All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

And so, a new era is here at Tottenham Hotspur, with Ange Postecoglou’s turbulent tenure coming to a close despite overseeing Europa League glory back in May.

That success in Bilbao has handed his successor, Thomas Frank, the chance to experience life in the Champions League, with the Danish coach seeking to prove himself at the truly elite level after years of stability at Brentford.

For the former Bees boss to truly flourish in north London, however, he will need to be handed the appropriate tools, with the Lilywhites having thus far only recruited Japanese starlet, Koto Takai – excluding the permanent captures of Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel and Luka Vuskovic.

As noted by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the major priority appears to have the signing of a new, high-profile attacker to freshen up Frank’s forward line, with both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa having been touted as potential targets of late, alongside Mohammed Kudus.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

With that mind, we have taken a stab at predicting – with the help of AI tool, ChatGPT – how that trio would perform at N17 next season…

Mohammed Kudus – 8-10 Premier League goals

The leading target to join Spurs ahead of next season appears to be Kudus, with recent reports indicating that Daniel Levy and co have struck a £55m agreement with West Ham United, having already had a £50m bid rejected.

The Ghanaian has enjoyed a respectable two-year stint at the London Stadium, following his £38m switch from Ajax in 2023, having chalked up 32 goals and assists in 80 games in all competitions.

That did include a disappointing return of just eight goals and assists in the Premier League last term, although that came amid real upheaval for the Irons, with Graham Potter replacing Julen Lopetegui midway through the campaign.

Under the guidance of Frank, and with a position finally nailed down for the versatile speedster, he could be revived next season. Indeed, ChatGPT certainly thinks so, suggesting that “a more central role and better service could boost his output”.

Their prediction is that the 24-year-old could manage to chalk up eight to ten league goals, alongside chipping in with a further six to eight assists.

Yoane Wissa – 15-18 Premier League goals

Much like the man we’ll come onto below, it would appear that Frank has his eye on some familiar faces this summer, with recent reports suggesting that a move could be in the works for Brentford goal machine, Wissa.

While somewhat in the shadow of Mbeumo and Ivan Toney before that, the 28-year-old’s stock has soared of late, following his return of 19 Premier League goals last season.

Previously a target for Nottingham Forest in January, with a £22m bid having been rebuffed by the Bees, now could be the time for the Congolese marksman to finally jump ship from the Gtech.

With that in mind, there would be no better place, arguably, than the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a reunion with Frank, with ChatGPT predicting that he could notch between 15 and 18 top-flight goals, provided he “adapts quickly and starts regularly”.

Bryan Mbeumo – 18-22 Premier League goals

While Kudus – and perhaps Wissa – look more likely to end up at Spurs this summer, there remains a glimmer of hope that Mbeumo could reunite with his former boss, amid prior claims that Levy was ready to hijack Manchester United’s move for the Cameroon international.

The 25-year-old’s preference appears to be to move to Old Trafford, although a deal has yet to be struck with the Red Devils, with Ruben Amorim’s side already seeing two bids rejected for the winger.

Non-penalty goals

0.17

0.40

Shots

2.61

2.08

Assists

0.10

0.18

Shot-creating actions

3.72

3.80

Pass completion

83.6%

66.1%

Progressive passes

2.75

3.72

Progressive carries

3.41

3.43

Successful take-ons

3.20

1.37

Touches in attacking box

4.41

4.43

Progressive passes received

7.51

9.25

If Spurs can re-enter the race, it could certainly prove fruitful, with Mbeumo having dazzled for the Bees in 2024/25, after scoring 20 goals in the top flight, finishing behind only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland in the scoring charts.

With 121 goals and assists to his name in 242 games under Frank to date, the left-footer would surely be able to slot in smoothly next term, with ChatGPT suggesting that “Mbeumo could immediately hit 20 league goals”, while representing “an upgrade in Spurs’ front line”.

In all, ChatGPT reckons he could get between 18-20 Premier League goals in 2025/26, alongside registering a further eight to ten assists.

The dream squad Spurs could build: £283m stars sign alongside Kudus

Here’s what Spurs’ squad could look like after a dream summer.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 8, 2025

It is far from a secret that Celtic are in the market to add to their options in the wide areas before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

The Hoops lost Portuguese forward Jota to a long-term knee injury in the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, which means that he is not going to be available in the opening months of next season.

Losing the forward, who arrived on a permanent deal from Rennes for a second spell at Parkhead in January, came as a blow to Brendan Rodgers, because he had hit the ground running upon his return to Glasgow.

Jota produced four goals and two assists in 11 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, despite only starting seven of those matches, in the second half of the season, before his injury.

Celtic are now in the market to bring in a left winger who can plug the gap that his injury has created, whilst also having the potential to compete with him for a starting berth in the future.

One left-sided attacker who has emerged as a reported target for the Scottish giants this summer is Royal Antwerp star Michel-ange Balikwisha.

The latest on Celtic's pursuit of Michel-Ange Balikwisha

Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri recently reported that the Hoops are in talks with the 24-year-old wide man over the possibility of a move to Glasgow in the coming weeks.

The journalist claimed that talks are already underway and that the right-footed wing wizard is keen on securing a transfer to Parkhead before the end of the window.

Tavolieri did not mention how much money it would take for Royal Antwerp to part ways with their star forward, but The Scottish Sun revealed, in April, that he is valued at £5m by the Pro League outfit.

Balikwisha’s performances in the Pro League in the last two seasons suggest that the potential is there for him to be a value-for-money signing at £5m for the Hoops, as he has showcased his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Starts

27

12

xG

6.46

2.65

Goals

7

4

Big chances created

6

7

Key passes per game

1.5

1.6

Assists

5

3

As you can see in the table above, the Celtic target has racked up 11 goals and eight assists in 39 starts in the division, outperforming his xG in both campaigns, which speaks to his efficiency in front of goal.

These statistics suggest that he could replace the goals and assists that the Hoops have lost through Jota’s injury, if he can translate his performances over to the Premiership at Parkhead.

At the age of 24, Balikwisha would also arrive in Scotland as a player who could have his best years ahead of him, with time to develop and grow, and this could make him an interesting long-term addition, as well as a player who could replace Jota in the short-term.

A fee of £5m would be a decent outlay for the winger, but the Hoops already have a number of forwards who are worth significantly more than that, including Japanese forward Daizen Maeda.

Celtic have hit the jackpot with Dazien Maeda

The Scottish giants initially signed the Japan international on loan from Yokohama F. Marinos in the January transfer window at the start of 2022, before they snapped him up on a permanent basis that summer.

Their decision to sign him permanently has turned out to be a blinder because the versatile attacker has gone to become an incredibly valuable player, both in terms of his market value and his value to Rodgers and the team.

Maeda has racked up 62 goals and 28 assists in 158 appearances for the Hoops to date, and remains a regular starter in the attack after three-and-a-half-years in Glasgow. This shows that he has provided consistent quality as a threat at the top end of the pitch during his time in Scotland so far.

His form in the 2024/25 campaign was particularly impressive. The 27-year-old star ended the season with an eye-catching haul of 33 goals and 12 assists in 51 appearances for Rodgers’ side, whilst playing as a left winger and as a centre-forward.

Maeda’s sublime form in the top-flight earned him the Premiership Player of the Year award, which shows that he was deemed to be the best player in the entire division.

The Japanese speedster’s market value has soared as a result of his fantastic performances on the pitch for the Scottish giants, so much so to the point that he is now worth around £8m more than reported target Balikwisha.

Jan 2022

£1.5m

June 2022

£3m

November 2022

£3.5m

December 2022

£4.5m

June 2023

£5m

December 2023

£5.5m

May 2024

£6m

October 2024

£6.5m

December 2024

£7m

March 2025

£9.5m

June 2025

£13m

As you can see in the table above, Maeda’s value has soared by a whopping £11.5m throughout his time in Scotland, to the point where he is now worth £13m, as per Transfermarkt.

He is the most valuable player in the Celtic squad, ahead of the likes of Nicolas Kuhn, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Arne Engels, and Reo Hatate, which speaks to how impressive his valuation of £13m is.

Celtic have hit the jackpot with the Japanese marksman, who has been the subject of reported interest from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, because they struck gold by signing him when he was valued at just £1.5m.

The forward has developed into the most valuable member of the squad, and the most prolific after a haul of 33 goals this season, as illustrated by him being worth a whopping £8m more than reported target Balikwisha.

Their next Kuhn: Celtic reach agreement to sign "dangerous" star

Celtic have agreed a deal to sign a “dangerous” wide attacker for around £1.7m, so here is why he could be the Hoops’ next Nicolas Kühn.

1 ByBen Gray Jun 19, 2025

Hopefully, the Scottish giants will be able to retain his services ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, and he will continue to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.

Being the massive club they are, Arsenal have been blessed with an abundance of world-class players in the past.

The likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira were unreal in the early 2000s, while Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez were the shining lights of the latter Arsène Wenger years.

However, on top of the bonafide stars, the Gunners also had more than their fair share of those who fell one or two rungs below, those who were still incredibly talented but are now seen as cult heroes more than anything else.

Theo Walcott would likely fall into the category for many fans, as while he never really fulfilled the potential so many believed he had, the former England international was still more than a handful, responsible for some iconic goals and was arguably the club’s best attacker for a season or two.

So, fans should be excited about recent reports linking Arsenal to an international who could be the Mikel Arteta’s own Walcott.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other talented internationals touted for moves to Arsenal in recent weeks and months, like Rodrygo and Mohammed Kudus.

Transfer Focus

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

The former is reportedly available for around £84m, which might be a fee worth paying, as in 51 games for Real Madrid this season, he has scored 14 goals and provided ten assists.

On the other hand, Kudus might prove even more challenging to pry away from West Ham United as, according to reports from last week, he has a release clause worth up to a staggering £120m in his current deal.

Fortunately, another attacking talent has entered the frame for Arteta and Co: Anthony Elanga.

According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in the Nottingham Forest star ahead of the transfer window reopening next week.

The report claims that, alongside the Gunners, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all been watching the Swedish international ‘closely.’

However, on top of dealing with the potential competition, the North Londoners would have to stump up a hefty fee of around £60m to get their man.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Elanga’s ability and the potential for him to improve further, it’s one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he could be their new Walcott.

Why Elanga would be Walcott 2.0

Okay, while there are certainly numerous reasons why Arsenal would want to, and probably should, sign Elanga this summer, let’s first address just why he could be the club’s new Walcott.

The first is that, like with the former Southampton gem, it would be another example of the Gunners signing an exciting and dynamic right-winger who can play in other positions from a fellow Premier League side.

Moreover, while the Swede is a fair bit older than the Englishman was when he moved to North London, the fact he’s still just 23 years old means there is plenty of time for him to further develop and grow in N5.

However, there is another, even more significant similarity between the two players: their pace.

While he was playing under Wenger, the former Arsenal star wasn’t always necessarily the most technical of footballers, but he was blisteringly quick, as shown by the Castol Football Index calculating his top speed to be 22.72 mph in March 2014, which converts to about 36.56 km/h.

In comparison, the Forest star reached an even higher speed of 22.78 mph this season, which is about 36.66 km/h, but did even better and hit 22.93 mph last season, which is around 36.91kmph.

Impressively, that is currently the fourth-fastest sprint since Premier League records began and more than justifies his statement that he’s “one of the fastest players in the league.”

Appearances

43

Minutes

2752′

Goals

6

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.41

Minutes per Goal Involvement

152.88′

Finally, on top of being absurdly fast, the “special” talent, as dubbed by manager Nuno Espírito Santo, is also a potent threat, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists in just 43 appearances, totalling 2752 minutes this season.

That comes out to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.38 games, or every 152.88 minutes.

Ultimately, Arsenal need to add more attacking talent to the squad this summer, and someone who’s a genuine threat while also being incredibly fast sounds like just the player they should be signing.

He's like Mbappe: Arsenal submit offer to sign £68m "powerhouse"

The prolific international would be a sensational and game-changing signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 11, 2025

Chelsea are maintaining their transfer plans for the summer window, despite no longer being able to add to their Club World Cup squad till much later this month.

Chelsea prioritising new attackers for Enzo Maresca

If Enzo Maresca becomes desperate to reinforce his squad again during this summer’s tournament, which kicks off in three days, the Blues will have a unique registration window open from June 27 to July 3 – so missing out on key targets before Tuesday’s 7pm deadline wasn’t exactly the end of the world.

"I am told" – Journalist says insiders are shocked by who Chelsea have let go

Many are apparently surprised.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 12, 2025

Chelsea attempted to complete deals for both AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens, but haggling on price saw the west Londoners fail to seal either of their signatures in time.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea walked away from the deal for Maignan after deciding not to meet Milan’s reported £25 million valuation, and they also saw three deadline day bids rejected for Gittens as Dortmund continued to demand more money.

Following these botched deals, reliable journalist Simon Phillips reports that Chelsea are prioritising new attackers for the rest of the window, with BlueCo keen to add a new left winger, versatile attacking midfielder and another striker after Liam Delap.

“For the rest of the window, it is attackers that is the priority. SPTC sources have confirmed that Chelsea want to sign a new left-winger, a versatile attacking midfielder, and another new striker. The Hugo Ekitiké story is far from dead,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“One source continues to mention both Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze to me as real ones to watch. There’s a lot of noise around both players right now and remember, Chelsea reached out to Rogers agent earlier this week. If Chelsea cannot land Ekitike, expect another new striker to be targeted. Enzo Maresca wants his attack improved and has asked for all the above positions.”

Phillips also states that Gittens remains on the radar of Chelsea despite their tough negotiations with Dortmund on Tuesday.

Jamie Gittens wants to join Chelsea and is convinced it'll happen

According to fellow journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for TBR, the 20-year-old is equally keen for this move to happen, regardless of the deadline day failure.

It is believed that Gittens is “especially” convinced that his move to Chelsea will eventually happen, and he still wants to join the west Londoners after holding positive talks with Maresca’s side.

Discussions over a move for the £55 million winger will apparently continue once the transfer window reopens on June 16, and Gittens could be an excellent addition to Maresca’s squad after scoring 12 goals and assisting five others in 48 appearances last season.

“He’s a very important player for us,” said ex-Dortmund boss Nuri Şahin.

“Jamie himself wants to take the next step, and we want him to take that step. Now he’s scoring goals and playing more mature football. It’s not news to me that he’s incredible one-on-one and is a very good finisher.”

Leeds United are in the market for exciting additions this summer and could now look to the continent in their hunt for a new playmaker, according to a report.

Recent Leeds United transfer rumours ahead of Premier League campaign

The Whites are back in the promised land of the Premier League and will be desperate to secure survival under Daniel Farke, something that may require significant squad surgery to turn into reality.

Spending considerable sums doesn’t necessarily guarantee a prolonged place in the top-flight. Nevertheless, balanced with departures to clear wage expenditure, it definitely makes a difference.

Evaluating Leeds’ transfer priorities this summer, the goalkeeping department is an area that is bound to see movement once the window opens for business.

With Illan Meslier’s form in question, Aaron Ramsdale, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Sam Johnstone have all been linked with a move to Elland Road of late.

Stoke City forward Emre Tegzel could join Leeds under when his contract expires. However, his arrival would likely be on a developmental basis as opposed to the England Under-20 international becoming a starter next campaign.

Leeds hold internal talks to sign £40m+ "monster" with same agent as Bogle

The 49ers have held Elland Road discussions over a move.

3 ByCharlie Smith May 31, 2025

Either way, there is plenty of movement starting to happen at Elland Road as a new era in the Premier League begins to take shape.

Junior Firpo could leave the building amid reported interest from Lyon. Nevertheless, any experience heading out of the door paves the way for new talent to invigorate Farke’s squad.

Now, Leeds and the 49ers also have their eyes on a talented playmaker from the continent who has already shown he has the requisite qualities needed to succeed in the landscape that is English football.

Leeds United enquire for Galatasaray playmaker Gabriel Sara

According to TBR Football, Leeds have made an approach to sign Gabriel Sara from Galatasaray after submitting an enquiry for the ex-Norwich City midfielder alongside Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has also revealed that Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia is in their sights. However, work has been carried out regarding Sara, who has registered two goals and ten assists in 45 appearances this term.

Gabriel Sara’s record in English football (Norwich City)

Appearances

96

Goals

21

Assists

17

Brought to Galatasaray for an initial fee of £20 million, the 25-year-old is merely one name mentioned in what is expected to be a sea of potential arrivals in Yorkshire.

He scored and assisted in Norwich City’s 3-2 defeat to Leeds in 2023, making him a familiar face to Whites supporters and giving them a first-hand account of what he can offer.

Farke has made it known he wants to strengthen between the sticks alongside at left-back, midfield and through the middle, so you imagine that plenty of talent will crop up on the Whites’ radar in weeks to come.

Ultimately, strength in depth is key to any side surviving against the elite, and Sara’s tally of 68 chances created and 55 successful crosses on Super Lig duty would stand him in great stead to have a lasting impact at Elland Road should he be acquired.

Sunderland will be all too aware of how challenging the Premier League can be, having been relegated four times from the intimidating division since its 1992 rebrand.

The Black Cats will be up against it too when you consider how poorly the newly promoted sides have done in recent memory, with the last six teams to go up triumphantly sinking straight back down with a whimper.

Regis Le Bris, of course, will have other plans as he embarks on his first-ever season in England’s well-known top-flight, but signings galore will need to take place to give the Frenchman and his wide-eyed team a fighting chance at survival.

One dream incoming would have been the amazing return of Amad Diallo to the Stadium of Light, but with his Old Trafford career finally now taking flight, it looks like an unlikely route to explore.

Amad's fan favourite status at Sunderland

Rumours have already begun to circulate that the entertaining Ivorian could be on the Sunderland shopping list, with this deal perhaps even bolder than the Black Cats’ reported attempts to tempt former star Jordan Henderson back to home turf.

A potential reunion will always catch the eye of Sunderland supporters just for how impactful Amad’s first stint at the club was, with his heroics from down the right wing clinching playoff football for Tony Mowbray’s men during the 2022/23 campaign.

They would eventually slip up at the semi-final stages, but nobody could knock the 22-year-old’s efforts during the near-miss season, with Amad picking up a hefty 14 goals and four assists across 42 appearances.

Since then, he has been able to firm up his Manchester United starting spot under Ruben Amorim, scoring 11 goals this season, so a stunning move back to Wearside would surely be a tall order to pull off.

But, Le Bris might well be able to win Sunderland’s next version of the spellbinding 22-year-old if another move comes to fruition.

Sunderland could sign their new Amad

It will be all about striking a fine balance between picking up signings by the bucket load and ensuring the star performers from their promotion heroics are given a fair chance up a level.

As per a new report from GIVEMESPORT, the Black Cats could be about to bolster their attacking arsenal even more away from the likes of Romaine Mundle and Wilson Isidor with the addition of Kwame Poku. Indeed, the Mackems are just one of 26 clubs who are looking to seal the winger’s signature on a free transfer after his contract with Peterborough United came to a close.

The concern on Sunderland’s end, however, will be whether Poku can make that gigantic leap up from League One to the Premier League look seamless.

But, as was the case with Amad, he had never really been exposed to the ins and outs of the English game before his Stadium of Light loan experience – minus one or two United senior chances – with the rest now history as he tears up the Premier League for the Red Devils.

The “unplayable” Ghanaian – as he was hyperbolically labelled by Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson last season – could well take the top-flight by storm too if given time to impress, with Poku’s trickery, flair and ability to finish off a chance at League One level making him very similar to Amad at his Black Cats peak and shows off a player ready for an increase in quality.

To rubber stamp that comparison, you only need to look at their dribbling numbers from the 2024/25 campaign with EFL hotshot, Poku, averaging 1.9 dribbles per match to Amad’s 1.6. Their eel-like ability on the ball is almost uncanny.

Games played

147

Goals scored

30

Assists

30

Trophies

2x

L1 Player of the Month

2x

LT Team of the Season

1x

Unfortunately for Le Bris and Co, they were unable to get the very best out of Amad over a long period of time, but with Poku – who is fresh off tallying up an insane 21 goal contributions from only 29 clashes last season – he will have so much more to give the cause permanently, considering he is only 23 and will be surrounded by some top-notch teammates equally eager to succeed up a division.

He might not instantly hit the ground running, but if there’s one location that should be able to get the optimum out of him eventually, it’s Sunderland with the likes of Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham and Amad all blossoming here so early into their playing days.

His value's soared 3,868%: Sunderland have struck gold on their new Clarke

Sunderland have hit the jackpot with this star who could be their next Jack Clarke.

ByDan Emery May 28, 2025

Crystal Palace have now joined Manchester United in the race to sign a “magnificent” £19 million playmaker who could replace Eberechi Eze, according to a recent report.

Eze edges closer to Crystal Palace exit after FA Cup triumph

It was a weekend to remember for the Eagles as they secured their first major trophy in their history by winning the FA Cup and, in the process, also secured Europa League football for next season.

This achievement will likely see Palace spend some money this summer, as Oliver Glasner looks to build a squad which is capable of competing in Europe and domestically.

Viana now moving to sign £59m Crystal Palace star who destroyed Man City

He’s been in sensational form as of late.

ByTom Cunningham May 18, 2025

Despite securing European football, it appears it hasn’t done much in terms of them retaining the services of Eberechi Eze for next season. The Englishman, who got the only goal of the game over the weekend, has been a standout performer this season and is now wanted by several clubs from the Premier League.

Not long after beating Man City in the final, it was reported that incoming City sporting director Hugo Viana has made a move to sign Eze for the Blues. Eze is thought to have a release clause worth around £68-70 million, and the Etihad hierarchy are ready to activate it.

But City are not the only team ready to activate Eze’s release clause, as a report from Spain has stated that Chelsea are also lining up an offer for the exciting attacking midfielder. The fact that Eze has a release clause means the likelihood is that Palace will lose their talisman this summer unless he downright demands to stay, and therefore, a replacement may well be needed.

Crystal Palace in race to sign Rayan Cherki

The Eagles appear to already have a player in mind when it comes to replacing Eze, as according to a report from Spain, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Rayan Cherki from Lyon, who are desperate to sell their midfielder.

The report states that Lyon’s financial situation means they are having to consider letting players leave the club this summer. It goes on to add that the French side are looking to improve their accounts quickly and therefore are willing to sell Cherki for around 22 million euros, which is roughly £19 million, and they hope an offer will arrive soon.

Cherki

Eze

Apps

30

32

Starts

22

30

Goals

8

7

xG

5.0

10.2

Assists

11

8

Progressive carries

106

67

Palace are not the only team chasing the 21-year-old, as Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the Frenchman, as well as Manchester United, who have been contacted with the chance to sign Cherki.

The right-winger, who can also play in a more central position, has been dubbed “magnificent” by scout/writer Jacek Kulig, and he could be seen as a player who could fit perfectly into Eze’s playmaker role.

Fabrizio Romano has even reported that Lyon have confirmed Cherki will be leaving the club this summer, and were Palace to sign him and lose Eze, it would represent a good bit of business for the South Londoners from a financial perspective, as much as it would hurt to see their cup final hero walk out the door.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given the green-light for his side to pursue a creative attacking player, with sporting director Andrea Berta apparently lining up an offer in response.

Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal summer transfer admission

Arteta has already admitted that the Gunners are set for a “big” summer transfer window, following the arrival of Berta as Edu Gaspar’s replacement.

Arsenal "closer to finalising" deal for £85m star with contract semi-agreed

The Gunners have made significant progress ahead of this summer.

2 ByEmilio Galantini May 7, 2025

The Spaniard also revealed his excitement over what could be in store for Arsenal when the window reopens, with some reports claiming the north Londoners could spend as much as £300 million on seven major signings (GiveMeSport).

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

“It’s going to be a big one (summer) and we are very excited about it,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 2025 summer transfer plans.

“When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.

“Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now that is necessary. But it’s a big summer for many things, because first of all, we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.”

Additions are expected in the final third particularly, with Berta looking to end Arsenal’s long wait for a prolific striker to lead Arteta’s forward line.

Arsenal are already making “significant” progress on a move for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, according to some reports, while it is also believed that Berta is targeting new wide players.

Mikel Arteta green-lights Arsenal move for Bilal El Khannouss

Now, as per GiveMeSport, Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss has found his way on to their radar as well.

The Moroccan has been a bright spark in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the relegated Foxes, and high-ranking Emirates Stadium officials have recommended him to Arteta.

According to GMS, the manager agrees with their verdict, with Arteta giving his approval for Arsenal to move for El Khannouss. As a result, the club are now lining up a potential £22 million bid for the African.

Interestingly, El Khannouss scored a match-winning goal against Tottenham earlier this season, and he’s been called a “magician” for his exploits at the King Power Stadium.

The 20-year-old has bagged a total of three goals and six assists in all competitions this season, playing both out wide and as an attacking midfielder. Since joining Leicester from KRC Genk last summer, he’s taken to English football quickly despite his young age, and has even earned plaudits from Pep Guardiola.

“He (Guardiola) said he was impressed by my play today,” said El Khannouss after a loss to Man City earlier this season.

“I am not. I know myself and this is the player I can be. I have to show that every week now. After a few games now, I am adapted. People can see now who I am. I will continue to work on this and build.”

Glasgow Rangers held their annual player of the year award ceremony on Sunday evening. After a campaign filled with disarray at Ibrox, many would have wondered why the club bothered.

Nevertheless, several first-team players won awards on the night. John Souttar claimed the John Greig CBE Achievement Award while Hamza Igamane won the Men’s Goal of the Season award for his stunning late winner against Celtic at Parkhead in March.

Elsewhere, Cyriel Dessers won the Sam English Bowl for being the club’s top scorer this season. The most deserving award, however, went to Nicolas Raskin, who won both the Men’s Players’ Player of the Year and Men’s Player of the Year awards, with both the players and supporters recognising the Belgian’s achievements.

With the 49ers Enterprises takeover looking like it could go ahead before the start of next season, they will be keen on building as strong a squad as possible.

Financial investment would be welcome, of course, but keeping the club’s best players for a tilt at the Premiership title next term is the main aim.

Having won two awards on the weekend, Raskin is certainly one player who could attract plenty of attention this summer, no doubt about that.

Nico Raskin: Rangers most indispensable player?

Michael Beale may go down as one of the worst managers in the history of the football club, but paying a fee of just £1.5m to bring the young midfielder to Ibrox is arguably the best decision he made while in charge.

He may have struggled to assert his authority during his first few months at the club, but the persistence the former Standard Liege starlet has shown is now beginning to pay off.

After suffering an injury in pre-season last summer, it appeared as though Raskin would never fulfil his potential at Ibrox. Upon his return to the first-team picture in September, the 23-year-old has been a revelation.

Nine goal contributions have been registered across 43 appearances in all competitions, but it was his opener against Celtic in the 3-2 win last month which was the most important.

Raskin even captained the side during the festive season when James Tavernier was sidelined through injury, and he gave a dominating performance in the Old Firm clash at the turn of the year.

The midfielder has shown in the Premiership so far this term. His tenacious nature has certainly been on display, making 2.9 tackles per game and winning an impressive 6.5 total duels per match – a success rate of 57% – which has allowed the player to dominate at the heart of the pitch.

Going forward, however, Raskin has demonstrated his attacking abilities. Not only has he created six big chances for his teammates, but the Belgian also averages one key pass and 0.9 successful dribbles per match in the top flight.

This combination of attacking and defensive traits makes Raskin a prized asset at Ibrox. There will be a time when the club decides to cash in, but he could be the fulcrum of a new-look side at the start of next season.

Who shouldn’t be at the club next season? Well, it may be a bit of a surprise to some.

Rangers' most dispensable player?

While the 49ers will be keen on strengthening the squad, they must also balance the books by moving several players this summer.

It shouldn’t be a difficult decision on who to release and sell, especially with so many players underperforming throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Dessers may have won the Sam English Bowl, but in reality, the Gers must cash in on him before the start of next season.

Beale may have spent little to bring Raskin to Scotland, but the opposite is true of Dessers’ move to Glasgow. Indeed, he cost around £4.5m from Serie A side Cremonese in the summer of 2023.

Given that Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent had left for free just a month or so before, Beale had to inject some goals into his side ahead of the 2023/24 season. Dessers had netted just ten goals the season prior, hardly the prolific forward Beale required.

Goals

16

13

Assists

4

2

Big chances missed

27

20

Shots per game

2.9

2.2

Goal conversion percentage

16%

19%

A total of 22 goals and nine assists during his maiden year at the Light Blues certainly appears to be a decent tally, but diving deeper, Dessers could have scored a lot more.

In the Premiership alone, he missed a staggering 27 big chances across 35 matches, often taking three or four opportunities to find the back of the net.

This season hasn’t exactly been much of an improvement. 13 domestic goals have been scored thus far, yet he has still missed 20 big chances in the top flight. With four games to go, this figure could still rise.

Scottish analyst John Walker dubbed the centre-forward as “poor” during a pre-season friendly against Manchester United last July. He may offer plenty in terms of work rate and determination, but the Nigerian striker simply isn’t the right man to lead the club into a new era under the 49ers.

The 30-year-old has two years left on his current contract at Rangers, which means this summer represents the perfect chance to try and make back some of the £4.5m that was spent on him two years ago.

Not only that, but he is also one of the highest earners at the Light Blues. Taking home a wage of £27k-per-week, Dessers ranks second behind only Tavernier in terms of earnings.

There is no doubt that freeing up this money in the summer and redirecting it back into bringing one or two younger talents would be the best thing to do.

The club face one of the most important transfer windows in recent memory this summer. Get things right and Celtic could be set for a serious title challenge next season.

On the flip side, however, if the same mistakes are made, Rangers will continue to be left in the wake of their rivals as they motor to a fifth consecutive title.

Rangers must axe £3m flop who has missed more games than Lawrence

Kevin Thelwell has a big job on his hands at Rangers

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 27, 2025

Rangers’ bonkers form continues. Last weekend, the Gers fought back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 at , with Tom Lawrence’s long-range laser equalising nine minutes from time, before Cyriel Dessers snatched victory right at the death for Barry Ferguson’s side.

So, since Barry Ferguson took over as interim manager, the Gers have lost at home to Motherwell, ousted Fenerbahce on penalties in the Europa League and claimed victories on the road at Kilmarnock, Celtic and now Dundee, these three fixtures producing a whopping 18 goals.

Next up in the Premiership, the Gers face third-placed Hibs and then Aberdeen, who are fourth, at Pittodrie, with the small matter of a Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club on the agenda too; the Basque side visit Ibrox next Thursday.

Who knows what to expect from these four matches? Well, goals probably.

What are the 49ers' summer plans for Rangers?

2025 is set to be a huge year of change for Rangers, starting with the fact manager Philippe Clement was sacked back in February after 86 matches in charge.

Meantime, the club is also subject to a takeover, with Paraag Marathe, President of 49ers Enterprises, set to become the club’s majority shareholder, a deal that is reportedly currently still being finalised.

His first task, as alluded to, will be to appoint a new permanent manager, with Steven Gerrard, Sean Dyche, Kevin Muscat, Liam Rosenior, Kjetil Knutsen, Marco Rose and many others reportedly in the fray.

Well, whoever they choose to appoint, they’ll want to do so quickly, given that next season starts early for the Light Blues, kicking off with the first leg of a crucial Champions League qualifying tie on 22 or 23 July.

Meantime, the squad is likely to undergo a major rebuild, and one fans’ favourite in particular appears highly-likely to depart.

Which players could leave Ibrox in the summer

Three permanently contracted players could be on their way out of the Glasgow club this summer, notably Tom Lawrence and Leon Balogun, while it’s unlikely attacking hero Vaclav Cerny will be back next season, largely due to his price tag after some cracking form.

Another who finds himself out of contract in June is Ianis Hagi, set to leave the club as a free agent this summer.

It’s fair to say the Romanian’s Rangers career has had its ups and downs, scoring a spectacular brace shortly after arriving against Braga in the Europa League, on a night the Gers fought back from 2-0 down to win, sparking wild celebrations at Ibrox.

When he signed from Genk in January 2020, then-manager Steven Gerrard labeled him “one of the best talents in Europe” but it hasn’t quite happened for him in Light Blue.

Indeed, despite being at the club for over five years now, Hagi has made just 125 appearances for the club, largely due to the fact that he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament against Stirling Albion in January 2022, spending the next 372 days on the sidelines.

Then, after not being in Michael Beale’s plans, the Romanian spent last season on loan at Deportivo Alavés in Spain before being reintegrated into the first-team squad this season, albeit he’s lost his regular starting spot since Ferguson took over from Clement.

2019/20*

13

3

2

2020/21

46

8

15

2021/22

27

4

4

2022/23

11

1

Zero

2023/24**

2

Zero

Zero

2024/25

25

3

7

As the table outlines, Hagi has not been a regular in the Rangers side since that aforementioned knee injury in January 2022, until recently, albeit he hasn’t been especially productive in front of goal since the title-winning campaign of 2020/21.

As a result, his Transfermarkt value has plummeted to £1.69m, having been as high as £6m at one stage, significantly lower than the reported £4.5m paid to secure his services in the first place.

Thus, given his injury record, Rangers should sadly release Hagi in the summer as part of their squad rebuild.

49ers must axe Rangers dud who Ferguson said could "become a big player"

Rangers must finally cash in on the lightweight who is worth even less than Tom Lawrence and Ianis Hagi.

2 ByDan Emery Mar 31, 2025