Chelsea are now eyeing a summer move for a “composed” defender, with manager Enzo Maresca believed to be a keen admirer, according to a report.

Blues eyeing centre-back amid latest Disasi update

Axel Disasi has spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa, and it looks as though the 27-year-old could be heading for a permanent exit at the end of the season, with the Villans now opening talks over a summer deal.

Maresca’s side have been faring well in their pursuit of the Champions League without Disasi, and they are now just one win away from securing qualification for Europe’s elite competition next season, with the crucial trip to Nottingham Forest pencilled in for next weekend.

As such, it could make sense to sanction the Frenchman’s departure, but Maresca may be keen on bringing in a top-level replacement, should his side return to the Champions League, with FA Cup-winning captain Marc Guehi among the potential targets.

After leading his Crystal Palace side to FA Cup glory, Guehi is likely to have no shortage of interest this summer, but the 24-year-old is not the only English centre-back of interest to the west Londoners.

According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Chelsea are now interested in signing Leicester City defender Ben Nelson, who caught the eye with his impressive performances for Oxford United in the Championship last season.

£172k-per-week star keen to join Chelsea regardless of Champions League race

He’d want the move to Stamford Bridge no strings attached.

13

By
Emilio Galantini

May 17, 2025

The Blues have been keen on Nelson for quite some time, having also considered a move back in the January transfer window, and their interest seems like it stems from their manager, with Maresca believed to be an admirer.

The Italian has previously described his former player as “ideal”, while also adding: “He’s quick. He can play right or left – it’s perfect.”

"Composed" Nelson destined for the top

Not only is Maresca a big fan of the Leicester ace, but he also impressed teammate Peter Kioso during his time with the U’s, with the fellow defender saying: “Nels has come in and done what he’s needed to do. Credit to him, he’s still a young lad and I feel like he’ll go to the very top in football, just from his mentality and how he reads the game, and how composed he is.”

The 21-year-old missed large parts of the campaign with injury problems, but he remained a key player when fit, making 17 appearances for Oxford in the Championship, featuring at centre-back on every occasion.

Having put in some solid performances in the second tier at a young age, the £5k-a-week defender may soon be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, but Chelsea should also make sure to bring in a more experienced centre-back, having identified a number of targets.

Liverpool’s mastery in the transfer market must leave rivals hot under the collar. FSG have their drawbacks, criticised for their frugality, but who can reasonably rail against their formula?

Arne Slot, though, has exceeded expectations this season, winning the Premier League at a canter, somehow replacing the irreplaceable Jurgen Klopp.

It’s frightening to think that Liverpool are now ramping up their transfer plans, rewarding Slot with a deep-pocketed transfer chest which has already led to the signing of Jeremie Frimpong, with his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz lined up for a reported British-record €130m (about £110m) transfer.

With a deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez also in the pipeline, Liverpool fans would be forgiven for indulging in fits of excitement: Slot and the powers that be are investing in a team ready to challenge at the highest European level for many years to come.

However, more is needed in attacking areas if the Reds are to do it all over again next year and keep Mohamed Salah, who turns 33 this month, on his A-game.

How Liverpool can keep Mo Salah firing

Last season, Liverpool won the Carabao Cup and restored their place in the Champions League after a wretched 2022/23 campaign, but failed to secure the biggest prizes.

Salah promised the Liverpool faithful he would put that right, and delivered on his promise by winning the Premier League under Slot’s wing, winning the clean sweep of individual prizes in the process.

It was, all in all, a rather good campaign for the Egyptian King, but there’s no question he was overburdened with responsibility at times, dragging his profligate teammates across the finish line.

Salah no doubt misses the seamless synergy that Jurgen Klopp pieced together when creating one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever frontlines, Salah joined by Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in turning Liverpool back into a superpower over so many years.

Premier League

38

29

18

Champions League

9

3

4

Carabao Cup

5

2

1

Now, Liverpool must reward their legendary veteran with new partners in the final third who maintain clinical rates of scoring, of supplying. Whether Salah will secure teammates on the level of Firmino and Mane remains to be seen, but FSG are certainly acting with the intent of achieving just that.

Slot driving ambitious Liverpool deal

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool are considering ‘a fresh approach’ for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon this summer, who is valued at around £80m.

Contacts were established one year ago when Newcastle fretted over ways to circumvent PSR, having failed to qualify for Europe. Liverpool were drawn to the possibility of signing Gordon, but in the end, Eddie Howe’s side found alternative routes to go down.

Now, though, it’s become clear that Anfield’s interest has remained intact, and while the former Everton star would not force his way out of St. James’ Park, a return to Merseyside to sign for his boyhood club would be a big temptation.

Why Anthony Gordon could replicate Mane at Liverpool

Liverpool released Gordon from their academy when he was only 11 years old, leaving him adrift until washing up at Goodison Park, where he made his name.

Newcastle paid Everton a £45m fee to sign Gordon in January 2023, and this was before he made genuine headway. Now, it’s understandable that the Magpies would want to bank nearly double that figure, and if Diaz is sold, Liverpool might just be able to make it happen.

Hailed for his “unbelievable” 2023/24 campaign by teammate Bruno Guimaraes, Liverpool’s interest came after a campaign that saw Gordon post 28 goal contributions across all competitions, earning Newcastle’s Player of the Season.

Despite winning the Carabao Cup and restoring his club’s place in the Champions League, the current season hasn’t been so kind to the England international, with injuries and suspensions disrupting the second half of the term.

The 24-year-old remains one of the most talented wingers in the Premier League, though, having pronounced himself a “nightmare for anyone” he plays against.

With levels still to scale as he makes improvements, Gordon might just be Slot’s long-term solution on the left flank, maybe even becoming Liverpool’s new version of Sadio Mane, with blistering speed and a dynamic danger to his skill set.

Last August, pundit Jamie Carragher actually tipped the Three Lions man to serve as Mane’s heir over on Merseyside, claiming he could make a “frightening” impact.

A player of such physicality and athleticism with ostensibly sharper weaponry than Diaz could certainly make a positive impact, striking a stunning partnership with the evergreen Salah, who will remain at Liverpool for at least two more years.

And if Darwin Nunez is sold and replaced by Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with Liverpool locked in battle with Chelsea for the French forward, Slot might even have his own version of Firmino to complete a deadly new strike-force.

How to define Bobby Firmino? The Brazil forward was the glue which held Klopp’s iconic front three together, effortlessly brilliant and commendably selfless.

Mane and Salah were the goal-getters, but Firmino made it all tick, and given that Ekitike would join Liverpool as an up-and-coming Bundesliga talent, the similarities are clear to see, as Firmino arrived from Hoffenheim a decade ago for £29m.

Ekitike, 22, is a good goalscorer, having scored 22 times for his club this term, but he’s also so much more. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for assists and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Such quality would give Gordon an inroad to a new level of goalscoring success, especially with Salah shaping into one of the game’s superlative wide playmakers in recent years.

Liverpool have enjoyed tremendous success in Slot’s newly-crafted system, but with such signings, they could reach even higher, giving Salah a new attacking partnership for the ages.

A new Mac Allister: Liverpool set sights on signing "dangerous" £35m star

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be Alexis Mac Allister 2.0.

ByDan Emery Jun 1, 2025

Despite already confirming Matheus Cunha’s arrival and seemingly submitting an opening bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are now interested in signing a third Premier League forward this summer.

Man Utd submit first Mbeumo bid

With captain Bruno Fernandes set to stay put amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Cunha sealed and signed, Manchester United have enjoyed the perfect start to their summer. But they’re not done there. The Red Devils will be well aware that they still have plenty of work to do and have already turned their focus towards welcoming Mbeumo.

As David Ornstein reported and Fabrizio Romano relayed, however, signing Mbeumo will be easier said than done in the coming months. Brentford, after watching on as Manchester United splashed out on Cunha, are reportedly keen to receive a similar fee for a player who outperformed the Brazilian talisman in the 2024/25 campaign.

The big question is whether Manchester United can afford to splash out another £60m+ without completing a significant sale first. As much of a relief it has been to see Fernandes stay put, those at Old Trafford could now find themselves limited without his big-money sale.

The midfield star confirmed the news that Al-Hilal were, indeed, in pursuit of his signature but he declined a move to Saudi Arabia in pursuit of keeping his place among the very best, telling reporters: “I want to play at the highest possible level.

“I want to play major competitions. I know I still can and I want to be happy doing the thing I love the most. For better or worse, this is how I see football and I’m passionate about football and this is the decision I’ve made.”

It’s also worth noting that the Red Devils already have potential alternatives to Mbeumo in their sights should they be priced out of a move for the Brentford star this summer.

Man Utd interested in Calvert-Lewin

According to The Boot Room, Manchester United are now interested in a move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer. The forward is on course to become a free agent at the end of his current Everton contract this month and, therefore, represents a bargain option for those at Old Trafford.

Whilst Calvert-Lewin has endured his fair share of injury problems and disappointing form in recent years, his Premier League experience is undeniable and it’s the type of experience that both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund lack.

Related Their own Wirtz: The "best finisher in the world" now wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to land their marquee signing just a week into the transfer window.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jun 6, 2025

The 28-year-old has earned plenty of praise during his time in Merseyside, including from former manager Sean Dyche, who told reporters following an impressive victory against rivals Liverpool in the 2023/24 campaign: “I thought he was excellent.

“He’s had a bit of illness. We’re hopeful that has passed, he had it before the game, so I must commend him on that. His physical performance was outstanding, He’s not quite over it but we hope it settles down a bit.”

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has now personally spoken to a £145m star about a summer move to the Emirates Stadium, according to a report.

Gunners eyeing new winger amid Martinelli criticism

There have recently been suggestions that Gabriel Martinelli may not be at the level required to take the Gunners to the next level, with journalist Kyle Bonn implying that Mikel Arteta should look to bring in a new winger in the summer transfer window.

Those thoughts may also be echoed by club legend Thierry Henry, with the Frenchman suggesting the winger still has plenty of areas in which he needs to improve after the 2-0 victory against Manchester United earlier this season.

As we approach the summer transfer window, the north Londoners have been stepping up their pursuit of a new winger, with the likes of Nico Williams and Rodrygo believed to be of interest, while they have now made contact over a deal for a different forward.

Indeed, according to a report from Foot Mercato, Arsenal have now shortlisted AC Milan’s Rafael Leao as a summer target, with Berta speaking to the Portugal international on the phone around ten days ago.

The Gunners hold a real interest in Leao, who is considering an exit this summer after a mixed campaign at the San Siro, but he is not their priority target, and they are yet to make a final decision about whether to make a move.

£359k-per-week striker would join Arsenal "immediately", Berta wants him

He’s apparently very keen.

ByEmilio Galantini May 24, 2025 "Incredible" Leao could be expensive signing for Arsenal

According to reports from Italy, Milan could hold out for as much as £145m for the Portuguese winger, so a deal is likely to be on the expensive side, but there are clear signs he could be an upgrade on Martinelli.

The 25-year-old has averaged more non-penalty goals, assists and successful take-ons than the Arsenal winger over the past year, during which time he has also been lauded as “incredible” by CBS’ Matteo Bonetti.

Statistic

Gabriel Martinelli

Rafael Leao

Non-penalty goals

0.29

0.34

Assists

0.14

0.26

Successful take-ons

1.48

2.84

While Milan have underperformed throughout the 2024-25 campaign, currently sitting in seventh place, the Almada-born winger has remained consistent in front of goal, picking up 12 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

As such, should Arsenal decide to bring in a new winger this summer, Leao should be right near the top of the list of targets, but signing a new centre-forward is arguably more important, with Arteta being left very short on options at striker throughout the campaign.

Liverpool’s attack has been sensational throughout 2024/25, playing a huge role in Arne Slot’s success in claiming the Premier League title during his first season at the helm.

The Reds managed to notch a total of 86 goals in their 38 appearances – the most of any side in the division – with Mohamed Salah leading the way with 29 goals.

However, despite their success, there could be a change in the attacking department ahead of next season, with the club needing fresh impetus to maintain their performance levels.

The likes of Diogo Jota, Darwin Núñez and Luis Diaz could all leave Anfield this window, raising some key funds in Slot’s ambitions of landing new signings.

With the transfer window now open, numerous players have already been touted with a switch to Merseyside this summer, which could see the hierarchy massively back the manager during the off-season.

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

Since claiming the title, Liverpool have been extremely busy in the market, as seen with right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who’s already joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen.

He could be joined by the likes of Milos Kerkez, Marc Guehi and Alexander Isak, who have all also been strongly touted with a summer switch to Merseyside.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix in the form of Victor Osimhen, with the striker firmly on their radar, according to TBR’s latest update.

Their report claims that discussions have been held over a move for the Nigerian striker, who scored 37 goals in 41 appearances on loan at Galatasaray from Serie A outfit Napoli.

It also states that the Reds’ hierarchy are targeting a new striker this summer, with a big name expected, which could see the 26-year-old move to Anfield – but they would have to meet the £60m price tag on his head.

Why Osimhen would be a better signing than Wirtz

Florian Wirtz is a player who has been the subject of huge interest from Liverpool in recent weeks, with a move progressing in the right direction ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The German, who registered 30 combined goals and assists this season, could cost the Reds a pretty penny, after already having a club-record bid of £110m rejected by Bayer Leverkusen.

It would be a huge investment from the hierarchy, showcasing how much the board have faith in the manager to make the changes he desires after his first season at the helm.

If he can carry his tally of contributions over from the Bundesliga, it would be an addition that could massively bolster their ambitions of becoming back-to-back champions in the Premier League.

However, they could be about to make a better addition than the midfielder this summer in the form of Osimhen, who would solve arguably what’s been Slot’s biggest issue.

When comparing the Nigerian’s stats with those of current strikers Jota and Nunez, he’s massively outperformed the pair, handing the side that focal point they’ve been desperately lacking.

Osimhen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has massively outscored the duo, whilst registering a higher shot-on-target rate – offering the manager the clinical central option he’s been devoid of as of late.

He’s also managed to win more of the aerial duels he’s entered this campaign, with such a talent aiding the likes of Salah in the attacking areas, which could see him improve his own tallies in the final third.

Whilst a deal for Wirtz is undoubtedly an exciting one, it’s an extra to what’s already an impressive midfield department, offering key depth alongside the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, Osimhen would undoubtedly be signed as the number one striker, looking to fill the void in a position that has arguably been a disappointing one over the last 12 months – as seen by the records of Jota and Nunez.

If the club are to have any chance of securing another league title next campaign, the signing of the Nigerian international is vital, with his skillset massively improving the goalscoring options at Slot’s disposal.

He's Coutinho 2.0: Liverpool hold talks to sign "Ballon d'Or level talent"

Florian Wirtz isn’t the only midfielder Liverpool have their eye on.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 3, 2025

Having put pen to paper to officially become the new Rangers manager, Russell Martin has instantly reportedly shifted his focus towards what would be a bargain swoop for the Gers.

Martin already targeting Rangers incomings

The former Southampton boss has got straight to work with the 49ers and is already looking to build a Rangers squad in his vision and one capable of catching Old Firm rivals Celtic. Together with sporting director Kevin Thelwell, Martin will be desperate to get off to the best possible start at Ibrox in the summer transfer window.

Russell Martin considering selling "brilliant" Rangers 22 y/o who wants to stay

He wants to stay at Ibrox, but the decision could be made up for him.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 10, 2025

Speaking to the club’s official media channels, Thelwell reiterated that success won’t come easy but it is a must at Rangers. He said: “This is a new chapter for Rangers, and while we recognise success won’t come easy, our goal is clear: we need to win. My focus is on delivering that, with discipline and ambition. We’ll give everything to move this club forward as quickly and sustainably as we can.”

The start of a new chapter may yet see the introduction of more new characters too. The rumours have been coming thick and fast as to who could become the first arrival of the Martin era, from Dor Turgeman to a player who the manager knows very well in Flynn Downes.

Using Martin’s Premier League links will likely prove key this summer if the Gers are to bridge the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. And Downes wouldn’t be a bad start. Martin worked with the midfielder at both Southampton and Swansea in a partnership which could be renewed at Ibrox this summer.

The midfielder’s not the only Premier League target that Rangers have on their radar, however. The Scottish giants have also reportedly turned their attention towards a free agent who just left Nottingham Forest.

Rangers and Martin targeting Toffolo

As reported by The Scottish Sun, Rangers and Martin are also targeting a deal to sign Harry Toffolo not long after he left Nottingham Forest at the end of his contract this summer.

The experienced left-back will therefore be available for nothing and could instantly jump ahead of the likes of Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz in Rangers’ pecking order down that side. Meanwhile, if there are any concerns that negotiations will be difficult, then the fact that Toffolo is represented by the same agent as Rangers forward Danilo may ease those concerns.

From the very start of his Nottingham Forest career in 2022, Toffolo found himself at the centre of praise. Welcoming the defender to the City Ground, former manager Steve Cooper said at the time: “Harry is an excellent addition to the squad and adds quality and depth to a position that we were keen to strengthen this summer.”

Now, it could be Martin’s turn to welcome the 29-year-old to his squad in what would be a solid way for Rangers to commence their summer business. An experienced defender who’s available at a bargain price, Toffolo is not one that the Gers will want to miss out on.

The Premier League confirmed its fixture calendar for the 2025/2026 season this week with Arsenal set for an intriguing opening game against Man United, and there is little doubt sporting director Andrea Berta will be aiming to secure all of Mikel Arteta’s top summer transfer targets by that date.

Regarding links to some of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, United have been equally active in the transfer market, with both sides attempting to get a prolific centre-forward through the door after disappointing seasons.

Arsenal make contact to sign trophy-laden £400k-per-week ex-Man City star

He’d be quite the addition to Arteta’s dressing room.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025

Arsenal have been in talks with RB Leipzig over a deal for Benjamin Sesko for weeks, but as things stand, the Gunners are unwilling to match their demands of a transfer fee which could reach up to £85 million.

With Arsenal still yet to shake hands on a contract with the player’s representatives, plenty of work is still to be done if Berta wishes to strike a deal for the Slovenia international who’s eluded Arteta’s side since last summer.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Sesko rejected a proposal to join Arsenal this time last year and ex-interim sporting director Jason Ayto led a mission to tempt the 22-year-old with a move to the Emirates in January, only to be told that he wanted to see out the season with Leipzig (Ben Jacobs).

Amidst the Sesko saga, Arsenal are also trying to sign a new winger, but key target Nico Williams is now in talks to join Barcelona instead.

Arsenal planning to hijack Chelsea deal for Jamie Gittens

That is according to CaughtOffside, and given the Athletic Bilbao starlet is most likely to remain in La Liga with Barça, Arsenal are believed to be shifting their focus to Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.

The “new name” target, as described by this report, is emerging as a priority signing for the north Londoners and Arteta is apparently a real admirer. They’re currently taking “concrete steps” to swoop for Gittens and holding internal talks over a move for the Englishman, who Dortmund value at around £51 million.

Arsenal are said to be “serious” about signing Gittens and could move quickly, which comes as a real concern for Chelsea and Enzo Maresca.

The west Londoners had three bids rejected for the 20-year-old before the Club World Cup transfer deadline (Florian Plettenberg), with CaughtOffside reiterating that Gittens has already reached a long-term agreement on personal terms to join Chelsea.

Chelsea are widely expected to bid again for Gittens (Fabrizio Romano), but Arsenal appear to be posing a major threat in the race, so Maresca may now have a battle on his hands.

The Dortmund sensation, called an “incredible” one-v-one forward by Nuri Şahin, bagged 12 goals and five assists in 49 total appearances last campaign – with four of his strikes coming in the Champions League.

It’s been a very busy summer so far from Birmingham City’s perspective as they aim to take the Championship by storm.

Every passing day seems to throw up a new, tantalising transfer rumour for the Blues masses to feast on, with the likes of Kwame Poku, Demarai Gray, and many others potentially tipped to make the move to St. Andrew’s a constant topic of conversation.

Of course, whoever does enter the building this hectic summer will have to complement what Chris Davies already has at his disposal, with the title-winning boss no doubt confident that a large portion of his troops can take to their new division swimmingly.

In particular, Jay Stansfield will be raring to go after promotion, with the 22-year-old sharpshooter already proving himself to be a reliable finisher in the Championship previously, away from just causing plenty of havoc in League One.

Stansfield's importance next season

After all, the ex-Fulham marksman didn’t just fluke his bumper 19-goal haul in league action last season.

Rather, the explosive 22-year-old routinely found himself in the right place at the right time to power home an opportunity, with only a mere 29 touches averaged per league clash, despite ending his successful campaign with his goal tally deep into the double digits.

The Blues hotshot is unlikely to be a one-season wonder, too, with Stansfield actually bagging 12 strikes the campaign prior for Birmingham when he was just a wide-eyed loanee, even as his team succumbed to relegation in the unforgiving Championship.

Now, with his team’s collective confidence at sky-high, Stansfield will pray he can show off this same goalscoring prowess towards the top-end of the division.

He could be boosted in the goalscoring department by this brand-new acquisition entering the assured ranks, with the new striker target in question potentially the second coming of the Blues number 28 if all goes to plan.

Birmingham eyeing deal for their next Stansfield

Even when plying their trade in League One momentarily, Birmingham still managed to pull off some statement deals, as seen in Stansfield leaving Craven Cottage behind for a permanent third-tier stay.

In the here and now, another statement deal similar to this capture could soon be on the cards, with Graeme Bailey exclusively revealing that Birmingham have an interest in signing Leeds United gem Joe Gelhardt, off the back of the Whites wanting to get rid after sealing promotion themselves up to the Premier League.

Wrexham is also noted as a fellow Championship club keen on Gelhardt – away from unnamed interest also being speculated from other second-tier outfits – with a loan deal the likely move on the table to satisfy all parties, considering he still has two years left on his Elland Road deal.

Despite experiencing a topsy-turvy few years on the books of the West Yorkshire outfit, Gelhardt would link up with Davies and Co with the same glowing reputation Stansfield possessed, having once been viewed as the next best thing coming out of Elland Road when they were regularly competing in the big time.

Indeed, the now 23-year-old centre-forward would collect an impressive two strikes and six assists for the Whites in the Premier League, with Jamie Carragher even once labelling the Liverpool-born ace as “special” off the back of his raw ability.

Gelhardt’s G/A record by club

Club played for

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Leeds

57

3

7

Leeds U21s

31

20

6

Wigan Athletic

21

1

0

Sunderland

20

3

3

Hull City

20

5

0

Wigan U21s

5

5

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Stansfield was equally highly thought of when impressing in youth circles at Fulham – as seen in his blistering 38 strikes at youth level – but, much like Gelhardt will now be faced with, he had to spread his wings away from his boyhood side eventually, resulting in him now becoming Birmingham’s main man up top.

Based on the current Leeds man’s promising Championship numbers above with Hull City, he could soon be held in the same glowing light as Stansfield at St. Andrew’s, with his then Tigers boss Ruben Selles even heralding him as “exceptional” after helping his loan employers beat the drop.

With both Stansfield and Gelhardt at his disposal, Davies will be delighted with the options he could soon possess in attack, with the attacking duo perhaps what Birmingham need to push on even more after obliterating their League One competition with ease.

Related Birmingham can land bigger signing than Gray with "future superstar"

Birmingham could land a bigger signing than Gray by bringing this star to the club.

Posts ByDan Emery Jun 14, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now ready to make an “unbelievable” star their club-record signing, with Thomas Frank identifying him as a prime target, according to a report.

Tottenham eyeing new forward amid Son uncertainty

Heung-min Son became the first Tottenham captain to lift a major trophy in 17 years last month, with his side prevailing over Manchester United in the Europa League final, but there have been suggestions the South Korean’s time at N17 could be coming to an end.

That is according to journalist Matt Law, who said: “I mean, certainly after the last game of the season, he left people with the impression, both in the dressing room and around the staff, that he might have played his last game for Tottenham.

“The way he said his goodbyes for the summer did leave people with the impression that he thought he could go.”

As such, one of Frank’s most important tasks this summer could be to bring in a replacement for the forward, and the new Spurs boss has now identified a Premier League attacker as a prime target.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are now ready to make Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze their club-record signing by shelling out £68m for the forward, who Frank believes is capable of thriving out wide.

Tottenham now in talks to sell "phenomenon" after bid in the last few days

Daniel Levy and Johan Lange could ship out a few interesting names this summer.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2025

Crucially, Eze would be keen on a move to N17, despite widespread reports from elsewhere suggesting that Arsenal have now joined the race for his signature, and Spurs would be willing to make an upfront payment of £45m to get a deal over the line.

Palace are open to receiving the remaining £23m in installments, with a total package of £68m making the England international the Lilywhites’ new club-record signing, having previously signed Dominic Solanke from AFC Bournemouth for a fee of £65m.

"Unbelievable" Eze could be ideal Son heir

The timing could be right to let Son leave, with the South Korea international finally getting his hands on a trophy, and there are signs the Palace star could be an ideal replacement, given the level of his performances for the South London outfit.

Most notably, the 27-year-old led the Eagles to their first-ever major trophy by scoring in the FA Cup final against Manchester City last month.

Not only that, but the “unbelievable” Palace talisman has proven himself to be a fantastic dribbler of the ball over the past year, while also placing highly for assists per 90, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.28 (80th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

4.69 (82nd percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.33 (86th percentile)

As such, it is clear to see why Tottenham are willing to make Eze their record signing, and it is exciting news that he remains keen on a move across the capital.

Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign was certainly one to forget for the club and their supporters, falling way below the levels the side have set for themselves over recent years.

The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League, with Ruben Amorim unable to turn the club’s fortunes after taking the reins at Old Trafford back in late November.

He did lead the side to the Europa League final, but lost 1-0 to fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao, restricting them to no European football for 2025/26.

It may prove to be a blessing in disguise for the manager as he attempts to build a squad capable of mounting a challenge for a spot in the top four next campaign.

The transfer window presents the 40-year-old with the perfect opportunity to improve his squad, adding needed quality and depth in numerous key areas of the side at the Theatre of Dreams.

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

After Matheus Cunha joined United last week, the club have continued to make moves in the transfer market, making an opening offer for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo in the last few days.

The Red Devils placed a £55m bid that was swiftly rejected, with the Bees demanding a fee in the region of £70m, with the winger wanting a switch to Old Trafford this summer.

However, the 25-year-old could be joined at the club by Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swede once again emerging on their radar, according to reports in Italy.

They claim that they’re set to enter talks with the talisman who’s registered 54 goals this campaign, potentially setting up a reunion with Amorim after plying his trade under him in Portugal.

It also states that he could be available for a fee in the region of £55m this summer, with fellow Premier League side Arsenal also firmly in the race for the 27-year-old’s signature.

Why United’s £55m target could be Amorim’s next Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has been the shining light in what’s been a dismal year for United, with it unthinkable to imagine where the club would be without his contributions.

The Portuguese international registered 37 combined goals and assists despite the team’s failures, by far and away the most of any player in the squad – highlighting his importance to the side.

Such form didn’t go unnoticed, with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal willing to pay up to £100m for the 30-year-old star, which could prove to be the Red Devils’ last chance to cash in on his services.

However, he rejected the interest earlier this week, turning down a contract in the region of £700k-per-week, showcasing his loyalty to helping the side turn around their recent fortunes.

Fernandes joined the club from Sporting CP back in 2020, which Gyokeres having the opportunity to follow suit in the current window, potentially following in the midfielders’ footsteps.

The £55m fee touted for his signature appears to be a potential bargain, especially when delving into his underlying figures from 2024/25, having the tools to offer the club a leading talisman.

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has registered a staggering 2.6 shots on target per 90 – certainly aiding his goal tally, which saw him net a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Games played

33

Goals & assists

46

Shots on target per 90

2.6

Successful dribbles

1.9

Touches in opposition box

10.5

Aerials won

51%

Chances created

2.1

He’s also completed 1.9 successful dribbles per 90, along with 10.5 touches in the opposition box per 90, handing the club that fox-in-the-box type forward they’ve craved over recent months.

The Swede’s talents don’t end there, winning 51% of the aerials he’s entered, offering the club a focal point that can score and tee up other forwards within the final third.

It’s safe to say the attacking department is high up on Amorim’s demands this summer, looking to add key depth as seen by the moves for Gyokeres, Mbeumo and Cunha already this summer.

Should he complete a move to Old Trafford and get anywhere near the levels achieved by Fernandes in Manchester, it would be a superb addition and one that could play a huge role in their ambitions of rising up the table in 2025/26.

He's "better than Haaland": Man Utd in talks for £67m Gyokeres alternative

Manchester United can forget about Viktor Gyokeres with a move for another attacking star.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 6, 2025