All posts by h716a5.icu

Arsenal have attacking reinforcements in their sights and are willing to put one of their key targets in the top bracket of earners at the Emirates Stadium, per a report.

Arsenal's search for attacking reinforcements rumbles on

Truthfully, it is impossible to avoid the discussion of Arsenal adding attacking reinforcements this summer when it comes to assessing their scope to do transfer business.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres are the Gunners’ two main targets through the middle. However, with neither prospective deal near completion, other names will begin to be thrown into the hat as a consequence.

Speaking about what he would do in his old side’s situation, William Gallas has backed Arsenal to enter the race for Alexander Isak despite the Sweden international being a difficult star to sign this summer.

He stated: “Isak is perfect for Arsenal and they should be going all out to sign him. He would adapt instantly and give them the best chance of winning the title out of any player in the world, they don’t have time to let a striker adapt.

“Arsenal should go and break the bank for Isak. He is a 20-goal-a-season striker, and he would be surrounding himself with quality players.”

A bigger star than Zubimendi: Arsenal make approach to sign £50m midfielder

The midfield monster would be a game-changer for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 23, 2025

Boyhood Arsenal fan Ollie Watkins is wanted at the Emirates and would offer proven top-flight pedigree, even if he is firmly in the prime of his career. The race remains open to find out who will be Mikel Arteta’s new centre-forward come the end of the window.

Supporters will already be buckled up and ready to experience a chaotic few months in the market, though they could be in for a treat if recent reports are to be believed.

Arsenal willing to make Rodrygo one of their highest earners

According to TBR in conversation with Graeme Bailey, Andrea Berta is willing to make Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo one of their highest earners should he pitch up at the Emirates this summer.

Berta has engaged in ‘preliminary talks’ with his camp over recent weeks, and it is said that the La Liga giants could be open to offloading him for £70 million despite believing he is someone worth around the £100 million mark.

Rodrygo in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

52

Goals

14

Assists

11

Dubbed “top drawer” by former Chelsea star Joe Cole, there is a realisation among his entourage that he won’t be guaranteed a starting spot this campaign due to competition within the forward areas, which could lead to a departure as he would be allowed to operate in his favoured left wing berth.

Arsenal are looking to tie Bukayo Saka and William Saliba to new deals, though Rodrygo would be expected to hold parity with most of their top bracket, with a suggestion that he could even become the Gunners’ top earner.

Of course, that is all theoretical at this point, but it does show how serious Berta and company are about trying to pull of what would be one of the deals of the summer.

Newcastle United are confident that they will keep Alexander Isak in the squad this summer, but a new striker is being chased all the same.

Eddie Howe wants more firepower in the attacking third, with Callum Wilson ageing and out of contract, and William Osula, 21, drifting through his maiden year as a Magpie.

Well, The Telegraph understand talks with Brighton & Hove Albion are on the brink of kicking off for the transfer of Joao Pedro, who is valued at £60m and who the Seagulls are willing to sell this summer.

Newcastle open talks for sought-after star

Pedro, 23, is proven in the Premier League and has the dynamic faculties to complement Isak, rather than outright replace him. However, there may be an even bigger fish Howe could add to the Tyneside pond.

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have held talks with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, putting their name in the hat as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all tussle for the striker’s signature.

Ekitike might be the talk of the town, but it doesn’t seem like any suitor would be willing to meet the Bundesliga club’s €100m (£85m) valuation of the 22-year-old. Saying that, the player’s entourage have informed the relevant parties that a reduced figure may yet be agreed.

Newcastle agreed an initial £26m deal to sign Ekitike when he was at Stade de Reims way back in 2022, but he rejected their interest when Paris Saint-Germain came calling.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle might have felt the force of Ekitike’s rejection in the past, but he was a teenager who had been presented with a proposal to remain in his homeland with the cream of Ligue 1’s crop.

PSG didn’t work out for him, only scoring four times across 33 senior showings before being rehoused in Germany with Frankfurt, but it’s here where the striker has found his feet, with his first full campaign at the club ending with 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions.

His displays have actually led analyst Ben Mattinson to praise him as “one of the best strikers out there.”

As far as Pedro’s concerned, Ekitike is the superior player, and if Bailey’s on the money (quite literally) with his claims that Frankfurt’s £85m demands might be slashed, putting every effort into convincing the Frenchman feels like a no-brainer.

Goals scored

0.53

0.46

Assists

0.28

0.28

Shots taken

4.00

1.94

Shot-creating actions

3.55

3.33

Touches (att pen)

6.88

5.64

Progressive passes

1.86

3.60

Progressive carries

3.27

3.05

Successful take-ons

1.83

1.34

Ball recoveries

3.06

2.73

Tackles + interceptions

0.81

1.16

As you can see, the two forwards are matched up rather well, but Ekitike clearly has the edge, outperforming his South American counterpart across most relevant metrics.

Indeed, should you strip away Pedro’s penalties in the Premier League last season, he would rank among the bottom 21% of the division’s forwards for goals scored per 90.

Oh, Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has praised the Brighton man’s “magical” ability on the ball, but Ekitike might just be ‘Europe’s most elegant striker’, so say the Bundesliga, in any case.

But the proof is in the pudding, and Frankfurt’s number nine passes the eye test, all right. There’s a certain lightness to his dribbling, with an underlying creativity that would see him hit the ground running on English pitches, in Howe’s system.

Pedro is a talented footballer, but Ekitike is simply that bit better, and Newcastle have got to aim for the stars as they go from strength to strength.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig believes Ekitike “could reach world-class striker levels.” Pedro is a talented guy, but is the same scale of potential also applicable to him?

This is a tough case, with Frankfurt proving stubborn in their appraisal of the striker and rival interest against top-drawer outfits making PIF’s task difficult.

But just imagine if they pull it off; it would remind the footballing world that there’s a new superpower on the block.

Schar upgrade: Newcastle among favourites to sign "unbelievable" £40m star

Newcastle will be looking to improve their defence this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 16, 2025

Heung-min Son will go down as a modern-day legend at Tottenham Hotspur, spending the last decade at the club and producing countless moments of magic.

The 32-year-old has registered over 450 appearances for the Lilywhites, reaching double figures in all but one of the ten seasons he’s spent in North London.

However, despite signing a new deal at the club a couple of months ago, he could be set to leave during the off-season, with numerous Saudi Arabian sides circling for his signature this window.

It’s been reported that Thomas Frank isn’t going to force him out the door, but would allow him to leave should he wish to – with multiple sides in the Middle East willing to pay £34m for his services.

It would be a shame to see a fan favourite depart, but he’s ultimately a shadow of his former self, opening the door to potential reinforcements arriving before the end of the summer.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new winger this summer

Antoine Semenyo is a player who has firmly been on their radar over the last few months, with the Bournemouth star impressing massively in the Premier League throughout the 2024/25 season.

The Ghanaian international registered 13 goals and six assists across all competitions, with the Cherries open to selling the attacker if they receive an acceptable offer for the 25-year-old.

However, he’s not the only Premier League winger on their radar this summer, with West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus emerging as a key option, according to The Guardian.

The report claims that Spurs are preparing a £50m bid for the 24-year-old attacker, who currently has an £85m release clause with his contract at the London Stadium.

It also states that the offer is seen as a low ball, but one that could unsettle the forward, who’s registered 19 goals for the Hammers after joining them from Ajax back in the summer of 2023.

Why Kudus would be as an exciting addition as Mbeumo this summer

Since Frank’s appointment, Spurs have appeared to step up their interest in Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, potentially securing a reunion between him and his former boss.

The Cameroonian international has enjoyed his best-ever top-flight campaign in 2024/25, registering 20 goals for the Bees, which has seen his stock rise as a result.

His current employers are demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with him this summer, a fee that may be slightly out of the Lilywhites’ budget this window.

He’s also expressed his desire to move to Manchester United during the off-season, which has resulted in Frank’s men cooling their interest and targeting other options.

One of which appears to be Kudus, with the Hammers star a more than capable alternative, with the youngster impressing during his short spell in England’s top flight.

He’s proven that he’s capable of filling the void should Son depart in the near future, whilst his potential addition could see the club forget about a deal for Mbeumo.

The 24-year-old, who’s been labelled “generational” by journalist Gary Al-Smith, has registered more shots and a higher goal per shot on target rate, demonstrating his quality within attacking areas.

Games played

32

38

30

Goals & assists

8

27

16

Shots taken

2.6

2.1

2.3

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.4

0.2

Pass accuracy

84%

66%

78%

Passes into final third

1.8

1.6

1.7

Take-ons completed

3.2

1.3

1.2

Take-on success

48%

46%

34%

Kudus has also completed more passes and registered a higher tally of passes into the final third per 90, handing other players in and around the attacking areas to improve their own tallies.

His dominance is further reflected in his take-ons and higher success rate, always liking to drive the ball into forward areas, which hands Frank another superb option at his disposal.

If he is to move across London this summer, it would be a sensational signing and one that would help the club in their attempts to rise up the Premier League table.

Whilst Mbeumo may remain their main target, they should look past a move for the Bees star and prioritise a move for Kudus, with the Ghanian offering a replacement for Son should he leave this summer.

Frank's new Wissa: Spurs make approach for "one of the most prolific" CFs

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to make a move for a star who could complete their potent attack.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 18, 2025

From Xavi and Andres Iniesta to modern greats like Kevin De Bruyne and rising stars such as Jude Bellingham, the debate over just who takes the midfield crown has been rumbling on for quite some time.

In many ways, the question is what do you want to see from a midfielder? If you require technical excellence, then look no further than those Spanish superstars and the likes of Zinedine Zidane. They have often been the jewels in football’s crown no matter the occasion.

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

1

Pedri

22

Barcelona

Spain

2

Jude Bellingham

21

Real Madrid

England

3

Rodri

28

Man City

Spain

4

Declan Rice

26

Arsenal

England

5

Florian Wirtz

21

Bayer Leverkusen

Germany

6

Ryan Gravenberch

22

Liverpool

Netherlands

7

Jamal Musiala

22

Bayern Munich

Germany

8

Martin Odegaard

26

Arsenal

Norway

9

Oihan Sancet

24

Athletic Club

Spain

10

Federico Valverde

26

Real Madrid

Uruguay

11

Dominik Szoboszlai

24

Liverpool

Hungary

12

Xavi Simons

22

RB Leipzig

Netherlands

13

Nicolo Barella

28

Inter

Italy

14

Kevin De Bruyne

31

Man City

Belgium

15

Luka Modric

39

Real Madrid

Croatia

But sometimes beauty is in the long-range strikes, the ruthless tackles and the workhorse engines. And if that is the case, then the attention should drift towards stars such as Manchester United’s Roy Keane and Paul Scholes.

If it’s simply a matter of honours on the table, then it would be Barcelona and Real Madrid who shine brightest, as La Liga’s two mega clubs have dominated the European scene while several of their biggest names thrive on the international stage.

Best midfielders of all time in pictures

Then there is the measure of iconic moments to remember. Steven Gerrard in Istanbul, Modric taking the Ballon d’Or crown and Iniesta’s World Cup winning goal – the list could quite easily go on.

Perhaps the best measure of all-round talent however is the verdicts from those who played with the greats, and Spain legend and superstar goalscorer Fernando Torres believes there is only one answer.

Torres says Gerrard is the best player he ever played with

Torres is perhaps one of the best placed figures in football to judge greatness, having starred for Spain’s dominant international side that won the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, either side of the World Cup in 2010.

And the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker, who spent four seasons on Merseyside with Gerrard, revealed the Liverpool captain was even better than his Spain teammates.

From his very first Liverpool game, Torres and Gerrard’s partnership blossomed into one of the most clinical that Anfield has ever seen. The Spaniard was quick and deadly in front of goal and Gerrard was as precise as it gets behind him to form the perfect duo.

2007/08

8

2008/09

2

2009/10

1

2010/11

2

Assisting 13 of Torres’ 81 Liverpool goals, Gerrard’s partnership with the Spaniard was particularly strong during his debut season. It’s then that the forward may have realised just how talented his captain was, perhaps reaching the conclusion then and there that he would never play with better.

Torres played with Frank Lampard – in what is a debate for another day – as well as Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and others. Yet, even without a Premier League medal to his name, El Nino still believes that Gerrard is the best midfielder that he’s ever seen.

Sir Alex Ferguson named Liverpool star as the best player in England and as good as Keane

This could settle the debate once and for all…

3 ByBen Goodwin May 17, 2025

A £90,000-a-week player has told Manchester United that he will join the club this summer no matter what happens in the Europa League final, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Amorim: Winning the Europa League will not solve United's problems

The Red Devils have a chance to bring some joy and achievement to their supporters on Wednesday after what has been a terrible campaign, as they face Tottenham in the Europa League final. Not only does this represent a chance for United to play European football next season, but it will also be Ruben Amorim’s first trophy as United boss, not even 12 months into his United career.

Man Utd now lead Man City in race to sign "world-class" £50m+ midfielder

United have now moved ahead in the race to sign a new midfielder this summer.

1 ByBrett Worthington May 21, 2025

It is a very important game for United for multiple reasons, but Amorim believes winning the Europa League will not solve all of the club’s problems: “It’s strange because you have some coaches here that lose some games, and they are sacked… it’s hard to explain.

“I think people see what we are trying to do. I think that people see that sometimes I’m thinking more about the club than myself.

“People understand, especially the board, that we have a lot of issues that, in the context, is really hard. There are a lot of things we need to change.

“They way we do everything during the week at Carrington, the recruitment, the academy. It is hard to point to one thing, and it will not be solved by winning the cup.”

Cunha tells Man Utd he'd join regardless of Europa League outcome

As the Red Devils prepare for the Europa League final, they have already received a transfer boost regardless of the outcome. According to Fabrizio Romano, Matheus Cunha will join Man United whether qualify for the Champions League or not.

The Brazil international wants the move to Old Trafford, and the deal is expected to be confirmed fairly soon.

On Monday, Romano reported that Cunha had agreed to the project on offer at United and had also nearly finalised personal terms. It’s also been reported by Sky Sports that Cunha, who earns £90,000 a week at Molineux, is set to join the Red Devils once the Premier League ends this weekend, with United expected to trigger Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause.

Apps

81

Goals

29

Assists

13

Cunha’s arrival at Old Trafford is a big boost for Amorim heading into next season, as the Brazilian will no doubt improve United’s attacking options, and he appears to be the perfect player to fit into Amorim’s system, given his versatility in the forward line.

Incoming Rangers owners, the 49ers, are now plotting the statement summer signing of a “very talented” Brazilian, according to a report.

Gers stepping up summer transfer plans

There is still a lot of uncertainty at Ibrox, with the 49ers still yet to identify a permanent replacement for interim boss Barry Ferguson, although there have been some recent developments in the pursuit of a new manager, with an offer being submitted for Davide Ancelotti.

Should Ancelotti be appointed, the Real Madrid assistant is likely to have a big say in the Gers’ summer transfer business, but potential targets are already being identified, with recruitment chiefs looking to bring in players capable of bridging the gap to Celtic next season.

Scouts have been sent to watch Evagoras Charalambous in action for Anorthosis Famagusta, with the Light Blues keen on a new striker, while they are also expected to make a bid for Estoril defender Kevin Boma at the opposite end of the pitch.

He earns more than Diomande: Rangers must sell £2.2m flop this summer

Rangers will be keen on selling a few players this summer

ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Rangers are also keen to bolster their options in the engine room this summer, with the 49ers now plotting the statement signing of Troyes midfielder Metinho to mark the start of a new era at Ibrox.

The central midfielder has spent part of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at FC Basel, where he has caught the eye, and there is a feeling a summer deal could be possible for the relatively low fee of £4m, or potentially even less, as his contract is due to expire next summer.

The 49ers are looking to bring in young players with high potential, who can kick on at Ibrox and be sold for a profit at some point down the line, and they believe the 22-year-old fits the bill.

"Very talented" Metinho likened to Pogba

Such is the Brazilian’s potential, he was once likened to ex-Manchester United man Paul Pogba by former Fluminense academy director Marcelo Veiga, who said: “People joke and sometimes call him Pogba due to his style, his appearance and because he plays with his head up.”

The Congo-born maestro has also impressed football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who once described him as “very talented”, and he has particularly caught the eye with his dribbling ability over the past year, while also ranking highly on some defensive metrics.

Statistic

Average per 90

Progressive carries

3.49 (99th percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.83 (98th percentile)

Interceptions

1.33 (76th percentile)

Clearances

3.16 (97th percentile)

As such, the South American is clearly a well-rounded player, who just needs to add more goals to his game to be a complete midfielder, having failed to find the back of the net this season.

Regardless, Metinho is clearly a promising midfielder, who could make an instant impact at Ibrox, so it is exciting news that Rangers could look to snap him up for a relatively low fee in the summer transfer window.

Derby County are now plotting a summer move for a record-breaking defender, whose contract is set to expire next month, according to a report.

Derby looking to kick on after final-day survival

After securing promotion back to the Championship in the 2023-24 campaign, Derby’s main aim last season was always likely to be avoiding the drop, and they just about managed to get the job done.

A goalless draw against Stoke City on the final day ensured the Rams will remain in the second tier for another season, with manager John Eustace taking the time to praise his players’ efforts after avoiding an instant return to League one.

“What a fantastic effort from everyone connected with the football club. The players have been outstanding every day in training they have dedicated themselves to getting to this moment and I couldn’t be any more proud of them.”

After securing their Championship status, however, Eustace’s side will be looking to kick on next season, and plans are being made for the summer, with the manager recently confirming he would like to sign loanee Nat Phillips on a permanent basis.

Alongside the centre-back, Derby could also look to make an addition at left-back, with a report from Football League World revealing they are now plotting a move for Charlton Athletic’s Thierry Small, whose contract is set to expire next month.

As such, Small could be available for a low fee, with compensation required seeing as the defender is just 20-years-old, although his current employers are still hopeful of keeping hold of him, should they secure promotion via the League One play-offs.

There is widespread interest in the youngster, with the Rams joined by Championship rivals Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers, Millwall and Oxford United in the race for his signature, having caught the eye in the third tier this season.

The 15 most expensive signings in EFL Championship history

The second tier has had its fair share of mega-money deals.

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 3, 2025 Small could be "fantastic" long-term signing

Back in 2021, the left-back broke Jose Baxter’s record by becoming Everton’s youngest-ever player, and while he didn’t manage to kick on by becoming a regular starter for the Blues, there are signs he could be capable of reaching the Premier League.

The full-back has been a vital player for promotion-chasing Charlton this season, making 39 appearances in League 1, and he has proven himself to be useful on the front foot, picking up two goals and three assists.

Not only that, but Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes the starlet has “bags of potential”, while manager Nathan Jones has described him as a “fantastic athlete”, perhaps in part due to his pace.

Small’s performances in the third tier this season indicate he could be more than capable of making the step-up to the Championship soon, so it is promising news that Derby are now plotting a summer move.

Liverpool fell to a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, with Arne Slot’s side failing to impress after their Premier League triumph last weekend.

A goal from Enzo Fernández, an own goal from Jarell Quansah and Cole Palmer’s late penalty secured all three points for Enzo Maresca’s side in their hunt for a Champions League place.

Virgil van Dijk’s header provided a late consolation goal for the Reds, but it wasn’t to be for the heavily rotated side in West London – with the manager giving numerous fringe players the chance to impress.

With the title in the bag, it was an excellent opportunity for Slot to evaluate the players at his disposal, giving him a clearer picture of what’s needed ahead of what’s likely to be a huge summer.

Whilst some players took their chance with both hands, many failed to grasp the opportunity handed in their direction – putting their future at Anfield in huge jeopardy.

Liverpool’s poor performers against Chelsea

Midfielder Curtis Jones was handed a rare start for Liverpool as part of the reshuffle, but was unable to extract his highest levels of performance – looking way off the high standards he’s set for himself.

The 24-year-old featured for the entire of the contest, only completing 33% of the dribbles he attempted, along with a 36% duel success rate – showcasing his lack of impact on the clash.

He wasn’t the only player to disappoint at the Bridge, with centre-back Quansah scoring an own goal and giving away the penalty that led to Palmer’s stoppage-time effort.

His disappointing showing didn’t end there, winning just two of the six duels he contested, whilst committing two fouls which led to him being booked.

However, despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other first team member failed to deliver in the capital – with Slot desperately needing to sell him in the coming months.

The Liverpool star who needs to be sold after Chelsea

Slot has done a remarkable job in 2024/25 to lead Liverpool to the success they’ve endured, a feat that was unthinkable when he took the reins from Jürgen Klopp last summer.

The Dutchman has lost just three league matches out of a possible 35, showcasing the incredible job he’s done, with only one of the losses coming on home soil.

However, the real task awaits him in 2025/26, needing to sustain the levels they’ve produced this year if they are to have any chances of making it back-to-back titles.

If they are to achieve their goal, changes will need to be made, including the sale of striker Diogo Jota, who’s been unable to impress over the last couple of months.

The Portuguese international was handed a start against the Blues this afternoon, but like so often this campaign, he failed to deliver – undoubtedly contributing to the defeat.

He featured for 58 minutes before being withdrawn, understandably so given his lack of impact during his near hour spent on the field.

Jota only registered a measly tally of 13 touches – the lowest of any player who started the game – whilst only posting a tally of four passes, showcasing how quiet and ineffective he was.

Minutes played

58

Touches

13

Passes completed

4/5 (80%)

Dribbles completed

0/1 (0%)

Ground duels won

2/8 (25%)

Fouls committed

4

Shots on target

0

His poor showing didn’t stop there, failing to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, whilst only coming out on top in 25% of the ground duels he entered.

The forward also committed four fouls, and was unable to direct any of his efforts on goal, subsequently struggling to provide the goods needed within the final third.

As a result of his dismal showing, the striker was handed a dismal 5/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle – further showcasing how disappointing he was throughout.

Given his showing, Slot must be left with no choice but to sell Jota this summer, desperately needing another forward to help them in their ambitions of retaining their title.

He and Quansah need to be the first out of the door, with the pair’s potential exit allowing for added investment across various areas of the squad – handing the depth needed for another title charge.

He'd be amazing with Gravenberch: Liverpool preparing £34m bid for new CM

Liverpool could make a shrewd addition to their midfield this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 4, 2025

It seems like Manchester City will need a midfield overhaul in the summer transfer window. We already know that Kevin De Bruyne will leave the club, after that was announced before the Manchester Derby a few weeks ago.

However, he is not the only midfielder who could depart. Sky Sports have reported recently that Bernardo Silva has been told he will be sold in the 2025 summer transfer window, as the Citizens look to refresh their options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, which needs wholesale improvement.

With at least two players in the centre of the park set to leave the club, City need to add new options to the squad. They have recently been linked with one Premier League player.

Man City target Premier League midfielder

There are several midfielders in the Premier League whom you might think City will target this summer with Morgan Gibbs-White reportedly on the shortlist. The latest on that is the Citizens are ‘leading’ the race to sign the Nottingham Forest talent.

Transfer Focus

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

Still, if recent reports are to be believed, then Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United is the latest star they are linked with.

According to recent reports from Spain, the Citizens ‘have set their sights on the Italian midfielder’ ahead of a busy summer and they have ‘the intention of signing him’ in the coming months, to spearhead their midfield redevelopment.

However, they are not going to be alone in this pursuit. In fact, they might not face harder competition, with LaLiga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona also targeting a move for Tonali.

For any of the three sides interested, this deal won’t come cheap. The report suggests he won’t be any less than £69m, if a deal is to be struck.

Why Tonali would be a good signing for Man City

It has been an impressive campaign for enterprising Italian midfielder Tonali. The 24-year-old has become a key part of Eddie Howe’s midfield at St James’ Park, and was even described as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by his agent Giuseppe Rossi.

This term, Tonali has played 40 games across all competitions. In that time, he’s managed to find the back of the net on five occasions and grab eight assists, operating as a number 6 and a number 8.

One of the standout features of the former Milan star’s game is his box-crashing tendency. He often makes runs from deep to get on the end of crosses, or links up play and carries on his runs to get into goalscoring positions. Take his goal against Manchester United earlier this month as an example.

Should the East Mancunian outfit seriously pursue a move for Tonali this summer, he could be the perfect alternative to another Newcastle midfielder they are linked with, Bruno Guimaraes. As per a report from TEAMtalk in mid-March, City are ‘planning a summer bid’ for the Brazilian.

He, too, would be a strong signing for Pep Guardiola’s side. Like Tonali, the 27-year-old has played an important role for the Magpies this term, scoring and assisting 12 times in 42 appearances. That included two assists in a 3-3 draw against Liverpool.

With that being said, there is not too much difference between the pair statistically, according to FBref. In fact, the pair are neck and neck in several key metrics. For example, Tonali averages 6.45 ball recoveries and 3.43 passes into the final third per game, compared to 4.97 ball recoveries and 4.78 final third passes per 90 minutes.

Passes completed

42.3

49.8

Passes into final third

3.43

4.78

Tackles and interceptions

3.06

3.09

Progressive carries

1.32

1.56

Ball recoveries

6.45

4.97

It certainly seems like Tonali would be a major addition for City in the middle of the park. If Guimaraes is unattainable in the 2025 summer window, his teammate would offer a brilliant solution, and his box-crashing abilities and work rate off the ball would suit City down to a tee.

£69m is a fairly high fee, but to compete with the best again next season, Guardiola’s side will have to invest those kinds of fees.

Man City can forget De Bruyne & Gibbs-White by unleashing 17-year-old star

Man City could save a fortune this summer by unleashing academy sensation

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 22, 2025

Arsenal are now willing to make a £75m offer to get an “unbelievable” striker through the door quickly this summer, as they are ready to make a move, according to a new report.

Gunners pursuing top striker

Mikel Merino has performed well in a makeshift striker role, with the Spaniard bagging the third goal in the Gunners’ stunning 3-0 victory against Real Madrid last week, but Mikel Arteta remains keen on signing a top forward in the summer transfer window.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is a major target, with the north Londoners recently entering talks over a deal for the Slovenian, who’s scored 19 goals for the German side in all competitions this season.

New sporting director Andrea Berta is also likely to have a big say in which striker is brought in this summer, and the Italian has personally identified Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres as a target, given that the Swede may be more attainable than Alexander Isak.

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A number of strikers are being considered from abroad, but there have also been suggestions a proven Premier League forward could be brought in, with a report from Spain revealing Arsenal are vying to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha.

The Gunners are clearly very keen on signing Cunha, as they are ready and willing to make a £75m bid to ensure they win the race for his signature, but there could be fierce competition from a number of their Premier League rivals.

A total of six Premier League clubs are set to battle it out for the Brazilian, including north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with all the interested parties now ready to make a move.

"Magnificent" Cunha impressing at Wolves

Much to Arsenal fans’ delight, it has been a very difficult campaign for Tottenham, with Ange Postecoglou’s side now 15th in the Premier League, following a 4-2 defeat against Wolves at Molineux yesterday afternoon.

Cunha was once again on the scoresheet for the Old Gold, netting his 14th Premier League goal of the season, in what has been a very impressive campaign for the Brazil international, having already eclipsed his goal tally of 12 from the 2023-24 campaign.

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has also been full of praise for the Wolves star, saying: “He was unbelievable again.

“The goal he scored, the one he bent in the top corner was an unbelievable finish. He was superb, Gary O’Neil had to talk about him again after the game, there’s no doubt he’s getting the best out of him. He’s been one of the players of the season up to now, he’s been magnificent as he was again (vs Fulham).”

Cunha has proven he deserves a big move this summer, and he could be the missing piece of the jigsaw for Arteta.