Arsenal could still make one more major signing before the transfer deadline on September 1, with sporting director Andrea Berta potentially capable of reinforcing another key area depending on outgoings.
Premium Arsenal Experiences
Secure your matchday experience with Seat Unique.
See at Seat Unique
Mikel Arteta led his Premier League title hopefuls to a solid 1-0 win away to Man United on Sunday, and despite not pulling up trees with their overall display, Arsenal withstood a barrage of pressure to come away with a clean sheet after robust defending.
There were positive takeaways from their first league outing of the campaign, namely how they put aside a determined United on away soil, who themselves are looking to rebuild under one of Europe’s most exciting young managers in Ruben Amorim.
Away from the pitch, Berta could still sign another left-winger, if Leandro Trossard leaves the Emirates Stadium.
Trossard, who’s entered the final 12 months of his deal, is apparently more likely than not to depart amid interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Brentford, with Berta looking to potentially sell now rather than lose the Belgian for nothing next year.
If Trossard does depart, it would free up space for Arsenal to move for that other wide player (Ben Jacobs), and reports suggest that they’re still firmly in the running for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.
The Brazil international is attracting serious interest from Man City as a replacement for Savinho, amid his talks to join Tottenham, but Arsenal are believed to maintain their own interest in Rodrygo amid his uncertain Bernabeu future.
According to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, though, Real squad members have made their stance on him potentially joining Arteta’s side crystal clear behind-the-scenes.
Real Madrid players urge Rodrygo not to join Arsenal
As per their information, a number of Los Blancos stars, including the likes of Kylian Mbappé, have stepped in to urge Xabi Alonso and Real’s hierarchy not to green-light Rodrygo’s exit.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo
However, unfortunately for them, the consensus as things stand is apparently that Rodrygo is heading towards the exit door, regardless of his teammates urging him not to join Arsenal.
The 24-year-old racked up 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, but Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Rodrygo will likely cost around £86 million, so it’ll perhaps take a few key sales before Arsenal muster up the cash for such a mega-money transfer.
Readers like you help support FootballFanCast. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah have been rested from Pakistan’s Test squad for the two-Test home series against West Indies with Pakistan looking to beef up their spin options.Aamer Jamal and Mir Hamza, who played in South Africa, have also been rested as Pakistan recalled Mohammad Ali and picked fast bowler Kashif Ali for the first time.Sajid Khan, who played a leading role in the series win against England earlier in the season, is back partnering Noman Ali. Pakistan have also recalled Abrar Ahmed.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
“As part of workload management, the pace quartet of Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza, and Naseem Shah has been rested,” the PCB said in a media release.Abbas was a standout performer in the South Africa series, ending as the joint-highest wicket-taker with ten wickets from the two Tests – including his 100th Test victim. Those were his first Tests for three years. His resting is likely also a result of the expected condition of the pitches – aiding spin – on which his relatively slower pace might not offer a threat.There is no place in the squad again for Shaheen Afridi, who also didn’t play in the Tests in South Africa. With Naseem also out, it means that a home season that began with Pakistan talking up their pace depth and fielding an all-pace attack will end with Shaheen and Naseem having played two and three Tests out of nine. The pair was widely seen as the attack’s pace spearheads when the season began but neither managed to play two Tests consecutively. Tellingly, when Pakistan fielded an all-pace attack in Cape Town against South Africa in their most recent Test, neither made it to the XI.Noman Ali and Sajid Khan reunite for the West Indies Tests•Getty Images
Saim Ayub, who sustained a fracture of his right ankle during the first Test against South Africa, is also missing from the squad. That will mean a new opening combination for the series as Abdullah Shafique, on the back of a prolonged run of poor form compounded by three ducks in three ODIs in South Africa, has also been dropped. The selectors have picked Imam-ul-Haq and Muhammad Hurraira in their places.Rohail Nazir will be the back-up wicketkeeper for Mohammad Rizwan. He replaces Haseebullah Khan, who split the webbing on his right hand in South Africa.Both Tests against West Indies will be played in Multan, with the first starting on January 17 and the second on January 25.
Pakistan Test squad for West Indies series
Shan Masood (capt), Saud Shakeel (vice-capt), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Agha
Fast bowlers asking “questions after question” and Rachin Ravindra’s calmness were the major factors behind New Zealand claiming their first Test win in India after 36 years, captain Tom Latham has said.”We’re blessed with a couple of guys on our side, a couple of young guys that have stepped up in this match,” Latham said after the win in the first Test in Bengaluru. “I think the way Will [O’Rourke] bowled was outstanding, but I think I also look at the other two seamers, Tim Southee and Matt Henry, the pressure they were able to apply with that new ball on day one was outstanding. Matt got the rewards and Will got the rewards in that first innings.”It was a combination of everything. [It is] a really special feeling to be in this position. I think the work we did in the first and second innings with the ball and then obviously with the bat, really set the game up for us. It’s obviously a proud moment for this group and the one we will celebrate.”Related
Ravindra aces spin test in style on way to 'special' century
O'Rourke: 'I've been pretty streaky, pretty hot and cold with the ball'
Ravindra headlines NZ's first Test win in India since 1988
Stats: A win for New Zealand in India after 36 years
Latham was effusive in his praise for Ravindra, who played a key hand in stretching New Zealand’s lead past the 350 mark in the first innings followed by a 39 not out in the second when New Zealand were two down early in the chase with the ball doing a fair bit on the final morning.Ravindra, who is just ten Tests old, showed his composure while forging an eighth-wicket partnership of 137 with Southee in the first innings after the visitors had slipped to 233 for 7.”The way he [Ravindra] played the situation of the game was really important for us,” Latham said. “A 137-run partnership with a No. 9 batter is awesome. I think the way he played leading up to that [second] new ball was really important.”Even this morning, the way he came out with the game in the balance where another couple of wickets there and it could have been a nervy 50-60 runs, but I think the way he calmed the dressing room with his composure out there for a young guy in his ninth or tenth Test to play in that fashion is obviously exciting.”We’ve seen the talent that he has got over the last 12 months and certainly happy he is on our side.”Despite bowling India out for 46 in the first innings and then amassing 402 when they batted, New Zealand had to work hard for the win. India replied strongly in their second innings, erasing the deficit losing just three wickets with Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant looking set for more.Rachin Ravindra celebrates his second Test hundred•BCCI
The second new ball, however, brought about a change of fortunes as India collapsed from 433 for 4 to 462 all out and New Zealand had to chase only 107.”From our perspective, we knew India were going to come back,” Latham said. “From the wicket point of view, it’s probably at its best over those couple of days [three and four] for a bit to bat, so we certainly knew it was going to be a challenge against India, who obviously have a lot of firepower in that line-up. They certainly keep challenging us, they keep asking good questions and obviously to get a lead from the position that they were in was obviously a quality effort.”But the work we did with the new ball yesterday evening was outstanding. I think Tim Southee, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke with that new ball, just asked lots of questions and obviously managed to get the rewards.”At that point we certainly knew India were going to get themselves right back in the game and certainly [we were] just happy we weren’t chasing too many more than 100.”While Latham had led New Zealand in nine Tests previously, this was his first since being appointed full-time captain after Southee stepped down after the Sri Lanka series last month. He cheekily admitted that he was “very happy” to lose the toss on the second morning as he too would have opted to bat first. The opening day was washed out due to rain and with the pitch under covers for the better part of two days, New Zealand ran the Indian batting unit ragged.”I guess it’s just one of those times where you fall on the wrong or right side, whatever way you look at it, it’s always hard,” he said. “I guess the time that the wicket was under the covers, they obviously didn’t have the preparation time that they probably would have liked and [I am] happy that it fell the right way for us.”I think you try to look at what’s going to be harder. Is it going to be harder on day one or is it going to be harder on day five? We expect the match to go the duration of the game and I think we even saw it this morning when [Ravindra] Jadeja got that one out of the foot marks that hit Rachin in the head.”Obviously, the pitch was deteriorating. The cracks were starting to open a little bit more and we certainly saw that from a seamer’s point of view when the ball did hit those cracks that went up and down a little bit. I guess that’s a fine balance when you come over here and there’s not many times that you win the toss and bowl. So yeah, happy it fell on the right side.”It could end up being a red-letter day for New Zealand cricket. The men’s team won a Test in India after 36 years, and the women’s team now have the chance to claim their maiden ICC title when they face South Africa in the T20 World Cup final later in the evening in Dubai.”Yeah, it’s obviously been a great morning for New Zealand cricket from our point of view, but hopefully it can be an even better day for New Zealand cricket,” Latham said. “Obviously, the guys have been following the tournament a little bit and we’re obviously excited when they won that semi-final and I think for them to be in the position now with a chance of winning a T20 World Cup is obviously really special. Good luck to them.”
Glasgow Rangers have one foot in the play-off round of Champions League qualifiers after they hammered Viktoria Plzen 3-0 at Ibrox on Tuesday night.
Djeidi Gassama continued his electric start to life in Glasgow with two goals on the night, making it four goals in four matches after an impressive opening three outings against Panathinaikos and Motherwell.
Minutes
15
34
83
Shots
1
1
2
Goals
1
1
0
Key passes
0
0
1
Dribbles completed
2/2
0/1
2/3
Cyriel Dessers also scored from the penalty spot and assisted the opening goal for the former Sheffield Wednesday man against the Czechia outfit.
There was also an Ibrox debut given by Russell Martin. Oliver Antman is still unpacking his boxes after a switch from Go Ahead Eagles, yet was able to put in an impressive performance.
Oliver Antman's impressive debut for Rangers
The Finland international did not need any time to settle into life at Ibrox, as he was thrown into the starting XI and heavily contributed to two of the three goals.
It was his driving run, coming inside from the right, that resulted in him being tripped up inside the box, forcing the referee to award the penalty that Dessers scored from.
Antman also delivered a peach of a cross from the right flank to tee up Gassama for his second goal of the night, whipping an inch-perfect ball onto his head.
Whilst the Finnish forward may share the same name as an Avenger, it is another Rangers star who has emerged as their own superhero – Nasser Djiga.
Why Nasser Djiga is the new Rangers superhero
The Burkina Faso international was even better than Gassama and Antman on the night, as he put in a virtually fautless display at the heart of the defence, whilst the two wingers still lost possession and fluffed attacks to go along with their impressive contributions.
Playing Martin’s style of football is not easy. Rangers need players who are mobile enough to recover situations when the team commit turnovers in their own half, as well as players who are confident and composed enough to make passes under pressure.
Performance in Numbers
Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.
Djiga showed that he is the perfect central defender for the way that the manager wants to play, as he was a colossus defensively and immaculate in possession.
His best contribution in the match came when the Gers were 1-0 up. Matej Vydra had the ball with time and space to pull the trigger around the penalty spot, but the Wolves loanee seemed to come out of nowhere to make a sprawling, goal-saving, block.
There was also moment in the 60th minute when John Souttar played a careless pass that put his side in danger, but Djiga used his pace to recover the ball in behind and retained possession with a clever first-time pass to Max Aarons.
He had countless moments like that throughout the game, including one to cover for an out of position James Tavernier in the closing seconds, to prevent the away side from creating anything of note, making numerous blocks and recoveries to keep Jack Butland quiet.
Rangers managerRussellMartinapplauds fans after the match
His faultless defensive performance was even more impressive than Gassama and Antman’s exploits on the wing because of how difficult it it to play the way Martin wants to play, which is why it was such a brilliant showing from the defender.
Rangers could unlock Gassama's full potential in move for "offensive" star
Glasgow Rangers could unlock Djeidi Gassama’s full potential in a move for this star.
ByDan Emery Aug 5, 2025
Djiga may not be Antman, but the 22-year-old titan could be the Man of Steel for Rangers.
As speculation increases over Alexander Isak’s future, Newcastle United are now reportedly racing to sign a former Manchester City player in a £30m deal this summer.
Alexander Isak asks to leave Newcastle
Having been sent home by Eddie Howe before Newcastle’s pre-season game against Celtic last weekend and then left out of the Magpies’ squad for their Asia tour, Isak now reportedly wants to leave St James’ Park. There was an insistence that the Swede had suffered a thigh injury and that was the reason for his pre-season absence and not anything transfer related, but that has since been revealed to be a smokescreen for his desire to depart.
Newcastle’s biggest fear has been realised and they now face an almighty battle to keep hold of their star man. Liverpool could reportedly come calling if they manage to sell Luis Diaz and their interest in Isak has been an open secret all summer long. Meanwhile, clubs in Saudi Arabia are also reportedly plotting a move.
It would, of course, be quite the twist if another club owned by PIF made their move to sign Isak from Newcastle, but whether such a deal takes place remains to be seen.
Newcastle now set to take key next step in Wissa deal after offer rejected
The Magpies aren’t giving up.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 24, 2025
As for Newcastle, their attention must once again turn towards the transfer market. The Magpies have endured a tumultuous summer – missing out on a number of targets – and must now ensure that they get deals over the line for the likes of Yoane Wissa before potentially replacing Isak.
Newcastle join Adarabioyo race
One way that those in Tyneside could begin to spend any potential Isak money is by improving their backline. According to Caught Offside, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea this summer. The defender is valued at just £30m by the Blues and could be on the move amid interest from the Magpies, Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Napoli and AC Milan.
Minutes
1,409
3,330
Progressive Passes P90
2.68
2.03
Tackles Won P90
0.83
0.65
Aerial Duels Won P90
2.68
3.95
Compared to Dan Burn, Adarabioyo would offer Newcastle an instant upgrade in possession. Meanwhile, the former Manchester City gem would also be an impressive alternative to Giorgio Scalvini.
Newcastle are reportedly interested in the Atalanta man, but with a deal yet to take place, the door has seemingly opened for the likes of Adarabioyo this summer.
Initially rising through the ranks at Man City before establishing himself at Fulham then joining Chelsea, Adarabioyo earned impressive praise from Pep Guardiola in the past.
The Spaniard told reporters: “He is fast, strong in the air, and has the quality to look forward behind the line for the next pass. He definitely has a future in the first team.”
This is no longer hearsay, nor is it a twisted narrative that inevitably springs from the gnarled mass of rumour during the summer transfer window. Luis Diaz is in talks to leave Liverpool; he’s said so himself.
The Colombian winger, 28, has admitted that negotiations with potential suitors are ongoing, with suitors such as Barcelona and Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. BILD in Germany have also reported that personal terms have been agreed with Bayern Munich.
Luis Diaz
Despite Liverpool’s earlier stance in the window that Diaz would be going nowhere after his central role in Arne Slot’s incredible Premier League triumph, money talks, and the South American is frustrated that he earns a comparatively modest salary at £55k per week as he enters the next-to-last year of his deal.
Liverpool will need a replacement, of course, but they already have Cody Gakpo performing admirably on the attacking left flank, and they’ve signed Florian Wirtz for a British-record £116m fee too.
Why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz
While Liverpool’s attacking midfield zone is occupied by two talented players in Dominik Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott (who has been heavily linked with a summer transfer away from Anfield), Wirtz adds a different brand of attacking quality.
Florian Wirtz
Aged 22, the German international claimed the Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2023/24 as he helped Bayer Leverkusen toward the title as invincibles, also winning the DFB-Pokal. He’s been described as a “generational talent” by sports media professional Cristian Nyari.
Typically found in a thrusting central berth, Wirtz’s artsy dribbling skills and creative intelligence suggest he could be a great fit for Diaz’s role on the left, when Gakpo’s not playing.
But Liverpool need an out-and-out wideman to replace the Colombian, should he go.
Wirtz’s surpassing creativity is a world-class thing. It should, even, be enough to lift Darwin Nunez’s game, but Liverpool’s record centre-forward has had ample chance to prove himself, and, if Italian outlet Di Marzio are to be believed, an official bid has been tabled worth £47.5m. It’s been rejected, but discussions are ongoing.
If both Nunez and Diaz go, Liverpool might even be able to dip into the transfer market and sign one of the finest widemen in the business.
Liverpool enter talks for Diaz heir
According to TBR Football, Liverpool are among the host of top-level European clubs to have been in contact with Real Madrid star Rodrygo’s camp as the superstar moves inexorably toward a summer transfer.
Rodrygo’s peripheral role at the Club World Cup and recent rumours that Xabi Alonso is planning to convert the young and talented Endrick into a wide forward suggest that the Brazilian will soon be on the move.
Arsenal and Manchester City are both in the race, as are continental outfits such as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. Los Blancos are seeking a £75m fee if they are to part ways
The Brazil international needs to leave the Spanish capital if he’s to resurrect his name as one of the very best in the business.
Why Liverpool want Rodrygo
The 2024/25 campaign left plenty to be desired for Rodrygo, who is considered a “world-class superstar” by former teammate Luka Modric, but has been questing for a role befitting such talent and reputation, consistently placed on the right flank, an unfavoured position.
It should be noted that Rodrygo did not have a good season, not by his lofty standards. However, those rare occasions that saw him placed on the left yielded the richest fruits, having scored six goals and supplied six assists across only 12 outings.
And even without the acknowledgement of positional value, and how that would be better applied on Merseyside, Rodrygo has always retained a sense of underlying quality.
Ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion, the top 14% for progressive carries and the top 14% for touches per 90, as per FBref, Rodrygo has illustrated his willingness to be in the thick of the action, make things happen through athleticism and indeed retain possession confidently. Slot will love that.
He’s also a maverick in the Champions League, so often reserving his finest performances for Europe’s elite stage.
This thrilling acquisition would rival the furore that surrounded Wirtz’s posting to Anfield last month, for this is one of the most talented forwards in the world, inhibited by Real Madrid’s sweep of attacking options but undoubtedly capable of proving his world-class level when required.
Indeed, he’s played a starring role for the Spanish giants across so many years, leaving his Brazilian homeland to join the prestigious institution for around £40m back in 2019.
Rodrygo – Real Madrid Career by Season (all comps)
Season
Apps (starts)
Goals
Assists
24/25
54 (39)
14
11
23/24
57 (43)
17
9
22/23
57 (41)
19
11
21/22
49 (25)
9
9
20/21
33 (13)
2
8
19/20
26 (16)
7
3
Data via Transfermarkt
Rodrygo has still played an important role over the past year for Real, but it’s worth noting he only started 22 La Liga games in 2024/25, and blanked for both goals and assists across his past 12 league fixtures.
He only missed one big chance, though, as per Sofascore, and that illustrates the kind of finishing ability Slot would be able to work with.
Without a doubt, this could be a stunning signing for the Reds, one which could carry all the excitement of last month’s arrival of Wirtz.
Slot's answer to Gyokeres: Hughes lines up Liverpool move for "crazy" CF
Liverpool have been named among the interested parties for this prolific forward.
Liverpool are acting like a team whose wish is not just to defend their Premier League crown next season, but to compete for and clinch silverware in the Champions League and the domestic tournamental trophies.
Standing on the precipice of devolution last summer (or so it seemed), Liverpool held their tongue amid the transfer din and let their rivals dart this way and that as they pieced together teams capable of competing for the biggest prizes.
With Jurgen Klopp leaving after coming a day late and a dollar short in the 2023/24 title race, the Reds were largely forgotten, condemned by public opinion to a season of scrambling to retain their recovered seat back among Europe’s elite.
But Klopp made sure Anfield knew the name Arne Slot before he left, and the Dutch coach returned the call 11 months on, having tied red ribbons onto the league trophy.
Liverpool might not have made much noise in last year’s transfer market, and indeed weren’t considered a threat for the top spot by many, but things have changed and now the Merseysiders are looking to consolidate their position at the summit, with so many waiting for them to fall.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
There’s a lot going on, but FSG have yet to move for a new striker, and they need to do exactly that.
Liverpool need a new striker
With Darwin Nunez expected to leave this summer, Liverpool have been expected for several months to sign a new number nine.
Sadly, that won’t be Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The Athletic’s David Ornstein has claimed there’s “no chance” he leaves St. James’ Park after clinching Champions League football, with PIF sure to demand north of £150m for their star man.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
With Isak looking like a no-go, Liverpool have instead shifted their attention over to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike in recent weeks, but the French forward, 22, currently looks to be leaning toward a move to Chelsea.
Ekitike is dynamic and layered in his approach, though perhaps not far enough into his development to justify the £84m payment Frankfurt want.
Ekitike’s good and all, but would Liverpool be getting bang for their buck? It’s uncertain. However, there’s a far greater chance a deal for one of Europe’s established powerhouses would provide Slot with the goals he craves.
Liverpool open talks for new striker
They say money talks, but the riches of Saudi Arabia appear to have fallen on deaf ears in Victor Osimhen’s case. The Napoli forward has rejected a staggering £25m-per-year salary to move to Al-Hilal, instead choosing to remain in Europe.
With a €75m (£63m) release clause in his contract, transfer insider Graeme Bailey believes conversations with Liverpool officials last month might have played a part in the Nigerian striker’s decision, with a move to the Premier League his preference.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
Previous reports claim Osimhen, 26, has been on Liverpool’s radar for a while, and given that other options appear financially unviable, Liverpool may want to launch their move in the coming weeks.
Why Liverpool want Victor Osimhen
It’s been a long time since Liverpool had a consistent and reliable focal frontman, one who could rival any across the game.
Bobby Firmino was indisputably world-class, but not really a goalscorer in the strictest sense; Daniel Sturridge on his day could throw down with the best of them, but getting him into the ring and out of the infirmary proved a different battle altogether.
What Liverpool need is their new version of Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan legend turning the Premier League into his playground during his time on Merseyside. Steven Gerrard actually called the “world-class talent” the best that he had played with.
And in Osimhen, Slot could unearth exactly that guy. The deadly Napoli striker was out on loan with Galatasaray last season, winning trophies and scoring goals (37, in fact, across just 41 fixtures). For context, Isak scored 27 times in all competitions in 2024/25, while Ekitike netted 22 times for Frankfurt.
Napoli star Victor Osimhen
Osimhen might have endured a bitter divorce with his Naples parent club, but that only increases the chances of Liverpool enjoying a smooth negotiation process to bring him over to Anfield.
Once described as a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Osimhen was the cream of Napoli’s incredible Scudetto-winning 2022/23 campaign, defenders powerless to stop his powerful movements and thunderous striking.
Regarded by one talent scout to have some of the best pressing in the business, the £83k-per-week goalscorer wouldn’t just stand isolated as a target man under Slot’s wing.
Indeed, as per FBref, he ranked among the top 4% of strikers across applicable leagues last season for shot-creating actions, the top 18% for progressive carries, and the top 16% for ball recoveries per 90, emphasising his energy and tenacity in winning back possession and then making things happen.
This was exactly the same with the veteran Suarez, whose unrelenting hunger for the ball built an invariably prolific career, deadly for so many clubs across Europe during his heyday.
Luis Suarez – Career Stats by Club (Europe)
Club
Apps
Goals
Assists
Barcelona
283
195
113
Ajax
159
111
68
Liverpool
133
82
31
Atletico Madrid
83
34
6
Groningen
37
15
10
Data via Transfermarkt
Barcelona actually wanted to replace Suarez with Osimhen back in 2019, but were tilting into financial ruin and ultimately opted against the move, instead signing Antoine Griezmann for £107m – a deal which worked out just great for La Blaugrana.
At his core, Osimhen is a deadly goalscorer, but he’s also so much more. Skilful, smooth and intelligent, he could certainly prove to be a striker as complete as Suarez was during his Anfield days.
Would there be an element of risk with signing a striker seemingly tagged with contention? Maybe, but then Suarez had a fiery streak too, and he did just fine on English shores.
Move over Wirtz: Liverpool can sign Salah's next Firmino in £84m "magician"
Mohamed Salah is going to have some exciting new attacking talent alongside him next season.
Chelsea are now showing clear interest in signing a 20-goal South American striker this summer, and negotiations could intensify in the coming weeks, according to a report.
Jackson dismissed as Blues falter in top five push
Nicolas Jackson impressed in the early stages of the Premier League campaign, which means the 23-year-old has reached the 10-goal mark, but his performance in the important clash against Newcastle United on Sunday underlined the need to bring in a new striker.
In a game that could have huge ramifications on whether the Blues qualify for the Champions League, Jackson was sent off for an elbow on Sven Botman, leaving Enzo Maresca unhappy.
Speaking after the 2-0 defeat at St. James’ Park, Maresca said: “His season for us is finished. He is our nine, our striker, so we have to find a solution for the next games. Marc Guiu is our other striker, but he has been injured for three months.
“What you have to avoid is these kind of things, but it happened. Nico is now out for the season and hopefully he can learn for the future.”
Talks planned: Chelsea set to make contact over "unbelievable" £90m PL star
The Blues are set to hold talks over a deal for a Premier League attacker.
ByDominic Lund May 11, 2025
Jackson’s recent performance is unlikely to do the Senegalese forward in any favours this summer, given that the west Londoners were already thinking about bringing in a new striker, and a report from Spain has named Alaves’ Joaquin Panichelli as a target.
Chelsea are showing clear interest in signing Panichelli, given his impressive performances on loan at La Liga 2 side Mirandes this season, and talks could accelerate in the coming weeks, as there is growing interest in his signature.
Fellow BlueCo-owned club Strasbourg are also following the forward, alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers, with his entourage of the belief that a move to one of Europe’s top clubs is imminent.
Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures
Date
Manchester United (h)
May 16th
Nottingham Forest (a)
May 25th
Real Betis (n)
May 28th
Panichelli catching the eye in Spain
The Argentine enjoyed a very impressive 2024-25 campaign on loan at Mirandes, picking up 20 league goals, the second-highest number in the division, while also providing two assists.
Of course, it must be noted that the South American is unproven in a major league, with his recent exploits coming in the second tier of Spanish football, but his performances last season indicate he could be able to make the step-up to the Premier League soon.
As such, Panichelli could be an interesting signing for the Blues, but they must make sure to bring in a more proven striker alongside the 22-year-old, and they should be in a strong position to attract a top-level forward if they finish in the top five.
There is no shortage of options for Chelsea, with Arsenal now concerned their London rivals will hijack their move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, while Maresca’s side are also ready to bid for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
While they need points now, and are still involved in the FA Cup of course, Manchester City are starting to look to the future.
In the January transfer window, the Sky Blues invested heavily, recruiting youngsters Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Nico González and Juma Bah.
Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov in action with Chelsea'sNicolasJackso
However, they already had plenty of young talent on their books, and one highly rated centre-forward deserves more of an opportunity amid an injury to Erling Haaland.
The latest on Erling Haaland's injury
As outlined by Jamie Braidwood of the Independent, Haaland suffered a rather nasty ankle injury during the FA Cup victory over Bournemouth a fortnight ago, stating that the Norwegian’s ‘left foot was caught under the challenge of Lewis Cook’.
Pep Guardiola later confirmed that Haaland will be sidelined for ‘five to seven weeks’, which would see him face a race against time to be fit for the FA Cup final, if Man City overcome Nottingham Forest in the semis in his absence.
Although, of course, Man City’s season does not finish there, with the Club World Cup commencing in June, set to face Wydad Casablanca, Al Ain and Juventus in the group stages.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Nevertheless, in the meantime, the Citizens’ attack currently has a gigantic Haaland-shaped void that requires filling, both literally and metaphorically, albeit his deputy isn’t doing too badly.
Omar Marmoush's impact at Man City
After scoring 20 goals in 26 appearances during the first half of this season with Eintracht Frankfurt, Man City swooped in and signed Omar Marmoush for a reported fee of £63m in January, and his start to life at the Etihad has been impressive.
The Egyptian striker lashed home the Citizens’ equaliser during Saturday’s comeback victory over Crystal Palace, taking his tally to seven goals in sky blue already, six of which have come in the Premier League, all of those scored at the Etihad.
Marmoush’s hat-trick against Newcastle in February, timed at 13 minutes and 54 seconds, is the fourth-fastest by a Man City player in the Premier League, behind Sergio Agüero, Carlos Tevez and Raheem Sterling, according to Opta’s the Analyst.
Prior to his arrival, Ben McAleer of the Guardian believed Marmoush would be the ‘ideal addition’ for Guardiola’s team to make in January, and he’s certainly been proved right so far, but do Man City have another centre-forward champing at the bit, desperate to be given an opportunity?
Man City's highly-rated forgotten forward could replace Haaland
Last summer was largely a transfer window of inactivity at the Etihad, but they did snap up striker Divin Mubama from West Ham United, paying a reported compensation fee of £2m.
Divin Mubama
This could prove to be an absolute bargain, considering analyst Ben Mattinson is impressed by Mubama’s “obvious quality”, hailing him as a “serious player”, while Man City’s club correspondent Holly Percival praises his ‘relentless running, power, strength and impressive link-up play’.
So, who is Mubama?
Well, he joined West Ham United as a nine-year-old, most notably helping the Irons win the FA Youth Cup in 2023, scoring a hat-trick during the semi-final victory over Southampton, also bagging his first senior goal for the club during a 4-0 Europa Conference League victory over AEK Larnaca.
However, last summer, he decided to swap East London for East Manchester, so let’s assess his career statistics so far.
West Ham United
18
1
1
West Ham U21s
34
18
2
West Ham U18s
57
40
5
Manchester City
2
1
0
Man City U21s
9
8
4
As you may have noticed in the table, Mubama has scored for Man City’s first team this season, on target less than 20 minutes into his debut as the Sky Blues’ crushed Salford 8-0 in the FA Cup in January.
However, as also outlined in the table, Mubama has only been given one opportunity since then, despite being on fire at Premier League 2 level, scoring eight goals in eight games, thereby averaging a goal every 80 minutes.
Thus, Guardiola is going to have to give the 20-year-old some more opportunities, or he’ll surely seek more regular minutes elsewhere and while Haaland is sidelined, what better time to do it?
100 touches, 95% passing: Man City star is now as undroppable as Marmoush
Man City’s winter signings made the difference against Crystal Palace.
The allrounder entered at 179 for 5, with Ruturaj Gaikwad seemingly running out of partners, and did what he does best
Ashish Pant05-Sep-2025Around an hour and a half after lunch on the opening day of West Zone’s Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone, Tanush Kotian jumped down the track and smashed offspinner Saransh Jain for two straight fours. It is unlikely these two boundaries will be spoken about too much in the broader context of this match, but when Kotian hit them, they seemed to shift the momentum of the innings.West Zone were 179 for 5 in the 44th over. Shreyas Iyer and Shams Mulani had fallen in the space of eight overs, and while Ruturaj Gaikwad had reached his century, he seemed to be running out of support. Enter Kotian, Mumbai’s crisis man. He began steadily, getting right behind the line against the quicks, moving his feet swiftly against the spinners, the ball pinging off the centre of his bat. But he couldn’t find the gaps at the start. That changed with his charge against Jain. It changed things not just at his end but at Gaikwad’s too.Related
'Genuine allrounder' Tanush Kotian continues to be Mumbai's crisis man
Shubham Sharma – a low-profile red-ball warrior in the T20 era
From elbow injury to epic comeback: Gaikwad's masterclass in patience and power
After difficult Test debut, Kamboj returns with a display of quiet control
West Zone went into the tea break on a high, and kept their foot on the pedal when play resumed. They crashed 73 runs in the first 11 overs after tea, and while Gaikwad did most of the scoring, Kotian ensured he did not clog up the strike.”I’ve played for Mumbai for the last three to four years, so I have an idea of how to bat down the order and how to absorb the pressure,” Kotian said of his innings. “I know how to take chances, when to take chances, and where to rotate the singles and build the game. That’s what I’ve implemented in this match.”Ruturaj was a set batsman in front of me. I just wanted to build a partnership with him, taking it ten runs at a time. That’s what I was planning. I was trying to play as many balls as I could and just wanted to rotate.”Kotian was happy to be the bystander in a 148-run stand with Gaikwad, which came off 184 balls. It was the first time the two had batted together in a first-class game, but Kotian said he “developed a good bond” with Gaikwad and learned a lot along the way.”We have played on the same team before but because he is an opener, we haven’t had a chance to bat together,” Kotian said. “It was quite fun to bat with him, the way he was rotating the singles, and he was also guiding me on how to play, what to do on this wicket, where to take a single.”I learnt a lot from him in this game and the way he was batting, the shots he was playing, it was fun to watch. He was giving me a lot of confidence with the shots he was playing. I think we were batting at a run rate of close to 4 or 4.5 yesterday; that was a plus point.Kotian has been part of the Test squad, but he isn’t worrying about when he’ll get to wear the India cap•PTI “Strike rotation was a key part of our partnership. We were hitting the ball straight to the fielder and running. It was about understanding, just the eye contact and we were off. I think we developed a good bond and that contribution benefited us.”Since his comeback to the Mumbai team in 2022, Kotian has often rescued Mumbai from tricky situations. Now, he was at it for West Zone, his 76 vital to their reaching 438 in the first innings. Kotian says he thrives on the challenge of batting with the tail, and, as a bowler himself, understands the importance of extra runs down the order.”It’s all about how I can utilise myself, because I have the capability to bat well,” Kotian said. “Whenever I go [to bat], I don’t think about how many wickets have fallen, or that the team is in trouble. I have confidence. I just focus on my game, analyse it properly. ‘How can I play my shots, and how can I get the team out of that pressure situation?’ That’s my game plan.”I try and play time and take it one hour at a time. My goal is to reach the next drinks break and take it from there. If I can take it one small session at a time, the opposition automatically gets bogged down and after that it gets easy to score.”Kotian has had a busy couple of seasons. Apart from being a regular in the Mumbai line-up, he has also been part of India A squads in Australia and England. When R Ashwin retired midway through the Border-Gavaskar series in 2024-25, Kotian was the offspinner India called up as his replacement. The India cap seems like the next step, but Kotian says he doesn’t want to get too far ahead of himself.”I have not changed anything in these last six months,” he said. “What I have always done, I am continuing the same. I am not thinking too far ahead. I just like to stay in the present and plan each session accordingly.”Whatever happens in the future is in the selectors’ hand, but I try to give my 100%, whether it is batting or bowling.”Kotian is one of the few genuine allrounders in the Indian first-class setup. Before this semi-final, he averaged 25.93 with the ball and 43.50 with the bat after 38 matches, numbers that would make specialists in either discipline proud. With Ashwin’s retirement, a space has opened up in the Indian Test side, and with the numbers Kotian has accumulated, that cap may not be too far away.