Sheffield United will have to break their playoff hoodoo in the Championship if they want to triumphantly return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Staggeringly, the Blades have lost all eight of the previous playoff campaigns they’ve found themselves in, but if there’s one man who is capable of going against the grain in this regard, it’s Chris Wilder when you look at his two promotions already with his beloved hometown club.

To get over the line, Wilder will need every single one of his Blades players to be firing on all cylinders, including top scorer Tyrese Campbell.

Campbell's goalscoring form for United

The Blades haven’t quite blown teams away with their attacking arsenal this campaign, with the South Yorkshire outfit boasting just 62 strikes next to an already promoted Leeds United side who have amassed a hefty 89.

But, there have still been forward players that have stood out even if the displays haven’t always been the most free-flowing, with Campbell definitely in this conversation.

The former Stoke City man arrived through the door on a free transfer with a lot to prove, considering the end of his time with the Potters was largely injury-hit, but Campbell has managed to let his football do the majority of the talking this season to date with ten Championship strikes tallied up.

Unfortunately, across United’s recent wretched run of four defeats from five league clashes, the goals had dried up for the 25-year-old, but Wilder will still feel his number 23 has lots to offer when the nitty gritty of the playoffs gets officially underway.

Whilst he will back Campbell, Wilder would love to have an ultra-reliable head back among his promotion-chasing group if he could.

Sheffield United legend is now outscoring Campbell

Wilder has had many interesting characters to fall back on as United have challenged for promotions over the years, with the likes of John Fleck picking up a bumper 12 goal contributions the last time the manager successfully guided the Blades up to the top-flight.

In that same memorable group, Billy Sharp loved playing alongside the constantly creative Scotsman, with the explosive veteran going on to bag 23 strikes of his own during the 2018/19 campaign to further seal his team’s progression to the big time.

Sharp hasn’t lost this goalscoring expertise whatsoever playing for current side Doncaster Rovers, with the 39-year-old picking up a glittering sixth career promotion just this weekend when Grant McCann’s men beat Bradford City 2-1.

Of course, the Sheffield-born goal machine – who has previously been hailed as a “legend of the EFL” by BBC 5 Live Sport Presenter Steve Crossman – couldn’t help but get in on the goalscoring action for Donny, with his late winning strike against the Bantams taking him up to an impressive 12 goals for the season despite only starting 19 clashes in the lower reaches of the EFL.

League Two

42

9

1

FA Cup

4

2

0

EFL Trophy

2

0

0

EFL Cup

2

1

0

Amazingly, the 39-year-old’s stellar output so late into his playing days for Doncaster actually betters Campbell’s ten-goal haul back at Bramall Lane, with Wilder not turning his nose up at the hypothetical scenario of Sharp being back in Blades red and white right now to try and secure another promotion success for his team.

It will, of course, be hard for United to get over their near miss of the top two positions, but jinxes such as their ongoing playoff misery are there to be broken, with Campbell hopeful he can immortalise himself in his new club’s hall-of-fame by being a hero across the tense clashes to come.

Sheffield United are brewing their next Jagielka in "outstanding" star

Sheffield United will hope this centre-back sticks it out at Bramall Lane past this season.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 20, 2025

Former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has made a scathing Arsenal claim amid their loss to PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday night, a result which gives Mikel Arteta an uphill battle to fight going into a crucial second leg.

Arsenal suffer 1-0 defeat to PSG in Champions League semi-final first leg

Ousmane Dembélé’s brilliant early finish beyond David Raya was eventually enough to seal an all-important victory for Luis Enrique’s side on enemy turf, despite Arsenal’s best efforts to level the score.

£21m star who agreed to join Arsenal last year teases potential 2025 move

He’s refused to rule out a summer switch.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 29, 2025

Gianluigi Donnarumma made impressive saves from Gabriel Martinelli, who found himself in on goal but couldn’t bury a finish past Italy number one, with Leandro Trossard also failing to beat the PSG star at a similar angle later in the game.

Mikel Merino briefly found an equaliser, heading in a free-kick from Declan Rice, but it was ruled out by VAR for a marginal offside.

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

PSG did threaten to double their lead – hitting the post, crossbar and glancing a narrow effort past David Raya’s far post – but both sides are now set for another tough battle at the Parc des Princes with the Ligue 1 champions holding a one-goal advantage.

Captain Martin Odegaard failed to make an Arsenal impact against PSG as well, so Arteta will be hoping the Norway star can put in his best efforts in the return leg.

“We’re at half-time,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s loss to PSG. “Half-time and my message is exactly the same following us beating Real Madrid at home 3-0 – that we have to go to Paris and win the game.

“We are more than capable of doing it because I saw two very good teams with margins that are so small. They had efficiency in front of the goal and their keeper as well made a difference to see the result that we’ve seen tonight.

“When you score a goal and concede one, you have to. But we did a lot of things very well as well. We had a spell in the first half and the game had phases. The first 15-20 minutes, especially them scoring so early in a great combination, playing when the margins as so small, the finishing is unbelievable.

“And then we had especially one issue that we corrected after 15-20 minutes and we sustained that for the rest of the game, which I think turned the game around.”

Rafael van der Vaart compares Arsenal to a youth team

Speaking on Rondo Sport, as relayed by FC Update and Sports Witness, ex-Spurs midfielder made a pretty unfair claim about Arsenal when discussing Arteta’s side facing off against PSG.

Van der Vaart compared Arsenal to a youth side, and called them the AZ Alkmaar of England, going on to claim that they won’t be competing for the Premier League title next season.

“I don’t believe that Arsenal will compete for the championship,” he said. “A nice team, but I think it’s a bit like the AZ of England. A bit like a youth team.”

This is a pretty big reach at best, considering the Gunners just battered Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-finals, and they managed 89 points in the Premier League last season – which would have been enough to win it in a lot of previous campaigns.

They also have every chance of overcoming PSG in France with the advantage being a very slender one.

Arsenal have held discussions over signing a quality attacker “in recent days”, with manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta continuing to make a head start on the next transfer window.

Andrea Berta identifies Arsenal transfer target with groundwork done

Berta’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium in late March signalled the start of a new era for the north Londoners, who have one eye firmly on the summer window amid their promising Champions League campaign.

Arsenal: Berta set to table bid for "top player" after £202m transfer boost

The Italian will have a big warchest to reinvest into Arsenal’s squad.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 11, 2025

Arsenal smashed Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday night, taking a comfortable three-goal cushion into their quarter-final second leg at the Bernabeu next week, but Liverpool are about to win the Premier League title by a seismic distance.

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Domestically, their season has been nothing short of a real disappointment, with Berta expected to splash the cash in an effort to rejuvenate and bolster Arteta’s squad ahead of a more fruitful title challenge next term.

Arsenal are already expected to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and they’ve been in advanced talks since January (Fabrizio Romano), but it is widely reported that yet another Spain international could be on his way to N5 as well.

Indeed, that man is Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, and Berta is reliably believed to have met with the 22-year-old’s representatives last week.

While Berta is attempting to make a head start on negotiations with Williams, it is believed by some sources that the highly-rated forward is demanding around £250,000-per-week to agree a move away from Bilbao this summer (GiveMeSport).

This would make the player Arsenal’s third-highest earner behind Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, but Williams’ £48 million release clause is still viewed as a “bargain” by some following his exceptional exploits over the last 12 months.

Bilbao’s sensation played a vital role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024 and registered nearly 20 assists in all competitions last season, so it is clear he would give Arsenal a completely new dimension going forward.

Arsenal hold "high level" talks over signing Nico Williams

Now, according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Arsenal have held “high-level” talks over signing Williams “in recent days”, but there is a stumbling block in this potential move.

Berta and Arteta both want him at the Emirates Stadium, but his overall package, including wages, could still pose a problem considering they’re also attempting to save funds to buy a proven centre-forward.

A swoop for him remains on the cards for Arsenal, but they’ll have to find a way to navigate this situation regarding his salary, amid interest from Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, who could also swoop for Williams.

“Nico is unique, he is wonderful,” said Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho late last year, raving over the Spanish starlet’s obvious quality.

“During the European Championship, people were talking a lot about Lamine Yamal, who is obviously another wonderful kid, but I personally prefer Nico.”

Liverpool’s season may well be over, but that’s only because Arne Slot’s side have wrapped up the Premier League title with plenty of time to spare.

Anfield’s chief decision-makers are bound to be hard at work right now, perhaps finding their transfer plans accelerated after such dominance in the English top flight.

Of course, that’s not the only reason Liverpool’s season is done and dusted, if we’re being candid. The Merseysiders have no FA Cup or Champions League final to prepare for, having been dumped out of both competitions at premature stages.

This isn’t really to the detriment of Slot’s squad, merely a reflection of the unforeseen heights reached this season. Few expected Liverpool to go from strength to strength after Jurgen Klopp left last year, let alone win the league title.

Slot has been stringent in his team rotation, and will need to add depth this summer. Luckily, he’s had an absolute rock of a leader in Virgil van Dijk, unflappable, unmovable.

The importance of Van Dijk to Liverpool

The importance of Van Dijk. It really can’t be overstated how significant a part of Liverpool’s rise and rise he has been. Without this towering Dutchman, Klopp’s dynasty wouldn’t have scaled the mountain between good and greatness.

The art of spending wisely. Sure, Van Dijk cost Liverpool a world-record £75m fee, leaving Southampton on the South Coast in January 2018, but has there ever been a defender in that ballpark, and there are more, who have given their new employers the same bang for their buck?

Van Dijk took the captain’s armband from Jordan Henderson at the end of the 2022/23 season, but he’s been a leader ever since he arrived.

However, that level has been notched up since assuming the new weight of responsibility, for he led the resurgence last year, put Liverpool back in the Champions League and scored the winning goal in the Carabao Cup final. Now, he’s skippered his way toward a second Premier League title, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher saying, “he’s too good for the highest level” of football.

Tying the 33-year-old down to a new deal was always going to be imperative, and now he joins Mohamed Salah in devoting two more years of his prime to this wonderful club.

Maybe the final two years of his career at the highest level. Maybe, time works its hands onto every world-class player, and there will come a point when Carragher’s effusions no longer ring true.

Maybe Liverpool would be prudent to find and sign a successor this summer.

Liverpool add new centre-back to their shortlist

Liverpool need someone who’s capable of filling Van Dijk’s boots for years to come. Preferably, they would be a left-footed centre-half.

Transfer Focus

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

Dean Huijsen is the talk of the town, but Liverpool might actually be ready to head down a different track and sign Nottingham Forest’s Murillo.

According to DaveOCKOP, 22-year-old Murillo is one of the shortlisted names ahead of the summer window, his blend of meaty athleticism and technical quality making him the perfect option for a team challenging at the top of the European pyramid each year.

However, he wouldn’t come cheap. It was suggested a few months back that Forest will demand £80m for the defender, with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also considered suitors.

What Murillo would bring to Liverpool

Nuno Espirito Santo has worked wonders at Forest. He’s transformed the club from relegation stragglers to genuine Champions League contenders, with their fate hanging in the balance ahead of the final few matches of the season.

Forest were hit with a points deduction after breaching financial fair play (FFP) rules in the 2022/23 season. The windfall from securing a seat at Europe’s eminent table would ease their worries this summer, but FFP compliance will be a tricky slope to navigate in any case, and Liverpool could take advantage.

Certainly, Murillo still has progress to make in his professional journey, but that’s why Liverpool should act now, adding the Brazilian to a rich backline and allowing him to learn under Van Dijk’s wing before settling into an enhanced role.

Make no mistake, Murillo’s already got enough in his locker to make a marked improvement on Liverpool’s defence. Hailed for his “monstrous” performances by journalist Ryan Taylor, he’s menacing and unflinching in his duties.

The Tricky Trees star isn’t the finished article, but he’s already performing at a level that challenges Van Dijk for his throne.

Matches (starts)

35 (35)

34 (34)

Goals

3

2

Assists

1

0

Clean sheets

14

11

Touches*

90.5

54.9

Pass completion

92%

79%

Key passes*

0.3

0.4

Dribbles*

0.1

0.8

Ball recoveries*

3.1

3.9

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

2.5

Clearances*

5.1

6.8

Aerial duels won (%)*

3.2 (71%)

1.3 (66%)

In fact, he’s been described as being “easily one of the best defenders in the league” by talent scout Jacek Kulig only a few months ago, not all that far away from Liverpool’s main man.

Murillo is energetic and creative too. While defending his goalkeeper serves as his principal aim, the £xxk-per-week talent has also garnered something of a reputation for his powerful surges forward, thus sparking creative opportunities for his forward-placed teammates.

FBref back it all up: across Europe’s top five leagues this season, Murillo ranks among the top 3% of positional peers for blocks and clearances, while also ranking among the top 2% for successful take-ons and the top 12% for shot-creating actions per 90.

You can see why Liverpool are so interested in striking a deal this summer, with Murillo ticking all the boxes.

6 foot even, he’s not the tallest of centre-back but Murillo uses his aerial prowess so well, and must be brought to Anfield this summer to begin the next chapter in his career, one building toward a point in which he succeeds Van Dijk as Liverpool star man at the back.

Dream Kerkez alternative: Liverpool plot move for "incredible" £50m star

Liverpool could forget about Milos Kerkez with a summer deal for another left-back.

ByEthan Lamb May 7, 2025

Aston Villa are now racing to sign an “impressively complete” defender, who could be available for £39m, but there is set to be fierce competition for his signature, according to a report.

Villa's summer transfer plans taking shape

Although Villa’s European exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain was a bitter pill to swallow, they still have an opportunity to make this season a success, with Champions League qualification and a potential FA Cup triumph on the line.

Should the Villans qualify for Europe’s elite competition once more, they should be in a strong position to compete for some top players this summer, and their summer transfer plans are now beginning to take shape.

Having lost Jhon Duran during the January transfer window, Unai Emery is eager to bring in a new striker this summer, and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha is among the targets, with a £75m offer on the cards.

Top 1% for dribbling: Aston Villa could win race for "incredible" £100m star

The Villans are keen on signing a forward, whose club may now be willing to sanction a departure this summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 16, 2025

Rosenborg’s Sverre Nypan is of interest in central midfield, while Lens defender Facundo Medina may also be targeted to strengthen Emery’s options at centre-back, but there will be competition from Bayer Leverkusen.

According to a report from Just Arsenal, another centre-back Aston Villa have set their sights on is Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, having put in some impressive performances this season, but there could be fierce competition from some top clubs.

Premier League rivals Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Chelsea are also in the race for Ordonez, while AC Milan headline the interest from abroad, and a deal could be relatively expensive.

Brugge are looking to hold out for €40m to €45m (£34m – £39m), highlighting the 20-year-old defender’s importance to the Belgian side.

"Impressively complete" Ordonez likened to Rudiger

Despite still being very young, the Ecuadorian has been a key player for Brugge this season, making 41 appearances in all competitions, including 12 in the Champions League, before his side were dumped out by Aston Villa in the round of 16.

In light of his performances this season, the Brugge star has also been lauded by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Kulig has likened the youngster to Real Madrid star Antonio Rüdiger in the past, given his pace, tackling and heading ability, which indicates he could be capable of going right to the very top.

Ordonez is yet to prove himself in a major European league, but his performances for Brugge this season indicate he could now be capable of making the step-up, so it is promising news that Villa are in the race for his signature.

Newcastle United have now joined Manchester United in the race to sign a £30 million rising star, according to a new report.

Newcastle chasing midfield signings ahead of busy summer

The Magpies are solely focused on the remaining games of the Premier League, as they know if they win all their games, they will be playing Champions League football next season. Securing another season in that competition would likely see Newcastle’s transfer budget for the summer change, and Eddie Howe will already have his eyes on potential new recruits.

Mega-money Harvey Barnes upgrade: Newcastle want to sign £62m forward

Newcastle are hoping to strengthen in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 23, 2025

Signing a midfielder may become somewhat of a priority in the summer, depending on what happens to Sandro Tonali. Tonali has now been linked with a move to Barcelona and others, as the Spanish giants see him as someone who can replace Frenkie De Jong, should he not agree to a new contract.

So, Howe and Co. are looking at potential midfield additions should Tonali leave, and it’s been reported that the Magpies are interested in signing Alexis Saelemaekers from AC Milan.

The midfielder, who can also play on the wing, is out on loan at Roma, and he is expected to be made available for a sale this summer, with Milan looking to get around £17 million.

He is not the only midfielder under consideration, as Newcastle are also interested in signing Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio, as Howe is a big fan of his and tried to sign the Frenchman last year.

Newcastle join Man Utd in race to sign Liam Delap

As well as looking at strengthening their midfield, the Premier League side are also looking at potential new forwards. According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are now keen on signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

The report states that the club’s recruitment team have been tracking Delap since his days at Manchester City, and he is now a player who is of major interest to them ahead of an ambitious summer transfer window. It goes on to add that the Magpies are aware of Delap’s £30 million release clause, and they believe this is good value for money for a player who can play alongside Alexander Isak – not replace him.

Newcastle play Ipswich this weekend, and it is seen as an opportunity for them to take a closer look at the striker live in action. Delap, who has been described as “incredible” by Alex Howell, is also of interest to Manchester United, with it being reported that the Red Devils have already made an offer to sign him from Ipswich, as he is their top transfer target for strengthening their forward line.

Liam Delap’s 24/25 Premier League stats
Apps	32
Goals	12
Assists	2

However, Newcastle will hope they have an advantage in this race, as Delap, who is represented by CAA Stellar, has the same agent as young forward William Osula. Therefore, previous work with the agency could help them when completing a deal for the Ipswich striker.

Arsenal have been contacted by the representatives of a wantaway Chelsea player, and it is believed he could well be tempted by a north London switch.

Andrea Berta targets new Arsenal forward for Mikel Arteta

The anticipation of new sporting director Andrea Berta’s first summer window at Arsenal is growing and growing.

Related Rafael van der Vaart makes scathing Arsenal claim amid loss to PSG

The former Spurs midfielder has made a damning comparison.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 30, 2025

The 53-year-old orchestrated a plethora of high-profile deals during his productive 12-year stint at Atlético Madrid, and he’s now transferring that expertise to the Emirates Stadium in a major boost for Mikel Arteta.

Reports in both England and France claim Berta recently reached out to Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams’ agents for talks, so it is clear the Italian is aiming to make a head start on the first summer window, which opens from June 1st to June 10th.

Arsenal’s final Premier League games

Date

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

Berta is rumoured to be prioritising the potential signing of a new winger and striker, as well as a new left-back, midfielder and second-choice keeper (GiveMeSport), so we can fully expect some fresh faces to arrive in attack before the beginning of 2025/2026.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard face uncertain long-term futures, according to some reports, while injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have left Arteta desperately short in the centre-forward area.

One player who could actually fill all of their roles, given his versatility, is £195,000-per-week Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.

The Frenchman has bagged 14 goals in all competitions this term, despite being used more as an impact substitute under Enzo Maresca, and he can play as a second striker, centre-forward, left-winger and even an attacking midfielder when required.

Christopher Nkunku could be tempted to join Arsenal after talks

He appears to be on the way out of Stamford Bridge this summer as well, with Nkunku’s representatives holding some talks with Arsenal and other Premier League sides.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who also told The Boot Room that his desire to stay in London could mean that Nkunku may well be tempted by the prospect of a switch to Arsenal.

“His people are touching base with clubs in England,” said Bailey.

“Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all been spoken to in the past few months. Chelsea want to recoup as much of their plus £50m outlay, but that looks difficult at this juncture.

“I am told the player is very happy in London, and so would a move to a Arsenal or Tottenham appeal? I believe it would but as it stands those options are not advanced – but Arsenal and Spurs both have an historic interest in the player. Both want a wide forward, so you could see the fit.

“There is interest back in Germany – Bayern Munich like him, a new deal for Leroy Sane doesn’t rule out them making a move but it is not pressing. Former club RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen also admire him. Atletico Madrid have also shown some interest, as have the Saudi Pro League – who are willing to offer him a pay rise to move.”

The former RB Leipzig sensation was unrivalled during his time in the Bundesliga, and has displayed real quality when given the chance at Chelsea. Nkunku is also a player who could reinforce multiple attacking positions for Arteta, so this could well appeal to the Spaniard, who is known to greatly value versatility.

Heading towards the end of what could yet turn into another season with no silverware, Arsenal have already reportedly set their sights on summer targets and are now willing to table an opening offer to sign a La Liga ace.

Arsenal's alarming form after Bournemouth defeat

Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions may be officially over, but that doesn’t mean that their chase is over in the battle to secure their Champions League place. Mikel Arteta’s side simply wipe their title tears and go again in the Premier League if they are to avoid the ultimate disaster.

Sat second – three points above Manchester City and four above a Newcastle United side who have a game in hand – there’s still every chance that the Gunners drop to fourth in the coming weeks. It’s also worth noting that, should Nottingham Forest defeat Crystal Palace, Arsenal will only be four points in front of sixth place and dropping out of the Champions League places.

Defeat against Bournemouth was the fourth time that Arteta’s side failed to win in the Premier League in their last five games and alarm bells should finally be ringing over their need to swiftly secure European football and end a season full of frustration.

Arteta had his say after Bournemouth came from behind to shock Arsenal at the Emirates, telling reporters: “We started and we did the most difficult one to score the goal. I think after that we had four or five very open situations to score the second one.

“We didn’t kill it and after that, on top of that, you defend the box really poorly, the way we’ve done it in the two set-pieces that we have conceded again. So they’re going to punish you and a team like Bournemouth, they’re going to punish you. And after that the game becomes rushed, very chaotic.

“That’s why they want big spaces. They have more legs than us, especially with sets and plays that were struggling in the final minutes. And we weren’t able to get the result that we wanted, so we’re very disappointed.”

Arsenal willing to table bid to sign Garcia

Already looking to put this season behind them, those in North London have seemingly set their sights on a new shot-stopper. According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are now willing to table an offer worth €30m (£25m) to sign Joan Garcia this summer.

In what would be one of Andrea Berta’s first acts as sporting director, the Gunners could finally get their man a year on from reportedly agreeing personal terms to secure his arrival from Espanyol before a deal collapsed.

At 24 years old, the Spaniard is likely to arrive as a backup for David Raya before one day replacing the 29-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper. Potentially fending off competition from Bournemouth, the North London giants could kick their summer off with the arrival of Garcia.

Leeds United have a huge summer ahead of them in the coming months, needing to build a side capable of surviving the drop in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.

The Whites will be attempting to do something which no side has managed in the last two seasons, in maintaining their top-flight status after securing promotion from the Championship.

Southampton, Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United have all tried and failed, handing Daniel Farke a huge task to prevent the club from being added to such a list.

The German has already had questions asked about his future at Elland Road, with the Whites manager potentially being replaced before the start of the next campaign.

Regardless of the situation, the foundations have already been laid for the summer window, with numerous players already linked with a summer switch to Yorkshire.

An update on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last few weeks, rumours have emerged over Leeds making a potential move for Newcastle United’s midfielder Sean Longstaff, but could face huge competition from other top-flight sides for his signature.

Everton have been named as the latest side to enter the race for his services, with the Magpies only demanding a £10m fee to part ways with the 27-year-old.

His experience in the division could be vital for the Whites’ chances of securing survival next season, potentially being joined by Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, if recent reports are to be believed.

It was reported by BILD via Sport Witness that the Whites are keen on a move for the 27-year-old this summer, looking to cement his place as number one under Farke.

It also states that no asking price has yet been set for his services, but that he could be open to a move to the Premier League to further his career at the top level.

Why Leeds’ target could be Farke’s next Tanaka

The 2024/25 season has been a hugely successful one for Leeds, ending their stay in the Championship, but also landing key talents such as Ao Tanaka in the process.

The Japanese international joined from Fortuna Düsseldorf last summer for a reported £3.5m fee, cementing himself as a key player in Farke’s starting eleven throughout the last few months.

He’s managed to rack up 44 appearances across all competitions, notching six combined goals and assists – even being named in the Championship Team of the Season.

Such a deal has been one of the club’s best in recent years, playing a pivotal role in their success and hopefully taking the Premier League by storm after his debut year in Yorkshire.

However, the manager could be about to land his next version of the star this summer in the form of Dahmen, who could follow in Tanaka’s footsteps by joining the Whites from a German side.

If he manages to get anywhere near the level of the Japanese star, he will be a fan favourite in no time, potentially playing a vital role in their chances of staying up.

The German has excelled in recent months, making 16 appearances, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding just ten goals during such a period – leading to journalist Christian Pohlmann labelling him as “extraordinary”.

Games played

16

Clean sheets

9

Goals conceded

10

Save percentage

85%

Saves made

3.5

Errors leading to goals

0

Pass accuracy

68%

His staggering numbers don’t stop there, saving 85% of the efforts that he’s faced this campaign, averaging 3.5 saves per 90 – handing Farke that added solidity he needs at the back.

Dahmen has also not made a single error leading to a goal, and is more than capable of playing out from the back, 68% of the passes he’s attempted throughout 2024/25.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the shot-stopper would set the club back this summer, the stats he’s produced are incredible, certainly bolstering the ranks at Elland Road.

Their dealings with landing players from Germany in recent months have been successful, as seen with Tanaka, which could lead to Dahmen being the next star to make the switch to England.

Bad news for Byram: Leeds want to sign "outstanding" £34k-per-week star

Leeds are reportedly interested in signing a Premier League defender, and it is bad news for Sam Byram.

ByDan Emery May 1, 2025

It doesn’t take a footballing genius to work out what Arsenal need this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side failed to get over the line in the Premier League for the third time on the bounce this season, and while they sit just one place off Liverpool, they’ve scored 14 goals fewer.

Now, part of that is undoubtedly down to injuries, but it’s incredibly evident that the Gunners need a new striker once the transfer window opens, and the board seem to agree.

However, while Alexander Isak remains the dream signing for so many fans, his potentially £150m price tag makes the idea of him moving to the Emirates seem practically impossible.

Fortunately, recent reports have linked the North Londoners with someone who could be an ideal alternative.

Arsenal's striker search

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth reviewing a couple of the other striker targets linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Daizen Maeda.

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 could move to N5 for around £70m, and while that would make him one of the Gunners’ most expensive signings ever, he’d probably be worth it as, in just 48 games this season, he’s racked up 52 goals and 12 assists.

The latter could be available for just £25m, which might also prove to be an absolute steal, as in just 47 first-team appearances for Celtic this season, the Japanese international has scored 33 goals and provided 11 assists.

However, Arteta and Co might want someone with more experience of football in a top-five league, which could explain the links to Ollie Watkins.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Insider, Arsenal are ‘planning to reignite their bid to sign’ the Aston Villa star.

The report has revealed that even though the Claret and Blue rejected a £50m offer from the Gunners in the January window, he’s back on the club’s shortlist ahead of the summer.

It’s unclear how much he’d cost, but with more time for Villa to find a replacement, it might not be far off Arsenal’s original offer, making him an incredibly appealing Isak alternative.

Why Watkins would be a great Isak alternative

Okay, so the first thing to say is that in an ideal world, Arsenal would just go out and sign Isak, but that feels incredibly unlikely to happen and points to the first significant advantage to signing Watkins over him: the price.

For example, if the reports are to be believed, then the Villa ace could cost as much as £100m less than the Swedish international, which in turn would allow the Gunners to splash the cash on several other first-team players, like Nico Williams, Martin Zubimendi and others.

Moreover, even though he’d cost a third as much as the Toon ace, it does not mean he’d be a third as good.

For example, in 50 appearances this season, totalling 3054 minutes, the Englishman, whom podcaster Rohan Jivan described as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe,” has scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 111.75 minutes.

In contrast, the former Real Sociedad star has scored 26 goals and provided six assists in 39 appearances, totalling 3054 minutes, which comes out to a slightly better average of a goal involvement every 1.21 games, or every 95.43 minutes.

Finally, Arteta needs players he can rely on next season, and when it comes to fitness, the former Exeter City star is far more reliable than his potential competitor.

For example, he’s missed just three games for club and country across his entire career, whereas the Swede has already missed 67, and he’s only 25 years old.

24/25

43 days

3

9

23/24

56 days

2

12

22/23

107 days

1

18

21/22

28 days

2

5

18/19

66 days

5

15

17/18

33 days

1

8

16/17

4 days

1

0

With Isak unattainable this season, Arsenal would do well to sign Watkins as an alternative, as on top of costing up to £100m less, he’d be far more reliable.

Mega Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal initiate talks for "superb" £34m monster

The experienced international could be just what Arsenal need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025