Leeds United are currently preparing for their final match in the Championship, hopefully for a long time, against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park on Saturday.

The Whites can hit 100 points in the second tier for the first time in their history with a win against the Pilgrims this weekend, which will also confirm their position as champions of the division.

Daniel Farke’s side hammered Bristol City 4-0 last time out at Elland Road to set themselves up for a chance to hit a century of points in their final match.

Leeds will be beginning to think about how they will prepare for a season in the Premier League next term, as they aim to avoid an instant relegation back down to the Championship.

The official confirmation of Ipswich Town’s relegation from the top-flight last weekend means that all three newly-promoted sides have gone straight back down in the last two seasons, which illustrates the difficulty of the task ahead for the Whites.

Recruitment will need to be spot on from the club to give Farke and his staff the best possible chance of avoiding relegation, and signing loanee Manor Solomon could be one of the first bits of business on the agenda.

Why Leeds should consider signing Manor Solomon

The Israel international is currently on loan from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season, which means that the clash with Plymouth this weekend could be his last outing for the West Yorkshire outfit.

TEAMtalk recently reported that the Whites are planning to pursue a permanent deal for the former Fulham star, and that Spurs are open to cashing in on the winger in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Leeds may look to press ahead with a swoop for the 25-year-old dynamo because of his impressive form in the Championship this season, as he has displayed his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Whites.

The Spurs loanee has been particularly impressive in recent weeks, during the business end of the campaign, with a return of two goals and five assists in his last five matches in the second tier.

24/25 Championship	Manor Solomon
Appearances	38
xG	7.93
Goals	9
Big chances created	21
xA	9.08
Assists	12
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Solomon has been directly involved in 21 goals in 38 appearances in the Championship so far this season, which speaks to how influential he has been in the final third for Farke throughout the campaign.

This is why he could be an excellent addition to the squad ahead of promotion to the Premier League, as the Spurs loanee could be a difference-maker at the top end of the pitch.

Leeds lining up move for 33-goal star

Leeds, however, could land an even better signing than Solomon if they can win the race for their latest reported transfer target in the summer window.

Transfer Focus

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

According to The Boot Room, Leeds United are one of a number of clubs lining up a move for Celtic winger Daizen Maeda to bolster their attacking options.

The report claims that Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool have been keeping tabs on the Japan international, who has scored 33 goals in all competitions this season.

It also reveals that Aston Villa, Brentford, Leeds, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United are among the other Premier League clubs interested in a deal to sign the Celtic superstar in the summer transfer window.

The Boot Room adds that the Scottish Premiership sensation is set to be available for a fee in the region of £25m, which means that he will not come cheap, and Leeds must push to win the race for his services because he could be an even better signing than Solomon.

Why Daizen Maeda could be an even better signing than Manor Solomon

Both Maeda and Solomon are right-footed forwards who predominantly cut in from the left flank and attempt to impact matches with goals and assists on a regular basis.

The Celtic star has racked up a staggering 33 goals and 11 assists in 47 games in all competitions, including four goals in nine Champions League matches.

Solomon, on the other hand, has scored nine goals and provided 13 assists in 40 matches in all competitions for Leeds, which immediately suggests that Maeda could offer more consistent quality, particularly as a goalscorer, for the club next season.

It is not only their quality in possession that should be taken into account, however, as the Whites are going up to the Premier League knowing that the last six teams have come straight back down, which means that they will have to do plenty of defending and are likely to be on the back foot in plenty of matches.

With this in mind, the Celtic star could be an even better signing than Solomon because of the work that he puts in out of possession to be a positive for his side defensively, whether that be tracking back to help his full-back or in counter-pressing situations.

24/25	Solomon (Championship)	Maeda (Premiership)
	38	31
Tackles + interceptions per game	1.1	1.7
Dribbled past per game	0.6x	0.5x
Clearances per game	0.1	0.3
Aerial duel success rate	0%	40%
Aerial duels won per game	0.0	0.5
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Maeda offers more than the Leeds loanee from a defensive perspective, with more tackles, interceptions, and clearances made per game, whilst being dribbled past less often.

Maeda, who has been described as a “machine” by coaches, can also defend the back post when dropping in to help his full-back out, as shown by his aerial duels won, whereas Solomon struggles a lot in those situations.

Therefore, Leeds could be better of pursuing a deal for the Celtic star, despite there also being a lot of reasons why Solomon could be a great addition, because of his potential to offer more than the Spurs loanee both in and out of possession in the Premier League next season.

Farke could sign Piroe upgrade in Leeds swoop for "electric" £40m "monster"

Leeds could immediately land an upgrade on Joel Piroe by swooping for this £40m star.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 29, 2025

A new centre-forward could be on the cards for Celtic as they prepare for the upcoming summer transfer window, which officially opens for business next month.

The Scottish giants decided to cash in on one of their star forwards in the January transfer window when they allowed Kyogo Furuhashi to join Rennes on a permanent deal.

The Japan international, who scored 34 goals in all competitions in the 2022/23 campaign, moved on from Parkhead and the club did not opt to sign a direct replacement for him ahead of the second half of the season.

Celtic could land a domestic treble by beating Aberdeen in the SFA Cup final, which suggests that their form on the pitch has not been harmed by that decision.

However, Brendan Rodgers and his staff may want a longer-term solution to Kyogo’s exit when the summer transfer window opens for business, as Adam Idah is the only senior and recognised centre-forward at the club, alongside the versatile Daizen Maeda and young Johnny Kenny.

There is one former Celtic number nine who has recently made it clear that he would love to play for the Hoops again if the opportunity was there.

Former Celtic striker who would love to return to Parkhead

Greece international Giorgos Giakoumakis has revealed that he would be interested in playing in the green and white again, having left the club in 2023 to sign for Atlanta United in the MLS.

When asked if he would fit into the current team, the forward told the Daily Record: “You want to set the fire? I would love to play for Celtic again. I don’t know if that’s a utopia or if it could happen again – but who wouldn’t?”

There is nothing to suggest that Celtic are considering, or even would consider, a move to bring the striker back to Glasgow, but he did enjoy an interesting first spell at Paradise after joining from VVV-Venlo in the summer of 2021.

Giakoumakis was never a nailed-on starter who was in the XI week-in-week-out under Ange Postecoglou, as he preferred Kyogo Furuhashi in closer to a false nine role, but he performed admirably when given an opportunity.

Appearances

21

19

40

Starts

11

4

15

Goal

13

6

19

Minutes per goal

81

114

92

Goals from shots inside the box

13/39

6/39

19/78

Conversion rate

30%

14%

24%

As you can see in the table above, the Greek star almost averaged a goal every 90 minutes in the Premiership across his two seasons at the club, which speaks to how lethal he was in the final third when on the pitch.

Whilst Celtic may not be interested in a reunion with the experienced attacker, Rodgers could land his own version of Giakoumakis by swooping for one of the club’s reported transfer targets.

Celtic have interest in Scottish starlet

Last month, the Chronicle Live reported that Celtic are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Hearts centre-forward James Wilson in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The outlet claimed that Rangers and Celtic have both checked the teenage forward out, which suggests that they have sent scouts to watch the gem in action, whilst he has also played against both teams in the Premiership.

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

It revealed that Premier League side Newcastle United, who are currently vying for Champions League football, are also keen on the Scotland international.

However, the Chronicle Live did not reveal how much Hearts would actually demand for the young centre-forward if a team decided to come in with a formal approach for his services.

Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not Celtic are prepared to act upon their interest in Wilson, or if they would be able to convince him to turn down Newcastle to remain in Scotland, Rodgers must push for the club to seal a deal for the attacker because he could be Giakoumakis 2.0.

Why James Wilson could be Giakoumakis 2.0

Wilson could arrive at Parkhead as the manager’s own version of the Greek sensation because he is a clinical striker who can deliver goals without starting games on a regular basis.

Giakoumakis, as aforementioned, was excellent at scoring goals consistently without being a regular starter throughout his time in the Premiership, which made him such a valuable option for Postecoglou.

Rodgers already has Maeda and Idah available to him as starting-calibre centre-forward options, and Wilson could come in as the perfect squad option to be the third-choice striker.

At the age of 18, the Scottish youngster would come in as a promising talent with plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and grow, which is why starting out as an option off the bench could be the ideal role for him at this moment in his career.

The Hearts gem, dubbed a “live wire” in training by Neil Critchley, has also shown that he can be an effective player when called upon at Premiership level, having scored five goals from 4.9 xG in the division this season.

Appearances

24

Starts

15

Goals

5

Big chances missed

4

Conversion rate

23%

Shots from inside the box

5/17

As you can see in the table above, Wilson has an impressive conversion rate of 23% in the Premiership, just shy of Giakoumakis’ 24% conversion rate in the league during his time at Celtic.

This shows that both strikers are clinical and effective forwards who can thrive without starting every single game, making them perfect squad options for the Hoops.

Aged 17 years and 288 days, Wilson became the youngest European scorer in Hearts history with a goal against Petroclub in the Conference League, and he became the youngest senior Scotland international ever at the age of 18 years and 17 days old with a cap against Greece earlier this year.

The record-breaking youngster is emerging as a hugely promising player in Scottish football, hence the links to Newcastle and Celtic, and that is why the Hoops should push to bring him to the club as their next Giakoumakis, with the potential for him to kick on even further in the future.

A "Larsson-type signing": £7.8m star would "love" to play for Celtic

A former Celtic star has revealed that he would love to play for the club again.

ByDan Emery May 21, 2025

Sunday’s clash against Liverpool was always going to be a tough one for Arsenal from a mental perspective.

After crashing out of the Champions League at the semi-final stages, the last place they probably wanted to be was Anfield, the home of the Premier League title winners.

A guard of honour was given and Arsenal actually starting vibrantly, Bukayo Saka missing a chance from a matter of yards out. Here we go again, it’s going to be another one of those days.

Indeed, that certainly looked the case when the Gunners found themselves 2-0 down after 21 minutes. This was the perfect encapsulation of this season. Arsenal could have been two up themselves but squandered their chances and as they found in Paris on Wednesday, they were up against it.

This time, Mikel Arteta’s men rallied and put in a brilliant second-half performance to walk away from Merseyside with a point in their battle to finish inside the top four.

Arsenal's finest performers against Liverpool

While Arteta was left to bemoan some uncharacteristically lapse defending from William Saliba in the first half, shutting off for the second goal, in forward areas, there were some more encouraging signs.

Saka was his usual effervescent self, while Gabriel Martinelli was perhaps the standout player on the away side.

The Brazilian initially started the game on the left flank but a few tactical tweaks at half-time saw a renewed display, not just from Martinelli but the whole side.

Leandro Trossard moved out to the left and Martinelli moved into the centre of the pitch. A matter of minutes into the second half the two attackers combined brilliantly to get Arsenal back into the game.

The Belgian winger crossed into the box, where Arsenal’s number 11 was ready and waiting to head the ball home. In truth, that tactical tweak changed the game. Martinelli made a number of threatening runs in behind that also brought out the best from Martin Odegaard.

The Norwegian has had a troubled campaign, only scoring five times, but he looked closer to his best in the second period at Anfield, playing a number of balls towards Martinelli.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

Odegaard also had a vital role to play in the equaliser. Plenty of supporters have bemoaned his unwillingness to shoot from range this season but it was his fierce effort from outside the box that the second goal came from.

The captain unleashed a fizzing drive that Alisson tipped onto the post but Mikel Merino followed up well and headed the rebound into an empty net.

It was yet another crucial moment for the Spaniard who has enjoyed a fabulous back end of the season. Well, that was until he was given a red card for a late challenge on Dominik Szoboszlai, a tackle that saw him branded with a second yellow card.

Still, Merino was far from the worst player on the pitch.

Arsenal's poorest performers against Liverpool

Arsenal’s defending since Gabriel got injured certainly hasn’t been the best but one has to commend the displays of Jakub Kiwior who notably stood out in the two-legged win over Real Madrid.

That being said, it hasn’t been plain sailing for Saliba who, without Gabriel, doesn’t look quite as assured at the back.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The French titan is no doubt a fabulous player, but there have been some nervy moments for the centre-back when playing out from the back. He also switched off completely for Liverpool’s opening goal.

Despite grabbing an assist, it was largely an afternoon to forget for Trossard too, whose woes were compounded in the 78th minute when he was substituted with an apparent hamstring injury.

For Arsenal, that is not good news, particularly after Merino’s late red card. Who Arsenal will play up top against Newcastle next week is anyone’s guess.

Either way, Arteta should consider axing him from the team. Even if it’s not fully from the team, he should be axed as the main centre forward.

In the words of Arsenal writer Connor Humm, the £27m signing is a “waste of time” as a striker, not boasting the physicality to hold the ball up and perhaps also lacking the sort of runs we ultimately saw from Martinelli down the centre when they swapped positions.

Minutes played

78

Touches

61

Accurate passes

31/36 (86%)

Shots on target

1

Shots off target

1

Successful dribbles

3/5

Key passes

2

Accurate crosses

1/3

Duels won

7/13

Possession lost

16x

Trossard only won seven of his 13 contested duels during the clash and failed to have a single shot on target. To make matters worse, he also lost the ball on 16 occasions. That isn’t what you need from a role that requires bringing others into play.

There was a wasteful moment that rather summed up his topsy-turvy season in the first 45 minutes. Arsenal pressed well in Liverpool’s penalty area and won the ball back. However, neither Partey nor Trossard took control of the situation and waited for each other to pick up the possession. Had either done so, it probably would have been a goal. Instead, the chance went begging.

Moments like that are why the Belgium international has frustrated supporters so often this season. There is talk of a new contract and perhaps he might deserve one. There aren’t many better squad players in Arteta’s ranks.

However, if Arsenal are going to sign one or two attackers, Trossard should be given the boot to accommodate them.

He's just like an "early Henry": Arsenal begin work to sign £85m winger

Arsenal are in the market for more firepower this summer,

ByMatt Dawson May 11, 2025

Arsenal transfer chief Andrea Berta is closing in on his first official signing as new sporting director, as he looks to finalise a deal for one “world-class” player, and the Gunners are said to have already scheduled a medical for him.

Arsenal set to reinforce multiple squad areas this summer

Managr Mikel Arteta is set to be backed to the hilt this summer, with a lot of noise surrounding their pursuit of a new forward, both out wide and in terms of a striker.

Arsenal offer "game-changer" a five-year contract worth nearly £30m to join

The north Londoners are moving ahead with ambitious summer plans.

ByEmilio Galantini May 28, 2025

Talks have been held over a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, while extremely strong links continue to surround RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with the reliable David Ornstein expecting Berta to sign one of the centre-forward pair.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

However, the midfield area is also set to be strengthened.

Jorginho is out of contract in the summer and has agreed to join Flamengo in time for the Club World Cup, while uncertainty continues to surround Thomas Partey’s long-term future with no deal struck on fresh terms as yet.

This makes the signing of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi all the more imperative, and following months of negotiations, they appear set to get their man through the door, despite reports this week that Real Madrid still pose a threat.

Fabrizio Romano gave his famous ‘here we go’ to Zubimendi’s Arsenal transfer, but reports in Spain carried on to suggest that Los Blancos could still hijack the £51 million deal.

However, BBC journalist Sami Mokbel’s latest update on the saga has now seemingly removed all doubt.

Martin Zubimendi set for Arsenal medical with paperwork finalised

According to the reporter, Arsenal have scheduled an imminent medical for Zubimendi, and once it is completed, the Gunners will announce his signing in a major boost for Arteta.

“Martin Zubimendi set for medical before completing switch to Arsenal,” said Mokbel.

“All relevant paperwork with Real Sociedad has been completed. Announcement pending successful medical.”

The 26-year-old, one year after he snubbed a move to Liverpool, is now on the verge of signing for Arsenal and seriously reinforcing Arteta’s midfield options ahead of a potentially more successful Premier League title challenge next season.

Called “world-class” by Kieran Tierney, Zubimendi has also been labelled world football’s “second-best” midfielder.

“For me, Martín is the second-best player in the world. We are incredibly lucky to have these two, who I consider the best players in the world.” said Spain boss Luis de la Fuente on Zubimendi and Rodri.

“But we also have other fantastic players who’ve been here and are with us now—another fantastic player, Pepelu hasn’t come yet, but he’s been called up with us.”

It’s been another quiet week at Ibrox for Rangers, although is that about to change?

So far, the most noteworthy Rangers event of the past few days was Cyriel Dessers’ goal for Nigeria, on target on Wednesday in a friendly tournament against West African rivals Ghana.

Elsewhere, on Tuesday, Rangers confirmed they will face Club Brugge and Middlesbrough in pre-season friendlies at Ibrox in July but, for now at least, there’s still no news as to who will be in charge for those games, or indeed, more importantly, the start of Champions League qualification either.

Well, 95 days on from Philippe Clement’s sacking, could the 49ers finally be about to land their new manager?

Rangers ramping up managerial hunt

A whole host of names have been linked with a move to the Ibrox dugout in recent months, with fierce speculation suggesting Steven Gerrard could be on his way back to Scotland after a failed stint in Saudi Arabia.

Also of interest to the Rangers hierarchy are the likes of Russell Martin and Brian Priske. Yet, there’s another name who looks like he may be edging closer to filling the vacancy.

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According to a report by Guillem Balague for BBC Sport, the Rangers hierarchy have ‘held fresh talks’ with Davide Ancelotti this week, adding that ‘further discussions’ are scheduled to take place ‘over the next few days’.

Davide has been a long-time assistant to his father Carlo, working at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid.

This month, Carlo left los Blancos by mutual consent to become the new Brazil manager and, at his unveiling, he confirmed “Davide is currently in negotiations with a European team… if he goes to a club, I wish him the best, and if not, he can come back to us.”

Now, it appears increasingly likely that Ancelotti will become the new Rangers head coach, with former Rangers manager Mark Warburton saying that, should he take the job, it would be a “huge step up”, going from being an assistant to occupying the “number one role”.

Well, speaking to STV, Guillem Balague believes Davide to be one of the “most sought-after assistants” in world football, firmly believing he will be a success at Ibrox, so would his arrival be great news for a certain Rangers stalwart?

Why Ancelotti can reignite Tavernier's Rangers career

When James Tavernier joined Rangers from Wigan Athletic for a reported £200k in 2015, the Light Blues were still an SPFL Championship club.

Fair to say, a lot has changed in the subsequent decades, and this has proved to be, inarguably, one of the bargains of the century.

To date, Tavernier has made 513 appearances for the club, only ten men have accumulated more in a Rangers jersey, as the table below outlines.

Rangers players with the most appearances

Players

Career

Appearances

John Greig

1961-78

755

Sandy Jardine

1964-82

674

Ally McCoist

1983-98

581

Sandy Archibald

1917-34

580

David Meiklejohn

1919-36

563

Dougie Gray

1925-46

555

Derek Johnstone

1970-86

546

Davie Cooper

1977-89

540

Peter McCloy

1970-85

535

Ian McColl

1945-60

526

James Tavernier

2015-present

513

All information courtesy of Fitba Stats

Tavernier captained Rangers to the Premiership title in 2020/21, subsequently lifting the League Cup and Scottish Cup too, as well as being the talismanic figure en route to the Europa League Final three seasons ago, scoring seven times during the knockout phase.

However, he has come in for some criticism this season, with Nick McPheat of BBC Sport questioning if he is ‘no longer first choice’, while interim manager Barry Ferguson trialled him as both a centre-back, as part of a back three, as well as at wing-back.

Nevertheless, if Davide’s playing style is at all akin to that of his father, a fluid approach that encourages maximum creativity, this appointment could reinvigorate Tavernier.

Right-back Dani Carvajal was such a prominent attacking figure for Real Madrid, so let’s asses how he compares to Tavernier, with the caveat that the Spanish international has not featured since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Villarreal in early-October.

James Tavernier vs Dani Carvajal

Statistics

Tavernier

Carvajal

2024/25 season

Goals

5

1

Assists

13

1

Big chances created

20

0

2023/24 season

Goals

24

6

Assists

12

5

Big chances created

19

4

2022/23 season

Goals

18

0

Assists

10

5

Big chances created

14

4

2021/22 season

Goals

18

1

Assists

17

4

Big chances created

18

7

Stats courtesy of Transfermarkt and Sofascore

As the table outlines, Tavernier’s attacking output has been absolutely off the scale, notably registering 52 assists since the 2021/22 campaign. Taking you back to that point about an Ancelotti side favouring creativity and you can begin to see why he could take quite a liking to the Gers captain.

While Carvajal’s’s numbers are not quite so astronomical, Tobi Peter of Breaking the Lines documents that his ‘attacking contributions are crucial’ for Real Madrid.

So, with the incoming Ancelotti likely to want his full-back to operate high and wide, this could be exactly the appointment 33-year-old Tavernier needs to reinvigorate his career in Govan.

Related Same agent as Gerrard: Rangers want cheap deal to sign £1m int'l defender

He could arrive with the potential new manager.

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 28, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur face a significant summer of changes, both in the dugout and at squad level, with the future of a key player seeming far away from north London.

Ange Postecoglou facing Spurs exit after dismal campaign

Spurs could still qualify for the Champions League next season by winning their first major trophy since 2008.

Tottenham: Robinson thrilled after hearing Levy could appoint 52-year-old

Spurs are said to be closing in on his arrival.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

May 13, 2025

All eyes are on the Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21, which has the potential to save Tottenham’s season in a crunch, all or nothing encounter against Premier League rivals Man United, who’ve also endured a horror-show season.

Ange Postecoglou led Spurs to their 20th top-flight loss of the season against Crystal Palace last weekend, breaking their all-time record for most recorded Premier League defeats in a single campaign, with the 59-year-old under intense scrutiny.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League	Average match rating
Son Heung-min	7.05
Pedro Porro	6.98
James Maddison	6.98
Dominic Solanke	6.88
Dejan Kulusevski	6.83
via WhoScored

More and more credible media sources are reporting that Postecoglou could leave Spurs regardless of whether they win the Europa League, and he’s likely to be joined by some big-name players.

Cristian Romero linked with Spurs summer exit

One of them, star defender Cristian Romero, is a top target for Atlético Madrid and Diego Simeone.

Some reports even suggest that Romero has already agreed terms on a move to Atletico, but both the Lilywhites and La Liga side are yet to find any common ground when it comes to the 26-year-old’s final price tag.

According to information from Marca, there is still negotiating to do when it comes to Spurs and Atlético shaking hands on a fee.

Cristian Romero clear he wants Atletico move amid £84m plan

As per the Spanish newspaper, relayed by Sport Witness, Romero is clear he wants a move to Atlético from Tottenham, but the Premier League side value him at around £59 million and are very unlikely to go anywhere below £42 million.

It is unclear whether Simeone’s men will reach their minimum figure, but they’re set to open talks, and are planning a spending spree worth up to £84 million this summer.

Taking into account they wish to use this cash on a host of other targets, despite Romero’s obvious quality when at his very best, Atlético want to whittle his price down as much as possible.

“He’s the best centre-half at the club,” said pundit Paul Robinson about Romero in 2022, to Football Insider.

“I think they probably tried to get one in during the window but it didn’t work out. But in Romero they have got a phenomenal defender. He makes others around him better.

“What they have got isn’t enough. They need more, but he is certainly the best that they have got. He could play in any side in the top four of the Premier League. He is a Champions League player, a top player.

“If Spurs are going to go places Romero is the type of player they will need to keep and build around.”

When it comes to the biggest stars of Arsenal’s Emirates era, one name will come to mind for most: Mesut Özil.

The German international joined the Gunners in a shock £42.4m move from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day 2013, in a moment that every fan who was around at the time will still remember as if it was yesterday.

The mercurial midfielder might have left the club under a bit of cloud, but for most of his time in the capital, he was simply superb and managed to rack up a tally of 44 goals and 77 assists in 254 appearances.

So, fans should be excited about recent reports linking the club to another international superstar who could have a similar impact to Ozil in North London.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other stars linked with Arsenal who could be game-changing acquisitions, like Viktor Gyokeres and Morgan Rogers.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could reportedly cost around £63m, and it’s not hard to see how he could change the Gunners’ fortunes next year, as in just 50 appearances this season, he’s scored 52 goals and provided 13 assists.

Likewise, with 14 goals and 14 assists in 52 appearances for Aston Villa this season, Rogers looks like he’d be more than worth the £100m price tag reportedly on his head.

However, there is another superstar attacker whose impact on the North Londoners could more closely mirror Ozil’s: Rodrygo.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs, Real Madrid are “willing to let Rodrygo go” this summer, and this has put Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool on alert, with them all regarding this as a real “market opportunity.”

However, just because he’s available to sign doesn’t mean it’ll be a cheap transfer to get over the line, with reports from earlier this week claiming that he could cost £85m.

It’s safe to say this is a deal that may well have legs. Even the Athletic have joined in on the party, suggesting Arteta is a huge fan of the tricky winger.

With all that said, Arsenal should still do all they can to sign Rodrygo this summer, as he’d add so much to their attack and could have a similar impact to Ozil all those years ago.

Rodrygo's similarities to Ozil

Okay, so we aren’t saying that Rodrgyo is even remotely similar to Ozil as a player in his playstyle, but were this deal to go through this summer, then it would be undeniably reminiscent of the German’s 12 years ago.

For example, when the midfield maestro moved to the Emirates in 2013, it was the biggest statement that the Gunners had made in the market for a very long time, and should they secure the Brazilian in the coming months, you’d be able to say the same thing.

Secondly, it would be another case of the North Londoners taking advantage of Real moving on one of their biggest superstars, and at the same age as well, with the World Cup winner being just 24 when he left the Bernabeu.

Finally, and this is important, the Osasco-born dynamo has the raw talent and ability to go on and be just as influential as Ozil was during his time at the Emirates.

For example, since the start of last season, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has scored 31 goals and provided 19 assists in 102 appearances, totalling 7,067 minutes.

Rodrygo’s recent record
Season	23/24	24/25
Appearances	52	50
Minutes	3777′	3290′
Goals	18	13
Assists	9	10
Goal Involvements per Match	0.51	0.46
Minutes per Goal Involvement	139.88′	143.04′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

That means the 24-year-old has maintained an impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 141.34 minutes across two years of football at the very highest level.

Finally, the “big game player” as Dougie Critchley described him, also knows how to get himself and his team across the finishing line in the biggest competitions, and as such, has won two Champions Leagues, three La Ligas, the Club World Cup, the Copa del Rey and others.

Ultimately, Rodrygo is one of the very best wingers in world football, and if Arsenal can secure his services this summer, he’d be following in Ozil’s footsteps and could go on to be just as influential in North London as the German was.

Arsenal could break transfer record for a more exciting star than Gyokeres

The incredible talent would be a game-changer for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 15, 2025

While Arsenal have plenty of talented players in their squad, there is one star who most fans would now class as their best: Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End icon has become a lean, mean output machine in recent seasons, as even though he missed over three months of action this year, he ended the campaign with a sensational haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games.

Unfortunately, Mikel Arteta’s options for off the left have not been nearly as effective, with Gabriel Martinelli chalking up 16 goal involvements in 51 games and Leandro Trossard doing marginally better with 20 in 56 games.

So, with that in mind, it’s hardly been a surprise to see the club linked with a host of brilliant left-wingers in recent weeks, with one of the most notable links being to Rodrygo – although recent reports have now touted a player compared to the Brazilian and Saka for a move to Arsenal this summer.

Arsenal transfer news

As mentioned, the last few weeks and months have seen Arsenal linked with many talented left-wing options, from the versatile Xavi Simons at RB Leipzig to the soon-to-be free agent of Leroy Sané.

Transfer Focus

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

Yet, one of the names that has caused the most excitement among the fans, and understandably so, has been Rodrygo.

The 24-year-old has won all there is to win in the club game with Real Madrid, and according to most reports from the last month or so, could be available for around £85m unless something changes with new boss Xabi Alonso.

However, with the required fee being so high, it’s unsurprising to see the club continue to be linked with other options, and now someone who has been compared to Saka and the Brazilian has reentered the frame in a big way.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have retained their intense interest in Nico Williams.

In fact, the report has now revealed that the Gunners are ‘very close to signing’ the Athletic Bilbao star, despite the La Liga side’s desire to keep him for another season.

The report has revealed that for the North Londoners to get their man, whom Arteta has made ‘a priority,’ they’ll have to pay his release clause, which, according to stories from earlier this week, stands at about £50m.

While it would be a lot of money to spend on a 22-year-old, it would be more than worth it thanks to his ability and the comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo.

How Williams compares to Saka & Rodrygo

So before addressing the other reasons why Arsenal might want to sign Williams this summer, it’s important to examine these comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo and where they come from.

In both cases, they stem from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each.

In this instance, it was concluded that the Brazilian was the most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Spaniard across the last 365 days, while the Englishman was the tenth most similar.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.35

0.32

Non-Penalty G+As

0.45

0.51

Progressive Carries

5.32

5.28

Shots

2.43

2.52

Shots on Target

0.86

0.93

Expected Assists

0.19

0.20

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.31

1.21

Shot-Creating Actions

5.05

4.95

Blocks

0.90

0.84

The best way to understand how these conclusions were reached is by looking at the underlying numbers in which the players rank closely, which, in the case of the Real Madrid star, include metrics like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, passes into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

For the Gunners’ gem, the metrics in which he’s incredibly similar to the Bilbao star include things like tackles won, clearances, carries into the penalty area and non-penalty goals per 90, suggesting he can do some of the defensive work the Englishman so often carries out for the Gunners.

Non-Penalty Goals

0.23

0.26

Tackles Won

0.81

0.78

Clearances

0.41

0.42

Carries

31.4

32.7

Carries into the Penalty Area

2.61

2.66

Aerial Duels Won

0.50

0.52

On top of these flattering and incredibly encouraging comparisons to two of the best wingers around, Arteta and Co should also be going all out to sign the 22-year-old “level-raiser,” as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, because he’s a reliable source of goals and assists.

For example, since the start of last season, the Pamplona-born dynamo has scored 19 goals and provided 25 assists in 82 appearances, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.86 games.

Ultimately, while some fans may prefer the bigger name in Rodrygo, it looks like Arsenal are on track to sign one of the most exciting wingers in the game in Williams, and given his age, there is plenty of scope for him to get even better.

Their answer to Cherki: Arsenal close in on first summer signing for £38m

The incredible prospect could be sensational at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 5, 2025

Liverpool’s summer transfer window is beginning to form a coherent picture, with FSG acting quickly to tidy up the defensive flanks and get the mammoth deal for Florian Wirtz over the line.

The Bayer Leverkusen superstar gave curious Liverpool supporters a taste of his quality during Germany’s Nations League semi-final tie against Portugal this week, scoring during the 2-1 loss.

Minutes played

90′

Goals

1

Assists

0

Shots (on target)

2 (2)

Accurate passes

32/42 (76%)

Key passes

0

Dribbles

3/5

Tackles

3

Duels won

9/16

His intelligence, tenacity and movement underscored the playmaker’s ability, having been utterly fantastic during his time in Leverkusen’s squad, winning the 2023/24 Bundesliga Player of the Year after triumphing as an invincible before claiming more Man of the Match awards than any other player across this term’s Champions League campaign.

We’re a whisker away from a positive development in Liverpool’s bid to secure a marquee deal, but it might be a case of one out, one in.

While the Wirtz deal won’t have any bearing on the potential sale of Luis Diaz, the Colombian’s departure is something to consider.

The latest on Luis Diaz's future

On Thursday, Liverpool rejected an approach from Barcelona for forward Diaz, who scored 17 goals and laid on eight assists for Slot’s side this year.

The 28-year-old, who is entering the penultimate year of his contract, will only be allowed to leave if Liverpool are offered a significant sum; the Saudi Pro League have known admirers of the South American talent.

Though the thought of Diaz and Wirtz combining in a new-look Liverpool frontline is exciting, there may well be an opportunity to secure a new, younger signature.

FSG’s no-sell stance is laced with the undertow of an openness, should the right offer be tabled.

Especially when talks have been held for an almighty replacement on the left flank.

Liverpool hold talks for marquee signing

According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Liverpool held discussions concerning Real Madrid’s Rodrygo last month, their intrigue persisting after initially drawing him up as a Mohamed Salah successor, should the Egyptian have left this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Arsenal would be Anfield’s most notable rival in the race, and though the Gunners have a vested interest, they have not yet launched an official bid for the Brazil forward.

Rodrygo, 24, has become disillusioned with life at Santiago Bernabeu, frustrated to be perceived to be in the shadow of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

For their part, Real no longer consider Rodrygo untouchable, but would only cash in if their €100m (about £84m) valuation was met.

What Rodrygo would bring to Liverpool

While the jury will remain out for a little while as Xabi Alonso’s plans at Real Madrid begin to shape up, it’s difficult to imagine the Spanish tactician will remove Vini Jr. from his left-sided berth.

This could lead Rodrygo to make the eventual decision to leave Los Blancos, having featured 267 times, posting 118 goal contributions, for the club since signing from Santos for a £39.5m fee when he was just 18.

However, most of those outings have come off the right wing, whereas the right-footed forward prefers the alternate side as he feels it is here he reaches his zenith.

Right winger

29

7

4

Left winger

12

6

6

Centre-forward

8

–

–

If the 2024/25 campaign has any say on the matter, it certainly looks like this is the case, which is why Liverpool could hit the jackpot in bringing Rodrygo over as Diaz’s heir.

Especially when considering the partnership that could be forged with Wirtz, the two starring in the Champions League and driving Anfield through the domestic campaign.

Wirtz brings so much to the game, astounding in his creative output and indeed willingness to take on his man and drive the ball into the danger area himself.

The German international ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga this season for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes and progressive carries, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

For a gifted and technically crisp winger in Rodrygo, this could be a brilliant way to add intensity and fluency to an already thriving Liverpool frontline. Rodrygo, indeed, is a natural-born goalscorer, with his finishing once described as being “terrifyingly good” by journalist Sam Tighe.

Though he only managed to score six goals in La Liga this season, the “special” Rodrygo, as he has been praised by Carlo Ancelotti, only missed one big chance, as per Sofascore, highlighting the underlying data that Wirtz’s prowess would only enhance at Liverpool. Wirtz, in fact, created 17 big chances and supplied 12 assists in the Bundesliga this term despite only starting 25 matches.

Whether Liverpool act on their interest and launch a big-money bid for the star remains to be seen, but there’s no question he would be an incredible addition to one of the best teams in the world.

For now, we will have to wait and see whether FSG accelerate their intrigue in the superstar, but with Arsenal keen and yet to show their hand in the transfer market, it would certainly help if sporting director Richard Hughes could draw rumours over Diaz’s future to a close.

If a suitable offer does arrive, Rodrygo might just follow Wirtz through the Anfield gates, consolidating Slot’s team as a goliath of the modern European game – here to stay.

Caicedo revenge: Liverpool can hijack Chelsea move for "England's best LW"

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz faces an uncertain future with firm interest in his signature.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 5, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has sacked Ange Postecoglou. After supposedly a week of deliberation, it was determined the Aussie coach’s Europa League triumph was not enough to save him.

There’s no question this has been one of the most dramatic years in the club’s modern history, certainly one of the most chaotic and turbulent seasons across Europe’s myriad clubs.

All have been watching, though. Watching with glee or compassion, but with eyes riveted on the drama as it unfolded.

Postecoglou made a promise, and that promise was delivered in the most resounding fashion as Spurs won the Europa League in their manager’s second season, salvaging a wretched domestic campaign that has seen the club finish 17th in the Premier League.

Sadly, there will be no season three in this series. There could, however, be an exciting new face in the dugout.

Spurs hold talks for Ange replacement

According to TBR Football, Levy has held talks with a number of candidates for the Tottenham manager’s position, and while Brentford’s Thomas Frank is the leading contender, there’s another Premier League boss who could make the move.

That’s Oliver Glasner, who led Crystal Palace to glory in the FA Cup this term. Earmarked as a potential option, Glasner stated he was “100% committed” to Selhurst Park after the Wembley win against Manchester City, but Tottenham present a compelling long-term project.

The Austrian coach, 50, is even thought to be leading the race to succeed Postecoglou, alongside Frank.

What Oliver Glasner would bring to Spurs

Making the move from a divisional rival below the league’s ‘big six’, Glasner could prove to be Tottenham’s next Mauricio Pochettino, especially since both bosses employ expansive attacking games.

Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Glasner took the Eagles reins in February 2024, replacing Roy Hodgson after ten defeats from 17 matches. Palace were 15th but lacked inspiration and direction.

Hailed for his “incredible” work in south London by AFTV’s James B, Glasner has led Palace to a 12th-placed finish, but with the highest points total in the club’s Premier League history.

Crystal Palace – Most Points in a PL Season

Season

Manager

Final Standing

Points

24/25

Glasner

12th

53

23/24

Hodgson/Glasner

10th

49

18/19

Hodgson

12th

49

14/15

Pardew

10th

48

21/22

Vieira

11th

48

Data via Transfermarkt

His high-intensity, hard-working tactical approach is something that could see him emulate Spurs’ one-time gaffer, who was actually criticised once for working his players too hard during Tottenham training.

Of course, Glasner’s FA Cup lift didn’t mark the first major trophy in his managerial career, having won the Europa League with Frankfurt, so he’d bring his own brand down N17, simply aligning with some of the principles that have convinced Spurs to make appointments in the past.

In that regard, he’s proven himself capable of outstripping Pochettino, making the move from a divisional rival but with the winning mentality already constructed.

The truth is, there’s a very solid argument behind Levy’s decision to dismiss the man who ended 17 endless years of searching for a major trophy.

And if he moves to appoint Glasner, whose football is entertaining and whose trophy-winning credentials have been illustrated through victory in the FA Cup last month, Tottenham might just go from strength to strength next term.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 7, 2025