Arsenal supporters are desperate to see new faces come through the door this summer and Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on their latest pursuit.
Arsenal look to find title-winning formula in transfer window
The Gunners have plenty to be optimistic about heading into the new season as they finally look to claim the Premier League title for the first time in over 20 years.
However, Sporting Clube de Portugal president Frederico Varandas has hit out at Arsenal and Manchester United regarding the bidding process for star striker Viktor Gyokeres, making his feelings clear on the way negotiations will be handled.
Geny Catamo celebrating with Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting.
He stated: “I see the agent in the press releasing information. I want to make one thing clear: Sporting has common sense and keeps its word. Gyokeres scored 63 goals and 10 assists. Fantastic performance. Certainly one of the best players to have ever stepped onto Portuguese turf. And Sporting will not demand the clause.
“Now, blackmail and insults, Sporting will not accept. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10. As of today, Sporting has not received any proposal for Gyokeres.”
Of course, Gyokeres isn’t the only target Mikel Arteta has identified to bring to North London; the Gunners’ pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko is still very much on the agenda.
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Real Madrid star Rodrygo is also being pursued by the Gunners, albeit bringing the Brazilian to the club would be a tall order in light of the financial details needed to make that happen.
The La Liga giants have been a happy hunting ground for Arsenal in the past. Nevertheless, Arteta may need to concede defeat for another target following recent reports.
Romano: Arsenal target Brahim Diaz set to pen new Real Madrid terms
Recently, reports in Spain suggested that Arsenal were willing to offer roughly £42.6 million to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid having made an approach to tempt the Morocco international to the English capital.
However, despite being seen as a cheaper alternative to Rodrygo, Romano has now confirmed that he is set to sign a new deal at the Santiago Bernabéu, quashing any rumours of a switch to North London.
Diaz has already said ‘yes’ to new terms in Madrid, and finding an agreement is set to be nothing more than a formality, which may leave one or two Gunners fans feeling frustrated.
The man himself registered six goals and seven assists in 52 appearances across all competitions last term and is now involved with Real Madrid at the Club World Cup, so it may have taken Arsenal a while to get their hands on him anyway.
A three-time league champion has now reportedly held talks with Rangers about becoming their next permanent boss this summer.
Rangers manager latest as 49ers eye new Ibrox boss
it has been confirmed that Barry Ferguson won’t continue in charge of the Gers, having only come in as interim boss midway through the campaign, taking his side into the Europa League quarter-finals but ultimately not doing enough to get the job on a full-time basis.
Instead, Rangers and prospective new owners the 49ers Enterprises now looking for the perfect manager to come in and guide the Scottish Premiership giants to future success, with club CEO Patrick Stewart recently providing an update on the search, saying:
“The review is progressing well. We have got a lot of insights into things that are going well and not well at Auchenhowie. I would really compliment the staff and how open and honest they’ve been. And they provided really valuable feedback to myself and also the consultants we’ve got on supporting with it. And we’re beginning to get some real tangible insights that are flowing into real recommendations that we’re starting to action.”
Steven Gerrard has constantly stood out as a leading choice for Rangers, having won the league title with them back in 2020/21, while Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti has also been linked with the job.
Steven Gerrard at Ettifaq.
Former Italy international Gennaro Gattuso is another rumoured contender, and now a new name has been thrown into the mix.
3-4-3 manager holds talks with Rangers
According to a significant update from BBC Sport, former Feyenoord manager Brian Priske has held discussions with Rangers about being their next boss.
The 48-year-old departed the Dutch club in February, being sacked after a disappointing run of results, but it looks like he is on the Gers’ list.
Priske is certainly a more proven option than the likes of Gerrard and Ancelotti, considering he has won an impressive three league titles in his managerial career to date.
Two of those came in his time in charge of Czech giants Sparta Prague, while another was during his stint at Danish outfit Midtjylland. He has also won one Czech Cup and Danish Super Cup apiece, so he knows how to deliver trophies.
Priske favours a 3-4-3 formation, getting the most out of his wing-backs, but he is also versatile in his tactics, switching to a 4-3-3 system at times with Feyenoord.
Feyenoord
33
1.85
Sparta Prague
96
2.19
Royal Antwerp
49
1.53
FC Midtjylland
68
1.88
Stewart and those high up at Rangers have a massive decision to make this summer, and it is vital that they make the right appointment, following the doomed reign of Philippe Clement.
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The Gers need to hit the ground running next season, not allowing Celtic to pull away in the title race, and in Priske, they may have an experienced option who could back himself to win plenty of silverware at Ibrox.
Celtic missed out on the chance to secure a domestic treble on Saturday after they lost on penalties to Aberdeen at Hampden Park in the final of the SFA Cup.
The Hoops had already won the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup earlier this term, but they failed to make it three out of three with a win over the Dons.
Captain Callum McGregor, who lost his first-ever domestic final with the club, and right-back Alistair Johnston both missed from the spot to hand Aberdeen the win.
Why Kasper Schmeichel will be disappointed
McGregor and Johnston were not the only players to blame for Celtic not winning the SFA Cup, though, as the game only went to penalties in the first place because it was a draw in regulation time.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Kasper Schmeichel will be particularly disappointed with the role that he played in Aberdeen’s equaliser, after an own goal from Alfie Dorrington had put the Hoops ahead.
The Danish titan tried to anticipate where the cross was going to land by diving out into the box to palm the ball away, only to inadvertently palm the ball backwards and into his own net for an own goal.
Schmeichel was given a 6/10 player rating by 67HailHail, who described his part in the equaliser as a ‘rare, but terrible, mistake’ from the goalkeeper.
The veteran goalkeeper, however, was not the player who ultimately cost Celtic the treble, because Daizen Maeda had the chance to make up for the shot-stopper’s mistake in the dying embers of injury time.
Why Daizen Maeda cost Celtic the treble
The Japan international cost Brendan Rodgers the treble with his huge miss in injury time at the end of the 90 minutes, as he raced clear through on goal with a chance to make it 2-1.
Daizen Maeda
Aberdeen would have had very, very, little time to find an equaliser had the forward taken his chance, but he fired a fairly tame effort at Dimitar Mitov after going through for a one-on-one opportunity.
Maeda, who BBC commentator Liam McLeod stated “reminds you of a wasp” because of his buzzing presence as a pressing forward, worked ever so hard during the game to close down defenders and make life difficult for Aberdeen.
However, the striker, who was given a 5/10 player rating and dubbed ‘wasteful’ by 67HailHail, let his side down in the crucial moment with a huge miss that ultimately cost Celtic the treble.
Appearances
34
Goals
16
Big chances missed
17
Conversion rate
28%
Goals from shots inside the box
16/55
Goals from shots outside the box
0/2
As you can see in the table above, Maeda’s finishing has been fairly inconsistent throughout the season, with more ‘big chances’ missed than goals scored in the league, so his miss at Hampden Park may not have come as the biggest surprise.
He was worse than Schmeichel, though, because the striker had the opportunity to seal the game and atone for the goalkeeper’s mistake by scoring his huge chance, and failed to do so.
Celtic have been backed to make stunning move for 20 y/o "superstar"
This would be a great piece of business.
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There is no doubt that Maeda had a phenomenal campaign, scoring 33 goals in all competitions, and it is a shame that it has come to an end on a bit of a sour note with that performance that cost Rodgers a first domestic treble since returning to Parkhead.
Crystal Palace are now exploring a bid to sign an “incredible” defender, but there could be stiff competition from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.
Palace set sights on new centre-back
At the end of the campaign, Marc Guehi will have just one year remaining on his contract, which means it will be Palace’s last chance to cash-in on their captain for a large fee, and a number of clubs remain interested in his signature.
Chelsea chiefs are adamant about signing Guehi, while Liverpool and Newcastle United have also been linked with moves for the defender, which means Oliver Glasner may have to bring in a new centre-back this summer.
Last week, the Eagles made their first move to sign Independiente De Avellaneda’s Kevin Lomonaco, making contact over a deal for the 23-year-old defender, who has been likened to former FC Barcelona centre-back Pique.
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IF Elfsborg’s Terry Yegbe is also of interest to the south Londoners, and they are believed to be leading the race for the Ghanaian’s signature, despite competition from rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.
Crystal Palace are pursuing some lesser-known centre-backs from across the globe, but there are also signs they could look at bringing in a defender with a plethora of experience at the top level, having now joined the race for Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar.
Fenerbahce's Yusuf Akcicek celebrates scoring their second goal with Fenerbahce's MilanSkriniar
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Palace are exploring a bid for Skriniar, who is currently on loan at Fenerbahce, where he has caught the eye with some impressive performances this season.
Fenerbahce want to sign the defender permanently, with PSG expected to demand a fee of €20 (£17m), but there could be competition for his signature from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Crystal Palace’s upcoming fixtures
Date
AFC Bournemouth (h)
April 19th
Arsenal (a)
April 23rd
Aston Villa (FA Cup semi-final)
April 26th
Nottingham Forest (h)
May 5th
Tottenham Hotspur (a)
May 10th
"Incredible" Skriniar could be coup for Palace
The 30-year-old has previously proven himself at the top level across spells with PSG and Inter Milan, chalking up 37 appearances in the Champions League, and his performances this season indicate he still has a lot left to give.
Since arriving in Turkey back in January, the Slovakian has made nine Süper Lig appearances, showcasing his attacking threat by scoring two goals and providing one assist.
The former Inter man has been one of Fenerbahce’s most consistent performers since his arrival, averaging a 7.05 WhoScored match rating, and his previous exploits in the Serie A indicate he could have what it takes to succeed in the Premier League.
Lauded as “incredible” by former Inter chairman Steven Zhang, Skriniar could be a real statement signing for Palace this summer, and £17m seems like a very reasonable fee for his services.
Burnley are fighting for promotion to the Premier League and Scott Parker has wasted no time in profiling targets ahead of the summer window, per reports.
Burnley edge ahead of Championship title rivals
Following a chaotic afternoon of Championship action, Burnley emerged at the summit following a vital 2-1 victory over Coventry City on Saturday courtesy of a double from Jaidon Anthony.
Sheffield United’s unexpected slip-up at Oxford United and Leeds United’s dropped points on their visit to Luton Town have played into the Clarets’ hands, with promotion specialist Scott Parker licking his lips at the remaining fixture schedule.
Nevertheless, Burnley also have an eye on next season and potential recruits once the window opens for business. Per reports, out-of-contract Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence could move to Turf Moor on a free transfer.
Despite the Clarets’ appeal as a serious promotion candidate, West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough, Coventry City and Wrexham are among other destinations on the table for the Wales international.
Burnley’s final six Championship fixtures
Derby County (A)
Pride Park
Norwich City (H)
Turf Moor
Watford (A)
Vicarage Road
Sheffield United (H)
Turf Moor
QPR (A)
Loftus Road
Millwall (H)
Turf Moor
On the same token, West Brom star Grady Diangana is on Burnley’s radar and they have been urged to put forward a proposal for the versatile attacker by David Prutton.
Ultimately, any concrete information on high-profile targets will need to wait until the summer. Parker’s men are in a good position with the end of the campaign near, but there is plenty of work to do before celebratory champagne can be cracked open at Turf Moor.
Either way, Burnley are making tracks to lure a rising EFL star to Lancashire despite competition from Premier League clubs for his signature, per recent developments.
According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon via The 72, Burnley are eyeing a move to sign Bristol Rovers midfielder Kofi Shaw alongside Premier League duo Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
Born in 2006, the 18-year-old has made ten appearances for the Gas this campaign, while his loan spell at Yeovil Town earlier on yielded two goals and an assist.
West Brom, Middlesbrough and Burnley in huge race to sign 23-cap attacker
The trio are battling for promotion to the Premier League and also a star who is available on the market.
BySean Markus Clifford Apr 3, 2025
Versatile by nature, the youngster is capable of playing across various roles in the engine room, on either flank or as a foil for the main striker.
Labelled “a clever player” by boss Inigo Calderon, he would likely be deemed as one for the future at Turf Moor, but stockpiling homegrown talent for years to come is a strategy that could save millions down the line if worked correctly.
It remains to be seen the sort of fee he would be available for if Burnley do follow up on their initial interest. One imagines he could be attainable for a relatively inexpensive fee, though only time will tell if a deal is to come to fruition.
Andrea Berta was officially announced as Arsenal’s new sporting director on Sunday afternoon, signalling a new era at the Emirates Stadium.
The exit of Edu towards the end of last year came as a shock to many at the club but for some, that has been a positive, chiefly Mikel Arteta who has now found himself with more power behind the scenes.
Upon Berta’s arrival, it was reported that the Italian was Arteta’s choice and that’s important considering they will have to mutually agree on how to strengthen the club.
While Edu was central to deals for players like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, he was also to blame for a poor summer window in 2024, ultimately his final venture with the Gunners.
The north Londoners have failed to sign a much-needed centre forward in the last two windows and that will be Berta’s first priority when he sits down to discuss this summer’s business.
Alexander Isak is a key target while Viktor Gyokeres’ popularity is growing among Arsenal’s recruitment team.
The latest on Viktor Gyokeres' move to Arsenal
Many a striker has been linked with the Gunners over the last year, notably Newcastle’s Isak.
Yet, with a £150m asking price, a deal seems highly unlikely to be negotiated.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their second goal
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is another highly touted with the club but there’s a new target in the club’s crosshairs.
That’s according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein who reported over the weekend that Arsenal are ‘developing a strong interest in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres’.
It’s noted that Gyokeres has long been admired by Arsenal’s new sporting director and as a result, he is expected to feature prominently among the names that the Gunners consider over the summer.
While signing a striker is a big priority for Arteta and Co, there’s a key target emerging in another area of the pitch.
£51m star is reportedly on his way to Arsenal
Signing Gyokeres would be hugely exciting but there is also the need to improve in midfield with the likes of Thomas Partey and Jorginho out of contract 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.
Mikel Merino was acquired nearly a year ago but hasn’t set the world alight as a number 8, forcing Rice to play further forward.
As a consequence of all of that, Arsenal have been looking to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi
Reports over the winter suggested that Arsenal had been working on a deal to bring the Spaniard to the club and that a move was advanced.
Since then, several claims have indicated that he’s set to come to English football in a few months’ time, with Arsenal leading the race for his signature.
Now, according to a new report in Spain, a move looks all but official. Via Marca, Spanish journalist Oscar Badallo reported during Sociedad’s latest game with Real Valladolid that the 26-year-old is “on his way to Arsenal.”
Martin Zubimendi
Previous reports have suggested a deal could be done in the region of £51m, which is the player’s release clause.
How Gyokeres and Zubimendi would benefit Arsenal
Arsenal have not been too far off winning the league over the last three seasons but there’s always been a feeling that they’re just a couple of players short.
The attack has been one of the biggest problems, notably this season, where main man Bukayo Saka has missed the last three months with a hamstring problem.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are also out for the season, which after Arsenal didn’t sign a new striker in January has led to Merino filling the void.
So, adding a centre forward has always been the primary objective. To be quite honest, it doesn’t necessarily matter who they sign because anyone would be an upgrade on makeshift Merino.
However, with Isak looking off the table due to his price tag, Gyokeres would surely be the next best thing. Why? Well, he’s one of the most prolific forwards in the game.
In fact, across all first division football worldwide in 2024, no player scored more than Gyokeres’ 36 goals.
Added to that, the Swedish powerhouse is the sixth-highest goal scorer in first division football throughout 2025, finding the net on 12 occasions in ten games.
1. Alex (Dewa United)
17
2. Mohanad Ali (Al Shorta)
15
3. Marcos Leonardo (Al Hilal)
14
4. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
13
5. Ivan Toney (Al Ahli)
13
6. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting)
12
7. Mika Biereth (Monaco)
12
8. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
12
He’s certainly a freak of nature when it comes to scoring goals, beating the goalkeeper on 42 occasions in as many games this season.
So, on that basis, he could well be the missing piece of the puzzle as far as Arsenal are concerned.
However, in order for the former Coventry City star to get those goal-scoring opportunities, he needs his teammates to exert control and in Zubimendi, they’d get that in abundance.
Described as “one of the best central midfielders in the world” by Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, he could be the Rodri-esque signing Arsenal could make in order to take their team to the next level.
He’s a Jorginho-type sitting midfielder who has a beautiful passing range, knows how to evade the press and can playmake from deep. He’s like Rodri, just a little less physical.
Boasting a fine all-round game, the Spain international ranks within the best 15% of midfielders in LaLiga for progressive passes per 90 minutes this season, the top 18% for aerial duels won and the best 6% for take-on success.
What we can establish from that is that he’s a capable dribbler, he doesn’t back out from duels and he can play the ball forward. Very often sitting players like Zubimendi can be criticised for playing sideways but that certainly isn’t the case here. He ranks in the top 21% of positionally similar players in Spain’s top-flight for passes into the final third per 90.
On this evidence, Gyokeres need not worry about the speed of Arsenal’s transition from defence to attack. You take a look at Zubimendi, Rice and Martin Odegaard and see three players who want to pass forward.
These potential arrivals could be game-changers in Arsenal’s pursuit of winning the Premier League title next term.
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Arsenal are unlikely to spend £150m on Alexander Isak.
Anfield’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, will have already completed a comprehensive audit of Liverpool’s accounts and how the transfer kitty can be distributed this summer.
How indeed. Audit or not, several crunch variables are at play which could shape, dissemble and remould the summer strategy. Namely, three certain players are into the eleventh hour of their bumper contracts, and while Liverpool want to tie them down, the devil’s in the details and the details do matter.
1.
Mohamed Salah
2025
£350k-per-week
2.
Virgil van Dijk
2025
£220k-per-week
3.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
2025
£180k-per-week
4.
Andy Robertson
2026
£160k-per-week
5.
Alexis Mac Allister
2028
£150k-per-week
5=
Alisson Becker
2027
£150k-per-week
5=
Ryan Gravenberch
2028
£150k-per-week
5=
Federico Chiesa
2028
£150k-per-week
We reckon there are easier jobs out there. Hughes and Michael Edwards need to work with Arne Slot to strengthen Liverpool’s squad, retain the superstars and prepare for a title-charge campaign in 2025/26 – all within FSG’s stringent parameters.
It means not everyone linked with a move away will be sold this summer. Darwin Nunez’s departure feels set in stone, but Luis Diaz’s future is more uncertain.
Would there be a benefit in keeping the Colombian on Merseyside?
Luis Diaz's season in numbers
Diaz’s future has been a point of discussion for some time. Last summer, Liverpool were curious about Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, and while it didn’t come to fruition, there were rumours that Barcelona or the like would take Diaz off Slot’s hands to facilitate a deal.
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz
The 28-year-old is one of the more dangerous wingers in world football and has been a regular presence in Slot’s starting 11 this season as Liverpool march toward the Premier League title, 12 points clear as they are.
As it is, Diaz has posted 13 goals and five assists across 42 matches in all competitions, equating to about 2,785 minutes. Last term, he chalked up identical numbers, albeit having played around 700 minutes more with all said and done.
He’s fleet-footed and dizzying on the ball, but Diaz lacks an instinctive touch in the final third that precludes a true world-class reputation. Indeed, he’s only scored one goal so far in 2025, and it was bundled in at that.
With the likes of Barcelona retaining their interest, Liverpool may well consider cashing in for the right price, but with so much anticipated to occur at Anfield this summer, it may be a development that rocks the boat too hard.
Liverpool closing on first summer signing
As per The i Paper, Liverpool are ‘closing in’ on Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who has enjoyed a barnstorming season in the Premier League.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Valued at around £40m by the Cherries, Kerkez has been earmarked as the optimum target to upgrade on Andy Robertson, who is deteriorating at 31 and approaching the final year of his contract.
It’s stated that talks have begun with the player’s agent while Liverpool have also made initial contact with Bournemouth. That said, no official bid has gone in just yet.
Milos Kerkez for Bournemouth
A host of top outfits including Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid are interested, but Kerkez’s preference is to move to Anfield. This feels like one which really could happen.
Why Milos Kerkez is perfect for Liverpool
Kerkez’s athleticism and avidity down the left channel would give Liverpool something missing, pumping energy that may even reboot Diaz, should the South American remain on Merseyside.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
Diaz was hailed by reporter Lewis Steele for his “deadly” efforts in the early knockings of the campaign, but he’s fizzled out. Kerkez could restore that devastating quality that currently lies dormant.
That said, Diaz has scored nine Premier League goals this season, missing just eight big chances. If he could be supplied with greater creative support from behind, there may yet be a resurgence on the cards.
When comparing Kerkez’s metrics this year with Robertson’s, you begin to see why.
Matches (starts)
29 (29)
27 (24)
Goals
2
0
Assists
5
0
Touches*
57.8
65.3
Pass completion
81%
89%
Big chances created
6
6
Ball recoveries*
4.6
3.2
Dribble (success)*
0.6 (55%)
0.1 (33%)
Tackles + interceptions*
2.6
2.0
Clearances
2.7
1.3
Ground duels (won)*
3.1 (58%)
1.6 (51%)
Clearly, Bournemouth’s man boasts athletic superiority over Liverpool’s veteran. And that’s okay. Robbo, you’ve done a great job, a modern legend at this gold-mine-rich point in the club’s sweeping history.
But at 31 years old, the Scotland skipper’s been run to the ground. His dribble average of 0.1 per game epitomises this. He’s not incapable of energetic bursts, but he’s way more reliant on his ball-playing game and the electric presence of those such as Diaz and Cody Gakpo ahead of him.
Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez
Kerkez isn’t the most relentless vessel, but he’s far more accurate when deciding to move forward. He’s at the heart of much of Bournemouth’s attacking play, Andoni Iraola often opting to funnel the ball into his patch to spark progression.
Hailed for his “incredible work rate and physicality” by Cherries reporter Alex Oakhill, Kerkez is exactly what Liverpool need, giving Robertson a breather and recharging the left flank.
Diaz’s struggles are a product of his own tameness in the final third, sure, but this isn’t helped by Robertson’s decreased attacking output. Indeed, the Tartan general has yet to register a single goal involvement in the Premier League this year. Should that statistic remain, it would be a career first, across stints both at Liverpool and Hull City.
Kerkez, meanwhile, is feasting at the Vitality Stadium, showcasing an eye for goal and a delicious range of passing that bears a certain semblance to Robertson in his pomp.
It’s going to boost Liverpool and then some, giving Slot a tenacious and hungry young star to make this talented team even better.
Sky Sports pundit Izzy Christensen said this: “He’s been a machine this season and the frightening thing is he’s not even at his peak yet.”
It may even be the perfect move for Diaz, capturing that purple-patch form that he’s capable of crafting. But sustaining it, enlivening it and imbuing it with a supply line that won’t cease in its production.
Slot can axe Jota for Liverpool teen who's a "better finisher than Nunez"
Liverpool are planning for significant changes in the transfer market this summer.
Manchester United have tabled an offer which would double the salary of one of Barcelona’s talents, according to a fresh report, and the Red Devils have already received a reply.
Man Utd and INEOS target youth
Since the arrival of INEOS at Old Trafford, Manchester United have made a point of targeting younger players in a bid to rejuvenate their squad.
Ruben Amorim’s side signed Ayden Heaven from Premier League rivals Arsenal in January, as well as shelling out to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in a deal worth up to £30m in their only major business of the transfer window.
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It would be a massive call with no way to replace him at Old Trafford.
ByBen Browning Feb 10, 2025
Meanwhile, they are also already exploring a move to sign Sporting CP teenager Geovany Quenda, with The Athletic reporting that a deal is expected to cost in excess of £30m this summer and the Red Devils already doing the groundwork to ensure that they land their man.
It is part of a new plan to spot talent before they explode into stars, with Sunderland’s Chris Rigg and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling also among those of interest to the Red Devils.
Now, it has emerged that they made a massive offer to lure a young star out of Barcelona, even offering to double his salary in the process.
Man Utd table bid for Barcelona talent Lopez
That comes as a report in Spain claims that both Manchester United and Aston Villa were ready to shell out up to €70m (£58m) to sign Barcelona talent Fermin Lopez in the January transfer window.
The Spanish international, who was a part of Spain’s Olympic winning side over the summer, has struggled for game time at Camp Nou since the arrival of Hansi Flick. He has made 15 appearances in La Liga but has started just five times.
Appearances
25
Starts
9
Goals
5
Assists
5
Minutes per goal involvement
104
Despite this, he renewed his contract in Catalonia in October, penning a new deal through until 2029 worth £64,000 a week. But just months on from that, both Premier League clubs showed strong interest, and were reportedly “willing to invest around 70 million euros [£58m] to secure his services”.
It is added that they were also offering “financial proposals that practically double his current salary at the Barcelona club”, making a move financially attractive.
Spain'sDaniOlmo, Marc Cucurella and Fermin Lopez celebrate with the trophy after winning the final
Lopez quickly shut down any interest, the report adds. It is claimed that the youngster “did not hesitate to reject both offers”, telling his entourage that “his only objective was to establish himself in the Barcelona first team.”
Lopez’s love of Barcelona is nothing new; in a 2023 interview, he revealed his desire to spend his career at Camp Nou, telling the media: “I want to stay at Barça forever. Man, I would like to be in the first team, to continue here. I hope I can always be here, but hey, you never know. It is the best club in the world and every year the best come. You never know.”
However, as has often been shown, Barcelona are not always able to make it work financially, and with their continued financial struggles, a deal for Fermin down the line could prove too good to turn down, especially given his limited game time under Hansi Flick.
Scottish boss Russell Martin has plenty of things to deal with early on in his tenure as Glasgow Rangers’ new head coach ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The former Southampton manager has to build a squad that can challenge for the Scottish Premiership title, and has already had Lyall Cameron added to his midfield options.
However, Martin will also have to deal with the prospect of some of his best players moving on from Ibrox if teams come in with big-money offers for them during the summer transfer window.
Fiorentina and Marseille are reportedly keen on Nicolas Raskin, who is valued at £20m by the 49ers, and up to six English teams are said to be eyeing up Mohamed Diomande ahead of a possible swoop for his services.
Nicolas Raskin
The Light Blues are no stranger to cashing in on their top talents over the years, though, as players have moved on from Glasgow to pursue other options in Europe many times in recent seasons.
One deal that the Scottish giants hit the jackpot with, though, was the sale of Joe Aribo to then-Premier League side Southampton in the summer of 2022.
Why Rangers hit the jackpot with Joe Aribo
The Nigeria international was a terrific player for Rangers during his time at Ibrox, having spent three years at the club after joining from Charlton in the summer of 2019.
Aribo racked up 26 goals and 25 assists in 149 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues in those three seasons, and his final goal contribution was a goal in the Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
The left-footed star’s form for Rangers attracted attention from down south and he sealed a move to then-Premier League outfit Southampton in the summer of 2022.
A reported fee of £10m was agreed between the two clubs for the attacking midfielder, who was reportedly being eyed up by other teams in the English top-flight, and that has turned out to be a brilliant deal for the Gers.
July 2022
Reported £10m deal
November 2022
£12.8m
June 2023
£9.4m
October 2023
£6.8m
December 2023
£5.1m
May 2024
£4.2m
December 2024 – present
£5.1m
As you can see in the table above, Aribo’s value has plummeted down to just £5.1m, as per Transfermarkt, in the three years since the midfield star decided to move on from Ibrox.
The 28-year-old, who has scored nine goals and provided one assist in 109 games for Southampton, has not kicked on during his spell in England, which suggests that the Gers hit gold with the deal they got for him in 2022.
Rangers could repeat that masterclass this summer amid speculation that another one of their forwards could leave the club in the coming weeks.
Rangers striker set to move on from Ibrox
According to Soccernet.ng, Cyriel Dessers is poised to complete a permanent exit from Rangers before the end of the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Nigeria international is ‘set’ to sign for Greek giants AEK Athens, after he ‘set sights’ on a move away from Ibrox ahead of next season.
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Soccernet.ng adds that the striker has already verbally agreed to sign for the Greek team and has mapped out a £30k-per-week contract to sign if the transfer goes through this summer.
The outlet reveals that the two teams still need to come to an agreement on a transfer fee for the player before a deal can be finalised, and it does not mention how much money it would take to get it done.
However, The Scottish Sun recently reported that the Gers are holding out for a fee of around £5m for the striker, who they paid £4.5m to Cremonese for in 2023.
If the Light Blues can agree a £5m deal to sell Dessers to AEK Athens, who Soccernet.ng claims is set to join them, then it could be an Aribo repeat.
Why Dessers could be an Aribo repeat
The 30-year-old number nine could follow in Aribo’s footsteps as another star performer who could decrease in value after leaving the Scottish giants.
His value has already dropped from £4.2m at the time of his Ibrox arrival to £3.4m at the time of writing (19/06/2025), as per Transfermarkt, which immediately suggests that a fee of £5m would be a great deal for Rangers.
That is in spite of a very respectable goalscoring return of 51 strikes in 109 matches for the Light Blues in all competitions over the past two seasons.
His value at AEK Athens, should a transfer go through this summer, could fall even further on Transfermarkt, despite a potential fee of £5m, because he may not have the chance to score as many goals.
The Greek side finished fourth in the Super League and only scored 48 goals, whilst Rangers finished second in the Premiership and scored 80 goals.
Appearances
47
46
Goals
21
18
Shots
110
103
Shots on target
52
51
Big chances missed
29
31
Assists
6
4
As you can see in the table above, the Nigerian striker missed a staggering 60 ‘big chances’ in the Premiership, Europa League, and Champions League combined in his first two seasons at Ibrox.
Dessers, who journalist Josh Bunting claimed is “awkward” to play against due to his physicality, scored a decent number of goals for Rangers because he was in a team that was constantly creating chances for him, as evidenced by how many huge opportunities he spurned.
Rangers' CyrielDesserscelebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
Therefore, he may struggle to have the same impact in an AEK Athens team that did not create or score anywhere near as much as Rangers did in the 2024/25 campaign, which could expose his wasteful finishing in a side that does not create loads of ‘big chances’.
This means that Dessers’ output in front of goal could diminish as a result of signing for the Greek side, which is why his value could also plummet as a result of the move, particularly now that the striker is also in his 30s and heading into his latter years.
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Selling the experienced forward to Athens for £5m, if a deal can be agreed at that price, could be an Aribo repeat for Rangers as another player whose value could plummet after leaving.
Tottenham Hotspur have a new manager at the helm in Thomas Frank, though he could now have a decision to make on one of his key stars, according to a report.
Tottenham make Tel second signing under Frank
There were plenty of mixed opinions when Ange Postecoglou was relieved of his duties at Tottenham. He delivered on his promise to bring a trophy to North London, but Daniel Levy couldn’t look past the Lilywhites’ dismal form in the top flight.
Frank has since been appointed and arrives as a revered figure among many of his Premier League peers. The former Brentford boss released an emotional statement after swapping Hounslow for N17 as he gets to work ahead of pre-season.
He stated: “I want to extend my profound gratitude to the club for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and for everyone involved who made the journey such a memorable one.
“For my family and I, it has been a privilege to be allowed to be part of such a special community – it’s an experience and adventure that we will cherish for life. So, thank you.”
Mathys Tel has been announced as a permanent Tottenham star and has signed until 2031, becoming an early signal of the former Brentford man’s transfer intent. Kevin Danso has also joined after his loan spell from RC Lens.
Looking to tempt one of his old flames to work together again, Spurs boss Frank is targeting a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has reportedly changed his stance on potentially swapping the Gtech Community Stadium for Manchester United amid recent talks.
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Jadon Sancho has also been linked with a surprise switch to Spurs. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the Red Devils would be willing to deal with a direct Premier League rival after his spell at Chelsea.
Making inroads, Frank has now been left with a crucial decision to make after a big-money proposal came to light for one of his established stars.
Tottenham star Son Heung-min has offer to join Fenerbahce
According to reports in Spain, Fenerbahce have tabled a big-money proposal to Tottenham icon Son Heung-min that could see the South Korea international earn around £195,000 per week in Istanbul.
The outlet suggests that a deal between all parties is ‘very close’ despite nothing being fully set in stone, which could mark the end of an era for the 32-year-old after lifting the Europa League trophy last month following a decade-long wait for silverware.
Son Hueng-min – the end of an era at Tottenham Hotspur?
Appearances
454
Goals
173
Assists
101
Trophies won
UEFA Europa League
Admittedly, he did wane during a difficult campaign on a week-to-week basis for the Lilywhites, though he still managed to register 11 goals in 12 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.
From a personal perspective, Son bowing out with a winners’ medal in-hand would be the perfect way to depart, even if his exit would be an emotional one following his excellent ten years in North London.