All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has made a serious statement during his debut summer window at the club, having already spent well north of £200 million on a host of key additions.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and star new number nine, Viktor Gyokeres, have arrived to rejuvenate Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of another Premier League title challenge.

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

25/26 – summer

£208m

According to reports, Arsenal have maintained their long-standing interest in Eberechi Eze too, which has been ongoing for well over a month now.

The Gunners are prioritising the creative midfielder as they seek to bolster their attacking options – but Berta wants to balance the books first (Fabrizio Romano), with the likes of Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Jakub Kiwior, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Leandro Trossard all tipped for potential exits recently.

Major discrepancies revolve around Eze’s £68 million release clause, with some credible reports claiming that this buy-out expired over a week ago on Friday at 11:59pm, whilst others believe that the clause doesn’t run out until August 15. However, there was never a plan from Arsenal to trigger it anyway.

talkSPORT reported last week that Arsenal wish to strike a deal for the England international at around £55 million after Eze’s direct talks with both Arteta and Berta.

This situation is definitely one to keep an eye on from now until the transfer deadline on September 1, but Palace chairman Steve Parish has displayed in past windows that he’s not afraid to dig his heels in when it comes to selling key assets.

In January, the Eagles snubbed an ambitious £70 million bid from Tottenham for star defender Marc Guehi, despite the centre-back’s contract expiring in 2026, so Palace are unlikely to be bullied around in negotiations over Eze either.

A deal may end up not being feasible for Arsenal after a summer of lavish spending, but Berta is known for working on many different transfer targets at once, so it’s not surprising to see them linked with a move for wantaway Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

Arsenal plot £44m bid for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman

The Nigerian wants out of Atalanta, and has admitted to handing in a formal transfer request in his bid to wave goodbye to the Gewiss Stadium.

Lookman was occasionally deployed in the number 10 role last season, making the rest of his appearances as a left-winger, centre-forward and striker, so he could tick many boxes for Arteta, who demands versatility from his players.

Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera (page 6) report that Arsenal could make a £44 million bid for Lookman and hijack Inter Milan’s long-winded talks for the 27-year-old, coming after the Nerazzurri’s most recent £39m offer was turned down.

The former Everton, Fulham and Leicester star is perhaps best known for one of the most scintillating performances ever witnessed in a cup final.

Lookman’s 2024 Europa League hat-trick both won the trophy for Atalanta and ended Bayer Leverkusen’s unprecedented, season-long unbeaten run – with the African standing out as a star player in Bergamo ever since then.

His 20 goals and seven assists last term, with five of those strikes coming in the Champions League, are testament to his obvious quality and Arsenal would have a serious player on their hands.

Tottenham are expected to be one of the busier Premier League sides during the final few weeks of this summer transfer window, and technical director Johan Lange will have multiple plates spinning behind-the-scenes.

Lange is known to operate in secrecy when it comes to his transfer planning, with Spurs showing a tendency to agree out-of-nowhere deals since the Dane took over from ex-managing director Fabio Paratici.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Lilywhites’ move for Wilson Odobert last summer took everyone by surprise, while their botched deal for Morgan Gibbs-White accelerated in similar fashion with very few leaks to the press – until the transfer was very close to being done.

Unfortunately for Lange, he ended up missing out on Gibbs-White in what was a very bizarre transfer saga.

After losing club legend Son Heung-min to the MLS, and now James Maddison for the majority of the season, it is absolutely imperative that Tottenham’s technical director brings in a fresh, proven attacking alternative before the deadline on September 1.

Maddison will undergo surgery on an ACL rupture, Spurs confirmed today, with the 28-year-old set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Tottenham called Man City over Jack Grealish in the last few days, according to Fabrizio Romano, but face stiff competition from Everton, who have now opened formal talks over a loan deal for the 29-year-old.

Elsewhere, Liverpool sensation Harvey Elliott has been mooted as a potential target for Spurs after his exceptional Euro Under-21 Championships with England.

However, Bundesliga sides like RB Leipzig are offering Elliott the chance to further his development abroad, with sides across Europe now clamoring to reinforce their squad as we reach the final phase of this window.

Daniel Levy is dealing with a major headache when it comes to their pursuit of an attacker, and that botched deal for Gibbs-White is now looking all the more significant after Maddison’s injury.

According to Alasdair Gold, the most reliable Spurs source you could ask for, Levy and Lange have other items on their transfer agenda too – namely signing another new centre-back.

The club triggered Kevin Danso’s obligation to buy clause from RC Lens earlier this summer, and already boast the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin among their crop of central defensive options.

Dragusin was recently handed Sergio Reguilon’s number 3 jersey, whilst Romero’s links to Atlético Madrid have practically died after Diego Simeone sealed a deal for David Hancko – so none of the quartet appear likely to be going anywhere this summer.

Tottenham ready to meet asking price for Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi

Regardless, Spurs are apparently in the market for another central defender, and they’re still contenders for Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi.

According to French newspaper L’Équipe, as translated by Sport Witness, the Ukranian’s switch to PSG is advanced, but Luis Enrique’s side are currently haggling over a few million.

PSG made a recent written offer to the Cherries for Zabarnyi – £52m whilst covering FIFA’s solidarity payment.

Bournemouth are prepared to accept this bid, if PSG include a further £3m in bonuses, which the Ligue 1 giants are currently refusing to do.

This has handed Levy an opportunity to hijack the deal, with L’Équipe reporting that Tottenham are ready to meet Bournemouth’s demands for Zabarnyi ‘immediately’ and are ‘pushing’ to sign the 22-year-old.

Spurs were actually in the mix for his former Bournemouth teammate, Dean Huijsen, before he chose a move to Real Madrid (Fabrizio Romano).

Now, Frank could win the race for another Bournemouth defender instead, but they’ll first have to convince Zabarnyi himself, who’s been chasing a move to Paris for quite some time.

Manchester United look set to have a new-look attack for 2025/26, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo on course to feature in the two forward roles behind a striker under Ruben Amorim.

Cunha was the first addition through the door at Old Trafford after INEOS triggered the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause at Wolves. Speaking after signing, Cunha said:

£185m signings with Cunha: AI predicts Man Utd's 2025/26 starting line-up

Four new faces could be in the side against Arsenal in August.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 22, 2025

Taking the No. 10 shirt from Marcus Rashford, Cunha will be looking to have a big impact in his first season as a Red Devils player after hitting double figures for goals in the last two Premier League seasons at Molineux.

AI predicts how many goals and assists Cunha will record for Man Utd in 2025/26

In 24/25, Cunha bagged 15 goals in 33 league games, while also registering six assists in a Wolves side that finished on the same points as Man Utd.

ChatGPT has predicted Cunha to bag 18 Premier League goals, ‘matching or slightly beating his Wolves output, underpinned by strong support from midfield’.

That figure, with cup competitions, could rise to 22, assuming he is regularly involved in the EFL Cup and FA Cup under Amorim.

In regards to assists, Cunha could register nine assists in the Premier League and 12 in all competitions as he is ‘likely to flourish as a secondary creator’ under Amorim.

Premier League

18

9

All competitions

22

12

AI predicts how many goals and assists Mbeumo will record for Man Utd in 2025/26

Meanwhile, with Mbeumo also moving to Manchester from Brentford, Amorim will have another attacking star with an excellent Premier League record.

The Cameroon international had his best ever season in front of goal during 24/25, scoring 20 goals and providing eight assists in 38 top flight games.

ChatGPT has predicted Mbeumo to find the back of the net 17 times in the Premier League, while matching his 24/25 tally of eight assists. ‘Designed for high creativity and goal-chances’, it is claimed that Mbeumo may alternate at times under Amorim, adjusting to life at a bigger club.

Premier League

17

8

All competitions

21

10

In all competitions, Mbeumo has been backed to score 21 times and provide 10 assists, meaning in total, the two Man Utd signings could contribute to 65 goals over the 25/26 campaign, something which Amorim and the Red Devils would be delighted with.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have a recent history of making intelligent transfer moves and could now be set to land another talented star, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Wolverhampton Wanderers looking upwards under Vitor Pereira

The Old Gold are back in pre-season action and will take encouragement despite their 2-1 defeat to CD Santa Clara in pre-season after forgotten man Sasa Kalajdzic scored in his first appearance for 18 months.

Despite enduring a tough time with injuries, the Austria international is back up and running and spoke to reporters post-match, stating: “It was a really good feeling [to play] after a long, long time. Just kicking the ball with my mates in an unofficial but, for me, more official game and I’m just happy everything went well.

Wolves overtake AC Milan in race for £13m defender, pushing to seal deal

The Old Gold are now leading the race for a defender, having recently held talks.

ByDominic Lund Jul 17, 2025

“I gained more minutes, playing with the others to get to now them again more and more on the pitch and it was a really good next step.”

With Jorgen Strand Larsen and Fer Lopez in the door at Molineux, Wolves are leading the race to sign Almeria full-back Marc Pubill as Vitor Pereira looks to add strength at right-back.

Real Betis winger Pablo Garcia is also on Wolves’ radar. However, they face stiff competition from Real Madrid for his signature, which may complicate the likelihood of a deal being done.

Wolves open talks over deal to sign "powerful" £13m Olympic gold medallist

The Old Gold are in a strong position to win the race for a defender.

ByDominic Lund Jul 10, 2025

Reinforcing out wide is a central priority for the Old Gold to ensure they have enough chance creators present within their tactical framework, so it will come as no surprise to hear that they are now closing on a winger.

Romano: Jhon Arias set for Wolverhampton Wanderers medical

Taking to social media platform X, world-renowned transfer reporter Romano has confirmed that Fluminense winger Jhon Arias is set for a medical ahead of a proposed move to Wolves that will cost around £18.2 million.

The Club World Cup semi-finalists will retain a 10% sell-on clause in the deal, and it now only appears to be a matter of time before he will be announced at Molineux.

With his move now seemingly nothing more than a formality, the 27-year-old has registered a goal and four assists from 11 appearances this campaign in the Brazilian top-flight.

In that time, Arias has also created 28 chances and delivered 19 successful crosses, making him a prime candidate to strengthen Pereira’s attacking output on either flank.

South American players have a long history of thriving at Molineux, and the Colombia international will hope he can become the next quality recruit to shine in the West Midlands.

Manchester City are preparing for another tilt at the Premier League title and could now be set to fight some of Europe’s heavyweights to sign a premium talent, according to a report.

In surprise fashion, the Blues suffered an early exit from the Club World Cup after a 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal in the last 16 and all focus at the Etihad Stadium will now revolve around potential incomings and outgoings.

Addressing what squad changes could occur in the aftermath of the tournament, Daily Mail’s correspondent Jack Gaughan believes up to eight players could leave Manchester City to make way for reinforcements under Pep Guardiola.

He stated: “I think there could be as many as eight going if you include Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips.

“They’ve got to get rid of four foreign players because of the homegrown problems they’ve got in the Champions League. If they don’t, Guardiola is going to have to leave people out of the squad and he doesn’t like doing that.”

Of course, a large part of why there are plenty who are now at risk of leaving the club is due to their spate of arrivals between January and the summer, but who else could join Manchester City if all goes to plan?

Pep's fed up: Man City boss requests signing of £65m star to replace Ederson

Pep Guardiola wants to sign an “incredible” goalkeeper to replace Ederson this summer.

ByDominic Lund Jul 3, 2025

Amid doubts over Ederson’s future, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is wanted by Guardiola in what would be a landmark change of the guard between the sticks.

However, it appears that Manchester City aren’t just looking to strengthen for the immediate term and a young midfielder has now crept onto their radar after some impressive recent displays.

Manchester City keen to sign AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit

According to Manchester City News, Manchester City are one of many clubs keen on AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit after his breakthrough campaign that has led to the Netherlands Under-19 international claiming the UEFA Under-19 European Championship player of the tournament.

Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United provide domestic competition for his signature, while Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Marseille are keeping close tabs on the continent.

Kees Smit in the Eredivisie – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Chances created

23

Successful dribbles

10

Touches in opposition box

40

Duels won

53

Recoveries

59

Journalist Graeme Bailey added some context to the situation, stating: “Kees Smit is a player, a real player I am being told and Manchester City know all about him. Will he leave this summer? That is the question but I think there is a real chance and City do like him – one to keep an eye on.”

Last campaign, Smit registered an impressive tally of ten goals and seven assists in 43 matches across all competitions, combining his exploits with Alkmaar’s senior side and second string.

While still in the infancy of his career, the Heiloo-born man is a talent on an upward trajectory and Manchester City will hope to convince him that the Etihad is the best place to continue his development.

Manchester United hit the ground at the end of the season, and they hit it hard, but Ruben Amorim is set on bringing Old Trafford back to the forefront of European football.

It bears testament to United’s stature in the Premier League that after finishing 15th and losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha has signed for a £62.5m fee after rejecting interest from Champions League-qualified clubs like Arsenal and Newcastle United.

Moreover, Bryan Mbeumo wants to join Amorim’s side this summer despite interest from the aforementioned outfits, though INEOS are locked in a battle to get that one over the line, with Brentford standing firm on their £60m valuation.

But the Red Devils still need a centre-forward, and no mistake. Rasmus Hojlund struggled last season, scoring only four times in the Premier League.

If Man United are to pick themselves back up, they need a focal frontman who will provide a steady source of goals.

Man Utd's striker search

Last month, Chelsea signed Liam Delap from relegated Ipswich Town after meeting his £30m release clause. There was a wealth of intrigue in the forward’s signature, and Man United were among the interested parties, but their lack of continental football ended what might otherwise have ended positively for Amorim.

In any case, the plan is still to sell Hojlund, who is being targeted by Inter Milan in Italy, two years after leaving Serie A to join the Manchester side in a £72m deal.

With Delap off the cards, who should United turn to? Well, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has emerged as a target for Jason Wilcox to mull over, while Amorim would like nothing more than to reunite with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, though the Sweden striker is intent on joining Arsenal.

However, given that signings are needed across other areas even after the frontline has been restored, United might want to delve down a shrewder road, sign a number nine for a cut-price fee.

Well, there might just be such a forward on the market whose style of play has been drawn against Romelu Lukaku’s – worth a shot?

Man Utd make contact for Hojlund upgrade

As per Spanish reports, Manchester United are in the running for Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic as the Italian giants look to part ways with their star striker.

There’s plenty of interest in his services, although Man United and Newcastle United have been singled out for having already opened talks to make an enquiry.

Undergoing some financial adjustments, the Old Lady have never quite realised Vlahovic’s full potential after an incredible start to life in Italy with Fiorentina, who he left for Turin three-and-a-half years ago in a deal worth around £67m.

Earning around £315k per week, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will no doubt look to reduce the Serbian’s earnings, although given that Vlahovic is reportedly available for a cut-price £25m figure, this might just check out. Nottingham Forest, it must be said, are also interested.

Why Man Utd want Dusan Vlahovic

When Juventus paid Fiorentina the big bucks to sign Vlahovic, they bagged themselves one of the most exciting attacking prospects in the world.

24/25

Juventus

29 (21)

10

4

23/24

Juventus

33 (27)

16

3

22/23

Juventus

27 (22)

10

2

21/22

Juventus

15 (12)

7

1

21/22

Fiorentina

21 (21)

17

4

20/21

Fiorentina

37 (34)

21

2

Still only 25, the Serbia international hasn’t matched that La Viola opening in Italy and needs to move on, especially as he’s entering the final year of his current deal.

Once described as a “real superstar” by reporter Andrew Cesare, Vlahovic indeed needs a change of setting to restore his reputation as one of the most effective strikers in the business, but there’s still plenty to like.

As per FBref, the powerful forward ranked among the top 11% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last year for shots taken and the top 10% for touches in the attacking box per 90, highlighting his innate predatory instinct.

It also saw Napoli’s Lukaku pulled out as one of his most statistically comparable players, and if Man United can secure their next version of the Belgian star, they might just make real progress next season.

Lukaku is one of the best-known and most prolific goalscorers of his generation, having played for a wealth of outfits – including Man United, who paid at least £75m to sign him from Everton back in 2017.

The 32-year-old, who stands at 6 foot 3, scored 42 goals and added 12 assists across 96 outings for the club, leaving after just two seasons.

However, his strength and explosiveness are elements that have seen him become a sensation in Italian football, instrumental in helping his Neapolitan team toward the Scudetto, posting 14 goals and ten assists.

It bears testament to Vlahovic’s underlying qualities that he’s still been likened to the Belgium international in spite of what has been perceived as a middling campaign.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig knows that he is “incredibly prolific” at his best, and maybe even a “future legend” in the same manner as Lukaku, who has left his mark on the game for sure.

Across two of the past three seasons, Vlahovic has only returned ten goals in Serie A. Even so, he started 22 and 21 times respectively, which bespeaks his natural instinct in front of goal.

Let us turn toward the signing of Cunha and the deal being pursued for Mbeumo. Such dynamic wide forwards will be sure to bring Vlahovic back to a higher level, charging him with a supply line while also using their goalscoring abilities to ease the nine’s striking burden.

For just £25m, this is a shrewd deal that United need to get over the line.

Their best signing since Bruno: £40m target now wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make another superb signing in this summer window.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 22, 2025

With Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha already on their way – potentially alongside Cuiabano – Nottingham Forest have now reportedly shifted their focus back towards the Club World Cup and signing two more talents.

Jesus starring at Club World Cup before Nottingham Forest move

If there are still those at the City Ground who are unsure about Jesus as well as Cuiabano and Cunha, for that matter, then all it takes is one look at the Club World Cup to put any of those doubts to rest. An important part of the Botafofo side who defeated Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, all three are now ready to take the Premier League by storm – particularly Jesus.

The Brazilian forward could become the heir to Chris Wood’s no.9 throne at the City Ground as the New Zealand international inevitably edges past the peak of his powers.

It wasn’t so long ago that Murillo was arriving as an unknown talent fresh from South America. Now, he’s fresh off the back of a standout season within Nottingham Forest’s backline and represents just how successful the Midlands club have been in their recruitment in recent years.

Jesus would only be a continuation of that fine work too. At 24 years old, the forward should be entering his best years and is arguably completing a move to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side at exactly the right time.

Nottingham Forest now eye bid to sign £8.5m-a-year Bayern ace in £30m deal

He could be on his way back to the Premier League.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 22, 2025

Before putting pen to paper, however, Jesus, Cuiabano and Cunha still have a job to do at the Club World Cup with their Botafogo side set to square off against Brazilian counterparts Palmeiras in the Round of 16.

Meanwhile, as the competition continues, Nottingham Forest have reportedly set their sights on another set of Club World Cup teammates in what would be a bargain move.

Nottingham Forest "in talks" to sign Weah and Mbangula

According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest are now “in talks” to sign both Timothy Weah and Samuel Mbangula from Juventus in a deal worth over €20m (£17m) this summer.

Whilst Weah is an established talent these days at 25 years old, Mbangula stands out as a player who is yet to reach his full potential and one who should have plenty more to offer in years to come. If Forest can sign both players at different stages of their careers then it could be seen as smart business by all involved.

Both Mbangula and Weah have been at the Club World Cup with Juventus this summer, although the former is yet to feature, and both could have the chance to play against Manchester City in a game that Nottingham Forest fans should be very interested in on Thursday.

Celtic are set for a very busy summer in the transfer market.

Kieran Tierney is back, re-joining the club six years after leaving, and supporters cannot wait to see one of their favourite players back in green and white hoops again.

Now, could Brendan Rodgers be about to add further defensive reinforcements?

Celtic targeting a new defender

The Hoops are very active in the market at the moment with a move for Swedish star, Benjamin Nygren, all but confirmed.

So, who’s the Hoops’ next target?

Well, according to a report by Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports, Celtic “are in talks” with J League club Albirex Niigata over the possibility of signing Hayato Inamura.

He describes the 23-year-old as a “left-footed centre-back” who is also capable of playing at left-back.

Inamure came through Japan’s college system, representing Maebashi Ikuei High School and then Toyo University, before joining Albirex Niigata a year ago, making 33 appearances to date for the side currently in the J League relegation zone.

So, could he become the latest Japanese player to call Parkhead home?

How Inamura could replicate Celtic's Japanese heroes

As the table below outlines, Celtic have a rich tradition when it comes to Japanese players, many of whom have enjoyed massive success.

Shunsuke Nakamura

2005-09

159

Kōki Mizuno

2008-09

12

Tomoki Iwata

2022-24

42

Yūki Kobayashi

2023

7

Yosuke Ideguchi

2022

6

Kyōgo Furuhashi

2021-2025

165

Reo Hatate

2022-present

142

Daizen Maeda

2022-present

158

Of course, the vast majority of the Japanese players Celtic have had were signed by Ange Postecoglou, but this tradition goes back to Shunsuke Nakamura in the mid-2000s, who certainly made a huge impact, described by Tom Hancock of Four Four Two Magazine as one of the best free-kick takers of all time.

In the more modern era, few Celtic players of any nationality have been as impressive as Reo Hatate, making 142 appearances in hoops to date, scoring 27 goals and providing 28 assists, winning eight major trophies.

Manager Rodgers described the midfielder as “top class”, adding that he has been “absolutely brilliant” since the boss re-joined the club in 2023.

Meantime, Martin Crawford of Breaking the Lines labelled him the ‘best player in Scotland’, describing Hatate as a ‘complete, elegant talent’.

Signed for just £1.4m, these performances have seen the midfielder’s valuation skyrocket, with Transfermarkt estimating he is worth around £10m, hence why the Celts’ actually rejecting a £10m bid for Hatate from a Ligue 1 club last summer, according to The National.

While no fee is currently known for Inamura, the club would surely hope he could make a similar impact in Glasgow, which would result in a similar exponential increase in value.

Analyst and scout Will Glavin describes Inamura as “tactically intelligent…composed and comfortable building from the back”, praising his defensive discipline and “positional awareness”, concluding that this deal is a “smart, low-risk investment”. That’s certainly true of the deal to bring Hatate to the club all those years ago under Postecoglou. It was low-risk and he’ll undoubtedly pay the club back when he leaves.

Stephen McGowan of the Herald outlines how he will provide competition for Auston Trusty and Liam Scales, seeking to start as the left-sided centre-half, while also able to cover at left-back when Tierney requires a breather.

So, this once again appears to be a sensible signing from Celtic and, even though Inamura is very inexperienced, this does not mean he cannot be the club’s latest Japanese superstar.

Their new Liel Abada: Celtic on the verge of signing "fearless" star

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ByBen Gray Jun 15, 2025

Manchester City are now interested in a surprise move to sign a £35,000-a-week player from Chelsea, according to a new report.

Man City closing in on three new signings

As they did in January, City are expected to be very busy this summer, as Pep Guardiola eyes several incomings as well as outgoings. City have already announced the signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The deal is thought to be worth around £31 million with £5 million in add-ons, after Guardiola identified him as the player to solve their left-back problems.

After Reijnders: Man City to submit bid for Mahrez 2.0 "in the next hours"

Man City’s squad overhaul looks set to continue this summer, amid Tijjani Reijnders’ expected arrival.

ByRobbie Walls Jun 4, 2025

And the Blues have also agreed a deal worth £46.3 million with AC Milan to sign midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The Dutch international underwent his medical on Sunday, and he is now expected to sign a five-year deal before the Club World Cup.

The final player City are trying to get in before Tuesday’s deadline is Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki. It was claimed last week that discussions have been held over a deal, and they are now close to agreeing a deal for around £35 million. His potential arrival at the Etihad could see him become the man to replace Kevin de Bruyne, who has now departed the Blues.

Man City lining up surprise move to sign £35k-p/w Chelsea ace

While City work on deals to get players in before the start of the Club World Cup, they also have their eyes on players they would like to sign further into the summer transfer window. Now, according to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, City are lining up a move to sign goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea.

The Blues want to bolster their goalkeeper options for next season, given that Scott Carson is now leaving the club following the end of his contract. Bettinelli has been identified as a replacement, as City feel his character makes him ideal to be their third-choice keeper.

Leading up to the summer transfer window, there has been a lot of talk about the future of current number one Ederson, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. That has yet to progress, but it seems it could be all change in the goalkeeper department at the Etihad Campus.

Apps

7

Goals conceded

20

Clean sheets

0

The 33-year-old, who earns £35,000 a week at Chelsea, has been at Stamford Bridge since July 2021. He joined the club on a free transfer from Fulham, and in those four years, he has played just one game for the Blues, and that came in the FA Cup in the 2021/22 campaign. The goalkeeper is under contract until 2026.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery will be hoping that missing out on Champions League qualification won’t alter his transfer plans this summer.

The Midlands side will play in the Europa League next season, a competition in which they have a great chance of winning. But will this prospect attract the players Emery wants?

Marcus Rashford returned to Manchester United after the end of his loan spell with Villa. He is valued at £40m by the Red Devils, but with Barcelona interested, Emery might miss out.

Could he perhaps make a move for one of his teammates instead?

Aston Villa transfer news

Bringing Rashford back to Villa Park would be a popular move by the manager, especially given how well the Englishman performed at the club.

It now looks unlikely that he will return, but Emery doesn’t appear to be disheartened, as he eyes a move for Alejandro Garnacho instead.

According to Caught Offside, Villa are exploring a move for the Argentinian sensation this summer in a bid to improve their squad.

The youngster has been told he could leave Old Trafford this summer, although Bayer Leverkusen are keen on signing him. The Bundesliga side are, however, looking for a loan deal, while United would prefer a permanent exit.

It would be a major coup if Emery could lure the player to the Midlands, especially with how highly-rated he is. Much will depend on the fee demanded by Ruben Amorim, as the Midlands club will need to stay within the profit and sustainability regulations.

If he does join, Garnacho could be a better signing than Rashford.

Why Aston Villa must sign Alejandro Garnacho

During his six-month loan spell, Rashford scored four goals and grabbed six assists for Villa, but he missed the final five games of the season due to a hamstring injury.

Throughout the 2024/25 season, Garnacho registered 21 goal contributions – 11 goals and ten assists – for Man Utd. Due to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, however, he doesn’t fit into his plans.

Metric

Rashford

Garnacho

Goals

6

6

Assists

3

2

Big chances created

8

4

Key passes per game

1.1

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.7

0.7

Shots per game

1.4

2.3

At the start of last season, Statman Dave heaped praise on the South American starlet, saying he was “generational” and the future looked bright indeed for him at Old Trafford.

Given the fact that he is much younger and holds a higher ceiling for development than Rashford, there is no doubt he would be a much better signing, especially for the long term.

This argument begins to hold more weight when comparing the two players over the 2024/25 season from a domestic point of view.

Garnacho not only registered more shots per 90 (3.44 vs 2.15) than Rashford, but he also recorded more shot-creating actions (86 vs 56), more touches in the attacking penalty area (176 vs 64) and more successful take-ons (26 vs 18).

On this evidence, prioritising the signing of Garnacho rather than that of Rashford should be key for Emery heading into the summer window.

He could thrive if played in the correct system, no doubt about that.

Aston Villa exploring deal for £70m "superstar" with more G/A than Rashford

The Villans have set their sights on a forward, who regularly provided goals and assists throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

ByDominic Lund May 30, 2025