Leeds United supporters won’t be getting carried just yet, but Daniel Farke’s Whites do find themselves in the driver’s seat now in the dramatic automatic promotion tussle in the Championship.

Indeed, the West Yorkshire giants are perched at the very top of the unpredictable division after a slim 2-1 victory over Preston North End, with Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United a sizeable five points off Farke’s troops in third spot after a shock loss on the road to Plymouth Argyle.

Still, Leeds aren’t perfect all over the pitch despite their top-of-the-table appearance, with one problem area at Elland Road coming in the goalkeeper department.

Already, the Whites have targets in mind to improve here, with this potential incoming resting on Farke’s men triumphantly returning up to the Premier League.

The latest on Illan Meslier's future at Leeds

It’s safe to say that Illan Meslier has had a nightmare campaign at Elland Road. From that horror mistake at Sunderland to the dismal error-riddled performance against Swansea, it’s simply gone from bad to worse.

As a result, Farke has been left with no choice but to take the Frenchman out of the firing line. Karl Darlow has replaced the Leeds number 1 instead.

Speaking about the situation at the beginning of the month, the Leeds boss stated: “The goalkeeper position is not one you change week-to-week like outfield players. Illan had the perfect February with many wins and many clean sheets, but in the last few weeks, there have been a few incidents where we thought he could have done better.”

Illan Meslier's 9 worst goalkeeping errors in a Leeds shirt

Meslier has been no stranger to an absolute howler in recent weeks.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 1, 2025

So, it looks as though Meslier may well have saved his last shot at Elland Road, but who could replace him long-term?

Leeds enter race for "phenomenal" Meslier upgrade

As per a report from Football Insider, Leeds see Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale as a “great fit” for the club if promotion is achieved, with the Saints shot-stopper set to be available for around the £25m mark.

The report further elaborates that Southampton’s relegation means a release clause has been activated that could see him be sold for this price tag, alerting the Whites to his services.

Once hailed as “phenomenal” by ex-Arsenal great David Seaman when at the peak of his powers at the Emirates Stadium, the 26-year-old would be an arguable upgrade on an often flappy Meslier, who has dropped out of Farke’s first-team ranks recently due to far too many error-strewn displays.

Amazingly, Ramsdale could even go down as Leeds’ next Paul Robinson if everything slots into place nicely, with the Saints shot-stopper once a recognised England international like the former Whites great.

How Ramsdale could be the next Robinson

Away from Leeds’ current woes involving Meslier, leading to Darlow being shoved into the spotlight, Elland Road has been home to some top-notch ‘keepers over the years.

Robinson definitely fits into that category, with the now-retired stopper tallying up 119 appearances in West Yorkshire before solidifying himself as a Premier League stalwart far away from his boyhood employers.

Robinson even headed home a dramatic header for the Whites before a switch to Tottenham Hotspur occurred, with Ramsdale not quite a goalscoring hero in a similar vain, but he does have bags of top-flight experience like the 41-time Three Lions international.

Indeed, the Southampton number 30 has notched up an impressive 177 Premier League appearances for the likes of Arsenal, AFC Bournemouth and Sheffield United, with plenty of clean sheets also coming his way.

Games played

177

375

Goals conceded

269

581

Clean sheets

40

88

England caps

5

41

Looking at the table above, Ramsdale has regularly impressed in the top division with 40 clean sheets amassed across his 177 appearances, which is only 48 off Robinson’s own total from a weightier 375 clashes.

Meslier has also struggled in the bright lights of the elite league before, meaning a gloveman who can be reliable making the step-up is a must for Farke and Co, with the error-prone Frenchman only registering an inferior 21 clean sheets from his various top-flight outings.

The German will hope Ramsdale can be that dependable pair of gloves in between the sticks, much like Robinson, therefore, with the Whites hopeful that they can further consolidate as a Premier League capable outfit if promotion is sealed.

Transfer Focus

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

Second season syndrome. It’s sure to be a phrase bandied about online when rival fans discuss Liverpool’s chances under Arne Slot’s management for the 2025/26 campaign.

Liverpool must ensure they put paid to such notions by bolstering effectively in the summer transfer market and adding the depth that has been somewhat lacking this term.

Slot has worked wonders since replacing Jurgen Klopp last summer and it’s difficult to find faults to pick at, but a resistence to rotation is definitely one area the Dutch tactician has drawn criticism, with some intimating that Liverpool’s recent drop in fluency and sparkle is a by-product of certain players being overplayed.

But this is a minor blemish on a man whose arrival at Anfield has left the city aglitter, with the Premier League title a stone’s throw away and promises already being made of significant summer investment.

However, out with the old and all that. Some players have failed to win their boss over this season and simply have to be sold to make room for fresh faces.

Who Liverpool need to sell this summer

First and foremost, Darwin Nunez needs to be sold this summer. The misfiring striker didn’t even make the bench on Sunday afternoon as Liverpool beat West Ham United at Anfield. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Liverpool expect to sell him this summer.

Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota have also endured differing problems this year and either could be deemed expendable if the right bid were to come in, especially now that Mohamed Salah has extended his contract and the likes of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak are being eyed.

It might be a tad harsh to suggest Liverpool need to sell Andy Robertson after his struggles at left-back this term, but with concrete interest confirmed in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, either the Scotsman or his deputy, Kostas Tsimikas, will need to leave.

Several others – Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott – may be sold if the right circumstances present themselves. However, there’s another Liverpool star riding the crest of a wave right now who may also need to go.

Luis Diaz is one of the most in-form players in the Premier League, and FSG should cash in for maximum value while they can.

The latest on Luis Diaz's future

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are now willing to accept offers for Diaz this summer in spite of his recent form, should bids reach the ballpark of €80m (about £68m).

The Colombian is one of the best forwards in the Premier League and has rediscovered his touch in the final third over the past few weeks, but aged 28 and approaching the penultimate year of his £55k-per-week contract, it might be the right time for Liverpool to cash in.

Barcelona hold a long-standing interest in the player, while Spanish reports suggest Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League are preparing a bid ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure at the end of his contract this summer.

Diaz has been one of the driving forces behind Liverpool’s anticipated Premier League triumph, but he’s not irreplaceable and some difficult decisions will need to be made soon.

Across all competitions this season, the 28-year-old has scored 15 goals and supplied eight assists for his teammates, having registered goal involvements in each of his past five Premier League appearances.

An electric-paced forward with an energy that’s charged not by pace but tenacity, Diaz is the real deal, coveted by the likes of Manchester City last year and heading toward the championship having been outscored only by Salah in Liverpool’s squad, which is nothing to be ashamed about.

Ranking among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, as per FBref, he’s got the technical capacity to thrive too. Klopp even hailed him once for his “world-class” passing.

Diaz has been indispensable this season for his tactical flexibility, able to skip around the frontline and fill in as a make-do centre-forward, owing to his gifted ability but highlighting the need for a recognised, hard-to-handle number nine.

Luis Diaz – Liverpool Stats by Position (24/25)
Position	Apps	Goals	Assists
Left winger	29	6	6
Centre-forward	11	6	0
Right winger	2	1	0
Stats via Transfermarkt

While he’s at his most clinical when placed as the focal frontman, he might find his opportunities limited in that area next term, given Liverpool are headset on signing an out-and-out striker, one who will likely cost quite the figure to bring over to Anfield.

They’ll need to get it right, but the same thing happened when Nunez was brought in from Benfica in the summer of 2022 as Sadio Mane took his leave.

Mane joined Bayern Munich in a deal worth £35m that summer, draping the curtain on an illustrious career at Liverpool. Given that he had turned 30 years old and was a year away from his contract’s conclusion, FSG’s decision was understandable.

Mane still had mileage in the tank but renewing his deal at that point of his career could have knocked the club’s wage hierarchy askew, with Salah being an exception to the rule.

And so history is shaping up to repeat itself. Diaz has been a more than able replacement for his Senegalese counterpart and now faces a similar fate, but given that he is set to consider a departure from the English Champions Elect, it could be a move that benefits all parties.

Back to the present, Cody Gakpo has nailed down the starting berth on the attacking left flank this year, scoring 16 times from 35 matches in the position.

The Netherlands international might have stepped away from the limelight over recent weeks due to injury, but he ranks among the top 9% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90.

There may well be a conflict of positional interest if these players remain at Liverpool and fight for a place alongside Isak or Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, for example.

The same, curiously, occurred when Mane, Salah and Diaz all played together for five short but sweet months in 2021/22, with Klopp’s new recruit making waves, notching seven goal involvements across 11 Premier League fixtures while winning 5.3 duels per game.

Liverpool wouldn’t grumble if Diaz was still in their mix next season, for sure, but if clubs present bids north of £60m for a player who is entering the later stage of their contract and is not that far away from their 30th birthday, it feels like it could be a no-brainer for sporting director Richard Hughes.

Awful Trent repeat: Another Liverpool "superstar" is now wanted by Madrid

Liverpool need to make sure they keep their best players this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 14, 2025

Leeds United are preparing for life back in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship at the second time of asking under Daniel Farke.

The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises have already been linked with replacing the Leeds manager ahead of their top flight return due to concerns about his previous record with Norwich City.

In what would be a ruthless call from the Elland Road board, Leeds are also likely to be very busy in the transfer market to bolster their squad with quality on the pitch to remain a Premier League side.

Latest Leeds 2025 summer transfer targets: in pictures

Kalvin Phillips

29

Man City

Manor Solomon

25

Tottenham

Sam Johnstone

32

Wolves

Julian Weigl

29

Borussia Monchengladbach

Evan Ferguson

20

Brighton

Tomas Soucek

30

West Ham

Caoimhin Kelleher

26

Liverpool

Nico Elvedi

28

Borussia Monchengladbach

George Hirst

26

Ipswich Town

Aaron Ramsdale

26

Southampton

Nicolas Raskin

24

Rangers

Hidemasa Morita

29

Sporting CP

Abdoulaye Doucoure

32

Everton

Angus Gunn

29

Norwich City

Tammy Abraham

27

AS Roma

James Trafford

22

Burnley

Djordje Petrovic

25

Chelsea

Modibo Sagnan

26

Montpellier

Zaidu Sanusi

27

FC Porto

Dembo Saidykhan

21

Vancouver Whitecaps

1 Kalvin Phillips Man City

Former Whites midfielder Kalvin Phillips has found life difficult after leaving Leeds for Man City in 2022. Recent loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich Town haven’t worked out for the defensive midfielder, who could now be on the search for another new club this summer.

Reports have linked Phillips with a return to Leeds, saying that he is keen on the idea of heading back to his boyhood club.

Appearances

234

Goals

14

Assists

13

Yellow cards

54

Red cards

4

Minutes played

18,257

2 Manor Solomon Tottenham

Loanee Manor Solomon has helped Leeds into the Premier League with some crucial displays during the run-in, and he is expected to become a permanent Whites player this summer.

The Israel international could cost around £15m, with claims he is set to be Leeds’ first signing of the window.

3 Sam Johnstone Wolves

A new goalkeeper to replace Illan Meslier could be high up on the to-do list for Leeds, and Sam Johnstone of Wolves is thought to be of interest at Elland Road.

A goalkeeper with plenty of Premier League experience now after stints with West Brom, Crystal Palace and Wolves, Johnstone was actually on the books of rivals Man Utd early in his career and starred against Leeds back in 2023.

4 Julian Weigl Borussia Monchengladbach

Farke has previously worked with midfielder Julian Weigl at Borussia Monchengladbach and recent claims have suggested that initial contact has taken place over a move to Leeds.

The Monchengladbach captain has plenty of experience in the Bundesliga and has even played in the Champions League, so he could add that extra bit of quality in midfield for the Whites.

5 Evan Ferguson Brighton

With doubts at Leeds over Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford in the Premier League, a new striker looks set to be signed ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with Brighton’s Evan Ferguson a target.

The Irishman has been on loan at West Ham for the second half of the 2024/25 season, and by the looks of things, Leeds could try their luck with a forward who could be the “next Harry Kane”.

6 Tomas Soucek West Ham

Towering West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek is another Premier League player to be linked with Leeds, especially after falling out of favour under Graham Potter recently.

The Czech Republic international is wanted by Leeds and Everton with the 49ers even willing to pay him a whopping £120,000-a-week, an increase on his current Hammers deal.

Europa Conference League

2023

Czech First League

2017, 2019, 2020

Czech Cup

2018, 2019

7 Caoimhin Kelleher Liverpool

Another goalkeeper who could replace Meslier at Elland Road is Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, who could be a man in demand over the coming months.

Kelleher has impressed when called upon at Anfield and may well become number one for the first time in his career in Yorkshire.

Premier League

2020, 2025

Champions League

2019

FA Cup

2022

EFL Cup

2022, 2024

UEFA Super Cup

2019

8 Nico Elvedi Borussia Monchengladbach

Another Borussia Monchengladbach player who Farke knows well is defender Nico Elvedi, who has been with the Bundesliga side since 2015.

Reports claimed that Leeds were preparing a £10m offer to sign the experienced Switzerland international if promotion was secured, something they can now do.

9 George Hirst Ipswich Town

Leeds could look to raid the teams coming down from the Premier League, with recent rumours of a move for Ipswich Town forward George Hirst.

The Tractor Boys are looking to keep the attacker at Portman Road with a new deal due to interest from the Whites and fellow promoted side Burnley.

10 Aaron Ramsdale Southampton

Another Premier League relegated target is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who reportedly has a £25m release clause in his Southampton contract.

The Englishman has admirers from Leeds and the likes of Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, although he could get regular game time at Elland Road.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly waiting for a green-light from the Kroenkes to seal his first major signing at the club, with an agreement for the player described as “done”.

Arsenal transfer plans as Mikel Arteta prepares for PSG

With their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace done and dusted on Wednesday evening, Mikel Arteta can now put full focus into their far more important Champions League semi-final first leg against PSG next Tuesday.

Related Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal "really" want £50m player, talks already held

The north Londoners are very keen.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 23, 2025

The Gunners face France’s champions in a mouthwatering European encounter which has the power to make or break Arsenal’s season, and Arteta’s side now have six days to prepare for their most crucial match of the season so far.

Arsenal’s final Premier League games of 2024/2025

Date

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

Arteta’s mind will only be on how to ge the better of Luis Enrique’s high-flying PSG side, who’ve seriously impressed both domestically and in Europe, but he’ll take comfort from the fact Aston Villa very nearly upset them in the last round.

Off the field, Berta and co are already making transfer plans for next season.

Arsenal are believed to be in the market for a second-choice keeper, full-back, midfielder, left-winger, right-winger and striker (GiveMeSport). It was also reported that they could bring in two midfielders, with Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes linked.

However, it has since come to light that the north Londoners could extend Thomas Partey’s contract instead, following an impressive end to the campaign.

It is unclear how this will impact their ongoing attempts to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, but given Jorginho is still likely to leave the Emirates, Arteta will still be in need of reinforcements for the engine room.

Arsenal have been in talks to sign Zubimendi for months, and there is confidence that the Spain international will eventually arrive and depart his boyhood club for the Premier League, one year after he rejected a switch to Liverpool.

Arsenal agree Martin Zubimendi deal as Berta awaits green-light

According to journalist Juan Castro, writing in a column for Marca (via Sport Witness), Arsenal’s deal for Zubimendi actually seems to be “done”.

However, there are a few things holding up despite the alleged agreement, with one of them being Arsenal’s owners – Josh and Stan Kroenke. Berta is believed to be waiting on the club’s board members to sanction Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause payment, while Real Madrid could still come in to mount a late hijack.

If the Kroenkes refuse to green-light a move, it could collapse, with Los Blancos also posing some threat in the background, even if it is still unlikely Real pose a threat at this stage, with a deal very far down the line.

Zubimendi would be a stellar capture for Arteta, and has been described as the “perfect” midfielder for Arsenal, so supporters will be hoping the Kroenkes eventually give the go ahead.

Whilst there’s finally been a reported breakthrough in contract talks with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, rumours are now emerging that clubs in the Saudi Pro League are still interested in signing another Liverpool player.

Update on Salah and Van Dijk's Liverpool future

All season long, no matter how successful Arne Slot’s side have been, a contract cloud has threatened to rain down on their campaign. After a frustratingly long saga, however, it looks as though the Reds are finally set to tie both Van Dijk and Salah down to fresh Anfield deals, having reached a breakthrough at long last.

Whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pending departure to Real Madrid will undoubtedly deal Liverpool a major blow, it’s fair to say that things could have been so much worse. For far too long, the threat of losing the so-called big three without making any profit was certainly realistic until recent updates eased that concern around Anfield.

That said, Liverpool could still be in for a summer of change under Slot. They may sit top of the Premier League, but there’s no doubt that the Dutchman’s side have their weaknesses at both left-back and within their frontline – weaknesses which must be solved in the coming months.

Liverpool willing to offer blockbuster £87m deal to sign Barca star Araújo

The Reds aren’t messing around…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 10, 2025

Amid links to the likes of Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez and Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, the Reds will be among the sides to watch when the transfer window swings open – especially if Saudi still come calling for one particular player.

Saudi still eyeing Luis Diaz after Salah setback

Having been handed a consistent rejection by Salah and Van Dijk, clubs in the Saudi Pro League have seemingly shifted their focus towards another Anfield star. According to Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo, clubs in Saudi Arabia now have concrete interest in signing Luis Diaz this summer, whose Liverpool future is far from guaranteed amid a potential attacking overhaul.

As things stand, the 28-year-old has just two years left on his current deal which will see him hit 30 around the time of expiration. Given his inconsistencies at times this season and links to the likes of Isak, it remains up for debate whether Liverpool will hand Diaz a new deal or let him walk out the door this summer or when his current £55k-a-week contract expires.

Of course, when Diaz first arrived, he was seen as a player capable of replacing Sadio Mane and keeping Liverpool’s attack at a certain level. Former manager Jurgen Klopp even went as far as to describe him as “really really special”. Fast-forward three years, however, and injuries combined with inconsistency have created a frustrating spell at times.

As Slot goes in search of marking his stamp on his Liverpool side at long last, Diaz could yet find himself heading for the exit door.

Manchester United were left frustrated once again in the Premier League on Sunday when they had to fight to scrape a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

It took a 96th-minute goal from Rasmus Hojlund, who deflected an effort from Manuel Ugarte into the bottom corner, to secure a point against the Cherries, after Antoine Semenyo rifled the home team in front in the first half.

Ruben Amorim’s side created more than enough chances to win the match, though, as they racked up 2.52 xG and failed to make the most of their opportunities.

Bruno Fernandes, in particular, must have been particularly frustrated by the team’s wasteful finishing. The Portugal international created seven chances, including one ‘big chance’, and came off the pitch without an assist to show for his efforts.

Manchester United’s captain has been a shining light in a dim season for the Red Devils, once again, with the quality that he has provided in the middle of the park on a regular basis.

It is now down to the club and Amorim to ensure that they bring in the right players to complement his play in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Why Manchester United have let Bruno Fernandes down

The owners, the previous owners, the manager, and the previous manager, or managers, have all failed to build a squad that is equipped to make the most of Fernandes’ talent in the final third.

Manchester United’s captain has now created 14 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League this season and has only been rewarded with nine assists for his creative brilliance, which shows that his teammates have not done enough with the opportunities that he has created.

That is the story of Fernandes’ career at Old Trafford, particularly recently, as he has been an exceptional creative talent for the club throughout his time in the English top-flight.

The 30-year-old superstar, who has also scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, needs teammates who can make the most of the ‘big chances’ that he consistently creates.

24/25

14

9.24

9

23/24

21

13.16

8

22/23

32

17.27

8

21/22

15

8.81

6

20/21

20

11.47

12

19/20

4

2.75

7

Total

106

62.7

50

As you can see in the table above, Fernandes’ teammates have only scored 50 goals from 62.7 xA created by the former Sporting star, which shows that they have significantly underperformed in front of goal.

These statistics show that Manchester United have not been able to recruit the quality of centre-forward that the attacking midfielder needs to finish the chances that he creates on a weekly basis for the Reds.

Manchester United are now, reportedly, eyeing up a deal to sign a player who would love to play alongside Fernandes, and who has the quality to thrive alongside him.

Manchester United close in on Premier League star

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Brazilian forward is ‘very close’ to joining the Red Devils from the Premier League side, as Amorim looks to bolster his options at the top end of the pitch.

Revelo adds that the Brazil international has a release clause, worth £53m, in his current contract with the Old Gold, and that United are ready to pay it to bring him to Manchester in the ‘coming weeks’.

It claims that there is already a verbal agreement in place between Cunha and Manchester United to join the club, which suggests that personal terms have already been agreed between the two parties.

Transfer Focus

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

INEOS must, now, pay the release clause to wrap a deal up as early as possible in the summer transfer window, to avoid any other clubs swooping in ahead of them, as the attacker could be a dream signing for Fernandes next season.

Why Matheus Cunha would be a dream signing for Bruno Fernandes

The former Atletico Madrid attacker could be an ideal addition to the squad because he is a proven Premier League performer who could hit the ground running at Old Trafford, in theory.

This is Cunha’s second full season in the top-flight, having also been on loan at Wolves in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, and he has shown himself to be a classy operator at the top end of the pitch for the Old Gold.

The 25-year-old star, who was directly involved in 22 goals as shown in the video above, could come in to provide Amorim’s side with a boost as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

His finishing qualities, in particular, will be of interest to Fernandes because his record in the Premier League since the start of last season suggests that the United captain would love him.

Appearances

32

29

xG

9.49

7.86

Goals

12

15

Big chances missed

6

2

Big chances created

7

12

Assists

7

6

As you can see in the table above, the Wolves superstar has vastly outperformed his xG, scoring 27 goals from 17.35 xG, and delivered 13 assists.

Cunha, dubbed a “special” player by his manager Vitor Pereira, has the quality to take high-quality chances when they come his way, outperforming how many goals the average player would be expected to score from the shots that he takes.

This is why Fernandes, who has consistently been let down by his teammates in that respect, would love the Brazilian ace at Old Trafford, because the forward could provide the finishing quality to make the most of his creativity.

Cunha and Fernandes could be a lethal pairing in the Premier League for United next season because the Portuguese ace could consistently create chances for the ex-Atletico Madrid ace to find the back of the net week-in-week-out, improving Manchester United’s attack.

Man Utd preparing £40m bid to sign full-back who is also wanted by Arsenal

Man Utd face a battle with Arsenal to sign an experienced defender.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 28, 2025

This is why INEOS must get a deal done for the Wolves star as quickly as possible because he could be a fantastic signing to bolster Amorim’s squad, improving the team’s chances of success next term.

Real Madrid have reached out to the representatives of an Arsenal star who’s now willing to join them, with Mikel Arteta’s side seemingly facing a serious threat from the La Liga heavyweights.

Arsenal players who are set to leave this summer

Arteta already faces the prospect of many different players leaving the Emirates this summer, and sporting director Andrea Berta will be tasked with reshaping the squad in their absence.

Arsenal stepping up pursuit of £58m striker who's now keen on Emirates move

The Gunners have conducted extensive background work on a forward, who may now be leaning towards a move to north London.

1 ByDominic Lund May 5, 2025

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that up to 10 players could be leaving Arsenal when the window reopens, and we can already have a pretty good idea of who some might be.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

Kieran Tierney has agreed a pre-contract to join Celtic, with Fabrizio Romano also sharing news this week that Jorginho is set to join Flamengo when his Arsenal contract expires in late June.

Arsenal also appear set to sell Oleksandr Zinchenko, in the event a suitable offer arrives (Graeme Bailey), while both Nuno Tavares and Albert Sami Lokonga will likely be on the chopping block as well, after spending 2024/2025 out on loan.

As things stand, Thomas Partey will depart the Emirates this summer, with Arsenal still yet to reach an agreement with the Ghanaian on fresh terms after opening talks recently.

He’s arguably enjoyed his finest season in north London since joining from Atlético Madrid in 2020, but ESPN reported in late April that Partey needs to take a pay-cut to remain at Arsenal, so it remains to be seen whether the 31-year-old will agree to those conditions.

There is also the matter of Real Madrid and their serious interest in star £190,000-per-week Arsenal defender William Saliba.

Real Madrid hold talks with Arsenal defender William Saliba

Los Blancos have been repeatedly linked with a move for Saliba, as Real are believed to be keen on reinforcing their central defensive options this summer.

According to L’Equipe, as relayed by Get Football News Spain, Real have opened talks with the 24-year-old’s camp and want him to be the “leader” of their new-look backline – either this summer or in 2026.

Saliba is also prepared to quit Arsenal for Real, and has named the Spanish giants as the only side he’d be willing to depart for.

The Gunners will be desperate not to lose one of their most crucial players, though, with Arsenal apparently set to demand as much as £85 million to let him go.

Saliba has formed an exceptional central defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes since the beginning of 2022/2023, and it is a pillar of the club’s recent on-field success.

For their part, Arsenal want to agree a new contract with Saliba to ward off Real, but with his contract expiring in 2027, they’re slowly running out of time. Keeping the France international is quite simply an imperative task for Berta, but Real are posing a very real threat.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have avoided relegation back down to the Championship and will be competing in the Premier League once again next season.

Vitor Pereira has left the club to safety and will now have the chance to bring his own players to Molineux in his first summer transfer window with the Old Gold.

The Portuguese head coach, however, may also have to contend with some of his star players moving on from the club, including Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Why Rayan Ait-Nouri could leave Wolves

The Telegraph recently reported that Wolves want to offer the defender a new deal, but that there is still doubt over his future at the club due to interest from elsewhere.

It was revealed that Manchester City and Liverpool have both sent scouts to watch the Algeria international, who is valued at £50m by Wolves, in action this season.

Ait-Nouri, who produced three goals and two assists in all competitions last season, has improved his output at the top end of the pitch, with a return of five goals and seven assists for the Old Gold this term.

His form has attracted interest from two of the best teams in the Premier League, which is why he could be on his way out of the club in the summer if significant bids come in for him.

Journalist Graeme Bailey recently revealed that Wolves are keeping tabs on Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin, and a move for the Englishman could allow the club to forget all about Ait-Nouri.

Why Wolves should sign Dennis Cirkin

Wolves should swoop to sign the Black Cats star in the summer transfer window because it would ease the blow of losing the Algerian left-back to Liverpool or Manchester City.

Transfer Focus

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

Cirkin, who was hailed as “eye-catching” by pundit Sam Parkin, was described as “the best full-back in the Championship” by journalist Josh Bunting, which speaks to how impressive the full-back has been in the second tier.

The 23-year-old ace, who has helped his side to keep 11 clean sheets in 30 starts, is an excellent defender who could offer more solidity down the left flank than Ait-Nouri currently does for Pereira.

Appearances

34

36

Tackles per game

2.4

2.5

Interceptions per game

0.7

1.2

Clearances per game

1.7

2.6

Ground duel success rate

55%

55%

Aerial duel success rate

42%

44%

Red cards

1

0

As you can see in the table above, the Sunderland dynamo has the potential to offer more to the team from a defensive perspective because he makes tackles, interceptions, and clearances more frequently, while also winning a higher percentage of his aerial contests.

Cirkin can also maraud forward to make an impact at the top end of the pitch, having scored three goals and provided two assists in the Championship this term, which means that he could still offer a threat going forward as well.

Of course, the caveat is that the former Spurs youngster is currently playing in the second tier and is an unproven quantity in the Premier League, but he is a young player with time left ahead of him to develop and improve and has shown plenty of promising signs in a Sunderland shirt.

The new Gibbs-White: Wolves planning move for £50m Premier League talent

Wolverhampton Wanderers might be about to land their next Morgan Gibbs-White if this deal is successful.

ByKelan Sarson May 7, 2025

Therefore, Wolves could forget all about Ait-Nouri, and sanction a sale for the defender, if they can strike an agreement with the Black Cats to bring the impressive Cirkin to the Molineux this summer.

Sheffield United’s automatic promotion dream is now over with Burnley and Leeds United confirmed as Premier League-bound on a disappointing Easter Monday for the Blades.

Earlier in the day, before United’s pivotal showdown with the Clarets, Leeds resoundingly thumped Stoke City 6-0 in the Championship, with Daniel Farke and Co then needing Chris Wilder’s men to slip up and lose to seal a return to the top-flight.

Their wish would come true to the dismay of the away side at Turf Moor, with their pain only intensified when you consider the hosts also clinched a dramatic passage back up to the top-flight when beating the visitors 2-1.

Anel Ahmedhodzic suffered from a rare off-day in Lancashire, with his clumsiness right before the half-time whistle gifting Josh Brownhill the decisive spot-kick that sent the Clarets up a league.

Ahmedhodzic's off-day at Turf Moor

Ultimately, United’s dismal run of four losses from their last five Championship outings has cost them the glory of automatic promotion, but the Bosnian brute certainly didn’t help matters when putting in a rare bad performance.

The number 15 was definitely fired up for the crunch contest, but it resulted in his overall game looking rash and hot-headed rather than focused, culminating in him clattering into Hannibal Mejbri to gift the home side a golden penalty.

Brownhill would calmly tuck away the opportunity to juxtapose Ahmedhodzic’s reckless approach, with the out-of-sorts 26-year-old going on to commit four fouls in total, on top of uncharacteristically winning just 33% of his duels.

Wilder will need his usually reliable colossus to be more switched on ahead of some huge playoff clashes to come, but whilst Ahmedhodzic did cost his team dear, there was one underperformer for the Blades who was just as bad as the defender in offering very little throughout.

The Blades dud who was just as bad as Ahmedhodzic

It was always going to be a tough ask for the Blades to get the better of a dogged Burnley side, considering the stern hosts have only shipped 15 strikes all season long.

Tom Cannon did manage to break his goalscoring duck at Turf Moor to raise a smile, but it was the efforts of Ben Brereton Diaz down the right wing that would have worried away spectators, irrespective of the ex-Leicester City man managing to salvage some personal pride.

Brereton Diaz’s performance in numbers
Stat	Ben Brereton Diaz
Minutes played	60
Goals scored	0
Assists	0
Touches	16
Shots on target	0
Accurate passes	5/9 (56%)
Total duels won	0/4
Stats by Sofascore

The numbers from the table above do make for some dire reading, with the Chilean only managing a meagre 15 touches of the ball from his forgettable 60-minute stint.

On top of that, Brereton Diaz also failed to register a single on-target effort at James Trafford’s formidable goal, alongside only managing to muster up a weak five passes of the ball that found their intended target.

Whilst Ahmedhodzic was notably poor, he did manage to at least win three of his duels during the contest, with Brereton Diaz then unsurprisingly hooked off by Wilder for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi to gain a run-out.

After all, Rak-Sakyi had at least bagged in United’s last away contest before this miserable outing to Lancashire, with his late efforts at Turf Moor seeing him conjure up one successful dribble among other promising moments.

If the Blades are to bounce back from this agonising promotion near-miss, Wilder could now have to axe Brereton Diaz from his forthcoming lineups, knowing full well that lethal displays are needed in the lottery of the playoffs.

Sheffield United sold a star for £2m, now he's way better than Cannon

The former Sheffield United striker is now way better than Tom Cannon.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 16, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now seen as favourites to appoint an “exciting” manager ahead of a significant Bundesliga side, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy allegedly making plans to potentially replace Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham identify new managers amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

Postecoglou could lead the Lilywhites to their first European final since 2019, if they manage to get past Bodo/Glimt at their freezing-cold ground in Norway on Thursday.

Related Tottenham: £4m-per-year manager who Levy wants is tempted to replace Ange

He’s now open to joining Spurs.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 6, 2025

The prospect of a first major trophy since 2008 is also very much alive for Tottenham, but domestically, it’s been a season to forget. The north Londoners could still break their record for most Premier League losses in a single campaign, with Postecoglou’s side tasting defeat on 19 separate occasions already this term.

Tottenham’s final Premier League fixtures

Date

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

A succession of injuries to key players throughout 2024/2025 have severely handicapped Spurs’ chances of success, but only the three relegated sides (Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton) have lost more games overall, which simply isn’t good enough for a ‘big six’ side.

As a result, Postecoglou has been under the microscope, and there are reports the Australian could part ways with Tottenham regardless of their possible success in the Europa League (The Telegraph).

Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Scott Parker (Burnley) have all been mentioned as managerial candidates to replace Postecoglou in the last few weeks, alongside more high-profile names like Carlo Ancelotti, Jürgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso (GiveMeSport).

Another name who’s reportedly attracting interest from N17 is Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

Last month, German media sources indicated that Tottenham have already made contact with Glasner over a potential move (Sport Bild), but the Austrian is also a top target for RB Leipzig amid their hunt for a new manager.

Tottenham ahead of RB Leipzig in race to appoint Oliver Glasner

The Austrian is turning heads after an excellent campaign at Palace, where he’s guided the Eagles to an FA Cup final at Wembley.

The south Londoners have a chance to win their first ever major trophy under Glasner’s watch, after coming very close in 2016, when they lost the FA Cup final to Man Utd under Alan Pardew.

This hasn’t gone unnoticed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with media outlet Bild now reporting that Spurs are seen as the likelier destination for Glasner ahead of Leipzig, despite the Bundesliga side’s “concrete” talks.

Tottenham are viewed as such favourites to appoint the 50-year-old that Leipzig are already considering other targets, which makes for promising reading if you wish to see Glasner make the move across London.

The tactician also guided Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory before his switch to England, with pundit John Wenham adamant Glasner would be an “exciting” appointment.

“He was flying with Palace last season. I know they made a slow start this season, but they lost some key players. However, since then, he has rebuilt well,” said Wenham to Tottenham News.

“He is far more exciting than most names that have been linked. Therefore, he is someone I would be happy for Tottenham to appoint. I think with better players he would excel, and I find him more exciting than Marco Silva or Thomas Frank, to be honest.”