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The transfer window might still be closed for another two months, but that hasn’t stopped the rumours circulating Arsenal.

Unless they can beat Real Madrid over two legs in the Champions League next month, Mikel Arteta’s side look likely to end the season empty-handed yet again, and a big reason for that is a lack of firepower up top.

Now, injuries have played their part as well, but when the club’s most productive player – Bukayo Saka – is someone who hasn’t kicked a ball since December, you know there is a problem.

So, it’s unsurprising to see the team being linked with a whole host of extraordinary strikers at the moment, like Victor Gyokeres, but centre-forwards are not the only players being touted for moves this summer.

Arsenal's search for new attackers

So, while Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, and Alexander Isak all continue to be linked with Arsenal due to their acute need for a prolific number nine, a whole host of wingers have also had their names connected with the club.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané, who will be a free agent in the summer, keeps popping up in connection with the Gunners, as is Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who is already Premier League-proven.

However, when there is one winger who the North Londoners seem to be prioritising above all others and he might just be the most exciting of the lot.

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are determined to add another wide player to their ranks in the summer, and both Arteta and new Sporting Director, Andrea Berta, have a top target: Nico Williams.

The Spanish international has a €58m release clause in his current contract, which is about £48m, and while that isn’t an egregious sum of money, it would need to be paid upfront, which could complicate matters.

Interestingly, though, the report has revealed that the Gunners could offer Bilbao a higher fee to structure payments more favourably.

It looks like it will be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line this year, but given his immense ability and potential, one well worth fighting for, especially as he could sensational alongside Gyokeres, should Arsenal be able to secure his services as well.

Why Williams would be incredible for Arsenal and Gyokeres

So, let’s say Arsenal are successful in their pursuit of Gyokeres this summer. Why would Williams be an incredible addition to the team, particularly for him?

Well, it comes down to two things, the first of which is his output. For example, in 37 appearances last season, totalling 2729 minutes, the young Spaniard racked up a sensational tally of eight goals and 16 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.54 games or every 113.70 minutes.

This season, he’s not been quite as devastating but has nonetheless maintained an impressive level of output, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists in 38 appearances, totalling 2689 minutes.

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

37

38

Minutes

2729′

2689′

Goals

8

9

Assists

19

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.72

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvements

113.70′

168.06′

This comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.37 games, or 168.06 minutes.

Now, just imagine what the Bilbao ace’s output would look like playing alongside the Swede, who has racked up a tally of 111 goal involvements in 92 games for Sporting CP.

His already impressive assist record would explode next to a striker that prolific, and in return, the former Coventry City star would almost certainly see his own goal tally continue to impress with such a reliable provider to his left.

The second reason the “world-class” winger, as journalist Zach Lowy has dubbed him, would be such a dream teammate for the 26-year-old is that he occupies defenders so effectively.

Due to being a reliable source of goals and assists, the Pamplona-born star forces opposition defenders to expend time and energy keeping him under wraps, which in turn should free up space for his teammates.

Moreover, with FBref placing him in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90, he’s capable of making things happen regardless of how much an opposition player tries to stop him.

Ultimately, Arsenal need some attacking reinforcements this summer, and while it might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, they should be going all out for Williams, especially if they also sign Gyokeres.

Arsenal's "special" teen was meant to be Ramsey 2.0, then Arteta sold him

The talented midfielder never made it at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 29, 2025

What a week it has been for Manchester United’s number nine, Rasmus Hojlund. You wait so long for a goal, and two come along in quick succession.

The Danish speedster had endured a dismal 21-game goal drought prior to finally getting on the scoresheet again on Sunday evening away at Leicester City, with the struggling striker showcasing remarkable composure to slot home on his weaker right foot against the relegation-threatened Foxes.

Just days on from that long-awaited goal, the 22-year-old leapt off the bench to clinch victory for his country against Portugal on Thursday night, the former Atalanta man condemning Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Cristiano Ronaldo to a 1-0 defeat in their Nations League quarter-final clash.

While a return of nine goals this season for club and country makes for grim reading for the £64m signing, he has helped to lift the pressure on his shoulders this week, not least with 17-year-old sensation, Chido Obi, waiting in the wings for a starting berth back at Old Trafford.

Player

Games

Goals

Assists

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

53

29

10

Romelu Lukaku

96

42

12

Odion Ighalo

23

5

1

Edinson Cavani

59

19

6

Cristiano Ronaldo (2nd spell)

54

27

5

Wout Weghorst

31

2

3

Anthony Martial

317

90

46

Rasmus Hojlund

82

24

4

That youthful pairing are currently vying to be Ruben Amorim’s main man through the middle, with the Portuguese coach still no doubt looking to find his next goalscoring talisman, in the mould of Sporting CP’s, Viktor Gyokeres.

Man Utd's interest in Viktor Gyokeres

There is an argument to be made that Amorim has found his new attacking, Gyokeres-like figurehead in the form of Bruno Fernandes, although for all the playmaker’s brilliance, there is still a need for United to acquire a reliable, prolific presence to lead the line.

Indeed, in 82 games for the Red Devils to date, Hojlund has scored just 24 goals, while young Obi is still waiting to break his first-team duck, albeit while having made just four senior appearances. Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee, meanwhile, has scored just six times in his new surroundings.

With that in mind, it is then no surprise that the signing of a new centre-forward appears high on the agenda, with journalist Florian Plettenberg only recently naming the aforementioned Gyokeres among a raft of targets that Amorim and co are looking at.

The Swedish goal machine has been a revelation in Portugal since arriving from Coventry City for just £17m back in 2023, having notably scored 66 goals in just 68 games under Amorim’s watch.

Unsurprisingly, ever since the new United boss made the move to England, there has been talk of a reunion. However, The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell reported back in February that while Sporting could cash in for around €70m (£59m), it is ‘unlikely’ that the 26-year-old follows his former boss to Manchester.

As per Whitwell, the one-time Brighton and Hove Albion man is likely to want to join a team competing in the Champions League – something United, currently, won’t be able to offer – while the club themselves may have reservations, amid the pursuit of ‘younger signings’.

While there may be frustration at not handing Amorim the perfect attacking tool in Gyokeres, perhaps the Red Devils are already brewing the next version of the Swede…

Man Utd's own Gyokeres

As two towering, Scandinavian marksmen like Gyokeres, it could be argued that both Hojlund and Obi are primed to evolve into that type of figure for Amorim, provided they are given time to develop.

That said, there could well be another, more suitable option in the equation, in the form of academy star, Ethan Wheatley, with the 19-year-old also a “clinical finisher”, in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson.

As per Mattinson, the promising Englishman possesses a lot of the “typical hold-up, link-up and channel running” that Gyokeres has shown at Sporting, while he is also deemed to be a “closer fit” to the former Coventry man than fellow youth star, Gabriele Biancheri.

Currently out on loan at League Two highflyers Walsall – for whom he has actually made just three appearances since arriving in January – Wheatley has previously dazzled in the youth set-up at United, scoring ten times in just 22 U21 outings.

The Stockport native – who, like Gyokeres, stands at 6 foot 2 – was also previously the star of the U18 side, after netting 14 goals in 28 games at that age group.

While it hasn’t worked out so far during Wheatley’s temporary stint away from Old Trafford, he did score for England’s U19 side against Wales in midweek, having also been awarded a new long-term contract with United earlier this month.

That show of faith by the club has indicated how highly regarded the teenager is at Carrington, with the rising star already making four first-team appearances for his parent club, including a late cameo in the 4-2 win over Leicester in the EFL Cup back in October.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

With Amorim having already shown his willingness to utilise the academy in recent weeks, amid the emergence of Obi and Harry Amass, United’s 250th graduate may still have hope of forcing his way into the senior reckoning next season.

Who knows, Wheatley could even prove himself to be the 40-year-old’s next Gyokeres.

Amorim's next Gyokeres: Man Utd plotting move to sign "the new Haaland"

Manchester United are still targeting a striker to hand Ruben Amorim with the firepower he craves.

ByEthan Lamb Mar 20, 2025

Nottingham Forest claimed a vital win over Manchester City at the City Ground yesterday, massively boosting their chances of finishing in the Premier League’s top four.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side claimed their 15th league win of the season, moving them four points clear of Pep Guardiola’s men in their unlikely pursuit of a Champions League place.

Morgan Gibbs-White registered yet another assist in what has been a superb campaign for the Englishman, taking his tally to 11 combined goals and assists in the top flight throughout 2024/25.

Such form has forced himself into the plans of England boss Thomas Tuchel, giving the German a huge chance of including him in the first squad ahead of the upcoming international break.

One other first-team member has also demonstrated his quality at the City Ground, potentially linking up with Gibbs-White in the national setup in the next few weeks.

Callum Hudson-Odoi’s stats for Forest in 2024/25

Winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been one of the biggest bargains in recent times, joining Forest for just £3m back in the summer of 2023, reigniting his promising career in the East Midlands.

The 24-year-old registered eight goals and two assists in his debut campaign at the club, already hitting five goals this season, with his latest effort coming in the win over the defending champions.

His effort in the closing stages claimed all three points, notching his third goal in his last five league outings – playing a pivotal role in their top-four pursuit.

Hudson-Odoi was unlucky not to register another goal, with City ‘keeper Ederson making a superb save to deny the former Chelsea man from opening the scoring earlier on in the encounter.

Despite his impressive goalscoring run in recent weeks, the attacker has been outscored by a player who’s thrived since his move away from the club a couple of years ago.

The former Forest star who has outscored Hudson-Odoi in 2024/25

After promotion to the Premier League ahead of the 2022/23 season, Forest caught the eye with their additions, which saw 22 new signings arrive on the banks of the River Trent.

It’s safe to say additions were needed after promotion, with the majority of the stars during the 2021/22 season on loan at the Reds and subsequently departed.

Other first-team members departed, including Joe Lolley, who was allowed to leave on a free transfer to join Australian outfit Sydney FC – ending his four-and-a-half-year stint in the East Midlands.

The winger captured the hearts of the fanbase during his time at the City Ground, catching the eye with his ability to cut inside and fire home with his left foot off the right-hand side.

The 32-year-old scored 26 times in 171 appearances, thriving beyond all imagination after his £500k move from Huddersfield Town in January 2018.

2017/18

16

3

3

2018/19

51

12

11

2019/20

44

10

8

2020/21

30

1

3

2021/22

30

0

1

Total:

171

26

26

His move down under has allowed the Englishman to recapture his goalscoring form, scoring 11 times and notching six assists in his 24 outings – subsequently outscoring Hudson-Odoi and helping his side push for a qualification spot in the A-League.

After his successful stint in the East Midlands, it’s great to see Lolley thriving once again, producing the quality that the supporters know he’s capable of on a consistent basis.

He was ultimately a victim of the club’s rapid success under Steve Cooper, but given the quality of the likes of Hudson-Odoi currently at the City Ground, it was the right call to allow him to leave to showcase his talents elsewhere.

Nottingham Forest plotting offer to sign "exciting" star club chiefs love

He’s enjoyed a revived campaign…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 7, 2025

It has been a really poor season for Manchester United. The Red Devils are fighting hard to even finish in the top half of the Premier League table, and are surely set for their lowest-ever finish since its inception in the 1992/93 campaign.

Should Ruben Amorim’s side finish outside of the top ten, it will be the first time that has happened since 1988/89, when they finished 11th in the first division. Their lowest Premier League finish came last term, under Erik ten Hag, when the 13-time Premier League champions finished eighth.

They could certainly do with some inspiration this season to drag themselves up the league. Perhaps they wish some of their former players performing well in the Premier League could be on hand to help.

Former United players who are shining this season

One of the former United players who is standing out in the top flight this term is winger Anthony Elanga. He is now into his second season at Nottingham Forest and is thriving in a side managed superbly by Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Sweden international has been an assist machine in Garibaldi Red this term. In 26 appearances in the top flight this campaign, Elanga has three goals and eight assists, including three in a single game in the 7-0 thrashing of Brighton and Hove Albion.

Another player who United could have done with this season is Aaron Wan-Bissaka. They have really struggled for depth at wing-back, with the likes of Luke Shaw facing large spells on the sidelines.

Wan-Bissaka, who made the move to West Ham United over the summer, is renowned for his defensive ability, and Jamie Carragher once said no player “can get the better of him” in a one-vs-one scenario.

However, he has also scored two and assisted two for the Hammers this term, including a brilliant assist in their 1-0 win away to Arsenal last weekend.

Where Are They Now

Perhaps Amorim wishes he had the likes of Elanga and Wan-Bissaka in his squad now. However, in a team short of goals, there is a former United player who could have been incredibly useful.

The former United star who they need this season

No matter how well United are playing, there will always be plenty of pride in their academy. Well, one of the most underrated academy stars they have produced over the years is Danny Welbeck.

Now playing on the South Coast for Brighton, the Red Devils could certainly do with the goals of their former number 19. In 2024/25, Welbeck has been in impressive form.

He has scored seven goals and registered four assists in 20 Premier League games. One of those goals came against his former side on the second day of the season.

Welbeck, who hails from Manchester, was very well regarded by one of the most important people in United’s history, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Way back in 2013, the legendary Red Devils manager described his former striker as a “marvellous” player. He scored 29 goals and registered 16 assists in 142 games for his boyhood club.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2008/09

13

3

2

2009/10

11

2

1

2011/12

39

12

5

2012/13

40

2

5

2013/14

36

10

3

2014/15

3

0

0

Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst was full of praise for Welbeck’s performances this season, following his latest strike in the 2-1 win over high-flying Bournemouth.

He explained on X that the Seagulls attacker would be deserving of a spot “in Tuchel’s England squad” for the March internationals, having been “playing the best football of what has already been a great career”.

Oh, how United must wish Welbeck – who Ten Hag was reportedly keen to re-sign last summer – still donned that famous Red shirt today.

He could have made a huge difference for Amorim’s side, who are battling hard to save the club from finishing in their worst league position since the 1980s.

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Ratcliffe has been ruling with an iron fist.

ByBarney Lane Feb 26, 2025

Chelsea have endured somewhat of a drop-off in recent weeks under Enzo Maresca, failing to live up to the early standards he set for himself in the early stages of his time at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian only lost two of his first 10 Premier League matches at the helm, looking as though they could be in an unexpected title battle at one stage.

However, their form has taken a turn for the worse over the last few weeks, losing four of the last eight matches, seeing them slip to sixth place and sitting behind Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.

Injuries have undoubtedly contributed to the recent decline, with seven first-team members currently sitting on the sidelines and unable to aid the manager in his attempts to secure Champions League football.

Maresca has still been able to rely on one player who’s been the shining light in West London since his big money to the club a couple of years ago.

Cole Palmer’s stats for Chelsea in 2024/25

After his £40m move from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, Cole Palmer had an immediate impact for the Blues, registering 25 goals and 15 assists in his debut year in West London.

Such a record has made the Englishman’s task of matching such a tally this time around that little bit harder, but he’s already produced numerous moments of magic that have taken the division by storm once again.

The 22-year-old has already scored 14 times during the ongoing campaign, whilst also registering six assists for his teammates – with his combined tally the highest in the first-team squad.

His best performance undoubtedly came in the 4-2 thrashing of Brighton and Hove Albion, with Palmer scoring all four in the first half, becoming the first player in the division’s history to achieve such a feat.

Despite his excellent form under Maresca, the club may have allowed the next version of the superstar to slip through their net – making a mistake in allowing him to depart the club.

The player who could’ve been Chelsea’s next Palmer

Living up to the high standards set by Palmer is no easy feat, something which no player currently at the Bridge has managed this season given his tally of contributions.

However, the thought of having another version of the England international is a scary prospect, but one that unfortunately won’t come to reality after letting Tyler Dibling slip through their net.

The 18-year-old, who is currently starring for Southampton in the Premier League, was brought for £1.5m by the Blues back in the summer of 2022 – but it would be a move that was short-lived.

After making just two appearances for the academy, he would return to the Saints after failing to settle, with the Blues potentially living to regret their decision not to make the teenager more at home when they had the opportunity.

He’s since developed into a key member of their first team in 2024/25, making 21 appearances in the league and scoring twice – leading to journalist Eduardo Hagn labelling the talent as “outrageous”.

Dibling possesses very similar traits to Palmer, with the pair both left-footed and operating off the right-hand side and cutting onto their stronger foot after gliding past the opposition.

Games played

21

25

Goals & assists

2

20

Shot-on-target accuracy

39%

39%

Progressive carries

3.8

3.3

Carries into final third

2.8

2.1

Pass accuracy

78%

75%

Take-ons completed

2.1

1.3

As seen by their figures from 2024/25, the Saints star has matched or bettered Palmer in numerous key areas, highlighting the quality he brings, possessing the ability to become even better given his tender age.

Whilst there was not much the club could’ve done to stand in his way at such a young age, his development away from the Bridge appears to have rubbed salt into the wounds – demonstrating what they could’ve had.

Unfortunately for the fans and Maresca, Dibling will always remain a case of what could’ve been, with the hierarchy now having to pay a fee in the region of £55m if they were to bring him back to West London in the coming months.

Chelsea must rue selling "Messi of goalkeepers" who’s better than Sanchez

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2 ByConnor Holden Feb 20, 2025

Manchester United have identified a “terrific” Premier League player as a top target this summer, according to a promising new transfer claim.

Man Utd continue to eye attacking stars with Cunha

The Red Devils are expecting an exodus of attacking players before the new season gets underway, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho all moving on.

While Matheus Cunha has joined from Wolves, and Bryan Mbeumo remains a strong target from Brentford, United know the importance of bringing in a new centre forward, amid Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles. Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, and would be an exciting addition who has proven himself at the top level. A swap deal involving the out-of-favour Sancho has also been mooted.

Eintracht Frankfurt ace Hugo Ekitike has been talked about as an option for many top Premier League clubs this summer, including Liverpool, and he could be an alternative option to Vlahovic for the Red Devils.

United are also said to have made contact over the signing of highly-rated Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling, who is arguably seen as one of the brightest young English attacking talents around. Now, another name has been thrown into the mix.

Man Utd make Premier League striker top target

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are “considering” making a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in the summer window, with the forward also in Arsenal’s thinking ahead of the new campaign, however, ‘United consider him more of a top target’.

The 29-year-old is described as a “key target” for Ruben Amorim, who is no doubt desperate to bolster the attacking options at his disposal and has Watkins, Cunha and Mbeumo at the heart of his vision.

The report itself further goes on to state: “Amorim wants to reshape the squad by focusing on players with Premier League experience. Watkins is at the heart of this vision, along with names like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Amorim’s target is clear: Ready-made stars who will contribute immediately.”

The £130,000-a-week Watkins has the potential to be an excellent signing for United, having been such a consistent performer for Villa down the years.

He has scored 87 goals in 223 appearances for the Midlands outfit, not to mention netting a memorable winner for England against the Netherlands in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 last summer, and he has also been lauded by Danny Murphy.

“He just looks like a player that is completely comfortable in his own skin and what he is good at. Every aspect of his game has improved under Unai Emery and he is also being pushed for a place by Jhon Duran, so that always helps you raise your game. He is a terrific player.”

The one negative that jumps out with Watkins is that he turns 30 later this year, however, so there is a risk that United could spend big on a player whose peak is about to drift by.

England

18

5

Aston Villa

223

87

Brentford

143

49

Exeter City

78

26

For that reason, Amorim would arguably be wise to look at a younger option to come in and lead the line, even though United signing him likely wouldn’t be a bad thing over the next two or three years.

First and foremost, Newcastle United have no pressing concerns relating to finances and the ever-ominous profit and sustainability rules in the Premier League.

Furthermore, technical director Ross Wilson is now settled into his chair in the St. James’ Park offices, and have formed a good early relationship with Eddie Howe as they look to tackle key areas of the squad.

Now is the time for action. It’s been a wobbly start to the season after a summer of upheaval, but United are beginning to show green shoots in their bid to cement themselves as Champions League contenders and a multi-trophy-winning outfit.

Defensive positions are being examined, but with Joelinton’s form lacking in stages this season, Howe wants a new midfielder.

The question on everyone’s lips: Will it be Elliot Anderson?

Newcastle chasing elite midfielder

Howe spoke at the start of October about his desire to bring Anderson back home. The 23-year-old was sold to Nottingham Forest in 2024 and he has since become a top-class midfielder. It was not a happy sale for the Magpies, whose hand was forced by PSR.

Now, United want him back. The problem? Manchester City and Manchester United are also keen, and the Tricky Trees have priced their gem in excess of £100m.

This is a superstar in the making. Already, he is ranking favourably against the likes of Sandro Tonali in the Newcastle midfield; the Italian is widely regarded as one of the best in the Premier League.

If Newcastle are fruitless in their bid to sign Anderson, they could do worse than fall back on Scott McTominay, who was named the Serie A MVP last season after leading Napoli to the Scudetto.

As per Chronicle Live, McTominay is reportedly unsettled in Naples and is considering a return to the Premier League. Newcastle would be right there, offering the Scotland star a chance to take his career to the next level.

Valued at £70m, McTominay, 28, will not be short of suitors in 2026, but sources close to the player suggest that he would be open to moving to Tyneside and working under Howe’s stewardship.

What McTominay would offer Newcastle

It’s a testament to McTominay’s meteoric rise in Italy that had Newcastle signed him from Manchester United, it would have been a move met with indifference.

But now, he is revered as a hero for both club and country, 18th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings and regarded as a “true superstar of European and world football”, as said by content creator Adam Joseph.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær, his former boss at Old Trafford, also hailed him as a “physical monster” once, and this is why McTominay could be such an interesting Anderson alternative.

He is capable of show-stopping moments, but the Tartan Army hero also has the athleticism and defensive attributes to dovetail right into Howe’s engine room.

His high duel success bespeaks his tenacity, and his eye for goal makes him an intriguing option to place just ahead of Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, both elegant and combative players with excellent passing ranges, sure to pick out the Napoli star’s surges into the danger area.

Matches (starts)

37 (33)

34 (33)

Goals

2

12

Assists

6

4

Touches*

54.2

43.1

Accurate passes*

28.7 (82%)

22.7 (85%)

Chances created*

1.0

0.8

Dribbles*

1.0

1.1

Ball recoveries*

5.6

4.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

2.0

Duels (won)*

6.5

6.1

Anderson has since raised his level, but McTominay has hardly regressed himself, instrumental in a title-defending Napoli team that trail first-placed AC Milan this season by only a single point.

There is a winning mentality about McTominay that Newcastle need to take their project to the next level, and while the 23-year-old Anderson would be a fantastic addition, this would provide Howe with the instant effect he and his team need.

Newcastle need a new midfielder, and that won’t change. Either of these stars would mark stunning acquisitions.

He wants to leave: PIF must sell Newcastle's "poor man's Haaland"

Newcastle United must cash in on this player who reportedly wants to move on from the club in January.

1 ByDan Emery Dec 1, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers are pressing on in their hunt for additions and are now advancing as they aim to bolster the forward ranks, according to a report.

Fer Lopez became the Old Gold’s first arrival of the summer window, and Jorgen Strand Larsen has since joined him at Wolves permanently after an excellent loan spell at Molineux.

After putting up a tally of 14 goals and five assists in the Black Country, the Norway international is now fully focused on improving on his exploits next term under Vitor Pereira.

He stated: “It’s been a good first season in the Premier League. I’m proud of what I’ve done. I’ve been able to take the steps earlier than I’ve done before. Previously, when I moved to a new country, I needed more time to get into it and score goals.

“As a striker, the team need you to score the goals and be on the end of the crosses, so to score 14 goals – and come back after my injuries and a little dip of form – it was a good season for me in that respect.”

Now prioritising other areas, Wolves are interested in Udinese defender Thomas Kristensen again after making a £12 million bid for the Dane during the January transfer window.

Wolves now closing in on deal to sign £4m+ colossus who "wants" PL move

The Old Gold have made progress in their pursuit of a “highly-rated” player, who is keen on a move to the Premier League.

ByDominic Lund Jul 2, 2025

Another potential solution at the back for the Old Gold is Brighton & Hove Albion star Igor Julio, albeit it remains to be seen whether the Seagulls will entertain selling to a Premier League rival.

However, despite Strand Larsen deciding to extend his stay, Wolves are now keen to land another centre-forward to star in the new campaign.

Wolves make approach for El Bilal Toure

According to Africa Foot, Wolves have made an approach to sign El Bilal Toure from Atalanta, though the 23 year-old is also wanted by Marseille, Stade Rennais, Paris FC, Como, Villarreal, Galatasaray and West Ham United.

In an injury-ridden campaign on loan at Stuttgart, the Mali international, who was previously labelled a “major talent” by Graeme Bailey, registered three goals and one assist in 17 appearances across all competitions, exactly mirroring his debut season for Atalanta in 2023/24.

Five similar players to El Bilal Toure (FBRef)

Mateo Retegui

Atalanta

Marcus Thuram

Inter Milan

Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea

Jonathan David

Juventus (to be finalised)

Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid

Nothing has been determined as yet, but the Serie A outfit are set to decide on Bilal Toure’s next move sooner rather than later as he isn’t expected to be a major part of Ivan Juric’s plans in 2025/26.

Wolves are a little short on forward options after Matheus Cunha’s departure. Besides, there is a suspicion the likes of Hwang Hee-chan, Fabio Silva and Sasa Kalajdzic could leave Molineux this summer due to their status as peripheral figures.

Bilal Toure has endured mixed fortunes since arriving in Italy. Nevertheless, a move to the Premier League could be the perfect tonic to get his career back on track.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy and his plans for the summer window have taken another turn, with the Spurs chief attempting to back new manager Thomas Frank ahead of his debut season in the dugout.

Tottenham in talks for £38m attacker who Levy thinks could be the next Mbeumo

Spurs are “advanced” in their pursuit.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 1, 2025

Spurs kickstarted their recruitment drive with a £30 million permanent deal for Mathys Tel, and followed that up by agreeing a J League record £5 million deal for promising Kawasaki Frontale defender Kota Takai.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The plan for Takai, according to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, is for him to compete for a place in the senior matchday squad, and Tottenham are apparently hopeful that he can replicate the likes of Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr as young players who’ve staked their claim in the starting eleven.

Frontale have now confirmed the 20-year-old’s exit, with Takai looking set to become a new Spurs player after July 5, even if they didn’t explicitly mention Tottenham.

“We would like to inform you that Kota Takai will be leaving the team at the end of the activity on Saturday, July 5, in order to complete the necessary procedures and preparations for a transfer to an overseas club,” read a club statement.

“We will notify you further regarding future plans as soon as they are officially decided.

“After the match against Kashima Antlers in the 23rd round of the J1 League on Saturday, July 5, Kota Takai will be giving a speech to the supporters. In addition, Takai will not be participating in the Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday, July 6.”

According to recent reports, Takai could well be followed by West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus, if all goes to plan.

Fabrizio Romano says that talks are underway between all parties for the Ghana international, and he’s apparently open to making the switch across London.

Now, GiveMeSport have shared an intriguing update on the matter.

Daniel Levy holds talks with David Sullivan over signing Mohammed Kudus

GMS report that Levy has personally held talks with West Ham chairman David Sullivan over the signing of Kudus.

Levy apparently contacted his Hammers counterpart to discuss a deal for the ex-Ajax sensation, with Tottenham starting negotiations at £50 million for Kudus as they attempt to seal a quick deal ahead of rival suitors.

Spurs are wary of the competition for Kudus and have decided to move early for him. The 24-year-old, meanwhile, is actively seeking an exit from the London Stadium, but as things stand, West Ham are insistent that any offer made up to this point is unacceptable.

The Lilywhites will need to meet their capital rivals in the middle, even if West Ham are under some pressure to sell so they can begin their own summer transfer plans.

Kudus endured a mixed 2024/2025 when compared to his electric debut campaign in east London, but teammate Aaron Cresswell has perhaps already explained exactly why Tottenham are very keen.

“I’ve just trained with him and you don’t want to go anywhere near him,” Cresswell told the Iron Cast.

“I’m up against him all the time and I’m like: ‘Mo, go on over to the left!’

“He’s a top, top talent and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet. I won’t go near him in training because I know if I’m going to try to knock him off the ball, I had better make sure he’s not looking and doesn’t see me coming.

“You just can’t get near him. He’s so strong, so quick, so sharp.”