Football might have stopped for a few months, but the powers that be at Arsenal can’t afford to take a break.

The transfer window is here, and with it, the Gunners have the chance to close the gap between Premier League rivals Liverpool.

However, while the impending signing of Martin Zubimendi is undoubtedly exciting, Mikel Arteta and Co need to add some attacking stardust to the team, as the Reds look intent on bringing the incredible Florian Wirtz to Anfield in the coming weeks.

Fortunately, recent reports have linked the North Londoners with another international superstar who has won comparisons to the German monster and could, therefore, be their answer to him.

Arsenal transfer news

Before we get to the superstar in question, it’s worth looking at some other exciting attackers who have been touted for a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Rafael Leao and Ademola Lookman.

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 cost up to a staggering £145m thanks to a release clause in his contract, but with a tally of 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 games this season, he’d undoubtedly improve the Gunners’ frontline.

Lookman, on the other hand, would cost far less at around £55m but has actually been even more impressive than the Portuguese international this season, racking up a haul of 20 goals and seven assists in 40 games for Atalanta.

Yet, to match a signing like Wirtz, Arteta and Co need someone of comparable significance in the eyes of football fans, someone like Rodrygo.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spanish outlet AS, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Real Madrid superstar.

In fact, the report claims that alongside other suitors like Manchester City and Chelsea, the Gunners are now ‘moving’ for the talented winger, who is awaiting a conversation with new manager Xabi Alonso to determine his future at the club.

The report does not mention a potential price, but according to other stories last month, the former Santos star could be available for around £85m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s immense ability and stature in the game, this is a transfer Arsenal should fight for, especially as he’s won comparisons with Wirtz.

Why Rodrygo could be Arsenal's answer to Wirtz

So, before we go into the other reasons why Rodrygo could be Arsenal’s answer to Wirtz this summer, it’s important to examine this comparison to the German and where it even comes from.

In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, before creating a list of the ten most comparable players.

By doing this, it has been concluded that the Bayer Leverkusen star is the seventh most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Real ace across the last 365 days.

Progressive Carries

5.28

5.02

Progressive Passes Received

11.8

11.8

Goals per Shot

0.11

0.11

Key Passes

2.29

2.18

Crosses

3.79

3.87

Aerial Duels Won

0.33

0.34

The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including but not limited to progressive carries, goals per shot, key passes, crosses, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

However, besides having some undeniably statistical similarities to the Bundesliga winner, the “terrifyingly good” Brazilian, as dubbed by journalist Sam Tighe, would also be moving to one of next season’s Premier League challengers.

Moreover, as the 24-year-old would be moving to the Emirates from Los Blancos, it would have a similar project-defining feel and be just as much of a statement as the Merseysides signing the Pulheim-born gem.

Ultimately, while it wouldn’t be cheap, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Rodrygo this summer, as it would be an unmistakable signal to their title rivals that they are not planning on going anywhere anytime soon.

Mega Martinelli upgrade: Arsenal eyeing £101m star with "devastating pace"

The sensational talent would be a real needle-mover for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 2, 2025

Celtic are beginning to probe in the summer window and could turn to someone who is a familiar face in the eyes of Brendan Rodgers as they strengthen from middle to front, according to a report.

Celtic return for Kieran Tierney kickstarts summer business

The Bhoys have already recruited Kieran Tierney as a statement addition this month and more signings are expected to follow as building for next campaign enters full view.

Speaking after confirmation that the Scotland international is back in Glasgow, Scott Brown believes Tierney could become the next Celtic captain if he manages to hit the ground running during his second spell.

He explained: “It’s probably the best move Celtic’s made. Looking at Kieran, Brendan Rodgers got the best out of him before, he knows what he’s like.

“I’m sure he probably tried to sign him when he was down at Leicester as well. You can see longer term, Kieran will probably be next Celtic captain.”

Ending a long wait for what will become an emotional reunion, Rodgers could look to bring Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller to Celtic as links continue to persist following the 18-year-old’s sparkling debut for Scotland against Liechtenstein.

Celtic submit formal bid for new attacker who's being scouted by Liverpool

The Bhoys are beginning to step up their summer business.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 11, 2025

Fulham striker Callum Osmand will also arrive at the Bhoys for training compensation, emphasising the Bhoys’ commitment to landing value for money in the market.

Free or nominal transfers may not be the most glamorous mode of operation, but there are plenty of exciting stars out there who don’t cost the earth in the grand scheme of things.

Leaning into that theme a little further, Celtic have now turned their attenton to a versatile star who is known to Rodgers that could strengthen their pool of options.

Celtic plotting move for Fousseni Diabaté

According to Africa Foot, Celtic are tracking Lausanne Sport star Fousseni Diabaté amid his availability on a free transfer once his contract expires at the Swiss Super League outfit.

Intriguingly, the Mali international was previously at Leicester City and was labelled a “talent” by Hoops boss Rodgers despite being out on loan while the Irishman was in charge at the King Power Stadium.

Fousseni Diabate in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

40

Goals

8

Assists

9

Capable of playing on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, newly-promoted Ligue 1 outfit Paris FC have emerged as another serious contender for his signature, though they will be joined by several other European clubs in the hunt for his services.

Lausanne have offered a two-year extension to Diabate in an attempt to retain his services. Nevertheless, he isn’t keen on penning a new deal, which could pave the way for a bargain swoop from the Bhoys to land the 29-year-old.

One or two wingers will be necessary after Jota was ruled out for several months due to injury, so it is intriguing to see that Celtic are doing their due diligence on that front.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and the Gunners hierarchy are determined to end their fairly long wait for major silverware by reinforcing the squad with star quality this summer.

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A timeline has emerged for his potential arrival.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025

It’s been five years since Arteta hoisted the FA Cup aloft at the end of his first season in charge, and discounting Community Shields, Arsenal have had precious little to shout about since that triumph at Wembley.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Critics have consistently drawn attention to Arsenal’s need for a prolific centre-forward to lead Arteta’s line, and this was evident throughout 2024/2025, where they missed out on the Premier League title to Liverpool by a seismic 10 points.

Arsenal scored just 69 league goals last campaign, a far cry from the 91 and 88 they’d scored in the previous two seasons, with their lack of firepower seriously coming back to bite Arteta.

Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus didn’t help either, so Arsenal are in pursuit of a top-class striker to gift Arteta that extra level of ruthlessness going forward, amid reported talks over Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

However, more reports are beginning to suggest that Arsenal could still sign a new centre-back as well, coming after they failed to tempt Dean Huijsen with a move to the Emirates before his switch to Real Madrid (Fabrizio Romano).

Lille defender Alexsandro is a target for Arsenal, and they’ve made initial contact over signing the Brazil international, as sporting director Andrea Berta weighs up a move, according to UOL.

As well as Alexsandro, it is believed that discussions have been held over a former Man City star who Arteta knows very well.

Arsenal make contact over signing Aymeric Laporte from Al-Nassr

According to Spanish newspaper AS, as translated by Sport Witness, Spain international defender Aymeric Laporte is now the subject of admiring glances from N5.

Laporte is on a seismic £400,000-per-week contract in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, but he could now leave the Middle East nearly two years after signing for them from City.

AS report that Arsenal have made contact over signing Laporte, alongside the likes of Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, Inter Milan and Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, but it is Bilbao who appear to be most keen.

Laporte has special ties to Bilbao as a former player of the Basque club, and manager Ernesto Valverde has asked the La Liga side to re-sign their ex-star before deadline day on September 1.

Berta will obviously require the 30-year-old to take a large cut on his ridiculous wage packet, but in terms of star quality, he’s a very ideal potential back-up to the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel.

Laporte has won the Premier League five times with City and was a member of their famous treble-winning side in 2023. His experience could be invaluable, and perhaps Arteta’s previous relationship with Laporte at Eastlands could play a key role.

In what would be a frustrating start to his tenure, the 49ers are reportedly ready to take the decision out of Russell Martin’s hands and sell one of his best Rangers stars for a £19m profit.

49ers looking to commence Rangers business

The 49ers have wasted no time before getting things up and running in Scotland. The American owners have already solved Rangers’ managerial problem by hiring former Southampton boss Martin and the transfer rumours have been coming thick and fast ever since. Reports are even now suggesting that the Gers are closing in on signing Josh Mulligan from Dundee to officially get their business underway.

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New Dundee manager Steven Pressley has only added fuel to the fire amid that recent rumour, telling reporters that keeping Mulligan will be “easier said than done” this summer. He said when asked about keeping his young star: “I would love to, but it’s easier said than done.

“We’d love to keep certain personnel. There’s a number of players that I think are pivotal to move this club in the right direction and we’ll be working tirelessly to do so.”

Mulligan isn’t the only name on Rangers’ reported radar, however. Recent reports have also linked both Conor Coady and Flynn Downes with a move to Ibrox. The latter worked with Martin at Swansea City and then Southampton in the Premier League last season and may well reunite with his manager for a third time this summer.

The 49ers’ ambition should come as little shock after chairman Paraag Marathe told Rangers’ website after officially arriving: “We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come.”

Building a side capable of bridging the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership may not come without sacrifice, though, and the new owners are already reportedly ready to sell one key man.

49ers ready accept £20m deal for Nicolas Raskin

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, the 49ers are ready to sell Nicolas Raskin for £20m this summer, making £19m profit in the process. The Belgium midfielder is attracting plenty of interest and, as per O’Rourke, Porto, Fiorentina and Marseille are preparing to test the waters in pursuit of his signature.

Whilst Martin is keen to keep hold of his best players, he is also reportedly well aware that the 49ers could take such decisions out of his hands this summer in frustrating fashion.

Losing a player of Raskin’s calibre certainly wouldn’t be an ideal start to the manager’s reign, but it could be a sacrifice that he has to live with when considering the long-term boost that it could provide.

Dubbed “utterly sensational” by analyst John Walker, replacing Raskin will be no easy task for Rangers if they decide to go in pursuit of major profit this summer.

Arsenal have many items on the agenda this summer as new sporting director Andrea Berta looks to back Mikel Arteta with new signings, and one of their key aims is to bring in multiple attacking players.

Arsenal targeting new winger and striker this summer

The transfer window is officially open for business, at least until June 10, with a short break then following before it reopens on June 16 right the way through till September 1.

Arsenal U-turn over signing "powerful" player who "was on the verge" of joining

They’ve now pulled out of the deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 3, 2025

This current mini-window was introduced to allow sides competing in the Club World Cup to register new players before the tournament kicks off, but it applies to all Premier League sides, including Arsenal.

Arsenal are expected to complete a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi with a medical scheduled for the Spain international (BBC), so there is every chance that they could officially sign him before June 10, considering how advanced that deal is.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

After Zubimendi, much has been made of the Gunners’ pursuit of a top striker, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko both top of Arsenal’s list of striker targets.

Supporters are especially keen for Berta to acquire a prolific goalscorer – which has long been viewed as the missing piece of Arteta’s jigsaw – following a campaign where they struggled to score many compared to their previous standards.

However, a number nine isn’t the sole focus going forward.

Bukayo Saka’s injury lay-off midway through 2024/2025 brought attention to Arsenal’s need for an alternative on the right-hand side, while there are some questions about the long-term future of Leandro Trossard, who’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract.

Interestingly, Berta could turn to one of Arteta’s former stars at Man City – £242,000-per-week Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane.

Arsenal are reliably believed to hold a genuine interest in Sane with his Bayern contract just weeks away from expiring as things stand. The German also recently employed super-agent Pini Zahavi to assist in new contract talks, or find him a new club if needs be.

Arsenal open talks with Leroy Sane's camp over joining

Now, as per Bayern Munich insider Christian Falk, it is believed Arsenal have “started talks” with Zahavi over signing Sane.

The 29-year-old, who bagged 13 goals and six assists in total for Vincent Kompany last season, playing more of a key role towards the back end of 2024/2025, is tempted by the prospect of a move to London.

His family reside in the English capital, so a permanent switch there is appealing to him, with Falk adding that Tottenham are likely to battle with Arsenal for Sane’s services as well.

Sane’s top-level experience, and the fact he could be obtained for no transfer fee, make him a very enticing potential signing for Arsenal.

However, Sane wants a £192,000-per-week base salary, on top of £2.5 million in bonuses and a signing-on fee (Sky and Sport Bild). These were his most recently rumoured demands to stay in Bavaria, so he’ll likely request similar numbers to join Arsenal.

Both Birmingham City and Wrexham will be attempting to unsettle the Championship after promotion, knowing full well that they have immense pulling power as teams on the rise.

After all, Chris Davies’ runaway League One champions didn’t just win Jay Stansfield by chance, with St. Andrew’s a glamorous location to now ply your trade courtesy of Tom Wagner’s mega millions boosting the once downtrodden giants.

Therefore, if they were able to tempt their top scorer down to the third tier, it’s amazing to contemplate what other earth-shattering signings they could now get in through the door.

The Blues are certainly dominating a lot of EFL conversation this summer with who they’re being linked with, with this dream XI below surely the best plausible lineup Davies could call upon when the excitement of Championship action gets underway.

1

GK – Mark Travers

Firstly, Birmingham might well believe they need to improve in-between the sticks when adjusting back up to the second tier.

Their usual number one goalkeeper Ryan Allsop only shipped 26 goals in league action last season, but if they were able to land Mark Travers – following links to the Bournemouth man – he would surely get the first-team nod over the recent promotion winner.

After all, Travers has significant experience in the Championship on his side with 76 career games at the level under his belt. To add to that, he has also kept a respectable 26 clean sheets along the way.

2

RB – Ethan Laird

Whilst there could be some change in goal, Ethan Laird will be hopeful that his secure first-team spot at right-back remains set in stone for the jump up.

The ex-Manchester United full-back was as much of an attacking menace for the Blues last season as he was a defensive warrior, as seen in his impressive five goals and four assists in league action, on top of also winning a high 6.4 duels on average per contest.

3

CB – Ben Davies

The second signing Birmingham could make is to bring loan hero Ben Davies back permanently after he was a defensive colossus all of last campaign, away from parent employers Rangers.

Davies would strike up a fine partnership with Christoph Klarer – as seen in the pair tallying up a mammoth 38 clean sheets between them – with the Blues boss hopeful that the experienced 29-year-old can look as assured in the league above if he remains put.

4

CB – Christoph Klarer

The aforementioned Klarer would love to line up alongside his ex-Preston North End teammate once more, having been near faultless next to the 6-foot-1 enforcer at the top end of League One.

The dominant Austrian is also very deserving of his plaudits, considering he managed to register seven big chances created playing out from the back, away from just merely putting his equally towering frame to good use.

5

LB – Alex Cochrane

Making up the final component of the imposing back four is former Hearts man Alex Cochrane.

Much like his partner in crime down the right, Cochrane has been able to show off his ability to create chances galore throughout the League One season, culminating in him creating a sizeable nine big chances from 42 overall clashes.

To cap off his sterling individual campaign, the 25-year-old also bagged this beauty against Stevenage in April.

6

CM – Tomoki Iwata

Heading into the midfield areas and Tomoki Iwata will be keen to prove himself as a Championship-ready talent after some stylish showings in the third tier.

Iwata would go on to be an absolute steal from Celtic when joining for around £the £800k mark, considering the Japanese midfielder would round off his first-ever EFL adventure with eight goals and two assists next to his name.

7

CM – Kanya Fuijmoto

Iwata might well be joined by a new teammate centrally, however, as Birmingham continue to be linked with a switch for Gil Vicente ace Kanya Fujimoto.

The newly promoted side must be holding out hope that Fujimoto can be Iwata 2.0 on his potential St. Andrew’s arrival, with the 28-year-old’s compatriot proving himself to be as slick as the Blues number 24 playing out in Portugal.

Whilst he is comfortable slotting in as a number ten – as seen in his five goals and five assists in league action last season – Fujimoto can also line up as a traditional central midfield option, meaning he could partner Iwata very soon in England.

8

RM – Kwame Poku

Birmingham won’t be content with just three new purchases ahead of Championship football triumphantly returning with a fourth potentially in the offing with Kwame Poku, amid reports that an offer has been made to the Peterborough star.

It’s been a drawn-out saga this summer already involving Poku and Davies’ side, but if Birmingham are finally successful in landing the tricky Ghanaian’s services over a crazy 25 other suitors, he would slot into the team effortlessly down the right wing.

Poku’s G/A numbers by season for Peterborough
Season	Games played	Goals scored	Assists
24/25	31	12	11
23/24	47	12	8
22/23	45	5	9
21/22	23	0	2
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Posh manager Darren Ferguson would hail Poku as “unplayable” just this season gone, and when taking his consistent brilliance above, it’s clear to see why, with a ridiculous 23 goal contributions notched up across a memorable 2024/25.

Surely, he’s now ready for the challenge of affirming himself as an EFL superstar even more in the West Midlands.

9

CAM – Jay Stansfield

Stansfield is arguably another big name when it comes to the EFL, with Birmingham fans head over heels for the former Fulham forward.

He would end his own distinguished 2024/25 campaign by firing home 19 league strikes, meaning he could absolutely terrorise Championship defences when partnered with Poku.

10

LM – Keshi Anderson

Whilst the likes of Stansfield stole most of the limelight during Birmingham’s smooth title success, Keshi Anderson also regularly put in fine performances as a more seasoned head of the group.

In all competitions, the pacey left winger would tally up a hefty nine goals and eight assists, with Davies confident now that the experienced attacker can come good in the second tier, having played here previously and somewhat struggled with ex-employers Blackpool.

Birmingham City fans won’t want to get too carried away, but there is a feeling in the air at St. Andrew’s that the Blues could really shake up proceedings on their re-entry to the Championship.

After all, last season proved that Chris Davies’ men were just too big of a fish for the small League One pond, amassing a ridiculous 111 points.

Therefore, the hope will be that the reigning League One champions jump back up to the second-tier with a fearlessness present, which could well result in a back-to-back promotion story taking place.

Of course, the initial aim will just be to return and consolidate, but new signings aplenty would certainly boost their wildest dreams, with an exciting midfield talent now on their radar.

Birmingham battling to sign £2m star

As per a report from Football Insider, Birmingham are set to battle it out for the services of Reading star Charlie Savage this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

The report names Wrexham, Blackburn Rovers, and Portsmouth as keen onlookers also eyeing up the two-time Wales senior international alongside Davies’ side, with the Royals valuing Savage at around the £2m mark amidst this frenzied interest.

This would be a gutting loss for Reading, with the ex-Manchester United academy prodigy really coming into his own in League One.

But, the prospect of a Championship move will surely turn Savage’s head, with Birmingham perhaps winning their next Jordan James in the process if the 22-year-old decides to call St. Andrew’s his new home shortly.

How Savage possesses shades of James

Birmingham would love to uncover their next version of James in Savage, considering the current Reading midfielder’s fellow compatriot would up and leave the Blues prematurely after just three seasons in the senior game with his boyhood employers.

He would shine with ten goals and two assists coming his way from 105 games to warrant a move away, and whilst Birmingham have responded to the setback of James leaving terrifically with the captures of Tomoki Iwata and Seung Ho-Paik in the middle of the park, Savage could well be the 20-year-old’s amazing second coming all the same.

Indeed, the Royals’ number eight has shown across his stay in Berkshire to date that he can hammer home a stunning effort much like James in his Blues prime, with Savage now up to 12 goals and 15 assists from 96 total games for Reading.

Described as an “exceptional” player by youth coach Matthew Jones, he also possesses a similar bite and energy strutting his stuff in League One, weighed up next to James’ swansong Championship season with Birmingham.

The numbers below tell the story perfectly.

Games played

45

40

Goals scored

5

8

Assists

9

0

Touches*

47.8

27.8

Accurate passes*

27.0 (80%)

14.0 (77%)

Key passes*

1.3

0.5

Big chances missed

2

2

Big chances created

5

3

Ball recoveries*

3.7

2.6

He could even go on to be better than James when making the step-up, with Savage trumping his Rennes counterpart in almost every aspect of their midfield games, albeit when he was performing at a level below the 20-year-old.

It could well be deemed a risk on Davies and Co’s end to fork out £2m for Savage, therefore, with the ex-Red Devils starlet yet to experience life in the Championship across his emergent career.

But, James was once in this boat himself and excelled with flying colours, with a hope that Savage flourishes in a similar vein at St. Andrew’s if he joins the ambitious club.

Birmingham could make "outstanding" signing who'd be even better than Poku

Birmingham City can land a better attacking signing than chasing after Kwame Poku by securing this star.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 3, 2025

After announcing the arrival of Antonio Cordero, Newcastle United have now reportedly entered talks to sign a long-term target who Eddie Howe loves in a deal worth £30m.

Newcastle announce Cordero arrival

Having spent the last two windows watching other clubs spend big and welcome key additions courtesy of their PSR concerns, Newcastle and PIF wasted no time before getting their business started this time around. Securing the addition of Cordero, the young Spanish winger will arrive at the end of his Malaga contract on July 1.

Welcoming Cordero to the club in what could be one of his final acts at the club, departing sporting director Paul Mitchell said: “Antonio is an exciting talent. We’re delighted to bring him to Newcastle United amidst interest in Spain and across Europe.He has lots of potential, and the next phase of his development will be for the club to select a loan move that will challenge him and build on his experiences.”

PIF are not done there though. In search of a winger instead of Bryan Mbeumo, who could soon be on his way to Manchester United, the Magpies have been linked with moves for the likes of Anthony Elanga as well as Brighton forward Joao Pedro.

Elanga is a name that was mentioned last summer before Newcastle were ultimately unable to make their move. One year on, however, they’ve got the necessary breathing room to spend and have reportedly already enquired about a potential deal to sign the Nottingham Forest star.

The Swede isn’t the only target that Newcastle could revisit this summer, either. Making up for last summer’s disappointment, those at St James’ Park are now “in talks” to sign a long-term target who Howe loves, according to reports.

Newcastle "in talks" to sign £30m Trafford

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle are now “in talks” to sign James Trafford from Burnley, who value their shot-stopper at just £30m this summer. The England international is a player that Howe has had ‘long-term admiration and interest in’ and wants Trafford to compete with current No.1 Nick Pope next season.

The latter has struggled on the injury front over the last 12 months and the addition of Trafford could see his place come under threat.

Newcastle’s interest in Trafford is, of course, far from new. The Tyneside club even agreed personal terms with the goalkeeper last summer before failing to negotiate a deal with Burnley.

One year on, whether that agreement remains in place or Newcastle are forced back into negotiations will be interesting to see, especially if Trafford’s stance has changed.

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1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 10, 2025

Dubbed “world-class” by Burnley boss Scott Parker, Trafford has more than earned the interest of a Champions League club and may yet arrive at Newcastle before taking Pope’s starting spot.

Matthew Breetzke 94 in vain as home side get home in shortened chase

ECB Reporters Network14-Jun-2024Derbyshire 123 for 3 (Donald 68) beat Northamptonshire 193 for 8 (Breetzke 94, Dupavillon 3-43) by 24 runs (DLS method) A brilliant innings from Aneurin Donald gave Derbyshire Falcons a 24 run win over Northants Steelbacks under Duckworth Lewis Stern in the North Group match at Derby.Donald smashed eight sixes in a 26-ball 68, equalling his own record for Derbyshire’s fastest T20 fifty, to put Falcons ahead of the run rate on 123 for 3 after 11 overs when a violent thunderstorm ended the game.Matthew Breetzke batted superbly to score a T20 best 94 from 54 balls, sharing a stand of 81 with Sikandar Raza, as Steelbacks reached 193 for 8.Rain left Falcons with a revised target of 187 from 19 overs but Donald’s demolition shredded the bowling before David Lloyd (33), and Cam Fletcher kept the home side ahead of the game before the heavens opened.Steelbacks scored only six from the first two overs which included a maiden from Daryn Dupavillon before Breetzke took three fours from Pat Brown.Ricardo Vasconcelos was dropped at cover by Samit Patel off Brown but it did not prove costly as the opener was comprehensively yorked in the fourth over by DuPavillion.Breetzke was finding his range and pulled Zak Chappell into the car park before David Willey dished out the same treatment to Dupavillon. But Dupavillon had the last word by getting Willey to miscue a drive low to mid-off as Steelbacks ended the powerplay on 55 for 2.After a brief stoppage for a sharp shower, Breetzke and Ravi Bopara worked the ball around without taking risks and had put on 48 from 36 balls when Falcons made a big breakthrough.Bopara tried to launch Mitch Wagstaff over the midwicket boundary only for Ross Whiteley to take a well judged catch just inside the ropes.But Breetzke and Raza trod on the accelerator to plunder 79 in five overs as the ball disappeared to all parts. After Breetzke reached 50 from 36 balls, he pulled Brown for six and dispatched Ross Whiteley for another maximum before Raza launched Chappell over the ropes.Breetzke passed his previous highest T20 score of 80 by taking three consecutive fours off Dupavillon before a yorker ended a thrilling innings.Brown and Chappell dragged it back by conceding only 11 from the last two overs in which Steelbacks lost four wickets trying to push towards 200.Falcons needed a fast start and Donald delivered, driving Willey straight for six and pulling and driving Ben Sanderson for two more as they raced to 50 in the fifth over.Donald pulled Raphy Weatherall into the home dugout and smashed a Saif Zaib full toss for six before he launched a no-ball over deep midwicket to reach 50 from 19 balls.He hammered two more off Freddie Heldreich before holing out to long-off in the seventh over but he had done exactly what the situation demanded.Bopara had Wayne Madsen caught behind and Patel was caught at deep square but the Falcons had done enough by the time torrential rain ended the contest.

With Thomas Frank looking to make his mark from the off, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly battling Manchester United in another transfer race to sign a £20m gem.

Tottenham open summer business with Tel arrival

Although there are likely to be plenty of others who steal the headlines this summer, Mathys Tel has his place in history as the first signing of the Frank era in North London. The young forward has arrived on a permanent deal following a short loan spell in the second-half of last season. Still just 20 years old, the former Bayern Munich man represents the type of talent that could thrive under Frank’s guidance.

The Lilywhites are unlikely to be done there with attacking additions, however, amid recent reports that suggest they’ve opened talks sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.

With Bryan Mbeumo still leaning towards a summer switch to Manchester United, Frank and Tottenham’s attention has seemingly turned towards the Cherries and sealing the arrival of a player who has been on the rise in the South Coast for the last two seasons.

Of course, there will be plenty of frustration if they miss out on Mbeumo – especially given how Frank got the best out of the Brentford star during their time together in West London – but Semenyo very much represents an ideal alternative.

The Mbeumo saga may not be the last time that Spurs and Manchester United do battle in the transfer window, either. Reports are now suggesting that both clubs are interested in the same midfield gem.

Tottenham battling Man Utd to sign £20m Agoume

According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are now battling Man Utd to sign Lucien Agoume from Sevilla this summer. The young midfielder is reportedly available for just £20m amid Sevilla’s financial troubles and could be destined for the Premier League one way or another in the coming months.

It’s easy to see why two of the Premier League’s so-called big six teams are interested in Agoume this summer. U23 scout Antonio Mango was full of praise for the 23-year-old in his assessment, going on to describe him as “combative” and “extremely well-rounded”.

If they lose out on Mbeumo to Manchester United, then Tottenham should look to exact instant revenge by signing Agoume ahead of the Red Devils this summer. What could reportedly help their battle to do exactly that is the fact that they have Champions League football to offer, whilst Manchester United, of course, do not.

28-year-old wants to join Tottenham as Levy considers "clever" signing

He’d be an interesting addition.

4 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

It would be quite the moment if Spurs’ Europa League victory over the Red Devils saw them hand those at Old Trafford another defeat away from the pitch in the coming months.