Whilst there’s no doubt that Pep Guardiola the manager will go down as one of the greatest to ever step foot inside the technical area, it’s still worth noting down just how impressive Guardiola the midfielder was.
The Spaniard ended his playing career with one Champions League to his name, six Spanish titles, an Olympic gold medal and plenty more in an incredible career which largely featured success with Barcelona. It’s a credit to his managerial work that his time on the pitch is often placed second in his long list of achievements.
Not everyone has forgotten the player before the manager, however, and the late great Johan Cruyff previously took the time to praise both versions of Guardiola.
The former Barcelona star also featured in one of the most star-studded eras in football history. He shared a dressing room with Ronald Koeman, Ronaldo Nazário and Romario, whilst squaring off against the likes of Raul and Roberto Carlos.
One player he didn’t have the pleasure of meeting on the pitch or in the dressing room, however, is Wayne Rooney. Instead, Guardiola was forced to appreciate the Manchester United legend from the technical area at both Manchester City and Barcelona, which only peaked his appreciation for the former England star.
The Man City boss even went as far as describing Rooney as “one of the best” that he has seen in his career back in 2014. Yet, as impressed as he so often was by one of the Premier League’s greats, Guardiola also previously claimed that Rooney’s England teammate was, in fact, far harder to play against.
Guardiola reveals why Crouch was harder to play against than Rooney
It almost somehow feels absolutely right that Guardiola would have a special appreciation for a player like Peter Crouch. Whilst often underrated by many, Crouch can now say that he once had the full attention of arguably the greatest manager of all time.
The Man City boss wrote a series of columns about the 2006 World Cup and took the opportunity to reveal why Crouch is tougher to play against than the legendary Rooney.
In just a small insight into the mind of Guardiola even before he became the manager that he is today, Crouch received some of the highest praise of his career.
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Alas, it is certainly praise that he deserves. The former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur striker ended his time on the pitch with a total of 108 top flight goals and remains one of the most technical tall strikers that the Premier League has seen, also racking up 22 strikes for England in just 42 caps.
An Arsenal target now has his heart set on joining Manchester United, due to his deep respect for former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and the club’s traditions.
Man Utd's standards have slipped since Ferguson's retirement
Man United are well-known for their rich history and traditions, which included wearing suits when arriving ahead of matches, but Wayne Rooney has revealed that standards started to slip after Ferguson’s retirement back in 2013.
Rooney said: “I remember we went to the League Cup final and players were wearing the suits with big, bright yellow trainers and stuff like that.
“I remember we went to the League Cup final and players were wearing the suits with big, bright yellow trainers and stuff like that. I went to Mourinho and said, ‘Listen, I’ve spoken to the players and you need to have a word here and to keep the standards. We can’t have that going to Wembley into a cup final.’
“He’s like, ‘Yeah, yeah, I’ll speak to them’. And then as we came down to leave, I’ve seen Jose there and he’s got a zip-up top with no tie on. I was thinking, “What’s the point?”
With Rooney going on to reveal that players are allowed to wear whatever they want nowadays, one of United’s traditions has arguably been eroded, but that hasn’t stopped an up-and-coming star setting his sights on a move to Old Trafford.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal target Kirill Glebov, who currently plays for CSKA Moscow, has his heart set on joining Man Utd and dreams of a transfer, citing the Old Trafford atmosphere, the club’s traditions, and his deep respect for Ferguson as the key reasons.
Glebov is currently valued at just €1.5m (£1.3m), but the winger’s price tag could rise considerably if he continues his current form, having started the season very well, which has attracted the attention of the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Brighton.
Glebov could be future star for Man Utd
At this stage, United don’t appear to have a great deal of interest in the Russian, but there are indications he has plenty of potential, having made a flying start to the 2025-26 campaign for CSKA Moscow.
The 19-year-old already has four goals and two assists to his name in all competitions, which recently earned the teenager a first call-up to the Russian national side, making his debut in the 0-0 draw against Jordan last week.
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That said, Glebov is still at a very early stage of his career, and having strengthened their attack considerably in the summer, signing Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, Man United should now focus on bringing in a new central midfielder instead.
There is certainly no shortage of options on the shortlist, with Al Hilal’s Ruben Neves, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson all believed to be of interest.
Arsenal are primed to go again next season, sights set on the biggest prizes. Mikel Arteta’s transfer efforts this summer certainly speak of ambition.
And there’s more still to come, even after deals for free-scoring striker Viktor Gyokeres and up-and-coming defender Cristian Mosquera are wrapped up, as is expected.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their first goal
There’s space for a few more forwards, and the depth of such plans will become clearer upon the resolutions to the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both wide forwards rumoured to be expendable.
A playmaker would also go down well in north London. Arsenal had registered their interest in RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, but the Dutchman has instead been at the centre of Chelsea’s advancements, with that one now in the pipeline.
However, with Martin Odegaard settled in his senior role, Arteta will want to consider the ramifications a big-money signing might have on some of the exciting up-and-coming prospects.
Arsenal's teenage talents
Arsenal commenced their pre-season tour in Asia with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan. A familiar scoreline, but also new parts which demonstrate Arteta’s vision advancing to the next stage.
Bukayo Saka being the goalscorer is nothing new, but the likes of Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri’s starring roles highlight the next batch of elite Hale End prospects arriving at Arteta’s door.
We, of course, know all about Nwaneri, he who emerged onto the scene as a youngster and settled into a role of seniority last year, scoring nine goals and supplying two assists across 37 matches in all competitions.
Against Milan this week, the 18-year-old operated from a central playmaking berth, and it made an interesting comment on his positional value away from the right wing.
However, Dowman made his senior debut against the Italians, emerging from the bench and replacing Saka beyond the hour mark. A symbolic switch if ever there was one.
Where Dowman, 15, is best suited positionally remains to be seen, but after Arteta hailed the attacking midfielder’s “incredible” first taste of action, the outfit will want to be wary of hampering his development.
Arsenal lining up another attacking midfielder
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal chiefs are locked in talks with the entourage of Eberechi Eze, who has immortalised himself at Crystal Palace after scoring the winning goal in last season’s FA Cup final.
The 27-year-old has a £60m release clause in his contract and the Gunners are the firm favourites to complete a deal, should he be on the move this summer.
Eze, an England international of growing importance, could find himself at the centre of a concrete bid from Arsenal in short time, now that a move for Gyokeres has been wrapped up.
Why Arsenal want Eberechi Eze
In 2020, Eze joined Crystal Palace from Queens Park Rangers in the Championship for a £20m fee. He has since become “one of the best players in the Premier League”, in the words of teammate Tyrick Mitchell, posting 40 goals and 28 assists across 148 matches for the Eagles.
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The Three Lions star is something special, all right, with his strong athletic build and winged feet making him a dangerous opponent for even the sternest defenders.
As per FBref, Eze ranked among the top 20% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90.
His average of 1.7 key passes, two dribbles and 4.8 successful duels per Premier League game last season, as per Sofascore, furthers the argument that he’s exactly what Arteta needs to add a dimension and ensure that the biggest prizes across multiple fronts can be chased next term.
The problem is that Eze’s arrival would spark congestion in the creative midfield position for Arsenal, and this could lead to the stunting of Dowman’s growth. Nwaneri’s midfield role against Milan suggests his future lies in the middle, while the acquisition of Noni Madueke will surely see him play on the right, Dowman’s other preferred role.
And given the prodigious potential that Arteta has in the teenage superstar, is this really the course of action that the club wants to head down?
Of course, some would argue that Dowman must be eased onto the major stage over the next few years, allowed to grow into his skin without the weight of responsibility that could foil so many youngsters.
But Odegaard is set to continue as the Emirates creator-in-chief over the coming years, and Nwaneri could be his deputy for an age.
Given that Dowman is so ilky and fleet-footed on the ball, bearing an age-belying confidence, you could make the comparison between him and Eze, so there is the fact that he would emerge onto the scene and be impeded by a more accomplished and complete positional rival who has a similar style of play.
And if Arsenal do push ahead with the signing of an out-and-out winger, which is a separate focus to that of Eze, then it would make sense for the Palace man to operate chiefly within a central berth. Thus, Dowman would indeed find himself further down the pecking order than he might hope for.
There’s no question that Eze is a “superstar”, as has been said by analyst Ben Mattinson, but is his signature really needed? It might feel like this is so, but Dowman is one of the most talented teenagers in world football, and he could break through to the Arsenal first team sooner rather than later.
More exciting than Gyokeres: Romano reveals Arsenal's new "top target"
The sensational game-changer would be an incredible signing for Arsenal.
After finishing the 2024/25 campaign on a high, Newcastle United approached the summer transfer window with excitement. But as is becoming habitual on Tyneside, there have been challenges and setbacks.
However, one of Eddie Howe’s superpowers is his ability to weather adversity and rally his club, and so in spite of missing out on Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro and Mohammed Kudus and maybe Matheus Cunha too, the Magpies are beginning to take shape.
Mbeumo
A deal with Nottingham Forest has been agreed for Anthony Elanga, worth £52m. A bid for Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford is also ongoing, and that one looks like it will end positively.
Alexander Isak, moreover, is set to remain at St. James’ Park. Even so, Howe wants a new centre-forward, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike confirmed to be on the radar.
However, it’s going to be a difficult deal to pull off, and an alternative option has been earmarked.
Newcastle chasing a new striker
Any interest in a centre-forward on Tyneside is laced with a measure of trepidation. Newcastle fans would love to see a new number nine welcomed to the fold, but not at the expense of Isak’s place in the team.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Luckily, PIF have no plans to sell their £200m-valued talisman. With Callum Wilson having departed St. James’ Park at the end of his contract, securing a new nine is a necessity, not a luxury.
Ekitike might be at the top of the shopping list right now, but he’s simply too expensive at £85m, a valuation Eintracht Frankfurt aren’t willing to budge on.
That’s why Newcastle are setting their sights on Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. According to Caught Offside, the Magpies have joined the growing list of clubs – also containing Arsenal and Manchester United – who are interested in the England star.
Naturally, Villa don’t want to sell, but they have priced the 29-year-old at £50m, and if Newcastle were to table such an offer, they might just find themselves in an interesting position.
Why Newcastle want Ollie Watkins
Consistently one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards over the past few years, Watkins would bring experience and dynamism to a Newcastle side in need of just his profile.
Principally a central striker, Watkins’ high-energy running and ability to play through the lines have seen him deployed on the left flank in Unai Emery’s Villan system. This is perfect for Howe, who likes to shuffle his offensive pack.
The 22-year-old Ekitike scored 22 goals and assisted 12 more across all competitions last season, but he’s still an uncut gem, only really having displayed the full extent of his quality across one campaign at the highest level.
Watkins, conversely, is proven across five years in ostensibly the toughest league in the world.
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The Three Lions star has even been described by podcaster Rohan Jivan as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe”, with his completeness and experience at the highest level exactly what Newcastle need to one-up their previous campaign.
It’s not going to be easy, for sure, but the Toon are now shaping into one of the recognised big hitters in the Premier League, fixed at the top end of the table.
Ekitike is undoubtedly one of the biggest talents in the business, but given his extortionate pricing and indeed the chances that he might not immediately acclimatise to the English game, bagging Watkins to provide instantaneous results might be the best course of action for Howe’s ambitious plans.
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Newcastle are looking to strengthen at the back this summer
Ten points was the margin between Arsenal and Liverpool in 2024/25. With the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, the Reds are looking to make that gap even bigger next term.
That’s certainly a real expectation too, particularly as the Gunners are yet to sign their elusive striker.
Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko. Take your pick as far as Mikel Arteta is concerned. Either would significantly strengthen the squad at the Emirates Stadium, take them closer to Liverpool who will be gunning for glory again.
Who Arsenal pick will likely come down to price, but they are two different players we’re talking about here.
Gyokeres is the readymade goal machine. The Swede was the most in-form striker in Europe last season, scoring 54 goals in 52 games. Sesko, on the other hand, boasts immense potential but did only find the net on 21 occasions for RB Leipzig last term.
So, as Andrea Berta goes about improving Arteta’s forward line, he’s also moved to strengthen the middle of the park with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard set to arrive.
Why Arsenal are signing Zubimendi and Norgaard
Principally, these deals are happening because the Gunners are set to lose both Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
The former has already departed the club and is now at Flamengo, who are currently at the Club World Cup in America.
Partey’s future has been a little less certain. He wants to stay. Arsenal want him to stay. Still, the latest reports have suggested that an agreement hasn’t been found and he now looks likely to depart at the end of the month.
Thus, the arrivals of Zubimendi and Norgaard are key. The Spaniard is undoubtedly the more exciting addition here.
Set to join for just over £50m, the midfielder will be coming in from Real Sociedad with a fine reputation for being one of the finest tempo setters in the game.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has hailed the 26-year-old as “one of the best midfielders in the world” while European football expert, Sid Lowe, has noted that he “is just about as good a deep-lying midfielder there is in Europe, apart from maybe Rodri.”
Norgaard doesn’t possess the same sort of calibre but as far as Jorginho replacements go, he’ll be a steady pair of hands.
Set to arrive in a £10m deal, Arsenal will be bringing in a Premier League captain who won’t play very many minutes for a bargain fee. Even if he doesn’t make a huge impact on the field, his experience off it will undoubtedly be key.
Goals
0.16
0.13
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0.13
0.22
Goal-creating actions
0.42
0.32
Pass success rate
82%
83%
Progressive passes
4.92
6.11
Passes into final 3rd
4.38
4.36
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2.52
1.69
Succesful take-ons
0.22
0.42
Confirming the arrival of new signings is always an exciting time for fans, but has a more important deal now been announced?
Another exciting deal for Arsenal has been announced
While this summer is very much about strengthening the squad, whether it be through Zubimendi or the arrivals of a Sesko or Gyokeres, the Gunners also need to keep their best players at the club.
In 2027, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba’s deals are all set to expire, and while the threat of Saka leaving is minuscule, there is a real threat that Saliba could depart.
Arsenal's WilliamSalibaapplauds fans after the match
Real Madrid have been courting him and we know how that story usually ends. Thus, getting new deals sorted for those three players will be a key part of Berta’s strategy.
He’s already tied down Gabriel to a new deal and the next announcement has seen Myles Lewis-Skelly put pen to paper.
Myles Lewis-Skelly for Arsenal
The club’s official channels revealed on Thursday lunchtime that he’d signed a new long-term deal in N5 and the youngster was absolutely delighted.
Why is this more important than Zubimendi? Well, several reasons, the most prominent of which is that Lewis-Skelly is one of the best young players in world football.
Just 18, the full-back/midfielder has burst onto the scene in a remarkable way. A year ago, he was yet to make his senior debut for the club. Now, he ended the campaign as an England international, notably scoring on his debut, and as a PFA Young Player of the Year nominee.
It was a hell of a campaign for the teenager who, despite a few issues with discipline at the start, became a major force on the left-hand side of Arsenal’s defence.
He had the cojones to mimic Erling Haaland’s celebration after scoring against Manchester City and sparkled during the club’s run to the Champions League semi-finals.
“I’m sorry, is Lewis-Skelly really 18?”, commented Rio Ferdinand during Arsenal’s quarter-final victory over Real Madrid. “His date of birth is right, isn’t it? He looks so calm and so cool in and out of possession. Before the game he was on a call, just talking and chilling. He is special.”
He also earned acclaim from Gary Neville, who stated: “He’s gone in there and has made it look like he’s always been there. That’s the biggest compliment you can give a young player.” Fine praise indeed.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
What makes Lewis-Skelly stand out so much is his temperament. As Neville says, he looks like he’s been playing at the senior level for years.
Not just boasting an elite mentality, his technical attributes aren’t bad either. His composure is remarkable and his ability to evade the press and draw fouls is first-class.
In 2024/25, no Arsenal player won more duels (6) per 90 minutes than the teen. No Arsenal player ended the campaign with a better success rate in duels than his 69.7%.
He’s a special talent and even finished the season as the most fouled player in this Arsenal side. Not many players can get near him.
1. Myles Lewis-Skelly
47
2. Leandro Trossard
46
3. Bukayo Saka
39
4. Thomas Partey
31
5. Jurrien Timber
29
6. Kai Havertz
23
What makes his rise even more incredible is that he’s a midfielder by trade. Coming up through the youth ranks, the English talent played in the centre of the pitch but he’s been crafted into an inverted full-back.
From that position, he’s not just become one of the best young players in England, but one of the best young players in Europe’s top five leagues.
Considering Madrid have also been sniffing around him, getting a new deal is absolutely vital. His future is immense; probably even brighter than Zubimendi’s.
A better move than Zubimendi: £68m star "will sign" for Arsenal this summer
The game-changing international could be sensational for Arsenal.
Liverpool are showing “concrete interest” in signing a hugely talented young player in the summer transfer window as FSG kick their summer plans into overdrive.
Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool "on fire" in summer transfer window
With Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez expected to join the Reds imminently, from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively, attention may now turn to a new striker, amid exit claims surrounding Darwin Nunez.
Liverpool have reportedly made an approach for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, seeing him as an alternative option to Eintracht Frankfurt marksman Hugo Ekitike. The Slovenian is also seen as a leading target for Arsenal, so the Premier League champions could be looking to swoop in ahead of them.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
Another fresh face in the Reds’ midfield also wouldn’t go amiss before next season gets underway and Crystal Palace youngster Adam Wharton has been backed to move to Anfield. The England international is a hugely exciting player who also possesses so much maturity, and he could be perfect as a squad option to begin with.
Luis Diaz continues to be linked with a move away, with Barcelona mentioned plenty in recent weeks, and Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has been mentioned as a possible replacement.
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday evening that Liverpool are “on fire” and “busy” in the market, and it seems they’ve now turned their attentions to a youngster with massive potential.
"Here we go is coming" – Romano says Liverpool will sign two stars imminently
He is perfect for the Reds.
ByHenry Jackson Jun 16, 2025 Liverpool interested in signing £51m star
According to a fresh claim from Caught Offside, Liverpool have “concrete interest” in Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling this summer.
The 19-year-old is expected to leave Saints before the end of the window, following their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship, and the Reds are one of many clubs keen on him. Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham and Manchester City all get a mention in the report, and he is valued above £50m.
Tyler Dibling in action for Southampton in the Premier League.
Dibling looks like an outstanding prospect, having stood out as a rare positive in a dreadful 2024/25 season for Southampton, scoring four goals and registering two assists in all competitions.
An aesthetically-pleasing player to watch, the Englishman has a lovely ability to glide across the turf and create with his left foot, with Danny Murphy not holding back in his praise for him last December.
“It is difficult to get too over the top with these young players, because he has just come on to the scene, but he is going to be something special. It is great for him getting all these minutes at Southampton. They are giving him the freedom to play and giving him time to learn the game. He is just enjoying himself and he is playing with a real belief in himself. He is just instrumental in this team.”
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Granted, Dibling wouldn’t be a cheap signing, and he would have to bide his time before becoming a regular, but he has the tools to grow into an elite footballer, proving to be adept at shining in his preferred right-sided role or as a No.10.
As Aston Villa look to go again in pursuit of Champions League qualification next season, those in the Midlands are now reportedly readying an offer to sign an attacking star that his club won’t be able to refuse.
Monchi: Martinez and Aston Villa "must continue"
Amid rumours that Emiliano Martinez is set to depart Aston Villa this summer following what looked like an emotional farewell to the home fans towards the end of the season, the club’s sporting director has had his say.
Speaking to Canal Sur Radio, Monchi spoke about Martinez’s potential goodbye, Rashford’s resurgence and how Marco Asensio also rediscovered his talent during his loan spell at Villa Park.
Aston Villa pushing to sign "world-class" £6m-a-year star who Emery loves
Talks have been held over the move.
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The Villa chief said: “The Premier League ended nine days ago, and we haven’t stopped. There’s no time to rest; a sporting director’s vacation is in September. We still haven’t come to terms with what happened at Old Trafford.
“Emery has been able to bring out the best in Rashford, and Unai is the number one for that. He’s a player with top-notch, elite ability. We haven’t lost hope, he has a significant connection with the club and Unai. The story between Dibu and Aston Villa must continue, that’s my wish. He’s happy and content, but I’m not in his head.
Aston Villa's president of football operations, Monchi.
“Asensio hasn’t lost his talent; he’s given us a lot, and he’s in our best interest. I’m focused on the present, and my present today is Aston Villa so Unai can have a competitive team. Unai Emery’s connection with Aston Villa runs deep. I see him as very involved, excited, and eager. He’s a work-obsessed person.”
It’s not just potential outgoings that Monchi is focusing on, however, with reports now suggesting that Aston Villa have already opened talks to sign a talented winger who could follow in Rashford’s path in the Midlands.
Aston Villa in talks to sign Geny Catamo
According to O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa have now opened talks to sign Geny Catamo and are ready to offer Sporting Club an irresistible deal to secure the winger’s signature this summer.
Earlier reports suggested that the Villans are deliberating over paying €30m (£25m) to sign their target, but given that Catamo reportedly has a release clause worth as much as €60m (£50m), they may have to dig deeper into their finances to get a deal done in the coming months.
Minutes
1,911
1,422
Goals
5
6
Assists
2
3
Key Passes
28
28
A player who kept up with Rashford even as his form improved at Aston Villa, Catamo is only just getting started. At just 24 years old, the Sporting winger is about to enter the peak of his powers, making this summer the perfect time for those in the Midlands to make their move for the 33-cap Mozambique man.
Whether they’re in a position to meet their target’s £50m release clause without Champions League football is the big question, however. Villa’s PSR concerns are no secret these days and they could yet play a part in pursuit of Catamo this summer.
Chelsea are now in “ongoing” negotiations over a deal to sign an “incredible” striker, with a meeting taking place “in recent days”, according to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins.
Blues looking to bolster squad before Club World Cup
The initial summer transfer window is set to close on June 10th ahead of the Club World Cup, before reopening on June 16th, and the Blues are looking to get a number of deals over the line before the first deadline.
Jamie Gittens has emerged as a major target since it was confirmed Jadon Sancho will not be making a permanent move to west London, while there have long been doubts over the goalkeeper options, with Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen being used interchangeably last season.
The interest in Hugo Ekitike is a little stranger, given that Enzo Maresca has already added Liam Delap to his squad this summer, but the manager may feel he needs a more experienced option at centre-forward, with the former Ipswich Town man yet to prove himself at the top level.
There has now been a new update on Chelsea’s Hugo Ekitike pursuit, with Hawkins taking to X to reveal they are in “ongoing” negotiations over a deal for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, having held a meeting with his camp “in recent days”.
Deal close: Chelsea now nearing agreement to sign "world-class" £25m star
The Blues could seal a move for a new signing “tomorrow”, following a recent positive development.
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The Blues are still considering a move for the forward, with contact yet to be broken off, despite talks not progressing, but a deal will not be cheap, with Frankfurt currently unwilling to compromise on their asking price of €100m (£84m).
Ekitike could be "incredible" signing for Chelsea
While the 22-year-old is the same age as Delap, he has more experience than the Englishman, having regularly provided goals and assists for Reims, Paris Saint-Germain and Frankfurt across spells in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Bundesliga
47
19
10
Ligue 1
52
13
8
Teammate Rasmus Kristensen has also been left impressed by the Frenchman, lauding him as “incredible” back in January, so it is little wonder that Chelsea are keen to take him to Stamford Bridge, although there are doubts over whether he is worth £84m.
With the Frankfurt star contracted until 2029, the German club are in a strong negotiating position, but the Reims-born striker is yet to prove himself in the Champions League, while a return of 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga games last season isn’t out of this world.
As such, while Ekitike could go on to be a top striker, the £84m asking price is a little steep, so the Blues should continue to try and negotiate a lower fee.
There’s been a curious reaction on social media to Liverpool’s drive to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s talisman, Florian Wirtz.
Far be it from FSG to employ a scattergun approach in the transfer market. Liverpool have only signed Federico Chiesa (for just £12.5m) since August 2023, when Jurgen Klopp built a new midfield.
Now, the Premier League champions are looking to invest, and though it’s true that Liverpool will break the British transfer record if they succeed in getting Wirtz’s signature inked in red, there’s little question he’s a “truly generational talent”, as has been noted by sports media professional Cristian Nyari.
Of course, Arne Slot’s side need more than just a new playmaker. Having already replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold with Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, efforts are being made across a myriad areas.
Richard Hughes must be a busy man, especially since he’s been forced to contend with the potential sale of one of the club’s biggest stars in Luis Diaz.
Liverpool's dream Diaz replacement
Diaz is one of the most valued members of Slot’s Liverpool squad. The Colombian started 38 games across all competitions this season, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists.
However, he’s being pursued by Saudi club Al Nassr, and Barcelona are interested too.
Given that he’s 28 and entering the next-to-last year in his £55k-per-week contract, Diaz is understandably going to want either a new deal or a transfer away.
If Liverpool do cash in, with figures as high as €85m (£72m), it feels like a bit of a no-brainer, with the Merseysiders reportedly considering a swoop for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.
Anthony Gordon
The 24-year-old Gordon would cost a pretty penny himself – £80m pretty pennies, more precisely. However, this could be a stunning long-term capture for a terrific player.
And he’s not the only one being targeted to revamp Liverpool’s left flank.
Liverpool advancing to seal another signing after Wirtz
As per Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are ‘working again this week’ to seal a move for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who has already reached a total agreement with FSG on personal terms.
After a likely weekend breather, the clubs are ready to lock horns in transfer battle once again this week in order to strike the same chord.
Milos Kerkez for Bournemouth
The Cherries are holding firm on their £45m valuation of the 21-year-old, a likely sticking point, although Liverpool are “willing to go close to that”, as per correspondent David Lynch, who stressed there is nought to worry about.
Why Milos Kerkez would be a dream alongside Gordon
In March, Kerkez was described by Troy Deeney as being “one of the best left-backs in the world already.” Deeney might not always get his Liverpool-related takes right, but the retired striker is on the money with this one.
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
The Hungarian prospect joined Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in July 2023 in a £15m deal, since going from strength to strength, nailing down an important spot in Andoni Iraola’s outfit.
And “the frightening thing is he’s not even at his peak yet”, as said by pundit Izzy Christensen. Kerkez’s energy and athleticism will surely prove a game-changer next term, easing the responsibility on the declining Andy Robertson’s shoulders.
Moreover, he could forge a proper partnership with Gordon on that left-hand side, for the Magpies man is potent and electric in his attacking play, but also tenacious and committed to completing his defensive duties.
At his essence, though, Gordon is a forward, and earning Newcastle’s 2023/24 Player of the Year after posting 28 goal contributions across the campaign and leading Eddie Howe’s side through an injury-ravaged season.
Perhaps his struggles to influence Newcastle’s recently concluded campaign stem from Liverpool’s failed approach last summer. In any case, Gordon is a nightmarish opponent to face, and with Kerkez in behind him, FSG would secure a partnership for many years to come.
As per Sofacore, Kerkez won 60% of his ground duels and created eight big chances in the Premier League this season, underscoring his balanced qualities.
Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez
Adding to that, the high-flying prospect’s tireless running led to an obscene amount of ground being covered across the campaign (see Sofascore), which is more than can be said for Robertson, who across the whole Premier League campaign managed just 0.2 dribbles per game, succeeding with a miserable 41% of his efforts.
The Scotsman also created fewer big chances than Kerkez with seven, so the new recruit would be fostering a rising creative flair, which could serve Gordon very well indeed.
Across his two full terms with Newcastle in the Premier League, the Three Lions star has scored 17 goals while only missing 19 big chances, which isn’t the most clinical metric in the division but does suggest he’s got a prolific streak about him that Kerkez’s support would only enhance.
Anthony Gordon
Finally, Kerkez ranked among the top 6% of full-backs in the Premier League this year for crosses into the penalty area per 90 (0.73), as per FBref, providing a source for Gordon to latch onto with his loping strides, or indeed to meet the centre-forward fans are hoping to see come through the Anfield gates before the window’s done and dusted.
With Robertson on the way out and Trent already lapping up the Spanish rays, a new creative full-back force is duly needed, and Kerkez certainly fits the bill.
1
Trent Alexander-Arnold
64
2
Andy Robertson
60
3
Leighton Baines
53
4
Graeme Le Saux
44
5
Kieran Trippier
38
Fuelling Gordon from the defensive area, charging forward when he deems it the right time, Kerkez would be a breath of fresh air for Slot’s side, fixing the biggest chink in the armour and ensuring the Reds have the means to do it all over again next year.
Better than Sesko & Ekitike: Liverpool now looking to sign £60m "monster"
Liverpool are planning to replace Darwin Nunez at number nine this summer.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly made contact with a £20m target who used to play for Paris Saint-Germain.
AS Roma eye Espirito Santo move
After a season full of success, Nottingham Forest could be set to become the victims of that success when the summer transfer window arrives. The Midlands club, as is often the case when clubs enjoy an unexpected rise, have already seen the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White linked with moves away and could yet lose manager Nuno Espirito Santo on top.
With reports suggesting that Italian outfit AS Roma are interested in Nuno, the Nottingham Forest boss could leave the City Ground and cause a major shock this summer. It’s a departure that Evangelos Marinakis should hope to avoid at all costs above any potential star players.
Since the boss’ arrival, Forest have simply been a side transformed from a side battling relegation into a side who will be disappointed that Champions League qualification is out of their hands.
Nottingham Forest now ready to take formal steps to sign "elegant" £51m ace
He could replace Gibbs-White.
ByTom Cunningham May 21, 2025
The Portuguese manager may just be getting started, too. With Europa League football, at the very least, now confirmed for next season, Forest should be in their strongest position for quite some time to welcome some of Europe’s impressive talents.
It goes without saying that adding depth in preparation for European football will be crucial to any success next season, and the rumours have already been coming thick and fast over just who could complete a move to the City Ground to add exactly that to Nuno’s squad.
Nottingham Forest make contact with Bulka
According to Polish outlet Meczyki, Nottingham Forest have now made contact with Marcin Bulka over a summer move to the City Ground, with Marinakis now eyeing a £20m move to sign the shot-stopper.
Fresh from a solid campaign in Ligue 1 for OGC Nice, Bulka has earned the interest of Forest and may well find himself on his way back towards Europe’s elite for the first time since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.
Starts
34
37
Clean Sheets
8
13
Saves per 90
4.74
4.41
Save Percentage
75.8%
74.2%
When compared to Forest No.1 Sels, who has enjoyed an excellent season in his own right, Bulka’s numbers certainly make for interesting reading. The Nice shot-stopper has just about outperformed Sels for save percentage as well as saves per 90, albeit whilst keeping fewer clean sheets.
If Forest are to strengthen, then they could do far worse than welcoming the former PSG man this summer. With plenty of football to share around next season too, having two options so similar in quality would be no bad thing.
With Forest reportedly in contact with his representatives, Bulka could certainly be one to watch in the coming months.