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Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy are believed to be changing their minds about selling a star player this summer, with La Liga giants Real Madrid also holding internal talks over a potential deal for him.

Tottenham stars attracting interest ahead of this summer

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, if he is indeed still in the job by next season, will likely have to contend with elite clubs attempting to poach his key squad members this summer.

52-year-old holds talks with Levy to join Tottenham as "rich offer" readied

The Lilywhites chairman personally met with him yesterday.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 28, 2025

The Lilywhites, according to TEAMtalk, are mindful of AC Milan and Atlético Madrid’s serious interest in midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur as one example. Both European heavyweights are apparently considering a swoop for the Uruguay international this summer, and Spurs are set to open formal new contract talks with Bentancur as they look to stave them off.

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

The £75,000-per-week ace’s contract expires in 2026, meaning time is running out for Tottenham to tie him down with fresh terms, and if they can’t, then a sale this summer could be a real possibility.

Meanwhile, there have even been suggestions that Bayern Munich are weighing up a surprise move for Son Heung-min this summer. Tottenham recently triggered the one-year extension clause in his contract, meaning he won’t be leaving until next year, but Bayern could apparently try and tempt Levy into an early transfer.

A lot of speculation has also surrounded star centre-back Cristian Romero and his long-term future at N17, with Atlético also said to be expressing an interest in the Argentine World Cup-winner alongside Bentancur.

Romero is apparently prepared to leave Tottenham this summer as well, following the club’s dismal 2024/2025, but Atlético are not the player’s only temptation.

Tottenham stance on selling Cristian Romero as Real Madrid eye move

According to GiveMeSport, Diego Simeone’s arch rivals Real are also eyeing up a move for the South American. The Galacticos are widely rumoured to be on the hunt for a big-name central defender this summer, and Romero is on their list of star-studded targets.

The outlet reports that Tottenham are now tempted to sell Romero, following a significant U-turn behind-the-scenes, and Real have held internal talks over a swoop for the 26-year-old.

While the club have relaxed their stance over an exit deal for him, Spurs have most recently demanded £60 million to let go of Romero, and Atlético in particular are set to fall short as things stand.

Simeone’s side want to open talks over a transfer worth £33 million, but this is set to fall short of Levy’s demands. While Real haven’t yet made contact with Tottenham or Romero’s camp, there is a distinct possibility they could do, if they decide he is indeed the right man to bolster their backline.

Nottingham Forest have reportedly made an approach to sign a new £30m+ striker who has been compared to Man City star Omar Marmoush.

Nottingham Forest take one step closer to Champions League football

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side took another step closer to qualifying for the Champions League on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Manchester United at the City Ground.

Former Red Devils winger Anthony Elanga scored the winning goal to take Forest to an incredible 57 points in the Premier League with eight games remaining.

Centre-back Murillo was also the hero in the final stage with a goal-line clearance to deny Harry Maguire. Talking after the win, Nuno said: “Over the moon. We are delighted, realising how the game went. We could not be more proud than we are, because it was very tough.

“The fans played their part. We were against the ropes. In this moment, we were against the ropes, and it was about heart and belief because the legs weren’t there anymore.”

Nottingham Forest now racing to sign £33m defender wanted by Real Madrid

He’s a man in-demand…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 2, 2025

With European football on the cards in 2025/26 for Forest, attention is already turning to the transfer market and a new signing in attack is on the to-do list.

Evangelos Marinakis is ready to break the bank and spend big, with the likes of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, Wolves star Matheus Cunha and Brentford forward Yoane Wissa three forwards linked with moves to Forest. Now, another name has emerged on the radar from the Bundesliga.

Nottingham Forest make contact to sign Mohamed Amoura

According to reports in France, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have been in contact over a move to sign Mohamed Amoura who is under contract at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

It isn’t said whether or not Forest have made an approach to Amoura’s camp or the club, however, Arsenal and Liverpool have also been in touch as all three eye a deal.

The 24-year-old is currently on loan at VfL Wolfsburg, who have the option to make a move permanent for around €14m plus €4m bonuses in the summer. They look likely to do that and could then sell the Algeria international for up to €40m (£33.3m) to make a quick profit.

Julian Alvarez

Atletico Madrid

Omar Marmoush

Man City

Kai Havertz

Arsenal

Charles De Ketelaere

Atalanta

Antoine Griezmann

Atletico Madrid

Amoura has been impressing in Germany for Wolfsburg, netting 10 goals and providing eight assists from 24 Bundesliga games in 2024/25, and by the looks of things, he could be seen as a real rival to Chris Wood at the City Ground.

Amoura, dubbed a player with “exceptional” pace, has been likened to City star Marmoush and other high-quality forwards, so a move to Forest could be one to keep an eye on.

Manchester United are now willing to make a £67m offer to ensure they win the race for an “incredible” striker, who fits Ruben Amorim’s system “perfectly”, according to a report.

Red Devils keen on a striker

Man United signed off before the international break with a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Leicester City, and Rasmus Hojlund was back amongst the goals, finally finding the back of the net after a 13-game drought in the Premier League.

However, given that the Dane has bagged just three league goals all season, while Joshua Zirkzee has also struggled in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, it is clear to see why Amorim wants to bring in a new striker in the summer transfer window.

A promising new update has revealed there could now be an opening to sign Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who has been followed closely for several seasons, while United are also the favourites to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

Man Utd want to sell £10m-a-year star and replace him with "monster" player

Amorim wants Man Utd to strengthen their defensive options this summer, leaving one of his current options out in the cold.

ByBrett Worthington Mar 25, 2025

There is no shortage of top strikers from across Europe on the shortlist, but a new report from Spain suggests a Premier League forward has now become a serious target, with Man United now willing to shell out €80m (£67m) for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha.

United could go all out to sign Cunha, whose ability to play in multiple positions has caught the eye, and negotiations could be stepped up in the coming weeks, with a view to sealing a deal ahead of the summer transfer window.

Wolves view the striker as an important player, but they are willing to sanction his departure this summer, and they may have little choice in the matter, with reports from elsewhere revealing he has a £63m release clause.

"Incredible" Cunha fits Amorim's system "perfectly"

There are indications the Brazilian could be an ideal signing for United this summer, with former scout Mick Brown asserting he is a good fit for Amorim’s style of play.

“I think he fits the system perfectly. He can press, he’s quick, his passing and creativity is very good, and he can play through the middle and score goals too.”

The 25-year-old has been impressing in the Premier League for quite some time, having previously been lauded as “incredible” by former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, and he has been a reliable source of goals and assists this season.

The Brazil international has amassed 13 goals and four assists in 26 Premier League games, while also recently bagging his first goal for his national side.

It is clear United need to bring in a new striker this summer, given Hojlund and Zirkzee’s struggles, and Cunha has proven himself as a reliable goalscorer in the Premier League.

Setting their sights on stars of the future, Aston Villa are now reportedly expected to submit what would be their third bid to sign a rising star amid news that his valuation has dropped.

Aston Villa hoping third time's the charm

Aston Villa proved in the January transfer window that they’re more than capable of luring some of Europe’s biggest names to the Midlands – welcoming both Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio on loan from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain respectively. And that pull power should come as little surprise these days. After all, we are now talking about Champions League quarter-finalists.

After sweeping past Club Brugge in clinical fashion, the Villans are now set to face their toughest challenge yet in the form of PSG. Meanwhile, as Unai Emery’s side continue to make progress off the pitch, those away from the action are beginning to steal headlines of their own.

According to Sabah, as relayed by Sports Witness, Aston Villa are now expected to submit a third bid to sign Semih Kilicsoy from Besiktas this summer.

Aston Villa have possible £42m replacement if they can't sign Asensio

He’s just 19 years old…

1 ByTom Cunningham Mar 15, 2025

The Villans were reportedly unsuccessful with two offers last summer, including one worth €18m (£15m) with add-ons included. Now, one year on, patience could prove to be a virtue amid reports suggesting that the teenager’s price has dropped to just €15m (£12m) ahead of the forthcoming transfer window.

Up against Newcastle United in the race for his signature, Aston Villa will be desperate to see their third bid end in success and welcome Kilicsoy once and for all this summer.

"Monster" Kilicsoy is one to watch

In his debut season for Besiktas’ senior side, Kilicsoy was involved in as many as 15 goals in all competitions with 12 goals and three assists to his name. Now, one season on, the 19-year-old winger has simply picked up where he left off – scoring six goals and creating a further four – to attract the attention of Aston Villa once again.

Dubbed a “physical monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Kilicosy is simply not a player that Aston Villa want to miss out on. After chasing his signature since last summer, they seemingly have the chance to land a bargain deal just one year on.

Meanwhile, as the transfer rumours continue, there’s no doubt that the Besiktas star will continue to steal the headlines.

Newcastle United were beaten at Anfield as Eddie Howe’s side had to make do without star striker Alexander Isak, absent with a slight groin issue.

Liverpool’s victory means Newcastle have now been defeated in four of their past six Premier League fixtures. Frankly, they were second best throughout the evening, with Isak’s absence underscored by the failure to test Alisson even once.

There’s still plenty to play for this season, success possible through three competitions, but Howe will know his team need to be much better when they meet Liverpool at Wembley next month.

How Newcastle were beaten at Anfield

When Luis Diaz played the onrushing Dominik Szoboszlai in after 11 minutes, Nick Pope needed to make the save and settle the nerves for the travelling Toon.

Fabian Schar should have done better in snuffing out the cross but United’s goalkeeper will be frustrated after failing to get a hand to Szoboszlai’s somewhat tame strike.

This painful sequence underscored the crux of Newcastle’s current issues: in five of their past six Premier League matches, Newcastle have conceded the first goal, having scored first against Fulham at St. James’ Park but gone on to lose that one.

Isak’s absence was sorely felt, but Newcastle have a talented frontline beyond that of the Sweden striker, and Anthony Gordon will be disappointed that he failed to showcase his talent at Anfield, having looked a bit lost without his free-scoring pal.

Anthony Gordon looked lost without Isak

Newcastle’s Player of the Year for 2023/24, Gordon is a wonderful and dynamic forward, but he struggled on this return to Merseyside.

Fielded as a makeshift number ten to support Callum Wilson up front, he was well marshalled by Virgil van Dijk and co. Gordon might have fared better in a more conventional wide role, which was instead assumed by Joe Willock, who also flattered to deceive.

Minutes played

90′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

44

Shots (on target)

1 (0)

Accurate passes

18/22 (82%)

Key passes

0

Possession lost

17x

Dribbles

1/4

Tackles

3

Duels won

5/13

The Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder did praise Gordon for being a ‘willing runner’ at Anfield, though rebuked his lack of a clinical touch in the same breath, giving him a 5/10 match rating that illustrated a disappointing evening.

Having mustered just the one shot – blocked – and failed to find the sprightly Wilson with a single key pass, Gordon struggled for fluency against Liverpool’s redoubtable backline, though it would be remiss to question his commitment, making three tackles and winning five duels.

He did try to make things happen, but having ceded possession 17 times without making a meaningful creative contribution, it’s clear Gordon missed Isak’s world-class striking presence.

Ultimately, one to forget for Newcastle, who now need to rally ahead of the weekend’s FA Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion and a make-or-break run of fixtures in the Premier League and, indeed, a Carabao Cup final against none other than Liverpool.

Might revenge be on the cards?

Newcastle must rue selling world-class star who will be better than Gordon

Newcastle were forced to sell off two of their most prized assets in June to avoid a PSR breach, and one in particular is starring on the South Coast.

2 ByBen Gray Feb 24, 2025

Manchester United are now involved in a sensational transfer battle with Real Madrid for the signing of a “special” talent from Madrid’s biggest rivals, according to a new report.

Man Utd injury news

The Red Devils ended their losing streak in the Premier League after coming from two goals down to rescue a point at Goodison Park against Everton on Saturday lunchtime. The result doesn’t do much for United in the league, but Ruben Amorim will have been pleased to see his side show some fight and desire to get back into the game.

Amorim suffers injury scare as £135k-p/w Man Utd ace set to undergo test

United and Amorim are sweating on the fitness of one key player ahead of their game against Ipswich Town.

ByBrett Worthington Feb 24, 2025

However, it wasn’t all good news for the Portuguese as it’s been revealed that Noussair Mazraoui picked up a knee injury in the draw and is set to undergo tests. The defender seemed to have a problem in the second half, and he was replaced after 70 minutes by Leny Yoro. He is now set to be assessed before a decision can be made as to whether he can feature against Ipswich Town on Wednesday evening.

United have already struggled with injuries in recent weeks, with Amad Diallo being ruled out for the rest of the season, along with Lisandro Martínez. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is set to miss the next few weeks and there is still no sign of Mason Mount or Luke Shaw returning to the matchday squad.

Man Utd set to battle Real Madrid for the signing of £26k-p/w gem

As Amorim tries to keep as many players fit as possible, INEOS are already turning their attention to the summer, as according to Spanish media reports, relayed by 90min, Man United have made contact with agent Jorge Mendes over the possibility of signing Lamine Yamal from FC Barcelona.

The report states that United, along with Liverpool, Real Madrid and other European heavyweights, have made enquiries over the availability of the young sensation.

Barcelona’s ongoing financial issues mean they will be looking to sell players in the summer, and while they will of course not want to lose Yamal, there is no doubting he would bring in a massive cash pile for the Catalans to get on the right side of FFP.

The Red Devils, Man City and Liverpool are said to be putting the most pressure on Mendes, but the report adds that all “big clubs” would be looking to strike a deal. Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in signing Yamal as they continue their search to replace Kylian Mbappe.

Real Madrid are the surprise name to be mentioned, given their links to Barca, but they have contacted Mendes over a possible deal. While Mendes has reportedly reacted negatively to Madrid’s interest, there has been no response to the interest from the Premier League or PSG.

Apps

22

Starts

20

Goals

5

xG

5.91

Shots per game

3.5

Assists

11

xG

5.93

Big chances created

19

Key passes

1.8

Touches per game

58.4

Yamal is under contract at Barca until the summer of 2026, but his earnings at the club, which see him earn €32,115 a week (£26,594), are restricted as he doesn’t turn 18 until July. The Barca forward has significantly impressed since breaking into the first team, with midfielder Frenkie De Jong stating Yamal has “something special”.

And so, a new era is here at Tottenham Hotspur, with Ange Postecoglou’s turbulent tenure coming to a close despite overseeing Europa League glory back in May.

That success in Bilbao has handed his successor, Thomas Frank, the chance to experience life in the Champions League, with the Danish coach seeking to prove himself at the truly elite level after years of stability at Brentford.

For the former Bees boss to truly flourish in north London, however, he will need to be handed the appropriate tools, with the Lilywhites having thus far only recruited Japanese starlet, Koto Takai – excluding the permanent captures of Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel and Luka Vuskovic.

As noted by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the major priority appears to have the signing of a new, high-profile attacker to freshen up Frank’s forward line, with both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa having been touted as potential targets of late, alongside Mohammed Kudus.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

With that mind, we have taken a stab at predicting – with the help of AI tool, ChatGPT – how that trio would perform at N17 next season…

Mohammed Kudus – 8-10 Premier League goals

The leading target to join Spurs ahead of next season appears to be Kudus, with recent reports indicating that Daniel Levy and co have struck a £55m agreement with West Ham United, having already had a £50m bid rejected.

The Ghanaian has enjoyed a respectable two-year stint at the London Stadium, following his £38m switch from Ajax in 2023, having chalked up 32 goals and assists in 80 games in all competitions.

That did include a disappointing return of just eight goals and assists in the Premier League last term, although that came amid real upheaval for the Irons, with Graham Potter replacing Julen Lopetegui midway through the campaign.

Under the guidance of Frank, and with a position finally nailed down for the versatile speedster, he could be revived next season. Indeed, ChatGPT certainly thinks so, suggesting that “a more central role and better service could boost his output”.

Their prediction is that the 24-year-old could manage to chalk up eight to ten league goals, alongside chipping in with a further six to eight assists.

Yoane Wissa – 15-18 Premier League goals

Much like the man we’ll come onto below, it would appear that Frank has his eye on some familiar faces this summer, with recent reports suggesting that a move could be in the works for Brentford goal machine, Wissa.

While somewhat in the shadow of Mbeumo and Ivan Toney before that, the 28-year-old’s stock has soared of late, following his return of 19 Premier League goals last season.

Previously a target for Nottingham Forest in January, with a £22m bid having been rebuffed by the Bees, now could be the time for the Congolese marksman to finally jump ship from the Gtech.

With that in mind, there would be no better place, arguably, than the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a reunion with Frank, with ChatGPT predicting that he could notch between 15 and 18 top-flight goals, provided he “adapts quickly and starts regularly”.

Bryan Mbeumo – 18-22 Premier League goals

While Kudus – and perhaps Wissa – look more likely to end up at Spurs this summer, there remains a glimmer of hope that Mbeumo could reunite with his former boss, amid prior claims that Levy was ready to hijack Manchester United’s move for the Cameroon international.

The 25-year-old’s preference appears to be to move to Old Trafford, although a deal has yet to be struck with the Red Devils, with Ruben Amorim’s side already seeing two bids rejected for the winger.

Non-penalty goals

0.17

0.40

Shots

2.61

2.08

Assists

0.10

0.18

Shot-creating actions

3.72

3.80

Pass completion

83.6%

66.1%

Progressive passes

2.75

3.72

Progressive carries

3.41

3.43

Successful take-ons

3.20

1.37

Touches in attacking box

4.41

4.43

Progressive passes received

7.51

9.25

If Spurs can re-enter the race, it could certainly prove fruitful, with Mbeumo having dazzled for the Bees in 2024/25, after scoring 20 goals in the top flight, finishing behind only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland in the scoring charts.

With 121 goals and assists to his name in 242 games under Frank to date, the left-footer would surely be able to slot in smoothly next term, with ChatGPT suggesting that “Mbeumo could immediately hit 20 league goals”, while representing “an upgrade in Spurs’ front line”.

In all, ChatGPT reckons he could get between 18-20 Premier League goals in 2025/26, alongside registering a further eight to ten assists.

The dream squad Spurs could build: £283m stars sign alongside Kudus

Here’s what Spurs’ squad could look like after a dream summer.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 8, 2025

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been dealt another blow with an injured star now facing several weeks on the sidelines.

Arsenal navigate plethora of injuries to top Premier League table

Considering the sheer number of key first team players who’ve been sidelined at various points already this season, Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League table is all the more impressive.

The Gunners have endured a torrid season with injuries, much like last campaign, which has severely tested Arteta’s squad depth.

While Arsenal have still begun the campaign very strongly, and are unbeaten in their last 18 matches across all competitions, their relentless succession of fitness problems has affected big-name personnel across multiple positions.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham

Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich

Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Brentford

August proved particularly damaging, with Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Ben White and William Saliba all sustaining injuries.

Odegaard’s MCL knee injury against West Ham in early October proved especially problematic, keeping the captain out for nearly two months and robbing Arsenal of their creative heartbeat during crucial fixtures.

Gabriel Magalhaes remains absent for weeks following a thigh injury sustained during Brazil’s November friendly against Senegal. His regular partner Saliba has battled recurring problems, missing recent matches against Chelsea and Brentford due to an unspecified knock.

Arsenal handed Declan Rice injury twist after pre-Aston Villa update

The England international has been their arguable player of the season.

ByEmilio Galantini 6 days ago

Summer signing Cristhian Mosquera compounds Arteta’s concerns after suffering a ‘complicated’ ankle injury that will require further testing to determine his recovery timeline.

Declan Rice provided fresh worries after limping off late against Brentford with a calf problem, and while the England midfielder insisted he felt “fine” ready to play against Aston Villa this afternoon, Arteta suggests he’s subject to a late fitness test.

Leandro Trossard has missed matches with muscular issues but should return within ‘days’ according to Arteta’s latest briefing, with the same going for Saliba.

Havertz suffered a setback in his knee rehabilitation and won’t return until possibly late December, while Gabriel Jesus finally returned to contention recently after missing nearly a year recovering from an ACL tear.

Summer signing Noni Madueke was out for two months after knee damage against Man City in September, though scans cleared him of cruciate ligament damage. The winger has since returned to action, providing Arteta with a renewed attacking threat.

That is a staggering 10 first-team stars who’ve been sidelined at various points, or still are, with a pretty concerning update now coming to light on Mosquera’s condition.

Cristhian Mosquera facing eight weeks out after Arsenal injury blow

The Spaniard was forced off early doors during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Brentford in midweek, and according to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, Mosquera now faces ‘at least’ six weeks out through injury in ‘another blow’ to Arsenal.

The key phrase there is ‘at least’, and it could be as long as two months, with Saliba’s fitness now becoming more crucial than ever.

If the Frenchman is still unable to start, then Arteta will have little choice but to play Jurrien Timber alongside Piero Hincapie for this afternoon’s crunch clash against Villa in the Midlands.

White would then likely be handed his second consecutive league start at right-back for the first time since May, with Arsenal’s strength in depth now set to play an even more pivotal role in their quest to win a first league title in 22 years.

It is important to note that the timeframe for Mosquera’s injury lay-off are initial concerns from within Arsenal, with the ex-Valencia starlet set for further testing to determine his exact recovery timeline.

It is a blow for the centre-back personally after his fine start to life at N5, despite having to contend with being a back-up to Arteta’s first-choice centre-back pairing.

Arsenal believe Mosquera could become one of the best centre-backs in world football in a few years, according to some reports, and nothing we’ve seen so far disproves that theory.

A big week is on the cards for Arsenal. Andrea Berta has attacked the transfer market with intent and supporters are feeling positive energy heading into the new campaign.

The Gunners have already announced three new signings. Kepa Arrizabalaga has arrived to provide competition for David Raya, joining from Chelsea, while another Premier League talent in the shape of Christian Norgaard has arrived as Jorginho’s replacement.

The headline addition so far has been Martin Zubimendi. The Gunners have been courting the Spaniard for a while and have finally got their man, bringing him in for a £60m fee, officially confirming his signature last week.

But, there’s still much to do for Arsenal. Noni Madueke looks set to arrive after undergoing the final part of his medical on Monday.

It’s also expected Cristhian Mosquera will join from Valencia and Eberechi Eze is reportedly still on the club’s radar.

Still, the biggest deal of all will see a certain Viktor Gyokeres arrive in north London. It’s a move that’s set to make those in the Premier League envious.

Why Arsenal are signing Viktor Gyokeres

Goals, goals and more goals. We can wrap this segment up now, right?

For a long time now the missing piece of the puzzle at Arsenal has felt like a centre-forward. In 2024/25, no player reached double figures for goals in the Premier League. That was the first time that’s happened for the Gunners in over 100 years, dating back to the 1923/24 campaign.

Of course, Arsenal had to deal with injuries to the likes of Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka but their absence only illuminated the problems in Mikel Arteta’s frontline further.

As a result, the club seemingly had two options this summer. To sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko or Sporting’s Gyokeres.

Well, after a deal for Sesko looked as though it was going to be too expensive, Berta and Co decided to push harder for Gyokeres’ signature, pulling the trigger on a move over the weekend.

According to David Ornstein, the Reds are set to sign the Swede having finally agreed a fee with the Portuguese club that will see him move for a guaranteed price of £55m plus an extra £8.6m in add-ons.

That looks could represent a bargain considering the numbers he’s been registering in recent years.

While 2024/25 was a colossal campaign for the 27-year-old, scoring 54 goals in 52 games, he’s not just a one-season wonder.

Gyokeres also scored 43 goals for Sporting in his debut campaign and thrived at Coventry City, bagging 22 in his final year with the Sky Blues.

Arsenal need goals and Gyokeres certainly does them. Still, there’s an announcement reportedly incoming that may generate just as much fanfare.

Arsenal's exciting announcement after Gyokeres

While very few things will top the arrival of a new centre-forward, the renewal of Ethan Nwaneri’s contract would certainly provide just as much excitement.

Indeed, the youngster’s future at the Emirates Stadium has been up in the air in recent weeks, with reports emerging last week that Chelsea were ready to pounce with a new deal for the teenager stalling.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, reports in recent days have suggested that Arsenal have overcome any impasse and Nwaneri is now set to put pen to paper on a new deal.

The BBC’s Sami Mokbel revealed on Sunday that Arsenal are ‘set to make’ Nwaneri a formal offer of a new contract, suggesting there is now a ‘will from all parties to reach an agreement’.

Football Transfers further reported that ‘an official announcement confirming his commitment to Arsenal is expected very soon.’

Why Arsenal needed to tie down Ethan Nwaneri

It’s safe to say that Nwaneri is a generational talent. Yes, we know that term gets thrown out more regularly than it should, but it’s the correct phrase to attribute to this young Arsenal star.

Officially the youngest player to ever feature in a Premier League game when handed his debut at the age of just 15, it’s been a slow road to regular action since then.

#1 Ethan Nwaneri

15 years, 5 months, 28 days

#2 Jack Porter

16 years, 2 months, 10 days

#3 Cesc Fabregas

16 years, 5 months, 24 days

#4 Jack Wilshere

16 years, 8 months, 12 days

#5 Jermaine Pennant

16 years, 10 months, 15 days

#6 Paul Vaessen

16 years, 11 months, 11 days

#7 Ryan Smith

16 years, 11 months, 18 days

#8 Gedion Zelalem

16 years, 11 months, 29 days

#9 Armand Traore

17 years, 16 days

That’s understandable given his age, but in 2024/25, he became a key part of this Arsenal team, scoring nine goals in all competitions across 37 outings and being rightfully nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award alongside teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly.

He’s one of the best young talents in European football. Only two players 18 or younger, Assane Diao and Lamine Yamal (both 9), scored more than Nwaneri’s four in Europe’s top five leagues last term, rubberstamping his early credentials.

His record so far and indeed his performances, have attracted widespread acclaim.

Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue reckons the teen “can be better than Yamal” in the future, while Joe Cole has suggested that the way he dribbles in and around the penalty area is “like Messi”.

Further celebrated by scout Jacek Kulig as “one of Hale End & England’s biggest jewels”, there are very few young players in the country bursting with as much potential as this kid.

Gyokeres will no doubt attract most of the hype this week but if a deal for Nwaneri also gets announced, don’t underestimate the importance.

With Chelsea circling for Arsenal’s best young talent, getting him tied down as soon as possible will be one of the best bits of business the club secures all summer. It won’t be long before the 18-year-old is starting week in, week out. Arsenal fans be excited.

Zubi will love him: Arsenal have agreement to sign £17m star after Gyokeres

Arsenal’s busy summer window now appears in full swing after Martin Zubimendi’s arrival.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 13, 2025