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Leeds United are making moves to sign a ‘Premier League centre-forward’, The Athletic’s Phil Hay reports. 

The lowdown

Leeds can now put their summer plans into action after confirming their Premier League status with a final-day victory over Brentford.

Jesse Marsch will be overseeing his first transfer window at Elland Road, having taken over from Marcelo Bielsa at the start of March.

They’ve already agreed a fee for RB Salzburg’s Brendan Aaronson, who’s consequently poised to be their first summer signing.

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The latest

In addition to Aaronson, Marsch wants to strengthen his defence and his frontline, reports Hay.

The club have been ‘working on’ a move for Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay as well as a top-flight striker.

The verdict

Why do Leeds want to bolster their no. 9 options?

Well, Patrick Bamford may have enjoyed a fine 2020/21 campaign, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists, but he was ravaged by injury this time around.

The Englishman spent three lengthy spells on the sidelines and was only able to start seven Premier League games.

Leeds looked to Dan James to fill the void, but he’s predominantly a winger and he was only able to score four goals.

Joe Gelhardt is an option too, but perhaps the Whites are reluctant to potentially rely on the 20-year-old at this early stage of his career.

In other news, Phil Hay reacts to what he saw Raphinha do on Sunday.

West Ham United could face a Manchester City side in the Premier League this afternoon without Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho with both players nursing injuries.

What’s the latest?

As quoted by City Xtra, City boss Pep Guardiola stated: “They are in treatment, two days. We will see tomorrow, which players can play on Sunday. Until the day of the game, we will not be able to decide.

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“I said many times we have to handle these absences. If it was many months a big problem but one or two games. We saw against Wolves, we get through.”

Laporte had to be withdrawn after colliding with Wolves striker Raul Jimenez as Guardiola’s men won 5-1 at Molineux on Wednesday evening whilst it appeared as though Fernandinho sustained a hamstring injury.

Hammers will be buzzing

Getting a result against Manchester City with the Premier League title on the line will be a very tall task for West Ham. However, their chances will certainly be improved slightly if Laporte and Fernandinho do not make the game.

Without Laporte, Nathan Ake will be the Citizens’ only fit centre-back which could cause Guardiola a major issue as his side look to all but secure their fourth Premier League title under the Spaniard.

With a victory in east London, City will go six points clear of Liverpool with one game to go with the Reds’ penultimate game of the league season coming on Tuesday night with a trip to Southampton.

However, the absences of Laporte and Fernandinho, who have made a combined 73 appearances this term will be a major boost for West Ham who still have targets of their own.

A win today would see David Moyes’ side leapfrog Manchester United into sixth place going into the final day, with a second consecutive top six finish still very possible.

Although unlikely, the Hammers could still finish outside of the European places with two defeats in their final games of the season if Wolves were to beat both Norwich City and Liverpool.

Moyes’ men were victorious against City when the North-West outfit made the trip to the London Stadium in October for the EFL Cup fourth round, losing on penalties following a 0-0 draw.

Therefore, the Irons can take confidence from their previous meeting at the London Stadium as well as potential injury woes in the defensive department for Manchester City.

AND in other news: Forget Lanzini: Moyes must now unleash “renowned” £49k-p/w West Ham hero vs MCFC…

As per West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh, there has been an exciting update regarding on-loan Southampton striker Armando Broja. 

The lowdown: Breakthrough campaign

Since joining Southampton from Chelsea at the start of the 2021/22 season, Broja has caught the eye on the south coast, scoring nine times for the Saints.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for the 20-year-old Albania international as his parent club go through a protracted off the field takeover turmoil.

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Having previously been tentatively credited with an interest in the powerful youngster, it now appears that the admiration from east London could be turned into something more tangible…

The latest: C&H make a big claim

Reputable Irons insider C&H have claimed that West Ham are ‘considering a potential loan swoop’ for Broja this summer.

The report states that the Hammers have a ‘very real interest’ in the 12-cap ace and will look to put together a package that includes the option to buy at the end of a temporary spell.

Furthermore, it’s suggested that Chelsea ‘might be willing’ to allow the man dubbed ‘dangerous’ by Ralph Hasenhuttl following a goalscoring display against Brentford to leave on loan once again.

The verdict: Make it happen

David Moyes, alongside recruitment chief Rob Newman, desperately need to address the current lack of a natural understudy for Michail Antonio at the London Stadium during the upcoming window.

Whilst on loan at Dutch Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem in 2020/21, Broja netted 11 times and registered three assists in 34 appearances across all competitions, so he has now shown in multiple leagues he knows where the back of the net is.

Goals aside, the 6 foot 2 powerhouse has won 4.8 duels and taken 1.5 shots on average per game this term whilst earning a 6.69 rating (Sofascore), highlighting a willingness to complete against defenders and attacking prowess that would make him ideally suited to bolster Moyes’ attacking options.

In other news: Talks held: West Ham meet with club chief as he offers chance to sign five players! Find out more here.

Liverpool have made contact with AS Monaco regarding the possible transfer of Aurelien Tchouameni, according to a report from 90min. 

The lowdown: Hot property

The 22-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise to stardom in France having graduated from the FC Girondins Bordeaux academy before making the switch to Monaco in 2020.

Tchouameni has already made 128 senior outings in France and has recently become a regular for Didier Deschamps’ national side following a debut against Bosnia during World Cup qualification.

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Now, seemingly almost the finished article having honed his skills in Ligue 1, the powerful French youngster could be ready for the step in his promising career, with Paul Joyce of The Times confirming interest from Anfield last week.

The latest: Reds make contact

As per 90min, Liverpool and UEFA Champions League final opponents Real Madrid have both ‘spoken with Monaco’ regarding the eight-cap ace.

The report also claims that Chelsea are ‘keen to agree a deal’ but that move would be hard to foresee given their off-field issues at present.

That leaves the path clear for the European giants who will face off in Paris to battle it out for the midfielder who has been dubbed as an ‘octopus’ for his ability to dictate a game from a holding midfield role.

The verdict: Win this race

Not only will Jurgen Klopp be vying to beat Real to European glory, but also the capture of the £36million valued starlet who is regarded as one of the hottest talents on the continent.

So far this season, Tchouameni has scored three times and provided two assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, earning an impressive 7.27 Sofascore rating whilst making 2.8 interceptions, 2.5 tackles and winning a staggering 7.6 duels on average per game in the French top flight.

Those statistics are born out by the Frenchman’s very strong aerial and tackling ability (WhoScored), as well as a stylistic likeness to Real Madrid ace Casemiro and Anfield’s own Thiago, when using FBref’s player comparison tool.

With calibre and performances such as this despite his tender years, new Reds transfer chief Julian Ward would be instantly heralded should he deliver the Frenchman into Klopp’s squad following the remarkable signing of Luis Diaz in January.

In other news: Liverpool interested in Bundesliga sensation, find out more here.

Jacob Ramsey is a doubt for Aston Villa’s trip to Burnley after injuring his groin in training, The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece reports.

The lowdown

Villa head to Lancashire looking to make back-to-back wins after beating bottom-of-the-table Norwich City at home last weekend.

But they face a Burnley side who have rattled off three successive victories as they scrap desperately for points in their bid for survival.

Gerrard is already without Leon Bailey, who only lasted 40 minutes against the Canaries, and defender Kortney Hause, nursing a long-term abdominal issue.

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The latest

Preece tweeted another injury blow on Friday – Ramsey is ‘struggling with a groin issue’ ahead of the journey to Turf Moor.

“Team news update ahead of Burnley – Jacob Ramsey struggling with a groin issue; Leon Bailey (ankle) ruled out; Morgan Sanson returns to squad after two-game lay-off.”

In the attached story, he explains that Ramsey limped out of training at Bodymoor Heath. Gerrard is due to make a late call on whether to include the 20-year-old in his squad.

The verdict

Ramsey would be a big loss for the Villans.

He had been on an impressive run of 19 consecutive Premier League starts dating back to the clash with Manchester City at the start of December, underlining his importance to the team.

He provides a real goal threat from midfield, with six goals to his name so far this season. In the Villa squad, only Ollie Watkins (nine) can better that tally.

The Englishman is also key in getting his team up the pitch. He leads the way at Villa for progressive carries per 90 minutes with 5.91.

If he does miss out against Burnley, his involvement against title-chasing Liverpool on Tuesday would surely be in jeopardy too.

In other news, Aston Villa have been linked with this centre-back.

Leeds United have proved to be more than a match for Premier League football and now have growing confidence they can seal a statement deal at Elland Road in January.

Leeds move forward after pivotal victory over West Ham

Daniel Farke has had his doubters in the top-flight and some reservations will always remain after his previous spell in the division with Norwich City. However, there can be no doubt that he has made the Whites a competitive force at the highest level.

Claiming 11 points inside nine matches, Leeds find themselves in a decent position to kick on after a much-needed victory over West Ham United on Friday, which may be symbolic in a way as the Hammers slide further towards the bottom of the table.

Either way, there is a long way to go and nobody will be getting ahead of themselves. Still, Farke singled out his players for the determination they showed to ensure three points were claimed in front of a raucous home crowd against Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.

He said, via BBC Sport: “First of all, I’m delighted to take the three points. It is difficult to explain how we were standing there after the last three games with one point. We had much more domination and controlled the performance. We had a difficult week, in terms of illnesses and injuries.

“It was a difficult week for us. You could feel it. We showed passion and bravery. In the last 20 minutes you could feel it was a difficult week. A big fighting spirit, will and passion to bring it over the line.”

Come the January window, Leeds could make a move for Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissoko and may look to his displays in Champions League qualifying matches as an indicator of his potential.

With the engine room a key priority, Farke and company are now said to be growing in confidence that they can sign an experienced international in mid-season.

Leeds could land Piotr Zielinski in January

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Leeds are hoping to sign Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski in January as the Serie A giants are now ‘definitely’ open to sanctioning his departure.

The reporter said: “He was linked with Leeds in the summer window and they were linked with a couple of other midfielders as well. He is well down the pecking order at the San Siro. He’s struggled for game time, had just two starts in the Champions League, so he’s not started a Serie A game.

Appearances

47

Goals

2

Assists

4

“Inter are definitely open to his departure to try and save some money and boost their own transfer coffers. Whether they’ll be able to sell Zielinski to Leeds, that remains to be seen. He’s 31 now, but I still feel he’s got a lot to offer and the player himself would be interested in a move away in January in search of regular first team football. If he’s not going to be getting that at Inter, he will maybe seek a move away.”

In a campaign where he has struggled for starts, the Poland international has still managed to create three chances in 167 minutes of Champions League football, per Fotmob, illustrating his capacity to cause danger.

While his £139,000 per week wages would be an expensive commitment, they are probably not out of the Whites’ budget, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Zielinski were to end up at Elland Road.

From a results perspective, the weekend was almost perfect for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side picked up all three points at home to West Ham United, and Liverpool lost to Chelsea, leaving the Gunners at the top of the Premier League table heading into the international break.

However, the North Londoners can never have a perfect weekend, as during their win over the Hammers, Martin Odegaard had to come off before half-time with an injury for the third league game on the spin.

With it being confirmed as an MCL injury, there is a real concern that the club’s captain could be out of action for a number of months rather than weeks.

However, while Odegaard’s absence is undoubtedly a setback for Arsenal, there are several ways in which Arteta could cope with it, including playing one of his most exciting talents, and no, not Eberechi Eze.

How Arteta could solve his Odegaard problem

The good news here is that, while there might not be a perfect solution to Odegaard’s absence, Arteta now has several ways to approach it with this squad.

Chalkboard

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

For example, while it might not be a popular option, he could bring Mikel Merino back into the starting lineup and play him in a more attacking role.

The Spaniard certainly isn’t as technically impressive as the Norwegian, but if the last year or so has proven anything, it’s that the former Real Sociedad star knows precisely where the goal is.

For example, in 53 appearances for the Gunners, the 29-year-old has scored ten goals and provided five assists, and since the start of last season, he’s scored six goals in nine caps for Spain.

An altogether more unconventional and unlikely option could be to start Bukayo Saka more centrally.

Now, before the pitchforks come out, this isn’t a suggestion in the vein of playing the Hale Ender on the left to make room for other players in the national team.

Instead, this would, in theory, give the Englishman far more time on the ball and, therefore, have an even greater influence on games than he already does.

Moreover, the 24-year-old has already shown an ability to use both feet, is best when cutting in from out wide, is far stronger than people give him credit fr and is arguably one of the team’s most creative players alongside their biggest goal threat.

In other words, while it would be an experiment, there isn’t an apparent reason why it wouldn’t work.

Finally, Arteta could just opt to play summer signing Eze in the most attacking midfield role.

However, while this might well be the option the manager chooses, it does mean that Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard will have to start on the left, and neither has been impressive when starting games this season.

Therefore, the boss should keep the former Crystal Palace star on the left and opt to start another outrageously talented gem in the middle.

The Arsenal star who should start in place of Odegaard

So, if Eze is going to stay out on the left, Saka on the right and Merino remains an impact sub, that leaves one clear option to start in place of Odegaard: Ethan Nwaneri.

The Hale End gem might not be getting as much game time as some would have expected, but with the captain now out of action, the next couple of months could be the perfect opportunity to get him in the starting lineup with some regularity.

Moreover, while the 18-year-old is certainly still raw and can make the wrong decision at times, his outrageous talent is simply undeniable.

Appearances

37

Minutes

1378′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.27′

For example, despite not really being a winger and being so young, the Enfield-born monster managed to score nine goals and provide two assists in 37 appearances, totalling 1378 minutes, last season.

That works out to a goal involvement every 3.36 games, or more crucially, one every 125.27 minutes.

Furthermore, unlike some of his more senior teammates, who have been criticised for playing too safely in the past, the “phenomenal” prospect, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, is always looking to play the ball forward or for a goalscoring opportunity.

While there are certainly other differences in their game, this swashbuckling and brave style of play has to be one of the reasons the manager described him as “a little bit like Jack Wilshere.”

Ultimately, Arteta has several options when it comes to replacing Odegaard in this Arsenal team, but to keep the wings as strong as possible, he should opt to start Nwaneri.

Arsenal sold Hale End's answer to Gyokeres for £4m, now he's worth 464% more

As Viktor Gyökeres continues to find his feet at Arsenal, did the Gunners sell their own home grown version for just £4m, now worth 464% more?

Oct 6, 2025

Former Everton striker Wayne Rooney has revealed the best teammate he has during his time as a Blues player, with Pele even watching his debut at another club.

Rooney's love for Everton

For a while, Rooney’s reputation at Everton was damaged because of his decision to join Manchester United as a teenager, having emerged as the most exciting young player in the country.

The England legend returned to Goodison Park later in his career, however, which went down well, and he has revealed in the past how much it hurt to leave the Blues first time around.

“I knew before Euro 2004 that I was getting touted to other teams because Everton needed the money. Certain individuals were going in to other clubs saying, ‘Would you take Wayne Rooney for £30 million?’. I was heartbroken. I mean, I loved the club and wanted to play for Everton but once I found that out, I was devastated.

“To be honest, I would have left at some point – of course, I would have to better myself and go and win trophies – but I was devastated. So I thought, you know what? Okay. I was getting pushed to join Chelsea because they were offering the most money but I didn’t want to go. I wanted to go to Manchester United. It was less money for Everton but that’s where I wanted to play.”

Rooney revealed "best" ever Everton teammate

Speaking to Everton’s X account in the past, Rooney revealed that Thomas Gravesen is the best player he shared a pitch with for the Blues: “I would probably say that Thomas Gravesen is the best player I’ve played with.”

Gravesen is a choice that will likely be met positively by Everton fans, with the Dane a hugely popular player during his time at Goodison.

He possessed both technical ability on the ball and tenacity out of possession, and his quality is highlighted by the fact that he earned a move to Real Madrid in 2005.

In fact, Pele was even present to watch his debut at the Santiago Bernabeu, and legendary manager Fabio Capello heaped praise on him at the time.

“He has been playing very well in front of the Madrid defence and is also very effective at helping build their attacks. He is turning into a very important player for them, as Madrid had problems in that position before he arrived. They were all over the place there. Now, with his arrival, there is more balance to the team.”

Watch out Grealish: Everton brewing teen star who outscored Ndiaye in 24/25

Everton’s youth academy is ready to reveal the latest homegrown hero.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 19, 2025

If Gravesen were asked the same question, Rooney could easily get his vote, considering he is among the greatest English footballers of his generation, and it’s just a shame that they didn’t spend longer together at Everton.

With Junior Firpo currently set to leave as a free agent later this month, Leeds United have reportedly joined the race to sign a Bundesliga standout who’s worth just £8m this summer.

Junior Firpo set to depart Leeds

After four years at Elland Road, Firpo has just 24 days remaining as a Leeds player unless anything dramatic happens between now and the end of the month. With his contract expiring, the Whites have missed their chance to cash in and will now watch on as one of their most experienced players departs as a free agent. With or without the chance to cash in, however, Leeds must find a replacement this summer.

Daniel Farke is one of many who are well aware of Firpo’s importance in Yorkshire, having told reporters when asked about the defender’s contract situation at the start of last season: “If I’m honest I haven’t thought about this scenario so far because it was such a difficult summer for other things.

“You know how much I rate Junior [Firpo] and Sam [Byram] and how important they are for us. Junior played a really good game against Burnley, after long travel, improved defensive skill and turning into a leader. Great will to improve further.”

49ers lining up summer swoop to sign "resilient" relegated star for Leeds

He could get an instant return to the Premier League.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 6, 2025

Set to lose one of his leaders nonetheless, Farke must ensure that his replacement, whoever that is, steps up in Firpo’s place. Those at Elland Road cannot afford to get things wrong this summer with the Premier League looming.

None of the last six promoted clubs have survived their first season in the Premier League, but Leeds will be desperate to end that trend. The 49ers look likely to back them in pursuit of that too, given recent links to the likes of Gustavo Hamer and now a talented Bundesliga star who would replace Firpo.

Leeds racing to sign Anthony Caci

According to Foot Mercato, Leeds are now racing Borussia Dortmund to sign Anthony Caci from Mainz 05 this summer. The full-back, who can play on both sides of the defence or even in midfield, has been a standout in the Bundesliga across the last eight months and has more than played his part in Mainz’s shock sixth place finish.

Valued at just €10m (£8m) by Mainz, Leeds would be landing a bargain deal by beating Dortmund to Caci’s signature this summer. There’s even a strong argument that the Whites would be landing an upgrade on Firpo and not just a replacement.

Minutes

2,684

2,616

Assists

7

10

Tackles Won

40

34

Ball Recoveries

131

114

Whilst keeping up with Firpo on the creativity front, Caci outperformed the Leeds man in a number of key areas. Having proven himself in Germany’s top flight, the Frenchman has more than earned the opportunity to do the same in England’s top division.

At just £8m, Caci would undoubtedly be a bargain buy and one that the 49ers should do everything to seal should Firpo depart this summer.

Will Chelsea spend big again this summer?

Since being taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital three years ago, the Blues have signed over 35 senior first-team players for in excess of £1bn, but are showing no signs of slowing down.

The Blues have already completed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m, meaning he will be eligible to feature at the Club World Cup, with Enzo Maresca’s side kicking off their campaign against LAFC next Monday.

Before that match in Atlanta, could Chelsea sign another young attacker?

Chelsea's search for a new wide-attacker

BlueCo are incredibly busy trying to improve the squad before the Club World Cup gets underway with Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan reportedly closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Yet, he’s not the only player who could arrive before Chelsea’s American adventure.

According to a report by RMC Sport, Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens on a whopping seven-year contract.

Transfer Focus

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

This comes after David Ornstein of the Athletic reported that the Blues have submitted an official bid, although Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland claims that Chelsea’s initial bid of €29.5m was “rejected”, with die Schwarzgelben “demanding” closer to £51m.

Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian has previously documented that adding a ‘right-footed left-winger’ to their squad, having previously assessed Nico Williams and Alejandro Garnacho, but Gittens has emerged as the first-choice target.

So, it appears to be just a matter of time until this deal gets done, although they only have until 7pm (BST) on Tuesday to finalise the transfer, if Gittens is going to feature at the Club World Cup.

How Jamie Gittens could unleash Liam Delap

Neel Shelat of Total Football Analysis outlines how Delap has all the attributes to be a top-class penalty box poacher, so why would Gittens’ arrival be the dream signing for him?

Well, Felix Johnston describes the 20-year-old winger as “electric”, praising his “variation with crosses” and ability to make threatening “back post” runs.

Meantime, Lebohang Mwamuka of Breaking the Lines believes Gittens has the ability to become a ‘regular creator from wide areas’, given that he is “strong with both feet… dynamic” and possesses “remarkable dribbling’.

Jacek Kulig of Talent Football Scout agrees, believing Gittens’ ‘potential is extremely high’, noting that his primary strengths are dribbling, ‘decision-making and movement’.

So, let’s analyse Gittens’ statistics in the Bundesliga this season.

Minutes

1,776

149th

Goals

8

32nd

Assists

3

71st

Progressive carries

113

4th

Attempted take-ons

171

1st

Successful take-ons

77

2nd

Carries into penalty area

63

1st

As the table outlines, there are few better dribblers in the Bundesliga than Gittens, ranked first for attempted take-ons and carries into the opposition penalty area, behind only Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz for successful take-ons.

In fact, across Europe’s big five leagues, the Englishman ranks seventh for attempted take-ons as well as seventh in the Champions League for the same metric. Thus, Gittens’ dribbling and creative abilities would surely get the best out of centre-forward Delap.

The duo have actually played together on nine occasions before, seven of which have been with England’s U21s, while they were briefly teammates in Manchester City’s academy too, with Delap assisting Gittens for a goal against Liverpool’s U18s in September 2019.

Thus, if the pair are reunited in West London later this summer, they could form quite the devastating attacking duo.

Talks ongoing: Chelsea mainstay could be forced out if they sign "elite" player

There is set to be real shake-ups at Stamford Bridge this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 8, 2025