Leeds United have a huge task on their hands this summer to try and make the right additions regardless of what division they will be playing their football in next season.

With just a handful of games remaining, Daniel Farke’s men still sit within the Championship’s automatic promotion places, with their destiny still in their own hands.

If they were to claim a return to the Premier League, a handful of additions would be needed to strengthen the first-team squad to prevent an immediate return to England’s second tier.

It remains to be seen how much money the 49ers will invest in the squad in the next couple of months, but it’s a huge window for Farke to make the additions he needs to take his side to the next level.

One thing is for sure, the Whites desperately need reinforcements in one area of the pitch, with a player emerging on the club’s radar over the last couple of days.

Leeds plot summer move for PL star

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are one of several sides in the race to land Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale this summer should they drop into the Championship.

The 26-year-old also has admirers from the likes of Newcastle United and Bournemouth, with the shot-stopper having a relegation release clause in his contract.

He’s been unable to prevent the Saints from sitting at the foot of the table, keeping just two clean sheets in his 21 Premier League outings in 2024/25 to date.

The report claims that the Whites have the England international at the top of their shortlist this summer, but any move for him will purely depend on whether they achieve promotion this season.

It’s safe to say that a deal for Ramsdale would inject a sense of excitement in the fanbase, providing an upgrade on the options currently at Farke’s disposal throughout the current season.

Why Ramsdale would be an upgrade on Meslier

Current number one Illan Meslier has endured a torrid few weeks between the sticks, often producing a mistake or two which has prevented the club from claiming more points in their hunt for promotion.

The Frenchman was at fault for both goals in the 2-2 draw against Swansea City last weekend, with his errors undoubtedly costing the side two points after Wilfried Gnonto’s stoppage-time strike.

He’s now conceded 27 goals this campaign, with a goal prevented xG of -2.73, undoubtedly holding the side back from reaching the next level under Farke’s guidance.

Whilst Ramsdale has struggled to prevent the club from sitting bottom of the table this year, he’s still managed to produce some incredible numbers – many of which blow Meslier out of the water.

The former Arsenal shot-stopper, who’s previously been labelled “world-class” by journalist Dan George, may have conceded more goals this season but has made more saves given the opportunities he’s faced.

How Ramsdale compares to Meslier in 2024/25 so far

Statistics (Per 90)

Ramsdale

Meslier

Games played

21

39

Goals conceded

50

27

Shots on target faced

6.6

2.2

Saves made

4.2

1.6

Short passes completed

100%

99.6%

Crosses prevented

0.9

0.8

Stats via FBref

He’s also completed more short passes than Meslier, having the ability to play out from the back and prevent similar mistakes to those made by the current number one this season.

Whilst Ramsdale has previously failed to deliver against Leeds, conceding to Patrick Bamford when the Whites last previously featured in the top flight, he’s managed to feature consistently after his move to the south coast.

The club can’t afford to enter another top-flight with Meslier between the sticks given his recent mistakes, potentially costing them a chance of survival.

Whilst they would likely have a battle for his signature this summer, it would be a signing that would massively bolster the squad, handing Farke the tools he needs to succeed in Yorkshire.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Apr 1, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is currently waiting to find out a player’s feelings about joining the club this summer, following Gunners talks with him in January, and it is even believed he visited the Emirates Stadium that month.

Arsenal urged to sign new midfielder amid Berta arrival

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As per GiveMeSport, Berta and the Arsenal recruitment team could splash up to £300 million on seven new arrivals, including a new “second-choice goalkeeper, left-back, defensive midfielder, left-winger and striker”, with the north Londoners also pondering an alternative for Bukayo Saka.

While supporters will be eager to see Berta finally bring the club’s long wait for a prolific striker to an end, the need for a centre-midfielder will be prevalent, as Mikel Arteta is set to be minus two solid options in the middle of the park.

Everton (away)

Today

Brentford (home)

April 12th

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April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Thomas Partey and Jorginho will leave upon the expiry of their contracts on June 30th as things stand, leading to Arsenal’s talks over a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Spain international is apparently “very likely” to join Arsenal and is “almost definitely” happening, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, with talkSPORT pundit Darren Bent suggesting that it is imperative for Berta to reinforce Arteta’s engine room.

“Another midfielder, a holding midfielder,” said Bent when asked what Arsenal need most this summer.

“I love Thomas Partey, I think this season his form has been brilliant but you have to look long term. There’s talk about Zubimendi, I have reservations. I know he’s a good player.

“I thought he was brilliant in the second half of the Euros final when he came on for Rodri but the Premier League is a different animal. You have to be able to run, be strong, get your foot in. But that’s an area I’d look at as well.”

There are suggestions that Arsenal could move for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes as well as Zubimendi, with the Brazilian’s contract also including a release clause.

Another midfield technician they’ve been seriously interested in, with talks already held, is Rosenborg sensation Sverre Nypan.

Andrea Berta waiting on Sverre Nypan decision to join Arsenal

As per GiveMeSport and reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Berta is waiting for Nypan’s final decision on potentially joining Arsenal.

The Norwegian, rumoured to command a price tag of £20 million, visited the Emirates in January and reliable news outlets at the time reported that Arteta’s side held winter talks with Rosenborg over a deal.

The teenager bagged eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions across the 2024 campaign for Rosenborg, even drawing comparisons with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, but he has many other suitors – including Man City (Fabrizio Romano).

“Sverre Nypan is extremely exciting,” said Norwegian pundit Jesper Mathisen to TV2 last year.

“I get a bit of the same feeling as when I saw Martin Ødegaard break through as a boy.”

Whilst they may have fallen out of the automatic promotion places over the weekend, Leeds United’s attackers have caught the eye throughout 2024/25.

Joel Piroe still sits as the Whites’ top scorer, registering 15 goals in the Championship, playing a key role in Daniel Farke’s ambitions of securing a return to the Premier League.

Daniel James is another talent who’s thrived over the last couple of months, notching 20 combined goals and assists throughout the league campaign – the joint-best season of his professional career.

The pair have contributed to their impressive tally of 79 league goals in their 40 outings, currently boasting the best-attacking record of any side in the division.

Regardless of which division they find themselves in next season, they could be about to land a star who’d add to their already impressive record in attacking areas.

Leeds targeting move for EFL attacking star

According to Alan Nixon, Leeds are one of a number of clubs interested in a move to land West Brom’s forward Grady Diangana ahead of the summer window.

Wolves have also been credited with a keen interest in landing the 26-year-old talent, who’s registered four goals and two assists in the Championship throughout 2024/25.

The Democratic Republic of Congo international joined the Baggies for £18m back in the summer of 2022 but could be available as a free agent this summer with his deal set to expire in June.

The report from Nixon states that the former West Ham youngster is hoping Farke’s side show concrete interest this summer, potentially favouring a move to Elland Road.

Whilst it’s unclear if a deal will be completed this summer, he would be a superb addition – potentially allowing the hierarchy to forget about a permanent move for one player.

Why Diangana would be a superb Solomon alternative

Manor Solomon joined Leeds on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, looking to kickstart his career after a stop-start period with injuries and lack of first-team action.

The Israeli international made an immediate impact in Yorkshire, notching 14 combined goals and assists up until the start of February – including a goal and two assists in the 4-0 win over Oxford United.

However, he’s now gone eight games with a single contribution, leading to doubts among the fanbase over a permanent transfer for the 25-year-old this summer.

Such concerns could see the hierarchy target a move for Diangana as a result, with the West Brom star a safe option given his potential move on a free transfer.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the Championship this campaign, the West Brom winger has managed to match or better Solomon in numerous key areas, highlighting how impressive a deal to land him this summer would be.

Diangana, who’s previously been labelled “unbelievable” by teammate Jed Wallace, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered a higher pass accuracy and completed more through balls – showcasing his talent in attacking areas.

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

6

14

Progressive passes

4.3

3.7

Pass accuracy

80%

79%

Aerials won

0.9

0.3

Fouls won

2.3

1.6

Through balls

0.9

0.2

He’s also won more aerials and been fouled more per 90, highlighting his all-round nature with and without the ball, making him a threat at either end of the pitch if required.

Solomon could still be a viable option for the club this summer regardless of promotion, but after his recent lack of form, it’s understandable that there are doubts over his future.

As for transfer target Diangana, he’s proved that he’s an impressive talent, with any deal to land him this summer incredible business, especially considering the fee paid for his signature a couple of years ago.

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ByKelan Sarson Apr 8, 2025

Chelsea are in contact with the representatives of a forward who Arsenal have met with in the last few days, and it appears the Premier League rival duo are in a hotly-contested race for his signature.

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Alongside the host of outgoing transfers expected to take place at Stamford Bridge this summer, Enzo Maresca is reportedly looking to add a quality new wide player to his roster.

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Uncertainty surrounds Mykhailo Mudryk’s long-term future after a failed drugs test, while Noni Madueke is attracting interest from Newcastle and Aston Villa. It also isn’t a forgone conclusion that Chelsea sign Jadon Sancho from Man United permanently, so BlueCo are understandably looking at other options.

Brentford (away)

April 6th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 13th

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund), Antoine Semenyo (Bristol City), Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) and Yeremay Hernandez (Malaga) are among the wingers being targeted by Chelsea ahead of the summer window, according to journalist Simon Phillips. However, as per the reporter and other media sources, one name stands out among them.

£200,000-per-week Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams is at the centre of keen interest from Chelsea, following a sensational 2024 for the exciting Spain starlet.

The 22-year-old chalked up 19 assists in all competitions last season and helped his national team to European Championship glory, with The Guardian’s Ed Aarons reporting that Williams is expected to push for a summer exit.

His contract includes a £48 million release clause as well, which would be affordable from a Chelsea perspective, but the major obstacle lies in his extortionate wage demands, rumoured to be around £300,000-per-week.

It is believed Williams is a top target for Chelsea heading into the summer, but they face stiff competition from Arsenal. Their new sporting director, Andrea Berta, met with the representatives of Bilbao’s sensation in the last few days (Foot Mercato), with the Gunners attempting to steal a march on their London neighbours.

Chelsea make contact with Nico Williams' representatives

Now, as per Phillips on his Substack, Chelsea have also reached out to Williams’ camp as they try to compete with Arsenal.

However, as predicted, the salary issue remains a significant stumbling block in any proposed negotiation – something which the Blues are doing their best to navigate.

“The club are planning to revisit the wages side of this deal and have made contact again with his agents to see if anything is plausible,” wrote the reporter.

“Williams stays a big target, but something would need to give with his wages, just like with Victor Osimhen who would still be Chelsea’s first choice striker target if they could agree on wages.”

The Spaniard, statistically, is one of La Liga’s most frightening dribblers with the division’s fifth-highest rate of successful take-ons per 90 (WhoScored).

He’d be a hugely exciting addition for Chelsea, and you can never count the west Londoners out of any transfer race these days. That being said, BlueCo won’t be keen on putting a dent in their carefully organised wage structure, so there appears to be plenty to do in talks for the player as Arsenal provide a serious threat.

Manchester City are still on course for Champions League qualification after one of the most unlikely comebacks you’ll see all season.

On Saturday lunchtime, the Sky Blues found themselves 2-0 down at home to Crystal Palace, with the Eagles having a third ruled out for offside, before squandering another gilt-edged opportunity, cutting Man City apart time after time with ease.

Thus, with 25 minutes on the clock, few would have forecast that the Citizens would run out 5-2 winners, as transpired.

Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick got the comeback started and then Omar Marmoush lashed home an equaliser soon after, with second-half goals from Mateo Kovačić and then youngsters James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly completing the turnaround.

So, with six games remaining, the Sky Blues remain in the hunt for a top five finish but, if they’re to make it, Pep Guardiola must give more opportunities to his “top talent” who’s showing flashes of a certain Davild Silva.

What made David Silva such a special player

David Silva arrived at Manchester City in the summer of 2010 for a reported £30m, a big fee at the time, as part of their first wave of eye-catching signings, alongside Jérôme Boateng, Yaya Touré, James Milner, Aleksandar Kolarov, Edin Džeko and Mario Balotelli.

Well, considering he now has a statue outside the Etihad, it’s fair to say Silva departed a Man City legend, with the table below outlining exactly why.

Appearances

436

Goals

77

Assists

131

Premier League titles

4

FA Cups

2

EFL Cups

5

During Silva’s first season in Manchester, he was a key figure in the side that won the FA Cup, beating Stoke 1-0 in the final, thereby securing the club’s first piece of major silverware for 35 years.

The following season, quite famously, the Citizens pipped Manchester United to the Premier League title on the final day, and this has really proved to be just the start of their dominance over the last decade or so.

Former teammate Kyle Walker claims that Silva is the best player he’s ever played with, while ex-Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher told the Telegraph that he believes the Spaniard is Man City’s ‘best-ever player’.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, do the Sky Blues currently have a homegrown youngster breaking into the first team with a skill-set reminiscent of the great midfielder?

Man City's next David Silva

Saturday saw the aforementioned McAtee make his full-Premier League debut for Manchester City, marking the occasion with a goal from one of his 27 touches of the ball, played in behind by Ederson before rounding Dean Henderson and slotting home, before pulling off a spectacular back-flip.

The 22-year-old has been on Man City’s books since the age of 11 and that was his 31st appearance for the first team, although only seven of these have been starts, all in the Community Shield, EFL Cup or FA Cup prior to this weekend.

He did see significantly more game time during a two-season loan spell at Sheffield United, making 75 appearances for the Blades, so let’s assess why he’s being compared to Silva.

Appearances

106

89

Minutes

5,245

6,742

Goals

21

13

Assists

9

27

Shots on target per 90

0.67

0.80

Touches

2,005

4,652

The table emphasises that McAtee still has a long way to go to ever reach Silva’s level, but he certainly has the potential to do so.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “top talent”, impressed by his “electric pace and acceleration” as well as his “high technical” level and “dribbling” ability. Those last few traits, combined with the youngster’s marvelous left foot and low centre of gravity, are certainly reminiscent of Silva in his pomp.

Guardiola, meantime, said on Saturday “I know how good he is…we can rely on him”, so McAtee has certainly proved he deserves more starts during the remainder of this season.

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ByRoss Kilvington Apr 13, 2025

Manchester United are preparing a bid to sign a Paris Saint-Germain star who is statistically similar to Bruno Fernandes.

Onana errors cost Man Utd against Lyon

Ruben Amorim’s side failed to return from their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon with an advantage after being held to a 2-2 draw in France.

It was another game to forget for goalkeeper Andre Onana, who made two errors, the last of which came in stoppage time to allow Rayan Cherki to equalise.

The build-up to the game was overshadowed by Nemanja Matic’s comments on Onana, with the Red Devils ‘keeper hitting back at the former United midfielder.

Onana’s days at Old Trafford could be numbered, with a new shot-stopper on the radar in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen.

Fewer touches than Onana: 5/10 Man Utd dud was totally outclassed by Cherki

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1 ByRobbie Walls Apr 11, 2025

Contact has been made over a move to sign the Dutchman to replace Onana, and by the looks of things, INEOS are looking to make a marquee signing further up the pitch.

Man Utd prepare bid for £250m+ PSG star Doue

According to reports in Spain, Man Utd are preparing a bid to sign PSG star Desire Doue. The Red Devils have ‘strongly reactivated its interest’ in the 19-year-old, who those at Old Trafford see ‘as a figure capable of making a difference’.

Doue, who PSG value at up to €300m (£261m), scored a brilliant goal against Aston Villa in the Champions League recently. The report adds that United see Doue as a top-level target, however, PSG aren’t looking to sell the teenager who’s been likened to Neymar and idolises the Brazil legend.

Interestingly though, as per FBRef, over the last 12 months Doue also compares stylistically to United skipper Fernandes, and has ranked in the top 1% for take-ons and assists when compared to other attacking midfielders.

Bruno Fernandes

Man Utd

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal

Rodrygo

Real Madrid

Florian Wirtz

Bayer Leverkusen

Phil Foden

Man City

Luis Enrique has also praised Doue, who can turn out on the wing or as an attacking midfielder, saying: “I remember you criticised him. Today it’s praise, but one day the criticism will return because the elite level means you have to accept that when you’re not at your best. Doue needed months to adapt. Succeeding at PSG as a Frenchman is tougher.

“At Rennes, we saw his technical ability, physicality, and personality. Now, he’s reaping the rewards of his hard work. There’s still plenty to do, but he’s at the right place and club to grow and play high-stakes matches. The Champions League level, as I tell the players, is like international duty – you’re up against the best players and coaches.”

A move to Manchester could well be one to keep an eye on, but with a staggering asking price, INEOS will need to break the bank to bring Doue to England.

Manchester City staged an excellent comeback from two goals down to seal a 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League this afternoon.

When Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards put the away side 2-0 up, it looked as though it was going to be another poor result for the Etihad side in the top flight.

They rebounded wonderfully well to seal all three points and they remain fourth in the table at the time of writing as they chase a Champions League spot next season.

All the talk this week was on Kevin De Bruyne finally departing City, and he was outstanding against Palace.

Kevin De Bruyne’s stats vs Crystal Palace

The Belgian won’t go out winning another league title, but he is doing his best to make sure City finish in the top four.

Against Palace, he was pushed into a more advanced role and not only scored, but he also grabbed an assist during the tie.

De Bruyne also registered six total shots, missed two big chances, made four key passes and hit the woodwork in what was an energetic display in Manchester.

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace – Key Statistics

Metric

Highest-ranked

Accurate passes

Rúben Dias (105)

Key passes

Kevin De Bruyne (4)

Tackles

Chris Richards and Nico Gonzalez (4)

Ground duels won

Daniel Munoz and Nico Gonzalez (5)

Shots on target

Omar Marmoush (3)

Via Sofascore

He might be advancing in age, but there is no doubt that when he is at his peak, few come close to performing like this. That’s for sure.

Pep Guardiola wasn’t relying on him solely, however, as there was a young talent making his first Premier League start for the club who shone today.

Man City shown why they don't need Gibbs-White

It appears as though City are keen on replacing De Bruyne with Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.

Despite registering 14 goal contributions this season, Forest have reportedly slapped a £100m price tag on the attacking midfielder.

Do they really need him? James McAtee was superb this afternoon at the Etihad. On his first ever league start for the club, he scored a delightful goal in the second half along with creating two big chances and making two key passes throughout the game.

The youngster may have been deployed on the right flank against Palace, but he is at home in the number ten slot, playing there on numerous occasions this season to excellent effect.

McAtee’s maturity is getting better with each game. He only lost possession seven times during the clash, while making one tackle and winning two ground duels.

Chief Manchester City writer for the Manchester Evening News, Simon Bajkowski, gave the Englishman a match rating of 7/10, stating that he ‘made a lot happen’ when he was on the pitch.

Guardiola will need to bring in another big-name signing or two this summer to please the supporters and give the club a shot at winning another league title.

Is spending around £100m on Gibbs-White the right option, however? Especially with McAtee proving today that he can step up when it matters most.

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Posts ByTom Cunningham Apr 11, 2025

The relief was evident on the face of Rasmus Hojlund on Sunday afternoon, with the struggling striker guiding the ball home in the last knockings of stoppage time to snatch a draw for Manchester United at Bournemouth.

The Danish speedster showcased his rarely-seen centre-forward instincts to direct the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga from close range, with the visitors managing to avoid what would have been a 16th Premier League defeat of the season against their ten-man hosts.

Hopefully, that late strike should help to instil much-needed confidence in the 22-year-old heading into a crucial week in the Europa League, with the former Atalanta man the only senior striker available to Ruben Amorim, amid Joshua Zirkzee’s recent injury blow.

With 17-year-old sensation, Chido Obi, also ineligible to feature in Europe, the onus is now on Hojlund to deliver on the continent, with the Red Devils desperately needing their leading number nine to hit form over the coming weeks.

Whatever occurs between now and the end of May, however, it would appear that the fate of the 6 foot 4 marksman has already been sealed, with the signing of a new striker now hot on the agenda heading into the summer transfer window.

Latest on Man Utd's search for a striker

Work is already being done to bring in Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Matheus Cunha, to Old Trafford ahead of next season, although the in-form Brazilian is set to strengthen the number ten berth, rather than replacing Hojlund through the middle.

As for a potential new number nine, recent reports have suggested that Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap is under consideration, albeit with the £30m man still something of a gamble due to his lack of top-flight experience, despite netting 12 league goals this term.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been touted as a leading target for Amorim, with United said to be pushing for a cut-price deal to land the prolific Nigerian.

The 26-year-old would be a worthwhile addition, although the suggestion is that the Red Devils have turned their attention to another leading figure, with Football Insider reporting that a move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres could be a ‘done deal’.

Indeed, as per the report, it is claimed that United feel they are in a ‘strong position to finalise an agreement’ for the Swedish striker, with the 26-year-old deemed to be the ‘top target’, amid his prior relationship with Amorim.

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There is said to be a ‘growing confidence’ that INEOS can win the race for his signature, ahead of rivals Arsenal, with Gyokeres potentially the transformative signing that Amorim is in desperate need of.

How Man Utd could land a better signing than Osimhen

Hojlund’s latest effort can’t cloud what has been a miserable season for the one-time Sturm Graz starlet, with that strike on the south coast having been just his fourth league goal in 2024/25 to date.

Five goals have come his way in the Europa League, although the £85k-per-week asset hasn’t actually scored in the competition since December, with questions rightly being asked over his long-term future at the Theatre of Dreams.

It’s fair to say that either Osimhen or Gyokeres would represent a significant upgrade on Hojlund next term, with the former having scored 31 times while on loan at Galatasaray this season – taking his overall career tally to 145 goals in just 259 senior club appearances.

As for Gyokeres, while the former Coventry City man has enjoyed a slower rise to stardom, amid his days in the EFL and on the books at Brighton and Hove Albion, he has simply soared following his £17m switch to Lisbon in 2023.

Plucked from the Championship by Amorim, the towering goal machine has since scored 95 times in just 98 games for the Liga Portugal side, with 66 of those coming in just 68 games under Amorim.

Viktor Gyokeres

38

1.5

57

Mo Salah

28

2

56

Robert Lewandowski

25

2

50

Harry Kane

24

2

48

Mateo Retegui

24

2

48

Kylian Mbappe

22

2

44

Alexander Isak

22

2

44

Mika Biereth

24

2

42.5

Ousmane Dembele

21

2

42

Erling Haaland

21

2

42

Omar Marmoush

21

2

42

A recent four-goal haul against Boavista ensured that Gyokeres has now reached 52 goals in just 48 games in all competitions during the current campaign, thus far eclipsing Osimhen’s own record in Turkey.

What also stands out regarding arguably the “hottest striker in Europe” – as per ESPN’s Mark Ogden – is that he also boasts 12 assists in 2024/25 to date, again placing him ahead of Osimhen (eight assists) with regard to that creative streak.

Of course, taking the leap from operating outside of Europe’s top five leagues to then trying to thrive in the Premier League is a big step, although Gyokeres’ prior work under Amorim’s watch should be reason for excitement.

With Hojlund misfiring this season, the race is on for the new United boss to find his next, Gyokeres-esque attacking talisman. Osimhen, of course, would certainly be a more than adequate replica – yet why not go for the man himself?

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Onana errors cost Man Utd against Lyon

Ruben Amorim’s side failed to return from their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon with an advantage after being held to a 2-2 draw in France.

It was another game to forget for goalkeeper Andre Onana, who made two errors, the last of which came in stoppage time to allow Rayan Cherki to equalise.

The build-up to the game was overshadowed by Nemanja Matic’s comments on Onana, with the Red Devils ‘keeper hitting back at the former United midfielder.

Onana’s days at Old Trafford could be numbered, with a new shot-stopper on the radar in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen.

Fewer touches than Onana: 5/10 Man Utd dud was totally outclassed by Cherki

Man Utd were pegged back at the death by Lyon’s Rayan Cherki…

1

By
Robbie Walls

Apr 11, 2025

Contact has been made over a move to sign the Dutchman to replace Onana, and by the looks of things, INEOS are looking to make a marquee signing further up the pitch.

Man Utd prepare bid for £250m+ PSG star Doue

According to reports in Spain, Man Utd are preparing a bid to sign PSG star Desire Doue. The Red Devils have ‘strongly reactivated its interest’ in the 19-year-old, who those at Old Trafford see ‘as a figure capable of making a difference’.

Doue, who PSG value at up to €300m (£261m), scored a brilliant goal against Aston Villa in the Champions League recently. The report adds that United see Doue as a top-level target, however, PSG aren’t looking to sell the teenager who’s been likened to Neymar and idolises the Brazil legend.

Interestingly though, as per FBRef, over the last 12 months Doue also compares stylistically to United skipper Fernandes, and has ranked in the top 1% for take-ons and assists when compared to other attacking midfielders.

Wingers and midfielders Doue has been compared to	Club
Bruno Fernandes	Man Utd
Bukayo Saka	Arsenal
Rodrygo	Real Madrid
Florian Wirtz	Bayer Leverkusen
Phil Foden	Man City

Luis Enrique has also praised Doue, who can turn out on the wing or as an attacking midfielder, saying: “I remember you criticised him. Today it’s praise, but one day the criticism will return because the elite level means you have to accept that when you’re not at your best. Doue needed months to adapt. Succeeding at PSG as a Frenchman is tougher.

“At Rennes, we saw his technical ability, physicality, and personality. Now, he’s reaping the rewards of his hard work. There’s still plenty to do, but he’s at the right place and club to grow and play high-stakes matches. The Champions League level, as I tell the players, is like international duty – you’re up against the best players and coaches.”

A move to Manchester could well be one to keep an eye on, but with a staggering asking price, INEOS will need to break the bank to bring Doue to England.

With no Premier League game this weekend, every Arsenal fan will have their eyes firmly on their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint Germain next week.

However, while Mikel Arteta’s side have a real chance of doing something sensational on the continent, it would be impossible to describe their domestic form as anything other than disappointing.

The Gunners crashed out of the FA Cup and League Cup, and should Liverpool pick up even a point at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, they’ll be crowned champions with four games to spare.

While injuries have certainly played their part, poor performances have been just as big of a problem, with club captain Martin Odegaard’s drop in form emblematic of the season overall.

The Norwegian international may well get back to his mercurial best next year, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club may have already identified someone who’d be an upgrade, someone who’s won comparisons to the incredible Jude Bellingham.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other incredible names Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks, such as Raphinha.

The Barcelona superstar would reportedly be available for about £86m in the summer, and while that is a lot, it could be a fee worth paying as he’s already scored 30 goals and provided 23 assists in 49 games this year.

A cheaper player touted for a £43m move to the Emirates in recent days has been Andrey Santos.

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The Chelsea loanee is having a stellar campaign in France with Strasbourg, amassing 15 goal involvements in just 30 appearances from central and defensive midfield.

However, the most exciting name touted for a move to N5, and the one who could replace Odegaard is Désiré Doué.

Yes, according to reports from Spain, Arsenal are one of several Premier League sides interested in signing the Frenchman this summer.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on the talent.

However, Paris Saint-Germain are not planning on selling the teenage sensation unless a monster offer of around £86m is made.

It looks like it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Doué’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be a dream Odegaard replacement and has been compared to Bellingham.

How Doué compares to Odegaard and Bellingham

So, the first thing to say is that while Doué has spent more time on the wings this season, he has still made nine appearances as an attacking midfielder this term and has even been described as a “true 10” by respected analyst Ben Mattinson.

With that out the way, it’s worth examining this comparison to Bellingham and where it comes from before looking at how he stacks up against Odegaard.

In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one and, in this instance, has concluded that the Englishman is the number one most similar midfielder to the PSG gem.

Doué & Bellingham

Statistics per 90

Doué

Bellingham

Progressive Passes

7.19

7.29

Goals

0.35

0.34

Assists

0.35

0.30

Goals per Shot

0.12

0.14

Goals per Shot on Target

0.30

0.39

Carries

45.4

43.2

Aerial Duels Won %

43.8%

46.9%

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, progressive passes, goals, assists, goals per shot and shot on target, carries and more, all per 90.

So, with his apparent statistical similarities to the Real Madrid star, how does the Angers-born ace compare to the Gunners’ captain?

Well, from a pure output perspective, he comes out miles ahead.

For example, in 46 appearances, totalling just 2538 minutes, he’s scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists.

That means the “absolute genius,” as dubbed by Mattinson, is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.84 games or every 101.52 minutes.

For his efforts this year, the Drammen-born star has scored just five goals and provided ten assists in 39 appearances, totalling 2982 minutes.

Therefore, the 26-year-old is averaging a goal involvement every 2.6 games or every 198.8 minutes, which is undeniably disappointing.

Ultimately, while he might cost a huge sum of money, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Doué this summer, as not only has he won comparisons to Bellingham, but he could be a younger, more exciting upgrade on Odegaard.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 24, 2025