pretty good player.

But, and this is a key but, Mikel Arteta and Co are yet to sign a new forward.

The latest on Arsenal's hunt for a new striker

There appear to be two candidates to be cast as the new no.9 at Arsenal; Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

Sesko was headhunted by the Gunners last summer but the Slovenian ultimately signed a new contract with RB Leipzig. He’s stayed in Germany an extra year but is widely expected to leave the Bundesliga behind this window.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, Leipzig had been demanding in the region of €80m (£68m) to €100m (£85m) for the striker. In recent days, German publication BILD suggest that they are now willing to lower that to something around the €70m (£60m) mark with add-ons.

If that fee is kept to, then you wouldn’t bet against Arsenal offering the right amount.

Transfer Focus

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

The situation surrounding Gyokeres is complex as well, particularly after a reported falling out with the Sporting hierarchy over the terms of his exit.

A report from Portuguese outlet, O Jogo, has revealed that the Swede’s club are holding out for a figure of €80m (£68m), but that wasn’t what was agreed prior to the summer.

The publication goes on to note that the Gunners have actually already struck an ‘agreement’ with the player’s agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, regarding a fee.

Cetinkaya is allegedly ‘betting’ on a price of around €60m plus €10m in add-ons (£60m overall), an amount that they claim was agreed with the player’s agent and Sporting before the window got underway.

So, whoever Arteta manages to get his hands on, it’s likely the Gunners will have shelled out something around the £70m mark.

Why Gyokeres could take Bukayo Saka to new heights

If 2024/25 proved anything, it’s that Arsenal are far too reliant on Bukayo Saka. Still, that shouldn’t come as a surprise.

He has been the club’s best player in recent years and demonstrated that by scoring 12 goals, the second-highest at the club and registering 14 assists last season, topping the charts for that particular metric.

Saka produced those numbers all while missing several months of the campaign with a long-term hamstring injury.

During that time, the Gunners suffered the consequences. Despite the emergence of wonderkid, Ethan Nwaneri, Arteta’s lack of depth on the right flank was exposed.

As was their lack of overall quality in the final third, particularly when Kai Havertz also suffered a hamstring injury.

During Saka’s time on the sidelines, Arsenal dropped points in five of the 12 league games he missed, points that ultimately proved costly in their bid to win the title. They also only scored more than two goals in a game in two of those fixtures, the 5-1 drubbing against Manchester City and the 3-1 win over Brentford.

So, Saka is pretty crucial and so is the addition of a new centre-forward. The idea of Arsenal’s best player combining with a striker as potent as Gyokeres is a mouthwatering one.

As far as pure goalscoring is concerned, there isn’t a better player in Europe. He found the net a whopping 54 times in 52 games last season and considering Arsenal need goals, he should be the number one option this summer.

Described as a “monster” by journalist Alex Turk, that aptly sums up his ability inside the penalty area. His record over the last couple of years is nothing short of freakish.

For Saka, this should be a match made in heaven. While Gyokeres is a goalscoring machine, Saka is the creative machine. Last season, the right-winger ranked number one in the Premier League for expected assists per 90 minutes (0.41), shot-creating actions per 90 (6.09) and goal-creating actions per 90 (1.20).

Those numbers were produced all without a direct out and out centre-forward in Arsenal’s ranks for much of the season.

Thus, just imagine the remarkable numbers he could put up if he were playing alongside Gyokeres in Arteta’s attack. This could just be the combination that helps move Arsenal closer to the title next season.

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Returning to the transfer market, Celtic have now reportedly agreed a deal to sign an attacking reinforcement who their Parkhead scouts loved when sent to watch him in action.

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Whilst Old Firm rivals Rangers have been frantic in their search for reinforcements, Celtic have understandably taken a more considered approach as dominant Scottish Premiership champions. That’s not to say they’ve endured a completely quiet window so far, however. In fact, they’ve welcomed as many as five fresh faces, with Benjamin Nygren remaining the pick of the bunch.

The talented winger is likely to be among those tasked with replacing Nicolas Kuhn, who is reportedly set to join Serie A side Como in a deal worth around €19m (£16m) this summer.

Manager Brendan Rodgers recently had his say on Kuhn’s pending departure, telling reporters: “We’ve virtually agreed between the club and Como, so it looks at this point that he’ll be on his way, but we just have to wait for confirmation.

“I think it’s very clear, the model of Celtic. He’s come in and in the 18 months he’s done absolutely fantastic for us. He was aware of interest towards the end of last season and that sort of followed through.

“Other teams have joined in that interest over the summer and that’s why a lot of the young players come. It’s a wonderful, brilliant club to come to develop and improve.”

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Replacing Kuhn will be no easy task, there’s no denying that. With Nygren sealed and now another attacking star on his way, however, the Bhoys could be about to do exactly that.

Celtic agree deal to sign Shin Yamada

As reported by Sky Sports, Celtic have now agreed a £1.5m deal to sign Shin Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale this summer. The Japanese forward is set to travel to the UK to complete a medical at the club and finalise his move to the Scottish champions.

He is currently in South Korea playing the East Asian Football Championship for Japan, featuring for 45 minutes in a 6-1 win over Hong Kong on Tuesday.

After their scouts loved the 25-year-old striker, Celtic decided to make their move in an attempt to welcome their latest Japanese talent, who follows Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate by swapping the J1 League for Scotland.

Dubbed “impressive” by Hudl Wyscout, Yamada will be hoping to return to his form of 2024 at Celtic following a difficult campaign last time out for Kawasaki Frontale.

Scoring just six goals in all competitions last season, the forward unexpectedly struggled and will now be hoping to have put any disappointing form behind him ahead of the biggest move of his career so far.