With Emiliano Martinez seemingly bidding a tearful farewell to Villa Park last week, Aston Villa have reportedly been given the green light to sign a Premier League-winning shot-stopper.

Aston Villa's goalkeeper search continues

All signs are pointing towards the end for Aston Villa and Martinez after he was pictured saying an emotional goodbye to the home fans following victory over Tottenham Hotspur last time out. Unai Emery also failed to rule out an exit for the goalkeeper to only add to the belief that the Argentine will be playing his football elsewhere next season.

The Villa boss told reporters: “We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don’t know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field.”

Ever since that potential goodbye, the rumours have been circling. Both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have already been linked with moves for Martinez, whilst Villa themselves have set their sights on replacing their No.1.

Names such as Lucas Chevalier have already been mentioned in what would certainly be an excellent move for both the LOSC Lille star and those at Villa Park. One of the most promising young goalkeepers around, the big question will be whether the Villans can win the race for his signature.

Meanwhile, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is also a name that has been in the headlines as of late. The talented goalkeeper, like Chevalier, has been fantastic this season and is one of only a few options who could seamlessly replace Martinez in the Midlands.

Amid competition for both of those players, however, Villa may yet turn to an option far closer to home amid reports that they’ve been handed a major boost in pursuit of a Premier League-winning goalkeeper ahead of the summer window.

Aston Villa receive green light to sign Kelleher

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa have now been given the green light to sign Caoimhin Kelleher by his current club, Liverpool. The Reds have Giorgi Mamardashvili on his way and already have Alisson Becker to call on, meaning that the door has swung open for Kelleher to depart.

Already thought to be high on Villa’s list of targets, the Irishman will leave Merseyside somewhat of a cult hero, having often stepped up in place of Alisson amid his injury issues, and particularly starred whenever given the opportunity to feature in a number of Wembley finals.

However, he is now ready to become an undisputed No 1, with the latest claims suggesting that Liverpool “will accept the right offer” for Kelleher should one come forward.

Starts

10

36

Saves per 90

2.40

2.60

Save percentage

67.6%

67.9%

Clean sheets

4

8

When compared, it’s clear that the Liverpool man would not be a significant downgrade on Martinez. In fact, at 26 years old, there’s an argument to be made that Kelleher could yet become better than the Argentine shot-stopper if he pushes on from here in the coming years.

Aston Villa in pole position after talks to sign "powerful" 18 y/o sensation

He’s a rising star.

ByTom Cunningham May 22, 2025

Dubbed “fantastic” by Premier League legend David Seaman following last season’s Carabao Cup final display, Kelleher has been ready to take hold of the opportunity that Aston Villa may hand him for some time.

The transfer window has swung back open, and Arsenal need to get to work.

Mikel Arteta’s side may have once again finished the season as the second-best team in the Premier League this year, but as things stand, they are getting left behind by their rivals in the market.

For example, Liverpool have secured the services of Florian Wirtz, Manchester City have signed Rayan Cherki and a host of other talents, and now Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur look ready to battle it out for Bryan Mbeumo.

Fortunately, recent reports suggest that the Gunners may well be fighting to sign a dynamic winger of their own, someone who could be their answer to Mbeumo next season.

Arsenal's winger search

With Arsenal producing the best defence in the league for the second year running, it’s no surprise that almost all transfer rumours around the club have been focused on strikers and wingers.

Transfer Focus

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

Regarding the latter, the North Londoners have already been linked with Real Madrid’s sensational Rodrygo for £84m and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga for closer to £60m.

However, as things stand anyway, neither of those players feel like they are likely to move anytime soon, which can’t be said for Nico Williams.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spanish newspaper Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal remain intensely interested in the Athletic Bilbao star.

In fact, in an exciting development, the report claims that the Gunners ‘are bidding hard’ for the young Spaniard and that they are offering him a net salary of €9m a year, which comes out to around £7.67m and is more than either Bilbao or Barcelona can afford to offer.

Moreover, the story reaffirms prior reports that the club are willing to activate the winger’s €62m release clause, which converts to around £53m.

It’s going to be an incredibly costly and likely quite a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Williams’ ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be the perfect answer to whoever signs Mbeumo.

Why Williams would be a perfect answer to Mbeumo

Now, while Mbeumo is an undeniably talented winger and was one of the best attackers in the Premier League this season, there are a number of reasons why Williams would be a great answer for Arsenal.

The first and arguably most significant reason relates to the Spaniard’s underlying numbers from the last two campaigns, as when we compare them to the Bees ace, it becomes very clear that his ceiling is far higher.

Moreover, while the former Troyes ace does do better in some metrics, like progressive passes and aerial duels won per 90, he comes out a distant second in almost every other area and by quite some distance.

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.65

0.55

Progressive Passes

2.97

3.84

Progressive Passes Received

11.5

9.15

Progressive Carries

5.70

3.42

Shots

2.58

2.15

Shots on Target

0.95

0.86

Passing Accuracy

71.2%

66.4

Key Passes

2.01

1.71

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.72

1.59

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.62

0.39

Shot-Creating Actions

5.05

3.79

Goal-Creating Actions

0.73

0.50

Tackles

1.09

1.07

Successful Take-Ons

3.33

1.31

Ball Recoveries

4.71

4.17

Aerial Duels Won

0.38

0.95

For example, the dynamic “level-raiser,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, does far better in crucial metrics such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, successful take-ons, shots and shots on target, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions and many, many more, all per 90.

Now, if the two wingers were the same age, then we’d still suggest that the Pamplona-born international would be the better signing, but given the fact he is three years younger than the Avallon-born ace, then there is no telling how much the gap will grow in a few years time.

Finally, on top of all of that, the 28-capped international has also proven he can perform in the most high-pressure moments, as he was the one who opened the scoring for Spain in last summer’s European Championship final.

Ultimately, Mbeumo is a great player and will likely do well wherever he ends up, but Williams looks to be the superior winger and, therefore, a perfect answer for Arsenal.

Dream Gyokeres alternative: £40m striker now wants to sign for Arsenal

The free-scoring forward could be the missing piece for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 16, 2025

It feels like it’s going to be a hectic summer for Tottenham Hotspur this year.

The Europa League champions sacked Ange Postecoglou on Friday afternoon due to his horrific Premier League record, and while it’s not been confirmed by the club, Thomas Frank looks set to replace him.

Despite the talent in the squad, the Danish manager will have a lot to do to ensure their domestic campaign is more of a success next season, and the best way for Daniel Levy and Co to help him with that is by bringing in the right players in the coming weeks and months.

One of those players linked with a move to the club has been Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, but recent reports have now touted another wide talent for a move to Spurs, someone who could be the perfect alternative.

Tottenham's interest in Semenyo

Spurs have been linked with a host of talented players in recent weeks, from Crystal Palace’s Eberchi Eze to Brentford’s in-demand Bryan Mbeumo, but earlier this week, Semenyo became one of the latest Premier League stars to be touted for a move to N17.

It’s not hard to see why the Lilywhites might be interested in the Cherries star, as even though he’s playing for a mid-table side, the Ghana international was able to rack up an impressive tally of 13 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances.

However, with his price tag potentially being as high as £70m and interest from other Premier League sides like Arsenal and Liverpool, this might be a transfer both too expensive and too challenging to get over the line, in which case, Levy and Co might be after an alternative, like Dorgeles Nene.

Transfer Focus

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

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Spurs are now one of several top-flight teams now ‘considering a move’ for the RB Salzburg gem this summer.

Alongside the North Londoners, the report has revealed that Lazio, Fiorentina, Freiburg and Bayer Leverkusen are all interested in the 22-year-old dynamo who has been seriously impressive in Austria this season.

Moreover, while the competition might be a problem, the fee shouldn’t be, as the report claims that an offer of up to £21m should be enough to tempt Salzburg to sell.

Nene might not be a well-known name or sound like a particularly inspiring signing, but should Semenyo be out of reach, the youngster would certainly be worth bringing in for Spurs.

Why Nene would be a good signing for Spurs

So then, in a market where there are countless wide talents available, why would Nene be a good signing for Spurs?

Well, first and arguably most importantly, his output this season was seriously impressive and made more so by the fact he was primarily playing off the wings.

For example, in 46 appearances, totalling 3043 minutes, the “terrifying” threat, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, was able to score 15 goals and provide nine assists for the Austrian outfit.

Nene vs Semenyo 24/25
Player	Nene	Semenyo
Appearances	46	42
Minutes	3043′	3562′
Goals	15	13
Assists	9	7
Goal Involvements per Match	0.52	0.47
Minutes per Goal Involvements	126.79′	178.10′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.91 games, or every 126.79 minutes, which is better than Semenyo’s average of one every 2.1 games or every 178.1 minutes.

Secondly, with him still being just 22 and not turning 23 until December, there is so much room for growth and development, as according to research carried out by The Athletic, wide players do not hit their peak until 26.

Finally, even though the Kayes-born dynamo is primarily a left-winger, he’s just as capable of playing down the middle or off the right, which would give Frank so much more tactical flexibility next season.

Ultimately, Semenyo will understandably be many Spurs fan’s first choice here, but if he’s unattainable, then Nene would be an excellent alternative, although with a price tag of £21m, why not try to sign both?

Kulusevski upgrade: Spurs "definitely" want to sign £68m star for Frank

The dynamic talent would help make Spurs tick next season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 10, 2025

Thomas Frank has a massive job on his hands at Tottenham Hotspur for the 25/26 campaign.

On top of having to navigate the Champions League, the Danish coach will be expected to lead the team to a far better finish in the Premier League, as well as making a proper dent in the domestic cup competitions.

To ensure the former Brentford boss has the best chance of making his first season at the club a successful one, Daniel Levy and Co need to do everything they can to bring in the right players this summer.

One of the names that has been in the news a lot lately is Antoine Semenyo, although, based on recent reports, Spurs could go after someone who’d be an even better signing.

Spurs moving after Premier League star

Semenyo has seemingly caught the attention of several Premier League sides this summer, from Manchester United to Arsenal, but the links to Spurs in recent weeks appear to be some of the strongest.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s not hard to understand why so many teams would be interested in the Bournemouth star, as he’s proven himself in the league and managed to rack up a pretty impressive haul of 20 goal involvements in 42 appearances this season.

Yet, with reports suggesting he would cost the North Londoners upwards of £70m, the club has also been looking for other exciting options, such as players like Eberechi Eze.

At least that’s according to a recent report from journalist Sebastien Vidal, who has claimed that Spurs are “plotting a move for” the Crystal Palace star.

Vidal mentions that Semenyo and Bryan Mbeumo are also on the North Londoners’ shortlist, as Frank is “pushing for a top winger this summer.”

While a price isn’t mentioned in the story, it has been widely reported this year that the Englishman has a release clause worth around £68m in his contract with the Eagles.

It wouldn’t be a cheap transfer, but given Eze’s experience and ability, he’d be a better signing than Semenyo.

Why Eze would be a better signing than Semenyo

So then, the first reason, and it’s a big one, why Eze would be a better signing than Semenyo is down to his raw output.

For example, the Cherries star’s 20 goal involvements came in 42 appearances, totalling 3562 minutes, which means that he was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 2.1 games, or every 178.1 minutes.

In contrast, the Eagles “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, scored his 14 goals and provided his 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling just 3303 minutes, which comes out to a far more impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

Moreover, the Englishman has proven that he can cope in the most intense and pressurised moments, as he scored in the semi-final FA Cup against Aston Villa and then scored the winning goal against Manchester City in the final.

On top of that, while the 26-year-old primarily played in attacking midfield this season, he’s more than capable of playing out wide as well, which somewhat helps to minimise Semenmyo’s advantage in being able to play on both sides of the pitch.

Finally, comparing the pairs’ underlying numbers only further helps to highlight how much more impactful the former QPR star could be in North London.

While there are some metrics in which he comes out second best, there are far more in which the England international is clearly superior, including things like key passes, successful take-ons and shot-creating actions, which paints the picture of an all-action attack-focused player who’s just as capable starting attacks as he is finishing them.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.53

0.44

Non-Penalty G+As

0.68

0.46

Progressive Passes

3.37

3.06

Progressive Carries

2.40

3.93

Shots

3.25

3.49

Goals per Shot

0.12

0.09

Shots on Target

0.92

1.11

Goals per Shot on Target

0.41

0.27

Passing Accuracy

74.2%

73.4%

Key Passes

2.01

1.29

Passes into the Final Third

1.70

1.38

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.35

1.26

Shot-Creating Actions

4.69

3.71

Goal-Creating Actions

0.35

0.37

Successful Take-Ons

2.33

1.94

Ball Recoveries

5.07

4.44

Carries

29.2

27.5

Ultimately, while Semenyo would be a good signing for Spurs, Eze would undoubtedly be an even better one, and for potentially £2m less, one that feels like a total no-brainer.

Their own Gyokeres: Spurs showing big interest in signing "incredible" CF

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to make a move for a player who’s starring at the Club World Cup.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 23, 2025

Hampshire 128 for 5 (Albert 41*, Payne 3-17) beat Gloucestershire 124 (Turner 3-24, Wood 2-13, Neser 2-24) by five wicketsToby Albert anchored Hampshire Hawks to a hard-fought five-wicket Vitality Blast triumph over South Group rivals Gloucestershire beneath the Seat Unique Stadium floodlights at Bristol.The 23-year-old Academy product top-scored with 41 not out from 32 balls and dominated a match-winning stand of 61 for the fifth wicket with James Fuller as the visitors chased down a modest victory target of 125 on a used pitch with 3.1 overs to spare.But they were made to fight hard by Gloucestershire’s front-line seamer David Payne, who took 3 for 17 in four overs to at least make a game of it in front of a crowd of nearly 4,000.Hampshire’s second successive win was founded upon a disciplined performance from their seam bowling unit, John Turner claiming 3 for 24 in 3.2 overs and Chris Wood, Michael Neser and Fuller each weighing in with two wickets apiece as Gloucestershire were bowled out for 124 in 18.2 overs.Cameron Bancroft top-scored with 29, Beau Webster made 28 and Matt Taylor hit a quickfire 27, but the hosts never really recovered from the loss of early wickets and only managed three double-figure partnerships in an innings that failed to achieve lift-off.Buoyant Hampshire head to Taunton and a showdown with title holders Somerset on Sunday, while Gloucestershire attempt to recover from back-to-back defeats when they take on Sussex in Bristol.Put into bat, Gloucestershire slipped to 15 for 2 in a powerplay that yielded 40 for the loss of Miles Hammond and James Bracey. Wood accounted for both, having Hammond held at mid-on and then persuading Bracey to hit high to deep mid-wicket where Benny Howell took a fine catch on the run.Overseas signings Bancroft and Webster staged a recovery of sorts, the Australians adding 45 in five overs. Opening his shoulders, Webster smashed Fuller for a straight six that cleared the stand as Gloucestershire passed 50 in the seventh, but Turner broke the third wicket partnership when Bancroft, having accrued 29 from 23 balls with 4 fours, holed out to long-on.And 60-3 became 60-4 later in the same over, James Vince scoring a startling direct hit from mid-off to run out Ben Charlesworth without scoring. When Jack Taylor missed a straight one and was bowled by Fuller in the eleventh, the home side were in a spot of bother on 65 for 5.Australian seamer Neser piled the pressure onto Gloucestershire, having compatriot Webster held at long-on for a 27-ball 28 and then inducing Marchant de Lange to find long-off and finishing with 2 for 24 from four overs as the hosts further subsided to 74 for 7 by the end of the thirteenth.Gloucestershire needed something special and Matt Taylor did his best to oblige, helping himself to 3 sixes and a four on his way to a T20 career-best score of 27 from 14 balls and staging a restorative alliance of 42 in four overs with van Buuren before falling to Fuller in the seventeenth. Turner then accounted for David Payne and van Buuren, who raised 22 at a run a ball, as Gloucestershire were dismissed with 10 deliveries unused.Gloucestershire’s best hope of achieving an unlikely turnaround in fortunes, veteran left arm seamer Payne removed the openers inside his first two overs, bowling Ben McDermott and having Vince caught at the wicket to sow uncertainty in Hampshire ranks. His next over saw him pin Nick Gubbins lbw for 14 as the visitors lurched to 31 for 3.Joe Weatherley did a good job of calming any nerves in the Hampshire camp, scoring 24 in 25 balls and dominating a stand of 32 in 4.4 overs with Albert, only to then shuffle across his crease and fall lbw to de Lange with the score on 63. But the visitors were still well-placed when reaching halfway with only 57 more runs needed.Albert now took centre stage, finding the gaps, running hard between the wickets and punishing the poor ball when it came along to keep Hampshire on track. Former Gloucestershire man Fuller provided solid support at the other end and, once these two emerged intact from Payne’s final over, with 31 required from 42 balls, Hampshire’s success was more or less assured.In cruise control by the end, Albert had mustered six boundaries by the time Fuller was bowled by Ajeet Singh Dale, having made 27 from 23 balls. Howell then hit the winning boundary as the Hawks won with plenty to spare.