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It has been a strong season for Enzo Fernandez in a Chelsea shirt. The Argentina international, who joined the club in 2023, has largely been a key player under his namesake, Enzo Maresca, this term, despite a period where he was not first choice in midfield at the start of the campaign.

In all competitions, he’s made 44 appearances, scoring seven goals and registering 13 assists. Of those goal involvements, 13 have come in 35 Premier League appearances. He has also been the Blues’ captain this term, leading them in 29 appearances in total.

These impressive performances have clearly been eye-catching, with Fernandez now linked with a shock move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

The latest on Enzo Fernandez’s future

It will be an interesting couple of weeks for Fernandez, who is reportedly a key target for one of Europe’s biggest clubs Real Madrid.

The former Benfica star was first linked to Los Blancos back in March by TeamTalk, who said they ‘are considering a move’ for him. Fernandez was reportedly ‘very interested in a move to Madrid if the opportunity presents itself’ this summer.

In recent days, there has been more positive news for fans of the West London club to hear. Highly reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano said that Todd Boehly and co are desperate to keep the World Cup winner, after interest from the Santiago Bernabeu.

In a news article from one Spanish outlet, it seems that a potential price tag for Fernandez this summer has been revealed. It is an eye-watering amount that the Blues would ask for, specifically £102m, if Madrid want a deal to get over the line.

Although Romano suggests Chelsea do not want to lose their vice-captain, there could be a ready-made replacement in the pipeline and ready to step if he does depart.

Chelsea’s in-house Fernandez replacement

It is not often midfielders are described as a “complete” midfielder at just 21 years of age, but that is exactly what football analyst Ben Mattinson said about Andrey Santos.

The Brazilian – who signed for a fee in the region of £18m in January 2023 – is still on Chelsea’s books, but is currently on loan at French side Strasbourg.

What a season it has been for the former Vasco da Gama midfielder, who was born in Rio de Janeiro. He has featured in 34 games across all competitions from the middle of the park, scoring 11 times and registering five assists.

In Ligue 1 for a Strasbourg side who impressed throughout the campaign, he managed to hit double-figure goals, one of only two players from his club to do so. The tenth was a special strike in the final game of the season, in a 2-2 draw with Le Havre.

Between Fernandez and Santos, Chelsea have two players of very similar profiles. Just look at the position they have played this season. Fernandez has played as a number eight for the most part, playing 28 times in that role, also playing 11 times as a number six. As for the Strasbourg star, he has played 24 times as an eight and ten as a six.

In fact, when looking at their stats from this season, their profiles seem to align well. They are all-action midfielders who can pop up with a regular goal, create chances and also put in some impressive shifts without the ball.

There are numbers on FBref that reinforce the fact they are so similar, with Santos arguably better. For example, he averages 0.32 goals and 5.93 ball recoveries per 90 minutes compared to 0.19 goals and 4.83 ball recoveries each game for Fernandez.

Goals

0.32

0.19

Passes into final third

4.45

5.24

Progressive carries

0.91

1.86

Tackles and interceptions

4.48

2.46

Ball recoveries

5.93

4.83

Described as a “monster” in that midfield by Mattinson, it certainly seems like Santos could hold his own in the Chelsea side and replace Fernandez, should the need arise. He beats him in several key stats and has more combined goals and assists this season.

If Boehly and co do lose Fernandez, Chelsea fans must surely feel in safe hands, with Santos ready to step in at any given moment and help fill the void of such an important player in their side.

Could be another Sterling: Chelsea lead Arsenal in race for "superstar"

Chelsea are looking to add depth to their side this summer

ByJoe Nuttall May 22, 2025

With one La Liga star yet to sign a new contract in Spain, Aston Villa are reportedly looking to take full advantage and have already registered their interest in securing his signature.

Aston Villa's summer plans taking shape

It’s set to be an interesting summer at Villa Park. Even with European qualification secured for another season, those in the Midlands will likely have to sell players in order to buy in the coming months amid growing PSR concerns. And that could force Unai Emery to be ruthless. Already, names such as Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers have been linked with shock departures in deals that could make room for potential incomings.

Aston Villa could sign their next Duran in "magnificent" £42m star

Aston Villa have the perfect opportunity to pick up their next Jhon Duran if they sign this star.

ByKelan Sarson May 14, 2025

On that front, the rumours have also been coming thick and fast. Names such as Alexander Sorloth have most recently stolen the headlines as clubs begin to battle over his signature. Alongside a number of others in the race to sign the Atletico Madrid forward, Aston Villa could yet swoop in and finally sign their replacement for Jhon Duran.

Whether Villa’s transfer stance changes in the remaining two Premier League games is something to keep an eye on, too. The Villans still have a chance of securing Champions League football, which would hand them an instant boost financially.

Emery is, of course, well aware of just how important his side’s final two Premier League games are and reiterated the need to stay focused when speaking to reporters last weekend.

The Spaniard said: “To play in Europe is very fantastic and is very difficult through the Premier League. We have points to play (for) and we are going to push other teams, but it (Champions League) is not in our hands. But, of course, if we are winning, we will have more chance.”

Aston Villa register interest in Mosquera

With or without Champions League football, those in the Midlands are beginning to form their summer transfer plan. According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa have now registered their formal interest in signing Cristhian Mosquera, who is proven to be somewhat of a contract rebel at Valencia after failing to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Available for around €18m (£15m) this summer, Mosquera is not a target that should leave Aston Villa concerned about PSR, given his affordable valuation. A player who Emery reportedly sees as the perfect fit, the Valencia defender could yet become the Spaniard’s first signing of the summer.

Described as a “dominant ground dueller” by analyst Ben Mattinson, 20-year-old Mosquera is more ready than ever to step into a side of Aston Villa’s quality when the summer arrives.

In a major boost for those at the City Ground, one Nottingham Forest target is now reportedly keen to complete a move this summer with Evangelos Marinakis also pushing to get a deal done.

Nottingham Forest's UCL run-in

Whilst one win in their last five Premier League games should ignite plenty of concern around the City Ground, Forest’s fate is still in their own hands with three big fixtures left to play. After drawing against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sit sixth and two points adrift of Chelsea in the final Champions League place, who they face on the final day.

Nuno recently had his say on his side’s performance against Crystal Palace whilst instantly looking ahead to the Leicester City game.

The Forest boss said: “It was very important to react, it was a big blow to go behind because we were in a tough position when we conceded the penalty but the reaction of the boys was amazing and we should be proud of that. We are delighted to be in the fight. Let’s go game by game now starting with Leicester at The City Ground.”

Nottingham Forest now want to sign £29m forward with 14 goals in 24/25

Nottingham Forest are among the Premier League teams chasing a forward from Spain.

ByBrett Worthington May 7, 2025

The impact that Champions League qualification would have both on and off the pitch cannot be overstated, especially as those at the City Ground go in pursuit of one particular target.

Yilmaz now keen on Nottingham Forest move

According to Turkish outlet Sabah, Baris Alper Yilmaz is now keen on a move to Nottingham Forest and Evangelos Marinakis is pushing to complete a deal ahead of this summer. The winger was at the centre of Forest’s interest in January but failed to swap Galatasaray for the City Ground. Now, six months on, Forest could match his price-tag reportedly worth over €30m (£26m).

Forest’s interest should come as no surprise either. The Turkey international has enjoyed an excellent campaign at Galatasaray – scoring 12 goals and assisting a further 10 in all competitions. The difference that another outlet would offer Forest must be noted amid Chris Wood’s recent struggles too. Without the New Zealand forward’s clinical form to turn towards, the Reds have struggled in the decisive moments.

What’s more, Yilmaz has already earned an impressive fan in the Premier League in the form of Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool captain praised the winger after the Netherlands squared off against Turkey at the Euros last summer, telling reporters: “Baris Alper Yilmaz was running constantly. He was running elusive.

“It was difficult for every defender. He made it very hard for us. He couldn’t score a goal though. If we were to describe him in any way, he is a really important player.”

Now reportedly keen on a move to Forest, Yilmaz could finally be on his way to the Premier League and the City Ground in the coming months.

Celtic could wrap up the Scottish Premiership title this week as they prepare to travel away from Parkhead to face off against Dundee United on Saturday.

The Hoops head into the game off the back of a thumping 5-0 win over St. Johnstone in the semi-finals of the SFA Cup at Hampden Park on Sunday, securing their place in the final against Aberdeen.

Brendan Rodgers knows that a win against Dundee United this weekend will secure the league title for the second time in as many seasons under his leadership, and for the fourth time in as many seasons as a club.

This means that there is still a chance for Celtic to win the domestic treble this term, after they failed to do so last season, if they can win the title and go on to beat Aberdeen at Hampden Park in the final of the SFA Cup.

Focus will then turn to the summer transfer window and how the Hoops can make changes to their squad in order to continue their success next season.

Celtic are already, reportedly, fighting to keep hold of one of their players ahead of the summer, as they are attempting to tie Greg Taylor down to a new deal.

The latest on Greg Taylor's Celtic future

The Daily Record reported last week that the club are in talks with the Scotland international over the possibility of a contract extension for the full-back.

It was claimed that the Scottish giants want to tie him down to a new three-year contract to extend his stay in Glasgow, with his current deal due to expire at the end of this season.

The outlet added that the three-year deal that has been tabled for the defender would see his wages significantly increased. They currently sit at £15k-per-week, but it is not revealed what they would be increased to if he put pen to paper on this three-year extension.

Despite this, there remains uncertainty over Taylor’s future at Celtic because the report outlined that he would still have to play second-fiddle to the returning Kieran Tierney next season.

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The Daily Record also outlined the level of interest in the left-footed star’s services. He has an offer on the table from Dinamo Zagreb and has interest from unnamed clubs in the MLS, in Italy, and in England, which suggests that he has plenty of options to pick from and would not be left without a club by leaving the Hoops.

It now remains to be seen whether or not Taylor would be happy to remain at the club to be behind Tierney in the pecking order, with the carrot of a wage increase that could see him move further up in the club’s top ten earners.

Celtic's top ten wage earners

The Scottish defender’s £15k-per-week wages at the moment place him tenth in the wage bill, as per Salary Sport, although they are yet to add Jota’s wages to their data since his move from Rennes in January.

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Callum McGregor are supposedly the joint-highest earners in the squad with wages of £37k-per-week, over £20k more per week than Taylor earns.

Cameron Carter-Vickers

£37k

Callum McGregor

£37k

James Forrest

£19k

Daizen Maeda

£18k

Alistair Johnston

£16k

Reo Hatate

£16k

Arne Engels

£16k

Adam Idah

£16k

Luis Palma

£16k

Greg Taylor

£15k

As you can see in the table above, most of the top earners in the team are the regular starters in Rodgers’ team who have earned their place in the top ten earners, including the likes of Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, and Arne Engels.

Luis Palma, who earns more than Taylor, however, does not fall into that category. In fact, his lack of impact in the first-team led to him joining Olympiacos on loan in the January transfer window.

Why Celtic must finally sell Luis Palma

The Hoops must finally cash in on the Honduras international when the summer transfer window opens for business because he is clearly not a part of the manager’s plans and is, therefore, bleeding the club dry with his high wages.

Olympiacos reportedly have an option to sign him permanently for £3.4m, but it has been claimed that they are not going to exercise that option. This means that Palma is due to return to Parkhead in the summer, as it stands.

Dynamo Kyiv are reportedly interested in a deal to snap up the forward ahead of next season, though, and Celtic must push to do a deal with them in the coming weeks and months, in order to finally part ways with the flop.

Appearances (starts)

28 (18)

8 (1)

Goals

7

0

Big chances created

14

1

Assists

9

0

Key passes per game

2.4

1.5

As you can see in the table above, his game time and his performances regressed from the 2023/24 campaign to the current season, which suggests that Rodgers lost faith in the attacker – culminating in his loan exit to Olympiacos in January.

Palma has had some good moments in a Celtic shirt, including the spectacular goal in the clip above, but his lack of minutes and goal contributions this season suggests that the club are wasting significant wages on him.

Earlier this term, former Hoops striker John Hartson was not afraid to be scathing in his assessment of the winger. The Daily Record quoted him as saying: “For me I am watching him thinking ‘go, make something happen’ and it just comes to nothing. For me as a winger Palma doesn’t do enough. He is just too wasteful.”

Palma has, therefore, not impressed pundits, not impressed Rodgers, and not impressed his loan club enough to seal a permanent move to Olympiacos, with zero goals and zero assists in six Super League matches for his temporary team.

Celtic fumbled the next Dembele when "generational" star left on the cheap

Celtic fumbled another Karamoko Dembele when they lost Ben Doak on the cheap.

ByDan Emery Apr 22, 2025

It is now down to the board to find a suitor, whether that is Dynamo Kyiv or another club, to finally part ways with the £16k-per-week dud ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Despite PSR concerns, Aston Villa have now reportedly joined a hectic race to sign a Bundesliga defender ahead of a number of Premier League rivals for Unai Emery this summer.

Aston Villa's PSR concern

On the pitch, Aston Villa are a side competing for consecutive top-four finishes in the Premier League and find themselves in the last eight of the Champions League and the last four of the FA Cup. It seems as though things can’t get much better.

In reality, however, as successful as they have been on the field, concerns are reportedly emerging over profit and sustainability rules behind the scenes.

Questions will be asked over just how a side of such recent success have struggled to stay in line with the rules, especially after the big sale of Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabia in January, but it looks as though Villa could be in for a cautious summer.

Whether those concerns will result in player sales or limited spending remains to be seen. However, reports are emerging on both the incoming and departure fronts.

On the departure front, it’s Boubakar Kamara who has attracted attention in recent days with Liverpool reportedly eyeing a move to sign the Aston Villa midfielder.

Meanwhile, if the Villans choose to run the risk of spending once more this summer, names such as Marc Casado and Andreas Christensen could steal the headlines fresh from Barcelona, according to recent reports.

Aston Villa make contact to sign "animal" who can be Douglas Luiz 2.0

Aston Villa could raid Barcelona this summer for a player or two.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 11, 2025

The same can also be said for one Bundesliga talent, as Aston Villa look to reinforce their backline and beat Liverpool and Manchester City to the signature of a talented defender this summer.

Aston Villa battling to sign Sildillia

Putting their financial concerns to one side, those in the Midlands have reportedly joined a hectic Premier League race. According to CaughtOffside, Aston Villa are now battling to sign Kiliann Sildillia from SC Freiburg ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool and Man City.

The Bundesliga side are reportedly valuing their right-back at just €16m (£14m) this summer – a price Villa may be able to match even amid their PSR frustrations.

At just 22 years old, the Bundesliga right-back has earned plenty of praise in recent years – including from Antonio Mango. The U23 scout took to X to describe Sildillia as an “extremely athletic” defender “who possesses a great burst of pace and acceleration”.

However, whether those are traits Aston Villa are left to benefit from remains to be seen as Premier League clubs race to sign the talented right-back.

Nottingham Forest are now “working” on a summer deal for a “fantastic” forward, who would be a “brilliant signing”, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Forest pursuing a Champions League level striker

Forest have surpassed all expectations to push for Champions League qualification this season, and they owe a lot of their success to striker Chris Wood, who has been prolific in front of goal, netting 18 times in the Premier League.

However, it is clear Nuno is now pursuing another top striker, and there are some extremely exciting targets in mind, not least Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, with owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly willing to break the bank for the Nigerian.

Another option is Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, having made contact with the representatives of the Swedish striker, who has been extremely impressive this season, most notably netting a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Nottingham Forest want to sign "super" ace who could cost Marinakis £50m

Nottingham Forest have identified a new transfer target ahead of the summer.

ByBrett Worthington Mar 25, 2025

The Tricky Trees have also identified targets from within the Premier League, with talks over a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha currently ongoing, while they may be able to sign Brentford’s Yoane Wissa for just £15m – £20m.

Football Insider have now dropped a new update on Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Wissa, claiming the forward is their top priority for the summer transfer window, before relaying quotes from Brown, who believes he would be a fantastic addition to the squad.

“What sort of player is it Forest look for to improve their team? They’re based on the two widemen and their pace, getting in behind players on the break and getting crosses in for the big centre-forward.

“Wissa, to me, is a box player – and I don’t mean to be disrespectful when I say that – he’s not somebody who comes linking the play up and combining with people and that type of thing. Forest are working here on a brilliant signing.”

"Fantastic" Wissa impressing Nuno

Nuno is believed to be a big fan of the forward, given his ability to play across the front three, and he has proven himself as a reliable goal threat for Brentford this season, having scored 14 goals in 26 Premier League games.

The 28-year-old also scored a remarkable goal against Chelsea last season, having consistently found the back of the net for the Bees since arriving from FC Lorient in 2021, with this campaign proving to be his most prolific to date.

The DR Congo international, who has been lauded as “fantastic” by Thomas Frank, has proven he could be ready to make the step-up to a club in the Champions League, and his potential availability for just £15m – £20m is an added bonus.

The only minor concern will be the fact Wissa will turn 29 in September, with all of Forest’s other striker targets younger, although Osimhen and Gyokeres are yet to prove themselves in the Premier League.

Manchester United are a club that has always had a knack for bringing through and developing young players from their academy to improve their first-team.

Going back to the likes of Ryan Giggs, George Best, David Beckham, and Sir Bobby Charlton, among many others, the Red Devils have a rich history of cultivating world-class talent.

In more recent years, Carrington has birthed careers for Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa, Scott McTominay, at Napoli, Anthony Elanga, at Nottingham Forest, and current first-team stars Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.

Ruben Amorim is currently tasked with bringing through the next class of talent through to the first-team at Old Trafford, and there are plenty of potential future stars for the club coming through.

Manchester United's emerging talents

Senior debuts have been handed to Chido Obi-Martin and Ayden Heaven in recent weeks, both of whom joined the academy side from Arsenal.

Obi-Martin has made three first-team appearances for the Red Devils this year after a return of 12 goals in nine matches for the U18 side, following his exceptional haul of 32 goals in 21 games for the Gunners at U18 level during his time in London.

Heaven, meanwhile, came on for Leny Yoro at half-time against Arsenal on Sunday and impressed in the second half, with three out of five duels won, three clearances, a tackle, and an interception.

In The Pipeline

Another emerging talent who should be unleashed by Amorim in the weeks to come is 21-year-old central midfielder Toby Collyer, who could finally be unearthed as the club’s next version of Michael Carrick.

Why Man Utd must unleash Toby Collyer

Sports analyst and Man United fan Kirsty, on X, compared the Carrington talent to the former Red Devils and England midfielder, as well as comparing him to Darren Fletcher.

Back in January, she posted: “Collyer might just be that Carrick/Fletcher player we’ve been longing for. Nothing flashy, just engine, control, and routine.”

Carrick racked up 464 appearances in all competitions during his time with United as a player, earning a reputation for being a steady performer who could break up play and keep the game ticking over with his qualities in and out of possession.

Collyer has a long, long, way to go before he can be directly compared to the now-Middlesbrough manager, but he has shown a lot of very promising signs.

Appearances (starts)

5 (0)

Pass accuracy

90%

Tackles per game

1.6

Dribbled past per game

0.2x

Ground duel success rate

81%

Aerial duel success rate

50%

As you can see in the table above, the “rapid” academy graduate – as he was described by one United content creator – has yet to start a Premier League match. That said, he has impressed with his cameos off the bench, dominating players in physical battles whilst remaining composed on the ball.

Collyer, who was described as “aggressive” on and off the ball by Bruno Fernandes, has taken his chances when they have come his way off the bench, and now it is time for Amorim to finally unleash him from the start as he could emerge as the club’s next Carrick.

From the 2009/10 campaign onwards, the England international averaged 2.1 tackles per game and a pass completion rate of 87%. The current United youngster is on course for a similar output on and off the ball, despite being yet to start a match, which is a very positive sign.

Amorim has just discovered Man Utd's next big star & it's not Heaven or Obi

Manchester United have a number of exceptional young players at their disposal.

1 ByMatt Dawson Mar 10, 2025

The Red Devils can finally find their next tempo-controlling, yet defensively aggressive, star in the middle of the park in Collyer, and it is down to Amorim to hand him the chances to showcase his quality as a starter in the coming weeks and months.

Shifting their focus towards the summer transfer window, Manchester United are now reportedly seriously considering a move worth over £66m to sign a midfield reinforcement.

Man Utd transfer news

More than almost anyone in the Premier League, Manchester United desperately need reinforcements. If the remaining months of Erik ten Hag’s reign began to expose the quality of the current side, then Ruben Amorim’s first few months have revealed all.

The former Sporting CP boss has quickly been forced to realise the reality of the situation he has joined, often left to work with square pegs in round holes. His 3-4-2-1 system simply has not worked with the current squad and, in truth, that should have been a given.

Amorim arrived to use a system that was relying on wing-backs in a squad without natural solutions until Patrick Dorgu joined. He also arrived to use a system which does not use wingers in a squad built around Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho. So, even on paper, United’s struggles should have always seemed likely.

Their own Rogers: Teen Man Utd ace can be "pushed closer to the first-team"

Man Utd need to fill the void of Amad Diallo, who is out for the rest of the season.

ByJoe Nuttall Feb 21, 2025

It’s a problem that INEOS must fix when the summer arrives and hand their new manager players who suit his system – perhaps starting with a Premier League midfielder.

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are now seriously considering an €80m (£66.3m) chase to sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace. Just back from a hamstring injury, the England international is gradually working his way towards full fitness and his best form, perhaps just in time for the summer transfer window to arrive.

At his best, Wharton helped to transform Oliver Glasner’s side in the second half of last season before seeing injury disrupt his first full campaign at Selhurst Park. Reportedly maintaining his pricey valuation nonetheless, Manchester United will have to raise an impressive sum if they are to sign the midfielder this summer.

"Great" Wharton needs time

Fresh from injury and yet to complete a full season in the Premier League, Wharton should maintain his patience and avoid joining what could quickly turn into a nightmare move at Manchester United.

Several players in the past have instantly regretted completing such moves and given that Palace are currently above the Red Devils in the Premier League, Wharton would need to question whether it’s a risk worth taking this summer.

Praised by Glasner last season, the Austrian told reporters when asked about Wharton: “[As coaching staff] we tell him, or give him, one or two tips and he tries to do it. He has a great quality and he’s fit, which is unusual as he [is] playing almost every single minute of every single game.

“He always shows great performances with his passing, with his solutions and with his hard working in central midfield together with Will Hughes, it’s very important for us. He’s at the beginning of a great career and we will support him as good as possible.”

Another question is whether Manchester United can even afford such a hefty deal. Their financial limitations are no secret and they must sell before they can even think about reaching Wharton’s reported price tag.

Celtic have bolstered their squad with the likes of Benjamin Nygren, Kieran Tierney, and Callum Osmand this summer, but they have yet to add any more players to their midfield ranks.

The Hoops have been linked with an interest in Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller, but they may end up missing out on a move for the Scotland international.

Como, who just signed Nicolas Kuhn from Celtic, Ipswich Town, and Southampton are all reportedly keen on the Scottish star, and Celtic were not mentioned in that latest report.

Miller produced two goals and eight assists in 32 matches in the Scottish Premiership last season, which is why he is an attractive target for clubs, but the Hoops are now eyeing up a star who is even better than the teenage gem.

Celtic circling around deal for Serie B star

Whilst a move for the Motherwell talent may not be looking likely, given that they were not mentioned in the latest batch of clubs interested in him, Celtic could still find a new midfield star.

Transfer Focus

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

According to The Boot Room, the Premiership champions are one of the sides ‘circling’ around a potential deal to sign Salvatore Esposito from Serie B team Spezia this summer.

The report claims that the Hoops have been keeping tabs on the Italy international and are now one of a clutch of clubs looking to snap him up ahead of next season.

It states that the likes of Sunderland, Rangers, Everton, and Fulham are also showing an interest in the £9m-rated star, who may be allowed to leave on loan with an option to make it permanent next summer.

Why Celtic should sign Salvatore Esposito

Brendan Rodgers should work hard to win the race for the Italian star’s signature this summer because he would be an even better signing for the club than Miller for next season.

Both players are central midfielders who can combine impressive contributions at the top end of the pitch with steely defensive work in the middle of the park, which makes them both valuable players to have in a squad.

However, their respective performances in the 2024/25 season suggest that it would be Esposito who would have a bigger impact on the pitch for the Hoops next term.

The Spezia maestro, who was described as a “tenacious” tackler by talent scout Jacek Kulig, was sensational in the Serie B last season with his ability to win duels and tackles, as well as score and create goals.

Appearances

34

32

Goals

7

2

Big chances created

18

12

Assists

9

8

Tackles per game

1.8

1.8

Duels won per game

7.3

5.7

Ground duel success rate

67%

58%

As you can see in the table above, Esposito scored five more goals and created six more chances, despite only playing two more games, in the league, which suggests that he would provide Celtic with a greater threat at the top end of the pitch.

His defensive numbers, in terms of duels won, tackles won, and his success rate in duels, also suggest that the Spezia midfielder would provide more protection in front of the back four than Miller would.

These statistics suggest that Esposito would be even better for Celtic than Miller would be next season, due to his qualities in and out of possession in the middle of the park, which is why he would be an even better signing for the club.

At the age of 24, he may not be a teenager like the Motherwell gem, but the Italian star is still young and has plenty of time left for him to develop and grow with Rodgers at Parkhead.

Celtic could land better winger than Balikwisha in "electric" £3.5m star

Celtic could land an even better signing than Michel-Ange Balikwisha by swooping for this star.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 11, 2025

It is now down to the club to strike a deal with Spezia to bring the Italy international to Glasgow, so that the club can move on from any interest they may still have in Miller.

Some of Arsenal’s business in the transfer market has been questioned over the last couple of days, especially considering the big money spent by some of their rivals.

Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke are the latest names in the mix, with the Dane already moving to the Emirates whilst the latter appears to be moving closer to a switch across the capital.

The Gunners agreed a £52m deal with Chelsea for the Englishman’s signature, in a move which is expected to see the 23-year-old be a backup to Bukayo Saka.

Such dealings are expected to just be squad additions, with various other key areas of Mikel Arteta’s side in desperate need of investment over the coming weeks.

Various targets have been on their radar in recent times, but it appears as though they could be edging closer to landing a star who could make the difference in their Premier League title charge.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions this summer

The attacking third has been the area of most attention this window, with Eberechi Eze one player who could still move to the club given his £68m release clause.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo remains a key option, with the Brazilian expected to be allowed to depart the LaLiga outfit this window, which could aid the Gunners’ quest for his signature.

Transfer Focus

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

However, work has been done for additions elsewhere, with Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres now at long last set to become an Arsenal player.

The news was reported by a number of sources on Sunday evening, firstly by The Athletic’s David Ornstein who revealed that an agreement in principle has been reached for the Swede to move from the Portuguese side to the Emirates Stadium.

It’s revealed that a deal worth €63.5m guaranteed + €10m in add-ons has now been agreed.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has shared that a “very good phone call with Mikel Arteta” has left the deal “on the verge” of being completed, with Gunners insider Hand of Arsenal revealing that a medical has now been planned.

Why Arsenal’s latest target could be Arteta’s answer to Salah

Mohamed Salah is a player who has caused countless problems to numerous backlines within the Premier League, with every side wishing they had a talent of his quality.

The Egyptian has registered 186 goals in England’s top-flight, with his tally of 29 in his 38 outings last campaign firing Arne Slot’s outfit to the title and losing just four matches.

He’s scored 11 times in his 18 outings against the Gunners, including the equaliser in the 2-2 draw between the sides in North London back in October last year.

His two-year contract extension will see him continue to offer a constant threat to Arteta’s side once again in the near future, but the Gunners could land their answer to the forward this window.

Gyokeres could be just that man, offering the club the clinical and consistent presence in front of goal that they have desperately been lacking over recent seasons.

Their highest league goalscorer last season was Kai Havertz, who only registered nine goals, with no player managing to achieve double figures in England’s top-flight.

The Swede could be about to change that, given his record for Sporting in the 2024/25 campaign, managing to find the net on 54 occasions in his 52 outings across all competitions.

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

33

39

Kylian Mbappé

Real Madrid

34

31

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

38

29

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

34

27

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

31

26

Victor Osimhen

Galatsaray

30

26

Mateo Retegui

Atalanta

36

25

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has managed to register 2.2 shots on target per 90, getting 52% of his efforts on target – with such a record handing Arteta the quality he craves in front of goal.

Doubts have been raised about his all-round ability, but he’s showcased his all-round ability, creating 2.1 chances per 90, whilst winning 51% of the aerials he’s contested – subsequently offering that focal point the side need this summer.

£70m may appear to be a massive sum of money for an unproven talent, but his goalscoring record in recent seasons is certainly worth taking a risk on, with the positives outweighing the negatives.

If he can move to England and have a similar impact to Salah, he would be a sensational addition and one that could transform the club’s ambitions of ending their title drought.

Instant Norgaard upgrade: Arsenal make contact for "spectacular" £43m star

Following the signings of both Christian Nørgaard and Martín Zubimendi, Arsenal are now targeting a midfielder who is at a “spectacular level”.

ByBen Gray Jul 12, 2025