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Arsenal have a massive season ahead of them.

After all, they finished second in the Premier League for the third time on the bounce last season, and there is only so much time Mikel Arteta will have to bring the glory days back to the Emirates.

The good news is that the board seem intent on giving him all the help they can in the transfer window this summer, with a host of brilliant players already touted for a move to N5, like Eberechi Eze.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, Arsenal are now closing in on a deal to sign an international star who would be an even more exciting addition to the team than the Englishman.

Arsenal move to sign a new goalscorer

It was last week that stories linking Arsenal to Eze began to appear, but it was over the weekend that things supposedly accelerated in a meaningful way.

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 reports from Monday, the Gunners had held talks with the Crystal Palace star’s camp, and, according to Fabrizio Romano, he’s now more than open to a move to the Emirates.

The 27-year-old has a release clause in his current deal widely reported to be worth around £68m, but even at that price, he could still be worth going all out for.

Yet, it appears as if the North Londoners are now making serious progress in their attempts to sign someone who’d be an even more exciting addition: Viktor Gyokeres.

According to a recent report from Belgium, Arsenal are now in “advanced talks” with Sporting CP over the Swedish international, and feel like they are near the “final line” of the deal.

Moreover, it has been revealed that the club and player have already agreed personal terms.

A potential price is not mentioned in the report, but stories from earlier this week claimed that a fee in the region of £69m could be enough to seal the deal.

It’s a lot of money to spend on one player, but given Gyokeres’ recent record, it could prove to be more than worth it, and he could end up being a far more exciting signing than Eze.

Why Gyokeres would be more exciting than Eze

While there are so many different things to enjoy in football, from a well-timed tackle to a wonderful ball over the top, there is one thing that excites fans more than anything else: goals.

When it really comes down to it, what supporters want to see above all else is their team putting the ball in the back of the net, and when it comes to that, there seem to be few, if any, better than Gyokeres.

It’s this reason why his arrival would be more thrilling than Eze’s, as he’s been a lean, mean goalscoring machine over the last two years.

Appearances

50

52

Minutes

4169′

4248′

Goals

43

54

Assists

15

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.16

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.87′

63.40′

For example, in his first campaign with Sporting, the “ball-striking monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 appearances, totalling 4169 minutes, which comes out to an average of 1.16 goal involvements every game, or one every 71.87 minutes.

Then, somehow, he managed to do even better last season, scoring 54 goals and providing 13 assists in 52 appearances, totalling 4248 minutes, which comes out to a simply sensational average of 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes.

In contrast, Eze has scored 48 goals and provided 28 assists in the 167 appearances he’s made for Crystal Palace since joining them in 2020.

Ultimately, it is a little simplistic, but sometimes football can be an extraordinarily simple game, and based on the sheer weight of goals he’s scored in recent seasons, we can’t imagine many, if any, players being a more exciting signing for Arsenal than Gyokeres would be.

£60m Madueke upgrade: Arsenal eyeing "one of the fastest players in the PL"

Arsenal could sign a winger who’s one of the fastest players in the Premier League.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 2, 2025

Signing a replacement for Andre Onana has seemingly been one of Manchester United’s biggest priorities since the start of the summer. Now, chasing exactly that, the Red Devils have reportedly joined the race to sign a Club World Cup star.

Man Utd's goalkeeper search goes on

Although reports have suggested that Onana believes he’ll still be the No.1 at Manchester United next season and he’s keen to fight for his place, Ruben Amorim may not share that view. The Portuguese manager must be ruthless and showing the Cameroon international the door should be one of his first acts this summer.

He's better than Cunha: Man Utd close in on signing "phenomenal" star

Manchester United look set to complete their second signing of the summer after Matheus Cunha.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

That said, the Red Devils must get their next move right after Onana. They cannot risk signing another liability. Whoever arrives, be it Emiliano Martinez, Andriy Lunin, Diogo Costa or another option, simply has to be a significant upgrade on the former Inter Milan man.

Whilst Martinez has been the most prominent name in recent rumours, the numbers indicate that the Aston Villa man would not be the much-needed upgrade that Amorim needs, as highlighted by Statman Dave.

Four errors leading to shots is far from an ideal record, but signing Martinez wouldn’t exactly solve that problem for United. Instead, their troubles may simply take the shape of a new No.1 if they sign the World Cup winner this summer.

Those at Old Trafford certainly have plenty to think about and that thinking has reportedly seen them turn towards the Club World Cup for a fresh option.

Man Utd plotting John Victor move

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Manchester United are now plotting a summer swoop to sign John Victor from Botafofo who has a release clause worth just $8m (£6m).

The impressive shot-stopper agreed to stay put at the Brazilian side to play at the Club World Cup in a decision which has resulted in a moment to remember against Paris Saint-Germain.

Joining Alisson Becker as the only goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet against PSG this season, the Botafogo goalkeeper played a pivotal part as his side shocked the Champions League holders to win 1-0.

For just £6m, Manchester United could sign a goalkeeper who managed to keep Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia out and someone who is ready to step into European football.

Having reportedly sent scouts to watch the 29-year-old in action, United should be well aware of Victor’s talents and, more importantly, his ability to play at the very top level.

Rather than signing the likes of Martinez or Costa this summer, INEOS could yet turn towards an unexpected option in the Brazilian.

Manchester United fell by the wayside last season, but the early readings from the summer transfer market suggest Ruben Amorim and INEOS are doing all they can to lift Old Trafford back to its feet.

With sights set on driving their way back into the Premier League ascendancy next year, getting their foot back through the European door, the Red Devils acted swiftly to activate Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause, and that’s despite interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The prestigious outfit needs new goalscoring superstars, and Cunha will certainly add to that department. However, United are also pushing to sign another who could become their new talisman.

And all this before they even sign a striker.

Man Utd still leading race for Premier League star

It’s safe to say that the ongoing transfer window has all been about attacking additions for United. After a move for Cunha was completed, Jason Wilcox and Co have turned their attention to the likes of Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports.

However, while Gyokeres would allegedly favour a move to Arsenal instead of Old Trafford, that’s not the same story for another of football’s brightest forward players.

As per TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with Bournemouth for the transfer of Antoine Semenyo. Why is this relevant? Well, because Spurs also have a vested interest in Bryan Mbeumo having appointed the winger’s former boss, Thomas Frank, as their new manager.

Mbeumo, 25, has been immense for Brentford and is a wanted man. With Frank heading to Spurs, there were fears that he may not sign for United now, but as with Cunha, his preference is still to move to the Theatre of Dreams.

United have already seen an opening offer worth £55m rejected, and are expected to go back in for the Cameroonian with Fabrizio Romano revealing that there is an ‘agreement with the player in place’ on personal terms.

Why Bryan Mbeumo could be Man Utd's answer to Salah

Mbeumo did rather well across the recently finished campaign, only outscored in the Premier League by Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland – not bad competition to be pitted against.

1.

Mohamed Salah

38

29

2.

Alexander Isak

34

23

3.

Erling Haaland

31

22

4.

Chris Wood

36

20

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

38

20

It certainly makes a convincing comment on Mbeumo’s skillset, not least because he, like Liverpool’s Salah, is a right-sided, left-footed forward, not technically a striker.

In fact, Mbeumo has been described as a “mini Salah” by talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy, arcing inward to curl powerful strikes into the back of the net.

Anfield’s Egyptian King has so often been a thorn in United’s side, but in Mbeumo they might just find their own version, one whose prowess could inflict damage not just on Liverpool but the division at large, having ranked among the top 2% of positional peers in the English top flight in 2024/25 for goals scored per 90, as per FBref.

Moreover, Mbeumo isn’t just a sharpshooter, and would instead dynamise the Red Devils and raise their creative bar through his skilled performances, having created 17 big chances last season, averaging 1.8 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.

Playmaking has increasingly become a defining part of the 33-year-old Salah’s game as his athleticism drips away, and so it’s good to know that Mbeumo already plays with a natural focus on linking play together and helping his team in that regard.

Mbeumo has performed with gamely courage and a confidence in his high-level quality. He’s only 25, which, coincidentally, was the age Salah was when he joined Liverpool from Roma for £34m in 2017.

It’s clear that Man United need to forge ahead with this exciting signing. Mbeumo wants the move and has the English experience to lift the club and propel Amorim toward greener pastures.

Better than Ekitike: Man Utd open talks to sign "the best ST on the market"

Manchester United could be edging closer to ending their hunt for a new striker this summer.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 16, 2025

Manchester United are thought to be close to signing a second major transfer target of the summer after Matheus Cunha.

Man Utd targeting more attacking signings after Cunha

The Red Devils and INEOS made an early start on their summer transfer business by securing the services of Matheus Cunha.

Those at Old Trafford triggered the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause to sign him from Wolves, and after signing for Man Utd, Cunha said:

Cunha may well be used by Ruben Amorim in one of two attacking number 10 positions behind a striker in a 3-4-2-1 system, so more firepower in the final third is on the agenda at Old Trafford.

Amorim's own Haaland: Wilcox in talks to sign "world-class" CF for Man Utd

Manchester United appear to be making moves towards a new centre-forward this summer.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 17, 2025

On the search for a centre-forward, Man Utd have been linked with Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Meanwhile, another versatile attacker that has been wanted for weeks is Brentford star Bryan Mbuemo. Despite interest from Spurs and new manager Thomas Frank, Man Utd are the ones who have had a verbal agreement in place to sign the Cameroon international.

Indeed, INEOS have been preparing a huge salary offer worth £13m per season to lure the forward to Manchester, a wage that works out at £250,000-a-week. Now, a new development has emerged, and one that will be music to the ears of many Man Utd supporters.

Man Utd now “very close” to signing Mbuemo after talks intensify

According to reports from Spain, Man Utd are now “very close” to signing Mbuemo from Brentford.

It is claimed that ‘contacts with the player’s entourage and with Brentford itself have intensified from Manchester’ and that ‘negotiations, which have been ongoing for weeks, have progressed significantly’.

Amorim has also given the green light to a deal, but no fee is mentioned in the new update. As many will know, Man Utd had an initial offer rejected for Mbuemo worth up to £55m as the Bees value their star at more than £60m.

Games

38

33

Goals

20

15

Assists

8

6

Presumably, a deal, should it go through, will be around that figure, and it looks like a transfer is on course to be completed imminently following this latest update.

Celtic have designs on breaking the glass ceiling in the Champions League next term and could now launch a move for a powerful enforcer to help their bid, according to a report.

Celtic's summer window and where they need to strengthen

The Bhoys are currently taking stock before deciding where to prioritise in the market safe in the knowledge that Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan will arrive on free transfers from Arsenal and Aberdeen, respectively.

While the homecoming of the former will be widely celebrated by supporters, Chris Sutton believes time is ticking for Celtic and indicated three bodies are needed to supplement the reigning Scottish champions’ squad between now and the Champions League qualifiers.

He explained: “In an ideal world you’d have two or three new faces reporting for the first day of pre-season, giving them time to bed in ahead of the new campaign and the crucial Champions League qualifiers.

“The transfer market doesn’t always work that way but they will need to move quickly to bring in at the very least three new players.”

Adding another attacking option appears to be their main priority at the moment, and the notion of a sensational Celtic reunion with Kyogo Furuhashi is alive as he is set to be left out of Rennes’ pre-season plans by Habib Beye.

Celtic braced for lowball £8.5m bid as Spurs could hijack forward deal

The Bhoys are fielding interest for star players…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 7, 2025

Peterborough United’s Harley Mills has been approached by the Bhoys and could add some support behind Tierney at left-back, though the two positions mentioned aren’t the only areas Rodgers may look to bolster during the window.

Taking things up a notch, Celtic have now made contact to sign a midfielder who could add some bite in the engine room if recent developments were to escalate.

Celtic make contact to sign Demir Tiknaz

Per A Bola, Celtic have initiated contact over a potential deal for Turkish defensive midfielder Demir Tiknaz, who spent the campaign gone on loan at Rio Ave from parent club Besiktas.

Intriguingly, the Primeira Liga side are expected to trigger a release clause option to sign the Istanbul-born man for £4.2 million. Then, they will aim to double their money with a quickfire sale at around the £8.4 million mark.

Demir Tiknaz at Rio Ave in 2024/25 – why do Celtic want to sign him? (Fotmob)

Tackles won

37

Pass completion

85.9%

Duels won

121

Chances created

16

Aerial duels won

25

Standing at 6 foot 4 he is currently on duty with the Turkish national team and would add some much-needed steel into an engine room made up primarily of technicians.

Callum McGregor isn’t getting any younger and the lack of a deeper like-for-like alternative to the Bhoys’ club captain could now be resolved if negotiations were to accelerate.

Ligue 1 outfit LOSC Lille are also keen on Tiknaz and will provide stiff competition for his signature, though the carrot of Champions League football at Celtic is something worth dangling for intended targets.

A busy summer awaits for all involved at Everton.

As reported by Rob Tanner of the Athletic, the Toffees currently have ten senior first-team players out of contract, which is more than any other Premier League club, with Abdoulaye Doucouré just one of the many high-profile players waving goodbye.

So, having played their last-ever match at Goodison last Sunday, ahead of moving into their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, David Moyes and his staff will have plenty of work to do to be ready for the big unveiling in August, but could they beat off the competition to land one of the league’s hottest prospects?

Everton's search for a new striker

According to a report by Fabrizio Romano, Everton manager Moyes has already held a face-to-face meeting with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, in which they ‘presented their project’.

The reporter claims that the Toffees are prepared to offer an ‘important’ salary to convince the England U21 international to make the move to Merseyside, amid interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.

Also, on Friday, Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna confirmed in his press conference that “Liam’s looking at his options”, stating that the club “have given him permission to do that this week”, adding “of course there is a lot of interest – and rightly so”.

Following the Tractor Boys’ relegation, it’s been widely reported, including by Jacob Steinberg, Nick Ames and Jamie Jackson of the Guardian, that Delap’s contract includes a £30m release clause, with Manchester United and Chelsea amongst those purportedly said to be interested.

However, could the 22-year-old be convinced to move to Merseyside instead?

How Liam Delap would improve Everton

As alluded to earlier, Everton have a whole host of players out of contract in the summer, one of which is Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Well, according to a report by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, no ‘final decision’ has been made just yet, with Andy Hunter of the Guardian claiming the striker ‘has been offered new terms’, but an agreement is yet to be reached.

Irrespective of whether or not he chooses to remain on Merseyside, it is undeniable that Calvert-Lewin’s importance to Everton has massively declined in recent seasons, as the table below outlines.

2019/20

41

2,996

15

Zero

2020/21

39

3,313

21

6

2021/22

18

1,332

5

23

2022/23

18

1,196

2

24

2023/24

38

2,630

8

7

2024/25

25

1,611

3

15

As the table highlights, Calvert-Lewin actually scored more goals during the 2020/21 season than he has in the four subsequent campaigns combined, partially due to the fact that he’s missed a whopping 69 matches due to various injuries during this time frame.

Nine years on from first arriving at the club, for a reported fee of £1.5m from Sheffield United, the 28-year-old is no longer an important figure for the Toffees.

So, let’s assess how his statistics compare to Delap’s this season.

Appearances

25

36

Minutes

1,611

2,596

Goals

3

12

Assists

2

2

Shots on target %

37.5%

44.6%

Shots per 90

2.69

2.27

Big chances missed

14

10

Goals – xG

-3.3

+2.3

Shot-creating actions

25

62

Touches per 90

29

24

Average Sofascore Rating

6.72

6.86

As the table outlines, Delap would represent a clear and massive upgrade on Calvert-Lewin, registering more impressive statistics pretty much across the board.

The most noteworthy statistic is goals – xG, with Delap’s figure of +2.3 meaning he ranks 20th in the Premier League for this metric, while Calvert-Lewin’s -3.3 means he is second-bottom, above only Savinho of Manchester City.

Prior to their meeting in December, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who worked with him at youth level at Man City, described Delap as a “fantastic player” and a “very good striker”, while Kurosh Moghtader of Total Football Analysis praised his ‘physical frame’, intelligent movement and ‘excellent… link-up play’.

Meantime, Pranav Parameshwaran of Breaking the Lines asserts that he could become ‘England’s future striker’, impressed by his ‘ability to occupy defenders’ and general ‘all-round game’.

So, what is clear is that Delap has the potential to become one of the best centre-forwards in the Premier League, so if Everton are able to convince him to sign for them, it would represent a major coup.

Moyes' next Branthwaite: Everton plotting bid to sign "elite" £17m star

Everton are gearing up for a summer of change in the transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair May 23, 2025

Wrexham are now looking to raid newly relegated Cardiff City, having identified a striker as a potential summer transfer target, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.

Red Dragons preparing for life in the Championship

The Red Dragons achieved a historic third promotion on the spin last season, courtesy of a second-placed finish in League One, but owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are now faced with their most daunting task to date.

Clubs like Sunderland, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have found it very difficult to get out of the Championship in the past, so the Hollywood owners will be under no illusions about how difficult it will be to achieve their dream of Premier League promotion.

As such, manager Phil Parkinson may have to make major changes to his squad this summer, and potential targets have already been identified, with Dungannon forward Tomas Galvin believed to be among them.

Parkinson may be particularly keen on bringing in a new striker, given that Ollie Palmer and Paul Mullin netted just six League One goals between them last season, with the latter falling down the pecking order after playing a key role in previous promotions.

It could be a wise idea to bring in a striker with Championship experience ahead of the upcoming campaign, and Bailey has now told Wrexham Insider that the Welsh side are eyeing a raid on Cardiff City, following the Bluebirds’ relegation to League One.

Bailey said: “Wrexham are also aware of Cardiff duo Ollie Tanner and Isaak Davies – both players are on their radar.”

Davies is the striker in question, with the Welshman making nine appearances for Cardiff in the latter stages of the 2024-25 Championship campaign, finding the back of the net twice.

Reynolds and McElhenney plotting Wrexham move to sign "great" 7-goal star

He could be their first Championship signing…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 29, 2025 "Excellent" Davies could reignite career at Wrexham

The Welshman missed large parts of the 2024-25 campaign through injury, before playing a sporadic role upon his return from a hamstring problem late in the season, often being utilised as a substitute at right-midfield.

However, there are signs the Aberdare-born forward could be better suited to the role of striker, having shown a keen eye for goal during his time on loan with KV Kortrijk in the Belgian Pro League, scoring 12 goals in the 2023-24 campaign and scooping up the Player of the Year award.

The £6.5k-a-week Cardiff ace has also impressed former manager Steve Morison in the past, being lauded as “excellent” in the 2021-22 campaign, during which time he managed to pick up two goals and two assists in the Championship.

At just 23-years-old, Davies is still in the early stages of his career, with room for development, and a move to Wrexham could make sense this summer, given that Mullin and Palmer struggled in front of goal during the 2024-25 campaign.

The forward line at Manchester United has massively disappointed throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly having an impact on their lowly Premier League standing.

Ruben Amorim’s team have only managed to find the net on 42 occasions within their 35 league outings – an average of just 1.2 per game, with numerous players failing to deliver.

Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have been the two senior forward options throughout the campaign, but have largely struggled in the final third, netting just seven league goals between them.

Such form has allowed youngster Chido Obi to emerge into the first-team squad at just 17, becoming the youngest United starter in the Premier League after his appearance from the off against Brentford on Sunday.

However, if they are to get anywhere near their former glory next season, it’s crucial the board back Amorim and hand him the funds to allow him to make themselves changes he desires.

The latest on United’s hunt to sign new attackers

A new striker needs to be high up on the club’s list this summer, with the hierarchy evidently wasting no time after entering talks to land Nigerian talisman Victor Osimhen.

The 26-year-old, who’s spending the year on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, appears to be of interest to the club after scoring 24 times in 27 league appearances.

However, the striker isn’t the only forward on their radar, with Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao firmly on their radar ahead of the summer, according to CaughtOffside.

The report states that manager Amorim is leading the charge to the 25-year-old’s signature after previously managing the attacker during his time in charge of the Liga Portugal outfit.

It also claims that the boss has personally requested the board to land the Portuguese international who’s said to be available during this window for a fee in the region of £34m.

Why United’s £34m target could be Amorim’s next Amad

Ivorian Amad Diallo has been a key player for United throughout this campaign, registering 17 combined goals and assists across all competitions.

However, his progress has been massively halted over the last three months, only returning to action in recent weeks after his extended lay-off, but he has already showcased his quality.

The 22-year-old scored off the bench in the defeat to Brentford last weekend, but his return to full fitness could hand the Red Devils a mammoth boost in their Europa League triumph hopes.

Regardless of who’s signed this summer, Amad will remain a key member of the side, undoubtedly playing a crucial role in any success they could achieve in the manager’s first full campaign in charge.

However, Amorim could land his new version of the Ivorian in the form of Trincao, who possesses very similar attributes, given their ability to cut inside onto their favoured left foot off the right-hand side.

They can also both feature in a wing-back role if needed, with the Sporting ace massively outperforming the current United star when delving into their respective figures from this season.

Trincao, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Rafael Hernandez, has notched more combined goals and assists, highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.

Games played

32

23

Goals & assists

22

13

Shots taken

3.3

2.3

Shot-creating actions

5.1

4.5

Progressive passes

4.9

3

Passes into final third

3.1

1.3

Take-ons completed

2.3

2

Aerials won

40%

37%

He’s also completed more progressive passes and completed more take-ons per 90, having all of the tools to hand other attackers the chance to increase their own tallies in the final third.

The former Barcelona ace has also managed to take more shots per 90, whilst also winning more aerials, certainly handing Amorim an all-round presence to transform his attack in 2025/26.

£34m in today’s market is an excellent price for a player who’s proven his quality, producing countless stats that are well above those of current star Amad.

Depth is also just as important to the first-team squad next season, handing the manager the opportunity to rotate his side and have the best possible chance of success in multiple competitions.

He'd be amazing with Cunha & Amad: Man Utd in talks to sign elite striker

Manchester United could be allowed to land a new talisman who could supercharge their overhaul this summer.

ByEthan Lamb May 6, 2025

Leeds United have already secured promotion back to the Premier League and the next step for them will be how they plan to avoid an instant relegation.

The Whites can hit 100 points in the Championship with a win over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, having beaten Bristol City 4-0 at Elland Road on Monday, but then all focus will be on how the club can build a team for the top-flight.

Daniel Farke will have some incredibly difficult decisions to make, and one player whom he will have to make a quick decision on is Sam Byram, whose contract at Elland Road is up this summer.

What the English defender will not want to hear at this moment, though, is that Leeds are reportedly interested in signing a new player in his position.

Leeds eyeing move for new right-back

According to a claim from Turkish reporter, as relayed by LeedsUnitedNews, Leeds are one of a number of clubs who want to sign Bournemouth full-back Max Aarons in the summer transfer window.

The journalist claims that the Whites will attempt to swoop for the former England U21 international in a loan deal when he returns from his loan spell at Valencia ahead of next season.

Marseille, Lille, and Sheffield United are also said to be keen on the English right-back, however, which means that there could be plenty of competition for his services.

Transfer Focus

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

Leeds could have a unique advantage in the race, though, because Farke is the manager who gave Aarons his first-team debut and won two Championship titles with him during their time together at Norwich City.

Why this is bad news for Sam Byram

The news that the West Yorkshire outfit are interested in signing another right-back this summer will come as bad news to Sam Byram, who has started just 15 league matches this term, and any hope he has of penning a new contract at the club.

Leeds already have Jayden Bogle as the first-choice right-back at Elland Road and bringing in another player in that position could mean that there is no place for the veteran Englishman in the squad at Premier League level, with Aarons competing with Bogle for a starting berth.

Whilst it remains to be seen what the club’s decision will be in regards to Byram’s future, this latest news does not suggest that they are planning to give him an extension to be a key first-team player next season.

Starts

41

45

Goals

2

2

Assists

6

2

Clean sheets

11

17

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

1.6

Duel success rate

58%

53%

As you can see in the table above, Aarons provided defensive strength and offensive quality during Farke’s two title-winning seasons at Carrow Road.

The German head coach, as shown in the clip above, described him as “outstanding”, which shows how highly he rates the £34k-per-week full-back.

Aarons, whose most recent appearance came in a 2-1 win for Valencia over Real Madrid, has only started 14 Premier League matches since the start of last season for Bournemouth, and Farke could provide him with a chance to revive his top-flight career.

Farke could sign Piroe upgrade in Leeds swoop for "electric" £40m "monster"

Leeds could immediately land an upgrade on Joel Piroe by swooping for this £40m star.

ByDan Emery Apr 29, 2025

Leeds would then have healthy competition between him and Bogle for the right-back spot, whilst it could mean that Byram’s time at Elland Road comes to an end this summer.

Arsenal are now believed to be among the frontrunners for the signing of a new forward target after missing out on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané, who is committing his future to the Bundesliga side with a new contract.

Leroy Sané on verge of Bayern Munich stay after talks with Arsenal

Earlier this week, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg shared news of fresh Arsenal talks with Sane over a potential move to the Emirates Stadium, but the former Man City star appears more likely to snub Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal hold "high-level talks" to sign "bargain" attacker "in recent days"

Negotiations have apparently taken place this week.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2025

The 29-year-old, who’s impressed with a string of standout performances for Bayern in recent weeks, was due to leave on a Bosman deal past June 30th. However, he is now edging towards signing fresh terms at the Allianz Arena.

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

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Plettenberg reports that Bayern have made an official new contract offer to Sane, with all parties now working to reach an agreement over an extension, which spells bad news for Arsenal’s attempts to bring in a new right-winger this summer.

The journalist also states that Sane is about to extend his Bayern contract in a separate message, so it’s more likely than not Arsenal are about to miss out on a free deal for the Germany international star.

Interestingly, the Sky reporter has now claimed that the Gunners are eyeing an alternative in wantaway Bayern teammate Kingsley Coman.

Arsenal now "most concrete" option for Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman

According to Plettenberg, Arsenal is now the “most concrete” landing spot for Coman, who has told Bayern chiefs that he’d like to leave this summer.

However, it won’t be a free run for Arteta’s side either, with Tottenham also eyeing a move for the Frenchman and Saudi planning transfer talks.

“Kingsley Coman has already internally expressed his desire to leave this summer, as revealed,” wrote Plettenberg on X.

“Saudi clubs are now taking the matter seriously and are planning a visit to Munich for talks with Bayern. In England, Arsenal are currently the most concrete option – especially since Leroy Sané is about to extend his contract with Bayern. Spurs would like to sign Coman but are currently in a waiting position due to his high salary.”

While the 28-year-old earns a reported £284,000 per week in Germany, which would make him one of Arsenal’s highest-paid players, Coman’s price tag stands at up to £39 million – making him an obtainable option in terms of club-to-club negotiations.

The former PSG and Juventus winger has racked up nearly 140 goals and assists combined over almost 330 appearances since joining Bayern, all whilst showcasing real ability on the highest stage.

“He was at PSG as an eight-year-old boy,” said pundit Rio Ferdinand.

“With the money that came in with the Qataris, he was one of the players who were offloaded, and he’s come back and done this. His trophy haul since leaving – it shouldn’t be allowed. It’s unbelievable. The kid knows how to win.”

One major drawback which Arsenal need to be aware of is Coman’s injury history, with Arteta keen to avoid being left so short of wide options akin to this season.