All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Tottenham Hotspur showcased their resilience and togetherness to climb back from a two-goal deficit against Brighton & Hove Albion on the south coast in the Premier League.

However, last season’s residual defensive deficiencies had previously seeped in, with Yankuba Minteh and Yasin Ayari firing the hosts into a 2-0 lead in the first half, against the run of play.

Thomas Frank was delighted with his team’s performance, even though the shares were spoiled, with several players in particular really shining at the AMEX.

Spurs' best performers vs Brighton

Richarlison halved the deficit for Tottenham just before the interval to restore hope. That hope was captured and channelled in the second half, with Jan Paul van Hecke bundling in an own goal in the late stages to restore parity for the visitors.

At the centre of both goals was Mohammed Kudus, who was a menace throughout the contest. Signed from West Ham United for £55m in the summer, he is a work in progress but endowed with such quality, and the same can be said for nifty playmaker Xavi Simons.

Kudus was a constant thorn in the Seagulls’ side over the 90, attempting 12 dribbles and winning eight duels in total, as outlined by data-driven site Sofascore.

He could be more accurate in his attacking play, even having got the assist for Richarlison’s goal, but what a danger Frank has in this electric-paced winger.

Indeed, Wilson Odobert is a winger of high-speed efficiency, but it’s not working out for him in a Lilywhite shirt so far, with his performances perhaps shaping him into this year’s version of Brennan Johnson.

Frank must instantly drop Wilson Odobert

Johnson scored 18 goals for Tottenham across all competitions last season, the last of which carried quite the significance, but he toiled for much of the year, ghosting for large segments of the campaign. Odobert may well be taking that unwanted vacancy in Frank’s squad.

Indeed, Kudus might be firing on all cylinders after his cross-capital switch in the summer, but the same can’t be said for Odobert, who might have expected to kick on after an injury-hit maiden year at Tottenham but has so far offered little in the way of genuine promise.

Football.london saw it fit to brand Odobert with a 4/10 match rating, singling out his ineffectiveness when on the ball and failure to showcase any sort of meaningful threat.

Plenty of huff and puff, but the winger failed with every single one of his attempted dribbles and duels, and that tells the tale of the tape.

Minutes played

72′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

48

Shots (on target)

1 (0)

Accurate passes

33/39 (85%)

Key passes

0

Possession lost

12x

Tackles

0

Duels won

0/5

Minteh, his opposite number, won five duels and, of course, opened the scoring after darting round Guglielmo Vicario and converting.

Content creator Mitch Fretton noted that the French talent is “not performing at the required level this season”. With such thick competition in the attacking areas, it feels like Odobert might face an uphill battle to start in the Premier League again in the foreseeable future, with his struggles on the flank reminiscent of Johnson’s last year.

The Welsh winger was heavily criticised for his performances at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, but it’s worth noting that he bounced back spectacularly to play a significant role.

Let’s not forget, Johnson scored the goal which secured Tottenham some silverware at the end of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure. Odobert might be struggling to bring it all together at the moment, but let’s not count him out.

Worth even more than Kudus: Spurs have struck gold on "sensational" talent

Tottenham Hotspur have once again shown their impressive work in the transfer market given one player’s rise.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 19, 2025

Celtic kick off their Scottish Premiership title defence this weekend against St Mirren and could now be closing in on a defensive reinforcement, according to reports.

Chris Sutton urges Celtic to do more transfer business

Underwhelming is the word most Celtic fans would use to describe their summer transfer window despite Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Benjamin Nygren, Hayato Inamura, Callum Osmand and Shin Yamada coming through the Parkhead entrance.

Despite the reigning champions being linked with plenty of names over recent weeks, Chris Sutton has urged Celtic to sign a left-back, striker and winger to avoid being caught short in the name of squad depth.

He stated when asked about their remaining business: “A striker. I think left-back is still an issue as well. I think the signing of Kieran Tierney is really exciting. They’ve got Inamura in as well, but I still think that’s an area of concern.”

Later, he added on wide reinforcements: “You look at the wide areas, losing Nicolas Kuhn even though it was good money. If anything happens to Daizen Maeda, you’re in trouble. James Forrest. You’ve got Yang. I think Marco Tillio’s back as well. You get the sense it’s not where Brendan wants to be.”

Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeter has been targeted by Celtic, but Brendan Rodgers could now be dragged into the latter stages of the window as he looks to recruit options on either flank.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha has told Royal Antwerp he wants to join Celtic

The Bhoys are in the market for more recruits this summer.

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 24, 2025

Truthfully, Celtic have been slow to act on the transfer front. Whether that is a by-product of waiting for quality to become available near the end of the window is one thing, though they could finally be set to strengthen an area in need of work.

Celtic in pole position to loan Manchester City's Jahmai Simpson-Pusey

According to Manchester Evening News, Celtic are in pole position to loan Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey despite the 19-year-old being the subject of alternative interest from Championship clubs.

Previously, the Hoops made contact over a swoop for the Citizens talent, and it is said that he has been earmarked for a temporary move elsewhere following an outstanding campaign last year that saw him claim the Premier League 2 Player of the Season gong.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey 24/25 – youth and senior level

Appearances

33

Goals

2

Assists

1

At first-team level, he featured six times for Manchester City across all competitions, leading Pep Guardiola to praise Simpson-Pusey’s “composure” in a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Injury and arrivals at the Etihad Stadium in central defence have clogged his pathway to senior stardom, though a straight loan at Celtic would allow the former England Under-18 international to sample challenging for domestic trophies and competing in Europe.

In recent years, Celtic have been an unspoken friend of the City Football Group, which has seen the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Patrick Roberts and Olivier Ntcham go on to be landmark names at Parkhead.

After losing Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki, Simpson-Pusey could be the ideal candidate to offer depth and potential within the Hoops’ backline.

Newcastle United could well be set to lose Alexander Isak this summer after the striker appears to be exploring other options.

The Swedish centre-forward has been with the Magpies since the summer of 2022, going on to score 62 goals in just 109 matches for the club. This works out as a goal every 1.7 matches, and if he does leave, Eddie Howe will have a massive void to fill.

In the past, the Toon have enjoyed the services of several top class forwards. Going as far back to the days of Hughie Gallacher, who scored over 100 goals and helped Newcastle win the First Division in the 1920s, to Jackie Milburn, who won three FA Cups as a player and was the club’s highest ever scorer – until a certain Alan Shearer rocked up at St James’ Park.

Before Shearer, however, the likes of Malcolm Macdonald and Andy Cole flexed their goalscoring prowess for the club during the 1970s and 1990s, but it was the former Southampton and Blackburn hitman who would eclipse everything his predecessors achieved.

Alan Shearer’s Newcastle heroics

By the time Shearer made the move from Blackburn to Newcastle in the summer of 1996 for a world record fee of £15m, he was already established as arguably the finest centre-forward in the Premier League.

He led Blackburn to the 1994/95 top-flight title and ended his spell with the club having scored 130 goals during his stint at Ewood Park.

Throughout the next decade, the Englishman would shatter records at the Magpies and come close to glory on several occasions. The Toon reached the FA Cup final in both 1998 and 1999, yet lost both to Arsenal and Manchester United.

A move to United in 1996 might have seen Shearer enhance his medal collection, but nothing was going to stop him from moving to his hometown team.

Shearer could do it all. Not only potent in the penalty box, the striker loved scoring incredible goals. Who can forget his stunning volley against Everton in 2002, or his excellent free-kick against Wimbledon in his first ever match for the Magpies.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2005/06

41

14

4

2004/05

42

19

4

2003/04

52

28

6

2002/03

48

25

6

2001/02

46

27

6

2000/01

23

7

2

1999/00

50

30

13

1998/99

40

21

7

1997/98

23

7

1

1996/97

40

28

9

All of this added up to the 63-cap centre-forward eventually breaking Milburn’s all-time scoring record during a game against Portsmouth towards the tail end of the 205/06 season.

Racing onto a flick from Shola Ameobi, Shearer powered home a trademark finish in front of the Gallowgate End to score goal number 201 for the club.

Despite having players such as Isak, Andy Carroll, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Obafemi Martins lead the line at one stage or another since Shearer retired, none have come close to matching the legendary striker and his achievements.

Perhaps if Isak remains for the next few years, he could have a chance at breaking the goal record, but it looks as though he won’t be staying at St James’ Park for long.

As such, Howe must be looking at alternatives to bolster his attacking department. Could he target a move for someone who has shades of Shearer?

Newcastle’s search for a striker

Howe has been working hard to bring in another striker this summer. Players such as Yoane Wissa, Julian Alvarez and Mike Biereth have all been targeted in recent weeks.

All three would certainly make an impact at Newcastle, no doubt about it, but it is their pursuit of another striker that could take the club to the next level.

Journalist Graeme Bailey shared an update on X regarding Howe eyeing a move for Benjamin Sesko, saying that the Magpies “have engaged in talks” with the striker “to try and convince him to move to St James’ Park.”

Bailey added that “Newcastle would be prepared to break their transfer record to land him.”

According to The Times, it could take a fee of around £70m in order to land Sesko this summer, which would see Newcastle break their club-record transfer fee, eclipsing the £63m spent on Isak.

If they manage to sign the RB Leipzig frontman, it would signify a major statement of intent by Newcastle ahead of next season.

Sesko has plenty of traits similar to Shearer, meaning he could be the ideal player to lead the club’s charge in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Why Newcastle must sign Benjamin Sesko

The 22-year-old has an excellent goalscoring record for someone so young. Indeed, across 210 senior matches, the Slovenian has found the back of the net 90 times.

Sesko has scored 39 of those at Leipzig, with several being stunners. Against Bayern Munich last season, he netted a sublime strike with the outside of his foot from around 25 yards out to open the scoring.

He loves powerful efforts from outside the penalty area, just like Shearer in his pomp, with the former England skipper renowned for his ability to fire home from all angles and any distance – and with venom at that.

Much like Shearer was the main man at St James’ Park, Sesko has become a focal point of Leipzig’s attack since joining them in the summer of 2023. He is a “monster” of a striker, in the words of by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Shearer himself likes what he sees, having also noted comparisons between the Leipzig man and a certain Erling Haaland:

“He has the same frame. He is as quick as he is. He can certainly travel with the ball like he can. “He is very good at scoring goals. He is very good at bringing people into the game, so I get the comparison.

“I like him a lot. I know he is very young – he is only 21 years of age so he’s got a lot of learning to do – but without doubt there is a top-class footballer in there.”

Hailed as “phenomenal” by scout Antonio Mango, Sesko shone for his club last season. He finished the campaign with 13 league goals and a goal conversion percentage of 19% in the Bundesliga.

Furthermore, the player also created five big chances and recorded five assists, while succeeding with 55% of his dribble attempts.

It was yet another excellent season for the young striker and it is evident he is going from strength to strength.

Leipzig missed out on Champions League qualification, meaning Sesko will surely be seeking a move to a club where he can showcase his talents on the biggest stage in club football.

Newcastle would certainly provide the stage for the Slovenian, that’s for sure. If Isak does leave, Sesko would have some pretty big boots to fill.

Given his displays on the continent over the previous few years, the youngster wouldn’t be fazed at this prospect.

In the process, he could turn out to be one of the club’s finest strikers since Shearer. No pressure, eh?

PIF set sights on signing 13-goal star for Newcastle after Isak bombshell

The Magpies have instantly turned towards potential replacements.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 25, 2025

Newcastle United are beginning to motor this summer and could now be in the running to sign one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen, according to a report.

Newcastle United look to follow up Anthony Elanga's arrival

Eddie Howe has taken a measured approach this window and had to bide his time in the hunt for a big-money signing to follow Antonio Cordero’s arrival in the North East.

However, Anthony Elanga is now officially a Newcastle player after joining on a long-term deal from Nottingham Forest in a transfer said to be worth around £55 million.

Signalling his intention to hit the ground running at St James’ Park, he stated: “I’m ready to put on this black and white top to really fight for this team and give everything for the passionate fanbase that lives and breathes football.

“I had an amazing two years at Nottingham Forest, they really helped me to become the player I am today, but I’m really happy to be here now. The club won a trophy last season and are building something unique, something special that I really want to be part of.”

Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike is also on Newcastle’s radar and could represent a statement piece of business at the club. Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins could be a left-field solution to strengthen their forward line.

A new Tonali: Newcastle likely to see £34m bid accepted for "monster" CM

Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign a former Premier League star this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 13, 2025

Missing out on Joao Pedro to Chelsea will have come as a body blow in the North East. However, with Champions League football on the table, there is far more in the way of optimism than pessimism on Tyneside.

Now, Newcastle are said to have been contacted over the availability of another exciting marksman who could answer the call to fill one of their striking berths.

Newcastle contacted by Benjamin Sesko's agent

According to TBR, Newcastle have been contacted over RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko’s availability by his agent, and Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United are also being kept in the loop regarding his future.

Arsenal had been heavily linked with a swoop for the Slovenia international earlier this summer, but it looks as if Viktor Gyokeres will move to the Emirates Stadium instead, and there are indications from Sesko’s camp of a willingness to move to England.

Hugo Ekitike in senior football

Benjamin Sesko in senior football

Appearances – 150

Appearances – 251

Goals – 50

Goals – 106

Sesko, who has an asking price of £78m, could now be eager to try his hand at the English top-flight and is on the market after missing out on a move to the Gunners, but the scenario of him staying in Germany for another season hasn’t been discounted.

Should Newcastle accelerate their hunt for a new striker, being able to bring in someone who has claimed a wealth of senior experience despite only being 22 years of age would be a statement of intent ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will have to be wary of losing some of his star players before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

The Northern Irish head coach lost Matt O’Riley to Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2024 and Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes in January, and there are a number of players in the current squad who could follow the Danish ace out of the door this year.

Nicolas Kuhn is one of Celtic’s current stars who could be on his way out of Parkhead before the end of the window, amid reported interest from RB Leipzig.

The German side are reportedly keen on a deal for the 25-year-old attacker, who is said to be valued at more than £17m by the Scottish Premiership champions.

As well as being wary of losing stars, Rodgers must also avoid moving on from squad players too early, before they have a chance to truly flourish, as was once the case with Ryan Christie.

How Celtic messed up with Ryan Christie

In the summer of 2021, Celtic decided to cash in on the left-footed star for a reported fee of £2.5m, as English side Bournemouth swooped in to bolster their squad for their season in the Championship.

The attacking midfielder ended his career in Glasgow with a return of 42 goals and 44 assists in 151 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, which shows that he was an impressive performer, but not an outstanding one who was consistently delivering 30 goal contributions a season.

Christie was typically deployed on the right flank or as a number ten for the Scottish giants, hence why he posted decent numbers as a scorer and a creator, but Bournemouth took his game to another level by converting him into a deep-lying midfielder.

The majority of his appearances for the Cherries have come in a central or defensive midfield position, which has allowed him to flourish in the Premier League, particularly in the 2024/25 campaign.

Shot-creating actions

3.61

Top 21%

Progressive passes

5.82

Top 21%

Passes into the penalty area

1.40

Top 14%

Interceptions

1.28

Top 26%

Blocks

1.87

Top 9%

Clearances

2.17

Top 19%

Dribblers challenged

2.72

Top 20%

As you can see in the table above, Christie has combined his defensive and offensive qualities to make him one of the top box-to-box midfielders in the English top-flight, ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of metrics in and out of possession.

The 30-year-old star’s Transfermarkt value has soared to £8.5m as a result of his fantastic performances in the Premier League, which shows that Celtic messed up by selling him for just £2.5m in 2021.

European side eyeing deal for Celtic forward

The Hoops must avoid repeating the mistake that they made with Christie, when they sold him to the Cherries, amid interest in one of their current attackers.

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 Sky Sports, Polish giants Legia Warsaw have made an enquiry about a deal to sign Celtic winger Hyun-jun Yang in the summer transfer window, as they look to bolster their attacking options.

The report claims that the Europa Conference League outfit are interested in a swoop for the South Korea international, but that they are not the only team in for him.

It adds that there are also clubs in England and across Europe, although unnamed, eyeing up the 23-year-old talent, which shows that he has plenty of suitors waiting to snap him up from Parkhead if he becomes available.

However, Sky Sports does not reveal whether Celtic are willing to part ways with the young forward, who has three years left on his contract with the club, at this moment in time.

Why Celtic should not sell Hyun-jun Yang

The Hoops whiz is currently valued at around £2m by Transfermarkt, similar to the fee that was paid by Bournemouth for Christie, and the club should not be looking to cash in on him for that sort of price this summer.

He is a talented young prospect who still has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and grow into being a key performer for the club on a regular basis, having shown progress during his spell in Glasgow so far.

South Korea national team manager Myung-bo Hong claimed that Yang made a “major impact” in matches for Celtic, in spite of his lack of regular minutes on the pitch, and was impressed by his performances.

The versatile winger managed to produce five goals and two assists in the Scottish Premeirship, despite only starting nine games, which backs up Hong’s comments.

Yang only managed one goal and three assists in 31 outings in all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign for Celtic, then racked up six goals and six assists in 34 matches in all competitions last term for the Scottish giants, which shows a clear progression in his performances.

Appearances

24

23

Goals

1

5

Conversion rate

5%

25%

Possession lost per game

9.8x

6.8x

Assists

3

2

Pass accuracy

81%

86%

The South Korean starlet is clearly improving with more experience under his belt in Scottish football, which is why the club should not be looking to cash in on him at this time.

Ahead of Yang’s move to the club in 2023, Gangwon president Kim Byung-ji claimed he “could easily become a world-class player like Son Heung-min”, and this speaks to the kind of potential that the winger could go on to fulfill in the future.

These comments and his improving form for Celtic over the past two seasons suggest that he is on the rise and has the potential to develop into a star for Rodgers if all goes well.

This is why the Hoops must avoid selling him to Legia Warsaw, or any other club, because he could leave to become Ryan Christie 2.0, as another talented star whose value could soar elsewhere after moving on from Parkhead.

Scored 32 SPFL goals: Celtic could land £9m star who's better than Osmand

Celtic could sign an even better striker than Callum Osmand by landing this star.

ByDan Emery Jul 1, 2025

A Rangers star who Russell Martin is looking to keep at Ibrox is now “ready to quit” the club this summer, according to a new report.

Martin expecting new Rangers signings before Panathinaikos clash

The Gers don’t have long until their first competitive game of the 2025/26 season, with a two-legged Champions League qualifier against Greek side Panathinaikos scheduled for the end of July.

Martin and the 49ers Enterprises are therefore looking to get deals over the line before July 22 and the first leg at Ibrox, with the new manager expecting a couple of signings by then.

Midfielder Lyall Cameron became the club’s first official signing of the summer after penning a pre-contract agreement back in February, whereas right-back Max Aarons will move to Rangers on loan from Bournemouth.

More could be on the way, but several incomings may also be coupled with a few departures. The likes of Robin Propper and Cyriel Dessers heavily linked with leaving Ibrox.

Barisic repeat: Rangers aiming to sign a "crazy talent" instead of Darling

Russell Martin and Rangers continue to be busy in the transfer market, so could they sign a “crazy talent” who could be a Borna Barišić repeat?

ByBen Gray Jun 22, 2025

There have also been rumours of an exit for Nicolas Raskin, however, Martin wants to keep both Raskin and Hamza Igamane and build his Rangers side around the pair.

Despite this, a new worrying transfer update has now emerged on Raskin’s Rangers future.

Nicolas Raskin "ready to quit" Rangers

According to a report from Ibrox News, Raskin is “ready to quit” Rangers over the coming months and “could soon inform Rangers of his decision to leave”.

It is added that the Belgium international “is only willing to depart Ibrox if a side from a top league is to show a strong interest in his signature”.

The 24-year-old, dubbed “unbelievable” in the past, has been linked with the likes of Aston Villa and Leeds United, with the latter also owned by the 49ers.

Games

48

Goals

5

Assists

11

Yellow cards

11

Red cards

0

Minutes played

3,845

After joining in January 2023, Raskin has gone on to make 95 appearances in total for the Gers, half of which came in 2024/25 where he was a key man under both Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson.

Ibrox News have added that “there is no guarantee of a move as things stand”, but with plenty of time until the transfer window closes, it does look as if an exit could materialise between now and September 1.

Tottenham Hotspur’s frontline has been impressive throughout the 2024/25 campaign, managing to catch the eye despite the club finishing in a lowly 17th position in the Premier League.

The Lilywhites netted 64 goals in their 38 outings, with only six other sides in the division scoring more, four of which managed to secure Champions League qualification.

Brennan Johnson finished the season as their top scorer in the league with his tally of 11 goals, adding to his excellent collection, which saw him net the winner in the Europa League final.

He was the only player to register double figures in the league, but numerous players across the squad managed to register key goals, which contributed to their excellent tally.

However, new boss Thomas Frank has immediately wanted to target reinforcements in such an area, evidently wanting strength and depth in his quest for success.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

After his successful stint at Brentford, the Dane has already targeted a move for striker Yoane Wissa, with the Congolese star a man in demand this window.

He’s not the only Bees star on their radar, with Bryan Mbeumo another player who’s been strongly linked with the Lilywhites, but it appears they’ve missed out on his signature, with a move to Manchester United now edging closer.

Another name has been mentioned in recent days as a result, with Canadian international Jonathan David firmly on their radar, according to Get Football News Italy.

They report that Frank’s side have made contact with his representatives over a move to North London with his contract at Lille set to expire at the end of the month.

It also states that the 25-year-old has now halted talks with Italian sides Napoli and Juventus to explore a deal to the Premier League, after scoring 25 times in 49 appearances this season.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s own Kane

Harry Kane is a player who has cemented himself in Spurs’ history forever, catapulting himself into the hearts of the fanbase given his spell in the first team over a 10-year period.

The 31-year-old rose through the youth ranks before registering 280 goals for the club, a tally which has made him the highest goalscorer in the club’s history.

However, his goals weren’t enough to catapult the Lilywhites to any form of tangible success, subsequently seeing the forward leave for Bayern Munich in an £82m deal back in 2023.

Since his departure, the club have spent big on Dominic Solanke, dropping a club-record £65m fee to secure his signature, but he’s struggled to maintain elite levels of performance over the course of his first campaign – scoring just nine goals in the process.

The club have greatly lacked that clinical presence in forward areas, something which David could provide in North London should the club land him in the coming weeks.

When comparing his stats to those of fan-favourite Kane, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas this campaign – with FBref labelling him as a similar player to the England international.

David, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Tony Marinaro, has achieved a better shot on target rate than Kane this season, highlighting his clinical nature within the final third.

Games played

32

31

Goals & assists

21

35

Shot on target accuracy

43%

42%

Pass accuracy

82%

78%

Key passes made

1.3

1.2

Take-on success

48%

43%

Progressive carries

1.4

1

Fouls won

1.3

0.7

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered a higher tally of key passes per 90, offering Frank’s side an all-round option that can provide alongside scoring.

The Canadian has further demonstrated his all-round talents, registering a higher take-on completion rate, whilst posting more progressive carries per 90 – having the skillset to create his own opportunities, rather than be dependent on his teammates.

Given that the forward is available on a free transfer this summer, it would be a no-brainer for Spurs to strongly pursue a move to avoid missing out on his signature in the coming weeks.

If he can get anywhere near close to the levels produced by the departed forward in North London, it would be a superb signing, with his talents undoubtedly handing the manager the attacking quality he desires.

Frank's answer to Bale: Spurs make huge bid to sign "sensational" £70m star

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making huge strides in a deal for one attacking star.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 24, 2025

Leeds United have showcased in their previous stint in the Premier League that they are capable of thriving and causing upsets – but more importantly, avoiding relegation back to the Championship.

The Whites spent three seasons in the top-flight between 2020 and 2023, registering a ninth-place finish in their first year back in such a division after a 16-year absence.

Such a spell saw striker Patrick Bamford enjoy the best run of his career, netting 17 goals in the league, subsequently earning his first call-up to the England national team.

However, it’s highly unlikely the 31-year-old will make the same impact under Daniel Farke this time around, after failing to net a single goal across all competitions in 2024/25.

The club will need added reinforcements within the final third if they are to be a success and avoid relegation and suffer an immediate return to England’s second tier.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for a new striker

With the new season already less than two months away, it’s pivotal that Leeds identify the right players to help bolster their ranks and have the best chance of survival.

Josh Sargent is a name that has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with the American international potentially costing around £17m after his record of 15 goals in 32 appearances this season.

However, he’s not alone on their shortlist, with Fulham talisman Rodrigo Muniz also in their sights, that’s if Football Insider’s latest update is to be believed.

They claim that Farke’s side are preparing an opening offer for the Brazilian international, who registered eight goals in his 31 league appearances – only eight of which came from the start.

It also states that the 24-year-old is seen as an excellent option for the Whites this summer after his experience in the Premier League, but it’s unclear how much the Cottagers would demand for his signature.

Why Leeds’ latest target would be a better signing than Beto

In their attempts to bolster the attacking department this summer, numerous players have been mentioned as a potential option, with Everton’s Beto another player on their list.

Over the last couple of days, it was confirmed that the Whites still held a keen interest in the Guinea-Bissau talisman, who cost £30m back in the summer of 2023.

It remains unclear if David Moyes’ side would be willing to part ways with the 27-year-old forward, but Farke’s side are willing to pursue a move for his signature.

Like Muniz, he has the experience in England’s top flight that the hierarchy are looking for during the off-season, but it’s safe to say they should look past a move for the former Udinese star.

When comparing his figures from 2024/25 to those of the Fulham ace, he’s been outperformed in numerous key areas, with the Brazilian the man the hierarchy must pursue this summer.

Muniz, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by teammate Willian Borges, has registered the same number of goals, but has managed a better minute per goal ratio – highlighting his clinical edge in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more passes and registered more passes into the final third, handing the opportunity for other attackers around him to bolster their own tallies.

Games played

31

30

Goals scored

8

8

Minutes per goal

120

191

Shot on target accuracy

49%

46%

Pass accuracy

65%

58%

Passes into the final third

1.2

0.4

Aerials won

52%

48%

Fouls drawn

2.9

1.3

The Brazilian’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerial duels and drawing more fouls, offering Farke an all-round option within the final third in their attempts to secure survival.

Given their hunt for a new talisman, it’s crucial that the hierarchy land the right player to give themselves the best possible chance of retaining their top-flight status.

Big money will likely be splashed given how expensive players in the Premier League have become, with a move for Muniz needing to be the priority in the coming weeks.

The new Phillips: Leeds want to sign £15m star with "undeniable" potential

Leeds United are reportedly keen on a star who would be Daniel Farke’s own Kalvin Phillips.

ByDan Emery Jun 9, 2025

Football might have come to a brief stop, but there is no rest for the wicked, and Arsenal have a potentially era-defining few months ahead of them.

To ensure they get over the line in the Premier League next season, Mikel Arteta and new Sporting Director Andrea Berta need to nail their transfer dealings, and if they can bring in Rodrygo, that’d be an excellent start.

The Real Madrid superstar has been linked with a £85m move to the Emirates on multiple occasions over the last few weeks, and the combination of his outlandish ability and stature in the game makes him someone who could really move the needle in the Gunners’ favour next year.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, the North Londoners could now be closing in on another attacking talent who’d be an even more exciting signing than the Brazilian international.

Arsenal transfer news

Given Arsenal’s position in English football and how close they seem to be to glory, it’s hardly been a surprise to see them linked with a plethora of incredibly exciting players in recent weeks, such as Bradley Barcola and Takefusa Kubo.

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 cost the club a whopping £101m this summer, which might be an eyewatering sum of money, but it might also be fair enough, as in 58 games for Paris Saint-Germain this season, he scored 21 goals and provided 19 assists.

Kubo would be a far cheaper option at around £50m, but he’s not been anywhere near as prolific as the Frenchman, racking up a reasonable but unspectacular haul of seven goals and four assists in 52 games.

However, while a wide player would be a welcome addition to the club, Arteta and Co’s priority has to be a new number nine, someone like Benjamin Sesko.

Fortunately, a recent report from Caught Offside has claimed that Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Slovenian striker.

In fact, on top of confirming that Berta has already held direct talks with RB Leipzig, the report has revealed that the Gunners are now among the frontrunners for the player, alongside London rivals Chelsea.

However, it won’t be a cheap deal complete; the report states that Leipzig want €80m for their star attacker, which is around £68m, and a fee Arsenal should pay, as not only would Sesko be an incredible signing, but a more exciting one than Rodrygo as well.

Why Sesko would be more exciting than Rodrygo

So the first thing to say is that Rodrygo would, in fact, be an incredibly exciting signing for Arsenal to make this summer. After all, he’s a Champions League and La Liga-winning winger who knows how to score a goal or two.

However, for our money, the “instinctive” Sesko, as dubbed by journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor, would be just that bit more exciting, and there are several reasons why.

The first is that, in signing him, Arteta and Co will finally be addressing the club’s longstanding need for an out-and-out striker, and more than that, he’d be coming in with a proven track record of scoring goals and providing assists.

For example, in the 22/23 campaign, he scored 18 goals and provided four assists in 41 appearances; last season, the Slovenian international scored 18 goals and provided two assists in 42 appearances, and then this year, the Leipzig star was able to rack up an impressive haul of 21 goals and six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes.

In other words, the Radeče-born “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, averaged a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or every 120.66 minutes this season.

Appearances

45

50

Minutes

3258′

3290′

Goals

21

13

Assists

6

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.6

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvement

120.66′

143.04′

In contrast, the Real Madrid star scored 13 goals and provided ten assists in 50 appearances, totalling 3290 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games, or every 143.04 minutes, in a far better team.

Finally, on top of his current ability in front of goal, the former Salzburg gem has received some rave reviews from scouts and analysts, with the respected EBL claiming he “has the potential to become the best #9 in the world” – which is also what makes him that bit more appealing than Viktor Gyokeres, another of the more heavily linked strikers in recent weeks.

He argues that this is down to the combination of him being “a 6’4 speed demon” who is “unstoppable in transition” and the fact “he can dribble”, all while also being “an elite ball-striker.”

That might sound hyperbolic, but a few of these strengths are on show in this goal, with him using his acceleration and mighty left foot – and you only need to look through some of his other goals to see his immense technical ability.

Ultimately, Arsenal need more than one attacking signing this summer, but from his goal tally this season to his potential and technical ability, Sesko would be the club’s most exciting addition.

Mega Martinelli upgrade: Arsenal eyeing £101m star with "devastating pace"

The sensational talent would be a real needle-mover for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 2, 2025

Arsenal have asked about signing an “important” Real Madrid player amid their reliably reported talks for Brazil international Rodrygo, but negotiations over the latter are proving far from straightforward.

Rodrygo to Arsenal talks stall due to wage demands

As reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, a very reliable source when it comes to transfer news, Arsenal have been in discussions with all parties over a summer deal for the 24-year-old.

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

Rodrygo bagged 13 goals and 10 assists over 50 total appearances under Carlo Ancelotti during 2024/2025, but his future at the Bernabeu is far from certain amid Arsenal’s serious interest.

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

It’s been reported that the South American is dissatisfied with his role in the squad, as he wants to be used in his preferred role on the left-hand-side rather than on the right, which is where he’s been forced to play due to the presence of Vinícius Jr and Kylian Mbappé (Ben Jacobs).

Sensing an opportunity, sporting director Andrea Berta commenced work to potentially tempt Rodrygo with a north London move, amid the club’s serious pursuit of a new winger who could provide further cutting edge in the final third.

However, since beginning talks, the transfer has hit a snag due to Rodrygo’s salary demands, prompting Berta to look at alternatives like Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma.

The Japan international isn’t Berta’s only different option for the wide area, though, with another Real Madrid star under consideration at the Emirates.

Arsenal ask about conditions for Arda Guler deal

That man is Turkish attacking midfielder Arda Guler, who started Real’s last six La Liga games of the season and gradually became a more imperative player for Ancelotti during the latter stages of 24/25.

The 20-year-old bagged five goals and nine assists in 42 total appearances by the end of Ancelotti’s final campaign in charge, with the Italian branding him an “important” player in the squad.

Ancelotti also tipped the versatile forward to have a big future at the Bernabeu, leaving little surprise he’s on Berta’s shortlist of attacking targets for Arsenal.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who reports for The Boot Room that Arsenal have asked about the conditions of a deal for Guler. Whether they’ve approached Real themselves or the player’s agents isn’t exactly stated, but it is believed Los Blancos won’t sell him under “any circumstances” this summer.

Other forwards attracting Berta’s attention come in the form of Nico Williams, Rafael Leao, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Ademola Lookman, Bryan Mbeumo and Mohammed Kudus, as per TBR, with Arsenal seemingly in hot pursuit of a star new wide player.