Liverpool are closing in on the Premier League title and could try to maximise their appeal by tempting a World Cup winner to make a move to Anfield, per reports.

Liverpool's summer plans once title is sealed

While Liverpool haven’t mathematically become champions yet, their status is all but guaranteed following Arsenal’s dropped points away to Everton on Saturday afternoon.

Undoubtedly, Arne Slot will have one eye on the quick turnaround set to occur in the summer, with addressing the contract situations of Trent Alexander Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk set to be an immediate priority.

Nevertheless, maximising squad depth across key areas is also a remit the Dutchman will seek to fulfil. According to reports, Liverpool have Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in their sights as a positional competitor for Andy Robertson.

Further up, the Reds are also looking to add Xavi Simons to a midfield filled with pedigree. Although the Netherlands international won’t come cheap at between £58 million to £62 million, Slot will hope to call on the lure of the ex-PSG man becoming a key part of his mission to build a dynasty at Anfield.

Potentially making way, Darwin Nunez is a £50 million target for Nottingham Forest after failing to set the heather alight through the middle. Saudi Pro League clubs are also keen on the Uruguay international, who may be an ideal sacrifice to help Liverpool comply with PSR regulations.

Bid prepared: Liverpool chasing £51m "machine" who can be Slot's own Salah

Liverpool are looking to strengthen the squad across any number of positions this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 5, 2025

Bolstering the ranks with proven additions appears to the Slot’s modus operandi this summer, and he has now set his sights on a World Cup winner who could help to bring an added dimension across the front four.

Liverpool set to begin negotiations for Kingsley Coman

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are set to begin negotiations to sign Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, who is expected to cost a maximum of €45m (£38.2m) this summer.

Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also in the mix to sign the France international. However, the Gunners are believed to be his heaviest suitor alongside the Reds.

Appearances

22

Goals

4

Assists

4

Successful dribbles

35

Successful crosses

8

Chances created

30

Liverpool and Arsenal are set to open talks with his entourage over a potential deal. Coman reportedly wants a two-year deal with an option to extend by a further 12 months.

Both clubs are also set to submit an opening bid at around £29.7m, though it is unclear if that will be enough to land his services at this point in time.

Labelled “brilliant” by Julian Nagelsmann, Coman has registered six goals and four assists in 34 appearances across all competitions, and it isn’t difficult to see why his big-game experience would appeal to some of the Premier League elite.

Now, it remains to be seen who will win the race for his signature as the transfer rumour mill begins to descend into overdrive at Anfield.

Newcastle United took another step towards challenging for a place in the top five in the Premier League by beating Leicester City 3-0 away from home on Monday night.

The Magpies moved up to fifth in the division, having still played a game fewer than Chelsea and Manchester City, as they look to secure Champions League football for next season.

Eddie Howe’s side found themselves 2-0 up inside the opening 11 minutes, scoring after just two minutes, and one of the stars of the show was winger Jacob Murphy, who was heavily involved in the early blitz.

Jacob Murphy's performance against Leicester

The English forward, who is yet to be capped by the Three Lions, brilliantly timed his run to the back post to get on the end of Tino Livramento’s cross after just two minutes, tapping the ball into a virtually empty net.

Murphy quickly added to his and Newcastle’s tally nine minutes later when he was the only one to follow up on Fabian Schar’s long drive that hit the crossbar, giving the winger all the time in the world to control the ball and slot past Mads Hermansen.

The former Norwich City sensation was unable to complete the first hat-trick of his Magpies career, unfortunately, but it was his two goals that gave his team control of the match early on, leading to a fairly comfortable evening for Howe’s men.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse

Murphy, who did not create any chances for his teammates, was not the only top performer on the night. Fabian Schar was just as good as the winger and proved that he is as undroppable as Alexander Isak.

Why Schar is as undroppable as Isak

Firstly, Isak is, clearly, undroppable for Newcastle because of the quality he has provided on a consistent basis at the top end of the pitch, scoring 20 goals and providing five assists in 27 appearances in the Premier League.

The Swedish star is the main man in the final third, making him crucial to what the Magpies want to do in attack, whilst Schar has been a consistent presence in defence, helping to provide a solid platform for the team to build from.

So far this season, the Swiss titan has started 25 of his 26 appearances in the Premier League and made 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game, along with 4.2 ball recoveries per match.

Schar, who earned a player rating of 8/10 from the Shields Gazette, provided another reminder of the quality he can offer at centre-back in the win over Leicester, further proving that he is undroppable.

Vs Leicester

Fabian Schar

Minutes

90

Clearances

3

Blocks

1

Tackles + interceptions

3

Dribbled past

0x

Duels won

4/6

Pass accuracy

85%

Long ball accuracy

5/11

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the long-serving defensive colossus was dominant out of possession to cut out Leicester attacks, whilst also being reliable in possession of the ball.

It was his strong challenge and sensational effort from long range that created the second goal for Murphy, which perfectly summed up the qualities he can offer on both sides of the game.

Related Newcastle now open talks to sign 20-goal striker who once owned Lascelles

He could form quite the partnership with Isak…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Mar 26, 2025

Schar was as good as Murphy, due to his strong defending to keep a clean sheet and his involvement in the second goal, and Howe must continue to select the impressive defender from now until the end of the season.

Glasgow Rangers delivered a resolute display in their Europa League quarter-final first leg tie against La Liga side Athletic Bilbao, despite being reduced to ten men early on.

Robin Propper was sent off after he was deemed to have prevented a scoring opportunity and from then on, it looked as though the Spanish side would go on to score a few goals.

Bilbao had 19 shots throughout the match, yet couldn’t find the back of the net. They even had a penalty saved following a decision by the referee after a VAR review and this set up the match nicely ahead of the second leg.

One person who will miss that game, however, is Propper. Perhaps this could work wonders as the Light Blues look to reach the semi-finals.

Why Robin Propper was sent off against Athletic Bilbao

Prior to being dismissed, the Dutchman had yet to win a single duel contested while he lost possession twice, failed to deliver an accurate long ball from two attempts, and took just 16 touches.

After fouling Nico Williams on the edge of the penalty area, Propper was initially given a yellow card for his troubles.

Metric

Highest-ranked

Accurate passes

Daniel Vivian (84)

Key passes

Nico Williams (6)

Tackles

James Tavernier (5)

Shots on target

Oihan Sancet, Maroan Sannadi and Alex Berenguer (1)

Ground duels won

James Tavernier (7)

Following a VAR review, however, referee Istvan Kovacs upgraded this yellow to a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

According to IFAB rules, denying an opportunity outside the box results in a red card, although the sentiment wasn’t quite shared by the Ibrox crowd.

Thankfully, the Gers were able to secure a 0-0 draw that puts them in a solid position heading into the second leg.

Propper hasn’t exactly enjoyed the best maiden season at Ibrox. Did the club sell a player last year who is better than the former FC Twente captain?

The former Rangers star who is miles better than Propper

After spending six seasons with Rangers, making 309 appearances for the club in that time, Philippe Clement sold Connor Goldson last summer to Aris Limassol.

The timing was right, as the centre-back wasn’t at his best throughout 2023/24, but there is no doubt he still would have been a better option than Propper.

Hailed by former manager Steven Gerrard as being “an absolute mountain” back in 2021, Goldson’s influence waned, hence his move to Cyprus.

The English titan averages a 90% pass success rate this season in the Cypriot top flight, along with winning an impressive 75% of his aerial duels and succeeding with 53% of his long ball attempts.

Comparing this to Propper, who has an 89% pass success rate domestically, while winning 64% of his aerial duels and succeeding with 48% of his long ball attempts, proves that Goldson is enjoying the best campaign from a statistical viewpoint.

Furthermore, Propper simply cannot handle the physicality of Scottish football, as opposition attackers can get the better of him, having been dribbled past ten times in the Premiership so far.

Of course, I’m not saying Goldson is the answer to the club’s prayers, but given the choice, he appears to be a better option in comparison to Propper, based off their respective form this season.

As bad as Propper: Ferguson must axe Rangers dud who made just 4 passes

Having battled to a goalless draw at Ibrox, Rangers manager Barry Ferguson must axe his “frustrating” star at San Mamés in next Thursday’s second leg.

ByBen Gray Apr 11, 2025

This is why the Gers messed up when they cashed in on the former Brighton man last year because he is currently miles better than the Dutch dud, who is yet to prove his worth at Ibrox.

As rumours continue to rumble on over Marc Guehi’s future, Crystal Palace have reportedly set their sights on signing a South American defender who has impressed club chiefs.

Crystal Palace targeting Guehi replacement

After earning the interest of Newcastle United before the Magpies were priced out of a move last summer, Guehi was always likely to receive plenty of attention just one year later. This time, however, it’s clubs of Liverpool’s calibre who are reportedly interested, as they look to reinforce Arne Slot’s backline by splashing out on the Palace star.

Such interest in Guehi should come as little shock either following the season that he has enjoyed. After a slow start in Oliver Glasner’s first full campaign in charge, Palace have rediscovered their best form since the turn of the year and recently booked their place in the last four of the FA Cup by thrashing Fulham 3-0.

That success often comes with consequences, however, and those in South London are seemingly already preparing for Guehi’s potential departure by turning their focus towards signing a replacement.

According to GiveMeSport, Crystal Palace are now plotting a move to sign Kevin Lomonaco from RB Bragantino this summer by potentially triggering his €20m (£17m) release clause.

Sky journalist drops major Glasner update as Klopp eyes Crystal Palace blow

A concern for those at Selhurst Park…

1 ByTom Cunningham Apr 2, 2025

The 23-year-old Argentine defender has seemingly impressed those at Selhurst Park and could now be on his way to European football for the first time. On loan at Independiente this season, Lomonaco has played a key role, starting in all 11 of their Torneo Apertura games and helping them keep five clean sheets in that run.

Whilst there will still be some question marks over just how ready he is to step into the Premier League, clubs around English football have benefitted in the past from welcoming South American players of such calibre.

"Aggressive" Lomonaco could become Guehi heir

Whilst he wouldn’t steal instant headlines like other options might, Lomonaco is still one to watch if Guehi leaves Crystal Palace this summer – especially when priced at just £17m. Earning plenty of praise during his time at Independiente, who bought 75% of his rights last winter, PanoScout described Lomonaco as “aggressive in ground duels”, and a player who “won’t hesitate to tackle”.

With West Ham United and German club Wolfsburg also chasing the defender’s signature, those at Selhurst Park should make their move as soon as possible this summer.

The last thing that the South London club will want is to miss out on Lomonaco and then watch on as Guehi departs to join a club of Liverpool’s calibre in the coming months.

Arsenal are now keen on signing an “incredible” £50m forward, who could be a “great fit” for Mikel Arteta’s side, but there is set to be competition from Liverpool, according to a report.

Gunners set to strengthen attacking options

The Gunners have done incredibly well to reach the Champions League semi-final, given that they have been without a striker since Kai Havertz suffered a hamstring injury in February, but it is near certain a new forward will be brought in this summer.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has now stated a new striker “will arrive” at the Emirates Stadium, with the north Londoners identifying the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres as potential targets.

Not only that, but Arteta is seemingly eager to strengthen out wide too, with a bid for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams now in the works, while they could also snap up Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman for a fee of just £30m.

Arsenal hold initial talks to sign bargain striker with 176 career goals

Mikel Arteta’s side have reached out to another player.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 20, 2025

There is certainly no shortage of targets for Arsenal, and a report from The Sun has now revealed they could look to raid one of their Premier League rivals, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo of interest, but there will be competition for his signature.

Newcastle United and Liverpool are also keen on a move for the 25-year-old – he is thought to be Magpies director Paul Mitchell’s dream target so the Gunners could throw a spanner in the works by hijacking a move instead of going for Isak.

Mbeumo’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026, and he will not come cheap with the Bees looking to receive a fee of around £50m for his services, while there is an option for the Cameroonian to extend his stay by an extra year.

"Incredible" Mbeumo could be "great fit" for Arsenal

Amid links with a move to north London in the January transfer window, Robbie Lyle from AFTV stated he could be a “great fit” for the Gunners, and his performances this season indicate he could be a fantastic signing.

The France-born forward has scored a remarkable 18 goals in the Premier League, the joint-fourth highest total in the division, while also providing six assists, indicating he is more than ready for a move to a top club.

Most recently, the right-winger showcased his finishing ability by picking up a brace and an assist in his side’s impressive 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Lauded as “incredible” by reporter Dom Smith, Mbeumo could take Arsenal’s attack to the next level, but he may have to move to the left wing if he is to receive regular game time, given that very few players in the world are capable of displacing Bukayo Saka.

Manchester United are now working on a deal to hijack Newcastle United and sign a £25 million ace this summer, according to a new report.

Man Utd stepping up transfer plans as horror form continues

The Red Devils have all eyes on the Europa League, as that competition is all that is left for United in terms of bringing some sort of success to this dismal campaign. Given how bad the season has gone for United, this summer is huge in terms of moving forward under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese knows how big of a job this is, and to make it slightly easier, he is going to want his own types of players at the club.

Related The new Casemiro: Amorim must axe 3/10 Man Utd dud who looked "so anxious"

Manchester United may have uncovered their next Casemiro.

Posts 1 ByMatt Dawson Apr 14, 2025

It already appears that INEOS are trying to get ahead of the game and make some expensive purchases. According to a report from Africa Foot, per Sports Witness, United have already begun working on a deal to sign Jonas Adjetey from Swiss side FC Basel. The centre-back is only 21 years old, and the Premier League side believe he is “one of Europe’s most promising defenders”.

It doesn’t stop there for United, as INEOS are now willing to make a £70 million offer to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. The Englishman has been outstanding for the Midlands side this season, and his performances have now made him a ‘top target’ for United, and they are looking to do everything they can to secure an agreement.

Man Utd and INEOS now looking to hijack Newcastle move for Luis Henrique

The arrivals at Old Trafford are not expected to stop there, as according to TBR Football, Man United are now keeping an eye on Marseille’s Luis Henrique ahead of making a move in the summer transfer window.

The report states that United are already doing work on a potential deal for the Brazilian but face stiff competition, as Newcastle United have opened talks to sign Henrique. Nottingham Forest are also very keen on a potential transfer, and Serie A champions Inter Milan have been public about their interest in the attacker.

Despite the heavy interest, United and INEOS have still opted to join the race, as they are keen to bolster their options for Amorim ahead of next season. The 23-year-old, who can play on either the left or right-hand side of the attack, is seen as a player who could possibly play in the right wing-back spot at United under Amorim, despite the Magpies wanting him as a winger, where he has played this term.

Luis Henrique’s 24/25 Ligue 1 stats

Apps

29

Starts

26

Goals

7

Goal conversion rate

26%

Assists

5

Big chances created

9

Key passes per game

1.7

Tackles per game

0.5

Successful dribbles per game

1.6 (58%)

Henrique is under contract in France until the summer of 2028, and it’s been reported that it could cost as much as £25 million to get him out of France, as Marseille may need to sell the player to balance their books. His potential arrival would bring a goal threat to United’s right-hand side, as he’s netted seven goals in Ligue 1 this season.

If you had told Arsenal fans that Jakub Kiwior would start in a 3-0 home win and 2-1 away win against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals earlier this season, they would likely have laughed in your face.

It’s not that the Polish international is a bad player; he has stepped up at points in the past, but it would be fair to say that for much of this season, he’s been something of an afterthought and has struggled in the few appearances he’s made, like away to Fulham.

Yet, since Gabriel Magalhães’ injury, the former Spezia star has seriously stepped up, and perhaps the biggest compliment is that he’s made the Brazilian’s absence something of an afterthought.

However, there is no room for sentimentality in football, and if recent reports are to be believed, Mikel Arteta and Co have identified a defender they want to sign in the summer, a defender who would be an upgrade on Kiwior.

Arsenal's transfer targets

Now, as they once again missed out on the title this season, Arsenal are obviously looking to strengthen all over the pitch, and one of the names most heavily linked with the club in recent weeks has been Benjamin Sesko.

Transfer Focus

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

The Slovenian striker, who’s still just 21, has enjoyed another stellar campaign with RB Leipzig this year, racking up 20 goals and six assists in just 41 appearances, making his supposed £58m release clause look fairly reasonable.

Another 20-year-old touted for a move to the Emirates this summer is Lyon’s incredible Rayan Cherki.

The Frenchman could be available for just £25m, which sounds like a total bargain considering he’s racked up a staggering haul of 12 goals and 18 assists in just 40 games this season and has been tipped as a “future Ballon d’Or winner,” by The Athletic’s Alex Barker.

However, neither of these exciting attackers will replace Kiwior, which is where Dean Huijsen comes in.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal have maintained their strong interest in the Bournemouth star and insist he is someone they want to sign.

The report does not mention a potential price, but stories from earlier this month reiterated the claim that the Spaniard has a £50m release clause in his current deal.

It might not be an easy deal to get over the line, but given Huijsen’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, even if it could be bad news for Kiwior.

How Huijsen compares to Kiwior

If Arsenal were to get their man in the summer and bring Huijsen to the Emirates, it seems unlikely that he’d break up the partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel – at least for a while – so his biggest competition for a place in the squad would likely be Kiwior.

So, with that said, how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, while it’s certainly less important for a centre-back, it’s the Bournemouth ace who just about comes out ahead when it comes to their respective output, producing three goal involvements in 31 games at an average of one every 10.33 games.

In contrast, the former Spezia ace has provided two assists in 23 games, coming out to an average of one every 11.5 games.

Unfortunately for the Polish international, he also comes out on the losing side when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

In fact, in practically every relevant metric for a modern centre-back, Huijsen comes out on top.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.08

0.16

Progressive Passes

2.93

4.69

Progressive Carries

0.29

1.54

Passing Accuracy

90.7%

84.0%

Key Passes

0.29

0.61

Passes into the Final 1/3

3.64

6.05

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.14

0.31

Shot-Creating Actions

0.57

1.67

Goal-Creating Actions

0.00

0.13

Tackles Won

0.67

0.90

Blocks

0.64

1.45

Interceptions

0.62

1.90

Clearances

3.21

7.19

Ball Recoveries

2.14

3.99

Aerial Duels Won

1.14

2.68

Assessing the data, it really is no surprise that data analyst Ben Mattinson called him “the most in-demand centre-back in the world” with the Cherries defender notably a clear upgrade in key metrics such as progressive passes, ball recoveries, key passes and aerial duels won per 90 minutes,

Ultimately, Kiwior has done an exemplary job in recent weeks, but there is no way around it: Huijsen is a far better player and prospect. Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign the Spaniard this summer.

Best signing since Rice: £58m goalscoring "monster" wants to join Arsenal

The incredible international could be just what Arsenal need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 21, 2025

With their entire season now hinging on the Champions League, it’s obvious where Arsenal need to strengthen this summer: attack.

Mikel Arteta’s side still boast the best defence in the Premier League, and with Martin Zubimendi looking like he will be joining Declan Rice in midfield this summer, it’s evident that up top is where the Gunners are lacking.

The club must share this sentiment, as the last few months have seen a whole host of strikers touted for moves to the Emirates, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak being one of the most significant and consistent.

However, with stories suggesting he could cost up to an eye-watering £150m, it’s a move that feels out of reach, which could explain recent reports linking the North Londoners to another free-scoring forward who’d be the perfect answer to the Toon star.

Arsenal's striker search

With Arsenal clearly needing a new centre-forward this summer, it’s worth looking at some of the other names that have been linked with them recently, such as Benjamin Sesko.

Transfer Focus

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

The Slovenian international has long been touted for a move to the Emirates, but the £58m links feel that bit more substantial this time, and considering he’s already racked up 20 goals and six assists this season, he’d surely be a great addition to the squad.

Someone who wouldn’t cost the Gunners a penny in transfer fees is Jonathan David. The Canadian international’s contract with LOSC Lille comes to an end in the summer, and with an incredible track record of 96 goals and provided 24 assists in his last 181 club appearances, he’d be an unreal free agent.

However, if Arteta and Co want a genuine answer to Isak’s game-changing abilities this summer, they’ll need a statement signing of their own, which is where Viktor Gyokeres comes in.

According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, the Gunners are now ready to ‘up the ante in their pursuit’ of the Swedish international.

In fact, the report has revealed that the North Londoners have made him their ‘main focus’ ahead of the transfer window and are set to hold talks with his representatives about a move.

It’s a move that could reportedly cost Arsenal around £70m, and while that is a lot of money, this is a deal they should be looking to conclude as soon as possible, as he might be the perfect answer to Isak.

Why Gyokeres is Arsenal's perfect answer to Isak

Okay, the first and most obvious reason Gyokeres could be the perfect answer to Isak for Arsenal is his price tag.

With him potentially costing £80m less than the Toon star, his transfer wouldn’t completely disrupt the club’s other recruitment plans for the summer, in turn allowing Arteta to sign another winger and possibly a further, up-and-coming attacker who could be slowly introduced into the side.

On top of costing far less than the former Real Sociedad star, the Sporting “powerhouse”, as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, is also far sturdier and more reliable.

For example, throughout his entire career, the former Coventry City star has missed just five games for club and country, and one of those was so that he could rest.

In stark contrast, the Magpies’ talismanic marksman has missed a staggering 67 games for club and country, which, for someone who is still only 25, is more than a slight concern.

Appearances

39

48

Minutes

3054′

3858′

Goals

26

52

Assists

6

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.82

1.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

95.43′

60.28′

Finally, when it comes down to their raw output, the Stockholm-born “monster,” as dubbed by Mattinson, actually blows the Newcastle ace out of the water.

For example, in just 48 appearances, totalling 3858 minutes, he’s scored 52 goals and provided 12 assists for Sporting, which comes out at a staggering average of 1.33 goal involvements per game, or one every 60.28 minutes.

In contrast, Isak has scored 26 goals and provided six assists in 39 appearances, totalling 3054 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.21 games, or every 95.43 minutes.

Granted, the latter is playing in a far harder league, but the sheer amount of goals scored by the former is out of this world.

Ultimately, while Gyokeres is not yet proven in the Premier League, he’s set to cost £80m less than Isak while having a far better injury record and significantly better goal involvement to game ratio.

Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign the Sporting CP star this summer, as he’s the perfect answer to the Toon titan.

Their new Sanchez: Arsenal weighing up bid for "unstoppable" £40m star

Arsenal could sign their new Alexis Sanchez this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 29, 2025

Aston Villa are ready to splash £75m on a player who has already scored against them at Villa Park this season, according to a new report.

Aston Villa subs make the difference against Southampton

Villa made history over the weekend as they beat Southampton 3-0 at Villa Park to continue their charge towards Champions League qualification next season.

For the first time in Premier League history, three substitutes scored in one game, with Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen and John McGinn coming off the bench to find the net for Unai Emery’s side in the second period.

Watkins first produced a superb volleyed finish to lob Saints keeper Aaron Ramsdale in the 73rd minute, before Malen then hammered home Morgan Rogers’ through-ball with aplomb just six minutes later.

In added time, McGinn then slotted in Marco Asensio’s saved penalty – his second of the afternoon – to complete the scoring and move Villa back to within just one point of fourth-placed Manchester City.

Aston Villa join hectic Premier League race to sign "great" Bundesliga star

He’s a wanted man…

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 12, 2025

Speaking after the game, Emery was full of praise for both those we started the game, and those that came on to make an impact.

“The first half we didn’t concede transitions,” said the Spaniard. “We were dominating but we didn’t have many chances to score. The second half the game plan was the same and with the fast players we can add to try and push more and more and we did. It was a fantastic 90 minutes. The subs had a very good impact.”

Aston Villa ready to spend big on Wolves star Cunha

Villa and NSWE made some serious moves in the January transfer window, signing Malen on a permanent deal from Borussia Dortmund and completing loan moves for Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi.

Despite significantly bolstering their attacking line just months ago, however, Villa aren’t quite yet content with their options up-top.

According to reports in Spain, the Villans are keen to complete a summer move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha, and are willing to pay as much as £75 million for his services.

The Brazilian has been Wolves’ star player this season, playing a vital role in their likely Premier League survival, scoring 13 goals – including one at Villa Park back in September – and registering four assists.

Matheus Cunha Premier League Stats (2024/25)
Games played	26
Goals	13
Assists	4
Progressive carries (per 90)	3.9
Progressive passes (per 90)	4.7
Shots on target	1.5
Pass accuracy	70%
Take-ons completed	2.1
Stats via FBref

The report states that while Villa are keen, so are a number of other clubs, including Newcastle United, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, meaning acquiring his signature will be no easy feat.

It’s also unclear whether Cunha, who only signed a contract extension at Molineux in February, will be open to leaving the Midlands club. Speaking about Cunha earlier this season, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira described him as a “special” talent.

“Matheus Cunha is a player, in my opinion, who can reach high standards in this league. I hope not [elsewhere] because we need him.”

Nottingham Forest are now eyeing a move to sign a “special” Manchester City player this summer, according to Sky Sports.

Forest's summer transfer plans underway

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side got back to winning ways in the Premier League on Monday against Tottenham Hotspur, and the hope will be that they can now keep that run going until the end of the season, where it will give them a great chance of securing Champions League football for next season.

Nottingham Forest now advance in contact to sign £135k-p/w Serie A "star"

He was wanted in January.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 26, 2025

Playing in that competition could see Forest’s summer transfer plans significantly change, as the money they will get from entering it could be used to bring new players to the club. Signing a new striker seems to be a high priority for the Reds this summer, as they have been heavily reliant on Chris Wood for much of this campaign.

Forest have been linked with a move for Wolves’ Matheus Cunha in recent weeks and months, but it looks as though Manchester United are set to win that race. Meaning Forest now have to turn to alternative targets and strikers such as Anis Hadj Moussa from Feyenoord and Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton have been mentioned and added to their shortlist. But they may all be backup options, as it’s been claimed that the Reds are eyeing a move to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford as an alternative to Cunha, who will likely cost £50 million.

Nottingham Forest keen on signing £25m James McAtee

As well as looking for a new number nine, the Reds are also in the market to strengthen their midfield options. According to Sky Sports, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing James McAtee from Manchester City.

Sky Sports state that McAtee is of interest to the Reds, irrelevant of what happens to Antony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odi, who have both been linked with a move away from the City Ground. It goes on to state that it isn’t clear if City would be looking to sell McAtee this summer, despite the fact that he is out of contract in 2026.

Forest are not alone in showing interest in McAtee, as it’s been reported that Man United are also keeping an eye on the Englishman, and they could make a shock move to sign a player from their bitter rivals.

Apps

32

Goals

7

Assists

0

The 22-year-old, who has been dubbed “special” by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, has played 25 times for the Blues this season but has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot. He has started just eight games overall, two of which have come in the league.

Despite the lack of regular minutes, it’s been reported earlier this year that if McAtee were to leave the Etihad Stadium, City would want to receive around £25 million for his services. Forest may see McAtee as a player who can help take some of the burden off midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who has been so important this season and will be once again, especially if they secure Champions League football.