Arsenal scouts have watched a “world-class talent” in action a number of times already this season, and they could be set to battle Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.
Gunners looking to bolster options in midfield
Mikel Arteta made major improvements to his squad in the summer transfer window, and Martin Zubimendi is already looking like a very astute signing, having been singled out for praise after scoring twice in the 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney said: “The technique on the first of his two goals against Nottingham Forest was frightening. It would have been so easy to get over that and put it into Row Z, and his header was nice as well.
“We see so many players that can’t head a ball any more and it was really calm. He ran the show and that is why Arsenal brought him in. They want him to be that maestro when they have loads of the ball.”
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Christian Norgaard also arrived at the Emirates Stadium in the summer, meaning Arteta should be very well-stocked in the engine room this season, but the north Londoners have now joined the race for another central midfielder.
That is according to a report from journalist Ahad Shaukhat for the Daily Briefing, who states Arsenal scouts have now watched Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi on a number of occasions already.
Bouaddi is being targeted by a number of top clubs from across Europe, with bitter rivals Tottenham also in the race for his signature, but there have been suggestions a deal could be on the expensive side.
The 17-year-old has been widely reported to have a price tag of £40m, which would be a huge amount to pay for a teenager.
"World-class talent" Bouaddi is one for the future
Despite his age, the young Frenchman has already established himself as a regular starter for Lille, making a total of 58 senior appearances for the French club, including four in Ligue 1 so far this season. Already he has emerged as “one of the best young midfielders in Europe”, in the words of football writer James Brooke.
Earlier this year, the Lille starlet also received very high praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who lauded him as a “world-class talent”, while also describing the youngster as having “excellent technical capacity & ball carrying ability.”
That is underlined by the fact the Senlis-born ace ranks in the 90th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to other midfielders, and the 85th percentile for tackles over the same timeframe.
Having already started to make a name for himself in Ligue 1, Bouaddi clearly has a lot of potential, and may not be too far off first-team level for a top Premier League club, so Arsenal should undoubtedly look to win the race for his signature.
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has shot down claims regarding himself and Wayne Rooney, comparing themselves during their teenage years.
Owen unrivalled at 18 years of age
Owen burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old back in 1997, scoring on his Liverpool debut at Wimbledon, before becoming a superstar for both the Reds and England.
The ex-striker’s career fell away as the years passed, mainly due to injuries, but speaking to Rio Ferdinand, he claimed that no English player has reached the level he did at that age.
“People can look at how I played at 26 and say, ‘these players are much better than him.’ Yes, I know. By then, my hamstring muscles were torn in half. I was ashamed to wear a shirt with my name on it at 26 and beyond. I was already in decline. I won the Ballon d’Or when I was already on the downturn. It was a serious decline. At 19, my muscles tore in half.
“But if we talk about the period from 7 to 19 years old, I’m not sure anyone was better than me. There were very few players like that. What Ronaldo was doing at 17, 18 – my God! I played against Thierry Henry; there was a one- or two-year gap between us, and he wasn’t doing what I was doing.
“At 17, I became the Premier League top scorer – that will never happen again! And at 18, twice. But everyone remembers only how I played at 31, 32. By then, I couldn’t do anything anymore.”
It is clearly a topic that has irked Owen, with some remembering his latter days rather than his remarkable early years, and he isn’t letting the debate go away.
Owen shoots down Rooney with new remarks
Writing on X on Friday, Owen further went on to compare himself to Rooney at 17, saying there is no debate as to who was better at that age, comparing his Liverpool exploits to that of the ex-Everton sensation.
In fairness to Owen, time hasn’t been kind to him, with so many thinking about his injuries, and the players who have potentially surpassed him since, including Rooney.
Michael Owen hit the ground running when he came into Liverpool's first team
That said, he has a genuinely valid point in saying that nobody was better at 17 or 18, in England at least, with the former Three Lions international a stunning talent – one who scored 23 goals in both 1997/98 and 1998/99, before he had even turned 20.
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While Rooney went on to have a better career, and was a superior all-round footballer overall, Owen was better as a teenager, and was arguably only below Brazil legend Ronaldo at the same age.
Tottenham Hotspur fans won’t be used to the heavy spending they’ve seen over the last couple of weeks, with Daniel Levy evidently looking to back new boss Thomas Frank.
The club completed the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United last week, as the club look to build a competitive squad which is capable of challenging for a place at the top of the table.
After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, it’s no surprise to see new additions being lined up, with added funds expected to be dropped in the coming weeks.
Morgan Gibbs-White has been another player mentioned with a move to North London this summer, but a deal could now appear complicated given the threat of legal action from his current side, Nottingham Forest.
It’s unclear whether a deal for the England international will get completed, leading to other attacking talent being linked with big-money transfers to join the Lilywhites.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Tyler Dibling is a player who’s constantly been on Spurs’ radar in recent months, especially after suffering relegation back to the Championship at the end of the season.
However, any deal for the teenager would set the hierarchy back a fee in the region of £55m this summer, potentially facing competition from Manchester United for his signature this window.
Another Premier League attacker has appeared on their radar over the last couple of days, with Brentford striker Yoane Wissa now a key target, according to TBR Football.
Their report claims that the Lilywhites are just one of various top-flight sides who have been in talks with his representatives over a move after scoring 19 league goals in 2024/25.
It also states that he could be available for a fee in the region of £40m during the ongoing window, that’s despite the Bees originally demanding £50m for his signature.
Why Spurs’ £40m target would be perfect alongside Kudus
The signing of Kudus could prove to be an excellent one for Spurs ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, handing Frank the needed versatility within attacking areas.
West Ham United's MohammedKuduscelebrates
The Ghanaian can operate off the right or left-hand side of the frontline, whilst also being able to feature in the number ten position – having the creative nature to hand others around him the chances to impress.
In the Premier League last season, the 24-year-old registered 3.2 successful take-ons and an 84% accuracy, having the skillset to take the ball forward into attacking areas.
He also notched 2.1 carries into the final third along with 1.5 carries into the opposition’s box per 90, further highlighting his impressive ability with the ball at his feet.
Such figures could be handy for Wissa should the DR Congo international make the move across the capital and reunite with his former boss in North London.
Brentford's YoaneWissacelebrates scoring their first goal
When delving into the forward’s stats from his spell with the Bees last season, he has the tools to be a success at the club, handing Frank the needed talisman he craves with the Lilywhites.
Wissa, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by journalist Zach Lowy, managed to register 1.3 shots on target per 90, subsequently being able to link up with Kudus, especially considering the Ghanian’s tally of 1.2 chances created per 90 in the Premier League.
Games played
35
Goals scored
19
Shots on target per 90
1.3
Aerials won
46%
Pass accuracy
80%
Touches in opposition box
5.2
Fouls won
1.6
He could also offer the side an out-ball given his aerial ability, with the current Brentford star winning 46% of the battles he entered, offering a focal point despite his small frame.
His clinical nature in front of goal would be a massive boost in the club’s hunt for future success, scoring 19 times, which would’ve made him the Lilywhites’ top scorer last campaign.
The prospect of Wissa linking up with Kudus in North London is one for the fans to be excited by, having the tools to work together and catapult the side up the table next time around.
£40m may appear to be an expensive price tag, but if he can replicate the levels he produced under Frank last season, it would be a phenomenal signing that would add a new dimension to the frontline.
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Tottenham Hotspur appear to be prepared to splash the cash under Thomas Frank this summer.
Newcastle United have endured a tough start to the summer transfer window, but the intent to bolster Eddie Howe’s first-team squad is very much there.
In fact, an actual breakthrough has been found in recent days, with Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga finally here-we-goed after more than a year of fruitless efforts to bring him over to St. James’ Park.
The electric-paced winger is set to sign for £55m, having played a vital role in driving Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest into Europe, notching 32 goal involvements across his two seasons at the City Ground.
Bringing in such a profile is good news indeed, but Newcastle are still hoping to sign a central striker, having missed out on Joao Pedro after the Brazilian opted to sign for Chelsea in a £60m deal.
Why Newcastle want a striker
Newcastle are confident that they will fend off interest in Alexander Isak, but even so, rumours of the Sweden striker’s potential departure aren’t going to go away over the coming weeks.
Liverpool, namely, are proving a thorn in Newcastle’s transfer committees’ side, but PIF are believed to have priced their talisman at £200m, and they are under no obligation to sell after United repinned their Champions League badge.
Still, with Callum Wilson having left Tyneside at the end of his contract, Howe wants competition. Pedro was supposed to provide more depth, but he’s now off the cards.
Thus, Newcastle have been linked once again with Dominic Calvert-Lewin. According to talkSPORT, the former Everton star has held talks with United as he looks for a new club, but this perhaps isn’t the move fans are hoping for.
Everton's DominicCalvert-Lewincelebrates scoring their first goal
‘DCL’, as he is known, has quite the shoddy injury record, and he only scored three times across 26 Premier League outings last season, missing 16 big chances, as per Sofascore.
He would be a cost-efficient signing, to be sure, but the Magpies are aiming high this summer and they have their sights on a far more exciting striker.
Newcastle line up Calvert-Lewin alternative
Newcastle have shown they are willing to spend the big bucks for a new number nine to complement Isak, and that’s why Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Howe’s interest in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
The 23-year-old has attracted a wealth of interest over the past few months, but RMC Sport have now revealed that Newcastle are among the teams showing the greatest curiosity in the Frenchman.
Saudi duo Al-Qadsiah and especially Al-Hilal – who are believed to be readying an offer – are also keen, but suitors have thus far been kept at bay by the Bundesliga outfit’s €100m (£85m) valuation of their player, who is a great talent but an unpolished one at that.
What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Newcastle
Newcastle have one of the best strikers in world football, and thus some would consider interest in Ekitike as superfluous, but he’s a rising talent of the highest calibre, and came close to joining back in 2022 after a £33m deal with Reims was agreed, but for the player to pull the plug on proceedings.
And whoever said that having options was a bad thing? Newcastle will only reach the next level in their impressive development with an excess of options capable of pushing for a place at the top of the Premier League while competing across the campaign’s tournamental offshoots too.
If the finances check out – and the conjecture read from the past few months suggests that it’s not outside the realm of possibility for the Toon – then Ekitike is the forward to go for.
For sure, he’s miles better than Calvert-Lewin, who offers flimsy assurances of his ability to stay fit, let alone productive.
Goals scored
0.53
0.17
Assists
0.28
0.06
Shots taken
4.00
2.80
Shot-creating actions
3.55
1.45
Touches (att pen)
6.88
4.92
Progressive passes
1.86
1.12
Progressive carries
3.27
1.29
Successful take-ons
1.83
0.56
Ball recoveries
3.06
1.96
Aerial duels won
1.83
4.75
Tackles + interceptions
0.81
0.90
Moreover, Ekitike is nearly five years his junior, with so much scope for growth. He might not have anywhere near the same aerial ability as his English counterpart, but he’s far more energetic, creative and effective in the majority of critical moments.
Newcastle completed 705 crosses in the Premier League last term, as per FBref, the sixth-highest tally in the division. There is a ring to United’s long-standing interest in Calvert-Lewin, but is it enough to suggest he deserves a place over Ekitike, someone who can elevate the frontline to a truly exceptional standard?
Everton's DominicCalvert-Lewincelebrates scoring their first goal
Ultimately, it will prove a matter of financial variables. And Ekitike’s decision with such a vast range of interest in his services will be crucial too.
But if it does check out, and Frankfurt are inclined to reduce their extortionate asking price at some point in the transfer window, Newcastle could hit the jackpot in signing him.
After all, he has the making of a complete player, with his athleticism and high-speed running leading journalist Graeme Bailey to dub him “the next Mbappe”.
And anyway, he might not have such an eye-catching aerial record as Calvert-Lewin, but the 6 foot 2 Ekitike did win 4.2 duels per Premier League game in 2024/25, as per Sofascore, winning a respectable 46% of his aerial battles.
The Premier League striker did average higher, but he only came out on top 51% of the time, so the difference isn’t exactly glaring, and is something that Howe will coach Ekitike on improving and, anyway, shouldn’t hold much sway in the grand scheme of the manager’s reckoning.
With Newcastle preparing for the new campaign as Carabao Cup champions and Champions League competitors, they have the sway to potentially pull off such a deal.
Transfer Focus
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Furthermore, their historic efforts to sign the France star could work in Howe’s favour, thus ending the interest in Calvert-Lewin.
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Newcastle are looking to strengthen at the back this summer
Recent history suggests that Leeds United are going to find it incredibly difficult to avoid an instant relegation from the Premier League next season.
The last six teams to have been promoted from the Championship have been relegated in their first season back in the top-flight in the last two campaigns, including Southampton, Leicester, Ipswich, Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton.
This illustrates the huge gap in quality between the two divisions and shows that the Whites will not find the step up easy, despite their 100-point haul in the second tier.
Daniel Farke, of course, already has experience of how difficult it can be, as his Norwich City side were relegated in the 2019/20 campaign, after they had won the Championship title the previous season.
However, his Canaries team went up alongside Aston Villa and Sheffield United, and both of those teams avoided the drop in their first year back in the Premier League.
There were many reasons that those sides stayed up and Farke’s Norwich outfit did not, but a key player in Villa’s success since their promotion has been all-action midfielder John McGinn.
Why Leeds United need a player like John McGinn
Without meaning to state the obvious, the Premier League is an incredibly high-quality division that requires a high level of both technical quality and athleticism in order for players and teams to shine.
It is not enough to just be technically sound, if you do not have the athleticism to match it, and it is not enough to just have physical qualities, as you need to be technically good enough to compete.
McGinn has been a key player for Villa since earning promotion with the club in 2019 because he has the physical and technical qualities required to be a star in the middle of the park, racking up 203 appearances in the Premier League to date.
The Scotland international has provided a threat at the top end of the pitch for the Villans, with a return of 17 goals and 25 assists in those 203 outings, which shows that he can make a decent impact in the final third from a central midfield position.
McGinn can also compete out of possession with his peers in the top-flight. In the 2024/25 campaign, for example, he averaged 1.5 tackles and interceptions per game and won 4.1 duels per match in midfield.
Leeds need their own version of the Scottish star because they need players who can compete technically and physically in the Premier League, and they are reportedly eyeing a gem who could be Farke’s own version of the Villa ace.
Leeds in talks to sign Ligue 1 star
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Leeds United are in talks to sign Strasbourg central midfielder Habib Diarra to bolster their options in the middle of the park.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Italian reporter stated: “They are in negotiations for the player. He’s really appreciated.
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“Diarra is one of the most appreciated options internally, but it’s not an easy deal because of the valuation, so it’s still complicated to make it happen. But Leeds are trying.”
It was previously reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post that the Championship champions have already had an offer of £22m rejected by the French side for the midfielder, and it remains to be seen exactly how much it will take to secure his signature this summer.
Senegal's Habib Diarra in action against England's Eberechi Eze.
Leeds are in talks, per Romano’s latest update, though, and they will now be hoping to strike an agreement with Strasbourg in the weeks to come.
Why Leeds should sign Habib Diarra
The Whites should be pushing to get a deal over the line for the 21-year-old central midfielder because he has the potential to be Farke’s own version of John McGinn.
Per FBref, the Aston Villa star is the most comparable player to Diarra in the Men’s Big 5 Leagues and European competitions out of all attacking midfielders, based on their respective statistics over the past 365 days.
As you can see in the chart above, McGinn and Diarra excel in similar areas of the game, particularly in possession, and this means that the Senegal international could come in and have a similar impact at Elland Road as the Scottish dynamo has had at Villa Park.
The Leeds target has been a regular for Strasbourg in Ligue 1 in recent seasons, which means that he has already proven himself in one of Europe’s major leagues. Whereas, the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Ao Tanaka have all yet to establish themselves as top-flight players.
Diarra, who scored against England for Senegal in June, caught the eye with his impressive performances in and out of possession in the French top-flight in the 2024/25 campaign.
Appearances
30
xG
3.34
Goals
4
xA
4.27
Assists
5
Recoveries per 90
3.44
Duels won per 90
3.78
Tackle success rate
59%
As you can see in the table above, the right-footed dynamo has similar attributes to McGinn in the middle of the park, as he can deliver goals and assists whilst also winning duels and being efficient as a tackler.
The 21-year-old star, who was described as a “complete” midfielder by analyst Ben Mattinson, can combine solid defensive work off the ball with the potential to be a difference-maker in the final third with his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
Senegal's Ismaila Sarr celebrates withHabibDiarraand Cherif Ndiaye after scoring their first goal
Diarra could, therefore, be Farke’s own version of McGinn at Elland Road, and be a Premier League-ready talent for the Whites to put in their starting XI on day one in August.
As aforementioned, Leeds need players who can combine physical and technical qualities if they want to avoid an instant relegation, and signing the Strasbourg star would mean that they have one more of them in the door.
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Sunderland and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman have been in talks about multiple overseas signings in recent days.
Sunderland transfer rumours after Enzo Le Fee deal
The Black Cats are yet to make a major mark in the transfer window so far following promotion to the Premier League, with Enzo Le Fee’s loan move becoming permanent the only piece of incoming business.
Le Fee has penned a four-year deal and has cost around £20m after helping the club win promotion at Wembley. In regards to outgoings, Sunderland have lost playoff hero Tommy Watson and star midfielder Jobe Bellingham, with the pair joining Brighton and Borussia Dortmund respectively.
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There have been a number of reported targets at The Stadium of Light, though, as Regis Le Bris prepares his side for a Premier League opener at home to West Ham United on August 16.
Leeds United midfielder Sam Greenwood is a player of interest to Sunderland, as is Sassuolo striker Armand Lauriente.
Celtic centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers also has admirers from the Black Cats, and by the looks of things, Speakman has been making moves for targets outside of England in recent days.
Speakman confirms transfer talks with Sunderland targets
As reported by The Northern Echo, Speakman confirmed that he has personally been in three different countries this week to talk with targets and their agents.
Although he won’t say what players he has spoken with, The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson name-checked Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat, Monaco defender Wilfried Singo and Lauriente as targets for Sunderland.
Vanat is currently at the U21 European Championships after scoring 21 goals and registering nine assists for Dynamo Kyiv in all competitions last season.
The 23-year-old could be one that Speakman held talks with, but by the looks of things, transfer business could soon ramp up on Wearside following this update from the Sunderland chief.
The need for a new striker at Manchester United is there for all to see, with their lack of ability within the final third hugely evident throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Ruben Amorim’s side only managed to find the back of the net on 44 occasions in their 38 Premier League outings, an average of just 1.15 goals per match.
Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes ended the season as the joint-top scorers, both registering eight goals, with no player in the squad registering double figures, highlighting the need for added reinforcements.
ManchesterUnited's Amad Diallocelebrates scores their second goal with Bruno Fernandes
Two centre-forward options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, only managed seven league goals between them, with the former hugely touted with a move to Inter Milan this summer.
Given such form, it’s a surprise to no one to see the hierarchy prioritising a move for a player in such a department, with countless players already on their radar.
The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer
Over the last couple of weeks, numerous names have been mentioned to fill the striker void at Old Trafford, but no deals have yet been agreed to bolster Amorim’s side.
The likes of Hugo Ekitiké, Moise Kean and Aleksandar Mitrovic have all been mentioned as potential summer signings for the Red Devils, but it appears that attention has been turned elsewhere.
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is the latest on their radar this summer, with the Napoli talisman expected to leave the Serie A outfit, according to United In Focus.
Their report claims that talks have already been held for the 26-year-old star over a move to Old Trafford, undoubtedly providing a superb option for the club after scoring 37 times on loan at Galatasaray in 2024/25.
It also states that after rejecting a move to Saudi Arabia, his priority is a switch to the Premier League, potentially seeing the Red Devils move to the front of the queue for his signature.
Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres has been a player firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of months, unsurprisingly so given his previous stint under Amorim.
The Swede netted 54 goals in his 52 appearances across all competitions this campaign, undoubtedly being one of the hottest prospects in Europe, with Arsenal also in the race for his services.
It was reported earlier this week that the hierarchy have made contact with the 27-year-old’s representatives over a switch to the Premier League, with a £55m transfer fee mooted.
There’s no doubt that such a goalscoring record would improve the situation at the manager’s disposal, but he’s never showcased his talents in Europe’s top five leagues, posing a potential risk given his price tag.
Osimhen has managed to thrive in such a department, scoring 65 league goals in his five seasons as a first-team regular with Napoli – helping them claim the Scudetto back in 2022/23. He’s truly one of the great forwards, with European football expert Zach Lowy notably suggesting he is already “one of the best strikers of this century.”
Napoli star Victor Osimhen
When comparing their stats from the ongoing campaign, the Nigerian has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, further backing up why he’d be a better addition.
He may have registered fewer goals to date, but has notched a higher goal per shot on target rate, highlighting his clinical edge within the final third.
Games played
30
33
Goals & assists
31
46
Shots on target
2.2
2
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Aerials won
4.3
0.6
Aerial success rate
64%
30%
Take-on success
60%
27%
He’s also won more aerials and completed more take-ons, handing Amorim an all-round option that could take United to the next level throughout 2025/26.
Whilst either of the pair would hand the club the talisman they’ve been craving in recent months, it’s pivotal that, with such big money being spent, the right man arrives in the coming months.
From the stats produced and their previous experience in Europe, it’s evident that the Nigerian would be the better choice, pushing them in the right direction to try and return to their former glory.
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Leeds United and the 49ers have held internal discussions over signing a £150,000-a-week “monster” who shares the same agent as Jayden Bogle.
49ers looking at Leeds signings alongside Rangers takeover
The Whites are preparing for life back in the Premier League following a brilliant 2024/25 campaign in the Championship, and chairman Paraag Marathe seemingly has big plans at Elland Road this summer.
Talking earlier this month, Marathe confirmed Farke would lead Leeds in the top flight and promised to “spend to be competitive in the Premier League”.
“Together we are going to build the best squad we can, with every penny we are allowed to spend to be competitive in the Premier League. We are going to attack the transfer market and it’s something I’m really excited about.”
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As well as looking at summer transfers for Leeds, the 49ers have now announced their takeover of Scottish giants Rangers, with Marathe named as vice chairman at Ibrox.
There have already been transfer rumours regarding Leeds and Rangers, with the Whites thought to be interested in Gers star Nicolas Raskin, who plays as a central midfielder.
However, he isn’t the only central midfield target for the 49ers, who are eyeing up a potential reunion in Yorkshire.
Leeds hold internal talks over Kalvin Phillips return
According to The Daily Mail, who have shared an in-depth transfer update from Elland Road, Leeds have ‘discussed’ a return to Elland Road for Kalvin Phillips this summer.
Sold to Man City for an initial £42m in 2022, Phillips has struggled for game time at the Etihad and has been sent on loan to West Ham and Ipswich Town as a result.
Alongside internal talks for Phillips, Leeds also have their eye on Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Julian Weigl, with Farke a fan after working with the 29-year-old in Germany.
On £150,000-a-week, Phillips, who shares the same CAA Stellar agency as Bogle, Dan James, Joe Rodon, Wilfried Gnonto and Patrick Bamford, could be a risky signing for Leeds, considering he has recently undergone an operation on his Achilles and is set to be sidelined until August.
Games
234
Goals
14
Assists
13
Yellow cards
54
Red cards
4
Minutes played
18,257
Trophies
1
That would rule him out of the majority, if not all of pre-season, and with his lack of game time over the last three years, may not be the best of decisions to come in and rival Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka.
Phillips has been called a “monster” in the past, though, and by the looks of things, a move could still be one to watch, although the injury update could mean the 49ers pass on any transfer.
Arsenal have reportedly sealed their first sale of the summer transfer window already, with Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta waving goodbye to one “high level” player who’s completed a move to Europe.
Arsenal players who are poised to leave this summer
A fair few high-profile members of Arteta’s squad are currently bound for the N5 exit door.
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Kieran Tierney’s pending move to Celtic will be a welcome return to Parkhead for the Scotland international, who gets to work under Brendan Rodgers six years after their pair parted company in 2019.
1
Kai Havertz
£280,000
£14,560,000
2
Gabriel Jesus
£265,000
£13,780,000
=3
Declan Rice
£240,000
£12,480,000
=3
Martin Odegaard
£240,000
£12,480,000
5
Thomas Partey
£200,000
£10,400,000
6
Bukayo Saka
£195,000
£10,140,000
7
William Saliba
£190,000
£9,880,000
via Capology
Meanwhile, it is reliably believed that Jorginho is set to join Flamengo once his £110,000-per-week Arsenal contract expires, but the Brazilian side are also exploring a deal to bring him in early, so he can take part in the Club World Cup next month (The Athletic).
Uncertainty continues to surround Thomas Partey’s long-term future with no fresh terms currently agreed as things stand, despite widely reported talks, but Arteta is adamant that he wants the Ghana international to stay.
“Yes,” said Arteta when asked if he wants Partey to extend his contract.
“I think consistency-wise it’s been his best season. The way he’s played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional and he’s a really important player for us.”
The writing appears on the wall for Albert Sambi Lokonga in terms of an exit, with the Belgian spending 2024/2025 on loan at Sevilla. The same can also be said for left-back Nuno Tavares, who’s impressed on a loan-to-buy deal at Lazio.
Nuno Tavares seals exit from Arsenal to Lazio
The Portuguese, despite some injury woes over the second half of the campaign, has racked up nine assists in all competitions and won over the Serie A side’s supporters with some impressive displays.
Nuno Tavares for Lazio.
According to Il Messaggero, via Sport Witness, this form has been enough to convince Lazio to keep him there permanently.
The newspaper claims Lazio have paid £4 million to sign Tavares from Arsenal indefinitely, and the 25-year-old will complete his move to Europe after a regrettable four-year stint at the Emirates where he never quite established himself.
He performed well on various loan spells, with ex-Marseille boss Igor Tudor calling him a “high level” player during his temporary stint in Ligue 1. Arteta also had initial high hopes for him when Edu signed Tavares from Benfica in 2021.
“One of the biggest qualities he has is that he is not fazed at all when is playing,” said Arteta about Tavares. “He was not fazed to make a debut like he did, the risks that he takes, the actions that he puts in place.
“Plus what you can see, his physicality, he is naturally a very gifted athlete. He can run and he can change speed and direction, and technically he is very gifted. But, for me, the most important thing is that he is a defender and he needs to defend first, and then he can provide the rest of his qualities.”
Chelsea chiefs hold a private belief that one “sensational” player will make the move to Stamford Bridge this summer, following the club’s decision to offer him a tempting contract.
Chelsea suffer damaging 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United
The race for Champions League qualification is the tightest and most enthralling we’ve seen in years, with six teams involved in a narrow top-five battle which could see any one of them drop out in the final two Premier League games of the season.
Chelsea favourites to sign £148m forward ahead of Al-Nassr with talks held
The Blues are ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s side.
ByEmilio Galantini May 11, 2025
Chelsea acquired some breathing room between themselves and sixth place after their excellent win over champions Liverpool, but immediately followed up that result with a damaging 2-0 loss to Newcastle at St. James’ Park over the weekend.
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring inside two minutes, kickstarting the uphill contest awaiting Enzo Maresca’s men, with striker Nicolas Jackson then compounding Chelsea’s misery by receiving a red card on 36 minutes.
Man United (home)
May 16th
Nottingham Forest (away)
May 25th
They remained in the game until the dying seconds, with midfielder Bruno Guimaraes sealing a precious three points for Newcastle. Chelsea remain in the top five on goal difference alone, making their final matches against Man United and Nottingham Forest absolute must-wins.
The race for Europe is absolutely vital in more ways than one, with their success set to have an influence over their transfer plans for the summer as well.
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescalooks on before the match
Beyond this season, Chelsea are competing in the Club World Cup and reportedly want to bolster their squad before the tournament kicks off.
According to widespread reports from reliable media sources, Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen is a very serious target for Maresca’s side as they seek to reinforce their central defensive options.
Chelsea have already held talks with Huijsen’s representatives, and some reports claim they’re moving in with an attractive proposal for the 20-year-old, one which he personally likes (Simon Phillips).
Huijsen’s £50 million release clause has piqued interest from a host of English rivals and beyond, but it appears BlueCo are making real moves for the ex-Serie A defender, and want a deal done “by the end of May” (Fabrizio Romano).
Chelsea convinced Huijsen will join with "lucrative" contract offer
Now, TEAMtalk have backed up previous reports that Chelsea are ready to tempt Huijsen with an offer, providing further background on this evolving story.
The outlet reports that Chelsea’s offer to Huijsen will be a “lucrative” seven-year contract, and he’s responding “positively” to their eagerness. Those within Stamford Bridge are also convinced that he’ll choose to join them over rival clubs.
While they haven’t won the race for his signature just yet, with Real Madrid described as a threat in particular, Chelsea view themselves as serious frontrunners to sign the Bournemouth sensation after his impressive debut campaign in England.
Dubbed a “sensational” centre-back prospect by members of the media (Ben Mattinson), the intense race for his services is a clear indicator that elite club insiders see Huijsen as a potentially world-class addition, both for now and the long-term.