Tag Futebol

Whilst Nottingham Forest have secured a number of targets as of late, Rico Lewis is currently unlikely to join their list of incomings and that has forced the Tricky Trees to turn to an alternative option.

Nottingham Forest set to miss out on Lewis

After welcoming James McAtee from Manchester City, those at the City Ground were seemingly hoping to welcome a second Citizen in Lewis, only for the defender to decide to stay put at his boyhood club. Now, with the versatile defender reportedly closing in on a new deal at the Manchester club, Forest have been forced to end their pursuit and turn their focus towards other options.

What’s more, when asked about his future following last weekend’s 4-0 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening day, Lewis told reporters: “For me, I’ve never ever seen myself leaving. I’ve always wanted to play for City. It’s my dream. When I’m playing with the kind of players that I’m playing with, it brings out the best of me. So I’m so happy.

“Everyone wants that assurance and security, but at the end of day it’s on me. It’s on me to perform. Last season I played more than the season before. So it’s always the same goal – to become an established player.”

Nottingham Forest join Dortmund in race to sign "fantastic" Chelsea talent

Chelsea have already rejected Dortmund’s offer…

By
Tom Cunningham

Aug 20, 2025

It’s a rare day when Evangelos Marinakis doesn’t get what he wants, but this time he’s been forced to look elsewhere for a defensive addition. As such, reports are already emerging that the Greek owner has shifted his focus towards a La Liga right-back.

Nottingham Forest in advanced talks to sign Carmona

As reported by ABC Sevilla and relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are now in advanced talks to sign Jose Angel Carmona from Sevilla this month. The Midlands club have reportedly tabled an opening offer worth €10m (£9m) and expect to reach an agreement with the right-back as soon as possible.

Pivoting away from Lewis and towards the Spaniard in rapid fashion, the fact that Marinakis has worked with Sevilla sporting director Antonio Cordon in the past may have helped advance the deal for those at the City Ground.

League stats 24/25	Carmona	Lewis
Minutes	2,942	1,893
Assists	0	2
Tackles Won Per 90	1.80	0.90
Ball Recoveries Per 90	5.02	4.52

When compared last season, Carmona is the clear standout. His ball recovery numbers were particularly impressive in the previous campaign and that’s the type of energy that could see the 23-year-old push Ola Aina all the way for a starting place at Forest.

Praised as “exciting” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in 2022, Carmona has now added experience to the talent that he already had in abundance. Now, he could be about to take the Premier League by storm as the perfect alternative to Lewis for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Sunderland fans are living in a dreamland at the moment.

For so many years, the Black Cats had struggled to get back up to the Premier League, with a dire four-season stay in League One very much the Wearside outfit at their depressing worst.

Now, however, Sunderland look ready to compete with the very best in the Premier League, having spent a combined £141.5m on brand new signings this summer, with all that spending immediately paying off when the Black Cats brushed West Ham United aside on the opening day with ease in a 3-0 win.

It will be about following up that stunning victory with more and more wins, as plenty of new signings are also tipped to join Regis Le Bris’ camp before the transfer window closes.

Sunderland planning new £24m bid

12 new signings may well already be through the door on Wearside, but that number looks set to increase.

Le Bris and Co. could soon be splashing the cash even more by landing Brian Brobbey and Abdul Fatawu in quick succession, with the Ajax striker worth around the £17m mark, alongside his Leicester City counterpart’s steep valuation of £30m.

Of course, some speculative transfer talk – as we head very close to September’s early deadline – should be taken with a pinch of salt, but one rumour that kept floating about earlier in the window has come back into conversation again.

As per Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Sunderland are not giving up on acquiring the services of Bologna titan Jhon Lucumi to strengthen the centre-back department.

Transfer Focus

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

The site states that Sunderland is planning to lodge a new bid for the Colombian that should exceed the £24m mark, having seen their advances rejected by the Serie A outfit in the past.

If they were to finally pick up their desired centre-back target, this might well be bad news for Daniel Ballard moving forward, despite his colossal presence on the opening day against Graham Potter’s flimsy Hammers.

Why Lucumi could be bad news for Ballard

The above graphic just reinforces how stellar of an opening weekend Ballard had in the Premier League, with an imposing 16 duels won in total sticking out, away from his headed effort on the day, giving Le Bris’ men a two-goal cushion.

However, it will undoubtedly be difficult for Ballard to keep this up over a full season, which is his first ever campaign in the English top-flight, no less, when you assess his recurring injury difficulties on Wearside.

While he can boast seven goals from 90 appearances, alongside possessing a promotion up to the top-flight on his Black Cats CV, he has missed a worrying chunk of games across his three campaigns at the Stadium of Light due to injury, 65 clashes to be exact, as per Transfermarkt.

He has also shown he can struggle against Premier League opposition, away from all the glowing words surrounding his West Ham display, as the ex-Arsenal youth player inexplicably scored an own goal against Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear Derby last year to hand the Magpies a 3-0 success in the FA Cup.

Therefore, snapping up Lucumi might well be deemed a worthwhile venture to pursue at £24m, considering his Serie A expertise and his often injury-free status.

Games played

33

Goals

0

Assists

1

Touches*

73.2

Accurate passes*

57.9 (92%)

Tackles

1.7

Total duels won*

3.9

Clean sheets

10

The Bologna number 26 has only been unavailable for 16 games due to injuries across his stay at the Serie A club to date, with his 2024/25 offering also seeing him pick up ten clean sheets and average an unerring 92% pass accuracy per top-flight outing.

On the contrary, Ballard – albeit from just 20 games owing to long absences out of the side – only collected a paltry two clean sheets in Championship action, with an 88% pass accuracy also paling in comparison to Lucumi’s numbers.

Heralded as being an “unreal” potential signing for Sunderland to make by journalist Ethan Todd, Lucumi does feel as if he would add significant depth to an area of the pitch that could be depleted if Ballard were to be out of action.

Even when the 25-year-old is fully at the races, the South American no doubt would keep him on his toes, as Le Bris attempts to get all his final signings over the line, just in time for September to roll around.

The next Amad: Sunderland exploring move for "unplayable" £30m star

Regis Le Bris could pick up Sunderland’s next Amad Diallo by sealing a deal for this tricky attacker.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 20, 2025

Ruud van Nistelrooy could soon return to management as the former Manchester United striker has reportedly emerged as an option for FC Twente after a dismal spell with Leicester City. Across 27 matches, the Dutchman managed only five wins, while suffering 19 defeats at the King Power Stadium. His side leaked 57 goals, and ultimately the Foxes tumbled back into the Championship.

• Van Nistelrooy tipped for Twente job
• Ex-Leicester boss seeking fresh opportunity
• Faces stiff competition from other candidates 

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Twente find themselves searching for a new leader after parting ways with Joseph Oosting last week. The Dutch coach’s two-year reign, which spanned 95 matches, came to a sudden halt following a disappointing run of results. His exit has forced the Enschede club into emergency mode, with several names already being linked to the vacancy.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  High-profile figures such as Erik ten Hag, Mark van Bommel, and Rene Hake have reportedly been sounded out, while John van den Brom is currently thought to be at the front of the queue. Yet, a new candidate has now been thrust into the spotlight, one with global name recognition and a proven Eredivisie record, Van Nistelrooy.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  ESPN analyst Karim El Ahmadi has suggested that Van Nistelrooy should be strongly considered for the Twente hot seat. Speaking on , the former Feyenoord midfielder argued that the ex-Manchester United star has the pedigree and passion to thrive at the club.

  “Ruud van Nistelrooij is also available. Would he do it?” he asked. “I’ve hardly heard his name mentioned. He’s someone with experience. He’s been at Manchester United, Leicester City, and a full year at PSV. I think he would want to do it. He’s a true fan, and FC Twente isn’t a small club.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Before his ill-fated spell at Leicester, van Nistelrooy looked like a rising coaching star at PSV Eindhoven. In 50 matches, he delivered 34 victories and boasted an impressive average of 2.2 points per game. His style of attacking football, combined with his ability to develop young talent, drew praise across Dutch football circles.

Over the last couple of days, Tottenham Hotspur have been splashing the cash in the transfer market in an attempt to build on their recent Europa League success.

Mohammed Kudus joined the club in a £55m deal from West Ham United earlier this week, looking to provide new boss Thomas Frank with the tools for success in his maiden year at the helm.

It’s likely that investment has been provided and injected into the Lilywhites, with more additions expected before the end of the current transfer window.

Numerous areas of the pitch have been subject to interest, including the midfield department, which could also see numerous players depart North London during the off-season.

Any funds that are generated could be massive in their hunt for new additions, potentially handing Frank the best chance of success in his maiden year at the club.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this window

Morgan Gibbs-White has been the main target as of late, with a deal looking likely to be completed at one point after triggering the £60m release clause in his deal at Nottingham Forest.

However, his move to join the Lilywhites has stalled after the Reds threatened legal action against the side after allegedly making an illegal approach for his services this summer.

It remains to be seen if a deal can still be completed, but moves have been made elsewhere, including a deal to land Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, according to GIVEMESPORT.

They claim that Frank’s side have made an approach for the Portuguese international’s signature, after the holding midfielder only made six league starts last campaign.

It also states that he could well be allowed to depart the Bundesliga side this window, as they look to cash in on his services after paying £47.4m for his signature from Fulham last summer.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be more important than Gibbs-White

The situation around a move for Gibbs-White during this window is one that could drag on over a period of time, especially given Forest’s threat of taking legal action.

It’s evident that the Reds have made a huge mistake with his release clause, potentially making such a scene around his departure given the lowly figure he’s available for.

The 25-year-old played a huge role in their ability to reach Europe for the first time in three decades, registering seven goals and eight assists under former Spurs boss Nuno Espírito Santo.

However, given how quickly the move progressed before the Forest hierarchy stepped in, it’s likely the player himself wants to complete a move to play Champions League football for the Lilywhites.

There’s no denying that he would be a sensational addition, but given James Maddison already operates in such a role, along with the need for a deep-lying option, it could make Palhinha a more attractive proposition.

The 30-year-old, who’s been labelled “world-class” by compatriot Ivan Cavaleiro, averaged 1.7 tackles per 90 in the Bundesliga last campaign, winning 70% of the tackles he entered – showcasing his ability to regain possession.

His talents have also been reflected in his tally of 7.1 duels won per 90, 2.7 of which have been aerially, demonstrating the commanding presence he possesses – able to operate as a real ball-winner at the heart of Frank’s side.

Joao Palhinha’s stats for Bayern in the Bundesliga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

17

Minutes played

667

Pass accuracy

93%

Progressive passes

4.7

Tackles won

1.7

Tackle success

70%

Duels won

7.1

Stats via FotMob

However, he’d also completed 93% of the passes he attempted, making 4.7 progressive passes per 90, having the talent in possession to provide the players in front of him with the tools for success.

It remains to be seen if the player himself would be keen on a move to North London, but it’s evident that the hierarchy are targeting the top-level talent needed for future success.

The need for a ball-winning option in the Spurs side is vital this summer, with a deal for Palhinha arguably a more important one for the club than Gibbs-White during the current window.

Related Perfect with Kudus & Gibbs-White: Spurs to make bid for "complete" talent

Tottenham Hotspur are making some serious moves within this summer’s transfer window.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 11, 2025

Leeds United have welcomed Sean Longstaff to Elland Road as their latest arrival of the summer transfer window, after they officially announced a deal for the midfielder on Friday night.

Fabrizio Romano reported that the Whites have paid a fee in excess of £12m to Newcastle United to bring the experienced midfield star to West Yorkshire ahead of next season.

The Magpies academy graduate may not be the only central midfielder to come through Thorp Arch this summer, though, as Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach has also been linked with a move to the club.

Leeds have reportedly held talks with the Bundesliga club and agreed personal terms with the players, but they are yet to agree a fee for his services.

Leeds enquired about LaLiga star

Whilst they appear to be heavily pursuing a deal for Stach, the Championship champions also have other options on their shortlist of targets to bolster their options in midfield.

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 The Athletic, Leeds United made contact with Getafe over a potential deal for versatile star Christantus Uche several weeks ago this summer.

The report claims that the Whites enquired about his situation and did not opt to make an official offer for his services, although it remains to be seen if they are planning to submit a bid for him later in the window.

It adds that the 22-year-old talent has a release clause of around £22m (£21.6m) in his contract with the Spanish side, which means that Leeds could trigger that to land him.

The Athletic also reveals that the Nigeria international, who made his debut for his country in May, is open to the idea of joining a Premier League club.

Leeds could find their own Joelinton

Daniel Farke could unearth his own version of Joelinton by signing Uche and moulding him into a midfield destroyer to bolster his team ahead of next season.

The Brazil international joined Newcastle United as a striker for a reported fee of £40m from Hoffenheim in 2019 under Steve Bruce, before Eddie Howe spotted his potential to be a central midfielder.

Since making the transition, Joelinton has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top midfield destroyers, making 2.8 tackles and interceptions and winning 5.7 duels per game in the division last term.

Uche has started more games as a striker (18) in his career than any other position, but has also started 15 times as a defensive midfielder in the past, and U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed that he could be turned into a “midfield monster”.

Tackles won

0.76

Top 11%

Duels won

8.13

Top 13%

Aerial duels won

3.31

Top 28%

Interceptions

0.36

Top 25%

Ball recoveries

3.96

Top 8%

Possession won in the final third

0.90

Top 11%

Fouls committed

1.98

Top 29%

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old star thrived out of possession in LaLiga for Getafe last season, ranking highly among forwards in a host of defensive metrics, notably winning duels and recovering the ball off the opposition to regain possession for his side.

Meanwhile, the Leeds target only scored four goals in 33 appearances, along with six assists, which does not suggest that his future lies as a prolific centre-forward option, just like when Joelinton scored two goals in 38 Premier League games in his first season at Newcastle as a striker.

Therefore, Farke could be the coach to help Uche follow in Joelinton’s footsteps by transitioning from a low-scoring, defensively savvy, centre-forward into a ‘midfield monster’, as Antonio Mango put it.

The Getafe attacker has played in midfield before, as aforementioned, and has the strong physical and defensive attributes to suit playing as an enforcer in front of the back four, which is why this is a move that could be a very interesting one for Leeds to make.

49ers biggest deal yet: Leeds weighing up bid to sign £22m James upgrade

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be a Dan James upgrade.

ByDan Emery Jul 15, 2025

It may now be down to Leeds to decide whether they want to go through with a swoop for Stach or if they want to activate Uche’s release clause, so there could be an intriguing few weeks to follow.

أصبح المغرب أول منتخب إفريقي يحسم تأهله لمنافسات كأس العالم 2026، بعد الفوز بخماسية نظيفة على النيجر في إطار تصفيات أفريقيا المؤهلة لمونديال 2026.

ونجح ياسين بونو حارس مرمى الهلال السعودي، في أن يقود منتخب بلاده بنجاح، وقد بذل جهداً كبيراً طوال التسعين دقيقة لينهي المباراة بشباك نظيفة، للمرة الـ 4 من أصل 6 مباريات في التصفيات.

وقدم ياسين بونو أداء رائعًا في مونديال قطر 2022، وقاد منتخب بلاده لاحتلال المركز الرابع في البطولة، وتألق أيضاً في كأس العالم للأندية الأخيرة مدافعاً عن ألوان الهلال السعودي.

أقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | المغرب أول المتأهلين إلى كأس العالم 2026 بخماسية أمام النيجر

وذكرت صحيفة “أوليه” الأرجنتينية أن ياسين بونو يمثل للمغاربة ما يمثله ديبو مارتينيز حارس مرمى نادي أستون فيلا للأرجنتينيين.

Yassine Bounou sobre Armani: “Estoy muy contento por él. Fue decisivo en los últimos partidos” 🧤🔴⚪

El arquero de Marruecos, reconocido fanático de River, opinó sobre la actualidad del Pulpo, que fue clave en las últimas series por penales del equipo 🥅🧤

🎥 @vicentemuglia -… pic.twitter.com/j4n7laTfY7 — Diario Olé (@DiarioOle) September 6, 2025

وفي تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “أوليه” عن ياسين بونو بعد التأهل والأداء القوي الذي قدمه منتخب المغرب، حيث رد على سؤال حول توقعاته وأهدافه لكأس العالم القادمة: “في الحقيقة نحن متحمسون، كأس العالم أهم حدث لجميع اللاعبين لذا نحن سعداء للغاية”.

ورد بونو على سؤال يتعلق بالأسطورة الأرجنتينية ليونيل ميسي الذي تصدر أغلفة الصحف العالمية لخوضه آخر مباراة رسمية له مع الأرجنتين ضد فنزويلا على أرضه: “لا أجد كلمات تصف كل ما قدمه ميسي في كرة القدم”.

وأكمل عن نجم إنتر ميامي :”بالنسبة لي كان شرفاً عظيماً أن أتمكن من مواجهة ميسي عن قرب وأن أستمتع باللعب ضده وأن أتحمل كل هذا، لذا تهانينا”.

Nottingham Forest are now in talks to sign a “superb” AC Milan midfielder, but the Italian giants want £21 million for his signature, according to a new report.

Nottingham Forest chasing multiple transfer targets

The Reds have already agreed a deal worth £33 million that will see them sign Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano from Brazilian side Botafogo, two of whom scored in their side’s FIFA Club World Cup opener on Sunday.

But the Premier League side don’t want to stop there, as they look to continue their rise in the top flight as well as compete in the UEFA Conference League next season.

Nottingham Forest make bid to sign £34m "goalscorer" alongside Igor Jesus

Chris Wood could have some serious competition at the City Ground.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 15, 2025

Forest will be hoping Chris Wood can continue his fine form into next season, and while they are adding Jesus to their forward line options, the Reds are also looking to sign another striker. According to a report from Africa Foot, Forest have now placed a bid to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford. Nuno Santo’s side have accelerated their transfer efforts, and they are now ready to meet Brentford’s demands, which is around the £34 million mark.

It’s also been reported that Newcastle United have once again made contact with the Reds over signing Anthony Elanga.

The Magpies wanted the Sweden international 12 months ago, and that interest has not disappeared. So, given the uncertainty surrounding Elanga, Forest are assessing a move for Man City’s Oscar Bobb.

The City youngster could be made available for a loan this summer, and he may be seen as a good replacement for Elanga.

Nottingham Forest in talks with AC Milan

But Bobb is not their only option when it comes to replacing Elanga, as according to TEAMtalk, Forest have now held talks with AC Milan winger Alexis Saelemaekers over a possible transfer to the City Ground.

The report claims that the Reds have been in contact with Saelemaekers’ representatives for over a year now, and they now consider the winger as a strong transfer target this summer.

However, there is somewhat of a sticking point when it comes to his transfer valuation, as Forest value the player at around the £17 million mark, but AC Milan are looking more for £21 million, meaning there is a £4 million gap as it stands.

Meanwhile, new Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has yet to make a decision on the player’s future, as he wants to assess everyone in pre-season.

The 25-year-old, who has been dubbed “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig, spent last season on loan at Roma. The Belgium international played 23 Serie A games, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in the process. His move to Roma came after he played 30 games for Milan in Serie A during the 2023/24 season.

Apps

23

Starts

18

Goals

7

xG

2.49

Goals per game

0.3

Chance conversion

28%

Assists

3

Touches per game

48.0

Key passes per game

1.1

Saelemaekers is under contract until 2027 at Milan, so if Allegri does decide the player isn’t in his plans, then he will likely be sold this summer, which is good news for Forest. They will of course hope his arrival at the City Ground would see him compete alongside Elanga for a starting spot, not be a replacement for the Swedish sensation.

Public disputes with players have become the norm for Manchester United managers in recent times, stretching back to Jose Mourinho’s falling out with Paul Pogba, to Erik ten Hag’s exile of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Marcus Rashford, too, was also something of an issue during the Dutchman’s final full campaign, having notably been forced to sit out the FA Cup trip to Newport County following a night out in Belfast.

That has since been followed by the breakdown of the Englishman’s relationship with Ruben Amorim, with the 27-year-old having not been seen in a United shirt since being left out of the Manchester Derby in early December, alongside Alejandro Garnacho.

Despite working his way back into favour since then, the young Garnacho looks destined to follow a similar path to his senior colleague, with Amorim reportedly telling the 20-year-old – in front of his teammates – to find a new club, following the Europa League final.

While that decision may prove to be one that United regret if the Argentine goes on to shine elsewhere, the former Sporting CP coach is rightly showing a zero tolerance attitude with regard to any player who is trying to rock the boat.

With a price tag of £60-£70m mooted, the mercurial winger is almost certain to leave this summer – as noted by Fabrizio Romano – with a replacement perhaps already being lined up.

Man Utd's search for a forward

It’s no real secret that the top end of the pitch is Amorim’s priority this summer, with Matheus Cunha already in the door, and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo seemingly set to follow, should a deal be agreed.

With the likes of Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony all expected to be on their way, however, alongside Garnacho, further firepower is surely still needed – not least with Rasmus Hojlund also the subject of interest from Inter Milan.

With that in mind, reports in Spain have indicated that United could be ready to battle Bayern Munich for the ambitious signing of AC Milan star, Rafael Leao, with the Portuguese international seeking an exit from the San Siro.

Transfer Focus

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

The suggestion is that both the Red Devils and the Bundesliga champions have already begun talks over a potential move for the 25-year-old, with the player said to be a ‘priority target’ for the Old Trafford side.

A potential sticking point could be the asking price, however, with the Serie A outfit likely to demand in the region of €100m (£84m), with three years left to run on his existing deal.

The former Lille man – who has also courted interest from Chelsea, reportedly – will certainly not come cheap, although he could represent the perfect upgrade as far as Amorim’s attacking options go.

How Leao compares to Garnacho

A man with Sporting CP connections – like Amorim, Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes – Leao rose through the youth ranks in Lisbon, prior to sealing a switch to France in the summer of 2018.

Following just a solitary season in Lille, however, the 6 foot 2 sensation has since spent the last six years in Italy, racking up 132 goals and assists in 260 games for his current side to date.

While typically a winger by trade, Leao’s flexibility to feature centrally could ensure he proves a particularly valuable option for Amorim, with the wantaway star comfortable operating in any of the forward roles in the 40-year-old’s 3-4-3 system.

Such adaptability is beautifully merged with the forward’s mesmeric ability, particularly as a ball-carrier, with Portugal boss Roberto Martinez hailing him as “one of the best players in the world in exploiting spaces and in one-on-one duels”.

That is evidenced by the fact that he notably ranks in the top 5% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, with the lively Garnacho, for instance, ranking in just the bottom 30% in that regard.

Games (starts)

36 (23)

34 (25)

Goals

6

8

Goal conversion

7%

12%

Big chances missed

14

8

Assists

2

8

Big chances created

4

10

Key passes*

1.0

1.7

Pass accuracy*

83%

77%

Successful dribbles*

0.7

1.7

Total duels won*

38%

50%

As showcased above too, it is Leao who also comes out on top across a string of other metrics, having notably missed just eight ‘big chances’ in Italy last season, while Garnacho missed 14 in the Premier League.

Equally, the Milan man also racked up 25 goals and assists in all competitions in 24/25, placing him ahead of Garnacho’s own return of 21 goal involvements across all fronts back in Manchester.

While Leao does boast the benefit of being five years older than his attacking counterpart, his remarkable consistency has seen him rack up ten assists in each of the last four Serie A campaigns, scoring a total of 43 league goals in that time.

Garnacho could get to that level eventually, although with United in desperate need of instant improvement, the Portuguese speedster could represent the ideal upgrade that Amorim is in need of.

A better signing than Mbeumo: Man Utd plot move for "ridiculous" £29m star

Manchester United can forget about Bryan Mbeumo with a move for another attacking star.

3 ByEthan Lamb Jun 6, 2025

Chelsea are now aiming to seal the signing of a key target by the end of this month, according to Fabrizio Romano, and Enzo Maresca’s side are very keen to strike a deal for the player as soon as possible.

Chelsea set for "huge" Premier League clash with Newcastle United

On the field, Chelsea are putting full focus into their race for Champions League qualification, and face a “huge” trip to St James’ Park, where they will take on fellow top-five contenders Newcastle United.

Shields pushing Chelsea to sign £90m Villa star amid belief price may drop

The Stamford Bridge recruiter is very keen.

ByEmilio Galantini May 10, 2025

Chelsea will be fully aware of the tough task facing them on Sunday, having already lost at St. James’ in the Carabao Cup this season, but they’ll also go into the contest on a high after beating Premier League champions Liverpool last weekend.

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Maresca’s side have picked up form again, winning their last three league games, with Newcastle coming as a very well-matched opponent. Both sides are level on points and goal difference, but a win up north has the power to all but seal Chelsea’s place in the Champions League draw next season, depending on results elsewhere.

“It’s a big one, it’s a huge one,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s clash with Newcastle.

“United will be a big one, Forest will be a big one. Now we have three more games, all of them are going to be big games. For sure, Sunday is a chance to start in the right way. We are on a good run, in a good mood, and hopefully, we can play a good game and win the game.”

Maintaining their place in the top five and qualifying for the Champions League will also have a knock-on effect when it comes to their summer transfer plans, as already confirmed by Maresca, so a lot is on the line.

Chelsea want to sign Dean Huijsen "by the end of May"

One of their top targets, according to widespread reports, is Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.

The Spaniard’s £50 million release clause has piqued interest from across England and beyond, with Chelsea reliably believed to have held serious talks with Huijsen’s camp ahead of the summer window, which opens on June 1.

According to Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, Chelsea now want to seal a deal for Huijsen by the end of May, as they seek to finalise an agreement as soon as possible amid the fierce competition for his signature.

“The idea of the three main Premier League clubs involved in this story, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, is to do the deal now as soon as possible,” said Romano.

“Now it means by the end of May, so to close the deal this month.”

The 20-year-old has seriously impressed over his debut campaign in England, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp lavishing praise on Huijsen as an already “complete” defender.

“If you’re creating a footballer, the modern-day centre-back, you’ve got a bit of the influence from the Netherlands, the influence from Spain, where they come out with the ball and all the great defenders they’ve had,” said Redknapp.

“And then you’ve got that Italian mark on it as well, so the journey, the mixture that he’s got, is pretty perfect, and now he’s found himself in the Premier League. The elements are good, everything is right for him. You have to get all the right ingredients to be a top player.

“He’s a complete player, this young man.”

This summer looks set to be a massive one for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has even admitted as much.

The Spaniard’s side might still be able to do something truly remarkable in the Champions League, but with Liverpool now 11 points ahead in the Premier League, any chance of domestic glory looks all but gone.

It’s been a bruising campaign for the Gunners in that regard, as endless injuries and underwhelming form have seen them miss out on the chance to take advantage of Manchester City’s incredible collapse.

Fortunately, it appears as if the North Londoners are determined not to let the same thing happen next year by going big in the summer transfer market, and while Nico Williams has long been linked with the club, recent reports have now touted an even better player for a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal transfer news

Even before Arteta commented on the magnitude of the summer ahead, it looked almost certain that Arsenal would be in the market for a new centre-forward, as recent weeks have seen two names constantly linked with the club: Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.

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The former will supposedly be available for around the £58m mark and has amassed a tally of 55 goal involvements in 44 games for Sporting CP this season, while the latter could cost up to £67m and has amassed a haul of 25 goal involvements in 39 games for RB Leipzig.

However, it looks like the club don’t just want a new centre-forward, as alongside Williams, there has been another superstar winger recently touted for a move to N5: Rafael Leão.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are keen on signing AC Milan’s Portuguese game-changer.

The report has revealed that the Gunners have made the dynamic attacker one of their top priorities for the upcoming window as they seek a ‘star signing’.

However, Milan are understandably reluctant to let their star man leave easily, so the North Londoners would have to pay his mammoth release clause, which reportedly exceeds €100m, or £86m.

It would be an incredibly costly and potentially complicated transfer, but given Leão’s ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Williams.

How Leão compares to Williams

So, if Arsenal can only sign one left-winger this summer, how does Leão stack up against Williams?

Well, when it comes down to their pure output, the Portuguese superstar comes out on top.

For example, in 43 appearances this season, totalling 2997 minutes, the “unstoppable” Milan star, as dubbed by journalist Zach Lowy, has scored ten goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.26 games, or every 157.73 minutes.

Leão vs Williams
Player	Leao	Williams
Appearances	43	39
Minutes	2997′	2689′
Goals	10	9
Assists	9	7
Goal Involvements per Match	0.44	0.41
Minutes per Goal Involvement	157.73′	172′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

In contrast, the Athletic Bilbao dynamo has scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 39 appearances, totalling 2752 minutes.

That means the Spaniard is currently averaging a goal involvement every 2.43 games, or every 172 minutes, which isn’t bad but doesn’t stack up to the competition.

Moreover, when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers, it’s another win for the Almada-born monster.

For example, he comes out ahead in practically every relevant metric, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive and key passes, crosses and passes into the penalty area, goal-creating actions, shots and shots on target, passes into the final third and more, all per 90.

Leão vs Williams
Statistic	Leão	Williams
Non-Penalty Expected G+As	0.60	0.35
Non-Penalty G+As	0.58	0.43
Progressive Passes	3.74	3.17
Progressive Carries	4.95	5.34
Shots	2.57	2.45
Shots on Target	1.04	0.87
Passing Accuracy	75.0%	70.3%
Key Passes	2.48	1.88
Passes into the Final Third	1.58	1.06
Passes into the Penalty Area	2.16	1.35
Crosses into the Penalty Area	0.45	0.38
Shot-Creating Actions	4.77	5.05
Goal-Creating Actions	0.63	0.58
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

Ultimately, signing either Leão or Williams would make Arsenal a far more dangerous proposition next season, but if they have to pick one, Arteta and Co should sign the Milan star, as he’s simply the better player.

Arsenal preparing mega £129m offer to seal their best signing since Rice

The game-breaking star would fire Arsenal to domestic and European glory.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 10, 2025