All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Leeds United have had a busy summer transfer window, with a large focus on strengthening their attack.

Despite finishing as the Championship’s leading goalscorers last term, Daniel Farke’s side have concentrated on signing new forwards to help add to their forward line ahead of their relegation fight from the Premier League.

Two of their new additions have been free transfers, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin switching to Elland Road after his Everton contract expired, and Lukas Nmecha joining from Wolfsburg. Their other addition in attacking areas was that of AC Milan and Switzerland star Noah Okafor.

However, Farke is clearly still keen to add attacking depth to his side. Leeds are linked with a late move for yet another attacker.

Leeds push for new attacker

As the Whites’ search for a fourth attacker in the window goes on, they have been linked with a shock move for former Chelsea and Tottenham star Timo Werner. However, the RB Leipzig star rejected the newly-promoted side.

Transfer Focus

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

Instead, Farke and his side could make a move for a Ligue 1 star.

That’s according to a report from Sky Sports who say that Leeds are said to be looking for a ‘versatile forward’ in the next few days, and Strasbourg star Dilane Bakwa is a player ‘of interest’ to the 49ers group.

Leeds have been smart with their money on forwards this summer, making those two free signings, so there could be room left in the budget.

That is money that would be needed in this deal, given that Bakwa has been reportedly valued at £30m by Strasbourg this summer.

Why Bakwa would be a good signing

France U21 international Bakwa has certainly garnered a huge reputation in Ligue 1. He ticks the versatile attacker box that Leeds are looking for, and can play on both the right flank and as a centre-forward.

Last season, the 23-year-old, who hails from Creteil, just outside of Paris, played a huge part in Strasbourg reaching the UEFA Conference League. In 30 top-flight appearances for Liam Rosenior’s side, he bagged six goals and assisted a further nine.

The Strasbourg number 26 has already started the new campaign on fire. In the first two Ligue 1 games of the season, he has two assists, including this pinpoint cross to Emmanuel Emegha, which the striker headed home.

If Leeds manage to agree a deal to bring Bakwa to Yorkshire, they’d love for him to replicate the impact of their last great signing from Ligue 1, Raphinha.

Of course, the Brazilian is a Ballon d’Or contender for Barcelona, and has been on fire under Hansi Flick for the past 12 months.

Looking back at his days at Elland Road will surely always remind Leeds supporters just how good he was in White.

The Brazilian superstar played 67 times for the club, scoring 17 goals and assisting 12. Strikes like this against Everton were what made him so deadly.

Well, there are certainly similarities between Raphinha and Leeds’ potential new signing Bakwa. The attacker is also lighting up Ligue 1 before his prospective move to Elland Road, and is predominantly a right-winger but can lead the line, just like his Brazilian counterpart.

When looking at the underlying statistics from their most recent seasons in Ligue 1, it is easy to see why Bakwa could be the second coming of Raphinha at Leeds.

For example, the Frenchman averaged 3.86 progressive carries and 0.51 goals and assists per game last season, compared to the former Rennes winger’s tally of 3.40 progressive carries and 0.43 assists per 90 minutes.

Goals and assists

0.51

0.43

Progressive passes

4.66

3.67

Goal-creating actions

0.58

0.27

Progressive carries

3.86

3.4

Ball recoveries

3.32

5.21

A fee of £30m is a big investment just days before the transfer window slams shut, but Bakwa could be worth it for Leeds.

He is a “menacing” attacker, according to football scout Antonio Mango, and can hurt Premier League defenders with his efficiency in the final third.

If Bakwa can replace Raphinha, then he will be well-loved by Leeds fans this season and beyond.

Better than Okafor: Leeds eye last-minute move to sign "unplayable" star

Leeds United are reportedly eyeing up a last-minute move to sign a star who is even better than Noah Okafor.

2 ByDan Emery Aug 27, 2025

Glasgow Rangers play their first competitive game of the 2025/26 campaign on Tuesday night as they prepare for the first leg of their Champions League qualifier at Ibrox.

The Light Blues will be hoping to take an advantage back to Greece the following week in their bid to make the next stage of the qualifying process, as they look to qualify for the league phase of the competition.

Russell Martin may not have the perfect squad to choose from on Tuesday night, though, as new signing Thelo Aasgaard is a doubt through injury.

The Scottish head coach has also confirmed that fellow new signing Djeidi Gassama will not be fit to start the game because of a “disrupted” pre-season, but the Frenchman will be a part of the Rangers squad.

Gassama recently signed for the Scottish Premiership giants from English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on a permanent deal, but supporters look set to have to wait to see him from the start.

That is a shame for Martin, Rangers, and the fans because his performances for the Owls in the 2024/25 campaign suggest that he is a very exciting player.

What Djeidi Gassama could bring to Rangers

On paper, supporters may look at Gassama’s numbers from last season and think that he is a goalscoring winger who does not create much for his teammates.

That is because he ended the campaign with a haul of seven goals and one assist in 43 outings in the Championship, which suggests that scoring goals is his biggest offensive attribute.

Whilst that may still be true, Gassama’s underlying numbers suggest that his teammates were the reason why he only had one assist to his name, rather than because of a lack of quality or creativity on his part.

xG

5.92

Top 16%

Goals

7

Top 14%

Shots on target

23

Top 14%

Chances created

38

Top 23%

xA

2.54

Top 32%

Assists

1

Bottom 27%

Touches in the opposition box

153

Top 6%

As you can see in the table above, his teammates only finished one of the 38 chances he created for them, and he underperformed his xA by almost two assists.

These statistics suggest that the 21-year-old starlet is a winger who will provide goals and creativity down the left flank, which is why he could be an exciting player for Rangers supporters to watch.

The Light Blues need a quality centre-forward to make the most of his creativity, though, and they are reportedly interested in a star who would fit the bill.

Rangers ready to pursue prolific forward

According to Football Insider, Rangers are eyeing up multiple experienced players to come in and improve the leadership within their dressing room this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

The report claims that Leicester City centre-back Conor Coady and free agent centre-forward Luuk De Jong are both being lined up to be ‘huge figures’ in the dressing room next season.

It states that the Gers are ready to step up their pursuit of both players, as Martin looks to bolster the quality within his side, and De Jong is available as a free agent.

The Dutch centre-forward left PSV at the start of the month, after his contract with the Dutch team expired, and this means that the Light Blues could sign him for nothing this summer.

Rangers want to sign De Jong, as well as Coady, to bring leadership and experience to the squad, but the 34-year-old star would also bring quality and could be the perfect striker for Gassama.

Why Luuk De Jong would be perfect for Djeidi Gassama

The former Barcelona marksman would be the perfect centre-forward for Gassama for multiple reasons, not least because he is a prolific goalscorer.

De Jong scored at least 18 goals in each of the last three seasons for PSV, scoring 18 in the 2022/23 campaign, 38 in the 2023/24 season, and 18 last term, showing that he has not slowed down in front of goal despite his age.

This suggests that he has the goalscoring pedigree and knack for finding the back of the net to make the most of the creativity that Gassama has the potential to provide on the left flank.

De Jong could, therefore, be a dream number nine for the French winger because his goalscoring quality in the final third could result in the former Sheffield Wednesday man racking up way more than one assist next season.

As aforementioned, though, Gassama is also a winger who has the quality to provide goals on a fairly regular basis from the left flank, as shown by his seven-goal haul in the Championship last season.

De Jong would also be perfect for the ex-Paris Saint-Germain youngster in that respect because he is a number nine who has the ability to consistently create high-quality chances for his teammates.

Appearances

24

34

31

Goals

14

29

14

Chances created

20

67

55

xA

3.16

7.35

5.92

Assists

4

15

8

As you can see in the table above, the Dutchman racked up 23 assists in the last two Eredivisie seasons with PSV, which shows that he has the potential to provide Gassama with plenty of chances to find the back of the net.

Whereas, Dessers, for example, has only assisted six goals in 70 matches in the Scottish Premiership for Rangers in the last two seasons, since his move to the club from Cremonese in 2023.

De Jong, who was described as an “exemplary” professional by Xavi during his time at Barcelona, is a complete number nine who offers experience, goals, and assists.

This is why he could be the perfect signing for Rangers, as they look for quality and leadership, as well as being the perfect signing for Gassama, who would have a striker to finish the chances he creates as well as a forward who can create chances for him to score.

Creates room for Rak-Sakyi: Rangers want to sell Dowell & "blistering" flop

Rangers can create space for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi as they look to sell several first-team players.

ByDan Emery Jul 17, 2025

The Premier League has some hugely wealthy owners in its ranks, but who comes out on top out of the 20 clubs when it comes to net worth?

Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has grown into the best and most famous league in world football, proving to be the envy of so many divisions across the globe.

Some of the best footballers on the planet have plied their trade in England’s top flight, and numerous clubs have gone on to win the Champions League down the years, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.

All 20 Premier League managers' salaries (lowest to highest)

How much each Premier League gaffer earns.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 21, 2025

There is a huge gap in wealth between the clubs fighting for relegation and those going for the biggest prizes, however, with the latter afforded the luxury of being able to spend vast sums of money on players. The question is: which team has the richest owners currently when it comes to net worth?

20 Alan Pace net worth – £190m Burnley

Starting the countdown are Burnley, with owner Alan Pace in charge since 2018, helping the Clarets make a swift return to the Premier League after their relegation in 2021/22 and again in 2024/25.

It is stated that his current net worth is around £190m.

19 Matthew Benham net worth – £220m Brentford

Brentford feel like one of the best-run clubs in the Premier League, spending within their means and building a superb new stadium, and much of that is down to the brilliance of owner Matthew Benham.

The 57-year-old also owns Danish side FC Midtjylland and is renowned for making his fortune through companies such as Matchbook and Smartodds.

18 Tony Bloom net worth – £1.3bn Brighton & Hove Albion

Like Brentford, there is something that feels seamless about the manner in which Brighton operate on a daily basis, and owner Tony Bloom deserves a huge amount of praise for that.

He is a lifelong Seagulls supporter and acquired the club way back in 2009, leading them all the way to the Premier League and making them an established top-flight club.

17 Kyril Louis-Dreyfus net worth – £2bn Sunderland

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus became the youngest chairman in English football when he took over at Sunderland back in 2021 at the age of just 23.

The Swiss owner has since helped transform the Black Cats off the pitch, helping them finally return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence.

16 William P. Foley net worth – £2.1bn Bournemouth

Bournemouth almost feel like the minnows of the Premier League in many ways, perhaps due to the size of the Vitality Stadium, but they have an owner worth over £2bn.

William P. Foley is an American billionaire who also owns ice hockey outfit Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL, not to mention Ligue 1 side FC Lorient.

15 Evangelos Marinakis net worth – £3.3bn Nottingham Forest

Up next are Nottingham Forest and their unmissible leader Evangelous Marinakis, who certainly hasn’t played it safe when it comes to transfers, giving the Reds lots of new players since their return to the Premier League.

His net worth of over £3bn is a vast amount, and he also owns Greek giants Olympiakos.

14 Woody Johnson, David Blitzer, Josh Harris, Steve Parish net worth – £4.3bn Crystal Palace

Completing the bottom half are Crystal Palace, who have done well to become a solid Premier League team more likely to finish around mid-table than in the relegation zone, while also lifting the FA Cup title in 2025.

One of the co-owners, Josh Harris, is also the main man at NHL side New Jersey Devils and NBA outfit Philadelphia 76ers, while Steve Parish has been in his role as chairman since 2010.

13 Guo Guangchang, Liang Xinjun, Wang Qunbin (FOSUN) net worth – £4.4bn Wolves

Guo Guangchang has been a transformative figure at Wolves since becoming their owner in 2016, at a point when they were still languishing in the Championship.

Since then, they have had their ups and downs in the Premier League, but the £45m that he acquired Wanderers for pales into insignificance when comparing it to their current valuation.

12 Joe Lewis, Daniel Levy net worth – £4.5bn Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham are still fronted by Daniel Levy and Joe Lewis, with the former still very much the more prominent face of the club, even though the latter has the bigger share.

There has been frustration that managers haven’t been given enough money to spend, given the wealth of the owners, which, when you look at their fortunes, may seem fair. However, Spurs did finally end their long wait for a trophy by lifting the Europa League in 2025.

11 49ers Enterprises net worth – £5.2bn Leeds United

The 49ers Enterprises have been involved with Leeds United since 2018 but completed a majority takeover in 2023 following the club’s relegation to the Championship.

Since then, the American investment group, who have some high-profile names such as actor Will Ferrell and golfers Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, have helped take Leeds back to the top flight.

Manchester United are now showing serious interest in signing an £85 million midfielder from a Club World Cup side, according to a recent report.

Man Utd chasing multiple strikers amid search for new front three

The current focus at Old Trafford remains on completing the signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, but once that deal is done, United will switch their attentions to completing the rest of their new-look front three with a new number nine.

A better move than Ekitike: Man Utd preparing bid for "top-class" £44m ST

Manchester United appear top be making more moves for a striker ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 23, 2025

Rasmus Hojlund looks as though he could be moved on by the Red Devils this summer to make way for a new striker. Indeed, reports have already emerged that Hojlund has given the go ahead to join Inter Milan.

Meanwhile, United are assessing their options for who could replace the Dane. Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres looked to be one of their preferred targets, given his connection with Ruben Amorim, but they have now moved onto other targets.

Hugo Ekitike is a player who has emerged as a strong candidate to become United’s new number nine in recent weeks. The Premier League side have held talks with his representatives over a move to Old Trafford, although it’s claimed that Eintracht Frankfurt would want around £85 million.

But there are also two new names in the frame, as reports over the weekend revealed United are interested in signing Moise Kean from Fiorentina, after he scored 19 goals in Serie A last season, and United are seriously considering a move to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

Man Utd showing serious interest in Richard Rios

As well as signing a new centre-forward, it’s been well publicised that Amorim wants a new midfielder, and they may now have found their ideal target. According to reports relayed by The Express, Man United are interested in signing Richard Rios from Palmeiras.

Rios is now a concrete target for the Red Devils, as they are seriously interested in a transfer, but a move will have to wait until after Palmeiras’ Club World Cup campaign has come to an end.

The report states that United are likely to prioritise signing a defensive midfielder this summer, as captain Bruno Fernandes is set for a deeper role next season, given the arrival of Matheus Cunha and the potential arrival of Mbeumo.

Rios, who has been described as a “ball-carrying machine” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, has been at Palmeiras since March 2023. The 25-year-old has become a key performer for the Brazilian side, as shown in the Club World Cup, where he’s played and started both games so far, drawing with Porto and beating Ahly SC.

Apps

2

Starts

2

Minutes per game

89

Total shots

1.5

Touches

43.0

Key passes

1.0

Passing accuracy per game

18.5 (77%)

Interceptions per game

3.0

Tackles per game

2.0

Balls recovered per game

5.5

Total duels won

7.0 (54%)

It is reported that Rios has a staggering £85 million release clause in his contract, which could be considered a lot for the Red Devils. Either way, signing Rios may have to be put on hold until they balance the books and move a few of the unwanted players on first. Rios’ potential arrival at Old Trafford would see him join Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer as the defensive-minded midfielders in the squad.

Well, if Arsenal didn’t already need a new striker, one look at their first six fixtures of the new Premier League season tells you they certainly do.

Andrea Berta has replaced Edu and he’d been completing negotiations on a number of targets but now is the time to strike and ensure the Gunners are ready to hit the ground running once the campaign commences in August.

17th Aug

Manchester United (A)

23rd Aug

Leeds United (H)

30th Aug

Liverpool (A)

13th Sept

Nottingham Forest (H)

20th Sept

Manchester City (H)

27th Sept

Newcastle United (A)

Truth be told, Mikel Arteta and Co couldn’t have been handed a much tougher start with away fixtures at United, Liverpool and Newcastle, while having to play newly-promoted Leeds and title rivals Man City.

So, this squad needs to be ready. It needs extra firepower. But, the age-old question, who will they sign?

The latest on Arsenal's striker hunt

Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are the two names that feature most prominently on Arsenal’s summer wish list but both deals, at the moment, look complicated.

Gyokeres – the scorer of an enormous 54 goals in 2024/25 – is likely to leave Sporting but Portuguese reports revealed earlier this week that Arsenal have so far yet to meet the Lisbon club’s demands. As a result, they’ve put their pursuit of the Swede on hold.

That means that Sesko has become the number one target again. One report comes from journalist Graeme Bailey who now insists that ‘Sesko is still the furthest along in terms of a deal being done’.

That said, if a deal cannot be agreed, Bailey reveals that ‘it wouldn’t take an awful lot for Arsenal to divert’ their attention elsewhere.

Transfer Focus

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

Gyokeres is name-dropped, while Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike are also on the shortlist.

While Arsenal tried and failed to sign Watkins last January, Ekitike isn’t a name we’ve heard mentioned too often in Arsenal circles. Up to now, the race has been between Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

What Ekitike could bring to Arsenal

Arsenal need goals. In 2024/25, no player recorded double figures in the Premier League. Kai Havertz was the top scorer with just 15 – albeit with the caveat that he missed several months through injury – and Mikel Merino ended the campaign as the centre-forward.

To Merino’s credit, he did a fine job, scoring six goals in 12 games. Obviously, that wasn’t enough to help them reach the Champions League final and it served as evidence that the Gunners need a new striker. No ifs, no buts, no maybes, they simply have to sign one.

So, if it’s goals Arsenal require then surely Gyokeres must be the number one option? He scored more than any other player in Europe’s top leagues over the last season and is a rampant finisher. He’s even got experience of English football having played for Brighton and Coventry.

However, there have been doubts, some red flags, so to speak. Had the powerful Swede scored that many goals in a top-five league, you doubt there’d be question marks. However, he did it in the Portuguese top-flight.

We’re not trying to dismiss the quality of the division here but it does pale in comparison to the Premier League or LaLiga for instance.

Then you have the traits Gyokeres could bring. Competent in front of goal, of course, but as data analyst Ben Mattinson outlines, the Swede has a “heavy first touch” and “doesn’t anticipate contact or shield the ball well.”

So, is there a player out there with a better all-around package? In that regard, Ekitike’s your man.

Cast out by PSG despite being heralded as the “next Kylian Mbappe” in some quarters, he departed Paris having played just 33 games, scoring four goals in the French capital.

Luis Enrique and Co are unlikely to lose much sleep given their recent Champions League heroics, but the 22-year-old has become something of a phenomenon in the Bundesliga for Frankfurt.

The Frenchman ended 2024/25 with 22 goals and 12 assists to his name. Not mindblowing numbers, sure, but his electric play is seriously pleasing on the eye.

What should fill Arsenal fans with excitement is regular comparisons to their all-time leading goalscorer. Scout Jacek Kulig has suggested that his most similar player is the great Thierry Henry, while one PSG content creator went as far as to claim he is “the new Henry.” Fine praise indeed.

So, what makes them alike? Well, the goal below tells you all you need to know.

The similarities between Henry and Ekitike here are scary. He’s got the same languid but smooth and powerful running style, brushing defenders aside with ease and then sliding the ball home.

His movement is first class, he’s a phenomenal dribbler and unlike Gyokeres, there’s less chaos to his running style and first touch. Everything feels a bit neater and tidier in that regard.

Let’s throw another bonus in there for you. One of Ekitike’s most similar players in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year, according to FBRef, is Alexander Isak.

Now, we all know how much Arteta rates the Swede and for a fraction of the price, they could sign a player with the potential to be just as good.

Gyokeres might be the best goalscorer on the planet right now but doubts surrounding his playstyle continue to linger. Ekitike is a proper on the last shoulder of the defender striker, someone with pace, power and a Henry-likeness to boot. Arsenal should be all over this move.

He's a lot like Isak: Arsenal in talks to sign amazing upgrade on Sesko

Arsenal are turning their attention to a striker they tried to sign in the winter.

1 ByMatt Dawson Jun 17, 2025

Everton are in the market for a forward this summer and could now be narrowing down their options to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin when he leaves the club, according to a report.

Everton's uncertain situation involving Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The Toffees are settling into life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but there is still a question mark hanging over whether a couple of their established stars will be at the club beyond this summer.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is out of contract at Everton and looks poised to leave the club despite the offer of a new deal being on the table, which could spell the end to his long-standing status as their number one striker.

71 goals in 273 matches is a respectable record considering the Toffees’ close brushes with relegation over the past few years, with the Three Lions international becoming a reliable focal point due to his hold-up play and instinctual nature.

However, injury struggles and a stalemate in negotiations over Calvert-Lewin’s wages have made him a prime candidate to move on unless an immediate agreement can be found.

In turn, David Moyes has begun his search for a new striker to fill the void, and Villarreal forward Thierno Barry could join Everton for £34 million amid reports they are ready to meet his release clause.

Everton plotting last-gasp move to hijack free signing of Argentina international

The Toffees could steal in ahead of Crystal Palace.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 13, 2025

Rangers striker Hamza Igamane is also on the Toffees’ radar, albeit West Ham United, Brentford, Lens, RC Strasbourg, Lille, and Stade Rennais are also tracking him.

Competition will be high for targets on the market this summer, meaning Everton need to harness their appeal in light of a new dawn for the blue half of Merseyside.

Scouring the market, they have now found a Premier League striker who could be available to make a switch that would create nationwide headlines.

Everton enter the conversation for Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson

According to The Irish Times, Everton are interested in Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson and he may be allowed to leave the South Coast on a permanent deal this summer.

Once valued at around £55 million, an unfortunate period of injury has seen the Republic of Ireland striker’s stock fall; however, he is still only 20 years of age and remains highly regarded among his peers.

Evan Ferguson’s Premier League record – could Everton reignite his fortunes?

Appearances

68

Goals

13

Assists

3

Labelled an “amazing player” by Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, he was most recently on loan at West Ham United and failed to register a goal in eight appearances.

Nevertheless, he was found on the periphery in East London, so it is hard to judge his impact based on the fact that he only completed 151 minutes of football under Graham Potter.

Continuous game time is critical for Ferguson to find his mojo again, and Everton could be the perfect environment in light of their need for depth in the forward areas.

Preparing to spend big once again this summer, INEOS are now preparing to offer £13m-a-year in contract negotiations with one of their summer targets in the hope of luring him to Manchester United.

INEOS spending big despite financial cuts

Across the last 12 months, a lot has been made about Manchester United’s financial situation. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reiterated that any job cuts or attempt to lower the Red Devils’ budget off the pitch have been necessary for the club to maintain itself. And after Manchester United missed out on Champions League qualification by losing against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, more staff were informed about their redundancy.

Man Utd want Premier League target man to play up front with Mbeumo and Cunha

The Red Devils have already signed Cunha and submitted a bid for Mbeumo.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 6, 2025

It was always difficult to guess just how Manchester United would spend this summer. The redundancies and lack of Champions League football, or European football at all for that matter, suggested that they would need to sell big before they even consider spending.

Yet, in one of the earliest deals of the window, INEOS have already spent big to trigger Matheus Cunha’s £63m release clause and reports have since arrived which give a glimpse as to how the Manchester club have already spent such an impressive fee.

As The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell revealed, Manchester United’s revenue is up and their wage bill is down from what it was, with Ratcliffe’s ruthless redundancies contributing to that.

It means that, even after Cunha, those at Old Trafford still have room to spend and have already set their sights on their next target to do exactly that in the coming weeks.

INEOS preparing stunning £13m-a-year Mbeumo offer

According to The Mirror, INEOS are now preparing to offer Bryan Mbeumo a contract worth £13m-a-year to join Manchester United this summer in what would be five times more than the £50,000-a-week he currently earns at Brentford.

What’s more, Ratcliffe and co. are also reportedly preparing to table a £60m offer to convince Brentford to sell their star man this summer – taking their spend to £123m in the space of just a few weeks.

Mbeumo only wants Manchester United, who are set to offer him a staggering £250,000-a-week to complete a summer switch. Whether the forward is worth such a price is the big question and one that many will disagree on.

Casemiro

£350,000

Bruno Fernandes

£300,000

Mason Mount

£250,000

Bryan Mbeumo

£250,000

Matthijs de Ligt

£195,000

Whilst some may disagree with Manchester United’s reported decision, the stats don’t lie. The Brentford forward hit the 20-goal mark last season and that alone should be enough to put him amongst the Red Devils’ highest earners.

Dubbed “incredible” by Brentford boss Thomas Frank last season, Mbeumo looks destined to become Manchester United’s second big-money signing of the summer.

The summer transfer window officially opens for business next month, and Leeds United are likely to be busy as they prepare for a season in the Premier League.

One player who is on the club’s radar is Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Elland Road, and the forward is reportedly open to talks over a permanent switch to West Yorkshire.

The 25-year-old attacker ended the season with ten goals and 12 assists in the Championship, and Leeds are now eyeing a new target who could be amazing for Solomon in the Premier League.

Leeds eyeing Premier League defender

According to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon (25/05/2025), Leeds United are eyeing a new target in the form of West Ham United left-back Aaron Cresswell.

Transfer Focus

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

The reporter claims that Daniel Farke is lining up a move to snap up the experienced defender on a free transfer when his contract with the Hammers expires at the end of next month.

Nixon adds, however, that there is also interest from celebrity-owned Championship side Wrexham, who have just been promoted from League One, which means that there is competition for the 35-year-old star’s signature.

The journalist also reveals that Leeds would view the veteran full-back as a squad player, rather than a guaranteed starter, but that does not mean that he would not be an incredibly valuable addition, particularly for Solomon.

Why Leeds should sign Aaron Cresswell

Junior Firpo’s contract is set to expire this summer, and it still remains to be seen whether or not he will put pen to paper on an extension, which means that there is a vacant spot at left-back to be filled as it stands.

Cresswell, as Nixon’s report suggests, may not come in to start all 38 games in the Premier League next term, but he is a vastly-experienced top-flight performer who could be relied upon to deliver quality displays when called upon.

Capped three times by England, he played 312 Premier League matches for the Hammers, and 369 games in total, during his time at the London Stadium, which means that Farke would have a defender who has been there and done it at that level.

Appearances

18

Starts

10

Pass accuracy

87%

Dribbled past

0.1x

Ground duel success rate

67%

Aerial duel success rate

50%

As you can see in the table above, Cresswell, who played as a left-back or as a wide centre-back in a three, started ten Premier League games this season and delivered solid defensive displays.

The veteran full-back, whose ball-striking was described as “lovely” by teammate Ryan Fredericks when lauding his left foot, has shown that he still has the physicality and quality to dominate opposition defenders in duels, whilst rarely being dribbled past.

This suggests that he could be amazing for Solomon, who is a direct winger who wants to constantly attack to score and assist goals, because he is not a defensively weak left-back who needs constant support and doubling up from his forward ahead of him.

This means that the Israel international, should he sign permanently at Elland Road this summer, could love to have Cresswell behind him because his defensively solidity could allow him more freedom to stay higher up the pitch to influence games in the final third.

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Arsenal have now seemingly held some initial talks over signing a Real Madrid star, with sporting director Andrea Berta looking to the Bernabeu for potential reinforcements this summer.

Arsenal set for busy first summer window under Berta

According to reliable media sources, like Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have already reached an agreement with Martin Zubimendi to become Berta’s first major signing of the next transfer window, following months of reported negotiations.

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The Gunners are expected to trigger Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause and seal their replacement for exit-bound Jorginho nice and early, with Berta making a fire-start to his tenure as sporting director.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

The 26-year-old’s arrival in north London, as per Ben Jacobs, could even be confirmed by the end of this month, even if there is still an err of caution at the Emirates Stadium.

“Zubimendi, I’m told it is pretty much agreed in principle. I’d be surprised if May ends, and we don’t hear that Zubimendi is an Arsenal player,” said Jacobs.

“Internally at Arsenal, they basically think that one is done. The caution around letting that slip is because Liverpool thought it was done as well.

“Until it’s signed, Arsenal are super cautious, but in terms of contract length, terms, payment around the clause and triggering the clause, all of that Arsenal feel is there and ready to go. It’s a case of saying, ‘OK, let’s get this signed.’ I think we have a very high percentage chance of, in the next few weeks, Zubimendi being confirmed as an Arsenal player.”

After Zubimendi, it is believed Arsenal are looking at signing a second-choice keeper, full-back, right-winger, left-winger and new striker (GiveMeSport), with Mikel Arteta’s side also among the many contenders for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen’s signature.

Arsenal are said to have already made a formal offer to Huijsen, according to some reports from Spain (Cadena SER), as they look to get ahead of Real Madrid and tempt the 20-year-old with an alternative home in the Premier League.

Arsenal make contact over signing Real Madrid striker Rodrygo

According to Diario AS journalist Eduardo Burgos, £202,000-per-week Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is also in their thinking when it comes to attacking reinforcements.

Berta is widely tipped to sign a new striker when the window reopens, with Arsenal having some contact over signing Rodrygo and are among the sides most interested in his services.

The versatile Brazilian, who’s played on the right-wing, left-wing and as a striker under Carlo Ancelotti this season, has 13 goals and 10 assists to his name from 50 appearances in all competitions – so he’d likely cost a marquee fee if Real even entertain the notion of him leaving.

“He is a special striker, he can play in all positions,” said Ancelotti about the 24-year-old. “He is fast, smart and effective one on one. The learning is over. He is a Real Madrid player for all purposes.”

It has been a strange season in front of goal for Chelsea in the Premier League in 2024/25. The Blues are one of the highest scoring teams in the top flight this term, with 62 goals to their name, bettered by just five times. However, only Liverpool, with 81 goals, have scored more than 67.

So, in that sense, it has not been too bad for the Blues. Yet, they have still underperformed their expected goals, as per Understat. That metric suggests the West London outfit are almost eight goals short of what they should have, with an expected goals tally of 69.87xG.

With that in mind, it might not come as much of a surprise that Chelsea are chasing a striker in the summer window.

The latest on Chelsea’s move for a striker

One player who seems to be a target for several of the elite sides in the Premier League is RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The 21-year-old has impressed once again for the Bundesliga side this term, and could be subject to a transfer this summer.

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According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of the sides thought to be ‘preparing’ a bid for the Slovenian international, and they are believed to ‘consider Sesko a top target’ going into the 2025 window.

However, they are not going to be alone in the race for the striker. Sesko, valued as high as £76m by Leipzig, is a wanted man in the Premier League.

Chelsea’s “Big Six” rivals, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all linked with a summer move for the striker. Outside of the Premier League, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain want to sign the Slovenian.

Why Sesko would be a good signing

It has been an impressive campaign for 21-year-old striker Sesko. He has played an important role for Leipzig across all competitions, leading the line alone or in a front two. He has even played as a second striker and attacking midfielder at times.

In total, the Leipzig number 30 has played 43 games in all competitions, scoring 21 goals and registering six assists. That includes 13 goals and five assists in 31 appearances in the Bundesliga this term.

One of the eye-catching things about the Slovenian attacker is his consistency in front of goal. In the German top flight this term, he has never gone on a run of more than four games without a goal, showing how regularly he can find the back of the net.

Sesko certainly has a unique profile, and is someone who football talent scout Jacek Kulig described as a “complete CF”. His ability to score goals consistently and play in a two-man strike partnership speaks volumes about his quality.

If the Blues do bring Sesko to Stamford Bridge, they might have a player in the squad who can upgrade on Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal international has struggled for consistent form this term for the Blues, despite being the first-choice striker at Stamford Bridge.

In 29 Premier League games this season, Jackson has found the back of the net on ten different occasions. However, he has recently broken a Premier League goal drought of 12 games thanks to a goal in a 1-0 win over Everton, which came either side of an injury.

Indeed, there are stats via FBref that suggest Sesko is an upgrade on Jackson. For example, the Leipzig man averages 0.38 goals per shot on target per 90 minutes, compared to 0.29 goals per shot on target each game by Jackson.

Goals per shot on target

0.38

0.29

Progressive passes

1.72

1.52

Goal-creating actions

0.35

0.41

Progressive carries

1.8

1.89

Aerial duels won

2.66

0.78

Make no mistake about it, a deal to sign Sesko this summer will be an expensive one. However, he could be the answer to Chelsea’s occasional struggles in front of goal, and he is more consistent than Jackson across a whole season.

Although £76m is a lot of money, this seems like a deal that Chelsea could do to help improve their fortunes from a goal-scoring point of view.

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