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A “no-nonsense” manager now has a “50-50” chance of becoming Rangers’ next permanent manager this summer, according to a fresh claim from Derek Ferguson.

Updates on Rangers manager search

The Gers continue to look at their managerial options heading into the summer, with Barry Ferguson in interim charge until the end of the season.

The former Rangers captain has done a solid job in charge at Ibrox, but he has now been knocked out of the Europa League and there is little else to play for in the coming weeks, with questions fairly posed over his experience at the highest level.

Meanwhile, legendary manager Jose Mourinho is thought to be keen on the idea of taking charge of the Gers, but only if he is backed by 49ers Enterprises in the transfer market. He hasn’t yet been approached, though.

For now, it looks like Steven Gerrard is the front-runner to come in, having guided Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title back in 2020/21, but it’s fair to say that no concrete decisions have been made by those high up at Ibrox yet.

Ferguson has "50-50" chance of being permanent boss

Speaking to Ibrox News, 57 year-old Derek Ferguson claimed that his younger brother has a “50-50” chance of being given the Rangers job on a permanent basis.

“The club have probably been waiting to see how this European campaign pans out really, but they have to be taking him into consideration. He’s come in and been no-nonsense, plus he’s spoken really well. He’s brought in two other guys, [Billy] Dodds and [Neill] McCann, who know the Scottish game inside out, so you can look at him and his staff and say together it ticks a lot of boxes.

“For Barry, it’s about managing the players, which I think he’s done. The fans have enjoyed seeing his passion and that gives the players energy. “They have to take him seriously, but at the end of the day, it’s probably 50-50.”

Opinion may be split over whether Ferguson should be given the Rangers job on a full-time basis or not, with some supporters perhaps allowing their hearts to rule their heads.

The 47-year-old deserves big credit for adding more of a togetherness at the club after replacing Philippe Clement, especially guiding the Gers past Mourinho’s Fenerbahce after a penalty shootout triumph in the last 16 of the Europa League, but he is still an unproven manager overall.

For that reason, Rangers would be wise to look at a boss who has won major trophies in his career, with Mourinho the obvious standout in that respect, winning two Champions Leagues and several league titles.

While Gerrard has had ups and downs in his managerial career, he is also a more polished option than Ferguson, and could feel that he has unfinished business at Ibrox.

Related Dream XI Mourinho could build at Rangers: No Tavernier & £8.5m star signs

Mourinho could build a solid starting XI should he take the Rangers job

Posts 1 ByRoss Kilvington Apr 22, 2025

Ferguson is understandably a popular figure among the Gers fanbase, but the club need to make a sensible long-term appointment, bringing in someone who can narrow the gap on Celtic and lead the team forward for years to come.

Aston Villa may not win a trophy this season, but the club remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot next term.

Unai Emery is looking ahead to the summer transfer window, however, as he aims to bolster his squad.

Sverre Nypan has been earmarked as a long-term target for the Midlands side, and it looks as though they have won the race for his signature.

The wonderkid could become the next best thing and Villa have acted swiftly. Might they be moving ahead to sign another talented teenager?

Aston Villa pressing ahead to sign French sensation

Reports in France claim that Villa are closing in on a deal to sign 18-year-old Kenny Quetant this summer, with Foot Mercato outlining that talks have been held regarding a deal for the teenager.

The youngster has yet to make a senior appearance for Le Havre, but there is no doubting how high his ceiling is.

Wrapping up a move early for Quetant could allow Emery to perhaps focus on other targets during the first few weeks of the transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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

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If a move does go through in the coming days, Emery might just have his next Jhon Duran.

Kenny Quetant can be Villa’s next Duran

Duran did have some experience at senior level before moving to Villa, playing 72 matches in spells with Chicago Fire and Envigado, although like Quetant, he was something of an unknown quantity upon his arrival for Villa Park.

17 goals and seven assists were deemed solid, if unspectacular, but there was something about the young Colombian. He had a spark. That was enough for Emery and co to fork out £18m for the then-19-year-old in January 2023.

Jhon Duran’s Villa stats in 2024/25

Metric

Premier League

Champions League

Goals

7

3

Assists

0

0

Goal conversion percentage

23%

21%

Goal frequency (minutes)

89

79

Shots per game

1.6

2

Via Sofascore

Mainly used as an impact player at Villa, Duran’s eye for goal gave Emery a unique weapon from the bench and this is something Quetant could offer, especially during his first season at the club.

Last term, the teenager scored 11 goals for Le Harve’s U19 side, showing plenty of promise. It is a matter of when and not if he makes his senior club debut. The future of the club in attack looks promising, especially considering Emery is in talks with both Nypan and Quetant.

The Norwegian talent was superb for Rosenborg in the top flight last season. Eight goals and seven assists were recorded, while the 18-year-old also created seven big chances and averaged 1.4 key passes per game for his club.

Throughout the 2025 campaign, Nypan ranks in the top 6% for touches in the opposition box, along with ranking in the top 6% for total shots in the Norwegian top flight.

These forward-thinking abilities could make him an excellent player for Villa and one who would shine while operating just behind Quetant. Of course, the club won’t see the best of both players until they become fully integrated into the team.

Once they do begin to play on a regular basis, Villa could have two starlets who are ready to take the Premier League by storm one day, just like Duran did ever so briefly.

Related Aston Villa on fresh mission to sign "electric" 12-goal ace before Arsenal

He’s enjoyed an impressive season…

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 9, 2025

As they look to take their title party into the summer, Premier League champions Liverpool now reportedly want to sign an impressive forward who has scored 33 goals in all competitions this season.

Liverpool look towards Chelsea and summer transfer plans

The Reds have been in party mode ever since thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 to secure their 20th league title and their second in the last five years, but must now turn towards Chelsea this weekend. It’s at Stamford Bridge that Arne Slot, even with the title sealed, will be looking to see his side continue their celebrations and prove exactly why the Blues will be giving them a guard of honour ahead of kick off.

Chelsea’s applause will be the first of four guard of honours that Liverpool receive on their way towards lifting the Premier League title, with Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace to come.

Arsenal’s at Anfield will, of course, taste the sweetest for all those in Merseyside after Liverpool dominantly beat the Gunners to the English crown this season. It’s a feeling the Reds will be desperate to get used to and one that Mohamed Salah has already set his sights on ahead of next season.

Related FSG now on high alert as Liverpool race to sign "fantastic" UCL midfielder

He’s enjoyed an excellent season…

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 1, 2025

The Egyptian took to social media to celebrate title success whilst also laying down an early marker for the next campaign, posting: “This is what we wanted to deliver to our fans more than anything.

“This is a club that should always compete for everything and be right at the top. No excuses. All teams win games but in the end there’s only one champion. That’s what history remembers and this applies to next season as well.”

It’s next season that the Anfield legend could be joined by some fresh faces too, which may yet include a 33-goal star.

Liverpool complete Maeda scouting mission

According to The Boot Room, Liverpool now want to sign Daizen Maeda from Celtic after completing their scouting on the forward this season. The Japan international has enjoyed an excellent campaign and has earned the interest of the Premier League champions as well as Arsenal and Aston Villa as a result. Amid such interest, Maeda hasn’t exactly ruled out a departure either.

The Celtic forward told reporters when quizzed about his future: “Well, I’m not sure. That’s a difficult question. While I’m here, I always want to fight and play for Celtic. I want to keep focusing and playing for the team.”

With just two years remaining on his current deal, Celtic could have a decision to make on Maeda sooner rather than later. They already proved that they will sell if necessary last summer when Matt O’Riley left for Brighton in a deal worth a reported £25m. Now, a year on, Maeda could leave for a similar price, following the same path from Glasgow’s east end to Merseyside trodden by the legendary Kenny Dalglish.

Dubbed “amazing” by manager Brendan Rodgers earlier this season, it’s clear that the impressive striker is ready to take the Premier League or elsewhere by storm if he does depart the Scottish champions this summer.

With INEOS looking to send a statement this summer, Manchester United are now reportedly ready to table a shock offer worth as much as £85m to sign a Premier League rival.

Man Utd must get summer incomings right

In what feels like an Old Trafford groundhog day, Manchester United cannot afford to get their incomings wrong this summer. Like in 2014 under David Moyes and then under the likes of Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunner Solskjaer, the Red Devils are in no position to make mistakes in the transfer market as they look to hand their latest manager the keys to unlock a place among Europe’s elite again at long last.

Related Same agent as Dorgu: Man Utd now offered chance to sign "incredible" winger

He’s a serial winner.

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 10, 2025

What does seem to be different about Ruben Amorim compared to Moyes, Van Gaal, Solskjaer and in some ways even Mourinho is just how honest he’s been about the extent of the task in front of him.

Even in the build-up to Manchester United’s 7-1 aggregate mauling of Athletic Bilbao to reach the Europa League final, Amorim assured reporters that silverware would not take away from what has been a disastrous season.

The former Sporting Club boss told reporters: “For me, in that moment and you look at Premier League, we are the worst team since I arrived in terms of results. That is my idea. In the end of the season, we can be the worst team in Premier League history with a European title.

“So we will not change anything. We know that this season was disappointing. Nothing is going to change, in that moment, I have to think a bit more but I felt that. I still feel that this season was the worst in the last 50 years.”

Whether the Red Devils have what it takes to overcome Tottenham Hotspur in the final is another question, but if they do manage to win the competition then their transfer plans could become all the more interesting.

Man Utd readying shock Tonali offer

According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, INEOS and Manchester United are now ready to table a stunning €100m (£85m) offer to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United this summer. In an ambitious move, the Red Devils have set their sights on the Italian, who has enjoyed an excellent season at St James’ Park.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Sandro Tonali

Manuel Ugarte

Starts

25

21

Goals

3

1

Progressive Carries

33

16

Ball Recoveries

163

117

Manchester United’s interest, whether a deal is feasible or not, should come as no surprise. As the numbers show, Tonali would be an instant upgrade on Manuel Ugarte and perhaps the difference between taking Amorim’s side into Europe and a place in mid-table once again next season.

Eddie Howe will likely be keen to keep hold of his midfielder, however. Full of praise, the Newcastle boss told reporters earlier this season: “We’ve seen that in recent games from a defensive viewpoint now more than an attacking viewpoint, where he’s sprinting to put out fires for us, nicking balls, intercepting balls, using his athleticism to track runners. He’s been excellent in that respect and think that’s really helped the team.”

Crystal Palace have now joined the hotly-contested race to sign a “brilliant” new striker on a free transfer this summer, according to a recent report.

Nketiah reaches 50 goals in Crystal Palace win over Wolves

The Eagles followed up their amazing 1-0 triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday with an impressive 4-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their final home game of the season, reaching a club record 52 Premier League points.

Related Crystal Palace now plotting quick deal to sign "aggressive" £20m midfielder

The Eagles are now eyeing a move for an attacking midfielder.

Posts ByDominic Lund May 20, 2025

Oliver Glasner decided to hand striker Eddie Nketiah a rare start, and it was a move that paid off as he netted twice in a five-minute window to help the South Londoners on their way to victory. It meant Tuesday night’s game was a special landmark for the 25-year-old, as he netted his 50th career goal. After the game, Nketiah revealed he wants to contribute more next season.

“It is nice to reach that landmark. I know I can do much better and help the team. It’s a nice way to end the last home game, and I want to contribute more next season.”

Nketiah joined the Eagles last summer having decided to leave Arsenal in search of regular football. His move to Selhurst Park probably hasn’t quite gone the way he expected, as he’s made just nine starts in the Premier League, scoring only three goals, perhaps understandably struggling to get ahead of Jean-Philippe Mateta in the pecking order.

Crystal Palace join Leeds in race to sign £140k-p/w star on free transfer

Nketiah will hope next season he can contribute more, but his chances of doing so could be dealt a further blow, as according to Football Insider, Crystal Palace have made contact with Jamie Vardy over a move to Selhurst Park.

Football Insider reports that contact has been made between the South Londoners and Vardy’s camp, as they try to get an understanding of whether he would want to move to Selhurst Park. The 38-year-old, who scored in his final game at the King Power Stadium as a Leicester City player on Sunday, is planning to continue playing at the highest level.

Palace don’t have a clear run at signing the Englishman, as it’s already been reported that Wolves are already plotting a move to sign the striker, while Leeds are also advancing on a deal, and Everton are said to be leading the race to sign Vardy.

Jamie Vardy’s Premier League record

Apps

342

Goals

145

Assists

50

The 38-year-old, who has been hailed as “brilliant” by Gary Lineker, has scored nine goals in 35 Premier League games this season, taking his total top flight tally to 145, a number any striker would kill to achieve in one of the top leagues in Europe.

It isn’t clear if Vardy would be interested in a move to Palace, but if the Eagles have any chance of signing the striker, they are going to have to pay around the £140,000 mark for wages, as that is what Vardy currently earns at Leicester.

Tottenham Hotspur want to reinforce their squad in key areas to coincide with the arrival of a new manager, with new signings crucial as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.

Tottenham transfer to-do list before 2025/2026

The noise surrounding Ange Postecoglou and his future in the last fortnight delayed the club’s recruitment drive, but with their Premier League rivals making serious moves, Daniel Levy finally pulled the trigger and the manager’s departure was announced on Friday.

Related Tottenham now hold talks over signing "real deal" MLS defender

He’s got a glowing reputation in the States.

Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 4, 2025

While the search for a new boss is currently taking precedence right now, with Postecoglou relieved of his duties by Spurs after an official announcement on Friday afternoon, supporters will be hoping they can find his replacement in quick fashion.

Arsenal are currently working on deals for both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres of RB Leipzig and Sporting CP respectively (BBC), while fellow London rivals Chelsea have already announced the arrival of Liam Delap in a £30 million deal from Ipswich.

English champions Liverpool have been especially busy with their ongoing rumoured pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, after completing the signing of Jeremie Frimpong.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The same can be said of Man City, which begs the question: how long can Tottenham really go without attacking this transfer market in similar fashion? Especially after qualifying for Europe’s most prestigious competition.

Once their plans do kick-in, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge suggests the Lilywhites have plans to reinforce in all areas of the squad, bar their goalkeeper.

A new forward and midfielder will apparently take priority if defender Cristian Romero stays, according to Bridge, and Spurs will no longer have to sell to buy after winning the Europa League.

That being said, the futures of some high-profile first-team players may still lie away from N17, meaning Daniel Levy could have to replace them.

Earlier this week, The Telegraph shared news of Son Heung-min’s potential departure after 10 years at Tottenham. The one-year contract extension clause in his deal, which was activated earlier this year, means Spurs will be able to demand a fee.

Meanwhile, Richarlison has been heavily linked with an exit this summer, following an injury-ridden campaign.

What agents have said about Tottenham talks for Rodrigo Muniz

If the Brazilian does leave, recent reports have claimed that Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz could replace the Brazilian.

However, despite some claims Tottenham have been in talks for Muniz, journalist Vene Casagrande has shared information to the contrary directly from the £50 million South American’s camp.

Muniz’s agents have apparently denied any talks with Spurs, adding that Flamengo also have a 25 per cent sell-on clause on any future deal for the forward, which could complicate matters even further.

The 24-year-old bagged 11 goals in all competitions and was a key player for Marco Silva over the course of 2024/2025, prompting rumoured interest from Tottenham as they scour the market for proven forwards.

It is the start of a new era at Ibrox after Glasgow Rangers confirmed that Russell Martin is their new head coach, which came shortly after their takeover was finalised.

They also have a new sporting director, in Kevin Thelwell, and will be attacking the summer transfer window with a view to creating a team that will compete for trophies next season.

Martin and Thelwell are tasked with making changes to a squad that ended the 2024/25 campaign without a single trophy to show for their efforts.

The former Scotland international has already confirmed, though, that James Tavernier will retain the captaincy, and that a change in management will not result in a change in leadership.

Of course, the English defender keeping his role as the club captain does not mean that he is guaranteed to start week-in-week-out next term.

Why James Tavernier's position could be in danger

The veteran full-back should not be a guaranteed starter at right-back under Martin because of his defensive deficiencies that have cost Rangers on many occasions.

As recently as April, broadcaster Graham Spiers posted this on X: “The criticism that has been cast at James Tavernier all his career – defensive negligence – strikes again.”

That comment was in reaction to the goal in the clip above, as Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams ghosted in behind the Rangers skipper to score at the back post.

Tavernier, who former Gers full-back Steven Whittaker once claimed “needs to look” at the defensive side of the game, did not enjoy the best season in the Scottish Premiership from a defensive perspective either.

24/25 Premiership

James Tavernier

Appearances

33

Goals

4

Assists

8

Dribbled past

17x

Error led to shot

4

Duel success rate

56%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 33-year-old captain made four errors that directly led to shots for the opposition, which is twice as many as any other Rangers defender made in the division this season.

Errors have simply become too commonplace for the English full-back, whether that is giving the ball away to set up a shot for the opposition or by failing to track a runner at the back post, and that is why his spot as a regular starter should be in danger heading into next season.

Rangers are now reportedly eyeing up a new right-back to bolster their squad, and it could mean that Tavernier starting regularly next term is even less likely.

Rangers eyeing deal for new right-back

According to Hull Live, Rangers are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Hull City right-back Cody Drameh in the summer transfer window, which reopens next Monday.

The report claims that the Gers are ‘huge admirers’ of the English defender, as they line up a swoop to sign him from the Championship side ahead of next season.

Transfer Focus

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

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It adds that Derby County, who are also in the English Championship, have already had one bid turned down for the former Leeds United full-back, but they remain determined to snap him up.

The outlet reveals that as many as nine clubs are eyeing up moves to sign Drameh this summer, with Preston North End and Strasbourg named alongside Derby and Rangers.

Hull Live reveals, though, that the Tigers are not ‘actively’ looking to cash in on the defender, although they would be prepared to consider offers in excess of £1m for his services.

Rangers should, now, push hard to win the race for Drameh’s signature before the end of the summer transfer window, because he could improve Martin’s options at right-back.

Why Cody Drameh could be an upgrade on James Tavernier

As aforementioned, Tavernier’s defensive work has left a lot to be desired for Rangers and bringing in the Hull star could improve the team defensively because of the qualities that he can provide down the right flank.

The 23-year-old star, who was once described as a “Duracell bunny” by former Cardiff City boss Steve Morison, is a solid defender who can lock up opposition wingers week-in-week-out.

Ex-Leeds player Ben Parker previously hailed the full-back’s defensive qualities, saying: “Cody Drameh, his strength is one v one defending. He loves defending. There has not been too many players I’ve seen this season that gets the better of him in a one v one duel. I love to see that.”

Drameh has averaged 3.9 tackles and interceptions per game across his entire club career to date, compared to Tavernier’s 3.1 per match, and his defensive statistics in the 2024/25 campaign in particular suggest that he could be a terrific addition for Rangers.

24/25 Championship

Drameh (per 90)

Percentile rank vs full-backs

Tackles

4.04

Top 1%

Tackles in defensive third

2.57

Top 1%

Dribblers challenged

4.15

Top 1%

Dribblers tackled

2.46

Top 1%

Tackles + interceptions

5.08

Top 1%

Errors

0.0

Top 23%

Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, the Hull star ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in the Championship in a host of key defensive metrics, winning tackles and challenges in his own half and preventing wingers from getting by him with dribbles.

He also ended the Championship season without a single error that directly led to a shot or goal for the opposition, compared to Tavernier’s four, which suggests that he would be far more reliable in the right-back slot.

As Parker claimed, Drameh ‘loves defending’ and the same could not be said of Tavernier after aforementioned his mistakes for the Gers, which have cost them, particularly in the Europa League.

The Hull defender is also ten years younger than the Rangers captain and could be the long-term option for Martin in the right-back position, as a big defensive upgrade on the former Newcastle man.

Related As important as selling Propper: Five clubs now want to sign Rangers flop

Five teams are eyeing up a deal for a Rangers flop should be sold as well as Robin Propper.

Posts ByDan Emery Jun 10, 2025

Manchester United are now in a transfer race with arch-rivals Manchester City in a bid to sign a “world-class” Paris Saint-Germain player, according to a recent report.

Man Utd ready to cut losses to make room for new signings

The first week or so of the summer transfer window has seen United agree a move for Matheus Cunha and work on a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. But while Ruben Amorim wants to strengthen his team over the coming months, the Portuguese also wants to move players on, as the club looks to bring in money and cut the size of the squad, given there is no European football next season.

Related £84m Garnacho upgrade: Man Utd in talks for 'one of the best in the world'

Man Utd appear to be seeking a statement replacement for Alejandro Garnacho this summer

Posts ByRobbie Walls Jun 8, 2025

The likes of Antony, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Andre Onana have been tipped for exits, but the two most high-profile departures from Old Trafford this summer could be Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho.

That is because Inter Milan are keen on signing Hojlund, reportedly looking into signing the Dane on loan before getting him on a permanent basis for £38 million next year. The fee is considerably lower than the £72 million United paid in 2023, but his departure could fund a move for a more prolific number nine.

Meanwhile, an exit has been on the cards for Garnacho in the last six months, and now Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the Argentine will be leaving Old Trafford. Since that news, Saudi team Al-Nassr are interested in a deal for Garnacho, should they be unable to agree a deal with Liverpool to sign Luis Diaz.

Man Utd trying to beat Man City to Donnarumma

An exit for both Hojlund and Garnacho would free up money for the Red Devils, and they may already know how to spend it. According to L’Equipe, Man United have expressed an interest in signing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG.

The Italian is under contract in Paris until June 2026, but the French and European champions want to extend that deal and have been trying to do so for the last few months. However, a positive outcome has yet to be reached. Donnarumma has an offer on the table from PSG, but he is said be unhappy with what the current terms.

That has now left the door open for United and City, who are both interested in a deal, and the report claims the goalkeeper has already spoken to some of his teammates about possibly making a move to England.

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s PSG stats

Apps

154

Goals conceded

152

Clean sheets

51

The 26-year-old, who has been dubbed “world-class” by Carlo Ancelotti in the past, was sensational for PSG in the Champions League. He kept six clean sheets in 15 games and played a crucial role in them getting past the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Liverpool in the knockout stages.

His potential arrival at Old Trafford would be an expensive one, as the goalkeeper earns €244,808 a week, which is roughly £206,000. It would also depend on what happens to Onana, as he’s been linked with a move away, but as of yet, no team has made a significant offer.

When the transfer window opened at the beginning of the month, there was a sense of expectation that this would finally be the window in which Arsenal sign a new striker.

It’s the clear and obvious need but so far, they’re yet to get any attacking additions over the line.

Instead, they’re on the verge of strengthening both the midfield and defensive positions, with Kepa Arrizabalaga due to arrive from Chelsea as David Raya’s back-up, while talks are reportedly ongoing to sign Valencia’s young centre-back, Cristhian Mosquera.

In midfield. Martin Zubimendi is due to arrive any day now from Real Sociedad in a deal worth just over £50m. Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is a surprise addition too, reportedly set to sign for around £10m.

Once those deals are complete, Andrea Berta and Co must hurry up the process to sign a batch of new forwards.

The latest on Arsenal's transfer plans

While deals for the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko remain in the pipeline, the Gunners are also looking to strengthen out wide.

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is one player they’re in talks to sign but the main candidate for much of the window so far has been Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

He’s played just 88 minutes at the Club World Cup in the USA and it’s widely expected that he could leave this summer. If he does, then Arsenal will likely be at the front of the queue, but as many have revealed, it’s going to be a tough deal to conclude due to the fee involved and his wage demands.

Football Transfers report this weekend that the Gunners have actually cooled their interest in Rodrygo a tad and instead have turned their attention to Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Transfer Focus

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

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It’s stated that the north Londoners are now considering placing a bid for the 27-year-old, which due to Eze’s release clause, would need to meet a valuation of £68m.

The report notes that one determining factor in any deal could be the player’s close friendship with Bukayo Saka. Their sources suggest that Saka has actually privately encouraged the Eagles star to make the move to the Emirates.

How Eze compares to Rodrygo

Arsenal’s biggest priority this summer must be signing a new striker but the second biggest priority should be boosting their options on the left flank.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are not bad options but they did only score ten goals apiece last season, hardly the numbers required to sustain a Premier League and Champions League challenge.

As a result, the idea of signing Rodrygo, a player who netted as many as 19 goals in the 2022/23 campaign, is a good one on paper.

That said, the Brazilian perhaps didn’t enjoy his finest of years in 2024/25. Although he scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions, only 12 of those involvements came in 30 LaLiga outings.

The fact of the matter is, he’s rather inconsistent. Couple that with the fact that he’s not played in the Premier League before and there would rightfully be a few concerns surrounding a deal.

Eze, on the other hand, would be a safe signing but one that undoubtedly improves the quality of Mikel Arteta’s squad. The Spaniard has often shopped for new goods in the English top-flight and more often than not, those signings have been a big success.

Take Declan Rice, for example, who has only gone from strength to strength since that mega £105m move. Take David Raya too, who won the Golden Glove award in 2024/25.

Eze could be a signing out of the same playbook. He knows the division and, unlike Rodrygo, would not need much time to bed in.

He’s not a bad player, either. Not only does the England international play on the left flank, but a lot of his best work actually comes as an attacking midfielder, scoring 14 goals and posting 11 assists in 2024/25.

Coincidentally, that’s the same number as Rodrygo managed last season, albeit from just 43 games, ten fewer than the Madrid star. Beyond that, where are the key similarities and differences?

Eze vs Rodrygo: 2024/25 League stats

Stat (per 90 mins)

Eze

Rodrygo

Goals

0.28

0.28

Assists

0.28

0.23

Shots

3.47

2.52

Key passes

2.01

2.29

Progressive passes

3.37

5.05

Shot-creating actions

4.69

4.95

Successful take-ons

2.33

2.29

Progressive carries

2.40

5.28

Tackles

1.35

0.98

Ball recoveries

5.07

3.32

Stats via FBRef.

Now, as far as producing progressive actions are concerned, Rodrygo is a better player. But, if we combine the overall threat of Eze, a high number of take-ons, shots and key passes, and combine that with his already large experience of English football, there’s a clear winner in this situation.

We should also keep in mind that Palace are not a hugely ball-dominant team. Indeed, last term, the Eagles sat 17th in the league for average possession, enjoying 42.4% of the ball. In contrast, Arsenal sat third with 57.1% of possession.

As a result, those numbers above could become even bigger if he plays in a team that enjoys more custody of the ball.

Rodrygo looks like a tricky deal to do, but Eze’s straight-up release clause should make this an easier negotiation. It’s over to you, Berta.

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Posts ByMatt Dawson Jun 29, 2025

Skipper survives bizarre no-ball reprieve to top-score with 61 in seven-run win

ECB Reporters Network20-Jun-2024

Shan Masood flicks into the leg side•Getty Images

Yorkshire 173 for 8 (Masood 61, Root 43) beat Lancashire 166 for 8 (Jennings 46) by seven runs Yorkshire Vikings won a home Roses match for the second season running, successfully defending a 174 target to beat Vitality Blast pacesetters Lancashire at Headingley by seven runs.A typically pulsating clash on a pitch suiting pace off saw the pendulum swing back and forth but decisively the Vikings’ way as Lightning slipped from 67 for two in the eighth over to 88 for five in the 11th and later finishing on 166 for eight.Home captain Shan Masood underpinned Yorkshire’s 173 for eight with 61 off 41 balls, while England’s Joe Root contributed 43 off 33 – they shared 104 for the fourth wicket. Later, off-spinner Dom Bess struck twice, including the scalp of Keaton Jennings for 46 to start that aforementioned mini collapse.Yorkshire won for the fourth time in seven, while the North Group leaders lost their third game in eight.Off-spinner Chris Green was the pick of Lancashire’s bowlers with two for 21, while pacer Saqib Mahmood struck three times.Yorkshire’s innings, having elected to bat, can be best summed up as Lancashire started and finished well but the hosts dominated the middle through Masood and Root.Vikings lost openers Adam Lyth lbw to Green’s first ball and Dawid Malan caught at midwicket off a top-edged pull against Mahmood – 23 for two in the third over.