All posts by n8rngtd.top

It’s been a busy week or so for Arsenal.

After a slow start to the transfer window, Mikel Arteta’s side have finally started to make moves, with deals for Christian Norgaard and Arrizabalaga right around the corner, and the announcement of Martin Zubimendi’s arrival could come in a matter of days.

However, while those three will undoubtedly improve the squad, especially the Real Sociedad star, what fans really want is for the club to sign some attacking talent.

Fortunately, reports linking Arsenal to Eberechi Eze have emerged in recent days, although another Premier League star is now being touted for a move to the Emirates, a winger who would be an upgrade on the Crystal Palace ace.

Arsenal target big Eze upgrade

Links to Eze aren’t anything new for Arsenal, as the Crystal Palace star was touted for a move to the club last summer, only for him to remain at Selhurst Park.

Transfer Focus

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

However, it would be fair to say that the reports from the last couple of days revealing the Gunners’ interest in him have felt different, with some claiming that talks have already been held with the player’s representatives.

If the Premier League runners-up are to persevere with their supposed interest in the Englishman, they’ll have to stump up a fee of around £68m to activate the release clause in his current deal, and while he may be worth that much money, it would appear as if another talented international from the Premier League has caught the attention of the North Londoners.

At least that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who told GIVEMESPORT that Arsenal are interested in Anthony Gordon.

The Italian journalist has revealed that Arteta and his team are big fans of the Newcastle United star, and that while they’ve not made contact with the player or the Magpies, he has been someone they’ve “discussed internally.”

How much the former Everton gem might cost the Gunners is not mentioned in Romano’s report, but according to stories from earlier this summer, he could be available for around £80m.

It would be a complicated and incredibly costly transfer to get done, but given Gordon’s ability and potential, it is one Arsenal should pursue, especially as he could be an upgrade on Eze.

How Gordon compares to Eze

First and foremost, signing either Eze or Gordon would be brilliant business for Arsenal this summer, as it would be fair to say that neither Leandro Trossard nor Gabriel Martinelli grabbed the left wing position this season.

Moreover, if Arteta and Co sign the Palace star to play him in attacking midfield, then he’d be great competition for Martin Odegaard, but, with that said, there are a few reasons why we still reckon the Newcastle gem would be the better signing.

The first relates to his output, as while the former QPR gem was more productive this season, the former Toffees star had him comfortably beaten last year with a haul of 28 goal involvements in 48 games to 17 in 31, which just shows that when properly platformed, he can reach a higher level of performance.

However, examining their raw output is only one way to assess a player’s ability; another is to take a closer look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers.

Interestingly, when we do that for this season, the Toon star comes out looking far more impressive than his competitor.

For example, the 12-capped “nightmare,” as he describes himself, performs better in creative metrics, such as progressive passes, passes into the penalty area, and goal-creating actions, while also excelling in direct possession statistics, including progressive carries and carries into the penalty area, all per 90.

Numbers like these help show that the Magpies’ dynamic winger could aid the Gunners in build-up play, as well as making them far more dangerous in those games that develop into transitional, slogging matches.

Finally, and this is important with regard to squad building, the Newcastle ace is just 24 years old, whereas the Eagles star has just turned 27 and, based on research carried out by The Athletic, that means, we can expect the former to continue to improve in the coming years, but that isn’t the case for the latter.

Ultimately, based on his underlying numbers, ability to produce a high volume of goal involvements, and his age, Gordon appears to be the better signing for Arsenal. Therefore, the North Londoners should do all they can to bring him to the Emirates this summer.

Sesko will love him: Arsenal open talks to sign "one of the best in the PL"

Imagine this signing and Benjamin Sesko at Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 1, 2025

It only closed last week, but the transfer window is open for the second time this week, and it looks like it’ll be a hectic one for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side are undoubtedly one of the best in the country, but with a third second-placed finish in the Premier League in as many years this season, it’s clear that they are lacking something their competition are not: goals.

The North Londoners produced the best defence in the league last season, but Liverpool and Manchester City scored more goals than them.

So, while some new wide talent wouldn’t go amiss, it’s evident that Arsenal need a new goalscoring number nine, and while Viktor Gyokeres has been heavily linked with the club, another striker now reportedly wants the move.

Arsenal's striker search

Gyokeres has been touted for a move to Arsenal for some time now, with the first reports linking the Swede to the club emerging as far back as last summer and then reappearing here and there during the winter window.

Transfer Focus

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

Yet, the reports seemed to gather momentum once more over the last few weeks, with stories even suggesting that the North Londoners were set to launch a bid for the former Coventry City gem.

However, with it now clear that Sporting CP do not intend to let him leave for £59m, as he and his agent believed they would, the Gunners could turn their attention to more attainable alternatives, such as Ollie Watkins.

Yes, according to a recent report from the Mirror, Arsenal have maintained their interest in the Aston Villa superstar from earlier this year.

The report claims that the former Exeter City gem remains on their list of targets and that the player himself is incredibly keen on joining his boyhood team.

A potential price tag is not mentioned in the story, but according to other reports from late last week, the Englishman could cost up to £40m, which may well be a bargain and help make the case for him being a brilliant alternative to Gyokeres.

Why Watkins would be an ideal alternative to Gyokeres

Now, while the potential price differential is already one massive reason why Watkins would be a great alternative to Gyokeres, there are others, such as their respective experience.

For example, while the Swedish international has been a lean, mean goalscoring machine this season and has been able to rack up a staggering tally of 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 games, he has almost no experience of playing in a top-level competition.

In fact, while he has played eight games in the Champions League and nine in the Europa League, the former Coventry City star has never played in a traditional top-five league, and currently, according to research from Opta Analyst, the Portuguese top-flight is only the 11th strongest in the world, behind the likes of the Belgian Pro League and Championship.

Moreover, if that wasn’t enough to cast some judgment over the 27-year-old’s numbers, then perhaps the fact that 11 of the 18 teams in that competition are considered to be of a League One level will.

In contrast, the “world-class” Englishman, as dubbed by journalist Jack Grimse, has been plying his trade in the toughest competition in world football for five years now and has consistently been a dangerous outlet for the Claret and Blue.

For example, the Torquay-born monster was able to rack up a tally of 42 goal involvements in 53 games last season and then was able to amass 31 in 54 games this year, which is the sort of output that could fire the Gunners to glory.

Furthermore, while the 29-year-old’s record in the Premier League means that fans know what to expect from him, it also means that there should be little to no adaptation period for him, meaning he could come in, hit the ground running and supercharge the North Londoners attack, whereas the Sporting star could take months to get used to playing in the league.

Ultimately, a combination of his price, track record, and experience playing in the Premier League all make Watkins an ideal alternative to Gyokeres this summer.

Berta readying £53m bid to sign Arsenal's answer to Florian Wirtz

Arsenal are in need of their own Florian Wirtz-like signing this summer.

By
Matt Dawson

Jun 15, 2025

Liverpool have received a boost regarding a transfer target who is the “blueprint” for his position, but mega rich clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United are also entering the race.

Liverpool set for record breaking summer spend

The upcoming summer transfer window is threatening to be the most memorable at Anfield for some time, with the Reds expected to spend big after years of relative frugality in the transfer market.

In fact, football finance expert Kieran Maguire has even suggested that FSG could even give head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes as much as £250m to spend, which would be the club’s record window and one of the biggest single-window sprees of all time.

Liverpool are being linked with some fantastic signings, not least Florian Wirtz, with the Bayer Leverkusen superstar still looking likely to join Jeremie Frimpong at the club. The 22-year-old will almost certainly become their record signing and perhaps the biggest in top flight history.

It also feels like a matter of time until Milos Kerkez’s switch from Bournemouth is announced, with the 21-year-old expected to provide serious competition for Andy Robertson at left-back. Now, another defender has been mentioned as an eye-catching option for the Premier League champions.

Liverpool racing PSG and Newcastle as centre-back's price slashed

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are “exploring” a move for Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae this summer, with the South Korean keen on a new challenge.

In fact, the 28-year-old’s asking price has dropped £12.5m from £42m down to £29.5m, acting as a boost for the Reds, with PSG now also among the clubs chasing him, as well as AC Milan. Newcastle United are said to have held talks over a move, too.

Kim is a top-level central defender who could provide brilliant competition for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, being described by the German media as a “blueprint for a 21st century centre-back”, which sums up his quality.

At 28, the South Korean international admittedly isn’t getting any younger, but his price tag alleviates that issue, with Liverpool potentially able to sign him for something of a bargain.

The Reds need to be ruthless this summer and sign an upgrade on Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah, in terms of the strongest backup option, and Kim could be perfect, even though he will clearly want regular starts – there is more than enough football next season to ensure that.

He'd be incredible with Wirtz: £80m star dreaming of signing for Liverpool

Liverpool are making some serious moves in the transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 6, 2025

The fact that he would like to test himself in the Premier League can only aid Liverpool’s chances of getting their man, and he would immediately strengthen their squad depth significantly.

It truly was the best and the worst of times for Tottenham Hotspur last season, and though Ange Postecoglou drove his side to glory in the Europa League, his wretched Premier League form led Daniel Levy to give him the boot.

Though there has been an outpouring of rueful emotion following the news, and though Ange will likely feel aggrieved after ending 17 years of searching for silverware in north London, finishing 17th in the league was unacceptable.

It is, of course, crucial that Spurs use this critical juncture as a launching pad for future fortunes, taking Postecoglou’s foundations and building sustainable success.

Mooted managerial targets such as Fulham’s Marco Silva and former boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has since led Chelsea, don’t quite speak of a step in the right direction.

But Brentford’s Thomas Frank certainly does.

Talks are advancing for Brentford’s boss, with the Lilywhites growing in confidence that a deal will be reached now the 51-year-old has informed his club of his wish to depart.

Change, then, is afoot. With Levy moving swiftly to get a deal done, Tottenham are expected to make changes to the first team.

Let’s have a look at exactly how Frank might put his stamp on his new team.

1

GK – Guglielmo Vicario

Guglielmo Vicario has suffered through his second season in a Tottenham shirt, but he kept a clean sheet in Bilbao and made a crucial save in the dying embers of the match.

With so much going on elsewhere, it looks like the Italian will continue to ward off competition from Antonín Kinský.

2

RB – Pedro Porro

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid ended Pedro Porro’s chance of moving to the Spanish capital, and though it’s been an up-and-down campaign for the right-back, he’s still an impactful and dynamic talent.

For sure, Djed Spence will be knocking on his door, but Frank’s more stable defensive game could actually see Porro go from strength to strength.

3

CB – Marc Guehi

Marc Guehi is a wanted man. Tottenham are on the case, but so too are Liverpool and Newcastle United believed to be suitors for the centre-back.

Cristian Romero is being linked with a transfer to Atletico Madrid. The Argentine is world-class, but routinely injured, and Guehi could wipe the slate clean.

Worth as much as £70m, Guehi would cost a pretty penny, but his technical and defensive qualities and rare absences highlight his aptness as Romero’s heir. The best ability is availability, after all.

4

CB – Micky van de Ven

Romero may get sold, particularly with Ange now gone, but Micky van de Ven will be going nowhere. Athletic, imposing and a progressive passer, his form and fitness could see him become a defining linchpin of the prospective Frank era.

5

LB – Destiny Udogie

Only starting four Premier League matches in 2025 due to injury, Destiny Udogie hasn’t elicited the awe of football fans this year, but still remains one of the most powerful and high-potential defenders across Europe.

Recent interest from Manchester City, before Pep Guardiola’s side moved for Rayan Ait-Nouri, indicates the strength of his skill set and how he could still become a first-class full-back.

Improvements, though, need to be seen. Perhaps he could take influence from how Frank crafted Rico Henry into a better player in west London.

6

CM – Lucas Bergvall

It’s crazy to think Lucas Bergvall is still only 19, thrown right into the deep end last season, playing 45 matches across all competitions.

The Swedish talent will only continue to improve, and if he takes the right steps, could become a fixed feature in Tottenham’s senior squad.

7

CM – Morten Hjulmand

TEAMtalk believe Tottenham are ready to make their move for Sporting Lisbon’s Morten Hjulmand, who is also wanted by Man United. The Dane could cost around £50m.

Neither Rodrigo Bentancur nor Yves Bissouma have really cut the mustard, and both strugglers are on the verge of entering their final year at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Hjulmand is tenacious and a tough tackler, more of a natural six than the aforementioned, and he might just prove a huge difference-maker.

8

RW – Leroy Sane

Leroy Sane may end up leaving Bayern Munich this summer, and should the German winger do so, Tottenham could reportedly be there to tempt him back to the Premier League.

Though the 29-year-old has lost some of his raw pace (37th in the Bundesliga for highest-clocked speed last term), he still scored 11 goals from just 17 league starts.

This could be Frank’s new Mbeumo…

9

AM – Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski had surgery on a patella injury last month and will be sidelined for several months, but he’s still one of the most important players down N17.

He might not be as naturally prolific as James Maddison, but Deki’s industriousness and ball retention have seen him step toward the upper echelon of top midfielders, and he may well keep the Three Lions star on the bench.

10

LW – Eberechi Eze

Aside from keeping Postecoglou in the dugout, this could be the summer-defining move. Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has been heavily linked with Tottenham of late, and with a £68m release clause, could mark the marquee move of the off-season.

FA Cup “superstar” – as he’s been described by football analyst Ben Mattinson – Eze would be an incredible addition, replacing Heung-min Son at left wing. Son scored himself a fairytale ending by winning the Europa League, but recent reports suggest a fee could be generated for the 32-year-old, who is the latest high-profile Saudi Pro League target.

Eze’s pace and silky athleticism would prove the perfect way to replace the legendary skipper, that and his potency, posting 14 goals and 11 assists across the campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy have some key decisions to make in the near future, which even stretch beyond manager Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham's transfer plans amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

With Levy yet to fully decide on whether to stick or twist with Postecoglou, following a season of extreme highs to the lowest of lows, the Lilywhites chief will need to commit to a direction soon as we enter the summer transfer window.

Tottenham prepared to pay £68m for ex-Arsenal gem who gave Ange nightmares

They could also propose a player-plus-cash deal.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

May 31, 2025

Postecoglou’s position in the dugout will greatly determine how Spurs tackle their recruitment strategy, and with the first mini-window now upon us – open from June 1 to June 10 – supporters will be eager for the Australian’s future to resolved as soon as possible.

There are reports that Levy and technical director Johan Lange have identified targets, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze among the players attracting Tottenham’s keen interest.

However, it is unlikely they can make any serious moves until they have some clarity regarding Postecoglou, who guided the club to their first major trophy in 17 years but also set a dismal Tottenham record for most Premier League defeats in a single season (22).

It appears an attacker is firmly on the agenda at Spurs, amid links to Eze and Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané, with Spurs chiefs reportedly keen to add more experience to their youthful squad.

“Spurs don’t have to sell to buy, with Champions League qualification huge for the club,” said Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge in a Q&A, providing some answers on the club’s transfer plans.

“All areas, apart from the goalkeeping department, will be looked at. Midfield and forward would be the priority if Cristian Romero stays.”

There are many intriguing market opportunities for Spurs to consider, and one of them comes in the form of wantaway £195,000-per-week Chelsea winger Christopher Nkunku.

The France international bagged 14 goals in all competitions under Enzo Maresca last season, despite barely starting, and he can play in a variety of attacking roles – namely on the left-wing, attacking midfield, second striker and as a centre-forward.

Tottenham plotting bid to sign Christopher Nkunku on loan

Spurs made an enquiry for Nkunku recently, as reported by reliable GiveMeSport journalist Ben Jacobs, so he appears to be a genuine target for Levy.

Now, Chelsea News, a site run by another reliable journalist in Simon Phillips, reports that Tottenham are considering a loan bid for Nkunku with an option to buy the 27-year-old.

The former RB Leipzig star’s final price tag could apparently be around £46 million plus bonuses, which would take it to £55 million, but both Spurs and Newcastle are keen to take him on an initial temporary deal before paying anywhere near that amount.

Even though Chelsea would prefer an outright sale, there is an acceptance within Stamford Bridge that they may have to green-light such a move, with the Blues keen to get him off their books.

Nkunku could be an excellent deal for Tottenham given his quality, experience and versatility, with the option of remaining in London also potentially attractive for the player.

As Manchester City’s summer clear-out commences, Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid could reportedly come calling in pursuit of one particular player in the coming months.

Man City set for summer clear-out

It’s been a season to forget for Manchester City, who will be desperate to secure Champions League qualification this Sunday and finally put the current campaign behind them. For the first time in Pep Guardiola’s time at The Etihad, the Citizens have it all to do in the summer transfer window.

No longer are they the dominant champions capable of dispatching 19 other Premier League sides with ease. That’s an era which is ruthlessly and rapidly coming to an end. Instead, the Manchester club need to write a new chapter with new heroes and fresh characters, starting with a number of emotional farewells to several players who will be deemed undeniable legends.

Man City preparing to step up deal to sign £50m star they want done by June

He could be the first signing of their midfield rebuild.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 24, 2025

Already, of course, Kevin De Bruyne has said his goodbyes. The Belgian – one of the best to ever play for Manchester City – bid an emotional farewell to The Etihad last week to begin a summer of departures for the Citizens.

The midfielder told the fans after waving goodbye: “I wanted to play with creativity, I wanted to play with passion. I wanted to enjoy football and I hope everyone enjoyed it.

“Everybody has pushed me so hard inside and outside the club to be the best version of myself and these guys in front of me have made me better than I was before. It’s an honour to play with these guys. I’ve made so many friends for life.”

In the coming months, it will be a question as to who joins De Bruyne out the exit door at Manchester City. There are certainly a few candidates who are coming to the end of their peaks, whilst another name has also reportedly been targeted by Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid now targeting Grealish

According to reports in Spain, Simeone and Atletico Madrid are now targeting a summer move to sign Jack Grealish, who could leave Manchester City this summer in a bid to gain a starting place elsewhere. The England international has often been forced to watch on from the bench this season and desperately needs a fresh start.

Of course, Grealish wouldn’t be the first English player to complete a move to the Spanish club either. Just last summer, Conor Gallagher decided to leave Chelsea in favour of the Metropolitano and has thrived ever since. Now, a year on, it could be Grealish’s turn to join Simeone in La Liga.

Despite a difficult spell at The Etihad, the £300,000-a-week midfielder has still found himself at the centre of praise from Guardiola, who told reporters following Grealish’s performance against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup earlier this season: “I’m happy for him. I know it’s not easy when you don’t play regularly. In the last game in the FA Cup he played very good, much better than today.”

Whether that praise is enough to keep hold of Grealish seems unlikely at this stage, but only time will tell if Atletico Madrid come calling this summer.

In hindsight, Jurgen Klopp was right.

When he stepped down from his Liverpool post, almost nine years into his tenure, the iconic manager’s decision was met with dismay from the fanbase, whose success over the past decade had been engineered by the German’s brilliance.

But Klopp was right. He was tired, you see, and knew that without that burning ball of energy within, his infectious personality wouldn’t feed into his team, into his tactics, into the club’s far-reaching community.

It was hard to accept – some, perhaps, still haven’t – but Klopp was right, because Arne Slot has taken his place and has taken Liverpool to a higher level, winning the Premier League in his maiden term at a canter.

Such has been the Reds’ dominance that they are currently lapping up the Gulf sunshine, on holiday in Dubai to celebrate triumphs and say farewell to Trent Alexander-Arnold as his expected transfer to Real Madrid looms large.

In his place, Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes seem set on signing Jeremie Frimpong to replace the vice-captain, strengthening the firm Dutch contingent.

Liverpool's growing Dutch contingent

Liverpool are fortunate to have welcomed Conor Bradley to the first team over the past two seasons, thus easing the onerous task of finding a Trent replacement.

Still, Bradley’s young and injury-prone besides. Frimpong would be a brilliant addition to shore up the right flank and add a new taste of attacking flair. Correspondents have clearly been briefed by the dozen, with numerous reports emerging that Liverpool are in advanced talks to seal the Dutchman’s signature.

Frimpong certainly wouldn’t be short of pals on Merseyside. Slot is a big admirer of the versatile right-sider, a compatriot who has played a defining role in Xabi Alonso’s trophy-filled Leverkusen era.

The boss’ compatriot would find plenty of teammates in the ranks, of course, with Virgil van Dijk both Liverpool and Netherlands captain and Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo good friends with the speedy flanker on the international scene.

The cohesion at Anfield has been a strong thing this term, Liverpool going from strength to strength under Slot’s wing. Gravenberch, especially, has bloomed into a high-class midfielder this season after sitting largely on the periphery last year.

He perhaps doesn’t get the same credit, but Gakpo has also taken bounding strides in his development, with Slot truly having hit the jackpot on his prolific left winger.

Slot has hit the jackpot on Cody Gakpo

When Gakpo reached the end of his first season at Liverpool, having joined at the midpoint, he probably felt a fair measure of frustration that he hadn’t reached the heights surely anticipated when FSG came calling.

The Netherlands international had just put his name on the map at the Qatar World Cup and was terrorising Eredivisie defences with PSV Eindhoven, so when Liverpool moved to hijack Manchester United’s deal and bring Gakpo to Anfield for a £35m base fee in late December 2022, there was plenty of excitement.

He certainly wasn’t poor, but Gakpo entered Liverpool with Klopp’s side in the throes of a collapse, the midfield malfunctioning and experienced heads looking at a dizzying loss.

He still managed to record ten goal involvements across 26 matches, but Gakpo looks a different player at this stage of his career, dovetailing perfectly into Slot’s system. Pundits Joe Cole and Peter Crouch agreed that he has “gone up a level” under new management this year.

The secret in the sauce hasn’t been anything complex, at least on the surface level. Gakpo was ferried about the starting line-up to no end, with Klopp determined to make good use of his player’s obvious technical ability.

Gakpo’s dynamism lent itself to multi-positionality, but this frustrated his prolific senses and left him itching for a more structured role. To be sure, this was a fundamental part of Gakpo’s development, something he stressed himself during Liverpool’s title celebrations, but it’s hard to argue against his new role being one of greater reward for club and player.

That’s why Slot has left him on the left flank, with 40 of his 47 outings this season coming from the wide channel.

That £35m fee now looks to be an absolute bargain. Indeed, as per Transfermarkt, the Dutch forward has seen his market value shoot up to £59m after his exploits across the season, marking an increase of £24m on the investment made just two-and-a-half years ago. Frimpong, for instance, is said to be worth £42m.

Journalist Jacob Schneider claimed Gakpo was “downright ridiculous” before making the move to Liverpool, and that’s now been corroborated and then some.

This is quite the feat for a player who was brushed off by many rival fans after his stop-start beginning on Merseyside. While Gravenberch has taken most of the plaudits for his stunning season, Gakpo has been every bit as brilliant, and it would take quite a feat to eclipse the player.

That is to say, Frimpong might be joining Liverpool with the confidence from Slot and the powers that be that he can make a marked effect on the project, but he’s not going to knock Gakpo off his high perch without some special and sustained performances in red next year.

In any case, it hardly matters for those of a Liverpool persuasion. What matters is that Slot knows what he’s doing and has already showcased his ability to get the very best out of his countrymen.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

There’s no doubt the coach has hit the jackpot on Gakpo and Gravenberch, but he might just have the same impact on Frimpong too next season.

A Salah-esque signing: Liverpool agree personal terms with "insane" target

Liverpool are ready to begin their summer shopping spree.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 13, 2025

Everton are “confident” of signing a rapid new player who is said to play with “a lot of dynamism and speed” in a cut-price deal this summer, according to a new report.

Everton remain on the up despite Chelsea loss

Everton suffered a 1-0 Premier League defeat at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge over the weekend, with Nicolas Jackson scoring his first goal of 2025 to gift the home side all three points.

Despite the loss, however, Everton remain very much a team on the rise. After a desperately poor start to the season under Sean Dyche, the Toffees have gone from strength to strength since the reappointment of David Moyes as manager in January.

Under the Scotsman, Everton lost just one of their first 10 Premier League games — a remarkable run of form that essentially secured their top-flight status for another year, something that had looked extremely unlikely around Christmas.

Results have dipped slightly since, but with Premier League football now guaranteed for next season, attention inside the club has already begun to turn towards a fresh start.

“[Moyes] only wants the club to go one way, which we all do, and that is up. But there is still a lot of work that we all need to do to get to that point,” winger Dwight McNeil said after the defeat to Chelsea.

Everton confident of signing Ligue Akpa

Everton’s fresh start next season will come in two parts — the first being a brand-new home: Everton Stadium, a 52,888-seater set to replace Goodison Park after more than a century as the club’s base.

The second will be a revamped squad, with the club’s new owners, the Friedkin Group, expected to back Moyes with funds in the summer to strengthen his team.

Everton told they can open talks to sign Inter star Yann Bisseck on July 13

David Moyes wants to make a move…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Apr 26, 2025

One of the players Moyes could be bringing in is Auxerre defender Clement Akpa, with Football Insider reporting that Everton could secure his signing in the coming months.

The outlet claims that Everton have been alerted to Akpa’s availability — and that they are now “pretty confident” of landing the 23-year-old in what could be a cut-price deal due to Auxerre’s financial difficulties.

Akpa has made 28 appearances for Auxerre this season, mostly at centre-back, though he is also capable of playing at left-back.

Speaking about the Ivory Coast international earlier this season, Auxerre head coach Christophe Pélissier said: “He’s a player who works a lot, having made very good and quick progress. At the beginning of this season, I did not think he would be one of the most used players.

“His qualities — playing with a lot of dynamism and speed — have allowed him to develop fully in this system. He asks a lot of questions about the game and what he needs to do to move forward. Being a very young father has given him a great sense of responsibility.”

Glasgow Rangers are on the lookout for a permanent manager heading into the 2025/26 season.

With the 49ers Enterprises takeover edging towards completion, they will be keen on securing a high-profile name to take the club forward.

Steven Gerrard is a name that has been linked with a return to Ibrox, but perhaps Marco Rose would be the best option for the Gers.

The German is among one of the favourites to land the coveted role. If he does move to Glasgow, there are at least four high-profile players that both the club and he must shift from the wage bill this summer.

A fresh start is needed all across the park, starting with Jack Butland in the sticks…

1

Jack Butland

The Englishman’s mistake against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final last season has been the catalyst for a poor season at Ibrox.

The £25k-per-week goalkeeper has made a slew of mistakes throughout the season, while conceding 48 goals and keeping just 14 clean sheets across 42 matches in all competitions.

Rose could cash in on the player in the summer as he looks to recruit someone who is at their peak.

2

James Tavernier

The captain, who earns £30k-per-week, is currently heading into the final year of his contract at Ibrox.

That comes amid a poor individual season, which has seen Tavernier register only 17 goal involvements, a far cry from the 36 he recorded last term.

A new direction is needed at Ibrox, and with the Englishman turning 34 in October, surely now is the time for the club to sell him and move on.

After yet another campaign that will end without a trophy, Tavernier’s influence is significantly on the wane. That much is certain.

3

Kieran Dowell

Michael Beale signed Dowell in the summer of 2023 as his contract expired with Norwich City, but he made only 17 appearances for the club in his maiden season.

It became clear he wasn’t at the required level to take the Light Blues to the next level and after 16 games this term, the £16k-per-week midfielder joined Birmingham City on a loan deal.

Ten goal involvements across 22 matches proves Dowell has found his level and the Midlands side could look at signing the Englishman on a permanent basis this summer.

This is a move Rose will surely sanction, allowing him funds to strengthen his squad.

4

Ben Davies

Davies is another player who spent time on loan with Birmingham City this season. After two fairly underwhelming seasons at Ibrox, Philippe Clement sent him on loan to League One last summer. The £27k-per-week defender, like Dowell, appears to have found his level during his temporary stay.

The centre-back has won 70% of his total duels in the third tier this season, along with averaging 6.2 clearances and making 1.1 tackles per game.

Following their promotion, the Blues might want to keep Davies at the club permanently and this is something Rangers must look at pushing through.

He doesn’t seem like a player who would thrive under Rose, and freeing up his massive wages would certainly help the German in the transfer window.

Thelwell pushing Rangers to replace Ferguson with 53 y/o "absolute genius"

Incoming sporting director Kevin Thelwell is expected to play a major role in the Gers’ pursuit of a new manager.

By
Dominic Lund

May 1, 2025

Chelsea are now eager to sign a £40k-a-week full-back who’s “one of the best” in Europe, but there is set to be fierce competition from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Pressure building on Maresca

Fans are starting to lose patience with Enzo Maresca, given that performances have fallen way short of expectations in recent weeks, drawing 2-2 at home to Ipswich Town before suffering a 2-1 defeat against Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge.

However, the manager is likely to have bought himself some more time with the 2-1 victory at Fulham on Sunday afternoon, with Tyrique George and Pedro Neto striking late to secure a comeback victory at Craven Cottage.

By and large, the Blues’ backline has not been the issue this season, retaining the joint-fourth best defensive record in the league, and Maresca is likely to be far more concerned by the performances of his strikers.

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The Blues are closely monitoring a “wonderful” midfielder ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 20, 2025

After once again drawing a blank on Sunday afternoon, Nicolas Jackson is without a goal in his last 12 Premier League games, while Christopher Nkunku has just three league goals to his name all season.

As such, bringing in a new striker may be a priority for Chelsea this summer, but they are also keen to strengthen in defence, according to a report from Caught Offside, which has revealed they are now eager to sign Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina.

Aina’s performances this season have attracted serious interest from a whole host of Premier League clubs, with Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also keen, and the latter two clubs are set to open agent talks soon.

Forest are eager to tie the full-back down to a new contract, which could see his £40k-a-week wages increased, but a free transfer is possible, should an agreement not be reached, with the 28-year-old’s contract set to expire this summer.

Aina enjoying impressive campaign at Forest

The Nigerian has been an indispensable member of the starting XI for Forest this season, making 30 Premier League appearances prior to recently sustaining a calf injury, and his side have gone on to lose both of the games he’s missed.

Having performed very well for the Tricky Trees, the London-born defender received high praise from Zach Lowy last month, with the journalist saying: “Ola Aina has genuinely been one of the best fullbacks in Europe this season. So effective going forward but above all, rarely drops anything less than a 7/10. Forest are lucky to have him.”

Not only has the former Chelsea man impressed on the front foot, but his ability to win back possession has also been on display regularly throughout the campaign.

That said, Chelsea are already well-stocked at right-back, with Reece James and Malo Gusto on the books, so Aina may not be a necessary signing unless one of Maresca’s current options moves on this summer.