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Leeds United had a problem between the posts last season. First-choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier had an inconsistent campaign, despite keeping 21 clean sheets and conceding just 27 goals in 39 Championship games. As per Sofascore, he had a save percentage of 70.1%.

However, he made constant errors throughout the season. One of those came against Sunderland, where he failed to catch a ball slowly bouncing towards him in the penalty box, allowing the ball to shoot through his hands and into the back of the net. Former Leeds player Aidy White told BBC Radio Leeds that his old club have “got to drop” the Frenchman.

So, it might not come as a surprise that Daniel Farke’s side are after a new goalkeeper this summer, with a couple of names seemingly on their shortlist.

Leeds target new goalkeeper

So, it seems the Whites are definitely in the market for a new shot stopper this summer. After some poor mistakes from Meslier last term, Farke appears to want a new number one. According to a recent report from TEAMTalk, Yahia Fofana of Ligue 1 side Angers is an option.

However, he is not the only goalkeeper from the French top flight that Leeds are targeting. The same report suggests that the Yorkshire side’s number one target is Lyon’s Brazilian shot-stopper Lucas Perri. He has been described as a ‘prime target’ for the Whites.

TEAMTalk clarify that ‘contact has been made’ with the Brazilian’s camp already, having ‘caught the attention of Leeds’ recruitment team’ after impressing for Lyon. A fee of around £20m could be enough to secure his services this summer.

Why Perri would be a good signing

27-year-old Perri got a big move to Europe back in 2024, after impressing in the Brazilian top flight, most recently with Botafogo. He has since gone on to perform well in a Lyon shirt, which seems to have certainly piqued Leeds’ interest.

Last term for Les Gones, Perri, who was born in Valinhos, just outside of Sao Paulo, made 45 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25. In that time, he conceded 60 goals and kept 13 clean sheets.

Looking at Ligue 1 specifically, his numbers are impressive. He played 33 top-flight games, conceding 44 times and keeping ten clean sheets. Football analyst Ben Mattinson described him as “one of the best” in his position when he was at Botafogo, and it is not hard to see why, looking at those numbers.

Of course, Leeds have a good history when it comes to buying Brazilian talents from Ligue 1. Former winger Raphinha, who is now tearing things up in La Liga with Barcelona, is “ahead” in the race for the Ballon d’Or, according to the legendary Thierry Henry.

Leeds fans will never forget the contributions he put in at Elland Road before his move to Barca. In two seasons at the club, he scored 17 goals and grabbed 12 assists.

That included one last vital goal, a penalty away to Brentford in his final game for the club, which helped Leeds stay in the Premier League.

The Elland Road faithful would surely love to find the second coming of Raphinha in Perri. The track record of newly-promoted clubs staying in the top flight is not good recently, with all six sides going straight back down in the last two years.

However, the stats from Squawka suggest he is a goalkeeper who can help keep them in the Premier League. Perri had a 72.5% save percentage, higher than Meslier’s last season, and averaged 3.6 saves per 90 minutes in 2024/25.

Save percentage

72.5%

72.5%

Clean sheets

10

0.4

Long passes completed

122

3.7

Goals conceded

44

1.4

Saves made

116

3.6

Raphinha was the hero for Leeds at one end of the pitch during his spell at the club. If Farke’s side can secure the services of another Brazilian star from Ligue 1 in Perri, perhaps he could have the same impact as his countryman at the other end.

For just £20m, this could be a fantastic addition for Leeds. The “undervalued” talent – as described by Mattinson – would represent an upgrade on Meslier and could be a key part in their survival.

Kalvin Phillips 2.0: Leeds have held talks to sign "incredible" £17m star

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be their next Kalvin Phillips.

ByDan Emery Jul 14, 2025

Fulham have now opened talks to sign a “spectacular” U21 European Championships star, having expressed a concrete interest in securing his signature, according to a report from Sky Sports.

Cottagers set sights on U21 Euros star

Several players put themselves in the shop window courtesy of their performances at the recent U21 Euros, with former Fulham man Harvey Elliott playing a vital role in England’s triumph, picking up five goals throughout the tournament.

The Cottagers have expressed an interest in signing Elliott in the past, and the midfielder’s recent performances are only likely to have driven up his value, with Liverpool now thought to be holding out for a fee of £40m.

However, the Liverpool ace was not the only midfielder who excelled at the tournament, with a report revealing Marco Silva’s side have now taken steps towards securing the signature of a different midfielder…

Leeds leading Fulham in race to sign £8.5m defender alongside Bornauw

Leeds United are now in a race to sign a defender who has been impressing in Germany.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 1, 2025

According to Sky Sports (via Sport Witness), Fulham have now expressed a concrete interest in signing Borussia Monchengladbach’s Rocco Reitz, submitting an enquiry over a potential summer deal.

Reitz has a £17m release clause which becomes active next summer, and he is attracting widespread interest from within the Premier League, with West Ham United thought to be leading the race for his signature.

Monchengladbach are worried by the interest in one of their key players, with the German club determined to retain his services, but the fact the midfielder is set to be available for £17m next year could lead them to auctioning him off this summer.

"Spectacular" Reitz impressing for Germany U21s

Germany ultimately came up short in the U21 Euros final, with England prevailing 3-2 after Jonathan Rowe’s extra-time winner, but Reitz impressed throughout the tournament, being singled out for high praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Fellow scout Antonio Mango has lauded the maestro as “spectacular” in the past, and he has proven himself to be exceptional at winning back possession, ranking in the top 1% for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

After losing Joao Palhinha last summer, Fulham brought in Sander Berge, but there are signs the Mönchengladbach midfielder could be more of a like-for-like replacement for the Portugal international, considering his defensive qualities.

As such, Reitz could be a shrewd acquisition for Silva this summer, and the manager will be hoping that Fulham finishing higher than West Ham last season will give them the edge over their Premier League rivals in negotiations.

Everton are building for the new campaign under David Moyes and have revived their interest in an experienced midfielder who could be available on the cheap this summer, according to a report.

Everton encounter confusion in Kenny Tete pursuit

Over the last few days, Everton appeared to be closing in on Fulham right-back Kenny Tete after talks were said to have progressed on a free transfer deal that would see the Dutchman pitch up at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

However, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Fulham have now submitted a fresh contract offer to Tete as his present terms at Craven Cottage come to an end, with a final decision on his future expected in the next few days.

He explained: “Fulham have sent today new improved contract proposal to Kenny Tete after he verbally agreed to join Everton earlier this week. Both Fulham and Everton have proposals on the table now for the right back who’s available as free agent. Final decision soon.”

Despite a deal looking signed and sealed, there may be more work to do for the Toffees on the market following recent developments, though David Moyes is seemingly wasting no time in his mission to strengthen.

Villarreal forward Thierno Barry could join Everton following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s departure, but they will seek to negotiate at a figure below his current £40 million release clause.

Dream Gueye replacement: Moyes pushing Everton to sign £17m "big game" star

Everton may need a replacement for Idrissa Gueye.

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 24, 2025

Plenty of bodies have gone out the door at Finch Farm and there is a need for strength in depth as the Toffees enter a new era under Moyes.

Now, Everton fans could have something to shout about after the Tete debacle amid news that their side have revived their interest in a proven Premier League midfielder.

Everton could sign Wilfred Ndidi for a bargain price

According to talkSPORT, Everton have revived their interest in Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and could land the Nigeria international for £9 million due to a release clause in his contract that is now active after the Foxes’ relegation.

Manchester United are also attentive to his situation, while Saudi Pro League clubs linger in the background, ready to offer the 28-year-old an escape route from the King Power Stadium.

Wilfried Ndidi’s Premier League campaign in numbers (Fotmob)

Chances created

17

Successful dribbles

13

Pass accuracy

82.4%

Duels won

177

Recoveries

127

Labelled “brilliant” by James Maddison, Ndidi registered one goal and five assists in 30 appearances across all competitions last campaign, though he couldn’t help his side escape relegation under Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s stewardship.

Possessing a high level of pedigree, the former KRC Genk man has won 65 caps at international level for Nigeria and would be an ideal replacement for Orel Mangala following the latter’s departure.

Nevertheless, competition is fierce for his signature, meaning Everton will need to act quick on the market to ensure he is wearing a different shade of blue next season.

Arsenal look set for a busy summer in the transfer market, with Mikel Arteta looking to go one better in the Premier League after three successive second-place finishes.

To do that, the Gunners may make a number of marquee additions ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with attack a key area of focus for those at the Emirates Stadium.

New sporting director Andrea Berta is tasked with bringing a star striker to north London after injuries left Arteta with a lack of final third options in 24/25.

A number of players have been linked with moves to Arsenal, which has resulted in Grok, the AI tool on X, predicting the Gunners’ summer transfer business.

Arsenal's most expensive signings of all time

The Gunners have spent generously in recent years.

ByCharlie Smith Sep 5, 2025

It has thrown up some interesting results, with Berta potentially spending just over £250m between now and the September 1 deadline.

AI predicts 5 Arsenal summer signings 1 Martin Zubimendi Real Sociedad (£59m)

It shouldn’t come as a shock that AI have predicted Martin Zubimendi to be one of Arsenal’s first summer signings, as it has been widely reported that the Real Sociedad midfielder is set to swap Spain for England.

The Gunners have been chasing the central midfielder since the start of the year and they regard a transfer as “done and signed”.

There were rumours of Real Madrid coming in to hijack Arsenal’s move, however, it looks a matter of time before Zubimendi’s transfer is announced, with Grok citing a £59m fee.

2 Kepa Arrizabalaga Chelsea (£5m)

Set to follow Zubimendi through the Emirates door this summer is goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, so again, it isn’t a shock that he’s on AI’s Arsenal list.

Still the world’s most expensive goalkeeper after his £70m+ move to Chelsea back in 2018, Arrizabalaga has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and spent the last two seasons out on loan with Real Madrid and Bournemouth.

Arsenal will reportedly pay just £5m to sign the ‘keeper, who will serve as back up to David Raya in north London.

3 Benjamin Sesko RB Leipzig (£70m)

A centre-forward will be at the top of the to-do list for Arsenal after deals for Zubimendi and Kepa, with both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres mooted as targets for the Gunners.

Grok thinks Sesko will be the striker to arrive in north London following transfer talks at a total cost of £70m.

RB Leipzig

87

39

8

RB Salzburg

79

29

11

FC Liefering

44

22

6

Slovenia

41

16

6

AI state that the Slovenian’s ‘physicality, goal-scoring ability and potential to develop into a Haaland-like forward make him a strong fit for Arsenal’s need for a statement striker’.

4 Nico Williams Athletic Club (£50m)

Should Arsenal land someone like Sesko, they could then move to bolstering their options on the wing, and Nico Williams has been a player of interest to Berta and co.

The Athletic Club could be on the move in 2025 and has been linked with going Arsenal. In fact, there were claims saying the Gunners were very close to signing Williams.

Grok says Williams ‘seems more attainable’ than someone like Rodrygo and would offer ‘pace and youth’ and the Emirates, placing a £50m figure on the Spain international.

5 Marc Guehi Crystal Palace (£70m)

The final of Arsenal’s five predicted summer signings come in defence, with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi backed to move to the Emirates.

A former Chelsea youngster, Guehi has grown into one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, and although Arsenal have William Saliba and Gabriel, the Gunners could be on the search for more.

There have been suggestions Arsenal are ready to swoop for the England international, and Grok says a deal could be worth up to £70m.

Manchester United are now considering a move to sign an “incredible” Bayern Munich midfielder for just £25 million, according to a recent report.

Bruno Fernandes set to stay at Man Utd after Nations League triumph

International duty has taken centre stage in the last week or so, and like nearly every Premier League team, United have players all over the globe representing their countries.

Their best CF since Ronaldo: Man Utd eager to sign "fearless" £44m striker

Manchester United are eyeing up a move for a striker who would be their best forward since Cristiano Ronaldo.

ByDan Emery Jun 8, 2025

But not many will have had a better time with their country than Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, who were part of the Portugal squad that won the Nations League. Portugal beat Spain 5-3 on penalties on Sunday following a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes.

Fernandes played the entire 120 minutes and even netted in the penalty shootout win, while Dalot was an unused substitute, as he was in the semi-final win over Germany.

This is Fernandes’ second trophy with his country, and after the game, the Red Devils skipper revealed “winning with Portugal is different”.

“I’m going to celebrate with my teammates and my family. It’s a special moment for everyone. Winning for Portugal is different. It’s for our family, for our people, for the country, for our people.

“Once again, the wave of red that I saw so much on social media was there and made us feel like we were playing at home. Thank you very much for all the support; it was excellent. We felt it, from start to finish, from the moment we got to the end.

“Everything we did during the game helped us win. We knew we were going up against a great team, and at the same time, we knew we were a team of the same level. We knew Spain’s qualities; we were very aggressive when losing the ball, which was very important.”

Man Utd considering move to sign "incredible" £25m Bayern Munich ace

As Fernandes continues celebrating, the Red Devils now have their eye on one of his international teammates. According to Mirror Football, relayed by Simply Utd on X, Man United are weighing up a move to sign Joao Palhinha.

The 29-year-old only joined Bayern Munich from Fulham last summer, but it was a very underwhelming first campaign for the Portuguese enforcer – he only played 17 games in the Bundesliga, as his season was hampered by injuries and competition in the midfield area.

It’s been reported that Palhinha, who has been dubbed “incredible” in the past, may leave Munich this summer, given his struggles, but it is unlikely they are going to get near the £44 million they paid Fulham in 2024. In fact, this report states that United could sign the midfielder for just £25 million.

Palhinha

Casemiro

Apps

17

24

Starts

6

18

Progressive passes

32

84

Progressive carries

3

4

Passes attempted

552

990

Passes completed

510

780

Tackles (won)

20 (14)

83 (50)

Interceptions

4

14

Blocks

13

39

Clearances

9

51

His arrival at Old Trafford could see him be the man to replace Casemiro, who, while he performed very well towards the end of the season, could be a player who is allowed to leave, given his hefty wages. Talk of an exit has gone quiet in recent months, but Amorim will want to trim his squad down given no European football, and given Casemiro’s age, he could be one that is on the chopping block.

The transfer window might have only officially opened a few days ago, but Premier League clubs are moving fast, and Arsenal need to keep up.

For example, while the signing of Martin Zubimendi feels imminent, Liverpool have already picked up Jeremie Frimpong and look set to land Florian Wirtz at some point.

Even Manchester United, who endured one of their worst seasons ever, are making moves, with Matheus Cunha already secured and Bryan Mbeumo making it clear he wants to join them.

The Brentford star has previously been linked with the Gunners, but while missing out on him is far from ideal, recent reports suggest the North Londoners are progressing with another attacker who’d be their answer to the Cameroonian.

Arsenal transfer news

Arsenal might not have secured any offensive signings just yet, but it feels more like a matter of when and not if, as over the last few weeks, the club have been linked with more than their fair share of exciting options, like Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could cost around £68m this summer, and while that might be a lot to pay for a 22-year-old, he has proven himself to be a reliable attacking outlet, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 45 games this season.

On the other hand, Pedro might cost up to a staggering £70m, and while he’s undoubtedly a talented player, we aren’t entirely sure his haul of ten goals and seven assists this season quite justifies that price tag.

Fortunately, another free-scoring phenom is high on the Gunners’ shortlist this summer: Viktor Gyokeres.

According to a recent report from Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Arsenal are among several teams incredibly interested in the Sporting CP star.

The report claims that the Gunners, Manchester United and Napoli are among the frontrunners to land the Swedish international but to do so, they’ll have to pay up to €70m, which is around £59m.

It could be a complicated and costly deal to get over the line, but Gyokeres would certainly be worth pushing the boat out for, especially as he could be the North Londoners’ answer to Mbeumo.

Why Gyokeres could be Arsenal's answer to Mbeumo

Now, while Mbeumo is primarily a winger and Gyokeres is an out-and-out striker, there are several similarities between the pair that could make the latter Arsenal’s answer to United signing the former.

Firstly, both players honed their craft in the EFL, with the Cameroon international joining Brentford from Troyes in the summer of 2019 at just 19 years old and making 86 appearances in the Championship, in which he scored 23 goals and provided 18 assists.

Likewise, following a couple of middling loans, the Sporting star joined Coventry City on a short-term deal in January 2021 and then on a permanent deal that summer.

During his two-and-a-half seasons with the Sky Blues, the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace made 110 second-tier appearances, in which he scored 41 goals and provided 15 assists, which was enough to earn him his move to Portugal.

This brings us to the second reason he’d be the North Londoners’ answer to the Red Devils’ question, which is that, like the Bees ace, the Stockholm-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, would be their own game-changing attacking signing.

Appearances

52

42

Minutes

4248′

3577′

Goals

54

20

Assists

13

9

Goal Involvements per Match

1.28

0.69

Minutes per Goal Involvement

63.40′

123.34′

For example, there can be no doubt that Reuben Amorim’s side will be more dangerous next season with a player who racked up 29 goal involvements this season.

In the Gunners’ case, the addition of a striker who managed to score 54 goals and provide 13 assists in 52 games this season could be utterly transformational and turn them from an almost side to one who could win it all next year.

Ultimately, while they aren’t exactly the same sort of player, there is no doubt that signing Gyorkeres would be the perfect response from Arsenal to United signing Mbeumo.

Their answer to Wirtz: Arsenal moving to sign "terrifyingly good" £85m star

The international superstar would be an incredible addition to Arsenal’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 3, 2025

After watching on as Liverpool seemingly jumped ahead of them in the race to sign Florian Wirtz, Bayern Munich have reportedly turned their focus towards payback in the form of recruiting one particular Anfield star this summer.

Liverpool submit first Wirtz offer

Whilst it was Manchester City and Bayern who found themselves battling for Wirtz’s signature, it has been Liverpool who have grabbed hold of the headlines. Sending shockwaves through Europe, the Reds have stolen a march on their rivals and are reportedly set to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star in what could quite easily be the deal of the summer in all regards.

Having already lifted the Premier League in their first season under Arne Slot, it’s clear that those at Anfield mean business after deciding against splashing the cash last summer.

Alongside Wirtz, rumours have also indicated that Liverpool are pushing to sign the midfielder’s Leverkusen teammate, Jeremie Frimpong, to replace the Real Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.

Liverpool’s interest in Wirtz is a fairly open secret already and Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes had his say on the potential move earlier this week, telling reporters: “There is concrete interest from Liverpool, but there’s no more to say right now. Florian is our player.”

Ornstein: Liverpool set to make even more signings after £150m+ triple move

The Reds seem to have plenty of tricks up their sleeve…

1 BySean Markus Clifford May 26, 2025

Meanwhile, on Bayern Munich’s end, they’ve been left with no choice but to turn their attention elsewhere. And that could yet deal the Premier League champions a frustrating blow amid rumours that the German giants have set their sights on signing an Anfield star who Slot loves.

Bayern make contact to sign Cody Gakpo

According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich have now made contact to sign Cody Gakpo. Club chief Max Eberl is reportedly a fan of the Dutchman and has now added him to a list of left-wing options which already includes Rafael Leao and Brighton’s Karou Mitoma.

What’s more, given that they’re set to welcome Wirtz this summer, Liverpool and FSG are open to selling Gakpo if the right offer arrives. Whether Slot would approve such an exit is the big question. Gakpo has been a man transformed under his countryman, scoring 18 goals in all competitions and claiming a spot in Liverpool’s front three as a result.

Slot hasn’t hesitated to praise the former PSV man, either. He told reporters when asked about his winger earlier in the season: “In the second half of last season Cody scored a lot of goals so he’s been a good player for Liverpool for a long time now. He continues doing that and that’s a good thing. For me, he is a regular starter.”

Also dubbed “excellent” by former Liverpool and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole back in October, Gakpo is not someone that Liverpool should be keen to lose in the coming months.

This is going to be a big summer for Liverpool. Bigger, perhaps, than any stretch of off-season at Anfield since Phil Coutinho was sold to Barcelona for an exorbitant fee and Alisson and Virgil van Dijk were brought in as replacements.

FSG have a bit of a reputation for being frugal in the transfer market, but Liverpool are hardly averse to strengthening and know that they have chinks to cover if they are to successfully defend their Premier League title next season, challenge for the Champions League too.

But with Trent Alexander-Arnold off to Real Madrid, Andy Robertson declining, Darwin Nunez set to be sold after a disappointing three terms, Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation uncertain, and Ryan Gravenberch lacking competition at number six, it’s understandable that Arne Slot should demand investment.

That exhausting list isn’t actually exhaustive, though. Liverpool are always attentive to opportunities, and what’s bigger than Florian Wirtz’s desire to leave Bayer Leverkusen in search of a new challenge?

Liverpool's pursuit of Florian Wirtz

Former Leverkusen star Patrick Helmes remarked at the start of the season that Wirtz is “probably the best midfielder in the world.” He may well be right.

Wirtz, certainly, is one of the most exciting and entertaining playmakers in the business, having played an instrumental role in Xabi Alonso’s invincible domestic double last year and now finishing the current campaign with 31 goal involvements to his name.

Though he typically operates from a number ten berth, the Germany international is proven across a whole range of attacking positions, with his seasonal Bundesliga heatmap, sourced via Sofascore, denoting a left-leaning preference.

Attacking midfield

169

48

57

Left winger

21

4

5

Right winger

17

8

5

Centre-forward

15

7

7

Central midfield

5

0

3

While Bayern Munich have the lead in the race for the attacking midfielder, Liverpool and Manchester City are both hot on his trail, as per The Athletic.

Who knows where he’ll end up, but given Die Werkself are looking to claim some £101m for his sale, Liverpool have lined up alternatives.

Liverpool eyeing marquee deal

Liverpool will lose Alexander-Arnold this summer, and, yes, it would be a shock if he didn’t sign for Real Madrid. However, Rodrygo may travel in the opposite direction, having been left disgruntled by his role at Los Blancos this year.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are plotting to make their move for the Brazilian forward, who would cost FSG something in the region of £85m.

Arsenal are also named as suitors, but it’s said that Mikel Arteta’s side are deterred by Real Madrid’s financial demands, thus leaving the door open for Liverpool to make their move as the Gunners not wanting to pay the fee could give them an advantage in the race to sign him.

Scout Mick Brown is quoted as saying that the Reds are not happy with their current forward options and that they could make a move for the Brazilian if he becomes available this summer.

Why Rodrygo would be perfect for Liverpool

Only a few months ago, in March, Jude Bellingham claimed Rodrygo is “the most gifted player in the squad.”

There’s been something selfless about the versatile winger’s time at the Santiago Bernabeu, for he has never quite reached the reputation of his frontal peers yet has been one of the most important players under Carlo Ancelotti’s wing.

Across 267 appearances for Real, Rodrygo has notched 118 goal contributions, a very good return when considering he arrived at the club an 18-year-old in 2019, leaving his Brazilian homeland, leaving Santos.

It might not have been the best of seasons for the South American, but he’s still showcased his skills wonderfully. As per Sofascore, the £202k-per-week talent has still hit six goals and five assists from just 22 La Liga starts, averaging 1.6 dribbles and key passes per game while winning 56% of his ground duels.

Real Madrid rarely sell players they don’t want to, but Rodrygo’s situation is a little more complex: with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior both nailed down in their left and central berths, Liverpool’s target has been ferried off to the right, where he’s at his most ineffective.

Despite Rodrygo’s frustrations this season, deployed in his favoured left-sided position only 12 times (though scoring six goals and supplying six assists), he has played 50 games and still stands firm against Wirtz. He’s even been described as a “magician” by Statman Dave.

In balmier conditions, angled toward breeding positivity for the wideman, there’s no telling how far he could climb. Slot has something of a knack for getting the best out of bothered stars, and Rodrygo could be next, having been praised for being a “more mature player” than compatriot Vini by former Brazil boss Tite.

A man for the big moments, you’d be surprised if Rodrygo didn’t have a say in Liverpool’s efforts on the continental front going forward, should Slot win the race for his services.

It’s not just his clutch moments, though, with an underlying surety in his actions illustrating his world-class quality. As per FBref, the 24-year-old ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and for carries into the final third and the top 12% for passes attempted.

Rodrygo is fleet-footed, but he’s also inventive and crisp on the ball. Eager to get on it, his vicious blend of deadliness and dynamism suggests he would be a tailor-made addition to Slot’s project, especially if the Dutch coach is willing to unleash him from the left flank, as the player wishes but rarely receives in the Spanish capital.

Ultimately, either Rodrygo or Wirtz would have a significant impact on a flourishing Liverpool side. Wirtz might feel like the most favourable pick, but the £85m-rated star’s stunning career has merely lulled this year, and if Slot were to pick him back up from the Madrid wayside, he might just take his team to the next level.

A better signing than Wirtz: Liverpool ramp up move for "the next Mbappe"

Liverpool’s primary goal this summer remains signing a new centre-forward.

ByAngus Sinclair May 16, 2025

Liverpool owners FSG are considering selling an “outstanding” player in a potential £68m move this summer, according to a new update regarding his future.

Summer departures expected at Liverpool

While much focus is on which players the Reds could sign in the summer transfer window, it could also be a relatively busy period when it comes to departures.

Caoimhin Kelleher looks almost certain to move on to pastures new, for example, with the Republic of Ireland international constantly playing second to fiddle to Alisson. With Giorgi Mamardashvili also coming in from Valencia, his minutes could become even more limited.

Kostas Tsimikas could also possibly move on, as Liverpool target a new left-back, with Andy Robertson then becoming more of a squad player, and Trent Alexander-Arnold is also leaving to join Real Madrid.

In attack, both Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota may be sweating over their Anfield futures, following disappointing seasons, with the former feeling particularly likely to find a new club. He has flattered to deceive throughout his three years at the club, and this summer feels like the right time to cut ties.

Liverpool could sell Luis Diaz despite Slot admiration

According to Caught Offside, FSG are considering selling Liverpool forward Diaz this summer, amid interest from Saudi Pro League clubs – a £68m price tag is mentioned in the report. The update does also say that Slot would “rather not sell” the Colombian, however, seeing him as an important figure moving forward, unlike Nunez, who is expected to depart.

Diaz may not be perfect, sometimes being criticised for lacking an elite level of end product, but the positives still outweigh the negatives with him, so it would be preferable for Liverpool to retain his services. The 28-year-old has had a good season for the Reds, playing an important role in them winning the Premier League title, scoring 16 goals in all competitions and being hailed by Virgil van Dijk.

“If you watch the game he wasn’t really a No. 9. He played through the middle but he obviously played in midfield as well. It is very difficult for defenders when you don’t play against a direct opponent because there is so much movement. Lucho did it outstanding today again and that is what we need.”

Even if Diaz stays, Liverpool still need to be targeting at least one new attacker – a centre forward and a versatile winger would be ideal – putting more pressure on the £55,000-a-week Colombia international to find another gear.

Huge Nunez upgrade: Liverpool plot big move for "the best CF in the world"

Liverpool desperately need to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 9, 2025

If he does end up leaving, it wouldn’t necessarily be a disaster, but Slot is right to value him and may only be fully appreciated after he leaves, both in terms of his quality and work ethic.

In mid-December, Chelsea moved within touching distance of leaders Liverpool after beating Brentford 2-1 in the Premier League. However, Enzo Maresca was quick to dispel claims that his team were title challengers.

Such words were met as being overly pragmatic, but there has been a fair bit of prescience through a number of the Italian’s comments, also calling for more productivity from his forwards to ease the burden on Cole Palmer’s shoulders.

Palmer, so effortlessly untouchable last season, has been in the mire over the past few months, with Saturday’s victory over Everton taking his goalless run to 17 matches in all competitions.

The England international will be back in the limelight before long, and no mistake, such is his top-grade quality. Maresca, in any case, has proven himself to be an expert tactician, albeit a tad set in his ways.

But he is open to change, which was perfectly illustrated by the decision to unleash Noni Madueke on the left wing at the weekend.

Noni Madueke's new role

Madueke has ebbed and flowed for Chelsea this season, starting off to a flyer but peeling away in recent months, only scoring twice across 13 recent Premier League outings.

He didn’t score, nor did he claim an assist, but Madueke was an absolute menace up and down that left channel, darting this way and that while getting stuck in to win balls off his opponents and beat them in the duel.

Minutes played

78′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Shots (on target)

4 (4)

Accurate passes

20/25 (80%)

Key passes

0

Dribbles

4/6

Duels won

9/13

Tackles

2

Maresca will also have been pleased to note that the left-footer managed to hit the target with all four of his efforts on goal, certainly suggesting he could find himself featuring in this new role with regularity over the closing weeks.

The London Standard were impressed, giving the 23-year-old an 8/10 match rating after his excellent display, noting that he terrorised Toffees right-back Nathan Patterson throughout the afternoon.

This is all well and good, especially with Jadon Sancho not quite hitting his full stride and Mykhaylo Mudryk remaining unavailable for selection, but it’s not going to change Chelsea’s approach this summer.

The Londoners want a new left-sided winger, and they may well be circling in on an upgrade on Madueke.

Chelsea make contact for new winger

As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea have made contact with Jamie Gittens’ management team as they look to complete a deal this summer.

Prepared to double the Borussia Dortmund prospect’s salary, Chelsea appear to have found the perfect player to strengthen their wide flanks, especially since the Bundesliga club would be willing to do business.

Former €100m (£87m) demands have been whittled down given sixth-place Dortmund’s struggles this season, with Chelsea confident they can get a deal done for €60m (£51m).

Why Chelsea should sign Jamie Gittens

A product of Manchester City’s youth academy, Gittens left his homeland and signed for Bor. Dortmund in 2020, when he was just 16.

It was a bold move, but one that has paid dividends for a rising talent now regarded as “England’s best winger in 2024/25” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, having made prolific headway this season.

24/25

45 (33)

12

5

23/24

34 (18)

2

8

22/23

20 (5)

3

1

21/22

4 (1)

0

0

Now 20, Gittens has added goals to his name, having demonstrated his creative flair in the past, and it’s frightening to think that he’s still so young.

The addition of goals to his game makes for a nice showcase, but Gittens’ nuts and bolts derive from his athleticism, his pace and running power. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.

His goalscoring sense, combined with the ferocious wheels, make Gittens a contender for superstardom down the line. It’s not out of the question to claim that he’s already performing above Madueke’s level, something echoed by the aforementioned Critchley.

Having outscored his compatriot, Gittens has also averaged 2.7 dribbles and won 5.2 duels per Bundesliga game this term, as per Sofascore.

These are skills that bespeak a successful career in the Premier League, with Madueke recording inferior metrics: 1.3 dribbles and 3.3 successful duels per fixture.

Gittens really does have the world at his feet, with his ball-striking catered toward various angles, capable of arcing efforts across goal or angling strikes into the close corner.

His quick feet and intelligent touches allow him to connect with teammates and burst through the lines to find space in the danger area. This is something which could work a treat with Palmer, whose central influence would appear to be perfect for such a darting wide partner.

He’s also proven himself in the Champions League, actually praised by Fabrizio Romano earlier in the campaign for his “special” game against Club Brugge to kick off the term, bagging twice off the bench in a 3-0 win.

The £49k-per-week prospect has everything in his locker to become a top-performing star for Maresca’s Chelsea, bearing a ball-playing capacity and smartness on the ball that echoes that of Madueke while developing a goalscoring sense that could tip the odds in his favour as he strives for that regular starting berth in the years to come at Stamford Bridge.

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