All posts by z3u9t.icu

The 2025/26 season that’s soon on the horizon for Newcastle United looks to be another exciting one.

Eddie Howe’s Toon will find themselves back amongst Europe’s elite in the Champions League, with the hope they can compete for more silverware too after breaking their trophy hoodoo last season when lifting the EFL Cup at Liverpool’s expense.

To boost their chances of a similarly successful 25/26, therefore, Howe will know he needs to be backed in the chaotic transfer market, with this attacking star one potential addition that would surely enliven the St James’ masses ahead of the action kicking off.

Newcastle remain interested in move for Premier League winger

The Toon have been lining up a number of attackers this summer with talks reportedly due to take place to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton.

Another target is Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford, who after an impressive loan spell at Aston Villa, is now set to leave Old Trafford behind permanently.

However, to put that move to one side, as per a report from TEAMTalk, Newcastle remain interested in adding Nottingham Forest ace Anthony Elanga to their camp this summer, with a shock swap deal even potentially on the cards.

Indeed, the report elaborates that with the Magpies ‘stepping up their interest’ in the winger, they could be set to offer Harvey Barnes to Forest to smooth over proceedings.

Barnes’ inclusion in the deal would bring down the £50m valuation of the ex-Manchester United forward’s price tag.

Elanga could also be tempted to make the switch with the allure of Champions League football presumably a pull, with Howe also desperate to land the Sweden international as he hunts down pacey, new options to enhance his attacking personnel.

Why Elanga would be a better buy than Rashford

Snapping up the services of Elanga would surely mean the Magpies wouldn’t have to go back in for another of their attacking targets like Rashford, considering the 23-year-old is now surely viewed as an upgrade on his former Red Devils teammate after his blistering couple of campaigns at the City Ground, compared to Rashford’s up-and-down time of things.

After all, if it’s pace Howe wants in abundance, he will strike gold by picking up Elanga, with this unbelievable breakaway goal last season seeing him leave many a United shirt in the dust, before punishing his former employers even more with a clinical finish.

For good measure, he was one of the quickest players in the top flight of English football last season too.

The fastest & slowest players in the Premier League (2024/25)

Off the back of such counter-attacking magic, Elanga would rightfully describe himself as “one of the fastest players in the PL”, with the standout Swede thankfully backing up these rampaging forays more often than not with a meaningful strike or an assist.

Games played

38

25

Goals scored

6

6

Assists

11

3

Big chances missed

6

5

Big chances created

9

8

Whilst Rashford did shine away from Old Trafford last season on the temporary books of Villa, it’s also clear from the numbers that Elanga would be the better pick-up, with the 5-foot-10 winger far less jaded by the top-flight than the United outcast, registering a far greater goal contribution number of 17 last season, next to Rashford’s lesser nine.

On top of that, Elanga also has the added boost of 14 more goals and assists donning Forest red from the season before, as Rashford’s spell at the Swede’s former employers began to fall apart.

Moreover, unlike Rashford who is predominantly an out-and-out left winger, the Forest speedster would be able to offer Howe an option down either flank if needed, with the £50m-rated target up to 63 career games now as a right winger, on top of also tallying up 55 down the left.

Further lauded as “special” by Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, this could well be the platform the winger desires now to strut his stuff in the Champions League and beyond.

Dream Gordon replacement: Newcastle now eyeing "unplayable" English star

Newcastle may need to replace their most profitable winger this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 20, 2025

Fulham are now ready to make a move for an “incredible” manager, should Marco Silva decide to leave this summer, according to a report.

Silva's future at Craven Cottage still in doubt

Having been at Craven Cottage since 2021, Silva is now among the longest-serving Premier League managers, behind only Pep Guardiola, Thomas Frank and Mikel Arteta, but there have been suggestions his time in west London could now be coming to an end.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham Hotspur persist with Ange Postecoglou after their Europa League triumph, but should they part ways with the Australian, the Cottagers boss could be among the main candidates to be brought in as a replacement.

In the same report, it is revealed the 47-year-old coach could also be tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, with several clubs ready to offer him mega money to leave the Premier League despite his insistence this weekend that he will stay put.

Agent says Fulham have submitted "very important" bid for 24 y/o goalkeeper

Could the Cottagers be bolstering a key area of the pitch?

ByHenry Jackson May 12, 2025

As such, Fulham have now started to identify potential replacements for the Portuguese manager just in case, and a report from The Sun states they are now ready to make a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira.

Indeed, should Silva decide to move on, the Cottagers will look to raid their Premier League rivals for Pereira, who enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in England, leading the Old Gold to safety after replacing Gary O’Neil in the dugout.

The Portuguese coach is the number one choice to replace his compatriot, having been identified as an ideal fit, and there is a feeling the west Londoners could offer him a more lucrative financial package and a better long-term plan than he currently has at Molineux.

Pereira could be "incredible" Silva heir

The Wolves boss had a tough job on his hands after replacing O’Neil, but Wolves ultimately managed to avoid relegation with ease, at one point winning six matches on the spin from March until the end of April.

In light of the job the 56-year-old has done at Molineux, he has also received high praise from Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer, who said: “He really has done an incredible job, the whole atmosphere on the pitch and off the pitch,”

“He’s given everyone belief and confidence, made them more solid at the back. All over the park, they’re better, so he’s done a great job.”

The feel-good factor off the pitch is perhaps best showcased by the fact the former FC Porto boss has even been known to go to the pub for a pint with Wolves fans after matches.

Having also been nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Season award, there are plenty of signs that Pereira could be a great replacement for Silva, but Fulham will ultimately be hoping their manager stays, having stabilised them as a top-flight club.

Sporting CP star and top Arsenal transfer target, Viktor Gyokeres, has made an intriguing admission to teammates, amid reports that the clubs are advancing in talks over his move to north London.

Portuguese media claim Arsenal have agreed fee to sign Viktor Gyokeres

Over the last seven days, reports in the Portuguese media have boldly claimed that Arsenal are making serious progress in their bid to tempt the 26-year-old back to England.

Saliba, Saka and Gabriel deals "agreed" but Arsenal risk losing £200k-p/w star

There’s been a very significant update on the futures of Mikel Arteta’s key men.

2 ByEmilio Galantini May 21, 2025

Following his quite ridiculous haul of 53 goals across 51 appearances in all competitions this season, Gyokeres has emerged as a prime striker target for Arsenal, with sporting director Andrea Berta said to be personally pushing for him.

“Andrea Berta is pushing to sign Viktor Gyökeres for Arsenal,” said Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg a fortnight ago.

Sporting CP

101

96

28

Coventry City

116

43

17

Brommapojkarna

67

25

9

FC St. Pauli

28

7

4

Swansea City

12

1

0

Brighton

8

1

1

via Transfermarkt

“Several talks have already taken place. Alexander Isak remains high on the Gunners’ list, as previously revealed — but he’s very expensive. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid are all in the race. No commitments yet. Everything is still open. Bayern are currently out — too expensive. As exclusively revealed in October, Gyökeres can leave Sporting this summer for €60–70 million, due to a verbal agreement between the player and the club.”

Since then, the likes of newspaper O Jogo, sharing information in the last few days, have reported that Gyokeres is “on his way to Arsenal”, with the Gunners and Sporting shaking hands on a £59 million fee.

Last week, fellow Portuguese source A Bola made claims of an Arsenal offer to Gyokeres over personal terms worth £135,000-per-week as well, though reports closer to home have since stated that Berta is actually prepared to hand out a £10 million-per-year salary package (CaughtOffside).

£59 million would be considered one of the bargains of the summer for one of Europe’s most lethal goalscorers in his prime, so it will be intriguing to see if this does in fact come to fruition.

Viktor Gyokeres makes admission amid Arsenal agreement claims

However, according to Sporting midfielder and teammate Pedro Goncalves, the Swede is remaining coy over his future.

Confirming what the striker has told him, Goncalves states that Gyokeres said he’s ‘not a fortune-teller’ when asked if he could stay at Sporting – appearing to commit his future.

“I asked [Gyokeres], and we all asked him. He says he’s not a fortune-teller,” said Goncalves.

“We still have the Portuguese Cup against Benfica to play. I have a very good relationship with him, but I don’t talk about it with him. What I know is because of Fabrizio Romano… I’m sticking with him. I don’t know if he’s going to leave.

“I feel like he’s evolved a lot since he arrived. There are training sessions where it seems like he’s holding back.”

The Scandinavian superstar is making waves abroad, and it appears inevitable that he’s set to leave Sporting. The only question is, who can win the race for him?

Judging by recent reports, Arsenal appear to be firmly in pole position as things stand.

Only the most unbelievable of relegation escapes would suffice if Ipswich Town are to survive in the Premier League past this season, with the Tractor Boys now looking dead set on an instant return to the Championship.

A mammoth 12 points now separates the Suffolk strugglers from 17th placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, who managed to sneak away from the relegation zone even further when beating Kieran McKenna’s lowly men 2-1 last time out.

The 10 best relegation escapes in Premier League history

As Ipswich look to pull off a great escape, here are some of the Premier League’s best survival stories.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 3, 2025

Despite all the obvious negativity that’s hanging in the air at Portman Road, there have been some positive performers during Ipswich’s fleeting top-flight voyage, with left-back star Leif Davis managing to stand out.

Davis' Premier League heroics

The ex-Leeds United defender would have entered into the promised land of the Premier League eager to prove himself, having torn the EFL to shreds with sensational attacking displays season after season.

After all, during his side’s automatic promotion heroics up to the top division, Davis would amass a staggering 21 assists and two goals from 43 clashes, meaning he could potentially take the next step-up in his stride.

Whilst his numbers haven’t quite been as jaw-dropping in the elite league, Davis has shown bursts of his sublime quality in his new and tricky surroundings, with this well-executed volley pulled off against Leicester City one of four goal contributions he’s managed to tally up in the league for his relegation-doomed outfit.

There could well be some parties sniffing around for the Newcastle-born full-back’s services come this summer, therefore, with reports even wildly suggesting that Juventus are taking a look at the assist machine as a fresh option down the left.

Sinking back down to the second tier will bring about waves of uncertainty, but McKenna doesn’t need to be overly worried about what happens down the left-flank next campaign, with a new Davis-style defender already emerging at Portman Road.

McKenna's next Davis in the making

Even with a bruising relegation looking likely to take place, Ipswich should be well equipped enough to mount an instant promotion charge based on the talent at McKenna’s disposal.

That should be the case even if Davis does depart, with former West Bromwich Albion man Conor Townsend already proving to Tractor Boys supporters that he can be equally sharp in the attacking areas when assisting Liam Delap for this breakaway strike away at AFC Bournemouth.

Whilst he isn’t a spring chicken anymore at 32 years of age, the reserve full-back has still managed to fill in competently in Davis’ absence over the last couple of top-flight encounters, with six duels also successfully won against the Old Gold despite the crushing final scoreline.

Moving away from his top-flight output, however, and Townsend could be the real deal for McKenna’s men back down in the Championship, with the Ipswich number 22 a consistent top performer for the Baggies when last strutting his stuff at the level.

23/24

46

0

5

22/23

48

3

3

21/22

44

0

2

20/21

27

0

2

19/20

30

1

1

18/19

18

0

2

Always consistently available for selection at the Hawthorns, Townsend would bow out of his time in the West Midlands with 15 assists next to his name from 213 games.

Coming close to promotion last time out in the division with the Baggies too, the 32-year-old will be raring to succeed with the Tractor Boys if selected more regularly down a league, with the potential there for the £15k-per-week defender to pick up even more goals and assists surrounding by some exceptional personnel for the EFL.

Indeed, even Davis himself has admitted that Townsend has been keeping him on his toes of late, after branding the experienced full-back as an “incredible player”, with an “incredible left foot”. That has since been followed by further praise from Dara O’Shea, who highlighted the veteran’s “amazing” recent displays down the left flank.

Already heralded as being an “important” figure by his manager when initially signing in gifting Ipswich more depth, this importance to the cause could shine through even more if he’s handed the first-team reins after Davis ups and leaves.

McKenna could be brewing his next Hutchinson in “special” Ipswich star

Kieran McKenna could get more out of this Ipswich Town ace in the Championship.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 7, 2025

Newcastle United are now closely monitoring a “monster” forward, who has been likened to Sergio Aguero, having watched him in action recently, according to a report.

Newcastle ramping up summer transfer plans

As we enter April, and thus the business end of the Premier League season, Newcastle still have a lot to play for, with Champions League qualification still very much in their sights, having already made the 2024-25 campaign a memorable one by lifting the EFL Cup.

The type of summer transfer window the Magpies have is likely to hinge upon whether they qualify for Europe’s elite competition, given that it will enable them to attract some top players, but they have already started to work on some potential signings.

PIF have reportedly made a £50m+ offer for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, which may be difficult for the Reds to turn down, while they also hold an interest in teammate Diogo Jota, with some suggestions the Portugal international could be used as a makeweight in a deal for Alexander Isak.

Newcastle now eyeing £25m Leeds target who Howe called "magnificent"

The Magpies are in the race for a Premier League player, who is set to leave his club in the summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 1, 2025

Jota is not the only forward in Eddie Howe’s sights, however, with a report from The Boot Room revealing scouts have now been sent to watch Besiktas’ Semih Kilicsoy, who helped his side to a 2-1 victory over rivals Galatasaray at the weekend.

Scouts from West Ham United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest were also in attendance, with Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz another player of interest to the English delegations.

The Magpies are said to be watching Kilicsoy closely, however, and with a busy transfer window planned on Tyneside, he could be in line for a move to St. James’ Park.

"Monster" Kilicsoy showing promising signs in Turkey

The report references the Besiktas winger’s nickname of the “Turkish Aguero”, and much like the Manchester City legend, his favoured position is striker, where he netted 11 goals in 23 Süper Lig appearances last term.

After showing signs of promise in a breakthrough campaign last season, however, the teenager hasn’t been quite as prolific this year, netting three league goals, although it must be noted he is still just 19.

As such, with Besiktas’ asking price allegedly dropping to just £12m, it could still be worth taking a risk on the Turkish youngster this summer, particularly considering he has received high praise from members of the media.

That said, Kilicsoy’s performances this season indicate he could take a little while to get to grips with the Premier League, so it could be worth Newcastle sending him out on loan, should they decide to pursue a deal this summer.

Manchester City may be at the end of a trophy-laden era, but it is clear that Pep Guardiola is looking ahead to the future in a bid to make sure this season is a one-off.

The Spaniard spent around £190m during the winter transfer window on strengthening his first-team squad, adding some much-needed freshness.

Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez all arrived at the Etihad, with three of the four players aged 23 or younger, as Guardiola has scoured the market for the very best young talent.

Marmoush is the outlier in this regard, but the club required another player who was capable of rivalling Erling Haaland and providing some extra potency to a Man City side who have won just 14 of their 29 Premier League matches so far this campaign.

Early signs are certainly promising, with the Egyptian star settling into life in Manchester easily, replicating his stunning form during the first half of the season for Eintracht Frankfurt which saw him net 20 goals in 25 games.

Omar Marmoush’s start at Manchester City

Haaland’s first two seasons at the club saw him score 90 goals across just 98 matches, winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League in the process.

A return of 29 goals this season is certainly respectable indeed, yet he did go through a spell of scoring only three goals in 13 league matches between the end of September and the start of 2025.

This coincided with City struggling in the top flight, losing six matches and falling behind in the race for the title.

Goals

4

Assists

0

Big chances created

3

Key passes per game

1.1

Successful dribbles per game

0.4

Shots per game

2

Signing Marmoush has given the side a major boost, with his positional flexibility giving Guardiola some options.

Indeed, across seven league matches, Marmoush has played in four positions, scoring four goals during this time.

After selling Julian Alvarez last summer to Atlético Madrid, City were poor in the first half of the season, relying on Haaland far too much.

The signing of the former Frankfurt star has taken the pressure off the Norwegian sensation and this partnership could shine throughout the 2025/26 season.

Losing Alvarez, however, has proven to be a massive mistake by Guardiola.

Why Julian Alvarez left Manchester City

Despite his incredible talent, Alvarez was often fighting it out with Haaland for a place in the starting XI. During the 2022/23 season, only 23 of his 49 appearances came from the start, finding the back of the net 17 times.

The 2023/24 season was much better, with a tally of 19 goals and 13 assists coming from 53 games as City retained the Premier League title.

He was an excellent option for Guardiola to call upon, but rumours surfaced last summer regarding his future at the club, with the City boss revealing that the player had asked to leave in search of “a new challenge”.

Having signed the 2022 World Cup winner for just £14m in January 2022, City sold the forward to Atlético Madrid for a fee in the region of £81.5m, representing a club-record sale.

The deal was certainly profitable, but if Haaland suffered a long-term injury, the manager wouldn’t have a recognised centre-forward in the squad ready to deputise.

While City limped through the opening six months of the season, Alvarez has been enjoying life in Madrid, registering 28 goal contributions – 23 goals and five assists – so far across all competitions.

Could the manager already be brewing his next Alvarez at City?

Man City could already have their next Alvarez

Like the move to bring Alvarez to England, Guardiola paid River Plate a fee of around £12.5m to secure the services of the extremely talented teenager, Claudio Echeverri, in January 2024.

He would remain at his club until January this year when he finally moved to England, and he could follow in the footsteps of Alvarez, perhaps turning out even better than the 25-year-old.

Throughout the 2023/24 campaign, Echeverri played 41 matches for River Plate, scoring four goals and recording six assists in the process, coming close to leading his side to the final of the Copa Libertadores in November last year.

His best displays came during the U20 CONMEBOL Championship, which took place in January and February this year.

The midfielder started seven of his nine games for Argentina, scoring six goals, grabbing three assists and creating two big chances for his nation as they reached the final of the competition.

The 19-year-old also succeeded with 1.6 dribbles per game, recovered 1.8 balls per match and scored every 98 minutes, showcasing his talent during the tournament.

While Argentina may not have won, Guardiola will have been keeping a close watch on the teenager throughout the competition, and he will surely make his bow for City sooner rather than later.

Analyst Ben Mattinson profiled the midfielder upon his signing for Man City at the start of 2024 saying:

Remaining in his homeland for another year has only aided his development, as it was unlikely the teenager would get into the City midfield towards the end of last season.

Having starred at the South American Youth Championship last month, it might finally be time for Guardiola to start bleeding Echeverri over the coming months.

With the Club World Championships taking place this summer, might this be an ideal time to give the 19-year-old some game time? Especially with the tournament ranking low in terms of importance for City.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

He could be the future of the club, no doubt about that, and Guardiola could soon forget all about Alvarez once the former River Plate sensation gets going at the Etihad. That’s a certainty.

Best signing since Haaland: Pep hit the jackpot on Man City's “elite" star

Manchester City have made their best signing since Haaland with this “elite talent”

ByConnor Holden Mar 21, 2025

Everton are riding the crest of a wave under David Moyes’ wing, who has transformed fortunes at Goodison Park, lifting a depleted bunch and guiding them toward the beginning of a new era.

Toward the end of Sean Dyche’s reign, Everton lost all their colour and struggled to even muster their vestigial attacking quality, with a feeling of inevitability regarding a relegation battle.

Now, the Toffees are more adventurous and coherent. Seven matches have come and gone in the Premier League since Everton last tasted defeat, narrowly losing to Aston Villa in January, Moyes’ first match back.

Looking toward the future, Moyes will want to stamp his print on the Merseysiders this summer, making the requisite changes to make real headway as the squad move to Bramley Moore. While bringing players in is important, so too is parting with those flattering to deceive.

Jesper Lindstrom is part of this undesirable list.

Why Everton need to get rid of Jesper Lindstrom

Everton welcomed Lindstrom from Napoli on loan last summer after a miserable campaign in Serie A for the Danish winger.

It was reported the deal contains an option to buy, but after a total absence of potency throughout the campaign, it’s unlikely The Friedkin Group will move to sign him up for good.

Across 29 appearances in all competitions, the 25-year-old has failed to score even once, registering his first assist when supplying Jack Harrison during Everton’s draw against Wolves at Molineux earlier this month.

He simply hasn’t offered enough to suggest there’s a good reason for biting the bullet and paying the transfer fee when other options abound.

Everton are better off turning the transfer cannon elsewhere. And anyway, when Moyes has got such exciting academy stars pushing for a senior role, he may even find he’s got a ready-made replacement for the Napoli player.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Everton's next Anthony Gordon could replace Lindstrom

He’s not the most popular name on either half of Merseyside right now, but Anthony Gordon is one of England’s most talented wingers, and after cashing in a £45m cheque for the talent in 2023, Everton would love to promote their next academy star in a similar vein.

Well, they might just have the perfect heir in teenager Kean Wren, who has been making his name known on the academy scene having yet to even reach his 18th birthday.

Originally from Halifax, the right-footer has been with the Finch Farm crew since he was 15, graduating as a first-team scholar with the U18s for the 2024/25 campaign and since going from strength to strength, bagging six goals and laying on one assist across just 12 starts in the U18 Premier League.

Like Gordon, Wren is a dynamic forward capable of playing across the frontline, with such tactical flexibility something Moyes would surely be tempted to use to his advantage, fashioning the youngster into a player befitting his senior set-up and its needs.

Left winger

8

2

1

Centre-forward

3

2

0

Right winger

3

1

0

Attacking midfield

3

0

0

That said, though, the 17-year-old’s at his natural best when fielded off the left flank, as with Gordon.

Hailed for his “thumping” finishing by Everton academy reporter Joe Thomas, Wren has become a mainstay in Leighton Baines’ U18 group and needs only make the requisite physical developments as he continues to grow over the next few years to find him earning opportunities to impress under Moyes’ wing.

Though Gordon left in acrimonious circumstances, Everton banked a pretty in selling him. While Wren’s potential suggests his future may be best served on Merseyside, a similar pattern could be followed here.

Now worth less than Harrison: Everton hit gold selling Lukaku 2.0 for £12m

Everton managed to sell on this flop before his value took a hit.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 17, 2025

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is said to be high on Mikel Arteta’s list of ideal strikers for Arsenal, with another update on his price tag now surfacing in what could be a boost for the Gunners.

Arsenal identify Alexander Isak as dream transfer target

Multiple reports from the last few months have indicated the Sweden international, who boasts 19 goals from 29 appearances in all competitions already this season – has plenty of admirers within the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal now submit £50m offer for "outstanding" Spurs target, claims report

The Gunners have now made a bid for a defender Tottenham tried to sign in January.

ByDominic Lund Feb 17, 2025

Isak helped to knock Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup semi-finals recently, putting in a stellar performance against them during the second leg at St. James’ Park, and opened the scoring for Eddie Howe’s side in their first leg victory.

West Ham (home)

February 22nd

Nottingham Forest (away)

February 26th

Man United (away)

March 9th

Chelsea (home)

March 16th

Fulham (home)

April 1st

The 25-year-old has been a nightmare for Premier League defences and Arsenal’s own backline since he made the move to England from Real Sociedad, with Arteta and co identifying him as a “dream” transfer target.

“I mean, Arsenal’s dream priority is Alexander Isak, and I’m still told that he would like to join a Champions League club and stay in the Premier League in the long run,” said reliable journalist Ben Jacobs to GiveMeSport.

“But of course, in the short-to-medium term, he’s on fire for Newcastle United. He’s invested at Newcastle, and he’s well contracted at Newcastle, so they aren’t worried about necessarily losing Isak imminently, nor do they feel they absolutely have to agree a new contract with him because he remains healthily contracted.

“So it’s a bit of a dream target for Arsenal.”

Isak’s deal still has another three years left to run, meaning the Magpies can afford to charge premium rates for their world-class marksman in the event major clubs do come knocking for his signature.

Reports have suggested that the former La Liga sensation could cost as much £125 million, which means Arsenal would have to break their transfer record to strike a deal for Isak, if Newcastle even entertained the idea of selling him.

Arsenal told new Alexander Isak price tag in boost for Mikel Arteta

However, a new claim has emerged courtesy of Spanish news outlet Sport, which may well come as a boost for Arteta in his pursuit of the superstar number nine.

Indeed, they report that Newcastle have set Isak’s valuation at a fee in excess of £83 million, which is a seismic drop from other mooted figures. Arsenal are yet again mentioned by Sport as one of the contenders for his services, but they face stiff competition from Chelsea and Liverpool, who are also in the running.

While £83 million is still a hefty figure, you can make a very serious case that Isak is one of the best centre-forwards in world football right now, and quality attacking players of his ilk will all command a marquee price tag.

Manchester United’s transfer activity this summer could define Ruben Amorim’s tenure in charge at Old Trafford, subsequently needing to make a quick start to the 2025/26 campaign.

The 40-year-old is set to have a bumper budget to spend to improve his squad this window, with the hierarchy set to back him in his quest to take them back to their former glory.

It’s evident after the Red Devils’ 15th-placed Premier League finish this season that an overhaul is needed, with key work already commencing during the transfer window.

The departures of Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof have all been confirmed, freeing up needed money on the wage bill to allow for new investments.

It remains to be seen how much money Amorim will have at his disposal, but it appears as though he’s set to spend big in his hunt for success at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this window

Work has rapidly been done within United’s attacking department, with PSG’s Gonçalo Ramos being a name mentioned over a move to join the Red Devils, with the French side open to his departure.

They’ve also made progress on a deal for Juventus star Dušan Vlahović, with talks being held with the Serie A outfit over a potential deal for the Serbian international.

However, despite the work being conducted elsewhere, the club appear to be extremely close to landing a deal for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

He’s reported that Amorim’s side are on the verge of signing the 25-year-old attacker after they made their latest bid in the region of £60m earlier this week.

Crook also confirms that talks are progressing nicely between the two clubs, with only minor details needing to be ironed out before a deal is agreed.

Why Mbeumo would be a better signing than Cunha for United

Earlier this summer, Matheus Cunha completed his move to join United after being firmly on their radar for many months after his success at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian joined in a £62.5m deal after registering 15 goals and six assists for Vitor Pereira’s side in the Premier League throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

His versatility, being able to operate in an attacking midfield role or centre forward role, makes him an excellent fit for Amorim’s system, hopefully being a player who can catapult them to future success.

Cunha’s experience in England could prove to be vital in their ambitions next campaign, but he will need added reinforcements within the final third if the Red Devils are to take a step in the right direction.

However, he could be about to land just that in a move for Mbeumo in the coming days, with the Cameroonian showcasing his talents in England’s top-flight this season.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from this season, the Brentford star has massively outperformed Cunha in various key areas – highlighting why he would be a better addition.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has registered more goals and achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, demonstrating his clinical ability within the final third.

Games played

38

33

Goals & assists

27

21

Shot on target accuracy

43%

40%

Goal per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Take-on success

47%

44%

Carries into final third

2

1.4

Crosses completed

5.3

4.9

Aerials won

32%

31%

He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst posting more carries into the box per 90, showcasing the direct nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.

The Cameroonian’s dominance doesn’t end there, completing more crosses and winning more aerials per 90, handing Amorim an all-round dangerous option in attacking areas.

Should the deal be completed in the coming days, it would certainly improve the options currently at the manager’s disposal, something which he’s greatly craved as of late.

The prospect of Mbeumo and Cunha linking up together is certainly an exciting one, handing the club the platform to build on ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

He's perfect for Mbeumo: Wilcox opens talks to sign £35m star for Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make a move for another young gem this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign FC Nordsjælland forward Benjamin Nygren, whose contract expires at the end of this year, on a permanent deal this summer.

The right-sided attacker could become the second official signing for the Hoops in the off-season, after the club confirmed Kieran Tierney’s arrival on a free transfer from Arsenal earlier this week.

Celtic's transfer priorities this summer

Following the much-needed signing of Tierney to fill their gaping hole at left-back, with Greg Taylor out of contract this summer, Celtic appear to have turned their attention to the wide areas.

Nygren is ‘expected’ to sign for the Scottish giants to bolster their options on the right flank, but they are also looking for a new forward on the left side of the pitch.

It was recently claimed that the Hoops are in talks with left-winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s representatives over a move from Royal Antwerp, and the Scottish Premiership champions are in negotiations with Sarpsborg over a move for Norwegian flanker Sondre Orjasaeter.

This makes it clear that Celtic are after a right-footed left-winger – Balikwisha or Orjasaeter – to go along with the signing of Nygren, who is a left-footed right-winger.

New wingers are not the only signings on the agenda for Brendan Rodgers this summer, though, as the Northern Irish head coach is also looking to improve the depth of his midfield.

Celtic believe they can land bargain deal for Premier League star

According to West Ham United-focused outlet Claret & Hugh, Celtic are interested in a deal to sign Scotland international Andy Irving, who is for sale, in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hammers are open to offers for the 25-year-old central midfielder, as ‘almost everyone’ is for sale at the Premier League side.

It reveals that the Hoops believe that they can land the left-footed maestro for a ‘bargain’ fee, although no exact price tag is mentioned, because he was rarely used by Graham Potter in the 2024/25 campaign, playing just ten times in the top-flight.

Passes made

60.00

Top 8%

Pass accuracy

90.0%

Top 16%

Long passes made

3.89

Top 5%

Long pass accuracy

87.5%

Top 4%

Cross accuracy

50%

Top 11%

Touches

87.78

Top 6%

Irving showcased his quality in possession, as shown in the table above, by ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of key passing and possession-based metrics in the limited minutes that he had on the pitch.

Claret & Hugh adds that the Scottish midfielder is ‘open’ to a move away from the Premier League club in order to go in search of regular first-team football, which is why a transfer to Parkhead could be one that ‘suits all parties’.

Irving, who made his Scotland debut earlier this month against Liechtenstein, appears to have the on-ball qualities to perfectly suit playing in a Celtic team that averaged 75.1% possession per game in the Premiership in the 2024/25 season.

His desire to constantly get on the ball and make passes, short and long, whilst being efficient in doing so, could make him a good fit for Rodgers’ dominant Hoops midfielder, which is why this is a deal that could make a lot of sense for both clubs and the player.

More exciting than Tierney: Celtic expected to complete "no-brainer" deal

Celtic are expected to seal the signing of a star who would be more exciting than Kieran Tierney.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 14, 2025