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Back in February, reports emerged that Arsenal were set to spend big this summer. It was alleged this would be an unprecedented transfer window.

Well, the Kroenke’s have certainly put their money where their mouth is. This has indeed been a remarkable few months on the transfer front.

Having hired Andrea Berta to replace Edu in the early months of the year, the Italian has performed incredible work with regard to incomings.

The Gunners have added their elusive centre-forward at long last, welcoming Viktor Gyokeres to the Emirates Stadium.

They’ve signed back-up to Bukayo Saka in the form of Noni Madueke, they’ve replaced midfield departees with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, while they’ve strengthened the rearguard too.

Cristhian Mosquera arrived in a bargain deal from Valencia and Piero Hincapie, providing Jakub Kiwior leaves, also looks poised to arrive in north London.

But, of course, the standout addition in recent weeks has been Eberechi Eze. Could we smell another repeat of that in the last six days of the window? It’s unlikely, but there’s another player lusting after signing for the club he supporters.

An Eze repeat for Arsenal

A week ago to the day, Berta completed a remarkable hijacking, one we’ve very rarely seen in the Premier League in recent years.

Eze was all set to sign for Tottenham Hotspur. The Crystal Palace playmaker had agreed personal terms and the Eagles were just putting the finishing touches on a deal with Spurs.

Yet, after a last-minute phone call with Mikel Arteta where Eze enquired about the possibility of signing for Arsenal, the decision makers met later that day and a deal was agreed by the evening.

It was a remarkable turn of events as the England international headed to the red side of the capital in a move worth an initial £60m.

This has been a brutal window for Spurs and should the Gunners conclude a move for Hincapie, it will have been another hijacking of sorts. Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Lilywhites had made a bid before their noisy neighbours came calling.

But, if Arsenal have their way, they could sign another Spurs target. Reports on Tuesday indicated that as Tottenham gear up for a busy end to the window, they have made calls to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

Valued as highly as £69m, this news is significant because, as is well-documented, Semenyo is a boyhood Arsenal fan like Eze.

Earlier in the window it was reported that Semenyo was indeed keen on the idea of playing for Arsenal. So, why should they make a move?

Transfer Focus

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

Why Semenyo could be the new Saka for Arsenal

It must be stated that the idea of Arsenal signing another forward after Eze this summer is highly unlikely.

However, there are still some supporters who believe Arteta’s side is lacking genuine quality on the flanks, Saka aside.

Eze might well take a role on the left side of the pitch but the jury remains out on fellow new signing, Madueke, while concerns have been held about Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard’s inconsistent form for over a year now.

Martinelli, in particular, is a cause for concern. He’s usually the first to be subbed and it was rather damning that he played zero minutes during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds.

There has been talk of a move to Saudi this summer and if that did occur, it could well grant the Gunners the freedom to sign another forward, whether it be in the final week of the window or in future windows.

Semenyo has been a mighty fine player for Bournemouth. He’s two-footed, a “duel monster” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, and he can play on either flank.

Arteta loves positional versatility and that’s what the Cherries attacker would offer to the Spaniard if he moved to the club.

Last season, no player had more shots in the Premier League than Semenyo, a fact that rubberstamps the immense threat he holds in the final third. His performance against Liverpool on the division’s opening night was also really rather special.

But, with an ability to glide inside from the right and beat his man, there are shades of a certain Saka.

While Saka was evidently streets ahead as far as assists were concerned in the top-flight last term, their carrying ability is very similar.

Indeed, when it comes to take-ons and movement into the final third of the pitch, in particular, there’s not a lot to separate them.

Both players ooze quality, they glide across the right-hand side of the field with ease and they have proven themselves to be two of the most dangerous forwards in English football.

Admittedly, a deal is unlikely, but wouldn’t it be nice to steal another player away from Spurs?

Perfect for Saka: Arsenal submit bid to sign "complete" star after Hincapie

Arsenal have made their move to land another star for Mikel Arteta this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 27, 2025

Ousmane Dembele has been paid a special tribute by adidas in the wake of his Ballon d’Or triumph, with a nod being offered to the Paris Saint-Germain star’s Steph Curry-inspired goal celebration. The France international, who is clearly a big fan of NBA icons, has been named the best player on the planet in 2025 – allowing a place in the history books to be secured.

Dembele joins exclusive trophy club

Dembele now forms part of an exclusive group of players that have won the Golden Ball, Champions League and World Cup. He claimed a global crown with France in 2018, before helping PSG to land the most prestigious prize in European football last season.

AdvertisementDembele named best player on the planet

The 28-year-old hit 35 goals in 2024-25, as PSG picked up three trophies, and said exploits have allowed him to fend off competition from Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal in the Ballon d’Or stakes.

Messi also forms part of adidas talent stable

His success has been acknowledged by adidas, who boast eight-time Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi in their endorsement stable. They have paid tribute to the “Man of the Year” in football circles.

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GettyCelebration borrowed from NBA icon Curry

Dembele is pictured striking his favourite goal celebration pose, which has been borrowed from basketball superstar Curry – with the Golden States Warriors icon taking to hitting ‘sleep’ mode after scoring crucial points and winning major honours.

Australia allrounder’s IPL stint with Lucknow Super Giants is also in doubt

Andrew McGlashan31-Jan-2025Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a back injury and is unlikely to play again this season, which could also leave his IPL stint with Lucknow Super Giants in doubt.Marsh has endured a difficult season and lost his Test place to Beau Webster for the final match against India at the SCG, having made 73 runs in seven innings and performing a limited role with the ball during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His fitness was a regular topic of conversation during that five-Test series.Related

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Cummins, Hazlewood included for Champions Trophy

He played a lone BBL game on January 7 after the Test series against India but then rested from the last three matches of the BBL season to mentally and physically refresh ahead of Champions Trophy. But his back remained a serious issue and the selectors have ruled him out of the tournament. A CA statement described the issue as “lower back pain and dysfunction” but did not reveal specifics.”Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champion’s Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction,” the statement said. “The National Selection Panel and Australian men’s medical team ruled Marsh out of the tournament with the injury which has not responded sufficiently to rehabilitation.”His lower back pain flared in recent weeks leading the NSP to make the longer term decision for Marsh to complete a more extended period of rehabilitation. Marsh will now undergo a period of further rest and rehabilitation as part of his return to play plan. The NSP will meet to decide on a replacement for Marsh in due course.”The absence of Marsh, who is Australia’s T20I captain and has stood in for Pat Cummins to lead the ODI side, will force a rejig to plans for the top-order. Jake Fraser-McGurk could be a potential replacement despite struggling against Pakistan earlier this season and having a lean run in the BBL up until the final match. But his explosive power at the top makes him a like-for-like replacement for Marsh at No.3, though he is yet to face 50 balls or more in List A cricket and has passed 50 just twice in 22 innings.Australia have a lot of batting cover in the squad already, including spare wicketkeeper Alex Carey, and could choose another allrounder to replace Marsh. Will Sutherland played ODI cricket last year and would have been on the tour of the UK in September had he not suffered a back injury. Webster has not played ODI cricket but could be called upon if needed, while Cooper Connolly is also a spin-bowling allrounder although Australia have four batters who can bowl spin in the squad already. Cameron Green remains unavailable as he continues his rehab from back surgery in October.Cummins also remains a doubt for the tournament due to an ankle injury he carried through the Test series against India, so with Marsh out of contention Australia may need another captain which would bring Steven Smith, currently in charge of the Test team in Sri Lanka, Travis Head and Josh Inglis into contention. Head has captained the T20I but has not led the ODI side. Inglis captained both in the recent home summer as Australia have half an eye on their future leadership options despite Cummins looking set to push through to the 2027 ODI World Cup.Marsh was a key part of Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup triumph where he scored centuries against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Since being used consistently in the top order from March 2023 he has averaged 44.54 in ODIs with a strike-rate of 109.13.A year ago, Marsh was named the Allan Border Medalist following his successful comeback to Test cricket alongside his consistent limited-overs returns.Champions Trophy squads can be freely amended until February 11 after which approval is required from the technical committee.Australia play two ODIs in Sri Lanka on February 12 and 14 in preparation for the tournament.Legspinner Tanveer Sangha will fly to Galle to join Australia’s Test and ODI squads as a development player, but is not in contention for selection. Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson is doing the same for the ODIs, with the pair also a chance to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

He warmed-up for the Tests against England by scoring 60 for Northern Districts against Auckland

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Nov-2024Kane Williamson returned to competitive cricket after nearly two months out with a groin injury, and scored 60 for Northern Districts on day one of their Plunket Shield game against Auckland in Hamilton.Auckland asked Northern Districts to bat after winning the toss, and Williamson walked out to the crease at the fall of the first wicket. He hit seven boundaries in his 122-ball knock, which lasted for almost three hours. Williamson added 52 for the fourth wicket with Robert O’Donnell, before falling lbw to Jordan Sussex after a stand of 36 with Brett Hampton.It was Williamson’s first match in the Plunket Shield after five years – he last played in the premier first-class competition in the country in October 2019.”You always feel like an ND man, whether you are here or not,” he had said ahead of the game. “It is nice when, with the balance of the international schedule, you do have the opportunity to play.”Williamson had last played for New Zealand on the tour of Sri Lanka in September, and missed the entire Test tour of India and the white-ball series in Sri Lanka which followed. In his absence, Will Young occupied the No. 3 spot against India, and returned 244 runs to be named Player of the Series. But last week, Williamson was named in New Zealand’s squad to face England in three Tests at home.The first Test begins on November 28 in Christchurch, before the series moves to Wellington and Hamilton for the next two games. It will be Williamson’s long-time team-mate Tim Southee’s final Test series, unless New Zealand make the WTC final next year.

Things could have been very different for Tottenham Hotspur right now, had they failed to beat Manchester United in last season’s Europa League final.

But they did, and now, new manager Thomas Frank is piecing together a new Spurs side capable of challenging at the top end of the Premier League and hunting down more silverware.

Frank has already been handed a wily new forward in Mohammed Kudus, with the fleet-footed winger signing from West Ham United for £55m.

The ambition hasn’t stopped there. Tottenham offered a release clause-triggering £60m for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White but have been accused by the Tricky Trees as having made an illegal approach.

Hope remains that a deal will cross the line in the coming weeks, but Frank and Daniel Levy are hoping to complete a few more transfers before the end of summer.

Why Spurs want Morgan Gibbs-White

Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest enjoyed a standout season in 2024/25, qualifying for Europe after spending the previous years battling against the relegation zone.

Across 34 top-flight matches, the 25-year-old scored seven goals and supplied ten assists, but it’s his tenacity and influence, on the ball and without it, that have made him such a coveted name.

Hailed as a “leader” who is “always looking to progress the team” by pundit Glenn Murray, Gibbs-White has what it takes to add a layer to Tottenham’s team that was lacking for large patches last year.

It’s not as if he’s just a pass-focused player, either. The England international averaged 1.3 tackles and 4.5 successful duels per league game, as per Sofascore.

With Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur both potentially leaving this summer, as The Athletic have suggested, Frank may well be searching for yet another centre-midfielder to partner Gibbs-White.

Spurs line up new midfielder

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz this summer, with the Brazilian having informed the Old Lady he wishes to return to the Premier League and is keen on a move to Spurs.

West Ham are the side pushing to complete a deal, however, while Forest and Fulham have both been credited with recent enquiries of their own. The competition is fierce.

Luiz, 27, joined Juventus from Aston Villa in a £42m deal one year ago, but he is available for a smaller £34m fee.

What Douglas Luiz would bring to Spurs

It’s been a year to forget for Luiz, who only started three Serie A matches across the entire 2024/25 campaign. However, given that he was previously described as “one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders” by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, Spurs could do a lot worse.

Looking at Luiz’s struggles on the Italian scene, it’s clear that he has flattered to deceive. But context is important: Luiz failed to settle in Turin, and his campaign was further impeded by injuries.

Looking at the level he was performing at the year before, with Aston Villa in the Premier League, you can see why Tottenham are interested in completing a deal.

Matches (starts)

35 (35)

19 (3)

Goals

9

0

Assists

5

0

Touches*

70.1

27.3

Pass completion

89%

90%

Big chances created

10

3

Key passes*

1.5

0.8

Dribbles*

0.7

0.6

Ball recoveries*

5.5

1.6

Tackles*

1.7

0.9

Duels (won)*

4.2 (51%)

1.9 (55%)

One thing that’s interesting across both of Luiz’s recent campaigns is that he maintains an impressive crispness on the ball, not dribbling forward unceasingly but picking his moments. This bespeaks his tactical intelligence. Former teammate John McGinn even claimed once that he is a “world-class” player.

A dynamic and well-rounded midfielder, Luiz could be the perfect partner for Gibbs-White in the middle of the park, with the Forest man operating further ahead, maximising his creative qualities while the Brazilian dictates from deep.

Gibbs-White ranked last season in the Premier League among the top 12% of positional peers for goal-creating actions and the top 9% for through balls per 90, as per FBref, so while he has an impressive completeness and bite about him, Frank will no doubt look to maximise this shining part of his skill set.

Luiz could certainly help in this regard, not only adding some tough-tackling quality to the fold but some flair and uniqueness too.

Even though the 27-year-old played a nominal part in Juventus’ season, he still finished the campaign ranked among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for passes attempted and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90.

This goes to show that the players, contrasting but in concert with their emphasis on collecting the ball and enhancing their side’s fluency, could prove a deadly duo indeed, supplying the forwards and working hard to protect the defenders behind them.

Frank’s set-up can be defined by its transitional focus. He said that “adaptability is really important to him”, and in these two midfielders, the Danish tactician would find that he has contrasting parts who could both be fielded alongside each other or indeed act as the foil for the other, stepping in when called upon.

Such a breadth of options is something that Postecoglou lacked last year, and that’s in part down to injuries, but there’s no question that Luiz and Gibbs-White would enhance a Spurs side that is starting to show signs that it can take the next steps toward something special.

If Levy manages to pull off both these exciting midfield signings, it could be exactly what Frank’s system needs to kick on and challenge at the front end of the Premier League next term while pushing to succeed in the Champions League and maybe even win a bit more silverware too.

Dream Wharton alternative: Spurs working on deal to sign "outrageous" CM

Tottenham Hotspur are making a move for a star who could make them forget about Adam Wharton.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 25, 2025

Sri Lanka have been on an unprecedented high. The team hasn’t looked in a better shape than they are currently, having come off a historic first-ever series win in England followed by the Asia Cup triumph.There’s boisterous energy around the group that stems from “having walked the talk” in the words of Rumesh Ratnayake, their head coach, ahead of their women’s T20 World Cup opener against Pakistan in Sharjah.In February 2023, weeks before the previous T20 World Cup in South Africa, Ratnayake was summoned from the academy to steer a team that appeared to have been stuck in a rut of insipid results and lack of direction within the leadership. Ratnayake wasn’t sure if he’d continue for long, but a week of being with the team convinced him there was enough to work with.Related

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Sri Lanka’s upset of South Africa on the opening night in Cape Town was mere validation of his intuition. It set the ball rolling for a fruitful association that has seen several successful mini-chapters along the way. Like the Asia Cup and England triumph.The SLC mandate when he took over was “do it your way.” Ratnayake explains he was big on inclusivity. “By that, I mean involving everyone in decision making, not merely me giving instructions and them following,” he explains. “This included all staff as well as playing members. It was never like ‘this is my way of doing.'”Everyone had to show the same level of commitment and fit into the culture we wanted to create. We’ve come a long way since, but it’s an ongoing process. We made them believe first that they could grow. For that, along with skill enhancement it needed a commitment to fitness. We’ve worked towards achieving that.”Ratyanake had to hit the ground running, having little time to familiarize himself with the group. It wasn’t ideal, but he had the complete backing of Chamari Athapaththu, the captain, and SLC. The women’s setup, in a way, has been a deviation from the norm: of coaches coming and going. And recent results are merely a byproduct of that faith and continuity.”We have a good leader in Chamari. I also had the backing of the board, which was huge,” he says. “The entire group also quickly bought in to the direction we wanted to take. And it was to be fearless, and not take the safe way. Not being intimidated by the bigger teams.”A team like New Zealand for example, anyone would be overawed by their build. But we knew cricket’s not a game of physicality. It’s about skills, execution and mindset. You can win with smart options. We spoke about what those smart options were. Mind you, it was a hard road. It certainly wasn’t as easy as people picture it to be.”Taking good decisions in the middle when you have little time to decide involves training in a certain way. We’ve tried to take fear out of the minds. After almost two years now, I can say that it certainly happened in a way which now makes it seem like a picture-perfect walk.”Ratyanake’s primary goal in his time as coach is to develop players. It annoyed him that the team’s chances were always dependent on Athapaththu. “When I came into the system, when Chamari did well, Sri Lanka did well. There’s truth to it no doubt, but it sort of ignited me to make sure others elevate their standards to get to where Chamari had.”When I came into the system, when Chamari did well, Sri Lanka did well. There’s truth to it”•Sri Lanka Cricket

“So, in every aspect, especially in batting, we made plans, specific scenarios we worked on at training. We worked on what we wanted to achieve and how we were going to. I’m not saying we’re fully close to it yet, but yes, we are somewhat there, where we can say, even if Chamari fails one particular day, there are others who can win games for us.”Ratyanake exudes cautious optimism around Sri Lanka’s chances. He knows they’re in the “stronger group.” And the only way to think they can progress is by thinking “every game is a final.””We want to win those moments,” he says. “We want to concentrate on building a set of small moments together. We’ve tried to instill that into our thinking. This is a very happy bunch of players. They’re united and looking after each other. That’s something you can’t instill; it has to come naturally. Aa coaches we’re fortunate to have that culture.”It’s huge for us. I believe they know their tasks to deliver at the right moment. But there’s no guarantee. And when we get the small things, we hope that we’ll do well to string them together to win the big moment.”

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who has dominated the news around Manchester United over the last couple of weeks, with the attacker firmly on the lips of all supporters.

The Brentford star has become one of the Premier League’s leading talismen, after registering 20 goals under Thomas Frank in the capital throughout last season.

As a result of his goalscoring form, the Red Devils have been firmly in the race to land the 25-year-old, even making two separate bids for his signature this window.

The latest offer of around £62.5m, including add-ons, was rejected, with Keith Andrews’ side holding out for £70m to part ways with the Cameroonian during the off-season.

He’s also stated his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer, potentially linking up with a new striker should he make the move to join Ruben Amorim’s side ahead of 2025/26.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Victor Osimhen has once again reemerged on United’s shortlist this summer, with the Nigerian a player who’s been subject to interest after scoring 37 goals on loan at Galatasaray last season.

He’s not the only striker who’s been in their sights, with Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres still a player they want to sign, despite the Swede stating his desire to join Arsenal.

However, another name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Ivan Toney a player on their radar, according to Football Insider’s latest update.

They claim that the English forward appears to be keen on a return to the Premier League, moving back to his homeland after joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli less than 12 months ago.

The report also states that the Red Devils hierarchy have been watching the 29-year-old in recent weeks and that Toney ‘wants’ to join the club after scoring 30 goals in his 44 appearances in the Saudi League.

Why United’s latest target would be the perfect ST for Mbeumo

As previously mentioned, Mbeumo has been a player who has caught the eye of many supporters across the country, with his talents leading to United’s keen interest in his signature.

However, he’s often starred in a right-wing role, a position that he will have to switch from if he moves to Old Trafford, likely operating in a number ten role behind the striker.

It’s a position that he could thrive in under Amorim, especially if the Red Devils can secure a deal for the Cameroonian international along with former teammate Toney.

The 25-year-old previously starred alongside the English striker in London, with the pair operating alongside each other for four seasons, helping the Bees win promotion from the Championship and subsequently securing their top-flight status.

In the 2020/21 campaign, the pair registered 59 combined goals and assists between them, with Toney scoring 31 times and Mbeumo providing 10 assists – with both tallies being the highest at the club.

2023/24

42

13

10

2022/23

71

29

12

2021/22

68

16

12

2020/21

95

38

20

Total:

276

96

54

The pair topped both of the respective categories in three of the four years they spent together at Brentford, with the only exception coming in 2023/24 after the striker was banned for betting offences.

Despite not starring together anymore in the present day, Toney, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist Simon Stone, has still managed to score 30 times in 2024/25, ten more than Mbeumo’s tally.

However, the pair’s respective goalscoring tallies combined from last season are higher than the Red Devils managed as a whole squad, showcasing the added threat the pair would bring to Old Trafford.

With the former Bees striker seemingly wanting to join Amorim’s side this summer, it is a deal worth exploring, with the Englishman having the experience of finding the back of the net in England’s top flight.

If Mbeumo also makes the move, the pair could replicate the form they produced in the capital, potentially playing a massive role together again and helping United push for a place in Europe next season.

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ByEthan Lamb Jul 3, 2025

West Ham United find themselves in the hunt for new attacking options and could look to steal a march on Everton to land a striking target, according to a report.

West Ham look to bring attacking flair to the London Stadium

The Hammers struggled for goals last term and weren’t helped by Michail Antonio’s unfortunate injury struggles, while Niclas Fullkrug and Evan Ferguson weren’t able to deliver often enough in his absence. Danny Ings has also left under freedom of contract.

Addressing potential targets, former manager Martin Allen believes Aleksandar Mitrovic would be an upgrade on West Ham’s current striking options if they are to push forward in a bid to sign the Serbia international from Al-Hilal.

He explained: “West Ham certainly need somebody up front. Mitrovic was at Fulham and did so well there. Can West Ham afford £40m for him? I’m not sure they can. Would he fit into their team and do well? I personally think he would, he’d be an improvement on what they’ve got.”

West Ham are reportedly keen on adding Mitrovic to their forward line, even if his former club Fulham and the might of Manchester United stand in the way, though he is far from the only name linked with a move to the London Stadium.

Approach made: West Ham now in contact to sign "incredible" £20m defender

The Hammers have come forward for a centre-back, who they are now seriously interested in signing.

ByDominic Lund May 25, 2025

Tammy Abraham could move to the Hammers after a frustrating loan spell at AC Milan, albeit that would depend on whether parent club AS Roma feel now is the right time to let the England international return to more familiar surroundings.

Speculation is beginning to mount with the window now open and West Ham are looking to brush Everton aside in the race for a talented young forward, per recent developments.

West Ham hold talks to beat Everton to Adama Bojang signature

According to The Express, West Ham are eyeing a move for Gambian striker Adama Bojang, who spent the entirety of last campaign on loan at Grasshoppers Zurich from Stade de Reims.

Coming in with a return of six goals and two assists in 27 appearances across all competitions, he has previously attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City before settling on a £3m move to France.

Adama Bojang in 2024/25 – Swiss Super League (Fotmob)

Shots

41

Shots on target

21

Chances created

13

Completed dribbles

14

Touches in opposition penalty area

93

Labelled “The Gambian Hurricane” as his rise to prominence continues, Everton and Brentford are also interested in his services, but the Hammers hold a key advantage after initiating talks over a potential deal.

Reims are hesitant to let him depart. Nevertheless, their relegation to the second-tier could mean they have to sell players to balance the books.

Bojang is unlikely to be a first-team starter straight away, though any notion of an agreement could see West Ham bring down the age of their strikeforce further after they brought in Daniel Cummings from Celtic to kickstart their summer business.

There may well be two Premier League games left to play, but that hasn’t stopped what’s now a pretty consistent stream of transfer rumours regarding Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side are set to end the campaign trophyless for the fifth year running, so it’s no surprise that the board are already seemingly hard at work looking for the player who can get them over the line next season.

The first player set to come through the door once the window opens next month looks set to be Martin Zubimendi, with transfers expert Fabrizio Romano giving the move the ‘here we go treatment’ late last week.

Adding the Spanish international will undoubtedly improve the North Londoner, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club are now targeting another international who’d be an even more exciting signing.

Arsenal looking to sign exciting winger

The last few weeks have seen Arsenal linked with several incredibly talented internationals, such as Ollie Watkins and Antoine Semenyo.

Transfer Focus

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

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The former was a surprise target for the club in January, and while they failed with a £50m offer then, they are still fans of him ahead of the summer, and as he’s racked up a haul of 30 goal involvements in 52 games this season, it’s not hard to see why.

Likewise, with 11 goals and seven assists to his name in 40 games for Bournemouth this season, it’s not hard to understand why Arteta and Co might be keen to add Semenyo to the squad, who could be available for around £42m.

However, for a player to be an even more exciting addition to the team than Zubimendi, they’ve got to be one of the most sought-after in their position, such as Nico Williams.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Athletic Bilbao monster going into the summer.

In fact, the report has revealed that Andrea Berta has made the Spaniard a ‘top priority’ and that with him believing it’s a time for a change of scenery, the Gunners are in a ‘fierce battle’ with Chelsea for his signature.

The report does not mention a transfer fee, but stories from earlier this week have reiterated claims that the 22-year-old has a release clause in his current deal worth around £48m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Williams’ immense ability, it’s one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he’d be an even more exciting acquisition than Zubimendi.

Why Williams would be such an exciting signing

Now, as we’ve already said, signing Zubimendi is undeniably exciting, as not only is he one of the most important players for a club the size of Real Sociedad, but he’s also a Spanish international and was reportedly on the radar of Real Madrid.

However, there are several reasons why Williams would be even more exciting, such as his attacking output.

For example, in just 37 appearances last season, the Pamplona-born “level-raiser,” as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, scored eight goals and provided 18 assists.

Williams’ recent form

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

37

44

Minutes

2729′

3050′

Goals

8

11

Asssists

18

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

0.40

Minutes per Goal Involvement

104.96′

169.44′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Then, so far this year, he’s scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 44 appearances, coming out to an average of 1.42 and 2.44 goal involvements per game, respectively.

Moreover, he’s also an incredibly dynamic player to watch, with FBref placing him in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for successful take-ons per 90.

Finally, not only has he won nine more caps for the senior Spanish side, but he also scored the opening goal in the final of the European Championships last summer, showing that the big occasions do not bother him.

Ultimately, Zubimendi will be an excellent signing for Arsenal, but there is no doubt that Williams would be even more exciting.

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Chelsea are not short of attacking options in their current squad.

Enzo Maresca has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal in the forward areas, with the likes of Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson all key players at Stamford Bridge.

There is also a chance Jadon Sancho joins the club permanently this summer, with his buy clause activating over the weekend. He has made a real impression over the past few weeks, as has Tyrique George, who has broken into the first team from the academy, notably scoring his first top-flight goal last weekend at Craven Cottage.

Yet, the Blues want more in forward areas. It seems like they will look to sign a new winger in the 2025 summer window, and have been linked with someone who could further elevate their attacking options.

Chelsea's attacking shortlist this summer

With Jackson now on a run of 13 games without a goal it will come as no surprise that Chelsea are hoping to add a striker to their ranks this summer.

One name that stands out is Newcastle’s Alexander Isak while a cheaper alternative could be Ipswich Town striker, Liam Delap, according to reports.

Well, not just content with bolstering their central areas, they could also sign a winger from Barcelona.

Transfer Focus

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

One of the most exciting teams to watch this season has been Hansi Flick’s Barca side. Their front three has been dominant, with Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal two key players, alongside Raphinha.

Well, according to TBR Football, it is the Brazilian who Chelsea are interested in signing over the summer. They have reportedly been told there is a chance to sign him this summer, and are thought to be ‘huge admirers’ of the winger.

However, there will be competition for his signature if there is a chance the Blues can sign Raphinha. Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool are also ‘being kept informed about his situation’. It is reported that intermediaries have told the three English clubs that an £80m offer could be enough.

Why Raphinha would be a good signing

It has been a sensational season for Raphinha in 2024/25. He has been the spearhead of a Barca attack that has dominated Europe. They had amassed 100 goals in just 32 games by February, and have now far exceeded that number.

As for the former Leeds star, he has an extraordinary 30 goals and 23 assists in 48 appearances so far this season. In La Liga, he’s notched up an impressive tally of 26 goal involvements in 30 appearances.

However, it is the Champions League where he has really thrived. The “unplayable” star, as Statman Dave called him, has 19 goals and assists this term, more than any other player, including a hat-trick against Flick’s former side, Bayern Munich.

Raphinha’s performances this season have been so good that Owen Hargreaves, former Manchester United midfielder, thinks he is a “revelation”. Hargreaves also said on TNT Sport that he thinks the Brazilian is “in the lead for the Ballon d’Or” at the end of the year.

The underlying stats via FBref from Raphinha’s incredible campaign show just how well he has played. For example, the former Leeds United star averages 1.11 goals and assists and 0.84 goal-creating actions per game. They rank him in the top 2% and 4% of attackers in Europe’s top five leagues, respectively.

Goals and assists

1.11

98th

Goals per shot on target

0.45

88th

Key passes

2.98

96th

Shot-creating actions

5.36

91st

Goal-creating actions

0.84

96th

Thus, should the Blues bring Raphinha to the club, there is every chance he could end up becoming their best attacker since Eden Hazard.

Has there ever been a better forward in Chelsea history than Hazard? Well, that comes down to personal preference, but former Blues player turned pundit Pat Nevin called him a “world-class” operator back in 2019. Since his exit, no wide player at Stamford Bridge has scored more than his 16-goal Premier League haul from 2018/19 and Raphinha is streets ahead of that already in Catalonia.

Hazard was certainly unbelievable in that famous Blue shirt, scoring 110 goals and assisting a further 85 in 310 appearances for the club.

A sensational dribbler, he could often be seen running rings around opposition defenders before bearing down on goal or finding a teammate, as the video shows.

If Raphinha could replicate what Hazard did at Stamford Bridge, he’d be an instant success. The quality is there, of that there is no doubt, and his pure goals and assist numbers are sensational this season.

It would be some coup for Chelsea, and if they could bring the Brazil international back to the Premier League, it would be a real statement signing ahead of 2025/26.

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