Football is built on gossamer-fine margins, and Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will know that his side came within a whisker of failing to restore their place in the Champions League.

The Toon might have lost to Everton at St. James’ Park on the final day of the Premier League season, but Aston Villa also lost at Old Trafford, thus securing Newcastle’s place among Europe’s elite once again, having also won the Carabao Cup in March.

United won’t be losing Alexander Isak to a rival this summer, but with Callum Wilson at the end of his contract, a new striker is among the biggest priorities for the Tynesiders.

Newcastle leading race for new striker

Howe reportedly wanted his striker addition to be Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, but he’s now set to join Chelsea for £30m.

However, PIF have found an alternative, and have even established the lead in the race.

Transfer Focus

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

As per Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, Fiorentina’s Moise Kean may be on the move this summer, and Newcastle are said to be ‘very interested’ in signing him.

Kean, 25, has also been the subject of enquiries from Serie A champions Napoli, who are deliberating over whether to meet his €52m (about £44m) release clause, which will be active across the first two weeks of July.

Why Newcastle want Moise Kean

Kean flopped like a fish when last trying his skills on Premier League soil, only scoring twice across 32 games for Everton in England’s top flight.

However, he was young and Everton were turbulent. The Italy international re-joined Juventus from Goodison Park in a deal worth £25m (the same ballpark Everton initially paid). Now he is regarded as “the king of kings” for La Viola by those like reporter Mina Rzouki.

His rise has truly been something to behold, and if Kean can translate his sustained form over to Newcastle, he could become a force to be reckoned with, one who could even apply pressure on Isak.

24/25 – Fiorentina

32

19

3

23/24 – Juventus

19

–

–

22/23 – Juventus

28

6

–

21/22 – Juventus

32

5

3

20/21 – PSG

26

13

–

20/21 – Everton

1

–

–

His stratospheric leap into rich form since moving to Florence has been a remarkable thing to witness, scoring 19 league goals last term, but it’s not Kean’s only weapon. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 12% of Serie A forwards this year for successful take-ons per 90.

There’s a power and purpose to his football that echoes Delap’s qualities, the English striker captivating so many suitors this season with his strength and confidence, hailed by Alan Shearer for being a “nuisance to play against.”

Kean, meanwhile, has been praised for his “scary” physical presence by reporter Carlo Garganese.

Newcastle must push hard to get this one done; across all competitions this season, Kean has posted 25 goals, even outscoring supposedly Manchester United-bound Bryan Mbeumo, who has indeed opted to sign for the Red Devils, rejecting Newcastle and more in the process.

Brentford’s Mbeumo, while not a striker, has been one of English football’s finest goalscorers this year, bagging 20 goals from 42 matches.

It’s clear: Newcastle must secure Kean’s signature. After all, they are already in the lead and were willing to spend on Delap. Here is the perfect alternative.

Move over Delap: Newcastle teen is one of the "best prospects in the world"

Newcastle may find a new teenage superstar burst onto the scene next season.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025

While Arsenal crashed out in the semi-final stages of the Champions League, they can at least take solace from the fact that they were beaten by the eventual winners.

Mikel Arteta may have proclaimed that his side were the better of the two teams when they faced PSG over two legs, but it’s hard to argue in favour of that.

Indeed, once all was said and done, Luis Enrique’s men reigned supreme.

It was the exciting, energetic trio of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who came to the fore again in the final, pummelling five past Inter Milan.

As it happens, Arsenal could well sign their answer to Doue this summer.

Arsenal in talks to sign new winger

The Gunners are in the market to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad but their success in the market over the forthcoming months will very much come down to how they strengthen in attack.

Benjamin Sesko appears to be the primary option in attack with talks reportedly underway behind the scenes over a move.

Andrea Berta is a very busy man, as he’s not the only offensive option discussions are being had over.

Earlier this week, reports revealed that Arsenal were considering a move for former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane. Well, over the weekend, a deal may well be progressing.

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 Caught Offside, the player’s agent Pini Zahavi, has been in talks with Tottenham Hotspur and the Gunners over signing his client this summer.

Sane is going to be leaving Bayern Munich behind at the end of his contract and as a result, he can be snapped up on a free transfer.

Why Sane could be Arsenal’s answer to Doue

It’s safe to say that Doue is one of the most generational players on the planet right now.

Moving from Rennes to PSG last summer, it took a few months for things to really click but he’s now proven why he’s going to be at the top of the game for the next 15 years.

The Frenchman has been outstanding this term, scoring 15 and registering 16 assists in all competitions.

His biggest and most important goals came in the Champions League final where he was one of their finest players on a remarkable night in Munich, scoring two of their five goals.

This may well sting for those of an Arsenal persuasion as, according to reports, the Londoners were going to meet with Doue’s entourage last summer.

Well, Sane and Doue may be at opposite ends of their career but the former would be a great piece of business on a free transfer, providing he’s not the only arrival in the forward areas.

Once described by Pep Guardiola as “the best in the world playing out wide,” the German has a similar skill set to Doue. They are two players who love beating their man and creating moments of magic out of nowhere.

Doue is right-footed but when he plays on the left, his ability to cut inside and beat players in Neymar-esque fashion is truly captivating.

Well, in many ways, Sane is the right wing version of Doue. He’s got great place, has ridiculous technical ability and his slightly taller, wiry frame also stands out.

So, how do they compare statistically?

Goals

0.45

0.27

Assists

0.38

0.27

Shot on target %

40%

37%

Key passes

2.58

2.31

Progressive passes

4.22

6.97

Shot-creating actions

5.23

5.28

Successful take-ons

3.15

3.24

Progressive carries

4.68

4.69

Well, the numbers suggest, as expected, showcase that they are very very similar players.

Over the last two campaigns, it’s Sane who has registered the higher output as far as goals and assists are concerned, but when it comes to play style, they are near identical.

Doue is streets ahead for progressive passes but when analysing shot-creating actions and their ability to progress play via dribbling and carrying, there is very little to separate the duo.

The French superstar is, of course, a future Ballon d’Or contender but on a free transfer, Arsenal could sign a more experienced and more refined version in Sane. What’s not to like about that?

Arsenal open talks to sign £50m star – he's like Nico Williams & Rodrygo

Arsenal are looking at a whole list of wingers that includes Nico Williams and Rodrygo.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 28, 2025

Norwich City have now joined Birmingham City in the race to sign a “fantastic” Championship defender on a free transfer, according to a recent report.

Liam Manning delighted to start new era at Norwich

The Canaries have finally found a replacement for Johannes Hoff Thorup, who was sacked back in April. After assessing their options, the club announced on Monday that Liam Manning would be leaving Bristol City and taking over at Carrow Road.

Manning had been in charge of the Robins since November 2023, taking charge of 82 matches, 28 of which he won, and his final act was leading them to the Championship play-offs last season, although they were hammered by Sheffield United 6-0 on aggregate.

Manning has now put that behind him, as he reveals it is a “privilege and honour” to have the opportunity to work at Norwich.

“I’m privileged and honoured to have the opportunity to work for this fantastic football club. It’s a wonderful club with a big history and tradition.

Liam Manning’s managerial record

Games

222

Won

97

Drawn

49

Lost

76

Points per game

1.53

“It’s clear, there has already been a lot of valuable groundwork laid in recent seasons – it’s now important we build further on that and move the club forward.”

Norwich join Birmingham in race to sign Harry Darling

The Canaries are not wasting any time when it comes to helping Manning strengthen his new side, as according to The Pink Un, Norwich are now the latest team to show interest in signing defender Harry Darling.

The 25-year-old is coming to the end of his contract at Swansea City, and while the Welsh side have offered him new terms, he remains undecided about his future. The likes of Bristol City and Sheffield United are keeping an eye on his situation, while Birmingham City have been linked with a move for Darling since April.

These three teams have now been joined by the Canaries, as Manning eyes defensive reinforcements. Darling is not the only defender on Norwich’s radar, but given he will cost nothing in terms of a transfer fee, a quick deal would allow them to plan the rest of their summer spend knowing they have an experienced new addition in the bank.

Harry Darling’s Swansea City stats

Apps

112

Goals

12

Assists

6

At this stage nothing is advanced, but Manning working with Darling during their time at MK Dons may hand Norwich an advantage in a busy race for his signature.

The 24/25 season was another impressive campaign for Darling, as he scored five goals in 39 Championship games, while his defensive work was up to scratch too, as Swansea boss Luke Williams labelled him “fantastic” for his performance against West Brom as they claimed a hard-fought point.

“He is fantastic at defending the goal, competing for everything with the opposition. But he also had plenty of brilliant actions in helping us to build up to try and score. He was brilliant; he’s an excellent player.”

Derby County are preparing for another tilt at life in the second-tier following their miraculous escape from relegation under John Eustace and could now make a bold statement on the market, according to a report.

Derby look to avoid repeat scenario of close shave with relegation

Avoiding the drop is never an easy feat to achieve when the chips are down. Still, John Eustace will rightfully be heralded as a miracle worker at Pride Park following his side’s turnaround.

Speaking to Football League World, pundit Don Goodman believes Derby can avoid being drawn into a relegation battle next term now that the foundations are in place to help the Rams thrive.

He explained: “I look at the 14 games John Eustace took charge of at the end of last season – six wins and three draws, and that’s despite losing the first three games he took charge of.

“If he accrued that points total over the course of last season that would be 69 points, which would’ve actually been enough for a play-off spot for Derby, remarkably.

“He’s outstanding at organising teams and making them hard to play against and hard to beat, so those are ingredients that will see Derby County not be in a relegation battle.”

Derby County make out-of-window move for "athletic" player in free transfer

John Eustace could be set to link up with a former player at Pride Park.

BySean Markus Clifford Mar 7, 2025

Inevitably, Derby will need to pull up some trees on the market to put themselves in a position of relative comfort.

Defensive duo Danny Batth and Dion Sanderson have been linked with moves to Pride Park, but there will be more in the pipeline as Eustace exhausts all avenues to put his mission into place.

Now, the Rams could turn to his former club in an attempt to pull of a statement deal that would definitely enhance their survival prospects, per recent developments.

Derby plotting move for Blackburn Rovers captain Lewis Travis

According to EFL Analysis, Derby are in the mix to sign Blackburn Rovers captain Lewis Travis and Eustace is said to be a big fan of his exploits after working with the 27-year-old at Ewood Park.

Predominantly a defensive midfielder, reports claim it would cost £2 million to prize him away from Lancashire. Meanwhile, Wrexham are also keen to lure him to North Wales.

Lewis Travis in all competitions – 2024/25

Appearances

39

Goals

2

Assists

1

Labelled “fantastic” by David Lowe, Travis is out of contract next summer which may increase pressure on Blackburn to sell their captain this window before his value begins to dwindle on the market.

Intriguingly, he has previously spoken out about his ‘close’ relationship with Eustace, something that may be used as an emotional string to pull on in the event of any negotiations.

Nevertheless, Derby aren’t messing about in their bid to add quality reinforcements and there is no doubt their engine room would drastically improve were Travis to land at Pride Park this summer.

Chelsea are still on the hunt for another striker, despite already signing Liam Delap in time for the Club World Cup, but this is a transfer which may have to wait until further down the line this summer.

Chelsea tipped for second centre-forward signing after Liam Delap

Enzo Maresca’s forward line could look very different by the beginning of 2025/2026.

Related Alongside Sesko: Chelsea also step up pursuit of another striker wanted by Arsenal

The Blues have ramped up their interest in a “prolific” striker, who is also a target for Mikel Arteta.

Posts ByDominic Lund Jun 10, 2025

Despite scoring in the Conference League final against Real Betis, helping Chelsea win their first major trophy under Maresca in the process, it has been a tough 2025 for Nicolas Jackson.

The Senegalese has scored just one Premier League goal this calendar year and suffered a real downturn in form beyond the turn of the year, combined with injuries and suspensions.

While Chelsea aren’t pushing Jackson out of the door, it is believed that they will listen to suitable offers, with Manchester United, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid all expressing an interest recently (Simon Phillips).

His departure could also prove key to Chelsea making room for another prolific centre-forward after Delap, which is something Stamford Bridge officials are apparently keen to do.

One name has dominated the headlines when it comes to BlueCo potentially bringing in another new number nine – Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike.

Chelsea have held talks with Eintracht over a deal for Ekitike, and even mooted the possibility of players going the other way in a part-exchange.

The Frenchman is also said to be very keen on a move to west London (Simon Phillips), but the sticking point throughout this saga has been Ekitike’s lofty £84 million asking price.

The 22-year-old is fresh off the back of an electric campaign, scoring 22 goals and assisting 12 others in all competitions, which has prompted his side to stand firm over a sky-high price in negotiations so far.

However, according to TEAMtalk, Chelsea may not have to go that high after all.

Chelsea believe £65 million Hugo Ekitike could rival Alexander Isak

As per their information, the club’s recruitment team hold a genuine belief that Ekitike will end up rivaling Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, with Chelsea making him a “high-priority” target as a result.

It is also believed that £65 million could even be enough for Chelsea to sign Ekitike this summer, and their public £84 million valuation is merely “posturing” in an attempt to look strong during negotiations.

The report adds that Chelsea have been in direct contact with the former PSG striker’s camp, echoing other media sources, but the complexity of this deal means this could be one that remains ongoing for a while yet.

In any case, he is clearly highly-rated within Cobham, not to mention the rest of the footballing world.

“I might say something really crazy, but I’ll say it anyway: I think he’s a mix between Neymar and [Kylian] Mbappé. I sincerely think so,” said former Netherlands star Wesley Sneijder.

“He has the grace of Neymar, but also the movements of Mbappé. To suddenly accelerate, that’s something that Mbappé also has. And he’s only 22 years old. There’s really a lot of potential in this boy.”

Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign FC Nordsjælland forward Benjamin Nygren, whose contract expires at the end of this year, on a permanent deal this summer.

The right-sided attacker could become the second official signing for the Hoops in the off-season, after the club confirmed Kieran Tierney’s arrival on a free transfer from Arsenal earlier this week.

Celtic's transfer priorities this summer

Following the much-needed signing of Tierney to fill their gaping hole at left-back, with Greg Taylor out of contract this summer, Celtic appear to have turned their attention to the wide areas.

Nygren is ‘expected’ to sign for the Scottish giants to bolster their options on the right flank, but they are also looking for a new forward on the left side of the pitch.

It was recently claimed that the Hoops are in talks with left-winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s representatives over a move from Royal Antwerp, and the Scottish Premiership champions are in negotiations with Sarpsborg over a move for Norwegian flanker Sondre Orjasaeter.

This makes it clear that Celtic are after a right-footed left-winger – Balikwisha or Orjasaeter – to go along with the signing of Nygren, who is a left-footed right-winger.

New wingers are not the only signings on the agenda for Brendan Rodgers this summer, though, as the Northern Irish head coach is also looking to improve the depth of his midfield.

Celtic believe they can land bargain deal for Premier League star

According to West Ham United-focused outlet Claret & Hugh, Celtic are interested in a deal to sign Scotland international Andy Irving, who is for sale, in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hammers are open to offers for the 25-year-old central midfielder, as ‘almost everyone’ is for sale at the Premier League side.

It reveals that the Hoops believe that they can land the left-footed maestro for a ‘bargain’ fee, although no exact price tag is mentioned, because he was rarely used by Graham Potter in the 2024/25 campaign, playing just ten times in the top-flight.

Passes made

60.00

Top 8%

Pass accuracy

90.0%

Top 16%

Long passes made

3.89

Top 5%

Long pass accuracy

87.5%

Top 4%

Cross accuracy

50%

Top 11%

Touches

87.78

Top 6%

Irving showcased his quality in possession, as shown in the table above, by ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of key passing and possession-based metrics in the limited minutes that he had on the pitch.

Claret & Hugh adds that the Scottish midfielder is ‘open’ to a move away from the Premier League club in order to go in search of regular first-team football, which is why a transfer to Parkhead could be one that ‘suits all parties’.

Irving, who made his Scotland debut earlier this month against Liechtenstein, appears to have the on-ball qualities to perfectly suit playing in a Celtic team that averaged 75.1% possession per game in the Premiership in the 2024/25 season.

His desire to constantly get on the ball and make passes, short and long, whilst being efficient in doing so, could make him a good fit for Rodgers’ dominant Hoops midfielder, which is why this is a deal that could make a lot of sense for both clubs and the player.

More exciting than Tierney: Celtic expected to complete "no-brainer" deal

Celtic are expected to seal the signing of a star who would be more exciting than Kieran Tierney.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 14, 2025

Celtic lost their first-choice number nine in the January transfer window at the start of the year when they opted to sell Kyogo Furuhashi to Ligue 1 side Rennes.

The Hoops cashed in on the Japan international and went with Adam Idah, Johnny Kenny, and Daizen Maeda as their number nine options, instead of swooping for a replacement in the window.

Brendan Rodgers is seemingly in the market to sign a new number nine ahead of next season, though, as it was recently reported that the club are expected to make a new move for Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgarden.

Why Celtic want to sign Mathias Kvistgaarden

The Denmark youth international is a long-term target for Celtic, who wanted to sign him in January and remain keen ahead of the summer, and that is because he has been in terrific form for his club.

Kvistgaarden scored 23 goals in all competitions for Brondby in the 2024/25 campaign, which included a return of 17 goals in the Danish Superliga, and scored ten goals in 28 matches the previous season.

As you can see in the post from talent scout Jacek Kulig below, which was last month, the 23-year-old attacker has improved year-on-year with his current team.

The Danish marksman is a striker who is on the up and coming off the back of an impressive season, which is why he would be an attractive target for the Scottish giants heading into the summer window.

However, it has also been reported that Brondby are sticking to their valuation of at least £10m for the attacker. This means that the Hoops would have to splash the cash to bring him to Parkhead to bolster their attacking options.

Transfer Focus

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

With this in mind, Celtic could look elsewhere to find more value for money, and they could find it by signing reported target Youssef El Kachati.

Why Celtic should sign Youssef El Kachati

The Daily Mail reported earlier this month that the Scottish Premiership champions are tracking the Telstar forward as a potential free agent signing, as his contract with the Dutch club is due to expire.

El Kachati, who is due to play in the play-off final for Telstar this evening, has scored 23 goals and provided six assists in all competitions for his team this season, matching Kvistgaarden’s return.

The 25-year-old attacker, who played for Morocco at U23 level, has scored 82 goals in 189 matches throughout his career in Dutch football, which shows that he has been a consistent scorer throughout his time at first-team and academy level.

His form in the 2024/25 campaign also suggests that the potential is there for him to be an even better signing than Kvistgaarden if he can translate his form over to Scottish football as a bargain free agent addition.

Appearances

29

37

Goals

17

19

Big chances missed

17

12

Big chances created

5

6

Assists

5

5

Dribbles completed per game

0.7

1.0

As you can see in the table above, the Dutch-born forward has a more impressive ‘big chance’ conversion rate, scoring two more goals whilst missing five fewer ‘big chances’.

This suggests that El Kachati, described as a “sensation” by journalist Mounir Boualin, has the potential to deliver more effective performances in front of goal in a Celtic shirt as a finisher.

The Telstar marksman has also added three goals in four play-off matches on top of those 19 goals during the regular season, taking his league tally to 22 in total – five more than Kvistgaarden managed for Brondby.

With this in mind, the potential is there for Celtic to land an even better signing than the Danish attacker, valued at £10m, by swooping for this bargain free agent star who has been incredibly prolific in the Dutch second tier.

A dream Kuhn replacement: Celtic eyeing move for "unplayable" star

Celtic have sent scouts to watch a wing wizard who could be a dream replacement for Nicolas Kuhn.

1 ByDan Emery May 27, 2025

Football might have come to a brief stop, but there is no rest for the wicked, and Arsenal have a potentially era-defining few months ahead of them.

To ensure they get over the line in the Premier League next season, Mikel Arteta and new Sporting Director Andrea Berta need to nail their transfer dealings, and if they can bring in Rodrygo, that’d be an excellent start.

The Real Madrid superstar has been linked with a £85m move to the Emirates on multiple occasions over the last few weeks, and the combination of his outlandish ability and stature in the game makes him someone who could really move the needle in the Gunners’ favour next year.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, the North Londoners could now be closing in on another attacking talent who’d be an even more exciting signing than the Brazilian international.

Arsenal transfer news

Given Arsenal’s position in English football and how close they seem to be to glory, it’s hardly been a surprise to see them linked with a plethora of incredibly exciting players in recent weeks, such as Bradley Barcola and Takefusa Kubo.

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 cost the club a whopping £101m this summer, which might be an eyewatering sum of money, but it might also be fair enough, as in 58 games for Paris Saint-Germain this season, he scored 21 goals and provided 19 assists.

Kubo would be a far cheaper option at around £50m, but he’s not been anywhere near as prolific as the Frenchman, racking up a reasonable but unspectacular haul of seven goals and four assists in 52 games.

However, while a wide player would be a welcome addition to the club, Arteta and Co’s priority has to be a new number nine, someone like Benjamin Sesko.

Fortunately, a recent report from Caught Offside has claimed that Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Slovenian striker.

In fact, on top of confirming that Berta has already held direct talks with RB Leipzig, the report has revealed that the Gunners are now among the frontrunners for the player, alongside London rivals Chelsea.

However, it won’t be a cheap deal complete; the report states that Leipzig want €80m for their star attacker, which is around £68m, and a fee Arsenal should pay, as not only would Sesko be an incredible signing, but a more exciting one than Rodrygo as well.

Why Sesko would be more exciting than Rodrygo

So the first thing to say is that Rodrygo would, in fact, be an incredibly exciting signing for Arsenal to make this summer. After all, he’s a Champions League and La Liga-winning winger who knows how to score a goal or two.

However, for our money, the “instinctive” Sesko, as dubbed by journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor, would be just that bit more exciting, and there are several reasons why.

The first is that, in signing him, Arteta and Co will finally be addressing the club’s longstanding need for an out-and-out striker, and more than that, he’d be coming in with a proven track record of scoring goals and providing assists.

For example, in the 22/23 campaign, he scored 18 goals and provided four assists in 41 appearances; last season, the Slovenian international scored 18 goals and provided two assists in 42 appearances, and then this year, the Leipzig star was able to rack up an impressive haul of 21 goals and six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes.

In other words, the Radeče-born “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, averaged a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or every 120.66 minutes this season.

Sesko vs Rodrygo 24/25
Player	Sesko	Rodrygo
Appearances	45	50
Minutes	3258′	3290′
Goals	21	13
Assists	6	10
Goal Involvements per Match	0.6	0.46
Minutes per Goal Involvement	120.66′	143.04′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

In contrast, the Real Madrid star scored 13 goals and provided ten assists in 50 appearances, totalling 3290 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games, or every 143.04 minutes, in a far better team.

Finally, on top of his current ability in front of goal, the former Salzburg gem has received some rave reviews from scouts and analysts, with the respected EBL claiming he “has the potential to become the best #9 in the world” – which is also what makes him that bit more appealing than Viktor Gyokeres, another of the more heavily linked strikers in recent weeks.

He argues that this is down to the combination of him being “a 6’4 speed demon” who is “unstoppable in transition” and the fact “he can dribble”, all while also being “an elite ball-striker.”

That might sound hyperbolic, but a few of these strengths are on show in this goal, with him using his acceleration and mighty left foot – and you only need to look through some of his other goals to see his immense technical ability.

Ultimately, Arsenal need more than one attacking signing this summer, but from his goal tally this season to his potential and technical ability, Sesko would be the club’s most exciting addition.

Mega Martinelli upgrade: Arsenal eyeing £101m star with "devastating pace"

The sensational talent would be a real needle-mover for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 2, 2025

Over the years gone by, the Manchester United faithful have been blessed with countless attacking talents who have led them to numerous triumphs domestically and continentally.

Cristiano Ronaldo, George Best and Wayne Rooney are just three players from separate times who have starred at Old Trafford – with the latter remaining their record scorer to this day.

However, current boss Ruben Amorim unfortunately doesn’t have the same luxury, with main striker Rasmus Hojlund’s drought of 21 games without a goal earlier this season showcasing the problems they’ve faced.

The Dane has struggled to provide value for money after costing £72m back in the summer of 2023, with a move away from the club potentially on the cards before the end of the transfer window.

Any funds generated from such a move could allow the manager to land a new talisman who could offer the huge presence needed in their hopes of a revival in 2025/26.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new talisman

With Matheus Cunha already arriving, but likely to operate in a number 10 role, Amorim will want the hierarchy to hand him added funds to make the big-money addition he craves at the top end.

Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the main targets in recent months, but a deal for the Swede appears to be dead in the water after it was confirmed he’s only interested in a move to Arsenal.

Such a turn of events over the last few days has seen a new name enter the mix, with Victor Osimhen the latest striker in their sights, according to one GOAL journalist.

He claims that the Red Devils have already made contact with the Nigerian’s representatives after he scored 37 times in 41 appearances on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli this season.

Transfer Focus

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

Furlan also states that they face competition from PSG, Chelsea and Arsenal for his signature, after he rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.

Why Osimhen would be a better signing than Ekitike for United

In their hunt for a new striker, United have stumbled across Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké in an attempt to improve the options at Amorim’s disposal.

The Frenchman has starred in the Bundesliga throughout 2024/25, registering 23 combined goals and assists in his 33 league outings – but he could cost a pretty penny this summer.

He’s also on the radar of fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea, but any interested party will have to fork out a fee in the region of £84m to land the talisman.

There’s no denying he’s a quality player, as seen by his impressive tally this campaign, but such a fee may prove to be too expensive – especially when considering the other options on the table.

Osimhen would certainly be a better signing, with the stats from their respective campaigns highlighting why the hierarchy should pursue a move for the Nigerian’s signature this summer.

The Napoli ace, who’s been labelled “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, has massively outscored Ekitike, whilst also posting a higher goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical edge in the final third.

He’s also managed to win more aerials than the Frankfurt star, handing Amorim the focal point he needs in the attacking areas, subsequently offering a different dimension to the Red Devils’ attack.

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

31

23

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

38%

Aerials won

4.6

1.8

Aerial success rate

64%

45%

Take-on success

60%

44%

Whilst he’s likely to command a higher pay packet to prise him to the North West, it’s a price worth paying given the difference between the quality of the two options.

If the club are to have any chance of returning to their former glory in the near future, top-level talents are required, with Osimhen just the man to do that given his record within the final third in recent seasons.

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Aston Villa now want to sign a “world-class” ace from Chelsea who could be a potential replacement for Emi Martinez, according to a recent report.

Latest on Emi Martinez’s future at Aston Villa

Martinez has now not only established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League but also one of the best in world football after his heroics with Aston Villa and his national team. His move to Villa Park back in September 2020 proved to be a real turning point in his career, but despite how good he’s become and the fact he is under contract until 2029, his future at the club is in extreme doubt.

That is because at the beginning of last month it was reported that Unai Emery is ready to move on from the Argentine and sell him this summer. It was reported then that teams from Saudi Arabia were showing the most interest, but now the likes of Manchester United and Atlético Madrid have also expressed significant interest.

Before the season ended, Emery refused to say whether Martinez would still be an Aston Villa player next season.

“We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don’t know. We will see about the team and the players, but of course, they are responding on the field.”

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Martinez has been away with Argentina, helping his country qualify for the World Cup in 2026, and speculation over his future hasn’t gone away, with his wife, Mandinha, speaking about her husband’s tears at Villa’s final home league game.

“He wasn’t in tears. No. Anybody who knows Emi knows he is an emotional character, and that’s who he is. It just shows you how much he loves the Villa fans. I love the Villa fans. We love Villa.”

Aston Villa want to sign Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea

But as Villa still weigh up what to do about Martinez’s future at the club, according to TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have registered their interest in signing Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea, after he spent last season on loan in France with Strasbourg.

The report states that Chelsea have now put their goalkeeper up for sale, given the Serbian asked to be left out of the club’s Club World Cup squad, as he wants assurances on regular game time. Chelsea’s decision to sell him has now alerted teams like Aston Villa, who could be in the market for a new number one.

The Villans are not alone in their pursuit though, as Brentford, Wolves, Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Fiorentina have also registered their interest. The report states that the Blues would be looking to get £25 million for Petrovic, which is double the £12.5 million they paid back in August 2023 when they signed him from New England Revolution.

Djordje Petrovic’s 24/25 Ligue 1 stats

Apps

31

Clean sheets

10

Goals conceded

38

Goals conceded per game

1.2

Saves made per game

3.6 (74%)

Penalties saved

1/8

Passing accuracy per game

36.0 (79%)

Errors leading to shot

1

Errors leading to goal

0

Petrovic finished his campaign on loan with 10 clean sheets in 31 Ligue 1 games, as manager Liam Rosenior labelled his goalkeeper “world-class”.