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It is set to be a very busy summer for Arsenal.

After three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s team are determined to finally take the next step.

With that objective in mind, could they be about to make yet another statement signing from Spain?

Arsenal's incoming transfer business

By early next week, with Tuesday being the start of July, expect a few of Arsenal’s transfer targets to be unveiled.

Transfer Focus

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

Kepa Arrizabalaga will arrive from Chelsea for a reported fee of £5m, to be the back-up to David Raya, while, as reported by David Ornstein of the Athletic, Arsenal are ‘finalising’ a deal to sign Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard for £9.3m.

The Dane, however, is not the only central midfielder heading to North London, given that Martín Zubimendi is set to be unveiled next week, after the Gunners paid his £51m Real Sociedad release clause.

Nevertheless, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho both departing on free transfers, this is an area of the team they do require multiple reinforcements, so are seemingly not done yet.

That’s because, according to reports in Spain, the Gunners are ‘preparing an offer’ of around £35m to Barcelona, as they attempt to sign Marc Casadó.

They also claim that Arteta believes the 21-year-old ‘fits his style of play’ perfectly, hence why the la Másia graduate ‘has become a priority’ for Arsenal.

Given Barcelona’s ongoing financial crisis, they have not ruled out sanctioning a departure, especially one that facilitates Nico Williams’ arrival from Athletic Club which, as Pol Ballús of the Athletic outlines, still faces financial obstacles.

How Marc Casadó would improve Arsenal

As alluded to earlier, Casadó joined Barcelona’s academy as a 13-year-old, making his senior debut for the first team during a Champions League dead rubber against Viktoria Plzeň in November 2022.

Since then, he has accumulated 41 appearances for Barça, but only establishing himself as a key figure this season, a regular starter before suffering a ligament injury in March, as the table below outlines.

Appearances

36

16th

Starts

29

10th

Minutes

2,447

11th

Completed passes

1,682

7th

Progressive passes

154

8th

Passes into the final third

182

6th

Shot-creating actions

64

9th

Tackles

77

2nd

Interceptions

25

8th

Touches

2,122

8th

Ball recoveries

120

8th

Average SofaScore rating

7.03

10th

As the table outlines, Casadó ranked very highly for every metric included at Barcelona this season, including both passing, as well as defensive statistics, namely tackles, interceptions and ball recoveries, underlining that he is an all-rounder.

Following his international debut against Denmark in Copenhagen, in which he came off the bench to replace Zubimendi, teammate Bryan Zaragoza described the midfielder as “barbaric”, adding “I don’t even know what to say about how he played​​​​​​​…. he’s an animal”.

Meantime, Domagoj Kostanjšak of Total Football Analysis believes he is the heir to Sergio Busquets’ throne, stating that Casadó is ‘mostly a ball-recycler’, praising his ‘crisp close control and great decision-making in possession’.

Meantime, Price of Breaking the Lines outlines how the youngster ‘always wants to make progressive passes’, noting that he is almost never dispossessed​​​​​​​ and has the ability to ‘dominate’ any midfield battle he is involved in.

So, we all already know what Zubimendi is all about, with Ogunniyi Abayomi of Breaking the Lines stating that he too is ‘capable of making line-breaking passes​​​​​​​’ as well as dictating the tempo from the base of midfield.

Thus, together, the Spanish duo – both potentially arriving from LaLiga – could form an unstoppable partnership, finally ending Arsenal’s interminable 22-year wait for the Premier League title.

£70m star wants to join Arsenal after Norgaard and Mosquera, talks ongoing

The north Londoners mean business this summer.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 28, 2025

Manchester United have a huge summer ahead of them to try and transform their fortunes on the pitch next season and subsequently avoid a repeat of this campaign.

The Red Devils finished in a measly 15th place in the Premier League, with Ruben Amorim unable to transform their fortunes after taking the reins in November following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.

However, it appears as though the 40-year-old will have some serious money to spend throughout the summer in a bid to improve the current players at his disposal.

He’s already splashed over £60m to complete the signing of Brazilian international Matheus Cunha, with a deal also heading in the right direction for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.

It’s likely that the summer activity won’t end there, which could lead to various big-money additions making the switch to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, under the watchful eye of sporting director, Jason Wilcox.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

Warren Zaire-Emery is one of the latest names on their radar this window, with the Red Devils entering talks with PSG over an £85m move for the teenage midfielder.

He’s not the only name mentioned in recent days, as West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus has been of interest after an enquiry was made for the 24-year-old’s signature.

However, another new name has entered the mix over the last few hours, with Newcastle United talisman Alexander Isak appearing on their radar, according to Italian outlet Tutto Juve.

They claim that United have been closely monitoring the Swedish international, potentially plotting a move after he scored 23 times in his 34 league appearances this campaign.

It also states that Chelsea and Arsenal are in the race to land the 25-year-old, but the Magpies are preparing a new contract for the forward, who’s currently valued at around £150m.

Why United’s £150m target would be a better signing than Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres has been a player in their sights over recent seasons, but their interest has skyrocketed after Amorim’s arrival – understandably so given his time with the striker at Sporting CP.

The Swede has registered a staggering 54 goals in his 52 outings in 2024/25, leading to a whole host of English sides being linked with a move for his signature.

Arsenal appeared to be leading the race this window, but it appears as though the Gunners have moved on to different targets, subsequently bringing Amorim’s side back into the picture.

His rumoured £68m fee would undoubtedly tempt the hierarchy given his staggering goalscoring record, but they should look past a move for Gyokeres and put their attention on a deal for Isak.

Whilst the Sporting talisman has registered more goals this season, the Newcastle star has consistently thrived in England’s top flight – having the skillset that would make him an immediate success at Old Trafford.

When comparing their underlying stats from the current season, Isak has dominated, further showcasing why he would be the better option ahead of 2025/26.

The Magpies attacker, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Thomas Hammond, may have been outscored, but has posted a higher goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical edge in front of goal.

How Isak compares to Gyokeres throughout the 2024/25 campaign

Statistics (per 90)

Isak

Gyokeres

Games played

34

33

Goals scored

23

39

Goals per shot on target

0.5

0.4

Pass accuracy

75%

71%

Progressive passes

2.9

2.1

Passes into final third

1.2

0.5

Take-on success

46%

45%

Carries into final third

1.4

1.3

Stats via FBref

He’s also completed more passes and more passes into the final third, having the tools to provide the players around him at Old Trafford with the opportunities to thrive.

Isak has also completed more take-ons and made a higher tally of carries into the final third per 90, having the skillset to create his own opportunities rather than be dependent on other options around him.

The £150m price tag would be a club and English record, but the deal could prove to be worth every penny, especially if he can carry his form from St James’ with him to Old Trafford.

Gyokeres may still be some supporters’ first choice this window, but it’s evident that Isak would be the better option for the Red Devils and Wilcox in their pursuit of rising up the table in 2025/26.

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Arsenal want to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s squad across the board, not just up front, with sporting director Andrea Berta now setting his sights on a Chelsea high-earner.

Arsenal transfer plans beyond talks for Benjamin Sesko

As things stand, when it comes to their striker search, the Gunners appear to be prioritising a deal for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

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The Gunners are prepared to do something “surprising”.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 7, 2025

Arsenal are advancing in talks with the Slovenian over personal terms, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, even if his price tag is proving complex due to a variable release clause, and there is even a possibility that Berta could end up having to pay around £84 million for him.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

That being said, while the 22-year-old appears to be one of Berta’s main items on the to-do list this summer, Arsenal will have to tread carefully with regard to how much they end up splashing out on Sesko.

Alongside the Leipzig sensation, Arsenal are attempting to finally wrap up a £51 million deal for Martin Zubimendi, which is proving far more complicated than initially thought this time last week.

Despite reliable reports of a medical (BBC), and even Fabrizio Romano’s famous ‘here we go’ to the deal, Zubimendi himself has attempted to pour cold water over the transfer’s advancement with confusing quotes.

“My future? It will be a long summer. I don’t know how it will end,” said Zubimendi to Radio Nacional.

“If Xabi Alonso calls me to join Real Madrid? I’ve always said Xabi is my idol, and it was a privilege to have him as my coach at La Real B. If he called me now? I don’t want to talk about that hypothesis, I’d rather talk about the present. It would be disrespectful to talk about that while I’m on national team duty. I posted pics on a Spanish beach while rumors said I’m in London doing medical exams for Arsenal? Yes, I did that to make it clear those rumors were not true.”

As well as a new midfielder, which supporters are hopeful will be Zubimendi, Arsenal are in the market for a second-choice keeper.

Arsenal hold explorative talks over deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga

After missing out on Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia to Barcelona, £150,000-per-week Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga has emerged as an alternative.

Berta could actually snap up a proven understudy to David Raya for just £5 million, due to a release clause in his contract, which must have been written in when Kepa signed a one-year extension last year.

Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni now claims that Arsenal have held explorative talks over a deal for Kepa as they pursue another keeper, and due to his meagre exit clause, you can argue that this would be a snip.

The Spaniard, called “amazing” for some of his performances on loan at Bournemouth last season, would arguably need to take a pay-cut, but this is a move certainly worth considering from Berta’s perspective.

Setting their sights on summer spending, Nottingham Forest have reportedly joined a hectic Premier League race to trigger one player’s £25m release clause.

Nottingham Forest already eyeing summer targets

Whilst they’ve earned plenty of deserved praise throughout what has been the story of the season, Nottingham Forest got a timely reminder that there’s still work to be done against Aston Villa – suffering a 2-1 defeat.

Forced into a number of changes thanks to the injury concerns of Ola Aina, Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi, Nuno Espirito Santo was left frustrated by his side’s defeat at full-time, telling reporters: “We tried to find solutions. The boys showed a better game. It was one of the matches that we created the most in but didn’t take anything from the game.

“When you lose, you don’t recover so well. The miles come to your mind. It’s always easy when you are in a good moment. Now it is not so good and it requires a bit of patience.”

Adriano 2.0: Nottingham Forest join hectic race to sign "gifted" wonderkid

He’s a future star.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 5, 2025

Arguably for the first time this season, Forest had their depth exposed in what may just be a preview of what’s to come if they qualify for the Champions League in the coming weeks.

A place amongst Europe’s elite has seen both Aston Villa and Newcastle United struggle to repeat their magic in the last two seasons and Forest must ensure that they avoid the same fate.

Perhaps in pursuit of that, those at the City Ground have already been linked with a number of impressive moves for the likes of Darwin Nunez and Ademola Lookman. Of course, the former would be particularly interesting, given how he has struggled to make his mark at Liverpool.

If Forest were to land a cut-price deal and then get the best out of the forward, it would be seen as a major coup. Nunez isn’t the only Premier League player that Forest have set their sights on, however.

"Superb" Ramsdale could replace Sels

Like Chris Wood, Matz Sels has enjoyed an excellent season between the sticks at Nottingham Forest but that doesn’t take away from the need for those at the City Ground to find a replacement. They’ve already turned towards a number of options to potentially replace Wood and could now turn towards the heir to Sels’ role now that he’s 33 years old.

According to The Boot Room, Nottingham Forest have now joined a hectic Premier League race to sign Aaron Ramsdale, who has a release clause worth £25m at St Mary’s. Despite only arriving last year, the goalkeeper looks destined to depart this summer with the Saints heading back down to the Championship.

Starts

22

31

Saves P90

4.14

3.19

Save Percentage

66.9%

74.3%

Pass Completion

64.7%

50.9%

With Newcastle United, Forest, Bournemouth and Leeds United all queuing up for the England international’s signature, he will be spoilt for choice when the summer transfer window arrives.

Praised for a “superb” save against Bournemouth by Manchester City icon Joe Hart earlier this season, Southampton’s season – for all of how disappointing it has been – may have somehow been worse without Ramsdale.

Liverpool are closing in on the Premier League title and now have a dynamic target in their sights, per reports.

Liverpool look to build on impending Premier League title triumph

Although Liverpool aren’t quite there yet in their mission to claim the top-flight crown, the champagne is on ice at Anfield following their vital Merseyside derby victory over Everton in midweek.

While Sunday’s trip to face Fulham will be the main priority, Arne Slot is already making inroads ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to reports, the Reds have put Newcastle United star Alexander Isak on their wishlist, even if the £150 million needed to sign the Sweden international is unlikely to be sanctioned by FSG.

Virgil Van Dijk’s uncertain contract situation has prompted Liverpool to set their sights on Barcelona central defender Ronald Araujo, who may be attainable at the £50 million mark.

Following a similar theme to his Dutch counterpart, Trent Alexander-Arnold could be on his way to Real Madrid for free as his deal at Anfield expires this summer.

Freiburg’s Kiliann Sildillia could be a like-for-like replacement, though any prospective transfer is unlikely to appease the masses that are desperate for the Three Lions international to stay put.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Virgil Van Dijk

Mohamed Salah

Vitezslav Jaros

Harvey Davies

Inevitably, claiming silverware may be viewed as an ideal end of the road for one or two star assets. Some would argue a Premier League winners’ medal should be enough evidence to stick around, but some legacies are best left on a high to avoid sour endings.

Either way, Liverpool are making progress ahead of the summer window and are now plotting an offer for one of the Bundesliga’s leading lights once the market opens for business.

Liverpool ready to make offer for Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller

Per reports in Spain, Liverpool are set to make an offer of €50m (£42.5m) for Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller, who the Reds see as someone with ‘great potential’ to develop into a star at Anfield.

The Bundesliga outfit would like to keep him around for as long as possible, though they are aware that a battle for his signature could unfold during the summer window.

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Labelled a “breakout star” by Ben Mattinson, the midfield enforcer has registered four goals and six assists in 41 appearances this term across all competitions.

Becoming a lynchpin for Stuttgart, the 23-year-old has created 44 chances and completed 19 dribbles on league duty. Illustrating his capacity to excel in the engine room, he could well be an ideal fit at Liverpool due to his purposeful approach in possession.

Now, the onus is on the Reds to push a deal over the line. They are unlikely to be the only side willing to secure Stiller’s signature, so time is of the essence.

Keith Stackpole often set the tone for Australia’s innings in the early 1970s, with his steely presence and bat that spoke volumes

Greg Chappell24-Apr-2025Australian cricket has farewelled one of its most combative and charismatic characters with the passing of Keith Stackpole on Tuesday. A fierce competitor, courageous opening batter, and fiercely loyal team-mate, Stackpole’s influence during a formative period in the game’s evolution was as significant as it was deeply felt by those fortunate enough to share a dressing room with him.Keith’s Test journey began in the middle order, but it was his shift to the top of the order that defined the cricketer – and the man – he would become. It wasn’t just a tactical move; it was transformational. His temperament was perfectly attuned to the demands of facing the new ball. He relished the responsibility, often setting the tone for Australia’s innings with a steely presence and a bat that spoke volumes.What truly set Keith apart was his fierce love of fast bowling. The quicker they came, the more alive he became. His cross-batted strokes – especially the pull and hook – were trademarks, and he never blinked at short-pitched hostility. But it wasn’t just about technique; it was his intent. Defeat stung him personally. He wore responsibility like a badge and took it upon himself to alter the course of matches.Related

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There’s a story, often retold, that speaks volumes about the man. It was Jamaica, 1973, just before the West Indies series. Word had spread about a young Jamaican quick, Uton Dowe – touted as the next Wes Hall. When news came through that Dowe would be rested for a warm-up match, most of the touring side breathed easier. Not Keith. He was genuinely furious – pacing the dressing room, lamenting the missed chance. He wanted to face Dowe, to test himself, to measure the mettle of this rising force.When the first Test came round and Dowe took the new ball to the roar of Kingston’s crowd, Keith was ready. The first ball was short; Stackpole sent it racing to the boundary. He went on to smack seven fours in a fiery innings of 44, dismantling the youngster’s confidence – and with it, his career. It was Stackpole in full: courageous, combative, and utterly unwilling to let reputations go unchallenged.As Ian Chappell’s vice-captain, Keith was steadfast. He gave unwavering support, both on and off the field, and the two forged a friendship that lasted decades. He would not abide criticism of his skipper and was a pillar of strength during Australia’s rise in the early 1970s.Of all his performances, his knock at The Oval in 1972 remains etched in memory. With the Ashes on the line and Australia needing 242 to draw the series, Keith launched into the English attack of John Snow, Geoff Arnold, Tony Greig and Derek Underwood. He belted a commanding 79 – bold, belligerent, and calming to those watching on. It helped secure a pivotal win and symbolised so much of what he brought to Australian cricket: nerve, heart, and a flair for the moment.To his beloved wife Pat and the entire Stackpole family: the thoughts and deepest sympathies of the cricketing community are with you. Keith Stackpole’s legacy won’t just live on in statistics or archives – it endures in the hearts of those who played with him, watched him, and knew what it meant to have “Stacky” at the top of the order.Vale, Stacky.

Essex have lost more wickets than anyone else in the Blast but their batters just keep coming

Alan Gardner14-Jul-2023There are three things that it is worth knowing about Essex’s 2023 Vitality Blast campaign. The first is that they squeezed through to the quarter-finals with their last hit of the group stage, as Feroze Khushi’s cow-corner slog was carried over the rope by Chris Jordan to secure a three-wicket win against Surrey. Even then, progress wasn’t confirmed until Kent lost at Somerset later that night.The second and third are linked, and tell you a bit about that dramatic finish at The Oval. No team has gone harder from the start of their batting innings than Essex, a powerplay run rate of 10.30 more than half a run per over above the next team on the list. And similarly, no team has lost more wickets in this year’s Blast. You can land your punches but Essex just keep coming.It may not the perfect strategy, but it clearly suits a group of cavalier young players balanced out by a few senior heads. In that Surrey game, for instance, Essex lost a wicket from the second ball of their chase of 196, then freewheeled along at more than 12 an over until the departure of Dan Lawrence in the 12th; from which point they lost 6 for 48 to put the result back into the balance right up until Khushi’s finisher.Leading the way in a line-up that clearly likes to buckle its swash is Michael Pepper, who powered the Oval chase alongside Lawrence with 75 off 39 balls. A 25-year-old who styles himself on AB de Villiers and speaks with a similar, though less-pronounced, twang – Pepper was born in the UK to an English father and South African mother – he has been Essex’s leading run-scorer in each of the last three editions of the Blast. Over the last two summers, he has 830 T20 runs at a strike rate of 168.35. Only one player has scored as heavily at a quicker rate – Somerset’s Will Smeed (900 at 169.17).Related

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“It’s definitely fearless cricket, just trying to take the game on as much as you can,” Pepper tells ESPNcricinfo. “Always looking to be positive and trust your instincts when you are out there, and it’s definitely helped by our batting line-up batting so deep. Literally anyone in almost the top nine or 10 can win you the game from a lot of different positions. So the fact that we have just that depth the whole way down [means] we can continue being aggressive and that’s definitely our mantra, of trying to take the game on as much as we can.”In fact, according to Daniel Sams, the Australia allrounder who is one of those match-winners down the order – and currently the most valuable player in the competition according to ESPNcricinfo’s Smart Stats – Essex have tried to dismantle one of T20’s most-established axioms: if you lose three wickets in the powerplay, you are likely to lose the game.”We have lost three wickets in six overs probably more than once this tournament but I’m pretty sure at least one of those games, after six overs we were still going at tens and we still won the game,” Sams says. “So I think that mentality of old – lost a few wickets and we need to hold back – doesn’t really work anyway. The buy in is, ‘Let’s just be bold, let’s be brave and just keep doing what we would do, regardless of the situation.’ Because all the situations or scenarios, that’s just a distraction from how you can best play your game.”Michael Pepper brings out his trademark reverse•Getty ImagesAs befits a team that prizes strike rate above average, Essex have been three down in the powerplay six times this season, and won three of them – including a rocky start of 31 for 4 in 4.2 overs chasing 151 at Canterbury (victory achieved with four wickets and 10 balls to spare).It is four years since Essex won their maiden T20 title with a team, again led by Simon Harmer, featuring club greats Ryan ten Doeschate and Ravi Bopara. Pepper was an unused squad member for Finals Day in 2019 but is now foremost among a clutch of players aged 22-25 – including Khushi, Robin Das and Will Buttleman – who are looking to repeat the feat. Lawrence, 26, who starred in the quarter-final win over Birmingham and is in his last season for the club having agreed a move to Surrey, will also be key, although Khushi has been ruled out of involvement due to a fractured hand.Pepper has already had a taste of the franchise world that is opening up for short-format cricketers, playing in the Hundred and Abu Dhabi T10. But he has not contemplated taking the route Smeed opted for in signing a white-ball-only contract with Somerset and hopes to attract the interest of England – and perhaps one day the IPL – through the established pathways.”I don’t like tipping myself as just a T20 player,” Pepper says. “I’m still trying to get in all the Essex teams. I’ve still got quite a heavy focus on four-day cricket, but it [T20] just seemed to be the one that’s come the most natural to me – [where I’ve] just excelled, being able to go out and express myself, playing on natural feel.”

A treat for your eyes: Six outrageous Michael Pepper sixes #Blast23 #FinalsDay pic.twitter.com/Aki5Epazbm

— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) July 10, 2023