It has been an interesting season in 2024/25 for Chelsea. They face a fight on their hands to secure a spot in the top five, and are still competing in the UEFA Conference League, a competition many expect them to win.

In the top flight, the west London side are one of the biggest underperformers when it comes to expected goals, highlighting an issue in front of goal. As per Understat, they have an expected goals tally of 64.83xG, but have actually managed just 56 goals, an underperformance by 8.83. There are only four top-flight sides with a bigger underperformance.

Thus, it might not be a surprise that the Blues are targeting a new attacker this summer.

The forward Chelsea want to sign this summer

It has been a theme in the last few years that Chelsea have signed players, and even a manager, from Brighton and Hove Albion. Well, this summer might be no different, given they are linked with Seagulls attacker Georginio Rutter.

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 a report from Florian Plettenberg, Enzo Maresca’s side are thought to be ‘closely monitoring the development’ of Rutter down on the South Coast, and could make a move for him this summer, having ‘added him to their shortlist’.

The situation between the versatile attacker and the West London outfit has been described as ‘one to watch’ by Plettenberg, ahead of what will be a busy summer at Stamford Bridge.

He did not clarify a price, but Football Transfers value him at upwards of £39m.

Why Rutter would be a good signing for Chelsea

It has been an impressive season so far for Rutter in his debut campaign for the Seagulls. This term, he has eight goals and five assists across all competitions for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, including five in the Premier League.

In fact, the 22-year-old Frenchman, who is capped at under-21 level for his country, might certainly help with the expected goals deficit at Stamford Bridge. He is generally a lot more consistent this term, with 5.68xG, a 0.68 difference from his actual tally, as per Understat.

Another reason Chelsea fans can get excited about signing Rutter is the flair he brings as part of his game. Described as an “entertainer” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, the former Leeds United star is a tricky customer for most defenders, and oozes confidence in one-vs-one scenarios.

Indeed, it is not just that video that showcases how exciting Rutter can be with the ball at his feet, but the numbers from FBref are also there to back it up.

For example, the Seagulls’ number 14 averages 1.47 successful take-ons per game, ranking him in the top 9% of forwards across Europe over the last year.

There are certainly shades of Chelsea legend Eden Hazard in Rutter. At his peak, the former Blues winger was described as the “best player in the league” by Jamie Carragher, who said he “does things that others can’t do”.

The legendary Belgian attacker was phenomenal in a Chelsea shirt. He scored 110 goals and grabbed 87 assists in 352 games for the west Londoners, becoming one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League.

That was thanks to his fearlessness on the ball, all the tricks at his disposal and the ability he had to glide past players. As per Sofascore per game, he averaged 5.8 successful dribbles in 2017/18, his highest on record.

If Rutter – registered 24 goals and assists for Leeds last season – is even half as good as Hazard was for Chelsea, they will have a world-beater on their hands. He certainly comes with lots of the flair their former number ten possessed, and has that ability to beat players in one-vs-one scenarios.

At just 22 years of age, there is plenty of time for Rutter to develop, too. He is a player who can score, create and carry in an effective manner, just like Hazard did. He could be a player Chelsea fans fall in love with.

Their best CF since Costa: Chelsea in talks to sign £65m "powerhouse"

Chelsea have made contact to sign “powerhouse” who would be a dream for Palmer

By
Connor Holden

Apr 15, 2025

Liverpool are now keen on signing a “brilliant” Premier League forward, with a deal likely to be possible for a fee of around £65m this summer, according to a report.

Reds set sights on new forward

Arne Slot could hardly have asked for a better debut season at Anfield, with his side surpassing all expectations to win the Premier League title, but there have been some claims the manager will need to make a number of changes this summer.

Jamie Carragher believes Slot should make five or six additions to his squad, saying back in March: “He needs a centre-back as back-up to the two that we have, he’ll need a right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to leave.

“I think he needs a centre midfielder to replace Endo, someone younger and that he trusts, a centre-forward to play and a left-winger.”

He'd be incredible with Gakpo: Liverpool line up move for £45m "machine"

Liverpool need to sign some full-backs in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair May 5, 2025

With Trent recently confirming his intention to leave, signing a new right-back will be an important task for the recruitment team, but there is also a need to strengthen in attacking areas, given an overreliance on Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Liverpool’s current dependence on Salah and Diaz could lead them to make a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who they have been closely monitoring.

The Reds are keen on signing Mbeumo, given his exploits for the Bees in the Premier League this season, but he is unlikely to come cheap, with his current club set to hold out for a fee in the region of £60m – £65m.

There may also be fierce competition for the Cameroonian’s signature, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United expressing an interest.

"Brilliant" Mbeumo enjoying incredible campaign

The Brentford star has been prolific in front of goal in the Premier League this season, finding the back of the net 18 times in 35 matches, while also providing seven assists, which is perhaps why he has been compared to a current Liverpool forward.

TalkSPORT’s Jason Cundy has lauded the 25-year-old as a “mini Salah”, while he has also received very high praise from football writer Samuel Luckhurst.

Much like the Egyptian, the France-born forward specialises at right-wing, but he has also featured as a centre-forward on a number of occasions this season, indicating he could also be able to replace Darwin Nunez, who could be shown the exit door.

Mbeumo is unlikely to displace Salah at right-wing anytime soon, but his goalscoring exploits and versatility indicate he could be a fantastic option for Slot at striker.

Chelsea left it late on Sunday, but Enzo Maresca’s Blues came away from the frantic contest at near neighbours Fulham victorious with a 2-1 win secured at the death.

Pedro Neto smashed home a fierce effort as the clock ticked down to the 93rd minute mark to clinch the dramatic three points, but he wasn’t the only main talking point right after the dust had settled at Craven Cottage.

Indeed, 19-year-old sensation Tyrique George was the hero who got his team back in the contest with the much-needed equaliser, with the teenage attacker now hopeful of more senior minutes to come after his chaotic cameo against Marco Silva’s hosts.

George's promising performances for Chelsea

George would only find himself on the Craven Cottage turf for a mere five minutes before crucially levelling the contest, leaving Maresca delighted on the sidelines that he threw the promising youngster into the game.

This isn’t the Camden-born attacker’s only senior goal of the season to date, however, with George also lethal against Legia Warsaw in mid-April, but the coolness to slot home a chance past Bernd Leno when the likes of Nicolas Jackson were otherwise floundering was mightily impressive all the same.

Now off the mark in the Premier League, George will surely be demanding more first-team opportunities come his way, with the flexible starlet, who can play as a winger or as a number ten, already boasting 36 goal contributions playing for the U18s and U21s.

Minutes played

75

12

Goals scored

1

1

Assists

0

0

Touches

46

4

Accurate passes

31/35

2/2

Shots

1

1

But, he isn’t the only up-and-coming talent that Maresca and Co will be holding out high hopes for, with a similarly dazzling attacker perhaps more equipped to star in the first team over George.

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

The "world class talent" who could dent George

The Stamford Bridge outfit haven’t always had a glowing reputation when it comes to giving their youngsters plenty of first-team minutes, but this could soon change away from George’s emergence on the scene.

After all, current Palmeiras ace Estêvão is ready and waiting to make an impression in England when he waves his native Brazil goodbye in June, having initially signed a whopping £29m deal in May last year.

The South American prodigy might well be two years younger than his new Blues teammate, but he has terrorised defences on a regular basis for Palmeiras ever since he entered into the first-team picture, leading to Chelsea splashing the cash to land the sensational 17-year-old.

Already heralded as a “world-class talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig and as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, he clearly looks ready to be thrown straight into the deep-end of the Blues first team shortly, coming potentially at George’s expense.

2025

21

6

1

2024

50

19

12

2023

4

1

0

With a hefty 26 goals scored in total for the Brazilian side at a senior level, on top of 13 assists being tallied up, Estêvão will be keen to make an impact on Maresca’s starting XI, knowing he’s ready for that next step-up in quality.

Whereas, with George only managing two goals in the Blues’ first team, on the contrary, his time to become a consistent starter might well come more down the line, with the Brazilian wonderkid also adept at filling in down either wing or as an attacking midfielder like his rawer counterpart.

In an ideal world, both players will be able to kick on next season. But, if it was a toss-up between the two, expect Estêvão to gain more meaningful first-team chances over the Englishman.

Not just Neto: Chelsea star with 100% passing is now undroppable

This Chelsea attacker could now be deemed as undroppable after his side’s dramatic away win at Fulham.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 20, 2025

Arsenal would now be willing to sanction the departure of William Saliba as part of a swap deal for a Real Madrid star this summer, according to a report.

Doubts remain over Saliba's Arsenal future

There have been widespread recent reports suggesting the Gunners are set to offer Saliba a new contract, amid interest from European heavyweights Real Madrid, but there is still plenty of doubt over the defender’s future at the Emirates Stadium.

Madrid president Florentino Perez has hatched a plan to sign the Frenchman, alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly, in a deal that could amount to £101m, and the Spanish side’s recent transfer business indicates they could be capable of getting a deal over the line.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave boyhood club Liverpool may have sparked outrage among supporters, but it also showcased the pull the La Liga club have in the transfer market, as explained by Everton’s James Tarkowski.

With that in mind, there are plenty of signs that Saliba could also be tempted if Madrid come calling, and a new report from Spain has suggested Arsenal would be willing to sanction the Frenchman’s departure as part of a swap deal for Rodrygo.

Mikel Arteta has been considering the possibility of swapping the centre-back for the forward, but a deal of that nature is not of interest to Perez, given that Saliba’s market value will drop next summer, at which point he will have one year remaining on his contract.

With Arteta pushing to sign the Brazilian, who could cost as much as £85m, it remains to be seen whether a deal of a different nature is possible, but Perez’s lack of interest in a swap means Saliba is unlikely to be heading in the opposite direction.

Saliba must be kept at all costs

Saliba’s contract running down should be a major cause for concern, with Madrid’s move for Trent highlighting their willingness to wait for a target to be available on a free transfer before making a move.

However, the France international should be kept at all costs, given how important the centre-back has been for quite some time, with Arteta lauding him as “incredible” earlier this season.

Arsenal: Arteta wants £67m Odegaard alternative with 17 goals this season

The Spaniard thinks he could be “key”.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025

That said, it would be exciting if Arsenal were able to bring Rodrygo to the Emirates Stadium alongside the 24-year-old this summer, having been lauded as “spectacular” by pundit Terry Gibson during his time with the Spanish club.

Player

Current club

Potential cost

Rodrygo

Real Madrid

£85m

Leroy Sane

Bayern Munich

£0

Nico Williams

Athletic Club

£48m

Jamie Gittens

Borussia Dortmund

£55m

As such, the Gunners should look to negotiate a different type of deal for the Brazil international, who is among a number of potential winger targets this summer.

Arsenal have proved to be a day late and a dollar short this season, with injuries and the after-effects of dithering in the transfer market leaving Mikel Arteta with another trophyless campaign.

But progress is hardly a linear thing in football, and only the blind or negligent would fail to see the immense gains the Gunners have made over the past five years. Now, though, it’s time for action.

A luckless year on the injury front might have formed the crux of the on-field issues, but careful moves over the coming months could see the north Londoners go from strength to strength, having proven their credentials with an excellent Champions League effort, defined by the two-legged thrashing of Real Madrid.

Signing an elite-level striker is a given, with more needed on the left and right wings too. Making such moves with confidence and clarity could change a lot for the outfit, especially in bringing Martin Odegaard back into the ascendancy.

How Arteta can fix Martin Odegaard

Odegaard’s form has been dissected ad nauseum this season, the Norwegian playmaker returning from injury and still searching for that elusive flame that has powered his success since signing for the club in August 2021 for £30m, having initially joined on loan earlier that year.

Context is important, and not only have Arsenal been disrupted by an overload of injuries, one of the most damaging concerned the skipper, who returned in November after several months out but has struggled to get back into gear.

There’s still a lot to like. As per FBref, Odegaard ranks among the top 1% of Premier League midfielders this season for progressive passes and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90, but his influence, decision-making and decisiveness have all left plenty to be desired.

The 25-year-old’s ‘lack of adventure’ is something he will need to rectify, but sporting director Andrea Berta can certainly help him by securing some new forwards to feed on Odegaard’s creativity.

He might not be the priority, but this one could help restore the Scandinavian superstar.

Arsenal chasing £70m forward

According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal are in the mix for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, no doubt emboldened by the fact he’s a boyhood Gunners supporter.

Transfer Focus

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

As a result of that fact, it’s alleged that the player is ‘very open’ to moving to the Emirates Stadium this summer, giving Arsenal hope that a deal could be done if they were to send in an offer.

Bournemouth are looking for a £70m fee, which is likely too tall, but the Ghanaian’s desire to move to the Emirates Stadium could help Arteta as he searches for Bukayo Saka competition on the right.

Arsenal are keeping tabs on the situation, sure, but Manchester United are also big admirers and need a right-sided forward more than the Gunners.

Why Semenyo can fix Odegaard

Semenyo has been described as a goalscorer with “deadly precision” by Opta analyst Owurako Ampofo, two-footed and thus incredibly hard to read.

He’s a maverick, the stylish and fleet-footed profile required to make a difference at Arsenal and add a dimension on which Odegaard can focus, tighten, to bring himself back into form.

Aggressive and powerful, Semenyo has been one of the main drivers for Bournemouth this season, scoring 11 goals and supplying seven assists across all competitions.

A right-sided forward might not be Arsenal’s priority, but there’s no question a player of Semenyo’s ilk would add the depth and dynamism that has been lacking this season.

Should Saka fall to injury again, for example, it’s paramount that competition is prudently sourced to combat such a possibility.

Described as a “duel monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Semenyo carries a certain likeness to Arsenal’s talisman, which could see him fit snugly into Arteta’s system.

Moreover, it hands Odegaard a new forward to play with an intuitive understanding of his style of play. Of course, the fact that he’s a ball-striking machine doesn’t hurt either.

As FBref record, Semenyo ranks among the top 5% of Premier League positional peers this term for shots taken per 90 (3.57), emphasising his hunger for goals, his hunger to influence.

The Ghana international, furthermore, is not restricted to a single positional placement. In fact, his ability to make out on the left or even in a more central berth suggests Arteta could use him with Saka and Odegaard, a frightening thought for the Londoners’ opponents.

Right winger

19

7

2

Left winger

19

3

5

Centre-forward

1

1

1

Semenyo wouldn’t be the solvent of Arsenal’s inconsistencies by himself, especially if ferried about numerous positions, but he could plug some yawning holes and latch onto Odegaard’s playmaking.

His multi-tooled style of play is further defined by his ability to score from every angle. As per Sofascore, Semenyo has scored five Premier League goals with his left foot, four with his right. He’s missed 12 big chances, so he isn’t the most accurate shooter in the business, but given the staggering number of shots he likes to get off, a slight profligacy can be forgiven.

Especially if he’s being supplied by Odegaard at the top of his game. The £240k-per-week midfielder’s return to the fore is a matter of time, make no mistake about that.

But his issues across the current year, injuries aside, are part of a wider Arsenal problem that could be solved quite simply through the acquisition of a new centre-forward, plus two wingers, one for either side.

Of course, in the Cherries winger, Arsenal get one who can compete on both flanks and has proven himself an able goalscorer either way. Having created 11 big chances and won 6.3 duels per game too, he’s very much that high-level athlete, both combative and creative, who could have a marked impact on the Arsenal resurgence, which maybe, just maybe, will see Arteta’s project reach apotheosis.

Arsenal could see £59m bid accepted for "monster" upgrade on Sesko

Arsenal have been handed the chance to sign an upgrade on Benjamin Sesko.

ByMatt Dawson May 18, 2025

Looking to splash the cash once again this summer, Chelsea could reportedly kill two birds with one stone by including one of their young loanees in a swap deal to sign an instant upgrade.

Chelsea take one step into Conference League final

Whilst their Premier League form has sparked plenty of concern in recent months, Chelsea are continuing to thrive in the Europa Conference League in which they are expected to stroll to victory. Putting on another show in their semi-final first leg, Enzo Maresa’s side eased past Swedish outfit Djurgarden 4-1 thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke and a brace from Nicolas Jackson.

After watching on as his side took one step into the Europa Conference League final, manager Maresca told reporters: “It was the perfect night, an important semi-final and it is a good result. We need to be focused on the second leg.

“The first 70 minutes was good but then in the last 20 minutes we dropped a little bit, but we cannot drop, we cannot relax, because otherwise, it is complicated. We have done a good job but now we need to finish the job at home.”

Chelsea prioritising move for Barcelona star after news of £55m exit clause

The west Londoners are very keen.

ByEmilio Galantini May 1, 2025

It’s in the final on 28 May that the Blues could square off against Real Betis in Poland. The La Liga side also won the first leg of their tie – defeating Fiorentina 2-1 – and will be looking to step into the final before causing a potential upset.

Occasions made for match-winners, those at Stamford Bridge have already reportedly set their sights on a summer swap deal to welcome another player who would be just that.

Chelsea considering Gittens swap deal

According to Christian Falk and Caught Offside, Chelsea are now considering a swap deal to sign Jamie Gittens, which would see Carney Chukwuemeka complete a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old has spent the season on loan at the German club and could now reportedly be used in the Blues’ attempt to sign Gittens.

Chelsea are certainly serious about Gittens too, with contact already reportedly made with the talented winger from Cobham as they prepare to make their move for a player valued at a hefty €50m-€60m (£43m-51m). Whether that contact is enough to convince Gittens into a return to England for the first time since leaving Manchester City as an academy graduate remains to be seen, however.

Praised for his “amazing” form by football talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this season, Gittens has since scored 12 goals and created another five in all competitions in the current campaign.

By contrast, despite being dubbed “talented” by Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl, Chukwuemeka has scored just once in all competitions whilst on loan in Germany.

West Ham United’s Conference League-winning side of 2022/23 will go down in history at the London Stadium.

What a night it was for Hammers fans, with Jarrod Bowen becoming an instant legend of the club, scoring the winning goal to secure a late 2-1 win over Fiorentina.

West Ham supporters will surely remember the members of that team fondly for a long time. While some of them have now left the club, such as Declan Rice and Said Benrahma, several members of that squad are still playing at the London Stadium today, including matchwinner Bowen.

Another of those players still at the club is Tomas Soucek, but ahead of the summer transfer window, his future is up in the air.

The latest on Soucek's West Ham future

It does not appear as though Soucek will still be a West Ham player in five months, when the 2025/26 campaign will get underway.

The Czech Republic international is reportedly set to leave the club, according to Claret and Hugh, a reputable West Ham news source.

The Hammers-themed website spoke with a Premier League agent who said the 30-year-old ‘would like a new deal’, but at this stage, the East Londoners aren’t prepared to give him one, due to his age and the fact he has just two years left on his current contract. It is believed he could fetch upwards of £15m this summer.

It would surely be a shame for Hammers fans to say goodbye to a player who has given the club so much over the years. He’s donned the famous Claret and Blue shirt 241 times so far, scoring 40 goals and grabbing 13 assists.

He’s skippered the East London outfit at times, too, including once this season in a 3-2 win over Fulham, where he got on the scoresheet.

That goal was a classic Soucek strike, arriving into the box and getting on the end of a cross, this time with his foot, although it is often with his head.

However, the Czech star is not the only Hammers man who might be in line to leave this summer, with one high earner a player they could consider selling,

The West Ham player who should follow Soucek out of the door

There are famously two Czech players at West Ham, with Vladimir Coufal someone who has played a big part in their recent success over the years.

However, with the competition at right-back strong, and his high wages, there is every chance he could be in line to leave.

His involvement in the Premier League for the Hammers this term has decreased. Coufal has played just 18 times in the top flight, starting nine of those in total. He has not registered an assist and has actually only created one big chance, as per Sofascore.

With the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka last summer for £15m from Manchester United, and the switch to a back three, it does feel like Coufal’s role in the side has diminished, and it would surely not be surprising to see him depart.

Yet, he has been a wonderful servant for the club over the years. In total, the 32-year-old has played 176 games for the Irons, grabbing 20 assists in that time. Former club captain Rice once called him an “outstanding” player too. Sadly, he is not that anymore.

All good things must come to an end, and with the lack of involvement for Coufal in 2024/25, plus the fact he is coming towards the twilight of his career, the Hammers could well look to cash in.

He earns a sizeable amount per week too, a reported £35k to be exact. This would save West Ham money in the long term, given he earns £1.82m per year. It certainly feels like the money can be reinvested elsewhere.

Coufal has given lots to West Ham, and has been a loyal servant for the club. However, given his lack of involvement this season, and the cash the club can save on his wages, it might make sense if he was moved on at some stage soon.

Better than Soucek: Potter’s 137-touch West Ham star is now undroppable

West Ham made it back-to-back wins in the Premier League, beating limp Leicester in London.

By
Angus Sinclair

Feb 28, 2025

Manchester United are willing to pay a relatively low fee of £38m to sign a “clinical” Premier League winger this summer, according to a fresh transfer update.

Man Utd need new signings as Amorim laments domestic form again

The Red Devils lost yet again in the Premier League on Sunday, being beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, with not even their place in the Europa League final able to hide such an awful domestic campaign.

Ruben Amorim suggested as much, lamenting his team’s form in the top flight after the defeat: “I feel embarrassed when looking at the Premier League table For me it doesn’t matter if we win the Europa League because the problems are much bigger than that.”

Major surgery is required for United’s squad when the summer arrives, and they will be hoping that Champions League qualification has been secured by beating Tottenham in Bilbao next week, allowing them to bring in better players.

A new centre-back is needed, especially with Lisandro Martinez becoming an injury-plagued figure, and Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah has been linked with sealing a free transfer to the Red Devils.

Another face in United’s midfield also wouldn’t go amiss, especially with Casemiro an ageing player, and a surprise move for Newcastle United hero Sandro Tonali has been mooted. He could cost as much as £85m, though, and the Magpies will surely be desperate to keep hold of him.

Man Utd willing to pay £38m for Bournemouth star Semenyo

According to a report from Spain, Manchester United are happy to pay £38m to sign Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo this summer, although it is not clear if his club would be willing to drop that low. The Cherries star has been mentioned as a target for the Red Devils, having scored against them in a 3-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season.

Semenyo has been outstanding for Bournemouth throughout the campaign, standing out as arguably their best player alongside many key performers, including Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez.

The 25-year-old has bagged nine goals and five assists in the league, also averaging 1.8 aerial duel wins and 1.5 tackles per outing, highlighting his effectiveness in other areas of his game.

He has also been lauded by teammate Lewis Cook: “As a team, we knew the quality he has and we saw that last year. He’s got to just keep working hard – being aggressive and being clinical. He’s got a lot better at running back and helping out the team too. He’s a powerful lad and has all the ability in the world. Hopefully he can continue to show that.”

At 25, Semenyo is primed to join United and hit the ground running, providing a level of end product from out wide that the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony failed to this season, prior to being sent out on loan.

Related Man Utd's £85k-per-week flop is quickly becoming their new Martial

Manchester United may have found their new Anthony Martial this season.

Posts 2 ByMatt Dawson May 12, 2025

The Ghanaian looks like a fantastic option for United, as they look to make their attack more potent, and if they can beat rivals such as Liverpool to his signature, it could look like a huge coup in years to come.

Liverpool are looking for reinforcements to strengthen their argument to continue winning silverware and they are now looking to fend off stiff competition for one of South America’s most talented youngsters.

Liverpool kickstart their summer transfer business

The Premier League trophy will arrive at Anfield in a matter of weeks and there is little to be despondent about among the Reds’ support, who have taken to Arne Slot after the Dutchman’s magnificent debut season in charge.

Internally, Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have signed extensions to continue their association with Liverpool. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future remains unsolved amid heavy links claiming the Three Lions international could join Real Madrid.

While the wait goes on regarding his long-term plans, Liverpool are eyeing a move for Celtic forward Daizen Maeda to strengthen their forward line following an excellent season for the Japan international north of the border.

Reds scouts have also ran the rule over Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers and it is anticipated that they could make a move to bring the former Manchester City man to Anfield.

Rayan Ait-Nouri is on the radar to provide competition for Andy Robertson after another solid campaign for the Wolverhampton Wanderers man, even if he would cost around £51 million to lure from the West Midlands.

Imagine him & Gakpo: Slot driving Liverpool deal for £60m "game-changer"

Liverpool are set for a shopping spree this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 1, 2025

Several other names will continue to do the rounds and plenty of transfer scenarios are set to be thrown around in connection with Liverpool, given their status as reigning champions under Slot. Tapping into that theme, the Reds have now made an approach to sign one of South America’s brightest talents once the window opens.

Liverpool make transfer approach for Flamengo's Wesley

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool have made ‘informal approaches’ to Flamengo over Wesley as they look to land the Brazilian star following over a year of scouting the full-back. Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona are also in contention to sign the 21-year-old, who the Reds see as an ideal successor to Alexander-Arnold should he depart this summer.

Wesley in 2025 – Serie A

Tackles won

9

Successful crosses

8

Completed dribbles

8

Recoveries

28

Goals

0

Assists

1

Chelsea are preparing an opening offer of around £17 million for his signature. However, Flamengo are looking to recoup a fee nearer the £29.7 million mark. Negotiations are expected to pick up pace during the Club World Cup.

Labelled “exceptional” by Felipe Luis, the Brazil international has made 125 appearances for Flamengo in total, registering three goals and five assists. His agent has travelled to England previously to hold talks with Manchester City and Liverpool surrounding a potential transfer, suggesting that there could be legs to this story from more than one angle.

Conceivably, the Reds stand a good chance of landing Wesley due to their position as Premier League title holders. Nevertheless, it will be up to the player himself to determine his next career step.

Irrespective of whether or not Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur to win the Europa League this week, it has been a disastrous season for the Red Devils.

Ruben Amorim’s side are 16th in the Premier League table and have lost 18 of their 37 matches to date, which illustrates how poorly the campaign has gone.

The Portuguese head coach, who joined the club from Sporting earlier this season, will look to bolster his squad in the upcoming summer transfer window in order to bounce back in the 2025/26 campaign.

It was recently reported that Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha, for example, to improve their attacking options.

The Brazil international is seemingly set to join Amorim’s squad ahead of next season and he could provide them with the attacking quality that they have lacked at times this season, given that he has already proven his quality in the Premier League.

What Matheus Cunha could bring to Man Utd

Cunha would arrive as a proven quantity in the English top-flight because he has already showcased his ability at the top end of the pitch in the last two seasons at the Molineux.

The former Atletico Madrid magician racked up 12 goals and seven assists in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign in the Midlands, along with two goals in two FA Cup matches.

Cunha has kicked on in the current campaign under Vitor Pereira to deliver even more goals in the division, with 15 strikes in 31 appearances to date.

Crucially, the 25-year-old star has also been playing as one of two number 10s behind a central striker for Wolves, which is akin to the attacking system that Amorim regularly plays at Manchester United. This suggests that he could slot straight into the team without having to learn a new way of playing.

24/25 Premier League

Matheus Cunha

Appearances

31

xG

8.04

Goals

15

Big chances missed

2

Big chances created

13

Key passes per game

1.8

Assists

6

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Cunha has delivered quality in the final third on a regular basis for the Old Gold in the Premier League this term, with 28 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 31 matches.

Meanwhile, no Manchester United player has scored more than eight goals in the top-flight this season, which suggests that the Wolves star would come in to add a much-needed goal threat for Amorim’s side in the 2025/26 campaign..

Cunha may not be the only proven Premier League star who joins the Red Devils in the coming months, however, as the club are reportedly lining up a move for another player who has already showcased their talents in the division.

Man Utd submit bid for Premier League star

According to a report from Spain, Manchester United have submitted a bid to sign Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Red Devils have officially made an offer worth around £55m to sign the Cameroon international ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

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This means that INEOS are in talks with Brentford over a deal to bring the left-footed attacker to Old Trafford, although the report does not reveal whether or not the Bees are prepared to accept a fee of £55m for their star forward.

It does show, however, that Manchester United are serious about a deal for the 25-year-old attacker, as they want to bolster their attacking options, as they have gone as far as to submit an offer for him.

The club must, now, attempt to get a transfer over the line for the Brentford star in the coming weeks because he could be amazing alongside Cunha for Amorim, if United are able to snap both of them up.

Why Mbeumo could be amazing alongside Cunha

Whilst Mbeumo is more used to playing as a right-winger in a 4-3-3, rather than as a number ten as part of a two and a one up front, the forward could be an exciting partner for Cunha behind a starting striker next season.

The Brentford and Wolves stars could operate as the two number ten options behind a new centre-forward, which would provide Amorim with two proven goalscorers to deliver consistent quality at the top end of the pitch.

As aforementioned, Manchester United’s top scorer in the Premier League this season, Bruno Fernandes, has scored eight goals, which illustrates how much the Portuguese boss needs reinforcements who can find the back of the net on a regular basis.

In Mbeumo, who was once dubbed “unplayable” by Thomas Frank, the Red Devils would be signing another player who has proven that he can be a difference-maker at the top end of the pitch in the English top-flight.

The left-footed star delivered nine goals and six assists in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign, but he has taken his game to new heights in the current season.

As you can see in the graphic above, Mbeumo has been directly involved in 26 goals in 37 matches in the top-flight, and has scored more than twice as many goals as Manchester United’s top scorer.

This suggests that he would bring much-needed goals and assists to Amorim’s side, which is also the case with Cunha, because he has already proven his quality at the top end of the pitch at that level.

Therefore, Cunha and Mbeumo could be amazing together as Manchester United’s two number ten options in the 2025/26 campaign because they are both attacking midfielders or wide players who can find the back of the net at an exceptional rate in the Premier League.

Both aged 25, they are also heading into the prime years of their careers and could be key players for Amorim for many years to come, hopefully kickstarting a new era of glory for the Red Devils.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson May 19, 2025