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Nottingham Forest could be set to truly kickstart their summer of spending, with a new addition certain to bolster Steve Cooper's backline…

Who are Nottingham Forest signing this summer?

According to journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos, the Tricky Trees are willing to take a punt on former Arsenal man, Konstantinos Mavropanos, after an impressive time in Germany.

However, the 25-year-old has reservations due to his prior stint in the top flight, as noted in the report: "Nottingham Forest are still keen on signing Konstantinos Mavropanos from Vfb Stuttgart. But except no deal on transfer fee yet, Mavropanos has second thoughts on playing a Premier League club at the moment."

The centre-back is valued at just €9.9m (£9m) by Football Transfers and would add to their other acquisitions from the window, including Chris Wood and Ola Aina.

How good is Konstantinos Mavropanos?

Last season saw the Greece international enjoy his finest year of top-flight football yet, having finally settled in Germany and starring too.

His 7.26 average rating for the 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign should serve to emphasise this, which is heavily influenced by his 83% pass accuracy, 2.2 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 3.5 clearances per game, via Sofascore. Such an overall rating would have made him by far the Nottingham club's best performer from last term, to put that into context.

He has grown into a defensive leader at his current club, for whom he has now enjoyed just under three steadily improving years despite only leaving the Emirates permanently last summer.

Initially moving to north London as a 20-year-old, the bright lights of the Premier League likely overawed the young defender, who had previously only featured in his homeland. Given he would make just eight senior appearances, one of which saw him sent off, before being permanently moved on speaks volumes for his period in the English capital.

Despite that, Unai Emery still spoke highly of the youngster, suggesting that the future remained bright even if his chances were limited: "Mavropanos, I think he has a big mentality, his mindset was every day to work to improve his fitness and every training session he showed us what we wanted.

"We want to give him the opportunity to train and sometimes play because I think he has a good future."

Given how his tenure with Stuttgart has since gone, the Spanish coach has been proven right, as his former boss Pellegrino Matarazzo noted whilst he was on loan: "He's our gladiator! He's a monster in terms of physique. And when he makes a mistake, he hums around some Greek swear words. I like that. He's just a tough dog."

To now return him to England, with the knowledge he already has plus the additional experience that starring in another of Europe's top five leagues offers, it could be time for him to realise that huge potential at last.

Especially given that he would likely join as one of Forest's finer players, making him a supplementary asset to help the rest of the team thrive. The defensive platform built from his quality would allow his teammates to thrive.

Aina, in particular, would benefit from being partnered with such a steely stalwart, as the presence of the 6 foot 4 titan would allow him to bomb forward, showcasing his true starring assets.

After all, when compared against other full-backs across Europe, the 26-year-old ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, the top 8% for progressive carries per 90 and the top 14% for non-penalty goals per 90, via FBref.

He is a dynamic defender who loves to push on, and with Mavropanos behind him, the Nigerian can be safe in the knowledge that an unflinching ace is protecting his flank with ease.

This could help propel his disappointing two goal contributions from an injury-hit 2022/23 season to new lofty heights.

Chelsea 'can't resist' the thought of Brazil star Neymar moving to Stamford Bridge this summer despite how difficult it would be to thrash out a deal, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Are Chelsea interested in buying Neymar?

According to Le Parisien via Sport Witness, Chelsea have contacted Neymar's entourage to 'come for information' regarding whether the Brazilian will be available to move this summer.

Chelsea would rather buy the £930k-a-week ace than sanction a loan deal for him and Neymar is said to be valued at between €50-70 million by Paris Saint-Germain. Blues owner Todd Boehly is reportedly keen to act if an opportunity presents itself to pull off a potential marquee deal.

Last term, Neymar was in sensational form for Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, registering 18 goals and 17 assists in 29 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

The former Santos man was a creative lynchpin for his current employers in 2022/23, successfully completing 2.5 key passes and 1.9 dribbles per match in the French top flight, according to WhoScored.

Mauricio Pochettino has already been active in the transfer market in the off-season and has managed to secure the signatures of Nicolas Jackson, Diego Moreira, Christopher Nkunku and Angelo.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones thinks that Neymar is a player Chelsea would be tempted by this summer due to his profile.

Jones stated: "Neymar to Chelsea is like an itch they can’t resist scratching. This isn’t the first time the story has been out there and they would love to go there, I’m convinced of that, but he’s one of those players that is genuinely so hard to sign.

“The salary that comes with Neymar is out of this world and at a time when Chelsea are not in Europe, it’s an extremely difficult time to pull something like this off.

“Boehly has a slight fascination with celebrities; we saw that when he became indulged in the idea of signing Cristiano Ronaldo.

Who else has been earmarked to join Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea rebuild?

Chelsea are active in the transfer window as Pochettino looks to solidify his options ahead of the new term getting underway and it wouldn't be a surprise to see several new arrivals at Stamford Bridge in the near future.

In a surprise development, Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been mentioned as a target for Chelsea by The Sun soon after the news broke that he has been stripped of the captaincy at Old Trafford.

As per The Evening Standard, the Blues will submit a £70 million-plus bid in an attempt to finally get a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion enforcer Moises Caicedo over the line, with personal terms already thought to be agreed between the Ecuador international and Chelsea.

FootballTransfers claim that Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has opened talks over a surprise move to west London following his exceptional campaign out in France with Reims.

The USA international is likely to be moved on by Mikel Arteta and his representatives have 'touched base' with Chelsea regarding a potential switch, indicating that the Blues could be about to get busy in the market as the start of the Premier League campaign continues to draw closer.

In the summer of 2013, Arsenal managed to lure Real Madrid attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil to the Emirates as Arsene Wenger looked to build another team which could return to the top of the Premier League table.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, the recruitment of the German international couldn’t forge a title winning side, however, his imprint in the team showed the north Londoners could still sign players from clubs such as Madrid, and Ozil was still at the peak of his powers.

The club broke their transfer record by £27.4m to sign the attacking midfielder for a fee of around £42.4m and he went on to make over 250 appearances for the Emirates outfit during his seven seasons at the club, winning four FA Cups in that period.

The former Werder Bremen starlet registered 123 goal contributions during that time frame and became of the most productive attacking midfielders in the Premier League, although at times, the rest of the side couldn’t quite match his incredible ability.

It proved to be arguably Wenger’s last great signing at the club and with current manager Mikel Arteta looking to assert his own authority on the squad, could he follow the Frenchman by signing a player from Madrid who has an exceedingly bright future in the game? As midfielder, Aurelien Tchouameni has been linked with a stunning move to Arsenal this summer.

Could Arsenal sign Aurelien Tchouameni this summer?

With Declan Rice set to undergo a medical before being announced as an Arsenal player next week, along with the signing of Kai Havertz, Arteta is wasting no time in vastly improving his squad and the Frenchman could be the final piece of the jigsaw.

Having joined Madrid from AS Monaco last summer, Tchouameni enjoyed a solid if unspectacular maiden campaign in Spain, winning the Copa Del Rey, while also ranking first in the squad for tackles per game (1.9) and interceptions per game (1.5) as he showcased his defensively abilities in the heart of the midfield.

It isn’t just his defensive traits for which Arteta should be signing him for however, as he ranks in the top 1% across Europe’s big five leagues for pass completion percentage per 90 (92.9%) and also ranking in the top 10% for passes into the final third per 90 (6.88), suggesting that he aims to generate attacking opportunities as often as possible and this could be priceless for Arteta.

The £207k-per-week gem has previously been dubbed a “ball-recovering machine” by journalist Lucas Navarrete and this is evidenced by the fact he ranks in the top 7% alongside his peers on the continent for tackles and interceptions per 90 (4.59) and he could allow the likes of Havertz more freedom to flourish.

It would be a marquee signing to say the least and Arteta would certainly be following in Wenger’s footsteps by luring a talented midfielder with the world at his feet to London, however this time, Tchouameni – who has been lauded as "superb" by pundit Rio Ferdinand – would be joined by a host of other top class talents to the Emirates as the club aim for their first title in 20 years.

Leeds United star Brenden Aaronson is on the “verge” of completing a loan move to Union Berlin, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

When did Brenden Aaronson join Leeds?

The Whites’ attacking midfielder only arrived at Elland Road last summer from RB Salzburg and was a regular feature during his debut season in LS11, making 28 starts across the reigns of Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and most recently Sam Allardyce.

Being a fairly new recruit, the 22-year-old’s contract doesn’t expire for another four years, but after suffering relegation to the Championship, the 49ers will be aware that they could lose several of their prized assets during the ongoing window.

In Yorkshire, Illan Meslier, Jack Harrison and Robin Koch to name a few are just some of the first-team seniors that have been heavily linked with an exit as they will no doubt want to join a club back in the top-flight or overseas rather than staying put in the second tier.

The United States international had been attracting interest from Premier League side Fulham, who The Daily Mail report made an approach to see whether they could accquire his services, but if the following update is to be believed, he’s instead chosen to complete a temporary switch to Germany.

Is Aaronson leaving Leeds?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Leeds are set to lose Aaronson who is closing in on a loan move to the Bundesliga to join Union Berlin ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:

“Yes, Brenden Aaronson is on verge to join @fcunion – confirmed. First call: @mcgrathmike. Details: One year loan without an option to buy. No medical yet. Last paperworks have to be finalised."

Are the 49ers right to let go of Aaronson?

Leeds will know that Aaronson could have contributed more to efforts in the final third having recorded just three assists and one goal in the top-flight last season, but his work rate was obvious and that’s such an important attribute to have in the second tier, so the 49ers could be making a mistake by letting the attacking midfielder go.

The World Cup participant, who pockets £45k-per-week, recorded a total of 41 shots and whipped 72 crosses out to his fellow teammates, both statistics being the third-highest total in his squad, as per FBRef, so he’s always looking to create moments of quality for his peers even if he can't get himself on the scoresheet.

The Medford native, who has “immense” control on the ball according to journalist Josh Bunting, also brings wonderful versatility to the side having operated in four different positions during his opening campaign in Yorkshire, including everywhere across the frontline alongside his usual role, which is yet another useful attribute to have in the building.

Leeds won’t yet know who their new manager will want to include as part of his long-term plans, but Aaronson is definitely a player that had a positive impact on the team last season so he will be a miss should he secure an imminent departure.

Glasgow Rangers waved goodbye to Alfredo Morelos at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, as he departed the club alongside Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander following the expiration of their contracts.

It was the end of an era for the quintet, who all played an integral role in the Ibrox side claiming their 55th league title back in 2021, however, Michael Beale is keen to move away from sentiment and build a squad which fits with his ideologies.

Morelos’ goals will be sorely missed, with the Colombian hitman netting a total of 124 across 269 games during his six-year association with the Light Blues, and although his input dropped last term, scoring just 12 times, he emerged as something of a cult favourite along the way.

He will be hard to replace, and this is the challenge that Beale should embrace: aiming to find a forward who can offer as much as Morelos, without having to break the bank in the process.

The Gers have been linked with a move for striker Benie Traore, alongside Old Firm rivals Celtic, and he could cost the club around £4m, which seems reasonable given his age and vast potential.

Could Rangers sign Benie Traore this summer?

They may have to swat aside Celtic in the process, but there is certainly nothing stopping them from luring the youngster to Glasgow, and it could well be a repeat of the deal to sign Morelos back in 2017.

Traore currently plays for BK Hacken in Sweden, while Morelos was at Finnish side HJK Helsinki, having impressed after his arrival from Colombia – and exploring the Scandinavian market could pay dividends yet again for the club.

Since joining Hacken in 2021, Traore has established himself as a proper out-and-out scorer, netting 24 goals and grabbing nine assists in 56 games for the Swedish outfit. He is even able to operate on either wing if so required, which could be a bonus for Beale.

Adding more goals to the starting XI should be a key priority for the manager, as despite scoring 93 times across 38 Premiership games last term, the Ibrox side still fell way short of the 114 efforts that Celtic notched.

The 20-year-old has also gained international recognition, appearing once for the Ivory Coast U23 side, and in order for him to keep improving, a move to Rangers could be the spark which allows him to progress into a striker that can eventually replace the goals of Morelos.

Crystal Palace have “made contact” to sign Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun this summer, according to reliable journalist Graeme Bailey.

Is Folarin Balogun leaving Arsenal?

Balogun is an academy graduate at the Emirates Stadium having worked his way up through the youth ranks to be handed a chance to enter the first-team fold, but having only made ten senior appearances for his boyhood club, his future is extremely uncertain.

The United States international has been sent out on two loans throughout his career in the hope of receiving more regular game time, the first being at Middlesbrough and the most recent at Stade Reims last season, where he excelled, being their top-performing offensive player in Ligue 1.

The Gunners’ 21-year-old product still has another two years remaining on his contract in N7, but having reportedly rejected the chance to discuss a new deal, there’s a strong likelihood that he will be on the move during this window, potentially to link up with Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park.

Are Crystal Palace signing Balogun?

Taking to Twitter, Bailey revealed that Crystal Palace have submitted an enquiry for Balogun but should they want to get a deal over the line this summer, are set to face stiff competition for his services from other rivals in the Premier League. He wrote:

“Arsenal tell Folarin Balogun to step up search for new club. Crystal Palace, West Ham, Brentford, Fulham and Everton are among the clubs to have made contact, whilst Lille and RB Leipzig are also keen.”

Expanding in his column for 90min, Arsenal reportedly value their attacker at "over" £30m.

Should Parish & Freedman submit a bid for Balogun?

Crystal Palace will have no doubt been watching Balogun at Stade Reims to have felt the need to enquire about his services, and considering the prolific threat he would bring to that centre-forward role, Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman should absolutely table an offer.

Sponsored by Adidas, the attacker clocked up an impressive 24 goal contributions (21 goals and three assists) in 37 Ligue 1 outings last season alongside recording 121 shots, which was higher than any other member of his squad, as per FBRef.

Arsenal’s “golden” striker, as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also shares the same agent, Elite Project Group, as Malcolm Ebiowei, so this existing connection that Balogun’s representative already has to the club could give them a small advantage over their competitors.

Liverpool target Arda Guler is one of the hottest young prospects in Europe this summer, but Fabrizio Romano believes the young attacking midfielder may extend his contract and stay at the club another season.

Romano told his Youtube channel that the youngster may extend his deal with the Istanbul club out of respect for the platform they have provided for him so they can get a higher transfer fee either this summer or next.

Who is Arda Guler?

The 18-year-old ‘The Turkish Messi” has clubs around Europe circling attempting to gain his signature. Former teammate Mesut Ozil stated the young prospect can become a “world star” and it comes as no surprise that Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up the young talent.

Born in 2005, the youngster can play in central midfield, attacking midfield and on the right wing, per Transfermarkt.

The left-footed playmaker has four Turkish caps to his name already, scoring his first goal for his country with a stunning strike against Wales.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Arda Guler?

Romano told his Youtube viewers: “The release clause in the contract of Arda Guler at Fenerbahce is €17.5 million (£15 million) for this fantastic talent.

“Guler wants to respect Fenerbahce and he will consider the possibility to extend his contract and allow the club to get more money in the right way."

How good is Arda Guler?

The youngster, who likes to drift out onto the right-hand side of the pitch and use his creativity, shone in the Turkish Super Lig this season, delivering an average match rating of an impressive 7.84 per Sofascore.

Guler provided four goals and four league assists for Fenerbahce and will no doubt improve as he gets older, stronger and more experienced playing first team football.

His development could be helped by staying one more year in Turkey with confirmed first team football, but no doubt Europe’s elite clubs will be after him next summer if he does stay.

Tottenham Hotspur have "emerged" as "surprise" contenders to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher after Ange Postcoglou's transfer meeting with chairman Daniel Levy, according to reports.

Who could join Spurs this summer?

Following a disappointing 2022/2023 Premier League campaign, one which ended trophy-less and without European football qualification, this summer comes as a crucial one.

Spurs could be set for a major overhaul with many players being tipped for the potential axe, including Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks (The Telegraph).

Dier and Dejan Kulusevski are also still to convince Postecoglou, as per recent claims, with Levy believed to be targeting an array of signings for key areas of the squad.

Long-serving number one goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could be replaced this summer, with Brentford's David Raya believed to be of serious interest at Spurs. Meanwhile, the north Londoners are thought to be pursuing the likes of James Maddison and a star central defender after Postecoglou's approval.

Now, according to football.london and journalist Lee Wilmot, Tottenham are also targeting Gallagher from Chelsea. Indeed, it is now believed that he could join Spurs, after they "emerge as surprise contenders" for his signing.

The Lilywhites apparently hold an interest after Postecoglou held talks with Levy last week, with transfer priorities discussed and Gallagher finding his way on to their shortlist of targets.

Postecoglou favours a three-man midfield, with two of them being attacking players, and Gallagher may well fit the bill alongside other targets like Maddison.

Who is Conor Gallagher?

The 23-year-old was a regular for Chelsea last season but his best performances perhaps came on loan at Crystal Palace over the 2021/2022 season.

As per WhoScored, he racked up 11 goal contributions in 33 starts for the Eagles last season, standing out as one of their best-performing players.

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, commenting on his form back then, was effusive in his praise for the talented playmaker.

"His development is extraordinary and outstanding," said Tuchel.

“He was a pleasure to coach in pre-season – he has so much positive energy, so much energy in general and so much work-rate to give that he can of course be a big help and a big influence.”

Manchester United need to improve in a few areas this summer if Erik ten Hag wants to challenge for the Premier League title and to go on a deep run in the Champions League.

Signing a top-class centre-forward is a must, with Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst netting just 11 goals between them in all competitions, with the burden falling onto Marcus Rashford to give United that edge in front of goal.

The midfield could also be rejigged, as with Marcel Sabitzer finishing his loan spell and Scott McTominay linked with a move away from the club, Ten Hag will be aiming to sign a couple of reinforcements before bigger challenges await next term.

But could he bolster his full-back area too? The Red Devils are interested in signing Monaco right-back Vanderson during the summer transfer window, according to Brazilian outlet Zero Hora.

The report explains that the Old Trafford side have made a potential offer to Monaco for the defender, although it falls short of the €50m (£43m) valuation that the Ligue 1 side have stated.

Would Vanderson be a good signing for Manchester United?

United have recently given Diogo Dalot a contract extension until 2028, with the Portuguese full-back looking like he could be a key part of Ten Hag’s revolution at the club.

However, signing Vanderson may well mean Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be on the move this summer as there wouldn’t be much room for three senior right-backs in the squad, and with the Dutchman looking for a more ‘attacking’ option on the right side of defence, according to The Athletic, the Brazilian could even be an upgrade on Dalot.

Indeed, this season, the 21-year-old has registered more goals and assists (five to three), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.52 to 2.17), goal-creating actions (eight to two) and touches in the attacking penalty area (583 to 390), clearly suggesting that the Monaco starlet is a more potent threat in front of goal than Dalot, while also getting into the opposition penalty area more over the course of a season, utilising his attacking abilities.

It isn’t just going forward that Vanderson could offer an upgrade either, with the right-back ranking in the top 3% across Europe’s big five leagues for tackles and interceptions per 90, whereas Dalot ranks in the top 29% and 13% for the same metrics respectively compared to the Monaco sensation.

He was lauded for a display against Lyon in 2022, with Statman Dave saying it was an “exceptional performance” as he won 70% of his duels, won all of his tackles and completed 89% of his passes – and Ten Hag must act swiftly in order to bring him to Manchester this summer.

Crystal Palace are “set to complete” the imminent signing of Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Are Crystal Palace signing Lerma?

The Colombia international made 184 appearances at the Vitality Stadium after joining from Levante back in 2018, but with his contract expiring this summer, it’s recently been confirmed that he won’t be extending his stay and has now become a free agent on the market.

The Cherries’ former talisman started 37 out of 38 Premier League games last season and established himself as Gary O’Neil’s third best-performing offensive player which quickly attracted interest from several clubs in the top-flight.

TEAMtalk credited the Eagles, West Ham United, Leicester City, Fulham and Nottingham Forest all with an interest in the 28-year-old last month, but after pondering over the next stage of his career, it sounds like Roy Hodgson’s side have won the hot pursuit to bring him to Selhurst Park.

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Crystal Palace are expected to finalise an agreement to sign Lerma for absolutely nothing following his departure from Bournemouth, with an announcement predicted imminently. He wrote:

“Crystal Palace are set to complete Jefferson Lerma deal on free transfer. The agreement is finally at the final stages, here we go expected soon. Lerma has left Bournemouth as his contract expires at the end of the month.”

Could Lerma be a positive addition at Crystal Palace?

Crystal Palace have played against Bournemouth and indeed Lerma several times in the Premier League so will know what he’s capable of, and the fact that they are set to acquire the defensive midfielder’s signature for free rather than entering the market and splashing big cash on a high-profile target is an absolute bargain.

The El Cerrito native is extremely strong in the natural aspect of his game, ranking in the 99th percentile for clearances and recording 50 tackles over the course of the previous campaign which was the second-highest total throughout his squad, form which has seen him hailed a “confident” and "outstanding" player by journalist Josh Bunting.

The Nike-sponsored gem, who can also contribute to efforts in the final third having netted five goals in the top-flight last term, is additionally a versatile operator with his ability to play in six different positions over the grass, including four in the midfield, at centre-back and right-back, so overall, he would be a fantastic addition to the central ranks in SE25.