All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

The summer transfer window officially slammed shut for another year on Monday night, without Celtic adding any number nines to their first-team squad.

Adam Idah was allowed to complete a £6m transfer to EFL Championship side Swansea City on deadline day, but that exit was not followed up by a replacement.

This means that Celtic have sold Kyogo Furuhashi, who scored 85 goals in 165 games for the club, and Idah, who scored 29 goals in 76 matches for the club, in 2025.

Meanwhile, Shin Yamada, who has scored four goals in his last 39 matches in all competitions, is the only first-team striker who has been signed by Celtic this year, in January or the summer.

However, Celtic do still have a chance to bolster their squad because they can dip into the free agent market to find a striker to lead the line for them this season, after they failed to sign one before the end of the window.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reports that the club will hold talks with former Manchester City star Kelechi Iheanacho after his contract at Sevilla was ripped up on Monday night, before the deadline.

Why Kelechi Iheanacho could be a good signing

Signing a free agent does not always have to be a bad thing, because plenty of players end up in unfortunate situations and may not have been able to show the best of themselves, leading to them being available at this time of the year.

Kelechi only played 11 matches in all competitions during his time with Sevilla in Spain, scoring three goals, which shows that he did not get too many opportunities to showcase his quality in front of goal.

He is a player Brendan Rodgers already knows incredibly well from their time together at Leicester City in England, which means that the Hoops boss knows that the striker has the quality to make an impact in front of goal at Parkhead.

Kelechi scored 43 goals in 143 matches with the Northern Irish boss as his manager at the King Power, per Transfermarkt, and has a lot of experience in the Premier League with Leicester and Manchester City.

22/23 (28)

5

5

21/22 (26)

4

5

20/21 (25)

12

2

19/20 (20)

5

5

18/19 (30)

1

3

17/18 (21)

3

3

16/17 (20)

4

3

15/16 (26)

8

1

As you can see in the table above, the 28-year-old striker has a decent history of goals and assists in the English top-flight, including a 12-goal haul with Rodgers as his manager in the 2020/21 campaign.

These statistics and his relationship with the Celtic boss suggest that signing him could be a worthwhile gamble to bolster their options up front before they have a chance to reassess the situation in the January window.

Even if Kelechi comes through the door in the coming days on a free transfer, though, it does not mean that the Scottish Premiership champions have achieved what they set out to do.

Sky Sports reported that the Hoops wanted to sign two new strikers on deadline day, as Idah left to join Swansea, which means that they may have to make two free agent signings if they still want another number nine in the building.

Transfer Focus

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

A quick look at the free agent market will tell you that there is another centre-forward available who will be well known to Rodgers, even if he has not managed him before.

Patrick Bamford was released by Leeds United last month after they were promoted to the Premier League, as they went with Joel Piroe, Lukas Nmecha, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin as their frontline forward, and he could be an even better signing than Kelechi.

Why Celtic should sign Patrick Bamford

Rodgers will have managed against Bamford in the Premier League and will know what he is about, which could make him another sensible short-term addition on a free transfer to ensure that the club get two strikers in the building before the clash with Kilmarnock.

Like Kelechi, the 31-year-old marksman has excelled in the English top-flight in the past. In the 2020/21 campaign, when Kelechi scored 12 goals, the former Leeds man plundered an eye-catching haul of 17 goals and was hailed as “exceptional” by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for his performances that term.

This shows that the former England international’s peak may be higher than the Nigeria international’s, because he scored five more goals at Premier League level that season than Kelechi did in any season in his career.

In recent history, both players failed to showcase their qualities with limited game time in the 2024/25 campaign, but they both featured for their sides in the 2023/24 Championship season, for Leeds and Leicester respectively, and Bamford came out on top.

Appearances

33

23

xG

9.52

6.30

Goals

8

5

Shots on target per game

0.7

0.5

Assists

1

1

Ground duel success rate

40%

38%

Aerial duel success rate

39%

17%

As you can see in the table above, Bamford scored more goals, offering a greater threat in front of goal, and was more impressive in his physical duels, particularly in the air.

These statistics suggest that Celtic may not get much in the way of hold-up or physical play from Kelechi, given his horrendous aerial duel success rate, and that could cause problems in European matches when the Hoops need their number nine to relieve pressure in big matches.

This means that Bamford, who won two Championship titles during his time at Elland Road, could be more effective as an outlet for Celtic in big games, domestically and in Europe, whilst also having the potential to offer a greater goal threat.

Therefore, bringing the English striker in as well as Kelechi could make a lot of sense for the Scottish giants, as it would give Rodgers the two number nine signings he wanted and offer the team different options in the centre-forward position.

Worse than Nygren: Rodgers must drop Celtic flop who "offered little"

Celtic must drop their flop who was even worse than Benjamin Nygren against Rangers.

ByDan Emery Aug 31, 2025

Bamford’s statistics also suggest that he would simply be a better signing striker for the team than Kelechi as the main man up front, which is another reason why the club should swoop for him.

Fabrizio Romano says that Arsenal are about to sign yet another player this summer, with sporting director Andrea Berta remaining busy in the transfer market after an already-ambitious window.

Eze's dream CF: Arsenal in talks to sign £69m "monster" & it's not Gyokeres

Arsenal could still change their mind on Viktor Gyokeres.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 10, 2025

Mikel Arteta has already watched the Premier League title hopefuls confirm deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard most recently.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£75m

The Gunners announced Norgaard’s capture on Thursday for an initial fee of £10 million, which could rise to £15 million if add-ons are met, and he comes in to shore up Arteta’s midfield whilst replacing the departed Thomas Partey.

“We’re delighted to welcome Christian to Arsenal,” said Arteta about Norgaard’s arrival.

“He is an international player with a wealth of experience of the Premier League. He has proven leadership skills and a strong character which will be invaluable to our squad.

“He is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility. He also has physical presence and intelligence which will give us added depth and balance. Christian will bring a lot to the group both on and off the pitch, and we’re excited to start working with him in this next chapter of his career. We welcome Christian and his family to Arsenal.”

Attention now swiftly turns to who will follow the Denmark international to N5.

Arsenal remain in ongoing talks to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres as negotiations reach a very advanced stage, and it is believed the 27-year-old is now on strike as he attempts to force through his desired move to north London.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have also held talks with Eberechi Eze’s representatives, according to reliable media sources, and a potential deal for the England international playmaker is separate to their pursuit of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

Earlier this week, after agreeing personal terms with the 23-year-old, Arsenal opened formal talks with Chelsea over signing Madueke, and it now appears those negotiations have reached a swift conclusion.

Arsenal given green light to sign Noni Madueke with agreement reached

That is according to Romano and widespread reports, which claim that Arsenal have now reached a total agreement for Madueke, in a deal worth north of £50 million including add-ons.

Arteta’s side have been given the “green light” to sign the ex-PSV Eindhoven sensation, with Chelsea set to make a £20 million profit – two years after he joined them from the Eredivisie for around £30 million.

The forward, called a “machine” by members of the media, was also dubbed one of Chelsea’s “best players” by Enzo Maresca last season.

However, Madueke is now poised to become the latest in a long line of transfers between the west Londoners and Arsenal, which surely casts major doubt over the long-term futures of both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard – especially if they also complete a deal for Eze.

Good things come to those who wait. That’s an aphorism firmly printed in the minds of Newcastle United’s fanbase, for sure.

The Magpies have endured another frustrating start to a summer transfer window, with the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro all opting against moves to St. James’ Park.

But Eddie Howe has bounced back from last summer’s failed bid for Anthony Elanga by signing the Nottingham Forest winger for £55m, thus filling a gaping hole in his first-team squad.

Now, he’s planning something special. Something emblematic of the club’s ambitions, their desire to not just to upset the Premier League hegemony but to destroy it, establishing themselves as part of a new ‘big six’.

Having won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League for the second time in three years, the Toon are well on their way to achieving this, and the signing of Hugo Ekitike would only rubberstamp this new position of strength.

The latest on Hugo Ekitike to Newcastle

Make no mistake, Newcastle would send shockwaves rippling across the footballing world if beating Liverpool and Chelsea, among others, to Ekitike’s signature.

The Frenchman is a rare breed of centre-forward, truly dynamic and creative in his approach to his craft. Already, he has been described by analyst Ben Mattinson as being “one of the best strikers out there”, and yet we’re looking at a player who still has a mountain to climb before completing his development.

And it’s hard to imagine that evolution will simply cease upon a move to Tyneside. Eintracht Frankfurt have overseen the 23-year-old’s progress since he arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in January 2024 as a loanee before becoming a fixed feature at the prow of the ship.

Newcastle’s interest runs deep, of course, for United had a £33m bid accepted back in 2022, but for the Reims prospect’s head to be turned by PSG’s late interruption.

And now, according to top sources such as The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are pushing ahead, looking to close a deal.

Such news represents a double-edged sword: Ekitike has the makings of a world-class forward, but his acquisition heightens fears surrounding Alexander Isak’s future, with Liverpool having already made an attempt to lure him to Anfield in a staggering £130m deal. That’s the word of Times journalist Martin Hardy, anyway.

Especially since Howe is looking to take Newcastle’s summer expenditure to the next level, with a move for a Premier League star in the pipeline.

Newcastle discussing move for Premier League star

According to The Athletic, Ekitike isn’t the only former transfer target back on Newcastle’s radar, with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi’s name being continually discussed in internal recruitment meetings.

Newcastle saw four bids for Guehi rejected by Eagles chairman Steve Parish last summer, but they could now return, with the Three Lions star in the final year of his contract and with no plans to renew.

Liverpool are also firm admirers, looking to sign the 25-year-old for £40m. However, as with Ekitike, Newcastle’s long-standing interest could hold sway in negotiations.

Why Marc Guehi would be a brilliant signing

Over the past several years, Guehi has established himself as one of the leading central defenders in English football, crowning his time at Crystal Palace, 155 senior appearances deep, with a reputation-raising victory over Manchester City to win the FA Cup in May.

His time at Selhurst Park looks to be reaching its end, though, with the Eagles likely to want to cash in on their “elite” talent, as he’s been called by writer Eddie Gibbs, rather than lose him on a free next year.

Hailed as a “monster in defence” by reporter Bobby Manzi, Guehi is quite literally the perfect defensive profile for Howe’s system: he’s combative, collected, and quietly authoritative.

Moreover, the England international’s surpassing technical qualities could see him charge the transitional emphasis, enhancing the system to a degree that could see him prove to be a signing just as exciting as any move for Ekitike, which is certainly saying something.

Ekitike is one of the most talented young strikers around, but he’s also got work to be done. There are blemishes in his ball-striking, weaknesses in his intuitiveness, though these are small things, outweighed by the scale of his potential.

Guehi, conversely, has shaped into the complete package under Oliver Glasner’s wing in the capital and would be expected to hit the ground running at Newcastle.

When fit and fully functional, Sven Botman is patently Newcastle’s best centre-half. His 2022/23 campaign was a thing to behold, but his last two terms have been disrupted by setbacks.

Looking at how Guehi ranks up against that giddy height is quite a thing. This might be a player who moves over and instantly establishes themselves as the cream of Newcastle’s crop.

Matches (starts)

36 (35)

34 (34)

Goals

0

3

Assists

0

2

Clean sheets

11

11

Touches*

58.4

64.9

Pass completion

87%

84%

Key passes*

0.3

0.5

Dribbles (success)*

0.1 (100%)

0.4 (86%)

Tackles + interceptions*

2.0

2.6

Clearances*

3.3

4.6

Duels (won)*

3.5 (67%)

4.9 (59%)

We can extrapolate the data above to posit Guehi’s signature being of equal merit, equally as exciting, to any deal for Ekitike in the coming weeks.

Guehi, after all, has been named as “England’s best centre-back” by one analyst, the evidence of which lies in his fixed position in the Three Lions starting line-up over the past couple of years.

As is starting to become a frustrating theme, it looks like a deal for Guehi will indeed include fending off Liverpool. But, with Howe building an incredible project and Guehi sure to assume a leading role under the St. James’ Park lights, the Englishman might just feel that a move to Newcastle represents the best move for his career at this stage.

Considering the calibre of player the Palace man is and the need for a centre-back, there’s certainly an argument that Guehi could be the defining success of a tremendous transfer window on Tyneside.

A dream for Bruno: Newcastle likely to see £50m bid accepted to sign new CM

As Newcastle United look to bolster their midfield options, the Mapgies are reportedly set to see a £50 million bid accepted to sig a great “leader”.

ByBen Gray Jul 15, 2025

It seemed like it was just a matter of time before there would be reports of Leeds United being interested in a deal for Emiliano Buendia in the summer transfer window.

CaughtOffside recently reported that Aston Villa are ready to part ways with the Argentina international for a fee of around £20m, and that the Championship champions are leading the race to sign him.

Buendia scored 24 goals and provided 41 assists in 121 appearances in all competitions for Daniel Farke during their time together at Norwich City, which is why this feels like an obvious link for the Whites.

However, the 28-year-old star’s relationship with the German head coach does not make it certain that the 49ers will conclude a deal for his services, as the club are reportedly eyeing up another option in the number ten role.

Leeds expected to make move for Championship star

The Whites are looking to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League next season, and they have identified one of the top players from the 2024/25 Championship campaign as a target.

Transfer Focus

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

According to TEAMtalk, there is a ‘belief’ that Leeds United will make a move to sign Sheffield United attacking midfielder Gustavo Hamer in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Championship champions are active in the market to sign a number ten and that they are expected to swoop for the Dutch whiz, for whom they had an offer of £18m rejected last year.

TEAMtalk adds that it would take a fee in the region of £18m to secure his signature this time around, though, after the Blades failed to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Why Gustavo Hamer is as exciting as Emi Buendia

Both Hamer and Buendia appear to be good options on paper for Leeds to improve their options at the top end of the pitch, and they would both be exciting additions to the group this summer.

The former produced ten goals and eight assists in the Championship during the 2024/25 campaign, which is not quite as impressive as the 15 goals and 16 assists that the Argentine magician managed in the 2020/21 season under Farke.

This suggests that Buendia would be a more exciting signing for Leeds based on their form in the Championship, and what he did with Farke as his manager, but there is more to the situation than that.

For example, if you look at the last time that they both played a full season in the Premier League, it is Hamer who appears to come out on top as a better option for the West Yorkshire outfit.

Appearances

36

38

xG

2.97

6.36

Goals

4

5

Big chances created

10

8

xA

4.55

4.19

Assists

6

2

As you can see in the table above, the Dutch star was more efficient as a finisher at the top level and created more high-quality opportunities for his teammates as an attacking midfielder.

Hamer, who was dubbed “unbelievable” by former teammate Ollie McBurnie, has shown that he can be a quality operator in both the Premier League and the Championship for the Blades, which is why he is an attractive target for the Whites.

The 27-year-old star, who can also operate on the left flank as well as in midfield or as a number ten, could add a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals to Farke’s squad this summer.

Based on their respective statistics in the top two tiers, Buendia and Hamer are equally exciting targets with solid arguments as to why the club should sign them this summer.

Farke's own Zubimendi: Leeds lining up move to sign "exceptional" £9m star

Leeds United are lining up a move to sign a star who could be their own Martin Zubimendi.

ByDan Emery Jun 22, 2025

If the Whites end the summer transfer window with at least one of them added to the group for the upcoming Premier League season, Farke should be a happy man.

Arsenal are reportedly working to recruit some high-profile targets behind-the-scenes, and a significant update has now dropped on one of them, courtesy of a Sky Sports reporter this morning.

Arsenal identify new winger and striker as priority targets

Two items at the very top of sporting director Andrea Berta’s to-do list over the coming months are signing a new winger and striker.

Arsenal confirm "very popular" 22-year-old has now joined another club

He’s officially left north London.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025

Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus during the second half of 2024/2025 left Mikel Arteta desperately short of options up front, whilst adding further weight to the opinions of many critics that the addition of a prolific centre-forward is long overdue.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Mikel Merino did pretty well to cover the aforementioned duo as an emergency striker, but Berta and the recruitment team are eager to ensure that Arteta won’t be left in a similarly precarious position next season, when they’ll be looking to mount a far more successful Premier League title challenge.

Arsenal’s need for more goals is evident by their numbers from last term, with Arteta’s side scoring just 69 in total across their top flight campaign, a far cry beneath the 91 and 88 they’d managed in the two seasons prior.

Berta has laid the groundwork over deals for both Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, according to the BBC and reporter Sami Mokbel, but it appears the latter centre-forward is taking priority right now.

Arsenal are believed to be advancing in talks for Sesko, with Leipzig demanding around £70 million for their star striker as the Gunners look to find middle ground in negotiations.

Arteta and co also want to add further quality out-wide.

Leandro Trossard is about to enter the final year of his contract, while Bukayo Saka’s three-month injury lay-off midway through last season highlighted the need for Berta to bring in an alternative to the England international.

Leroy Sane pulls U-turn over joining Arsenal after Galatasaray agreement

One of their widely reported top targets is out-of-contract Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.

Man City once valued the 70-cap Germany international at around £137 million during his time at Eastlands, but he’s now set to leave Bavaria for zero transfer cost.

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal held talks with Sane as far back as April, and more recent reports from this week, via CaughtOffside, claim that the 29-year-old has spoken to Arteta about a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Sane apparently had an offer to join Arsenal on the table, and was thought to be very keen to work with Arteta again and join the Gunners (CaughtOffside).

A contract extension at Bayern was still on the cards as well, until very recently, with the ex-Premier League star informing Vincent Kompany’s side that he won’t be signing a new deal after all.

Now set to leave on a free, while Sane was believed to favour a move to Arsenal, he’s now apparently pulled a U-turn.

Instead, Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray are closing in on a deal for Sane, according to Sky Germany’s Plettenberg in a “breaking” update this morning.

Sane’s top-level experience and proven record of goals and assists from the last few seasons arguably make him one of the bargains of the summer, but he’s still very pricey in terms of salary.

Reports suggest that the former Schalke sensation is demanding a big “mega-money” contract, with Galatasaray seemingly set to pay him big-money.

Sane is close to the twilight phase of his career at nearly 30, and they have other high-profile wide targets to turn to as alternatives – ones which could prove better value for salary in the long run.

Daniel Farke will be hoping he can finally earn his stripes as a Premier League-worthy manager situated in the Leeds United dug-out next season.

The German is certainly a well-regarded manager at Championship level, considering he can boast three promotions up to the big time with Norwich City and now the Whites, but he has also only ever won a mere six top-flight ties from 49 contests when jumping up a level.

He won’t feel too weighed down by the pressure of keeping the West Yorkshire side afloat if improvements are made all across the pitch, however, with a new goalkeeper surely a must after a rocky season or two with Illan Meslier as his number one stopper.

Moreover, as much as Joel Piroe did finish as the Championship golden boot winner this season just gone, upgrades could be fancied in the striker department still, with this new sharpshooter reportedly on the agenda.

Leeds' search for a striker

After all, Farke already knows too well how challenging the new division can be, even for those once seen as the cream of the crop in the EFL’s elite league.

Off the back of this, the promotion winners are now reportedly in the race to sign up AC Milan attacker Tammy Abraham to seriously enhance their firepower, as per journalist Graeme Bailey.

Bailey elaborates that Abraham is keen on a move back to England after calling Italy his home at both parent side AS Roma and loan outfit AC Milan since 2021, with the likes of Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and more all interested in adding him to their respective rosters.

The Whites are keeping an eye out to see how the situation develops, but if they were to amazingly beat all this competition and land the £34m star, they would secure themselves a big upgrade on their current Dutch marksman when venturing into the Premier League.

Why Abraham could be an upgrade on Piroe

This isn’t to say Piroe won’t be given chances to impress when moving up to the tough division, with his 19 league strikes undoubtedly helping Farke’s men to lift the title.

But, Abraham would surely get the first team nod over the ex-Swansea City man on his arrival, with the 27-year-old now a seasoned machine in front of goal, having left Chelsea so early into his career to perfect his clinical edge.

AC Milan

44

10

7

AS Roma

120

37

13

Aston Villa

40

26

3

Swansea City

39

8

4

Bristol City

48

26

4

The £93k-per-week marksman does have 26 Premier League strikes next to his name, ahead of former Leeds hero Raphinha (17), for instance, as well Patrick Bamford (24), with that mainly down to his short-lived Stamford Bridge stint.

That said, Abraham would truly blossom into a lethal finisher away from the familiarity of England, as seen in his bumper 67 combined goals and assists lining up for Milan and Roma.

Piroe does have his plaudits too, considering he has bagged 79 strikes in total for both Leeds and one of Abraham’s many loan sides in Swansea, but the Dutchman has been prone to long stretches of barren form too.

In the Championship this season just gone, for example, the division’s top scorer still managed to squander a hefty 13 big chances.

On the contrary, despite playing for an underperforming Rossoneri on loan after finding his time in the Italian capital to be injury-ravaged, Abraham would only waste ten big chances in Serie A action.

He is in many ways a goalscoring “monster” – as he once referred to himself after improving under Jose Mourinho.

Transfer Focus

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

Therefore, the former Blues youth product has the potential to be the centre-forward Farke and Co are longing for as they embark on their daunting Premier League adventure, with the likes of Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto no doubt excited by the prospect of linking up with their brand new teammate.

He'd be incredible with Buendia: Leeds chase star with a "hint of Haaland"

Leeds United are interested in signing a star who would be incredible with Emiliano Buendia.

ByDan Emery May 31, 2025

Newcastle United have the means to complete the signing of a Premier League superstar this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, and may even be able to whittle his £75m release clause down significantly.

The four positions Newcastle want to strengthen this summer

After a great season that saw the Magpies win the EFL Cup and end their long trophy drought, as well as get back into the Champions League, the summer window promises to be an exciting one at St James’ Park.

Speaking about Newcastle’s potential business in the coming weeks and months, Sky Sports‘ reliable reporter Keith Downie recently provided an update, saying: “Eddie Howe is looking for a new goalkeeper, a right-sided centre back, a right-winger and a forward who can play across the front. That’s the wish list if none of the big hitters were to leave. If a Bruno Guimaraes or an Anthony Gordon went, for example, then he’d need them replaced too.”

It remains to be seen who exactly Newcastle will bring in ahead of next season, but Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has consistently been mentioned as a leading option on the right flank, but it appears he isn’t the only one on the agenda as the Cameroon star edges closer to joining Manchester United.

Newcastle "can afford" to sign Kudus

Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke claimed that Newcastle “can afford” £75m-rated West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, seeing him as an alternative to Mbeumo, and they believe they can do a deal for less than his release fee.

“Newcastle can afford a deal for Kudus. As it stands, Bryan Mbeumo is their top target for that right-sided forward position. Kudus is on their list and has admirers within the Newcastle hierarchy, and is somebody they feel could come in and strengthen their attacking options.

“He obviously has that release clause of around £75million, but I don’t think many Premier League clubs will be willing to pay that. Due to West Ham’s situation, his suitors feel they can get him for a cheaper fee. They’ll definitely be willing to listen to offers for the Ghana international.”

Kudus stands out as an excellent option for Newcastle if they can’t get Mbeumo, even though the Brentford ace still stands out as the superior choice.

Appearances

38

32

Starts

38

31

Minutes played

3417

2604

Goals

20

5

Assists

7

3

Shots per game

2.2

2.3

Key passes per game

1.8

1.0

Dribbles per game

1.4

2.9

That said, if the Magpies end up signing the West Ham ace instead, he could excel at St James’, having been hailed by former teammate Aaron Cresswell when they first played together: “He’s a top, top talent and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet.

“I won’t go near him in training because I know if I’m going to try to knock him off the ball I had better make sure he’s not looking and doesn’t see me coming. You just can’t get near him. He’s so strong, so quick, so sharp.”

Newcastle already sold Kudus & Mbeumo hybrid who can 'reach Mane's level'

Newcastle are pursuing Mohammed Kudus and Bryan Mbeumo this summer – but have they already sold an alternative?

ByRobbie Walls Jun 1, 2025

Ultimately, Mbeumo is the dream signing for Newcastle, having enjoyed such an impressive 2024/25 season, and he would be a superb upgrade on Jacob Murphy, possessing more consistency than Kudus over the past 12 months.

Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea have held talks with a former Man City ace in what is seen as a “big opportunity” for Enzo Maresca this summer, and the west Londoners hold a “concrete” interest in signing the player.

Chelsea summer transfer plans hinder on Champions League finish

As reliably reported, Chelsea’s potential finish in the top five will play a key role when it comes to BlueCo’s summer recruitment drive.

Chelsea really looking at signing £25m "new name" who agreed to join Arsenal

He’s shook hands on personal terms with the Gunners last year.

ByEmilio Galantini May 23, 2025

Chelsea are looking to sign a centre-back, winger and striker as their main priorities, but depending on Champions League qualification and player sales, they could also go for a left-back, second centre-back, versatile attacking player and goalkeeper (Simon Phillips).

3. Man City

68

1

4. Newcastle

66

1

5. Chelsea

66

1

6. Aston Villa

66

1

7. Nottingham Forest

65

1

A place in Europe’s most prestigious competition will also have a far greater pull in the market when it comes to attracting their most desired targets, so their looming final Premier League clash of the season against Nottingham Forest is quite simply imperative.

A win at the City Ground would guarantee Chelsea a place in the Champions League draw next campaign, but anything less than that could spell disaster for both Maresca and Chelsea’s summer plans.

Given their participation in the Club World Cup next month, Chelsea reportedly want to take full advantage of the mini-transfer window, which opens from June 1 to June 10.

Therefore, it is little surprise we’re hearing rumours of talks being opened with top targets, and one of them is Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

The Englishman has scored 12 league goals for an otherwise dismal Ipswich Town side who will be playing in the Championship next season, with Delap standing out as a shining light for Kieran McKenna.

His contract also includes a £30 million release clause after Ipswich’s relegation, and previous reports suggest Chelsea have met with Delap’s representatives for talks this month, as they plan a formal move for the ex-City striker.

Fabrizio Romano shares what he's heard about Liam Delap to Chelsea

Speaking to CaughtOffside, the ever-reliable Romano has echoed these claims, stating that Chelsea and Delap have indeed held talks.

However, Man United have done the same thing, with both sides sensing a “big opportunity” to prise the 22-year-old away from Portman Road at a very astute price.

“A big opportunity on the market for a young striker like him,” said Romano.

“There is genuine interest from two very important clubs, Chelsea and Manchester United. Both clubs have several targets on their shortlist. Not only them, but for sure, the interest is concrete, the interest is genuine.

“Delap spoke to Chelsea, Delap spoke to Man United, now it is time for him to explore all the options possible.”

The homegrown centre-forward, barring his impressive goal record and performances in a team lacking overall quality, has been revered by his teammates this season.

“He’s phenomenal,” said Ipswich midfielder Jens Cajuste. “He’s a beast, totally and for a young player like him, it is very hard to say what he can be. I don’t think there’s a limit, really. It’s all upto him really, how far he wants to go, but he definitely has all the qualities.”

This season has felt like one long nightmare for Tottenham Hotspur.

On top of losing a staggering 20 games in the Premier League, Ange Postecoglou will now be without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the club’s Europa League final next week.

Moreover, on top of losing player after player through injury during the campaign this year, they now look like they’re going to lose one of their most important in the transfer window: Cristian Romero.

However, it is not all doom and gloom, as recent reports have linked them with a Premier League star who could be the ideal replacement.

Tottenham transfer news

Unfortunately, in the last few months, a number of reports have emerged touting Romero for a move to La Liga this summer, with Atlético Madrid being his supposed destination last month.

Transfer Focus

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

It was even said that the Argentine defender had personally spoken to Diego Simeone about the purported move.

However, in the last few days, the World Cup winner’s supposed destination has changed to Real Madrid, with reports claiming that Xabi Alonso is a big fan of the player, who could be sold for around £60m.

While this situation is far from ideal, the good news is that the North Londoners have been linked with someone who could be an ideal replacement: Marc Guéhi.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Spurs have maintained their strong interest in the full England international following their failed £70m bid for him in early February.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that Chelsea and Newcastle United are keen to sign the Crystal Palace star, who could be available for a pretty reasonable fee of around €55m, which is about £46m.

It might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Guéhi’s ability and the potential departure of Romero, Spurs should do all they can to get it done.

Why Guéhi would be a great replacemnet

So, if Spurs cannot keep hold of Romero this summer and are forced to shop for a replacement, why would Guéhi be such a great option?

Well, first of all, not only is he vastly experienced for someone who is still just 24 years old, but he’s also thoroughly Premier League-proven at this point and someone clearly quite sought-after.

For example, across his career to date, the “exceptional” centre-back, as dubbed by The Athletic’s Stuart James, has made 132 top-flight appearances, 52 in the Championship, 15 in the FA Cup and a handful more in several other competitions.

Appearances

154

59

2

Goals

8

0

0

Assists

4

0

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.07

0.00

0.00

On top of that, the 6 foot “tank,” as dubbed by former England U21 teammate Joe Bursik, is now a full member of the national team, making 23 appearances since his debut in March 2022, and most crucially, was an ever-present in the country’s backline when they made it all the way to the final of the European Championships last year.

Furthermore, while the Lilywhites’ Argentine warrior has missed a staggering 75 games for club and country across his career, the former Chelsea prospect has missed just 16, and you know what they say: availability is the best ability.

Finally, if that’s still not enough to convince you, then perhaps his rather impressive underlying numbers will.

According to FBref, the Palace ace sits in the top 3% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for through ball, the top 4% for passes blocked, the top 5% for goal-creating actions through a defensive action, the top 9% for goals plus assists, key passes and shot-creating actions, the top 11% for expected assists and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, replacing a player as talented Romero is always going to be difficult, but Guéhi looks like he could get pretty close, and therefore, Spurs must do what they can to sign him this summer.

Ange can solve Kulusevski blow by unleashing £45m Spurs star in new role

The gifted ace could provide some more attacking spark to Spurs.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 15, 2025

This summer is a huge window for Manchester United if they are to overturn their lack of success in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, currently sitting in 14th position.

However, despite their lowly league standing, the Red Devils could find themselves in the Champions League next season should they manage to win the Europa League in the coming weeks.

If they are to compete at the top level, all areas of the pitch are in need of investment to inject the needed quality and depth to take the side back to their former glory.

Undoubtedly, sales are needed to provide Ruben Amorim with the funds he requires to make the necessary changes to his squad to try and push them back towards the summit of England’s top-flight.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, work is already being done behind the scenes as Amorim prepares for an overhaul of the Red Devils side this summer.

The latest on United’s pursuit of new attackers

Over the last few weeks, countless attackers have been linked with a move to United, including Liam Delap, who was seen as the club’s number one option for the centre-forward role.

However, no deal appears to have progressed despite his £30m relegation release clause, with the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United entering the race for his signature in recent weeks.

It appears that the Red Devils have switched their attentions to other targets in the form of Viktor Gyokeres, that’s if the recent reports from Spain are to be believed.

It’s been reported that United have stepped up their attempts to land the Sporting CP striker, advancing talks and making contact with the player’s representatives ahead of the summer.

It also states that they are considering making a lucrative offer to the player and club to hand Amorim a reunion with the player who thrived under his guidance in Portugal.

Why United’s target would be perfect with Cunha

Matheus Cunha is another player who has emerged on United’s shortlist over the last couple of weeks, with the Brazilian potentially becoming their first signing this summer.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Red Devils have already been in talks with Wolves over a deal for his signature, whilst also willing to trigger his £62.5m release clause.

The 25-year-old himself is open to a switch to Old Trafford, regardless of whether or not the side secure a place in the Champions League next season.

Cunha would be signed to operate in the number ten role behind the striker in Amorim’s side, handing strikers endless chances – based upon his figures of 2.1 chances created and 2.2 dribbles completed.

Such tallies would fall perfectly into the hands of Gyokeres, who could certainly end United’s pursuit of a new talisman, taking the side to the next level as a result.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one Portuguese analyst, has registered 52 goals in 48 appearances in 2024/25, potentially forming a deadly partnership with Cunha in forward areas.

He’s also managed to register 2.6 shots on target per 90 and complete 49% of the dribbles he’s attempted in the Liga Portugal – offering a constant threat to all opposition backlines.

Games played

30

Goals scored

38

Pass accuracy

75%

Shots on target

2.6

Dribbles completed

49%

Aerials won

55%

Touches in the opposition box

10.7

Gyokeres has also impressed as a focal point, winning 55% of the aerial duels he’s entered, allowing the likes of Cunha to link up and play off him, bolstering his own goalscoring tallies as a result.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Sporting talisman would set the hierarchy back in the coming months, it’s evident that he would massively bolster the attacking department.

The prospect of the pair linking up together at Old Trafford is certainly an exciting one for the supporters, with their talents hopefully pushing the club in the right direction ahead of 2025/26.

Amorim must offload 5/10 Man Utd dud who’s becoming the new Van de Beek

Manchester United took a huge step towards the Europa League final last night with a 3-0 win over Athletic Club.

ByEthan Lamb May 2, 2025