Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have been informed that they could sign a high-earning star for below £30 million this summer, with chairman Daniel Levy expected to seek out good-value deals amid the looming threat of a ‘sell to buy’ summer.

Ange Postecoglou preparing for crunch Europa League final

While Spurs face off against Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon, all eyes are instead on their looming Europa League final against Man United next week.

Levy personally wants '40 goals a season' striker at Tottenham next season

The Spurs chairman is a particular fan.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 15, 2025

The less said about Spurs’ dismal domestic campaign, the better – following a season of record-breaking lows where Ange Postecoglou’s side surpassed the club’s record for most Premier League losses in a single season (20).

Instead, the Europa League represents a major potential saving grace at the end of what could be Postecoglou’s final term in charge.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League	Average match rating
Son Heung-min	7.05
Pedro Porro	6.98
James Maddison	6.98
Dominic Solanke	6.88
Dejan Kulusevski	6.83
via WhoScored

David Ornstein is among the media sources to report that Postecoglou is highly likely to leave Tottenham, even if they win the European final in Bilbao on May 21, but sealing the Lilywhites’ first piece of major silverware in 17 years would be a more-than-ideal send-off.

Victory against Man United would also work wonders in terms of attracting Spurs’ top transfer targets, as a place in the Champions League group draw for next season would undoubtedly come as a major pull, even after their struggles domestically.

One of the key items of their agenda, in terms of recruitment, is signing a new striker. Richarlison is expected to be up for sale at Tottenham this summer, and in the event Brazil’s number nine departs N17, Spurs or any new manager would need a replacement for him.

Tottenham are believed to be among the contenders for Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who could leave for just £30 million, thanks to a release clause tied in with their relegation from the Premier League.

Levy is also keen on re-negotiating cheaper terms for Mathys Tel’s permanent deal, according to reports in Germany this week, but it is unclear what the 20-year-old’s long-term role would be in the squad right now.

Tottenham informed they could sign Dusan Vlahovic for under £30 million

Now, as per GiveMeSport, Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic is another centre-forward who could be made available for an affordable transfer fee.

The Serbia international, rumoured to be on around £320,000-per-week in Turin, hasn’t exactly lived up to his “superstar” reputation during the second half of 2024/2025 – scoring just two Serie A goals this calendar year.

With his contract expiring next summer, and no extension in sight, GMS now report Tottenham have been made aware that Vlahovic could be sold this summer.

It is also claimed that, while Juve ideally want around £35 million, the Old Lady may even green-light his sale for just £20 million – largely due to his sub-par form lately and the fact he’s about to enter the final 12 months of his deal.

This could be a major opportunity for Levy, who’s been linked with a move for Vlahovic in past seasons.

The 25-year-old scored 21 Serie A goals during his best season at Fiorentina, and 16 top-flight goals for Juve just last season, so Vlahovic can be a devastating player when at his very best. The trick for Spurs’ potential new manager next season is getting it out of him.

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.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta “loves” one Barcelona star and believes he’d be a cracking addition to the Gunners squad, according to reports, but he faces competition from a direct Premier League rival in pursuit of the player.

Josh Kroenke promises Arsenal investment this summer

Before their 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday, co-chair Josh Kroenke addressed supporters on the disappointment of finishing second in the Premier League yet again.

Talks advancing: Arsenal pushing to sign "deadly" £65m Premier League star

The Gunners are making progress in their pursuit of a forward, who has enjoyed a fantastic 2024-25 campaign.

ByDominic Lund May 19, 2025

In quotes taken from Arsenal’s matchday programme, Kroenke also promised fans that there will be investment into the squad this summer, as the north Londoners look to end their 22-year wait for a domestic top flight crown.

“We all want to win it,” said Kroenke.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

“We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season. Ultimately, we all want the same thing. We’re as hungry for success as you are and that goes for everyone who works for the club.”

That pledge is already being answered, as Arsenal are widely believed to have agreed a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with reports from both abroad and England strongly suggesting that Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres could be Andrea Berta’s second summer capture after the Spain midfielder.

Arsenal are apparently keen to strengthen across the board, particularly in the attacking areas, with Berta and co targeting a right-winger, left-winger and striker (GiveMeSport).

Mikel Arteta "loves" Ferran Torres and wants him at Arsenal

One man who can play out wide and through the middle as a centre-forward is ex-Man City starlet Ferran Torres. The £161,000-per-week Barça attacker boasts 19 goals from 45 appearances in all competitions under Hansi Flick this season, leaving little wonder both Arteta and Aston Villa boss Unai Emery are particularly keen.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who told The Boot Room that Arteta is a big fan of Torres and ideally wants him at Arsenal.

“Firstly, with Ferran Torres’ situation — Mikel Arteta loves Torres from his time at City, and he knows how City highly rated him,” said Bailey.

“Arteta knows what Torres could bring to Arsenal, but he’s not the only manager who likes him. Villa like Torres and so does Unai Emery.

“But my information is that Torres still has no intention of leaving Barcelona. Hansi Flick has used him quite a bit this season, but even when he hasn’t been playing in the past, he didn’t want to leave Barcelona.”

The 25-year-old appears more likely than not to remain at the Camp Nou, which is a crying shame when factoring in just how much he could reinforce Arsenal’s ranks.

Arteta is known to value versatility in any player, and Torres has featured on both the right and left-hand side whilst also operating as an out-and-out striker when required across 2024/2025.

Every year, the top goalscorer in the Premier League has the honour of taking home the Golden Boot.

Despite goals being the ultimate currency in football, the winner of this particular accolade does not point towards top-flight success. Indeed, in 2023, Erling Haaland became the first player in 10 years to put a Premier League winners’ medal alongside his Golden Boot.

The top 10 all-time Premier League goalscorers

FFC takes a look at the PL’s most prolific goalscorers.

ByMark Marston Dec 23, 2023

2024/25 saw Mohamed Salah take home a fourth Golden Boot, something only Thierry Henry has done in the Premier League era. Pre-1992, Jimmy Greaves (6) and Derby County forward Steve Bloomer (5) are the only other players to be the English top tier’s top scorer four times or more.

So, who have been the previous winners, who has won the award the most times, and who has done it with the most goals? All that information and more can be found here.

Here is a list of every Premier League Golden Boot winner, alongside a detailed look at the most recent recipients of the award, including the best goal from their winning seasons.

Season

Player

Club(s)

Goals

1992/93

Teddy Sheringham

Nottingham Forest, Tottenham

22

1993/94

Andy Cole

Newcastle

34

1994/95

Alan Shearer

Blackburn

34

1995/96

Alan Shearer

Blackburn

31

1996/97

Alan Shearer

Newcastle

25

1997/98

Chris Sutton, Dion Dublin, Michael Owen

Blackburn, Coventry, Liverpool

18

1998/99

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Michael Owen, Dwight Yorke

Leeds, Liverpool, Man Utd

18

1999/00

Kevin Phillips

Sunderland

30

2000/01

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Chelsea

23

2001/02

Thierry Henry

Arsenal

24

2002/03

Ruud van Nistelrooy

Man Utd

25

2003/04

Thierry Henry

Arsenal

30

2004/05

Thierry Henry

Arsenal

25

2005/06

Thierry Henry

Arsenal

27

2006/07

Didier Drogba

Chelsea

20

2007/08

Cristiano Ronaldo

Man Utd

31

2008/09

Nicolas Anelka

Chelsea

19

2009/10

Didier Drogba

Chelsea

29

2010/11

Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov

Man City, Man Utd

20

2011/12

Robin van Persie

Arsenal

30

2012/13

Robin van Persie

Man Utd

26

2013/14

Luis Suarez

Liverpool

31

2014/15

Sergio Aguero

Man City

26

2015/16

Harry Kane

Tottenham

25

2016/17

Harry Kane

Tottenham

29

2017/18

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

32

2018/19

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah

Arsenal, Liverpool

22

2019/20

Jamie Vardy

Leicester

23

2020/21

Harry Kane

Tottenham

23

2021/22

Mohamed Salah, Son Heung-min

Liverpool, Tottenham

23

2022/23

Erling Haaland

Man City

36

2023/24

Erling Haaland

Man City

27

2024/25

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

29

Robin van Persie (Arsenal & Man Utd) 2011/12 (30 goals), 2012/13 (26 goals)

Dutchman Robin van Persie picked up each of his two Golden Boots in consecutive years, distinctively doing so for two different clubs: Arsenal and Manchester United.

He hit 30 in the 2011/12 season for the Gunners, emulating Thierry Henry in the process. But after his strikes were only enough to steer Arsenal to third that year, he arrived at rivals Manchester United the following summer keen to add team honours to his collection.

His move was vindicated when his 26 goals secured United what is still their most recent league title to date.

Best goal: It has to be the one that helped seal the title for United, as Van Persie sumptuously smashed home Wayne Rooney’s cross-field ball against Aston Villa.

Luis Suarez (Liverpool) 2013/14 (31 goals)

While the 2013/14 campaign ended in heartbreak for Liverpool, it was a record-breaking year for Luis Suarez.

Despite entering the season under the cloud of a recent (but not his last) biting incident, not to mention a heavily publicised and failed move to Arsenal, he equalled the Premier League record set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007/08 with 31 goals.

The Reds may have ended as runners-up that year, but Suarez would move on to better things off the back of this campaign, winning the Champions League with Barcelona 12 months later.

Best goal: Smashing the ball over a hapless John Ruddy from 40 yards (before scoring three more against Norwich City).

Sergio Aguero (Man City) 2014/15 (26 goals)

It may be something of a surprise to note that Sergio Aguero only took home one Golden Boot – particularly in a year when Manchester City did not win the title.

But he saw off the challenges of Harry Kane and Diego Costa to comfortably claim the top scorer award amid a disappointing defence of City’s Premier League crown.

Best goal: While his best strikes came in other seasons, his superbly curled effort against Spurs capped a marvellous afternoon as he scored all four goals.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) 2018/19 (22 goals)

One of three different winners in this particular year, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang managed to take home a Golden Boot in his first full season at Arsenal.

The Gunners fell short in their pursuit of a Champions League place, but the Gabon ace was often on hand to help their cause, with two strikes against Burnley on the final day sealing his place in the top-flight history books.

Best goal: His equaliser in the north London derby proved what a clinical finisher he could be, even from range.

Sadio Mane (Liverpool) 2018/19 (22 goals)

The second of the three winners in 2018/19 was Sadio Mane, who picked up his only Golden Boot during his time at Liverpool.

Often seen working prolifically alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, Mane was at his best while that Liverpool trio tore almost every Premier League defence to shreds.

Best goal: His backheel against Watford was unlike anything we have seen before or since (at 2:12 in the video below).

Jamie Vardy (Leicester) 2019/20 (23 goals)

Although his best season will undoubtedly have been amid Leicester City’s title win in 2015/16, Jamie Vardy was far from the peak of his powers.

He continued to terrorise defences up and down the country, and got the Golden Boot that his goalscoring exploits deserved by scoring 23 times in the 2019/20 campaign.

We’ll never know how the curtailed season due to the pandemic affected things, with Leicester’s form tailing off as they missed out on a top-four place. Vardy scored four times post-restart to edge ahead of Aubameyang and Danny Ings, his closest competitors.

Best goal: A simply superb strike lofted over Bournemouth’s Aaron Ramsdale early in the campaign.

Harry Kane (Tottenham) 2015/16 (25 goals), 2016/17 (29 goals), 2020/21 (23 goals)

Had he played in another era, Harry Kane may well have had twice the amount of Golden Boots he ended up with, but three while playing for a Tottenham Hotspur side who seldom challenged for the title itself is not bad going.

That said, they came closest to the title in two of Kane’s Golden Boot seasons, with back-to-back gongs coming his way after the Lilywhites secured finishes of 3rd and 2nd in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 campaigns respectively.

With only Alan Shearer ahead of him in terms of all-time goals, it is difficult to understate Kane’s success in the Premier League, but there’s no doubt he’d have swapped a Golden Boot or two for a trophy with his beloved Spurs.

Best goal: A classic strike to put Spurs 2-1 up against Arsenal all but killed off the Gunners’ title hopes as both teams chased Leicester down.

Son Heung-min (Tottenham) 2021/22 (23 goals)

While Harry Kane got most of the plaudits during their time together at Spurs, Son Heung-min finally got one over on his teammate by not only beating his personal tally for the season, but everyone else’s, too (well, bar Salah).

Tottenham flourished that season, particularly after Antonio Conte arrived in north London, as they secured Champions League football on the final day – with Son grabbing two goals to draw level with Liverpool’s Egyptian.

No doubt an accolade worthy of the South Korean’s efforts in Tottenham colours, he has continued to lead by example as Spurs captain following Kane’s exit.

Best goal: Son has made the outside-the-box curler something of a trademark, and his effort against Leicester in May 2022 is certainly one of his finest.

Erling Haaland (Man City) 2022/23 (36 goals), 2023/24 (27 goals)

There are few superlatives left to describe Erling Haaland, not least after he arrived in the Premier League by smashing record after record and winning everything in sight with Manchester City.

With such an impressive goalscoring record at Borussia Dortmund (86 goals in 89) preceding him, he would’ve been expected to be right amongst the goals after his switch to City.

The Norwegian not only ended up with the Golden Boot and the PFA Player of the Year award in his first season, but he did so by reaching a record 36 goals – averaging over a goal a game in the Premier League, proving he is truly one of a kind.

Understandably, he wasn’t quite able to reach those standards again, but with some time out injured during the most recent campaign, he still put in another solid return of 27, with a late-season four-goal blitz steering him clear of Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.

With another Premier League title and Golden Boot in the bag, Haaland seems far from finished…

Best goal: While he makes finishing look easy, Haaland’s acrobatic effort against Southampton in 2022/23 (at 4:04 below) was arguably the pick of the bunch during his first season at City.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) 2017/18 (32 goals), 2018/19 (22 goals), 2021/22 (23 goals), 2024/25 (29 goals)

One of the greatest Premier League goalscorers in recent times, Mohamed Salah had no problems re-adapting to the English top flight after returning as a Liverpool player in 2017.

His first season back saw him notch a Premier League record of 32 goals for the Anfield club, becoming the second African player (after Didier Drogba) to sit top of the goalscoring charts.

In 2019, he shared the award with two fellow Africans in Aubameyang and teammate Mane, before tying for the award once more in 2022.

He won it outright again in the 2024/25 season as he steered Liverpool to a second league title since joining, picking up awards for the most goals and assists, as well as the Player of the Season award, to go along with the Premier League trophy.

Best goal: There are plenty to choose from, but we’ve gone for his rocket against Chelsea in the 2018/19 season, which made even Martin Tyler sound rather excited (at 1:59 for those in a hurry).

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.”

While this season ended up being an undeniable failure, Arsenal fans shouldn’t forget how brilliant some of their players are.

For example, David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães helped to create the best defence in the Premier League.

Moreover, Declan Rice has gone from strength to strength, and now looks more than at home as the left eight.

And then, despite missing over three months of action, the club’s best player, Bukayo Saka, was able to rack up an incredible haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in just 37 games.

The Hale Ender is undoubtedly the team’s talisman and most dangerous attacker, so fans should be delighted about reports linking Arsenal to another international star who has won comparisons to the Englishman.

Arsenal's winger search

Given Arsenal’s significant reliance on Saka to produce from the right this season, it’s not been much of a surprise to seem linked with several talented left-wingers in recent weeks, such as Nico Williams and Leroy Sané.

Transfer Focus

Expand Collapse

The former has a well-known release clause worth around £50m in his current contract with Athletic Bilbao, and while that is a lot of money, he did perform reasonably well this season, chalking up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 45 games.

Sané, on the other hand, would be a free signing thanks to his contract with Bayern Munich running out this month, although even with his impressive haul of 19 goal involvements this term, the fact he’ll be 30 midway next season makes signing him a less appealing prospect.

Moreover, it’s difficult to imagine him matching Saka’s output from the left next year, which isn’t the case for Rodrygo.

Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic’s Real Madrid correspondent, Mario Cortegana, Arsenal are one of a few clubs intensely interested in the Brazilian international.

In fact, he claims that Arteta is “convinced he would have a big role” in the team, although on top of convincing the player, reports from earlier this month claim that the Gunners would have to stump up around £84m to get their man.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s immense ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he’s won comparisons to Saka.

How Rodrygo compares to Saka

So then, before we take a look at some of the other reasons why Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Rodrygo this summer, it’s important to examine this comparison to Saka and where it has come from.

Well, in this case, it stems from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions in the Champions League this season and then created a list of the ten most comparable players.

By doing this, it concluded that the Real Madrid star was the tenth most similar attacking midfielder or winger and the third most similar midfielder to the Arsenal star in the competition this season.

Rodrygo & Saka

Statistic per 90

Rodrygo

Saka

Assists

0.21

0.24

Progressive Passes Received

10.3

10.2

Shots

2.57

2.61

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.10

0.12

Shot-Creating Actions

3.70

3.67

Successful Take-Ons

1.86

1.67

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 UCL Season

The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including but not limited to assists, progressive passes received, shots, crosses into the penalty area, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

However, while a comparison to someone incredibly talented as Saka is undoubtedly encouraging, there are other reasons Arteta and Co should sign Real’s “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by former teammate Luka Modrić.

The most important is that he’d be a reliable source of goals, as, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, the former Santos gem has managed to score 32 goals and provide 19 assists in 103 appearances, totalling 7,137 minutes – even though he has spent much of that time out on the right when he’d rather be off the left.

In other words, he’s maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.01 games, or every 139.94, for two years.

Ultimately, he will cost a lot of money, and it might be a difficult transfer to pull off, but due to his brilliant record and the fact he shares some key statistical similarities with Saka, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Rodrygo this summer.

Related Arsenal targeting £80m "nightmare" who'd be more exciting than Zubimendi

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Martin Zubimendi.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 10, 2025

Arsenal are expected to be one of the busier English sides during the summer window after missing out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by 10 points, and sporting director Andrea Berta is set for a key role.

Andrea Berta tipped for influential summer at Arsenal

Spanish football expert and reliable journalist, Guillem Balague, shared an intriguing bit of information about Berta following the Italian’s arrival at N5.

£50m star could now reject Arsenal move and sign new deal after talks

He also snubbed an exit last summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 4, 2025

Following 12 productive years at Atlético Madrid, where he played a key role in shaping Diego Simeone’s quality current squad, Balague said that Berta is widely considered one of the best sporting directors in football by those within the beautiful game.

“You have to say that he was the architect of the Atletico Madrid that won the league twice, got to the Champions League final twice, won the Europa League,” Balague told TNT Sports.

“That’s him working alongside Simeone in a very discreet way. He doesn’t give interviews, doesn’t give press conferences. We don’t know personally much about him, but certainly he’s a top negotiator and considered one of the best in the business.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)	Money on new signings
19/20 – winter	£0
20/21 – summer	£81.5m
20/21 – winter	£900k
21/22 – summer	£156.8m
21/22 – winter	£1.8m
22/23 – summer	£121.5m
22/23 – winter	£59m
23/24 – summer	£208m
23/24 – winter	£0
24/25 – summer	£101.5m
24/25 – winter	£0

“They went for him because he wants to create, alongside Mikel Arteta, a winning culture. This is a guy that’s done very well in the context of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“They have more money, and yet he managed to get that extra bit that Arsenal doesn’t seem to get.”

This summer window is imperative for Arsenal, and Berta has the almighty task of reshaping their squad to mount a much more convincing Premier League title challenge next season.

Their lack of a prolific striker was a serious achilles heel over the course of 2024/2025, especially factoring in Kai Havertz’s and Gabriel Jesus’ injury lay-offs, with Arsenal said to be working on moves for both Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

According to the BBC’s Sami Mokbel, Arsenal are currently working to confirm the frameworks of both deals, before deciding which striker to formally pursue.

Arsenal "only" club to hold "concrete talks" for Benjamin Sesko

As Mikel Arteta’s side take their time to weigh up which deal is best for the club, Gyokeres or Sesko, Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg suggests Arsenal are in pole position for the latter.

While Man Utd have expressed an interest, Plettenberg writes that Arsenal are the only club to hold “concrete talks” for Sesko so far, meaning Berta is facing little competition in pursuit of the Slovenian as things stand.

Called an “extremely quick” striker, Sesko is fresh off the back of a career-best Bundesliga campaign, scoring 21 goals in all competitions and bettering his tally of 18 from 2023/2024.

While these numbers appear modest, Sesko’s physical attributes and potential to improve at just 22-years-old make him a very tempting potential signing, with his release clause set at around £70 million.

Liverpool won hearts and minds with their Premier League title victory and could now be on the verge of ratifying one of the summer’s most exciting deals.

Liverpool make an instant impact in the summer window

The dust has started to settle on Liverpool claiming a second top-flight title of the modern era. Still, there have already been significant developments at Anfield in the early part of the summer window.

Jeremie Frimpong arrived to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold on Merseyside, and that only appears to be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to potential movement in both directions.

Finance expert Kieran Maguire has confirmed that Liverpool have £250 million to spend if they so wish without any threat of FFP involvement, which has paved the way for some exciting deals to occur over the next few months.

“Liverpool are in an excellent financial position. They didn’t spend very much in the 24-25 season, and they have the benefits of Champions League football next season. If they spent £250m, that would not be a problem.”

Liverpool transfer targets in pictures

Arne Slot made minimal changes last summer, but he has now identified Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon as a top target at Anfield, even if he will cost around £80 million to lure from the North East.

Why the summer transfer window will close for six days and re-open again

Premier League clubs have recently voted for the transfer window to open early this summer – here’s how it will work and why it’s happening.

ByStephan Georgiou Mar 27, 2025

Finding themselves in the perfect position to kick on, Liverpool will be aware that their rivals are also tooling up with some intriguing signings, setting the scene for a brilliant Premier League title fight next term.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the Reds are on the verge of completing a landmark deal ahead of the new campaign coming into focus.

Romano: Liverpool agree deal to sign Florian Wirtz

Taking to social media platform X, Romano revealed that Liverpool have now agreed a deal in principle to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and he will now head to England for his medical.

With personal terms and other formalities already agreed, it is understood that the Germany international will join for a fee of around £127 million, inclusive of add-ons.

Compared to Lionel Messi by Gerhard Struber, Wirtz registered 16 goals and 15 assists across 46 appearances in all competitions last term, and Reds journalist Paul Gorst said he will be a “statement signing”.

Notably, he earns around £73,300 at Bayer Leverkusen, a figure that will be expected to increase exponentially once his switch to Anfield is officially confirmed.

Weeks of overwhelming speculation surrounding Wirtz have become the early story of the window. Nevertheless, he now appears set to link up with Slot in a deal that will reverberate around the world.

Birmingham City might well have stormed to the League One title in part due to their electric attacking arsenal consisting of Jay Stansfield, Alfie May, and many others, but the Blues’ defence also shone all season to ensure the title was triumphantly lifted.

Indeed, Chris Davies’ men would only ship 31 goals across the course of the memorable 46-game marathon, as the likes of Christoph Klarer and Ben Davies routinely bullied third-tier attackers.

Davies will know he needs that same switched-on approach from his back-line as they navigate a step-up in quality, with Birmingham once possessing a rock-solid option at this level in the form of Auston Trusty, before he eventually moved on to pastures new at Celtic.

Trusty's standout loan spell at Birmingham

The American titan would join the building on loan the season before Birmingham’s relegation to League One, but that isn’t to say he entered a camp that was sky-high on confidence.

The Blues had been locked into many a relegation scrap before his arrival, with a worrying 75 goals leaked during the 2021/22 season when Trusty was still on the books of Arsenal.

Whilst Trusty’s added presence could only see Birmingham finish in an equally disappointing 17th position in the league the next campaign, his importance to the cause was definitely noticeable.

By the end of his St. Andrew’s stint, the 6-foot-3 defender would tally up four league goals from 44 games – which included this audacious flick beating Seny Dieng – away from bringing the goals conceded number down to a more respectable 58.

Winning a valiant 6.2 duels on average too, the American ultimately ended the campaign having claimed the club’s Player of the Year award, prior to sealing a permanent switch to Sheffield United.

Davies, meanwhile, will be crying out for similarly dominant performances from his batch of defenders when making the step back up, with this potential new signing going on to be his own iteration of the now Celtic regular if everything slots into place.

Birmingham could land the next Trusty

After all, despite boasting such an impressive defensive record during their promotion success story, Birmingham will know how demanding the Championship can be, meaning improvements could be sought after.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

The ambitious Blues are reportedly in the race to sign Luton Town powerhouse Teden Mengi to help in this regard, with Burnley, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough all also keen on adding the ex-Manchester United defender to their rosters this summer, as per journalist Graeme Bailey.

The in-demand starlet previously joined the Blues on loan for the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, albeit with a recurring hamstring injury limiting him to just ten appearances in all competitions. Now, another opportunity to thrive at St Andrews could be on the cards.

Straight off the bat, there are plenty of comparisons to be made between Mengi and Trusty, with the pair having been noted as statistically similar players among those in their position in the Premier League, as per FBref, during the 2023/24 season with Luton and Sheffield United, respectively.

That likeness was particularly seen in their ability to sniff out the danger in their own penalty area, with Mengi ranking in the top 11% for clearances made per 90, while Trusty ranked in the top 9% for that same metric.

Equally, the 6-foot battler’s early education came at the illustrious Red Devils in the Premier League, much like his centre-back counterpart calling the Emirates home as a youngster.

Moreover, Mengi has managed to forge a successful career for himself away from his hometown club – much like the American has at Celtic – as seen in the 23-year-old’s current spell with Matt Bloomfield’s Hatters now attracting interest from various suitors.

Mengi’s Luton numbers (23/24) + (24/25)

Stat – per 90 mins*

Mengi (23/24)

Mengi (24/25)

Games played

30

20

Goals scored

1

1

Assists

0

1

Touches*

44.4

48.1

Accurate passes*

24.2 (78%)

27.8 (77%)

Ball recoveries*

4.2

4.2

Clearances*

4.5

3.9

Total duels won*

4.3

3.6

Stats by Sofascore

As can be seen looking at the table above, Mengi has shone in spurts for Luton, particularly when the underdogs were battling bravely against the Premier League drop, with the Manchester-born enforcer winning 4.3 duels on average across his 30 top-flight appearances.

The then Luton manager, Rob Edwards, would even label Mengi as “astounding” for his ability to perform under such pressures, with his addition to Davies’ camp now perhaps viewed as a worthwhile boost to their defensive numbers, away from just relying on the old guard of Klarer and Co.

After all, the last time Birmingham purchased a former Premier League starlet to help out the back in the form of Trusty, it went down as a golden purchase, with Mengi – who Football Transfers value at £6m – potentially viewed down the line as another successful buy.

Related More exciting than Gray: Birmingham eyeing up new move for "special" star

Birmingham City could seal an even more exciting signing than the return of Demarai Gray by winning this special attacker’s services.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Jun 9, 2025

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has backed reports that Arsenal are interested in signing a £126 million centre-forward, with the north Londoners desperate to bring in a world-class goalscorer this summer.

Arsenal's striker shortlist for Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta’s current striker shortlist appears to have two main faces on it as things stand – Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal tipped to sign class striker after Zubimendi as Arteta pressures board

The Spaniard has made his wishes clear to Emirates Stadium transfer chiefs.

ByEmilio Galantini May 29, 2025

Arsenal have held “concrete talks” over a deal for Sesko, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, while some reports in Portugal are even claiming that Gyokeres has received a five-year contract offer from the Gunners.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

The former ended 2024/2025 with 21 goals in all competitions for Leipzig, bettering last season’s tally of 18, while Gyokeres’ sublime campaign saw him net 54 strikes in 52 appearances.

If signed, either man would spark major excitement among the fanbase, and especially after Arsenal’s struggles to find the net consistently enough in comparison to the previous two seasons.

Arteta especially wants Arsenal to complete a deal for Sesko, while new sporting director Andrea Berta is reported to be more of a fan of Gyokeres (Simon Phillips), so it remains to be seen which number nine they eventually agree upon.

However, they do have other targets on their shortlist, and one of them is Atlético Madrid star Julian Alvarez.

The Argentine has won nearly everything there is to win despite being just 25-years-old, and he’s fresh off the back of a fantastic debut season at Atlético. Alvarez bagged 29 goals and seven assists in 54 appearances across all competitions in the season just gone, perhaps justifying Berta’s decision to reportedly insert a £126 million release clause into his contract when he was their director.

It was in fact Berta who signed Alvarez for the La Liga side from Man City in 2024, to the tune of around £82 million, but he’s now understandably attracting interest from the Premier League again.

Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal are keen on Julian Alvarez

Spanish newspaper Marca and journalist David Medina reported earlier this week that Arsenal are one of the favourites to sign Alvarez in their pursuit of a new striker.

When asked about these reports involving the Gunners and Alvarez, speaking in a GiveMeSport newsletter, the ever-reliable Romano suggested that there is some weight to this information.

Romano states it is “true” Arsenal are interested in Alvarez, but the problem lies in Atlético’s willingness to sell, with Diego Simeone’s side determined to keep their star striker and Berta arguably very unlikely to trigger his mammoth rumoured release clause.

“Atletico Madrid absolutely want to keep Julian,” said Romano when asked if Alvarez was a target for Arsenal and Liverpool, as has been suggested.

“There’s interest from Premier League, it’s true for sure but Atléti insist on keeping him.”

The South American has his credentials as a prolific goalscorer and big-game player. It is also hard to remember Alvarez ever having a bad game for City, with Erling Haaland’s presence arguably the only reason he never quite got a consistent run in the striker role under Pep Guardiola.

Alvarez’s start to life at Atlético puts his quality beyond all doubt, and he’d almost certainly upgrade Arteta’s options. However, he doesn’t appear to be going anywhere any time soon.