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When it comes to the greatest players to have donned West Ham United’s famous Claret and Blue in recent history, it’s hard to look past Declan Rice.

The England international joined the club as a teenager and worked his way into the first team before eventually being given the captain’s armband, which he wore as the club won the Conference League in 2023.

At his best, the 26-year-old was a combative number six who was a nightmare to get past, but had in his locker what was, at the time, a hugely underrated passing ability and a sensational left foot.

In all, Rice is one of the best players to have represented West Ham in the modern era, even if his decision to join a fellow London side might have broken a few hearts.

Therefore, fans should be delighted with reports linking the club to a powerful midfield star who has been likened to the Arsenal star.

West Ham target their new Rice

The part of the team West Ham are most in need of reinforcing before the window closes next week is the midfield, and it looks like they’re going to do just that.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, reports suggest that the club have had an offer for Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes accepted today, and AS Monaco’s Soungoutou Magassa is set for a medical.

Yet, the Hammers might not be done there, as they’re being linked with another midfield star who could become their new Rice.

At least that is according to a recent report from Sky Sports News, which has claimed West Ham are interested in Aleix Garcia.

The report has revealed that the Bayer Leverkusen star is on a list of players the Irons are interested in this summer.

A potential price for the player is not mentioned in the report, but stories from earlier this week claimed that a fee of €20m, which is about £17m, would be enough to tempt the German side into selling.

At that price, signing the talented and experienced Garcia seems like a no-brainer for West Ham, especially as he’s been compared to Rice.

How Garcia compares to Rice

In this instance, the comparison between Garcia and Rice stems from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions from Europe’s top five leagues and concluded that the Arsenal ace has been the eighth most similar midfielder to the 28-year-old over the last 365 days.

We can gain a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached by examining the underlying metrics in which the pair ranks closely.

In this case, these include statistics such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key passes, blocks, shot-creating actions, interceptions and more, all per 90.

Garcia & Rice
Statistics per 90	Garcia	Rice
Non-Penalty Expected G+As	0.36	0.32
Progressive Passes Received	2.90	2.99
Key Passes	1.98	1.88
Shot-Creating Actions	3.71	3.54
Blocks	0.74	0.86
Interceptions	0.68	0.80
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Campaign

In other words, like the Hammers’ former captain, the Spaniard is a defensively solid midfielder who is more than comfortable contributing to the attacking side of the game.

The “outstanding” ace, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, is capable of initiating attacks through his impressive passing ability, as exemplified by his key passes.

Finally, another strength of the “technically gifted” Spaniard, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, that he shares with the Englishman is his ability to play in multiple midfield roles, from a defensive six to a box-crashing eight, and on occasion even further up the pitch.

Ultimately, while he might not be a household name among Premier League fans, West Ham should do all they can to sign Garcia before the window slams shut, especially as he could be their new Rice.

West Ham's stance on selling Lucas Paqueta as Tottenham make contact

The Hammers have to fight off late summer interest from Spurs.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 28, 2025

After a long summer away, Arsenal finally got their Premier League campaign underway at Old Trafford yesterday afternoon.

It certainly wasn’t a vintage performance from Mikel Arteta’s side, as Manchester United looked more dangerous for much of the game, but in a title challenge, all that matters is the three points.

However, there were still a few worrying aspects to the Gunners’ performance, notably their lack of threat and the underwhelming showing by Viktor Gyokeres on his competitive debut.

It’s safe to say it wasn’t the best of starts for the hulking centre-forward who failed to have a single shot, largely due to a lack of service provided by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Fortunately, Arsenal are now being linked with a dangerman who could be the answer to getting the Swedish international firing.

Arsenal target dream signing for Gyokeres

Since securing the services of Gyokeres for a fee of around £63.5m last month, Arsenal have been linked with a host of stars who could form brilliant partnerships with him.

Transfer Focus

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

Perhaps the most prominent of those links was to Eberechi Eze, but it now looks more and more likely that he’ll be moving to Tottenham Hotspur, and Rodrygo, another supposed target, now looks closer to Manchester City.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as it appears that the North Londoners are now moving in on another Premier League star, someone who could get Gyokeres firing.

At least that’s according to recent reports, which have claimed Arsenal are now very interested in Antoine Semenyo.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Gunners have been making inquiries about the Bournemouth star, who is “totally keen” on making the move to the Emirates this summer.

However, he recently signed a one-year extension and was valued at £70m earlier this year, so prising the Ghanaian international from the South Coast could prove challenging.

With that said, if there is a chance Arsenal can sign Semenyo this summer, they have to take it, especially as he could get Gyokeres firing.

Why Semenyo would get Gyokeres firing

It might be somewhat simplistic, but there are two ways we can see Semenyo helping to get more out of Gyokeres this season, and the first relates to his ability to create chances, something that the Swede severely lacked on Sunday.

For example, FBref ranked the Cherries ace in the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for shot-creating actions stemming from his take-ons and shots and places him in the top 12% for successful take-on percentage.

In other words, through his brilliant ability to get past opponents, the Ghanian star is a chance-creating machine, and while it resulted in a goal on Friday, we saw that, if anything, he’s now more dangerous with the ball at his feet.

In all, the former Bristol City gem racked up seven assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, but we don’t doubt that number would be significantly higher were he playing alongside the former Sporting CP star.

The second reason Semenyo would be able to get the Gunners’ new number 14 firing this season is the fact that he is such a goal threat himself.

Semenyo’s 24/25
Appearances	42
Starts	39
Minutes	3562′
Goals	13
Assists	7
Goal Involvements per Match	0.47
Minutes per Goal Involvement	178.1′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

To go along with his seven assists last season, the Cherries’ “monster,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 13 goals, and despite playing against the defending champions away from home on Friday night, he’s already scored two this season.

This would massively help the Stockholm-born marksman open his account, as, with the 25-year-old off the left, opposition defenders would be worried about goals coming from every member of the Gunners’ front three.

After all, as useful as Gabriel Martinelli can be when tracking back, he’s not a particularly dangerous winger, nor one that really frightens opponents.

Ultimately, even though it’ll be a tough transfer to get over the line, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Semenyo this summer.

His ability to create chances for his teammates and the fear he’d instil in the opposition could be the key to getting Gyokeres up and running.

Arteta must axe 4/10 Arsenal star who was worse than Gyokeres vs Man Utd

Arsenal may have secured victory at Old Trafford but there were some negatives.

By
Matt Dawson

Aug 18, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur remain in the market for a new number 10 as we fast approach deadline day on September 1, and time is running out for chairman Daniel Levy to back manager Thomas Frank with a replacement for the injured James Maddison.

Spurs missed out on Eberechi Eze in spectacular fashion, despite believing that they were on the verge of signing the England international when Spurs agreed personal terms and verbally agreed a deal with Crystal Palace.

When Arsenal came knocking, all hopes of landing the 27-year-old were dashed, as the boyhood Gunners supporter was always going to choose a move to N5 when Mikel Arteta’s side matched Tottenham’s bid.

Now, after also missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the summer, Tottenham are scrambling for a playmaker who can genuinely upgrade Frank’s options – and their pool is running desperately thin.

Previously-linked target Tyler Dibling has just completed a move to Everton, so he’s off the table, while an audacious late swoop for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers is looking increasingly unlikely.

Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss are other names linked with a late move to N17, as is Como starlet Nico Paz, but a move for the latter is very difficult considering Real Madrid have buy-back options, matching rights and a 50 per cent sell-on clause – meaning he is basically a Bernabeu player in all but name.

Another last-gasp target, now backed up by broadcast giant talkSPORT, is West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

Tottenham eye late move for West Ham star Lucas Paqueta

The Brazil international is valued at around £60 million, and talkSPORT correspondent Alex Crook reports that Tottenham are considering a late move for Paqueta after also tempting Mohammed Kudus from east London earlier in the window.

However, after West Ham stood by him in the midst of his betting scandal allegations, it is believed that the 28-year-old isn’t exactly clamoring to leave the London Stadium as things stand.

Graham Potter is also reluctant to lose him as his West Ham side struggled at the start of this Premier League season, but if Spurs make both the Hammers and Paqueta an offer too good to refuse, he could be an ideal signing.

The former Lyon star endured a difficult campaign last term, but was once on the cusp of a move to Man City after a stellar 2022/2023 campaign – a season where he provided the assist for Jarrod Bowen’s historic Conference League-winning goal.

Paqueta’s bagged 20 goals and 14 assists in total for West Ham since joining from Lyon, and he’s interestingly been called a “similar” player to Eze by Football Transfers.

Birmingham City are finally underway in the Championship as the many twists and turns of the 2025/26 season now lie ahead.

The Blues will ambitiously be aiming for back-to-back promotions all the way up to the Premier League, after making League One look like a breeze when clinching the third-tier title with a record-breaking 111 points.

Marvin Ducksch will be hoping he can play a pivotal role in Birmingham achieving this unthinkable feat, as the German attempts to acclimatise to his new English surroundings swiftly, having been a prolific performer in his native Bundesliga for some time now.

What Ducksch can offer Birmingham

Birmingham often gets their own way in the chaotic transfer window, having previously flexed their muscles by picking up ex-Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi for a whopping £10m earlier this summer.

However, that wasn’t the case, unfortunately, when it came to chasing after the coveted signature of Chuba Akpom, as Ipswich Town stole the signature of the ex-Arsenal striker off Birmingham at the final hour.

Thankfully, the reigning League One champions had the now ex-Werder Bremen attacker up their sleeve as a back-up plan, having snapped up the shot-heavy 31-year-old following his £1.7m move.

He should be a hit in the English game with his imposing 6-foot-2 frame and his clinical eye for goal, as seen in Ducksch tallying up a lethal 54 strikes for Bremen across 134 games, on top of chipping in with a high 40 assists.

Fellow new faces such as Demarai Gray will surely love linking up with the unselfish forward, therefore, with the 31-year-old just fresh off a Bundesliga campaign that saw him create a stunning 17 big chances in total.

But, if the Dortmund-born striker fancies elevating his output in terms of goals in the West Midlands, he will want some inch-perfect service, which could come his way if Chris Davies’ men can seal a deal for this playmaker to also join the building.

The "quality" talent who is perfect for Ducksch

After all, if there is a move out there that can take the Bundesliga goal machine’s game to that next level in England, Birmingham should go all out to try and seal the deal.

Ducksch’s perfect partner in attack could well be Rangers midfielder Kieran Dowell, as Birmingham have been tipped to go back in for their former loanee multiple times across this hectic window to date.

No such move has whirred into motion yet, unfortunately, but after a lacklustre opening day performance under Russell Martin in Scotland, with possession haphazardly given away 12 times versus Motherwell, the ex-Southampton boss might now be more willing to listen to the Blues’ advances.

Whilst the £16k-per-week ace has been regularly hit-and-miss at Ibrox, Dowell has proven himself to be a classy performer in the EFL in the past, particularly when carving out consistent opportunities for his attacking teammates to latch onto.

Dowell’s career numbers in the Championship

Stat

Dowell

Games played

123

Goals scored

26

Assists

12

Big chances created

25

Stats by Sofascore

Indeed, it’s clear from the table above that Dowell’s strengths – when previously playing in the Championship – lie in his ability to fashion chances for his charitable teammates, with a standout 25 big chances created on his end from 123 career encounters in the tough division.

He also has a promising 26 goals next to his name, meaning he could step into the goalscoring limelight if Ducksch was suffering from an off-day, having also been branded as a “high-quality” star last season by Davies when amassing five goals and five assists from just 23 Blues appearances on loan.

Having such a creative force by his side will be music to the ears of Ducksch, who has also been showered with similarly high praise when being labelled as a talent capable of making “special moments” happen by former Bremen boss Ole Werner.

This really could be a devastating combo in the Championship, with their efforts combined potentially pulling the Blues into the promotion spots.

Related Bigger talent than Akpom: Birmingham City plot move for "fearless" PL ace

Birmingham City could sign a bigger talent than Chuba Akpom by winning the services of this Premier League starlet.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Aug 4, 2025

It’s been a long exodus from the Premier League for Sunderland, but come the 15th of August, the Black Cats will finally be plying their trade in the luxuries of the top division once more.

West Ham United will visit the Stadium of Light on the opening day as Regis Le Bris’ men pray that a victory comes their way to instantly calm the Wearside masses.

Funnier things have occurred on the dramatic opening day of England’s premium division, and with the number of high-profile signings that have arrived through the door, Sunderland will surely be confident they can down the Hammers to start the season off on the best possible note.

Heroes could well be made across the campaign as the Black Cats attempt to stay afloat in the Premier League, with many of the new Sunderland faces no doubt hoping they can insert themselves into the club’s hall-of-fame if survival is secured, much like Jermain Defoe managed when he led the line with class across a century of appearances on Wearside.

Defoe's goalscoring heroics at Sunderland

Unfortunately for the former Tottenham Hotspur striker, he would suffer relegation to the EFL with the Black Cats. But, he is still held in high esteem for his goal-scoring heroics away from the unfortunate blemish on his CV.

Across those 100 games for the club, Defoe would go on to bag a high 37 strikes in total, with a large portion of those – 15 to be exact – coming during the 2015/16 campaign as Sunderland just about held on to their Premier League status by the skin of their teeth. Without Defoe’s crucial contributions, a relegation would have occurred far swifter.

Sunderland will hope they aren’t light on their feet in the striker department when heading up to the Premier League, with 13-goal hero Wilson Isidor from last season never being exposed to the pressures of the English top-flight before.

With exciting talents from Spain in the form of Gonzalo Garcia and Luis Suarez also reportedly on their radar, Le Bris and Co. could well be better off snapping up an experienced head up top who knows the Premier League inside out to ensure safety is reached at a minimum, with this target one they should pursue if they want to win their next potential version of Defoe.

Sunderland could sign the next Defoe

After all, whilst Sunderland fans are getting carried away about their quick-fire summer business, there is no guarantee that the likes of Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki will hit the ground running immediately in the tense environment of the Premier League.

Whereas, if he can wriggle free of his recurring injury issues, Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be able to slot into the Sunderland XI and lead the line with confidence in this regard, having amassed a mammoth 239 appearances in the competitive division to date.

His know-how of the division has alerted the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle United to his free agent services, too, having waved goodbye to his long-term Merseyside employers this summer.

That will ensure that Sunderland – who have been linked to the injury-prone striker via a prior report from SportsBoom – will have their work cut out to land the ex-Toffees number nine over their higher-up competitors.

Yet, Sunderland has already shown a degree of bravery in the whirlwind transfer market when pipping the likes of Leeds to the signatures of both Diarra and Sadiki, and whilst the Red Devils and the Magpies will be tantalising prospects for Calvert-Lewin to move to, he will surely know more regular game-time would come his way at the Stadium of Light.

Games played

239

Substitute appearances

60

Goals scored

57

Assists

15

Penalty record

5/6 scored (83%)

Duels won

1423

When he isn’t being plagued by recurring trips to the treatment room, Calvert-Lewin has shown across his extensive Premier League career that he can be a reliable source of goals, with 57 strikes next to his name from 239 top-flight outings. At one stage back in 2020, amid interest from Man United, he was even valued at £80m by the Toffees.

This wealth of experience puts him on the same pedestal as the now-retired ex-Sunderland striker, with his wide-spanning knowledge of the tough division, and his goalscoring expertise when fit, making him that Defoe-like figure, away from just their shared international allegiance to England.

Like his compatriot too – who originally joined the Black Cats in 2015 from MLS side Toronto – there is a feeling of Calvert-Lewin needing to revive his career somewhat, having scored just three league goals last term.

Further hailed as being “sensational” by football journalist Connor O’Neill last year when starring for Everton, this does feel like a shrewd pick-up that might just ensure Sunderland’s relegation nightmares are lessened.

It will, of course, be up to the ex-Sheffield United man to try and get back to his injury-free best. But, if he can turn back into being a “monster” in front of goal – as he was also once labelled by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – he could be the spark that steers the Black Cats away from relegation, much like Defoe was once capable of.

Dream squad Sunderland could build: £112m spent on 7 signings after Talbi

Sunderland looks ready to take the Premier League by storm, with this being potentially what their dream squad could look like very soon.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jul 6, 2025

Manchester United’s hunt for new attackers has been evident throughout the summer window, with Ruben Amorim making his need for added reinforcements clear.

The 40-year-old took the reins back in November, but was unable to transform the situation within the final third at Old Trafford – with no player registering double figures in the Premier League last season.

Main striker Rasmus Hojlund only netted four league goals in 2024/25, leading to murmurs around his long-term future at the club, with Inter Milan just one of the sides interested in his signature.

His potential departure will likely raise some key funds for the manager within the transfer market, handing him the opportunity to improve the current situation at the Theatre of Dreams.

Numerous players have been touted with moves to join the Red Devils this window, with multiple deals appearing to be heading in the right direction over recent days.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this summer

Tyler Dibling has emerged as a key target over the last couple of days, with United just one side touted over a potential move after Southampton’s relegation to the Championship.

However, he would still cost a fee in the region of £55m this window, an extortionate price tag, especially considering that he only notched two combined goals and assists in the league last season.

It would be an expensive addition, but it wouldn’t be the only one, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo still a key target for Amorim this summer, according to Graeme Bailey.

The journalist claims that a deal is edging closer to being agreed, after the Red Devils had two offers rejected for the 25-year-old, with the latest totalling £62.5m including add-ons.

He also states that Mbeumo only wants a move to Old Trafford, with a £65m fee expected to be agreed between the two parties as personal terms are not expected to be an issue.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s next Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres is a striker who’s arguably been one of the most in-demand talents this summer, unsurprisingly so given his phenomenal goalscoring record in recent seasons.

The Swedish international has registered a staggering 97 goals in his 102 appearances for Sporting CP after joining the Portuguese side back in 2023 from Coventry City.

Part of his incredible record in the final third came under Amorim, which has since led to huge rumours linking the 27-year-old with a switch to Old Trafford.

However, the Red Devils’ lack of European football appears to be a huge hindrance in their pursuit of his signature, with the Swede now fully focused on a move to join Arsenal instead this summer.

The United boss shouldn’t worry, with Mbeumo able to be his next version of the talisman, with the Cameroonian possessing a clinical nature as seen by his tally of 20 league goals in 2024/25.

When comparing his underlying stats to those of the Sporting star from last season, he massively outperformed Gyokeres in numerous key areas, handing Amorim the key talisman he’s lacked during his time in England to date.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, may have been outscored, but he has posted a higher goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating the clinical edge he possesses in front of goal.

Games played

38

33

Goals & assists

27

46

Goals per shot on target

0.44

0.41

Progressive passes

3.7

2.1

Passes into final third

1.7

0.5

Take-on success

47%

45%

Carries into final third

1.8

1.3

He’s also completed more progressive passes and more passes into the final third per 90, having the tools to provide other attackers with the chances to thrive within the final third at Old Trafford.

The Cameroonian’s all-round talent has been showcased in his ability to complete a higher success rate of take-ons, whilst also registering more carries into the final third – with Mbeumo being able to carve out an opportunity out of nothing.

The saga of his proposed transfer this summer has been one that has dragged on for way too long, with a conclusion desperately needed in the coming days.

If he can replicate his levels from last season at United, it would be a phenomenal signing, handing Amorim the talisman he needs to replicate the level produced by Gyokeres in recent years.

He's a bigger talent than Mbeumo: Man Utd make contact to sign £55m star

Manchester United could forget about Bryan Mbeumo after the hierarchy made another move for an attacking star.

8 ByEthan Lamb Jul 10, 2025

تحدثت شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية عن مباراة منتخبي مصر وبوركينا فاسو، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، في إطار تصفيات قارة إفريقيا المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم، نسخة 2026.

وحل منتخب مصر ضيفًا على بوركينا فاسو، في الجولة الثامنة من التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم، الصيف المقبل، حيث تعادلا سلبيًا بدون أهداف.

وكان منتخب مصر في حاجة إلى تحقيق الفوز في مباراة الثلاثاء من أجل حسم التأهل بشكل رسمي إلى البطولة العالمية، ولكن الأمر تأجل إلى شهر أكتوبر المقبل حيث تتبقى مباراتين ضد جيبوتي وغينيا بيساو.

وقالت شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية في تقريرها: “أضاعت مصر فرصة التأهل لكأس العالم 2026 بتعادلها السلبي في بوركينا فاسو، حيث كان الفوز سيضمن للفراعنة التأهل قبل مباراتين من نهاية تصفيات القارة”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. شبكة إنجليزية: محمد صلاح عانى من ليلة محبطة في مباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو

وأضافت: “وفي إطار سعيها للانضمام إلى غريميها في شمال إفريقيا، المغرب وتونس، في التأهل المبكر إلى كأس العالم، ظنت مصر أنها كسرت الجمود في مباراة متقاربة بعد 66 دقيقة عن طريق هدف أسامة فيصل، قبل إلغائه بداعِ التسلل”.

وواصلت: “ففي مباراة اتسمت بقلة الفرص في واجادوجو، سدد البديل أسامة فيصل كرته بعد تمريرة من قائد المنتخب ونجم ليفربول محمد صلاح، ولكن الراية رُفعت على الفور”.

واسترسلت: “كما تأثرت آمال مصر في المباراة بسبب إصابة مبكرة لـ عمر مرموش، وهو ما سيقلق مانشستر سيتي بخروج اللاعب بعد 9 دقائق فقط، قبل أيام قليلة من مباراة الديربي يوم الأحد ضد مانشستر يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي”.

وأوضحت: “وسجل كل من عمر مرموش ومحمد صلاح، الذي كان أدائه هادئًا بعض الشئ، هدفين من ركلتي جزاء يوم الجمعة الماضي ضد إثيوبيا في القاهرة، ممهدين بذلك الفرصة للتأهل ضد بوركينا فاسو، ولكن الفراعنة فشلوا في إحداث تهديد من اللعب مفتوح مجددًا”.

وأفادت: “في الحقيقة، فشل منتخب مصر في التسجيل لأول مرة في إطار مبارياته في المجموعة الأولى، رغم اعتماده على محمد صلاح وتريزيجيه، اللذان سجلا 12 من أصل 16 هدفًا في التصفيات، مع العلم أن لاعب أستون فيلا السابق صوب تسديدتين فقط على المرمى طوال لقاء الثلاثاء”.

This summer appears to be a huge window for Liverpool Football Club as Arne Slot looks to build on the magnificent job he did during his first year at the helm.

The Dutchman claimed the Premier League title at the first attempt, doing so after only making one senior addition in the form of Federico Chiesa, who only featured for a total of 104 league minutes.

Such an achievement is nothing short of remarkable, with the 46-year-old deserving of the opportunity to make his own additions and change the squad as he wishes.

With the transfer window now just around the corner, it’s a surprise to no one that work has already commenced in an attempt to land new players for Slot this summer.

Over the last couple of days, numerous names have emerged as key targets, with a real impetus on improving the options currently at the manager’s disposal within the final third.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers this summer

In their pursuit of a new talisman this summer, RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has emerged as a potential signing for Slot’s side during the upcoming transfer window.

The Slovenian, who scored 21 goals in 2024/25, has appeared on their shortlist, but could cost a pretty penny over the coming months, with the Bundesliga side demanding at least £70m for his signature.

However, he’s not the only talent from such a division to be touted with a switch to Anfield, with Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké the latest name linked, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.

He states that the Reds have entered the race for the 22-year-old’s signature, even holding talks with the striker over a move, with Slot personally wanting the Frenchman.

Plettenberg also confirmed that Frankfurt are demanding €100m (£84m) to part ways with the 22-goal forward, who also has keen interest from fellow English side Chelsea.

Why Liverpool’s £84m target would be perfect for Wirtz

Liverpool’s hunt for new additions has shown no signs of slowing down over the last couple of weeks, with Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz another name on their shortlist this summer.

The German has already held talks with the Reds over a summer switch to Anfield, but they face competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich for the 22-year-old’s signature.

Any deal would likely set Slot’s side back over £100m this summer, with a switch to Merseyside certainly going to break the club-record £85m paid for Darwin Núñez back in 2022.

Should the hierarchy land a move for Wirtz and Ekitike, it would be a mammoth investment that highlights their ambitions of retaining their Premier League title in 2025/26.

However, the pair could form a deadly partnership for the Reds next season, with their respective figures from the Bundesliga fitting perfectly into one another’s skillset.

Ekitike, described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, loves to play on the shoulder of the defender, often darting in behind and causing all sorts of problems.

He’s received 7.6 progressive passes, which has aided him in his tally of 22 goals this season, with Wirtz able to add to such a figure if they both joined the Reds, registering a tally of 6.7 progressive passes per 90.

Games played

33

Goals & assists

23

Goals per 90

0.53

Shots on target per game

1.6

Key passes made

1.6

Passes into 18-yard box

1.1

Progressive passes received

7.6

The striker has also managed to register 1.6 shots on target per 90, whilst also registering 0.53 goals per game in the Bundesliga – allowing the German to increase his assist tally when operating alongside the Frenchman.

He’s also made 1.6 key passes per 90, with 1.1 of which being played into the opposition’s penalty area, which could see him return the favour to Wirtz – highlighting why they could be so dangerous together at Anfield.

Whilst the pair could set the hierarchy back just short of £200m this summer, their tender ages gives them the chance to develop further in the years ahead – allowing the club to sustain their recent success.

Should they transfer their skillset to Merseyside in the coming months and hit the ground running, the pair could prove to be the difference in attacking areas, making Liverpool a real force to be reckoned with in 2025/26.

Mac Allister 2.0: Liverpool working on another amazing signing after Wirtz

Liverpool could be about to replicate a deal for Alexis Mac Allister durng the upcoming summer window.

ByEthan Lamb May 28, 2025

Liverpool mean business this summer. The season isn’t yet over, and Trent Alexander-Arnold has not yet completed his free transfer to Real Madrid, but sporting director Richard Hughes has already tied Conor Bradley down to a new long-term deal and is finalising a move for Jeremie Frimpong.

That’s only scratching the surface, too. Developments earlier in the week, confirmed by The Athletic, have revealed a vested Liverpool interest in Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz, with contacts made as Manchester City and Bayern Munich also race for the playmaker’s signature.

Wirtz would be a staggering signing, one of indisputable intent and ambition from FSG. The German’s creativity is exactly what is needed to replace Alexander-Arnold’s unique output.

The 22-year-old might be “the best midfielder in the world” to former Leverkusen star Patrick Helmes, but he’s not the deeper profile Arne Slot may yet require to truly complete his title-winning team.

Why Liverpool should sign a midfielder

Up until the Premier League title was clinched at the end of April, Slot had only employed four different midfield rotations across the league campaign, more often than not utilising the same trusted trio.

Alexis Mac Allister has been a monstrous all-round star, sixth in the division for tackles (with 95), while also creative and influential. A real general for Jurgen Klopp and now Slot.

Further forward, Dominik Szoboszlai’s output still leaves something to be desired, but his matchless energy and enthusiasm as an overwhelming attacking midfielder have been crucial facets behind the seasonal success.

The star of the show, it must be said, has been Ryan Gravenberch, whose rise within his countryman’s project has been a startling thing.

Matches (starts)

26 (12)

35 (35)

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

4

Touches*

28.8

66.4

Pass completion

83%

89%

Key passes*

0.6

0.7

Dribbles*

0.9

1.0

Ball recoveries*

2.8

5.3

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

3.5

Duels (won)*

2.8

5.0 (58%)

Gravenberch has been nominated (alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk) for the PFA Premier League Player of the Year, and rightly so.

He’s lifted himself from a middling maiden term after Liverpool failed to sign their one midfield target last summer and has been the centrepiece of a title-winning season.

After struggling in the wake of Fabinho’s sale to the Saudi Pro League last season, Liverpool have surely found their heir for the ages, with the Brazilian anchor leaving Merseyside in 2023 with his head held high, one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation.

But now, to add the depth and dynamism needed to compete across multiple fronts, Slot is ready to sign some competition.

Liverpool plan bid for new midfielder

As per TEAMtalk, the powers that be at Anfield are preparing to lodge a formal offer for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who has been a revelation in south London over the past 15 months or so.

Wharton, 21, is also being targeted by Chelsea, with his modern, dynamic role in the middle of the park bespeaking a future at the very highest point of the footballing pyramid.

It’s understood the Eagles value their touted prospect at more than £60m, with Palace chairman Steve Parish notorious for his tricky negotiating at the business table.

Why Adam Wharton would be perfect for Liverpool

If Chelsea stumble and fall in their bid to return to the Champions League, Liverpool may well find themselves in pole position to complete a deal for Wharton, a player considered to be a “special talent who will soon bring Palace a lot of money” by scout Jacek Kulig.

After his role in Crystal Palace’s incredible FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, you can bet his stock has skyrocketed. It was a fine illustration of the kind of dynamic quality Liverpool would be securing, winning five duels, making four clearances and three tackles, as per Sofascore.

The ace has only made 36 Premier League appearances, but he’s already established himself as not only a key part of Oliver Glasner’s team, but an attractive option for the finest outfits across the continent.

He would be the perfect competition for Gravenberch, potentially with the skill set to outstrip Liverpool’s Dutchman. Maybe he even has the potential to overtake Fabinho in the all-time power rankings, too.

Wharton isn’t the finished product, but he’s on his way to becoming one of the most exciting midfielders in England. For sure, his smooth ball-playing skills, intelligence, and silkiness when carrying the ball forward himself are all facets that point toward an elite future.

Respected journalist Henry Winter has already hailed the former Blackburn Rovers prospect as a “passing machine,” swinging his deliveries forward carefully, surgically.

As per FBref, Wharton ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues this season for progressive passes and shot-creating actions, the top 18% for through balls and the top 6% for ball recoveries per 90.

Might it be fair to claim he could be as good as Fabinho, bringing his own deep-lying style to a new Liverpool chapter?

He’s athletic and composed, having also. In his heyday, Fabinho did the basics to a tee, working so hard to protect his backline and charge the centre so too enable Klopp’s patent gegenpressing style.

So too does Wharton flourish away from the limelight, operating in the unseen spaces in the very centre of the pitch, but performing with such seamless aplomb that he invariably draws attention for his twists and turns, his skips, his lunging challenges.

Sofascore have recorded Wharton to have averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.0 interceptions per top-flight match this season, while also avoiding a single error across the campaign.

Fabinho, before his late-Liverpool-career decline, was similarly dependable, covering plenty of ground and playing the ball forward with conviction. During Liverpool’s title-winning campaign of 2019/20, the South American completed 87% of his passes and averaged 0.7 key passes per game, highlighting a crispness but also a determination to progress play.

Stars like Wataru Endo and ex-captain Jordan Henderson have played important roles, but neither drew upon the natural ability of Fabinho, a player whose signing made such an impact on Klopp’s legacy.

Ultimately, Liverpool’s engine room is already well stocked for the next few years, but if there’s room in the transfer chest to pull out some coins to sign Wharton, this is a deal Slot would relish, getting his hands on a player capable of lifting Liverpool to the next level, maybe even mirroring Fabinho.

He plays a lot like Wirtz: Liverpool plot huge move to sign £85m "magician"

Liverpool are ready to throw the kitchen sink at a marquee attacking signing this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 17, 2025

Arsenal have been handed a boost in the race to sign an “exciting” player for manager Mikel Arteta, with his transfer preference coming to light ahead of what will be a crucial summer window for new sporting director Andrea Berta.

Arsenal planning to make seven major signings this summer

Berta is expected to have a busy debut window at the Emirates Stadium, with as many as seven major signings anticipated, according to some reports.

Arsenal "ready to pay" asking price for Prem star who Arteta and Berta want

The Gunners boss and director are in agreement.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 26, 2025

GiveMeSport believe £300 million could be spent on the acquisition of a new second-choice goalkeeper, full-back, potentially two midfielders, a new left-winger, right-winger and striker, although some of these plans may have changed.

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

With Arsenal now attempting to tie Thomas Partey down with a new contract, the need for two central midfielders has been pushed aside for now, but perhaps it could come back to the forefront if an agreement can’t be found on fresh terms.

The need for another left-back is obvious, with Kieran Tierney joining Celtic on a free transfer in July and Oleksandr Zinchenko likely to be sold. Jakub Kiwior can play in that position when required, as can Riccardo Calafiori, but Arteta has admitted that Arsenal need strength in depth if they’re to mount a more successful Premier League title challenge next season.

Gabriel Martinelli has been linked with the exit door and Leandro Trossard’s deal expires in 2026, while both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz’s injuries exposed Arteta’s lack of depth up front recently – forcing Arsenal to use Mikel Merino as an emergency striker.

Goalkeeping number one David Raya also needs competition to keep him on his toes, and Neto is due to return to Bournemouth when his loan deal expires.

Joan Garcia likely to choose Arsenal move over Man United and Man City

According to Spanish news outlet Sport, promising young Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia remains on the club’s radar under Berta’s leadership.

The 23-year-old agreed personal terms with Arsenal last summer (Fabrizio Romano), but a move ultimately fell through. Garcia is set to have plenty of options again this year after another excellent season at Espanyol, and elite Premier League sides are in the mix, including Arsenal, Man United and Man City.

As per Sport, Garcia is likely to choose a move to Arsenal over City and United, with the Gunners seen as English favourites to sign him. However, Berta must also be wary of competition from abroad, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen also keeping firm tabs.

Garcia’s contract includes a £21 million release clause right now, but it could rise to £25 million if a club chooses to snap him up 15 days before the window shuts.

“An uber-athletic keeper with dominant cross-claiming, composure on the ball, standing at 6’3” tall, García is an exciting keeper ready for a step-up,” wrote Football Analyst Ben Mattinson about the keeper.

“García is such an athletic GK. His legs are so powerful and springy enabling him to generate more power to reach the ball. Good flexibility, agility and his proactiveness enable him to be an alert shot-stopper in the box and recover to make double saves.”