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Chelsea are now willing to pay nearly £87m to ensure they win the race for an “unbelievable” attacker in 2026, having identified him as a major target.

Blues willing to spend big on "unbelievable" attacker

With Cole Palmer recently spending time on the sidelines due to a groin injury, Joao Pedro has moved into a slightly deeper role, playing in-behind striker Liam Delap, but the Englishman has also now been ruled out for an extended period.

Enzo Maresca has confirmed Delap is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, saying: “Hopefully it’s not long, but this kind of case can be six, eight weeks.”

Subsequently, the Blues have now bolstered their attacking options even further by bringing in Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of the season.

However, given the nature of the deal, which does not include an option or obligation to buy, Buonanotte is unlikely to be a long-term solution in attacking midfield, and the west Londoners are now prepared to spend big to win the race for a Premier League star.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea are now willing to pay almost €100m (£87m) for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, with a new approach for the attacking midfielder being planned for 2026.

Rogers was identified as a target during the summer transfer window, but they were unable to prise him away from Villa, who have set an asking price of £100m to deter potential suitors, with Tottenham Hotspur also thought to be keen.

Boehly ditched Chelsea's own Alexander Isak in "unbelievable" talent

The talented international could have an excellent season away from Chelsea.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 6, 2025

Several elite clubs are in the race for the 23-year-old, with the west Londoners identifying him as a major target off the back of an impressive 2024-25 campaign, but the Villans are hoping to retain their prized asset, suggesting negotiations could be tricky.

"Unbelievable" Rogers would provide Maresca with great depth

Buonanotte could be considered a strange signing, given that the 20-year-old has only joined on loan, but it may actually be a savvy move, given that there are few players in the world capable of displacing Palmer in the starting XI.

Consequently, it makes sense to have a younger back-up option, who may be more content with receiving limited game time, but that is unlikely to be the case for Rogers, who has established himself as a Premier League star at Villa.

Indeed, the attacking midfielder has received plenty of plaudits for his performances in a Villa shirt, with agent Hesham Bilal-Hafiz singling him out for particular praise.

Given that the England international is capable of playing on both wings, scoring 21 goals in 85 appearances on the left, he could also push for a starting spot out wide, meaning he would provide Maresca with great depth in attack.

Chelsea could potentially strike an exchange of players pretty soon, as one club open talks over signing a “clinical” Blues ace who’s not thought to be in Enzo Maresca’s long-term plans.

Bayern believe they can sign Chelsea star who Maresca 'loves' for just £35m

The Bavarians sense an opportunity.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 23, 2025

Given Maresca’s desire to continue reinforcing the squad in key areas, combined with Chelsea’s need to sell surplus squad members, there are credible reports that exchanges could be a key transfer method at Stamford Bridge over the coming weeks.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea are under pressure from UEFA to balance out the squad with exits after they were fined for breaking FFP rules recently (Kaveh Solhekol), but Maresca is believed to want another major attacking signing following his side’s struggles against teams in the low block last season (Simon Phillips).

Therefore, ‘unofficial swap deals’ are something to watch out for, as it would allow Chelsea to accomplish both of those feats simultaneously.

“Unofficial swap deals are something Chelsea and other clubs have done a lot of lately to help balance the books of both clubs and keep within PSR rules,” wrote journalist Simon Phillips, vis his Substack, recently.

“They make sense, really, and help both clubs get deals done. They aren’t swap deals as such, more like favour for a favour separate deals. Chelsea are still weighing up some opportunities for this.”

Earlier in the window, it was believed that this could happen with Christopher Nkunku heading to Man United and Alejandro Garnacho going the other way (Daily Telegraph), but it is now much more likely that another exchange materialises.

Chelsea are in active pursuit of RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, and it is believed that talks have been held with all sides as BlueCo attempt to make the Dutchman their fourth major signing of the summer after Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro.

Now, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Leipzig’s serious emerging interest in midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka could present an opportunity for Maresca’s side to add Simons whilst trimming their bloated books.

RB Leipzig pushing to sign Carney Chukwuemeka with Chelsea talks opened

Plettenberg, taking to X, states that Leipzig are now “pushing” to sign Chukwuemeka and have opened talks with Chelsea, so it could soon be a case of one in, one out at Cobham.

The former Aston Villa gem spent the second half of 2024/2025 impressing on loan at Borussia Dortmund, with their sporting director, Sebastien Kehl, recently confirming their intention to bring him back for next season.

However, Dortmund now face being hijacked by their Bundesliga rivals, and dealing with Leipzig over Chukwuemeka instead will suit Chelsea down to the ground, especially amid the Premier League side’s attempts to sign their highty-rated forward.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Called a “clinical” player by Marcel Desailly, Chukwuemeka appears destined for a return to the German top flight either way.

Reports have suggested that Chelsea want as much as £40 million for the Englishman, but there’s plenty of reason for BlueCo to ease up on their financial demands in an attempt to sweeten ‘separate’ talks for Simons.

It is no secret that being an elite footballer pays incredibly well, with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth being above £500m following their outstanding long-lasting careers.

Those at the very top have incredible wealth, and one way professional footballers spend their money is on some of the best luxury cars around.

Seen as a prized possession, many may wonder what the world’s best drive and how expensive some of their cars are worth. Here are 10 of the most expensive cars owned by footballers around the world.

Lionel Messi

Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti

£25m

Cristiano Ronaldo

Bugatti La Voiture Noire

£12m

Erling Haaland

Mercedes AMG One

£2.7m

Neymar

Lamborghini Veneno

£2.5m

Karim Benzema

Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang

£1.56m

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Ferrari Monza SP2

£1.4m

Samuel Eto’o

Aston Martin One-77

£1.3m

Son Heung-min

Ferrari LaFerrari

£1.2m

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Ferrari LaFerrari

£1.2m

Kevin De Bruyne

McLaren P1

£1.15m

The most expensive cars owned by footballers in detail: 10 Kevin De Bruyne McLaren P1 – £1.15m

A Manchester City legend, Kevin De Bruyne recently departed the Etihad after a hugely successful 10-year stay. Before leaving, De Bruyne was picking up a whopping £400,000-a-week with the Sky Blues, so it shouldn’t come as no surprise that he owns a car worth more than £1m.

According to reports, the attacking midfielder has a McLaren P1 which has a valuation of £1.15m. One of the best sports cars around, the P1 has a total of 903 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds.

9 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Ferrari LaFerrari – £1.2m

Only 499 Ferrari LaFerrari’s have been made, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of two known footballers to be an owner of the £1.2m supercar.

The former Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal and Chelsea striker is known for his lavish lifestyles and that is shown in his car collection with the Ferrari LaFerrari dubbed the ‘most powerful street-legal supercar the Italian manufacturer has produced’.

8 Son Heung-min Ferrari LaFerrari – £1.2m

As well as Aubameyang, Tottenham icon Son Heung-min also owns a Ferrari LaFerrari, although he ditched the iconic red version for black.

The South Korean superstar was told by Spurs that ‘he could not own a red one due to their rivalry with Arsenal’, with the supercar reaching a top speed of 227mph and boasting a 6.3-litre V12 engine.

7 Samuel Eto’o Aston Martin One-77 – £1.3m

Former Barcelona and Inter Milan star Samuel Eto’o retired back in 2019, however, he still made enough during his playing days to splash out on an Aston Martin One-77.

Worth £1.3m, three-time Champions League winner Eto’o is the proud owner of the supercar, which is rarer than the Ferrari LaFerrari, with only 77 units ever made back in 2012.

6 Zlatan Ibrahimovic Ferrari Monza SP2 – £1.4m

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was an extraordinary player in his prime, and his lavish lifestyle saw him purchase a Ferrari Monza SP2 for his 38th birthday back in 2019.

It set the former Swedish striker back £1.4m, with only 499 being made in the world. The value of the rare supercar is now thought to be worth £2m, so Ibrahimovic could make a tidy profit if he cashes in.

5 Karim Benzema Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang – £1.56m

French forward Karim Benzema is currently earning a whopping £830,000-a-week in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad after joining in 2023, and he has quite a collection of luxury cars.

His most valuable and fastest vehicle is the Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang, with only five ever made in the world. Chrome painted and a body made up of polished aluminium and black carbon fibre, it is thought to be worth more than £1.5m.

4 Neymar Lamborghini Veneno – £2.5m

Neymar’s net worth is thought to be around £280m, so it’s no shock that he can afford a £2.5m Lamborghini Veneno, one of just 13 to have been produced.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star’s supercar is powered by a 6.5L V12 engine and is capable of reaching a top speed of 221 mph.

In total, Neymar’s car collection is thought to be worth a combined £11m, which includes an Aston Martin Vulcan and Maserati MC12.

3 Erling Haaland Mercedes AMG One – £2.7m

A goalscoring machine for Manchester City, Erling Haaland’s new Etihad contract sees him pick up £525,000-a-week, which works out at over £27m-a-year.

His rare Mercedes AMG One is worth £2.7m, just over five weeks’ worth of wages, and can reach a top speed of just under 220mph. There are only 275 Mercedes AMG One’s around, and Haaland can call himself one of the lucky owners.

2 Cristiano Ronaldo Bugatti La Voiture Noire – £12m

Earning a staggering £172m-a-year in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly the owner of the only Bugatti La Voiture Noire ever made.

Worth £12m, the Bugatti La Voiture Noire was produced in 2019 and is described as ‘the rarest and most exclusive of all modern Bugattis’.

In total, Ronaldo’s car collection is thought to be worth around £19m, a figure which works out at around six weeks’ wages with Al-Nassr.

1 Lionel Messi Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti – £25m

Top of the charts, allegedly, is Lionel Messi and his Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti. It is claimed that Messi actually outbid his rival Ronaldo for the classic Ferrari at a cost of £25m.

Only four Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti’s were made in the 1950s, and it is seen as a must have vintage car, powered by a 4.0L V12 engine and able to reach a top speed of 186 mph.

The bidding started at around £17m and ended on £25m, with Messi thought to be the winner of the auction in Paris back in 2016.

Leeds United are now set to sign another defender and this time for a fee of under £500,000, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Leeds announce Gudmundsson on four-year deal

With Junior Firpo exiting Elland Road, Leeds needed to bring in a new left-back, and they have wasted no time in their pursuit of Lille’s Gabriel Gudmundsson, with the defender signing a four-year contract on Tuesday.

The fee is thought to be in the region of €12m (£10m) although the club’s announcement does not disclose the true figure, after the 26-year-old completed his medical checks on Monday.

Gudmundsson is not the only left-back set to make a move to Elland Road, however, with Romano recently taking to X to reveal the Whites are on the verge of signing a defender from a rival Premier League club.

The transfer expert states that Manchester City’s Jayden Lienou “will join Leeds United” for a package amounting to under £500k, with the 17-year-old set to link up with the U21 team to begin with.

Leeds eyeing huge £17m talent wanted by Champions League clubs

Leeds United are in the mix of teams who want to sign a highly rated midfielder.

2 ByBrett Worthington Jul 7, 2025

Andrew Taylor and Adam Underwood are said to have been “key” to securing a deal for Lienou, and the deal now appears to be completely agreed, suggesting that an official announcement could be imminent.

Leeds’ opening Premier League fixtures

Date

Everton (h)

August 18th

Arsenal (a)

August 23rd

Newcastle United (h)

August 30th

Fulham (a)

September 13th

Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)

September 20th

Gudmundsson and Lienou are savvy signings for Leeds

Lienou has been showing some promising signs at youth level, most notably scoring a remarkable solo goal for Wales a little over a year ago, showcasing his quality on the front foot.

However, at 17-years-old, the Welshman is clearly one for the future, and Gudmundsson is more likely to make more of an instant impact at Elland Road, given that the Sweden international is vastly experienced.

The Malmo-born defender made nine appearances in the Champions League last season, and his performances across the campaign clearly impressed journalist Joe Donnohue, who described the full-back as a “fun” player and a “risk-taker”.

The former FC Groningen man also caught the eye in an attacking sense during his time with the Dutch club.

Given that Firpo was well-known for his attacking contributions, Gudmundsson could be an ideal replacement for the Dominican Republic international, while Lienou’s performances at youth level indicate he could also be a savvy signing with the potential to become a prototype modern day attacking full-back.

Manchester United have a huge summer ahead of them to try and transform their fortunes on the pitch next season and subsequently avoid a repeat of this campaign.

The Red Devils finished in a measly 15th place in the Premier League, with Ruben Amorim unable to transform their fortunes after taking the reins in November following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.

However, it appears as though the 40-year-old will have some serious money to spend throughout the summer in a bid to improve the current players at his disposal.

He’s already splashed over £60m to complete the signing of Brazilian international Matheus Cunha, with a deal also heading in the right direction for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.

It’s likely that the summer activity won’t end there, which could lead to various big-money additions making the switch to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, under the watchful eye of sporting director, Jason Wilcox.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

Warren Zaire-Emery is one of the latest names on their radar this window, with the Red Devils entering talks with PSG over an £85m move for the teenage midfielder.

He’s not the only name mentioned in recent days, as West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus has been of interest after an enquiry was made for the 24-year-old’s signature.

However, another new name has entered the mix over the last few hours, with Newcastle United talisman Alexander Isak appearing on their radar, according to Italian outlet Tutto Juve.

They claim that United have been closely monitoring the Swedish international, potentially plotting a move after he scored 23 times in his 34 league appearances this campaign.

It also states that Chelsea and Arsenal are in the race to land the 25-year-old, but the Magpies are preparing a new contract for the forward, who’s currently valued at around £150m.

Why United’s £150m target would be a better signing than Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres has been a player in their sights over recent seasons, but their interest has skyrocketed after Amorim’s arrival – understandably so given his time with the striker at Sporting CP.

The Swede has registered a staggering 54 goals in his 52 outings in 2024/25, leading to a whole host of English sides being linked with a move for his signature.

Arsenal appeared to be leading the race this window, but it appears as though the Gunners have moved on to different targets, subsequently bringing Amorim’s side back into the picture.

His rumoured £68m fee would undoubtedly tempt the hierarchy given his staggering goalscoring record, but they should look past a move for Gyokeres and put their attention on a deal for Isak.

Whilst the Sporting talisman has registered more goals this season, the Newcastle star has consistently thrived in England’s top flight – having the skillset that would make him an immediate success at Old Trafford.

When comparing their underlying stats from the current season, Isak has dominated, further showcasing why he would be the better option ahead of 2025/26.

The Magpies attacker, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Thomas Hammond, may have been outscored, but has posted a higher goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical edge in front of goal.

Games played

34

33

Goals scored

23

39

Goals per shot on target

0.5

0.4

Pass accuracy

75%

71%

Progressive passes

2.9

2.1

Passes into final third

1.2

0.5

Take-on success

46%

45%

Carries into final third

1.4

1.3

He’s also completed more passes and more passes into the final third, having the tools to provide the players around him at Old Trafford with the opportunities to thrive.

Isak has also completed more take-ons and made a higher tally of carries into the final third per 90, having the skillset to create his own opportunities rather than be dependent on other options around him.

The £150m price tag would be a club and English record, but the deal could prove to be worth every penny, especially if he can carry his form from St James’ with him to Old Trafford.

Gyokeres may still be some supporters’ first choice this window, but it’s evident that Isak would be the better option for the Red Devils and Wilcox in their pursuit of rising up the table in 2025/26.

Bellingham 2.0: Man Utd open talks for "one of the best CMs in the world"

Manchester United appear to be laying the foundations over a move for a sensational young talent.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 27, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur’s frontline has impressed throughout the 2024/25 campaign, posting some impressive figures despite their lowly Premier League standing.

The Lilywhites posted a total of 64 league goals in their 38 outings – an average of 1.68 per game, with only six teams in the division scoring more throughout the same period.

Brennan Johnson finished as the club’s top scorer with 11 goals, securing an impressive turnaround after criticism from the supporters led to the Welsh international deactivating his social media accounts.

His £47.5m switch from Nottingham Forest was seen as a huge investment, but given his goal in the Europa League final, it now looks to be money well spent by the hierarchy.

They have the opportunity to land another deal of that magnitude this summer, with new boss Thomas Frank undoubtedly needing funds to transform the squad ahead of 2025/26.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, new attackers have been on Spurs’ radar, as the hierarchy look to further boost the options currently available in the final third.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has constantly been touted as a potential option for the club, with the Lilywhites in a battle with Manchester United for the Ghanaian’s signature.

However, another name has been mentioned over the last couple of days, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa also on the club’s radar, according to The Guardian.

They report that the hierarchy have held internal talks over a move for the DR Congo international, who netted 19 league goals in 35 appearances under Frank this campaign.

It also states that they could face competition from Nottingham Forest, after Nuno Espírito Santo’s side once again entered the race after having a £22m bid rejected back in January.

Why Wissa would be a better signing than Mbeumo for Spurs

After the arrival of Frank from Brentford last week, it’s no surprise to see some of the Dane’s former players linked with a move to North London during the off-season.

Alongside Wissa, winger Bryan Mbeumo has also been mentioned as a potential target, unsurprisingly so given his 20-goal season for the Bees in 2024/25.

The Cameroonian has been one of the most dangerous attackers this season, being one of only five players in the division who have achieved such a feat.

However, Frank will face stiff competition from Manchester United for the 25-year-old’s signature this window, with the London outfit demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with him this summer.

Such a fee seems a little steep, with any pending arrival taking playing time off top scorer Johnson, which could be a controversial decision given his form this campaign.

As a result, Wissa would be a better addition, with the “unbelievable” forward, as labelled by Frank, offering a central option – a position that has been a struggle since Harry Kane’s departure.

When comparing his stats to those of current talisman Dominic Solanke, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, showcasing the need to pursue a move for the Congolese star.

Games played

35

27

Goals & assists

23

12

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

40%

Pass accuracy

77%

70%

Passes into final third

1.4

1.1

Aerials won

46%

43%

Progressive carries

1.9

1.2

He’s massively outscored the club-record signing, whilst also posting a higher shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical nature when in the final third.

The Bees star has also completed more passes and made more passes into the final third, handing the likes of Johnson to improve their own tallies in 2025/26.

His all-round quality is also reflected in his aerial success rate and progressive carries per 90, able to play as a focal point or play on the shoulder of the defender if needed.

It’s unclear how much the Bees would demand for his signature this summer, but he’s proven that he’s a top-level Premier League forward who could further improve Spurs’ fortunes.

Given his impact, the hierarchy need to look past Mbeumo and focus on Wissa, with his addition handing Frank another attacking star in his quest in North London.

Better than Semenyo: Spurs open talks to sign "one of the best wingers"

Tottenham are looking to sign a new forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 14, 2025

The close relative of a “great” Liverpool transfer target has claimed that his move to Anfield this summer is now “basically a done deal”, in an exciting new update.

Florian Wirtz week at Liverpool

The Reds have already brought in Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen since the end of last season, but this week has the potential to be a particularly memorable one at Anfield.

Liverpool appear to be edging closer to the stunning signing of Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz all the time, with fresh reports claiming that he will be in England on Thursday, with his medical and official unveiling taking place on Friday.

While much focus is on Wirtz currently, which is no surprise considering he is seen as one of Europe’s best players currently, a move for Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth is also close to happening.

The 21-year-old has emerged as the perfect left-back to come in and be Andy Robertson’s long-term successor at Liverpool, and now a new update suggests that the transfer is closer to happening than ever.

Liverpool signing Kerkez "basically a done deal"

Speaking to Super Indirektno [via The Mirror], Kerkez’s father, Sebastijan Kerkez, claimed that his son’s move to Liverpool is “basically a done deal”, also discussing the huge influence of sporting director Richard Hughes.

“It’s only Liverpool for us and we’re not going anywhere else and we won’t talk to other clubs. Everything is done between us (personal terms) we just need to sort out some details but it’s basically a done deal. Richard Hughes brought us to Bournemouth, if he said we go to India, then we go to India, everything is agreed, just some little things.”

This is fantastic news for anyone of a Liverpool persuasion, with Kerkez looking tailor-made to thrive in this Premier League-winning team under Arne Slot.

Appearances

38

Starts

38

Minutes played

3341

Goals

2

Assists

5

Clearances per game

2.6

Tackles per game

1.4

Interceptions per game

1.2

The Hungarian caught the eye so often with his performances for Bournemouth in 2024/25, standing out as one of the best left-backs in the country and being hailed by manager Andoni Iraola.

“Milos has improved a lot from past season. He has done a great job defensively. I think he’s a player that because of his physical condition arrives so many times to the last third with the ball under control to put good crosses that the number of assists, of good balls he was having, was quite low past season, but this season I think he’s deciding much better. He’s adding quality to his deliveries.”

Big Ekitike upgrade: Liverpool dreaming of signing "the world's best CF"

Liverpool need to sign a centre-forward this summer.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 17, 2025

There is always a risk that any move won’t work out, but assuming he avoids serious injury, the £40m-rated Kerkez looks primed to be a massive player for Liverpool for many years to come.

Fresh off the back of what Erling Haaland described as a “boring” season, Manchester City are looking to bring back the excitement amid what has been a hectic start to the transfer window at the Etihad.

With the intriguing Club World Cup on the horizon, Pep Guardiola’s side have acted swiftly in order to bolster their ranks for the competition, with a deal having been agreed for AC Milan sensation, Tijjani Reijnders.

The capture of the Netherlands international – who had joined the Serie A side from AZ Alkmaar back in 2023 – is expected to cost an initial fee of around €55m (£46m), thus providing Guardiola with further depth in the midfield department.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, the Citizens are “advancing” their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Rayan Ait-Nouri, with his namesake – Rayan Cherki – also agreeing personal terms.

A bid is expected to be lodged for a player who could cost just £25m to prise from Lyon, having registered 32 goals and assists in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side at the age of just 21.

The suggestion is that the Frenchman could well be a “future Ballon d’Or winner”, according to The Athletic’s Alex Barker. Perhaps the same is true of a potentially even more exciting summer target…

Man City make move for Premier League sensation

Hoovering up Britain’s best young talent has been a common theme of the City recruitment drive in recent years, with notable arrivals including the West Ham United pairing of Divin Mubama and Divine Mukasa – the latter of whom registered 42 goals and assists in just 41 games at youth level in 2024/25.

Transfer Focus

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

That youth-centric transfer approach only looks set to continue, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano having revealed that the Manchester side have agreed a deal for Sheffield Wednesday striker Caelan Cadamarteri.

Such news also comes amid reports which suggest that City are hoping to raid Arsenal for the signing of teenage sensation, Max Dowman, with Football Transfers noting that the 2023 treble winners, as well as Barcelona, have ‘expressed interest’ in the Hale End star.

As per the report, both clubs are believed to have made ‘initial approaches’ to ‘signal their interest’ in the England youth international, albeit with the Gunners determined to keep hold of their 15-year-old prodigy.

The suggestion is that City would look to offer a similar pathway to that of Phil Foden, who was carefully nurtured and developed before cementing a first-team role for himself, with Barca said to be at a disadvantage as Dowman would not be able to join until he turns 18.

Any potential excitement over signing a player who doesn’t turn 16 until December may appear premature, although all the signs point to the teenager being a genuine star of the future.

Why Man City should sign Dowman

As noted by Football Transfers, Arsenal are desperate to avoid letting their homegrown diamond depart, and why wouldn’t they be? This is a player who, despite his youth, is already earning rave reviews from across the game.

Already part of first-team training in north London – amid the confirmation that he will join the pre-season tour this summer – Dowman has been given the backing of senior teammate Declan Rice, who described him as the “best 15-year-old in the country”.

Such words have been echoed by Arsenal insider, Will Balsam, who has claimed that the in-demand playmaker is the “biggest talent in England”. Talent scout Jacek Kulig, meanwhile, has hailed Dowman as the “most exciting prospect” he has seen “since Yamine Lamal”.

It is those words which showcase just why the rising star is earning admiring glances from some of Europe’s elite clubs, while equally, it also illustrates why he could prove to be an even more exciting capture than the mercurial Cherki.

Indeed, it does appear that a first senior appearance is a matter of when and not if for the Emirates ace, not least having already registered 30 goals and assists in just 25 U18 appearances for the club, as per Transfermarkt.

Nicholas Oyekunle – Southampton

23

27

4

Luca Williams-Barnett – Spurs

20

19

9

Reigan Heskey – Man City

19

18

7

Dan Casey – Arsenal

21

18

1

Divine Mukaka – Man City

20

16

15

Marcus Neill – Sunderland

22

16

6

Victor Musa – Man Utd

19

16

3

Max Dowman – Arsenal

15

15

5

Matty Warhurst – Man City

21

15

2

Charles Ebuka Agbawodikeizu

14

15

0

Comfortable on the right flank or in a central role – much like Cherki – Dowman is a simply joyous talent to witness, possessing a wand of a left foot and a dazzling ability to breeze past defenders.

That was evident during the club’s FA Youth Cup run, as he put in a statement display in the semi-final clash with Manchester United, despite ending up on the losing side, having notably won and converted a penalty for the Gunners following a surging solo run from deep.

Described as a ‘superstar in the making’ by the Standard’s Simon Collings following that 3-2 loss, Dowman appears destined to follow in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly under Mikel Arteta – provided Guardiola and co don’t make their move, of course.

While landing a talent like Cherki is nothing to be sniffed at, being able to secure arguably the ‘biggest talent in England’ from one of your Premier League rivals would certainly take the biscuit.

After Reijnders: Man City to submit bid for Mahrez 2.0 "in the next hours"

Man City’s squad overhaul looks set to continue this summer, amid Tijjani Reijnders’ expected arrival.

ByRobbie Walls Jun 4, 2025

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly made contact with a £20m target who used to play for Paris Saint-Germain.

AS Roma eye Espirito Santo move

After a season full of success, Nottingham Forest could be set to become the victims of that success when the summer transfer window arrives. The Midlands club, as is often the case when clubs enjoy an unexpected rise, have already seen the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White linked with moves away and could yet lose manager Nuno Espirito Santo on top.

With reports suggesting that Italian outfit AS Roma are interested in Nuno, the Nottingham Forest boss could leave the City Ground and cause a major shock this summer. It’s a departure that Evangelos Marinakis should hope to avoid at all costs above any potential star players.

Since the boss’ arrival, Forest have simply been a side transformed from a side battling relegation into a side who will be disappointed that Champions League qualification is out of their hands.

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The Portuguese manager may just be getting started, too. With Europa League football, at the very least, now confirmed for next season, Forest should be in their strongest position for quite some time to welcome some of Europe’s impressive talents.

It goes without saying that adding depth in preparation for European football will be crucial to any success next season, and the rumours have already been coming thick and fast over just who could complete a move to the City Ground to add exactly that to Nuno’s squad.

Nottingham Forest make contact with Bulka

According to Polish outlet Meczyki, Nottingham Forest have now made contact with Marcin Bulka over a summer move to the City Ground, with Marinakis now eyeing a £20m move to sign the shot-stopper.

Fresh from a solid campaign in Ligue 1 for OGC Nice, Bulka has earned the interest of Forest and may well find himself on his way back towards Europe’s elite for the first time since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.

Starts

34

37

Clean Sheets

8

13

Saves per 90

4.74

4.41

Save Percentage

75.8%

74.2%

When compared to Forest No.1 Sels, who has enjoyed an excellent season in his own right, Bulka’s numbers certainly make for interesting reading. The Nice shot-stopper has just about outperformed Sels for save percentage as well as saves per 90, albeit whilst keeping fewer clean sheets.

If Forest are to strengthen, then they could do far worse than welcoming the former PSG man this summer. With plenty of football to share around next season too, having two options so similar in quality would be no bad thing.

With Forest reportedly in contact with his representatives, Bulka could certainly be one to watch in the coming months.

Chelsea lost 2-0 to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in the Premier League on Sunday, but they could still have a successful end to the 2024/25 campaign.

The Blues are fifth in the league, on course to qualify for the Champions League, and are in the final of the Conference League after their semi-final success over Djurgarden.

Enzo Maresca and the board, however, already have one eye on the upcoming summer transfer window, as the club have reportedly held talks to sign a LaLiga star.

Chelsea at the front of the queue to sign LaLiga star

According to The Boot Room, Chelsea are one of the teams eyeing up a deal to sign Athletic Club forward Nico Williams, and they have already held talks with his representatives over a move to Stamford Bridge.

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The report claims that the Blues have had meetings with the player’s camp to convince him to make the move to England, but he is unwilling to make a final decision until the end of the season.

It also reveals that Arsenal and Chelsea are the two teams at the ‘front of the queue’ to land the Spain international, who is also of interest to Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Liverpool.

Possessing a reported release clause of £48m, it’s not a move that would totally break the bank, which is certainly good news.

If Williams does decide to move on from Athletic Club this summer, Maresca’s side appear to be well-positioned to swoop in, which should come as great news for Cole Palmer.

Why Nico Williams would be amazing with Cole Palmer

The Chelsea superstar would surely love it if the club signed the Spanish winger because they could be amazing together at the top end of the pitch next season and beyond.

Palmer, as evidenced by the 38 ‘big chances’ he has created in the Premier League since the start of last season, is an attacking midfielder who is constantly looking for a defence-splitting pass to create chances for his teammates.

Williams is a winger who has shown that he can finish chances effectively in LaLiga and in the Europa League this term, which suggests that he could make the most of the high-quality opportunities that the England international consistently creates.

Starts

21

12

xG

3.84

2.85

Goals

5

5

Big chances missed

2

2

Assists

5

2

As you can see in the table above, the Spanish sensation has outperformed his xG in both competitions, whilst only missing four ‘big chances’ in 33 matches.

These statistics suggest that he has the finishing quality to find the back of the net on a consistent basis if provided with the constant stream of ‘big chances’ that Palmer has proven he can create at Premier League level.

Williams, who was dubbed a “relentless” dribbler by analyst Ben Mattinson, would also come in as another young talent with room to improve at the age of 22, which means that the Spaniard and Palmer, 23, could be an exciting pairing for Chelsea for many, many, more year to come.

It is now down to the Blues to win the race for his signature in the summer transfer window because his electric pace and lethal finishing could make him an amazing partner for their creative maestro in the Premier League next season.

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