Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is now personally driving a move to sign a “fantastic” Premier League striker, who has emerged as a surprise target, according to a report.

Gunners stepping up striker pursuit

Following Andrea Berta officially taking up the role of Sporting Director, the Gunners have started to intensify their efforts to sign a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window, and they are optimistic about their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

There is a belief Sesko has now chosen to join Arteta’s side this summer, which means a deal could be relatively straightforward if there is a willingness to meet the €70m (£59m) release clause included in the Slovenian’s RB Leipzig contract.

Ben Jacobs makes it clear Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is also being targeted alongside the 21-year-old, however, it would be a difficult deal to pull off, given that the Magpies have no intention of selling the Sweden international.

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Isak is not the only Premier League striker on Arteta’s shortlist, however, with a report from Spain revealing the Arsenal boss is now personally driving a move for Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, whose future at Anfield is uncertain.

The Reds are considering selling Nunez in the summer transfer window, given that his performances have been inconsistent, and a move to north London could be on the cards, with Arteta seemingly a fan.

The Gunners are yet to make an official move for the 25-year-old, but talks could commence in the coming months, although it is unclear what sort of fee Liverpool would be looking to receive.

The Uruguayan is the Reds’ club-record signing, joining for £85m back in 2022, but his failure to live up to his hefty price tag means a departure is looking increasingly likely this summer.

Doubt over Nunez's ability

There have been some flashes of brilliance from the Liverpool forward this season, scoring two late goals to help his side overcome Brentford back in January, but there are major doubts over whether he would be a suitable signing for Arsenal.

Arteta needs to bring in a striker who guarantees goals, and the former Benfica man has struggled on that front ever since arriving at Anfield, netting just seven goals in 39 appearances in all competitions this term.

Earlier in the campaign, the Uruguay international received praise from members of the media for the impact he made after coming off the bench.

As such, Nunez could be a decent rotation option for Arsenal, but he should by no means be brought in to be the new main striker, and it seems very unlikely that would be a consideration.

Life as a homegrown, academy talent is never straightforward, not least at a club like Manchester United, with those who rise up into the first team often met with lofty expectations and intense scrutiny.

Early goodwill shown toward a young prospect from supporters can often be replaced by negativity, with the modern game particularly obsessed with looking further afield for new talents, rather than promoting from within.

A current example could well be Kobbie Mainoo, with the 19-year-old having enjoyed a stunning 2023/24 campaign which resulted in a call-up to England’s Euro 2024 squad. Fast forward less than a year, however, and the injury-hit teenager has become something of a forgotten man, with talk having been rife in January regarding a swift departure.

Thankfully, there have reportedly been positive talks over a new contract for the midfield maestro, with it looking as if his long-term future is set to remain at Old Trafford.

Unlike Mainoo, however, not every member of Ruben Amorim’s squad will still be at the club next term, with the Red Devils and INEOS perhaps set to face their own Trent Alexander-Arnold scenario this summer.

Man Utd's notable homegrown exits

Perhaps the worst-kept secret in football in recent months had been Alexander-Arnold’s desire to depart for Real Madrid, with the 26-year-old’s future having been the centre of heated debate in Liverpool, amid his expiring contract.

As was widely reported on Tuesday, it looks as if that long-awaited switch is finally coming close to completion, with the Englishman – who had been a product of the club’s academy – set to end his Anfield affiliation in order to make the move to Spain this summer.

Those of a United persuasion will certainly remember losing one of their own to Madrid in the not-too-distant past, with Class of 92 star David Beckham departing on a £25m deal in 2003, following a dispute with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Subsequent years also saw Beckham followed out the door by former youth team colleagues, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt, with the pair joining Everton and Newcastle United, respectively, amid the search for increased game time.

As those cases epitomised, not every graduate can reach the status of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Gary Neville as a one-club man, with more recent times having also seen a raft of homegrown, academy sales at Old Trafford.

Indeed, just last summer, the new INEOS regime cashed in on Scott McTominay, with the midfielder joining Napoli on a £25m deal. Prior to that, Anthony Elanga had made the move to Nottingham Forest for £15m in 2023, while James Garner moved to Goodison for £9m in 2022.

Those deals, it must be said, appeared to be club-led amid the current PSR demands, with few having perhaps been as high profile as that of Alexander-Arnold’s impending switch – until now, that is.

Man Utd's own Alexander-Arnold situation

Much to the frustration of those on Merseyside, the playmaking full-back appears intent on severing ties with his boyhood club in search of a fresh adventure abroad, with the decision to depart on a free transfer set to be a particularly contentious one.

As far as United are concerned, the sale of Marcus Rashford this summer would prove far less controversial, considering his exile from Amorim’s ranks, although it would be a similar situation with regard to the end of his lengthy stay in Manchester.

The 27-year-old – who is currently on loan at Aston Villa – could be in line for a permanent switch to his temporary home, with the Midlands side holding a £40m option to buy at the end of the season.

Non-penalty goals

0.31

Top 23%

Assists

0.23

Top 33%

Shot-creating actions

3.51

Top 44%

Pass completion

72.7%

Bottom 38%

Progressive carries

2.36

Bottom 25%

Progressive passes

2.52

Bottom 28%

Successful take-ons

1.30

Bottom 45%

Tackles

0.99

Bottom 23%

Aerial duels won

0.46

Bottom 44%

Like Alexander-Arnold, however, Rashford appears to have his eyes set further afield, with reports rife in January that the forward was intent on sealing a dream move to Barcelona, having outlined his desire for a “new challenge” back in December.

There is then a very real prospect that the £300k-per-week United man could be lining up against his England colleague in LaLiga next term, should he get his wish, with reports this month again linking the Camp Nou giants with a summer swoop.

Again, unlike Alexander-Arnold, the manner and timing of Rashford’s exit would not be controversial, but like his compatriot, he has certainly been a major talking point at United in recent years.

Much like the debate over the Liverpool man’s future potentially being in midfield, rather than at right-back, there have long been question marks over Rashford’s role as a striker or a left-winger.

In any case, an exit has become almost inevitable in truth, not least since he was left out of the Manchester Derby back in December.

That appeared to be the latest sign of his woes, having also been punished by former boss Erik ten Hag last season, following a trip to Belfast ahead of the FA Cup clash with Newport County. As journalist Liam Canning put it, he had become a “major major problem”.

After the highs of scoring 30 goals in 2022/23, just 15 goals have followed in the last 18 months or so, with the decision to move him on to Villa Park marking the beginning of a sad end to his Red Devils association.

When a likely move does occur this summer, Rashford will be able to look back on five major trophies, and 138 goals for the club in all competitions. ‘Trent’, meanwhile, will have chalked up well over 80 assists and collected his own gamut of silverware.

For differing reasons, these two local heroes will be moving on this summer, with both players perhaps feeling a fresh start is needed. For both men, this is not the way most thought it would end.

As they say, ‘you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain’…

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Last summer, Jurgen Klopp left us.

In his place, Arne Slot. Feyenoord had enjoyed back-to-back trophy-winning campaigns with the shrewd tactician at their helm, winning the Dutch Eredivisie before claiming the KVNB Cup, which is the equivalent of the FA Cup.

Klopp’s decision to step down from his job as Liverpool manager after nearly nine years was a tough pill to swallow. Merseyside went into a state of mourning (or a state of jubilation, if you approach it from a Blue perspective).

Mostly everyone expected Liverpool’s empire to collapse, but they have prospered under a new wing, storming through the 2024/25 Premier League season to establish a 12-point lead at the top.

It couldn’t have gone any better on the league front, but FSG know thunder rumbles in the background, with a spate of problems lining up to disrupt Slot’s project come summer.

Problems need solutions, and Liverpool are rather good at finding them in places others can’t. Some superstars may leave this summer, but fresh faces will join the Reds cause.

Let’s reserve judgement until next season’s well underway. How many times have FSG pulled it off in recent windows?

1

GK – Alisson Becker

It feels like the spot between the sticks shouldn’t be contentious. But oh how it is.

Alisson Becker is a phenomenon, lauded as “the best goalkeeper in the world” by Slot, but Liverpool have signed Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for £29m. He’s replacing the outgoing Caoimhin Kelleher, and he wants top spot.

Two high-level keepers. Just how FSG like it. There could be worse problems to deal with. And in fairness, there are at that.

2

RB – Jeremie Frimpong

We’re going to say it. Sorry, but it’s growing increasingly probable that Trent Alexander-Arnold is going to sign for Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season. Liverpool have Conor Bradley, but they’ll need more depth and Jeremie Frimpong might just be the man for the job.

Recent reports suggest Liverpool are getting ready to make their proposal for the Bayer Leverkusen invincible, who has a €40m (£34m) release clause.

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Devastating in attack – The United Stand’s Beth Tucker has dubbed him a “monster in the final third” – and one of the fastest defenders in the business, he’d be perfect for Slot’s fluent and slick system.

3

CB – Ibrahima Konate

Ah, sweet uncertainty.

It’s actually no laughing matter. Real Madrid, bane of Liverpool’s life, reportedly want Ibrahima Konate, and he’s out of a deal in just over one year.

The hulking centre-half has been immense this season, maybe as good as his counterpart beside him. Several months ago, Fabrizio Romano confirmed talks have been long underway and a positive outcome is expected for the Anfield side. So we shall cling to that hope for dear life.

4

CB – Virgil van Dijk

More uncertainty.

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s supreme defender and matchless leader, is also nearing the end of the line. However, he wants to stay; Slot wants him to stay; the fans want him to stay; the squad want him to stay.

Surely we will all be granted our wish. Van Dijk might be approaching his mid-thirties but he’s been extraordinary this season, and the ramifications of losing him would be keenly felt indeed.

5

LB – Milos Kerkez

This is big. Andy Robertson has been a stalwart for Liverpool, but he’s flagging at 31, ran into the dirt across so many tireless years. Milos Kerkez is the perfect replacement.

The i Paper have confirmed Liverpool have made contact and are honing in on the 21-year-old, who is available for around £40m and has been described as “a revelation at Bournemouth” by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.

6

DM – Ryan Gravenberch

Ryan Gravenberch isn’t going anywhere. However, there’s no doubt he’s been overused this season and is currently beset by fatigue after playing so many minutes.

Liverpool would do well to sign another midfielder this summer, but it would take some player to dislodge the Dutchman from his starting berth.

7

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

Last year, Argentina international Alexis Mac Allister admitted he would love to play in Spain one day, for Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Just hold your horses, ay Mac. Liverpool hit the jackpot when bringing Brighton’s rising talent to Anfield for just £35m in 2023. He steered the club toward resurgence last year and has been a quiet leader and influence in the centre this season, as Slot’s side head toward the Premier League title.

8

AM – Dominik Szoboszlai

Dominik Szobozlai: Liverpool’s veritable life-blood.

The Hungarian has really come into his own over these past few months, with a gas tank to marvel at and an all-encompassing game that compelled Jurgen Klopp to pay £60m for his services back in 2023.

He’s not going anywhere.

9

RW – Mohamed Salah

Whether Mohamed Salah stays or goes depends on the push-and-pull at the negotiating table. At £350k per week, he’s the highest earner in Liverpool’s history.

Richard Hughes certainly has his work cut out, but we reckon the sporting director will placate the masses by engineering an extension.

10

LW – Cody Gakpo

Luis Diaz is about to enter the penultimate year of his contract and is among the players Liverpool may cash in on this summer, but Cody Gakpo’s going nowhere.

The Netherlands forward sits second in Liverpool’s scoring charts with 16 goals, without question Slot’s standout forward with Salah notwithstanding.