After a traditionally slow start to the transfer window, the Gunners have really come to life in recent weeks.
In addition to welcoming Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga, the board appears to be progressing in their pursuit of Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, and perhaps most exciting of all, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede could be a transformational signing for the North Londoners, and in yet more exciting news, the club are also being linked with a Premier League star who could be his dream ten.
Arsenal target dream ten for Gyokeres
For quite some time this summer, it looked like RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko was going to be the striker Arsenal signed.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, late last week, it was widely reported that the North Londoners had switched their focus to Gyokeres.
Since then, the Swede has reportedly agreed to personal terms, and the North Londoners have been in talks with Sporting CP, with reports suggesting the final fee could be around £70m.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their first goal
It feels like a matter of when and not if the Gunners secure the 27-year-old’s services, and now it looks like they are looking for further reinforcements, including someone who’d likely be a dream number ten for the striker: Morgan Rogers.
Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein, as relayed by Caught Offside, Arsenal are interested in the Aston Villa star.
The report does not mention the cost to the Gunners of acquiring the Englishman, but based on stories from earlier this summer, the fee required to secure his release from Villa Park could be as much as £100m.
It would be an expensive transfer to get over the line, but Rogers has more than proven his worth over the last year or so, and he’d be a dream ten for Gyokeres.
Why Gyokeres would love Rogers
While Gyokeres is an incredibly talented forward, he’s fundamentally at his best when he’s in and around the penalty area, not dropping deep to collect the ball.
We can see as much from his heatmap last season, and therefore, to get the most out of him, he needs a mobile and dangerous ten behind him.
The good news is that Rogers certainly fits that bill, and then some.
For example, FBref ranked him in the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for through balls and in the top 15% in the Champions League for successful take-ons per 90.
On top of that, his output for the Claret and Blue last season was spectacular, especially when you take into account that he is still just 22 years old.
Appearances
54
Minutes
4496′
Goals
14
Assists
15
Goal Involvements per Match
0.53
Minutes per Goal Involvement
155.03′
In 54 appearances, totalling 4496 minutes, the midfield “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists.
In other words, he averaged a goal involvement every 1.86 games, or every 155.03 minutes.
So, if he was able to do that at Villa Park, just imagine what his numbers could look like playing at the Emirates behind the Sporting star, who scored 54 goals and provided 13 assists in 53 games last season.
Ultimately, Gyokeres is a lean, mean, goal-scoring machine, and he’ll likely continue to be so at Arsenal next season.
However, if Arteta wants to help ensure he’s as dangerous as possible, then he should push the club to sign Rogers as well.
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A new era is set to begin this season for Everton. Led by club legend David Moyes, now well into his second spell in charge at the club, they will move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium this season, after giving Goodison Park its farewell at the end of last term.
Indeed, the Toffees will go into the 2025/26 campaign in excellent form under the Scot. Since taking over on the 11th January this year, he has managed 20 games, winning eight, losing just five and drawing the rest. The final three games of the season saw Everton pick up a maximum of nine points.
Moyes’ side will have to wait before they can take to the pitch at their new home. Their first game is away to Leeds United, with Brighton and Hove Albion the first opponent to play at their new ground in the Premier League.
With the transfer window still very much open, Moyes will no doubt be looking to recruit players across the pitch and strengthen his squad. Carlos Alcaraz is the only addition so far this summer, with his loan move from Flamengo turning permanent for an undisclosed fee.
So, who will be joining Alcaraz in signing for the Toffees ahead of a historic season? Here is a look at what Everton’s dream squad could look like in 2025/26.
The goalkeepers A new number 2 alongside Pickford
It will come as absolutely no surprise that Everton and England’s number one, Jordan Pickford, will be going nowhere this season. The 31-year-old is very much at the top of his game and was a standout player for his side last term.
He had an impressive record, conceding just 44 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets in all 38 games in the top flight. He is a trusted lieutenant of Moyes, who managed him at Sunderland in his younger days.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford
However, the goalkeeper stocks at Everton are thin on the ground. Backup options Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia have already left the club. Thus, they are reportedly targeting Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers, as per Sky Sports. The South Coast side wanted £10m off Stoke City for Travers back in 2024, so it is safe to assume his price tag will be similar this summer.
The Irish goalkeeper played five times for the Cherries last season, pulling off this impressive save away to Aston Villa, before spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough.
There, he kept four clean sheets in 17 games. He would certainly add Premier League experience and be an astute number two to Pickford.
Full list of goalkeepers – Jordan Pickford, Mark Travers
The defenders Depth at full-back after key contract extensions
One of the best pieces of news so far this summer for Everton is that Jarrad Branthwaite signed a new contract. He penned a five-year extension and is a key part of the project under Moyes. His commitment to the club must delight Toffees fans, given all the speculation of a move away.
He will likely be joined at centre-back by James Tarkowski. The pair formed a key partnership at the heart of the defence last term, playing 32 and 34 games respectively, according to Transfermarkt.
As for depth at centre-back, Michael Keane also signed a new contract this summer, and Jake O’Brien, who played lots at right-back too, last season. Club legend Seamus Coleman also put pen to paper on a new deal to remain at Everton for another season, and Nathan Patterson is also an option for Moyes at right-back.
They are still looking for a new full-back, with £8.5m left-back Anthony Caci of Mainz ‘a serious target’ according to TEAMTalk. He can play either side, but has most regularly played as a left-back as per Transfermarkt, making 102 career appearances as a left wing-back or full-back.
Borussia Dortmund'sDanielSvenssonin action with 1. FSV Mainz 05's Anthony Caci
Indeed, it certainly makes sense that Everton are looking for a new addition on that side, with Ashley Young’s departure leaving Vitalii Mykolenko the only left-back at the club. Caci, for a bargain price, could strengthen in that area.
Full list of right-backs – Seamus Coleman, Nathan Patterson
Full list of centre-backs – RCB (James Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien); LCB (Jarrad Branthwaite, Michael Keane)
Full list of left-backs – Anthony Caci, Vitalii Mykolenko
The midfielders Plenty of new faces in midfield
The middle of the park is where Everton will seemingly look to add great depth to their squad. Idrissa Gueye is another player to extend his contract on the Blue half of Merseyside, and he was a standout player for his side last season.
As per FBref, he made more tackles and interceptions with 181 and more ball recoveries with 194 than any of his teammates.
Tackles and interceptions
181
5.32
1st
Blocks
48
1.41
2nd
Ball recoveries
194
5.71
1st
Progressive passes
145
4.26
1st
Passes into final third
154
4.53
1st
Moyes would surely like to add another ball-winner in the midfield, which is why Wilfried Ndidi is a key target. GiveMeSport suggest a £5m fee would be enough to get the deal done, for a midfielder with 220 Premier League appearances to his name. As football talent scout Jacek Kulig said, he is a “beast” in the centre of the park.
James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam are also options for Moyes in midfield. The pair made 23 and 21 appearances respectively in 2024/25, but there is certainly a lack of experience in that area.
That is why an ambitious move for Aston Villa captain John McGinn could be on the cards. BBC Sport say they are ‘interested’ in the Scot, valued at £14m by Football Transfers.
It will be a tough deal to do, with Villans boss Unai Emery said to be ‘in no mood to part with’ McGinn, but he would certainly add to all areas of the pitch. Last season, he scored four times, including a stunner against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and grabbed six assists.
As we now know, the Toffees have signed Alcaraz permanently, and he surely becomes the first-choice number 10 under Moyes. He contributed to five goals last season.
However, keep an eye on young Harrison Armstrong, who ‘appears in a position to press his first-team claims’, according to The Guardian.
Full list of central midfielders – Idrissa Gueye, Wilfred Ndidi, James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam, John McGinn
Full list of number tens – Carlos Alcaraz, Harrison Armstrong
The attackers Moyes' DCL replacement and two new RWs
One part of the forward line that seems sorted for the Toffees is the left wing. Their standout attacking player from last season, Iliman Ndiaye, will be vital again in 2025/26.
He scored 11 goals last term. The other player at Moyes’ disposal on the left is Dwight McNeil, who bagged five goals and assisted an impressive eight during the 2024/25 season.
Everton dream squad
On the other flank, the Toffees might look to make two new additions. The i Paper has linked two players who can slot in on the right, namely James McAtee of Manchester City for £25m, and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, who would cost upwards of £30m.
England under-21 international McAtee bagged seven goals in 27 games last term for the Citizens, as well as putting on a show in the Under-21 European Championship, which England won. He even grabbed an assist in the final. He can also play as a number 10.
As for Kubo, the 24-year-old played 52 times for Sociedad last term. He managed to score seven goals and grab four assists, playing mainly as a right-winger but also slotting in on the left at times, too.
Leading the line for Everton next season will be another new face, Thierno Barry of Villarreal. The Toffees have completed a £27m move for the 22-year-old French striker. Described as “menacing in the box” by football scout Antonio Mango, he bagged 19 goals in 41 games for the Yellow Submarine last term.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin now departed, that leaves Moyes with Beto, a man who bagged ten times across all competitions last season, and youngster Chermiti, who only played four games, as his options to compete with Barry.
Full list of right-wingers – Takefusa Kubo, James McAtee
Full list of strikers – Thierno Barry, Beto, Chermiti
Full list of left-wingers – Iliman Ndiaye, Dwight McNeil
Moyes' best CM since Fellaini: Everton submit enquiry to sign £43m star
David Moyes has enjoyed plenty of quality midfielders at Everton, Marouane Fellaini chief amongst them, so could the Toffees sign another?
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.
Colombia's Luis Diaz in action with Brazil'sVanderson
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.
Manchester City's ErlingHaalandbefore the match
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
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.
Diego Costa
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
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.
Oliver Glasner lifts FA CUp.
“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.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzeposes with the player of the match trophy
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.
Robin Propper
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.
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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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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.
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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.
Sheffield Wednesday manager DannyRohl
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.
Everton are “confident” of signing a rapid new player who is said to play with “a lot of dynamism and speed” in a cut-price deal this summer, according to a new report.
Everton remain on the up despite Chelsea loss
Everton suffered a 1-0 Premier League defeat at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge over the weekend, with Nicolas Jackson scoring his first goal of 2025 to gift the home side all three points.
Despite the loss, however, Everton remain very much a team on the rise. After a desperately poor start to the season under Sean Dyche, the Toffees have gone from strength to strength since the reappointment of David Moyes as manager in January.
David Moyes
Under the Scotsman, Everton lost just one of their first 10 Premier League games — a remarkable run of form that essentially secured their top-flight status for another year, something that had looked extremely unlikely around Christmas.
Results have dipped slightly since, but with Premier League football now guaranteed for next season, attention inside the club has already begun to turn towards a fresh start.
“[Moyes] only wants the club to go one way, which we all do, and that is up. But there is still a lot of work that we all need to do to get to that point,” winger Dwight McNeil said after the defeat to Chelsea.
Everton confident of signing Ligue Akpa
Everton’s fresh start next season will come in two parts — the first being a brand-new home: Everton Stadium, a 52,888-seater set to replace Goodison Park after more than a century as the club’s base.
The second will be a revamped squad, with the club’s new owners, the Friedkin Group, expected to back Moyes with funds in the summer to strengthen his team.
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One of the players Moyes could be bringing in is Auxerre defender Clement Akpa, with Football Insider reporting that Everton could secure his signing in the coming months.
The outlet claims that Everton have been alerted to Akpa’s availability — and that they are now “pretty confident” of landing the 23-year-old in what could be a cut-price deal due to Auxerre’s financial difficulties.
Akpa has made 28 appearances for Auxerre this season, mostly at centre-back, though he is also capable of playing at left-back.
Speaking about the Ivory Coast international earlier this season, Auxerre head coach Christophe Pélissier said: “He’s a player who works a lot, having made very good and quick progress. At the beginning of this season, I did not think he would be one of the most used players.
“His qualities — playing with a lot of dynamism and speed — have allowed him to develop fully in this system. He asks a lot of questions about the game and what he needs to do to move forward. Being a very young father has given him a great sense of responsibility.”