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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.

Leeds United's mission to return to the Premier League was a drawn-out process, but one made all the sweeter when Marcelo Bielsa eventually did guide them back to the big time.

Having overseen 16 years of hurt, the Whites dusted themselves off from despair to dominate the Championship, and they will seek to do so again at the first time of asking next term.

In that tangled story of promotion, the campaign prior to winning the league they oversaw one of the most painful processes as they lost in the playoff semi-final to Derby County.

Having been embroiled in huge 'spygate' controversy earlier in the year, Frank Lampard led his youthful team from two goals down to set up the final with Aston Villa. The Yorkshire outfit would have to suffer one more year of second-division football.

One of the stars that night, and admittedly that season, was the on-loan midfielder Mason Mount.

Having used his connections with Chelsea to tempt some of their top youth talents on a temporary basis, Lampard's squad was stacked with players pushing for a place in the top flight.

The 24-year-old was handed the platform for his future successes in the Championship, and given they have now returned, Leeds could look to do the same but with one of their own academy stars; Charlie Allen.

Who is Charlie Allen?

Having moved from Northern Ireland at a young age, the 19-year-old offers one of the most creative presences from within that engine room for the Premier League 2 side.

In fact, with two goals and six assists across all competitions this season, his exploits have spearheaded their promotion into Division 1 of the league, as a willing runner and versatile star, much like Mount.

Jim Magilton, the elite performance director for the Irish Football Association, even noted:

"Charlie is one of those boys that you throw him on to the park and go and ask him to play. [He’ll] play anywhere with the same attitude and enthusiasm. Technically very good and physically can handle it – he is quick enough and he has a real chance."

Patrick Van Dort, deputy sports editor for JPIMedia in Northern Ireland, supplemented these claims: "People say he's a dream to coach, a good listener and ticks the boxes you'd expect of someone so highly rated."

Such an ability to sacrifice himself for the side, selfless if it results in the betterment of the squad, is akin to Mount nowadays, who has since played 195 games for Chelsea and even assisted in their Champions League final win. He has played as part of a double pivot, at eight or on the wings, just like Allen this season.

However, his career was forged in the Championship, as he scored 11 goals and recorded six assists across all competitions that year when they narrowly missed out on promotion.

Perhaps Allen could seek to find his own springboard, should he be handed the opportunity, to kickstart a career similar to the England international at Elland Road.

Pundit Gabby Agbonlahor believes Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt may be ‘another’ player to leave cheaply if the Whites go down this weekend, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Exit links

Gelhardt has established himself as a regular in the match-day squad this season and has failed to feature in just three of the last 14 Premier League games.

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The 20-year-old provided a moment of quality last weekend to set up Pascal Struijk in injury time against Brighton, but reports earlier this month claimed that top-flight rivals will look to poach the youngster if Leeds find themselves in the Championship next season.

Jesse Marsch’s side now know that a defeat against Brentford on the final day of the season will send the club back to the Championship, and Agbonlahor has had his say on a number of Leeds stars and their futures.

The Latest: Agbonlahor’s claim

Agbonlahor, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI at what relegation could mean for Leeds.

He said that Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips will hand in ‘transfer requests’, should the Whites go down and also believes Gelhardt is ‘another’ who could leave for a ‘cheap fee’.

“If Leeds go down they are going to lose loads of players.

“Phillips and Raphinha will be handing in transfer requests to leave. They will not go back to the Championship.

“The biggest thing is that the Championship is getting harder and harder to get out of. Sheffield United haven’t gone up, you’ve got Norwich, Watford, and Middlesbrough all up there as favourites to come up. Leeds will find it hard to come straight back up.

“As much as it’s massive money wise, it’s about keeping your players too.

“Gelhardt is another one that clubs will be wanting to nick for a cheap fee.”

The Verdict: Make him a regular

Should the worst-case scenario happen this weekend, then the likes of Raphinha and Phillips will almost certainly leave. You’d expect that a few more big earners could also depart, however, Leeds should be under no pressure to part ways with Gelhardt.

He’s under contract until 2024 and has shown his quality this season, so it could be wise to make him a regular starter in a rebuild under Marsch in the Championship.

Hopefully, Leeds can better Burnley’s result on Sunday and fans won’t have to worry about a Premier League side poaching Gelhardt and another spell in the second tier – only time will tell.

In other news: Orta now finally set to accept defeat as Leeds plot exit for Bielsa ‘mistake’ – opinion. 

West Bromwich Albion are eyeing a move for Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to i News journalist Mark Douglas, who tweeted: “WBA one of clubs who want him [Anderson] for next season.”

Labelled a “League Two cheat code” by Douglas after his loan spell at Bristol Rovers, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder is the subject of interest from a plethora of clubs in the Championship.

Bruce needs Anderson

Although the teenager is expected to be involved in pre-season training with the Magpies, another loan move seems very possible given the serious interest from a variety of suitors.

Anderson joined Joey Barton’s side on transfer deadline day in January and has since scored eight goals and registered five assists in 21 appearances for the Gas in the fourth tier, who secured an unlikely promotion back to League One yesterday after a 7-0 battering of Scunthorpe United.

In fact, the former Newcastle player has directed plenty of praise in the 19-year-old’s direction during his loan spell, claiming that the attacking midfielder “has been brilliant for us from the first day we brought him in.”

Prior to his move to the West Country, Anderson was on fire for Newcastle’s under-23s, scoring five goals in seven appearances in Premier League 2.

It’s that goal threat and creativity from the middle of the park which the Baggies have been lacking this season, with Steve Bruce’s men scoring just 52 goals in 46 matches this term, with only six other teams scoring less often in the Championship in 2021/22.

Alex Mowatt ended the season as the Baggies’ top-scoring midfielder with just four goals, whilst only one positional colleague found the net for Albion in loanee Jason Molumby, who scored once.

Granted, with no experience in the second tier, signing Anderson would a risk for the West Midlands outfit., although it would certainly seem like one worth taking.

Bruce will be tasked with orchestrating a promotion push next term, especially after this season’s thoroughly disappointing 10th-place finish, West Brom’s worst in more than 20 years.

Therefore, the 61-year-old needs to add some creativity and firepower to his squad, something that Anderson has certainly provided in abundance in League Two.

AND in other news: Forget Grant: West Brom’s 74-touch ace who “works so hard” stole the show vs Barnsley

Leeds United have been dealt a fresh setback ahead of their upcoming Premier League meeting with Arsenal this Sunday.

What’s the latest?

Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over West Ham United on Sunday afternoon (via the Evening Standard), Mikel Arteta revealed that Ben White, who missed the fixture due to a hamstring injury sustained in the 3-1 win over Manchester United a week prior, could be in line to make a return to action against Leeds this weekend – with the centre-back’s predicted return date being May 8.

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Regarding the defender’s absence against the Hammers, the Arsenal manager said: “Ben got injured against Manchester United, he felt a muscular problem and we checked him, and we will have to assess him in the next few days to see how he is.”

Marsch will be livid

Considering Leeds’ mounting injury concerns of their own – with Stuart Dallas being ruled out for the season after fracturing his kneecap in the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City, as well as Liam Cooper missing the game after sustaining his own knee injury in the warmup to the fixture – the news that Arsenal could be boosted by the return of White ahead of Sunday’s clash is sure to have left Jesse Marsch livid.

Indeed, following his £50m move to The Emirates last summer, the 24-year-old has highly impressed over his 31 Premier League appearances, helping Arsenal keep 13 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, 3.1 clearances and winning 4.4 duels – at a success rate of 59% – per game.

These returns have seen the £120k-per-week defender average a very respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as Arteta’s joint tenth-best player in the top flight of English football.

As such, it is clear to see just how important a player the £36m-rated England international is within the Arsenal defence, with the former Leeds loanee’s potential return ahead of Sunday’s meeting sure to come as a huge blow to the Whites’ chances of leaving north London with all three points.

And, following Everton’s 1-0 win over Chelsea last weekend – a result that saw the 18th placed Toffees climb to within two points of Leeds – Marsch’s side will be looking for any marginal gains they could possibly take advantage of ahead of their trip to the capital, something which White’s potential return is certainly not.

AND in other news: Huge update emerges on big-money summer deal, Leeds supporters will be devastated