All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Arsenal have been blessed with some truly exceptional players over the last ten to 15 years.

Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and William Saliba are just some of the names from the current squad that could have made it in some of the club’s most iconic Premier League winning sides.

Then, going back a little further, we get to some genuine game-changers like Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez, who may not have left on the best of terms, but were unquestionably world-class for much of their time in N5.

However, one player who might not always get the respect he deserves from other fanbases, but is rightly adored as something of a cult hero by the Emirates faithful, is Santi Cazorla.

The Spanish magician joined the club for under £15m in the summer of 2012 and went on to score 29 goals and provide 44 assists in 180 games before leaving in 2018.

The 40-year-old midfielder is still an incredibly popular man in the red side of North London, and now it looks like the club are trying to sign someone who could be Mikel Arteta’s version of Cazorla.

Arsenal target their new Cazorla

This summer is shaping up to be something really quite special for Arsenal, as the board appear intent on backing the manager to the best of their ability.

Transfer Focus

For example, the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga have already been announced, while Noni Madueke has reportedly passed his medical, and Christian Mosquera is set for his.

Moreover, the North Londoners have reportedly agreed a deal for goalscoring extraordinaire Viktor Gyokeres, which will see them pay Sporting CP an initial fee of just £55m.

Yet, the Premier League runners-up are not done there, as they have now turned their attention to someone who could be their new Cazorla: Eberechi Eze.

Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are still interested in the Crystal Palace star, and are in talks with his camp over a move.

Moreover, another report from the Mail Online has claimed that the England international is now the Gunners’ new top target.

It won’t be a cheap deal to get done, though, as Romano reaffirms that the Eagles are holding out for his full release clause, which stands at £68m.

Even though that is a lot of money to spend on one player, Eze would be worth it, especially as he could be Arteta’s own Cazorla.

Why Eze could be Arsenal's new Cazorla

Okay, so it should be said that we don’t think Eze is exactly like Cazorla, nor will he be just like him at Arsenal, but there are some undeniable similarities between the pair, similarities that would only grow should this transfer happen.

The first of which is where the pair play on the pitch, as, like the Spanish maestro, the Palace ace is more than capable of playing on the left, having done so on many occasions in the past, but has found his best position to be in attacking midfield.

Moreover, like the former Gunners star, the English “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is not just someone who passively recycles the ball in the middle of the park, or passes it off to a more dynamic teammate, he’s someone who can explode into life at the drop of a hat and make things happen himself.

Appearances

36

43

Minutes

2285′

3303′

Goals

11

14

Assists

6

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

134.41′

132.12′

For example, in just 43 appearances last season, totalling 3303 minutes, the game-changing dynamo scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists, which comes out as a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

He was almost as dangerous in the season prior, when, in 36 games, totalling 2285 minutes, he scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, which came out to a goal involvement every 1.89 games, or one every 134.41 minutes.

Furthermore, he proved he’s capable of standing up in the big games this season, scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final and final of the FA Cup, just as Cazorla helped the Gunners’ comeback against Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup final with that sensational free-kick.

Finally, while this is a little harder to quantify in numbers, the £100k-per-week star is also someone fans simply love watching, with Micah Richards accurately describing him as a “magician” with the ball at his feet – and if you watched the former Malaga ace, you’d have said the same about him.

Ultimately, it might be an expensive deal to get over the line, but Arsenal should do all they can to sign Eze this summer, as not only would he help improve the team, but he could also become the club’s modern Cazorla, getting the fans on their feet every week.

As exciting as Gyokeres: £80m "superstar" now open to signing for Arsenal

The international monster would be a game-changing signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 15, 2025

Southampton are now in advanced talks to sign an international striker who is represented by the same agency as midfielder Flynn Downes.

Southampton are expected to lose one or two key players over the coming months and therefore will have to enter the market to find replacements as they bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking under Will Still.

Done deal: Southampton have "agreed" £6.8m exit of "incredible" attacker

He has played his final game for the club.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 20, 2025

Defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis could be considered their most important player, as he managed to stand out last season in what was a diabolical campaign for the club. His performances for the Saints earned him a call-up to the England national team, and that has now earned him the attention of Portuguese giants FC Porto.

According to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, Southampton have turned down a bid worth £19 million for Harwood-Bellis from Porto. Despite being under contract until 2028, the Saints are open to selling the defender in this transfer window, but they believe he is worth much more.

Southampton paid £15 million to sign the player from Manchester City last summer, so the likelihood is they’re going to want closer to double that price.

Southampton in advanced talks to sign £7m striker

But while Harwood-Bellis may eventually be on his way out of St Mary’s Stadium, Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg reports some good news – Southampton are closing in on the signing of Damion Downs from FC Köln.

The 20-year-old is considered to be a top target for Saints this summer, and they have submitted a bid worth €8 million, which is roughly £6.85 million, to the German side. Downs is currently away with the USA for the Gold Cup, so a deal for the forward is likely to be completed once that competition is finished.

Downs, who has earned two caps for the USA national team, has been at FC Köln since 2020, when he joined their under-17 team. The young forward worked his way through the age groups and was finally promoted to the first team during the 2023/24 season, where he played 10 Bundesliga games. Downs became even more of a regular last season, as he played 29 games, this time in Bundesliga 2, and scored an impressive ten goals in the process.

Apps

42

Goals

13

Assists

6

Downs has just one year remaining on his contract, and Saints will be hoping that can work to their advantage, as the German side are likely to want to sell the player before he leaves the club for nothing in 12 months.

They may hold another advantage in the race to sign Downs too, as the striker is represented by agency Wasserman, who also represent current Southampton midfielder Downes, perhaps smoothing negotiations when it comes to agreeing personal terms.

Arsenal’s transfer business so far hasn’t won universal approval from every critic, with talkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor now slamming a “very odd” decision by new sporting director Andrea Berta, manager Mikel Arteta and the Gunners’ recruitment team.

It’s been a fairly productive first month of the window for Arsenal.

Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal seal "next signing" with underrated star set to join

The Gunners are poised to complete another deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 26, 2025

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi recently finalised his long-awaited move to the Emirates Stadium, flying to London last week as he put the finishing touches on his £56 million move to the Premier League.

After Zubimendi, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga swiftly followed his Spanish compatriot, with the Stamford Bridge outcast set to join Arteta’s side in a £5 million move.

Most recently, though, Arsenal agreed a deal to sign Brentford captain Christian Norgaard as a direct replacement for veteran midfielder Thomas Partey – who’s set to leave N5 after his contract expires on June 30.

The 31-year-old has been a vital cog in Brentford’s system for years, and his proven Premier League experience is a major attraction which perhaps gave Norgaard the edge over fellow reported targets like Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume, who was also reportedly considered by the club.

Arsenal are set to sign Norgaard after swiftly reaching an agreement with Brentford, as reported by multiple reliable news outlets, but this call has now been questioned by Agbonlahor.

Gabriel Agbonlahor slams "very odd" Christian Norgaard deal

Speaking to talkSPORT, the pundit called their deal for Norgaard a “very odd” one, going on to claim Arsenal are shopping at “Asda” while rivals Man City and Liverpool shoot a bit more upmarket.

“He’s an OK player. I get it for value, he’s a decent player, but you’re losing Thomas Partey,” said the ex-Aston Villa striker.

“It just seems a bit odd. Arsenal haven’t been able to agree a contract with Partey, that’s what’s happening, so say it’s over money. You’re paying £9milion for Norgaard – just give it to Partey as the difference in wages he’s asking for.

“Why not just give it to him? You know what he can do. It’s very odd. Arsenal don’t seem to be shopping in the top shops like Manchester City and Liverpool. They’re shopping at Waitrose, Arsenal are at Asda.

“I get it, Jorginho’s gone, and you need cover, but I’m sure Arsenal fans are looking at Liverpool spending £116m on Florian Wirtz and the money Man City are spending and thinking, ‘Come on, we don’t mind Norgaard coming in, but we need a top striker’.”

The actual fee for Norgaard could reach up to £15 million if performance-related odd-ons are achieved, so this transfer could turn out to be even more expensive from Arsenal’s point of view.

Nevertheless, it’s hard to envisage the Dane playing week-in, week-out given Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice’s presence in midfield. Norgaard could still work wonders as a utility player in Arteta’s squad, and may have been an even deeper issue regarding the club’s failed new contract talks with Partey.

Liverpool have been the team to watch in the transfer window so far and could now look to strike for a star who has previously been labelled “fantastic” by Jordan Henderson, according to reports.

Liverpool march on in the transfer window

Exciting times are on the horizon at Anfield and Jeremie Frimpong is set to be joined by Milos Kerkez at Liverpool as the latter edges closer to signing on the dotted line for a move to Merseyside, as per David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano.

Florian Wirtz is also signing for Liverpool for a record fee, creating a triple-axis of exciting transfers that have placed Arne Slot and his side in a great position to retain their Premier League title.

Incredibly, The Reds are said to be plotting a blockbuster bid for Newcastle star Alexander Isak in a deal that could be worth £100 million and add-ons, exceeding any fee paid for Wirtz.

Nevertheless, that is likely to be contingent on whether Darwin Nunez leaves the club, albeit there is plenty to marvel about regarding Liverpool’s commitment to conducting smart business.

Club could allow "special" £85k-a-week Premier League winner to join Leeds

It’s a potential big boost for Daniel Farke.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 20, 2025

There is plenty of speculation surrounding the reigning champions, and nobody is expecting that to slow down anytime soon. The dust has now settled on their title victory, and hard work is well underway ahead of another campaign fraught with excitement.

Now, there is another name on their radar that could stir up headlines across Europe if Liverpool are able to push a deal over the line.

Liverpool hold talks over move for Jorrel Hato

According to journalist Duncan Castles on the Transfers Podcast, Liverpool are in talks to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato and could face competition from Arsenal and Chelsea for the versatile Netherlands international.

He stated: “There have been direct conversations between Liverpool and Hato over joining the Premier League champions this summer, and those talks are taking place with the knowledge of Ajax, who are open to selling the player.”

Five similar players to Jorrel Hato (FBRef)

Trai Hume

Sunderland

Sam Byram

Leeds United

DeAndre Yedlin

Cincinnati

Franco Escobar

Houston Dynamo

Bryan Colula

Mazatlan

Later, he added: “Now we have a situation where Liverpool are looking at the player, with Arsenal and Chelsea also seriously interested in him.”

Labelled “fantastic” by former teammate Jordan Henderson, Hato registered three goals and six assists across 50 appearances in all competitions last campaign, and can play left-back or centre-back.

Intriguingly, this news comes as Atletico Madrid begin to step up their interest in Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, potentially offering a clue into who his replacement will be alongside Kerkez.

As talks continue, Reds supporters will hope they come to a satisfactory conclusion as the club look to stock up with elite arrivals ahead of the new campaign.

Newcastle United rode into the summer transfer window on the crest of a wave, having finished the 2024/25 campaign as Carabao Cup champions, also sealing their place back in the Champions League after finishing fifth in the Premier League.

All told, Eddie Howe will be a happy man after his side’s success, but the onus is now on improving across the next few months ahead of the fresh term, when expectations will be heightened.

Efforts have certainly been made at this early stage to go from strength to strength. As per The Telegraph, the Magpies have singled out England centre-back Marc Guehi and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, although the latter has reportedly chosen he wants to join Manchester United.

A right-sided forward is still at the top of the agenda, and Newcastle might just have identified the perfect man for the job.

Newcastle open talks for new right winger

No, it’s not Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, although the 23-year-old is admired by senior Newcastle officials.

Transfer Focus

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

Instead, the man of the moment could be West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, with The Athletic revealing talks have been held among senior Magpies officials to ascertain the potential of a summer signing.

Kudus has an £84m release clause in his Hammers contract and is expected to leave east London this summer.

After a difficult campaign, however, it’s thought Graham Potter’s side would be open to a more agreeable £65m fee.

Why Newcastle should sign Kudus

Kudus only scored five times in the Premier League last season, also assisting three goals, but he hit four goal contributions across his final eight appearances, and presents one of the most menacing profiles out there.

Though Elanga, Newcastle’s other top wide target, chalked up six goals and 11 assists across the league campaign, Kudus may yet hit a new level of prolific progress, which would see him soar away from the Tricky Trees star’s capacity.

Despite his struggles, the Ghana international has still maintained his ball-carrying quality across the past year, with Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku the only man to produce a greater regularity of successful dribbles.

This metric is further underscored by data-driven site FBref, who recorded that Kudus ranked among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.

And you’d think that Howe could restore Kudus’ finest level. When comparing his 2023/24 campaign, under David Moyes’ wing, against Elanga’s at Forest over the past year, it becomes a little clearer that Kudus’ ceiling stretches higher.

Matches (starts)

33 (27)

38 (31)

Goals

8

6

Assists

6

11

Shots (on target)*

2.0 (0.5)

1.2 (0.6)

Pass completion

84%

78%

Big chances created

5

9

Key passes*

0.8

1.3

Dribbles*

3.8

0.7

Ball recoveries*

6.4

2.3

Tackles*

2.0

0.5

Duels won*

8.5

3.0

Given that Forest would be looking to bank in excess of £50m for the sale of Elanga, it might be more worthwhile to invest in a star such as Kudus, who, when at his rip-roaring best, has been regarded as a “generational talent” by those such as journalist Gary Al-Smith.

The dream XI Newcastle can build: No Gordon; Joao Pedro & £120m trio sign

Newcastle are looking to make sweeping changes as they step back into the Champions League.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 10, 2025

Celtic won the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup trophy during the 2025/26 campaign, but missed out on the treble with a loss to Aberdeen on penalties in the SFA Cup final.

It was a successful season for Brendan Rodgers and his men, despite the final loss at Hampden Park in the final game of the campaign, and that was owed, in part, to the quality of the squad.

Nicolas Kuhn was one of the stars who propelled Celtic to two trophies with his contributions at the top end of the pitch, with 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this term.

His form was particularly impressive when you consider that his reported wage of £12k-per-week does not make him one of the top earners in the squad.

Noteworthy Celtic players who earn more than Nicolas Kuhn

As per Capology, James McCarthy (£14k), Anthony Ralston (£14k), Luis Palma (£16k), and James Forrest (£19k) earn, or earned in McCarthy’s case, more than Kuhn.

Chalkboard

They combined for 12 league starts between them, whilst Palma was sent out on loan to Olympiacos for the second half of the season, and the German winger managed 21 starts on his own.

Meanwhile, Maik Nawrocki, who played three times in the Premiership in the 2024/25 campaign, is also on a weekly wage of £12k at Parkhead, which suggests that Celtic are not getting value for money on their wages with several members of the squad.

Another centre-back who reportedly earns more than Kuhn is Gustaf Lagerbielke, who Lecce chief Pantaleo Corvino claimed is on £13k-per-week, and Rodgers must finally axe the flop this summer.

Why Celtic must sell Gustaf Lagerbielke this summer

The Hoops swooped to sign the Swedish central defender from Elfsborg for a reported fee of £3m in the summer of 2023, and it is fair to say that things have not gone to plan for him so far.

He only made ten appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants in all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign, as Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales established themselves as the first-choice pairing.

Speaking about Nawrocki and Lagerbielke’s lack of game time last season, pundit Ewan Cameron claimed that they were not Rodgers’ signings, saying: “He (Rodgers) doesn’t fancy them. He doesn’t rate them.”

Appearances

7

Starts

4

Pass accuracy

85%

Clean sheets

3

Error led to goal

0

Duel success rate

72%

The Swedish defender’s lack of game time in the Premiership that season, as evidenced in the table above, backs up that claim from Cameron, as Rodgers very rarely relied on him.

Celtic’s manager then opted to allow the 25-year-old flop to join FC Twente on loan for the 2024/25 campaign, and it has been another fairly frustrating year for the centre-back.

Lagerbielke did start 15 Eredivisie matches, playing more than he did for the Hoops, but was also an unused substitute in five of the club’s last six regular season games.

This shows that he has failed to nail down a regular spot as a starter in the Dutch top-flight out on loan, which does not suggest that the £3m dud is coming back to Parkhead this summer in a position to push on and fight for a place in Rodgers’ starting line-up.

The Northern Irish boss decided to go with Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Scales, and Nawrocki ahead of him in the squad this season, and Lagerbielke’s struggles abroad indicate that the manager made the right call.

Celtic table bid to sign a star who'd unlock Yang's "world-class" potential

Celtic are reportedly interested in a move to sign a star who could be a dream for Hyun-jun Yang.

ByDan Emery Jun 3, 2025

Therefore, Rodgers must, now, finally ditch the defender on a permanent basis, if there is sufficient interest from elsewhere to facilitate a deal, because he does not appear to have a bright future in Glasgow and earns more than one of the team’s biggest stars in Kuhn.

Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy on Sunday afternoon, celebrating Arne Slot’s triumph in front of so many legends, so many fans.

It was a day charged with emotion, an outpouring of joy and, for those such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, ruefulness, for he parted ways with his boyhood club ahead of joining Real Madrid on a free transfer next month.

It’s a big blow going forward: Alexander-Arnold is Anfield’s vice-captain and the club’s beating creative heart besides. However, don’t expect the newly-crowned champions to rest on their laurels.

Slot’s surpassing season has put Liverpool back on their perch, and FSG don’t want to stop there. Indeed, swift and incisive moves are being made to do it all again next season, making a through line into the fresh campaign.

Liverpool plan to make a series of exciting changes, but it’s hard to imagine any deal would top the move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

Liverpool made their first official bid for Wirtz on Monday morning, offering Leverkusen a package in excess of €100m (£85m), including add-ons.

This suggests previous claims that the Germany international would cost FSG something in the ballpark of €150m (£126m) were wayward, and indeed music to the ears of those of a Liverpool persuasion.

There are a number of ways the Reds can line up with Wirtz in the squad, and that’s without even entertaining the possible acquisition of a new centre-forward.

Where Wirtz could feature for Liverpool

We haven’t reached the finish line with this transfer ‘saga’, but we’re getting close. It would take a drastic and deflating turn of events for 22-year-old Wirtz to begin the 2025/26 campaign in a shirt other than Liverpool’s.

The rapidity with which FSG are taking care of business testifies to the enviable manner in which Liverpool get things done. There’s a reason Anfield has stood near the top of the European pile for a decade, after all.

Remarkably, the bid for Wirtz hasn’t detracted from other ventures. Jeremie Frimpong has reportedly completed his medical, should be announced this week. And moreover, Liverpool are closing in on yet another signing.

Liverpool agree terms with top target

Liverpool are making headway in their bid to sign Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. At the weekend, Fabrizio Romano revealed the Reds have the lead over Manchester City in the race, and indeed are in active discussions to bring the 21-year-old over to Anfield.

Now, the reputable journalist has confirmed to GIVEMESPORT that Liverpool have agreed personal terms with the sought-after left-back, with just “some small details to be clarified.”

It’s understood the Cherries want £45m for their prized prospect, though FSG would certainly hope to whittle this down and structure the outlay into smaller chunks.

Why Liverpool want Milos Kerkez

Andy Robertson’s performance against Palace on Sunday could be used as a gauge to examine the pressing need for a new left-back.

It was wonderful to see the 31-year-old receive his second Premier League title, but he’s past his best, Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher hailing him an “absolute legend” but noting he’s “hanging on in every game.”

Given Kostas Tsimikas has struggled to displace the veteran, forever his deputy, it’s understandable FSG should be pulling out all the stops in their bid to sign Kerkez, who has fallen in love with the prospect of Anfield after his immense breakout campaign.

The Hungarian, Dominik Szoboszlai’s international teammate, started all 38 of Bournemouth’s Premier League fixtures last season, scoring two goals, providing five assists and notably winning 60% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

The left-back will dynamise the left flank, raise the level through enhanced energy levels and attacking output. Moreover, his defensive game is at a superior level. With Wirtz arriving on the scene too, this bodes well for Slot’s second season.

Left-back Alex Grimaldo has been an incredible asset for the Werkself in recent years, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the role and covering large stretches of ground to provide a platform for those such as Wirtz, who is technically a ten but his influence is such that he defies positional definition, often drifting over to the left.

The Leverkusen star might be one of the elite playmakers of his generation, but he can’t do it all alone, especially if his left-back fails to drive play into his zone.

Luckily, Liverpool’s potential new defensive signing has the full package and could complement Wirtz’s silky, stylish attacking arsenal, having been described by pundit Izzy Christensen as a “machine” of a player.

Kerkez has a long way to go before he can call himself a playmaking asset on the level of Alexander-Arnold and Robertson, but with Trent gone and the Scottish star no longer at his best, it’s crucial Kerkez steps in to supply the likes of Wirtz with the support he will need to flourish.

1

Trent Alexander-Arnold

64

2

Andy Robertson

60

3

Leighton Baines

53

4

Graeme Le Saux

44

5

Kieran Trippier

38

However, given his youth and impressive start to life in the Premier League, there’s every chance Kerkez can now go from strength to strength and make a significant impression for Slot’s Liverpool.

Across the past two seasons, Wirtz has posted 69 goal contributions across all competitions for Leverkusen, making a telling comment on the calibre of player the Reds are set to welcome.

With Kerkez in behind him, striking a devastating partnership, this could elevate the Anfield project to a level scarcely imaginable.

Forget Gravenberch: Slot's 6/10 Liverpool star showed why he must be axed

Liverpool drew against Crystal Palace before lifting the Premier League trophy at Anfield.

ByAngus Sinclair May 25, 2025

Chelsea will make contact over signing an England star, following internal talks behind-the-scenes at Stamford Bridge “this week”, with Enzo Maresca’s side mapping out their plans for the looming transfer window.

Chelsea have "big" recruitment plans this summer

As per reliable journalist Simon Phillips, BlueCo have “big” plans for the summer, and are aiming to take full advantage of the special edition early window ahead of their Club World Cup campaign.

Chelsea have held talks with £70m rival forward who allegedly wants to join

The west Londoners could go for him this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2025

From June 1 to June 10, Chelsea have a limited opportunity to register and officially sign new players before the CWC kicks off, and it is believed that Maresca’s side want a couple of their top targets through the door in that timeframe.

“Chelsea have some big plans that they are working on, and a number of players that they are looking to sign,” said Phillips in a recent Substack update.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

“There will also be more significant outgoing deals done, but the decision makers at the top of the club will have a lot of work to do and some huge decisions to make.

“First of all, we’ve heard that the club want to get a couple of their new signings in the door before the competition [CWC] starts so that they can get them in and ready for preseason.”

Unfortunately for Maresca, Chelsea appear resigned to missing out on Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, with Real Madrid steaming ahead in the race and already agreeing a deal with the Cherries to pay his £50 million release clause (Fabrizio Romano).

Chelsea were confident of signing Huijsen and reportedly ready to make him a seven-year contract offer, but the Spain starlet’s representatives are now in Madrid as they negotiate terms with Los Blancos.

This story highlights how quickly the transfer market can evolve, not to mention the magnitude of competition facing Chelsea when it comes to signing their top targets.

Chelsea set for Eberechi Eze approach after internal talks this week

Back at the drawing board, those within Chelsea are believed to hold a serious admiration for Crystal Palace star and England international Eberechi Eze.

The attacking midfielder has a £68 million release clause in his contract, and Chelsea had him on their shortlist as far back as last summer. That is according to Phillips once again, who also writes that Chelsea are set to make an approach for Eze following internal discussions “this week”.

The former QPR sensation could win his first ever major trophy before potentially departing this summer after years of being linked with a move away, as Palace take on Man City in the looming FA Cup final.

Following a haul of 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, Eze has showcased exactly why he’s been coveted for so long, with Fulham boss Marco Silva also lavishing him as a joy to watch.

“Everyone who loves football should enjoy seeing Eze on the pitch,” said Silva. “He is a top, top young player and has so much quality with everything he does on the pitch.”

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is preparing for the Xabi Alonso era, and he wants to back his new manager with an ambitious double-deal for two Arsenal stars worth a potential £101 million.

Arsenal set for busy summer of incomings and outgoings

The north Londoners have already sealed an agreement for Martin Zubimendi, who looks set to become Andrea Berta’s first signing as the club’s new sporting director (Fabrizio Romano).

Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in race to sign £49m forward after Berta talks

The Italian is already getting busy ahead of this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini May 13, 2025

Zubimendi will come as a direct replacement for midfielder Jorginho, who is on his way to Brazilian side Flamengo once his contract expires on June 30, so Berta has acted quickly to fill the Italy international’s boots for next season.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

More replacements for squad members are highly anticipated as we fast approach the summer window as well, as Arsenal are believed to be in the market for a full-back to replace Kieran Tierney, who has agreed to join Celtic, and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who Berta is expected to sell.

A new central defender is also on Berta’s ever-growing reported to-do list this summer, with Arsenal among the many contenders to sign Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen, who is being courted by a host of top sides.

Their concrete interest in the 20-year-old is perhaps an indicator that the long-term futures of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes aren’t yet clear, despite Arsenal’s attempts to lock them down.

Arsenal have opened talks with Saliba over a contract extension, amid Real’s heavily reported interest in the France international, and it is quite simply imperative that Berta manages to keep hold of the former Saint-Étienne starlet.

Los Blancos are said to be eyeing up a few Arsenal players alongside Saliba, with goalkeeper David Raya also on their radar. However, as per a new report from Spain, left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly is now also turning heads at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid planning £101m double deal for Arsenal stars Saliba and Lewis-Skelly

Indeed, as per the Spanish media source, Real president Perez is personally hatching an ambitious plan to lure both Lewis-Skelly and Saliba to La Liga in a “double deal”.

It is reported that Real could splash £101 million on the signings of Lewis-Skelly and Saliba from Arsenal.

While the latter is seen as their priority target, Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy’s unconvincing performances have prompted Real to consider Lewis-Skelly as an option as well, with the 15-time European champions pondering ways to orchestrate a deal with Arsenal.

Both Lewis-Skelly and Saliba have been vital cornerstones of Arteta’s backline, and there would be uproar over any green-light to sell both men, especially after Arsenal lost out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by some distance.

It is highly unlikely to materialise, unless a truly unthinkable offer were to come Berta’s way. Even then, it would arguably need to be high above the mooted £101m mentioned by this report.

It may be a tired cliché, but it’s true: this season has been a real roller coaster for Arsenal.

Everything started well enough, with some positive results in challenging games, but it all seemed to go wrong following Declan Rice’s red card against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The team started getting more silly suspensions, injuries began piling up, and it felt like every other result was a draw.

However, while Mikel Arteta’s side struggled domestically, they thrived in Europe, and now just two games stand between them and the Champions League final.

Two of the players who have endured a topsy-turvey season of their own have been Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard, and to ensure the latter is available for the Paris Saint Germain game next week, Arteta should take him out of the team for tonight’s clash.

Merino & Trossard's season so far

It was a cosmically unlucky start to the season for Merino, as, following a summer-long transfer saga, he fractured his shoulder in his first training session as an Arsenal player, which saw him miss the first couple of months of the campaign.

When he did return, it was clear that he was rusty, and while the match-going fans didn’t get on his back, there was a palpable sense in the fanbase that maybe signing him had been a mistake.

However, when Kai Havertz was ruled out following surgery on his hamstring in February, the Spaniard was suddenly tasked with leading the line, and even though he’d never played up top in his career, he looked right at home, scoring two goals away to Leicester City after coming off the bench.

Over the next couple of months, he further added to his tally with goals against PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea and Fulham while also providing two assists in the Bernabeu and another at Portman Road at the weekend, when he was moved back into the midfield to prepare for Thomas Partey’s absence against PSG.

In his place, the manager started Trossard, who, after a lacklustre first half of the campaign, has begun to show signs of the old clinical attacker who’s been a serious asset to the club since his arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023.

For example, he scored away at PSV and away at Everton and then picked up a brilliantly taken brace against Ipswich Town on the weekend, which displayed his excellent ability to fire off shots in tight, congested penalty areas.

It was the sort of performance that will almost certainly see him start the first leg of the Champions League semi-final next week, which is why he shouldn’t start tonight.

However, as Merino needs to further bed into the left-eight role ahead of that game, he shouldn’t be the one to replace the Belgian either.

The Arsenal star who should start in place of Trossard

So, with the injury situation still far from ideal and Raheem Sterling simply not in contention at this point, the most logical player to start in place of Trossard tonight would be Ethan Nwaneri.

Now, we know that might sound a little too far, but Arteta has already spoken in the past about how he sees the teenager being able to play there and then in an interview with the Standard’s Simon Collings following the win over Ipswich, the Hale Ender claimed that he can play as a striker.

Moreover, if this season has told us anything about the “unplayable” phenomenon, as dubbed by Jack Wilshere, it’s that he knows where the goal is.

Appearances

33

Minutes

1294′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

117.63′

For example, in just 33 appearances, totalling 1294 minutes, the Enfield-born dynamo has scored nine goals and provided two assists, which comes out to a really impressive average of a goal involvement every three games, or every 117.63 minutes.

Finally, the teenage sensation has also shown over and over again that he is simply unfazed by everything, and while other players his age might well find it too daunting to lead the line for a club like Arsenal, we imagine he’ll just take it in his stride, as he has with everything else asked of him.

Ultimately, Trossard is too important to be risked in a relatively meaningless game like tonight, and with Merino needing more time to get used to the left-eight role ahead of PSG next week, it feels like the perfect time to start Nwaneri up top.

Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal want to sign "the most in-demand CB in the world"

The tremendously exciting prospect could be incredible for Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 21, 2025