Arsenal are now worried that Premier League rivals Chelsea will hijack their deal for a key target by making a near-£85 million bid, according to reports, despite the Gunners already agreeing personal terms and submitting an offer themselves.

Andrea Berta gets busy ahead of first summer transfer window

The first transfer window opens on June 1, so new sporting director Andrea Berta is a matter of weeks away from the commencement of his debut summer at the Emirates.

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He’s already got off to a flying start by sealing a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano dropping his famous ‘here we go’ to the agreement.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

The Spain international is poised to sign a long-term contract, with Arsenal set to trigger his £51 million release clause (Fabrizio Romano), and all signs point towards Zubimendi becoming Berta’s first major signing as the Gunners’ transfer chief.

Even though some reliable media sources suggest there is still a hint of caution, Arsenal have a full agreement in place with Zubimendi, with former director Edu Gaspar and his interim replacement, Jason Ayto, more than playing their part in a move, according to Ben Jacobs.

Zubimendi will likely replace the exit-bound Jorginho, with attention now turning to who will follow the Sociedad star to Arsenal.

Reports this week have claimed that Arsenal are making serious progress on a move for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, following yet another exceptional campaign in the Primeira Liga for Coventry City’s former star.

Arsenal and Gyokeres are “already aligned” on personal terms, according to Football Transfers, with Portuguese newspaper Corriere de Manha now sharing a very bold update on the saga.

Arsenal fear Viktor Gyokeres to Chelsea hijack despite making "official offer"

As per their information, the 26-year-old and Mikel Arteta’s side have already reached an agreement over his contract, and Arsenal have now submitted their first “official offer” for Gyokeres – which comes in at around £63 million.

However, there is a catch, with Berta and co holding a serious concern over rivals Chelsea.

It is believed that Arsenal fear Chelsea will swoop in with a bid of their own for Gyokeres, and one valued close to his €100m (£85m) release clause, so the north Londoners appear very keen to get him over the line as soon as possible.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas also views Arsenal’s opening proposal as a first bid, holding some hope behind the scenes that they could get even more for one of Europe’s most lethal marksmen in front of goal.

Gyokeres’ goalscoring exploits have piqued major interest from both Chelsea and Arsenal, with the Sweden international seeming almost certain to leave this summer.

Chelsea are convinced a marquee Brazilian would be a star for Enzo Maresca next season, and a move for the player is expected to happen “soon”.

Chelsea agree Liam Delap deal as BlueCo continue forward search

Earlier this week, Chelsea reached an agreement over the signing of Ipswich striker Liam Delap, with the Englishman, barring any unexpected surprises, looking set to become their first completed deal of the summer.

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The 22-year-old had alternative offers on the table, particularly from Man United, Newcastle and Everton, but Delap started to give his preference to Chelsea after they qualified for the Champions League (talkSPORT).

Rank

Team

Points

GD

Man City

71

+28

Chelsea

69

+21

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

Reports then began emerging that Delap had fully agreed to join Chelsea after being convinced of the project, with Maresca now also said to have played a “crucial” role in convincing the ex-Man City starlet to choose a Stamford Bridge move.

Delap is now also set for a medical at Cobham ahead of a £30 million switch from Portman Road.

While Chelsea are closing in on the Englishman, this doesn’t appear to be the end of their search for new forwards. Now that they’ve qualified for the Champions League, and with many squad members potentially leaving to raise even more funds, there is a chance that Chelsea sign two strikers this summer.

As well as this, BlueCo are targeting a winger, as heavily reported, and one name high on their transfer shortlist is Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

The Brazil international is valued at £84 million by Real, following his 23 goal contributions over 50 appearances last season (13 goals, 10 assists), so Chelsea would need to invest significantly in his capture as they also “push” for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké (Florian Plettenberg).

Chelsea convinced Rodrygo would be a star for Enzo Maresca

Spanish newspaper Diario AS, and their reporter Eduardo Burgos, share some interesting details on Chelsea’s links to the 24-year-old.

Chelsea believe Rodrygo could be one of Maresca’s “crown jewels” next season, envisaging a key role in the squad for him. While London rivals Arsenal have already held informal discussions over the £202,000-per-week attacker, Chelsea are expected to do the same “soon”.

Burgos writes that Chelsea are intent on making a “statement” this summer and anticipate a very busy window, especially after confirming their spot in the Champions League, and Rodrygo “ticks all the boxes”.

“Rodrygo, so underrated,” said Jude Bellingham about his Real teammate.

“For me he’s probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad. The things he can do with the football — we’ll be messing around and he’ll flick the ball up somehow and you’re like, ‘How do you do that?’. I’m trying to do it, twisting up my ankles and everything like that. He’s a pleasure to play with.”

To describe Tottenham Hotspur’s campaign this year as a rollercoaster would be a massive understatement.

For most of the Premier League season, Ange Postecoglou’s side were nothing short of terrible – which would explain the club’s decision to sack him.

However, even with injuries severely hampering them on the domestic front, the North Londoners were brilliant in the Europa League, and with most of their squad back for the climax of the campaign, they ended up winning it all in Bilbao.

One of the team’s stars in the semi-finals and final was Cristian Romero, yet there is a distinct possibility that he could leave this summer, although based on the latest player touted for a move to the Lilywhites, that might not be such a problem.

Tottenham transfer news

While he’ll likely go down as a Spurs legend for his efforts in the Europa League this season, it is now starting to feel like Romero could be at a different club entirely by the end of the summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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

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A few months ago, stories came out linking him with a move to Real Madrid, but since then, the most prominent links have been to their city rivals, Atlético Madrid.

In fact, in April, reports were suggesting that the Argentine had already spoken to his compatriot, Diego Simeone, and as recently as late last month, more stories emerged claiming that the player had informed the Lilywhites that he wanted to join the Spanish giants.

While losing the World Cup winner would be far from ideal, there is a chance he could fetch the club a fee of around £60m, and that could help them sign a replacement or even upgrade, like Wilfried Singo.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, the Europa League winners are among several teams interested in signing the AS Monaco star this summer.

Alongside Tottenham, the report claims that Arsenal, Atlético, Newcastle United and Napoli are all keen on the player, who’s set to cost around €35m – £29m – and talks are expected to progress soon.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Singo’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could actually be an upgrade on Romero.

How Singo compares to Romero

Now, unlike with strikers, wingers and even some midfielders, where you can just look at their goals and assists, it can be rather difficult to cast any significant judgment over a defender without watching them for quite some time.

However, there are some ways in which we can still gauge how Singo stacks up against Romero, and the best is to take a deep dive into their statistics and compare their underlying numbers.

Interestingly, when we do this, it becomes clear that not only would the 6 foot 3 “monster,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, be a good replacement for the possibly departing Argentine, but he could even end up being something of an upgrade.

Singo vs Romero

Statistics per 90

Singo

Romero

Non-Penalty G+As

0.13

0.06

Progressive Passes

5.06

4.52

Progressive Passes Received

1.16

0.19

Progressive Carries

1.50

0.76

Key Passes

86.2%

89.5%

Shot-Creating Actions

0.82

1.27

Tackles

1.59

2.23

Shots Blocked

0.39

0.19

Interceptions

1.85

1.34

Clearances

4.72

3.63

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.09

0.13

Successful Take-Ons

0.26

0.06

Ball Recoveries

5.92

5.73

Aerial Duels Won %

63.8%

60.3%

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Domestic Season

For example, per FBref, the Ivorian international comes out ahead in the majority of relevant metrics, be that the attacking ones, like progressive passes and carries, or the defensive ones, like interceptions, clearances, blocked shots or percentage of aerial duels won, all per 90.

Moreover, the 24-year-old has another trick up his sleeve: positional versatility.

While he is primarily a centre-back, the Moncao gem can and has played at full-back and even right-midfield before, meaning he could provide the next Spurs boss with so many more tactical options.

Ultimately, Romero is an unreal player, but if he does leave, then Singo could be the perfect replacement and maybe even an upgrade.

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Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 6, 2025

Everton are far enough away from the top half and the bottom three that their Premier League season is basically said and done, but there’s still something bigger to play for.

This weekend, Goodison Park will sing for the Everton Men’s team one last time. Relegated Southampton make the trip, sure to enter a cauldron of chaos as the Toffees say goodbye to their long-held home ahead of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock this summer.

The change of scenery represents a very real juncture in the club’s history, with David Moyes back at the helm and tasked with a rebuild that will see plenty of ins and outs before the 2025/26 campaign.

While fans are hoping to see a new striker walk through the gates, Everton need a variety of talent, with an exciting midfielder identified already.

Everton chasing new midfielder

According to TEAMtalk, Sunderland’s Dan Neil is on Everton’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window, although a move would likely be dependent on the outcome Black Cats’ Championship play-off final tie against Sheffield United.

That said, Neil’s contract expires at the end of next season and his side would prefer to cash in while they can. This opens a road from which Everton can travel to claim the talented midfielder’s signature.

Due to the player’s contract situation, he may even be available for a cut-price fee of £15m this summer.

What Dan Neil would bring to Everton

Neil, 23, has played a crucial role in Sunderland’s rise from League One. His breakthrough actually came during the promotion-sealing season of 2021/22, and he’s now featured 196 times for his boyhood club, clinching 32 goal contributions.

Hailed as a “joy to watch” on the field by Sunderland reporter Phil Smith and as “phenomenal” by fellow EFL star Luke Molyneux, Neil’s all-round game is something that could really impact the Everton midfield, with his sharp eye for a pass, strong defensive qualities and knack for driving the ball forward and creating space for teammates a particular skill set that Moyes has made good use of in the past.

Indeed, Neil could actually prove to be the manager’s next version of Declan Rice, who might play for Arsenal now but made his name in east London, synonymous with West Ham United’s rise in Moyes’ system, instrumental in winning the Conference League in 2022/23.

Matches (starts)

44 (44)

33 (31)

Goals

2

3

Assists

3

7

Touches*

57.5

57.7

Pass completion

84%

90%

Big chances created

4

16

Key passes*

0.7

1.8

Ball recoveries*

5.7

4.3

Dribbles*

0.9

0.4

Tackles + interceptions*

2.9

2.4

Duels (won)*

4.8 (51%)

3.4 (51%

Rice is clearly the more creative player, and he’s playing top-flight football besides, but Everton fans aren’t expecting Moyes and the board to conjure up a signing carrying the elite-level status of the Gunners’ main man in the middle.

Rather, they just want to see progress, and that is exactly what Neil would provide if placed in the Everton centre. As you can see, he’s athletic, tenacious in the duel and willing to dribble the ball forward, with a crispness in possession that Moyes will need to help with his transitional play next year.

Moyes’ man management ability is second to none, and after several years of promise in the second tier, Neil is surely ready to step into the big time as an Everton player, where he could thrive as the centrepiece of a growing project.

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ByEthan Lamb May 15, 2025

Celtic’s pre-season plans are starting to take shape.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Brendan Rodgers’ side will be heading to Northern Italy in late-July for a pre-season tournament between 23 and 27 July, with hosts Como, Dutch giants Ajax and recently crowned Asian champions Al-Ahli from Saudi Arabia also taking part.

The Hoops also have friendlies against Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Newcastle United at Parkhead in the diary beforehand, with Rodgers hoping to bolster his squad ahead of pre-season getting underway.

A new striker has been the priority ever since Kyōgo Furuhashi was sold to Stade Rennais in January, so are the Scottish Premiership champions about to land their man, a move reminiscent of that for a recent fans’ favourite; Giorgos Giakoumakis?

Giorgos Giakoumakis's Celtic career

Giakoumakis was not a Celtic player for a very long time, but he certainly made his mark in Glasgow.

During his 18-month stint at Parkhead, the Greece international scored 26 goals in just 57 appearances for the Hoops, thereby averaging a goal every 97 minutes, winning the Premiership golden boot during his only full season at the club.

However, after never being able to properly cement himself as the first-choice centre-forward, Giakoumakis departed for Atlanta United in February 2023 for a reported £4.3m fee.

A year later, he was sold to Mexican club Cruz Azul in a record-breaking £7.5m deal, part of the los Celestes squad that won the CONCACAF Champions Cup last Sunday, smashing Vancouver Whitecaps 5-0 in the final.

So now, four years after Giakoumakis first arrived in Glasgow, could the Celts finalise a very similar deal?

Celtic's striker search

As has been previously reported by ESPN Netherlands, Celtic are interested in signing striker Youssef El Kachati this summer.

The 25 year old was on fire for Dutch club Telstar this season, scoring 25 goals in all competitions, helping them gain promotion back to the Eredivisie for the first time since 1978, going up via the play-offs, in which El Kachati scored five goals in six appearances, dumping out ADO Den Haag, Den Bosch and then Willem II as recently as last weekend.

However, the Moroccan youth international will not be around for de Witte Leeuwen’s top division return in August, given that his contract expires this month, and he is not going to renew.

On top of this, as noted by Martin McMillan of the Glasgow Times, El Kachati has rejected the chance to join Zweite Bundesliga side Hannover 96, stating “I will make a fantastic step this summer”, with Anthony Evans of the Daily Record claiming the Celts are ‘supremely confident’ of securing his signature.

So, why would this move evoke memories of Giakoumakis’ arrival?

Well, the Greek centre-forward arrived in Glasgow for £2.5m in the summer of 2021 from VVV-Venlo, with whom he’d won the Eredivisie golden boot during his final season in the Netherlands, scoring 26 league goals, despite the fact the Yellow and Black Army were actually relegated.

Lorihanna Balabanova of Total Football Analysis praised Giakoumakis’ exceptional “positioning” and movement, outlining how he uses his physicality to his advantage.

Well, similarly, writer Martin Bjerke believes that El Kachati “combines physical presence with dynamic movement”, labelling him “technically gifted” as well as a “reliable offensive outlet”, which sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

So, let’s analyse how the two centre-forwards compare.

Appearances

33

45

Minutes

2,875

3,517

Goals

29

25

Assists

2

6

Shots on target %

43%

40.5%

Shots per 90

3

3.86

Shots on target per 90

1.29

1.56

Goals per shot

0.21

0.14

Worth stating first and foremost that, of course, Giakoumakis was plying his trade in the Eredivisie, while El Kachati did so in the Eerste Divisie last season.

According to Global Football Rankings, the Netherlands’ top division is the 12th strongest league in the world, while the Dutch second-tier comes in at 70th; for comparison, the Scottish Premiership is 43rd, while the SPFL Championship is actually 75th.

That caveat aside, El Kachati’s statistics are impressive, scoring more goals while also registering more shots as well as more shots on target per 90.

So, as Celtic search for centre-forward reinforcements this summer, the 25-year-old is surely worth a punt, given that he’s available for free.

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ByDan Emery Jun 4, 2025

Birmingham City ended up coasting to the League One title in style with five straight victories to close out the season seeing the Blues end on a record-breaking 111 points.

This was the first honour added to the St. Andrew’s trophy cabinet since Birmingham’s dramatic League Cup win over Arsenal in 2011, but the Tom Wagner-backed Blues will be hungry for more successes of this kind when heading up to the Championship.

Back-to-back promotions will be the dream goal for Chris Davies’ men upon their re-entry into the tricky division, with some new statement signings needed to boost their chances of immediately feeling at home in the EFL’s elite league.

One of those major buys could be Che Adams, with the hectic rumour mill suggesting Birmingham are keen on snapping up their former star to add even more firepower to their ranks.

Birmingham's hunt for Che Adams

Late last month, Football Insider broke the news that Davies and Co were eyeing up a spectacular move to tempt Adams back to the West Midlands club.

They further stated that Birmingham were looking to add the 28-year-old back to their roster in order to possess a Championship ready goal machine, with Adams boasting 49 career goals in the difficult division.

But, both Jay Stansfield and Alfie May arguably deserve a crack at the level after firing home the goals to seal promotion for their side.

Moreover, Birmingham could seal a better and more worthwhile purchase than landing Adams by signing an EFL star who might make the likes of Stansfield and May even more prolific.

Birmingham eyeing a more exciting signing than Adams

Luring Adams back to St. Andrew’s won’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, considering he once joined former employers Southampton for a reported £15m.

On the other hand, snapping up the services of Peterborough United superstar Kwame Poku could be a lot cheaper, with a compensatory fee needing to be agreed between both the Blues and Posh as the Ghanaian ace’s contract is now expired in Cambridgeshire.

Whilst Adams’ impressive goal record might well justify whatever bumper fee Torino want, Poku would come in and offer far more than just goals for Davies’ men, with the excellent delivery in the video above proving the 23-year-old’s calmness under pressure to pick out an inch-perfect pass for a teammate.

Of course, Poku’s blistering game does also focus in on his ability to fire home strikes, considering he bagged a potent 12 league goals last season for Darren Ferguson’s men.

But, he can also be unselfish and creative marauding through the centre or down the right channel, meaning the likes of Stansfield and May could have chances galore put on a plate for them if the 5 foot 10 star does finally join.

On top of that, it’s not also guaranteed that Adams would return to the Blues and be an instant rip-roaring success, considering he fired home just 12 goals during his first two seasons at the level when last donning a Birmingham strip.

Poku’s league numbers (24/25) vs Stansfield & May
Stat – per 90 mins*	Poku	Stansfield	May
Games played	27	37	44
Goals scored	12	19	16
Assists	8	3	8
Touches*	46.3	29.0	21.9
Shots*	2.4	2.7	1.6
Scoring frequency	172 mins	142 mins	148 mins
Accurate passes*	20.3 (80%)	8.1 (69%)	10.9 (79%)
Big chances missed	3	13	13
Big chances created	9	6	7
Stats by Sofascore

Whereas, looking at the table above, it appears that Poku, Stansfield and May could become a terrifying trio for Championship defences to contain, with the “top drawer” talent – as he’s been lauded by Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony – chomping at the bit to prove himself as an attacking force in the far tougher league.

Also, reunions often just don’t go to plan either. Whereas, if Poku’s League One numbers are anything to go by, he could be the exact fresh blood Birmingham need to become an more formidable outfit stepping back up a division.

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Kelan Sarson

May 18, 2025

Florian Wirtz is in the process of signing for Liverpool this summer in what will likely prove a British-record deal, with Bayer Leverkusen demanding £120m to part with their prized possession.

It’s droning on a bit, the transfer saga, but then engineering a record deal for a world-class superstar was never going to be a walk in the park, and it bears testament to sporting director Richard Hughes and his team that Liverpool have batted off rival interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich to take the lead in what is now a one-horse race.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold now officially a Real Madrid player, it was always going to be important that Liverpool replace him not just positionally but creatively as well, and Wirtz is “unbelievably intelligent” in his passing, says Leverkusen’s former executive CEO assistant, Devin Ozek.

When (if) the Wirtz deal is wrapped up, Liverpool will want to turn their focus to the front of the ship, with a new centre-forward needed after difficult campaigns for Slot’s natural number nines.

However, the sale of one of Anfield’s biggest stars has led Liverpool to rekindle their interest in Anthony Gordon.

Why Liverpool are interested in Anthony Gordon

Gordon signed for Newcastle United in a £45m deal back in January 2023, and despite a slow start across the latter phase of that campaign, Gordon notched 28 goal contributions during the 2023/24 season and was crowned the club’s Player of the Season.

Newcastle would want £80m to let the England international leave St. James’ Park this summer, but that hasn’t stopped Liverpool from registering their interest in Gordon, who dreams of returning to Merseyside and joining his boyhood club.

Now, why is this? Well, interest is growing in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, with FSG already rejecting an offer from Barcelona and stating the Colombian is not for sale, report The Athletic.

However, the Premier League side’s stance is likely far more equivocal, with the right offer sure to open the door for the 28-year-old’s sale. Al-Nassr are also intrigued, and maybe their riches would be more fitting for a summer departure.

Should Diaz depart, it would be because a suitor, likely from the Saudi Pro League, has agreed to meet FSG’s €85m (£72m) valuation.

If that happens, Liverpool will move for a new wideman, but it might not actually be Gordon who gets reeled in.

Liverpool lead race for Gordon alternative

The problem with Gordon is he’s worth £80m, and given there’s a similar player who could be signed for half that sum and placed to challenge Cody Gakpo for the number one spot, it seems silly to go down the more expensive route.

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That player is Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who, according to TEAMtalk, has been heavily scouted by Liverpool in recent months as Slot weighs up a move.

Fofana’s £40m release clause makes him an attractive option. Arsenal and Aston Villa are also interested, alongside Liverpool, with the trio all said to be leading the race.

The player’s agent, Bobo Fofana, however, has previously claimed that Anfield would be his “choice of heart.”

What Malick Fofana would bring to Liverpool

Fofana may only be 20 and with 62 Lyon appearances to his name, but he’s already made quite the name for himself in France, joining from Belgian team Gent for a fee rising to €22m (£19m) in January 2024, when he was only 18.

Across 41 matches in all competitions this season, the wideman scored 11 goals and provided six assists for his teammates, and with his principal position being on the left flank, he’d be ideal to replace Diaz.

That is, unless Gordon signs for the club. Liverpool’s interest in the English star is long-standing, but it might be that moving for the Scouser wouldn’t be in the club’s best interests, not when Fofana’s progress suggests he could do the same job.

Given that he’s four years Gordon’s junior, he might even eclipse him in the years to come.

League Stats 24/25 – Anthony Gordon vs Malick Fofana

Stats (* per game)

Gordon

Fofana

Matches (starts)

34 (28)

29 (16)

Goals

6

5

Assists

5

4

Shots (on target)*

1.7 (0.6)

1.1 (0.4)

Pass completion

81%

84%

Key passes*

1.5

0.9

Big chances created

6

6

Dribbles*

1.1

0.8

Tackles + interceptions*

1.1

1.1

Ground duels (won)*

4.4

2.8 (54%)

Data via Sofascore

As you can see, both wingers enjoyed similar seasons in their respective leagues, but is Gordon performing at a level which proves he should cost double that of his French counterpart?

As per FBref, Fofana ranked among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for non-penalty goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 16% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

His athleticism and pace have actually led the data-driven site to record Gordon as one of Fofana’s most comparable players, further evidence that he should be signed instead.

So then, the template for something remarkable might just be there. A natural goalscorer, Fofana has also been praised for his “explosive” running by analyst Ben Mattinson. Moreover, the defensive quality you can see ranks well against Gordon is something that would serve him well in the Premier League.

Given the richness of Liverpool’s attacking options, bringing in Fofana as a long-term project might not be the worst idea in the world, with his crisp passing aligning with the way Diaz plays and his fleet-footedness a further string to his bow.

With Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and the rest of them helping unlock Fofana’s high potential, this could be a shrewd move the Reds look back at fondly indeed in the years to come.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 6, 2025

With the transfer window now open, Vitor Pereira has reportedly asked Wolverhampton Wanderers chiefs to sign a Brazilian defender who has a release clause worth £22m.

Matt Hobbs leaves the club

Whilst Wolves will be keen to get their summer business underway as soon as possible, especially after losing Matheus Cunha and watching on as Rayan Ait-Nouri attracts interest from Manchester City, the departure of Matt Hobbs may delay things. Without their sporting director, the Midlands club are set to restructure behind the scenes ahead of Pereira’s first summer in charge.

The club released a statement on Hobbs’ exit, which read: “Wolves can confirm that sporting director Matt Hobbs has left the club by mutual consent as part of a wider restructure of the football department.

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“Hobbs, who joined Wolves in 2015, has spent the past decade working across a number of key football roles at the club, including chief scout, head of recruitment and most recently as sporting director.

“The club extends its sincere thanks to Matt for his contributions throughout his time at Wolves and wishes him the very best for the future. Further updates on the new football leadership structure will follow.”

Of course, it’s not the only change taking place in the Midlands. Having already lost Cunha to Manchester United, reports are now indicating that Wolves are likely to lose Ait-Nouri to Manchester City in the coming weeks.

Losing arguably their two best players in the same summer, Wolves must now get things right on the incomings front. Pereira will be desperate to see his first season in charge build on the progress that he’s already made at Molineux and that means a mid-table finish instead of another nervy relegation battle.

The one positive is that Wolves should have money to spend and money that Pereira is already reportedly keen to put to good use.

Pereira asks Wolves to sign Renan

According to UOL, as relayed by Molineux News, Pereira has now directly asked Wolves to sign Robert Renan, who he worked with during his time in Saudi Arabia and at Corinthians. The 21-year-old defender now reportedly has a release clause worth £22m at Zenit St. Petersburg and, after spending the season on loan at Al-Shabab, could yet be on his way to the Premier League.

Games

25

Wins

13

Draws

5

Defeats

7

Still just 21 years old, Renan has found himself at the centre of impressive praise for how he’s risen through the ranks in recent seasons. That includes from U23 scout Antonio Mango, who praised the defender for his “great mobility and acceleration” in 2023.

Two years on from that praise, the young centre-back has only upped his game, which could leave him in line for his biggest opportunity yet. Pereira knows him well and Wolves have money to spend, which means that Renan’s arrival could make perfect sense for all parties this summer.

Having reportedly requested the Brazilian’s arrival, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Pereira gets his wish at Wolves in the coming months.

Manchester United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight in the Premier League, entering the penultimate game of what has been a dismal year in England’s top-flight.

Ruben Amorim’s side will want to end the campaign on a high after their disappointment across the board, but all focus will undoubtedly be on the Europa League final.

The Red Devils face Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on Wednesday evening, with players wanting to save themselves and prevent injury ahead of the vital clash.

However, players will still want to impress against Enzo Maresca’s side, potentially landing themselves a start against Spurs and having the opportunity to make themselves a hero and end the season on a high.

It will hand the boss a chance to assess his squad, but he should drop one player for the clash in West London tonight, after what has been a below-par year at Old Trafford.

Why Amorim needs to drop Hojlund against Chelsea

Striker Rasmus Hojlund had huge hopes of being a success at United following his £72m move from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023 – but it’s safe to say his time at the club has been a disaster.

The Danish international has often been the Red Devils’ main talisman this campaign, but has failed to deliver, netting just four league goals in his 30 appearances.

The 22-year-old even went 21 games without a goal across all competitions earlier this campaign, highlighting his lack of impact at the top end of the pitch.

His all-round play has been just as disappointing, completing an average of just 11 passes per game, unable to offer the side the link-up play needed for success within the final third.

Such a record has led to numerous links to other attackers all across Europe, with the manager needing to experiment with multiple other options against Chelsea to evaluate his side further ahead of the summer.

The United star who Amorim should start in a new role

Over the course of 2024/25, Amorim has experimented with multiple options at the top end of the pitch in an attempt to combat their issues in the final third.

Centre-back Harry Maguire has often been called upon to operate as a makeshift centre-forward this campaign, most notably against Nottingham Forest, where he had an effort cleared off the line.

He’s not been the only player to operate out of position, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo operating in such a role during the defeat at home to Crystal Palace.

However, he could continue in such vein, by utilising Amad Diallo as a centre-forward, adding yet another position to his resume this season after switching since Amorim’s appointment.

The Ivorian has operated at wing-back and attacking midfield, starring in both positions and being one of the club’s most effective players, given his tally of 10 goals and eight assists across all competitions.

However, his ankle injury has derailed his progress, needing vital minutes before the Europa League final to hand himself the best chance of swinging the game in their favour.

Amad, who’s been labelled a “monster” by former teammate Scott Arfield, has registered 2.3 shots per 90 – undoubtedly aiding his excellent tallies, making him a superb option at the top end.

Games played

24

Goals & assists

13

Pass accuracy

86%

Shots taken

2.6

Chances created

2.4

Successful dribbles

2.1

Touches in opposition box

7.2

He’s also completed 86% of the passes he’s attempted, and whilst creating 2.4 chances per 90 – handing the other players around him the opportunity to thrive at the Bridge.

It may seem a bold call to utilise the 22-year-old in such a role, but given the lack of impact from other players in the department this campaign, it could be another masterstroke from the boss.

Ultimately, attention will be fully on next week’s European final, but it presents another chance for the youngster to get minutes under his belt, possibly registering a positive end to what’s been a year to forget for the Red Devils.

INEOS now in direct talks to bring Premier League star to Man Utd with Cunha

The Red Devils have set their sights on an attacking rebuild.

ByTom Cunningham May 14, 2025

With the Europa League final on the horizon, Manchester United are now reportedly “in the mix” to sign a Tottenham Hotspur gem and get one over on Wednesday’s opponents.

Amorim "confident" about Europa League final vs Tottenham

Despite heading into Wednesday’s all-important clash off the back of yet another defeat, leaving Manchester United 16th and without back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time in their history, Ruben Amorim is surprisingly confident in his side.

The Portuguese manager told reporters earlier this week: “Of course, we have to believe. I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game.

”They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club. After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way. So I am really confident.

”We are living a season that is really strange because we are doing so well in Europe but, in the Premier League, we struggle. But we will be prepared for the final. It’s a different context and a different game. The most important thing is the change in mentality in my team. They compete and that is the most important thing for me.”

Of course, it’s not just silverware on the line for both Manchester United and Tottenham, either. A place in next season’s Champions League awaits for the victors in what would be some achievement, given their respective positions in the bottom half of the Premier League.

It must also be questioned whether Amorim should feel such confidence up against Ange Postecoglou’s side after the Lilywhites defeated the Manchester club 1-0 back in February to extend their unbeaten run against the Red Devils to six games.

Those at Old Trafford are pulling no punches in the build-up, however, and are now even reportedly “in the mix” to sign a Tottenham youngster just a few days out from the final.

Man Utd "in the mix" to sign Tottenham teenager Dexter Oliver

According to transfer journalist Graeme Bailey, Manchester United are now “in the mix” to sign Dexter Oliver from Tottenham this summer. The 16-year-old attacking midfielder is reportedly set to leave the North London club amid interest from around the Premier League.

Bailey told United in Focus: “There is some interest in Dexter Oliver, but there are a lot of clubs showing an interest, United are just one of them. They are in the mix.”

Romano: Man Utd close to signing “incredible” £90k-p/w Garnacho upgrade

Manchester United need to make sweeping changes if they are to succeed for Ruben Amorim next season.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

May 18, 2025

After the teenager reportedly refused to sign a two-year scholarship deal at Tottenham, Manchester United could swoop in and take full advantage. Following last season’s deal to sign Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal and now potentially this summer’s addition of Oliver from Spurs, it’s clear that Manchester United are still capable of attracting top talents at academy level.

INEOS and Amorim will hope that academy work eventually pays off too, as United’s senior side continue to struggle. Meanwhile, with it all to play for on Wednesday, the Red Devils will be desperate to take their first step back in the right direction.