Wolverhampton Wanderers are in a race to sign a versatile £6.7 million international who could be a replacement for Nélson Semedo, according to a recent report.
Wolves target new midfielder and new striker
Given the fact the Midlands side have already seen Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri leave the club in big-money deals, Wolves have a rather large back pocket full of money. Manager Vitor Pereira will be hoping the club chiefs allow him to spend that money in the transfer market, as they look to avoid another relegation battle.
Wolves make approach for "major talent" also wanted by seven other clubs
The Old Gold are in the market for reinforcements…
1 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 4, 2025
According to a report from Spain, one way the Premier League side want to spend some of their cash is by signing Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid. It is claimed that Wolves are among the teams wanting to sign the midfielder, and they would be willing to pay as much as £43 million to bring him back to England. The Spanish giants could be open to letting the England midfielder leave in this transfer window, as that would allow them to improve their squad in other areas.
As well as a new midfielder, Wolves also want to add more firepower to their team and have made an approach to sign El Bilal Toure from Atalanta. The striker, who scored three goals in all competitions last season, is very much a wanted man this summer, as teams from France, Turkey, and England are all queuing up with an interest.
Wolves in race to sign Tchatchoua to replace Semedo
As well as looking to strengthen their midfield and forward line, the Premier League side may be in the market for a new right-back, and according to Tuttomercatoweb, relayed by Molineux News, Wolves are interested in signing Jackson Tchatchoua from Hellas Verona.
Wolves are still working on a deal to keep Semedo at the club, as his contract expired at the end of June and he has been offered fresh terms. However, they are yet to receive an answer, and now the Premier League side are looking at possible replacements and therefore have turned their attention to Tchatchoua, who is also wanted by Everton, Marseille and Galatasaray.
The 23-year-old, who has earned 10 caps for Cameroon, joined Hellas Verona on loan for the 2023/24 season, and that move was made permanent last summer. He can operate as a right-back as well as a right midfielder, scoring two goals to go with three assists in 36 Serie A games last season.
Tchatchoua
Semedo
Apps
36
34
Starts
36
32
Goals
2
0
Assists
3
4
Progressive carries
88
67
Progressive runs
163
119
Tackles (Won)
50 (31)
62 (36)
Blocks
21
32
Interceptions
14
23
Clearances
75
104
It has been previously reported that Hellas Verona value Tchatchoua at €8 million, or roughly £6.7 million, which could be an absolute bargain if Fosun can convince his agency, DWMA, to bring him to England. The group also represented Wesley Fofana in his £75m move from Leicester to Chelsea however, so may be looking to drive that price up.
Tottenham Hotspur could undergo a serious squad revamp ahead of Thomas Frank’s first full campaign in charge of the Lilywhites, with a few intriguing names facing uncertain futures in north London.
Tottenham preparing bid for £30m colossus wanted by Napoli, Milan and Inter
Spurs could scupper Antonio Conte in the race for his signature.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025
Their most high-profile departure of the summer window could well be club legend Son Heung-min, who’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, and he was initially set to leave on a free this year, before chairman Daniel Levy triggered the season-long extension clause in his contract.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Son is attracting serious interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, and credible news outlets like The Telegraph suggest there is every likelihood that the season just gone may have been the South Korean’s last at Spurs.
Asian media sources claim Levy will demand around £50 million for the 32-year-old, as Tottenham’s chief looks to make as much money back off his sale as possible, but he may not be the only star player to depart before the beginning of 2025/2026.
Defender Cristian Romero, who played a key role for Spurs in their Europa League campaign, winning the tournament’s Player of the Season award, is a wanted man in Madrid.
Atlético boss Diego Simeone recently confirmed his interest in signing Romero, and if the La Liga side make a significant-enough offer, Spurs may well be forced to consider it given the Argentine has just two years left on his contract.
The likes of Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil appear nailed on to leave at this point, given both men spent 2024/2025 on loan elsewhere, and the former’s sale would count as pure profit in the eyes of PSR due to the fact he signed as a free agent.
Another player who joined Spurs two years ago, but hasn’t quite found a route into the first-team, is 21-year-old striker Alejo Veliz.
Tottenham in talks to sell Alejo Veliz after bid made
The Argentine has spent the last one and a half seasons on loan spells at Sevilla and Espanyol, but he hasn’t exactly set the world alight in that time – scoring just one La Liga goal.
For Tottenham, Veliz has made just eight Premier League appearances, scoring once in a 4-2 defeat against Brighton in 2023, and Levy could well decide to cut his losses.
Alejo Veliz.
According to South American news outlet Ole, via Sport Witness, Racing de Alma have made a bid to sign Veliz from Tottenham, reporting on Thursday night that it came in the last few hours.
Frank’s side are clear; they’ll only consider a permanent deal, not a loan, and Racing are attempting to oblige. They also want a significant sell-on clause inserted into the deal, with Racing currently “in full negotiations” to find an agreement, though there is no mention of whether their opening bid will be accepted.
Racing have apparently offered around £3.6 million for the forward, who’s been called a “phenomenon” by 1978 Argentine World Cup winner Daniel Bertoni, so Levy may have to take a loss on the £12 million they paid to sign Veliz from Rosario Central.
Manchester United have made ‘first formal contact’ over a move to sign a star who wants to move to Old Trafford rather than Barcelona.
Man Utd looking to upgrade on Hojlund and Onana
It is shaping up to be a frantic few months in the transfer window for the Red Devils, with a major squad overhaul potentially on the cards ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.
A plethora of players such as Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho have returned from loan spells and could be moved on permanently, whereas Matheus Cunha became United’s first summer signing.
More attacking additions are on the cards, with a replacement for Rasmus Hojlund being mentioned. The Denmark international has struggled for goals at Old Trafford and has been linked with a return to Serie A.
Huge Hojlund upgrade: Wilcox opens talks to sign "new Mbappe" for Man Utd
Ruben Amorim wants to sign a new centre-forward this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair Jun 15, 2025
In fact, Amorim has reportedly made it clear that Hojlund doesn’t feature in his long-term Man Utd plans, with the club looking to sell the forward on a permanent basis, although an initial loan offer which includes an obligation to buy may also be considered.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are just two strikers who United have spoken about to solve their number nine issues.
Meanwhile, someone who has been heavily linked to replace Andre Onana is World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez.
Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now, there have been recent claims that the Aston Villa star wants to make the move to Old Trafford over the coming months. Now, a promising development has emerged regarding Man Utd and Martinez.
Man Utd make first contact for Emiliano Martinez
According to reports abroad, relayed by Sport Witness, Man Utd have now made ‘first formal contact’ to sign Martinez from Aston Villa.
It is reported that the Red Devils have approached Martinez’s agent over a deal as they want to make him first choice at Old Trafford over Onana.
They back up reports that Martinez is keen to stay in England despite interest from Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Galatasaray, who have also been in touch. However, with Martinez willing to snub a move to Spain and Turkey, it is added that this ‘further paves the way’ for Martinez to join United.
On £150,000-a-week at Villa Park which works out at £7.8m per season, Martinez’s last trip to Old Trafford was extremely eventful.
The Argentine received a red card on the final day of the 24/25 season as Villa failed to to qualify for the Champions League, and despite no European football being on offer at Old Trafford for now, he seems to be keen on a move to Manchester.
Chelsea are expected to part company with a host of senior players during the next summer transfer window, as BlueCo look to trim the wage bill and reduce Enzo Maresca’s bloasted squad.
Chelsea players who could be sold this summer
Some big names are currently surplus to requirements and haven’t been named in Chelsea’s squad for the Club World Cup.
"I am told" – Journalist says insiders are shocked by who Chelsea have let go
Many are apparently surprised.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 12, 2025
This includes Renato Veiga, Lesley Ugochukwu, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Armando Broja and Axel Disasi, who are all facing the prospect of having to find new clubs this summer (The Athletic).
Sterling is back from a lacklustre stint at London rivals Arsenal on loan, while Felix also failed to impress during his temporary spell at AC Milan over the second half of 2024/2025.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
Chilwell is on around £200,000-per-week and has returned from his loan move to Crystal Palace, so Stamford Bridge chiefs will be keen to find him a new landing spot sooner rather than later.
Given their backlog of goalkeepers, and reports Chelsea could still sign Mike Maignan despite their failed June 10 deadline day move for the France international, uncertainty also surrounds the futures of Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic.
Djordje Petrovic wants to leave Chelsea as agent fields calls
According to journalist Simon Phillips, as he’s previously reported, both keepers are indeed up for sale, and Petrovic is now seeking to leave Chelsea in a bid to kickstart his career.
The Serbian enjoyed an impressive spell on loan at sister club Strasbourg last season, with many clubs now blowing up his agent’s phone as they attempt to enquire about his services.
“The club and Enzo Maresca do not believe he is good enough with his feet to be Chelsea number one, that’s it. And for that reason, he’s up for sale,” said Phillips, via his Substack.
“And on Petrovic’s side, he is 25-years-old now and will turn 26 early in the winter. He does not want to play second fiddle, and he knows if he stays at Chelsea then there is no guarantee that he will be a regular starter. So he also wants to leave the club if he cannot be guaranteed this.
“So right now, both parties want the same thing and that is for Petrovic to move on this summer, and I’d be very surprised at this point if he’s not sold this summer. He has many clubs phoning his agent right now to ask about a move.”
A section of Chelsea supporters actually saw the deal for Maignan falling through as a blessing in disguise to hand Petrovic a route into the first team, but it appears Maresca doesn’t see a role for him at all due to a perceived lack of effective distribution in his game.
This is despite real praise from his manager at Strasbourg, Liam Rosenior, who called Petrovic a “world-class” shot-stopper.
“We have seen huge progress from Petro,” he said.
“He is a world-class goalkeeper. We see it every day, and it is still paying off today.”
The Premier League trophy’s ribbons run red once again, with Liverpool dethroning Manchester City after their historic four-in-a-row dynasty at the peak of English football.
Arne Slot oversaw Anfield’s success, and it was a triumph that few beyond the club’s fanbase saw coming. But it’s happened, Liverpool so dominant through the course of the campaign, easing the intensity over the past month, picking up two points from 12 available after thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 in April to wrap up the title and spark frenzied celebrations.
It’s got to be said, the job Slot and FSG have done over the past year has placed Liverpool in a promising position, surely primed for a sustained period of success at the forefront of domestic and European football.
With the elite support, peerless conditions and illustrious history, prospective transfer targets must leap at the chance to join Slot’s side, especially when looking at the sky-high growth of talents such as Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo wins the Premier League
This is certainly applicable in the case of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool
FSG have a certain way with finalising transfers swiftly once settled on a top target. This is especially true in the case of Wirtz, who is in the final stages of a transfer to Merseyside less than two weeks after Manchester City cooled their interest in the German international, citing concerns over the bulk of the financial package.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Wirtz, 22, has been enticed by the Liverpool project and only wanted to leave Leverkusen for Slot’s project, with the structure of the package all that stands in the way of that glorious official announcement.
It will break the bank, for sure, with FSG ready to crush their transfer record by signing Wirtz for a fee rising to £110m with add-ons and bonuses.
Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtz
It’s a stunning show of strength from the Anfield side, ready to defend their title by making impactful additions. Bringing Wirtz in shouldn’t spell the end of the forward arrivals, however.
Liverpool join race for PL talent
According to Stretty End, Liverpool are among the contenders to have joined the race for Brighton & Hove Albion talent Yankuba Minteh, alongside rivals Manchester United.
With the Red Devils looking to strengthen their attacking flanks this summer, Liverpool may be forced into acting now, should they want to sign the 20-year-old after his promising breakout campaign in the Premier League.
Brighton signed Minteh from Newcastle United for £30m last summer before he had ever kicked a ball in black and white, swooping as Seagulls do when presented with an opportunity.
Why Liverpool want Yankuba Minteh
Slot knows Minteh well, having managed the Gambian prospect across the 2023/24 campaign at Feyenoord, the loanee hitting 16 goal involvements from 37 matches.
Now, he’s passed the first level of the Premier League test, scoring seven goals and providing five assists across all competitions this season.
With his explosive pace and budding eye for goals and assists, Minteh could become Liverpool’s new version of Sadio Mane, three years on from the 33-year-old’s departure to Bayern Munich, ending his illustrious Merseyside career.
Sadio Mane Liverpool graphic
The key point of difference, of course, would be that Minteh is typically more of a right-sided forward, thus illustrating a future role as Mohamed Salah’s successor, but maybe more in the mould of the one-time Jurgen Klopp favourite.
One football scout has even put it more directly, saying Minteh “can reach Sadio Mane[‘s] level” in the future, with his athletic properties and killer instinct reminiscent of the Senegalese sensation in his pomp.
As per FBref, Minteh ranked among the top 8% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers this season for touches in the attacking box, the top 12% for successful take-ons and the top 13% for tackles per 90.
Here you can see the strength, progressive power and tenacious attitude, all wrapped into one. Minteh is, undoubtedly, one of the most talented young wingers in the Premier League, and he could explode in the coming years, especially if he makes the move to Merseyside and replicates Mane’s own rise.
As you can see below, Minteh has produced this season a similar sort of roundedness to Mane before his big break, with work to be done on his finishing, sure, but not a drastic amount. Indeed, Minteh is proving to be the full package, with his existing ability to find the back of the net something which could develop in the years to come, especially if under Slot’s wing.
Mane (15/16)
Matches (starts)
32 (20)
37 (30)
Goals
6
11
Assists
4
6
Shots (on target)*
1.1 (0.5)
2.3 (0.9)
Big chances missed
8
12
Accurate passes*
9.5 (69%)
21.1 (81%)
Key passes*
0.9
1.1
Dribbles*
1.4
2.1
Tackles + interceptions*
1.8
2.4
Duels won*
3.8
6.1
The Southampton version of Mane still has the edge over Minteh, but not by a significant margin. Moreover, the legendary Premier League winger joined Liverpool in a £34m deal when he was 24 years old; Minteh, conversely, is still only 20.
This all points toward an auspicious future for Minteh, and Liverpool would be wise to invest their stakes now, before his value skyrockets.
If rumours of Federico Chiesa and Ben Doak’s respective departures carry truth, this would be the perfect way for FSG to sign a new Salah understudy after the elation of bagging Wirtz.
Liverpool's FedericoChiesaand Alexis Mac Allister
And given his similarities to one Mane, it might be a deal that fans look back on in the years to come as yet another masterstroke on Michael Edwards’ part.
Another Suarez situation: Liverpool expect bid for "world-class" £72m star
Liverpool may have to contend with the sales of a few stars this summer.
Liverpool won the Premier League this season but already FSG are planning for the future. Arne Slot came and conquered English football when none beyond Merseyside’s red reach thought he had the capacity, and he did it with minimal transfer investment.
Now, though, is the time for action. This is the squad Jurgen Klopp build over so many years, carefully created and layered to now stand among Europe’s elite.
That’s not to say Slot has ridden the coattails of his predecessor, who failed to add to his one Premier League triumph across each of the previous four campaigns.
Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool's Premier League triumph
The Dutch coach has taken the tools handed to him and built something new, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold now officially a Real Madrid player and Liverpool’s fiercest rivals at home and abroad gearing up to strengthen, it was always going to be important to build.
The latest Liverpool transfer targets
Liverpool have acted with consummate efficiency in the build-up to the summer transfer window, already announcing the signing of Jeremie Frimpong as Alexander-Arnold’s direct replacement at right-back.
Bayer Leverkusen have lost their electric right-sider, and their star playmaker is set to follow. Florian Wirtz is one of the most talented midfielders on the planet, and FSG have entered the final stages of what should become a club-record €130m (£110m) signing.
Next up, Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez should join the Anfield rebuild, with Kostas Tsimikas mooted for a departure and Andy Robertson, 31, taking a step back, handing the Hungarian Kerkez the keys for the long-term berth.
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
When all this is wrapped up, you’d think the Reds would turn toward exits, with Darwin Nunez expected to depart and the futures of younger squad members like Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah uncertain too.
Such financial gains would lead Liverpool toward a new number nine, but they may not stop there. Extra cover at centre-back has been discussed, and sporting director Richard Hughes may even move for a new centre-midfielder.
Liverpool enter race for new midfielder
Liverpool are well-stocked in the centre of the park, but Ryan Gravenberch’s qualities were exhausted in the deep-lying role across the campaign, and some competition would do nicely.
That’s why – according to GIVEMESPORT – Liverpool are prepared to hijack Manchester United’s potential move for Atalanta’s Ederson, 25, whose performances in Italy have earned praise, leading to a stunning Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen last season.
Though the Brazilian would cost around £50m, this could be a worthwhile investment for a Liverpool side determined to challenge for silverware across a range of various fronts.
Why Liverpool want to sign Ederson
It may not be a priority position this summer, but the beauty of Liverpool completing the lion’s share of their transfer business is that they can turn toward bonus deals, and Ederson would surely be the icing on the cake.
Atalanta's Ederson in action
An athletic and robust player, Ederson thrives at the heart of the field, flying in with challenges, recycling possession and driving the ball forwards.
A man of different parts, then. Ederson completed 87% of his passes in Serie A this season, winning 4.9 duels per game at a success rate of 56%, suggesting he has the physical strength and technical crispness to succeed in the Premier League.
As per FBref, Ederson ranks among the top 12% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes and the top 19% for ball recoveries and aerial battles won per 90, emphasising a rounded approach that ‘Slotball’ would welcome with open arms.
Ederson’s powerful eye for goal and Brazilian heritage suggest he could become Slot’s own Fabinho, with the iconic Klopp favourite doing the dirty work in the middle of the park for Liverpool, allowing the forwards to flourish and steal the headlines.
Liverpool signed Fabinho from AS Monaco in a deal worth £44m back in May 2018, the Brazil international going on to feature prominently across five campaigns, winning the full gamut.
Fabinho might not have had the flair of, say, Gravenberch, who is more of an elegant, shoulder-dropping maestro of a number six, but his industrious approach to his craft bred rich results for the Anfield side, anchored as he was in the middle, dispossessing opponents and calmly picking out teammates in opportune areas.
Now, it’s time to bring in the next version, one who could give Slot a greater width of possibility to pick from in the centre of the park. Described as a “machine” of a midfielder by journalist Carlo Garganese, Ederson is the real deal, a proven winner in Italy with the physicality and dynamism to make a positive impression with Slot’s champions.
He’s also tuned to the modern way of things, with a broad tactical reach that could see Liverpool’s boss shuffle him across a variety of positions to best serve their goals, maybe even discovering a formula which could see Gravenberch and Ederson playing together on the field.
Central midfield
151
16
6
Defensive midfield
62
5
1
Attacking midfield
20
–
–
Right-back
3
1
–
Centre-back
2
–
–
Left midfield
1
–
–
Given Liverpool fell by the wayside across tournament fronts this season, it might be wise to bring in a different profile to jockey with Gravenberch, who has performed remarkably well and was crowned the Premier League Young Player of the Year; however, sometimes a grittier style is required.
It’s the kind of profile Fabinho utilised so expertly across the span of his Liverpool career. Wataru Endo has been brilliant since arriving as a stop-gap replacement, but becoming a cult hero and a Premier League champion besides, but the 31-year-old doesn’t bear his predecessor’s completeness.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It’s clear: if Liverpool manage to complete their business this summer and recoup some lost money through the sales of several fringe stars, Ederson is the man to go for, especially if it foils Man United in their pursuit of a much-needed rebuild.
Same agent as Yoro: Man Utd make approach for £15m Premier League defender
It has been a long and rather dismal campaign for Arsenal this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side have once again failed to claim the Premier League title, although instead of just losing out to Manchester City, they have fallen miles short of Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
Going into the final game of the season, the North Londoners are 12 points off the Reds and, perhaps even more worryingly, have scored 18 fewer goals.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetalooks dejected after the match
This evident weakness in the Gunners’ attack is something the board are clearly aiming to deal with in the summer, as reports have linked them to a whole host of incredibly talented players, including Nico Williams.
However, even with his lofty price tag, one of Arsenal’s own stars is worth millions more.
Why Arsenal want to sign Williams Market Movers
Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?
Arsenal have been credited with an intense interest in Williams for the best part of a year now, and according to reports from earlier this month, he remains a ‘top priority’ ahead of the summer transfer window.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliamscelebrates scoring their third goal
The story confirms that the North Londoners will need to activate the release clause in his contract to bring him to the club, which stands at a cool £48m.
With that said, then, what is it about the young winger that has made him such a firm target for the Premier League runners-up?
First and foremost, he’s a direct left-winger who can both score and create goals with relative ease.
For example, in 37 appearances for the Athletic Bilbao last season, the Pamplona-born dynamo scored eight goals and provided 18 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games.
Spain'sNicoWilliamsin action with Netherlands' Jeremie Frimpong and Donyell Male
He’s not been quite as sensationally effective this season, but he’s still been a useful outlet, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 44 games, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.44 games.
On top of his raw output, he has also shown an ability to deal with the biggest games.
He opened the scoring for Spain in their European Championships Final triumph against England last summer and also provided an assist in the final of last season’s Copa de Rey, which Bilbao won.
In all, it would be fair to say that Williams more than justifies the price tag Arsenal would have to pay for him, although if he does join the club, he’d have to hit the ground running to see his valuation match that of one of his new teammates.
The Arsenal star worth millions more than Williams
To tell the truth, there are actually several players who are worth more than Williams in the Arsenal squad, but in this case, we are talking about one of the club’s breakout stars from this season: Ethan Nwaneri.
Yes, even though this year has been the teenager’s first proper taste of regular first-team football, he’s been so impressive that his valuation has skyrocketed.
For example, Football Transfers now value the 18-year-old at a whopping €74.3, which is about £63m, or around £15m more than the fee the Gunners have to pay to sign Williams.
Now, this might all sound rather absurd to some of you, but there are some reasons for this, chief among them being the fact that the often “unplayable” gem, as dubbed by Jack Wilshere, has already scored nine goals and provided two assists in 36 appearances, totalling 1303 minutes this season.
In other words, the Hale Ender is currently averaging a goal involvement every 3.27 games, or more importantly, every 118.45 minutes, which is undeniably brilliant.
Moreover, given how he’s adapted to senior football so seemingly, there is no telling what his ceiling may be.
With that said, how does he stack up with the Bilbao gem when we compare their underlying numbers from this season?
Non-Penalty G+As
0.66
0.47
Progressive Passes
3.30
3.19
Progressive Carries
4.84
5.31
Goals per Shot
0.18
0.10
Goals per Shot on Target
0.50
0.26
Passing Accuracy
80.2%
70.7%
Key Passes
1.32
1.83
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.43
1.31
Passes into the Final Third
1.76
1.08
Crosses into the Penalty Area
0.66
0.38
Shot-Creating Actions
2.41
5.12
Successful Take-Ons
3.52
2.96
Well, it might surprise some people to find out that overall, it’s the youngster who comes out on top, as in the majority of relevant metrics, he does better.
The metrics include, but are not limited to, non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, goals per shot and shot on target, passes into the penalty area and final third, crosses into the penalty area, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Williams this summer, as he looks like he could add some much-needed dynamism to their left-hand side.
Still, in Nwaneri, the club already have another young talent who could further establish himself in the first-team next season.
Best CF since Auba: Arsenal look set to sign £55m "monster" next week
The sensational striker will be a game-changer for Arsenal.
When he stepped down from his Liverpool post, almost nine years into his tenure, the iconic manager’s decision was met with dismay from the fanbase, whose success over the past decade had been engineered by the German’s brilliance.
But Klopp was right. He was tired, you see, and knew that without that burning ball of energy within, his infectious personality wouldn’t feed into his team, into his tactics, into the club’s far-reaching community.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp bows out
It was hard to accept – some, perhaps, still haven’t – but Klopp was right, because Arne Slot has taken his place and has taken Liverpool to a higher level, winning the Premier League in his maiden term at a canter.
Such has been the Reds’ dominance that they are currently lapping up the Gulf sunshine, on holiday in Dubai to celebrate triumphs and say farewell to Trent Alexander-Arnold as his expected transfer to Real Madrid looms large.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
In his place, Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes seem set on signing Jeremie Frimpong to replace the vice-captain, strengthening the firm Dutch contingent.
Liverpool's growing Dutch contingent
Liverpool are fortunate to have welcomed Conor Bradley to the first team over the past two seasons, thus easing the onerous task of finding a Trent replacement.
Still, Bradley’s young and injury-prone besides. Frimpong would be a brilliant addition to shore up the right flank and add a new taste of attacking flair. Correspondents have clearly been briefed by the dozen, with numerous reports emerging that Liverpool are in advanced talks to seal the Dutchman’s signature.
Frimpong certainly wouldn’t be short of pals on Merseyside. Slot is a big admirer of the versatile right-sider, a compatriot who has played a defining role in Xabi Alonso’s trophy-filled Leverkusen era.
The boss’ compatriot would find plenty of teammates in the ranks, of course, with Virgil van Dijk both Liverpool and Netherlands captain and Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo good friends with the speedy flanker on the international scene.
The cohesion at Anfield has been a strong thing this term, Liverpool going from strength to strength under Slot’s wing. Gravenberch, especially, has bloomed into a high-class midfielder this season after sitting largely on the periphery last year.
He perhaps doesn’t get the same credit, but Gakpo has also taken bounding strides in his development, with Slot truly having hit the jackpot on his prolific left winger.
Slot has hit the jackpot on Cody Gakpo
When Gakpo reached the end of his first season at Liverpool, having joined at the midpoint, he probably felt a fair measure of frustration that he hadn’t reached the heights surely anticipated when FSG came calling.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo wins the Premier League
The Netherlands international had just put his name on the map at the Qatar World Cup and was terrorising Eredivisie defences with PSV Eindhoven, so when Liverpool moved to hijack Manchester United’s deal and bring Gakpo to Anfield for a £35m base fee in late December 2022, there was plenty of excitement.
He certainly wasn’t poor, but Gakpo entered Liverpool with Klopp’s side in the throes of a collapse, the midfield malfunctioning and experienced heads looking at a dizzying loss.
He still managed to record ten goal involvements across 26 matches, but Gakpo looks a different player at this stage of his career, dovetailing perfectly into Slot’s system. Pundits Joe Cole and Peter Crouch agreed that he has “gone up a level” under new management this year.
24/25
47 (30)
18
6
0.51
23/24
53 (32)
16
7
0.43
22/23
26 (22)
7
3
0.38
The secret in the sauce hasn’t been anything complex, at least on the surface level. Gakpo was ferried about the starting line-up to no end, with Klopp determined to make good use of his player’s obvious technical ability.
Gakpo’s dynamism lent itself to multi-positionality, but this frustrated his prolific senses and left him itching for a more structured role. To be sure, this was a fundamental part of Gakpo’s development, something he stressed himself during Liverpool’s title celebrations, but it’s hard to argue against his new role being one of greater reward for club and player.
That’s why Slot has left him on the left flank, with 40 of his 47 outings this season coming from the wide channel.
That £35m fee now looks to be an absolute bargain. Indeed, as per Transfermarkt, the Dutch forward has seen his market value shoot up to £59m after his exploits across the season, marking an increase of £24m on the investment made just two-and-a-half years ago. Frimpong, for instance, is said to be worth £42m.
Journalist Jacob Schneider claimed Gakpo was “downright ridiculous” before making the move to Liverpool, and that’s now been corroborated and then some.
This is quite the feat for a player who was brushed off by many rival fans after his stop-start beginning on Merseyside. While Gravenberch has taken most of the plaudits for his stunning season, Gakpo has been every bit as brilliant, and it would take quite a feat to eclipse the player.
Liverpool Dream XI
That is to say, Frimpong might be joining Liverpool with the confidence from Slot and the powers that be that he can make a marked effect on the project, but he’s not going to knock Gakpo off his high perch without some special and sustained performances in red next year.
In any case, it hardly matters for those of a Liverpool persuasion. What matters is that Slot knows what he’s doing and has already showcased his ability to get the very best out of his countrymen.
Market Movers
Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?
There’s no doubt the coach has hit the jackpot on Gakpo and Gravenberch, but he might just have the same impact on Frimpong too next season.
A Salah-esque signing: Liverpool agree personal terms with "insane" target
Liverpool are ready to begin their summer shopping spree.
The Tottenham Hotspur board have decided to showcase ambition in their hunt for a new manager, with an “elite” name now on their shortlist as a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou.
Managers linked with Tottenham as Ange Postecoglou heads towards exit
There is a growing sense behind-the-scenes that chairman Daniel Levy will part company with Postecoglou, regardless of whether Spurs end up winning this year’s Europa League (Matt Law).
Tottenham in contact with ex-Bayern Munich boss to replace Ange Postecoglou
The Australian is being tipped to leave regardless of their European campaign.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 25, 2025
This follows a seriously lacklustre 2024/2025, where Postecoglou hasn’t been dealt the easiest hand, thanks largely to injury issues which have swept through the squad on a consistent basis all season long.
However, 16th in the Premier League after 18 top flight defeats is closer to relegation form than that of a ‘big six’ side, and critics have been arguing that Spurs should be doing far better – regardless of their luck with player availability this term.
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
With Postecoglou now heading towards the exit door, which is more likely than not as things stand (The Telegraph), the Lilywhites are making contingency plans and performing due-diligence on managerial candidates to succeed the Australian.
Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Scott Parker (Burnley) have all been linked with the job within this past fortnight, while there is some belief that Mauricio Pochettino would be keen on a return to Tottenham after a tough start to life in charge of the USA.
Further abroad, Spurs are big fans of Simone Inzaghi and his work at Inter Milan over the last few seasons (Fabrizio Romano), but the Nerazzurri won’t be keen to lose their successful tactician, who is currently attempting to guide them to a second consecutive Serie A title.
According to reports in Germany, Tottenham have also made contact with Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac, but the former Croatia captain has no interest in leaving the Bundesliga for N17 as things stand.
Tottenham now targeting Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti
Now, in a surprise update, it is believed Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is being targeted by Levy and Spurs.
The Italian is one of world football’s most decorated ever managers, having won five Champions League titles across spells at the Bernabeu and AC Milan, with Ancelotti also boasting Premier League title-winning experience from his time at Chelsea.
The 65-year-old also has a Bundesliga title on his CV, having managed Bayern Munich as well, so there is no question Ancelotti brings success wherever he goes. His £8.3 million-per-year contract expires in 2026, and amid Real’s links to Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, he faces an uncertain future.
According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham’s board have internally discussed moving for Ancelotti, after “key decision-makers” at the club decided to be “bold” and mean business in their pursuit of Postecoglou’s potential replacement.
However, even if Spurs’ interest is there, they would need Ancelotti to be brave enough to consider a switch to Tottenham, and the “elite” head coach will be mindful that other proven winners like José Mourinho and Antonio Conte have come away empty-handed.
Will Celtic secure a sixth treble in just nine seasons?
On Easter Sunday, the Celts swatted aside St Johnstone 5-0 at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-finals, with Callum McGregor breaking the deadlock and Daizen Maeda bagging a brace, while Adam Idah and Jota were also on target.
Thus, the Hoops will now face Aberdeen in the final on 24 May, also looking to secure a fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title before then, requiring just a point against Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday to become champions again.
While Brendan Rodgers’ team continue to dominate on the park, does he have his eye on a new winger in the transfer market?
Celtic seeking to sign a new winger
As reported by Alan Nixon of the Scottish Sun earlier this month, Celtic are ‘eyeing’ a move to sign Stoke City winger Million Manhoef.
The 22-year-old only joined the Potters as recently as January 2024 from Dutch side Vitesse for a reported fee of £3m, but journalist Graeme Bailey believes he is now valued at £10m by Stoke.
So, would this be a good move, and could Manhoef emulate those among Rodgers’ current attacking options?
Why Celtic could be targeting the next Kuhn
Earlier this season, as outlined by Michael Shearer of Breaking the Lines, Nicolas Kühn was ‘poised to become Celtic’s next great attacking player’, starring in the Champions League and unquestionably the best player in Scotland.
However, in more recent times, the German has not been impressing quite so much, as shown in the table below.
Appearances
25
20
Minutes
1,713
1,298
Goals
14
4
Minutes per goal
122
325
Assists
11
3
As the table outlines, Kühn’s form has fallen off a cliff since New Year’s Day, in fact, he’s scored just two goals in 19 outings since bagging a brace against St Mirren on 4 January.
Rodgers stated that Kühn has appeared in the “most games he’s ever played” in a campaign, attributing his drop in form to fatigue, while Robbie Hanratty of the National adds that Kühn hasn’t looked the same since suffering a ‘suspected broken nose’ against Rangers in early January.
Kühn arrived from Rapid Wien for a reported fee of £3m in January last year, now worth £25m, well, according to his agent anyway, with Celtic hoping Manhoef – who is also a diminutive, left-footed right-winger – would experience a similar leap in valuation should he move to Glasgow, so let’s assess how the duo compare.
Appearances
37
46
Minutes
2,524
3,011
Goals
7
18
Assists
4
14
Goals – xG
-2.8
+1.3
Shots on target %
36.8
41.8
Chances created
49
43
Shot-creating actions
103
24
Take-on success %
38%
42.5%
As the table outlines, Kühn does rank higher than Manhoef for the majority of statistics included, albeit this’ll be largely skewed by his performances during the first half of the season.
Also worth considering that, according to Global Football Rankings, the EFL Championship is the 11th strongest league in the world, with the Scottish Premiership ranked 42nd.
Celtic's Nicolas GerritKuhncelebrates scoring their third goal with Adam Idah
Manhoef, to give him credit, does compare favourably, hence why Jacek Kulig from Football Talent Scout labelled him “quality and versatile”, while Dean Jones told Give Me Sport that the Dutchman is “the sort of player that will get fans off their seats.”
Thus, this would appear to be a good deal for Celtic, and they could open negotiations very soon, considering Stoke City’s season will conclude on 3 May.
Frimpong repeat: "Unstoppable" Celtic star could be sold for big profit
Celtic have made a habit of selling their best players for big fees in recent years, Jeremie Frimpong a high-profile example, but who could be next?