A European club now wants to make contact with a £230,000-a-week Manchester City player over a possible move this summer, according to a new report.

Kovacic confident Man City can achieve Champions League spot

The Blues had to settle for a point on Sunday afternoon against arch-rivals Manchester United, as neither side did enough to claim all three points. The Red Devils may believe they had the better of the chances as Pep Guardiola’s side struggled to gain control in the second half, but a draw was a just result.

Not just KDB: Man City must drop 4/10 star with fewer touches than Ederson

Manchester City played out a laboured 0-0 draw with arch rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 6, 2025

The point for City leaves them in fifth spot on 52 points, a point behind Chelsea and five behind Nottingham Forest. But a Newcastle United win against Leicester City would see the Blues slip out of the top five.

Despite this, midfielder Mateo Kovacic is still confident that they can secure Champions League football for next season: “We always go for the win, but we also had to be careful not to lose it because we are in a battle for the Champions League, and we need points. We could have done more going forward and creating more, but it was tough with the small spaces. We move on to the next games.

“We have to have the same mindset for the Champions League [as going for the title] because it is important that Man City are in the competition next season.

“It will be tough until the end, because there are many teams that fight for the top four, and no game in the Premier League is easy. But we are confident that we can achieve it.”

Galatasaray want to sign Man City's İlkay Gündoğan

It is expected to be a busy summer at the Etihad after Kevin De Bruyne confirmed his departure, and according to Fanatik, relayed by Sport Witness, Galatasaray want to sign Man City’s Ilkay Gundogan this summer.

The German international rejoined the Blues last summer from Barcelona, signing a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. However, Gundogan is expected to leave the Etihad this summer, and the Turkish giants are keen on securing a deal.

It claims that Galatasaray’s president Dursun Özbek, as well as other leaders, are looking to use the help of their sponsors and bring Gundogan as well as his teammate Kevin De Bruyne to Turkey at the end of the season.

Galatasaray, 24 time league champions in Turkey, are now expected to make contact with the agent of Gundogan in the ‘coming days’ as they look to beat any other interested teams and sign the midfielder on a free transfer.

Ilkay Gundogan’s Man City stats
Apps	346
Goals	62
Assists	39

The 34-year-old, who earns £230,000 a week at the Etihad, has played 27 games in the Premier League this season, 19 of which he has started, but he has failed to have the same impact he had in front of goal in the season before he left. In fact, Gundogan’s age looks to have caught up to him, and therefore, it makes sense for Pep to consider letting the midfielder leave for a second time round.

All roads lead to Bilbao in the Europa League, with Manchester United still left with a glimmer of hope regarding the chance to end this wretched campaign on a real high.

For a third successive campaign, the Red Devils could round off the season with a notable piece of silverware. Even in the most desperate of times, this team can still pull a rabbit out of the hat.

European glory and the ensuing Champions League qualification would certainly be something to cherish, although it should not mask the task ahead for new boss Ruben Amorim, with the Portuguese coach still yet to truly revive this sinking ship.

Currently residing in 14th in the Premier League, the Old Trafford side have now scored just once across their last four top-flight outings – a fact that has only heightened the need to bolster the forward line this summer.

With the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony all looking set to depart permanently this summer following their respective loan moves, the hope will be that funds will be available to revive this limp attacking unit.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

53

29

10

Romelu Lukaku

96

42

12

Odion Ighalo

23

5

1

Edinson Cavani

59

19

6

Cristiano Ronaldo (2nd spell)

54

27

5

Wout Weghorst

31

2

3

Anthony Martial

317

90

46

Rasmus Hojlund

88

24

6

According to recent reports, it already looks as if INEOS have settled on their first leading target, ahead of strengthening for next season.

Latest Man Utd transfer news

With few distractions, outside of Europa League action, the remainder of the campaign should well be used to get ahead on the transfer front. No longer should United be left scrambling around in August or on deadline day.

Transfer Focus

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

Thankfully, the new INEOS regime appear to be keen to avoid that latter scenario, with reports already rife that the Red Devils are progressing with regard to the potential signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has outlined that United are in pole position for the Brazilian’s signature, with The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell since adding that positive talks have been held regarding the 25-year-old’s personal terms.

That comes amid claims from the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones that suggested Amorim and co are even ‘inching closer to an agreement’ for the former Atletico Madrid man, albeit with United still needing to activate his £62.5m release clause.

Jones went on to add that INEOS are keen to get terms agreed by next month, to ensure that ‘they still have headroom under Profit and Sustainability Rules’, with it likely to be the case that the club will need to sell to buy if notable deals are to be made this summer.

Having seemingly fended off competition from the likes of Newcastle United, it looks as if United are closing in on the signing of such a leading Premier League talent…

Why Man Utd could be set to sign the next Cantona & Berbatov

It has been a common theme in the Premier League era – particularly during Sir Alex Ferguson’s glory days – for United to try and raid the rest of the division for the best attacking talents, be it Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha, Robin van Persie, Dimitar Berbatov and, of course, Eric Cantona.

There are certainly shades of the latter two with regard to Cunha, with the £90k-per-week star something of a “maverick” and a “flawed genius”, in the words of journalist Nathan Juddah, albeit while combining that with his status as a “match-winner” and a “superstar”.

Those are no doubt traits shared by the great Cantona, in particular, with the iconic Frenchman a truly enigmatic and talismanic figure for United, following his arrival from rivals Leeds United on a £1.2m deal in November 1992.

The driving force of United’s domestic dominance in the early 90s, ‘King Eric’ went on to claim four league titles during his stint in Manchester, while racking up 82 goals in 182 games for the club in total.

With his collar up and chest out, the beloved forward strutted his stuff around the Old Trafford turf, combining moments of magic on the pitch, with his at-times colourful actions off it. Who can forget that Kung-Fu kick at Selhurst Park.

Cunha, meanwhile, mirrors that knack for going from the sublime to the ridiculous, with 2024/25 alone seeing him memorably score directly from a corner against Amorim’s side on Boxing Day, albeit while since receiving two separate suspensions for off-the-ball altercations.

Like Cantona, the one-time RB Leipzig man can be hot-headed, but more importantly, however, he appears to relish his talismanic status at Molineux, having now scored 14 league goals this season, after netting 12 times in 2023/24.

Capable of operating as a centre-forward or off the front – again, like Cantona – the ‘maverick’ Brazil international has that ability to switch it on in an instant, as he actually tops the division for most time spent walking on the pitch, excluding goalkeepers.

That at-times ‘lazy’ quality is something that was shared by the aforementioned Berbatov, albeit with the Bulgarian – who signed from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2008 – subsequently outlining the benefits of that approach:

The silky striker memorably claimed the top-flight Golden Boot as United romped to the title in the 2010/11 campaign, having also possessed that Cantona-esque knack for the spectacular, be it his touchline trickery against West Ham United, or his overhead-kick as part of a treble against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Cunha – who scored from range out of nothing at Anfield back in March – can also conjure up a magic moment in an instant, with the Red Devils needing that ‘maverick’ talent to revive this lifeless frontline.

Like Cantona and Berbatov before him, the 25-year-old certainly isn’t perfect, but he is a showman. It doesn’t appear that the United jersey would weigh too heavy on him…

Romano: What we know so far about Man Utd's £62.5m talks for Matheus Cunha

This would be some coup.

ByBarney Lane Apr 22, 2025

Arsenal are pushing hard to complete the signing of a “fantastic” striker in the summer transfer window, with sporting director Andrea Berta looking to work his magic.

Arsenal pursuing a striker for this summer

The Gunners have paid the price for not having a top-quality striker this season, with injury problems also clearly not helping Mikel Arteta’s side.

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus arguably don’t feel like the long-term solutions to lead the line for Arsenal, with an elite signing having the potential to take them up a massive level.

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has been talked about as a great option for some time, with a report earlier this month stating that he is interested in the idea of moving to the Emirates at the end of the season.

While the 21-year-old only signed a contract extension at his current club last year, there is a feeling that they won’t stop him from moving on in either 2025 or 2026, should he wish to pursue a new challenge in his career. Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding a potential move to Arsenal.

Berta holds talks with "fantastic" ace over Arsenal move

According to The Boot Room, Berta has held talks with Sesko over a move to Arsenal this summer, looking to persuade him to join the Gunners.

Having missed out on the Slovenian last year, the report states that the north Londoners are “still very much in the mix” for him. He is seen as an option alongside Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, with both considered more attainable targets than Newcastle United ace Alexander Isak.

Sesko, who is valued at £58m ahead of the upcoming window, stands out as such an exciting addition for Arsenal in the coming months, with the Slovenian seen as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers.

Arteta can finally axe Partey by unleashing Arsenal’s "playmaking warrior"

With Thomas Partey set to be suspended for the first leg against PSG, Arsenal should trial an alternative midfielder against Ipswich on Sunday.

Apr 20, 2025

This season, he has scored 12 goals in the Bundesliga – double Bukayo Saka’s tally in the Premier League – and he also netted 16 time in 41 caps for Slovenia. Meanwhile, football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “fantastic” after some strong form this year.

While some may worry that Sesko is still only 21, and therefore a raw option to come straight in as a key starter for Arsenal, he is mature for his age and is unlikely to be daunted by the pace and power of the English game, given his towering 6ft 5in frame.

Already turning their attention towards the summer transfer window, Liverpool are now reportedly lining up a deal to sign their next Sadio Mane after his club accepted that his exit is now inevitable.

Liverpool's attacking overhaul

Whilst they’re on course to become Premier League champions, but Liverpool still have problems to solve – particularly within their frontline. The news of Mohamed Salah’s new contract would have signalled major relief around Anfield not just because of his own clear quality, but also the lack of quality around him within the Reds’ attack at times.

Of course, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo have both enjoyed bursts of form at different stages of the campaign, but both have struggled for consistency at times – especially when the former has been forced out of position to lead the line.

Some may be quick to point out that Diogo Jota could be the answer to that problem, but he has also struggled for consistency and has always had his injury struggles in a Liverpool shirt. The reality is that neither the Portugal international or Darwin Nunez have been good enough to take hold of the starting striker role.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Goals	Assists
Mohamed Salah	27	18
Luis Diaz	11	5
Cody Gakpo	8	3
Darwin Nunez	5	2
Diogo Jota	6	3

Between Diaz, Gakpo, Nunez and Jota, they’ve managed a total of 30 Premier League goals. Salah alone, meanwhile, has scored 27. To put it plainly, the Egyptian needs better quality around him if Liverpool are to defend their pending title next season. And that’s where Alexander Isak could come in.

Liverpool star is in danger of becoming their next Solanke & it's not Nunez

He’s struggled to make a sustained impression under Arne Slot’s management at Liverpool this season.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 15, 2025

The Reds are reportedly among the sides interested in the Newcastle United star and could yet break their transfer record to secure his signature. That said, however, he’s not the only attacking reinforcement who’s been linked with a move to Anfield this summer.

Liverpool line up Mbeumo move

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Liverpool are now lining up a summer swoop to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, who have quietly accepted the winger’s inevitable departure in the coming months. Valued at a reported £50m, the Reds could land an instant attacking upgrade by signing a player who has managed 16 goals in all competitions this season.

As per Bailey, clubs around the Premier League believe that Mbeumo could become the next Sadio Mane or Jota by breaking out of a mid-table side and becoming a top star at a place like Anfield. If that is to be the case, then Liverpool’s move would certainly make perfect sense.

Bailey told The Boot Room: “He’s a brilliant Premier League player and I think the clubs looking at him could see him as a Sadio Mane/Diogo Jota-type player where he gets the move and becomes a breakout star. I think the clubs looking at him seem him in that regard.”

The comparison is certainly an understandable one too. In Mane’s final season at Southampton, he scored 15 goals and assisted another seven in all competitions. Meanwhile, at Brentford this season, Mbeumo has scored 16 and set up a further six – highlighting how similar he is to the former Liverpool star at this stage of his career.

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign a young forward with a big future in the game, according to an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd have one foot in Europa League final

The Red Devils are in dream land after the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie with Athletic Bilbao on Thursday evening, having won 3-0 in Spain. After taking the lead through Casemiro, following brilliant work from Harry Maguire on the right wing, Bruno Fernandes doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after the hosts were reduced to 10 men.

Fernandes continued his superb form with his second of the night before half-time, and United saw out the second half in professional fashion, ensuring they take a 3-0 lead with them back to Old Trafford next Thursday.

In the other semi-final, Tottenham won 3-1 at home to Bodo/Glimt, meaning there is now a strong possibility of an all-English final in Bilbao later this month, with both teams knowing that victory will book a place in next season’s Champions League. That will aid their hopes of signing top players this summer, and a key Red Devils transfer update has now emerged.

Man Utd agree deal to sign Enzo Kana-Biyik

Taking to X on Thursday evening, Romano claimed that Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Le Havre striker Enzo Kana Biyik on a five-year deal, with an official announcment ‘soon’.

United clearly need to sign proven players who can immediately hit the ground running next season, but bringing in top young talent is always essential, with the Red Devils known for snapping up teenage stars and turning them into world-beaters, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Wayne Rooney.

In Biyik, United look set to be signing a hugely exciting prospect, with the 18-year-old scoring nine goals in just 17 appearances for Le Havre’s Under-18s.

United are in need of a new striker this summer, with Rasmus Hojlund struggling badly for form and the jury also still arguably out on whether Joshua Zirkzee is at the level required.

97% passing: 8/10 Man Utd star is now as undroppable as Bruno & Casemiro

Man Utd romped to a superb 3-0 win on the road on Thursday evening in the Europa League…

ByRobbie Walls May 2, 2025

While Biyik wouldn’t be the immediate solution – a proven No.9 has to be a primary summer target – the hope is that he will blossom into a key starter over as the years pass.

On the search for their Kevin de Bruyne replacement, Manchester City are now reportedly set to “advance” their move to sign a talented midfielder who should have no issues over personal terms.

Man City pushing for top finish to the season

In a season that once looked on course to end without Champions League qualification, Manchester City could yet end the current campaign as high as second. Even though their crown has been snatched from them for the first time in four seasons by a dominant Liverpool side, the Citizens – in the context of their struggles – could have plenty to celebrate.

Without Rodri for the majority of the campaign, without a recognised back four at various stages and with an ageing midfield to fall back on, Pep Guardiola has dragged his side into a seven-game unbeaten run to move within touching distance of Champions League qualification. Also in the FA Cup final, a second-place finish with a trophy to celebrate would represent a fairly routine campaign on paper compared to how chaotic things have truly been at times.

Guardiola took time to particularly heap praise on De Bruyne after his goal ensured that City took their unbeaten run to seven games against Wolves, telling reporters: “His contribution is massive. There are players like Sergio [Aguero], like him, like Vinnie [Kompany] in the heart of the people.

“It’s not just titles and numbers, it’s affection and love and passion. All of us have been one decade here, helping us to win absolutely everything and still he’s here.”

Man City set to fend off Liverpool hijack and win race for £73k-a-week star

They have been working on a deal since January.

ByHenry Jackson May 3, 2025

Replacing the Belgian at the end of his current contract will likely prove to be a near-impossible task for all involved at The Etihad, but that hasn’t stopped the Citizens from lining up one particular option.

Man City set to "advance" move for £100m Gibbs-White

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are now set to advance in their deal to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest this summer, who have reportedly placed a staggering £100m price-tag on their midfielder.

In what could be one of the biggest deals of the summer, personal terms between Gibbs-White and City are not expected to be a problem with the Manchester club now tasked with negotiating with those at the City Ground in the coming months.

A central part of Forest’s recent rise, which is likely to end in some form of European football, Gibbs-White has earned plenty of praise from manager Nuno Espirito Santo during his time in charge.

The Forest boss told reporters last season: “Morgan is a very special player for us. Very important, talented, the work rate on the pitch, but to allow Morgan to have these moments a lot of things happen behind, hard work by the boys and this is very important.”

This summer is a huge window for Manchester United if they are to overturn their lack of success in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, currently sitting in 14th position.

However, despite their lowly league standing, the Red Devils could find themselves in the Champions League next season should they manage to win the Europa League in the coming weeks.

If they are to compete at the top level, all areas of the pitch are in need of investment to inject the needed quality and depth to take the side back to their former glory.

Undoubtedly, sales are needed to provide Ruben Amorim with the funds he requires to make the necessary changes to his squad to try and push them back towards the summit of England’s top-flight.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, work is already being done behind the scenes as Amorim prepares for an overhaul of the Red Devils side this summer.

The latest on United’s pursuit of new attackers

Over the last few weeks, countless attackers have been linked with a move to United, including Liam Delap, who was seen as the club’s number one option for the centre-forward role.

However, no deal appears to have progressed despite his £30m relegation release clause, with the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United entering the race for his signature in recent weeks.

It appears that the Red Devils have switched their attentions to other targets in the form of Viktor Gyokeres, that’s if the recent reports from Spain are to be believed.

It’s been reported that United have stepped up their attempts to land the Sporting CP striker, advancing talks and making contact with the player’s representatives ahead of the summer.

It also states that they are considering making a lucrative offer to the player and club to hand Amorim a reunion with the player who thrived under his guidance in Portugal.

Why United’s target would be perfect with Cunha

Matheus Cunha is another player who has emerged on United’s shortlist over the last couple of weeks, with the Brazilian potentially becoming their first signing this summer.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Red Devils have already been in talks with Wolves over a deal for his signature, whilst also willing to trigger his £62.5m release clause.

The 25-year-old himself is open to a switch to Old Trafford, regardless of whether or not the side secure a place in the Champions League next season.

Cunha would be signed to operate in the number ten role behind the striker in Amorim’s side, handing strikers endless chances – based upon his figures of 2.1 chances created and 2.2 dribbles completed.

Such tallies would fall perfectly into the hands of Gyokeres, who could certainly end United’s pursuit of a new talisman, taking the side to the next level as a result.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one Portuguese analyst, has registered 52 goals in 48 appearances in 2024/25, potentially forming a deadly partnership with Cunha in forward areas.

He’s also managed to register 2.6 shots on target per 90 and complete 49% of the dribbles he’s attempted in the Liga Portugal – offering a constant threat to all opposition backlines.

Viktor Gyokeres’ stats for Sporting in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

30

Goals scored

38

Pass accuracy

75%

Shots on target

2.6

Dribbles completed

49%

Aerials won

55%

Touches in the opposition box

10.7

Stats via FotMob

Gyokeres has also impressed as a focal point, winning 55% of the aerial duels he’s entered, allowing the likes of Cunha to link up and play off him, bolstering his own goalscoring tallies as a result.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Sporting talisman would set the hierarchy back in the coming months, it’s evident that he would massively bolster the attacking department.

The prospect of the pair linking up together at Old Trafford is certainly an exciting one for the supporters, with their talents hopefully pushing the club in the right direction ahead of 2025/26.

Related Amorim must offload 5/10 Man Utd dud who’s becoming the new Van de Beek

Manchester United took a huge step towards the Europa League final last night with a 3-0 win over Athletic Club.

Posts ByEthan Lamb May 2, 2025

Leeds United will be playing Premier League football in the 2025/26 campaign after they secured promotion from the Championship on Easter Monday.

The Whites hammered Stoke City 6-0 before they gathered as a group to watch Burnley beat Sheffield United 2-1, a result that clinched the club’s promotion to the top-flight.

There were terrific celebrations, including the manager, the staff, and the players from the Leeds camp, and Sky Sports were on hand to provide coverage of it all.

During their coverage, Sky asked Daniel Farke about the Premier League and what lies ahead for the West Yorkshire outfit, but he was not too keen to speak about it.

Behind closed doors, the German head coach and the powers that be will be thinking about how they can shape the squad to compete in the top-flight next season.

What Leeds need to do in the summer transfer window

A new goalkeeper is one of the obvious needs for Leeds ahead of the summer transfer window. Illan Meslier has been dropped for Karl Darlow in recent weeks, and the Frenchman should be replaced ahead of next season.

The former Lorient gem has conceded 2.73 more goals than expected and made three errors that directly led to goals in the Championship this term, which shows that he has not been up to the task for Farke.

That suggests that he should not be trusted with the gloves at Premier League level, given that he has failed to perform in a lower league, and that is why the club should be in the market for a new goalkeeper.

There is also the matter of the players who are out of contract in the summer. Sam Byram is one of those whose deal is due to expire, and Football FanCast posted an article explaining why he should be released, due to his injury history and lack of outstanding performances at Championship level.

As well as deciding which players they want to keep hold of and which players they want to release or cash in on in the summer, Leeds also have to think about the players they want to recruit to improve the team.

There is a player already at Elland Road, however, who could fall into that last category because Manor Solomon’s loan deal is due to expire at the end of the season.

The latest on Manor Solomon's future at Leeds

According to GIVEMESPORT, the Israel international would like to complete a permanent move to the club ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The report claims that Solomon is keen to return to Leeds after the end of his loan from Tottenham Hotspur, after he helped the club to secure promotion to the top-flight.

GIVEMESPORT adds that Tottenham are prepared to part ways with the former Fulham midfielder in the summer transfer window, and that it would take an offer of £15m for them to sanction a deal for his services.

The outlet reveals that Solomon does have interest from elsewhere, including Premier League side Everton and Championship-bound Southampton, but he wants to stay at Elland Road.

Transfer Focus

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

GIVEMESPORT claims that Leeds are now poised to hold talks with Tottenham over a deal to sign the winger, but it remains to be seen whether or not they are prepared to pay the £15m price tag or if they will try to negotiate a different deal.

The Whites must, now, push ahead with a deal to bring the 25-year-old sensation along for the Premier League ride, after his contributions in the current campaign.

Why Leeds should sign Manor Solomon permanently

Leeds could start the summer with a bang by signing Solomon because he has been an exceptional performer in the Championship for Farke, which shows that he can thrive under the current manager, and is already settled at the club and knows his teammates.

The Spurs loanee also provides a bit of Premier League experience. He scored four goals in 24 top-flight matches for Fulham and Tottenham combined before his move to Elland Road, which means that the league will not be a complete shock or new experience to him.

Solomon, as you can see in the clip above, has already shown that he has the potential to make an impact at that level, which could be a useful weapon for Farke to have in his arsenal next season.

The Leeds star, who was once described as a “pocket rocket” by Jamie Redknapp, has also delivered incredible performances for the club in the Championship this term, contributing to their promotion.

Starts

28

xG

7.46

Goals

9

Big chances created

19

Key passes per game

1.5

Assists

11

Dribbles completed per game

1.7

As you can see in the table above, the Premier League loanee has been directly involved in 20 goals in 28 starts on the left flank, which shows that he has provided a regular threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals at the top end of the pitch.

This means that Solomon can thrive in a Farke system, as evidenced by his sensational form, and that is another reason why Leeds could start the summer with a bang by signing him permanently, because he is a quality operator with the potential to make the step up to the top-flight.

He would be the perfect first signing of the summer transfer window due to his proven quality in a Leeds shirt, his Premier League experience, and his age profile – with plenty of time left to develop and improve at the age of 25.

A fee of £15m may not break the bank for the Whites, either, and the board must ensure that these planned talks with Spurs end in an agreement between all parties to bng Solomon back to the club for the 2025/26 campaign.

Farke loves him: Leeds must axe £20k-p/w ace before Bamford after promotion

Leeds must move on from this £20k-per-week player before Patrick Bamford this summer.

ByDan Emery Apr 23, 2025

Arsenal have moved in to make one highly-rated player an offer to join them, sensing an opportunity, with La Liga giants Real Madrid stalling on a potential deal.

Arsenal go trophyless after Champions League semi-final defeat to PSG

Mikel Arteta was cut a frustrated figure after PSG knocked his side out of the Champions League semi-finals.

Arsenal make offer to £30m star after Berta successfully convinced Arteta

The Italian and Arsenal’s manager are already working on the club’s transfer plans this summer.

9 ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025

PSG’s 3-1 win on aggregate means Arsenal are set to go trophyless for yet another campaign, with attention now turning to the summer window again as the Gunners seek to mount a more successful push for silverware next term.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

While injuries to key players arguably crippled Arsenal’s chances this season, it is becoming a real worry for Arteta that the club have precious little to show for their £500 million net spend on transfers since the Spaniard took charge.

“It depends,” said Arteta on whether Arsenal can win a trophy soon.

“This squad, two years ago, nobody believed that we could even qualify for the Champions League, or even think that we could finish second or compete in the league. Or have the amount of points that we had that in any other year you are a champion. Or have the run and the results and the performances that we had in the Champions League. But the reality at the end is that you need something to lose, and that trophy with all the work that we do, and disappointment is that it’s not going to happen.”

New sporting director Andrea Berta’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium is a major boost for Arteta ahead of next season, as the astute transfer operator is expected to seriously back him in the transfer market this summer.

According to widespread reports, Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is a top target for them after his very impressive debut season in the Premier League with Bournemouth.

As per the reliable David Ornstein, Arsenal have already held talks with Huijsen’s representatives and are ready to pay his £50 million release clause, but competition for his signature is fierce to say the least.

Arsenal make "formal" offer to Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen

As per Cadena SER, Arteta’s side will have to contend with Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool for the 20-year-old, not to mention Real Madrid.

However, in a bid to get ahead of Los Blancos, it is believed Arsenal have presented a “formal” offer to Huijsen and his representatives, while Real are forced to delay their proposal due to complications.

They’re waiting on the potential appointment of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso before making any approaches, as they need to gauge what the Spaniard would want in terms of players to improve his Real squad for next season.

This gives Premier League sides like Arsenal a chance to swoop in and tempt the player first, but Huijsen has every intention of giving Real a chance to present their offer, as his team have hired a law firm to negotiate with the Spanish heavyweights on the “sensational” defender’s behalf.

Glasgow Rangers had little to play for but pride and bragging rights when they faced Celtic in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Their city rivals had already wrapped up the league title last weekend, resigning the Gers to another second-placed finish, but Barry Ferguson’s men restored some pride with a 1-1 draw in front of their home fans.

Cyriel Dessers scored the only goal of the opening 45 with a tidy finish just before the half-time break, slotting into the bottom corner with his left foot after Liam Scales failed to complete a tackle on him, before Adam Idah’s second-half equaliser.

The Nigerian forward held the corner flag aloft and basked in the joy of the home support, able to celebrate in view of away supporters, finally, in an Old Firm clash.

It was his 17th goal of the season in the Premiership and the Europa League combined, which is a respectable return but does not tell the full story of his campaign.

Why Rangers could sell Cyriel Dessers

With the summer transfer window on the horizon, Rangers will have some big decisions to make on the players currently in the squad, as they have now failed to win the title in each of the last four seasons.

The Light Blues have to find a way to improve and close the gap to Celtic in the league in order to compete for the title in the 2025/26 campaign, and Dessers is one star who could be a candidate to move on from Ibrox.

During the Sky Sports commentary of the 1-1 draw with Celtic, former Gers midfielder Scott Arfield noted that Dessers is “on his heels” too often when the ball comes forward, which limits how effective the team can be in transition when passes are played down the sides of the defenders.

Cyriel Dessers (Premiereship)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

35

32

Goals

16

14

Assists

4

2

Pass accuracy

70%

73%

Duels won per game

2.3

1.9

Ground duel success rate

29%

33%

Aerial duel success rate

40%

32%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Rangers striker struggles with the physical side of the game, losing the majority of his duels without winning many per game, and is not particularly reliable as a passer.

Dessers has also missed a whopping 59 ‘big chances’ in the Premiership and European competitions combined since the start of last season, which shows that the striker is very wasteful in front of goal to go along with his struggles out of possession.

The 30-year-old forward could, therefore, be sold if the new Rangers manager does not want him to be his first-choice striker, and that could be the case if the latest report is to be believed.

The latest on the Rangers manager search

According to Football Insider, Steven Gerrard has emerged as the leading candidate to take the permanent Rangers job as manager this summer.

The report claims that the English head coach is now the ‘favourite’ to land the role for the second time in his career, having left the club back in 2021.

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It states that the former Aston Villa boss, who is currently out of work, is the favourite to be appointed as the next Rangers manager ahead of Marco Rose, the former RB Leipzig tactician.

Football Insider reveals that the 49ers are expected to play a key role in the appointment and that the 4-3-3 favoured boss is currently at the top of their list of targets for the job.

If the iconic Liverpool midfielder does become the Gers manager for the second time, this could be bad news for Dessers and his future at Ibrox beyond this season.

Why Gerrard's appointment would be bad news for Dessers

The English boss returning for a second go at Ibrox would be bad news for the Nigeria international because of the kind of striker he liked in his first spell at the club.

Only Connor Goldson (182) and James Tavernier (178) made more appearances for Rangers as outfield players under his management than Alfredo Morelos (158), which illustrates how important the Colombian star was for him in Glasgow.

Gerrard, whose reputation was described as “amazing” by former England defender Glen Johnson, won the league title for the Gers in the 2020/21 campaign with the Colombia international as his main man up front.

Morelos, once described as a “real battering-ram” by ex-coach Scot Page, scored 12 goals and provided four assists in his 29 Premiership outings, but it was also the physicality in his performances that made him so influential for the Scottish giants.

Alfredo Morelos (Premiership)

20/21

21/22

Appearances

29

26

Goals

12

11

Assists

4

7

Pass accuracy

80%

80%

Duels won per game

3.7

4.1

Ground duel success rate

42%

41%

Aerial duel success rate

36%

48%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the powerful forward provided a physical presence in the number nine role for Gerrard, winning more duels and winning a higher percentage of his duels than Dessers has in his two seasons at Ibrox.

The current Rangers striker does not have the pace, the raw strength, or the mobility that Morelos consistently displayed under the English boss during that successful period in the club’s history, as evidenced by his struggles in the Premiership this season.

Dessers’ wasteful finishing in all competitions is another reason why Gerrard may not want the Nigerian number nine to lead the line for his team next season, should he be appointed as Ferguson’s successor this summer.

Therefore, the ex-Serie A marksman may not want the legendary former midfielder to get the job because it could spell the end of his career at Ibrox if he wants a forward who is similar to Morelos at Ibrox.

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Posts ByDan Emery Apr 30, 2025

It is now down to the 49ers and Kevin Thelwell to convince Gerrard to take the job, if he is their favoured candidate, to bring glory back to the club next season and beyond.