Leeds United had a problem between the posts last season. First-choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier had an inconsistent campaign, despite keeping 21 clean sheets and conceding just 27 goals in 39 Championship games. As per Sofascore, he had a save percentage of 70.1%.

However, he made constant errors throughout the season. One of those came against Sunderland, where he failed to catch a ball slowly bouncing towards him in the penalty box, allowing the ball to shoot through his hands and into the back of the net. Former Leeds player Aidy White told BBC Radio Leeds that his old club have “got to drop” the Frenchman.

So, it might not come as a surprise that Daniel Farke’s side are after a new goalkeeper this summer, with a couple of names seemingly on their shortlist.

Leeds target new goalkeeper

So, it seems the Whites are definitely in the market for a new shot stopper this summer. After some poor mistakes from Meslier last term, Farke appears to want a new number one. According to a recent report from TEAMTalk, Yahia Fofana of Ligue 1 side Angers is an option.

However, he is not the only goalkeeper from the French top flight that Leeds are targeting. The same report suggests that the Yorkshire side’s number one target is Lyon’s Brazilian shot-stopper Lucas Perri. He has been described as a ‘prime target’ for the Whites.

TEAMTalk clarify that ‘contact has been made’ with the Brazilian’s camp already, having ‘caught the attention of Leeds’ recruitment team’ after impressing for Lyon. A fee of around £20m could be enough to secure his services this summer.

Why Perri would be a good signing

27-year-old Perri got a big move to Europe back in 2024, after impressing in the Brazilian top flight, most recently with Botafogo. He has since gone on to perform well in a Lyon shirt, which seems to have certainly piqued Leeds’ interest.

Last term for Les Gones, Perri, who was born in Valinhos, just outside of Sao Paulo, made 45 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25. In that time, he conceded 60 goals and kept 13 clean sheets.

Looking at Ligue 1 specifically, his numbers are impressive. He played 33 top-flight games, conceding 44 times and keeping ten clean sheets. Football analyst Ben Mattinson described him as “one of the best” in his position when he was at Botafogo, and it is not hard to see why, looking at those numbers.

Of course, Leeds have a good history when it comes to buying Brazilian talents from Ligue 1. Former winger Raphinha, who is now tearing things up in La Liga with Barcelona, is “ahead” in the race for the Ballon d’Or, according to the legendary Thierry Henry.

Leeds fans will never forget the contributions he put in at Elland Road before his move to Barca. In two seasons at the club, he scored 17 goals and grabbed 12 assists.

That included one last vital goal, a penalty away to Brentford in his final game for the club, which helped Leeds stay in the Premier League.

The Elland Road faithful would surely love to find the second coming of Raphinha in Perri. The track record of newly-promoted clubs staying in the top flight is not good recently, with all six sides going straight back down in the last two years.

However, the stats from Squawka suggest he is a goalkeeper who can help keep them in the Premier League. Perri had a 72.5% save percentage, higher than Meslier’s last season, and averaged 3.6 saves per 90 minutes in 2024/25.

Save percentage

72.5%

72.5%

Clean sheets

10

0.4

Long passes completed

122

3.7

Goals conceded

44

1.4

Saves made

116

3.6

Raphinha was the hero for Leeds at one end of the pitch during his spell at the club. If Farke’s side can secure the services of another Brazilian star from Ligue 1 in Perri, perhaps he could have the same impact as his countryman at the other end.

For just £20m, this could be a fantastic addition for Leeds. The “undervalued” talent – as described by Mattinson – would represent an upgrade on Meslier and could be a key part in their survival.

Kalvin Phillips 2.0: Leeds have held talks to sign "incredible" £17m star

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be their next Kalvin Phillips.

ByDan Emery Jul 14, 2025

Leeds United are now making progress in their pursuit of a £50m striker, and there is a feeling he would be keen on a move to Elland Road this summer, according to a report.

Leeds set sights on new striker after Nmecha

With Daniel Farke looking to bolster his forward line, Leeds have already snapped up Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer this summer, although the Hamburg-born striker wasn’t exactly prolific during his four seasons with Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.

Season

Bundesliga appearances

Goals

2021-22

25

8

2022-23

16

4

2023-24

3

1

2024-25

19

3

As a result, the Whites are also working on bringing another striker through the door this summer, with it recently being revealed they are set to make a £17m bid for Besiktas centre-forward Semih Kilicsoy, and a meeting with the Turkish club has been penciled in.

However, it would be a risk for Farke to bring in Kilicsoy as his new starting striker, given that he is only 19-years-old and unproven outside Turkey, and it could be a smart move to bring in a centre-forward who already has Premier League experience.

Last month, it was revealed that Leeds are interested in signing Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of the striker.

Personal terms done: Leeds in talks to land bigger signing than Longstaff

Leeds United have agreed personal terms with a star who would be a bigger signing than Sean Longstaff.

ByDan Emery Jul 17, 2025

According to a report from Leeds United News, the 49ers have now made progress in their pursuit of Muniz, and there are positive signs that he would be keen on making a move to Elland Road this summer.

Although the deal is still some way off completion, the 49ers are hopeful that it will be possible to lure the centre-forward away from Fulham, with the Brazilian now among their top targets.

However, it may take a sizeable offer to get a deal over the line, with previous reports revealing the Cottagers are set to hold out for a fee of £50m.

"Dangerous" Muniz impressing at Craven Cottage

The 24-year-old has now spent two full seasons in the Premier League, during which time he has maintained a solid, if not spectacular goal record, netting 17 goals in 57 appearances.

Marco Silva is clearly happy with how his forward has adapted to life in the top flight too, with the Fulham manager saying: “He’s getting stronger which is really difficult for the defenders to deal with. We know that if we provide for him inside the box then he’s really dangerous as well.”

It would be a real statement of intent if Leeds were able to steal a striker from an established Premier League side, especially considering Tottenham Hotspur are also keen, so it is exciting news that the deal is now progressing.

Table-toppers toppled in low-scoring contest at Arundel

ECB Reporters Network26-Aug-2024

The Blaze 208 (Kelly 40, Lee 4-51) beat Southern Vipers 188 (Southby 36, Prendergast 3-38) beat by 20 runsA stunning team bowling performance kept The Blaze in the hunt to secure a place in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy knockout stage – while Southern Vipers botched their first chance to confirm progression.Marie Kelly’s 40 headlined a hard-working batting effort to reach 208 on a tough pitch to force runs on, with spinner Ava Lee taking a career-best four for 51 on her 19th birthday.Fast bowlers Orla Prendergast claimed three for 38 and Kathryn Bryce took two for 18, but it was Kirstie Gordon (two for 26) and her fellow spinners that stopped Vipers from getting away – despite Emily Windsor’s grafting 41.The Blaze remain fifth, but closed the gap to South East Stars to five points, while Vipers stay top and in prime position to reach the semi-finals.Vipers stuck The Blaze in, and piled on the pressure with the new ball, with Sarah Bryce bowled for an unconvincing nine off 20 balls.Georgie Boyce, on her first appearance of the season, was equally unable to get the innings moving, although she had the mitigation of injuring her leg – which forced her to retire.Kathryn Bryce attempted to release the pressure with a straight six but had the top of her off stump struck by Georgia Elwiss.The Blaze’s problem was building partnerships. Ten of the 11 stands passed double figures but only Kelly and Prendergast’s alliance made it to 38 before the Irish debutant was Lee’s first victim.Kelly was the only batter who seemed confident on a two-paced pitch, especially on the drive. But with a half-century in sight she wobbled.She was dropped by Georgia Adams, but next ball Adams redeemed herself by pinning her in front, before the Vipers skipper had Ella Claridge caught behind while slog sweeping.Lee then took over, with the assistance of Linsey Smith at long on – the pair coming together on three occasions to dismiss Lucy Higham, Gordon and Josie Groves.Despite clearly being in pain, Boyce returned after Cassidy McCarthy had been caught at midwicket – with Kathryn Bryce as runner – and put on a crucial 24 with Grace Ballinger, before a late run-out ended the innings on 208.Rhianna Southby was pushed up to open for the first time for Vipers and looked at ease, as she maturely marshalled the early stages of the chase.But at the other end wickets tumbled as regularly as the visitors had earlier.Ella McCaughan was leg-before and Adams caught at backward point as Prendergast endeared herself to her new team-mates, before Elwiss’ leading edge back to Gordon.Gordon, with fellow spinners Groves and Higham, constrained Windsor with super-accurate bowling, with the pressure claiming Southby when a misunderstanding with Windsor saw her run out.Windsor wasn’t scared to chew up dot balls during a season-best 41, as she and Norgrove put Vipers in control with a 58-run stand.But the momentum shifted when Windsor chopped Prendergast on, Mary Taylor was run out and Alice Monaghan was strangled down the legside.It meant Vipers needed 45 from the last 13 overs, but with 21 still needed they collapsed.Linsey Smith chipped to mid off and Norgrove – who had taken 50 balls to score her first boundary – was stumped before Lee was lbw to Bryce to give Blaze a tight win.

This summer is shaping up to be something really quite special for Arsenal.

Following the underwhelming business conducted by his predecessor last year, Sporting Director Andrea Berta is wasting no time at all in his bid to turn Mikel Arteta’s side from serial runners-up to Premier League champions next season.

The Italian has already clinched the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard, while Noni Madueke is set for a medical at London Colney this afternoon.

Yet, in perhaps the most exciting development of all, the club now appear to have secured the services of Viktor Gyokeres, and if reports are to be believed, they’re also targeting a winger who he’ll love.

Arsenal target Gyokeres' dream teammate

Gyokeres has long been on Arsenal’s radar, as he was touted for a move to the club for much of last summer, and then again in January.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

However, when the window reopened this summer, it looked like Benjamin Sesko was going to be the Gunners’ new number nine, although once RB Leipzig demanded £85m, attention swiftly turned back to the Swede.

After a week or so of further talks, and a strike from the player himself, The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirmed that an agreement in principle has been reached with Sporting CP that will see them paid an initial fee of £55m, with £9m of performance-related add-ons.

It could be the signing that will help revolutionise the team’s frontline, and as if that wasn’t enough, the Gunners are now being linked with someone Gyokeres would love to play alongside.

At least that is according to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, who has revealed that Arsenal are one of the teams interested in Kaoru Mitoma.

Alongside the Gunners, the report claims that Chelsea and Bayern Munich are keen on the Brighton & Hove Albion star, who now has just under two years remaining on his £80k-per-week contract.

A potential price is not mentioned in the report, but according to stories from earlier this summer, the Seagulls could demand a fee of up to £80m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but Mitoma has the ability to make a significant impact at Arsenal, and he could be a dream teammate for Gyokeres.

Why Gyokeres would love Mitoma

So, to assess the sorts of players that Gyokeres would love playing alongside, it’s important to look at his playstyle.

We know the Sporting star is a lean, mean goalscoring machine, but when we take a look at his league heatmap this season, we can see that he is very much a number nine who likes to spend most of his time in the penalty area.

We can see this even more clearly when looking at where he took his shots in the Champions League last season, as 19 of 24 were from inside the penalty area.

Therefore, be it through passing or dribbling, the former Coventry City man is going to love playing with attackers who can get the ball to him in these dangerous areas, and as many will be aware, Mitoma is a real threat with the ball at his feet.

The Japanese international famously wrote a university dissertation on dribbling, and it looks like it paid off, as, according to FBref, he was in the top 8% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for carries into the final third last season and the top 10% for progressive carrying distance, per 90.

Mitoma’s scout report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Non-Penalty Expected Goals per Shot

0.16

Top 7%

Blocks

1.66

Top 7%

Shots on Target %

47.4%

Top 8%

Goals/Shot

0.18

Top 8%

Carries into Final Third

2.84

Top 8%

Progressive Carrying Distance

135.05

Top 10%

Progressive Carries

5.05

Top 12%

All Stats via FBref

However, the Seagulls ace is not just a carrying machine; he’s more than capable of chipping in with goals and assists.

In fact, in 36 league appearances last season, the “insane” talent, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, found the back of the net on ten occasions and provided four assists for good measure.

In other words, the 28-year-old, who “finishes like Thierry Henry,” according to former teammate Christian Burgess, maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.57 games.

Just imagine what his assist tally could look like playing with a striker who scored 54 goals in 52 games last season.

Moreover, as the Swedish international is such a goal threat and someone who loves to spend time in and around the penalty area, that could allow the Japanese international more space to whip in those Henry-esque curling shots from the left.

Ultimately, while he won’t be cheap, Mitoma is just the sort of winger who could facilitate Gyokeres’ game, while also thriving off of it.

Related Zubi will love him: Arsenal have agreement to sign £17m star after Gyokeres

Arsenal’s busy summer window now appears in full swing after Martin Zubimendi’s arrival.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 13, 2025

تحدث لامين يامال، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة عن الفرق المرشحة للفوز بلقب دوري أبطال أوروبا والدوري الإسباني وفرص تتويج إسبانيا بكأس العالم المقبل 2026 من خلال حوار أجراه مع صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية.

وتألق اللاعب صاحب الـ 18 عامًا مع برشلونة الموسم الماضي وكان عاملًا مؤثرًا ومهمًا في تتويج برشلونة بالثلاثية المحلية “الدوري وكأس الملك والسوبر” مع الصعود إلى نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا لأول مرة منذ عام 2019.

وقال لامين حول الفريق الأقرب للمنافسة على لقب الدوري الإسباني: “إنهما فريقان تنافسيان للغاية، ولكنني أعتقد في النهاية أنه إذا قمنا بعملنا بشكل جيد فسوف يعتمد الأمر علينا”.

وعن الفرق الأقرب للفوز ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، كشف: “مانشستر سيتي أو ليفربول، بايرن ميونيخ، ريال مدريد، باريس سان جيرمان، هم دائمًا الفرق المرشحة للفوز باللقب ودائمًا ما يتواجدون في الأدوار المتقدمة للبطولة”.

وعما تعلمه من مباراة إياب نصف النهائي أمام إنتر ميلان والتي انتهت بتأهل الأخير في الدقائق الأخيرة، قال: “في دوري أبطال أوروبا، أي خطأ ترتكبه يكون له ثمن كبير، عليك أن تكون أكثر ثباتًا وهدوءً وألا تتهاون بالمباراة أبدًا وتحافظ على تركيزك”.

وحول ما كان سبب تنفيذه الركلات الحرة المباشرة وضربات الجزاء بسبب رقم 10، أضاف: “نعم، قليلًا، لطالما ارتبط الرقم 10 بتحمل المسؤولية، يعجبني ذلك وأريد أن أكون مستعدًا لتلك اللحظات المهمة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | لامين يامال يكشف عن نصائح فليك له قبل المباريات.. ويصرح: هذا ما سأفعله إذا فزت بـ الكرة الذهبية

وعن اللعب على ملعب “كامب نو” وإحساسه حينها، استطرد: “أتخيله ممتلئًا بالجماهير، وسيكون ملعبًا رائعًا، كنت محظوظًا جدًا بظهوري الأول في كامب نو قبل بدء أعمال التجديد، وأعتقد أن اللعب هناك مجددًا سيمنحنا أفضلية كبيرة في المنافسة”.

وعن التتويج ببطولة كأس العالم المقبلة مع منتخب إسبانيا، أردف: “آمل ذلك، الفوز بكأس العالم حلم كل لاعب كرة قدم، سيكون إنجازًا تاريخيًا لكن علينا أن نسير خطوة بخطوة وألا يصيبنا الغرور، وندرك قدرتنا الحقيقية على تحقيق هذا الإنجاز”.

وبسؤاله عن عدد الأهداف التي يريد أن يحققها هذا الموسم، تابع: “لا أحب تحديد هدفًا محددًا، لكنني أرغب في تحسين أرقام الموسم الماضي، في النهاية الأهم هو حصد النقاط الثلاث في كل مباراة”.

وحول امتلاكه شعاره الخاص من شركة أديداس مثلما كان لـ ميسي وبيكهام، أتم: “إنه لشرف عظيم لي، امتلاك شعاري الخاص في هذا العمر أمر لم أتخيله أبدًا، إنه رمز لكل العمل الذي أقوم به منذ صغري، طُلب مني إبداء رأيي وأن أعبر عما يمثلني وأعتقد أن النتيجة تعكس أسلوبي وفهمي لكرة القدم”.

Johnny Grave’s role as chief executive officer of Cricket West Indies (CWI) is set to end in October 2024. Grave had taken up the position in February 2017, before which he served as commercial director at the Professional Cricketers’ Association [PCA] in England for nine years.”It has been an absolute privilege to have been CEO of CWI since February 2017,” Grave said in a CWI press release. “Having just hosted a successful T20 World Cup and delivered significant surpluses for CWI for the third consecutive year, I do feel it is the right time for me and my family to seek a new challenge.”I have received tremendous support from so many people since becoming CEO and I’d like to thank everyone, especially the staff and the players, particularly during the difficult pandemic, for their trust in me and their commitment to West Indies cricket. I have put everything into this role, and now is the right time for someone new with fresh energy to lead the organisation and continue this important work and build on the strong foundations that are now in place.”Related

• Lynford Inverary to replace Johnny Grave as CWI's acting CEO

• Johnny Grave doubts Big 3's $15 million Test fund plan will make much difference

• Russell: Some West Indies players are 'just not interested in playing Tests'

• What's happening to cricket in Jamaica, the land of Holding, Walsh, Gayle and Russell?

• India, Australia and England boards should do more for Test cricket – Johnny Grave

Grave had assumed the position vacated by Michael Muirhead. During his time at the helm, he oversaw three World Cups hosted in the West Indies: the 2018 women’s T20 World Cup, the 2022 Under-19 World Cup and the 2024 men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted with the USA. He was also the T20 World Cup CEO for the event in June this year.Grave had also earlier this year sounded a warning to the ICC that its revenue-share model was “completely broken” and urged the board of India, Australia and England to work with the ICC to change the economics of Test cricket.”Johnny’s efforts, particularly through challenging times such as the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as successfully hosting three World Cups including have made a lasting impact on CWI,” Kishore Shallow, CWI President said. “Appreciably, the organisation has taken many positive strides during his tenure. A standout achievement is the acquisition and full ownership of the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG), which is now our headquarters and home to our Men’s and Women’s Academies.”The CWI release also further stated the board will be initiating a “comprehensive recruitment process to select the next CEO.””The organisation is dedicated to ensuring a thorough and transparent selection process,” the release stated. “Details regarding the recruitment process will be announced shortly and will be published across various media platforms to keep stakeholders informed.”

George Balderson’s half-century helps to break six-match losing run away at Northants

ECB Reporters Network11-Aug-2024George Balderson hit a spirited 53 off 67 balls to set up a consolation first win for Lancashire in this year’s Metro Bank One Day Cup and break a six-game losing streak.Balderson struck five fours and a six during a crucial partnership of 65 with Josh Boyden (44 not out off 35 balls) after Lancashire had slumped to 152 for 7 against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road. The pair’s fightback allowed Lancashire to post 240 for 9 before holding off the Steelbacks’ challenge in a thrilling, tense run chase, emerging victorious by just four runs.Earlier in this bottom-of-the-table clash, Ben Sanderson made the initial breakthrough, removing two Lancashire top-order batters in five deliveries, while Saif Zaib claimed three for 44 as wickets continued to fall before Balderson and Boyden fought back.In the run chase, Justin Broad hit a career-best 63, his first List A half-century and shared a fifth wicket stand of 77 off 81 balls with skipper Lewis McManus. Boyden (2 for 49) starred with the ball too, breaking the partnership by removing McManus and despite a gutsy 27 from Gus Miller, the hosts fell just short.Sanderson started by clean-bowling Kesh Fonseka and knocking over Josh Bohannon’s stumps when the Lancashire skipper advanced down the pitch. George Bell (35) hit seven boundaries before he reverse-swept Zaib and top-edged a looping catch to Bartlett at backward point.Rocky Flintoff (23) pulled a Sanderson short ball for four and twice dispatched Zaib over mid-on before he was adjudged lbw attempting to reverse-sweep. The left-armer picked up a third scalp when McManus took a sharp catch as Venkatesh Iyer edged behind, leaving Lancashire 98 for 5 off 23.1 overs.Australian Chris Green (33) started positively, cracking Raphy Weatherall past a diving cover and pulling Freddie Heldreich dismissively for six. His downfall came through another attacking shot though when he pulled Miller hard, James Sales taking a brilliant, sliding boundary catch. Lancashire were then seven down when Harry Singh (8) attempted to drive Broad and edged a catch behind.From then on, the momentum shifted towards the visitors. Balderson, dropped in the deep off Heldreich early on, was soon into his stride, crunching Miller through midwicket and stroking Heldreich fluently down the ground. He tucked into Sales’ bowling too, driving consecutive deliveries through the covers.Weatherall bowled an impressive pacy spell but was deeply unlucky. Balderson chipped consecutive deliveries just wide of the young quick’s grasp while other opportunities dropped short of fielders. Boyden hooked Weatherall for six, but in more agony for the bowler, Zaib put down a chance on the boundary before Balderson pulled him for six to reach his half-century.Weatherall finally gained an overdue, well-deserved reward when Balderson was caught behind, attempting another pull shot. Charlie Barnard was caught behind off Heldreich but Boyden clinically struck Sanderson straight for his second six to close the innings.Saif Zaib spears the ball in•Andy Kearns/Getty ImagesFormer England Under-19 allrounder Boyden then started equally strongly with the ball, hitting the top of Sales’ off stump. But dangerman Prithvi Shaw (23) looked threatening as he smashed two boundaries. He rode his luck too, miscuing a shot off Boyden which flew over fine leg for six and when he chanced his arm against Barnard, the ball flew off the leading edge to sub fielder Will Williams who took an excellent catch running in from long-off.Bartlett (35), meanwhile, looked in excellent touch, his placement exemplary. He steered Boyden down to third for four, and later picked up three consecutive onside boundaries off Balderson, the first two threaded perfectly between the fielders before a glorious drive through extra cover.With Broad sweeping Barnard for four and driving Venkatesh through midwicket, Northamptonshire were building nicely, 32 coming in 64 balls before Lancashire made a double breakthrough, leaving the Steelbacks 89 for four inside 23 overs. Both wickets came both courtesy of stumpings from Bell, the first after Morley beat Bartlett’s bat, the second when Zaib danced down the wicket to Green.McManus played with intent from the get-go, stroking two early boundaries before smashing both Green and Morley over midwicket for six. Broad went on to bring up his half-century off 82 deliveries, but lost his partner when after pulling Boyden for four, McManus attempted a similar shot to the Lancashire youngster and was caught at deep square-leg.Northamptonshire began the last 10 overs needing 58 more to win, but suffered an immediate blow when Broad was trapped lbw trying to sweep Morley.Batting with a runner due to an injury sustained while fielding, Ricardo Vasconcelos (19) clattered Morley through extra cover and cut Venkatesh square.Miller meanwhile scooped Venkatesh for four as Northamptonshire went into the last two overs needing 21 to win. Two wides helped Northamptonshire’s cause, but although Miller took hit Venkatesh behind square for four, Vasconelos was caught in the deep with the Steelbacks still needing 13 off eight deliveries.Despite Miller smashing Green for four off the last over, he was run out for 27, leaving the tailenders just too much to do off the final two deliveries.

Arsenal transfer chiefs are not about to give up their pursuit of new attacking signings any time soon.

In comparison to the previous two Premier League seasons – where they scored 91 and 88 over the course of 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 respectively – Mikel Arteta’s side only managed a meagre 69 over the domestic campaign just gone.

£150k-per-week Premier League star in London after agreeing Arsenal move

Arsenal are about to make a signing.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 25, 2025

Their lack of firepower, which was largely down to injuries to attacking players and the absence of a prolific striker, was a key aspect of Liverpool running away with last season’s domestic crown.

Bukayo Saka was out for months in total during 24/25, while Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard also suffered from lengthy lay-offs. This has made the signing of potential forward reinforcements a vital item on sporting director Andrea Berta’s to-do list this summer, and that applies both further forward and in the wide area.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is a top target for Arsenal in that regard, and they’ve already held reported talks this summer over a move for the Brazilian. However, his £77 million price tag and high salary make him a very ambitious target.

The Gunners have looked at alternatives, like Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg last month.

Alongside Mitoma, another Premier League star under serious consideration at Arsenal is West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus.

Arsenal plan bid for Mohammed Kudus after talks with him

The Ghanaian has an £80m-plus release clause which is reportedly active from July, but amid West Ham’s eagerness to offload him so they can fund their own transfer plans, Graham Potter’s side would accept around £60 million.

That is according to Graeme Bailey, who also told TBR this week that Arsenal have held talks with Kudus in the last week.

As a result of these discussions, Arsenal are now believed to be plotting a potential bid for the former Ajax star, but it is unclear what his stance would be on a move across London to the Emirates.

Kudus was deployed in a wide variety of roles under both Julen Lopetegui and Potter last term, including as a second striker, centre-forward and CAM, as well as on either flank as a winger/midfielder.

He bagged five goals and four assists in 35 total outings, but what’s more impressive is the player’s outstanding take-on ability.

As per WhoScored, only Man City sensation Jeremy Doku completed more successful dribbles per 90 than Kudus in the top-flight last term, indicating he could offer Arsenal an entirely different dimension.

Arteta also wouldn’t lose Kudus to the Africa Cup of Nations midway through 25/26, as would be the case with many other African stars, considering Ghana failed to qualify for the first time since 2004.

West Ham United have now made an approach to sign an “exciting” striker, who has been likened to former Arsenal man Olivier Giroud, according to a report.

Hammers closing in on deal to sign Wilson

With Michail Antonio set to leave this summer, despite undergoing rehabilitation at West Ham, Graham Potter will need to bring in a new striker, and Callum Wilson is now closing in on a move to the London Stadium, having agreed personal terms.

Wilson is available on a free transfer, upon the expiration of the Englishman’s Newcastle United contract, meaning he would be a low-risk addition to the squad, but there are likely to be some justified concerns over the striker’s injury record.

The 33-year-old has suffered persistent injury problems at Newcastle, meaning he was unable to score a single Premier League goal last season, so there are doubts over whether the veteran forward would be a good acquisition for the Irons.

Season

Games missed

2022-23

9

2023-24

28

2024-25

29

There may also be concerns about Wilson’s age, considering the Hammers are well-known to have had the oldest squad in the Premier League last term, and the ex-Newcastle striker is arguably in the twilight years of his career.

As a result, it would make sense to pursue a younger striker alongside Wilson, and a new report has revealed that West Ham have now made their first move to sign a new centre-forward.

Indeed, according to a report from Football Insider, the Hammers have now made an approach to sign FC Metz striker Idrissa Gueye, but there is likely to be stiff competition for the 18-year-old’s signature.

Scouts sent: West Ham now enter race to sign £12m Richard Rios alternative

The Hammers aren’t the only club interested…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 26, 2025

Within England, the likes of Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion have enquired over a deal for Gueye, while there is also plenty of interest from abroad, with giants Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund joining the race.

Amid the widespread interest in the teenager’s signature, Metz are hoping to receive a fee of around £17m, meaning he would be a relatively low-cost addition to Potter’s squad.

Gueye could be "exciting" signing for West Ham

Scout Ben Mattinson clearly believes the starlet could go on to achieve big things, having lauded him as “exciting”, and the Metz ace has already started to catch the eye in Ligue 2.

Metz achieved promotion to Ligue 1 last term, and the one-time Senegal international made a real impact, amassing five goals and one assist in 17 appearances during the regular season.

Metz director has also spoken fondly of the Senegalese gem, likening him to former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, who remains the all-time leading goalscorer for the France national side.

West Ham could certainly do with bringing in a young striker this summer, given that Niclas Füllkrug is now 32-years-old and Antonio is set to exit the London Stadium, and Gueye could be an exciting long-term addition to Potter’s squad.

As speculation increases over Alexander Isak’s future, Newcastle United are now reportedly racing to sign a former Manchester City player in a £30m deal this summer.

Alexander Isak asks to leave Newcastle

Having been sent home by Eddie Howe before Newcastle’s pre-season game against Celtic last weekend and then left out of the Magpies’ squad for their Asia tour, Isak now reportedly wants to leave St James’ Park. There was an insistence that the Swede had suffered a thigh injury and that was the reason for his pre-season absence and not anything transfer related, but that has since been revealed to be a smokescreen for his desire to depart.

Newcastle’s biggest fear has been realised and they now face an almighty battle to keep hold of their star man. Liverpool could reportedly come calling if they manage to sell Luis Diaz and their interest in Isak has been an open secret all summer long. Meanwhile, clubs in Saudi Arabia are also reportedly plotting a move.

It would, of course, be quite the twist if another club owned by PIF made their move to sign Isak from Newcastle, but whether such a deal takes place remains to be seen.

Related Newcastle now set to take key next step in Wissa deal after offer rejected

The Magpies aren’t giving up.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jul 24, 2025

As for Newcastle, their attention must once again turn towards the transfer market. The Magpies have endured a tumultuous summer – missing out on a number of targets – and must now ensure that they get deals over the line for the likes of Yoane Wissa before potentially replacing Isak.

Newcastle join Adarabioyo race

One way that those in Tyneside could begin to spend any potential Isak money is by improving their backline. According to Caught Offside, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea this summer. The defender is valued at just £30m by the Blues and could be on the move amid interest from the Magpies, Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Napoli and AC Milan.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Tosin Adarabioyo

Dan Burn

Minutes

1,409

3,330

Progressive Passes P90

2.68

2.03

Tackles Won P90

0.83

0.65

Aerial Duels Won P90

2.68

3.95

Compared to Dan Burn, Adarabioyo would offer Newcastle an instant upgrade in possession. Meanwhile, the former Manchester City gem would also be an impressive alternative to Giorgio Scalvini.

Newcastle are reportedly interested in the Atalanta man, but with a deal yet to take place, the door has seemingly opened for the likes of Adarabioyo this summer.

Initially rising through the ranks at Man City before establishing himself at Fulham then joining Chelsea, Adarabioyo earned impressive praise from Pep Guardiola in the past.

The Spaniard told reporters: “He is fast, strong in the air, and has the quality to look forward behind the line for the next pass. He definitely has a future in the first team.”