Celtic may miss out on a deal to bring Scotland international Lennon Miller to Glasgow before the end of the current summer transfer window.

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, as relayed by 67HailHail, former Scottish forward Ross McCormack claimed that the midfield star is likely to be heading abroad instead.

The ex-Fulham and Leeds star said: “I’ve said it for quite a while that I think he would be perfect in Celtic’s midfield. But from all the noises that I have heard – sort of people who are in and around Motherwell and all that – seems to be that he is going to be going abroad.

“When he sees the success your Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour are having over in Serie A, he might just want a piece of that and sort of get out of the limelight which Glasgow would bring.”

SportsBoom recently reported that both Celtic and Rangers have explored a deal to sign the FWA Young Player of the Year, amid interest from Premier League side Sunderland.

If what McCormack has heard is true, though, then the Hoops are set to miss out on a move for the Scottish central midfielder this summer.

Why missing out on Lennon Miller is a blow for Celtic

Missing out on a deal for the Scotland international should be seen as a blow for the Bhoys because he is a talented young star who could have been a key player for Brendan Rodgers.

The 18-year-old star, as aforementioned, won the FWA Young Player of the Year award in the Scottish Premiership, which illustrates just how impressive he was in midfield for Motherwell this season.

Miller started 32 of their 38 league games and caught the eye with his contributions in and out of possession, with two goals and eight assists for his side.

As you can see in the table below, the teenage starlet also stacked up well against his positional peers in a host of key defensive metrics in the Premiership.

24/25 Premiership	Lennon Miller per 90	Percentile rank vs midfielders
Tackle success rate	68%	Top 28%
Duels won	5.84	Top 36%
Duel success rate	53%	Top 31%
Interceptions	1.38	Top 14%
Ball recoveries	6.52	Top 10%
Blocks	0.48	Top 28%
Stats via FotMob

These statistics illustrate why it is a blow for the Hoops to seemingly be on course to miss out on a deal to sign the Scotland international from Motherwell this summer, as he has shown that he can perform well in and out of possession in the top-flight already.

However, this does also provide Celtic with an opportunity to look elsewhere and find alternative midfield targets, which is the case with their latest reported pursuit of a Scottish star.

Celtic ramp up pursuit of Premier League midfielder

According to Football Insider, the Premiership champions are interested in a deal to sign £1.6m West Ham United central midfielder Andy Irving in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hoops are set to ramp up their efforts to bring the Scotland international to Parkhead to bolster their options in the middle of the park for next season.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that West Ham are prepared to cash in on the left-footed maestro after he rarely featured for Julen Lopetegui or Graham Potter in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign.

Former scout Mick Brown described him as a top-flight level player, though, as he told Football Insider: “They’re in a difficult market, it’s not easy to sign Premier League-level players, but if one becomes available like he has, I think they’ll be all over it.”

Football Insider also reveals that Irving is a leading target for the Hoops, as they eye a new midfielder, and that they are set to accelerate their plans to sign him now that the window is open again.

Why Celtic should sign Andy Irving

Celtic should sign Irving as a dream alternative to Miller as a midfield signing because he may be a better stylistic fit for the Hoops than the Motherwell man would be.

The 18-year-old star is not used to playing in a team that dominates possession with plenty of touches and passes each game, whilst the West Ham gem’s form in the 2024/25 Premier League season suggests that he would suit Celtic’s way of playing.

Per 90	Andy Irving (Premier League)	Lennon Miller (Premiership)
Passes made	60.00	28.26
Pass accuracy	90.0%	72%
Long passes made	3.89	3.34
Long pass accuracy	87.5%	42%
Cross accuracy	50%	25%
Touches	87.78	61.36
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed midfielder is far more used to handling the ball and controlling games as an efficient passer, taking plenty of touches per 90, which is needed in a Hoops team that averaged 75.1% of the ball per game in the league this season.

Irving did not provide any goals or assists in his ten outings in the Premier League, though, but he did catch the eye from an offensive perspective during his time with Klagenfurt in Austria in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.

The 25-year-old whiz racked up 14 goals and ten assists in two seasons with the Austrian side, which shows that the potential is there for him to provide quality in front of goal, as Miller did for Motherwell this term.

Irving also made 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game and won 50% of his duels in the 2023/24 Bundesliga season, illustrating that he can also offer defensive strength when needed.

Overall, the West Ham outcast appears to be a dream alternative to Miller because of his suitability to the ball-dominant style of play, his attacking potential, and his competency defensively.

As exciting as Nygren: £7m star is now a target for Celtic this summer

Celtic are eyeing up another forward alongside the signing of Benjamin Nygren.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 17, 2025

It is now down to the club to ensure that they can agree a deal with the Hammers to bring Irving over to Glasgow before the end of the summer transfer window, now that it seems unlikely that they will be able to snap up Miller from Motherwell.

This summer is shaping up to be a spectacular one for Chelsea.

Off the pitch, for example, the club have improved their squad with yet more promising youngsters, such as Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens.

Then, on the pitch, Enzo Maresca’s side have looked sensational, and thanks to two goals from newcomer Joao Pedro, are through to the final of the Club World Cup.

However, things could get even better, as reports are now linking Chelsea to a Premier League star who would be unreal alongside Pedro.

Chelsea target Premier League stars

Even though Chelsea have already been so busy in the market this summer, they continue to be linked with several Premier League stars, such as Morgan Rogers.

Transfer Focus

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

The Aston Villa star was brilliant for the Birmingham outfit last season, racking up a monster haul of 14 goals and 15 assists in 54 games, and would undoubtedly be a fine addition to Maresca’s side.

However, with a price tag that could end up being as high as £100m, and only one full top-flight season under his belt, there are still a few unknowns with the 22-year-old, which isn’t the case for Eberechi Eze.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of a few clubs in the picture for the Crystal Palace star.

Alongside the Blues, the report credits Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City with interest in the Englishman, but makes it clear that, as things stand, Arsenal are leading the race for his signature.

However, there might still be a way for the West Londoners to get their man.

The report claims the Gunners are looking to secure a deal for less than the player’s release clause, which stands at £68m, so if BlueCo activates that, there is every chance they could get ahead in the queue.

In all, it’d be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line this summer, but given Eze’s immense talent, one well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be unreal with Pedro.

Why Pedro would love playing with Eze

There are really two main reasons Pedro would love playing with Eze, and the first is down to his output.

For example, despite playing in a team that were probably mid-table at best, the former QPR gem was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists in 43 games, totalling 3303 minutes last season.

In other words, the England international, who teammate Tyrick Mitchell dubbed “one of the best players in the Premier League,” averaged a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes last season – an undeniably impressive level of output.

Appearances

43

Minutes

3303′

Goals

14

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

Just imagine the numbers the Brazilian would be able to put up playing in front of the Palace ace, especially when he was able to produce 17 goal involvements in just 30 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion last season.

The second reason the former Watford poacher would love the Greenwich-born monster is that he’d be able to help him fulfil the reason he joined the Blues in the first place: to win titles and silverware.

​​​​​​

We say this because something else that was revealed last season was the Englishman’s ability to step up in the biggest of games, and in the crunch moments when other players might wilt.

For example, he not only scored in the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the FA Cup but also scored the only goal in the final to secure the Eagles their first major honour in the club’s history.

Therefore, should the West Londoners find themselves in a final next season, the former Seagulls star could be confident in the knowledge that his number ten wouldn’t let him down.

Ultimately, while it won’t be cheap, and it is likely to be complicated, Chelsea should do all they can to secure the signature of Eze this summer; he’d be incredible and help get the most out of Pedro.

Forget Pedro: 8/10 Chelsea star showed why he's Maresca’s "best player"

Chelsea confidently progressed through to the final of the Club World Cup with this star standing out once more.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 9, 2025

Essex rack up 400 in a day to make up for lost time but face battle to force victory

ECB Reporters Network23-Aug-2024

Jordan Cox raced to a 92-ball century•Getty Images

Essex 404 for 8 (Cox 141, Elgar 136, Westley 64) vs HampshireJordan Cox reminded Brendon McCullum and the England set-up of his dizzying batting skills with his fourth Vitality County Championship century of the season.Cox was released by England to play for Essex against Hampshire in the Vitality County Championship clash after not selecting him for the First Rothesay Test against Sri Lanka this week.He responded with a scintillating 124-ball 141 to double down Essex’s advantage – having been stuck in – after Dean Elgar’s masterful 51st first class century. Both batters now have over 900 Championship runs this season.After a washed-out day one and more rain on Saturday, this is likely to be a draw – but Essex collected three bonus points to reach the close on 404 for eight .For everyone present at Utilita Bowl at 10:30 BST, bowling first wasn’t just a choice but the only option.The pitch was a green colour which suggested that the ball would seam around, and had been under cover for over 24 hours after a washed out day one.Hampshire captain James Vince could barely conceal his glee when his Essex counterpart Tom Westley picked the wrong side of the coin and he stuck the visitors in.He gave a shocked look when Westley then told stadium announcer Robbie James he would have chosen to bat first.It turned out it would have been the correct choice with blue skies above and a pitch which hadn’t sweated up under the covers due to strong winds.When Kyle Abbott and Mo Abbas were jagging the new ball around, Vince would have felt vindicated, especially when Abbas nicked a ball back into Robin Das’ pads.Das, opening for the first time in the County Championship having earned his position over Nick Browne and Feroze Khushi following a strong Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign, could hardly have done anything else.Elgar and Westley simply occupied the crease for the rest of the morning session as the new ball pressure subsided.Westley, who had soaked up 18 balls before scoring, was dropped at second slip on 27 but otherwise, the captain and opener looked unbreakable.Elgar said after reaching his 50th red-ball ton, against Durham in June, that all centuries “mean the world” to him. This showed little of that wonder, but did demonstrate a workmanlike efficiency; ticking off runs as if they were on a spreadsheet.His fifty came in 122 balls, his century came in 170 as he began to open up for his third Championship century since replacing Alastair Cook as Essex opener.Westley, having put on 144 with Elgar, fell for 64 when he leathered a caught and bowled back at Liam Dawson.Cox was effervescent from almost the moment he arrived at the crease against an ageing ball. His sixes off James Fuller and Nick Gubbins were the headlines of his aggressive streak and suggested he was making up for lost time following his Appendix operation during the last round of matches.Having been dropped on 92, he reached three figures in 92 balls, with a straight drive that summed up his endeavoursBut at the other end, Hampshire’s grind was rewarded.Abbott found former international team-mate Elgar chipping to mid off – which ended a 154 alliance with Cox – and removed Matt Critchley’s off stump bail.Abbas picked up Paul Walter, loose to midwicket, and Michael Pepper, caught at first slip first ball. Simon Harmer was leg before to Dawson as the shadows grew longer.

Arsenal have a busy summer transfer window ahead of them as the Gunners and Mikel Arteta look to win the Premier League after three successive second-place finishes.

New sporting director Andrea Berta is the man tasked with leading Arsenal’s transfer business, with midfielder Martin Zubimendi set to be the first through the door at the Emirates.

Signing from Real Sociedad in a transfer worth over £50m, Zubimendi should be followed by some attacking additions ahead of Arsenal’s 2025/26 opener at Old Trafford against Man Utd.

Arsenal’s first 5 Premier League games	Date
Man Utd vs Arsenal	August 17
Arsenal vs Leeds	August 23
Liverpool vs Arsenal	August 30
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest	September 13
Arsenal vs Man City	September 20

AI have actually predicted Arsenal’s 25/26 line-up in a 4-3-3 formation, and if they are correct, the Gunners will have an exciting transfer window.

Berta spends £250m: AI predicts who Arsenal will sign in summer transfer window

It could be an eventful few months at the Emirates.

1

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 14, 2025

AI predicts Arsenal’s 2025/26 starting line-up

1

GK: David Raya

There may not be much change in defence at the Emirates, with Arsenal having the best defensive record in the Premier League over the past two seasons.

David Raya’s Arsenal stats
Games	96
Clean sheets	39
Goals conceded	81

David Raya has been a regular during that time and has been backed to keep his spot in the side despite Kepa Arrizabalaga’s likely arrival.

2

RB: Jurrien Timber

Getting the nod at right-back is Jurrien Timber after the Dutchman played all across the backline in 24/25, making 48 appearances in all competitions.

They say Timber’s ‘versatility and recovery from injury make him a strong candidate to start at right-back’ as his ‘attacking flair fits Arteta’s system’.

3

CB: William Saliba

William Saliba has been a rock at the back for the Gunners in recent years, which has resulted in rumours of a move to Real Madrid.

Described as ‘a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defence’, Saliba still has two years left on his Emirates deal and looks set to play a key role once more.

4

CB: Gabriel

No shocks at centre-back from AI, with Gabriel expected to partner Saliba at the back after signing a new four-year deal this summer.

The Brazilian’s new deal reflects his status under Arteta, and his ‘aggressive defending and leadership underline his importance’.

5

LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly

Still just 18 years of age, Myles Lewis-Skelly is already an Arsenal regular at left-back and is also on course to agree a new Gunners contract.

AI have the Englishman ahead of Riccardo Calafiori and think he’ll start ahead of the Italian in 25/26.

6

CM: Martin Zubimendi

After spending more than £50m on new signing Martin Zubimendi, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that AI believe he’ll be straight in Arteta’s starting XI.

Martin Zubimendi’s Real Sociedad stats
Games	236
Goals	10
Assists	9
Yellow cards	47

They say the Spaniard ‘will anchor the midfield, allowing others to push forward’.

7

CM: Declan Rice

With Zubimendi in the No. 6 role, Declan Rice has been backed to ‘thrive as a No. 8’ at the Emirates, occupying a box-to-box role with the new signing in a deeper position.

AI states that Rice’s ‘leadership, stamina, and goal-scoring ability from midfield make him a guaranteed starter’ under Arteta, and it’s hard to argue against that.

8

CM: Martin Odegaard (c)

Completing the midfield is captain Martin Odegaard, who is actually approaching 200 appearances in a Gunners shirt.

Martin Odegaard’s PL 24/25 stats
Games	30
Goals	3
Assists	8

AI says that despite a dip in form which saw Odegaard score just three Premier League goals in 30 appearances last season, the Norway star’s ‘chance creation and work rate ensure his spot in the side’.

9

RW: Bukayo Saka

Arsenal missed Bukayo Saka’s goals and assists last season, with the winger out for large parts of the season through injury.

Now back fit, though, Saka’s ‘role on the right is undisputed’ and Ethan Nwaneri is named as a promising backup to Arsenal’s No. 7.

10

CF: Benjamin Sesko

A new striker is at the top of Arsenal’s to-do list before September 1, and one attacker who has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates is Benjamin Sesko.

AI says the towering centre-forward will be in the starting line up next season at a cost of £70m. Sesko will ‘offer the physicality and clinical edge Arteta seeks, edging out Viktor Gyokeres as the primary target’.

أعلنت شركة الأهلي لكرة القدم عن تمديد تعاقدها مع شركة أديداس لتكون الراعي الرسمي لملابس فرق الكرة بالنادي حتى عام 2030.

وبحسب البيان الرسمي، يمتد التعاقد الجديد لمدة أربعة مواسم رياضية، تبدأ من موسم 2026-2027 وحتى نهاية موسم 2029-2030، وذلك وفق اتفاقات مالية جديدة تتناسب مع قيمة وجماهيرية الأهلي الكبيرة في مختلف أنحاء العالم.

طالع.. وكيل المدرب آرت لانجيلر لـ”بطولات”: وصل إلى مصر للتوقيع مع الأهلي

ويأتي هذا التمديد في إطار خطة شركة الأهلي لكرة القدم التي تهدف إلى عقد شراكات ورعايات استراتيجية تواكب طموحات النادي وجماهيره، وتساهم في زيادة مصادر الدخل، بما ينعكس إيجابًا على تطوير قطاع الكرة ونتائجه.

وأكدت الشركة حرصها المستمر على تعزيز القيمة التسويقية للنادي على المستويين الإقليمي والعالمي، من خلال التعاون مع علامات تجارية كبرى تمتلك تاريخًا عالميًا مثل “أديداس”، بما يرسخ مكانة الأهلي كأحد أكبر أندية الشرق الأوسط والقارة الإفريقية.

Tom Price bags five-for as Gloucestershire gloveman James Bracey takes seven catches

ECB Reporters Network09-Sep-2024Jack Davies posted his best first-class score of 91 as Middlesex built a strong platform after being put in by Gloucestershire in their Vitality County Championship clash at Lord’s.The Middlesex left-hander missed out on the chance of a maiden hundred after sharing a sixth-wicket partnership of 120 with Josh De Caires, who struck 64 as the home side were bowled out for 377.Max Holden’s battling knock of 77 had provided an initial foundation for the promotion contenders before he became one of seven dismissals for Gloucestershire gloveman James Bracey.The bowling honours were dominated by Tom Price, who finished with a season’s best of 5 for 81, and Ajeet Singh Dale, with figures of 4 for 70.Gloucestershire – who included 19-year-old debutant Archie Bailey among their seam quartet – were immediately rewarded for opting to bowl as Singh Dale’s opening effort seared back down the slope and crashed into Sam Robson’s middle stump.The lively Bailey, who entered the attack as early as the sixth over, might also have struck with his first delivery which found the edge of Holden’s bat, but dropped fractionally short of slip.However, Middlesex gradually settled down and Mark Stoneman raised the tempo with a flurry of cover boundaries, advancing to 42 before he attempted to hook Tom Price and top-edged it to provide Bracey with a routine catch.That ended Stoneman’s partnership of 71 with Holden, who reached lunch one short of a half-century as he and Leus du Plooy kept the scoreboard ticking along at more than four an over.Holden added that single off Tom Price to reach 50 soon after the interval, but the very next delivery accounted for Du Plooy, slanting across the left-hander to take the edge.Price and Bracey combined again to remove their former team-mate Ryan Higgins, caught swishing outside leg stump and the Gloucestershire keeper claimed his fourth dismissal of the innings when Singh Dale returned at the Nursery End to prise out Holden.But Davies looked in good touch, pulling and cutting against the seamers as well as driving spinner Zafar Gohar for the first six of the contest as he and De Caires shared Middlesex’s fourth partnership in excess of 50.The shot that took Davies to his own 50 was a streaky one, though, slashing across the line at Tom Price and edging over Bracey’s head for a boundary that also earned the home side their first batting bonus point.De Caires was given a life just after tea, with Cameron Bancroft spilling an edge to slip off Bailey, but he played the spinners with confidence and pulled Zafar off the back foot for a boundary to post his second half-century of the season.Singh Dale returned to take the new ball and, although Davies got away with a leading edge that flew through the slips, he was undone in the seamer’s next over as he nudged one that moved away into Bracey’s gloves.De Caires soon followed, trapped in front by a ball that followed a similar trajectory to Singh Dale’s first of the day before Tom Price wrapped up the innings by capturing the wickets of Luke Hollman and Henry Brookes.

Derbyshire Falcons missed out on a Metro Bank One Day Cup quarter-final even though David Lloyd and Anuj Dal starred in a thrilling four-wicket win at Chester-le-Street, a game which also featured a maiden List A century for Durham’s Scott Borthwick.Derbyshire did all they could today, but they missed out on qualification for the knockout stages due to Hampshire having a superior net run rate after they beat Middlesex, while Durham, who needed to win today to progress, are also out of the competition.Borthwick (104) anchored the Durham innings and at one point it looked like the hosts would post a big score, but a good fightback from Derbyshire with the ball led by teenager Harry Moore (3 for 45) restricted the hosts to 253 all out.The visitors’ chase started well with Lloyd (63) and Harry Came (45) putting Derbyshire in a good position, but four wickets from Ben Raine gave the hosts some hope, however Dal (25*) and Zak Chappell (22*) wrapped up the victory for the visitors with seven balls to spare.Derbyshire won the toss and elected to bowl first at a sun-soaked Seat Unique Riverside in a pivotal clash as both sides still had quarter-final aspirations prior to this match.Derbyshire suffered a big blow early in the match as Sam Conners went off injured after his first over, with 17-year-old Moore getting an earlier introduction than expected and he picked up the first wicket of the day as a leading edge from Lees found its way back to the hands of the young bowler.Jones and Borthwick recovered from the early loss of Lees and Borthwick picked up three consecutive boundaries from Dal’s opening over to put the pressure on the visitors.Dal bounced back as Jones edged one behind to Brooke Guest for 25 after a sustained period of economical bowling from the all-rounder. Colin Ackermann came to the crease and combined well with Borthwick and the latter reached his fifty from 71 balls to leave the hosts in a good position at the halfway point of the innings.Derbyshire then got a much-needed breakthrough as Zak Chappell bowled Ackermann for 42 after an 85-run partnership between the Dutch international and Borthwick.Borthwick then hit the first maximum of the match, a booming straight drive over Samit Patel’s head, but wickets continued to fall at the other end as three Durham batters fell cheaply, but Borthwick remained at the crease and reached his maiden List A century from 119 balls.The left-hander didn’t last much longer as Patel bowled him for 104 with a beauty to leave the hosts in a spot of bother at 212 for 7. A 30-run cameo from Haydon Mustard briefly helped Durham recover but they finished on 253 all out.Derbyshire started their chase in a calm and collected manner amid some testing new ball bowling.Came looked in good touch from the start of his innings with one of his best shots being a lovely clip off the legs for four while Reece joined in as he pulled one for four.The pair saw Derbyshire through the powerplay unscathed, with the openers growing in confidence with every ball. They made 74 before Durham struck as Raine bowled Reece for 37 with a beauty and the Durham bowler then removed the dangerous Guest for a three-ball duck.Came and Lloyd joined forces at the crease for the visitors and laid the building blocks of a partnership before Lloyd took a liking to the bowling of Borthwick, with the Derbyshire man picking up back-to-back boundaries from the leg-spinner.Durham had a chance to make the crucial breakthrough but Lloyd was dropped by substitute fielder Daniel Hogg on 47 and he then reached his fifty from 58 balls. However, the hosts didn’t have to wait much longer for the end of the partnership as Came departed for 45 and became Callum Parkinson’s first List A wicket for Durham.Parkinson then struck again as Lloyd departed for 63 and Raine then removed Aneurin Donald for 23 to give the hosts some hope. Raine picked up his fourth as he removed the experienced Patel, but Chappell and the impressive Dal saw their side home with a partnership worth 46.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on their second signing of the summer after their permanent deal for Mathys Tel, and the fee Spurs are about to pay for their newest arrival has set a record.

Tottenham preparing bid for £30m colossus wanted by Napoli, Milan and Inter

Spurs could scupper Antonio Conte in the race for his signature.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

Spurs missed out on FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghji earlier this week, with Barcelona ultimately winning the race for his signature, but Thomas Frank is still expected to be backed with more forward additions.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

One of their key aims before deadline day on September 1 is signing another proven winger, and one who could replace Son Heung-min if he does in fact leave the club for Saudi Arabia after 10 years.

“Son will get a big-money contract if he moves to Saudi Arabia,” said ex-Lilywhites scout Bryan King to Tottenham News recently.

“Everyone else who has gone there has received a big-money offer, so why would a player of Son’s stature not receive that same kind of offer.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Tottenham receive a similar fee for Son as they did for Harry Kane. Son has been at Tottenham for 10 years, and he’s been a marvellous servant to the club. He has one year left on his contract, and Tottenham could cash in, as could the player.”

West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Man City outcast Jack Grealish, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo have all been linked recently, as has Lazio’s Gustan Isaksen, with Frank reportedly very keen to sign the Dane (Lalaziosiamonoi.it).

However, they could also bolster their ranks with fresh young defensive talent, and that is expected to be the case with Kawasaki Frontale gem Kota Takai.

The 20-year-old, standing at a towering 6 foot 4, is apparently on the verge of joining Spurs from the J-League.

Tottenham agree £5 million fee to sign Kota Takai

Tottenham will pay around £5 million to sign Takai, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, and this is apparently a J-League “record” for a Japanese player from that division.

Sharing further background on their surprise move for the talent, which practically came out of nowhere, reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that Takai was personally identified by technical director Johan Lange as a promising young player for the first-team, and one who could make a similar impact to the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr after a brief settling in period.

Takai has already won four senior caps for Japan at international level, and captained Kawasaki against Yokohoma F. Marinos back in April – a game where he also got on the scoresheet in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

He also played a key role at the back for Kawasaki in their run to the Asian Champions League final, beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the semi-finals before they eventually lost out to Al-Hilal.

Rangers’ busy transfer activity shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.

Russell Martin has now made six new signings at Ibrox since being appointed manager last month, following confirmation of Nasser Djiga’s loan move.

Fellow new recruits Max Aarons and Emmanuel Fernandez made their maiden appearances in light blue during a pre-season friendly at the weekend, so how many more will be through the door at Rangers in the coming days?

Rangers targeting a new attacker

So far, Martin has prioritised bolstering his defensive and midfield options, as the table below documents.

Rangers’ 2025 summer signings

Players

Selling club

Position

Fee

Lyall Cameron

Dundee

Midfielder

Compensation

Max Aarons

Bournemouth

Right-back

Loan

Joe Rothwell

Bournemouth

Midfielder

Undisclosed

Emmanuel Fernandez

Peterborough

Centre-back

£3.5m

Thelo Aasgaard

Luton Town

Midfielder

£3.5m

Nasser Djiga

Wolves

Centre-back

Loan

All information courtesy of Transfermarkt

Now though, Rangers will need to add some attacking reinforcements.

It is possible that all three Rangers players who scored more than six goals last season will depart, given that Václav Černý has returned to Wolfsburg, following his loan spell, while Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers are being courted by other clubs.

Thus, according to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland, Rangers are ‘monitoring’ Thierno Ballo, with Ajax, Mainz and others also ‘keen’ to sign him.

No potential fee is included in the report, but Football Transfers believe the 22 year old to be worth €2.3m (around £2m).

Transfer Focus

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

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Ballo has had an interesting career and life to date; born in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, he moved to Austria at the age of four, spending time in the academy set-ups of LASK, Bayer Leverkusen and Viktoria Köln, before joining Chelsea as a 16 year old.

He represented the Blues over 85 times in the UEFA Youth League, EFL Trophy, FA Youth Cup and Premier League 2, without ever making a senior appearance, ultimately loaned out to Rapid Wien in 2021, before joining current employers Wolfsberger AC as a free agent a year later.

Now, could he be returning to Great Britain, only this time north of the border and for a hefty price-tag?

How Thierno Ballo would improve Rangers

Ballo’s recent form in the Austrian Bundesliga has certainly caught the eye, scoring 13 goals across league and cup during both of the last two seasons.

This is a feat three players have achieved.

Austrian Bundesliga: players to score 10+ goals in 2023/24 & 2024/25

Players

Club

23/24 goals

24/25 goals

Total goals

Maximilian Entrup

Hartberg & LASK

12

12

24

Ronivaldo Blau-Weiß Linz

14

10

24

Thierno Ballo

Wolfsberg

12

10

22

All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

Writer Kai Watson described the 23 year old as “rapid” and a “strong ball carrier​​​​​​​” who is a “strong finisher​​​​​​​” and a “solid creator​​​​​​​”, concluding he would be an “exciting” signing for Rangers.

Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout highlights his “great” form for Wolfsberger AC, performances that earnt the winger his senior international debut for Austria in June, introduced at half time as they smashed San Marino 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier at Stadio Olimpico di Serravalle.

This would be a particularly exciting addition for Rangers due to their lack of winger depth, a position that has been a problem since Ryan Kent’s departure on a free transfer back in 2023.

Rangers’ current winger options

Players

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Nedim Bajrami

44

5

4

Óscar Cortés

18

1

2

Rabbi Matondo

67

8

11

Ross McCausland

66

7

7

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table outlines, none of Rangers’ four current wide-attackers have particularly impressed, especially when compared to Kent who, in 218 appearances, scored 33 goals and registered 56 assists during five seasons in Govan.

The search to try and replace Kent over the past two seasons has largely proved unsuccessful – excluding loan moves for Abdallah Sima and Cerny – although Ballo’s form in Austria of late is certainly reason for optimism.

Thus, everything suggests that Ballo would be an excellent addition, one they’ll be desperate to get over the line before taking on Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifying on 22 July.

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The Gers are not messing about this summer…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jul 10, 2025

Arsenal have spent big in transfer windows in the past, but this summer is starting to feel like something else entirely.

At the back, Andrea Berta and Co have signed Kepa Arizabalaga and are soon to sign Christian Mosquera.

In midfield, they’ve made a significant investment in the £60m Martin Zubimendi, are being linked with Eberechi Eze, and have completed the shrewd signing of Christian Norgaard.

Then, in attack, the club are set to land Noni Madueke for around £52m and, perhaps most exciting of all, look set to make the statement signing of Viktor Gyokeres, and if reports are to be believed, they are now looking at someone who’d help him perform even better at the Emirates.

Arsenal target perfect teammate for Gyokeres

There was no doubt in the minds of most fans that, coming into this summer, Arsenal had to go all out for a new striker.

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

Mikel Arteta and Co must have felt the same way, as their hunt for a number nine has been one of the biggest sagas of the window thus far.

However, once it was clear that Benjamin Sesko was being priced out of a move by RB Leipzig, the Gunners promptly turned their attention to Gyokeres.

Despite Sporting CP’s president talking a big game, it now looks like the North Londoners have got their man, for an initial price said to be just £55m.

The good news doesn’t stop there, though, as it now appears that Berta and Co are looking to sign another attacker, someone who could help the Swede perform even better at the Emirates.

At least, that is according to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs, who has revealed that Arsenal are keen on Anthony Gordon.

Jacobs claims that the Premier League runners-up hold a ‘genuine interest’ in the Newcastle United star, although they’d likely have to make a sale before making an offer for him.

Moreover, while there is no mention of how much he might cost in the story, reports from earlier this month claim that the Magpies could demand as much as £100m for the Englishman.

While it would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, Gordon would undoubtedly be a level-raiser for Arsenal’s left-hand side, and someone who could help Gyokeres be even more effective.

Why Gordon would make Gyokeres even better

While there are undoubtedly a range of reasons Gordon could help Gyokeres perform at an even higher level at Arsenal next season, the most important of the lot is down to his output.

After all, if the Swedish international isn’t being supplied a steady stream of chances to convert, he’s not going to rack up the goals.

Additionally, with 13 assists to his name last season, the former Coventry City ace is reasonably creative, but if the man to his left isn’t a reliable finisher, then he won’t see his assist tally soar either.

Fortunately, over the last couple of years, the Newcastle star has proven himself to be a real threat on the wing, both as a creator and a goalscorer.

For example, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, he’s scored 21 goals and provided 23 assists in 90 appearances, totalling 6815 minutes.

In other words, the Liverpool-born “nightmare,” as he described himself, has averaged a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 154.88 minutes across the last two years.

In contrast, Gabriel Martinelli, who he’d likely replace, has scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists in 95 games, totalling 6204 minutes in the same period, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.27 games, or every 213.93 minutes.

Appearances

48

44

Minutes

3869′

2640′

Goals

12

8

Assists

16

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

138.17′

203.07′

Appearances

42

51

Minutes

2946′

3564′

Goals

9

10

Assists

7

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.38

0.31

Minutes per Goal Involvement

184.12′

222.75′

Finally, in addition to his output, the former Everton gem also ranked in the top 15% of attacking midfielders and wingers for passes into the penalty area last season, according to FBref.

This is important because, by looking at the Swedish goal machine’s heatmap from last season, it’s evident that he likes to spend as much time in the penalty area as possible.

Therefore, to get the most out of him, his teammates need to get the ball to him in dangerous areas, which is something the Toon star could do based on that metric.

Ultimately, Gyokeres has the potential to be a game-changing signing for Arsenal, and Arteta and Co. could get even more out of him by pairing him up with Gordon.

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