Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy personally wants a striker who’s been tipped for great things in north London next season, with the Lilywhites board chief contemplating how best to reinforce Spurs’ squad this summer.

Tottenham set for 'sell to buy' transfer window

According to a recent report from The Telegraph, Spurs won’t exactly be flush with cash to spend on their top transfer targets.

Related Tottenham make contact to sign "outrageous" £19m forward in bargain move

Daniel Levy has his eyes on a very good value signing.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2025

According to their information, courtesy of journalist Matt Law, Tottenham are facing a ‘sell to buy’ summer and could have to green-light the sales of top players in order to facilitate their own recruitment plans.

Atlético Madrid are seriously keen on Cristian Romero as one nominee to raise funds, and the Argentine is believed to be seriously pursuing a potential move to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano (Marca).

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.05

Pedro Porro

6.98

James Maddison

6.98

Dominic Solanke

6.88

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

However, Spanish media are also reporting that there is a large gap in valuation between the clubs as things stand. Meanwhile, another key first-teamer who could depart is right-back Pedro Porro.

Some reports suggest Tottenham are prepared to sell Porro this summer and value the ex-Man City defender at £50 million. Everton are also expected to open talks for Richarlison, who could potentially leave Spurs in the event of a reasonable bid, following a 2024/2025 campaign blighted by injuries.

It will be intriguing to see which notable players could make their way out of the N17 exit door, as Levy and co look to reinvest funds into the squad whilst erring on the cautionary side of PSR.

One player who they already have an agreement to sign permanently for 2024/2025 and beyond is striker Mathys Tel.

The Frenchman is on loan from Bayern Munich, with Spurs possessing an option to make his stay indefinite for around £51 million.

Levy personally wants Mathys Tel at Tottenham next season

That is according to Sport Bild, who also report that Ange Postecoglou’s side are keen to whittle that price tag down after Tel’s mixed start to life at the club.

However, Levy is personally keen on signing Tel permanently and re-negotiating a deal with Bayern. Vincent Kompany’s Bavarians, for their part, are also willing to restart talks and settle on his final price at a cheaper value, which is good news for the Europa League finalists.

While the 20-year-old boasts just three goals and a single assist from 18 Spurs appearances to date, Tel has displayed flashes of brilliance since his arrival in the Premier League, with ex-Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann once backing him to eventually score “40 goals a season” and sharing an expectation that he could become of the world’s best.

“He could become one of the best strikers one day,” said Nagelsmann. “I have the vision that he can score 40 goals one day. But I would be happy with 10 goals in his first season.

“He’s a young, talented player. He can play in multiple positions: as a centre-forward and on the wings. He’s very quick and strong with his body. He can hold up the ball well with his back to the goal.”

While there is a Europa League final on the horizon for the fans and players to look forward to, the board at Tottenham Hotspur now have to start planning for a monumental summer of business.

Daniel Levy and Co must seriously back Ange Postecoglou, or whoever takes his place, to ensure that next year is nothing like this one.

One area of the squad that needs to be bolstered is left-wing, as Wilson Odobert is yet to prove he has what it takes to make it his own, Mathys Tel may not agree to stay, and Son Heung-min is no longer the player he once was.

Fortunately, the club seem to recognise this, as recent reports have linked them to an incredibly exciting winger who’d finally send the captain packing.

Tottenham transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other attacking talents who have been touted for moves to Spurs in recent weeks, like Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap.

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 could be available for around £59m, and while that’s an awful lot of money, his tally of 12 goals and five assists in 47 games suggests he may well be worth it.

Likewise, Delap’s reported release clause of £30m could prove to be a bargain, as even though he’s played for the third-worst team in the Premier League this season, he’s managed to score 12 goals and provide two assists in 35 games.

However, to replace the iconic Son, Levy and Co are going to need to sign someone truly special, someone like Rayan Cherki.

Yes, according to a recent report from the French publication Le Parisien, Tottenham are one of several sides seriously interested in the French dynamo.

In fact, alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that Manchester City and Liverpool have already inquired about the player, who will be allowed to leave for €22.5m this summer, which is about £19m.

It could be a complicated deal to get done, but given Cherki’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be the perfect player to replace Son.

Why Cherki would be a dream Son replacement

So, the first thing to say here is that while Cherki has primarily played off the right this season, he has also played in midfield, just behind the striker and, most crucially, off the left.

In fact, if he were to join Spurs and permanently move to that side of the attack, his career would mirror Son’s in that respect, as he spent some time off the right when he was younger and has also played behind a striker at points.

However, with all that said, why do we think the young Frenchman would be the perfect player to come in this summer and be the permanent replacement for the South Koreans?

Well, first and foremost, his raw output is out of this world.

For example, in just 43 appearances this season, the “incredible” entertainer, as dubbed by French journalist Julien Laurens, has scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.38 games.

Appearances

43

44

Minutes

3009′

3093′

Goals

12

11

Assists

19

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.72

0.52

Minutes per Goal Involvement

99.96′

134.47′

In contrast, the North Londoners’ captain has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 44 games, which is still great but results in a worse average of a goal involvement every 1.91 games.

On top of the undeniable output, the Lyon-born “genius,” as dubbed by Laurens, has some sensational underlying numbers to his name, with FBref placing him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for assists, expected assists, key passes, passes into the penalty area, through passes and more, all per 90.

Last but not least, what makes all of this even more remarkable is that he’s doing it at just 21 years old, so when The Athletic’s Alex Barker calls him a “future Ballon d’Or winner,” it doesn’t feel that absurd.

Ultimately, Son has been an incredible player for Spurs, but with him turning 33 in the summer, Levy and Co need to find someone worthy of being his long-term replacement, someone like Cherki.

Spurs can axe Solanke by signing £25m star who's only 4 goals behind Kane

Spurs could sign a striker who’s nearly on par with Harry Kane this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 12, 2025

If there is one thing that has come to define this season for Arsenal, it’s injuries.

Now, it’s true that Mikel Arteta’s side have not been at their free-flowing best for large parts of the campaign, but that’s hardly surprising when Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have all missed a significant number of games.

Moreover, even though the club are on course to have the best defence for the second season running, they’ve had to deal with injuries to Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and, most recently, Gabriel Magalhaes.

However, while there was a genuine concern that the absence of the Brazilian would derail the North Londoners’ Champions League campaign, Jakub Kiwior stepped up in a big way, bossing Real Madrid home and away.

Yet, if recent reports are to be believed, the club are now looking to sign another defender, someone who looks like they could be a big upgrade on the Polish international.

Arsenal's defensive targets

While the focus of the club heading into the summer market does seem to be on attacking players, Arteta and Co are said to be looking at a few defensive players as well, such as Dean Huijsen.

Transfer Focus

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

The Bournemouth ace has a release clause reportedly worth around £50m, and while that’s a sizable sum of money, it could prove worth it, as at just 20 years old, he’s already an established Premier League star and has now won two senior caps for Spain.

Another international said to have caught Arteta’s eye is that of Jules Kounde.

According to reports from late last month, the Gunners supposedly made an offer of around £55m for the versatile defender, but the Catalan giants swiftly rejected it, as he was deemed far too important to be sold.

However, another star has been added to the Gunners’ shortlist, someone who may be far more attainable: Evan Ndicka.

According to a recent report from the Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Siamo La Roma, Arsenal and Newcastle United are both interested in the Ivorian international.

However, it would appear as if the North Londoners are ahead of their Premier League rivals at the moment, as the report has revealed that they’ve already initiated contact with I Giallorossi.

In more good news, it probably wouldn’t be an extortionate deal to complete either, as the report has claimed that Roma value their defensive stalwart at up to €40m, which is about £34m.

It might not be the most exciting transfer Arsenal could make, but given Ndicka’s ability and experience, he’d be a great addition to their squad and a significant upgrade on Kiwior.

How Ndicka compares to Kiwior

So, the first thing to say is that with William Saliba and Gabriel being the utterly immense pairing that they are, it seems hard to imagine that there is any central defender that Arsenal could sign this summer who’d displace one of them.

With that in mind, it seems almost certain then that Arteta and Co are interested in signing Ndicka to make him one of the club’s first-choice backups, which in turn would put him in direct competition with Kiwior for game time.

So, who comes out on top?

Well, when it comes to recent experience, it’s the “superb” Roma ace, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who comes out on top, as he’s arguably one of the most important players at his club, making 47 appearances, all of which have been starts, across all competitions this term, scoring one goal and providing two assists along the way.

In contrast, the former Spezia ace has only recently seen his game time increase in North London and has made just 25 appearances, 16 of which have been starts, this season, in which he has also scored once and provided two assists.

How about when we take a look under the hood then? Which defender comes out on top when we compare their underlying numbers?

Unfortunately for the Polish ace, it’s once again the Paris-born monster who comes on top in the majority of relevant metrics, including, but not limited to, progressive carries, key and live passes, shot and goal-creating actions, tackles won, blocks, clearances, interceptions, ball recoveries, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Kiwior has proven himself to be a reliable backup, Ndicka appears to be the better defender in practically every way, and therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to sign him this summer.

Arsenal want to sign a "beast" Gyokeres alternative who's outscoring Isak

Arsenal could sign an amazing Viktor Gyokeres alternative this summer.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 2, 2025

Leeds United have a big summer ahead of them. The Yorkshire side won the Championship and are finally promoted to the Premier League again, after their failure to do so in the 2023/24 campaign. Daniel Farke’s future came under question despite the success, but he will stay at the club to lead them in the top flight.

There is no doubt, it will be a challenge for the Whites to stay in the Premier League. They will need to recruit well to buck the trend that we have seen over the last few years, of promoted sides being relegated immediately.

One direction they could take is to recruit top young talents, and they have been linked with one already this summer.

Leeds targeting move for teenage sensation.

Leeds have had some exciting young talents on their books over the last few seasons, including Archie Gray, now a Europa League winner with Tottenham Hotspur. Well, perhaps the next starlet to play at Elland Road will be Lennon Miller of Motherwell.

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 a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds are one of many clubs in the Premier League who have ‘had contact about Miller’ this summer, with the view of completing a potential transfer in the coming weeks.

They will face stiff competition. They are one of ten Premier League sides interested in a move. Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg ‘appear to be stealing a march’ on those interested English sides, as well as the Italian trio of Atalanta, Bologna and Como.

In March, it was reported by Football Insider that Motherwell would ask for £10m for Miller this summer.

Why Miller would be a good signing

It has been a statement campaign from Miller this season. Described as a player with “huge potential” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, that is already ringing true. The 18-year-old is uncapped by Scotland at senior level, but was named in Steve Clarke’s squad for their friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein next month.

The midfielder has been a vital cog in the works at Fir Park this term. He has played 39 times across all competitions, scoring four goals and creating eight others for his teammates. Despite being such a young age, he has already played 3398 minutes, an average of 37 full 90-minute games.

One of the striking things about Miller is his versatility. The 18-year-old is someone who can be trusted to play anywhere in the midfield. This term, he has played 12 games each as a number six, a number eight and a number 10.

Should the Whites bring Miller into the club this season, he could be their best talent since Gray, who left the club for North London last summer. The 19-year-old made 52 appearances for his boyhood club last term.

There is no doubt about Gray’s ability. He was named as the male Young Player of the Year at the London Football Awards back in February, which he said “means a lot to me”.

He has certainly been a big loss to Leeds.

There are actually plenty of statistical similarities that can be drawn between Miller and Gray, highlighting the fact that he could be their most exciting talent since their former academy star departed the club.

When looking at the numbers on Squawka, considering Gray’s stats from his Championship campaign last season, you can see similarities. For example, this term Miller has won 5.9 duels and played 16.5 forward passes per 90 minutes, compared to Grey’s 4.6 duels won and 13.8 forward passes each game last season.

Open play passes completed

25.7

32.8

Forward passes

16.5

13.8

Take-ons completed

0.6

1.1

Duels won

5.9

4.6

Ball recoveries

6.6

4.8

It seems that, if Leeds can secure the signing of Miller, he could be a diamond in the rough. His talent is undeniable, and he is a leader, having captained Motherwell ten times at just 18 years of age this term.

If they manage to win the race for Miller this summer, then he will surely be an exciting addition and their best talent since Gray left the club.

Leeds considering swoop for "incredible" striker who'd be their new Wood

Leeds are reportedly considering a move for a star who could be Daniel Farke’s own Chris Wood.

ByDan Emery May 21, 2025

Newcastle United’s fantastic second half of the season ensured they will return to the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign. Eddie Howe’s magnificent Magpies came fifth in the Premier League and managed to cling onto that final Champions League spot despite defeat on the last day of the season at home to Everton.

Since Boxing Day, the North Eastern giants looked like strong contenders for a top-five finish. They were fifth in the league just one day after Christmas, and never really looked like dropping out of that race in 2025.

With a huge season ahead, it will be an important few months for Newcastle to build a squad worthy of competing with Europe’s elite. Already, they have been linked with some elite-level players.

Newcastle’s latest summer targets

There is a report from one Spanish news outlet that links the Magpies to four players this summer. One of those includes Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo, who could be available for as little as £67m. Former Manchester City winger Ferran Torres, now at Barcelona, is also linked.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

However, one of the most concrete links for Newcastle right now comes from CaughtOffside. They suggest that the North East side are targeting a move for Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lee Kang-in. They are thought to be one side who have ‘made contact’ for the South Korean attacker.

The key phrase there is one of, because the Magpies are set to fight seven other sides across Europe. They include Spanish side Atletico Madrid and Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.

Interestingly, the Gunners were linked with Lee by The Athletic back in January, who reported his transfer fee as £36m, double what the French side paid for him. Perhaps it will be a similar fee this summer, too.

Why Lee would be a good signing

It has perhaps been a slightly frustrating season for Lee in the French capital. He has struggled for regular opportunities, given he is fighting to break into an attack that includes Ousmane Dembele, Desiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

He has played 30 games in Ligue 1 in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring six goals and registering the same number of assists. Crucially, Lee has played just 1667 minutes in the top flight of France, the equivalent of just 18 full games. 12 goals and assists in 18 games is a superb return.

One of the standout features about Lee’s game is his versatility. Luis Enrique has been able to rely on him in numerous positions this season. He has played 13 times as a right-winger, 12 times as a number ten, six games as a centre-forward and even once at right-back.

If the Magpies did sign Lee this summer, they would surely hope he could have the same impact at St James’ Park that their last midfield signing from Ligue 1 has done.

Bruno Guimaraes has been a revelation in midfield since his £30m move from Olympique Lyon in 2022.

He has amassed an impressive 154 appearances in that famous black and white shirt, scoring 22 goals and registering 24 assists in that time.

At the start of his time in the North East, he said he had ambitions of becoming a “legend” at the club. After helping to deliver the Carabao Cup this season, he may well have reached that level.

Interestingly, talent scout Jacek Kulig said he believes Lee can become a “future legend” of football, further drawing parallels between the pair. If he can have any sort of similar impact on the club as Guimaraes, it would have been a successful transfer.

There are some standout underlying stats on FBref for Lee, which indicate he could become a key player for Newcastle. For example, he averages 7.69 progressive passes and 5.19 shot-creating actions per game, which rank him in the top 3% and 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, respectively.

Lee key stats and rank vs midfielders in big 5 leagues

Stat (per 90)

Number

Percentile

Goals and assists

0.51

96th

Key passes

3.08

99th

Progressive

7.69

97th

Shot-creating actions

5.19

99th

Progressive carries

2.91

96th

Take-ons completed

1.56

97th

Stats from FBref

The last time Newcastle bought a midfielder from Ligue 1, it turned out to be one of the best signings they have made in recent memory. They will surely hope that, if Lee joins, he can be the second coming of Guimaraes in terms of impact on the club.

At just £36m, this could be the bargain of the summer for the Magpies, if Howe and co can get this deal over the line.

Related Bigger talent than Delap: Newcastle set to bid for “special" £59m sensation

Newcastle are looking for a new addition to their attack

Posts ByJoe Nuttall May 27, 2025

Chelsea can end the 2024/25 campaign in the perfect way on Wednesday night. They face Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final at the Stadion Wroclaw in Wroclaw, Poland, and have the opportunity to finish Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge with a trophy.

The Blues have been the dominant side in the competition this term. According to Sofascore, they have scored more goals than any other side, finding the back of the net 38 times, which is 16 more than their opponents. Their nine goals conceded were only bettered by two other sides, too.

The Blues surely go into this game as favourites, given their form in the competition so far. Indeed, Maresca seems to have much of his first-choice squad available for their final game of the campaign.

Chelsea’s team news vs. Betis

Luckily for the Blues, their final Premier League game of 2024/25 last Sunday saw them avoid any inquiries. That means star players, including Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, will be available for the final this evening.

Further inclusions and absences have been noted, with there two first-team players who will certainly not make the squad this week. They are Wesley Fofana, who is still out with an injury, and Romeo Lavia, who is not registered in the squad.

On a more positive note, Nicolas Jackson will come back into the squad for the finale, given his Premier League suspension is not in effect in European competition. Another player who could return is Christopher Nkunku.

The Frenchman was not involved against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but his record in the Conference League is excellent. He has five goals and three assists in nine games in the competition, so he could make a real difference.

With that in mind, it will be fascinating to see who Maresca lines up with on Wednesday. Given the importance of the game, it seems the likes of Palmer, Caicedo and club captain Reece James will start, in what will surely be a strong lineup.

Robert Sanchez

Goalkeeper

Marc Cucurella

Left-back

Levi Colwill

Centre back

Trevoh Chalobah

Centre back

Reece James

Right-back

Moises Caicedo

Central midfield

Enzo Fernandez

Central midfield

Noni Madueke

Right wing

Cole Palmer

Attacking midfield

Jadon Sancho

Left wing

Nicolas Jackson

Centre-forward

Another player who could be in line to start the game is defender Trevoh Chalobah.

Why Chalobah could start vs. Betis

It has been a curious season for Chalobah in 2024/25. After spending the first half of the campaign on loan at Crystal Palace, he was recalled to Stamford Bridge and has since been an important player under Maresca.

Since returning from his loan spell, the “outstanding” defender, as Statman Dave once called him, has featured 18 times across all competitions, with four of those games coming in the Conference League.

The 25-year-old has helped to keep two clean sheets in that time, playing a total of 245 minutes in the competition. Now, perhaps he will be in line to start the final. He is a player experienced in European finals, having helped Chelsea win the UEFA Super Cup back in 2021, a game which he started and played 120 minutes.

The defensive “monster”, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been called up to former boss Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, although he did not start at the weekend. However, if he does come into the team for the final, potentially for Tosin, he will have the job of keeping Antony quiet.

The Manchester United loanee has been a standout player during his loan spell at Betis. In 25 games, he has nine goals and five assists. Half of those goal involvements have come in the Conference League, so he really does his best work there.

In fact, the Brazilian is similar to Palmer on FBref for this competition. For example, he averages 0.47xGA and 5.02 shot-creating actions each game. In comparison, Chelsea’s number 20 averages 0.48xGA and 4.11 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.

It will be a tough task for Chalobah to keep Antony quiet, but it will surely be crucial for Chelsea’s success. He has proven in the past few months that he has the potential to hurt opponents when given time and space, so Chalobah’s excellent reading of the game will be crucial to preventing that.

Although the winger does operate on the right-hand side, he tends to drift inside a lot and look to cut in on his left foot to get a shot off. Thus, Chalobah may well have to come up against him directly.

However, that is a battle the Chelsea defender should be comfortable handling. His defensive stats for the Blues this season, via Sofascore, are impressive. For example, he averages 1.8 combined tackles and interceptions and wins 1.9 aerial duels per game. On top of that, he has been dribbled past just once in that famous Blue shirt this term.

If he does get the nod from the start, the boyhood Chelsea star has the chance to become a key player for the Blues as they look to win more European silverware. They could become the first side in history to win the three current European trophies. Chalobah has a huge role to play.

He's better than Joao Pedro: Chelsea hold talks to sign "the new Haaland"

Chelsea appears to be in talks to bring a new striker to the club

ByRoss Kilvington May 26, 2025

Whether or not you agree on the matter that Arsenal have regressed this season, there is one undeniable statement that no one can argue with.

The Gunners need more firepower to take them to the next level in the 2025/26 campaign.

Just over a year ago when Mikel Arteta’s men were dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich, there was an admission that Arsenal were lacking a bit in the forward department. That was even with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

A year later, they travelled to Paris, seeking to reach their first Champions League final since 2006. Unsurprisingly, they exited the competition. Arteta and skipper Martin Odegaard spoke after the game about how the tie was won in both boxes. PSG were better in those areas, and there was once again an admission they didn’t have much in attack.

“Usually in the box there are strikers”, Arteta remarked, noting how Arsenal have been forced to play with Mikel Merino up top instead of the injury-stricken Jesus and Havertz.

A year on from their previous exit from the competition, somehow their forward line looked even worse. If they are to progress next term, then signing more forwards is of utmost importance.

How Arsenal could strengthen their forward line

Name an attacker, and it’s likely they’ve been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks and months.

Of course, the number one priority for Arsenal is Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with the BBC’s Sami Mokbel revealing only a few days ago that he is ‘the dream target’. Yet, as we know, any move is complicated by the Magpies’ astronomical asking price.

As such, Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are two alternatives. In short, Arsenal have no excuse given the number of options out there on the market this summer.

It’s not just in that centre-forward Berth where Arteta needs recruits. Despite talk of an extended contract for Leandro Trossard in recent days, they need improvement on the left wing and once more, there are a plethora of options.

Transfer Focus

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

Arsenal are reportedly the favourites to sign Borussia Dortmund’s English winger Jamie Gittens while their dream target in this position, according to the Daily Mail, is Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.

But there’s a spicy alternative in the form of AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, who the Mail reported on Saturday is on the club’s shortlist.

A separate report from Italy has also spoken of Arsenal’s interest in the Portuguese forward.

They claim that while Chelsea are also in the running and have been in contact with the Serie A side, Arsenal have entered the race now too, ‘taking information’ on the player as they prepare a move.

It’s reported that new sporting director Andrea Berta has personally placed him on the club’s shortlist as one of his first pieces of business.

With Arsenal needing to recruit a few big-name players this summer, one sticking point could be Leao’s €100m (£85m) valuation.

How Rafael Leao would improve Arsenal

Arsenal need a winger and they need one ASAP. Take one look at the PSG tie and the difference in wing play, most notably on the opposite side to Bukayo Saka was stark.

While Arteta had an uncertain Gabriel Martinelli there, spurning chances and failing to get the better of Achraf Hakimi, the Parisiens had Georgian superstar Kvicha Kvaratskhelia. A demonic presence in attack, his relentless speed, close control, and dribbling ability make him an absolute nightmare for any defender. He’s unpredictable and boasts the talent to go on either side.

It’s something that, Saka aside, Arsenal don’t have much of: unpredictability.

In Leao, they’d be finding that. The scorer of 12 goals and the assister of 13 so far this season, in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, the left winger is “absolutely perfect for game-breaking moments” and he’s also “a winger who brings fear to defences.” In that sense, he’s a lot like the aforementioned Kvaratskhelia.

But, there’s another mighty fine comparison we want to touch on here. Back in 2022, Milan coach Stefano Pioli said: “Leao reminds me a lot of the early Thierry Henry, who started wide then came inside.”

Well, as far as Arsenal fans are concerned, it surely doesn’t get much better than that? Henry left the Gunners behind as their club-record scorer and they’ve been searching, dreaming of finding someone with similar traits.

Like Henry, Leao has an incredible burst of pace and boasts a similiar languid playing style to Henry that gave them the opportunity to use their long strides to glide past players. Interestingly, they both stand at 6 foot 2, only emphasising the comparison further.

They’ve got that same trademark style as well. Milan’s star winger loves to race down the left before cutting inside onto his favoured right foot. While Martinelli has tried to learn that attribute, he still leaves plenty to be desired, as the numbers indicate.

Looking at the metric above it’s perhaps unsurprising to leave that Leao, aged 25, is two years older than Martinelli, but this difference in quality is why Arsenal need to sign a new winger.

The Portugal international may boast the same goalscoring ability but he’s far more creative and, as we can see from the carrying numbers, he’s far more likely to not only get at the defence, but he’s more likely to succeed in doing so. As Mattinson says, he’s a truly scary proposition.

Arsenal’s biggest priority this summer must be signing a striker but in Leao, they’d be able to get their hands on one of the best left wingers in Europe.

Vini & Yamal hybrid: Arsenal could sign 'one of the world's best dribblers'

The brilliant winger would be unreal for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 10, 2025

Manchester United are willing to pay a relatively low fee of £38m to sign a “clinical” Premier League winger this summer, according to a fresh transfer update.

Man Utd need new signings as Amorim laments domestic form again

The Red Devils lost yet again in the Premier League on Sunday, being beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, with not even their place in the Europa League final able to hide such an awful domestic campaign.

Ruben Amorim suggested as much, lamenting his team’s form in the top flight after the defeat: “I feel embarrassed when looking at the Premier League table For me it doesn’t matter if we win the Europa League because the problems are much bigger than that.”

Major surgery is required for United’s squad when the summer arrives, and they will be hoping that Champions League qualification has been secured by beating Tottenham in Bilbao next week, allowing them to bring in better players.

A new centre-back is needed, especially with Lisandro Martinez becoming an injury-plagued figure, and Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah has been linked with sealing a free transfer to the Red Devils.

Another face in United’s midfield also wouldn’t go amiss, especially with Casemiro an ageing player, and a surprise move for Newcastle United hero Sandro Tonali has been mooted. He could cost as much as £85m, though, and the Magpies will surely be desperate to keep hold of him.

Man Utd willing to pay £38m for Bournemouth star Semenyo

According to a report from Spain, Manchester United are happy to pay £38m to sign Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo this summer, although it is not clear if his club would be willing to drop that low. The Cherries star has been mentioned as a target for the Red Devils, having scored against them in a 3-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season.

Semenyo has been outstanding for Bournemouth throughout the campaign, standing out as arguably their best player alongside many key performers, including Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez.

The 25-year-old has bagged nine goals and five assists in the league, also averaging 1.8 aerial duel wins and 1.5 tackles per outing, highlighting his effectiveness in other areas of his game.

He has also been lauded by teammate Lewis Cook: “As a team, we knew the quality he has and we saw that last year. He’s got to just keep working hard – being aggressive and being clinical. He’s got a lot better at running back and helping out the team too. He’s a powerful lad and has all the ability in the world. Hopefully he can continue to show that.”

At 25, Semenyo is primed to join United and hit the ground running, providing a level of end product from out wide that the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony failed to this season, prior to being sent out on loan.

Man Utd's £85k-per-week flop is quickly becoming their new Martial

Manchester United may have found their new Anthony Martial this season.

2 ByMatt Dawson May 12, 2025

The Ghanaian looks like a fantastic option for United, as they look to make their attack more potent, and if they can beat rivals such as Liverpool to his signature, it could look like a huge coup in years to come.

Fresh from Europa League final heartbreak, Manchester United are now reportedly ready to make their move for one of the most wanted young talents that Serie A has to offer.

Rubem Amorim reacts to Europa League final defeat

In a game that could have saved their season, Manchester United simply had it summed up in a painful defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur. The Red Devils had their attacking weakness on full show as they handed Spurs their first clean sheet against Premier League opposition since February, which also came against Ruben Amorim’s side, and showed their defensive frailties when Brennan Johnson scrapped home the opening and only goal of the night.

Amorim’s first six months in charge will no longer centre around victory when it mattered most to somehow find a way into the Champions League. Instead, it will centre around ultimate failure. The failure to make his mark on a Manchester United side that have fallen lower than ever in the Premier League.

The former Sporting Club boss still believes that he is the right man for the job, however, having told reporters in his post-match press conference: “I will not quit. I am confident in my job and I will not change anything. If the board or fans feel that I’m not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation… but I will not quit.”

Whilst Amorim’s record speaks for just how poorly his reign has been, he desperately needs the chance to build Manchester United in his own vision this summer.

The big question on that front, of course, will be whether INEOS are in a position to spend enough to do just that following Europa League defeat. But if they are, then United are seemingly set to make their move for a Serie A talent.

Man Utd ready to make Ndoye move

According to Tuttosport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester United are now ready to make their move for Dan Ndoye, who is one of the most sought after young talents in Italy amid further interest from both Juventus and champions-elect Napoli.

Man Utd working to sign Fenerbahce defender who Mourinho likened to Varane

United are now ready to intensify their move after scouts watched him throughout the season.

By
Brett Worthington

May 21, 2025

Reportedly available for around €40m (£34m), Ndoye could become an ideal replacement for Alejandro Garnacho, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford more than once in the last year. At 24 years old, the Bologna star is just about to enter the peak of his powers and may soon be asked to make the impact that former teammate Joshua Zirkzee has otherwise failed to make at Manchester United.

It should come as no shock that reports are suggesting that Manchester United have been tracking Ndoye since Euro 2024 last summer, when he enjoyed what football talent scout Jacek Kulug dubbed an “excellent tournament” for Switzerland.

As Manchester United battle against Napoli and Juventus for his signature, Ndoye’s potential decision will give those at Old Trafford the first glimpse at their ability to sign such players without Champions League football this summer.

Leeds United are preparing for their return to the Premier League and are now readying a bid to sign an exciting top-flight star this summer, per a report.

Leeds United looking to build ahead of Premier League return

Now the dust has settled on a dramatic season that culminated in the Championship title at Elland Road, Daniel Farke and the 49ers Enterprises will now turn their attention towards potential incomings ahead of the new campaign.

Setting his expectations, the German coach believes survival in the Premier League is a realistic target for the Whites despite the regular occurrence of newly-promoted sides struggling to adapt a level up the pyramid.

He stated: “That’s definitely the plan (survival). I don’t want to come across as arrogant and tell everyone it’s easy. All the recently promoted sides are really good, big names, spending lots of money but not able to stay in the league. But one thing is for sure, we will try.”

Money will need to be spent by the 49ers to ensure Leeds can extend their stay in the Premier League, and there is no shortage of targets in Yorkshire now the off-season is in full swing.

Mjallby goalkeeper Noel Tornqvist has entered Farke’s eyeline, though he is likely to be a backup solution as opposed to a direct replacement for Illan Meslier between the sticks.

Related Leeds now want to sign £20m Championship star who outperformed Gus Hamer

The Whites are looking to raid one of their 2024/25 Championship rivals this summer.

Posts 1 ByDominic Lund May 28, 2025

Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz could add some flair in the engine room for Leeds, but there is every chance they also move for some proven Premier League operators to ensure there is experience in the camp before they kick off the new campaign.

Tapping into that school of thought, the Whites are now lining up a swoop for an exciting addition at Elland Road that would please supporters.

Leeds United prepare £16.8m offer for Aston Villa's Emiliano Buendia

According to journalist Sebastien Vidal on X, Leeds are preparing a £16.8 million offer to sign Aston Villa “playmaker” Emiliano Buendia ahead of the summer window.

Farke previously worked with the Argentina international at Norwich City, and it is believed that he will be allowed to leave Villa Park this summer with the blessing of Unai Emery, and the Leeds boss is keen on a reunion at Elland Road.

Enduring a tough time with injuries, Buendia spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, registering two goals in 14 appearances across all competitions.

The 28-year-old may be in need of a revival, but there is every chance Leeds could give him the platform to shine following a difficult period in maintaining consistent availability. Buendia moving to Yorkshire appears to be an agreeable move for all parties and may be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.