All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Tottenham still have some key transfer business to conduct ahead of Thomas Frank’s first full season in charge of the Lilywhites.

As important as Kudus: Tottenham also confident of winning race for £25m forward

Spurs believe they can beat their Premier League rivals to the signature of a “electric” striker.

1 ByDominic Lund Jul 7, 2025

Spurs are yet to really make a statement signing this summer. Mathys Tel made his stay permanent for a cut-price fee of around £30 million, and Kota Takai’s £5 million move from Kawasaki Frontale was finally confirmed by the club this morning.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Tottenham have high hopes for Takai, and he will be in and around the first team next season, according to Alasdair Gold, but far more eyes are on whether the north Londoners can strike a deal with rivals West Ham United over the signing of Mohammed Kudus.

Spurs are in ongoing talks with West Ham to agree a move for Kudus after seeing an opening £50 million bid rejected, and he’s the calibre of potential signing which supporters are crying out for as Frank prepares for his first-ever season coaching in the Champions League.

Their pursuit of proven top-level additons is made even more important by uncertainty surrounding the futures of vital Tottenham men – most notably Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero.

The former has attracted rumoured interest from both Saudi Arabia and Los Angeles FC, but any potential exit for the South Korean will likely be delayed until after their pre-season tour of Asia – due to the obvious commercial appeal Son has in the far east (BBC).

Son’s entered the final 12 months of his contract, so chairman Daniel Levy could well be tempted to sell the 33-year-old in the event of a suitable offer.

Meanwhile, reports from Spain and South America have continued to heavily link Romero with a move to Atlético Madrid.

Tottenham in talks to sell Cristian Romero after Atlético Madrid offer

Spanish newspaper AS have an update on the £165,000-per-week defender’s future this week, with Atlético already tabling a £60 million bid, including add-ons, for his services.

This hasn’t met Spurs’ valuation of the centre-back, who won last season’s Europa League Player of the Year award, as Levy demands closer to £60 million all-in.

Nevertheless, Diego Simeone’s side are not giving up or shying away. Atletico are in ongoing talks with Tottenham over signing Romero, who James Maddison called Spurs’ most “underrated” player, and this story is unlikely to go away any time soon.

Simeone publicly confirmed his desire to sign the Argentine in a recent press conference, and there is an expectation that Romero could be more than open to this La Liga switch.

“You’ve got to want to be there, and I’m not sure he wants to be at Spurs,” said pundit Tony Cascarino on talkSPORT.

“I’ve always felt that he’s played his best football that he’s played his best football when he’s had to and when Atletico have made a clear indication they want him. That would be one of his issues [Frank], he’s got to look players in the eye and find out do you want to be at this football club.”

Liverpool are not resting on their laurels after they won the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season in England, having joined from Feyenoord last summer.

The Reds boss has already added Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to bolster his squad, whilst Milos Kerkez is set to be confirmed as their latest signing from Bournemouth.

These moves show that the Reds want to build on their success to push on and compete for even more trophies in Slot’s second season at Anfield.

Of course, signing new stars in several positions also means that some players may have to be moved on to make space in the squad, as Jarell Quansah is reportedly set to leave the club.

Fabrizio Romano claims that Bayer Leverkusen have agreed a deal that could be worth up to £35m to sign the England U21 international this summer.

Why selling Jarell Quansah makes sense for Liverpool

Selling a homegrown, 22-year-old, England U21 international may not make much sense at face value, given that he is valuable for the homegrown quota and has plenty of room left to improve.

However, the Reds are in win-now mode after their Premier League success and with the likes of Alisson, Mo Salah, and Virgil van Dijk in the latter stages of their respective careers.

Unfortunately, Quansah has not proven that he has the quality to be a key player when called upon in the Premier League for Liverpool, given his performances for the team in the 2024/25 campaign.

The English youngster was handed a start against Ipswich Town on the opening day of the top-flight season, but was hauled off for Ibrahima Konate at half-time.

After the match, Slot explained that it was because he lost too many duels, telling TNT Sports: “First thing I said is we don’t have to speak about tactics if we lose so many duels and that was what we did. Not that Jarell [Quansah] lost every duel – many of us lost too many duels. But I think we needed Ibou Konate to win these long balls in the air from their No.9.”

Appearances

13

Starts

4

Error led to shot

1

Error led to goal

0

Penalties committed

1

Ground duel success rate

47%

Aerial duel success rate

41%

As you can see in the table above, losing duels was a theme for Quansah throughout the Premier League campaign, as he lost the majority of his battles on the ground and in the air.

The 22-year-old defender, who has lost 53% of his ground duels in the U21 Euros for England this summer, has not shown enough strength as a centre-back to compete week-in-week-out for Liverpool, which is why cashing in on him makes sense at this moment in time.

Premier League club eyeing up Liverpool midfielder

Quansah may not be the only England U21 international to move on from Anfield before the end of the summer transfer window, though, as Harvey Elliott is now being eyed up by a Premier League.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Football Insider, Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in a move to sign the former Fulham prodigy from Liverpool to bolster their midfield options.

The report claims that the Seagulls are confident that they can agree a deal with the Reds to bring the left-footed star over to the AMEX this summer, and that they are one of the frontrunners to land his signature.

It adds that Brighton are capable of matching Liverpool’s £40m valuation of the English playmaker, and it now remains to be seen when they will make an official swoop for his services.

Why Harvey Elliott would be a bigger loss than Jarell Quansah

Losing Elliott would be a bigger blow than losing Quansah this summer because he is more suited to making an impact on the pitch in the here and now.

As aforementioned, the central defender has been disappointing when called upon at the back for the Reds, which is why it makes sense to move him on, but that has not been the case with the attacking midfielder.

When given opportunities to impress, the 22-year-old star has shown plenty of promise for the Reds, with five goals and three assists in 28 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.

The England U21 international, who has scored two goals in four games at the Euros this summer, also produced four goals and 11 assists in all competitions for the Reds in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.

Non-penalty goals

0.66

Top 1%

Assists

0.33

Top 14%

npxG + xAG

0.60

Top 15%

Shot-creating actions

4.48

Top 23%

Progressive passes

8.80

Top 2%

Passes made

64.76

Top 2%

As you can see in the table above, Elliott has been particularly impressive over the past 365 days when called upon by Slot, ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of attacking and possession-based metrics.

These statistics show that the young attacking midfielder offers a lot of value on the ball as a player who can score and create goals, whilst also progressing the play with his passes, which is why it would be a blow to lose him from the squad this summer.

Whilst he may not be a frontline option who is likely to start 50 games next season, his form in the last couple of years shows that he is a very good squad player who can be relied upon when needed, as a starter or off the bench.

This is why losing him to Brighton this summer would be a bigger blow than Quansah’s move to Leverkusen, as the centre-back has not proven himself to be as valuable to the team.

He'd be unplayable with Gordon: Liverpool submit bid to sign £64m forward

Liverpool are planning to sign a new striker this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 24, 2025

Birmingham City are looking to put themselves in contention for promotion to the Premier League and have made contact to sign a prolific goalscorer from one of Europe’s top-five leagues, according to a report.

Birmingham City line up summer signings

The Blues are looking forward to returning after claiming promotion to the Championship last time out, and it is fair to say there is plenty of progress being made in their hunt for summer signings.

Recent reports have noted that Birmingham are hotly pursuing Leeds United forward Mateo Joseph and it is said that Real Betis and RC Strasbourg are also competing for his signature.

Intriguingly, Joseph hasn’t closed the door to an exit from Elland Road, citing his need for regular game time in a recent interview while enjoying some downtime during the off-season.

He stated: “We achieved our goal as a team, but I personally want to be more involved in the final stretch of the season. I think I need more participation to continue developing as a player.

“The season has just ended, and we have to stop and evaluate. We’ve been promoted to the Premier League. We’ll see what the club says, but I want to play more to continue growing.”

Birmingham City want to beat EFL rivals to sign Klarer 2.0 this summer

Birmingham City could land their next Christoph Klarer by signing this gem from Germany.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 18, 2025

Oli McBurnie could also join Birmingham after becoming a free agent following Las Palmas’ relegation from La Liga, albeit competition from all angles exists regarding the Scotland international’s availability.

It does feel like the Blues will arrive into the new campaign with a genuine shot at something more than consolidation. However, if they manage to pull off a deal for their latest target, it could signal they are looking to put themselves in the mix for promotion.

Birmingham City eye ambitious Kyogo Furuhashi swoop

According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Birmingham City have made contact with Rennes over Kyogo Furuhashi’s availability after the Japan international fell out of favour in France.

Despite only joining Habib Beye’s men in January for £10 million, the 30-year-old has barely featured and now appears primed for a quickfire exit.

Labelled “excellent” by Brendan Rodgers, Furuhashi has scored 156 career goals, combining his exploits for club and country and is most revered for his time at Celtic, where he became a pivotal force in helping the Scottish champions claim nine major honours.

The former Yokohama F. Marinos man has endured a difficult few months, but a move to Birmingham could be the perfect tonic to reignite his fortunes as the Blues look to put themselves in contention for a return to the Premier League under Chris Davies.

In what would be a frustrating start to his tenure, the 49ers are reportedly ready to take the decision out of Russell Martin’s hands and sell one of his best Rangers stars for a £19m profit.

49ers looking to commence Rangers business

The 49ers have wasted no time before getting things up and running in Scotland. The American owners have already solved Rangers’ managerial problem by hiring former Southampton boss Martin and the transfer rumours have been coming thick and fast ever since. Reports are even now suggesting that the Gers are closing in on signing Josh Mulligan from Dundee to officially get their business underway.

7 teams now chasing 'breakthrough' Rangers talent with contact already made

Martin could suffer a frustrating blow.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 13, 2025

New Dundee manager Steven Pressley has only added fuel to the fire amid that recent rumour, telling reporters that keeping Mulligan will be “easier said than done” this summer. He said when asked about keeping his young star: “I would love to, but it’s easier said than done.

“We’d love to keep certain personnel. There’s a number of players that I think are pivotal to move this club in the right direction and we’ll be working tirelessly to do so.”

Mulligan isn’t the only name on Rangers’ reported radar, however. Recent reports have also linked both Conor Coady and Flynn Downes with a move to Ibrox. The latter worked with Martin at Swansea City and then Southampton in the Premier League last season and may well reunite with his manager for a third time this summer.

The 49ers’ ambition should come as little shock after chairman Paraag Marathe told Rangers’ website after officially arriving: “We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come.”

Building a side capable of bridging the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership may not come without sacrifice, though, and the new owners are already reportedly ready to sell one key man.

49ers ready accept £20m deal for Nicolas Raskin

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, the 49ers are ready to sell Nicolas Raskin for £20m this summer, making £19m profit in the process. The Belgium midfielder is attracting plenty of interest and, as per O’Rourke, Porto, Fiorentina and Marseille are preparing to test the waters in pursuit of his signature.

Whilst Martin is keen to keep hold of his best players, he is also reportedly well aware that the 49ers could take such decisions out of his hands this summer in frustrating fashion.

Losing a player of Raskin’s calibre certainly wouldn’t be an ideal start to the manager’s reign, but it could be a sacrifice that he has to live with when considering the long-term boost that it could provide.

Dubbed “utterly sensational” by analyst John Walker, replacing Raskin will be no easy task for Rangers if they decide to go in pursuit of major profit this summer.

Since the summer of 2003, Chelsea have spent a staggering €3.86bn (£3bn) on transfers.

According to Football Transfers, this expenditure is the highest of any club across Europe. It’s no surprise, given Roman Abramovich and Todd Boehly’s penchant for splashing cash.

This money has been used to sign players who have gone on to win major trophies and become established Chelsea icons in the process.

Eden Hazard immediately springs to mind. The Belgian arrived in 2012 and helped the Blues win two Premier League titles and two Europa League crowns.

Cesc Fabregas and N’Golo Kanté are two midfielders who enjoyed plenty of success at Stamford Bridge, while defenders such as Ricardo Carvalho, Cesar Azpilicueta and Ashley Cole turned into some of their much-loved signings.

Notice, however, that there is a lack of strikers mentioned. Despite having an almost unlimited amount of cash to spend, the club have very rarely signed a centre-forward who has enjoyed much success in London.

Didier Drogba and Diego Costa are two who come to mind. But, players such as Fernando Torres, Andriy Shevchenko and Álvaro Morata struggled to win over the Stamford Bridge crowd due to their consistent finishing.

Could Liam Delap break the mould? Chelsea’s new number nine looks ready to become Enzo Maresca’s main man next season.

Why Chelsea signed Liam Delap

Following Ipswich Town’s relegation at the end of last term, a clause in Delap’s contract stated that he could move for a fee of just £30m.

“It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.” Said the youngster following his move to London.

It comes after a campaign where he found the back of the net 12 times in 37 games for the Tractor Boys in the top flight.

While he has an undisputable eye for goal, the Englishman shone across other metrics in the Premier League this season.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers, Delap ranked in the top 12% for successful take-ons (1.39) per 90, along with ranking in the top 23% for fouls drawn (1.77) and in the top 14% for penalty kicks won per 90 in the top flight last season, showcasing that he’s difficult to deal with for defenders.

Is the manager looking at bringing in another talented youngster this summer, however?

Chelsea’s search for a striker

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is a player who has been routinely linked with a move to the club over the past few weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

It is a deal that Maresca looks keen on getting over the line, but there is another striker whom the Italian might make a move for.

According to Caught Offside, the Blues are now ready to step up their interest in FC Porto forward Samu Aghehowa this summer.

The eagle-eyed Chelsea fans will remember that the club agreed a fee with Atletico Madrid last summer to sign the youngster in 2024, but the move collapsed at the last minute.

Might it be the second time lucky for the Blues this year? Porto are in no rush to sell one of their prized assets, and he has a release clause of €100m (£85m) inserted into his contract.

With Champions League football secured for next season, Maresca has money to spend in a bid to bolster his attacking options.

Signing Aghehowa this summer may break the bank, but in the long term, it would be worth it. Given his form throughout the 2024/25 campaign, the Spaniard would be an even better signing than Delap, that’s for sure.

Why Chelsea should sign Samu

In terms of debut seasons, Samu’s was incredible. Across 42 matches for the Portuguese side, the 21-year-old scored an impressive tally of 25 goals while grabbing three assists.

It may not have been enough to fire the club to a league title, but he has certainly put himself in the shop window with this current form.

Metric

Aghehowa

Delap

Goals

19

12

Assists

3

2

Shots per game

2.7

1.8

Key passes per game

0.6

0.6

Goal conversion percentage

23%

18%

Scoring frequency

119

218

The Spaniard ended up registering a goal involvement every 1.5 games for Porto last season. Compared to Delap, who recorded a contribution every 2.8 games, it is clear who is the more effective frontman.

When compared to Delap domestically, the Porto striker further establishes his dominance across several key statistics.

Not only did the Spaniard register more goals and assists (22 vs 14) than Delap last season in their respective leagues, but he also recorded more shots per 90 (1.15 vs 1.01), won a higher percentage of aerial duels (52.1% vs 42.6%) per 90 minutes and took more touches in the attacking penalty area (137 vs 92) throughout the whole of last season.

He may cost more than Delap, but given the evidence, the 21-year-old is already better than his English counterpart and could be an ideal long-term solution to this problematic area for Chelsea.

Amid his excellent start to the season with his new club, football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed the striker, saying: “Samu is maintaining his fantastic form for FC Porto. 20 years of age. Pace, physicality, aerial ability, bravery, shot power… Such a complete profile for a striker of his age. A true monster in the making.”

High praise indeed for the youngster and he has a bright future ahead in the game. A move to the Blues would allow the player to continue his development while playing Champions League football.

If Maresca can move on Nicolas Jackson this summer, having options such as Delap and Aghehowa would certainly constitute an upgrade by the Italian, no doubt about that.

Much will depend on how much the club are willing to spend on another centre-forward, but as mentioned, this area hasn’t exactly been a success for the Blues over the years. Might things change this summer? Only time will tell.

Chelsea eyeing £70m Ekitike alternative who's a bigger talent than Delap

Despite having already signed Liam Delap for £30m, Chelsea are interested in another “superb” striker to bolster Enzo Maresca’s attacking options.

ByBen Gray Jun 8, 2025

Manchester United come into the summer transfer window needing to strengthen in every area of the pitch.

From the goalkeeper disaster of Andre Onana, to defensive injuries, an ageing midfield and a toothless attack, INEOS need to spend big.

Spend big, yes, but also spend wisely. That’s not something United have done in recent transfer windows. £82m on Antony and £72m on Rasmus Hojlund speaks volumes there.

So, who could join? Well, Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha looks well poised to move to Old Trafford.

The latest on Manchester United's move for Matheus Cunha

While there is talk of a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, the first order of business looks set to be Cunha.

United have been hot on the trail of the Brazilian attacker in recent months and according to reports, the conditions of a deal to sign him for his £62.5m release clause have now been agreed.

Games

33

38

Goals

15

20

Assists

6

8

Earlier this week it was revealed by a number of sources that permission had been granted for the 26-year-old to undergo a medical with his future employers.

It’s safe to say that Cunha enjoyed a fantastic season in the Premier League. Although discipline did prove an issue, there was no doubting the quality of his play when the ball was at his feet.

Indeed, the Wolves talisman scored 17 goals in 36 outings across all competitions throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

A spellbinding player who strikes fear into a large pool of defenders, it’s actually another player from England’s top flight that Wes Brown thinks would be the most game-changing signing.

Wes Brown wants Man United to sign £30m forward

Another player on the club’s radar this summer has been young English striker Liam Delap.

Son of Rory and a Manchester City academy graduate, it would be quite something if he ended up at Old Trafford. Possessing a £30m release clause, it would be a rather simple move to complete, but it does look as though he is now on his way to Chelsea.

Reports on Thursday indicated that a deal was as good as done, thus preventing Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co from making their move.

Still, it’s a move that Brown, in conversation with Football FanCast, wanted to have seen happen at Old Trafford.

Speaking on behalf of BetVictor, the former defender was asked who would be the most game-changing signing out of Cunha, Mbeumo and Delap. He said: “Liam Delap is a great young player. He has had experience of a Premier League season now and he’s that sort of player that you want to be going for.”

Why does Brown think that? “He will get better and he’s talented,” Brown admitted. “He’s not scoring 25 goals a season yet, but he’s only had one full season. That’s what you’re hoping for as a Manchester United fan, young, talented players who have played in the Premier League and know what it’s about, to build yourself back up with better players.”

Signing proven Premier League players is certainly a wise strategy. You only need to look at the way Arsenal found a way to rejuvenate the playing squad under Mikel Arteta, bringing in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Man City, David Raya from Brentford and most famously, Declan Rice from West Ham, to name a few.

United ought to take influence from this as the Ruben Amorim era looks for greener shoots next season.

Gordon Strachan tells Man Utd to sign £30m star who'd be better than Osimhen

Gordon Strachan was speaking to Football FanCast this week.

ByMatt Dawson May 29, 2025

Shifting their focus towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly added a record-breaking forward to their list of targets, with sporting director Monchi getting ready to pounce.

Aston Villa battling PSR again this summer

As Unai Emery’s side go in pursuit of Champions League qualification, those at Villa Park should be keen to point out the consequences that may occur should they fail to break into the top five in the final two games of the Premier League campaign. With PSR concerns hanging over their head, the Midlands club are on course for a difficult summer, which may leave them in a position with no choice but to sell at least one key man.

Just who leaves as a result of their PSR troubles remains to be seen, but that hasn’t stopped the transfer rumours from coming thick and fast regarding Aston Villa’s most important players.

Recent reports have seen both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers linked with moves away to the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool and, although both sales would instantly ease their PSR problems, Villa will be well aware of just how much of an impact both make on Emery’s side.

Emery, himself, was recently full of praise for Watkins after he became Villa’s best-ever Premier League goalscorer, telling reporters: “Ollie Watkins is very fantastic. How he plays consistently here and his career as a player, he is very humble and trying to improve every day. He is not relaxing – he is always trying to do his work. His work is fantastic.”

Monchi and Aston Villa are now close to signing £13m star who Emery loves

Emery is reportedly pushing for the deal to happen.

ByTom Cunningham May 13, 2025

However, as “fantastic” as Watkins is, Emery may have no choice but to find a replacement for his star striker when the summer arrives and could even turn towards La Liga to do exactly that.

Aston Villa set sights on Sorloth

According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa have now added Alexander Sorloth to their summer shortlist and Monchi is already plotting a move to sign the Atletico Madrid forward. Racing alongside Newcastle United for his signature, the Villans will hope to welcome the 6 foot 4 target man if Watkins departs to instantly solve their striker problem.

If there were any doubts over Sorloth’s ability, then his record-breaking hat-trick against Real Sociedad last time out should have put those to bed once and for all. Adding three more goals to take his total to 21 for the season, the 29-year-old striker could be one to watch when the summer transfer window swings open.

Arsenal are set for a significant call over potentially selling a “difference-maker” this summer, amid a serious issue which could determine his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta makes PSG vow after Arsenal loss to Bournemouth

The Gunners have a season-defining Champions League semi-final second leg tie against PSG on Wednesday – a match that will truly shape the course of their 2024/2025 campaign and determine the success of Arsenal’s year.

Trossard upgrade: Arsenal making move for one of the "best in the world"

Arsenal are on the hunt for a Leandro Trossard upgrade this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 6, 2025

Mikel Arteta’s side trail 1-0 on aggregate, courtesy of Ousmane Dembélé’s early winner at the Emirates Stadium last weekend, and they go into a testing clash at the Parc des Princes off the back of a shock defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

However, Arteta has vowed to use the frustration and upset from that loss to Andoni Iraola’s side as fuel to overcome PSG in the French capital.

“We certainly wanted to create a really good vibe, a positive result would really help us to build what we wanted towards Wednesday,” Arteta said in a post-match press conference.

“What we have created now is a lot of rage, anger, frustration and a bad feeling in the tummy. So, make sure that we use that for Wednesday to have a massive performance in Paris, win the game and be in the final.”

One player who has been unable to contribute recently is 2024 summer signing and Italy international Riccardo Calafiori.

The £42 million arrival has spent the last month out with a knee injury, and despite some excellent performances, injury absences have been the story of his first season.

Arsenal set for "big decision" over selling Riccardo Calafiori

Calafiori has been called a “difference-maker” for Arteta when fit and available, but reports from Italy are now claiming that Arsenal are prepared to sell the defender this summer as a result of his fitness issues.

Speaking to Football Insider, former chief Man United scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the beautiful game, says that Arsenal have a “big decision” to make over letting Calafiori return to Serie A.

“It’s a decision Arsenal and Arteta have got to make,” he told Football Insider.

“They will know the extent of his injury issues and whether it’s going to keep cropping up. Then, they’ll weigh that up against what they know he can do when he’s fit and they’ll decide whether it’s worth keeping him on.

“There is interest in a move back to Italy and AC Milan have been mentioned as one of those teams. If Arsenal can make back the money they spent on him last year, they might think it’s the best thing to do given how many games he’s missed.

“His injuries are a major concern because if he can only play in 15-20 games a season, he’s not going to be somebody they want to keep on the books. But at the same time, there are a few players who look like they’ll leave Arsenal this year.

“They can’t let too many of them go because their depth is already an issue. So it’s a big decision for them to make and one they’ll sit down and discuss soon.”

Arsenal are now racing Barcelona to the signing of a “complete midfielder”, and £52m could be enough to seal a deal, according to a report.

Gunners planning to seal midfielder deal soon

The Gunners are looking to strengthen in several key areas this summer, with signing a new striker and central midfielder among their priorities, and they want to get a deal wrapped up for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as quickly as possible.

Talks to sign Zubimendi are progressing well, despite interest from other clubs, including Spanish giants Real Madrid, and there is a belief a deal could be agreed by June, potentially making the Spaniard one of Andrea Berta’s first signings.

However, with the move for the Sociedad star yet to be completed, there is still a possibility the north Londoners will bring in a different midfielder this summer, and there may need to be more than one new addition in the middle of the park.

Arsenal could now hijack £50m Newcastle top target instead of signing Isak

The Gunners are set to battle Liverpool for an “incredible” attacker.

ByDominic Lund Apr 21, 2025

That is because Thomas Partey has now held exit talks, with the Ghanaian now highly likely to leave this summer, alongside fellow midfielder Jorginho, who is out of contract in the summer.

According to a report from Caught Offside, another potential midfield target Arsenal have in mind is Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand, with the Portuguese side now willing to cash-in on their captain for the right price this summer.

Despite Hjulmand having a €80m (£69m) release clause in his contract, Sporting value the midfielder at €50m – €60m (£43m – £52m), and there is no shortage of interest in his services.

Within the Premier League, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have also expressed an interest in the Sporting maestro, while Inter Milan, Barcelona and Paris-Saint Germain headline the interest from abroad, so there may be fierce competition for his signature.

"Complete midfielder" Hjulmand could be solid signing

Should Partey move on this summer, it would be wise to bring in a like-for-like replacement, and scout Ben Mattinson has stated Hjulmand also excels in the defensive side of the game.

The Danish midfielder has been a key player for Sporting over the past two seasons, picking up two goals and two assists in the Liga Portugal this term, while also displaying his leadership abilities by captaining the side.

Having first proven himself in the Serie A with Lecce, prior to joining Sporting, Hjulmand now has a track record which suggests he is ready to make the step-up to a top club, and it is promising news that Arsenal are in the race for his signature.

One Rangers player is certain to be sold by prospective new owners the 49ers Enterprises this summer, according to a new update.

Rangers and Ferguson preparing for Europa League quarter-final

The Gers and interim boss Barry Ferguson are readying themselves for a last-eight clash in the Europa League with La Liga side Athletic Club, which begins next week.

After overcoming Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce, Rangers are looking to reach the final in Bilbao with a win over the hosts, something which could set up a semi-final with Manchester United.

Ferguson’s assistant, Neil McCann, has recently claimed that the interim boss is starting to prove people wrong with his impressive spell in temporary charge.

“I think that a lot of people maybe thought from his coaching CV that he maybe wouldn’t even be ready to even take this position. I think he’s proved that wrong. It’s not my place to tell anybody who is to get the job or not (beyond the end of the season). All we can do is work hard.

“He’s trying to bring the character he had as a player, the demands he had as a player. I think we’re showing that we’ve got a wee bit of guts about us.”

The 49ers, who have agreed a deal in principle to take over in Glasgow, will have a big call to make on who gets the permanent Rangers manager job.

Rangers and 49ers eye bid for 20 y/o who can play as right-back or striker

He’s also wanted in Germany and Italy.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 2, 2025

They’ll also be looking to make their mark in the transfer market and could bring a budget of more than £20m this summer. As well as incomings, there may also be plenty of outgoings, and it looks as if one player is likely to leave over the coming months.

Rangers certain to sell Jose Cifuentes this summer

Midfielder Jose Cifuentes joined Greek side Aris Thessaloniki on loan from Rangers for the 2024/25 season, and there have been claims that the club were in talks to lower the option to buy fee.

Now, as per The Daily Record, relayed by Ibrox News, Aris may pass up on their £4m option to sign Cifuentes, however, that doesn’t mean he’ll have a future in Scotland.

As per the report, Cifuentes is “certain” to be sold by Rangers as he is under contract with Rangers until 2027.

Games

26

Goals

1

Assists

3

Yellow cards

2

Minutes played

2,023

The 26-year-old, as can be seen, has made plenty of appearances on loan in Greece, and he was even hailed by South American expert Tim Vickery before he moved to Scotland.

Vickery said on Cifuentes when playing for Ecuador’s U20s: “He was the beating heart of that side and I think he’s a terrific midfielder. He’s strong, he’s got quality, he’s got a good engine – he’s one of the best all-round midfielders, potentially, that I’ve seen come out of South America in a while.”