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As they do every year, Chelsea have really made the most of the transfer window so far.

The board have been able to shift players like Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke while bringing in a handful of seriously exciting and potentially game-changing talents.

The likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens should make them far more dangerous in attack, while Jorrel Hato looks like he could develop into a superstar defender.

Moreover, the Blues clearly want to do even more business before the window closes and have been linked with someone who could be their own Eberechi Eze.

Chelsea target their own Eze

Despite already doing so much business this summer, Chelsea appear intent on bringing in at least a few more players.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, the deal for Alejandro Garnacho seems to be moving along at a pace, and Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapié continues to be touted for a move to Stamford Bridge following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury.

However, there is an even more exciting deal the West Londoners could pull off this summer that would see them land someone who could be their own Eze.

At least that is according to a recent report by Kieran Gill, who has reaffirmed Chelsea’s interest in Xavi Simons.

More than that, though, Gill has revealed that, despite interest from Bayern Munich, the RB Leipzig star “only wants Chelsea” this summer.

While no price for the Dutchman is mentioned in the report, stories from earlier this summer claim that a fee of around £61m should be enough to tempt the German side into selling.

It would be a significant investment from Chelsea, but Simons has proven himself over the last few years and could even be their own version of Eze.

Why Simons could be Chelsea's Eze

Now, even though Simons is five years his junior, and therefore in a different phase of his career and development, there are still some key similarities he shares with Eze, such as his versatility.

For example, even though he has been described as “one of the best 10s in the world” by one analyst, and has spent plenty of time playing there, the 22-year-old dynamo is just as comfortable off the left.

In fact, the Amsterdam-born star is more versatile than the Englishman, as he can also play off the right and has even spent some time playing up top as a centre-forward.

The second similarity with the Palace star is his effectiveness when it comes to goals and assists.

In just 33 appearances for Leipzig last season, totalling 2763 minutes, the dynamic “game-changer,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, put the ball in the back of the net 11 times and then provided eight assists to boot.

Appearances

33

43

Minutes

2763′

3303′

Goals

11

14

Assists

8

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.57

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

145.42′

132.12′

That means that the former PSV Eindhoven gem maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes.

Finally, just as the former QPR gem has been entertaining fans in the Premier League for a few years now, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace is the sort of player who’ll get fans on their feet.

For example, FBref ranked him in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga last season for passes into the penalty area, through balls and carries into the final third, all per 90.

In other words, on top of his brilliant output, the Flying Dutchman is someone who will progress the game for his side, either with pinpoint accurate passes into dangerous areas, or bringing it there with a dribble.

Ultimately, while it might take him a little while to adjust to the Premier League, Simons looks like he has everything he’d need to be the next Eze, and therefore, Chelsea should be doing all they can to bring him to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Chelsea verbally agree deal for £192k-a-week star but need Nkunku to leave

It’s a case of one in, one out at Stamford Bridge.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 16, 2025

It would be fair to say that some of the shine has been taken off Arsenal’s summer over the last seven days.

The atmosphere around the club was excellent going into the game against Tottenham Hotspur last Thursday, only for the team to fall to a dull 1-0 defeat.

Then, instead of wiping the slate clean with an entertaining win over Villarreal on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta’s side fell to yet another defeat.

Fortunately, it’s not all doom and gloom, as the club have made several brilliant signings so far, with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi the clear standouts.

Moreover, Andrea Berta looks ready to make yet more additions, with Eberechi Eze’s name refusing to go away, and reports suggesting he could pull off the signing of another international ace, someone who’d surely represent his best deal yet.

Berta targets a better signing than Eze

Despite already adding six players to the squad this summer, Arsenal are clearly on the hunt for more first-team additions, and Eze has been someone consistently touted for a move to the club this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

The Crystal Palace star has a £67.5m release clause in his current deal that expires on August 15th, and based on stories from the last week or so, it does seem like the Gunners will be making a move for him once that clause is gone.

However, in exciting news, the Englishman isn’t the only attacker Berta and Co are supposedly after, as it now looks like they’ve got their eye on someone who’d undoubtedly be his best signing of the window.

At least that’s according to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, who has reaffirmed the fact that Arsenal are very interested in Rodrygo.

Bailey has revealed that, alongside North London rivals Spurs, the Gunners are now just “waiting for a signal” from the Brazilian before they make their move.

Interestingly, stories from earlier this summer made it clear that if the winger were to leave, it’d likely require a fee of around £86m, but then more recent reports have stated that a season-long loan with an obligation to buy at the end could be his route out of Spain.

It remains to be seen how Arsenal could eventually sign Rodrygo, but if they have any chance of doing so, they should, as he’d instantly become the best deal under Berta’s watch.

Why Rodrygo would be Berta's best deal

So, when it comes to the deals Berta has already completed this summer, the only two players who would be in with a shout of being his best are Gyokeres and Zubimendi, but we still think Rodrygo would land above both.

The reason he’d do so in the case of the Spaniard is the simple fact that the club do already have several genuinely great options for that role in the shape of Declan Rice, who was initially signed as a six, Christian Norgaard, who has impressed in pre-season, and Mikel Merino.

Moreover, it’s simply the nature of the sport that those who operate in deeper areas of the pitch are viewed as less game-changing than someone who’s up top, banging in goals or creating chances for his teammates.

However, in that case, why wouldn’t the former Sporting CP star be the better deal, as he racked up 67 goal involvements in 52 games last season?

Well, in this instance, it comes down to the fact that, while still outstanding, those numbers were achieved primarily in the Portuguese league, which, according to Opta Analyst, is just the eighth toughest in the world, coming in behind the Championship and Belgian top-flight.

While there is every chance that the Swedish international is a lean, mean goalscoring machine for the Gunners as well, there is still an element of the unknown about how he’ll adapt, especially when strikers like Darwin Núñez have struggled to do so in the past.

In contrast, we’ve got plenty of evidence that the Real Madrid star can more than handle himself in a top-five league.

Appearances

51

54

Minutes

3707′

3452′

Goals

17

14

Assists

9

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvement

142.57′

138.08′

For example, across the last two seasons, the Brazilian “superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has found the back of the net on 31 occasions and provided 20 assists in 105 appearances, totalling 7159 minutes.

That means the former Santos gem has been averaging a goal involvement every 2.05 games, or every 140.37 minutes across the last two years, which is only made all the more impressive when you take into account the fact he had to play out of his preferred position on the left for most of those games.

Finally, like all top-tier players, the Osasco-born ace has an incredible record in the Champions League.

In his 64 appearances in the competition, totalling 3883 minutes, the 24-year-old has scored 25 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.64 games, or every 99.56 minutes.

Ultimately, when you take everything into account, from his record to the fact that there are plenty of other top sides looking to sign him, it’s easy to see why Rodrygo would represent Berta’s best deal since joining Arsenal.

He'd solve Arteta's Martinelli problem: £68m ace has "heart set on Arsenal"

The Premier League star would be an exceptional addition to Arsenal’s squad.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 7, 2025

Vidarbha’s Aditya Thakare got 4 for 59, as India B folded for 115 in pursuit of 373

Shashank Kishore22-Sep-2024

File photo: Arshdeep Singh finished with a match haul of 9 for 90•ICC via Getty Images

Arshdeep Singh’s first-class career-best of 6 for 40 helped deliver a consolation win for India D in the final round of the Duleep Trophy 2024-25, in Anantapur. Set 373 for victory in a little over two sessions, India B folded for 115 in just 22.2 overs, with Arshdeep and Vidarbha seamer Aditya Thakare, who got 4 for 59, picking up all ten wickets between them.Arshdeep’s strikes across both innings included the big one of Suryakumar Yadav, who only managed scores of 5 and 16 in his first first-class fixture in over a year. Left-arm seamer Arshdeep, who picked up only his second five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, finished with a match haul of 9 for 90.India B’s allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was the only batter to offer any semblance of resistance, remaining unbeaten on 40 when Arshdeep fittingly picked up the final wicket to clinch a 257-run victory before tea on the fourth and final day.As well as Arshdeep contributed, it was batter Ricky Bhui who was named the Player of the Match. Bhui top-scored in the second innings with an unbeaten 119, going with 56 in the first, to swell the lead after India D found themselves in trouble at 18 for 3 in the second innings. Bhui, who began the day unbeaten on 90, completed his 20th first-class century quickly as India D added 59 more to their overnight 244 for 5 even as spin-bowling allrounder Saransh Jain didn’t come out to bat due to an unspecified injury.India B’s hopes of going after the target needed a stable base from the top order, but that wasn’t to be, as they quickly found themselves three down inside eight overs. Musheer Khan, who had opened the tournament with a backs-to-the-wall 181, was out for his second duck in four innings since, to end a tournament that had promised much more.Nitish, who himself hadn’t contributed as much as he would have liked with the bat, ended the tournament on a brighter note, albeit in a losing cause. He managed two wickets with the ball during the competition, where he showed the ability to bowl long spells and move the ball both ways at a brisk pace.Arshdeep aside, Saurabh Kumar, the left-arm-spinner, enjoyed a productive outing; his five-wicket haul in the first innings setting up a 67-run lead for India D. In other positives for them, Shreyas Iyer, who was leading the side, hit 50 off just 40 balls in the second innings, while Sanju Samson, the first-innings centurion, played a cameo in the second to set up a total they were able to eventually defend.For India B, Abhimanyu Easwaran was among their bright spots. Having begun the tournament with two very uncharacteristic dismissals, he bounced back with twin hundreds in his subsequent outings. However, a loss in the final game ended his side’s chances of clinching the Duleep Trophy, as India A are all but certain to gain three points from their ongoing fixture against India C.

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.

Everton head into the 2025/26 campaign full of optimism after a solid second half of last term under David Moyes.

The Toffees move into their new stadium and hopes will be high that progress can be made on the field.

In order to move the club up the Premier League table next term, Moyes must spend money this summer; that much is certain.

With Profit and Sustainability regulations to abide by, the manager must balance his ins and outs strategically, which could make business more difficult.

One player who won’t be at the club next year is midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, who departs at the end of his contract.

Could the Merseyside outfit be eyeing a replacement?

Everton transfer news

According to GIVEMESPORT, Everton are just one of the clubs showing interest in Valentin Atangana this summer.

The Reims starlet is also being tracked by Leeds United. West Ham United, Burnley, and Crystal Palace are also among the potential suitors for the midfielder.

Due to Reims suffering relegation from Ligue 1 at the end of last term, Atangana could be available for a fee in the region of just £9m.

Given the fact Moyes might not have a financial war chest at his disposal, this sort of deal could see the club land a perfect replacement for Doucoure for a decent transfer fee.

Why Everton must sign Valentin Atangana

Doucoure spent five years at Goodison Park, making over 150 appearances for the club, contributing 35 goal involvements during that time.

At 32, he is past his peak, and freeing up his wages could give Moyes some flexibility in the transfer market this summer.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2024/25

36

4

2

2023/24

35

7

3

2022/23

27

5

2

2021/22

34

2

4

2020/21

34

3

3

Last season, Atangana played 41 matches for Reims, although he couldn’t save the famous club from suffering relegation to the second tier.

Despite his tender years, the teenager shone over a range of metrics last season. Indeed, when compared to his peers in Ligue 1, the Frenchman ranked in the top 2% for percentage of dribblers tackled (73.7%) per 90, while also ranking in the top 10% for touches in the defensive third (3.63) and in the top 8% for aerials won (1.48) per 90.

It is evident based on these statistics that the midfielder offers excellent defensive support in the heart of the pitch, something which Everton have been missing of late.

U23 scout Antonio Mango hailed the teen sensation a few weeks ago, saying: “Defensive midfielder – Box-to-box style, great anticipation and technical ability to initiate attacks. He allows others to express themselves.”

By signing Atangana, Moyes will have someone who is able to prevent attacks and allow more creative players to thrive in the final third, knowing he is there to protect.

For just £9m, it could well be a shrewd move by the Toffees, although they will have to act swiftly to fend off the competition, and a perfect replacement for Doucoure in the middle of the park.

The next few weeks could be interesting indeed, that’s for sure.

Everton's new Richarlison: TFG line up move to sign "clinical" £17m CF

Everton are in the market for a centre-forward this summer, and they could find their next Richarlison.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 21, 2025

Liverpool’s need for a striker this summer is there for all to see, with the Reds already plotting moves in such a department ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arne Slot’s side may have claimed the Premier League title in 2024/25, but improvements are still there to be made, especially if players were to depart Anfield during the off-season.

Current centre-forward options Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota have both been linked with moves away from Merseyside this summer, with the manager needing to invest money in upgrades on the pair.

It’s unclear how much the hierarchy would demand to part ways with the current talismen, but given their combined tally of just 11 league goals, it’s unlikely they would stand in their way should an acceptable offer be presented.

Should such an event occur, it’s down to the staff behind the scenes to identify potential options for Slot, with numerous players already on their radar ahead of the window.

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

Countless players have been linked with a switch to Liverpool ahead of 2025/26, despite the window not yet being open – highlighting how much of an exciting proposition they really are.

The likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitiké are the main three who have been mentioned, but no progress has yet been made on any potential deals.

However, the same can’t be said for another target in the form of Julian Alvarez, that’s if the recent news broken by Argentine journalist Mathias Palacios is to be believed.

He claims that the Reds are keen on a move for the Atlético Madrid talisman in the coming months, with face-to-face meetings for his signature set to commence next week.

Palacios also confirms that Bayern Munich and Arsenal are interested in signing the former Manchester City talent, who’s registered a staggering 35 combined goals and assists in his 53 outings in 2024/25.

Unfortunately, it may take a considerable amount to prise him away from the Spanish capital with CIES Football Observatory suggesting the Argentine is worth £105m.

Why Liverpool’s latest target could be Salah 2.0

Mohamed Salah has been an unbelievable servant to Liverpool Football Club over the last eight years, even extending his stint on Merseyside to a decade after his latest contract extension.

The Egyptian has registered 244 goals and 113 assists in his 400 appearances at Anfield, a staggering record for a player who’s certainly cemented himself in club history.

He’s claimed three Golden Boot awards in the Premier League, and is set to add a fourth to his list after notching an incredible 28 goals in his 37 outings this season.

His £34m move from Roma back in the summer of 2017 will forever be remembered, certainly going down as a bargain and arguably one of their best ever transfers.

However, the board have the opportunity to replicate such a deal in the coming months with Alvarez, potentially following in his footsteps on Merseyside.

The pair both have a similar pattern in their careers, both featuring for other sides in England’s top flight before leaving to go elsewhere in Europe to further their respective profiles.

Salah, who failed to cut it at Chelsea, made a name for himself in Italy before joining the Reds, similarly to how Alvarez has developed after swapping Manchester City for Atlético Madrid.

The pair are now elite attacking talents, with the Argentinian forward having a season to remember, producing countless stats that would bolster Slot’s attack.

Alvarez, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Terry Flewers, has registered 1.4 shots on target per 90, along with a minute per goal ratio of 142 minutes in LaLiga – highlighting his clinical edge in the final third.

Julian Alvarez’s stats in LaLiga for Atlético (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	36
Goals & assists	20
Minutes per goal	142
Shots on target	1.4
Dribbles completed	57%
Chances created	1.5
Touches in opposition box	4.5
Stats via FotMob

However, he has also been able to create opportunities for his teammates, completing 57% of the dribbles he’s attempted and creating 1.5 chances per 90 – subsequently able to aid Salah in boosting his own numbers on Merseyside.

Should the former City talent get anywhere near close to the levels produced by the Egyptian over the years, it would be a phenomenal piece of business, adding a new dimension to Slot’s attack.

The prospect of the pair featuring together within the front line is certainly a scary one, with such a partnership strengthening their chances of retaining their crown in 2025/26.

Slot's next Mac Allister: Liverpool pursuing move for "ridiculous" £60m ace

Liverpool may land their next version of Alexis Mac Allister during the summer window.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 22, 2025

Arsenal may have saved themselves from a potential embarrassment on Sunday afternoon, but that does not change the fact that this summer has to be a monumental one.

Mikel Arteta told us it would be early last month, and while the arrival of Martin Zubimendi is certainly exciting, the area that needs reinforcing more than anywhere else is the attack.

Moreover, while the team’s need for a new striker – or two – is undeniable, a dynamic, direct, and dangerous left-winger is arguably just as crucial to support Bukayo Saka’s efforts on the other flank.

The good news is that the board seem to agree, as recent reports have linked the club with one of the most exciting wingers in world football, someone who’d be a massive upgrade on Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal's winger search

Given Arsenal’s lack of threat off the left this season, the last few weeks have seen several top-quality wingers, such as Rafael Leao and Daizen Maeda, linked with the club.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

The former could reportedly be available for around £85m, and while that is a considerable sum of money, his tally of 12 goals and 13 assists in 48 games this season suggests he’d be worth it.

Maeda, on the other hand, could be the Gunners for just £25m, which might be a steal considering he’s scored 33 goals and provided 12 assists in just 49 games this season.

However, Andrea Berta and Co might be after someone slightly cheaper than the AC Milan star but with more experience in a top-five league than the Celtic ace, which is where Nico Williams comes into play.

According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal is one of several teams incredibly interested in the Spanish superstar.

In fact, he goes a step further, revealing that the North Londoners are ‘at the front of the queue’ for the dynamic winger, and that Berta and Co have already held talks with his camp.

If Arsenal successfully convince the 22-year-old to join them this summer, they’ll have to pay his £48m release clause to get the deal done, but even so, he’d be more than worth it and a significant upgrade on Trossard.

How Williams compares to Trossard

If Arsenal get their way and bring Williams to the Emirates in the coming weeks and months, he’d likely only join with the promise of regular game time, which in turn would put him up against Trossard, but who comes out on top?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, it’s the Spaniard who emerges victorious.

For example, in just 44 appearances, totalling 3050 minutes, the Pamplona-born star has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.44 games, or every 169.44 minutes.

In contrast, the Belgian international has scored ten goals and provided nine assists in 54 appearances this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.84 games, or every 175.78 minutes.

What about when we take a look under the hood, then? Which winger has the more impressive underlying numbers?

Williams vs Trossard

Statistics

Williams

Trossard

Non-Penalty G+As

0.49

0.49

Progressive Passes

3.14

3.80

Progressive Passes Received

11.3

7.57

Progressive Carries

5.69

2.81

Shots

2.67

2.62

Shots on Target

1.12

0.84

Passing Accuracy

70.2%

74.8%

Key Passes

2.08

1.39

Shot-Creating Actions

5.34

3.28

Goal-Creating Actions

0.63

0.44

Successful Take-Ons

3.36

1.25

Ball Recoveries

4.28

3.45

Aerial Duels Won

0.44

0.29

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Season

Unsurprisingly, this is another comparison in which the “world-class” Bilbao star, as dubbed by journalist Zach Lowy, comes out on top and quite comfortably at that.

For example, he does better in most relevant metrics, including, but not limited to, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, key passes, ball recoveries, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Trossard could still be a valuable squad player, Williams is the far superior winger in practically every facet, and he’s eight years younger. Therefore, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the Spaniard this summer.

Related Shades of Aubameyang: Arsenal lead race to sign "mind-blowing" goal machine

The prolific marksman could be the difference-maker for Arsenal next season.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 12, 2025

Nottingham Forest are now willing to offer attacker Jota Silva in exchange for an “incredible” star who has become a top transfer target for Evangelos Marinakis and Edu Gaspar, according to a recent report.

Nottingham Forest join transfer race to sign goalkeeper and striker

The Reds’ Champions League hopes suffered a slight blow over the weekend as they were beaten by Aston Villa, but Manchester City failing to win means they still have a five-point gap in the race to secure a top-four finish.

£25m release clause: Nottingham Forest join hectic race for "superb" star

They could trigger his release clause.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 7, 2025

There are seven games remaining to go in the league and the dream is becoming a real possibility for Nuno Santo’s side, so fans can be forgiven for looking ahead to the summer, as it could be a busy time if European football is secured.

Indeed, Nuno has his eyes on improving a couple of positions in this Forest team, as they’ve already been linked with several new defenders and attackers, but he is also planning on strengthening his goalkeeper department.

According to the Boot Room, Forest are the latest team to join the race to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton. The Saints’ relegation to the Championship has now been confirmed, and Ramsdale is said to have a £25 million release clause in his contract, which has alerted Forest, and they have now joined several Premier League teams in looking to secure his transfer.

As well as looking at Ramsdale, Forest have also made contact with Jean-Philippe Mateta over a potential move to the City Ground. The centre-forward has impressed once again for the Eagles this season and has put himself on Forest’s radar, but they face competition from Manchester United, who are also keen on a deal.

Forest ready to offer Jota Silva in exchange for Gyokeres

Mateta is not the only striker the Reds are looking at to help Chris Wood next season, as according to Correio da Manha, relayed by Nottingham Forest News, Forest are prepared to offer winger Jota Silva to Sporting CP in exchange for Viktor Gyokeres.

The report states that the Premier League side and Marinakis have come up with a plan to offer Silva, as he’s highly rated by Sporting boss Rui Borges, and he’s struggled with game time at Forest this season. The Forest owner wants to do everything he can to bring Gyokeres to the City Ground this summer, and offering Silva may help them when it comes to negotiating a transfer.

The report does go on to add that despite the Reds being willing to offer Silva plus presumably a hefty chunk of cash, the deal will come down to the wishes of Gyokeres, who is not short of options heading into this summer. The Sweden star, who has been dubbed “incredible” by scout/writer Jacek Kulig, is valued between £50-58 million.

Apps

26

Goals

30

xG

24.63

Shots per game

4.2

Goals per game

1.2

Goal conversion

28%

Big chances missed

18

Assists

6

xAG

6.14

Big chances created

11

Silva, who is on a weekly wage of £25,000 at Forest, has played 26 times in the Premier League this season, but he has only started four games, and while he’s made an impact with some important goals and assists, he obviously hasn’t done enough to be a certain part of Nuno’s plans for next season and beyond.

Harry Kane netted his 25th goal of the season as he bizarrely emerged as Bayern's only scorer on the night in their 3-2 win over Union Berlin in their DFB Pokal round of 16 clash on Wednesday night. Kane was also guilty of conceding a second penalty just five minutes after the break, as his foul allowed Union to reduce the deficit to one goal, but the Bavarian giants held on to progress.

• Kane on song as Bayern reach DFB Pokal quarter-final

  Bayern dominated possession right from the start as they looked hungry to establish an early lead. And the deadlock was broken after just 12 minutes when Union Berlin forward Ilyas Ansah accidentally put the ball into his own net. Aleksandar Pavlovic cleverly shielded the opposition goalkeeper as Joshua Kimmich's corner deflected off Ansah's thigh and into the back of the net.

  Star striker Kane doubled his team's lead midway through the half with a glancing header from Kimmich's inch-perfect corner. The England captain successfully got the better of his marker inside the box and guided the ball home via a touch on the goal-line. Kane has now scored in all three rounds of the DFB Pokal in the 2025-26 campaign.

  As the game approached the half-time break, the hosts got an opportunity to reduce the deficit when Jonathan Tah handled the ball inside the Bayern box when trying to block a shot. After a lengthy VAR check, Tah was found guilty of a handball as the spot-kick was awarded to Union. Leopold Querfeld found the back of the net from the resulting penalty.

  The German champions, however, bounced back quickly as they restored their two-goal lead from a second own goal. Michael Olise sent in a cross hoping to find one of his team-mates but before any Bayern player could reach the ball, Diogo Leite flicked it into his own net, handing the opposition a 3-1 lead going into the break.

  Just five minutes into the second period, Kane was guilty of committing a foul inside the Bayern penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot. The English forward was booked for his challenge as Querfeld made it a brace by converting again.

  Union Berlin looked much more lively in the second half and an early goal after the break provided the much-needed motivation to go for an equaliser. After Luis Diaz had a goal ruled out, Querfeld could have completed his hat-trick late in the game, but his header from a close range went agonisingly off target.

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  The MVP

  Kane, who is having a stellar campaign in the 2025-26 season, once again stole the limelight. In a bizarre encounter that saw Union Berlin score two own goals, Kane was Bayern's only scorer of the night. The experienced forward converted the clinical header which had doubled his team's lead in the first half. 

• The big loser

  Ansah and Leite were definitely the villains for the hosts tonight as their own goals in the first 45 proved costly for Union Berlin. The way the team bounced back in the second half and kept pressing Bayern in quick counter-attacks means the first-half own goals will surely haunt them after their elimination from the cup.

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  Match rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The home side were without a host of frontline quicks but were still able to beat England 3-0

Andrew McGlashan02-Nov-2025

Zak Foulkes caused England’s top order plenty of problems in their recent ODI series•AFP/Getty Images

Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne. It’s an impressive list of fast bowlers. And New Zealand finished their ODI series against England without any of them.Henry featured in the first game in Mount Maunganui, where he started the home side’s hold over England’s brittle top order alongside Zak Foulkes, before exiting through injury. The rest were sidelined before it started. New Zealand still won 3-0. It continued a formidable home record: since losing 4-1 to India in 2019, they have won 25 out of 29 ODIs.Captain Mitchell Santner admitted the toss was a huge factor in Wellington (Harry Brook was equally quick to bemoan the fact he hadn’t won any in the series) but that shouldn’t detract from what was an impressive show of depth from New Zealand.Related

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Blair Tickner, in a comeback story full of emotion and resilience, finished as the leading wicket-taker in the series, Foulkes had what could prove a breakout week and Jacob Duffy added further rewards to his impressive white-ball record.Only Nathan Smith, with two wickets and an economy rate of 6.82, perhaps ended the series with a question mark but he could make his T20I debut against West Indies, having been included in that squad alongside the fit-again Jamieson.”[The depth] certainly has been tested,” head coach Rob Walter said. “I think at one stage we were six or seven of our seamers down, which is a great testament to the depth, to be honest. More importantly to the individuals that have stepped in, I think often we don’t see the work that the guys not playing are doing, trying to get ready and wait for the opportunity.”In this instance, Zak has been one of those guys. Ticks has been one of those guys, being in and being out for over two years and working away at his craft to hopefully get another opportunity, which he gets and then he just sort of rises to it and does it with a smile on his face.Kyle Jamieson has recovered to be part of the squad for the T20Is against West Indies•Getty Images

“So we pride ourselves on our domestic competitions to be fair and the strength of them and the way that players can come from there and into the international circuit, whilst we understand it is obviously of a higher level that they can come in and the group pulls them in and allows them to just be themselves.”The depth is there. We’re certainly not resting on it because with international cricket, as we’ve seen, we’re getting tested with a lot of players in and out, injuries sneaking in here and there. So it’s certainly something we’re paying attention to.”Henry (calf/workload management), Ferguson (hamstring), Milne (ankle) and Sears (hamstring) remain sidelined for the T20Is against West Indies alongside Finn Allen (foot) and Glenn Phillips (groin).”Kyle’s been back bowling this week and is tracking nicely for this series,” Walter said. “Nathan’s made an impressive start to his international career in the Test and ODI formats and we back him to do the job if he gets his T20 chance in this series.”Matt has played every game [for New Zealand] since the tour to Zimbabwe in July – so it’s the right moment for him to have a short break and the fact he will also get some time to rehab his calf is another upside.”Daryl Mitchell was named Player of the Series for the ODIs against England•Getty Images

With the bat, New Zealand had wobbles in each of their three chases against England, significantly so in the final game where Foulkes and Tickner carried them across the line. When the series was live, Daryl Mitchell led the way with two unbeaten half-centuries while Santner had a significant impact with a strike rate 123.94, which included putting a six onto the roof of Sky Stadium in Wellington.”It means a hell of a lot to play for New Zealand, so for me, any time I get to be in those moments and help us win those little moments, which create big ones, it’s good fun,” Mitchell, who was named Player of the Series, said. “It’s really pleasing to win a series and to win it in the way we have, and hopefully it creates momentum heading into the rest of the summer.”Will Young, who only made six runs in three innings, will be looking over his shoulder and Tom Latham had a lean series with 36 runs too.New Zealand play a further three-match ODI series against West Indies later this month following the five T20Is, which begin in Auckland on November 5.New Zealand T20I squad vs West IndiesMitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi