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Looking to add to their Ibrox arrivals after confirming Max Aarons, the 49ers and Glasgow Rangers are reportedly ready to win the race to sign a player who has been dubbed the ‘Brazilian Paul Pogba’.

Aarons "delighted" to join Rangers

Getting to work straight away after completing their takeover of the club and hiring Russell Martin, the 49ers have already secured both Aarons and young Scotland talent Lyall Cameron. Aarons particularly stands out as an impressive coup on loan from Bournemouth given the experience that he built up in the Premier League.

After arriving at Ibrox, the defender told the club’s website: “I am delighted to be here, as you can see it’s a huge club and you realise that when you walk through the doors, I can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve got a lot of experience now in different leagues and I have played a lot of games. I think I can bring that experience, I can bring a new energy, and I think Rangers fans can be excited – I am really looking forward to it.”

A Bassey repeat at Ibrox: Rangers agree deal to sign a new "sensation"

Rangers have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a star who could be a repeat of Calvin Bassey.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 30, 2025

Martin, equally delighted, then said: “Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging through the youth ranks while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player.

“He is a wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success for his side. We are pleased to bring him on board for this season, and I believe he will be a fantastic addition to the squad.”

The Scottish giants will be hoping that Aarons’ arrival is the first of many amid links to the likes of Conor Coady and an impressive midfielder who has reportedly been handpicked by the 49ers.

49ers now ready to battle for Metinho

According to The Scottish Sun, the 49ers are now ready to win the race to sign Metinho ahead of Champions League side Basel this summer. The American owners reportedly handpicked the Troyes midfielder as someone they wanted to invest in before arriving at Ibrox and now have the perfect opportunity to do so.

Earning high praise from scout Kai Watson, who described the midfielder as a “strong passer of the ball”, Metinho has also been dubbed the ‘Brazilian Paul Pogba” in the past – highlighting the talent that Rangers could be signing.

Fending off interest from Basel won’t be easy, however, after the 22-year-old spent last season on loan in Switzerland, but the 49ers will be hoping that their newest project will be enough to build a strong case. After Aarons, Metinho would certainly only continue a promising start to Rangers’ summer window.

Despite missing the deadline to trigger their buy-back option, Daniel Levy and Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly preparing an offer to re-sign a Premier League defender.

Daniel Levy: "Failure is not an option"

The biggest decision of Tottenham’s summer so far has undoubtedly been the appointment of Thomas Frank after showing Ange Postecoglou the door. The decision to sack Australian is one that split opinion just weeks after the Lilywhites ended their trophy drought by winning the Europa League against Manchester United.

Levy has since spoken for the first time since sacking Postecoglou, revealing that it was a difficult decision emotionally. He told reporters: “I don’t regret appointing Ange, I’m very grateful to Ange. In his first season we finished fifth and in his second we were over the moon to win a trophy.

“But we need to compete in all competitions, and we felt that we needed a change. Emotionally it was difficult but we feel that we’ve made the right decision for the club. “I’ve got very broad shoulders. Failure is not an option, the desire [is] to succeed. And because it’s so difficult, I want to succeed even more.”

Frank green-lights move for "decisive" star to replace Tottenham forward

The Dane is “crazy” about signing him.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 21, 2025

Whether those in North London agree with the decision or not, Postecoglou’s departure has since opened the door for Frank to step into the hot seat for the biggest job of his career.

It has been a long time coming for the Dane, who took Brentford to new heights despite often lacking in resources. Now at Tottenham, he has the chance to prove that he belongs at the very top by turning things around in North London.

That turnaround must start away from the pitch and in the transfer window, however, with names such as Antoine Semenyo alongside a name that Spurs fans know well already among the headlines on that front.

Tottenham preparing offer to re-sign Cirkin

According to reports relayed by The Northern Echo, Tottenham are now preparing a formal offer to re-sign Dennis Cirkin despite missing the deadline to trigger their buy-back clause from Sunderland.

The left-back has blossomed into an impressive talent since swapping Spurs for Wearside and now finds himself back in the Premier League with the Black Cats. That return has not gone under the radar, however, and Levy now has his sights set on a reunion.

Cirkin would not only hand Frank an instant boost in his backline but also help Spurs to fill their homegrown quota in the Champions League next season. On all fronts, it is a deal that may make sense for the Lilywhites.

Sunderland are reportedly eager to keep hold of Cirkin and tie their defender down to a new contract. Whether they are able to convince their defender to ignore the interest of his former club remains to be seen, though.

Alas, having already lost Jobe Bellingham for big money, the Black Cats have proved their ability to drive a hard bargain and with no buy-back clause to fall back on, Spurs could yet face some tough negotiations.

Tottenham Hotspur had their defensive woes last season thanks to a plethora of injuries which debilitated their squad, and with Cristian Romero heavily linked to Atlético Madrid, it isn’t inconceivable to think they could be adding a centre-back this summer.

Thomas Frank confirmed as new Spurs head coach

We knew that Thomas Frank would be landing at N17 for the last few days, but on Thursday evening, the Europa League champions officially announced his arrival as new head coach to replace Ange Postecoglou.

Talks held: £190k-a-week Tottenham star may have "played his last game"

His agents have held exit talks.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 12, 2025

The Dane is set to lead Tottenham into their first campaign back in the Champions League since Antonio Conte’s final season in charge, and has an almighty task on his hands to inspire momentum from the club’s triumph in Bilbao.

According to some reports, Frank has already made some Spurs transfer decisions behind-the-scenes, with the 51-year-old eager to keep hold of Mathys Tel on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich (TEAMtalk), and requesting that chairman Daniel Levy target a move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze (GiveMeSport).

He also has a key call to make in regard to the future of Lilywhites legend Son Heung-min, who is attracting serious interest from the Saudi Pro League and could depart Spurs after 10 years of faithful service.

Saudi have reportedly held talks with Son’s camp already, but Frank will unlikely be comfortable losing both the South Korean and Romero in one window.

The latter is a top target for Atlético, and some media sources believe that Romero has informed Levy of his desire to leave Tottenham, regardless of their Europa League final win last month.

Meanwhile, his central defensive partner, Radu Dragusin, is now also attracting interest from abroad.

Suggestion Tottenham could be offered Fikayo Tomori in Radu Dragusin swap deal

According to Calciomercato.it, Spurs actually reached an agreement to sign AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori in January, but the move ultimately failed to materialise.

However, they suggest that a swoop for the 27-year-old could be back on the cards, namely due to Milan’s strong interest in signing Dragusin. The Romanian’s agent, Gabriele Giuffrida, held a three-hour-long meeting with Milan chiefs earlier this week, with Dragusin “hoping” to make a return to Serie A.

Calciomercato warned to pay “special attention” to him and a potential San Siro move, adding that Tottenham’s January agreement for Tomori could help to instigate a swap deal involving Dragusin.

Tomori is homegrown, out of contract in 2027 and may be keen on coming back to the Premier League after falling slightly down Milan’s pecking order. Valued at around £26 million, any swap deal involving Dragusin could also bring this price down further, and allow Spurs to reinvest the saved cash into bringing in other crucial new additions.

Tomori has serious credentials as well, having earned plaudits for his growth in Italy.

“He was very brave in going to another country and stepping out of the shadows of Chelsea to test himself,” said TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand about Tomori’s development.

“I saw a quote the other day from him saying a lot of the Italian strengths in defending he has started to pick up and learn. One of the things that stand out immediately is his tenacity and pace.

“He is remarkably quick, but the way he comes out and closes down people and spaces is tremendous to see. He would have learnt. He is a student of the game, he is intelligent, he will keep on growing.”

When Liverpool renewed Virgil van Dijk’s contract, they did more than just tie their star defender down to a new two-year deal.

Van Dijk is more than a world-class centre-back; he’s more, even, than a peerless skipper. The Netherlands icon has transcended his post as one of Liverpool’s star players, immortalising his name in Liverpool lore, right up there alongside Alan Hansen.

Yes, yes, he turns 34 next month. And, well, yes, Liverpool will need to be more careful in managing their captain’s minutes as he reaches the autumn days of his illustrious Premier League career.

But Van Dijk leads by example, and that’s on and off the field. He’s more than a defender; he’s a leader and rousing force. Tune in to Liverpool on the television, and you’ll hear the 6 foot 4 star baying at his teammates before heading out of the tunnel, switching them into gear.

Let’s enjoy him while we can, because FSG’s transfer chief, Richard Hughes, is already hard at work trying to secure a long-term heir.

Liverpool's efforts to sign the next Van Dijk

Dean Huijsen was written in the stars to succeed Van Dijk at Anfield. After a stunning breakout campaign at Bournemouth last year, the 20-year-old became one of the most sought-after young players in Europe, hailed for his incredible potential.

Van Dijk left Southampton to sign for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, and Huijsen could have followed a similar path, each proving a cut above. Moreover, Huijsen, while a Spanish international, was born and reared in Amsterdam to Dutch parents before relocating to Spain when he was five.

It felt like the perfect move for the player, moving to Liverpool, emulating one of the greatest defenders of his generation – and technically a countryman at that.

Well, Real Madrid clearly turned a blind eye to such a poetic story, for they brushed Premier League competition aside to activate the prodigy’s £50m release clause and bring him home.

Arne Slot still needs a new central defender, and while Huijsen is a one-of-a-kind talent, there might just be an alternative option waiting across the continent, having been of a vested interest to Liverpool in the past.

Liverpool enter race for new centre-back

Huijsen’s off the cards, yada yada, but he’s not the only talented centre-back looking to take the next step in his career.

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 Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Liverpool are interested in Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio, 23, once again, having been routinely linked with the dynamic defender across the past couple of years.

The left-footed defender has a €60m (£50m) release clause in his contract, but suitors are optimistic that they can engineer a more agreeable figure.

However, with Manchester United and Newcastle United thought to be interested too, FSG will need to up the ante if they wish to find a fitting long-term Van Dijk heir.

What Goncalo Inacio would bring to Liverpool

Inacio has yet to compete away from his Portuguese homeland, but he hasn’t exactly done that badly in Portugal, appearing 213 times for Sporting after graduating from their academy.

Journalist Antonio Mango has drawn attention to Inacio’s “insane” range of passing, and that’s corroborated by the data, for Inacio has completed an average of 89% of his passes across his senior career, as recorded by WhoScored.

Moreover, Inacio’s aerial ability suggests he could offer a similar level of ability in that regard as Huijsen, whose rangy frame and composure, leading to expert timing, is something that would have seen him exceed expectations when stepping into Van Dijk’s boots at Liverpool.

His modern-tailored style is exactly what Liverpool are looking for, and he’s a left-sided centre-back besides. To add further substance to the argument, this is a player who has been tracked by Liverpool for a number of years, and he’s only got better and better.

Having been an influential member of a two-time Liga Portugal-winning backline in recent years, Inacio has fostered the perfect mentality for a place in Liverpool’s first team, and he’s also blessed with a technical level that most other central defenders across Europe can only dream of.

Most, but not all. Huijsen can certainly throw down with the Portuguese ace on that front, and when racking up the respective players’ skills against each other, you can see that both offer similar qualities.

Huijsen is a strong defender, but his range of passing and creativity, his ability to play through the lines, are the facets which define him as a future superstar.

Inacio perhaps outperforms him in that regard, and if placed in Slot’s high-flying Liverpool system, you can only imagine the progress he could make, following the likes of Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch in making remarkable progress under the Dutchman’s wing.

Further to the point, Inacio made only one defensive error across his 28 top-flight appearances last term, whereas Huijsen made four playing for Bournemouth in the Premier League, albeit playing at what is considered a higher level, in more intense and rigorous conditions.

He’s not perfect, but the Portugal international has the making of an elite-level defender, and he could prove the dream Huijsen alternative if signed this summer, learning from Van Dijk over the next couple of years before breaking away from the Reds legend’s shadow and becoming a sensation in his own right down the line.

The dream XI Liverpool could build: Wirtz signs & "the next Mbappe" arrives

Liverpool are making sweeping changes in the transfer market as Slot prepares to defend his PL title.

3

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 3, 2025

There has been a lot to be negative about for Arsenal fans this season.

From their never-ending slew of injuries to bizarre suspensions and the fact that they once again failed to win a trophy.

However, while we certainly wouldn’t disagree that this year has been a disappointment for Mikel Arteta’s side, there have also been a few genuine positives.

For example, a number of players have stepped up throughout the year and improved their standing in the team, including one who’s looked at entirely differently by the fans but shouldn’t be at the club at the start of next season.

The Arsenal stars who stepped up

So, before we get to the player in question, it’s worth going over a few of the other stars who did themselves proud in an otherwise underwhelming season, such as Bukayo Saka.

Yes, the Hale Ender was out of action for just over three months with a hamstring injury, but when he was on the pitch, he’s only further proven to people that he is well and truly world-class.

For example, in 37 appearances, totalling 2619 minutes, the 23-year-old scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to an unreal average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games or every 100.73 minutes.

The Englishman also stepped up against Real Madrid, just like another of the team’s leaders from this season, Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain started the season somewhat slowly, but after Christmas, he looked back to his very best, and if he wasn’t breaking up opposition attacks in the middle of the park, he was starting them himself.

Moreover, the fact that he scored not one but two utterly superb free-kicks against Real in the Champions League cannot be overlooked – not that it is, mind.

Someone who doesn’t receive quite as much attention but should is Jurrien Timber, who, off the back of his ACL injury in the 23/24 season, managed to cover for the injured Ben White brilliantly this season, making 48 appearances across all competitions, 42 of which were starts.

Interestingly, the former Ajax star wasn’t the only defender to seriously improve his standing in the team this season.

The Arsenal star who should never play for the team again

So, it’s probably not too difficult to work out that the defender we are talking about is, of course, Jakub Kiwior.

The Polish international, who joined the club for £20m in January 2023, played something of a bit part for most of the campaign, right up until Gabriel Magalhaes saw his campaign end with a hamstring injury against Fulham on April 1st.

Following on from that game, the former Spezia star started every Premier League and Champions League game, including both legs against Real, in which, aside from a small mistake in the first leg, he was near enough perfect.

It was a totally unexpected run of genuinely impressive form from the 25-year-old, who only in December was branded as “shocking,” as having “no outstanding physical qualities”, and simply not “good enough” by Arsenal podcaster Phil Costa.

So, you may be asking yourself, why are we saying the “exceptional” international, as dubbed by Arteta, should never play for the club again?

Well, simply put, now is the best time to sell him and earn a tidy profit, with reports from last week claiming that he now has a price tag of £60m on his head, which works out to a 200% increase on the fee paid by the Gunners.

Moreover, it would also be in his own best interest, as when Gabriel is back, his game time will dramatically decrease and then decrease some more if Riccardo Calafiori can sort out his fitness over the summer.

Ultimately, Arsenal should say their thanks to Kiwior and move him on this summer, while his valuation is justifiably high as it is.

Better than Sane: Arteta makes £50m winger Arsenal's new priority signing

The international star would be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad this summer.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 29, 2025

Nottingham Forest have exceeded expectations this season and could be about to launch an ambitious bid in the transfer window for a renowned Premier League operator, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest look forward to exciting summer

Nuno Espirito Santo has restored his reputation as one of the most underrated coaches in the Premier League after guiding Nottingham Forest to continental qualification at the City Ground.

Coming as a surprise to many in footballing circles, their culture of shrewd investments and building a side capable of going the extra mile is likely to be key once again as they enter the market in pursuit of new recruits.

Fitting the bill, Nottingham Forest have lined up an exciting move for Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Martin Baturina to help bolster their chances of encountering another fine campaign next time around.

Coming in for a potential fee of £21 million, the Croatia international’s arrival would be a major signal of intent in light of an 18-goal contribution season in his homeland.

On the same token, Lazio forward Taty Castellanos is also said to be on Nottingham Forest’s radar amid news that he could be available to depart the Stadio Olimpico should a suitable offer for his services come forward.

Nottingham Forest now evaluating summer move to sign "superb" Serie A star

He could become the heir to Chris Wood’s Forest throne.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 22, 2025

West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers will provide competition, but the Tricky Trees will feel confident they can prevail due to their European status. Undoubtedly, rival suitors for key targets will present a challenging market space for every ambitious manager looking for fresh blood.

Either way, Nottingham Forest have found plenty of diamonds over the past few years, so it won’t come as a surprise to hear that they are now in the mix for another talented operator.

Nottingham Forest line up surprise £35m Matheus Nunes deal

According to The Sun, Nottingham Forest are lining up a move for Manchester City star Matheus Nunes amid the Citizens’ pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White that could see the England international head in the opposite direction. It is added that City are ready to cut their losses on Nunes and value him at £35m.

Espirito Santo is a ‘big fan’ of the Portuguese central midfielder, who has also operated as a right-back this term due to a shortage of options at Pep Guardiola’s disposal.

Despite a disappointing campaign for Manchester City as a whole, his impressive goal contribution tally lends some credence to the notion that Nunes could replace Gibbs-White if the latter were to depart this summer.

Labelled “special” by Guardiola, it is believed that the former Wolves man could be a useful ‘bargaining chip’ in any cross-negotiations, potentially feeding into the scope for a PSR-friendly agreement to be found between all parties.

Nevertheless, time will tell on that front. Nottingham Forest have emerged as one of the more ambitious forces in English football of late, and securing Nunes on a permanent basis would heighten their status in that bracket.

Liverpool are now “seriously pursuing” a £34m defender, and advanced talks have already taken place, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Liverpool searching for Trent replacement

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s time at Anfield isn’t ending the way he would’ve liked, having confirmed his decision to leave his boyhood club at the end of the season, with the right-back entering the field to a chorus of boos after being brought on as a substitute against Arsenal on Sunday.

Jamie Carragher has since criticised the reaction to Trent entering the field, encouraging supporters to sing other players’ names, rather than booing one of their own.

Conor Bradley, on the other hand, received a good reception on Sunday, but having made an error in the build-up to the Gunners’ first goal, Arne Slot could have some reservations about the Northern Irishman becoming the first-choice right-back immediately.

As such, Slot may choose to enter the transfer market to find a replacement for Trent, and Plettenberg has now taken to X to provide an update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong.

The Sky Sports reporter states the Reds are now “seriously pursuing” Frimpong, with the right-back “planning to move this summer”, and he should be available for a relatively affordable fee, given that he has a release clause of around €35m – €40m (£29m – £34m) in his contract.

The 24-year-old is also described as “one of the top options” to replace Alexander-Arnold at the end of the season, underlining the Merseysiders’ level of interest, with advanced talks taking place.

Liverpool now willing to offer up Chiesa to buy 19-goal star in £50m+ swap

The Reds could pull off a surprise swap deal…

1

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 12, 2025

"Monster" Frimpong could be ideal Trent replacement

Trent has received criticism for his defending during his time at Anfield, but the England international has more than made up for it with his quality going forward, picking up three goals and seven assists in the Premier League this season.

Much like his potential predecessor, the Leverkusen star also excels on the front foot, ranking in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, and the 89th percentile for assists, when compared to other full-backs.

Amid previous links to Manchester United, the Dutchman was also described as a “monster” in the attacking third by the United Stand’s Beth Tucker, which is underlined by his contributions going forward over the past three Bundesliga seasons.

A fee of just £29m – £34m could be a bargain for Frimpong, who could be the ideal replacement for Trent, given his attacking quality, although it would also be good to see academy graduate Bradley receive more game time next season.

Following rumours that Premier League sides are interested in signing Pierce Charles this summer, Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly ready to sign a young shot-stopper in a bargain deal.

Pierce Charles attracting Premier League interest

At just 19 years old, Charles has been a true bright spark for Sheffield Wednesday even as issues away from the pitch attempt to rain down on what has otherwise been a solid season for Danny Rohl’s side. Even as owner Dejphon Chansiri has continued to struggle financially – resulting in a two-point deduction for the Owls – Rohl has kept his side away from the threat of Championship relegation two seasons on the trot.

As the summer approaches, however, even the German may not stay put in Sheffield, with reported interest from the likes of Leicester City and Southampton reportedly emerging. Losing Rohl, more so than any player, would arguably be Wednesday’s greatest loss.

Sheffield Wednesday ready to make five new signings including Leeds 17 y/o

The Owls could welcome as many as five future stars.

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 15, 2025

Meanwhile, their No.1 could also be joining Rohl on the list of departures. According to Graeme Bailey for EFL Analysis, Sheffield Wednesday are in danger of losing young goalkeeper Charles this summer amid interest from Fulham, Brentford and Everton.

Those at Hillsborough need no reminding of Charles’ quality, especially after the goalkeeper’s importance was recently recognised by the Sheffield Star when they awarded him with their Player of the Season award.

With that said, losing such a player and one whose best years are yet come would be an undoubted blow for all involved at Sheffield Wednesday, who could find themselves picked apart this summer.

Should Charles answer the Premier League call, the Owls will need to make finding a replacement one of their top priorities. And that could see a former Premier League goalkeeper arrive at a bargain price.

Sheffield Wednesday ready to sign Zeitzen

According to The Star, Sheffield Wednesday are now ready to sign Michael Zeitzen from Stoke City this summer, with the 18-year-old currently on trial at the club ahead of a potential decision. With his contract coming to an end at the Potters at the end of the current campaign too, the Owls would be landing a bargain deal to possibly replace Charles.

Zeitzen has primarily played U18 football this season, making 11 appearances in the U18 Premier League and two in the FA Youth Cup whilst keeping two clean sheets in a frustrating campaign. Now, as his time at Stoke City comes to an end, he desperately needs his next move to go right.

It wasn’t so long ago that the teenager was an Arsenal prospect before struggling to gain first team opportunities at Stoke. But at just 18 years old, Zeitzen’s story is far from finished and may yet be Sheffield Wednesday who help him realise the potential he was once showing in North London.

If Charles leaves, then welcoming a young goalkeeper at a bargain price would certainly make sense for the Owls, who could be in for a busy summer on all fronts.

Leeds United have reportedly made a £20m defender similar to Joe Rodon one of their top targets following a recent scouting mission.

Leeds reach 100 points and lift Championship title on final day

It was a final day to remember for Daniel Farke and his Leeds side after clinching the Championship title in stoppage time.

A Manor Solomon goal in the 91st minute ensured a come-from-behind victory for the Whites at Home Park and meant they’d finish the season on 100 points.

Talking after winning the title, Farke said: “Today I was allowed to have one or two tears in my eyes. After Wembley I had to be there for my players and give them some belief, it was a tough moment. For Ethan [Ampadu], Ilia [Gruev], Joe [Rodon] they were all in tears.

“I wanted to create something really special with them. To see them like little kids [after the title was won], enjoying themselves like they did at the age when they started playing football. In these moments you’re never thinking about money or contracts. To be a bit reminded how happy they are, like children, it’s one of the best moments you can have as a manager.”

Leeds make advances in move to sign "top-class" 243 career-goal striker

The Whites are in the hunt for attacking reinforcements.

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By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 3, 2025

Now, the club’s attention behind the scenes at Elland Road will be on the summer, looking to bolster the current squad ahead of their Premier League return. Adam Underwood has been promoted to the role of sporting director having been at the club for more than 10 years, and it could be a crucial first transfer window with him at the helm.

Solomon has been linked with a permanent move to Leeds, whereas a raid on Celtic for the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Nicolas Kuhn has also been mooted.

Additions at the back and in attack look likely, and now, a new defensive option has emerged on Underwood’s radar.

Leeds eyeing bid to sign £20m defender Leonardo Balerdi

According to reports from The Sun, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds have recently sent scouts to watch Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi.

The Whites have now made Balerdi one of their top targets, and the Argentine is open to a move to England. It is added that Marseille would demand a £20m fee for their defender over the coming months.

Balerdi signed for Marseille from Borussia Dortmund back in 2021 and is now the captain of the Ligue 1 side having made more than 160 appearances for his current employers.

Capped six times by Argentina, Balerdi has impressed on the ball over the last 12 months. As per FBref, he has ranked in the top 1% of centre-backs when it comes to passes attempted and top 3% for successful passes per 90, whereas the Marseille man is also in the top 1% for successful take-ons.

Balerdi is similar Rodon as the Leeds star ranks in the top 3% for passes attempted and top 2% for successful passes, and by the looks of things, he could be partnering the Wales international at the back next season.

With no Premier League game this weekend, every Arsenal fan will have their eyes firmly on their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint Germain next week.

However, while Mikel Arteta’s side have a real chance of doing something sensational on the continent, it would be impossible to describe their domestic form as anything other than disappointing.

The Gunners crashed out of the FA Cup and League Cup, and should Liverpool pick up even a point at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, they’ll be crowned champions with four games to spare.

While injuries have certainly played their part, poor performances have been just as big of a problem, with club captain Martin Odegaard’s drop in form emblematic of the season overall.

The Norwegian international may well get back to his mercurial best next year, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club may have already identified someone who’d be an upgrade, someone who’s won comparisons to the incredible Jude Bellingham.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other incredible names Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks, such as Raphinha.

The Barcelona superstar would reportedly be available for about £86m in the summer, and while that is a lot, it could be a fee worth paying as he’s already scored 30 goals and provided 23 assists in 49 games this year.

A cheaper player touted for a £43m move to the Emirates in recent days has been Andrey Santos.

Transfer Focus

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

The Chelsea loanee is having a stellar campaign in France with Strasbourg, amassing 15 goal involvements in just 30 appearances from central and defensive midfield.

However, the most exciting name touted for a move to N5, and the one who could replace Odegaard is Désiré Doué.

Yes, according to reports from Spain, Arsenal are one of several Premier League sides interested in signing the Frenchman this summer.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on the talent.

However, Paris Saint-Germain are not planning on selling the teenage sensation unless a monster offer of around £86m is made.

It looks like it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Doué’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be a dream Odegaard replacement and has been compared to Bellingham.

How Doué compares to Odegaard and Bellingham

So, the first thing to say is that while Doué has spent more time on the wings this season, he has still made nine appearances as an attacking midfielder this term and has even been described as a “true 10” by respected analyst Ben Mattinson.

With that out the way, it’s worth examining this comparison to Bellingham and where it comes from before looking at how he stacks up against Odegaard.

In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one and, in this instance, has concluded that the Englishman is the number one most similar midfielder to the PSG gem.

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, progressive passes, goals, assists, goals per shot and shot on target, carries and more, all per 90.

So, with his apparent statistical similarities to the Real Madrid star, how does the Angers-born ace compare to the Gunners’ captain?

Well, from a pure output perspective, he comes out miles ahead.

For example, in 46 appearances, totalling just 2538 minutes, he’s scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists.

That means the “absolute genius,” as dubbed by Mattinson, is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.84 games or every 101.52 minutes.

For his efforts this year, the Drammen-born star has scored just five goals and provided ten assists in 39 appearances, totalling 2982 minutes.

Therefore, the 26-year-old is averaging a goal involvement every 2.6 games or every 198.8 minutes, which is undeniably disappointing.

Ultimately, while he might cost a huge sum of money, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Doué this summer, as not only has he won comparisons to Bellingham, but he could be a younger, more exciting upgrade on Odegaard.

Arsenal in contact to sign mega Partey upgrade with a £1bn release clause

Thomas Partey could stay at Arsenal but they should seek a replacement.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 24, 2025