Arsenal summer signing Viktor Gyokeres has impressed since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in a deal which could rise to £64 million, but only in certain Premier League games.
Mikel Arteta’s long wait for a prolific striker was brought to an end by sporting director Andrea Berta in the Italian’s first window at the Emirates, and supporters eagerly awaited the Swede’s debut whilst expecting big things.
Gyokeres bagged an unbelievable 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting before his switch to north London – spearheading the Primeira Liga champions to a domestic double last season – and Arteta is hoping his new number nine can replicate those heroics on British shores.
Despite Arteta’s fondness for Benjamin Sesko, who Arsenal tried to sign in the summer of 2024 and in January, Berta reportedly swayed Arsenal chiefs into moving for Gyokeres instead (The Athletic).
Kepa Arrizabalaga
£5m
Martin Zubimendi
£60m
Christian Norgaard
£15m
Noni Madueke
£52m
Cristhian Mosquera
£13m
Viktor Gyokeres
£55m
Eberechi Eze
£67.5m
Piero Hincapie
Loan
Thus far, the signs have been fairly promising, but some criticism has surrounded Gyokeres’ lacklustre link-up play compared to the likes of Liverpool star Alexander Isak, who was also once a “dream” target for Arteta.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville also believes that Gyokeres won’t be a big-game player for Arsenal, with the 27-year-old failing to make an impact against both Man United and Liverpool this season.
His goals so far have come in a 5-0 win over Leeds United, and most recently, the Gunners’ 3-0 dispatching of Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest last Saturday.
Troy Deeney tips Arsenal to replace Viktor Gyokeres with Kai Havertz
Once £280,000-per-week star Kai Havertz is back from injury, talkSPORT pundit Troy Deeney is convinced that Arteta will bench Gyokeres for the big games in favour of their versatile German.
Football is often reactionary at the best of times, and we believe that Gyokeres simply needs more time to settle in Europe’s most competitive division.
Viktor Gyokeres to deliver on big stage for Arsenal in time
The striker’s lack of impact against Man United and Liverpool is a concern, but that could simply be put down to Gyokeres finding his feet at brand-new club amid plenty of pressure to deliver.
At Sporting CP last season, the Swede produced 54 goals and 13 assists across competitions, thriving under the pressure of title races and European nights. His record shows he doesn’t just score against weaker opposition, either.
Gyokeres regularly delivered goals or assists in decisive matches, including against Porto and Benfica, where his work rate, strength, and ability to lead the line stood out.
His six goals in eight Champions League games for Sporting last season, including a stunning hat-trick against Man City, also work wonders to highlight that Gyokeres can indeed deliver on the biggest occasions.
Before the international break, Tottenham Hotspur’s fast start to the season was stunted at home to Bournemouth, who claimed a 1-0 win down N17.
But fears of that same plague of inconsistency have been pushed aside after an emphatic 3-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium, shifting Spurs into second place in the Premier League ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Burnley on Sunday afternoon.
Three wins from four marks an impressive start to life for Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou in the summer after the Australian coach slumped with his side down to a 17th-place finish in the Premier League.
Even the Europa League triumph couldn’t save him, but in spite of all the upheaval – including the shocking exit of Daniel Levy – Tottenham are reshaping into a force to be reckoned with.
The exciting signing of Xavi Simons bears testament to that.
Xavi Simons' Spurs debut
Simons, 22, looked Chelsea-bound for much of the summer transfer window, but Tottenham ended up winning the race and now they boast one of the most exciting playmakers in the business.
Against West Ham, the Netherlands international impressed across his 71 minutes on the field, making the assist for Pape Matar Sarr’s opening goal after the interval, curling a corner in and over the rabble and onto the unmarked Senegalese’s head.
Then the Lilywhites’ task was made easier by Tomas Soucek’s red card after a reckless challenge on Joao Palhinha. Two more goals ensued, and while Simons didn’t land a debut strike for himself, he looked very much at home on the Premier League stage.
Finer displays will follow, but this was very promising indeed, especially when considering he was deployed out wide instead of his natural berth at number ten.
Simons has what it takes to effectively replace the injured James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, maybe even rivalling such stars as being Tottenham’s finest attacking midfielder since the days of Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen in their pomp.
Spurs' new version of Dele Alli
In January 2024, Tottenham beat off fierce competition from Barcelona to sign teenage midfielder Lucas Bergvall. In fact, all the pointers previously claimed the Sweden prospect would join La Blaugrana, but he was convinced by the Lilywhites project after a hijack.
An elite talent, Bergvall has since settled into life as a Tottenham senior, and he’s still only 19 years old. In this regard, he’s somewhat like the aforementioned Dele, and might even come to be Frank’s own version of the fallen England sensation.
Dele, now 29, is clubless after being released by Como in Serie A, but it’s not hard to remember those days of old when he played with such rarely-seen gusto, a true wonder-kid after joining Spurs from MK Dons in League One in 2015.
His first three seasons in the Premier League were beyond spectacular, and had he continued in that thread of form throughout his career, Dele would surely be hailed now in conversations similar to that of the division’s greatest.
23/24
0
0 (0)
22/23
2
0 (0)
21/22
10
1 (0)
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15
0 (1)
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25
8 (4)
18/19
25
5 (3)
17/18
36
9 (11)
16/17
37
18 (9)
15/16
33
10 (9)
Bergvall is not the same as Dele, but his athleticism and intelligence and movement and application all bespeak the skill set of a top-level talent.
And against West Ham, the Scandinavian’s goal-and-assist performance carried shades of Dele back in his heyday.
Cristian Romero arced an aerial pass through to Bergvall moments after Soucek’s red card, and the youngster’s success in timing his run and turning the ball beyond the hapless goalkeeper with a precise header underlined his Dele-esque performance.
Because, after all, such headed goals were staples of the Three Lions star’s skills when he was in his prime at Tottenham. Who remembers that performance against Chelsea back in 2017, for example?
But the similarities don’t stop there. Bergvall’s success at such an early age is bringing him into direct comparison with a young Dele, and it’s something Spurs can now use to deepen their connection with the fanbase as this new era gets up and running.
After all, at 19 years and 223 days old, Bergvall is Tottenham’s youngest scorer in the Premier League since… You guessed it, Dele, who was 19 years and 205 days old when he scored in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa in November 2015.
There’s no question that Tottenham landed one of Europe’s prized up-and-coming midfielders when beating Barcelona to his signature, and now, with Frank at the helm, there’s a sense that Bergvall is coming into his own.
He’s a European champion, and he’s now showcased his ability to produce a rounded display in the Premier League, with data from Sofascore revealing that he won five duels, made two tackles and created a key pass against struggling West Ham.
He also completed 100% of his dribbles, demonstrating a progressiveness that will help Tottenham to no end.
Football.london handed him an 8/10 match rating, drawing attention to his neat interplay and clever touches, as well as his intelligent involvement in the build-up to Tottenham’s third, when Van de Ven sealed three excellent points for the north Londoners.
Bergvall remains a young midfielder making his way in the Premier League, but already, he is so accomplished within Tottenham’s squad.
He has featured 50 times for the Londoners and is starting to show in Frank’s system an ability to stand out among his peers, something Dele did with such prodigious aplomb during the early days of his time in a Tottenham shirt.
He'll be Frank's own Bale: Spurs have hit gold on "phenomenal" £20m star
Tottenham Hotspur have unearthed themselves a new gem over the last couple of months.
As David Moyes sets his sights on a summer overhaul at the club, Everton have now reportedly submitted an opening bid to beat rivals Liverpool to an exciting target.
Moyes aiming for Everton overhaul
Speaking at a Men in Blazers event in New York, Moyes revealed that he still wants nine or 10 fresh faces at Everton this summer, despite already welcoming Thierno Barry, Mark Travers and Carlos Alcaraz on a permanent deal.
This follows reports that The Friedkin Group are in a position to spend as much as £150m this summer if they please and have set their sights on a number of targets as a result.
Among those targets is Bayern Munich left-back Adam Aznou. According to fresh reports, the Toffees have now agreed a deal worth around £10m and the teenager is set to undergo a medical at the club.
Likely to become Everton’s fourth signing of the summer, Aznou will push Vitaliy Mykolenko all the way for a starting place and perhaps even force himself into Moyes’ strongest side.
But those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium are unlikely to be done there. The Friedkin Group are out to make a statement and, as such, the likes of James McAtee are still on what is an extensive summer shortlist.
James McAtee for Manchester City.
The Manchester City starlet often found his game time limited last season even as Pep Guardiola’s side faltered for the first time in four seasons. Now, the midfielder looks likely to be on the move in search of the minutes he so desperately craved.
It’s worth pointing out that, even as he failed to work his way into Guardiola’s starting plans, the City boss was often still full of praise – describing him as “special” following a hat-trick against Salford City.
Special players seems to be the memo in Merseyside this summer too, with Everton now also reportedly in talks to sign an impressive winger.
Everton submit opening Fofana offer
According to Fabrizio Romano, Everton have now submitted an opening offer to sign Malick Fofana from Lyon this summer, with talks at an “advanced” stage.
The talented winger has attracted interest from several sides this summer, including from Liverpool, who were reportedly preparing an offer, but it is the Toffees who are now advancing.
Everton advancing in deal to sign "generational talent" for Moyes
The Toffees mean business this summer.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 26, 2025
Following underwhelming performances from loanees Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom, Moyes reportedly earmarked the need for a new, more dangerous winger before Everton turned towards Fofana to offer them exactly that.
Starts
16
24
Goals
5
1
Assists
4
0
Key Passes
25
33
In a season that saw him score 11 goals and create six more in all competitions last season, the Belgian earned the praise of analyst Ben Mattinson, who was left in awe of his “explosive” running ability down Lyon’s left-hand side.
Now, it’s Everton who could be about to benefit from that ability and so much more as they push to land another major upgrade this summer.
Liverpool are the reigning Premier League champions, but are they resting on their laurels? Absolutely not.
£116m man Florian Wirtz is in the building, joined by the exciting duo of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, signed for £29.5m and £40m apiece. The top-flight’s second-best defence in 2024/25 will seemingly have a fresh feel to it next season.
Indeed, Kerkez looks destined to usurp the long-serving Andy Robertson at left-back, while Frimpong will battle Conor Bradley to replace he-who-shall-not-be-named on the right flank.
With Giorgi Mamardashvili also set for his belated arrival at Anfield, there could even be a decision to be made in the sticks, not least with current number one, Alisson, having been beset with injury problems in recent years.
A further shake-up could also lie in store with regard to Virgil van Dijk’s new partner at centre-back, with the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s future only heightening the need for competition at the heart of the defence.
Van Dijk
Van Dijk aside, there is a chance for Arne Slot to deploy an almost completely new-look defensive unit for 2025/26, with the search for a new centre-back still underway.
Latest on Liverpool's centre-back search
With Konate attracting interest from Real Madrid, with just a year left on his current deal, the Reds must surely acquire a senior centre-back for the first time since the Frenchman’s own arrival in 2021 – not least with Jarell Quansah joining Bayer Leverkusen.
Marc Guehi, skipper down at Crystal Palace, is currently the name on everybody’s lips, with recent reports even going as far as to suggest that personal terms have been agreed with the 24-year-old Englishman.
That said, alternatives are still being considered according to further speculation, with the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones noting that the Merseysiders are plotting whether to proceed in talks for Guehi or Ajax starlet, Jorrel Hato.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The latter man – who is reportedly valued at around £40m – has previously been touted with a move to Anfield, with now perhaps the chance to ramp up that interest in the highly-rated 19-year-old.
Guehi, of course, provides proven Premier League quality and experience, but the young Dutchman must just be even better…
Why Hato could be an upgrade on Guehi
It’s fair to say that the Reds have already reaped the rewards of signing a Dutch talent schooled in the Netherlands, with former Groningen starlet Van Dijk making his way to Merseyside in January 2018, via stints at Celtic and Southampton.
Now the captain and leader of Liverpool, the 6 foot 5 titan has been a truly monstrous figure for the club to date, with former striker Michael Owen even going as far as to suggest that the 33-year-old is the “best centre-half of all time”.
While Hato – who operates at left centre-back like Van Dijk, as well as left-back – has some way to go to reach the levels of his compatriot, the likeness between the pair has already been noted, including by journalist Jorn Alders:
Tipped to follow in Van Dijk’s footsteps, Hato has been praised for his “immense” quality by talent scout Jacek Kulig, having already made 111 appearances for Ajax before turning 20. For comparison, the aforementioned Guehi was 19 when he made his debut at senior level for Chelsea in the League Cup.
Games (starts)
31 (30)
Goals
2
Assists
6
Big chances created
6
Key passes*
0.6
Pass accuracy*
90%
Tackles & interceptions*
2.6
Balls recovered*
4.2
Dribbled past*
0.3
Not only more versatile than the Englishman due to his ability to feature at full-back, the teenager also appears to possess greater composure and quality in possession, as shown by his 90% pass completion rate in the Eredivisie last term, as per Sofascore, alongside averaging 0.6 key passes per game. Guehi, meanwhile, averaged 84% and 0.5 for those same two metrics, respectively.
While both men made 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game in 2024/25, interestingly, Hato appeared the more resolute defender, having been dribbled past on just 0.3 occasions, while the Palace captain averaged 0.5 in that regard.
Arguably “one of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe”, according to Kulig, the Netherlands U21 star is already shining at the age of just 19, with it truly exciting to imagine what he can go onto achieve.
Guehi, of course, may represent a ready-made solution, but as potentially the man who could prove to be the next Van Dijk, Hato may well have the higher ceiling.
Not Isak: Liverpool chasing "world-class" CF who's more exciting than Wirtz
Liverpool are interested in signing a new striker this summer.
Despite Manchester United’s pending move to sign Bryan Mbeumo, it appears as though the hierarchy look set to continue their hunt for added depth within the forward attacking department.
With Matheus Cunha already the first player through the doors at Old Trafford this summer, the Brentford ace looks set to be the next player to join the Brazilian.
This comes after the Red Devils placed a £60m bid for the 25-year-old attacker, who’s already expressed his desire to link up with Ruben Amorim’s side this summer.
However, the club will have to wait for approval from the Bees to complete any move for the Cameroonian international, with personal terms not expected to be an issue.
Their ambitions of landing added depth in such an area appear to be showing no signs of slowing down, especially considering their interest in other players across Europe.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has emerged as a surprise option for United this summer, with the 30-year-old the subject of keen interest from various Premier League sides.
Hugo Ekitiké remains a key target for Amorim’s side, after the youngster netted 22 goals across all competitions this season, but his £84m price tag may be out of the Red Devils’ budget, given the additions elsewhere.
However, as a result, they could turn their attention to Juventus talisman Dušan Vlahović, with the 25-year-old only having one year left on his deal, according to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.
They claim that the Red Devils have been in contact with intermediaries over a potential move for the forward, who appears to be keen on a switch to England.
It also states that current United outcast Jadon Sancho could be utilised as leverage in any potential deal, with the Serie A outfit extremely keen on a move for the 25-year-old this window.
Why Vlahovic would be Amorim’s answer to Osimhen
Victor Osimhen has been a player who has been firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of years, and understandably so given his record across Europe.
The Nigerian has registered 85 goals across the last three campaigns, 37 of which came on loan at Galatasaray this season – catapulting the club to the Turkish League title.
However, it appears he won’t be returning to the Italian side ahead of the 2025/26 season, with Antonio Conte’s side looking to cash in on the 26-year-old.
He’s been the subject of interest from Amorim’s side, but also has admirers in Saudi Arabia, which could see the striker demand a small fortune and price the Red Devils out of any potential move.
It’s been reported that he’s demanding a pay package in the region of £500k-per-week, a ludicrous figure that has seen United move onto other options.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhenis picture wearing a protective face mask
Vlahovic appears to be just one of those, with the Juve star even ranking as a similar player to Osimhen according to FBref, demonstrating the talent he possesses.
When comparing their respective stats from Serie A back in 2023/24, the Serbian has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, making him a superb pickup if the hierarchy can complete a deal for his signature.
Games played
33
25
Goals & assists
20
18
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Pass accuracy
71%
66%
Progressive passes
1.8
1.1
Take-on success
42%
40%
Aerial success
45%
44%
The 25-year-old, “after Haaland, is the best striker in Europe at his age” in the words of Italian legend Christian Vieri, outscored Osimhen, whilst also registering a better goal per shot on target rate – having the clinical edge over the Nigerian.
He also completed more of the take-ons that he attempted, whilst registering more aerials won, handing Amorim the all-round centre-forward he’s greatly lacked.
Whilst he’s primarily a goalscorer, Vlahovic also completed more passes and more progressive passes per 90, handing the likes of Mbeumo and Cunha the chance to bolster their own tallies at Old Trafford.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the Juve ace would set the hierarchy back this window, but it’s clear he would be a just as effective, but cheaper, alternative to the Napoli forward.
Dusan Vlahovic scores at Club World Cup for Juventus.
Given the Italian side’s interest in Sancho, it could provide an excellent opportunity to land a bargain deal in the club’s quest to fly up the table throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
He'd be perfect with Mbeumo: Man Utd enter talks to sign £52m forward
Manchester United could further strengthen their frontline after a move for Bryan Mbeumo.
With concerns increasing that Morgan Rogers could leave the club this summer, Aston Villa have reportedly stepped up their efforts to sign an instant replacement for their star midfielder.
Arsenal considering Morgan Rogers bid
Aston Villa find themselves in a vulnerable spot this summer. Their PSR concern is an open secret in the Premier League and their rivals know that they may need to sell at least one key man to comply with the financial rules by the end of June. And that could hand them an uphill battle to keep hold of Rogers if Arsenal come calling in the coming weeks.
There is no doubt that those in the Midlands would like to keep hold of such a talented player. After all, there’s very good reason why Rogers was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year and is a strong favourite to win the award. But they may have little choice in the matter if an offer in the region of £50m or above arrives for Rogers’ signature this month.
What has not helped ease Villa’s concerns about Rogers’ future are recent reports that Arsenal are seriously considering submitting an offer to sign the England international this summer after missing out on Nico Williams to Barcelona.
Aston Villa table bid to sign £24m star as release clause deadline emerges
They’re yet to get their summer business underway.
ByTom Cunningham Jun 18, 2025
It would undoubtedly rub salt in Aston Villa’s wounds if they not only lost one of their best players, but lost that player to a Premier League rival. Nonetheless, those in the Midlands are seemingly preparing for the worst and have already reportedly set their sights on signing a potential replacement for Rogers in the coming months.
Aston Villa step up efforts to sign Eze
In the event that Rogers leaves the club this summer, it looks as though the Villans will turn their focus towards South London. According to Football Transfers, Aston Villa are now stepping up their efforts to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace and have made the midfielder their priority target.
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37
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8
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10
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51
It certainly makes sense that Aston Villa are looking towards Eze to potentially replace Rogers. The Crystal Palace star almost matched his England teammate all the way in output last season whilst making fewer Premier League appearances and took his total to 14 goals in all competitions.
Like Unai Emery, however, Oliver Glasner won’t want to lose his key man this summer. The Crystal Palace boss was full of praise for Eze last season, telling reporters back in September: “Who’s a better player than Eze? For me he’s absolutely top, if he was luckier this season he would have five or six goals.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzeposes with the player of the match trophy
“He’s always dangerous because he has the quality and ability at 1-1, he’s such an unbelievable finisher, in some situations he can improve, he’s a guy who can always score and he’s someone who everyone likes. This is why he’s on the pitch because he’s able to score goals.”
Chelsea are planning to overhaul a key area of Enzo Maresca’s squad this summer, with BlueCo looking to sell two players and potentially open new talks for an elite-level star.
Chelsea continue transfer planning after botched CWC deals
In high-profile fashion, Chelsea missed out on a couple of anticipated deals before the pre-Club World Cup transfer deadline at 7pm on Tuesday.
Chelsea are in ongoing talks with Neymar-like forward – Sky journalist
The west Londoners are still working beyond the Club World Cup transfer deadline.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025
While Chelsea do have the arrival of Liam Delap to celebrate, with the English sensation set to bolster Maresca’s forward options for the CWC, the Blues couldn’t quite get Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens or AC Milan’s Mike Maignan over the line.
The former was a top target for Maresca in the wide area, and Chelsea did their utmost to make it happen – lodging three different offers in the build up to Tuesday’s deadline, only for Dortmund to reject them all and demand more money (Florian Plettenberg).
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
Chelsea went as high as £47 million in their bid to sign Gittens, but it was no use, with the west Londoners deciding to walk away from talks once it was clear a deal could not be done in time.
Their attempts to sign Maignan were equally frustrating.
Milan wanted around £25 million to sell the France international, who’s about to enter the final year of his contract and won’t sign a new one, but Chelsea were only willing to pay up to £13 million, meaning no agreement could be found (The Athletic).
AC Milan's MikeMaignanreacts
Given the 29-year-old’s pedigree as, arguably, one of the world’s finest keepers and France’s undisputed number one, there is frustration among Chelsea supporters that they didn’t stump up the cash for a player who would’ve undoubtedly been an upgrade on their current crop.
Maignan was also known to be very keen on a move to Chelsea, and for just £25m, the shot-stopper could’ve been a serious bargain.
However, their transfer plans are continuing into the summer, with reliable journalist Simon Phillips suggesting that a move for Maignan certainly isn’t off the cards.
Chelsea could hold new Mike Maignan talks next week
The Blues want to sell both Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic, with Chelsea reportedly valuing the latter at around £21 million. Sanchez joined the club for around £25 million from Brighton, and you’d Chelsea would want to recuperate a large portion of that fee.
With the £46 million duo up for sale, one source has told Phillips that Chelsea could even reopen talks for Maignan as early as next week.
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
“They held talks with Milan, Maignan wants the move, and Chelsea actually believed they were about to sign him with a fee agreement close,” said Phillips, via his Substack.
“AC Milan moved the goalposts on the fee in the final stages and that was enough for Chelsea to back out, for now.
“However, they are likely to go back for Maignan. I know initially we heard yesterday that they wouldn’t be going back for him at all. But after further digging by our sources last night, we’ve heard that Chelsea are now likely to revisit this deal later in the summer window. One source even suggests they could go back in for talks as soon as next week.
“Chelsea don’t want to be pushed over in negotiations so some of this is about sending messages as well as not appearing desperate to land a new goalkeeper.
“And that is because they want to sell both Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez this summer. Obviously this needs suitors and those suitors to pay the valuations to make this happen, but this is their intentions.”
Called “one of the best” keepers in world football by Alisson, the Liverpool star also heralded Maignan’s “quick” burst of pace off the line, and a truly quality number one could be one of the final missing pieces of Maresca’s jigsaw.
Liverpool are in the final stages of wrapping up a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, having already signed the Werkself’s electric right flanker Jeremie Frimpong after meeting his £29.5m release clause.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez should follow, with the two Premier League clubs engaged in advanced discussions for the Hungarian’s transfer this summer.
While bringing in a new centre-forward is also on the agenda, Liverpool may have to contend with one or two reluctant sales, most notably of which concerns Luis Diaz.
The latest on Luis Diaz
Diaz has been a key component of Liverpool’s Premier League triumph this season, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists for the Reds across all competitions.
However, aged 28 and entering the penultimate year, it would make sense to cash in if a handsome offer were presented to FSG. With Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League’s Al Nassr both keen, this is something bound to be on sporting director Richard Hughes’ mind.
With a bid worth around €85m (£72m) being pieced together by Al Nassr, Liverpool could take the money and invest in a new star, especially with a world-class player in Wirtz already heading to Merseyside.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
Especially when there’s a rising talent who’s been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent months who might just be the perfect long-term investment.
Liverpool could sign Wirtz-esque Diaz replacement
While Cody Gakpo has nailed down the left-sided forward spot at Liverpool, Diaz’s departure would require a direct replacement being brought in, even if Liverpool secured a new centre-forward too.
That’s why FSG should consider increasing their interest in Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, who has enjoyed a promising emergence in Bundesliga.
The 20-year-old has been hailed as a “very good finisher” by former Yellow Wall boss Nuri Sahin, also noted for being “incredible one-on-one”, and though he’s young, there’s enough there to suggest he could be the perfect Diaz heir.
He’s still got levels to scale, but Gittens has made an impressive start to life on the major stage, with his silky approach even leading data-driven site FBref to liken him to Wirtz.
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12
5
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34 (18)
2
8
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20 (5)
3
1
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4 (1)
0
0
Ranked among the top 15% of Bundesliga attacking midfielders and wingers in 2024/25 for goals scored, and the top 1% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, you can see he’s got some of the ball-carrying similarities of Wirtz, though Gittens is more of an out-and-out winger.
Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley even pronounced him “England’s best left-winger in 2024/25” earlier in the campaign, which is lofty praise indeed, given the calibre of competition he’s against.
Thomas Tuchel’s recently selected summer Three Lions squad perhaps doesn’t reflect that, but then Gittens is still in the fledgling phase of a promising career, having laid the foundations for something special.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite
As per Sofascore, Gittens averaged 4.9 successful duels per top-flight fixture this year too, showcasing a tenacious side to his game that could bear dividends in the Premier League.
The same could be said for Wirtz, who marries his absurd technical level with a combative underbelly. Given that the German has been profiled by FSG’s analysts and targeted in a club-record deal, Gittens might just fit the bill.
While he won’t be at the top of Liverpool’s shopping list, this could be a shrewd move to keep the champions firing on all cylinders over the coming years.
Just another Nunez: Liverpool add "outrageous" £67m forward to shortlist
Liverpool have turned their attention to a new target as they seek out a centre-forward.
Liverpool’s mastery in the transfer market must leave rivals hot under the collar. FSG have their drawbacks, criticised for their frugality, but who can reasonably rail against their formula?
Arne Slot, though, has exceeded expectations this season, winning the Premier League at a canter, somehow replacing the irreplaceable Jurgen Klopp.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
It’s frightening to think that Liverpool are now ramping up their transfer plans, rewarding Slot with a deep-pocketed transfer chest which has already led to the signing of Jeremie Frimpong, with his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz lined up for a reported British-record €130m (about £110m) transfer.
With a deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez also in the pipeline, Liverpool fans would be forgiven for indulging in fits of excitement: Slot and the powers that be are investing in a team ready to challenge at the highest European level for many years to come.
However, more is needed in attacking areas if the Reds are to do it all over again next year and keep Mohamed Salah, who turns 33 this month, on his A-game.
How Liverpool can keep Mo Salah firing
Last season, Liverpool won the Carabao Cup and restored their place in the Champions League after a wretched 2022/23 campaign, but failed to secure the biggest prizes.
Salah promised the Liverpool faithful he would put that right, and delivered on his promise by winning the Premier League under Slot’s wing, winning the clean sweep of individual prizes in the process.
It was, all in all, a rather good campaign for the Egyptian King, but there’s no question he was overburdened with responsibility at times, dragging his profligate teammates across the finish line.
Salah no doubt misses the seamless synergy that Jurgen Klopp pieced together when creating one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever frontlines, Salah joined by Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in turning Liverpool back into a superpower over so many years.
Premier League
38
29
18
Champions League
9
3
4
Carabao Cup
5
2
1
Now, Liverpool must reward their legendary veteran with new partners in the final third who maintain clinical rates of scoring, of supplying. Whether Salah will secure teammates on the level of Firmino and Mane remains to be seen, but FSG are certainly acting with the intent of achieving just that.
Slot driving ambitious Liverpool deal
As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool are considering ‘a fresh approach’ for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon this summer, who is valued at around £80m.
Contacts were established one year ago when Newcastle fretted over ways to circumvent PSR, having failed to qualify for Europe. Liverpool were drawn to the possibility of signing Gordon, but in the end, Eddie Howe’s side found alternative routes to go down.
Anthony Gordon
Now, though, it’s become clear that Anfield’s interest has remained intact, and while the former Everton star would not force his way out of St. James’ Park, a return to Merseyside to sign for his boyhood club would be a big temptation.
Why Anthony Gordon could replicate Mane at Liverpool
Liverpool released Gordon from their academy when he was only 11 years old, leaving him adrift until washing up at Goodison Park, where he made his name.
Anthony Gordon for Newcastle
Newcastle paid Everton a £45m fee to sign Gordon in January 2023, and this was before he made genuine headway. Now, it’s understandable that the Magpies would want to bank nearly double that figure, and if Diaz is sold, Liverpool might just be able to make it happen.
Hailed for his “unbelievable” 2023/24 campaign by teammate Bruno Guimaraes, Liverpool’s interest came after a campaign that saw Gordon post 28 goal contributions across all competitions, earning Newcastle’s Player of the Season.
Despite winning the Carabao Cup and restoring his club’s place in the Champions League, the current season hasn’t been so kind to the England international, with injuries and suspensions disrupting the second half of the term.
The 24-year-old remains one of the most talented wingers in the Premier League, though, having pronounced himself a “nightmare for anyone” he plays against.
With levels still to scale as he makes improvements, Gordon might just be Slot’s long-term solution on the left flank, maybe even becoming Liverpool’s new version of Sadio Mane, with blistering speed and a dynamic danger to his skill set.
Sadio Mane Liverpool graphic
Last August, pundit Jamie Carragher actually tipped the Three Lions man to serve as Mane’s heir over on Merseyside, claiming he could make a “frightening” impact.
A player of such physicality and athleticism with ostensibly sharper weaponry than Diaz could certainly make a positive impact, striking a stunning partnership with the evergreen Salah, who will remain at Liverpool for at least two more years.
And if Darwin Nunez is sold and replaced by Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with Liverpool locked in battle with Chelsea for the French forward, Slot might even have his own version of Firmino to complete a deadly new strike-force.
How to define Bobby Firmino? The Brazil forward was the glue which held Klopp’s iconic front three together, effortlessly brilliant and commendably selfless.
Mane and Salah were the goal-getters, but Firmino made it all tick, and given that Ekitike would join Liverpool as an up-and-coming Bundesliga talent, the similarities are clear to see, as Firmino arrived from Hoffenheim a decade ago for £29m.
Ekitike, 22, is a good goalscorer, having scored 22 times for his club this term, but he’s also so much more. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for assists and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90.
Such quality would give Gordon an inroad to a new level of goalscoring success, especially with Salah shaping into one of the game’s superlative wide playmakers in recent years.
Liverpool have enjoyed tremendous success in Slot’s newly-crafted system, but with such signings, they could reach even higher, giving Salah a new attacking partnership for the ages.
A new Mac Allister: Liverpool set sights on signing "dangerous" £35m star
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be Alexis Mac Allister 2.0.
Newcastle United are now planning to hold face-to-face talks over a summer deal for an “unbelievable” forward this week, according to a report.
Magpies eyeing new forwards with Wilson heading for exit
It would be fair to say Callum Wilson has been a fantastic servant to Newcastle, with the striker making 129 appearances for the club, but it looks as though his time at St. James’ Park is now set to come to an end when his contract expires this summer.
The Englishman has suffered with injuries throughout the campaign, while often being limited to appearances as a substitute, and he is now starting to attract attention from elsewhere, with Leeds United believed to be leading the race for his signature.
As such, Eddie Howe’s side have now started to run the rule over potential replacements, with the manager particularly keen on signing versatile Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, who is among the Premier League’s top scorers this season.
Player
Premier League goals
Mohamed Salah
28
Alexander Isak
23
Erling Haaland
21
Chris Wood
19
Bryan Mbeumo
19
Mbeumo is not the only Premier League forward of interest, however, with a report from talkSPORT revealing Newcastle are now planning to hold face-to-face talks over a deal for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap this week.
Delap is planning to hold in-person discussions with all his potential suitors ahead of the summer window, and the Magpies are the latest English side to express an interest in triggering the £30m release clause in his contract.
Howe is keen on bringing in another striker to ease the goalscoring burden on Alexander Isak, with the manager looking to strengthen his squad in a number of different areas this summer.
He'd be their new Gordon: Howe wants Newcastle to sign "deadly" £60m star
Newcastle are looking to upgrade their attack
ByJoe Nuttall May 20, 2025 "Unbelievable" Delap could push for Isak's starting spot
Understandably, Wilson’s game time has been very limited this season, given that Isak has enjoyed his best season to date in a Newcastle shirt, leading his side to EFL Cup glory and scoring 27 goals in all competitions.
However, the Ipswich star has also started to make a name for himself this season, finding the back of the net 12 times in the Premier League, with teammate Luke Woolfenden lauding him as “unbelievable”.
Howe has also been impressed by the start the 22-year-old has made to life in the Premier League, saying: “He’s a pivotal player for [Ipswich], there’s no denying that. I think he’s had a very good season. “He’s got big strengths, very strong, powerful runner.”
The only concern for Newcastle will be that Delap may not be tempted to move to St. James’ Park this summer if he doesn’t have guarantees of being a regular starter, and that is unlikely to be the case unless Isak decides to move on.