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Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta are getting busy behind-the-scenes, and supporters are very eager to see them strengthen with key new signings after a lacklustre Premier League title challenge.

Mikel Arteta has already expressed the need for Gunners officials to bolster his squad in certain areas, with the Spaniard publicly predicting a “big” next few months in the transfer window.

Their answer to Mbeumo: Arsenal bidding hard to sign £53m "level-raiser"

The dynamic winger would be an excellent addition to Arsenal’s squad.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 16, 2025

The arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has already been agreed after months of talks dating back to January, and despite some concerns over his cryptic comments recently, the move apparently remains on track with Arsenal regarding the Spaniard as “done and signed” (David Ornstein).

Arsenal are still believed to be closing in on a deal for Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga too (BBC), despite the wait for an official confirmation from north London, but a lot of the noise is centered around their pursuit of a striker.

Last week, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres was reportedly subject to a failed bid from Arsenal, according to Portuguese newspaper Record, with Berta appearing to simultaneously work on deals for both the 27-year-old and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

As reported by Romano there, talks remain ongoing over the latter despite the Gyokeres noise, coming after the Slovenia international rounded off a career-best Bundesliga campaign with 21 goals in all competitions last season.

However, there are some discrepancies over his price tag, and he could end up being a costly operation, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg saying that Sesko’s final price could be up to £85 million despite reports of a release clause below that figure.

Arsenal could sign Benjamin Sesko in the next two weeks

According to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, speaking on a call with the broadcast giant this week, an Arsenal move for Sesko remains alive, and they could still strike a deal for the 22-year-old before the end of June.

“Well, I think it also comes down to the player. If they agree a fee for Sesko, I think that one could actually be done when the window opens on the 16th of June,” said Jacobs.

“I’m not saying day one of when the window reopens, but certainly in the last two weeks of this month.”

Sesko is a player who Arsenal wanted last summer and attempted to sign in January (Ben Jacobs), so he’s long been on Arteta’s radar, but the negotiations appear to be dragging on somewhat – indicating some potential issues behind-closed-doors.

News of Gyokeres being very keen on a move to N5 in his stead comes as a welcome boost for Arsenal, though, with their striker search shaping up to be one of the major stories of the summer.

Southampton are looking to bounce back to the Premier League and could be set to pounce for a talented star if they lose one of their higher-profile assets this summer, according to a report.

Southampton look to build with Kamaldeen Sulemana funds

With the window underway at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton have sold Kamaldeen Sulemana to Atalanta for £18 million as they begin to clear the decks ahead of returning to competitive action.

Will Still’s men have also inserted a sell-on clause in the agreement, which will see the Ghana international link up with Ivan Juric after the pair worked together last season.

Joshua Quarshie has come in from Hoffenheim and there will be more signings to come at Saints, with FC Köln striker Damion Downs reported to be on their list.

Previewing how his potential arrival could unfold, German journalist Constantin Eckner has pleaded for caution as the United States international continues to develop.

He stated: “He’s still an up-and-comer with little experience but has developed into an interesting striker. He’s more of a project rather than a finished product.”

Same agent as Downes: Southampton in "advanced" deal talks for "top" star

Southampton are now moving closer to signing a new striker this summer.

By
Brett Worthington

Jun 30, 2025

Bobby Clark is reportedly keen on a move to Southampton after being left out of RB Salzburg’s squad for the Club World Cup, and he has all the hallmarks of a smart acquisition that could add some fresh legs in the engine room.

On the other hand, any fee for Downs would likely sit just below £7 million, which would represent good value for money after his return of 11 goals and six assists last campaign.

Making tracks, Southampton could now swoop for a reliable stopper between the sticks who has proven pedigree in the EFL Championship.

Southampton enter race to sign Anthony Patterson from Sunderland

According to Football Insider in conversation with former scout Mick Brown, Southampton are in contention to sign Anthony Patterson from Sunderland as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.

He explained: “Patterson is a top young goalkeeper and he’s got a good reputation. I personally still have some doubts about him, and it looks like Sunderland might share those.”

He added: “I’m told Southampton are one of the clubs looking at him because they expect Ramsdale to leave. He’s got a release clause in his contract and clubs have been looking at him.”

Labelled “excellent” by Simon Moore, the Black Cats seemingly do hold conerns over Patterson as they close in on Djordje Petrovic, making first-team minutes difficult to come by at Sunderland, who are worried by his lack of top level experience.

Brown made it clear the ball will be in his court, but Southampton will hope they can convince Patterson to make the move south if Aaron Ramsdale indeed does leave the club for a new challenge.

Chelsea are mounting a serious push to sign a “mature” player who’s also a wanted man at Liverpool, with Enzo Maresca looking to shore up a key area of the squad which could be central to a major overhaul.

Maresca’s side are currently in the midst of an intriguing Club World Cup campaign after a long campaign, and they’ll face-off against Portuguese heavyweights Benfica in the last 16 after luckily avoiding Bayern Munich in the next round.

Player left "very surprised" by Chelsea decision with five-man sale possible

The west Londoners have U-turned over giving him a chance under Maresca.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 25, 2025

The CWC is a controversial talking point given the clubs taking part will have precious little rest before the start of preparations for next season, but Chelsea are reportedly determined to win the tournament, especially with the significant prize money on offer for the victors.

They’ve already pocketed £8.8 million in performance-related prize money after winning two of their opening three games, and if they get past Benfica, Chelsea will receive another £10.1 million (Standard Sport) – taking their total windfall from the CWC to nearly £20 million, plus their participation fee.

This kind of cash could do wonders to assist Chelsea’s recruitment drive whilst helping them comfortably avoid the PSR threshold, with Maresca reportedly keen to sign a new centre-back alongside wingers and a striker.

Their backline could look very different by the commencement of 2025/2026 in particular, as journalist Graeme Bailey recently reported. It is apparently very possible Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga could all be sold before deadline day, with Chelsea having their eyes on firmly on Ajax defensive starlet Jorrel Hato, among others.

The versatile centre-back/left-back could upgrade the heart of Maresca’s defence whilst providing adept cover for Marc Cucurella, and he could be available for just £40 million.

Chelsea have held talks with Ajax over signing Hato, according to journalist Simon Phillips, and they’re still very much in pursuit of his signature.

Chelsea "pushing" to sign Jorrel Hato

As per Bailey, speaking to TBR Football in an update, both Arsenal and Liverpool are big fans of the Netherlands international, and Arteta’s side have been following him since his early teens.

However, Chelsea are “pushing hard” for Hato, so it could be the west Londoners who reign supreme in the race for his signature.

“We know that Chelsea are pushing hard to sign Hato and Liverpool still really like him. But I think Arsenal would be annoyed if they didn’t get Hato considering how much work they’ve been putting in,” said Bailey.

“Arsenal have been chasing Hato since he was around 14 or 15 years old, so I think there is a bit of confidence there. They want to sell Zinchenko to make room for Hato and then we still expect Kiwior to go as well.

“There will be plenty of room in that squad for Hato who is able to play a variety of roles.”

England international and ex-Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson knows his Ajax teammate very well, calling Hato “very mature” for his age and tipping him for a bright future.

“It’s crazy how young he is, but obviously how mature he looks when he’s on the pitch and also off the pitch,” he told Ajax’s official website, via the Liverpool Echo.

“He’s a very mature person. Works hard. Fantastic player. And yeah, he has a bright future ahead of him, I’m sure.”

Newcastle United have now identified their next target after a move for Anthony Elanga is completed, according to an update from Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

Newcastle agree deal for Elanga

The start of the new Premier League season is edging closer all the time, with Eddie Howe and his players hoping to kick on again in 2025/26, aided by sparkly new signings. Anthony Elanga has been the leading target to come in and make the Magpies even more of an attacking force, arriving as an upgrade on the departed Miguel Almiron, and a deal has now been agreed for aorund £55m.

It also feels like a matter of time until Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is a Newcastle player, with the young Englishman seen as the perfect long-term replacement for Nick Pope. It would be a shock if he didn’t complete a move in the near future.

A centre-back appears to be near the top of Newcastle’s list of priorities, with interest in Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi refusing to go away, and the likes of Giorgio Scalvini and Leonardo Balerdi also linked with summer moves to St James’ Park.

However, Newcastle’s focus after Elanga will be further up the pitch, with Downie revealing on Tuesday morning what’s coming next.

Newcastle set to target new striker in coming days

Now, according to Downie on X, Newcastle ‘will turn their attention to bringing in a striker’ once they wrap up a deal with Forest.

Elanga has the potential to be a real favourite at St James’ Park, possessing blistering pace and end product, bagging six goals and 11 assists in the Premier League last season for a Forest side who set up more defensively than the Magpies.

Still only 23 years of age, there is so much more to come from the Sweden international, who has even earned praise from the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the past.

He will love Elanga: Newcastle in advanced talks to sign a "top striker"

Eddie Howe could be close to signing a new striker for Newcastle.

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By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 8, 2025

A new winger is essential for Newcastle and Elanga fits the bill perfectly, but another number nine to support Isak is perhaps even more important.

The Magpies’ main man has missed games through injury in each of his campaigns with the club, and while his durability certainly improved last season, the presence of four competitions again next term is simply too much for the Swede, with only young talent William Osula available to lighten the load in the current squad.

Manchester United are now preparing an offer to sign an “incredible” £6.2 million Brazilian who wants to join the Red Devils, according to a new report.

Man Utd move on to new targets after finalising Mbeumo deal

The Red Devils have spent the last six to eight weeks working on a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. They had seen two bids turned down for the Cameroon international, but on Friday it was confirmed that they had finally agreed a deal with the London side.

The forward underwent his medical at Carrington over the weekend, with pictures emerging of him wearing the club’s training kit, and now an official announcement is expected soon.

Now that United have wrapped up that deal, they are turning their attention to their next set of targets, and they include signing a goalkeeper and a striker. United have been linked with moves for Nicolas Jackson and Randal Kolo Muani most recently, but the Premier League side have also held internal discussions about signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

In fact, TEAMtalk report that United are set to intensify their efforts to sign Sesko, who is said to be valued at £67 million by the Bundesliga giants.

Man Utd now set to intensify move for 6'5 "menace" after 3 years of talks

He could arrive after Bryan Mbeumo…

2

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 19, 2025

Meanwhile, signing a new goalkeeper is also considered a priority for United, and on Sunday, Fabrizio Romano reported that the Red Devils made initial contact to be informed on a deal for Senne Lammens, who currently plays for Royal Antwerp.

The 23-year-old is among the options on United’s list, but he is not their only target, as they are also looking at another name.

Man Utd preparing bid to sign John Victor

According to Goal Brasil, relayed by Sport Witness, Man United are now expected to make an offer in the coming days to sign John Victor from Botafogo.

The report states that United have been in contact with Victor’s entourage since December last year, and he is now considered their top target in their search for a new goalkeeper. It isn’t clear what United’s offer will be, but the 28-year-old does have a release clause worth €7.4 million, which is roughly £6.2 million, and that figure would need to be paid in full to bypass Botafogo.

It goes on to add that other Premier League teams have approached Victor’s agent in recent days, but the goalkeeper is prioritising a move to Old Trafford. However, a deal will only progress when United have made an offer.

The Red Devils are well stacked in the goalkeeper department, as they still have Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, and Tom Heaton in their ranks. The latter pair played in their opening pre-season game against Leeds United over the weekend, but it remains unclear if Bayindir has a future at the club.

Onana has also been linked with a move away and is now dealing with a hamstring injury that could see him miss the start of the season, so Victor, who has been dubbed “incredible” by FIFA’s official media channels, could arrive and have a good chance of being the club’s number one.

Celtic have not made many headline-making signings during the summer transfer window so far, but the return of Kieran Tierney has been the exception.

The Scotland international has returned to Parkhead after six years down south with Arsenal, putting pen to paper on a permanent deal after his deal at The Emirates expired at the start of this month.

Tierney has played four times in pre-season for the Scottish Premiership champions and registered an assist for Liam Scales in the 4-0 win over Newcastle United.

Celtic supporters can get excited about the prospect of watching the attack-minded left-back bombing up and down the left flank to make an impact in the final third next season.

However, it remains to be seen who will be playing ahead of him on the left wing on a regular basis, whether Daizen Maeda starts on the left or plays through the middle as a number nine.

Celtic hope for bargain deal for new winger

The Scottish giants are in the market to add another left-sided attacker to their squad before the end of the summer transfer window, and are keen on a star who would love Tierney.

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 the Daily Record, Celtic are refusing to give up on their long-standing pursuit of Royal Antwerp attacker Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

The report claims that the Belgian forward is out of contract next summer and that the Hoops hope to land a ‘cut-price’ deal for him, as the ‘cash-strapped’ Pro League side are open to selling.

However, Royal Antwerp have been reluctant to budge on their £5m valuation of the winger and negotiations are seemingly ongoing to find a middle ground.

The Daily Record adds that Balikwisha has been identified as a top target for the Hoops, and it is now down to them to reach an agreement with the Belgian side.

Why Michel-Ange Balikwisha would love Kieran Tierney

If Celtic can strike a deal for the 24-year-old forward, Balikwisha and Tierney could form an exciting connection down the left flank for Brendan Rodgers next season.

As shown by the left-back’s assist tally of 37 from his first spell at the club, the Scotland international is a full-back who loves to go down the outside to deliver crosses and create goals by holding the width.

This means that Tierney is the perfect foil for a left-sided attacker who wants to cut inside onto their right foot, because his energetic runs down the flank can draw attention away from the winger by giving the opposition’s defender an extra player to think about.

Therefore, Balikwisha could take advantage of that potential overload, depending on how much the other team’s right winger wants to track back, to either play Tierney into the space out wide or to dribble inside with the ball to exploit the space that the left-back’s run could create.

Based on the Belgian dynamo’s form in the Pro League in the last two seasons, as shown in the table above, the £5m-rated star could make a fairly big impact in the final third by playing with the former Arsenal man.

Balikwisha, who was described as a “creative” talent by analyst Will Glavin, has the quality to deliver both goals and assists for his side from the left flank, as he outperformed his xG and averaged 1.5 key passes or more per game across two years in his home country.

These statistics show that coupling him with Tierney down the left will cause the opposition’s right-back plenty of problems, whilst also forcing the other team’s manager to have to pull players from other positions to come and double up on them, possibly creating overloads elsewhere on the park.

Celtic make contact to sign promising star who could be Ajer 2.0

Celtic have made an enquiry about a young star who could be a Kristoffer Ajer repeat for the club.

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By
Dan Emery

Jul 22, 2025

Therefore, signing Balikwisha could be a move that makes a lot of sense for Celtic and one that could be very effective for their left side next season.

Nicolas Jackson’s shock switch from Chelsea to Bayern Munich – which was agreed a year out from signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge – has been branded a "bit harsh" despite the Senegal international striker not being a "natural goal-scorer". Blues legend Roberto Di Matteo has offered his take on a surprising switch agreed late in the summer window.

• New contract ultimately meaningless

  Jackson only committed to fresh terms 12 months ago, with that agreement supposed to keep him in west London through to the summer of 2033. The 24-year-old now finds himself at the Allianz Arena.

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  Competing with England captain Kane

  He has swapped being back-up in England – behind new arrivals Joao Pedro and Liam Delap – for a similar role in Germany. When fit, England captain Harry Kane will be Bayern’s go-to goal-getter.

• Will £70m purchase option be triggered?

  It is considered unlikely that a £70 million ($95m) purchase clause in Jackson’s deal in Munich will be triggered, meaning that his long-term future remains uncertain – with parent club Chelsea seemingly ready to move forward with alternative options.

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  What Di Matteo said about Jackson's loan transfer

  Discussing Jackson’s slightly surprising departure, former Blues player and manager Di Matteo – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “We can’t have too many sentiments in football. I like him. He’s not naturally a goal-scorer. Joao Pedro has shown that he can be a natural goal-scorer, so that’s going to make a huge difference for the team because sometimes – many times – you play against teams that just sit back and you don't have space. You need some match-winners in your team, some players that can unlock a defence, like [Cole] Palmer, like Joao Pedro, Estevao – he has started his career with Chelsea on a really positive note. And then Delap, every time that he plays or comes on he looks very strong, very sharp, physically very good.

  "A bit harsh but maybe he didn’t want to be around as second or third striker, he wanted a different challenge. He’s gone to Bayern, I mean that’s a top world club, it’s not a small club."

A “great” Liverpool player has now reportedly held talks with a foreign club’s sporting director over a summer move there, with a four-year deal being offered to him.

Liverpool handed potential fresh Isak boost

The Reds have had a summer transfer window to remember, with the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez hopefully taking them to new heights under Arne Slot.

After smashing their transfer record on Wirtz, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has now emerged as Liverpool’s next dream target, although the Magpies are refusing to budge currently after rejecting an opening offer for the Swede.

A new update from The Athletic‘s David Ornstein does claim that Isak is “adamant he will not play for Newcastle again”, however, adding that even if he stays put at St James’ Park, he has “no wish to reintegrate” with his teammates.

This acts as a boost to Liverpool, who clearly still want to sign the 25-year-old, but the coming weeks have the potential to be unpredictable, as the Premier League champions consider a second offer, hoping that the Magpies’ stance softens at the same time.

While plenty of focus is on Isak, and a possible new centre-back signing, a new claim has dropped regarding the future of a current Reds player.

"Great" Liverpool player in talks with foreign club

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott’s move to RB Leipzig this summer could be edging closer, with the Reds wanting £47m with a buyback option or £56m without during discussions.

The Bundesliga club have now offered the 22-year-old a four-year contract, and it is claimed that “manager Ole Werner and sporting director Marcel Schafer have already held direct talks with the player, outlining their vision for him to become a central figure in the team’s attack-minded system.”

Elliott is a popular figure at Liverpool, helped by the fact that he grew up supporting the Reds, but now feels like the right time for him to enjoy a new challenge, and the report says he is open to an Anfield exit.

The Englishman isn’t a regular starter under Slot, and that won’t change unless there are serious injury problems, and he has reached a point in his career where he needs to be playing week in, week out.

Elliott could be a great signing for Leipzig, and an ideal potential replacement for Xavi Simons, as the report alludes to, with former Liverpool man Joe Cole hailing him earlier this summer.

“I love the kid, he plays football the right way. I am excited for his future. He has done a great job for Liverpool, but if he decides to move on, there are levels to move on again. That passion, he can show every week.”

Dream Van Dijk heir: Romano confirms Liverpool want £34m Guehi alternative

Liverpool are hoping to sign a centre-back in the transfer market this month.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 12, 2025

Whether Leipzig agree to a buyback option remains to be seen, but even if they don’t, this is the right time for Liverpool to sanction Elliott’s exit, allowing him to kick on elsewhere, not to mention ensuring the Reds receive good money for him.

Benfica announced their decision to part ways with Bruno Lage with immediate effect after their shock defeat to Azerbaijani side Qarabag in the Champions League opener on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, Lage, while speaking to reporters, wished Jose Mourinho "best of luck". Mourinho has been linked with the Benfica role and it is understood that he is keen on taking over at the Estadio da Luz.

• Benfica part ways with Lage

  Benfica announced the sacking of Lage with immediate effect on Tuesday after the Portuguese heavyweights slumped to a shock 3-2 defeat to Azerbaijani side Qarabag FK in the Champions League. It was the first-ever win for Qarabag in the competition, while it extended Benfica's winless streak at home to six games in the competition. In the aftermath of Lage's dismissal, Mourinho has been speculated to become the next Benfica manager.   

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  Mourinho eyeing immediate return to coaching

  Mourinho was relieved of his duties at Turkish giants Fenerbahce last month, after the Portuguese head coach failed to guide his team in securing qualification for the Champions League 'league phase'. Coincidentally, Fenerbahce lost 1-0 to aggregate to Benfica, with Lage overseeing the passage to the league phase. Now, has already reported that the Eagles are eyeing the former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter, and Manchester United boss to take over the reins at the Estadio da Luz. Mourinho is open to joining Benfica as he is keen on an immediate return to coaching.  

• Lage wishes Mourinho 'best of luck'

  Speaking to reporters on Wednesday morning, Lage said: "The most important thing is that I wish Benfica all the best. That’s what we tried to do upon returning — that was the spirit in which we worked hard from the start of the season, with a completely different squad… But unfortunately, certain constraints, both internal and external, didn’t allow us to do better.

  "I wish the best of luck to the man who comes next. I don’t know if the news is true, whether it’s Mr. Mourinho or not. What matters is that it’s someone who knows Benfica very well. He played against this team three times, praised the squad often, said I was happy — and he’ll be even happier with [Heorhiy] Sudakov and Dodi [Lukebakio] coming in.

  "They always followed my instructions. I feel fulfilled. I wish Benfica well — the club did a lot for me and for my career, projected me in a way I never imagined, and gave me the financial stability to provide for my family."  

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  What would be Mourinho's first game in-charge of Benfica?

  Surprisingly, Mourinho's first-ever job as head coach came at Benfica. Indeed, in September 2000, he was appointed as the manager of the club, but Mourinho stepped down just 11 games into his tenure after a contract dispute with then-president Manuel Vilarinho. If he joins Benfica, he can be expected to be on the touchlines for the league encounter against 17th-placed AVS on Saturday.   

Iconic Premier League manager Rafael Benitez wants to make a managerial comeback in England's top-flight before formally ending his illustrious coaching career. The Spanish head coach managed four different English clubs in the last three decades, including his maiden stint at Anfield, where he guided Liverpool to their fifth Champions League title.

• Benitez last managed Everton in England

  Benitez returned to England in 2021 and took charge of Liverpool city rivals Everton on three-year deal but his stint was abruptly cut short as he was relieved of his duties in January 2022 after a series of poor results at Goodison Park. 

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  Benitez admits he is still active as manager

  The 65-year-old Spaniard, who has won mutiple trophies in England, including two European trophies with Liverpool and Chelsea, has clarified that he is still active as a manager and would love take up a new job in England or any of the top European leagues.

• "Don't want people to think I am finished"

  Speaking to , Benitez said: "Sometimes to be described as ‘a legend’ is very nice, but also complicated. It is bad for a coach to be seen as retired. People still ask me, ‘Do you want to coach?’ For sure, I do, particularly in England and Europe. I do not want people to think I am finished. I am still evolving."

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  What is Benitez doing now?

  At the moment, Benitez is back in Merseyside and will attend Sunday's derby clash between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield.