All posts by z3u9t.icu

They’re through to the next round of the League Cup, but last night’s performance was hardly an impressive one from Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side travelled to League One side Port Vale and would have been hoping for a hefty win to bolster morale.

However, the North Londoners had to settle for a goal in each half and not many clear-cut scoring chances.

That said, there were still a few players who put in some good performances, including one who outshone Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard.

Eze & Trossard's displays

With Gabriel Martinelli out on the left, Eze had the chance to start a game from the midfield for Arsenal last night, and he certainly made an impact.

It was the former Crystal Palace star who opened the scoring with a delicate finish in the middle of the penalty area in the eighth minute – his first goal since joining the club.

He should have really added a second in the closing stages of the first half, but it was a good stop from the Port Vale keeper that denied him a brace.

The Englishman had some more good moments here and there, but was eventually replaced by Declan Rice in the 81st minute.

However, it was the other change at that time which was far more consequential for the Gunners, as Trossard came on for Martinelli.

It didn’t take long for the Belgian star to make his mark, as in the 85th minute, he latched onto the end of a great long ball from William Saliba, drove across the box and drilled home a low shot to the keeper’s right.

In all, both Eze and Trossard were able to stamp their authority on the game through their goals, but there was another starter who was arguably even better.

The Arsenal star who outshone Eze & Trossard

So, while the overall performance left a lot to be desired, there were still a few players who looked decent, such as Saliba in defence or Max Dowman and Viktor Gyokeres when they came off the bench.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, in this instance, we are referring to the exceptionally talented Myles Lewis-Skelly.

It was the Englishman’s first start of the season, and were Riccardo Calafiori not in such incredible form himself, we’d argue he’d deserve another start at the weekend off of last night.

The Hale Ender did practically everything right, and while he didn’t score a goal, he was involved in Eze’s opener, getting the faintest of touches on the ball from Martinelli.

On top of that attacking contribution, he seemed to have the better of Port Vale’s attackers whenever they came down his side, be it through his surprising strength or brilliant timing.

While this all might sound a little hyperbolic, we were not the only ones impressed, as the Metro’s Liam Grace awarded the teenager an 8/10 match rating at full-time, writing that it was a ‘really strong performance.’

Unsurprisingly, the Hale Ender’s statistics more than justify the praise.

Minutes

94′

Assists

1

Clearances

2

Tackles

1

Ground Duels (Won)

6 (6)

Aerial Duels (Won)

1 (1)

Touches

98

Lost Possession

5

Fouls Won

4

Passing Accuracy

76/78 (97%)

Long Balls (Accurate)

3 (2)

Big Chances Created

1

Dribbles (Successful)

1 (1)

In 94 minutes of action, he provided the assist, made two clearances, won 100% of his ground and aerial duels, made one tackle, took 98 touches but lost the ball just five times, completed 76 of 78 passes and was successful in 100% of his dribbles.

Ultimately, while it was a fairly uninspiring performance from most of the Arsenal team, the likes of Eze, Trossard and especially Lewis-Skelly really impressed.

Saka rival: Arteta has another Madueke to unleash in "insane" Arsenal star

Arteta could turn to the incredibly exciting talent for Arsenal’s game tonight.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 24, 2025

Never before has the expression dead man walking applied so aptly to a manager but, for now, Russell Martin remains in charge of Rangers.

The atmosphere at Ibrox last weekend was absolutely mutinous, with the Hearts supporters signing “you’re getting sacked in the morning”, only for the home fans, the ones who remained anyway, to join in.

That 2-0 defeat means the Light Blues have failed to win any of their first five league matches to start a season for the first time in 47 years and, should results go against them, they could be bottom of the Premiership by the time they’re next in action at Almondvale against Livingston on 28 September.

Before then, Hibernian will be the visitors for a League Cup quarter-final on Saturday and, having lost just one of nine outings since the start of August, David Gray’s team will more than fancy their chances of victory.

Should the Hibees book their place at Hampden, the 49ers could be holding an emergency meeting by Saturday night, so which manager should they be targeting, if a vacancy were to arise soon, which appears the most-likely outcome?

The leading candidates to be the next Rangers manager

Right now, the two front-runners to succeed Martin at Ibrox are Steven Gerrard and Sean Dyche.

Gerrard would certainly be the populist choice, having been in charge of the club for 192 matches between 2018 and 2021.

The Englishman only won one trophy in charge of the club, but it was quite an important one, collecting the club’s sole Premiership title since 2011, crucially stopping Celtic from becoming the first Scottish side in history to achieve ten in a row.

Of course, other Rangers managers have had more trophy-laden stints in Govan, but Gerrard took over a complete mess and transformed the club, leading them into the Europa League group stages in four successive seasons, winning 12 qualifiers, victories that were so crucial both from a financial standpoint, but also re-establishing the club at continental level.

Gerrard laid the foundations for successor Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who guided the club to the Europa League Final just six months after Gerrard’s departure, as well as back into the Champions League group stages, so he could be the right man for what the club needs right now.

Dyche meantime, may well be the safe option, epitomising the archetypal safe pair of hands.

He has been out of work since being sacked by Everton in January, but is vastly experienced, taking charge of 557 fixtures as a manager to date, of which 332 have come in the Premier League.

However, given that the clubs on his CV are Watford, Burnley and the aforementioned Everton, it is difficult to forecast how Dyche’s methods would translate if he was coaching a top side in a division, albeit does that apply to tenth-placed Rangers?

Nevertheless, there might be another available English coach who could prove to be the best fit for this vacancy.

Who the 49ers should target for Rangers

Back in the summer, it was reported that Gary O’Neil was among the many candidates on the Rangers managerial shortlist.

The 49ers, of course, opted for Martin instead, but should they reignite their interest in the 42-year-old?

As a player, the central midfielder made 539 senior club appearances, representing Portsmouth and Middlesbrough over 100 times, as well as stints with West Ham, Norwich, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, Bolton, Cardiff and Walsall.

He then began his coaching career in charge of Liverpool’s youth teams, similar to the path followed by Gerrard, before moving to Bournemouth to be the assistant manager to Jonathan Woodgate and then Scott Parker.

When the latter was sacked, following a 9-0 annihilation at Anfield, O’Neil became a senior head coach for the very first time, leading Bournemouth to 15th place, enjoying historic victories over Liverpool and Tottenham.

Thus, there was widespread outcry when he was dismissed the following summer, replaced by Andoni Iraola, but he soon found himself another crisis club, this time in the Midlands.

In August 2023, just a few days before the start of the season, Julen Lopetegui resigned as Wolverhampton Wanderers manager, with O’Neil thereby taking the reins at Molineux, similarly guiding them to safety, ending the season with a respectable 46 points.

He was sacked by Wolves last December, after yielding just one point from the first eight Premier League fixtures, but the 42-year-old has shown himself adept at coming in and making an immediate impact at a club, as the table below documents.

2022/23

34

1.06

2023/24

38

1.21

2024/25

16

0.56

Note: league games only

Of course, O’Neil’s record at Wolves last season was pretty miserable but, as we’re seeing now, with the Old Gold rock-bottom of the Premier League table, yet to pick up a point, perhaps he wasn’t the problem at Molineux.

Ahead of a meeting between the two clubs, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe labelled his opposite number “tactically astute”.

Meantime, speaking on Match of the Day in February 2024, Shay Given praised the “phenomenal” job O’Neil did at Wolves, given the difficult circumstances under which he was forced to work. He was even tipped to be the next England boss by Micah Richards.

In an interview with the Guardian this summer, O’Neil himself stated that he believes his team can be very “adaptable”, adding that he is capable of getting a “whole group of players from different cultures to buy into my way”.

Manager Focus

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Both of those sound like the exact opposite of what Martin is doing in Glasgow right now, so perhaps O’Neil might be the perfect man for the job, having excelled mid-season and in crises before.

Rangers must regret losing the Harry Kane of Scottish football for nothing

Rangers had their own version of Harry Kane and Michael Beale watched him walk away for nothing.

ByDan Emery Sep 18, 2025

Aston Villa just missed out on a Champions League spot at the final hurdle last season in the Premier League.

In the end, goal difference would be the sickener that separated Newcastle United and Villa in the fifth and sixth spots in the tough division, as Unai Emery and Co. prepare for Europa League football now, instead of sitting around Europe’s more exclusive table.

Emery will hope he can guide his team back into those elusive top five positions this forthcoming campaign, with plenty of new signings presumably needed to make this dream a reality.

Aston Villa contacted over deal for new attacker

First and foremost, however, Villa will be praying a number of their first-team superstars remain in the West Midlands past this summer’s hectic transfer window.

Already, the Villans have managed to tie down Boubacar Kamara to a fresh deal, but it remains to be seen whether Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers will stay put right up to September’s early deadline.

RB Leipzig goal machine Lois Openda looks to already be on the Premier League side’s radar in case Watkins does depart, alongside another prolific attacker reportedly catching Emery and Co’s eye as they look to add in more reinforcements up top.

Indeed, an exclusive report by journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed that Villa have been contacted over striking up a deal for Fulham marksman Rodrigo Muniz, as he weighs up his potential options amid ongoing Cottagers contract talks.

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have also had intermediaries at their door from Muniz, with Leeds United also named in the past as an onlooker keen on snapping up the Brazilian, who already has 17 Premier League goals next to his name at Craven Cottage.

Villa will hope they can get even more out of Muniz if he decides to relocate to Villa Park shortly, hopeful that he could become their next Jhon Duran in the process, having had to wave goodbye to the Colombian rather prematurely.

Why Muniz can become Villa's next Duran

Villa would have been silly to turn down Al-Nassr’s advances last summer, however, as the Saudi Pro League outfit coughed up a whopping £65m for the South American’s services.

That is quite the steep price to pay for an attacker that had only managed to register 16 strikes in the West Midlands from 78 games, but Duran’s unique ability to come off the substitute bench at a moment’s notice and cause havoc, with his teammate in Rogers even describing him as a “handful”, meant Al-Nassr had to cough up some significant bucks to land their desired target.

Games played

78

97

Games started

16

47

Minutes played

2981

4078

Goals scored

20

26

Assists

1

3

Amazingly, despite only amassing 16 starts in England, Duran would still tally up a lethal 20 goals for his side, with Muniz showing a similar cutting edge in front of goal last season for Marco Silva’s men.

The ex-Flamengo striker only started eight Premier League contests in total, yet still managed to show off a similar potency that became an effective weapon for the Cottagers to latch onto, with a whirlwind eight strikes registered.

The in-demand number nine could well become even more of a threat if he is given the reins to become Villa’s leading man very shortly, having also been hailed as “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” on his day by Craven Cottage teammate Willian.

Even if Watkins were to stay, this feels like a deal that would be worth signing off on, especially if Muniz is also content with the idea of being a scorching hot option off the bench in the West Midlands.

His potential role as the new Duran is also enhanced by the fact that the pair produced a statistically similar performance during the 2023/24 Premier League season, as per FBref.

With Rogers also potentially by his side, the “strong” centre-forward – as he’s been labelled by Premier League icon Alan Shearer – should be able to reach even loftier heights, with Villa fans keen to cheer on another goalscoring hero if a deal is secured.

Emery's own Isak: Aston Villa make contact to sign "terrifying" £51m star

Unai Emery might land his very own Alexander Isak if Aston Villa successfully pick up this potent striker.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jul 31, 2025

Arsenal’s transfer train shows no sign of stopping anytime soon.

Mikel Arteta’s side have burst into life in the last few weeks, and following the signings of Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga for a combined fee of £65m, they’ve announced the arrival of Christian Norgaard.

The Danish international has joined the Gunners from West London outfit Brentford for a fee of £15m including add-ons, and looks unlikely to be the only Scandinavian to move to the Emirates this summer, as talks for Viktor Gyokeres are said to be advanced.

However, while there is a lot to be excited about, some problems may also be brewing, with Arsenal closing in on a Premier League signing, which could be bad news for Ethan Nwaneri.

Arsenal target more Premier League stars

With the Gunners desperate to finally get over the line next season and win the Premier League, it makes sense for them to be targeting stars from the competition.

Transfer Focus

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

One of the names most heavily touted for a move to the club is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who’s reportedly already been subject to a £45m bid from the Gunners.

It’s not hard to understand why Arteta and Co would be so keen to sign the England international, as he fired the Eagles to FA Cup glory last season and racked up a tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances.

However, while signing the former QPR star appears to be something of a fan-pleasing no-brainer, the same cannot necessarily be said about the deal for Noni Madueke.

Yes, according to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are continuing in their quest to sign yet another Chelsea ace.

The reporter has revealed that a verbal agreement has been reached, and talks are proceeding according to plan between the two clubs. At the same time, the winger is awaiting an official agreement before undergoing his medical.

In terms of how much the 23-year-old is set to cost the Gunners, transfers expert Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday afternoon that they had made an official offer worth around £50m.

This is unlikely to be a popular deal among the Arsenal faithful, as while Madueke is a talented player, his arrival could be bad news for Nwaneri.

Why Madueke could be bad news for Nwaneri

While we can’t know exactly what is going on behind closed doors, much of the talk around Nwaneri over the last week or so has focused on the negotiations surrounding a new deal, which have supposedly not gone as well as Arsenal would have liked.

The reason given for this has more often than not been down to him asking for guarantees around game time, and this is the main reason Madueke’s arrival could be bad news for him.

For example, even though the Chelsea star is left-footed, he is first and foremost a right-winger and considering the offer the Gunners have already made for him, he’d likely become the first backup for Bukayo Saka.

Therefore, with just one signing, the Hale End prospect could see his minutes decimated, as while he can play in midfield, his most played position last season was right wing, and it wasn’t even close.

Finally, even though some fans may not be happy with the club signing yet another Chelsea player, there are elements to the Barnet-born winger’s game that could explain the Gunners’ interest and why he’d likely start ahead of the 18-year-old.

Progressive Carries

6.82

Top 1%

Carries into Penalty Area

4.12

Top 1%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.04

Top 4%

Touches (Att Pen)

8.15

Top 4%

Non-Penalty xG

0.43

Top 6%

Shots Total

3.54

Top 7%

Progressive Carrying Distance

154.28

Top 7%

Shots on Target

1.33

Top 8%

For example, FBref ranked him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and carries into the penalty area, while also ranking him in the top 7% for total progressive carrying distance, all per 90.

These statistics help to demonstrate that the “fearless” phenom, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is a carrying machine.

Add to that the fact he scored ten goals and provided five assists in 2305 minutes of action across the Premier League and Conference League proper last term, and it’s easy to see how he could be useful for Arteta and Co.

Ultimately, while large sections of the fan base might not be on board with this signing, Madueke would likely add more quality to the squad; however, his arrival could come at Nwaneri’s expense.

Saka's dream CAM: Arsenal submit bid for £45m superstar & it's not Madueke

The experienced international could be a game-changer for Arsenal and Bukayo Saka.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 10, 2025

Arsenal hold a concrete interest in an “unbelievable” Cristhian Mosquera alternative, and they have now made an approach over a potential deal, according to reporter Sami Mokbel.

Gunners identify Mosquera as main centre-back target

Mikel Arteta is blessed with having a top-quality centre-back duo at his disposal, with Jamie Carragher heaping praise upon William Saliba and Gabriel last season, suggesting the defenders complement each other.

Speaking about Saliba, the Sky Sports pundit said: “I think he is one of the top centre-backs in European football. As a partnership, him and Gabriel is as good as anything in the Premier League.

“I think Saliba is the better player but Gabriel is the better leader, and Saliba needs to bring that to his game if he wants to get to the levels we talk about with Virgil van Dijk.”

Saka will love him: Arsenal agree initial fee to sign £60m "monster"

Arsenal could be growing closer to signing a new striker.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 29, 2025

However, with Gabriel absent through injury during the back end of the campaign, Arteta was left a little short on options, with Jakub Kiwior filling in, suggesting it could be savvy to bring in additional strength in depth at centre-back this summer.

Mosquera has emerged as Arteta’s main target to come in as a back-up option for Gabriel and Saliba, with the Gunners expected to make a bid for the 21-year-old, however, they have now made a move for an alternative option.

That is according to Mokbel, in a report for BBC Sport, with the reporter stating Arsenal have now made an approach to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is expected to be available for a fee in the region of £40m this summer.

The north Londoners hold a concrete interest in Guehi, having made an initial enquiry, but their interest may have cooled, having now turned their attentions to Mosquera.

Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United also retain an interest in the Palace captain, so it could be difficult to get a deal over the line, should the Gunners decide to launch a move.

Guehi could be better-suited to Arsenal than Mosquera

It remains to be seen whether the England international would be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, given that it would be difficult to force his way into the starting XI, but there are signs he could be a more suitable addition to the squad than Mosquera.

Crucially, the Palace star already has experience in the Premier League, having been a key player for the Eagles for a number of years, while he has also outperformed the Valencia defender across some key defensive metrics over the past year.

Average per 90

Cristhian Mosquera

Marc Guehi

Tackles

1.52

1.79

Blocks

1.0

1.62

Clearances

3.47

4.80

Aerials won

1.11

2.0

Lauded as “unbelievable” by members of the media, Guehi could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, but a move for an established centre-back could cause unrest if it means Gabriel or Saliba receive less game time.

Manchester United fell by the wayside last season, but the early readings from the summer transfer market suggest Ruben Amorim and INEOS are doing all they can to lift Old Trafford back to its feet.

With sights set on driving their way back into the Premier League ascendancy next year, getting their foot back through the European door, the Red Devils acted swiftly to activate Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause, and that’s despite interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The prestigious outfit needs new goalscoring superstars, and Cunha will certainly add to that department. However, United are also pushing to sign another who could become their new talisman.

And all this before they even sign a striker.

Man Utd still leading race for Premier League star

It’s safe to say that the ongoing transfer window has all been about attacking additions for United. After a move for Cunha was completed, Jason Wilcox and Co have turned their attention to the likes of Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports.

However, while Gyokeres would allegedly favour a move to Arsenal instead of Old Trafford, that’s not the same story for another of football’s brightest forward players.

As per TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with Bournemouth for the transfer of Antoine Semenyo. Why is this relevant? Well, because Spurs also have a vested interest in Bryan Mbeumo having appointed the winger’s former boss, Thomas Frank, as their new manager.

Mbeumo, 25, has been immense for Brentford and is a wanted man. With Frank heading to Spurs, there were fears that he may not sign for United now, but as with Cunha, his preference is still to move to the Theatre of Dreams.

United have already seen an opening offer worth £55m rejected, and are expected to go back in for the Cameroonian with Fabrizio Romano revealing that there is an ‘agreement with the player in place’ on personal terms.

Why Bryan Mbeumo could be Man Utd's answer to Salah

Mbeumo did rather well across the recently finished campaign, only outscored in the Premier League by Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland – not bad competition to be pitted against.

1.

Mohamed Salah

38

29

2.

Alexander Isak

34

23

3.

Erling Haaland

31

22

4.

Chris Wood

36

20

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

38

20

It certainly makes a convincing comment on Mbeumo’s skillset, not least because he, like Liverpool’s Salah, is a right-sided, left-footed forward, not technically a striker.

In fact, Mbeumo has been described as a “mini Salah” by talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy, arcing inward to curl powerful strikes into the back of the net.

Anfield’s Egyptian King has so often been a thorn in United’s side, but in Mbeumo they might just find their own version, one whose prowess could inflict damage not just on Liverpool but the division at large, having ranked among the top 2% of positional peers in the English top flight in 2024/25 for goals scored per 90, as per FBref.

Moreover, Mbeumo isn’t just a sharpshooter, and would instead dynamise the Red Devils and raise their creative bar through his skilled performances, having created 17 big chances last season, averaging 1.8 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.

Playmaking has increasingly become a defining part of the 33-year-old Salah’s game as his athleticism drips away, and so it’s good to know that Mbeumo already plays with a natural focus on linking play together and helping his team in that regard.

Mbeumo has performed with gamely courage and a confidence in his high-level quality. He’s only 25, which, coincidentally, was the age Salah was when he joined Liverpool from Roma for £34m in 2017.

It’s clear that Man United need to forge ahead with this exciting signing. Mbeumo wants the move and has the English experience to lift the club and propel Amorim toward greener pastures.

Better than Ekitike: Man Utd open talks to sign "the best ST on the market"

Manchester United could be edging closer to ending their hunt for a new striker this summer.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 16, 2025

Leeds United have now made contact over a deal for a £17m-rated striker, who is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri.

Leeds eyeing new striker amid Piroe doubts

Joel Piroe was the Championship’s top scorer last season, finishing the campaign with 19 goals, however, the Whites have doubts over the forward in the top flight. Former Arsenal man Alan Smith has also expressed concerns about whether Piroe will be able to cut it in the Premier League.

Smith said: “You look at who’s scoring the goals last season for Leeds, like Dan James, and Joel Piroe, the Dutchman.

“Are these boys going to be good enough for the Premier League? James has already had a crack at it, and it’s not really worked, so I think Leeds still need more players.”

Smith also expressed his concern over the potential signing of Callum Wilson, given his age and injury record, but Daniel Farke’s side are now looking at signing a younger centre-forward, albeit with less experience at the top level.

According to Tavolieri, in a report for Sky Sports on Monday, Leeds have now been in contact to explore the possibility of a deal for Norwich City striker Josh Sargent, having deemed bringing in a new centre-forward a priority this summer.

£50,000-a-week Leeds star unhappy with offer as new contract talks stall

Leeds are now looking to tie down one of their key players from the 2024/25 season, but talks are stalling.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jun 9, 2025

It could take a bid of up to €20m (£17m) to prise Sargent away from Norwich, however, and he is not the only striker on the shortlist, with Everton’s Beto also of interest to the Championship winners.

In talks with his entourage, the Norwich forward has made it clear he would be keen on a move to the Premier League, which means a move to Elland Road could be of great appeal to the 25-year-old.

"Exceptional" Sargent impressing in the Championship

Smith has doubts about whether Piroe will be able to make the step-up to the Premier League, but the American is also relatively unproven above the Championship, having scored just two goals in 26 games in his previous stint in the top flight back in 2021-22.

However, there are signs the Missouri-born striker has developed considerably since then, having scored a combined 44 goals in his past three Championship campaigns, most recently collecting 20 goal contributions in 32 appearances.

Lauded as “exceptional” by members of the media, Sargent may deserve another chance to prove himself at Premier League level, and Wilson’s very poor injury record could make the USA international a preferable option to the Englishman.

Season

Wilson games missed

2020-21

18

2021-22

30

2022-23

9

2023-24

28

2024-25

29

That said, it seems a little harsh to suggest Piroe won’t be able to adapt to life in the Premier League, and the Dutchman has earned the chance to lead the line in the top flight with his impressive performances ever since arriving from Swansea City.

Chelsea’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens failed to materialise before Tuesday’s transfer deadline prior to the Club World Cup. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that ‘negotiations will continue’ later in the summer, but it is unclear if a deal will be agreed with the Englishman’s current side.

Thus, the Blues might turn their attention to other options out wide, with Enzo Maresca clearly eying up a new winger this summer. One of the names on their list appears to be Alejandro Garnacho, with Chelsea ‘monitoring’ his situation at Old Trafford. He could cost upwards of £70m, as per The Telegraph.

However, there is an alternative name to Garnacho and Gittens, who might prove to be a better option than the Argentine international.

Latest on Chelsea's search for a winger

Chelsea’s summer transfer plan is clear and quite similar to previous windows under Todd Boehly. Buy young, talented players with a high ceiling who can impact now and in the future. That is certainly a policy that Gittens and Garnacho fit into.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, so does Athletic Club and Spain attacker Nico Williams, a player Chelsea have been constantly linked with. Those rumours are not going away, with one Spanish outlet suggesting the West Londoners are one of the sides ‘courting’ him this summer, and could line up a move.

They will face competition from other powerhouses of European football, too. One of those is London rival Arsenal, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich also showing strong interest.

The 22-year-old has a £49m release clause in his deal, meaning Chelsea, or indeed any other side interested, would have to pay that fee to bring him in.

Why Williams would be a good signing

It has proved to be yet another strong campaign for Williams. He maintained his starting spot in the Spain side over the most recent international break, showing just how good his form has been in 2024/25. He is an “electric” player, according to Statman Dave.

For Los Leones in all competitions last term, the 22-year-old attacker played 45 games, finding the back of the net 11 times and grabbing seven assists in that time. The winger mainly played on the left, although he did operate on the right-hand side twice.

Williams’ standout form surely came in the Europa League, a competition in which his side reached the semi-final before losing to Manchester United. The Spaniard scored five goals and assisted two in their run to the penultimate stage, including one strike against Rangers in the quarter-final.

The Spain international, who was born in Pamplona, had a far more fruitful season than Garnacho when it comes to goals and assists.

He notched up ten top-flight goal involvements and seven in Europe, compared to eight in the Premier League and five in the Europa League for the Man United number 17.

Indeed, Garnacho did finish the season with an impressive tally of 21 goals and assists, although he did struggle for consistency in the Premier League and Europa League.

At one stage, he went 16 Premier League games without scoring or assisting, a drought that was broken by a goal against Leicester City.

Looking at the underlying numbers on FBref, there is further data to suggest Williams is better than Garnacho. For example, the Spaniard averages 5.29 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, compared to the United winger’s 3.63 shot-creating actions each game, illustrating the greater threat he poses in the final third.

Goals and assists

0.52

0.37

Key passes

2.05

1.68

Shot-creating actions

5.29

3.63

Goal-creating actions

0.61

0.37

Take-ons completed

3.43

1.31

For a player of that quality, a deal of £49m seems a bargain for Chelsea this summer. He is, at this stage, outperforming Garnacho, as the stats suggest, and could prove to be the perfect signing if they miss out on Gittens.

Chelsea’s transfer plan this summer is clear, and Williams fits the bill perfectly. He could be a superb addition for the Blues as they look to rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

Maresca's own Wirtz: Chelsea want "world-class" £100m star after Gittens

Chelsea could be about to make a move for a player who could emulate Florian Wirtz’s switch to England.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 11, 2025

Sunderland now look set to sell an “excellent” player on the cheap in the summer transfer window, following a significant new update.

Sunderland prepare for Premier League amid Bellingham uncertainty

The Black Cats are preparing for life back in the Premier League, and while focus has been on new signings, trying to persuade Jobe Bellingham to stay put has also been at the top of their list of priorities.

The 19-year-old has been weighing up his future in recent weeks, with Sunderland no doubt hoping he will decide to stay on after Regis Le Bris’ side’s memorable playoff wins over Coventry and Sheffield United.

Despite this, it has always felt as though the teenage midfielder is still more likely move on, though, with the Borussia Dortmund seen as the likely destination.

Fabrizio Romano has often reported that Sunderland won’t allow him to leave for less than his £34m release clause, but now a new update has emerged regarding his future.

Bellingham set to leave on the cheap

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Bellingham has chosen to leave Sunderland for Dortmund, exiting for nearly £10m less than the Black Cats hoped and joining for £25m instead.

It is such a shame to see Bellingham depart the Stadium of Light this summer, considering what an exciting young talent he is, but it is no great surprise at the same time. The Sunderland ace has no doubt been told by his brother about the path through Dortmund to stardom, as he looks to emulate him and become a world class player over time.

Bellingham will be remembered as a key man in the Black Cats’ unforgettable promotion campaign, though, being hailed as “excellent” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Hopefully, Sunderland can now use the funds received for Bellingham wisely, bringing in either one big-name addition or a couple of good players to bolster Le Bris’ squad.

Sunderland now looking "increasingly likely" to sign ex-PSG defender

Regis Le Bris wants to snap him up.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 3, 2025

Black Cats supporters are unlikely to wish any ill of the Englishman, with his exit feeling rather predictable, and it’s now a case of moving on without him, ensuring his departure doesn’t affect them too badly.

Everton are believed to be “ready to make their move” to complete the signing of a young midfielder in the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

Moyes expecting busy summer at Everton

David Moyes has come in and impressively steered the Blues comfortably clear of the Premier League relegation zone this season, with a move to Bramley Moore Dock happening this summer.

It is vital that Everton enjoy a productive transfer window ahead of next season, ensuring yet another relegation battle is avoided, and Moyes has spoken positively to talkSPORT about how busy he expects the summer to be.

This will be music to the ears of Everton supporters, who will hope to see some top-quality players arrive on Merseyside, and now a new transfer rumour has emerged.

Everton "ready" to move for 21 year-old midfielder

According to a new report from Wiw Sport [via Sport Witness], Everton are battling Brighton to sign Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra this summer. The Blues are “ready to make their move” and “working to secure” the services of the 21-year-old, who is valued at £17m by his current club.

Diarra is exactly the type of player Everton should be targeting in the summer window, in terms of being a youngster with plenty of long-term potential to grow into a world class player at their new Bramley Moore home.

The four-cap Senegal international has four goals and five assists to his name in Ligue 1 this season, invariably operating as an attacking midfielder, but he is also capable of shining deeper and even as a centre forward, which is perhaps why scout Jacek Kulig has described him as an “excellent” footballer.

Abdoulaye Doucouré could leave Everton this summer, and Diarra could be a perfect replacement if he can refine the off-ball parts of his game over time.

Appearances

29

Starts

27

Minutes played

2340

Goals

4

Assists

5

Clearances per game

1.4

Tackles per game

0.8

Pass completion rate

86.6%

Granted, he is more attack-minded, but his versatility means Moyes could use him in several different ways, and he should only become more formidable as the years pass.