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Arsenal need a striker this summer but with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko in Andrea Berta’s crosshairs, he’s also directing attention towards signing a new winger.

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been a name regularly linked with an Emirates Stadium switch this summer but whether that move happens remains to be seen.

One deal that is certainly unlikely to happen this summer is Nico Williams, with the Spaniard now reportedly closing in on his dream Barcelona move.

Why Arsenal will need a Nico Williams alternative

After a sublime campaign at Euro 2024 last summer, Williams has been the talk of the town with his club, Athletic Bilbao, even heralding him as “one of the best wingers in the world”.

That is certainly the case and it explains why Arsenal have found negotiating a deal difficult.

Last winter, it was reported that Arteta was dreaming of signing the Spain international but at no point has a deal ever looked close.

Indeed, despite fresh interest this summer, it looks though the attacker is heading to Barcelona.

The latest was provided by the Athletic’s David Ornstein on Tuesday morning who claims that both the Gunners and Chelsea have ‘cooled’ their interest in the 22-year-old as ‘Barcelona step up pursuit & Bayern Munich consider move.’

Barca want to do a deal and have already made a contract offer to the young winger.

Transfer Focus

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

So, with that move off the table, where will Arsenal’s attention turn next? Perhaps Anthony Gordon?

According to a report from the Athletic, Arteta and Co have had three names in particular on their shortlist to improve their ranks in the wide positions.

Williams was one of them, Rodrygo is the other and the final name is Newcastle United’s Gordon.

Arsenal are known to be long-term fans of the England international, with this report noting that he is ‘of interest’ to the north Londoners and that they are keen ‘admirers’ of his qualities.

Why Gordon could be even better than Nico Williams

You don’t attract the interest of Barca without being a mighty fine player and in Williams, you have Spain’s next hope alongside Lamine Yamal on the opposite flank.

Williams certainly isn’t as exciting as Yamal but he’s still one of the most promising young forwards on the European scene.

However, his numbers haven’t actually been too impressive in recent seasons. During 2023/24, the Bilbao star scored just eight times in all competitions. Impressively, he did register as many as 18 assists.

This season, he scored 11 goals while registering seven assists in 45 games with only five of those goals coming in LaLiga action.

In comparison, Gordon’s numbers aren’t otherworldly but they are on par and he’s already been producing it in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old scored nine times and posted seven assists in 42 outings during 2024/25, which wasn’t quite as impressive as his return the campaign prior. In what was the best season of his career, the former Everton man scored 12 and assisted 16 goals.

So, over the last two years, there isn’t a huge amount to separate them, but what do the other numbers say?

Goals

0.29

0.21

Assists

0.21

0.34

Shots

2.31

2.33

Key passes

1.82

1.84

Progressive passes

3.36

2.85

Successful take-ons

1.55

3.26

Progressive carries

4.38

5.52

Well, again there isn’t much to separate them. Williams is more carry-heavy, but if Arsenal are looking for goals, and they are, the “unbelievable” Gordon – in the words of teammate Bruno Guimaraes – is the better option.

Over the last few seasons, Arsenal have simply been too reliant on Bukayo Saka on the right flank to come up with the goods. In 2023/24, he was the club’s top scorer with 20 goals and this season, he was right up there again despite missing half of the campaign with a hamstring injury.

He ended the campaign on 12 goals, just three behind leading marksman Kai Havertz. As for Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, they suffered from long periods of inconsistency throughout the campaign.

The latter scored ten in 56, once every 5.6 games, while the former scored ten in 51, once every 5.1 outings. As for Gordon, he scored once every four matches two seasons ago and once every 4.6 appearances in 2024/25.

So, with Arteta clearly on the lookout for goals, Gordon could just be the man they need this summer. It’s just a pity he boasts an asking price of around £100m. That certainly makes it less likely to happen.

Not just Sesko: Arsenal in talks to sign £84m star who's like Nico Williams

Arsenal are looking to sign new forwards in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 8, 2025

Goals, goals and more goals; if there is one thing Arsenal lacked this season, it was goals.

Mikel Arteta’s side finished second in the Premier League for the third season on the bounce this year and produced the best defence in the competition.

Yet, the North Londoners scored 17 goals fewer than champions Liverpool and three fewer than Manchester City, who finished in third.

So, fans should be excited about recent reports linking the club to a Premier League-proven goalscorer, who’d be a significant upgrade on Kai Havertz.

Arsenal's striker search

It feels like every other transfer story concerning Arsenal this summer has been related to a striker, specifically Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres.

According to reports from earlier this week, RB Leipzig are holding out for up to €100m for the Slovenian star, which is about £85m, while the Sporting CP star might be available for up to €70m, which is about £60m.

However, with progress seemingly stalling with both, another name has re-emerged: Ollie Watkins.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a recent report from Gary Jacob of the Times, Arsenal could go back in for the Aston Villa star this summer.

The Gunners had an offer of around £40m for the Englishman turned down in the winter window, but according to other reports from earlier this week, an offer of that much might be enough to seal the deal this summer.

It might not be the striker signing fans were hoping for or even expecting at the start of the window, but Watkins is Premier League-proven and would be a massive upgrade on Havertz.

How Watkins compares to Havertz

Now, even though Watkins can play in a few positions across the frontline and even played in midfield in his younger days, his best position remains up top, leading the line, so much so, in fact, that podcaster Rohan Jivan described him as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe.”

Therefore, with Gabriel Jesus set to be out for the rest of the year, his main competitor for game time at Arsenal would be Havertz, but who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output, which is ultimately what matters most for a centre-forward, it is the Englishman who comes out on top.

For example, in 54 appearances this season, totalling 3578 minutes, the former Exeter City gem scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.74 games, or every 115.41 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 29 scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances, totalling 2809 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 140.45 minutes.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.59

0.57

Non-Penalty G+As

0.76

0.58

Progressive Passes

1.07

2.93

Progressive Passes Received

5.71

5.43

Progressive Carries

1.90

1.68

Shots

2.84

2.54

Shots on Target

1.25

1.01

Passing Accuracy

72.4%

78.4%

Key Passes

0.83

0.82

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.45

0.43

Shot-Creating Actions

1.84

2.02

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.14

Successful Take-On %

24.4%

23.7%

The comparison isn’t much better for the German international when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers, either.

For example, while he does better in some areas, such as progressive passes, shot-creating actions and passing accuracy, the Claret and Blue star comes out on top in the vast majority of relevant metrics, like expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, goal-creating actions, shots and shots on target, key passes and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Havertz is a useful player and will likely continue to be next season, but if Arsenal want to genuinely upgrade their frontline, then they could do a lot worse than signing Watkins this summer.

Benjamin Sesko has now made "unusual" demand in Arsenal transfer talks

The Slovenia international wants something out of the ordinary.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 20, 2025

Leeds United are heading towards the opening of the summer transfer window on Sunday, and are preparing to build a squad that can compete in the Premier League next term.

Daniel Farke’s side will be competing in the top-flight in the 2025/26 campaign after they won the Championship title with a staggering 100 points, beating Plymouth Argyle 2-1 away from home on the final day of the season to clinch the trophy.

The Whites are now tasked with preparing a group to battle against relegation from the top-flight at the first time of asking, which is going to be incredibly difficult when you consider recent history.

Southampton, Ipswich, and Leicester were all relegated from the Premier League this season, after Sheffield United, Burnley, and Luton all went down the season before, all six of whom had just been promoted from the Championship.

This illustrates the size of the task at hand for Farke and his players heading into the upcoming campaign, which is why this summer transfer window is particularly important.

Leeds needs to ensure that they have a team that is good enough to compete week-in-week-out in the top-flight, and that is why Brenden Aaronson’s future in the starting XI should be in doubt.

Why Brenden Aaronson must be replaced

The USA international started 43 of his 46 appearances in the Championship as a regular starter under Farke in the number ten position, but he has not done enough to suggest that the step up to the Premier League will suit him.

Aaronson ended the season with a return of nine goals and two assists in those 46 outings in the second tier, which was a decent, but unspectacular, haul for the attacking midfielder.

His finishing left a lot to be desired throughout the season for Leeds, with nine goals from 11.43 xG, and this does not suggest that he is ruthless enough in front of goal to be an effective operator at the top end of the pitch in the top-flight.

Aaronson, of course, played for the Whites in their last season in the Premier League, under Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia, and Sam Allardyce, and his lack of quality was on full display that year.

Appearances

36

xG

3.86

Goals

1

Key passes per game

1.3

Assists

3

Ground duel success rate

43%

Aerial duel success rate

17%

As you can see in the table above, the American flop was incredibly wasteful in front of goal, underperforming his xG by almost three goals, and was a liability out of possession, as opposition defenders dominated him in duels.

With this in mind, the former RB Salzburg star should not be guaranteed to keep his place as a starter when the Premier League season gets underway next season.

Instead, Leeds should attempt to replace him during the upcoming summer transfer window, which appears to be what they are aiming for with their latest target.

Leeds eyeing move for Championship star

According to Leeds United News, reporter Graeme Bailey claims that Leeds United are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Jack Rudoni from Coventry City this summer.

The report claims that the Whites are keen on doing a deal for the English attacking midfielder in the coming weeks, as they eye up a move for the Championship sensation.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that the second tier champions are yet to make an enquiry about his availability, though, which suggests that any transfer is in the very early stages at this point.

Meanwhile, EFL Analysis claims that Sheffield United, Leicester City, and Southampton are also lining up moves for the Sky Blues attacking midfielder this summer, providing competition for his signature.

Leeds, though, could have an advantage over those three clubs because of their promotion to the Premier League, and they should use that to snap him up ahead of next season.

Why Leeds should sign Jack Rudoni

The Whites should swoop to sign Rudoni from the Championship side this summer because he could be way better than Aaronson for Farke in the top-flight.

Whilst the left-footed star is unproven in the Premier League, having yet to play there in his career, his performances in the Championship during the 2024/25 campaign suggest that he has more to offer to the team than the American lightweight does.

The former Huddersfield Town star, who was dubbed a “standout” by pundit Lee Hendrie, joined Coventry in the summer of 2024 and hit the ground running as an instant star for the club this term.

Rudoni only delivered five goals and three assists in 35 appearances for the Terriers in the 2023/24 Championship campaign, but the move to the Sky Blues helped to get the best out of him.

Appearances

43

46

xG

7.49

11.43

Goals

9

9

Big chances missed

6

11

Big chances created

16

9

Key passes per game

1.8

1.6

Assists

12

2

As you can see in the table above, the Coventry star delivered 21 goals and assists in 43 appearances for Frank Lampard’s side, ten more than Aaronson managed in three more appearances.

They scored the same number of goals, nine, but the EFL star managed that tally with an xG of just 7.49, which shows that he was far more efficient with the chances that came his way.

Rudoni, whose personality was described as “infectious” by Lampard, also created seven more ‘big chances’ and produced ten more assists, speaking to the kind of creative quality that he could provide Farke’s team with in the Premier League.

These statistics suggest that the Coventry magician could be way better than Aaronson for Leeds by coming in to deliver more quality as a finisher and a creator in an attacking midfield position.

This could give him a greater chance of being a success in the top-flight in comparison to the USA international, as he appears more likely to make an impact in the final third.

Orta wanted him: Leeds eyeing move for "very prolific" Piroe upgrade

Leeds United are eyeing a Joel Piroe upgrade who was previously wanted by Victor Orta.

1 ByDan Emery May 29, 2025

It is now down to the club to win the race for his services in a battle with the likes of Southampton, Sheffield United, and Leicester this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur star Lucas Bergvall will miss at least the rest of the season and the next round of international fixtures, according to reports in Sweden.

Bergvall injured as Spurs hunt Europa League glory

There’s no question the Lilywhites won’t have 100 per cent of their focus on the all-London clash with West Ham this weekend, despite the unquestionable morale boost a win over the Hammers would provide.

Ange Postecoglou’s side travel to Norway next week with a 3-1 aggregate lead over Bodo/Glimt, knowing if the manager can fulfil his second season trophy promise it would not only rescue a diasastrous domestic campaign but also present more opportunities in the transfer market with Champions League football on offer.

They will have to do it without perhaps their player of the season however, with Swedish starlet Bergvall injured in training and since spotted wearing a protective boot.

Explaining the problem in his pre-West Ham press conference, Postecoglou said he expects the 19 year-old, who has just signed a new contract, to miss most or all of the remaining matches: “Just something you see all the time. It wasn’t a tackle, he was on his own, he just went to turn and just his ankle gave away, so it’s just one of those things.

“Sometimes life works in mysterious ways and it’s denied Lucas the opportunity to play in a big game last night (Thursday). He’s been a massive contributor to us, but I’ve got no doubt he’ll come back stronger from that.”

Tottenham may sign £300k-p/w Premier League star if they win Europa League

A lot is on the line.

ByEmilio Galantini May 1, 2025 Swedish media share Bergvall return date

According to Swedish outlet Fotboll Direkt, translated by Sport Witness, Bergvall is without a doubt set to miss the entire Spurs fixture list, including a potential all-English Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21.

However, Ange may have underplayed the issue, with this update suggesting the teenager’s return is “at least eight weeks” away, meaning he would also miss Sweden’s matches against Hungary on June 6 and Algeria on June 10, as well as the opening stages of Spurs’ pre season, with a return date expected around July 1.

This would of course be a massive blow for a player who has taken huge strides this season, having featured in 27 top flight matches and 12 more in European competition.

The young midfielder expressed his delight this week after signing a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2031, but will now have to wait until the middle of the summer to continue that journey.

As for Ange, he will have to rely on a combination of Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and Bergvall’s compatriot Dejan Kulusevski to fill the gap against West Ham, in Norway on Thursday and beyond.

Ipswich Town have signed a versatile teenager in an out-of-window move, according to a new update.

Ipswich Town looking to summer with Premier League relegation on the cards

The Tractor Boys are on course for an immediate return to the Championship after just one season in the Premier League.

Kieran McKenna’s side are currently 14 points away from safety with just six games to go and look destined to drop back to the second tier alongside fellow promoted sides Southampton and Leicester City despite spending big across the 2024/25 season.

Omari Hutchinson

Chelsea

€23.5m

Jacob Greaves

Hull City

€21.5m

Liam Delap

Man City

€17.85m

Jack Clarke

Sunderland

€17.7m

Dara O’Shea

Burnley

€14.2m

Sammie Szmodics

Blackburn Rovers

€10.6m

Arijanet Muric

Burnley

€9.55m

Chiedozie Ogbene

Luton Town

€9.5m

Jens Cajuste

Napoli

Loan

Conor Townsend

West Brom

€590,000

Ben Johnson

West Ham

Free

Kalvin Phillips

Man City

Loan

Jaden Philogene

Aston Villa

€23.7m

Alex Palmer

West Brom

€2.4m

Julio Enciso

Brighton

Loan

Ben Godfrey

Atalanta

Loan

Relegation looks set to result in a busy summer of departures from Portman Road, with Liam Delap attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United. Approaches have been made by both clubs for Delap, who will be available for £30m if Ipswich go down.

Talking about Delap’s future, McKenna said before the 2-2 draw at Chelsea: “It’s not something that’s been discussed loads internally at because everyone’s focus, honestly, has been on Bournemouth, on Wolves, now on Chelsea. But if you ask me, is that a possibility? I think it’s certainly a possibility. Liam’s a young striker. He’s developing really, really well at the football club.

“He’s happy and he’s improving every week and we’re enjoying working with him. I’m sure there’s lots of different possibilities. But Liam’s an Ipswich player. He enjoys being an Ipswich player and that’s where his full focus is.”

A replacement could soon be needed for the star striker, with both Hearts forward Lawrence Shankland and Sheffield United teenager Ryan One both mooted as transfer targets to come in for Delap.

Targeting youth with a move for One shows that Ipswich appear to be looking long-term at potential signings, and they have now agreed a deal to sign another teenage talent.

Ipswich Town sign versatile youngster Corbin Mthunzi

As reported by The East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich Town have signed 17-year-old Corbin Mthunzi following a successful trial.

Previously of Brighton & Hove Albion, Mthunzi has penned a two-year professional contract at Portman Road after turning out twice for Ipswich’s U21s last month.

Ipswich Town "monster" open to Portman Road exit as big clubs make contact

New approaches have been made.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 15, 2025

Mthunzi played as a centre-back in the fixtures against QPR and Chelsea, however, the teenager can also turn out as a midfielder if required.

He’ll now be looking to break into McKenna’s first team plans over the coming years, so Mthunzi’s progress at Portman Road will be one to watch.

After watching on as Andre Onana endured another evening to forget against Lyon in midweek, Manchester United have reportedly sent scouts on a fresh mission in pursuit of replacing their goalkeeper.

Onana makes one mistake too many

Whilst the former Inter man was full of confidence in the build-up, exchanging a war of words with Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic, that confidence was not enough for the goalkeeper to avoid a nightmare evening.

First flailing at Thiago Almada’s wide free-kick to concede the opening goal, Onana then spilt an effort straight into the path of Rayan Cherki for Lyon’s late equaliser – proving Matic right in the process.

The former Old Trafford midfielder ruthlessly responded to Onana’s verdict that Manchester United are a better side than Lyon – telling reporters: “You know, I respect everyone but to say that then you need to give the answer.

He's better than Delap: Man Utd in talks to sign "sensational" PL star

Manchester United could forget about Liam Delap, with another striker firmly on their radar.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 12, 2025

“If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history, you need to take care what you’re talking about. If it was [Edwin] Van der Sar, [Peter] Schmeichel or [David] de Gea saying that, then I would question myself. But you need to have cover to say something like that.”

The numbers don’t exactly help the Red Devils shot-stopper in pursuit of shutting that criticism down, with the two Lyon mistakes the latest in a growing list of errors at Manchester United.

With rumours now emerging that the Red Devils are ready to part ways with Onana following just two seasons, those at Old Trafford have seemingly turned their attention towards Serie A.

Man Utd step up chase to sign Zion Suzuki

According to talkSPORT, INEOS have now sent Man Utd scouts on a fresh mission in pursuit of Zion Suzuki. The Parma shot-stopper has impressed once again this season and is now reportedly valued at as much as £40m ahead of the summer transfer window.

Whether United are willing to pay such a price remains to be seen, and it must be said that the numbers suggest that Suzuki is one for the future rather than next season.

Starts

29

31

Clean sheets

4

9

Save percentage

66.9%

69.8%

Saves per 90

2.68

2.74

Whilst the Japan international is a rising star at just 22 years old, what he is not is a player ready to become Manchester United’s Premier League No.1. There will perhaps become a time when he is, but the Red Devils must first target one of the world’s best to replace Onana this summer.

Dubbed “exciting” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the last thing that Suzuki needs at this stage of his career is to take hold of the poisoned chalice of Manchester United’s No.1 shirt. With plenty to think about, Manchester United must get it right this summer.

Leeds United is currently the home to various talents who have made their names across Europe before moving to Elland Road over the last couple of seasons.

Brenden Aaronson is just one player who cost big money to secure a move for his signature, costing a fee in the region of £25m during their final season in the Premier League back in 2022/23.

The American has so far failed to demonstrate why the hierarchy forked out such a hefty fee for his signature, struggling to make a real impact under Daniel Farke in recent weeks.

Whilst he scored the opener against Swansea City last weekend, it was only his second goal contribution of the calendar year, struggling to produce any tangible results in their hunt for Championship promotion.

He’s since been unable to match the levels produced by one player who starred in Yorkshire after his own transfer from the Swans multiple years ago.

Pablo Hernandez’s stats for Leeds United

Over the years, Leeds has been the home to countless icons, with Pablo Hernandez undoubtedly cementing himself as a modern-day hero for his heroics at Elland Road.

The Spaniard originally moved on loan from Swansea back in 2016/17, before joining permanently in the January of that campaign after impressing in the first half of the season.

Such a move would be the springboard for his success with the Whites, with Hernandez going on to register 36 goals and 41 assists from 175 outings, helping the club lift the Championship title at the close of the 2019/20 campaign.

He was a pivotal part of Marcelo Bielsa’s side that season, remaining a key member of the squad the following year as the club ended their long wait for Premier League football.

Whilst he left the club back in 2021, current boss Farke already has his own version of the fan-favourite, playing a vital role in their own ambitions of returning to the top flight.

The player who’s become Farke’s own Hernandez at Leeds

The plethora of attacking talent on the books at Leeds has contributed to their phenomenal attacking record, which has seen them score 78 times in the league this season – by far the highest tally in the division.

Joel Piroe has been central to such a record, netting 15 league goals to date, a tally which is the highest within the current first-team squad – producing key goals at various moments.

The Dutchman arrived in a £10m deal from Swansea back in the summer of 2023, following in Hernandez’s footsteps in joining from the Welsh outfit and having an immediate impact in Yorkshire.

The similarities to Hernandez continue, with the 25-year-old also able to feature in the number ten role, as seen in certain matches this season, with the “superb” star, as dubbed by one analyst, key to the club’s recent success.

During his final Championship campaign in Yorkshire, the Spaniard notched a total of 18 combined goals and assists back in 2019/20 – cementing himself as a key member of Bielsa’s squad.

Piroe has already registered a combined 21 contributions with seven matches remaining this campaign, with any hope of securing promotion potentially down to whether he can continue to produce the goods in the final third.

Joel Piroe

21

Daniel James

19

Manor Solomon

14

Brenden Aaronson

11

Wilfried Gnonto

11

Mateo Joseph

6

Largie Ramazani

6

He’s been subject to criticism in recent times, but it’s safe to say the club wouldn’t be in this current position without his goals, certainly playing a key role in their promotion ambitions.

Whilst it’s unclear whether he will be able to cut it in the Premier League, Piroe has a huge job to catapult the side into the top flight between now and the end of the season.

His goals could provide the difference over the next couple of weeks, with the Dutchman able to cement his place in the Whites’ history books should he produce the goods and fire them back to England’s top-division.

Huge upgrade on Meslier: Leeds big move for "world-class" GK

Leeds United could land a player who could end Illan Meslier’s time at Elland Road.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 1, 2025

Mikel Arteta will no doubt plead caution surrounding the signing of any new centre-forward this summer, with it not a guarantee that such a move will instantly propel Arsenal to long-awaited Premier League glory.

Indeed, it is not only through the middle where reinforcements are required, with an upgrade on the left flank also seemingly needed with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard scoring just ten top-flight goals between them this term.

That said, fans and pundits alike are craving a statement acquisition of a new striker after what looks set to be another second-place finish in the league, with the Gunners having also come up short in the previous two campaigns.

Not since the summer of 2022 have the club forked out for a new number nine, albeit with even Gabriel Jesus not exactly an out-and-out centre-forward, particularly considering much of his work came on the right flank during his prior stint at Manchester City.

With the Brazilian having since been ravaged by injury – with Kai Havertz also currently sidelined – there is a real dearth of reliable options at the Emirates, a fact epitomised by Mikel Merino’s recent shift into a makeshaft target man.

Whether it is the difference between winning the league or not, the Gunners simply must sign a striker. If recent reports are anything to go by, the search has already started.

Latest on Arsenal's striker search

The leading target for the north London side remains that of Alexander Isak, although question marks remain over just how feasible a deal would be for the in-form Swede, considering Newcastle United’s £150m asking price.

With that in mind, the Gunners appear to be looking elsewhere in their extensive search, with Football Transfers naming Bologna’s Santiago Castro as a potential summer option.

As per the report, it is Arteta who is said to be ‘personally pushing’ to seal the signing of the young Argentine, with the Arsenal boss believed to be a ‘huge admirer’ of the promising forward.

Transfer Focus

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

While the piece does mainly focus in on Arsenal’s parallel interest in Atletico Madrid starlet, Adrian Nino, the Spaniard appears more of a project signing, considering he only made his first-team debut for the LaLiga side in January.

Castro, meanwhile, may only be 20 himself, although amid a promising campaign in Serie A, he has seemingly caught the attention of Arteta as someone who could come in and make an instant impact at the Emirates.

Perhaps, he could well follow in the footsteps of a certain Alexis Sanchez in an Arsenal shirt…

Why Castro would be a good signing for Arsenal

While the Gunners did actually pluck Sanchez from Barcelona back in 2014, the Chilean did mirror his fellow South American by initially plying his trade in his homeland with Cobreloa, before then making his name in Italy at Udinese.

The now veteran forward – who has ended up back at the Italian outfit in the twilight of his career – notably scored 12 goals and provided a further ten assists in the 2010/11 Serie A season, before being poached by Barca, having typically operated as a centre-forward or second striker.

Castro, meanwhile, has followed a similar path after starting out in his native Argentina with Velez Sarsfield – for whom he scored nine goals in 64 games – prior to making the switch to Bologna last year, going on to score eight times and register four assists in Italy’s top flight in 2024/25.

Games (starts)

29 (25)

Goals

8

Assists

4

Goal frequency

266 mins

Big chances missed

6

Big chances created

3

Key passes*

0.9

Touches*

27.1

Now valued at around €30m (£26m), according to reports in January, Castro is well on course to emulating Sanchez’s final season at Udinese, with now perhaps the chance for Arsenal to pounce – rather than signing him later down the line, like they did with Sanchez.

Having been described as the “complete forward” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the 6 foot machine does mirror the ex-Arsenal man in also being able to feature on the flanks, ensuring he could also rival the likes of Martinelli and Trossard in that left-wing berth.

Not just an “instinctive finisher”, in the words of Mattinson, the Buenos Aires native may also prove a valuable addition due to his innate link-up play, as shown by the fact that he ranks in the top 10% of strikers in Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion.

A composed presence both in possession and in front of goal, Castro could certainly be worth taking a punt on. With Arsenal having seen the success of signing Sanchez, amid his return of 124 goals and assists in just 166 games for the club, the capture of a potential successor will hopefully prove just as fruitful.

With 20 goals and assists in 46 games for Bologna since signing back in January 2024, the 20-year-old could well be a wildcard solution.

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With Philippe Clement sacked as Rangers manager and Barry Ferguson in place until the summer, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has dropped a fresh update on links Steven Gerrard.

Clement sacked and replaced by former captain Ferguson

The Belgian has been under a huge amount of pressure at Ibrox for some time now, and Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at home to St Mirren was a shocking result for Rangers and the final straw for Clement, who has now officially been relieved of his duties after 16 months in charge.

The club released a statement on Sunday evening: “The club would like to put on record their sincere thanks to Philippe for his hard work and dedication during his spell in charge. A further update from the club will follow in due course.”

The Gers’ season is still alive, not least because they are still in the Europa League, and it’s now a case of riding on the emotion of former captain Ferguson to continue what could still become a memorable campaign akin to their trip to the final in 2022.

Unfortunately, Rangers have gone backwards this season in the league, with the gap between themselves and Celtic seemingly growing, highlighting the importance of bringing in the right boss this summer once Ferguson has steadied the ship.

Romano drops Gerrard to Rangers update

Writing for Give Me Sport, Romano reacted to the rumours floating around about Gerrard returning to Rangers: “At the moment nothing has been decided, so let’s keep all options open. The club is assessing options,” his report said. “Nothing direct yet with Gerrard or his camp.”

Opinion may be split on Gerrard returning to Rangers, with the Liverpool legend certainly doing lots right during his first stint at Ibrox, not least winning the Scottish Premiership title in 2020/21. He is the only manager to have achieved that feat for the Gers since the 2010/11 season, showing what an achievement it was, so it is easy to see why some supporters would like the idea of him coming back.

Stats

Total

Matches

107

Wins

76

Draws

21

Defeats

10

Points

249

Points per game

2.33

That said, there may be others who are unhappy that Gerrard decided to leave Rangers for Aston Villa back in 2021, perhaps feeling that he only ever saw them as a stepping stone in his managerial career.

Not only that, but second spells in charge can often be less successful for managers, and a chunk of the fanbase may like the idea of seeing a fresh face in the dugout.

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It’s also worth stressing that Gerrard ultimately struggled at Villa, eventually being replaced by Unai Emery, who has taken them on to far better things, so the jury is still out on him a little, despite the good job he did at Rangers.

Manchester United have now reportedly held internal talks about signing a Premier League midfielder who will be cheaper than Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.

Man Utd prioritising Anderson move

Anderson has quickly become the most sought-after midfield talent in the Premier League. The Nottingham Forest star has forced his way into Thomas Tuchel’s best England side and put himself on the radar of Liverpool, Manchester City and those at Old Trafford.

In terms of the physical profile that thrives in the Premier League these days, he ticks several important boxes. They are, as things stand, boxes that Man United’s current options struggle to meet, which makes it no surprise that the Red Devils have reportedly identified Anderson as their top transfer priority.

A deal to sign Anderson will not come cheap, however. Some reports have claimed that he will cost clubs as much as £100m to sign in the summer. Whether United have the spending power to match the likes of City as a result is the question that those around Old Trafford will now be asking themselves.

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It’s clear that Ruben Amorim is seeking reinforcements too, having laughed off suggestions that Kobbie Mainoo could solve some of Man United’s problems. The United boss said when asked about the midfielder: “I see it. I just want to win, I try to put the players, I don’t look who it is, I don’t care about that, I’m just trying to put the best players on the pitch.”

As the Premier League’s top clubs chase Anderson and Forest set their price, however, United may have no choice but to turn towards Mainoo or cheaper alternatives in the market like Joao Gomes.

Man Utd hold internal talks about Joao Gomes

According to the Daily Mail, Man United have now held internal talks about signing Gomes to fix their midfield problems in 2026. The Wolverhampton Wanderers man will be cheaper than Anderson at a reported £44m and it will be interesting to see if the price drops if the Midlands club drop down to the Championship this season.

Minutes

1,099

1,260

Progressive Passes

64

119

Tackles Won

22

22

Ball Recoveries

73

115

Gomes may be a fair bit cheaper than Anderson, but the quality drop off is there for all to see. The Brazilian has by no means endured a poor season on a personal front even as Wolves have struggled. Alas, Anderson has blown him away in comparison both on and off the ball.

Dubbed a “super talent” by former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, it’s not a major surprise that Gomes has found himself on United’s radar. He ticks the box for Premier League experience for a bargain price tag, but he is ultimately not on the same level as the likes of Adam Wharton and Anderson.

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