All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United have submitted a loan proposal to sign an “outstanding” £166,000-a-week star from Bayern Munich, according to a new report.

Man Utd submit Nicolas Jackson enquiry as they close in on Mbeumo

The Red Devils have only managed to make one signing so far this summer, and that came right at the start of the window with the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves. The hope was that Bryan Mbeumo would soon become the club’s second signing, but it is a transfer that has taken a long time to get over the line.

Breakthrough expected: Man Utd may sign £60m+ star before pre-season tour

The Red Devils could now be closing in on their second marquee signing of the summer.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 13, 2025

Those at Old Trafford have already seen two bids turned down for the Cameroon international, but they have not given up on finding an agreement, and according to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, United are expected to wrap up the transfer of Mbeumo in the coming days ahead of their tour to the USA. The Premier League side are expecting a breakthrough in talks in the coming days after having opening offers turned down by the Bees.

Despite the arrival of Cunha and the potential arrival of Mbeumo, United and Ruben Amorim are keen to add a new striker to their ranks. The Red Devils have been linked with several forwards, with the latest name being Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea. Jackson could leave Stamford Bridge this summer, and United have made an enquiry over signing the striker, who could be available for just £60 million.

Man Utd make loan proposal to sign £166k-p/w Bayern ace

Mbeumo and Jackson are not the only players United are chasing, as according to Caught Offside, Man United have made a loan proposal for Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, but the German giants have turned it down.

Palhinha, who earns a weekly wage of €192,308 (£166,481), is considered to be no longer in the plans of manager Vincent Kompany and therefore can leave the Bundesliga champions this summer. United have identified the Portuguese international as a target, but they were keen on striking a loan deal, which Bayern aren’t on board with.

Bayern Munich want to sell Palhinha on a permanent basis and are looking to get between €30-35 million, which is roughly £25-30 million. United are not the only team chasing the midfielder, as Tottenham Hotspur have also made an enquiry, while Fulham and West Ham are also interested in a potential deal.

Apps

68

Goals

7

Assists

1

The 30-year-old, who has been dubbed “outstanding” during his time at Craven Cottage by John Wenham, played just 17 games in the Bundesliga last season, and he only featured once in the Club World Cup, which was 45 minutes against Benfica.

Palhinha’s potential arrival at Old Trafford would see him likely replace Casemiro and partner his international teammate Bruno Fernandes in Amorim’s midfield selection. However, United would have to stump up money to sign the midfielder, and given their financial situation, they may look to alternative targets, whether they are cheaper or on a temporary basis.

The start of Newcastle United’s pre-season fixture list is fast approaching.

Eddie Howe’s team will be back in action on 19 July, taking on Celtic at Parkhead, and 10,000 Georgies will be joining them in Glasgow for the game, which should make for quite the atmosphere.

In the meantime, the Magpies have been busy in the transfer market, looking to bolster their squad ahead of a return to the Champions League, so will it be a busy week of unveilings on Tyneside?

The latest on Newcastle's transfer activity

As has been widely reported, Anthony Elanga is on his way to the North East to complete a £55m move from Nottingham Forest.

The winger scored six goals and registered 11 assists in the Premier League last season, now set to become the Magpies’ second-most expensive signing of all time, behind only his Swedish international teammate Alexander Isak.

Newcastle are far from done there though, because, according to a report by GIVEMESPORT, they are ‘working to sign’ and ‘remain hopeful’ of landing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi.

The report adds that Howe wants to ‘prioritise the addition of a centre-back’, while Chris Waugh of the Athletic documents that those inside the club believe the England international ‘would be an ideal addition’, noting their long-standing interest, having unsuccessfully bid for Guéhi both last summer and in January.

Well, speaking on the Athletic FC podcast, Crystal Palace correspondent Matt Woosnam believes the club captain could leave Selhurst Park this summer, mainly due to the fact he has just one year remaining on his contract, valued at around £60m.

Palace’s summer plans are somewhat on hold at the moment, as they wait to find out whether or not they’re allowed to compete in the Europa League; a decision is belatedly expected this week.

Meantime, Arsenal are attempting to sign Eberechi Eze for around £67.5m which, should he depart, would increase the Eagles’ determination to keep hold of their other star player Guéhi.

Transfer Focus

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

Nevertheless, with Liverpool also seeking to sign the centre-back, it appears very possible that he could be on the move, so will the 24 year old end up on Tyneside?

Why Guehi would be a better signing than Elanga for Newcastle

Guéhi’s performances have earned widespread praise, with then-England manager Gareth Southgate describing his displays at Euro 2024 as “exceptional”, starting six of the seven matches last summer, including the final at Olympiastadion in Berlin.

Meantime, Nathan Jackson of Total Football Analysis notes that the 24-year-old stands out for all defensive metrics, while Sam Tabuteau of Breaking the Lines praises his ‘resilience’ and ‘composure’, asserting that he is impressive both in and out of possession.

This would be such a transformational addition for Howe, given that he had very few options at centre-back last season, largely due to Sven Botman’s injury issues, with Dan Burn alongside Fabian Schär by far the most-used partnership.

So, let’s see how Guéhi compares to Newcastle’s current central defenders.

Appearances

34

34

37

8

Minutes

3,060

2,938

3,330

414

Pass accuracy

84%

85%

89%

89%

Tackles

1.8

1.2

1.1

2.7

Aerial duel success %

54%

44%

66%

61%

Ground duel success %

63%

48%

50%

71%

Interceptions

0.9

1.4

0.7

1.1

As the table outlines, when compared to Schär and Burn in particular, Guéhi’s statistics are very impressive.

The fact Botman made just eight appearances skews the data somewhat, boosting his per-90 statistics, while it will come as a surprise to no one that Burn comes out on top in terms of aerial duels.

Nevertheless, as well as being a top-class player, Guéhi would be transformational for Newcastle because centre-back is such an obvious area of need.

At the other end of the park, Elanga too will be a shrewd addition, but Howe’s team have scored plenty of goals without him.

Jacob Murphy continues to exceed all expectations, enjoying a career-best campaign in which he scored nine goals and supplied 14 assists in all competitions. Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon has been deployed on the right wing on occasion too and is a fine player himself, now a regular part of the national team.

So, while Elanga’s arrival is certainly worth getting excited about if you’re a passionate member of the Toon Army, getting Guéhi over the line might be the key bit of business.

Newcastle set to "prioritise" new striker signing after Elanga and Trafford

More business incoming from the Magpies…

ByHenry Jackson Jul 8, 2025

Newcastle United have begun negotiations for a “perfect” player ahead of a move to the club this summer, with things expected to “accelerate” next week.

Howe realistic about Newcastle's summer business

Magpies supporters will hope to see various new faces arrive at St James’ Park in the summer transfer window, but the club now have to be sensible when it comes to adhering to financial rules.

Speaking after the final game of last season, Eddie Howe made it clear that it won’t necessarily be easy for Newcastle to snap up numerous established stars on big money.

That’s not to say that Newcastle won’t do any significant business, and Howe is thought to be calm about the situation at the club, with the likes James Trafford, Ousmane Diomande, Anthony Elanga and Dusan Vlahovic being linked with moves.

Newcastle talks underway to sign James Trafford

Writing on X on Monday morning, Romano claimed that Newcastle are in talks with Burnley over the signing of goalkeeper Trafford, with “next week” looking likely to see huge strides made regarding a move.

It would be a huge surprise if Trafford wasn’t a Newcastle player come the start of next season, with the Englishman likely to come straight in as an upgrade on Nick Pope – reports earlier this month revealed he is happy to accept the Magpies’ terms.

Trafford enjoyed a fantastic season with Burnley, being hailed by pundit Don Goodman: “On individual performance, it would be difficult to have a more perfect month than James Trafford. He didn’t concede a goal in any of Burnley’s six games in January and he was the hero at Turf Moor against Sunderland, saving two late penalties to keep his team’s unbeaten run intact.

“Burnley’s defensive stability is going to be the key in their bid for promotion and Trafford is central to that.”

He's like Mitrovic: Newcastle now in the race to sign "monster" £26m CF

Newcastle United could soon land this explosive striker who possesses shades of Aleksandar Mitrovic’s game.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 22, 2025

Still only 22 years of age, Trafford has the ability to be a great player for Newcastle for around a decade, and possibly even be seen as England’s future No.1, so there are no negatives to the Magpies signing him at his widely reported £30m price tag.

One of Europe’s biggest clubs are reportedly open to the idea of selling a “world-class” player to Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

Amorim coy over Man Utd's summer business

The Red Devils endured a pitiful 2024/25 campaign by their standards, with the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham the last nail in the coffin.

Ruben Amorim will know the importance of nailing his first summer in charge of United, both in terms of signings and training ground work, but the Portuguese has spoken cautiously about the amount of transfer business that can be done.

“You know better than me that we have rules with FFP. We can’t change that in this year. We need to do something in the summer. We have a plan and we are doing that in a while. We also have a preseason to improve the players we have.”

It looks as though United are trying to be bold in the market, with Matheus Cunha already arriving from Wolves, and the likes of Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike also among the leading targets ahead of next season. Now, another player with a big reputation has been mentioned as an option.

Man Utd boosted in efforts to sign "world-class" ace

According to Give Me Sport, Juventus are “open” to selling Douglas Luiz to Manchester United this summer, with a “cut-price” deal mooted. A loan move away from the Serie A giants is also mentioned in the report, with the Brazilian midfielder not believed to be part of their future plans, in a possible boost for Amorim.

Added quality is needed in United’s midfield this summer, with Casemiro no longer the force of old and Christian Eriksen’s time at the club now officially over. Kobbie Mainoo is a great prospect, but he is still learning his trade, while the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount are good players, but haven’t wholly convinced at Old Trafford to date.

In Luiz, United could have a great choice to strengthen their options in the middle of the park, having been hailed as “world-class” by former Aston Villa teammate John McGinn in the past.

The Brazilian has proven that he can shine in the Premier League, making 175 appearances in the competition and chipping in with 38 goal contributions (20 goals and 18 assists).

Luiz possesses box-to-box quality, offering defensive quality but also class going forward, and at 27, he is at a good age to come in and hit the ground running from minute one.

He's better than Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign £40m Ekitike alternative

Manchester United appear to be making moves to land a star who could sign ahead of Viktor Gyokeres.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2025

A permanent deal would be better than a loan move, although the benefit of the latter is that he could be moved on easily next summer if the move simply didn’t work out.

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin has a massive task ahead of him, there is no doubt.

His first few interviews since being unveiled as the new Ibrox boss have been positive, and it is clear the former Southampton manager has a distinct style of play.

This is something that the club have lacked under previous managers, including Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Philippe Clement. Those two set up teams well in Europe, but domestically was a different story.

It may well be the opposite in Martin’s case. But given how poor the Gers have been in the Premiership since winning the title in 2021, this could well be a sacrifice many of the supporters are willing to make.

Martin will need every department to click at the start of next season, as a good start is imperative.

He needs his defence to be solid and reliable. A midfield full of players simultaneously able to win the ball back and move it forwards into the final third, and a front three able to get the better of a low block and take their chances.

In that regard, having someone of Alfredo Morelos’ ability would work wonders next season, especially as he would shine in Martin’s system.

Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers statistics

The Colombian talisman was a scourge for defenders, both domestically and in Europe, across his five years at Ibrox.

Between 2018 and 2023, he played 269 matches for the Light Blues, scoring an impressive tally of 124 goals for the club. Add in another 57 assists, and it is clear that Morelos was not only a clinical finisher, but he was also able to link play with those alongside and behind him.

Not since he departed have Rangers been able to call on a player with these abilities. Sure, Cyriel Dessers may have scored 51 times in just over 100 games, but the Nigerian striker often takes two or three chances to get on the scoresheet.

Morelos refined his game after a productive opening few seasons at Ibrox. Indeed, when the club won the domestic title during 2020/21, Morelos ‘only’ scored 11 league goals.

He played slightly deeper than in previous seasons, linking up with the likes of Ianis Hagi, Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent in order to create chances for them too.

Danilo has shown glimpses of his deep-lying abilities when given a chance, but the Brazilian hasn’t enjoyed a consistent run in the team to make a proper difference.

In Morelos, Rangers had a striker who established himself as a cult icon during his spell at Ibrox.

If Martin wishes to get the fans onside quickly, signing a player who is similar in style and stature to Morelos might be a good start.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2022/23

45

12

7

2021/22

42

18

8

2020/21

44

17

13

2019/20

47

29

9

2018/19

48

30

12

2017/18

43

18

8

He could well have some money to spend this summer thanks to the 49ers investment. This should allow the new manager to bring in several transfer targets, which will bolster the squad.

Could his first signing be a young striker who is ready to take the next step in his career?

Rangers search for a new striker

While Dessers, Danilo and Hamza Igamane are all options for Martin, it is likely one is sold this summer.

Now, according to the Daily Record, Rangers have made Maccabi Tel Aviv centre-forward Dor Turgeman their number one target this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

The youngster could be available for a fee in the region of £4m, and reports from Israel claim that the Glasgow side have already opened talks with the player regarding a move to Scotland.

Getting deals done over the line quickly will be key for Martin, especially as the Gers face a Champions League qualifier in six weeks.

Could Turgeman be a dream first signing? He certainly has all the tools required to succeed in Europe.

Why Rangers must sign Dor Turgeman

Last season, the highest scorer for the club was Dessers with 29 goals across all competitions. The next best tally from a striker was 16 by Igamane. While Danilo could only muster six goals through another injury-ravaged campaign.

Adding in another player who has the ability to score 20 or more goals next season is vital, especially if Martin wishes to challenge for the league title.

On that note, Turgeman would be an ideal signing this summer. The 2024/25 campaign was arguably his breakout for the Israeli side. Across 44 matches, the 21-year-old netted 20 goals and grabbed six assists for his club side.

He was praised by analyst Kai Watson as far back as February 2024, who said: “He’s played mostly as a striker but can definitely do a job on the wing. He’s quick, agile and has brilliant balance when driving with the ball.

“A very exciting player to watch and one that would have fans off of their seats.”

Last season certainly proved exactly what he can do and now is the chance for him to make a move and perform at a club like Rangers.

The club needs players who are willing to fight for every ball and win every duel. His manager, Zarko Lazetić, claimed that Turgeman was a “beast on the pitch”, and this sort of profile fits in with Martin’s style.

Like Morelos, the Israeli striker is capable of dropping deeper and generating chances for his team. Indeed, in the top flight last term, Turgeman created ten big chances for Maccabi, while he also recorded three assists and averaged 0.7 key passes per game.

For a fee of £4m, it is evident that Rangers would be getting a striker who closely resembles Morelos, perhaps without the disciplinary issues.

By selling Dessers in the coming weeks, Martin will be able to clear room for the youngster, who will be hoping to make his mark on Scottish football.

If the new owners and manager are serious about taking Rangers back to the summit of Scottish football, signing Turgeman should be a priority. That’s a certainty.

Rangers' top 15 goalscorers of all time

Rangers have had plenty of natural goalscorers at Ibrox over the last 150 years.

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 26, 2024

Aston Villa may have an element of uncertainty hanging over them this window, but that hasn’t stopped Unai Emery pushing hard to sign a talented midfielder from the continent.

Aston Villa could be forced to sell before they can buy

By now, most Premier League fans will be aware that Aston Villa run the risk of being penalised in line with Profit and Sustainability Rules if they don’t manage to sell some players before the June 30th deadline.

In turn, a host of stars have been linked with moves away from the club. Morgan Rogers is said to be a £100 million target for Arsenal and isn’t the only player being lined up by circling sides.

Nevertheless, Emiliano Martinez is one of the most likely candidates to be sacrificed and could ease pressure on offloading the likes of Rodgers this summer. The Argentina international is being courted by Manchester United and several Saudi Pro League teams.

Planning for the future without their long-serving number one, Aston Villa could look to sign LOSC Lille’s Lucas Chevalier, giving an indication of the one-in-one-out policy that could be adopted in the West Midlands to carefully navigate their delicate situation.

Losing out on a Champions League slot has created an unwanted PSR shortfall, but that isn’t something that can’t be fixed with savvy decision-making.

Aston Villa now ready to offer major deal to sign £50m Mozambique winger

He could replace Marcus Rashford.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 4, 2025

Leon Bailey could net £25 million if he is sold to Neom SC and Jhon Duran’s big-money sale earlier this year could create some wiggle room later down the line, so who could Aston Villa buy in that case?

If recent developments are anything to go by, Emery is willing to take a major step towards improving his midfield, with the added caveat that his latest target can play in several different positions.

Aston Villa make first move to sign Fares Chaibi from Eintracht Frankfurt

According to reports in Italy via Frankfurter Rundschau, Aston Villa have taken concrete steps to sign Fares Chaibi from Eintracht Frankfurt and the Bundesliga outfit may consider a sale under the right circumstances.

The 20-year-old is predominantly an attacking midfielder, but he can also feature on either flank or through the middle as a centre-forward when needed.

Fares Chaibi in 2024/25 for Eintracht Frankfurt per 90 mins (FBRef)

Shot-creating actions

4.03

Shots

2.05

Progressive passes

4.78

Progressive passes received

6.58

Touches in attacking penalty area

2.67

Earning a modest £12,968 per week in Germany, roughly speaking, Chaibi has registered two goals and three assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this season.

Making their first move, Aston Villa believe the Algeria international has the talent to become a special player at Villa Park, and they are now trying to push a deal over the line.

Moving back to matters previously mentioned, this swoop may be contingent on whether they can come out the other side of the PSR deadline unscathed, so it remains to be seen whether they can force this one through.

Arsenal have asked about signing an “important” Real Madrid player amid their reliably reported talks for Brazil international Rodrygo, but negotiations over the latter are proving far from straightforward.

Rodrygo to Arsenal talks stall due to wage demands

As reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, a very reliable source when it comes to transfer news, Arsenal have been in discussions with all parties over a summer deal for the 24-year-old.

Arsenal offer "game-changer" a five-year contract worth nearly £30m to join

The north Londoners are moving ahead with ambitious summer plans.

ByEmilio Galantini May 28, 2025

Rodrygo bagged 13 goals and 10 assists over 50 total appearances under Carlo Ancelotti during 2024/2025, but his future at the Bernabeu is far from certain amid Arsenal’s serious interest.

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

It’s been reported that the South American is dissatisfied with his role in the squad, as he wants to be used in his preferred role on the left-hand-side rather than on the right, which is where he’s been forced to play due to the presence of Vinícius Jr and Kylian Mbappé (Ben Jacobs).

Sensing an opportunity, sporting director Andrea Berta commenced work to potentially tempt Rodrygo with a north London move, amid the club’s serious pursuit of a new winger who could provide further cutting edge in the final third.

However, since beginning talks, the transfer has hit a snag due to Rodrygo’s salary demands, prompting Berta to look at alternatives like Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma.

The Japan international isn’t Berta’s only different option for the wide area, though, with another Real Madrid star under consideration at the Emirates.

Arsenal ask about conditions for Arda Guler deal

That man is Turkish attacking midfielder Arda Guler, who started Real’s last six La Liga games of the season and gradually became a more imperative player for Ancelotti during the latter stages of 24/25.

The 20-year-old bagged five goals and nine assists in 42 total appearances by the end of Ancelotti’s final campaign in charge, with the Italian branding him an “important” player in the squad.

Ancelotti also tipped the versatile forward to have a big future at the Bernabeu, leaving little surprise he’s on Berta’s shortlist of attacking targets for Arsenal.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who reports for The Boot Room that Arsenal have asked about the conditions of a deal for Guler. Whether they’ve approached Real themselves or the player’s agents isn’t exactly stated, but it is believed Los Blancos won’t sell him under “any circumstances” this summer.

Other forwards attracting Berta’s attention come in the form of Nico Williams, Rafael Leao, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Ademola Lookman, Bryan Mbeumo and Mohammed Kudus, as per TBR, with Arsenal seemingly in hot pursuit of a star new wide player.

While this season has come to an incredibly underwhelming end, Mikel Arteta has still helped to utterly transform Arsenal.

The Spaniard took charge of the side when they were languishing in tenth place, and now he’s led them to a Champions League semi-final and potentially a third second-place finish in the Premier League in as many years.

Moreover, the former captain has overseen a clear improvement of the team in almost all areas, from defence to midfield, between the sticks and out wide.

However, one position in the team which has probably got worse since December 2019 is centre-forward, as Arteta hasn’t been able to find a poacher as prolific as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, although based on recent reports, that might be about to change.

Arsenal's striker search

You don’t have to be a brilliant analyst to see that a lack of cutting-edge up top has cost Arsenal this season, so, in turn, it’s hardly surprising to see the club linked with several sensational strikers in recent weeks, like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has arguably been the best centre-forward in the Premier League this season, racking up a haul of 27 goals and six assists in 41 games this season, but with recent reports claiming he could cost the club in excess of £127m, this feels like more of a dream than a realistic transfer.

Coming in at the slightly more reasonable £63m is his compatriot Gyokeres, and while that’s still a lot of money, his tally of 52 goals and 13 assists in 50 games suggest he’s worth it.

Even then, Andrea Berta and Co might want an even better deal, which might explain the interest in Jonathan David.

According to a recent report from Italy, Arsenal are now one of several sides incredibly interested in signing the LOSC Lille star, whose current contract will come to an end this summer.

Interestingly, while the likes of Inter Milan, West Ham United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United are credited with an interest in the Canadian international, the report has revealed that the Gunners are currently the favourites to secure his services.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line as Napoli, another interested party, have already made a salary offer to the forward. That said, Arsenal would surely have the financial firepower to outmuscle the Italian side to his signature.

Why David would be Arsenal's best striker since Aubameyang

While things might’ve ended on a sour note, there can be no denying that for much of his time at Arsenal, Aubameyang was a goalscoring tour de force.

For example, he became the fastest player in the club’s history to hit 50 Premier League goals, and when he left, he did so with 92 goals and 21 assists in 163 games, which, again, is made all the more impressive when you take into account his lacklustre final 18-months.

Since he left for free in early 2022, three players have led the line for the Gunners: Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

The former became the club’s starting nine in the latter half of the 22/23 campaign, and while he didn’t do too badly, he wasn’t prolific and eventually ended that season with a haul of 17 goals and three assists in 41 games.

For their efforts, Jesus and Havertz have managed to rack up tallies of 46 goal involvements in 96 games and 42 goal involvements in 85 games, respectively.

However, while the latter two have done well in North London, their level of output doesn’t come close to David’s.

For example, this season alone has seen the “mind-blowing” forward, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, score 25 goals and provide 12 assists in 48 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.29 games.

Appearances

48

40

47

48

Goals

19

26

26

25

Assists

0

4

9

12

Goal Involvements*

0.39

0.75

0.74

0.77

Moreover, he’s been this effective for some time, as, over the last four campaigns, the New York-born marksman, whom journalist Tony Marinaro dubbed “one of the best strikers in the world,” has scored 96 goals and provided 25 assists in just 183 club appearances, which is a goal involvement every 1.51 games.

Ultimately, while Arsenal have had some good forwards play for them since Aubameyang left, there is no doubt that, thanks to his incredible track record, David would be their best striker since the Gabonese icon.

Top target: Arsenal now very keen on £48m forward who's "ideal" for Arteta

The Gunners have identified an “unbelievable” star as their number one target at left-wing.

ByDominic Lund May 12, 2025

Celtic forward Daizen Maeda continued his sensational season with yet another goal in the club’s 5-1 win over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership last weekend.

The Hoops romped to a comfortable victory in front of their home support to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat away to St. Johnstone in their previous outing in the top-flight.

A close-range strike from Maeda, as well as some stunning goals from Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers, helped the Scottish giants on their way to all three points.

Brendan Rodgers’ Japanese marksman has been in phenomenal form in front of goal throughout the 2024/25 campaign, notching his 31st goal of the season against Kilmarnock.

The experienced forward has scored 31 goals and provided nine assists in 45 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops so far this term, which shows that he has provided a regular threat in front of goal as both a scorer and a creator for Celtic.

Rodgers needed him, and others, to step up at the top end of the pitch after the club sanctioned the sale of proven goalscorer Kyogo Furuhashi in the January transfer window.

How much Rennes paid for Kyogo Furuhashi

Shortly after Celtic’s 1-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League, there was talk about a possible move to France for the Japanese forward before the deadline.

Six days on from that victory, which turned out to be the striker’s last appearance for the club, Rennes officially completed the signing of Kyogo for a reported fee of £10m.

Deciding to move on from the Japan international midway through the campaign was a gamble by the Scottish giants, given the quality that he had provided over the years in Glasgow.

Kyogo joined the club from Vissel Kobe on a permanent transfer in the summer of 2021 under the management of Ange Postecoglou, and hit the ground running with 20 goals in all competitions in the 2021/22 campaign.

24/25

32

12

4

23/24

50

19

5

22/23

50

34

5

21/22

33

20

5

As you can see in the table above, the Japanese centre-forward was a consistent goal threat for the Scottish giants throughout his time in Glasgow, scoring at least 12 goals in all four of his seasons at Parkhead.

His best year in a Hoops jersey was, as is obvious by looking at the table, the 2022/23 campaign as he plundered a staggering 34 goals in all competitions for Celtic.

His form in front of goal over those seasons eventually allowed the club to rake in £10m for his services in the January transfer window, but he is not the most expensive striker sold by the Hoops in the past decade.

How much Celtic paid for Odsonne Edouard

In the summer of 2018, Celtic decided to splash the cash on a new centre-forward to bring Odsonne Edouard from Paris Saint-Germain to Paradise in a club-record £9m transfer.

The French marksman had spent the 2017/18 season on loan in Glasgow, scoring 11 goals in 28 matches, and that convinced the board to sign the attacker on a permanent deal in a record transfer ahead of the following campaign.

Edouard followed that up with a return of 22 goals and eight assists in 52 matches in all competitions during the 2018/19 season, including 15 goals in the Premiership – as shown in the highlights above.

The former PSG starlet went on to be a reliable threat at the top end of the pitch for the Scottish giants for several years, racking up 87 goals and 37 assists in 179 outings for the club in all competitions.

These statistics show that Celtic hit the jackpot by splashing out a club-record fee to sign him on a permanent deal because he went on to become a prolific scorer for the Hoops in his three seasons in Glasgow as a permanent player.

The Hoops then went on to strike gold on the centre-forward by making a significant profit on the attacker when they sold him to Premier League side Crystal Palace ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

How Celtic hit the jackpot with Odsonne Edouard

The English side swooped for his services in the summer of 2021, as they looked to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch, and they agreed a reported deal worth up to £18.5m.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Eagles chairman Steve Parish described Edouard as a striker with “proven quality”, based on his time with Celtic, and that is why Palace were willing to commit a huge sum of money to sign him.

The French centre-forward’s value, therefore, soared by a whopping £9.5m during his spell with the Hoops, from the £9m that they initially paid for him, and that shows that they hit the jackpot with him.

Odsonne-Edouard

Edouard was also sold for £8.5m more than Kyogo was in January, despite his impressive goal return for the Bhoys, which speaks to how well the club did to rake in that fee from Palace.

Celtic also hit gold with the sale of the Frenchman because he has only scored 21 goals in all competitions in his four years in England to date, with all 21 of those coming for Palace and none in his current loan spell with Leicester City.

August 2021

£18.5m reported fee

December 2021

£14.6m

September 2022

£12.8m

November 2022

£14.6m

October 2023

£17.2m

May 2024

£15.4m

December 2024

£12m

March 2025

£8.5m

As you can see in the table above, his market value has plummeted from £18.5m to £8.5m in the last four years as a result of his lack of goals for Palace and Leicester since his move away from Parkhead.

This suggests that the Scottish giants played a blinder by cashing in on him in the summer of 2021 because he has regressed since leaving Glasgow and is now worth even less than the initial £9m that the Hoops paid to sign him from PSG.

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Sheffield United are believed to be interested in signing a “very good” attacking player in the summer transfer window, along with Championship rivals Leeds United.

Sheffield United suffer 3 Championship defeats in a row

The Blades suffered yet another damaging result on Saturday lunchtime, losing 2-1 away to struggling Plymouth Argyle, despite taking the lead in the first half.

It means Chris Wilder’s United side have now lost their last three matches in the league, going from top of the table to third place, now trailing both Leeds and Burnley by five points after their respective victories on Saturday.

The Blades’ defeat led to angry scenes at the end, with Wilder involved in heated discussions with Plymouth players after the hosts’ players celebrated in front of the travelling supporters.

While the manager has played down the post-match drama, it was arguably a sign of the pressure getting to him and his players, and they now have a huge amount of work to do if they want to get into the Premier League without the stress of the playoffs.

Sheffield United battling Leeds for "very good" ace

According to journalist Graeme Bailey for EFL Analysis, Sheffield United are eyeing a move for Go Ahead Eagles winger Oliver Antman ahead of the summer window.

Leeds are also in the mix to snap up the 23-year-old ahead of next season, with Leicester City, Southampton and Sheffield United all mentioned as suitors to acquire his signature, too.

Aside from the entertaining, superhero-like surname, Antman is an excellent young player who could thrive for the Blades, although much may depend on their potential promotion to the top flight.

The 20-cap and sevel-goal Finland international has bags of quality in wide attacking areas, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as “very good”:

This season, Antman has a highly impressive 14 assists in just 24 starts in the Eredivisie, outlining the creativity he possesses, and he has also scored six goals in the competition for good measure.

While at his most dangerous on the right flank, his versatility also allows him to do a strong job on the left wing, with such versatility likely to appeal to Wilder.

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

As mentioned, though, if the Blades fail to reach the Premier League and Leeds, they could face an uphill battle to secure his services ahead of next season, making the next few weeks crucial.