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Arsenal are reportedly closing in on another potential signing for manager Mikel Arteta, and there is an apparent sense inside the Emirates Stadium that they could be within touching distance of securing the deal.

Arsenal have "submitted an offer" to sign "strong" £30m Premier League star

The north Londoners are opening talks.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 2, 2025

New sporting director Andrea Berta has already made a real splash since officially replacing his long-serving predecessor, Edu, in late March.

Arsenal confirmed the arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga in a £5 million deal earlier this week, and he’s poised to be followed by Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who will likely be confirmed in the next few days (Sky Sports).

Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera remains in talks to join Arteta’s side after the Gunners saw their opening bid rejected (Fabrizio Romano), but it could be done soon alongside Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard, who’s set to replace Thomas Partey in midfield.

Berta is also keen to reinforce the attacking midfield area across multiple positions, with both Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke on the radar as two completely separate deals.

The ambition on show from Arsenal is nothing short of stupendous, and it is a clear signal of their determination to end the club’s long wait for a Premier League title.

However, the success of their window is likely to be determined by the result of their chase for a new striker.

Arsenal in "advanced talks" for Viktor Gyokeres with five-year contract "agreed"

Now, according to Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, making a bold statement on X, they’ve now made serious headway when it comes to a potential deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swede has been central to a public fallout with his club, and the situation is getting toxic amid club president Frederico Varandas’ repeated swipes at Gyokeres’ agent.

Gyokeres has even threatened to speak to the media if this continues, according to newspaper Record, but Tavolieri insists that Arsenal are now really getting somewhere in pursuit of a deal for the 27-year-old after months of rumoured talks.

As per the reporter, Arsenal are now in “advanced talks” for Gyokeres, and they’ve “already agreed” terms on a five-year contract with the former Coventry City star.

Sporting are reportedly demanding around £69 million to sell Gyokeres, while Arsenal apparently aim to get it done for around £60 million (Ben Jacobs), so there could still be some way to go in club-to-club talks.

He would be a blockbuster signing after spending the last two years free-scoring in the Primeira Liga, and you can make a case that Gyokeres is precisely the lethal goal-getter who Arsenal have been crying out for.

Glasgow Rangers, after agreeing a deal to sign Djeidi Gassama from Sheffield Wednesday, have now reportedly set their sights on bring yet another EFL player to Ibrox.

Rangers agree Ibrox deal to sign Gassama

The EFL is where it’s at as far as Rangers and Russell Martin are concerned this summer. The Gers have welcomed Thelo Aasgaard and Emmanuel Fernandez from the English Football League and have now reportedly agreed a deal to sign Gassama. Meanwhile, they’ve also welcomed two reinforcements from the Premier League in the form of Joe Rothwell and Max Aarons, rounding off quite the shopping spree in English football.

Like Aasgaard and Fernandez, Gassama represents solid business by all involved at Rangers and clearly falls under the category of player that Martin is keen to sign this summer.

The former Southampton manager recently had his say on potential arrivals, telling reporters: “The ones we think will be coming into the building in the next week or two, we’ll be so pleased with them and we still need some help.

“We also can’t be in a rush to get ones we’re not too sure about. When we do get them in, it will be down to a lot of very hard work, a lot of due diligence and we’ll make sure they are the right ones.”

Rangers agree deal to sign "fantastic" player as 49ers go into overdrive

The Gers are not messing about this summer…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 10, 2025

Alas, even after Gassama, those at Ibrox may not be done with their summer business. Reports are now suggesting that the 49ers Enterprises could return to the EFL yet again to sign another talented player ahead of next season.

Rangers eyeing move to sign Abu Kamara

According to Sky Sports, Rangers are now eyeing a move to sign Abu Kamara from Hull City this summer. The winger will be available at a cut-price amid the Tigers’ ongoing financial issues, allowing the Gers to take full advantage.

After scoring six goals and assisting a further four in all competitions last time out, Kamara is another player to keep an eye on. By joining Gassama in Scotland, the 21-year-old winger would be handing Martin two fresh options within his frontline and two young stars who are still so full of potential.

Kamara has impressed everywhere he has featured and that includes during his time at Portsmouth. So much so that former teammate Conor Shaughnessy told reporters when asked about the winger last season: “Abu was brilliant for us, a really good player, talented and really grew into the season, getting stronger and stronger as he went on for us.

“Obviously, he got a good move off the back of it. Hull have had a difficult season, but it will be good to see him on Saturday. I’m sure he will be dangerous on the right wing for them.”

Kicking on with their summer business, West Bromwich Albion have now reportedly reached an agreement to sign an attacking reinforcement worth around £5m.

Since appointing Ryan Mason and signing Nat Phillips from Liverpool, West Brom’s summer business has slowed down somewhat. And with just one month until the Championship gets back underway, the Baggies must rediscover their momentum to welcome some key additions for their new manager.

That’s not to say the rumours haven’t been coming thick and fast, though. Whilst West Brom haven’t acted since signing Phillips, there are still several names on their reported radar.

Among them includes the experienced Barry Bannan. The veteran midfielder is currently at Sheffield Wednesday, who remain in a precarious spot financially and struggling to pay staff on time. Failure to solve that problem will likely to result in an exodus of players, allowing West Brom to take full advantage.

Any signing would be following Phillips through the door, who expressed his delight after putting pen to paper at The Hawthorns last month, saying: “A big factor was that this is obviously a big club with high aspirations – and I’d say those aspirations align with mine. I think everyone at the club and involved would like to see it competing for promotion and pushing for Premier League football – and that’s the same as me.

“I’m really looking forward to it and as soon as I found out about the interest I just wanted to get here and get going. Throughout my career I’ve always wanted to develop a rhythm and continue to play week in, week out. I feel like I did that in the second half of last season, and I want to continue that rhythm and try to take that into the season coming up.

West Brom can forget Brooks by signing "fearless" star who's "like Neymar"

West Bromwich Albion could now sign this fearless attacker after failing to land David Brooks.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 4, 2025

“I’ve had a number of loans over the past few years and it’ll be really nice for me and my family to go somewhere and know we’re staying there to develop a relationship with the club and the fans.”

As impressive as the defender is, the Baggies require more reinforcements and have now reportedly turned towards a fresh name in pursuit of exactly that.

West Brom agree deal to sign Heggebo

According to Fabrizio Romano, West Brom have now reached an agreement to sign Aune Heggebo from Norwegian side Brann. In a deal worth around €5.5m (£5m), the 23-year-old striker will hand Mason an instant attacking boost to kickstart the Baggies’ summer business.

The young forward will be a new name to most, but those in Norway will know him as the player who scored seven goals in just 13 league appearances last season and eight goals in all competitions.

Whether those numbers translate to the Championship will be the big question next season, especially as Heggebo enters the peak of his powers in the coming years.

Bryan Mbeumo’s deal to join Manchester United this summer appears to finally be heading in the right direction, with the club having a third offer accepted for his signature.

The Red Devils had previously tabled two offers for the 25-year-old Brentford star, the latest totalling £62.5m, which fell shy of the Bees’ valuation of the attacker.

However, Ruben Amorim’s side’s latest proposal is believed to be £65m guaranteed, with a further £5m in potential add-ons, which exceeds the current asking price for his services.

After finally reaching an agreement with Keith Andrews’ side, the player can now complete the formalities of the deal, needing to undergo a medical before he can be announced as a United player.

However, even after a deal for Mbeumo is completed, other additions are likely to be made at Old Trafford, subsequently helping the forward in his attempts to take the side up the Premier League table next season.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Corentin Tolisso has been linked with a potential surprise move to United, as they look to take advantage of Lyon’s current financial woes.

The Frenchman could be available for a fee in the region of £20m this window, a potential bargain given his tally of 10 goals and six assists across all competitions last season.

However, he’s not the only midfielder currently in their sights, with Palmeiras star Richard Rios a player greatly admired at Old Trafford, according to TuttomercatoWeb.

Their report claims that the Red Devils are preparing a £30m bid to try and secure a deal for the Colombian international after Roma appeared to be leading the race.

It also states that, despite the interest from Italy, a move to England would be the priority this summer, opening the door for a late deal to Old Trafford for the 25-year-old star.

Why United’s £30m target would be more important than Mbeumo

There’s no denying that Mbeumo would be a superb addition for United this summer, handing Amorim the creativity and clinical nature he’s craved since taking the reins.

The Cameroonian enjoyed his best-ever goalscoring campaign last time around, registering 20 Premier League goals, helping the Bees notch a top-half finish.

His ability to provide for his teammates was also evident, ending the year with seven assists – the second highest in the squad, with only Mikel Damsgaard setting up more goals.

However, despite his excellent numbers throughout 2024/25, other areas of the pitch are in need of investment ahead of the upcoming campaign.

New addition Matheus Cunha will certainly provide the ammunition needed for any success within the final third, potentially making Rios a pivotal addition given the need for a new central midfielder.

The Colombian has showcased during his time in Brazil that he’s more than capable of having a positive impact at both ends of the pitch, arguably being the perfect box-to-box option in Amorim’s system.

Rios, who’s been labelled a “ball-carrying machine” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered 1.6 carries per 90, 1.3 of which were into the final third, backing up the high praise he’s received.

However, he’s also provided the end product after his mazy runs, completing 4.2 progressive passes, with such a tally undoubtedly providing those ahead of him with the chances they need for any success in the near future.

The midfielder has also thrived without the ball, winning 1.7 tackles per 90 and making 1.2 interceptions per 90, highlighting that he’s more than capable of doing the dirty work alongside the creative side.

£30m for a player of Ríos’ calibre could prove to be another excellent deal from the United hierarchy this window, strengthening their chances of success in the near future.

There’s no denying that Mbeumo would be a phenomenal addition, but Cunha can operate in such a role alongside Bruno Fernandes, putting added emphasis on a new player at the heart of the side – with Rios arguably being the perfect man for the job.

He's perfect for Mbeumo: Man Utd discussing move to sign £100m-rated CF

Manchester United could be about to land another star alongside a deal for Bryan Mbeumo.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 18, 2025

Arsenal supporters teased new Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou with chants declaring he will be “sacked in the morning” as they renewed hostilities with the former Tottenham manager on Saturday. The Gunners fanbase was quick to taunt Postecoglou, who replaced Nuno Espirito Santo in the Forest dugout earlier in the week, as they ran out 3-0 winners at the Emirates Stadium.

• When did Arsenal fans start to taunt Postecoglou?

  Having watched their side power into a two-goal lead thanks to strikes from Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal fans then directed their attention towards Postecoglou in the second half. The Australian guided the Gunners' fierce north London rivals Tottenham to victory in the Europa League final in May, before being relieved of his duties a month later.

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  Arsenal fans then turn their attention to the Forest players

  And after Zubimendi, 26, headed home his second of the afternoon and Arsenal's third, the home supporters then began to sing "are you Tottenham in disguise?" towards both Postecoglou and the Forest players, in what was a disappointing afternoon for the visitors.

• Gunners return to Premier League action in style

  Arsenal's new strength in depth was on full display in their victory over Postecoglou and Forest. Despite the absences of William Saliba and Bukayo Saka, manager Mikel Arteta was able to call upon new boys Cristhian Mosquera and Noni Madueke as his side returned to Premier League action in some style following the recent international break.

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  Postecoglou and Forest aim to bounce back in the Carabao Cup

  Meanwhile Postecoglou and Forest will hoping to bounce back when they head to Swansea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. Forest will then travel to newly-promoted Burnley in the Premier League on September 20, before getting their Europa League campaign under way against Real Betis at the Villamarin Stadium on September 24.

Tottenham are after a few more key summer signings before deadline day on September 1.

£43m star "clear" he wants to join Tottenham in talks with club chairman

He’s expressed his desire to seal a Spurs switch.

3

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 15, 2025

Preferably for new manager Thomas Frank, they’d secure their desired targets before taking on European champions PSG in their looming UEFA Super Cup final, but it is rarely that straightforward when it comes to Spurs.

The Lilywhites are currently embroiled in a lengthy transfer saga involving Morgan Gibbs-White, who was due to have a medical on July 11 before Nottingham Forest blocked the 25-year-old’s move and threatened legal action against Spurs.

This has caused an unceremonious delay, but Tottenham are optimistic they can still sign Gibbs-White behind-the-scenes (Fabrizio Romano), even if they may have to wait a bit longer before announcing the England international as their fifth major signing of the summer after Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.

If Spurs’ £60 million deal for Gibbs-White goes through, then it would take Daniel Levy’s summer spending to around £172 million, providing they don’t have to pay Forest more compensation to sweeten the deal.

“The end result is that to get this deal done, Tottenham are probably gonna have to negotiate with Nottingham Forest a fee that includes not just the £60m release clause, but a little extra to effectively buy themselves out of the dispute, or walk away,” said Football Finance expert Stefan Borson to Football Insider.

“Now, we’ve seen in the past other teams have walked away. Of course, we know Liverpool walked away from Van Dijk and came back in January.

“I still think the most likely scenario is that Spurs are the only team that want to buy the player right now, that they’ll pay an extra, let’s say, £5-10m, maybe an extra £5m plus £5m, and the deal could get done. That would be the most likely outcome.”

As well as Gibbs-White, Tottenham are targeting a new number six, with Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha on their list of potential targets, as reliably reported by Alasdair Gold.

The north Londoners are also contenders to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, alongside Newcastle United and Forest, with the Congolese recently travelling to London for talks over his future (Ben Jacobs).

Tottenham's four-word transfer promise to Thomas Frank

Whatever the outcome of these pursuits, it appears Levy and co are very active in the market right now, which links in to an alleged promise they’ve made Frank about recruitment this summer.

According to Spanish news outlet Diario AS, Tottenham have given Frank an encouraging four-word message in regard to their transfer plans before 2025/2026 – simply stating “investment and more investment” – as quoted by the outlet.

This comes as Levy looks to make a “statement” to the rest of the Premier League this summer, which comes as a promising bit of news for supporters who are about to watch Frank’s attempts to compete on multiple fronts.

They were once tipped for a ‘sell to buy’ summer at one stage, but their advancing talks over a stadium naming rights deal and rumoured cash injection from ENIC appear to have negated the need for high-profile players to depart.

Now, Frank is set to benefit, and as things stand, Levy is making good on the club’s pledge.

Liverpool have reportedly entered the race to sign a player with ambitions of winning the Ballon d’Or, with as many as seven Premier League clubs eyeing him up.

Slot coy about Liverpool's attacking options

The Reds take on Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday afternoon, with new signings Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike all expected to start. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arne Slot was asked about his Liverpool attack, amid interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, with the Dutcham remaining coy about the situation.

“These are a lot of questions! As you know from me – and I think every manager works like this – you never talk about players that are not yours. I can talk to you about Hugo [Ekitike], who we signed recently and has done really well until now. I and we are very happy with the squad we are having and there is every reason to be happy about that because we won the league last season.

“OK, players left, but we have brought players in as well and youngsters are doing good. At this moment in time, Darwin [Nunez] might indeed leave, but things are not signed yet, so you need to wait maybe a few days before that is completely done. But there is indeed a chance he is going to leave.”

While signing Isak is the dream for Liverpool, another midfielder wouldn’t go amiss, and the Reds have been linked with a move for a Premier League star.

Liverpool enter race to sign Carlos Baleba

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Liverpool are in a seven-club race to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer. The £100m-rated Cameroonian is being “closely monitored” by the Reds, but they are far from the only team in the mix to snap him up, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham all mentioned as suitors, too.

Admittedly, Liverpool feel well-stocked in midfield ahead of the new Premier League season, but if there is a chance to sign a player of Baleba’s pedigree, they shouldn’t miss the opportunity.

The 21-year-old has vast potential – he has said he wants to win the Ballor d’Or, like Manchester City midfielder Rodri did in 2024 – and the hope is that he finds the Reds the most alluring, becoming their biggest ever defensive signing ahead of Virgil van Dijk.

The next Wirtz: Liverpool can forget Isak by signing "one of the best LWs"

Liverpool are ready to make one more marquee move for an elite forward this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 9, 2025

In truth, it is easier to envisage Baleba moving to United instead, with Liverpool’s rivals more in need of a midfielder, and the Premier League champions surely focusing their funds on Isak and a new centre-back.

Kylian Mbappe scored twice for Real Madrid against Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday to take his tally to 50 goals in 64 matches for Los Blancos. The France international has now become the fastest player to reach a half-century of goals for Real Madrid since Cristiano Ronaldo hit the landmark in 2010 by hitting his 51st goal in just 54 appearances.

• Mbappe penalties see off Marseille

  Real Madrid came from behind to beat Marseille 2-1 in their opening Champions League encounter. Tim Weah opened the scoring for the visitors but Mbappe equalised from the penalty spot after Rodrygo had been fouled. Los Blancos were then reduced to 10 men when Dani Carvajal was sent off for bumping heads with Geronimo Rulli, before Mbappe won it with another penalty after Facundo Medina was penalised for handball.

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• Fifty not out for Mbappe at Real Madrid

  The two goals mean Mbappe has hit his half-century for Real Madrid and is the second fastest player to hit the landmark since Ronaldo. Manager Xabi Alonso hailed his talisman after the game. He told Movistar: "Mbappé hasn't been bad… in his best shape… with two goals. He has a tremendous impact on the rest and is in a good moment personally and football-wise. Happy to be with him and working day to day. We have a lot left and we're just getting started."

• Mbappe needs the pressure

  Mbappe was quizzed on the pressure of taking penalties after the game and says he thrives in such situations. He told UEFA: "I need to feel it. I think I need to feel it. Every player needs to feel the pressure. I think it's important to be focused and to have to do your best. It's important to have the pressure. I feel the pressure and I often rise to it. At the end of the day, I was happy to have two penalties today and to score, to help the team win the first game in the Champions League.

  "This is the DNA of Real Madrid. Whatever happens you can always win. You have to trust yourself, you have to trust your team-mates. All the people around you, the stadium, they push you to win. That's what we did today. When we got the read card, nobody in the team was stressed. We wanted to push and be ready to get the win and give this pleasure to the fans."

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  Real Madrid face surprise package next in La Liga

  Real Madrid return to La Liga action on Saturday and face surprise package Espanyol. The unbeaten Catalan team head into the match in third place in the table and can move above Los Blancos in the standings if they pull off a surprise win at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The American midfielder's fine form across the first month of the campaign offers plenty of hope for Milan and USMNT fans, alike

It was the kind of goal Christian Pulisic doesn't score – but the exact one he should. Milan were up 2-0 against Lecce, yet hardly cruising. They needed a third goal to put their Coppa Italia tie to bed. The didn't craft the goal too well. Ruben Loftus-Cheek fed Youssouf Fofana, whose cross expertly evaded a wide-open Santi Gimenez. 

And that should have been it. But Pulisic read the cross expertly. He dashed in front of his defender, and, as the ball skipped off the turf, hooked it beyond a stranded goalkeeper. Game, won. Last 16, secured. It's a new move for the American star, an extra move added to his game that has developed year on year. Since the start of the 2023-24 season, only Lautaro Martinez has more goal contributions than Pulisic in Serie A. This season, thus far, he is averaging just short of two goal contributions per 90 minutes. 

Yes, it’s early in the season. Yes, Milan aren’t weighed down by European football. And yes, new manager Max Allegri has rotated with glee. But Pulisic is pacing this squad, enjoying the best start to a season of his career, and putting the memories of a beleaguered summer behind him. 

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  A strong start to the season

  Context is vital here. Pulisic, he insisted in his self-titled PULISIC documentary, that he has always been up against it in Europe. The city of Milan and supporters love him, but they are also always ready to pounce. This is the problem with being Pulisic. American stars generally don't exist in Europe. Pulisic breaks that mold. 

  But that also comes with immense pressure, of course. The down periods at Chelsea were pretty heavy. He has been excellent – to various degrees – in Milan. Yet he still has endured his fair share of criticism in poorer spells. Last year, all said, was a bit mixed. Milan went through two coaches, and even if Pulisic managed to piece together another good season, he never quite took off in a way that he perhaps should have. 

  Enter a new year, and Allegri – in Milan for his second spell as manager. It was a puzzling appointment. Sure, Allegri has a winning pedigree, but Milan have a load of attacking footballers who like to be expressive with the ball. That's the manager's worst nightmare. This shouldn't work. And the former Juventus boss has done his best, at times, for it not to. He has been painstakingly conservative in some of his starting XIs to open the season. The absence of star Rafa Leao due to injury, to be sure, has limited his options here and there. But his insistence on playing a back five has limited attack somewhat. 

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  Off the bench, or from the start?

  It is a good thing, then, that Pulisic has delivered. He started the first game of the season, playing up front in a maddeningly rigid 3-5-2 alongside Leao. It was a puzzling setup, especially against Serie B Bari in the Coppa Italia. But it was also effective. Pulisic scored and turned in an excellent 65 minutes. 

  Since then, he has been in and out of the starting XI – and quite comfortably been Milan's best player throughout. Allegri is still beta-testing here, figuring out the best combinations of players up front. He is, in some ways, spoiled for choice. Santi Gimenez has all of the tools of a complete forward. Christopher Nkunku is a second triker, the kind of reclamation project that Serie A is built off. And a fit Leao is among the best wingers in world football.

  Pulisic's role, in theory, should be a clear starter. But Allegri insists on tinkering. It is a good thing, then, that Pulisic has made an impact whenever he has played. The American has started just three of Milan's six games thus far, playing in a variety of roles. He has scored in four of those appearances and totaled six goal contributions in 287 minutes. Those are elite numbers, the kind you'd expect out of a world-class attacking player.

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  Tactical versatility to benefit

  It may seem confusing, in that light, to see Pulisic come off the bench. Why, if he is so effective, is Allegri not fully taking the handbrake off? There are numerous answers here. The first is a tactical one. Allegri is a systems guy. He will play a 3-5-2 to an absolute fault. There are no alternatives here. It doesn't matter that, for example, Milan's squad is far more suited to an orthodox 4-3-3 or 3-4-3. 

  That means it's tough to accommodate everyone. Gimenez is the only No. 9 in the squad. He also needs his fair share of touches to find form. He is a shoo-in due to his size, at 6-1, and potential – despite his challenges in actually finishing. That leaves four players fighting for one spot next to the Mexico international. And thus far, Allegri seems determined to give everyone a chance. The good thing for Pulisic here is that he's versatile enough to work in a variety of different configurations. Under previous managers, he has split time between left wing, right wing, and attacking midfield. 

  At times, he has played as a false nine – even if that is a misuse of his talents. Allegri, then, can sort of chuck Pulisic in whenever he wants, with whoever makes the most sense. That likely won't keep everyone happy – there are too many players here – but it should at least guarantee minutes.

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  Rotation and load management

  The flip side to that is Pulisic's legs remain fresh. Calling him injury-prone might be a bit harsh, but Pulisic has certainly dealt with his fair share of knocks over the years. This is a player, remember, who has been forced into minutes from a young age, brought in by Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund before he was perhaps truly ready for first team football. 

  Any time to rest, then, is ideal. Pulisic missed chunks of last season with calf and Achilles injuries. There has already been scattered talk of a knock holding him back thus far this year. And even if there are freak moments, it is unlikely that Pulisic will be asked to play through anything. More broadly, this is the reality of modern football. Milan don't have to worry about the intensity of playing in Europe, but they will play 38 Serie A games this year, and a good chunk of cup fixtures, too. 

  Expectations are high. Allegri is not a building manager. He is the kind of guy you hire if you want to win things. The expectation here is that Milan win the Scudetto. Anything less is a failure in the eyes of ownership and fans alike. The reason Milan are so deep up front is to suit a coach who likes to tweak – who to tweak – in order to be successful. Pulisic's legs, naturally, will benefit.

Having stunned the Premier League with the loan signing of Jack Grealish from Manchester City, Everton manager David Moyes is determined to strengthen further before the season’s first whistle.

With a visit to Elland Road on Monday, attention has shifted to finding the perfect right-sided partner for their new star.

The Toffees’ recruitment drive has seen them monitor several options.

Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu has been tracked after an encouraging display in the Foxes’ season opener against Sheffield Wednesday, while Southampton’s Tyler Dibling has also been a target.

Multiple bids for the 19-year-old have been rejected, with Saints holding out for £45m plus £5m in add-ons and a 25% sell-on clause.

Dibling has been training away from the first team and is expected to hold talks with his club to address his future.

Everton's Right-Wing Vision

Yet, another name has entered the frame.

One who could bring creativity, intelligence, and composure to Everton’s right flank, potentially forging a formidable partnership with Grealish in the final third.

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 reports in Spain, a number of English teams including Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have made efforts to sign Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo – a player widely regarded as one of La Liga’s most technically gifted attackers.

The 24-year-old Japan international joined Sociedad permanently in July 2022 after several loan spells from Real Madrid and immediately became a fan favourite, winning the club’s Player of the Season award in 2022/23.

Kubo’s current contract runs until June 2029, meaning Sociedad are under no pressure to sell.

His release clause is thought to be just over £50m, meaning the aforementioned teams will need to raise their bids, having only offered £34m to date.

Real Madrid, having sold him for just £5.6m, retain a 50% sell-on clause, adding another layer of complexity to any negotiations.

Liverpool have been linked in the past, with midfielder Wataru Endo even naming Kubo as the player he would most like to join him at Anfield, labelling him a “future superstar”.

But it is Everton who are now assessing whether the forward could fill the gap left by Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom, both of whom returned to their parent clubs this summer.

Kubo is open to a new challenge and is believed to be interested in a Premier League move, though he also has admirers in La Liga and the Bundesliga.

Why Kubo and Grealish Could Thrive Together

On paper, the prospect of Kubo on the right and Grealish on the left is a tantalising one for Everton supporters.

Both are adept in the final third, capable of driving at defenders, threading incisive passes, and holding the ball under pressure.

Their combined vision and dribbling would stretch defences horizontally, opening space for Everton’s new striker Thierno Barry to exploit with his runs in behind. According to FBref, Barry already ranks among the top percentiles for crosses received, making him an ideal focal point for two wingers who excel at delivery from wide areas.

A look at the numbers from each player’s best season reveals some striking similarities.

In 2022/23, Kubo averaged 4.32 progressive carries per 90 minutes to Grealish’s 6.27, while their progressive passing numbers (2.99 for Kubo, 4.39 for Grealish) indicate a shared ability to advance play and break lines.

Grealish’s passing completion rate of 84.1% eclipses Kubo’s 71%, but both produce consistently in shot-creating actions (3.55 for Kubo, 4.55 for Grealish) and successful take-ons (1.81 for Kubo, 1.97 for Grealish).

Their combined influence could be particularly devastating against deep-lying opponents.

Grealish’s tendency to slow the game, draw defenders, and release overlapping full-backs would complement Kubo’s ability to drift into central positions.

Kubo’s high volume of crosses also adds a different element to Everton’s build-up play, enabling Barry to dominate aerially while midfield runners attack second balls.

Another factor is defensive work rate. Both players understand the modern demand for wide forwards to press and recover possession quickly, something Moyes values highly.

Grealish has been coached in Pep Guardiola’s smart pressing schemes, while Kubo’s work under Imanol Alguacil at Sociedad has honed his ability to win the ball high and transition quickly into attack.

This diligence means Everton wouldn’t be sacrificing defensive solidity for flair.

In the wider context of the Premier League, a Kubo-Grealish combination offers Everton something different from their rivals.

Many clubs boast pacey wingers who thrive on direct runs in behind; fewer can call upon two highly technical wide creators capable of orchestrating attacks as much as finishing them.

This could be the key to unlocking stubborn defences – a problem that has plagued Everton in recent seasons.

From a tactical standpoint, Everton’s midfield structure would also benefit.

With Kubo tucking inside at times to combine with central players, Grealish could hold width on the opposite flank, creating natural overloads.

Full-backs would have space to advance, and the team would be able to alternate between short, intricate combinations and quick switches of play to exploit defensive gaps.

Of course, the move hinges on whether Everton are willing to meet Sociedad’s valuation.

Kubo would represent a significant investment, though his age, contract length, and proven output in a top European league suggest strong long-term value.

In a summer where Everton have already made headlines with the arrival of Grealish, pairing him with Kubo could transform their attacking profile entirely.

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By
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