All posts by z3u9t.icu

Chelsea transfer chiefs have made contact over signing a “unique” forward who Real Madrid are targeting to replace the coveted Rodrygo, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Chelsea prioritise winger signing amid uncertain futures

Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho and Mykhailo Mudryk all face uncertain long-term futures at Stamford Bridge.

Striker keen on Chelsea move and set for imminent decision after May talks

His agents were at Stamford Bridge in the last few days.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 21, 2025

While Madueke has started each of their last seven Premier League games, making 39 appearances in total under Enzo Maresca this season and scoring 11 goals, it is believed by some that Chelsea could still sell the Dutchman, amid interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle (GiveMeSport).

Chelsea have triggered the obligation to buy clause in Jadon Sancho’s loan from Man United as well, which was conditional on them finishing above 15th in the table, but the ex-Borussia Dortmund star may actually be sold on when the window reopens.

3. Man City

68

4. Newcastle

66

5. Chelsea

66

6. Aston Villa

66

7. Nottingham Forest

65

Indeed, some reports suggest that Chelsea are even plotting the use of Sancho as a makeweight in potential deals for wide targets, like Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, while Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drug test has resulted in a lengthy suspension/investigation for the Ukraine international.

Given Mudryk, Sancho and Madueke are all not guaranteed to be mainstays for Maresca next term, Chelsea are reliably believed to be in the market for a new winger, with BlueCo thought to be prioritising the position alongside signing a new striker and centre-back (Simon Phillips).

Real Madrid star Rodrygo has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the last week, but the Brazil international would cost a marquee fee and there is no guarantee that they’d win the race, with Arsenal now freshly contending for him.

What is clear, though, is the possibility of Rodrygo leaving the Bernabeu. Spanish newspaper Marca have reported that Real are already eyeing replacements for the 24-year-old, and he’d be the most likely candidate to depart if they sign Athletic Bilbao sensation Nico Williams.

Chelsea make contact over signing Nico Williams

Interestingly, as per Romano, Williams is another wide player who Chelsea “love”. The £170,000-per-week forward has been on fire over the second half of 2024/2025, and a move is highly anticipated this summer after Williams’ decision to remain in Bilbao and snub a transfer last year.

His contract includes a £49 million release clause as well, which may not pose a problem for Chelsea, but the Spain international is thought to be demanding around £400,000-per-week from any interested side.

However, that hasn’t stopped BlueCo from expressing a serious interest in the attacking talent, who bagged 19 assists in all competitions last season and helped his country to glory at Euro 2024.

According to Romano, speaking via his YouTube channel, Chelsea have made contact about signing Williams, as they attempt to gauge the expense of his final package.

“Chelsea and Arsenal love Nico Williams and have made contacts to understand how much the whole package will be,” he said.

“In recent years, it has been very expensive. €58m clause, taxes, salary and commissions.”

Called a “unique” player by Blues legend Jose Mourinho, there are financial aspects to consider, especially if Chelsea don’t qualify for the Champions League, but he’d be a truly stellar addition.

Chelsea are “really pushing” to sign a powerhouse striker ahead of their Premier League rivals Arsenal, with both sides holding negotiations and laying groundwork over a deal as we fast approach the summer window.

Chelsea gifted striker boost after vital win over Nottingham Forest

Enzo Maresca’s debut season as Chelsea manager, regardless of the debate prior to Sunday’s kick-off, can now surely be deemed a success after their all-important 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday.

Chelsea make "formal" bid to sign £84m Liverpool target in "ambitious move"

They’ve apparently submitted an offer.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 24, 2025

Levi Colwill’s second-half goal was enough to confirm Chelsea’s spot in the Premier League top-five and subsequent Champions League qualification for next season, gifting BlueCo an almighty boost when it comes to their summer recruitment strategy in the process.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

3

Man City

71

+28

4

Chelsea

69

+21

5

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

Maresca himself confirmed that qualifying for the Champions League would have a profound effect on their plans for the looming transfer window, and reliable reports in the build up to Sunday echoed this theme.

While Chelsea are reported to be prioritising the addition of a new striker, centre-back and winger, it is believed they could also go for a versatile attacking player, goalkeeper, full-back and second centre-back, depending on player sales and their European status (Simon Phillips).

Supporters are very eager to see Chelsea bring in a prolific number nine in particular, and the Blues’ fourth-placed finish is now set to boost their hopes of signing a 25-plus goals-per-season striker who can deliver the goods up front.

“I’m not thinking about next summer, to be honest,” said a coy Maresca after Chelsea’s win over Forest, in his post-match press conference.

“Today is a day that we have to be happy because we brought this club where this club has to be in the most important European competition. And we did today and this is the most important day for them. Now from tomorrow we start to prepare for Wednesday final, and then we have days to see for next season.”

Chelsea now "really pushing" to sign RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko

According to journalist Simon Phillips, while Maresca refuses to get drawn in on the club’s transfer activity behind-the-scenes, they’re in fact making a serious move for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

Chelsea have Sesko on their list of striker targets, as previously claimed, but they’re now believed to be competing with Arsenal for the 6 foot 5 Slovenia international’s signature after his 21-goal season at Leipzig.

His contract includes a £67 million release clause, and Chelsea are now seriously pressing to sign Sesko after holding talks and laying the groundwork for his signature.

“The new info I have is that Arsenal are now really pushing for Benjamin Sesko as well as Chelsea,” wrote Phillips.

“Both clubs have held talks and laid down some groundwork to sign him. Arsenal also really like Viktor Gyokeres, but there’s a split internally there as to which striker they want to push for.”

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg believes Arsenal’s talks for Sesko are “concrete” as well, so Chelsea do face stiff competition from Mikel Arteta’s side. Interestingly, both sides made a proposal for the 21-year-old last summer, which he rejected in favour of signing an extension at Leipzig (Fabrizio Romano).

However, the Premier League duo haven’t appeared to have thrown the towel in when it comes to tempting Sesko with a move to England, and it will be very intriguing to see how this one develops.

Chelsea are badly in need of a centre-forward, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku scoring just two top-flight goals between them this calendar year.

Manchester United will want to improve all areas of the pitch during the summer transfer window, needing to right the wrongs of the 2024/25 campaign, which was certainly one to forget.

The Red Devils lost in the Europa League final and also finished 15th in the Premier League, with no European football present at Old Trafford next season.

Such a failure will certainly have an impact on finances at the club, restricting any funds that boss Ruben Amorim may have had at his disposal had they claimed victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

However, it could be a blessing in disguise, handing the manager the opportunity to work closely with his players and mount a serious charge for the Premier League’s top four in 2025/26.

Regardless of the terrible form, the hierarchy look set to give Amorim the benefit of the doubt and hand him funds to change their fortunes, with numerous players already on the manager’s radar.

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

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo and Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap have been on United’s radar in recent days, with the hierarchy holding talks with the Cameroon international over a switch to Old Trafford this summer.

The club have been quoted a fee in the region of £50m for the 25-year-old star, who’s managed to score 20 goals in the Premier League this season, but could face competition from Newcastle United for his signature.

However, the other end of the pitch is also in need of investment, with Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford emerging as a summer target, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The report claims that the club are exploring potential reinforcements to bolster the ranks, with the future of Andre Onana at United uncertain given his recent showings.

It also states that it’s unknown how much Scott Parker’s side will demand for the signature of the 22-year-old, who kept a staggering 29 clean sheets in the Championship last season, but prior reports this year suggest it may be around £30m.

Why Trafford could be the next Sancho

Winger Jadon Sancho joined United in a £73m deal from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021, but it’s safe to say his time at Old Trafford has been a disaster.

The Englishman has made 83 appearances for the club, scoring just 12 goals and being sent on various loan spells – including back to the side which the Red Devils landed him from.

The 25-year-old is currently on loan at fellow Premier League side Chelsea, but could well be back in Amorim’s side ahead of next season if the Blues trigger his £5m cancellation fee after originally joining with an obligation to join permanently.

He’s only scored four times in his 40 appearances across all competitions in West London, with the club undoubtedly set to lose a small fortune on their investment in the near future.

However, the club could land a repeat of Sancho in a summer move for Trafford, with the goalkeeper following a similar path in his career to the winger over recent years.

The pair both came through Manchester City’s academy, before moving elsewhere to make their name and potentially costing the Red Devils a small fortune in the process.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the shot-stopper would set the hierarchy back this summer, it’s one they should look to avoid with better options available in the market.

Games played

28

38

Goals conceded

62

58

Save percentage

65%

75%

Saves made

3.7

3.9

Clean sheets

2

9

Clean sheet percentage

7%

23%

Pass accuracy

65%

73%

Trafford, who’s been labelled “world-class” by current boss Parker, was unable to better current ‘keeper Onana in numerous key areas during his last stint in the Premier League, even dropping to number two in the pecking order as a result.

Whilst there’s no denying that a new goalkeeper needs to be on the agenda this summer, Amorim and the board should be exploring other options, with a more experienced head needed between the sticks.

Given the similarities between him and Sancho’s career path, it’s another reason as to why they should steer clear – needing to find value for money elsewhere given the financial constraints.

He's like Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd expect to sign £30m star after Cunha

Manchester United could follow Matheus Cunha by signing Ruben Amorim’s new Viktor Gyokeres.

1 ByDan Emery May 27, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now in a transfer race with Leeds United to sign a “future star”, with his club already setting their price tag, according to a recent report.

Wolves eyeing deals for two Premier League proven players

The Midlands side had already seen Matheus Cunha leave for Manchester United before Rayan Ait-Nouri departed for Manchester City. Wolves will be disappointed to lose the pair, but that departure means they now have money in the bank to bring in new players in line with PSR guidelines. Vitor Pereira will be keen to avoid a repeat of last season along with everyone else at Wolves, and one way they could improve is by looking at players closer to home.

Wolves join battle to sign "brilliant" free agent who may replace Semedo

They could instantly solve their Ait-Nouri problem.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 12, 2025

The Premier League side are keen to recruit new players and have been linked with moves for the likes of Gerard Martin and Evann Guessand in recent weeks, but they are also looking at stars from within the Premier League.

Indeed, according to a report from Caught Offside, Wolves are interested in signing Yegor Yarmolyuk from Brentford. The London side look set to lose Thomas Frank and Bryan Mbeumo already this summer, and they are now keen to keep hold of Yarmolyuk. However, while they want to retain him, they have also set a price tag of £25 million.

Wolves are also in the race to sign Vladimir Coufal on a free transfer.

The defender is leaving West Ham at the end of this month after five years, and he is also wanted by teams such as Everton and Leeds. His arrival could be key at Molineux as Nélson Semedo looks set to depart on a free transfer.

Wolves in transfer race with Leeds to sign "future star" for £8.5m

Signing a new striker will be high on the list of priorities for Pereira given Cunha’s departure, and there is now a new name on their radar. According to Foot Mercato, Wolves are keen on signing Willem Geubbels from St. Gallen.

The 23-year-old has been with Swiss side St. Gallen since January 2023, when he joined on a free transfer from AS Monaco. He has been a key performer for the club in his two and a half years there, but last season was his strongest campaign, netting 14 goals in the league.

That form has now attracted interest from the Premier League and the Championship, as Leeds, Southampton, Sheffield United and Wolves all keep an eye on his situation.

There is also interest from teams in Germany and the Netherlands, and this has led to St. Gallen to place a €10 million price tag on his head, which is roughly £8.5 million.

Apps

92

Goals

27

Assists

8

Guebbels, who was once dubbed a “future star” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, would be a risky signing for the Midlands side, as he’s never played in England before and, until last season, hasn’t been prolific in front of goal. However, with the right players around him, he could be a player with a very high ceiling, much like a certain Brazilian who arrived from the continent.

Having secured Champions League qualification by the skin of their teeth last season, Newcastle United are under no pressure to sell players this summer.

Of course, Eddie Howe will still have to comply with Profit and Sustainability (PSR) regulations in order to make sure the club are balancing the books this summer.

The last time Newcastle played in Europe’s premier club competition, they failed to make it out of the group stages.

Howe will be expecting a much better showing this time around, although this means simultaneously keeping his star players while adding in much-needed squad depth.

Alexander Isak has been the subject of links to Liverpool recently, following on from another wonderful campaign on Tyneside.

The Toon are not willing to let their star striker leave, never mind selling to a Premier League rival. As such, they have placed a valuation of around £150m on his head.

Whether this deters potential suitors or not remains to be seen, but the Swedish centre-forward does appear happy at the club.

He isn’t the only player attracting interest of late. Indeed, winger Anthony Gordon is another who enjoyed a productive season in 2024/25.

While Isak appears indispensable to the club’s success next term, could Gordon be allowed to leave if the right offer comes in?

The latest on Anthony Gordon's future at Newcastle

The English starlet has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier League after a few impressive seasons at Newcastle.

Liverpool showed interest last summer, but nothing materialised. Could Arne Slot return this year and finally secure his signature?

Any move may cost around £75m as both Chelsea and Arsenal have joined the Anfield side in declaring their interest in the former Everton sensation.

Last season, Gordon registered 16 goal contributions – nine goals and seven assists – in all competitions for the Magpies.

While he didn’t play in the League Cup final, the winger scored twice on the club’s road to the trophy, and his efforts in the Premier League sealed a top-five finish for the Toon.

Goals

6

Assists

5

Big chances created

6

Key passes per game

1.5

Successful dribbles per game

1.1

Shots per game

1.7

Via Sofascore

When compared to his positional peers in the top flight last season, Gordon ranked in the top 7% for crosses into the penalty area (0.63) per 90 and in the top 5% for fouls drawn (2.63) per 90, proving how much of a menace he is down the flanks.

It is perhaps no wonder that so many clubs are keen on signing the Englishman, especially as he isn’t even the finished article yet.

Will Howe be prepared to accept an offer worth around £75m for the player? Especially as it could fund a few potential signings this summer?

That much remains to be seen, but if so, the club will need to spend in order to sign an able replacement. That’s for sure.

It appears as though Howe has already targeted a youngster who could potentially fill the void left by Gordon. Should he depart Newcastle, that is.

Newcastle eye move for French sensation

Howe has been working hard on trying to make something happen this summer in terms of incoming signings.

Players such as Jadon Sancho, Marc Guehi, and even Marc-Andre Ter Stegen have all been linked with moves to Newcastle in recent weeks.

All three would be excellent signings, without a shadow of a doubt, but the lack of progress is slightly worrying.

Now, according to ESPN, Newcastle are one of the clubs lining up a deal for Lyon starlet Malick Fofana this summer, although they face some stiff competition from the likes of Chelsea, Everton, Brighton, and Fulham for his signature.

As per the report, Fofana could cost around £45m, which, for a player of his age and lack of experience, is an astronomical amount. His ceiling for development is massive, however, which could entice Howe into making a swoop for the 20-year-old, especially if Gordon goes.

Fofana is a right-footed winger who likes to play on the left, and he would be the perfect replacement for the Englishman.

Why Newcastle must sign Malick Fofana

The youngster has already made his senior debut for Belgium after what was a breakthrough season with Lyon in 2024/25.

Indeed, across 41 games in all competitions for the French side, he scored 11 goals and grabbed a further six assists, showcasing his ‘explosive’ skillset, as it was labelled by Astorre Cerebróne of Breaking the Lines.

It was in the Europa League where the talented winger really demonstrated his talents. Not only did he record an impressive eight goal contributions in the competition, but he shone in a range of metrics.

When compared to his positional peers, he ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (1.05) per 90, while also ranking in the top 1% for touches in the opposition penalty area (8.23) and for progressive carries (7.88) per 90 in the tournament.

This certainly proves that he loves taking on defenders regularly, while taking the ball into dangerous zones during matches.

His eye for goal could also be advantageous for Howe, who would look for a goalscoring winger to replace Gordon. Fofana is only going to get better, too, that’s for sure.

Fofana was hailed by U23 scout Antonio Mango for his “game-changing potential” late last year and certainly showcased his talents for Lyon throughout 2024/25.

He even starred in Ligue 1 for the French side. The youngster created six big chances and succeeded with 0.8 dribbles per game.

There is no doubt that he is ready to take the next step. After shining in the Europa League, could the Champions League be the platform for him to continue his development?

Howe must think so, and while a fee of £45m is big, especially given his lack of experience on the biggest stage, he must think of the long-term future.

Fofana could be a player who eventually brings the club a major profit a few years down the line, which will go a long way in his thinking, given his impressive form for Lyon, which suggests that he could be a brilliant replacement for Gordon.

Newcastle readying bid and fighting to land centre-back wanted by Real Madrid

The Magpies are well in the fight to land their man…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 21, 2025

The countdown to the start of Aston Villa’s pre-season schedule is very much on.

The Villans’ will commence pre-season against neighbours Walsall at the Bescot on 16 July, taking on Hansa Rostock in Germany three days later, before a trio of friendlies stateside, meeting Eintracht Frankfurt in Louisville and then a pair of MLS outfits, namely St. Louis City and Nashville.

The Claret and Blue Army’s campaign begins for real on 16 August, welcoming Newcastle United to Villa Park on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, with supporters also eagerly awaiting the Europa League draw, coming up at the end of that month.

However, before Villa are back in action, will fans have a new signing to be excited about?

Aston Villa looking to bolster their forward line

According to widespread reports, including by Jacob Tanswell of the Athletic, it is widely expected that Monchi and Co will need to sell a key player before Monday 30 June to avoid breaching the Premier League’s Profitability & Sustainability Rules.

This was a key reason why Jhon Durán was sold to Al-Nassr for a reported £71m in January, but, as documented by Chris Weatherspoon of the Athletic, Villa’s finances remain precarious, given that they have the highest wages-to-revenue ratio in the division.

Nevertheless, despite the need for cost-cutting, Unai Emery still wants to bolster his attacking options, hence why TEAMtalk documents Villa’s interest in Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze, facing competition for his signature from Tottenham, Manchester United, Newcastle, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and others.

They claim that Eze’s entourage are ‘working hard and are talking to numerous suitors’, with Spurs currently leading the race to sign him, as new manager Thomas Frank targets a statement signing, following his recent appointment.

Transfer Focus

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

David Hytner of the Guardian notes that Eze’s contract contains a £68m release clause, suggesting he is unlikely to remain at Selhurst beyond this summer, with Adam Keys describing the England international as “phenomenal” and data analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him as a “superstar”.

So, could Villa convince the 26 year old to move to the Midlands?

Why Eberechi Eze would be an upgrade on Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, very much reinvigorating his career, scoring four goals and registering six assists in 17 appearances.

He also started both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, underlining that he certainly got into Emery’s good books.

However, Rashford’s reported £40m price tag is putting off a lot of potential suitors, with Jamie Jackson of the Guardian claiming that Barcelona would only be open to a loan deal, something Manchester United certainly are not keen on.

Either way, it appears very unlikely that Rashford will be donning a claret and blue shirt at Villa Park next season, so would Eze be a significant upgrade?

Appearances

41

45

Minutes

2,428

3,322

Goals

11

15

Assists

8

11

Shots per 90

2.63

3.25

Chances created per 90

1.2

2

Take-on success %

31.58%

51.94%

Shot-creating actions per 90

3.63

4.69

Touches per 90

45

55

Touches in the box per 90

4.5

3.6

As the table outlines, Eze comes out on top for pretty much every attacking metric last season, namely when it comes to goals, assists, chances created, dribbling and touches.

Sam Tabuteau of Breaking the Lines believes Eze is ‘thriving as the talisman’ at Crystal Palace, a mantle he could take up at Villa, while Daryl Gouilard of Total Football Analysis asserts that he is ready to take his game to the next level.

Thus, as outlined earlier, Aston Villa face plenty of competition for Eze’s signature this summer but, if they are able to sign him, it would certainly be a statement addition.

He pocketed Rogers: Aston Villa keen to sign "talented" £8.5m midfielder

He could be on his way back to the Premier League.

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 25, 2025

What was feeling like a disappointingly quiet summer for Arsenal has now burst into life.

Mikel Arteta’s side have now confirmed the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga, are close to announcing deals for Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi, and appear determined to do more business.

For example, the last few days have seen links to Eberechi Eze explode, and even Ollie Watkins seems to be back in contention.

However, while the Aston Villa star would be an exciting addition to the Gunners’ squad, reports have suggested that the club are getting closer to another, better option to lead the line next season.

Arsenal's striker search

Given Arsenal’s goalscoring struggles last season, it’s not been a surprise to see them linked with a host of dangerous strikers this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

For a long time, it seemed that Benjamin Sesko would be the player to come in and solve that problem, but over the last week or so, reports emerged claiming that working out a deal to sign him has proven far more challenging than anticipated.

At the same time, Watkins’ name has also been thrown back into the ring, with reports from earlier this week claiming that talks had once again been held with his camp and that he would “love” to join the Gunners this summer.

However, while the Englishman is an incredibly talented footballer and goalscorer, it appears that the North Londoners have their eyes on another striker.

At least that’s according to a recent report from BBC Sport, which claims that Arsenal are still incredibly interested in goalscoring machine Viktor Gyokeres.

In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the Gunners are now making real ‘headway with a potential move’ for the Swedish international ‘in recent days.’

While it’s not clear exactly how much the Sporting CP star would cost, the report claims that the final price will likely be in excess of £70m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but it’s one Arsenal should pursue as Gyokeres could be a real game-changer for them, and a better signing than Watkins.

Why Gyokeres would be a better signing than Watkins

Now, while it is somewhat simplistic, the most significant reason that Gyokeres would be a better signing for Arsenal than Watkins this summer is his exceptional level of output.

For example, it would be fair to say that the England star enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Villa last season, in which he scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists in 54 appearances, totalling 3578 minutes.

In other words, the former Exeter City gem averaged a goal involvement every 1.74 games, or every 115.41 minutes.

Appearances

50

52

Minutes

4169′

4248′

Goals

43

54

Assists

15

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.16

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.87′

63.40′

However, despite being an objectively great return, those numbers still pale in comparison to what the Sporting star was able to produce.

In his 52 appearances for the Lisbon outfit, totalling 4248 minutes, the Swedish “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored a mammoth 54 goals and provided 13 assists for good measure.

That means the international poacher maintained an out-of-this-world average of 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes.

That sensational rate of return is so extraordinary that it makes it hard to recommend any striker other than the former Coventry City star, and the fact he’s two years younger than the Villa ace is just a bonus.

Ultimately, Watkins would be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad this summer, but Gyokeres would be an utterly game-changing one, and therefore, Andrea Berta and Co should be doing all they can to bring him in.

Ollie Watkins will love him: Arsenal in talks to sign £85m "superstar"

The incredible international could be a total game-changer for the striker and Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 4, 2025

Celtic are said to be keeping tabs on a “unique” attacking player during the summer transfer window, as Brendan Rodgers looks to strengthen his forward options.

Celtic in need of Kuhn replacement

The Hoops are on the verge of losing star winger Nicolas Kuhn to Serie A side Como this summer, with the 25-year-old closing in on a move there.

While losing such a talented attacking player is clearly a setback for Celtic, ahead of the defence of their Scottish Premiership title, Rodgers has found positives to it, calling it good business for all parties.

“He’s come in and in the 18 months he’s done absolutely fantastic for us. He was aware of interest towards the end of last season and that sort of followed through. Other teams have joined in that interest over the summer and that’s why a lot of the young players come.

“It’s a wonderful, brilliant club to come to develop and improve. And you can see within a short period of time, 18 months, he’s now getting the move that he wants. He’s done brilliant for us in the 18 months and if he does end up going and signing for Como then it’s great business all round.”

It’s now a case of Celtic finding a strong replacement for Kuhn this summer, with a bid already made for Isak Jansson, and it appears they are also planning for the long haul with the pursuit of a rising young talent from Italy.

Celtic keeping tabs on Italian striker

According to a new update from SportMediaSet [via Celts Are Here], Celtic are interested in signing young Napoli striker Giuseppe Ambrosino this summer.

Celtic can sign a better ST than Kvistgaarden in "complete" £6.8m star

Celtic could forget all about Mathias Kvistgaarden by signing this striker this summer.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 6, 2025

The 21-year-old is seen as a strong option to bolster the Hoops’ attacking options next season, having scored five goals in Serie B on loan at Frosinone in 2024/25.

Ambrosino may still be a relatively unproven player at a high level, but his long-term ceiling is clear, having scored seven goals for Italy across three separate youth teams, as well as being hailed as “unique” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past.

His agency, GG11, have facilitated around £100m worth of deals for rising talents in Italy to move to the UK in the past, representing the likes of Hamed Junior Traore to Bournemouth, Lucas Torreira to Arsenal and Tottenham duo Guglielmo Vicario and Radu Drăgușin in moves from Italian clubs.

At 21, there is so much time for Ambrosino to mature as a player, developing under the talented Rodgers, but it remains to be seen how easy it will be to get a deal over the line, even on a loan basis.

Italy Under-21s

11

2

Italy Under-20s

12

4

Italy Under-19s

8

1

The report points out that the Italian may want to continue his development in Serie A, but the hope is that the lure of joining a huge British club is too great to ignore.

And breathe. It’s finally happened. Manchester United have reached a breakthrough with Brentford for the transfer of Bryan Mbeumo, who will join Old Trafford in a deal worth up to £71m.

Of course, the Cameroon winger hasn’t signed yet, with his medical slated for this weekend. But this is a significant step forward, ending the interminable negotiating with Premier League rivals Brentford for their star man.

United have bagged Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5m; Ruben Amorim is redefining his frontline, but more is needed to spark a much-needed resurgence after finishing 15th in the top flight and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

In any case, the Red Devils have stepped in the right direction, but more is certainly needed.

The latest Man Utd transfer news

United have secured their offensive flanks, but they still need to sign a striker, with Rasmus Hojlund flattering to deceive last season, scoring just four times in the Premier League.

However, with Christian Eriksen having left at the end of his contract, United also need to improve their midfield, and while a wealth of names, such as Atalanta’s Ederson, have been bandied about, Amorim appears to have centred on a talent who could make a lasting impact.

As per Calcio Mercato Javier Guerra has reached a verbal agreement with Man United as he leans toward an exit from Valencia.

The clubs are still negotiating the details, but this is a promising update indeed.

Further outfits from Spain and England have made enquiries, while AC Milan failed with a move in June. The 22-year-old is valued at £26m, but could be a shrewd long-term investment.

What Javier Guerra would bring to Man Utd

Guerra is, thus far, a one-club man, having graduated from Valencia’s Mestalla reserve side to complete 89 senior appearances for the first team, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.

Regarded by talent scout Jacek Kulig to be a deep-lying playmaker with a tactical style akin to Xabi Alonso, Guerra would instil composure, ball-playing intelligence and clear vision to Amorim’s set-up, making it easier to put emphasis on transitional play and ferry the ball forward to the likes of Bruno Fernandes.

He would, in this way, prove a seamless replacement for Eriksen, all the while packaging the United system with his own brand, having actually been hailed as a “phenomenal young talent” by journalist Zach Lowy.

Indeed, Guerra ranked among the top 15% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues last term for shots taken, the top 17% for successful take-ons and the top 18% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

The Spaniard’s blooming roundedness even suggests that he could be the next version of his legendary countryman Rodri, only this time playing on Manchester’s red side.

To claim that Guerra would emulate his fellow Spaniard Rodri from the off in the Premier League would be a fool’s game, to be sure. Pep Guardiola’s Ballon d’Or winner joined Man City from Atletico Madrid in a club-record deal worth £63m back in July 2019, when he was 23 years old.

Rodri was further in his development than Guerra at that stage, but the similarities are there, even if the Valencia star is more of a pass-focused player than he is, with the City sensation encapsulating every facet of the midfield game to a preternatural level.

Rodri Pep Guardiola Manchester City

The 29-year-old has won the whole gamut with Pep Guardiola at Man City, and he won the 2024 European Championship with his nation too.

If United can forge their own version of the modern great in Guerra, Amorim’s vision truly could have lift-off in the coming months and years.

It would be redundant to contrast and compare Guerra with the current iteration of Rodri, who is both vastly superior and missed the majority of the 2024/25 campaign through injury.

So, instead, let’s have a look at Guerra’s La Liga statistics from the recent term against Rodri’s from his final year in his homeland. Though the latter maintained a higher level, there’s plenty of promise to be taken from the collation.

Matches (starts)

36 (31)

34 (32)

Goals

3

3

Assists

3

1

Touches*

49.8

69.8

Pass completion

80%

91%

Big chances created

6

2

Key passes*

0.6

0.5

Dribbles*

0.8

0.6

Ball recoveries*

5.9

9.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.0

4.2

Duels won*

3.5

7.1

As you can see, Rodri was by far the more combative and commanding midfield general, with his energy and tenacity seen through his rate of defensive contributions and ball recoveries.

But Guerra has put in a terrific campaign on his own merits.

It’s also worth noting that Guerra has been competing in an imperilled Valencia side, who looked doomed and headed for the second tier across the opening half of the season before a resurgence after a wintry 7-1 defeat to Barcelona in January sparked new fluency and focus.

The victory that followed that hammering, by the by, was crafted by Guerra, who scored and assisted in a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo.

Certainly, Guerra is showing himself at a younger age to have a bit more creative flair about him than Rodri, who marshalled so confidently an organised Atletico Madrid side.

To set the expectation that he would reach Rodri’s lofty level would be the instant undoing of this talented young midfielder. But can Amorim not fashion his own version, one not expected to reach his compatriots’ level, but instead offer his technical qualities to Man United and improve them?

Signing a rising star with a point to prove is exactly the kind of move Amorim needs to make, and it’s one which might establish foundations for a much-needed revival.

He's more important than Mbeumo: Man Utd to make bid for £30m "machine"

Manchester United’s dealings in the transfer window have shown no signs of slowing down in recent days.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 18, 2025

Manchester United have now submitted a £34 million bid to sign an “intelligent” midfielder who Ruben Amorim has worked with before, according to a new report.

Man Utd looking to sell first-team players in mini overhaul

Man United have spent big money on two proven Premier League stars this summer, and if they wish to do more business it looks as though they are going to need to sell multiple first-team players.

Scored at Old Trafford: Man Utd now battling to sign £22m-a-year striker

He knows the Premier League well…

2 ByTom Cunningham Jul 27, 2025

Marcus Rashford is so far the biggest departure out of Old Trafford, as the England international has joined Barcelona on loan with an option to buy. The Red Devils are still looking to sell Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Antony.

And they could be in line to see one of those leave fairly soon, as according to Foot Mercato, Al-Nassr have submitted a bid to sign Antony. It isn’t clear how much the offer is worth from the Saudi side, but United are holding out for a fee of £52 million.

Meanwhile, it’s been reported by The Sun that United are now open to the possibility of selling defender Luke Shaw. The 30-year-old is gathering strong interest from the Saudi Pro League, and with two years left on his contract at Old Trafford United could be tempted to sell, despite the fact he featured for Amorim last season and looks to be part of his plans for the upcoming campaign.

Man Utd submit £34m bid for Hjulmand

As departures become the main talking point at Old Trafford, the Red Devils are still assessing their options for reinforcements, as they look to bolster their midfield. According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Man United have now offered €40 million (£34 million) to sign Morten Hjulmand from Sporting.

The 26-year-old is believed to have a release clause worth €80 million, but Sporting are willing to lower their demands to €50 million. Juventus are also interested in the midfielder, but they too must sell players before making a move for Hjulmand.

This has now opened the door for United, especially as Hjulmand’s entourage believes the right valuation is around the €30/40 million mark, which is roughly £26/34 million. His agents are unsurprisingly keen to land a big move, with the Sporting star worth almost double their next top client, Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard.

The Dane is well known to manager Amorim, as he worked with the player at Sporting, and this report states that the player himself would rush back to England to work with him again, but United have still got to find an agreement with the Portuguese club.

Apps

96

Goals

7

Assists

6

Hjulmand, who has been dubbed defensively “intelligent” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has been a key performer for Sporting in the last two seasons, as they have won Liga Portugal twice. The Denmark international is under contract until 2028, but United will hope the lure of working with Amorim will help them secure this transfer, as the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, and Tottenham Hotspur also hold an interest.