Chelsea chiefs are now prepared to make an offer to sign one Barcelona star this summer, who’d come in to provide direct competition or partner a key starter in Enzo Maresca’s starting eleven.

Chelsea preparing for London derby against Tottenham

On the field, Maresca’s side are preparing for a crunch London derby clash against Tottenham in the Premier League, with Chelsea firmly in the chase for Champions League qualification.

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The Blues are set to be involved in an extremely tight race from now until the end of this campaign, with just five points separating fourth and tenth place in the division.

Tottenham (home)

April 3rd

Brentford (away)

April 6th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 13th

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Every single point matters in the race for a place in Europe’s most prestigious competition, and Maresca is keen to see his side play a fast-paced brand of football against Tottenham, no matter who is fit and available.

“We want to be direct and quick when they press higher, but we cannot be direct and quick when they sit back,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s plan against Tottenham.

“Probably the last game at home, if you review Leicester, West Ham, Wolves, Southampton, if you have a reminder of that game, there are all games where 11 players were behind the ball, almost at the edge of the box.

“It’s impossible to attack quick. Now, against a team that press higher, you can attack more quick for sure. But it’s easier when you have players who are running behind, maybe the players you’ve had before in that period, they don’t really like running behind, they like balls to feet.

“For skills, for character, for sure when you have players that love to run behind more, it’s more easy.”

Unfortunately for Maresca, midfielder Romeo Lavia is a doubt for their game against Spurs, which has been the story for much of his time at Chelsea.

Reports suggest that Chelsea are keen to sign a new senior midfielder this summer, with Lavia consistently on the treatment table and Enzo Fernández attracting interest from Real Madrid.

Chelsea prepared to make £33m bid for Marc Casado

According to reports from Spain, Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado is a target for BlueCo, with the Spaniard apparently falling down Hansi Flick’s pecking order at the Camp Nou.

It is believed Chelsea are “willing to submit” up to £33m for Casado, but they’re not alone, as Arsenal have also adopted the same transfer stance over a player who they view as a long-term replacement for Thomas Partey.

Chelsea, meanwhile, see the 21-year-old as an ideal competitor or partner for Moises Caicedo in midfield, which could signal their plans not to reply on the consistently-injured Lavia.

“He’s an animal,” said Spain international teammate Bryan Zaragoza, after Casado made his first senior start for the national team against Switzerland last November.

“I don’t even know what to say about how he played. He’s barbaric.”

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has recommended a new forward to manager Mikel Arteta, with the Italian already exerting his influence ahead of what will be a crucial summer transfer window for the north Londoners.

Andrea Berta sends message after Arsenal appointment

The 53-year-old has been officially confirmed as Edu Gaspar’s replacement after weeks of rumours, and Berta has expressed his delight over joining the Premier League heavyweights after 12 successful years at Atlético Madrid.

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“I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club,” said Berta on his appointment at Arsenal.

“I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

“The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team. I cannot wait to get started in my new role.”

Arteta has already confirmed that Arsenal are set for a “big” summer window after Berta’s arrival, following previous reports that £300 million could be spent on seven new signings, including a goalkeeper, left-back, defensive midfielder, left-winger, striker and alternative to Bukayo Saka (GiveMeSport).

Bringing in a new centre-forward is an especially key aim for the club, following a campaign which has arguably been hampered by their lack of a ruthless goal-scoring poacher.

Kai Havertz chipped in with 15 goals from 34 total appearances this term, before his season-ending hamstring injury, while Gabriel Jesus enjoyed a serious purple patch prior to his ACL tear.

Both men are ruled out of action for the foreseeable future, with midfielder Mikel Merino deployed in an emergency striker role by Arteta. Their need for a world-class number nine is more prevalent than ever before, and reliable media sources indicate they’re expected to bring one in this summer.

Fabrizio Romano anticipates Arsenal will make an “important” proposal to sign Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko also repeatedly linked.

Andrea Berta tells Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid sensation Adrian Nino

As per journalist Steve Kay, speaking on KS1TV, Berta has now recommended Atletico striker Adrian Nino to Arsenal and Arteta.

The Spain Under-19 international is seen as a player with big potential, drawing comparisons to the likes of City legend Aguero and Fernando Torres, and is currently into double figures with Atletico’s B team.

Simeone handed Nino his first-team debut against CD Leganes in January, but he already carries quite a formidable reputation.

“He’s one of these players I’ve been told Arsenal are watching,” said Kay.

“He plays for Atletico B. He’s in the mould of, people have mentioned, Fernando Torres, Griezmann, Aguero. I spoke to a guy, I actually had to speak to him in Spanish.

“Yeah, he’s highly-rated, Arsenal are interested in him and are keeping an eye on him. Berta brought him in, and he was integral to bringing him to the club. He’s in the Torres mould. Powerful, quick thinking, silky skills clever. Watch him because we have Berta coming in.

“This is one I’ve been told has been recommended to Mikel Arteta.”

Over the last few years, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has gained a reputation for rubbing people up the wrong way.

Whether it’s penalty antics or goading the crowd, the World Cup winner has made his fair share of enemies. But how has he irritated so many with his performances and antics? Here, we take a look at the moments that made Martinez one of football’s best wind-up merchants.

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1 ByCharlie Smith Nov 28, 2025 1 Psyching out Yerry Mina Argentina v Colombia, 2021 Copa America

Martinez took full advantage of an empty stadium at the pandemic-delayed Copa America in 2021 by using his taunting skills to put off Yerry Mina during a tense semi-final penalty shootout.

With the scores locked at 1-1, Martinez hurled insults at the defender, saying: “You’re nervous, huh? You’re laughing but you’re nervous. Yeah, yeah. You’re nervous. You’re nervous.

“Hey! The ball is ahead [of the penalty spot]. Yeah, yeah. Turn a blind eye. I already know you.

“Hey, look. See how I know where you’ll shoot. And then I’ll save it. I’m eating you up, brother. I’m eating you up, brother.”

Martinez had successfully flustered his opponent, and Colombia lost 3-2 on penalties, while Argentina went on to win the tournament with a 1-0 win over Brazil.

2 Winding up Ronaldo and teasing United fans Man Utd v Aston Villa, 2021/22 Premier League

With Aston Villa holding on for what would be a historic victory at Old Trafford, those hopes were left dangling by a thread when Man Utd were awarded a stoppage-time penalty.

Not fazed by the situation at all, Martinez prepared his wind-up act.

With Bruno Fernandes appearing favourite to take the kick, Martinez appeared to gesture towards Cristiano Ronaldo to take the kick himself, presumably to get in Fernandes’ head.

Fernandes was the one to eventually step up but ballooned his shot over the bar, leading Martinez to shake his hips at the devastated crowd to add insult to injury.

3 Dancing at the World Cup Netherlands v Argentina, 2022 World Cup

Martinez brought his post-penalty dancing to a global audience when the Netherlands and Argentina met in the World Cup quarter-finals.

After a 2-2 draw in normal time, the sides couldn’t be separated in the extra period, either – which meant it was time for Martinez to strut his stuff again.

The Villa ‘keeper kept out Virgil van Dijk to get the shootout off to a flyer, before repeating the trick with Steven Berghuis’ spot-kick.

The latter prompted La Albiceleste’s No 1 to celebrate with the fans, with the kicks being taken at the Argentina end. He was later labelled “crazy” for his actions, but that didn’t stop him from repeating them in the final.

4 Making crude gesture with the Golden Glove Argentina v France, 2022 World Cup

Winning the World Cup is a moment of immense pride, but you can also get carried away in the delirium of taking home football’s biggest prize.

Emi Martinez fell victim to this in the presentations following Argentina’s dramatic shootout win over France, during which he was handed the Golden Glove for being the best goalkeeper at the tournament.

Upon receiving the trophy, Martinez made a lewd gesture among a series of post-match taunts, angering the French FA, which launched an official complaint against his behaviour.

He had also called for a minute’s silence for Kylian Mbappe in the dressing room after denying the hat-trick hero a second World Cup.

5 Battling fellow mischief-maker Neal Maupay Brentford v Aston Villa, 2023/24 Premier League

Martinez vs Maupay is perhaps as box-office as it can get when it comes to a certain type of, shall we say ‘housery’.

And during a heated match between Brentford and Aston Villa in the 2023/24 Premier League, both players came to blows as they tried to outdo each other.

The main flashpoint between them came when Maupay collided with Martinez when retrieving a ball that went out of play, with Martinez making the most of the contact.

Moments later, Maupay went down under even lighter contact from the goalkeeper, with Martinez attempting to drag the Frenchman to his feet and Maupay almost ending up with his shirt over his head.

It was as farcical as it was entertaining.

6 Yellow card chaos (and more crowd-teasing) Lille v Aston Villa, 2023/24 Conference League

Martinez was the villain of the piece once again as Aston Villa prevailed in the Conference League quarter-finals.

Despite already being on a yellow card, the Villa shot-stopper wasted no time getting to work once the game entered a shootout.

As Nabil Bentaleb was stepping forward to take Lille’s first penalty, Martinez made sure he got to the ball first, much to the annoyance of the home support – before saving from the Algerian.

Martinez proceeded to gloat by shushing the Lille faithful, who responded by hurling objects at the Argentinian.

The goalkeeper’s protestations – or provocations – as a result of the missiles led to another yellow card from the referee, who had repeatedly warned Martinez he was on a tightrope.

Staying on the pitch due to a rarely seen rule regarding cautions not being carried over into penalty shootouts.

Not done there, Martinez then saved a match-winning kick from Benjamin Andre, before failing to resist a final celebratory jig in the direction of the fans.

7 Scrapping with Jack Grealish Aston Villa v Man City, 2024/25 Premier League

Jack Grealish didn’t get the best of receptions when he came back to Villa Park with Manchester City earlier this season, handing Martinez a chance to gee up the home supporters.

Martinez took issue with Grealish after the former Villa hero approached the referee to make a complaint, supposedly about the amount of added time.

Grealish got a shove from the goalkeeper for his troubles, and after Martinez was booked for his role in the skirmish, the two players continued to trade verbal blows down the tunnel.

Luckily for Grealish, he’s not the first, nor the last, player to let Martinez get under his skin.

Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane is set to be one of the most high-profile free agents up for grabs in this summer transfer window, with an update coming to light on Arsenal and their chances of signing him after “concrete talks”.

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Sane’s deal expires on June 30th and Vincent Kompany risks losing his ex-City teammate, following four years at Bayern where he’s racked up an impressive 59 goals and 50 assists in 211 appearances across all competitions.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

The 29-year-old has started just over half of their Bundesliga matches this term, but Sane’s recent form has played an important role in Bayern’s chase for the German title as they look to wrestle it back from Bayer Leverkusen.

Sane helped Bayern to a crucial 3-2 win over St. Pauli most recently, bagging a brace and adding to his tally of four goals and two assists from his last seven German top flight matches.

Arsenal have been expressing an interest in Sane since during Edu Gaspar’s reign as sporting director and afterward, with the Gunners maintaining their watching brief following the Brazilian’s resignation in November.

Since then, Arsenal have appointed a new sporting director in former Atlético Madrid chief Andrea Berta, and it appears the Italian’s arrival in north London hasn’t altered their fondness for Sane.

Leroy Sane set for imminent Arsenal transfer decision after talks

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal have “already” held “concrete” talks with Sane over joining them on a free deal this summer.

The winger is also expected to make a decision on his future at Bayern, or potentially signing for Arsenal, within the next one to three weeks – so fans can expect some pretty imminent news on whether they can poach Sane from the Allianz Arena.

However, there’s also been a word of caution, as the forward is keen to remain at Bayern and talks are continuing over an extension.

“There have been, and still are, internal sceptics about Leroy Sané’s contract extension,” wrote Plettenberg on X.

“However, his performances and commitment are increasingly being recognised. Max Eberl continues negotiations, and Sané is willing to accept a pay cut. No written offer from Bayern yet – the club must now make a move. Sané wants to stay, with a decision expected within 1-3 weeks.

“Arsenal are seriously interested in signing him as a free agent in the summer. Concrete talks have already taken place.”

One of Berta’s potential aims for the summer is signing an alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side, according to GiveMeSport, and Sane would be an excellent option considering his star quality and Premier League experience.

A major obstacle would be negotiating his high salary, but if he’s willing to take a pay cut to remain in Bavaria, perhaps he’d be willing to entertain a salary decrease to seal a blockbuster return to England.

New Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has personally reached out to another player alongside Nico Williams, amid credible reports that talks have been held with the latter’s representatives this week.

Berta holds Arsenal talks with Nico Williams' camp

Multiple reliable media sources have claimed that Berta has reached out to Williams’ camp over the last few days, as the Italian makes a fast start to his tenure as director and looks to tempt the Spain international with a Premier League move.

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Foot Mercato first broke news that Berta made contact with the 22-year-old’s agents in the last few days, with The Guardian’s Ed Aarons then backing this report in a statement made on X.

Arsenal’s links to Williams are nothing new, as it is rumoured Mikel Arteta was after him last summer as well, but the winger opted to remain at Bilbao for another campaign and further his development in La Liga.

However, his stance has now changed, and it is now expected that Williams will push for a Bilbao exit this summer in a boost for Berta and Arsenal. However, N5 is by no means his only potential landing spot, with Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich all contending for his signature.

The £200,000-per-week forward has a £48 million release clause written into his contract this summer, which would be quite the coup for a player who bagged 19 assists in all competitions for Bilbao last term and helped Spain to Euro 2024 glory.

The main obstacle to any transfer being completed is his reported wage demands, which some sources state to be in the region of £300,000-per-week.

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

While it is unclear whether Arsenal can strike a deal just yet, Berta is clearly stamping his authority just days after he was confirmed as the man to replace Edu.

Andrea Berta holds Arsenal talks with Martin Zubimendi

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, the 53-year-old has reached out to another top transfer target – Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

As per their information, Berta has also held Arsenal talks with Zubimendi, as he looks to get Williams’ international teammate over the line as well. The midfielder, who would come in to replace Thomas Partey and Jorginho, is expected to complete a move to Arsenal (Dharmesh Sheth), despite interest from Real Madrid.

Arsenal are planning to trigger his £50 million release clause and finally tempt him to England, one year after Zubimendi publicly rejected Liverpool. Called a “world-class” player by Gunners left-back Kieran Tierney, Fabrizio Romano also called Zubimendi the “perfect” midfielder for Arteta last summer.

“My personal feeling is that Zubimendi would be fantastic, even if Onana and Douglas have the advantage of both already knowing the Premier League,” said the reporter to CaughtOffside.

“Zubimendi is fantastic player, he can help with his vision, quality and intelligence on the ball – he’s the perfect midfielder.”

When Leeds United supporters glanced at the line-up chosen by Daniel Farke in the build-up to their side’s lunchtime kick-off versus Luton Town, many would been relieved to see one glaring alteration.

Indeed, Farke’s patience with usual first-choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier has now seemingly expired, with backup shot-stopper Karl Darlow handed a rare start away at the Hatters.

This had been a long time coming, with Meslier far too prone to an error or two this campaign that could cost his side dear in the automatic promotion race and resign them to another sorry season in the Championship.

Meslier's woes this season

Taking in the Frenchman’s numbers at a surface level would indicate that he is a top ‘keeper for the challenging division, considering Meslier can boast a sturdy 21 clean sheets from his 39 Championship outings this season.

But, when you dig deeper, his flaws begin to become more noticeable, with the ex-Lorient stopper guilty of three errors this campaign that have led to opposition goals trickling in.

His biggest blunder to date came way back in October when this innocuous Sunderland effort somehow got the better of him, but it was two errors against Swansea City the match before the trip to Luton that proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Meslier would drop the ball perfectly for Harry Darling to convert during the 2-2 draw, before allowing Swans striker Žan Vipotnik to be the hero of the day for the visitors when his last-gasp effort was too fierce for the Frenchman to thwart.

Darlow didn’t exactly have the smoothest of games away at Luton either when picking out Isaiah Jones’ first half goal, meaning Farke could be prepared to think outside the box in the goalkeeper department by potentially gifting this Leeds youngster some unexpected senior chances.

Leeds' unexpected new 'keeper

Also axing first-team stalwart Brenden Aaronson ahead of the clash at Kenilworth Road, the German is cutting an unafraid figure now in the Whites dugout involving his lineup selections.

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Therefore, his boldest switch to date could come soon in dropping Darlow for promising ‘keeper talent Rory Mahady, with the 18-year-old Scotsman a regular over many seasons now in the U18 and U21 set-ups.

In total, the former Celtic “starlet” – as described by journalist Mark Hendry – has now tallied up 47 appearances in both youth structures, and whilst he has leaked 96 goals along the way, a route into the senior side isn’t completely off the cards.

After all, Farke has shown a willingness to bump up exciting starlets when the time is right, seen in Archie Gray’s unbelievable rise to stardom under his tenure, on top of Mateo Joseph’s background presence in the first-team ranks currently.

Gray + Joseph’s development under Farke

Player

Senior games played under Farke

Goals scored

Assists

Gray

52

0

2

Joseph

65

6

3

Sourced by Transfermarkt

As can be seen when looking at the table above, the ex-Norwich City boss has worked wonders previously on some rising stars at Elland Road, with Gray becoming a first-team regular during the 2023/24 season before a move to Tottenham Hotspur took off.

Moreover, in the example of Joseph, all nine of the Spaniard’s senior goal contributions for the Whites have come under the wing of Farke, meaning the German could get more out of a promising Mahady if the first team comes knocking.

It would be an almighty risk to launch the Scotland U19 international into the first team picture in the midst of a promotion fight, but in terms of finding a long-term Meslier replacement, the answer could be right at home instead of landing a new ‘keeper for a high amount.

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Manchester United will be hoping to claim a first Premier League double over noisy neighbours Manchester City since 2020 at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Ruben Amorim’s side claimed a 2-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s men at the Etihad back in December, with Amad Diallo’s stoppage-time strike claiming all three points.

However, it hasn’t been all plain sailing for the Red Devils since the Derby Day triumph, losing eight times across all competitions – with the Europa League their only chance of claiming a trophy this season.

A win this afternoon could put a dent in City’s Champions League qualification ambitions, whilst also giving the fanbase a reason to celebrate in what has been a year to forget.

If they are to achieve such a feat, it’s vital that the manager makes a huge call and drops one player from the starting eleven ahead of the big clash in the North West.

Why Garnacho needs to be dropped against City

Attacker Alejandro Garnacho has massively struggled to adapt to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system since the 40-year-old’s appointment back in early November.

The Argentine likes to operate off the left-hand side and cut onto his favoured foot, but has been unable to do so with the switch which has resulted in him operating more centrally.

His showing on Tuesday night against Nottingham Forest was one to forget, registering six efforts on goal, whilst being unable to get any of them on target – undoubtedly contributing to the defeat.

The 20-year-old also only completed 33% of his attempted dribbles, whilst completing none of the seven crosses he delivered into the box, showcasing his lack of attacking threat at the City Ground.

Given his performance, the manager needs to drop him from his starting eleven against their local rivals and subsequently giving the opportunity for one other star to impress at the Theatre of Dreams.

The player who Amorim must start against City

The lack of attacking threat at United has been evident for some months now, with the Red Devils only scoring 37 times in 30 matches – with only five sides scoring fewer.

Bruno Fernandes remains the club’s top scorer with eight league goals in 2024/25, highlighting the issues Amorim has had to face in his first few months in charge.

However, he could combat some issues by handing a rare start to midfielder Mason Mount, who made his first appearance since December in the defeat in midweek.

The 26-year-old sustained a hamstring injury in the last Manchester derby but could be handed just his third start since the manager took the reins five months ago.

He’s ultimately failed to deliver since his £60m move to Old Trafford back in 2023, with injuries massively plaguing his progress and preventing him from being a regular starter.

However, he is a natural number ten, having the skillset to feature in Amorim’s system behind the striker, making him a better option than Garnacho in such a role.

Mount, who’s previously been labelled “phenomenal” by creator Alex Goldberg, has previously demonstrated glimpses of his quality – most notably in the manager’s second game in charge against Bodo Glimt – unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after hitting the woodwork.

Games played

9

Minutes played

259

Pass accuracy

82%

Chances created

1.4

Shots taken

1.4

Fouls won

1.5

Duels won

4.2

Despite his limited minutes this campaign, the former Chelsea star has produced numerous impressive figures, deserving of an opportunity to adhere himself to the supporters in a huge fixture.

Unsurprisingly, questions have been asked about his long-term future given his injury record, but he needs a consistent run to showcase his talents – with the perfect opportunity coming this afternoon.

It will be a huge boost should the side complete a double over their local rivals, with Mount potentially having a key role to play should he start at Old Trafford.

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Leeds United is currently the home to various talents who have made their names across Europe before moving to Elland Road over the last couple of seasons.

Brenden Aaronson is just one player who cost big money to secure a move for his signature, costing a fee in the region of £25m during their final season in the Premier League back in 2022/23.

The American has so far failed to demonstrate why the hierarchy forked out such a hefty fee for his signature, struggling to make a real impact under Daniel Farke in recent weeks.

Whilst he scored the opener against Swansea City last weekend, it was only his second goal contribution of the calendar year, struggling to produce any tangible results in their hunt for Championship promotion.

He’s since been unable to match the levels produced by one player who starred in Yorkshire after his own transfer from the Swans multiple years ago.

Pablo Hernandez’s stats for Leeds United

Over the years, Leeds has been the home to countless icons, with Pablo Hernandez undoubtedly cementing himself as a modern-day hero for his heroics at Elland Road.

The Spaniard originally moved on loan from Swansea back in 2016/17, before joining permanently in the January of that campaign after impressing in the first half of the season.

Such a move would be the springboard for his success with the Whites, with Hernandez going on to register 36 goals and 41 assists from 175 outings, helping the club lift the Championship title at the close of the 2019/20 campaign.

He was a pivotal part of Marcelo Bielsa’s side that season, remaining a key member of the squad the following year as the club ended their long wait for Premier League football.

Whilst he left the club back in 2021, current boss Farke already has his own version of the fan-favourite, playing a vital role in their own ambitions of returning to the top flight.

The player who’s become Farke’s own Hernandez at Leeds

The plethora of attacking talent on the books at Leeds has contributed to their phenomenal attacking record, which has seen them score 78 times in the league this season – by far the highest tally in the division.

Joel Piroe has been central to such a record, netting 15 league goals to date, a tally which is the highest within the current first-team squad – producing key goals at various moments.

The Dutchman arrived in a £10m deal from Swansea back in the summer of 2023, following in Hernandez’s footsteps in joining from the Welsh outfit and having an immediate impact in Yorkshire.

The similarities to Hernandez continue, with the 25-year-old also able to feature in the number ten role, as seen in certain matches this season, with the “superb” star, as dubbed by one analyst, key to the club’s recent success.

During his final Championship campaign in Yorkshire, the Spaniard notched a total of 18 combined goals and assists back in 2019/20 – cementing himself as a key member of Bielsa’s squad.

Piroe has already registered a combined 21 contributions with seven matches remaining this campaign, with any hope of securing promotion potentially down to whether he can continue to produce the goods in the final third.

Joel Piroe

21

Daniel James

19

Manor Solomon

14

Brenden Aaronson

11

Wilfried Gnonto

11

Mateo Joseph

6

Largie Ramazani

6

He’s been subject to criticism in recent times, but it’s safe to say the club wouldn’t be in this current position without his goals, certainly playing a key role in their promotion ambitions.

Whilst it’s unclear whether he will be able to cut it in the Premier League, Piroe has a huge job to catapult the side into the top flight between now and the end of the season.

His goals could provide the difference over the next couple of weeks, with the Dutchman able to cement his place in the Whites’ history books should he produce the goods and fire them back to England’s top-division.

Huge upgrade on Meslier: Leeds big move for "world-class" GK

Leeds United could land a player who could end Illan Meslier’s time at Elland Road.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 1, 2025

Everton are close to the beginning of their new era at Bramley Moore Dock and could now look to beat one of Europe’s elite to the signing of a talented forward, per reports.

Everton set to kickstart an exciting summer under David Moyes

Goodison Park will play host to just three more fixtures before David Moyes begins to plan for the future on Merseyside, and there is plenty of anticipation over potential arrivals.

In an unexpected turn of events, Everton could make Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah one of their first summer signings as he nears the exit door at Anfield. Newcastle United, Brentford, Bournemouth and Borussia Dortmund are also in pursuit of the Three Lions international.

Finally, the Toffees appear to be in a position of stability on and off the pitch following years of close shaves with relegation. With their Premier League status all but guaranteed, there is every reason to look forward with optimism on the blue half of Merseyside.

Reports suggest Everton could land Evan Ferguson for £45 million from Brighton & Hove Albion, which could offer a clue regarding Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s potential replacement in attack.

Moyes also has to deal with a rising tide of expiring contracts and loan deals, so there is every reason to expect mass personnel changes during the off-season.

Everton’s state of play ahead of the summer – action set to be taken

Players out of contract this summer

8 players out of contract (most notably Calvert-Lewin and captain Seamus Coleman).

Expiring loan deals

5 players set to see loan deals expire.

PSR regulations

Everton could also have to work creatively to avoid PSR conflict, like most clubs.

Addressing squad depth

Strength in numbers will be needed to avoid another bottom-half finish.

Now, another talented forward has cropped up on the Toffees’ radar ahead of the summer transfer window, per recent developments.

Everton position themselves to sign Albert Gudmundsson

According to TEAMtalk, Everton want to sign Fiorentina loanee Albert Gudmundsson this summer should circumstances pan out in their favour.

The Serie A outfit have an option to buy the Iceland international from parent club Genoa for a £17 million fee, inclusive of add-ons. Should they pass up the opportunity, Everton may be in with a chance of landing his services at around the £20 million mark.

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Inter Milan are also seriously contemplating a swoop for the 27-year-old, who has registered eight goals and two assists in 27 appearances this term, playing mostly as a second striker or winger.

Labelled a “devastating player and also an exemplary professional” by Kevin Strootman, the man in question has also shown his ingenuity, creating ten chances and completing 12 dribbles on league duty.

Competition for his signature will likely be fierce this summer. Everton will need to construct a proposal that exceeds the appeal of playing for a side that may be Serie A and Champions League holders once the window opens.

Nevertheless, a new dawn on Merseyside may be the perfect launchpad for Moyes to make a statement in the market as the Toffees build for the future.

With one eye on sealing automatic promotion and another on the summer transfer market, Leeds United and the 49ers are reportedly poised to join the race to sign a new midfielder from the Austrian Bundesliga.

Leeds face crucial five-game run

In the space of a week, Leeds have seen their automatic promotion chances thrown into serious doubt for the first time in months to reclaiming their place at the top of the Championship – summing up the drama of England’s second division.

Victory against Middlesbrough last time out would have come as a huge relief for those in Yorkshire, who must now make it two wins in the space of a week when they play host to Preston North End on Saturday afternoon.

Leeds United’s final 5 games

Date

Leeds United vs Preston North End

12/04/2025

Oxford United vs Leeds United

18/04/2025

Leeds United vs Stoke City

21/04/2025

Leeds United vs Bristol City

28/04/2025

Plymouth Argyle vs Leeds United

03/05/2025

With just one game against one of the Championship’s top six coming up in their five fixtures, Leeds should be full of confidence that the league title and automatic promotion will be theirs for the taking in the coming weeks.

Currently top on goal difference, the Whites will be desperate to form a gap between themselves on Burnley when the Clarets square off against third place Sheffield United and they, themselves, face Stoke City on April 21.

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Speaking about the pressure on his side during Leeds’ promotion run-in, manager Daniel Farke told reporters: “It’s so difficult and I wish sometimes the fans knew this. We’re in a business where there is lots of pressure.

“I don’t like to complain about this because the players have a proper life and earn lots of money, but let’s not forget, we work with human beings and we must keep this in mind when we criticise them a little bit.”

Farke, like those at Elland Road, has just five games before he can breathe a potential sigh of relief and then turn his attention towards the summer transfer window for Leeds.

Leeds set to join race for Abubakr Barry

With promotion back in their hands, the Whites have reportedly shifted their focus towards the transfer market. According to Kronen Zeitung in Austria, as relayed by Sports Witness, the 49ers are now poised to join the race to sign Abubakr Barry from Austria Vienna this summer, battling against Hull City as well as clubs in Germany and France for the midfielder’s signature in doing so.

The 24-year-old midfielder has impressed in Austria this season and could yet find himself on the move as a result despite only arriving in Vienna last summer. Dubbed “fantastic to watch” and even compared to Jobe Bellingham by scout and analyst Mfalsafa on X, Barry is undoubtedly one to watch.

Whilst chasing such a player, promotion to the Premier League will certainly go a long way for Leeds, who are already planning ahead.