All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic lost a huge talent in the recent summer transfer window when they decided to cash in on Nicolas Kuhn by selling him to Italian side Como for a fee of £16.5m.

The German winger has endured a difficult start to life in the Serie, failing to score or assist a goal in any of his first five matches in the division, but his time at Parkhead suggests that the best is yet to come.

Celtic signed the left-footed star from Rapid Vienna in the January transfer window at the start of 2024, and his best form for the club came after a difficult start to life in Glasgow.

How Nicolas Kuhn saved his Celtic career

The former Bayern Munich and Ajax trainee produced three goals and three assists in 18 appearances in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, including one goal and one assist in the cup, per Transfermarkt.

Kuhn needed time to adapt and adjust to the intensity of Scottish football and the pressure of playing for Celtic, though, and his best performances for the club came after that initial period of adaptation.

In his full season at Parkhead, the 25-year-old star racked up an eye-catching return of 21 goals and 15 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he found his feet in Scotland to deliver consistent performances.

Kuhn is, therefore, the poster boy for why supporters and pundits alike should perhaps give some players more time to adapt to life at Celtic if they do not hit the ground running.

With this in mind, the Scottish Premiership champions may be brewing their next version of the German superstar, and it is not Sebastian Tounekti.

The Celtic player who is the next Nicolas Kuhn in the making

Unlike Kuhn, Tounekti has enjoyed a fairly strong start to his career at Parkhead and all but nailed down a place in the starting XI on the left flank, thanks to his exciting wing play after his deadline day move from Hammarby.

The Tunisia international has completed 14 dribbles in five matches in all competitions, per Sofascore, and scored against Partick Thistle in the League Cup.

Meanwhile, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who joined from Royal Antwerp in the summer, has not had as much success in winning the fanbase over since his move to the club.

After the 3-2 win over Motherwell, Brendan Rodgers explained that it has “all been a wee bit of a blur” for the Belgian forward since he moved to Parkhead, which suggests that he may be suffering from the same adaptation issues that Kuhn had at first.

Appearances

16

4

Shots per game

1.1

0.0

Goals

4

0

Key passes per game

1.6

0.5

Big chances created

7

1

Assists

3

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.4

0.0

As you can see in the table above, Balikwisha’s statistics for Royal Antwerp in the Pro League last season suggest that he has more gears to find in Glasgow, as he has struggled at the top end of the pitch for Celtic so far.

The young forward did deliver a fantastic assist for Daizen Maeda’s winner against Motherwell in the Premiership last weekend, his first goal contribution for the club, and that could be the moment that he needs to kick on and make a name for himself at Parkhead.

Balikwisha, who was described as an “exciting” player by Rodgers, has been a bit too timid in his early outings for the Hoops, as evidenced by no shots and 0.5 key passes per game across four matches.

The Belgian attacker needs to show more conviction and drive in his performances on the wing, as he did in the Pro League with his former club, and not worry about making a mistake or the crowd getting on his back.

Celtic must rue binning "magic" outcast who's now outperforming Tounekti

Brendan Rodgers must rue moving on from this Celtic star who is now outperforming Sebastian Tounekti.

ByDan Emery Oct 7, 2025

If he can step up to produce fearless performances, then his form from Belgium may translate to Scotland. He could follow in Kuhn’s footsteps by hitting his stride in front of goal after a difficult start to life in Glasgow.

Glasgow Rangers chiefs Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell must work alongside the owners to find a new head coach to lead the Ibrox giants into a new era.

Chairman Andrew Cavenagh and Vice-Chairman Paraag Marathe penned an open letter to supporters on Monday that explained that they will be heavily involved in finding the next manager, which shows that they are not hiding away and allowing others to be solely responsible for it.

A change was made in the dugout at Ibrox after the previous manager only won five of his 17 matches in charge of the Glasgow-based outfit, conceding 24 goals in that time.

German manager is keen on taking the Rangers job

The Light Blues bosses have two weeks to identify their new head coach because of the October international break, with their next game coming against Dundee United the Saturday after next.

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According to the Daily Record, Steven Gerrard has doubts about a return to Ibrox because of the quality of the squad and his desire to take some time away from management.

The same report, though, adds that former Sheffield Wednesday head coach Danny Rohl would be keen on taking the Rangers job if offered the chance to get back into management.

It states that the German tactician and former Everton boss Sean Dyche would both be interested in landing the role, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Gers are keen on either of them.

Why Danny Rohl could be the next Steven Gerrard

Rangers took a big gamble when they appointed Gerrard in 2018 because he had only coached at youth team level, with Liverpool, and had not won anything as a senior manager.

However, he had a plethora of experience at the very top level of the game, as a player for Liverpool and then in an elite coaching environment at Liverpool’s academy, which helped him to instill a winning mentality that led to winning the 2020/21 Scottish Premiership title.

Rohl, whose work with Sheffield Wednesday was hailed as “outstanding” by reporter Phil Buckingham, could follow in Gerrard’s footsteps as another relatively unproven manager who has plenty of experience in elite environments.

The 36-year-old tactician, who typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation (Transfermarkt), steered the Owls clear of relegation in both of his seasons at the helm in Yorkshire, but it is his posts before becoming a first-team manager that may attract Rangers to him.

Sheffield Wednesday

Manager

89

Germany national team

Assistant manager

25

Bayern Munich

Assistant manager

101

Southampton

Assistant manager

24

RB Leipzig

Assistant manager

83

RB Leipzig

Video analyst

15

RB Leipzig U17s

Assistant manager

29

As you can see in the table above, Rohl has worked for Bayern Munich, Germany, and RB Leipzig, which means that he has worked at some top clubs and one of the best footballing nations in the world.

Like Gerrard, he would arrive at Ibrox with a knowledge of how to win at an elite level, having been at Bayern, a winning machine, for over 100 matches as an assistant.

Rohl’s exceptional experiences as a coach in multiple elite environments have prepared him for management, as illustrated by Jack Hunt’s insight into his fantastic coaching ability during his time with Sheffield Wednesday.

The German head coach may not be a flashy or big-name appointment that is likely to excite supporters, given his lack of experience in senior management, but his overall career in the game and his impressive stint with the Owls suggest that he could be an excellent option.

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Gerrard is, inarguably, the best Rangers manager in modern history, the only one to win a title since they returned to the Premiership, and Rohl could follow in his footsteps when you consider his coaching career.

Everton were one of the four sides involved in the Premier League Summer Series held in the United States. They ended up finishing bottom in the four-team competition, with Manchester United, West Ham United and Bournemouth the three sides who placed above them.

What might concern manager David Moyes is that they scored only three goals across the three games, fewer than any of their opponents. Two of those came in the final game against Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United. That came after the Toffees boss said he was “disappointed” with striker Beto’s performances in the competition.

So, it seems like the Toffees need attackers to help end this drought in front of goal. They are reportedly targeting a Premier League attacker to help their cause.

Everton’s next attacking target after Dibling

Of course, with Everton needing to become more clinical, the likes of Beto must step up, with new signing Thierno Barry waiting in the wings. Yet, they also need more creativity in attack, and seem to be targeting a Premier League star to help solve their problem.

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According to a recent report from talkSPORT, the Merseysiders are ‘set to step up their interest’ in signing Manchester City and England international attacker Jack Grealish.

They are said to have been interested in the 29-year-old ‘for much of the transfer window’, and could now accelerate a move.

That comes after Southampton asked for £50m to sign Tyler Dibling, after Moyes’ side ‘have seen multiple bids rejected’ for the winger. Thus, they will ‘turn their attention’ to signing Grealish this summer, with a loan swoop seemingly on the cards.

Why Grealish would be a good signing

It has been a tough 12 months at the Etihad Stadium for Grealish. The former Aston Villa star seemingly fell out of Pep Guardiola’s plans and was not even taken as part of the squad to the Club World Cup earlier in the summer.

He played just 32 times for the Citizens last season, chipping in with eight goals and assists. That included just 20 Premier League games, where the attacker scored and assisted one goal apiece. He played 715 minutes in total and completed a full game three times.

A fresh start is needed for Grealish, but if Everton can recapture his best form, then they have a “generational talent” on their hands, according to former Villans chief executive Christian Purslow. He made 213 appearances in that famous Claret and Blue shirt, scoring 32 times and assisting 43.

Perhaps signing the England international will be like bringing a more experienced version of Dibling to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The pair have been compared before, with Tony Cascarino explaining he has “elements” of Grealish’s game, and analyst Umir said on The Overlap: The Breakdown that “the way he carried” the ball is similar to the City man.

Of course, Dibling, at just 19 years of age, is far from the finished article. Last season, he scored two goals and assisted one in 33 Premier League games, including this well-taken effort against Ipswich Town.

Yet, the similarities are there to see, and there is a bit of Grealish in the way he took the ball on the half turn, evaded the defender and fired home. The numbers also back up the theory, and if Everton can help Grealish rediscover his best form from his Villa days, they’ll have a more refined version of Dibling who can have an impact now, rather than later down the line.

Using stats on FBref from Grealish’s last season at Villa, he averaged 2.67 completed take-ons and 4.03 carries into the final third per 90 minutes. In comparison, the Southampton forward averaged 2.16 successful take-ons and 2.4 carries into the final third each game.

Progressive passes

7.78

3.08

Take-ons completed

2.67

2.16

Progressive carries

7.08

3.32

Carries into final third

4.03

2.4

Carries into penalty area

3.25

1.25

The similarities between the two attackers are clear. Whilst Dibling can be a long-term addition for Everton, there is a strong case to make that Grealish would be a better signing for Moyes’ side this season.

He is far more experienced and closer to the finished product. The 29-year-old is almost guaranteed to have an instant impact if Moyes can help him rediscover the form he showed at Villa. This could be a genius move for Everton.

Imagine him & Dewsbury-Hall: Everton pushing to sign "world-class talent"

Everton manager David Moyes is pushing to wrap up his summer transfer plans.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 6, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to make headway in the Premier League and Champions League next season, all the while challenging for further silverware in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

They’ve got a taste for that winning feeling, you see, and while Ange Postecoglou was sacked in June, we left with his head held high, a hero, the manager who came and conquered after so many were thwarted before him.

In Thomas Frank, though, Spurs have the perfect successor, bringing structured organisation and dynamic balance, but also a pragmatism that was lacking under Ange’s wing.

While Mohammed Kudus has already been reeled in, Tottenham are hoping to sign another creative midfielder, with several names lined up.

Spurs sounding out attacking midfielders

Only one week ago, it looked as if Tottenham were on the cusp of signing Morgan Gibbs-White. But Nottingham Forest allege the Lilywhites made an unlawful approach.

While work is being done to get that one over the line, Tottenham have since set up contingencies, with RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons the centre of talks between the outfits, though Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested.

Elsewhere, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Tottenham are hugely keen on striking a deal for Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, 24, who is expected to be on the move this summer.

Newcastle United and Forest are also keen on a deal, with Villa reported to have set a price of £50m for their homegrown midfielder.

Why Spurs want Jacob Ramsey

Last summer, Tottenham explored a player-plus-cash move for Ramsey, with Giovani Lo Celso heading the other way. That never came to fruition.

At 24, Ramsey is entering the prime years of his career, but having made 167 appearances for Aston Villa, his boyhood club, he’s struggling for purchase in Unai Emery’s plans.

At his best, Ramsey is lively and slippery and exciting. Statman Dave once noted his “magic” technical qualities, and that sense of wonder could lead him right to a new chapter down N17, buoyed by the knowledge that Tottenham’s vested interest winds right the way back through the previous campaign and into the 2024 summer window.

If Frank succeeds in unlocking those powers, he might have a cut-price alternative to the likes of Simons on his hands, who may yet restore his finest form, perhaps expand it to something not yet witnessed.

The diminutive Dutchman has scored 21 goals and supplied 23 assists across 71 matches for Leipzig, with talent scout Jacek Kulig even suggesting that the playmaker is “destined for greatness”.

After a couple of frustrating seasons in the Premier League, Ramsey doesn’t have the same hype around this name, but there’s little question that he has what it takes to level back up; the dynamic midfielder, after all, ranked among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion, as per FBref.

24/25

29 (19)

1

3

23/24

16 (8)

1

1

22/23

35 (31)

6

7

21/22

34 (29)

6

1

20/21

22 (6)

0

0

He’s shown before an aptitude for clinical performances, and that could swell larger in a new project at Tottenham, with Frank’s tactical prowess sure to take his development to the next level.

Ramsey might not have the reputation or accomplishments of Simons, but he’s got so much more to give and could prove a shrewd signing indeed, as well as playing in similar positions to the Dutchman, either as an attacking midfielder or on the flanks, drifting into central positions.

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2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 19, 2025

Manchester City are now readying a £147 million bid to sign a “special” star who is rated highly by Pep Guardiola, according to a recent report.

Man City chasing two goalkeepers as Ederson’s future is in doubt

The Blues have already been very active in this transfer window, with Sverre Nypan being their latest capture. But things could soon be about to heat up even more at the Etihad, as focus switches to the goalkeeper department and the future of Ederson.

Bye bye: £330k-per-week stars want out of Man City to join the same club

Both are legendary figures at the Etihad.

1 ByHenry Jackson Jul 18, 2025

The Brazilian was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia even before the summer transfer window opened, but talk of that move has now gone quiet. But that doesn’t mean the goalkeeper is not going to leave City, as it’s emerged that Ederson wants to leave the Etihad to join Galatasaray this summer.

The Turkish giants are looking to sign Ederson and İlkay Gündoğan from the Premier League side, meaning the Blues are in the market for a new goalkeeper.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, City have already contacted Burnley about signing James Trafford. The Blues have a buyback price of £40 million, but they are trying to negotiate with the Clarets about lowering that fee.

As well as Trafford, City are willing to make a £52 million bid to sign Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid. The 26-year-old is said to be open to the idea of joining City, as he continues to be behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order. However, Real Madrid continue to see Lunin as a key part of their team, and they don’t want to lose the Ukraine star without a fight.

Man City plot £147m bid for Cole Palmer

As the Premier League side chase a new goalkeeper, according to a report from Spain, Man City are now set to submit a 170 million euros (£147 million) bid to sign Cole Palmer from Chelsea.

The Blues sold Palmer to Chelsea back in 2023 for a fee of £40 million, but now they are keen to reunite with the player, who Pep Guardiola admires and has praised for his “special quality” in front of goal.

Pep is said to be pushing City to bring Palmer back to the Etihad, and that is why the Premier League side are willing to spend nearly three times the amount they sold him for to get a deal done.

City are aware Palmer can make a huge difference to their attack, as the England international did at the Club World Cup this summer, but Chelsea do hold all the cards in this potential transfer tussle, as Palmer is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033.

Apps

97

Goals

43

Assists

29

However, Palmer is represented by the agency CAA Base Limited, the same agency that looks after City defender Rico Lewis, and the Blues may see this as a good opportunity for them to use their contacts to tempt Palmer back to Manchester.

Paul Gascoigne is one of the geatest players in Glasgow Rangers history and undoubtedbly one of the most entertaining footballers of all time.

‘Gazza’ joined the Gers from Lazio in 1995 and won the lot in his debut campaign at Ibrox, lifting the Premiership title and the Scottish Cup while being crowned the SFWA Player of the Year and PFA Players’ Player of the Year.

Perhaps his finest moment in a Blue shirt came against Aberdeen in that 1995-96 campaign, as a hat-trick at Ibrox which included a stunning solo goal sealed the league title.

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ByRoss Kilvington Nov 29, 2024

The following year is remembered for Gascoigne’s masterclass in the Scottish League Cup final against Hearts, as he scored twice in a 4-3 victory, and Ally McCoist recalls an argument with the match-winner that day: “The half-time whistle goes and we’re up the tunnel and we’re still at it the two of us, we’re in the dressing room and we’re still at it, so Walter Smith comes in and says: ‘Right, everybody shut up and calm down’.

“But Gascoigne is still raging and I can see Walter getting angrier and angrier. I’ve known Walter long enough by this point to just keep my mouth shut, but Gascoigne keeps going.

“Eventually Walter picks him up by the scruff of the neck and hangs him up on the peg where you put your coats and he says: ‘Paul, I will not tell you again to shut up!’”

He continued: “Eventually when it calmed down Gazza got up, went out of the dressing room and straight into the director’s room – in his gear by the way! – and had a whiskey.

“He threw it down his neck, came back into the dressing room, sat down, Walter did his team talk, he walked out for the second half and he scored two goals. He was unbelievable.”

McCoist and Gascoigne played with some incredible names during that era – perhaps no surprise given they won nine straight league titles – from Richard Gough to Brian Laudrup, and Gazza has revealed it was the Dane who blew teammates away in training.

Gascoigne: Laudrup was 'one of the best players in the world'

Speaking about his greatest teammates, Gascoigne named EURO 1992 winner Laudrup as a ‘match-winner’ who was ‘virtually untouchable’ both in games and on the training ground.

Laudrup won three titles in four seasons at Glasgow, while both he and his brother are widely regarded as two of Denmark’s greatest ever players.

1994/95

49

16

1995/96

40

10

1996/97

48

23

1997/98

42

7

Even in a team stacked full of big names, his elegance, quick feet and creativity stood out like a sore thumb.

Kylian Mbappe is one of the best footballers in the world today, but he once revealed it’s a basketball superstar who he looks up to for his status in and out of the game.

Mbappe, currently starring with Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, winning the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018.

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Following a hat-trick in the 2022 final, in which France were defeated by Argentina on penalties, Lionel Messi heaped praise on Mbappe: “It really was a breathtaking final. It was crazy how the match went. Kylian scored three incredible goals, in a final! Not being able to be champion after that was crazy.”

The Real Madrid superstar has scored 50 goals for his country, meaning he only needs eight more to be his nation’s greatest ever goalscorer at the age of just 26.

Monaco

Ligue 1

2017

PSG

Ligue 1

2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024

Coupe de France

2018, 2020, 2021, 2024

Coupe de la Ligue

2018, 2020

Real Madrid

UEFA Super Cup

2024

FIFA Intercontinental Cup

2024

France

FIFA World Cup

2018

UEFA Nations League

2021

Mbappe has previously refused to pick a ‘Greatest Of All Time’ when it comes to football, revealing he believes Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both the best, but he hasn’t been quite so diplomatic when it comes to picking his favourite NBA star.

Known as a big basketball fan, previously attending NBA Draft nights and even signing a media partnership with the league, Mbappe has become friends with San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and is regularly spotted courtside at big games.

Mbappe names LeBron James as the 'GOAT'

Speaking on his own Instagram page after LeBron James broke the all-time NBA scoring record, Mbappe called the Los Angeles Lakers forward the ‘the greatest’, and he previously revealed he idoloses James for his actions on and off the court.

James is a four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA MVP, while he also leads the all time records for most points and sits in the top ten for both assists and steals, but his 4-6 finals record opens the door for debate.

Michael Jordan won the title six times, significantly boasting a 6-0 finals record and being named the finals MVP in all six, while winning the regular season MVP award on five occasions.

27.0

Points per game

30.1

7.5

Assists per game

6.2

7.4

Rebounds per game

5.3

1.5

Steals per game

2.3

0.7

Blocks per game

0.8

Four

NBA Championships

Six

Four

NBA MVPs

Five

ESPN’s Stephen A Smith believes Jordan’s peak puts him above the rest: “I’m putting nobody ahead of Michael Jordan. Nobody. Because my definition of the ‘GOAT’ is you at your best against anybody else at their best.

“There’s nobody who has been as good as long (as LeBron), meaning longevity, a sustained level of pristine excellence – LeBron James is the ‘GOAT’ in that category. But I don’t think LeBron’s best eclipses Jordan’s best.”

Mbappe’s verdict is perhaps symbolic of the generational divide that often defines the debate, while James still has the opportunity to extend his legacy with one more year left on his contract with the Lakers.

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Liverpool have resolved an “issue” with an incoming signing, with a move now set to be sealed, according to a new claim from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool pushing for more signings after Wirtz

The Reds completed the club-record £116m signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen last week, in what is one of the Reds’ biggest statement pieces of business in their history.

The German has joined alongside Jeremie Frimpong, who has come in as a direct replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Liverpool’s signings are not expected to stop there.

Milos Kerkez appears to be the chosen player at left-back, with the Bournemouth ace coming in to either provide competition for Andy Robertson or replace him, depending on whether the Scot leaves or not this summer.

The Hungarian was arguably the outstanding player in his position in the Premier League last season, showing why Liverpool and Arne Slot are so keen to sign him, and now a new update has emerged regarding the Reds’ pursuit.

Liverpool resolve issue with Kerkez signing – Romano

According to Romano on his YouTube channel (via Liverpool World), a “technical issue” involving Liverpool and Kerkez has now been sorted, with a five-year deal agreed and a £40m move potentially being completed on Tuesday following his medical.

“After resolving a technical issue, Liverpool and Bournemouth decided to proceed with the formal steps, so exchanging documents, exchanging emails. Milos Kerkez to Liverpool is a here we go, £40m – that’s the price for the player. A five-year contract is ready for the Hungarian left back. One more piece of information for Liverpool fans, Tuesday next week should be, from what I understand, the day for Milos Kerkez to travel to Liverpool for medical test and contract signing, so it’s all set.

“The player only wanted to join Liverpool, I can tell you that the player was in the list of several clubs around Europe, considering a move for him, even while Liverpool were not closing officially this deal in the recent weeks, they tried to enter, but there was never a possibility, because Kerkez only wanted to go to Liverpool, and now we can consider Kerkez as a new Liverpool player.”

He'd be unplayable with Kerkez: £75m star now wants to sign for Liverpool

Liverpool could sign even more attacking talent in the transfer window this summer.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 22, 2025

There is very little not to like about Kerkez, with the Hungary international a player full of energy who can provide quality at both ends of the pitch, registering five assists in the Premier League last season.

At 21, he is a decade younger than Robertson, therefore representing the future at Liverpool, and there is a tenaciousness about him that isn’t dissimilar to the current Reds man.

Ideally, Kerkez would come in as first choice ahead of Robertson, with Kostas Tsimikas leaving instead of him, but either way, the Bournemouth ace could go straight into Slot’s starting lineup next season.

Arsenal are set for one of their most imperative transfer windows in recent years, with sporting director Andrea Berta working to reinforce the squad whilst backing manager Mikel Arteta with sufficient squad upgrades.

Arsenal laying groundwork for key summer deals

Recently, two players in particular have dominated the headlines around N5.

He's a Sesko upgrade: Arsenal stepping up pursuit of £84m "powerhouse"

The incredible goalscorer would be a serious threat at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 9, 2025

Given the club’s obvious need for a new striker, Arsenal’s talks for RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko are attracting due attention, with the Gunners looking to make it third-time-lucky and finally seal a deal for the Slovenian.

Sesko rejected a switch to the Emirates last summer, instead penning a contract extension with Leipzig and coming to a gentlemen’s agreement that he could leave either this year or in 2026 (Fabrizio Romano).

Arsenal also reached out over a deal for Sesko in January, but were respectful of Leipzig not wanting to sell mid-season, not to mention the player’s wishes to see out the Bundesliga campaign (Ben Jacobs).

Now, they could finally land their man if they come to an amicable agreement with Leipzig, with Standard Sport reporter Simon Collings sharing that the Bundesliga side want around £70 million to part company after fresh talks.

Beyond Sesko, there is also the ongoing saga revolving around Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Fabrizio Romano shares Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal update

It is a very complex situation, with the BBC reporting that a medical had been scheduled for the “perfect” 26-year-old, which was later rebuffed by the player himself in an interview with Radio Nacional.

Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay also poured cold water over how advanced this deal is, but members of the media are still adamant that Arsenal have signed Zubimendi and the agreement is sealed.

Reports in Spain are now also beginning to claim that Real Madrid could hijack Arsenal’s move for Zubimendi, so the uncertainty remains, but trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has moved to provide a fairly comforting update.

Speaking on his YouTube channel this week, Romano said that a deal is agreed for Zubimendi to join Arsenal, and Arteta’s side remain convinced that he’s about to finalise his transfer to the Premier League.

“We have many questions, we have many stories, and I respect all the sources on this story, because obviously until the deals are official, you can try until the very end,” said Romano.

“From Spain, that is what they guarantee Real Madrid are trying to do.

“Until the deals are signed, clubs can try to enter and hijack until the very final moments. But my understanding on this story is that Martin Zubimendi has agreed on absolutely everything to become a new Arsenal player.

“There is an agreement with the club since a long time ago. I already said a few months ago the ‘here we go’, because from what I heard, Zubimendi accepted everything Arsenal offered. He already spoke to Mikel Arteta, he wanted to wait until the formal steps to respect Real Sociedad until the end of the season.

“The deal is agreed. They’ve already exchanged everything, in terms of documents. It’s just about the medical, put pen to paper, take the pictures, and then Zubimendi will become an Arsenal player.”

Sharing a cautionary word, the journalist doesn’t entirely rule out Real, but Arsenal appear more than confident they’ll get him over the line.

“If Real Madrid or any other clubs will be able to change this story while the documents are ready, in football like so many things… never say never,” continued Romano.

“But Arsenal are convinced he will be their player this summer.”

Celtic have an abundance of talent that could attract interest from elsewhere this summer, but Brendan Rodgers won’t let his star players leave on the cheap if recent developments are to be taken as an indication.

Celtic set to field interest in star players this summer

The Bhoys enjoyed another successful season and came out the other side with a domestic double, enjoying plenty of highs along the way including progression in the Champions League.

In a tale as old as time, proving yourself in Glasgow under the pressure of playing for Celtic usually attracts watchful eyes from elsewhere, so it will come as no surprise to hear that Nicolas Kuhn is of interest to Premier League outfit Brentford.

Following a campaign where he registered 36 goal contributions, the former Germany Under-20 international has emerged as a candidate to replace Bryan Mbeumo at the Gtech Community Stadium should the latter complete a £60 million switch to Manchester United.

Greg Taylor is set to become a free agent and has a two-year deal on the table from PAOK. It is still unclear if he plans to stay at Parkhead or move on to new pastures at this point in time.

Either way, Brendan Rodgers could be set to ring the changes at Celtic this summer. The Bhoys endured a moderate level of inconsistency towards the end of the campaign, indicating that freshness is needed to prop up their quest for a fifth Scottish Premiership title on the trot.

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Retaining their star players will be a central part of that mission, though there have now been further developments regarding another high-level operator who is wanted by two of Europe’s giants.

The state of play on Daizen Maeda's Celtic future

According to Sozcu vis Sport Witness, Fenerbache could step up their pursuit of Celtic forward Daizen Maeda after their initial plan to bid £8.5 million for the Japan international was deemed ‘laughable’ by the Scottish champions.

Now, it is said that the Bhoys want to recoup at least £21 million if he is sold, while Tottenham Hotspur have also entered the race for his signature off the back of claiming the Europa League title and could hijack Fener with a higher number.

Daizen Maeda’s excellent season at Celtic – all competitions

Appearances

51

Goals

33

Assists

12

Maeda is contracted to Celtic for another two years and has a new agreement on the table in Glasgow. There has been no news regarding whether he plans to accept an extension, making transfer interest a natural consequence now the window is here.

Despite the Hoops’ penchant to sell for profit, Maeda is a unique case and is arguably their most important player at the moment.

Keeping the 27-year-old around for the immediate future is imperative, though if one of Fenerbache or Tottenham Hotspur meet Celtic’s demands, it may become difficult to retain his services.