All posts by z3u9t.icu

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca remains keen to upgrade his attacking options, despite having already signed Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro.

£90m star very open to joining Chelsea with Nicolas Jackson swap possible

The Senegalese faces an uncertain future.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 17, 2025

That is according to recent reports, specifically from Stamford Bridge journalist Simon Phillips, who states that signing new forwards is still a top priority for Maresca after his side’s struggles against the low block throughout 2024/2025.

“Chelsea are going about their transfer business to have a strong end to the window and make sure they are fully equipped to capitalise on this success and go into the new Premier League season,” wrote Phillips on his Substack earlier this week.

“Enzo Maresca has prioritised the attack as his point of improvements, and they want to have deep cover and quality in all areas of the attack to make sure they can break down low blocks – something they all collectively saw as one of the biggest problems they faced last season and will continue to face in the Premier League into next season.”

More player sales will be key to this, however, with UEFA putting pressure on Chelsea to sell squad members and balance out the team, or face not being able to register new signings for the Champions League next season (Kaveh Solhekol).

Having just won the Club World Cup, granting Chelsea a seismic £87.5 million financial windfall, they’ve also sold Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli and Djordje Petrovic for a combined rumoured fee of around £96 million – which will be closer to £100 million when taking into account Mathis Amougou’s move to Strasbourg.

The cost of that transfer was undisclosed, but factoring in their near-£187.5 million cash boost, Chelsea have actually made a profit so far this summer – so there is still money left to spend whilst comfortably avoiding the PSR threshold.

Chelsea are also looking at ‘unofficial swap deals’ as a means to balance out their squad and land key transfer targets (Simon Phillips), with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze chief among the options on their shortlist.

Chelsea given free run at signing Eberechi Eze after Arsenal decision

Earlier this week, it was reported that Chelsea held fresh talks with Eze’s representatives, and TEAMtalk now claim that the Blues could have a free-run at signing the England international, who has a £68 million release clause in his contract.

TT back up suggestions that Chelsea are talking to the 27-year-old’s camp, and what’s more, it is believed that Arsenal have decided to cool their interest in Eze.

Tottenham pulled away in recent weeks too, so Chelsea could now have a free run at signing Eze this summer, and they’re prepared to offer him a “lucrative contract” to tempt the attacker across London to Stamford Bridge.

Eze bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, including the game-winning FA Cup final strike against Man City to hand Palace their first ever major trophy.

“Everyone who loves football should enjoy seeing Eze on the pitch,” said Fulham boss Marco Silva in 2024.

“He is a top, top young player and has so much quality with everything he does on the pitch.”

After dropping out of the race to sign Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle United and Eddie Howe have now reportedly turned their focus towards an alternative option who’s more clinical than the Frenchman.

Newcastle's current striker shortlist

Whilst Ekitike did sit top of their striker shortlist before Liverpool entered the race and left them reeling, Newcastle still have a number of options that they could turn towards. The striker market is wide open. Even after watching Joao Pedro join Chelsea and Liverpool take the lead in the race for Ekitike, the likes of Victor Osimhen and Yoane Wissa remain on the market.

That said, even Howe couldn’t hide his frustration about how the transfer window has gone so far on Tyneside, telling reporters: “It was a difficult summer (to switch off) with everything going on behind the scenes.”

“Obviously losing Paul (Mitchell) and all of the dynamics changing within (the club). The Sporting Director role is such a pivotal role at the club, so there was a lot (of work) to pick up.

“There has been a lot of work, transfer wise, for very little incoming action, although we are delighted to get Anthony Elanga in, who has done very well in training so far. But a lot more work (is needed) behind the scenes in preparation for the new season.”

£50m England international now "very" open to joining Newcastle this summer

He’s got the same agent as Dan Burn…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 18, 2025

Howe’s verdict suggests that Newcastle’s work is far from over this summer. After missing out on Ekitike, all involved at St James’ Park will be desperate to ensure that their next pursuit goes off without a hitch – be it for Wissa or, as some reports have suggested is possible, Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez.

At this stage, the most ideal scenario for Newcastle is welcoming a striker who is even better than Ekitike and that’s exactly what one Bundesliga alternative would offer them.

Howe personally plotting Sesko move

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Howe is now personally plotting a move to sign Benjamin Sesko for Newcastle, having previously instructed St James’ Park chiefs to take a look at the Serbian.

The Magpies would once again have to spend big to secure his signature, with Leipzig reportedly demanding around €90m (£78m) to sell their star striker, but Sesko could prove to be worth every penny.

Starts

31

30

Goals

15

13

Assists

8

5

Expected Goals

21.6

10

Ekitike may have outscored Sesko last season, but it was the latter who proved to be the more clinical finisher – outperfoming his XG by three goals whilst the Frankfurt star underperformed significantly. That would suggest that, in a side offering him more chances, Sesko’s numbers would soar.

It should come as no surprise that the talented forward has earned previous praise from the likes of former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell, who said: “Benjamin Šeško is among the game’s top young talents and has enormous potential to become a top player.

“He has all the qualities to do that. He’s extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air. Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his 1.95m (6’4″) is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.”

After watching on as the last six promoted sides suffered instant relegation, Sunderland have entered this transfer window ready to put an end to that trend and are now reportedly set to welcome yet another impressive signing.

Sunderland continuing summer overhaul

To say the Black Cats are ensuring that they’re Premier League-ready would be an understatement. Those in Wearside have shown no hesitation when it comes to spending this summer, breaking their club record to sign Habib Diarra and following that up by welcoming Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, Enzo Le Fee on a permanent deal and Chemsdine Talbi.

After becoming the latest to arrive, Talbi told Sunderland’s official website: “I’m really excited to be here and grateful for the opportunity to play for this Club. I made the decision because it’s a great project with a talented, exciting team full of young players – and that really motivated me.

“The Premier League is the biggest and best league in the world, so I’m looking forward to getting started. I know the fans will get behind me from the start, and I can’t wait to see them at the stadium.”

Those at the Stadium of Light have every reason to be excited by the winger’s arrival after he scored seven goals and created another five in all competitions at Club Brugge last season. At just 20 years old, the new arrival is a player full of potential and one who could realise that potential in full under Regis Le Bris.

Upgrade on Lauriente: Sunderland eye club-record move for "silky" £39m star

Sunderland could land a club-record move if they sign this £39m star.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 10, 2025

Even after Talbi, however, Sunderland are still not done in the transfer window. Reports have now emerged that the Black Cats have agreed a deal to sign yet another reinforcement and arguably one of their most impressive yet.

Sunderland agree £18m deal to sign Simon Adingra

According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Simon Adingra from Brighton & Hove Albion with a Thursday medical set to be completed for the winger to finalise a move worth an initial €21m (£18m).

Whilst Adingra struggled to keep hold of a starting place under Fabian Hurzeler last season – starting just 12 Premier League games – he remains a player full of potential at just 23 years old. For just £19m, Sunderland have arguably landed an absolute bargain.

After drawing with Liverpool in 2023, former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi sung the praises of Adingra alongside his Brighton teammate Carlos Baleba, saying: “We played with a lot of very young players. I have to congratulate my club because they found another two great players – Adingra and [Carlos] Baleba.”

So, although his momentum was halted by Hurzeler last season, Adingra now has the perfect opportunity to get back on track and hand Sunderland a quick, tricky new winger.

Arsenal have just as many outgoings to sort out as new signings potentially coming through the door, with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta revamping almost the entire squad ahead of a crucial 2025/2026 campaign.

New Fabregas: Arsenal trying to sign "one of the best CMs in the world"

Arsenal could sign one of the best young midfielders in the game.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 24, 2025

The biggest name who appears poised to leave N5 very soon is star midfielder Thomas Partey.

The Ghanaian re-established himself as a firm favourite under Arteta last season, putting his previous injury woes behind him and making over 50 appearances in all competitions.

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

Partey starred in both midfield and as an emergency right-back, which proved pivotal for the Gunners as they reached the Champions League semi-finals, despite coping with the various absences of key players due to fitness issues.

His renewed form even prompted the club to open talks over an extension for the £200,000-per-week star, but according to recent reports, negotiations have hit a standstill, and it is growing increasingly likely that Partey could leave when his contract expires at the end of this month (The Athletic).

While Arsenal assess alternatives to Partey, with Sevilla’s midfield sensation Lucien Agoume repeatedly linked in the last week, the 32-year-old isn’t Arteta’s only potential next departure – following the confirmed exits of Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Raheem Sterling and Neto.

Left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has seemingly been deemed surplus to requirements by Arsenal’s manager after his limited appearances last season, and AC Milan are showing a very keen interest in the Ukraine international.

Oleksandr Zinchenko keen on joining AC Milan after talks

Zinchenko has reportedly held “positive” talks over a move to Atletico Madrid, but Milan are also believed to be firm contenders for the £150,000-per-week ace.

As per Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Milan’s sporting director, Igli Tare, recently held talks with Zinchenko’s representatives, and the 28-year-old is becoming increasingly open to a San Siro move.

This comes as Milan look to sign an heir for Theo Hernandez, who could soon be joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with Zinchenko seen as an immediate potential replacement for the Frenchman.

His high wages are the main obstacle standing between Zinchenko and a potential move to Milan, but Arsenal are apparently ready to sell the player for around £17 million, which is feasible for the Rossoneri.

Despite falling down Arteta’s pecking order in the last 12 months, Zinchenko has been a wonderful servant to Arsenal overall, and the ex-Man City defender could still have plenty to offer abroad.

“He moves out of his position and gets into little pockets to try and make things happen and this is quite incredible. You can tell that he’s played under Pep Guardiola because he plays in a similar way,” said former Arsenal defender Armand Traore to talkSPORT in 2023.

“For Arsenal, he’s been great. The second choice left-back is Kieran Tierney [and] he’s a great left-back, but at the moment he can’t get much of a game because of how great Zinchenko has been.

“He’s also great for the mentality of the whole squad because he’s won titles. I think he’s come in and been absolutely fantastic. I’m really impressed with him. He’s almost like the cherry on top [of the cake].”

The Thomas Frank era is already underway at Tottenham Hotspur, after the club announced the permanent signing of loan star Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.

He joined the Lilywhites in a £30m deal after the deal in his loan contract was triggered, handing the club another sensational youngster for the immediate and long-term.

However, more business will need to be conducted by the new boss this summer, as the club look to turn around their Premier League form that saw them finish in 17th position.

Their Europa League triumph allowed them to qualify for the Champions League, making Frank’s side an exciting proposition, undoubtedly helping them in their quest within the market.

With the transfer window reopening on Monday, it presents the next opportunity for the hierarchy to land key targets for the squad, already wasting no time in identifying new talents.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

After the Dane’s appointment as Spurs manager, the club have already held internal talks over a move to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, subsequently allowing him to link up with his former boss.

The DR Congo international scored 19 times in his 35 Premier League appearances throughout 2024/25, with the 28-year-old offering the Lilywhites a clinical option in the final third.

However, he’s not the only player in their sights, with Roma’s Niccolo Pisilli another star in their sights, according to reports from Italy.

They claim that Frank’s side have made an enquiry to sign the 20-year-old midfielder, who made 41 appearances for the Serie A side across all competitions this season.

It also mentioned that the Italy U21 international hasn’t ruled out a move to England this summer, with no fee mentioned for a potential move for his signature this window.

Why Pisilli would be perfect alongside Mbeumo for Spurs

Since Frank’s appointment, strong links have emerged linking Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo with a summer move to North London, but they face huge competition elsewhere for his signature.

Manchester United are also extremely keen on a move for the 25-year-old attacker, with the Cameroonian stating his desire to move to Old Trafford this window.

The interest in the forward is no surprise, especially considering his record in 2024/25, which saw him find the net on 20 occasions, with only Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak scoring more.

The appointment of his former manager could sway his decision in the coming months, potentially forming an excellent partnership with Pisilli should they both join the club.

He’s thrived in Serie A over recent years, registering two goals and one assist, leading to Ivan Juric labelling the youngster as an “incredible” talent.

Games played

28

Goals & assists

3

Pass accuracy

84%

Progressive passes

4.6

Passes into final third

4.9

Progressive carries

1.6

Tackles won

55%

His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing 4.6 progressive passes and 4.9 passes into the final third per 90 – handing Mbeumo with the tools to succeed in North London.

Pisilli has also completed 84% of the passes he attempted, whilst registering 1.6 progressive carries, further showcasing his impressive ability with the ball at his feet.

However, he’s been just as effective without the ball, making 4.3 recoveries and winning 55% of the tackles he’s entered, offering Frank an excellent box-to-box option in the middle of the park.

The prospect of the Italian linking up with the Bees star in North London is certainly an exciting one, with the pair having the potential to star at the club for many years.

If they can replicate their current performance levels throughout any move to join the Lilywhites, they have the ability to take the side to the next level in their hunt for success during the Dane’s reign.

He's more exciting than Tel: Spurs now confident of signing £70m "monster"

The outrageously talented attacker will be incredible for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 17, 2025

The transfer window has only been open for nine days, but Arsenal are already embroiled in something of a saga.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko since last summer, and while he remains in Germany at the moment, things are begging to move.

Reports from late last week revealed that the Slovenian striker wants to move to the Emirates, but is he really the answer for Mikel Arteta’s side?

While that remains to be seen, the club are still on the lookout for alternatives, and now reports are linking them to someone who could be an upgrade on Sesko.

Arsenal's striker search

Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other strikers linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Jonathan David and Julian Alvarez.

Transfer Focus

Due to his contract with LOSC Lille coming to an end this month, the former would be a free signing, and a great one at that, as in 49 appearances this season, he scored 25 goals and provided 12 assists.

Alvarez was equally effective this term, racking up a tally of 29 goals and seven assists in 54 appearances, but with a release clause reportedly worth £126m in his current deal, it seems unlikely that he’d be on the move this summer.

Fortunately, another striker has now entered the picture: Samuel Omorodion Aghehowa.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several teams currently interested in the Porto star.

The report claims that alongside the Gunners, Chelsea, Manchester United, Aston Villa, and others are set to ‘battle it out’ for the 21-year-old goalscorer.

However, on top of dealing with the competition, the North Londoners will need to stump up a lot of cash, as the report has revealed that Porto want at least €75m – £63m – for their star striker and that they are in no rush to sell as he has a €100m – £84m – release clause in his current deal.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Samu’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be an upgrade on Sesko.

How Samu compares to Sesko

So, if Arsenal’s reported interest in Samu continues to grow, and things get to a point at which they have to choose between him and Sesko, who’d be the better signing?

Well, if we are going to compare strikers, the first port of call is their raw output, as, ultimately, that is what matters most for players in their position.

Interestingly, it’s the young Spaniard who comes out on top here, as in just 42 appearances, totalling 3175 minutes, the “inevitable” 6 foot 4 goalscorer, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, put the ball in the back of the net 25 times and provided three assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.5 games, or every 113.39 minutes.

In comparison, the Leipzig star scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or every 120.66 minutes.

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

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.51

0.40

Non-Penalty G+As

0.72

0.61

Progressive Passes

1.12

1.74

Progressive Carries

0.92

1.78

Shots

3.10

2.50

Shots on Target

1.15

1.10

Passing Accuracy

77.8%

67.6%

Expected Assists

0.09

0.06

Key Passes

0.68

0.72

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.40

0.34

Shot-Creating Actions

1.75

1.93

Goal-Creating Actions

0.36

0.34

Well, it’s more bad news for the Slovenian star, as while he does do better in some areas, such as shot-creating actions and progressive passes, he comes out second-best in the majority of relevant metrics.

For example, the Melilla-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by Mattinson, does far better when it comes to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while both players look to be hugely promising strikers, Samu simply does better when we look at their raw output and underlying numbers, so Arsenal should probably do what they can to bring him to the Emirates this summer, as he seems to be an upgrade on Sesko.

Arsenal could now make bid for £51m Gabriel and Saliba "hybrid" within days

The Gunners are fancied to make an opening offer for a defender in the coming days.

ByDominic Lund Jun 8, 2025

Leeds United are expected to submit an offer for an “incredible” player “in the coming days”, according to reliable reporter Ben Jacobs.

Leeds looking to upgrade defence amid Firpo uncertainty

Leeds fans will be well-aware of the importance of having a strong defence in the Premier League, given that a leaky backline was one of the main reasons for their relegation in the 2022-23 season, shipping 78 goals, the highest number in the division.

As such, Daniel Farke has set out to bolster his options at the back, identifying a number of defenders as potential signings, and there may be a particular need to bring in a new left-back, given that Junior Firpo could be heading for the exit door.

Player

Current club

Potential cost

Position

Kostas Tsimikas

Liverpool

£15m

LB

Aaron Cresswell

West Ham United

£0

LB

Vladimir Coufal

West Ham United

£0

RB

Nico Elvedi

Borussia Monchengladbach

£10m

CB

Elvedi has been on the radar for quite some time, with a £10m fee being touted back in February, and there has now been a new update on Leeds’ pursuit of the defender, with Jacobs naming the Monchengladbach ace and Tottenham Hotspur’s Ben Davies as players of interest.

The reporter said: “They definitely were interested in Davies when they were still in the Championship. Now we have to wait and see whether they move because targets can change due to promotion. Nico Elvedi is another name I hear for Leeds who can play left back or left centre back,”

“That’s one I expect them to bid for in the coming days. So the Ben Davies situation is open, but it is fair to say that Tottenham are open to offers. And if you’re open to offers, then extending the contract only helps you protect the value and bring in the most money possible.”

Leeds now "one to watch" in race for "outstanding" £25m Premier League ace

The Whites are in the running for a midfielder, who has a plethora of Premier League experience.

ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025 Elvedi could be "incredible" signing for Leeds

With Farke’s side set to return to the Premier League next season, it is important for the manager to bring in players proven at a high level, and the Swiss defender featured regularly for Monchengladbach in the 2024-25 season, making 25 Bundesliga appearances.

Former sporting director Max Eberl has also hailed the 28-year-old for his “incredible composure” in the past, which could be an important quality to have in a Farke side, given that the Leeds boss is known for playing out from the back.

The Switzerland international’s ability in possession of the ball is underlined by the fact he ranks in the 89th percentile for his pass completion rate per 90 over the past year, while also placing in the 93rd percentile for clearances, when compared to other centre-backs.

As such, Elvedi could be a perfect fit for Leeds at centre-back, and it is exciting news that a bid could be submitted in a matter of days.

Manchester City are headed to the Club World Cup and expect to bring in a proven Premier League operator to strengthen their ranks before the tournament commences, according to David Ornstein.

Manchester City close to landing double midfield deal

With Kevin De Bruyne moving on to a new challenge elsewhere, Manchester City have wasted no time in finding a replacement for the Belgian icon and look set to wrap up a double deal in midfield before they jet out to the United States.

Pep Guardiola is closing in on AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders and Lyon star Rayan Cherki. The latter is set to arrive for a fee of £34 million after Florian Wirtz opted to move from Bayer Leverkusen to reigning champions Liverpool.

In the case of Reijnders, the final details of a transfer worth £50 million involving the Netherlands international are being ironed out before he officially links up with his new teammates at the Etihad Stadium.

Legendary defensive midfielder Rodri is also back after injury, creating a new-look engine room to take the Premier League by storm next term as the Citizens aim to reclaim the title.

Cementing what he wants his midfield to look like after a period of instability, Guardiola is also set to offer Rodri a new Manchester City contract to stave off interest from heavyweights Real Madrid – that could be worth £300,000 per week.

Man City now in contact for £29m DM who is Switzerland's "greatest talent"

City have stepped up their pursuit of a new midfielder, who just won a Player of the Season award.

ByDominic Lund May 28, 2025

Pressing on in their hunt for reinforcements, City are now closing in on another addition elsewhere on the pitch to equip themselves ahead of their Club World Cup endeavours.

Man City expect to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers

Taking to social media platform X, reputable journalist Ornstein has reported all parties involved – from both clubs to the player’s camp – ‘expect’ a deal to be done that would see Rayan Ait-Nouri arrive at the Etihad Stadium from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

There is still work to be done before a final agreement can be reached, but they appear to be in pole position to land their main left-back target relatively quickly.

Labelled “incredible” by Gary O’Neil, Ait-Nouri has registered five goals and seven assists in 41 appearances across all competition for Wolves this campaign.

Creating 24 chances on Premier League duty this term, the Algeria international provided a regular threat in forward areas for the Old Gold as they managed to secure their top-flight status.

Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake have both shouldered the left-back burden at Manchester City, though bringing in a natural in that position could gift Guardiola the added bonus of being able to move one of them to a central role once all paperwork is completed.

Deemed to be worth around £51 million on the market, signing Ait-Nouri appears to be a shrewd addition by the Citizens ahead of the new campaign.

The summer transfer window does not officially open for business until next month, but that has not stopped Leeds United from being linked to several players ahead of their Premier League campaign.

Daniel Farke and his staff will know that they need to recruit well to give themselves a chance of staying in the top-flight, given that the last six teams to get promoted to the division have all been instantly relegated.

Galatasaray star Gabriel Sara, who previously played for Farke’s former team Norwich, has been linked with a move to Elland Road to bolster the club’s options in the middle of the park.

In midfield, the Whites have also been linked with an interest in West Ham United’s Czechia international Tomas Soucek, as they look for Premier League experience and quality.

On that theme, it was recently reported that Leeds United are leading the race to sign Newcastle United’s experienced centre-forward Callum Wilson on a free transfer this summer.

Why Leeds United should sign Callum Wilson

As aforementioned with Soucek, Leeds may want to add quality and experience to their squad to bolster their chances of avoiding an instant relegation back down to the Championship next season.

Wilson has made 238 appearances in the Premier League in his career, for Bournemouth and Newcastle combined, which means that he would arrive at Elland Road with plenty of relevant experience ahead of their fight to avoid the drop.

The England international was even relegated with the Cherries in the 2019/20 campaign and knows what not to do in a relegation battle, which could also be vital experience and learning for the current crop of players.

Experience is not the only thing that Wilson would bring to the table if the 49ers strike a deal to sign him from the Magpies, though, as he is also a proven goalscorer who has shown that he can find the back of the net on a regular basis in the Premier League throughout his career.

24/25

2

0

23/24

9

9

22/23

21

18

21/22

16

8

20/21

23

12

19/20

32

8

18/19

29

14

17/18

23

8

16/17

16

6

15/16

9

5

As you can see in the table above, the 33-year-old attacker has had a difficult season this year, with a lack of starts due to Alexander Isak being ahead of him, but he has typically scored goals when given starts at that level, with 27 goals in his last 32 starts.

His best season in a Newcastle shirt came in the 2022/23 campaign when he scored 18 goals from 17.49 xG in 31 appearances and 21 starts in the top-flight.

This shows that Wilson could bring both experience and quality to the Leeds team in the Premier League next season, which is why the 49ers should push to bring the English forward to Elland Road this summer.

If the owners are able to pull off a free transfer swoop for the clinical Newcastle striker, though, it could be the end of Patrick Bamford’s career in West Yorkshire.

Why Wilson signing would be the end of Bamford at Leeds

The 31-year-old striker would be absolutely finished at Elland Road if the 49ers sign Wilson this summer, because the Magpies forward would take up his role in the squad.

He still has one year left on his contract at Leeds, which means that a team would have to come in and pay a transfer fee to sign him this summer, and the attacker recently suggested that he sees his future in the Premier League with the Whites.

When questioned about a move to the MLS, Bamford said: “I feel like playing in the Premier League suits me a little bit more. Last time round I did pretty well when I was there. So I’m hoping to emulate that and try and do the same again.”

However, the former England international did not start any of his 17 appearances in the Championship for Leeds in the 2024/25 campaign, despite Farke describing him as a “top class” player, which does not suggest that he will play a key role moving forward.

Chalkboard

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

Bamford is essentially the experienced back-up striker in the squad at the moment, given that he turns 32 in September and has played 102 matches in the top-flight in his career, as he has not provided enough quality on the pitch in recent seasons.

Since scoring an eye-catching 17 goals in the Premier League in the 2020/21 campaign under Marcelo Bielsa, the English forward has failed to deliver consistent quality in the final third for the Whites.

24/25 (Championship)

17

0

2.11

0

23/24 (Championship)

33

15

9.52

8

22/23 (Premier League)

28

18

8.61

4

21/22 (Premier League)

9

7

N/A

2

20/21 (Premier League)

38

37

N/A

17

As you can see in the table above, Bamford has only scored 14 league goals in the last four seasons and underperformed his xG in the three seasons that Sofascore has tracked data for that statistic.

Meanwhile, Wilson has scored 35 Premier League goals for Newcastle in the last four campaigns, which illustrates the gulf in quality between the two players, particularly when you consider that half of Bamford’s seasons came in the second tier.

This means that Wilson would come in as an immediate upgrade on Bamford from a footballing perspective, because of his superior goal return whilst playing at a higher level, and that would make him more of a viable option in the top-flight next term.

The Newcastle star would also bring more experience to the table, as he has played over 100 more matches in the Premier League, and this means that the Leeds target could fulfill the experienced back-up striker role far more effectively than the former Chelsea prospect can.

Now worth more than Ampadu: Leeds must rue letting go of a "monster" for £0

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Therefore, there would not be any need for Bamford at Elland Road next season if the 49ers sign Wilson, who is essentially an upgraded version of the English striker, and that is why his career at the club could be absolutely finished if the Newcastle man arrives in West Yorkshire this summer.

With new sporting director Andrea Berta getting ruthless from the off, Arsenal are now reportedly ready to listen to offers for one particular player this summer amid interest from AC Milan.

Berta's summer plans at Arsenal

Heading into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain with a 1-0 deficit to overturn, Arsenal’s season is in danger of ending without a trophy once again. Already, Liverpool have been confirmed Premier League champions in what was a dominant run and given that the Gunners failed to win the Carabao Cup and were knocked out of the FA Cup in the early stage, they could look back on the current campaign with one full of moments to forget.

Mikel Arteta, as ever, is still full of hope, however, albeit whilst admitting that Arsenal need something special to advance next week. The Spaniard told reporters after his side’s defeat against PSG: “We have a lot of chances to be in that final. As I repeat myself, you have to do something special in the competition to have the right to be in the final. And the time to do it is going to be in Paris.”

What failure could do ahead of the summer transfer window though, is push the Gunners into action. Their attacking flaws have been there for all to see this season and need addressing even with star players returning from injury.

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Names such as Alexander Isak have threatened to steal the headlines in recent months, but whether Berta has the blessing to pursue what could be a club-record signing remains to be seen. First, it looks as though the new sporting director is set to get ruthless on the sales front.

Arsenal ready to sell Calafiori

According to Milan Live, Berta and Arsenal are now ready to listen to offers for Riccardo Calafiori this summer just one year after he arrived from Bologna. The defender has had a torrid time with injuries since arriving, but has seemingly not done enough to keep hold of his place in North London even when fully fit. Now, amid interest from AC Milan and Juventus, Arsenal have reportedly set his price tag at €35m (£30m).

Calf problems

2

Knee injury

8

Knee injury

4

Muscle injury

3

Knee injury

11

Missing 28 games in total, the defender has simply been unable to make his mark. To put into context just how much his luck has turned for the worse too, the Italian missed just two games during his time at Bologna.

That said, Calafiori’s injury struggles have not stood in the way of Arteta’s praise, with the Arsenal boss telling reporters earlier this season: “He came back, had a little glimpse, then went on international duty and got injured, so we had to manage him again. Then we threw him against Man City away for the first Premier League start and I think he was superb.

“He’s really good. He’s adapted really well to the group, his understanding is exceptional and you see he’s a player with an enormous courage and personality to play, so he’s going to give us a lot.”