Aston Villa are increasingly confident of signing a young midfielder with a huge future, according to an update from journalist Jacob Tanswell.
Aston Villa eyeing new signings amid Champions League battle
Unai Emery’s side picked up a priceless three points on Saturday evening in the Premier League, winning 1-0 away to Bournemouth to aid their hopes of securing Champions League football next season.
That would allow Villa to attract further top-level players to the club, so the importance of their final two league games of the season cannot be downplayed.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their first goal with Jacob Ramsey andMorganRogers
One individual who has been linked with a summer move to Villa Park is Lyon winger Malick Fofana, who is a young player with a huge amount of long-term potential. The 20-year-old has scored six goals in the Europa League this season, despite only making five starts in the competition.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos has also been mentioned as a target for Villa, with the Portuguese not finding it easy to force his way into the Champions League finalists’ starting lineup in recent months. Just 12 starts have come his way in Ligue 1 in 2024/25, so he may like the idea of a fresh challenge.
Aston Villa confident of signing 18 y/o Nypan
Now, according to The Athletic‘s Tanswell, there is a “confidence” at Aston Villa that they will secure the signing of Sverre Nypan this summer. The 18-year-old midfielder is a huge prospect who is currently plying his trade at Rosenborg, with the Villans sending scouts to watch him in action on several occasions. Not only that, but “presentations have been shown to him and the family, outlining plans to integrate him into Emery’s setup”.
While Villa will of course hope to use elite European competition to lure in big names, NSWE are still planning for the long haul. Despite still only being 18 years of age, Nypan has already made 67 appearances for Rosenborg, chipping in with 14 goals and 11 assists in that time. He has been capped by Norway across six different age groups, winning a combined tally of 37 caps for his country, as well as being lauded as a player with a “huge future” by scout/writer Jacek Kulig.
The teenager could arrive as a squad player to begin with, or potentially even be loaned out elsewhere to aid his development, before hopefully maturing into a superstar at Villa Park over time.
Norway Under-21s
5
0
Norway Under-19s
5
1
Norway Under-18s
3
0
Norway Under-17s
5
0
Norway Under-16s
12
1
Norway Under-15s
7
2
Nypan is already showing so much promise and Villa snapping him up could end up being a major coup over time, and the fact that they are confident of striking a deal can only bode well.
Glasgow Rangers are on the lookout for a permanent manager heading into the 2025/26 season.
With the 49ers Enterprises takeover edging towards completion, they will be keen on securing a high-profile name to take the club forward.
Nathan Patterson, Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard is a name that has been linked with a return to Ibrox, but perhaps Marco Rose would be the best option for the Gers.
The German is among one of the favourites to land the coveted role. If he does move to Glasgow, there are at least four high-profile players that both the club and he must shift from the wage bill this summer.
A fresh start is needed all across the park, starting with Jack Butland in the sticks…
1 Jack Butland
Jack Butland
The Englishman’s mistake against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final last season has been the catalyst for a poor season at Ibrox.
The £25k-per-week goalkeeper has made a slew of mistakes throughout the season, while conceding 48 goals and keeping just 14 clean sheets across 42 matches in all competitions.
Rose could cash in on the player in the summer as he looks to recruit someone who is at their peak.
2 James Tavernier
The captain, who earns £30k-per-week, is currently heading into the final year of his contract at Ibrox.
That comes amid a poor individual season, which has seen Tavernier register only 17 goal involvements, a far cry from the 36 he recorded last term.
A new direction is needed at Ibrox, and with the Englishman turning 34 in October, surely now is the time for the club to sell him and move on.
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2023/24
58
24
12
2022/23
55
18
10
2021/22
58
18
17
2020/21
46
19
16
2019/20
46
3
16
2018/19
57
17
20
2017/18
46
9
9
2016/17
44
2
7
2015/16
50
15
23
After yet another campaign that will end without a trophy, Tavernier’s influence is significantly on the wane. That much is certain.
3 Kieran Dowell
Glasgow Rangers midfielder Kieran Dowell.
Michael Beale signed Dowell in the summer of 2023 as his contract expired with Norwich City, but he made only 17 appearances for the club in his maiden season.
It became clear he wasn’t at the required level to take the Light Blues to the next level and after 16 games this term, the £16k-per-week midfielder joined Birmingham City on a loan deal.
Ten goal involvements across 22 matches proves Dowell has found his level and the Midlands side could look at signing the Englishman on a permanent basis this summer.
This is a move Rose will surely sanction, allowing him funds to strengthen his squad.
4 Ben Davies
Ben Davies
Davies is another player who spent time on loan with Birmingham City this season. After two fairly underwhelming seasons at Ibrox, Philippe Clement sent him on loan to League One last summer. The £27k-per-week defender, like Dowell, appears to have found his level during his temporary stay.
The centre-back has won 70% of his total duels in the third tier this season, along with averaging 6.2 clearances and making 1.1 tackles per game.
Following their promotion, the Blues might want to keep Davies at the club permanently and this is something Rangers must look at pushing through.
He doesn’t seem like a player who would thrive under Rose, and freeing up his massive wages would certainly help the German in the transfer window.
Thelwell pushing Rangers to replace Ferguson with 53 y/o "absolute genius"
Incoming sporting director Kevin Thelwell is expected to play a major role in the Gers’ pursuit of a new manager.
Whatever happens in the Europa League over the next few weeks, those at Manchester United will be fully aware that they are once again approaching a crucial transfer window in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
In truth, amid what has been the club’s worst-ever Premier League season, the INEOS regime can’t afford another wrong turn this summer, with new boss Ruben Amorim needing to be handed the appropriate tools in order to revive this sleeping giant.
Cunha, Delap, Amorim
There had been minimal signs of progress upon the Portuguese’s arrival – namely impressive displays away at both the Etihad and Anfield – although results have spiralled in recent months, with the top-flight now merely an unwanted distraction for those at Old Trafford.
The club’s current standing in the bottom half of the table has showcased that major surgery is needed ahead of next term, with the club reportedly already beginning that operation by ramping up their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha.
That move for the Brazilian sensation certainly won’t be the last move of the summer, if recent reports are anything to go by.
Latest on Man Utd's transfer search
While last summer still appeared to be partly led by then-boss Erik ten Hag, amid the signings of Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui, the common theme of the INEOS era has been youth.
Erik ten Hag
Indeed, the Red Devils managed to edge Real Madrid in the race for Lille teenager, Leny Yoro, while the club have since brought in Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu during the January window.
The Old Trafford side have also dipped into the South American market to land Paraguayan starlet, Diego Leon, ahead of 2025/26, with that a move that could be replicated amid their interest in River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono.
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 Argentine outlet Soy del Millio, offers have reportedly been lodged for the 17-year-old superstar, with United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid named as the clubs who have made an approach.
The teenager – who has a €45m (£38m) release clause in his existing deal – would likely represent a signing for the future, however, not least with River insisting that he is set to remain in his homeland until the end of the current league season, which finishes in December.
FrancoMastantuonoduring the match
Whether that is merely a bargaining tool or not remains to be seen, although if INEOS can strike a deal over the coming months, it would certainly be a welcome one.
Why Man Utd could be set to land Di Maria 2.0
From Juan Seba Veron to Carlos Tevez, the Red Devils have no doubt welcomed some high-profile Argentine talents to Manchester in the 21st Century, with the now-veteran Angel Di Maria perhaps one of the more polarising of the lot.
Signed from Real Madrid on a £59.7m deal back in the summer of 2014, the silky left-footer simply never appeared to settle at the Theatre of Dreams, having sealed a hasty exit to PSG just a year later.
At odds with manager Louis van Gaal, the then-number seven could only show flashes of his quality in the red jersey, including his memorable dink against Leicester City in the early stages of the 2014/15 campaign.
As he has showcased elsewhere, Di Maria – who did chalk up 15 goals and assists in just 32 games for United – is an undoubted superstar, as evidenced by his 121 goal involvements in just 190 games in Madrid, alongside 212 goal involvements in just 295 games in Paris.
In many ways, young Mastantuono looks to be the second coming of his compatriot, not least due to his ability to operate on the flanks or in a central role, while waving his wand of a left foot to devastating effect.
Previously described as a “world-class talent” and “one of the most talented players of his age category in South America” by scout Jacek Kulig, the teen playmaker has four goals and two assists to his name in 13 games in 2025 to date, despite his relative youth.
In total, the in-demand talent boasts 12 goal involvements in just 55 games at senior level, with his form across the last year or so seeing him recognised as statistically similar to Di Maria, among those in their position outside of Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.
Non-penalty goals
0.16
0.07
Assists
0.21
0.20
Shot-creating actions
5.09
6.00
Progressive passes
8.46
6.26
Progressive carries
3.89
3.26
Successful take-ons
1,56
3.65
Touches in opposition box
5.81
4.82
Progressive passes received
10.59
10.95
Tackles
0.88
2.28
Interceptions
0.42
0.20
That likeness is notably evident with regard to their creative streak, with Mastantuono ranking in the top 12% of his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, while the current Benfica star ranks in the top 2% in that regard.
Equally, the pair are also alike with regard to their record for shot-creating actions per 90, with the younger man ranking in the top 4%, while Di Maria ranks in the top 12% for that same metric.
Franco Mastantuono for River Plate
Such likeness should bode well for the career that Mastantuono can have in the game, and while there may be concerns that he might go the same way as his compatriot at Old Trafford, he surely represents an exciting talent for Amorim to be able to nurture.
Of course, United are in need of ready-made figures who can immediately improve the first-team ranks, although looking to the future is also vital amid INEOS’ long-term project.
Big Garnacho upgrade: Man Utd set to open talks to sign "extraordinary" star
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be a big upgrade on Alejandro Garnacho.
A young striker likened to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is in line to leave his club, with Tottenham Hotspur ready to pay “big money” for his services, according to a new report this week.
Ange Postecoglou praises Spurs players after Europa League triumph
Spurs were forced to showcase heroic defending on their best night of the season so far, beating Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 in Germany on Thursday night to seal their place in the Europa League semi-finals.
Tottenham: Lange personally holds talks over signing £50m player for Spurs
The technical director has a plan.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 17, 2025
Dominic Solanke’s penalty, courtesy of James Maddison heroically putting his body on the line to win it, was enough to keep Ange Postecoglou’s hopes of winning silverware during his second season in charge well and truly alive.
Nottingham Forest (home)
April 21st
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Spurs face Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt in the next round, and are expected to dispatch this year’s unlikely semi-final opponents, but anything is possible in tournament football and Postecoglou will be keen to ensure they’re not underestimated.
“We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. We’re in the semi-final and will play a difficult opponent in the semi, but it’s not about my belief in the team,” said the Lilywhites boss in a post-match press conference.
“What’s more important is the belief the team has had because after a season like ours, it would be very easy for the players and staff, they could have left me in a pretty vulnerable place in terms of them splintering, but I’ve never felt that (even) with all the noise around our season.
“They’ve been so united in believing in what we’re trying to achieve here and that is what gave me heart all along that if we got our own slice of luck in terms of getting some players back that I really believed this team could achieve.
“That is what keeps driving me. It isn’t so much my belief in them, it’s their belief in what we’re doing and both players and staff have been outstanding. I am the front man for it but they take responsibility for it as well and all my decisions and everything I do, but not at any stage have I felt they lost any belief in me or what we’re doing.”
Postecoglou’s future is on the line, and his position will very much play a role in Tottenham’s transfer plans for the summer.
Tottenham ready to pay "big money" for Gambian sensation Gibril Sima
As per Football Insider, the club are making some plans regardless, with Gambian sensation Gibril Sima now on Tottenham’s radar. The teenager is making a name for himself in Africa, drawing comparisons with Henry, and Spurs are willing to pay “big money” for Sima ahead of other European suitors.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, sharing news for Football Insider that Postecoglou’s side are very keen on the centre-forward, alongside Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan.
His club, Dutch Lions, are resigned to losing Sima amid this interest as well, so it appears he is well and truly in line for a move abroad.
Tottenham Hotspur are in the race to sign a marquee Premier League player who is in talks with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain – and it would be a record-breaking transfer for the Lilywhites.
Tottenham announce "major coup" in ex-Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham
On Friday, Spurs confirmed the appointment of former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham, who recently departed their London rivals after 14 impressive years.
Tottenham: £4.5m-per-year manager stalls new contract as Spurs make contact
There’s been a development in Spurs’ search for an Ange Postecoglou replacement.
2 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 10, 2025
Venkatesham, who took up a variety of roles at the Emirates over his stay, most recently as Arsenal’s CEO from 2020 to 2024, joins Spurs in what has been described as a “dramatic boadroom shake-up” (Ross Lydal).
Wolves (away)
April 13th
Nottingham Forest (home)
April 21st
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
It also raises questions about chairman Daniel Levy and how his influence at the club will be affected moving forward, while the 44-year-old’s arrival also apparently spells bad news for Chief Football Officer Scott Munn (Dave Hytner).
Munn was placed in charge of all footballing departments, including the club’s transfer strategy, where he’s worked in tandem with technical director Johan Lange on Spurs’ recruitment drive, even if he’s maintained a less public profile.
Venkatesham’s hire will likely have a knock-on effect on Tottenham’s transfer dealings, if his new role does indeed spell a worry for Munn, so it will be intriguing to see how the British-Indian’s spell plays out, as he is set to “take responsibility for all operational matters on and off the field” (The Guardian).
“I’m excited to be joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer,” said Venkatesham in an official statement.
“After taking some time to recharge and evaluate my options, I believe this is an exceptional opportunity to work with Daniel, the Board and all the staff, to take the Club forward.”
He could soon have a major say in Spurs’ appointment of a new manager, as current head coach Ange Postecoglou reportedly faces the potential Tottenham sack after a disappointing campaign, while it is also believed that the north Londoners are in the market for a new forward.
Tottenham have reached out to the representatives of Ipswich striker Liam Delap recently, while West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus is now also on their radar.
Tottenham join race to sign West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus
According to Africafoot this week, Spurs are one of the clubs named as having an interest in Kudus and therefore one of his options this summer. It also states that PSG have now opened talks with the Ghanaian’s entourage, which could be a blow to the Lilywhites’ pursuit.
As well as the French champions, Spurs face stiff competition from Saudi side Al-Nassr, who’ve already made a marquee £87 million bid for the winger, which is above West Ham’s £74 million asking price.
While Tottenham have joined the race to sign Kudus, alongside league rivals Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea, it would appear they’re now very much up against it following PSG’s reported approach.
The 24-year-old has also suffered a drop in form this season compared to last, netting just three goals and registering two assists in 25 league starts this season, so it is perhaps Levy and co start looking elsewhere for a more obtainable wide option.
Elsewhere, it is reported that man could be Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
Tottenham are said to be considering a “surprise” move for Madueke, and Enzo Maresca is prepared to green-light his exit this summer, so the former Spurs academy ace could be a better alternative with a reported asking price of £30 million-plus.
Newcastle United will be keen to end the season on a high and could begin the summer window on the same footing after being offered a chance to sign a talented star from the continent, per reports.
Newcastle United look to make summer window statement
With the end of the Premier League season around the corner, the Magpies will maintain the hope that they can finish in the Champions League slots to set up a statement window under Eddie Howe.
Making an early start, Newcastle are reportedly keen on Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and Besiktas star Semih Kilicsoy to strengthen their forward line.
Liverpool striker Diogo Jota
West Ham United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are also keen on the latter, while the former could be used as a makeweight in any deal involving Alexander Isak heading in the other direction.
Lyon’s Rayan Cherki could add some creativity at St James’ Park and is set to leave Ligue 1 for less than £25 million after striking an agreement with his current employers. Unsurprisingly, a clutch of top-flight sides are also keeping tabs on his situation, creating the potential for a chase that could go the distance.
Internally, Howe could be set to wave goodbye to several experienced stars who have yet to commit to new deals in the north-east. Sean Longstaff is a target for Everton and may follow the crowd through the exit door should circumstances align.
Callum Wilson
Jamal Lewis
Jamaal Lascelles
Mark Gillespie
John Ruddy
Fabian Schar has committed his future for another year to solidify the backline. Per recent developments, he could now be set to compete with one of Serie A’s most recognisable defenders for his place in the side.
Newcastle United to be offered Juventus star Federico Gatti
According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign Juventus star Federico Gatti for £20 million as the cash-strapped giants look to raise money to put towards summer reinforcements.
Intriguingly, Juve are due to pay £20 million for Lloyd Kelly if they qualify for Europe, which could create a scenario where two players are effectively exchanged without either club losing financial capital.
12 duels won: Newcastle star is now as undroppable as Isak & Tonali
The Newcastle United star who is now as undroppable as Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali.
ByDan Emery Apr 3, 2025
Newcastle scouts are said to be excited by Gatti’s versatility and ability to feature in a back three. Unfortunately, the Italy international has been ruled out for the remainder of this term due to a knee injury.
Labelled “unique” by Leonardo Bonucci, the Rivoli-born man has registered one goal and two assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
Imposing himself in the Italian top flight, Gatti has also won 90 duels and 23 tackles within the Juventus backline, helping his side stay alive in their hunt for a Champions League slot.
However, financial problems could gift Newcastle the perfect chance to swoop in, providing they can navigate their own collision course with PSR regulations.
A manager has now been told to get “ready” by Premier League pundit Rio Ferdinand as Arne Slot remains under pressure to turn things around at Liverpool.
Slot reveals Liverpool injury news before Sunderland game
Relief echoed around the away end when Cody Gakpo slammed home Liverpool’s second of the afternoon against West Ham United on Sunday. It came moments after Jarrod Bowen uncharacteristically struck wide and signalled a much-needed victory for Liverpool. But the pressure is still on.
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Liverpool and FSG are getting ready to sign a new forward in 2026.
1 ByAngus Sinclair Dec 2, 2025
The Reds’ 2-0 victory at the London Stadium, which also featured a first Premier League goal for record signing Alexander Isak, cannot be a false dawn. Liverpool must kick on, even if they are set to still be without Conor Bradley and must monitor the fitness of others in their next game against Sunderland.
Bradley could at least make a return when Liverpool square off against Leeds United this weekend, however, after Slot told reporters: “Conor got into a team training session yesterday for the first time. Not everything 100% yet so we have to manage that so don’t get hopes up too soon.
“We expect the same with Jeremie (Frimpong) next week. Unfortunately we play a lot of games, so he’ll miss a few. Hopefully Conor is available for Leeds.”
It’s arguably the biggest month of Slot’s Liverpool tenure. He remains under pressure to turn things around and will watch on as his side play six games in 24 days.
Anything but a convincing month of results could spell the end of the former Feyenoord manager, opening the door for an unemployed manager who Ferdinand has told to get “ready”.
Ferdinand tells Gerrard to be "ready" for Liverpool job
Whilst in the Middle East attending the Formula 1 Qatar GP, Ferdinand told Steven Gerrard to get “ready” to take the Liverpool job on an interim basis amid the pressure on Slot.
It would certainly be a brave call from Liverpool and from Gerrard if he took the management role. He previously won the Scottish Premiership with Rangers, but has since been sacked by Aston Villa and Saudi Pro League side El-Ettifaq.
Take the emotions out of the scenario and the Liverpool legend is simply not the most qualified for the job.
Gakpo upgrade: Liverpool open surprise talks to sign "magic" £70m PL star
Tottenham secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday evening, strengthening their bid for automatic Champions League qualification with a commanding performance.
Thomas Frank’s side also extended their 100 per cent home record in Europe with their third consecutive N17 victory, all without conceding a single goal in that time.
Spurs have now climbed into a coveted top eight place as a result, and there were a few star performers on the night.
David Zima’s bizarre own goal opened the scoring on 26 minutes, with the Czech defender inexplicably heading Pedro Porro’s dangerous corner past his own goalkeeper after Cristian Romero’s initial flick-on.
The opening period proved slightly chaotic, with Tottenham dominating possession yet struggling to convert superiority into clear-cut opportunities against Slavia’s resilient defence.
Richarlison should have given Spurs the lead within 45 seconds, heading Wilson Odobert’s excellent cross straight at goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek from point-blank range.
Slavia threatened sporadically, with Stanek producing several outstanding saves to deny Tottenham’s attack. The Czech international frustrated Mohammed Kudus and substitute Mathys Tel — who was named in the squad despite being left out of their original 22-man list — with exceptional saves.
Thomas Frank confirms injured Tottenham star won't be back for a "long time"
The timeline is unclear.
ByEmilio Galantini 3 days ago
However, two second-half penalties then secured Tottenham’s victory.
Kudus converted their first spot-kick before Xavi Simons completed the scoring after being fouled inside the area, though Slavia’s Igoh Ogbu escaped a second yellow card for the challenge that conceded the penalty.
In some bad news, Micky van de Ven received a booking that rules him out of the crucial Borussia Dortmund clash, representing the evening’s only negative for Frank.
Ben Davies made his first appearance of the campaign during stoppage time, providing a sentimental moment with Son Heung-min watching from the stands following his emotional farewell visit to North London.
The victory maintains Tottenham’s remarkable 22-match unbeaten run at home in European competitions whilst extending Slavia’s winless streak to six Champions League games. The Czech champions also remain without a goal across their last four European matches.
Tottenham now need just four points from their remaining fixtures against Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt to guarantee at least playoff qualification, with top-eight automatic progression firmly within reach.
A lot of the noise has centered around yet another convincing performance from Simons, his second on the bounce after Brentford last weekend, but according to Hargreaves, it was another man who stole the show.
Owen Hargreaves praises 'exceptional' Mohammed Kudus
While the media have lavished Simons’ 9/10 display, it was Kudus who attracted serious praise from TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves.
Speaking after the match, Hargreaves told TNT that Kudus was Tottenham’s ‘best player by far’ and put in a truly ‘exceptional’ display.
The Ghanaian will be facing off against England at the World Cup, potentially Djed Spence, who jokingly said that he was going to pocket his teammate in the States.
However, if we were Spence, we’d certainly be worried.
Kudus has been Tottenham’s standout attacking star by some way this season, and it’s hard to imagine where Frank’s side would be without the former West Ham sensation, who crossed the London divide in July.
The 25-year-old, on top of his nine goal contributions in all competitions this season, has also averaged more successful take-ons per 90 than any other player in the Premier League — marking himself out as England’s most devastating dribbler (WhoScored).
Last night was yet another example of the excellent business done by Spurs to tempt Kudus to north London, and the best could still be yet to come.
Manchester City and Pep Guardiola have now stepped up their interest in signing Real Madrid star Federico Valverde, and a swap deal involving Erling Haaland could be on the cards in the future.
Man City are looking to sign a new midfielder, with Rodri continuing to struggle on the injury front in the opening few months of the 2025-26 campaign, missing three of the last four matches in the Premier League due to a hamstring issue.
Surprisingly, it has now emerged that City could now be willing to use Rodri as a makeweight in negotiations to sign Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, who could be in line to become their club record signing, surpassing the £100m spent on Jack Grealish.
Nico Gonzalez impressed when slotting into the central midfield in the victory against Liverpool prior to the international break, scoring the second goal in the 3-0 rout, but the Blues have now joined the race for a more established top-level central midfielder…
Man City stepping up interest in signing Federico Valverde
According to a report from Spain, Man City are now stepping up their interest in signing Real Madrid midfielder Valverde, with Pep driving the move, having identified the 27-year-old as one of his top targets in the middle of the park.
The City boss is determined to bring in a new central midfielder, while the Spanish giants want to sign Haaland, and it is believed Guardiola’s side would be willing to consider a swap deal for the Norwegian, with the Uruguayan being used as a makeweight.
Otherwise, the La Liga side have no plans to let the Montevideo-born star leave, meaning it could be difficult for the Blues to get a deal over the line, and missing out would be disappointing, given the level of his performances over the past year.
Federico Valverde’s key statistics
Average per 90 (past year)
Passes attempted
66.18 (87th percentile)
Pass completion %
89.7% (89th percentile)
Assists
0.19 (84th percentile)
Interceptions
1.44 (87th percentile)
The 71-time Uruguay international is vastly experienced at the highest level, having made 69 appearances in the Champions League, and he has even been lauded as “world-class” by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
As such, Man City should definitely try and get a deal done, but if the only way to sign Valverde is as part of a Haaland swap deal, then a move should be avoided, given that the striker is currently in the form of his life.
The 25-year-old, who has been named among the best strikers in the world, has already scored 14 Premier League goals this season, six more than any other player in the top flight, and simply cannot be allowed to leave if City are to stand any chance of reclaiming the title.
Erling Haaland has been ranked in the top five of the 2026 Ballon d'Or Power Rankings Ballon d'Or 2026 Power Rankings
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Arsenal are now open to January offers for one Gunners star, with it being revealed Mikel Arteta will need to offload players and free up space in the squad.
The Gunners are well-stocked in the striker department, with Viktor Gyokeres adapting to life in the Premier League very well since making the move from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window, receiving high praise from Arteta after bagging a brace against Atletico Madrid.
The Spaniard said: “All of us [appreciate Gyokeres] because he makes us a much better team. I think we’ve become much more unpredictable,”
“He’s so physical, opens the spaces for everyone. The way he presses the ball, holds the ball, it’s just phenomenal.”
The 27-year-old, who bagged his fourth Premier League goal of the season against Burnley earlier this month, has certainly started well, while Kai Havertz is now closing in on a return from injury, having not been involved since the 1-0 win against Manchester United back in August.
Consequently, there may be little game time available for Arteta’s other striker, Garbiel Jesus, and there has now been a major update on his future at the Emirates Stadium…
Arsenal now open to January offers for Gabriel Jesus
According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now open to offers for Jesus in the January transfer window, as they need to offload players and free up space in the squad, and the Brazilian is no longer a part of Arteta’s plans.
Persistent injuries have meant the 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, and a return to Palmeiras could now be on the cards, with the Brazilian club willing to bring him back, potentially on a loan-to-buy deal.
The 64-time Brazil international has received high praise from Arteta in the past, with the manager saying back in September 2023: “He is a tremendous player, a really important player for us. He changed our world last season. You could all see that.”
That said, it is probably the correct decision to offload the centre-forward, given that he has been unable to put his injury problem in the rearview mirror, missing a number of games for club and country over the past few seasons.
Gabriel Jesus’ injury record by season
Games missed
2022-23
17
2023-24
17
2024-25 onwards
56
It has recently emerged that the £13.7m-a-year striker has returned to training after an extended period of time on the sidelines, which could be a boost for Arteta, given that the manager has been left light on options at times this season, with Gyokeres and Havertz suffering setbacks.
With Arsenal looking to compete on all fronts, faring well in the Champions League and through to the EFL Cup quarter-final, Jesus may still have a role to play in the short-term, but it would not be the end of the world if Arsenal sanction a January departure.
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