All posts by n8rngtd.top

Newcastle United enjoyed another fantastic campaign under Eddie Howe and could now use their leverage of being a Champions League side in their pursuit of an exciting attacker, according to a report.

Newcastle United look to streamline forward areas

Despite a nervy final afternoon of the campaign against Everton, Newcastle United will return to Europe’s top table and now hold a key advantage over many of their competitors in the transfer market.

Making an early start, Antonio Cordero has completed his move to the North East from Malaga on a free transfer and departing sporting director Paul Mitchell confirmed the Magpies saw off a plethora of rival interest to land their man.

Hoping to continue that trend, the Magpies have set their sights on Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz and met with his camp last month to explore different avenues towards a potential deal to bring the Brazilian striker to the North East, even if he may cost around £50 million.

He's like Dean Huijsen: Newcastle to intensify talks for £30m "monster"

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe may want to sign a new centre-back this summer.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 6, 2025

Alexander Isak appears likely to stick around at Newcastle. Meanwhile, Callum Wilson’s future is in limbo, and it remains to be seen whether he renews his terms or leaves on a free transfer.

Nevertheless, the front four positions appear to have taken precedence at an early stage in the window and Newcastle have made contact over a potential deal for a thriving Premier League star.

Sky Sports: Newcastle make contact over Anthony Elanga

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle have made contact with Nottingham Forest over Anthony Elanga by way of an initial enquiry after their previous attempts to land the Sweden international last summer.

Magpies boss Howe is said to be a long-term admirer of the former Manchester United star, who has registered six goals and 12 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions this season, and he is one of four ‘top winger targets’.

Labelled “special” by Nuno Espirito Santo, Elanga still has three years left on his Nottingham Forest contract, and it remains to be seen whether Newcastle would be able to move forward in their pursuit in light of the 23-year-old’s importance at the City Ground.

Either way, strength in depth is needed if the Geordies have designs on progressing in the Champions League, a competition which may hold the key to attracting premium talent to the North East this summer.

With speculation beginning to intensify, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle can push a deal over the line for Elanga’s signature.

Well, if Arsenal didn’t already need a new striker, one look at their first six fixtures of the new Premier League season tells you they certainly do.

Andrea Berta has replaced Edu and he’d been completing negotiations on a number of targets but now is the time to strike and ensure the Gunners are ready to hit the ground running once the campaign commences in August.

Truth be told, Mikel Arteta and Co couldn’t have been handed a much tougher start with away fixtures at United, Liverpool and Newcastle, while having to play newly-promoted Leeds and title rivals Man City.

So, this squad needs to be ready. It needs extra firepower. But, the age-old question, who will they sign?

The latest on Arsenal's striker hunt

Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are the two names that feature most prominently on Arsenal’s summer wish list but both deals, at the moment, look complicated.

Gyokeres – the scorer of an enormous 54 goals in 2024/25 – is likely to leave Sporting but Portuguese reports revealed earlier this week that Arsenal have so far yet to meet the Lisbon club’s demands. As a result, they’ve put their pursuit of the Swede on hold.

That means that Sesko has become the number one target again. One report comes from journalist Graeme Bailey who now insists that ‘Sesko is still the furthest along in terms of a deal being done’.

That said, if a deal cannot be agreed, Bailey reveals that ‘it wouldn’t take an awful lot for Arsenal to divert’ their attention elsewhere.

Transfer Focus

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

Gyokeres is name-dropped, while Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike are also on the shortlist.

While Arsenal tried and failed to sign Watkins last January, Ekitike isn’t a name we’ve heard mentioned too often in Arsenal circles. Up to now, the race has been between Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

What Ekitike could bring to Arsenal

Arsenal need goals. In 2024/25, no player recorded double figures in the Premier League. Kai Havertz was the top scorer with just 15 – albeit with the caveat that he missed several months through injury – and Mikel Merino ended the campaign as the centre-forward.

To Merino’s credit, he did a fine job, scoring six goals in 12 games. Obviously, that wasn’t enough to help them reach the Champions League final and it served as evidence that the Gunners need a new striker. No ifs, no buts, no maybes, they simply have to sign one.

So, if it’s goals Arsenal require then surely Gyokeres must be the number one option? He scored more than any other player in Europe’s top leagues over the last season and is a rampant finisher. He’s even got experience of English football having played for Brighton and Coventry.

However, there have been doubts, some red flags, so to speak. Had the powerful Swede scored that many goals in a top-five league, you doubt there’d be question marks. However, he did it in the Portuguese top-flight.

We’re not trying to dismiss the quality of the division here but it does pale in comparison to the Premier League or LaLiga for instance.

Then you have the traits Gyokeres could bring. Competent in front of goal, of course, but as data analyst Ben Mattinson outlines, the Swede has a “heavy first touch” and “doesn’t anticipate contact or shield the ball well.”

So, is there a player out there with a better all-around package? In that regard, Ekitike’s your man.

Cast out by PSG despite being heralded as the “next Kylian Mbappe” in some quarters, he departed Paris having played just 33 games, scoring four goals in the French capital.

Luis Enrique and Co are unlikely to lose much sleep given their recent Champions League heroics, but the 22-year-old has become something of a phenomenon in the Bundesliga for Frankfurt.

The Frenchman ended 2024/25 with 22 goals and 12 assists to his name. Not mindblowing numbers, sure, but his electric play is seriously pleasing on the eye.

What should fill Arsenal fans with excitement is regular comparisons to their all-time leading goalscorer. Scout Jacek Kulig has suggested that his most similar player is the great Thierry Henry, while one PSG content creator went as far as to claim he is “the new Henry.” Fine praise indeed.

So, what makes them alike? Well, the goal below tells you all you need to know.

The similarities between Henry and Ekitike here are scary. He’s got the same languid but smooth and powerful running style, brushing defenders aside with ease and then sliding the ball home.

His movement is first class, he’s a phenomenal dribbler and unlike Gyokeres, there’s less chaos to his running style and first touch. Everything feels a bit neater and tidier in that regard.

Let’s throw another bonus in there for you. One of Ekitike’s most similar players in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year, according to FBRef, is Alexander Isak.

Now, we all know how much Arteta rates the Swede and for a fraction of the price, they could sign a player with the potential to be just as good.

Gyokeres might be the best goalscorer on the planet right now but doubts surrounding his playstyle continue to linger. Ekitike is a proper on the last shoulder of the defender striker, someone with pace, power and a Henry-likeness to boot. Arsenal should be all over this move.

He's a lot like Isak: Arsenal in talks to sign amazing upgrade on Sesko

Arsenal are turning their attention to a striker they tried to sign in the winter.

1

By
Matt Dawson

Jun 17, 2025

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will be desperate to ensure that his decision to sack Ange Postecoglou won’t come back to bite him, and he’s apparently prepared to back new manager Thomas Frank so he can give the Australian’s replacement the best-possible chance of success.

Frank holds Tottenham talks over signing £300k-p/w ace who's open to joining

The Spurs boss has been discussing him with Lilywhites hierarchy.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 18, 2025

Postecoglou ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy by guiding them to an historic Europa League final victory over Man United last month, a result which also gifted them a spot in the Champions League next season, but Spurs’ torrid 2024/2025 domestic form meant that Levy was forced into the tough call of letting him go.

Frank is now tasked with re-settling the dressing room whilst helping Spurs to kick on from their memorable night in Bilbao, and the Dane has already paid homage to his predecessor’s work at N17.

“I think Ange has done something special. He’ll forever be a legend in Tottenham,” Frank said in his first interview as Tottenham boss.

“It’s important to understand we all stand on the shoulders of others. I’m going in on the foundation Ange built, and his coaching staff, and I’m very humble about that. I’ll do my very best to continue the great work he put in.

“The feeling, the excitement, the joy and the happiness in the fans’ faces, the pictures were ‘wow’. Hopefully, we can create more of those moments. That will be the ultimate dream: to do that and build on that.”

The 51-year-old is reportedly keen to upgrade his new ranks by signing a proven wide-attacking player, especially considering Son Heung-min may have already played his last competitive game for Tottenham amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

Many high-profile Premier League names have been linked already, but chief among them is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The England international guided Palace to their first ever major trophy last season, bagging the winner in a 1-0 victory over Man City in the FA Cup final, adding to his impressive tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Eze has been a star player at Selhurst Park ever since his move there from QPR, and Eagles chairman Steve Parish was left “astounded” by the lack of interest in him last summer.

Tottenham ready to pay £68 million for Eberechi Eze

The £100,000-per-week forward, who can play both as a CAM and out wide, has certainly got admirers this time round, and Spurs are one of the chief contenders for his signature.

Reports have suggested that Frank has personally recommended Eze as a target for Tottenham, with TEAMtalk now sharing an update on the situation amid rumours that the player would also be keen on a north London move.

The outlet states that Tottenham are ready to meet the price required to sign Eze, his £68 million release clause, and the ex-Arsenal academy man is “enthusiastic” about swapping south London for a place in Frank’s side.

Frank also apparently believes that Eze would be a stellar addition for the Lilywhites, and one capable of thriving both on the wing and as a complement to James Maddison in the centre of attacking midfield.

Palace are also open to receiving Eze’s final fee in installments, even if they’d want an upfront payment of £45 million, something which Tottenham are prepared to offer as well.

This could be one to watch in the coming days/weeks, as Spurs want to act “swiftly” and provide Frank with fresh additions ahead of a crucial campaign.

Leeds United are now set to sign another defender and this time for a fee of under £500,000, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Leeds announce Gudmundsson on four-year deal

With Junior Firpo exiting Elland Road, Leeds needed to bring in a new left-back, and they have wasted no time in their pursuit of Lille’s Gabriel Gudmundsson, with the defender signing a four-year contract on Tuesday.

The fee is thought to be in the region of €12m (£10m) although the club’s announcement does not disclose the true figure, after the 26-year-old completed his medical checks on Monday.

Gudmundsson is not the only left-back set to make a move to Elland Road, however, with Romano recently taking to X to reveal the Whites are on the verge of signing a defender from a rival Premier League club.

The transfer expert states that Manchester City’s Jayden Lienou “will join Leeds United” for a package amounting to under £500k, with the 17-year-old set to link up with the U21 team to begin with.

Leeds eyeing huge £17m talent wanted by Champions League clubs

Leeds United are in the mix of teams who want to sign a highly rated midfielder.

2

By
Brett Worthington

Jul 7, 2025

Andrew Taylor and Adam Underwood are said to have been “key” to securing a deal for Lienou, and the deal now appears to be completely agreed, suggesting that an official announcement could be imminent.

Gudmundsson and Lienou are savvy signings for Leeds

Lienou has been showing some promising signs at youth level, most notably scoring a remarkable solo goal for Wales a little over a year ago, showcasing his quality on the front foot.

However, at 17-years-old, the Welshman is clearly one for the future, and Gudmundsson is more likely to make more of an instant impact at Elland Road, given that the Sweden international is vastly experienced.

The Malmo-born defender made nine appearances in the Champions League last season, and his performances across the campaign clearly impressed journalist Joe Donnohue, who described the full-back as a “fun” player and a “risk-taker”.

The former FC Groningen man also caught the eye in an attacking sense during his time with the Dutch club.

Given that Firpo was well-known for his attacking contributions, Gudmundsson could be an ideal replacement for the Dominican Republic international, while Lienou’s performances at youth level indicate he could also be a savvy signing with the potential to become a prototype modern day attacking full-back.

Leeds United made their fourth signing of the summer transfer window on Tuesday when they officially confirmed the arrival of Gabriel Gudmundsson.

The Sweden international has joined the club on a permanent deal from Ligue 1 side Lille as a direct replacement for Junior Firpo, who left upon the expiry of his contract at the end of last month.

Daniel Farke has also brought in Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, and Lukas Nmecha to bolster his options across the pitch ahead of the Premier League season.

The Whites are also reportedly interested in on a new central midfielder, as Fabrizio Romano recently reported that the club have bid for Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff.

Romano claimed that personal terms have already been agreed between the Championship champions and the English midfielder, which suggests that the player is keen to make the move to West Yorkshire.

However, it has since been claimed by Sky Sports that Leeds have had three bids rejected for the Magpies man and that they are currently considering their options.

What Sean Longstaff could bring to Leeds

Above all else, Longstaff would provide much-needed Premier League experience to the midfield, having played 171 times in the division for Newcastle to date.

Of Farke’s current options in the middle of the park, Ethan Ampadu, with 26 appearances, is the only central midfielder who has played in the Premier League before, as Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka have only played in the Championship in England.

This means that Longstaff would be the kind of Premier League proven midfielder that the club do not currently have, which is why he could be a very solid addition to the squad for a relatively modest fee of £12m.

The 27-year-old ace, who failed to provide a goal or an assist in the top-flight last season, is not a hugely exciting signing that is likely to get many fans off their seats, but he is a sensible and logical signing.

As you can see in the table above, Longstaff put up some impressive defensive numbers in a host of key statistics, bar interceptions, in the Premier League for Newcastle last term.

This suggests that he has the potential to be a reliable anchor in front of the back four by making tackles, blocks, and clearances on a regular basis, without making many, if any, errors.

Whilst Longstaff could be a solid signing to add to Farke’s midfield options, if they manage to overcome the hurdles blocking the deal at the moment, the club are also eyeing up a deal for another Premier League star who would be even more exciting.

Leeds pursuing Premier League attacking midfielder

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds United remain interested in a deal to sign attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia from Premier League side Aston Villa.

Speaking to Leeds United News, the reporter confirms that the Championship champions are pursuing a move to bring the Argentina international to Elland Road on an initial loan deal.

Transfer Focus

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

Providing an update on the situation, Bailey said: “I am told that Leeds want Buendia on loan with an option to sign him – think Leeds are waiting Villa out.”

It has previously been reported that the Villans are looking for a fee in the region of £20m for the former Norwich City star, although it remains to be seen if that is the exact fee that would be included as the option to make a loan deal permanent.

Bailey stating that Leeds are ‘waiting Villa out’ suggests that this particular transfer saga may not reach a conclusion for a while yet, so this could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

Why Leeds should sign Emiliano Buendia

The Whites should push to bring the Argentine star to West Yorkshire this summer, on a permanent or a loan deal, because he has the potential to be an excellent addition to Farke’s attacking ranks.

As an attacking midfielder who can score and assist goals in the Premier League, Buendia would be an even more exciting signing for Leeds than Longstaff, who is set to offer a steady defensive presence in the middle of the park.

The 28-year-old magician has scored ten goals and provided 15 assists in 121 appearances in the Premier League in his career to date for Norwich and Villa combined, which shows that he has already shown his quality as both a scorer and a creator in the top-flight.

It was his form for Farke in the Championship at Norwich, though, that really makes this potential transfer an exciting one for Leeds, because he delivered outstanding performances for the German boss on a regular basis.

As you can see in the table above, the right-footed playmaker produced a staggering return of 23 goals and 28 ‘big chances’ created in two seasons in the second tier under the Leeds boss.

Whilst Buendia, who was described as “unplayable” by BBC Norfolk’s Rob Butler, has not put up those numbers in the Premier League yet, playing under Farke again could help him to fulfill his potential in the top-flight.

That is part of what makes this such an exciting potential transfer for the Whites, because they would be reuniting a mercurial talent with the manager who got the best out of him in his career to date.

He also already has experience in the Premier League, and has scored and assisted goals at that level, which suggests that Buendia could hit the ground running next term.

Their new Klich: Leeds considering move for PL star after internal talks

Leeds United are reportedly considering a deal to sign a star who could be their next Mateusz Klich.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 9, 2025

Overall, the Argentine star would be a more exciting signing than Longstaff, albeit one that would come with more risk attached, because of his attacking potential, which is why the club should push to strike a deal for his services.

After missing out on their long-term target, Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle United will be seeking alternative options in the transfer window this summer.

The Magpies had been keen to bring in the Eintracht Frankfurt forward this summer, with the Frenchman seen as a perfect addition to their attacking ranks.

However, Liverpool hijacked that move and are now expected to sign the 23-year-old in a deal that could end up being worth a fixed fee of £69m.

The Reds had earlier tested Newcastle’s resolve with a £120m approach for Alexander Isak, which was firmly rejected.

Newcastle looking to sign Ekitike alternative

In response, Newcastle have turned their attention to Yoane Wissa of Brentford with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie revealing a bid of £25m bid has been turned down. The Toon are set to return with a £30m plus add-ons offer.

As an alternative, they could Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, who spent last season on loan at Juventus.

Speaking on the Football Transfers Podcast, reporter Duncan Castles noted: “Newcastle United are involved in the conversation, and I think at present it looks like they are the most likely destination for Kolo Muani.”

Transfer Focus

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

It is further reported that PSG are demanding €50m (£44m) for the 25-year-old forward, and while Juventus would like to make the deal permanent, they have so far failed to meet the asking price.

This has opened the door for Newcastle.

How Kolo Muani compares to Hugo Ekitike

On paper, Kolo Muani and Ekitike seem like-for-like replacements: young, French forwards who briefly battled for minutes under Christophe Galtier at PSG.

However, their contrasting styles offer very different strengths, and that could explain Newcastle’s pivot.

Kolo Muani is all about directness. He excels at running in behind, attacking space, and finishing with composure.

His efficiency stands out, netting 14 goals from an xG of 11.2, and he managed a shot-on-target percentage of 44.6%, better than Ekitike’s 39.7%.

While he played fewer minutes than Ekitike last season, he was a sharp presence whenever on the pitch.

In contrast, Ekitike brings more creativity and finesse to the forward line.

He scored 22 goals from an xG of 24.6 but also contributed heavily in build-up play: 17.2 completed passes per 90 to Muani’s 11.7, and a progressive passing distance of 43.2 metres per 90 – far higher than Muani’s 27.5.

Ekitike also posted better numbers in shot-creating actions (3.49 vs. 2.31), take-ons (1.89 vs. 1.51), and touches in the attacking third (20.6 vs. 16.0).

Ekitike is the more technical, playmaking forward, while Kolo Muani is the more explosive, goal-focused attacker.

That difference is crucial when viewed through the lens of Newcastle’s style under Eddie Howe.

Indeed, Newcastle thrive on pace, power, and transitions. They often look to release wide players like Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy quickly and create space centrally through dynamic runs.

Kolo Muani fits that system well. His instinctive movement and clinical edge offer a natural complement, or even alternative, to Isak, rather than a direct copy.

The aforementioned Castles noted the stylistic overlap with Isak, saying: “This makes you wonder what is happening with Isak because of his similarities to Kolo Muani as a player.”

While Newcastle insist Isak is not for sale, the interest in Muani suggests Howe may be looking for someone who can either ease the burden on his No. 14, or perhaps even compete with him directly.

Crucially, Kolo Muani may also be more attainable. At £44m, he is significantly cheaper than Ekitike.

He would arrive off the back of a strong season at Juventus, described as “absolutely incredible” by analyst Zach Lowry, and has already shown he can adapt to different systems and leagues.

Losing out on Ekitike may sting, but in Kolo Muani, Newcastle could be securing a forward who’s not only more affordable but arguably better suited to their tactical needs.

He may not be a like-for-like replacement, but he might be exactly the kind of signing that keeps Newcastle’s momentum rolling.

Even better than Sesko: Newcastle agree personal terms to sign £50m striker

Newcastle United would love to welcome in this £50m striker who is even better than Benjamin Sesko.

2

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 20, 2025

Tottenham have seriously kicked into gear when it comes to their transfer plans for the rest of the summer, with talks accelerating in dramatic fashion over the last 24 hours.

Spurs breakthrough and agree £26m deal to sign star "as soon as possible"

The Lilywhites have stepped things up.

By
Tom Cunningham

Aug 1, 2025

Spurs head coach Thomas Frank and chairman Daniel Levy wasted an entire fortnight pursuing a deal for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, which eventually went nowhere after the England international surprisingly agreed a new contract instead.

Gibbs-White was booked in for a Hotspur Way medical this time three weeks ago (BBC), but Forest’s unprecedented threat of legal action for an ‘unlawful’ approach blocked any transfer south for the England international.

Tottenham are still in the market for a number 10, though, while it is also believed that they could add another full-back to Frank’s squad before deadline day on September 1 (Sky Sports).

However, before Spurs move on to bolster any of those positions, Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha will be next through the door.

The former Fulham star is set to join Tottenham on loan following a round of quick-fire talks on Thursday, with Levy swiftly reaching an agreement to sign the Portugal international on loan, including an option to buy for around £26 million.

Palhinha, following a disappointing debut season at Bayern, is set to make a return to London and the Premier League – ending Spurs’ search for a new number six whilst surely plunging Yves Bissouma’s future into doubt.

Interestingly, while this transfer was concluded very quickly after initial talks with Palhinha’s camp last week, the former Sporting Lisbon star wasn’t always completely sold on a move back to the UK.

Joao Palhinha's U-turn over joining Tottenham revealed

According to Bundesliga insider, Christian Falk, Palhinha initially wasn’t convinced about joining Tottenham.

However, the £166,000-per-week midfield “sensation”, famed for his robustness and tackling, changed his mind once Spurs’ talks heated up.

“It’s true: Bayern and Tottenham have agreed on a loan deal for João Palhinha,” Falk told CF Bayern Insider.

“On Thursday, it was said that Palhinha was not completely convinced by the move. The player was previously committed to showing that he was good enough for FC Bayern.

“But talks with Tottenham got hot; the interest from the Londoners is interesting for him, which is why there was movement in negotiations. As Fabrizio Romano has confirmed, the loan deal includes a buy option of €30m [£25.9m] (which is not an obligation).”

Despite failing to justify his price tag at Bayern, Palhinha is a proven Premier League player, with his experience potentially very useful for Frank ahead of a vital first season in charge.

“Neither Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr nor Rodrigo Bentancur are as ruthless at winning the ball back as Palhinha, who also ranked among the top 10 for interceptions during his previous Premier League campaign,” said Sky journalist Peter Smith.

“Palhinha’s belated move to Bayern Munich didn’t prove to be worth the wait, with an injury disruptive and head coach Vincent Kompany ultimately leaving him on the fringes. But a return to London looks like a smart switch for the Portuguese and Spurs – and a daunting one for opposition midfielders.”

Harry Kane has dismissed claims that the 2025-26 campaign will result in a “boring” procession from Bayern Munich towards the Bundesliga title. The reigning German champions have started the new season in spectacular style, picking up a maximum haul of nine points from three games – with Vincent Kompany’s side scoring 14 goals while conceding just two.

• Foot on the gas: No letting up from Bayern

  Many have been quick to suggest that Bayern will bulldoze their way to another domestic crown, with it difficult to see anybody slowing them down. There could be little intrigue over the course of the campaign, with Kane and Co determined to keep their “foot on the gas”.

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• Getty
  

  Can anybody challenge Bayern for the title?

  England captain Kane, who saw his trophy curse lifted in 2024-25, is adamant that Bayern will not have things entirely their own way. He believes that there are at least three teams capable of posing problems to those at the Allianz Arena.

• Kane explains why Bundesliga will not be boring

  As per , Kane said when quizzed on the supposed lack of competition to Bayern’s crown: “I don't think it will be boring. And if it is, that's a compliment to us. Two years ago, people didn't say that either, when we didn't win the league. There's Dortmund, Leverkusen, Frankfurt, they'll challenge us. It's good to be at the top, I hope we can keep our foot on the gas!”

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  Biggest threat: Bayern must avoid complaceny

  While Kane is eager to talk up potential title rivals, Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl admits that complacency is likely to be the club’s greatest threat. He said: “We are our own biggest opponent. If we bring what we can onto the pitch, then it will be difficult to beat us.”

  He added on the “boring” accusations: “We saw against Wiesbaden and Augsburg: If we think we're doing a little less, then you always run the risk of losing games in the Bundesliga. Of course, we don't want that. We want to play like we did against Leipzig, or here against Hamburg, or in the Supercup against Stuttgart. And big opponents like Dortmund, Leverkusen, and Frankfurt are still to come.”

It’s already been a very busy transfer window at Arsenal.

So far, the Gunners have brought in six new recruits, signing Viktor Gyökeres, Martín Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Nørgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga for around £187m.

According to Sam Dean of The Telegraph, this is the first time since transfer windows were introduced that the Gunners have signed six players before their first pre-season fixture, last making six or more signings in July all the way back in 1997.

However, as Mikel Arteta targets the Premier League title, they are not done yet, so could the most exciting addition be yet to arrive, a move that would be bad news for one of the club’s longest-serving players?

Arsenal need to add creativity

Following victories over AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore, Arsenal’s Asia tour ended on a sour note.

On Thursday, the Gunners were beaten 1-0 by North London rivals Tottenham at the brand-new Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.

The only goal of the evening came on the cusp of half-time; David Raya played a hospital pass to Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had his pocket picked by Pape Matar Sarr, who then lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper from inside the centre circle.

However, it was at the other end where supporters’ concerns lay, creating just one big chance, while only one of 16 shots found the target, according to SofaScore, with the Gunners unable to break down a low block in the second half, reverting to the familiar horse shoe of doom, passing from side-to-side without any penetration.

Thus, as they seek to address this lack of creativity, journalist Sébastien Vidal reported that Arsenal are “preparing to submit” a £52m bid to Crystal Palace in an attempt to sign Eberechi Eze, who he claims is “keen” to join this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Elsewhere, Dom Smith of the Evening Standard documents that Eze’s £68m release clause actually expires on 15 August, just ahead of Palace’s Premier League opener, but they still intend to make an offer irrespective of this deadline.

So, could the 27-year-old be the fabled final piece in the jigsaw, as Gooners everywhere dream of a first Premier League title since 2004?

Where Eberechi Eze would fit in at Arsenal

It is not entirely clear where Eze would fit into Arteta’s team, but this is exactly why he would be such an exciting addition, given the need for something a bit different.

Zubimendi’s arrival suggests that Declan Rice will be deployed as the left eight, given license to get forward alongside Martin Ødegaard, while Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz are also options for that left-sided midfield role.

So, could the 27-year-old become the starter wide on the left-wing, given that many Gunners fans believe a Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli upgrade is required?

As noted by Simon Collings of the Evening Standard, very few members of the Arsenal squad produce a better ‘work ethic’ than Martinelli, praising his ‘brilliant defensive work’, but there has been a clear decline in the Brazilian’s attacking output, as the table below documents.

As the table notes, when comparing the last three seasons, the vast majority of Martinelli’s attacking statistics peaked during Arsenal’s first title challenge in 2022/23, and have subsequently plateaued, namely goals, assists, shots, chances created, and dribbling.

So, would the English “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, represent a major upgrade?

Well, ahead of their clash at Selhurst in November, Fulham manager Marco Silva labelled Eze a “top player”, adding “I really enjoy watching him play”.

Meantime, Daryl Gouilard of Total Football Analysis is impressed by his ‘technical ability’, thriving as a ‘primary playmaker’ who tends to drift towards the left, while Sam Tabuteau of Breaking the Lines notes that he is capable of producing ‘match-winning moments’.

So, let’s compare Eze to Martinelli.

As the table documents, Eze’s attacking statistics were universally more impressive than those of Martinelli in the Premier League last season, registering more assists, creating more chances, and completing a higher percentage of his take-ons.

Thus, it is undeniable that the England international would be an amazing signing for Arsenal, and they might just need him if they’re going to overtake big-spending reigning champions Liverpool, and it would be bad news for Martinelli.

Dream Eze alternative: Berta lodged Arsenal bid for £61m "genius"

Arsenal have earmarked a fallback, should they fail to sign Crystal Palace’s Eze this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 2, 2025

A famous Leeds United-connected pub has changed its name in tribute of a two-time Premier League promotion champion. The Whites are back in the English top-flight after two years away, with Daniel Farke's side aiming to beat the drop this season and reverse the trend of Championship teams not making the grade. Amid that goal, The Old Peacock has shown its class towards an ex-striker.

• Leeds say goodbye to Bamford

  Patrick Bamford joined Leeds from Middlesbrough in 2018 for £7 million and went on to score 60 goals in 205 games and achieve Premier League promotions in 2020 and 2025. But manager Farke said he was not part of his plans for the 2025-26 campaign, and then the forward's contract was cancelled by mutual consent last month. Despite his release, The Old Peacock, which is right next to Leeds' Elland Road stadium, says it will be renamed 'The Lord Bamford' for a limited time.

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• Bamford to keep pub name until Leeds face Tottenham

  The pub will keep the Bamford pub name going until Leeds host Tottenham on October 4. So the 32-year-old, who put £5,000 behind the bar before Leeds' win over Bristol City last season, will get at least one more home game before the establishment reverts to its original title.

  The Instagram post reads: "To celebrate the unforgettable years of service from Patrick Bamford at Leeds United, The Old Peacock is proud to announce that it will be renamed The Lord Bamford for a limited time. Bamford joined Leeds United in 2018 and spent seven years donning the famous white shirt. During that time, he became a two-time Championship winner and played a key role in Leeds’ promotion back to the Premier League – helping end a 16-year absence from the top flight.

  "We invite all football lovers, Leeds United fans, and the local community to come and raise a glass at The Lord Bamford in honour of his contribution. The renaming will last until the next home fixture at Elland Road against Tottenham on Saturday, 4th October, to give everyone a chance to join in celebrating Bamford's time with The Whites. Thank you, Paddy, for your passion. You will always be part of Leeds United history."

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  Bamford searching for new team after Leeds exit

  Bamford was a much-derided figure towards the tail end of his Leeds stint. Injuries and struggles in front of goal punctuated his final years at the club but with time, many may reflect more positively on his contributions. He earned one England cap and scored 17 goals in the 2020-21 Premier League season. In fact, amid Leeds' current goal struggles, where they have managed one goal in four league games, some supporters have questioned why he was let go at all. Either way, this is a classy move by the Peacock pub.

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• What next for Bamford and Leeds?

  Former Chelsea and Crystal Palace youngster Bamford is currently looking for a new club as a free agent. For Leeds, they face a huge clash away at lowly Wolves this weekend, before hosting Bournemouth on September 27.