Everton could reportedly now sell as many as three of their players to Tottenham Hotspur as some transfer news has emerged in Mike McGrath’s column for The Telegraph.
The Lowdown: Poor season
Even though the Goodison Park faithful now look quite likely to survive the relegation threat, they have still had a poor season by their standards.
Sitting just above the bottom three, they have not finished lower than 12th since the 2004/05 campaign, and with the amount of money that they have spent over the years, they really should not be in this position.
Given their troubles with Financial Fair Play, it would not be a surprise to see the Blues offload some players even if they stay up.
The Latest: Tottenham lurking
As per The Daily Telegraph’s McGrath, Spurs have now been keeping an eye on Richarlison, Ben Godfrey and Anthony Gordon ahead of potential moves in the summer.
Given their situation, it is likely that the Merseyside club could look to move on some of their players for big money, in order to help fund a rebuild.
The Verdict: Difficult to keep
If a club like the Lilywhites, who are pushing for UEFA Champions League qualification, come calling for some of the Toffees’ best players, then it will be difficult to keep them.
Richarlison currently ranks as their best performer in the Premier League, while Gordon has come on leaps and bounds this term with four goals, two assists and two man-of-the-match awards, and Godfrey ranks highly among his teammates in some key defensive areas (WhoScored).
Rated at £45m, £14.4m and £19.8m respectively, a value totalling £79.2m, selling them would increase the transfer budget significantly, although the Blues supporters would surely see keeping Gordon in particular as a big priority this summer.
In other news, find out what huge in-house EFC update has now emerged here!
Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is now closing in on a ‘very likely’ major summer signing, according to a reliable source.
The Lowdown: Conte eyeing major rebuild…
The Italian has reportedly laid out his transfer demands as he gears up for an end-of-season meeting with chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Fabio Paratici (The Telegraph).
It is believed that Conte has as many as six fresh faces on his wish list, including the signing of a right-wing-back, central defender, two midfielders, a forward and reserve goalkeeper.
Sharing an update on the latter position, reliable reporter Dan Kilpatrick now has his say on the club’s chances of landing West Bromwich Albion shot stopper Sam Johnstone on a free deal.
The Latest: Kilpatrick shares exciting update…
The journalist, taking to Twitter, shares his article that Tottenham are in pole position as Conte seemingly closes in on the signing of Johnstone.
It is also believed that the ‘deal’ to sign West Brom’s ace is rated as ‘very likely’.
The Verdict: Great news…
Landing the 29-year-old on a Bosman kills so many birds with one stone, not least signing a back-up and eventual heir to long-term mainstay Hugo Lloris.
At zero cost, Johnstone’s likely addition will go some way to solving Tottenham’s homegrown quota issue whilst also adding proven Premier League quality to Conte’s ranks.
Ex-Sheffield United and QPR keeper Paddy Kenny has called the Baggies ace ‘unreal’ and a potentially ‘top signing’ for Spurs and the pundit may well be right in more ways than one.
In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Conte could now lose ‘monster’ Spurs player who’s ‘expected to leave’…find out more here.
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly ‘made contact’ with Paulo Dybala’s representatives ahead of a possible move to the Premier League this summer, according to ESPN journalist James Olley.
The Lowdown: Previous links
The 28-year-old, who currently plays for Juventus, did hold talks with the Lilywhites back in 2019 when Mauricio Pochettino was in charge, but they failed to reach an agreement before the transfer deadline due to issues with his image rights.
The striker is expected to leave the Serie A giants when his contract expires at the end of the current season though, and with four Premier League clubs said to be interested in his services, the chances of him staying in Italy beyond this campaign are now highly unlikely.
ESPN reporter Olley took to Twitter to confirm that Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle have all ‘made contact’ with Dybala’s team, though it’s believed that nothing is yet at an advanced stage.
Expanding in an article for ESPN, it’s claimed that Antonio Conte has ‘identified’ the 32-time international as an ideal target, ahead of his squad overhaul in preparation for the start of the new term.
The Verdict: Perfect target
If the opportunity arises for Spurs to sign the forward, then it’s an absolute no-brainer of a deal to try and get over the line.
The £222k-per-week star has been prolific for Juventus so far this season, where he has made an impressive 20 goal contributions in just 34 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.
Once hailed for having an “extraordinary” technique by his former Palermo teammate Stefano Sorrentino, Dybala would be a wonderful option to have up top alongside the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min, and if the Italian boss can secure his signature, he could play a huge part in helping the north London outfit achieve a top four spot next year or even better.
In other news… a source has revealed some new Tottenham pre-summer exit talks.
Nottingham Forest are now keen on a January move for a Champions League defender, amid doubts over the future of Murillo.
Murillo's future at the City Ground up in the air
It recently emerged that Murillo has now become Barcelona’s top target, with Evangelos Marinakis willing to cash-in on the Brazilian for £53m, and journalist Pete O’Rourke has also named Premier League rivals Chelsea as potential suitors.
With the centre-back contracted until 2029, Forest are in a strong negotiating position, but there is certainly no shortage of interest in his services, with Mikel Arteta a big fan, and Arsenal have also now identified the 23-year-old as a top target.
Although results have improved under Sean Dyche, the Tricky Trees are still very much in a relegation battle as things stand, so it would be a risk to sell one of their key players this winter, but it would not be a surprise if the defender has his head turned, amid interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.
According to a report from Football Insider, Chelsea could make a big-money move for Murillo when the January transfer window opens, and Nottingham Forest are now keen on signing Inter Milan defender Stefan De Vrij, whose future at the San Siro is in doubt.
De Vrij’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and having not received much game time, he could be open to a move this winter, with a place in the Netherlands’ 2026 World Cup squad at stake.
Forest have set out to sign a new centre-back in January, with Dyche personally keen on bringing in new additions more suited to his style of play.
Perfect for Anderson: Nottingham Forest make £21m PL star their top target
Nottingham Forest have their eyes on another Premier League star ahead of the January transfer window.
ByEthan Lamb Nov 27, 2025 De Vrij would arrive at Forest with wealth of top-level experience
With the 33-year-old’s contract due to expire next summer, he could plausibly be available for a low fee, and the £117k-a-week defender’s vast top-level experience could be invaluable for Forest in their bid to avoid relegation and compete in Europe.
The Dutchman has 77 caps to his name for the Netherlands, while also making 48 appearances in the Champions League and 14 in the Europa League, and he was recently singled out for high praise from compatriot Rafael Van der Vaart.
The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder said: “In the air, he can clear those four balls from the goal, and he always stays calm. I’ve come to appreciate him immensely. Usually, I prefer a player with more style, but he doesn’t make mistakes.”
Given his age, De Vrij wouldn’t be a viable long-term replacement for Murillo, and Forest should look to hold onto the Brazil international for as long as possible, but he could be a savvy addition to the squad on a short contract, with an option to extend.
Leeds United have lost three of their last four matches in the Premier League and will be hoping to head into the international break off the back of a positive result.
The Whites travel away from Elland Road to take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, after they were beaten 3-0 by Brighton last time out in the division.
Daniel Farke’s side have failed to score in four of their five away matches in the Premier League so far this season, and they need more than just Noah Okafor to step up in the final third.
Why Leeds United need another Noah Okafor
The £18m signing from AC Milan has provided a spark at the top end of the pitch this season, with two goals and one ‘big chance’ created in six league starts, per Sofascore.
Okafor, who completed five dribbles against Brighton, scored an excellent goal in the club’s only away win in the Premier League so far this season, utilising his pace, composure, and quality to find the back of the net against Wolves.
The Switzerland international is the club’s joint-top scorer in the league, alongside Joe Rodon, and the top scorer from open play, which speaks to how important he is to Farke’s side at this moment in time.
However, the fact that no other forward in the squad has produced more than one goal in the Premier League so far this season is a cause for concern moving forward, as it suggests that the manager does not have many reliable options in the final third.
Fakre could, though, unearth his next version of Okafor by finally unleashing the rarely-seen Wilfried Gnonto as a starter against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Why Leeds should unleash Wilfried Gnonto
The Italy U21 international returned from a calf injury ahead of the clash with Brighton, per the manager, but he was not included in the matchday squad for that game, which means that he has not featured in a game since the 1-0 loss to Fulham in the middle of September.
Gnonto has only played four times in the Premier League so far this season, per Sofascore, and this means that the rarely-seen star has not had too many opportunities to prove that he can make a positive impact in the top-flight.
The Italian winger’s form in the Championship in the 2024/25 campaign suggests that there is more to come from him than the zero goals and zero assists that he has managed so far this term.
xG
8.22
Top 7%
Goals
9
Top 9%
Shots on target
29
Top 7%
xA
3.74
Top 22%
Chances created
46
Top 13%
Assists
6
Top 13%
As you can see in the table above, Gnonto ranked among the best wingers in the second tier when it came to scoring and assisting goals last season, despite only starting 26 of his 43 appearances in the league.
The 22-year-old talent, who was once described as “explosive” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has the potential to be an Okafor-esque player for the Whites if he can finally carry his output over to the Premier League.
When the Whites were last in the top-flight, Gnonto produced two goals and four assists in 14 starts as a teenage winger, per Sofascore, which shows that he can make an impact at that level when he is at his best.
It is now down to Farke to help him hit those heights again by finally unleashing him on the right wing now that he is fit and available for selection, because the youngster is an electric winger who can be a difference-maker like Okafor if Leeds can get him firing.
Leeds told "dangerous" striker could be open to January move with 49ers keen on deal
Recent reports have indicated that the Whites hold an interest in this impressive Championship forward.
Any Premier League outfit with well-lined pockets can spend money on attractive players. Newcastle United’s financial fortunes changed when PIF swooped in nearly four years ago, but there’s far more substance to the Toon’s revival.
Appointing Eddie Howe was a shrewd and calculated move. Less than one month before the former Bournemouth boss’s arrival at St. James’ Park in November 2021, The Times reported Unai Emery, Steven Gerrard and Roberto Martinez were at the top of the shortlist to replace Steve Bruce.
Newcastle looked elsewhere, and they haven’t looked back. Howe is the real deal, leading the Magpies to Europe across two of the past three campaigns and winning the Carabao Cup last season; victory over Liverpool at Wembley ended 70 years of searching for domestic silverware.
Newcastle have unloaded their financial strength across recent transfer windows, sure, but they are almost unerring in their strategy.
Many players are a testament to that, and Sandro Tonali is a shining example.
Sandro Tonali's Newcastle journey
In July 2023, Newcastle paid £55m to sign Tonali from AC Milan. It was Howe’s first signing of the summer. All knew United had recruited a top midfield talent, elegant and intelligent in the middle of the park, and he is now producing the goods with consistency.
He didn’t at first. The Italy international managed only eight Premier League appearances in 2023/24 before being suspended due to betting breaches. He would not return until after the start of the following campaign.
Tonali was worth the wait, though, having been hailed by pundit Paul Scholes this month as being the best midfielder in England.
Howe has reworked his central system over the past 12 months, rewiring the nucleus of his team by moving Tonali into the deepest area of the midfield, thus freeing Bruno Guimaraes to be more dynamic ahead of him.
Games
15
36
Wins
7
23
Draws
4
2
Losses
4
11
PPG
1.66
1.97
The 25-year-old is a product of Howe’s vision and tactics. He has shaped him into a star. The English manager has something of a knack for crafting high-class midfielders, and he could do it again with Lewis Miley.
Newcastle's new version of Tonali
Miley is the boyhood star in Newcastle’s first team. Howe might dream of a reunion with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson down the line, but if Miley realises his potential over the coming years, that need will be lessened.
Already rather seasoned within Howe’s squad, the 19-year-old is a composed and cool customer in the engine room, not afraid to commit in the challenge, crisp on the ball and with an unteachable eye for goal.
Miley has faced adversity across the opening weeks of the campaign, with Howe condemning “unjustified” criticism and vowing to “protect” the homegrown talent last month.
An adaptable player, Miley could follow in Tonali’s footsteps under Howe’s wing, weathering adversity and working hard toward achieving respect and awe at St. James’ Park. He has the completeness to match the Italian, if not the experience or refinement.
Injuries have affected the young star’s rise to the Newcastle first team, but he has still made his mark over the past couple of years, already with 53 appearances for the seniors and seven direct goal involvements.
Pundit Pat Nevin has kept a close eye on Miley’s development and has even proclaimed him to be “the next young English superstar”, carrying a strength on the ball that belies his 19 years and showing technical qualities that will only harden as the months and years pass by.
That’s quite the claim from the one-time Scotland international, but it’s clear Miley has the natural talent and the determination to win over the doubters and make headway at Newcastle this season and thereafter.
With the Toon fanbase rallying behind him, Howe truly might unearth the club’s next version of Tonali.
PIF sold Newcastle's next Gazza on the cheap, now he's better than Bruno
Did Newcastle United sell an even better midfielder than Bruno Guimarães?
Where is Alexander Isak going to be playing his football next season? The Newcastle United striker is one of two attackers embroiled in a huge transfer saga involving the Magpies and Premier League champions Liverpool. It is fair to say that his future is up in the air right now.
A new report from David Ornstein explains that the Reds have contacted Eintracht Frankfurt over a possible move for Hugo Ekitike, also a key target for Liverpool. However, Arne Slot’s side have also made a move for Isak. Newcastle are hoping to keep their number nine and also sign Ektiike.
Eintracht Frankfurt's HugoEkitikecelebrates
At this stage, it is too difficult to predict which striker will end up where next season. A recent development could see Newcastle move for a different striker altogether.
The latest on Newcastle’s striker pursuit
It will be fascinating to follow this transfer saga, which does not seem like it will come to a conclusion anytime soon. Perhaps the Magpies will instead look to pursue a new target up front, and have been linked with someone from within the Premier League.
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 a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, the North Eastern giants hold a strong interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, and, in the view of Bailey, like the striker ‘an awful lot’.
They are said to be ‘one of several Premier League clubs in talks’ to sign the forward in the 2025 summer window, meaning the competition will be stiff.
Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest are also interested in a deal that could see the striker leave for as little as £40m.
Why Wissa would be a good signing
Perhaps it would be wise for Newcastle to untangle themselves from this Isak and Ekitike saga and focus on someone with a fantastic record in the Premier League, instead. Wissa is certainly that guy, and his top-flight numbers speak for themselves.
The 28-year-old has played 137 Premier League games in his career so far, finding the back of the net 45 times and assisting a further 13 goals. The last two seasons have seen the DR Congo international reach double figures for goals.
The 2024/25 campaign was comfortably Wissa’s best in the Premier League. He featured in 35 games for Brentford, scoring 19 times and grabbing five assists, stepping up in the wake of Ivan Toney’s departure. Impressively, the striker contributed to seven goals in the final seven games of the season.
If Isak is to depart St James’ Park this summer, then replacing him will be no mean feat. Last season, former defender-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports the Swede is the “best striker in the Premier League”, talking in December 2024.
Well, the stats from last season make it easy to see why the Liverpool legend spoke so highly of Isak. He bagged 23 goals in 34 Premier League appearances, as well as that crucial strike in the Carabao Cup final triumph over Carragher’s former side.
Finding an heir to the throne of Isak will not be easy, but perhaps Wissa, an “exceptional” striker according to Jamie Redknapp, could be the guy they’re looking for. They are actually noted as statistically similar players, as per FBef from the top flight last season and some of the stats stand out.
Of course, one of the most important stats for strikers is their shooting numbers. The Brentford star averaged 0.21 goals per shot per game last season, slightly pipping Isak, who had 0.2. The pair averaged the same number of goals per shot on target, with 0.46, too. Wissa’s 0.59 goals per game is not too far off Isak’s tally of 0.75.
Goals
0.59
0.75
Goals per shot
0.21
0.2
Goals per shot on target
0.46
0.46
Goal-creating actions
0.31
0.46
Ball recoveries
2.5
1.88
Aerial duels won
0.93
0.85
This could be a steal for Newcastle, at a price of just £40m. Wissa is undoubtedly one of the deadliest strikers in the Premier League, and only scored four fewer goals last season than Isak managed.
Brentford's YoaneWissacelebrates scoring their first goal
He has the quality and consistency to become the heir to the Swede’s throne and make the Magpies forget all about signing Ekitike this summer.
Elanga's dream CF: Newcastle exploring move for £50m Ekitike alternative
Following the signing of Anthony Elanga, Newcastle are now exploring a move to sign a Premier League striker worth £50m who has a “nose for goals”.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has already been able to bring in several new players to bolster his first-team squad during the summer transfer window.
Benjamin Nygren, Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Hayato Inamura, and Callum Osmand have all already come through the door since the end of last season.
Benjamin Nygren
There is more yet to come for the Scottish Premiership champions in the coming weeks, though, as the Hoops are looking for further signings, particularly in the attacking areas.
One player who looks set to join the likes of Tierney and Nygren is Japanese centre-forward Shin Yamada, after Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claimed that the club have agreed a £1.5m deal with Kawasaki Frontale to secure his services.
As explained in the post, the 25-year-old number nine is currently at an international tournament, which means that supporters may have to wait for an official confirmation from the club.
What role Shin Yamada could play at Celtic
The £1.5m striker is an interesting prospective signing for the Scottish giants because he is coming off the back of a poor season in the Japanese top-flight.
In the 2025 season, the right-footed striker has scored two goals and provided one assist in 21 appearances in the J1 League, which is far from an impressive return for the forward.
Shin Yamada in action for Kawasaki Frontale.
Speaking about that form, Yamada said: “On a personal note, I have to admit I have had a disappointing season. I set high standards for myself and I don’t think I met them if I am being honest.”
These statistics do not suggest that the forward is going to make a big impact at Parkhead next season, but he did thrive in front of goal in the 2024 campaign, before his struggles this year.
Appearances
38
21
Goals
19
2
Minutes per goal
107
573
Big chances missed
14
8
Key passes per game
0.7
0.4
Assists
3
1
As you can see in the table above, Yamada enjoyed a terrific spell in 2024 with a return of 19 goals in 38 games, but his form fell off a cliff since the turn of the year.
There is no guarantee that he can return to his form from last year, as it may have been a flash in the pan, which is why this is a risky signing for Celtic, and why he could be a back up option within the squad next season if he does not go back out on loan.
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates after winning the League Cup
Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke claims that Rodgers wants a “marquee” striker who can “guarantee” goals, and Yamada does not appear to fit the bill for what the manager is looking for.
This suggests that another number nine could come through the door before the end of the window, and David Strelec would be an interesting option.
Celtic's interest in David Strelec
Herald Scotland recently reported that the Slovakian striker has been a long-term target for the Scottish giants, although it remains to be seen if they are willing to make a move for him this summer.
The Hoops were interested in a deal to sign the Slovan forward, who played against Celtic in the Champions League last season, in the January transfer window.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, Slovan decided to demand a whopping fee of £9m in order to sanction an exit for their star centre-forward, which put any potential transfer to an end.
With Rodgers wanting a ‘marquee’ striker to ‘guarantee’ him goals, though, Strelec could emerge as an option for the Scottish giants this summer, should the price tag drop or should Celtic decide to pay the money.
Why Celtic should sign David Strelec
The Hoops should push to sign the Slovan striker this summer after missing out on him in January because he could be brought in as a much better centre-forward than Yamada.
Whilst the Japanese forward has struggled in front of goal this season and does not look to be the immediate answer to the club’s goalscoring needs, Strelec’s form last term suggests that he has the tools to hit the ground running in Glasgow.
The left-footed star, who was described as a “tireless runner” by analyst Louorns on X, ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of 25 goals and eight assists in all competitions, including two goals in the Champions League.
Strelec, who has scored seven goals for Slovakia at international level, showcased his ability to score and create goals at an exceptional rate as a centre-forward, and he could come in as an in-form striker who could provide a big threat in front of goal for Rodgers.
Appearances
29
21
Goals
20
2
Minutes per goal
102
573
Big chances missed
9
8
Big chances created
9
2
Key passes per game
1.1
0.4
Assists
5
1
As you can see in the table above, the Slovakian marksman’s form suggests that he would be a far better option than Yamada, whilst also being one year younger than the potential Hoops signing.
He would also arrive at Celtic with experience in European football and having played in the Champions League, whilst the Japanese striker would have to adapt to European football.
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates after winning the League Cup
Therefore, Strelec has far more potential to be the marquee striker who guarantees goals for the Premiership champions than Yamada does, because he would arrive at Parkhead off the back of a 25-goal season, rather than a two-goal one.
At the age of 24, the Slovakia international would also have room to develop and improve during his time at Celtic, making him a potential candidate to be sold on for a substantial profit in the future, even if they have to splash out £9m to bring him to the club.
Celtic could sign their new Van Dijk in a star who once silenced Gyokeres
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This is why the Scottish giants should be pushing to sign the Slovan sensation in the coming weeks to be the prolific number nine that Rodgers is desperate for.
Burnley are plotting a summer move for a Premier League player who was “on fire” last season, according to a fresh transfer update.
Burnley sign Weiss but Trafford exit close
The Clarets are still looking to bring in ideal new signings ahead of next season, with Scott Parker well aware that improvements will be needed in his squad to avoid the fate of recent promoted sides.
On Thursday, Burnley officially completed the signing of young goalkeeper Max Weiss from Karlsruher SC, with the German speaking of his happiness at moving to Turf Moor.
“I’m really excited to be here. It’s an amazing Club with a big ambition and all the conversations I have had with people from here have been so good and very positive. The training ground facility looks amazing, the pitches are so nice and I can’t wait to get in for pre-season and meet the rest of the team.”
That said, it looks as though James Trafford’s time as a Burnley player is close to its conclusion, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming the goalkeeper has “fully agreed personal terms” with Newcastle United.
Burnley plotting move for Premier League ace
Now, according to a new report from Football Insider, Burnley are “interested” in signing West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek this summer, with the Czech out of contract with the Hammers in 2026.
It is stated that the 30-year-old is not seen as a part of Graham Potter’s future plans at the London Stadium, but the Clarets “could find it hard to afford a deal” for the £90,000-a-week star, perhaps due to his wages.
West Ham's Tomas Soucek
Soucek could be an astute signing for Burnley this summer, with the West Ham man now a proven Premier League player who has scored 36 goals in 194 appearances in the competition.
He is also an 81-cap and 15-goal Czech Republic international, while Joe Cole hailed his performances for the Hammers last season.
At 30, Soucek isn’t getting any younger, but he isn’t a player who relies on pace, and his physicality and eye for goal in the middle of the park can be a great asset for Burnley for several years, should they be able to afford him.
If Mikel Arteta could pick any striker in world football to bring to Arsenal this summer then it’s likely Alexander Isak would be at the top of their list.
The Gunners looked at adding the impressive Swede to their ranks before he actually signed for Newcastle, but were reportedly put off by his asking price.
How foolish they were. Isak has become a genuine phenomenon in the following years, notably scoring as many as 27 goals in 42 games throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
In comparison, Arsenal struggled in front of goal. No player scored double figures in the league and their leading bagsman was Kai Havertz on 15.
Sadly, Isak now looks to be off the table. Liverpool are also dreaming of a move but with a reported £150m asking price and the Toon having secured Champions League football, signing the forward is now a pipe dream.
Arsenal's Isak alternatives
Much of the chatter so far this summer has revolved around two men; Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
Sesko has been of interest for quite some time now but the asking price of both players, as it did with Isak a few years ago, is proving problematic.
Sesko is now thought to have an asking price of between £68m to £85m. That’s according to Sky Germany who still insist that Arsenal have a ‘positive’ feeling a deal can be done.
So, how about Gyokeres? Well, according to reports from Portuguese outlet, Record, Arsenal have put a £55m offer on the table. That isn’t deemed enough by his club, Sporting CP.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As a result, the report notes that Andrea Berta and Co are set to turn their attention to another striker. That man is Ollie Watkins.
Indeed, it’s speculated that the Gunners have put their efforts to sign Gyokeres on hold and will begin drawing up plans to sign Watkins instead.
It’s stated that talks have already been held with the Aston Villa forward’s representatives.
Arsenal tried to do a deal for Watkins back in January but with Jhon Duran heading to Saudi, a move felt impossible with all bids rejected.
Why Watkins could become Arsenal's very own Isak
Isak hasn’t just been one of the most impressive centre-forwards in the Premier League, but he’s also now one of the best in Europe, notably even heralded as “the best striker in the world” by analyst Raj Chohan.
Indeed, over the last two seasons, he’s been right up there as far as goal scorers are concerned, bagging 44 in 64 matches. The only two players to better that record? Erling Haaland and Mo Salah.
1. Erling Haaland
62
49
2. Mo Salah
70
47
3. Alexander Isak
64
44
4. Cole Plamer
71
37
5. Ollie Watkins
75
35
6. Chris Wood
67
34
7. Yoanne Wissa
69
31
8. Jean-Philippe Mateta
72
30
As we can see, the aforementioned Watkins is also right up there. Now said to boast an asking price of £40m, he could be around £100m cheaper than Isak which is rather incredible considering there isn’t much to separate the two players in the last two years. Indeed, only a few years ago, one prominent analyst on social media suggested that he was “a €100m player” if he could score goals regularly in the Premier League.
While he may not be as prolific as he was in 2023/24, if we add assists to the mix as well, the Villa star – who won the Premier League’s Playmaker Award in 2023/24 for creating the most goals – is a better all-around package.
In the last two seasons, Isak has registered just eight assists but Watkins has as many as 21. Compared to the Premier League’s best in that time, only Salah has more.
1. Mo Salah
28
70
2. Ollie Watkins
21
75
3. Anthony Elanga
20
74
4. Bukayo Saka
19
60
5. Cole Palmer
19
71
6. Jacob Murphy
19
56
7. Son Heung-min
19
65
8. Bruno Fernandes
18
71
So, there is a clear difference in their chance creation, but as far as their other attributes go, they’re very alike.
Crucially, not only are they both Premier League proven, something that neither Sesko or Gyokeres can shout about, they share similar traits such as the ability to play on the shoulder of the last man and run in behind.
In Havertz and Mikel Merino, Arteta has two players who lead the line with their back to goal. They don’t have the pace of Watkins or Isak to run beyond the defence. It’s an attribute they have sorely missed in the last few seasons.
They’re also rather proficient carriers of the ball. Over the last two seasons, Newcastle’s star man has registered 2.71 progressive carries per 90 minutes, actually beating Watkins’ efforts of 1.81 per 90.
They combine that with raw pace, too. During Euro 2024, Watkins was clocked at a top speed of 32.4 km/h while Isak has previously been clocked at 33.6 km/h. In comparison, Merino was the third-slowest player in the Premier League at one point during 2024/25, hitting a top speed of just 29.7 km/h.
How Arsenal's striker targets compare in 2024/25.
So, it’s evident Arsenal need someone who’s a bit more mobile. Isak would guarantee this but with the Swede off the table, Watkins is surely the next best thing as far as proven players in the English top-flight go.
He’s a competent ball carrier, he’s got pace and he’s more efficient in front of goal than the aforementioned Sesko. He’s also far better at creating chances. Over the last two seasons, the England international has amassed 56 goal contributions while Sesko has only managed 34.
If Arsenal want a win-now solution, Watkins is the man.
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