All posts by h716a5.icu

Tottenham Hotspur’s pull in the transfer market, not to mention the finances available for crucial signings, have undoubtedly been boosted by their spot in the Champions League for next season, with chairman Daniel Levy and the Lilywhites recruitment team set for a very intriguing summer window.

Ange Postecoglou vows better Premier League finish for Spurs

Spurs confirmed their place in Europe’s most prestigious competition by reigning triumphant in the Europa League final last week, an historic night for both the club and under-fire manager Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham hold negotiations over signing 6 foot 5 defender in last few days

The Europa League champions are making their first moves of the transfer window.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 26, 2025

Domestically, Spurs finished one place outside the relegation zone in 17th, breaking their all-time record for most Premier League defeats in a single campaign, and this has resulted in a major dilemma for Levy when it comes to deciding Postecoglou’s long-term future.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Their Europa League triumph represents a significant milestone for the north Londoners, who ended their 17-year wait for silverware and secured their first European trophy since 1984, with Postecoglou highly suggesting that he wants to stay at Tottenham during their trophy parade last week.

The final call on that won’t rest with the Australian, though, who also vowed to put Spurs in a much stronger position domestically if he’s given the chance next term.

“From my perspective, I made decisions that I felt were giving us the best chance of achieving the goal we needed to achieve this year and that has affected our league form,” said Postecoglou after Tottenham’s 4-1 loss to Brighton on the final day.

“If people don’t want to take that into account, then there is nothing I can say to explain it any better than that.

“I came to the club and we had finished eighth. I didn’t take over a club that had finished second. They had no European football to speak of. Lost the one player who probably guarantees you European football. That was my starting point. At the end of two years, I’ve got the club a trophy it has been crying out for, Champions League football, we finished fifth last year. Either people are saying ‘last year it was a huge anomaly for us to finish fifth or this is what we deliver right.’

“I have got no doubt next year we will be in a much stronger position, challenging for the top places.”

If Postecoglou does stay for 2025/2026, there is little denying he needs to be backed in the transfer market with Tottenham’s newly-found Champions League riches this summer.

Pundit convinced Angel Gomes wants to join Tottenham

Injuries left Postecoglou hamstrung at various points over the course of 24/25, emphasising the need for Spurs to strengthen across the board.

Their greater pull could also help them to land Europe’s most coveted free agents, like England international midfielder Angel Gomes, who is set to leave Lille when his contract expires on June 30.

Tottenham have been tipped as one of the favourites to sign Gomes on a free this summer, with pundit John Wenham telling Tottenham News that he’s convinced the 24-year-old would jump at the chance to join Postecoglou’s side.

“Tottenham are going to be playing in the Champions League next season,” Wenham said.

“Therefore, when it comes to the pecking order of options Gomes has, I’m sure that Tottenham would be near the top of the list if they were to make an offer.

“I’m sure Gomes wants to come to Tottenham and live in London and play Champions League football with the current Europa League holders. As a result, I’m sure a decision will be made on that soon.”

The former Man United gem has impressed in Ligue 1 since his switch there in 2020, so much so that he was awarded his first call-ups to the Three Lions squad late last year.

He could be an astute option to reinforce Tottenham’s midfield, which was left desperately short at points last season and crippled their chances of success.

Manchester United will desperately need to land new attacking talent this summer, as seen by their recent moves in the market, which has led to a deal for Matheus Cunha.

The Brazilian has been on their radar over the last few months, but a deal seems to be edging closer after Fabrizio Romano confirmed the club had struck a deal with the fellow Premier League outfit Wolverhamtpon Wanderers.

However, further reinforcements are likely needed, especially when considering the side only registered 44 goals in their 38 league outings this campaign.

Such a tally is the fifth-lowest in the division, with all the teams within the bottom three and Everton the only teams to manage fewer, undoubtedly contributing to their lowly league standing.

Ruben Amorim has wasted no time in pursuing other options, with countless players on the Red Devils’ radar ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Striker Liam Delap has been firmly on United’s radar over the last few weeks, with his £30m relegation release clause potentially a bargain given his tally of 12 goals this campaign.

The 22-year-old has reportedly agreed personal terms over a switch to Old Trafford, looking to fend off any interest from fellow Premier League outfits Chelsea and Everton.

However, he’s not the only name on their shortlist this summer, with a move for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha now edging closer to completion. Reports on Tuesday evening noted that United have met the conditions required to prise him away from Wolves and the player has been given permission to undergo a medical.

An exciting option once that deal is done could well be Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké, according to CaughtOffside.

Their report claims that talks have already been held over a move for the 22-year-old Frenchman, who has registered 22 goals and 12 assists throughout 2024/25.

It also states that the Red Devils are preparing a serious offer for his signature, but it remains to be seen how much they would bid for his services given his £84m price tag.

Why United’s £84m target would be Amorim’s own Isak

Alexander Isak is a player who every side in world football must wish they had their own version of given his goalscoring exploits over the last couple of seasons.

The Swede, who currently plies his trade for Newcastle United, has registered 27 goals this campaign – 23 of which in the league, which saw him finish second in the Golden Boot race.

Over recent months, numerous teams have been interested in a move for the 25-year-old, but have been quoted a fee in the region of £150m – highlighting how impressive he’s been at St James’ Park.

Given the nature of such a fee, it’s virtually impossible that the Red Devils could fork out such a figure, which has led them to pursuing other options in the final third.

Ekitike is one player who could be the club’s own version of Isak, with the Frankfurt star comparable to the Newcastle talisman on FBref based off their respective figures and also described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey.

The Frenchman, who’s been labelled “world-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists this season, but he’s registered more shots on target per 90 – highlighting his clinical abilities in the final third.

He’s also completed more passes than Isak, whilst completing more of the take-ons he’s attempted, offering Amorim an all-round option in his attempts to take United back to their former glory.

Games played

33

34

Goals & assists

23

29

Progressive carries

3.3

2.7

Shots on target

1.5

1.3

Shots taken

4

3.1

Pass accuracy

76%

74%

Shot-creating actions

3.5

3

Take-ons completed

1.8

1.4

Ekitike’s impressive figures don’t stop there, registering more shot-creating actions, along with more progressive carries per 90 – handing the players around him the chance to bolster their own tallies.

Whilst £84m may appear to be a small fortune for the striker, it’s a deal that would hugely improve the options at the manager’s disposal heading into 2025/26.

Should he manage to get anywhere near the levels produced by Isak in the Premier League, it would be a bargain and one that could push the side one step closer to a return to European football next season.

Man Utd now in shock talks to sign "unbelievable" £50m forward after Cunha

The Red Devils have now opened discussions to sign a forward, who amassed 29 goal contributions in the 2024/25 season.

ByDominic Lund May 27, 2025

West Ham United manager Graham Potter is now driving a move for a “sensational” Premier League player, who is now very high on the list of summer targets, according to a report.

Potter staves off pressure with Old Trafford triumph

West Ham remained winless in the Premier League throughout March and April, which ramped up the pressure on Potter, with the manager hitting back at the media amid the intense scrutiny over his position as manager.

However, the Hammers boss managed to relieve some of the pressure with an impressive victory on the road on Sunday, picking up a 2-0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford courtesy of goals form Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen.

The win moves the Irons up to 15th in the Premier League table, leapfrogging Man United and Tottenham Hotspur, but the poor results throughout the campaign suggest the manager will need to make major improvements to his squad in the summer window.

According to a report from Football Insider, Potter is particularly eager to strengthen between the sticks, with the manager keen on signing Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is now very high on West Ham’s shortlist.

New target: West Ham now preparing substantial offer to sign 45 G/A "beast"

The Hammers are willing to make a significant bid for a forward, who has been at the top of his game this season.

ByDominic Lund May 11, 2025

Alphonse Areola has been inconsistent this season, which means the Hammers are now looking to bring in a replacement for the Frenchman, and the £25m relegation release clause in Ramsdale’s Southampton contract makes him an attractive proposition.

However, there could be stiff competition for the goalkeeper’s signature, with Man United, Leeds United and Newcastle United also believed to be keen on a deal.

Ramsdale could be "sensational" signing for West Ham

Although they avoided the ignominy of recording the joint-lowest points total in Premier League history with a 0-0 draw against Manchester City last time out, it has been a terrible campaign for Southampton, whose relegation to the Championship was confirmed long ago.

That said, the Englishman cannot be blamed for his side’s extremely poor season, having put in some solid performances, recently recording a 9.3 SofaScore match rating after saving two penalties in his side’s 3-0 loss against Aston Villa.

With Potter well-known for a possession-based style, the manager may also be keen to bring in a goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet, and the 26-year-old is placed in the 92nd percentile for touches per 90 over the past year, when compared to other goalkeepers.

Having also been lauded as “sensational” by journalist Dan George during his time with Arsenal, there are clear signs that Ramsdale could be a solid signing for West Ham this summer, and £25m feels like a reasonable fee for his services.

Even after earning promotion to the Premier League, Leeds United could be about to lose one of Daniel Farke’s star men amid reports that Barcelona are now plotting a summer swoop for his signature.

Leeds celebrate title success

Whilst Leeds had reason to celebrate with or without the Championship title after earning automatic promotion, silverware simply added the cherry on top of what was a season full of moments to savour.

The open-top bus parade was for those who could not celebrate promotion in the 2019/20 campaign, and it more than made up for lost time as those in Yorkshire partied through the night.

Daniel Farke spoke about the pride that he has in his side after eventually coming out on top in the Championship, telling reporters: “I felt empty at the final whistle. I was too tired to celebrate. Even at half-time, it was complicated because I wanted to give the right message. I am proud to have achieved what we wanted to.

“Looking forward to being on the coach home and to close my eyes. I have to be ready again to celebrate this evening. Next week will be celebrating. I need the summer to recharge my energy.”

Agent aware: Leeds now serious about signing Ligue 1's best shot-stopper

He could replace Meslier.

ByTom Cunningham May 10, 2025

At some point, of course, the celebrations will come to an end, and that’s when the focus may well shift towards what is a crucial summer transfer window for all involved at Elland Road. Leeds must get things right if they are to stay up, and it looks as though the 49ers are willing to spend the money to do exactly that.

Whilst reports have centred around potential incomings, Leeds could yet lose one of Farke’s most experienced players when the summer transfer window arrives.

Barcelona plotting Junior Firpo move

According to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, Barcelona are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Junior Firpo, who is currently on course to leave Leeds as a free agent at the end of June. Yet to sign a new contract, the defender’s agent has now reportedly held talks with a number of suitors, which may have included Barcelona.

Reporting on Firpo’s future, Bailey told Leeds United News: “He’s been speaking to numerous clubs, Spain is close to his heart. There appears to be a preference, I do know he’s had a lot more interest in recent weeks. Which is not a surprise, given his performances.

“There has been some interest in England, Everton, with Angus Kinnear and Nick Hammond. It’s down to Firpo, I am told he inching towards Spain. Barcelona have even looked at him as a no.2, Betis are there as well. It does sound like he’s heading back to Spain; his people have had a lot of talks.”

Hailed for his “tremendous” performances this past term, Firpo could now be about to take his talents to one of the biggest clubs that European football has to offer.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces the prospect of losing a player he “loves” this summer, with the Gunners star holding exit talks despite the club’s wish for him to remain at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal players who could leave this summer

A host of players appear set to depart N5 this summer, but some won’t be major losses for Arteta.

£16m player now keen to join Arteta after holding talks with Arsenal

He fancies a switch to the Emirates.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 24, 2025

Left-back Kieran Tierney has been handed opportunities this season, partly due to Arsenal’s shortage of options at points, after looking as if he’d already played his final games for the north Londoners in 2023.

This time last year, nobody expected that Arteta would hand the 27-year-old a total of 17 appearances in all competitions, including a very rare Premier League start against Brentford, but these will be among his last outings for the Gunners.

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

Tierney is set to join Celtic this summer after agreeing a pre-contract in the January transfer window, and will make a return to his former club in July.

The defender could be joined by a host of his teammates in vacating Arsenal, including out-of-favour left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has struggled for consistent minutes throughout 2024/2025.

Arsenal will sell Zinchenko this summer in the event a suitable offer arrives, while veteran midfielder Jorginho is currently set to depart on a Bosman deal when his contract expires past June 30th.

Jorginho has an offer from Flamengo, according to Fabrizio Romano, so a return to Brazil is on the cards for him during these twilight years of his impressive career.

While Arsenal appear ready to let the Italy international leave, they’re not prepared to lose fellow midfielder Thomas Partey, who has impressed in his arguably best season to date.

Thomas Partey still talking to other clubs over Arsenal exit

The Ghana international has made more appearances this term than in any of his previous campaigns, putting his past issues with injuries behind him and proving a very useful member of Arteta’s starting eleven.

Partey helped to dominate Real Madrid in the last round of the Champions League whilst also filling in at right-back this term, to great effect, and his impressive displays have prompted the club to open talks over an extension.

While Partey will have to take a cut to his £200,000-per-week wages to remain at Arsenal, according to ESPN, there is a real eagerness to extend his stay beyond 24/25. However, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, in a piece for The Boot Room, the 31-year-old is still keeping his options open.

Partey and his camp are actively in talks with other clubs as well, something which Arsenal are fully aware of, with the African putting contingency plans in place if an agreement can’t be reached over his stay.

Bailey adds that Partey is a player who “Arteta loves”, following on from the Spaniard’s public statement that the midfielder is a “massive” player for them.

Liverpool are going to win the Premier League. However, the charged feeling about FSG’s transfer window preparations makes a firm comment on the view toward the wider campaign.

Exiting the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain in the round-of-16 was a bitter pill to swallow, and the following defeat at Wembley to hand the Carabao Cup over to Newcastle United was more distasteful still.

PSG deserved to win against Arne Slot’s side, and so did the Magpies. However, the Reds will no doubt be frustrated that they failed to get those jobs done.

Liverpool need to reinforce the fringes of their first-team squad this summer, need to pack Slot’s team with more quality and depth across the park.

One of the priorities heading into the off-season is replacing Darwin Nunez at the front of the ship, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to leave Anfield and join Real Madrid, more midfield creativity should be targeted too.

Liverpool need more midfield spark

Make no mistake, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have been immense across the 2024/25 campaign, combining to lead Liverpool to the brink of a Premier League title, a job they will surely see over the line.

But autumn will arrive with a new footballing season and it’s crucial that tweaks are made to prepare Slot’s side for an expected title defence.

As you can see from the table below, Liverpool players are nowhere to be seen on the most amount of big chances created from Premier League centre-midfielders this season.

1.

Cole Palmer

20

2.

Declan Rice

16

3.

Youri Tielemans

15

4.

Bruno Fernandes

13

5.

Enzo Fernandez

12

5=

Bruno Guimaraes

12

7.

Mikkel Damsgaard

11

8.

Martin Odegaard

10

In fact, you’d have to trawl down to 12th to find Liverpool’s most creative midfielder: Szoboszlai, with nine big chances created. With Trent leaving, Mohamed Salah may well be tasked with upholding his enhanced creative virtues next year.

It’s times like these you wish Liverpool still had an attacking midfielder in the vein of Philippe Coutinho, the little magician, the brightest spark in a pre-Klopp world and the financial architect of Liverpool’s ultimate success of modern times.

However, goalscoring is still the Egyptian’s forte, and FSG would be wise to pack some more flair into their central ranks.

Liverpool make contact with new playmaker

Liverpool are set to spend, alright, and sporting director Richard Hughes seems to be putting out feelers to ascertain whether RB Leipzig would entertain the sale of Xavi Simons this summer.

That’s according to transfer insider Duncan Castles, who has revealed on the Transfers Podcast that Liverpool have enquired over Simons’ availability ahead of the summer market.

Simons, only 21, is one of the most exciting young playmakers around and would command a £60m fee for Leipzig, who are fourth in the Bundesliga, to agree to part with him.

Why Liverpool must sign Xavi Simons

Simons would join a strong Dutch contingent on Merseyside that has demonstrated a knack for winning trophies over the past few seasons.

Adding his own brand of creativity, it could be just what Slot needs to consolidate his new-found elite status and win more silverware during the 2025/26 season and beyond.

Leipzig signed Simons from PSG last year for a €50m (£43m) fee after a productive initial loan spell. So far, he’s doing good, having been involved in 41 goals across 72 games for the German outfit.

As per FBref, Simons ranks among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for passes attempted, the top 11% for progressive passes and the top 18% for shot-creating actions per 90, emphasising the ball-playing ability that Liverpool would claim.

His data’s great, but watching Simons play should be enough by itself for Liverpool fans to subscribe to the notion of bringing him into the fold.

Silky and artful in his playmaking, the diminutive ace might prove to be Anfield’s next version of Coutinho, whose £142m sale to Barcelona at the start of Klopp’s reign acted as the spark to raise the team to the next level, for Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker were then brought in.

In his pomp, Coutinho was one of the best number tens in the world, commanding, influential and inventive. In Simons, Liverpool could finally return to the style of play before the Brazilian made the move to Spain, when he charged the Reds’ deadly frontline.

Looking at Coutinho’s statistics during that final half-campaign with Liverpool, you can see the similarities with Simons, both elite-level creators who aren’t afraid to get stuck in and drive the ball forward themselves.

Matches (starts)

14 (13)

21 (21)

Goals

7

9

Assists

6

5

Shots (on target)*

3.9 (1.2)

1.9 (0.9)

Pass completion

79%

84%

Key passes*

2.9

2.2

Dribbles*

2.8

1.3

Tackles*

1.9

1.5

Duels won*

5.6

5.4

While Slot won’t want to disrupt the harmony of Liverpool’s midfield trio, it’s clear that something different needs to be added to the mix, and there’s no one in the centre of the park currently who’s quite like Coutinho.

Described as a “superstar” in the making by analyst Ben Mattinson, Simons has all the properties needed to serve at an elite level as Liverpool’s new creative force.

With Alexander-Arnold leaving, there’s going to be a vacant spot for such a playmaker, one who could dynamise the midfield and add that bit of depth needed to truly unlock another layer to this wonderful Liverpool team.

Worth more than Huijsen: Slot has hit the jackpot on Liverpool "monster"

Liverpool hope to employ this star for many years to come.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 18, 2025

Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is said to be keen on selling a “world class” player to Newcastle United as part of a swap deal involving Sandro Tonali this summer.

Tonali open to leaving Newcastle this summer

Tonali has enjoyed an impressive season for the Magpies, helping Eddie Howe’s side win the EFL Cup, as well as making 31 appearances in the Premier League, looking to help them return to the Champions League.

That said, a worrying update recently emerged regarding the future of the Italian, who is thought to be open to the idea of leaving Newcastle at the end of the current campaign.

It has been claimed that the Magpies will be willing to listen to offers above £68.5m for Tonali’s services in the summer, which would bring an end to his two-year stay at St James’ Park.

That would be a big disappointment, with the 24-year-old such an influential performer for Newcastle in the middle of the park alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, but a new rumour has at least suggested that a swap deal involving a top-quality attacker could be on the cards.

Newcastle linked with a move for "world class" Vlahovic

According to TuttoSport [via Sport Witness], Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli wants to sell striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer, and Newcastle’s interest is referenced specifically because it could see Tonali head in the opposite direction.

The Serb’s agents want him to remain with the Turin giants for another year, but the club are believed to be looking to strike a deal for him before next season gets underway. As mentioned, Newcastle losing Tonali this summer would clearly be a setback, given his age and influence, but if a swap deal with Vlahovic did happen, the £320,000-a-week striker could be a great addition.

While fitting both him and Alexander Isak into the same team wouldn’t necessarily be easy for Howe, the Serbia international would be a real asset, being described as “world class” by journalist Siavoush Fallahi.

Vlahovic hasn’t had his most productive season in a Juventus shirt, only scoring nine goals in the league, which is perhaps why there is a willingness to allow him to leave in the summer transfer window.

That shouldn’t change the fact that Newcastle would love to have him, though, having scored 14 goals in 34 caps for Serbia, and 55 in 138 matches for Juve.

Newcastle expected to open talks to sign £40k-a-week Nottingham Forest ace

He has enjoyed a great season in the Premier League.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 20, 2025

Seeing Tonali stay put is still arguably more important, however, with the Italy international still having so many years at the top level ahead of him.

If it wasn’t already evident, Saturday’s 1-1 draw away to Everton potentially proved the final nail in the coffin for Arsenal’s title hopes, with the Gunners slipping to their 11th Premier League draw of the campaign at Goodison Park.

With the gap now at 11 points – and with leaders Liverpool in action on Sunday afternoon – all hope looks to be lost for Mikel Arteta’s side. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.

The north Londoners will rightly point to further controversy surrounding officiating following the bizarre decision to penalise Myles Lewis-Skelly for a foul on Jack Harrison, although the injury-hit visitors will be ruing their failure to kill the game off once again.

Indeed, as noted by Opta, the trip to Merseyside represented the seventh time this season that Arteta’s men have been drawn a game despite taking the lead – the most of any team in the division – with even the return of Bukayo Saka failing to provide the desired effect on this occasion.

The Emirates outfit will point to the absence of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz amid those goalscoring woes, albeit with the stricken pair having scored just 12 league goals between them this term, it is evident that a new centre-forward remains the priority this summer.

Latest on Arsenal's search for a striker

The hope will be that signing a striker will prove the difference for the Gunners next term, albeit it is not guaranteed that such a move will help to end the lengthy wait for league glory, with Liverpool, for instance, looking set to romp to glory despite lacking a prolific, consistent number nine.

That said, having failed to add a new marksman since the signing of Jesus back in the summer of 2022, the striking berth remains the focus this summer, with rumours already rife regarding a move for Sporting CP sensation, Viktor Gyokeres.

The towering Swede isn’t the only figure on Arsenal’s shortlist, however, with Anfield Watch reporting that the north Londoners are among the clubs showing an interest in Eintracht Frankfurt starlet, Hugo Ekitike.

Transfer Focus

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

As per the report, while it is Liverpool who are working on a deal for the 22-year-old, both the Gunners and Manchester United have also held talks with the Frenchman’s representatives, with those negotiations said to have been ‘positive’.

As such, the suggestion is that all three Premier League sides will be battling for the in-form striker’s signature this summer, with Frankfurt said to be willing to cash in for a fee of around £68m.

If Arsenal are to win that race over the coming months, there would certainly be shades of Nicolas Anelka about that exciting deal.

Why Arsenal could be targeting the next Anelka

It is hard to ignore Thierry Henry when discussing French strikers who ripped up in north London, yet before the club’s record scorer, there was Anelka, with the now-retired marksman arriving as a 17-year-old back in 1997, before going on to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award in that double-winning campaign.

While far younger than Ekitike currently is, Anelka mirrors his compatriot in having been schooled by Paris Saint-Germain for a time, with the ex-Chelsea man rising up through the club’s youth ranks before making his first-team debut for the Ligue 1 side in 1996.

As for Ekitike, the 6 foot 3 ace started life on the books at Reims, albeit before then moving to PSG on an initial loan deal in 2022, where he scored just four times in 33 games in all competitions.

Games

27

Goals

13

Scoring frequency

159mins

Big chances missed

12

Assists

4

Big chances created

7

Key passes*

1.4

Pass accuracy*

77%

Successful dribbles*

1.6

It has taken a move to Germany for the youngster to ignite his career, although on recent evidence, he is proving himself to be “one of the strikers out there”, in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson, with Ekitike simply “ready to explode”.

In 56 games for the Bundesliga side, Ekitike has netted 23 goals and registered a further ten assists, mirroring Anelka in his ability to operate as an out and out centre-forward, or in a left-wing berth.

Like Anelka at the time – who Arsene Wenger described as his “biggest find” during his early years at Highbury – the Frankfurt talisman hasn’t yet reached the status of a household name, although with 19 goals to his name this season, he certainly will do soon.

Not only a clinical finisher, what also sets Ekitike apart is his silky ability in possession, as shown by the fact he ranks among the top 9% of European strikers for progressive carries, as well as in the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.

Like Anelka – who former teammate Martin Keown claimed could “destroy defences” – the former Reims man boasts that perfect blend of speed and trickery, making him a frightening prospect at the top end of the pitch.

While at £68m, Ekitike certainly won’t come cheap, he could represent the perfect, long-term investment for Arteta and co – as long as he sticks around for longer than Anelka did, that is.

Arsenal see "ridiculously good" striker bargain as June 10th deadline mooted

The Gunners think he’s “excellent value”.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 5, 2025

Returning quicks close out soggy win after Markram, Brevis and Ferreira cameos

Firdose Moonda10-Sep-2025Don’t read too much into it, but South Africa took the lead in the three-match T20I series against England after winning a game initially reduced to nine overs a side by batting for 7.5 and then defending an adjusted five-over target.Wet conditions in Cardiff stalked the match throughout as play began two hours and 20 minutes after the scheduled 6.30pm start, and was then interrupted with seven balls remaining in South Africa’s innings.South Africa were on track for a total over 100 thanks to a top-score of 28 from captain Aiden Markram, who sold for R14 million (US$800,000 approx.) at Tuesday’s SA20 auction and hit two fours and two sixes in the 14 balls he faced. Markam shared in a 32-run second-wicket stand with Lhuan-dre Pretorius before Dewald Brevis and Donovan Ferreira put on 36 off 15 balls to form the spine of a competitive total.A heavy burst of rain ended South Africa’s innings prematurely and England were set a reduced target of 69 of 30 balls. With a required run rate of 13.8 an over, their task was always going to be tough but losing Phil Salt and Harry Brook for ducks made it even more difficult. Jos Buttler returned to the top of the order and scored 25 off 11 but needed support against South Africa’s top seamers to challenge for the result to go England’s way.Wood proves his worthEngland made a late change to include left-arm seamer Luke Wood in their XI in place of Jofra Archer, who was wrapped in cotton wool in wet conditions. Wood seized his opportunity: his second ball, and first to the left-handed Ryan Rickelton, swung away, Rickelton drove with no footwork and edged to Buttler for a golden duck.Luke Wood claimed Ryan Rickelton for a first-ball duck•AFP/Getty ImagesMarkram hit Wood over mid-off for the innings’ first boundary later in that over, then back over his head for six and over mid-on for four at the start of his second over but Wood came back well. Pretorius tried to hit over the leg side but miscued towards mid-off where Brook dived forward to take a stunning catch and Wood ended with 2 for 22.Brevis justifies the big bucksAfter breaking the SA20 pay record and selling for R16.5 million (approx US$944,000) a little over 24 hours ago, Brevis is expected to produce big things and he delivered. When Liam Dawson was brought on in the fifth over, Brevis played the no-look six first up and then smashed a low full toss into the sightscreen for six more. He is a strong player of spin and dispatched Adil Rashid too, over midwicket for his third six.But when Sam Curran was brought on, to bowl his first international spell of the year, he foxed Brevis with an ultra-slow slower ball that Brevis played too early and edged to third. Still, his cameo in partnership with Ferreira showed off his quality – and the reason Pretoria Capitals were willing to splash the cash.Dewald Brevis drills a six down the ground•AFP/Getty ImagesWelcome back, South Africa’s strike bowlersThe wisdom of picking Kagiso Rabada, who sat out the ODIs in both England and Australia with ankle inflammation and will have a big role to play in upcoming tours to Pakistan and India, and Marco Jansen, who has not played for almost three months, could have been questioned but both seemed keen to be back.Rabada’s first ball back was full to Phil Salt, who picked out Kwena Maphaka at deep backward square with precision. Rabada barely had time to celebrate his early strike before Buttler hit his fourth and fifth balls, both pace-off, for four and then six to close out the over strongly.Jansen beat Jacob Bethell to start but was then dispatched over midwicket for six before he had him caught at cover. After Brook missed a coupe, Jansen then found extra bounce to beat his uppercut and ended with a slower ball. He bowled a second over, mixed up his pace well and ended with the wicket of Buttler, caught off the inside edge, to end the game as a contest.South Africa were without Lungi Ngidi, ruled out of the series with a hamstring strain sustained at training on Tuesday, and Keshav Maharaj, who tweaked his groin during the warm-ups. Nandre Burger will replace Ngidi – who is due to fly home on Thursday – and will join up with the squad ahead of Friday’s second T20I in Manchester.

After trading away a good chunk of their roster at the 2025 trade deadline, the Twins reportedly won’t continue tearing down their roster this offseason.

In light of trade rumors, Dan Hayes reported Friday that Minnesota does “not anticipate” trading outfielder Byron Buxton or starting pitchers Joe Ryan and Pablo López this offseason. The plan, according to Hayes, is for the Twins to build around those stars and compete next season.

Buxton, coming off a career year and his second All-Star appearance, will make $15.1 million per season over the final three years remaining on his contract. In 126 games last season, Buxton batted .264/.327/.551 with a career-high 35 homers and 83 RBIs.

Ryan has two seasons of team control left on his deal and is a candidate for an extension over the next year. Also an All-Star in 2025, Ryan logged a 13–10 record and 3.42 ERA in a career-high 171 innings last season. The 29-year-old would arguably be the Twins’ biggest trade chip if they did decide to continue rebuilding the roster.

López will make $21.8 million over the next two seasons as the Twins’ highest-paid player. He’s coming off an injury-ravaged season in 2025 where he was limited to 14 starts. It was the first time Lopez failed to throw over 100 innings in a full season since his rookie year with Miami in 2018.

The Twins were one of the biggest disappointments in baseball last season. Expected to contend for an AL Central title, Minnesota fell behind the Guardians and Tigers early in the season and never recovered.

At the trade deadline, Minnesota dealt away eight players, including shortstop Carlos Correa and right-handed pitcher Louis Varland, who went on to break MLB’s all-time record for most postseason appearances in the Blue Jays’ run to the World Series.