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The already chaotic summer transfer window has certainly livened up in the past couple of days involving the newly promoted Premier League sides. Sunderland and Leeds United seem to be regularly locking horns over who to buy, with the Black Cats winning many of the battles so far, as seen in Regis Le Bris’ men pipping the Whites to the signature of £30m midfielder Habib Diarra.

On top of that, they are now raining on the Elland Road parade further by nearing a deal to land Noah Sadiki, who was also on Leeds’ radar.

Still, there’s plenty of time for Leeds to iron out deals away from finding themselves somewhat in Sunderland’s shadow, as a whole host of standout names continue to be linked to West Yorkshire.

Leeds' latest transfer business

The panic button won’t be pressed just yet, considering Leeds are already three signings down as they go about building a Premier League-ready team.

But, there are priority positions that are in need of reinforcements still, with Gustavo Hamer notably continuing to be linked to Elland Road to gift Daniel Farke and Co. more numbers down the left wing, and in the troubled number ten position.

On top of that, a brand-new goalkeeper to replace a shaky Illan Meslier is also a must, with a fantastic target now coming to the surface.

As per Leeds Live, the Whites are still monitoring the situation of Brazilian shot-stopper Lucas Perri, and are said to be ‘exploring’ a move, with the likes of AS Monaco also noted as an interested party in the Lyon goalkeeper.

Lyon’s dire financial situation remains up in the air, with Leeds potentially capitalising on their woes to land the 27-year-old for a cut-price deal, but no bid or even talks have occurred just yet.

Why Perri would be a better signing than Sadiki

This could well be seen as a better buy long-term for Leeds than their failed pursuit of Sadiki, with Perri at the top of his game last season in Ligue 1, meaning the Whites could be handed a top-flight-ready ‘keeper very soon, over having to persist with Meslier.

Of course, winning the services of the Congolese international would have been an ideal scenario as Leeds attempt to bolster all over the pitch.

Indeed, Sadiki – when glancing at his career-wide numbers – can slot into various spots on the pitch if needed, with the 20-year-old starlet having played in defence on 12 occasions, while also excelling as a central midfield option.

Yet, at £17.75m – which is the agreed fee Sunderland have reportedly signed off on – it is a risky move, with the up-and-coming Union Saint-Gilloise prospect having to get up to speed with the demands of the Premier League fast.

Further, with Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev, and Ethan Ampadu already at Farke’s disposal centrally, a pricey addition here might not be seen as the most pressing capture to make.

Whereas, for a reported £13m, snapping up Perri’s signature should be viewed as a no-brainer to try and get over the line, with the South American ‘keeper even featuring in the Europa League last season for Paolo Fonseca’s men.

Whilst the table above might initially sway those into thinking Meslier is just about the stronger ‘keeper when staring at clean sheets numbers alone, Perri was in a far tougher terrain last campaign in the French top division, with the Lyon number 23 preventing a whopping 6.05 goals in the process courtesy of his shot-stopping.

On the contrary, his ex-Lorient counterpart had far too many error-strewn displays – irrespective of his 21 clean sheets overall – leaving him with a worrying -2.35 in this regard.

Further lauded as being “the best goalkeeper in the world” by Fonseca last season, this feels like a signing that would make Leeds a far more competitive force when returning to the Premier League, rather than hoping for Sadiki to come good in such a challenging environment.

Better signing than Diarra: Leeds line up move for "exceptional" £30m star

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be even better than Habib Diarra.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 3, 2025

Tottenham have now made an intriguing promise to top target Mohammed Kudus in talks with the Premier League star, and West Ham are expecting an imminent new bid for him as the transfer saga rumbles on.

Tottenham now "pushing to sign" £70m "beast" who's "very open" to the move

Spurs are in “ongoing” negotiations to sign a forward.

2

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 7, 2025

Kudus is now a priority signing for Spurs, as reported elsewhere, but chairman Daniel Levy will need to dig deep into the club’s coffers to reach an agreement, having already seen a £50 million offer rejected (BBC).

The former Ajax star, who made quite a splash during his debut campaign in England, didn’t quite live up to those heights during his second season at the London Stadium, but Thomas Frank and co appear convinced that Kudus could get back to his very best by joining them.

Even though club-to-club talks are proving complicated, with West Ham holding out for the best deal possible as they look to reinvest the cash in their own summer recruitment drive, Spurs are boosted by Kudus’ desire to make the move to N17.

The 24-year-old only has eyes for Tottenham right now, and isn’t interested in joining any other club as things stand.

If the transfer materialises, it would be the two sides’ first agreed deal since Scott Parker’s switch to Spurs in 2011 – ending an unofficial transfer embargo between West Ham and the Lilywhites.

Now, very reliable West Ham insider, ExWHUemployee, has shared his own update on the story.

Tottenham make Mohammed Kudus promise with new bid imminent

According to Ex, Chelsea’s issue with the plethora of non-homegrown players in their squad has opened the door for Spurs to strike a deal ahead of the west Londoners.

Tottenham have also “promised” Kudus that he’d be the “main man” if he were to join Frank’s side, and those within West Ham are expecting them to make an imminent improved offer for the African.

“Chelsea have been in contact with the club but have yet to offer the financial package that the club wanted,” said the insider, via West Ham Way.

“At the moment no other club has bid. It appears that Arsenal have turned their attention elsewhere to the homegrown Noni Madueke from Chelsea. Chelsea have their own issues with an abundance of non-homegrown players, and it has enabled Spurs to push ahead.

“Liverpool were thought to be Kudus’ preferred choice, but West Ham have yet to receive an offer from them or any real suggestion that they could. Of course, Liverpool have other things on their mind to deal with due to the tragic news surrounding their club this week and may be putting all business temporarily on hold whilst they come to terms with the loss.

“We spoke to our top source at the club within the last half hour and asked for an update and we were told: Spurs, sadly, only bid £50m. We hope other clubs will come in. There are very few clubs that buy players for £50m/£60m and need a RW.

“West Ham are expecting Spurs to come back with an improved offer in the next day or so and will hope at least one other club will compete.

“Kudus is said to be happy to move to Spurs. He will get Champions League football and has been promised he will be the main man, whereas at Chelsea he would be one of many for example.”

Leeds United have now advanced talks to sign a £17m star who’s “one of the best in Europe” in his position, and they are tempted to trigger his release clause, according to a report.

Leeds in no rush to sign new goalkeeper

With Illan Meslier making a catalogue of errors last season, you may expect those at Elland Road will be eager to bring in a new goalkeeper, but Sky Sports News reporters Zinny Boswell and Keith Downie have revealed the Championship title-winners are prioritising other positions.

“Leeds United are in no rush to sign a goalkeeper as they assess potential targets. They have a long list of options, which includes Lyon’s Lucas Perri and Torino’s Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

“A goalkeeper would not need the same amount of time to settle in to Daniel Farke’s system, which is why the club are prioritising outfield players earlier in the window.”

Leeds submit £12m bid to sign "unbelievable" player, personal terms agreed

The Whites are “pushing” to complete a deal for a midfielder.

1

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 8, 2025

However, with a deal for Gabriel Gudmundsson over the line, the Whites now appear to have turned their attention towards bringing in a replacement for Meslier, with talks to sign a new goalkeeper recently progressing.

That is according to a report from Italy, which states Leeds are now tempted to pay the release clause in Milinkovic-Savic’s contract, which amounts to slightly over €20m (£17m) for clubs outside the Serie A.

The clause is available until the end of the month, so there is no urgent need for the newly-promoted side to make a move, but they will be wary of rival interest in the goalkeeper, with Serie A winners Napoli also being named as potential suitors.

Talks have advanced recently, but Daniel Farke’s side are still unsure whether they should cough up the £17m, and the situation should be monitored closely over the next few days.

Milnkovic-Savic among the "best" goalkeepers in Europe

Torino president Urbano Cairo holds the Serbian in very high regard, saying: “Milinkovic-Savic has a release clause in his contract, but these are things that can be changed. He’s a great goalkeeper, one of the best in Europe, and has improved so much.”

It is clear to see why the 28-year-old is so highly-rated too, having performed extremely well across a number of key statistics for goalkeepers over the past year.

As shown, the Spain-born goalkeeper is particularly impressive at stopping penalties, having made a number of key saves during his time with Torino in the Serie A.

Milinkovic-Savic could be a fantastic signing for Leeds, who certainly need to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, given that Meslier may not be trusted by Farke, having been dropped for the promotion run-in during the climax of the 2024-25 season.

Arsenal are reportedly about to win the race for another player, beating both Man City and Liverpool to the punch, with Mikel Arteta handed yet another transfer boost this summer after a plethora of major signings.

Arsenal could also terminate 23-year-old's contract after Takehiro Tomiyasu

He’s ready to accept an offer to leave.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 16, 2025

The Premier League title hopefuls most recently sealed deals for both winger Noni Madueke, who joined the club in a £52 million transfer from Chelsea, and defender Cristhian Mosquera – after the Gunners shook hands with Valencia for the promising young defender.

They join Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard as Arsenal’s newest crop of players, with Mosquera boasting serious potential to keep both William Saliba and Gabriel on their toes next season, according to a former staff member at Valencia.

“He is a player who has shown great potential in a short period of time,” he told Sky Sports.

“He became a very important for us and contributed a lot despite his age.

“He needs to work on some key aspects, like his decision-making. He is intense and aggressive in the way he defends but sometimes he needs to choose the right moments and understand when it would be better to drop back or hold his position.

“For a league like the Premier League, his aerial play isn’t a big strength, but he is quick on the cover, in defensive one-vs-ones and when running back towards his own goal.”

Arsenal are also on the verge of signing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres after reaching a full agreement, and his medical could take place this week as the north Londoners iron out some final details (Florian Plettenberg).

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze also remains a target for Arteta following talks with his representatives over the last fortnight, but according to The Sun, Arsenal are about to sign another forward.

Arsenal win race to sign Salford City striker Will Wright

Journalist Charlie Wyett, in a detailed piece for the outlet, claims Arsenal look to have won the race for Salford City striker Will Wright – after making the biggest offer for his signature.

Liverpool tabled a £100,000 bid for the 17-year-old in an attempt to lure him to Anfield, but Arsenal now hope they’ve sealed the transfer by submitting an offer worth £250,000 – plus “major add-ons”.

Man City also held an interest in the teenager, who played against them in Salford’s 8-0 FA Cup loss to the Blues last season, but it appears Arteta’s side are now poised to sign Wright.

The Englishman has been on fire in pre-season, scoring four goals in three games so far, but they could potentially be his last minutes for Salford as he closes in on a move to the Premier League.

He would initially link up with Arsenal’s Under-21s and develop in the academy before Arteta makes any decisions on first-team action, but he’s very “highly-rated” behind-the-scenes.

Manchester City are now seriously keen on signing a “world-class” Barcelona player, with a £69m offer currently being prepared, according to a report.

Man City set out to sign Walker replacement

With Kyle Walker leaving on loan to AC Milan last season, before going on to sign for AC Milan, Matheus Nunes has often been given the nod at right-back, and Pep Guardiola believes the 26-year-old has attributes that suit that position.

Guardiola said: “He can become a good right-back for the physicality. I think he’s not a player to play in the middle because he’s not clever enough, in composure. He has incredible skills and he’s learning a lot.”

However, there are doubts over whether the Portugal international can be trusted at right-back, given that it is not his natural position, and City have set out to bring in more of a like-for-like replacement for Walker.

Earlier this month, it was revealed the Blues hold an interest in Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento, but widespread recent reports suggest they are no longer set to pursue the 22-year-old, and an alternative option has now entered the frame.

Contact was made over a potential deal for Barcelona’s Jules Kounde earlier this week, and there has now been a new development on Man City’s pursuit of the defender.

According to a report from Spain, Man City are now seriously keen on signing Kounde, and such is their level of interest, they are now preparing a €80m (£69m) offer for his services.

Guardiola is determined to strengthen his backline this summer, and the Barca star has now emerged as his main target, but a deal will not be easy, given that he is locked in talks over a contract renewal to extend his stay at the Camp Nou.

Man City ready to submit £51m bid to sign top target to replace Ederson

Man City are now working on a deal to sign their top target this summer.

By
Brett Worthington

Jul 22, 2025

The La Liga side are reluctant to sanction the Frenchman’s departure, but if the Blues make a formal offer, it could be difficult to refuse.

"World-class" Kounde could be ideal Walker heir

After enduring a rare disappointing campaign last season, City will be looking to compete for the Premier League title once again, and the 26-year-old is exactly the calibre of player they need to bring in.

Described as “world-class” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Paris-born defender was a vital player for Barcelona last term, making 32 appearances en-route to La Liga glory, while scoring the winning goal in the Copa del Rey final.

The France international’s attacking talents were on display throughout the campaign, also netting against Real Betis after making a fantastic marauding run.

Walker was, of course, well-known for his pace and ability to make an impact on the front foot, so Kounde could be a like-for-like replacement in that regard, and it is exciting news that City are now preparing an offer.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has received his very own F50 boots as adidas launch the teenager’s second exclusive collection, just days after unveiling his personal logo. The 18-year-old attacker, who already boasts over 100 appearances for Barca, will debut the striking purple-and-pink design this week as his meteoric rise continues both on and off the pitch.

• adidas launch Lamine Yamal’s second exclusive F50 boot collection
• Design debuts personal logo and blends bold purple-pink tones
• Barcelona star to wear them on September 14 against Valencia

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  adidas unveiled the F50 LAMINE YAMAL boots, marking the Spanish star’s second player-exclusive pack. The design takes inspiration from classic F50 models while incorporating Yamal’s new logo, a symbol of his roots and future. He will wear the boots on September 14 when Barcelona take on Valencia in La Liga action.

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• adidas
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The boots feature a bold purple and pink gradient base, with light pink and lilac details adding depth to the design. Neon lemon accents, including Yamal’s personal logo, inject vibrancy and highlight speed. Available from €50 to €270, the range makes the exclusive design accessible to fans at all levels.

• TELL ME MORE…

  Yamal’s rise has been meteoric, cementing himself as a key figure for Barca despite his young age. The launch of his own boot and logo reflects his growing commercial influence alongside his footballing impact. adidas have long celebrated emerging icons, and Yamal is the latest name to carry the F50 legacy.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR YAMAL?

  The Ballon d'Or challenger will now debut the boots against Valencia on September 14 as he looks to maintain his flying start to the season. With two goals and two assists already, the teenager remains central to Barca’s push for more silverware. His performances in LaLiga and Europe could make the F50 LAMINE YAMAL an instant classic.

Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement with an unnamed club for a “talented” Spurs player to leave north London alongside Heung-min Son.

Heung-min Son set to leave Tottenham

Spurs captain Son is on course to become the club’s first major departure of the summer window.

Perfect Son upgrade: Spurs in talks to sign "world-class" £69m sensation

Tottenham’s legendary captain wants to leave the club this summer.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 2, 2025

After spending 10 years in north London and winning his first piece of silverware last season after lifting the Europa League, Son has announced his plans to leave the club before the new Premier League campaign.

Mikey Moore and Alejo Veliz have already left on loan ahead of the 2025/26 season, and alongside Son, another highly-rated Tottenham gem is also set to depart.

Agreement reached for Jamie Donley to leave Tottenham on loan

According to reports from Lilywhite Rose, relayed by Tottenham News, Spurs have reached an agreement with an unnamed Championship club for Jamie Donley, with a deal set to go through following the club’s pre-season tour of South Korea.

The 20-year-old has featured under Thomas Frank in parts of pre-season, and there were claims that the attacking midfielder could be a part of the first-team plans in 25/26.

However, he now looks set to head to the second tier on a season-long loan after an impressive spell with Leyton Orient in League One last year.

Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens loved what he saw from Donley last season, who stunned Manchester City in the FA Cup with a long-range effort.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Jamie, he is a talented player. He’s come into us and he is a talented boy, everyone can see that. When you watch him in training and you see the talent he has, he has every opportunity to be whatever he wants to be.

“We have been good in the last 14 or 15 games and he has been outstanding for us, he is an exceptional player at this level and will go on to bigger and better things.”

It now appears he is set for a step up into the Championship, and in 12 months time, could be pushing for a spot in Frank’s side.

A furious Unai Emery slammed his "lazy" Aston Villa players after they blew a lead against 10-man Sunderland on Sunday. Following their 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light, Villa are languishing down in 18th in the Premier League table with only three points from their opening five games.

• Aston Villa's nightmare start

  Aston Villa are still looking for their first win of the 2025-26 campaign after a disappointing draw at Sunderland on Sunday. The hosts were reduced to 10 men after Reinildo Mandava picked up a red card just past the half-hour mark. Matty Cash then broke the deadlock in the second half with a long-range strike for Villa, only to see his side concede just eight minutes later as Wilson Isidor scored the equaliser.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Emery slams 'lazy' Villa stars

  Speaking to reporters after the game, Villa boss Emery fumed: "We are not playing like I want. Of course, we have to adapt some players. We will need time with them, but the other players know how we want to control the game with the ball more than without the ball. We were conceding a lot of chances. Chances starting with their goalkeeper, long ball, second action, throw-in, corner, in our box and of course, we are conceding chances. “It was starting with the goalkeepers. And why?

  "Because we were not dominating control of the game with one player more, doing passes, making passes and taking the right moment to attack them. We were not doing it. We were lazy sometimes in defence really. Lazy. For example, when we concede, we were lazy. Maybe it is the consequences, we are not feeling dominating, we are not feeling playing our style."

• 'I am frustrated and disappointed'

  The Spanish coach added: "Normally the players, they have attitude. But sometimes, because maybe they are a little bit upset or they are maybe a little bit not feeling good, they are not fighting. This is not something individually I can tell them like a punishment. It's something that, collectively, we have to try to understand and to try to feel better. I am not today frustrated and disappointed for the result, I am frustrated and disappointed for how we played and how we are not playing or feeling comfortable with our style. We have to try to recover our personality."

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  Villa looking forward to European night

  Emery will now hope that Aston Villa can bounce back strongly when they kick off their Europa League campaign against Bologna at home on Thursday. Villa will host Fulham in the Premier League three days later.

They might have lost two games, but it would be hard to describe this summer as anything other than a success for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side won their other three, and the board have properly backed him in the market thus far.

The likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke all look ready to make a significant impact in the Premier League and beyond this season.

However, there is still time for the club to make more signings, and one of the players they’ve been most heavily linked with is Eberechi Eze.

However, while the Crystal Palace star would be an excellent signing, it might be wiser for Andrea Berta and Co to go back in for another dynamic attacker linked with the side earlier in the window.

Why Arsenal want to sign Eze

While Arsenal have been linked with Eze before, with stories touting him for a move to the Emirates last summer, the links have been far more substantive and consistent this year.

Transfer Focus

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

In fact, there are plenty of reports claiming that the player is dead set on joining Arteta’s squad, and that the only obstacle is that the club want to sell players first.

Whatever ends up happening over the coming weeks, it’s clear that the Gunners are interested in the Palace ace, and it’s not hard to understand why.

After all, despite playing for a mid-table side at best, the England international was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists in 43 games, totalling 3303 minutes last season.

That means the former QPR gem maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

On top of that, he also played a key role in the South Londoners’ FA Cup triumph, scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final and final.

However, while all of this is hugely impressive, and we have no doubt that Eze would be a success in North London, Arsenal might be better off going back in for another player they were linked with earlier this summer: Bradley Barcola.

Why Arsenal should sign Barcola over Eze

Now it is certainly the case that links to Barcola have been few and far between this summer, but not nonexistent, as Arsenal reportedly made contact over the French winger back in June.

Stories since then have claimed that the Paris Saint-Germain star is valued at around £87m, and while that is a massive amount of money, we still think this is a transfer the Gunners should be back in for in a big way.

The first reason relates to the 22-year-old’s seriously impressive output last season.

In 64 appearances for the Parisians, totalling 3927 minutes, the game-changing talent, whom respected analyst Ben Mattinson has dubbed “one of the best LWs in Europe,” scored 21 goals and provided 21 assists.

In other words, the Lyon-born superstar maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.52 games, or every 93.5 minutes, which is almost unbelievable considering the amount of football he played.

On top of being more dangerous than Eze, we’d argue that, as an out-and-out left-winger, the former Lyon gem is also more of what the North Londoners need at the moment.

With Martin Odegaard looking to get back to his best and Ethan Nwaneri snapping at his heels, the most glaring weakness in Arteta’s side is the ineffectiveness on the left, with neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard being the sort of players who’d strike fear into opposition defenders.

Ultimately, it might be something of a long shot, but if Arsenal really want to take a massive step forward and closer to Premier League glory this summer, they should go all out for Barcola over Eze.

They've held talks: £78m Eze upgrade open to joining Arsenal this summer

Arsenal are making huge moves in the window despite entering talks to sign Eberechi Eze.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 13, 2025

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca fears Liverpool may be “impossible to catch” after seeing the Reds invest £446 million ($603m) during the summer transfer window of 2025. Arne Slot’s side were already reigning Premier League champions and a faultless start has been made to the new season as domestic rivals worry about how to stage their own title challenges.

• Premier League champions even stronger

  With Slot overseeing little business across his debut campaign on Merseyside, huge moves were made after capturing the English top-flight crown. Liverpool drafted in the likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez during an elaborate spending spree.

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• AFP
  

  Perfect start leaves rivals playing catch-up

  Liverpool have started the new campaign with five successive wins, leaving them five points clear at the top of the table, and Maresca – who has Chelsea sat sixth – admits that the Reds may soon race out of sight.

• Maresca in Premier League title admission

  The Italian tactician said of trying to put his Blues squad in contention: “If they [Liverpool] continue in this way I think it is impossible to catch them, not just for us, but for all the clubs. They have been doing a fantastic job since last year, and the players they have decided to buy shows the intention of the club to go again for the Premier League and the Champions League, and that is quite clear.”

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  Will Palmer require surgery after injury?

  If Chelsea are to compete, then they will need Cole Palmer at their disposal. He was forced out of a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Manchester United with a groin injury, but Maresca is confident that surgery can be avoided.

  He said when asked about the possibility of England international Palmer being forced under the knife: “The medical staff, they didn’t mention to me about surgery. I don’t know if in the next days or the next weeks, but I don’t think so, to be honest. But we need to protect Cole, 100%. Because of the Club World Cup, and we never stopped, we need to manage and protect different players, and Cole is one of them.

  “Now we have a meeting with the medical staff and decide the best solution for him. It is not an injury which is black and white. It is an injury which on some days you can be better and the pain disappears, and sometimes you can be worse so that is why we have to manage it day by day.”