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When thinking about the best players to ever play for Germany, the likes of Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer, Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller all spring to mind. The fact is, they have been blessed with outrageous talent in several different eras – winning four World Cups as a result.

The biggest name that stands out in the modern era is arguably Neuer. It’s rare when a goalkeeper is recognised as the best of his time, but the Bayern Munich legend has simply revolutionised his role. As the first real ‘sweeper keeper’, Neuer shocked opponents by positioning himself close to the half-way line and often taking risks as if he were in the No.6 role rather than between the posts.

Conceding less than a goal a game throughout his international career, it’s no surprise that Neuer has been showered with praise over the years. And that includes from Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who told reporters: “I’ve seen everyone. Sepp Maier, Oliver Kahn, and now Manu.

“I have the greatest respect for Sepp and Oli, they were absolutely world-class. But what Manuel has done is something else: he took the whole goalkeeping game to a new level.”

Meanwhile, if your preference is goals rather than those that prevent them, then Muller stands out for Germany. Nicknamed Der Bomber by fans thanks to his ability to tear defences apart, only Miroslav Klose has scored more goals for Germany than Muller.

So, there’s certainly plenty of players to choose from in Germany’s illustrious history. You could do a lot worse than simply picking any of the players involved in their 7-1 thrashing of Brazil in 2014, that’s for sure. But that didn’t stop recent Newcastle United signing Nick Woltemade from naming a shock Arsenal player as his favourite German player of all time.

Nick Woltemade: Kai Havertz is my favourite German player

After putting pen to paper to join Newcastle, Woltemade shocked everyone by naming Kai Havertz as his favourite German player. The Arsenal forward was selected over the likes of Klose, Muller and Neuer, with the Newcastle star revealing that he’s a big fan of his compatriot in unexpected fashion.

Whilst Havertz made the cut above several legends, Woltemade may simply enjoy the thought of playing alongside the Arsenal man. If both enjoy impressive campaigns, they could provide Julian Nagelsmann with quite the strike partnership.

Germany are due some success if history is anything to go by too. They haven’t won a major trophy since the 2014 World Cup and the pressure is on ahead of next summer.

With 20 goals and 17 assists in just 55 games for his country, there’s every chance that Havertz will play a large role in Germany’s attempt to get back to the top of world football. Whether his biggest fan in Woltemade is alongside him remains to be seen, however.

Everton are in the infancy of their summer transfer window plans but could be about to step things up a notch after making an approach for a Club World Cup star, according to reports.

Everton close in on Thierno Barry and announce new contract

David Moyes and his side have been slow off the mark this summer as they take time to assess where to strengthen before advancing, though supporters will be relieved to hear the Toffees are closing in on a deal to sign Villarreal striker Thierno Barry.

Set to arrive for around £30 million, he could kickstart a period of significant change for Everton as they finally begin to experience life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Michael Keane has also put pen to paper on a one-year extension on Merseyside and will help shore up Moyes’ backline after rejecting interest from elsewhere to stay at the club.

Upon renewing his terms, the 32-year-old stated: “I love Everton and have been massively proud to play for this club since the day I joined so I’m delighted to extend my stay here. The manager wants a competitive squad and I still feel I have a lot to give to Everton.

“We’ve been through a difficult few years but it’s an exciting time ahead for us as players and our brilliant fans. We’ve got a world-class new stadium to play in, and our form under the manager last season shows there’s a lot of reasons to be positive. I’m looking forward to being part of it.”

While some things stay the same, Everton’s latest target could open up the possibility of a change in the guard involving a key position if reports are to be believed.

Everton rival Man Utd for Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor

According to Globo, Everton have made an approach to sign Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor to compete with Jordan Pickford for a starting slot after losing Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia this summer.

Manchester United are also keen on his services, and both clubs have moved to sound out his camp over a potential swoop amid recent reports he may be available for only £6 million.

Everton hold advanced talks to sign "superb" free agent in bargain deal

The Toffees have stepped things up…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 5, 2025

Labelled a “warrior” by Botafogo counterpart Philipe Sampaio, John has kept ten clean sheets in 29 appearances this campaign and was instrumental in Botafogo’s run to the last 16 stage of the Club World Cup.

Naturally, his displays have created a wealth of interest in his services, though it remains to be seen whether he would be willing to battle it out with club icon Pickford for the number one jersey under Moyes.

Either way, Everton are beginning to motor in their hunt for signings, and it feels like the Friedkin Group’s reign in charge could be about to take off.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is very keen to land one of his transfer targets before July 23, with a report this week sharing exactly why and lifting the lid on their plans to submit a new bid for the player.

He's more exciting than Zubimendi: Arsenal looking to sign £70m "superstar"

Arsenal could make an even more exciting signing than Martin Zubimendi.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 24, 2025

The Gunners will confirm their first signing of the summer very soon.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi travelled to London last week as he finalised a switch to Arsenal and put the finishing touches on his contract, while fellow Spaniard and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is also poised to join Arteta after being deemed surplus by Chelsea.

Both men are set to be followed by a striker too, but debate still surrounds who that might be.

Arsenal have been working on deals for both RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, as per numerous reports, including the BBC, but there is a growing belief among some media outlets that the latter is currently in pole position to join Arteta’s side.

“Sporting are going to play hardball, there’s been a fallout between Gyokeres and the club because his agent has suggested that they had a gentleman’s agreement he could leave for £60million, I think they’re looking for nearer £80m,” said talkSPORT’s Alex Crook last week.

“Arsenal are juggling both him and Benjamin Sesko, they’ve opened talks with Leipzig as well but at the moment, I would say Gyokeres looks the more likely.”

Reports in Portugal have claimed that Arsenal saw a £55 million bid rejected for Gyokeres turned down recently. However, they’re expected to go back in with another offer closer to Sporting’s valuation.

Arsenal prepare new Viktor Gyokeres bid as Mikel Arteta pushes

As per another Portuguese source, the newspaper Correio de Manha, Arsenal are “prepared to make another offer” for Gyokeres, with Arteta pushing to sign the prolific 27-year-old in time for their pre-season tour of Asia – which kicks off in Singapore against AC Milan on July 23.

So, in short, if Arsenal decide to go all in for the Sweden international over Sesko, Arteta is keen for Gyokeres to be signed within the next month, and it isn’t exactly hard to see why Coventry City’s ex-star is high on the Gunners’ transfer shortlist.

He spearheaded Rui Borges’ side to their first domestic double in two decades with an outstanding 54 goals in all competitions last season, but they face stiff competition from Man United.

Gyokeres would prefer Arsenal ahead of a move to Old Trafford, as confirmed by the likes of Fabrizio Romano, but he still hasn’t completely snubbed United either.

“Gyökeres would be open to Manchester United. There has been no formal rejection, but a deal to date has also never been at an advanced stage, despite suggestions,” said reliable journalist Ben Jacobs on X in the last 10 days.

“United have not made any formal approach to Sporting. Swedish striker one of several striker options discussed for #MUFC. Gyökeres believes he’ll still be allowed to leave Sporting for €70m.”

Leeds United are in the market for exciting additions this summer and could now look to the continent in their hunt for a new playmaker, according to a report.

Recent Leeds United transfer rumours ahead of Premier League campaign

The Whites are back in the promised land of the Premier League and will be desperate to secure survival under Daniel Farke, something that may require significant squad surgery to turn into reality.

Spending considerable sums doesn’t necessarily guarantee a prolonged place in the top-flight. Nevertheless, balanced with departures to clear wage expenditure, it definitely makes a difference.

Evaluating Leeds’ transfer priorities this summer, the goalkeeping department is an area that is bound to see movement once the window opens for business.

With Illan Meslier’s form in question, Aaron Ramsdale, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Sam Johnstone have all been linked with a move to Elland Road of late.

Stoke City forward Emre Tegzel could join Leeds under when his contract expires. However, his arrival would likely be on a developmental basis as opposed to the England Under-20 international becoming a starter next campaign.

Leeds hold internal talks to sign £40m+ "monster" with same agent as Bogle

The 49ers have held Elland Road discussions over a move.

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By
Charlie Smith

May 31, 2025

Either way, there is plenty of movement starting to happen at Elland Road as a new era in the Premier League begins to take shape.

Junior Firpo could leave the building amid reported interest from Lyon. Nevertheless, any experience heading out of the door paves the way for new talent to invigorate Farke’s squad.

Now, Leeds and the 49ers also have their eyes on a talented playmaker from the continent who has already shown he has the requisite qualities needed to succeed in the landscape that is English football.

Leeds United enquire for Galatasaray playmaker Gabriel Sara

According to TBR Football, Leeds have made an approach to sign Gabriel Sara from Galatasaray after submitting an enquiry for the ex-Norwich City midfielder alongside Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has also revealed that Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia is in their sights. However, work has been carried out regarding Sara, who has registered two goals and ten assists in 45 appearances this term.

Brought to Galatasaray for an initial fee of £20 million, the 25-year-old is merely one name mentioned in what is expected to be a sea of potential arrivals in Yorkshire.

He scored and assisted in Norwich City’s 3-2 defeat to Leeds in 2023, making him a familiar face to Whites supporters and giving them a first-hand account of what he can offer.

Farke has made it known he wants to strengthen between the sticks alongside at left-back, midfield and through the middle, so you imagine that plenty of talent will crop up on the Whites’ radar in weeks to come.

Ultimately, strength in depth is key to any side surviving against the elite, and Sara’s tally of 68 chances created and 55 successful crosses on Super Lig duty would stand him in great stead to have a lasting impact at Elland Road should he be acquired.

In what could see them continue their early flurry of potential arrivals, Liverpool and Michael Edwards have now reportedly made preliminary contact to sign a Serie A contract rebel ahead of Barcelona.

Liverpool close in on Kerkez, Frimpong and Wirtz

After Liverpool won the Premier League in the 2019/20 campaign, they failed to take advantage of their status as champions and endured a fairly disappointing transfer window. As a result of that and, of course, a major injury crisis, Jurgen Klopp’s side struggled in the season that followed and were forced to battle all the way in the race to secure a Champions League place.

He'd be perfect for Wirtz: Liverpool in talks to sign "the next Mbappe"

Liverpool could be about to land a forward who would thrive alongside Florian Wirtz.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 29, 2025

Fast-forward five years, and it looks as though the Reds have learned from that harsh lesson. With Arne Slot in the hot seat these days and Michael Edwards alongside sporting director Richard Hughes behind him, those at Anfield are seemingly in the mood to keep hold of their crown this time around.

Not even a week on from the conclusion of the Premier League campaign, those at Anfield have set their sights on an impressive triple swoop. All three are fairly open secrets too, with Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong all on Liverpool’s radar. The latter has even reportedly flown in to complete his move, whilst the champions are pushing to seal deals to sign Wirtz and Bournemouth’s Kerkez in the coming weeks.

What should frighten the rest of the Premier League are the reports indicating that Liverpool will still not be done there, with their focus now seemingly shifting towards signing a Serie A star.

Liverpool make preliminary contact to sign £52m Ederson

According to CalcioMercato, as relayed by Tutto Atalanta, Edwards and Liverpool have now made preliminary contact over a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta this summer. The impressive Brazilian is yet to sign a new deal at the Italian club and ‘does not seem to be willing to renew his contract’.

Therefore, Ederson is set to become a free agent next summer as things stand. With that being the case, a move could certainly be possible in the coming months, with Barcelona, Newcastle and Man Utd also named with an interest in Ederson in the report.

A move for the midfielder would be another important one for Slot’s side too. As good as Ryan Gravenberch was throughout the season, there were times that he did drop off and needed a rest. That’s where a player of Ederson’s calibre could have seamlessly slotted in.

A player who can keep up with Gravenberch out of possession whilst progressing play in similar fashion to Alexis Mac Allister, Ederson would provide Slot with the perfect added option in the middle of the park.

Dubbed “strong” by South American football expert Tim Vickery, Ederson, who has recently been valued at £52m by Atalanta, could be one to watch as he continues to stall on a new contract at Atalanta.

Chelsea’s defensive numbers this season, Enzo Maresca’s first campaign in charge at Stamford Bridge, certainly catch the eye for the right reasons.

According to FBref, they have been one of the outstanding sides at the back, conceding just 43 goals across the entire campaign.

That was bettered by three sides, namely Manchester City, newly-crowned champions Liverpool and runners-up Arsenal. The West Londoners are also one of eight sides who have kept double-figure clean sheets this term, with ten to their name.

Yet, they are still not at the level they need to be in order to challenge for the title, highlighted by the fact that the top two in the league have conceded fewer goals. Thus, it may not be a surprise to learn the Blues are targeting a new defender this summer.

Chelsea’s new defensive target

If there is one defender who has been consistently linked with a move away from his current club, it is Dean Huijsen. However, with the Bournemouth centre-back heading in the direction of Real Madrid, they need to source an alternative.

That alternative could be Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite. With the rumour mill continuously in motion for 12 months or so, he could finally be on his way out of the club this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from former chief scout of Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers, Mick Brown, talking with Football Insider, the Blues have ‘been looking at’ a deal to bring Branwthaite to Stamford Bridge this summer.

However, the defender, who has played for England as recently as last summer, will not come cheap.

The report suggests that Everton will ask for as much as £100m for their star centre-back, which is money they could reinvest into the squad as a new era dawns on the Blue half of Merseyside.

Why Branthwaite could be Chelsea's new John Terry

Should the West London outfit convince Branthwaite to swap the Blue of Everton for the Blue of Chelsea, he could become their new John Terry. The former Blues skipper is an all-time great, described by Jamie Redknapp as “the best Premier League defender” he’s ever seen.

The 44-year-old is a five-time English top-flight champion and also won one Champions League title for Chelsea.

He made an incredible 717 appearances for his boyhood club and was the club captain for 13 years.

There are certainly similarities between the two. Not only are they both England internationals, with plenty of potential, as the numbers behind Branthwaite’s season have shown, but they are leaders, too.

Of course, Terry was a huge leadership figure for Chelsea for over a decade, but Branthwaite has already captained England U21s as recently as March. He also has the potential to captain Chelsea one day, if his early forays into leadership are anything to go by. His performances on the pitch also do a lot of the talking.

Indeed, it has been yet another strong campaign for Branthwaite, helping to keep the Toffees in the Premier League after what was a poor start to the season. He has been a key player under both Sean Dyche and David Moyes.

This season, the 22-year-old, who was born in Carlisle, has played 33 games for Everton. 30 of those appearances have come in the Premier League, helping to keep nine clean sheets in the top flight so far.

Not only is he a “colossal” presence at the back, according to Statman Dave, but Branthwaite also offers a threat in the opposition box. Although he has gone without a goal this season, he has bagged four times across his short Everton career so far.

The numbers via Sofascore from Branthwaite’s last two seasons in the top flight show just how well he has performed in an Everton shirt. For example, this season, he has made 63 tackles and interceptions, although last term was even higher, with an impressive 116 tackles and interceptions.

On the ball, the defender has an eye for a pass, which again is highlighted by the numbers. In the 2023/25 campaign, he has played 85 long balls at 45.2% accuracy, an improvement on last season’s 73 long balls with a 40.1% pass accuracy.

£100m is a huge price tag, but the West London side could finally replace Terry, something they have struggled, and ultimately failed, to do for a number of years now.

Maresca must finally bin £30m Chelsea flop who earns even more than Sesko

Chelsea must move on a few players when the transfer window opens

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By
Ross Kilvington

May 20, 2025

Aston Villa need to win both their remaining Premier League fixtures to seal a return to the Champions League next season.

This is the aim for Unai Emery, especially as a seat at the top table will allow him to sign better quality players for the club this summer.

It promises to be another exciting transfer window at Villa Park. Will there be any major sales in the coming months? And just what type of player can the manager bring to Villa?

Aston Villa looking to sign Premier League youngster

With Villa now confirmed a place in Europe for next season, perhaps they may just be able to entice Kevin De Bruyne to move to the Midlands.

Indeed, reports in recent weeks have suggested that the Villans have held internal talks over whether to make a move for the legendary Belgian. Should they not do so, then perhaps this player could be a fine alternative.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa are one of the leading top-flight clubs that are plotting a move for Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott this summer.

Arne Slot may part ways with the Englishman this summer, who has made just 15 appearances in the top flight for the club this term.

He could be available for a fee of between £40m and £50m, which should be affordable for Villa following their exploits in Europe this season.

Wolves, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Bournemouth are all closely monitoring his progress ahead of the transfer window opening, indicating Villa have plenty of competition.

It would be a smart move to bring him to the Midlands, especially as Elliott has yet to hit his peak years as a player.

Why Harvey Elliott could be Jack Grealish 2.0 for Aston Villa

Grealish is arguably the finest academy talent the club have produced in their modern history. He went on to make over 200 appearances for the club before sealing a £100m move to Manchester City in the summer of 2021.

He may have won plenty of trophies at City, but Grealish’s career has certainly stagnated after an underwhelming season under Pep Guardiola.

Like Grealish was, Elliott is a prodigal young English talent who has the capability to go far in the game.

The 22-year-old is fluid across a range of positions, being able to perform well either on the right wing or in a slightly deeper role at the heart of the midfield.

As such, his output in front of goal isn’t as impressive as Grealish – who tends to operate on the left flank – but Elliott does offer a lot of qualities.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, the youngster ranks in the top 1% for shot-creating actions and touches in the opposition penalty area per 90.

Furthermore, he also ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes and carries, suggesting that he loves to bring the ball forward from deep into the final third, just as Grealish did so well at his boyhood club.

It is perhaps no wonder he was dubbed “phenomenal” by journalist David Lynch last season and while things may not have gone his way during the current term, he will end up with another Premier League medal for his efforts.

A fresh start is what he requires to take the next step in his career. Emery might well be the ideal manager for the job.

Aston Villa struck gold on "unstoppable" star whose value has risen £75m

Aston Villa could soon sell on this star for way more than his original price.

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By
Kelan Sarson

May 12, 2025

Manchester United dropped more points in the Premier League on Sunday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

The Red Devils needed a 96th-minute equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund to secure a point against the Cherries last time out, as he deflected the ball into the bottom corner with just a few minutes left to play.

Manchester United have, now, drawn nine and lost 15 of their 34 matches in the Premier League this season, leaving them in 14th place in the table as it stands.

That is, quite obviously, not good enough for where the club should be – competing for titles and trophies – and that is why the upcoming summer transfer window is a big one for Ruben Amorim and INEOS.

The club have to get their recruitment work spot on to build a squad that is capable of competing with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal next season.

One area of the pitch where the club could look to improve is the two number ten positions, after Alejandro Garnacho put in a disappointing display against the Cherries.

Why Manchester United should find an upgrade on Garnacho

The Red Devils academy graduate started alongside Bruno Fernandes in the two attacking midfield roles behind Hojlund in the draw down south, and failed to deliver an effective performance.

Garnacho had eight shots on goal, five of which were blocked, and missed one ‘big chance’ in the match, which shows that he was incredibly wasteful in front of goal, and the forward failed to create any ‘big chances’ for his teammates.

That has been the story of the season for the Argentina international. He has been wasteful with the chances that have been created for him, whilst not doing too much to create for his fellow attackers on a consistent basis.

Garnacho has not proven himself to be a reliable attacker, as either a scorer or a creator of goals, in the Premier League for the Red Devils this season, which is why they should attempt to bring in an upgrade on him in the summer transfer window.

As you can see in the table above, the 20-year-old dynamo has underperformed in front of goal, missing a whopping 13 ‘big chances’, and created less than one chance per appearance in the division on average.

Garnacho is capable of the spectacular, as evidenced by the incredible goal against Everton in the video above, but he has not performed consistently enough in the final third to be relied upon week-in-week-out.

This is why the latest news on Manchester United’s interest in signing a new attacking talent should be welcomed by Amorim, who needs more quality from his squad in the final third.

Man Utd plotting talks to sign Serie A forward

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are one of a number of teams interested in a deal to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that fellow Premier League teams Arsenal, Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Chelsea are also keen on a swoop for the Nigeria international, who previously played for the likes of Fulham and Everton in the English top-flight.

Transfer Focus

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

It states that Atalanta are looking for a fee of up to £55m in order to part ways with the impressive forward. That price tag is said to have made it difficult for Barcelona and Juventus, who are also interested in Lookman, due to their respective financial situations.

CaughtOffside adds that the Premier League clubs interested in the winger, including Manchester United, are planning to hold talks over a deal to bring him back to England this summer.

INEOS must, now, push to win the race for the 27-year-old Atalanta star because he could come in as a big upgrade on Garnacho to improve Amorim’s options at the top end of the pitch.

Why Ademola Lookman would be a big upgrade on Alejandro Garncho

As aforementioned, the current Manchester United forward has proven himself to be unreliable in the final third with his wasteful finishing and lack of creativity in the Premier League.

Lookman, on the other hand, has excelled as both a scorer and a creator for Atalanta in the past three seasons, since his move to the club in the summer of 2022.

As you can see in the chart above, the Nigerian superstar has vastly outperformed Garnacho across a host of key attacking metrics over the past 365 days of league and European action, averaging more non-penalty goals, Expected Assisted Goals, shot-creating actions, and assists per 90.

This, immediately, suggests that Lookman, who Gian Pero Gasperini dubbed “extraordinary”, could come in as an upgrade on Garnacho next season, by providing a greater threat in the final third.

The Atalanta star’s form over the past 365 days is not a flash in the pan, either, because he has been remarkably consistent in the Serie A over the past three seasons.

As you can see in the table above, Lookman is the picture of consistency with his contributions as both a scorer and a creator of goals, consistently creating and scoring goals at an impressive rate.

The £55m-rated star has proven that he has the quality to make the most of chances that come his way, outperforming his xG in all three seasons, and he has hit double figures for ‘big chances’ created each time as well.

These statistics suggest that Lookman would be a fantastic signing for Manchester United because he could offer more to the team than Garnacho, as both a scorer and a creator, to give the team a greater chance of winning matches by contributing to more goals.

This is why the Red Devils must work hard to beat off competition from the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal to convince the Atalanta star to make the move to Old Trafford this summer.

Better signing than Huijsen: Man Utd preparing bid to sign £51m "monster"

Manchester United are plotting a bid to sign a star who’d be an even better addition than Dean Huijsen.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 28, 2025

Arsenal are rumoured to have made an offer for one player, after Mikel Arteta personally requested his signing behind-the-scenes, with new sporting director Andrea Berta attempting to grant the manager’s transfer wish.

Arsenal play Ipswich after historic win over Real Madrid

The Gunners are now the only team in football history to beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu twice on their two visits, breaking a record which stood for 77 years, but more importantly, they find themselves in the Champions League semi-finals after their win in Spain on Wednesday.

Arsenal given 50% discount for £280k-per-week forward after opening talks

Andrea Berta could now strike a half-price deal.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 18, 2025

Arsenal made a real statement to the rest of the continent that they’re serious contenders to win this year’s Champions League title after their resounding 5-1 aggregate win over the 15-time European champions, but a tough test in PSG now awaits them.

Luis Enrique’s side are the mainstream media’s favourites to clinch this year’s competition, going by this BBC prediction piece, with former Arsenal and England defender Matthew Upson calling the Ligue 1 champions “standout” performers throughout the tournament.

PSG are unbeaten in the league, winning 23 of their 28 French top flight matches so far, but Arsenal have already reigned victorious over them once this season – a 2-0 league phase win back in October, courtesy of goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.

Arteta can take encouragement for this, not to mention how Aston Villa very nearly turned their quarter-final tie with PSG on its head, but first the north Londoners must take on Ipswich and Crystal Palace in the Premier League – which could be viewed as two warm-up games ahead of the blockbuster Champions League tie.

“For a short period of time yes, it was a great evening,” said Arteta on celebrating Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid.

“We had a lot of family and a lot of happy faces around the club, so it was a good moment, but immediately you have to switch it up, and now it’s Ipswich in the Premier League.”

Arsenal make "ambitious" offer for Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams

Away from the pitch, Berta is already planning for next season by earmarking Arsenal’s top summer targets.

One of them is widely believed to be Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, who’s back to his very best in this latter stage of the campaign and most recently guided his side into the Europa League semi-finals with a decisive goal against Rangers.

The £170,000-per-week winger, regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting talents, has been subject to intense interest from Arsenal in recent weeks, and Berta recently held talks with Williams’ representatives.

The 22-year-old is also regarded by Arteta as a “perfect” player for Arsenal, according to Fabrizio Romano, and another update has now come to light on their pursuit of the Basque sensation.

According to a Spanish media report, as cited by Football 365, Arteta has personally requested the forward’s signing – prompting Arsenal to make an “ambitious” offer for Williams. He is believed to be increasingly tempted by the possibility of playing in England, and Arsenal see Williams as a key target – meaning they are also ready to pay his release clause of around £50 million.

The nature of this offer is currently unclear, but Arsenal are apparently taking action due to Barcelona’s “inactivity” in the race for Williams.

There is confidence that Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy can sign a record-breaking player at a discounted price, with his club eager to sell him to Spurs this summer as both parties look to strike a solution.

Tottenham's summer transfer plans amid uncertain Postecoglou future

A lot of the noise around Spurs is centered on Ange Postecoglou and his long-term future, with the north Londoners believed to be doing their due-diligence on potential successors for the Australian after a disappointing campaign.

Tottenham in contact with ex-Bayern Munich boss to replace Ange Postecoglou

The Australian is being tipped to leave regardless of their European campaign.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 25, 2025

A host of managers are being linked with the Spurs job right now, including former fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino, but technical director Johan Lange and the club’s recruitment team must also be mindful of their transfer plans – with or without Postecoglou at the helm.

Spurs want to reinforce their team across multiple areas of the squad, and are believed to be one of the many Premier League sides looking at Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen (Sky Sports), who is widely expected to leave when a club triggers his £50 million release clause.

Meanwhile, GiveMeSport have reported that Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson is a target for Postecoglou’s side, and it is believed he’d consider a move to N17 this summer despite reported interest from Man City.

Larsson would cost Tottenham around £50 million, so the 20-year-old rising star wouldn’t come cheap, and they’ve been surprisingly linked with a swoop for his teammate, Kaua Santos, who performed impressively against Spurs during their Europa League quarter-final tie.

Lange has personally held talks over a move for Santos, according to reports in Germany, while there is still some way to go when it comes to Mathys Tel and his long-term future.

The Frenchman joined Spurs on loan with an option to buy for around £43 million, but Tel has arguably had a slow start to life at the club and Levy may not want to pay the full amount to keep him long-term.

Bayern Munich hoping they can agree permanent sale of Mathys Tel to Tottenham

That is according to Kicker, via Sport Witness, who reports that Bayern Munich are hoping they can agree Tel’s permanent sale to Tottenham, and could let him join the club for a discounted price.

There is still confidence from both parties that a deal will be struck for the 19-year-old, and work is ongoing to reach a compromise ahead of the summer window. Tel has managed three goals in 13 appearances for Tottenham so far, but his versatility and sky-high potential would make him a useful asset for Postecoglou or any new manager.

The teenager is a record-breaker already, becoming Bayern’s youngest ever goalscorer in 2022 at just 17, attracting praise from Germany legend Thomas Müller.

“Mathys should keep doing his thing: firing shots in on goal. He’s a superb finisher,” said Muller. “He’s only 18 and is making the most of it at the moment. He’s always positive, always has a smile on his face and has great finishing in training and in matches.”