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Everton are still in pole position to sign Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto ahead of Napoli and need around £20m to sign the Italy international.

Are Everton signing Wilfried Gnonto?

The Toffees and Sean Dyche appear to be on the search for attacking reinforcements after making a head start on their summer business.

Ashley Young was the first to sign for the club ahead of Dyche’s first full season in charge, arriving on a free transfer, whereas Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma has put pen to paper on a season-long loan deal.

Gnonto has been one of a number of attackers who have been linked with a move to Merseyside, and reports earlier this month claimed that Everton actually have had an opening £15m offer turned down by Leeds. However, it looks as if the club only need to increase their initial bid by 33% in order to get a deal over the line.

Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke provided an update he's heard regarding Gnonto on Wednesday morning. He stated that despite interest from Serie A champions Napoli, Everton are still leading the way to sign the forward due to the Italian side needing to raise money before they can make a move in what is a boost for Dyche and the Toffees.

An offer in the region of £20m should be enough for the Whites to accept, as the Championship side would be making a profit after spending just £4m on the forward just last summer.

Dyche believes Gnonto could be a key player for the upcoming campaign due to his versatility across the front line.

Where does Wilfried Gnonto play?

Gnonto is just 19 years of age, but he has already made over 100 senior appearances at club level, while also representing his country on 12 occasions. He has made 10 or more appearances as an attacking midfielder, right-winger, left-winger and second striker, proving that he would offer a versatile option going forward.

The youngster has caught the eye in England as well, with Gary Neville waxing lyrical over Gnonto during a Premier League match against Aston Villa earlier this year.

“To see someone so mature, so young is very unusual in that position. Sometimes you see potential and talent but watching him so closely, his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, when to run with it, his awareness of teammates, really good honestly.”

Meanwhile, Leeds coach Michael Skubala hailed Gnonto as a "special player" and football talent scout Jacek Kulig said he is a player who has "electric pace, stature, low centre of gravity, mobility, bravery and a powerful finish".

You’d like to think that Gnonto will only improve with age as well, but despite still being a teenager, he’d arrive with a fair amount of experience. It looks as if a move could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks, and Everton may want to act fast before Napoli have the time to get the funds together to make a move of their own.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to take a patient approach in their bid to find a possible successor to in-demand talisman, Harry Kane, following an update regarding the club's interest in Brentford hotshot, Ivan Toney.

What's the latest on Toney to Tottenham?

According to Football Transfers, the Lilywhites are said to be 'willing to wait' until the winter window in order to snap up the one-time Newcastle United ace, with the 27-year-old currently serving an eight-month ban after breaching FA betting rules.

With the one-cap England international's suspension set to end in mid-January, that could then allow the north Londoners the opportunity to pounce midway through the season, if Kane is to depart in the near future.

With the latter man attracting hefty interest from Bayern Munich at present, there is a possibility that the 29-year-old could depart before the September deadline, with the Three Lions skipper having just a year left on his existing deal.

As per the report, there is a chance that such an exit would then see Toney join Spurs this summer, although chairman Daniel Levy is said to be keen to hang on to the club's record scorer until January, when he would then acquire a replacement in the form of the Bees ace.

Who should replace Kane at Tottenham?

Amid the mounting uncertainty over Kane's future at N17, there have been notable links to high-profile targets who could potentially fill the void in Ange Postecoglou's side next term, with Juventus hitman, Dusan Vlahovic reportedly among those being considered.

The Serbian machine initially caught the eye after bagging 49 goals in just 108 games during his time at Fiorentina, having since gone on to net 23 goals in 63 games after making the move to Turin on a £66.6m deal in January 2022.

While lauded as a player who could become "a generational talent" in future, as per journalist Emmet Gates, the 23-year-old hardly set the world alight last term at the Allianz Stadium, notably scoring just ten goals and providing only four assists in 27 Serie A outings.

Toney, by contrast, was far more impressive in the Premier League as the £20k-per-week sensation chipped in with 20 goals and laid on four assists in 33 league outings, with Kane the only English player to have netted more times in the top-flight last season.

A player with the "mindset of a lion", according to his manager Thomas Frank, the Northampton-born marksman has particularly impressed due to his ability to link play and provided quality service for those around him, showcased by the fact that the 5 foot 10 ace created 12 big chances in the league in 2022/23, eight more than Vlahovic achieved in Italy.

Also a figure who has proven himself in the Premier League – having contributed 12 goals and five assists in the division the year prior – Toney also offers the bonus of his willing work ethic in attack, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 9% among his European peers for interceptions, as well as in the top 19% for aerial duels won.

That is a far superior record to that of Vlahovic despite the Juve man's 6 foot 3 frame, with the Belgrade native ranking in just the bottom 33% and the bottom 34% for those same two metrics, respectively, across the last 365 days.

While the latter man's record in Italy is nothing to be sneered at, the impact that Toney has already made in England's top flight should make him a more worthy option for Postecoglou and co, even if it means Tottenham are forced to play the long game with regard to his arrival at the club.

West Ham United boss David Moyes is 'determined' to get the 'best out' of striker Gianluca Scamacca in 2023/24 and will try to keep hold of the Italy international, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Is Gianluca Scamacca leaving West Ham United?

According to Calciomercato, Scamacca has attracted interest from Roma and talks are set to take place between both parties over the potential of the 24-year-old returning to Serie A.

Scamacca is believed only to want to play for Roma over other suitors keen on offering him an escape route from the London Stadium and has given his word to the Giallorossi that he is keen to ply his trade at the Stadio Olimpico.

Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Juventus have sounded out Scamacca and asked for information regarding the £90k-a-week ace to protect themselves against the possibility of striker Dusan Vlahovic leaving the club this summer.

AC Milan are also on the trail of the former Sassuolo man, while Di Marzio has claimed that any agreement to take Scamacca to Roma would likely be on a loan basis.

Last term, Scamacca struggled to make an impact in his maiden campaign in English football, scoring eight times in 27 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Brown thinks that Moyes will be 'determined' to help Scamacca succeed at the London Stadium despite his inconsistent form in 2022/23.

Brown stated: “As far as I'm aware, West Ham are still really determined to try and make a success of Scamacca.

"There have been little hints from Italy about him wanting to return there because things didn't really quite go according to plan.

"He does feel like someone who doesn't really fit the Moyes system perfectly, I think Antonio even said that on his podcast not so long ago.

"But I'm told the plan is that they want him back and they want to try and get the best out of him next season.”

Which striker is linked to West Ham?

It's possible that West Ham United will act to strengthen their forward line this summer as they look to build on their Europa Conference League triumph last term.

According to 90min, Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is a target for the Hammers and contact has been initiated with the USA international, who is valued at £30 million by the Gunners.

Strasbourg forward Habib Diallo is another name on West Ham United's radar this window; however, Brentford and Crystal Palace will provide competition in the race to sign the Senegal international, as per Football Insider.

The Irons are tracking Jubilo Iwata youngster Keisuke Goto and the 18-year-old could be brought to the club under the GBE rule, which guarantees that players of significant talent that don't qualify for a work permit are given an exemption from the process, according to The Daily Mail.

Sevilla, Juventus and Feyenoord are all monitoring the exciting starlet, who has striking physical attributes and stands at 6ft 3ins. Goto has been tipped for big things in his homeland and there is an expectation that at some point he will make a full breakthrough to the Japanese national team.

Chelsea are "monitoring" Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, with the Premier League champions set to hold out for £30m to part ways with the defender, according to transfer expert Rudy Galetti.

Are Chelsea signing a defender?

The Blues have a battle on their hands trying to keep Levi Colwill at Stamford Bridge, amid interest from Liverpool, and the defender is set to hold talks over his future with manager Mauricio Pochettino in the coming days.

If Colwill is unwilling to commit his future to the club, Pochettino may have an even greater need to bring in a new centre-back, and there have been reports that Real Madrid's Rafa Marin is one of the players being monitored for a potential summer move.

Chelsea are eager to sign Juventus' Gleison Bremer, having recently registered their interest in the Brazilian, who is set to cost around €60m (£51m), with Premier League rivals Manchester United also being named as potential suitors.

Meanwhile, Laporte has been linked with a move away from Man City for quite some time now, as he failed to hold down a regular place in the starting XI last season, making a total of just 12 appearances in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Aston Villa have all been named as potential suitors for the Spaniard, so he is likely to have no shortage of offers to remain in England – while Chelsea are also in the race, according to Galetti.

The transfer expert has taken to Twitter to confirm the Blues are "monitoring" the 29-year-old, who has also emerged as a target for Serie A side Juventus.

Although his contract does not expire until 2025, the £120k-per-week defender could be allowed to leave this summer, with Man City asking for £30m to sanction his departure.

How good is Aymeric Laporte?

Despite not being able to break into Pep Guardiola's side often last season, the Spain international is still a top-quality player, as displayed by his passing ability, ranking in the 99th percentile for passes attempted per 90 over the past year (as per FBref).

Having averaged a pass completion rate of 92.7%, the France-born centre-back ranks in the 97th percentile, and he is also fantastic at driving the ball forward, as indicated by the fact he ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive carries.

Not only is he comfortable in possession of the ball, but the former Athletic Bilbao man has also previously been hailed as "the best left-central defender in the world" by Guardiola, partly due to his "mentality and character".

Although he has since lost his place in the Man City starting XI, the 6 foot 3 ace has proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years, making 120 appearances in the top flight, and averaging a 7.12 Sofascore match rating in the 2021/22 campaign.

Hailed as a "beast" by journalist Muhammad Butt, Laporte could be the perfect replacement for Colwill due to his fantastic ability with his left foot, though Pochettino will still be hoping to keep hold of the "astonishing" young centre-back.

Fulham are currently in talks to sign Roma defender Roger Ibanez this summer, who is now their "first choice" to strengthen in defence.

Who will Fulham sign this summer?

Marco Silva's side enjoyed an exceptional first full campaign back in the big time following their Championship promotion last year.

Fulham chased Europe for a good portion of the 22/23 season, eventually missing out to Brentford, Liverpool and Aston Villa, whilst also finishing above west London rivals Chelsea.

Major clubs across England, as a result, have taken a liking to some of Silva's star players – with left-back Antonee Robinson and Joao Palhinha attracting real interest.

Fulham, though, could charge as much as £90 million for Palhinha and don't seem likely to be bullied around in this summer transfer market.

In terms of incomings, there has been no shortage of names linked with moves to Craven Cottage in the last two weeks, including Southampton star James Ward-Prowse, Japan international Ao Tanaka, Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres, Fenerbahce defender Ferdi Kadioglu and Roma centre-back Ibanez.

Sharing an update on Fulham's links to the latter player, a report out of Italy has some news for supporters.

Vocegiallorossa.it, in collaboration with Firenzeviola.it, claims Ibanez is now Fulham's "first choice" to strengthen their backline. It is believed the Whites are already negotiating to sign him, and with Roma eager to sell him for profit, they're looking to English clubs.

The report claims only Premier League sides can pay Ibanez's price tag, which is said to be around £26 million, and barring any last-minute surprises, he is set to be sold this summer.

It's added that Fulham are the team most interested in the South American centre-back.

What's been said about Roger Ibanez?

The 24-year-old totalled Roma's highest rate of interceptions per 90 in the Italian top flight last season, with only Bryan Cristante averaging more successful challenges per match (WhoScored).

Ibanez stood out as one of their best defenders, at least going by the numbers, with manager Jose Mourinho calling him an "untouchable" at one point.

"When we went to Seville to face Real Betis earlier this season, the morning of the game I saw him and thought it was going to be impossible for him to play. And yet he played," said Mourinho.

"He’s one who always fronts up. When we win, we all win together. When we lose, we all lose together. For me, he is untouchable."

Newcastle United are battling Liverpool for the signing of Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram this summer, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Who is Khephren Thuram?

The Frenchman is arguably one of Europe's most exciting young midfielders at the moment, already becoming a force for Nice and winning one cap for France at senior level.

It appears Thuram has caught the eye greatly, as he has emerged as a strong candidate to join Liverpool during the current transfer window.

However, Newcastle are also believed to be in the mix to sign the 22-year-old as the Magpies look to bolster their squad and provide stern competition for the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff moving forward.

A new update has now emerged regarding Thuram's future as the battle to snap him up continues to intensify.

What's the latest on Thuram to Newcastle?

Writing on Twitter on Saturday, Galetti said that Newcastle are looking to pounce for the signing of Thuram this summer, while Liverpool are trying to get a deal over the line as quickly as possible:

"Liverpool are speeding things up for Khephren Thuram. LFC want to close the gap with OGC Nice soon to anticipate the competition of Newcastle, which are starting to move concretely for the player: evolving situation."

Thuram could be a special addition to whoever signs him in the next few weeks, considering his long-term potential and the fact that he is already a formidable presence at just 22, with the ace being hailed as "very dangerous" by teammate Aaron Ramsey.

A combative midfielder who can play in a deep-lying or No 8 role – he has even played on the left-hand side of midfield – the £14,000-a-week Frenchman appeared in 35 of Nice's 38 Ligue 1 games last season, suggesting he will have few problems lasting long into next season despite his age, with Newcastle playing in four different competitions for the first time in a while in the upcoming term.

Given the nature of this update and the constant reports linking him with a move to Anfield, it does look as though Liverpool are arguably the favourites to sign Thuram, but the Magpies can offer him Champions League football – unlike the Reds – which could be a big advantage for them.

It is so encouraging to see Newcastle being linked with players of such calibre, regardless of where Thuram eventually ends up, highlighting the vast progress made in a short space of time under Eddie Howe at St James' Park.

Arsenal hold a "concrete interest" in signing Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The main ongoing saga involving Arsenal is their pursuit of Declan Rice, with West Ham United recently encouraging them to lodge a third bid to ensure they win the race for his signature, amid interest from treble-winners Manchester City.

Rice is not the Gunners' only midfield target, however, with a move for Brighton's Moises Caicedo still on the cards, with Mikel Arteta looking to bring in multiple options in the engine room, in light of Granit Xhaka's departure.

Arteta has also set his sights on Lavia, with the north London club currently leading the race for his signature, and there has now been an update regarding their pursuit of the Southampton midfielder.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Taylor confirmed the £25k-per-week ace is interested in a switch to the Emirates Stadium, which could be a boost for Arsenal, however his price tag still remains a potential stumbling block.

The Daily Express journalist said: "I know they've been discussing personal terms with his agent and Lavia, who would be 100% open to joining Arsenal and it does look like there's concrete interest, but at this moment in time, the price tag will have to drop.

"I think the issue Southampton have is that their valuation has been clouded by the fact Chelsea offered £50 million last August and City have that £40 million buyback that becomes active in 2024.”

Who is Romeo Lavia signing for?

There are a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing the 19-year-old, with Chelsea still in the hunt, having recently stepped up their interest, while both Manchester United and Liverpool have also been named as potential suitors.

However, Arsenal have reached a verbal agreement with the youngster, which indicates they are in the driving seat, and he could be a very good addition to the squad, given his defensive qualities, ranking in the 96th percentile for blocks per 90 in the past year.

With an average of 2.1 tackles per game in the Premier League last season, the Belgian ranked second in the Southampton squad, displaying that he could be a viable low-cost alternative to Caicedo, who is expected to cost £80m.

Hailed as "elite", Lavia is at the right age to go on and be a long-term success at the Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal should now try and agree a suitable fee with Southampton.

Mason Mount continues to be linked with a move away from Chelsea, but it appears the Blues are being proactive in their search for a possible replacement.

Manchester United are expected to table an improved £50m bid for Mount this week, giving Chelsea a huge decision to make – cash in now or let the England international leave for free in 12 months' time.

Losing Mount will undoubtedly be a blow for new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, even if the midfielder has his fair share of critics, but there are plenty of options out there to fill the void.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, one of those being targeted is Celta Vigo's in-demand midfielder Gabri Veiga.

Who is Chelsea target Gabri Veiga?

Romano suggests that Chelsea have asked to be informed of Veiga's release clause conditions, before weighing up whether to make a move for a player who is also on the radar of Real Madrid and Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Celta president Carlos Mourino revealed in April that the LaLiga side will not negotiate a fee for Veiga. Instead, it is down to any interested suitors to pay his €40m (£34m) release clause.

On the basis of his performances over the past year, that can be considered a reasonable fee. Veiga ranks in the top 1% of his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues in terms of non-penalty goals per 90 minutes (0.43), as per FBref, having scored 11 times in 36 LaLiga games last season.

That figure compares to 0.13 non-penalty goals per 90 for Mount, placing him among the lowest 21% among his positional peers. It is not just in that area Veiga shines, either, as he also assists more regularly than Mount (0.16 per 90 minutes last season compared to 0.11).

There are similarities in Veiga and Mount's playing styles, as highlighted by their progressive carries per 90 figures of 2.67 and 2.62 respectively, which records how often they carry the ball forward more than ten yards.

But Veiga, who was described as a "special" player by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague last season, gets far more of his shots on target than Mount (46.8% v 27.3%), averages more take-ons per 90 (2.94 v 1.69) and is also better in the air (0.75 aerial duels won per 90, compared to Mount's 0.49).

With Enzo Fernandez keeping things ticking along in the engine room, it makes sense for Chelsea to sacrifice another ball-playing midfielder for someone who can get past an opponent and find the net.

When factoring in the fees on the line and that Veiga is three years younger than Mount, the Blues could pull off a rare masterstroke.

Arsenal are eyeing Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams and have held a long term interest in his signing, according to 90min and journalist Graeme Bailey.

Who could join Arsenal this summer?

Mikel Arteta and co must now prepare for what will be a crunch, all important transfer window. The Gunners missed out on their first Premier League title in nearly 20 years to treble-winners Man City last season, meaning this summer is a chance to both improve and strengthen in key areas.

Sporting director Edu has long been preparing, recently admitting as much to ESPN (via 90min), with plans already put in place as far back as April.

"Our planning has already been done," said the Brazilian.

"It has already reached the owners. Now, we're taking things step by step. We're focused on how we will finish the season, but we've put in the planning and I'm very excited."

Midfield signings are thought to be a real priority for Arteta, leading to serious interest and talks to sign West Ham star Declan Rice. Other targets for the position are Brighton star Moises Caicedo and Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.

In terms of forwards, Arsenal are thought to be keen on strengthening that area, with Chelsea star Kai Havertz becoming a serious target lately.

According to Bailey and 90min, though, the north Londoners are also eyeing a move for Bilbao forward Williams, and are thought to hold a long-standing interest.

The 20-year-old, who has already been capped at international level for Spain, is also attracting attention from Aston Villa with Unai Emery's side apparently opening talks.

It's clear Williams is a man in demand, as it's understood both Man City and Newcastle have enquired over the player in recent months too.

Who is Nico Williams?

Coming as a player of real potential, members of the media have heaped praise on Bilbao's starlet for his form last season, with journalist Zach Lowy listing him among his "breakout stars" of La Liga.

He is also "considered one of the top young attacking prospects in Europe", according to 90min again, with Williams' brother, Inaki, heaping praise on the winger back in September.

"[Nico] is a great player, he is in incredible shape and I think he can give a lot to Spain. He has shown it by giving Morata a good pass and I am very happy for him.”

At the backend of a forgettable campaign, the emergence of Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones will have been a pleasing consolation for manager Jurgen Klopp, with the Scouse-born ace playing an important part in a seven-match winning run to bridge the gap to the top four.

It was too little too late, and the Reds failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven years with a fifth-placed finish, ending an illustrious run in the competition that has led the Anfield side to three finals, winning one.

Hailed as the "complete #8" by one analyst & scout, the 22-year-old has almost certainly earned a place in Klopp's plans next term after his purple patch, especially considering James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all left the club following the expiry of their contracts.

And now, the Guardian report that Chelsea are the latest team to have joined the race for the 21-year-old, but that Liverpool and Barcelona are both wanting to claim the player's signature for themselves, all looking to meet his €40m (£34m) buyout clause.

How good is Gabri Veiga?

The £35m signing of Alexis Mac Allister is the first of an ostensible torrent of incomings, with two or three top-class acquisitions still expected to be made, and one, the precocious Spanish talent Veiga, could spell danger for Jones' role on Merseyside.

Despite the recently-concluded campaign being Veiga's first with regular top-flight football, he has plundered 11 goals and supplied a further four assists from just 28 LaLiga starts, earning acclaim for his "dangerous" skill set – as said by journalist Euan McTear.

It's quite frightening to envisage the fleet-footed midfielder's future, given how brilliantly he has taken to life at the top level, already ranking among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 20% for rate of assists, the top 12% for progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 11% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, as per FBref.

The praise is mounting: talent scout Jacek Kulig has marvelled at the "amazing" talent while journalist and content creator Rimedi dubbed him "baby Kaka" for his elegance on the ball and deft dribbling skills.

Jones boasts some impressive metrics of his own after starting the last 11 league matches of the year, scoring three goals and registering one assist, ranking among the top 6% of positional peers for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 20% for shot-creating actions and the top 14% for progressive carries per 90, also crisp as they come with the ball, ranking among the top 3% for pass completion.

Klopp will be wary of hampering Jones' progress but with such a fantastic starlet available for an affordable fee, it's simply too good an opportunity to cede, especially given the tumult of Liverpool's present situation. Indeed, this move could be a blow to one of Anfield's hottest young talents.