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Tottenham Hotspur have ramped up their transfer activity over the last couple of days, with owner Daniel Levy finally starting to conduct some impressive pieces of business.

Xavi Simons joined the Lilywhites in a £52m deal from RB Leipzig at the end of last week – subsequently being presented to the fans before the defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Such a move adds to the additions of Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha and Mathys Tel – adding further quality to Thomas Frank’s already impressive first-team squad.

With the window now just a couple of hours away from closing, it remains unclear if the board will be able to add any further additions to help the new boss in his quest for success.

However, it may not be through a lack of trying from the hierarchy, with numerous other players currently in their sights before the 7pm transfer deadline.

Spurs’ hunt to land new signings on deadline day

Reports have emerged in recent hours that Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher is still a target for Spurs – despite the LaLiga outfit’s reluctance to sell him.

Frank’s side aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 25-year-old, with fellow Premier League side Newcastle United also monitoring the Englishman’s situation.

However, he’s not the only player in their sights, with Manchester City star Savinho still on the Lilywhites’ radar, according to TBR Football’s report prior to the deadline.

They claim that Frank’s side haven’t given up hope of landing the Brazilian attacker this summer, even after having an offer rejected, with Pep Guardiola’s side stating he’s not for sale.

It’s also been claimed that the 21-year-old has been the club’s leading target in the last few days before tonight’s deadline, but it’s unclear if another offer will be lodged for his signature – with a £70m valuation previously being mooted.

Why Spurs’ £70m target would be perfect alongside Kolo Muani

In an attempt to bolster the Spurs frontline, Frank and Levy have struck a deal with PSG over a deal to land French striker Randal Kolo Muani on a season-long loan deal.

Talks were held between the two parties over a potential switch to North London, with a breakthrough appearing in negotiations in recent hours.

A €5m (£4.3m) loan fee has been agreed between the two sides, with a deal not including an option to buy – which would make the Frenchman the fifth senior addition of the window.

He’s proven his quality in recent times, netting 10 goals in his 22 appearances on loan at Juventus last campaign – handing Frank another clinical option within the final third.

However, if the 26-year-old is to be a success in North London, he will need to be provided with ammunition within the final third – something which potential addition Savinho could provide.

When delving into his underlying stats from last season, the Brazilian posted numerous superb numbers that would provide endless opportunities for the PSG loanee in forward areas.

Savinho, who’s been labelled “incredible” by boss Guardiola, ranked in the 96th percentile for progressive carries per 90 (7.1) – with such numbers allowing him to transfer the ball into the final third in North London.

Games played

29

Goals & assists

9

Progressive carries

7.1

Shot-creating actions

5.7

Successful take-ons

2.7

Key passes made

2.4

Passes into the opposition box

2.4

Carries into the opposition box

3.8

He also produced 2.4 key passes per 90, and completed 2.7 successful take-ons per 90, which could provide Kolo Muani with a flurry of chances to hit the ground running under Frank this season.

Just because he’s able to create chances for others doesn’t mean Savinho isn’t capable of going alone – subsequently able to find the net himself – as seen by his tally of three goals last campaign.

The prospect of the duo linking up together in North London throughout 2025/26 is certainly an exciting one – subsequently topping off what has been a superb window for Spurs.

If they can replicate their aforementioned numbers together in the near future, there’s no reason why the club can’t be competitive in the Premier League and Champions League under Frank’s guidance.

Best Deadline Day deal since Kulusevski: Spurs make approach for £17m star

Tottenham are eyeing a number of different positions on a busy transfer deadline day down N17.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 1, 2025

تحدث الدولي الهولندي فرينكي دي يونج، لاعب خط وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة عن إشادة النجم الأرجنتيني ليونيل ميسي به ومدربه الألماني هانز فليك وأزمة تير شتجن.

وأجرى اللاعب البالغ من العمر 28 عامًا مقابلة مع صحيفة “إل باييس” يوم الأربعاء الماضي بعدما جدد عقده مع النادي الكتالوني حتى عام 2029.

راتب دي يونج خلال الفترة المتبقية من الموسم الحالي سيكون حسب العقد القديم، بينما سيبدأ راتبه الجديد بدءً من 1 يوليو القادم أي مع بداية موسم 2026/2027، وستكون قيمة الشرط الجزائي في العقد الجديد 500 مليون يورو بدلًا من الحالي الذي يُقدر بـ400 مليون يورو.

وقال دي يونج، في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “في أحد الأيام، كنا نتناول وجبة الإفطار وجاء ميسي وقال لي أنت رائع، لكنني لا أريد التحدث كثيرًا عن ذلك لأن ليو لا يحب أن تُنشر محادثاته الخاصة على الملأ”.

وعن أزمة تير شتيجن أكمل: “أحيانًا تتعقد الأمور، لو كنت أؤدي بشكل جيد ولم يختارني المدرب لرحلت بكل تأكيد، أريد أن ألعب كرة القدم”.

وعن عدم تكوين صداقات مع إعلاميين أوضح: “أريد أن أكون منصفًا وأعيش بسلام، لا أريد أن يكون عندي أصدقاء في الصحافة يتحدثون عني بإيجابية ويدافعون عني دائمًا، إذا لعبت بشكل سيء فليقولوا ذلك وإذا لعبت بشكل جيد فليقولوا ذلك أيضًا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | تشكيل برشلونة المتوقع أمام جيرونا اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

وأضاف: “صحيح أن العديد من زملائي والمدربين الذين تدربت معهم في الفريق قالوا دائمًا إنني أكثر لاعب لا يأخذ حقه من التقدير”.

أما عن أسلوب لعبه كشف: “أعتقد أنه من الصعب تقييم أدائي لأنني لا أسجل الكثير من الأهداف أو أقدم الكثير من التمريرات الحاسمة، هذه الأيام الناس تركز كثيرًا على الإحصائيات، كما أنني أمتلك الكرة كثيرًا، أحيانًا أحتفظ بها لفترة أطول من اللاعبين الآخرين، لا ألعب دائمًا بلمسة واحدة أو لمستين، أحيانًا أفعل ذلك لكن الأمر يعتمد على اللحظة التي تكون الكرة معي فيها”.

وعن افتقار برشلونة لقائد أوضح: “يخلط الناس بين القائد والشخص الذي يصرخ كثيرًا أو يغضب أو الذي يوبخ زملائه في حال حدوث أي شيء لكنني أعتقد أن الأشخاص أصحاب الشخصية القوية هم أولئك الذين يتمسكون بـ قيمهم، أشخاص صادقون يساعدون زملائهم، لست بحاجة إلى الصراخ من أجل القيادة، إذا صرخت كثيرًا سيتوقف الآخرون عن الاستماع، يكمن الذكاء الحقيقي في معرفة كيفية التحدث في الوقت المناسب”.

وعن هانز فليك: “يتمتع بشخصية قوية، لديه أفكار واضحة للغاية وهو شخص ودود ولطيف ولكن عليك أن تفعل ما عليك وإن لم تفعل فلن تلعب”.

واستطرد: “تكتيكيًا، علينا أن ننفذ أفكاره لأنه يمتلك أفكارًا واضحة للغاية وهذا أسلوبنا ولكن لدينا حرية داخل النظام لإظهار مهاراتنا، هناك حرية ولكن هناك أيضًا نظام تكتيكي”.

وأتم: “لهذا السبب أعتقد أن الكثيرين يقولون إن برشلونة فريق ممتع للغاية، كل لاعب لديه فرصة للتعبير عن نفسه على أرض الملعب”.

Ramesh Mendis has been added to Sri Lanka’s squad for the second Test against Australia, while seamer Vishwa Fernando and top-order batter Lahiru Udara have been released from what had been an 18-member squad. Sri Lanka team manager Mahinda Halangoda confirmed the changes, and said Ramesh had joined the squad on Monday.Ramesh had been dropped both from the Test XI, and later from the squad entirely, on account of what Sri Lanka’s team management believed to be a sub-par bowling performance against New Zealand in November.But having conceded 654 for 6 in the first innings of the first Test against Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka have brought back Ramesh. Partly this is down to his bowling form in the ongoing first-class competition – the Major League Tournament – in which he has claimed 24 wickets at an average of 21.91 plus scored 260 runs at an average of 52 from six innings.His bowling returns among the top Test teams has been more modest, however, though he has played all 15 of his Tests so far in Asia. Against Australia, for example, he has seven wickets at an average of 40.85 from two matches that were played in Galle in 2022.Sri Lanka will seriously consider him for a spot in the XI given the inexperience in their spin attack. In the previous match, in which Sri Lanka slipped to their worst Test defeat in history, Sri Lanka had two frontline spinners playing their second Test.The second Test starts in Galle on Thursday.

Gary Neville has branded Arsenal a 'one-trick pony' under Mikel Arteta, questioning whether the Gunners truly believe they can win the Premier League. The Manchester United legend criticised Arsenal’s reliance on set pieces following their 1-1 draw with Manchester City, warning that without greater attacking spark, their title push could ultimately fall short.

Arsenal faltering in Premier League yet again

Arsenal needed a late Gabriel Martinelli equaliser to secure a point against Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday. While the result kept them in the mix at the top, their blunt attacking display raised fresh doubts. Neville highlighted that Pep Guardiola’s tactical approach underlined how one-dimensional Arsenal can look when their set-piece threat is contained.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportNeville tears into Arsenal's struggles

Speaking about Arsenal’s style of play, Neville said: "I think the reason he [Guardiola] has done that is because he is recognising that Arsenal are a bit, you know, they're a one-trick pony. Set pieces are such a large percentage of their chances and goals that you end up in a situation where you just got to have big players in the box and a goalkeeper that punches."

On Arteta’s team selections: "My narrative with Arsenal was thinking, is he going to take the risk? And the team sheet comes through and I see that Trossard and Merino are on it. If you're making two substitutions at half time, it's not gone to plan and you know that the players you started with are not going to be able to win you the game in all circumstances, which is when they go a goal down."

On Arsenal’s belief: "You can't wait to win a league. Arsenal are not creating enough chances in these types of games. I've predicted Arsenal will win the league… but does the manager and the players really believe, number one, that they can win the league? Do they know how to win a league?"

Arsenal risk being forgotten if they dont win the PL

Arsenal’s title challenge has been built on defensive solidity and set-piece efficiency, but doubts remain over whether that approach is sustainable against elite rivals. Neville pointed to the wealth of attacking talent Arteta has at his disposal, questioning why the Gunners lack creativity in big matches. Without more fluency in open play, Arsenal risk being remembered as a side that fell short when it mattered most, as they have finished second in the Premier League title race for three straight seasons.

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Getty Images SportArsenal need a change to win the title

Arteta will look for a stronger attacking display when Arsenal return to league action next weekend against Newcastle. The Gunners must show they can win matches through more than just set pieces if they are to outlast City. With pressure building, every team sheet and tactical call from Arteta will face even greater scrutiny.

Leeds United have made a couple of much-needed signings in midfield this summer. After their incredible 100-point campaign in the 2024/25 Championship season, the Whites have made two new additions in the middle of the park to replace Josuha Guilavogui and Joe Rothwell, who have now left.

The first midfielder Leeds signed this summer was Newcastle United academy graduate Sean Longstaff. He joined for a reported fee of £12m from the Magpies. Daniel Farke’s side also signed German midfielder Anton Stach from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. He cost a reported £17.4m up front, with further add-ons.

However, the Yorkshire outfit are not seemingly done there when it comes to signing new midfielders this summer. They have recently been linked with a further man in the middle of the park.

Leeds’ next midfield target

So, there is a clear transfer policy at Elland Road this season, for the midfield to be strengthened ahead of a huge season back in the Premier League. With Longstaff and Stach through the door, it seems Leeds have identified their next target.

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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According to a recent report from journalist Gianluigi Longari, Leeds are one of the sides who ‘have come forward’ about signing Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis. The Portuguese midfielder is a player who his club ‘might consider the departure of’ in the coming weeks.

However, this is not going to be an easy deal to do. Benfica have also ‘had inquiries from Serie A clubs in the past’, and recently other Premier League sides have shown interest. Fellow newly-promoted side Burnley are one side in the race, as are Everton.

It was reported last May that the Toffees made a bid of around £26m for Luis, so perhaps he would cost Leeds a similar fee.

Why Luis would be a good signing for Leeds

The 25-year-old defensive midfielder played an important role in the Benfica side last season. He’s become an established player for his boyhood club in the last few seasons, after having a couple of loan spells, including one for Ligue 1 side AS Monaco.

Last term, he made 45 appearances in all competitions, slotting in at the base of their midfield. In 26 appearances in the Portuguese top flight, he played 90 minutes in 15 of those games, helping to steer his side to a third-place finish.

The former Portugal under-21 international, who is yet to make a senior appearance for his country, was described as an “exceptional talent” by former boss Rui Vitoria.

As well as his strong defensive contributions, he also chipped in with two goals and one assist.

Luis is certainly consistent as a defensive midfielder. It could be argued that the 25-year-old has shades of former Leeds hero Kalvin Phillips. Although his career has taken a downward trajectory since departing Elland Road, his impact at his boyhood club was superb.

In 234 games for the Whites, the England international became a pivotal figure at the base of their midfield, scoring 14 goals and assisting 13, too. He was once described as ‘the best English midfielder there is by far’ by Gary Neville.

The statistics between Phillips’ debut campaign in the Premier League back in 2020/21, and Luis from Benfica’s most recent season, further reinforce the fact he is so similar to Leeds’ homegrown hero.

When looking at the numbers on FBref, the Benfica star averages 6.12 tackles and interceptions and 5.8 progressive passes per 90 minutes. In comparison, Leeds’ former midfielder averaged 4.41 tackles and interceptions and 5.07 progressive passes each game.

Luis and Phillips key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Luis (2024/25)

Phillips (2020/21)

Progressive passes

5.8

5.07

Blocks

1.51

1.81

Tackles and interceptions

6.12

4.41

Aerial duels won

1.23

1.11

Ball recoveries

5.66

7.93

Stats from FBref

Not only will Luis bring quality out of possession, but his progressive nature will aid Leeds in build-up, too. There are certainly aspects of his game that are similar to Phillips’, especially his defensive work.

For a fee of around £26m, this could be a fantastic deal for Leeds to further enhance the quality in midfield.

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Posts ByDan Emery Jul 30, 2025

Real Betis are preparing a new deal for Isco that will put him alongside Antony as the club’s joint-highest earner following the Brazilian’s arrival.

Betis begin Isco renewal talksSalary to match Antony’s new dealMidfielder has contract until 2027Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Betis have opened talks with Isco over a contract renewal that will see his salary rise to the same level as Antony, who became the highest-paid player at the club following his deadline-day transfer from Manchester United for €25 million (£21m/$27m). Isco, who last extended his deal in December 2023 after a stunning first half-season, is now in talks over a salary adjustment. Negotiations began earlier in the summer but are now set to accelerate in the coming weeks despite the midfielder currently being sidelined with injury.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The move highlights Los Verdiblancos’ determination to reward key figures in Manuel Pellegrini’s squad. Antony’s arrival has reshaped the wage structure at the club, and Isco, who has been instrumental since arriving in Seville is seen as equally vital to their long-term ambitions. Talks with Pellegrini over his future are also pending, as Betis look to secure stability both on the pitch and on the bench.

TELL ME MORE…

According to , Betis and Isco spoke at the start of September to prepare for a definitive round of talks, with both parties keen to finalise the renewal this month. Currently tied to the club until 2027, he had interest from elsewhere during the transfer window but made it clear that he sees his future at Betis, where he has become a leader and fan favourite.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ISCO?

The former Real Madrid star is recovering from an injury that will keep him out for around three months, but Betis are confident of tying him down before his return to action. The agreement will place him alongside Antony as the joint-highest paid star in the dressing room, a reflection of his influence in the club’s ambitious push for trophies.

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.

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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.

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin gets to have a first look at his players in the flesh this week as some of his stars have returned for pre-season testing.

The new boss will also have the opportunity to speak with some members of the Ibrox squad in person, whilst the summer transfer window is in full swing.

In fact, journalist Scott Burns claims that the Rangers head coach is due to hold talks with central defender Robin Propper over his future at Ibrox beyond this summer.

FC Twente are eyeing up a move to bring him back to the Netherlands ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but he has returned to pre-season testing with the Gers for now.

Martin must, now, tell the Dutch defender that he is not a part of his plans for the upcoming season, because the Light Blues should be looking to part ways with him in the coming weeks.

Why Rangers must sell Robin Propper

The Gers manager should move on from the 31-year-old flop this summer after he endured a difficult first season in Scottish football after his move from FC Twente last year.

In December, the central defender was hauled off at half-time against St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership and was heavily criticised by pundit Derek Ferguson.

The former Gers man said: “Propper is struggling. He’s been pretty vocal over the last couple of weeks that he’s finding it tough in our league. He’s been asked the question early on. It’s quite worrying when you see him struggling as bad as that. Look at the body language – he’s looking for a way out already.”

Propper, who was dribbled past 11 times in 22 Premiership starts, failed to deal with the physicality of the league during his debut season, which led to him being a bit-part player by the end of the campaign.

Fenerbahce

Unused substitute

Celtic

34 mins

Dundee

Unused substitute

Hibernian

Unused substitute

Athletic Club

13 mins

Aberdeen

90 mins

St Mirren

90 mins

Aberdeen

Unused substitute

Dundee United

Unused substitute

Hibernian

80 mins

As you can see in the table above, the experienced defender was far from a regular fixture in the starting XI for the Scottish giants, as he was an unused substitute in four of his last ten outings in the matchday squad.

Given that he is unlikely to have much room left for development at the age of 31, Rangers should move on from him this summer, amid interest from Twente, and their reported pursuit of an English star could send Propper packing.

Rangers in talks to sign English star

According to the Daily Record, Rangers are in ‘advanced talks’ with Leicester City to strike a deal for former England international Conor Coady this summer.

The report claims that the Light Blues have ‘ramped’ up their efforts to bring the central defender, who previously starred for Wolverhampton Wanderers, up to Scotland for the 2025/26 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 states that the Gers are ‘pushing’ to get a deal done quickly for the experienced defender, now that the club are starting to ramp up their pre-season preparations ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos next month.

The Daily Record adds that Coady, who has one year left on his contract at the King Power, is open to a move to Ibrox this summer to secure his long-term future.

However, the report does not reveal how much money it will take to agree a deal with Leicester, or if they would be willing to waive a fee for the 32-year-old in order to shave his wages off.

Why Rangers should sign Conor Coady

Rangers should sign Coady from the Championship side, who were relegated from the Premier League this season, because he could send Propper packing this summer.

A deal to sign the former England international in the coming days or weeks would provide Martin with a vastly-experienced right-sided centre-back, which would negate any need to keep hold of Propper, who currently fills that role in the squad.

Coady, who played 22 times in the Premier League this season for the Foxes, would arrive at Ibrox as a hugely experienced player at the very top level, with 198 Premier League appearances and ten caps for England under his belt.

He is, therefore, used to the physicality of British football and can deal with the brute strength and dynamism of attackers in Scotland next season, whereas, Propper had never played domestic football outside of the Netherlands and looked ill-prepared for the task at hand.

Appearances

24

12

22

Pass accuracy

85%

93%

91%

Dribbled past per game

0.3x

0.1x

0.1x

Duel success rate

54%

64%

45%

Error led to goal

1

0

1

As you can see in the table above, Coady has largely been reliable as a physical presence in England in recent seasons, particularly when it came to stopping attackers from dribbling past him.

As aforementioned, one of Propper’s biggest problems in the Premiership was that strikers found it too easy to get the better of him, as he was dribbled past 11 times in 22 starts. That would not be a problem for the English titan, who has been dribbled past three times in his last 34 league outings.

The Leicester ace also showcased his quality in possession in the Championship in the 2023/24 season, ranking in the top 1% of his positional peers for progressive passes per 90 (7.20). This suggests that he would also add value in possession as part of a team that dominates the ball and looks to play forward.

Coady, who was described as an “infectious” character by Gareth Southgate, may be approaching the latter stages of his career, at the age of 32, but he appears to have the requisite qualities to take Propper’s place and send him packing back to FC Twente.

A Colak repeat: Club now pushing to sign Rangers star in the next 48 hours

Rangers could repeat their Antonio Colak masterstroke by selling this star this summer.

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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.

As they did at the start of this season, Arsenal will go into next year as one of the clear favourites to win the Premier League.

While such an expectation now feels entirely normal, it wasn’t just a few years ago, as the 22/23 campaign marked the first season in a long time that the Gunners mounted a serious challenge for the title.

Mikel Arteta’s side failed to even qualify for the Champions League the year prior but came flying out of the gate and came painfully close to becoming champions with the exciting wing play of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, two of the club’s stand-out players.

While the former has only improved since then, the latter has struggled to match the 22 goal involvements he produced in 46 games, but the board might be about to sign a centre-forward who could help him get back to his best.

Arsenal's striker search

With Arsenal clearly needing another striker as far back as last summer, the club have been linked with a whole host of free-scoring forwards this year, from Alexander Isak to Benjamin Sesko.

Transfer Focus

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

The former would probably be most people’s preferred option, as he’s proven in the Premier League and has been in incredible form this season, scoring 27 goals and providing six assists in just 40 appearances for Newcastle United.

However, with reports from earlier this year claiming that he could cost in excess of £150m, it seems incredibly unlikely that this is a deal that gets done.

Sesko, on the other hand, could cost around £58m this summer, and considering he’s managed to rack up a tally of 21 goals and six assists in 43 appearances for RB Leipzig, that might just be a reasonable fee.

Yet, as the Slovenian is still just 21 years old, the North Londoners might want a more senior marksman leading the line next year, which is where Viktor Gyokeres comes in.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their strong interest in the Sporting CP superstar ahead of the summer transfer window.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Gunners have now made an opening bid of €60m for the Swedish superstar, which is about £51m, and considered likely to be too low.

The good news is that the Portuguese giants are willing to sell him for less than his €100m – £85m – release clause, but the bad news is that the likes of Chelsea, Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are also all keen to secure the 26-year-old’s services.

It would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Gyokeres’ immense ability in front of goal, it is one well worth fighting for, especially as he could get Martinelli back to his best.

Why Gyokeres could get Martinelli back to his best

Let’s say that Arsenal have their bid accepted, or they increase and get their man that way; why would Gyokeres help get Martinelli back to his 22/23 best?

Well, while there are a few different reasons, they fundamentally all come back to one thing: his output.

For example, in 50 appearances last season, totalling 4169 minutes, the prolific “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Alex Turk, scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists.

Gyokeres’ Sporting Record
Season	23/24	24/25
Appearances	50	49
Minutes	4169′	3948′
Goals	43	52
Assists	15	12
Goal Involvements per Match	1.16	1.30
Minutes per Goal Involvement	71.87′	61.68′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

That means he averaged 1.16 goal involvements per game for the entire campaign, or, in other words, he produced one every 71.87 minutes.

However, if that wasn’t good enough, he’s doing even better this season, as in 49 appearances, totalling 3948 minutes, the Stockholm-born sensation has scored 52 goals and provided 12 assists.

Such an incredible level of output means the 26-capped international is averaging 1.30 goal involvements per game at the moment, or one every 61.68 minutes.

Just imagine a striker as unbelievably efficient as him starting to the right of the Gunners’ number 11; his goal and assist numbers would explode.

Moreover, the sheer presence of someone so clinical in the frontline will force opposition defences to focus more attention on him, thus opening up more space for Saka and the rapid Brazilian to exploit.

Ultimately, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Gyokeres this summer, as not only would his goals make a significant difference on their own, but he’d also surely help Martinelli get back to his very best.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 6, 2025