All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

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

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£900k

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£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

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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.”

Chelsea are believed to be closing in on an agreement for their fourth exit of the summer, with BlueCo attempting to trim the club’s bloated books.

Enzo Maresca’s side have already waved goodbye to Kepa Arrizabalaga, who signed for Arsenal in an official £5 million deal earlier this week, with the 30-year-old joining defender Basir Humphreys and fellow keeper Marcus Bettinelli out of the Stamford Bridge door.

Chelsea ready to sell £80m duo after agreeing Pedro and Gittens deals

Enzo Maresca’s side need to balance the books.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 2, 2025

Humphreys sealed a £12 million permanent move to Burnley in May after spending the 2024/2025 campaign on loan at Turf Moor, helping Scott Parker’s side achieve promotion back to the Premier League, while Bettinelli replaced Scott Carson at Man City.

These departures have yielded around £19 million in total transfer fees, but given the club have spent around £140 million already this summer, they’ll need to orchestrate more exits in an effort to stay in line with PSR and UEFA’s FFP regulations.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Liam Delap’s £30 million switch from relegated Ipswich, Joao Pedro’s now-confirmed £55 million move from Brighton and Gittens’ pending £55 million arrival from Borussia Dortmund could yet be followed by more incomings, so player sales will become an absolute necessity before deadline day on September 1.

Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, David Datro Fofana, Armando Broja and Axel Disasi are all on the chopping block this summer, according to The Athletic, while Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke are also linked with high-profile exits lately.

Arsenal are seriously looking at Madueke as a back-up option/competition for star winger Bukayo Saka, and given the plethora of transfers conducted between both sides over the last few years, there is every possibility the England international could be next out of the door.

“Noni Madueke is one of the players Arsenal are looking at,” said David Ornstein to The Athletic.

“Arsenal have long been searching for back-up/competition for Saka. They first looked at Mbeumo, that didn’t work out, so they had to look at alternatives — Madueke is among them.

“A lot appeals to Arsenal about that profile because he can play on the other side too, he’ll be known to many of the Arsenal players, he’s London based and Chelsea are always open to conversations about trading.”

Chelsea close to finalising Djordje Petrovic transfer to Sunderland

Chelsea could also trim their backlog of shot-stoppers down even more, with both Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic up for sale (Simon Phillips).

The latter played a key role on loan at sister club Strasbourg last season, and Petrovic has received plenty of interest this summer. Many suitors have reportedly phoned his representatives to gauge the possibility of a transfer (Simon Phillips), which is no surprise considering his “world-class” talent, as described by Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior.

Now, as per Sky Sports Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri on X, it appears one of them are now closing in on a deal for the Serbia international.

Indeed, it is believed Sunderland are now close to finalising Petrovic’s signing from Chelsea, which could be for around £22 million if all goes to plan.

If done, this is a very solid move for the 25-year-old, as he’ll likely accumulate far more game time between the sticks for Regis Le Bris’ men, and could have the opportunity to play a vital role in helping Sunderland maintain their newly-found top-flight status.

Thomas Frank has a huge task on his hands next season if he is to transform the situation at Tottenham Hotspur after the club’s form in England’s top flight.

The Lilywhites finished the season in 17th place in the Premier League last time around, losing 22 times in the process – leading to Ange Postecoglou’s subsequent dismissal in North London.

However, the side’s Europa League triumph against Manchester United in Bilbao is evidence of the levels they can reach, needing to use such an achievement as a springboard into 2025/26.

Frank will need to be backed by the hierarchy in his quest, needing to make key changes to his squad he desires to push them back towards a top five finish in the near future.

The Dane has showcased at Brentford he’s able to thrive in the Premier League, hoping to do so again across the capital as he wastes no time in making moves in the market.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

Wingers have been high up on their list in recent weeks, with Spurs strongly linked with a move to land Bryan Mbeumo, securing a return between the player and the manager.

However, he looks set to make a move to Manchester United this window, leading to West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus also emerging as a potential option.

Whilst the aforementioned duo have been on their radar, progress appears to have been made on a deal to land Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that Frank’s side are set to make a £65m bid to land the 25-year-old this window after 11 goals and five assists in the league this campaign.

It also confirms that the Cherries aren’t prepared to lose another one of their star players, but the Lilywhites are confident they can secure a move for his signature this window.

Why Semenyo would be Frank’s next Solanke

Striker Dominic Solanke joined in a £65m deal from the same club last summer, with the English international seen as the heir to Harry Kane after his departure 12 months prior.

The 27-year-old managed to score 16 times in his 45 appearances across all competitions, with five of his efforts coming in Europe and helping the side end their 17-year trophy wait.

Like many players in the current first team squad, he’s had his own injury issues this campaign, restricting him from having the dream first year in North London.

However, he’s still managed to showcase his talents within the final third, ending the year as the club’s second-highest goalscorer in the division for 2024/25.

Frank could be about to land his next version of Solanke this window, with Semenyo following in his footsteps and moving to Spurs to rekindle their impressive partnership.

Whilst the fee touted appears to be an expensive one, the Ghanaian international has showcased his skillset this season, adding a new dimension to Frank’s forward line should he complete a move.

Semenyo, who’s been labelled “incredible” by journalist Owuraku Ampofo, registered 16 combined goals and assists, a figure that would’ve made him the joint-highest contributor in the current squad.

Games played

37

Goals & assists

16

Shots on target

1.2

Successful dribbles

1.9

Chances created

1.3

Touches in opposition box

5.9

Aerials won

1.9

His underlying stats are just as impressive, registering 1.2 shots on target per 90, along with 1.9 successful dribbles – highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.

The 25-year-old has also created 1.3 chances per 90, whilst also notching 5.9 touches in the opposition box per 90, having the tools to star alone or even provide players around him in North London.

If he can transfer his skillset over to the Lilywhites next season, it would be a superb deal at £65m, having the potential to improve further with further quality players around him in Frank’s side.

Such a transfer could provide the added cutting edge needed for success, handing the manager the best possible chance of impressing during his first year at the helm.

Big Johnson upgrade: Spurs open initial talks to sign £70m "monster"

Tottenham are hoping to sign a right-sided forward this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 21, 2025

As Barcelona advance in their bid to sign Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams this summer, the chances of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz moving to LaLiga dwindle considerably.

Earlier in June, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed La Blaugrana had seen a formal approach for the Colombian rebuffed, with FSG unequivocal in their response: Diaz is not for sale this summer.

While transfer stances are pliable things, it does seem silly to let Diaz leave for anything less than a mammoth fee. Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has been touted as a potential successor, but would the Three Lions star truly represent an upgrade, especially as he would cost up to £100m?

Coming off the back of his most productive campaign for Liverpool, and a title-winning term at that, the 28-year-old Diaz has also aroused the attention of Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, who would be more inclined to meet Anfield’s £70m valuation of the star.

If he does leave, Cody Gakpo at least provides Arne Slot with an existing presence on the left wing. Moreover, Florian Wirtz is Anfield-bound, and he’s more than capable of playing off the wide strip.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

Liverpool have pulled a blinder in securing Wirtz’s signature. The deal, which could rise to a British-record £116m fee, has been agreed, but not yet finalised, with a medical slated for Friday.

Despite concrete interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich, Liverpool have entered the final stages of a record transfer that should seal their position at the highest rung of a ladder which dangles over the scope of European football.

Typically placed as a central attacking midfielder, the German international ranked among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

He’d raise the level of any forward he plays with, and while Diaz would go from strength to strength alongside Wirtz next season, should he leave, there’s another who may benefit from the Leverkusen superstar’s prowess.

Liverpool make approach for new forward

As per esteemed French outlet L’Equipe, Liverpool have entered the race for winger Malick Fofana, though Chelsea are leading the race, having already established direct contacts with Lyon for the 20-year-old.

However, Liverpool have now held talks with the representatives of Malick Fofana too, though they have joined a battle consisting of Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.

Fofana’s fast ascent to prominence in Ligue 1 has caught the eye of several Premier League heavy hitters, and while he’s been priced at €50m (£43m), this stands far lower than what FSG would have to fork out for someone like Newcastle’s Gordon.

What Malick Fofana would bring to Liverpool

Belgian prospect Fofana may still be in the fledgling phase of a promising career, but he’s already proved he has the clean finishing and robust motions of a player capable of succeeding in the Premier League.

Joining Lyon from KAA Gent in January 2024, Fofana scored three times in the French top flight before the end of the 2023/24 term, only starting four matches.

Last season, though, he reached new levels while starting the year as a teenager, posting 11 goals and six assists across 41 matches.

In the French first division, he certainly demonstrated his aptitude, scoring five goals and assisting four more despite only starting 16 times. With only four big chances missed and six big chances created himself, there’s a lot to like, with the speedy star almost economical in his play, making smart choices.

As per FBref, he actually ranked among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues in 2024/25 for non-penalty goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 14% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

As is probably clear, he’s a naturally potent threat, looking to drive up the pitch and into the penalty area with fleet feet before striking on goal. Fofana has been described as a “game-changer” by journalist Antonio Mango, and it’s clear to see why.

The wideman’s performances, interestingly, have seen FBref draw up Gordon as one of his most comparable players, and so for a portion of the fee, surely this would be the track to head down for Liverpool?

He might be unrefined, but Gakpo resides in the Merseyside squad and, more to the point, Wirtz will soon be settled into the way of life at Liverpool, thus providing an electric talent such as Fofana with an elite supply line to direct toward the end of his darting runs.

For a Liverpool side whose creativity levels already rank as the best that the Premier League has seen in recent years, this is a tantalising thought that will become an exciting reality for the Reds faithful.

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Liverpool

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Liverpool

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Liverpool & Man City

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Liverpool

97

20/21

Liverpool

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Across the past four Bundesliga campaigns, Wirtz has averaged 2.4 key passes or higher per game three times, which is an incredible achievement and a clear depiction of the magic of Liverpool’s new addition.

His genius ball-playing and -carrying skills would be the perfect fit for any player worth their salt, but for Fofana, a raw talent with blistering pace and an already established prolific sense, Liverpool truly could be the perfect stomping ground for him to take the next step in his development, especially as the aforementioned Gakpo will ease any sense of being overburdened.

Transfer Focus

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

If Liverpool sell Diaz and replace him with Fofana, they will be turning a profit while providing Wirtz with a forward to direct his playmaking skills toward for many years to come. What’s not to like?

He's better than Gordon: Liverpool among favourites to sign £77m winger

Liverpool may need to replace Luis Diaz in the transfer market this summer.

4 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 17, 2025

Amazingly, despite not being instantly used to the ins and outs of English football, Regis Le Bris would heroically secure promotion to the Premier League for Sunderland during his debut campaign in the Stadium of Light dug-out.

This wild achievement alone will ensure the Frenchman is in the Black Cats’ history books down the line. Still, all the joy and ecstasy of promotion will be unfortunately short-lived if the Wearside underdogs then struggle to acclimatise to the huge step-up in quality.

This will likely be the case too, considering the last six teams promoted up to the big time have all immediately fallen back down to the comforts of the EFL, having found the Premier League to be a sobering beast.

Yet, with Enzo Le Fee already signing on permanently, the Black Cats will hope they can buck this trend as Le Bris and Co. begin to eye up even more notable signings to aid their difficult survival mission.

This is what Sunderland’s dream XI could potentially look like ahead of their Premier League adventure nervously getting underway, with a whole host of fresh signings entering through the door, away from just the boost of Le Fee…

1 GK – Anthony Patterson

Anthony Patterson had been linked with Liverpool in the past, but his first top-flight chance will now come about with boyhood employers Sunderland.

The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in between the sticks for many a season now, so he is deserving of his opportunity in the Premier League, with Patterson now up to 51 clean sheets for the Black Cats from a total of 188 contests.

2 RB – Trai Hume

Whilst Sunderland will hope no more interest comes their way for their number one shot-stopper this summer, they will know already it will be a hard battle to keep Trai Hume around, considering the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers have already shown interest in the attack-minded right-back.

Still, Sunderland will have to remain firm when it comes to Hume, considering he could well take the Premier League by storm after collecting nine goal contributions across Sunderland’s promotion journey, on top of also valiantly picking up 17 clean sheets.

3 CB – Joe Gomez

The first new signing through the door could well be Liverpool titan Joe Gomez, with a report from the Empire of the Kop revealing that Gomez could be allowed to leave Anfield this summer, amid interest from the Black Cats, among other suitors.

Whilst Luke O’Nien was a brave battler all season long for Sunderland, he might not be cut out for the step-up, having been an EFL regular across the course of his playing days.

On the contrary, whilst he does have recurring injury problems, the 28-year-old transfer target can boast 149 appearances at the level, with only 109 goals conceded.

4 CB – Daniel Ballard

Whilst Daniel Ballard could well be joined by a fresh centre-back partner, the ex-Arsenal defender will be hopeful his spot in the side is set in stone for the Premier League.

After all, without Ballard, Sunderland might have fallen at the semi-final stages in the playoffs, with this last-gasp header sealing their dramatic spot at Wembley.

Moreover, if he can wrestle free of his own injury issues, he should be cut out for the physical demands of the top-flight, with the playoff final itself seeing Ballard win an imposing ten aerial duels.

5 LB – Kyle Walker-Peters

The second new addition in the back-line could well come in the form of Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters joining, with the Saints man an in-demand body as his contract at St. Mary’s begins to wind down.

If he were to join, Walker-Peters might end up usurping Dennis Cirkin as Sunderland’s starting left-back, having collected 12 assists in the Premier League to date from either the right-back or left-back spot.

6 CM – Dan Neil

Much like Hume, Le Bris’ men will be hoping that Dan Neil stays put, regardless of outside noise linking him with a spectacular £15m switch to AS Roma.

Neil is deserving of such attention, with the in-demand Black Cats captain a perfect mix of skill and grit, as seen in his two goals and three assists in league action last season, alongside his average duels won count being a high 4.8 from 47 second-tier clashes.

7 CM – Jordan Henderson

Much like Gomez, the added experience of Jordan Henderson in the midfield ranks could help the Black Cats adjust to the step-up.

After all, the former Sunderland prodigy has a mammoth 431 top-flight appearances next to his name, with the top-flight veteran no doubt eager to add more to his collection if his hometown club swoop in for him imminently.

8 RM – Amad Diallo

The boldest of Sunderland’s new pick-ups would certainly come in the form of Amad Diallo amazingly returning to the Stadium of Light.

The “sensational” attacker – as he’s been previously lauded by football journalist Daniel Hussey – has been tentatively linked with an ambitious return to the Black Cats, after a magical loan spell back during the 2022/23 season saw him tally up 14 goals and four assists.

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Man Utd

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11

9

23/24

Man Utd

12

2

1

22/23

Sunderland

42

14

4

Amad is now valued at around the £40m mark off the back of finally proving himself in the top-flight with Manchester United – as can be seen looking at the table above – meaning this summer buy would be an almighty statement purchase.

9 CAM – Chris Rigg

Whilst Sunderland found themselves ultimately powerless regarding Tommy Watson’s exit and Jobe Bellingham’s likely departure, the Wearside underdogs will feel at least a sliver of positivity if Chris Rigg remains in the building for their top-flight ride.

It will be intriguing to see how the 17-year-old hotshot takes to the daunting division, but much like he managed to soar up to the senior ranks at his hometown side with ease by bagging four league strikes last season, this could be another hurdle he fearlessly manages to overcome.

10 LM – Enzo Le Fee

Alongside Rigg and the potential new face of Amad, Enzo Le Fee will likely take up the left wing spot for the Black Cats next season.

Le Bris does have Romaine Mundle up his sleeve down the left flank, but Le Fee might well just get the nod over the ex-Standard Liege attacker based on his wealth of top-flight experience in France, having made 132 Ligue 1 appearances primarily on the books of his manager’s former employers Lorient.

He also showed off his class for the newly promoted side by helping himself to one goal and three assists from 18 clashes, meaning he should take to the Premier League swimmingly.

It’s all change at Manchester United so far this summer, with Matheus Cunha signed, Bryan Mbeumo seemingly on his way and now one struggling striker increasingly likely to depart the club.

Man Utd commence attacking overhaul

Starting by triggering Cunha’s £63m release clause, Manchester United’s attacking overhaul is officially underway. The Brazilian is set to hand Ruben Amorim an instant upgrade in his frontline and could slot straight into one of the two attacking midfield roles in his 3-4-2-1 system. He’s unlikely to be the only fresh face in United’s frontline too.

The Red Devils are also pushing to sign Mbeumo from Brentford with reports going as far as to suggest that they’re willing to offer the talented forward a £13m-a-year salary to join. All of a sudden, from a blunt frontline, Amorim could have two options at his disposal who scored over 15 Premier League goals each last season and two options who should finally push United away from the bottom half next season.

Both have earned plenty of praise in recent weeks as they potentially prepare to combine at Old Trafford and that includes from Manchester United legend Gary Neville, who told Sky Sports: “Cunha and Mbeumo have obviously got Premier League experience. They’ve got plenty of games under their belt. [English football] is not new to them and actually they are the right type.

“When I watch Manchester United wide players, they have to be able to get from box-to-box quickly. They have to be able to run, to travel with and without the ball. Mbeumo and, to be fair Cunha, can do that.”

Man Utd submit bid for once-£57m ex-Man City ace who’s desperate for move

He won six Premier League titles at Manchester City.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 7, 2025

What those arrivals will mean for one player, however, is a likely departure away from Old Trafford to bring an end to what has been a nightmare spell at the Theatre of Dreams.

Hojlund gives green light to Inter Milan move

According to Saturday’s print edition of Corriere Dello Sport, as relayed by TeamTalk, Rasmus Hojlund has now given the green light to Inter Milan, who are closing in on sealing the Dane’s signature in a €40-45m (£33-£38m) deal.

The struggling forward has looked desperate for a fresh start for at least a year, as have several others in a Manchester United shirt. Unlike some around him, however, Hojlund is seemingly set to get his wish courtesy of Inter Milan.

Appearances

95

Goals

26

Assists

6

After scoring 26 goals and creating another six in 95 appearances across the last two years, to say that Hojlund has far from lived up to his £72m price tag would be a major understatement. Many expected the Dane to lead United’s frontline for years to come. As it happens, though, he may have lasted just two years before moving back to Italy.

Given that the struggling forward earns a reported £85,000-a-week at the club, INEOS should be keen to clear his salary from their wage bill to make room for the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo this summer.

Jay Stansfield might well have lost out on the honour of the League One golden boot, but his blistering 19 strikes in league action were vital in helping Birmingham City stroll to the title on a mammoth 111 points.

There was also Alfie May at Chris Davies’ disposal to gift the Blues even more firepower, seen in the ex-Charlton Athletic centre-forward chipping in with 16 league strikes of his own.

But, Birmingham won’t be content just sticking by Stansfield and May ahead of Championship football returning to St. Andrew’s, with Che Adams’ name continuing to pop up as a statement recruit in attack.

Birmingham's ongoing hunt for Adams

Late last month, it was revealed that Birmingham were keen on bringing Adams back to the West Midlands to gain a second-tier ready striker.

After all, Stansfield and May have predominantly plied their trade outside of the EFL’s division, with the ex-Fulham man only experiencing one season at the level when he was initially on loan with the Blues.

On the contrary, Adams’ main bread and butter lies in the unpredictable league, with the Scotland international boasting 49 goals at the intimidating level across his varied career to date.

But, there is another target now rumoured to be on Birmingham’s agenda who has also proven himself to be potent finisher at the level in the past and above, who could well be viewed as an upgrade on their former number nine subsequently.

Birminham could sign a bigger talent than Adams

Whilst Adams has been able to reach milestones such as scoring 100 overall career goals, there is one other target Birmingham should prioritise over landing their ex-attacker to show they really mean business.

This would come in the form of signing Danny Ings, with a report by journalist Graeme Bailey late last week revealing that the departing West Ham United striker is wanted by the newly promoted side as they aim to take the Championship by storm, alongside catching the eye of an equally eager Wrexham.

Although the 32-year-old is now very much deep into the twilight years of his playing days, he should still be able to slot into Davies’ XI and transform back into a goal machine, considering the well-travelled veteran has shown off his goalscoring prowess for various teams.

Indeed, his most prolific spell as a feared attacker came on the books of Southampton, where he rifled home a mightily impressive 46 strikes from a century of appearances. To add context, Adams would only help himself to a further two goals during his own time on the South Coast, even from a far heftier 198 contests.

Premier League

240

72

24

Championship

87

27

9

League One

27

7

3

Adams might well be able to brag that he has more career goals in the Championship – with Ings only on 27 next to the Scotsman’s 49 – but the 27 strikes the 32-year-old has tallied up in the second tier isn’t a weak amount by any means, considering he has only ever played three campaigns at the level.

Instead, the three-time England international has regularly terrorised Premier League defences when injury-free, meaning he would be able to come in and bring a sense of authority to proceedings alongside Stansfield and May.

After all, it’s not as if Ings has been labelled as “clinical” – as he was lauded by journalist Leanne Prescott previously – by fluke, with the ageing attacker no doubt wanting to see out his long career with a bang by showing there’s life in him still at St. Andrew’s.

Of course, everyone with connections to Birmingham would want to see Adams return purely to finish off his Blues tale.

But, if Ings is also available on a free, taking a gamble on the 5 foot 10 striker to come good might well pay off more instead.

Big May upgrade: Birmingham line up "expensive" move for £13m star

Birmingham could land a big upgrade on Alfie May by signing this £13m-rated striker.

1 ByDan Emery May 25, 2025

It has been a bit of an underwhelming season in front of goal for Aston Villa. Despite the firepower at Unai Emery’s disposal, there is certainly a case to be made that they have left a little ot be desired going forward.

They have managed just 58 Premier League goals overall, a tally bettered by eight clubs in the top-flight.

The West Midlands outfit have also massively underperformed on expected goals. According to Understat, the Villans’ numbers for the metric lie at 66.05 xG, an underachievement of over eight goals. That is worse than all but five teams.

With that in mind, it might not be a surprise to learn that Villa are targeting a new attacker this summer.

Aston Villa’s new attacking target

It does seem as though the Villans are looking to add attacking firepower to their squad this summer. One man who could move to the West Midlands is former Manchester City man Ferran Torres, now plying his trade at Barcelona.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, they ‘like’ the versatile Spanish forward, and could look to add him to their squad this summer. Crucially, not only is he is a player the club likes, but ‘so does Unai Emery’, as per the report.

The stars may well have aligned for Villa to bring Torres to the club, although they will face competition from a Premier League rival. Arsenal are also interested, and Mikel Arteta has worked with the forward when he was a coach in East Manchester.

A price is yet to be confirmed, but he cost Barca just short of £55m four years ago, so it might be a similar fee.

How Ferran Torres compares to Rashford

It has been a season to remember for Barcelona. They recently secured the La Liga title, beating rivals Real Madrid to the prize. Whilst Torres has by no means been the star of the show, he has played a huge role in their success under Hansi Flick.

The Spaniard has played 45 games in all competitions this season. In that time, the 25-year-old has found the back of the net 19 times and created a further seven goals. Surprisingly, he has played just 1,921 minutes, but that has left him with a goal involvement every 73 minutes on average.

Of Torres’ 19 goals across all competitions this term, he managed six of them in just five games in Barca’s victorious Copa Del Rey campaign. That included a hat-trick in a 5-0 demolition of former club Valencia at the Estadio Mestalla.

One player who Torres could replace in a Villa shirt this season is Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United star has been on loan at Villa Park for the second half of the campaign, where he has contributed to ten goals in just 17 games.

Despite the fact that there is a £40m buy option in his contract with the West Midlands outfit, it is not clear if Rashford will stay at the club.

Simon Stone of BBC Sport recently reported that the attacker thinks United ‘would be prepared to sell him for £40m to anyone this summer’, suggesting he may not stay at Villa Park.

When comparing the pair statistically on FBref, it seems like Torres would certainly be a good alternative to Rashford if he were to replace the Wythenshawe-born sensation. For example, he averages 0.47 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes compared to Rashford’s 0.53 shot-creating actions each game.

Goals and assists

1.23

0.70

Key passes

1.35

1.68

Goal-creating actions

0.47

0.53

Take-ons completed

0.82

1.64

Ball recoveries

2.06

2.43

There is no doubt it would be a shame for Villa if they were to lose Rashford this summer. However, should they sign the “special” talent that is Torres, as Antonio Mango called him, he would certainly be an apt replacement.

Emery loves him and the club wants to sign him, so it seems like the dream addition and someone who can fill the big boots of Rashford next season.

Monchi now in talks to sign "rare" star for Aston Villa in bargain transfer

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ByTom Cunningham May 18, 2025

Plans for Tottenham Hotspur’s summer rebuild are already underway.

Having won just one of their last nine, Spurs are languishing 16th in the Premier League, thereby on course for their lowest finish since being relegated in 1977.

However, Ange Postecoglou’s team could, of course, salvage the campaign in a big way, preparing for the Europa League Final against Manchester United later this month, with both silverware and a place in next season’s Champions League on the line.

Of course, Champions League qualification would massively help their summer transfer plans, both financially and in terms of prestige, although, regardless of the outcome in Bilbao, this squad requires serious surgery, but do Tottenham already boast a more valuable attacker than their potential new signing?

Tottenham's search for attacking reinforcements

As previously reported by Danny Rust and Dean Jones of Give Me Sport, Tottenham are ‘planning to make an offer’ to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town this summer.

Having scored 12 Premier League goals for the Tractor Boys this season, the 22-year-old is certainly a man in demand, with Wayne Veysey of Football Insider noting that Chelsea, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest are amongst his potential suitors.

This is surely partly due to the fact that, as reported by Jacob Steinberg and Nick Ames of the Guardian, Delap has a £30m release clause, following Ipswich’s relegation, which looks a major bargain for a player Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels an “absolute beast”.

Thus, Delap appears as though he would be an excellent addition for Spurs, but do they already boast a better attacker?

Tottenham's most valuable attacker

When Brennan Johnson joined Tottenham from Nottingham Forest for a reported fee of £47m in September 2023, a few eyebrows were raised, but he has certainly proved his worth, as the table below outlines.

Brennan Johnson

17

7

24

Dominic Solanke

15

8

23

Son Heung-min

11

12

23

James Maddison

12

11

23

Dejan Kuluševski

10

11

21

Pedro Porro

4

9

13

Pape Matar Sarr

6

3

9

Richarlison

5

2

7

As the table shows, no Spurs player has been directly involved in more goals than Johnson, 11 of which have come in the Premier League, also contributing four en route to Bilbao in the Europa League.

Paul Taylor of The Athletic labels Johnson “electric”, while Ali Tweedale of Opta’s the Analyst, outlines how the Wales international quickly went from Tottenham’s ‘lightning rod’ to their most important, most prolific attacker.

Meantime, Liam Tharme of The Athletic documents how ghosting in at the back post to score with a first-time finish has become Johnson’s trademark goal, making him a pivotal figure in Postecoglou’s team.

These performances mean Johnson is now Tottenham’s most valuable attacker, as the table below outlines.

Brennan Johnson

£60m

Dominic Solanke

£44m

Son Heung-min

£26m

Mathys Tel

£48m

Richarlison

£22.5m

Wilson Odobert

£21m

Liam Delap

£31m

Based on these market values, Delap’s aforementioned £30m release clause actually offers pretty fair market value, but the £47m fee paid to secure Johnson’s services was, in retrospect, actually a bargain, considering his current value of £60m.

So, while Delap may be a great signing for Spurs, whatever they’re planning for the summer, they need to ensure this gets the best out of their already excelling attacker.

Paratici tells Spurs to hire £105k-per-week manager with Ange "set to leave"

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ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025

For the 13th time in the Premier League this season, Manchester United played out a full 90-minute match without getting on the scoresheet, having slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.

Pablo Sarabia’s 77th-minute free-kick was a rare moment of quality in a largely lifeless affair at Old Trafford, albeit with the hosts likely to feel they should have walked away with all three points.

Indeed, Rasmus Hojlund notably came agonisingly close to getting on the end of Alejandro Garnacho’s driven cross, while both Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount also produced wayward attempts after being expertly picked out by the Argentine winger.

Even an inch-perfect, outside of the boot cross from Christian Eriksen could not be capitalised on by Mount, with the £55m Englishman still having scored just once since his arrival back in the summer of 2023.

Hojlund too has netted only three league goals in 2024/25 to date, a grim return for any leading number nine, with Ruben Amorim likely to be tearing his hair out at his side’s frustrating profligacy.

Having gone from seeing Viktor Gyokeres dazzle under his watch, the Portuguese coach is now in desperate need of a new attacking figurehead.

Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward

All of the talk at present is centred around United’s apparent progressing interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha, with it looking likely that the club will trigger the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause, amid positive talks over his potential contract in Manchester.

The 14-goal marksman may not be the only Premier League talent to arrive at the Theatre of Dreams this summer, however, with the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones – who outlined that an agreement regarding Cunha is inching closer – also naming a raft of high-profile stars who are under consideration.

Indeed, according to Jones, among those to have made the INEOS shortlist is Bournemouth man, Antoine Semenyo, with the Red Devils already said to have held talks over signing the Ghanaian forward.

Transfer Focus

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

This follows prior reports which outlined that United are actually frontrunners in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, albeit with it yet to be seen if Amorim and co will be willing or able to match the Cherries’ £70m price tag.

A versatile asset who can operate on the flanks or in a central role, Semenyo could represent the perfect addition to bolster Amorim’s forward line, with the potential their for the 40-year-old to morph him into his new Gyokeres-esque talisman.

Why Man Utd could be targeting Amorim's new Gyokeres

As outlined by journalist Mark Ogden, it has been a remarkable rise for the Sporting CP sensation in recent times, having gone from being sold for just £1m by then-Brighton and Hove Albion director, Dan Ashworth, back in 2021, to now standing aloft as the “hottest striker in Europe”.

Indeed, the 6 foot 2 Swede failed to actually make a league appearance for the Seagulls, while enduring a handful of less than spectacular loan spells away from the Amex – having notably scored just five goals in 2020/21 for the likes of Swansea City and Coventry City.

That steady rise only truly ignited following Gyokeres’ permanent switch to Coventry at the end of that campaign, as he went on to score 38 times in the Championship over the next two seasons.

Since moving to Lisbon on a £17m deal in 2023, the 26-year-old has soared even higher, bagging 90 goals in just 96 games – 66 of which came in just 68 outings under Amorim’s watch.

That journey from EFL struggler to elite-level monster is one which Semenyo certainly knows well, with the London-born ace having started out on the books at Bristol City, while also taking on loan moves at the likes of Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland.

The 6 foot 1 star memorably failed to score during that limp stint at the Stadium of Light, while actually only scoring 21 times in 121 games back at Ashton Gate – albeit while plundering a further 21 assists.

Like Gyokeres, however, it has taken the step up from the second tier for Semenyo to truly flourish, having now scored 16 Premier League goals since the start of 2023/24, while contributing a further eight assists.

Like Gyokeres too, what also stands out regarding the in-demand talent is just what a powerful presence he is in the final third, having been hailed as “almost unplayable” at times by journalist Ed Aarons.

Non-penalty goals

0.43

0.40

Assists

0.14

0.22

Shot-creating actions

1.87

4.27

Pass completion

65.6

67.3%

Progressive passes

1.87

2.01

Progressive carries

2.23

4.43

Successful take-ons

1.59

2.15

Touches in opposition box

6.27

7.16

Aerial duels won

3.24

1.86

Interestingly too, the pair were deemed to be similar players among their peers during the 2022/23 season in the Championship, as per FBref, with Semenyo having largely been operating in a central role at the time.

That likeness bodes well for the impact that the two-footed Ghana star can make under Amorim, with the £70m man representing the type of ready-made Premier League talent who can breathe new life into United’s misfiring attacking unit.

After years of scouring the Eredivisie, in particular, for new signings, now could well be the time to look a little closer to home…

New Cantona & Berbatov: Man Utd on the verge of signing £90k-p/w "maverick"

Man Utd appear to be closing in on what could prove to be a real marquee move

ByRobbie Walls Apr 22, 2025