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Arsenal’s transfer plans include the potential signing of a Premier League star before summer deadline day on September 1, with sporting director Andrea Berta identifying one Aston Villa star as a key long-term target.

Mikel Arteta is gearing up for what will be a vital 2025/2026 season.

Arsenal told key Benjamin Sesko transfer condition as agent makes statement

He’s expressed what it will take for the Slovenian to leave Leipzig this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2025

The Spaniard, discounting Community Shields, has been pursuing his second piece of major silverware since their 2020 FA Cup triumph at Wembley, even though Arsenal have backed him to the hilt with a net-spend of around £487 million in that period.

The pressure is well and truly on Arteta to deliver glory after many years building the project, even if they have come mightily close to ending their two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title on a couple of occasions.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Man City’s imperiousness is largely to blame for Arsenal’s lack of title celebrations over the last three years, with injuries to key players and a lack of cutting edge resulting in Arteta surrendering the crown to Liverpool last campaign.

The north Londoners will need to back their manager again with new signings over the coming months, if they hope to close the large gap between them and Arne Slot’s champions.

According to various reports, Arsenal are attempting to sign a new striker, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres both at the top of their wishlist (BBC).

Bukayo Saka’s long injury lay-off midway through 2024/2025 hamstrung Arteta’s chances of ever catching Liverpool, while Leandro Trossard is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, so Arsenal remain in the market for a winger too.

A few interesting names have been linked in the last few weeks, including Real Madrid star Rodrygo, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, but the latter is closing on on a move to Barcelona after agreeing personal terms (The Athletic).

An alternative to the highly-rated Williams, who was rumoured to be a top target, comes in the form of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

The England international could be just as difficult to prise away from Villa Park, but according to Football Transfers, Unai Emery may have to cash-in.

Aston Villa could be forced to sell Morgan Rogers to Arsenal

The outlet claims that Villa may reluctantly sell Rogers if they recieve a £50 million-plus bid from Arsenal, indicating that a deal could be there for Arteta thanks to their rival’s PSR concerns.

Berta has apparently identified the former Middlesbrough star as a long-term target, and Villa are already pushing ahead with their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in response, as they weigh up Rogers’ replacement.

Villa anticipate an Arsenal bid for Rogers this summer and are increasingly concerned they’ll lose the 22-year-old, so this could be one to watch.

There is little denying that one of the Premier League’s most impressive sensations from last season would be a stellar capture, either.

“There’s no doubt he’s an exceptional player,” journalist Charles Watts said about Rogers’ links to Arsenal.

“Arsenal saw that first hand last season, especially in the game at Villa Park at the start of the campaign when he gave them all sorts of problems. The expectation is that Aston Villa might have some PSR difficulties that they will have to navigate this summer having failed to qualify for the Champions league and it could be that they are forced into a sale of a player they would ideally not want to let go.

“Rogers is one of those players who has been mentioned as a potential departure and that’s no surprise given the way he has developed since moving from Middlesbrough.

“When it comes to Arsenal, I think he would be a welcome addition should they interest firm up into anything more concrete.”

Tottenham Hotspur and their transfer plans for the summer window are underway, starting with the permanent signing of Mathys Tel for £30 million, but they’re by no means finished with the Frenchman.

Spurs are poised for a crucial 2025/2026 campaign back in the Champions League, and new manager Thomas Frank is tasked with building off his predecessor’s Europa League triumph in Bilbao last month.

"Special" Tottenham forward spotted at another club amid talks to leave

Spurs are in negotiations over his exit.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025

Ange Postecoglou brought an end to the club’s 17-year wait for major silverware with their 1-0 victory over Man United, which subsequently confirmed Tottenham’s spot in Europe’s most prestigious competition for next season.

The significant financial windfall awarded to them thanks to Spurs’ Champions League qualification is set to play a “huge” role in their summer recruitment drive, and they no longer have to operate under a ‘sell to buy’ policy (Michael Bridge).

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Nevertheless, a rebuild is still anticipated, with Atlético Madrid eyeing up a move for star defender Cristian Romero and club legend Son Heung-min attracting serious interest from Saudi Arabia, amid credible reports 2024/2025 could have been his last at Tottenham.

There have been suggestions in the last few months that Tottenham could even sell Pedro Porro this summer, even if these claims were before their Europa League win, with the resurgence of Djed Spence playing a role here too.

Interestingly, football.london’s Alasdair Gold has recently revealed that Spence has a long-time admirer in new head coach Frank. Brentford held a long-standing interest in the Englishman, with bids even made for him in previous summers, so Spence could be a member of the squad who stands to seriously benefit from the Dane’s arrival.

If Spurs decide they can afford to sell Porro for a substantial fee after all, despite his excellent performances towards the back end of last season, they’ll still need a new right-back to come in and rotate with Spence, especially with their hectic European fixture calendar.

Tottenham willing to "invest heavily" on Vanderson signing

According to a report from UOL, Monaco defender Vanderson is firmly on the Lilywhites’ transfer shortlist.

The Brazil international is currently being chased by Barcelona, though, who’ve intensified talks with the Ligue 1 side, and progress has been made in negotiations to lure Vanderson to the Camp Nou.

They’re counting on the 23-year-old’s preference to join the Spanish champions, with Monaco seeking a fee north of £30 million to part company with their highly-rated wing-back. However, Frank’s side could pose a real threat and hijack their deal.

UOL state that Tottenham are still in the running to sign Vanderson, whilst willing to “invest heavily” in his signing. Monaco also have a major incentive to sell to Spurs instead. Spanish taxes mean Monaco would lose around 15 per cent of their final sale value, but a transfer to England would mean they take a far less substantial loss in that regard.

Taking this into account, the “perfectionist” defender could be one to watch at N17.

Vanderson is a well-balanced modern full-back who has established himself as a reliable defender at Monaco since his move there three years ago. According to The Mail, Brentford actually held talks over a deal for Vanderson in 2021, so he’s a player who Frank has admired for quite a while.

Everton are believed to be willing to pay £16.8m to complete the signing of a midfielder who possesses “enormous qualities” this summer.

Everton pushing to sign £30m Liam Delap

The Blues have been linked with various potential new signings of late, but Liam Delap is a name who has stood out as a particularly exciting option, as they look to bolster their attack ahead of next season.

It has been claimed that David Moyes has even held face-to-face talks with the Ipswich Town striker, who looks almost certain to leave Portman Road in the summer transfer window, following relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.

Delap has enjoyed a hugely impressive season, despite the demise of his own team, scoring 12 goals in 32 starts in the league, which is three more than any Everton player managed in the competition, with Iliman Ndiaye leading the way with nine strikes.

The 22-year-old stands out as a brilliant option for the Blues with a £30m release clause, considering he is a young striker who should only mature as the years pass, and he should be looked at as the leading choice to come in and lead the line at the club’s new Bramley Moore Dock stadium this summer.

Everton also ready to pay £16.8m for new midfielder

According to a new update from Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Everton are ready to pay £16.8m to sign Lille midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau this summer, having sent scouts to watch him in action in recent weeks.

He is actually valued at £12.6m by the Ligue 1 club, but the Blues are willing to bid higher to get their man, seeing him as another strong option alongside Delap.

Mukau may not be as well-known to Everton fans as Delap, due to him not playing in the Premier League, but he is an exciting young player in his own right.

The 20-year-old has scored twice in six Champions League starts this season, as well as averaging 1.5 tackles per game across 22 matches in Ligue 1 in 2024/25. Meanwhile, Lille head coach Bruno Genesio hasn’t held back in his praise of him, saying:

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This piece of business would create shockwaves.

ByHenry Jackson May 24, 2025

“He’s an aggressive player, with a big volume of play, capable of recovering balls from the opponent’s feet. He’s also a forward-thinking player, who can get forward from the first touch and find verticality.”

Lille president Olivier Letang has also described him as a “very likeable lad” with “enormous qualities”, adding that “he burst onto the scene” and “we know his potential and his state of mind.”

Everton could do with fresh blood in the middle of the park, considering Abdoulaye Doucoure is leaving and Idrissa Gueye is now well into his 30s, and Mukau could be a great choice to add into Moyes’ squad.

Manchester United are now closing in on their first signing of the summer as they have agreed personal terms with Wolves star Matheus Cunha, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd stepping up transfer plans as they lodge multiple bids

This summer is expected to be a busy time for the Red Devils as they look to address what has been a very poor campaign and give Ruben Amorim the ingredients to become a success at Old Trafford. The summer transfer window isn’t even open yet, but United have already started to make moves in the transfer market.

A report from Spain has claimed that Man United have submitted a £55 million bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford – Mbeumo is seen as a player who can improve United’s attacking options, and the hope from Old Trafford is that the offer is enough to tempt Brentford into selling one of their star players.

As well as making an offer for Mbuemo, reports have claimed United have also lodged a staggering £113 million bid to try and sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig this summer.

The Dutch international is expected to leave the Bundesliga side, and United hope he will ease the creative burden on Bruno Fernandes. It is claimed that United are desperate to bring Simons to Old Trafford, and his signing would be a huge statement from INEOS in terms of them backing Amorim in the transfer market.

Man Utd lodge £113m bid to sign their new Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United will aim to snap up their next Bruno Fernandes with this stunning purchase.

ByKelan Sarson May 19, 2025 Man Utd closing in on £62.5m Cunha deal after agreeing personal terms

Mbuemo and Simons appear to be top targets for the Red Devils, but they are not going to be the first signing the Premier League side make this summer. That is because, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Man United are close to signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Romano reports that United are close to signing Cunha, as the Wolves star has now accepted the project on offer at Old Trafford and has agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, which means the deal is now almost completed. Romano adds that just the final details need to be sorted between all parties ‘and then, here we go’.

United have moved very quickly to sign Cunha, who has been dubbed “sensational” by pundit Micah Richards. The Brazilian international has a release clause worth £62.5 million, and the Red Devils are expected to trigger that to reach an agreement.

It was claimed last week that Arsenal had reopened talks to sign Cunha from Wolves, perhaps prompting INEOS to act fast with their move for the versatile forward, who has scored 15 goals in the Premier League this season.

Apps

31

Goals

15

xG

8.04

Shots per game

3.2

Shots on target per game

1.3

Chance conversion

15%

Assists

6

Big chances created

13

Cunha’s arrival at Old Trafford will likely see him deployed as one of United’s number 10s in Amorim’s system. But his versatility means the Brazilian can also operate as a number nine, which Amorim may be more inclined to do, given the struggles of Rasmus Hojlund.

Still searching for their next manager, RB Leipzig have now reportedly set a deadline and narrowed their candidates down to two in a development that should leave Crystal Palace concerned.

Glasner focused on Tottenham game

Whilst his side may be just one week away from the FA Cup final, Oliver Glasner took the time to reiterate this week that both his and Crystal Palace’s focus is on the next game at hand, which comes against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

A game between two sides with more important games ahead, it may well prove to be one of the toughest London derbies to predict all season.

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Glasner assured reporters that the Eagles will be putting their best foot forward, saying in his pre-match press conference: “It’s not so difficult here, ahead of the cup final. At our training ground we work day by day. We talk on the pitch, we have our meetings and we prepare for the next game. It’s just business as usual.

“Of course, there is a little bit more to do with the media, with interviews for the players, for myself. You can view this as a stress, but I think it’s the best we can have. We want to play the final. We want to have this positive stress. There is a lot of positive energy we can get from it.

“This is what we can show at Tottenham. Again, the better our performance is at Tottenham, the better our confidence will be for the final. It’s always the performance that influences the next game a little bit.”

Following this weekend’s meeting with Spurs, though, it will be all eyes on Wembley and an attempt to shock Manchester City in the FA Cup final to qualify for the Europa League in the process. Alas, whilst such a win would create history, it’s not absurd to suggest that it could be Glasner’s final act as Crystal Palace manager.

Glasner included in final two Leipzig candidates

According to Sky Sports’ Philipp Hinze, RB Leipzig have now narrowed their managerial candidates down to Glasner and Cesc Fabregas. The Como boss has impressed in Italy and represents an exciting option compared to the more experienced Glasner.

The Bundesliga club are reportedly wasting little time, either, having set a deadline of the end of May to find their next manager after sacking Marco Rose earlier this season.

Those at Selhurst Park are already preparing for the worst too, having reportedly set their sights on hiring Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl in the event that Glasner departs in the coming weeks.

Whether the Austrian would accept the Leipzig job is, of course, another question. To leave after just one full season in the Premier League would be quite the decision, especially after how successful Palace have been throughout a tenure that many hope is only just getting started.

Liverpool carry a wide sense of appeal to potential targets this summer, but they may now have a new obstacle to overcome in their pursuit of one of Europe’s hottest properties.

Liverpool look to bolster their ranks this summer

The Reds are nearly there in their quest to lift the Premier League title and there is now tangible evidence that Arne Slot could add some premium talent to his side over the next few months.

According to reports, Liverpool are leading the race to sign Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, who has emerged as one of the world’s most in-demand young defenders following his excellent displays on the South Coast.

Following news that Virgil Van Dijk has signed a new contract at Anfield, any moves to strengthen a backline already rich on quality would likely go down well among their expectant fanbase.

Winning the top-flight is one thing, but staying at the top next term in the face of a renewed challenge from the elite of English football will be what sets Slot apart, so it is no surprise to see that the Reds also have Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike at the top of their wishlist.

Hugo Ekitike’s goalscoring record in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

43

Goals

21

Assists

9

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Europa League exit at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur may dampen his desire to stay in Germany, though they remain in contention to seal Champions League qualification via the Bundesliga.

Either way, recent developments surrounding Liverpool’s interest have taken a sharp turn that may throw up an obstacle to any prospective deal.

Worth more than Huijsen: Slot has hit the jackpot on Liverpool "monster"

Liverpool hope to employ this star for many years to come.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 18, 2025 Sky Sports: Eintracht Frankfurt raise Hugo Ekitike asking price

Per Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Eintracht Frankfurt have raised their asking price for Liverpool target Hugo Ekitike to £85.7 million, though he is still deemed ‘likely’ to leave the Bundesliga outfit this summer.

Chief executive Markus Krösche is thought to be behind the move, raising the price by about £17m to try and maximise his profitability following an excellent campaign for the ex-Paris Saint-Germain striker.

Demonstrating his lethal edge in front of goal, Ekitike has managed to place 40 of his 101 shots on target while featuring in the German top-flight and has also earned a non-penalty XG total of 17.20.

Liverpool are clearly big admirers of his talent and want to bring him to Anfield, but they won’t want to be caught in the trap of being held to ransom in negotiations.

FSG will likely have a cut-off point, though the fact Ekitike is still expected to leave may play into the Reds’ hands on this one.

In January, Manchester City made a handful of signings who could become the cornerstones of a team entering a new era under Pep Guardiola next season.

With only the FA Cup winnable this season, it has been one of transition for the Spaniard. He did sign a new deal last November, however, indicating that he is looking ahead to a new challenge starting this summer.

The likes of Vitor Reis, Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov have all proven over the previous few months that they have the required tools to perform for a club like City.

One player who will be departing the Etihad this summer is Kevin De Bruyne, who will end his ten-year association with City when his contract expires.

Guardiola has taken the club to new levels since he arrived in Manchester in 2016 after spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

It could also be argued that the main reason he led the team to such heights was having someone like De Bruyne in his squad to begin with.

The numbers behind De Bruyne's staggering Etihad career

Given what the Belgian has achieved with the club since moving to England from Wolfsburg ahead of the 2015/16 season, the playmaker might be one of the most important players in their history.

Think back to Paul Merson’s verdict on the midfielder in 2015, who said: “I like the signing of Fabian Delph, but I think Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne are pathetically overpriced. They have spent £54.5m on De Bruyne – and he’s a player they don’t really need.”

How wrong was he? At the time of writing, De Bruyne has played 415 matches for City, registering 284 goal contributions – 107 goals and 177 assists – in the process. This is a staggering number for the attacking midfielder, meaning he recorded a goal involvement once every 1.46 matches.

During that time, he helped City win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League in 2023. With City getting closer and closer to glory in the latter competition, De Bruyne took matters into his own hands that season, registering eight goal involvements, creating eight big chances and averaging 2.2 key passes per game as they eventually defeated Inter Milan in the final.

He may not have reached this sort of level over the previous two seasons, as injuries have begun to hamper his involvement. Indeed, the midfielder has missed 48 games since August 2023.

2023/24

26

6

18

2022/23

49

10

31

2021/22

45

19

15

2020/21

40

10

18

2019/20

48

16

22

2018/19

32

6

11

2017/18

52

12

21

2016/17

49

7

20

2015/16

41

16

13

Regardless, the 33-year-old is up there among the pantheon of City greats for his contribution over the previous decade.

The question now for Guardiola is, who comes in to replace him next season? And will the club have to pay a fortune for the privilege? Considering the recent news, they might just have found a perfect heir to the Belgian maestro.

Manchester City's perfect De Bruyne replacement

According to the Mirror, officials from Bayer Leverkusen made a visit to the Etihad last week in order to enquire about the availability of duo James McAtee and Stefan Ortega.

Transfer Focus

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The German side are keen on landing both players during the summer transfer window. As a result, this may give Guardiola an advantage in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz with it being made known during those meetings that City would like to bring him to England.

He has been valued at around £100m by the club, who would prefer him to leave Germany if a deal was reached to sell him, rather than joining Bayern Munich, who are also keen.

City could use McAtee and Ortega as makeweights regarding any prospective deal and, given his success already on the continent, Wirtz could have the same sort of impact that De Bruyne made.

Wirtz has the same sort of qualities as another City legend – David Silva – and if he manages to make a quick impact upon a move to the Premier League, he has the potential to replicate Silva’s success with the club.

Why Florian Wirtz could be City's next David Silva

If De Bruyne took City to new levels during his career with the club, Silva was arguably the catalyst for their golden era.

The diminutive Spaniard may have taken a few months to properly settle into life in Manchester, but he ended his first season with 19 goal contributions as the club won the FA Cup.

From there on, Silva went from strength to strength. Not only did he have an eye for goal, scoring 77 times for the club, but the midfielder was at his best creating chances for others, as evidenced by his 130 assists in 436 matches for City.

Aided by his small centre of gravity, Silva used this to his advantage, getting into dangerous positions with ease. Wirtz could offer something similar to City should he make the move to England this summer.

Hailed as a “mastermind” by talent scout Jacek Kulig during Leverkusen’s stunning 2023/24 campaign, Wirtz has plenty of qualities that are similar to Silva.

Best in an attacking midfield role, just like the Spaniard, Wirtz has the capability to both score and create in equal measure.

Indeed, since making his Leverkusen debut back during the 2019/20 season, the German international has scored 56 goals and grabbed 63 assists in that time.

His club might not win any silverware this season, but the 21-year-old has still managed to create 15 assists in the Bundesliga, along with averaging 1.9 key passes and succeeding with 2.8 dribbles per game.

The transition from an incredible prospect to a genuine world-class talent is now complete. Like Silva before him, Wirtz can take the next step in his career by moving from the continent to England this summer. Just who knows what he might have achieved at this stage next term.

Man City have a "quality" striker to replace Haaland & it's not Marmoush

With Erling Haaland sidelined for a while, Pep Guardiola must entrust Man City “quality” striker to deputise, and it is not Omar Marmoush.

ByBen Gray Apr 14, 2025

Ladies and gentlemen, Bukayo Saka is back. Wow, what a sight that was. Three months Arsenal fans have had to stand by to watch him kick a ball again and boy was it worth the wait.

The club’s heralded number 7 hasn’t been seen since sustaining a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace on 21st December and since then, the Gunners’ title challenge has been extinguished swiftly.

Yet, there is still hope for Arsenal’s season. Despite their 2-1 win over Fulham on Tuesday evening, a game Saka scored in, they are unlikely to win the Premier League title.

However, the winger’s return is timely with Real Madrid to look forward to in just under a week’s time in the Champions League.

For once, Mikel Arteta has a bunch of positives to swoon over. That hasn’t been said too often about the club’s season now has it?

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

The biggest positives from Arsenal's win over Fulham

Oh Saka, you little beauty. It’s been a hellish 12 week period for Arsenal since the Englishman took to the field but he is back and back with a bang.

He had only been on the field for seven minutes before he found the net. It wasn’t in classic Saka fashion but it raised the roof off the Emirates Stadium nonetheless.

Mikel Merino moved into the left channel and swung in a ball that was guided towards Saka with remarkable skill and audacity by Gabriel Martinelli.

The returning hero was just inches out from goal and couldn’t miss, heading the ball past former Gunner Bernd Leno.

Saka wasn’t the only positive either, far from it. The aforementioned Merino and Martinelli were both in top form, the former scoring the game’s opening goal and the latter unfortunate not to leave proceedings with a goal to his name as well.

Minutes played

24

Touches

13

Accurate passes

7/8 (88%)

Key passes

0

Shots on target

1

Accurate crosses

1/1

Duels won

1/3

Was fouled

x1

The Brazilian was a constant livewire, not just providing the assist for Saka’s goal, a game-winning strike, but he also found the back of the net himself, albeit it was ruled out for offside.

Nonetheless, it was phenomenal to see the winger back at top speed. He was a constant nuisance throughout, terrorising Fulham’s Timothy Castagne with a performance that was remeniscent of 2022/23 Martinelli.

He left the field having had three shots, completed two dribbles and produced five key passes.

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Beyond Saka’s incredible return, the biggest positive that aside was perhaps the performance of the club’s makeshift centre-forward.

Arsenal have found their modern-day Olivier Giroud

When Gabriel Jesus went down with an injury during Arsenal’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United, there was a collective panic. But…it was alright…they were going to strengthen in the January transfer window. Famous last words and all that.

Arsenal did not strengthen. Their reward? A season-ending injury for Kai Havertz too.

Since then, Arteta has preferred to field the aforementioned Merino as his out and out centre-forward and it’s had mixed success.

Truth be told, the £28m summer arrival has done an admiral job. He’s scored five goals in eight games as a striker. Had he started the campaign as the club’s number 9, he’d on for a 23-goal season. Not bad indeed.

Unlike many others during the club’s injury-hit season, he’s stepped up big time and in the words of Arsenal writer Oli Price Bates, is “not getting enough credit for his performances.”

Another game came and went against Fulham where the Spaniard made quite the impression. His goal was a scruffy finish, finding the net via a deflection but it was a crucial goal all the same.

It’s not the first time the former Real Sociedad man has come up trumps, notably scoring that brace off the bench in the 2-0 win over Leicester City.

Since then, he’s been much-maligned, rather in the same way as a certain Olivier Giroud. Now, there are clear differences between the two. Giroud was a direct centre-forward first and foremost.

However, there are specific similarities in the way the two play the game. The Frenchman scored some beautiful goals but he always had quite an awkward play style, a technique that looked rather awkward. At the same time, his left peg was certainly pretty special.

Those traits can certainly be applied to Merino too. He’s not the most technically elegant – he’s a bit scruffy and awkward like Giroud. He’s also pretty underappreciated and underrated. That’s not to mention their ability to act as target men and link play too.

Minutes played

90

Touches

28

Accurate passes

14/16 (88%)

Key passes

1

Shots

2

Shots on target

1

Accurate crosses

1/1

Duels won

3/9

Tackles

2

Interceptions

1

Against Fulham, the Spain international certainly showcased that. He scored the opening goal and went on to complete 88% of his passes and make a key pass too. The 28-year-old was subsequently handed an 8/10 player rating by GOAL.

Merino’s future is certainly not in the final third but credit where credit is due, he’s been a huge servant to Arteta in the back end of this unforgiving season for Arsenal.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 30, 2025

Chelsea have been offered a Real Madrid transfer target by intermediaries, but Enzo Maresca’s side will face a very stern battle as the hotly-contested race for his signature heats up ahead of the summer window.

Chelsea thrash Southampton 4-0 in the Premier League

The west Londoners sealed a much-needed Premier League win with their convincing 4-0 thrashing of Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening, with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella rounding off a superb display.

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Maresca was attracting serious criticism in the build up to their clash with the Saints, and supporters were pictured protesting BlueCo’s ownership just before kick-off, but these three points will ease some pressure surrounding the club as Chelsea solidify their chase for Champions League qualification.

Leicester City (home)

March 9th

Arsenal (away)

March 16th

Tottenham (home)

April 2nd

Brentford (away)

April 5th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 12th

After their victory over Ivan Juric’s strugglers, Maresca also sent a message to Cole Palmer, in a show of support following a recent downturn in form.

“Very happy. We said already that from now on every game is important. And if we get three points it’s even better,” said Maresca after Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Southampton.

“First of all, every game is tricky and anything can happen. We have to embrace that and we started the game in the right way. This is the worst game because everyone takes it for granted. It’s dangerous.

“I think the performance was there. Even the last game against Aston Villa the performance was there.

“We said since we start we cannot rely on Cole [Palmer] for every game. He has to continue to work, continue to be happy, continue to laugh they way he does. We are completely happy with him. It is normal to go through a moment where you struggle to score but it doesn’t matter. Just continue and you are going to score many goals.”

In the background, Chelsea apparently have plans to go “big” on a new centre-back in the summer transfer window.

That is according to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are expected to make a serious push for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, with The Boot Room now sharing an update.

Chelsea offered Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen

According to their information, from reporter Graeme Bailey’s sources, it is believed that Chelsea have been offered Huijsen by intermediaries, who are pushing to find suitors for the Spaniard ahead of next season.

The 19-year-old’s exceptional performances alongside Illia Zabarnyi at the heart of Bournemouth’s backline have also placed Huijsen on Real Madrid’s radar, with fellow European big-hitters Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen also keen on him.

Alongside Chelsea, it is claimed that the teenage defender’s camp have contacted Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Newcastle United. A move for him is made all the more tempting by his widely reported £50 million release clause, which is set to become active this summer, so we can expect a lot of competition for his signature.

Aston Villa have now submitted a proposal to sign a “world-class” player, who is desperate to seal a move to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.

Aston Villa set sights on midfielder amid McGinn uncertainty

John McGinn has been a fantastic servant to Villa, with the captain joining the club ahead of the promotion-winning 2018-19 season, but there is now doubt over his future, amid interest from Premier League rivals Everton.

However, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has been quick to play down suggestions McGinn could move on this summer, saying: “I am told that Unai Emery loves working with him and he is one of his key lieutenants in the squad, he is not just a normal player.

“Villa were shocked to hear him linked – not surprised but, as it stands, there are no plans to move on from him – as he showed last season, he has plenty to offer.”

Regardless of whether the Scotland international ends up departing the club, it appears as though Emery is keen to bring in a new midfielder, and a proposal has now been made for one of the Spaniard’s former players.

That is according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), which states Aston Villa have now been in touch with Juventus over a loan deal for Douglas Luiz, who joined the Italian club for a fee of £42m last summer.

Juventus would rather hold out for a permanent deal, but a loan deal could be a more practical solution, considering they would only be able to sell Luiz at a big loss, as the Brazilian has failed to kick on since making the move to the Serie A.

Aston Villa now set to advance for "top class" £138k-p/w ace loved by Monchi

The Villans could bring a proven Premier League operator to Villa Park.

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 8, 2025

Having failed to adapt to the Italian league, the midfielder is thought to be desperate to return to the Premier League this summer, and a return to Villa Park is very much on the cards.

McGinn would be delighted by "world-class" Luiz returning

It appears as though McGinn is likely to remain at Villa Park, with the Scot still considered an important player by Emery, and he would surely be delighted by Luiz returning to the club, having once described his former teammate as “world-class”.

Villa fans will be well-aware of the central-midfielder’s abilities, with the maestro displaying a keen eye for goal during his final season at the club, picking up a total of nine goals and five assists in 35 Premier League outings.

The Rio de Janeiro-born midfielder also memorably scored directly from a corner against Arsenal in the 2022-23 campaign.

With Luiz keen to return to the Premier League, a move back to Villa Park may be ideal, and signing him on loan could be perfect for Aston Villa, considering their PSR concerns.