All posts by h716a5.icu

With the Premier League fixtures having now been released, the countdown to the new season is officially on.

Of all 20 clubs, few have been handed a trickier start to the campaign than Arsenal, who will begin the new season against Manchester United at Old Trafford on 17 August.

After that, they also face Liverpool at Anfield, Manchester City at home and Newcastle at St James’ Park, all in their first six fixtures, so Mikel Arteta will be extra-eager to get his new signings in quickly, so could it be all change in his midfield department?

Arsenal targeting a new midfielder

While the Gunners desperately need to add in attack this summer, they are not neglecting their midfield either, with Martin Zubimendi ready to be announced as a new signing from Real Sociedad.

The Spaniard has been in London over the week to finalise his switch to the Premier League side and he could be joined in the English capital by another midfielder.

According to a report by TBR Football, Arsenal have ‘made an enquiry’ to Paris Saint-Germain, as they target a move to sign Warren Zaïre-Emery.

They cite Thierry Henry, who managed the 19-year-old with France’s youth teams, who asserts that “the sky is the limit’ for the “magnificent” midfielder, adding “I have never seen a player that young so mature”.

The French international, who joined PSG as an eight-year-old, made his senior debut against Clermont Foot in August 2022, accumulating 124 appearances for les Rouge-et-Bleu to date, most recently starting their Club World Cup defeat to Botafogo at the Rose Bowl on Thursday night.

However, this was something of a rarity, given that Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz are firmly Luis Enrique’s first-choice trio; those three were deployed for all nine Champions League knockout phase fixtures, as well as the Club World Cup opener against Atlético Madrid last Sunday.

So, could the teenager be tempted to swap Paris for North London in search of more regular game time?

The latest on Arsenal's midfielders

As reported by David Ornstein and James McNicholas earlier this week, Martín Zubimendi has traveled to London to ‘complete the formalities’ ahead of joining Arsenal, with the Gunners paying his £51.7m Real Sociedad release clause.

Meanwhile, it is now just over a week until Thomas Partey’s contract expires, with Matteo Moretto of ESPN claiming that the Ghanian international is now ‘expected to leave’ this summer, with Elis Buse Araç of Turkish outlet X Sports reporting that both Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray are ready to make an offer.

Partey made 52 appearances last season, starting 45 matches across all competitions, including 31 Premier League games as well as 11 in the Champions League, underlining that he was a pivotal figure who would need replacing.

Given that Jorginho has already joined Flamengo, putting in excellent performances for them at the Club World Cup, the arrival of Zubimendi alone will not be enough, so could Zaïre-Emery fill Partey’s void?

Well, let’s assess how the young Frenchman and Partey compare.

Appearances

52

50

Minutes

3,946

3,029

Passes Attempted

52.9

70.9

Passing accuracy %

89.8%

93.3%

Passes forward

12.1

13.9

Duels contested

7.5

9.2

Duels won

3.9

4.4

Interceptions

1.3

1.1

Ball recoveries

4.4

6

Touches

66

88

As the table outlines, Zaïre-Emery comes out on top for pretty much every metric included on a per-90 basis, passing, ball recoveries and duels, something Arteta will certainly like the sound of.

Transfer Focus

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

Jacob Whitehead and Peter Rutzler of the Athletic describe the teenager as a ‘promising prospect’, praising his ‘ability to survive physically’ at such a young age.

Meantime, Beth Limb of Total Football Analysis outlines that Zaïre-Emery is best when deployed ‘on the right side of the two-man midfield’, always showcasing a ridiculous ‘amount of composure’, which could see him slot into the Partey role alongside Declan Rice perfectly.

Thus, if Zaïre-Emery does agitate for a move away from European champions PSG this summer, Arsenal should do everything they can to convince him they are the right destination.

He used to be at Spurs: Arsenal join race to sign £51m Saka & Gakpo hybrid

The talented winger would be a brilliant addition to Arsenal’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 21, 2025

Chelsea are maintaining their transfer plans for the summer window, despite no longer being able to add to their Club World Cup squad till much later this month.

Chelsea prioritising new attackers for Enzo Maresca

If Enzo Maresca becomes desperate to reinforce his squad again during this summer’s tournament, which kicks off in three days, the Blues will have a unique registration window open from June 27 to July 3 – so missing out on key targets before Tuesday’s 7pm deadline wasn’t exactly the end of the world.

"I am told" – Journalist says insiders are shocked by who Chelsea have let go

Many are apparently surprised.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 12, 2025

Chelsea attempted to complete deals for both AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens, but haggling on price saw the west Londoners fail to seal either of their signatures in time.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea walked away from the deal for Maignan after deciding not to meet Milan’s reported £25 million valuation, and they also saw three deadline day bids rejected for Gittens as Dortmund continued to demand more money.

Following these botched deals, reliable journalist Simon Phillips reports that Chelsea are prioritising new attackers for the rest of the window, with BlueCo keen to add a new left winger, versatile attacking midfielder and another striker after Liam Delap.

“For the rest of the window, it is attackers that is the priority. SPTC sources have confirmed that Chelsea want to sign a new left-winger, a versatile attacking midfielder, and another new striker. The Hugo Ekitiké story is far from dead,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“One source continues to mention both Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze to me as real ones to watch. There’s a lot of noise around both players right now and remember, Chelsea reached out to Rogers agent earlier this week. If Chelsea cannot land Ekitike, expect another new striker to be targeted. Enzo Maresca wants his attack improved and has asked for all the above positions.”

Phillips also states that Gittens remains on the radar of Chelsea despite their tough negotiations with Dortmund on Tuesday.

Jamie Gittens wants to join Chelsea and is convinced it'll happen

According to fellow journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for TBR, the 20-year-old is equally keen for this move to happen, regardless of the deadline day failure.

It is believed that Gittens is “especially” convinced that his move to Chelsea will eventually happen, and he still wants to join the west Londoners after holding positive talks with Maresca’s side.

Discussions over a move for the £55 million winger will apparently continue once the transfer window reopens on June 16, and Gittens could be an excellent addition to Maresca’s squad after scoring 12 goals and assisting five others in 48 appearances last season.

“He’s a very important player for us,” said ex-Dortmund boss Nuri Şahin.

“Jamie himself wants to take the next step, and we want him to take that step. Now he’s scoring goals and playing more mature football. It’s not news to me that he’s incredible one-on-one and is a very good finisher.”

Liverpool’s search for a new striker has reportedly taken a fresh twist, with a new option now emerging who could provide Michael Edwards and FSG an alternative to Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool linked with Hugo Ekitike move

It’s no secret that Liverpool are ready to spend big this summer, with Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz already all likely on their way Anfield, but none of those will solve Arne Slot’s striker problem. Instead, to do exactly that, Edwards has reportedly set his sights on signing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike in a deal that Chelsea are also in pursuit of.

The Frenchman enjoyed an excellent season in Germany and will now reportedly cost any potential suitors as much as £84m. Whether Liverpool are ready to match that price tag is undoubtedly the big question. The Premier League champions are already preparing to spend a club-record fee to sign Wirtz whilst also splashing out on Kerkez and Frimpong. Add £84m onto that and Liverpool could find themselves spending more than ever this summer.

Minutes

2,563

1,133

Goals

15

8

Assists

8

2

Expected Goals

21.6

5.8

When looking at the numbers, it becomes clear as to why Frankfurt are demanding such a high price to sell Ekitike. That’s not to say there aren’t some concerns, though.

As impressive as the former Paris Saint-Germain was throughout the season, scoring 15 goals and creating another eight, he significantly underperformed when it comes to expected goals and Liverpool simply cannot afford to splash out on another wasteful finisher after Nunez.

Liverpool now also open talks to sign "fantastic" £50m winger after Wirtz

Liverpool are closing in on Wirtz.

ByTom Cunningham May 30, 2025

For £84m, the Reds must be investing in a clinical striker. With that said, instead of Ekitike, Liverpool could yet target a cheaper alternative this summer who has already got an Anfield goal to his name.

Liverpool considering Goncalo Ramos swoop

According to Sam McGuire for Anfield Watch, FSG and Liverpool are now considering a move to sign Goncalo Ramos from PSG this summer. The Portugal international has often been used from the bench by Luis Enrique in France and may now seek a starting place elsewhere.

Given that he’s likely to be valued at around €65m (£55m) as PSG aim to recoup what they initially paid, Ramos would also be a cheaper option than Ekitike.

Minutes

2,563

1,066

Goals

15

10

Assists

8

3

Expected Goals

21.6

13.6

Whilst Ramos has underperformed on expected goals, he has been better in that regard than Ekitike, who has underperformed by over six goals. It’s also worth noting that, despite playing the equivalent of almost 12 games in Ligue 1, the PSG forward scored 10 goals throughout the campaign.

Dubbed “prolific” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Liverpool have seen Ramos’ goalscoring prowess for themselves in the past when he netted a penalty in the Anfield leg of PSG’s Champions League win against the Reds in March, whereas he also scored at Anfield for Benfica in 2022.

Aston Villa are pushing hard to sign an “exciting” £25m La Liga star, having now submitted a proposal, according to a report.

Villa set sights on new goalkeeper

Emiliano Martinez may well have signed off in the worst possible way in a Villa shirt, having been dismissed for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford, before his side went on to lose 2-0 against Manchester United in controversial fashion.

However, the goalkeeper will, of course, be fondly remembered, should he decide to move on, given everything the Villans have achieved in recent years, securing a second European campaign on the spin despite the defeat against the Red Devils.

Not only that, but there have been hints that Martinez could remain at Villa Park beyond the end of the campaign, with Unai Emery simply saying “no way” when asked whether the Argentine has played his final game for the club.

Aston Villa could sign their new version of Grealish for £65m this summer

Aston Villa have been linked with a Premier League sensation

ByRoss Kilvington May 26, 2025

That said, while Emery clearly retains hope of keeping hold of the shot-stopper, Villa and Monchi’s pursuit of potential replacements suggests there is concern the 32-year-old will move on during the upcoming window.

According to a report from Spain (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa are now pushing hard to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, having submitted a proposal, but there is likely to be fierce competition for his signature from some top clubs.

Indeed, Newcastle United, Barcelona, Arsenal, Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen have also made proposals for Garcia, and with all the aforementioned clubs set to take part in next season’s Champions League, it could be difficult for the Villans to win the race.

The Spaniard, who has a reported asking price of £25m, is set to meet with his agent later this week, in order to choose his next club, having set his sights on joining a top side, so a decision could be on the horizon very soon.

"Exciting" Garcia could be solid Martinez replacement

Having proven himself with Espanyol, scout Ben Mattinson believes the Spanish shot-stopper is now ready to make the move to a top club, saying: “An uber-athletic keeper with dominant cross claiming, composure on the ball, standing at 6’3” tall, García is an exciting keeper ready for a step up.”

The 24-year-old is at a good age to be a long-term success at Villa Park, and he was an indispensable member of the Espanyol starting XI last season, appearing in all 38 of the Spanish side’s La Liga outings.

It will be a concern for Villa that so many other top clubs are in the race for the Espanyol star, but it was recently revealed that he has set his sights on being a regular starter, rather than playing second fiddle to another goalkeeper.

As such, if Martinez moves on this summer, a move to Villa Park could appeal to Garcia, given that a starting spot will be up for grabs.

Heading into Sunday’s clash at St James’ Park, both Chelsea and Newcastle United found themselves locked on 63 points in the Premier League.

But, come the full-time whistle, the gulf in class between the two Champions League chasing outfits was obvious, with both Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes sharing out the goal-load to hand Eddie Howe’s Toon a richly deserved 2-0 win.

Of course, the Magpies’ quest for a golden three points was undoubtedly helped by Nicolas Jackson receiving a red card deep into the first half, with the ex-Villarreal striker enduring yet another torrid afternoon leading the line for Enzo Maresca’s men.

Jackson's horror show on the road

The 23-year-old does have somewhat of a healthy goal return next to his name this season at 12 strikes overall, but all the main talking points from the clash on Tyneside would centre on his dismissal, away from his hot-and-cold ability to find the net.

Indeed, after planting an elbow into the face of Newcastle defender Sven Botman, the inconsistent Blues attacker would be sent off, meaning he is now suspended until the end of the Premier League season.

There was still 65 minutes of the match left after Jackson’s moment of madness, but the damage had already been done on Chelsea’s end, meaning Newcastle eventually strolled to a 2-0 victory to gain an upper hand to finish inside the coveted top five.

Jackson didn’t even test Nick Pope with a single effort on goal before clashing with the Magpies centre-back, with Maresca now tasked with deciding who to start up top now in the remaining top-flight contests to come ahead of the suspended striker.

Other Chelsea first-teamers could also feel the wrath of the manager’s team selection moving forward, with this fellow underperformer in attack only lasting ten more minutes than Jackson before being hooked.

Chelsea's other big underperformer

Nobody wearing Chelsea blue would come away from the 2-0 defeat with much praise, with Romeo Lavia another who looked out-of-sorts in the midfield department, especially when his casual nature on the ball centrally led to Tonali’s speedy opener.

But, Lavia would at least see out 75 minutes on the St James’ turf, with Noni Madueke half a tactical substitution due to Chelsea being reduced to ten men, and half an alteration made purely out of his ineffectiveness in attack when he lasted just 45 minutes.

Minutes played

45

Touches

16

Accurate passes

8/9 (89%)

Shots

0

Successful dribbles

0/1

Dribbled past

2x

Total duels won

0/4

At times, Madueke was merely a spectator to the constant waves of Newcastle attacks, with the 23-year-old dribbled past more times than he could conjure up successful dribbles himself.

Moreover, the ex-PSV Eindhoven winger could trudge off the pitch at the half-time interval and not return off the back of failing to register a single effort on the home side’s goal, alongside failing to win a single duel from four attempts. In stark contrast, even as Newcastle bossed proceedings, Jacob Murphy would win four duels as a committed warrior for Howe’s hosts.

It could well be time for Maresca to experiment with something fresh down the left channel, therefore, with 19-year-old sensation Tyrique George capable of playing down that flank, alongside an equally hit-and-miss Jadon Sancho.

The Italian will just pray that any changes he does makes to his XI pays off, with the Blues now slipping down the league, whilst Newcastle bask in the glory of third position.

Whenever Chelsea seem to be settling into their groove, another bump seemingly appears in the road, with just two Premier League games now left for the Blues to make any European dreams come true.

The next Cole Palmer: Chelsea in contact to sign "generational" £60m talent

Chelsea are looking to make the new Cole Palmer their first summer signing

ByRoss Kilvington May 10, 2025

Chelsea have a huge summer on their hands over the next couple of months to continue the development they’ve made on the pitch throughout 2024/25.

Enzo Maresca has led the Blues to a place within the top five with just two games remaining, sitting in pole position to claim a Champions League position at the first attempt.

The Italian also has the chance to win the Europa Conference League final against Real Betis in a couple of weeks time, adding another European title to the club’s collection.

However, despite their successes over the past few months, investment is still needed in key areas from the hierarchy if the side are to make the jump and compete for the Premier League title again.

One department in particular is desperately in need of added reinforcements, with the manager already wasting no time in pursuing new options this summer.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker

Despite the window not yet being open, Chelsea have already made moves for multiple strikers to bolster their ranks ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Liam Delap, Jonathan David and Benjamin Sesko have all been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, but the aforementioned trio appear to be behind another player on their list.

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has once again emerged as a key target after previously being on their shortlist last summer before his loan move to Galatasaray.

According to FootballTransfers, the Blues are set to enter talks with the 26-year-old’s representatives over a potential move to West London during the off-season.

The report also claims that Osimhen wants a move to join Maresca’s men this summer, with the reported £60m fee not an issue, but his wage demands are the current stumbling block over completing a potential transfer this summer.

Why Chelsea’s £60m target would be a huge upgrade on Jackson

Nicolas Jackson has been Chelsea’s main talisman over the last couple of seasons after joining from
Villarreal, scoring 29 times in his 77 appearances to date.

The Senegalese international has provided key goals in important moments throughout his spell at the club, allowing them to be in their current league standing.

However, he’s often shown moments of head-loss, as seen in the recent outing against Newcastle United, being sent off for an elbow on defender Sven Botman.

He will now miss the remaining games of the 2024/25 campaign, undoubtedly having an impact on Maresca’s chances of securing a top five spot in the next couple of weeks.

Such an incident has once again proven that the hierarchy need to back the manager to hand him another option in forward areas, leading to a move for Napoli star Osimhen.

When comparing the Nigerian’s stats with those of Jackson this campaign, he’s massively outperformed him – highlighting what a sensational addition he would be this summer.

Osimhen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has managed to register way more combined goals and assists, along with a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his threat within the final third.

Games played

28

30

Goals & assists

29

15

Shots taken

5.3

3.1

Shots on target

2.2

1.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

44%

Aerials won

4.2

0.9

Aerial success rate

64%

36%

He’s also managed to register more shots per 90, whilst coming out on top in more of the aerial duels he’s entered – handing Maresca the added all-round threat that he has desperately been craving this season.

Whilst £60m would be another huge sum splashed out by the hierarchy this summer, it’s an investment that’s desperately needed if the club are to make the step back towards Premier League glory in the coming years.

His figures are evidence that he’s a top-level striker, having the skillset to cement his place at the top end of the pitch for Maresca throughout 2025/26.

Such a move may prove to be a blessing for Jackson too, having the opportunity to learn from one of Europe’s most potent attackers – developing into a better star as a result.

He'd be amazing with Palmer: Chelsea hold talks to sign dazzling £48m star

Chelsea are reportedly at the front of the queue to sign a star who would be amazing with Cole Palmer.

ByDan Emery May 13, 2025

Preparing to spend this time around following a year long frustration courtesy of PSR constraints, Newcastle United are now reportedly ready to launch their move for a top defensive target.

All focus on Brighton for Newcastle

With four games remaining in the Premier League, Newcastle need no reminding about just how important each game will be. They have their fate in their own hands and could yet finish as high as second to cap off an excellent campaign. Whether it’s second or fifth, however, Eddie Howe and the rest of those at St James’ Park will care most about sealing Champions League football.

With the European race only set to heat up, Howe recently told reporters upon his return from suffering Pneumonia: “It will go down to the wire. The important thing today was that we bounced back from last week. We have been very consistent, and now we have four huge games.”

The first of those “four huge games” will see the Magpies travel to The Amex where they will square off against a Brighton & Hove Albion side who have won just once in their last five games. Newcastle will still be well aware of the quality that the Seagulls possess though, given that they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Fabian Hurzeler’s side in March.

PIF join tug-of-war to sign "special" midfielder who thrashed Newcastle 4-0

He’s a wanted man…

ByTom Cunningham May 1, 2025

Fail to slip-up and Champions League football will be well within Newcastle’s reach and it’s then that they may just turn towards the summer transfer window and a long-awaited defensive addition.

Newcastle ready to launch Schlotterbeck move

According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are now ready to launch a summer move to sign Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund after ending a year-long scouting mission. The central defender is currently sidelined with a torn meniscus which will see him miss up to six months of action, but that is yet to deter the Magpies, who will assess his return date before potentially making their move.

When fit and firing this season, Schlotterbeck was one of few standouts in a disappointing campaign for Dortmund and having watched on for as long as a year, Newcastle should feel satisfied that the defender would hand Howe an instant upgrade.

Minutes

1,982

2,575

2,970

Progressive Passes

8.86

3.32

1.70

Tackles Won

1.09

0.66

0.58

Ball Recoveries

7.14

4.30

2.76

What instantly stands out when looking at this season’s numbers is just how well Schlotterbeck progresses play – completing over double the amount of progressive passes that Fabian Schar and Dan Burn have managed per 90.

The 25-year-old’s quality is clear and is something that former Newcastle defender Dietmar Hamann noted when Schlotterbeck came up against the Magpies last season. The German said: “He is a great player, very good in tackling and strong in heading.

“He’s probably one of the best centre-backs in terms of ball-playing skills, not just in Germany, but in all of Europe. I really hope he can finally take the next step now.”

Arne Slot has done a sensational job in charge at Liverpool during his first campaign at the helm, producing a seamless transition after taking over from Jürgen Klopp last summer.

Their latest win over Tottenham Hotspur secured their second Premier League title with four games to spare, highlighting the impressive work conducted by the Dutchman.

The success endured has been made even more impressive given the fact that only one addition was made last summer in the form of Federico Chiesa, who’s only featured for 33 league minutes in 2024/25.

However, if they are to build on their achievements in Slot’s second season, additions are needed to bolster the squad and inject further quality in key areas of the pitch.

With the title secured, undoubtedly attention will now shift onto the transfer window, with numerous names already thrown into the mix over a switch to Anfield.

An update on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers

In recent days, it’s emerged that Liverpool are one of a number of Premier League clubs in the race for Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman during the summer window.

The Nigerian, who has scored 18 goals this campaign, also has admirers from Chelsea and Manchester United, with the Serie A side demanding a £50m fee for his signature.

However, despite the interest in his services, the Reds have also made a move for Monaco’s 20-year-old forward Eliesse Ben Seghir, making an approach for him, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

The report also states that Slot’s side have been keeping a close eye on his progress in Ligue 1, with Manchester City also in the race to land the Moroccan international.

It also goes on to state that he’s frustrated at his current outfit, potentially being open to a move to England should the side give the attacker first-team assurances.

Why Liverpool’s target would be an upgrade on Luis Diaz

After joining in January 2022, many expectations were placed on winger Luis Diaz to succeed, especially after Sadio Mané departed Merseyside just a few months after his arrival.

Whilst he’s managed to net 40 goals in his 145 appearances to date, frustrations have been growing around the Colombian in recent months, leading to rumours around his future at the club.

Barcelona have recently been credited with an interest in signing the 28-year-old, whose current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027 – but could yet extend his stay on Merseyside.

Such a situation could lead to a move for Ben Seghir in the months ahead, offering Slot an upgrade on the former Porto ace, adding a new dimension to his already impressive front line.

The Moroccan, who’s been labelled a future “£100m” star by The Athletic’s Euro Expert, may have registered fewer goals and assists, but has managed more progressive carries and carries into the final third per 90 – highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

9

17

Progressive passes

6.5

4.1

Progressive carries

4.5

4.1

Carries into final third

4.5

2.1

Take-ons attempted

4.9

4.4

Fouls won

2.9

1.2

Aerials won

37%

26%

Ben Seghir has also managed to achieve a higher tally of take-ons, whilst also winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered, offering Slot an excellent all-round option within the final third.

His talents don’t stop there, winning more fouls per 90, along with more progressive passes completed, demonstrating his relentless athleticism, which has seen countless defenders struggle to contain him.

At just 20, he has the current ability and potential to transform into an elite-level talent, having all the tools to back up the Euro Expert’s predictions around his future at the top level of the professional game.

Whilst it’s unclear what the situation is with Diaz heading into the summer, a move for the Monaco gem would allow the club to cash in should no contract be agreed – also landing a star who could improve tenfold and secure his place in the side for many years to come.

Worth as much as Huijsen: Liverpool struck gold on "special" £4m signing

Liverpool could sell this young star for a significant profit this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 30, 2025

Arsenal have privately refused to rule out signing a former Man City forward for manager Mikel Arteta this summer, with new sporting director Andrea Berta and the Gunners hierarchy set for a key transfer decision.

Arsenal cruise into Champions League semi-finals after Real Madrid win

It’s been a sensational week for Arteta and co, who made history by becoming the first ever side in history to win at the Bernabeu on their first two visits – breaking a record which stood for 77 years.

Arsenal given 50% discount for £280k-per-week forward after opening talks

Andrea Berta could now strike a half-price deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 18, 2025

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sealed a stunning 5-1 aggregate win for Arsenal in the Spanish capital, making a serious statement to the rest of Europe that they’re genuine contenders to win this year’s Champions League title.

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

A tough test in Ligue 1 champions PSG awaits in the semi-finals, but their tails will surely be up after a potentially season-defining quarter-final tie.

“The feeling that we have is our reality, basically,” said Arteta on the mood around Arsenal after their triumph over Real Madrid.

“And in the feeling that I had before the game, when the players were transmitting and how prepared I could feel the team, that we are ready to compete against anybody. Now we have to continue to do that because I think we have some momentum now.

“Where we finished last year and the way we’re doing it this year, the teams with their eyes on us and the competition, it’s incredible. Big credit to [Madrid}, it was my first time as a coach in that dugout, and today I realised after three minutes in this stadium, anything is possible. They are specialists of creating such chaos and belief, and it’s very difficult to really understand what’s going on in the game and have certainty about how we controlled it. I think they showed a lot of maturity.”

Arsenal refuse to rule out signing Raheem Sterling permanently

Privately, Arsenal are making plans to build the squad further and provide Arteta with new wide attackers.

In the last week, Arsenal have repeatedly been linked with a move for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, not to mention Athletic Bilbao sensation Nico Williams, but there is also the matter of Raheem Sterling and his future at the Emirates.

It hasn’t exactly been a dream loan move from Chelsea for the Englishman, who’s seen precious little game time under his former City assistant coach, with Arsenal paying around £163,000-per-week of his £325,000-per-week salary during his temporary stint.

Berta would need to renegotiate contract terms and a fee with Chelsea to make his move permanent, but according to The Mail, as quoted by TEAMtalk, Arsenal have refused to rule out signing Sterling permanently and are yet to inform him of a final decision.

It would be a bizarre call by the north Londoners at this point, considering the 30-year-old boasts just one goal and five assists all season, but it is believed his stay may not be completely off the table, contrary to reports.

Looking to put Edu Gaspar’s South American links to good use right away, Nottingham Forest have reportedly joined the race to sign the latest Brazilian wonderkid who’s been compared to Adriano.

Edu eyeing first Nottingham Forest targets

Joining Evangelos Marinakis at his portfolio of clubs which includes Nottingham Forest, former Arsenal sporting director Edu is seemingly looking to make his mark from the off. With Champions League qualification on the horizon too, the Brazilian is likely to be arriving at a time when those at the City Ground have more pull power than ever in the Premier League.

Major blow: £40k-p/w Nottingham Forest star now set to miss multiple games

He may have played his final game for the club…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 4, 2025

Marinakis previously spoke about Edu’s qualities after he left Arsenal, telling reporters: “Edu was a very good player and also a very good sporting and technical director. I have a lot of respect for him. The results we saw over the years at Arsenal were very good and he has done an excellent job at Arsenal.

“What I can say is that I would like to cooperate with him on a much bigger project, a global project. I’m optimistic that in case all this goes ahead, it will be another successful venture for both of us. I’m very optimistic about it, but we need to see how this will be developed and will be finalised, if and when time allows.”

The Brazilian’s first reported targets at the club certainly reflect Forest’s current ambitions too, with the likes of Victor Osimhen and Darwin Nunez threatening to steal the headlines in recent weeks.

Osimhen would be a particularly impressive arrival, given his experience on Europe’s top stage and how he has dominated on loan at Galatasaray this season. Such a player deserves to be playing Champions League football and Forest could be in a position to offer exactly that this summer. Meanwhile, the same can be said for one particular future star.

Nottingham Forest join race to sign Rayan

What Edu can instantly put to good use is his South American links to help those in the Midlands win the race to sign a rising star. According to The Boot Room, Nottingham Forest are now racing to sign Rayan from Vasco da Gama this summer in what would see the 18-year-old complete his first transfer outside of Brazil.

The young winger is certainly one to watch, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Forest all forming a hectic Premier League race to secure his signature.

That interest should come as no surprise after football talent scout Jacek Kulig compared him to the legendary Adriano and South American football expert Nathan Joyes dubbed the teenager “gifted”.

Whether the rising star is a gift that Edu will be able to hand Nuno Espirito Santo this summer remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that Rayan will be spoilt for choice when selecting his next move.