It’s set to be a very busy summer at Rangers. With 49ers Enterprises, spearheaded by Paraag Marathe, close to finalising their 51% takeover of the Ibrox side, they’ve got plenty of work to do before Champions League qualifying commences early on 22/23 July.

Rangers need a new manager and, after a trophyless campaign, the squad requires major surgery too, but could they land a “very talented” midfielder, who would suit the style of play of one of the front-runners to become the new boss?

The latest on Davide Ancelotti to Rangers

As reported by Spanish outlet AS, Carlo Ancelotti’s son, Davide Ancelotti, is one of the front-runners to become the new Rangers manager, claiming that the 35-year-old is excited by the ‘project’.

Mark Atkinson of the Scotsman notes that Ancelotti previously worked with Rangers’ new sporting director Kevin Thelwell at Everton, while Guillem Balague and Chris McLaughlin of BBC Sport are reporting that an official approach has now been made.

Ancelotti has been his father assistant at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid, but has never been a head coach in his own right, so it is difficult to forecast what a Davide team looks like, but one can only assume it would be similar to a Carlo side.

With that in mind, perhaps their latest transfer target might be perfect.

The first signing of the Ancelotti era?

According to a report by TEAMtalk earlier this week, Rangers are ‘plotting’ a move to sign midfielder Metinho, who they claim is valued at £4m.

Transfer Focus

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

Born in DR Congo, Abemly Meto Silu and his father Abel fled when he was just one-year-old, moving to Rio de Janeiro, earning the nickname Metinho during his time in Fluminense’s academy.

After turning pro, he was picked up by the City Football Group, officially attached to Troyes, although he’s never made a senior appearance for the Ligue 2 side, loaned out to Lommel in Belgium, another CFG-owned club, as well as Sparta Rotterdam and then, most-recently FC Basel.

The table below illustrates his globe-trotting career so far.

Fluminense

Campeonato Carioca

1

Troyes B

Championnat National 3

8

Lommel

Challenger Pro League

27

Sparta Rotterdam

Eredivisie

41

Jong Sparta Rotterdam

Tweede Divisie

1

FC Basel

Swiss Super League

11

Since leaving Brazil, he has played in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland, so could Scotland be next on this list?

This weekend Basel were crowned Swiss champions for the first time since 2017 and, while Metinho has only made 11 appearances for the RotBlau, he’s quickly established himself as a key figure, dubbed ‘the Brazilian Paul Pogba’ due to their stylistic similarities.

So, where would the 22-year-old fit in at Ibrox, and could he be the perfect first signing for an Ancelotti-led Rangers side?

Where Metinho would fit in at Rangers

Samuel Bannister of Team Talk notes that Metinho is ‘known for his versatility and composure’, adding that ‘he stands out for his ability at taking on opponents… but he’s also good at stopping opponents getting past him’.

​​​​​Meanwhile, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout describes the 22-year-old as “very talented”, while adding in a separate player profile that the Brazilian is a ‘defensive midfielder…. best suited’ to playing at the base of a 4-3-3.

So, could this make him the perfect signing for Rangers’ player of the season Nicolas Raskin who, as noted by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, has been ‘one of few silver linings’ in an otherwise miserable campaign for the Gers?

Scott Bradley of Breaking the Lines believes the now Belgian international ‘has the potential to be something special’, with Brandon Liss of Total Football Analysis describing him as a ‘deep-lying playmaker’ who likes to ‘spray passes​​​​​​​’ and ‘roam vertically from touchline to touchline’, suggesting Metinho’s tactical discipline could certainly help to get the best out of him.

Thus, Raskin and Metinho’s skill sets appear to perfectly complement one another, and one can totally envisage the duo operating in a Real Madrid-esque 4-3-3, should Ancelotti arrive at Ibrox.

Of course, neither are quite as good as Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde or Luka Modrić, which is a pretty high bar in fairness, but, as a pair, they could form the building blocks as Rangers look to rebuild a competitive team.

Perhaps in this situation, Raskin would act as the Modric-like midfielder while Mettinho would be more of a Tchouameni, sitting deeper and protecting the defence while the Belgian goes about creating play.

As referenced earlier, with Metinho valued at just £4m, this is exactly the sort of high-potential, low-cost transfer Rangers need to be targeting and need to get right, if they’re going to be able to compete with Celtic at the top of the table.

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ByRoss Kilvington May 13, 2025

Manchester City’s mass-squad overhaul looks set to continue.

Kyle Walker has already departed, while Kevin De Bruyne will follow him out the exit door, with a few more sky blue stalwarts potentially set to leave this summer too.

Meantime, the Citizens spent £180m in January, that’s more than the other 19 Premier League clubs combined, recruiting Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico González, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah.

However, they are far from done there, so does Pep Guardiola have his eyes on a future £100m sensation to upgrade on Jérémy Doku?

Jérémy Doku's up-and-down Manchester City career

When Doku arrived at Manchester City from Stade Rennais for a reported fee of £55.5m two summers ago, he did so with sky-high expectations.

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain described the Belgian winger as “a very exciting young player”, adding that he possesses “outstanding pace”, believing that he will “develop into a world-class attacking talent”.

Well, so far, the 22-year-old is yet to fulfil the potential promised, as the statistics below suggest.

Jérémy Doku’s Manchester City career
Statistics	Doku 23/24	Doku 24/25
Appearances	43	33
Minutes	2,171	1,686
Goals	6	6
Assists	11	8
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table shows, while Doku’s statistics are far from horrific, they aren’t outstanding either, while the fact the Belgian has not started any of Man City’s last five matches underlines that Guardiola still does not fully trust him.

Also, without wanting to be unkind to any of these teams, Doku’s six goals this season have come against Watford, Salford, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Ipswich, the most recent of which was scored on 19 January, which isn’t the most eclectic list.

Thus, the Citizens could certainly upgrade out-wide, so has Guardiola identified his dream target?

Manchester City's dream new winger

According to a report by French outlet L’Équipe this week, Manchester City have “made enquiries” in an attempt to sign Monaco winger Eliesse Ben Seghir, with Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen also reportedly interested.

Get French Football News adds that the 20-year-old is likely to push for a move this summer after a falling out with les Monégasques’ manager Adi Hütter, which has seen him start just two of the last eight Ligue 1 games, refusing to celebrate the recent Derby de la Côte d’Azur victory over Nice, having been an unused substitute.

Despite this, Ben Seghir’s potential is undeniable, with analyst Ben Mattinson​​​​​​​ labeling him an “impressive talent”, while Euan Booth Robertson of Transfermarkt praises his outstanding ‘dribbling ability’.

Meantime, Liam Scahill​​​​​​​ of Breaking the Lines believes the youngster is ‘destined for big things’, while Alex Barker of the Athletic labels him a “future £100m” gem.

So, let’s assess how the young Moroccan compares to Doku.

Doku vs Ben Seghir 2024/25 comparison
Statistics	Doku	Ben Seghir
Appearances	33	43
Minutes	1,686	2,404
Goals	6	9
Assists	8	4
Take-ons attempted	200	115
Take-on success %	53.5%	38.3%
Progressive carries	202	102
Shots on target %	31%	34.2%
Progressive passes	68	138
Shot-creating actions	75	93
Goal-creating actions	13	8
Touches per 90	46	56
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and FBref.com

As outlined in the table, both wingers are high-quantity dribblers; the pair racked up 25 take-ons each in this season’s Champions League, despite the fact Monaco and Man City were both eliminated quite early in the first knockout round.

While Doku may be the superior dribbler, Ben Seghir’s statistics prove that he is more of a goal-threat, scoring more goals, finding the target with a higher percentage of his shots and registering more shot-creating actions, while his substantially higher touches per 90 figure proves he is more involved in build-up play.

Thus, this all underlines that the Moroccan would be a great signing for the sky blues, as he would be a clear Doku upgrade.

​​​​​​​

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Ben Gray

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Often when it comes to Leeds United and promotion races, the Whites let their nerves get the better of them.

However, with only one game remaining of the current Championship season, the West Yorkshire outfit are already Premier League bound away from any worries seeping in.

Daniel Farke’s side looked every bit ready for the challenge ahead when brushing aside playoff-chasing Bristol City effortlessly in a huge 4-0 win on Monday night.

There was a carnival-like atmosphere in the air at Elland Road throughout, with no hangovers in sight from the home side’s perspective after sealing promotion.

Leeds' best performers vs Bristol City

Leeds might have been anticipating a trickier tie in truth, considering Liam Manning’s Robins aren’t mathematically safe inside the top six positions.

But, from the get-go, the clash felt like a walk in the park for the hosts, with Ao Tanaka’s calm and collected finish from a floating Manor Solomon ball opening the scoring in the 21st minute.

Solomon – away from assisting Tanaka to break the deadlock – really stood out himself during the one-sided contest, with the electric Tottenham Hotspur loanee amassing two successful dribbles and four shots of his own to try and catch out the sheepish visitors from Bristol even more.

Both Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani would shine too as the other goal scorers on the night, with Ramazani only needing nine minutes of action to bag a brace, whilst both Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu would accumulate a ridiculous 291 accurate passes between them in the heart of the Leeds defence.

Chalkboard

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Of course, alongside the aforementioned Welsh pairing, there was also the influential figure of Junior Firpo pulling the strings once more from defence, with his assist for Ramazani’s first of the clash taking his assist haul to the season up to a mighty ten.

Regardless of his standout showings this season, according to reports, it looks unlikely that the ex-Barcelona man will be kept around for the forthcoming challenge of the Premier League.

However, there is another face in Farke’s starting XI who may succumb to the same fate as the left-back over the summer.

7/10 Leeds star needs an upgrade

Tough conversations will have to take place at Leeds this coming off-season involving who is cut out for the intense jump up to the top-flight, with Farke’s neck already allegedly on the line in this regard.

Brenden Aaronson will also be worrying slightly about his long-term future in West Yorkshire, considering the American has previously floundered at the elite level.

Indeed, last time he was plunged into the choppy waters of the Premier League, Aaronson would only manage to pick up one goal and three assists from 36 outings, culminating in the Whites falling back into the reaches of the Championship.

Now, the ex-Red Salzburg attacker will have a point to prove. But, based on his somewhat wasteful approach against the leaky Robins and his topsy-turvy form this season, he might not be Farke’s preferred choice of number 10 in the far tougher division.

Minutes played

86

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

50

Accurate passes

28/33 (85%)

Key passes

2

Shots

3

Big chances missed

1

It must be said, this was not Aaronson’s worst night of the campaign, far from it. The £45k-per-week attacking midfielder did manage to link up nicely with Solomon and Co at points as another vibrant option up top, but another goal or assist to add to his season collection of 11 from 45-second tier clashes annoyingly evaded him.

Whilst the likes of Solomon and Tanaka wouldn’t look out of place in the top-flight, Aaronson could well find he’s pushed back into the deep-end once more, with Yorkshire Post journalist Tom Coates even labelling his night as “frustrating” despite his 7/10 rating. It was a night of mixed reviews for the American, which rather sums up his time at Leeds, with the Athletic’s Larry Henry suggesting it was a “really positive display”.

Evidently, an upgrade will be required in the Premier League and it might well be that the likes of Firpo, Farke and Aaronson have all just enjoyed their last nights under the Elland Road lights.

Before any more talk centres on whether the inconsistent 24-year-old could be let go of, Leeds still have the chance to clinch the Championship title on the final day of the season, with Plymouth the location for the Whites’ potential triumph.

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As Aston Villa look to navigate any PSR concerns and welcome key additions this summer, sporting director Monchi has now reportedly held fresh talks to land a bargain transfer.

Aston Villa facing PSR concern

After spending big in recent years, including in the January transfer window, Aston Villa are now reportedly facing the prospect of a difficult summer transfer window. If Unai Emery’s side fail to qualify for the Champions League, then their problems could be especially troublesome and may even lead to the sale of at least one star man in the coming months.

Those in the Midlands already received a glimpse of just how ruthless Aston Villa must be if they are to welcome further additions during the January transfer window, when they sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for around £71m to make room for the likes of Donyell Malen.

Now, months on, it could be players such as Morgan Rogers or Ollie Watkins who find themselves sacrificed. The duo have both enjoyed excellent campaigns and have both reportedly attracted interest from Chelsea. Villa, of course, will naturally be reluctant to sell to a top five rival, but may have little choice in the matter amid their PSR troubles.

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There could still be an alternative option for Aston Villa to welcome key players this summer, however. If Monchi goes about his business in the right way, then he could land bargain deals rather than selling big to potentially buy even bigger. And one forward would fit perfectly into that category of deals.

Monchi in talks to sign Jonathan David for Aston Villa

According to L’Equipe, relayed by GFFN, Monchi is now in fresh talks to sign Jonathan David for Aston Villa in what would be a bargain deal this summer. The LOSC Lille forward is set to leave the French club as a free agent upon the expiry of his current deal next month, allowing clubs from around European football to come swooping in.

In one swift move, Villa could save themselves a transfer fee and hand their frontline a major boost. At 25 years of age, David is at the peak of his powers, and it’s shown in France this season, with the Canada international scoring as many as 25 goals to showcase his talents to several potential suitors ahead of this summer.

Amid such an impressive goalscoring streak, it should come as little shock that David has found himself at the centre of Bruno Genesio’s praise this season. The Lille manager told reporters after his forward reached 101 career goals for the club in December: “Scoring 101 goals speaks volumes. But it’s not just goals for me with Jona. He’s a player who plays a big part in the game and above all, a player who’s full of selflessness.

“He works enormously for the team. We all make an effort, but he’s the perfect example of our team at this level. To have a top striker who makes as many runs and shows as much generosity as he does, that’s pretty rare. I think he’s one of the best (in Ligue 1).”

The dust has barely settled on Leeds United’s jubilant promotion-winning campaign, but the transfer rumour mill is already going into overdrive at Elland Road.

The Whites have been linked with a whole host of varied names since regular Championship action halted, with the likes of Everton centre-forward Beto and Tottenham Hotspur attacker Richarlison being linked, but the Brazilian is not the only wanted figure playing for the North Londoners.

Of course, after playing a huge role in the Whites sealing a triumphant return to the Premier League on loan, Manor Solomon is now being eyed up by the West Yorkshire titans on a permanent basis, with Spurs perhaps willing to part ways with the 25-year-old.

The latest on Solomon joining permanently

There were plenty of risks attached to the Solomon deal last summer, considering the 5 foot 7 attacker was horrendously injury-prone at Ange Postecoglou’s men during the 2023/24 season.

But, despite missing 277 days of action last campaign in North London owing to injury, this season has been more of a smooth sailing experience for Solomon on the contrary, with this last-gasp strike below away at Plymouth Argyle on the final day handing Daniel Farke’s men the title.

That would be Solomon’s final goal of his loan stint, with the former Fulham man closing out his celebrated spell donning Leeds white by amassing ten goals and 13 assists from 41 total clashes.

Unsurprisingly, therefore, the Whites want Solomon back for good ahead of their daunting Premier League voyage, with reports seeming to suggest that Leeds’ wish could be granted if they’re willing to fork out £20m.

This would show Leeds mean business competing amongst the big boys once more, but an even more impressive coup could be on the horizon at Elland Road soon in the midfield areas.

The "exceptional" star who'd be a bigger coup than Solomon

After all, splashing out £20m isn’t too far off the record-breaking move for Georginio Rutter that Leeds sanctioned back in January of 2023, with the Frenchman costing a high £35.5m, but eventually proving he was worth every penny.

There would be a worry in the air that Solomon would struggle with his recurring injury demons back up a level, but away from potentially offering the 25-year-old a permanent deal, snapping up the services of former £45m sale Kalvin Phillips would be way more of a coup if he can recapture his finest Leeds form again.

Indeed, journalist Graeme Bailey has added to the rampant speculation recently by revealing that a reunion could finally be on the cards, stating that £13m-rated Phillips is ready for a move back to home soil this summer with Leeds considering a move.

Leeds would, no doubt, welcome their former homegrown gem back with open arms, especially with the hole that’s going to be left behind centrally by loanee Joe Rothwell returning back to AFC Bournemouth, alongside Phillips’ wealth of Premier League experience being a much-needed bonus.

Phillips’ Premier League numbers for Leeds

Stat – per 90 mins*

Phillips (20/21)

Phillips (21/22)

Games played

29

20

Games started

28

18

Goals scored

1

0

Assists

2

1

Touches*

65.0

62.1

Accurate passes*

41.0 (85%)

38.9 (82%)

Big chances missed

0

1

Big chances created

5

1

Total duels won*

5.3

4.9

Stats by Sofascore

Phillips has wobbled at Manchester City and blown hot and cold on loan at West Ham United and Ipswich Town, but it’s been quickly forgotten about how well-rounded of a midfielder the Leeds-born star looked whilst still at Elland Road.

Keen to get stuck into a duel whilst also picking up four goal contributions across 49 appearances in the top-flight for Leeds, the “exceptional” star – as he was once lauded by football talent scout Antonio Mango – would be a welcome addition to the ranks if he can get back to the top of his game, away from impressively tasting action in the relentless league a total of 92 times.

To add context, Solomon has just 24 appearances next to his name. Therefore, if Leeds could win back the services of their much-loved ex-number 23 for a cut-price, he would surely go down as a more luxurious coup than the loan talent.

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Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has one player at the very top of his list of targets, and it is now believed the man in question is just as determined to make a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta makes new Arsenal transfer admission

With the first summer window just weeks away from opening, Arsenal supporters are eager to hear what their club has planned after reportedly striking an agreement for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

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Zubimendi will be Arsenal’s first signing of the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano and fellow reliable media sources, but one position they need to reinforce is further up front.

Race for Champions League qualification with 2 games remaining

Points

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

Injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have forced Mikel Arteta to deploy midfielder Mikel Merino in an emergency striker role over the final stretch of this season, and supporters are desperate for Berta to end Arsenal’s long wait for a prolific number nine.

“I understand the narrative [about signing a No 9],” said Arteta about Arsenal’s rumoured pursuit of a striker.

“When you create five expected goals but only score one, it’s going to happen. It’s normal. We look at the things with much more data and resources than many people, but a lot of people have very good intuition on what is needed – and it’s good to listen to those opinions.

“We have a very clear vision from the ownership, the owner and the board, the new sporting director, we are all aligned on what we want to do. We are very close to achieving it – and that’s it.”

While Arteta remains coy, a host of strikers have already been linked with moves to N5, but one who stands out among them is Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sweden international’s exceptional tally of 52 goals across 50 appearances in all competitions is understandably turning heads, and reports suggest Gyokeres could leave for much less than his £84 million release clause this year.

Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported earlier this week that Arsenal are offering the 26-year-old a £7 million-per-year salary to join them, roughly equating to around £135,000-per-week.

Now, that same source has provided another update, revealing the ex-Coventry star’s stance on returning to England with Arsenal.

Viktor Gyokeres decides he wants to join Arsenal

As per A Bola, Gyokeres has his heart set on joining Arsenal after being “emotionally” and “financially” convinced Arteta’s side are the right option for him ahead of Chelsea.

He is said to be at the top of Berta’s personal shopping list as well, with Sporting’s hopes of an auction between Arsenal and Chelsea quashed by Gyokeres’ burning desire to make a move to the former.

Gyokeres’ potential Arsenal deal would be a four-to-five-year contract, and the player apparently has an agreement already in place with Sporting that he can leave for around £63 million.

All signs are pointing towards an imminent Arsenal move for Gyokeres, but Emirates chiefs will be wary of potential hijacks, akin to Real Madrid’s swoop for Dean Huijsen.

Manchester United are believed to be planning an offer to sign an “unplayable” Premier League player in a potential £65m deal this summer, according to a fresh update.

Man Utd defeat highlights need for signings

The Red Devils were beaten 4-3 away to Brentford on Sunday afternoon, as their hugely disappointing league campaign continues, amid their continued search for Europa League glory later this week.

The loss leaves Ruben Amorim’s side still sitting in 15th place in the table, having lost 16 of their matches in the league in 2024/25, highlighting how important it is for new signings in the summer transfer window.

Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move to United at the end of the season, following an impressive season for the Cherries that has seen him score nine times in the league, also bagging five assists in the competition.

Meanwhile, Lyon youngster Rayan Cherki has been mentioned as a target for the Red Devils, with the 21-year-old thought to be open about the idea of moving to Old Trafford if he is made the leading man in Amorim’s attack.

Man Utd planning offer for £65m Brentford star

According to a new update from Caught Offside, Manchester United are planning to make an offer for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, looking to snap him up in the summer window. The Bees could be looking for as much as £65m for the Cameroonian, with Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle United also interested in him.

Mbeumo has arguably been one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking players throughout this season, scoring 18 goals, which is only fewer than Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Chris Wood.

Meanwhile, his importance isn’t lost on Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who heaped praise on him earlier in the season: “Bryan Mbeumo today was unplayable. The way he holds the ball up and links play, like today to Kevin Schade [for the fourth goal] was very impressive.”

Admittedly, Mbeumo takes up the same right-sided attacking role that Amad Diallo likes to play in, so there is a risk of blocking his path, but strong competition is needed all over the pitch.

The 25-year-old is in the perfect place to come in and be a star man from the off at Old Trafford, having already shown that he can take the Premier League by storm, bagging 68 goal contributions (40 goals and 28 assists) in 133 appearances since joining the Bees.

With the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund all arguably feeling like flawed attacking options currently, it is essential that a couple of genuinely top-level players arrive in that area this summer.

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In Mbeumo, United could have a fantastic option who could be a key man for the next five or six years, producing relentless end product and making Amorim’s men a far greater force.

Everton are on the verge of entering a new era under David Moyes and he has now identified an exciting transfer target that their hierarchy are willing to heavily pursue, per reports.

Everton look forward to a new dawn under David Moyes

The Toffees are on the verge of ending their lengthy association with Goodison Park, and it isn’t in the least bit surprising that supporters are fighting tooth and nail to witness their final match against Southampton in L4. David Moyes has steadied the ship at Everton and secured their Premier League status for another year, paving the way for an exciting summer under the guise of The Friedkin Group.

PSR regulations will ensure that clever additions need to be uncovered to avoid any conflict, though it is fair to say the Blues aren’t alone in that regard. According to reports, Everton are eyeing a move for Lazio loanee Nuno Tavares, who is expected to complete a permanent switch to the Italian giants this summer and then be sold on for profit.

He could be set for an immediate return to the English top-flight if circumstances align. The former Benfica man could be joined by Emanuel Emegha after the Dutch forward emerged as another Toffees target.

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Richarlison arriving to kickstart Everton’s new era hasn’t been ruled out and fans are rightfully ecstatic at the prospect of heading for Bramley Moore Dock, albeit a little emotional about leaving Goodison Park behind.

Change is needed to a playing squad that looks set to encounter mass surgery, with several established stars leaving to make way for fresh blood. Now, further information has come to light on who Moyes could look to bring into the fold during the off-season.

Everton board ready to back Moyes move for Gustavo Hamer

Per Football Insider, Everton’s interest in Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer is growing as their hierarchy are willing to back Moyes with funds to strengthen their starting XI come the summer.

The Scot wants to add creativity to his industrious side and the former Netherlands Under-20 international is seen as an ideal option to help fashion chances from the engine room, having initially been added to a shortlist of several targets earlier this week.

Gustavo Hamer’s record in 2024/25

Appearances

42

Goals

9

Assists

7

Enjoying a campaign where he has been red-hot after winning the Championship player of the season award, Hamer has completed 45 successful dribbles and laid on 71 opportunities for his teammates.

Abdoulaye Doucoure’s uncertain future on Merseyside has hastened the search for a new midfielder as his contract runs into its final few weeks. Notably, West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek and Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg have been mentioned as alternative targets.

Furthermore, any move for Hamer may hinge on whether Sheffield United claim promotion from the Championship, where they are set for the playoffs after Leeds United and Burnley sealed a return to the top-flight.

Everton are in the market for talent to rejuvenate their squad and Hamer would be a terrific asset that would please supporters should he arrive this summer.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta “loves” one Barcelona star and believes he’d be a cracking addition to the Gunners squad, according to reports, but he faces competition from a direct Premier League rival in pursuit of the player.

Josh Kroenke promises Arsenal investment this summer

Before their 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday, co-chair Josh Kroenke addressed supporters on the disappointment of finishing second in the Premier League yet again.

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In quotes taken from Arsenal’s matchday programme, Kroenke also promised fans that there will be investment into the squad this summer, as the north Londoners look to end their 22-year wait for a domestic top flight crown.

“We all want to win it,” said Kroenke.

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

“We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season. Ultimately, we all want the same thing. We’re as hungry for success as you are and that goes for everyone who works for the club.”

That pledge is already being answered, as Arsenal are widely believed to have agreed a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with reports from both abroad and England strongly suggesting that Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres could be Andrea Berta’s second summer capture after the Spain midfielder.

Arsenal are apparently keen to strengthen across the board, particularly in the attacking areas, with Berta and co targeting a right-winger, left-winger and striker (GiveMeSport).

Mikel Arteta "loves" Ferran Torres and wants him at Arsenal

One man who can play out wide and through the middle as a centre-forward is ex-Man City starlet Ferran Torres. The £161,000-per-week Barça attacker boasts 19 goals from 45 appearances in all competitions under Hansi Flick this season, leaving little wonder both Arteta and Aston Villa boss Unai Emery are particularly keen.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who told The Boot Room that Arteta is a big fan of Torres and ideally wants him at Arsenal.

“Firstly, with Ferran Torres’ situation — Mikel Arteta loves Torres from his time at City, and he knows how City highly rated him,” said Bailey.

“Arteta knows what Torres could bring to Arsenal, but he’s not the only manager who likes him. Villa like Torres and so does Unai Emery.

“But my information is that Torres still has no intention of leaving Barcelona. Hansi Flick has used him quite a bit this season, but even when he hasn’t been playing in the past, he didn’t want to leave Barcelona.”

The 25-year-old appears more likely than not to remain at the Camp Nou, which is a crying shame when factoring in just how much he could reinforce Arsenal’s ranks.

Arteta is known to value versatility in any player, and Torres has featured on both the right and left-hand side whilst also operating as an out-and-out striker when required across 2024/2025.

Newcastle United are now leading the race for an “unbelievable” striker who’s been likened to Manchester City star Erling Haaland, according to a report.

Newcastle eyeing striker amid Isak uncertainty

Alexander Isak is enjoying his best season to date in a Newcastle shirt, leading his side to EFL Cup glory and scoring 27 goals in all competitions, so it is little wonder that some other top Premier League clubs are now queuing up for his signature.

Arsenal appear to be one of the most interested parties, with the Gunners now plotting a stunning £127m swoop for the striker, having identified the 25-year-old as their top target for the summer transfer window, despite the Magpies’ determination to keep hold of him.

The Premier League star is also a dream signing for Liverpool, as revealed by Fabrizio Romano, while Chelsea have expressed an interest in the past, so there is likely to be no shortage of interest in the Sweden international this summer.

Newcastle step up move for "fantastic" 28-cap star after scouting mission

The Magpies are competing with one of their rivals for his signature.

BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

Of course, Eddie Howe’s main aim should be to keep hold of Isak, given the instrumental role he has played this season, but should the talisman decide to move on, the manager may look at bringing in a top-level replacement.

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are now above all in the race to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who is now edging towards a summer exit, having failed to agree a contract extension with the Italian club

Vlahovic’s huge £359k-a-week deal is set to expire in 2026, and with a renewal not being agreed, the Magpies may be able to sign the Serbian for a reasonable fee, but there could be competition for his signature, with clubs from Turkey also keen.

It is not explicitly mentioned whether the Juventus striker is being targeted as a direct replacement for Isak, so there is also a possibility that he is brought in regardless of whether the Swede departs.

"Unbelievable" Vlahovic needs summer move

The Serbia international has impressed in the Serie A in the past, most notably scoring 24 goals in the 2021-22 campaign, but having found the back of the net just nine times this season, he may need a summer move to reignite his career.

At just 25-years-old, the forward still has plenty of time to fulfill his potential, having previously been likened to Haaland, while also being lauded for his “unbelievable” character by former Partizan Belgrade assistant Zarko Lazetic.

That said, it is difficult to see where the Belgrade-born striker would fit into the Newcastle team, should Isak remain at the club, given that Howe has almost exclusively implemented a 4-3-3 formation this season.

As such, Vlahovic could be a solid replacement for Isak, but Newcastle should have no desire to sanction their star striker’s departure.