All posts by z3u9t.icu

And just like that, Arsenal have got their first win of their Champions League campaign.

The three points are ultimately what matter most, but it would be fair to say that Mikel Arteta’s side weren’t at their best against Athletic Bilbao this evening.

The North Londoners got their goals through Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, but up until the Brazilian slotted home in the 72nd minute, they underwhelmed.

Several players will have to up their game for the next match, but Arteta also has to make a few changes, notably no longer playing two specific stars together.

Arsenal's underwhelming stars

Now, it should be said that while we think several Arsenal starters didn’t put in strong performances today, none of them were terrible.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

After all, the Gunners were the better side and ultimately deserved all three points.

With that said, one of those who started the game that didn’t exactly light it up was Viktor Gyokeres.

There were moments in which the Swedish international showed his ability, be that by holding up the ball for his teammates or making a few well-timed runs, but that was pretty much it.

His job is to put the ball in the back of the net, and he ended up missing a few chances, including a header in the first half and then another in the second.

Minutes

65′

Expected Goals

0.47

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.01

Assists

0

Shots on Target

1

Shots off Target

3

Big Chances Missed

2

Touches

18

Accurate Passes

6/7 (86%)

Dribbles

0

Moreover, his statistics don’t make for pretty reading, as he made just six passes in 65 minutes, took three shots off target for his one that was on target, and officially missed two big chances.

The Stockholm-born monster wasn’t the only attacker to have a forgettable night, though.

Eberechi Eze also struggled to have much of an impact in Bilbao, coming off in the 71st minute with an expected assists figure of 0.11, just 19 completed passes and didn’t take a single shot.

However, while the two summer signings struggled to make an impact up top, there was a more significant problem elsewhere in the team, a problem stemming from a pairing Arteta must not start again.

The Arsenal duo who must not start again

While Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera once again showed Arteta why they can be an incredible pairing tonight, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino did the opposite.

Now the Englishman is an unquestionably world-class midfielder and has been one of the Gunners’ best players since joining the club in 2023.

Likewise, the Spaniard has proven his usefulness over the last year or so, but the manager needs to stop playing them in the midfield together, especially when Martin Zubimendi is at the base.

The reasons why are relatively straightforward: they don’t offer enough attacking threat, and at times can be exposed for lack of finesse.

For example, the pair produced a combined expected assist figure of 0.20 and a combined expected goals figure of just 0.05, which was all from the former Real Sociedad ace.

Minutes

96′

Expected Goals

0.05

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.04

Assists

0

Shots on Target

1

Big Chances Created

0

Crosses (Accurate)

1 (0)

Accurate Passes

21/28 (75%)

Dribbles

0

Possession Lost

12

Duels (Won)

13 (5)

Fouls

3

Although considering there was only one shot on target between them and one big chance created, those metrics are hardly surprising.

On top of lacking creativity and attacking thrust, the pairing was frustratingly loose with possession.

Minutes

96′

Expected Goals

0.00

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.20

Assists

0

Shots on Target

0

Ground Duels (Won)

4 (2)

Accurate Passes

47/58 (81%)

Possession Lost

13

Fouls

2

During their 96 minutes of action, they lost the ball a staggering 25 times, with the former West Ham United captain losing it 13 times and the La Roja star 12.

Unsurprisingly, given their middling performances, the pair received just a 5/10 match rating from the Sun’s Joshua Hall, which feels about right.

Ultimately, Arsenal were deserved winners tonight and can go into Wednesday’s game in good spirits, but a few changes still need to be made, and one of those is no longer playing Merino and Rice in the same midfield.

Arteta can make Eze better by benching Arsenal's "Player of the Season so far"

The incredible international could make Arsenal and Eze far more dangerous in the Champions League this evening.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 16, 2025

Liverpool’s transfer window this summer has been one for the ages – potentially going down as one of the biggest summers in the history of any side in England’s top-flight.

Before deadline day commenced, Arne Slot had already spent just shy of £300m, as he looked to build on his Premier League triumph during his debut campaign in the role.

Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitiké and Giovanni Leoni have all completed their respective moves to Anfield – subsequently bolstering all areas of the pitch.

It’s clear the hierarchy have wanted to back the Dutchman after his success in the early days of his tenure on Merseyside, but looks set to continue before tonight’s 7pm deadline.

Numerous players are still on the club’s radar, with Slot and the hierarchy needing to work rapidly to get deals completed before the summer window slams shut.

The latest on Liverpool’s deal to sign Guehi

In recent hours, Liverpool’s move for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi has progressed rapidly – leading to a £35m transfer being agreed between the two clubs.

It’s now been reported that the player is having his medical in London to complete his deal before the deadline, further improving the club’s already impressive backline.

However, he’s not the only Premier League player currently in their sights, with Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers another talent the club are considering, according to journalist Matt Thielen.

He claims that the Reds are assessing a late move for the England international, especially after Harvey Elliott agreed a deal to join Unai Emery’s side earlier today.

Any deal would be an expensive one though, with his current employers currently demanding a fee in the region of £80m to offload one of their star men this summer.

Why Liverpool’s latest target would be perfect for Isak

Alexander Isak looks set to be the most expensive player in English football history – with the saga for his move to join Liverpool finally set to come to a positive conclusion.

The Reds agreed a £125m fee with Newcastle United for the Swedish international’s signature late last night – subsequently joining for more than Wirtz did earlier in the window.

The 25-year-old has been on Merseyside all day completing his proposed transfer to join Slot’s side, with just a formal announcement left until the player’s transfer can be confirmed.

Despite the massive array of attacking talent already on the books, the Swede could be further bolstered in his attempts to be a success during his time at Anfield.

A move for Rogers would offer the club-record signing a further presence around him in the final third – with the England international having the tools to provide him with key opportunities in front of goal.

His stats from his time at Villa last season highlight the talent he possesses when in possession, with such a move being yet another statement of intent from the hierarchy.

Rogers, who has been labelled “phenomenal” by Lee Hendrie, registered 2.1 passes into the final third per 90 in the Premier League last season – highlighting his ability to progress the ball into dangerous areas.

Games played

37

Goals & assists

18

Passes into the final third

2.1

Carries into the final third

2.1

Take-on success

48%

Passes into the 18-yard box

1.7

Pass accuracy

77%

Successful dribbles

1.9

Such a tally would hugely benefit Isak upon his move to Anfield, subsequently allowing him to build on his impressive tally of 23 Premier League goals in 2024/25.

The Villa star also notched 2.1 carries into the final third per 90, achieving a 48% take-on success rate – subsequently able to drive with the ball into forward areas before teeing up the Swedish international.

The Englishman’s talents are further reflected in his tally of 1.7 passes into the opposition box per 90, further showcasing his sensational ability when transitioning the play in the opponent’s half.

£80m would be another mammoth transfer fee splashed by the Reds board, but it’s one that could make the side an unstoppable force – strengthening their grip on the current crown.

If he can replicate similar stats alongside Isak on Merseyside, the pair would be able to build a deadly partnership that would massively improve their title chances throughout 2025/26.

More vital than Isak: Key Liverpool target now ready for medical in London

Liverpool are looking to seal one more signature before the end of the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 1, 2025

After dropping out of the race to sign Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their focus towards improving their backline with the addition of a Premier League rival.

Newcastle drop out of Ekitike race

In the end it seemed to be a choice of either opening the door for Liverpool to make their move for Alexander Isak or miss out on Ekitike for Newcastle, who swiftly chose to prioritise their Swedish star. As per Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies have now walked away from any potential deal to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt forward, allowing Liverpool to advance.

It’s a frustratingly familiar story for those at St James’ Park this summer. Despite doing well to welcome Anthony Elanga and with James Trafford likely on his way, Eddie Howe has been forced to watch on as the likes of Joao Pedro and now Ekitike head elsewhere. Back to square one on the transfer front, Newcastle must now assess their options.

With pre-season underway and around one month to go until the Premier League is back, there are a number of options that Newcastle could turn towards after missing out on Ekitike, but Yoane Wissa remains the standout name.

The Brentford forward scored 19 Premier League goals last season – more than Ekitike managed in the Bundesliga – and is certainly ready for a big move away from West London.

He remains one to watch, and the same can be said for another Premier League rival as Newcastle look to welcome further fresh faces before the end of August.

Newcastle pushing to sign Disasi

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are now pushing to sign Axel Disasi from Chelsea after opening negotiations with those at Stamford Bridge. There is reportedly some belief that the Magpies could land a deal for just €30m (£26m), which would be a cut-price from the Blues’ €35m (£30m) valuation.

Newcastle now plotting shock £50m move to sign "brilliant" South American

This would be one of the most unexpected moves of the summer.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 17, 2025

Although the Frenchman’s move hasn’t gone exactly to plan at Chelsea, he could quickly rediscover his best form with a summer switch to St James’ Park. It’s there that the 6’3 defender could act as instant competition for Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, before eventually replacing the ageing latter.

Minutes

854

412

2,934

Progressive Passes P90

3.37

1.52

3.62

Tackles Won P90

0.95

1.96

0.64

Ball Recoveries P90

3.16

3.04

4.11

Finally gaining some much-needed game time on loan at Aston Villa last season, Disasi impressed at times and began to live up to the praise of U23 scout Antonio Mango, who previously described the defender as “brilliant”.

If Newcastle can land a deal worth just £26m too, then they should consider that an impressive bargain for a defender who should be at the peak of his powers at 27 years old.

After spending big on Matheus Cunha and soon Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United have now turned their focus towards much-needed sales and are reportedly negotiating the departure of a £200,000-a-week star.

Players Man Utd could sell this summer

After finishing 15th and failing to qualify for European football, many expected Manchester United to endure a difficult summer transfer window. So far, that has not proved to be the case, however.

Instead, INEOS have been splashing the cash – first welcoming Cunha for around £63m and then pushing on with an offer worth over £60m to sign Mbeumo from Brentford. But those arrivals are unlikely to come without sacrifice this summer.

On the exit front, the Red Devils must get busy and open the exit door for several players – starting with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford. Both players are almost certain to leave Old Trafford this summer, but there remain question marks over their next destinations.

In an ideal world, Aston Villa would have the finances to sign Rashford on a permanent deal following a successful loan spell in the second half of last season, but the reality is that their PSR issues are likely to provide an obstacle in the way of any potential deal.

Instead, reports suggest that United could be forced to rely on interested parties such as Barcelona to come swooping in.

Meanwhile, Garnacho’s next destination could come closer to home this summer amid interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea. The Blues could reportedly come calling for a player that Ruben Amorim desperately wants out even if it is to the Blues.

Be it Rashford, Garnacho or one £200,000-a-week star, the Red Devils simply must undergo a significant clear-out before the end of the summer transfer window.

Man Utd now negotiating "complex" Antony exit

As revealed by Real Betis chief Manu Fajardo, Manchester United are now in “complex” negotiations to sell Antony to the Spanish club in a big-money deal this summer. The winger endured a revived spell on loan at Betis in the second half of last season and is now keen to complete a return to the La Liga side.

Farjardo told local reporters as relayed by Sport Witness: “We all have to be aware that this is a very complex operation. Given the player’s level and his recent career at Real Betis, it’s not an easy transaction.

“But, as long as Antony hasn’t committed to a third party, we, with the utmost humility, will play our cards to be able to opt for Antony. I insist, despite this being a complex operation, we will try to carry it out in different ways without compromising the club.”

INEOS in contact for "phenomenal" £86m star who wants to join Man Utd instead of Arsenal

He’s reportedly made a shock transfer U-turn this summer…

ByTom Cunningham Jun 27, 2025

As the Betis sporting director reiterated, it won’t be an easy deal to sign Antony – not least because of his £200,000-a-week salary – but it is one that they’re still negotiating nonetheless this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur and their transfer plans for the summer window are underway, starting with the permanent signing of Mathys Tel for £30 million, but they’re by no means finished with the Frenchman.

Spurs are poised for a crucial 2025/2026 campaign back in the Champions League, and new manager Thomas Frank is tasked with building off his predecessor’s Europa League triumph in Bilbao last month.

"Special" Tottenham forward spotted at another club amid talks to leave

Spurs are in negotiations over his exit.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025

Ange Postecoglou brought an end to the club’s 17-year wait for major silverware with their 1-0 victory over Man United, which subsequently confirmed Tottenham’s spot in Europe’s most prestigious competition for next season.

The significant financial windfall awarded to them thanks to Spurs’ Champions League qualification is set to play a “huge” role in their summer recruitment drive, and they no longer have to operate under a ‘sell to buy’ policy (Michael Bridge).

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Nevertheless, a rebuild is still anticipated, with Atlético Madrid eyeing up a move for star defender Cristian Romero and club legend Son Heung-min attracting serious interest from Saudi Arabia, amid credible reports 2024/2025 could have been his last at Tottenham.

There have been suggestions in the last few months that Tottenham could even sell Pedro Porro this summer, even if these claims were before their Europa League win, with the resurgence of Djed Spence playing a role here too.

Interestingly, football.london’s Alasdair Gold has recently revealed that Spence has a long-time admirer in new head coach Frank. Brentford held a long-standing interest in the Englishman, with bids even made for him in previous summers, so Spence could be a member of the squad who stands to seriously benefit from the Dane’s arrival.

If Spurs decide they can afford to sell Porro for a substantial fee after all, despite his excellent performances towards the back end of last season, they’ll still need a new right-back to come in and rotate with Spence, especially with their hectic European fixture calendar.

Tottenham willing to "invest heavily" on Vanderson signing

According to a report from UOL, Monaco defender Vanderson is firmly on the Lilywhites’ transfer shortlist.

The Brazil international is currently being chased by Barcelona, though, who’ve intensified talks with the Ligue 1 side, and progress has been made in negotiations to lure Vanderson to the Camp Nou.

They’re counting on the 23-year-old’s preference to join the Spanish champions, with Monaco seeking a fee north of £30 million to part company with their highly-rated wing-back. However, Frank’s side could pose a real threat and hijack their deal.

UOL state that Tottenham are still in the running to sign Vanderson, whilst willing to “invest heavily” in his signing. Monaco also have a major incentive to sell to Spurs instead. Spanish taxes mean Monaco would lose around 15 per cent of their final sale value, but a transfer to England would mean they take a far less substantial loss in that regard.

Taking this into account, the “perfectionist” defender could be one to watch at N17.

Vanderson is a well-balanced modern full-back who has established himself as a reliable defender at Monaco since his move there three years ago. According to The Mail, Brentford actually held talks over a deal for Vanderson in 2021, so he’s a player who Frank has admired for quite a while.

The question remains for those of a Leeds United persuasion – can Joel Piroe cut it in the Premier League?

The hope will be that the Dutchman can replicate the heroics of Patrick Bamford in 2020/21, with the Englishman notably firing in 17 top-flight goals under Marcelo Bielsa, having netted 16 times during the club’s promotion push the year prior.

In the case of Piroe, the former Swansea City man ended the most recent campaign with 19 goals to his name, having hit 14 Championship goals the previous season, with that coming despite not being a “natural number nine”, as per pundit Clinton Morrison.

Whether or not the Dutchman can thrive amid the step up remains to be seen, although what is evident – as Morrison pointed to – is that further reinforcements will be needed, particularly if young Mateo Joseph is to depart.

Having seen the last six promoted sides slip straight back into the second tier, Daniel Farke and co will need Premier League-proven options to avoid a similar fate, with the search for new faces seemingly already underway.

Latest on Leeds's search for a striker

Report back in May indicated that a surprise target had emerged in the form of Everton’s Beto, with the former Udinese man ending 2024/25 with eight league goals to his name, after netting just three times the previous season.

Elsewhere, there have also been suggestions that Farke could look to secure a bargain deal for departing Leicester City hero, Jamie Vardy, with the 38-year-old looking for a new home amid his expiring contract.

That duo don’t appear to be the only Premier League options that the Yorkshire side are considering, however, with The Athletic’s Beren Cross outlining that the club are also showing an interest in Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Cross, Leeds are said to have made enquiries about signing the Brazilian, with club sources said to have ‘acknowledged’ that interest, albeit while hinting that there are more likely candidates to arrive at Elland Road this summer.

Even so, with just a year left to run on his existing deal at Craven Cottage – with the option of a 12-month extension – the 24-year-old would represent a viable option, with Newcastle United also in the running for his signature.

While perhaps not the glamour name that supporters will be craving, it’s worth noting that there is an element of Erling Haaland about Muniz…

How Muniz compares to Erling Haaland

In another universe, perhaps the Manchester City man would have been plying his trade in Yorkshire, with the club having famously made an attempt to sign the Leeds-born sensation back in 2017.

Unfortunately, Leeds have had to witness the Norwegian go on to shine elsewhere, notably firing in 121 goals in just 142 games at the Etihad, after previously netting 86 times in 89 games for Borussia Dortmund.

Muniz, it must be said, doesn’t come close to reaching those levels, although – as per FBref – the Fulham star is said to be a stylistically and statistically similar player to Haaland, among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues – as well as in the Premier League.

Indeed, the top two most similar players to Muniz in the top-flight in 2024/25 were Beto and Haaland, with there evidently a particular type of striker that Farke and his recruitment team are chasing.

That likeness between Muniz and Haaland, in particular, is notably evidenced by just how clinical they are in front of goal, with the former ranking in the top 3% of top-flight strikers for non-penalty goals per 90, having scored eight goals last season from just eight starts. The Man City man, meanwhile, ranks in the top 8% in that regard.

Jack Hinshelwood

0.28

Chris Wood

0.26

Jorgen Strand Larsen

0.26

Richarlison

0.24

Jhon Duran

0.23

James Maddison

0.23

Marc Cucurella

0.21

Yoane Wissa

0.21

Rodrigo Muniz

0.21

Equally too is that much-needed single-minded or perhaps selfish streak that both possess, with Muniz ranking in the top 10% for total shots per 90, while his prolific counterpart ranks in top 12% for that same metric.

With the one-time Middlesbrough loanee also ranking in the top 10% for aerial duels, it showcases just what an imposing focal point he is, much like the 6 foot 4 Haaland, having rightly been lauded as a “handful” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Also hailed by Mattinson for his “seriously impressive” 2023/24 season, in which he scored nine league goals from only 18 starts, Muniz could be the clinical figure that Leeds are in need of, with a more consistent run of games the only thing that has perhaps held him back in west London.

A reported £50m asking price might be a significant stumbling block, although if Leeds are looking to find their own version of the machine-like Haaland, then Muniz could well be the man.

49ers spend £90m: AI predicts 5 players Leeds United will sign this summer

It’s set to be a busy few months at Elland Road.

2 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

A crucial afternoon awaits for Chelsea.

Going into the final day of the Premier League season, the Blues kick off in fifth place, thereby occupying the final Champions League spot, but are far from guaranteed to remain there.

Their hosts, Nottingham Forest, are just a point behind Enzo Maresca’s team, so, defeat at the City Ground would see them slip out of the Champions League places and, assuming Aston Villa avoid defeat at Old Trafford simultaneously, the Blues would end up seventh.

This would mean, if they’re then also beaten by Real Betis in Wednesday’s Conference League Final in Wrocław, they would end up back in next season’s Conference League, which absolutely no Chelsea supporter wants to come to pass.

Given all of that, there is so much for Maresca’s men to play for on the pitch while, off it, plans are already coming together for next season, so could Chelsea land a new striker?

Chelsea's search for a new striker

According to a report by Cahê Mota of Brazilian outlet Globo, Chelsea have made a €60m (around £51m) offer to sign Brighton & Hove Albion forward João Pedro, adding that the Blues are attempting to ‘speed up negotiations’, hoping to have the star in place ahead of the Club World Cup.

Well, the 23-year-old appears likely to be on the move at some point this summer because, as documented by Steve Sutcliffe of BBC Sport, Pedro will not be involved when the Seagulls face Spurs on Sunday, have also not been in the matchday squad to take on Liverpool last Monday either, following a ‘training ground altercation’ with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.

Despite this, the Brazilian is still a sought-after striker, with presenter Sam Ucko labelling him a ‘special player’ who is destined to go to ‘the very top’, so could he be on his way to Stamford Bridge?

Chelsea's search for their next great striker

As noted by Richard Jolly of Four Four Two, Chelsea have had their fair share of striker flops through the years; the names Andriy Shevchenko, Chris Sutton, Adrian Mutu, Mateja Kežman, and many others immediately spring to mind.

In fact, one could argue that Chelsea have not had a clinical centre-forward since the days of Diego Costa.

After arriving from Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2014 for a reported £32m, the Spanish international scored 59 goals in 120 appearances for the Blues, winning two Premier League titles and the EFL Cup, also named in the PFA Team of the Year at the end of his first campaign in England.

The table below outlines all the Blues’ highest-scoring centre-forwards in the last decade.

2014/15

Diego Costa

20

21

2015/16

Diego Costa

12

16

2016/17

Diego Costa

20

22

2017/18

Álvaro Morata

11

15

2018/19

Olivier Giroud

2

13

2019/20

Tammy Abraham

15

18

2020/21

Tammy Abraham

6

12

2021/22

Romelu Lukaku

8

15

2022/23

Kai Havertz

7

9

2023/24

Nicolas Jackson

14

17

2024/25

Nicolas Jackson

10

12

As the table outlines, no Chelsea centre-forward has reached 20 goals across all competitions since Costa’s departure, while noting that Eden Hazard in 2018/19 as well as Cole Palmer last season did reach this milestone, albeit, of course, neither of those are strikers.

So, could João Pedro change this fact?

Well, let’s look at his statistics this season to help answer this question.

Minutes

1,948

170th

Goals

10

19th

Goals per 90

0.46

17th

Assists

6

26th

Goals + assists per 90

0.74

9th

Shots per 90

1.94

59th

Goals – xG

+1.1

65th

Shot-creating actions

72

72nd

Goal-creating actions

9

63rd

As the table outlines, despite limited minutes, Pedro has managed ten Premier League goals this season, thereby ranking very highly for goals-per-90 in particular.

This is on top of the 20 goals he managed last season, six of which came in the Europa League, a very impressive return during his debut campaign with the Seagulls and would have been the highest by any Chelsea striker since Costa left.

Adrian Clarke of the Premier League praises the Brazilian’s ‘versatility’ as well as his quick movement and ability to ‘dribble past players with ease’, while Liam Tharme of the Athletic underlines how his ‘technical prowess’ allows him to drop deep and get involved in the build-up play.

Meantime, Shay Hicks of Talent Football Scout asserts that Pedro ‘would thrive with higher-quality teammates’, so could he be on his way to Chelsea, possibly becoming the striker they’ve spent nigh on a decade searching for?

A younger Isak: Chelsea make contact for "one of the best STs out there"

Chelsea are looking to sign a striker or two this summer

ByRoss Kilvington May 23, 2025

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is fresh off the back of another fine season at Selhurst Park, and his stance on leaving this summer has now come to light amid interest from a host of London rivals.

Eze on a Crystal Palace high after FA Cup winner against Man City

Oliver Glasner guided Palace to their first ever major trophy at the end of 2024/2025, with Eze scoring the winning goal as they overcame Premier League heavyweights Man City at Wembley to lift the FA Cup.

Talks held: Crystal Palace open discussions to sign UCL "gladiator" for £0

The Eagles have swooped in to sign a Champions League player, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

The ex-QPR star etched himself into club folklore with his deft one-touch finish from inside the penalty area, a side-footed volley which will live long in the memory of Palace supporters, and the Eagles are set to compete in Europe next year as a result.

He was a key man for Glasner throughout the last campaign – registering 25 goal contributions across 43 appearances in all competitions (14 goals, 11 assists) – and Eze’s presence undoubtedly played a major role in cementing the Austrian’s status as Palace’s most successful manager in recent memory.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish recently confirmed that Glasner will remain at Selhurst, at least until the end of his contract, which expires in 2026, as club chiefs work to negotiate an extension.

“He (Glasner) will stay here, for some period of time,” Parish told reporters at the FA Cup final (via The Athletic).

“What happens in the future, the summer transfer window, players, is for tomorrow, but he’ll be here next year and we’ll take it from there.

“Of course we want him to stay but things happen in football, clubs evolve and move on and I’d love him to stay but the club has to develop and show the ambition in terms of the things we have to do to move it forward for people to feel part of something. If that all aligns maybe it will.”

As Glasner prepares for his second full season at Palace, there is little doubt that he’d prefer to keep hold of his star players, especially Eze.

However, the England international’s contract does include a £68 million release clause, which allows clubs to bypass negotiations with Palace and head straight to the player himself to discuss personal terms.

Eberechi Eze's stance on Crystal Palace exit amid Arsenal and Tottenham interest

The final decision will rest with Palace’s star player, and the prospect of success at more traditionally-elite English sides is a worrying temptation.

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal and Tottenham are expressing a serious interest, as are Man United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich.

However, the outlet shares some good news for Palace, namely Eze’s stance when it comes to drawing the curtain on a glittering career in south London.

It is believed that Eze is reluctant to push for a Palace exit this summer and is currently content right where he is, so the 26-year-old is in no hurry to pack his bags, despite holding ambitions to compete and win more trophies.

It is ultimately the task of Glasner and Parish to convince Eze that they can build upon this year’s FA Cup win and provide the attacking midfielder with a platform to showcase his ability at the highest level, which is easier said than done considering Palace face losing other key players.

Star defender Marc Guehi is attracting interest from Tottenham again heading into the summer window, with his contract expiring in 2026, while mainstay left-back Tyrick Mitchell has attracted interest from Arsenal as his deal expires in 2027.

There will be plenty of change at Ibrox this summer after Glasgow Rangers confirmed that several players will be moving on from the club ahead of next season.

A new head coach will also be in the dugout when the 2025/26 campaign gets underway, as the Light Blues have confirmed that Barry Ferguson will not be getting the job on a full-time basis after his interim spell.

As well as the Scottish interim boss, Rangers have revealed that three first-team players will be leaving Glasgow as free agents at the end of this month.

The Rangers players being released this summer

Rangers have announced that Tom Lawrence, Leon Balogun, and Ianis Hagi will not have their contracts renewed, making them free agents ahead of the summer transfer window.

They are three experienced operators who will be moving on from Ibrox, and two of them – Balogun and Hagi – were part of the 2020/21 title-winning campaign under Steven Gerrard.

Hagi, in particular, played a big role on the pitch this season with four goals and five assists in 24 appearances in the Scottish Premiership after coming in from the cold.

These three stars are not the only experienced players who should be ruthlessly ditched by the 49ers, once the takeover is completed, and Kevin Thelwell this summer, however, as Robin Propper should also be on the chopping block.

Why Robin Propper should be sold this summer

The Gers swooped to sign the Dutch defender from FC Twente to bolster their backline in the summer transfer window last year after Connor Goldson moved on from Ibrox.

Unfortunately, the 31-year-old centre-back does not seem particularly suited to the physical nature of the Scottish Premiership, as opposition forwards have found it too easy against him at times.

Rangers only conceded nine goals in the 11 matches that he did not feature in and 32 in the 27 that he did play, which suggests that they were better defensively without him.

Appearances

30

27

Goals conceded

22

32

Dribbled past per game

0.2x

0.4x

Ground duel success rate

73%

62%

Aerial duel success rate

67%

64%

Fouls per game

0.7

0.9

As you can see in the table above, the Light Blues made their team worse by replacing Goldson with Propper, who has failed to offer more quality in the centre-back position, as shown by the stark contrast in goals conceded.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Back in December, pundit Neil McCann outlined how concerning Propper’s performances were in the Premiership. He said: “Propper is struggling. He’s been pretty vocal over the last couple of weeks that he’s finding it tough in our league. He’s been asked the question early on. It’s quite worrying when you see him struggling as bad as that. Look at the body language – he’s looking for a way out already.”

This is why the 49ers must ruthlessly axe the central defender from the squad in the summer transfer window, if there are any clubs interested in snapping him up, because he has not adjusted well to Scottish football.

Whilst he is not the only player in the defence, it is worrying that there has been a huge drop off in defensive form since he was signed to replace Goldson, and that the team has a better defensive record without Propper in the side.

Therefore, Rangers must move on from Propper in the summer transfer window after they have already made the ruthless decisions to release Balogun, Hagi, and Lawrence.

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Rangers’ six-man managerial shortlist has been revealed, and the 49ers should hire an “outstanding” coach rather than going back to Steven Gerrard.

May 21, 2025

Crystal Palace have now made an enquiry to sign a 28-year-old on a free transfer ahead of rival interest from fellow Londoners Fulham, according to a recent report.

Palace shop for Glasner replacements just in case

Given how the season started for the Eagles and how it could end, it has been quite a turnaround for Oliver Glasner and Palace, as they remain in the hunt for a top-half Premier League finish and could win England’s oldest competition this month.

Sky Sports: Crystal Palace now want 4-2-3-1 manager should Glasner leave

Steve Parish has his eye on a new managerial target if Glasner departs Selhurst Park.

ByBrett Worthington May 6, 2025

Reaching the FA Cup final and guiding the club away from relegation trouble likely means that Palace chiefs are going to want to extend Glasner’s stay at Selhurst Park. However, the links of a potential move away at the end of the season are not going away. In the last couple of months, Glasner was linked with a move to RB Leipzig and it’s now being claimed that he is the number one choice for the Bundesliga side.

As well as RB Leipzig, Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in appointing Glasner as their new manager should Ange Postecoglou be sacked at the end of the campaign.

These links have made Palace put their own ducks in a row, and according to Sky Sports German reporter Philipp Hinze, Palace are interested in appointing Danny Rohl as their new manager should Glasner depart. However, they are not the only teams chasing the German, as Leicester City and Southampton are also keen on the Sheffield Wednesday boss.

Crystal Palace make enquiry to sign 28 y/o on free transfer

But while the future of Glasner remains up in the air, Palace chiefs are looking ahead to the summer and already have their eye on one player they would like to bring to Selhurst Park. According to TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace are now considering signing midfielder Yvan Neyou on a free transfer.

The report states that Palace are among the clubs who have joined the race to sign Neyou, who is set to leave Spanish side Leganes when his contract expires. It is claimed that La Liga side Valencia are leading the race to sign the 28-year-old, but his performances for a struggling side have alerted the attention of Palace as well as Fulham.

The Eagles have now made an enquiry to understand if Neyou would be interested in a move to Selhurst Park, but have yet to make an offer. Neyou’s consistent form, defensively and offensively, in a side that is struggling at the foot of the table has plenty of appeal to clubs operating on a smaller budget.

Apps

28

Starts

25

Goals

1

Assists

1

Touches per game

49.0

Key passes per game

0.4

Passes per game (accuracy)

31.3 (87%)

Interceptions per game

0.9

Tackles per game

1.9

Balls recovered per game

4.0

Palace are of course wary of the interest in Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton – winning the FA Cup and gaining access to European football could be required to ensure Neyou joins the duo at Selhurst Park instead of replacing them.