All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United beat West Ham United 2-1 in a pre-season friendly in America on Saturday, thanks to two goals from captain Bruno Fernandes.

It was another chance for the supporters to watch new signing Matheus Cunha in action, although he was not joined by fellow new recruit Bryan Mbeumo.

The Red Devils reportedly splashed out a fee of £62.5m to bring the right-footed playmaker to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, but he has yet to produce a goal or an assist in two pre-season outings.

That should not be a cause for concern, though, because these games are mostly about fitness and ensuring that Ruben Amorim’s players are well-prepared for the 2025/26 campaign.

Fans should judge Cunha when the real action, in the Premier League, gets underway next month because he is a star who has already showcased his qualities at that level.

What Matheus Cunha will bring to Manchester United

The Brazil international has the potential to be a terrific addition to the squad for the Red Devils because of the threat that he carries at the top end of the pitch.

Cunha is an attacking midfielder who can provide goals and assists on a regular basis in the Premier League, having already proven himself in the division during his time at Wolves.

He can also slot straight into Amorim’s system as the attacker also played as one of two number ten options behind a central striker in a 3-4-2-1 system last season, which means that it may not take him much time, if any, to adapt to the tactical set-up.

In the last two seasons, Cunha has showcased his ability to consistently create high-quality chances for his teammates, whilst also offering a big threat as a goalscorer, in the Premier League.

Appearances

32

33

xG

9.49

8.63

Goals

12

15

Big chances created

7

13

Key passes per game

0.9

1.8

Assists

7

6

As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian star was let down by wasteful finishing from his Wolves teammates, as they only scored 13 goals from the 20 ‘big chances’ that he created.

The £62.5m-rated star also showed that he has the finishing quality to be incredibly effective with his own opportunities, outperforming his xG in both campaigns.

This suggests that Cunha would benefit from playing behind a lethal striker who can make the most of the chances that he creates, and the club are reportedly interested in an attacker who would fit the bill.

Man Utd to discuss deal for £60m striker

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United remain interested in a potential deal to sign RB Leipzig centre-forward Benjamin Sesko before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Italian journalist claims that the Red Devils are set to hold internal talks over a possible swoop to bring the Slovenia international to Old Trafford in the next week or so.

Transfer Focus

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

Speaking on the Here We Go podcast, Romano said: “Keep an eye on this story (Sesko) in the coming days as Newcastle will go with an important proposal and Manchester United will discuss again internally with Ruben Amorim involved in the conversations, with the directors and with the financials to understand if they can do a deal or not. The Sesko situation will be one to watch in the next 7-10 days.”

His comments suggest that the Red Devils may have to move quickly if they want to do a deal for the right-footed star, though, as Newcastle United are preparing a bid for the former Salzburg sensation.

It was recently reported that it could take a fee of around £60m in order to convince Leipzig to part ways with the 22-year-old number nine, and it remains to be seen if United are willing to pay that for the forward.

Why Manchester United should sign Benjamin Sesko

The Red Devils should push to secure a deal for the Slovenian attacker this summer because he could come in as the perfect foil for Cunha at the top end of the pitch.

As aforementioned, the Brazilian magician has the ability to consistently create high-quality chances for his teammates in the Premier League, but was let down by the finishing of his Wolves teammates last season.

Sesko is a striker who has the quality to make the most of Cunha’s creativity, ensuring that the attacking midfielder is justly rewarded for the ‘big chances’ that he creates, based on his performances in Germany.

The Leipzig star’s form in the 2024/25 campaign shows that he is an efficient finisher who can outperform the quality of chances that he gets in front of goal, both domestically and on the European stage.

Appearances

33

8

xG

9.89

3.57

Goals

13

4

Minutes per goal

185

131

Big chances created

5

0

Assists

5

0

As you can see in the table above, Sesko outperformed his xG in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League, which speaks to the quality and efficiency of his finishing, and averaged a goal every 131 minutes in Europe.

The 22-year-old dynamo, who was described as a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, also scored 14 goals from 7.66 xG in the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 campaign, which shows that his form last season was not a flash in the pan as he has consistently provided a clinical presence in front of goal.

Sesko is an incredibly talented finisher, with room to grow at the age of 22, and he could arrive as a big upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, who scored four goals from 5.24 xG in the Premier League last season.

Therefore, the £60m-rated star could be amazing with Cunha because it would provide the former Wolves man with a high-quality finisher in front of him, which is something he did not have with the Old Gold last term.

Ideal for Bruno: Man Utd racing to sign £42m star, his agent is in the UK

Manchester United need to act quickly if they are to secure a move for one star this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 26, 2025

Therefore, Sesko could be a fantastic signing for the Red Devils to complete their attacking alongside Cunha and Mbeumo if they can get a deal over the line, beating Newcastle to his signature, before the end of the summer transfer window.

Manchester United’s need for improvement in the 2025/26 campaign is there for all to see, after the club endured one of their worst seasons in memory last time around.

The Red Devils could only register a 15th-placed Premier League finish, ending the year 24 points off a Champions League spot, after winning just 11 times in their 38 outings.

Ruben Amorim has so far fallen below the expectations put on his shoulders after arriving, but will have the summer transfer window to try and transform the current situation.

Whilst it’s his first major chance to land new additions to his first-team squad, it could also be his last if he fails to attract the right calibre of player and subsequently sees a repeat of last season’s dismal form.

The pressure is certainly on, but it appears as though the hierarchy are set to hand the 40-year-old the tools he desires to make the changes he needs at Old Trafford.

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

Bryan Mbeumo is still the name on everyone’s lips at Man Utd, given the major interest they’ve shown in his signature during the ongoing transfer window.

The Red Devils have placed two separate offers for the Brentford star, with the latest totalling £62.5m, but no deal has been agreed, as Keith Andrews’ side are holding out for £65m this summer.

However, he’s not the only Premier League talent currently on their radar, with Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson a firm target, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth.

He claimed that Amorim’s side are keeping a close eye on a potential move for the 24-year-old forward, who registered 13 goals across all competitions last season.

It’s also been claimed elsewhere that he could command a fee in the region of £100m this summer, with the Blues demanding a pretty penny for his signature.

Why United’s £100m target could be Amorim’s answer to Isak

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been a name hugely mentioned in recent days, with the Swede potentially being subject to an English record bid this summer.

The interest in his signature this window is hardly a surprise given the 25-year-old’s tally of 23 league goals in his 34 outings during the 2024/25 campaign.

Such a tally takes his total of goals in England to 62 in his 109 appearances, with Isak now undoubtedly one of the most feared talismen in Europe’s top five leagues.

There’s no denying that United fans must wish they had a talent like the forward, but talents like the Swede don’t come around often, and when they do, they command a hefty fee – as seen by his current price tag.

However, they could be about to land their own version of the forward this summer, with a potential move for Jackson, who possesses very similar qualities to the Magpies’ star.

He’s been labelled as a similar player to Isak by FBref, even managing to outperform him in multiple areas when comparing their respective stats from last year.

Jackson, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Pubity Sport, posted a higher shot on target accuracy rate – highlighting his ability to be more precise with the opportunities that are presented to him in front of goal.

Games played

30

34

Goals & assists

15

29

Shot-on-target accuracy

45%

43%

Pass accuracy

76%

75%

Aerials won

37%

32%

Shots on target per game

1.4

1.3

Fouls won

1.2

0.4

He also managed to win more aerial battles, whilst also completing more of the passes he attempted, handing Amorim the focal point to play off and allowing for needed link-up play in attacking areas.

Whilst he’s been unable to match his goalscoring record, Jackson has showcased that he has all the tools to emulate his success in England’s top-flight in the years to come.

His comparison to such a high-profile attacker is evidence of the talent he possesses, hopefully making the jump and taking his career to the next level at Old Trafford.

If he can match the levels of Isak during any move to Manchester, it would be a sensational piece of business, handing Amorim that needed centre forward that he needs in 2025/26.

Amorim's own Pogba: Man Utd leading race to sign "sensational" £42m star

Manchester United could be about to make a move to land a key target in their plans for the 2025/26 campaign.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 16, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has made quite the impression already since taking over from his predecessor, Edu Gaspar, in late March – and the 53-year-old is personally very keen to get one transfer over the line.

Arsenal complete signing with medical "done", announcement due "this week"

Mikel Arteta is set to welcome another player.

4 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 9, 2025

Berta is currently attempting to seal an array of deals behind-the-scenes, right after the club officially announced the arrivals of Spanish duo Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi, with Christian Norgaard also completing his move to Arsenal after a medical (David Ornstein).

Arsenal are in advanced talks for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, and the prolific 27-year-old could be joined by either Real Madrid star Rodrygo or Chelsea’s Noni Madueke as the Gunners also target a new left-winger.

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

25/26 – summer

£65m

Madueke has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, but Rodrygo is understood to be their “dream” target in that area, and Berta is known to do work on targets simultaneously before pressing ahead with the best deal.

Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera has agreed terms over an Arsenal move too, but the Premier League title hopefuls are yet to find an agreement with his club and some reports suggest that talks for the 21-year-old have stalled.

Moves for either Madueke or Rodrygo, as reliably reported, won’t impact their talks to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal have held positive talks over signing Eze, but it is believed that Berta and co do not wish to pay the England international’s full £68 million release clause as all parties attempt to find a solution.

Eze is rumoured to be keen on joining Mikel Arteta’s side, though, giving the club some encouragement that there is a deal to be done here.

Arsenal could offer "emerging star" in swap deal for Eberechi Eze

There are a few avenues Arsenal could go down in their attempts to find a full agreement, and one of them is a potential player-exchange.

That is according to journalist Rahman Osman, who told The Sun this week that Arsenal could offer an unnamed “emerging star” to Palace in a swap deal for Eze.

Berta himself is personally “determined” to sign the 27-year-old – who scored 14 goals and registered a further 11 assists in all competitions last term – and the Italian has held talks with his representatives.

He will keep trying to convince Palace to part company, but the south Londoners are just as steadfast in demanding Eze’s full release clause be paid. That being said, Osman also reports that they might be open to accepting a “promising defender” as part of the deal.

A proven Premier League star, Eze spearheaded Palace to their first ever major trophy with the FA Cup final-winning goal against Man City at Wembley last season – 14 years after he was released by Arsenal as a 13-year-old academy youngster.

A new report claims Liverpool have made contact with a “superb” Paris Saint-Germain star over a summer move to Anfield and the Champions League winners have already responded.

Liverpool eyeing two Premier League players after Kerkez

Reds supporters couldn’t have asked for a much more positive start to the summer transfer window, with the arrival of Florian Wirtz having the potential to be huge. Not only that, but Jeremie Frimpong has also joined and Milos Kerkez is on the verge of coming in from Bournemouth.

Liverpool’s business may not stop there, however, and another Cherries player, Antoine Semenyo, continues to be linked with a move to the club. He has been mentioned as an option for some time, following an excellent season in the Premier League in 2024/25, in which he scored 11 times.

A new centre-back has to be looked at by the Reds at some point, considering Jarell Quansah is off to Bayer Leverkusen, and a bid for Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi could be made at some point this week.

Further up the pitch, Lyon winger Malick Fofana has been talked about as an exciting young target, with Liverpool ahead of Chelsea in the race to snap him up.

Liverpool make contact with PSG star Barcola

According to The Boot Room, Liverpool have now made contact and enquired with Paris Saint-Germain about signing winger Bradley Barcola this summer.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are all in the same boat, but it is stated that PSG don’t want the France international to leave and have told those clubs their stance.

It looks unlikely that Liverpool will be able to entice Barcola to Anfield, but if the situation changes, they should be looking to bring him in as a hugely gifted option.

The Frenchman is now a Champions League winner after PSG’s brilliance last season, and he played his part in the success, scoring three goals and registering four assists in the competition.

At just 22, there is still so much more to come from Barcola as the years pass, and while he is at his best on the left wing, his versatility allows him to be a huge threat on the right flank and even in a central attacking role.

He was lauded as a “superb” player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig back in 2023, and has only grown as a footballer since then, and Liverpool’s best chance of signing him may be if PSG sign another attacker this summer, potentially stunting his growth there.

Slot's answer to Mane: Liverpool chasing "monster" £70m Premier League star

Liverpool have set their sights on another attacking star this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 24, 2025

Granted, new wide options aren’t essential for the Reds, especially if both Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo stay put, but players with the long-term ability of Barcola may not come around too often.

Will Celtic sign another Premier League superstar?

Kieran Tierney has already returned to Parkhead this summer, following in the footsteps of manager Brendan Rodgers and Jota, who’ve also both re-joined the club in recent times.

Now, could another boyhood Celtic fan fulfil his dreams of wearing the famous green and white hoops?

Celtic targeting another statement signing

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Celtic are ‘interested’ in signing Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson, while admitting that ‘financial constraints’ would prove to be a stumbling block.

The Scotland captain is widely expected to depart Merseyside this summer, with David Ornstein and Mario Cortegana of the Athletic documenting Atlético Madrid’s interest, given that the Reds are targeting Bournemouth’s Miloš Kerkez, who they view as an upgrade.

Robertson, who was in Celtic’s academy between the ages of nine and 15, has always been open about his desire to represent the Hoops one day, admitting that “Celtic was my life” growing up, adding that he’d “love to pull on the Celtic top and walk out at Parkhead” one day.

So, could this move really come to fruition this summer?

How Andy Robertson compares to Kieran Tierney

It is all change in terms of Celtic left-backs this summer.

Greg Taylor is highly likely to depart following the expiration of his contract. PAOK are the latest European club interested in securing his services, while it’s not yet clear if Jeffrey Schlupp will be staying, following a brief loan spell.

Meantime, Tierney has of course returned but, as has been an interminable debate surrounding the national team for nigh on a decade, is he better than Robertson?

Let’s attempt to find out.

Appearances

20

45

Minutes

447

3,320

Pass completion %

79.8%

83.0%

Interceptions

0.2

0.6

Tackles

0.5

1.2

Clearances

0.7

1.3

Ball recoveries

2.2

3.8

Ground duel success %

71%

50%

Touches

72.5

76.9

First things first, due to injuries and the fact he was not first-choice at Arsenal, Tierney played fewer than 500 minutes of club football this season, which does offer a very small sample size.

That caveat aside, Robertson’s per-90 statistics are still pretty much more impressive across the board.

When he was still Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp described Robertson as a “world-class left-back”, while José Enrique, a former incumbent of the Reds’ full-back spot, asserts that he has been “the best left-back in the world” for many years.

Now though, James Pearce and Mark Carey of the Athletic outline that the Scotland captain’s form ‘has come under intense scrutiny’ this season, while also asserting that he is far from ‘finished at the highest level’.

Robertson still ranked 17th in the Premier League this season for crosses into the penalty area, as well as 11th for crosses overall, according to FBref.com, an attribute that has been viewed as his superpower for many years.

Gillian Kasirye of Total Football Analysis claims that Robertson is ‘passed their peak’, but still has a lot to offer at the elite level, so could he really be tempted to make a move to Glasgow this summer?

Celtic may make shock bid to re-sign £10m star who Rodgers called "sublime"

Hoops supporters could absolutely love this.

1 ByHenry Jackson Jun 17, 2025

Celtic are in the market for reinforcements and now appear to be closing in on the signing of a talented star who has been spotted at Lennoxtown.

Celtic find out their Scottish Premiership fixtures for the new season

Fans will already be marking dates in their diary now that the Scottish Premiership fixtures have been released and there are plenty of exciting occasions to look forward to at Parkhead.

Beginning with St Mirren at home, Celtic go on to face Aberdeen, Livingston, Rangers and Kilmarnock in their opening five matches, though their clash against David Martindale’s side may be moved to allow more time to prepare for UEFA Champions League qualifying.

Brendan Rodgers will be hell-bent on making sure his side deliver yet another title, but who could he add to his squad to make sure they are in the best position possible to succeed?

Kieran Tierney has already arrived at Celtic on a free transfer and will complete his emotional homecoming after joining on a five-year deal. Meanwhile, the Bhoys are also closing in on Benjamin Nygren for a fee of £1.7 million from FC Nordsjælland.

The quest for squad depth doesn’t stop there, though Rodgers will need to weigh up who to discard in order to make room for fresh impetus among his group.

He was once worth £55m: Celtic ready to launch move to sign Idah 2.0

Celtic are still searching for a centre-forward as Kyōgo Furuhashi’s replacement, so could the Hoops “gamble” and sign a “big talent” once worth £55m?

Jun 19, 2025

Albirex Niigita defender Hayato Inamura is edging closer to Celtic as talks continue over a move to Scottish shores for the highly-rated Japanese defender.

Now, another star could be on the verge of joining the champions after being spotted at their training ground, according to reports.

Celtic-linked Callum Osmand spotted at Lennoxtown

According to Herald Sport, Callum Osmand has been spotted at Lennoxtown ahead of his move to Celtic as the Fulham striker prepares to sign on at Parkhead.

Set to come in for a nominal fee, the Welshman is out of contract south of the border and appears to be a smart piece of business by the club to offer competition for Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah.

Callum Osmand in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

22

Goals

11

Assists

4

Dubbed “lightning quick” by Jack Kelly, his move is now close to completion and all that remains is an official announcement from the Scottish champions before this one is put to bed.

Johnny Kenny has filled the gaps in place of Maeda and Idah at times. Still, Osmand’s arrival would put the cat among the pigeons regarding the future of the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international.

Either way, Celtic are strengthening their ranks early and look to be a surefire bet to put up a compelling challenge domestically, albeit their performances in the Champions League will be heavily scrutinised as Rodgers eyes making a splash on the continent.

Osmand fits the brief of a low-risk signing with high potential, which will please supporters even if he is yet to play a senior minute of club football.

Having put pen to paper to officially become the new Rangers manager, Russell Martin has instantly reportedly shifted his focus towards what would be a bargain swoop for the Gers.

Martin already targeting Rangers incomings

The former Southampton boss has got straight to work with the 49ers and is already looking to build a Rangers squad in his vision and one capable of catching Old Firm rivals Celtic. Together with sporting director Kevin Thelwell, Martin will be desperate to get off to the best possible start at Ibrox in the summer transfer window.

Russell Martin considering selling "brilliant" Rangers 22 y/o who wants to stay

He wants to stay at Ibrox, but the decision could be made up for him.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 10, 2025

Speaking to the club’s official media channels, Thelwell reiterated that success won’t come easy but it is a must at Rangers. He said: “This is a new chapter for Rangers, and while we recognise success won’t come easy, our goal is clear: we need to win. My focus is on delivering that, with discipline and ambition. We’ll give everything to move this club forward as quickly and sustainably as we can.”

The start of a new chapter may yet see the introduction of more new characters too. The rumours have been coming thick and fast as to who could become the first arrival of the Martin era, from Dor Turgeman to a player who the manager knows very well in Flynn Downes.

Using Martin’s Premier League links will likely prove key this summer if the Gers are to bridge the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. And Downes wouldn’t be a bad start. Martin worked with the midfielder at both Southampton and Swansea in a partnership which could be renewed at Ibrox this summer.

The midfielder’s not the only Premier League target that Rangers have on their radar, however. The Scottish giants have also reportedly turned their attention towards a free agent who just left Nottingham Forest.

Rangers and Martin targeting Toffolo

As reported by The Scottish Sun, Rangers and Martin are also targeting a deal to sign Harry Toffolo not long after he left Nottingham Forest at the end of his contract this summer.

The experienced left-back will therefore be available for nothing and could instantly jump ahead of the likes of Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz in Rangers’ pecking order down that side. Meanwhile, if there are any concerns that negotiations will be difficult, then the fact that Toffolo is represented by the same agent as Rangers forward Danilo may ease those concerns.

From the very start of his Nottingham Forest career in 2022, Toffolo found himself at the centre of praise. Welcoming the defender to the City Ground, former manager Steve Cooper said at the time: “Harry is an excellent addition to the squad and adds quality and depth to a position that we were keen to strengthen this summer.”

Now, it could be Martin’s turn to welcome the 29-year-old to his squad in what would be a solid way for Rangers to commence their summer business. An experienced defender who’s available at a bargain price, Toffolo is not one that the Gers will want to miss out on.

Everton are in the market for signings this summer, with a raft of first-teamers set to depart when their deals at Goodison Park expire in a few months.

Bramley Moore awaits, and the Toffees appear to be ready to use the change of scenery as more than just a symbolic shift: this is a new era, and hopefully, a new Everton.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin may yet renew his deal, but with Armando Broja set to depart after a disappointing loan spell and Beto attracting plenty of attention from overseas in the recent past, signing a new centre-forward is going to be one of David Moyes’ priorities.

Everton chasing new striker

According to iNews’ Mark Douglas, Moyes is to be handed the powers to enforce a series of changes to his squad this summer, with sights set on rising up the Premier League ladder next year.

The Northern correspondent claims that the Toffees are ‘all in’ for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who is one of the hottest commodities in England at the moment, with a £30m release clause now active following his team’s relegation.

Delap bears a throwback kind of attacking profile with a modern, technical twist, with such an approach suggesting that he could be Moyes’ next version of Louis Saha.

Moyes' next Louis Saha

Saha made 134 appearances for Everton, scoring 34 goals across three-and-a-half seasons, signed from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

Delap, while his own man, bears a similar kind of profile and could thrive under Moyes as the Scotsman’s next version of the dynamic striker.

Having joined Ipswich from Manchester City’s academy in a £20m deal last summer, the number nine has been the biggest success story from a frustrating campaign for the freshly-promoted side.

His commanding displays up top have given Kieran McKenna’s side a focal point, one which, more often than not, will finish the chances provided and indeed gave Ipswich a fighting chance of retaining their top-flight status.

Matches (starts)

33 (30)

Goals

12

Assists

2

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.9)

Big chances missed

10

Pass completion

62%

Key passes*

0.6

Dribbles*

1.2

Duels won*

4.5

As per FBref, the Englishman even ranks among the top 15% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, highlighting his capacity to drive forward with powerful and confident strides.

This is further backed up by Opta Analyst, who described him as a “one-man battering ram” for the Tractor Boys earlier in the season.

His roundedness certainly carries similarities to Saha.

Regarded as the complete striker, Saha’s link-up play, pace and power allowed him to establish himself as one of the most talented forwards in England, only thwarted by recurrent injury problems throughout his career. Wayne Rooney even stated once that the Frenchman was his favourite strike partner.

Delap is endowed with similar athletic and technical properties, and after flourishing for a side fighting relegation all year, he could take his game to the next level as the talisman of an Everton side that, whisper it quietly, is on the rise.

A massive Beto upgrade: Everton enter talks to sign "phenomenal" star

Everton are making moves to land a new striker for David Moyes ahead of the summer.

ByEthan Lamb May 1, 2025

Whilst their search for a new manager is one that will steal the biggest headlines this summer, Rangers have also now reportedly set their sights on signing a Premier League contract rebel.

Rangers still searching for Clement replacement

After a disastrous campaign in the Scottish Premiership, the Gers and incoming new owners 49ers Enterprises must get things right this summer. The last thing they need is to be back to square one this time next year if their first managerial appointment goes wrong. It’s not a job which lacks potential suitors though, handing Rangers several opportunities.

Not just McCausland: £3.4m flop must never start for Rangers again

Rangers will need to move a few players on this summer to raise funds.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 14, 2025

Whilst names such as Rafa Benitez and Jose Mourinho have been mentioned as of late, however, it’s Sean Dyche who Rangers legend Ally McCoist believes can turn things around at Ibrox.

In a chat with Football FanCast, the former striker said: “Sean Dyche would be an interesting one for me. His teams have always been very very competitive but particularly his Everton side, it’s always a struggle and a fight. I’d like to see him in a team that are expected to win every week. I think he would enjoy that as much as anything, I really do.

“So, it’s a well-sought after job and there will be no shortage of people going for it. Mourinho was obviously there recently and he is somebody who certainly a lot of Rangers fans would take to and appreciate but I just think the most important thing is they’ve gotta get it right.”

Meanwhile, as that search continues, those at Ibrox have also kept one eye on an all-important summer transfer window. Again, it’s one that the 49ers must get right and, again, several targets are already reportedly emerging – including a young Premier League contract rebel who could arrive at a bargain price.

Rangers chasing Derry deal

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rangers are now chasing a bargain deal to sign Jesse Derry after the 17-year-old rejected the chance to sign a professional contract at Crystal Palace.

Sparking interest from around Europe, Derry is reportedly open to a move abroad and could yet get the chance to complete a move to Ibrox or to their Old Firm rivals Celtic this summer. Whilst clubs will have to pay a compensation fee, the price of that deal should be far cheaper than it would have been had the winger penned a professional deal at Selhurst Park.

Given his goalscoring exploits at youth level this season too, there’s no doubt that the Eagles will be losing a rising star. Derry has scored as many as nine goals in eight U18 Premier League games this season and may only continue that record if he joins Rangers.

Financially speaking, meanwhile, welcoming a player who’s on the rise rather than a more established name would also make perfect sense for Rangers. Developing future stars before selling them on for profit is something that would bring the Gers success on and off the pitch.

The talk around Arsenal and their needs in the transfer window has primarily focussed on signing a striker.

It’s not hard to see why, as while Mikel Arteta’s side look set to have the best defence in the Premier League for the second season running come May, they have scored 11 goals fewer than Liverpool in as many games.

Moreover, in both cup exits earlier this season, the team had numerous chances to put the ball in the back of the net but failed to do so.

However, with Martin Odegaard only producing four assists in the league this season, there is a real argument to be made that the side also need more creativity in the team, an argument the board may well agree with, as recent reports have linked them with an up-and-coming star who’s been compared to Mesut Özil.

Arsenal's transfer targets

So, as mentioned above, it would appear as if the primary area that Arsenal are looking to strengthen this summer is the striker position, and perhaps the most significant link has been to Viktor Gyokeres.

Reports from late last week claimed that the Swede’s representatives will be in attendance for the Gunners’ Champions League clash with Real Madrid tonight and that he could be available for a fee of around £58m.

While a lot of money, such a fee could be worth it as the former Coventry City star has already amassed an incredible tally of 44 goals and 11 assists in 44 appearances this season, which could make him the dream partner for another of the club’s supposed targets: Arda Güler.

Transfer Focus

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

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are one of a few teams incredibly interested in signing the Real Madrid gem this summer.

In fact, while Los Blancos are in no rush to sell the youngster, they could be tempted by the right offer, and according to the report, the Gunners are preparing a bid in the region of €30m, which comes out to about £26m.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line for Arsenal, but given Güler’s talent and immense potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be their new Ozil.

Why Güler could be Arsenal's new Ozil

So, before going into the other reasons why Arsenal should be looking to sign Güler, it’s worth examining this comparison to Ozil and where it comes from.

Well, the first thing to say is that it’s not just us who have noticed the similarities, as when speaking to the Turkish media, as relayed by GOAL, in 2023, İlkay Gündoğan made the link between the two midfielders.

While it might sound somewhat hyperbolic at the moment, there are some other similarities, such as the fact that both players have played for Fenerbahçe, Real, and, if he makes the move, Arsenal.

Moreover, while the 20-year-old can play off the right, he’s also more than comfortable in attacking midfield, and considering Bukayo Saka is practically undroppable, that’s likely where he would play at the Emirates.

Additionally, while the Ankara-born dynamo is yet to achieve anything close to what the World Cup winner did in his career, the expectation is that by the time he retires, he will have.

For example, respected analyst Ben Mattinson has argued that he “could become Ballon d’Or level” in time, and journalist Dean Jones has previously described him as a “generational talent.”

Appearances

33

Starts

11

Minutes

1170′

Goals

3

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.30

Minutes per Goal Involvement

117′

Furthermore, he’s already scored three goals and provided seven assists in just 1170 minutes of first-team football this term, and he has some seriously impressive underlying numbers to back up that output.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 9% for progressive passes, the top 10% for non-penalty goals and shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while he’s not on the level of a peak Ozil at the moment, Güler is an undeniably promising player, and given the lack of creativity that can sometimes hinder Arsenal, he is someone they should be going all out to sign in the summer.

Arteta must ruthlessly axe Kiwior & unleash Arsenal's "warrior" instead

The incredible ace has always been a reliable player for Arsenal.

4 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 8, 2025