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While it could still end in an incredible crescendo of Champions League glory, it wouldn’t be amiss to describe this season as something of a disappointment for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side were terrible in both the FA Cup and League Cup, and are now at risk of losing their grasp on second place in the Premier League.

Moreover, while the team has underwhelmed as a collective, there have been several players who’ve simply not reached the standards set in the last couple of years, such as Martin Odegaard.

So, with this in mind, it’s not all that surprising to read recent reports linking the club to someone who could be an upgrade on the Gunners captain.

Arsenal transfer news

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other midfield stars linked with Arsenal in recent months, such as Frenkie de Jong and Kevin De Bruyne.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has been enjoying a stellar campaign with Barcelona and remains on track for a historic treble-winning season with the Catalan club, so while he’d be an exceptional addition to the club, we imagine he’d cost a king’s ransom, even with reports coming out about his contract talks stalling.

In contrast, we now know Kevin de Bruyne will be leaving Manchester City in the summer, so if Arteta can work his magic, he might just be able to convince the mercurial Belgian to join his former title rivals, and with 14 goal involvements in 36 games this season, he’d still be a useful player to have in the squad.

However, knowing the North Londoners might want to make sure they keep the team young and hungry, which could explain the recent links to Brahim Diaz.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have identified the Moroccan international as a ‘top priority’ ahead of the summer and that Arteta really wants the club to sign the player he worked with at Manchester City.

The story claims that Real Madrid are willing to let the player leave for a convincing offer, while stories from earlier this year suggest that they’d be after a fee in the region of €60m, which is about £51m.

It would be a costly deal to get over the line, but one worth pursuing, as he could be a perfect upgrade on Odegaard.

How Diaz compares to Odegaard

So, if Arsenal get their man this summer, and he comes in to play more of a midfield role, he’d be in direct competition with Odegaard for that creative number ten role.

With that said, who comes out on top when we compare them?

From a pure output perspective, it is the “incredible” Real ace, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, who emerges victorious, but only when we look at the minutes-to-goal involvement ratios.

For example, in 49 appearances, totalling 2058 minutes, the Moroccan international has scored six goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.76 games, or far more consequently, every 158.30 minutes.

In contrast, the Norwegian maestro has scored five goals and provided 11 assists in 41 appearances, totalling 3162 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.56 games, but more importantly, every 197.62 minutes.

What about when we take a look under the hood and at their underlying numbers, then? Is it another minor victory for the Champions League winner?

Well, it’s actually a relatively comfortable one for the 25-year-old, as he comes out ahead in most relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Odegaard remains a talented player, Diaz has outperformed him in just about every metric this season, and if Arsenal can sign him in the summer, they should.

Same agent as Saka: Arsenal lead race to sign £51m upgrade on Nico Williams

The sensational youngster could flourish at Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 6, 2025

Although their fate is yet to be decided in pursuit of Champions League football, Aston Villa have already reportedly reached the closing stages of negotiations to sign one particular star.

Aston Villa's late push to secure Champions League football

Aston Villa have hit form at the perfect time and could yet be in a position to take full advantage in the final two games of the Premier League season. Victory over Bournemouth last time out made it four wins in their last five league games in a run that includes a 4-1 thrashing of top five rivals Newcastle United. Now, with two games remaining, Unai Emery’s side only sit behind Chelsea on goal difference.

With Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to play – two sides who have nothing to play for following disastrous Premier League campaigns – there’s every chance that Villa could yet sneak into the Champions League places in dramatic fashion.

Emery reiterated that Aston Villa must keep going after victory at Bournemouth, telling reporters: “It’s very good. I’m very happy and proud but we can’t stop now. We have to keep going.

Their new Grealish: Aston Villa plotting £50m move for "phenomenal" talent

Aston Villa are chasing a current Premier League midfielder

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By
Ross Kilvington

May 12, 2025

“We got Europe last week against Fulham at home and today against Bournemouth, teams that are competing very well and performing very well. They were fighting with us as their opponent.

“They were an opponent for us to get Europe. Now we’re in the run in with the teams fighting for Champions League after the way we did last week and the win we did today. We’re deserving to play the next match against Tottenham having the possibilities to be there, taking even more in Europa League or Champions League.”

Aston Villa closing in on Asensio deal

Away from the action on the pitch, meanwhile, those in the Midlands have already reportedly set their sights on their first reinforcement of the summer. According to Estadio Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Monchi is now in the closing stages of a deal to sign Marco Asensio on a permanent basis for Aston Villa this summer.

The Villans are reportedly set to offer Paris Saint-Germain around €15m (£13m) to sell the Spaniard in a deal that Emery is reportedly personally pushing Monchi to complete. Given that PSG are keen to sell Asensio too, it seems likely that Villa will be in the perfect position to secure their move.

Asensio certainly has plenty of fans around the Midlands following a successful loan spell. And Emery is among those fans, having told reporters when questioned on the winger’s quality: “For him as well, it is a very huge challenge, to show here his capacity to help us. But every match, of course, he is doing a fantastic job, and his adaptation was going very quick.”

On Sunday, Arsenal defeated Newcastle United 1-0, and after the game, with it being their final home match of 2024/25, it gave the supporters a chance to say farewell to some players who are unlikely to be seen again in red and white.

Kieran Tierney will bow out of the Emirates Stadium, set to head back to Celtic, after a haul of 143 appearances for the north Londoners.

Jorginho, too, will depart at the end of his contract. While he perhaps won’t be remembered as fondly as Tierney, his ultimate professionalism across the two years he’s been at Arsenal has been a joy to behold.

It will be sad to see them go, but it certainly wasn’t as emotional as some farewells we’ve given in the modern era.

Arsene Wenger’s exit in 2018 will go down in history, while it’s hard to forget the tears a certain Aaron Ramsey shed when leaving under Unai Emery in 2019.

Since his exit, Arsenal haven’t had too many goalscoring midfielders. That said, they may well have found one now.

What made Aaron Ramsey so special

A winner of three FA Cups, a scorer of two cup final goals at Wembley, Ramsey will forever be remembered in these parts as a big game player, an icon who overcame so much adversity.

The way he entered the club rather set the tone for his dramatic time in the English capital. Manchester United had announced he was set to sign for them on their official website, only for the Welshman to pen terms with Arsenal instead.

Signed from Cardiff, it didn’t take Ramsey long to make an impression, but that horrific leg break against Stoke in February 2010 was a colossal setback.

After several months out, the Wales international fortunately went on to have a wonderful career in the game.

Who can forget that remarkable season in 2013/14? Ramsey scored the winner in extra time of the FA Cup final against Hull City, one of 16 goals in just 34 outings throughout the campaign.

A true box-to-box star, the Wales international became a master of arriving late in the penalty area and scoring from midfield.

Since then, however, Arsenal haven’t had too many players capable of finding the net from similar zones, ghosting into the area.

Perhaps the last was Granit Xhaka. In the Swiss’ final year with the Gunners, he scored on nine occasions and registered a further seven assists in 47 matches.

So, how have Arsenal gone about replacing the dynamic duo?

Arsenal's new Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey

The form of Martin Odegaard a few years ago certainly suggested he could replace the pair. Indeed, during 2022/23, no midfielder scored more than the Norwegian’s 15 in the Premier League.

That being said, he isn’t a box-to-box midfielder. He presses hard, but he doesn’t do the dirty work further back in the field.

Instead, Mikel Arteta’s modern-day answer to Ramsey and Xhaka is a certain Declan Rice. Oh, where would the Gunners be without him this season?

Of course, you’ve got those two remarkable free-kicks against Real Madrid, but he’s also come up with some vital moments elsewhere.

He’s not just a master of free-kicks, but his corner delivery has been one of the best in Europe this season. We salute Nicolas Jover for putting the former West Ham man on set-pieces towards the back end of last season.

Funnily enough, Rice initially signed as a defensive midfielder but throughout 2024/25, he’s been largely selected as the left-sided 8 and it’s a position he’s made his own.

The difference was felt in the first leg of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final tie with PSG. The £240k-per-week earner had destroyed Madrid across both legs from a more advanced role in midfield but due to Thomas Partey’s suspension, he had to play further back.

While Rice is certainly excellent at sitting in front of the defence, Arsenal couldn’t get up the pitch as quickly and they also lost one of their goal threats. That perhaps explains why the club reportedly want to bring in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi this summer. More of a Jorginho type, the Spaniard would give Rice the keys to make that no.8 spot his permanent position in the team.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

So, why has he thrived so much? Well, like Xhaka, he’s got a terrific engine and his technique is first-class.

Meanwhile, like Ramsey, he’s becoming rather good at arriving late in the area or on the edge of the box to score a goal. In the words of Arsenal writer Connor Humm, he is a true “monster.”

We saw that first-hand against Newcastle on Sunday. Odegaard found the ball on the right-hand side and laid it into the path of Rice, who was ready and waiting on the edge of the penalty area to fizz the ball past Nick Pope.

That was the £105m signing’s ninth strike of the campaign, one that equalled Xhaka’s haul of two years ago. It also marked Rice’s best-ever goalscoring return in a single season. Not bad at all.

When Arsenal’s Player of the Season is announced in the forthcoming weeks, there are surely only two candidates: Gabriel and Rice. For that magical night against Madrid alone, Rice is our man.

Their own Isak: The "best finisher in the world" wants to sign for Arsenal

Arsenal may not sign Alexander Isak this summer, but they could still sign their own version.

By
Matt Dawson

May 19, 2025

Everton are “keen” on completing the signing of a Premier League player who has been called “phenomenal” and already has a full trophy case, according to Sky Sports.

Everton eyeing shock deal for Liverpool winger

David Moyes knows the importance of the Blues nailing their summer transfer business, at a time when the club needs to kick on in their new stadium and look to become a top-half Premier League team again.

Top-quality new signings are needed, ahead of what supporters hope will be a relatively free-spending window, and Liverpool winger Ben Doak is reportedly the subject of interest from Everton. No senior player has made the move between the two rivals since back in 2002, when Abel Xavier moved from the Blues to the Reds.

Meanwhile, Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill has been linked with a move to Everton, with the 29-year-old enjoying a magnificent season for the Clarets, inspiring them to Championship promotion and registering 24 goal contributions (18 goals and six assists).

Midfield certainly looks like an area of the pitch that the Mersysiders are focusing on, with Rangers ace Mohamed Diomande also mentioned as an option for Moyes’ men. The 23-year-old could add energy and quality in the middle of the park, as well as being a long-term acquisition.

Everton want "phenomenal" Premier League maestro

According to Sky Sports on Monday, Everton are now also “keen” on signing Brighton attacking midfielder Matt O’Riley in the summer window, amid plenty of competition for his signature.

O’Riley could be exactly the type of player the Blues need this summer, possessing guile in attacking midfield areas and creating chances for the strikers.

The 2-cap Dane had a tough first year in a Brighton shirt, with a serious pre-season injury setting him back immediately, and he ended up being limited to only 11 starts in the league.

O’Riley is a class act with a beautiful left foot, though, and he excelled during his time at Celtic, winning four Scottish Premiership titles and being lauded by Brendan Rodgers.

“He has been absolutely phenomenal really in his consistency. I think if we lacked anything as a team, it was probably that. But from an individual perspective his goal return.

“I think someone said he had scored his first goal [of last season] in January of last year. So to look at his numbers now, it’s huge testament to himself because the work he puts in, the focus he puts in every single day at training to improve and be better, that’s clearly been rewarded by his team-mates and everyone else.”

Everton battling West Ham to sign "brilliant" 29 y/o Player of the Year

David Moyes has tried to snap him up in the past.

By
Henry Jackson

Jun 2, 2025

Everton should be an interesting proposition for potential signings, considering they are in a sparkly new stadium and Moyes has improved them greatly since coming in, so the hope is that O’Riley sees them as a leading option to move to.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Everton future is still unresolved, but that saga will have no bearing on David Moyes’ pursuit of a new centre-forward to take to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Moyes took the reins from the beleaguered Sean Dyche in January and steered Everton toward a comfortable 13th-place finish, bagging 48 points.

But scoring goals has always been the crux of Everton’s wider problems, and that’s where the Toffees boss wants to make improvements this summer.

Everton approach club for new striker

According to Spanish outlet Cadena Ser, Villarreal’s Thierno Barry has been added to Everton’s shortlist, with the Toffees believed to have made an approach after asking about his situation.

Transfer Focus

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

This comes amid the Merseysiders missing out on Liam Delap, who has signed for Chelsea in a £30m deal.

Barry, meanwhile, has club-hopped for two successive years and could be on the move once again, with a €40m (£34m) release clause in his contract.

However, the Yellow Submarine are keen to keep hold of their man. That said, The Friedkin Group were willing to green-light a move for Delap, and could now turn to Barry instead, with Villarreal sure to evaluate offers if their clause is indeed met.

What Thierno Barry would bring to Everton

Standing at 6 foot 4, Barry is a tall and powerful frontman whose efforts over the past several years have spoke of incremental progress.

Hailed for his “menacing” profile by talent scout Antonio Mango, the 22-year-old Barry appears to be the perfect kind of player for a Moyes system, having won 5.1 duels per La Liga game this term, as per Sofascore.

Indeed, FBref record Barry to rank among the top 1% of centre-forwards across Europe’s top five leagues this season for percentage of aerial battles won (67.3%) per 90, furthering the argument that he’s the man for the job.

He’s not quite so progressive a ball carrier as Delap, who ranks among the top 13% of forwards across Europe for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, but he’s every bit as brutish a talisman.

Barry began life on the senior stage prolifically indeed, although his term with Beveren was contested in the second tier of Belgian football. In any case, he’s showcased an exciting growth that could now be translated to life in the Premier League.

Delap, similarly, landed when making the big jump, having enjoyed a decent breakthrough campaign in the Championship with Hull City last year, scoring eight goals and adding two assists across 31 games for the Tigers.

However, he’s only gone from strength to strength across the past year, unable to prevent Ipswich Town’s relegation but impressing with a 12-goal return across 32 starts.

Barry, with his strength and confidence, might just prove to follow in Delap’s footsteps, even becoming a better version of the English talent. The Frenchman has a higher release clause, after all, while his 20 league goal involvements for 2024/25 ranked him ahead of Delap’s own return of 14.

There would be an element of risk in bringing a young and unproven talent over to Merseyside, but Everton appear to have turned a corner over the past six months, and if Moyes gets this one right, it could make the Toffees faithful forget all about Delap.

Perfect Branthwaite replacement: Everton considering bid to sign £30m star

Everton could lose Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, but appear to have the perfect replacement lined up.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 5, 2025

Chelsea have already been one of the busiest Premier League sides in terms of transfer activity, and they’re fully expected to carry on this trend in the background of their looming Club World Cup campaign.

Chelsea miss out on Mike Maignan and Jamie Gittens

The west Londoners were attempting to get both AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens finalised before Tuesday’s 7pm mini-window deadline, but neither deal could be done.

Chelsea are in ongoing talks with Neymar-like forward – Sky journalist

The west Londoners are still working beyond the Club World Cup transfer deadline.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 11, 2025

Chelsea had three bids rejected for Gittens in the space of a few days, with Enzo Maresca’s side never coming close to Borussia Dortmund’s valuation. Their highest offer came in at around £47 million, but even that wasn’t enough to convince the Bundesliga, who played hard-ball over their most sellable asset.

Chelsea’s determination to remain steadfast in negotiations and not pay over the odds was also prevalent in their discussions with Milan over a deal for Maignan. After failing to find middle ground on the France international’s price tag, Chelsea pulled out of that deal too, regardless of Maignan’s eagerness to join the Blues.

“Chelsea were trying to sign Maignan, but they were always insistent they did not think he was worth more than £12.7m,” said Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.

“The player himself was desperate to move to Chelsea, he is 30 in July, is out of contract next summer and told Milan he will not sign a new deal. However, Milan said we will not let him leave for the figure Chelsea wanted.”

While both Maignan and Gittens are off the table, at least for now, it is believed that Chelsea remain in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike (Florian Plettenberg). It is also worth noting that Chelsea can still register new players during the Club World Cup, thanks to a unique registration period which will become active from June 27 to July 3 – when the group stages conclude.

Chelsea to terminate Axel Disasi contract as Juventus make contact

Given Chelsea’s extensive plans to strengthen throughout the squad, players will need to make way, with BlueCo also rumoured to be targeting a centre-back.

Player sales will be crucial for them this summer, as Chelsea look to trim the wage bill and generate funds for their recruitment strategy both in the coming weeks and later in the window.

According to Italian news site Tutto Juve, as translated by Sport Witness, Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is attracting interest from Serie A heavyweights Juventus.

Disasi has been regularly linked with a Stamford Bridge exit, with Tutto Juve even reporting that both the Frenchman and Chelsea are to mutually agree a contract termination to facilitate his move away.

Juve have made contact to enquire about Disasi’s situation, and could be buoyed by the prospect of signing the 27-year-old on a free transfer.

They’re also attracted by his versatility, given he can play both right-back and as a centre-half. Disasi doesn’t appear part of Maresca’s long-term plans, having just spent the second half of 2024/2025 on loan at Aston Villa.

Disasi has been lauded as a “complete” defender by pundits, but the potential signing of another centre-back would only push him further down the pecking order.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is already making his mark when it comes to his new club’s summer recruitment drive, starting with their £30 million permanent deal for Mathys Tel.

In the build up to Sunday morning’s announcement that the Frenchman is now an indefinite Spurs player, reports claimed that Frank personally advocated for Tel to remain in north London.

Tottenham ready to spend big on hijacking Barcelona talks for Brazilian

Spurs are in the running for his services.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 17, 2025

The 51-year-old’s wish was ultimately granted by chairman Daniel Levy, with Frank set to utilise the now-former Bayern Munich sensation throughout his debut season in the Lilywhites dugout and beyond.

However, their pursuit of new wingers won’t end with Tel’s signature, as Spurs are believed to be in the market for a Timo Werner replacement on the opposing flank as well (Ben Jacobs).

Links to Southampton starlet Tyler Dibling have re-emerged this week, following reports that Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo are both top targets for Spurs as well.

While Mbeumo currently prefers a move to Man United as things stand, the Cameroonian is still intrigued by a move to Tottenham (Sky Sports), while other media sources claim Spurs have reached out to Semenyo’s representatives.

Another intriguing wide option for Frank comes in the form of £300,000-per-week Man City star Jack Grealish.

The England international was a key member of City’s treble-winning side of 2023, but he’s since struggled to establish himself as a firm fixture in Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven since that famed campaign.

Guardiola addressed his future in a Club World Cup press conference this week, stating that the 29-year-old needs to showcase his true quality on a weekly basis.

“Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason why he didn’t play last season is, of course, my decisions,” said the City boss.

“And we decided he has to play, and the club was honest, he’s honest. He’s incredibly respected and loved by the team, and we decided the best is for him to stay [behind] and have a place he feels he can play and come back to being the player that was in the year of the Treble or all his career at Aston Villa.

“Without him it wouldn’t have been possible, it would’ve been more difficult to get what we achieved in the Treble season. But the fact is, the last two seasons, he didn’t play much, and he has to come back to play and have the butterflies in his stomach that he can play every three days and show again the quality he has.”

Thomas Frank holds talks with Tottenham about signing Jack Grealish

With Werner leaving and a summer exit for Son Heung-min on the cards, amid interest from Saudi Arabia, there is every possibility that the ex-Aston Villa star could be a mainstay under Frank next season.

According to Football Transfers, the Dane is already taking a keen interest in Grealish, who’s come up regularly in “extensive” conversations about recruitment between Frank and the Tottenham hierarchy.

During these internal talks, Frank was keen to discover the state of play regarding Spurs’ talks with Grealish’s representatives, and it has emerged that the winger is actually open to joining them before deadline day on September 1.

However, Grealish’s hefty salary is posing a real issue, so Tottenham will need to find middle ground there.

Other reports claim Grealish could leave Eastlands on loan, but if Levy wishes to strike a permanent deal, the price is around £50 million.

Glasgow Rangers could soon get the chance to bring a Champions League striker to Ibrox, with the forward in question open to the idea of a potential Gers move.

Rangers forwards Dessers and Igamane linked with Ibrox exits

Russell Martin is the man tasked by the 49ers Enterprises with bringing Scottish Premiership glory back to Ibrox, and the Gers are also looking to qualify for the Champions League, starting with next months qualifier against Greek side Panathinaikos.

However, Martin could be without some star attackers for the two-legged European clash at the end of July, with Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane both mooted to leave Glasgow this summer.

Rangers identify £6.5m forward who plays like Immobile to replace Igamane

Rangers’ recruitment team have identified a new striker to replace Hamza Igamane.

By
Brett Worthington

Jun 27, 2025

Dessers could end up moving to Greece with AEK Athens after agreeing a £30,000-a-week contract, however, the two clubs are yet to shake hands on a fee with the Gers rejecting a £4.5m offer.

Meanwhile, Igamane has agreed personal terms with Ligue 1 side Lille over a Rangers exit, and like Dessers, there is still work to be done over reaching an agreement on a fee.

Should both depart, then reinforcements will be required in the final third ahead of the 2025/26 season, and by the looks of things, one man is keen on the idea of joining Lyall Cameron and Max Aarons through the Ibrox door.

Luuk de Jong “open” to Rangers move

According to reports from the Netherlands, relayed by The Daily Record, experienced striker Luuk de Jong would be “open” to a move to Rangers this summer.

The 34-year-old is on course to become a free agent when his PSV Eindhoven contract expires at the end of the month, and there is hesitation over new terms, with Ricardo Pepi set to be first-choice striker next season.

After three years with PSV, De Jong captained the Dutch side throughout the 24/25 season, including in the Champions League.

A Netherlands international, De Jong’s future is up in the air and Rangers are ‘touted as an interested party’, something he could be open to as he reaches the twilight years of his career.

As can be seen, De Jong, who stands at 6 foot 2, has scored goals in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany during his career, so he could be a shrewd addition who would provide plenty of experience for Martin.

Former Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman even labelled De Jong as “more dangerous than Neymar” for his threat in the air, and during his career, the striker has scored 113 headed goals.

“When there’s a cross coming in, Luuk is more dangerous than Neymar. He’s a different kind of forward to what we have, and I think all teams should have one like him.”

Newcastle United’s summer transfer window is kicking into life, all right, with Eddie Howe determined to package a squad with enough quality to challenge across the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

Last season was one of staggering success for the Magpies, who deservedly beat Liverpool at Wembley in March to lift the Carabao Cup, so ending 70 years adrift from that matchless trophy-winning feeling.

On the last day of the top-flight term, the Toon also secured their place in next year’s elite European tournament after finishing fifth in the league.

However, Newcastle’s 2024 summer window still lingers in the minds of all affiliated. It’s something of a miracle that Howe led his troops to glory in spite of the market setbacks.

The new campaign is a little over a month away, and United are planning to make a series of signings despite their slow start to the window.

That slow start has started to gather some pace, in fairness, but more is needed if Howe’s to piece together Newcastle’s dream squad for the 2025/26 season.

The goalkeepers

James Trafford becomes the new No. 1

Newcastle have maintained a vested interest in Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford for a while now, and though Howe has been bruised by a number of setbacks in the market, this one looks like it will glide through to the finish line in a potential £30m deal.

Hailed as a “world-class keeper” by Clarets boss Scott Parker, the Englishman will jockey for a regular starting berth with Nick Pope, who has been a staple of the Howe era but missed ten Premier League matches last year due to injury.

Newcastle, for sure, aren’t strapped for options between the sticks. Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie all form a bloated chunk of the St. James’ Park first-team squad.

Profit and Sustainability technicalities have played heavily into the unique situation, but there’s no question that Trafford would sit atop the pile if signed this summer.

Full list of goalkeepers: James Trafford, Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie

The defence

Howe finally lands a new centre-back

Amid the long list of rejections this summer is likely to be Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who was the subject of four failed bids from the Tynesiders in 2024 and has entered Newcastle’s sights once more this year.

But Liverpool appear to hold the lead in the race, and Newcastle have thus swivelled their attention to Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini, who, aged 22, is valued in excess of £50m.

The dynamic defender will complete a backline already replete with depth and quality. A fully-fit Sven Botman could provide the right-footer with a formidable partner, while Fabian Schar and Dan Burn offer high-level competition that will be vital across a multi-front campaign.

And Howe’s diligence and planning over the past few years has also limited the attention required on the flanks. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall make for one of the most exciting young partnerships in the game, while Matt Targett and Kieran Trippier bring leadership to the fold.

Full list of centre-backs: Fabian Schar, Giorgio Scalvini, Jamal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Dan Burn

Full list of right-backs: Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth

Full list of left-backs: Lewis Hall, Matt Targett

The midfield

Magpie midfielders remain the essence of Howe's system

Newcastle’s defence is in pretty good nick, but not so much as the midfield, which has been pieced together masterfully over the past few years. When Sandro Tonali gelled with Bruno Guimaraes after last winter’s blip, United reached new levels, establishing the form that would lead to silver-tinted glory.

Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy has certainly sung their praises, saying of the midfield: “One of the best in the league. Probably just behind Liverpool’s or maybe even on par with Liverpool’s. They’ve got a blend of everything and incredible players. I think they’ve got some of the best players in the world in that position.”

Tonali’s redefinition as a number six promoted the ball-playing focus of Howe’s game and allowed Guimaraes to operate in a more advanced, fluid role. Joelinton’s undying energy was magnified but Sean Longstaff, who has been linked with a summer sale could exit to please PSR. Leeds United have already tabled an offer.

In his stead, Newcastle have been named suitors for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, with the England international valued at £50m. His completeness and athleticism would be the perfect counterpoint to a midfield already rich with contrasting quality.

Newcastle would likely look to whittle down Atletico’s asking price, but it’s an exciting time for the Toon, who already are so strong in the centre, with Joe Willock and the young Lewis Miley looking to play their part too.

Full list of central midfielders: Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Conor Gallagher, Joe Willock, Lewis Miley

The forwards

Sweeping changes built around Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak remains Newcastle’s talisman, and PIF’s £200m price tag for the Sweden star should keep him at St. James’ Park for at least one more year.

He does need competition though, since Callum Wilson has packed up and left at the end of his contract. There have been a few blows in that regard so far, but Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has recently been lined up. The sticking point, of course, is that the Bees want £50m.

And despite signing Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a £55m deal, more is needed, to be sure. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes hold down the fort pretty well on the left flank, but Newcastle are still interested in signing another name to enrich the ranks.

And that would be Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, who is set to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer. His £40m price tag might put the Magpies off, for this would take their spending over £200m after having bagged Elanga already.

Instead, a loan move looks like it could be the order of the day, one which would provide creative relief and allow a deal for someone like Wissa to be pursued too.

The recent rumours surrounding Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike make for compelling reading, but it’s just hard to envisage a world where Newcastle win the race for the £85m-rated centre-forward while keeping Isak on the books too.

And Isak is staying. Thus, a more pragmatic, but still impressive, deal for a Premier League-proven and positionally dynamic player in Wissa could prove the order of the day for Newcastle as they look to polish off this remarkable squad of Magpies.

Full list of right wingers: Anthony Elanga, Jacob Murphy

Full list of left wingers: Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jack Grealish

Full list of strikers: Alexander Isak, Yoane Wissa, William Osula

Elanga's new Gibbs-White: Newcastle leading race for £40m "magician"

Newcastle are hoping to make more signings after landing Anthony Elanga.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 12, 2025

Sunderland fans who have headed out to watch their side play in Portugal during pre-season were treated to some new faces in action against Sevilla.

From the get-go against their Spanish opponents, Regis Le Bris handed Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, and Noah Sadiki their Black Cats debuts, as the Wearside outfit put in a good account of themselves to walk away from the runout in the Algarve heat with a respectable 1-1 draw.

Yet, away from all the fanfare surrounding new signings, Enzo Le Fee also showed off his class once more with Sunderland’s only goal of the night when the silky Frenchman capitalised on a Sevilla error at the back.

Le Bris will be hopeful that a number of his fresh signings can go on to be as impactful as Le Fee after arriving from Europe, with another statement deal now potentially on the table.

Sunderland very interested in £26m star

Whilst Sunderland have bolstered their attack with some standout purchases, the time is now approaching when the Black Cats will have to improve their defensive personnel, too, with equally high-profile buys.

Indeed, recent reports have suggested that Le Bris and Co. are going after both Brighton and Hove Albion defender Igor Julio and ex-Aston Villa centre-back Diego Carlos to do just that, alongside also looking at the likes of both Bologna titan Jhon Lucumi and Lille ace Bafodé Diakité from further afield.

However, there is a name that hasn’t been mentioned much, but stands out, with the Black Cats reportedly very interested in a £26m deal for Sevilla star Loic Bade, according to a new report by El Chiringuito TV via X.

AFC Bournemouth is also noted as being another interested party, alongside Marseille, Tottenham, and Villarreal, who have allegedly lodged enquiries about the conditions involved in signing the one-time France international.

A separate report from French publication, Foot Mercato, suggests the Cherries and Sunderland are in pole position to sign the centre-back this summer.

This might well be a tough race for Sunderland to win, but the Black Cats should not be underestimated when assessing their whirlwind business so far this summer, on top of the fact that Le Fee decided to call the Stadium of Light his home in a similarly out-there deal last year.

How Bade can be Le Bris' next Le Fee

Before making the unexpected switch, the ex-Lorient midfielder was more used to the luxuries of the top French division than the hustle and bustle of the Championship, with nine Europa League appearances also next to his name.

Still, he managed to instantly settle in as an enigmatic presence from midfield, leading to Le Fee chipping in with two key assists during Sunderland’s playoff journey to help make their surreal promotion dreams a reality.

Bade will hope he can enter the building and be just as impactful, only this time around in the bright lights of the Premier League, having been a consistent battler for Sevilla over many a season now.

In total, the 6-foot-3 “warrior” – as he’s been glowingly labelled in the past by football analyst Ben Mattinson – has 79 La Liga appearances under his belt for Matías Almeyda’s men, with the same level of standout experience also on his side in European competitions, having lined up for three Champions League clashes across his varied career to date, away from also proudly lifting the Europa League in 2023.

While he proudly demonstrates prowess in the air, winning 4.3 aerial duels per game last season in La Liga, which could come in handy for a relegation dog-fight, Bade also possesses a calmness with the ball at his feet that is similar to his compatriot in Le Fee, with a high 86% pass accuracy averaged per top-flight clash across the same period.

The 25-year-old just about did enough at the back to ensure Sevilla beat the drop, as the Rojiblancos finished in a precarious 17th spot, with Bade now tasked with ensuring another lowly side can stave off relegation if he relocates to Sunderland.

Hailed as being a potential “great” signing by U23 scout Antonio Mango for a team in need of experience, this might well be a golden deal for Le Bris and Co. to sign off on, with the hope he can look a cut above, much like Le Fee did on his arrival.

Better than Lauriente: Sunderland make contact to sign "crazy" £34m star

Sunderland could seal a better signing than Armand Lauriente at the Stadium of Light.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 20, 2025