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Arsenal are unrecognisable from the disjointed and wandering outfit that Mikel Arteta took charge of over five years ago.

Though the Spaniard has failed to win any silverware across his five full seasons at the helm (bagging the FA Cup after replacing Unai Emery midway through the 2019/20 term), the Gunners are now one of Europe’s elite units.

With Bukayo Saka the poster boy, Arsenal have become a force to be reckoned with, and though the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi bespeak the club’s transfer vision, the Hale End academy stands as strong as ever. Saka would attest to that.

But with a meteoric rise comes heightened interest in the product. Arsenal have some of the most talented footballers in the business, and Real Madrid have started sniffing around.

Real Madrid want Arsenal talent

It was less than a week ago that news emerged of Real Madrid’s mounting interest in Arsenal’s star centre-back William Saliba, who has been instrumental in creating one of Europe’s superlative defensive forces over the past few years.

But the Frenchman, 23, isn’t the only one on Los Blancos’ radar. Indeed, though Saka has also been reported to be on the La Liga giant’s radar in 2025, Arsenal and Arteta must be concerned following revelations about an even bigger talent.

Could that be possible?

Well, Max Dowman’s incredible start to life as a professional during the Gunners’ pre-season tour says it could be so.

And according to Spanish reports, the 15-year-old prodigy has impressed Madrid scouts of late, with an official offer not out of the question in the coming years.

Dowman has the potential to become a generational player, so let’s hope the relevant parties come together and agree that his future is best served in north London.

Why Max Dowman is a bigger talent than Bukayo Saka

Dowman was introduced in Saka’s stead (a portent of things to come?) as Arsenal beat AC Milan 1-0 earlier this month, and Arteta could only marvel at the youngster’s “special” introduction to the senior stage.

It’s important not to overinflate an up-and-coming prospect when they have only just started cutting their teeth, but there’s little question that Dowman is a cut above the rest.

An attacking midfielder with fleet feet, remarkable power for one so young and an incredible amount of confidence, it feels likely that Arteta will hand him his senior debut at some point during the 2025/26 campaign.

Given the noise surrounding him already, there’s every chance that Arsenal have got an even bigger talent than Saka on their hands; should his progress over the coming years be managed deftly, Arteta could have one of the game’s most dangerous players in his mix.

Saka started off as a relative unknown, but he’s now a world-beater. The Three Lions superstar made his Premier League debut aged 19, in January 2019, during a 4-1 win over Fulham. It looks likely that Dowman will eclipse his countryman’s record and then some. Indeed, expect a Premier League debut this season at the tender age of 15.

24/25

25

6

11

23/24

35

16

12

22/23

38

14

12

21/22

38

11

7

20/21

32

5

4

19/20

26

1

5

18/19

1

0

0

Dowman might not have made his (competitive) senior debut for Arsenal yet, but does that not add to the fanfare?

Here is a teenager who conducts themselves with such swagger and style on the pitch that Madrid are desperate to get their hands on his signature before he pens his first professional deal at the Emirates.

Let’s hope that Arteta and technical director Andrea Berta have their wits about them and ensure Dowman stays at Arsenal for many years to come.

He’s the real deal, and in fact, he might prove to be an even bigger talent than Saka.

He's as fun as Alexis: Arsenal in pole position to sign "special" £68m star

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reshaping his frontline this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 29, 2025

Chelsea returned home from the Club World Cup as resounding champions, having downed the might of Paris St. Germain 3-0 in an unexpected demolition job in the final.

Already, brand new faces are settling in swimmingly, as seen in Joao Pedro firing home yet another goal in the pre-season tournament against Luis Enrique’s challengers to take his total out in America to a lethal three strikes from three games.

He could soon be joined by even more exciting talents in attack, as other targets up top are chased following on from the instant success of the ex-Brighton striker’s arrival.

Chelsea enter talks with £52m star

These attacking additions are unlikely to be more strikers, however, with £30m also splashed on Liam Delap to move from Ipswich Town to Chelsea, away from Pedro costing a far heftier £60m.

Instead, the big bucks might well be reserved for a fresh number ten presence, with the Blues allegedly now preparing to bid a wild £78m for Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers, who they deem as a number one priority.

After such a standout campaign in the Premier League with the Villans, which culminated in him collecting a mammoth 14 goals and 15 assists, this could well be viewed as a costly expense worth pursuing.

Yet, there are other options out there, away from boldly chasing the England international, who might be more viable, with a report from CaughtOffside revealing that the agents of RB Leipzig ace Xavi Simons are deep in discussion with Chelsea, alongside Arsenal and Tottenham, over a major £52m switch this summer.

For £26m less, Chelsea could well be about to land a talent that’s even more exciting than Rogers entering Enzo Maresca’s camp, with the Dutchman at the top of his game for some time now, away from offering up similarly electric numbers last season for his Bundesliga employers.

How Simons could be even more exciting than Rogers

The former Manchester City youngster might well have a slight upper hand over his Leipzig counterpart when solely viewing their side-by-side numbers from 2024/25, considering Simons lags behind with ten fewer goal contributions for Ole Werner’s men.

Yet, Rogers only really exploded into life last campaign at the very top after having to work his way up to the Premier League, with only four goal contributions tallied up in total for Villa during the 2023/24 season as he grew used to his challenging surroundings.

On the contrary, the Blues’ new £52m target has been a sublime performer in both the Bundesliga and the Eredivisie over many a season now, leading to outlandish shouts from one analyst that he is “one of the best number 10s in the world,”

The numbers don’t lie, either, with Simons tallying up a monumental 77 goals and assists across 124 appearances in both Germany and the Netherlands, with Rogers only on 23 goal contributions himself in the Premier League.

Staggeringly, he has also created 37 big chances off the back of the silky playmaker’s magic in these tough leagues, which will be music to the ears of the aforementioned Pedro.

Total shots

2.17

1.76

Shot-creating actions

4.71

3.05

Attempted passes

49.80

27.07

Pass completion %

78.1%

72.8%

Progressive passes

5.79

3.59

Progressive carries

3.51

3.20

Their respective FBref numbers over the last year also further validate the argument that the 22-year-old would be a far more thrilling talent to obtain than his English counterpart, as seen in Simons averaging more shots, more shot-creating actions, more progressive passes, and lots more over the last year per game.

Of course, Rogers does have the boost of knowing the Premier League’s rhythms on his side, but Simons has excelled in two taxing European environments already, meaning he shouldn’t be daunted by the step up to the English top-flight.

If anything, the “exceptional” Dutchman – as he’s been labelled in the past by Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund – should be able to take this next step in his stride, as Maresca prays another sublime capture is soon to be clinched.

Better signing than Pedro: Chelsea make contact to land "gifted" £68m star

João Pedro certainly made quite the impression after arriving at Chelsea, scoring 3 goals in 2 games, but could the Blues sign an even better PL star?

2 ByBen Gray Jul 20, 2025

Nottingham Forest are now leading the race to sign a “world-class” £34 million star who already has an offer from West Ham, according to a new report.

Forest are still in the dark when it comes to the future of Morgan Gibbs-White, as Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in the England international after reportedly triggering his release clause, which the Reds believe was done illegally.

Nottingham Forest submit £6m bid for La Liga ace who's now pushing to join

The Tricky Trees have stepped up their pursuit of a defender.

ByDominic Lund Jul 22, 2025

In case Gibbs-White does leave the City Ground, Forest are looking at players who could replace their number 10 if needed. Manchester City’s James McAtee has been on Forest’s radar for a while now, and at the beginning of this week, it was reported by the Telegraph’s John Percy that the Reds are set to advance their pursuit of McAtee this week.

The England under-21 international looks free to leave the Etihad this summer, as his contract expires next year and he has fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola.

The Blues are said to be looking for a fee of £25 million, but the Reds will need to fend off other teams from the Premier League as well as the Bundesliga for the young attacking midfielder.

Forest leading the race to sign “world-class” Douglas Luiz

As well as looking to wrap up a deal for McAtee, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, relayed by The Mirror, Nottingham Forest are now ahead in the race to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus.

The report claims that Forest’s global head of football, Edu, is pushing the Reds to sign the former Villa man this summer. Despite only joining Juventus a year ago, the Italian giants are keen to offload the Brazilian, and Forest are one of the sides who are strongly interested.

However, they face stiff competition as Everton are also interested in a deal, while West Ham have already submitted an offer for Luiz, as Juventus look to get around £34 million for the midfielder.

Given the interest from England, this new update has revealed that Luiz’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, is flying into London to hold talks with the interested teams.

Apps

175

Goals

20

Assists

18

Luiz, who has been dubbed “world-class” by journalist Leonardo Bertozzi, was brought to Juventus by former manager Thiago Motta, but he struggled to make an impact for him, as he failed to nail down a starting spot before the Italian boss was sacked.

That is completely different from the situation he was in at Villa Park, as the Brazil international played 35 of 38 league games in his final season and scored nine goals and recorded five assists in the process.

Having so far failed in their pursuit of Luis Diaz, Bayern Munich have now reportedly presented an offer to sign another Liverpool star this summer.

After flying out the blocks to spend big in the early weeks of the summer transfer window, Liverpool could now spend the next month or so clearing any deadwood remaining at the club. Already, they’ve opened the exit door to sell Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah in efficient fashion, and the likes of Darwin Nunez could be the next.

Better than Wirtz: Liverpool preparing £113m bid to sign superstar winger

Liverpool could sign another marquee player this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

The South American has been linked with a move to Napoli in recent weeks and once they’ve sold Victor Osimhen, it could be all guns blazing towards a move to sign the Liverpool striker ahead of next season. In Nunez’s case, all parties are likely to be willing to sanction a sale at whatever is deemed fair price following a tough three-year spell at the club.

But to say that same reluctance isn’t quite there in Diaz’s case would be an understatement. As far as Liverpool are reportedly concerned, the winger is not for sale and Bayern’s first offer, worth around £45m, was incredibly wide of the mark, with a second offer of around £59m since rejected as well.

With just two years left on his current contract, Liverpool’s stance on Diaz’s future remains surprising, especially given that a fresh deal remains unlikely to arrive with the player keen to leave.

Bayern, meanwhile, are reportedly still keen to deal those at Anfield a major blow on the exit front and have now turned their attention towards another star man.

Bayern present first offer to Mac Allister

According to reports in Spain, Bayern Munich have now presented an offer to Alexis Mac Allister, who has already handed them their latest rejection this summer. Whether the Bundesliga champions decide to come again in a second attempt remains to be seen, but even so, they may not be the Reds’ biggest concern.

Instead, reports are suggesting that Real Madrid could be loitering once again. The Spanish giants have, of course, already taken Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and Ibrahima Konate also remains on their reported radar. Now, even though he is committed to the Premier League champions as things stand, Mac Allister may have an eventual decision to make.

Losing the £150,000-a-week Argentine would undoubtedly deal the Reds a major blow, and Arne Slot is well aware of his importance.

The Liverpool boss told reporters after his side clinched the Premier League title last season: “(He’s a) very important player, (has) game intelligence (and is) so comfortable on the ball, but what makes him even more special to me is normally players that have so much game inside and are so comfortable on the ball are not as aggressive and intense without the ball.”

As Newcastle United continue to close in on a deal to sign Anthony Elanga, manager Eddie Howe is reportedly setting his sights on the next “smart” signing that the Magpies could make.

Newcastle closing in on Elanga

Whilst Newcastle are yet to reach an agreement with Nottingham Forest, their second bid worth around £55m has reportedly been submitted and negotiations are underway. Pushing to get the deal done, a deal to sign the Swede could be on the horizon to finally hand those at St James’ Park one of their top targets this summer.

The Nottingham Forest star enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out and may well get the chance to form one of the quickest frontlines that the Premier League has to offer next to Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. On paper, it is an attack that most defences should be wary of as Newcastle aim to retain their Champions League place next season.

With Champions League football part of a packed calendar in the coming campaign, however, Newcastle will need more than just Elanga through the door this summer. Having learned the hard way the last time they were among Europe’s elite, the Magpies must add a depth of quality to Howe’s side this time around.

Could be better than Elanga: Newcastle exploring move for "insane" winger

Newcastle have identified a winger who could be even better than Anthony Elanga.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 5, 2025

Unlike last time too, PIF should be in a position to spend and finally free from PSR concerns. Just who arrives as a result of that spending power is the big question. Whilst names such as Giorgio Scalvini have threatened to steal the headlines, Howe has reportedly set his sights on yet another attacking addition for his side this summer.

Howe now personally eyeing "smart" Bakayoko deal

Even with talks underway to welcome Elanga, another winger could yet arrive at St James’ Park before the end of the window. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Howe is now personally eyeing a “smart” deal to sign Johan Bakayoko, who is reportedly open to a move from PSV Eindhoven this summer.

O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Bakayoko I’m sure would probably be interested in a move if it was the right offer. He wants to be playing at the highest level, which Newcastle can offer to him with Champions League football.

“With his contract going into the final year, it could be a lot cheaper than potentially some of those other players, so he could be a very smart signing for Eddie Howe.”

Starts

18

31

Goals

9

6

Assists

1

11

Successful Take-ons

47

25

Based on his output, Bakayoko would be well worth his £40m asking price, which could even turn into an instant bargain. When compared with Elanga, it’s clear that Newcastle would suddenly have two very dangerous wingers at their disposal. If Howe wants quality in depth then signing both would certainly be one way to welcome exactly that.

Birmingham City fans will be counting down the days now until the bumper Championship fixture schedule is released, with the full set of matches finally out in the open for eager Blues fans next Thursday.

Then, it will be full steam ahead with pre-season matches galore, as the expectant St. Andrew’s masses clamour to see some new, major signings in the flesh.

So far, only Phil Neumann has hopped on board the Birmingham train, but there will surely be more fresh purchases to come, especially as the clock gradually starts to tick down to the start of the hotly anticipated second-tier season.

Chris Davies and Co. could be about to land a surprise new signing from the Eredivisie if reports are correct, away from ongoing pursuits of former heroes such as Demarai Gray.

Birmingham offered chance to sign Eredivisie talent

Journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed that Birmingham have been offered to chance to snap up Finnish talent Oliver Antman this summer.

Bailey does further state that Blackburn Rovers have also been offered up the same opportunity, but the Blues will hope they can flex their muscles once more in the market by snapping up the standout Go Ahead Eagles winger over Valerien Ismael’s men.

The Finland international has been a top performer in the Netherlands for some time now, and whilst there is a lot of sentimentality attached to Birmingham wanting to bring Gray back to St. Andrew’s, landing the services of Antman instead could be seen as an even more exciting purchase.

Why Antman could be a more exciting signing than Gray

After all, it’s not as if the former Blues winger has been setting the world alight in the Saudi Pro League as of late.

Transfer Focus

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

Worryingly, his output across 2024/25 so far for Al-Ettifaq has only seen the Jamaica international collect a solitary assist from 25 games, with no goals coming his way.

Therefore, the declining 28-year-old might not be cut out for the pressures of Championship football anymore, irrespective of his previous eight goals and four assists at the level with his hometown side.

Games played

32

Goals scored

6

Assists

15

Shots*

1.7

Key passes*

1.5

Big chances missed

11

Big chances created

16

On the flip side, when assessing the table above, Antman looks more than ready to cause havoc in the demanding division, with the 23-year-old very much at the peak of his powers in the Dutch top-flight currently.

Whilst Gray has unfortunately receded into his shell in the Middle East, the ex-FC Nordsjælland attacker has exploded into life on the books of the Eredivisie side, with a mammoth 16 big chances created across his 32 league clashes, away from tallying up a stellar record of six goals and 15 assists.

To add further context, the waning Al-Ettifaq number 11 only managed to create four big chances across the same period, with Birmingham needing to cut all emotion from their transfer dealings if they want to significantly strengthen their options.

Instead of going after Gray, they must prioritise a move for Antman, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig even going on to hail the 23-year-old’s “creative” prowess recently.

With seven goals under his belt too on the international stage with Finland, it feels as if the Go Ahead Eagles ace could soon take the English game by storm.

Antman’s creative excellence will also be music to the ears of the likes of Jay Stansfield and Alfie May, as a new, exciting Championship campaign begins to hurtle into view.

Stansfield 2.0: Birmingham City keen on signing "dynamite" £10m forward

Birmingham City would seriously improve their attacking options in the Championship by snapping up this promising talent.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jun 19, 2025

It’s finally confirmed. Matheus Cunha has left Wolverhampton Wanderers to join Manchester United in a £62.5m deal.

The move was agreed last month, but the Brazilian has now officially departed, giving Vitor Pereira some funds to work with this summer.

Pereira will have to spend wisely to replace the former Atlético Madrid star, as he was capable of moments of genius for the club during his two-and-a-half-year stint in the Midlands.

Indeed, he perhaps single-handedly kept the club in the Premier League last season, especially after they suffered a dreadful start to the campaign.

Matheus Cunha's 2024/25 season in numbers

Last season, he finished with 23 goal contributions – 17 goals and six assists – across 36 matches for the club in all competitions.

It was his displays in the top flight, however, that earmarked him as a target for several clubs.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2024/25

36

17

6

2023/24

36

14

8

2022/23

20

2

1

In the Premier League, he ranked first among the Wolves’ first-team squad for goals and assists (21), shots on target per match (1.3), big chances created (13) and key passes per game (1.8).

These statistics were mighty impressive, and it makes Pereira’s job of sourcing a replacement that much harder.

He has money to spend, that much is certain. But spending it on the right players will be the most important aspect.

Wolves search for a Matheus Cunha replacement

As reported by journalist Sebastien Denis earlier this week, writing for Foot Mercato, Wolves are reportedly targeting a swoop for FC St Gallen striker Willem Geubbels this summer.

Leeds United are also keen on securing his services following a prolific campaign in Switzerland.

A €10m (£8.5m) asking price is all that stands in Pereira’s way and given the financial rewards on offer for another season in the top flight, this fee won’t be any issue whatsoever.

Across 31 matches in the Swiss Super League for St. Gallen, Geubbels scored 14 goals and grabbed three assists.

Although typically deployed as a centre-forward, the youngster is also able to operate on either wing, and this flexibility will be a major bonus for the club.

This is evidenced by his performance across a range of metrics. Geubbels created seven big chances in the Swiss top flight, while also averaging 1.4 key passes and 2.5 total shots per game for St. Gallen.

Not quite at Cunha’s level, yet. But a move to Wolves could see him improve swiftly, especially with exposure to some of the best defenders in Europe.

Hailed as both “powerful” and “quick” by Kai Watson writing in the Rangers Journal in January 2024, Geubbels will offer plenty to the current Wolves squad.

Watson also stated that the youngster “plays the deeper role as part of a front two because of his creative ability.” And this could see him exuding the qualities that made Cunha such a hit at Molineux since joining in 2023.

Pereira must act quickly to snap up the young forward, especially as plenty of interested parties are keen.

Wolves now in transfer race with Leeds to sign "future star" for £8.5m

Wolves are among the teams keen on signing an exciting young forward.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 12, 2025

Newcastle United are confident that they will keep Alexander Isak in the squad this summer, but a new striker is being chased all the same.

Eddie Howe wants more firepower in the attacking third, with Callum Wilson ageing and out of contract, and William Osula, 21, drifting through his maiden year as a Magpie.

Well, The Telegraph understand talks with Brighton & Hove Albion are on the brink of kicking off for the transfer of Joao Pedro, who is valued at £60m and who the Seagulls are willing to sell this summer.

Newcastle open talks for sought-after star

Pedro, 23, is proven in the Premier League and has the dynamic faculties to complement Isak, rather than outright replace him. However, there may be an even bigger fish Howe could add to the Tyneside pond.

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have held talks with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, putting their name in the hat as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all tussle for the striker’s signature.

Ekitike might be the talk of the town, but it doesn’t seem like any suitor would be willing to meet the Bundesliga club’s €100m (£85m) valuation of the 22-year-old. Saying that, the player’s entourage have informed the relevant parties that a reduced figure may yet be agreed.

Newcastle agreed an initial £26m deal to sign Ekitike when he was at Stade de Reims way back in 2022, but he rejected their interest when Paris Saint-Germain came calling.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle might have felt the force of Ekitike’s rejection in the past, but he was a teenager who had been presented with a proposal to remain in his homeland with the cream of Ligue 1’s crop.

PSG didn’t work out for him, only scoring four times across 33 senior showings before being rehoused in Germany with Frankfurt, but it’s here where the striker has found his feet, with his first full campaign at the club ending with 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions.

His displays have actually led analyst Ben Mattinson to praise him as “one of the best strikers out there.”

As far as Pedro’s concerned, Ekitike is the superior player, and if Bailey’s on the money (quite literally) with his claims that Frankfurt’s £85m demands might be slashed, putting every effort into convincing the Frenchman feels like a no-brainer.

Goals scored

0.53

0.46

Assists

0.28

0.28

Shots taken

4.00

1.94

Shot-creating actions

3.55

3.33

Touches (att pen)

6.88

5.64

Progressive passes

1.86

3.60

Progressive carries

3.27

3.05

Successful take-ons

1.83

1.34

Ball recoveries

3.06

2.73

Tackles + interceptions

0.81

1.16

As you can see, the two forwards are matched up rather well, but Ekitike clearly has the edge, outperforming his South American counterpart across most relevant metrics.

Indeed, should you strip away Pedro’s penalties in the Premier League last season, he would rank among the bottom 21% of the division’s forwards for goals scored per 90.

Oh, Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has praised the Brighton man’s “magical” ability on the ball, but Ekitike might just be ‘Europe’s most elegant striker’, so say the Bundesliga, in any case.

But the proof is in the pudding, and Frankfurt’s number nine passes the eye test, all right. There’s a certain lightness to his dribbling, with an underlying creativity that would see him hit the ground running on English pitches, in Howe’s system.

Pedro is a talented footballer, but Ekitike is simply that bit better, and Newcastle have got to aim for the stars as they go from strength to strength.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig believes Ekitike “could reach world-class striker levels.” Pedro is a talented guy, but is the same scale of potential also applicable to him?

This is a tough case, with Frankfurt proving stubborn in their appraisal of the striker and rival interest against top-drawer outfits making PIF’s task difficult.

But just imagine if they pull it off; it would remind the footballing world that there’s a new superpower on the block.

Schar upgrade: Newcastle among favourites to sign "unbelievable" £40m star

Newcastle will be looking to improve their defence this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 16, 2025

Chelsea are carrying on their busy summer transfer window after sealing a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, with Enzo Maresca’s side now setting their sights on another exciting young centre-forward.

Chelsea could sign second striker after Liam Delap

The former Man City starlet joins in a £30 million deal following Ipswich’s confirmed relegation to the Championship, and fresh off the back of a 12-goal Premier League season, there is potential for Delap to do well at Stamford Bridge.

"Elite" player green-lights move to Chelsea with formal bid expected soon

He could be their next signing after Liam Delap.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 4, 2025

After completing a medical earlier this week (Fabrizio Romano), Delap becomes Chelsea’s first signing of what is expected to be a busy window, and it is believed yet another striker could still follow the Englishman.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

3

Man City

71

+28

4

Chelsea

69

+21

5

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

This is made all the more possible by clubs showing a genuine interest in striker Nicolas Jackson, who could leave Chelsea this summer and make way for another number nine, likely to be Hugo Ekitiké of Eintracht Frankfurt as things stand.

“Liam Delap is joining as well as another striker that points in the direction of Hugo Ekitiké of Frankfurt,” wrote reliable journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack, this week.

“There’s been a lot of contrasting reporting on Jackson and what his future will hold now it looks like two new strikers are arriving at the club.

“At the very least, he now has big question marks hanging over his head, but what is the latest on him?

“Chelsea do like Jackson, but there has been a desire to upgrade him and bring more competition in. They believe that he doesn’t have enough to lead Chelsea in the Champions League right now, so have looked to bring in others.

“In terms of a selling standpoint, they will very much listen to any offers that come in without actively pushing to sell him.”

Phillips adds that Manchester United, Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid are all interested in the Senegalese and are considering making an offer, so an exit for Jackson is very much a possibility.

Now, as one African striker is faced with the prospect of leaving Stamford Bridge, another has been given the chance to join Maresca’s squad.

Chelsea make "official offer" to sign Villarreal striker Karl Etta Eyong

According to Africa Foot, Chelsea are seriously moving in pursuit of Villarreal striker Karl Etta Eyong.

The “promising” Cameroonian, as stated by this report, has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season, scoring once in La Liga for the first team and a further 19 for Villarreal’s B squad, with the 21-year-old also attracting attention from Toulouse, Getafe, and Leganes.

However, it is Maresca’s side who appear to be in pole position. Chelsea have made an “official offer” for Etta Eyong, submitting a five-year contract proposal until 2030, with the option of spending next season at sister club Strasbourg to help further his development.

There’s been no confirmation of whether the player or Villarreal are inclined to accept this proposal, but it may be one to watch over the coming days.

Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta have been alerted to the price tag of a “gifted” attacker, and it has dropped by nearly half compared to last year, as the Gunners are presented with a £63 million discount.

Mikel Arteta praises Andrea Berta with Arsenal summer transfer update

Before their final game of the Premier League season, Mikel Arteta was asked about the club’s summer recruitment drive, which is now set to take centre-stage after a very disappointing campaign.

Obi-Mikel desperate for Arsenal not to sign "unplayable" Gyokeres alternative

The ex-Chelsea midfielder suggests he’d be a major threat under Arteta.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 22, 2025

The Gunners end 2024/2025 with no silverware, despite being tipped to win this year’s Premier League title and mount serious challenges across other competitions as well.

Since Arteta’s appointment, there hasn’t exactly been a lack of investment in the squad, and some critics are beginning to wonder whether he is really the right man to end Arsenal’s two-decade-long-plus wait for a domestic league crown.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

However, 24/25 hasn’t been without major obstacles for Arteta either, with the 43-year-old lacking major firepower upfront for the majority of this term. Injuries to Kai Havertz – who has since returned to action – and Gabriel Jesus meant that Arsenal had been forced to deploy Mikel Merino as an emergency striker for months.

Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were also unavailable for extended periods at points during the campaign as well, proving very unfortunate, and it highlights the need for Arsenal to reinforce their squad with further attacking quality.

Speaking in his pre-Southampton press conference, Arteta expressed his desire for Berta to bring in more “firepower” this summer, all while sharing his high expectations for the ex-Atletico Madrid chief, who officially joined in late March.

“I think he’s going to be a big contributor with his experience, and the fact that he’s already won in very difficult contexts and the way he’s built teams, he is exceptional,” said Arteta about Berta.

“I think we have to share that responsibility and Andrea is going to be a key part to driving the plans and the ideas we have and try to execute them, and we are here to support him.”

Andrea Berta handed £63m Rodrygo discoCunt after Arsenal open talks

A key target who has emerged this week comes in the form of versatile Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who England star Jude Bellingham thinks is “underrated” and the “most gifted” player in their squad.

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg stated earlier this week that Arsenal have opened talks over signing Rodrygo, and the Brazilian has shot to the “very top” of Berta’s transfer wishlist for the wide area.

Reports last year claimed Real president Florentino Perez was demanding around £130 million to sell the 24-year-old to Man City, but according to journalist Anton Meana, this price has dropped by nearly half.

Meana, speaking on Cadena SER show El Larguero this week, shared news that Real’s asking price for Rodrygo is now £67 million – meaning Arsenal can sign the South American star for £63 million less than previously believed.

£67m for a player of Rodrygo’s quality seems extremely tempting, and this potential deal has been made all the more doable by this latest financial update on an increasingly developing story.