With the summer transfer window approaching, Aston Villa now reportedly lead the race to sign a Champions League striker who would cost them just over £33m in the coming months.

Aston Villa set to finally replace Duran

If those in the Midland believed that Unai Emery’s attacking options were too good to be true at the start of the season then they were quickly proven right in the January transfer window. The Villans were spoilt for choice with both Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran – both of whom were in excellent form in the opening stages of the season – but it was not a luxury that the latter appreciated.

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Often forced to perform in cameo roles as Emery’s super sub, Duran headed for the exit door in January, swapping the Midlands for Saudi Arabia and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr side. And whilst since then Marco Asensio has joined Marcus Rashford to add more firepower to their frontline, Villa need a permanent solution away from their loan deals.

With money still to burn from Duran’s sale, a fresh attacking option could be on the cards given recent links to previous target Joao Felix and now another Serie A star.

According to TeamTalk, Aston Villa are now leading the race to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus this summer ahead of their Premier League rivals. The Serbian striker has gradually fallen down the pecking order in Turn and new manager Igor Tudor has now reportedly been told to hand him game time in an attempt to maximise his value.

As things stand, Vlahovic is worth just €40m (£33.5m) in what would hand Villa the chance to land an undeniable bargain. Emery has already helped both Asensio and Rashford rediscover their best form and could now take a gamble on Vlahovic before doing the same next season.

"Amazing" Vlahovic needs Aston Villa move

Villa Park is the place to be for struggling stars to rediscover their golden touch and that may not be any different for Vlahovic. It’s worth noting that, even amid criticism as Juventus, the Serbia international has still scored 14 goals in all competitions in a record that could only improve given that he’s just 25 years old.

It wasn’t so long ago that the forward found himself at the centre of praise either, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig describing the Juventus man as “simply an amazing centre-forward when fully fit” midway through last season.

Juventus already made one mistake by letting Dean Huijsen leave for the Premier League last summer, before watching the defender thrive at Bournemouth. Now, a year on, Villa could take full advantage of their exit door swinging open once again as Vlahovic desperately seeks the chance to get back to his best.

Tottenham Hotspur have some major rebuilding to do if they’re to become genuine Premier League title contenders, with two big names now tipped to leave as part of the process.

Tottenham seal Europa League semi-final place after Thursday win

After a hard-fought victory at Eintracht Frankfurt, where Ange Postecoglou’s side were forced to dig deep and display truly heroic, last-gasp defending over a dogged showing, Spurs have now booked their place in the Europa League semi-finals.

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The technical director has a plan.

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Dominic Solanke’s penalty was enough to hand the Lilywhites a spot in the next round, where they will play fairy tale semi-finalists Bodo/Glimt, after the Norwegian minnows knocked out Lazio on penalties.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Tottenham showcased true professionalism to get the job done on a tough, hostile night in Germany, with Postecoglou’s side keeping their nerve on away soil and earning serious praise from their manager.

“Yeah, I’m delighted with many things, super proud of the lads,” said Postecoglou after Tottenham’s win at Eintracht.

“Going away from home, a quarter-final against a very good side, you know you’re going to have to work really hard, be really disciplined, and we needed to score. We had to show the quality we had as well.

“To a man, I just thought they were outstanding, so proud of them. In such a big game, they delivered a performance, and it means we’re through to a semi-final. I think over the two legs we deserved to go through. It could have been all over in the first leg, but we earned the right to be in the semi.”

Playmaker James Maddison put his body on the line to win Spurs the penalty which ultimately proved decisive, but according to talkSPORT pundit Troy Deeney, the England international is one of four players who could be sacrificed in the transfer market by chairman Daniel Levy.

Troy Deeney says Tottenham could let go of Son Heung-min and James Maddison

As well as Maddison, Deeney believes fellow big-name Son Heung-min could leave Tottenham soon.

The attacking stars, on a combined £260,000-per-week at N17, have both played mainstay roles under Postecoglou – but the pundit believes Spurs’ duo may well depart alongside the likes of Richarlison and Yves Bissouma.

“For me, he’s done a good job blooding the younger players and giving them the confidence to go and score a lot,” said Deeney on talkSPORT this week.

“Brennan Johnson, what is he on, about 16 goals now? I think they’re in a transition period, I think you could see the likes of Son [Heung-min] move on. Potentially [James] Maddison, [Yves] Bissouma, Richarlison, these guys will start moving on.

“And then obviously they have a lot of young players like Mikey Moore, but I still think they’re a little bit like Chelsea. They need one, maybe two, older pros just to be like, ‘We don’t do that here, this is how you win things.’

“And that’s the bit I think that they’re missing.”

Everton are nine games unbeaten in the Premier League. Nine. David Moyes lost his opener against Aston Villa after replacing the beleaguered Sean Dyche, but the progress has been otherwise breathtaking.

This Toffees team is a far cry from the previous version, refashioned only a few months ago with just Charly Alcaraz welcomed from the transfer gates in January.

If the 15th-placed club are to compete at a higher level over the coming years, it’s important that the market is well utilised. What Everton need is a superstar signing, comparatively speaking.

Well, The Friedkin Group certainly have a shock move lined up. You need only look over to Anfield Road to find this player’s signature.

Everton lining up move for Liverpool star

According to recent reports, via The Mirror, Everton are weighing up a move for Liverpool talent Ben Doak in what would be a shocking transfer. Doak has excelled on loan at Middlesbrough this season and Moyes is thoroughly impressed.

The Toffees are preparing to test the waters with a £25m offer, which falls into a similar ballpark as bids from Bournemouth and Crystal Palace back in January, both rebuffed by the Reds.

Dealings between the Merseyside rivals have been sparse in modern times. In fact, Abel Xavier is the last player to transfer directly between the two teams, joining Liverpool from Everton in 2002.

Everton could land their next Wayne Rooney

Let’s be honest, this would be as difficult a deal to orchestrate as any. However, saying that, Liverpool have been open to selling Doak in recent months and their ostensible interest in Jarrad Branthwaite suggests negotiations could be somewhat amenable.

And Doak would be worth the effort. Only 19, the Scotland winger has dazzled through the maiden years of his career, so brisk and powerful and purposeful down the right flank.

On that note, with Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom’s loans at Goodison Park wrapping up this summer, the urgency for a fresh right flanker is doubly important.

Across 24 Championship appearances this term (21 starts), he’s scored three goals and assisted seven more, leading former Scotland manager Craig Levein to say: “This kid could be a world-class player.”

Few teenagers carry themselves with such swagger and potency, but Doak’s certainly one of them. Moyes knows a thing or two about developing exciting prospects – he handed Wayne Rooney his professional debut, after all.

Rooney: scorer of great goals, leader of men. He’s one of the greatest footballers to do it in the Premier League, behind only Alan Shearer and Harry Kane in the division’s all-time scoring charts (with 208 goals).

Any youngster compared to the retired Three Lions captain is worth their salt, and Doak has indeed been claimed to have a stylistic semblance to Rooney, with his agent, Jackie McNamara, actually labelling him “a Scottish Wayne Rooney.”

His electric pace, his strong-limbed bursts into the danger area, do carry a hint of the former Premier League star, with Doak’s metrics from the 2024/25 campaign highlighting his barrelling style.

Goals scored

0.15

Top 69%

Assists

0.35

Top 9%

Shot-creating actions

4.15

Top 30%

Pass completion

79.1%

Top 21%

Progressive passes

2.83

Top 65%

Progressive carries

6.78

Top 1%

Successful take-ons

1.77

Top 24%

Everton need such a player, and Moyes has shown in the past that he has the tactical nous to bring the best out of such a youngster’s talent.

Now, it boils down to Liverpool and Everton’s ability to negotiate. It won’t be easy, but this could be quite the deal if pulled off.

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Everton are planning to strengthen in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 31, 2025

With Liverpool looking as though they’re set to claim the Premier League title this season, Arne Slot has the chance to build on his first-season success next year.

The Reds have only lost two matches in the league to date, showcasing how impressive they have been during the Dutchman’s debut year at the helm after taking over from Jürgen Klopp.

Any chances of building on their success have been given a major boost after the news that Mohamed Salah signed a new two-year deal on Merseyside earlier today.

With the Egyptian set to continue at Anfield, the 46-year-old can turn his attention to the transfer market, targeting players who could allow for further success in the years ahead.

Slot’s wasted no time in identifying talents to add to his already impressive squad, making moves to land a player who could massively strengthen one department of the pitch.

Liverpool plotting summer move for talented attacker

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool have completed their scouting and are leading the race for Feyenoord’s talented winger Igor Paixao this summer.

The 24-year-old has registered 14 goals and 13 assists within his 41 appearances throughout 2024/25, with six of his contributions coming within the Champions League.

Despite the interest, they face strong competition from fellow Premier League side Arsenal and Serie A duo Atalanta and Napoli, with Slot needing to pull out all the stops to win the race for his signature.

The report also states that the Brazilian could be tempted by a move to England’s top flight, with a real belief that he has all the tools to be a leading talent in the division.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Paixao would set the Reds back this summer, he would be a superb addition – potentially being the club’s best left-winger since one star departed.

Why Paixao could be Liverpool’s best LW since Mane

Sadio Mané joined Liverpool in a £34m deal from Southampton back in the summer of 2016, with the Senegalese international thriving beyond all imagination during his time at Anfield.

The now-33-year-old registered a total of 269 appearances during his six-year stint at the club, notching 120 goals – helping them claim four major honours during his spell on Merseyside.

He was part of a phenomenal front three along with Salah and Roberto Firmino, with the trio undoubtedly being the key reason behind the success they endured under Klopp.

However, Mane would leave for Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022, with Luis Diaz subsequently having the responsibility of filling the void left by the fan-favourite.

Whilst the Colombian has impressed at times, he’s struggled to produce his best performance levels on a consistent basis, as seen by his tally of 10 goals in 30 league matches throughout 2024/25.

When comparing the 28-year-old’s stats with Paixao from the ongoing season, the Feyenoord star has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas – further showing why he’d be the Reds’ best left-winger since Mane.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “explosive” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed to register more combined goals and assists this season, whilst also registering more shots per 90 – showcasing his attacking qualities in the final third.

Games played

28

30

Goals & assists

21

15

Shots taken

2.2

2

Through balls completed

0.2

0.01

Tackles won

1.7

1.2

Crosses completed

3.1

0.7

Aerials won

50%

46%

He’s also completed more crosses and won more of the aerials he’s entered this campaign, offering Slot a more all-around presence than Diaz – having the tools to thrive should he move to Anfield.

Given the stats produced compared to the Colombian, it’s evident that he would be an upgrade on him, subsequently being the best forward since Mane, given the fact Diaz has been the man to fill the void.

Should Paixao reach anywhere near the levels achieved by the former Southampton ace on Merseyside, he would be a phenomenal addition, handing Slot the chance to build on his early success at the club.

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Enzo Maresca had to stress that he still has the backing of the board after Chelsea lost 2-1 to Legia Warsaw in the Conference League.

The Blues had won 3-0 away from home the week before, but there’s no denying that results haven’t been good enough for some time, with fans frustrated about Maresca’s supposed pragmatic tactics on the ball.

Five wins from 16 in all competitions make a telling comment on the issues, further compounded by Cole Palmer’s ongoing dry spell in front of goal.

Nicolas Jackson has also struggled for form since returning from injury this month, and it’s clear a new centre-forward needs to be signed this summer.

In fact, the club have already done due diligence on one of Europe’s hottest number nines and are prepared to make a bid.

Chelsea set to bid for new striker

According to Spanish reports, Chelsea are set to make a bid for Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, 29, this summer as Maresca looks to strengthen his ailing frontline.

Juventus and Napoli are also believed to be monitoring Guirassy’s situation, but Chelsea hold financial sway over the Serie A sides and may yet secure a pathway through to next year’s Champions League.

Though The Yellow Wall would seek to recoup €70m (£59m) for last year’s investment, this would be an affordable figure for one of the game’s most efficient goalscorers of recent years.

Why Chelsea should sign Serhou Guirassy

Guirassy, hitherto a relative unknown, rose to prominence with his prolific performances for Stuttgart last season. However, his success since transferring to Dortmund last summer has shown he’s more than a flash-in-the-pan.

24/25 – Bor. Dortmund

40

28

8

23/24 – Stuttgart

30

30

3

22/23 – Stuttgart

29

14

2

21/22 – Rennes

48

12

3

20/21 – Rennes

33

14

1

As the Guinean striker’s career will tell you, development isn’t linear. Raheem Sterling, for example, has been on the decline in recent years and is just one year Guirassy’s senior.

But Guirassy has come on leaps and bounds, with German legend Lothar Matthaus actually praising him as “one of the best strikers in Europe.”

Though English football is a whole ‘nother wheelhouse, Dortmund’s number nine is also the Champions League top scorer this season, leapfrogging Raphinha after bagging a hat-trick against La Blaugrana before bowing out on aggregate.

Guirassy’s 28-goal haul this term is beyond even Palmer’s return last season, 27 goals across 48 matches in all competitions. It suggests that at the least he would be an upgrade on Jackson, who started strong this term but has since foundered, criticised for being “erratic and wasteful” by Blues podcaster Rob Lawman.

Jackson, 23, has gone 11 matches without scoring in the Premier League and continues to miss promising chances in the final third, squandering a staggering 42 big chances since arriving on English shores, notching only 23 goals.

As per FBref, Guirassy ranks among the top 10% of centre-forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 10% for pass completion and the top 14% for aerial duels won per 90.

His Stuttgart success wasn’t an isolated thing, after all.

Looking at the 6 foot 1 striker’s clinical shooting, just 38 big chances missed across the past two Bundesliga terms, having scored 43 times, it’s clear to see why Maresca would want to add him to the mix, especially when considering his crisp passing and composed head too.

Jackson has ebbed and flowed since leaving Villarreal for Chelsea in 2023, signing for a £52m fee, and you can see the difference in composure and incisiveness in the final third between the strikers in question.

Ultimately, Chelsea need to raise the bar in front of goal next season if they are to go one further and challenge for the title, challenge for multiple titles.

Guirassy, proven as one of Europe’s most deadly forwards, would fit the bill, and perhaps ease Jackson’s burden as he continues to add the blocks to his skill set.

Best signing since Palmer: Chelsea now favourites to sign £85m "diamond"

Chelsea can seal their best signing since Palmer with this “English diamond”

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Manchester United have now agreed personal terms with a striker following talks with his entourage, but they must shell out €75m (£64m) to get a deal done, according to a report.

Man Utd's striker pursuit heating up

Following the late heroics against Lyon to progress to the Europa League semi-finals, Ruben Amorim would’ve been hoping to ride the momentum into the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend, but his side came up short in a 1-0 defeat.

It was a drab affair at Old Trafford, with Rasmus Hojlund once again failing to find the back of the net in the Premier League, having scored just one goal in his last 18 games, which highlights the need for a replacement to be brought in this summer.

The Red Devils and INEOS are now stepping up their pursuit of a new striker, and they are believed to be on the verge of signing Wolves star Matheus Cunha, having held positive talks over a deal for the Brazilian.

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Cunha is not the only option, however, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap also on the list of targets ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), there has now been a promising update in Manchester United’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen, as they are believed to have reached an agreement in principle on personal terms.

United have held talks with Osimhen’s entourage, and negotiations appear to be going well, with the striker seemingly keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, and Amorim’s side are now becoming more determined to get a deal done.

A deal will not be cheap, however, as the Red Devils will have to fork out the forward’s €75m (£64m) release clause, which only applies to clubs outside of Italy.

"World-class" Osimhen could be huge upgrade on Hojlund

Lauded as “world-class” by members of the media, the Nigerian is enjoying a fantastic season on loan at Galatasaray, amassing an incredible 30 goals in 35 matches across all competitions, while also providing seven assists.

Albeit playing in a much weaker league, the 26-year-old is vastly outscoring Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, and he has proven himself in one of Europe’s top leagues in the past, scoring 26 Serie A goals en-route to Napoli’s title triumph in the 2022-23 season.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Turkish Süper Lig

25

21

4

Europa League

7

6

2

Turkish Cup

3

3

1

Osimhen could be a fantastic signing for Man United this summer, at which point signing a new striker should be one of their main priorities, given that Hojlund and Zirkzee cannot be relied upon as a regular source of goals.

Rangers and prospective new owners the 49ers Enterprises have been making early moves for a new Ibrox manager in Europe.

Rangers and 49ers release statement on takeover

The rumours over a takeover at Rangers involving the 49ers have gone into overdrive in recent months, with previous claims suggesting that there was confidence of a deal being completed ahead of the 2025/26 season.

In recent days, Rangers and the consortium have issued a joint statement, saying to Sky Sports: “Rangers and its existing controlling shareholders are in productive conversations with the two lead members of the Consortium, Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group, about the potential for the Consortium to acquire control of the club and to inject additional capital. These discussions reflect a shared recognition of the importance of Rangers FC’s long-term direction, ambitions and management.”

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One of their first tasks in Glasgow will be to appoint a new permanent manager, with the Gers currently having Barry Ferguson in interim charge until the end of the campaign after parting ways with Philippe Clement.

Ferguson is keen on the Rangers job on a full-time basis and vowed to make the club “better” if he is given the opportunity.

“In terms of in the future, managing elsewhere, no. I enjoyed my role at Rangers before, and if that’s not going to be managing, then hopefully I’ll just go back to that and enjoy what I was doing. If I get the job, I will make my club a better club. If I don’t get the job I will still support the club.”

Rangers last 5 permanent managers

Philippe Clement

2023-2025

Michael Beale

2022-2023

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

2021-2022

Steven Gerrard

2018-2021

Pedro Caixinha

2017

However, it looks as if the 49ers have other plans in mind when it comes to a new Rangers boss, going off an update from The Athletic.

Rangers and 49ers hold manager talks in Europe

According to The Athletic, relayed by Give Me Sport, Rangers and the 49ers have been holding talks with managers in Europe ahead of a potential summer move.

No specific names are mentioned, however, 49ers technical director Gretar Steinsson has held Rangers discussions with managerial candidates across Europe.

There have been a few managers in Europe who have been linked with the Ibrox role, including Jose Mourinho who is currently in charge of Fenerbahce. As we know, Ferguson and Rangers got the better of Mourinho and Fenerbahce in the Europa League earlier this year.

Marco Rose, who has links with Red Bull and by extension the 49ers due to the connection at Leeds United, is another who has been mooted as a potential target after he left RB Leipzig in March.

It will be interesting to see what route the 49ers go down in regards to bringing in a new manager, but they aren’t wasting time with Steinsson working behind the scenes.

Rangers icon Ally McCoist has been reacting to claims of an Ibrox move for a £15,000-a-week Celtic star.

Rangers and 49ers planning for exciting summer transfer window

The Gers are in the process of being taken over by the 49ers Enterprises, who have agreed a deal in principle at Ibrox. There is confidence a deal will be completed ahead of the 2025/26 season, and the 49ers seemingly have some exciting transfer plans at Rangers.

He's signing for Rangers: Ibrox chiefs now set for talks on fee for 22 y/o

He’ll soon be on his way to Glasgow.

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Reports have suggested that the 49ers could give a new Rangers boss more than £20m to spend on new players this summer, and they are aware that they can sign loanee Vaclav Cerny on a permanent transfer.

Rangers have until the end of May to sign Cerny for around £5.5m, and elsewhere, those at Ibrox are set for talks with Dundee over a fee for Lyall Cameron.

The 22-year-old has penned a pre-contract agreement with Rangers, but the two clubs are yet to agree on a compensation package, which could result in a tribunal.

McCoist reacts to Rangers claims of move for Celtic’s Greg Taylor

Recently, Celtic left-back Greg Taylor has been linked with a move to Rangers. Michael Stewart have backed the defender to move across Glasgow when his £15,000-a-week deal at Celtic expires in the summer.

However, talking to the media, relayed by Rangers Review, McCoist said it would be “madness” for the Gers to sign Taylor due to already having Ridvan Yilmaz and Jefte, although he does feel Taylor is good enough to play for Rangers.

“He absolutely could get in the team and play, I don’t have any doubt about that. He’s a good player. In this day and age, it’s probably not as big a deal as it was years and years ago. But I definitely think he could play in the team.

“The only thing I would say is, you have two left-sided players there already in Yilmaz and Jefte. So, for that reason, he’s not a priority. I think Rangers have got far bigger priorities in terms of positions that they should address and will address.

Games

209

Goals

9

Assists

32

Trophies

10

“But if you are asking me if he’s good enough to play in the team? Without a doubt. I don’t see any reason why not. I was around when wee Mo did it, so after wee Mo, anything is possible! It wouldn’t be as big a deal as wee Mo, there’s nothing that would be as big a deal as wee Mo.

“You talk about Elvis, Kenny Miller, Alfie Conn… so I don’t think it’s such a big deal as years gone by. I just can’t see it happening because Rangers have got two left-sided players in that position. It would be madness for Rangers to go and strengthen in that position where they’ve got cover and they need strengthening in other positions.”

Arsenal transfer chiefs have been told exactly what they need to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, with the Gunners given a “clear” message behind-the-scenes.

Arsenal's shortlist of summer striker targets for Mikel Arteta

Alongside Gyokeres, new sporting director Andrea Berta is believed to be looking at a number of centre-forwards to potentially move for in the summer transfer window.

Arteta has "serious" wish to sign £40m star with Arsenal contact made

The Gunners boss is “huge fan”.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 16, 2025

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is taking the Premier League by storm yet again this season, racking up 24 goals and six assists in all competitions, and reliable media sources indicate Gyokeres’ international teammate is actually a “dream” target for Arsenal (Ben Jacobs).

However, while Isak is reportedly top of Mikel Arteta’s wishlist, a move for the Swede is less viable considering his rumoured price tag stands at a minimum of £150 million.

Arsenal want to bolster the goalkeeping position, full-back area, in midfield and sign further upgrades out wide in the summer (GiveMeSport), so Berta simply cannot afford to splash such a figure on just one signing, no matter the quality.

RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko is another striker target for Arsenal, and one who could leave for just £62 million, due to the value of his current release clause (Sky Sports). The Slovenian boasts 19 goals in all competitions, and Arsenal did attempt to sign Sesko as a top target last summer, so this could still be one to watch.

The competition for his signature will be fierce, as a host of elite Premier League sides, including Chelsea and Man United, are also reportedly looking to bring in a prolific number nine this summer.

The same can be said of Gyokeres, who has been repeatedly linked with a move to N5 recently as interest in the former Coventry City star grows stronger from Arsenal’s side.

There are even reports that Arsenal are ready to offer Gyokeres a £192,000-per-week contract to join Arteta’s side, and now Romano has shared a fresh update on their pursuit of the 26-year-old.

Arsenal told price to sign Viktor Gyokeres "in recent days"

Writing in a column for GiveMeSport, Romano claims Arsenal have been given a “clear” communication over Gyokeres’ price “in recent days/weeks”.

The Primeira Liga sensation can leave for much less than his £86 million release clause, namely a fee of up to £60 million, with add-ons, deal structure and payment terms still to be discussed.

Berta is also said to be a huge fan of his, so the Italian’s stance on a deal is also crystal clear. While Gyokeres has been a pivotal player for the Portuguese heavyweights, racking up a sensational 44 goals and 11 assists in all competitions this season, the club are impressed with his conduct since last summer as well.

He’s made no trouble behind-closed-doors over a transfer and has behaved professionally, meaning Sporting are more inclined to help facilitate his dream move, with the Premier League looking more and more like a credible destination.

Gyokeres’ quality is evident for all to see, and often doesn’t get discussed enough, and some around the game are convinced he’s actually a “massively underrated” player for all he’s achieved in terms of a very impressive goalscoring record.

It’s arguably a mystery why no club has invested in the forward’s capture just yet, but it probably won’t be long now.

When Liverpool won the 2019/20 Premier League, ending thirty years of much-jeered hurt, the celebrations were muted somewhat by the restrictions imposed by the pandemic.

There were no such impediments on Sunday, with Liverpool blowing Tottenham Hotspur away to seal the top-flight title and send a city into an elated frenzy that, for many, has been a lifetime in the making.

It was a truly incredible occasion, Arne Slot coolly leading his team through the 2024/25 campaign and back toward the perch from which Liverpool last sat under Jurgen Klopp, five years ago.

Few saw it coming, but Liverpool have capitalised on Manchester City’s staggering drop-off and Arsenal’s inconsistency to steer toward their 20th title, levelling with Manchester United.

Mohamed Salah has been the on-field architect, scoring 28 goals and supplying 18 assists in the league alone this year. The individual accolades will abound when all is said and done.

However, he’s not been alone in his brilliance. Luis Diaz has certainly earned his flowers after an immense campaign.

Luis Diaz has stepped up for Liverpool

Diaz, 28, hasn’t always been the flavour of the month at Anfield, with fans sometimes frustrated by the Colombian’s inconsistency in front of goal.

However, he’s been in fine fettle this year, posting 16 goals and eight assists across all competitions, including eight direct involvements across his past ten Premier League outings.

Though Diaz’s stock is high and there is justification within the argument that Liverpool should cash in this summer, he’s been a source of selflessness and quality all year, especially in recent weeks.

With Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa all in danger of being sold, Diaz and Salah should form a core part of Slot’s system once again.

They are brilliant forwards of varying strengths. Slot loves both of them. So much, it seems, that Liverpool are interested in signing a player who is an amalgamation of the two.

Liverpool ready to bid for new forward

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are in the race for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, who is expected to leave the Serie A club this summer.

Barcelona appear to have the lead in the race, having made contact with the Nigerian’s representatives, but given that his market price stands at €65m (£55m), Liverpool may see a chance to steal ahead of the financially-troubled Spaniards.

The 27-year-old also has suitors in Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United, however, with all five interested clubs said to be ‘planning’ to hold talks ahead of a summer move.

Why Ademola Lookman could be perfect for Slot

An alleged breakdown in relationship with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has left Lookman determined to leave the club this summer.

Last year’s hat-trick hero in the Europa League final, to be sure, has the dynamic skills that a club such as Liverpool are looking for this summer, developing a sharp goalscoring edge over the past few years to complement his athletic underlying skill set.

Hailed as a “superstar” by journalist Sean Walsh after his staggering triumph over hitherto invincible Bayer Leverkusen, Lookman is the giant-killer, the resurgent sensation who has bounced back from a tough start to life in the Premier League, never quite hitting his stride with Everton, Fulham and Leicester City.

Across the past two campaigns for the Nerazzurri, Lookman has scored 35 goals and supplied 17 assists across all competitions. His multi-facetedness suggests he would be a perfect fit in Slot’s Liverpool squad.

As per FBref, Lookman ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 2% for touches in the attacking penalty area

His combination of fleet-footedness and clinical shooting has led the data-driven site to record Salah and Diaz as two of his most comparable players, which only strengthens the argument for FSG to make their move.

Diaz might not have Salah’s predatory instinct in front of goal, but his pace, power and ability to shift between the flank and a makeshift centre-forward position have been essential this term.

Lookman is cut from a similar cloth, but one which also contains Salah’s prolificness.

Atalanta

115

50

24

Charlton

49

12

3

Everton

48

4

2

Leicester

42

8

5

Fulham

35

4

4

RB Leipzig

24

5

4

Though many supporters would hope for an out-and-out number nine this summer, Lookman’s dynamism has already been proven to work within Slot’s system through the efforts of Salah and Diaz.

Moreover, his title-winning hat-trick bespeaks a propensity for the big stage, further evidence that Lookman’s electric movements and deadly outlook have been refined to a point which could see him return to the Premier League as a bona fide success.

Lookman has developed a potent quality in the danger area while bringing an intense kind of energy to the fold. It’s not out of the question, given his positional versatility, that Slot would get his hands on a hybrid version of Salah and Diaz, one who could prove the difference-maker in winning multiple major honours next year and beyond.

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