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Arsenal are set for a significant call over potentially selling a “difference-maker” this summer, amid a serious issue which could determine his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta makes PSG vow after Arsenal loss to Bournemouth

The Gunners have a season-defining Champions League semi-final second leg tie against PSG on Wednesday – a match that will truly shape the course of their 2024/2025 campaign and determine the success of Arsenal’s year.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 6, 2025

Mikel Arteta’s side trail 1-0 on aggregate, courtesy of Ousmane Dembélé’s early winner at the Emirates Stadium last weekend, and they go into a testing clash at the Parc des Princes off the back of a shock defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Arsenal’s final Premier League games

Date

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

However, Arteta has vowed to use the frustration and upset from that loss to Andoni Iraola’s side as fuel to overcome PSG in the French capital.

“We certainly wanted to create a really good vibe, a positive result would really help us to build what we wanted towards Wednesday,” Arteta said in a post-match press conference.

“What we have created now is a lot of rage, anger, frustration and a bad feeling in the tummy. So, make sure that we use that for Wednesday to have a massive performance in Paris, win the game and be in the final.”

One player who has been unable to contribute recently is 2024 summer signing and Italy international Riccardo Calafiori.

The £42 million arrival has spent the last month out with a knee injury, and despite some excellent performances, injury absences have been the story of his first season.

Arsenal set for "big decision" over selling Riccardo Calafiori

Calafiori has been called a “difference-maker” for Arteta when fit and available, but reports from Italy are now claiming that Arsenal are prepared to sell the defender this summer as a result of his fitness issues.

Speaking to Football Insider, former chief Man United scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the beautiful game, says that Arsenal have a “big decision” to make over letting Calafiori return to Serie A.

“It’s a decision Arsenal and Arteta have got to make,” he told Football Insider.

“They will know the extent of his injury issues and whether it’s going to keep cropping up. Then, they’ll weigh that up against what they know he can do when he’s fit and they’ll decide whether it’s worth keeping him on.

“There is interest in a move back to Italy and AC Milan have been mentioned as one of those teams. If Arsenal can make back the money they spent on him last year, they might think it’s the best thing to do given how many games he’s missed.

“His injuries are a major concern because if he can only play in 15-20 games a season, he’s not going to be somebody they want to keep on the books. But at the same time, there are a few players who look like they’ll leave Arsenal this year.

“They can’t let too many of them go because their depth is already an issue. So it’s a big decision for them to make and one they’ll sit down and discuss soon.”

An “incredible” £100m midfielder who is among Liverpool’s top targets is now open to leaving his club this summer, according to a report.

Reds set sights on new midfielder

It has been an unbelievable first season in the Anfield dugout for Arne Slot, with the Dutch manager securing the Premier League title despite making very few additions to the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp.

However, it appears as though Slot is now looking to put his own stamp on the squad, and bringing in a new midfielder seems to be of particular interest as we approach the summer transfer window.

The Reds are now preparing to submit a £34m offer for Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong, whose future at the Camp Nou is now uncertain, while they are also in the race for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, although it will take £80m to prise the Englishman away from the Eagles.

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Posts BySean Markus Clifford May 3, 2025

Earlier this year, it was reported that Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White is a top target for Slot, and there has now been a positive update on the Merseysiders’ pursuit of the central midfielder.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Gibbs-White is now open to leaving Nottingham Forest this summer, with the Englishman set to consider his options if the Tricky Trees fail to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

Forest are keen to keep hold of the 25-year-old, but there is growing interest in his signature, with Manchester City and Newcastle United also in the race alongside Liverpool, which could make it difficult to keep hold of him if they fail to finish in the top five.

However, a deal will not be cheap, as Forest may only be willing to sanction a departure for a fee in the region of £100m.

"Incredible" Gibbs-White deserves big move

Despite a stellar campaign, it is looking increasingly likely that Forest will miss out on Champions League football, having now fallen to sixth place after a poor run, which could cause Gibbs-White to look for the exit door, and there are plenty of signs he could be a solid signing for Liverpool.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has excelled since signing for Forest, most notably impressing in an attacking sense, picking up five goals and nine assists in 30 Premier League outings this season.

ESPN’s Janusz Michallik was also left impressed by the Forest star’s work rate in their 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur last month, taking to X to single him out for high praise.

At 25-years-old, there is every sign that Gibbs-White is now entering his prime, and he could be a top-quality addition to Liverpool’s midfield, but Forest are in a strong negotiating position, with the midfielder contracted until 2027, and shelling out £100m would be a risk.

Newcastle United have been a force to be reckoned with since Eddie Howe arrived in the north-east, but could that be about to change following recent developments?

Newcastle United aim to establish themselves among Premier League elite

Undoubtedly, Newcastle’s focus has shifted significantly in the last few years as PIF aim to bring them in line with the Premier League elite on and off the pitch.

Recruitment has been an avenue where the Magpies have excelled in recent seasons, and Eddie Howe deserves major credit for creating far more success stories than underwhelming signings on Tyneside.

The 47-year-old has placed Newcastle in an encouraging position to secure Champions League qualification this term, while their lengthy trophy drought also came to an end after a heroic EFL Cup victory over Liverpool in March.

Now, the question is how his side plan to take their incredible rise over the last few years even further. Looking towards the summer window, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has become the Magpies’ number-one target, and he could be available for in excess of £60 million.

Girona’s Angel Herrera could also arrive at St James’ Park, though Newcastle will also need to deal with any PSR-related discrepancies to avoid coming into conflict with regulations.

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Posts ByDominic Lund May 8, 2025

Stretching ambition levels to the limit has to be the aim for Howe and company. The Englishman has earned the right to take the club forward, but there will always be lingering questions over what the future could hold beyond his reign.

In surprise fashion, Newcastle have now reportedly made an approach for a manager who has a habit of winning silverware on a regular basis.

Newcastle approach former Barcelona boss Xavi

According to Football Transfers, Newcastle have made an approach for former Barcelona boss Xavi to gauge whether he would be interested in becoming the club’s next manager.

The 45-year-old is said to be enthused by the prospect of coaching in the north-east, while the initial contact has come from an internal source that believes Xavi has a global appeal and gravitational pull that Howe doesn’t possess.

Xavi’s trophy-laden spell in management – nine trophies in total

Barcelona

La Liga x1, Supercopa de Espana x1

Al-Sadd

Qatar Stars League x1, Qatar Cup x2, Sheikh Jassim Cup x1, Emir of Qatar Cup x2, Qatari Stars Cup x1

That said, there is an acknowledgment that relieving Howe of his duties would cause an unwanted level of controversy at this moment in time.

Xavi is open to taking on a high-profile project, and his approach is believed to align with the long-term vision the Magpies are looking to roadmap.

Nevertheless, it feels as if any notion of Howe departing for pastures new is some way off, which is a testament to the job he has carried out since arriving in 2021.

Crystal Palace now have Europa League football to look forward to next season, and already the club are planning for the summer as they eye up a move to sign a “superb” Bundesliga midfielder, according to a recent report.

Wharton’s Crystal Palace future in doubt despite FA Cup win

Adam Wharton has been a standout performer since his arrival in SE25, and his performances have caught the attention of teams at home and abroad. Despite missing a large chunk of this season through a groin injury, Wharton has played 20 times in the Premier League and was a huge part of the Eagles’ FA Cup glory.

Heading into the summer transfer window, he is now very much a wanted man, as teams start to circle with significant interest. Last week, it was reported that Man United boss Ruben Amorim is personally driving the Red Devils’ move to sign Wharton. It’s claimed that United are in the strongest position to sign the Englishman this summer, but they are not the only team chasing the midfielder.

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Posts ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025

Newcastle United have also been heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old, while Arsenal are said to have joined the race to sign Wharton, as they plan to close the gap at the top of the table.

Liverpool are also interested in Wharton, and it’s been reported that they are planning to make a £60 million bid to sign the Palace man. However, given the Eagles have qualified for the Europa League, their stance has tightened, and it’s been claimed they wouldn’t consider any bid less than £80 million.

Crystal Palace eyeing move to sign "superb" £15m+ midfielder

And while the hope will of course be to convince the England starlet to stay put, according to Sky Germany, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Nadiem Amiri from Bundesliga side Mainz 05, making plans to buff up their midfield ranks just in case.

Sky Germany report that Amiri’s exit from Mainz is a possibility this summer, as Palace, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing the midfielder, as well as teams in Serie A.

The 28-year-old was asked about his future after Mainz’s final game of the season over the weekend against Bayer Leverkusen, which they drew 2-2, and the German didn’t give much away: “Go on holiday now; then we’ll see.”

Nadiem Amiri’s 24/25 Bundesliga stats

Apps

30

Goals

7

Expected goals

5.47

Assists

5

Shots per game

2.1

Key passes per game

2.1

Interceptions per game

0.5

Tackles per game

1.7

Amiri, who has been dubbed “superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, doesn’t have a release clause in his contract, with this report claiming he could cost between 18 and 20 million euros, which is roughly £15-16 million.

The midfielder, who can operate as a number ten or more defensively, is under contract until 2028, and the fact that Mainz have qualified for Europe next season will toughen their stance, given Amiri has been an important player this season with seven goals and five assists in 30 Bundesliga games.

From Xavi and Andres Iniesta to modern greats like Kevin De Bruyne and rising stars such as Jude Bellingham, the debate over just who takes the midfield crown has been rumbling on for quite some time.

In many ways, the question is what do you want to see from a midfielder? If you require technical excellence, then look no further than those Spanish superstars and the likes of Zinedine Zidane. They have often been the jewels in football’s crown no matter the occasion.

The best midfielders in the world right now

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

1

Pedri

22

Barcelona

Spain

2

Jude Bellingham

21

Real Madrid

England

3

Rodri

28

Man City

Spain

4

Declan Rice

26

Arsenal

England

5

Florian Wirtz

21

Bayer Leverkusen

Germany

6

Ryan Gravenberch

22

Liverpool

Netherlands

7

Jamal Musiala

22

Bayern Munich

Germany

8

Martin Odegaard

26

Arsenal

Norway

9

Oihan Sancet

24

Athletic Club

Spain

10

Federico Valverde

26

Real Madrid

Uruguay

11

Dominik Szoboszlai

24

Liverpool

Hungary

12

Xavi Simons

22

RB Leipzig

Netherlands

13

Nicolo Barella

28

Inter

Italy

14

Kevin De Bruyne

31

Man City

Belgium

15

Luka Modric

39

Real Madrid

Croatia

But sometimes beauty is in the long-range strikes, the ruthless tackles and the workhorse engines. And if that is the case, then the attention should drift towards stars such as Manchester United’s Roy Keane and Paul Scholes.

If it’s simply a matter of honours on the table, then it would be Barcelona and Real Madrid who shine brightest, as La Liga’s two mega clubs have dominated the European scene while several of their biggest names thrive on the international stage.

Best midfielders of all time in pictures

Then there is the measure of iconic moments to remember. Steven Gerrard in Istanbul, Modric taking the Ballon d’Or crown and Iniesta’s World Cup winning goal – the list could quite easily go on.

Perhaps the best measure of all-round talent however is the verdicts from those who played with the greats, and Spain legend and superstar goalscorer Fernando Torres believes there is only one answer.

Torres says Gerrard is the best player he ever played with

Torres is perhaps one of the best placed figures in football to judge greatness, having starred for Spain’s dominant international side that won the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, either side of the World Cup in 2010.

And the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker, who spent four seasons on Merseyside with Gerrard, revealed the Liverpool captain was even better than his Spain teammates.

From his very first Liverpool game, Torres and Gerrard’s partnership blossomed into one of the most clinical that Anfield has ever seen. The Spaniard was quick and deadly in front of goal and Gerrard was as precise as it gets behind him to form the perfect duo.

Times Steven Gerrard Assisted Fernando Torres

(via LFC History)

2007/08

8

2008/09

2

2009/10

1

2010/11

2

Assisting 13 of Torres’ 81 Liverpool goals, Gerrard’s partnership with the Spaniard was particularly strong during his debut season. It’s then that the forward may have realised just how talented his captain was, perhaps reaching the conclusion then and there that he would never play with better.

Torres played with Frank Lampard – in what is a debate for another day – as well as Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and others. Yet, even without a Premier League medal to his name, El Nino still believes that Gerrard is the best midfielder that he’s ever seen.

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Posts 3 ByBen Goodwin May 17, 2025

They might have finished second in the Premier League and made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League, but we aren’t sure anyone at Arsenal would consider this season to be a success.

Long gone are the days in which a top-four finish was celebrated like a trophy at the Emirates, as, thanks to Mikel Arteta and Co, the team are now serious contenders for every competition they enter – meaning a third runners-up medal in as many league campaigns is far from ideal.

Considering the team created the best defence in the league while scoring 17 goals fewer than the eventual winners, it’s pretty clear that to help the squad get over the line next year, the board must invest in offensive players.

This line of thinking may help to explain Arsenal’s reported interest in Aston Villa’s brilliant Morgan Rogers, although even if he were to join the club, he’d be worth millions less than one of his new teammates.

Why Arsenal want Rogers

So, if the reported price tag of around £100m proves to be true, just why do Arsenal want to spend that sort of money on one player, and would he even be worth it?

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

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Well, the answer to the second question is most certainly yes, and there are a few reasons why, starting with his output.

For example, in 54 appearances for Villa this season, totalling 4496 minutes, the Halesowen-born star was able to score 14 goals and provide 15 assists.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.86 games or every 155.03 minutes, and that is just the sort of offensive capability the North Londoners need in their squad.

For example, Martin Odegaard is the team’s current starting attacking midfielder, and while he’s been brilliant in seasons past, he really struggled this year, ending the campaign with six goals and 12 assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3447 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement on average every 2.5 games, or every 191.5 minutes.

Just imagine if Arteta could take the Norwegian off, or rest him completely, and start the dynamic Englishman in his place.

Finally, at just 22 years old, the five-capped international could grow alongside some of the team’s other younger stars, and then there is his ability to play in multiple positions, from midfield to out wide.

Rogers’ positional versatility

Position

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Left Winger

83

21

9

Attacking Midfield

46

14

10

Right Winger

39

9

13

Centre-Forward

21

6

4

Left Midfield

8

3

1

Right Midfield

6

1

3

Second Striker

1

0

0

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Yet, even then and at the fee reported, Rogers would be joining Arsenal with a lower valuation than one of his new teammates.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Rogers

Now, while Arsenal are blessed with a host of incredibly talented players these days, from Declan Rice and David Raya to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, it’ll likely come as no surprise that the star in question is none other than Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End superstar has developed into a talismanic figure in North London since his debut under Unai Emery, and his valuation reflects that, with the CIES Football Observatory pricing him at a whopping €157m earlier this year.

That converts to a staggering £132m, or £32m more than Rogers could end up costing the Gunners this summer, and while that is a sizable difference, it would be hard to argue it’s not fair.

Saka vs Rogers in 24/25

Players

Saka

Rogers

Appearances

37

54

Minutes

2619′

4496′

Goals

12

14

Assists

14

15

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

0.53

Minutes per Goal Involvements

100.73′

155.03′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, even though the 23-year-old missed over three months of the season with a hamstring injury that required surgery, he was still able to rack up a sensational haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling just 2619 minutes.

That means the North Londoners’ “future legend,” dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or 100.73 minutes, which is not only better than the Villa ace managed but also simply world-class.

Okay, how do their pair stack up against one another when we look at their underlying numbers, then? The Claret and Blue star did spend a sizable part of the season out wide.

Well, rather unsurprisingly, it’s the 43-capped superstar who once again comes out on top, doing better in almost all relevant metrics, such as actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, tackles, shots and shots on target, key passes and more, all per 90.

Saka vs Rogers

Statistics per 90

Saka

Rogers

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.71

0.42

Non-Penalty G+As

0.78

0.52

Progressive Passes

3.65

3.55

Progressive Passes Received

13.3

5.43

Progressive Carries

5.00

3.29

Shots

3.44

1.59

Shots on Target

1.15

0.58

Passing Accuracy

75.5%

73.2%

Expected Assists

0.41

0.15

Key Passes

3.02

1.47

Passes into the Final Third

0.78

2.11

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.98

1.62

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.63

0.09

Live Passes

33.5

24.7

Shot-Creating Actions

6.09

3.04

Goal-Creating Actions

1.20

0.46

Tackles

1.51

1.24

Blocks

1.15

0.75

Interceptions

0.16

0.17

Clearances

0.42

0.58

Successful Take-Ons

2.14

1.91

Ball Recoveries

3.65

3.44

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Season

Ultimately, Arsenal should be looking to sign Rogers this summer, as he’d add far more creativity and attacking flair to the team, but he’d have to hit the ground running to see his valuation even approach Saka’s.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 9, 2025

Liverpool are showing “concrete interest” in signing a hugely talented young player in the summer transfer window as FSG kick their summer plans into overdrive.

Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool "on fire" in summer transfer window

With Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez expected to join the Reds imminently, from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively, attention may now turn to a new striker, amid exit claims surrounding Darwin Nunez.

Liverpool have reportedly made an approach for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, seeing him as an alternative option to Eintracht Frankfurt marksman Hugo Ekitike. The Slovenian is also seen as a leading target for Arsenal, so the Premier League champions could be looking to swoop in ahead of them.

Another fresh face in the Reds’ midfield also wouldn’t go amiss before next season gets underway and Crystal Palace youngster Adam Wharton has been backed to move to Anfield. The England international is a hugely exciting player who also possesses so much maturity, and he could be perfect as a squad option to begin with.

Luis Diaz continues to be linked with a move away, with Barcelona mentioned plenty in recent weeks, and Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has been mentioned as a possible replacement.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday evening that Liverpool are “on fire” and “busy” in the market, and it seems they’ve now turned their attentions to a youngster with massive potential.

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Posts ByHenry Jackson Jun 16, 2025 Liverpool interested in signing £51m star

According to a fresh claim from Caught Offside, Liverpool have “concrete interest” in Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling this summer.

The 19-year-old is expected to leave Saints before the end of the window, following their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship, and the Reds are one of many clubs keen on him. Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham and Manchester City all get a mention in the report, and he is valued above £50m.

Dibling looks like an outstanding prospect, having stood out as a rare positive in a dreadful 2024/25 season for Southampton, scoring four goals and registering two assists in all competitions.

An aesthetically-pleasing player to watch, the Englishman has a lovely ability to glide across the turf and create with his left foot, with Danny Murphy not holding back in his praise for him last December.

“It is difficult to get too over the top with these young players, because he has just come on to the scene, but he is going to be something special. It is great for him getting all these minutes at Southampton. They are giving him the freedom to play and giving him time to learn the game. He is just enjoying himself and he is playing with a real belief in himself. He is just instrumental in this team.”

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Jun 16, 2025

Granted, Dibling wouldn’t be a cheap signing, and he would have to bide his time before becoming a regular, but he has the tools to grow into an elite footballer, proving to be adept at shining in his preferred right-sided role or as a No.10.

Despite the loss, Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus looked on the positive side, saying “these big games are always gold dust”

Andrew McGlashan12-Jun-20245:54

Finch: Zampa owns the stumps and it’s hard to play square against him

They overcame a small wobble to win convincingly, completely outplayed their higher-seeded group opponent and now dispatched a lower-ranked team with clinical ease. Australia can lay claim to having had the most serene path so far in T20 World Cup 2024, a marked contrast to living on the edge as they have done in recent global events.Things could change, of course, come the Super Eight but Australia are a well-drilled side with, seemingly, all bases covered. Pat Cummins was able to have the first game off; there was no need to push a sore Mitchell Starc into this one. Others could now get a rest against Scotland ahead of the next stage, which sees three games in six days for all the teams who make it.Namibia were not expected to be a roadblock, but this tournament has thrown up the unexpected quite frequently. This, however, was not going to be a night for anything to be added to that list. Australia’s powerplay bowling was relentless; Adam Zampa helped himself to the middle and lower order; the fielding was outstanding and the chase brutal.Zampa, becoming Australia’s first male player to 100 T20I wickets, took the plaudits with the Player-of-the-Match award – his second in two games – and from his captain. Like in the ODI World Cup, he has so far operated as the lone frontline spinner, supported by Glenn Maxwell’s offspin.”If you look at his career, especially over the last five years, he’s probably our most important player,” Australian captain Mitchell Marsh said at the post-match presentation. “He loves the big moment, loves the pressure, and that comes with experience. He’s bowling beautifully at the moment, so we’re lucky to have him.”Gerhard Erasmus finished with 36 off 43•Getty Images

It took 24 minutes and less than six overs to knock off the target. Run rate was of no concern, or benefit, for Australia (whether they take note of England’s in a few days’ time is another thing entirely) but they were in no mood to hang around. Perhaps they can squeeze in another of Antigua’s 365 beaches before hopping over to St Lucia.”I think in the back of your head turning up today, that’s how the day should go for us,” Josh Hazlewood said. “And it’s one thing thinking that, it’s another thing actually going out and doing it. So, it was up to us to set the tone as the bowling group and to have them 3 for 16 [15], 5 for 20-odd really sort of set that tone. Then obviously we’ve got the freedom with the bat to chase a lowish score as quickly as possible… but yeah, it’s good to get a win like that.”Gerhard Erasmus, the Namibia captain who was made to sweat 17 balls to get off the mark, did not shy away from the result and conceded his team had not played their best throughout the competition, which started with a Super Over win against Namibia and then a loss to Scotland. However, he hoped his players would still take gains from the experience.”I think these big games are always gold dust in the sense that you get a physical run out with the best in the world,” he said. “You tend to face different ball speeds, different skills at a very high quality, a very high consistency and whether that’s a game that runs very close or one that you even lose quite far, it’s still gold dust that you need to try your best to take in every moment of that and every sort of experience that you can because they don’t come around often. So hopefully, some of the boys could do that tonight again, even though it was a bit of a runaway.”

Manchester United appear to be making huge strides in their move to land Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo after a second offer was made in recent days.

The Cameroonian has been one of the club’s key targets over the course of this window, as boss Ruben Amorim looks to improve his frontline at Old Trafford.

Such interest is hardly a surprise given his form in the Premier League this campaign, netting 20 times in his 38 appearances – the best return of his professional career to date.

It’s been reported that the latest bid is in the region of £60m for the 25-year-old, but it remains to be seen if such an offer will be accepted, with the player himself wanting the move this window.

However, even if Mbeumo does complete a switch to join the Red Devils this summer, it appears as though he won’t be the last attacking addition, with numerous other names still on their radar.

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

A striker has been high up on United’s radar, with Juventus star Dušan Vlahović the latest name mentioned over a potential switch to join Amorim’s side.

Viktor Gyokeres has been another player hugely linked with the Red Devils, recently stating his desire to leave current side Sporting CP ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, another name has remerged on their shortlist, with Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku again a key target, after previously registering interest last summer, according to L’Equipe.

They claim that United have entered talks with Enzo Maresca’s side over a deal for the Frenchman forward, who cost a staggering £52m back in the summer of 2023.

It also states that current Red Devils star Alejandro Garnacho could be used to lower the fee in any deal with the Argentine expected to depart throughout the off-season.

Why United’s £52m target could be perfect alongside Mbeumo

As previously mentioned, a deal for Mbeumo appears to be heading in the right direction, with his goal tally showcasing the talent he possesses within the final third.

However, should he move to United this summer, it’s unclear which position he will regularly feature in, having operated in the right-wing position at the GTEC this season.

The 25-year-old has also started in a central role when needed, something which he will likely do on a regular basis at Old Trafford considering Amorim operates with a 3-4-2-1 system which uses two central attacking midfielders.

His versatility could be key to any future success endured by the club in the near future, but he could also strike up a key partnership with fellow potential addition Nkunku.

The 27-year-old has struggled for minutes with the Blues this campaign, starting just nine times in the league but still posting a respectable tally of three goals and two assists.

He’s capable of playing as a central striker, or even as a number 10, but he will likely operate in the former, with the Cameroonian handing him the ammunition from a deeper role.

The Chelsea star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has averaged 1.1 shots on target per 90 this campaign, putting 44% of his efforts on target, subsequently able to provide the needed threat the side have lacked.

Christopher Nkunku’s PL stats for Chelsea (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

27

Goals & assists

5

Shots on target per 90

1.1

Pass accuracy

90%

Shot-on-target accuracy

44%

Key passes made

1.4

Aerials won

42%

Stats via FBref

He will certainly be bolstered in the final third by Mbeumo’s creativity, with the Cameroonian registering 3.7 progressive passes per 90, having the tools to hand those in front of him with key opportunities.

Nkunku’s talents don’t end there, also posting a superb tally of 90% of passes completed, with 1.4 of his passes per game being defined as key passes, subsequently able to return the favour to Mbeumo.

He may not be the tallest centre-forward, but he’s managed to win 42% of the aerials he’s entered, having the tools to get on the end of crosses provided by Mbeumo, who ranks in the top 9% of attackers in the division for such a category.

The prospect of the pair linking up together at Old Trafford is certainly an exciting one, having the chance to lead the club back up the table throughout 2025/26.

Whilst it’s unclear how advanced a deal for Nkunku is, he has proven that he’s capable of being a success in the Premier League, subsequently weakening a rival in the process.

Related A better move than Ekitike: Man Utd preparing bid for "top-class" £44m ST

Manchester United appear top be making more moves for a striker ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 23, 2025

Shubman Gill takes over as vice-captain in both white-ball formats

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jul-20243:13

Bal: Selectors taking a long-term view with SKY as captain

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been selected in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series in Sri Lanka, which is one of their two 50-over assignments scheduled before the 2025 Champions Trophy.Both Rohit and Kohli have spent time abroad with their families after the T20 World Cup felicitation event in Mumbai on July 4. There was speculation they would skip the tour of Sri Lanka and only return for the start of the home season in September, but they are now part of the 15-man squad for the series.Related

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Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the entire tour, while Hardik Pandya – who missed out on the T20I captaincy – will feature in just the T20I-leg.Shreyas Iyer, who lost out on a BCCI central contract earlier this year, has been picked in the ODI squad. KL Rahul also returns after a long injury layoff, one of two frontline wicketkeepers along with Rishabh Pant, who last played an ODI prior to his car accident in December 2022.Shubman Gill named India’s vice-captainShubman Gill has been elevated to vice-captaincy in both white-ball formats, following his captaincy stint with a second-string squad in Zimbabwe, where India won 4-1. Gill’s also been prolific with the bat in ODIs of late – he’s the second-highest run-getter worldwide in the format since the start of 2023.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

With Hardik absent from the ODIs, seam-bowling allrounder Shivam Dube, whose only ODI so far was in 2019, earns a recall. Dube’s stocks in T20 cricket have grown considerably since IPL 2023, when he made a name for himself as an enforcer against spin for Chennai Super Kings.The selectors also rewarded Riyan Parag by picking him in both formats. His one-day elevation can be looked at as a reward for his domestic form – he was the leading run-getter in the Deodhar Trophy as well as the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, where he made seven straight half-centuries while leading Assam to their first-ever semi-final.Fast bowler Harshit Rana was also handed a maiden ODI call-up. Rana was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL-winning side of 2024 and finished as his side’s joint second-highest wicket-taker with 19 scalps in 13 outings.The pace attack will be spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj, with Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed completing it. Washington Sundar’s Player-of-the-Series performance in Zimbabwe earned him a berth in both squads for Sri Lanka; he’s one of two spin-bowling allrounders alongside Axar Patel.Ravindra Jadeja, who (like Rohit and Kohli) is now retired from T20Is, did not make the ODI squad.No Kuldeep, Abhishek for T20IsAs many as nine members from the young squad that won 4-1 in Zimbabwe earlier this month have been picked for the Sri Lanka T20Is, led by new captain Suryakumar Yadav.Abhishek Sharma did not make the cut despite his T20I exploits in Harare•Associated Press

Gill, who led in Zimbabwe, is likely to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad.Sanju Samson retained his place (a second option with the gloves alongside Pant), but there was no room for Ruturaj Gaikwad or Abhishek Sharma, who struck a 46-ball hundred in just his second T20I in Zimbabwe. Rinku Singh and Dube are likely to be options as finishers.Kuldeep Yadav will play the ODIs but was not picked for the T20Is, leaving Ravi Bishnoi as the frontline wristspinner. There was no place for Yuzvendra Chahal, who didn’t feature in a single game during India’s World Cup campaign, in either squad.India’s tour of Sri Lanka is the first assignment for new coach Gautam Gambhir, who was appointed after Rahul Dravid’s tenure ended with the T20 World Cup. The tour begins with three T20Is in Pallekele on July 27, 28 and 30, followed by three ODIs in Colombo on August 2, 4 and 7.India squad for Sri Lanka ODIsRohit Sharma (capt), Ꮪhubman Gill (vice-capt), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.India squad for Sri Lanka T20IsSuryakumar Yadav (capt), Ꮪhubman Gill (vice-capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.