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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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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.

Unlike in apartheid South Africa, sanctions will very likely do little for the cause of Afghan women

Andrew Fidel Fernando20-Feb-2025In Afghanistan, women are being erased by design. They have been cast out of schools, out of universities, medical colleges, public places of work, and sports fields.That the Taliban, which took Kabul in August 2021, is as brutally repressive a government as exists at present is well known. And yet so many edicts issued by the Taliban’s “Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Ministry” feel like fresh calamities for the rights and well-being of resident Afghan women. Laws active since the middle of last year prescribe that “whenever an adult woman leaves her home out of necessity, she is obliged to conceal her voice, face, and body”. When education is denied, when women cannot be visible in public, when so much as raising your voice outdoors is unlawful, do even stray animals have greater agency?It is against this horrifying political backdrop that cricket is about to host another major tournament in which the Afghanistan men’s team will compete. This is awkward for a sport that purports to enshrine gender equality, but which does not wish to abandon one of its shiniest 21st century success stories. On the one hand, the ICC has its stated goal of growing the women’s game. On the other, Afghanistan’s men are almost certainly the greatest ever cricket side from a nation not formerly colonised by the British. One of the great critiques of cricket is that it is inaccessible for people who were not introduced to it early. Here was evidence of it exploding into popularity in a place that had been largely oblivious to it as recently as two generations ago.Related

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It follows that the status quo is beset by pretense. Before each match at an ICC event, Afghanistan’s male players line up before the tricolour flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, which was overthrown in 2021, and show respect to a now-defunct national anthem while at home music is banned in public, and instruments are burned for causing “moral corruption”.Meanwhile, the latest from the ICC is that it remains “committed to leveraging [its] influence constructively to support the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), in fostering cricket development and ensuring playing opportunities for both men and women in Afghanistan”, according to a Reuters report. In truth, there currently exists no realistic pathway to setting down the most rudimentary cricket programme for women. Even in the days of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (under the Taliban it is called the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) such programmes were shackled, largely by custom and culture. Any advances made back then have since been emphatically reversed. What is the liberty to play sport when set against foundational rights such as the right to freedom of speech, the right to movement, and the right to education? What real “influence” does the ICC believe it can wield upon a totalitarian state?Knitted into the ICC’s contradictions on this issue is the further pretense that it is an apolitical organisation – one that does not even allow international cricketers to wear emblems showing solidarity with peoples whom those players believe to be oppressed. Usman Khawaja and Moeen Ali have found this out in the past 12 years, over their support of Palestinians. In reality, pursuing a professional career in cricket as a woman is an intensely political act in too much of the cricketing world, far beyond Afghanistan. Parents, teachers, clerics, community leaders, and often politicians themselves, frequently impose restrictions on girls taking to sport.