All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United are fighting to climb up the Premier League table under Ruben Amorim, though they may now have an alternative ready to replace him at Old Trafford.

Man Utd given no excuses by Ruben Amorim

In a campaign where the Red Devils have shown both encouraging signs and vulnerability, it remains to be seen whether Amorim can guide his side to a steady run of results that can land them back in European competition next season.

Nevertheless, he pointed out before his side’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace that whether Manchester United are in continental action or not, winning is the only thing that matters to their supporters.

He said via The Mirror: “In our club it is the same thing because last year we had to win every game all the time and we took a lot of criticism because we are not winning.

“So in our club there is no excuses. About Europe, I’ve already talked about Europe and I said the same thing last year when we were still in Europe, and I say the same thing this year, the advantage and disadvantage of being in Europe so there is no excuses. Last year or this year, it’s always to win games.”

Undoubtedly, signings will be necessary to get Manchester United back on that level, and Conor Gallagher could head to Old Trafford for just £26 million in 2026 as they search for a midfield anchor amid Casemiro’s contract getting closer to expiry.

Either way, INEOS appear to have already planned ahead should Manchester United require a change in the dugout, in news that may come as a surprise to many supporters.

Man Utd line up former Barcelona manager Xavi

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are seriously considering hiring Xavi to replace Amorim as his experience in managing difficult situations, tactical framework and commitment to develop young talent aligns with their vision at Old Trafford.

Tottenham Hotspur are also pursuing the 45-year-old and for both clubs, it is said that the ex-Barcelona boss will be spoken to if results fail to improve in either high-profile environment.

Man Utd have unseen teenager who "looks better than half their first team"

Carrington has produced another gem.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 29, 2025

Favouring a 4-3-3 formation, Xavi won the La Liga title at Spotify Camp Nou in 2022/23 and was subsequently hailed as “the best manager in the world” by Barca president Joan Laporta. Meanwhile, he has also enjoyed success in Qatar, winning seven domestic trophies at Al-Sadd.

Intriguingly, he is ready for a return to coaching after over a year out of the hot seat, and the revered tactician is set to have his fair share of interest from clubs courting his services over the coming months. Taking notice, it remains to be seen if Manchester United decide he is the man to replace Amorim.

Baseballs were not happy with Shohei Ohtani after what he did during the bottom of the first inning of Wednesday's game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies.

Leading off against Rockies righthander German Marquez, Ohtani got a 1-2 knucklecurve right down broadway and absolutely crushed the ball, sending it to the back row of seats in the right-field bleachers at Dodger Stadium, almost completely out of the ballpark. The dinger, which was clubbed at 111 MPH and traveled 448 feet, tied the game at 1–1.

Here's the Dodgers star's impressive blast, courtesy of MLB's account on X.

Other baseballs saw what Ohtani did to their brethren and took action. Moments later, as the Dodgers star was sitting in the dugout, a foul ball came racing towards him and hit him on the back, to his astonishment.

Since the 2021 season, Ohtani has won three MVP awards. During that span, he ranks third in average exit velocity, second in hard-hit rate and has belted 183 home runs, second to only New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge.

It's no wonder that baseballs are plotting their revenge against Ohtani.

Arsenal are set for a very eventful first summer under Andrea Berta, with the north Londoners currently able to register players and take advantage of a mini-window which is open until June 10.

Arsenal set for "big" summer after failed title challenge

Mikel Arteta has already confessed that the Gunners are set to undergo a “big” summer of recruitment, and one he is “excited” about.

He's like Van Persie: Arsenal hold secret talks to sign "the new Haaland"

Arsenal could sign a similar striker to Robin van Persie this summer.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 2, 2025

Arsenal missed out on the Premier League title to Liverpool by a seismic 10 points, and struggled to match their goalscoring exploits of previous seasons whilst drawing more games than any other side in the top half.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

A combination of injuries and a failure to break sides down often enough resulted in Arteta’s side surrendering any prospect of a domestic crown to their Merseyside rivals, with Arsenal set to invest heavily in transfers as they bid to mount a more successful challenge for honours next term.

Arsenal have registered a net-spend of around £487 million on new signings since Arteta took charge in 2019, but there are still significant gaps in the squad which need to be addressed, perhaps most notably the absence of a prolific striker.

“It’s going to be a big one (summer) and we are very excited about it,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s summer window, when asked back in April.

“When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step. Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now that is necessary.

“But it’s a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.”

Arsenal already appear set to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and the Spaniard could be followed by either Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko (Sky Sports).

As well as this, Arsenal are chasing a new winger and back-up goalkeeper to David Raya.

Arsenal pull out of race to sign Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia

However, despite his credentials as a “powerful” and “exciting” shot-stopper (Ben Mattinson), it appears Arsenal are resigned to losing out on Espanyol star Joan Garcia.

Garcia is believed to be closing in on a move to Barcelona, with Berta and co seemingly dropping out of the race for his signature as a result.

That is according to journalist Carlos Monfort, who says that Arsenal don’t want to pay Garcia’s £21 million release clause and believe they have the goalkeeping position “covered”.

He adds that the 24-year-old was “on the verge of signing” for them last year.

Garcia has seriously impressed for Espanyol over their first campaign back in La Liga after winning promotion in 2023/2024, but it appears Barca are now the overwhelming favourites for his signature.

Another busy summer transfer window is expected at Chelsea.

Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s takeover of the club three years ago, as outlined by Ollie Hopkins of Opta’s the Analyst, the Blues have signed over 40 senior players, costing in excess of £1bn, but are unlikely to slow down their spending any time soon.

On the pitch, ahead of the final day of the Premier League season, Enzo Mareca’s side could still end up in any of UEFA’s three club competitions, requiring a victory over Nottingham Forest to secure Champions League qualification.

Meanwhile, in the background, are the Blues targeting one of the division’s best wide-forwards?

Chelsea targeting a big-money move

According to a report by Caught Offside, Chelsea are lining up a move to sign Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon, who they claim is valued at around £75m by the Magpies.

The outlet claims that they are considering a move to reignite their interest in the forward, whilst Arsenal and Liverpool are among the other Premier League teams eyeing up the English whiz.

Wayne Veysey of Football Insider also notes the England international is once again on Liverpool’s ‘radar’, with Mark Douglas of the i Paper documenting Arsenal’s interest too.

Nevertheless, Chelsea hold a long-standing interest in Gordon, making a £40m bid in the summer of 2022, six months before he moved to Newcastle from Everton instead, so could they be back in for him?

How Gordon would improve Chelsea's selection of wingers

Despite having plenty of options in that position, winger is certainly a position Maresca will want to strengthen this summer.

So, let’s assess how Gordon compares to the Blues’ existing selection of wide-forwards.

Appearances

33

36

31

30

34

Minutes

2,401

3,110

1,961

1,703

2,191

Goals

6

15

7

3

4

Assists

6

9

4

5

5

Shots on target %

28.6%

35.8%

38%

33.3%

29.8%

Progressive carries

118

118

150

100

123

Progressive passes

95

212

68

88

60

Shot-creating actions

100

200

78

68

89

Goal-creating actions

12

15

8

10

8

Big chances created

6

23

6

6

10

Big chances missed

10

14

14

3

1

Touches per 90

47

52

43

50

46

Average Sofascore Rating

7.05

7.64

7.04

6.97

7.04

As the table outlines, pretty much across the board, Cole Palmer’s statistics are the most impressive out of the quintet, despite the fact he has scored just one goal in all competitions since mid-January.

Nevertheless, when compared to Chelsea’s other wide-forwards, Gordon’s numbers are more favourable, specifically in terms of goals and assists, as well as progressive carries and shot-creating actions.

In total, Gordon has nine goals to his name this season, scoring 22 times in 105 appearances for the Magpies to date, and the Toon Army’s love and appreciation for him was made abundantly clear by a gigantic tifo, which was on display prior to September’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, in which he scored the equaliser from the penalty spot.

Ryan Benson of Opta’s the Analyst outlines how Gordon has become a ‘key player’ at Newcastle, praising ‘his work rate’ and tenacity alongside ‘his attacking output’, while Chris Waugh of the Athletic documents how his ‘versatility’ is a strength, while noting that ‘he is most effective playing as a left-sided forward’.

Meantime, Andreas Andersen describes him as a ‘direct winger’ who is ‘extremely quick and direct with… the ball’ at his feet.

Like the aforementioned Palmer, who came before, Gordon would be a wide-forward joining from a Premier League rival with a big price-tag, but he, too, could live up to the hype and elevate the Blues to the next level.

At just 24 years old, there is certainly room for Gordon to get better and better, underlining that he would be an excellent addition for Chelsea, even if a very expensive one.

Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea hold talks with ex-Man City ace in "big opportunity"

Chelsea’s interest is “concrete” and “genuine”.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 23, 2025

It is fair to say that for Chelsea this season, there has been a distinct lack of individual reliability in front of goal.

The Blues have seen their goals spread out fairly thin across the pitch, and whilst it is good to see a range of players finding the back of the net, it could also be seen as cause for concern.

As the stats show, the Blues have only had two players his double-figure Premier League goals. One of them is Cole Palmer, who has scored 15 times, and Nicolas Jackson the other, with ten goals.

With the summer transfer window almost upon us, it seems likely that the Blues will look to sign an attacker capable of hitting double figures, too.

Chelsea's latest attacking target

There does not seem to be a shortage of forwards Chelsea are linked with this summer, as BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella explained recently. He listed the likes of Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, and Victor Osimhen as targets.

Transfer Focus

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

However, a new report has broken from The Telegraph journalist Sam Dean, suggesting the Blues could move for Joao Pedro of Brighton and Hove Albion.

They are thought to be ‘showing interest’ in the Seagulls attacker and are one of the clubs ‘among the Brazilian’s admirers’.

The key phrase there is one of, because Chelsea will face competition for his signature. Dean reported that Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested in a move for Pedro. TEAMtalk recently noted that those interested in signing Pedro could have to pay £100m.

Why Pedro could be Chelsea's answer to Morgan Rogers

After a strong debut season down on the South Coast for Brighton, it has been another impressive campaign for Pedro. He has helped his side put themselves in contention for a European spot, with the season drawing to a close.

This term, the 23-year-old, who joined the Seagulls from Championship side Watford, has managed ten goals and six assists in 27 Premier League games so far. His minutes per goal involvement ratio is excellent, too.

He’s featured for 1,953 minutes, and averages a goal or assist every 122 minutes. As football scout Antonio Mango has previously described him, the Brazilian is “top class”.

The attacker has put in several significant performances this season and has scored against some of the biggest clubs in the top flight. He bagged a late winner against Manchester United at the start of the season, scored away to Arsenal and grabbed a goal and assist in a 2-1 win over Manchester City.

As such, Pedro could make the perfect alternative signing to another Chelsea target, Morgan Rogers. According to a report from GIVEMESPORT last week, they are ‘set to make contact’ with Aston Villa over a potential £90m move for the England star.

Well, just like Pedro, the former Man City academy man largely plays as a second striker and has impressed greatly this season in a Villa shirt. He has 14 goals and 14 assists in 52 games this term in all competitions, which included a Champions League hat-trick over Celtic in the group stage.

Rogers may well be unattainable for the West Londoners this season. Given his importance to Villa, it remains to be seen if there is scope for him to depart the Midlands. If they sign Pedro as an alternative, he could surely be considered Chelsea’s own Rogers.

FBref suggest that the pair are both similar players and the numbers prove that. Indeed, having both registered eye-catching seasons for their respective clubs, Pedro averages 3.32 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, with Rogers slightly lower at 3.12 each game. As you can see, they are pretty neck and neck in other key attacking metrics.

Goals and assists

0.74

0.52

Goals per shot on target

0.33

0.42

Key passes

1.39

1.50

Shot-creating actions

3.32

3.12

Progressive carries

3.06

3.30

If Rogers does not make the move to Chelsea and they instead sign Pedro this summer, it would still be a fantastic addition. He is a proven Premier League goalscorer and could add more threat from a creative standpoint, too.

There is no doubt that £100m is a hefty investment, but Pedro certainly has the quality to live up to that price tag and help take Chelsea back to the top.

Their best winger since Hazard: Chelsea in talks for £85m "big game player"

Chelsea could make a blockbuster addition in attack

ByJoe Nuttall May 15, 2025

Aston Villa now want to sign an “incredible” Barcelona player this summer, with Unai Emery believed to be a big fan, according to a report.

Villa eyeing new striker amid Watkins uncertainty

Ollie Watkins has been one of Villa’s key players for quite some time, with the England international reaching the 15-goal mark for the third campaign on the spin this season, underlining his importance to the side.

Season

Premier League appearances

Goals

2022-23

37

15

2024-24

37

19

2024-25

37

16

However, given the level of Watkins’ performances, the striker is attracting attention from some rival Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, with the likes of Chelsea and long-term admirers Arsenal being named as potential suitors.

The 29-year-old has also had issues with Emery at times this season, admitting he was furious about being largely uninvolved in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, saying: “I am not going to lie, I was fuming that I wasn’t playing – I let him [Unai Emery] know that.”

Watkins has since returned to the team, suggesting the pair have settled their differences, but a new report has now revealed that Aston Villa still want to sign a striker this summer, emerging as potential suitors for Barcelona’s Ferran Torres.

Emery is a big fan of Torres, who joined Barca for €55m (£46m) back in 2021, and there has been a long-standing belief that the forward would be a good fit for the Villans’ style of play.

That said, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has suggested the 25-year-old is unlikely to leave the La Liga champions this summer, having featured regularly throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

Aston Villa chiefs now identify £40m Liverpool star to replace Emi Martinez

Aston Villa are in the market for a new goalkeeper as Emi Martinez looks set to leave this summer.

ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025 "Incredible" Torres impressing for Barcelona

It is no surprise the forward may be tempted to remain at the Camp Nou beyond this summer, fresh off the back of winning the La Liga title, as he was very impressive right the way through the 2024-25 season, during which he predominantly featured in the role of striker.

The former Manchester City man picked up 19 goals and seven assists across a total of 45 matches in all competitions, while placing in the top 1% for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to other forwards.

The Spain international has also impressed at international level in the past, scoring 21 goals for his country, including one en-route to his side’s Euro 2024 triumph last summer.

Once lauded as “incredible” by former manager Pep Guardiola, Torres could be a top signing for almost any Premier League side, but it may be difficult for Villa to prise him away from Barcelona, given his importance to Hansi Flick’s side last season.

Glasgow Rangers are on the lookout for a permanent manager heading into the 2025/26 season.

With the 49ers Enterprises takeover edging towards completion, they will be keen on securing a high-profile name to take the club forward.

Steven Gerrard is a name that has been linked with a return to Ibrox, but perhaps Marco Rose would be the best option for the Gers.

The German is among one of the favourites to land the coveted role. If he does move to Glasgow, there are at least four high-profile players that both the club and he must shift from the wage bill this summer.

A fresh start is needed all across the park, starting with Jack Butland in the sticks…

1 Jack Butland

The Englishman’s mistake against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final last season has been the catalyst for a poor season at Ibrox.

The £25k-per-week goalkeeper has made a slew of mistakes throughout the season, while conceding 48 goals and keeping just 14 clean sheets across 42 matches in all competitions.

Rose could cash in on the player in the summer as he looks to recruit someone who is at their peak.

2 James Tavernier

The captain, who earns £30k-per-week, is currently heading into the final year of his contract at Ibrox.

That comes amid a poor individual season, which has seen Tavernier register only 17 goal involvements, a far cry from the 36 he recorded last term.

A new direction is needed at Ibrox, and with the Englishman turning 34 in October, surely now is the time for the club to sell him and move on.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

58

24

12

2022/23

55

18

10

2021/22

58

18

17

2020/21

46

19

16

2019/20

46

3

16

2018/19

57

17

20

2017/18

46

9

9

2016/17

44

2

7

2015/16

50

15

23

After yet another campaign that will end without a trophy, Tavernier’s influence is significantly on the wane. That much is certain.

3 Kieran Dowell

Michael Beale signed Dowell in the summer of 2023 as his contract expired with Norwich City, but he made only 17 appearances for the club in his maiden season.

It became clear he wasn’t at the required level to take the Light Blues to the next level and after 16 games this term, the £16k-per-week midfielder joined Birmingham City on a loan deal.

Ten goal involvements across 22 matches proves Dowell has found his level and the Midlands side could look at signing the Englishman on a permanent basis this summer.

This is a move Rose will surely sanction, allowing him funds to strengthen his squad.

4 Ben Davies

Davies is another player who spent time on loan with Birmingham City this season. After two fairly underwhelming seasons at Ibrox, Philippe Clement sent him on loan to League One last summer. The £27k-per-week defender, like Dowell, appears to have found his level during his temporary stay.

The centre-back has won 70% of his total duels in the third tier this season, along with averaging 6.2 clearances and making 1.1 tackles per game.

Following their promotion, the Blues might want to keep Davies at the club permanently and this is something Rangers must look at pushing through.

He doesn’t seem like a player who would thrive under Rose, and freeing up his massive wages would certainly help the German in the transfer window.

Thelwell pushing Rangers to replace Ferguson with 53 y/o "absolute genius"

Incoming sporting director Kevin Thelwell is expected to play a major role in the Gers’ pursuit of a new manager.

ByDominic Lund May 1, 2025

Nottingham Forest strengthened their case to secure a spot in the Champions League for next season by beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on Monday night.

The Tricky Trees picked up all three points to move up to third in the division, above the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, thanks to goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood.

Whilst the usual stars were performing for Nuno Espirito Santo, including the two goalscorers, there was a surprise performance from the rarely-seen Harry Toffolo at left-back.

Harry Toffolo's surprise performance against Spurs

The English defender was named in the starting XI for the first time in the Premier League this season, having mainly been an unused substitute, and stepped up to produce a fantastic display in a huge match.

Toffolo’s best moment of the game came in the second half when his mind-boggling clearance off the line prevented what looked like a certain goal for Dejan Kulusevski, which would have brought Spurs back in the game with plenty of time still to play.

The former Norwich full-back also made two blocks, three tackles, and one interception down the left flank to keep the home team at bay, and secure a big win for Forest.

He has seemingly revived his career at the City Ground, given his complete lack of starts prior to the game, and Nuno could repeat the blinder he just played with Toffolo by reviving Ramon Sosa’s career at the club.

Why Santo should unleash Ramon Sosa

The forward played one minute off the bench against Spurs in his 16th cameo of the season, coming off the bench in 16 of his 17 appearances in the division.

Sosa, who Ross Wilson described as a “coveted” player last summer, could make a surprise impact in the final few games of the season, reviving his career at the club in the process, if the manager is willing to hit the jackpot by unleashing from the start in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old attacker joined from Talleres last year after a run of impressive performances in the Copa de la Liga Profesional during the first half of 2024.

Appearances (starts)

12 (12)

Goals

4

Big chances created

6

Key passes per game

2.3

Assists

4

Completed dribbles per game

3.1

As you can see in the table above, Sosa displayed his quality at the top end of the pitch with goals, assists, ‘big chances’ created, and by constantly dribbling past opposition players.

That quality was also on display in a rare start in the FA Cup against Luton, when the forward scored and produced an assist, creating one ‘big chance’, in a 2-1 win back in January, which shows that he does have the potential to translate his form over to English football.

It is now down to Nuno to provide Sosa with enough opportunities on the pitch in the coming weeks to make him his secret weapon in the push for the Champions League places, reviving the attacker’s career at the City Ground and hitting gold in the process.

Nottingham Forest star who "defied physics" was even better than Elanga

The Nottingham Forest star who was even better than Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White.

ByDan Emery Apr 22, 2025

Aston Villa could win the race for an “incredible” £100m forward, whose club may now be willing to cash-in this summer, according to a report.

Villa's summer transfer plans

It was a valiant effort against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, with Villa overturning a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 on the night, but the result wasn’t enough for Unai Emery’s side to progress to the Champions League semi-finals.

Having had their first taste of Champions League football in quite some time, however, Villa will be eager to have more special nights in Europe in the future, and they could go even deeper in the competition if they strengthen their squad this summer.

After selling Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr back in January, the Villans are keen on bringing in a new striker, and they are now ready to spend £75m on Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha.

Aston Villa working to seal deal for £12.5m player keen on Villa Park move

The Villans are working on a move for a midfielder, who is interested in a move to Villa Park.

ByDominic Lund Apr 15, 2025

Not only are Emery’s side pursuing an out-and-out striker, but they are also keen to bolster their wide options, and they remain in a strong position to complete the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford.

According to a report from GiveMeSport, Aston Villa could also win the race for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, with Pep Guardiola’s side giving indications they could be willing to cash-in on the Englishman this summer.

The 29-year-old joined City in a £100m deal back in August 2021, but he has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, which could open the door for a return to Villa Park.

However, there is widespread interest in Grealish’s signature, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United also in the picture, while Serie A giants AC Milan headline the interest from abroad.

"Incredible" Grealish may need to leave City

The former Villa man probably has no regrets about joining Man City, given that he played a major role in their treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, but there are signs he may need to leave this summer for the good of his career.

Theo Walcott has particularly scrutinised the impact Guardiola’s coaching methods have had on the “incredible” winger’s ability to express himself on the pitch.

The Birmingham-born forward has amassed just two goal contributions in the Premier League this season, although he has impressed on some other key metrics over the past year, most notably ranking in the top 1% for progressive carries, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Progressive carries

8.08 (99th percentile)

Pass completion %

88.1% (99th percentile)

Progressive passes

5.75 (86th percentile)

A move back to Villa Park could be exactly what Grealish needs to reignite his career, and Emery should definitely consider making a move, should he be available for a suitable fee.

Director Andrea Berta has personally held talks over signing a high-earning player as one of his first actions at Arsenal, and it is believed the Gunners target could now be tempted to join Mikel Arteta’s side as a result.

Andrea Berta's list of forward targets at Arsenal

Rumours have surrounded the acquisition of a new striker for Arsenal this summer, with Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko all repeatedly linked.

Arsenal: Berta tells Arteta to sign "powerful" forward likened to Aguero

He’s been compared to Man City’s all-time top goalscorer.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 2, 2025

Following Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz’s long-term injuries, the need for another prolific option up top is made all the more prevalent, with midfielder Mikel Merino currently being used as an emergency makeshift striker.

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Arsenal are developing a strong interest in Gyokeres to fill the void from next season, according to David Ornstein, while fellow reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has tipped Berta to make an offer for Isak.

However, while a new striker is believed to be high on Berta’s agenda, the Italian also plans to upgrade Arteta’s wide options.

According to GiveMeSport, Arsenal are targeting a left-winger this summer, and they’re even pondering the possibility of bringing in someone who can compete with Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side.

Last summer, under ex-director Edu, Arsenal displayed a real interest in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams for the role.

It was reported at the time that Williams was a top target for Arteta, off the back of an impressive 2023/2024 campaign where he bagged 19 assists in all competitions, but the Spain international opted to remain at Bilbao for this season.

The 22-year-old’s contract includes a £48 million release clause, and Arsenal’s interest hasn’t gone away. However, they face very stiff competition for his services, as Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also targeting Williams.

Andrea Berta holds Arsenal talks with Nico Williams targeted

That is according to The Guardian and journalist Ed Aarons, who states that Berta has personally held Arsenal transfer talks with Williams’ representatives in “one of his first acts” as director.

In his report for The Guardian, Aarons also reports Berta’s influence could tempt Williams to join Arsenal over elite clubs in the race for his signature – following two years of heavy scouting from the Gunners.

The £200,000-per-week forward is also expected to push for a summer exit, but while his £48m release clause will be enticing, the major obstacle will lie in his rumoured wage demands. Williams apparently wants as much as £300,000-per-week at his new club, which would make him Arsenal’s highest-paid player.

The question is, would he be worth it? Williams carries a reputation as one of La Liga’s most highly-rated young attacking stars, completing the fifth-highest rate of successful take-ons per 90 in the entire division (WhoScored), and his exciting style would hand Arsenal another major weapon in the final third.

His return has lessened this season compared to last – scoring nine goals and assisting seven others in all competitions – but his form has picked up lately as we approach the summer window.