Their very own Saka: Aston Villa racing Newcastle to sign "physical" winger

Going head-to-head against Newcastle United, Aston Villa are now reportedly battling to sign an attacking reinforcement who has scored nine goals in all competitions so far this season.

Aston Villa racing to sign 9-goal star

Three points adrift of a potential Champions League place and in the last eight of both the Champions League and the FA Cup, to say that Aston Villa still have it all to play for would be an understatement. The Villans have been inconsistent at times, there’s no hiding from that, but they could yet turn their campaign into historic success under Unai Emery.

Aston Villa now pushing to beat Leeds in race to sign £20m+ Rangers star

Aston Villa are in a fierce race to sign a midfielder who has been impressing this season.

2 ByBrett Worthington Mar 27, 2025

Earning Champions League qualification should still be their biggest priority, however. A second-consecutive campaign among Europe’s elite would further drag them away from any PSR concerns and leave them well-placed to make some serious statements on the transfer front once again.

The rumours are already coming thick and fast on that front too. Recent reports have linked impressive names such as Mike Maignan and Yves Bissouma with a summer switch to Villa Park, but it remains to be seen whether those deals come to fruition.

Instead, the Midlands club have reportedly turned their focus towards another Premier League star. According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now battling to sign Dango Ouattara ahead of rival interest from Newcastle United this summer.

The Bournemouth winger, like many of Andoni Iraola’s players, has enjoyed an impressive campaign – scoring nine goals in all competitions. With that form now comes the interest of both Villa and Newcastle, who will reportedly have to pay around €40m (£33m) to sign the 23-year-old this summer.

Two sides competing for a Champions League place, it could be Villa’s success on the pitch which sees them jump ahead of the Magpies in the race to sign Ouattara. Whether they do enough to earn European qualification ahead of Eddie Howe’s side remains to be seen, however.

"Physical" Ouattara could replace Rashford

As impressive as Marcus Rashford has been on loan at Aston Villa, the Midlands club could yet decide to turn their attention towards a younger option rather than the England international who could be edging past the peak of his powers. And that’s where Ouattara could come in to offer Emery an instant star on the left side of his frontline.

Described as a “physical winger” and compared to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka by analyst Ben Mattinson, Ouattara is still just 23 years old and on course to become a Premier League star.

At just £33m, Aston Villa could seal a summer bargain by signing the Bournemouth winger ahead of Newcastle, perhaps replacing Rashford by doing so. As an excellent campaign nears its conclusion, Ouattara may have quite the decision to make.

Celtic may lose "very good" £16k-p/w star amid surprise escape route offer

Celtic find themselves on track to complete a domestic clean sweep, but Brendan Rodgers is already reportedly plotting squad changes ahead of the summer window.

Celtic's setback in Perth shows need for summer window considerations

Heading into last weekend’s clash away to St Johnstone, Brendan Rodgers knew that three points would set up a title-clinching clash at home to Kilmarnock on Saturday.

However, Daniels Balodis delivered the decisive blow as the Hoops suffered a shock 1-0 defeat in Perth, delaying their inevitable Scottish Premiership triumph for the time being.

Celtic manager BrendanRodgersbefore the match

Post-match, Rodgers warned Celtic that complacency is not an option moving forward, stating: “It’s happened too many times. I’ve seen a trend now with us, and it will be interesting between now and the end of the season in terms of mentality.”

Nevertheless, there could be some solace for the Irishman this weekend if certain permutations fall the way of his side to guarantee a fourth successive league title at Parkhead.

When can Celtic officially be crowned Scottish Premiership champions?

Earliest possible opportunity – Sunday, April 13th

If Celtic defeat Kilmarnock this weekend and Rangers lose to Aberdeen, they will be champions.

What happens if Celtic win vs Kilmarnock and Rangers win/draw at Pittodrie?

If Rangers triumph at Pittodrie, Celtic will need a win in their first post-split fixture. They only need a point if their rivals draw at Aberdeen.

Ahead of the summer window, Celtic are already in pursuit of targets such as Augsburg midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj, illustrating that Rodgers isn’t hanging about in his quest for reinforcements in the lead-up to next season.

Departures will be necessary to create room for fresh blood in Glasgow’s east end, so it will come as no surprise to hear the Bhoys could now offload one of many fringe stars once the window opens for business.

Celtic star Luis Palma offered an unexpected escape route

Last week, it became apparent that £16,000 per week earner Luis Palma has no intention of staying at Celtic amid rumours that he could be set to join Olympiacos on a permanent deal upon the conclusion of his loan spell.

Now, reports in Ukraine via Sport Witness claim Palma has been offered to Dynamo Kyiv and there may be scope for the Honduran to consider the proposal before coming to a final decision.

Celtic already sold "outstandingly basic" McGregor upgrade for just £1.5m

Celtic cashed in on the talented midfielder before he had the chance to develop into the long-term Callum McGregor upgrade.

ByDan Emery Apr 8, 2025

Initially impressing at Celtic, the 25-year-old has scored ten goals and registered ten assists in 48 appearances for the Scottish champions. However, his style of play eventually became out of sync with Rodgers’ tactical framework.

Labelled a “very good techician” by his parent club’s boss, the former Aris man has followed that up with a goal and assist in ten outings for Olympiacos.

Nevertheless, Celtic and Palma look set to shake hands and move on once the summer window comes around. Realistically, all parties are now in the process of figuring out where he will play his football next campaign.

Amazing Kiwior replacement: Arsenal sold Hale End's next best gem for £1.5m

After Arsenal’s very underwhelming 1-1 draw with Brentford, it’s now all eyes on the Bernabéu for Gooners everywhere.

Last Tuesday, the north Londoners smashed Real Madrid 3-0 in North London, Declan Rice scoring two sublime free-kicks before Mikel Merino lashed home a third; this was their 515th match at the Emirates, and most would agree this was the stadium’s best night.

So now, Mikel Arteta’s team will travel to the Spanish capital seeking to avoid a vintage Real Madrid remontada, but would they stand a better chance if they didn’t have Jakub Kiwior in the backline?

Jakub Kiwior's record deputising for Gabriel

Back on 1 April, during a 2-1 home win over Fulham, Gabriel suffered a serious hamstring tear that required surgery and means he will not feature again this season.

This was a major blow because Gabriel is arguably deserving of Arsenal’s player of the season, having been immense in both boxes throughout the campaign.

So, in the Brazilian’s absence, Kiwior continues to deputise, which fans were concerned about because during the Polish defender’s previous Premier League start, coming at Craven Cottage all the way back on 8 December, his ‘lethargy or lack of awareness’ proved to be a costly error, allowing Raúl Jiménez to open the scoring.

Wins

13

Draws

6

Defeats

0

Goals conceded

13

Clean sheets

9

Nevertheless, Kiwior was actually pretty solid against Real Madrid, with Arteta hailing his performance as “phenomenal”.

That said, did the Gunners let a future upgrade leave in January?

Ex-Arsenal centre-back impressing at Premier League rivals

Back in January, Ayden Heaven departed Arsenal to join Manchester United, for a reported compensation fee of £1.5m.

Ayden Heaven for Arsenal.

Heaven joined Arsenal from West Ham as a 14-year-old, his senior debut coming against Preston North End in the EFL Cup, having played a prominent role during the pre-season tour of the United States.

However, frustrated by his lack of first-team opportunities, Heaven decided not to sign a professional contract, instead moving to Manchester United earlier this year.

Well, in the short term, this move paid off, making four appearances before actually suffering a serious foot injury against Leicester, although Rúben Amorim confirmed the injury ‘is not as bad as initially feared’, adding ‘he will play again this season’.

So, let’s have a look at Heaven’s career in numbers so far.

Arsenal

1

Arsenal U21s

26

Arsenal U19s

10

Arsenal U18s

11

Manchester United

4

Man United U21s

1

His early performances for Man United earned rave reviews.

Andy Mitten of United We Stand believes he was Man United’s “best player” at the King Power prior to his injury, proving he’s more than up to the task at Premier League level.

In the meantime, manager Amorim believes he has got “a very good player” on his hands, adding that he is “really comfortable with the ball” and impressively “aggressive” defensively.

James McNicholas and Laurie Whitwell of the Athletic reported that Arsenal did not want to lose the young defender, but were forced into a sale, so would the Gunners actually be better off in the immediate term had they held onto Heaven?

Well, it would certainly give them more defensive options. Kiwior and William Saliba were forced to start yet again on Saturday, and who knows, the teenager may have been poised to feature in the remaining weeks of the season had he stuck around.

Fewer touches than Raya: 5/10 star must never start for Arsenal again

Arsenal laboured to a 1-1 draw with Brentford in the Premier League.

ByMatt Dawson Apr 13, 2025

Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal "really" want £50m player, talks already held

Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal are extremely keen on signing a £50 million player, following other reliable reports that talks have already been held with his representatives ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal set for summer rebuild under Andrea Berta

The season is by no means over for Mikel Arteta and co, who have a golden opportunity to make history and win the club’s first ever Champions League title after sensationally knocking out Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

Their new Ian Wright: Arsenal want to sign "one of the best CFs in Europe"

Arsenal are looking at signing a striker who could be their next Ian Wright in north London.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 22, 2025

Ligue 1 champions PSG await the Gunners in a mouthwatering semi-final clash, and it is truly a tie which will make or break Arsenal’s campaign.

However, another hot topic at the Emirates Stadium right now is new sporting director Andrea Berta’s looming summer rebuild ahead of next season. There are suggestions that Arsenal are looking to strengthen all areas of the squad, including between the sticks, in defence, midfield and further forward.

Crystal Palace (home)

Tonight

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

£300 million could even be spent doing so, according to GiveMeSport, amid Berta’s “insatiable” desire to build winning teams.

“Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure,” said co-chairman Josh Kroenke after Berta’s appointment.

“He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams. Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for, and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.

“We undertook a thorough recruitment process, and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out.”

Defensively, it is believed Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen is emerging as a top target for Berta.

The reliable David Ornstein recently reported that Arsenal have held talks with Huijsen’s representatives, alongside the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham, with elite clubs taking note of the Spaniard’s £50 million release clause.

Arsenal "really" interested in signing Dean Huijsen

Following this development, another credible and trusted media source in Romano has shared another update on Berta’s pursuit of the former Juventus defender.

Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen

He reports to GiveMeSport that Arsenal are “really” interested in signing Huijsen this summer after his excellent debut campaign in the Premier League, but the competition remains fierce.

“From what I’m hearing, Arsenal are also interested. Newcastle dream of him, but I think for Newcastle, it is going to be very difficult to get the deal done now with Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal. These three clubs are really interested, so I think he’s going to stay in the Premier League.”

Huijsen recently expressed his excitement over being linked with a move to Real Madrid, but right now, it is unclear whether Los Blancos view the “sensational” centre-back as a priority target.

Sky Sports: Leeds willing to spend £90m on 3 more players alongside Beto

Leeds United could spend up to £90m on three more players alongside a potential deal to sign Everton striker Beto this summer.

Beto linked with move to Leeds this summer

Chairman Paraag Marathe has recently confirmed that Daniel Farke will remain as Leeds United manager following promotion to the Premier League, with the Whites lifting the Championship title on the final days.

After a promotion parade through Leeds city centre, attention will soon be on the summer transfer window and what the 49ers Enterprises will do as they look to make Leeds an established top flight club.

Talking about the summer plans, Marathe recently said: “You’ve got to nail your transfers. You’ve got to nail the players that come in that really fit the style of play that you want to have, that fit the club and and play together cohesively.

“I think that’s really important. Some lessons learned from the three years when I was sitting as a vice chairman, watching us do what we did those three years.”

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road in recent days is Beto. Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett shared Leeds’ interest in the Everton forward on Wednesday.

The Yorkshire Evening Post have now added that ‘Leeds could test the Toffees’ resolve with a bid before the June 30 accounting deadline’, and that a sale could be possible ‘if Everton sign a new striker and tie Dominic Calvert-Lewin down to a new deal’.

At this stage, the 27-year-old is Everton’s only senior forward under contract for the 2025/26 season, so a transfer could prove tricky as Leeds look to make their mark early in the window.

Games

68

Goals

14

Assists

2

Minutes played

2,729

Alongside Beto, Sky Sports have shared some further information on where Leeds will look to strengthen ahead of their Premier League return.

Leeds willing to spend £90m on three more players

As per Sky Sports, Leeds are looking to improve the spine of their team by signing a new goalkeeper, centre-back and central midfielder alongside a new forward. The 49ers are also ‘willing’ to spend £30m on each position, meaning a £90m spend on three new players along with a striker.

Those areas of the pitch are seen as ‘priorities’ for the Whites and if they manage to get those in, new full-backs and a right-winger could also be targeted, it is added.

There have been previous claims that Leeds and the 49ers will target players with Premier League experience, a category that Beto falls into.

Leeds now readying £6m bid for star defender who's in talks to join Everton

Leeds will send officials to watch him in action this weekend.

ByBrett Worthington May 7, 2025

It promises to be a busy and crucial first transfer market for new managing director Robbie Evans and sporting director Adam Underwood and one Leeds will have long been preparing for.

World's "second-best" player expected to join Arsenal with groundwork done

Arsenal are expected to sign world football’s “second best” player with the groundwork for a deal already done, according to a very reliable media source.

Andrea Berta holds talks with key Arsenal targets

New sporting director Andrea Berta is set to take the lead in what is anticipated to be a pretty busy summer window for the north Londoners.

Arsenal make offer to £30m star after Berta successfully convinced Arteta

The Italian and Arsenal’s manager are already working on the club’s transfer plans this summer.

9 ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025

Nuno Tavares, Albert Sami Lokonga, Fabio Vieira and Oleksandr Zinchenko could all quit Arsenal in the summer, according to Sami Mokbel, with Jorginho also agreeing to join Flamengo and Kieran Tierney set to make a return to Celtic after their contracts expire.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

If Arsenal don’t agree an extension with Thomas Partey, following his arguably best season at the Emirates to date, then the Ghana international will follow them – so it appears there will be plenty of ins and outs.

In terms of incomings, Berta is believed to have reached out to the representatives of a few key summer targets already.

Recently, the Italian has been pushing to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with extensive discussions held, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

As well as this, Berta reached out for talks with Nico Williams’ representatives in one of his first acts as sporting director, as per The Guardian’s Ed Aarons, with Arsenal exploring a move for one of La Liga’s standout talents.

However, one man who could be arriving before any of them is Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

The Gunners have been in advanced talks for his signature since January (The Mail), and the reliable David Ornstein says that those within Arsenal are behaving like they’ve already sealed a deal for Zubimendi.

Arsenal expected to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer

Now, a very credible source in the BBC, and their reporter Mokbel, have shared an update of their own.

Arsenal are very much expected to sign Zubimendi, according to their information, and the groundwork for a deal has already been done, largely by ex-sporting director Edu Gaspar and interim chief Jason Ayto.

The Spain international’s £51 million release clause looks likely to be triggered, but Arsenal should be wary that Zubimendi rejected a move to Liverpool last summer.

Arsenal will be eager to get this over the line early doors after months of negotiations, especially considering Zubimendi’s pedigree as a truly elite number six.

“For me, Martín is the second-best player in the world. We are incredibly lucky to have these two, who I consider the best players in the world.” said Spain boss Luis de la Fuente on Zubimendi and Rodri.

“But we also have other fantastic players who’ve been here and are with us now—another fantastic player, Pepelu hasn’t come yet, but he’s been called up with us.”

Monchi and Aston Villa are now close to signing £13m star who Emery loves

Although their fate is yet to be decided in pursuit of Champions League football, Aston Villa have already reportedly reached the closing stages of negotiations to sign one particular star.

Aston Villa's late push to secure Champions League football

Aston Villa have hit form at the perfect time and could yet be in a position to take full advantage in the final two games of the Premier League season. Victory over Bournemouth last time out made it four wins in their last five league games in a run that includes a 4-1 thrashing of top five rivals Newcastle United. Now, with two games remaining, Unai Emery’s side only sit behind Chelsea on goal difference.

Liverpool (C)

83

46

Arsenal

68

33

Newcastle United

66

23

Manchester City

65

24

Chelsea

63

19

Aston Villa

63

7

Nottingham Forest

62

12

With Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to play – two sides who have nothing to play for following disastrous Premier League campaigns – there’s every chance that Villa could yet sneak into the Champions League places in dramatic fashion.

Emery reiterated that Aston Villa must keep going after victory at Bournemouth, telling reporters: “It’s very good. I’m very happy and proud but we can’t stop now. We have to keep going.

Their new Grealish: Aston Villa plotting £50m move for "phenomenal" talent

Aston Villa are chasing a current Premier League midfielder

2 ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025

“We got Europe last week against Fulham at home and today against Bournemouth, teams that are competing very well and performing very well. They were fighting with us as their opponent.

“They were an opponent for us to get Europe. Now we’re in the run in with the teams fighting for Champions League after the way we did last week and the win we did today. We’re deserving to play the next match against Tottenham having the possibilities to be there, taking even more in Europa League or Champions League.”

Aston Villa closing in on Asensio deal

Away from the action on the pitch, meanwhile, those in the Midlands have already reportedly set their sights on their first reinforcement of the summer. According to Estadio Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Monchi is now in the closing stages of a deal to sign Marco Asensio on a permanent basis for Aston Villa this summer.

The Villans are reportedly set to offer Paris Saint-Germain around €15m (£13m) to sell the Spaniard in a deal that Emery is reportedly personally pushing Monchi to complete. Given that PSG are keen to sell Asensio too, it seems likely that Villa will be in the perfect position to secure their move.

Asensio certainly has plenty of fans around the Midlands following a successful loan spell. And Emery is among those fans, having told reporters when questioned on the winger’s quality: “For him as well, it is a very huge challenge, to show here his capacity to help us. But every match, of course, he is doing a fantastic job, and his adaptation was going very quick.”

Slot's answer to Huijsen: Liverpool enquire about signing £74m "freak"

Liverpool have been busy in the transfer market over the past several weeks. Well, the transfer window hasn’t actually opened yet, but that’s a credit to Richard Hughes’ savvy negotiating.

Arne Slot created something special this season, but the Dutch coach is no fool, and knows the importance of strengthening whilst ahead. Liverpool have been crowned Premier League champions, and are now ringing the changes.

Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool's Premier League triumph

There’s been a concerted focus on strengthening the flanks, over these past weeks: Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical, while discussions with Bournemouth for left-back Milos Kerkez are ongoing, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool enquire about new defender

Improving the defence is very much the order of the day for Slot and Co this summer but their efforts may not stop with the full-backs.

Transfer Focus

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

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made initial enquiries to RB Leipzig as they consider a move for Castello Lukeba, with the left-footed defender earning Slot’s nod of approval.

Though Lukeba, 22, has a €90m (£74m) release clause in his contract, FSG would be hoping to bag him for a cheaper fee. However, while Slot is personally keen on a move, Real Madrid and Manchester United are both known admirers too.

Liverpool have already made it known they would be open to signing a centre-half this summer, having failed in their bid to sign Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen, but in Lukeba, they could score the perfect fallback.

Why Liverpool want Castello Lukeba

A defensive hybrid, Lukeba is a naturally central defender, though bears an athleticism and energy that has seen him weave out onto the left flank, which is an interesting proposition for Slot to chew on.

He’s powerful, yes, but not overbearing in the backline, playing his role consummately. Lukeba missed three months of the campaign with muscular difficulties, but featured prominently across the latter phase of the year.

Liverpool will be frustrated they missed out on Huijsen, who has been regarded as a “world-class” player in the making by analysts, but in Lukeba, the dream alternative has been identified.

Leipzig have fostered Lukeba, pulled him to the fore, but now he should take the next step in his career and join the Liverpool fold. After all, he’s got the balanced skill set to make Slot forget all about Huijsen.

Matches (starts)

32 (26)

23 (18)

Goals

3

0

Assists

2

0

Touches*

63.9

65.4

Pass completion

84%

87%

Key passes*

0.5

0.2

Dribbles*

0.1

0.9

Ball recoveries*

3.3

3.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.7

2.0

Clearances*

6.1

3.0

Duels (won)*

3.6 (56%)

4.0 (65%)

He might not be quite as attack-minded or silky on the ball as Huijsen, but Lukeba is still crisp and collected. Moreover, he’s a veritable machine when it comes to defensive duties, so commanding in the duel.

And that’s not to say Lukeba isn’t good on the ball. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 13% of centre-backs across Europe this season for passes attempted and the top 20% for progressive passes per 90.

With only four of his 23 Bundesliga outings coming from the flank, it’s clear he could play the role envisaged for Huijsen, especially given both are left-footers.

AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsen

Analyst Ben Mattinson hailed the Frenchman’s “freak profile,” drawing positive awareness to the dynamic and powerful set of skills. He even went on to say that transferring to Anfield would be a “perfect move” for Lukeba, and given that Huijsen is now out of bounds, Slot must throw the kitchen sink at getting it done.

He's the new Coutinho: Liverpool set to sign "generational" star very soon

Liverpool are moving quickly to make new signings for Arne Slot’s side.

ByAngus Sinclair May 27, 2025

Arsenal eye bid to sign £35m Premier League ace who can "reach" Mane level

Arsenal have now joined the race for a “dangerous” £35m Premier League forward, who could go on to “reach Sadio Mane’s level”, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on new winger

There have been calls for the Gunners to sign a new winger this summer, amid concerns over some of Gabriel Martinelli’s performances in the 2024-25 campaign, with former defender Nigel Winterburn suggesting a replacement may be necessary,

Winterburn said: “That performance against Liverpool was better, but his form has been a bit erratic this season. He definitely needs to get back to the consistent levels of performance that we’ve seen in the past that we know he can produce.

“However, it wouldn’t surprise me, if I’m honest, if Arsenal brought someone in on that left-hand side to be a challenge and eventually replace Martinelli next season.”

Arsenal's GabrielMartinellireacts

Since then, Mikel Arteta’s side have identified a number of wingers as potential summer targets, including Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz, who is now believed to be a prime target, and Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.

However, with Tottenham Hotspur considered the favourites to secure Sane’s signature, Arsenal could move on to alternative options, and a report from Spain has now revealed they have joined the race for Brighton & Hove Albion star Yankuba Minteh.

Minteh is attracting widespread interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also closely monitoring his progress, and he could be allowed to leave Brighton for a fee of around £35m.

Arsenal now pull plug on £60m striker signing after Mikel Arteta decision

The Spaniard wants to withdraw.

ByEmilio Galantini May 31, 2025

None of the aforementioned clubs have submitted a formal offer as things stand, but the Seagulls could find it difficult to retain the forward’s services if they receive a significant bid, and there is certainly no shortage of interest.

"Dangerous" Minteh "can reach Sadio Mane's level"

Prior to the 20-year-old’s move to Brighton last summer, a Serbian football scout suggested the youngster “can reach Sadio Mane’s level”, which is high acclaim, given how important the Senegalese winger was to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side for several years.

Since then, the Gambian has gone on to establish himself as a key player for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, picking up six goals and four assists in 32 Premier League matches during his debut campaign in England.

Former Feyenoord striker Pierre van Hooijdonk has also lauded the young forward as “extremely dangerous”, which is underlined by his performance on some key attacking metrics over the past year, while some of his defensive showings indicate that he is a well-rounded player.

Statistic

Average per 90

Successful take-ons

2.25 (85th percentile)

Touches (Att pen)

7.15 (93rd percentile)

Tackles

2.35 (96th percentile)

Clearances

1.52 (97th percentile)

Minteh is yet to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s top wingers, but he is certainly exhibiting very promising signs at Brighton, and at £35m, he could be a savvy signing for Arsenal this summer.

Chelsea prepared to sell one of their "best players" who Enzo Maresca loves

Chelsea are showcasing themselves as one of the busiest Premier League sides in the transfer market this summer, and many outgoings are also expected at Stamford Bridge.

Renato Veiga, Lesley Ugochukwu, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Armando Broja and Axel Disasi are all expected to leave Cobham this summer (The Athletic), as BlueCo seek to trim the wage bill and help fund Chelsea’s recruitment drive.

£47m star has already agreed to join Chelsea with club talks "to follow"

Enzo Maresca’s side are busy behind-the-scenes amid their Club World Cup campaign.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025

£150,000-per-week outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga is also on his way to Arsenal (David Ornstein), but he’s not the only keeper who could quit Chelsea in the coming months.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea want to sell both Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez, according to reports, and could revisit a deal for AC Milan number one Mike Maignan after missing out on a pre-Club World Cup deal for the France international.

Club chiefs will be very keen to find new homes for Chilwell, Sterling and Felix in particular, considering the out-of-favour trio are on a combined salary of around £655,000-per-week.

There are some suggestions that key first-team players aren’t entirely safe either.

Chelsea may well decide to sell Trevoh Chalobah (Matt Law), despite his renaissance during the second half of 2024/2025, where he stood out as one of Maresca’s key men after returning from a loan spell at Crystal Palace.

Chelsea prepared to sell Noni Madueke this summer

As well as Chalobah, it is believed that mainstay winger Noni Madueke isn’t deemed untouchable by any means.

Noni Madueke for Chelsea

The England international, who earned praise from Thomas Tuchel during the Three Lions’ last round of international matches, started 27 Premier League games under Maresca last season, and it would’ve been more if not for injury.

Maresca even called Madueke one of Chelsea’s “best players”, but according to journalist Simon Phillips, the 23-year-old winger could still be sold in the coming months if a suitable offer arrives.

“Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Malick Fofana of Lyon as they weigh up winger options,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“I get a sense that they are perhaps putting this name out there to help strengthen negotiations to sign Jamie Gittens of Dortmund. I am sure they do have interest in Fofana, absolutely, and you know what? Maybe they even look to end up bringing in two more out-and-out wingers, and they may well need them depending on the future of Noni Madueke as well, who Chelsea will listen to offers for.”

Of all the Chelsea players who absolutely need to be sold, Madueke surely isn’t one of them, regardless of their chase for new wide players.

“Noni has been excellent out there [on the left wing],” said pundit Jason Cundy on talkSPORT.

“The thing I love about Noni is whenever he picks the ball up, he looks that way [forward]. His first instinct with his first touch, ‘How can I get beyond you? How can I get in behind you?’

“What I noticed he did against Liverpool, and he does this very well on the right-hand side, but he will come inside on his right. Most left-footers out there tend not to. Left-footers love it on the right.

“When you’ve got a winger that can go both ways and threaten, as a full-back now you’re asking questions. He does that; Saka’s one of the best, goes out on the right and comes inside. You need to threaten both [ways], Noni has been really good, really impressive.”

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