Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and the Gunners recruitment team are now targeting an unsettled Brazilian this summer, following an impressive 2024/2025 campaign where he’s even donned the captain’s armband.

Arsenal prepare for blockbuster Champions League semi-final against PSG

Mikel Arteta has no Premier League game to prepare for this weekend, meaning all of his focus can be thrust on to their blockbuster Champions League semi-final clash against PSG on Tuesday.

Berta set for £50m Arsenal signing decision after personally holding talks

The Italian will have final say.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 24, 2025

Arsenal’s recent 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates was hardly ideal preparation for their biggest game of the season, conceding a one-goal lead twice to eventually finish the game level, and Arteta admitted that his side would need to be in far better form against a side who remain unbeaten in Ligue 1.

“We haven’t been able to see the games off for many reasons, and the margins have been too small,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 2-2 with Palace.

“Sometimes that, sometimes credit to the opposition, it’s true that we played five times with ten men. There are a lot of factors, but obviously it’s something that we’ve done much better in the past, especially when we’ve been ahead in games. Today, without really much happening, especially in the second half, we have to be able to see the game off.

Arsenal’s final Premier League games	Date
Bournemouth (home)	May 3rd
Liverpool (away)	May 11th
Newcastle United (home)	May 18th
Southampton (away)	May 25th

“We’re always looking because we know how tough it is to win football matches in the Premier League, and especially with the amount of numbers and the amount of games that we have, we’re going to have to be really good in both competitions to earn the right where we want to end up.”

Arsenal have a golden chance to make 2024/2025 one of their most memorable campaigns in history by winning their first ever Champions League title, and doing so would cement their status as a true member of the European elite.

Arsenal plan "surprise" move for Chelsea starlet Andrey Santos

It would also attract their top transfer targets, with Arsenal reportedly closing in on a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

However, despite Berta nearing a move for the Spain international, and attempting to tie down Thomas Partey, it is now believed that the north Londoners could look to launch a move for Chelsea starlet Andrey Santos.

The Brazil international has enjoyed an excellent loan spell at their sister club, Strasbourg, with manager Liam Rosenior allowing him to captain the Ligue 1 side in some matches and calling him “magnificent”.

“Andrey is going to have a magnificent career. You forget how young some of them are,” said Rosenior.

“Andrey plays like he’s 32. I call him Dunga (after Brazil’s 1994 World Cup-winning captain): he’s Brazilian, but he doesn’t play like one. He’s so smart and his stats are through the roof, in terms of scoring goals, winning duels. He’s going to have an outstanding career.”

As per CaughtOffside, Arsenal are planning a “surprise” move for Santos, with the 20-year-old “not entirely committed” to remaining at Chelsea next season.

Santos, who could be available for £42m, has dazzled in the French top flight this term, bagging 10 goals and five assists throughout all competitions. He can also play both as a holding midfielder and traditional centre-midfielder.

Chelsea are not short of attacking options in their current squad.

Enzo Maresca has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal in the forward areas, with the likes of Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson all key players at Stamford Bridge.

There is also a chance Jadon Sancho joins the club permanently this summer, with his buy clause activating over the weekend. He has made a real impression over the past few weeks, as has Tyrique George, who has broken into the first team from the academy, notably scoring his first top-flight goal last weekend at Craven Cottage.

Yet, the Blues want more in forward areas. It seems like they will look to sign a new winger in the 2025 summer window, and have been linked with someone who could further elevate their attacking options.

Chelsea's attacking shortlist this summer

With Jackson now on a run of 13 games without a goal it will come as no surprise that Chelsea are hoping to add a striker to their ranks this summer.

One name that stands out is Newcastle’s Alexander Isak while a cheaper alternative could be Ipswich Town striker, Liam Delap, according to reports.

Well, not just content with bolstering their central areas, they could also sign a winger from Barcelona.

Transfer Focus

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

One of the most exciting teams to watch this season has been Hansi Flick’s Barca side. Their front three has been dominant, with Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal two key players, alongside Raphinha.

Well, according to TBR Football, it is the Brazilian who Chelsea are interested in signing over the summer. They have reportedly been told there is a chance to sign him this summer, and are thought to be ‘huge admirers’ of the winger.

However, there will be competition for his signature if there is a chance the Blues can sign Raphinha. Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool are also ‘being kept informed about his situation’. It is reported that intermediaries have told the three English clubs that an £80m offer could be enough.

Why Raphinha would be a good signing

It has been a sensational season for Raphinha in 2024/25. He has been the spearhead of a Barca attack that has dominated Europe. They had amassed 100 goals in just 32 games by February, and have now far exceeded that number.

As for the former Leeds star, he has an extraordinary 30 goals and 23 assists in 48 appearances so far this season. In La Liga, he’s notched up an impressive tally of 26 goal involvements in 30 appearances.

However, it is the Champions League where he has really thrived. The “unplayable” star, as Statman Dave called him, has 19 goals and assists this term, more than any other player, including a hat-trick against Flick’s former side, Bayern Munich.

Raphinha’s performances this season have been so good that Owen Hargreaves, former Manchester United midfielder, thinks he is a “revelation”. Hargreaves also said on TNT Sport that he thinks the Brazilian is “in the lead for the Ballon d’Or” at the end of the year.

The underlying stats via FBref from Raphinha’s incredible campaign show just how well he has played. For example, the former Leeds United star averages 1.11 goals and assists and 0.84 goal-creating actions per game. They rank him in the top 2% and 4% of attackers in Europe’s top five leagues, respectively.

Goals and assists

1.11

98th

Goals per shot on target

0.45

88th

Key passes

2.98

96th

Shot-creating actions

5.36

91st

Goal-creating actions

0.84

96th

Thus, should the Blues bring Raphinha to the club, there is every chance he could end up becoming their best attacker since Eden Hazard.

Has there ever been a better forward in Chelsea history than Hazard? Well, that comes down to personal preference, but former Blues player turned pundit Pat Nevin called him a “world-class” operator back in 2019. Since his exit, no wide player at Stamford Bridge has scored more than his 16-goal Premier League haul from 2018/19 and Raphinha is streets ahead of that already in Catalonia.

Hazard was certainly unbelievable in that famous Blue shirt, scoring 110 goals and assisting a further 85 in 310 appearances for the club.

A sensational dribbler, he could often be seen running rings around opposition defenders before bearing down on goal or finding a teammate, as the video shows.

If Raphinha could replicate what Hazard did at Stamford Bridge, he’d be an instant success. The quality is there, of that there is no doubt, and his pure goals and assist numbers are sensational this season.

It would be some coup for Chelsea, and if they could bring the Brazil international back to the Premier League, it would be a real statement signing ahead of 2025/26.

Shades of Hazard: Chelsea plotting move to sign £39m-rated "entertainer"

Chelsea are looking to add to their depth in attack

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 16, 2025

Manchester United are now readying a £68 million bid to sign a player from Barcelona ahead of rivals Liverpool, according to a new report.

Man Utd's summer transfer plans taking shape

As the summer transfer window moves another week closer, the Red Devils are gearing up for what could be a very busy time for the hierarchy. United have the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao this week, and the hope is that they can keep their three-goal lead and seal their spot in the final.

Man Utd willing to table £13m offer to complete signing of "vital" 16 y/o

He would be one for the future for the Red Devils.

ByHenry Jackson May 6, 2025

Winning the Europa League would be a huge boost for United and Ruben Amorim, as not only does it bring more money to the club, but it also means they are in the Champions League, and this could be so beneficial for bringing in top players in the summer.

Signing a new striker is high on the list, and while United are reportedly closing in on the signature of Matheus Cunha, the Red Devils are also planning to make a bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, with the forward valued at £65 million.

But as well as looking to add to their forward line, Amorim and United are also looking to strengthen their options at the back. It’s been reported that United have held talks over the signing of Jonathan Tah on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. The defender’s contract is soon set to expire and has interest from the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.

Man Utd readying £68m bid to beat Liverpool in race for Barça ace

Tah is not the only defender on United’s radar, and if Barcelona do win the race for the German international, it could benefit the Red Devils a lot. That is because, according to a report from Spain, Man Utd and INEOS are willing to go all out and sign Ronald Araujo from the Spanish giants this summer.

The report states that United chiefs are ready to do what they can to bring Araujo to Old Trafford and are willing to offer € 80 million, which is roughly £68 million, to Barcelona to secure his signature. The Red Devils see the defender a key player for their defensive rebuild and hope this offer is enough to tempt Barca into selling.

Araujo, who has been dubbed an “athletic monster” by BBC analyst Raj Chohan, is seen by United as the leader to solidify their defence, which at times this season has been all over the place. United’s interest isn’t a new thing, but they hope an offer like this can convince Barca to sell, but can also see them beat Liverpool to Araujo’s signature, as they have also been linked with a move for the defender in recent weeks.

Apps

10

Starts

9

Goals

1

Touches

66.0

Key passes

0.4

Interceptions per game

0.8

Tackles per game

1.2

Balls recovered per game

2.3

Clearances per game

1.6

Barcelona have not ruled out selling Araujo this summer, and that has also raised interest from Bayern Munich, who are also fans of the Uruguay defender. The 26-year-old has struggled with a few injury problems this season, but when he’s been fit and available, Araujo has been a key player for Hansi Flick as they close in on the La Liga title and a possible Champions League final.

Therefore, this could make it even more difficult for United to secure Araujo’s signature, given he is highly thought of by Flick.

As Graham Potter looks towards the summer transfer window to turn the early days of his tenure around, West Ham United have reportedly joined the race to sign a £47m defender who kept Erling Haaland quiet this season.

Potter's West Ham struggles continue

From Julen Lopetegui’s disappointing few months to Potter’s current struggles, it has been a season to forget for the Hammers. When they decided to part ways with the Spaniard, there would have been plenty of hope that Potter, in his first return to management since leaving Chelsea, had the ability to get the true potential out of an impressive side on paper. That has so far proved anything but the case, however.

Games

15

Wins

3

Draws

8

Defeats

4

Whilst West Ham have had their injury struggles and January arrivals such as Evan Ferguson haven’t quite worked out, three wins in 15 games is a fairly inexcusable record for Potter and one that he simply must turn around next season.

After summer signing Niclas Fullkrug failed to hold back his criticism of his own side recently, Potter issued a critical response of his own, telling reporters: “I think he [Fullkrug] wears his heart on his sleeve.

“I would disagree with him in some things and agree with him in others. But he’s entitled to his opinion. As a senior player, we’ve had lots of honest conversations. And I think for me it’s better to have the conversations in private, not in public.”

Better than Calvert-Lewin: West Ham make contact over "phenomenal" £12m ace

West Ham appear to have their eye on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, yet might there be a better alternative out there?

ByJoe Nuttall May 1, 2025

As problems continue to arise, the former Brighton & Hove Albion desperately needs to mark his own stamp on his side in his first summer in charge and desperately needs to instil his style on a struggling squad at long last.

West Ham battling to sign Yann Bisseck

Already turning their attention towards the summer transfer window, those at the London Stadium have reportedly set their sights on a Champions League semi-finalist. According to Caught Offside, West Ham are now battling Manchester United to sign Yann Bisseck from Inter Milan, who will allow their defender to leave for around €55m (£47m) this summer.

The 24-year-old recently started for the Italian giants against Barcelona in a thrilling affair which ended in a 3-3 draw to make next week’s clash at the San Siro all the more important. It was earlier on in Inter Milan’s European journey that Bisseck truly impressed, though, as he helped to keep Manchester City’s Erling Haaland quiet in a 0-0 draw.

By the end of the 90, Haaland had been limited to just 0.33 expected goals, two touches in the Inter Milan box and just 14 touches overall. Bisseck, meanwhile, came away with four recoveries, a ground duel success rate of 75% and was not dribbled past once, as per Fotmob. If there were any doubts that he could perform on the big stage, they were put to bed that night, as he simply outmuscled the Norwegian superstar.

Dubbed “commanding” by analyst Ben Mattinson for performances like that one, Bisseck is exactly the type of player who could spearhead Potter’s West Ham turnaround this summer.

Arsenal are progressing in talks to sign a “deadly” Premier League star, who is now “likely” to leave his current club this summer, according to a report.

Gunners keen on new forwards after injury-ridden 2024/25 campaign

Injuries undoubtedly played a part in the Gunners’ inability to finally win the Premier League title this season, with a number of their key attacking players spending differing amounts of time on the sidelines due to setbacks.

Player

PL matches missed

Gabriel Martinelli

3

Bukayo Saka

13

Kai Havertz

14

Gabriel Jesus

19

As such, it is little wonder that Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his attacking options this summer, and a new striker is believed to be of particular interest, with talks over a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres now advancing.

Botafogo’s Igor Jesus and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko have recently been named as potential alternative targets to Gyokeres, while it could also make sense to bring in a versatile forward, capable of filling in if the Gunners suffer similar injury problems next season.

According to a report from TNATS (via The Boot Room), Arsenal are now pursuing a forward who could fit the bill in that regard, with talks over a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo now advancing, although there is widespread interest in his signature.

Approach made: Arsenal in contact over "incredible" £84m Brazilian striker

The Gunners have made a move to sign a striker, who they are now seriously considering as a summer signing.

ByDominic Lund May 18, 2025

The Brentford star has been a long-term target for the Gunners, but a deal may not be cheap, with reports from elsewhere revealing the Bees could look to hold out for a fee of £65m.

One thing that is clear, however, is that the 25-year-old could be heading for the exit door this summer, with Christian Norgaard revealing his teammate is now “likely” to leave.

"Deadly" Mbeumo could be fantastic signing for Arsenal

As mentioned, the France-born forward’s versatility could be a real bonus for Arteta next season, given that he is capable of playing at both striker and out wide, flourishing at right-wing this season, in what has been an impressive campaign for the Bees.

The Cameroon international has 28 goal contributions to his name in all competitions, scoring 19 goals in 37 Premier League games, while catching the eye due to his work-rate.

Having also been lauded as “deadly” by Statman Dave, Mbeumo has earned a move to a top club this summer, and he could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal.

Why don’t we park the negativity for a moment: Liverpool have won the Premier League in Arne Slot’s season, and with plenty of time to spare at that.

You may have seen on social media that Slot is partying out in Ibiza, while Virgil van Dijk has taken the lads off to Dubai for a mini-break to celebrate Trent Alexander-Arnold before his contentious move to Real Madrid as a free agent.

This is amusing to watch, not least because the Reds still have to play Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX on Sunday before the culminating game of the campaign against Crystal Palace at Anfield in two weeks. But it highlights the club’s staggering success this year, so dominant throughout.

To think that FSG’s new iteration achieved league gold with only Federico Chiesa added to the first-team squad. Signings are needed now, and no mistake, with sporting director Richard Hughes acting swiftly to seal a deal for Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool’s right-back-in-waiting.

Why Liverpool are signing Jeremie Frimpong

Frimpong has scored 30 goals and supplied 44 assists across 190 matches for Bayer Leverkusen. The 24-year-old is rapid, physically robust and dynamic, and if Liverpool’s data-driven team are convinced, fans should be too.

According to Fabrizio Romano, advanced discussions are underway, with details pertaining to the structure of the €35m (about £30m) release clause being ironed out.

Frimpong differs greatly from Alexander-Arnold but he will add an attacking dimension to Liverpool’s backline, ranking among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues this term for goal contributions and the top 2% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

24/25

48

5

12

23/24

47

14

12

22/23

48

9

11

21/22

34

2

8

20/21

13

0

1

The Netherlands star will be a great addition, one who will tussle with Conor Bradley for that number one spot. However, Liverpool are planning surgery across three quarters of the backline, and there’s an even better deal currently in the works.

Liverpool lead race for new defender

While Milos Kerkez remains the top target at left-back, it’s unlikely Liverpool will advance their intrigue, given Bournemouth still have it all to play for in the Premier League.

Transfer Focus

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

Dean Huijsen also plays for the Cherries, but the young centre-back is being pursued by almost every top team worth their salt, with a £50m release clause that demands a decision on his future in the coming weeks.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Liverpool are ready to lodge an official bid for Huijsen to trigger that clause, though Real Madrid are interested too and it’s felt the young star would be interested in moving to the Spanish capital.

Of course, Liverpool are an interesting destination themselves. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, not only is a decision is forthcoming, but Liverpool are alongside Arsenal in leading the race.

A decision will indeed be made soon, and FSG must surely be ready to seal the deal with a first major central defensive signing since Ibrahima Konate arrived from RB Leipzig for £36m in May 2021.

Why Dean Huijsen would be Slot's perfect signing

Romano’s revelation suggests a conclusion to this saga will be found soon, and FSG must ensure they are doing all they can to complete Slot’s backline with the young star.

Huijsen really is “the most in-demand centre-back in the world,” as has been noted by analyst Ben Mattinson. At the moment, the race is absolutely open, and Liverpool can only do all they can to convince the Spain international that Anfield presents the best step forward in his career.

Joining Bournemouth from Juventus in a deal worth £15m last summer, Huijsen has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout young stars, playing every minute of his side’s past 23 fixtures.

Would it be fair to say he’d be a better signing than Frimpong for Slot’s trophy-winning Reds? In fairness, Huijsen is regarded as the “ultimate modern-day centre-back” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, and he’s got the statistics to back it up.

As per Sofascore, the 20-year-old has averaged almost three tackles and interceptions per game this term, winning 61% of his aerial battles and keeping seven clean sheets for Andoni Iraola’s side. It’s hardly surprising he’s been named a “world-class” star in the making by one analyst.

Honestly, there’s no question really that he’d be a better signing than Frimpong, not least having proven himself in the Premier League, while bearing all the traits needed to become a superstar in Slot’s Liverpool set-up. Who knows, given his left-footed inclination, maybe Huijsen could even succeed Van Dijk on the left side.

As per FBref, Huijsen ranks among the top 7% of defenders in the Premier League this season for goal involvements, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90, effectively illustrating a technical aptitude and athletic ability that marry into his core defensive quality.

Given the uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate, who has been confirmed to have seen contract talks stagnate with just one year remaining on his current deal, Liverpool must surely accelerate their plans to sign Huijsen, insofar as such efforts will hold any sway. Of course, they can canvass a proposal for the ages, one which promises a standout role in a standout team.

We’d love to watch Huijsen spray balls out into the path of an electric-bursting Frimpong next season, but there’s no question the Spanish man is the one that FSG should go for, should they need to prioritise.

A Salah-esque signing: Liverpool agree personal terms with "insane" target

Liverpool are ready to begin their summer shopping spree.

ByAngus Sinclair May 13, 2025

Aston Villa could well be hitting their stride in the Premier League at the best possible time, with both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest showing recent weaknesses in their game.

Unai Emery’s men are now only outside the lucrative five Champions League spots in the division on goal difference as Enzo Maresca’s Blues nervously try to hold onto that final position, with a mightily impressive five wins from Villa’s last six Premier League games keeping their European dreams alive.

The added quality to the squad in the form of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford in January has certainly boosted their chances of clinching Champions League football again.

This summer’s transfer window will further allow the West Midlands giants opportunities to bring in even more depth, with one rumoured face on the Villa Park shopping list perhaps going down as their next Jhon Duran if he joins.

How Jhon Duran is performing in Saudi

The breathless Colombian would only go on to feature for the Villans 78 times, but he is still remembered in a fond light to this day for how impactful he could be off the bench when his team needed a moment of magic.

Indeed, before an insane £71m move to Al Nassr came to be in January, the sensational South American would fire home a sizeable 12 goals during the first part of 2024/25.

On the surface, this is already an imposing goal total worthy of praise, but staggeringly seven of those strikes would come about in Premier League action despite Duran only making four starts overall.

Since heading to the Middle East, the forward has been on fire, scoring 11 goals in 16 games for his new employers who sit third in the Saudi Pro League.

In truth, losing the young forward hasn’t hit Villa that hard, but NSWE definitely wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to win themselves a new version of the relentless 21-year-old this summer.

Aston Villa could sign their new Duran

Emery will likely be keen to utilise all of his talented squad again next campaign, particularly if Champions League football returns to Villa Park and congests the fixture list.

Therefore, adding in a new winger in Malick Fofana as a further option in attack could be an inspired pick-up, with Caught Offside recently revealing that the Premier League titans could sign the promising 20-year-old from Olympique Lyonnais for around the £42m mark.

Just taking in a few clips of Fofana’s excellence for Lyon this season displays how he’s on the same wavelength as the now departed Duran, with both attackers in question boundless in their drive and energy when galloping forward, before being equally unafraid to unleash a vicious shot at an opposition goalkeeper.

It’s resulted in Fofana – who is also on the radar of Liverpool and Arsenal – picking up a substantial 11 goals and five assists from 40 appearances down the Lyon left flank across 2024/25, despite also being resigned to a regular spot on Paulo Fonseca’s bench much like the 22-year-old striker had to put up with under Emery.

Fofana at Lyon vs Duran at Villa in 2024/25

Stat

Fofana

Duran

Games played

40

29

Games started

22

7

Minutes played

2199

1043

Goals scored

11

12

Assists

5

0

Stats by Sofascore

Looking at the numbers, whilst Fofana does have the advantage of starting 15 more games this season than Duran managed at Villa, the former has still been used rather sparingly in the French top division, with the Belgian only averaging 54 minutes of action per Ligue 1 clash.

But, the “magnificent” left-footed menace – as he has been labelled by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has still left his mark on a considerable number of contests all the same, seen in that growing total of 11 goals and five assists across a wide range of contests for Lyon.

With a potential hole in the squad also needing to be filled down the left if Rashford departs, adding in Fofana does feel like a logical signing to soon make on Villa’s end, with the one-time senior Belgium international also capable of being the club’s next super sub.

Related Their new Grealish: Aston Villa plotting £50m move for "phenomenal" talent

Aston Villa are chasing a current Premier League midfielder

Posts 2 ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025

A reliable reporter has now revealed that Wolverhampton Wanderers could sign an unwanted Chelsea player this summer, according to a new report.

Wolves step up transfer plans as they eye a new striker

Vitor Pereira’s arrival at Molineux has been a breath of fresh air for the Midlands side, as he’s helped guide the club away from the relegation zone, and they now look set for a comfortable finish in the Premier League.

The next Jimenez: Wolves eyeing up "remarkable" £8.5m CF alongside Vardy

Wolverhampton Wanderers could soon land their next Raul Jimenez with this striker purchase.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 1, 2025

It looks as though Wolves are set to lose talisman Matheus Cunha this summer, as he is closing in on a move to Manchester United. Therefore, a replacement or replacements will need to be found, and the Premier League side are wasting no time in identifying targets.

According to Caught Offside, Wolves have registered their interest in signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Everton, as he is set to leave the Toffees on a free transfer once his contract comes to an end.

But he is not the only forward on their radar, as the Midlands side are also interested in signing Jamie Vardy, once again a player who is set to become a free agent, as he’s confirmed he will be leaving Leicester City after 13 years at the club.

Chelsea’s Joao Felix is another option that is being considered, as he’s been told he can speak to interested clubs. However, the Portugal international would likely cost a large sum of money, despite his struggles in England.

Reliable reporter suggests Wolves could sign Dewsbury-Hall

Felix is not the only Chelsea player the Midlands side are looking at, as according to reporter Ben Jacobs, via Molineux News, Wolves could look to sign Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from the Blues this summer.

Jacobs was speaking on The Wolfpack Podcast about who could be of interest to Wolves heading into the summer, and he revealed that Dewsbury-Hall could be a target.

“I think Wolves and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is going to be one to watch, from what I understand.

“Because Chelsea may be willing to sanction a sale. Dewsbury-Hall may be looking for regular game time, with a view to somehow kind of forcing himself into the England setup. Wolves could be one to watch there. I’m not aware yet of any significant out-and-out attackers who Wolves are specifically looking at.”

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s Premier League stats
Apps	71
Goals	3
Assists	5

Dewsbury-Hall, who has been dubbed “sensational” by former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, only joined Chelsea last summer in a deal worth £30 million. However, the midfielder has hardly kicked a ball at Stamford Bridge, despite being so important for Enzo Maresca with the Foxes, playing just 12 games in the Premier League, with his most minutes coming in the UEFA Conference League.

Given how far down the pecking order Dewsbury-Hall is, he is likely a player who could be moved on by the Blues this summer, as they look to recoup their money and bring in a replacement.

West Ham United supporters will no doubt be feeling hugely disappointed with their 2024/25 campaign, falling way below the usual high standards they’ve set for themselves.

The Hammers currently sit in 15th place in the Premier League with just two games remaining of the 2024/25 campaign – a staggering 23 points off the Champions League places.

Graham Potter has so far been unable to turn around the early-season slump endured under former boss Julen Lopetegui, with this summer crucial if he’s to maintain his position at the helm.

The former Chelsea boss only had part of the January window to make his own mark on the current squad, with the summer huge if he’s to be successful at the London Stadium.

With the window just around the corner, the hierarchy have already started work behind the scenes to provide the 49-year-old with the ammunition needed to improve the situation.

The latest on West Ham’s hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, numerous players have been touted with a switch to West Ham, undoubtedly strengthening the options currently on the books.

Morten Frendrup and Liam Delap are just two names mentioned with a switch to the club, with both players improving the midfield and front line should they make the switch this summer.

However, a defender has been thrown into the mix in recent days in the form of Genoa’s Koni de Winter, with GIVEMESPORT naming the Hammers as one of the interested sides.

The report claims that Potter’s men have made an enquiry to the Serie A outfit over a deal for the 22-year-old, with Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace also in the race for his signature.

It also states that the Belgian international could be available for a fee in the region of £25m this summer, as the hierarchy looks to add youth to the first team squad.

Why West Ham’s £25m target could be Potter’s own Van Dijk

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been the leading defender in the Premier League over the last couple of years, leading the Reds to new heights after his £75m transfer.

The Dutch international has made over 300 appearances at Anfield, winning multiple major honours in the process, including the Premier League and the Champions League.

He’s also constantly posed a threat at the other end of the pitch, often popping up with a crucial goal or two – including in the recent 2-1 win over the Hammers in April.

However, Potter’s side could be about to land their own version of the superstar this summer in the form of De Winter, with the youngster having the tools to match his accomplishments.

The defender’s agent has previously claimed that he could be the next big star, matching Van Dijk’s high levels of performance, with a switch to England handing him that platform to succeed.

When comparing his stats to those of the Liverpool star, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – highlighting what a superb addition he would be for the club.

De Winter, who’s been labelled “unreal” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has won more tackles per 90, achieving a higher tackle success rate – handing Potter the defensive quality his side have lacked this campaign.

How De Winter compares to Van Dijk in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	De Winter	Van Dijk
Games played	23	36
Goals scored	3	3
Tackles won	0.9	0.4
% of tackles won	71%	55%
Successful take-ons	0.3	0.08
Recoveries made	4.8	3.1
Aerials won	3.2	3
Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons he’s attempted, having the quality on the ball to play out from the back should the boss want his side to.

The Belgian has also matched Van Dijk for goals, whilst winning more aerial duels, handing the club the added threat at both ends of the pitch – improving the situation the Hammers find themselves in.

£25m for a player of De Winter’s quality would be an absolute bargain in today’s market, massively improving the options currently at Potter’s disposal at the London Stadium.

Should he manage to replicate the levels produced by the Liverpool star in the Premier League, it would be a phenomenal addition and one that could catapult the club back towards European success.

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By
Ethan Lamb

May 11, 2025

Liverpool have a huge window ahead of them this summer to build on the superb work conducted by Arne Slot during his first season in charge at Anfield.

The Dutchman claimed the Premier League title at the first time of asking, doing so with four games to spare – highlighting the excellent work he’s overseen in recent months.

However, many teams in England’s top flight are likely to bolster their ranks during the off-season to mount a charge to knock them off the perch they’ve found themselves on.

Such actions will mean that the Reds will also have to strengthen to avoid being caught and left behind by their rivals, increasing their chances of retaining their title.

It’s pivotal that Slot and the hierarchy need to bring in the right players if they are to succeed once again in 2024/25, with work already being done to land key targets.

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

Various areas of the pitch appear to be in focus ahead of the summer window for Liverpool, but none more so than the attacking department, with countless names mentioned for a switch to Merseyside.

Benjamin Sesko, Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap have all been touted with a switch to join the club, as Slot looks to land a new talisman to provide the goods in the final third.

However, in an attempt to aid any one of the aforementioned stars in their attempts at the club, they’ve also entered the race to land Lyon star Rayan Cherki, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

The report claims that the Reds are keen on a move for the 21-year-old star, who’s registered a staggering 32 combined goals and assists in his 44 appearances across all competitions.

It also states that the French side would be willing to part ways with the forward for a fee in the region of £34m this summer, with the youngster keen on a move to the Premier League ahead of 2025/26.

Why Liverpool’s £34m target is the dream Wirtz alternative

Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking midfielder, Florian Wirtz, has emerged as a key target for Liverpool over the last couple of days, with a move to Anfield on the cards this summer.

It emerged that the German and his representatives travelled to Merseyside for talks with the club over a potential move to the club, but also face competition from Bayern Munich.

However, given his record of 30 combined goals and assists this season, it’s likely the 22-year-old could command a fee that would break their record transfer, currently standing at £85m for Darwin Núñez.

His tally represents that it would be a worthwhile deal, providing another level of creativity to the already impressive front line that fired the club to the title.

However, given the difference in fee, the hierarchy would be better off pursuing a move for Cherki, with the French star a much cheaper investment, subsequently allowing for further signings elsewhere.

It may seem like a cost-effective solution, but when comparing the pair’s respective figures from the current campaign, the Lyon talent has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas.

Cherki, who’s been labelled “generational” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered more progressive passes and more passes into the final third – showcasing his creative nature with the ball at his feet.

Games played

30

31

Goals & assists

19

22

Progressive passes

9.1

6.7

Pass accuracy

79%

78%

Passes into final third

4.3

3.6

Shot-creating actions

6.4

5.6

Take-on success

51%

49%

Aerials won

33%

20%

He’s also produced more shot-creating actions per 90, along with more take-ons completed, having the ability to produce chances for himself but also his teammates.

The youngster’s talents don’t stop there, winning more aerial battles, and registering a higher shot-on-target rate – handing the Reds an all-round threat within attacking areas.

Given the potential difference in transfer fee, the club should look to pursue a move for the Lyon star, having just as much, if not more, of an effect than Wirtz in attacking areas.

At just 21, he has the potential to explode into life on Merseyside, potentially being a bargain and a player to star under Slot for many years to come – handing them a boost in their ambitions of further success.

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ByEthan Lamb May 22, 2025