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Excitement at Arsenal football club is at an all-time high during the Mikel Arteta reign, with their actions on and off the pitch fueling the expectations of the fanbase.

Eberechi Eze was confirmed as the Gunners’ latest addition on Saturday afternoon, joining the side in a £67.5m deal from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.

His tally of 16 combined goals and assists in England’s top-flight adds a new dimension to the side’s attack, subsequently being able to operate in a number ten role, or off the left-hand side of the frontline.

The 27-year-old, who’s a boyhood Arsenal fan, was presented to the fans before the 5-0 triumph over Leeds at the Emirates – with their superb showing catapulting the side to the top of the table.

However, with less than a week remaining in the summer window, the manager is still targeting added reinforcements to the squad, leading to numerous names being mentioned with a move in recent days.

Arsenal’s hunt to land added reinforcements after Eze

Despite the move to land Eze over the last week, another attacker has appeared on their radar, with Rodrygo once again being touted with a move to join Arsenal this summer.

It was reported recently that the Gunners’ hierarchy were set for a meeting with the Brazilian’s representatives, with Real Madrid open to allowing the 24-year-old to depart on a permanent or temporary basis.

However, the winger isn’t the only player currently on their radar, with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie another player they’re making a move for ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

According to one insider, the Gunners are big admirers of the Ecuadorian, with Arteta already holding talks with the player over a switch to North London this summer.

It’s also been reported that any move could hinge on Jakub Kiwior’s pending move to join Porto, with a £52m transfer fee being mooted for the star Leverkusen at present.

Why Arsenal’s £52m target would be a better signing than Eze

A move for Eze has injected a newfound sense of optimism within the Arsenal fanbase, which is understandable given his big-money transfer fee – making him the third most-expensive player in their history.

Such a deal has been sweetened, especially after the Gunners clinched his signature despite huge interest from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur before his move to the Emirates.

However, he will have a huge amount of expectations to live up to given the fee, but there’s no denying that the England international possesses a lot of top-level quality.

A transfer for Hincapie could arguably be a better addition this summer, offering needed cover in the centre-back and left-back departments – with the latter being a problem position for Arteta.

The likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Riccardo Calafiori have all tried to fill the void, but have massively struggled with injuries over the past couple of campaigns.

Calafiori has started both of the Gunners’ two Premier League games to date, even scoring the winner against Manchester United – often popping up at key moments.

A deal for Hincapie would offer an immediate and long-term solution to Arteta’s biggest problem in the defensive department, with the 23-year-old already racking up over 160 appearances for Leverkusen since his move to the German side back in 2021.

His underlying stats from the Bundesliga last campaign highlight the talent he possesses in and out of possession – potentially being an excellent pickup despite the £52m price tag.

He ranked in the 95th percentile for passes completed last season (88%), whilst falling into the 85th percentile for progressive passes per 90 (5.1) – demonstrating the talent he possesses in finding teammates in attacking areas.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

88%

Progressive passes

5.1

Passes into the final third

5.4

Carries into the final third

1.6

Progressive carries

1.8

Tackles won

1.4

Aerials won

2.2

Aerial success rate

60%

Such numbers could prove to be perfect for Eze, potentially handing the Englishman the tools to be a success during his debut year in the Gunners’ first team.

He also ranked in the 95th percentile for carries into the final third per 90 (1.6) – able to make overlapping runs if needed, offering an added creative threat in key areas to Arteta’s side.

However, Hincapie was just as impressive out of possession, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and achieving a 60% aerial success rate – tallies which could further bolster the club’s defence, which has been the best in the Premier League in each of the last two seasons.

Whilst £52m may appear to be a hefty sum for the youngster, it’s one that can finally put an end to the club’s hunt for a consistent starter on the left-hand side of the backline.

If he can transfer his numbers from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, Hincapie would be a phenomenal pickup and one that could prove to be more important than Eze in the Gunners’ hunt for Premier League glory.

Stunning Eze repeat: Arsenal agree personal terms to sign £52m star

The sensational international would be an excellent addition to the Arsenal squad following Eze’s arrival.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 26, 2025

Manchester United’s transfer window has been a success to date, with Ruben Amorim already addressing worrying issues in one area of his first-team squad.

The attacking department has been in desperate need of an overhaul this summer, especially after the Red Devils only managed to net 44 Premier League goals throughout 2024/25.

Players such as Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have all completed their respective moves to Old Trafford – costing a staggering £200m in the process.

The trio netted 48 league goals between them last campaign at their various clubs, undoubtedly providing the manager with the added threat he’s craved since taking the reins last November.

However, despite the big-money additions in forward areas, the 40-year-old has already signalled his intent to bolster his midfield – subsequently turning his attention to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.

Man Utd’s move to land Carlos Baleba this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, United have made their ambitions of landing the Cameroonian known, even entering talks with the player’s representatives over a move to join the Red Devils.

However, at one stage, it appeared a deal could be completed for the 21-year-old defensive midfielder, leading to reports suggesting the talent was keen on a move to join Amorim’s men.

Despite the talks, any deal would’ve been an expensive one, with the Seagulls demanding a fee in the region of £100m to offload Baleba – a deal that would’ve been a club-record for United.

As a result of the interest, Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler was quizzed about the youngster’s future, stating that he was ‘very, very, very confident’ that the former Lille star would remain at the AMEX beyond the end of the summer window.

It’s now been confirmed by The Athletic that Amorim’s side are prepared to walk away from a move and have subsequently prepared a shortlist of alternatives before the September 1st deadline.

Man Utd’s Baleba alternatives this window

Valencia star Javi Guerra has been strongly linked with a move to join United over recent months, even agreeing personal terms to move to the Theatre of Dreams earlier this summer.

Like Baleba, a deal for the Spaniard now could be unlikely in the next couple of weeks, after the 22-year-old penned a new deal until 2029 at the LaLiga outfit.

However, another name has entered the mix over recent days, which has seen Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller being touted as another option to bolster the midfield department, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim the Red Devils hierarchy are closely monitoring the German star, who made a total of 47 appearances across all competitions throughout 2024/25.

It also states that a move could be made for the 24-year-old, with a €60m (£50m) price tag previously being mooted for his signature in recent months.

Why United’s £50m target would be the perfect Baleba alternative

There’s no denying that, given his Premier League experience, Baleba would have been many of the United fanbase’s first choice for the midfield department this window.

He is undoubtedly a top-level talent, with bags of potential given his tender age of just 21, but given the funds spent elsewhere – the £100m asking price may be a tad too much this summer.

However, a move for Stiller instead of Baleba could prove to be a blessing in disguise, with the German a player who can make a greater impact on the current first-team squad.

When comparing his stats to those of the Cameroonian from 2024/25, he managed to massively outperform him in multiple key areas – offering Amorim a key presence at both ends of the pitch.

Stiller, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, ranked in FBref’s 97th percentile for progressive passes made (9.5), along with the 95th percentile for passes into the final third (8.9).

Both figures were nearly three times higher than those of Baleba, subsequently highlighting his talent on the ball, which could provide the new attacking trio ahead of him with countless chances in front of goal.

Whilst the German is primarily a ball-player, he’s also highlighted his ability without the ball, which could make him a viable option in the Red Devils’ hunt for a new number eight.

The Stuttgart talent posted tallies of 1.8 interceptions and 1.6 clearances made per 90 – both figures which once again were higher than those produced by the £100m target.

Such numbers have contributed to his mammoth rise back in his homeland, helping him make four senior appearances for his national team during the most recent season.

However, a move to Old Trafford could be the perfect platform for the 24-year-old to continue his excellent rise to stardom, arguably being the missing piece in Amorim’s midfield.

At half the price of Baleba, he would be a sensational pick-up by the hierarchy, completing another crucial department in the club’s hunt to return to Premier League glory.

He's perfect for Bruno: Man Utd to make bid for "complete" £42m sensation

Manchester United’s summer of transfer activity looks set to continue once more before deadline day.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 16, 2025

India batter backs the next generation to carry forward the strong performances in ICC tournaments

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Mar-2025Virat Kohli believes India have a squad “ready to take on the world” for the next eight years, following their victory in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai.”When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place, I feel we’ve a squad that’s ready to take on the world for the next eight years,” Kohli said on the broadcast after the game. “Shubman [Gill] has been outstanding, Shreyas [Iyer] beautiful, KL [Rahul] has finished games, and Hardik [Pandya] has been superb with the bat.”Kohli said the Champions Trophy triumph somewhat made up for India’s Test series loss in Australia. “It’s been amazing. We wanted to bounce back after a tough Australian tour, and wanted to win a big tournament, and we ended up doing that. So it’s an amazing feeling.”Related

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Standing beside Gill during the celebrations, Kohli was asked for his thoughts on leaving the dressing room a better place when he eventually finishes up. “There’s so much talent in the dressing room,” he said. “They’re trying to take their game further and we [seniors] are just happy to be of help, sharing our experience and that’s what makes this Indian team so strong.”These are the things you want to play for [titles], playing under pressure and putting your hand up. The whole team, everyone has put their hands up sometimes or other during the course of the tournament. Everyone has put up impactful performances, we’ve been part of an amazing team, the amount of work we’ve done in the practice sessions, it feels great.”Kohli had words of appreciation for New Zealand. “Amazing, we’ve always been in awe with what they can do with the limited number of players they have had over the years, and just maximise their talent,” he said. “Every time we played against them in big games, we knew they were going to come with a set plan. No team in world cricket executes plans as well as they do.”Every fielder knows where the bowler is going to bowl, you can sense it, they’re all attacking the ball, they know the bowler is going to be accurate. Credit to them for being the most consistent team in the last few tournaments. The reason for that is the immense belief in their skills, and the amount of talent they have they utilise that to the maximum.”They’re easily the best fielding side in the world, a huge shout-out to them. They continue to display why they are one of the top teams in the world. Again, a great campaign. It’s sad to see a very good friend [Kane Williamson] on the losing side, but I’ve been on the losing side a couple of times when he has been on the winning side, so only love between us.”

Andre Onana has completed a loan move to Trabzonspor after being forced out at Manchester United, where he slipped down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim. The Cameroonian goalkeeper, signed by the Red Devils for £47.2m, was left stunned by the rapturous welcome he received in Turkey. Onana now has the chance to revive his career and has opened up on his emotions for the first time.

• Onana joins Trabzonspor on season-long loan from Man Utd
• Cameroonian goalkeeper stunned by passionate welcome
• Loan has no buy option; wages fully covered by the Turkish club

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester United confirmed Onana’s departure on Thursday evening, with the 29-year-old moving to Trabzonspor on loan for the 2025-26 season. He was dropped by Amorim in favour of Altay Bayindir before slipping further down the order following United’s £18.2 million capture of Lammens. With limited opportunities on the horizon, Onana chose to continue his career in Turkey and has opened up on the move upon landing in Turkey to sign his new contract.

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• AFP
  

  WHAT ONANA SAID

  Speaking to the local media, Onana said: "I am very happy. I can say that I am very happy. I am starting a new project, a new adventure for me, I am very happy to be here. This is a feeling that makes me so happy. I've never felt so much love from people around me. It's a wonderful feeling to be made to feel at home from the very first moment.

  "I want to start working as soon as possible and reciprocate that love by making them happy on the field. I'm always ready. Every player wants to play and take part in these kinds of matches. Of course, we'll be playing against an important and strong opponent. But we're also aware of our strength."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Onana’s move marks the end of a difficult spell at Old Trafford after United paid £47.2m to sign him from Inter in 2023. His time in Manchester was plagued by high-profile errors, and he was swiftly deemed surplus to requirements by Amorim. A fresh start in Turkey offers him the chance to rebuild his confidence and reputation ahead of Cameroon's potential trip to the 2026 World Cup.

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• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ONANA?

  Trabzonspor, currently second in the Super Lig, face Fenerbahce on Sunday, a match Onana could debut in. The goalkeeper will wear the No.24 shirt as he looks to settle quickly into his new surroundings.

Angel Di Maria has suggested that Lionel Messi will play on beyond the 2026 World Cup, claiming that no “farewell” has been bid with Argentina.

Last qualifier taken in on Argentine soilDoubts cast over World Cup involvementClose friend expects career to continueFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Messi’s latest outing for his country, which came in a qualifying clash with Venezuela, saw an emotional evening taken in at Estadio Monumental. He believes said fixture will mark his last competitive appearance on home soil.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has also cast doubt over his involvement at next summer’s World Cup, with the 38-year-old unable to guarantee that he will form part of a global title defence in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

DID YOU KNOW?

The expectation is that he will grace said event, as he remains a talismanic captain of the Albiceleste, with long-time team-mate Di Maria – who retired from international duty after winning the 2024 Copa America – of the opinion that Argentina’s GOAT has more football left in him.

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GettyWHAT DI MARIA SAID

Di Maria told : “Leo hasn’t retired yet. It will be the last qualifying match, but he still has a World Cup and will surely have another match after. For me, it’s not a farewell. That’s why I didn’t go. I spoke with him. I’m happy that he’s still around.”

Former England opener racks up big hundred to put seal on Durham’s campaign

ECB Reporters Network28-Sep-2024

Kent 96 for 3 (Finch 34, Ackermann 1-1) trail Durham 360 (Lees 144, Bedingham 66, Parkins 6-109)A sparkling century from Alex Lees gave Durham the upper hand in their Vitality County Championship clash with Kent despite a six-wicket haul from Matt Parkinson.Play was abandoned without a ball bowled on days one and two after heavy downpours at the Seat Unique Riverside, so Lees was on a mission to get quick runs with so much time lost in the game. Lees (144 off 180) was well backed up by Emilio Gay, who made 52, and David Bedingham, who made a swashbuckling 66, as the hosts made 360 in their first innings.Matt Parkinson led a Kent fightback after tea as he picked up figures of 6 for 109 to give the visitors some hope.Kent’s reply didn’t get off to the best start as they lost early wickets but Harry Finch and Jack Leaning combined for a partnership worth 72 to stall the hosts but they closed on 96 for 3, still 264 behind Durham.Kent captain Leaning won the toss and elected to bowl, with Ben McKinney and stand-in skipper Lees opening for the hosts. Lees found his groove early on with a lovely cover drive off the bowling of Grant Stewart.McKinney joined the party as he crunched a glorious shot to the boundary and Lees then reached his run-a-ball fifty with eight boundaries in the Durham skipper’s knock. Kent struck back, with Nathan Gilchrist removing McKinney for 23 after he was caught in the covers.Gay, who is on loan from Northamptonshire ahead of his permanent move to the North East next year, came in and elegantly flicked one off his pads for four. Lees continued to motor, combining well with Gay, and he carved a Stewart delivery for four to third man.After lunch, Lees resumed unbeaten on 95 and reached his fourth century of the season from 115 balls just minutes later. Gay impressed on his home debut looking calm at the crease and he manipulated the field well with the number three reaching his fifty from 92 balls. However, he didn’t last much longer as he feathered a Jas Singh delivery down the legside and it was caught well by Harry Finch behind the stumps.Bedingham wasted no time getting into the groove as Division One’s leading run scorer hit back-to-back sixes over the legside boundary off the bowling of Singh. Bedingham continued to hit the Kent attack around the park with the South African international reaching fifty from 30 balls, which included three fours and four sixes.Bedingham then smashed a Stewart full toss over the ropes, but he went for one maximum too many as he was caught off the bowling of Matt Parkinson for a 38-ball 66. Kent then got a second wicket in quick succession as Lees fell for an excellent 144 after he was caught at mid-wicket off the bowling of Stewart.Ollie Robinson then holed out for five, giving Matt Parkinson his second of the afternoon, and Bas de Leede quickly followed for a duck. Durham resumed after tea and 16-year-old James Minto, who is making his home debut, hit his first six in first class cricket as he smashed a Matt Parkinson delivery down the ground for six. However, the teenager’s joy did not last as the leg spinner bowled him for 25.Matt Parkinson then got his fourth as Daniel Hogg edged to slip and he then got his twin brother Callum out caught and bowled to wrap up his five wicket haul. The former Lancashire man then got his sixth as Durham were bowled out for 360.Kent’s reply got off to the worst possible start with Tawanda Muyeye caught behind off the bowling of Daniel Hogg for five. Kent then lost a second wicket as de Leede sent Jaydn Denly’s off-stump flying for 12.Finch and Leaning then came together and combined well with some lovely shots, but Colin Ackermann bowled Finch for 34 just before the close to leave Kent three down at stumps.

Hampshire chip away in pursuit of victory after enforcing follow-on

ECB Reporters Network02-Jul-2024

Jack Leaning and Ben Compton gave Kent a chance of saving a Vitality County Championship draw against Hampshire.Leaning led the resolve in the first innings by returning from injury to score 118, before Compton bedded in with 71 not out in the second innings.But their determination came with a backdrop of a 162-run first innings deficit, meaning Hampshire forced them to follow-on, and just eight wickets in hand heading into the final day.The duo ended the day with a 84 unbroken partnership with Kent up to 132 for 2, with the deficit down to just 30 runs.After James Vince’s swashbuckling 211 on day one, and a fast-paced day two, the third day never progressed from sedate. Leaning returned on 73, having guided the visitors around an unconvincing evening session which saw them end up six down and trailing by 299 runs.He survived Vince dropping him at first slip on 84 but was otherwise restrained and oozed leadership in his fightback while marshalling the tail.Leaning had missed the last seven weeks with a broken hand, which he suffered during the drawn match with Worcestershire in May.In that innings he had scored an unbeaten 179 and he made it back-to-back hundreds in 207 balls, the 10th of his career, sixth since joining Kent and second in his last three visits at Utilita Bowl.Around Leaning, two wickets fell on either side of the second new ball.Charlie Stobo’s sensible 28 was ended two overs before the new ball was unveiled when James Fuller pinned him leg before. And then four balls into the new cherry, Grant Stewart was rapped on the pads by Mohammed Abbas.But Matt Parkinson took more time out of the game with Leaning, and minimised the deficit with a no-thrills 24. The pair put on 44 to frustrate the hosts.But Leaning’s majestic innings was ended when Kyle Abbott splayed his stumps and Kent were bowled out for 343 when Parkinson fended Keith Barker to first slip – Barker ending with 4 for 85.The last four Kent wickets put on 137 to almost avoid the follow-on, but despite their efforts Vince was able to turn them back around.Feroze Khushi was more restrained than during his thrilling first-innings 53, but fell for a short-ball trap to top edge Barker to long leg.Daniel Bell-Drummond lasted slightly longer before Liam Dawson extracted enough turn to cannon into off-stump. But Compton found company with that man Leaning to take any sting out of the day.Opener Compton reached fifty in 114 balls with a reverse sweep.Leaning was dropped by Vince for the second time in the day but was otherwise solid to all but wipe out the deficit.Hampshire will need eight wickets and likely a bit of a chase on the final day, and might be without Barker – who pulled up during a delivery midway through the evening and didn’t return.

Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta are getting busy behind-the-scenes, and supporters are very eager to see them strengthen with key new signings after a lacklustre Premier League title challenge.

Mikel Arteta has already expressed the need for Gunners officials to bolster his squad in certain areas, with the Spaniard publicly predicting a “big” next few months in the transfer window.

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The arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has already been agreed after months of talks dating back to January, and despite some concerns over his cryptic comments recently, the move apparently remains on track with Arsenal regarding the Spaniard as “done and signed” (David Ornstein).

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

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

Arsenal are still believed to be closing in on a deal for Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga too (BBC), despite the wait for an official confirmation from north London, but a lot of the noise is centered around their pursuit of a striker.

Last week, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres was reportedly subject to a failed bid from Arsenal, according to Portuguese newspaper Record, with Berta appearing to simultaneously work on deals for both the 27-year-old and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

As reported by Romano there, talks remain ongoing over the latter despite the Gyokeres noise, coming after the Slovenia international rounded off a career-best Bundesliga campaign with 21 goals in all competitions last season.

However, there are some discrepancies over his price tag, and he could end up being a costly operation, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg saying that Sesko’s final price could be up to £85 million despite reports of a release clause below that figure.

Arsenal could sign Benjamin Sesko in the next two weeks

According to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, speaking on a call with the broadcast giant this week, an Arsenal move for Sesko remains alive, and they could still strike a deal for the 22-year-old before the end of June.

“Well, I think it also comes down to the player. If they agree a fee for Sesko, I think that one could actually be done when the window opens on the 16th of June,” said Jacobs.

“I’m not saying day one of when the window reopens, but certainly in the last two weeks of this month.”

Sesko is a player who Arsenal wanted last summer and attempted to sign in January (Ben Jacobs), so he’s long been on Arteta’s radar, but the negotiations appear to be dragging on somewhat – indicating some potential issues behind-closed-doors.

News of Gyokeres being very keen on a move to N5 in his stead comes as a welcome boost for Arsenal, though, with their striker search shaping up to be one of the major stories of the summer.

Arsenal and Liverpool are both ready to pay up to £50 million for a “quick” Premier League star who PSG have held talks over signing, according to a report this week.

Arsenal lose Champions League semi-final tie against PSG

Mikel Arteta watched on from the sidelines as his side succumbed to a crushing defeat at the Parc des Princes – a loss which ended Arsenal’s hopes of winning a first-ever Champions League crown.

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Berta attempted to sign him for the La Liga side.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 7, 2025

Arsenal’s 5-1 dismantling of Real Madrid in the last round had a lot of tails up around the Emirates Stadium, and the prospect of Champions League glory was made very real by their statement two-legged display against the 15-time European champions.

However, this year’s standout team in PSG, who many are backing to win the competition, ultimately outclassed Arsenal over two semi-final clashes where Arteta’s side weren’t quite ruthless enough in the final third.

The Ligue 1 champions have now booked their place in this year’s Champions League final against Inter Milan, with Arteta making a humble statement to the media in the aftermath of their 2-1 loss on Wednesday.

“I can take a lot of positives, and I’m very proud of the team,” said Arteta after Arsenal’s defeat to PSG.

“We have to arrive in the competition at this stage with a full squad, fully available, in the best condition. We haven’t got that, so let’s put that aside. It’s still the team that I’ve seen today against, probably one of the best, if not the best team in Europe. It gives me so much pride, but at the same time, I’m so upset, so annoyed that we didn’t manage to do it. And two things that are on us, probably not together. Another thing is that, obviously, the opponent at this level has the quality to deliver like Donnarumma has done today again.”

With Arsenal’s European adventure now officially over, attention is set to switch to the summer transfer window, and how new sporting director Andrea Berta will react to the Gunners’ disappointing 2024/2025 campaign.

Berta has been tipped to spend around £300 million on seven major signings (GiveMeSport), and one of them could be a new right-winger to alternate with Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal ready to pay up to £50 million for West Ham star Mohammed Kudus

Arsenal are believed to remain keen on Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane as an option to give Saka competition on that side, but West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus is also attracting their attention.

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal and Liverpool are prepared to pay up to £50 million for Kudus, but have no intention of going anywhere near the Ghanaian’s £85 million release clause.

West Ham are apparently holding out for his exit clause to be paid in full, but neither side is willing to go that high.

Graham Potter’s men do hold some hope of an auction for Kudus, though, with other reports from Africa recently claiming that PSG have already held talks with the 24-year-old’s camp, as the Ligue 1 champions seek to bolster their own attacking options.

Teammate Aaron Cresswell is on record praising Kudus’ “quick” speed, branding him a “top” player, even if Ajax’s former sensation hasn’t enjoyed the best 24/25 campaign.

Kudus also bagged a stunning goal against Arsenal in the EFL Cup last season, so Arteta is fully aware of the winger’s quality when at his devastating best.

Crystal Palace are now in a fight with fellow Premier League side Wolves over the signing of an £8.5 million striker, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace's summer plans become clearer

Oliver Glasner has not only stabilised the situation at Selhurst Park and led the Eagles out of relegation trouble, but he has also led the South Londoners to the FA Cup final.

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By winning that famous English trophy, Palace would seal their place in next season’s Europa League as well, and that achievement could do wonders for Palace’s summer transfer budget. Already the Eagles are being linked with several players, as Glasner plots a few changes to his squad this summer.

According to Caught Offside, Palace are in the running to sign midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon. The Premier League side are considered dark horses in the race, given that teams such as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested.

Meanwhile, last week it was reported that Palace could be a step closer to their first signing of the summer, as they have opened talks with Tamiou Kpebane, who currently plays for Eintracht Frankfurt. The 18-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer, and the Eagles are working on bringing him to South London.

Crystal Palace working to beat Wolves to signing of £8.5m striker

Glasner appears to have his eyes on strengthening all parts of his team this summer, as according to Football Insider, Crystal Palace are eyeing a move to sign Phil Harres from German side Holstein Kiel.

The report states that the Eagles have made regular checks on the centre-forward throughout this season and see him as a player who could become a star. However, they are not alone, as Wolves are also keeping a close eye on him, as well as many other teams across Europe.

The 23-year-old joined Holstein Kiel last summer and has made a solid first impression, netting eight goals in 23 league games. But the Bundesliga side are battling relegation and could be resigned to losing their striker, as they value Harres at £8.5 million heading into the summer.

Harres, who has been dubbed an “instinctive” finisher in the past, is naturally a centre-forward, but he can also play as a right-winger, which would be ideal for Glasner as he likes to have flexibility in his forward line.

Current Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park this summer, but the talk of Harres arriving isn’t likely seen as a replacement for the Frenchman but, in fact, a player who can take some of the burden away in terms of being the constant source of goals.

The one concern would be that Harres has only played football in Germany. Therefore, he would arrive with no Premier League experience and could take some time to adjust, given the Bundesliga has produced a fair few flops on English soil.