All posts by n8rngtd.top

Liverpool are not resting on their laurels after they won the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season in England, having joined from Feyenoord last summer.

The Reds boss has already added Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to bolster his squad, whilst Milos Kerkez is set to be confirmed as their latest signing from Bournemouth.

These moves show that the Reds want to build on their success to push on and compete for even more trophies in Slot’s second season at Anfield.

Of course, signing new stars in several positions also means that some players may have to be moved on to make space in the squad, as Jarell Quansah is reportedly set to leave the club.

Fabrizio Romano claims that Bayer Leverkusen have agreed a deal that could be worth up to £35m to sign the England U21 international this summer.

Why selling Jarell Quansah makes sense for Liverpool

Selling a homegrown, 22-year-old, England U21 international may not make much sense at face value, given that he is valuable for the homegrown quota and has plenty of room left to improve.

However, the Reds are in win-now mode after their Premier League success and with the likes of Alisson, Mo Salah, and Virgil van Dijk in the latter stages of their respective careers.

Unfortunately, Quansah has not proven that he has the quality to be a key player when called upon in the Premier League for Liverpool, given his performances for the team in the 2024/25 campaign.

The English youngster was handed a start against Ipswich Town on the opening day of the top-flight season, but was hauled off for Ibrahima Konate at half-time.

After the match, Slot explained that it was because he lost too many duels, telling TNT Sports: “First thing I said is we don’t have to speak about tactics if we lose so many duels and that was what we did. Not that Jarell [Quansah] lost every duel – many of us lost too many duels. But I think we needed Ibou Konate to win these long balls in the air from their No.9.”

As you can see in the table above, losing duels was a theme for Quansah throughout the Premier League campaign, as he lost the majority of his battles on the ground and in the air.

The 22-year-old defender, who has lost 53% of his ground duels in the U21 Euros for England this summer, has not shown enough strength as a centre-back to compete week-in-week-out for Liverpool, which is why cashing in on him makes sense at this moment in time.

Premier League club eyeing up Liverpool midfielder

Quansah may not be the only England U21 international to move on from Anfield before the end of the summer transfer window, though, as Harvey Elliott is now being eyed up by a Premier League.

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 Football Insider, Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in a move to sign the former Fulham prodigy from Liverpool to bolster their midfield options.

The report claims that the Seagulls are confident that they can agree a deal with the Reds to bring the left-footed star over to the AMEX this summer, and that they are one of the frontrunners to land his signature.

It adds that Brighton are capable of matching Liverpool’s £40m valuation of the English playmaker, and it now remains to be seen when they will make an official swoop for his services.

Why Harvey Elliott would be a bigger loss than Jarell Quansah

Losing Elliott would be a bigger blow than losing Quansah this summer because he is more suited to making an impact on the pitch in the here and now.

As aforementioned, the central defender has been disappointing when called upon at the back for the Reds, which is why it makes sense to move him on, but that has not been the case with the attacking midfielder.

When given opportunities to impress, the 22-year-old star has shown plenty of promise for the Reds, with five goals and three assists in 28 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.

The England U21 international, who has scored two goals in four games at the Euros this summer, also produced four goals and 11 assists in all competitions for the Reds in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.

As you can see in the table above, Elliott has been particularly impressive over the past 365 days when called upon by Slot, ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of attacking and possession-based metrics.

These statistics show that the young attacking midfielder offers a lot of value on the ball as a player who can score and create goals, whilst also progressing the play with his passes, which is why it would be a blow to lose him from the squad this summer.

Whilst he may not be a frontline option who is likely to start 50 games next season, his form in the last couple of years shows that he is a very good squad player who can be relied upon when needed, as a starter or off the bench.

This is why losing him to Brighton this summer would be a bigger blow than Quansah’s move to Leverkusen, as the centre-back has not proven himself to be as valuable to the team.

He'd be unplayable with Gordon: Liverpool submit bid to sign £64m forward

Liverpool are planning to sign a new striker this summer.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 24, 2025

Chelsea started their Club World campaign with a 2-0 victory over LAFC, but it was far from the most entertaining watch from a Blues perspective.

The limited numbers inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium likely didn’t help the drab pre-season feel of the fixture, yet certain performances would have still worried the select few Chelsea supporters watching on regardless, with Noni Madueke noticeably struggling down the left wing.

Enzo Maresca desperately needs more reinforcements down the left channel, therefore, and transfer rumours constantly coming out from Stamford Bridge seem to indicate that fresh blood will soon be purchased.

How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free

Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 13, 2025

Chelsea still have "world-class" star as top priority

As per an update by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg on social media, Chelsea still holds winning the services of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens as a major priority this summer, but they will have to pay £55m.

Transfer Focus

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

An agreement has been sealed on the player side, according to Fabrizio Romano, but the more time goes on, the more Blues supporters will be anxious that a deal to win Gittens could unfortunately fall flat.

Indeed, other targets are now being sought after on the left, with an enquiry lodged to snap up rising Lyon star Malick Fofana as a way to bolster even more.

However, whilst Fofana is no doubt being looked at as one for the future, Chelsea will be overwhelmed with excitement as to what the Dortmund attacker could be capable of on his expected arrival in West London, with Gittens having already been dubbed “world-class” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley.

How Gittens can be Chelsea's next Hazard

Bursting with energy and an electric dribbler, the young Englishman might well become Chelsea’s next Eden Hazard if everything goes to plan.

Hazard was only a year older than Gittens when making his Blues debut back in 2012, having also been hotly tipped for greatness on the books of Lille. Now, the much-loved Belgian is viewed as a modern-day icon at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca will be aiming to restore Chelsea to their past glories when Hazard was routinely galloping down the left channel, with two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy heading the Blues’ way when the slick 5-foot-9 attacker was performing at his peak.

Adding Gittens could well be a big step forward in allowing Chelsea to compete for top-flight honours once more, with his overall numbers in the Bundesliga lagging behind Hazard’s were when he was about to leave France behind for a new challenge in England.

Hazard was somewhat in a league of his own towards the end of his Lille stay, with a remarkable 38 goals and assists picked up during his final season in France.

But, Gittens has shown flashes of his obvious excellence at Dortmund to be viewed as a potential next iteration of the celebrated Belgian, notably ranking within the top 1% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90 minutes, showcasing he’s one of the best dribblers around, just like Hazard.

12 of his 17 Black and Yellow strikes came in 2024/25, and it included four being hammered home in the esteemed Champions League.

Hazard was equally a dependable performer on the big occasion for Chelsea, with ten strikes next to his name in Europe’s elite competition.

The similarities don’t end there, however, with the former Manchester City youth product also capable of performing as an attacking midfielder or a right winger if needed.

Hazard’s main explosiveness for the Blues did primarily come down the left, but a surprisingly large portion of his goals in London did actually come from the number ten spot, as seen in 21 of his 110 goals for Chelsea coming from this more central position.

With so much hype next to his name – with Critchley further lauding the 20-year-old as “England’s best LW” currently – the worry might well be that Gittens flounders under the intensity of his new spotlight.

Yet, Hazard had even more fanfare surrounding his name when he took the jump from Ligue 1 to the Premier League, with Dortmund’s standout star now desperate to follow in his revered footsteps.

Better than Gittens: BlueCo make approach to sign £50m star for Chelsea

Chelsea love signing a highly-rated winger don’t they, with the Blues seeking to sign a “magnificent prospect” as Jamie Gittens alternative.

1

By
Ben Gray

Jun 17, 2025

From Xavi and Andres Iniesta to modern greats like Kevin De Bruyne and rising stars such as Jude Bellingham, the debate over just who takes the midfield crown has been rumbling on for quite some time.

In many ways, the question is what do you want to see from a midfielder? If you require technical excellence, then look no further than those Spanish superstars and the likes of Zinedine Zidane. They have often been the jewels in football’s crown no matter the occasion.

But sometimes beauty is in the long-range strikes, the ruthless tackles and the workhorse engines. And if that is the case, then the attention should drift towards stars such as Manchester United’s Roy Keane and Paul Scholes.

If it’s simply a matter of honours on the table, then it would be Barcelona and Real Madrid who shine brightest, as La Liga’s two mega clubs have dominated the European scene while several of their biggest names thrive on the international stage.

Best midfielders of all time in pictures

Then there is the measure of iconic moments to remember. Steven Gerrard in Istanbul, Modric taking the Ballon d’Or crown and Iniesta’s World Cup winning goal – the list could quite easily go on.

Perhaps the best measure of all-round talent however is the verdicts from those who played with the greats, and Spain legend and superstar goalscorer Fernando Torres believes there is only one answer.

Torres says Gerrard is the best player he ever played with

Torres is perhaps one of the best placed figures in football to judge greatness, having starred for Spain’s dominant international side that won the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, either side of the World Cup in 2010.

And the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker, who spent four seasons on Merseyside with Gerrard, revealed the Liverpool captain was even better than his Spain teammates.

From his very first Liverpool game, Torres and Gerrard’s partnership blossomed into one of the most clinical that Anfield has ever seen. The Spaniard was quick and deadly in front of goal and Gerrard was as precise as it gets behind him to form the perfect duo.

Assisting 13 of Torres’ 81 Liverpool goals, Gerrard’s partnership with the Spaniard was particularly strong during his debut season. It’s then that the forward may have realised just how talented his captain was, perhaps reaching the conclusion then and there that he would never play with better.

Torres played with Frank Lampard – in what is a debate for another day – as well as Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and others. Yet, even without a Premier League medal to his name, El Nino still believes that Gerrard is the best midfielder that he’s ever seen.

Sir Alex Ferguson named Liverpool star as the best player in England and as good as Keane

This could settle the debate once and for all…

3

By
Ben Goodwin

May 17, 2025

In an attempt to get their summer business underway, Aston Villa have now reportedly joined the race to sign a 19-year-old Ligue 1 sensation who’s available at a cut-price this summer.

How much Aston Villa can spend this summer

With the transfer window now open, Aston Villa would usually be ready to spend in normal circumstances. This time around, however, they must act with caution. At risk of PSR sanctions more so than most Premier League sides, the Villans may need to sell at least one star name this summer if they want to ease their profit and sustainability problems.

That’s not to say Aston Villa can’t spend at all, though. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire recently offered insight into just how much those at Villa Park can splash out as things stand. He told BBC Sport: “Without any outgoings, it appears Villa will be at the bottom end of the £50-100m spending range.”

The dream XI Aston Villa could build: No Rashford, £135m quartet all sign

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery will be a busy man this summer…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 7, 2025

Whether the Midlands club decide to increase that figure through player sales remains to be seen. The likes of Emiliano Martinez and Morgan Rogers have already been linked with summer departures, but both sales would undoubtedly weaken Unai Emery’s squad as they go in pursuit of Champions League football once again next season.

How they choose to spend that rumoured £50-100m will also be interesting. To that end, the rumours have also been coming thick and fast. Names such as Fares Chaibi have threatened to steal the headlines, as have the likes of Nicolas Jackson in what would be quite the move from Chelsea. Both may be within the Villans’ price range, albeit a limited one, which instantly makes them two names to keep an eye on.

They’re not the only targets in Villa’s sights, however. Moncho and co. are also reportedly battling to sign a Ligue 1 sensation to add to Emery’s side in the coming months.

Aston Villa join race to sign Atangana

According to Bild in Germany, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa have now joined the battle to sign Valentin Atangana alongside West Ham United and Eintracht Frankfurt. The 19-year-old midfielder enjoyed an impressive season in a struggling Stade Reims side who were eventually relegated from Ligue 1.

Whilst that relegation would have disappointed the teenager, it may well provide him with a route to bigger and better things this summer. In a far weaker position in negotiations following relegation, Reims could now sell Atangana for as little as €10m (£8m) this summer.

Dubbed a “fantastic modern holding midfielder” by scout Jacek Kulig, Villa’s interest in Atangana should come as little surprise. His arrival would hardly break the bank or exceed their PSR limit and would undoubtedly offer Emery the chance to work with a future star.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery will be hoping that missing out on Champions League qualification won’t alter his transfer plans this summer.

The Midlands side will play in the Europa League next season, a competition in which they have a great chance of winning. But will this prospect attract the players Emery wants?

Marcus Rashford returned to Manchester United after the end of his loan spell with Villa. He is valued at £40m by the Red Devils, but with Barcelona interested, Emery might miss out.

Could he perhaps make a move for one of his teammates instead?

Aston Villa transfer news

Bringing Rashford back to Villa Park would be a popular move by the manager, especially given how well the Englishman performed at the club.

It now looks unlikely that he will return, but Emery doesn’t appear to be disheartened, as he eyes a move for Alejandro Garnacho instead.

According to Caught Offside, Villa are exploring a move for the Argentinian sensation this summer in a bid to improve their squad.

The youngster has been told he could leave Old Trafford this summer, although Bayer Leverkusen are keen on signing him. The Bundesliga side are, however, looking for a loan deal, while United would prefer a permanent exit.

It would be a major coup if Emery could lure the player to the Midlands, especially with how highly-rated he is. Much will depend on the fee demanded by Ruben Amorim, as the Midlands club will need to stay within the profit and sustainability regulations.

If he does join, Garnacho could be a better signing than Rashford.

Why Aston Villa must sign Alejandro Garnacho

During his six-month loan spell, Rashford scored four goals and grabbed six assists for Villa, but he missed the final five games of the season due to a hamstring injury.

Throughout the 2024/25 season, Garnacho registered 21 goal contributions – 11 goals and ten assists – for Man Utd. Due to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, however, he doesn’t fit into his plans.

At the start of last season, Statman Dave heaped praise on the South American starlet, saying he was “generational” and the future looked bright indeed for him at Old Trafford.

Given the fact that he is much younger and holds a higher ceiling for development than Rashford, there is no doubt he would be a much better signing, especially for the long term.

This argument begins to hold more weight when comparing the two players over the 2024/25 season from a domestic point of view.

Garnacho not only registered more shots per 90 (3.44 vs 2.15) than Rashford, but he also recorded more shot-creating actions (86 vs 56), more touches in the attacking penalty area (176 vs 64) and more successful take-ons (26 vs 18).

On this evidence, prioritising the signing of Garnacho rather than that of Rashford should be key for Emery heading into the summer window.

He could thrive if played in the correct system, no doubt about that.

Aston Villa exploring deal for £70m "superstar" with more G/A than Rashford

The Villans have set their sights on a forward, who regularly provided goals and assists throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

By
Dominic Lund

May 30, 2025

Regardless of what happens at Wembley this coming Saturday, Sheffield United will know it will be a busy and hectic summer ahead in South Yorkshire.

If promotion out of the Championship is won, Chris Wilder will need to add in some exceptional new bodies to give his team a fighting chance at securing survival, whilst sticking it out in the second tier will also bring about its own set of difficulties in terms of players such as Gustavo Hamer potentially wanting to move on.

Jack Robinson is looking likely to be a casualty whether promotion is won or not, considering the former Liverpool centre-back is yet to pen a new deal at Bramall Lane, alongside some restless natives finding lots of faults in his performances this season.

Therefore, one top priority this summer will be to bring in a fresh, imposing presence to line up in the heart of defence, with these three potential signings perhaps names on Wilder’s shopping lists, irrespective of whether they’re soaring up to the Premier League or stuck inside the EFL.

1

Harry Souttar

Harry Souttar could well return to United during the busy window, having been on the books of the Blades for 22 memorable games this season before his injury troubles took over.

When he was fit, the 26-year-old battled away valiantly for the cause, with Souttar averaging a high five duels won across his 21 Championship contests, on top of picking up 13 clean sheets.

It would be a major risk to go back in for the injury-ravaged defender – considering he is still sidelined with his torn achilles tendon – but there is definitely unfinished business between Souttar and Wilder’s men and he could be just what is needed when back to full fitness if Robinson does exit.

2

Harry Darling

Swansea City star Harry Darling is the talk of the town in the Championship at the moment with the Welshman looking likely to move on from his current home shortly.

Whoever does pick up the 25-year-old will win his services for free too, which has already piqued the interest of teams such as Birmingham City, but United have been admirers from afar for some time and he could be a sterling option to have around the building if Robinson does depart.

Looking at the table above, whilst Robinson does better Darling in terms of duels being won this season, the wantaway Swans defender appears to be more Premier League ready in most departments next to his experienced counterpart.

Indeed, the “heroic” star – as he was previously lauded by ex-boss Luke Williams – managed to chip in with five goals and three assists as a lively body at the back even as his current employers finished in 11th position, whilst also bettering the 31-year-old with more ball recoveries and clearances averaged.

Therefore, he might well be ready for a move to Wilder’s men, considering he’s proven himself as a top performer at EFL level with the potential to go on to become a Premier League-capable talent.

3

Jimmy Dunne

Similarly, adding in Queens Park Rangers’ powerhouse Jimmy Dunne to their defensive options would gift United another stylish body, away from the imposing figures of Robinson and Anel Ahmedhodzic.

The Blades were reportedly keen on Dunne’s services in January, and much like Swansea’s mid-table predicament, a move to United would presumably be appealing for the Irishman away from sticking it out with the lower Hoops.

With Dunne also capable of producing a moment of magic like this, he could be just the daring new option that makes Robinson’s first-team spot insecure.

Winning a mammoth 8.4 duels on average this season just gone too, the 27-year-old can further apply himself well as a gritty presence, meaning he could go on to form an intimidating defensive duo with the aforementioned Ahmedhodzic.

Wilder's own Dan Ballard: Sheffield United have struck gold with £14m star

Chris Wilder actually possesses his own Daniel Ballard ahead of Sheffield United’s playoff final showdown versus Sunderland.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 15, 2025

It should be all done and dusted, shouldn’t it? With this Manchester United side, however, there is a nagging feeling that anything could happen on Thursday evening, ahead of their Europa League semi-final, second-leg clash with Athletic Bilbao.

Following last week’s remarkable 3-0 win away from home at San Mames, United return to Old Trafford with what appears to be an unassailable lead, having seemingly already placed one foot in the Bilbao showpiece later this month.

And yet, having notably shipped four against Lyon on home soil last month – with two of those goals coming against ten men – there remains a sense of anxiety regarding Ruben Amorim’s side. Will they shoot themselves in the foot at such a crucial point in the season?

Having almost thrown in the towel on the Premier League front, following a 16th top-flight defeat of the campaign away to Brentford at the weekend, the Red Devils simply can’t afford to end 2024/25 empty-handed.

Booking a place in the Europa League final is of paramount importance – Amorim must get his starting lineup correct…

Man Utd team news vs Bilbao

There is an element of two steps forward, one step back, with regard to United’s injury woes, having gradually begun to near full strength in recent weeks, only to subsequently suffer a handful of notable setbacks.

Chalkboard

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

Indeed, the Premier League strugglers have been able to welcome back the likes of Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Amad Diallo of late, albeit while having lost the typically reliable, Diogo Dalot, for what looks to be the rest of the campaign.

That blow has been followed by concerns surrounding summer signing, Matthijs de Ligt, with the Dutchman having been forced off against the Bees on Sunday afternoon, after only making his return as a substitute against Bilbao last week.

Thankfully, Amorim revealed that the former Bayern Munich man’s injury is “not a big issue”, although the 25-year-old won’t be involved against Ernesto Valverde’s side this evening, thus leaving Amorim relatively short on depth considering that Lisandro Martinez remains a long-term absentee, while January arrival Ayden Heaven is also currently out of action.

With it looking unlikely that the former Sporting CP boss would unleash 20-year-old academy star, Tyler Fredricson, for a game of such huge importance, there is a selection dilemma to be solved for that final centre-back berth, alongside Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro.

Equally, the absence of Dalot has also left Amorim with something to ponder at wing-back…

How Man Utd's defence should look against Bilbao

With Yoro and Maguire almost nailed on to start, fitness permitting, the final centre-back berth will likely be fought out by Victor Lindelof and Shaw – two options that both present something of a risk.

In the case of Lindelof, the 30-year-old Swede looked shaky in last week’s meeting in the Basque Country, despite producing a vital goalline clearance, while as for Shaw, the long-serving Englishman has endured a torrid return to action in recent weeks.

Introduced off the bench against Lyon, the 29-year-old notably bundled into Dalot for the visitors’ third goal, before subsequently giving away a penalty in extra-time, prior to being bailed out by United’s grandstand finish.

While he did play the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, Shaw was then hooked at the break against Thomas Frank’s men last time out, having scored an own goal amid a dismal 2/10 display as skipper.

Deploying the left-footer at centre-back would then be of real concern, as it would if he were to line up at left wing-back. That berth appears to be up for grabs, with teenager Harry Amass putting in his ‘weakest performance by a distance’ at the weekend, as per Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

The obvious pick would be to select Patrick Dorgu on that side, with Noussair Mazraoui on the opposite flank, although the young Dane has struggled of late, with Luckhurst remarking that he ‘defended dozily’ for Kevin Schade’s header against the Bees.

While that 45-minute outing did see Dorgu line up on the right, even in his usual left-wing back berth he has toiled in recent games, with the trip to Bilbao seeing him lose possession on 12 occasions, as per Sofascore.

There could then be the option of deploying the aforementioned Amad in a new role on the left, with the Ivorian having stepped up his return with a stunning strike in stoppage time on Sunday.

Largely deployed as a number ten or at right-wing back, the natural left-footer could represent a wildcard replacement for Dorgu on the left flank instead, with Mazraoui retained as a more orthodox option on the right.

While it may seem a risk to make such a change in a game of huge magnitude, the 22-year-old “wizard” – as hailed by journalist James Copley – has the energy and exuberance to pose a real threat down that flank, thus forcing the lively Inaki Williams to track back more frequently.

Among those in his position in the Europa League this season, Amad notably ranks in the top 3% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, thus illustrating his ability to carry the ball forward from deep in a wing-back role.

Equally, his creditable work ethic also ensures that he represents a real asset defensively too, as showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 19% for tackles made per 90.

Having seen Amass and Dorgu struggle of late, with the experienced Shaw also looking out of sorts at left centre-back or wing-back, Amorim should certainly consider making such a change.

This is yet another vital game in United’s wretched season, and Amad simply has to start, one way or another.

He'd be amazing with Cunha & Amad: Man Utd in talks to sign elite striker

Manchester United could be allowed to land a new talisman who could supercharge their overhaul this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 6, 2025

Arsenal have communicated to the board of Real Madrid that they’re about to seal the deal for a “world-class” player, according to an intriguing report.

Arsenal's summer transfer plans ramp up amid Champions League campaign

On the field, Mikel Arteta has one clear focus after missing out on the Premier League crown to Liverpool – winning Arsenal their first ever Champions League title.

Arteta sold Arsenal gem for just £4m, now he's outscoring Isak & Sesko

The incredible poacher would have been useful for Arsenal this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 28, 2025

The Gunners face Ligue 1 champions PSG over two historic European semi-final legs which could define their campaign, and Luis Enrique’s side come as a very tough obstacle they must overcome.

Arsenal will take encouragement from Aston Villa’s entertaining win against them in the last round at Villa Park, which proved they’re not unbeatable, with OGC Nice also ending the club’s unbeaten streak in the French top flight by clinching a surprise 3-1 win at the Parc des Princes last Friday.

The north Londoners already boast a victory against PSG this term, with Arsenal beating them 2-0 at the Emirates in October, so it is clear that Arteta’s side are in with a real chance of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006.

“I think prepare as well as you possibly can,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s excitement to face PSG over the two legs. “Make sure that your energy is balanced. Make sure that you’re understanding what you have to do. It’s time to express yourself out there and enjoy being a footballer and playing in one of the best stages that you can play in world football.”

New sporting director Andrea Berta, meanwhile, is working to prepare for his first summer transfer window in his new role.

Reports suggest Arsenal are looking to strengthen Arteta’s squad across the board, and could spend as much as £300 million doing so (GiveMeSport). One of their key transfer plans for the summer is signing a star new central midfield player, despite Arsenal recently opening talks with Thomas Partey over a contract extension.

Arsenal tell Real Madrid they've "practically finalised" Zubimendi deal

According to Cadena SER, Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who’s been targeted for a pre-summer deal since January (The Mail), is very nearly through the door.

Multiple reports last week, including from both David Ornstein and Marca reporter Juan Castro, indicated that there is real belief at Arsenal that they’re on the verge of sealing a deal for Zubimendi, with Cadena making another interesting claim.

The outlet shares news of Arsenal informing Real Madrid’s board that their signing of Zubmendi is “practically finalised”, with the Whites told that they may have to look elsewhere in pursuit of a new midfielder.

Premier League sides are apparently threatening to scupper their summer plans, with Chelsea also viewed as Real’s main competitors for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, while it is believed Los Blancos may not have the financial firepower to compete with England’s elite.

It seems as if Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause will be triggered by Arsenal, and a wide array of media sources, including Cadena, suggest the Spain international will be Berta’s first major signing as director.

The “world-class” technician, as he was called by Kieran Tierney, has also been described as the “perfect” midfielder for Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano).

Tottenham Hotspur are potentially two games away from doing something seriously special in the Europa League.

However, while Ange Postecoglou could lead his side to continental success, the club’s domestic form cannot be described as anything other than shambolic.

With three games left to play in the Premier League, the North Londoners have been on the losing side 19 times and sit just a point above West Ham United in 16th place.

Unsurprisingly, such wretched form has led to reports suggesting that Postecoglou is set to be replaced in the summer, regardless of what happens in the Europa League.

There have been a whole host of names linked with the club in recent weeks, but there has been one which would represent a massive coup for the Lilywhites: someone who’s an even bigger name than José Mourinho and would be an enormous upgrade on Ange.

Tottenham's manager search

The last few weeks have seen a variety of managers linked with the Spurs job, and while there have been some underwhelming ones, like Scott Parker, there have been some more exciting ones as well, like Marco Silva and Andonio Iraola.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has helped turn Fulham from a yo-yo club into a mid-table Premier League side that can give anyone a game on their day.

It’s been an even more impressive transformation down at the Vitality Stadium, with Iraola taking the Cherries from relegation favourites near the start of last season to genuine contenders for a European place this season.

Moreover, the Spaniard helped to get the financially minuscule Rayo Vallecano promoted to La Liga during his time in the Spanish capital.

However, even with the aforementioned managers, there is an element of risk, as none of them have taken over a club as big as Spurs, so there will always be lingering questions over how they’d cope with it.

So, with this in mind, reports from GIVEMESPORT late last month that claimed the Tottenham board had held international discussions about hiring Carlo Ancelotti are so exciting.

It would be an incredibly ambitious move, and one that might not pan out if reports linking the Italian to the Brazilian job are accurate, but if it paid off, the club would have themselves a significant upgrade on Postecoglou and a bigger name than Mourinho.

Why Ancelotti would be an incredible hire

So, before we look at how he stacks up against Postecoglou, let’s delve into just why we think he’s now a bigger name than Mourinho, as we’re sure it’s a point that the ‘special one’ would wholeheartedly disagree with.

Firstly, timing is crucial in this argument, as during Mourinho’s peak years at Chelsea, Inter Milan and, to some extent, Real Madrid, he’d undoubtedly be the ‘bigger name’, but in the last seven years or so, that has completely changed.

For example, since the start of the 16/17 season, the Portuguese coach has only won the League Cup and Europa League with Manchester United, and the Conference League with AS Roma.

In comparison, the Real boss has won the Bundesliga and two German Super Cups with Bayern Munich and three Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles, one Spanish Cup, two Spanish Super Cups, two UEFA Supercups, the FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, all with Real Madrid.

Moreover, the Reggiolo-born mastermind also won the Champions League in his first stint with Los Blancos and twice with AC Milan, so there is a very genuine case for him being the greatest manager in the world.

With all that said, it should come as no surprise that when we compare his recent record to Postecoglou, he comes out so far ahead that it is almost pointless.

For example, in his current stint with Real, the “elite” 65-year-old, as dubbed by talkSPORT host Adrian Durham, has won 161 games, drawn 34 and lost 35, which comes out to an average of 2.25 points per game.

In contrast, the Australian has overseen 45 wins, 14 draws and 37 losses, resulting in a far worse average of 1.55 points per game.

Ultimately, if there is any chance whatsoever for Spurs to sign Ancelotti in the coming weeks, they have to take it, as he’d be a monumental upgrade on Ange.

Fewer touches than Vicario: Ange must sell Spurs dud after 4/10 display

Tottenham Hotspur need a clear-out this summer after another game where they failed to claim all three points.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 5, 2025

An “unbelievable” Wolves player is now “increasingly likely” to leave the club at the end of the season, according to an update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Wolves nearly safe after impressive run under Pereira

After a season largely full of struggles in the Premier League, Wanderers are now one of the in-form teams in the division under the impressive reign of Vitor Pereira.

Wolves have won their last four matches in the league, including last weekend’s 4-2 victory at home to Tottenham, and they are now 14 points clear of the relegation zone ahead of 18th-place Ipswich Town. This means they are almost mathematically safe, preserving their top-flight status for at least another year.

New signings will be needed for Wanderers this summer, but it is exit rumours that are doing the rounds currently, with Fabio Silva’s time at the club set to come to an end. The Portuguese is currently on loan at Las Palmas and doesn’t seem to have a future at Molineux.

Wolves’ star player Matheus Cunha has also continually been linked with a move away from the club once this season comes to an end, with Arsenal among the top clubs who are thought to be eyeing him up.

"Unbelievable" Wolves youngster expected to leave

Now, speaking to Molineux News, Bailey claimed that Tommy Doyle looks “increasingly likely” to leave Wolves in the summer transfer window.

“It seems Doyle is increasingly likely to go. There’s a lot of Championship interest in him, we’re going to see a fair few Championship players go, so there’s plenty of opportunities for quite a few teams [to sign him]. He’ll find a club, he’ll be alright, it’s just he’s not particularly suited to Vitor Pereira’s system, that’s just how it is. I think the player is accepting that and that will facilitate his exit.”

The £10,000-a-week Doyle has struggled to be a key man for Wolves this season, starting only three matches in the Premier League, so an exit does make sense, despite Gary O’Neil once saying of him: “The sub that I have got to credit; Tommy Doyle because once we brought him on, he brought us some unbelievable quality with his passing and we managed to maximise this four vs three in this instance.”

Pereira appears to have made it clear that he doesn’t see the 23-year-old as an important part of his plans moving forward, leaving him out of the Spurs game and admitting: “I need to see competition in training – I need to see levels. Next game I will see.”

Pereira's "sensational" Wolves star is now slowly becoming the new O’Hara

Wolves “sensational” star in danger of becoming new Jamie O’Hara

By
Connor Holden

Apr 18, 2025

Doyle isn’t out of contract until the summer of 2028, meaning they could demand good money for him this summer, and it feels like the right time to sell.