da bet sport： Arsenal supporters are being forced to wait patiently for their first confirmed signing of the summer, despite new sporting director Andrea Berta’s well-documented transfer attempts behind-the-scenes.

da poker： The Gunners are reportedly closing in on a few key deals, namely for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Related Arteta wants Arsenal to sign £204k-p/w forward with crucial meeting this week

The Spaniard is personally very keen to sign him.

Posts

Arrizabalaga looks poised to complete a £5 million move to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s new back-up keeper and understudy to David Raya (David Ornstein), while Zubimendi is on course to seal a switch to the Premier League one year after rejecting Liverpool.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

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

Zubimendi actually caused quite a stir with his recent comments suggesting that his future was still up in the air, but the likes of Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano have since confirmed that Arsenal are still expected to sign the 26-year-old after agreeing a deal with Sociedad.

After Zubimendi and Kepa, the north Londoners also remain in the market for a new winger and striker.

Arsenal have Real Madrid forward Rodrygo on their long list of wide options, with links still surrounding Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, so that is certainly a position to keep an eye on. However, the most noise continues to surround Berta’s attempts to bring in a centre-forward.

Groundwork has been laid on deals for both RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, according to the BBC, with Arsenal exploring the conditions of moves for both men before deciding which one to formally pursue.

While Arsenal have already held “concrete” talks over Sesko, Gyokeres remains firmly on the radar.

Portuguese newspaper Record even reported this week that Arsenal made an official £55m opening bid for Gyokeres, with journalist Graeme Bailey sharing an update on the story.

Viktor Gyokeres camp clash with Sporting over rejected Arsenal bid

Speaking to The Boot Room, Bailey reports that the offer has been rejected by Sporting, which isn’t surprising when factoring in that their president, Frederico Varandas, confirmed that an offer below £60m wouldn’t be enough.

Bailey adds that Gyokeres’ camp clashed with Sporting after they snubbed Arsenal’s offer, but Arteta’s side remain in “constant contact” over his signature alongside Man United.

“Speaking to sources, Gyokeres is convinced that he is moving this summer, and he believes he will be in England – not that he has ruled out other countries, it is just where he believes he will be playing,” said the reporter.

“He did make it clear from the start that a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Pro League was not a consideration despite them making an approach this month.

“Arsenal and Man United are in constant contact, the lines of communication with those two clubs has been ongoing for months.

“The player’s representatives are working hard on his future, but there is no deadline here – it could be this month, but likely July, I am told, before something is agreed, but there is no panic. They are calm.”

Varandas’ preferred price tag could be around £68 million, but there are the strikers wages to consider, with Gyokeres reportedly demanding as much as £250,000-per-week.

da dobrowin： Manchester United’s central midfield department has been an area for debate over recent months, with Ruben Amorim having multiple options at his disposal.

da marjack bet： Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro have often operated in such positions, but Bruno Fernandes has often dropped into a deeper role, with Kobbie Mainoo also an option after his injury setbacks.

However, it’s unclear if the manager fully knows his best partnership in the middle of the park, which could see the Red Devils dip into the transfer market to make further additions.

Christian Eriksen has already been told that he will be released from the club at the end of his contract in a couple of weeks, with Casemiro potentially being moved on to raise additional funds.

With the window now in full swing after its one-week closure, it’s pivotal that the board land the right targets for the manager, with any additions having a bearing on his long-term future in the role.

United’s hunt to land new midfielders this summer

Despite the season not long ending, United have already wasted little time in the market, already pursuing moves for various players in the midfield department.

Ederson, Hayden Hackney, and Fermin Lopez have all previously been mentioned as potential additions, but no deals have yet been completed ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, that could be about to change, with the Red Devils identifying Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi as a potential option, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that United have already begun making moves to bring him to Old Trafford this summer after only making nine Serie A starts in 2024/25.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

It also states that he’s asked his agent to consider potential options away from Italy this summer, seeing Amorim’s current project at the club as an exciting one that could tempt him in the coming months.

Why Frattesi could be Amorim’s own version of McTominay

After leaving United for Napoli in a £25m deal last summer, no supporter could’ve envisioned the rise Scottish international Scott McTominay would have in Italy – subsequently taking his career to new heights this season.

The 28-year-old was offloaded by former boss Erik ten Hag, a decision that now appears to be a huge mistake after his form across Europe, which saw him net 13 times across all competitions in his debut year in Naples.

Such a record helped Antonio Conte’s side claim the league title, with McTominay being named the division’s Most Valuable Player, further highlighting the mistake made in allowing him to depart.

It’s a real shame that Amorim didn’t receive the opportunity to work with the academy graduate, with his skillset at both ends of the pitch certainly aiding the club in their chances of overturning their recent slump.

However, a move for Frattesi could allow the Red Devils to land their next version of the midfielder, possessing a very similar playstyle to that of the 28-year-old.

When comparing their respective figures from the recent campaign, the Inter star has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, subsequently able to inject the needed quality into the current squad.

Frattesi, who’s been labelled as “one of the best midfielders in Serie A” by Fabrizio Romano, has averaged a higher goal per shot on target rate, able to pop up with crucial goals in key moments – as seen with his winner in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

He’s also completed more key passes per 90, having the tools to provide the likes of Fernandes ahead of him with the opportunity to have a further impact in the final third.

The Italian has also dominated without the ball, winning more of the tackles he’s entered and also making more blocks per 90, handing Amorim the perfect box-to-box option in his 3-4-2-1 system.

How Frattesi compares to McTominay in Serie A (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Frattesi

McTominay

Games played

27

36

Goals & assists

6

16

Goals per shot on target

0.7

0.3

Key passes made

1.5

0.8

Carries into opposition box

0.6

0.4

Tackles won

56%

48%

Blocks made

0.9

0.6

Fouls won

2.3

1.8

Stats via FBref

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal would set the Red Devils hierarchy back, it seems as though they could be about to take advantage of his lack of playing time in their ambitions of strengthening the squad.

When he has had the chance to impress, he’s taken such an opportunity with both hands, with his experience amongst Europe’s elite taking the side to the next level in the process.

If he can emulate McTominay’s success at Old Trafford, it would be an astute piece of business and one that would transform the club’s current two-man midfielder pivot ahead of a crucial 2025/26 campaign.

Related More exciting than Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks to sign "very special" talent

Manchester United could be about to land a star who could thrive under Ruben Amorim.

Posts 1

da esport bet： Arsenal know their hunt for a striker will define the type of campaign they enjoy under Mikel Arteta and there has now been a significant development on that front, according to reports.

Arsenal look to finalise move for Cristhian Mosquera

da 888casino： Undoubtedly, Mikel Arteta has become an admirer of solid foundations when analysing his recruitment strategy this summer, which may explain why he has focused primarily on defensive-minded arrivals early in the window.

Martin Zubimendi is set to join the Gunners from Real Sociedad. At the same time, Kepa Arrizabalaga will become David Raya’s deputy between the sticks following a solid loan spell at Bournemouth last campaign.

Furthermore, Arsenal are set to sign Brentford captain Christian Norgaard for a fee of £15 million including add-ons. With Thomas Partey and Jorginho now no longer in the building, making two smart additions in the engine room will ensure a balance in squad depth.

Nevertheless, there could be more in the way of solidity soon to enter the frame amid news that Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera could soon be on his way to North London.

Related He's just like Saka: Arsenal pushing to sign £38m star with "electric pace"

As Arsenal target attacking reinforcement this summer, could they sign a winger worth £38m with “electric pace” to be their left-sided Bukayo Saka?

Posts

While that is all well and good, Arsenal will be judged this window on what they do to strengthen their frontline amid Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus’ injury struggles last term, so fans may want to take note of the latest update emerging from the Emirates.

Viktor Gyokeres demands meeting to force Arsenal move

According to reports in Portugal via Sport Witness, Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres has demanded a meeting with Sporting president Frederico Varandas in relation to broken promises over a potential move away from the Primeira Liga champions this summer.

The Sweden international has an £85 million release clause in place. Still, there is a disagreement over how much he will be allowed to depart for as the club prepares to return to pre-season, with Varandas publicly stating Sporting won’t be held to ransom.

Viktor Gyokeres’ incredible record in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

52

Goals

54

Assists

13

Talks are set to act as a move to push Sporting into a sale, while the report names Berta and Arsenal as the team now in the front seat to land Gyokeres after a summer transfer saga that has dominated headlines across the globe.

Manchester United have also been heavily mentioned. However, the Gunners are believed to be the only contender in line for Gyokeres, who has been labelled the “hottest striker in the world” by talkSPORT pundit Flex.

Potentially, this development could bring the curtain down on a nerve-shredding summer episode for everyone involved with the North London giants, though supporters won’t be getting too excited until he is paraded at the Emirates Stadium.

da 888： This summer could, and should, be a seismic one for Arsenal.

da wazamba： Andrea Berta and Co have already added some impressive depth to the side in Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga – not to mention the incoming Martin Zubimendi – but the area of the team that desperately needs reinforcements is the attack.

Moreover, while a new striker is a necessity, it’s just as essential that Mikel Arteta is handed one, or maybe even two, new wingers as well.

Fortunately, the club seem to be on the same wavelength, as recent reports have linked them to a player who has been compared to Bukayo Saka on more than a few occasions.

Arsenal's winger search

Given Arsenal’s comparative lack of cutting-edge wide options, it’s not been a massive surprise to see them linked with several exciting options in recent weeks, such as Antonio Nusa and Anthony Elanga.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

The former is reportedly available for close to £38m this summer and amassed a tally of 13 goal involvements in 40 games last season.

Elanga, on the other hand, could cost as much as £60m, but was that bit more effective for Nottingham Forest last season, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists in 43 games.

However, while there is clear upside in both of these wide talents, neither one has been or could really be compared to Saka, which isn’t the case for Noni Madueke.

Yes, according to David Ornstein, Arsenal are in fact very interested in the Chelsea winger.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Athletic podcast, the respected journalist revealed that the Gunners like the Englishman and are “working” on a deal, which, according to other reports, could cost around £50m.

It might not be the transfer some Arsenal fans would be hoping for, but Madueke has the ability and potential to be something special in North London, and the fact he’s been compared to Saka can only be a good thing.

How Madueke compares to Saka

Now, it should be noted that there are numerous surface-level comparisons that can be made between Saka and Madueke.

These include the fact that they’re both full England internationals, they both play for a ‘big six’ side in London, they’re primarily right-sided wingers, and they both came out of the academy of a North London team.

However, the comparisons do go deeper than that.

In fact, respected analyst EBL was bold enough to argue for the Chelsea ace’s similarity to the Gunners’ star as far back as March 2023, claiming that, he is indeed “very similar to Saka”.

They pointed out that, like the Hale Ender, the former PSV Eindhoven star is particularly adept at lulling an opposition defender into a “false sense of security” by first slowing down with the ball at his feet and then shifiting “the ball to either side” and making the most of his impressive “ball-striking.”

However, that’s not his only avenue for beating opposing defenders, as EBL also highlights his “explosive shift”, which is just a way of describing how he gets around players with a burst of energy when dribbling.

Interestingly, we can see how similar this is to Saka in the numbers, as, according to FBref, the North Londoners’ talisman completed 1.99 successful take-ons per 90 when playing in Europe’s top five leagues or the Champions League, which is the exact same number as the Blues star.

Saka’s most similar players

#

Players

1

Savio

2

Salah

3

Diaz

4

Son

5

Madueke

All Stats via FBref for the PL in 24/25

However, that is not all, as when we look at just the Premier League last season, FBref ranks the “incredible” talent, as dubbed by content creator Matisse Armani, as the fifth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Ealing-born superstar.

Ultimately, while Madueke hasn’t quite reached the levels of Saka, there are some undeniable stylistic and statistical similarities between the pair.

Therefore, if a deal can be struck at a reasonable price, then Arsenal should go ahead and bring the exciting winger to the Emirates this summer.

Related Saka will love him: £68m "superstar" is now "desperate" to sign for Arsenal

Arsenal could sign Bukayo Saka’s dream teammate this summer.

Posts

da bet nacional： Sunderland now lead West Ham in the race to sign a brand-new £22 million “magician” after making an approach, according to a recent report.

Sunderland plan to continue spending spree after passing £100m mark

da mrbet： The Black Cats got their pre-season underway over the weekend, beating non-league side South Shields 4-0 in what has been an epic summer for the club so far. Sunderland have added six new players to their squad already this summer, passing the £100 million mark, with midfielder Habib Diarra being the club’s most expensive capture so far.

Related Contact made: Sunderland prepare bid to sign £25m star who is open to move

The Black Cats are making plenty of impressive moves…

Posts 1

Despite the heavy investment, the Premier League newcomers are not stopping there, as Sunderland are interested in signing Charlie Cresswell from French side Toulouse. The defender is already known in English football, after spending time at Leeds United, and now the Black Cats are keen to bring him back to England in a deal that could cost them as much as £18 million.

As well as looking to improve their central defence, Regis Le Bris and co are also looking at potential new goalkeepers, despite Anthony Patterson impressing last season. Sunderland have made contact with representatives of Aaron Ramsdale and are now preparing an offer to Southampton. The 27-year-old is said to be open to a move to the Stadium of Light, as he would remain in the Premier League, but it could cost Sunderland £25 million to get a deal completed.

Sunderland lead West Ham in race to sign new £22m "magician" after approach

The new arrivals may not even stop there, as according to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, Sunderland have approached Leicester City over the signing of midfielder Bilal El Khannouss.

The report states that as well as the Black Cats, West Ham United and AS Monaco have made enquiries about signing the 21-year-old, who has just suffered relegation with the Foxes. However, it is Sunderland who are considered to be leading the race to sign El Khannouss.

The Moroccan international, who was dubbed a “magician” after his performance against Southampton last season, only joined Leicester last summer from KRC Genk. El Khannouss contributed to five goals despite the Foxes struggling all season at the bottom end of the Premier League.

Bilal El Khannouss’ 24/25 Premier League stats

Apps

32

Goals

2

Shots per game

0.9

Goal conversion

9%

Assists

3

Touches

42.5

Big chances created

8

Key passes

1.3

Interceptions per game

0.2

Tackles per game

1.6

El Khannouss is still under contract until 2028, and it’s been reported previously that the Foxes would be looking to get around £22 million should he leave during this transfer window. Sunderland have already added a couple of midfielders to their ranks this summer, but El Khannouss’ potential arrival could be another way the Black Cats try to fill the void left by Jobe Bellingham, featuring in an attacking midfield role or out on the wing if needed.

da 888casino： While there is still some work to be done, Chelsea have been incredibly effective in the transfer market this summer.

da gbg bet： Enzo Maresca and Co. clearly wanted the majority of their first-team additions to be before the start of pre-season, and they’ve largely succeeded.

One team that has been quite the opposite is Manchester United, who got their hands on Matheus Cunha early but then proceeded to take well over a month to agree a fee for Bryan Mbeumo.

The Europa League runners-up look to have finally got their man for a price that could reach £70m with add-ons, and now it looks like Chelsea want to sign someone who’s been compared to the Cameroonian international.

Chelsea target their own Mbeumo

Chelsea should enter next season full of confidence, as, in addition to the team that secured them fourth place last year, they’ve added some serious talent.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

The likes of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro will undoubtedly make Maresca’s side far more potent upfront, and the tremendously exciting Jamie Gittens should add more quality to the left-wing position.

Moreover, the West Londoners have shipped off Noni Madueke to Arsenal for a profit and could be set to earn a sizable payday on some of their other unwanted players.

The Conference League champions are not done there, though, as they now look determined to bring in a young attacker who could be their answer to Mbeumo.

At least, that’s according to a recent report in Friday’s print edition of Spanish publication Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, which claims Chelsea are seriously interested in Xavi Simons.

The report reveals that, alongside United, the Blues have held talks over a move for the Dutch international, although the reported price tag of around €70m is proving to be a problem.

It could end up being a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but Simons has proven he’d be worth spending big on, especially as he could be Maresca’s own Mbeumo.

How Simons compares to Mbeumo

One of the most significant comparisons between Simons and Mbeumo stems from FBref, which analysed players in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League across the last 365 days.

It then concluded that the Brentford star was the fourth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the RB Leipzig star.

The best way to understand how that conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked closely.

Simons & Mbeumo

Statistics per 90

Simons

Mbeumo

Non-Penalty G+As

0.48

0.42

Progressive Carries

3.56

3.43

Shots

2.09

2.08

Shots on Target

0.96

0.90

Expected Assists

0.25

0.25

Goal-Creating Actions

0.50

0.53

Tackles Won

0.88

0.82

Successful Take-Ons

1.38

1.37

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

These include things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, tackles won, shots and more, all per 90.

These numbers help show that, although he’s three years his junior, the former Paris Saint-Germain gem, who one analyst has dubbed “one of the best 10s in the world,” is just as adept at creating and scoring chances.

Moreover, both players are positionally versatile, with the soon-to-be United star thriving on the right, as a second striker, or up top, while the Amsterdam-born dynamo can play off either wing or in the ten.

Finally, both players were effective outlets for their respective teams last season, with the Cameroon international scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists in 42 games, as the Blues target scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 33 games.

Ultimately, it won’t be cheap, but Chelsea should do what they can to sign Simons this summer as he would add some serious quality to their squad and be the perfect answer to Mbeumo.

Related He'll take Pedro to the next level: Chelsea make offer to sign £86m star

The incredible forward would be a game-changer for Chelsea and Joao Pedro.

Posts

da jogodeouro： In just under a day, Arsenal will finally be back on our screens.

da lvbet： Mikel Arteta’s side may have already played one friendly behind closed doors, reportedly beating Watford 2-0, but they’ll kick off their pre-season proper with a game against AC Milan in Singapore tomorrow afternoon.

It’ll be the first chance fans get to see some of the club’s stars back in action, and how some of the new signings are looking ahead of a season in which they surely have to win the Premier League.

However, we have a feeling that the match might be somewhat overshadowed by reports of a new addition preparing for his medical, an addition who could well be Arsenal’s new Ian Wright.

Arsenal closing in on their new Ian Wright

Usually, a club known for moving slowly in the market and often not doing enough business, this summer has been a real breath of fresh air for Arsenal fans.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

With still over a month to go until the window slams shut, the club has already announced the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Noni Madueke.

Add to that the reports that Cristhian Mosquera has now flown out to join the squad and the persistent links to Eberechi Eze, and this summer has the potential to be unprecedented for the North Londoners.

However, we’ve saved potentially the best news for last, as it looks like Andrea Berta and Co have finally secured the player fans have been clamouring for – someone who could be a modern-day Wright.

At least that is according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who has confirmed that Arsenal have now reached “an agreement with Sporting for Viktor Gyökeres.”

Jacobs has revealed that the Gunners will pay a fixed fee of €63.5m, which is approximately £55m, and then add-ons of about €10m, which is approximately £9m.

Moreover, the Swedish international is now expected to undergo his medical “within 24 hours”, and he’s ready to board a flight to join up with the squad at their pre-season training camp in Singapore. That final slice of information comes courtesy of journalist Miguel Delaney.

It’s a significant amount of money to spend on one player, but Gyökeres’ record is undeniable, and he has the potential to become a new Wright.

Why Gyökeres could be Arsenal's new Wright

Okay, so we know this is really quite the statement to make, as while he retired long ago, Wright is a bona fide legend of Arsenal Football Club and someone who was one of the very best strikers in his day.

However, even though that is a lot of pressure to place on his shoulders so soon, there are some undeniable similarities between him and Gyökeres, and we do think the Swede could have a similar impact.

The first is that both players joined, or will be joining, the Gunners relatively late in their careers, which is unusual.

When he completed his move to Highbury in 1991, from Crystal Palace, the Englishman was 28 years old, and when the Sporting CP star finally puts pen to paper this week, he’ll be 27.

Moreover, we think the Stockholm-born “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, could follow in the 61-year-old’s footsteps because he’s more than proven himself to be an absurdly prolific goalscorer over the last two years.

For example, since moving to Lisbon in the summer of 2023, the former Coventry City star has scored 97 goals and provided 28 assists in 102 appearances, totalling 8417 minutes.

In other words, the outrageously dangerous forward has averaged 1.22 goal involvements per game for the last two seasons, or one every 67.33 minutes.

Gyokeres’ recent form

Players

23/24

24/25

Appearances

50

52

Minutes

4169′

4248′

Goals

43

54

Assists

15

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.16

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.87′

63.40′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Now, while there is a chance that his exploits in front of goal don’t quite translate in English football, even if he can manage 50% of what he did in Portugal, we see no reason why he couldn’t end up matching Wright’s incredible record of 185 goals and 31 assists in 288 appearances.

Finally, both players are right-footed, so there is a very good chance we will see the Sporting ace replicating some of the goals the forward scored back in his day.

Ultimately, while it’s a bold prediction, we see no reason why Gyökeres couldn’t follow in Wright’s footsteps at Arsenal and become the prolific striker they’ve needed for years.

Related Shades of Bergkamp: Arsenal keen on signing £60m "superstar" after Gyokeres

Arsenal could seal their new Dennis Bergkamp this summer.

Posts 1

da imperador bet： Tottenham are gearing up for two first-team friendlies in one day this Saturday, and away from the pitch, Thomas Frank’s busy Lilywhites continue their summer recruitment plans.

Related Tottenham offered £43m PSG talent who was once "very close to joining"

Spurs have a new opportunity.

Posts

da lvbet： Spurs announced that they will be taking on both Wycombe Wanderers in a behind-closed-doors encounter at 11am tomorrow before their trip to Kenilworth Road, with their later clash against Luton Town kicking off just four hours later.

The two matches will give a number of first-team players much-needed match action, with the squad set to be split into two groups. Earlier this week, Frank explained this decision in an official statement which confirmed their additional game against Wycombe.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“We wanted an extra game in our schedule to give as many players as many match minutes as possible, in order to put them in the best position, physically,” said Frank.

“We will play two even, strong teams, and they will play between 60 and 75 minutes, maybe more. By the end of Saturday, 22 players will have played a lot of match minutes, and they will be in a very good place before we go on tour.”

As Tottenham gear up for two 90-minute contests in quick succession, chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange maintain the club’s pursuit of new signings before deadline day on September 1.

Reliable media sources claim that Brentford striker Yoane Wissa remains a target for Spurs, and they’re in ongoing talks for the Congolese who scored 20 goals in all competitions under Frank last campaign.

However, Newcastle United are also in talks for Wissa, and they’re poised to submit a new bid in an attempt to win the race for Frank’s former star (Sky Sports).

While Frank faces stiff competition for the 28-year-old, as things stand, it looks as if Spurs are the only team competing for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.

Morgan Gibbs-White agrees "in principle" to join Tottenham

The 25-year-old was on the verge of a move to north London a fortnight ago, with Spurs even scheduling a medical for Gibbs-White on July 11 as they prepared to pay his £60 million release clause (BBC).

However, Forest then unceremoniously blocked the transfer – threatening both Tottenham and the player’s agent with a letter of legal action against them (Sky Sports). Nuno Espirito Santo’s side objected to how Spurs found out about Gibbs-White’s ‘confidential’ clause whilst accusing them of ‘tapping up’ the player too, and this tense stalemate remains ongoing with Levy hoping for a breakthrough (Fabrizio Romano).

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, sharing an update on the situation for TBR Football, Gibbs-White has agreed “in principle” to join Tottenham, and Forest appear resigned to eventually losing the England international.

This is because Evangelos Marinakis and his recruitment team are actively pursuing replacements, with talks ongoing over a deal for Man City’s James McAtee.

Spurs are not giving up on signing Gibbs-White and the attacking midfielder remains their absolute priority. Forest were also hoping that City would come back in for Gibbs-White to spark a potential bidding war, but Pep Guardiola and co have “moved on” – giving Frank a clear run.

If the former Wolves star wishes to push through a move to N17, Sky Sports have claimed that Gibbs-White has the option of threatening Forest with legal action of his own for breach of contract.

Alternatively, Tottenham could offer to pay a larger fee to Forest in an attempt to loosen their stranglehold on Gibbs-White and finally seal the deal.

da betsson： It would be something of an understatement to say this summer has been a busy one for Chelsea.

da esoccer bet： Enzo Maresca’s men hardly had a moment to catch their breath after winning the Conference League before they were thrown into the Club World Cup, which they then won.

Likewise, even though the board have made plenty of signings over recent years, they’ve been just as busy this summer, picking up some genuinely exciting talents like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.

However, they aren’t done there, as they’ve also been linked with another international star, someone who’d be a far better signing than another player touted for a move to Stamford Bridge: Alejandro Garnacho.

Chelsea target massive Garnacho upgrade

While most of Chelsea’s business this summer has been conducted without much controversy or fan backlash, it wouldn’t be unfair to suggest that there is a portion of the fan base who wouldn’t be overjoyed with the potential signing of Garnacho.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

After all, the Argentine international has a massive public falling out with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, and while he’s talented, the supposed price tag of around £40m might be too much for someone who could disrupt the dressing room.

So, it’s good news that it now appears as if the club are closing in on someone else, someone who’d be a far better signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from Sports Zone, which claims that Chelsea are now rapidly advancing with their interest in Xavi Simons.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Blues have now reached an agreement on personal terms for the RB Leipzig star, and that a first bid is expected sometime today.

While the report makes no mention of how much the Dutchman might cost the West Londoners, other stories from this month have claimed that the German outfit want around £61m.

It could therefore be an expensive transfer to get over the line, but given Simons’ ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a way better signing than Garnacho.

Why Simons would be a better signing than Garnacho

So, if we ignore all the potential off-the-pitch problems and focus solely on what they can do on the pitch, why would Simons be a far better signing than Garnacho?

Well, first and foremost, the Dutchman is simply the far more dangerous attacking outlet, and that is clearly shown in their respective output from last season.

In his 33 games for Leipzig, totalling just 2763 minutes, the 22-year-old “game-changer,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored 11 goals and provided eight assists.

That means the former Paris Saint-Germain gem managed to average a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 144 minutes.

In contrast, the Madrid-born ace scored just 11 goals and provided ten assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3,568 minutes, for the Red Devils last term.

Garnacho vs Simons in 24/25

Players

Simons

Garnacho

Appearances

33

58

Minutes

2763′

3568′

Goals

11

11

Assists

8

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.57

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvements

144′

169.90′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In other words, the Argentine international averaged a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or every 169.90 minutes.

Unfortunately for the United ace, the one-sided nature of this comparison only continues when we take a look at their national team statistics as well.

For example, the former PSV Eindhoven superstar has already won 28 senior caps for the Netherlands, in which he’s scored five goals, provided four assists, made one World Cup appearance and six at the European Championships.

For his efforts, the Argentine has won just eight caps, one of which was a substitute appearance at the Copa América, and he’s only provided one assist in that time.

Ultimately, while Garnacho has undeniable talent, Simons is simply the better and more complete player, and therefore, Chelsea should be looking to sign him over the United ace.

Related Chelsea are now "close" to signing a talent who's as big as Estevao

The seriously exciting gem could develop into a world-beater for Chelsea.

Posts

da imperador bet： Tottenham Hotspur have added some shrewd signings to Thomas Frank’s fledgling project this summer, Mohammed Kudus adding flair to the widths and Joao Palhinha bringing some steely mettle to the engine room.

da dobrowin： However, Heung-min Son has completed a £20m transfer to LAFC in the United States, and James Maddison has ruptured his ACL and will be sidelined for the lion’s share of the season.

Spurs have issues in midfield and attack, but Daniel Levy might be convinced to add another signing to his team’s backline, even though Cristian Romero looks set to stay amid interest from Atletico Madrid.

Spurs eyeing Serie A raid

Tottenham have had a lot of success in raiding the Italain top flight for talented up-and-comers in recent years, with the likes of Romero and Destiny Udogie springing to mind.

However, Dejan Kulusevski might be the cream of that crop, having hit his stride last season and made good on praise from football scout Jacek Kulig that he is a “world-class talent”.

Now, Tottenham are ready to repeat their trick by raiding one of the Serie A superpowers for another elite player, with sights set on AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw.

According to Caught Offside, Spurs and Arsenal have joined the race for the German centre-back, with Newcastle United already displaying a vested interest this month.

Thiaw, 24, has been the subject of a new €40m (£34m) offer from Newcastle, and while negotiations are understood to be advancing quickly, the Magpies have failed to sign a litany of targets this summer, and Tottenham could be primed to complete a hijack.

Why Spurs want Malick Thiaw

Having joined Milan from Schalke three years ago, Thiaw has made 85 appearances for his Italian side, bringing a dynamic defensive skill set to the squad.

Both crisp and enterprising with his passing, Thiaw ranks among the top 6% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, and the top 14% for progressive passes played per 90, as per FBref.

He’s also been hailed as a “monster in the air” by journalist Martino Puccio, so would bring some substance to the team, ensuring some defensive solidity is found where such went lacking last year.

Given that Micky van de Ven and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate are considered two of his most comparable players, it feels like Frank could hit the jackpot with this one, emulating the deal for Kulusevski and allowing him to grow into one of the Premier League’s superstars.

Tottenham signed Kulusevski from Juventus on an initial loan in January 2022, wrapping a move up 18 months later for a shrewd £25m fee (a similar ballpark to Thiaw now).

Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham Career by Season (all comps)

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25

50

10

11

23/24

39

8

3

22/23

37

2

8

21/22

19

5

8

Data via Transfermarkt

Last season, the 25-year-old Kulusevski finally struck a balance between his output, with Ange Postecoglou shifting him into a central attacking midfield berth to an emphatic effect.

Not just a potent attacking threat, the Sweden international’s energy and tenacity fed the belief of his teammates, and he was often a shining light throughout a challenging, albeit ultimately rewarding, season.

He averaged 4.1 successful duels and 1.4 tackles per league match, as per Sofascore, and added much to the Ange system when it needed him most.

In Thiaw, Spurs could repeat the trick, signing a rising talent who has more than his position demands of him. It’s one that Tottenham need to get over the line as they head back onto the Champions League stage.

Related Frank's answer to Palmer: Spurs enter talks to sign "exceptional" £40m gem

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be about to make another huge move in the market to bolster Thomas Frank’s squad.

Posts