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Leeds United supporters will be hoping that the club can secure a return to the Premier League over the next couple of months with just 14 Championship games remaining in 2024/25.

The Whites are currently in their second season at this level after missing out on promotion last time around in the cruellest way possible – the play-off final.

However, Daniel Farke has done a superb job of leading the club to the summit of the table in recent weeks, with their 14-game unbeaten run in the league undoubtedly aiding their cause.

If they were to secure a return to England’s top flight, the German would have to do what many teams have failed to do over the last couple of seasons and avoid an immediate return back down the ladder.

Should they secure promotion, the hierarchy would have to provide the manager with the resources to be a success once more, learning from their previous mistakes of signing players not at the level required.

Leeds United’s transfers in 2022/23

Leeds’ last season in the Premier League was a challenge from the get-go, losing Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha to Manchester City and Barcelona respectively – with the pair two of their star players at Elland Road the season.

Subsequent funds were spent across the team to provide depth in all areas, with full-back Rasmus Kristensen joining the club from RB Salzburg.

The Dane made 26 appearances during his only season as a first-team member in Yorkshire to date, leaving on multiple loan spells after relegation at the end of the season.

He was just one of nine senior additions during the course of the aforementioned campaign, but he and his teammates were unable to prevent the club from dropping back into the Championship at the end of the season.

One of the signings joined in January, offering a last-ditch attempt to turn around the dismal form, but was subsequently unable to – thriving away from Elland Road in the last couple of seasons.

The Leeds player who’s similar to a £92m talent

Weston McKennie arrived at Leeds on loan from Juventus in January 2023, looking to add the needed quality to the midfield department to fight off any lingering relegation threats.

The American would make 20 appearances but was unable to prevent the inevitable, leaving the Whites at the end of the season and moving back to Serie A, forcing himself back into the first-team picture in Turin.

The 26-year-old has now featured 64 times in the last two campaigns for the Italian giants, registering 18 combined goals and assists, with his latest strike coming in the Champions League against PSV last night.

As a result of his displays, McKennie has since been ranked as a similar player to Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard – highlighting how much he’s developed away from Yorkshire after his temporary stint with the Whites.

The Norwegian, who’s valued at £92m by Transfermarkt, has been a key member of Mikel Arteta’s side in recent times but has been unable to produce better stats than the former loanee who’s bettered the midfielder in various key areas.

Games played

18

16

Goals & assists

5

5

Shot-on-target accuracy

56%

30%

Pass accuracy

85%

83%

Tackles won

1.3

1.1

Blocks made

0.8

0.3

Take-ons completed

55%

47%

Aerials won

1

0.4

The Juve star has registered the same amount of goal contributions in the league, whilst posting a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, outperforming the former Real Madrid star who’s more of an attacking option.

McKennie has also completed more of his attempted passes and won more tackles per 90, showcasing his excellent box-to-box playstyle, finally starting to fulfil his potential after his spell at Leeds.

It’s bonkers to see such a quick progression after his short spell in Yorkshire, with the American undoubtedly one of the leading talents within Juventus’ current squad under Thiago Motta.

Outperforming Odegaard is no mean feat given his own form in recent times, with it being great to see a former Whites player thrive after a difficult period in his professional career following relegation in 2022/23.

Saved by James & Solomon: Farke must axe Leeds dud who lost possession 15x

Leeds United took a huge leap towards Championship promotion with a huge 4-0 win last night.

5 ByEthan Lamb Feb 12, 2025

Harry Kane has been urged to move to MLS instead of securing a Premier League return should the striker leave Bayern Munich.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Kane thriving in Germany with Bayern
• Linked with Premier League return
• Striker told MLS is the place to be

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kane has been in remarkable goalscoring form since joining Bayern from Tottenham in 2023, scoring 36 goals in just 43 games this season alone. Nevertheless, the 31-year-old continues to be linked with a move back to the Premier League.

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• AFP
  

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  However, the Bayern star has been told that the English top-flight may not be the best place for him as German football correspondent Sab Stafford-Bloor feels MLS would be a better destination for the well-known NFL fan.

• WHAT WAS SAID

  "This is just my feeling, but I think MLS is an interesting future direction for Kane just because of his fondness for American culture, but also American sports culture, which is pretty well-known," Stafford-Bloor told the podcast. "I think that's one to look out for. If you're Harry Kane and you've suffered quite a lot of physical punishment over the years — everybody knows about his ankles and the amount of injuries he's suffered — is the Premier League the right place for you as you approach your mid-thirties? I would say no if you want to have the longest career possible."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR KANE?

  The former Spurs star has over two years left on his contract at the German giants and with the Bundesliga title almost secured, he will be looking to add more trophies to his collection with Vincent Kompany's team next season.

Manchester City have wasted no time in filling the famous No.10 shirt, handing it to French prodigy Rayan Cherki in the wake of Jack Grealish’s departure to Everton. The 21-year-old arrived from Lyon just before the FIFA Club World Cup in a deal worth €36 million (£30.5m), with further add-ons potentially inflating the fee.

Cherki takes City’s iconic No.10 shirtGrealish heads to Everton on loanGuardiola eyes fresh start for new season at MolineuxFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Cherki’s move is being billed as a long-term masterstroke, with City seeing him as a creative spark to help bridge the gap left by the exits of club icon Kevin De Bruyne and now Grealish. Known for his silky close control and ability to glide past defenders, the youngster has been on City’s radar since emerging as a standout talent in Ligue 1.

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Last season, Cherki notched the joint-highest number of assists (11) in the French top flight and was one of only two non-Paris Saint-Germain players to earn a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season. Soon, after his unveiling, he hinted at his preferred playing position, which aligns with his jersey number, "I prefer to play No.10, but right now I just want to play. Where I am on the pitch is not important; I just want to be on the pitch and help the team to win. I am ready.” 

DID YOU KNOW?

While Cherki’s arrival marks a new chapter, Grealish’s loan move to Everton marks the end of a turbulent period at City. The England international, signed for a British-record fee in 2021, has struggled for consistency under Guardiola and saw his minutes dwindle last season. 

Now heading to Merseyside on a season-long loan, Grealish will work under David Moyes in what could be a career-defining stint. Everton have secured an option to make the deal permanent next summer for around £50 million ($67m), a figure that could tempt City to cut ties for good if the 29-year-old flourishes. 

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

Pep Guardiola’s men will begin their Premier League campaign on Saturday with a trip to Molineux to face Wolves. After an underwhelming season, as per City's high standards, they will look to dethrone Liverpool from the perch and reclaim domestic dominance. 

Bashir, Hartley, Tongue, Turner and Cook among notable inclusions for tour in new year

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Dec-2024

Rocky Flintoff made his Under-19 Test debut in the summer•ECB via Getty Images

Rocky Flintoff has been handed an official call-up to the England Lions squad for next month’s tour of Australia, where his fortunes will once again be overseen by his father, Andrew.Flintoff, 16, was a last-minute addition to the Lions’ trip to South Africa earlier this month – his father’s maiden tour as head coach – where he featured in the one-off tour match against a CSA Invitational XI in Cape Town, making 4 from three balls in his only innings.His inclusion continues a startling rise, which began with his precocious displays for Lancashire 2nd XI in April, continued through his multi-format debuts for England’s Under-19 teams against Sri Lanka in July, and culminated in his first professional contract with Lancashire in August and subsequent first-class debut.Now he has been included in a Lions tour that could offer several pointers for the senior squad’s challenge in next year’s Ashes, not least for the incumbent Test spinner, Shoaib Bashir, for whom this will be an opportunity to fine-tune his game in Australian conditions.Bashir, 21, was himself fast-tracked by England for the tour of India in January, and has played in 15 of England’s 17 Tests in 2024. He will travel under the tutelage of Graeme Swann, the offspinner who played a key role in England’s last Ashes win in Australia in 2010-11, and will have the opportunity to play in three competitive fixtures in Brisbane and Sydney, culminating in an unofficial Test against Australia A. Lancashire’s left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, who featured in all five Tests in India but has not been picked since, will also make the trip.Brendon McCullum, England’s head coach, had flagged the likelihood of Bashir’s inclusion in the Lions back in October, with the sense emerging from his recent displays in Pakistan and New Zealand, where he took 17 wickets at 50.58 in six Tests, that his game has not progressed quite as quickly as England had hoped.Shoaib Bashir could play a key role in next winter’s Ashes•Getty Images

“For Bash, the opportunity to be able to get some experience in those conditions could be really vital for us,” McCullum said in October, at the conclusion of the Pakistan tour. “That’s the beauty of the Lions programme, you have the opportunity to get some cricket into guys. With Freddie there as well now and in charge of the Lions, he’s got a very similar view on the game to what I’ve got, so there’ll be consistency of message and that’s something that we’ve got to look at.”Among the fast bowlers, Josh Tongue is a notable inclusion. He made two Test appearances at Lord’s in 2023, where he impressed with his sharp pace and ability to generate steep bounce from a good length, but has been sidelined by injury for long periods, including a setback that ruled him out of a possible white-ball debut in the Caribbean in November.He has been handed a call-up alongside John Turner, another quick bowler who is capable of 90mph pace, and Essex’s Sam Cook – one of the most prolific bowlers in county cricket, but whose opportunities had previously been limited by James Anderson’s presence in the England set-up.Related

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All eyes on debutant Rocky Flintoff, despite Surrey taking first-day honours

Shoaib Bashir's raw returns turn spotlight on England's spin gamble

Steady Bashir helps put positive spin on England's day

Josh Hull, the 20-year-old Leicestershire left-armer who made a surprise Test debut against Sri Lanka in September, has not been included in the main squad but will travel to Australia as he continues his rehabilitation from a quad injury.Among the batters, Alex Davies is rewarded for a strong season with Warwickshire, for whom he made four centuries in his maiden year as captain, while Somerset’s wicketkeeper-batter James Rew is also included.England Men’s Performance Director, Ed Barney, said: “We have rewarded players who have proven themselves at this level and those with significant potential. Matches and tours of Australia are always important and we relish the opportunity to test ourselves against quality opposition. This tour allows us to evaluate performances, refine preparation and continue working with some of the best emerging talent in the country.”I’m also delighted to see Josh Tongue returning to competitive cricket. Josh has had a challenging time with injuries but is progressing well and will benefit from this tour as he steps up his preparation. We hope this marks the start of a prosperous and impactful return to cricket for him in 2025.”Squad: Sonny Baker (Hampshire), Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Pat Brown (Derbyshire), James Coles (Sussex), Sam Cook (Essex), Alex Davies (Warwickshire), Rocky Flintoff (Lancashire), Tom Hartley (Lancashire), Tom Lawes (Surrey), Freddie McCann (Nottinghamshire), Ben McKinney (Durham), James Rew (Somerset), Hamza Shaikh (Warwickshire), Mitch Stanley (Lancashire), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire), John Turner (Hampshire).Fixtures: Jan 14-17 – CA XI vs Lions, Shaw Park (Brisbane), Jan 22-25 – CA XI vs Lions, Allan Border Field (Brisbane), Jan 30-Feb 2, Australia A vs England Lions, Cricket Central (Sydney).

Ellyse Perry, who recently suffered a hip injury, could be a doubtful starter for RCB

S Sudarshanan13-Feb-20254:05

Mandhana: WPL has taught me a lot, not just captaincy

Who’s playing

Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, February 14, 2025, 7.30pm IST

What to expect: Mandhana vs Gardner

No bowler has dismissed Smriti Mandhana more often than Ashleigh Gardner in Women’s T20s or in ODIs. With Gardner assuming the captaincy of Giants, she could look to bring herself on early against the RCB captain. With Mandhana in sublime form, it could be an interesting contest.Two of Giants’ four wins across two seasons of the WPL have come against RCB, including their first-ever victory.Related

• RCB's title defence hit by player unavailability, injuries

• Can new captain Gardner change Giants' fortunes?

• How the WPL is changing life for young Indian women

• Vastrakar, Sobhana ruled out of WPL with injuries

Team news and likely XIs: Mooney’s opening partner, Perry’s fitness in focus

The choice of Beth Mooney’s opening partner could pose a headache for Giants. Given Deandra Dottin commands a place in the XI, only one of Laura Wolvaardt and Phoebe Litchfield might find a place in the XI.Gujarat Giants (probable): 1 Beth Mooney (wk), 2 Laura Wolvaardt, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Deandra Dottin, 5 Dayalan Hemalatha, 6 Ashleigh Gardner (capt), 7 Simran Shaikh, 8 Sayali Satghare, 8 Meghna Singh, 9 Tanuja Kanwar, 10 Kashvee Gautam, 11 Shabnam Shakil/Mannat Kashyap.Ellyse Perry is heading into WPL 2025 on the back of suffering a hip injury during the Women’s Ashes Test in Melbourne. She could take the No. 4 spot in the absence of Sophie Devine. If Perry does not pull up well for the opening game, RCB could go with Georgia Wareham at No. 4 and play Charlie Dean as well. The injury to Asha Sobhana, a sure-starter who has been ruled out of the tournament, adds to the selection complications for them.1:43

Gardner: We have fantastic youth in our set-up

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable): 1 Smriti Mandhana (capt), 2 Danni Wyatt-Hodge, 3 S Meghana, 4 Ellyse Perry, 5 Richa Ghosh, 6 Raghvi Bist, 7 Kanika Ahuja, 8 Georgia Wareham, 9 Jagravi Pawar, 10 Kim Garth, 11 Renuka Singh.

Players to watch: Deandra Dottin and Richa Ghosh

With their acrimonious equation from WPL 2023 behind them, Deandra Dottin could be key to Giants’ success. She made a successful return to internationals just ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup last year, where she was West Indies’ leading run-scorer while picking up five wickets at an economy rate of 5.42. In the home T20Is against Bangladesh, Dottin scored 110 in three games at a strike rate of 203.70. Having played ODIs against India at the Kotambi Stadium, Dottin would have an idea of what to expect, and Giants would want her to step up with the ball too, especially at the death.4:32

RCB will have it tough against well-rounded Giants

Very few Indian players in the WPL can do what Richa Ghosh can – finish matches as a power-hitter. With RCB battling player-unavailability and fitness issues, Ghosh will be a vital cog in that middle order. She showed good hitting form in the home season against West Indies and Ireland. RCB relied on her prowess last year to win the title. She is third in the list of most sixes in the WPL; expect her to move up as the season progresses. How she does could well decide how the defending champions start their campaign.

Key stats

• Ashleigh Gardner is Giants’ leading run-scorer (324) as well as wicket-taker (17)
• Giants have had eight opening pairs in the two years, the most in the WPL.
• Giants have hit 43 sixes in the WPL, the fewest among all teams.
• RCB have two bowlers in their squad with T20I hat-tricks – Ekta Bisht and Heather Graham.

The visitors’ fast bowling will challenge Australia’s in-form batters but South Africa’s fragile batting needs to set decent totals to defend

Ian Chappell18-Dec-2022History – even the most recent version – has shown that fast bowlers play a crucial role in winning in Australia. In the last 15 years only two teams, South Africa and India, have beaten Australia at home in a test series more than once. In each case – Dale Steyn in South Africa’s and Jasprit Bumrah in India’s – a fast bowler played a leading role.That’s not to say a paceman did it all on his own – they had plenty of help – but the fast bowlers set a leading example. The most remarkable of those victories was India’s in 2020-21, when they were bundled out for 36, had their captain then fly home, lost Bumrah to injury in the final Test, and yet still narrowly beat Australia at Fortress Gabba.That was an incredible feat led by India’s then junior fast bowler Mohammed Siraj.Related

South Africa's bowling could fetch better results with more inspired captaincy

Australia's Head-scratcher – does their 'brilliant' No. 5 make the cut for India?

Rabada calls for 'patience and understanding' with SA's inexperienced batting line-up

Australia vs South Africa: Top order vs top order, bowling depth and South Africa's combination

South Africa's bowlers may need to help themselves to have enough runs

If you fully explore Australia’s Test history, the importance of pace is brought home even more starkly. In 1932-33, England dominated, with Harold Larwood being the genuine pace-bowling threat. England, whose wiser captains Len Hutton and Ray Illingworth plumped for pace, again dominated Australia with Frank “Typhoon” Tyson in 1954-55 and John Snow in 1970-71 being the successful pace bowlers.Then it was the turn of West Indies for a period of 14 years, where they monstered Australia at home, winning four times with a successful quartet of very fine fast bowlers.That turns the spotlight back on South Africa, who arrived this month in Australia with a fine quartet of fast bowlers. In Kagiso Rabada they have a proven pace bowler in Australia. However, in addition they have Anrich Nortje who bowls at genuine pace; Lungi Ngidi, who is a clever fast bowler; and left-armer Marco Jansen, who swings the ball at a good speed.There is no doubt that South Africa have the fast-bowling quality to succeed in Australia. The big question is whether the fragile batting can produce enough runs to give their bowlers a shot at victory. Through the previous winning sequences in Australia, there was always at least one class batter in the opposition who helped the fast bowlers make victory possible.This is where South Africa fall down, as they only have their captain, Dean Elgar, as a proven performer in Australia. Elgar is a tough competitor but not a class batter. South Africa will require useful contributions from their other batters if they are going to produce match-winning totals.Adding to South Africa’s batting troubles is the Australian attack. The strength of Australia and a big reason for their recent success at home has been a very strong bowling squad. Even slightly depleted with the loss of Josh Hazlewood from at least the Gabba Test, Australia are still strong in bowling.However, what will give South Africa heart is that India defeated Australia when the home side’s full bowling quartet was in operation at the Gabba. Nevertheless, it still required some remarkably aggressive batting from India to defeat Australia’s attack, led by the indefatigable Pat Cummins.Despite Australia’s bowling prowess, it will be the form of their best quickie in captain Cummins who will test the fate of the South African batters. If they handle Cummins well or he is injured, Australia will have to rely on the other fast bowlers to fill the void.What South Africa’s pace quartet will do if they bowl well in Australia is fully test in-form batters who haven’t been properly subjected to a top-class bowling attack for a while.Much of South Africa’s success or otherwise will come down to the leadership of Elgar. If he captains the bowlers wisely so they trouble Australia’s batters, it will become a winning contest. If, however, the Australian batters are able to counter their pace opponents, the home side will prevail comfortably.While genuine fast bowling provides a reliable path in Australia, it doesn’t always guarantee victory. To win, South Africa need to bowl and field superbly, as well as produce some decent totals.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney appears to have put his managerial ambitions on hold after announcing a new podcast.

Rooney puts management on back burnerMan Utd icon back in punditryEx-England man launches new podcastFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 39-year-old has been back in punditry after being sacked by Plymouth Argyle late last year. And this week, the former England international and his wife, Coleen, celebrated the launch of his new podcast, 'The Wayne Rooney Show', at a special BBC event. 

AdvertisementGetty Images EntertainmentWHAT ROONEY SAID

He wrote on Instagram: "Great event last night celebrating the start of a new football season with @bbcsport and the launch of my new podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show! Episode 1 is out now, available on @bbciplayer, @bbcsport YouTube, and @bbcsounds."

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The former Everton man is taking a break from management after two disastrous spells at Plymouth and Birmingham City. The ex-striker has proven that not all great players make great managers, and now Rooney is deciding to go down the punditry route for the foreseeable future. 

Getty Images/GOALWHAT NEXT?

After hitting back at minority Birmingham owner Tom Brady in the first episode of his new show, following the NFL icon's critique of his "work ethic" at the West Midlands club, more fireworks could happen in Rooney's podcast next week.

Brazilian sensation Wesley became the 46th Brazilian player to join Roma. The full-back explained his tough beginnings and what it took to reach Europe.

• Wesley completes switch to Roma
• Former Flamengo star explained his journey
• Admitted he nearly quit the sport during initial days

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wesley's rise to the top of football is anything but ordinary. The 21-year-old right-back, who didn’t even kick a ball until he was 17, has gone from nearly quitting the sport to sealing a €30 million (£26m/$35m) move to Serie A giants Roma. His journey, however, took a dramatic turn after being noticed by Flamengo, where he quickly proved he belonged on the big stage. Roma's latest signing sheds light on his tough beginnings, stating that his initial days were filled with self-doubt.

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  Wesley has signed a five-year deal with the Giallorossi and will wear the No.43 jersey. The young defender stated in his first interview with the club that he hopes to emulate national icon Cafu, who played for Roma in the same position. Despite his preference to play in a four-man defence, the former Flamengo sensation can comfortably slot in a right-wing back role, providing tactical flexibility to new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. With his €30m move, he becomes the most expensive non-EU signing in club history.

• WHAT WESLEY SAID

  Speaking in his first interview as a Roma player, Wesley said: "I kicked my first real footy in 2017, when I started trying seriously in the youth teams. During that period, I started going on trials and failed four or five times, at Figueirense and Tubarão. I finally passed the trial with Figueirense, but the club wasn't in good financial shape. So I was informed that if I found a better option, I should notify the club, and they would let me go.

  "As soon as I started playing for Tubarão, Covid hit. At that moment, I thought about stopping playing and starting working. It seemed like a sign of destiny: I wasn't supposed to play football. So I started working with my mom and sister in a restaurant where my mom was a chef. I worked there as a parking attendant and by then I had little faith in football. I had just started and everything had gone wrong because of Covid.

  "[My sister] kept sending me messages on Instagram. They were motivational texts; she wanted to push me to get back into football. So at the end of 2020, I decided to return to playing after a year off, during which I hadn't trained at all. Tubarão contacted me asking if I would be willing to play five games with them. I accepted, since I wasn't doing anything. But I wasn't playing much.

  “I recorded a video and my agent sent it to all his friends. From that moment on, they started contacting me for trials, then Flamengo called, again in 2021, and that changed everything.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR WESLEY?

  The Brazilian international will be hoping to make his unofficial debut for the Serie A giants in their upcoming friendly, scheduled for July 31 against French fourth-tier side Cannes.

da supremo： With Nico Williams set to reject Arsenal in favour of Barcelona, the Gunners have reportedly set their sights on an unexpected move to sign a Chelsea star this summer.

Arsenal set to miss out on Nico Williams to Barcelona

da bet7k： There was a time when Williams looked like a serious option for Arsenal both last summer and this time around. In the end, however, the temptation of a potential Barcelona move proved too strong for the winger to turn down.

Now, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan giants have agreed personal terms with the Spanish international and are now working on an agreement with Athletic Bilbao.

It’s a frustrating blow for Arsenal whose attacking limitations saw them miss out on the Premier League title once again – this time at the hands of Liverpool. And as the Reds continue to strengthen themselves, those at The Emirates must ensure that Mikel Arteta’s side are not left behind this summer.

It’s a big task for new sporting director Andrea Berta, but signing an alternative for Williams should now be seen as one of the top priorities at Arsenal in the coming months.

On that front, names such as Real Madrid’s Rodrygo have already threatened to steal the headlines and there’s no doubt that his arrival would make the required statement.

Whether Arsenal are willing to spend big to secure the Brazilian’s signature is another question, however. Instead, as per recent reports, the Gunners could turn towards a London rival in an unexpected move.

Arsenal intensify interest in Chelsea's Madueke

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are now intensifying their interest in Noni Madueke as an alternative to Williams. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is reportedly open to offers for the winger as the Blues welcome even more fresh faces and that has seemingly left the door open for the Gunners to make their move in the coming months.

Related Arsenal hold talks with "magnificent" Partey replacement as Arteta drives move

The Ghanaian could leave as contract talks hit a standstill.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

What’s more, although Chelsea initially valued their winger at as much as €65m (£56m), it is now reportedly believed that they could accept offers worth just €50m (£43m). Given that Madueke is still just 23 years old, that deal could quickly turn into a summer bargain.

Premier League stats 24/24 (via FBref)

Madueke

Saka

Martinelli

Minutes

2,033

1,729

2,290

Goals

7

6

8

Assists

3

10

4

Successful Take-ons P90

1.99

2.14

1.3

Although he lacked consistency at times, Madueke’s numbers from last season represent a player full of potential with his ability to take players on particularly standing out compared to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

England boss Thomas Tuchel recently described the Chelsea star as “dangerous” in the post-season international break and that’s the type of praise that should catch Arsenal’s eye.

If those in North London sign Madueke from a rival club for a cut-price and then get the best out of him, then it would quickly look like an act of genius from Berta.

One club are willing to sell their star midfielder to Tottenham Hotspur this summer and plan to replace him with Sunderland ace Jobe Bellingham, according to an intriguing report this week.

Tottenham target midfielder after 2024/2025 injury crisis

Ange Postecoglou was left desperately short of options in numerous areas throughout 2024/2025, which undoubtedly played a key role in their lowly 17th-placed finish and record number of Premier League defeats.

Salah-like forward considers joining Tottenham as contract expires in 2025

Spurs have an opportunity to strike a bargain deal.

ByEmilio Galantini May 28, 2025

Injuries threatened to dampen their Europa League final success as well, particularly in midfield, with Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison both forced to sit out of their eventual 1-0 win over Man United in Bilbao.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Star midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has suffered fairly frequent lay-offs over the last two campaigns as well, and the South American’s presence is always missed when unavailable.

Postecoglou or any new manager is also facing the looming threat of AFCON midway through 2025/2026, with both Pape Sarr (Senegal) and Yves Bissouma (Mali) set to compete at the tournament in Morocco.

The Lilywhites face being left very short in the middle through a combination of possible injuries and international obligations, leaving little surprise that chairman Daniel Levy reportedly has his eyes on new options.

Lille midfielder Angel Gomes is a reported target for Tottenham, with the England international recently confirming that he’s set to quit his club this summer after his contract expires.

“After four unforgettable years at LOSC Lille, it’s time for me to say goodbye,” he said.

“This club has been more than just a team – it’s been a family, a home, and a place that has shaped me both on and off the pitch. Like any journey, there were ups and downs, highs and lows, but I’m truly grateful to my team-mates and the fans for sticking with me throughout.”

Gomes’ availability at zero transfer cost makes him a prime candidate to reinforce Spurs’ midfield, but he’s by no means their only target.

Eintracht Frankfurt prepared to sell Larsson to Tottenham

According to GiveMeSport, Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson is on their radar as well, following his very productive campaign with the Bundesliga side.

GMS report that Eintracht are “prepared” to sell Larsson to Tottenham, if Levy pays the required £50 million to secure his signature, and Dino Toppmoller’s side are targeting Sunderland’s Bellingham as a replacement for the 20-year-old.

However, while the door is described as open for Spurs to move ahead with negotiations, the £50m asking price could still prove to be a sticking point, despite the riches acquired from qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

The Sweden international could be considered an elite midfield technician, having registered an 87.4% passing accuracy in the Bundesliga this season (WhoScored), and he’s even been compared to Balon d’Or winner Rodri by some.

His “skillfulness” and “close control” also has shades of Man City legend Kevin de Bruyne, as per the Bundesliga website, so Spurs risk missing out on a potentially world-class talent.