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Last summer, Chelsea paid £30m to activate the release clause in Nicolas Jackson's Villarreal contract, and committed him to an eight-year deal. While the 22-year-old still has plenty of time to improve, it's undeniably been a slow start at Stamford Bridge.

He's scored eight goals in 23 appearances in all competitions so far, and it's worth noting that three of those came late on against nine-man Spurs in a 4-1 victory in early November. The Senegalese frontman, who's currently representing his country at AFCON, has been wasteful in front of goal, ranking joint-fourth in the Premier League for big chances missed (12). Only Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin (-4.6) has undershot his xG by a bigger margin than Jackson's 3.6.

This is a big part of the reason why Chelsea are only eighth in the league for goals scored (35), despite creating the second-highest xG (41.6), and ninth in the table overall. Mauricio Pochettino will hope that a potential deal for Karim Benzema could fix the issue.

Chelsea talks over Benzema

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea have held discussions over a move for Benzema, who's currently playing his football at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia after leaving Real Madrid last year. The Blues have been monitoring his situation in the Gulf with a view to possibly making a move.

London rivals Arsenal are also "considering a blockbuster loan deal", provided that Al-Ittihad are willing to sanction one. It remains to be seen whether the Gunners present a formal offer and whether Chelsea decide to submit a rival proposal.

Ballon d'Or winner could give Chelsea clinical touch

Journalist Zach Lowy has dubbed Benzema a "legend", and it's impossible to argue with that description. Benzema left European football with a collection of medals that would be the envy of virtually any footballer worldwide, headlined by five Champions Leagues and eight domestic titles (four in Spain with Real and four in France with Lyon).

At the individual level, meanwhile, Benzema is one of only two players not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or between 2018 and 2023, alongside former Los Blancos teammate Luka Modric, having landed the prize in 2022 on the back of Real's league and Champions League double. He put up staggering numbers of 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 games that season, so few could dispute his worthiness for the prize.

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Posts ByAlex Caple

Things have been somewhat tumultuous for Benzema so far in Saudi Arabia after reports of a dressing room spat with Nuno Espirito Santo prior to the Portuguese's sacking at Al-Ittihad. Despite that, he's maintained a strong goalscoring record, netting 12 in 20 in all competitions and nine in 15 in the league. Only six players have scored more in the Saudi top flight.

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One potential issue, especially for a club that is already in danger of breaking the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, is Benzema's reported salary. The Frenchman apparently earns a whopping £1.65m per week in Jeddah, and even if Chelsea could convince Al-Ittihad to split that salary 50/50, it would be an extraordinary outlay. If they are able to make a deal work, though, it's clear that Benzema could provide the clinical touch Pochettino needs to salvage something from this season.

Nottingham Forest are now interested in signing an “excellent” £29 million forward who has scored 14 goals this season, according to a new report.

Forest drop points in race for Champions League spot

It is now no wins in their last three games in all competitions for Forest, as their fight for a Champions League spot has taken a hit. Murillo rescued a point for the Reds on Monday evening after going a goal down thanks to Eberechi Eze’s penalty. The draw leaves Forest in sixth place on 61 points, two behind Chelsea and Newcastle United and one ahead of Aston Villa, who are sitting in seventh place.

Despite the dropped points, Nuno Espirito Santo was pleased with his side’s attitude and defensive performance and believes everyone in the Champions League race will give it their all. As he said, “all the teams in this big fight will give it a go”.

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He has made a big decision about his future.

Posts ByHenry Jackson

Nuno told BBC Match of the Day: “Let’s think about the game. It was two halves, and in the first half, we were very good. It was good for us that we achieved the goal so soon after the goal for Crystal Palace. That gave us belief to fight for the game. After last week, a good attitude.

“It’s about finding ourselves again after the past three games. We defended better; it’s so obvious, against a talented opponent in Palace.

“The final games will be nervous, tight games. Everyone is fighting for something, and Selhurst Park is always a tough place to come. All the teams in this big fight will give it a go.”

Nottingham Forest want to sign £29m forward with 14 goals in 24/25

As Nuno and his team remain focused on the race for a Champions League spot, Forest chiefs and the manager are looking towards the summer transfer window. Now, according to La Opinion A Coruna, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest want to sign winger Yeremay Hernandez from Deportivo La Coruna.

The report states that there is a good chance Hernandez leaves the Spanish side at the end of this season, despite the fact he has just signed a new contract that runs until the summer of 2030. The winger was a wanted player in the January transfer window but stayed at Deportivo, where they inserted a release clause worth €35 million, which is roughly £29 million.

As well as Forest now showing an interest in a deal this summer, AFC Bournemouth and Brentford are also keen on striking an agreement. Teams from Italy, Germany and France are also keen on signing Hernandez, who has been dubbed “excellent” by Ben Mattinson in the past.

Yeremay Hernandez’s Deportivo La Coruna stats

Apps

94

Goals

22

Assists

10

However, all the teams are not going to have it easy signing the 22-year-old, as they will need to bring a lot of money and the skill to persuade Deportivo to sell one of their brightest players.

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It is unclear at this stage if Forest, as well as Bournemouth and Brentford, are willing to pay Hernandez’s release clause. The Spanish U21 international has been in fine form this season, as he’s netted 14 goals in 35 La Liga 2 games.

Fulham and Marco Silva are now interested in signing a “terrific” £30,000-a-week player as a possible alternative to the heavily linked Kyle Walker-Peters, according to Sky Sports.

Fulham stepping up transfer plans as they eye Walker-Peters deal

The Cottagers are still very much in the hunt for a European spot, but with only four games left in the league, they are running out of time to close the gap. Therefore, while they will want to finish the season as best as possible, attention from Silva and the club’s hierarchy may be slowly turning towards next season and what they hope to do in the summer.

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Posts 1 ByDominic Lund

It was reported last week that Fulham made contact with Juventus regarding a deal for Nicolo Savona. The Italian has emerged on Fulham’s radar, but they are not alone in the race, as several other teams from England are also keen on signing the versatile defender.

He is not the only defender on their list of targets, as according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the Cottagers are keen on signing Kyle Walker-Peters once his contract at Southampton expires. The Premier League side plan to open contract talks with his agents once the campaign comes to a close.

The transfer news doesn’t stop there for Silva’s side, as while Liverpool are in talks over signing Antonee Robinson, Fulham have put forward the idea of re-signing Harvey Elliott in a partial swap deal, who looks set to leave Anfield at the end of this season. The Englishman is looking for more regular game time, and a return to Craven Cottage could be on the cards.

Fulham add Ipswich star Ben Johnson to full-back shortlist

But strengthening in defence seems to be more of a priority for Silva, as the Cottagers have their eye on a player who could be considered an alternative to Walker-Peters. According to Sky Sports, Fulham are keen on signing Ben Johnson from Ipswich Town this summer.

He is one of a number of right-backs that the club are looking at, but it is reported that Johnson doesn’t have a release clause, and given he has three years remaining on his contract, he remains a key part of Kieran McKenna’s plans.

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Johnson, who has been described as “terrific” by football scout Antonio Mango, joined the Tractor Boys in the summer transfer window on a free transfer after leaving West Ham. The England under-21 international, who can also cover at centre-back and left-back, has played 22 times in the Premier League for Ipswich so far, scoring one goal and registering two assists.

Ben Johnson’s 24/25 Premier League stats

Apps

22

Starts

14

Minutes per game

62

Touches

29.9

Big chances created

4

Interceptions per game

0.6

Tackles per game

1.7

Balls recovered per game

2.6

Clearances per game

2.4

McKenna is likely to want to keep hold of Johnson, who is on a weekly wage of £30,000 at Portman Road, but the offer of staying in the Premier League and playing for a team that isn’t expected to be in relegation trouble may be too good to turn down.

West Bromwich Albion fans would have been anticipating that their team would be participating in the drama of the Championship playoffs, but their team’s 2024/25 campaign didn’t quite go as smoothly as they would have hoped.

In the end, the Baggies would finish four points shy of Bristol City in that final playoff position, with Tony Mowbray actually facing the wrath of the Hawthorns hierarchy by losing his job for not steering the West Midlands side into the long-sought-after top six.

Alongside talk of a new manager coming in to replace the axed Mowbray, there are now murmurs of fresh faces entering the building to boost matters on the pitch, with the rumour mill churning out new potential bosses and players aplenty.

West Brom could sign Premier League youngster

With Albion in need of a new manager, the likes of Marti Cifuentes and Ryan Mason are now being linked to the Baggies vacancy, with Portsmouth manager John Mousinho also reportedly on the West Brom radar after successfully guiding Pompey away from Championship relegation danger.

Moreover, a slightly more left-field shout comes in the form of ex-Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay.

Transfer Focus

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But, earlier talk suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur coach Mason could be handed the reins hasn’t died down completely, with the 33-year-old perhaps linking up with a Spurs youngster along the way if he does take on the second-tier job post.

Indeed, a report from Birmingham Live has stated that West Brom have lodged an enquiry over the loan signature of 20-year-old Jamie Donley, off the back of the exciting attacker starring on loan in League One this season with Leyton Orient.

Whilst the jump up is significant from League One to the EFL’s elite division, there will be a hope that Orient number 17 can dazzle defences moving up a league in a similar vein to standout Baggies ace Tom Fellows, with the pair constantly want to create openings to put their team on the front foot.

How Donley could be Fellows 2.0

The homegrown Baggies product will know all too well how formative a loan switch can be down to the lower reaches of the EFL, having once donned Crawley Town colours for a singular season.

This campaign so far for Richie Wellens’ promotion chasers, Donley has amassed a mightily impressive eight goals and ten assists from 47 overall contests, with Fellows amazingly finishing his sterling individual 2024/25 season on 18 goal contributions too.

Donley vs Fellows in 2024/25

Stat (* = per 90 mins)

Donley

Fellows

Games played

40

45

Goals scored

8

4

Assists

10

14

Touches*

45.9

27.2

Shots*

1.4

1.0

Accurate passes*

20.5 (70%)

12.5 (87%)

Big chances missed

4

7

Big chances created

17

13

Stats by Sofascore

Looking at their numbers in the EFL this term, both the 20-year-old and his Baggies counterpart have been massively influential for their sides this season in attacking areas, with a mammoth 30 big chances accumulated between them, indicating that they certainly love creating for others.

Hailed for his “sensational” form in the third-tier by scout Jacek Kulig, there is no doubt that the Spurs starlet will be able to take to the pressures of the Championship swimmingly.

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After all, Fellows never looked frozen by fear when he was first given chances here and there in the senior mix at West Brom.

Therefore, if a loan switch does occur, those at the Hawthorns will pray Donley can also jump up to the standard required of him, with the promising number ten perhaps linking up with the entertaining 22-year-old winger very soon as his new employers hunt promotion once more.

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Posts 1 ByDominic Lund

Arsenal are now preparing a very serious £84m offer for a striker, with Andrea Berta recently holding talks over a potential deal, according to a report.

Berta driving Arsenal's attacking summer transfer plans

Berta is approaching his first transfer window since being appointed as sporting director, and the Italian has grand plans, which could lay the groundwork for the Gunners to finally win the Premier League title next season.

The 53-year-old is personally keen on signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who would be extremely interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, while Real Madrid star Rodrygo is believed to be at the top of his wishlist.

Talks have been opened over a deal for the Brazilian, who could join alongside RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, with Berta now in concrete discussions over a deal for the Slovenian, who Mikel Arteta is believed to be a big admirer of.

There has now been a new update on Arsenal’s pursuit of Sesko, which suggests the talks may have gone very well, with a report from Spain revealing they are now preparing a very serious €100m (£84m) offer for the centre-forward.

Berta has been in direct talks with RB Leipzig over a summer deal, and there is a feeling Sesko would be interested in becoming a part of Arteta’s project, despite interest from a number of other European clubs.

The Gunners are prepared to go all out to win the race for the 21-year-old, but Leipzig are in no rush to sell, with the 21-year-old under contract until 2029. However, there have been other claims suggesting there is a €80m summer release clause, so Arsenal could be willing to go above and beyond for Sesko following the claim from Spain.

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Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini "Extremely quick" Sesko could be excellent signing

The lack of a centre-forward has arguably been costly for the Gunners this season, with both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus spending lengthy periods on the sidelines, and a new striker could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arteta.

Manchester City brought in Erling Haaland back in the summer of 2022, which enabled Pep Guardiola’s side to finally get over the line in the Champions League, and there are indications the Leipzig star could have a similar impact on the Gunners.

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The “extremely quick” forward, who has been compared to Haaland in the past, enjoyed an impressive 2024-25 season, regularly contributing goals and assists for Leipzig across all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

33

13

5

DFB-Pokal

4

4

1

Champions League

8

4

0

That said, Jamie Carragher has suggested that whichever striker Arsenal sign may remain behind Havertz in the pecking order, given how important the German is to Arteta’s play-style.

However, even top coaches have to make tweaks sometimes, with Guardiola managing to accommodate Haaland, and Arsenal changing their tactics to suit Sesko may enable them to finally win the Premier League title next season.

Tottenham Hotspur have now held direct talks to appoint an “outstanding” manager, with Ange Postecoglou heading for the exit door, according to a report.

Ange could be set to leave despite Europa League triumph

One year ago, INEOS arguably made the mistake of keeping Erik ten Hag in the Manchester United job after the Dutchman led them to victory in the FA Cup, and it appears as though Daniel Levy doesn’t want to make the same error this summer.

Indeed, widespread reports are now suggesting that Levy is set to sack Postecoglou, despite the historic Europa League triumph against Manchester United last month, which puts captain Son Heung-min among some esteemed company.

It may be a divisive decision to sack the manager responsible for leading Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years, but appointing a top-quality replacement could go some way to getting the fans back on side, and contact has now been made with a coach who could be in that category.

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna on X, Tottenham have now made “direct contact” with Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who spoke about his project and potential targets for the summer transfer window.

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Posts ByDominic Lund

Several candidates are said to be under consideration as potential replacements for Ange, but Frank is believed to be “high” on the list, and Spurs have now made their first move to appoint the Danish manager.

In another report from France, it is detailed that Ange’s future remains very much up in the air, with talks to discuss his position as manager due to take place at some point in the next week.

Frank could be "outstanding" Ange replacement

Deciding whether to sack the 59-year-old will no doubt be a difficult decision for Levy, given that Tottenham’s torrid Premier League form cannot be ignored, finishing 17th as a result of collecting just 38 points across the entire 2024-25 campaign.

However, the former Celtic boss has suggested his side’s first experience of success will make them more eager to make sure they’re in the same position again, saying: “I also wanted us to think about what’s next, you know — don’t settle for this. We’ve got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club’s got a taste for it. Well, let’s make sure we’re back here again.”

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Should Levy decide to sack Ange, there are signs Frank could be a fantastic replacement, having been lauded as an “outstanding” manager by Troy Deeney, while leading Brentford to a very respectable 10th-placed finish last season.

Having transformed the Bees from a Championship club into a solid Premier League side, the 51-year-old, who utilises a 4-3-3 formation, has earned the opportunity to prove himself at the top level, showing a knack for turning attacking talents into some of the biggest stars in their division.

Said Benrahma, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Neal Maupay all thrived under his guidance, with only Watkins able to replicate that form elsewhere, while current forwards Yoane Wissa (19) and Bryan Mbeumo (20) combined for nearly 40 top flight goals this season.

Manchester United have spent big on strikers over the years, as the club looks to bolster their ranks and consolidate their place as England’s most successful club.

However, their investment over recent seasons has massively hindered their progress in the Premier League, leading to their bottom-half finish in 2024/25.

Rasmus Hojlund has been the Red Devils’ main talisman since Ruben Amorim’s appointment, but he’s massively struggled to provide the goods – netting just four league goals throughout this season.

As a result, he’s been touted with a move to join Inter Milan this summer, less than two years after his £72m switch from Atalanta, ultimately failing to live up to expectations as seen by his measly goal tally.

With the summer window reopening later this week, it presents the manager with the perfect opportunity to strengthen his squad and help them mount a charge up the table next campaign.

United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Given the lack of goals scored by Hojlund throughout 2024/25, it’s no surprise to see the hierarchy targeting added reinforcements in the final third this summer.

The likes of Benjamin Sesko, Gonçalo Ramos and Liam Delap have all been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, but no deals have been completed – with the latter rejecting Amorim’s side in favour of a move to Chelsea.

However, progress has been made on a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer, with United taking a huge step towards winning the race for his signature this summer, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that Jason Wilcox and Co are preparing an offer for the Swedish international, after Arsenal entered the race for the 27-year-old, who’s scored 54 times this season.

It also states that the Portuguese outfit are demanding a fee in the region of €80m (£67m) to part ways with their star man, but doesn’t say how much they’re set to offer for his services.

Why Gyokeres could be United’s answer to Haaland

Erling Haaland is a talisman who has taken the Premier League by storm in recent seasons, helping rivals Manchester City claim the treble back in the 2022/23 season.

The Norwegian forward has just completed his third year in the North West, scoring a total of 85 goals in his 97 league appearances – finishing as the Golden Boot winner in two of the last three campaigns.

Such form in England has made him one of, if not, the most deadly attacking options in Europe, with every side wishing they could rely upon a finisher as lethal as the 24-year-old.

However, the situation could’ve been completely different, with the Red Devils hierarchy rejecting an opportunity to sign the star during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure at the helm.

Gyokeres’ goalscoring record has undoubtedly caught the eye, but his underlying stats are just as impressive, outperforming Haaland in numerous key areas – becoming United’s own version of the Norwegian should he move to Old Trafford.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, may have outscored Haaland, but he’s also registered a higher shot-on-target rate – demonstrating his accuracy within attacking areas.

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He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons that he’s attempted, whilst registering more carries into the final third, having the ability to create changes for himself rather than relying on his teammates.

How Gyokeres compares to Haaland in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Gyokeres

Haaland

Games played

33

31

Goals & assists

46

25

Shot on target accuracy

53%

52%

Shots on target per 90

2.2

1.8

Take-on success

46%

38%

Carries into final third

1.3

0.4

Aerials won

54%

53%

Stats via FBref

Gyokeres’ dominance doesn’t end there, winning more of the aerials he’s entered, subsequently handing Amorim the focal point he’s lacked since taking the reins back in November.

Whilst £67m may seem like a hefty fee for a player who’s never played in the Premier League before, it’s a risk worth taking given his recent goalscoring exploits.

Should he get close to the levels produced by the City star over recent years, it would be one hell of an addition, proving to be a bargain despite the huge fee they would have to fork out for his signature.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb

Aston Villa are now among the Premier League teams monitoring Manchester United outcast ahead of potentially making a loan offer, according to a recent report.

Aston Villa chasing multiple Premier League players

Since Unai Emery joined the club, the Villans have been busy in every transfer window, and that is unlikely to change this summer, but there will be a lot of caution given the PSR problems they currently face. Villa have been quiet in the early part of the window, but that could be about to change as they hold an interest in multiple Premier League players.

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Posts 1 ByTom Cunningham

It was reported by TEAMtalk earlier this week that Villa are now the team to watch when it comes to who signs Jack Grealish from Manchester City. Emery is a big fan of the England international, and with Grealish being left out of City’s Club World Cup squad, he is now expected to leave the Etihad. However, they do face competition, as the likes of Newcastle United and Everton are also interested in a deal.

Villa also want to strengthen their midfield options and are in the race to sign Mikkel Damsgaard from Brentford. Several Premier League teams are interested in signing the Dane, and with Brentford valuing him at around £42 million, there could be a deal to be done.

But out of these stories, the most exciting piece of transfer news for Villa is that they are reportedly set to enter the race to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Man United, and he is not the only Old Trafford attacker on their radar.

Aston Villa monitoring Sancho loan bid

According to The Sun, Aston Villa are keeping a close eye on Jadon Sancho and are interested in a potential loan deal.

Sancho is set to return to Old Trafford after Chelsea decided not to take up the £25 million buy option they had and instead paid £5 million to end the agreement. Despite a change in manager, his situation at United hasn’t changed, as Ruben Amorim doesn’t plan on bringing him back into the fold.

Therefore, the 25-year-old is looking for a new club, and Villa, as well as Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, are all keeping an eye on his situation. The Villans are willing to strike another loan agreement with the Red Devils, following the one they did involving Marcus Rashford, but United prefer to sell Sancho on a permanent basis.

Jadon Sancho’s Premier League stats

Apps

89

Goals

12

Assists

11

It was an up-and-down spell at Stamford Bridge, as the England international scored three goals in the Premier League and a further two in the Europa Conference League, as Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca labelled Sancho a “special player” at the start of the campaign.

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“He needs to continue in the same way; work hard, every day,” Maresca told the press.

“As I’ve said before, for sure he is going to help us. We really believe that he is a special player. But the only way for him to confirm that is by working hard every day and never be happy and always be ambitious. He needs to want more and more and more.”

With Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders already through the door, Manchester City are now reportedly in talks to sign a young midfielder this summer.

Man City open Club World Cup with routine victory

Whilst many Premier League sides are currently catching their breath following a frantic season, Manchester City and Chelsea are in America to compete in the Club World Cup. Some players have even gone from Premier League football to international duty then to the competition in a concerning period without a lengthy break, but that didn’t stop the Citizens from easing to victory in their opening game.

Securing a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Phil Foden and Jeremie Doku against Wydad FC, the only negative for Manchester City was Rico Lewis’ controversial red card.

Pep Guardiola was seen confronting the officials about the incident after the full-time whistle and he told reporters when asked about the red card in his post-match press conference: “[Rico’s] leg was little bit high, but he was on the grass. Touches the ball with the speed that they go through, your leg has to be a little bit high and the other player down.

“It was not intentional and it was a red card versus Crystal Palace after the referee came and said it wasn’t a red card. Rico never had intention to hurt anyone. A little bit unnecessary, the red card. The referee is the boss and had other intentions, VAR checked it and we have to accept the decision.”

Meanwhile, as the action continues on the pitch, the Citizens are set to remain just as busy in the transfer window amid reports that they’re not in talks to sign a Premier League gem.

Man City "in talks" to sign Dexter Oliver

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are now “in talks” to sign Dexter Oliver from Tottenham Hotspur. Negotiations are reportedly advancing and all signs are pointing towards a move to The Etihad for the young midfielder who Romano described as “talented”.

At 16 years old, Oliver is undoubtedly one for the future whether that’s at Spurs or, indeed, Manchester City. And he wouldn’t be the first talent to break out of City’s youth system if he decided to swap the Lilywhites’ academy for the chance to join the Manchester club.

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Posts ByCharlie Smith

From Cole Palmer to Jeremie Frimpong and Jamie Gittens, European football is littered with Manchester City’s talented graduates. Now, Dexter could commence his path towards similar stardom. Guardiola, meanwhile, will have the chance to make his mark on another young talent if the midfielder eventually breaks into the first-team.

Arsenal have emerged as the dream destination for one player this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, with sporting director Andrea Berta continuing to carry out his extensive transfer window shopping ahead of 2025/2026.

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Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga are both poised to be announced as new Arsenal players shortly.

Kepa completed his Arsenal medical in the last few days as he closes in on a £5 million switch from Stamford Bridge (Sky Sports), while Zubimendi touched down in London last week to finalise his near-£56 million transfer to the Premier League.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

The Spaniards will be joined by Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, too, with Arsenal widely reported to have agreed a £15 million deal for the Denmark international, including add-ons.

The 31-year-old has been permitted to travel for his Arsenal medical (Fabrizio Romano), and ex-Tottenham director Frank Arnesen says Mikel Arteta may have just snapped up a bargain.

“If he can take a step up and come to Arsenal, it would be fantastic. Every dressing room would be thrilled to have him. He has the right mentality, is a team player and has the attitude,” said Arnsen to Tipsbladet earlier this week.

“Mikel Arteta was fantastic as a player, I think, and as a coach he has done absolutely superbly, both as an assistant at Manchester City and afterwards at Arsenal with the way he plays football.

“He doesn’t just take a player in without knowing exactly what he’s going to use him for. Maybe he won’t play 50 games, you don’t know, maybe it’ll only be 30, but it’s about the whole package. He gets the whole package with Christian.”

Berta has wasted no time in moving on to Arsenal’s next target after Norgaard, either.

The Gunners have opened talks with Valencia over signing versatile young defender Cristhian Mosquera, and there is real optimism that they’ll reach an agreement for their fourth signing of the summer, even if their opening bid of £16 million was rejected (The Guardian).

Cristhian Mosquera wants "perfect" move to Arsenal

While there’s still some way to go in club-to-club talks, Berta will not run into any trouble on the player’s side.

As per Romano, speaking on the ‘Here We Go’ YouTube channel, Mosquera thinks Arsenal are the “perfect” move for him, and the 21-year-old wants to challenge Arteta’s preferred centre-back pairing.

“My understanding is that the player wants to go to Arsenal. He sees Arsenal as the perfect opportunity for his career,” said Romano.

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“Of course, you have to compete with Gabriel, with William Saliba, but what I’m hearing is that Mosquera is not scared. Obviously, he knows that these two defenders are probably the best in the world, but he wants to be there. He knows that Arsenal will have many games; with Mikel Arteta, young players develop very well. So Mosquera said yes to Arsenal.”

Able to play at both right-back and centre-back, the “magnificent” Mosquera could plug multiple gaps for Arteta, but his arrival surely spells the end of Jakub Kiwior – who’s been tipped to leave if they do sign the Spain Under-21 international.