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Celtic have reportedly agreed a deal with Royal Antwerp to bring winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha to Parkhead for a fee of around £5m this week.

Sky Sports reveals that the 24-year-old attacker is due to undergo a medical this week before putting pen to paper on a permanent move to Glasgow from the Belgian side.

The left-sided forward scored 14 goals and provided nine assists in the last two seasons for Royal Antwerp in all competitions, per Sofascore, and will be hoping to provide a consistent threat down the left flank for Brendan Rodgers this season.

Daizen Maeda is currently the only natural left winger in the squad, which is why the impending arrival of Balikwisha is a much-needed one for the Hoops.

Celtic closing in on deal for defender

The Scottish Premiership giants are not only looking for reinforcements down the left side on the wing, though, as they are also keen on a back-up for Kieran Tierney.

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 Argentine outlet Diario Xeneize, Celtic are closing in on a deal to sign left-back Marcelo Saracchi from Boca Juniors before the deadline.

The report claims that the Hoops have already made one offer for the defender, proposing a loan with an option to make it permanent, but it was rejected by the Argentine side.

It adds that Celtic are now expected to return with an offer of a straight loan deal, with no option or obligation, and that Boca Juniors are willing to accept it, as they see it as a chance for the player to play football and increase his value ahead of next summer.

What Marcelo Saracchi could offer to Celtic

The 27-year-old star could be a shrewd addition to the squad as back-up and competition for Tierney, who has only played 132 minutes in two starts in the league so far.

Celtic are managing the former Arsenal full-back’s minutes and the arrival of Saracchi would help with that, because he is a natural left-back who can start or come off the bench to ensure that Rodgers has a quality alternative to the Scotland international.

The Boca Juniors full-back has been an unused substitute in five of his last nine appearances in the matchday squad, per Sofascore, which shows that he is not at the forefront of their plans, but his form in 2024 suggests that he does have something to offer to the Hoops.

Appearances

13

5

Goals

1

1

Assists

1

1

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

3.0

Ground duel success rate

53%

50%

Aerial duel success rate

50%

50%

As you can see in the table above, Saracchi put in solid performances in the Liga Profesional and the CONMEBOL Sudamericana last season, holding his own in physical duels whilst making several tackles and interceptions per game on average.

These statistics suggest that the Uruguay international, who previously played for Galatasaray and Levante, could be a steady operator down the left flank, providing a defensive and physical presence to allow the left winger ahead of him the freedom to stay high up the pitch.

That is why Balikwisha and Maeda could both benefit from this move because it will prevent Rodgers from playing Liam Scales out of position at left-back behind them when Tierney is unable to continue in matches.

Over the last 365 days, Saracchi ranks within the top 14% of full-backs in the Men’s Next 14 Competitions for progressive passes per 90 (5.05) per 90 and the top 4% for shot-creating actions (3.64) per 90.

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Celtic reportedly have a serious interest in a star who would be a big upgrade on Hyun-jun Yang.

ByDan Emery Aug 20, 2025

This essentially means that the Uruguayan defender is well above average when it comes to progressing play down the flank, which is another reason why Balikwisha and Maeda would love him, as the full-back can consistently provide them with the ball in dangerous areas with his progressive play.

A “terrific” Premier League player is “open to leaving” his current club to potentially join Newcastle United during the summer transfer window, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Newcastle targeting potential Isak replacements

The Alexander Isak saga continues to rumble on this summer, with Eddie Howe claiming that no club has come in and made an offer for him so far.

“He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control. We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club.”

Newcastle continue to be linked with possible replacements, with former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic mentioned as a surprise option who could return to Tyneside following a string of rejections from their top targets this summer.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa are also leading options to move to the Magpies, but the former may be left to choose between St James’ Park and Old Trafford amid interest from Manchester United.

Watkins "open to leaving" Aston Villa

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown, a long-time scout for Villa before retiring for punditry, claimed that Newcastle target striker Ollie Watkins is “open to leaving” Aston Villa this summer, possibly paving the way for a move to St James’ Park.

“Man United have been looking at him as well, and now Newcastle are interested. I’m told it’s something Villa are going to be open to, and I think Watkins is open to leaving too. If clubs come in for him, he’s going to want to explore his options. Newcastle are preparing to lose Isak, so they’ve been looking at a lot of different players who could potentially come in and plug the gap he’s going to leave.

“Watkins is certainly on that list because he’s a top player and would be great for Newcastle. I was really pushing for Villa to sign him when I was there because he was the best option available to us, and eventually they went and got it done. Now he’s got Premier League and international experience, which make him ideal for Newcastle. It’s difficult to say what they’re going to do because they’ve missed out on so many players, but he is certainly one of the ones they’ve looked at.”

At 29, the £130,000-a-week Watkins isn’t getting any younger, but if Newcastle could sign both him and a younger option like Sesko, it could be great replacement business for Isak.

The Villa ace has now proven himself at the top level for a long time, scoring 75 goals in 184 Premier League appearances, as well as being lauded by Danny Murphy.

Aston Villa

223

87

42

Brentford

143

49

15

Exeter City

78

26

17

The fact that Watkins is happy to leave Villa is a big boost for Newcastle, and there should be no issues with him coming straight in and hitting the ground running at St James’.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot is prepared to work with FSG and bring in more signings this summer, despite the remarkable stream of arrivals over the past few months.

When Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a British-record £116m deal, they confirmed to their rivals that they mean to defend their Premier League title and remain at the top of the pile over the coming era.

But with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike signed too, for an initial £69m fee, there’s a growing sense that Slot is shaping a super-team together.

24/25 – Frankfurt

33

15

8

23/24 – Frankfurt*

14

4

2

23/24 – PSG

1

0

0

22/23 – PSG

25

3

4

21/22 – Reims

24

10

4

20/21 – Vejle*

11

3

2

20/21 – Reims

2

0

0

Ekitike, 23, has got the potential to become “one of the best strikers out there”, according to analyst Ben Mattinson, but Ekitike might find himself dealt a heavy load in the early days at Anfield, given that two Reds stars are moving away.

And further change may be afoot, with the sale of Luis Diaz as well as Darwin Nunez’s anticipated departure emphasising FSG’s desire to spark further change before the window slams shut.

Why Nunez and Diaz are leaving Liverpool

Diaz has already left Liverpool, having signed for Bayern Munich in a £65.5m package earlier this week. It’s a poignant farewell for one of the most important players at the club over the past several years, but one which carries a sense of practicality.

Aged 28, Diaz had entered the next-to-last year in his Liverpool contract, and despite efforts from both parties to extend his deal, the gulf was too far to bridge.

And so he departs, leaving the question marks that linger over whether Liverpool will sign a successor, and if that successor will be a central frontman or an electric-paced, out-and-out winger.

Well, with Darwin Nunez appearing to be edging closer to a transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, it seems like Slot may be welcoming that former option.

In fairness, you need only look at the happenings in the English transfer market to note that sporting director Richard Hughes is indeed doing all within his power to sign a new centre-forward at Liverpool.

Liverpool pushing to sign new striker

Sources from every far-flung corner of the footballing world have revealed details of different shapes and sizes about Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak over the past several days.

However, according to The Athletic’s trusty transfer-reporter-in-chief, David Ornstein, Liverpool remain interested in the Sweden striker after seeing a formal bid worth £110m rejected on Friday. For his part, Isak, 25, continues to push for a move to Merseyside.

However, it all depends on the Magpies’ success in signing a replacement, currently locked in negotiations with RB Leipzig for the 22-year-old Benjamin Sesko. Manchester United, crucially, want him too.

Liverpool may need to fork out closer to an unprecedented £150m if they are to sign one of the Premier League’s deadliest goalscorers.

Why Liverpool are desperate for Alexander Isak

Isak might not have the same indomitability in front of goal as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (no active footballer does), but he’s still “the best all-round centre-forward” in the Premier League, according to pundit Ally McCoist.

The £120k-per-week star’s 27-goal return last season shows that he knows where the back of the net is too, and he would surely rise to the next level when joining a Liverpool side so replete with offensive quality.

Much has been made over whether signing Isak is even feasible, given that Ekitike joined Slot’s squad in July. However, it’s not as if a duel striking partnership hasn’t proved effective at Anfield in the past.

Just look back over a decade ago, when Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge combined to an emphatic effect across the 2013/14 Premier League season.

Under Brendan Rodgers’ wing, ‘SAS’, as the duo were affectionately dubbed, wreaked utter havoc together as Liverpool capered their way through the campaign. For a long time, the Reds appeared invincible, but they fumbled the bag in the closing stages of the term and ultimately ceded the title to Manchester City.

Still, Suarez and Sturridge played their part, all right. The Uruguayan, one of the most notorious, decorated and destructive footballers in history, obliterated all who lay in his path, scoring 31 goals and supplying 13 assists across 33 top-flight fixtures,

Liverpool had never seen the like (that is, until several years later, when Mohamed Salah came along).

Described by the legendary Steven Gerrard as being the best striker he had ever played with as a professional (sorry, El Nino), the South American was the cream of the crop, but Sturridge played his part too, notching 29 goal contributions from as many games in the league that year.

He perfectly complemented Suarez, a deadly finisher but a dynamic, selfless and mobile dance partner who knew how his strengths merged against his teammates’.

Ekitike could play that role alongside Isak. As per FBref, the Frenchman ranked last season among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

While the two athletic number nines are similar in that they are intelligent and energetic both on the ball and without it, Isak is clearly the superior finisher, praised by Fabrizio Romano for being a “machine” in front of goal, whereas Ekitike indeed has a flair for the creative side of the game.

If Slot manages to find a way for them to dance to the other’s tune, Liverpool could be in for a treat over the coming years, proving to the world that two focal frontmen can work together in a side challenging for all the biggest prizes on offer.

Bigger mistake than Diaz: Liverpool ready to sell Slot's "monster" for £47m

Liverpool sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, and now face the exit of another star player.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 31, 2025

Liverpool did not know how things would pan out as they stepped into the unknown following Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down. But the Reds rode the crest of that wave of belief and emerged as Premier League champions with Arne Slot at the helm.

Milos Kerkez, one of Europe’s most promising full-backs, has been signed, and Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz have both completed transfers from Bayer Leverkusen to Merseyside. Giorgi Mamardashvili is Alisson Becker’s new training partner between the sticks.

And, of course, Liverpool have now finalised a £79m deal for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who has been described as “the perfect centre-forward” by pundit Owen Hargreaves.

The exciting part is that there’s more still to come. However, this isn’t one-way traffic for the Anfield side: Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid many weeks ago; Darwin Nunez is slated to move away.

And Luis Diaz is the focus of a concerted approach from Bayern Munich.

The latest on Luis Diaz's Liverpool future

There’s a lot of noise around Diaz and his Liverpool future, and it feels like he might be set to leave in the coming weeks.

Bayern have already seen a £58.5m bid knocked back for the Colombia international, and they are reportedly ready to bid again.

Though Slot won’t want to lose such an important part of his first-team squad, Diaz is 28 and has entered the next-to-the-last year of his contract. A new deal doesn’t appear to be forthcoming.

Liverpool have Cody Gakpo on the left flank, but Diaz has emerged as a shrewd option at centre-forward in Slot’s system, and it might take more than just Ekitike, who is 23, to replace him.

Left winger

76

31

21

Centre-forward

16

8

1

Right winger

6

1

1

Thus, the spending might not be concluded just yet for the Merseysiders.

Liverpool favourites for Diaz replacement

On Thursday, perhaps the biggest breaking news of the transfer window emerged. Alexander Isak wants to explore a move away from St James’ Park this summer.

Well, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool have retained their interest in the Newcastle United striker, even after sealing a deal for Ekitike, with a first approach made at the start of last week regarding his availability.

In fact, Arsenal and Chelsea, both keen on the Premier League superstar, have been informed that his preference would be to join Liverpool this summer, should he leave St. James’ Park.

However, Isak would cost a significant outlay. The Magpies would want him to eclipse the June deal for Wirtz, seeking a British-record £130m fee for his signature.

The 25-year-old has not travelled with Newcastle for their pre-season tour in Asia and is exploring his options as he targets a move to Merseyside.

Why Alexander Isak could help Liverpool replace Diaz

Analyst Raj Chohan declared Isak to have been “the best striker in the world” last season, having scored 27 goals and supplied six assists across 42 matches in all competitions for Newcastle.

The likes of Erling Haaland and Viktor Gyokeres might have scored at a more clinical rate, but the Sweden star is unmatched when it comes to creativity, completeness.

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 16% of centre-forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90.

It’s accepted that Isak would take Liverpool’s team to the next level, combining with Ekitike and Wirtz and Mohamed Salah to an extraordinary effect. There’s no question that he would be the pick of the goalscoring bunch.

The £120k-per-week striker would definitely mark an upgrade on Diaz, who impressed as a makeshift number nine last season but doesn’t have that natural-born instinct that Isak would bring to the table.

To be sure, Diaz stood out for his electric movements and off-the-ball movements, ranked among the top 3% of strikers across Europe last year for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

However, in Isak, Liverpool would be signing a new sensation capable of upholding such tactical virtues while concurrently transcending the goal threat that Slot currently has at his disposal from central options, with pundit Alan Shearer noting his “world-class” ball-striking ability.

1.

Erling Haaland

97

85 (0.88)

2.

Mohamed Salah

108

66 (0.61)

3.

Alexander Isak

86

54 (0.63)

4.

Ollie Watkins

112

50 (0.45)

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

101

38 (0.38)

Furthermore, while Diaz’s haul of 17 goals and eight assists across all competitions in 2024/25 denotes his high-level clinical ability, he enjoyed several purple patches throughout the season, bagging braces against Manchester United and Bournemouth in September, and another against Tottenham Hotspur in December.

Diaz also posted a hat-trick during Liverpool’s 4-0 romp over Bayer Leverkusen Champions League.

Such details are hardly to the South American’s detriment, but they do highlight his proneness to stretches without prolific impact, and in Isak, Liverpool would not have that same problem, for he is one of the most consistently threatening strikers in the business, and creative besides.

If the cogs fall into place and Liverpool truly have a window to strike at Newcastle’s talisman, they must do so. Such a signing would cement Slot’s project as one of the definitive of this generation – worldwide.

A better move than Rodrygo: £100m winger "wants" to join Liverpool

Liverpool could secure a big-money Rodrygo upgrade.

1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 24, 2025

Arsenal could finalise a deal to sign a “world-class” player this weekend, alongside Chelsea’s Noni Madeueke, according to a report.

Madueke deal edging towards completion

Fabrizio Romano has revealed the Gunners’ deal for Madueke is now very close to completion, with the winger jetting back from the Club World Cup to seal a move across the capital.

However, a section of the fanbase isn’t exactly overjoyed by the news, with some fans even signing a petition in a desperate attempt to stop the move going through, which has angered former Manchester United man Rio Ferdinand.

Weighing in on the issue, Ferdinand said: “It’s fine for fans to disagree with signings or decisions made at their football club but the way some fans have publicly voiced their opinions and those who have gone a step further in publicly joining a petition for this player not to be signed by their football club is beyond me. I have never seen anything like this before, and I hope I don’t ever again.”

A good way of getting the fans back on side may be to finally get a striker through the door, and there has now been a suggestion that a deal for Viktor Gyokeres could be wrapped up in the very near future as sporting director Andrea Berta ramps things up a notch at the Emirates.

Odegaard 2.0: Arsenal in pole position for £87m "superstar" after Madueke

The incredible internatinal could be a game-changer for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 11, 2025

According to a report from The Guardian, Sporting CP retain feint hope the deal with Arsenal could be finalised this weekend, with Gyokeres making it clear he has no interest in remaining at the Portuguese club.

The Sweden international has failed to return to pre-season training, in order to try and force through a move to the Emirates Stadium, but a deal will not be cheap, with president Frederico Varandas holding firm on a total package of €80m (£69m).

"World-class" Gyokeres could be final piece of Arsenal jigsaw

While some Arsenal fans have been left angered by the decision to spend big on Madueke, there should be less outrage over signing the Sporting striker, given that he is clearly ready to make the move to a top club.

At 27-years-old, the Swedish forward should now be in his peak years, and he was lauded as “world-class” by members of the media after putting in a fantastic performance against Manchester City in the Champions League last season.

The Sporting star scored a hat-trick in his side’s 4-1 victory over City last November, which should allay some fears about whether he would be able to make the step-up to the Premier League.

Gyokeres is clearly determined to seal a move to the Emirates Stadium, and his exploits in the Liga Portugal indicate he could be a real difference-maker in Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title next season.

Leeds United now hold an advantage in the race for a £17m midfielder, who Red Bull will know “all about”, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed.

Leeds eyeing midfielder after missing out on Diarra

After being promoted from the Championship alongside Sunderland, it is no surprise that Leeds have identified similar targets to the Black Cats, and they will be extremely disappointed to have lost out to the play-off final winners in the race for two midfielders.

Habib Diarra had been on the Whites’ shortlist prior to the 21-year-old’s move to the Stadium of Light, and they now appear to have missed out on a deal for Noah Sadiki, with the Union Saint-Gilloise maestro set to complete a move to Wearside.

As such, Daniel Farke’s side will now be forced to move on to different options in the middle of the park, and Bailey has dropped a more promising update on their pursuit of Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach.

The transfer expert told Leeds United News that the Whites’ Red Bull connection should give them the edge over their Premier League rivals in the race for the German’s signature, given their minority owners’ involvement in the Bundesliga.

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ByDan Emery Jul 2, 2025

Bailey said: “He’s on the list I’m told. Hoffenheim are not keen for him to go. Leeds aren’t the only ones interested from what I’m told. A very good player and obviously through Red Bull, Leeds are well-versed on him.

“They’re ahead of many other Premier League teams when it comes to German-based talent. So, it’s not a surprise, you know, it’s not going to be a huge surprise. If there’s a good one, Leeds know all about it.”

"Underrated" Stach could be better signing than Sadiki

Leeds will be frustrated that Sunderland were able to pip them to Sadiki’s signature, but there are signs that Stach could be a better signing than the Belgian-born midfielder.

Firstly, the two-time Germany international is more experienced in a top league, having made 122 Bundesliga appearances, while Sadiki remains unproven outside Belgium.

Not only that, but the “underrated” Hoffenheim star excels defensively, outperforming the new Sunderland signing across a number of key metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Anton Stach

Noah Sadiki

Interceptions

1.65 (93rd percentile)

1.08 (55th percentile)

Blocks

1.60 (85th percentile)

1.34 (64th percentile)

Clearances

3.65 (99th percentile)

1.34 (38th percentile)

Aerials won

1.83 (88th percentile)

0.30 (8th percentile)

Stach should be available for a fee of around £17m, which seems a reasonable fee, given the level of his performances for Hoffenheim, and it could be a blessing in disguise that Leeds missed out on Sadiki and Diarra.

With Martin Zubimendi already on the way, Arsenal have also now reportedly held positive talks to sign a defensive target over Liverpool who’s worth more than £40m.

Arsenal complete paperwork for Martin Zubimendi deal

A year on from deciding to stay at Real Sociedad instead of joining Liverpool, Zubimendi is finally set to become a Premier League player. But it’s Arsenal who have reason to celebrate. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have now completed all the paperwork and the Spaniard will become an Arsenal player for a fee around the €65m (£58m) mark.

Zubimendi could yet have the task of replacing Thomas Partey in Mikel Arteta’s side. The latter is yet to sign a new deal at the club and remains on course to depart as a free agent at the start of next month.

As replacements go, it’s clear to see why Arsenal have turned towards Zubimendi as speculation continues to grow about Partey’s future. The talented 26-year-old would slot straight in.

Minutes

2,962

2,797

Progressive Passes

195

185

Tackles Won

37

53

Ball Recoveries

140

138

Zubimendi’s best work undoubtedly comes in possession and Arteta’s system should provide him with the perfect platform to showcase that ability in the Premier League.

After agreeing a deal to sign the midfielder, however, Arsenal are not done there. They’re looking to deal Liverpool a blow with a focus on signing a defensive addition ahead of the Premier League champions this summer.

Arsenal hold positive talks to sign Jorrel Hato

According to reports relayed by Football Transfers, Arsenal have now held positive talks to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax this summer. The Dutchman has also attracted the interest of Liverpool, but the Gunners are now hoping to steal a march on their rivals.

He used to be at Spurs: Arsenal join race to sign £51m Saka & Gakpo hybrid

The talented winger would be a brilliant addition to Arsenal’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 21, 2025

The deal won’t come cheap, though. Reports are suggesting that Ajax are demanding as much as €50m (£42m) to sell their 19-year-old left-back in the coming months. Alas, it must be said that price tag becomes understandable when assessing just how talented Hato already is at such a young age.

Among those full of praise for the Ajax teenager, scout Jacek Kulig dubbed Hato a player with “immense quality” and a “fantatsic mix of complete full-back, playmaking full-back, and ball-playing centre-back” in traits that tick all of Arsenal’s boxes.

As the chaos of the transfer window continues, those in North London should do everything to ensure that they beat Liverpool to Hato’s signature this summer.

Rival supporters will mock the continued lack of silverware at Arsenal, but it is hard to ignore the progress that is being made under Mikel Arteta’s watch, having notably enjoyed a thrilling Champions League run last time out.

Yes, it may have all ended in heartbreak, but football is a game of moments, and few have been better in the Emirates era than that night against Real Madrid, with Declan Rice coming up clutch for the Gunners.

Up against the holders and 15-time winners of the competition, Arteta’s men showed no signs of inferiority, with a collectively stunning performance epitomised by those two magic set-pieces from the club’s record signing. Who knew that the Englishman had that in his locker?

The recipient of the Gunners’ Player of the Year award – as voted for by fans – Rice is slowly but surely taking on talismanic status in north London, representing the leader without the armband in Arteta’s ranks.

While £105m looked like a sizeable investment two years ago, the 26-year-old has since backed up claims from former West Ham United boss David Moyes that he actually could have fetched more than £150m, such has been his “level of performance”.

If recent reports are to be believed, Arteta and co could be in the mix to make another similarly statement signing this time around.

Arsenal open talks for forward signing

The transfer circus is certainly in full swing, with things having reached the stage where the social media activity of a transfer target is even being scrutinised, as journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that a certain Benjamin Sesko has begun following the club on Instagram.

Read into that what you will, although it is no real secret that the Gunners are working on a deal for the Slovenian striker, albeit with an issue over the 22-year-old’s price tag still to be resolved with RB Leipzig.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel has shed light on another potential attacking reinforcement that could be on his way to north London, with the respected insider revealing on the Latte Firm YouTube Channel that work has begun on a move for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus.

Transfer Focus

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

As Mokbel hinted, talks have seemingly begun with the Hammers amid the claim that Arsenal are among one of the Premier League’s top six who have made an “enquiry” regarding the Ghanaian forward:

“My information is that all of the top six in the Premier League have checked in on the conditions of that deal. He’s got an £85m release clause for Premier League clubs but I think West Ham would be willing to go below that.

“They wouldn’t take masses below that but they would be open to a negotiation. There is a long-term interest there and as I understand that, there has been an enquiry from the Premier League’s top six; Arsenal are one of them. That could be one to watch in the absence of getting Rodrygo or Gordon which would be difficult deals to get over the line.”

As Mokbel noted, the former Ajax man – who joined the Irons on a £38m deal in 2023 – could be available for less than his £85m release clause, with the race now on for his coveted signature.

Why Kudus would be a good signing for Arsenal

As already noted, it’s fair to say that Arsenal have got their money’s worth after their previous dealing with West Ham, with that man Rice providing 36 goals and assists from just 103 games in all competitions in his new surroundings.

The man who led his former employers to Conference League glory in 2023, prior to his high-profile exit, the Three Lions mainstay has certainly kicked on from his time in east London, where he provided just 28 goal involvements in 245 games across all fronts.

At one stage a defensive-minded midfielder, or even a centre-back, at West Ham, Rice has since been unleashed under Arteta’s tutelage, with the Spaniard having found the perfect role for his statement signing in an advanced number eight berth.

Centre-forward

51

16

3

Right winger

50

21

10

Attacking midfield

49

11

6

Central midfield

46

11

3

Left winger

19

6

3

Right midfield

3

0

2

Left midfield

2

0

0

Second striker

1

0

1

Hopefully, the former Manchester City assistant can replicate that feat with regard to Kudus, with the fleet-footed sensation in need of a settled role, after lining up on either flank, as a number ten, and even as a centre-forward during his time at the London Stadium to date.

Like Rice too, there is certainly room for growth, with the 24-year-old coming off the back of a disappointing campaign in which he provided just five goals and four assists in all competitions, as West Ham toiled under Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter.

Such woes should not overshadow Kudus’ undoubted talent, however, as he had previously registered 23 goals and assists in 2023/24 during Moyes’ final season in charge, having also been dubbed a “generational talent” by journalist Gary Al-Smith.

With 39 goals and assists also under his belt in just 87 games in Amsterdam, the dynamic left-footer is a figure who can wreak havoc in the final third when at his best, as shown by the fact that he ranked in the top 3% of his Premier League peers for successful take-ons per 90 last season, as per FBref.

That dribbling prowess also mirrors his ability as a ball carrier, something he shares with Rice. Indeed, the pair averaged 3.41 and 2.66 carries per 90, respectively, in the top-flight in 2024/25.

Such quality, if harnessed in the right way, could well be a real asset to Arteta’s forward line, with now the time for the Accra-born speedster to finally find a consistent, settled role for himself.

Lauded by Potter for his “really good” performance against the Gunners, during West Ham’s shock 1-0 win at the Emirates earlier this year, Kudus has also been described as something of an “example” at the club by the Englishman.

It could then be the case that after poaching Rice two years ago, Arteta could return with a fresh raid for another of the Hammers’ main men this summer.

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ByEmilio Galantini Jun 25, 2025

Burnley’s intimidating defence last season in the Championship was one major factor behind why Scott Parker’s men sealed automatic promotion on 100 points.

Whilst the Clarets did score a reasonable 69 strikes across the 46-game marathon, they amazingly only gave up 16 goals across that same period, culminating in the Lancashire outfit losing just two second-tier contests all season long.

Burnley have been known to be a well-drilled machine in this regard for many a year, with Sean Dyche the first notable manager to make the Clarets a hard-to-beat unit when he was situated in the Turf Moor dug-out.

Throughout his well-known stint at the Clarets, Dyche regularly called upon the likes of James Tarkowski to ensure opposition attackers knew they were in for a tough fight when attempting to break down Burnley’s rock-solid defence.

Tarkowski's defensive heroics at Burnley

Now lining up for Everton at 32 years of age, Tarkowski has Burnley to thank for initially kickstarting his career at the very top.

In total, the imposing veteran would go on to make 219 appearances for the Clarets, with his reputation throughout his stay at the club centring on his no-nonsense approach aerially.

His breakout season in the Premier League for Burnley would come about during the 2018/19 campaign, with the centre-back scoring three goals when putting his towering 6-foot-1 frame to good use, alongside winning a ridiculous 7.8 duels per league clash.

No longer at Turf Moor, he is certainly ageing like a fine wine. He secured ten clean sheets in league action across 2024/25 and most famously scored that thunderbolt of a goal in the dying embers of Goodison Park’s last Merseyside derby.

He’s a man for the big occasion and as Parker and Co go about strengthening their ranks, they’ll certainly be hoping to find their next Tarkowski.

Burnley's "outstanding" new Tarkowski

Unfortunately, it looks unlikely that Burnley will be able to keep all the components of their robust defence together past this transfer window, with CJ Egan-Riley and Maxime Esteve both reportedly heading for the exit door.

Therefore, a new, strong defender will surely be high up the Clarets’ shopping list, with rumours coming to the surface now from journalist Graeme Bailey suggesting 6-foot-4 brute Chris Mepham be on Parker’s radar as they aim to add numbers at the back.

Burnley are already well aware of how tricky a defender Mepham can be to get the better of, having clashed with him last season when he was out on loan with eventual playoff winners Sunderland.

The Welshman stood out as a powerful centre-back throughout that loan spell, and with plenty of Premier League experience in the tank at 61 top-flight games and counting, he could be just what Burnley desire in trying to land an up-to-date Tarkowski.

Games played

38

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Touches*

65.7

Accurate passes*

45.2 (87%)

Ball recoveries*

3.6

Clearances*

6.1

Total duels won*

4.9

His similarities to Tarkowski are even more striking when glancing at the table above, with Mepham both a defensive option that is comfortable with the ball at his feet and joining in with attacks, but also a figure who will valiantly throw himself into duels for the cause, like the ex-Burnley captain.

Black Cats skipper Dan Neil would even herald Mepham as “outstanding” for his brave efforts during Sunderland’s promotion story, with Parker hopeful he could make a similarly quick impact at the heart of the Clarets’ defence if signed.

Burnley won’t want to just roll back the years in winning themselves a gritty defender like Tarkowski, however.

Even more so, the Lancashire underdogs will pray they can become a Premier League regular again, with Mepham joining potentially strengthening their chances of immediately staving off the drop.

Burnley can land dream Esteve replacement by signing £12m "warrior"

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ByKelan Sarson Jun 8, 2025

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz appears to be entering the endgame phase as they look to wrap up a deal for the Germany international.

Arne Slot is attempting to bolster his squad, having already signed Jeremie Frimpong in the summer transfer window, and the midfield creator is next up on his wishlist.

According to BILD journalist Christian Falk, an offer of £110m from Liverpool for the German wizard has already been rejected by Leverkusen, as they want up to £118m for his services.

The reporter claims that the Bundesliga outfit are expecting the Premier League champions to come back with a final offer for Wirtz, and that both sides are expected to agree on a fee of £118m.

This deal for Wirtz looks set to smash the club’s record transfer fee, set at £85m when they signed Darwin Nunez from Benfica in the summer of 2022, but is he worth the money?

Why Florian Wirtz is worth the money for Liverpool

The 22-year-old starlet is worth the gamble, even at a whopping £118m, because the star could be a transformational signing for the Reds, even after they won the Premier League in the 2024/25 campaign, due to the impact he could make at the top end of the pitch.

No central or attacking midfielder for Liverpool managed more than Dominik Szoboszlai’s return of six goals and six assists in the top-flight for Slot’s side, which shows that none of the manager’s options in that area of the park were particularly prolific or creative.

Wirtz, however, is a number ten who can consistently provide quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals, as evidenced by his performances for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga over the past two seasons, in particular.

During the 2024/25 campaign, the right-footed dynamo racked up 16 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for the German outfit, including six goals in nine matches in the Champions League.

Appearances

32

31

xG

9.00

9.40

Goals

11

10

Big chances created

12

17

xA

9.75

9.44

Assists

11

12

As you can see in the table above, Wirtz has hit double figures for both goals and assists in each of the past two Bundesliga campaigns, which shows that he can provide a consistent threat in the final third from an attacking midfield position.

Whether the 22-year-old superstar can translate that kind of form over to the Premier League still remains up for debate, of course, but he has done it on the big stage for Germany as well.

The international star scored four goals and provided three assists in seven matches for his country on their way to the semi-finals of the Nations League, which is further proof that he would be worth the money for the champions.

Liverpool, alongside a deal for Wirtz, could unearth England’s answer to the German star by signing one of their reported targets, Morgan Gibbs-White.

Liverpool's interest in Morgan Gibbs-White

It was recently reported by a Spanish outlet that Liverpool are one of a number of teams eyeing up a possible move for the Nottingham Forest playmaker in the summer transfer window.

The outlet claimed that Chelsea and Manchester City are also in the running to sign the England international from the Tricky Trees, who qualified for the UEFA Conference League for next season.

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It also revealed that Nottingham Forest would be willing to negotiate with those three clubs for a fee in the region of £70m, which means that he would be significantly cheaper than Wirtz as a number ten option.

The report, however, did not mention any incoming bids or imminent talks planned with the Premier League side for the Reds, so Gibbs-White may not be a priority target for the champions at this moment in time.

Irrespective of whether or not Liverpool finalise a move for Wirtz from Leverkusen, the Nottingham Forest star would be an excellent signing for the club as England’s own version of the Bundesliga star.

Why Gibbs-White could be England's own Wirtz

England fans watched on, likely in boredom, as their team struggled to break down Andorra and came away with a drab 1-0 win, thanks to Harry Kane’s 50th-minute strike from close range.

Despite the fairly dismal attacking showing from the Three Lions, Gibbs-White was brought on with just one minute left to play and did not have a chance to make an impact.

Moving to Anfield and playing in Europe, in the Champions League, would put the former Wolves starlet in the spotlight at the very top of the domestic game and make it incredibly difficult for Thomas Tuchel to ignore him.

A transfer to Liverpool could also help to take Gibbs-White’s output to the next level as part of a team that creates more chances and has more of the ball than Nottingham Forest.

In the 2024/25 season, Liverpool created 82.2 xG to Forest’s 45.5 xG and averaged 57.7% possession to Nuno Santos’ side’s 41.2%, as per FBref, which means that the English star would be part of a far more dominant and attacking outfit if he made the move to Anfield.

Appearances

34

xG

6.34

Goals

7

Big chances created

10

Key passes per game

1.5

Assists

8

As you can see in the table above, the 25-year-old playmaker still managed to produce 15 goals and assists combined in the division, despite his team’s lack of dominance and creativity on the whole.

Gibbs-White, once dubbed “exceptional” by Pep Guardiola, scored more goals and provided more assists than any of Liverpool’s central midfielders. Now imagine how many goal contributions he could rack up as part of Slot’s dominant side…

The Forest star has not had the chance to showcase his talent in a team as great as Leverkusen’s or Liverpool’s, like Wirtz, and could explode in the final third if given that opportunity, based on his outstanding output in Forest’s team.

Therefore, the Reds could unearth England’s answer to Wirtz and give themselves two versions of the German star by signing the Tricky Trees talent before the end of the summer transfer window to provide him with a chance to flourish in a dominant side.

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ByAngus Sinclair Jun 8, 2025