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Over the years, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side have not been short of superstars. Whether they are homegrown players, like Phil Foden, or brought in from other clubs, both in the Premier League and abroad, the Spaniard has certainly coached some big names.

Foden is certainly one of the players who could fit into that category, and fellow England international Raheem Sterling became one of the best players in the league under Guardiola. Of course, you have the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri who joined from clubs across Europe, and helped bring success to East Manchester.

One of the latest players who falls into this category is certainly Erling Haaland.

Erling Haaland's current market value

The start that Haaland has made to the 2025/26 campaign has been astronomical. There has only been one game in the top flight in which he has not scored. He has completely dominated the Premier League this season.

Let’s look at that from a numerical point of view. The Norwegian forward has played nine games for City across all competitions, and already has 12 goals.

He’s found the back of the net nine times in seven Premier League appearances, with the other three coming in two Champions League games.

The City number nine has carried his imperious form over to the international arena, too. He’s scored nine goals for Norway this season, including back-to-back hat-tricks and five goals in a World Cup qualifier against Moldova.

Guardiola says Haaland’s form is “better than ever” this season, and it is easy to see why. His unstoppable run is also reflected in his current market value, with CIES Football Observatory deeming him to be worth as much as £208m.

However, the 25-year-old is not the only player in the Citizens squad who looks like a £100m talent in the making, reinforcing the fact that Guardiola’s side is still filled with superstars.

Man City star is looking like a £100m player

Haaland is, without doubt, City’s most important player this season. He’s scored nine of their 15 Premier League goals so far, so they would certainly be a lot lower in the table without him leading the line.

At the other end of the pitch, summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma has made some extremely important contributions.

The Italian goalkeeper joined from Paris Saint-Germain at the back end of the window and has been crucial for Guardiola.

The shot-stopper, who lifted the Champions League with the Parisian side last season, has slotted seamlessly into his new club. Having played six games across all competitions, he’s kept three clean sheets and conceded just four goals.

Saves such as this one from Bryan Mbeumo’s effort show why he will be so important for City. Making his debut in a Manchester derby, the Italian was able to tip wide the Manchester United winger’s strike, which seemed destined for the bottom left corner.

His singing has been a big coup for City. Donnarumma’s consistency for PSG was clear to see with some of his numbers.

He regularly had a save rate in the 70s, with his highest coming in 2023/24, where it stood at 79.1%. In a City shirt, it’s currently at 66.7%.

2021/22 (PSG)

2.9

75.3%

2022/23 (PSG)

3.3

75.2%

2023/24 (PSG)

3.5

79.1%

2024/25 (PSG)

2.3

70.2%

2025/26 (Man City)

1.3

66.7%

One City page over on X, City Chief, said the Citizens have “got a £100m goalkeeper for £25m,” and it certainly feels that way based on Donnarumma’s start to the season.

He has been imperious between the posts for his new side, with his size, reflexes and the way he commands his box making it hard to score past him.

Football scout Antonio Mango once said the former AC Milan star was a “generational” talent. Well, all the evidence this season certainly makes it clear why that is the case. Just like Haaland, Donnarumma has been key to Guardiola in the early parts of the season.

Man City have signed the "best in the world" & he's a new Rodri-type player

Manchester City have a new Rodri-type player in their glittering ranks who is one of the world’s best.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 16, 2025

واصل نادي آرسنال نتائجه المميزة خلال الفترة الأخيرة من هذا الموسم في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، واستطاع أن يحقق فوزًا جديدًا وهذه المرة على حساب بيرنلي، بهدفين دون رد، ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من المسابقة المحلية.

وعول مدرب نادي آرسنال، ميكيل أرتيتا، على تشكيلة أغلبها من العناصر الأساسية، حيث كان بوكايو ساكا وإيبيريشي إيزي وفيكتور جيوكيريس على رأس التشكيلة.

آرسنال دخل لقاء اليوم منذ البداية بقوة كبيرة، بحثًا عن تحقيق الانتصار، وسط تراجع واضح من لاعبي بيرنلي وتكتل من أصحاب الأرض داخل منطقة الجزاء.

واستطاع آرسنال ترجمة سيطرته إلى هدف، حيث لم يحتاج الجانرز إلى أكثر من 14 دقيقة ليسجل الفريق الهدف الأول عن طريق فيكتور جيوكيريس.

واستغل جيوكيريس كرة ركنية نفذها ديكلان رايس، حيث وصلت إلى جابرييل ماجالهايس الذي مررها بدوره إلى الدولي السويدي ليودع الكرة في شباك بيرنلي.

اقرأ أيضًا .. حارس هولندا السابق عن تراجع مستوى إيزاك مع ليفربول: ترك نيوكاسل بشكل سيئ

وبعد هذا الهدف لم تختلف الأمور، حيث استمر سعي آرسنال نحو تسجيل الهدف الثاني، وهو ما تحقق بالفعل عن طريق ديكلان رايس.

وبدأ آرسنال مرتدة رائعة، حيث لعب جيوكيريس تمريرة جيدة إلى لياندرو تروسارد، والذي توغل من الجهة اليسرى ليرسل عرضية رائعة ترجمها ديكلان رايس برأسه في شباك بيرنلي في الدقيقة 35.

وبعد هذا الهدف ساد المباراة الهدوء، ليحافظ آرسنال على شباكه نظيفة ويحقق الانتصار في النهاية على بيرنلي.

وبتلك النتيجة، رفع آرسنال رصيده إلى 25 نقطة مبتعدًا في صدارة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، بينما تجمد رصيد بيرنلي عند 10 نقاط في المركز الـ17.

Sky Sports man Anthony Joseph is now reporting that Celtic are eyeing another striker alongside Michel-Ange Balikwisha this summer.

Celtic reach agreement in principle to sign Balikwisha

The Hoops haven’t always had things their own way during the current transfer window, with Brendan Rodgers recently hinting at his frustration at a lack of business.

“It’s not my decision in the end. You know, I can prepare the team, the staff, and the players that are here have been fantastic over pre-season. We are all clear on what we need to improve, and for whatever reason, we haven’t been able to do that. So now we are in this position and we have to accept it, not dwell on it and try to come through it for Saturday and for Tuesday.”

On the plus side, one recent report has claimed that Celtic have reached an agreement to sign Royal Antwerp forward Balikwisha, who has been a long-time target for the Scottish Premiership champions.

The 24-year-old could be just what Rodgers is looking for in the coming days, as he looks to bolster his attacking options, not least in order for his side to give a better account of themselves in the Champions League this season.

Celtic pushing for striker alongside Balikwisha

Now, Sky Sports reporter Joseph has claimed that Celtic are “looking to sign another striker” alongside Balikwisha before the windows slams shut.

That said, he also states that “two new wingers” are also potentially being looked at as an alternative option, allowing Daizen Maeda to then take up a centre forward role, with Adam Idah, Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny the backup players in that position.

Celtic fans would love to see an extra striker signing for Rodgers, especially as it would show plenty of ambition after a lack of it has arguably often been on show this summer.

Brendan Rodgers makes transfer demand to Celtic board after Parkhead chants

The Hoops drew 0-0 with Kairat Almaty.

By
Charlie Smith

Aug 21, 2025

It remains to be seen who the striker in question with Balikwisha could be, but some names have been touted of late, including Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy.

At 38 years of age, the Englishman’s very best days are now long behind him, but that’s not to say that he couldn’t be a success in the Scottish Premiership for a year or two.

Vardy could be an older addition alongside Balikwisha, allowing Rodgers to bring in both relative youth and vast experience, with the former Foxes hero still possessing the pace and finishing ability to trouble defences, as well as the character to make him an instant favourite among the fanbase.

Looking to ease Nuno Espirito Santo’s recent concerns, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly on the verge of signing a Juventus defender ahead of Monday’s deadline.

Nuno laughs off Nottingham Forest doubts

Who could have seen this coming? Nuno and Nottingham Forest seemed a match made in heaven after a fairytale campaign saw them qualify for European football last time out.

Dream for Ndoye: "Deal on" as Nottingham Forest step up move for £10m star

Nottingham Forest could soon sign a dream teammate for Dan Ndoye by purchasing another £10m talent.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 28, 2025

Since then, however, things have rapidly changed. Evangelos Marinakis has invited a third man into the partnership in the form of Edu Gaspar, transfers are no longer so agreeable between all parties, and the boss has made his feelings publicly clear.

So, what now? Nuno, for all his complaints, has laughed off the idea that he could resign as Nottingham Forest manager and a meeting is reportedly scheduled between Edu, himself and Marinakis in an attempt to clear the air. Yet, reports have continued to arrive that any damage done to the relationship between the manager and sporting director may be irreparable.

Whether things are salvageable at this stage is the big question. Nuno does want “harmony”, but that may only come courtesy of further arrivals before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Nottingham Forest agree Savona deal

Italian media revealed on Thursday morning that Nottingham Forest were readying a bid to sign Juve defender Nicolo Savona, and Fabrizio Romano now reports the Reds have agreed a deal worth at least €15m (£13m).

Marinakis was personally keen to sign the youngster, and given the Italian club reportedly valued their right-back closer to the €20m (£17m) mark, this looks like quite the coup depending on what add-ons are included.

Nuno outlined Forest’s need for fullbacks last weekend and Savona would certainly tick that box, capable of playing anywhere across the defence. The 22-year-old wouldn’t just be any option, either. He’s full of potential and earned plenty of praise from Juventus boss Igor Tudor, who said last season: “He understands what is happening on the pitch, and he has great speed.

“So we’re talking about a player with so many skills. He is a humble guy who listens to advice. These are things that may seem obvious, but they are not at all. He has those values ​​that are getting a bit lost, so they are precious now.”

Chelsea are believed to still be active in the summer transfer market, despite having just shored up their attacking line with two deals for Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte.

23 transfers, 24 if you count Buonanotte, have been conducted by Chelsea – and that’s not even including their various outgoing loan deals for the likes of Marc Guiu and Aaron Anselmino.

BlueCo’s hustle in the market has yielded over £300 million in player sales with around £320 million spent on new signings, with Enzo Maresca’s side registering a net-spend of just £20 million as they navigate PSR excellently.

Joao Pedro

Noni Madueke

Jamie Gittens

João Félix

Jorrel Hato

Djordje Petrovic

Liam Delap

Lesley Ugochukwu

Dario Essugo

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Mamadou Sarr

Renato Veiga

Estevao

Armando Broja

Kendry Paez

Carney Chukwuemeka

Alejandro Garnacho

Mathis Amougou

Facundo Buonanotte

Basir Humphreys

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Marcus Bettinelli

Christopher Nkunku

Alfie Gilchrist

Exits for Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Mathis Amougou and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have made room for the likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato, but if Chelsea want to register Garnacho and Buonanotte for their Champions League squad next season, more sales could be required.

This is especially the case if Maresca wants to include Barcelona star Fermin Lopez, who is now a top target for Chelsea heading into deadline day after they missed out on Xavi Simons to Tottenham.

The Spaniard has become a key player for Hansi Flick, bagging eight goals and 10 assists in 46 total appearances last season, and Chelsea are believed to be trying their luck to sign him.

Reports suggest Maresca has been in contact with Lopez personally, and Chelsea are prepared to offer Barça a maximum of around £50 million for the player, not to mention a lucrative contract worth £250,000-per-week, but the player’s club want £60m (Sport).

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have even made a £40m bid for Lopez, but Barça are not keen on selling and must rely on the player’s decision to force through a transfer – unless they trigger his seismic £433 million release clause, of course.

Chelsea "working tirelessly" to sign Fermin Lopez after Facundo Buonanotte

As per TEAMtalk, Chelsea are “working tirelessly” to convince Lopez to join them, even after their deal for Buonanotte.

The Blues are ready to offer him a “lucrative” long-term contract, as previously reported, and personal terms aren’t expected to pose any issue in this potential deal.

While Barça are a roadblock, Chelsea appear to be doing all they can on the player front.

TT sources also claim that Lopez is warming to the idea of a Stamford Bridge move, but is yet to fully commit to the idea. The 22-year-old has emotional ties to Barça, having grown up as a lifelong fan, and he’s publicly denied notions he would leave this summer.

That being said, players can pull U-turns, and the prospect of a Premier League move is enticing for any athlete at any level.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians iniciou, nesta segunda-feira (8), a venda de ingressos para o clássico Majestoso contra o São Paulo. O duelo, válido pela 6ª rodada do Brasileirão, será disputado no domingo (14), às 16h, na Neo Química Arena.

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+ Timão segura renovações de medalhões, Ancelotti fala em fim de ciclo no Real Madrid… O Dia do Mercado!

A diretoria alvinegra manteve o valor das entradas em todos os setores em comparação com o jogo contra o Cruzeiro, pelo Brasileirão. A entrada mais barata é no setor Norte, por R$ 50, e o mais caro na Oeste Business Central, por R$ 440.

As vendas serão feitas online, pelas plataformas www.fieltorcedor.com.br e www.ingressoscorinthians.com.br. Não haverá bilheteria física.

CONFIRA ABAIXO OS PREÇOS (sem descontos do Fiel Torcedor)

NORTE – R$ 50,00

SUL – R$ 100,00

LESTE SUPERIOR – R$ 120,00

LESTE INFERIOR LATERAL – R$ 140,00

LESTE INFERIOR CENTRAL – R$ 150,00

OESTE SUPERIOR – R$ 190,00

OESTE INFERIOR CORNER – R$ 330,00

OESTE INFERIOR LATERAL – R$ 350,00

OESTE INFERIOR CENTRAL – R$ 440,00

Os associados do plano Minha Vida, do Fiel Torcedor, terão vantagens de 20% a 62% no preço dos ingressos mais baratos, dependendo do setor. Já os que configuram no plano Minha História terão descontos de 26% a 51%.

continua após a publicidade

A venda, como já é de costume, acontece de forma escalonada, de acordo com prioridades estabelecidas pelo clube alvinegro.

+ Veja tabela e a situação do Timão no Brasileirão

Veja como será a venda de ingressos

08/05 (segunda-feira), às 11h – Abertura para os torcedores membros do Fiel Torcedor com créditos relativos às partidas suspensas pela pandemia (contra Ituano e Palmeiras), que poderão adquirir ingressos conforme disponibilidade dos respectivos setores adquiridos. – Abertura da venda de estacionamento para os proprietários adimplentes do plano Minha Cadeira, do programa Fiel Torcedor.

11/05 (segunda-feira) às 13h – Abertura para todos os membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor que tenham a partir de 60 pontos, independentemente do plano, que poderão adquirir ingressos de todos os setores disponíveis para seu plano e também realizar a compra do estacionamento pelo site www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

continua após a publicidade

11/05 (segunda-feira) às 15h – Abertura para todos os membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor que tenham a partir de 40 pontos, independentemente do plano, que poderão adquirir ingressos de todos os setores disponíveis para seu plano e também realizar a compra do estacionamento pelo site www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

08/05 (segunda-feira) às 17h – Abertura para todos os membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor que tenham a partir de 20 pontos, independentemente do plano, que poderão adquirir ingressos de todos os setores disponíveis para seu plano e também realizar a compra do estacionamento pelo site www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

09/04 (terça-feira) às 11h – Abertura para os demais membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor, que terão acesso à compra de ingressos e do estacionamento pela plataforma online www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

11/04 (quinta-feira) às 15h – Abertura para torcedores em geral, que terão acesso à compra de todos os ingressos disponíveis em suas categorias pela plataforma online www.ingressoscorinthians.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

Chakravarthy, Bishnoi claim three wickets apiece to secure 61-run win

Firdose Moonda08-Nov-20243:23

Samson and spinners see India dominate in Durban

Sanju Samson struck his second successive T20I century and shattered records and South African hopes at Kingsmead. His was the fastest T20I hundred by an Indian against South Africa and will be remembered as one of the most destructive.For India, runs came mostly in boundaries: 17 fours and 13 sixes, including seven fours and 10 sixes for Samson. Overall, 88 of his 107 runs were scored in boundaries and he was particularly brutal square of the wicket. He scored 69 runs from 19 balls in the region between point and cover and square leg and mid-wicket, and only 13 runs behind square. Samson took on the spinners with gusto and scored 58 runs off the 27 balls he faced from Aiden Markram, Keshav Maharaj and Nqaba Peter combined. He also shared in two explosive stands: 66 runs off 37 balls with his captain Suryakumar Yadav and 77 runs off 34 balls with Tilak Varma. That meant India’s innings had middle-order momentum that South Africa could not match.They may have thought they gave themselves a chance when they pulled India back at the end. South Africa were staring at conceding the highest total at Kingsmead and highest against India but after Samson’s dismissal in the 17th over, India scored 28 runs off 20 balls and lost four wickets. They still ended up with their fourth-highest total against South Africa, and it proved way too much.South Africa were never in the chase as only three batters scored more than 20 and there was only one partnership of more than 30. The two legspiners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi took three wickets each and conceded 53 runs in their eight overs after Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan made the initial breakthroughs which all pointed to a more experienced Indian bowling line-up.Gerald Coetzee’s comeback It has been 166 days between internationals for Gerald Coetzee but it did not seem like he had been away a day. Given the ball in the fourth over, Coetzee immediately started with a full delivery outside off and found some extra bounce. Abhishek Sharma tried to get under it and clear mid-off but only got the ball over Markram in the ring. He ran backwards and took the catch over his shoulder to bring out an almighty roar from Coetzee, who has recovered from a hip injury and had come back from a 12-week conditioning block.The rest of the over did not go quite as well. India’s captain Suryakumar hit Coetzee over his head for four and then over fine leg for six to take 10 runs off his opening over. Coetzee closed out the Powerplay which India finished on 56 for 1. Coetzee also made an in-match comeback when he was called on to bowl at the death and had Hardik Pandya caught at deep point for just 2 and Rinku Singh caught behind with his penultimate ball.Varun Chakravarthy finished with 3 for 25•Gallo Images/Getty ImagesKruger’s timeless over which ended with a wicket Patrick Kruger started off with what seemed like a good plan to keep India quiet – a slower ball that Suryakumar had to dig out but Samson was in no mood to be stopped by that. The next ball was also slower and hit over long-off. Kruger put in extra effort in response and overstepped. Then sent down a full toss. Then a wide, a no-ball and another wide and he still had three balls left to bowl. He got it right with a full delivery outside off, then pulled his length back and could not resist going back to pace off to end the over. His 11th ball was a knuckle ball which Suryakumar dragged to deep square leg where debutant Andile Simelane was stationed. He put the nerves aside to make his first contribution to the game, and not a moment too soon. Simelane was brought on as South Africa’s seventh bowler, in the 10th over.Tilak too good to be left out Tilak hit the second ball he faced with the wind over deep backward square for six as he joined in on the boundary hitting action. He sent the first ball of Peter’s second over between deep mid-wicket and deep backward square for four and then tore Kruger’s tactic to avoid the shorter leg-side boundary to shreds. He hit over backward point and slog swept over fine leg. His innings was cut short when he hit Maharaj to the deep backward square boundary where Marco Jansen took a good catch but his cameo gave India’s innings middle-order momentum.Markram’s lean run continues, as does South Africa’sIt has been 25 innings and two years since Markram scored a T20I half-century and the run continued with a seventh single-figure score in this match. Markram looked especially out of sorts when he tried to play Arshdeep through mid-wicket but closed the face of the bat too early and got a faint edge to Samson to fall in the first over. That set the tone for an innings in which South Africa were never really able to get going. Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton were both dismissed in the Powerplay, which South Africa ended on 49 for 3. The combination of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller put on 42 in 6,1 overs but when they were separated, South Africa crumbled. They were bowled out inside 18 overs and were bowled out for their fourth-lowest score against India to lose the series opener by 61 runs.Varun removes South Africa’s best Chakravarthy took out South Africa’s two middle-order players and he got them in the space of three balls. In his final over, Klaasen tried to pull a slightly shorter ball but sent it straight to Axar Patel at long-on. And two balls later, Miller hit Chakravarthy to Avesh at square leg and South Africa went from 79 for 3 to 87 for 5 and were looking straight at defeat.

Nottingham Forest make their long-awaited comeback to the European stage this season and have a World Cup winner in their sights that they hope will join the party, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest await outcome on Morgan Gibbs-White conundrum

By now, everyone connected with the Tricky Trees will know Morgan Gibbs-White is at the centre of an impasse after Nottingham Forest threatened legal action after Tottenham Hotspur activated his release clause.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen if the England international will stay put. The summer window is far from over, and plenty of twists and turns remain despite his return to training and appearance against AS Monaco in a friendly last weekend.

Addressing his future, Ola Aina confirmed that Gibbs-White is maintaining a professional approach despite rumours surrounding his future at the City Ground.

He stated: “He’s keeping it professional; I don’t know the ins and outs of that. He was here today, playing, and he’s training, keeping fit as normal. At the end of the day, we’re all professionals – we’ve got a job to do and that’s what Morgan is doing right now. He’s keeping it professional.”

Regardless, Nottingham Forest are targeting a move for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, even if West Ham United have already submitted a £34 million offer to bring him to the London Stadium.

Nottingham Forest reach full agreement to sell "wonderful" ace in £19m deal

The Tricky Trees are set to net a windfall…

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 18, 2025

Nuno Espirito Santo and his side are awaiting the outcome of Crystal Palace’s appeal against Europa League expulsion. That may take a few weeks, though they are preparing for European football regardless, potentially paving the way for additions.

Now, with optimism growing in the East Midlands, there is every chance a World Cup winner could be on their way to join the Tricky Trees’ mission.

Nottingham Forest make contact to sign Nahuel Molina

According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have initiated contact with Atletico Madrid star Nahuel Molina’s camp, as it has become apparent that he is set to leave the Spanish capital this summer due to his non-EU status.

Marc Pubill has joined Diego Simeone’s men, leaving World Cup winner Molina free to explore a move elsewhere, which could occur in the form of a loan switch to the City Ground.

Nahuel Molina in La Liga – would he be a good signing for Nottingham Forest?

Appearances

93

Goals

6

Assists

8

The prospect of the 27-year-old coming to the East Midlands permanently also hasn’t been ruled out, and Nottingham Forest are at an advantage in their pursuit after Juventus decided to intensify their efforts to sign Porto’s João Mario.

Deemed to be on the ‘exit ramp’ at the Wanda Metropolitano, Molina is firmly in the sights of Espirito Santo and would arrive off the back of 46 outings last season across all competitions.

With the scene set for Nottingham Forest to pounce, it remains to be seen if they can tempt the Argentina international with the prospect of a shot at the Premier League.

Arsenal haven’t had the rip-roaring start to the summer transfer window that their fans perhaps wanted, but the cogs are starting to churn as Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta plan to make improvements.

Across the past three Premier League seasons, the Gunners have finished second each time. Some might ridicule Arteta for failing to reach that final level, but were Arsenal not toiling in the pits before they arrived? And have they not rediscovered themselves as a European superpower?

We’re just lacking that special… something. The Emirates side have endured their share of frustration through recent transfer windows, and another disappointing finish this summer could derail a lot of progress.

Time was, Arsenal were defined by their incredible focal frontmen, but that now needs to change. It’s often futile to pinpoint exactitudes in regard to a club’s transfer strategy, but it’s clear that Arsenal’s problems could be halved through the signing of a new centre-forward.

The latest on Arsenal's striker search

Arsenal are planning to sign a new striker this summer. It’s their principal priority. There’s just cause for excitement in regard to Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, but such bids won’t be in lieu of a new number nine.

But we can’t deny that it’s taking its time. The summer saga has centred on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, who is expected to leave Sporting Lisbon but has been left dismayed by his outfit’s stance on his leaving fee.

BBC Sport understand Arsenal have yet to find a breakthrough with Sesko or Leipzig, while the 27-year-old Gyokeres might indeed prove too expensive.

Advancements with either forward may well occur in the coming weeks, but the Gunners may well turn to an alternative option ahead of the beginning of pre-season.

He’s come close to north London before.

Arsenal open talks for new striker

According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal have joined Manchester United in the race for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, with both clubs making contact with their Premier League counterpart.

Transfer Focus

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

Arsenal saw a £40m offer rejected for the England international back in January, but could now return as they look to seal a new striker sooner rather than later.

It’s thought that the Villans value the 29-year-old at £60m, a figure that the north Londoners were unwilling to pay earlier in the year.

If the package can be reduced, there’s every chance a figure could be tabled.

Why Arsenal want Ollie Watkins

The issue with both Sesko and Gyokeres is that neither boasts experience in the Premier League – and that’s an important part of determining who’s the right pick.

In Watkins, Arsenal would sign a player who is proven at the very highest level, having scored 75 goals and provided 36 assists across 184 Premier League matches, who bears the stylistic qualities befitting a Gunners talisman – indeed, skills found in the game of both Sesko and Gyokeres.

But the same could be said for a former star in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who signed for Arsenal in January 2018 for £60m – level with Villa’s asking price for Watkins – and went on to score 92 goals and provide 21 assists across 163 appearances, a remarkable run of prolific performances that led to triumph in the FA Cup too.

In his pomp, the Gabonese icon was electric, intelligent and as clinical as you like. The right-footer also found success when peeling off the left, which is a role Watkins has played many a time for Unai Emery’s side.

The Three Lions star might be a goalscorer first and foremost, but he’s also a well-rounded forward, having ranked among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues in 2024/25 for assists and the top 19% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Moreover, he’s something of a veteran at 29, which is similarly the case with Aubameyang, who joined the Premier League aged 28 and hit the ground running, calling upon all his experience and athleticism to post ten goals and four assists over his opening 13 matches in the division.

While Watkins is coming off the back of a campaign that left something to be desired, he still scored 17 goals and chalked up 14 more assists across all competitions, with his exploits rightly seeing podcaster Rohan Jivan name him “one of the best CFs in Europe.”

This is certainly underscored by his impressive track record (across all competitions) against the Premier League’s historic ‘big six’, having notably bagged six times over 11 matches against Arsenal, a statistic that will no doubt dredge up some off-putting memories for the club’s fanbase.

They say that if you can’t beat them, join them, but in Arsenal’s case, if they can’t stop Watkins from scoring, why not just sign him?

There is, of course, more to it than that, but Watkins’ goalscoring record against high-level opposition does underscore his suitability.

That and a consistent goalscoring record that would see Arsenal return to the striking success of old, when Aubameyang last plied his trade in an Arsenal shirt.

Arsenal – Premier League Top Scorers by Season
Season	Player	Goals
24/25	Kai Havertz	9
23/24	Bukayo Saka	16
22/23	Martin Odegaard	15
21/22	Bukayo Saka	11
20/21	Alexandre Lacazette	13
19/20	Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang	22
Stats via Transfermarkt

Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe, but they lack the deadly goalscorer of their domestic and continental rivals. Bukayo Saka is world-class, but he’s not an out-and-out striker.

And though Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have been out injured for a while, neither boasts the true clinical edge needed.

Watkins is a veteran, but so was Aubameyang when the mobile, high-speed star came over way back when. Imagine Auba in this current Gunners team? Such dreams may be realised if Watkins signs this summer.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 3, 2025

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin finally has the chance to meet some of his players in the flesh for the first time after they returned for pre-season testing on Monday.

The Light Blues head coach will have a lot of difficult decisions to make over the playing squad at Ibrox in order to end the summer transfer window with a squad that is capable of competing for the Scottish Premiership title.

Martin will be working with sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who is now in his first window at Ibrox as well, to secure new signings to bolster the team.

In fact, Thelwell is reportedly pursuing a deal for a new player who would leave the Scottish manager with a big decision to make on two of his current options in the same position.

Rangers set to bid for Premier League defender

According to DAVEOCKOP, Rangers are interested in a deal to sign left-back Owen Beck from Premier League champions Liverpool this summer.

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The report claims that the Light Blues are planning to submit a bid to sign the Wales international, as Thelwell aims to add another full-back option to Martin’s squad.

It adds that Liverpool have held talks with Beck over a potential new contract and that the plan has been to send him out on loan for the 2025/26 campaign.

However, Rangers are now looking to disrupt those plans by swooping in with an offer to sign the left-footed star on a permanent deal this summer, although it remains to be seen how likely a move is at this moment in time.

Why Rangers should sign Owen Beck

The Light Blues should push to convince the Reds to part ways with the 22-year-old full-back because his performances on loan at Dundee in the Premiership in the 2023/24 season suggest that he has the potential to be an upgrade on Jefte.

Beck spent this season on loan at Blackburn in the second tier of English football and started 21 of his 24 appearances in the division, averaging 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game at left-back.

The Welsh star, who was once hailed as a “spectacular” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, really caught the eye whilst playing in Scotland with Dundee, though.

Jefte started 30 of his 33 appearances in the top-flight during his debut campaign in Glasgow in the 2024/25 campaign, but the arrival of Beck on a permanent deal could put an end to his role as a regular starter.

Premiership

Owen Beck (23/24)

Jefte (24/25)

Appearances

25

33

Big chances created

6

4

Assists

4

4

Key passes per game

2.3

1.0

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.9

3.3

Ground duel success rate

57%

53%

Dribble success rate

60%

46%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Beck’s performances for Dundee suggest that the potential is there for him to offer more to the team as a creator and as an out-and-out defender.

The 22-year-old star put up more impressive creative numbers than Jefte did whilst playing in an inferior team, with respect to the Premiership, which suggests that he could thrive even more at the top end of the pitch as part of a ball-dominant Rangers team led by Martin.

Couple that with his superb defensive numbers, which suggest that he does not shirk his responsibilities going back the other way, and it appears as though Beck would come in with a real chance of being an upgrade on Jefte.

As a proven Premiership performer, the Liverpool dynamo would also have the potential to hit the ground running without having to get used to the physical demands of the style of football in Scotland.

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Therefore, this is a signing that would make a lot of sense for the Light Blues, but it would also leave Martin with some big decisions to make on Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz.