It’s safe to say this has been a perplexing season for Arsenal, who are now very likely to finish second having secured Champions League football for next season.

It came in the 37th gameweek as Mikel Arteta’s men defeated Newcastle 1-0. It was a game that rather typified the Gunners’ recent form, truth be told. Arsenal didn’t create a huge number of openings and left themselves exposed at the back.

This time, they had Man of the Match David Raya to thank for their victory with the Spaniard making a number of high-class saves in the opening 45 minutes. While Arsenal don’t need a goalkeeper, their end-of-season form has showcased where they need to strengthen.

Fortunately, writing before the game in the programme, Josh Kroenke spoke of the club’s summer plans and indicated that they will spend, sparking excitement for what’s to come.

So, speaking of transfers, who is likely to come through the door?

Arsenal ramping up summer transfer plans

While the biggest box to tick this summer is that of a shiny new centre forward, the Gunners must also hone in on a new winger after inconsistent campaigns for both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Martinelli has found form in the back end of the campaign but has only scored on eight occasions in the Premier League. As for Trossard, he’s netted the same number in top-flight action.

As a result, we’ve seen continued links to Spanish winger Nico Williams and a suggestion that Arsenal are fans of Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.

Despite their need for a new winger on the left, they could actually bolster the right-hand side too. That’s because, according to new reports, they are interested in signing Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo.

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That’s the word of club insider Teamnewsandtix, who wrote in his latest Patreon entry: “After the data team identified him last summer, Arsenal are targeting Bryan Mbeumo again. I’m told talks are progressing, but they aren’t the only team in for him.”

The Cameroon international has been nothing short of a sensation this summer and is also attracting the interest of Manchester United, according to other reports.

The forward is allegedly valued at around £51m by the Bees.

Where Mbeumo would fit into Arteta's Arsenal team

With Bukayo Saka very much still the leading light in Arteta’s lineup, fitting Mbeumo into the equation may be hard.

Described as a “Mini Salah” by talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy, the Brentford star has made a living out of cutting inside from the right and bamboozling defenders on his stronger left foot. As the compliment suggests, he’s like Salah and, as a matter of fact, he’s very much like Saka in that regard.

While Arsenal do need to find someone who’s capable of giving the England international a break every now and then, spending £51m on a right winger when they are arguably more in need of a left forward perhaps doesn’t make too much sense.

Well, fortunately, Mbeumo is a versatile player, most notably playing six times as a centre forward this season, scoring four goals in the process.

Meanwhile, he’s played off the left on nine occasions in his career and he’s also featured behind the main striker as a no.10 or second striker 43 times. While that may well take away his strongest asset, cutting inside from the right, he certainly has the ability to make a difference in more central areas.

So, how does he compare with Saka?

Goals

0.51

0.19

Assists

0.32

0.53

Shots

2.09

3.39

Key passes

1.84

2.96

Progressive passes

3.71

3.54

Shot-creating actions

3.82

5.93

Successful take-ons

1.38

2.12

Progressive carries

3.39

4.97

Mbeumo has been in remarkable form this season and ranks fifth in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot, having bagged 19 goals. In all competitions, he’s also produced nine assists for his troubles.

When analysing their respective numbers, it’s clear the Brentford star is a more clinical player in front of goal. Despite taking fewer shots per 90 minutes, he’s scoring more regularly than Saka.

However, this would certainly be to the advantage of Arteta’s team. While Mbeumo may well be the better goalscorer, Saka is one of the most creative wingers in the world and is streets ahead in metrics like key passes and shot-creating actions.

Yes, there would likely be confusion about Arsenal signing a natural right winger, but supporters shouldn’t turn their noses up at more goals. This term, the league’s second-placed side have scored 67 goals in the top-flight, 16 fewer than Liverpool.

On that basis, it’s not a surprise to see that the Reds run away with proceedings.

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Nottingham Forest have now made an offer to sign another striker after securing a move for Botafogo’s Igor Jesus.

Nottingham Forest to sign three Brazilians for £33m

The Reds are yet to officially announce their first summer signings, however, they have reportedly agreed a deal worth £33m for three Brazilians from Botafogo.

Currently at the FIFA Club World Cup, Botafogo are set to lose, Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano to Forest, with the former of the three arguably the player who Forest need the most.

A centre-forward, Jesus looks set to rival Chris Wood for a starting spot under Nuno Espirito Santo and is actually a senior Brazil international.

Former Brazil manager Dorival Junior heaped praise on Jesus, 24, following his call up to the national squad.

However, with Jesus set to rival Wood at the City Ground, Forest don’t look to be stopping there when it comes to attacking additions.

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In fact, another centre-forward could be on the cards as the Reds plan for the 2025/26 Premier League season and the Europa Conference League.

Nottingham Forest make bid to sign Yoane Wissa

According to reports from Africa Foot, Nottingham Forest have stepped up their interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.

It has been claimed that Forest have made a bid to sign Wissa after ‘accelerating their transfer efforts’. The Bees want up to €40m (£34m) and it is thought that Forest are ‘ready to meet the financial demands set’.

Dubbed a “goalscorer” and also wanted by Tottenham, the DR Congo international has been a solid performer in London since joining back in 2021.

Games

149

Goals

49

Assists

13

Alongside Bryan Mbeumo, Wissa enjoyed his best season of his career in front of goal in 24/25, netting 19 Premier League goals in 35 games.

Still just 28 years of age, Wissa would arrive with plenty of top flight experience and came in for praise from former manager Thomas Frank back in April.

“He has been very good. How many teams have their number nine that has scored 15 goals? May be Alexander Isak and Erling Halaand? That is exceptional for him. A big credit. He has been very good and having Wissa and Bryan on 15 goals and more I think we are the only club with that.”

Of course, Frank forgot to mention Wood when it came to 15+ goal league strikers, but now, we could see the New Zealand star’s spot in the side under threat, should Forest sign Wissa alongside Jesus, making this one to watch.

Celtic missed out on the domestic treble earlier this month when they were beaten by Aberdeen on penalties in the final of the SFA Cup at Hampden Park.

The Hoops had already won the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup, but they were unable to claim the third trophy in the collection against the Dons.

Brendan Rodgers may want to go all the way next season, after failing to win the treble in both of his first two years back at the club, and could do that by improving his squad in the summer transfer window.

With that in mind, here is the dream starting line-up that Rodgers could build to attack the 2025/26 campaign head-on when they return to action later this year…

1

Kasper Schmeichel

Starting off between the sticks, Kasper Schmeichel should still be the number one for Celtic next season, at least to begin with, after an impressive debut campaign, despite his own goal in the SFA Cup final.

The former Leicester City stopper racked up an impressive 24 clean sheets in 49 appearances after joining from Anderlecht on a free transfer last year.

2

Alistair Johnston

At right-back, Celtic should be aiming to keep hold of Alistair Johnston amid reported interest from English sides Ipswich Town and Fulham this summer, after he scored four goals and provided ten assists in the Premiership this season.

3

Cameron Carter-Vickers

At the heart of the defence, Cameron Carter-Vickers should be a mainstay in the team again next season, after he was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year yet again. The colossal central defender has the right-sided centre-back position locked down, and it should stay that way.

4

Liam Scales

The left-sided centre-back position is up for debate, unlike the right side, with Auston Trusty, Maik Nawrocki, and Liam Scales all in contention to play that role.

Scales, however, ended the season as the first-choice for Rodgers, despite Trusty and Nawrocki being fit and available, which suggests that he will head into pre-season as the obvious partner to Carter-Vickers.

5

Kieran Tierney

Left-back is another position that should be fairly obvious. Kieran Tierney is joining on a free transfer from Arsenal and should be the go-to option in that area of the park when fit and available.

The Scotland international produced 37 assists in 170 matches for Celtic during his first spell at the club, which suggests that he could provide a huge creative outlet down the left flank for the Scottish giants next season.

It remains to be seen whether or not Greg Taylor, who is out of contract this summer, will be at Parkhead next term, so Tierney is currently the only senior left-back who is guaranteed to be in the squad.

6

Callum McGregor

At the base of the midfield three, captain Callum McGregor is another obvious pick for Rodgers. The skipper started 34 of his 35 appearances in the Premiership this season, which does not suggest that he is close to being on his way out of the XI.

7

Arne Engels

Celtic broke the bank to sign Arne Engels from Augsburg last summer in a club-record £11m move, and he repaid them with a return of ten goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances for the club in his debut season.

8

Lennon Miller

Another new addition to the squad, alongside Tierney, could be Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller, who could arrive to complete the midfield trio with McGregor and Engels.

Serie A side Udinese have been linked with a summer move for Reo Hatate, and Celtic could sign the Scottish starlet, who is a reported transfer target, to replace the Japanese ace.

24/25 Premiership	Reo Hatate	Lennon Miller
Appearances	37	32
Goals	10	2
Big chances created	14	12
Key passes per game	1.2	1.6
Assists	2	8
Tackles + interceptions per game	1.1	3.1
Ball recoveries per game	3.2	6.3
Duel success rate	44%	53%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Miller would be an exciting replacement for Hatate because he offers a similar threat as a creator whilst being better out of possession, albeit he does not provide as much of a goalscoring presence.

At 18, the Scotland U21 international is also nine years younger than the Celtic star and could be the long-term option for Rodgers in that position, which is why it could make sense to cash in on the Japanese star to sign the Motherwell maestro.

9

Nicolas Kuhn

Nicolas Kuhn ended the 2024/25 campaign with an eye-catching haul of 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions from a right wing position for the Hoops.

The left-footed star provided a constant threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Scottish giants, which is why he should remain the starting option on that flank.

10

Mathias Kvistgaarden

The third signing that could be added to this dream starting XI, alongside Tierney and Miller, is Brondby centre-forward Mathias Kvistgaarden.

Celtic are reportedly weighing up a club-record swoop for the Danish marksman, who is valued at in excess of £12m, and it could be a fantastic piece of business for the club to upgrade on Adam Idah.

24/25 season	Mathias Kvistgaarden (Superliga)	Adam Idah (Premiership)
Appearances	29	35
FotMob rating	7.29	6.86
xG	13.99	13.57
Goals	17	13
Chances created	19	19
Assists	5	0
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, their respective performances at league level this season suggest that Kvistgaarden would offer far more than the Irishman as a superior finisher.

Therefore, Celtic should attempt to conclude a deal for the 23-year-old centre-forward, dubbed “sensational” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, in the weeks to come as he could add an even greater goal threat to Rodgers’ side than Idah currently does.

Glasgow Rangers have yet to make a signing under new manager Russell Martin, but could all that change in the coming days?

The Ibrox side has reportedly shown interest in strikers Matija Frigan and Dor Turgeman recently as Martin seeks to bolster the club’s attacking options.

With Cyriel Dessers closing in on a move to AEK Athens, adding a striker or two could be vital.

Bringing in another centre-back is also high on the wishlist for the new boss, especially with Leon Balogun leaving at the end of last season.

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Rangers search for a new defender

Robin Propper is another defender who looks set to leave Ibrox while Ben Davies appears not to have a future at Rangers.

This leaves Martin with just John Souttar, Clinton Nsiala and Leon King as options at the heart of the defence.

According to The Rangers Review, the Gers are still interested in signing centre-back Harry Darling. His contract has expired at Swansea City, which means Martin wouldn’t have to pay a penny to reunite with his former player.

The Englishman played under the former Southampton boss at MK Dons and Swansea; therefore, he knows him well.

On a free, with the likelihood of Darling not breaking the bank wage-wise, the signing could be a shrewd one for the Glasgow side.

Balogun was loved by the supporters. That much is certain. Could Darling be an upgrade on the veteran, however?

Why Rangers must sign Harry Darling

Balogun was a titan at the back during his spells with the club. He won three trophies and helped Rangers reach the 2022 Europa League final.

Across 20 Premiership games last season, he won an impressive 62% of his total duels contested, while being dribbled past on just 0.3 occasions per game.

The 6ft 2 defender was a nightmare for opposition strikers as his physicality was superb, and that is also the case for the Swansea defender, who won 65% of his duels and was only dribbled past 0.3 times per game in the Championship.

In the second tier last season, Darling registered eight goal contributions for the Swans. Add this to the fact he recorded five the season before, and it is clear he thrives in set-piece scenarios.

Goals

5

Assists

3

Accurate passes per game

53.9

Clean sheets

12

Total duels won per game

4.9

Balls recovered per game

3.9

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in the Championship during 2024/25, the centre-back ranked in the top 12% for assists (0.08) and in the top 7% for non-penalty goals (0.13) per 90.

Furthermore, he even ranked in the top 12% for progressive carries (1.05) and in the top 23% for progressive passes (3.7) per 90, suggesting that he loves to bring the ball forward from the defence, whether he is passing or dribbling.

In this sense, he would make for an ideal upgrade on Balogun, especially considering he is also 11 years younger than the former Gers man and would provide far more long-term value to the club as an asset that could increase in value.

Dubbed “heroic” by manager Luke Williams earlier this season, Darling would be a dream first signing for Martin and a big upgrade on Balogun. No doubt about it.

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Penny for the thoughts of the mass of detractors who thought Arne Slot would fall by the wayside after taking over at Liverpool. Replacing Jurgen Klopp was an impossible task, after all.

Liverpool have done anything but stumble, somehow leaping forward to win the Premier League in Slot’s first season, so dominant and so far clear of Arsenal and Manchester City.

However, not all of Anfield’s first-teamers managed to cover themselves in glory, on an individual basis at least. Club-record man Darwin Nunez is the most obvious pick, having scored seven goals across 47 Premier League games, starting just one league fixture since Boxing Day.

Nunez will leave this summer, most probably, with suitors emerging from Spain and the Saudi Pro League. However, FSG could go one further and cash in on Diogo Jota too.

A high-level number nine is at the top of the shopping list, remember.

The latest on Diogo Jota's future

Jota is not be nailed on for a sale this summer (unlike Nunez), but he may well find himself lacing new boots come September, with Liverpool reluctant to offer their marksman a new contract; his current deal expires in June 2027.

Liverpool signed Jota from Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020 for a fee rising to £45m. He’s since become one of the deadliest goalscorers around, with Jamie Carragher even claiming last year that the Portuguese star is “the best finisher” the Reds have had in the Premier League, surpassing the great names you can instantly draw to mind.

But Jota has been uncharacteristically profligate this year, with Sofascore recording his xG (expected goals) total at 7.92, meaning with a six-goal return, he has underperformed.

Injuries, an incessant plague throughout his Liverpool career, appear to be catching up with the 28-year-old.

24/25

26 (14)

6

4

23/24

21 (14)

10

4

22/23

22 (12)

7

4

21/22

35 (27)

15

6

20/21

19 (12)

9

0

Saudi suitors are keen, and cashing in on both stars could prove priceless, for it would allow Liverpool to move for their top target at centre-forward.

Liverpool prepare bid for touted striker

As per Spanish sources, Liverpool are preparing an official bid for Hugo Ekitike, but will need to act fast, with the Eintracht Frankfurt forward one of the most sought-after stars of the summer.

It’s understood FSG would be willing to pay €80m (about £68m) for the French talent, but maybe not meet the Bundesliga club’s €100m (£85m) valuation, as has been reported in Germany.

The problem, naturally, is Liverpool aren’t alone in their bid, with Conference League winners Chelsea also keen on a deal and reported to hold the lead in the race, with Sky Sports claiming they are ‘putting in the most effort’.

This is principally down to Anfield juggling a number of different deals – deftly, it must be said – but certainly urges action if this race is to be won.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Liverpool

Ekitike, 22, left Paris Saint-Germain as an exciting prospect to make a name for himself in Germany. Frankfurt has proved the dream hothouse for him, with those such as analyst Ben Mattinson regarding him as “one of the best strikers out there.”

His half-season with Die Roten in 2023/24 looked unsuccessful until something clicked at the business end, Ekitike posting four goals and an assist across the final five games of the league season.

This year, he’s hit another gear altogether, scoring 22 goals and adding 12 assists across 48 matches in all competitions, honing his clinical ability while flourishing a multi-faceted skill set which has likely been the arresting factor in convincing Liverpool’s data analysts.

Availability is also a strong suit, Ekitike missing just one game of the concluding campaign with a slight knock. This, of course, leaves him diametrically opposed to Jota in that regard, making a significant case for a transfer switch in the coming months.

Conversely to Jota, Ekitike’s finishing leaves something to be desired, but that hasn’t stopped him forging an almighty campaign for himself in Germany, hitting seven goal involvements from 12 Europa League matches too.

But finishing can be improved. Jota scored seven goals across his final Premier League season for Wolves, missing 12 big chances.

What matters is that Ekitike covers the span of expectation and then some. Indeed, his performances suggest he is the dynamic, rounded striker needed at Liverpool, one who would certainly prove an upgrade on Jota.

Goals scored

0.53

0.45

Assists

0.28

0.23

Shots taken

4.00

3.84

Shot-creating actions

3.55

2.78

Touches (att pen)

6.88

7.30

Progressive passes

1.86

2.56

Progressive carries

3.27

2.78

Successful take-ons

1.83

0.83

Ball recoveries

3.06

3.09

Tackles + interceptions

0.81

1.66

Above we have a collation of the two forwards’ data from their respective league campaigns. Ekitike, as you can see, has outperformed his Portuguese counterpart across almost every metric, with his potency a direct product of his desire to get into the box.

Let’s turn our attention to the players’ respective ball-carrying data. Ekitike is also far more mobile, demonstrating an energy and silkiness which could aid Liverpool in transition, for Jota is more likely to linger in the danger area than actually contribute to the transition himself.

Jota is regarded for being a dynamic player, but Liverpool may well have unearthed a forward even more protean in their attacking application, and much younger besides.

And given that the wellspring that is Jota’s striking ability has seemingly dried up, it might be worthwhile to cash in after five years of praisable service on Merseyside, bringing in a fresh face to spearhead the Slot era as it truly hits its stride.

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Whilst Rangers continue to close in on their first arrival of the summer, as many as seven clubs are now reportedly battling it out to deal Russell Martin his first exit blow at Ibrox.

Rangers closing in on first arrival

According to recent reports, Rangers are set to sign Josh Mulligan from Dundee in a deal which is now imminent. The young right-midfielder has undergone a medical and looks destined to become the first signing of both the 49ers and Martin era.

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As the new owners attempt to bridge the gap on Old Firm rivals and Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, Mulligan may just be the start this summer. The Gers desperately need fresh faces even after the Scottish sensation and recent transfer rumours have provided plenty of hope on that front.

49ers chairman Paraag Marathe only added to that hope with his first interview at the club too, telling Rangers’ official website: “At 49ers Enterprises, we have built a track record of sporting and business success, but our driving motivation is our deep connection to the clubs and communities we serve.

“We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club, and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come.”

Mulligan aside, Rangers have also been linked with moves for Flynn Downes, who worked with Martin at Southampton, and veteran defender Conor Coady. Both players would be excellent additions, there’s no doubting that, but whether the Gers can lure them to Ibrox will be the big question this summer.

It’s not just incomings that the 49ers have to worry about either. Following another disappointing season, Rangers could yet lose some key men and that may even include a breakthrough talent this summer.

7 clubs now chasing Igamane deal

According to Foot Mercato, as relayed by Sport Witness, as many as seven teams are now chasing a deal to sign Hamza Igamane this summer. Described as a ‘breakthrough’ talent, the 22-year-old forward enjoyed an excellent debut season at Rangers and has now attracted interest from West Ham United, Brentford, Everton, Lens, RC Strasbourg, Lille, and Stade Rennais.

To make matters worse for Rangers, out of those interested parties, Lens have reportedly taken one step further by making contact over a potential deal.

To say that he is a man in demand would be an understatement, handing the Gers an uphill battle when attempting to keep hold of their star man. Although the interest in Igamane should come as no shock, not many at Ibrox would have expected the forward to enjoy such a clinical debut season in front of goal.

Yet, after netting as many as 16 goals in his debut season fresh from Morroco, Igamane has become an unexpected star that Rangers should be desperate to keep hold of his summer.

A Rangers “hero” within the space of a year as described by scout Jacek Kulig, losing Igamane would be a frustrating way for Martin and the 49ers to commence a new era.

Scotland spinner was controversially dead-balled when deploying variation against Oman

Matt Roller14-Jun-2024

Mark Watt dismissed Zeeshan Maqsood but was denied that of Khalid Kail against Oman•ICC/Getty Images

Mark Watt, the Scotland left-arm spinner, will continue to bowl his trademark variation from 24 yards in their must-win fixture against Australia on Saturday night, despite controversially being dead-balled when doing so against Oman last week.Watt regularly bowls from behind the bowling crease to throw batters off: “It’s just trying to rush [the batters],” he has explained. “By the time I’ve let it go, the batsman looks up and the ball’s halfway down the wicket.” It has brought him plenty of success, most notably accounting for all three of his wickets in a win over West Indies at the 2022 T20 World Cup.But during Scotland’s seven-wicket win against Oman on Sunday, umpire Chris Brown twice called “dead ball” when Watt bowled his 24-yarder, with batter Khalid Kail backing away on both occasions. The second of those two balls hit the top of middle stump, with Watt and captain Richie Berrington both asking umpire Brown for clarification.