Tottenham remain active in the summer transfer window as we fast approach deadline day in just 48 hours’ time, with Spurs having until just 7pm on Monday to get all of their desired deals over the line.
Thomas Frank has officially welcomed highly-rated playmaker Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, in a deal which insider Paul O’Keefe claims could be worth a club-record £125 million (including wages and add-ons spread over his potential seven-year contract).
Mohammed Kudus
£55 million
Kota Takai
£5 million
Mathys Tel
£30 million
Joao Palhinha
Loan
Kevin Danso
£21 million
Xavi Simons
£52 million
The actual club-to-club fee was £52 million for an attacking player who bagged 11 goals and eight assists over 33 appearances last season, despite missing a portion of the early season with ankle ligament damage.
After returning from injury, Simons racked up 14 goal contributions in Leipzig’s final 18 Bundesliga games – standing out as one of the major positives in what was an otherwise dismal season for Ole Werner’s side.
Tottenham satisfyingly hijacked one of their main London rivals, Chelsea, in the process of signing Simons.
The 22-year-old had agreed terms with Enzo Maresca’s men, but weeks of negotiations between Leipzig and Chelsea, which failed to get anywhere quickly enough, handed the Lilywhites an opportunity to swoop in and steal the Netherlands sensation from under BlueCo’s nose.
Frank played a key role in convincing Simons to make the move to a different part of London, presenting Simons with an appealing project.
Spurs are in the market for another attacking player, and whoever the recruitment team lands on could well be another central attacking midfielder, considering Simons is versatile enough to play on the left-wing.
The former PSG and Barcelona academy man thrived in that area on numerous occasions last term, so it cannot be ruled out that Daniel Levy and co will bring in another versatile player who can interchange roles in that same respect.
Atlético Madrid expecting Conor Gallagher bid from Tottenham
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, £150,000-per-week Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who can play in the central playmaker role and even out wide on occasion, is a target for Spurs heading into deadline day.
Sevilla's Juanlu Sanchez in action against Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher.
The England international is largely a traditional centre-midfielder, but can contribute effectively going forward – bagging 10 goal contributions under Diego Simeone in all competitions during his debut campaign in Spain.
Marca reports that Tottenham are one of the “most interested” clubs in signing Gallagher, and Atlético are expecting the north Londoners to make a late offer for his signature.
Currently, Atlético have adopted a ‘not for sale’ stance and are not particularly keen on losing the 25-year-old, but a seismic offer could change their minds.
If they were to sell Gallagher, Simeone’s side would want between £43-52m for the “priceless” player – which may not be too far out of Spurs’ reach.
Arsenal have all but sealed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, and Mikel Arteta finally has the centre-forward he has craved.
This is a club on the up, has been for several years with Arteta at the helm. But things have perhaps gotten a little monotonous. The football has lost a sense of flair. A sense of X-factor. A sense of electricity.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetareacts
But context is important, and must indeed be applied here. The Gunners were wracked by injuries across the 2024/25 campaign, and the highest level of fluency was always going to prove difficult to reach.
But even so, the lack of an out-and-out goalscorer was evident; had Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus achieved injury-free seasons, something still would have lacked in the Premier League. Enter, Gyokeres.
The Sweden striker is the subject of a £64m agreement between Arsenal and two-in-a-row Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon. Across his two terms with the club, he has scored 97 goals and laid on 28 assists across 102 matches.
It’s a game-changing signing, and Arteta may be about to welcome more quality to his team.
What comes next for Arsenal
Gyokeres fixes what is ostensibly Arsenal’s biggest problem, but with the futures of left-sided forwards Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli unclear, technical director Andrea Berta may be set to oversee a few more exciting deals.
Arsenal's GabrielMartinellireacts
Arsenal are also looking for another creative midfielder, and are locked in talks with the camp of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. Xavi Simons has been of interest, but the RB Leipzig man looks likely to join Chelsea.
Simons’ versatility would have been a welcome asset for an Arsenal side in search of more dynamism and multi-faceted quality, but, in Eze, Arteta would land a sensation proven in the Premier League and having assumed a talismanic role for the Eagles last term, leading them to the FA Cup title.
Whether Eze or Simons joins the Emirates side remains to be seen, but a deal for either shouldn’t deter from the signing of an out-and-out winger.
Arsenal lining up new winger
As per Caught Offside’s Charles Watts, Arsenal are “looking at” a deal for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, though Liverpool are also expected to raise their interest if they sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo
Though Los Blancos are open to selling Rodrygo, who has been informed of a reduced role in Xabi Alonso’s system, they will only part ways for a significant fee, with figures as high as £87m entering market discourse.
Watts stresses that the new deal for Ethan Nwaneri shouldn’t disrupt the pursuit of the Brazilian player.
What Rodrygo would bring to Arsenal
While Arsenal could do with some more creativity in the form of an up-and-coming talent like Simons, Martin Odegaard is set to lead the club once again.
Xavi Simons celebrates
The skipper might not have been at his best last term, but he’s still “one of the world’s best footballers”, as has been claimed by Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup.
And with a “world-class” player such as Rodrygo out on the left, as has been said by his former teammate Luka Modric, there’s no telling how high the Real Madrid man could fly in an Arsenal shirt.
Rodrygo's Real Madrid career (timeless)
Rodrygo left plenty to be desired last season, but he’s surpassed 25 goal contributions across three campaigns now, surely underscoring his elite ability.
Furthermore, he only missed one big chance in La Liga last season, as per Sofascore, scoring six goals. What does this tell us? Well, it says that while he was under-par, the 24-year-old retained an impressive clinical edge to his performances, which could be enhanced in an Arsenal side desperate for a high-level winger to rival Bukayo Saka.
But with Saka, of course, one of the finest right wingers in world football, Rodrygo would need to move away from his regular role on that flank, and instead play off the left wing.
Luckily, this is exactly what he wishes to do, the right-footer having found the left side an elusive area, typically out of his reach due to Vinicius Junior taking precedence at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Right winger
31
8
5
Left winger
12
6
6
Centre-forward
10
0
0
Rodrygo’s prowess on the left is clear. He is far more prolific when placed in his natural role. Should Arsenal use him in the fitting way, there’s every chance that he would prove himself as a bigger talent than someone like Simons, who is on Arteta’s radar but perhaps isn’t needed when Odegaard is desperate to return to his finest form.
Moreover, the Dutchman scored 11 goals and provided eight assists across all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, so even as he forged a highlight season in his career, Simons still wasn’t on par with Rodrygo, who had failed to spark his best football.
And though the 22-year-old is more of a playmaker than the fearsome Rodrygo, he routinely played out on the left wing, so it feels like the Gunners are instead prioritising the latter.
This is further reflected through the Bundesliga club’s asking price for their star man. Arsenal and Chelsea have both been quoted at £56m, suggesting that his signature doesn’t carry the same weight as Rodrygo’s.
But then we know this. We know how much of a statement signing this would be. With both Trossard and Martinelli flattering to deceive at stages last year, there’s little question that the Brazilian would spark frissons of excitement that Simons would perhaps not quite match.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It won’t be an easy one to pull off, but if Arsenal have the means, they must throw the kitchen sink at Rodrygo, reeling him over to take this exciting project to the next level.
Arsenal have the budget to sign £100m CF who's more exciting than Gyokeres
Arsenal are not finished yet in the summer transfer market.
What a hectic transfer window it has been so far for Newcastle United. The Magpies have been embroiled in a crazy transfer saga with Liverpool surrounding Alexander Isak and Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, which is yet to come to a conclusion.
Indeed, the exact makeup of Eddie Howe’s squad next season is still not clear, and with a few players out of the door, which will soon include Leeds-bound Sean Longstaff, he may have to rely on youngsters if signings are not made soon.
This has previously not been an issue for the Englishman, with Lewis Miley rising through the ranks to become an important player.
The Magpies seem set to add another young talent to their squad in the coming days.
Newcastle’s pursuit of young talent
Signing an exciting young player and thinking ahead to the future is something the Magpies have done before. Young Australian winger Garang Kuol joined the club in 2023 and has since gained experience on various loan spells.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Well, perhaps the North East giants are about to repeat the masterclass. They are said to have ‘won the race’ to sign South Korean talent Park Seung-soo, having agreed a deal for the youngster.
That is being reported by website Football Asian, who claim he will be in Newcastle this week to ‘complete a medical’ ahead of the move. What makes this acquisition so impressive for the Magpies is the fact that they beat off fierce competition to sign Park.
Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, French side Marseille, as well as RB Salzburg and FC Midtjylland, were all interested, but Newcastle won what was described as a ‘year-long pursuit’ of the winger.
Why Park would be a good signing
Despite being just 18 years of age, Park has clearly made a huge impression playing for his club, Suwon Bluewings, where he has become an important player. Korean football expert Ross Davis described him as an “exciting” talent, which Newcastle seem to agree with.
The teenager, who is an international for South Korea at under-20 level, has played 28 times in professional football so far. He has one goal and three assists, all of which came last year in the K League 2 for Suwon, the club whose academy he graduated from.
One of the biggest benefits of Park’s game is the fact that he can play on both the left and right flanks. That certainly gives Howe options if he chooses to integrate him into the squad straight away. It also makes him an attractive prospect for sides looking to bring him in on loan, if that is the route Newcastle choose to take.
Howe would surely be hoping that Park can have an impact on the first team just like Miley did. The 19-year-old, who is a boyhood Geordie, has struggled with injuries in recent months, but has still made an impactful start to his Newcastle career.
Miley, who is from Stanley, just south of St James’ Park, has played 46 games for Newcastle so far, scoring three goals and grabbing four assists. One of his standout moments was this magical assist for Isak against Chelsea last season.
It is that sort of magic that Howe would surely want Park to recreate in the long run. In many ways, the Magpies boss might want him to become the second coming of Miley, in the sense of a young player stepping up in the first team.
Well, if his numbers via Sofascore from the 2024 K League 2 are anything to go by, he has the ability. Not only did he contribute to an average of 0.5 goals each game, but he averaged 2.2 key passes and 5.4 successful dribbles per 90 minutes.
Minutes played
586
41.9
Goals and assists
4
0.5
Key passes
14
2.2
Dribbles completed
35
5.4
Tackles and interceptions
5
0.8
Expected goal involvements
4.34xGI
0.67xGI
Described as a “lanky dribbler” by Davis, and standing at over six feet, the physical tools might well be there in the long run for Park to succeed in the Premier League. It certainly seems like he has the technical ability to do so.
Howe would surely love to have another exciting young talent stepping up in the same way Miley did, who can be a huge benefit for Newcastle in the short and long term. Park certainly has the tools to do that.
Isak heir: Newcastle in talks to sign "exceptional" £40m Ekitike alternative
Newcastle are still on the hunt for a striker this summer
Leeds United have been boosted by the news that a “special” transfer target could be allowed to leave his current club, amid their continued interest in him.
Leeds linked with "one of the best" midfielders in the world
The Whites continue to be linked with key signings ahead of their return to the Premier League after their Championship title win, with Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz an audacious target for Daniel Farke’s side, potentially coming in on a loan-to-buy basis.
He has genuine pedigree as a Brazil international and former Premier League player, with Sky Italia perhaps exaggerating a bit when he signed for Juve: “Douglas Luiz in that role is one of the best in the world ever – Signing Douglas Luiz is a global coup!”
Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.
Roma teenager Lovro Golic has also been mentioned as a summer target for Leeds, perhaps being seen as more of a long-term investment. While the 19-year-old centre-back is yet to make an appearance at senior level for the Serie A giants, he has featured 83 times across three youth teams.
Meanwhile, the Whites have reportedly submitted an offer for Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, which could be an excellent piece of business, considering he has already proven himself in the top flight.
Leeds interested in 2x Premier League champion
According to The Boot Room, Leeds are among the clubs “interested” in signing Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez ahead of next season, with Crystal Palace and West Ham also thought to be in the mix.
While the Reds are “happy” to keep hold of the 28-year-old, the report also states that they would be willing to cash in if the player seeks more playing time. He has shown no signs of unhappiness yet, posting a social media statement celebrating his ten years at the club this week, but would need a starting role elsewhere to force his way into the England set-up for next year’s World Cup.
Gomez could be a perfect summer signing for Leeds, possessing a wealth of experience that has seen him win two Premier League titles with Liverpool. The £85,000-a-week Englishman has often had to accept a squad role, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate preferred, so from a Whites perspective, the hope is that he wants to be a regular somewhere else.
Gomez is a strong central defender with pace to burn, even after some serious injuries down the years, and Arne Slot hailed his attitude last season: “Last season he played many, many, many games – I think you could call him a starter that season – and in some other seasons maybe he was more of the second choice in every other position in the last line.
“For him to keep doing this probably tells you a lot about his mentality but also what he does on a daily basis in training sessions and at home to stay as fit as he is, because he’s incredibly fit and ready to perform. That is more special than people think it is, that’s definitely true.”
Firpo replacement: Leeds now keen to sign UCL star who's "likely to leave"
Junior Firpo is set to leave the club at the end of the month.
ByTom Cunningham Jun 19, 2025
Ultimately, the decision rests with Gomez, who may simply end up deciding to stay at Liverpool, but it appears as though Leeds have a chance of getting him, and Farke should view him as a top option.
West Bromwich Albion are now very keen on signing an “incredible” defender who has experience at the very highest level, according to a report.
Mason's arrival marks start of new era at the Hawthorns
West Brom’s 2024-25 campaign ultimately petered out, with Tony Mowbray being dismissed just three months after his arrival, having failed to build on the foundations laid by Carlos Corberan.
However, the appointment of former Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason marks the start of a new era for the Baggies, with reporter Steve Hermon claiming the board have made a “brave” decision by replacing Mowbray with a manager who has no Championship experience.
At just 33-years-old, Mason is certainly young for a manager, but the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler and Germany boss Julian Naglelsmann have proven that experience isn’t the be-all and end-all when it comes to being successful.
Contact made: West Brom considering move to sign "ruthless" new striker
Ryan Mason is wasting no time in looking to strengthen his new West Brom team.
ByBrett Worthington Jun 5, 2025
Despite a poor end to the 2024-25 campaign, Albion finished just four points adrift of the Championship play-off places, which suggests Mason may not need to ring the changes this summer, but he will certainly be looking to put his own stamp on the squad.
According to a report from The Athletic, West Brom are now showing strong interest in signing Liverpool defender Nat Phillips, who is attracting the attention of a number of second-tier sides after impressing on loan at Derby County.
Derby boss John Eustace has confirmed he would like to sign Phillips on a permanent basis, with the defender’s time at Anfield surely coming to an end, having not featured for the Reds in the Premier League since the 2022-23 campaign.
Derby County manager JohnEustace
"Incredible" Phillips impressed Klopp during Liverpool spell
Perhaps most memorably, the Bolton-born defender featured regularly for Liverpool during the 2020-21 season, at which point Jürgen Klopp was having to deal with an injury crisis.
Ultimately, the Reds managed to seal qualification for the Champions League despite the injury issues, and Klopp was left impressed by some of the £45k-a-week centre-back’s performances, particularly catching the eye during a 2-1 win against West Ham United.
Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.
Speaking after the match, Klopp said: “He’s a brilliant guy, smart guy, intelligent, everything. He’s not easy on the eye, he’s not Messi but who cares? In the air, he’s a monster! He was incredible.”
Since then, the 28-year-old has arguably gone on to find his level in the Championship, but he has continued to impress in the air, placing in the top 1% for aerials won per 90 over the past year, when compared to other defenders in similar leagues.
Phillips, who has seven Champions League appearances to his name, could be an excellent signing for West Brom this summer, and the hope will be that he is available on a permanent basis, having not been a part of Liverpool’s plans for a number of years.
Sunderland were always going to face challenges venturing up to the Premier League, but the Black Cats will find their journey up to the big time to be even more unnerving now that Jobe Bellingham has left the club.
Bellingham has followed in his esteemed brother’s footsteps and joined German behemoth Borussia Dortmund, leaving Regis Le Bris with a lot of work to do this summer to plug his noticeable gap.
The Wearside underdogs could look to bring in an entertaining EFL star as a replacement for the skilful 19-year-old.
Sunderland eyeing up move for EFL star
As per a new report by the Daily Mail, Sunderland are eyeing up a potential swoop for Leeds United outcast Sam Greenwood to enhance their attacking options.
Whilst he has struggled for large patches of his Elland Road career, Greenwood has shone away from West Yorkshire on loan with Preston North End and Middlesbrough in the Championship, with Sunderland now keen on winning his services.
Leeds' Sam Greenwood
Leicester City are also in the race to land the 23-year-old ahead of the Foxes heading back to the second tier, but the Black Cats’ newly obtained Premier League status – on top of the fact Greenwood actually hails from Sunderland – should surely give them a favourable advantage.
Before heading to Leeds, he was actually on the books of the Sunderland and Arsenal academies.
How Greenwood could replace Bellingham
There would be a lot of pressure on Greenwood’s shoulders to come in and fill the void left behind by Bellingham, but it’s clear from his flashes of excellence in the EFL’s elite league that he’s deserving of some more game time in the top-flight, away from being a reserve face at Daniel Farke’s outfit.
After all, much like Bellingham caught the eye with classy displays galore at the Stadium of Light, Greenwood has consistently entertained fans in the EFL when moved out on loan from Leeds.
Amazingly, the 23-year-old even amassed more goals last season in the Championship than Bellingham, with five goals collected come the end of his stay at Deepdale, compared to his now Dortmund counterpart’s four.
Leeds United star Sam Greenwood.
By the end of his loan stint in Lancashire, Greenwood scored seven strikes in total from 45 clashes, with this tally just beating his overall Boro count, which stood at five. Alongside that, he also has six Championship assists next to his name, with a chance for him to shine in the level above perhaps coming soon with Le Bris and Co.
Away from offering the same firepower as Bellingham, the “unbelievable” attacker – as Farke once described him – is also similar to the Bundesliga-bound midfielder in offering lots of versatility, with the ex-Arsenal youth starlet capable of playing in a whole host of positions like Bellingham, away from simply lining up as a number ten.
CF
48
20
3
AM
37
9
9
RW
19
9
3
LM
17
4
2
SS
15
9
4
LW
13
2
2
CM
11
1
1
DM
1
0
0
Greenwood actually boasts more career goals and assists lining up as a centre-forward with the 23-year-old potentially offering Le Bris another striker presence, therefore, away from the Frenchman solely depending on Wilson Isidor.
But, he can also line up as a winger and as a central figure, much like Bellingham, with everything pointing in the direction that this could be a smart move for Sunderland to make to try and patch over their star man’s exit.
Greenwood even has a goal and four assists next to his name when utilised sparingly in the Premier League by the Whites, meaning he could really kick on under Le Bris’ guidance if given plenty of action in the wake of Bellingham’s sad departure.
He'd be better than Tanganga: Sunderland interested in signing £8m defender
Sunderland could now swoop in for this defensive target over solely pursuing a move for Japhet Tanganga.
Liverpool plan on defending their newly claimed Premier League title next season, having defied expectations to dominantly dethrone Manchester City after four years, brushing injury-hit Arsenal aside in the race for the top spot.
Few expected Arne Slot’s side to challenge this year, having just been dealt the bitter blow of Jurgen Klopp’s departure, the iconic manager stepping down after nearly nine years at the helm.
Football can be fickle, however, and the detractors will be out in force come autumn, waiting for the Merseysiders to stumble. That’s why FSG have moved incisively to back their head coach and strengthen a number of areas.
Liverpool’s full-back berths have been shored up, even with Trent Alexander-Arnold now playing in Real Madrid’s white jersey, and Florian Wirtz is on the brink of signing for the English giants.
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz andJeremieFrimpongapplaud fans with teammates after the match
Negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen have dragged on a bit, but all parties expect Wirtz to sign for the Anfield side, and for a British-record £120m fee at that.
And there’s even more still to come.
Liverpool's summer transfer plans
Wirtz is a one-of-a-kind attacking midfielder, regarded by sports media professional Cristian Nyari to be a “truly generational talent.”
Florian Wirtz
However, he alone won’t restore the equilibrium of Liverpool’s frontline. Darwin Nunez is “planning to leave”, as per Fabrizio Romano, and Liverpool are doing due diligence on a number of strikers, the likes of which include Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig. Victor Osimhen’s name has also been mentioned.
Liverpool, furthermore, could lose one of their major attacking cogs, Luis Diaz, who is being courted by Barcelona and Saudi side Al Nassr. Barcelona have already seen an approach rebuffed.
Should Diaz, who is entering the second-to-last year of his contract, leave, Liverpool will need to source a replacement, and they might just have found the man for the job.
Liverpool plotting move for Premier League star
As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool are considering making their move for Newcastle United wide forward Anthony Gordon, who has been valued at £80m.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The winger is said to be ‘extremely happy’ at St James’ Park, although he would be ‘very keen’ on returning to Merseyside, with Liverpool ‘confident of striking a deal’, despite the lack of ‘club-to-club contact’ with the Magpies as yet.
It feels unlikely Gordon would arrive if Diaz stays put, but this could be a neat replacement for a 28-year-old who appears open to leaving, especially since, for Gordon, it would be a homecoming, having left Liverpool’s academy aged 11.
Anthony Gordon looks dejected for Liverpool
Liverpool will continue to prepare their offer until Diaz’s future is resolved, but should the Colombian leave, the Magpies ace is the top target.
Why Liverpool should sign Anthony Gordon
Last summer, Liverpool explored an opportunity to sign Gordon after his tremendous 2023/24 campaign for Newcastle, notching 28 goal contributions across all competitions.
However, the Magpies found alternative ways to avoid financial repercussions from the Premier League, and he stayed put.
Anthony Gordon
Now, though, the potential sale of Diaz could see the Reds return, maybe enticing the boyhood Liverpool fan to make the move back to Merseyside and combine with a fellow new recruit in Wirtz, who might just hold the key to a new level of performance on the 24-year-old Gordon’s part.
Diaz can prove a tricky opponent for even the meanest of defences, and in that regard, Gordon could be the perfect replacement, having described himself as being “a nightmare for anyone”.
Anthony Gordon in action vs Brentford
His pace and athleticism are exactly what Liverpool need to keep their left flank firing on all cylinders, and with Wirtz pulling the strings from the middle, it might be the start of a truly special partnership.
Wirtz’s blend of creativity, hard graft and dribbling is enough to raise the game of any forward teammates, including that of Gordon, who perhaps hasn’t reached the same heights on Tyneside across his second full season.
Injury and suspension have come together to prove a hindrance for the Three Lions star across the latter half of the season, but he’s now a Carabao Cup champion and played his part in pulling Newcastle back into the Champions League.
Moreover, there’s enough there to suggest Wirtz could elevate him to the next level. Indeed, former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes has described the German international as being “probably the best midfielder in the world.”
Matches (starts)
35 (34)
34 (28)
Goals
11
6
Assists
10
5
Shots (on target)*
2.3 (0.9)
1.7 (0.6)
Pass completion
82%
81%
Key passes*
1.6
1.5
Big chances created
16
6
Dribbles*
1.5
1.1
Ball recoveries*
3.6
2.9
Tackles + interceptions*
1.8
1.1
Duels (won)*
5.3 (49%)
4.4 (52%)
So then, such a player would be perfect to bring Gordon back to life. The Leverkusen sensation, after all, ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga last year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes and progressive carries, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
The high-level consistency across so many different metrics really does make a conclusive comment on the calibre of player Liverpool could be getting with Wirtz, and if fielded alongside Gordon, Slot could have a duo for the ages, capable of leading the club to another sustained spell of glory, challenging every year for the biggest prizes.
For now, we can only wait for the movements concerning Diaz’s future at Liverpool. But given the proactive start to the summer that sporting director Richard Hughes is overseeing, you wouldn’t bet against levers having been put in place to make a move for Gordon in the coming weeks, bringing him back to Anfield after so many years.
Wirtz will make him world-class: Liverpool now targeting "the new Haaland"
Liverpool are making sweeping changes in the transfer market this summer.
Leeds United are looking to sign a “fantastic” defender as a replacement for Junior Firpo this summer, with the left-back potentially leaving the Whites, according to a report.
Firpo's time at Elland Road may be coming to an end
Firpo played an important role in Leeds’ promotion from the Championship last season, with the Dominician Republic international picking up four goals and ten assists in 32 league appearances.
However, it now looks as though the left-back’s time at Elland Road could be coming to an end, with the 28-year-old’s contract set to expire this summer, and he has been attracting interest from the likes of Lazio and soon-to-be Premier League rivals Everton.
Last week, there were reports that Daniel Farke’s side have submitted a contract offer to extend the defender’s stay in Yorkshire, but a more recent update indicates that Firpo is set to depart, with the Whites now identifying a Premier League defender as a potential replacement.
Leeds considering swoop for "incredible" striker who'd be their new Wood
Leeds are reportedly considering a move for a star who could be Daniel Farke’s own Chris Wood.
ByDan Emery May 21, 2025
According to a report from Football Insider, Leeds are now looking to sign Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas, who would go straight into Farke’s starting XI, with the Reds likely to accept a bid of around £12m – £15m for the left-back in the summer.
With Arne Slot’s side making moves to sign AFC Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, they won’t stand in Tsimikas’ way if a suitable offer is received, potentially opening the door for a move to Elland Road.
Liverpool's KostasTsimikascelebrates after winning the Premier League
Transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke also offered a further update on Firpo’s future, saying: “Leeds are going to be in the market for a new left-back in this summer’s window with Junior Firpo likely to leave… [Tsimikas] could come straight into that team and improve them.”
Tsimikas could be "fantastic" Firpo replacement
The Greek defender didn’t exactly play a major role in Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph, making 18 appearances throughout the campaign, but he has impressed for the Reds in the past, having once been dubbed “fantastic” by journalist Ian Doyle.
With Leeds looking to avoid relegation from the top flight next season, it could be important to bring in players with top-level experience, and the 29-year-old fits the bill, receiving the Man of the Match award against RB Leipzig in the Champions League last October.
The Liverpool ace is also strong at winning back possession, ranking in the 95th percentile for interceptions per 90, and the 79th percentile for tackles, when compared to other full-backs over the past year.
Of course, it would be a shame to see Firpo leave, given the role the defender played in Leeds’ promotion last season, but there are plenty of signs that Tsimikas could be a solid replacement, and a fee of £15m wouldn’t break the bank.
A Champions League club are now “pushing hard” to sign a Sunderland star “immediately”, with a bid currently in the works, according to Sky Sports reporter Patrick Berger.
Wembley trip on the horizon for the Black Cats
The Black Cats didn’t exactly finish the Championship campaign in ideal fashion, losing their final five games, but they have managed to turn on the style when it matters, booking their spot at Wembley for the play-off final with a dramatic victory against Coventry City.
However, Regis Le Bris isn’t content with simply reaching the final, with the manager insisting his side must get the job done, saying: “Our focus is now fully on the final. It’s really clear — this is the main objective of the season.
“We have to take the final step. It will be tough, but we must put the work in now to make sure we’re ready.”
The importance of Sunderland restoring their Premier League status cannot be understated, not least because they could have a battle trying to keep hold of their key players beyond the summer, should they fail to return to the top flight.
In fact, in an update on X, Berger has now revealed that Borussia Dortmund are “pushing hard” to sign Jobe Bellingham “immediately”, with the German club keen to sign the midfielder prior to this summer’s Club World Cup.
An offer is currently being prepared, which Dortmund are planning to submit after Saturday’s play-off final, although they are yet to reach an agreement with Bellingham on personal terms, and they don’t believe they are in pole position for the youngster.
Should the Black Cats be willing to sanction a departure this summer, they would be looking to receive a fee of €25m – €30m (£21m – £25m).
Black Cats could struggle to keep hold of Bellingham even if they go up
It could be a very difficult task for Le Bris’ side to keep hold of the 19-year-old beyond the summer, given that a number of other English clubs are also in the race for his signature, such as Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.
The hope will be that the teenager is tempted to test himself in the Premier League, should Sunderland prevail against Sheffield United, but the opportunity to play in the Champions League could be tempting, with Dortmund recently securing qualification for next season’s competition.
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In truth, news of Dortmund’s increased interest is an unwanted distraction ahead of the play-off final, and full focus must remain on Saturday’s game, which could be pivotal in terms of Sunderland’s future trajectory.
The Championship play-off final has become known as the ‘richest game in football’, and this year’s edition is set to be the most lucrative to date, with the winners set to receive a minimum of £220m in extra income next season.
Arsenal have made an enquiry over the signing of a “spectacular” £85m forward who has been linked with an exit from his current club.
Gunners pursuing new forwards
With the Gunners once again falling short in their Premier League title pursuit, there is a feeling that a top striker could be the missing piece of the jigsaw, and they are now stepping up their pursuit of one of their key targets.
Talks have now been held over a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, who could be a more attainable target than Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, with the Magpies very unlikely to be willing to strengthen a direct rival.
Signing a new striker may be the number one priority, but there is also a willingness to strengthen in wide areas this summer, with Mikel Arteta being left a little light on options at times this season, given that Bukayo Saka spent a long time on the treatment table.
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Manchester United’s Antony has now emerged as a surprise target, with the north Londoners reportedly enquiring about the Brazilian, while they have also made an approach for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.
That is according to a report from Spain, (via Caught Offside), which states Arsenal have enquired about the terms of a summer deal for the Brazilian, but they have discovered that he will not come cheap, with the Spanish side holding out for €100m (£85m).
Real Madrid'sRodrygolooks on
Madrid believe they will be able to hold out for a huge fee, given that there is widespread interest in the winger from the Premier League, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United also in the race for his signature.
The desire to sign the 24-year-old comes amid doubts over both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, with the duo not performing at their best this season.
"Spectacular" Rodrygo could become "superstar" at Arsenal
Former Arsenal man Emmanuel Petit is clearly a big fan of the winger, having instructed the Gunners to make a move for him in the past, saying: “He could be an absolute superstar for Arsenal and I rate him very much. He scores goals, gives assists and gives great energy on the pitch.”
The Brazil international has also been lauded as “spectacular” by manager Carlo Ancelotti, and his attacking numbers for Madrid in La Liga over the past few seasons suggest he could make a real impact in Arteta’s side.
Season
Appearances
Goals
Assists
2022-23
34
9
9
2023-24
34
10
5
2024-25
30
6
6
The only doubt over the signing of the Madrid star will be the fact he has been on a goal drought in 2025, failing to record a goal contribution in his last 12 La Liga outings.
Rodrygo’s previous exploits indicate that he could still be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, but a fee of £85m is a little on the expensive side, given his current form.