With Thierno Barry on his way, Everton are already considering their next move and could reportedly look to sign a familiar face at a bargain price this summer.
Everton set to sign Thierno Barry
Just days after Dominic Calvert-Lewin announced his departure from the club, Everton are set to welcome his replacement. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Toffees have reached an agreement to sign a talented forward worth €35m (£30m) plus add-ons to beat other Premier League sides to his signature.
An impressive coup, Everton have not only replaced Calvert-Lewin but the argument could be made that they’ve landed an instant upgrade in Barry. The Villarreal star scored 19 goals in all competitions last season and is now ready to take the Premier League by storm.
Minutes
2,559
1,609
Goals
16
3
Assists
4
1
Expected Goals
12.5
6.7
What’s most impressive is just how clinical Barry was in La Liga last season – scoring 16 goals from 12.5 expected goals. Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, was anything but clinical after underperforming in XG by over three goals.
For just £30m, all signs are pointing towards a top signing, but the Toffees are far from done on the transfer front. Ahead of a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Friedkin could yet reportedly move to sign the likes of Nicolas Tagliafico in a free deal as well as one other target that those around Merseyside already know well.
Everton considering Jack Harrison move
As reported by The Telegraph, Everton are now considering a move to sign Jack Harrison from Leeds United in a cut-price £7m deal. The winger spent the last two seasons on loan at the club and could now finally complete a permanent move to instantly reunite with David Moyes.
A permanent move to sign Harrison would certainly split opinions at Everton. The winger’s output never really stole the headlines during his two loan spells, in which he scored just five goals, but he could be a bargain worth chasing at just £7m.
Despite his poor record in front of goal, Moyes still took the time to praise Harrison when he got his name on the scoresheet for the first time, telling reporters: “I’m sure everybody knows his work rate is really high. He always does a good job for the team, but he’s got a lot to do. He’s still got a lot to improve on because we need more.
“One’s not enough for me, you know, we need [Harrison and Lindstrøm] to come up with more and more assists, but I’m pleased they got the goal tonight.”
Bigger talent than Barry: Everton chasing £28m ace with a "hint of Haaland"
Following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s exit, Everton are set to sign Thierno Barry, but could they also target another striker who has a “hint of Haaland”?
ByBen Gray Jul 3, 2025
At a crossroads this summer, Harrison should take hold of the chance to rejoin Everton if they come calling as the Toffees potentially land his signature at a bargain price.
Celtic have been incredibly busy in the early weeks of the summer transfer window as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan have already been unveiled as new additions to the team, with both players set to officially join as free agents at the start of next month.
As you can see in the graphic above, the Scotland international is returning for a second spell at Parkhead, having left the Hoops to join Arsenal in the Premier League in the summer of 2019.
Celtic are also set to complete the signing of FC Nordsjælland winger Benjamin Nygren, who is due to put pen to paper on a contract that could last five years.
Brendan Rodgers is also in the market to land a senior number nine, after a deal for young Fulham forward Callum Osmand, having been left with just Adam Idah since Kyogo Furuhashi left the club in January.
Celtic sold the Japan international to Rennes for a reported fee of £10m at the start of the year, ending what was a very successful time for him in Glasgow.
Celtic hit gold with Kyogo Furuhashi
The Scottish Premiership giants paid a fee of £4.3m to sign the attacker from Vissel Kobe in the summer of 2021, with Ange Postecoglou at the helm, and it is fair to say that they got their money’s worth.
Kyogo went on to rack up 85 goals and 19 assists in 185 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops in three-and-a-half years at Parkhead before his move to France in January.
That included a stunning return of 34 goals in the 2022/23 season, as you can see in the clips above, and these statistics show that the club hit gold by snapping him up for a fee of just £4.3m.
Kyogo also stepped up for the Light Blues in big moments during his time in Glasgow, as evidenced by his haul of eight goals in 17 games against Rangers.
Hearts
14
11
Rangers
17
8
St Johnstone
11
8
Aberdeen
13
7
St Mirren
13
6
Dundee
8
6
As you can see in the table above, Hearts are the only team the Japanese striker scored more goals against for Celtic than Rangers in his time at the club.
Taking all of this into consideration, and the £10m fee they got for him in January, it is clear to see that the Hoops hit the jackpot by signing Kyogo in 2021.
The Scottish giants did not sign another striker to take his place in the January window, but they are now reportedly eyeing a star who would be a dream replacement for the Japan international.
Celtic confident of deal for Premier League striker
According to Football Insider, Celtic are confident that they will be able to win the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion centre-forward Evan Ferguson this summer.
The report claims that they believe that they can strike a deal to land him on a season-long loan ahead of Premier League teams Everton and Nottingham Forest.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It adds that Rodgers is pushing for the club to sign the Ireland international to bolster his options at the top end of the pitch for the 2025/26 campaign.
Former scout Mick Brown explained why the Hoops are a good option for the striker, telling Football Insider:
“Celtic can offer attractive opportunities to players like Ferguson. They’re going to be playing in the Champions League and competing for trophies, which would be valuable experience for a player of his age.”
Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson.
It is now down to the club to agree a deal with Brighton before convincing the striker that a move to Parkhead is the best next step in his young career.
Why Celtic should sign Evan Ferguson
The Hoops should sign the Premier League youngster this summer because he is a talented number nine who is more valuable than his 2024/25 campaign suggests.
On the face of it, signing a striker who just scored one goal in 23 games for Brighton and West Ham combined is not too appealing. However, it is worth keeping in mind that a knee injury kept him out from April to August last year, which meant that he missed all of pre-season and played catch-up all season.
Ferguson’s form in the previous two Premier League seasons for Brighton, with a pre-season under his belt, suggest that he has the potential to be a dream replacement for Kyogo at Parkhead.
Possibly the biggest problem Kyogo had at the end of his Celtic career was his finishing, as he missed 46 ‘big chances’ in his last 18 months, scoring 27 goals in that time.
The Brighton youngster, whose finishing was hailed as “phenomenal” by James Milner, has shown that he has the quality to be very efficient in front of goal at Premier League level in recent years.
22/23
5.67
6
+0.33
23/24
3.97
6
+2.03
24/25
1.36
1
-0.36
Total
10.29
13
+1.89
As you can see in the table above, Ferguson outperformed his xG in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns for the Seagulls, which speaks to his ability to find the back of the net effectively at the very top level.
These statistics show that the potential is there for him to come in as an upgrade on what they had with Kyogo in the number nine position, because he is a clinical finisher who may not miss as many ‘big chances’ as the Japan international.
The Premier League forward would also bring more physicality to the table than Kyogo, as he has won 44% of his aerial duels in the 2023/24 campaign – when he last played regularly.
Whereas, the former Hoops marksman won 33% of his aerial battles this season in the Premiership, and 26% of them in the 2023/24 campaign, which suggests that Ferguson would be more effective as a target man for the team to hit when they need to play a longer pass to break a press or clear the ball from danger.
Worth more than Kyogo: Celtic have hit the jackpot on "incredible" star
Celtic have hit gold with this star who is now worth even more than Kyogo Furuhashi.
ByDan Emery Jun 24, 2025
Overall, the 20-year-old attacker’s finishing quality and physical attributes could make him a dream replacement for Kyogo, as well as being an upgrade on him. The largest sticking point could well be a price tag, however, with Transfermarkt valuing him at £21m.
Goals, goals and more goals; if there is one thing Arsenal lacked this season, it was goals.
Mikel Arteta’s side finished second in the Premier League for the third season on the bounce this year and produced the best defence in the competition.
Yet, the North Londoners scored 17 goals fewer than champions Liverpool and three fewer than Manchester City, who finished in third.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetareacts
So, fans should be excited about recent reports linking the club to a Premier League-proven goalscorer, who’d be a significant upgrade on Kai Havertz.
Arsenal's striker search
It feels like every other transfer story concerning Arsenal this summer has been related to a striker, specifically Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres.
According to reports from earlier this week, RB Leipzig are holding out for up to €100m for the Slovenian star, which is about £85m, while the Sporting CP star might be available for up to €70m, which is about £60m.
However, with progress seemingly stalling with both, another name has re-emerged: Ollie Watkins.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to a recent report from Gary Jacob of the Times, Arsenal could go back in for the Aston Villa star this summer.
The Gunners had an offer of around £40m for the Englishman turned down in the winter window, but according to other reports from earlier this week, an offer of that much might be enough to seal the deal this summer.
It might not be the striker signing fans were hoping for or even expecting at the start of the window, but Watkins is Premier League-proven and would be a massive upgrade on Havertz.
How Watkins compares to Havertz
Now, even though Watkins can play in a few positions across the frontline and even played in midfield in his younger days, his best position remains up top, leading the line, so much so, in fact, that podcaster Rohan Jivan described him as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe.”
Therefore, with Gabriel Jesus set to be out for the rest of the year, his main competitor for game time at Arsenal would be Havertz, but who comes out on top when we compare them?
Well, when it comes down to their raw output, which is ultimately what matters most for a centre-forward, it is the Englishman who comes out on top.
For example, in 54 appearances this season, totalling 3578 minutes, the former Exeter City gem scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.74 games, or every 115.41 minutes.
In contrast, the Gunners’ number 29 scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances, totalling 2809 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 140.45 minutes.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.59
0.57
Non-Penalty G+As
0.76
0.58
Progressive Passes
1.07
2.93
Progressive Passes Received
5.71
5.43
Progressive Carries
1.90
1.68
Shots
2.84
2.54
Shots on Target
1.25
1.01
Passing Accuracy
72.4%
78.4%
Key Passes
0.83
0.82
Passes into the Penalty Area
0.45
0.43
Shot-Creating Actions
1.84
2.02
Goal-Creating Actions
0.42
0.14
Successful Take-On %
24.4%
23.7%
The comparison isn’t much better for the German international when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers, either.
For example, while he does better in some areas, such as progressive passes, shot-creating actions and passing accuracy, the Claret and Blue star comes out on top in the vast majority of relevant metrics, like expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, goal-creating actions, shots and shots on target, key passes and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, Havertz is a useful player and will likely continue to be next season, but if Arsenal want to genuinely upgrade their frontline, then they could do a lot worse than signing Watkins this summer.
Benjamin Sesko has now made "unusual" demand in Arsenal transfer talks
The Slovenia international wants something out of the ordinary.
Liverpool did a great job of fending off competition from rivals to win the Premier League title last term and could now look to repeat the trick on the transfer market.
Liverpool chase more arrivals after Florian Wirtz confirmation
Arne Slot has brought success since arriving at Anfield and looks to have made ann early play in the transfer market as his side aim to stay at the top of the English pyramid.
Jeremie Frimpong has already arrived and Florian Wirtz is set to soon officially become a Liverpool player once the formalities from his move are ticked off, so who could be next on the summer conveyor belt?
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez could be next in line at Anfield, claiming his trademark ‘Here We Go’ statement is imminent regarding the Hungary international.
He stated: “I maintain my position, Milos Kerkez will be a Liverpool player. In this case, there are some small details to clarify with Bournemouth, but I maintain my position. I see Milos Kerkez going to Liverpool this summer.
“Then they still have to close these details. This is why, in this case, there is still no here we go, but it’s coming. I have told you several times, here we go soon. Here we go, it’s coming.”
Huijsen 2.0: Liverpool holding final talks to sign "revelation" after Wirtz
Liverpool’s hectic start to the summer transfer window only looks set to continue – and we aren’t even halfway through June
1 ByRobbie Walls Jun 12, 2025
Not resting on their laurels, Liverpool appear to have several priority positions ready to strengthen and money is expected to be spent in the pursuit of further silverware.
Achieving a steady stream of success both domestically and in Europe will be difficult, but the Reds now have a top defender lined up to further their chances of staying at the summit.
Liverpool ready to beat competition to sign Goncalo Inacio
According to A Bola, Liverpool are ready to move for Sporting Clube de Portugal defender Goncalo Inacio, even if Manchester United ad Newcastle United will provide stiff competition for his signature.
Labelled “complete” by scout Jacek Kulig, it is mooted that he will cost in excess of £51 million. However, the reigning Portuguese champions may be willing to sell the Portugal international for less despite his recent part in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph.
Five similar players to Goncalo Inacio (FBRef)
Olivier Boscagli
PSV Eindhoven
Leo Ortiz
Flamengo
Ryan Flamingo
PSV Eindhoven
Nehuen Perez
Porto
David Hancko
Feyenoord
Enjoying a superb campaign, Inacio registered an impressive six goals and three assists in 42 appearances across all competitions last term featuring for the most part in central defence.
Ibrahima Konate has yet to sign a new deal at Liverpool and could be available to sign a pre-contract elsewhere in January, paving the way for the Reds to court potential replacements.
Liverpool have shown already this window that they have an elite talent radar, and Inacio arriving at the club would certainly fit the bill as another striking addition.
Sheffield United are now keen on signing an “excellent” forward who is soon to be a free agent, according to Sky Sports.
Blades weigh up Chris Wilder’s future
Before a ball was kicked in the 2024/25 campaign, the Blades were expected to be one of the three sides to gain promotion to the Premier League, despite the fact they suffered a points deduction. The Yorkshire side lived up to those expectations to a degree, but the brutal reality is the season will be looked at as a failure.
3 strikers Chris Wilder could sign to replace Moore at Sheffield United
Kieffer Moore’s days at Sheffield United could now be numbered after his playoff final howler.
ByKelan Sarson Jun 1, 2025
The last-minute defeat to Sunderland in the play-off final not only means the Blades remain in the Championship, but questions are now being asked of Chris Wilder. Football Insider reported at the end of last week that United are going to decide in the next week whether to sack Wilder or not.
Club chiefs are said to be assessing his position as manager, and the club’s new owners, American-based consortium COH Sports, are considering letting Wilder leave, despite his current deal running until the summer of 2028.
Sheffield United keen on Emil Riis
Despite Wilder’s future at Bramall Lane being up in the air, the club are still actively looking at ways of improving the team for next season. According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Sheffield United are interested in signing Preston North End striker Emil Riis Jakobsen on a free transfer.
The 26-year-old is coming to the end of his contract at Deepdale, and it looks as though he could be on the move this summer. The Blades are not the only team chasing the forward, as Frank Lampard’s Coventry City are also keen on the Dane. Joseph reports that Riis Jakobsen wants to join a team with ambitions to gain promotion to the Premier League, which both of these clubs will be looking to do.
Riis Jakobsen, who was once dubbed “excellent” by former Preston boss Ryan Lowe, has been at Deepdale since October 2020. During that time, the forward has been a regular contributor in front of goal, netting 12 goals in 45 Championship games last season.
Apps
172
Goals
41
Assists
11
That tally has only been beaten once since moving to England, and that was in the 2021/22 season, when he scored 16 goals. The Blades do already have Kieffer Moore, Rhian Brewster, Tyrese Campbell, and Tom Cannon up top, so there will be plenty of competition for a starting spot.
And the uncertainty over Wilder’s future could disrupt their pursuit of the forward, as Riis Jakobsen is going to want some guarantees about playing time before he makes his decision on where to play next.
Newcastle United are now planning to hold face-to-face talks over a summer deal for an “unbelievable” forward this week, according to a report.
Magpies eyeing new forwards with Wilson heading for exit
It would be fair to say Callum Wilson has been a fantastic servant to Newcastle, with the striker making 129 appearances for the club, but it looks as though his time at St. James’ Park is now set to come to an end when his contract expires this summer.
The Englishman has suffered with injuries throughout the campaign, while often being limited to appearances as a substitute, and he is now starting to attract attention from elsewhere, with Leeds United believed to be leading the race for his signature.
As such, Eddie Howe’s side have now started to run the rule over potential replacements, with the manager particularly keen on signing versatile Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, who is among the Premier League’s top scorers this season.
Player
Premier League goals
Mohamed Salah
28
Alexander Isak
23
Erling Haaland
21
Chris Wood
19
Bryan Mbeumo
19
Mbeumo is not the only Premier League forward of interest, however, with a report from talkSPORT revealing Newcastle are now planning to hold face-to-face talks over a deal for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap this week.
Delap is planning to hold in-person discussions with all his potential suitors ahead of the summer window, and the Magpies are the latest English side to express an interest in triggering the £30m release clause in his contract.
Howe is keen on bringing in another striker to ease the goalscoring burden on Alexander Isak, with the manager looking to strengthen his squad in a number of different areas this summer.
He'd be their new Gordon: Howe wants Newcastle to sign "deadly" £60m star
Newcastle are looking to upgrade their attack
ByJoe Nuttall May 20, 2025 "Unbelievable" Delap could push for Isak's starting spot
Understandably, Wilson’s game time has been very limited this season, given that Isak has enjoyed his best season to date in a Newcastle shirt, leading his side to EFL Cup glory and scoring 27 goals in all competitions.
However, the Ipswich star has also started to make a name for himself this season, finding the back of the net 12 times in the Premier League, with teammate Luke Woolfenden lauding him as “unbelievable”.
Howe has also been impressed by the start the 22-year-old has made to life in the Premier League, saying: “He’s a pivotal player for [Ipswich], there’s no denying that. I think he’s had a very good season. “He’s got big strengths, very strong, powerful runner.”
The only concern for Newcastle will be that Delap may not be tempted to move to St. James’ Park this summer if he doesn’t have guarantees of being a regular starter, and that is unlikely to be the case unless Isak decides to move on.
After crashing out of the Champions League on Wednesday night, it looked like Arsenal were set to end the week with a humbling at the hands of Liverpool at half-time on Sunday afternoon.
Fortunately, Mikel Arteta’s team talk seemed to do the trick, and his side came out, fought back to parity and ensured the travelling fans at least had something to celebrate.
While a fair few of the Gunners’ starters put in a good showing in the second 45, Gabriel Martinelli was the most impressive, and thanks to his goal and general centre-forward play, he was awarded the man of the match award.
However, even though the 23-year-old looked bright, his time in the starting lineup could be coming to an end, as recent reports have linked the club with another Premier League star who’d be a significant upgrade on the Brazilian.
Arsenal's winger search
Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other wide players who have been linked with moves to Arsenal this summer, such as Nico Williams and Rodrygo.
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 is set to be available for just £48m thanks to a release clause in his contract, and, just like last year, has enjoyed a stellar campaign in which he’s scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 44 games.
Likewise, Rodrygo has been relatively effective for Real Madrid this season, scoring 13 goals and providing ten assists in 50 appearances, although with a reported price tag of £85m, he might be a little out of range if Andrea Berta and Co also plan to invest heavily in a striker.
Moreover, the Gunners might want a Premier League-proven winger to come in and bolster the team, which is where Antoine Semenyo comes in.
According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their interest in the Bournemouth star.
In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that due to growing problems in the North Londoners’ attack, their pursuit of the 25-year-old, who is valued at €50m – £42m – has now gained momentum.
While he might not be the big name some fans are after, Semenyo is a sensational footballer and one Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign, even if his arrival could spell trouble for Martinelli.
How Semenyo compares to Martinelli
Now, one of the really significant advantages of signing Semenyo is that, thanks to him being so strong with both feet, he’s able to play in a multitude of positions on both sides of the pitch.
However, while this would certainly allow Arteta to rest Bukayo Saka more often, there is no way that the Bournemouth star would replace the Englishman on the right on a permanent basis.
Therefore, to get regular game time, the Ghanaian international would have to start on the left, putting him in direct competition with Martinelli, but how do the pair stack up against one another?
Well, when it comes to the most important metric of all, raw output, it’s the Cherries ace who comes out ahead.
For example, in 40 appearances this season, totalling 3382 minutes, he’s scored 11 goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.22 games, or every 187.88 minutes.
AFC Bournemouth's AntoineSemenyolooks on
In contrast, the former Ituano gem has scored ten goals and provided six assists in 49 appearances, totalling 3403 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.06 games or every 212.68 minutes.
Unfortunately for the Gunners’ ace, the one-sided nature of this comparison only continues when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.
Non-Penalty G+As
0.43
0.40
Progressive Passes
3.18
1.88
Progressive Carries
4.08
4.71
Shots
3.60
2.07
Shots on Target
1.15
0.93
Passing Accuracy
73.1%
71.0%
Shot-Creating Actions
3.78
2.82
Goal-Creating Actions
0.39
0.23
Tackles Won
0.99
0.53
Successful Take-Ons
1.99
1.53
Ball Recoveries
4.52
3.15
Aerial Duels Won
1.85
0.65
For example, in almost every relevant metric, the “unplayable” 25-year-old, as dubbed by journalist Ed Aarons, comes out top; metrics such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, aerial duels won, tackles won and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, while Martinelli could certainly still be an incredibly valuable squad player next season, it’s evident that Semenyo is the superior winger in practically every way. Therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to sign him this summer.
Shades of Aubameyang: Arsenal lead race to sign "mind-blowing" goal machine
The prolific marksman could be the difference-maker for Arsenal next season.
Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign a cheaper alternative to Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko through a unique release clause, with the striker also in the form of his life after two impeccable seasons.
Arsenal identify Gyokeres and Sesko as top striker targets
While a plethora of reports over the last week have claimed that Arsenal are advancing in talks for Gyokeres, Sesko also isn’t completely out of the picture, one year after the latter rejected an offer to join the Gunners (Fabrizio Romano).
Arsenal now in "advanced" talks to sign £84m player ahead of Liverpool
The Gunners could exact revenge after missing out on this year’s Premier League title to Arne Slot’s side.
ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025
Portuguese and English media sources claim Arsenal are taking significant steps to agree a move for Gyokeres, with CaughtOffside reporting Andrea Berta is in advanced talks for the Swede, while A Bola state they’ve offered him a contract worth £135,000-per-week.
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
However, reliable journalist Simon Phillips, after speaking with his Arsenal sources, is also under the impression that Mikel Arteta actually prefers Sesko as a potential signing, even if Berta personally wants Gyokeres.
This would indicate a disagreement over Arsenal’s transfer plans between the pair, but Arteta insisted in a press conference on Friday that both the Spaniard and Berta are on the same page when it comes to the club’s recruitment drive.
“On what we have to do, yes [we are fully aligned],” said Arteta. “On what we can do, I don’t know. I think sometimes from the plan that we had, and actually what we’re able to execute, we’ve never been able to replicate it exactly.
“This is football. It happens to every football club, that’s why we plan certain ways, and okay, if we cannot do it, we do something else. I think the aim is clear but then you have to just do it slowly, thing by thing and start to achieve it.”
What has been made crystal clear, though, is that both Sesko and Gyokeres are top Arsenal targets. The former’s deal includes a release clause set at around £62 million, while it is believed the latter will be allowed to leave Sporting for around £63 million.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates
The striker duo have both enjoyed record-breaking seasons at their respective clubs, making either a standout upgrade to Arteta’s current options, but Arsenal now have a chance to seal an even cheaper alternative.
Arsenal can sign Borussia Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy for £59m
According to German newspaper Bild, that man is Borussia Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy. The Guinea international, after signing for Dortmund last summer, has proved he’s no one season wonder following a breakout campaign at VfB Stuttgart last year.
Guirassy’s built upon that stellar 2023/2024 in his debut season at Dortmund, bagging 33 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions, and he’s second only behind Harry Kane in the Bundesliga scoring charts.
It is now believed Arsenal can sign Guirassy for just £59 million as well, thanks to a unique release clause in his deal, which permits only a handful of elite sides to strike a deal for that amount.
Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona can also activate this option, but it could be a fruitful avenue for Berta to go down if he cannot get Sesko or Gyokeres over the line.
Called “world-class” by Dortmund boss Niko Kovac, the 29-year-old is continuing to make waves in Germany.
Newcastle United are now targeting a move to sign a former Arsenal defensive midfielder who manager Eddie Howe personally admires, according to a recent report.
Howe returns to Newcastle training after illness
The Magpies suffered a bitter blow in the race to finish in the Champions League places over the weekend, so fans will be delighted to hear that Howe has now officially returned to work at the club’s training ground.
Barcelona and Deco choose £120k-p/w Newcastle star to replace key player
Those at the Nou Camp have identified a Newcastle United star as a top target this summer.
ByBrett Worthington Apr 24, 2025
The Newcastle boss missed games against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa while he was in hospital with pneumonia, and while the Magpies took to X to announce that Howe has returned to his duties, it remains unclear if he will be in the dugout for their upcoming game against Ipswich Town at the weekend.
Newcastle have four games remaining in the Premier League, and they know that work is still needed to be done if they are to finish in the top five at the end of the campaign, after which they will hope to use their Champions League status to lure in top transfer targets.
Newcastle now targeting Matteo Guendouzi
As the Magpies welcome Howe’s return, club chiefs are already looking ahead to the summer despite not knowing if they are going to be in with Europe’s elite or not. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, relayed by The Hard Tackle, Newcastle are interested in signing midfielder Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio.
The report states that the Magpies remain interested in signing Guendouzi, as they looked at signing him during last summer’s transfer window. It is claimed that Newcastle could look to sign the former Arsenal midfielder if Sandro Tonali leaves St James’ Park, as he’s recently been linked with a move to Barcelona.
Newcastle are unlikely to prioritise signing a new midfielder in the summer, but if Tonali leaves, then it will become a priority, as Howe is a big admirer of the Frenchman.
It isn’t stated how much Lazio would demand for the tough tackling midfielder, but given he is under contract until 2028, the Italian side could be asking for a hefty fee, especially if they know Newcastle have money to spend.
Apps
32
Starts
32
Goals
1
Assists
3
Touches per game
67.3
Tackles per game
1.0
Clearances per game
1.3
The 26-year-old, who has been dubbed a “monster in the making” by analysts, joined Lazio on a permanent basis in July 2024. He has been a key player for them in Serie A and in the Europa League, but if Newcastle do qualify for the Champions League, the offer of that competition and to return to the Premier League may be too hard to turn down for Guendouzi.
Reliable journalist David Ornstein has shared an update on Chelsea and their transfer plans for the summer window, involving a marquee forward who is very much under consideration at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea targeting new centre-back and striker this summer
Reports in the last fortnight have made it pretty clear that manager Enzo Maresca and BlueCo are in the market for a central defender and striker ahead of the 2025/2026 season.
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1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 11, 2025
Champions League qualification is firmly on the cards for Chelsea now that five spots are now up for grabs, but it will be an extremely tight race from now till the end of this Premier League campaign.
Ipswich Town (home)
April 13th
Fulham (away)
April 20th
Everton (home)
April 26th
Liverpool (home)
May 4th
Newcastle (away)
May 10th
Just two points separate fourth and seventh in the table, with Newcastle United, Man City, Aston Villa and the Blues all tussling for spots in Europe’s most prestigious competition next term.
It is set up to be a very intriguing race, and many twists are anticipated in the coming weeks, but qualification for the Champions League is a non-negotiable for Maresca, which also could be crucial in attracting their desired transfer targets this summer.
Chelsea have earmarked the signing of a striker as one of their key aims, according to Sky Sports, with RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko, Lille’s Jonathan David, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and “long-term target” Victor Osimhen all on their radar.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
Chelsea have also reopened contact with Ipswich Town star Liam Delap’s representatives, following the Englishman’s impressive campaign at Portman Road, and it is believed his deal will include a tempting £30 million release clause if his side are relegated.
Ornstein reported earlier this week that Chelsea have also held talks with Dean Huijsen’s camp in the last week, so a new central defender to cover the likes of Wesley Fofana is also on the club’s agenda.
However, the wide area may also be reinforced, with uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Jadon Sancho, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke.
Mudryk is facing a lengthy ban after failing a recent drug test, while there is apparently no guarantee that Chelsea will sign Sancho on a permanent deal from Man United, as they possess the option not to trigger his obligation clause if they pay a penalty fee (Sky Sports).
Meanwhile, it is believed Chelsea are becoming more open to selling Madueke amid interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle.
Chelsea considering deal for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens
Taking all of this into account, BlueCo are also planning to sign a winger this summer, with Ornstein sharing in a Q&A that Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens remains a target after previous links.
“We’ve reported about Gittens and Garnacho since January and there will be other names under consideration, too,” said Ornstein.
Jamie Gittens for Borussia Dortmund.
“Equally, Chelsea won’t be the only club looking at the players they are. So let’s see — but I am fascinated to watch what happens with Gittens, as he’s a fantastic player and looks to have a very bright future.”
The England Under-21 international boasts 12 goals and five assists from 41 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring in big games against the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.
He’s justifiably attracting attention from his homeland as a result, but Chelsea will need to pay a premium for the 20-year-old. Gittens reportedly commands a price tag of around £80 million, and while Maresca wants to strengthen other areas of the squad, they’ll most likely need to whittle this figure down – potentially by offering players in exchange.