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.”

It was remarkably just over six years ago that Marcus Rashford enjoyed one of the greatest moments of his Manchester United career, with the Englishman rifling home from the penalty spot to send Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The United academy graduate had been the undoing of Paris Saint-Germain with that last-gasp spot-kick, while he also netted again in the Parc des Princes during the 2020/21 campaign, to clinch another famous win for Solskjaer and co.

Something about the Ligue 1 side appears to bring the best out of the 27-year-old, it would seem, with the in-form forward having again been electric when facing off with the Parisien outfit – albeit this time in Aston Villa colours.

The Red Devils outcast put in a simply masterful display through the middle for Unai Emery’s side, having notably produced a breathtaking assist for Villa’s third of the night as the hosts flipped the encounter on its head. In truth, it was vintage Rashford.

Frustratingly for the Villans, they could not complete the comeback after bravely crashing out, while for those back in Manchester, such a fine individual display may have Ruben Amorim thinking twice over his decision to exile the £300k-per-week marksman.

But would a return to Old Trafford really be in the best interest of all parties this summer?

Why Rashford still needs to be sold this summer

As far as Rashford is concerned, the decision to make the move to Villa Park back in February could hardly have gone better, with the Midlands side also still in the mix for a top five finish in the Premier League, while having also reached the last four of the FA Cup.

The polarising sensation has been central to Emery’s plans in recent months, with the assist for Ezri Konsa last night taking his total tally to nine goal involvements in just 15 appearances since making the move. Jesse Lingard at West Ham United anyone?

Free from the shackles and the scrutiny of being a Manchester United player, Rashford has looked reborn in claret and blue, with Tuesday night seeing him create four big chances in total – more than any other player on the pitch.

That display backed up Emery’s decision to once again select his loan star ahead of compatriot, Ollie Watkins, in the centre-forward berth, with the Villans boasting attacking depth that Amorim can only dream of – not least with Joshua Zirkzee now sidelined with injury.

Speaking on Amazon Prime, United legend Wayne Rooney suggested that he would “love” to see Rashford back playing for the Red Devils next season, while also claiming that the player himself “wants” to be back at the Theatre of Dreams.

That said, it was only in December that the England international outlined his desire for a “new challenge” after being given the cold shoulder by Amorim, with it difficult to see any form of reconciliation occurring ahead of next season.

Indeed, having found his groove at Villa, why would Rashford risk enduring another stop-start campaign back at his parent club – not least considering three of the last four seasons have been rather underwhelming for him in a United shirt.

Rashford’s last five Man Utd seasons (all comps)
Season	Games	Goals	Assists
2024/25*	24	7	3
2023/24	43	8	6
2022/23	56	30	11
2021/22	32	5	2
2020/21	57	21	18
*Not including record at Villa
Stats via Transfermarkt

As for the club itself, the chance to rake in a £40m fee from Villa – a deal that would represent pure profit – is no doubt difficult to turn down, with it perhaps best for everyone that a permanent separation occurs this summer.

That said, even if Amorim and co do change their mind, at least they have only opted to loan out Rashford thus far, with the option of a homecoming still on the table. The same can’t be said for everyone that INEOS have let go…

Man Utd may have made a bigger mistake than Rashford

It appears to be a growing theme that players who have left Old Trafford have gone on to shine elsewhere, albeit with the club having largely been correct in moving those players on.

Indeed, in the case of Anthony Elanga, the Swedish speedster had scored just four goals in 55 games for United prior to departing for Nottingham Forest. David de Gea, meanwhile, was public enemy number one for his mistake in the FA Cup final, before being allowed to leave for nothing.

Equally, the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho – now on loan at Real Betis and Chelsea – had hardly pulled up any trees following their £86m and £73m arrivals, respectively, with the pair netting just 24 goals between them in 179 games.

Antony’s Man Utd record vs selected wingers (past and present)
Player	Games	Goals	Assists	Total G/A
Antony	96	12	5	17
Anthony Elanga	55	4	4	8
Amad	57	12	10	22
Jadon Sancho	83	12	6	18
Alejandro Garnacho	135	25	20	45
Dan James	74	9	9	18
Angel Di Maria	34	4	12	16
Henrikh Mkhitaryan	63	13	11	24
Memphis Depay	53	7	6	13
Stats via Transfermarkt

Even Rashford had endured a miserable 18 months after scoring just 15 goals for United following the start of the 2023/24 campaign, with few of a Red Devils persuasion having contested with any of those exits at the time.

In the case of Scott McTominay, however, it may well be a different story, with the Scotland star having actually been one of Erik ten Hag’s key men last term, before sealing a £25m move to Napoli over the summer.

Indeed, the 28-year-old was the Dutchman’s rescue act having repeatedly delivered the goods in an attacking sense, with the rampaging midfielder – who notably netted a brace at the death against Brentford – ending the season with ten goals to his name in all competitions.

The joint third-highest scorer for United in the end in 2023/24, McTominay appeared to be thriving in an advanced midfield berth, albeit with the desire to meet PSR regulations – and the pursuit of fellow midfielder, Manuel Ugarte – leading to INEOS deciding to cash in.

Ten Hag has since admitted that he “didn’t want” to sell the 6 foot 4 giant, yet was almost “forced” into agreeing to the decision due to the club’s financial constraints.

As it is, McTominay has gone on to dazzle in Naples in 2024/25 to date, with the midfield “monster” – as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson – notably netting twice last time out to keep Antonio Conte’s side in title contention.

Those latest strikes – both of which were assisted by Romelu Lukaku, no less – showcased just what the Lancaster-born hero is all about. Indeed, for his first of the night, McTominay charged from deep before curling home from outside the area. For his second, the ex-Red Devil expertly headed home after towering above the Empoli defence.

The emerging Naples sensation now has eight Serie A goals to his name this season, with only Bruno Fernandes able to match that tally for league goals back in Manchester.

McTominay is then picking up where he left off last term, with INEOS having made a rare move for United by selling a player who was actually in form – unlike the exiled Rashford.

With the Red Devils now in the midst of their worst-ever Premier League campaign, that bold call doesn’t appear to have aged well…

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Apr 15, 2025

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in February 2006 remains one of the Gunners’ finest nights in their history.

In the clubs’ first-ever meeting, a sole Thierry Henry goal was enough to give the north Londoners a slim advantage going into the second leg at Highbury.

Arsene Wenger’s side would pull off a big Champions League upset by holding the likes of David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo to a goalless draw to make the quarter-finals.

19 years on, Arsenal are once again heading to the Santiago Bernabeu, this time hoping to secure a semi-final berth after a spellbinding 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

But what has come of the side that beat Real Madrid nearly two decades on? Here, we look back and reminisce over the players who started on that special night.

1 Jens Lehmann Goalkeeper

German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann made history in the 2005/06 Champions League, helping the Gunners produce a record 10 consecutive clean sheets in the competition.

The shutout in Madrid was clean sheet number 5, and Lehmann miraculously repeated the feat in the second leg, partly thanks to a sensational save to deny Raul.

Since retiring, the Invincible has been in coaching roles at Arsenal and Augsburg, and can currently be seen as one of the managers in Baller League UK.

2 Emmanuel Eboue Right-back

The 2005/06 campaign saw Emmanuel Eboue’s breakthrough at Arsenal, with the full-back standing in for Lauren in the Cameroonian’s final season at the club.

Eboue managed to keep Robinho quiet at the Bernabeu, with the Brazilian taken off after an hour for Spain legend Raul.

The Ivorian has kept a low profile since retiring and has previously opened up on his mental health struggles following the end of his playing career, while he remains a cult hero in N5.

3 Philippe Senderos Centre-back

Philippe Senderos was called upon to deputise for Sol Campbell while the England ace was out.

Senderos had not long turned 21 at the time of the first leg and kept Ronaldo at bay for 180 minutes, during which he was faultless, perhaps bar a fluffed clearance in the second leg that could have cost Arsenal dear.

Another former player to step away from the limelight since retiring, Senderos retired in 2019 after playing for second-tier Swiss side Chiasso.

4 Kolo Toure Centre-back

Kolo Toure was a part of the Invincibles squad before moving to Manchester City in 2009.

He marshalled the back four alongside Senderos and was one of the heroes of the 2006 Champions League run, scoring the eventual winner in the semi-final against Villarreal.

Toure moved into coaching following retirement and was most recently the manager of Wigan Athletic, though he failed to win any of his games in charge.

5 Mathieu Flamini Left-back

Mathieu Flamini was Arsenal’s makeshift left-back throughout their Champions League run with Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy both unavailable.

The Frenchman played every minute from matchday 2 until the quarter-final second leg against Juventus, securing 9 clean sheets in 10 games.

Now a successful entrepreneur, Flamini is a partner at GF Biochemicals, which looks to provide sustainable solutions for oil-based products that harm the environment.

6 Freddie Ljungberg Right-midfield

Freddie Ljungberg is an Arsenal hero, and another of the Invincibles squad who stuck around long enough to beat Madrid on their own backyard.

The Swede had chances to score himself before Henry’s opener as Arsenal made a threatening start in Spain, coming closest but for a last-ditch challenge from Roberto Carlos.

Ljungberg was an Arsenal youth team coach and briefly the Gunners’ interim manager following Unai Emery’s sacking, and can also be seen alongside Jens Lehmann in the Baller League, where they manage N5 FC.

7 Alexander Hleb Centre-midfield

Alexander Hleb was a January signing from VfB Stuttgart, and had seemed a shrewd addition to the side based on his first impressions.

His link-up play set up several chances on that night in the Bernabeu, and was a key player for the Gunners until his departure to Barcelona in 2008.

Now 43, the Belarussian has seemingly stepped away from football altogether since retiring in 2019.

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ByStephan Georgiou Apr 9, 2025 8 Gilberto Silva Centre-midfield

Gilberto Silva was Arsenal’s primary midfield general post-Patrick Vieira, and the experienced head in the middle of the park before leaving north London in 2008.

Another Invincibles star, Gilberto won the league and FA Cup during his time at Arsenal.

Having retired in 2015, the Brazilian is an athlete mentor and public speaker, as per his X account. He is also a club ambassador for the Gunners.

9 Cesc Fabregas Centre-midfield

Cesc Fabregas was in something of a breakthrough campaign at Arsenal as he emerged from the shadow of the departed Patrick Vieira, whose Juventus side he helped knock out of the Champions League with a goal in the quarter-final.

In the round of 16 against Madrid, Fabregas played the all-important assist for Thierry Henry to give Arsenal the lead in the Spanish capital.

A former Gunners captain, Fabregas is now the manager of Italian side Como, who are set to secure safety in Serie A following their promotion last year.

10 Jose Antonio Reyes Left-midfield

Jose Antonio Reyes became an instant hero following his arrival at Arsenal in January 2004, and was an integral part of the team in his first 18 months at the club.

His Gunners career petered out after that, but Reyes did play in all bar one of Arsenal’s matches in the Champions League, starting both legs against Madrid.

Reyes sadly passed away in 2019, though he is still fondly remembered by the Arsenal faithful as one of their Invincibles heroes.

Chelsea booked their place in the Europa Conference League final last night with a routine 1-0 victory over Swedish outfit Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half strike was enough to secure a 5-1 aggregate win, with Enzo Maresca’s side facing Real Betis in the final at the end of the month.

The Blues have reached their eighth major European final, looking to add to their two Champions League and two Europa League triumphs in previous years.

Given their form in the competition, it would be a surprise to no one that Maresca’s men are the favourites to go all the way – topping off a superb first year in the role for the Italian.

Numerous players impressed during the second leg victory, potentially handing the manager a selection headache ahead of the remaining Premier League fixtures.

Chelsea’s star performers against Djurgarden

Alongside scoring the goal that clinched another win, midfielder Dewsbury-Hall enjoyed an evening to remember, producing numerous impressive figures throughout.

The 26-year-old created three chances – the most of any player in the match – whilst also completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted, showcasing the threat he carried in attacking areas.

He wasn’t the only star to impress at the Bridge last night, with 16-year-old academy graduate Reggie Walsh getting the opportunity to start from the off after his cameo last week.

The teenager impressed with the opportunity, completing 91% of the passes he attempted, whilst winning four fouls and posing a serious threat to the opposition despite his tender age.

However, despite the showings by the aforementioned duo, one other Blues star managed to impress, with the boss simply unable to drop him from the side after such a positive showing.

The Chelsea star who now looks undroppable after Djurgarden

The Europa Conference League run has been extremely beneficial for Maresca over the last few months, handing the manager the opportunity to fully evaluate the players at his disposal.

Many players, like Walsh, have taken the chance handed to them with both hands, but the same can’t be said for others, with departures likely over the summer window.

That being said, investment is also to be expected in West London as the club looks to push towards the summit of the Premier League during the 2025/26 campaign.

However, such events shouldn’t affect youngster Josh Acheampong, who’s managed to go from strength to strength after originally being frozen out during the early stages of the Maresca reign.

The 19-year-old featured for the entirety of the clash once again last night, thriving in the side as the Blues booked their place in the final of yet another final.

He registered a staggering 122 touches on the ball, completing 85 passes at a completion rate of 91% – not looking out of place in the first-team ranks despite his youthful years.

Acheampong also managed to make 10 passes into the final third and won two tackles, having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch during the triumph – leading to journalist Nizaar Kinsella labelling him as “Chelsea’s best player”.

Minutes played

90

Touches

122

Passes completed

85/93 (91%)

Passes into final third

10

Tackles won

2

Fouls won

4

Duels won

9

To top off his magnificent showing, the teenager was handed a 7/10 match rating by The Express’ Dom Smith, highlighting how impressive he was during the meeting at the Bridge.

After such a display, Maresca can’t drop the academy gem, handing him a selection headache ahead of the weekend’s huge clash with Newcastle United.

The Blues need an excellent end to the campaign if they are to secure Champions League football for next season, with Acheampong deserving of the opportunity to help the club in their quest.

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ByEthan Lamb May 8, 2025

The dust has barely settled on Leeds United’s jubilant promotion-winning campaign, but the transfer rumour mill is already going into overdrive at Elland Road.

The Whites have been linked with a whole host of varied names since regular Championship action halted, with the likes of Everton centre-forward Beto and Tottenham Hotspur attacker Richarlison being linked, but the Brazilian is not the only wanted figure playing for the North Londoners.

Of course, after playing a huge role in the Whites sealing a triumphant return to the Premier League on loan, Manor Solomon is now being eyed up by the West Yorkshire titans on a permanent basis, with Spurs perhaps willing to part ways with the 25-year-old.

The latest on Solomon joining permanently

There were plenty of risks attached to the Solomon deal last summer, considering the 5 foot 7 attacker was horrendously injury-prone at Ange Postecoglou’s men during the 2023/24 season.

But, despite missing 277 days of action last campaign in North London owing to injury, this season has been more of a smooth sailing experience for Solomon on the contrary, with this last-gasp strike below away at Plymouth Argyle on the final day handing Daniel Farke’s men the title.

That would be Solomon’s final goal of his loan stint, with the former Fulham man closing out his celebrated spell donning Leeds white by amassing ten goals and 13 assists from 41 total clashes.

Unsurprisingly, therefore, the Whites want Solomon back for good ahead of their daunting Premier League voyage, with reports seeming to suggest that Leeds’ wish could be granted if they’re willing to fork out £20m.

This would show Leeds mean business competing amongst the big boys once more, but an even more impressive coup could be on the horizon at Elland Road soon in the midfield areas.

The "exceptional" star who'd be a bigger coup than Solomon

After all, splashing out £20m isn’t too far off the record-breaking move for Georginio Rutter that Leeds sanctioned back in January of 2023, with the Frenchman costing a high £35.5m, but eventually proving he was worth every penny.

There would be a worry in the air that Solomon would struggle with his recurring injury demons back up a level, but away from potentially offering the 25-year-old a permanent deal, snapping up the services of former £45m sale Kalvin Phillips would be way more of a coup if he can recapture his finest Leeds form again.

Indeed, journalist Graeme Bailey has added to the rampant speculation recently by revealing that a reunion could finally be on the cards, stating that £13m-rated Phillips is ready for a move back to home soil this summer with Leeds considering a move.

Leeds would, no doubt, welcome their former homegrown gem back with open arms, especially with the hole that’s going to be left behind centrally by loanee Joe Rothwell returning back to AFC Bournemouth, alongside Phillips’ wealth of Premier League experience being a much-needed bonus.

Games played

29

20

Games started

28

18

Goals scored

1

0

Assists

2

1

Touches*

65.0

62.1

Accurate passes*

41.0 (85%)

38.9 (82%)

Big chances missed

0

1

Big chances created

5

1

Total duels won*

5.3

4.9

Phillips has wobbled at Manchester City and blown hot and cold on loan at West Ham United and Ipswich Town, but it’s been quickly forgotten about how well-rounded of a midfielder the Leeds-born star looked whilst still at Elland Road.

Keen to get stuck into a duel whilst also picking up four goal contributions across 49 appearances in the top-flight for Leeds, the “exceptional” star – as he was once lauded by football talent scout Antonio Mango – would be a welcome addition to the ranks if he can get back to the top of his game, away from impressively tasting action in the relentless league a total of 92 times.

To add context, Solomon has just 24 appearances next to his name. Therefore, if Leeds could win back the services of their much-loved ex-number 23 for a cut-price, he would surely go down as a more luxurious coup than the loan talent.

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Wasting no time feeling sorry for themselves after missing out on the Premier League title, Arsenal are now reportedly ready to jump ahead of their rivals and match the price-tag to sign one particular gem.

Arsenal's summer transfer plans

Arriving with plenty to do, there’s no doubt that new sporting director Andrea Berta will be looking to make quite the statement at Arsenal this summer. Whilst injury issues have far from helped Mikel Arteta’s side this season, there is no denying that their squad simply hasn’t been strong enough – especially going forward. And that must change next season.

Bukayo Saka

1,454

6

10

Gabriel Martinelli

1,956

7

4

Kai Havertz

1,839

9

3

Leandro Trossard

2,264

8

5

Involved in 52 Premier League goals between the four of them this season, Arsenal’s struggles have far from been helped by a frontline which has been hit with injuries and disappointing form – making Berta’s first task in the job clearer than ever.

On that front the transfer rumours have already been coming thick and fast too, with names such as Hugo Ekitike and Ollie Watkins just two options who have found themselves among the headlines in recent weeks.

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Of course, Watkins is not a new name on Arsenal’s radar either. The Aston Villa striker found himself at the centre of their interest in the January transfer window, only for the Gunners to opt out of a move worth £60m.

Now, months on, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Berta decides to perform an Arsenal U-turn as his first act as sporting director. Watkins undoubtedly has the ability to transform Arteta’s frontline and may yet be the first of a number of new names arriving at The Emirates in the coming months.

Arsenal ready to match Wesley's price-tag

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are now ready to match Wesley’s €35m (£30m) price-tag in order to jump the queue ahead of the likes of Chelsea and secure the right-back’s signature. Having already reportedly made contact with the Flamengo gem, the Gunners must now make their official move when the transfer window swings open.

Dubbed “immense” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Wesley is certainly one to watch. At just 21 years old, he’s impressed enough for Flamengo’s senior team to earn the attention of the Premier League.

With a decision to make, the defender must assess his options and pick his next club. The big question will be whether he’d receive much-needed game time at Arsenal amid competition from Ben White and Jurrien Timber. Both players have the experience that Wesley lacks, as the youngster would become Arteta’s fifth full-back signing as Gunners boss.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the Flamengo gem looks likely to steal more and more headlines in the coming months.

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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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.

Manchester City could face a fight to hold on to one of their key players this summer, with Real Madrid circling as they look to replace the retired Toni Kroos, according to a new report.

Man City in driving seat for Champions League place

After a dismal start to the season, City have shown signs of a resurgence in recent months. While still some way off the standards that delivered recent domestic dominance, Pep Guardiola’s side are now unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches. This improved form, coupled with others’ struggles, has put Champions League qualification firmly in their own hands.

Ahead of the clash with Aston Villa on Tuesday, City midfielder Ilkay Gündogan spoke about the club’s “responsibility” to secure a Champions League spot.

“Our team is made and built to be more than this, it’s built to be a contender for the title every single year,” said the German star. “For various reasons, we haven’t been at our best for a long period of the season. We are where we are right now, and we need to accept the situation.”

He added: “There are minimum targets that have to be achieved at this club, and that’s definitely qualifying for the Champions League next season. We have to do it – it’s our responsibility.”

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1 ByKelan Sarson Apr 21, 2025 Real Madrid chase Rodri in summer blow for City

If City secure Champions League football for next season, they may have to enter the competition without one of their most influential players – Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

The 28-year-old has been a pivotal figure for City since his £63m arrival from Atlético Madrid in 2019 and was awarded football’s biggest individual prize last year for his outstanding performances during the club’s treble-winning campaign.

However, he’s missed much of this season due to injury – an absence that has coincided with a noticeable dip in City’s form.

According to Cadena SER, via Sports Mole, Rodri’s fitness concerns haven’t discouraged Real Madrid from identifying him as their ideal long-term successor to Toni Kroos, who retired at the end of last season. Madrid have struggled to fill the void left by the German maestro, and Cadena SER reports that Los Blancos see Rodri as the “perfect” replacement and “urgently” pursuing a new controller in the centre of the park.

Rodri has earned widespread acclaim for his dominance in midfield, particularly after his Ballon d’Or win, which drew praise from several footballing stars.

“Rodri is the perfect midfielder and there’s no one that plays his position better than he does—there are so many clubs in Europe looking for a world-class holding midfielder, but in the end there’s only him!” Gündogan wrote on social media.

Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal added: “Receiving this award and having your work recognized is something incredible. Rodri is a fantastic player and an amazing person.”

Burnley are now interested in signing an “outstanding” Fulham player who has worked and won promotion under Scott Parker before, according to a recent report.

Burnley already planning summer transfers

The Clarets confirmed their promotion to the Premier League on Monday evening after beating Sheffield United, and not even 48 hours later, already Burnley’s chiefs are working on transfer business ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

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It’s been claimed by former footballer Lee Hendrie that midfielder Jonjo Shelvey won’t be at Turf Moor next season. Shelvey’s contract expires at the end of the season, and Hendrie believes a new deal will not be offered.

Hendrie told Football League World: “I’m not sure that they will secure a deal for him. To be quite honest, I think that going into the Premier League, I think that the squad has to be a lot stronger. Jonjo obviously hasn’t featured too much, so I don’t think that will be one that they’ll be looking to make permanent and keep him there again. With his contract expiring, I think he’ll move on.”

Meanwhile, it’s been reported by Sky Sports that Burnley are now set to sign Jaidon Anthony on a permanent basis, with the Clarets securing his services for £8 million, rather than the £10 million that was originally reported during the summer transfer window.

Burnley want to sign Fulham ace who has worked with Parker

Anthony could be the start of a long list of players potentially arriving at Turf Moor during the summer. According to Give Me Sport, Burnley now want to sign Harrison Reed from Fulham, a player Parker knows very well.

The report states that Burnley are keen to land the 30-year-old midfielder if Fulham are willing to do a deal. The Premier League side do have a few options in the middle of the pitch, and that has resulted in Reed falling down the pecking order this season, playing just 11 times in the league.

It’s claimed that Fulham and Marco Silva are looking to strengthen their midfield once again this summer, and therefore, Reed could be one that is moved on to make room in the squad.

Given his status in the Fulham team and the fact he has worked with Parker before, during his time in charge at Craven Cottage, Burnley are keen to explore a deal, but at this stage it remains unclear how much Fulham will want for the midfielder, who is under contract until 2027. During the 2019/20 campaign in the Championship, Reed played 28 games, including the play-offs for Parker, as he played an important role in the Cottagers’ promotion.

Harrison Reed’s Premier League record
Apps	123
Goals	3
Assists	8

In that promotion-winning campaign, Parker labelled Reed “outstanding” for his performances. He said: “I was really impressed with him. I thought he was outstanding. We brought him in against Cardiff last week – a tough team – and it was difficult for him, and I thought against WBA he was immense, really.”

It’s no secret that Manchester United have fallen way below the high standards they’ve set for themselves this season, currently occupying a place in the bottom half of the Premier League.

The Red Devils are set for their lowest ever points tally and league finish of the Premier League era, with boss Ruben Amorim desperately needing to make changes next year if he’s to be a success at Old Trafford.

The forward line has certainly contributed to their recent failures, netting just 42 goals in their 36 outings, with Bruno Fernandes their current top scorer on just eight goals.

Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have only managed to find the back of the net seven times between them, highlighting the lack of attacking threat within the current squad.

However, the upcoming transfer window hands boss Amorim the perfect opportunity to improve the situation, with a new talisman needing to be at the top of his list this summer.

United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

With the transfer window rapidly on the horizon, United have already wasted no time in pursuing potential targets to strengthen the options at the manager’s disposal.

The likes of Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha and Victor Osimhen have all been touted with a summer switch to Old Trafford, but no deals have yet been completed for any of the aforementioned trio.

However, another name has entered the frame in the form of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, with a potential reunion on the cards with Amorim, according to CaughtOffside.

The report claims that the Red Devils are preparing an offer for the 26-year-old Swedish international, who’s managed to register a staggering 52 goals in his 50 appearances throughout 2024/25.

It also confirms that Arsenal and Liverpool are in the race for his signature this window, with the hierarchy needing to work tirelessly to avoid missing out on him to a divisional rival.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect alongside Amad

The Europa League final next week hands United a golden opportunity to end the season on a high, whilst also securing their place in the Champions League for 2025/26.

Amorim’s side must be fully focused on such an occasion, especially considering there is no longer anything to play for in the Premier League.

If they are to go beat Tottenham Hotspur for the first time this season and claim European glory, Amad Diallo will be a key reason, with his success this campaign nothing short of remarkable.

He’s registered 18 combined goals and assists across all competitions despite missing a large chunk of the year through an ankle issue, which required surgery.

However, he’s back and ready for action, with a fully fit 22-year-old a prospect to fear for any opposition, as seen by his contributions throughout 2024/25.

Such figures could fall perfectly into the hands of Gyokeres should he make the switch to Old Trafford, with his goalscoring tally undoubtedly improving the situation Amorim has on his hands.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in Europe” by Fabrizio Romano, has also managed to register 4.4 shots per 90, with 2.5 of which going on target – showcasing his clinical nature in the final third.

Viktor Gyokeres

32

38

8

46

Harry Kane

30

25

9

34

Omar Marmoush

31

21

12

33

Kylian Mbappé

32

28

3

31

Mateo Retegui

34

24

7

31

Victor Osimhen

28

24

5

29

He’s also created 2.1 chances per 90 to date, along with a 52% aerial success rate, handing the side an all-round option at the top end of the pitch, which could allow Amad to increase his own tallies.

It’s unclear how much the Red Devils are set to bid for his services this summer, but it would be a phenomenal piece of business that would see the talisman link up with his former boss.

Given the interest elsewhere, the hierarchy will have to jump ahead of the opposition and make him their number one target, with Gyokeres having the tools to thrive in the Premier League and take the club back to where they belong.

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