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Liverpool could only draw against Crystal Palace to close their 2024/25 Premier League campaign. Oh well. Arne Slot’s side could be afforded a loosening of standards after such dominance for the lion’s share of the year.

No one gave the Reds a shot, but they scored the biggest prize of them all in climbing back onto their perch by winning their 20th top-flight title, levelling with beleaguered rivals Manchester United in the all-time standings.

It’s been an unrelenting year, and it’s understandable that the hosts would struggle to impose themselves against Palace, the FA Cup champions, with Mohamed Salah lashing home from close range late on to close his extraordinary term.

However, there’s no denying Liverpool have faltered since sealing the trophy, claiming only two points from a possible 12. Now, it’s all about rest and recovery across the summer months, before returning to defend their title and challenge across other fronts next season.

Sadly, the champions will be forced to begin their second season under Slot’s wing without Ryan Gravenberch in the squad, for he was sent off before the hour mark.

Why Ryan Gravenberch was sent off

On Saturday, Gravenberch was crowned the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season, having risen from middling ranks to become a superstar, an essential piece and the beating heart of Slot’s title-winning team.

He’s been brilliant all year, and maybe saved his biggest blunder for the denouement, hacking down Daichi Kamada and seeing the glare of the red card with Liverpool 1-0 down.

Consequently, the Netherlands international will serve a three-match suspension, missing the Community Shield against the Eagles and the first two fixtures of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

It’s a big blow, and any struggle for fluency in those early autumnal weeks will underline the scale of Gravenberch’s role in Slot’s system, with The Athletic’s James Pearce hailing him for being “so effective and influential” for the title winners.

There’s another member of Sunday’s starting line-up who may not find himself in the starting line-up quite so often next year, and it’s not for any disciplinary reason.

Indeed, Andy Robertson showed against Oliver Glasner’s side why Slot and FSG are so keen to replace him in the transfer market this summer.

Andy Robertson showed why he should be axed

Robertson has been at Liverpool since joining from Hull City in a £10m package way back in 2017, with few beyond Anfield Road aware that FSG had snagged themselves a bargain.

Against Crystal Palace, the 31-year-old played his 342nd match for the club, but there’s no question he lacks his one-time athleticism and electricity.

It wasn’t a great display by any stretch, but the Liverpool ECHO’s Ian Doyle did give him a match rating of 6/10, noting he was ‘steady if unspectacular’.

However, the data suggests he left plenty to be desired.

It wasn’t the most efficient day at the office for the Scotland skipper, whose creative skills were blunted and whose defensive application yielded rotten results. Robertson failed to find his man with any of his seven attempted crosses, lost all four duels and couldn’t create a single key pass despite losing the ball 17 times.

Palace’s low block was strong and secure, but Robertson’s errant efforts to breach the defences came to nought, and with Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving for Real Madrid this summer, there’s every reason for Slot to push for a new left-back, one who could offer some increased attacking output.

Next year, there will likely be a spot in the first-team squad for Robertson, who has given Liverpool so much, but it would be to the detriment of this budding project to go again with him in the first-choice position. A new man is needed to take the baton.

And that man might just be Milos Kerkez, with Fabrizio Romano confirming talks are underway as the Reds seek out a long-term replacement.

Bournemouth’s Kerkez has been one of the Premier League’s biggest breakout successes this season, praised for his “absolutely exceptional” efforts by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley.

Still only 21, he’d set Liverpool’s left-back berth up for many seasons, should he sign this summer.

Though Robertson, who is out of contract at the end of next season, hopes to play a role through Slot’s second season and maybe even beyond, it’s clear Kerkez has the capacity to nestle right into a prominent position from the get-go.

Liverpool are on the up, all right, and though Robertson is clearly past his best, he’s played an instrumental role in securing another Premier League title.

However, sentiments aside, the veteran’s performance against Crystal Palace illustrated exactly why an upgrade is needed if Liverpool are to go from strength to strength next term.

Liverpool are brewing their own version of Wirtz in "fearless" academy star

Liverpool could do with an academy sensation breaking into Arne Slot’s senior squad.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 24, 2025

Mohamed Salah is a player who’s exceeded all expectations at Liverpool Football Club, taking the club to new heights in the eight years he’s spent at the club.

The Egyptian joined the Reds in a £34m deal from Roma back in the summer of 2017 and has since registered over 400 appearances, breaking all sorts of records along the way.

He notched a total of 29 goals and 18 assists in his 38 Premier League outings, matching the record for the most combined goal contributions – highlighting his impact within the final third.

The 2024/25 campaign was the fourth time the 32-year-old had claimed the division’s Golden Boot award, with his efforts undoubtedly leading Arne Slot’s side to title glory.

However, many other attackers on the books have struggled to make a similar impact at Anfield, with the manager needing to delve into the transfer market as a result.

Liverpool’s deals to land new attackers over recent years

The likes of Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez and Luis Diaz have all been signed by Liverpool in the last couple of seasons, costing a pretty penny in the process.

The trio have set the hierarchy back around £180m, but have struggled to deliver to the same level as Salah – scoring just 28 between them, lower than the Egyptian managed alone.

All three of the players have been linked with a switch away from Merseyside over the summer months, showcasing how much they’ve struggled to deliver on a consistent basis.

Saudi Arabia, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have been touted as possible destinations for the current Reds attackers, but it’s unclear if the hierarchy would be willing to allow them all to leave.

However, if they were to leave the club, it would provide vital funds for Slot to land targets he wants to improve the side, leading to noise about potential additions.

The player who could be Liverpool’s best attacker since Salah

In recent days, Florian Wirtz has been labelled as a potential addition for Liverpool, with talks already being held to land the 22-year-old attacking midfielder.

The Bayer Leverkusen star has impressed throughout 2024/25, registering 30 combined goals and assists, with Bayern Munich also interested in his signature this summer.

However, it’s been claimed that the youngster only wants a switch to Anfield this summer, potentially linking up with current teammate Jeremie Frimpong in the process.

Despite the links to Wirtz, the Reds have also been linked with a move for Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez over the last few weeks, with a real emphasis on improving the club’s front line.

The Argentine has also impressed massively this campaign, registering 36 combined goals and assists, offering a versatile option that can play right across Slot’s frontline.

He only joined the LaLiga outfit from Manchester City last summer, but could be on the move again, should any side agree to pay his lofty £126m release clause during the off-season.

Alvarez, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one journalist, has enjoyed the best year of his career, helping Diego Simeone’s side register a third-placed finish in Spain’s top-flight.

When delving into his underlying stats, he’s outperformed current Liverpool stars Gakpo, Diaz and Nunez, whilst also being a better option than Wirtz for the Reds.

He’s registered the most combined goal contributions, handing Slot the added dimension in attacking areas to give the side the best chance of retaining their title.

Alvarez has also managed a higher shot on target rate than the quartet, showcasing the clinical edge that he could provide the squad in 2025/26 should he complete a switch to Merseyside.

The £105m fee mooted for his services is certainly a huge investment, but one that could allow him to follow in the footsteps of Salah and become a fan-favourite under Slot.

If he gets anywhere near close to the levels produced by the Egyptian, he will be a sensational signing, one that would allow Slot to have another deadly attacker at his disposal ahead of next season.

Slot's answer to Huijsen: Liverpool enquire about signing £74m "freak"

Liverpool would consider signing a centre-back this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 28, 2025

Leeds United fans will be praying Daniel Farke can be the manager in the Elland Road dug-out to consolidate the Whites as a Premier League regular again, but they won’t be holding their breath.

After all, there was even talk this off-season that the German could reportedly be relieved of his duties, with his worrying track record in the top division – as seen in his one relegation with former side Norwich City – meaning he could be in too deep on his return again.

The Whites hierarchy have admirably stuck by the promotion-winning expert, though, with a barrage of transfers now needed to give the ex-Canaries boss his best chance at remaining put in the Premier League with his current employers.

Leeds now targeting £10m-rated ace

Whilst the West Yorkshire titans would storm to the Championship title with a club-record 100 points, improvements need to be made all over the pitch to make the gulf in quality feel less stark.

Already, Farke and Co. have been linked with moves for Emiliano Buendia, Tammy Abraham and Kalvin Phillips to significantly bolster their squad, but it’s in the goalkeeper department where the Whites are crying out for their most pressing upgrade.

It has now been widely reported that Illan Meslier will be ditched as Leeds’ first-choice stopper in the big time after one too many error-strewn performances in the second-tier, with the Daily Mail Online following this up with a report that Newcastle United ‘keeper Nick Pope is now on their agenda as they hunt down a new number one.

With a move for Caoimhin Kelleher also falling by the wayside, Pope could be the next best thing for Farke’s men, with the Magpies perhaps now ready to offload their £10m-rated figure amidst interest in Burnley’s James Trafford.

Why signing Pope is a must for Leeds

With Phillips available for around the same £10m price tag, it could end up being a toss-up between Pope and the former fan favourite.

Well, when assessing which transfer is most needed, it’s a no-brainer that Leeds must prioritise picking up the 6-foot-6 ‘keeper over a sentimental Elland Road return for the midfielder.

Transfer Focus

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

Leeds could well look a little light on their feet centrally when making the step-up, with Joe Rothwell returning back to parent side AFC Bournemouth this summer, but the Whites are in dire need of a solid pair of hands in between the sticks over urgently requiring any midfield additions.

After all, away from Meslier nearly costing his team dear last campaign with three errors directly leading to goals, the ex-Lorient stopper has struggled in the intense environment of the Premier League previously.

The table above highlights the 25-year-old’s struggles in the big time compared to the more comfortable Pope, with Meslier only keeping a meagre 21 clean sheets from 107 top-flight outings next to the Magpies’ number 22 collecting a sturdier 73.

Away from just their clean sheet numbers, Pope has also shown he can cut it at the level over a prolonged time, even as Eddie Howe and Co’s aspirations have changed from being a middle of the road outfit to a Champions League challenger, with a bumper 86 wins sticking out from his 221 Premier League clashes and counting.

Therefore, the “phenomenal” Pope – as he’s been previously praised by ex-Toon goalkeeping great Shay Given – would easily displace Meslier on his arrival to West Yorkshire.

Whereas, it’s not a given that Phillips would be able to shake up things centrally, with faces such as Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev likely getting the immediate nod over the Manchester City flop.

Having already suffered a relegation with the Whites too, it just feels like Leeds would be sleepwalking into another disaster if Meslier were kept in between the sticks.

Whereas, with the 33-year-old coming in as the new number one instead, the confidence levels would be increased that Farke and Co. could put up a stern fight to beat the drop.

A bigger coup than Buendia: Leeds looking to sign "exceptional" £10m star

Leeds United would pull off a bigger coup than landing Emiliano Buendia by signing this exceptional midfielder.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 1, 2025

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be chasing Club World Cup glory, but he certainly isn’t taking his eye off the ball regarding potential signings.

Defender Tomas Araujo has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. Elsewhere, Jamie Gittens is a major attacking target, and the Blues are keen to wrap up a deal for him sooner rather than later.

Add in the fact that Maresca has already signed Liam Delap, it suggests that the manager is plotting an overhaul this summer.

Hugo Ekitiké is another key target, and with Manchester United revving up interest in the young striker, now could be the time to act.

Latest on Chelsea's pursuit Hugo Ekitiké

Despite being one of the Blues’ top transfer targets, it now appears that the Red Devils are looking to secure his signature this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

With a reported price tag of €100m (£85m), it is a significant outlay for the Blues as they seek to bolster their attacking options.

Last season, the Frenchman scored 22 goals and grabbed 12 assists, emerging as one of the most sought-after talents on the continent.

The striker would compete with Delap and Nicolas Jackson for a role in the team should he move to London, but for the price, Maresca will be determined to use him as his main option.

That said, could he perhaps make a move for another youngster this summer instead? Especially as a player who was on the club’s radar previously looks set to leave their current club.

Why Chelsea should reignite a move for Jhon Duran

The Colombian striker was close to a move to Stamford Bridge last summer, but ultimately decided to stay with Villa.

Unai Emery couldn’t turn down an offer of around £65m for the talented hitman, however, and he made his move to the Middle East in January.

According to reports from Saudi Arabia (as per the Metro), Duran could be set to leave Al-Nassr in the summer, with the chance there for Chelsea – among other suitors – to reignite a move for the player. It is said that unnamed clubs have expressed interest in signing him on loan, should the chance of an exit emerge.

While Ekitiké shone in the Bundesliga for Frankfurt last term, is there a case to be made that Duran is the bigger talent?

When comparing the two strikers via FBref, Duran not only registered more shots per 90 (4.26 vs 4) than Ekitiké last term, but he also recorded more shots on target (1.92 vs 1.55) per 90 and won a higher percentage of aerial duels (50% vs 46.8%) domestically last season.

Given the fact he is younger and has a potentially higher ceiling for growth, Duran – who already scored 12 goals in 55 Premier League games – could perhaps turn out to be the better striker for the club.

Following his excellent first half of the 2024/25 season at Villa, football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as a “monster in the making” and with 12 goals in 18 games for his new club, he is living up to that statement.

Maresca must be on high alert in the coming weeks if Duran is available, especially if he costs less than the £85m that has been demanded for Ekitike.

He may be a “maverick”, in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson, although unlike Ekitike, he has already proven himself in England’s top flight.

Free agent defender now "close to finalising" Chelsea move after talks

The west Londoners are pushing.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 13, 2025

Sunderland haven’t always found life in the Premier League to be the smoothest experience.

Indeed, the Black Cats have finished rock bottom of the top-flight pile a miserable total of three times, with Regis Le Bris now desperately hoping he won’t be another dire face added to the list of managers who have sunk the Wearside outfit.

Sunderland’s chances of immediately staying afloat have been negatively impacted by Jobe Bellingham’s expected departure to Borussia Dortmund officially going through, but new signings galore will certainly soften that blow.

The top-flight underdogs won’t just be hunting down midfielders to replace their teenage sensation, however, with one new potential defensive addition already being lined up that could see the Stadium of Light outfit land their next version of Patrick Van Aanholt.

Van Aanholt's memorable Sunderland stint

Now back in his native Netherlands to see out his career, the attack-minded left-back was previously a fan’s favourite on Wearside when the Black Cats were in the Premier League during the 2010s.

In total, Van Aanholt would go on to amass a hefty nine goals and ten assists for the regular Wearside strugglers from 95 appearances, before banking Sunderland a sturdy £14m in 2017 when moving onto Crystal Palace.

Le Bris will hope as his team embarks on their new Premier League adventure that they can be as daring as the Dutchman once was coming out from defence, with right-back Trai Hume already proving last season his gung-ho qualities when chipping in with three goals and six assists in league action.

To complement Hume’s forward-thinking approach on the right channel, the Black Cats could be about to welcome a modern iteration of Van Aanholt into the building, with this goal-and-assist-heavy Spaniard now tipped to join the newly promoted team’s ranks.

Sunderland targeting new Van Aanholt

Le Bris’ men are slightly light in the left-back department, with the Premier League new boys only having Dennis Cirkin and Leo Hjelde to call upon there.

To boost their numbers down the left-hand side, Sunderland could soon snap up the services of wantaway Aston Villa defender Alex Moreno, with reports from Spain filtering through that the Black Cats are keen on adding the left-back to their roster for only £5m. They aren’t alone in their interest, unfortunately, with fellow newly promoted side Burnley also eyeing him up.

Before being chucked out on loan to Nottingham Forest for more minutes, Moreno did operate as a useful bright spark for Unai Emery’s men, as seen in this delightful effort cannoning in when Villa plied their trade in the Conference League back in 2023.

That is just one of three goals the “sensational” ace – as he was once labelled glowingly by football journalist Charlie Haffenden – has managed to pick up for Villa, with his vast career beyond England also further affirming his eye for a goal and assist.

His defensive class has been evident too, after picking up a respectable seven clean sheets across his Premier League playing days to date.

In total, Moreno has collected a healthy 56 goal contributions across his varied career, meaning he could soon go on to be Sunderland’s second coming of Van Aanholt down the left, such is his front-foot approach. Like the Dutchman – whom the Black Cats signed from Chelsea – Moreno would also be arriving from a Premier League rival, should he move to Wearside.

It will be a tough ask for Sunderland to come out on top in the race for the experienced full-back’s services – with Leeds United also hunting down the 32-year-old’s in-demand signature – but it would be a real statement buy if they were successful.

After all, Van Aanholt was last regularly rampaging down the left at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland were a Premier League regular, with Moreno perhaps the sort of buy the Black Cats need to make to become a top-flight staple again.

Sky Sports: Sunderland now in direct contact to sign £17m Ligue 1 forward

The Black Cats are looking to continue their summer business.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 10, 2025

Glasgow Rangers made their first signing of the Russell Martin era last month when they confirmed the arrival of right-back Max Aarons on loan.

The former England U21 international will spend the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Ibrox, but Rangers do not have an option to make it permanent next summer, should they wish to.

Aarons will not be the last player to walk through the doors at Ibrox before the end of the summer transfer window, though, as Rangers are also in talks to sign Conor Coady to bolster their centre-back options.

The Scottish Premiership giants are also in the market to sign a new central midfielder, amid interest in Brazilian enforcer Metinho from Troyes.

Midfielder rejects clubs to sign for Rangers

There has not been any advance on their interest in Metinho as of yet, but the Gers are reportedly set to sign a new central midfielder from England.

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 Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam, 30-year-old Bournemouth midfielder Joe Rothwell has turned down offers from teams in LaLiga to sign for Rangers.

The reporter adds that the Scottish giants have agreed a deal with the Premier League side to sign the right-footed maestro on a permanent deal, for an undisclosed fee.

McAdams states that Rothwell’s contract with the Cherries is due to expire at the end of next season, and the Gers have taken advantage of that to swoop in to snap him up this summer.

Rangers have beat stiff competition from European sides, in Spain’s top-flight, to plan the midfielder, who could arrive as Martin’s own version of Glen Kamara, who played 193 times for the Ibrox giants.

Why Joe Rothwell could be Glen Kamara 2.0 for Rangers

The Gers sold Kamara to Leeds in the summer of 2023, and now they could finally find a new metronomic, classy, midfield operator by signing this Bournemouth ace.

Funnily enough, Rothwell was signed by the English side to replace the Finland international when he left Elland Road to join Rennes last year.

As you can see by their respective performances for Leeds at Championship level, Leeds landed a like-for-like replacement, as both players excel at progressing play and creating chances for their teammates with their immense passing quality.

The £15k-per-week star was described as a “pure baller” by manager Daniel Farke, and his statistics in the English second tier in the 2024/25 campaign back up that comment.

As you can see in the table above, Rothwell ranked very highly among his positional peers as a passer and as a creator in the Championship, which further backs up how similar he is to Kamara.

The English midfielder ended the season with 5.42 xA and four assists to his name in 24 league starts, which shows that he can create high-quality chances for his teammates at an impressive rate.

Kamara provided a calming presence in midfield with his ability to pass the ball, but the Finnish sensation also offered quality in the final third with a return of 11 assists in all competitions for the Gers.

Therefore, Rangers may have landed Martin his own version of the former Light Blues midfield maestro by winning the race ahead of European sides to sign Rothwell this summer.

Dream Raskin replacement: Rangers to ramp up move for "exciting" £4m star

Rangers are ready to step up their pursuit of a star who could be a replacement for Nicolas Raskin.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 1, 2025

The future of an “amazing” Manchester United player now looks set to be resolved, with a new update suggesting he is on the verge of leaving Old Trafford.

Lots of Man Utd departures on the cards

After a dire 2024/25 season at Old Trafford, wholesale changes are expected within Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils squad, with Matheus Cunha already arriving from Wolves.

While United supporters will understandably be focusing on the players who come in, a host of current stars are likely to depart before the new Premier League campaign gets underway, especially in wide attacking areas.

Marcus Rashford’s name immediately springs to mind, with the 27-year-old’s Red Devils career set to reach a sad conclusion after a sustained period of poor form. He continues to be mentioned as an option for Barcelona, with a loan move to the Catalan giants mooted.

He is far from the only United attacker who is expected to move on, though, with the likes of Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho all highly likely to head off to pastures new. Now, an important update has emerged regarding one of those players.

£20m+ agreement reached for Man Utd attacker to leave

According to a fresh update from Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Manchester United have now reached an agreement over the exit of Sancho to Juventus this summer.

The Englishman looks set to leave in a £20m+ deal, having made it clear that he wants a fresh challenge, and previous claims have said Amorim also doesn’t want him at the club any longer. Sancho has also accepted a contract offer from the Italian giants worth more than £5m a season.

Selling Sancho this summer is a no-brainer for United, even though the 25-year-old is clearly a player with bags of talent, having been hailed as “amazing” by Ian Wright during his loan spell at Chelsea last season, and lauded by Blues manager Enzo Maresca.

“Jadon is doing well. He needs to continue in the same way; work hard, every day. As I’ve said before, for sure he is going to help us. We really believe that he is a special player. But the only way for him to confirm that is by working hard every day and never be happy and always be ambitious. He needs to want more and more and more.”

Sancho’s move to United simply hasn’t worked out, though, with just 12 goals and six assists to his name in 83 appearances, and it makes complete sense for them to cash in at this point, using the money to find a superior option.

A Hojlund & Osimhen hybrid: Man Utd enter talks for "world-class" £44m CF

Manchester United appear to be making moves to land a key target for Ruben Amorim this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 12, 2025

The fact that Amorim sees no future for the England international is the final nail in the coffin for him, and while he may go to Juventus and excel, as he did abroad with Borussia Dortmund in the past, the United boss will feel he is making the right decision.

Having already set their sights on Mohammed Kudus, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly targeting a move worth £35m to sign a goalscoring midfielder ahead of Manchester United.

Tottenham readying second Kudus bid

The Lilywhites are wasting no time in pursuit of West Ham United’s Kudus. After the Hammers reportedly rejected their opening offer, those in North London are reportedly already readying a second bid. This time, they’ll have to table more than £50m, but with the winger keen on the move, Spurs will hope to get their second deal of the summer over the line.

Even if Kudus does join Matthys Tel on Spurs’ list of incomings, however, Daniel Levy still has plenty of work to get done if Thomas Frank is to avoid the same fate as Ange Postecoglou.

With that said, the Lilywhites have also reportedly set their sights on the likes of Daizen Maeda and even Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries. The latter would particularly stand out as an excellent addition following his role as Inter reached the Champions League final last season. Compared to current options, the Dutchman would add plenty of competition.

Up against Pedro Porro for a starting role, Dumfries would likely hand Frank quite the selection headache and although any reports remain at an early stage, he could be one to watch.

Frank's own Vertonghen: Spurs make enquiry for "unreal" £21m CB

Tottenham need to sign a new defender or two this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 5, 2025

The same can be said about another impressive star too, who has also found himself on Spurs’ radar as they look to kick on with their summer business.

Tottenham now targeting Orkun Kokcu swoop

As reported by Caught Offside, Tottenham are now targeting a move to sign Orkun Kokcu in a summer swoop which will cost just €40m (£35m) if they push on and secure a deal ahead of Manchester United.

The Benfica man is at the peak of his powers at 24 years old and is attracting plenty of attention as a result. Having scored an impressive 12 goals and created a further 11 assists from midfield in all competitions last season, to say that he would hand Spurs a much-needed threat in the middle of the park would be an understatement.

U23 scout Antonio Mango was full of praise for Kokcu back in 2022, describing him as a “great midfielder” with “brilliant ball control”, and he has only kicked on since swapping Feyenoord for Benfica two summers ago.

Whether the Turkish international opts to make it a third season in Portugal is the unanswered question. Kokcu certainly has the ability to step into the Premier League and Spurs would be landing a bargain deal if they secure his signature for just £35m.

Arsenal are poised to negotiate contract terms with a target after reaching a club-to-club agreement on his transfer fee, with sporting director Andrea Berta closing in on another potential incoming.

International captain approves Arsenal exit with talks planned in coming days

The Gunners need to balance out their squad.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 17, 2025

The north Londoners have been very active this summer, already sealing deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera.

Madueke signed his Arsenal contract earlier this week, valid until 2030 (Fabrizio Romano), and he’s joined by Mosquera after Arsenal shook hands on a deal with Valencia to sign the 21-year-old for an initial £13 million, which could rise to £17 million through add-ons.

Arsenal are also finalising a transfer for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, following their agreement in principle with Sporting earlier this week, and reports still surround a potential Berta swoop for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.

They’ve maintained interest in other high-profile left-wingers as well (Ben Jacobs), despite their move for Madueke, so we can expect Arsenal to maintain their busy charge to sign fresh additions before the new Premier League season kicks off next month.

Arsenal to discuss personal terms with Will Wright after fee agreed

Earlier this week, it was reported that Arsenal appear to have won the race to sign highly-rated Salford City striker Will Wright as well (The Sun).

The Gunners made an offer of around £250,000 to sign Wright, plus hefty add-ons, beating Liverpool’s £100,000 bid, and the likelihood is that Arsenal will soon welcome the Englishman to N5.

The teenage sensation, who’s been on fire in pre-season with four goals in three games, was handed his senior debut by Salford last season and featured against Man City in the FA Cup – highlighting just how rated he really is at the Peninsula Stadium.

The Mail and journalist Simon Jones provide an update on Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of the forward, and they report that Arsenal are now set to discuss terms with Wright in the coming days after agreeing his fee – which they report to be north of £200,000.

If all goes to plan, the 17-year-old will be another Arsenal signing of the summer, after he left scouts impressed with his pre-season performances.

Cristiano Ronaldo was less than impressed when a star-struck fan rushed over to take a selfie with him at Portugal's team hotel.

• Ronaldo shoved fan away
• His entrance was met by screams of 'Cristiano!'
• Portugal face Armenia in World Cup qualifier at 17:00 BST

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ronaldo shoved the fan away as security intervened to stop the man, who had rushed over to take a selfie with the Portugal superstar on his arrival, with footage of the incident going viral on social media. The sight of the 40-year-old was met with screams of 'Cristiano!' from other supporters. According to O Jogo, Ronaldo wasn't happy with the situation and told the fan to "get out of here." Portugal face Armenia in their World Cup qualification fixture at 17:00 BST, with Ronaldo starting through the centre for Roberto Martinez's side.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While such interactions are unfortunately likely to be commonplace for a global star the size of Ronaldo, he will have been disappointed by how the fan was allowed to get to close up to him as he attempted to get in the zone ahead of the fixture with his national team. Security were slow to react to the situation, meaning Ronaldo ended up taking matters into his own hands by shoving the intrusive fan away.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ronaldo will make his 222nd appearance for Portugal against Armenia, having scored 138 goals for his nation. The Al-Nassr captain and former Real Madrid and Manchester United icon will hope to compete at what is surely to be his last World Cup at the age of 41 next summer.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

  Ronaldo will hope to shine for his nation as they face Armenia and Hungary over the international break with the aim of securing qualification for the World Cup next summer. Should the Portuguese and Argentina star and long-time rival Lionel Messi both appear in the tournament, the pair would both break an all-time record by becoming the first ever players to compete in six World Cups. The pair are known as two of the greatest of all time for a reason.