All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

It’s been an interesting summer for Arsenal so far.

On the pitch, Mikel Arteta’s side have left a lot to be desired with wins over AC Milan and Newcastle United, but losses against Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal.

However, off the pitch, it would be fair to say that Andrea Berta and his team have exceeded expectations so far with smart depth additions and a couple of big-money deals for Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi.

Moreover, the North Londoners look primed to do more business, with both Eberechi Eze and Ademola Lookman touted for moves to the Emirates.

Why Arsenal want to sign Eze & Lookman

As things stand, Arsenal continue to be linked with both Eze and Lookman, with the former having a release clause worth £68m in his current contract that’ll expire in a week, and the latter reportedly being available for a fee of around £43m.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

While it seems unlikely that the Gunners would sign both internationals, it’s easy to see why they are interested in them.

For example, despite playing in a mid-table team at best, the Englishman managed to rack up a brilliant haul of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling just 3303 minutes, last season.

That means the 27-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

On top of that, he also scored in the quarter-final, semi-final, and final of the FA Cup, leading the Eagles to the first major trophy in their existence.

On the other hand, the Nigerian star has been a lean, mean goalscoring machine for several years now.

For example, since moving to the Bergamo outfit in August 2022, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, has scored 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.

In other words, the former RB Leipzig star has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes over the last three seasons, which is a level of output that could fire the Gunners to glory next year.

In all, it’s easy to see why Arteta and Co would want to splash the cash on one of these stars, although whoever they decide on will have to smash all expectations to see their valuation even approach that of another Arsenal star.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Eze & Lookman

While they’re yet to win anything with them, Arsenal are a club blessed with an abundance of incredibly talented stars in their squad, although it’s still really quite easy to pinpoint their most important player: Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End icon has developed from an exciting academy graduate into a fully-fledged superstar and the poster boy of Arteta’s project over the last few years, and his valuation reflects that.

Transfermarkt, for example, now prices the 23-year-old game-changer at a staggering €150m, which converts to about £130m, or at least £19m more than Lookman and Eze combined.

While some might question such a valuation, we reckon it’s pretty spot-on, and the first reason why is down to his output.

For example, despite missing almost four months of action with a hamstring injury last season, the Gunners’ “future legend,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, was still able to rack up a sensational haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling just 2619 minutes.

Appearances

37

43

40

Minutes

2619′

3303′

2871′

Goals

12

14

20

Assists

14

11

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

0.58

0.67

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73′

132.12′

106.33

Not only did that make him the most effective player in the North Londoners’ squad, but the dynamic winger maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or 100.73 minutes, which is not only world-class, but better than Eze and Lookman.

On top of that, the Ealing-born monster has also established himself as an essential member of the national team, earning 44 senior caps, in which he’s produced 20 goal involvements, and winning back-to-back Player of the Year awards.

Ultimately, while Lookman and Eze are brilliant players who’d make excellent signings for Arsenal, we don’t think their valuations will ever be able to reach Saka’s.

Not Eze: Arsenal ready to pounce for "superstar" in Berta's best deal yet

The international would be a game-changer for the Gunners.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 8, 2025

Securing their fourth arrival of the window, West Ham United have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a bargain striker who has experience in the Champions League and at international level.

West Ham's striker problem

Whilst much is made of striker curses elsewhere around London, West Ham have quietly been having plenty of trouble in that department themselves. If it hasn’t been Jarrod Bowen or Michail Antonio stepping up in recent seasons, then it’s been difficult to pick out just where the Hammers’ threat could come from going forward.

West Ham submit "formal bid" to sign "phenomenal" Brazilian wanted by Everton

The Hammers are working on another reinforcement.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 2, 2025

They welcomed Niclas Fullkrug in the hope of solving that problem last summer, only for the former Borussia Dortmund man to join a long list of struggling forwards. Now without Antonio, who left as a free agent earlier this summer, the Hammers desperately need someone to step up or step in through the transfer window.

To that end, there may still be some hope for Fullkrug, who was in a positive mood after scoring in West Ham’s friendly victory against Everton recently. If the Hammers can get him firing on all cylinders, then Graham Potter will certainly stand a far better chance at turning things around after enduring a tough start to life at the London Stadium.

However, it won’t just be the 32-year-old tasked with finding the back of the net for West Ham next season. Alongside him looks set to be an experienced England international.

West Ham agree deal to sign Wilson

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, West Ham have now agreed a deal to sign Callum Wilson. The former Newcastle United forward became a free agent after leaving the Magpies earlier this summer, but is now set to get his next move after completing a medical with the Hammers.

At 33 years old, there will naturally be some concerns that Wilson is not a long-term option, but if West Ham want a proven goalscorer then Wilson will certainly offer them that in the Premier League.

Appearances

239

Goals

88

Assists

25

Praised for his “excellent” goalscoring record by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, Wilson is just 12 goals away from joining the Premier League’s 100-club and could do so in West Ham colours. Putting pen to paper on a one-year deal to become West Ham’s fourth signing, the experienced forward will be out to leave one final mark on England’s top flight.

Derby County are making progress on bringing new recruits to Pride Park and could now be set to up their pursuit of another centre-forward, according to a report.

Derby County closing in on new arrivals

John Eustace has wasted no time in recruiting new faces as his side tool up for another season in the EFL Championship, with Carlton Morris, Andreas Weimann, Danny Batth, Richard O’Donnell and Patrick Agyemang walking through the front entrance.

However, Derby are now set to snap up Liverpool left-back Owen Beck on loan from the Premier League champions, with only the finer details remaining before his move becomes official.

Jonathan Percy stated on his situation: “#dcfc are close to signing Liverpool left-back Owen Beck on loan for the season. Deal agreed and Wales u21 international expected to undergo medical later this week. Beck was signed by John Eustace at Blackburn last year and was v keen to play under him again #lfc.”

Intriguingly, the Eustace factor appears to have had a critical impact in being able to secure targets, and he could work his magic once again after the Rams brokered a deal to sign Callum Brittain from Blackburn Rovers for £3 million.

Deal agreed: Derby County set to sign "fantastic" player who loves Eustace

What a great addition this could be for the Rams.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 22, 2025

While that isn’t finalised yet, all the signs are there for Derby to enjoy a productive season after narrowly avoiding the drop last term. The English second-tier is more competitive than ever, and a few fine margins going their way could open up endless possibilities.

Either way, quality reinforcements are required to step up their bid for a better campaign, so it will come as no surprise to hear that Eustace is now pursuing another clinical attacking option.

Derby County look to sign Timothe Nkada

According to The Sun’s Charlie Wyett, Derby are competing with Blackburn Rovers and QPR to sign Rodez forward Timothe Nkada after he turned in 17 goals and five assists in 35 appearances last season across all competitions.

Finishing as the joint-second top scorer in Ligue 2, the 26-year-old is a former product of Rennes’ youth system and is said to be available for £2.2 million this summer.

Timothe Nkada’s key Ligue 2 statistics – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Shots

77

Shots on target

39

Chances created

30

Fouls won

14

Successful passes

225

Competition for his signature is fierce, but Eustace has proved that he has a pull that can prove hard to resist when targeting players he believes can make a difference at Pride Park.

With two years left on his deal, Rodez may have a decision to make over whether it would make sense to sell him now or face losing Nkada next year at a fraction of his reported value.

Ultimately, shopping in markets where you can get bang for your buck is the name of the game in the Championship, and it appears that Derby could be preparing to strike while the iron is hot after his excellent campaign at Stade Paul-Lignon.

Chelsea are the champions of the world.

On Sunday, in an outcome simply no one saw coming, the Blues demolished Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the Club World Cup Final.

The game was all over by half-time, with Cole Palmer scoring two near-identical goals just eight minutes apart at MetLife Stadium, before João Pedro rubber-stamped the victory with an impudent dink over Gianluigi Donnarumma on the cusp of the interval.

So, a statement success stateside this summer for Enzo Maresca’s side but, in less than five weeks’ time, the Blues will begin their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, and you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll be busy in the transfer market between now and then.

Chelsea's search for a centre-forward

Already this summer, Chelsea have spent big on not one but two strikers.

Transfer Focus

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

First, Liam Delap arrived from Ipswich for a reported fee of £30m, with the Englishman scoring his first goal for the club against Espérance Sportive de Tunis during the group stages of the tournament.

However, by the end, he had been usurped in the pecking order by João Pedro, arriving from Brighton for £60m, on target twice against his former club Fluminense in the Club World Cup semi-finals, not a bad way to mark your full-debut, before netting in the final too.

Now though, according to a report by TBR Football, Chelsea are ‘in contact’ with the representatives of Benjamin Šeško, who is looking to move to the Premier League this summer, while Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester United are all mentioned as being interested too.

How Benjamin Šeško would improve Chelsea

Earlier this summer, the Slovenian’s most likely destination appeared to be Arsenal, but the Gunners are now ‘in the process of completing a deal’ to sign Viktor Gyökeres instead, as reported by David Ornstein and Mario Cortegana of The Athletic.

So, could Šeško, who is valued at around £78m, still end up in London, only now wearing blue and donning a Champions of the World patch on his chest?

Well, still only 22 years old, Šeško’s performances for Leipzig have certainly caught the eye.

Writer Andreas Andersen labels him “clinical”, praising his “incredible athleticism” and asserting he possesses “everything to become world-class”.

Meantime, Brandon Liss of Total Football Analysis believes that he is an ‘exciting young talent’ who boasts exceptional ‘pace and physicality’, while he’s also been labelled as “the new Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Now though, the question remains. Is he a bigger talent than Pedro? Let’s find out.

Appearances

31

27

Minutes

1,528

1,953

Goals

14

10

Assists

2

6

Shots

1.9

1.6

Shots on target %

62%

60.61%

Non-penalty goals

0.5

0.3

Chances created

0.7

1.3

Take-on success %

54.93%

38.16%

Touches

38.1

48.8

As the table outlines, Šeško is much more of a clinical finisher and a natural goal-scorer than Pedro, scoring more goals and mustering more shots, a higher proportion of which find the target.

In total, Šeško scored 21 times across all competitions last season, including four in the Champions League, while the most Pedro has ever enjoyed in a single campaign is 20, reaching that tally for Brighton in 2023/24.

So, despite having already signed Delap and Pedro, while Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu remain on their books, you wouldn’t put it past Chelsea to splurge their Club World Cup winners on Šeško, would you?

As good as Palmer: Chelsea may have found their new Drogba at the CWC

Chelsea were brilliant as they thrashed PSG to win the Club World Cup.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 14, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of top quality to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s ranks, ahead of another Premier League title challenge.

Berta to offer "emerging star" in Arsenal swap deal for near-£70m signing

The Italian really wants to bring him to N5.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 9, 2025

The Gunners, amid their ongoing talks to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, which could be done fairly soon after the player agreed personal terms, are also attempting to bolster other positions in the attacking third.

Gyokeres could be joined by Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, with the England international, like Gyokeres, also already agreeing his contractual package.

Interestingly, and what is a very exciting prospect for Arsenal supporters, a move for Madueke or any other left-wing target is independent of their potential deal for Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze.

The £100,000-per-week star has reportedly held “positive talks” over joining Arsenal (ESPN), and some reports suggest that Berta is determined to sign Eze. Journalist Rahman Osman also reported in The Sun earlier this week that Berta could offer Palace an “emerging star” as a makeweight to sweeten talks for Eze, but the Eagles are holding out for his £68 million release clause.

Football Transfers provided another update on the ongoing saga this morning.

Berta to hold Wednesday talks with Crystal Palace over signing Eze

The outlet states that Berta will personally hold “Wednesday” talks with Palace over signing Eze, with club-to-club talks seemingly poised to take place today.

Football Transfers relay that Eze wants to join Arsenal, and these negotiations will apparently be centered around how Arsenal would structure the payments of Eze’s release clause, so it appears the north Londoners could steadily be giving in to Palace’s demands.

Not much else is said with regard to the 27-year-old, but Berta is showing no sign of slowing down in his pursuit of Eze, so this could be one to watch in the coming days.

The former QPR star could make a sensational return to the Emirates, 14 years after he was released by the Arsenal academy, and it is clear as day why Berta is reportedly very keen to strike a homecoming.

Eze bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Palace last season – scoring the FA Cup-final winning goal against Man City to end their history-long wait for a major trophy – and 2024/2025 was by no means his only heroic campaign at Selhurst Park.

Sky Sports report that the attacking midfielder would come in to complement Martin Odegaard, but Eze’s versatility means he’s capable of reinforcing Arteta’s wise areas too.

Manchester United now have a “dark horse” candidate in their quest to sign a new striker, potentially turning to hijack a player who has spoken to Arsenal on multiple occasions this year.

Man Utd want Mbeumo through the door before new striker

It’s been a while since the Red Devils wrapped up the transfer of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the hope would have been that they had secured a deal for Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo by now as well. However, United have been unable to reach an agreement with their fellow Premier League side, seeing one bid already turned down.

Man Utd submit £13m bid to sign "great" Real Madrid player and get reply

The Red Devils are still looking to replace Onana.

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 23, 2025

The Cameroon international is still seen as a likely arrival at Old Trafford, but the time it has taken to work on the transfer has probably gone on longer than many at United expected, with Thomas Frank’s arrival at Tottenham complicating matters.

But this week there could finally be some good news for the Premier League side. That is because, according to journalist Rudy Galetti, Man United have agreed personal terms with Mbeumo and are now willing to pay £63 million to get a deal done.

The 25-year-old netted 20 goals in the Premier League last season, and his impending arrival at Old Trafford is expected to see him join Cunha as United’s two new number 10s in Ruben Amorim’s system.

Attention will then turn to finding the right number nine to play in front of the pair, with neither of Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee expected to be the man to lead the line.

Man Utd keen on signing £40m star Ollie Watkins

According to a report from Spain, Man United are considering a move to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa this summer, and he has become the “dark horse” target in their race for a new centre forward.

The Red Devils see Watkins as a ‘reliable alternative’ who may not cost as much as other forwards who have been linked with a move to Old Trafford. He is under contract until 2028, but Villa’s PSR complications will force them to sell at least one key player this summer.

It isn’t a straightforward deal for United to complete however, as it’s already been reported that Arsenal have held talks with Watkins, who has been dubbed “the best striker in the world” by analyst Raj Chohan, both in January and again this summer.

Watkins emerging as a target for United also comes as the Red Devils are working on a deal to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Watkins

Ekitike

Apps

38

33

Starts

31

31

Goals

16

15

Assists

8

8

xG

15.3

21.6

Goals per 90

0.55

0.53

Shots per 90

2.84

4.00

Goals per shot

0.17

0.12

It’s been claimed that United have held talks with the representatives of the Frenchman over a move to Old Trafford, and a formal bid is expected to arrive soon. However, it’s been well publicised that he could cost as much as £85 million, so Watkins is seen as a cheaper option, as he is valued at around £40 million by the Villans.

This summer has been a testing one for Arsenal fans so far.

Unlike Premier League rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, the North Londoners are yet to confirm a single signing, with the one positive piece of news coming out recently being that of Gabriel Magalhaes’ contract renewal.

Moreover, following reports from Fabrizio Romano, it looks like there is a real chance that Thomas Partey could be the latest player to leave for free this summer, following fellow midfielder Jorginho.

Fortunately, the club seem incredibly close to securing the services of Martin Zubimendi, and if reports are to be believed, they are looking to sign another international star who’d be an even more exciting acquisition.

Arsenal's next transfer after Zubimendi

After months of speculation following Sami Mokbel’s initial exclusive around Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal back in January and the countless times it looked like he might be heading elsewhere since then, Romano helped to reassure fans on Friday evening by confirming that the Spaniard’s £55m move to the club was signed.

The Real Sociedad ace, who has long been a target for top sides from Liverpool to Real Madrid, will add some real quality to the middle of the park for the Gunners’ and if his performances for Spain are anything to go by, he is more than just a defensive midfielder.

However, given how long we’ve known about this potential deal and the fact he is, first and foremost, a six, it’s easy to understand why the excitement might not necessarily be there for some fans. After all, the North Londoners’ biggest problem this season was scoring goals.

Transfer Focus

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

So, there’s a hope and an expectation that the next player the club focuses on will be an out-and-out attacker, potentially someone like Rodrygo.

The good news is that that may be what happens, according to a recent report from The Mirror.

The story has revealed that while a deal may take some time to happen this summer, the Gunners’ interest in the Real Madrid star is ‘genuine.’

Moreover, while he won’t come cheap, the report claims that a fee in the region of £70m may be enough to tempt Los Blancos into selling.

While that is still a lot of money, it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Arsenal, and as he’d be a far more exciting signing than Zubimendi, this is a deal they should be pushing for.

Why Rodrygo would be a more exciting signing than Zubimendi

Well, simply put, while Zubimendi might be able to have just as much of an impact on the team’s performances from the base of midfield, Rodrygo would be a more exciting signing because attackers are what get people on their feet.

It might sound terribly reductionist, and we are sure there are a few purists who prefer to watch a defensive midfielder, but when it comes down to it, the vast majority of fans want to see goals, and with the Real Madrid gem, that’s what they’d get.

Since the start of the 23/24 campaign, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has scored 32 goals and provided 20 assists in 104 appearances, totalling 7,202 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every other game, or every 138.5 minutes over a two-year period.

Appearances

52

52

Minutes

3777′

3425′

Goals

18

14

Assists

9

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

0.48

Minutes per Goal Involvement

139.88′

137′

What makes those numbers all the more impressive is that for most of the last two campaigns, the Brazilian international has been forced to play out on the right or up top, and while he can evidently still do that to great effect, he is primarily a left-winger, so just imagine how good he could be in his natural position.

However, perhaps just after goals, the next most exciting thing to see on a football pitch is a winger who runs at, takes on and beats his opposing defender, which is a skill the former Santos gem has in spades.

According to FBref, he sat in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers for carries into the final third in La Liga this season, the top 12% for carries into the penalty area and the top 15% for successful take-ons, all per 90.

Those stats help to show that not only is the 24-year-old an incredibly positive runner with the ball and someone who can spearhead attacks, but he also possesses the ability to get past full-backs and centre-backs.

For comparison’s sake, Gabriel Martinelli sits in the bottom 42% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for successful take-ons per 90, so fans would notice a big improvement on the left in that regard.

Ultimately, Zubimendi looks like a great signing for Arsenal and someone who can help them control games next season, but due to his output, tenacity and ability on the ball, Rodrygo would be a far more exciting addition to the team.

A bigger star than Zubimendi: Arsenal make approach to sign £50m midfielder

The midfield monster would be a game-changer for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 23, 2025

After winning the Premier League title in the 2024/25 campaign, Liverpool have demonstrated no signs of slowing down their ambitions of being a powerhouse once again next season.

The Reds claimed the title by 10 points, losing just four games out of their 38, with two of which coming after they had already secured top spot in Arne Slot’s first season.

It was a year to remember for the club, reaching the next level under the Dutchman, subsequently doing so with only one senior addition during last summer’s window.

However, this time around, it appears the board have massively backed the manager with funds in his quest to retain the title during the 2025/26 campaign.

Jeremie Frimpong has already been announced as a Reds player, with Milos Kerkez appearing next on their list, but their business doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

The latest on Liverpool’s for new additions this summer

Over recent weeks, a striker has emerged as a key target for Slot, as he looks to land a new talisman to hand him that added clinical edge within the front three at Anfield.

The likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké and Viktor Gyokeres have all been mentioned as potential targets, but up until now, none of which appear to be edging closer to a move to Merseyside.

However, other areas of the pitch are in need of investment, with midfielder Adam Wharton emerging on their radar in recent days, according to journalist Francois Plateau.

He claims that the Reds have made contact with the representatives of the Crystal Palace star, and are set to explore a deal for the 21-year-old.

Plateau also confirmed that Slot’s men aren’t prepared to meet the current £60m price tag on his shoulders, which could lead to negotiations over a move for the England international.

Why Wharton would be a better signing than Wirtz for Liverpool

Liverpool fans have been handed another reason to be excited in recent days, after the club agreed a staggering £116.5m deal with Bayer Leverkusen for attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.

The 22-year-old registered 22 combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga this campaign, with Slot’s side appearing to win the race for his signature after rejecting Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

Whilst such a deal looks set to cost the board a pretty penny, it’s one that would add a different dimension to the squad and has the potential to set them up for success in the immediate and long-term.

His record throughout 2024/25 would hand other attackers to bolster their own tallies, making the Reds an even bigger force to be reckoned with during Slot’s second campaign at the helm.

However, Wharton could prove to be a better signing than the German. While Wirtz will have to rival Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai for a place in the side, the Reds have long missed a holding midfield player, notably trying to sign the likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia since Fabinho’s departure.

At long, long last, Wharton could be the man to transform the Liverpool XI even more than Wirtz could. Indeed, when comparing his stats to those of current midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, he’s managed to outperform them in key areas, further showcasing why he’d be a massive addition for the club.

The 21-year-old, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Luke Weaser-Seychell, has managed to complete more progressive passes per 90, along with more key passes – having the ability in possession to aid the attackers ahead of him.

Games played

20

37

35

Goals & assists

2

4

10

Progressive passes

7.3

5.1

6.1

Key passes

1.8

0.7

1.5

Passes into final third

5.3

4.3

4.2

Interceptions made

1.7

1.4

0.7

Clearances made

1.9

1.6

1

Recoveries made

7

5.5

5.1

Wharton has also managed to thrive defensively, making more interceptions than the aforementioned duo, whilst making more recoveries – subsequently offering Slot an added presence at both ends of the pitch.

At just 21, to be outperforming the likes of Mac Allister and Gravenberch is no mean feat, highlighting how impressive he’s been in England’s top flight and having the time to improve further given his tender age.

Should he continue on his current trajectory, he has the potential to be one of the best deep-lying options in world football, with his rumoured price tag at present still an excellent price.

No doubt all the focus and hype is on Wirtz given his English record transfer, but Slot could trump such a move by plotting a move for Wharton – allowing the pair to lead the club to many titles in the years ahead.

A dream Huijsen alternative: Liverpool enter race to sign £68m defender

Liverpool may need to sign a centre-back this summer.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 15, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers have turned their attention towards the summer window and now have a versatile star on their radar that could be available for a modest fee, according to a report.

Wolverhampton Wanderers enter life without Matheus Cunha

Vitor Pereira deserves immense credit for preserving Wolves’ top-flight status since arriving at Molineux. However, the 56-year-old will be the first to admit that their successful survival mission wouldn’t have been possible without Matheus Cunha.

The Brazil international netted 15 goals in 33 Premier League appearances, all from open play, which will heighten the importance of finding a replacement for the classy forward amid his £62.5 million move to Manchester United.

In the midst of their hunt for reinforcements, Wolves are considering bringing former Al Shabab sporting director Domenico Teti to Molineux as part of a shake-up in their recruitment department.

Matt Hobbs has left the club and talks are underway to secure the 48-year-old as their new technical director. He has also occupied roles at Verona, Sampdoria, Lugano and Apoel Nicosia and would arrive with a vast knowledge of European and Asian markets.

Old Gold full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri appears set for a move to Manchester City, leading Wolves to pursue Brondby youngster Clement Bischoff as a direct successor due to his versatility across the left flank.

Romano: Wolves make approach to sign "highly rated" gem wanted in Europe

The Old Gold are making moves for the future…

BySean Markus Clifford May 30, 2025

Despite avoiding the drop, the summer window will be one of change for Pereira’s men. Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss is also on their radar; nevertheless, it remains to be seen how the landscape lies when it comes to new faces in the West Midlands.

Now, another exciting figure who could help replace Cunha’s end product has come to the attention of the Wolves hierarchy, per recent reports.

Wolves battling to sign Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche

According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Wolves are in a three-way battle to sign Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche, who can also feature as a second striker or centre-forward.

Leeds United and Brentford are also keen on the Nigeria international – he has a release clause in his current deal at the La Liga side that can be triggered for £21 million this summer.

Christantus Uche’s statistics at Getafe – La Liga (Sofascore)

Shots per game

1.5

Tackles per game

1.1

Goalscoring frequency

625 minutes

Big chances created

7

Key passes per game

0.9

Dubbed “fabulous” by boss Jose Bordelas, the 22-year-old registered four goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this term.

Earning international recognition for the first time this year, Uche is clearly a rising star and has previously been tracked by Chelsea due to his progress.

Cunha’s departure may mean that more than one solution is required to replicate his influence at Molinuex, but Wolves supporters can take solace from the fact that they are already scoping out the market for quality reinforcements.

With Emiliano Martinez seemingly bidding a tearful farewell to Villa Park last week, Aston Villa have reportedly been given the green light to sign a Premier League-winning shot-stopper.

Aston Villa's goalkeeper search continues

All signs are pointing towards the end for Aston Villa and Martinez after he was pictured saying an emotional goodbye to the home fans following victory over Tottenham Hotspur last time out. Unai Emery also failed to rule out an exit for the goalkeeper to only add to the belief that the Argentine will be playing his football elsewhere next season.

The Villa boss told reporters: “We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don’t know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field.”

Ever since that potential goodbye, the rumours have been circling. Both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have already been linked with moves for Martinez, whilst Villa themselves have set their sights on replacing their No.1.

Names such as Lucas Chevalier have already been mentioned in what would certainly be an excellent move for both the LOSC Lille star and those at Villa Park. One of the most promising young goalkeepers around, the big question will be whether the Villans can win the race for his signature.

Meanwhile, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is also a name that has been in the headlines as of late. The talented goalkeeper, like Chevalier, has been fantastic this season and is one of only a few options who could seamlessly replace Martinez in the Midlands.

Amid competition for both of those players, however, Villa may yet turn to an option far closer to home amid reports that they’ve been handed a major boost in pursuit of a Premier League-winning goalkeeper ahead of the summer window.

Aston Villa receive green light to sign Kelleher

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa have now been given the green light to sign Caoimhin Kelleher by his current club, Liverpool. The Reds have Giorgi Mamardashvili on his way and already have Alisson Becker to call on, meaning that the door has swung open for Kelleher to depart.

Already thought to be high on Villa’s list of targets, the Irishman will leave Merseyside somewhat of a cult hero, having often stepped up in place of Alisson amid his injury issues, and particularly starred whenever given the opportunity to feature in a number of Wembley finals.

However, he is now ready to become an undisputed No 1, with the latest claims suggesting that Liverpool “will accept the right offer” for Kelleher should one come forward.

Starts

10

36

Saves per 90

2.40

2.60

Save percentage

67.6%

67.9%

Clean sheets

4

8

When compared, it’s clear that the Liverpool man would not be a significant downgrade on Martinez. In fact, at 26 years old, there’s an argument to be made that Kelleher could yet become better than the Argentine shot-stopper if he pushes on from here in the coming years.

Aston Villa in pole position after talks to sign "powerful" 18 y/o sensation

He’s a rising star.

ByTom Cunningham May 22, 2025

Dubbed “fantastic” by Premier League legend David Seaman following last season’s Carabao Cup final display, Kelleher has been ready to take hold of the opportunity that Aston Villa may hand him for some time.