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.

Leeds United are tooling up for a return to the Premier League and could now be closer to making their first signing of the summer window, according to reports.

Leeds United look towards Premier League comeback

Following playoff heartbreak against Southampton, Daniel Farke finally led his side to the Championship title this time around and will now focus on navigating the challenges top-flight football has to offer.

The Whites could have a transfer budget of over £100 million to play with this summer, which may go a long way to securing the survival that the 48-year-old craves in charge at Elland Road.

Ipswich Town act as an example that capital spent doesn’t necessarily guarantee a sustained place among England’s footballing elite, but there are valuable lessons to learn from promoted sides’ ill-fortune over the past few years.

Looking to buck that trend, Leeds are eyeing a statement move for former star Kalvin Phillips and have held internal talks to hatch a plan that could tempt him back to Yorkshire from Manchester City.

Evan Ferguson is another potential Whites signing with Premier League credentials that could thrive in the correct surroundings. Admittedly, he has stalled since his injury troubles, though his age may work in his favour if a deal were to be agreed.

Big upgrade on Piroe: Leeds in the race to sign £34m "monster"

Leeds United would land themselves a Joel Piroe upgrade if they successfully signed this goalscoring monster.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jun 1, 2025

Callum Wilson and Jamie Vardy have been mentioned as free agent options to bolster Farke’s frontline. Again, any possibility of a swoop would depend on whether they would fit the wage bracket at Elland Road.

Focusing on the foil behind the main men, Leeds and the 49ers have now stepped up their pursuit of a talented attacking midfielder to support their pool of centre-forward options.

Leeds United hold talks over Emiliano Buendia move

According to TBR’s Graeme Bailey, Leeds have now held talks to sign Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia. Having spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, the former Norwich City man is “open” to a move to Yorkshire and is someone who Farke trusts as his side look to retain their Premier League status.

Five most similar players to Emiliano Buendia (FBRef)

Eliesse Ben Seghir

Monaco

Enzo Millot

Stuttgart

Facundo Buonanotte

Leicester City

Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid

Xavi Simons

RB Leipzig

Labelled “delightful” by Dean Smith, Buendia registered five goals in 34 appearances across all competitions at his parent club and in Germany, though it is clear he needs to find a platform to gain regular minutes after a series of injury troubles.

Now, it remains to be seen if Leeds can pull off what would be regarded as a bit of a coup should they come to an agreement on a deal with the 28-year-old.

Buendia was regarded as one of the Premier League’s most talented stars outside the ‘Big Six’ not too long ago, so there is every chance Farke could reignite the Mar del Plata-born man.

Earlier this week, the Whites were said to be preparing a £16.8 million offer for the man in question, indicating there could be something in the water.

As Tottenham prepare to take on Manchester United in Bilbao in a Europa League final that will save one side’s season from disaster, we sat down with former Spurs midfielder and top flight manager Gus Poyet to chat about the two men in the dugouts.

Pressure mounting on Postecoglou

No doubt aware of the importance of the showdown in Spain not just for Tottenham but for his own future, Postecoglou has been in no mood to joke around with reporters in the build-up to the final.

Asked about a comment by Ruben Amorim that the Red Devils couldn’t possibly lose to the Lilywhites a fourth time this season, the former Celtic boss responded: “I’m sure in there, there’s some Portuguese humour. There’s a little irony there. I’m sure Ruben doesn’t think that way. We’ve had some good games against United this year and last year, and we have come out on top, but it’s the final of a major tournament.

“I think the one thing you don’t look at is previous head-to-head comparisons. They become irrelevant, it’s all about who performs on the day.”

There have indeed been widespread reports that the 59 year-old will be sacked if Spurs do not end their wait for a trophy next week, and speaking to Football FanCast in partnership with BetBrain, former White Hart Lane midfielder Poyet insisted the game is bigger for Ange than for his Portuguese counterpart: “I would think Ange (has more pressure), because of his words a few months ago when he said ‘I always win a trophy in my second season.’

“When you commit like that, it’s a big commitment because it’s not easy, especially at Tottenham. Now, the opportunity is massive, so it will be amazing if he wins it.”

Tottenham hold talks with big-name coach who Benitez thinks is very clever

He’d be an ideal replacement for Postecoglou.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2025 Amorim regretting "dream" Man Utd move

However, with United also toiling domestically, sitting just one point ahead of Tottenham with an abysmal goal difference of -11, the Uruguyan revealed there may be some regrets seeping in for the former Sporting CP boss: “I think for Amorim, it (winning the final) would be a plus to have an OK season. Maybe personally for him it would be important.

“But for the club, Man United, we all dream of managing one of those big clubs, but when you see what is happening he’s probably thinking ‘What did I do?’, and that’s a really bad feeling.”

Matches

25

Wins

6

Draws

6

Losses

13

Points

24

Goals for

30

Goals against

41

Indeed, the 40 year-old’s top flight form has been nothing short of embarassing – by his own admission – having gathered just 0.96 points per game since arriving in November of last year, which would return just over 36 points in a full campaign. Since the switch to a 20-team competition in 1995/1996, the average points needed for Premier League survival has been 37.86, meaning the Red Devils are well and truly in relegation form since Erik Ten Hag was replaced.

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.

Expand Collapse

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

Even after Chelsea sealed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for around £30 million, Enzo Maresca and co are still in the market for another centre-forward.

Arsenal plan £51m Chelsea hijack as key target now eyes Barcelona move

Andrea Berta has shifted focus.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2025

Delap made his debut for the Blues against Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup, assisting Nicolas Jackson for Chelsea’s second goal of the game in a 2-0 win, with Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo heaping praise on the exciting striker signing after their match in Atlanta.

“I’ve known Liam for a long time now, and I’ve played against him loads of times. Growing up, you know what sort of players are going to make it and he was always one of those,” said Colwill, via the BBC.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

“To have him in our team, to train against him, to see him score goals – which I know he will – I’m very excited.”

Tosin also drew attention to Delap’s aggression and intensity, with plenty of expectation now on the former Man City starlet’s shoulders after he took the number 9 shirt.

“He’s settled in very well. He’s a good young lad, and we know what qualities he brings,” said Tosin.

“He’s aggressive [when] pressing and an aggressive striker, making sure he’s always there, setting the intensity. Hopefully he scores many goals for us.”

While some doubts surround Delap’s readiness to lead the line, considering he’s still raw and very young, Chelsea are believed to be targeting a second frontman after the 22-year-old’s arrival.

Chelsea have held talks over Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who scored 22 goals in all competitions last season, and tried to secure the Frenchman’s signature in time for the Club World Cup, only for talks to collapse.

However, he remains “one to watch” for the coming weeks and talks are apparently ongoing.

As well as Ekitike, Chelsea are being linked with Brighton star Joao Pedro.

Newcastle United fear Chelsea will hijack Joao Pedro deal

The Brazil international is a wanted man following his impressive stint down south, with Chelsea identifying Pedro as one of their next striker targets before deadline day on September 1.

Now, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has shared an update on the situation.

Crook states that Newcastle are fearful that Chelsea will hijack their deal for Pedro, who Brighton are demanding £70 million for, as they look to reinforce Eddie Howe’s squad for a campaign back in the Champions League next season.

Given the Magpies’ internal concerns, this could be an indicator that Chelsea are still seriously in for Pedro, and the South American certainly falls in line with BlueCo’s recent transfer policy of signing world football’s most exciting talents.

Pedro can also play up front or across any of the attacking midfield positions, but given the already-young average age of Chelsea’s squad and their arguably dire need for more experienced squad members, Stamford Bridge chiefs will certainly be keen to whittle down the 23-year-old’s hefty asking price.

Newcastle United sealed their place in next season’s Champions League after finishing fifth in the Premier League, widening the scope of Eddie Howe’s plans.

As per The Athletic’s David Ornstein, star striker Alexander Isak is now expected to remain at St. James’ Park next year, while recent reports have suggested the Magpies are now ready to make an audacious double swoop for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and FA Cup winner Marc Guehi, titan at Crystal Palace.

However, the work won’t stop there. Newcastle, indeed, are looking to strengthen between the sticks.

Newcastle ready bid for rising star

As per The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle are preparing to make their first formal offer to Burnley for shot-stopper James Trafford, who is valued at over £20m.

A flurry of interest is expected in the 22-year-old keeper, with Chelsea and Manchester United both keen on the Championship superstar.

However, Newcastle are looking to get a deal done nice and swiftly, with Nick Pope mooted to be in line for an exit.

Why Newcastle want James Trafford

Pope has been a stalwart servant for Newcastle, joining from Burnley in a £10m deal back in June 2022. Now, the Toon can repeat the trick by bringing Trafford into the mix.

However, it’s not Pope who the England U21 international would be emulating in making the move to Tyneside; rather, Trafford could become Howe’s next version of Anthony Gordon.

Before we look at exactly why, let’s take a quick look at Trafford’s meteoric rise.

Leaving Manchester City’s youth academy for Turf Moor in 2023 after several successful loan spells in League One, some felt the £19m transfer fee was a little excessive.

He’s since been an instrumental part of Burnley’s success, the focal point of a watertight defence which kept 30 clean sheets across the Championship season.

Trafford only missed one match, and enjoyed 29 shutouts, saving two penalties and incredibly conceding just 16 goals.

Bolton

74

33

Burnley

73

31

Man City U21

13

6

Acc. Stanley

11

2

Man City U18

10

6

Truly, he’s been crucial in helping the Clarets secure promotion back to the Premier League, also receiving praise from his manager Scott Parker, for being a “world-class goalkeeper.”

With a cheeky personality and an acrobatic athleticism to back up his swagger, Trafford will no doubt have his sights set on becoming a Three Lions mainstay, emulating Gordon.

England international Gordon, indeed, made the right move in leaving Everton for £45m in January 2023, crowned Newcastle’s Player of the Year in his first full season after notching 28 goal involvements from 48 matches.

The duo played together for the U21s, with Gordon even remarking, “I’d trust him to save anything” after one wondrous display against Spain in the final of the U21 European Championship, en route to a 1-0 victory.

Like Gordon, Trafford also came through the academy of one of the Premier League’s goliaths, though he failed to make a senior appearance at Manchester City.

Although saying that, the 24-year-old Gordon was actually a member of Liverpool’s youth fold before leaving aged 11 and finding a new home over on the blue half of Merseyside.

While Newcastle’s star winger didn’t set the world alight at Goodison Park, scoring just seven times across 78 matches as a Toffee, he showcased a hunger and skill that could be shaped and developed under Howe’s wing, and indeed has.

Transfer Focus

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

Now, Trafford must take the leap and follow suit.

He'd be incredible with Isak: Newcastle prepare bid for "deadly" £60m star

Newcastle are looking to make some impactful signings in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair May 30, 2025

Newcastle United have accepted that a move for long-time transfer target Bryan Mbeumo may not work out this summer, with the Brentford forward reportedly preferring to sign for Manchester United.

Whether that will happen is another matter, and no longer the Magpies’ concern, for Eddie Howe and the powers that be have turned their attention to alternative options, Anthony Elanga and Mohammed Kudus among the targeted.

While Newcastle are in talks with Callum Wilson for a new contract, the ageing striker failed to register a goal contribution in the Premier League last season as he battled through injury problems, and some extra firepower to complement Alexander Isak wouldn’t go amiss.

Newcastle plotting to sign new striker

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is right at the top of the shopping list, but Newcastle may well be plotting to sign an even more exciting centre-forward.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are considering an official move for Porto’s Samu Aghehowa in the coming months, having been keeping tabs on the prolific striker.

Though the 21-year-old has an £82.5m release clause in his contract, he could be sold for considerably less, with a fee of £63m mooted.

Manchester United are also interested as they search for an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, and the Premier League competitors may well battle it out for the number nine.

What Samu Omorodion would bring to Newcastle

Tall, powerful and blessed with swift pace, Aghehowa has the fundamental skills to become a fearsome marksman in the Premier League, more still a perfect counterpoint to ther breezy dynamism of Isak.

He might not be the finished article, but this wouldn’t actually be a negative: Aghehowa would join a Newcastle team blessed with “the best striker in the Premier League” in Isak, as has been said by pundit Jamie Carragher, and Wilson, an experienced poacher.

It’s a fantastic mix, and one which could see Aghehowa springboard into the ascendency. Who knows, he might even prove an even bigger star than Pedro with some careful man-management over the coming years.

Though Pedro has impressed since joining Brighton from Watford in a deal worth around £30m two years ago, scoring 30 goals and providing ten assists across 70 matches, 18 of those strikes have come from the penalty spot.

Aghehowa’s ceiling is higher.

Joining Porto from Atletico Madrid last summer just weeks after a move to Chelsea collapsed, Omorodion has thrived in Portugal, scoring 25 goals across 42 matches in all competitions, including a six-goal haul in the Europa League that saw him fire two past Man United.

Pedro

Matches (starts)

30 (23)

27 (23)

Goals

19

10

Assists

3

6

Shots (on target)*

2.7 (1.1)

1.7 (0.7)

Big chances missed

18

7

Pass completion

79%

75%

Big chances created

5

11

Key passes*

0.6

1.1

Dribbles*

0.4

1.1

Duels won*

3.3

4.9

Hailed as a “monster in the making” with a “complete profile” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Aghehowa has the mark of an elite-level goalscorer, and while Brighton’s Brazilian forward is more creative and dynamic, Newcastle must invest their chips in the man who could become one of the deadliest number nines in the business.

The dream XI Newcastle can build: No Gordon; Joao Pedro & £120m trio sign

Newcastle are looking to make sweeping changes as they step back into the Champions League.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 10, 2025

It would be fair to say that this season was a real slog for Arsenal and their fans.

Mikel Arteta’s side came into the campaign with the express intention of winning the Premier League at the third time of trying, but as we all know, it wasn’t to be.

Instead, the North Londoners had to deal with a number of bizarre sending-offs, then a cascade of injuries and a general lack of cutting edge throughout the side.

Things can only get better next season, right? Well, while it’s impossible to be sure, the Gunners can certainly help their cause and finally get over the line next year by going out and making a real splash in the transfer market this summer.

Fortunately, while the club are yet to officially announce any new additions, there have been plenty of links, and it’s not too difficult to work out what Arteta’s dream lineup for the start of the 25/26 season may look like.

1

GK – David Raya

While there has been talk of a new goalkeeper signing this summer, it would be astounding if it wasn’t David Raya who started between the sticks on the first day of the 25/26 season.

The Spaniard won his second Golden Glove in successive seasons last week and has more than cemented his place in Arteta’s squad, thanks in part to his brilliant agility and reflexes, which have seen him pull off more than his fair share of doubles saves this year.

2

RB – Jurrien Timber

We come to our first position, which could be up for debate, as both Ben White and Jurrien Timber bring different qualities to the right-back position.

However, so long as the latter has recovered from his recent surgery in time, we reckon he’ll keep his place in the starting lineup, as the solidity and tenacity he adds there is crucial to the team’s brilliant defensive record.

3

CB – Gabriel Magalhaes

The first centre-back in the team is another player who missed the end of this season due to surgery: Gabriel Magalhaes.

The club are hopeful he’ll be back to full fitness for the start of next season, and if that’s the case, we cannot see anyone starting ahead of him, as the Brazilian international was superb for most of this year.

On top of his impressive ability to get on the end of set-pieces, the “absolutely unstoppable” colossus, as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, is a rock at the back.

4

CB – William Saliba

Partnering Gabriel at the back will be none other than the incredible William Saliba.

The French international has now made 134 appearances for the North Londoners, 100 of which have come in the Premier League, and while he wasn’t quite at his best this season, his immense talent and potential is undeniable.

5

LB – Myles Lewis-Skelly

The final defender in the starting lineup is the outrageously gifted Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Now, there is certainly an argument that it could and perhaps should be Riccardo Calafiori, but the Hale Ender has come on leaps and bounds since making his debut last year, and he looks to have cemented himself in the manager’s preferred lineup.

It’s easy to see why as well, as on top of being far sting and more defensively secure than any 18-year-old academy prospect has any right to be, the youngster is also a real outlet, and as we saw against Manchester City, has an eye for goal.

6

DM – Martin Zubimendi

We’ve made it to the first new face in the team: Martin Zubimendi.

The Spanish international, who is set to cost the club around £51m, might not officially be an Arsenal player just yet, but it’s been pretty widely reported that he’s a medical away from it all being confirmed.

It’s easy to see why Arteta and Co have been so keen to sign the 26-year-old as well, as he’s got an abundance of experience marshalling the midfield for Real Sociedad.

Moreover, he was dubbed one of the “best central midfielders in the world” by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente about seven months before he helped the country win their fourth European Championships against England.

7

CM – Declan Rice

Starting just ahead of Zubimendi in the left-eight will be Arsenal’s £105m man, Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain might have started this season a little slowly, but after Christmas, he was frankly superb.

He truly announced himself on the biggest stage against Real Madrid in the Champions League, scoring two sensational free-kicks in the first leg and then putting in a midfield masterclass away in the second.

8

CM – Martin Odegaard

The most attacking of the midfield three will be Martin Odegaard.

It’s undoubtedly true that the club captain’s return of six goals and 12 assists in 45 games this year has been seriously underwhelming, but it’s also true that he’s been the team’s player of the year twice since joining on a permanent deal in August 2021.

Therefore, there is every chance that following a summer of rest, the midfield maestro could be back to his mercurial best for the start of next season.

9

RW – Bukayo Saka

Was it ever going to be anyone else?

Starting off the right for Arsenal next season, and likely for many seasons after, will be Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End icon is undoubtedly the club’s most important and best player, and he once again showed us that this season.

For example, even though he missed over three months of football due to a hamstring injury and surgery, the “legend in the making,” as dubbed by Kulig, racked up a brilliant haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 2619 minutes across 37 appearances.

Saka’s 24/25
Appearances	37
Minutes	2619′
Goals	12
Assists	14
Goal Involvements per Match	0.70
Minutes per Goal Involvement	100.73′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

That means the talismanic winger averaged a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes for the team this season.

10

LW – Rodrygo

We come to the second and arguably most ambitious signing in the team: Rodrygo.

The Real Madrid superstar, whom journalist Sam Tighe described as “terrifyingly good,” lost his guaranteed starting spot in the Spanish capital this season and, as such, has been touted for a move away, with Arsenal being one of the more prominent destinations.

It could end up costing the Gunners around £85m to get done, but given his brilliant record of 118 goal involvements in 267 games for the club, he’d be more than worth the outlay.

Moreover, with two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles under his belt, the 24-year-old would bring a serious winning mentality to N5.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have agreed terms with a new “number 10” who could become Matheus Cunha’s replacement at Molineux.

Wolves aiming to replace Cunha after Man Utd transfer

The Old Gold are in need of a summer rebuild following a disappointing 24/25 Premier League season coupled with the fact they have already lost two of their star players in the transfer market.

The first to leave was Cunha, with Manchester United triggering the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause in the opening days of the window.

Then, just before the first transfer window was set to shut, Manchester City announced a deal for Rayan Ait-Nouri, with the left-back being named in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the Club World Cup.

As a result, Vitor Pereira should have some money to spend, and they have been linked with numerous players in June. In attack, Wolves are thought to be showing an interest in FC St Gallen striker Willem Geubbels, who is valued at just £8.5m.

Meanwhile, when it comes to full-back signings, Wolves are keen on Vladimir Coufal, who has left West Ham United after five seasons and is available on a free transfer.

Wolves' most expensive signings of all time

Football FanCast takes a detailed look at Wolves’ 10 most expensive signings of all time.

ByCharlie Smith Sep 5, 2025

Pereira will be hoping the club can get some players through the door before the end of the month ahead of pre-season in July, and it looks as if Wolves have made a breakthrough in regards to an attacking addition.

Wolves agree terms with Celta Vigo’s Fer Lopez

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Wolves have agreed terms with Celta Vigo attacker Fer Lopez. A long-term deal has been agreed between the Old Gold and Lopez, and Wolves now just need to shake hands on a fee with Celta Vigo.

Interestingly, Lopez, who shares the same Gestifute agency as Jose Sa and other Wolves players, was spotted away on holiday with Wolves striker Jorgen Strand-Larsen, with the pair knowing each other from their time with the La Liga side.

Should Lopez join Larsen in the Midlands, Wolves would be getting a versatile left footed attacker. Capable of playing on the wing or as an attacking midfielder, ESPN editor David Cartlidge even described Lopez as a “unicorn”.

After coming through the Celta Vigo academy, Lopez, still just 21 years of age, has only made 20 senior appearances for his current employers, scoring four goals. However, a move to England with Wolves looks like it could be on the cards following the breakthrough on personal terms.

Sometimes in football, things are just meant to be. Despite not picking up a single victory in their last six standard Championship games, Sunderland rallied and came up through the play-offs in dramatic circumstances.

As they weaved their way through the most lottery system in world football, they must have thought the gods were with them when Dan Ballard powered home an injury-time goal in the semi-finals against Coventry.

The gods were shining down on them again last weekend when Tom Watson, soon to be of Brighton, slid the ball home in the dying embers to send the Black Cats up.

Sunderland have been through hell and back since their exit from the top-flight several years ago, so you can’t say they don’t deserve to be back.

But, what lies in store now? Well, a move for Jordan Henderson could be on the cards.

The latest on Jordan Henderson's future

A Premier League and Champions League winner, Henderson left Liverpool behind in search of luxurious riches in Saudi Arabia.

However, his move to the Pro League wasn’t exactly filled with success. He left after a matter of months, heading to Ajax.

A European titan, his spell in the Netherlands hasn’t been too pleasing either. He’s been attacked by reporters for showing an alleged disrespect to the club amid talk he could leave, while the Amsterdam club lost the Eredivisie title on the season’s final day to PSV.

Still, there has been some solace for Henderson who, after Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager, is now back in the Three Lions setup.

To top things off, he could also return to his boyhood club. That’s according to talkSPORT, who revealed earlier this week that the Mackems are ‘contemplating’ a move to bring the midfielder back to the Stadium of Light.

Henderson first left Sunderland behind back in 2011, having played 79 times for the club.

Would he be a good signing? Well, speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of BetVictor Casino, former Black Cats defender Wes Brown seemed to think so.

“Jordan Henderson going back to Sunderland would make sense. He’d understand that he might not play every week, but when needed, definitely show the heart,” Brown began.

Sunderland’s squad boasts some fabulous young players from Jobe Bellingham to Chris Rigg, but Brown thinks adding some experience to the squad now they’ve been promoted would be a fine idea.

The former Manchester United star said: “You do need a few experienced players in the squad, to settle the ship. We all know it’s not going to be perfect next year and there are going to be games where it’s not a good day. There has to be people in the squad to pick the other players back up. You see it year after year, how teams that come up, they can’t quite get back up from a defeat and their heads go down, everyone’s nervous.”

Jordan Henderson’s Sunderland career
Season	Games	Goals	Assists
2008/09	15	1	2
2009/10	38	2	6
2010/11	39	3	4
Stats via Transfermarkt.

Concluding why the 34-year-old should head back to the northeast, Brown commented: “You need players to bring the life back into the team and Jordan would definitely be a player that would easily help do that. It’s his boyhood club as well. He would try everything to help the team.”

While Henderson’s arrival would be noteworthy, so would a potential exit for Bellingham.

Brown provides verdict on Jobe Bellingham's future

With a name like Bellingham, you’re always going to attract the attention of elsewhere and it looks like the younger brother of Jude could follow in his footsteps this summer by heading to Germany.

Sky Sports Germany reported this week that the attacking midfielder has been in talks over a move to sign for Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.

What does Brown make of the young Sunderland star?

He told FFC: “I like Jobe Bellingham, he’s not his brother but he’s a solid player, still young. I can tell you, I played in the Championship, it’s a tough league to get out of, it’s horrible. You could be sitting pretty one minute, you lose two games on the bounce and you’re back in tenth, and you don’t know what’s going on. He’s got a great mindset, determination and they seem like a great bunch of lads.”

Brown concluded: “He’s fitted into that team fantastically and there’s a lot of people who will be looking forward to seeing what Jobe can do in the Premier League.”

While the 19-year-old’s numbers were not jaw-dropping this season, scoring four and assisting three, it’s clear he’s got immense potential and losing him just as they earn promotion would undoubtedly be a big blow.

Big O'Nien upgrade: Sunderland targeting move for "freak" £20m "monster"

Sunderland might look to upgrade on Luke O’Nien when venturing up to the Premier League.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 30, 2025