All posts by z3u9t.icu

This season has been defined by several things for Arsenal.

The first is the seemingly constant stream of injuries to key players and the suspension of others.

The second is their supposed lack of firepower up top and the criticism that has followed Kai Havertz for that very reason.

Finally, although they have quieted down somewhat, there have been almost constant links to Newcastle United star Alexander Isak over the last few months, as fans have been desperate for frontline reinforcements.

Unfortunately, no signings of any kind arrived last month, and we reckon the club might wish they still had a former player who has previously been compared to Isak and Havertz.

Why Arsenal would want to sign Isak

You’d have to be living under a rock not to notice the near-constant links between Arsenal and Isak this season, and while we can never fully know what’s going on behind closed doors – there is no smoke without fire.

With that said, why would the Gunners want to spend what would be an incredible sum of money on the Swede when they already have a striker in Havertz who, prior to his injury, racked up 15 goals and five assists this season?

Well, even though the German can put up decent enough numbers, the Newcastle star is the far superior centre-forward, and it’s not particularly close either.

For example, in just 30 appearances this season, totalling 2367 minutes, the Solna-born monster has scored 21 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.15 games, or every 91.03 minutes.

In contrast, the German’s 20 goal involvements have come in 34 appearances, totalling 2776 minutes, which comes out to a far less impressive average of one every 1.7 games, or every 138.8 minutes.

Appearances

34

30

Minutes

2776′

2367′

Goals

15

21

Assists

5

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.86

Minutes per Goal Involvement

138.8

91.03′

Moreover, according to Understat, the former Real Sociedad star has scored his 19 league goals from an expected goals figure of just 15.11, while the Arsenal ace has scored his nine league goals from an expected goals figure of 11.76,

In all, even though the former Chelsea ace is a talented footballer, the Toon star is on another level entirely, although with the former out of action until next season, we bet the Gunners would be happy with just about any Premier League striker right now.

So, it’s interesting that one they let leave for nothing was compared to both Isak and Havertz not that long ago.

The former Arsenal star likened to Havertz & Isak

Arsenal have seen a lot of talented strikers leave the club in recent seasons, from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to Olivier Giroud and even Eddie Nketiah.

However, the player we are talking about is Danny Welbeck.

The former England international joined the Gunners from Manchester United for around £16m in September 2014 and, over the next five years, would go on to score 32 goals and provide 13 assists in 126 appearances before leaving for nothing in the summer of 2019.

After spending an unsuccessful season with Watford, the 34-year-old joined Brighton & Hove Albion, again on a free, and has been there ever since, racking up a reasonable enough tally of 33 goals and 12 assists in 149 appearances.

However, we are interested in his performances across the 22/23 campaign, as that was the season he was compared to Isak and Havertz.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.66

0.52

0.51

Expected Goals

0.46

0.49

0.41

Goals per Shot

0.10

0.16

0.09

Passes into the final third

1.55

1.72

1.72

Expected Assists

0.08

0.08

0.10

Interceptions

0.24

0.24

0.25

It stemmed from FBref, which compared players in similar positions across the Premier League and, by the end of the year, concluded that the Swede was the number one most similar forward to the Englishman, while the German came in at number eight.

The best way to see where this comparison came from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the trio ranked closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, goals per shot, expected goals, interceptions, passes into the final third and more, all per 90.

On top of that, all three players produced a similar number of goal involvements in the league that season, with the Magpies ace reaching 11, the then-Blues star eight and the Seagulls “top” talent, as dubbed by Rio Ferdinand, producing ten.

Ultimately, Welbeck is most certainly not the answer to Arsenal’s longterm need for a striker, but given their lack of any options at all at the moment, we reckon Arteta would welcome his former teammate back to the club with open arms.

Fewer touches than Raya: Arteta must now axe Arsenal's 6/10 "wild horse"

The talented international was poor for Arsenal last night…

ByJack Salveson Holmes Feb 27, 2025

Ruben Amorim will be wanting to make a real mark on the Manchester United squad over the summer transfer window, offloading numerous players who aren’t at the level required.

The Red Devils have been languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table throughout 2024/25, falling way short of the expectations of the fanbase.

However, the 40-year-old has only had one transfer window to make an impact at Old Trafford, needing more time before a judgement is made on his tenure in charge.

He will be hoping that the hierarchy will back him in his quest to lead the side back to the summit of the division – a position they undoubtedly belong in, given their previous success under Sir Alex Ferguson.

It looks extremely unlikely that he will be able to secure a reunion with one player, given the news that has emerged over his future over the last 48 hours.

Man Utd look set to miss out on Geovany Quenda

According to David Ornstein, Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Sporting CP wing-back Geovany Quenda for a fee in the region of £40m – a simply bonkers fee for a 17-year-old.

The deal will see the teenager spend next season on loan at the Portuguese side before signing an eight-year contract with the Blues and linking up with them in the summer of 2026.

United were previously in the race for his signature, with Amorim undoubtedly keen for a reunion, given the youngster’s form under his guidance back in his homeland.

Quenda has registered two goals and six assists in 43 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, with the Red Devils possibly ruing not agreeing a deal with Sporting before Chelsea swooped in.

However, the supporters shouldn’t worry, with the club already having a player who could become even better than the teenager should he receive first-team minutes in the near future.

The Man Utd star who could be Amorim’s next Quenda

Patrick Dorgu moved to the club in January from Italian side Lecce, looking to nail down the left-back role – a position that has often been a problem for various managers over the years.

The Dane has already starred in his short spell at Old Trafford, featuring six times across all competitions – with his best display coming in the Europa League on Thursday night.

However, the right side still remains up for debate, with Amorim potentially having his own version of Quenda in the form of 17-year-old Bendito Mantato, who has excelled at youth level.

Mantato can operate either in a full-back position or off either flank in the final third, having the versatility to feature in a wing-back role in Amorim’s five-back system.

The youngster has registered seven goals and one assist in his 14 youth appearances throughout this campaign, highlighting the attacking threat he possesses.

U18 Premier League

10

6

0

FA Youth Cup

1

1

0

UEFA Youth League

2

0

1

Premier League 2

1

0

0

Total:

14

7

1

However, analyst Ben Mattinson has dubbed the teen as “creative” and “explosive”, but also possessing a lot of the qualities that saw Quenda drop into a slightly deeper role – a decision that has taken his career to the next level, as seen by his pending move to Chelsea.

His 1v1 ability has caught the eye in the academy setup over the last couple of months, undoubtedly contributing to his tremendous goalscoring record for the youth side.

Mattinson previously stated his recovery pace makes him perfect for a wing-back, combining both of his key assets and allowing for the manager to have another talented teen in his squad.

If Amorim has been able to achieve such success with a youngster once, there’s no denying he could work his magic once again – this time allowing Mantato to thrive and fight for a place in the first team.

It may be a risk to include such a young talent in the senior setup, but as seen during his time at Sporting, his high risk has produced high rewards, with the youngster potentially allowing the supporters to forget about missing out on the Portuguese star.

11 duels won, 100% dribbles: Man Utd ace is now as undroppable as Fernandes

Manchester United booked their place in the next round of the Europa League last night.

1 ByEthan Lamb Mar 14, 2025

Glasgow Rangers haven’t enjoyed the best luck in the transfer market over the previous couple of years.

With their rivals across the other end of the city selling a host of players for significant profits, establishing an effective player trading model in the process, the Light Blues have often been guilty of letting talent go for below market value.

Todd Cantwell was sold for just £500k last summer, despite being worth much more. The summer before, both Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent departed Ibrox for nothing after their contracts expired.

Both of these players could arguably have been sold for seven-figure sums at their peak, yet this was more evidence of mismanagement at Ibrox.

Philippe Clement may have been sacked due to some dreadful results on the pitch combined with a lack of playing style, but he did sign some talented youngsters during his stint in charge.

One such player could attract plenty of interest this summer, especially if he can rediscover his mojo under Barry Ferguson…

Hamza Igamane has enjoyed an excellent debut season in Scotland. The question now is, just how much money can the Gers sell him for when the time comes?

Why Hamza Igamane could make Rangers a significant profit

When Igamane arrived at the club last summer, not much was expected of him, at least straight away. The African centre-forward had played a total of 58 senior matches for AS FAR, scoring 16 goals in the process.

It’s safe to say that plenty of the Ibrox faithful weren’t bursting with excitement when his signing was announced. Fast-forward eight months, however, and it appears as though the Moroccan could be the club’s next big sale.

Across 35 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues this season, Igamane has scored 13 goals while chipping in with three assists.

While he has taken to Scottish football with ease, it is in European competition that the 22-year-old has been able to demonstrate his true qualities. Indeed, he has scored four goals in the Europa League this term, including a wonderful effort against Tottenham Hotspur back in December.

It was reported after the tie that Everton had sent scouts to watch the game at Ibrox, with Igamane very much someone who was on their radar.

His form recently hasn’t exactly been the most inspiring, last finding the back of the net against Aberdeen midway through January. He has made leaps and bounds during his maiden season in Scotland. However, sooner or later, he will leave the club.

Metric

Europa League

Premiership

Goals

4

9

Assists

1

1

Big chances created

1

6

Successful dribbles per game

1.7

1.4

Shots per game

1.6

2.9

When that time comes, whoever is in charge must maximise as much profit as possible on the striker. That’s for sure.

Could there be another talented individual in the current first-team squad who might even be sold for more than Igamane? Someone who has the potential to be the club’s record sale in the process?

Step forward Mohamed Diomande.

Mohamed Diomande's display vs Fenerbahçe

Since Barry Ferguson took over as interim manager, he has operated with a three-man midfield and this has played to the strengths of Diomande, especially against Fenerbahçe in the recent first leg of the last-16 clash.

In a more advanced role against the Turkish side, the Ivorian star was excellent. He provided an assist while completing 100% of his passes during the game and making two key passes.

Furthermore, the midfielder lost possession only five times, winning five ground duels and making two tackles in the process, and he was key to the stunning 3-1 victory for the Glasgow side in Istanbul on Thursday evening.

He was praised by analyst John Walker following the win over Hearts last month, who said:

If he continues this sort of form in the coming weeks, it won’t just be Igamane who will be attracting plenty of interest at the end of the season.

His development might be best served with another year in Scotland, but if an offer that is too good to turn down arrives, it might be a hard decision for the incoming manager.

Why Diomande could be Rangers' record sale

The midfielder has showcased his attacking talents in the Europa League this season, helping the Gers to not only reach the last-16 stage, but also put them on the brink of the quarter-finals.

When compared to his positional peers in the competition this season, Diomande currently ranks in the top 15% for assists (0.28), the top 17% for take-ons attempted (2.68) and the top 22% for carries into the penalty area (0.42).

These statistics prove that the 23-year-old loves bursting forward as much as possible, hence Ferguson’s decision to play him in a more advanced role against José Mourinho’s men.

Hailed as “aggressive” by Walker when he joined the Gers in January 2024, the promising talent has also impressed in the Scottish Premiership this season.

Not only does he have three goals and five assists to his name, but the youngster has created six big chances, averages 1.1 key passes per game and succeeds with 62% of his dribbles each match for the club.

Defensively, Diomande makes 1.1 tackles and recovers 4.1 balls per game in the top flight, while he even wins 54% of his total contested duels. Regardless of where he plays on the pitch, the midfielder can shine both when in and out of possession.

Calvin Bassey was sold by the club in the summer of 2022 for just under £23m, becoming the record sale in the club’s history.

If Diomande can continue to shine, especially in Europe, between now and the end of the season, there is no reason why Rangers shouldn’t be demanding over £20m for the player.

Of course, many would rather he stayed, but his sale could prove that the player trading model established by Clement is finally beginning to reap its rewards.

"Devastating" Rangers star is now their most important player since Morelos

After scoring twice against Fenerbahçe in Thursday’s win, one Rangers star underlined why he’s their most important player since Alfredo Morelos.

Mar 8, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers would certainly be in the Premier League relegation places if it weren’t for the antics of Matheus Cunha.

The Brazilian has been in sensational form for the Old Gold this season, scoring 13 top-flight goals while chipping in with four assists.

Vitor Pereira will be hoping he can persuade the forward to remain in the Midlands this summer, although with clubs showing interest, might he look elsewhere to secure a bigger wage?

The latest on Cunha's future at Wolves

Cunha has been a revelation since joining the club during the winter transfer window in 2023, scoring 31 goals across 85 appearances in all competitions.

This number is made even more impressive by the fact he has often featured in an attacking midfield role, operating behind players such as Jorgen Strand Larsen this season and Hwang Hee-chan last year.

Goals

13

Assists

4

Key passes per game

1.7

Big chances created

12

Successful dribbles per game

1.9

Shots per game

3.3

Despite his excellent form and ability, Cunha earns £90k-per-week at the Molineux outfit, ranking him as the top earner alongside the likes of Goncalo Guedes and Pablo Sarabia.

That’s certainly justifiable, despite his recent ban, considering the performances we’ve seen in recent months.

However, he could be on his way out. The Brazilian penned a new contract over the winter but is still fielding interest from Arsenal. Reports emerged last week that their new sporting director Andrea Berta – who signed him at Atletico Madrid – is keen on a reunion.

That said, he’s not the only forward potentially on his way out of Molineux. This one earns even more than Cunha too…

Wolves must sell high-earner this summer

With Wolves’ Premier League status looking pretty safe ahead of next summer, Pereira will be busy planning ahead and working out what the squad will look like.

One player who is unlikely to be in his plans is Fabio Silva whose time in the Midlands could finally come to an end this summer.

Indeed, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, Pereira could cash in on the Portuguese attacker.

“I don’t believe Silva will be back, just off his form in Spain he is going to secure a good move and Wolves will take the cash and use it elsewhere,” the reporter noted.

He has just a year left on his £80k-per-week contract with the Old Gold, which means the manager could still command a decent fee for the youngster.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Glasgow Rangers, yet even in Scotland, Silva failed to showcase his true talents, scoring just six goals in 25 appearances for the Ibrox side.

Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson claimed that “Silva offers you absolutely nothing” in a scathing rant towards the end of the 2023/24 season.

This is staggering, particularly as Silva looked like he could turn into one of the best centre-forwards on the continent when he sealed a staggering £35m move to Wolves aged just 18 in 2020.

Nearly five years later, he has managed to score just a paltry five goals for the club across 72 appearances. Hardly money well spent.

The 22-year-old has spent the current season out on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas, where he has netted eight times in just 20 games for the club.

He even scored against Real Madrid in January and appears to finally be finding his feet. Could this indicate that a move away from Wolves is on the cards this summer?

The supporters will certainly hope so. That’s a certainty.

Wolves struck gold on "sensational" ace who's now worth even more than Jota

Wolves are looking at bringing back a former player this summer.

ByRoss Kilvington Mar 22, 2025

Arsenal may claim European glory before the season is out, yet if all else fails, Mikel Arteta and co can still reflect on what has largely been a positive campaign – not least due to the rise of the latest Hale End sensations.

In truth, this has been the year of Ethan Nwaneri. This has been the year of Myles Lewis-Skelly – the teenage pair following in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka by forcing their way into the first-team ranks.

In the case of Nwaneri, the playmaker’s emergence has almost been preordained, with talk surrounding the 18-year-old having been rife ever since he became the Premier League’s youngest-ever player back in September 2022.

For Myles-Skelly, however, those outside of the Emirates had likely heard little regarding his quality prior to his introduction off the bench against Manchester City just over six months ago.

Fast forward to the present day, and the 18-year-old is now a senior England international, having also surged past a sea of senior stars to become Arteta’s leading figure at left-back.

Transfer talk will dominate this summer, yet as the cases of Saka, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly showcase, the biggest jewels can come from within. That being said, there are those in the youth ranks who also have to fly the nest to flourish elsewhere…

Arsenal's notable academy departures

A good place to start would be with regard to two of the most recent starlets to move on from the Gunners’ academy set-up, with Manchester United having snapped up Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven over the last year or so.

The teenage duo – who only made one senior appearance between them under Arteta – have already worked their way into Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad, with Heaven having started twice thus far against Real Sociedad and Leicester City.

Much like Obi, the north Londoners also saw another centre-forward prospect depart last summer, with Danish starlet, Mika Biereth having been sold to Sturm Graz for just £4m.

The 22-year-old – who joined Arsenal from Fulham in 2021 – has since linked up with another Hale End graduate, Folarin Balogun, at Monaco, having already scored 12 goals in just ten Ligue 1 games for his new side.

Speaking of Craven Cottage, the likes of Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi are all currently part of Marco Silva’s squad, with the trio chalking up 21 goals and assists between them so far this season.

Those examples showcase that moving on to pastures new can help to kickstart a career, with another Hale End product – Brooke Norton-Cuffy – no doubt hoping his own exit can prove just as fruitful.

Arsenal already sold Lewis-Skelly 2.0

One of the key features of Lewis-Skelly’s game is the teenager’s innate versatility, with the Englishman having comfortably slotted in at full-back, despite having largely featured in a central midfield berth in the youth set-up.

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What has also stood out regarding the promising left-footer is his impressive physicality, with teammate Declan Rice highlighting the youngster’s “Mousa Dembele-type strength”, following the north London derby win back in January.

Those key traits are also shared by Norton-Cuffy, with the 21-year-old having operated at right-back or in a wing-back berth in his career thus far, while also showcasing the flexibility to feature in central midfield if needed.

Now on the books at Serie A side Genoa – after being sold by the Gunners for just £3.5m last summer – the England youth international had previously been hailed as Arsenal’s “very own Reece James” by analyst Ben Mattinson, following a series of promising loan moves.

Like Lewis-Skelly, the versatile defender has been lauded for being “ridiculously physical” – in the words of Mattinson – while he is also an “insane carrier” due to his ability to drive his side up the pitch from deep.

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal

£125m

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

£75m

Michael Olise

Bayern Munich

£67m

Eberechi Eze

Crystal Palace

£46m

Ethan Nwaneri

Arsenal

£46m

Emile Smith Rowe

Fulham

£27m

Joe Willock

Newcastle

£23m

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Arsenal

£23m

That quality was on show last season on loan at Milwall, with Norton-Cuffy – who registered two goals and four assists in that time – ranking in the top 18% of Championship full-backs for progressive carries, as well as in the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.

While injury has ensured that the London-born gem has only made eight appearances since his switch to Italy – having failed to make a senior appearance at the Emirates – it would be no surprise to see him flourish if he is afforded a consistent run of game time over the coming years.

That lack of impact has ensured that Arsenal and Arteta won’t be regretting their decision to sell the one-time Coventry City loanee on the cheap just yet, although it might not be too long before that situation changes.

Perhaps, the Gunners have let another Lewis-Skelly slip from their grasp.

Arsenal's "special" teen was meant to be Ramsey 2.0, then Arteta sold him

The talented midfielder never made it at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 29, 2025

Newcastle United are expected to table an offer for an exciting attacking player this summer, with a £39m bid from another club having already been rejected.

Newcastle preparing for Man Utd clash

The Magpies are back in Premier League action this weekend after their comfortable 3-0 win away to Leicester City on Monday, hosting Manchester United at St James’ Park.

For Newcastle, it is another important game in their quest to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and with their opponents having one eye on the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash with Lyon next week, Eddie Howe’s side will be the favourites to prevail.

Jason Tindall is excepted to take charge of the Magpies, with Howe unwell and spending the weekend in hospital.

There are injury problems going into the Man Utd game, which is far from ideal, with a late call set to be made on Anthony Gordon and his chances of starting. However, Alexander Isak is “expected to be fit”, as reported by Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

Newcastle set to make offer for £39m ace

According to an update from Vamos Mi Sevilla FC (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are set to make an offer for Sevilla winger Dodi Lukebakio, seeing him as a strong summer target.

The likes of Juventus and Napoli are also credited with interest in the 27-year-old, while Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr saw a €45m (£39m) approach turned down by the player in January.

Newcastle’s chances of signing Lukebakio have seemingly been improved by Sevilla’s apparent stance, with reports claiming that the La Liga side are keen to boost their finances and that a high fee could be accepted.

Lukebakio could be an astute purchase by Newcastle in the summer transfer window, with the Belgian becoming an influential performer for Sevilla.

This season, he has scored 11 goals in 30 starts in La Liga, showing that he can provide reliable end product in his right-sided role as Newcastle look to find a replacement for Miguel Almiron, as well as an upgrade on Jacob Murphy.

While Murphy has enjoyed an impressive campaign for the Magpies, not least through registering 16 goal contributions in the Premier League, he is now 30 years of age and may not hit this level again moving forward.

Newcastle now set to join race for £87m striker with as many goals as Isak

He could replace the Swede.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 10, 2025

In Lukebakio, Newcastle have a strong option to bring in and provide competition for the Englishman, with the Sevilla ace a 25-cap Belgium international, which is no mean feat.

Manchester United are now making moves to sign an “incredible” playmaker, who is set to be available for a bargain fee this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd keen to add new creative midfielder

Bruno Fernandes has taken on much of the burden of creating chances for Man United this season, racking up 18 assists in all competitions, and Ruben Amorim is eager to provide the captain with more support in midfield.

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is among the more audacious targets for United, having recently launched a £70m move for the Englishman, but it could be difficult to get a deal done, with Unai Emery eager to keep hold of the attacking midfielder.

A bid is also being prepared for Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue, who has caught the eye of Old Trafford chiefs with his fantastic performances for the French side this season, but once again a deal would be expensive.

Man Utd and INEOS now looking to hijack Newcastle deal for £25m wide player

Man Utd have now joined their Premier League rivals in the race to sign an exciting attacker.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 14, 2025

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made it clear the Red Devils are dealing with serious financial difficulties, which means it could make sense to pursue a move for a low-cost attacking midfielder this summer.

According to a report from Spain, Man United are now making moves to sign Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who scored the equalising goal for the French side in the 2-2 draw in the Europa League last week.

There is a belief that Cherki would suit Amorim’s’s system, but his impressive performances for Lyon this season mean he is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League, with Chelsea also believed to be keen.

The Frenchman could be allowed to leave for just £20m this summer, given the difficult financial situation Lyon find themselves in, with the Ligue 1 side willing to negotiate a sale if they receive a convincing offer.

Cherki could be "incredible" signing for Man Utd

It is little wonder some top Premier League clubs are queuing up for the 21-year-old, given just how impressive he has been for Lyon this season, collecting 18 assists in all competitions, while also chipping in with 11 goals.

The “incredible” playmaker, as dubbed by journalist Julien Laurens, is showing signs he is now ready to make a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs, and it is exciting news that United are making moves to secure his signature.

While Fernandes has once again been impressive for the Red Devils this term, it is clear the Portugal international needs more help, given that the only other players to have registered more than one assist are Diogo Dalot and Amad.

Cherki’s performances this season, coupled with his availability for such a low fee, indicate he could be the perfect addition to a Man United squad clearly in need of more creativity.

Liverpool are now ahead of Manchester City in the race to sign a defender, and they now know £40 million will be enough to get the deal completed, according to a recent report.

Liverpool receive Huijsen boost after Van Dijk contract news

Last week Liverpool fans were delighted to see and hear the news that captain and defensive talisman Virgil van Dijk had signed a new contract at Anfield, continuing his stay at the club until 2027. The Dutchman is going to continue being at the heart of Arne Slot’s defence, but it appears as though the Liverpool boss is still looking to find his perfect partner or successor.

He's better than Huijsen: Liverpool want "one of the best CBs in the PL"

Liverpool could be about to forget a move for Dean Huijsen with a deal for another Premier League star.

1 ByEthan Lamb Apr 24, 2025

The Reds are among the teams keeping a close eye on Dean Huijsen from AFC Bournemouth. The Spain international has been a standout performer for the Cherries this season, and that has put him on the radar of several big teams from England and abroad. It’s also been claimed that Chelsea have held talks with Huijsen over a possible move to Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool remain in the race and received a welcome boost this week, as it’s been reported that Real Madrid may pull out of the race to sign Huijsen; that is because they are not sure if they want to sign a defender this summer, leaving the door open for Liverpool, who know Huijsen has a £50 million release clause in his contract.

Liverpool lead Man City in race to sign Premier League defender

Huijsen is not the only defender on the Reds’ transfer list, as according to Give Me Sport’s Ben Jacobs, Liverpool are leading the way when it comes to signing Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth this summer.

The report states that Kerkez, who has been with the Cherries since July 2023, is expected to leave Bournemouth this summer, as while he doesn’t have a release clause in his contract, they will allow him to leave should they receive offers worth £40 million.

This report goes on to add that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have all kept an eye on Kerkez, but none have entered into fresh talks over a transfer. City in particular “appreciate” him, but a deal there is unlikely and a move to become Andy Robertson’s successor looks more probable.

The Scotland international still has another 12 months left on his contract at Anfield, but given he is 31 and making more mistakes with each passing season, Slot is looking to the future and sees Kerkez as a player who could be his long-term successor.

Kerkez

Robertson

Apps

33

30

Goals

2

0

Progressive carries

89

57

Progressive passes

141

163

Progressive runs

161

90

Tackles (Won)

49 (26)

38 (22)

Interceptions

38

20

Clearances

100

50

Blocks

33

9

Kerkez has impressed a lot in this campaign, assisting six goals as well as grabbing two himself in 33 games, as the Cherries continue their pursuit of finishing in a European position.

The 21-year-old has started every game he’s been available for in the league this season, so were he to arrive at Liverpool, he would likely want to start immediately and relegate Robertson to a supporting role.

In what would be one of the most impressive moves of the summer transfer window, Arsenal have now reportedly held internal discussions about signing a modern-day Premier League legend.

Arsenal must go again for Premier League title

After suffering more heartbreak in pursuit of the Premier League title, this time courtesy of Liverpool, Arsenal have been left to go again next season. More so than in the two prior campaigns, this season’s defeat may well frustrate Mikel Arteta and those in North London the most.

Manchester City found themselves in injury crisis as fallen champions, Liverpool entered a new era under Arne Slot and Chelsea were restarting once again under a new manager in Enzo Maresca. If it was to be Arsenal’s year then many believed it would be the current campaign, before they themselves suffered injury issues and frustrating form.

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Arteta spoke about his disappointment after Liverpool confirmed their status as Premier League champions, telling reporters: “Yes, [it hurts] big time. I understand that it’s a team who have been more consistent, they’ve had the ingredients to win it and it’s been painful.

“I want to congratulate Liverpool and what they’ve done, the manner they’ve done it and how consistent they’ve been, and I think they fully deserved to win it.”

There is still time for the Gunners to flip the script on their season, however, with a vital clash against Paris Saint-Germain next week handing them the chance to turn their 1-0 aggregate defeat around and step into the Champions League final.

European glory would undeniably end any heartache over the Premier League title and instantly create history in what is currently on course to become another season of what might have been.

Meanwhile, looking ahead to the next campaign off the pitch, new sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly looking to make one of the biggest statements of the summer.

Arsenal discuss shock De Bruyne move

According to The Boot Room, Arsenal have now held internal discussions about signing Kevin de Bruyne upon the expiry of his Manchester City contract this summer. The Belgian reportedly wants to remain in Europe in what has shocked the Citizens, who may well find themselves squaring off against one of their best-ever players having thought he would jet off to Saudi Arabia or the USA.

Whilst MLS side San Diego are still chasing the Belgian’s signature, his desire to stay put at the top level could certainly open the door for those at The Emirates. Arteta is also already more than familiar with De Bruyne’s capabilities, having worked with him during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.

An undeniable Premier League legend, the £400,000-a-week star has earned praise which reflects that in recent weeks. Among those with positives to say, Guardiola told reporters: “You always have to be careful, have respect for the players who play main roles, and incredible players that play for the last, I don’t know, 20, 30 years in this club.

“But come on, there’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest, for sure. Because of his consistency – except the last year, year and a half, that he had injury problems – in important games and not important games, and every three days being there.”

Chelsea have held extensive talks over signing a former Fulham star who José Mourinho personally wants at Fenerbahçe, according to reports, with Enzo Maresca and BlueCo looking to shore up a key area.

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The west Londoners took a huge step towards Champions League qualification by beating Premier League champions Liverpool 3-1 over the weekend, a result which puts some wiggle room between them and Nottingham Forest in sixth.

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Arsenal’s journey to the Champions League semi-finals means the English top flight has been awarded an extra qualifying place for next term, so finishing fifth would guarantee a spot for Chelsea in the competition.

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

This is excellent news for Maresca, as a place in next season’s Champions League draw is widely reported to have a big impact on the club’s summer transfer plans.

Chelsea will also be busy behind-the-scenes, as there will be a special edition transfer window open from June 1st to June 10th – which allows the Blues and Man City to sign players before the Club World Cup begins.

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea want a centre-back, winger and forward as three top priorities. Depending on player sales and their European status, Maresca’s side could also go after another central defender, a left-back, goalkeeper and versatile attacking player.

There are also suggestions that Chelsea are still looking at signing another midfielder. While Roméo Lavia has performed excellently when available, the Belgian’s injury woes have left Maresca short in that area far too consistently.

Chelsea expressed a serious interest in Man United starlet Kobbie Mainoo back in January, holding talks with his agents, but the England international ultimately remained at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old’s importance to Ruben Amorim could place him too far out of Chelsea’s reach, with Maresca’s side believed to be keen on Napoli star Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa as a potential alternative.

The 60-cap Cameroon international is a key starter for Antonio Conte’s title-chasing Napoli side, bagging six goals and five assists in all competitions. Anguissa could also add some much-needed experience to the squad, with Chelsea already making moves for him.

Chelsea hold extensive talks over signing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

According to Italian newspaper Il Mattino, via Sport Witness, Chelsea have held more than one round of negotiations over signing Anguissa ahead of the summer.

The 29-year-old is also keen to make a Premier League return, in an act of personal redemption, as he believes that he’s got far more to offer in Europe’s most prestigious division.

The former Fulham midfielder also has a real admirer in Mourinho, according to reports in Turkey, which claim the tactician is personally keen to sign him for Fenerbahçe (Fanatik).

Anguissa’s contract includes a £38 million release clause as well, but it is unclear just how much Chelsea would be willing to pay for a player whose fast approaching 30.

In any case, there is little denying the African’s quality, and his form this season is turning heads at Cobham. Previously called a “machine” by ex-teammate Joachim Andersen, Anguissa would undoubtedly provide Maresca’s midfield with real steel.