Glasgow Rangers are in talks to sign a new “highly-rated” player after manager Russell Martin gave the green light to an Ibrox transfer.
Rangers want more defenders as Aarons moves to Ibrox
The Gers will be looking to win just their second Scottish Premiership title in 15 years in Martin’s first season at Ibrox, and the 49ers Enterprises appear willing to back the new boss in the transfer window.
After already securing the services of midfielder Lyall Cameron from Dundee, Rangers swopped to sign Max Aarons on loan from Bournemouth, with a transfer officially announced on Wednesday.
The right-back spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Valencia and will now link up with Martin who knows Aarons from his time at Norwich City.
Talking after signing Aarons, Martin said: “Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging through the youth ranks while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player. He is a wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success for his side.
“We are pleased to bring him on board for this season, and I believe he will be a fantastic addition to the squad.”
After Aarons: Rangers open talks to sign £1m star who could be Kent 2.0
After signing Max Aarons, Rangers are in talks to repeat their Ryan Kent trick at Ibrox.
ByBen Gray Jun 25, 2025
Alongside the 25-year-old, Rangers also want to sign a new centre-back, with the future of Robin Propper up in the air. There have been claims the Gers have even accepted an offer from FC Twente for the Dutchman after only joining 12 months ago.
Leicester City’s Conor Coady has been linked with moving to Glasgow as Rangers’ centre-back signing, however, a new name has entered the frame.
Rangers in talks for Peterborough defender Fernandez
According to reports from Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, Rangers have opened talks to sign 23-year-old centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez.
It is added that Martin has ‘given the green light’ to a deal, with the 6ft 4 defender making 42 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring five times.
Fernandez is under contract until 2027 and was wanted by Norwich in the January window, but it looks as if Rangers are the side making moves in the summer.
Emmanuel Fernandez Peterborough stats
Games
61
Goals
7
Yellow cards
8
Red cards
2
Trophies
2
Rangers have also been after Peterborough star Kwame Poku, who is out of contract at the end of the month, but it looks as if the winger may move elsewhere and not Glasgow.
Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony hailed Fernandez as a “colossus” last season, while also calling him the club’s “best defender”.
O’Rourke has also called Fernandez “highly-rated”, and it looks as if a deal could be one to watch following the journalist’s update.
It’s a quick turnaround for Pakistan who are still licking their wounds after the India defeat
Danyal Rasool10-Jun-2024
The Pakistan team desperately need a W on the board•Associated Press
Match detailsCanada vs Pakistan New York, 10.30am localBig picture: Can the 2022 finalists stay alive?The nature of the T20 World Cup 2024 scheduling means what cannot be forgotten must at least be shelved temporarily. Pakistan may have time to process their heartache after the defeat against India, which promises to leave scars well after this tournament has been consigned to a distant, unpleasant memory. However, they do not have that time right now. Less than 48 hours after a chase they mucked up, Babar Azam’s side must pick themselves back up off the canvas, staggering, and try to stand up straight once more as Canada come calling.Related
Kirsten's warning to Pakistan's senior pros: evolve or get left behind
Kirton, Gordon and Heyliger sparkle in landmark Canada win
Babar: 'We were not up to the mark'
Old debate, simple answer: Pakistan's batting just not very good
Kirsten bemoans Pakistan's 'poor decision-making'
Pakistan always knew they had these two games in three days, but halfway through the chase on Sunday, that looked like a blessing rather than a curse. A win against India would have allowed them to ride that tidal wave of momentum to undo the damage of the USA defeat in their opening game. Instead, Babar will lead a dispirited, crestfallen group into the game against Canada merely to ensure Pakistan stay alive for a few more days.Canada, meanwhile, find themselves in the somewhat unusual position of looking down the table at their more fancied opponents. If not for an Aaron Jones blitz in the opening game of this tournament, Saad Bin Zafar’s side would have been coming into this contest with two wins in two games. They then also showed impressive composure to shake off that bruising loss by bouncing back to outplay Ireland.Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan need to do the heavy-lifting up top•Sportsfile via Getty Images
If in the first game, Canada showed they have the batters right down the order to put on huge scores, they demonstrated in the second the quality of the bowling line-up to squeeze Ireland effectively in defence of 137. Add to that a superb fielding performance, and this is a side that has shown it has both the hunger and the ability to trouble most in group A. And against a Pakistan line-up still licking their wounds, there may never be a better opportunity to send them back to the canvas one final time.Form guidePakistan: LLLLW Canada: WLLLLIn the spotlight: RizBar and Nicholas KirtonHow Babar and Mohammad Rizwan choose to approach the innings will be a point of interest. After criticism of their placid pacing in pursuit of a low score against India, expect both to try to come out all guns blazing against the Canadians, regardless of whether Pakistan bat first or second. That might mean the game gets one of those trademark RizBar partnerships where the strokeplay sizzles. At the same time, it gives Canada the chance to get an early wicket or two, and stick their teeth into a middle order that is low on confidence.Canada will be thankful for 26-year-old Barbados-born Nicholas Kirton not being scooped up by West Indies, because at this tournament, he has shown the personality and quality to perform on the big stage. He came into the event with a 39-ball 52 in a warm-up game against Nepal, and has followed it up with 51 and 49 against USA and Ireland, which came off a combined 66 balls. The left-hander has an elegance and flair to his shotmaking, and the ability to use his wrists to open up as much of the ground as possible has made him difficult to bowl to. If, on a New York pitch no one seems quite sure of, Kirton can play another one of those innings, he will pose Pakistan problems.Nicholas Kirton has made a very good impression at the T20 World Cup•AFP/Getty Images
Team news: Will Pakistan turn to Ayub?There are no fresh injury concerns and limited ways Pakistan can rejig the current 15-man squad. Saim Ayub may have a shout of returning to the side, which leaves one of Usman Khan or Shadab vulnerable to the drop.Pakistan (probable): 1 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Babar Azam (capt), 4 Fakhar Zaman, 5 Shadab Khan/Usman Khan, 6 Iftikhar Ahmed, 7 Imad Wasim, 8 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Mohammad AmirCanada are likely to go in unchanged following their win over Ireland.Canada (probable): 1 Aaron Johnson, 2 Navneet Dhaliwal, 3 Pargat Singh, 4 Dilpreet Bajwa, 5 Nicholas Kirton, 6 Shreyas Movva (wk), 7 Dilon Heyliger, 8 Saad Bin Zafar (capt), 9 Kaleem Sana, 10 Junaid Siddiqui, 11 Jeremy GordonPitch and conditions: A fresh surface on the cardsRain delayed the start of the India-Pakistan clash in New York, but no weather interruptions are expected on Tuesday. A fresh pitch is expected to be used for the Canada-Pakistan clash.Stats and trivia: Pakistan need more from the batters Babar’s dry run at T20 World Cups since the start of the 2022 edition continues. In that time he averages 20.11, with a strike rate of 97.31, having scored 181 runs in nine innings The only time Pakistan lost their first two games at a T20 World Cup came in 2022. They have never lost their opening three games Only three players have scored more runs than Kirton’s 100 at this T20 World Cup. Pakistan’s highest scorer is Babar, well behind with 57 Quotes”There is no chance for us to get complacent. If anyone gets complacent after two losses, then whoever it is, does not deserve to be playing for the country. You can’t take any team lightly in T20 cricket. We have to be absolutely ready. The morale of the team is down, but this is the time we show our character. We go and play good cricket.” Azhar Mahmood does not expect any of the Pakistan players to be complacent against Canada”They [Pakistan] are very skilled players. Most of the guys have been going around the world playing league cricket, not only international cricket, so their skills are there. But if you are looking for an opportunity, you have to relish these moments. I believe that the fact that the wicket is playing some tricks, levels the playing field for us. We are looking to use that to our advantage.” Aaron Johnson feels the New York pitch makes it a level playing field for Canada
Newcastle United are in the hunt for a striker this summer and Eddie Howe may be growing in confidence that he can land a proven Premier League marksman, according to a report.
Newcastle United's search for reinforcements
Eddie Howe has become something of a recruitment specialist at St James’ Park, producing an excellent track record that means more additions become hits than not when convinced to move to Tyneside.
Hoping to continue that feat, Keith Wyness reckons Newcastle may sacrifice some stars to expand their potential to spend even with the threat of PSR being a live consideration to ponder.
Newcastle United managerEddieHoweapplauds fans after the match
He stated: “It used to be that when you sold a big player, you had loads of money to spend. Newcastle are going to have to work hard in this window.
“I think there will be some disposals. Sean Longstaff may have to move on, and there will be others going too. Anything that will allow Newcastle to spend as big as they can, they will do.”
That much may be true, but where do Newcastle plan to strengthen their arsenal? According to reports, Manchester City star Jack Grealish could move to Tyneside, potentially adding a sprinkle of European pedigree as the Geordies prepare for a return to the Champions League.
Nottingham Forest now want to sign £8.5m Spaniard if Elanga joins Newcastle
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ByBrett Worthington Jun 13, 2025
Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard is also wanted by Newcastle, demonstrating that they mean business in a summer that could produce a fair amount of incomings and exits in the North East.
Evaluating their forward line, the Geordies now have one of the Premier League’s hottest properties on their radar and confidence is growing over their chances of landing his services.
Newcastle United accelerate move for Joao Pedro
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are confident they can strike a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro as his future on the South Coast becomes increasingly uncertain.
The Brazilian forward is open to a move to the North East and is admired by Howe and his coaching staff due to a degree of versatility than can see him feature through the middle or on either flank.
Joao Pedro’s Premier League statistics in 2024/25 (Fotmob)
Shots
47
Shots on target
20
Chances created
30
Completed dribbles
29
Aerial duels won
42
Labelled “amazing” by Billy Gilmour, Pedro registered ten goals and seven assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this term as the Seagulls narrowly missed out on a place in Europe.
Internally, there is now a feeling that Newcastle can complete a deal to sign the former Watford striker, though there is still plenty of work to be done before that dream can become a reality.
Alexander Isak is the main man in attack for the Geordies. Nevertheless, Pedro is a force to be reckoned with at full flight and could be another dangerous asset against opposition domestically and on the continent.
It’s happened. It’s finally happened. Liverpool have agreed a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of Florian Wirtz.
Though the saga feels to have dragged on somewhat over the past several weeks, sporting director Richard Hughes has been engineering a British-record deal, juggling other significant transfers besides.
While the minutiae still need to be sorted out, Liverpool have “verbally agreed a deal in principle”, reports transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, with a “move now imminent.”
Rumours pertaining to Luis Diaz’s summer sale are persisting, with Barcelona determined to get the deal over the line, and thus, the agreement has come at the perfect time.
Florian Wirtz – Career Stats by Position
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Attacking midfield
163
51
57
Centre-forward
11
4
4
Right winger
11
4
3
Left winger
9
2
3
Central midfield
5
0
3
Data via Transfermarkt
However, Wirtz isn’t really a wide player, even though his dribbling skills are among the finest in the business. Indeed, if the Colombian does go, FSG may need to dip their toes right back into the transfer market.
Why Liverpool want a winger
Diaz showcased his wonderful skills on international duty for Colombia. He scored a sensational solo goal, all fleet feet and party tricks to outplay the Argentine defenders, and perhaps reminded Liverpool fans that it would take some doing to find an upgrade.
Diaz is 28 and entering the next-to-last year of his Liverpool contract. Barcelona made a recent approach and were rebuffed, but their interest remains and Liverpool, while publicly stressing their desire to keep the winger, would entertain the right offer for sure.
It’s understood the Reds would entertain offers ranging between £60m and £70m this summer. Lowballers would find themselves incurring the wrath of Liverpool’s obstinance, with FSG willing to run down the South American’s contract, making use of the prime years of his career.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
However, if Liverpool do lose Diaz, they will need to find a replacement. Anthony Gordon’s name has floated about, but Slot and Richard Hughes seem to have an even better fit in mind.
Liverpool join race for star winger
As per Football Insider, Liverpool are interested in signing AC Milan’s Rafael Leao this summer; after the Serie A side’s wretched campaign, missing out on Europe, they may reluctantly sell.
With Liverpool’s scouts having kept a close eye on the 26-year-old, a deal may be forthcoming in the coming months, although a number of Premier League clubs – Arsenal have been namechecked – are also in the running. Milan would be looking to bank around £64m from the player’s sale.
Gordon has also been named as a potential option, but the Portuguese winger perhaps has a higher ceiling, and who better to help him reach it than Slot?
Why Liverpool want Rafael Leao
Ryan Gravenberch was crowned the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year for 2024/25, refashioned as he was into a deep-lying, counter-pressing number six.
Slot made his clock start ticking, a priceless success after FSG failed to convince the now Arsenal-bound Martin Zubimendi to leave his beloved mountains in the Basque Country (no bitterness at all from us Liverpool fans here).
Given the improvements Cody Gakpo underwent last term, Leao would be understood to want to leap at the chance to join Slot’s project.
AC Milan's RafaelLeaoduring the warm up
Praised for his “world-class ability” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Leao has been one of Italian football’s standout players for several years, hitting 12 goals and 13 assists across all competitions last season in spite of his side’s struggles.
In Serie A alone, Sofascore record that he has averaged 1.4 dribbles and key passes per fixture, as well as 4.5 successful duels per game.
Gordon’s no stranger to a combative sequence himself, but is it fair to say that Leao boasts more completeness in his application? Writer Theo Mwangi even went as far as to dub the Iberian native a “superstar” when he’s on his A-game.
Regressing in terms of output, Gordon might not have had the best year on Tyneside, but in 2023/24, he was awarded Newcastle’s Player of the Season award after notching 28 goal contributions across all competitions.
However, football is more than just goals and assists, especially for wingers (Diaz would be among the first to attest to that), and Leao has showcased across the past year a more robust and effective underlying skill set than that of his English counterpart.
Rafael Leao vs Anthony Gordon (past 365 days)
Stats (per 90)
Leao
Gordon
Goals
0.32
0.22
Assists
0.26
0.18
Shots taken
2.37
2.11
Shot-creating actions
4.13
3.73
Touches (att pen)
6.15
4.73
Progressive passes
3.58
3.62
Progressive carries
4.74
4.47
Successful take-ons
2.83
1.41
All data via FBref
Gordon might declare himself a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, but he needs to be more active and incisive with his natural skills, for Leao has thoroughly outstripped him since the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign.
Given that Newcastle would be looking for payment in the ballpark of £80m, it’s clear that Leao would be the better pick, cheaper and perhaps more suited to Slot’s intense playing style.
Both players need to hit richer veins of consistency to step up and become part of the true elite, but Diaz has been a bona fide success on Merseyside, and he’s not exactly blessed with the potency of Mohamed Salah.
FBref’s data has even drawn AC Milan’s star up as being a statistically similar player to Liverpool’s Colombian maverick, so replacing him with Leao seems like something of a no-brainer.
Liverpool have some thinking to do over the coming weeks. It’s worth reiterating that all this will only come into play if Diaz is sold – and if he is, there’s no better replacement out there than Leao.
He'd be better than Gyokeres: Liverpool hold talks to sign "the new Mbappe"
Liverpool are looking to sign a new striker in the transfer market this summer.
Liverpool’s search for a new striker has reportedly taken a fresh twist, with a new option now emerging who could provide Michael Edwards and FSG an alternative to Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool linked with Hugo Ekitike move
It’s no secret that Liverpool are ready to spend big this summer, with Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz already all likely on their way Anfield, but none of those will solve Arne Slot’s striker problem. Instead, to do exactly that, Edwards has reportedly set his sights on signing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike in a deal that Chelsea are also in pursuit of.
The Frenchman enjoyed an excellent season in Germany and will now reportedly cost any potential suitors as much as £84m. Whether Liverpool are ready to match that price tag is undoubtedly the big question. The Premier League champions are already preparing to spend a club-record fee to sign Wirtz whilst also splashing out on Kerkez and Frimpong. Add £84m onto that and Liverpool could find themselves spending more than ever this summer.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Hugo Ekitike
Darwin Nunez
Minutes
2,563
1,133
Goals
15
8
Assists
8
2
Expected Goals
21.6
5.8
When looking at the numbers, it becomes clear as to why Frankfurt are demanding such a high price to sell Ekitike. That’s not to say there aren’t some concerns, though.
As impressive as the former Paris Saint-Germain was throughout the season, scoring 15 goals and creating another eight, he significantly underperformed when it comes to expected goals and Liverpool simply cannot afford to splash out on another wasteful finisher after Nunez.
Liverpool now also open talks to sign "fantastic" £50m winger after Wirtz
Liverpool are closing in on Wirtz.
ByTom Cunningham May 30, 2025
For £84m, the Reds must be investing in a clinical striker. With that said, instead of Ekitike, Liverpool could yet target a cheaper alternative this summer who has already got an Anfield goal to his name.
Liverpool considering Goncalo Ramos swoop
According to Sam McGuire for Anfield Watch, FSG and Liverpool are now considering a move to sign Goncalo Ramos from PSG this summer. The Portugal international has often been used from the bench by Luis Enrique in France and may now seek a starting place elsewhere.
Given that he’s likely to be valued at around €65m (£55m) as PSG aim to recoup what they initially paid, Ramos would also be a cheaper option than Ekitike.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Hugo Ekitike
Goncalo Ramos
Minutes
2,563
1,066
Goals
15
10
Assists
8
3
Expected Goals
21.6
13.6
Whilst Ramos has underperformed on expected goals, he has been better in that regard than Ekitike, who has underperformed by over six goals. It’s also worth noting that, despite playing the equivalent of almost 12 games in Ligue 1, the PSG forward scored 10 goals throughout the campaign.
Dubbed “prolific” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Liverpool have seen Ramos’ goalscoring prowess for themselves in the past when he netted a penalty in the Anfield leg of PSG’s Champions League win against the Reds in March, whereas he also scored at Anfield for Benfica in 2022.
This summer will be pivotal for Leeds United in their ambitions of maintaining their Premier League status, building on the excellent work conducted this campaign.
Daniel Farke’s side claimed the Championship title in 2024/25, registering a staggering 100 points and finishing above rivals Burnley on goal difference, with both teams returning to the top-flight.
However, the last six teams to achieve such a feat have all suffered immediate returns to the second-tier, with the Whites hoping to buck that trend next season.
Daniel Farke
If they are to succeed in their quest, additions will be key, needing to hand Farke the tools to strengthen his squad and have the best possible chance of surviving the drop.
With the summer window rapidly approaching, work has already started behind the scenes to identify numerous talents who could improve the squad at Elland Road.
The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer
All areas of the pitch are set for investment at Leeds this summer, with depth and quality needed if the club are to establish themselves in the top-flight next year.
Lennon Miller, Kasper Dolberg and James McAtee have all been touted with a switch to Yorkshire, but as of yet, no deal has yet been agreed, but that could all change during the off-season.
Manchester City's JamesMcAteeduring the warm up before the match
However, a new name has been mentioned over the last couple of days, with Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes on their radar, according to Alan Nixon.
His report claims that the Whites are considering a move for the 20-year-old talent, who’s valued at £30m after the Saints were relegated back to the Championship.
He also states that the hierarchy sees him as a classy playmaker who could provide added quality to the side, but could face competition from Crystal Palace and Aston Villa for his signature.
Why Fernandes would be a better signing than Doucoure
Over the last few days, Leeds have also been touted as a potential destination for departing Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure, after he confirmed he would be leaving at the end of his contract.
Abdoulaye Doucoure
The Malian, who’s spent the last five seasons at Goodison Park, may stay in the Premier League with the Whites, offering an experienced option in what’s likely to be a relegation battle.
At 32, the midfielder has registered just shy of 300 appearances in England’s top-flight, registering 36 goals along the way, having the tools to add to the attacking department.
However, if Farke is targeting options for the number 10 position at Elland Road, there’s no denying that Fernandes would be a better and younger option for the club.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the current league campaign, the Portuguese youngster has massively bettered Doucoure in numerous key areas, showcasing what a superb addition he would be in Yorkshire.
Fernandes, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have notched the same number of goals and assists, but has produced a higher shot-on-target rate – handing an added goal threat to the Whites as a result.
His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing more progressive passes and more passes into the final third, subsequently handing Farke an added dimension of creativity.
How Fernandes compares to Doucoure in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Fernandes
Doucoure
Games played
36
32
Goals & assists
5
5
Shot-on-target accuracy
33%
29%
Progressive passes
4.5
2.9
Progressive carries
2.5
1.4
Passes into the final third
3.1
1.5
Take-ons completed
1.6
0.8
Carries into the final third
2.3
0.9
Stats via FBref
The Saints star has also completed more take-ons and made more carries into the penalty area, enabling other attackers around him to bolster their own tallies.
£30m may be a huge sum for a player who’s been relegated from the Premier League, but he’s shown that he has the skill set to thrive if given another opportunity in the top flight.
His tender age allows for a huge room for improvement in the years ahead, potentially becoming a vital cog in any future success at Elland Road should he make the big-money switch this summer.
Better signing than Vardy: Leeds make move for "extraordinary" £13m CF
While signing a new centre forward is top of new sporting director Andrea Berta’s wishlist at Arsenal this summer, the need to strengthen in other areas of the pitch is also strong.
The Gunners have been severely hamstrung – pardon the pun – by injuries this season, notably in their forward line.
Though, there’s also been a huge degree of inconsistency, chiefly at left wing where Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have scored just eight goals each in the Premier League.
Arsenal's GabrielMartinellicelebrates scoring their second goal
So, where will Mikel Arteta and Co turn to in their bid to add an extra dose of spice to their attack?
Arsenal chasing big-money winger
For over a year now, Arsenal have been exploring a move for Spanish winger Nico Williams.
The Bilbao star dazzled at the European Championships last summer, famously scoring a goal in the final against England.
However, after no club signed him last year, interest hasn’t dampened in the young forward. He reportedly dreams of a move to Barcelona but their finances are still extremely tight. As a result, English clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea have both been interested.
If the Gunners have room for a pricier addition, perhaps AC Milan’s Rafael Leao could be their man.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Arsenal have been linked with a move in the past but their interest is now ramping up ahead of the summer, with Football Insider reporting that they are now ‘working on signing’ the Portuguese sensation.
One problem could be the player’s release clause which currently stands at an almighty £145m according to claims in Italy.
How Rafael Leao compares to Nico Williams
While Williams is quite clearly one of the most exciting young wingers in the game right now, there is an argument to suggest that his output needs improving.
This feels like a player simply ready to explode in a better side but the fact remains that he has only scored five times in LaLiga this term and 11 in all competitions.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliamscelebrates scoring their third goal
If Arsenal are looking to add more goals to their side then perhaps Leao, despite a heftier price tag, would be a more exciting candidate here.
Described as a “superstar” by scout Jacek Kulig, he may have only scored one more than Williams in 2024/25, but he’s got a history for finding the net with consistent regularity, now reaching double figures in each of the last four campaigns. On that evidence, it’s no surprise to see that data analyst Ben Mattinson noted that he is “clinical off both feet.”
Leao vs Williams since 2023/24
Stat (per 90 mins)
Leao
Williams
Goals
0.32
0.22
Assists
0.32
0.34
Shot on target %
39%
35%
Key passes
2.18
1.85
Progressive passes
3.91
2.89
Shot-creating actions
4.62
4.96
Succesful take-ons
2.53
3.21
Take-on success %
48%
40%
Progressive carries
5.27
5.52
Stats via FBRef (league only).
When diving deeper into the numbers, the play style of each winger becomes clearer. They are both ‘carry-first’ attackers, driving at players and committing their full-back. This is what Arsenal need more of in the final third so that’s one box ticked.
Williams registers more take-ons but it’s actually Leao who appears to be more effective in one-on-one situations, registering a higher success rate.
Crucially, while the Milan sensation is a goalscorer, he’s also creative and in this Arsenal team he could take his assist numbers to the next level considering he actually ranks higher than Williams for key passes over the last two seasons.
AC Milan's RafaelLeao
Ultimately, Berta will have to be wise with how he spends the Kroenke’s cash this summer and thus, Leao may not be possible. However, if they are able to sign a striker and still raise additional funds, the 25-year-old should be the man they go for on the flanks.
Arsenal could see £59m bid accepted for "monster" upgrade on Sesko
Arsenal have been handed the chance to sign an upgrade on Benjamin Sesko.
While it could still end in an incredible crescendo of Champions League glory, it wouldn’t be amiss to describe this season as something of a disappointment for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side were terrible in both the FA Cup and League Cup, and are now at risk of losing their grasp on second place in the Premier League.
Moreover, while the team has underwhelmed as a collective, there have been several players who’ve simply not reached the standards set in the last couple of years, such as Martin Odegaard.
So, with this in mind, it’s not all that surprising to read recent reports linking the club to someone who could be an upgrade on the Gunners captain.
Arsenal transfer news
Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other midfield stars linked with Arsenal in recent months, such as Frenkie de Jong and Kevin De Bruyne.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former has been enjoying a stellar campaign with Barcelona and remains on track for a historic treble-winning season with the Catalan club, so while he’d be an exceptional addition to the club, we imagine he’d cost a king’s ransom, even with reports coming out about his contract talks stalling.
In contrast, we now know Kevin de Bruyne will be leaving Manchester City in the summer, so if Arteta can work his magic, he might just be able to convince the mercurial Belgian to join his former title rivals, and with 14 goal involvements in 36 games this season, he’d still be a useful player to have in the squad.
Manchester City's KevinDeBruynecelebrates after the match
However, knowing the North Londoners might want to make sure they keep the team young and hungry, which could explain the recent links to Brahim Diaz.
According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have identified the Moroccan international as a ‘top priority’ ahead of the summer and that Arteta really wants the club to sign the player he worked with at Manchester City.
The story claims that Real Madrid are willing to let the player leave for a convincing offer, while stories from earlier this year suggest that they’d be after a fee in the region of €60m, which is about £51m.
It would be a costly deal to get over the line, but one worth pursuing, as he could be a perfect upgrade on Odegaard.
How Diaz compares to Odegaard
So, if Arsenal get their man this summer, and he comes in to play more of a midfield role, he’d be in direct competition with Odegaard for that creative number ten role.
With that said, who comes out on top when we compare them?
From a pure output perspective, it is the “incredible” Real ace, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, who emerges victorious, but only when we look at the minutes-to-goal involvement ratios.
For example, in 49 appearances, totalling 2058 minutes, the Moroccan international has scored six goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.76 games, or far more consequently, every 158.30 minutes.
In contrast, the Norwegian maestro has scored five goals and provided 11 assists in 41 appearances, totalling 3162 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.56 games, but more importantly, every 197.62 minutes.
Real Madrid'sBrahimDiaz, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo celebrate their second goal
What about when we take a look under the hood and at their underlying numbers, then? Is it another minor victory for the Champions League winner?
Well, it’s actually a relatively comfortable one for the 25-year-old, as he comes out ahead in most relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
Diaz vs Odegaard
Statistic
Diaz
Odegaard
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.57
0.37
Non-Penalty G+As
0.42
0.34
Progressive Passes
4.62
10.1
Progressive Passes Received
6.99
6.08
Progressive Carries
2.66
3.46
Shots
1.89
1.82
Shots on Target
1.05
0.55
Passing Accuracy
86.7%
82.9%
Key Passes
1.40
2.41
Shot-Creating Actions
3.57
4.86
Goal-Creating Actions
0.84
0.59
Tackles Won
1.26
0.46
Interceptions
0.28
0.17
Blocks
1.12
0.21
Successful Take-Ons
1.54
0.97
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
Ultimately, while Odegaard remains a talented player, Diaz has outperformed him in just about every metric this season, and if Arsenal can sign him in the summer, they should.
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Everton are now open to a shock move for an “unbelievable” star, having set out to make one or two statement signings in the summer transfer window, according to a report.
New era on the horizon for the Toffees
The Premier League season is now approaching its climax, and the Toffees have just one game remaining at Goodison Park, ahead of making the move to Bramley-Moore Dock prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
The long-anticipated move to a new stadium marks the start of an exciting new era for the Blues, with David Moyes no doubt hoping to compete for major honours on a long-term basis, but the manager may need to overhaul his squad in order to make that dream a reality.
Moyes’ side hold a strong interest in Ipswich Town forward Omari Hutchinson, who could be available for £30m this summer, while there is also a desire to strengthen in midfield and defence, with Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer and Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck of interest.
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According to a report from The Boot Room, Everton are keen to make one or two statement signings ahead of their move to Bramley-Moore Dock, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey going on to say a shock move for Manchester City’s John Stones could be a possibility.
Bailey said: “Stones has interest from the Saudi Pro League, but in England there are clubs who would be willing to take him including West Ham and his former club Everton to name but two.
Manchester City'sJohnStonesreacts after the match
“The issue is with his injury record, less than 10 starts in the last two seasons, it would be a risk for anyone. If he does indeed hit the open market, I believe that Everton would be open to the prospect.”
Stones could be "unbelievable" signing for Toffees
As pointed out by Bailey, Stones’ injury record should be a major concern, given that the Englishman has featured just 11 times in the Premier League this season, having suffered a number of setbacks which have kept him on the treatment table.
However, if the 30-year-old is able to put his injury problems behind him, there is every sign he could take Moyes’ defence to the next level, having gone on to achieve great success since joining City from the Toffees for £47.5m back in 2016.
The former Everton man has lifted silverware 17 times during his time with Pep Guardiola’s side, with teammate Jack Grealish lauding him as “unbelievable” after their FA Cup final triumph against Manchester United in 2023.
It would be a gamble to make a move for Stones, in light of his concerning injury record, but it could be a risk worth taking, depending on how much City demand for the £250k-a-week defender, given his top-level experience.
Arsenal have now asked Real Madrid about signing a highly-rated forward and his teammate, amid Los Blancos’ serious interest in star defender William Saliba, with a potential part-exchange deal mooted this week.
Arsenal cruise into Champions League semi-finals after triumph over Real Madrid
Mikel Arteta made history this week with a stunning 5-1 Champions League aggregate victory over Real Madrid, cruising into the semi-finals after putting the final nail in Carlo Ancelotti’s coffin on Tuesday night.
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Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli cemented a 2-1 win for Arsenal at the Bernabeu during their return leg, and it was an impressive performance from the Gunners, who largely kept Real quiet on home turf.
Now, Arsenal take on Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain in the semis, and there is every chance they can go on to win the competition. Clinching their first ever European Cup would be quite an end to 2024/2025, with Arteta hopeful that his side can go from challengers to victors.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League games
Date
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
April 23rd
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
“It’s certainly another massive step,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s chances of winning the Champions League.
“Where we finished last year and the way we’re doing it this year, the teams with their eyes on us and the competition, it’s incredible. Big credit to [Madrid}, it was my first time as a coach in that dugout, and today I realised after three minutes in this stadium, anything is possible. They are specialists of creating such chaos and belief, and it’s very difficult to understand what is really going on in the game and have certain certainty about how we controlled it. I think they showed a lot of maturity.”
Off the field, business could be conducted between both sides this summer, as Real hold a strong interest in Saliba and have done for months.
The France international is an integral part of Arteta’s backline and arguably one of world football’s best central defenders, so new sporting director Andrea Berta and the Arsenal manager are highly unlikely to give him up without a serious fight.
Arsenal ask Real Madrid about signing Endrick in Saliba talks
According to reports out of Spain, Arsenal have floated the idea of a player-exchange if Real Madrid do want Saliba, otherwise they’d have to fork out a minimum of £86 million.
Indeed, it is believed Arsenal have asked Real Madrid about signing Endrick, not to mention Arda Güler, in exchange for Saliba’s services. However, as things stand, their president Florentino Perez is unwilling to part company with either player.
Real Madrid'sEndrickcelebrates scoring their second goal with teammates
Endrick, who could end up costing Perez around £62 million in add-ons and other clauses after his 2022 transfer from Palmeiras, has struggled for game time under Ancelotti this season – bagging seven goals in 31 appearances but mainly as a substitute.
Despite signing for Real nearly three years ago, this is the “special” 18-year-old’s first full season at the Bernabeu, having made the transfer when he came of age last summer.