Manchester United look ready to sell an Old Trafford star who Ruben Amorim doesn’t want anymore.
Man Utd and Amorim looking to improve all over the pitch
The Red Devils and INEOS appear to be working behind the scenes on potential new signings ahead of Amorim’s first full season in charge of the club.
Talking before United’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon, Amorim revealed that Andre Onana would return to the starting line-up. The goalkeeper, who was dropped against Newcastle United last weekend, has been heavily linked with a move away and is thought to be unsettled at Man Utd.
Amorim was asked if Man Utd will consider signing a new shot-stopper, to which he said he wants to improve “every position on the field”.
“We are going to make that evaluation for any position in the squad. You can see my record [too] – my record is the worst in the team. I am also underperforming. We need to improve. We cannot change all the players.
“We need to improve every position on the field. Goalkeeper is the same; we can work with Andre. Andre Onana already proved he is a top player with Inter. Altay the same with Fenerbahce. We have some seasons where we are underperforming.”
Top target: £64m "Superman" now Man Utd's leading candidate to replace Onana
The Red Devils are looking to sign a new goalkeeper, with Andre Onana putting in some concerning performances this season.
ByDominic Lund Apr 16, 2025
It could be quite the summer clearcut at Old Trafford, with reports claiming 10 players could be permanently sold by Man Utd.
Another star who has been mooted to make an exit is Alejandro Garnacho. In fact, there have been claims that Amorim wants the winger to leave Man Utd this summer.
Serie A side Napoli are thought to be keen on signing Garnacho and reportedly submitted a £67m offer to sign the Argentine. However, a new update suggests Man Utd are ready to accept a bid much lower than that figure.
Man Utd ready to sell Garnacho for £34m
According to reports in Spain, Man Utd have made a ‘surprising decision’ and have lowered Garnacho’s asking price this summer.
Alejandro Garnacho
It is stated that Man Utd will sell Garnacho for €40m (£34m) over the coming months, with Napoli one of three clubs named as potential destinations. La Liga side Atletico Madrid and Premier League rivals Chelsea are also interested in the 20-year-old.
The winger is under contract at Man Utd until 2028 but ‘his continuity is no longer a priority’ for the Red Devils.
Games
135
Goals
25
Assists
20
Minutes played
7,774
Despite Amorim’s stance on Garnacho, he has used the attacker in a variety of roles since taking over. He’s been a regular under the Red Devils boss on either wing and in an attacking midfield role, however, his days at Old Trafford appear to be numbered.
Using Evangelos Marinakis’ extensive portfolio of clubs to their advantage, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly willing to meet one target’s price-tag this summer in pursuit of boosting their attacking options.
Nottingham Forest plotting statement summer
With just six games to go in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest sit third and four points clear of Manchester City in sixth, who are on course to miss out on Champions League football. And whilst there will still be some nerves around the City Ground, the fact that fifth will still be enough to secure a place among Europe’s elite should give them more than enough of a safety net.
Nuno Espirito Santo recently delivered his verdict on the positive Champions League news, albeit whilst reiterating that it will not change the approach that Nottingham Forest take.
The manager told reporters in the build-up to his side’s game against Everton: “It’s in our hands. It opens one more space so there is more contenders but for us it doesn’t change anything. Our approach will be the same. I think we have a great opportunity to achieve something great.”
Bringing European football back to the City Ground would leave Espirito Santo’s name cemented in the history books, but this season’s success may yet just be the start of a special era.
He's outscored Wood: Nottingham Forest now plotting move to sign £80m star
He’s a wanted man…
ByTom Cunningham Apr 11, 2025
Qualification for next season’s Champions League would mean that a place in Nottingham Forest’s squad would suddenly be among the most attractive in the Premier League and that has already seen a number of targets lined up ahead of the summer transfer window.
Names as big as Victor Osimhen have even been mentioned on Forest’s radar, whilst they could also look towards South America for incomings.
Nottingham Forest willing to meet Clayton's valuation
According to Record, as relayed by Sports Witness, Nottingham Forest are now willing to spend in the race to sign Clayton this summer. The impressive centre-forward is currently on loan from Vasco da Gama at Rio Ave – a club also owned by Marinakis – in a deal that is expected to become permanent when the summer transfer window arrives.
Of course, if that does prove to be the case then Forest’s pursuit should become far easier thanks to Marinakis. The Greek owner could use his place at both sides to help connect any potential deal this summer, which would reportedly be worth around €10m (£9m) – a price Nottingham Forest are willing to pay.
Clayton celebrates scoring for Rio Ave.
26 years old and at the peak of his powers having scored 17 goals and assisted a further two in all competitions so far this season, Clayton could quickly turn into the bargain of the summer if he carried over his form from Portugal to the Midlands.
Given that Chris Wood is now 33 years old and Taiwo Awoniyi remains unconvincing too, Nottingham Forest could make their move to sign the forward at the perfect time.
When Liverpool beat West Ham United, responding after losing against Fulham one week earlier, it felt like a corner had been turned. Perhaps that defeat at Craven Cottage was the final twist in the overtures of a certain Premier League triumph.
The ribbons will turn red this season. Later this afternoon, Liverpool have the chance to win the top-flight title against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, should they return to winning ways on the road and second-placed Arsenal fall at Ipswich Town earlier in the day.
Though Mikel Arteta’s attention is almost solely focused on the continental stage, this feels improbable, if not out of the question. In any case, it’s a matter of when, not if, Arne Slot will join an exclusive list of managers to lift the Premier League trophy on their first attempt.
2004/05
Jose Mourinho
Chelsea
2009/10
Carlo Ancelotti
Chelsea
2013/14
Manuel Pellegrini
Man City
2016/17
Antonio Conte
Chelsea
Leicester might be doomed but they still have quality in attack and will look to capitalise on any Liverpool complacency.
Liverpool team news
Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in first-team training after his ankle injury suffered against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield last month.
However, Conor Bradley looks set to reprise his role at right-back, with the under-fire Andy Robertson pushing for a recall after his cameo last week, skewing into his own net off the bench following a mix-up with the skipper.
Joe Gomez remains absent due to an ankle injury, but Darwin Nunez could feature after missing out on Merseyside one week ago.
Darwin Nunez for Liverpool
Nunez might be destined for departure this summer, but his return does boost a Liverpool frontline looking to return to its best.
That’s not to say the Reds have been poor in attack lately, but Mohamed Salah hasn’t scored in five games, Diogo Jota and Nunez are out of sorts and Cody Gakpo hasn’t got going again since recovering from injury.
How Slot can respark Liverpool's frontline
Liverpool looked somewhat back to normal last weekend as they secured victory over West Ham, all but sealing the already overwhelming odds in the title race following Arsenal’s draw at Brentford.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah
Salah, after renewing his contract, produced a stunning trivela assist for Luis Diaz, the one man in Slot’s attack who is very much on form right now.
However, the Egyptian, 32, will be desperate to return his name to the scoresheet as he looks to build on his haul of 32 goals across all competitions
For whatever reason, it’s not quite clicking for Salah in front of goal. But it will again. With Trent not fit enough to start from the outset, Slot might be inclined to unleash Harvey Elliott in midfield, perhaps replacing Dominik Szoboszlai.
Liverpool enjoy the Hungarian’s tireless running but a more fixed creative point could be the perfect solvent of unfluent play in and around the final third.
Liverpool player Harvey Elliott
Having featured prominently under Jurgen Klopp last year during Liverpool’s injury-hit spell, Elliott has played a reduced part since the spinning of the managerial wheel, yet to even start in the Premier League this year. Still he’s got six goal involvements across the different competitions.
And it’s not as if he hasn’t demonstrated his capacities when given a shot. As per FBref, Elliott ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for all of goals, assists and shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 5% for progressive carries per 90.
This perfectly illustrates his ball-playing game and skill in driving into dangerous positions, but most importantly, it underlines his ability to maximise his output when reaching such junctures, something Salah will be eyeing hungrily.
24/25
12 (0)
0
1
23/24
34 (11)
3
6
22/23
32 (18)
1
2
21/22
6 (4)
0
0
20/21*
0 (0)
0
0
19/20
2 (0)
0
0
As you can see, Elliott’s playing a bit part for the first time since his debut campaign, having only featured six times in 2021/22 but starting on four of those occasions before suffering a season-ending injury at Elland Road.
Elliott, described as a “special talent” by Sky Sports’ Neil Mellor, hasn’t played all that much this season, but he has showcased his vast playmaking skills on numerous occasions. For example, Liverpool might have been abject in their Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle United, but subs combined to score a late consolation, the young midfielder expertly playing Federico Chiesa through.
Ultimately, claiming that Liverpool are out of sorts simply isn’t true, having won five of their past six Premier League matches, but fans have been frustrated by the lack of spark in the centre at times this term and Elliott surely deserves a starting berth having been limited to full appearances in the cup competitions.
He’s come up trumps on several occasions, notably scoring the winner in the first leg against PSG, but now the £40k-per-week talent needs a chance to show he can pull strings in the Premier League and bring Salah back into goalscoring form.
Salah doesn’t dribble as much as he used to but he’s hardly averse to an electric burst, and with Elliott’s crisp timing, it could be the perfect tonic for his recent struggles to break the net.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
Elliott has acknowledged Salah for “teaching him” over the past several years at Liverpool, and now he has the chance to repay his tutor on what could be a momentous day for the Merseysiders.
Leicester won’t want to repeat some of their dismal displays of late, but if Elliott gets into a creative flow and connects with Salah, the Foxes simply won’t have a say in the matter.
Worth more than Huijsen: Slot has hit the jackpot on Liverpool "monster"
Liverpool hope to employ this star for many years to come.
On Tuesday evening, the Emirates Stadium stood witness to perhaps its greatest result for a home team. Arsenal were the victors, defeating Real Madrid 3-0.
It was a remarkable display of football. The 15-time winners of Europe’s great competition, the Champions League, had been swept aside with relative ease.
Declan Rice was the hero, banging in two stupendous free-kicks to send north London into chaos.
Well, this time around, it was a rather more sedate affair. Brentford were the visitors to the Emirates and they were here to disrupt Mikel Arteta’s momentum.
The Gunners took the lead through makeshift right-back Thomas Partey, only for Yoanne Wissa to equalise. The game ended 1-1.
It marks a continuation of a poor run of form for Arsenal in the Premier League. The title race may have been done and dusted a few weeks ago but the run has still been a disappointing one, winning just two of their last seven league outings.
Still, they remain in Europe and are a game away from a semi-final spot.
Arteta will likely already know his team for the second leg in Madrid in Wednesday but did anyone stake their claim on Saturday evening?
Arsenal's best players against Brentford
This was a patched-together Arsenal side, make no mistake about it.
Despite the result, Arteta was right to rotate ahead of a trip to the Bernabeu but that did mean the likes of Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mikel Merino dropped out.
As a result of those absentees, Leandro Trossard was handed a start as the central striker, Partey featured at right back, Kieran Tierney was on the left and Oleksandr Zinchenko came into the midfield.
Both full-backs very much caught the eye. Tierney, unfortunately, had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half but did well at the back. As for Partey, there was no denying his opening goal.
The man of the hour, Rice, broke from a Brentford corner, galloping forward like a racehorse beyond the halfway line. His pass had to be timed to perfection and indeed it was.
Partey was to his right and ran onto the ball, firing past Mark Flekken in the Bees net.
The Ghanaian enjoyed a fine evening at full-back, standing in for Timber and Ben White who picked up another injury in training. Rice was a machine in the middle again, but they weren’t the only two standouts from the draw on home soil.
Performance in Numbers
Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.
Arsenal defender is now undroppable
When Gabriel hobbled from the field during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham a few weeks ago, fear spread like wildfire through the fanbase. Rightly so, too.
The Brazilian has been one of, if not the best player at the club this season. He’s been a rock at the back and a menace from set plays, proving to be an asset in both boxes. He’d barely missed a minute of football either.
Yet, here was Arsenal’s third big hamstring injury of the season, following in the footsteps of Saka and Kai Havertz. The prognosis was that the centre-back would miss the rest of the season.
In his place has stood Jakub Kiwior, the Polish defender who hasn’t exactly set the world alight when handed rare opportunities this season.
Prone to a nervy moment, the former Spezia man now well and truly deserves his flowers. Indeed, across his last 19 starts in all competitions, Arsenal have not lost a single game, winning 13 matches and drawing six.
He saved his best performance for Madrid in midweek, putting a nervy error in the first half beyond him to deal with the threat of Kylian Mbappe and Co superbly well.
Wins
13
Draws
6
Defeats
0
Goals conceded
13
Clean sheets
9
Against Brentford, despite not keeping a clean sheet, he was also in top form.
It wasn’t the most eye-catching of displays but he came through the game ably, notably winning every single one of his four contested duels and completing 94% of his passes. It was a supremely composed display, building from the back and holding onto the ball well further up the field.
To sum up that influence in possession, only two players on the pitch registered more touches of the ball; William Saliba and Jorginho.
Handed a 7/10 match rating by Football.London at full time they wrote that “there is a sense of calm that previously was not there when he first came.” That sums things up rather nicely.
Previously, supporters didn’t want to see Kiwior anywhere near the starting lineup but he has very quickly become as undroppable as the likes of Rice and Saliba.
He will never be raved about from up on high but this is an underrated squad player who’s now played exceptionally well in recent weeks. The Pole will deserve his place in the starting lineup against Madrid in a few days’ time.
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The game-breaking star would fire Arsenal to domestic and European glory.
Tottenham Hotspur’s dismal Premier League campaign continued with a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers away from home on Sunday.
Vitor Pereira’s side have been battling relegation throughout the season and moved to within two points of Spurs with their impressive victory at the weekend.
As you can see in the highlights above, the goals were largely down to poor defensive work from several Tottenham players, rather than them being cut open by quality play.
There is no hiding from the fact that Ange Postecoglou’s side have not been good enough defensively this season, as they have conceded 49 goals in 32 matches – more than any other traditional top-six side in the Premier League.
Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore
As you can see in the graphic above, though, it was one of Tottenham’s attacking players – Dominic Solanke – who was one of the worst-rated performers against Wolves on Sunday.
The England international joined the club from Bournemouth for a reported fee of £55m, with a further £10m in potential add-ons, and has endured a frustrating first season in North London.
Why Dominic Solanke has been a flop for Spurs
For the money that was spent on him last year, Tottenham should expect instant quality from the 27-year-old marksman in his first year at the club.
Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke
Solanke arrived as an experienced player, aged 26 at the time of his move, with plenty of Premier League football under his belt for Bournemouth, which meant that he did not have to adjust to the league or the country in order to perform for Spurs.
Despite that, the English dud has failed to deliver goals on a consistent basis for Postecoglou, with a return of just 11 goals in 37 matches in all competitions.
The former Bournemouth star has averaged less than a goal every three games on average, which speaks to his lack of ruthlessness in the final third, and that has also been the case in the Premier League.
24/25 Premier League
Dominic Solanke
Starts
23
xG
9.92
Goals
7
Big chances missed
11
Minutes per goal
290
Assists
3
Duel success rate
39%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Solanke has only scored seven goals in 23 Premier League outings for Spurs this term, underperforming his xG by roughly three goals.
A goal every 290 minutes and a negative xG differential for a £65m-rated, prime-aged, centre-forward is simply not good enough, which may be why the club are now reportedly looking to bolster their attack ahead of next season.
Spurs willing to spend big on Premier League star
According to a report from Spain, Spurs are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The outlet claims that there are six Premier League teams showing an interest in the Brazil international, who scored against Tottenham in the 4-2 win for his side on Sunday.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It reveals that Aston Villa, Spurs, Newcastle United, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest are all eyeing up a swoop for the ex-Atletico Madrid star.
The report states that the Premier League sides are willing to spend big on the Brazilian dynamo, as they are prepared to pay £75m to land the impressive attacker ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhacelebrates scoring their fourth goal
It does not, however, claim whether or not Wolves would be willing to part ways with him for £75m, or whether or not Cunha would be interested in joining Tottenham, or any of the other teams that are reportedly interested in him.
Spurs must, now, push to convince the forward to join them this summer because he could come in as the huge upgrade that they need on Solanke at the top end of the pitch.
Why Cunha would be a huge upgrade on Solanke
The £75m-rated star would improve Tottenham’s team based on his form for Wolves, who are currently below Spurs in the table, in the Premier League this season.
Cunha has scored 14 goals from 7.27 xG in the top-flight for the Old Gold, which means that he has scored twice as many goals as Solanke despite having fewer high-quality xG chances to find the back of the net.
This shows that he is a ruthless finisher who does not need many high-quality opportunities to score goals at Premier League level, which is not the case with the ex-Bournemouth forward.
As you can see from the goal above, which was described as “Bergkamp-esque” by pundit Ashley Williams, the Brazilian magician has immense quality in the final third and the capacity to score amazing goals.
These statistics, and the nature of his goals for Wolves, suggest that he would be an upgrade on Solanke as a goal threat, by offering a clinical presence in front of goal, rather than being as wasteful as the English flop has been.
24/25 Premier League
Dominic Solanke
Matheus Cunha
Starts
23
24
xG
9.92
7.27
Goals
7
14
Big chances created
6
12
xA
1.15
4.58
Key passes per game
0.6
1.7
Assists
3
4
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Cunha has significantly outperformed the £65m Spurs signing, who has failed to offer consistent quality as either a scorer or a creator of goals in the top-flight this term.
These statistics suggest that the Wolves sensation would also provide more creativity at the top end of the pitch, given that he has created twice as many ‘big chances’ and more than three times as much xA for his teammates in just one more start.
Therefore, £75m – only £10m more than the deal agreed for Solanke – could be a bargain deal for Spurs if they manage to win the race for his signature in the summer transfer window, because he has the potential to offer twice as much in front of goal, as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
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Cunha would arrive as a Premier League proven star, with room to grow still at the age of 25, and Daniel Levy must, now, push to get this deal done to bolster Postecoglou’s squad for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.
After defeating Real Madrid in the Champions League last week, it’s safe to say Arsenal have demonstrated they are capable of battling with Europe’s elite.
Mikel Arteta has transformed the side after taking the reins in December 2020, overseeing a transition that has taken them back to Premier League title challengers in recent seasons.
However, the Spaniard is yet to complete the job of winning the title, desperately needing to push for such an achievement in 2025/26 to cement his legacy at the Emirates.
If the 43-year-old is to go one better and end their two-decade wait for a title triumph, he will need the hierarchy to support him in the transfer market to allow him to have the best chance of success.
With the summer rapidly approaching, rumours have already been swirling over potential targets, with most of the links being in the same area of the pitch.
An update on Arsenal’s pursuit of new forwards
Over the last couple of days, Arsenal have received a huge boost in their pursuit of landing a new striker, with an update provided on the future of Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres.
New sporting director Andrea Berta has wasted no time in making the Swede his number one target after previously holding talks with his representatives over a move to North London.
However, the latest update has confirmed that he’s not interested in a move to fellow English side Chelsea, potentially putting the Gunners in pole position for his signature in the coming months.
He’s not the only attacker touted with a move, with the likes of Kingsley Coman and Nico Williams also hugely admired ahead of the summer window.
According to one Spanish outlet, the Gunners are already in advanced talks to land the Athletic Club star and are more than willing to trigger his £50m release clause in the coming months.
Why the £50m star could be Arteta’s very own Vini Jr
Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has been one of Europe’s most deadly forwards in recent years, notching a tally of 45 goals across his last two seasons under Carlo Ancelotti.
Many thought he would win the Ballon d’Or for 2024, but was pipped to the post by Manchester City’s Rodri, with his standing in such an award highlighting how threatening he has been in Madrid.
However, in the recent Champions League clashes with the LaLiga giants, Arsenal managed to silence the Brazilian for large spells, only managing to get on the scoresheet after a mistake within the backline.
There’s no denying he is a hugely talented player, with Arteta able to land his version of the superstar this summer should they complete a deal for Williams.
The Spaniard has been labelled as a similar player to Vini Jr by FBref based upon their respective figures from 2024/25, showcasing how impressive the transfer target has been.
When delving into the stats, the 22-year-old has managed to match or better the Madrid star in numerous key areas, with any move undoubtedly improving the forward line in North London.
Williams, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by Eduardo Hagn, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on target accuracy rate – highlighting his clinical nature in the final third.
How Williams compares to Vini Jr in LaLiga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Williams
Vini Jr
Games played
27
25
Goals & assists
10
16
Shot-on-target accuracy
37%
30%
Shot-creating actions
5.2
5.2
Tackles won
0.8
0.2
Take-ons attempted
8.2
7.5
Aerials won
40%
12%
Stats via FBref
He’s also managed to win more of the aerial duels he’s entered, whilst also attempting more take-ons per 90, offering Arteta a real all-round threat within the final third should he join the club.
If the Gunners are to finally end their drought without a league title, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy back the manager with the right additions to help him in his quest.
The Athletic Club star ticks all the boxes with his pace, constant attacking threat, and his end product, with the £50m fee touted a potential bargain should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Vini Jr in recent years.
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It is a truly testing time for Tottenham Hotspur right now, with Ange Postecoglou’s future in real doubt and the Australian relying on a good run in the Europa League to restore faith in his position.
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Spurs take on Eintracht Frankfurt over two legs which will define Postecoglou’s position, according to credible media sources like Fabrizio Romano, and anything less than impressive is highly likely to result in the Australian’s eventual dismissal.
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Postecoglou’s tenure has been called “irreparable” by some, regardless of their campaign in Europe, and Postecoglou even admitted in a press conference this week that he’s aware of the rhetoric surrounding his position.
Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures
Date
Wolves (away)
April 13th
Nottingham Forest (home)
April 21st
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
The Lilywhites are on course for their worst Premier League season, currently sitting 14th in the table after 16 top-flight losses, which is a real crash back down to Earth for Postecoglou after he recorded the best ever start by a new manager in the competition’s history last season.
Their on-field troubles and lack of stability under Postecoglou are also resulting in star players being linked with moves away from N17, including defender Cristian Romero, who is attracting serious interest from Atletico Madrid ahead of the summer window (Sky Sports).
Tottenham are believed to be targeting Atalanta’s Isak Hien as a potential replacement for the Argentine already, but he isn’t the only one who could end up departing.
It has also been revealed that Man City are now displaying an interest in star left-back Destiny Udogie, which will surely be a worry for Spurs given the pull of Eastlands.
As the threat of players jumping ship looms large, Tottenham midfielder Pape Sarr has revealed that he nearly made an exit of his own.
Pape Sarr makes Tottenham exit admission after nearly finalised deal
The Senegalese, in an interview with D Sports, claims that it very nearly happened during Antonio Conte’s tenure.
Sarr admitted he packed his bags and nearly left Tottenham, but an injury to Oliver Skipp prompted Conte to perform a full U-turn over letting him depart on loan.
“I was about to go on loan to Italy,” said Sarr.
“Everything was almost established, but the week before the finalisation, I remember that we were holding an opposition between us. I was a substitute with Ndombele.
“That moment, I was so excited, I wanted to show all my talents. Two days later, Skipp injured himself in training, and I replaced him. After the match, it was Conte himself who called me and said, ‘You’re not going to go on loan, I’m counting on you, you’re going to stay’.
“I had already packed my bags, and I called my dad and my agent, because they had already made the trip. At first, I was a little dubious, because I knew I was not going to play, but I thought that, once I had the opportunity, I would show up. At first, being one of the 20 players selected for the game was a real challenge for me.”
Since then, the 22-year-old has become a mainstay for Tottenham. He dazzled next to Yves Bissouma at points last term, and has been equally useful for Postecoglou this campaign – bagging six goals and three assists across 44 appearances in all competitions.
Arsenal have communicated to the board of Real Madrid that they’re about to seal the deal for a “world-class” player, according to an intriguing report.
Arsenal's summer transfer plans ramp up amid Champions League campaign
On the field, Mikel Arteta has one clear focus after missing out on the Premier League crown to Liverpool – winning Arsenal their first ever Champions League title.
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The Gunners face Ligue 1 champions PSG over two historic European semi-final legs which could define their campaign, and Luis Enrique’s side come as a very tough obstacle they must overcome.
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
Arsenal will take encouragement from Aston Villa’s entertaining win against them in the last round at Villa Park, which proved they’re not unbeatable, with OGC Nice also ending the club’s unbeaten streak in the French top flight by clinching a surprise 3-1 win at the Parc des Princes last Friday.
The north Londoners already boast a victory against PSG this term, with Arsenal beating them 2-0 at the Emirates in October, so it is clear that Arteta’s side are in with a real chance of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006.
“I think prepare as well as you possibly can,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s excitement to face PSG over the two legs. “Make sure that your energy is balanced. Make sure that you’re understanding what you have to do. It’s time to express yourself out there and enjoy being a footballer and playing in one of the best stages that you can play in world football.”
New sporting director Andrea Berta, meanwhile, is working to prepare for his first summer transfer window in his new role.
Reports suggest Arsenal are looking to strengthen Arteta’s squad across the board, and could spend as much as £300 million doing so (GiveMeSport). One of their key transfer plans for the summer is signing a star new central midfield player, despite Arsenal recently opening talks with Thomas Partey over a contract extension.
Arsenal tell Real Madrid they've "practically finalised" Zubimendi deal
According to Cadena SER, Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who’s been targeted for a pre-summer deal since January (The Mail), is very nearly through the door.
Multiple reports last week, including from both David Ornstein and Marca reporter Juan Castro, indicated that there is real belief at Arsenal that they’re on the verge of sealing a deal for Zubimendi, with Cadena making another interesting claim.
The outlet shares news of Arsenal informing Real Madrid’s board that their signing of Zubmendi is “practically finalised”, with the Whites told that they may have to look elsewhere in pursuit of a new midfielder.
Premier League sides are apparently threatening to scupper their summer plans, with Chelsea also viewed as Real’s main competitors for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, while it is believed Los Blancos may not have the financial firepower to compete with England’s elite.
It seems as if Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause will be triggered by Arsenal, and a wide array of media sources, including Cadena, suggest the Spain international will be Berta’s first major signing as director.
The “world-class” technician, as he was called by Kieran Tierney, has also been described as the “perfect” midfielder for Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano).
Chelsea have now submitted an opening bid of £64m for an “incredible” striker, but they are set to face fierce competition for his signature from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.
Blues ramping up striker pursuit
The Blues looked toothless in front of goal yesterday afternoon, drawing 0-0 away at Brentford, with Christopher Nkunku once again failing to deliver at striker, having scored just three Premier League goals all season.
The performance at the Gtech Community Stadium underlined the need for Enzo Maresca to bring in a top striker in the summer transfer window, and the west Londoners have been ramping up their pursuit over the past few weeks.
There has been a positive update on the move for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian now setting his sights on a move to Stamford Bridge, while Maresca’s side are also plotting an approach for Lille striker Jonathan David, who is set to be available on a free transfer.
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A number of Europe’s top strikers are on the shortlist, including Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and a report from Spain has now revealed Chelsea have made their first move for the Swedish striker, submitting a €75m (£64m) bid for his services.
However, there may be fierce competition for Gyokeres’ signature, with Manchester United also submitting an offer of the same value, while recent reports have also detailed the Sporting star could be keen on a move to Arsenal following talks with sporting director Andrea Berta.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeres
The Blues believe the forward will be able to adapt to life in the Premier League quickly, which is why they are willing to make a huge offer, and his goal record in Portugal this season indicates he could make an instant impact in Maresca’s side.
"Incredible" Gyokeres impressing in Portugal
The 26-year-old has been in simply sensational form for Sporting this season, amassing 43 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions, showcasing that he is ready for a big move to one of Europe’s top clubs.
Not only that, but the Sweden international, who has been lauded as “incredible”, ranks highly across a number of other key attacking metrics over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.
Statistic
Average per 90
Shot-creating actions
3.85 (95th percentile)
Progressive carries
4.29 (96th percentile)
Successful take-ons
1.18 (83rd percentile)
Touches (Att pen)
6.07 (86th percentile)
With Nkunku potentially in line to leave this summer, and Nicolas Jackson now without a goal in his last 10 Premier League games, it is clear the Blues will need to bring in a top striker this summer.
Gyokeres’ goal record indicates he could be one of the best options on the market, so it is exciting news that Chelsea have now made the first move by submitting an opening bid.
Celtic have made a habit of bringing back former players in recent times and could now do the same again once the summer window rolls around, according to pundit Paul Slane.
Celtic's summer transfer business is already underway
When discussing the Bhoys’ summer business, Kieran Tierney’s impending arrival at Parkhead on a free transfer is a topic worth delving into.
The Scotland international could potentially win a Champions League trophy at Arsenal before heading back to his boyhood club, representing quite the coup for Brendan Rodgers ahead of next season.
Greg Taylor could be Tierney’s direct competitor at Celtic if negotiations over a new deal for the former Kilmarnock man prove successful, potentially leaving Jeffrey Schlupp’s future up in the air amid his contract being set to expire at parent club Crystal Palace.
Aston Villa'sLeonBaileyin action with Celtic's Greg Taylor
Intriguingly, Tierney isn’t the only player Rodgers has opted to bring back during his tenure. Portuguese icon Jota made a shock move from Rennes in January after only six months at the Ligue 1 outfit.
Since pitching up in Glasgow’s east end for a second time, the 26-year-old has registered five goals and two assists in 13 appearances across all competitions, reminding supporters of his supreme quality on the flank.
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Ultimately, talented stars who gain admiration from elsewhere will mostly move on from Celtic at some point. That is a fact of life for any Scottish Premiership club, but the fact that they have been able to re-capture their services later down the line is a testament to the Bhoys’ recruitment department.
Of course, you don’t want a strategy that becomes entirely contingent on heroes of the past, but Slane suspects that Celtic could repeat the trick this summer.
Celtic backed to re-sign Kyogo Furuhashi this summer
Speaking on Open Goal (59:40), former Celtic man Slane rejected a suggestion entertained by Tony Watt insinuating Heart of Midlothian striker Lawrence Shankland could be targeted to bolster the Bhoys’ forward line.
Instead, he believes his old side should look at potentially swooping for Kyogo Furuhashi after his move to Rennes in January, where he has yet to score inside six top-flight appearances.
Initially, Watt stated when asked on the possibility of Shankland coming to Celtic: “Celtic probably need another number nine now, don’t they? Because the boy Kenny’s not really going to sniff. Somebody that scored 25 goals, I don’t think it would be the worst.”
Replying to his opinion, Slane then added: “The reason I’ll say no is I would have a wee sniff at bringing Kyogo back. It will be the same as Tierney and Jota and you’ll get him for less than you sold him. It will be a great bit of business.”
Labelled “excellent” by Celtic boss Rodgers, Furuhashi scored 85 times in 165 matches for the Bhoys and established himself as a fan favourite among supporters while leading the line at Parkhead.
However, he sought a new challenge and most supporters would likely want a new name to come into the fold this summer, given the need for fresh additions with future sell-on value.