All posts by z3u9t.icu

While they didn’t do an awful lot of buying last summer, Arsenal made a lot of money through sales.

Mikel Arteta and Co managed to get £30m from Crystal Palace for Eddie Nketiah, up to £25m for Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton and up to £34m for Emile Smith Rowe from Fulham.

Of those three players, it would be fair to say that the Gunners have missed Smith Rowe the most, as injuries and poor form have seen their attack seriously underwhelmed this season – as exemplified by the fact Liverpool has scored 17 more goals than them in the Premier League.

However, while Arsenal can’t just bring the Cottagers’ new star back to the Emirates this summer, recent reports have linked them with another exciting player who could become their new version next season.

Arsenal transfer news

In part, thanks to their lacklustre spending last summer and their underwhelming domestic campaign this season, Arsenal look set for a big summer of spending, and one of the names most heavily touted for a move to N5 is Viktor Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

The Sporting CP superstar is reportedly available for around £70m, and while that is nothing to sniff at, it might just prove to be a bargain for the Swedish international, as in just 48 appearances this season, he’s scored a mind-blowing 52 goals and provided 12 assists to boot.

Another incredible international player linked with the Gunners is Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

The Brazilian winger could be available for an astronomical fee of around £123m at the end of the season, and while that might be too much, there is no doubt that the 24-year-old would improve the North Londoners, as he’s racked up 23 goal involvements in 50 games this season.

However, neither of the aforementioned superstars could be deemed as the club’s new Smith Rowe, unlike Jacob Ramsey.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in signing the Aston Villa ace this summer.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Chelsea and Manchester City are also keen on the 23-year-old and that there is a real chance Villa could let him leave once the window opens.

Prior stories claimed that the Claret and Blue value the talented ace at around £50m, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be available for less in the coming months.

It wouldn’t be a simple transfer to get over the line, but it’s one well worth pursuing, especially as he could be Arsenal’s new Smith Rowe.

Why Ramsey could be Arsenal's new Smith Rowe

So, before we get into some of the other reasons why Arsenal should look to sign Ramsey this summer, why could he be looked at as a ‘new’ Smith Rowe?

Well, there are a few surface-level similarities between the two, such as the fact they’re both English, around the same age, already have considerable experience playing in the Premier League, and are right-footed.

However, perhaps the most significant similarity is in their positional versatility and play style.

During his time at the Emirates, the Fulham star was often either played in the middle of the park as an attacking midfielder or out on the left, in a front three or deeper in left-midfield.

So far in his career, it’s been a similar story for the Birmingham-born ace, as he’s often played either in the middle of the park, in left-midfield, or out on the left of a front three.

It’s this ability to play the role of an attacking midfielder and a winger which makes the two Englishmen so similar, and what could see the “sensational” Villa ace, as dubbed by journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor, become such a useful player for Arteta in North London.

On top of his similarities to the Cottager ace, the 23-year-old star – who scored for Villa in a 3-1 defeat at the Emirates back in 2021 – also has some impressive underlying numbers to his name.

Successful Take-On %

60.0%

Top 1%

Pass Completion

85.4%

Top 3%

Tackles (Def 3rd)

0.77

Top 8%

Shots Blocked

0.14

Top 10%

GCA (Live-ball Pass)

0.48

Top 13%

Blocks

1.20

Top 16%

Penalty Kicks Won

0.05

Top 18%

For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-on %, the top 3% for pass completion, the top 10% for shots blocked, the top 13% for goal-creating actions from live passes and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while the fee might be a little on the high side, adding Ramsey to the squad would undoubtedly strengthen Arsenal ahead of next season, and who knows, he might just become their new Smith Rowe.

Big Odegaard upgrade: Arsenal eye up move for a "future Ballon d'Or winner"

Martin Odegaard is under fire after a poor run of form for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 30, 2025

It’s set to be a very busy summer at Rangers. With 49ers Enterprises, spearheaded by Paraag Marathe, close to finalising their 51% takeover of the Ibrox side, they’ve got plenty of work to do before Champions League qualifying commences early on 22/23 July.

Rangers need a new manager and, after a trophyless campaign, the squad requires major surgery too, but could they land a “very talented” midfielder, who would suit the style of play of one of the front-runners to become the new boss?

The latest on Davide Ancelotti to Rangers

As reported by Spanish outlet AS, Carlo Ancelotti’s son, Davide Ancelotti, is one of the front-runners to become the new Rangers manager, claiming that the 35-year-old is excited by the ‘project’.

Mark Atkinson of the Scotsman notes that Ancelotti previously worked with Rangers’ new sporting director Kevin Thelwell at Everton, while Guillem Balague and Chris McLaughlin of BBC Sport are reporting that an official approach has now been made.

Ancelotti has been his father assistant at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid, but has never been a head coach in his own right, so it is difficult to forecast what a Davide team looks like, but one can only assume it would be similar to a Carlo side.

With that in mind, perhaps their latest transfer target might be perfect.

The first signing of the Ancelotti era?

According to a report by TEAMtalk earlier this week, Rangers are ‘plotting’ a move to sign midfielder Metinho, who they claim is valued at £4m.

Transfer Focus

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

Born in DR Congo, Abemly Meto Silu and his father Abel fled when he was just one-year-old, moving to Rio de Janeiro, earning the nickname Metinho during his time in Fluminense’s academy.

After turning pro, he was picked up by the City Football Group, officially attached to Troyes, although he’s never made a senior appearance for the Ligue 2 side, loaned out to Lommel in Belgium, another CFG-owned club, as well as Sparta Rotterdam and then, most-recently FC Basel.

The table below illustrates his globe-trotting career so far.

Fluminense

Campeonato Carioca

1

Troyes B

Championnat National 3

8

Lommel

Challenger Pro League

27

Sparta Rotterdam

Eredivisie

41

Jong Sparta Rotterdam

Tweede Divisie

1

FC Basel

Swiss Super League

11

Since leaving Brazil, he has played in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland, so could Scotland be next on this list?

This weekend Basel were crowned Swiss champions for the first time since 2017 and, while Metinho has only made 11 appearances for the RotBlau, he’s quickly established himself as a key figure, dubbed ‘the Brazilian Paul Pogba’ due to their stylistic similarities.

So, where would the 22-year-old fit in at Ibrox, and could he be the perfect first signing for an Ancelotti-led Rangers side?

Where Metinho would fit in at Rangers

Samuel Bannister of Team Talk notes that Metinho is ‘known for his versatility and composure’, adding that ‘he stands out for his ability at taking on opponents… but he’s also good at stopping opponents getting past him’.

​​​​​Meanwhile, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout describes the 22-year-old as “very talented”, while adding in a separate player profile that the Brazilian is a ‘defensive midfielder…. best suited’ to playing at the base of a 4-3-3.

So, could this make him the perfect signing for Rangers’ player of the season Nicolas Raskin who, as noted by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, has been ‘one of few silver linings’ in an otherwise miserable campaign for the Gers?

Scott Bradley of Breaking the Lines believes the now Belgian international ‘has the potential to be something special’, with Brandon Liss of Total Football Analysis describing him as a ‘deep-lying playmaker’ who likes to ‘spray passes​​​​​​​’ and ‘roam vertically from touchline to touchline’, suggesting Metinho’s tactical discipline could certainly help to get the best out of him.

Thus, Raskin and Metinho’s skill sets appear to perfectly complement one another, and one can totally envisage the duo operating in a Real Madrid-esque 4-3-3, should Ancelotti arrive at Ibrox.

Of course, neither are quite as good as Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde or Luka Modrić, which is a pretty high bar in fairness, but, as a pair, they could form the building blocks as Rangers look to rebuild a competitive team.

Perhaps in this situation, Raskin would act as the Modric-like midfielder while Mettinho would be more of a Tchouameni, sitting deeper and protecting the defence while the Belgian goes about creating play.

As referenced earlier, with Metinho valued at just £4m, this is exactly the sort of high-potential, low-cost transfer Rangers need to be targeting and need to get right, if they’re going to be able to compete with Celtic at the top of the table.

He's the next Gerrard: Rangers close in on "big name" appointment at Ibrox

Rangers could go left field with their new manager

ByRoss Kilvington May 13, 2025

Manchester United have now submitted an offer to sign a £150,000-a-week Premier League player alongside their widely reported deal for Matheus Cunha, according to a recent report.

Man Utd closing in on Matheus Cunha signing

The Premier League season is not yet over, and the transfer window has yet to open, but already the Red Devils are closing in on their first signing of the summer. Given how the season has gone for United, it is no surprise to see that they are already working on plans for the summer, and the hope is that winning the Europa League, which will grant them entry into the Champions League, can help them secure some of the best players across Europe.

Wolves’ Matheus Cunha emerged as a target for United a few weeks ago, and the fact that he has a £62.5 million release clause means a deal is straightforward to complete. It was reported last week that United were in advanced talks to sign Cunha after it emerged that Arsenal hadn’t given up on signing the Brazilian.

Fabrizio Romano reveals one thing left before Cunha to Man Utd "here we go"

Man Utd are now close to announcing their first signing of the summer transfer window.

ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025

It now looks as though the Red Devils have all but won the race for Cunha, as according to Fabrizio Romano, United are close to signing Cunha after the Brazilian agreed personal terms, with just the small details left to finalise.

Man Utd submit offer to sign Emi Martinez

INEOS are seemingly not messing around and have already made an offer for another Premier League player. According to Argentine TV channel DSports, relayed by TEAMtalk, Man United have submitted an offer to Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, as he looks set to leave Villa Park – the Argentina shot-stopper was emotional waving to the Villa crowd after their final home game on Friday evening.

The 32-year-old is under contract until 2029, but this report states that he has an offer from United to leave the Midlands and move to Manchester. It doesn’t state how much the offer is and whether it’s a contract offer or a bid to his club, but either way United have made contact.

However, United are not the only team to make an move for Martinez, as Spanish giants Barcelona have also made an offer, as well as there being interest from the Saudi Pro League. It is reported, though, that Martinez wants to continue playing in the Champions League, which at the minute puts United at a disadvantage unless they win the Europa League on Wednesday night.

Apps

195

Goals conceded

241

Clean sheets

62

Martinez, who is on a weekly wage of £150,000 at Villa Park, has played 36 of Villa’s 37 Premier League games this season, keeping eight clean sheets. His potential arrival at Old Trafford would see him replace Andre Onana, who has struggled for form this season and, like Martinez, has also been linked with a move away.

Liverpool are reportedly on red alert over potentially signing a “phenomenal” Premier League player in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool favourites to sign Wirtz in stunning deal

In a massive development late in the week, the Reds are believed to be closing in on the signing of Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz, in what would almost certainly be a club-record move to Anfield, potentially costing as much as £126m.

Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed that the 22-year-old has given Liverpool his “verbal commitment”, preferring to join the Premier League champions over Bayern Munich.

The news has clearly caused a huge amount of excitement among the Reds’ fanbase, with Wirtz a signing who could feel one of the most exciting and significant in years, considering he is among the best attacking players in Europe, bagging 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 Leverkusen appearances.

If Liverpool could sign the Germany international, as well as Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, it would be a fantastic start to the summer, and now another promising talent has been linked with a move to Merseyside.

Liverpool eyeing move for "phenonemal" ace

According to The Boot Room, Liverpool are on alert when it comes to Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri this summer, with the teenage attacker no closer to signing a new deal at the Emirates.

It is claimed that the Reds are “well aware” of the £6,000-a-week Englishman’s situation, with Chelsea and Manchester City in the same boat, and there is also thought to be “very strong interest” from other European clubs.

The idea of Liverpool signing Nwaneri is enormously exciting, both because he is a special talent and the fact that the Reds would be stealing him away from one of their biggest Premier League rivals.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Arsenal, making 25 appearances in the league, and former Reds left-back Stephen Warnock has described him as “phenomenal”.

Just imagine him & Wirtz: Liverpool want to sign "incredible" £68m CF

Liverpool are planning to replace Darwin Nunez with a new centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 23, 2025

Granted, it does feel like a move is relatively unlikely, not least because the Gunners will do everything they can to tie him down to a new deal, but his current situation is certainly giving potential suitors hope.

Appearances

25

Starts

10

Minutes played

817

Goals

4

Assists

2

Dribbles per game

1.3

Key passes per game

0.9

Pass completion rate

88.9%

Liverpool were linked with a move for Nwaneri back in 2022, so they appear to be long-time admirers of him, and snapping him up this summer would be an incredible coup, considering he has the ability to reach the very top of the game.

It’s not hard to work out Arsenal’s most significant area of need this summer.

This season has proven beyond all doubt that Mikel Arteta’s side need a new striker, not only to help cover for injuries but to come in and replace Kai Havertz in the starting lineup.

The first choice among the majority of fans would likely be the simply unreal Alexander Isak, who has been linked with the club on many an occasion in the past.

However, it was reported that he could cost up to £150m earlier this year, and since the Toon qualified for the Champions League, we can only assume that the price tag has increased further.

Yet, the good news is that the Gunners are now being heavily linked with a centre-forward who could be their own Isak.

Arsenal's striker search

Given Arsenal’s need for a new striker this summer, it’s hardly been a surprise to see them linked with a plethora of free-scoring forwards in recent weeks and months, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Ollie Watkins.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could reportedly cost around £59m and has a simply sensational tally of 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 games for Sporting CP this term, but a lack of a track record in a top-five league makes the comparison to Isak difficult.

Watkins, on the other hand, has that experience and a brilliant haul of 17 goals and 14 assists to his name in 54 games this season, but with him set to turn 30 at the end of the year, he’s too old to draw paralells to the Swedish superstar.

Fortunately, another centre-forward has been heavily touted for a move to the Emirates, someone who very much could be compared to the Toon star: Benjamin Sesko.

Yes, according to a recent report by journalist Ben Jacobs, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the RB Leipzig star.

In fact, Jacobs goes a step further, stating that it now “looks like they [Arsenal] are going to make a bid for Benjamin Sesko,” and that while he has a €80m release clause in his current deal, which is about £67m they’d “like to negotiate something a little lower.”

It might be a costly deal to get over the line, but given Sesko’s impressive ability and potential, it would be more than worth fighting for, especially as he could be the club’s answer to Isak.

Why Sesko could be Arsenal's Isak

So, the first thing to say is that we are not trying to claim that Sesko is as good a striker as Isak at the moment.

After all, the Swedish international is arguably one of the best in the business, and his brilliant tally of 27 goals and six assists in 42 games this season proves as much.

However, there are some key ways in which signing the Slovenian star could be looked upon as the Gunners recruiting their own version of the Newcastle phenom, but before he’s quite at the same level.

For example, the “incredible” Leipzig ace, as dubbed by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, only turned 22 this season, whereas the Toon’s talisman reached that age in the 21/22 season while he was still plying his trade in Spain with Real Sociedad.

That campaign saw the Solna-born monster rack up a decent but hardly earth-shattering haul of ten goals and three assists in 41 appearances, totalling 2761 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.15 games, or 212.38 minutes.

Appearances

45

41

Minutes

3258′

2761′

Goals

21

10

Assists

6

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.6

0.31

Minutes per Goal Involvement

120.66′

212.38′

In contrast, the Gunners’ current target scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which comes out to a better average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games or every 120.66 minutes.

Furthermore, just as respected analysts and scouts like Jacek Kulig were describing the then-Sociedad gem as “simply amazing,” the likes of EBL have recently claimed that the former RB Salzburg ace “has the potential to become the best #9 in the world.”

Ultimately, it’s unlikely that Sesko will be able to reach the same level as Isak next season, but in a couple of years, there is a genuine chance we could be looking at the two strikers as equals, and for that reason, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.

Arsenal's own Wirtz: Berta now eyeing "one of the best 10s in the world"

The incredibly gifted attacking midfielder would add some much-needed dynamism to Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 4, 2025

With the 2024/25 domestic season now behind us following the Champions League final, a big talking point is the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Paris Saint-Germain produced a stunning display against Inter Milan with a 5-0 victory, the biggest margin in a European final, which has resulted in numerous of their stars being tipped to lift the famous individual honour later this year, with the ceremony scheduled to take place in Paris on 22 September 2025.

The next 10 Ballon d'Or winners predicted by AI

Who could win the Ballon d’Or across the next ten years?

ByMatt Dawson May 31, 2025

However, Grok, the AI tool on X, has already predicted the top 10 standings for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, and there is one surprise inclusion.

AI 2025 Ballon d’Or top 10 in pictures:

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

Ousmane Dembele

27

PSG

France

Lamine Yamal

17

Barcelona

Spain

Raphinha

28

Barcelona

Brazil

Mohamed Salah

32

Liverpool

Egypt

Lautaro Martinez

27

Inter Milan

Argentina

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

24

PSG

Georgia

Pedri

22

Barcelona

Spain

Kylian Mbappe

26

Real Madrid

France

Desire Doue

20

PSG

France

Gianluigi Donnarumma

26

PSG

Italy

10 Gianluigi Donnarumma PSG and Italy

One of four Paris Saint-Germain players on the list is Gianluigi Donnarumma. In fact, the Italian is the only goalkeeper in AI’s top 10 list, so he could quite easily take home the Yashin Trophy for the best keeper in the world.

Donnarumma kept his 12th clean sheet of the season in Munich against Inter, helping PSG to a treble as well as the French Super Cup at the beginning of the year.

Games

54

Clean sheets

12

Trophies

4

9 Desire Doue PSG and France

Someone who has really burst onto the scene in 2025 is Paris Saint-Germain winger Desire Doue, and he has deservedly snuck into AI’s top 10 prediction.

The 20-year-old was the star of the show in Munich, scoring two goals and getting an assist in the Champions League final. As a result of his impressive displays, he was named the 24/25 Champions League Young Player of the Season.

Games

54

Goals

15

Assists

16

Trophies

4

8 Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid and France

Despite not winning any major honours in his first season at the Bernabeu aside from the Super Cup, Kylian Mbappe still had a brilliant individual campaign with Real Madrid.

The French superstar actually scored more goals than any other Real Madrid player in their first season at the club (43), including two brilliant hat-tricks against Man City and Barcelona.

Games

56

Goals

43

Assists

5

Trophies

1

7 Pedri Barcelona and Spain

With Barcelona lifting the Supercopa de Espana, Copa del Rey and La Liga in the 24/25 season, there was always going to be some Catalan stars on the list.

Pedri has been key to Barca’s success, playing just shy of 60 games in all competitions. He was also dubbed “the best midfielder in the world” by Thiago Alcantara, and it looks as if he’ll soon be entering the prime years of his career.

Games

59

Goals

6

Assists

8

Trophies

3

6 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia PSG and Georgia

Winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was a machine in 24/25, starring on the flank with his speed and skill. In the first half of the season, he impressed for Napoli before joining Paris Saint-Germain in January, and he’d go on to help the French giants to a treble, scoring in the Champions League final.

Napoli also won Serie A, meaning Kvaratskhelia became just the second player in history after Alvaro Odriozola to win two league titles and a treble in the same season.

Games

44

Goals

12

Assists

9

Trophies

4

5 Lautaro Martinez Inter Milan and Argentina

Despite not winning any major honours in 24/25, Inter Milan did come close in the Champions League, Italian Super Cup and Serie A title race.

Captain Lautaro Martinez was influential for his side and led them to Munich, scoring nine goals in 14 European appearances. However, with Inter not lifting any silverware, it is surprising to still see the Argentine’s name rank so highly.

Games

49

Goals

22

Assists

7

4 Mohamed Salah Liverpool and Egypt

After setting a record for the most goals and assists in a 38-game Premier League season and lifting the title with Liverpool, Mohamed Salah was always going to be in AI’s top 10 list.

The winger also committed his future to the Reds in 24/25, but after exiting the Champions League to the hands of eventual winners PSG in the last 16, Salah’s wait for a Ballon d’Or could go on.

Games

52

Goals

34

Assists

23

Trophies

1

3 Raphinha Barcelona and Brazil

Many thought Raphinha was in pole position to win the Ballon d’Or for large parts of the 24/25 season, however, Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final exit to Inter Milan may have dented his hopes.

The Brazilian still enjoyed a phenomenal campaign, which was actually the best of his career to date. In total, Raphinha contributed to 59 goals in 57 games, winning the Supercopa de Espana, Copa del Rey and La Liga.

Games

57

Goals

34

Assists

25

Trophies

3

2 Lamine Yamal Barcelona and Spain

On the other flank to Raphinha at Barcelona, Lamine Yamal continues to grow into a worldwide superstar at the age of 17. Interestingly, Yamal contributed to 16 fewer goals than Raphinha in 24/25 but is above him in AI’s predicted Ballon d’Or standings.

Cutting in from the right and scoring with his left has become a trademark move by the Spaniard, and it feels like a matter of time until the award is his. Yamal doesn’t lack belief, though, and has admitted he thinks he can win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Games

55

Goals

18

Assists

25

Trophies

3

1 Ousmane Dembele PSG and France

Leading the way as AI’s predicted 2025 Ballon d’Or winner is Ousmane Dembele. The French winger helped Paris Saint-Germain to a treble as well as the French Super Cup. The Ligue 1 and Champions Legaue Player of the Season also enjoyed the best year of his career in the final third with 33 goals and 15 assists.

Talking after the Champions League final, PSG boss Luis Enrique backed his star winger to lift the award, saying: “Everyone is talking about the Ballon d’Or, but I would give it to Ousmane Dembele just because if we think about how he defended today, he showed just what he was made of.

“He was a leader, he was humble, he got back down [the pitch] and he defended, and I think that without a shadow of a doubt he deserves this, not only for the goals that he scored but also for the pressing that was seen. We’ve seen such a season from him, but he was exceptional in this final.”

Games

49

Goals

33

Assists

15

Trophies

4

It seemed like it was just a matter of time before there would be reports of Leeds United being interested in a deal for Emiliano Buendia in the summer transfer window.

CaughtOffside recently reported that Aston Villa are ready to part ways with the Argentina international for a fee of around £20m, and that the Championship champions are leading the race to sign him.

Buendia scored 24 goals and provided 41 assists in 121 appearances in all competitions for Daniel Farke during their time together at Norwich City, which is why this feels like an obvious link for the Whites.

However, the 28-year-old star’s relationship with the German head coach does not make it certain that the 49ers will conclude a deal for his services, as the club are reportedly eyeing up another option in the number ten role.

Leeds expected to make move for Championship star

The Whites are looking to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League next season, and they have identified one of the top players from the 2024/25 Championship campaign as a target.

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 TEAMtalk, there is a ‘belief’ that Leeds United will make a move to sign Sheffield United attacking midfielder Gustavo Hamer in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Championship champions are active in the market to sign a number ten and that they are expected to swoop for the Dutch whiz, for whom they had an offer of £18m rejected last year.

TEAMtalk adds that it would take a fee in the region of £18m to secure his signature this time around, though, after the Blades failed to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Why Gustavo Hamer is as exciting as Emi Buendia

Both Hamer and Buendia appear to be good options on paper for Leeds to improve their options at the top end of the pitch, and they would both be exciting additions to the group this summer.

The former produced ten goals and eight assists in the Championship during the 2024/25 campaign, which is not quite as impressive as the 15 goals and 16 assists that the Argentine magician managed in the 2020/21 season under Farke.

This suggests that Buendia would be a more exciting signing for Leeds based on their form in the Championship, and what he did with Farke as his manager, but there is more to the situation than that.

For example, if you look at the last time that they both played a full season in the Premier League, it is Hamer who appears to come out on top as a better option for the West Yorkshire outfit.

Appearances

36

38

xG

2.97

6.36

Goals

4

5

Big chances created

10

8

xA

4.55

4.19

Assists

6

2

As you can see in the table above, the Dutch star was more efficient as a finisher at the top level and created more high-quality opportunities for his teammates as an attacking midfielder.

Hamer, who was dubbed “unbelievable” by former teammate Ollie McBurnie, has shown that he can be a quality operator in both the Premier League and the Championship for the Blades, which is why he is an attractive target for the Whites.

The 27-year-old star, who can also operate on the left flank as well as in midfield or as a number ten, could add a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals to Farke’s squad this summer.

Based on their respective statistics in the top two tiers, Buendia and Hamer are equally exciting targets with solid arguments as to why the club should sign them this summer.

Farke's own Zubimendi: Leeds lining up move to sign "exceptional" £9m star

Leeds United are lining up a move to sign a star who could be their own Martin Zubimendi.

ByDan Emery Jun 22, 2025

If the Whites end the summer transfer window with at least one of them added to the group for the upcoming Premier League season, Farke should be a happy man.

It’s the start of a new era for Everton, in more ways than one.

Having waved goodbye to Goodison Park, their home since 1892, the Toffees will call Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock home from now on.

Their first match there will be a pre-season friendly against Roma on 9 August, before beginning their home Premier League campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion a fortnight later.

Meantime, in terms of the playing squad, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has departed as a free agent after making 273 appearances for the Blues, while it was confirmed on Wednesday that star centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new five-year contract, which is a massive boost for David Moyes and his team.

So now, could their first new arrival of the summer be imminent?

Everton seeking more attacking firepower

With Calvert-Lewin having now departed, Mark Douglas of the i Paper is reporting that Everton are ‘close’ to signing Villarreal striker Thierno Barry for £27.5m.

The 22 year old Frenchman only joined el Submarino Amarillo from Basel just 12 months ago, but scored 11 goals in La Liga last season, with Beth Limb of Total Football Analysis praising his physical presence, noting that Barry ‘often towers’ above defenders, adding that he also ‘possesses some excellent off-the-ball movement’.

However, he is not the only striker on the Toffees’ radar because, as reported by Football Insider, the Blues are interested in signing Evan Ferguson.

They add that Brighton are looking to move on the Republic of Ireland international permanently this summer, placing a £28m price tag on his head, with Fulham and Nottingham Forest, as well as a few ‘leading European sides’, also monitoring the situation.

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Ferguson has just endured a nightmarish loan spell at West Ham, seeing only eight appearances for the Irons after making the switch in January, starting only once, totalling a miserly 151 minutes.

This has seen his valuation plummet, so could a move to Merseyside revitalise his career?

Why Evan Ferguson would be a better signing than Thierno Barry

At the peak of his powers about two years ago, Evan Ferguson was one of the hottest prospects in world football.

His hat-trick against Newcastle in September 2023 made him the fourth-youngest player to bag a Premier League treble, behind only Chris Bart-Williams, Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler.

Then-Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker even asserted that “I do see a hint of [Erling] Haaland about him”.

However, since then, Ferguson has scored just three club goals, enduring a 336-day goal drought before netting his most recent goal against Wolves in October, with Andy Naylor of the Athletic believing that injuries have massively hampered his development.

Nevertheless, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout still believes, at just 20 years old, he is a “big talent”, so let’s assess how he compares to Barry.

Season

Club(s)

Minutes

Goals

Assists

2024/25

Brighton &

West Ham

541

1

Zero

2023/24

Brighton

1,721

6

2

2022/23

Brighton

1,345

10

3

2024/25

Villarreal

2,441

11

4

2023/24

Basel

2,520

12

5

2022/23

Beveren

2.522

20

4

As the table outlines, while Barry’s raw statistics are more impressive, Ferguson possesses vastly more elite-level experience.

As recently as 2022/23, Barry was representing Beveren in the Belgian second-tier before his big breakthrough came with FC Basel, scoring 14 Swiss Super League goals for the RotBlau, but doing so in the 21st strongest division in the world, according to Global Football Rankings.

Barry was away with France at the U21 Euros last month, bagging the winner against Georgia in the 12th minute of injury time at Štadión pod Dubňom​​​​​​​ in Žilina, but was not a regular starter for Gérald Baticle’s side, as les Bleuets reached the semi-finals.

Ferguson, on the other hand, is a fully-fledged Ireland international, scoring five times for the Boys in Green to date, albeit, admittedly, Heimir Hallgrímsson does have slightly less talent at his disposal than Didier Deschamps.

Nevertheless, it is clear that Ferguson has a higher ceiling than Barry, it is simply about rediscovering his potential from the Irishman’s point of view, so could he achieve this in an Everton shirt?

He’s certainly worth the gamble.

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Aston Villa find themselves in the hunt for additions this summer and could now take up an intriguing set of circumstances to land an exciting talent at Villa Park, according to reports.

Aston Villa move on after PSR deadline

Following a trend that Chelsea set, Aston Villa moved to sell a stake in their women’s team worth in the region of £55 million to avoid any threat of a PSR breach.

Providing some leeway in the market, the Villans are now keen to strike while the iron is hot after another productive campaign under Unai Emery that resulted in Europa League qualification, so who could they attract to the West Midlands?

Despite Newcastle United’s advances, Aston Villa are also interested in a swoop for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, though it remains to be seen if they can ward off interest from St James’ Park in the Swedish international.

Reports have claimed that Galatasaray playmaker Gabriel Sara has been the subject of an offer from the Villans. Nevertheless, the Turkish giants want to recoup £34 million and will hope to spark a bidding war amid Manchester City, Manchester United and Leeds United lurking in the distance.

Philippe Coutinho’s long-awaited permanent departure from Aston Villa to join Vasco Da Gama has been confirmed, coming as anothet timely boost on the PSR front with additions now at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

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Most of the bricks are still to be laid for Emery this summer, but there is plenty of optimism starting to grow among supporters that another successful campaign could be on the cards, something that will likely be amplified by recent reports.

Aston Villa hold talks with Besiktas over Semih Kilicsoy

According to reports in his homeland via Sport Witness, Aston Villa have been offered Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy and he has held talks with the club over a potential £13 million move.

Tammy Abraham’s arrival in the Turkish capital has loosened their stance on the versatile forward, who registered four goals and six assists in 46 appearances across all competitions last season.

Semih Kilicsoy’s Super Liga campaign in 2024/25 – key statistics (Fotmob)

Chances created

15

Successful dribbles

36

Touches in opposition box

83

Tackles won

90.9%

Successful passes

222

Once dubbed ‘The Next Aguero’ by former EFL Scout Jack McGhee, he still has three years left on his contract at Besiktas, though seems to be available for a relative low fee due to his underwhelming campaign in front of goal.

The 20-year-old has also attracted recent interest from Newcastle United and Leeds United, potentially sparking a battle for his services between Premier League competitors this summer.

While Aston Villa’s search for attacking talent goes on, they could do worse than rolling the dice on someone with Kilicsoy’s potential to develop ahead of next campaign.

Aston Villa have now made contact with the agents of an “unbelievable” £60m star, in order to assess whether he would be keen on a move to Villa Park this summer, according to a report.

Villa eyeing new striker amid Watkins uncertainty

It is no surprise that Ollie Watkins continues to be linked with a move away from Villa, given that the striker has performed very well for Villa in each of his last five Premier League campaigns.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2020-21

37

14

5

2021-22

35

11

2

2022-23

37

15

6

2023-24

37

19

15

2024-25

38

16

8

Arsenal are well-known to be admirers of the England international, but the Gunners are now closing in on the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, which could open the door for the centre-forward to join a different club, and he has now been identified as Manchester United’s top target.

Although United were once again way below par in the 2024-25 campaign, moving to Old Trafford clearly remains an attractive proposition, with Matheus Cunha joining the Red Devils this summer, so there is a possibility that Watkins could be tempted by a move.

Should the 29-year-old depart, it would exacerbate the need for Unai Emery to bring in a new striker this summer, and Aston Villa are now stepping up their pursuit of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, according to a report from Football Insider.

Having recently opened talks with the Blues, the Villans have now made contact with Jackson’s entourage to assess whether he would be keen on making a move to Villa Park this summer, after an up-and-down year in west London.

Emery is known to be a big admirer of the Chelsea ace, and the Villa boss believes he has the potential to develop into one of the Premier League’s leading forwards.

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ByDominic Lund Jul 15, 2025 "Unbelievable" Jackson could be exciting signing for Villa

Emery knows the ex-Villarreal man very well, having spent time working with him at the La Liga club, and the manager clearly holds his former player in high regard, given his eagerness to bring him to Villa Park.

Trusting Emery has helped transform Aston Villa from a struggling side into European regulars, and there are signs the manager may also be correct about the Chelsea forward, given that he’s averaged over one goal contribution every other game in the Premier League.

Peter Crouch has also been left impressed by the Senegal international, lauding him as “unbelievable”, despite admitting the striker has been a little wasteful at times, having become well-known for missing a lot of chances.

That said, Emery clearly believes he can help turn Jackson into a top striker, so he could be a solid long-term signing for Villa, but a deal is unlikely to be cheap, with Chelsea thought to be holding out for a fee of around £60m.