All posts by z3u9t.icu

After officially announcing the arrival of Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign an impressive young gem for Mikel Arteta.

Zubimendi: Arsenal move a "huge moment" for career

Stealing the headlines as the biggest signing of Arsenal’s so far, Zubimendi has finally arrived in North London to hand Arteta an instant boost. The Spaniard has seemed destined for the Premier League for some time and after rejecting Liverpool one year ago, he is now set to star at The Emirates next season.

After officially putting pen to paper, the £51m midfielder told Arsenal’s website: “This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.

“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”

Equally delighted to welcome Zubimendi, Arteta then went on to welcome his new signing by saying: “Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.

“The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club.”

The Gunners aren’t done there, however. Far from it. Amid rumours that they’re now chasing a deal to sign Noni Madueke, those in North London have also reportedly submitted an offer to sign another English gem.

Arsenal submit opening offer to sign Tyjon

Whilst Zubimendi will provide Arteta with an instant boost this summer, the Spanish manager has also set his sights on future stars in North London. According to Alan Nixon via his Patreon, Arsenal have now submitted an opening offer worth £1m to sign Igor Tyjon from Blackburn Rovers, who have, in turn, rejected that offer.

The Championship club reportedly want over £1m to sell their 17-year-old talent and, with talks ongoing, they may just get their wish. Of course, compared to the likes of Madueke and the aforementioned Zubimendi, Tyjon won’t steal the same headlines but there’s no denying his talent.

Personal terms agreed: Arsenal ready talks to sign "fearless" £50m target

The Gunners are pushing on with their deal.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 6, 2025

After making his debut for Blackburn at just 16 years old last September, the centre-forward earned impressive praise from former manager John Eustace, who told reporters: “Igor has been a standout young player since I have been at the football club.

“He had a fantastic pre-season. He’s just played for England in the week. I was delighted to give him his debut today. He has worked, very, very hard. He’s a 16-year-old boy and we have to remember that. He is certainly one for the future.”

Manchester United had begun the summer window in lightning-quick fashion with the £62.5m signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Matheus Cunha, although with the start of pre-season looming, it’s all gone a little too quiet at Old Trafford.

Indeed, it was over a month ago that The Athletic’s David Ornstein broke the news that Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has his heart set on joining the Red Devils, albeit with a fee having since yet to be agreed upon by the two clubs.

Contact has also reportedly been made with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, amid the parallel search for a striker, although few clear targets have emerged elsewhere, with Ruben Amorim still in need of reinforcements all across the park.

In midfield, in particular, United appear in real need of a suitable, long-term partner to talismanic skipper, Bruno Fernandes, with Casemiro entering the final year of his contract at the club, while 2024 arrival, Manuel Ugarte, appears to have already tumbled down the pecking order after failing to even make the field in May’s Europa League final defeat.

The forward line appears to be the priority for a side that scored just 41 Premier League goals last season, although the centre of the park can’t be overlooked. Thankfully, a suitable option may well be on the table for Amorim and co.

Man Utd's search for a midfielder

As stated above, there have been few concrete names mentioned regarding United’s midfield targets, with The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell stating in recent weeks that Amorim is simply craving an ‘athletic’ number eight.

Transfer Focus

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

That had sparked links to Club Brugge’s Swiss starlet, Ardon Jashari, albeit with the playmaker instead looking set to join Serie A side AC Milan, having already agreed personal terms with the Italian outfit.

Ironically, it is Serie A where United could look to acquire a much-needed midfield solution, with Correire dello Sport reporting that they have been offered the chance to prise Douglas Luiz from Juventus this summer.

The Brazilian’s name appears to have come up in conversations amid the prospect of Jadon Sancho heading in the opposite direction, with the idea of an exchange having been floated.

The 27-year-old only left Aston Villa last year on a £42m deal, although amid a miserable debut campaign in Turin, a swift return to the Premier League could be on the cards.

With Cunha in the door and Mbeumo potentially in line to follow, Luiz could be yet another addition who has already proven himself in English football.

Why Man Utd need to sign Douglas Luiz

There’s no getting away from what has been a dismal first 12 months in Italy for the one-time Manchester City man, with Luiz having made just 27 appearances in all competitions, only six of which came from the start.

Once the subject of multiple bids from Arsenal back in 2022, the 18-cap international has seen his stock plummet over at the Allianz Stadium, with a swift exit surely needed.

While those woes may have alarm bells ringing, the chance to sign Luiz on the cheap – or in exchange for the exiled Sancho – should be too good to ignore, not least with the ex-Villa man having been valued at £100m not too long ago.

A player with 175 Premier League appearances under his belt, registering 38 goals and assists in that time, he earned rave reviews during his time at Villa Park, with talkSPORT pundit Jermaine Pennant even going as far as to suggest that he is even “better” than Gunners hero, Declan Rice:

Such praise was also backed up by United legend, Roy Keane, with the Irishman describing Luiz as a “quality” player, while stating that he is someone who “turns up every week”.

Games (starts)

35 (35)

38 (37)

Goals

9

7

Assists

5

8

Big chances created

10

9

Key passes*

1.5

1.2

Pass accuracy*

89%

91%

Tackles & interceptions*

2.4

3.4

Balls recovered*

5.3

4.7

Total duels won*

51%

52%

Successful dribbles*

0.7

0.6

As evidenced in the table above, during his final campaign in England, the £138k-per-week star certainly matches up well in relation to Rice, with the pair deemed to be statistically similar players during that 2023/24 season, as per FBref.

Having that all-action figure in one of the two midfield berths should then prove a dream scenario for the aforementioned Fernandes, with the Portuguese genius in need of a reliable partner alongside him.

Well, Luiz appears to tick all the boxes – as his 2023/24 statistics illustrate – as he would be able to shoulder the creative burden, while also representing a figure who can do the dirty work, as evidenced by his balls recovered average, alongside his tackles and interceptions average.

With an eye for goal – and usually a spectacular one at that – the Juve outcast appears to have all the tools in his locker, with United needing to pounce on this potential opportunity to land a real standout talent on the cheap.

AI predicts how many goals Watkins, Gyokeres & Osimhen would score for Man Utd

Man Utd are in desperate need of a new centre-forward, but just who should they prioritise?

ByRobbie Walls Jul 4, 2025

Wasting no time after being rejected by Juventus’ Timothy Weah, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly opened talks to sign another Serie A star this summer.

Weah rejects Nottingham Forest move

Looking to get their summer business officially underway, Nottingham Forest set their sights on Weah and would have been hoping to flex their European muscles for the first time. The American has since burst that bubble, however. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the versatile winger has sent the Tricky Trees back to the drawing board after rejecting a move to the City Ground this summer.

His rejection comes at a time when Newcastle United have set their sights on Anthony Elanaga and that could yet deal Nottingham Forest a double blow. Whilst those at the City Ground have reportedly rejected a bid worth around £45m for the Swede, it can’t be ruled out that the Magpies return with a second offer before the end of the summer.

Although Elanga remains a Nottingham Forest player, the Midlands club would be wise to think about a potential replacement. Already, it looks as though Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus are on their way to add more firepower fresh from an impressive Club World Cup campaign with Botafofo, but Forest will not be done there.

With European action to balance alongside any domestic responsibilities, squad depth will be the key to any success at the City Ground. Weah would have helped on that front, but now that Forest are back to the drawing board they could welcome an option who is an even greater talent than the winger.

Nottingham Forest open talks to sign Musah

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Nottingham Forest have now opened talks to sign Yunus Musah from AC Milan this summer. The American international initially looked destined to be on his way to Napoli before a move ultimately broke down to open the door for Forest to make their move.

Nottingham Forest join race for one of the rising stars of U21 Euros

Anderson already knows all about his quality…

ByTom Cunningham Jun 26, 2025

At 22 years old, the American international, who came through Arsenal’s academy, already has some impressive experience under his belt in La Liga with Valencia and in Italy with Milan. Now, he could be on his way back to English football to offer Nuno Espirito Santo a versatile star who can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder and right midfielder.

Particularly standing out at the 2022 World Cup, Musah was described as a “hardworking” player with an “elite engine” by scout Jacek Kulig and those are just two traits that he could now bring to Nottingham Forest this summer.

Thomas Frank’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur, and how the tactician will perform in his first big job, is set to be one of the most intriguing Premier League stories of next season.

Frank holds Tottenham talks over signing £300k-p/w ace who's open to joining

The Spurs boss has been discussing him with Lilywhites hierarchy.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2025

There are many other riveting storylines on the horizon: Man City’s rebuild, Newcastle’s Champions League campaign, how Nottingham Forest will kick on from being last year’s surprise package, the newly-promoted three and Villa’s mission to remain among England’s elite to name a few of them.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

However, Frank’s debut campaign in the Spurs dugout stands out among the most enthralling narratives to keep an eye on next term, with the 51-year-old having big shoes to fill after Ange Postecoglou ended their 17-year wait for a major trophy.

It will also be the Dane’s first-ever campaign as a Champions League coach, and there is much more expectation on Frank’s shoulders than there ever was at Brentford.

The pressure which comes with managing a big six club is far more intense, so it is vital that chairman Daniel Levy backs Frank in the transfer market this summer, as Postecoglou’s immediate heir looks to get off to the best possible start.

Even though the ex-Bees boss will need time to build, there will be far less margin for error in north London than at the Gtech Community Stadium with far more eyes on Frank, especially after their historic Europa League triumph in Bilbao.

He is also faced with the possibility of losing some key players in the coming months.

Son Heung-min could well leave Tottenham this summer after 10 faithful years, as the Saudi Pro League look to add yet another big name to their financially-backed division of clubs.

Cashing in on the South Korean could be very tempting for Levy. The 32-year-old is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract and not exactly getting any younger, with there also being an argument that Son’s best years are behind him.

Cristian Romero U-turning over Tottenham exit after Frank arrival

Another star player who’s been heavily linked with an exit is star £165,000-per-week defender Cristian Romero.

The Argentine World Cup winner played a key role for Spurs on their run to Europa League glory, captaining them in each tie from the quarter-finals onwards. Romero didn’t feature much in the Premier League, mainly due to injuries and Postecoglou resting him for their European campaign, but the centre-back is undoubtedly a pivotal player for them.

Micky van de Ven called his central defensive partner a “world-class” asset for the club, but reports from Europe and beyond in the last few months have claimed that Romero wants to leave Tottenham for Atlético Madrid.

Diego Simeone even confirmed Atletico’s interest in Romero, but according to a fresh update from TYC Sports, the tactician may have to wait a little longer to secure the 27-year-old’s signature.

Indeed, it is now believed that Romero could decide to stay at Tottenham for one more season, with Frank’s arrival cited as a key reason behind this potential decision, alongside their place in the Champions League next term.

This would come as a major boost for Frank, who’ll be very keen to keep hold of his best players, and Spurs’ youthful, inexperienced squad overall could seriously benefit from a leader like Romero in the dressing room.

That being said, if Atletico come calling with an offer too good to resist, it may well get Levy thinking, given Romero is out of contract in 2027.

Leeds United have now been hit with a worrying development as a key player is unhappy with the way contract talks are progressing, according to a recent report.

49ers chasing multiple transfer deals for Leeds

As with any team that is promoted to the Premier League, the Whites are expected to be in for a busy summer as they look to form a squad that is capable of doing what other promoted teams haven’t done in recent years, and that is staying in the Premier League. Daniel Farke and co. have managed to put together a very competitive Leeds team, but stepping up another level means the German will want more quality and depth.

He must go before Bamford: Leeds have told £11m flop he will now be sold

Leeds have told this flop that he must leave this summer, and the dud must go before Patrick Bamford.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 9, 2025

The Yorkshire side appear keen to strengthen the spine of their team, as it’s been reported that Leeds are chasing a deal to sign goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, who is seen as a replacement and upgrade on Illan Meslier. As well as looking to sign Fofana, the Whites are also interested in signing his teammate Himad Abdelli, who also plays for French side Angers. Abdelli is an attacking midfielder, and his potential arrival would bolster Farke’s creativity and midfield depth.

The Championship title winners also have targets to strengthen their defence and forward line, with the 49ers lining up a move to sign Dara O’Shea from Ipswich Town.

Meanwhile, Leeds have made contact with striker Rodrigo Muniz over a possible move to Elland Road. The Fulham and Brazil forward is very much a wanted man this summer, and now the Whites have added him to their list of attacking options.

Daniel James contract update

But while the Whites look at bringing in new players, they are also hoping to keep hold of some of their best talents this summer. According to Alan Nixon, relayed by The Leeds Press, Leeds are struggling to reach a contract agreement with winger Daniel James.

That is because the Whites have offered the Welsh international a two-year deal, but James is looking for a longer contract offer, as he feels his performances over the last couple of seasons have earned him the right to a long-term deal.

James, who is one of Leeds’ biggest earners on a weekly wage of £50,000, has been at Elland Road since August 2021, joining from Manchester United. After his season on loan at Fulham, James has taken his game to the next level, scoring 25 goals in the last two Championship seasons combined.

Apps

123

Goals

29

Assists

22

Back in March, James put Farke’s management style as the reason why his form has been so impressive, perhaps showing why he is willing to commit his future to the club but on the right terms.

He told BBC Radio Leeds: “When he first come in, he put his arm around me and said what he wanted from me. We had a good relationship from the start, and it’s one I’ve tried to continue with.

“The way he sets up the team suits me down to the ground, and that’s where I get the benefits from.”

It’s no secret that Chelsea have been targeting a new striker over the last 12 months, with Enzo Maresca still unable to land the talisman to take the club to the next level.

Nicolas Jackson has been the Italian’s main option at the top end of the pitch, scoring 10 goals in his 30 Premier League appearances throughout 2024/25.

However, there have been doubts over his long-term suitability for the role, especially after receiving a straight red card in the clash against Newcastle United for a deliberate elbow on Sven Botman.

Whilst he scored in the Europa Conference League triumph last night, his terrible first touch when bearing down on goal highlighted the need for new attackers this summer.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, the manager and the hierarchy have wasted no time in lining up potential options to lead the line in their title push throughout 2025/26.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Given Chelsea’s recent antics in the transfer market, it’s a surprise to no one that they are likely to be busy once again this summer to bolster Maresca’s ranks.

Viktor Gyokeres, Joao Pedro and Emanuel Emegha are just three names that have been mentioned as potential targets, but no deals have yet been completed for any of the aforementioned targets.

However, they may not need to pursue moves for any of the stars, with the Blues closing in on signing Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

He claimed on Wednesday that the Blues have taken the lead in the race for his signature, with Manchester United’s chances now decreasing after failing to secure any European football next season. Jacobs also confirmed that the Blues have held positive talks to sign the £30m star.

A move has progressed significantly on Thursday with everything now pointing towards the English talent joining. Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday evening that he will sign his Chelsea contract in the next 24 hours.

How Delap could repeat Chelsea's Palmer success story

Cole Palmer may have endured somewhat of an uncharacteristic drought in front of goal over the last few months, but he’s still managed to play a vital role in the success endured by Chelsea.

The 23-year-old went 18 games without a goal across all competitions, before slotting home a penalty against league champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge – securing a huge win in their hunt for a top five finish.

Whilst he’s still not managed to score since that triumph back on the 4th of May, he has provided key moments for some of his teammates, including two assists against Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday.

His latest contributions have taken him to 69 combined goals and assists in his 91 appearances for the club, after joining the Blues in a £40m deal from Manchester City back in the summer of 2023.

However, Maresca could land his next version of the English star this summer, with a deal to take Delap to West London appearing to be entering its final stages.

The pair both plied their trade together within the Manchester City academy as youngsters, looking to do the same in forward areas once again at the Bridge for the Blues in 2025/26.

Should the 22-year-old reach the levels set by Palmer in West London over recent years, he would be a splendid signing by the board, with his £30m clause potentially being a bargain.

When comparing his stats to those of Palmer this season, Delap has managed to outperfrom him in numerous key areas, offering the manager the focal point he craves in the first-team.

He may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has managed a higher goal per shot on target rate, showcasing his clinical edge within the final third.

Games played

37

37

Goals & assists

14

23

Shot-on-target accuracy

44%

36%

Goals per shot on target

0.3

0.2

Take-on success

47%

45%

Aerials success rate

43%

22%

Fouls drawn

1.8

1.6

He’s also completed more take-ons and drawn more fouls, therefore offering Maresca a more all-round option in the final third – which could take the side to the next level as a result.

Delap has also won more aerial battles than the current Blues star, handing the side the needed focal point in which the manager has desired since his arrival.

With a deal appearing to be edging closer to being completed, the Englishman would be an excellent addition, having the ability to develop further in the years ahead at the Bridge.

£30m in today’s market would be a super price for a striker who’s already proven his talents in England’s top-flight, potentially being the missing piece in Maresca’s Chelsea puzzle and creating a deadly partnership with Palmer once more.

As bad as Gusto: Chelsea's 4/10 flop must never play for the club again

Chelsea secured the Europa Conference League last night, but multiple players failed to deliver.

ByEthan Lamb May 29, 2025

Rangers’ hierarchy have got plenty of work to do this summer at Ibrox, and not a whole lot of time in which to do it.

The club are still searching for a new manager while, following a trophyless campaign, a mass-squad overhaul at Rangers is required.

Well, they need to act fast, because next season will commence early for the Gers, facing off in a Champions League qualifier on 22/23 July; the identity of their opponents will be confirmed on 18 June.

So, could the Light Blues be poised to make a statement signing?

Rangers targeting a new attacker

According to a report by Ola Gustavsson of Fotboll Direkt, Rangers are ‘interested’ in signing Oskar Fallenius, who is also reportedly a target for fierce rivals Celtic.

Transfer Focus

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

He is a 23-year-old winger who plays for Allsvenskan side Djurgardens, a key figure in the Blue Stripes’ side that reached this season’s Conference League semi-finals, ousted by eventual winners Chelsea.

Freddie Arnesson of TuttoSvenskan labels Fallenius’ performances ‘incredible’, but it is difficult to know his valuation, although, having arrived from Brøndby for just two million kronor, around £155k, two years ago, Djurgardens are likely to enjoy a massive return on investment.

So, could the attack soon be swapping Stockholm for Glasgow?

Why Fallenius would be a great Cerny replacement

Following the end of the Premiership season, Rangers announced that Vaclav Cerny will return to his parent club Wolfsburg, with David Irvine of the National inferring that he will not be returning, even though the Czechia has previously stated “every opportunity is still open”.

Well now, some reports now suggest that Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor have “opened talks” with Wolfsburg over a potential £9m move for Cerny, thereby surely pricing Rangers out of any potential deal.

This would be a major blow, with the table below underlining how important the winger was to Rangers last season.

Appearances

52

4th

Minutes

3,933

5th

Goals

18

2nd

Assists

9

3rd

Europa League goals

6

1st

Shots per match

2.9

1st

Big chances created

9

5th

Key passes per match

2.5

1st

Successful dribblers per match

1.4

1st

Average SofaScore rating

7.40

2nd

Only Cyriel Dessers scored more goals for Rangers throughout the campaign, while Cerny’s tally of six Europa League goals was only eclipsed by Bruno Fernandes, Kasper Høgh and Ayoub El Kaabi across the entire tournament.

So, as it seems he will not be returning to Ibrox, would Fallenius be equipped to be his replacement?

Well, prior to Djurgardens’ extra time victory over Rapid Wien in the Conference League quarter-finals, manager Jani Honkavaara told Fallenius to be “the X-factor”, with Marcus Christenson of the Guardian adding that he is one of the Swedish club’s ‘key’ attackers.

So, how do his statistics compare to those of Cerny?

Shots on target

1.5

2.0

Chances created

1.4

0.3

Pass accuracy %

70%

75%

Crossing accuracy %

28%

12%

Take-ons completed

2.6

1.0

Take-on success %

56%

36%

Duels won

3.6

4.7

Ball recoveries

4.8

4.2

As the table outlines, Cerny’s statistics are, unsurprisingly, more impressive, albeit Fallenius’ numbers are largely comparable, coming out on top when it comes to both passing and shooting accuracy while he also more than does his job defensively, winning more duels and averaging a similar number of ball recoveries.

Thus, while it is going to be nigh on impossible for Rangers to find someone out there replicating Cerny’s output, the young Swede could be a low-cost, high-potential option.

Better than Martin: Rangers in contact to hire "amazing" 4-3-3 manager

Rangers could land an even better manager than Martin in a move for this reported target.

ByDan Emery May 28, 2025

With the disappointment of Wednesday night still lingering, the post-mortem can continue for those of a Manchester United persuasion, with the focus now on what lies ahead for the INEOS regime, and for Ruben Amorim.

For a manager who has lost 14 of his 26 Premier League games since arriving in November, the Portuguese coach has largely managed to retain the goodwill of supporters until now, although even he can not be free of responsibility for the dour display in Bilbao.

This may not be his squad, although the 40-year-old’s decision to remain wedded to his 3-4-3 system has thus far backfired, with the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur marking the 16th time this season that United have failed to score in all competitions.

That has come amid an at-times pragmatic approach from the Sporting CP boss, a fact perhaps outlined best with the decision to select Mason Mount ahead of Alejandro Garnacho against Spurs. A man who boasts just four goals and one assist in 45 games for the club got the nod over a player who has 21 goal involvements this season alone.

Such a decision made the headlines both pre and post-match, not least with Amorim pointing out that it was Garnacho who missed a “big opportunity” in the semi-final second-leg against Athletic Club, while Mount subsequently “changed the game”.

With the ex-Chelsea man proceeding to play on the periphery last night, Amorim’s choice not to make a change until the closing stages requires scrutiny, with the manager’s substitutions – or lack of – perhaps showcasing some worrying signs for sections of his squad.

Amorim's substitutions under the microscope

Whether Erik ten Hag’s successor got his starting lineup right or wrong is up for debate, although a more pressing issue is quite why he took so long to alter proceedings, not least with his side continuing to toil in the second half.

It wasn’t until the 70-minute mark that Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee were finally introduced, with the pair hardly afforded much time to make an impact up against a retreating and stubborn Spurs backline.

Even fewer minutes were granted to Kobbie Mainoo at the death – prior to the introduction of Diogo Dalot minutes earlier – with that lack of involvement marking the playmaker’s slide down the pecking order following last year’s FA Cup final heroics.

Like Garnacho, Mainoo’s future has already been in doubt heading into the summer window, with his inability to force his way into Amorim’s starting lineup only set to further heighten that uncertainty.

Of greater concern may be among those who failed to even make it off the bench at all, however, with it difficult to understand why the struggling Luke Shaw was not replaced, particularly with the exciting Ayden Heaven waiting in the wings.

Equally, the man who had started in all four games in the quarter-final and semi-final, Manuel Ugarte, was also an unused option on the night, with the Uruguayan in danger of drifting into Donny van de Beek territory under Amorim’s watch.

Man Utd's new Donny van de Beek

Failed signings have been the theme of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, none more so than that of Van de Beek, with the Dutchman signed on a £40m deal in the summer of 2020, despite suggestions that then-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was keen on alternative targets.

The former Ajax man – who had reached the Champions League semi-final under Ten Hag in 2019 – went on to start just four league games in his debut campaign under Solskjaer, prior to not making a single start in the opening of the following season.

Following a loan switch to Everton, the hope was that the arrival of his compatriot in the dugout would alter proceedings, albeit with the playmaker unable to force his way into Ten Hag’s plans. Indeed, just eight league appearances came his way under the Dutch coach, prior to being sold to Girona for just £500k last summer.

Erik ten Hag

12

0

0

Michael Carrick

3

0

0

Ralf Rangnick

5

0

0

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

42

2

2

Total

62

2

2

In many ways, Ugarte’s tale looks to be following a similar path, with reports indicating that Ten Hag wasn’t wholly in favour of the £42m move last year, particularly with Scott McTominay’s exit sanctioned to fund the move.

The ex-Paris Saint-Germain man made just seven appearances under the 55-year-old before he was sacked, with the appointment of Amorim looking like the perfect fit amid their prior Sporting relationship. Indeed, Ugarte had played 85 games under the Portuguese in Lisbon.

While the midfield “monster” – as described by Statman Dave – has since made 34 appearances following Amorim’s appointment, chipping in with two goals and six assists, it hasn’t all been plain sailing.

Indeed, against Athletic Club, the defensive-minded asset was particularly poor, despite racking up two assists in the first leg, having lost the ball on 27 occasions across the two legs combined.

That erratic nature on the ball perhaps resulted in Amorim’s decision to leave Ugarte out of Wednesday’s showpiece, instead favouring the experienced pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes as part of the midfield two.

For the all-action Uruguay international to not be able to get the nod in such an important fixture, particularly considering he has thrived in Amorim’s 3-4-3 before, should have alarm bells ringing.

If he can’t earn the trust of a manager he is familiar with – much like Van de Beek and Ten Hag – then there should certainly be reason for concern.

Fewer touches than Onana: Man Utd dud showed why he'll be axed for Cunha

Man Utd’s key men failed to deliver as Spurs battled to a first trophy in 17 years in Bilbao…

ByRobbie Walls May 22, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers do have a reputation for uncovering a gem in the transfer market with the deal to snap up Matheus Cunha on a permanent basis back in 2022 for £35m looking more and more like a steal by the day.

Indeed, the Brazilian superstar is a hot commodity ahead of the summer transfer window reopening, and for good reason, considering he’s amassed an explosive 15 goals and six assists in Premier League action this campaign.

Likewise, Wolves have seemingly struck gold on new defensive titan Emmanuel Agbadou, with the strong Ivorian picking up four clean sheets in the league to date since a January switch.

Therefore, the powers that be at Molineux will be hoping their gleaming track record in snapping up exciting gems continues on, with the rumour mill already linking the Old Gold to a number of new stars.

Wolves could sign Premier League midfielder

With their Premier League status now thankfully set in stone, Vitor Pereira and Co will want to kick on next season and aim for a top-half finish.

Adding in a few sprinkles of quality here and there will presumably aid this progression, with rumours already surfacing that the revitalised Old Gold are looking at snapping up the services of Atletico Madrid ace Samuel Lino.

Moreover, further speculation has seen Chelsea outcast Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall be tipped to make a switch to Molineux too, but a new, fresh report from GIVEMESPORT suggests their midfield positions could be enhanced by signing Liverpool product Harvey Elliott instead.

The report states that Wolves are likely to make an enquiry regarding the promising 22-year-old if some big-name departures are sanctioned, considering Elliott is priced around the £50m ballpark.

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Landing Elliott could see Pereira win his very own Morgan Gibbs-White, with the ex-Wolves youngster never really coming into his own at his boyhood employers, but the Reds target certainly possesses a lot of similar easy-on-the-eye traits in his game when weighed up next to the now £100m-rated gem.

How Elliott can be the next Gibbs-White

Before exploring deeper how Elliott could be Wolves’ next Gibbs-White in the making, it’s only right to look at how much the Stafford-born midfielder’s game has been advanced since stepping away from Molineux.

Amazingly, the 25-year-old would only pick up three goals and one assist from 88 senior appearances in the West Midlands. Now, however, he’s up to a stunning 16 strikes and 27 assists for the Tricky Trees from 115 overall clashes, leading to Manchester City being keen onlookers.

Whilst Elliott hasn’t quite been as front and centre for Arne Slot’s Reds this season as Gibbs-White has been for Nuno Espirito Santo’s high-flyers – seen in his 25 games in all competitions next to his counterpart’s 35 – the 22-time England U21 international has still chipped in when needed with four goals and two assists.

Again, much like the Forest number ten, the 22-year-old is also more than capable of playing as a winger away from just lining up centrally.

Indeed, his 144 appearances in the men’s side at Anfield to date – alongside a blistering loan stint with Blackburn Rovers – have seen him take to the pitch in a sizeable six different positions.

RW

103

18

22

AM

67

5

5

CM

36

4

14

LW

14

2

3

CF

3

0

1

SS

1

0

1

Previously lauded as “phenomenal” by journalist David Lynch, it will be up to Wolves to ensure they get the most out of Elliott on his arrival, with the versatile young English talent – as Gibbs-White is – surely itching to be a first-team regular in his new location.

If they do manage to get the best out of the 22-year-old, any lingering agony of losing the Englishman prematurely will be fixed by Elliott’s emergence.

He'd make Larsen unplayable: Wolves targeting move for "sensational" PL ace

Wolves could make a move for a Premier League midfielder this summer

ByRoss Kilvington May 2, 2025

Chelsea have now shortlisted a Barcelona star among their “priority” targets for the summer transfer window, after hearing about the player’s release clause, with BlueCo handed a chance to sign him for £55 million.

Chelsea transfers dependent on Champions League qualification

The tight race for a spot in next season’s Champions League draw will define the success of Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge at Stamford Bridge, and it will also play a vital role when it comes to their summer transfer policy.

£195k-per-week Chelsea player holds talks over joining Tottenham via agents

His team are trying to find a new club.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 30, 2025

Chelsea want to sign a new centre-back, winger and striker this summer (Simon Phillips), with rumoured talks already held over a move for Borussia Dortmund starlet Jamie Gittens recently.

However, failure to qualify for the Champions League next season could threaten to alter these plans, by Maresca’s own admission in a recent press conference.

“Football is not five, 10 years ago when the rules were different,” said the head coach.

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

“Today you have to be careful how much you spend. It will be a completely different kind of target if we finish in the Champions League.”

In Chelsea’s pursuit of a central defender, Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen is reliably believed to be a serious target for Maresca’s side, but they face stiff competition from elite Premier League rivals.

Alternatively, perhaps a move for Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo could be on the cards.

The Uruguay international’s contract will include a release clause of around £55 million when it becomes active in July, presenting an opportunity for Chelsea to swoop in and strike a deal for him.

Chelsea prioritising move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo

That is according to reports in Spain, which state that Chelsea are now prioritising a move for Araujo this summer amid knowledge of the clause.

Araujo signed a new deal earlier this year, committing him to the Camp Nou until 2031, but it appears his agents negotiated this exit clause to give the South American a chance to part company if he wishes.

Injuries have largely diminished the 26-year-old’s playing time under Hansi Flick this term, but Araujo has been entrusted with the captain’s armband when fit and available.

The defender has also been lavished with praise by Barcelona legend Carles Puyol during his time in Catalonia.

“He’s in extraordinary condition,” said Puyol in 2023.

“I’ll stick with what they’ve told me, because I don’t know him personally, but he’s very professional, humble, he always gives his best in training and matches and that’s where his performance is.

“Right now, if he’s not the best central defender in the world, he’s among the top three. He’s young, he still has room for improvement and I think we have a very good central defender at Barcelona for many years to come.”