Wednesday evening is a huge night for Liverpool football club, with the side having the opportunity to claim the Premier League title without even kicking a single ball.

Arne Slot will claim the trophy if second-placed Arsenal fall to a defeat against Crystal Palace at the Emirates, subsequently securing the Reds’ second league triumph in five years.

It would be a superb achievement for the Dutchman after taking the reins from Jürgen Klopp in the summer, producing a seamless transition which has played a huge role in their success.

However, when the title is in the bag, attention will certainly turn towards the summer, with additions and departures needed if the side are to sustain the success they’ve endured in recent months.

One area of the pitch in particular has been subject to huge attention, with key signings needed in such a department to take Slot’s side to the next level in 2025/26.

The latest on Liverpool’s pursuit of new attackers this summer

Over the last couple of days, news emerged that Liverpool are set to sell striker Darwin Núñez this summer, just a couple of years after his big-money move to Anfield.

Any funds generated will likely hand the club a decent chunk to splash on a new talisman, with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké just one name touted with a move to Merseyside.

However, despite their interest, the Bundesliga side undoubtedly don’t want to lose their star man, subsequently hiking his price tag to a staggering €100m (£85m).

Such a decision could see the hierarchy return to the drawing board and go back in for fellow target Alexander Isak after previously registering interest in his services.

According to Ben Jacobs via GIVEMESPORT, the Reds are set to make a bid for the Swede this window, but won’t be stumping up the Magpies’ £150m asking price.

Why Liverpool’s top target would be a huge upgrade on Diogo Jota

Striker Diogo Jota cost the club a fee in the region of £45m back in the summer of 2020, looking to inject added quality within the final third under former boss Klopp.

The Portuguese international has been a phenomenal addition, registering 65 goals in his 178 appearances for the Reds on Merseyside – but has endured a decline in recent months.

The 28-year-old has only scored six league goals in 2024/25, starting just 13 matches, with injuries starting to hamper his progress and restricting him from playing a key role.

Such a record could see the hierarchy cash in on his services along with Nunez, further handing Slot with the added cash to make key additions in the final third.

As a result, the club could fork out a huge sum for Isak, with the current Newcastle star undoubtedly offering the Reds a huge upgrade on Jota ahead of 2025/26.

When comparing their respective figures from the Premier League this time around, it’s evident how much of a phenomenal addition he would be, adding a different dimension to the club’s star-studded attack.

Isak, who Anthony Gordon admitted is the “best striker in Europe”, has massively outscored Jota, whilst also posting a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – highlighting his clinical nature within the final third.

Games played

30

22

Goals scored

21

6

Shot-on-target accuracy

41%

30%

Shots on target per 90

1.5

1.1

Pass accuracy

75%

70%

Successful dribbles

1.6

0.9

Dribble success

50%

38%

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst achieving a higher dribble success rate, offering Slot a more all-round presence at the top end of the pitch.

Given his form on Tyneside this campaign, it’s likely that competition will be fierce for his signature, but it’s crucial that the board back the manager to help him land one of their key targets.

Whilst a deal would likely cost upwards of £100m, it certainly would be money well spent, with the Swedish international arguably the final piece of the attacking puzzle after Mohamed Salah’s contract extension in recent weeks.

A new Van Dijk: Liverpool want to sign "the most in-demand CB in the world"

Liverpool are looking to sign a new central defender this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 22, 2025

It doesn’t take a footballing genius to work out what Arsenal need this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side failed to get over the line in the Premier League for the third time on the bounce this season, and while they sit just one place off Liverpool, they’ve scored 14 goals fewer.

Now, part of that is undoubtedly down to injuries, but it’s incredibly evident that the Gunners need a new striker once the transfer window opens, and the board seem to agree.

However, while Alexander Isak remains the dream signing for so many fans, his potentially £150m price tag makes the idea of him moving to the Emirates seem practically impossible.

Fortunately, recent reports have linked the North Londoners with someone who could be an ideal alternative.

Arsenal's striker search

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth reviewing a couple of the other striker targets linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Daizen Maeda.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could move to N5 for around £70m, and while that would make him one of the Gunners’ most expensive signings ever, he’d probably be worth it as, in just 48 games this season, he’s racked up 52 goals and 12 assists.

The latter could be available for just £25m, which might also prove to be an absolute steal, as in just 47 first-team appearances for Celtic this season, the Japanese international has scored 33 goals and provided 11 assists.

However, Arteta and Co might want someone with more experience of football in a top-five league, which could explain the links to Ollie Watkins.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Insider, Arsenal are ‘planning to reignite their bid to sign’ the Aston Villa star.

The report has revealed that even though the Claret and Blue rejected a £50m offer from the Gunners in the January window, he’s back on the club’s shortlist ahead of the summer.

It’s unclear how much he’d cost, but with more time for Villa to find a replacement, it might not be far off Arsenal’s original offer, making him an incredibly appealing Isak alternative.

Why Watkins would be a great Isak alternative

Okay, so the first thing to say is that in an ideal world, Arsenal would just go out and sign Isak, but that feels incredibly unlikely to happen and points to the first significant advantage to signing Watkins over him: the price.

For example, if the reports are to be believed, then the Villa ace could cost as much as £100m less than the Swedish international, which in turn would allow the Gunners to splash the cash on several other first-team players, like Nico Williams, Martin Zubimendi and others.

Moreover, even though he’d cost a third as much as the Toon ace, it does not mean he’d be a third as good.

For example, in 50 appearances this season, totalling 3054 minutes, the Englishman, whom podcaster Rohan Jivan described as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe,” has scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 111.75 minutes.

In contrast, the former Real Sociedad star has scored 26 goals and provided six assists in 39 appearances, totalling 3054 minutes, which comes out to a slightly better average of a goal involvement every 1.21 games, or every 95.43 minutes.

Finally, Arteta needs players he can rely on next season, and when it comes to fitness, the former Exeter City star is far more reliable than his potential competitor.

For example, he’s missed just three games for club and country across his entire career, whereas the Swede has already missed 67, and he’s only 25 years old.

24/25

43 days

3

9

23/24

56 days

2

12

22/23

107 days

1

18

21/22

28 days

2

5

18/19

66 days

5

15

17/18

33 days

1

8

16/17

4 days

1

0

With Isak unattainable this season, Arsenal would do well to sign Watkins as an alternative, as on top of costing up to £100m less, he’d be far more reliable.

Mega Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal initiate talks for "superb" £34m monster

The experienced international could be just what Arsenal need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025

Following their heroics against Real Madrid, there is now a real chance Arsenal’s season could end in Champions League glory.

However, while that would be all fans will remember this campaign for years down the line, it would still be fair to describe their domestic season as a disaster.

While a significant reason for that has been the near-constant stream of injuries Mikel Arteta and Co have had to deal with, it’s also been down to several star players not performing at their best, with club captain Martin Odegaard perhaps the worst offender in this regard.

Since returning from his ankle injury in November, the Norwegian hasn’t been able to hit the heights of the last two years, and that may cost him next season, as recent reports have linked Arsenal to someone who could be a significant upgrade this summer.

Arsenal transfer news

On top of a new midfielder, Arsenal have also been linked with a plethora of wide talent in recent weeks, with perhaps the most consistent being Nico Williams.

The Athletic Bilbao star was touted for a move to the North Londoners last summer as well, but it seems like he could really be available for around £50m this year, and given his tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 42 games this season, that may be a fee well worth paying.

Likewise, the Gunners have long been linked with Raphinha, even before his move to Barcelona, and those rumours have once again reemerged this year, with reports suggesting he could be available for around £80m.

Transfer Focus

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

While that’s an awful lot of money, it doesn’t seem too unreasonable considering he’s amassed a sensational tally of 30 goals and 23 assists in just 48 appearances this term, although if the North Londoners are going to sign Florian Wirtz, they might not be able to afford the Brazilian winger.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several top sides keen to sign the Bayer Leverkusen gem this summer.

Alongside the Gunners, the report claims that Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are all interested in the German international, who could cost up to €130m, which is about £111m.

It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Wirtz’s immense quality and potential, one well worth fighting for, even if his arrival would be bad news for Odegaard.

How Wirtz compares to Odegaard

So, if Arsenal were to get ahead of the chasing pack and splash the cash on Wirtz this summer, they’d likely do so with the intention of having him start most games as an attacking midfielder, which would put him in direct competition with Odegaard.

With that said, who comes out on top when we compare them both? Well, from a pure output perspective, it’s an overwhelming victory for the Leverkusen star.

For example, in just 41 appearances this season, totalling 3040 minutes, he’s scored 15 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.46 games or every 108.57 minutes.

In comparison, the former Real Madrid gem has only been able to amass a tally of five goals and nine assists in 38 appearances, totalling 2896 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.71 games of every 206.85 minutes.

What about their underlying numbers, then? Who comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Wirtz vs Odegaard
Statistics per 90	Wirtz	Odegaard
Non-Penalty Expected G+As	0.51	0.37
Non-Penalty G+As	0.77	0.28
Progressive Carries	4.91	3.59
Progressive Passes	6.80	10.4
Shots	2.79	1.80
Shots on Target	1.26	0.60
Shot-Creating Actions	5.76	5.02
Goal-Creating Actions	0.85	0.55
Ball Recoveries	4.41	3.73
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

Unfortunately for the Gunners’ captain, he once again comes out on the losing side of this comparison, as the Pulheim-born gem, whom former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes has described as “the best midfielder in the world,” does better in most relevant metrics.

For example, he does far better in metrics like expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it would require a club-record bid, Arsenal should be doing all they can to bring Wirtz to the Emirates this summer, even if it sees Odegaard relegated to a squad role.

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

The tremendously exciting prospect could be incredible for Arsenal.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 21, 2025

Celtic avoided back-to-back-to-back defeats against their city rivals with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon.

A goal from Cyriel Dessers in the first half gave the home side a commanding position heading into the second 45, but a fine goal from Adam Idah secured a point for Brendan Rodgers and his men.

5th May 2025

1-1 draw

16th March 2025

3-2 Rangers win

2nd January 2025

3-0 Rangers win

15th December 2024

Celtic win on penalties

1st September 2024

1-0 Celtic win

It was the final Old Firm clash of the 2025/26 campaign, ending with two wins and one draw apiece, and it may have been the final Old Firm match for left-back Greg Taylor.

Why that may have been Greg Taylor's last Old Firm

The Scotland international is out of contract at the end of this season, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will put pen to paper on an extension at Parkhead.

It was reported by the Daily Record last month that the Hoops are planning to offer him a new three-year deal to stay at the club, but that he also has options from abroad, in the MLS, England, and Dinamo Zagreb.

This means that the 1-1 draw with Rangers on Sunday may have been his last Old Firm match for the Hoops, unless an agreement can be reached in the coming days.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Taylor may not have been the only player to have played his final Old Firm game for the Scottish giants, though, as Anthony Ralston should be moved on this summer.

Why Celtic should move on from Anthony Ralston

The Celtic academy graduate started for the sixth time this season and, perhaps, showed why Rodgers has not relied on him more often, as he produced a disappointing display.

During Sky Sports’ commentary of the game, pundit Chris Sutton described his challenge on Nedim Bajrami as “daft” in the first half, before suggesting that the full-back had “brain freeze” when he watched Nicolas Raskin run past him in the second half.

There were many moments like the two Sutton commented on, including a dive late in the game that almost presented Rangers with a chance to create something in the final seconds of the match.

As you can see in the table below, Ralston lost the majority of his duels, losing seven of the 13, and offered very little in possession, with all four of his crosses failing to find a teammate.

Minutes

90

Tackles

2

Interceptions

1

Error led to shot

1

Ground duels won

4/8

Aerial duels won

2/5

Key passes

0

Crosses completed

0/4

The Scottish defender, therefore, struggled on and off the ball throughout the match and did not prove himself to be a reliable option when called upon by the Celtic boss.

With Taylor possibly on his way out of Parkhead on a free transfer, the Hoops may look to revitalise their full-back option, and Ralston could be a player on the chopping block if they decide to make changes in those positions, which could make this his last Old Firm match for the club.

Or, if Ralston does stay at Parkhead, Rodgers should look to use other options from the start to avoid the defender from being a liability down the right flank, as he was on Sunday.

Worth more than Maeda: Celtic have struck gold on "immense" star

Celtic have hit the jackpot on this star who is now worth even more than Daizen Maeda.

1 ByDan Emery May 3, 2025

Chelsea have now held internal talks over a move for a “world-class” star after a surprise recent development, according to a report.

Blues' Champions League pursuit back on track

The Blues’ form has been shaky since the turn of the year, but they are now back on track in their pursuit of qualification for next season’s Champions League after defeating Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Cole Palmer was back among the goals, netting a stoppage-time penalty to seal his side’s victory, which solidifies them in fifth place with just three games left to play.

As such, the west Londoners should be in a strong position to attract some top players this summer, and they are once again looking at bolstering their forward options, with signing a new winger on the agenda.

Related Chelsea hold talks with Ajax chief as BlueCo step up move to sign £42m star

It could be another busy summer for the Blues.

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 3, 2025

Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens are among the main targets in wide areas, and there is also a feeling that Enzo Maresca could look at strengthening through the middle, despite having Palmer at his disposal.

That is according to a report from The Boot Room, which states Chelsea are now holding internal talks over a move for Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to exit the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer this summer.

De Bruyne is very much the one that got away for the Blues, but he could now be in line for a return to Stamford Bridge. There is some surprise in Manchester that the Belgian is now open to remaining in the Premier League or Europe, as City had expected him to depart for Saudi Arabia or the USA.

The likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa could provide competition for his signature, while there also remains a possibility he makes the move to the MLS, with Chicago Fire now said to be in advanced talks.

Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Newcastle United (a)

May 11th

Manchester United (h)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (a)

May 25th

"World-class" De Bruyne still impressing at City

In many ways, it is a surprise that Man City are willing to let the 33-year-old leave on a free transfer this summer, given that he is still impressing, despite his age, most recently bagging a crucial goal in his side’s 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

During his time with Chelsea, the £400k-per-week maestro never really managed to stand out, but he has been a revelation at the Etihad Stadium, amassing a stunning 72 goals and 121 assists in 285 Premier League appearances for the Blues.

Former footballer Paul McVeigh has also lavished the Belgium international with praise recently, describing him as “world-class” and “one of the greatest midfielders ever to play the game.”

As such, while there will be some concern about De Bruyne’s age, there are plenty of signs he could still have a lot left to give at Premier League level, and City’s loss could be Chelsea’s gain.

Attempting to shake off any disappointment from their 2-2 draw against Leicester City last time out, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly plotting a summer swoop to sign a rising star.

Nottingham Forest's UCL frustration

At one stage, it looked as though Nottingham Forest were destined to finish as high as third in the Premier League. Now, ahead of the final two games, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side face the prospect of missing out on Champions League qualification and a place in the top five, with their fate out of their hands. Those at the City Ground will still have hope, but the reality is that Chelsea and Aston Villa must now slip up.

Premier League’s UCL race

Points

Goal Difference

Liverpool (Champions)

83

46

Arsenal

68

33

Newcastle United

66

23

Manchester City

65

24

Chelsea

63

19

Aston Villa

63

7

Nottingham Forest

52

12

On a day which saw Nottingham Forest secure Europa League qualification, there was a feeling of disappointment rather than celebration around the City Ground, with fans now desperate to reach the Champions League.

Espirito Santo spoke about the frustration of two points dropped against a relegated Leicester side, telling reporters: “Of course, it was a day that we put a lot of energy in to achieve the win. It’s frustrating when you don’t do it. It was our game to get.

Related Nottingham Forest now "ready" to make move for "talented" £17m Milan star

He has won 10 caps for England and played at the World Cup.

Posts ByHenry Jackson May 12, 2025

“Easy to say, we need to be solid especially when we were controlling the game and being dominant. The goal was avoidable, we should have done much better. That’s the frustration we have.

“No matter what happened to Leicester, they have quality players and showed that today to make it hard to beat them. Honestly, I think we should have won this game today. It’s a bad day today.”

With or without Champions League qualification, however, it looks as though Evangelos Marinakis is set to back Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer market yet again.

Nottingham Forest plotting Bischoff move

According to The Boot Room, Nottingham Forest are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Clement Bischoff after Marinakis sent Reds scouts to watch the Brondby winger in action. Taking full advantage after Brighton & Hove Albion failed to agree terms with the 19-year-old following a £6m agreement with Brondby, Forest could land a future star.

Those in the Midlands aren’t the only side interested, though. Alongside Forest, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also reportedly watched Bischoff in Denmark since March to potentially spark a hectic Premier League race for his signature.

Earning plenty of praise from U23 scout Antonio Mango, who described the teenager as “explosive” and “flamboyant”, Bischoff is certainly one to watch ahead of the summer transfer window. All signs point towards a future star that Forest will not want to miss out on.

Aston Villa made it five wins from their last six games in the Premier League when grinding out a determined 1-0 victory away at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.

This win – which was clinched courtesy of Villa’s new all-time top-flight scorer Ollie Watkins – guarantees at least Conference League football for Unai Emery’s Villans next campaign.

But, the main prize of Champions League football is still very much up for grabs for the in-form outfit sat in sixth spot.

It wasn’t the prettiest performance by Villa on the South Coast, but at his crunch stage of the season, any win will do, with a big team effort needed to clinch the three points, especially after Jacob Ramsey was dismissed.

Aston Villa's best performers vs Bournemouth

Villa really had to dig deep during the last ten minutes of the clash after homegrown attacker Ramsey was shown his second yellow.

Thankfully, Emery’s visitors were already hanging onto a slim lead courtesy of the aforementioned Watkins, who once again came up trumps for the Villans in their moment of need.

The potent number 11 would find himself in the right place at the right time yet again to fire home his 75th career goal in the big time, with this effort ultimately being the difference-maker to the annoyance of Andoni Iraola’s frustrated hosts.

The Cherries just couldn’t find a breakthrough, with the likes of Emiliano Martinez having to stay very alert throughout with four saves made, alongside both Matty Cash and Lucas Digne down the flanks who won a combined 11 duels on the day.

But, it was once again Morgan Rogers who stood out in attack for Emery and Co, with the electric number 11 understandably a wanted man heading into the hectic transfer window.

Morgan Rogers' transfer value continues to soar

Rogers isn’t the only face that could soon be waving Villa Park goodbye, with Watkins – who the ex-Manchester City man set up for the winner at Bournemouth – also reportedly keen on a move away amidst interest from Arsenal.

For the 22-year-old, however, according to other reports, Chelsea and Stamford Bridge might well be his next onward destination, but off the back of a seriously impressive campaign for Emery’s men, the 6 foot 2 attacking midfielder won’t be exiting the building for cheap.

Indeed, it’s now being speculated that Villa would only consider parting ways with Rogers if a bumper £90m bid was put on the table, with the exciting forward menace arguably deep in the best form of his career at this point in time.

In all competitions this campaign, Rogers has notched up a ridiculous 14 goals and 14 assists from 52 overall games, leading to Jamie Carragher even hailing the four-time England international as an “unstoppable” force, on top of Villa thanking their lucky stars now that they won the 22-year-old for a modest £15m just last year.

Games played

68

Goals scored

17

Assists

15

Original fee

£15m

Value now

£90m

Percentage increase

500%

Emery’s side have had to exercise patience with the 22-year-old, considering he only chipped in with three goals and one assist last season after a January move, but it’s clear that he is destined for greatness now, whether that be with the Villans long-term or with Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.

Further lauded as “magnificent” by scout Antonio Mango after his assist away at Bournemouth, his current employers will just pray that Rogers sees Villa as his home for the foreseeable.

But, with his value increasing by that whopping 500%, Emery and Co would be mad not to sell up, particularly if that £90m does fall into their bank account soon.

Same agent as Asensio: Aston Villa join race for "outrageous" 15-goal ace

He’s a Champions League finalist.

ByTom Cunningham May 10, 2025

It doesn’t take a footballing genius to work out what Arsenal need this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side failed to get over the line in the Premier League for the third time on the bounce this season, and while they sit just one place off Liverpool, they’ve scored 14 goals fewer.

Now, part of that is undoubtedly down to injuries, but it’s incredibly evident that the Gunners need a new striker once the transfer window opens, and the board seem to agree.

However, while Alexander Isak remains the dream signing for so many fans, his potentially £150m price tag makes the idea of him moving to the Emirates seem practically impossible.

Fortunately, recent reports have linked the North Londoners with someone who could be an ideal alternative.

Arsenal's striker search

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth reviewing a couple of the other striker targets linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Daizen Maeda.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could move to N5 for around £70m, and while that would make him one of the Gunners’ most expensive signings ever, he’d probably be worth it as, in just 48 games this season, he’s racked up 52 goals and 12 assists.

The latter could be available for just £25m, which might also prove to be an absolute steal, as in just 47 first-team appearances for Celtic this season, the Japanese international has scored 33 goals and provided 11 assists.

However, Arteta and Co might want someone with more experience of football in a top-five league, which could explain the links to Ollie Watkins.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Insider, Arsenal are ‘planning to reignite their bid to sign’ the Aston Villa star.

The report has revealed that even though the Claret and Blue rejected a £50m offer from the Gunners in the January window, he’s back on the club’s shortlist ahead of the summer.

It’s unclear how much he’d cost, but with more time for Villa to find a replacement, it might not be far off Arsenal’s original offer, making him an incredibly appealing Isak alternative.

Why Watkins would be a great Isak alternative

Okay, so the first thing to say is that in an ideal world, Arsenal would just go out and sign Isak, but that feels incredibly unlikely to happen and points to the first significant advantage to signing Watkins over him: the price.

For example, if the reports are to be believed, then the Villa ace could cost as much as £100m less than the Swedish international, which in turn would allow the Gunners to splash the cash on several other first-team players, like Nico Williams, Martin Zubimendi and others.

Moreover, even though he’d cost a third as much as the Toon ace, it does not mean he’d be a third as good.

For example, in 50 appearances this season, totalling 3054 minutes, the Englishman, whom podcaster Rohan Jivan described as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe,” has scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 111.75 minutes.

In contrast, the former Real Sociedad star has scored 26 goals and provided six assists in 39 appearances, totalling 3054 minutes, which comes out to a slightly better average of a goal involvement every 1.21 games, or every 95.43 minutes.

Finally, Arteta needs players he can rely on next season, and when it comes to fitness, the former Exeter City star is far more reliable than his potential competitor.

For example, he’s missed just three games for club and country across his entire career, whereas the Swede has already missed 67, and he’s only 25 years old.

24/25

43 days

3

9

23/24

56 days

2

12

22/23

107 days

1

18

21/22

28 days

2

5

18/19

66 days

5

15

17/18

33 days

1

8

16/17

4 days

1

0

With Isak unattainable this season, Arsenal would do well to sign Watkins as an alternative, as on top of costing up to £100m less, he’d be far more reliable.

Mega Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal initiate talks for "superb" £34m monster

The experienced international could be just what Arsenal need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025

Everton meet Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Sunday, closing the 2024/25 campaign in good form, two successive wins sealing a 13th-place finish in the Premier League.

Taking the wheel of a sinking ship, David Moyes has done a brilliant job, steering the Toffees away from relegation danger and ensuring they could say farewell to Goodison Park in a good moment.

Iliman Ndiaye scored twice as Southampton were defeated on Merseyside at the weekend, underscoring his value as one of the division’s most underrated stars.

It’s crucial the Friedkin Group keep him on the books next year, with a few industrious signings sure to create a secure fluency to take Ndiaye and his team to the next level.

Everton chasing Premier League midfielder

Fans will no doubt hope for a flashy new forward or too, but Moyes is a pragmatic manager in the best sense, and will be focused on making under-the-radar improvements too.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, we’ve already seen a plethora of EFL stars linked with a Merseyside switch, with Ben Knight and Sunderland’s Dan Neil two potential options.

On that evidence, it seems that one such upgrade could come in midfield, and those claims are bolstered by Football Insider who are reporting that if Everton lodge a bid worth £12m for Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff, it is likely to be accepted with both clubs eager to agree a deal.

The Englishman is about to enter the final year of his contract, and this is certainly one to keep a close eye on.

Why Everton should sign Sean Longstaff

Longstaff, 27, is thus far a one-club man, but his playing time has been limited under Eddie Howe this season, starting only eight times in the league, largely because the Magpies have such a robust starting midfield trio.

But Longstaff is a good player in his own right, with an aptitude in transitional play. Indeed, the box-to-box star is capable of breaking down opposition attacks and recycling possession by pressing forward.

Hailed as an “unsung hero” for the Toon in the past by pundit Paul Merson and as “unbelievable” by Alan Shearer, Longstaff could do the dirty work in order to promote opportunities for players like Ndiaye, creating that roundedness and energy that Moyes’ teams need to fire on all cylinders.

FBref help to underline the player’s metrics, revealing the secrets behind his success. The data-driven site show that Longstaff ranks among the top 1% of Premier League midfielders this season for tackles won in the attacking third, the top 4% for dribblers tackled and the top 8% for blocks made per 90.

What this tells us is his willingness to roam into more advanced areas and win the ball before knocking it further forward and into the path of, say, Ndiaye.

Matches (starts)

32 (28)

Goals

9

Assists

0

Shot (on target)*

1.1 (0.6)

Big chances missed

3

Pass completion

85%

Key passes*

0.6

Dribbles*

2.0

Ball recoveries*

5.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.1

Duels won*

5.3

The Senegalese winger has forged quite the campaign for himself, such a dangerous presence in the final third, scoring nine Premier League goals and missing only three big chances.

Clinical as you like, Ndiaye could do with some more creative support, and while Longstaff wouldn’t plug that gap, his tenacious attitude toward turning play over and ability to apply his combativeness to offensive areas of the field denote his suitability within Moyes’ project.

And, of course, highlight the effect he could have on Ndiaye.

Widening the Everton midfield’s reach would allow Ndiaye to play with more comfort, also allowing those such as Dwight McNeil and Charly Alcaraz to supply Ndiaye more directly and ensure Everton go from strength to strength at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Most exciting deal since Richarlison: Everton could sign “world-class” star

David Moyes will look to bring in one or two exciting names to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

ByAngus Sinclair May 18, 2025

Mikel Arteta decided to star Leandro Trossard up top again for Arsenal’s game against Bournemouth on Saturday, and it would be fair to say it didn’t really pay off.

While not terrible, the Belgian international was pretty anonymous throughout the match, failing to score or assist a goal and fully deserving of the 6/10 match rating he received from the Standard’s Simon Collings.

Like most of his fellow attackers, it’s not been as good of a campaign for the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace as it was last season, when he managed to rack up a tally of 20 goal involvements in 46 games.

So, it’s not surprising to see the club linked with an exceptional international winger ahead of the summer transfer window, a winger who’d be a significant upgrade on Trossard.

Arsenal's winger search

With their attack being the biggest problem this season, Arsenal have been linked with a number of top wingers in recent weeks, such as Nico Williams and Francisco Trincão.

Transfer Focus

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

The former, who has racked up 11 goals and seven assists in 44 games this season, has been a long-term target, and with a £50m release clause in his current deal, could finally make the move to North London this summer.

The latter is a more recent target, and while his reported £66.5m price tag seems steep, he’s been nothing short of spectacular for Sporting CP this season, chalking up a tally of nine goals and 18 assists in 51 games.

However, to take the club to the next level, the Gunners might have to make a statement signing and bring in an established superstar, someone like Rodrygo Goes.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have inquired about the £204k-per-week star, who Real Madrid are actually considering selling.

Alongside the North Londoners, the report has revealed that Premier League rivals Manchester City are also keen and that the winger should be available for around €100m, which is about £85m.

It would be a costly and potentially complicated transfer to get over the line, but it’s one Andrea Berta and Co should push for, as Rodrygo is one of the “best players in the world” in the eyes of Carlo Ancelotti.

How Rodrygo compares to Trossard

While Rodrygo’s most played position is right wing, he’s also incredibly accomplished playing off the left, and, with Bukayo Saka being as essential as he is to Arsenal, the left is undoubtedly where the Brazilian would play.

Therefore, one of his primary competitors for a starting berth would be Trossard, so who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes down to their output, it’s the Real ace who emerges victorious.

For example, in 50 appearances, totalling 3290 minutes, the 24-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games, or every 143.04 minutes.

In contrast, the Belgian has scored ten goals and provided eight assists in 52 appearances, totalling 3241 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.88 games, or every 180.05 minutes.

Rodrygo vs Trossard
Statistic	Rodrygo	Trossard
Non-Penalty Expected G+As	0.37	0.44
Non-Penalty G+As	0.60	0.48
Progressive Passes	4.68	3.75
Progressive Carries	5.06	2.76
Shots	2.64	2.62
Shots on Target	1.02	0.86
Passing Accuracy	85.7%	74.5%
Key Passes	2.08	1.38
Passes into the Final Third	2.88	1.86
Passes into the Penalty Area	1.12	1.65
Crosses into the Penalty Area	0.10	0.36
Shot-Creating Actions	4.56	3.15
Goal-Creating Actions	0.42	0.42
Successful Take-Ons	2.15	1.14
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Season

The one-sided nature of the comparison continues when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

For example, in almost every metric, the “spectacular” Champions League winner, as dubbed by manager Carlo Ancelotti, comes out ahead, including but not limited to non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, key passes, shots and shots on target, passes into the final third, shot-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Trossard remains a useful player for Arteta and Arsenal, it’s clear that, in practically every way, Rodrygo is a massive upgrade and, therefore, someone the club should be going all out to sign this summer.

He'd revive Odegaard: Arsenal aiming to sign "the new Mbappe" in £85m deal

Arsenal need to sign a player who could revive the fortunes of Martin Odegaard.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 5, 2025