All posts by z3u9t.icu

There is no point in sugarcoating it; this season has been one big disappointment for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side would have come into the campaign looking to make it the third time’s the charm in the Premier League, but instead, they have just secured a second-placed finish for the third year running.

Now, injuries have played their part, but if we are being honest, most of the North Londoners’ star players also failed to step up this year, with reigning Player of the Year Martin Odegaard perhaps the worst offender.

The club captain has looked a shadow of his former self for much of the campaign, and while he could get back to his best next year, he might not have the chance, as recent reports have linked the club to another Premier League star who could be the perfect upgrade.

Arsenal transfer news

With how lacklustre Odegaard has been this year, it’s hardly surprising that in the last few weeks, Arsenal have been linked with a plethora of possible replacements, such as Rayan Cherki and Morgan Rogers.

Transfer Focus

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

The latter is supposedly available for close to £100m, and while that’s likely too much for the Gunners, it would be hard to say it’s not a fair valuation, considering he’s racked up a tally of 14 goals and 15 assists in 53 appearances for Aston Villa this term.

On the other hand, Cherki looks like he’s going to be available for just £19m, which could be one of the bargains of the summer, as in just 44 appearances for Lyon this season, the 21-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists.

However, Arteta and Co might want to bring in someone who is already Premier League-proven and has been performing for years now, someone like Eberechi Eze.

According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal are one of a number of clubs incredibly interested in signing the Crystal Palace star this summer.

The report claims that the Gunners are now ready to step up their pursuit of the Englishman, which would require them to trigger the £68m release in his current contract.

It would be a costly transfer to get done, but given his ability and record, it is one well worth fighting for, especially as he could be an ideal Odegaard upgrade.

How Eze compares to Odegaard

So then, the first thing to clear up is that while Eze is more than capable of in several positions, including out on the left of a front three, he’s spent most of his career – and much of this season – in attacking midfield.

Therefore, while he could fill in all over for Arsenal, his main rival for game time would almost certainly be Odegaard, but which one comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes to their pure output, which is ultimately what matters most, it’s an easy win for the Palace star.

For example, despite playing in a weaker team this season, the “unbelievable” Englishman, as dubbed by Statman Dave, has scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists in 41 appearances, totalling 3232 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.70 games, or every 134.66 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number eight has scored just five goals and provided 12 assists in 44 appearances, totalling 3432 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.58 games, or every 201.88 minutes.

Appearances

41

44

Minutes

3232′

3432′

Goals

13

5

Assists

11

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.38

Minutes per Goal Involvement

134.66′

201.88′

Moreover, while the former Real Madrid wonderkid appears to be a good leader for his team, he rarely shows up in the biggest games, which has been particularly noticeable this term, against Paris Saint-Germain and his former club.

On the other hand, the Eagles “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, has been his side’s main man on multiple big occasions this year, scoring the opening goal in their FA Cup Semi-Final against Aston Villa and then netting the only goal against Manchester City in the Final, in turn securing the club their first ever major honour.

Ultimately, Odegaard is still a good player, but Eze has shown himself to be more of an attacking threat and someone who thrives in the big games and can drag his team over the finishing line.

Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

Gyokeres alternative: Arsenal working to sign "monster" £60m Havertz upgrade

The Premier League star would be unreal for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 20, 2025

Hoping to bounce back from Liam Delap’s rejection, Everton are reportedly alert in the race to sign a Serie A striker who David Moyes “likes” ahead of the summer transfer window.

Everton may need to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin

As improved as Beto has been under Moyes, there’s no escaping that Everton still need to sign another striker this summer if they are to push beyond relegation concerns at the start of a new era. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin on course to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract next month too, welcoming a player to replace the academy graduate could be the key to success for the Toffees this summer.

Moyes spoke to reporters about Calvert-Lewin’s future at the beginning of May, revealing that the forward had not been offered a new deal at that point. The Everton boss said: “There has not been a contract offer on the table since I’ve been here. I think the contract offer was here under a different regime.

Everton & TFG in contact to sign "outstanding" Championship star for Moyes

He missed out on promotion.

ByTom Cunningham May 28, 2025

“We want everybody to fight for what they’re doing, show what they’re worth, so there’s a lot of that. We’re taking a little bit of time – we’ve not had loads of time since January but we’ve had some – and unfortunately Dom has been injured for a big part of it, but Dom’s history has been very good so we’ll obviously be taking all of that into consideration.”

Still in need of a replacement, it looked for a moment as though Everton could have pulled off a shock move to sign Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, with talks held, only for the £30m forward to since choose Chelsea over the chasing pack.

The talented striker would have transformed Moyes’ attack and the manager would have been well aware of that when pitching the move to Delap’s representatives. Ultimately, however, Everton were rejected and have reportedly been forced to turn their attention towards a Serie A forward.

Everton now alert in Tammy Abraham race

According to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, Everton are now alert in the race to sign Tammy Abraham from AS Roma this summer. The former Chelsea striker spent the season on loan at AC Milan, but struggled to make his mark. Now, he could be heading back to English football for the first time since leaving Stamford Bridge in 2021.

Bailey told Everton News: “Everton are one of the clubs aware of Tammy Abraham’s situation. I am told he is one David Moyes likes, and at 27 he is a very good age. An England international – he has a lot left to offer.

“Obviously if Everton want him, then the fact he is already employed by the Friedkin Group – is a bonus, but that only takes you so far – the player will decide his next move.”

Appearances

112

Goals

29

Assists

14

A player who already had Premier League experience under his belt when heading to Italy, but one who now has experience in another top European league, Abraham could prove to be invaluable for a side like Everton. Dubbed “amazing” by Jose Mourinho during his time at Roma, the ex-Chelsea man is one to watch this summer.

Manchester United’s season ended in disappointing fashion when they were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Europa League in Bilbao last month.

That result means that the Red Devils will not be playing European football in the 2025/26 campaign, as they missed out on the chance to qualify for the Champions League.

This has already had an impact on their summer transfer business, as Chelsea agreed a deal to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town ahead of them. Fabrizio Romano claimed that Champions League football was key to the Blues winning the race for the England U21 international.

The 22-year-old marksman plundered 12 goals in 37 appearances in the Premier League for the Tractor Boys in the 2024/25 campaign, and will now link up with Enzo Maresca and his squad.

However, despite failing to qualify for any European competition and missing out on the signing of Delap, Manchester United have already confirmed that Matheus Cunha has joined the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a permanent deal.

What Matheus Cunha could bring to Manchester United

The Brazil international appears to be an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s system on paper, because he played as one of two attacking midfielders behind a striker in a similar formation at Wolves.

This means that he could slot straight in as one of the number tens in the Portuguese head coach’s 3-4-2-1 system, with the hope that he can deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.

The 26-year-old’s form for Wolves in the last two Premier League seasons suggests that the potential is there for him to make an instant impact at Old Trafford with his ability to score and create goals.

Appearances

32

33

xG

9.49

8.63

Goals

12

15

Big chances created

7

13

Key passes per game

0.9

1.8

Assists

7

6

As you can see in the table above, Cunha delivered 27 goals and 13 assists in 65 appearances across those two campaigns, whilst no Manchester United player scored more than eight goals in the Premier League this term.

This suggests that he could immediately be Amorim’s biggest goal threat at the top end of the pitch, due to the current lack of quality in the final third for United.

Cunha, however, only scored six goals and provided six assists in 40 LaLiga outings for Atletico Madrid earlier in his career, so there may still be a question mark over his suitability for a side that is looking to challenge at the top end of the table.

Whilst there is still some doubt over whether or not he can become a star for United in the same way he was for Wolves, the Red Devils could land an even bigger signing than Cunha amid interest in a Champions League winner.

Man Utd eyeing deal for PSG star

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The report claims that Inter, Juventus, Manchester United, and Manchester City are all eyeing up a move for the shot-stopper, who kept a clean sheet in the Champions League final on Saturday.

Transfer Focus

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

It states that the Italy international’s current contract in Paris is due to expire in the summer of 2026, with contract talks at a standstill, and this has left the door open to a potential move away from the club ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

CaughtOffside adds that Juventus and Inter are the two most serious contenders to land the 26-year-old goalkeeper this summer, as they hope that a move back to Italy would be tempting for him.

The report claims, however, that Manchester United are also monitoring his situation with PSG because Amorim is unconvinced by Andre Onana could swoop for the PSG star as a replacement for the Cameroon international.

If the Red Devils can get a deal over the line for Donnarumma ahead of the likes of Inter and Juventus, the Italian colossus could be an even bigger signing than Cunha.

Why Donnarumma would be a bigger signing than Cunha for Man Utd

Unlike Cunha, the PSG superstar has proven himself at the very top level as a regular for both PSG and Italy, winning four Ligue 1 titles, one Champions League, and the European Championship with his country.

The former Milan star has been there and done it in the biggest competitions and leagues, whereas Cunha – as aforementioned – is yet to prove himself at that level.

GOAL recently posted an updated power ranking for the 2025 Ballon d’Or and placed Donnarumma in 12th place, as one of the contenders for the prestigious award, thanks to his impressive performances for PSG.

Cunha, as he has not showcased his quality on the same stages, did not rank in their top 20, which speaks to the gulf in quality between the two players.

Donnarumma would also come in as a significant upgrade on Onana between the sticks and provide United with a solid goalkeeper who could be relied upon week-in-week-out.

Appearances

15

13

Save percentage

72%

63%

Goals prevented

1.69

-1.54

Clean sheets

6

2

Error led to shot

0

0

Error led to goal

1

2

As you can see in the table above, the Italian international was significantly better as a shot-stopper in Europe this season, whilst also making fewer errors that led to goals.

The PSG star also went through the Ligue 1 campaign, playing 24 matches, without making a single error that led to a shot or a goal, whilst Onana made four errors leading to shots or goals in 34 Premier League games.

These statistics suggest that Donnarumma would be a huge upgrade on the current United number one, both as a shot-stopper and as a reliable presence in goal, which is another reason why he would be an even more important signing than Cunha.

Instead of worrying about whether or not their goalkeeper is going to make a mistake, the Red Devils defenders could be assured by the Italy international behind them, leading to greater defensive displays and fewer errors at the back.

Osimhen upgrade: Best "finisher in the world" is now Man Utd's no.1 target

All of Manchester United’s attacking dreams would come true if they landed this Victor Osimhen upgrade.

5 ByKelan Sarson Jun 1, 2025

It is now down to the club to win the race to sign the Champions League winner and Ballon d’Or contender this summer, as he could be a transformational signing due to the quality and pedigree that the goalkeeper would bring to the team.

Since taking the job at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has generally gotten it right when it comes to the transfer market.

For example, while he’s overseen the arrival of his fair share of duds like Willian, Raheem Sterling and Nuno Tavares, he’s also helped sign some special talents like Declan Rice, Gabriel Magahele, David Raya and Jurrien Timber.

However, there is one player who divides opinion perhaps more than any other: Kai Havertz.

To some, the German is an underrated lynchpin without which the attack falters, while others view him as an overpriced makeshift forward who can’t be trusted to finish his chances in the moments that matter.

Yet, it might not matter which side of the aisle you find yourself on next season, as recent reports have heavily linked the club with someone who’d likely be a massive upgrade.

Arsenal's striker search

Given Arsenal’s lacklustre form in front of goal this season, it’s hardly been a surprise to see the club linked with a host of talented strikers in recent weeks, from the well-known Benjamin Sesko to the more under-the-radar Nick Woltemade.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has been heavily linked with a £67m move to the Emirates for some time now, and while that is a hefty outlay, there is a lot to like about the 6 foot 5 speedster, like his tally of 27 goal involvements in 45 games this season.

Woltemade, on the other hand, would only cost the club £42m this summer, and while he produced just 20 goal involvements this year, he did so in just 33 games across all competitions.

Yet, while both players would likely help the Gunners’ frontline next season, they both feel like players for the coming years, not someone who’d be an instant and sizable upgrade like Viktor Gyokeres.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are still very much in the race for the Sporting CP star.

Bailey revealed that not only are the Gunners still interested in the Swedish international, but they also held direct talks with his camp on Wednesday.

A price is not mentioned in the story, but other reports from this week have claimed that the former Coventry City striker could be available for around £67m.

While that is undoubtedly a lot of money, this is a deal Arsenal should be going all out to complete, as Gyokeres would be a monumental upgrade on Havertz.

How Gyokeres compares to Havertz

So, if Arsenal are able to get Gyokeres this summer and, in turn, spend the sort of money it reportedly cost to do so, then it seems incredibly unlikely that he’d be coming in to sit on the bench.

Therefore, the Sporting star would be in competition with Havertz for a starting berth in the team, and based on how they stack up against one another, we think it’s a competition he’d win with ease.

For example, in 52 appearances this season, totalling 4248 minutes, the Stockholm-born “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored a simply sensational 54 goals and provided 13 assists, which works out to an average of 1.28 goal involvements every game, or every 63.40 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 29 scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances, totalling 2809 minutes, which comes out to a decent but far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 140.45 minutes.

Unfortunately for the former Chelsea ace, the comparison is just as one-sided when we take a look under the hood at their respective underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.88

0.58

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

1.17

0.61

Progressive Passes

2.11

2.95

Progressive Passes Received

10.5

5.79

Progressive Carries

4.27

1.44

Shots

4.11

2.80

Shot on Target

2.10

1.11

Key Passes

2.06

1.11

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.00

0.52

Shot-Creating Actions

4.75

2.25

Goal-Creating Actions

0.84

0.15

Successful Take-Ons

1.79

0.48

For example, the 27-year-old comes out way ahead in the vast majority of relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, key passes and passes into the penalty area, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Havertz is a great player and someone who’ll be an incredibly useful asset to the squad next season, but from every angle, it’s clear that Gyokeres is the vastly superior goalscoring number nine.

Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

A hybrid between Gabriel & Saliba: Arsenal join the race to sign £68m star

Arsenal could sign a defender who’s like Gabriel and William Saliba.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 12, 2025

It’s fair to say that Tottenham Hotspur have had an eventful end to the season. Spurs finally ended their 17-year wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League, however, Daniel Levy then decided to sack Ange Postecoglou following a 17th place finish in the Premier League.

The search for a new manager in north London led Spurs to Thomas Frank, with the Danish coach arriving as Postecoglou’s permanent successor at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

With Champions League football on offer following the Europa League triumph, Spurs will have plenty of funds available to them as they look to back Frank in the summer transfer market.

One deal that has already gone through is Kevin Danso’s loan move becoming permanent for more than £20m, but who could join the Austrian through the door over the coming months?

The dream XI Frank could build at Spurs: £68m "superstar" & new Mbeumo sign

Ange Postecoglou has been sacked; here’s how Tottenham could look with Thomas Frank at the helm.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 9, 2025

Well, Grok, the AI tool on X, has already predicted four summer signings Tottenham and Levy could make to bolster Frank’s squad, totalling £250m.

1 Marc Guehi Crystal Palace (£80m)

Starting at the back, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi could be a wanted man again this summer following rumours of a move to Newcastle United last summer.

The Magpies are still being linked with Guehi, but so are Tottenham, with claims suggesting Guehi was keen to hold talks with Spurs following their Europa League win.

Spurs had a £70m offer rejected for Guehi in January, but Grok estimate a cost in the region of £80m would get a deal done. They also add Guehi ‘would provide defensive stability and leadership in defence, allowing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven to rotate or play in a back three’.

2 Morten Hjulmand Sporting CP (£50m)

Another midfielder could be on Frank’s wishlist ahead of the 25/26 season, and Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand is another predicted signing.

A fellow Dane, there were claims earlier in 2025 that Spurs were set to make a bid for Hjulmand this summer, amid interest from rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.

Games

52

Goals

4

Assists

2

Average passes per 90

53.7

Pass completion

90%

Tackles per 90

2

Protected by a €80m (£69m) release clause in his contract, Grok thinks a deal could work at £50m due to Sporting’s willingness to negotiate, adding Hjulmand ‘would complement Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur’.

3 Eberechi Eze Crystal Palace (£70m)

Alongside Guehi, Spurs are also showing an active interest in another Crystal Palace star – Eberechi Eze.

The scorer of the Eagles’ FA Cup final winner against Manchester City, Eze is a player of interest to Frank, who has reportedly been urging Levy to sign for Tottenham when in talks to take over in north London.

Grok feels a deal could be worth £70m and say ‘Eze’s flair and goalscoring ability would add star quality, reducing reliance on James Maddison and supporting Dominic Solanke’.

4 Antoine Semenyo Bournemouth (£50m)

The final predicted Spurs signing by Grok is Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who has been heavily linked with Tottenham in the early stages of the summer window.

There have been claims that Levy and co have personally held talks with Semenyo’s representatives over a Tottenham transfer, with Grok believing a fee could be worth up to £50m.

AI also adds that Semenyo ‘could provide depth and competition for Heung-min Son and Wilson Odobert’ and that his ‘ability to play across the front three offers tactical flexibility’.

Glasgow Rangers officially confirmed the first signing of the Russell Martin era last week when they unveiled Max Aarons as their latest arrival.

The right-back has joined on a season-long loan from Bournemouth to bolster the manager’s options at right-back, becoming the second signing of the summer after Lyall Cameron, who agreed to join in January.

Although Martin has never managed him before, the former England U21 international is a player the manager knows well from their time together as players at Norwich City in England.

The boss told the Rangers website: “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.”

The English full-back is now looking to kick on and get back to his best on the pitch after a difficult couple of years since moving on from Norwich in 2023.

Why Max Aarons is a risky signing for Rangers

On the one hand, this is a relatively low-risk signing for the Light Blues in the sense that he is only on loan for the season and they do not have an obligation to make it permanent next summer.

This means that the Gers will not have wasted millions of pounds on a long-term deal if Aarons ends up struggling and failing to make the grade in Glasgow.

On the other hand, it is a risky signing for Martin through the lens of next season, because the way the last two years have gone for the defender suggests that there are no guarantees that he will be a success.

Aarons has missed 17 matches through injury and only played 31 times in all competitions since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, including nine appearances this term.

This shows that Rangers have brought in a full-back who has not played much football in the last two years, whilst suffering through injuries, and his last two successful seasons, with Norwich, came in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 campaigns.

Starts

41

45

Goals

2

2

Big chances created

6

5

Assists

6

2

Clean sheets

11

17

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

1.6

Duel success rate

58%

53%

As you can see in the table above, Aarons showed his quality in and out of possession at right-back for the Canaries in those two title-winning seasons in the Championship, but it has been years since that success.

This is why the 25-year-old gem is a risky signing with next season in mind, despite having the potential to be a key player, given how long it has been since his last successful campaign.

Rangers in talks to sign English defender

Rangers, however, are also eyeing up another defender from England who would arrive with less risk attached and be a better signing for Martin.

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 the Daily Record, talks are still ongoing between the Scottish Premiership giants and Championship side Leicester City over a deal for Conor Coady.

The report claims that Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises have invested £20m to bolster the club’s budget for the summer transfer window, yet it remains to be seen how much of that budget will be eaten up by a move for the former England international.

Coady’s current contract at the King Power is due to expire in the summer of 2026, and the ongoing talks suggest that the Foxes will not allow him to leave on a free transfer earlier than expected, which means that the Gers will have to pay a fee for his services.

It now remains to be seen whether or not the Ibrox side will be able to reach an agreement with Leicester to bring the centre-back to Glasgow this summer.

Why Conor Coady would be a better signing than Max Aarons

If Rangers can get a deal over the line for Coady in the coming days or weeks then they will land an even better signing than Aarons for the defence.

As aforementioned, it has been several years since the former Norwich starlet enjoyed a successful season on the pitch, as he has been a bit-part player for Bournemouth, and on loan at Valencia, in the last two years.

Coady, however, played 22 times in the Premier League for Leicester last season and helped the Foxes to secure the Championship title in the previous term.

In the 2023/24 campaign, the veteran central defender showcased his impressive quality in possession in a ball-dominant Enzo Maresca side in the second tier in England, which speaks to his suitability for a possession-oriented Martin style of play.

Passes completed

84.99

Top 5%

Pass accuracy

93%

Top 1%

Progressive passes

7.20

Top 1%

Passes into the final third

7.20

Top 2%

xAG

0.05

Top 16%

Progressive passing distance

556 yards

Top 3%

Through balls

0.26

Top 2%

As you can see in the table above, the 32-year-old titan was one of the best centre-backs in the league, if not the best, at progressing the ball through the thirds to build up attacks for his team.

These statistics suggest that Coady, who was lauded as an “immaculate professional” by ex-manager Sean Dyche, would be the perfect fit for Martin’s style of play, as he can ensure that dominating possession does not involve constant sideways and backwards passing, with his progressive play at the back.

These performances were also in the 2023/24 campaign, which means that he has demonstrable success on the pitch in a recent season, unlike Aarons, whilst the centre-back also completed 91% of his passes in the Premier League for the Foxes last season, which suggests that he would not be as risky of a signing.

At the age of 32, Coady would arrive as an experienced and proven performer who could hit the ground running on and off the pitch as a leader for the Light Blues, which is another reason why he could be an even better signing than Aarons.

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.

ByDan Emery Jun 30, 2025

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain has quality on and off the ball, fits the style of play, has recent success on the pitch, and brings leadership qualities, and all these attributes come together to explain why this could be a good move for the club.

After missing out on Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra, Leeds United are now reportedly taking concrete steps in the race to sign an 18-year-old defender this summer.

Leeds turning towards alternatives after Sadiki & Diarra

With just one month until their Premier League return gets underway, Leeds find themselves in a frustrating position after missing out on both Diarra and Sadiki to rivals Sunderland. Forced back to the drawing board, the 49ers will be desperate to land their next top target to continue their spending after Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw.

As things stand, the latest name to arrive remains Bornauw, who told the official Leeds website after putting pen to paper: “I’m really pleased to be here, it’s an amazing club.

“The Premier League was always my dream, and then to play for such a big club in England and in Europe, it’s a dream come true. I think the Premier League for me is the biggest league in the world.

“Obviously, Germany is a really strong league too, but I think as a football player, we aim for the highest and I think the Premier League is the highest for me.”

Those at Elland Road will be pleased to have welcomed the former Wolfsburg defender, but they won’t want their business to end there. After missing out on other targets, the Whites have reportedly set their sights on the likes of Nuno Tavares and Juventus star Timothy Weah.

Both players would be excellent additions. Tavares, returning to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Arsenal, would instantly replace the departed Junior Firpo, whilst Weah would hand Daniel Farke an impressive attacking boost with ample experience at the top level.

It’s not just experience that the 49ers have set their sights on, however, amid recent reports that they’re now chasing an impressive young talent this summer.

Leeds taking concrete steps to sign Jassi

As reported by TeamTalk, the 49ers and Leeds are now taking concrete steps towards signing Suaibo Jassi from Santa Clara this summer after scouts became huge admirers of the 18-year-old right-back. Rivalling Brentford in pursuit of the teenager, the Yorkshire club could finally get one over on a Premier League rival.

Dan James upgrade: Leeds make contact to sign "wonderful" £12m star

Leeds are interested in signing a forward who could be an upgrade on Dan James.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 5, 2025

The defender only signed for Santa Clara this summer but could already be on the move amid interest from the Premier League, according to reporter Rudy Galetti.

One for the future, Jassi’s may not be the type of player to make an instant impact but he may well be one ready to take hold of Daniel Farke’s right-back spot in years to come.

After a record-breaking League One title-winning campaign last time out, Birmingham City will be looking to carry that momentum into the 2025/26 Championship season under Chris Davies.

Co-owners Tom Wagner and Tom Brady have big plans at St Andrew’s, and the Blues will be looking to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2011 as soon as possible.

Birmingham City vs Ipswich Town

August 8

Blackburn Rovers vs Birmingham City

August 16

Birmingham City vs Oxford United

August 23

Leicester City vs Birmingham City

August 30

Stoke City vs Birmingham City

September 13

To do that, new signings to help them in the second tier could be key, and the club have already made a start on their summer transfer business.

But who will start against Ipswich Town on August 8? Well, Grok, the AI tool on X, has forecasted Birmingham’s 25/26 line-up, with five new faces in the XI.

AI predicts Birmingham’s 2025/26 line-up 1 GK: James Beadle

After helping England to U21 European Championship glory this summer, goalkeeper James Beadle will be playing for Birmingham this season.

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Signed on a season-long loan from Brighton, Beadle already has second tier experience after his time with Sheffield Wednesday in 24/25.

2 RB: Ethan Laird

A key member of the League One title-winning side, Ethan Laird has been predicted to keep his place in the Birmingham side.

His ‘pace and attacking contributions make him a mainstay’ under Davies, and Grok adds that Laird’s ‘enthusiasm and Championship experience will be vital’.

3 CB: Krystian Bielik

Club captain Krystian Bielik is also backed to retain his place in the XI, being described as a ‘cornerstone of the defence’.

Games

125

Goals

2

Yellow cards

32

Red cards§

2

The Poland international is still under contract until 2027 and Bielik’s ‘leadership and ability to play in midfield or defence ensure his place’.

4 CB: Phil Neumann

Alongside Bielik is new arrival Phil Neumann, who signed on a free transfer from Hannover 96 earlier this summer.

The German actually penned a pre-contract agreement at the beginning of 2025 and has been backed to go straight into Davies’ XI.

5 LB: Lee Buchanan

With Laird keeping his place at right-back, Lee Buchanan has been predicted to make his return from a serious knee to start at left-back.

Buchanan ‘is expected to hold down the left side with his defensive solidity and attacking overlaps’.

6 CM: Hayden Hackney

Backed to cost £10m from Middlesbrough this summer is Hayden Hackney, with AI-driven predictions suggesting Birmingham could target the 22-year-old versatile midfielder.

Grok says Hackney’s ‘ability to play multiple midfield roles would add dynamism’ to the Blues side.

7 CM: Paik Seung-ho

Partnering Hackney is Paik Seung-ho, who was a regular in 24/25, making 50 appearances in all competitions.

The South Korea international is likely to play a key role once more, and Grok says his ‘composure and work rate make him a certain starter in the Championship’.

8 CAM: Kanya Fujimoto

The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for Japanese attacking midfielder Kanya Fujimoto this summer, with his contract at Gil Vicente set to expire.

Still just 26 years of age, Fujimoto’s ‘creativity and flair would suit Davies’ attacking philosophy’.

9 RW: Demarai Gray

Returning to St Andrew’s this summer is academy graduate Demarai Gray, nine years on after leaving Birmingham for Leicester City.

Gray’s ‘Premier League experience and pace would be a major coup’ for the Blues, according to Grok.

10 ST: Jay Stansfield

Birmingham’s record signing Jay Stansfield was always going to keep his place in the XI after a successful first season as a permanent Blues player.

The striker already has ‘proven Championship quality which makes him the focal point of the attack’.

Glasgow Rangers have been focused on bringing players to Ibrox during the summer transfer window, as they have brought in the likes of Thelo Aasgaard, Emmanuel Fernandez, Djeidi Gassama, and Max Aarons, among others.

However, Russell Martin and Kevin Thelwell also have to be wary of the size of the squad and the reality that some players will have to move on, amid interest in some of the fringe members of the team.

As you can see in the post above from Sacha Tavolieri, there are at least three teams interested in a deal to sign central defender Clinton Nsiala.

Martin has already admitted that the centre-back, who was not included in the squad to face Panathinaikos on Tuesday, could be on his way out of Ibrox this summer, and the former AC Milan man may not be the only one.

Two teams have major interest in Rangers forward

Nsiala is far from the only player on the fringes of the squad ahead of next season, as there will be plenty of people looking at their futures beyond this summer.

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According to the Daily Record, Rangers forward Ross McCausland is attracting interest from a number of clubs ahead of a potential move away from Ibrox.

The report claims that Aris Limassol and two teams in the MLS have a ‘major’ interest in snapping up the Northern Ireland international before the end of the window.

It adds that they are weighing him up as a potential loan signing, whilst there are also unnamed teams from England monitoring his situation.

Why Rangers should allow Ross McCausland to go

The Light Blues should allow McCausland to leave, whether that is on loan or on a permanent basis, this summer because he is as dispensable as Nsiala, who Martin has already admitted could be on his way out.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the French centre-back started ten of his 11 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, but ended the season as an unused substitute in the last two matches.

McCausland, meanwhile, only started four of his 13 appearances in the division for the Scottish giants, who have since signed Aasgaard and Gassama to play in the attacking midfield positions.

Appearances

13

Starts

4

Goals

0

Big chances created

0

Key passes per game

0.6

Assists

1

Red cards

1

As you can see in the table above, the academy graduate offered very little in the final third from a right wing position, with zero goals and zero assists in those 13 games.

He ended the season with more red cards (one) than goal contributions in the league, having been sent off for two bookable offences against Aberdeen in April.

Pundit Tam McManus criticised the “poor” Rangers flop after those mistakes, as McCausland made a rash challenge whilst already on a yellow card to end up being sent off.

The 22-year-old dud is, therefore, just as dispensable as Nsiala is this summer, as both players failed to nail down a place as a regular starter in the league last season, and are now attracting suitors from elsewhere.

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If Martin is willing to allow Nsiala to leave, as he has suggested, then the manager should be willing to allow McCausland, who started even fewer games in the league last term, to go as well.

Arsenal know that they will sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer and he will lead the line for Mikel Arteta next season and beyond. A total agreement with Sporting Lisbon has been reached.

Gyokeres might be 27, and thus is not someone who will be starring at number nine for the Emirates side in ten years, but he’s complete and accomplished, in the prime of his career and ready to tackle a top division such as the Premier League.

He did, after all, score 97 goals and supply 28 assists across 102 matches, winning the Liga Portugal in each of his two terms in the Iberian country.

However, Gyokeres might need some support as he enters the Emirates fray. Indeed, Arteta plans to pair him up with a playmaker.

Arsenal targeting a creative midfielder

Martin Odegaard left plenty to be desired last season, but he’s still Arsenal’s captain and one of the best midfielders in the world besides.

However, Arteta seeks a new playmaker who can drift between central and wide attacking berths. Someone like Chelsea’s Cole Palmer would be great.

There have been rumours that RB Leipzig talent Xavi Simons, 22, would be the man for the job, but Arsenal have fallen behind Chelsea in the race for the diminutive Dutchman.

This might feel like a blow, but when you consider the reason why the north Londoners have taken a step back, it becomes quite a bit less crippling.

Indeed, Arsenal are targeting one of the Premier League’s finest stars.

Arsenal in talks to sign PL star

According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal are currently holding internal talks as they weigh up a formal offer for Eberechi Eze, who scored the winning goal as Crystal Palace beat Manchester City in last season’s FA Cup final.

Eze, 27, has a £60m release clause and has also been targeted by teams such as Tottenham Hotspur, but it is the Gunners who are leading the race as technical director Andrea Berta looks to seal a summer spending spree.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed earlier this week that Arsenal have held discussions with Eze’s camp as they look to put the pieces together.

Why Arsenal must sign Eberechi Eze

Crystal Palace signed Eze from Queens Park Rangers in the Championship for a £20m fee. It was 2020, and he was regarded as one of England’s brightest up-and-coming talents.

Five years on, Eze has immortalised himself as a Palace great, and now wants to make a big move to one of the finest teams on the continent while in the prime of his career.

The England international has been described as a “superstar” by analyst Ben Mattinson, and his vicious blend of powerful athleticism, fleet-footedness and always-improving potency in the final third makes him the perfect fit for Arteta’s project, having proven himself positionally versatile too.

Attacking midfield

74

25

11

Left winger

52

9

7

Central midfield

25

6

3

Right winger

3

0

0

As per FBref, the £100k-per-week star’s efforts last term left him ranked among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for shots taken, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for successful take-ons and the top 14% for ball recoveries per 90.

This complete sweep of attributes led the data-driven site to draw his countryman Palmer as one of his most statistically similar players, with the 22-year-old hailed as “the best player in the Premier League” by Jamie Carragher at the start of the 2024/25 season.

Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a deal worth £42m in September 2023, and he has since become the face of English football, with his extraordinary debut campaign yielding 25 goals and 15 assists across 45 matches in all competitions for the Blues.

Though Eze is not quite so clinical as his world-class positional peer, he is a unique and tricky opponent, so skilful and dynamic in his movements.

As per Sofascore, the Palace talent actually finished the recent league season having averaged two dribbles, 1.7 key passes and 4.6 ground duels (of which he won a respectable 53%) per game, further highlighting his roundedness.

And, of course, it’s not as if Eze isn’t clinical in his own right, having raised his game in that regard under Oliver Glasner’s wing, posting 34 direct goal involvements across 54 games since the Austrian manager arrived in the English capital.

Now, just imagine the improvements that could be made in Arteta’s system. The Spaniard is renowned as one of the best tacticians in football, with new Gunners recruit Martin Zubimendi even hailing him as “one of the best coaches in Europe”.

Given that Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli may both be sold this summer, Eze would be a fantastic addition – perhaps even a necessary addition – with his high-speed dribbling perfect for the left flank, should he not be deployed centrally to take on defenders, create space and spark playmaking for his side.

Dubbed a “magician” of a midfielder by pundit Micah Richards in the past, signing Eze really is a no-brainer. While he may not be Chelsea’s Palmer, he does possess a certain tactical likeness that has already worked so well at Stamford Bridge, and would be sure to elevate Arteta’s project as trophies are targeted across various competitions next year.

Transfer Focus

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

A new season beckons, and if the summer transfer window is anything to go by, Arsenal are going to be right their at the front of the pack once again. Maybe the likes of Eze and Gyokeres could help them take that final step toward glory.

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