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When thinking about the best players to ever play for Germany, the likes of Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer, Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller all spring to mind. The fact is, they have been blessed with outrageous talent in several different eras – winning four World Cups as a result.

The biggest name that stands out in the modern era is arguably Neuer. It’s rare when a goalkeeper is recognised as the best of his time, but the Bayern Munich legend has simply revolutionised his role. As the first real ‘sweeper keeper’, Neuer shocked opponents by positioning himself close to the half-way line and often taking risks as if he were in the No.6 role rather than between the posts.

Manuel Neuer

Germany Record

Appearances

124

Clean Sheets

51

Goals Conceded

118

Conceding less than a goal a game throughout his international career, it’s no surprise that Neuer has been showered with praise over the years. And that includes from Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who told reporters: “I’ve seen everyone. Sepp Maier, Oliver Kahn, and now Manu.

“I have the greatest respect for Sepp and Oli, they were absolutely world-class. But what Manuel has done is something else: he took the whole goalkeeping game to a new level.”

Meanwhile, if your preference is goals rather than those that prevent them, then Muller stands out for Germany. Nicknamed Der Bomber by fans thanks to his ability to tear defences apart, only Miroslav Klose has scored more goals for Germany than Muller.

So, there’s certainly plenty of players to choose from in Germany’s illustrious history. You could do a lot worse than simply picking any of the players involved in their 7-1 thrashing of Brazil in 2014, that’s for sure. But that didn’t stop recent Newcastle United signing Nick Woltemade from naming a shock Arsenal player as his favourite German player of all time.

Nick Woltemade: Kai Havertz is my favourite German player

After putting pen to paper to join Newcastle, Woltemade shocked everyone by naming Kai Havertz as his favourite German player. The Arsenal forward was selected over the likes of Klose, Muller and Neuer, with the Newcastle star revealing that he’s a big fan of his compatriot in unexpected fashion.

Whilst Havertz made the cut above several legends, Woltemade may simply enjoy the thought of playing alongside the Arsenal man. If both enjoy impressive campaigns, they could provide Julian Nagelsmann with quite the strike partnership.

Germany are due some success if history is anything to go by too. They haven’t won a major trophy since the 2014 World Cup and the pressure is on ahead of next summer.

With 20 goals and 17 assists in just 55 games for his country, there’s every chance that Havertz will play a large role in Germany’s attempt to get back to the top of world football. Whether his biggest fan in Woltemade is alongside him remains to be seen, however.

Arsenal have their eyes on an “extraordinary” attacker amid their transfer talks for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

Andrea Berta has enjoyed an extremely busy and productive first summer window at the Emirates Stadium already, and Hincapie could be their latest in a long line of excellent additions for Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners have quietly transformed their squad this summer through purposeful reinforcements, with Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks, Martín Zubimendi anchoring the midfield, Christian Nørgaard offering depth, Noni Madueke adding pace on the wing, Cristhian Mosquera bolstering the defence, Viktor Gyökeres adding a proven goal return and Eberechi Eze injecting serious creativity behind the striker as their new number 10 in place of the injured Kai Havertz.

While Berta’s spending has been lavish, with reports placing the total close to or over £270 million, it has been strategically spread across key positions rather than wasted on a single marquee name.

This approach has reinforced multiple areas across the pitch and allows for serious tactical flexibility, as well as responding to the inevitable injuries of a demanding season – which has already happened following Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka’s injuries last weekend.

While Saka is expected to miss four weeks, Odegaard could play against Liverpool on Sunday (football.london). Still, the north Londoners now have quality players to jump in their place, unlike last season.

Arsenal have covered every base: creativity, goals, stability and versatility. With the structure now there, Arteta’s side look ready and raring to take the final step and bring home a Premier League trophy after over two decades of waiting.

They’ve already made an excellent start to the campaign, scoring six goals in two games whilst conceding zero – beating both Man United and Leeds respectively as Arteta’s side gear up for a tough trip to Anfield.

Despite their flurry of transfer activity this summer, they may not be done there, with Arsenal in talks to sign Piero Hincapie after agreeing terms with the Ecuador international as a replacement for FC Porto-bound Jakub Kiwior.

As well as this, with Arsenal often conducting their transfer plans months in advance, the club are scouting future targets.

Arsenal targeting Ajax forward Oscar Gloukh

As per The Mail and journalist Simon Jones, Arsenal have their eyes on four young stars ahead of potential moves, and one of them is highly-rated Ajax forward Oscar Gloukh.

The Israel international has only just signed for Ajax this summer from RB Salzburg for around £12.5 million, but Arsenal are believed to be eyeing Gloukh as a potential future signing alongside the likes of Jon Martin (Real Sociedad), Arnau Martinez (Girona) and Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjælland).

The 21-year-old Gloukh is a particularly interesting name, as he’s been linked with a move to the Premier League before and already boasts a fantastic reputation.

Australia will have another debutant in their XI, while India will make at least one change in their bid to draw the series

Alagappan Muthu02-Jan-20254:27

Is Rohit in Manjrekar’s India XI for Sydney?

Big picture: SCG showdown to decide Border-Gavaskar TrophyFrom that first day, when 17 wickets fell in Perth, there has been intrigue in this Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Even the game ruined by rain in Brisbane threw up something unexpected – a sudden retirement. Now as a hard fought, highly entertaining series comes to an end, Australia have the chance to cement their legacy – the reigning ODI and Test world champions have one hand on a trophy that has eluded them for 10 years – and India still have the chance to deny them.There were reports of friction inside India’s ranks. The captain Rohit Sharma is so short of runs his place in the team isn’t looking so good. The coach Gautam Gambhir did not confirm if the captain would be in the XI, which created a very different feel to India’s build-up. Shubman Gill, who was left out at the MCG Test, was one of the first in the nets and Dhruv Jurel, who hasn’t played since Perth, was the last to leave. If that’s any indication of a change in India’s batting line-up, is Rohit going out?India have been struggling to score first-innings runs – their average of 22.40 is their seventh lowest in a season where they’ve played at least five Tests – and have had to play catch-up constantly in Australia. Sydney is a place they might enjoy though. The SCG isn’t quite the batting paradise it used to be, like when India declared on 705 here in 2003, but it is still offering 34.85 per wicket which is better than any other ground in Australia over the last three years. That could be one of the reasons Australia are bringing in bowling reinforcements. The short turnaround between the Boxing Day and the New Year’s Tests is another. Beau Webster will be making his Test debut in place of Mitchell Marsh.For a while it looked like India might be able to escape the MCG with a draw. Yashasvi Jaiswal once again proved to be India’s best batter. At the end of that game, Rohit said the juniors still had a bit to learn about Test cricket, but it seems like they’re doing alright. Jaiswal is India’s highest scorer of the series. Nitish Kumar Reddy produced their best moment. Akash Deep has won Steven Smith’s admiration, but he’s out of the Sydney Test with a bad back. India’s vulnerabilities lie elsewhere.Related

'He'll push through' – Carey confident Starc won't let back issue keep him out of SCG Test

Virat Kohli gears up for the final reckoning of a tour defined by misjudgments

Mitchell Marsh dropped, Beau Webster to debut in Sydney

Form GuideAustralia: WDWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
India: LDLWLIn the spotlight: Rohit Sharma and Pat CumminsWill Sydney be the last of Rohit Sharma in Test cricket or is he already done? India’s win in Perth came without him. He tried not to upset their momentum by moving himself down to the middle order but then felt that wasn’t working well enough. With not enough runs behind him, his on-field decisions backfiring, and India’s next Test not until June 2025, by which time Rohit will be 38, it feels like the end of something. He did bat in the nets on Thursday, facing only throwdowns, which is what he did ahead of the Melbourne Test as well.If this series didn’t have Jasprit Bumrah in it, Pat Cummins would be its best bowler. After a wayward start in Perth, he looked pumped in Adelaide, keeping the rich tradition of fast bowlers and their nerve-popping celebrations alive. He was Player of the Match in Melbourne for contributing with the bat as well. A win at his home ground in front of what is expected to be record crowds again to seal a place in the World Test Championship final would be the perfect way to end the season for Cummins.Akash Deep won’t play the SCG Test because of a back niggle•Associated PressTeam news: Webster in; Akash outMitchell Starc will play in Sydney while managing a side/rib complaint. Webster, who bats right-handed and bowls both medium pace and offspin, will be the third debutant for Australia in this series after Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas. He was the highest scorer in the Sheffield Shield last season with 938 runs at 58.62 and took 30 wickets at 29.30.Australia: 1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Sam Konstas, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Beau Webster, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Scott Boland, 11 Nathan LyonWith Akash ruled out with a stiff back, India will have to rejig their bowling attack, with either Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana set to replace him. There appear to be changes in batting line-up as well with Gill receiving direct attention from Gambhir, who gave him throwdowns. Jurel also seems like a chance to make the XI with Washington Sundar possibly sitting out.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt)/Shubman Gill, 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 KL Rahul, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Rishabh Pant, 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 Dhruv Jurel, 8 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 9 Prasidh Krishna/Harshit Rana, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Mohammed SirajPitch and conditions: A good cricket wicket A day out from the Test match, there was a bit of grass on the SCG pitch. The feedback Cummins has received about it from the two Shield games that took place here this season is that it’s been a “good cricket wicket”, with enough in it for the bowlers, particularly that there’s a bit more pace in it. The weather for the start of the Test is expected to be clear, although there is some rain forecast on the final two days.Stats and trivia Steven Smith is 38 short of 10,000 Test runs. He will join Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting as the only Australians to have got to the mark. He’ll be the second fastest among them, behind Ponting in 196 innings, if he gets there in Sydney. Sydney might be his home ground but Starc’s record here is under par: he has 24 wickets in nine Tests at an average of 44.16. History isn’t on India’s side as they look to draw the series. They have won only one out of 13 Tests at the SCG.Quotes”If someone had said 40-45 days ago that we would be in this situation, that we can come to Sydney and draw this series, it’s a good position to be in.”
“You go into every Test trying to win so no different this week. Really happy with the last three Tests, how the boys have played. We’ve shown for most that we’ve been the frontrunner, that’s the aim again this week, keep it up.”

Sheffield United are preparing for another campaign in the English second-tier and now reportedly leading the race to bring a renowned central defender to Bramall Lane.

Sheffield United look for further additions after Louie Barry

After a quiet start to the window, the Blades made their fourth signing after bringing in Louie Barry on loan following his excellent spell at Stockport County last term.

The 22-year-old forward also spent time at Hull City and can’t wait to get started in Yorkshire, as he stated: “The first time I had conversations about it, I just couldn’t wait to come here. The season is three weeks away, and I know we have a couple of friendlies before, but I am just buzzing to get started.

“I’ve been at Villa, playing games, training and working hard just for whatever will come next. As I say, when a club like this comes calling, you can’t turn it down and I can’t wait to get into it.”

Addressing their issues in central defence has also become a priority for Ruben Selles, with Le Havre defender Ettiene Youte Kinkoue a Sheffield United target with the competitive season now only a couple of weeks away.

Undoubtedly, winning promotion from the EFL Championship has to be the priority at Bramall Lane this term. Losing out in the playoff final provoked feelings of heartbreak, but a fresh opportunity will soon be here to make amends.

Familiar faces like Bindon will help Selles to get his feet under the table. However, there is a collective appetite among supporters to see experienced new additions join his squad to give them a fighting chance, which could be the case if recent developments evolve.

Sky Sports: Sheffield United lead race to sign Rob Holding

According to Sky Sports Premier League, Sheffield United and Colorado Rapids are ‘leading the race’ to sign Crystal Palace defender Rob Holding this summer.

The £45,000 per week earner is expected to leave Selhurst Park following two years on the books, and a return to Yorkshire could now be on the cards after his loan spell at the Blades last term, where he made 11 appearances in total.

Previously, Holding has been labelled “brilliant” by Mikel Arteta and him coming in on a permanent deal would offer Selles a wealth of top-level experience, given he has featured in just shy of 100 Premier League matches.

Time is of the essence with the Championship kick-off now around the corner, so it will be intriguing to see if Sheffield United can force this one over the line.

Since taking the hot seat at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has got plenty of things right.

He’s taken a team that were spiralling with no end in sight and turned them into genuine contenders for the Premier League and Champions League.

Additionally, he has overseen several impressive signings, including Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, David Raya, and Gabriel Magalhães.

Yet, arguably the Spaniard’s most underrated purchase since becoming manager has been that of Leandro Trossard from Brighton & Hove Albion, who joined the club for a relatively low price of £27m, and has since produced 51 goal involvements in 124 games.

And now, based on reports, it looks like Arsenal are about to sign another promising player who could emulate the Belgian international over the coming years.

Arsenal's summer business so far

There was plenty of justifiable unease earlier this summer, as it appeared that Arsenal would once again take too long to sign their targets, or, like last year, massively underinvest in the squad.

Transfer Focus

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

Fortunately, such concerns can now be firmly put to rest, as the club have already announced three signings: Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Add to that Viktor Gyokeres, who is reportedly set for his medical on Friday, Noni Madueke, who has already passed his, and the fact that links to Eberechi Eze refuse to go away, and this window is shaping up to be one to remember for the North Londoners.

Moreover, we could be days away from another announcement, an announcement for someone who could end up becoming something of a new Trossard for Arteta.

At least that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Arsenal have almost completed the signing of centre-back Christian Mosquera.

The Italian journalist claims that the Gunners have now exchanged documents with Valencia and agreed a final fee of €15m – £13m – plus add-ons for the Spaniard, with the overall package coming in at under €20m, which is about £17m.

Moreover, fans shouldn’t have to wait too long to see the 20-year-old in red and white, as Romano has revealed that his medical is planned for today.

In all, it looks like a sensational bit of business for Arsenal, and we can’t help but see him following a similar path to Trossard over the coming years.

Why Mosquera could emulate Trossard at Arsenal

Now, it is an undeniable fact that, as someone who primarily plays at centre-back, Mosquera is quite different from Trossard.

However, when we discuss the young Spaniard emulating the Belgian at Arsenal, his position and playing style aren’t particularly relevant; instead, it is more about the finances involved, the role he could play in the squad next season, and the expectations placed on him.

For example, when the former Brighton star joined the North Londoners in 2023, he did so for a decent fee and as a back-up option to the then far more talented Gabriel Martinelli.

The Waterschei-born ace was a third-choice winger, but through good performances, he was able to secure plenty of minutes and improve his reputation among fans.

That is the path we see the Valencia ace taking, as, due to his right-footedness, there is no doubt that his role next season will be as the back-up to William Saliba.

Moreover, with Riccardo Calafiori being so injury-prone and being more of a left-back option, as well as reports that Jakub Kiwior could still leave this summer, the Spaniard could instantly be the third-choice centre-back.

Finally, based on his performances for Valencia, and the way those in the know speak about him, there is every chance Arteta tasks him with playing more games than some might be expecting.

Appearances

137

Starts

129

Minutes

7399

Goals

1

Points per Game

1.34

Yellow Cards

9

Second Yellow Cards

0

Red Cards

0

For example, despite just turning 21 years old, the “dominant” defender, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has made 137 first-team appearances for the Murciélagos, of which 129 have been starts.

On top of that, Mattinson has argued that he’s similar to Myles Lewis-Skelly in the sense that he’s already so good, he’s “past the point of being compared to the best young players in his position.”

Lastly, U23 scout Antonio Mango has been incredibly complimentary of the young defender, stating that he possesses “a nice blend of physical prowess and a deep understanding of the game.”

Additionally, his ability to play on the right or left, as well as at right-back, “offers flexibility” to his manager.

Ultimately, Mosquera is a very different player to Trossard, but there is a strong chance he ends up fulfilling a similar role to him next season, but in defence, as the reliable third option who ends up getting far more game time than most expect.

He's Cazorla 2.0: Arsenal make £100k-p/w "superstar" their new top target

The incredible international could be Arsenal’s new version of the Spanish magician.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 16, 2025

Fast bowler finds form to revive memories of 2019 heyday after coming through injury struggle

Vithushan Ehantharajah28-Sep-2024″There’s no better place to do it than here,” Jofra Archer said, on the outfield at Lord’s, fresh from 2 for 33 to help England claim the fourth ODI against Australia, squaring this five-match series 2-2.The venue has hosted legacy-making performances for what has been a stop-start international career for Archer. That ODI World Cup final against New Zealand in 2019, headlined by his Super Over, was followed a month later by a thrilling Test debut in the second Ashes Test. Both displays were confirmation of a supreme fast-bowling talent that England were lucky to have.Five years on, this latest performance offered more vindication for the ECB’s investment in that talent, through stress fractures of the back and elbow, which currently takes the form of a two-year central contract handed out last October. But the emotional and physical tax has squarely been Archer’s. And for the first time in a while, if you forgive tempting fate, the light at the end of the tunnel seems a whole lot brighter.Coupled with Monday’s third ODI in Durham, this is the first time Archer has played back-to-back 50-over matches in four years, even if the 29-year-old only bowled seven overs on Friday night. Should he feature in the series finale in Bristol on Sunday, he will have played 24 competitive matches this summer, a figure which includes the 2024 T20 World Cup. That would be the most since 2019, which was the last time he sent down more than the 681 deliveries he has managed this season.Considering his return, back in May, came off the back of 14 months out, things have gone as well as could be hoped. Particularly for a man who began this latest chapter wondering if he could go through the darkness of another injury setback.”I’m still on the park and we’re almost approaching the end of the summer,” Archer said. “So for me, that’s a take. I wanted to play a summer, and then I want to play a year, and then I want to play a few years. So everything is going to plan.Related

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Brook, Livingstone, seamers square series in style with 186-run rout

“I think the World Cup was a good check mark. This was a good check mark. The Caribbean [England’s white-ball tour in November] will be another good check mark. Hopefully I play more games there. For now, I am happy to be playing. Sorry to echo myself but I don’t have anything else to say on it. I know I’ve been out, it’s been a while, but I am playing cricket again and I’m just happy.”In removing Mitchell Marsh’s off stump with a delivery that moved like a legbreak at close to 90mph, and snaring Glenn Maxwell caught behind, Archer showed his skill and pace is as prime as ever. Even at the end of a four-month period that has been relatively full-on given his recent output, he looked at ease. “I feel fine – do I look fine?” he asked. He did.The next stages of his progression will be improvised by design. A well-intentioned attempt to roadmap a return at the end of 2022, involving stints at the SA20 and IPL to facilitate his recovery, ended in tatters when he suffered a recurrence of his right elbow stress fracture at the start of the 2023 summer. Lessons have been learned, and any talk of Test cricket has been parked until 2025, with England’s first Test that year at the end of May against Zimbabwe. At Lord’s, of course.With five Tests against India to follow, and the 2025-26 Ashes, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes are desperate for Archer to feature in those marquee series – particularly the latter. As such, men’s managing director Rob Key is essentially running point on his recovery, with England physio Craig de Weymarn in constant dialogue with the Sussex quick.Archer remained coy on his next assignment, partly because it is not solely in his hands. As he himself hinted, he’s expecting to feature in the limited-overs series in the Caribbean which is sandwiched between the Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. McCullum will no doubt want him for the Champions Trophy in February, which will be the head coach’s first major assignment when he takes control of the white-ball sides at the start of next year.”Well, you got to speak to Craig or Keysy, to be honest,” Archer said, when asked what was on the horizon. “But for me, I’m just going series by series. And what’s next is I’m going to have some time off after Bristol, so looking forward to that.”Archer has been eased back into action but could be a key weapon at the Champions Trophy•Getty ImagesAs for Archer’s role in regeneration of England’s white-ball set-up, his experience in the dressing room will be just as vital as his skills. He turns 30 next April and has two World Cups under his belt, alongside franchise experience across five different overseas competitions. This particular return to action comes with added responsibility.”I’m one of three senior players, two World Cup winners,” he said, referring to his long-time team-mate Adil Rashid, who is a dual-format champion following his part in the 2022 T20 World Cup success. “So yes and no.”A lot of the guys who are in and around, yeah, they didn’t play in 2019, but a lot played just after. They have been around and have played big roles for their counties. It’s not like you are babysitting anyone here. Everybody looks after themselves, and Brooky [stand-in captain Harry Brook] looks after everyone.”It’s weird seeing the team change. Just the other day I was playing warm-up football on the young side and a couple of weeks later I’m on the old team. It’s been a bit of a shock, but everybody is looking forward.”

Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr have their eyes on an Arsenal star this summer, and could offer the Gunners a record-breaking amount of cash for his signature.

Arsenal enter "decisive" talks for "elite" young player, personal terms agreed

Mikel Arteta’s side are chasing their next signing.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 5, 2025

Much has been made of Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta bringing in elite-level players to follow the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard to N5, but Arsenal may soon find themselves needing to balance their books.

Kepa (£5m), Zubimendi (£56m) and Norgaard (£15m) have already set the north Londoners back around £76 million, if certain add-ons are met for the latter, with Arsenal also believed to be in talks with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who has a £68.5 million release clause.

Arteta’s side wish to sign a left-winger too, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke among their targets for that position. Alongside their ongoing pursuit of a new striker, which looks reportedly likely to be Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, business could get very expensive.

One of Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli would need to be sold if Arsenal do sign another left-winger, or potentially before. This is backed up by multiple reliable media sources as well, so supporters may have to wait a little longer for Berta to secure a star wide player.

"They've always wanted to strengthen on the left wing, but they've got Gabriel Martinelli, a very fine player, there already,” said journalist David Ornstein on The Athletic FC podcast."If he were to leave, then you can see them bringing in a top left-sided winger. If he's not to leave, then I don't think so. We've talked and reported on Rodrygo and Anthony Gordon. I think that's if Martinelli leaves. I don't necessarily think that's if he were to stay."Luckily for the Premier League title hopefuls, Ronaldo's Al-Nassr may now assist them in that regard. Al-Nassr plot £73 million bid for Gabriel Martinelli

According to talkSPORT and journalist Ben Jacobs, Al-Nassr are considering a mammoth £73 million bid for Martinelli – which would more than double their record £35 million sale of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool in 2017.

While Arsenal are not exactly clamoring to sell the Brazilian, and have yet to receive contact from the Saudis, an offer like this could be too good to ignore. It could also help them fund a move for the likes of Rodrygo, who’s been described as a “dream” target for Arteta, even if the Spaniard has praised Martinelli as a “leader” in his squad.

“When you look at the consistency shown over the last few years, the amount of goals he has scored at his age and the contribution to a big club like Arsenal, it’s not easy at all,” said Arteta about Martinelli in April.

“So I think he’s on the right path. He’s a fantastic player to work with. His work ethic, his understanding, his desire to play every minute of every competition. That’s the kind of characters and leaders that we want in the team. And I’m very, very happy with him.”

TalkSPORT state that Arteta wants to freshen up his squad, and Al-Nassr’s potential offer would be impossible not to at least consider, especially given the amount of cash that Arsenal are already poised to spend this summer, with PSR requiring consideration too.

Arsenal have emerged as the dream destination for one player this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, with sporting director Andrea Berta continuing to carry out his extensive transfer window shopping ahead of 2025/2026.

£70m star wants to join Arsenal after Norgaard and Mosquera, talks ongoing

The north Londoners mean business this summer.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 28, 2025

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga are both poised to be announced as new Arsenal players shortly.

Kepa completed his Arsenal medical in the last few days as he closes in on a £5 million switch from Stamford Bridge (Sky Sports), while Zubimendi touched down in London last week to finalise his near-£56 million transfer to the Premier League.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

The Spaniards will be joined by Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, too, with Arsenal widely reported to have agreed a £15 million deal for the Denmark international, including add-ons.

The 31-year-old has been permitted to travel for his Arsenal medical (Fabrizio Romano), and ex-Tottenham director Frank Arnesen says Mikel Arteta may have just snapped up a bargain.

“If he can take a step up and come to Arsenal, it would be fantastic. Every dressing room would be thrilled to have him. He has the right mentality, is a team player and has the attitude,” said Arnsen to Tipsbladet earlier this week.

“Mikel Arteta was fantastic as a player, I think, and as a coach he has done absolutely superbly, both as an assistant at Manchester City and afterwards at Arsenal with the way he plays football.

“He doesn’t just take a player in without knowing exactly what he’s going to use him for. Maybe he won’t play 50 games, you don’t know, maybe it’ll only be 30, but it’s about the whole package. He gets the whole package with Christian.”

Berta has wasted no time in moving on to Arsenal’s next target after Norgaard, either.

The Gunners have opened talks with Valencia over signing versatile young defender Cristhian Mosquera, and there is real optimism that they’ll reach an agreement for their fourth signing of the summer, even if their opening bid of £16 million was rejected (The Guardian).

Cristhian Mosquera wants "perfect" move to Arsenal

While there’s still some way to go in club-to-club talks, Berta will not run into any trouble on the player’s side.

As per Romano, speaking on the ‘Here We Go’ YouTube channel, Mosquera thinks Arsenal are the “perfect” move for him, and the 21-year-old wants to challenge Arteta’s preferred centre-back pairing.

“My understanding is that the player wants to go to Arsenal. He sees Arsenal as the perfect opportunity for his career,” said Romano.

“Of course, you have to compete with Gabriel, with William Saliba, but what I’m hearing is that Mosquera is not scared. Obviously, he knows that these two defenders are probably the best in the world, but he wants to be there. He knows that Arsenal will have many games; with Mikel Arteta, young players develop very well. So Mosquera said yes to Arsenal.”

Able to play at both right-back and centre-back, the “magnificent” Mosquera could plug multiple gaps for Arteta, but his arrival surely spells the end of Jakub Kiwior – who’s been tipped to leave if they do sign the Spain Under-21 international.

Manchester United have wasted no time in the transfer market to aid Ruben Amorim in being a success at Old Trafford, already making a move to sign one player.

Matheus Cunha has been a player constantly linked with a switch to join the Red Devils over recent months, with a deal seemingly edging ever closer ahead of the final game of the Premier League campaign.

It’s been widely reported that the club have been in advanced talks with Wolves over a deal for the Brazilian international ahead of the summer despite the failure to win the Europa League.

The 25-year-old has a £62.5m release clause within his current contract, but that doesn’t appear to be an issue after agreeing a deal to pay such a figure out in multiple instalments.

However, despite the movement with a deal for Cunha, it appears as though one deal could be completed before him, with another deal edging closer to completion.

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

After such a dismal year in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, new additions are to be expected at United to try and right the wrongs of the current campaign.

The likes of Ronald Araujo, Ederson and Viktor Gyokeres have all been strongly linked already ahead of the off-season, as the hierarchy look to bolster various areas of the pitch.

However, despite the interest in the aforementioned players, Palmeiras star Richard Rios could be the first summer signing, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that he’s seen as a key part of the revival at Old Trafford, and could be available for a fee in the region of just £20m – an absolute bargain.

It also claims that, despite the move for Cunha, the 24-year-old could be set to be the first addition to the new project led by Amorim to lead the club back to their former glory.

Why Rios would be an upgrade on Ugarte

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte was seen as a huge signing last summer after joining in a £50m deal from PSG, looking to be a key part of the rebuild conducted by former boss Erik ten Hag.

The Uruguayan has started 22 league games to date, often having a stop-start period in the North West and being unable to string up a real run of games over the last few months.

He was benched for the Europa League final defeat against Spurs on Wednesday night, not even being brought on by Amorim – potentially highlighting his form of late in the first-team.

It remains to be seen if he will be part of the manager’s long-term plans at the club, but a deal for Rios could further limit his game time and offer Amorim a quality option in the middle of the park.

The Colombian, who’s been labelled a “machine” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas this campaign – highlighting why his £20m fee would be a bargain.

Rios has registered more goals and assists throughout 2024/25, handing the side an added attacking option from a deep-lying role, something which is needed given their lack of threat this season.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, registering more key passes per 90 – handing the players ahead of him the chance to bolster their own tallies.

Games played

27

29

Goals & assists

6

3

Progressive carries

1.1

0.8

Progressive passes

2.5

3

Pass accuracy

91%

89%

Key passes

1.1

0.5

Blocks made

2.2

1.6

Interceptions made

1.4

1.3

The 24-year-old’s talent out of possession is just as impressive, making more blocks and interceptions per 90, offering the added defensive presence they need, given their lowly league standing.

£20m in today’s market is a bargain price, especially for a player of Rios’ quality, with his skillset certainly bolstering the options currently at Amorim’s disposal.

As seen by the stats produced in recent times, he’s managed to better Ugarte in such a role, possibly being a key player in their ambitions of pushing back up the league table in 2025/26.

He's like Pogba: Man Utd begin talks to sign "world-class" £50m talent

Manchester United could be about to make a move for a star who may follow in Paul Pogba’s footsteps.

ByEthan Lamb May 20, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now willing to make an opening bid of £13m for a Premier League forward, according to a report.

Spurs set sights on new forward

As we approach the summer transfer window, Tottenham have stepped up their pursuit of a new winger, and they are particularly fond of AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, with the Ghanaian catching the eye in the Premier League this season.

Daniel Levy is now readying a £50m+ bid to sign the Bournemouth star, which would be enough to convince the Cherries to cash-in, and there is a belief that he would be a perfect fit in Ange Postecoglou’s side.

With Son Heung-min now arguably in the twilight years of his career at 32-years-old, the need to bring in at least one new winger this summer is exacerbated, and Spurs are in the race to sign Celtic forward Daizen Maeda.

Related Levy places Tottenham among strongest suitors to sign Inter Milan star

He’s got plenty of admirers.

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 2, 2025

According to a report from Spain, Tottenham are also looking at signing an up-and-coming Premier League talent, namely Leicester City’s Jake Evans, who has managed to force himself into first-team contention this season at just 16-years-old.

Such is their level of interest in the teenager, Spurs are willing to submit an opening offer of €15m (£13m), which is considered a significant fee, given his age, although there could be competition for his signature from Manchester United.

Leicester also have no desire to sanction a departure this summer, as they believe he could make an impact in the Championship next season, so it could be difficult to get a deal over the line.

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Bodo / Glimt (a)

May 8th

Crystal Palace (h)

May 11th

Aston Villa (a)

May 18th

Brighton & Hove Albion (h)

May 25th

"Very exciting" Evans is one for the future

Despite only featuring briefly in both games, it is very impressive that the youngster has managed to make two appearances for Leicester this season at the age of just 16, and it indicates that he could have a very bright future ahead of him.

Those thoughts are echoed by football scout Ben Mattinson, who has praised the starlet for his finishing ability, while also claiming he could be capable of playing at striker.

The young Englishman has also been prolific in front of goal at youth level this season, netting ten goals in 14 Premier League 2 outings, which also demonstrates that he may be able to play in a central role.

£13m is a large fee for such a young player, but there are plenty of signs that Evans could go on to be a top player in the Premier League.