Man Utd hold internal talks over move to sign £80k-p/w ex-Barcelona player

Manchester United have now held internal talks over signing a former Barcelona player on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd eyeing cut-price deal after Europa League disaster

Of course, winning trophies is always important for a club the size of Man United, but Europa League glory was arguably even more important from a financial point of view, given that success in the competition grants qualification to the Champions League.

Having failed to qualify for Europe’s elite competition next season, United are thought to have missed out on £85m, which could hamper their ability to bring in their top targets this summer, in what could be a very important window.

That is according to Jamie Carragher, who has insisted the Red Devils will need to splash the cash to rebuild Ruben Amorim’s squad, although the former Liverpool man has doubts over whether the former Sporting CP boss is the right man for the job.

Carragher said: “Backing him means getting behind a big idea; a system of play that is uncommon among the elite of Europe, requiring specialist footballers and a squad of back-up wing-backs and centre-halves so he can play three at the back.

“It means spending big on redesigning the squad to meet Amorim’s specific needs in the knowledge that, if he underperforms again next season, his successor will most likely revert to a flat back four.”

However, it appears as though INEOS are set to stand by Amorim, and they have now set their sights on a new target, who could suit the manager’s style of play, having internally discussed a move for Wolverhampton Wanders right-wing back Nelson Semedo.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Andre and NelsonSemedo

That is according to a report from Football Transfers, which states Semedo’s name has been raised during talks over Matheus Cunha, with the full-back set to leave Molineux on a free transfer this summer.

Man Utd also ready to pay £44m release clause for "king of kings" after Cunha

The Red Devils are now willing to trigger the release clause for another striker to partner up with Cunha at Old Trafford.

ByDominic Lund May 26, 2025 "Outstanding" Semedo could be ideal for Amorim

The 31-year-old is accustomed to playing at right-wing-back, which could make him a good fit in Amorim’s three-at-the-back system, while his availability on a free transfer is ideal for Man United, having missed out on Champions League football.

Not only that, but the £80k-a-week Wolves star has proven himself in the Premier League over the course of a number of years, with Garth Crooks saying in the 2023-24 season: “Nelson Semedo deserved a mention as he was outstanding. His ability to get forward, but also defend with equal measure, was impressive.”

Admittedly, the former Barcelona man wouldn’t be the most exciting of signings, and there are other areas of the squad in more urgent need of strengthening, with the lack of goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee a real problem.

However, Semedo could be a solid signing as a rotation option at the very least, and the fact the Portuguese defender is available on a free transfer makes him even more appealing.

Leeds: 49ers ready to pay £1.7m clause to sign 26 y/o forward for Farke

Leeds United are thought to be ready to trigger a former Premier League forward’s release clause this summer, as the 49ers Enterprises and Daniel Farke prepare for a return to the top flight.

Leeds celebrate Championship title with huge parade

It has been a memorable few weeks for the Whites, who have enjoyed their last three Mondays by officially winning promotion, partying in front of fans at Elland Road and most recently parading the Championship title around the city.

Manor Solomon’s late injury time winner down in the south west against Plymouth Argyle in the final game of the season ensured Leeds would finish top ahead of Burnley. Both sides finished on 100 points, and Leeds players have since partied hard with an open-top bus parade which saw an estimated 150,000 supporters come out to celebrate.

Talking during the bus parade, Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe said: “I don’t think anyone realised, this wasn’t easy This was really hard to do. Two years of getting to this point, but all that hard work and all that difficulty, makes right now that much more rewarding and makes today so special. I hope I never forget this moment. I want to live in this moment as much as I can.

“This is a journey, this is not the end. We have to keep going, this is what Leeds does. We are going to have some difficulties, but we are going to get where we want to go and we are going to be one of the best clubs in all of Europe.”

Leeds: 49ers feel "fantastic" £30m forward is perfect and want to sign him

The Whites have joined the race for a forward, who has attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs.

ByDominic Lund May 5, 2025

Marathe has also confirmed Farke will be continuing as Leeds boss in the Premier League after claims he could be sacked, and the pair appear to have their eyes on a new 26-year-old forward.

Leeds ready to pay release clause to sign Moussa Djenepo

According to reports relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds are ready to trigger Moussa Djenepo’s €2m (£1.7m) release clause this summer.

Currently on loan at Antalyaspor from Standard Liege, Djenepo doesn’t want to make a move to Turkey permanent, which may open the door for the Whites.

An approach has reportedly been made by Leeds for Djenepo, who made more than 70 Premier League appearances for Southampton between 2019-2023.

A Mali international, Djenepo is primarily a left-winger but can also turn out on the right as well as in an attack midfield role. During his time at Southampton, former teammate Nathan Redmond said: “He is a super-talented boy who is so open-minded and eager to learn every single day. He gets on well with everybody and has fitted in so well.”

He’s scored just two goals in 26 for Antalyaspor, but at £1.7m, a move to Leeds could be one to keep an eye on.

Man Utd eyeing "monster" £63m striker who'd be Amorim's new Gyokeres

Manchester United have a reported interest in Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, who worked with Ruben Amorim in Portugal, but they look unlikely to win the race for his signature.

A recent report claimed that the Sweden international has decided that he would rather sign for the club’s Premier League rivals Arsenal instead of making a move to Old Trafford to reunite with his former boss.

The former Coventry star, who scored a staggering 52 goals in all competitions for Sporting in the 2024/25 season, is available for a fee of just over £61m, but it is the Gunners who seem to be in pole position to bring him over to England.

His incredible goal return in Portugal suggests that this news is a blow for Amorim and for Manchester United. However, the club are reportedly eyeing up a star who could be the manager’s next version of Gyokeres.

Man Utd battling to sign Spanish striker

The Premier League giants appear to be in the process of identifying alternative options in the number nine position, as the Swedish star looks to be headed elsewhere.

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 CaughtOffside, Manchester United are one of a number of teams eyeing up a move to sign FC Porto’s Spanish striker Samu Aghehowa in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all also keen on doing a deal for the former Atletico Madrid centre-forward in the coming weeks.

FC Porto's SamuOmorodioncelebrates scoring their first goal

It states that the Portuguese giants are looking for a fee of up to £63m for the 21-year-old marksman, with United and their Premier League rivals now set to battle it out for his signature.

Whilst they appear to be on the back foot with Gyokeres, the Red Devils should push to win this race to unearth Amorim’s next version of the Sporting superstar.

Why Samu could be Gyokeres 2.0 for Amorim

The Porto marksman is similar to the Swedish ace from a physical perspective, as he stands at 6 foot 4 and has the physicality to occupy and cause problems for defenders.

FC Porto's SamuOmorodioncelebrates scoring their first goal

In fact, talent scout Jacek Kulig once described him as a “monster” in the making due to his physicality and speed, which suggests that the forward could offer similar attributes to Gyokeres.

The Spain international’s performances in the Portuguese top-flight also suggest that he has the potential to be a prolific striker for United, albeit not as prolific as Gyokeres could be in the short-term.

Starts

23

31

xG

14.07

30.95

Goals

19

39

xG differential

+4.93

+8.05

Minutes per goal

119

72

Conversion rate

23%

28%

As you can see in the table above, Samu enjoyed a brilliant season with Porto, scoring 19 goals in 23 starts and outperforming his xG, yet still ended with 20 fewer goals than the Sporting number nine.

It is worth remembering, though, that the Spanish marksman is six years younger than Gyokeres and has plenty of time left ahead of him to hone his skills and improve his output as a scorer.

Samu, dubbed “outstanding” by journalist Josh Bunting, did also score six goals in nine matches in the Europa League, which shows that he can perform on the European stage.

Whilst he may not be the final, polished, product in comparison to the seasoned Gyokeres, the Porto star appears to have the physical and finishing attributes to develop into Amorim’s next version of the Swedish marksman, which is why he could be a shrewd signing for the club.

Twist: "Extraordinary" £60m+ star now plans to snub Man Utd to join Arsenal

The Gunners have received a boost in their pursuit of a forward, who Andrea Berta has already held talks to sign.

1 ByDominic Lund Jun 8, 2025

Southampton and Still want to sign new £4m+ forward with 11 goals in 24/25

Southampton finally have a new manager in place and could now be set to firm up their transfer activity this summer amid their pursuit of a promising forward, per a report.

Southampton prepare for life under Will Still

Following months of speculation, Will Still has been installed as Saints’ new boss for the forthcoming season and will be tasked with leading the Championship side back to the top shelf of the English pyramid.

Making no secret of his desire to succeed, the former Lens boss has promised a big summer is on the way at St Mary’s to get his side back to where they belong, which in his opinion is the Premier League stage.

He stated: “There is huge potential here and we have a great opportunity to do something special. The project that has been laid out to me is very impressive and, all together, I believe we can build a clear identity and a very positive future for the team.

“I’m eager to get to work this summer and start building a close-knit group that can make everyone proud and ultimately get us back to where we belong; in the Premier League.”

Signing on for three years, Still has beaten the likes of Steven Gerrard, Danny Rohl and Tom Cleverley to the Southampton job, so it is fair to say there is a level of expectation on his shoulders to deliver promotion.

West Ham now leading race to sign new 26 y/o star as Irons ready £20m bid

The Hammers have jumped ahead in the race for his signature.

ByTom Cunningham May 5, 2025

Laying down the law as his side prepare to spend this summer, Saints have now set their eyes on an exciting striker from the continent who could be on the move for a bargain fee.

Southampton want to acquire £4m+ forward William Boving

According to Football Insider, Southampton are in the mix to sign Sturm Graz forward William Boving after playing a major role in helping the Austrian Bundesliga holders defend their crowd this term.

Labelled “talented” by Peter Christiansen, the 21-year-old has registered 11 goals and 10 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions this term. He is expected to feature for Denmark in their Under-21 EURO 2025 bid this summer.

William Boving’s excellent campaign at Sturm Graz – Austrian Bundesliga (Fotmob)

Shots

50

Shots on target

17

Completed dribbles

26

Chances created

40

Successful crosses

20

Touches in opposition box

82

Said to be available for around £4.2 million, he is also attracting interest from clubs in Germany, Spain and Italy ahead of the window. With his potential to develop not going unnoticed, Southampton have sent scouts to watch the star on a number of occasions this campaign as they seek firepower through the middle.

Furthermore, his versatility can also see Boving operate on the left flank or as a foil for the main striker, which may come in handy if Mateus Fernandes or Tyler Dibling leave the South Coast outfit by the time the window closes.

Rangers can forget about Gerrard & Ancelotti by hiring "one of the best"

Glasgow Rangers search for a new manager might well stretch into June as the Ibrox side are not any further forward after the end of the 2024/25 campaign last week.

The longer the club waits, the harder it will be for the new manager to integrate smoothly, thus wasting precious preparation time.

Celtic are on course to win yet another domestic treble, their sixth in the previous nine seasons. If the wrong man is appointed this summer, Brendan Rodgers will only continue to motor his side further and further away from Rangers.

Stats of the five previous permanent Rangers’ managers

Name

Days in post

Games

Points per game

Philippe Clement

497 days

86

2.09

Michael Beale

307 days

43

2.26

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

368

68

2.01

Steven Gerrard

1228

192

2.15

Pedro Caixinha

229

26

1.81

Via Transfermarkt

It is no exaggeration to say that this is perhaps the most important summer in the club’s recent history. Get the right manager in, and the Light Blues could enjoy their own Martin O’Neil or Ange Postecoglou, a force which stops the opposition juggernaut.

If not, the consequences could prove to be catastrophic, no doubt about that.

The latest on Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti

The two names that have been routinely linked to taking over the vacant role at Ibrox are Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti.

Gerrard has plenty of history with the Gers. His first senior managerial role came in Glasgow, arriving in the summer of 2018 to try and restore the club to the summit of Scottish football.

Nathan Patterson, Steven Gerrard

His first two seasons saw plenty of progress, including three victories over Celtic, with a win at Parkhead for the first time since 2010, but no trophies were won.

The 2020/21 season changed all that. After some smart recruitment in the summer of 2020, signing players such as Kemar Roofe, Ianis Hagi, and Calvin Bassey, the Light Blues won their first Premiership title in a decade.

Not only that, they went through the league season undefeated, and it looked as though this was just the start of another era of dominance.

For Gerrard, however, a lack of backing in the transfer market ahead of the 2021/22 campaign saw him doubt his future at Ibrox. When Aston Villa came calling, he jumped ship to the riches of the Premier League.

Now, it looks as though the Englishman is ready for a return to the club where he began his managerial career. He knows the club inside out, that’s a certainty, but will a return be the right thing for Rangers?

Elsewhere, Ancelotti has been linked with a surprise move to the Gers to become their new head coach. It was then revealed that the Italian was going to join his dad, Carlo, as Brazil assistant in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup. This meant he was out of the running.

Recent news suggests that Ancelotti is set to make a name for himself as a manager this summer, which puts a move to Rangers back on.

He has worked with his father at clubs such as Madrid, Bayern Munich and Napoli over the years, but is he ready for the step-up to a managerial role?

There has been another name surprisingly, linked with a move to Ibrox. And he also has a previous history with the club…

Rangers considering move for Gennaro Gattuso

While all the talk has surrounded Gerrard and Ancelotti, names such as Russell Martin, Rob Edwards and Gary O’Neil have also been considered by the board for the role, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

One name stands out among the noise, however, and that is Gennaro Gattuso. Bailey mentions the Italian as a manager the club are also considering, but unlike the rest of those linked, Gattuso is currently in charge of a club.

Gennaro Gattuso during his time with Marseille.

Indeed, he could lead Hajduk Split to their first domestic title since 2005, although it will be a long shot after their collapse over the previous few weeks.

Reports state that he could leave the Croatian side, even if he somehow leads them to the title, which means he would be available this summer.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

Would Rangers take a chance on their former player? That much remains to be seen.

Gennaro Gattuso could be a perfect left-field choice for Rangers

The 2006 World Cup winner has managed nine clubs since hanging up his boots, winning the Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2020, which is his only trophy in management thus far.

Truth be told, he hasn’t been a major success at any of the clubs that he has taken over in the past. He spent nearly two years in charge of AC Milan between November 2017 and May 2019, but he failed to return them to the top of Serie A.

Utilising a 4-2-3-1 system throughout his career in the dugout, this could work well with the players he would have at his disposal should he surprisingly take the reins at Ibrox.

After his cup glory with Napoli five years ago, journalist Anthony Lopopolo lavished praise on the former midfielder, saying:

“Gattuso is one of the best men in football. He deserves the Coppa Italia and so much more. He’s had some odd jobs in his coaching career, and he’s faced a lot of criticism, but he’s a winner because he has principles.”

These sorts of qualities would work in Glasgow. He knows what it is to win, having led AC Milan to two Serie A titles and two Champions League trophies between 2003 and 2011.

He spent a single season at Rangers during 1997/98. Although they failed to win their tenth league title in a row, Gattuso’s early abilities were on show, and it was clear he would have an excellent career in the game.

It would be taking a big gamble in appointing Gattuso, but is it any bigger than making a move for Ancelotti?

The hot-headed coach may not be perfect, but the Light Blues need someone with that winning mentality. The former Italy international knows plenty about that. That’s for certain.

Whoever is appointed faces a busy summer transfer window indeed.

After Hagi & Balogun: 49ers must ruthlessly axe "struggling" Rangers flop

Rangers must move on from this flop after they released Ianis Hagi and Leon Balogun.

By
Dan Emery

May 22, 2025

Approach made: Southampton now in advanced talks to hire new 4-3-3 manager

Looking ahead to their first attempt to get back into the Premier League next season, Southampton are now reportedly in advanced talks to hire an impressive 32-year-old manager.

Southampton's search for a new manager

The Southampton job isn’t exactly one that every manager will be jumping towards this summer after the Saints suffered relegation from the Premier League. Having opened their season with Russell Martin in the dugout, the Saints were ready to take on the Premier League their way and opt out of simply sitting in a deep defensive block.

Sky Sports: Southampton eye "secret weapon" coach who knows Kieran McKenna

The Saints need to make a new appointment.

BySean Markus Clifford Apr 27, 2025

As attractive as that approach looked, however, it did not result in much-needed points and those at St Mary’s soon switched their mindsets towards survival, sacking Martin in the process.

Their next decision was always going to be crucial, even if some were already convinced that relegation was looming. Following Martin’s tenure, it wouldn’t have been absurd to suggest that a pragmatic, experienced Premier League manager should have been the way forward, but Southampton took an alternative approach once again – this time hiring Ivan Juric in December.

Southampton manager IvanJuricreacts

Having enjoyed experience at AS Roma, Torino, Genoa and others in Italy, Juric stepped into the Premier League for the first time before enduring a nightmare spell. With one game remaining, the manager has already been sacked and Southampton have their place in history as the second-worst Premier League side in history, with one more point than the historic 2008 Derby County team.

Back at square one ahead of their return to the Championship, names such as Danny Rohl and even Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard have reportedly been among the candidates in the running for the job, but Southampton’s search has continued.

Whilst it could be neither of those young managers, the Saints have since reportedly turned towards an impressive 32-year-old who now looks the likeliest to commence a new era at St Mary’s.

Southampton in advanced talks to hire Will Still

According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Southampton have now approached Will Still and are in advanced talks to hire the 32-year-old manager, who just left Ligue 1 side RC Lens to be closer to his family.

Will Still at RC Lens.

The manager told reporters after his side defeated AS Monaco on the final day of the Ligue 1 season: “I will not be the coach of Lens next season. Today was my last match of the season at Bollaert. For multiple reasons, the main reason behind my decision is that I need to go back home. It is a logical choice for me to be closer to my wife, for her well-being.”

Back in England, Southampton are now reportedly confident that they will secure Still ahead of next season. The interest of the Saints should come as little surprise, either, given just how successful Still, who plays an attacking 4-3-3 system, has been in France at both Reims and Lens.

For Southampton, should they be successful in their pursuit of Still, they’ll be hiring another young coach to follow on from Martin’s previous spell in charge.

Man Utd now hold strongest interest in £150k-p/w star, contact already made

Manchester United now hold the strongest interest in a “sensational” goalkeeper target, having already made contact to discuss a deal, according to a report.

Man Utd looking to replace Andre Onana

It was yet another difficult campaign for Andre Onana at Old Trafford, with former United man Nemanja Matic particularly critical of the goalkeeper prior to the Europa League quarter-final clash against Lyon.

Of course, Ruben Amorim’s side went on to progress past the French club, but after losing the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur last month, it appears as though the manager has now set out to replace his goalkeeper.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Man United are well-placed to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as a replacement for Onana, and there has since been a further update on their pursuit of the Argentina international.

According to a report from TyC Sports (via Sport Witness), United now hold the strongest interest in Martinez, having made contact to discuss a potential move several months ago, before ultimately deciding to stick with Onana.

Barcelona have also expressed an interest in the Villa shot-stopper, but the La Liga champions now appear to be going for Joan Garcia, which could open the door for a move to Old Trafford.

A deal could be on the expensive side, with the report revealing Unai Emery’s side are set to hold out for a large fee, although it is unclear how much they would be looking to receive.

"Sensational" Martinez could be huge Onana upgrade

Onana would’ve been hoping that a good showing in the Europa League final would give him a shot at redemption, but he ultimately put in a disappointing display, and it is clear that Amorim must bring in an upgrade this summer.

There are signs the Argentine could fit the bill, having outperformed the Cameroonian across a number of key metrics for goalkeepers per 90 minutes over the past year.

Statistic

Emiliano Martinez

Andre Onana

Goals against

1.20

1.32

Save %

72.1%

68.9%

Clean sheet %

28.3%

23.4%

Crosses stopped %

11.3%

5.5%

Jamie Smith has lauded the 32-year-old as “sensational” in the past, and he won the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award in both 2022 and 2024, once again indicating that he would be a real improvement on Onana between the sticks.

Man Utd hold secret talks to swap Sancho for "generational" £75m PL forward

The Red Devils have held discussions over a swap deal involving Jadon Sancho…

ByDominic Lund Jun 4, 2025

It remains to be seen whether the £150k-a-week goalkeeper would be interested in a move to Old Trafford, without European football of any description on offer, but he would be a real statement signing for Man United this summer.

A Summerville repeat: Fan favourite now in talks to leave Leeds

Being a Leeds United supporter has certainly been somewhat of a rollercoaster over the last couple of years, with the club always in the middle of some form of drama on or off the pitch.

From big-money departures to Wembley defeats and title victories, the fans have truly been through it all, with another new chapter appearing on the horizon in the coming months.

After promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League, it hands the Whites a fresh opportunity to create new history and cement themselves as one of England’s greats.

Leeds United manager DanielFarkebefore the match

They will face a huge task to beat the drop, given the gap between the two divisions, but after their ninth-placed finish back in their previous return to the top flight is evidence that they can defy the odds.

If they are to break the mould, investment is needed, but it’s also pivotal that players who are not required are moved on to provide boss Daniel Farke with added funds to make changes.

The latest on Leeds players who could leave Elland Road this summer

Striker Patrick Bamford has failed to deliver throughout 2024/25, not scoring a single goal across all competitions, leading to rumours about his future in Yorkshire.

He’s been linked with a move to newly promoted Championship side Wrexham, which could lead to a permanent move away, looking to cash in given the fact he has just one year left on his current deal.

The 31-year-old won’t be the last player to depart Elland Road this window, with full-back Junior Firpo also touted with an exit, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

He confirmed that the Dominican international has been approached by his former side, Real Betis, over a return to the LaLiga outfit, with his contract set to expire in just over two weeks.

The Whites have made an offer to extend his stay in Yorkshire, but as of yet, no agreement has been reached, with the defender looking more likely to leave given the time remaining on his deal.

Why Leeds’ £60k-p/w star could be a repeat of Summerville

Crysencio Summerville captured the hearts of the Leeds fanbase during his spell at Elland Road, producing numerous moments of magic after breaking into the first team setup.

Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville

His first major moment came back in October 2022, coming off the bench to score the winner against Liverpool at Anfield – in a game which was undoubtedly the highlight of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Dutchman would become a key member of the side after relegation to the Championship, scoring 20 times and registering nine assists, but it wasn’t enough as the club lost in the play-off final against Southampton.

He would subsequently depart and join West Ham United in a £25m deal last summer, banking a huge profit but losing one of their shining lights in the process.

Whilst Firpo would be leaving for nothing, it could see a repeat of a deal for Summerville, with both players moving on after impressive years in the second tier, with the defender notching 14 goal contributions this season.

Leeds United's JuniorFirpoin action with Bristol City's Max Bird

The defender, who also earns £60k-per-week, has matched the Dutchman in struggling in the top flight previously in Yorkshire, leading to many fans previously voicing their displeasure over his performances, with such a move freeing up money off the wage bill.

The winger has struggled with injuries since his subsequent move to the top tier, starting just seven league games this season, with the deal now favouring the Whites despite the disappointment at the time.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

14

Pass accuracy

83%

Chances created

1.7

Touches in opposition box

4.1

Duels won

6.3

Tackle success rate

52%

Such a deal allowed for Manor Solomon to move to the club, handing Farke an added talent whilst banking good money, something which could replicate itself with Firpo this summer.

Understandably, given his form at Elland Road, no fan would want to lose the defender, with continuity crucial if the side are to beat the drop throughout 2025/26.

However, if the full-back doesn’t want to stay, it would be best to part ways this month and make a move for a player who could fill the void in Yorkshire.

Should he struggle to make an impact away from the club like Summerville, it would be a good decision to allow him to depart, putting trust in the hierarchy to recruit a suitable replacement in the coming months.

Their new Klich: Leeds submit offer to sign £22m star with a "huge future"

Leeds United have reportedly made an official offer to sign a star who could be Mateusz Klich 2.0.

ByDan Emery Jun 10, 2025

£150k-per-week Arsenal ace holds "positive" talks to join Atletico Madrid

Mikel Arteta’s squad at Arsenal is shaping up to look rather different ahead of their opening Premier League game of 2025/2026 against Man United.

Arsenal plan £51m Chelsea hijack as key target now eyes Barcelona move

Andrea Berta has shifted focus.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2025

The Gunners have been repeatedly linked with a new defender, winger and striker in the last week, but sporting director Andrea Berta will also be working to offload some players in a bid to fund their recruitment drive and trim the wage bill.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Marquinhos, Kieran Tierney, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand and Jorginho have officially left the club already, with the latter terminating his contract early so he can play for new side Flamengo at the Club World Cup.

Meanwhile, reports are beginning to suggest that Arsenal have hit a stumbling block in negotiations over a new contract for Thomas Partey (CaughtOffside), so the Ghanaian could end up following the aforementioned names out of the club’s exit door if a resolution cannot be found.

Berta also has some key decisions to make on the futures of Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The former impressed alongside William Saliba while Gabriel was out injured last season, and plays a crucial role for Poland at international level, which has attracted keen interest from Serie A heavyweights AC Milan (La Gazzetta dello Sport).

Kiwior simply has to decide whether he wants to continue playing second fiddle behind Arteta’s preferred centre-back pairing, but the writing appears to be on the wall for Zinchenko.

The Ukraine international scarcely featured last season, making just 15 Premier League appearances, mostly off the bench, and he’s widely expected to have already played his last game in an Arsenal shirt.

Oleksandr Zinchenko holds "positive" talks to join Atlético Madrid

An emissary from Milan reportedly held talks with Arsenal over Zinchenko last week (La Gazzetta), but they’re not the only elite contenders for his signature.

According to CaughtOffside, the 28-year-old wants to leave, and Zinchenko has held “positive” talks with Atletico Madrid over an Arsenal exit. The north Londoners are prepared to green-light his exit for just £13 million, and there is a sense that Diego Simeone’s side could move forward in quick fashion to hold negotiations with Arsenal – even if they have other left-backs like Liverpool’s Andy Robertson on their agenda.

Atlético have Zinchenko, Robertson, Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell and Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne on an extensive target list as Simeone looks to reinforce the left-back area, but if the La Liga side end up moving on from Arsenal’s surplus defender, Milan are still in contention for him.

Berta will be keen to make some money back off the £30 million fee splashed on Zinchenko’s signing in 2022, but more importantly, this interest gives Arsenal a chance to trim his £150,000-per-week wages off their already-large wage bill.

Man Utd now well-placed to sign "brilliant" £40m Andre Onana replacement

Manchester United are set for a summer overhaul and plenty of movement is expected in both directions over the next few months, especially in the goalkeeping department.

Man Utd set to make Cunha first summer signing

The Premier League has proven to be an unhappy hunting ground for Ruben Amorim, and it is now abundantly clear that changes will be on the way to restructure his side ahead of next season.

Any notion of a backdoor route to Champions League football via claiming the Europa League was put to bed by Tottenham Hotspur last Wednesday, who prevailed 1-0 in Bilbao courtesy of a scrappy first-half effort from Brennan Johnson.

Andre Onana, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire could all be held culpable for the goal, albeit lapses in concentration in key moments have been a central feature in the Red Devils’ failure to string together consistent results.

Further up the field, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles in the Europa League final indicate that there will be plenty of work done to improve the spine of Amorim’s side.

Matheus Cunha is a prime target to freshen up the forward line and the Brazilian forward is set to make the move to Old Trafford from Wolves in a transfer that is expected to be worth £62.5m. The Red Devils look primed to trigger Cunha’s release clause as he looks likely to become the first summer signing ahead of Amorim’s first full season in charge.

Matheus Cunha

Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho’s decision to demand a move to Real Madrid has let the cat among the pigeons regarding potential reinforcements.

Man Utd's "outrageously good" flop has been better than McTominay in 24/25

INEOS must terribly regret letting this player leave Old Trafford.

ByAngus Sinclair May 25, 2025

Robust in his assessment of what may come this summer, Amorim believes his side will be able to avoid making the same mistakes once the new campaign commences.

He said: “We are going to avoid a lot of mistakes next season. Now is the time we can use all of that suffering to change things in the summer.”

Casting an eye to the window, Amorim could now be set to deliver on his promise by bringing in a high-profile figure between the sticks.

Man Utd well-placed to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are well-placed to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa if they can sell Onana during the summer window.

Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Saudi Pro League clubs are also in the mix to sign the Argentinian stopper, who could be available for between £35 million to £40 million after switching agencies.

Andre Onana vs Emiliano Martinez – who is the better goalkeeper?

Andre Onana – Premier League (before final day)

Saves

90

Save percentage rate

67.2%

Goals conceded

44

Goals prevented

0.53

Clean sheets

9

Emiliano Martinez – Premier League (before final day)

Saves

95

Save percentage rate

67.9%

Goals conceded

45

Goals prevented

0.42

Clean sheets

8

Labelled “brilliant” by Alan Shearer, Martinez has kept 15 clean sheets in 52 appearances across all competitions this campaign, helping the Villans to put on a strong showing across several fronts.

Now, Manchester United have a task on their hands in convincing the former Arsenal man that a move to Old Trafford is the best course of action at this stage of his career. Onana leaving the club will also be crucial to making that notion a reality. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if that possibility will evolve into a done deal.

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