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Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta are somehow not done in the summer transfer market, despite spending over £250 million already this window.

The Gunners’ ambition to end their two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title is crystal clear from their excellent deals for Kepa, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, with Mikel Arteta backed to the hilt.

Their transfer spending since Arteta took charge has now surpassed the £900 million mark after their sensational hijack of Tottenham’s deal for Eze, so failure to win the league gives Arteta no place to hide.

Arsenal have made a perfect start to the new campaign – scoring six goals in two games whilst conceding none – with current English champions Liverpool awaiting them at Anfield on Sunday in what will be their arguable toughest test of 2025/2026.

With deadline day just four days away, following a phenomenal debut summer for Berta as their main transfer chief, all that’s left to do now is to ensure Arsenal finish it as strongly as possible.

Arteta cannot afford to be weakened by outgoings, and they have a plan to replace Jakub Kiwior, who’s on the verge of joining FC Porto on loan with an obligation to buy in 2026.

With Kiwior preparing to depart for Portugal, Arsenal have entered talks for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

Bayer Leverkusen working to replace Piero Hincapie after Arsenal pact

According to reliable media sources, the Ecaudor international has already agreed personal terms on a move to Arsenal and wants to join Arteta’s side, with Fabrizio Romano now confirming that they’re in club-to-club negotiations too.

Romano, speaking on Kraken earlier this week, has also said that Arsenal want to sign Hincapie on an initial loan deal with the obligation to buy, and before Leverkusen potentially agree to these terms, Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to source a replacement.

They’ve already made an approach for Newcastle United star Sven Botman as a candidate, but a deal for the Dutchman is seen as very difficult considering Eddie Howe and co are not keen on selling the player this late on.

The obligation to buy, according to BILD, could even be as low as £39 million, and there are many reasons why this could be deemed a bargain.

Hincapie was a mainstay of Leverkusen’s backline last year, and the versatile 23-year-old, who can play in multiple defensive areas, has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Matt Henry hurt his shoulder while fielding in the Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa in Lahore

Andrew Fidel Fernando07-Mar-2025

Doubts have emerged over Matt Henry’s availability for the Champions Trophy final, owing to the shoulder injury he picked up during the semi-final in Lahore.Henry, the highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far, had hurt his shoulder while taking the catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen, but returned to bowl two overs late in the match against South Africa. He was also seen diving in the field after he came back.Mitchell Santner had been optimistic about Henry’s availability soon after the match on Wednesday. But head coach Gary Stead has now said that Henry’s fitness status was “unknown” a little more than 48 hours ahead of the final.Related

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“I guess the positive thing from our perspective is he got back out there to bowl,” Stead said. “We’ve had some scans and stuff done on him, and we’re going to give him every chance to be playing in this match.”[But it’s] still a little bit unknown at this stage.”Henry has ten wickets at an average of 16.70 at this Champions Trophy. Five of those wickets came in the group match against India in Dubai, their opponents and the venue for the final.”He’s obviously pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder,” Stead said. “Hopefully he will be okay.”If Henry cannot play, New Zealand have right-arm seamer Jacob Duffy in their squad. Duffy has not played any of New Zealand’s four matches in the tournament, but did have an outing against Pakistan in the pre-tournament tri-series that had been played there. He took 1 for 48 in seven overs in that game.

MatériaMais Notícias

A queda de rendimento do Fluminense na temporada não custou apenas a queda da equipe nas oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil. Os comandados de Fernando Diniz vêm acumulando índices negativos diante dos momentos recentes.

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O Tricolor das Laranjeiras atingiu duas sequências ruins ao ser derrotada por 2 a 0 para o Flamengo, no clássico no Maracanã.

+ Confira a tabela e a classificação do Brasileirão

A equipe tricolor chegou a cinco jogos sem vitórias. Houve um empate sem gols com o Rubro-Negro no jogo de ida das oitavas da Copa do Brasil e, posteriormente, quatro derrotas consecutivas.

Esta má fase culminou numa seca de gols. Os tricolores não balançam as redes há quatro jogos. Desde 13 de maio, quando o Fluminense bateu o Cuiabá por 2 a 0, no Maracanã, a equipe comandada por Fernando Diniz não sai de campo vitoriosa e marcando.

O Fluminense volta a jogar no domingo (2), às 16h, contra o Red Bull Bragantino, no Maracanã, pela 9ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. O Tricolor está na 8ª posição, com 13 pontos, mesma pontuação do Massa Bruta, que ocupa o 10º lugar.

Liverpool won the Premier League last season. Could they repeat the trick in Arne Slot’s second season?

Though underdogs last year, with Jurgen Klopp having stepped down from his post, the Reds’ success under Slot’s wing and the sweeping changes that have been enforced across the past two months of the summer transfer window have changed the lens through which rivals view the Anfield side.

Now, the champions are ready to go again, with Mohamed Salah handed some degree of fresh offensive quality to partner him in the final third. Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike; stand up.

But more may yet be on the horizon.

Liverpool lining up another signing

Luis Diaz is set to finalise his transfer to Bayern Munich imminently, with the German Bundesliga champions having agreed a £65.5m fee with Liverpool.

Should the deal go through (and it’s certainly set to), Liverpool will need a replacement, especially as Darwin Nunez prepares to start a new chapter in his career this summer too.

Well, according to Sky Sports Switzerland, Liverpool have officially launched their bid for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak this week, having agreed personal terms with the Sweden striker.

Fabrizio Romano previously confirmed that Liverpool would look to advance their bid for Isak, who only wants Anfield, after cashing in on Diaz.

Newcastle might end up reluctantly cashing in, but only if their asking price, in the ballpark of £130m, is met.

Why Liverpool want Alexander Isak

Across three seasons in England with Newcastle, the 25-year-old Isak has established himself as one of the best in the business, with analyst Raj Chohan even hailing him as “the best striker in the world” for his efforts across the 2024/25 campaign.

Isak scored 27 goals across all competitions, but he is so much more than just a goalscorer. As per FBref, he also ranked among the top 16% of forwards across Europe last season for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 7% for progressive carries per 90.

He’s an incredible striker, but more importantly, he’s a phenomenal player. In this way, the £120k-per-week Isak has what it takes to step up as Liverpool’s new talisman, having already been called a “world-class” player by pundit Alan Shearer.

Despite signing a new two-year deal in April, Salah is now 33 and won’t maintain his current level forever.

At times last season, it felt as if Salah single-handedly dragged Liverpool to the Premier League title, incredibly clinching 57 goal contributions across all competitions.

Isak has that star quality that could see him clutch the proverbial torch and push Liverpool forward through the coming era.

Though Isak might not be the positional heir to Salah’s throne, given that people are already talking about him, there’s every reason for Merseyside fans to start getting excited, for they have a superstar in their sights.

Having spent three years establishing himself in the English top flight, Newcastle’s focal frontman is now ready to take the next step in his career and join Slot’s squad.

And while fans will be treated to a partnership between Isak and Salah – should the striker indeed sign this summer – for the next two seasons, Slot might end up finding that he’s landed his new version of the Egyptian King in this deadly number nine.

Shades of Coutinho: Liverpool make contact to sign "complete" £30m star

Liverpool are ready to sign a new defender after Joe Gomez’s injury.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 29, 2025

Leeds United have had a busy summer transfer window already, making four signings, including three defenders and a striker on a free transfer, namely Lukas Nmecha.

Now, it seems like the Whites have moved onto a midfield target, with Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United now in their sights.

A recent report from Sky Sports suggests that Daniel Farke’s side have had a bid worth around £12m for Longstaff rejected by his boyhood club. Leeds may well go back in for the midfielder, but it’s also revealed they are now considering their options ahead of bolstering their central options.

The Yorkshire outfit might not be done there, and are said to be eying up another new addition, who could prove to be an even more important signing than Longstaff.

Leeds' next signing after Longstaff

So, it certainly seems like Leeds are doing all they can to bring in their fifth new signing of the summer to Elland Road.

Transfer Focus

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

Once they’ve bolstered the midfield, they must move on to an even more important area; the goalkeeping department.

According to a recent report from Turkish news outlet As Marca, the Whites are lining up a move for Fenerbahce and Croatian international goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. The 30-year-old is reportedly the subject of a £6m bid from Leeds.

However, that does not come close to the price tag the Turkish side are holding out for. Instead, Jose Mourinho’s side want in the region of £11m to make a deal happen.

Leeds will have to be quick, with Livakovic also of interest to fellow Premier League sides Sunderland, Aston Villa, and Chelsea.

Why Livakovic would be a good signing

If there is one criticism people had for Leeds last season, which was not easy given they reached a century of Championship points, it was the lack of consistency shown by first-choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Well, perhaps signing a new goalkeeper in the form of Livakovic is the answer to Leeds’ struggles between the posts. The Croatian star had an impressive campaign in 2024/25 for Fenerbahce, playing 32 games across all competitions, conceding just 38 goals and keeping nine clean sheets.

He was also Croatia’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. There, he was the hero in penalty shootouts against Japan and Brazil as his side came third in the tournament. Statman Dave described him as a “big-game” player as a result of his efforts.

As for Meslier, his initial numbers last season might not suggest any goalkeeping frailties. In 39 Championship games, he conceded 27 goals and kept 21 clean sheets, which you’d be happy with at the end of a campaign.

Yet, digging a little deeper tells the full story. He made three errors leading to a goal and prevented -2.73 goals. To put that number into context, of the 50 goalkeepers who played a game in the second tier last term, only six glovemen had poorer records between the sticks.

It was undeniably a calamitous year for Meslier, which included that bizarre mistake against Sunderland. Ex-Leeds man Aidy White told BBC Radio Leeds that “they have got to drop” the Frenchman.

For that reason, Livakovic would be a better addition than Longstaff. The simple fact is that Leeds need to improve in goal, more than they do in the middle of the park where the likes of Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu are consistent figures.

A look at the underlying numbers also suggests that the Croatian number one would be a huge upgrade on Leeds’ current first-choice shot stopper.

As the stats on Sofascore show, Livakovic averages 2.5 saves compared to Meslier’s 1.7 saves per 90 minutes. The numbers also suggest that the Fenerbahce star is better with his feet, and last season averaged 5.6 accurate long balls compared to just 2.5 accurate long balls each game from the Frenchman.

All the evidence suggests that Livakovic would be a far better signing than Longstaff. Whilst the Newcastle man would bring experience into the midfield, having a reliable man between the sticks is exactly what Leeds need this season.

Meslier had some poor moments last term, and bringing in Livakovic could help solve their issues and allow more consistency in goal. He may certainly end up being a better signing than Longstaff.

More exciting than Longstaff: Leeds pursuing deal for "unplayable" £20m ace

Leeds United are reportedly eyeing up a star who would be an even more exciting signing than Sean Longstaff.

1

By
Dan Emery

Jul 10, 2025

Chelsea have reportedly agreed terms with Dutch starlet Xavi Simons ahead of a proposed move for the RB Leipzig attacking midfielder.

It would represent another excellent attacking signing by Enzo Maresca, who is clearly leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of glory with the Blues this season.

With Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro already joining this summer, the manager has plenty of strength in depth in the final third.

While Simons would be a sublime signing, aren’t the Blues better off spending money trying to bolster their backline instead?

As such, they are eyeing a move for someone who would do just that.

Latest on Chelsea transfer news

The vast majority of the transfer news recently has been regarding attacking players. As mentioned, Simons is closing in on a move, while Maresca is keen on signing Alejandro Garnacho too.

Transfer Focus

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

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Now, according to L’Equipe, Chelsea could be ready to pounce for PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the French side willing to sell him if he doesn’t commit to a new deal.

The Euro 2020 winner has less than a year left to run on his existing contract and the Ligue 1 outfit don’t want a repeat of the Kylian Mbappé debacle that occurred last summer, when the Frenchman departed on a free transfer.

That opens up the possibility that the Blues could see an offer accepted, were they to lodge a bid, with a price tag of around £34m having been touted this summer.

Given the Blues need a solid shot-stopper if they wish to go far in the Champions League and challenge for the domestic title, the Italian is the perfect solution.

Could he even be a better signing than Simons?

Why Chelsea must sign Gianluigi Donnarumma

There is no doubt Simons would bolster the attacking department, but Maresca already boasts a stellar attacking unit, having acquired Delap, Pedro and Gittens already – three players who contributed 38 goals combined in 2024/25.

With teenage sensation Estevao Willian also set to join the mix, the Italian boasts a stellar cast of forward options, led by Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto. It is defensively, however, where Chelsea face bigger problems.

Last term, they conceded 64 goals across 64 matches, while ‘keepers Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen were hardly convincing, the former having made five errors leading to a goal in the top-flight.

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s stats for PSG in Ligue 1 (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

23

Clean sheets

4

Save percentage

68%

Saves made

2.2

Pass accuracy

87%

Errors leading to goals

0

Long ball accuracy

44%

Stats via FBref

Comparing the Spaniard to Donnarumma, there is clearly a difference in quality. Last season, the Italian not only conceded fewer goals domestically (25 vs 34) than Sanchez, but he also completed a higher percentage of passes (87.3% vs 69.7%).

The PSG ‘keeper also conceded fewer goals per game than Sanchez (1 vs 1.1) and lost possession fewer times (3.3 vs 11.8) during their respective domestic leagues last term.

He was hailed as “sensational” by journalist Joe Prince-Wright during PSG’s clash against Arsenal in the Champions League last campaign and the Italian would give Maresca a massive boost regarding his goalkeeping options.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five divisions, Donnarumma ranks in the top 12% for goals against per 90, signifying just how impressive he has been over the previous 12 months for his club side.

A first Champions League winners medal will surely have given the 25-year-old a confidence boost. Moving to Chelsea would ensure he gains plenty of gametime throughout 2025/26, that’s for sure.

Can he be the missing piece of the jigsaw for Maresca? And more importantly, the former AC Milan ‘keeper would surely be a better signing than Simons, given the club’s need for a stronger backline.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rinku Singh played support roles as India drew level 1-1 in the T20I series, with three games still to play

Karthik Krishnaswamy07-Jul-2024

India’s first step into a new era of T20 cricket began with a stumble on Saturday, but they dusted themselves off well and truly to close out the weekend with a portentous win headlined by their most futuristic player. Abhishek Sharma, who lit up IPL 2024 with his incandescent, all-intent displays at the top of the order, gave international cricket its first glimpse of his ability on Sunday, taking Zimbabwe apart with a 46-ball century, the joint third-fastest by an India batter in T20Is.Related

Abhishek Sharma's territory is expanding

Stats – Abhishek Sharma hits India's third-fastest T20I hundred

That effort led India to 234 for 2 – their second-highest T20I total away from home – and left Zimbabwe needing to pull off their highest successful chase – they had only once hauled down a target above 199. They didn’t get anywhere near close, as India’s vastly superior bowling attack made full use of a two-paced pitch while defending a total that was well above-par. The margin of victory – exactly 100 runs – perfectly summed up the contest.A deceptive startOn Saturday, Zimbabwe had opened the bowling with Brian Bennett, deploying his offspin against India’s left-hand debutant, and that had brought a first-over wicket-maiden with Abhishek out for a duck. The same match-up kicked off the second T20I after India opted to bat, and Abhishek got off the mark in international cricket off the first legal ball he faced, pulling it for six.It was a sign of what was to come, but it also wasn’t. International cricket isn’t necessarily a standard than the IPL, but it can be very, very different. This was a Harare pitch with a bit of spongy bounce and seam early on, and Zimbabwe’s attack used it well in the powerplay to keep India to 36 for 1.Shubman Gill fell in the second over, chipping Blessing Muzarabani straight to mid-on, and the towering quick was Zimbabwe’s best bowler in the early stages, troubling Ruturaj Gaikwad in particular with his lift and movement in the corridor. Abhishek took time coming to grips with the conditions too, and at one point was batting on 27 off 23 balls.Then he looked to clear his front leg and hit Luke Jongwe’s nibbly medium-pace over the top, and miscued it high in the air over the mid-off region. Wellington Masakadza got under it, and put it down.Abhishek Sharma’s savours the feeling of getting to a maiden international ton•Associated Press

Abhi shakes the roomFrom that point on, Abhishek was unstoppable, clattering 72 runs in his last 23 balls at the crease, hitting five fours and seven sixes in that time. Suddenly, the conditions ceased to bother him. He was rocking back to marginally short balls and pulling with fierce power. He was stepping out and freeing his arms gloriously to loft over the covers. A modest Zimbabwe attack, suddenly, was looking like what it was.There was another drop along the way, Tendai Chatara running to his right from long-off and getting only the heel of his palm to a lofted drive off Sikandar Raza, when Abhishek was on 77 off 40. Zimbabwe were in the firing line, though, and with all the batting India had in the dugout – they had left out the left-arm quick Khaleel Ahmed and included an extra batter, handing Sai Sudharsan his T20I debut – he was taking nearly every ball on. Abhishek wasn’t worried about getting out – this is why he made such an impact in the IPL even though his longest innings of the season only lasted 28 balls – and on this day luck smiled on him.Along the way, he left a couple of bowlers nursing vivid bruises. Dion Myers’ slow-medium disappeared for 4, 6, 4, 6, 4 in the 11th over, the pick of the hits a monster pull that hit the roof beyond the leg-side boundary to bring up Abhishek’s fifty. Then Masakadza, unfortunate both to have dropped Abhishek and to be a purveyor of left-arm orthodox, went for 6, 6, 6 in the 14th over – the last of them a one-handed swipe over backward square leg that brought up Abhishek’s century – before a miscue off the next ball ended the onslaught.Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad put on 137 off 76 for the second wicket•Associated Press

Gaikwad and Rinku pile it onOr not, because Zimbabwe still had six overs to bowl and India were in the mood now. Gaikwad’s struggle against the conditions and the rust of playing his first competitive cricket since the IPL extended all the way until his 38th ball, when he brought up his fifty with a pulled four off Jongwe. He took Chatara apart in the next over, the 18th, hitting him for three fours and a six to eventually finish unbeaten on 77 off 47.India’s main source of end-overs carnage, however, was Rinku Singh, who had been unlucky to miss their World Cup campaign while boasting an average of 89 and a strike rate of 176.23 in 11 innings at the time the squad was announced. He was in his element here, promoted to No. 4 with the perfect entry point for his skills, slapping the sixth ball he faced for a charging six over the covers and finishing the innings with a four and back-to-back sixes off Jongwe, who ended with figures of 0 for 53 in four overs. Not what he may have anticipated when he induced Abhishek to miscue on 27.Mukesh, Avesh and Bishnoi wrap it upIf Zimbabwe had any hope going into their chase, it lay in the composition of India’s attack. Having picked the extra batter, they were playing only four frontline bowlers, which left four overs to be completed by part-timers Abhishek and Riyan Parag.Abhishek isn’t a part-timer in domestic cricket, and has plenty of variations to go with his stock left-arm orthodox, but he discovered how difficult bowling in the powerplay in an international game can be, conceding 19 in the second over with Bennett in an aggressive mood. Bennett took hold of Mukesh Kumar in the next over as well, hitting him for a pair of massive back-to-back sixes – over square leg and then down the ground – but he fell next ball.Brian Bennett got Zimbabwe off to a flying start with 26 off 9 before being bowled by Mukesh Kumar•Associated Press

That was the second wicket Mukesh had taken with an in-ducker, after one in the first over to bowl Innocent Kaia through the gate. That sort of seam movement, with a bit of inconsistent bounce thrown in, was a defining feature of Zimbabwe’s powerplay: they scored 22 runs more than India did in that phase, thanks to Bennett’s aggression, but they lost four wickets to India’s one.One of these summed up how challenging the conditions still were: a bouncer from Avesh Khan skidding onto Sikandar Raza as he shaped to hook, forcing him to fend a catch off the glove to the keeper.Zimbabwe’s innings continued to flounder after the powerplay, with Ravi Bishnoi looking particularly unhittable – Johnathan Campbell, sweeping and reverse-sweeping with increasing desperation, failed to put bat on five successive balls from him, and bottom-edged the sixth into his body. Wessly Madhevere batted from the start of the chase all the way to the 17th over, and made 43 off 39 balls. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 134 with eight balls remaining, with Mukesh and Avesh bagging three wickets apiece and Bishnoi finishing with 2 for 11 from his four overs.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has opened talks to sign a “commanding” defender, who’s now a top defensive target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on new centre-back amid Saliba concerns

The Gunners’ centre-back partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba has received widespread acclaim over the past few seasons, with Jamie Carragher saying: “As a partnership, him and Gabriel is as good as anything in the Premier League.

“I think Saliba is the better player but Gabriel is the better leader, and Saliba needs to bring that to his game if he wants to get to the levels we talk about with Virgil van Dijk.

“Saliba needs Gabriel. Since Gabriel has come out of the team, that’s not the same Saliba I’m watching.”

Best ST since Auba: Arsenal agree personal terms for £67m "monster"

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign a new striker this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 31, 2025

It has recently been revealed the Brazilian defender is now in advanced talks over a new deal to remain at the Emirates Stadium, but with Real Madrid expressing an interest in Saliba, it could be a wise idea to bring in a new centre-back this summer.

According to a report from Football Transfers, that is exactly what the north Londoners are planning to do, having now moved ahead of Manchester United in the race for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.

Such is Arsenal’s level of interest in Leoni, he has now been identified as one of their top defensive targets for the summer transfer window, with sporting director Berta leading talks over a deal to bring the 18-year-old to north London.

Juventus and Inter Milan are also in the race for the teenager, who joined Parma in a deal amounting to €8m (£7m) last summer, which has proven to be a savvy investment, given that he has emerged as a key player for the Italian side.

"Commanding" Leoni impressing for Parma

At the start of the 2024-25 Serie A campaign, the centre-back found game time difficult to come by, but he managed to establish himself as a key player during the second half of the season, which is an impressive feat at such a young age.

Football scout Ben Mattinson has also been left impressed by the Italian defender, describing his aerial dominance and duel prowess as “commanding”, while also stating the youngster is “destined” to play for a top club.

Leoni is yet to prove himself over a sustained period of time, but his emergence as a first-team player at such a young age can only be a good sign, and the Parma ace could be a solid addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

That said, there are a number of other interesting young defenders on the shortlist for Arsenal, and Arteta may even decide against bringing in a new centre-back, given that Gabriel and Saliba are arguably almost undroppable when fit.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now tabled a contract offer to sign an “excellent” midfielder, and they are looking to beat Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur to his signature, according to a report.

Wolves stepping up summer transfer plans

Wolves are on a remarkable run of form under the helm of Vitor Pereira, winning their last six Premier League games on the spin to move up to 13th in the table, and the manager will be hoping his side can carry the momentum into the 2025-26 campaign.

Before then, however, Pereira will have the opportunity to put his own stamp on the squad, and targets have been picked out in a number of areas in recent days, with Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy recently being named as an option at striker.

Internal talks have also been held over a move for West Bromwich Albion’s Grady Diangana, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, although it may be difficult to convince the winger to move to the Baggies’ bitter rivals.

Vitor Pereira wants Wolves to sign 22 y/o ace who he's worked with before

He could be a strong addition to Wanderers’ midfield.

1 ByHenry Jackson Apr 25, 2025

With speculation building over Matheus Cunha’s future, it may be particularly important for Pereira to strengthen in forward areas this summer, but the Old Gold are also keen on strengthening their options in the middle of the park.

That is according to a report from Spain (via Sport Witness), which states Wolves have now offered to triple Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso’s salary, in a bid to lure the USA international to Molineux this summer.

Tottenham have a deal which allows them to buy Cardoso for €25m (£21m) which he agreed to last summer, but there is now a growing possibility that he leaves for a higher amount, with a €30m – €35m (£25m – £30m) move on the cards.

Interest is growing from within the Premier League, and the Old Gold’s willingness to triple his salary underlines just how highly the 23-year-old is regarded at Molineux.

"Excellent" Cardoso impressing in La Liga

It is little wonder that clubs are now queuing up to sign the Betis star, given that he has put in some impressive performances over the past year, most notably flourishing in a defensive role, although he also ranks relatively highly for non-penalty goals, when compared to other midfielders.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.12 (72nd percentile)

Successful take-ons

0.96 (80th percentile)

Interceptions

2.12 (98th percentile)

Clearances

2.47 (91st percentile)

As such, the American is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, and he has also been praised for his ability to pick out his teammates by scout/writer Ben Mattinson.

It may be difficult for Wolves to compete for Cardoso’s signature, given that Tottenham have the option to sign him, but there is every indication he could be a success at Molineux if they are able to win the race.

La Liga leaders and Champions League semi-finalists Barcelona are readying a £30m+ offer to sign a Manchester United player.

Players who could leave Man Utd this summer

It has been a difficult 2024/25 campaign for the Red Devils and Ruben Amorim, who are looking to rescue their season by winning the Europa League.

Man Utd are set to take on Athletic Club in the semi-finals after a dramatic quarter-final triumph over Lyon, however, it is promising to be a busy summer in the transfer market ahead of Amorim’s first full season in charge at Old Trafford.

Previous reports claimed that Man Utd and INEOS could move on up to 10 Red Devils players who currently pick up £1.8m per week at the club.

Casemiro (£350,000-a-week), Marcus Rashford (£300,000-a-week), Mason Mount, (£250,000-a-week), Jadon Sancho, (£250,000-a-week), Antony (£200,000-a-week), Christian Eriksen (£150,000-a-week), Victor Lindelof (£120,000-a-week), Rasmus Hojlund (£85,000-a-week), Jonny Evans (£85,000-a-week) and Tom Heaton (£45,000-a-week) may all exit Old Trafford, with some out of contract and others out on loan.

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United are in desperate needs of reinforcements.

Posts ByBarney Lane Apr 21, 2025

Rashford is one of those currently out on loan and has been impressing at Aston Villa, which has led to plenty of praise from Unai Emery.

“He is a good guy – humble, a very good professional, and he is really happy with his teammates. He is being demanding on himself and with everything we want to work on with him, with the team. He is playing free, he feels comfortable and this is the most important thing.

“We try to connect with him as a person first of all, and afterwards as a player. His process here is getting better, playing in two different positions. He started with us as a left-winger and now he is playing more as a striker. It’s about how he can exploit his qualities as well as he can.”

Aston Villa have an option to sign Rashford on a permanent basis for £40m but are yet to make up their mind, and it looks as if Barcelona are readying their move as a result.

Barcelona ready £30m+ bid to sign Rashford from Man Utd

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona are preparing a €40m (£34.4m) offer to sign Rashford from Man Utd this summer. The Spanish giants are ‘willing to make a significant move’ to bring Rashford to the Nou Camp, and it is added that Rashford has dreams of playing for Barcelona.

Rashford’s 2024/25 stats

Man Utd

Aston Villa

Games

24

16

Goals

7

3

Assists

3

6

Minutes played

1,500

864

The report also claims ‘the Red Devils would have to seriously consider’ an offer of €40m as Barcelona look to take advantage of Rashford’s situation.

Rashford has starred for Villa since joining on loan in January, and by the looks of things, a move to Spain could be one to keep an eye on for the England international, especially if Villa decide against signing him permanently.