Newcastle United swerved past PSR ramifications last summer and are now ready to make some proper investments in Eddie Howe’s team.

Though the mood was dour on Tyneside across the opening months of the 2024/25 campaign, with form at a low ebb after key targets were missed across the closing weeks of the transfer window, the Magpies ended up flying high.

Liverpool were thrashed at Wembley, the 2-1 scoreline flattering the losers in the Carabao Cup final, and a Herculean effort to seal fifth in the Premier League unlocked the gates back into the Champions League.

St. James’ Park presents an attractive project, for sure, but Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo threw a spanner in the works when rejecting the Magpies’ interest due to a desire to move to Manchester United.

Newcastle, as always, will adapt, and indeed have found the perfect alternative.

Newcastle open talks for Mbeumo alternative

Mbeumo might be out of reach, but at least Newcastle have got the funds to launch on a top right-sided forward, with Brentford demanding around £60m for their talisman.

And if The Athletic are worth their salt (they are), the Toon have been having discussions behind the scenes about signing Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo as they look to complete Howe’s frontline.

Semenyo, 25, was a revelation on the south coast last season, providing a prolific and dynamic threat.

Having proven himself across two seasons in England’s top flight, the Cherries would be looking for a £70m fee if they are to cash in, and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen.

What Antoine Semenyo would bring to Newcastle

Bournemouth signed Semenyo from the Championship’s Bristol City for £10.5m in January 2023, and he’s since gone from strength to strength under Andoni Iraola’s leadership.

The aforementioned Athletic report states that while Howe is determined to add some firepower to Newcastle’s right wing, balance and multi-positionality are factors which will play into the manager’s reckoning. Semenyo, luckily, embodies such tactical principles and could be a fantastic fit.

Having been shuffled about the frontline last season, the two-footed talent has demonstrated an aptitude across different areas, always retaining a strong degree of potency.

Left winger

20

5

4

Right winger

19

6

1

Centre-forward

1

1

0

Moreover, he’s been hailed as a “workhorse” and a “duel monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, owing to an underlying tenacity that speaks of his combativeness, his desire to win.

It is for these reasons that he might prove to be an ideal Mbeumo alternative. As per FBref, Semenyo ranked among the top 5% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers last year for shots taken per 90, and his unrelenting search for goals led the data-powered site to list Mbeumo as one of his most comparable players.

Semenyo’s incremental progress over the past two years makes a telling comment on his chances of succeeding in Howe’s Newcastle system.

He has the underlying qualities to mirror those of Semenyo, who finished the campaign having scored 20 goals from 38 Premier League appearances, but also having averaged 1.8 key passes, 1.4 dribbles and 4.7 duels per game, as per Sofascore.

If Semenyo can tune that ball-striking hunger, streamline it, he might become a sensational part of a Newcastle side that just continues to exceed expectations.

Newcastle's most expensive sales of all time

A look at Newcastle’s 20 most expensive departures.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 5, 2025

Former Sri Lanka batter Mahela Jayawardene, who had signed a one-year extension as their consultant coach in January, has handed in his resignation six months into his contract.”Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that Mr. Mahela Jayawardene, who served as the ‘Consultant Coach’ of the SLC, has tendered his resignation with immediate effect,” an SLC media release said. “Jayawardene, during his tenure, helped implement significant changes to the structure of the national team ecosystem and the High-Performance Center.”Jayawardene, who started his role from 2022, had seen mixed results during his time with SLC, with an unexpected win in the 2022 Asia Cup followed by a run to the final a year later being the highlights. But poor showings at the 2022 and 2024 T20 World Cups, and the 2023 ODI World Cup, had brought his position under scrutiny, though SLC themselves had been keen to extend his role citing his good work behind the scenes.Related

• Wanindu Hasaranga steps down as Sri Lanka T20I captain

• Jayasuriya appointed Sri Lanka's interim head coach

• Chris Silverwood resigns as Sri Lanka head coach

• Hasaranga refuses to blame pitches, scheduling for SL's early exit

• Mathews on Sri Lanka's exit: 'We've let the entire nation down'

His primary role, however, had been in overseeing an overall cultural shift within Sri Lanka cricket. What was notable was his championing of the National Super League, Sri Lanka’s domestic competition in both first-class and List A cricket, and technical improvements brought to the High Performance Centre, as well as an increased focus on data and performance analytics.Even within the national side, Jayawardene’s role had been more pronounced in recent years – he had accompanied the side on tour for major tournaments 2022 and 2023 – but his absence was conspicuous at the ongoing T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies, where Sri Lanka couldn’t make it to the Super Eight.ESPNcricinfo understands that the plan had initially been for Jayawardene to travel with the side, but as it transpired, recently-appointed cricket consultant Sanath Jayasuriya travelled with the team instead. Jayasuriya was announced in the newly-created role in December last year. On the face of it, the position seemed to have some overlaps with Jayawardene’s, with it understood to range from strategic and technical planning to the overall development of the national team.”It has become apparent to me that current decision-making is no longer fully aligned with the direction we were taking in some of these areas, and after careful consideration, I have concluded that it is best I step down,” Jayawardene had stated in his resignation letter, which ESPNcricinfo has seen.Jayawardene, who remains the second-most successful coach in the IPL, is currently the global head of performance at Mumbai Indians and its franchises.

It’s a good time to be a Liverpool fan. Here’s why.

Liverpool have just won the Premier League, in case you missed it, in the first season since Jurgen Klopp called it a day. FSG were ruled in the court of public opinion to have an impossible task on their hands, and few felt threatened when Feyenoord boss Arne Slot was appointed the iconic German’s successor.

But Slot is now champion of England, and he’s certainly being rewarded for his triumph in the summer transfer market.

Last week, Liverpool announced the signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, having already raided the German side for Jeremie Frimpong.

Wirtz is one of the brightest number tens in world football, and his £100m fixed fee may rise to a British-record £116m.

Now, Milos Kerkez has alighted in Merseyside as he completes the finer details of his move to Anfield. The Bournemouth left-back will sign in a move worth £40m. He is touted as Andy Robertson’s successor.

The young Hungarian has leapt at the chance to sign for Slot’s Reds, but what is it about his take on the full-back game that has prompted FSG to barrel ahead and make him the most expensive wide defender in Liverpool’s history?

Why Liverpool have signed Milos Kerkez

Robertson is a legend, but there’s no question he’s been on the decline. The 31-year-old is being targeted by Atletico Madrid, and Kerkez, a decade his junior, is the perfect heir.

While Kerkez, 21, has only been in the English football for two years, he came into his own under Andoni Iraola’s wing last season, starting all 38 of Bournemouth’s top-flight fixtures, scoring twice and laying on five assists.

Athletic, energetic and unrelentingly intense, he’s the real deal, having also been coveted by Manchester City and Real Madrid. Liverpool were always a step ahead, and he’ll help take this wonderful team to the next level.

In a way, Slot has hit the jackpot with the squad he inherited, but we must not forget that Liverpool had gone four years without tasting the Premier League, and he fuelled the fire that hadn’t proved quite enough over the past several seasons.

He deserves a squad fashioned in his vision, and Kerkez fits the bill. However, Liverpool still need a centre-back, and sporting director Richard Hughes has just the player in mind.

Liverpool prepare bid for new defender

According to French journalist Sébastien Vidal, Liverpool are set to table their opening bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi “at the end of the week”, news which follows Fabrizio Romano’s confirmation that FSG are indeed keen after agreeing to sell Jarell Quansah to Leverkusen.

It emerged several days ago that the Merseysiders have a long-term interest in the England international, who is out of contract in one year.

They would be willing to pay £30m, but this is not expected to convince the Eagles to part ways.

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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However, Guehi, who is 24, has just helped Palace to glory in the FA Cup and wants assurances over his playing time, with Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also considered suitors.

How Marc Guehi and Milos Kerkez could work in tandem

Guehi always had some degree of elite potential, having risen through the ranks at Chelsea’s Cobham academy before being sold to Palace for £18m in 2021 after two impressive loan spells with Swansea City in the Championship.

Now, he’s “England’s best centre-back” to some, and the online analyst who made that claim could certainly draw on data to substantiate his claim.

Indeed, Guehi won the FA Cup last year but has produced consistently quality performances over a series of years to attract Gareth Southgate’s attention, having featured prominently at Euro 2024, and now Thomas Tuchel’s too.

Solid as an ox and deceptively elegant on the ball, Guehi has the perfect style for ‘Slotball’, protecting Alisson Becker’s goal while subscribing to the ball-playing focus the coach expects.

It’s definitely a stylistic approach that could see him thrive with Kerkez, who has already proven himself invaluable alongside a ball-playing defender in Dean Huijsen, who Liverpool wanted before he signed for Real Madrid for £50m earlier this summer.

Guehi, as it goes, was recorded by data-focused site FBref to be one of the rising Spaniard’s most comparable players in the Premier League last season, ranked as he was among the top 11% of positional peers for goal involvements, the top 9% for through balls, and the top 21% for ball recoveries per 90.

It hasn’t just been a flash in the pan, though, with Guehi also standing out under Roy Hodgson’s wizened wing, injuries limiting his game in 2023/24 when Oliver Glasner first took the helm.

Marc Guehi in the Premier League

Stats (* per game)

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

25 (23)

34 (34)

Goals

0

3

Assists

1

2

Touches*

61.6

64.9

Pass completion

87%

84%

Key passes*

0.3

0.5

Ball recoveries*

4.8

4.3

Dribbles*

0.3

0.4

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

2.6

Clearances*

3.5

4.6

Duels (won)*

3.6 (60%)

4.9 (59%)

Data via Sofascore

He’s a top player, praised for his “incredible” footballing ability by teammate Eberechi Eze, and with a clear emphasis on progressing play through dribbling upfield or picking out calculated forward passes, Kerkez could find the dream long-term partner on the left side of defence.

Of course, Virgil van Dijk holds down the fort rather well in that area, but the skipper turns 34 next month as he entered the penultimate year of his Liverpool career, and, as analyst Ben Mattinson so neatly puts it, he’s “one of those versatile CB’s who can play both sides equally as comfortably.”

With such striking completeness and a blooming title-winning taste, Guehi would be a worthy addition to the Liverpool cause and the perfect left-sided partner for Kerkez to go from strength to strength under Slot’s watchful guidance.

Related The next Torres: Liverpool preparing huge bid to sign "frightening" striker

Liverpool aren’t messing around in the transfer market this summer.

Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 23, 2025

The 2025/26 campaign represents a new era for Everton football club, making the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium, after saying goodbye to Goodison Park a few weeks ago.

David Moyes will be the man to lead the Toffees into their new home, hopefully making it one to remember, building on the excellent work conducted since he returned to the club.

His side finished 13th in the Premier League table, a superb finish considering the side were just a couple of points above the drop zone after Sean Dyche was given his marching orders.

However, if the club are to reach the next level and push for a place in the top half of England’s top-flight, additions are needed, allowing for more quality and depth in numerous key areas.

With the transfer window now open, the 62-year-old has the opportunity to work with the Friedkin Group over the summer to land targets who could improve the options at the Scotsman’s disposal.

The latest on Everton’s hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Everton have been touted with a shock double swoop for two players currently on the books of bitter Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

Winger Ben Doak and centre-back Joe Gomez have been the two names mentioned over a short move across the city, but it’s unclear whether either are keen on the move or if the Reds would allow them to leave this summer.

However, another name has been mentioned in recent days, with Burnley defender Maxime Esteve on their radar, according to The Athletic’s latest report.

They claim that the Toffees have been monitoring his progress over the last couple of months, even sending scouts to watch him and could consider a move this summer.

However, Crystal Palace are also said to be keen on landing the 23-year-old French star, with Scott Parker’s side demanding a fee in the region of £30m to part ways with him this window.

Why Everton’s £30m target could be the perfect Branthwaite replacement

Centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has once again been a shining light for Everton, going from strength to strength within their backline in recent seasons.

The 22-year-old featured in 30 league outings this campaign, often partnering James Tarkowski at the heart of the defence, helping the Toffees pull clear of any looming relegation threat.

His excellent form hasn’t gone unnoticed, being named the club’s Young Player of the Year, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur plotting moves for the youngster this summer.

Given the financial situation behind the scenes in recent years, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him sold for a huge profit this window, with such a decision leaving a huge hole in Moyes’ backline.

However, they appear to be targeting a readymade replacement in Esteve, with the Burnley star able to fill the gap should Branthwaite leave the club during the off-season.

When comparing their respective stats from this season, the French star has matched or bettered the current Toffees star in numerous key areas – having the potential to improve further given his tender age.

The Burnley star, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by current boss Parker, has managed more progressive passes and a higher take-on success rate – highlighting his ability to play out from the back.

How Esteve compares to Branthwaite in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Esteve	Branthwaite
Games played	46	30
Goals scored	1	0
Progressive passes	3.1	2.3
Pass accuracy	90%	82%
Tackles won	1.1	1
Blocks made	1.3	1.1
Take-on success	78%	80%
Aerials won	62%	50%
Stats via FBref

Esteve has also won more tackles per 90 and made more blocks, showcasing his ability to impress without the ball, fitting into Moyes’ defensive philosophy.

He’s also won more aerials and scored more goals, subsequently allowing him to have an impact at both ends of the pitch if needed, potentially being an excellent pickup for the Toffees.

Whilst no supporter would want to lose Branthwaite this summer, the interest from the so-called ‘big six’ could see the club receive some serious cash for his signature – allowing for investments elsewhere.

A deal for the Frenchman would certainly soften the blow, having the qualities to replace the Englishman should he move on to pastures new in the coming months.

Everton want to sign "phenomenal" Denmark international who’s won 4 league titles

He could be a brilliant addition for the Blues.

By
Henry Jackson

Jun 3, 2025

USA captain feels beating Pakistan in the World Cup is “going to open many doors for us”

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jun-20242:08

Rapid Fire Review: Where does this rank among the greatest upsets?

After their win over Pakistan, USA captain Monank Patel said they should have finished the game in the regular time instead of taking it to the Super Over.Chasing 160, USA needed 56 from the last seven overs with Monank and Andries Gous well set. But Monank got out on the very next ball, allowing Pakistan to make a comeback and tie the game.”When I got out, we were still in the game,” Monank said after the match, “and I thought we should have finished the game and we should have never gone to Super Over. But the way we kept our nerves and in the Super Over particularly, scoring 18 runs itself gave us a big upper hand to defend the target.”Related

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Apart from those last few overs, everything else went as per the plan for USA, right from winning the toss.”The plan was to win the toss and bowl first,” Monank said. “And we knew initially first half an hour it would help pace bowlers and the way we kept them quiet and took the crucial wickets in the powerplay, it helped really well. And yeah, 160 on this wicket with one side short boundary, I felt we were always in the game.”For the Super Over, USA went with left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar instead of Ali Khan, who is arguably more used to bowling at the death. It proved to be the right choice as Netravalkar conceded only 13.”The plan was we wanted to make sure that we utilise the conditions,” Monank said. “And the condition was a left-arm bowler bowling cutters and wide yorkers with left-arm over angle going out. Ali Khan usually attacks the stumps, but we wanted to make sure that we make them play outside off stump. And for a left-armer, the angle helps. Saurabh had had a good day, and I backed him.”1:05

Monank Patel praises USA bowlers for historic win over Pakistan

Before the World Cup, USA had beaten Bangladesh 2-1 in a three-match home T20I series. In the World Cup opener, they beat Canada and now have two wins in two games. Their remaining matches are against India and Ireland. One more victory will put them in contention for the Super 8. But Monank is not thinking too far ahead.”We know what we have worked and what capability we have,” he said. “And we just focus on the particular game. And we don’t want to keep our emotions too high or low. We’ll make sure that whatever the win today is, we’ll enjoy it and make sure that next day we come fresh.”We want to focus on one game at a time. And our focus would be on playing against India now. We don’t even want to think about the Ireland right now. Super 8 is far ahead.”But Monank agreed beating Pakistan was a big achievement that could open many doors for them.”I am happy with the win, playing against Pakistan for the first time in the World Cup and beating them it was an unbelievable performance from our side,” he said. “So yeah, I would say it’s a big day for Team USA and for the USA cricket community too.”Of course, beating Pakistan in the World Cup is going to open many doors for us. Obviously hosting the World Cup in USA and performing here as a team, it helps us to grow the cricket in USA.”

Arsenal are now expected to submit a bid for a Real Madrid target, with Mikel Arteta personally keen on securing his signature, according to a report.

Gunners in transfer tussle with Real Madrid

While they ultimately came up short against Paris Saint-Germain, the Gunners proved themselves to be a force to be reckoned with by dispatching of Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-final last season.

As such, the Emirates Stadium should be an attractive destination for some top players this summer, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi thought to have chosen a move to north London ahead of remaining in Spain and signing for Xabi Alonso’s side.

Arteta is seemingly very keen to strengthen his midfield this summer, with Thomas Partey heading for the exit door, having also set his sights on Brentford’s Christian Norgaard, who has agreed to make the move across the capital.

However, Arsenal are also battling Madrid for the signature of a centre-back, namely Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera, with a report from The Guardian revealing Arteta’s side are now hopeful of getting a deal over the line.

The Gunners boss has identified Mosquera as his main target as back-up for Gabriel and William Saliba, and the north Londoners are expected to make an improved offer for his services, having already seen a £16m bid knocked back by the Spanish side.

Zubimendi 2.0: Arsenal ready to offer £35m for "barbaric" talent

With Martín Zubimendi set to arrive, but Jorginho and Thomas Partey departing, could Arsenal make a £35m offer to sign another Spanish midfield star?

ByBen Gray Jun 28, 2025

Personal terms aren’t expected to be an issue, so a deal could be relatively straightforward if the Premier League side are willing to increase their bid slightly, with it previously being revealed that Valencia are looking to receive a fee of just £21m.

"Dominant" Mosquera impressing in La Liga

Football scout Ben Mattinson has been left very impressed by the 21-year-old’s performances for Valencia, having praised the youngster for his ability in duels and possession of the ball.

Despite still being in the early stages of his career, the Spaniard has already cemented himself as a key player for Valencia, making 37 appearances in La Liga last season, which indicates the centre-back could make an instant impact at Arsenal.

That said, it will be very difficult to dislodge Gabriel or Saliba in the starting XI, while Jakub Kiwior also impressed in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, playing “exceptionally well” against Real Madrid, according to Martin Keown.

As such, bringing in a new centre-back shouldn’t be a priority for Arsenal, but signing Mosquera would provide them with greater strength in depth, in order to compete on all fronts next season.

Anrich Nortje successfully defended 13 runs in the final over in a tense finish in St Lucia

Firdose Moonda21-Jun-20241:04

How are South Africa getting over the line in close games?

Is it too early to say it? That it looks like South Africa’s time has come.They beat defending champions England in a thrilling encounter, overcoming several scares in Saint Lucia to remain unbeaten in T20 World Cup 2024.South Africa didn’t seem to have enough runs, having scored 63 in the powerplay but only another 100 in the next 14 overs. They seemed to have got their selection slightly wrong on a slower-than-expected pitch by picking only one specialist spinner, who they had bowled out by the 13th over of England’s chase. And their quicks did not appear to have fully bought into pace-off, giving away 52 runs in three overs between the 15th and 17th over to leave England needing only 25 runs off the last 18 balls.But then, Kagiso Rabada had Liam Livingstone caught at deep backward square off a full toss – and celebrated in his face – and he only gave away four runs in his final over. Marco Jansen sent down a phenomenal penultimate over, bowling into the pitch and taking pace off, and conceded only seven runs, leaving Anrich Nortje with 13 to defend off the last over. His first ball was hit down the ground by Harry Brook, in search of six, but Aiden Markam ran back from mid-on and took the catch over his shoulder. That was the moment the game was won but Nortje still had five deliveries and he kept it together, bowling full, and restricting England to six runs in the 20th over.The drama aside, England may not too be unhappy after the close defeat. Their spinners Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid were impressive, taking 2 for 45 in 7 overs; Reece Topley conceded only 23 in his four overs; and Harry Brook brought up his first T20 World Cup fifty. The shot selection from the top order may come under scrutiny but with a positive net run rate and a game against the USA to come, England will still fancy their chances of reaching the semi-final.De Kock wins match-ups and gets a lifeEngland’s planning against Quinton de Kock was spot on as they chose to open the bowling with Reece Topley and Moeen Ali, both of whom have had the better of de Kock in the past. Topley had dismissed him four times in six meetings, and Moeen six times in 15, but neither got the early breakthrough in this game. Instead, de Kock opened the boundary count with a four and a six down the ground off Moeen and then punished Jofra Archer with a series of pick-up shots over the leg side. Archer’s opening over cost 21 and de Kock scored 17 of them, including successive sixes. De Kock went on to bring up fifty off 22 balls, equalling Aaron Jones for the fastest half-century of the tournament, but could have been out two overs later, on 58, when he slog-swept an Adil Rashid googly to deep backward square. Mark Wood had to reach forward to take the catch, which appeared clean until TV umpire Joel Wilson determined the ball had burst through his fingers and hit the ground.Buttler brilliant in the field De Kock added just seven more runs before Archer got his revenge. He banged in a short, slower ball, de Kock edged and Jos Buttler leapt one-handed to his left and hung on to a humdinger. And that was the entree. Buttler’s main course came when Heinrich Klaasen, on 8, responded late to the non-striker David Miller’s call for a run, after a short ball from Wood had deflected off the wicketkeeper’s pad towards short fine leg. Klaasen was slow between the wickets and Buttler pounced, showing incredible awareness and aim to throw the stumps down at the non-striker’s end with Klaasen well short.Quinton de Kock’s fifty was the big difference between the teams•ICC/Getty ImagesThe sublime, ridiculous and the sublimeEngland can catch? Hold my beer, said South Africa, as Reeza Hendricks grabbed on to the first chance they were given. Phil Salt was tempted into an aerial drive off Rabada but did not hit it as well as he hoped and Hendricks leapt two-handed to his left to hold on to a spectacular catch. Rabada should have had a second when Bairstow slashed him to deep third, but Klaasen was unable to hold on.The drop only cost South Africa six runs due to another wonder catch. Keshav Maharaj tossed the ball up, Bairstow cut and Nortje flung himself to his right at backward point to grab a stunner. And Klaasen was able to redeem himself when Buttler tried to take Maharaj on and was caught at deep mid-wicket. None of those catches, however, compares with what Markram did in the final over when Harry Brook, set on 53, tried to hit Nortje down the ground. He ran back from mid-on and took the catch over his right shoulder; it was the final turning point in the game.Rabada, Baartman miss their lengths England needed 77 runs off the last six overs and with Keshav Maharaj bowled out, it was up to the seamers to defend starting with South Africa’s most experienced, Rabada. Tasked with the 15th over, Rabada bowled pace-on and conceded six first up when Liam Livingstone hit him over square leg. He ended up giving away 18 runs in the over to take some pressure off England. But it was Baartman’s third over, the 17th, which was the most disappointing from a South African perspective. He tried to find a yorker length but sent down four full tosses in a row, which Livingstone hit through cover, twice, for four and then over square leg. His fourth delivery was toe-ended without damage but a fifth full toss to end the over gave Brook another four and set the game up for a thrilling finish.

A positive update has now emerged regarding Newcastle United’s efforts to sign a “special” player in the summer transfer window.

Howe in charge of transfers at Newcastle

There has been a big change at St James’ Park since the end of the season, following the departure of Paul Mitchell as sporting director, with the 43-year-old releasing a statement upon his exit.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year. I’m leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales – someone who I have worked so closely with in my career – moving on soon. The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building.”

It means that Eddie Howe now has far more control of Newcastle’s summer transfer business, amid rumours that the pair didn’t get along, not least last summer when both were reportedly dissatisfied with a lack of business.

It will be interesting to see if Howe flourishes with even more responsibility, bringing in the right players who can suit his style of play, and a new centre-back will surely be a priority. Now, a new report has emerged regarding a potential signing in that area of the pitch.

Newcastle planning approach for "special" defender

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Newcastle are planning an approach for Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti this summer, with the Italian valued at £29m.

Alongside Pedro: Howe readying move to sign £16m-a-year star for Newcastle

He desperately needs a fresh start.

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 9, 2025

The 26-year-old’s future in Turin is described as “uncertain” and he also likes the idea of moving to the Premier League, acting as a boost for the Magpies.

As mentioned, Newcastle must strengthen their defence this summer, considering several of their current options are in their 30s, and Gatti stands out as a strong choice for them.

The Italy international has enjoyed an interesting journey, emerging as a late bloomer rather than standing out at academy level, with Eurofoot describing his career as being on a “special” path.

Gatti enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 season with Juve, including completing 95.2% of his passes in Serie A, highlighting the quality he has in possession, and he is at a perfect age to come straight in as a key man for Newcastle.

Appearances

30

Starts

26

Minutes played

2196

Pass completion rate

95.2%

Clearances per game

2.5

Aerial duel wins per game

1.2

Tackles per game

0.9

Goals

1

Assists

0

It may not be easy for the Magpies to get him, amid competition from the likes of Tottenham, West Ham, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, but they can guarantee him Champions League football, which could prove vital.

They might be lagging behind their rivals in the market at the moment, but it feels like things are finally starting to pick up for Arsenal.

The Premier League runners-up look set to secure the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga for just £5m in the coming days, and more exciting than that, Martin Zubimendi’s move is finally almost wrapped up.

Moreover, Mikel Arteta’s side continue to see themselves linked with the utterly superb Rodrygo, who could be a serious needle-mover in attack.

And now, if recent reports are to be believed, the club are linked with a Premier League star who would be a dream teammate for the Real Madrid winger.

Arsenal plotting attack overhaul

The sagas around Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres might be what’s being talked about most regarding Arsenal this summer, but just behind them, the links to Rodrygo have been exciting fans.

Transfer Focus

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

While the first links to the Brazilian winger originated last year, the more substantive stories started to spring up early last month, with some claiming that approaches had been made and fees of around £85m being banded about.

In recent days, the supposed fee needed to secure the former Santos gem has dropped ever so slightly to anywhere from £70m in some cases to £77m in others, and for a Champions League winner who’s racked up 25 goal involvements in 52 games this season, that doesn’t seem too bad.

In short, it’s hard to imagine Rodrygo joining Arteta’s side this summer and not making a massive difference next season, especially if the North Londoners are also keen on Eberechi Eze.

According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, the Crystal Palace star is eager to leave the South London outfit, and his camp has been in discussions with several teams, including Arsenal.

However, there are two potential obstacles to this deal, the first being his £68m release clause and the second being the fact that the player supposedly wants to join Tottenham Hotspur.

With that said, the Gunners have shown a willingness to spend big in the past, and if they went all out for the Englishman and showed him where he’d fit in, we don’t doubt they could hijack the Lilywhites’ potential deal. After all, they will be challenging on all fronts again next year.

It will be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but it’s one Arsenal should be fighting to get done, as Eze would be an excellent addition to the squad and a dream teammate for Rodrygo.

Why Eze would be an excellent teammate for Rodrygo

Fundamentally, the primary reason Eze would be a dream teammate for Rodrygo is the same reason why Bukayo Saka and whoever leads the line for Arsenal next season will also love playing with him: his output.

In 43 appearances for Palace this season, totalling 3303 minutes, the Englishman was able to amass a brilliant haul of 14 goals and 11 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

Just imagine how dangerous the Real Madrid star could be with someone as adept at scoring and creating chances behind him in the number ten position.

It would surely send his own goal and assist numbers soaring.

Additionally, the Greenwich-born “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, would be a serious upgrade on Martin Odegaard, who was only able to score six goals and provide 12 assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3447 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.5 games, or every 191.5 minutes.

Appearances

43

45

Minutes

3303′

3447′

Goals

14

6

Assists

11

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.4

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

191.5′

Furthermore, on top of being a reliable source of goals and assists, the former QPR star is also a player who tends to favour the left-hand side of midfield – as we can see in his heatmap for this season – so he’d be playing reasonably close to the Brazilian and therefore could form an even closer partnership with him – to the benefit of both.

Ultimately, Rodrygo would be a game-changing signing for Arsenal this summer, but if Arteta and Co want to help extract even more out of him – and the rest of the attack, for that matter – they should be looking to bring in Eze as well.

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1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 25, 2025

Tottenham have some key transfer decisions to make in the build up to Thomas Frank’s first full season in charge, and chairman Daniel Levy could orchestrate the departures of some noteworthy names.

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Posts 7 ByCharlie Smith Jun 28, 2025

Spurs are fresh off the back of a much-needed end to an otherwise dismal campaign on the domestic front, winning the Europa League final in late May after breaking their record for most Premier League defeats in a single season.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

It was a mixed 2024/2025 to say the least, but their first major trophy in 17 years has gifted Frank something precious to build upon with his brand-new squad that he cannot wait to work with.

“The feeling of being the new head coach is extraordinary,” said Frank during his first interview as Tottenham boss.

“I’m really looking forward to this massive challenge together with a lot of good people. I only heard good stuff about all the people here, the training ground, the players, good squad, exciting, massive club, I think massive potential, so just super, super excited.”

However, as recent reports suggest, the 51-year-old may not be able to keep hold of every star player before deadline day on September 1.

Son Heung-min may have already played his last competitive game for Spurs, amid interest from Saudi Arabia, and Levy has reportedly placed a £50 million price tag on the South Korean’s head as he considers taking advantage of this limited window to sell him for a profit.

Meanwhile, Frank will also be wary of Atlético Madrid’s serious interest in Cristian Romero, which has already been confirmed by Diego Simeone himself.

The Argentine played a key role in Tottenham’s journey to the Europa League podium, and was awarded Player of the Tournament for his string of standout performances, but Frank apparently faces the real possibility of being without his star defender next season.

Tottenham reach "agreement in principle" to sell Cristian Romero

That is according to journalist Fernando Czyz, via Doble Amarilla, who makes a bold claim that Tottenham have reached an “agreement in principle” to sell Romero to Atlético for around £56 million, including add-ons.

The 27-year-old’s exit from N17 is described as closer than ever before, following positive talks over the weekend, and negotiations will apparently continue this week with an expectation that the transfer will eventually be finalised.

This information is yet to be backed up by other media sources, so supporters have the luxury of taking it with a pinch of salt, but it’s a clear indication that Atlético aren’t likely to end their interest in the centre-back any time soon.

Romero is an ever-present leader of the squad has been praised for his “world-class” performances since joining the club from Atalanta in 2021, with Micky van de Ven holding his central defensive partner in very high regard.

“For me, he is world-class. He is a leader. He is always one hundred per cent. He is a top-class player with the ball and without the ball when defending,” said van de Ven to Optus Sport.

“I can promise you he is not scared of anyone. He keeps going every game. From day one here he has helped me. He is just a world-class player.”