Manchester United have agreed an off-field deal which has left director of football Jason Wilcox “delighted”.
It has been a productive summer transfer window so far for the Red Devils, with INEOS spending more than £200m on the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
However, the club have also bolstered their ranks for the future with a deal for teenage defender Diego Leon. United paid Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno £7m for Leon, who Ruben Amorim used in pre-season.
Talking during the summer after appearing in friendlies, Leon said: “It’s incredible. I am really enjoying being here with team-mates and learning a lot of things. It’s the first time I have had friendlies like this. I thought it was going to be the stadium half-empty before entering the pitch but then, I hear a sound that surprised me! The stadium is full, the fans. It’s all crazy.”
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Leon could feature in the club’s academy ranks while also pushing for a spot in the first-team squad under Amorim, and a new update on the club’s academy has been confirmed.
Man Utd agree deal for Brentford academy director
On Thursday, it was revealed that the new academy director for Man Utd will be Stephen Torpey.
The Red Devils had been looking to fill the vacancy since Nick Cox departure to Everton as technical director was confirmed in June. Cox has stayed at Carrington to ensure a smooth transition and will take up the role on Merseyside when Brentford academy director Torpey joins in the coming months.
Manchester United co owner JimRatcliffewith technical director Jason Wilcox
Wilcox admitted he was “delighted” and described Torpey’s previous work as “outstanding”.
Torpey said after a move to Man Utd was announced: “I am really proud to have this opportunity to lead Manchester United’s academy. It is obviously a great time to be joining as the club enters an exciting new era; I can’t wait to play my role in continuing the incredible tradition of youth development here.
“After spending time with the leadership team, it is clear that the academy will always remain key to the identity of Manchester United, with our primary aim being to produce players ready to support a first team capable of challenging for the biggest honours.”
Liverpool are continuing to build a squad capable of fighting on all fronts this season and have now turned their attention to a defender who models himself on Virgil van Dijk, according to reports.
Liverpool set for return to action in FA Community Shield clash
After a summer that has yielded several statement signings at Anfield, Liverpool return to competitive action this weekend against Crystal Palace as they aim to win the FA Community Shield.
Speaking ahead of the tie, Arne Slot has confirmed the Reds won’t underestimate Crystal Palace as both sides take part in the curtain-raiser ahead of this season’s Premier League.
Jeremy Frimpong and Arne Slot
He stated: “It’s nice if you can start the season by winning something. We have a chance at the beginning of the season. We face a difficult Crystal Palace side. They have shown how hard it is to win a one-off game with them.
“Counter-attacks, set-pieces, long-balls to Mateta and individual quality of their forwards. Bilbao, AC Milan and Yokohama already gave us good competition (in pre-season). Palace hit the ground running again, it is still the same team. A good challenge for us to start the season.”
With Darwin Nunez heading for Al-Hilal, Liverpool are also expected to submit another bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, potentially lifting their attacking output into a different paradigm if they can force Eddie Howe into a sale.
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Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is also on the Reds’ radar, offering scope for a landmark end to a window that has already seen Slot raise the floor of his squad with additions such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
Now, they could add to their defensive ranks with a signing that has previously expressed his admiration for their club captain.
Liverpool continue to push for Giovanni Leoni
According to Florian Plettenberg on X, Liverpool are courting Parma defender Giovanni Leoni and he is said to be “one to watch” on the market, though their focus still remains firmly on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.
Other Italian clubs could come to the table for the 18-year-old and he may indeed remain at his current employers, but the Reds indeed have him on their list and they are believed to be “closely monitoring” his situation.
Citing his biggest influences, Leoni has admitted he models his game on Virgil van Dijk, which would be something that could endear himself to supporters.
Last term, the Rome-born man registered a solitary effort in 17 Serie A appearances, though his arrival at Anfield would very much be deemed as a long-term project.
Everton are now believed to be interested in completing the signing of a highly rated Spanish defender during the summer transfer window.
Moyes positive after Everton draw with Man Utd
The Blues continued their pre-season with a 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday night, as they prepare for the new Premier League season. Manager David Moyes has been slightly downbeat of late, saying Everton are “not ready” as the 2025/26 campaign approaches, but he was in more positive spirits after the United game.
“I’m more pleased with tonight’s game than I was with the other games because we got something from it.” But it wasn’t so much the result, it was more the performance was much more encouraging. And look, to be fair, we weren’t probably ready in the first two games regarding players fit and available for the games.
“But we knew that tonight we were a bit closer to something which looked like an Everton team. The other games, we’ve not really looked that way. So, yes, much happier tonight.”
Everton still need new signings before the summer transfer window closes, though, and it looks as though they are targeting a player in a key area.
Everton considering offer for £13m Juanlu
According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Everton are “considering” tabling an offer for Sevilla right-back Juanlu Sanchez this summer, with his current club willing to allow him to leave.
The Spaniard is valued at around £13m, and it is claimed that Moyes is now “prioritising the signing of a new right-back following the departure of Ashley Young” at the end of last season.
Juanlu has the potential to be just what Everton are looking for at right-back this summer, having been an ageing area of the pitch in recent years, with Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman limited there. The Sevilla ace is an exciting young player who won the gold medal for Spain at last summer’s Olympics, also being lauded by Garcia Pimienta.
“He has played as an inside midfielder [before], we were short on space in midfield due to Saul [Niguez]’s suspension and [Albert Sambi] Lokonga’s injury. I spoke to him, I knew he could do well in that position. Juanlu has an incredible present and a better future.”
Juanlu has already won four caps for Spain, scoring once for his country in that time, while 74 appearances for Sevilla by the age of 21 is already an impressive return, showing that he can shine in one of Europe’s top leagues.
The youngster would add defensive nous and attacking quality to Everton’s side, giving Moyes much-needed youth at right-back into the future, with his peak still likely to be a number of years away, too.
Tottenham are in dire need of attacking reinforcements as we fast enter the business end of this summer transfer window, especially after Son Heung-min’s departure to the MLS and a heartbreaking update on James Maddison’s knee injury.
Spurs announced on Thursday morning that the latter is set to undergo surgery on a ruptured ACL, which is expected to keep him out for a very large portion of 2025/2026, with Maddison joining fellow chief creator, Dejan Kulusevski, back on the sidelines after only just returning to action.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
It’s a hammer blow for Thomas Frank, who was banking on Maddison to be their star number 10 this season.
Having already been robbed of participating in the Europa League final due to that same right knee, the England playmaker will now watch from the side once again as Spurs try to forge ahead without him.
The pressure is now firmly on Spurs’ recruitment team, specifically chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange, to dig their heels in and source an immediate replacement for Maddison as soon as possible.
Reports have linked the club with a move for Eberechi Eze at points this window – an ideal fit stylistically, but with Crystal Palace digging their heels in and Arsenal pursuing a deal for the 27-year-old, it won’t be easy.
Tottenham have also contacted Man City over a move for Jack Grealish in recent days, according to Fabrizio Romano, but Everton are currently in more formal talks and ahead of Frank’s side in the race right now.
Harvey Elliott is another attacking midfielder who emerge as a target for Spurs, as per talkSPORT.
However, RB Leipzig are currently in discussions over the England Under-21 sensation, so Spurs will need to decide whether they’re going to potentially rival Ole Werner’s side pretty soon.
Frank is faced with the near-impossible task of somehow filling the voids left by Maddison, Son Heung-min and the injured Dejan Kulusevski, with a report by Turkish news outlet Takvim now claiming Tottenham could turn to the Süper Lig for answers.
Tottenham to make "official offer soon" for Galatasaray star Baris Yilmaz
As per the media outlet, Galatasaray forward Baris Yilmaz is of serious interest to the north Londoners.
AZ Alkmaar's Ernest Poku and Seiya Maikuma in action with Galatasaray'sBarisAlperYilmaz
The 25-year-old, who played in a variety of attacking roles last season, ended 24/25 with 14 goals and six assists in all competitions – starting on the right against Tottenham when the Turkish champions beat them 3-2 in the Europa League.
Now, Takvim states that the player’s agent recently met with Galatasaray chiefs to discuss his future at the club – sending them a clear message about Tottenham’s serious interest.
The unnamed representative informed Okan Buruk’s side, as quoted by Takvim, that Tottenham “will make an official offer soon” for Yilmaz.
Baris Yilmaz
Galatasaray are set to demand around £30 million for the Turkey international, who also played a key role during his country’s surprise run to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals last year.
Yilmaz has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, and members of the media believe he could be a “fascinating” option for any English side.
“Yilmaz is different,” said journalist Graeme Bailey to the Geordie Boot Boys in January.
“He’s a fascinating player. He can play anywhere across the front three and is a very clever footballer. He’s a good age. He’s an interesting one to keep an eye on. Nottingham Forest have looked, and there are others in the Premier League too.”
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to pay over £50 million for another transfer target after finalising their deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Player has agreed £135k-per-week contract to join Arsenal, he's on his way
Andrea Berta has made a statement.
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Gyokeres has become Arsenal’s sixth signing of the window after their confirmed deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera, following a breakthrough in talks with Sporting earlier this week.
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
£153m
Negotiations were dragging on over the structure of bonus payments, despite reaching an agreement in principle nearly a fortnight ago (The Athletic), but all issues have now been quashed and Gyokeres will sign in as a new Arsenal player.
According to David Ornstein, the 27-year-old’s medical will take place today, and he’s set to don the iconic number 14 shirt once worn by Thierry Henry.
Mikel Arteta is poised for a major boost with the arrival of Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in all competitions last season, with Arsenal ending their drawn-out search for a prolific number nine at long last.
Gyokeres’ initial £55 million capture, which could rise to £64 million with add-ons (The Athletic), takes Arsenal’s summer spending to over £200 million.
Berta hasn’t been afraid to splash the cash over his debut summer window as Arsenal sporting director, and it is widely reported that he could spend even more on the potential signing of Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal are expected to advance their pursuit of Eze after signing Gyokeres, with Berta and Arteta keen to add more creativity to their central attacking midfield (Ben Jacobs).
Arsenal prepared to bid £55 million for Eberechi Eze
TEAMtalk have another update on the situation this week. According to their information, Arsenal are prepared to offer Palace £55 million for Eze as they seek to strike a deal below his release clause, with the Gunners also ready to propose a four-year contract to the player himself.
They’re apparently “pushing” for the 27-year-old, who scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists for Palace last season, and helped the club win their first ever piece of major silverware.
The Eagles, in the meantime, are holding firm on his full price tag, but Arteta’s side view Eze as a key target due to his attacking versatility.
Reports from as far back as last month claimed that Arsenal have held talks with Eze’s representatives, and Football Transfers believe that the England international loosely agreed personal terms some time ago.
Eze’s demands are unlikely to be Berta’s major obstacle. His club will make things difficult, and Palace have already showcased they won’t be bullied around in negotiations, as evident by their stubbornness to sell Marc Guehi in the past 12 months.
Chairman Steve Parish rejected multiple bids from Newcastle last summer for Guehi, not to mention an audacious £70m offer from Tottenham in January, so Palace are stern negotiators.
Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign a “special” £25 million international winger, according to a new report.
Nottingham Forest in contact to sign new striker after Jesus
The Reds have made two signings so far this summer, both of whom arrived from Brazilian side Botafogo. But given the club are looking to go deep into the UEFA Conference League as well as achieve further success in the Premier League, then Nuno Espirito Santo will be wanting more arrivals before the Premier League season gets underway.
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Igor Jesus, who is a striker, is one of the two players to arrive at the City Ground this summer, and he will join Chris Wood, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Emmanuel Dennis as the contracted forwards at Forest, but the latter could be free to leave the club given he has fallen down the pecking order. Meanwhile, Awoniyi’s return to action is unknown, and therefore, Forest are in the market for another centre-forward.
Inter Milan's Mehdi Taremi in action with Lazio'sMarioGila
According to recent reports abroad, Forest have made contact with Inter Milan over the signing of Mehdi Taremi. Fulham and Turkish outfit Besiktas were already in the race to sign Taremi, but the Reds have now added his name to the list, with all three teams making contact with Inter but are now waiting for the striker to decide his next move. He could cost any side as much as £6.8 million.
Nottingham Forest join Everton in race to sign "special" £25m winger
As well as looking at new forward options, the Reds are also looking at who could replace Anthony Elanga, and according to The Express, Forest have registered their interest in signing Ben Doak from Liverpool.
Unfortunately for Forest, they are not the only team from the Premier League interested in the winger, as Doak is a “leading target” for Everton, as they have made an enquiry, but the likes of Bournemouth and Crystal Palace have also submitted enquiries about signing Doak.
It goes on to add that Doak, who has earned six caps for Scotland to date, would be open to leaving Anfield this summer, after returning from his loan spell at Middlesbrough. The 19-year-old is out of contract next summer, and therefore, Liverpool could be open to letting Doak leave, should they receive an offer worth £25 million.
This is despite the fact he has played just 10 times for the Premier League champions, but Liverpool will see his loan spell at Boro as a productive campaign, as he scored three goals in 24 league games.
Apps
24
Starts
21
Goals
3
xG
4.40
Shots per game
1.1
Goal conversion
11%
Assists
7
xAG
4.52
Big chances created
7
Key passes
1.9
Successful dribbles
1.5 (40%)
Doak is a player who is admired by a lot of clubs, and it may not come as much of a surprise, given former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp labelled Doak “special”. Klopp said: “Special boy. Really confident, has something nobody else delivers, really, this kind of dribbling, this kind of straight-forward bravery, all these kinds of things.”
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been a busy man over the previous few weeks. Not only has he led the Blues to the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, but the Italian has significantly bolstered his first-team squad.
In came striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, before defender Mamadou Sarr joined the club from Strasbourg.
This was only the beginning. Since the start of last week, Maresca has secured a deal to sign forward Joao Pedro for £60m, giving Delap some competition.
Furthermore, Jamie Gittens has made the move to Stamford Bridge from Borussia Dortmund, costing Chelsea £51.5m in the process.
The revolving door at Stamford Bridge means plenty of players will be departing over the coming weeks, but it is evident that Maresca wants to overhaul his attacking options ahead of next season.
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Remarkably, he doesn’t appear to be finished with those three signings.
Despite the arrival of Estevao from Palmeiras, another of the globe’s top talents, Ethan Nwaneri, could make their way to Bridge over the next year.
Why Chelsea are looking at Ethan Nwaneri
The Arsenal sensation might be on the market next summer due to a stall in contract negotiations with the club.
Nwaneri has just one year left on his current deal with the Gunners and a new contract is yet to be agreed. Fabrizio Romano broke the news recently on X regarding Chelsea’s interest, saying:
“Chelsea have been showing interest in Ethan Nwaneri situation, only in case new deal won’t be sealed with Arsenal. Nwaneri & Arsenal, in talks over new deal while player wants game time guaranteed.”
There is no doubt that convincing Nwaneri to swap the Emirates for Stamford Bridge would be a real statement of intent by the Italian, especially considering his superstar potential.
Goals
4
2
Assists
2
0
Big chances created
1
1
Key passes per game
0.6
0.3
Successful dribbles per game
1.4
1
Last season saw the right-winger enjoy a stunning breakthrough. Across 37 matches in all competitions for the Gunners, the teenager scored nine goals and grabbed two assists.
When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, the 18-year-old not only ranked in the top 7% for non-penalty goals (0.48) per 90, but also ranked in the top 1% for successful take-ons (3.54) per 90 over the previous 365 days.
This certainly proves how effective the youngster is when taking on opposition defenders. Combine it with the fact he is excellent in front of goal and Nwaneri would make for a stunning signing.
Why signing defenders makes more sense for Chelsea
Maresca does have a plethora of options in the final third, however. The likes of Estevao, Pedro Neto, Jamie Gittens, Tyrique George and Cole Palmer could play out wide, while Delap, Nicolas Jackson and Pedro will be used in a central role next season.
In an ideal world, adding Nwaneri to this lineup would make Chelsea contenders for both the Premier League and Champions League, no doubt about that.
Other areas need to be bolstered, however, which indicates that a move for a Serie A defender would turn into a much better signing than the Arsenal teen.
Sarr is the only defensive signing that Maresca has made so far this summer, but the supporters will be hoping he won’t be the last.
Benfica duo Antonio Silva and Tomás Araújo have both been linked with a move to the Blues since the transfer window opened, but both potential moves have gone cold recently.
Now, it looks as though Chelsea are keen on making a move for Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini.
That’s according to Caught Offside who further report that Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the youngster, so the Blues won’t have it easy trying to lure him to the Premier League.
The report states that Scalvini could cost up to €60m (£51m), but still only 21, this could be a wonderful long-term signing by Maresca.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Given the need for high-quality defenders, Scalvini might just turn out to be a better recruit than Nwaneri.
What Giorgio Scalvini could bring to Chelsea
The Atalanta starlet missed the majority of last season due to suffering a cruciate ligament injury, derailing the fine progress he had made during the 2023/24 campaign.
Hailed as a “top talent” by none other than Fabrizio Romano back in 2022, Scalvini enjoyed what was a breakthrough season in Serie A that term.
Defensively, he ranked in the top 4% for interceptions, in the top 16% for aerials won and in the top 22% for tackles per 90 when compared to his peers.
It was going forward that the young centre-back really stood out among his positional peers, however.
Indeed, not only did he rank in the top 16% for shot-creating actions, but the Atalanta defender also ranked in the top 5% for successful take-ons and in the top 11% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 in Serie A.
This proves that Maresca wouldn’t just be getting a solid centre-back who is able to command his backline, but one who can shine while going forward, playing in a way that is “so similar to [Declan] Rice” at Arsenal in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson.
The Italian could certainly add something different to his Chelsea defence by making a move for the 21-year-old this summer, no doubt about that.
He might still be raw, but as the statistics suggest, Scalvini has demonstrated his credentials in one of the toughest leagues on the continent.
Atalanta defenderGiorgio Scalvini.
Signing Nwaneri might inject yet more dynamism into the final third and give the supporters a major jolt, but the more important signing would be that of Scalvini.
“Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles” said Sir Alex Ferguson during his spell at Man United, so prioritising a move for up-and-coming defenders, rather than young attackers, might just turn Maresca’s team into serious challengers for major honours.
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After three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s team are determined to finally take the next step.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetareacts
With that objective in mind, could they be about to make yet another statement signing from Spain?
Arsenal's incoming transfer business
By early next week, with Tuesday being the start of July, expect a few of Arsenal’s transfer targets to be unveiled.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Kepa Arrizabalaga will arrive from Chelsea for a reported fee of £5m, to be the back-up to David Raya, while, as reported by David Ornstein of the Athletic, Arsenal are ‘finalising’ a deal to sign Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard for £9.3m.
The Dane, however, is not the only central midfielder heading to North London, given that Martín Zubimendi is set to be unveiled next week, after the Gunners paid his £51m Real Sociedad release clause.
Nevertheless, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho both departing on free transfers, this is an area of the team they do require multiple reinforcements, so are seemingly not done yet.
That’s because, according to reports in Spain, the Gunners are ‘preparing an offer’ of around £35m to Barcelona, as they attempt to sign Marc Casadó.
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham in action with FC Barcelona'sMarcCasado
They also claim that Arteta believes the 21-year-old ‘fits his style of play’ perfectly, hence why the la Másia graduate ‘has become a priority’ for Arsenal.
Given Barcelona’s ongoing financial crisis, they have not ruled out sanctioning a departure, especially one that facilitates Nico Williams’ arrival from Athletic Club which, as Pol Ballús of the Athletic outlines, still faces financial obstacles.
How Marc Casadó would improve Arsenal
As alluded to earlier, Casadó joined Barcelona’s academy as a 13-year-old, making his senior debut for the first team during a Champions League dead rubber against Viktoria Plzeň in November 2022.
FC Barcelona's MarcCasadocelebrates scoring their second goal with teammates
Since then, he has accumulated 41 appearances for Barça, but only establishing himself as a key figure this season, a regular starter before suffering a ligament injury in March, as the table below outlines.
Appearances
36
16th
Starts
29
10th
Minutes
2,447
11th
Completed passes
1,682
7th
Progressive passes
154
8th
Passes into the final third
182
6th
Shot-creating actions
64
9th
Tackles
77
2nd
Interceptions
25
8th
Touches
2,122
8th
Ball recoveries
120
8th
Average SofaScore rating
7.03
10th
As the table outlines, Casadó ranked very highly for every metric included at Barcelona this season, including both passing, as well as defensive statistics, namely tackles, interceptions and ball recoveries, underlining that he is an all-rounder.
Following his international debut against Denmark in Copenhagen, in which he came off the bench to replace Zubimendi, teammate Bryan Zaragoza described the midfielder as “barbaric”, adding “I don’t even know what to say about how he played…. he’s an animal”.
Meantime, Domagoj Kostanjšak of Total Football Analysis believes he is the heir to Sergio Busquets’ throne, stating that Casadó is ‘mostly a ball-recycler’, praising his ‘crisp close control and great decision-making in possession’.
Meantime, Price of Breaking the Lines outlines how the youngster ‘always wants to make progressive passes’, noting that he is almost never dispossessed and has the ability to ‘dominate’ any midfield battle he is involved in.
So, we all already know what Zubimendi is all about, with Ogunniyi Abayomi of Breaking the Lines stating that he too is ‘capable of making line-breaking passes’ as well as dictating the tempo from the base of midfield.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in action with Real Sociedad's MartinZubimendi
Thus, together, the Spanish duo – both potentially arriving from LaLiga – could form an unstoppable partnership, finally ending Arsenal’s interminable 22-year wait for the Premier League title.
£70m star wants to join Arsenal after Norgaard and Mosquera, talks ongoing
Manchester United have a huge task ahead of them this summer, looking to transform the side in their ambitions of pushing back up the Premier League table in 2025/26.
Ruben Amorim is the man tasked with turning such a situation around at Old Trafford, but after taking the reins back in November, the side continued the slump they endured under former boss Erik ten Hag.
However, the ongoing transfer window presents the 40-year-old with a fresh opportunity to improve his first-team squad and offload players not at the desired level.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match
Matheus Cunha has already made the move to join the Red Devils this summer, but multiple other additions are expected as the club look to reach the next level.
It’s unclear how much will be provided by the hierarchy during this window, but it’s vital that key departments of the pitch are strengthened in due course.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
The midfield department has been one area that has seen improvements targeted, with Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney just one name touted with a move to United.
Atalanta star Ederson is another name mentioned with a move to Old Trafford this window, but he may be out of range, which could lead to other options being considered.
However, a new name has been mentioned in the form of Bayern Munich star Joao Palhinha, who could depart the Allianz Arena this summer, according to TBR Football.
The report claims he is holding talks with the German outfit over his future, which could lead to the Red Devils making a move for his signature in the coming weeks.
It also states that a deal for the Portuguese international would likely be a loan move, after he only moved to the Bundesliga from Fulham in a £47.5m deal last summer.
Why United’s latest target could be perfect for Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has been a shining light within the United squad over the last few years, still reaching astronomical levels despite their recent clump in 2024/25.
The Portuguese international joined the club back in January 2020 and has been a phenomenal addition ever since, notching 20 plus combined goals and assists in every season he’s spent at Old Trafford.
Even this season, after finishing in 15th place in the Premier League, he registered 37 goals contributions and subsequently being nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award.
He’s recently been subjected to major interest from Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, but he rejected a mammoth contract worth in the region of £700k-per-week to stay and take the Red Devils back towards their former glory.
However, as a result of the lack of quality, the 30-year-old has been forced to operate in a slightly deeper role rather he’s used to, playing in part of a midfield two rather than in behind the striker.
Bayern Munich's JoaoPalhinhalooks dejected as he walks off after receiving a red card
The potential arrival of Palhinha could change such a situation, handing the side the needed ball-winning option that’s been desperately needed over recent months.
The 29-year-old, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Squawka Sport, averaged 1.7 tackles per 90 in the Bundesliga, winning 70% of the tackles he entered – showcasing his ability to regain possession.
Games played
17
Minutes played
667
Pass accuracy
93%
Progressive passes
4.7
Tackles won
1.7
Tackle success
70%
Duels won
7.1
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 without the ball.
However, he’d also completed 93% of the passes he’s attempted, making 4.7 progressive passes per 90, handing Bruno the ammunition to improve his own tallies should he move to Old Trafford.
Their time playing together at national level could certainly help the club in their quest, with the pair having the opportunity to star together on a regular basis.
A loan move would help provide an immediate improvement on the current situation, with such a signing potentially playing a huge role in their future success under Amorim this campaign.
A better move than Mbeumo: Wilcox opens talks to sign £40m star for Man Utd
Manchester United have made a move to land a star who’d be a better signing than Bryan Mbeumo.
It would be hard to deny that this season was a disappointment for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side may have done well in the Champions League and finished second in the Premier League, but the club’s ambition was to win a significant honour, which they failed to do.
There were a number of players who failed to deliver, with Gabriel Martinelli being one of the attackers who really flattered to deceive.
Arsenal's GabrielMartinellireacts
Interestingly, the Brazilian’s inability to get back to the levels he showed in 22/23 might have cost him his place in the team, as recent reports have linked the club with an exciting youngster who could be an ideal upgrade.
Arsenal's chase for a new winger
Much of the chatter this summer has been about Arsenal’s need for a new winger.
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Fortunately, they have several players on their radar, albeit that have yet to formally make a move for any of their targets.
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been one name linked, as has another Spanish-based forward in Nico Williams. However, if they are unattainable, then they could look forwards the Bundesliga.
According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now one of a handful of teams interested in Leipzig star, Antonio Nusa, ahead of the transfer window reopening on Monday.
While the report claims that the interest from the Gunners is currently the most notable, other teams like Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton, and Napoli are all keen on the dynamo, presently valued at €45m, which is about £38m.
It could be a somewhat complicated transfer to get over the line, but Nusa could be a special player, and someone Arsenal should pursue, especially as he could be an upgrade on Martinelli.
How Nusa compares to Martinelli
One of the significant strengths of Nusa is that he can play in a number of positions, be that off the right, up top or even wide midfield, but when it comes down to it, his most natural and best role is as a left-winger.
Therefore, if the “ridiculous” Norwegian entertainer, as dubbed by journalist Dean Jones, is to join Arsenal this summer, then one of his main competitors for game time would be Martinelli, so how do the pair stack up against one another?
Well, when it comes down to their raw output this season, it would be fair to say neither was prolific, but even though he’s almost four years his junior, it’s the Leipiz star who comes out on top here.
For example, in 36 appearances for the German outfit, totalling just 2185 minutes, the Langhus-born ace scored five goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every three games, or 182.08 minutes.
In contrast, the Gunners’ number 11 scored ten goals and provided six assists, but did so in 51 appearances, totalling 3564 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 3.18 games, or every 222.75 minutes.
Okay, what about their underlying numbers, then? Which winger comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?
Unfortunately for the former Ituano, while he does do better in some metrics, like shots, shots on target, and passes into the penalty area, he comes out as a clear second-best in the vast majority of others.
Non-Penalty G+As
0.52
0.38
Progressive Passes
3.09
1.87
Progressive Carries
3.61
4.69
Shots
1.94
2.12
Goals per Shot
0.13
0.12
Shots on Target
0.75
0.94
Goals per Shot on Target
0.35
0.28
Passing Accuracy
73.2%
71.4%
Key Passes
1.57
1.56
Passes into the Final Third
1.65
0.47
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.37
1.40
Live Passes
30.8
25.4
Shot-Creating Actions
3.34
2.90
Goal-Creating Actions
0.28
0.25
Tackles
1.69
0.92
Blocks
0.88
0.73
Interceptions
0.52
0.16
Clearances
0.56
0.70
Successful Take-Ons
2.25
1.48
Ball Recoveries
4.38
3.10
For example, the former Club Brugge gem emerges victories in metrics like non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, tackles and many, many more, all per 90.
Moreover, the 20-year-old “1v1 specialist,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, also does far better when it comes to successful take-ons per 90, which could help make the North Londoners’ left-hand side so much more effective.
Ultimately, Martinelli could still be a valuable squad player for Arsenal next season, but it’s clear that, despite being considerably younger, Nusa is the better winger and, therefore, someone the club should be going all out to sign.
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