Better signing than Paixao: Leeds in hunt to sign "exceptional" £30m star

Leeds United have made a number of signings to improve their defensive unit ahead of their return to the Premier League against Everton next month.

The Whites have brought in Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw for the back four, Lucas Perri between the sticks, and Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach in the defensive midfield positions.

However, it is now time for the Championship champions to focus on additions in the attacking areas of the pitch, as Lukas Nmecha, on a free transfer, has been their only forward signing so far.

It had been reported that Leeds are closing in on an agreement with Feyenoord to sign Brazilian winger Igor Paixao for an initial fee of £28m, as per journalist Sebastien Vidal.

However, Fabrizio Romano has since given Marseille the ‘Here We Go’ treatment, despite an improved bid by the Whites, which means that the English side look set to miss out on him.

This suggests that Daniel Farke and his recruitment team will have to look elsewhere to strengthen the attack, as the 25-year-old star seems destined for France now.

Why missing out on Igor Paixao is a blow for Leeds

The Brazilian star is a left winger who had the potential to be a real difference-maker for the West Yorkshire outfit at the top end of the pitch in the Premier League next season.

Paixao’s form in the Eredivisie and in the Champions League last term suggests that he had all the tools to arrive at Elland Road as an exciting piece of business.

The former Cortiba starlet racked up an eye-catching haul of 16 goals and ten assists in 34 appearances in the Dutch top-flight for Feyenoord, which shows that he can offer quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

As well as shining domestically, Paixao also produced impressive performances for his side in the Champions League across 11 appearances last term.

xG

0.97

Top 46%

Goals

2

Top 35%

Shots on target

7

Top 26%

xA

1.39

Top 24%

Chances created

20

Top 6%

Successful crosses

9

Top 6%

Assists

4

Top 4%

As you can see in the table above, the Leeds target ranked highly among his positional peers, particularly as a creator, as an offensive threat from the left wing in the competition.

Overall, the £28m-rated star appears to be a forward who could have won points for the Whites by scoring and creating decisive goals in games, although there are doubts, of course, over whether or not his form in the Netherlands will translate to other countries.

Whilst they may have to watch him shine in France, Leeds are reportedly keen on another Brazilian attacker who could be an even better signing this summer.

Leeds in the hunt to sign Brazilian midfielder

According to Fanatik, Leeds United are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign central midfielder Gabriel Sara from Turkish champions Galatasaray this summer.

The report claims that both the Whites and Aston Villa are in the ‘hunt’ to bring the left-footed star back to England, 12 months on from his exit from Norwich City.

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It adds, though, that Galatasaray want to keep the 26-year-old playmaker heading into the 2025/26 campaign, which means that it will not be an easy deal for the club to do.

Fanatik does reveal, however, that the Super Lig side have set a price tag of around £30m for Sara, and that they will not entertain any offers that fall below that threshold.

Galatasaray'sGabrielSarashots at goal Andreas Hillergren

It now remains to be seen whether or not Leeds, or Aston Villa for that matter, are willing to pay the £30m that it is going to take to prise him away from Istanbul.

Why Gabriel Sara would be a better signing than Igor Paixao

Sara could be a better signing for the Whites because he is more likely to hit the ground running at Elland Road than Paixao would have been, as the Feyenoord winger has never played in this country before and would have needed time to adapt to the language and the culture.

The Galatasaray star, however, spent two years at Norwich in Norfolk and speaks English fluently, which means that he is already used to the language, the culture, and the style of English football, albeit he played in the second tier.

AZ Alkmaar's Sven Mijnans in action with Galatasaray'sGabrielSara

His quality on the pitch also makes him an exciting target for the West Yorkshire outfit, as he is a creative midfield star who could create plenty of chances for the attackers at Elland Road.

Sara, who was hailed as “exceptional” and a “joy to watch” by reporter Connor Southwell, has been a consistently brilliant creator of goals for both Norwich and Galatasaray in the last two seasons, shining in English and Turkish football.

Appearances

46

30

Goals

13

2

Key passes per game

2.6

2.3

Big chances created

16

12

xA

11.93

7.62

Assists

12

8

As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian maestro has created 28 ‘big chances’ in the last two league seasons combined, which has led to him racking up 20 assists.

These statistics suggest that the former Canaries Player of the Season would be an incredibly influential figure at the top end of the pitch for Leeds, as a star who has the experience and the quality to hit the ground running in England.

Sara, as shown in the clip above, also provided a goal threat during his time with Norwich. That has not translated over to Turkish football, having scored twice last term, but it does show that the potential is there for him to deliver goals as well as assists when he is at his best.

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It is his English experience, his title success at Galatasaray, and his incredible creative quality, though, that could make him an even better attacking signing than Paixao would have been, albeit in a different area of the pitch.

Frank's own Xavi Simons: Spurs hugely keen on signing "magic" £50m star

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.

Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey

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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Man City plot £147m bid to sign Chelsea ace with the same agent as Rico Lewis

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.

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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.

James Trafford for Burnley.

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.

Chelsea'sColePalmercelebrates with the golden ball trophy

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 said Rangers legend was 'unstoppable' and one of the 'best in the world'

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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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 named NBA 'Greatest Of All Time' as his idol – not Michael Jordan

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 "issue" resolved as medical booked for next signing on 5-year deal

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.”

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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.

Fabrizio Romano says "deal is agreed" for "perfect" player to join Arsenal

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.

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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 braced for lowball £8.5m bid as Spurs could hijack forward deal

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.

£86m Juventus star emerging as "prime" Arsenal target amid Arteta appeal

Arsenal’s transfer plans continue to evolve with the first mini-transfer window now open for business, and sporting director Andrea Berta has a limited opportunity to register new players before deadline day on June 10.

Andrea Berta in "numerous talks" over signing new winger for Arsenal

The Italian’s arrival has been greeted with much anticipation, and it hasn’t taken long for Berta to commence laying the groundwork on key potential Arsenal signings.

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One of his first acts as director was to make contact with Nico Williams’ representatives (The Guardian), and reports ever since claim that a new winger is high on Arsenal’s transfer to-do list after they missed out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by 10 points.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury midway through the season crippled Arsenal’s attacking output. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the long-term futures of both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal will entertain suitable bids for Martinelli, according to The Athletic, and Trossard is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates. The north Londoners, as per Sky Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg, are holding “numerous talks” about wide options.

Since that update from Plettenberg, Arsenal talks for Rodrygo have stalled due to wage demands, and Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma has found his way on to Berta’s shortlist.

Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane has also been offered to Arsenal as his contract in Bavaria ticks down towards expiry, according to Sky Sports in England, so there are many names in Berta’s orbit, and it is highly likely the 53-year-old will bring at least one winger to N5.

Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz emerging as prime Arsenal target

Now, according to website Turkish-Football, another player is now under serious consideration from Berta and co – Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz.

Juventus' KenanYildizcelebrates

The 20-year-old can play on either flank and even as a second striker, with his versatility appealing to Arteta’s “tactical vision”. Juve view the 19-cap Turkey international as a key star for the future, off the back of a solid campaign for the youngster personally.

Yildiz weighed in with 16 goal contributions (nine goals and seven assists) in 48 total appearances across 2024/2025, and he even finished the season as Juve’s highest-performing regular by average match rating per 90, according to WhoScored.

His star player status has prompted the Old Lady to value him at up to £86 million, as per this report, but that hasn’t stopped Yildiz emerging as a “prime” transfer target for Arsenal as Berta continues his search for forwards.

The former Bayern Munich academy gem appears set to have a bright future, and if Arsenal are willing to invest significantly, it could be in the Premier League.

Farke not messing: Exciting Leeds transfer update on Premier League targets

Leeds United secured their return to the Premier League on Monday and Daniel Farke and 49ers Enterprises are already looking at the summer transfer window.

Leeds back in Premier League after 6-0 win over Stoke City

The Whites enjoyed a dream Easter weekend, beating Oxford United on Good Friday and Stoke City 6-0 on Easter Monday to set up a promotion party at Elland Road.

Farke’s side raced into a 5-0 lead at half time after a record-breaking 20 minute hat-trick from Joel Piroe – the fastest in Leeds United’s history.

Burney’s win at Sheffield United later in the day ensured that Leeds and the Clarets would both be promoted, resulting in wild scenes at Elland Road.

Talking after winning promotion, Farke said: “Don’t scare me with the Premier League right now. All the clubs who were promoted are already relegated before we were promoted. It’s important to enjoy it. This club has had tough times in the last years, it’s important that our supporters celebrate it and embrace it.

“We’re back where we belong. The next step is to make this club an established Premier League club. You can be sure I will work with all my skills to make sure we do this. But this is something for in a few weeks. Right now we celebrate the first step, the most important one, to take this club where it belongs. Let’s see what we can do.”

Points

94

Wins

27

Goals scored

89

Clean sheets

24

Goals conceded

29

Players used

28

Farke and Leeds still have two Championship fixtures remaining as they now look to beat Burnley to the title, but with the summer transfer window just around the corner, the club are already looking at transfer targets.

Leeds looking at transfer targets with Premier League experience

Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke shared an exciting Leeds transfer update just hours after the Whites officially won promotion, sharing the club’s plans ahead of the summer market.

Daniel Farke

He revealed that Leeds ‘are targeting Premier League experience’ ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the Whites specifically looking at a new goalkeeper and striker.

A number of names who tick those boxes have been linked with moves to Yorkshire, including Wolves ‘keeper Sam Johnstone and Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson, who is currently on loan at West Ham.

Shades of Ian Harte: 10/10 Leeds star was just as breathtaking as Piroe

Leeds United put in a promotion-worthy performance as Daniel Farke’s rampant Whites hammered Stoke City 6-0.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 21, 2025

Ferguson in particular would excite Leeds fans and already has top-flight experience at just 20 years of age. By the looks of things, it could be a busy summer at Elland Road in regards to new signings, and securing the services of players who know the Premier League will only help the club as they look to remain in the division long term.

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