After winning the Premier League title in the 2024/25 campaign, Liverpool have demonstrated no signs of slowing down their ambitions of being a powerhouse once again next season.

The Reds claimed the title by 10 points, losing just four games out of their 38, with two of which coming after they had already secured top spot in Arne Slot’s first season.

It was a year to remember for the club, reaching the next level under the Dutchman, subsequently doing so with only one senior addition during last summer’s window.

However, this time around, it appears the board have massively backed the manager with funds in his quest to retain the title during the 2025/26 campaign.

Jeremie Frimpong has already been announced as a Reds player, with Milos Kerkez appearing next on their list, but their business doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

The latest on Liverpool’s for new additions this summer

Over recent weeks, a striker has emerged as a key target for Slot, as he looks to land a new talisman to hand him that added clinical edge within the front three at Anfield.

The likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké and Viktor Gyokeres have all been mentioned as potential targets, but up until now, none of which appear to be edging closer to a move to Merseyside.

However, other areas of the pitch are in need of investment, with midfielder Adam Wharton emerging on their radar in recent days, according to journalist Francois Plateau.

He claims that the Reds have made contact with the representatives of the Crystal Palace star, and are set to explore a deal for the 21-year-old.

Plateau also confirmed that Slot’s men aren’t prepared to meet the current £60m price tag on his shoulders, which could lead to negotiations over a move for the England international.

Why Wharton would be a better signing than Wirtz for Liverpool

Liverpool fans have been handed another reason to be excited in recent days, after the club agreed a staggering £116.5m deal with Bayer Leverkusen for attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.

The 22-year-old registered 22 combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga this campaign, with Slot’s side appearing to win the race for his signature after rejecting Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

Whilst such a deal looks set to cost the board a pretty penny, it’s one that would add a different dimension to the squad and has the potential to set them up for success in the immediate and long-term.

His record throughout 2024/25 would hand other attackers to bolster their own tallies, making the Reds an even bigger force to be reckoned with during Slot’s second campaign at the helm.

However, Wharton could prove to be a better signing than the German. While Wirtz will have to rival Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai for a place in the side, the Reds have long missed a holding midfield player, notably trying to sign the likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia since Fabinho’s departure.

At long, long last, Wharton could be the man to transform the Liverpool XI even more than Wirtz could. Indeed, when comparing his stats to those of current midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, he’s managed to outperform them in key areas, further showcasing why he’d be a massive addition for the club.

The 21-year-old, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Luke Weaser-Seychell, has managed to complete more progressive passes per 90, along with more key passes – having the ability in possession to aid the attackers ahead of him.

Games played

20

37

35

Goals & assists

2

4

10

Progressive passes

7.3

5.1

6.1

Key passes

1.8

0.7

1.5

Passes into final third

5.3

4.3

4.2

Interceptions made

1.7

1.4

0.7

Clearances made

1.9

1.6

1

Recoveries made

7

5.5

5.1

Wharton has also managed to thrive defensively, making more interceptions than the aforementioned duo, whilst making more recoveries – subsequently offering Slot an added presence at both ends of the pitch.

At just 21, to be outperforming the likes of Mac Allister and Gravenberch is no mean feat, highlighting how impressive he’s been in England’s top flight and having the time to improve further given his tender age.

Should he continue on his current trajectory, he has the potential to be one of the best deep-lying options in world football, with his rumoured price tag at present still an excellent price.

No doubt all the focus and hype is on Wirtz given his English record transfer, but Slot could trump such a move by plotting a move for Wharton – allowing the pair to lead the club to many titles in the years ahead.

A dream Huijsen alternative: Liverpool enter race to sign £68m defender

Liverpool may need to sign a centre-back this summer.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 15, 2025

Marcus Stoinis back with Durban’s Super Giants, Paarl Royals have traded in Dayyaan Galiem from Joburg Super Kings for Tabraiz Shamsi

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Aug-2024Jonny Bairstow will feature for Joburg Super Kings in 2025. It will be his first time participating in the SA20. Faf du Plessis, Gerald Coetzee and Donovan Ferreira are among the other players retained by the franchise. They have traded in Tabraiz Shamsi from Paarl Royals with Dayyaan Galiem going the other way.JSK’s overseas retentions include Moeen Ali, Maheesh Theekshana and David Wiese. Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams and Imran Tahir will also return to the Super Kings after helping them reach the Qualifier in the previous edition.Reeza Hendricks and Sam Cook are the notable absentees from last season. There will be additions to the 13-member squad, which du Plessis will continue to captain, at the auction.Related

SA20: Gurbaz to reunite with Trott at Pretoria Capitals

SA20 in 2025 will run from January 9 to February 8

Sunrisers Eastern Cape sign Bedingham, Crawley and van der Merwe for upcoming SA20 season

Joburg Super Kings squad
Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Maheesh Theekshana, Jonny Bairstow, Gerald Coetzee, David Wiese, Leus du Plooy, Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, Donovan Ferreira, Sibonelo Makhanya, Tabraiz Shamsi, Imran TahirStoinis back with Durban’s Super GiantsLast season’s runners-up, Durban’s Super Giants, had announced earlier that they have Kane Williamson and Chris Woakes on board this time. They will also have firepower in the form of Marcus Stoinis, who was the team’s wildcard pick last time around. They’ve also retained a strong local core in Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock and (their captain) Keshav Maharaj.Also back on their books are Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq and Noor Ahmad, local players Prenelan Subrayen, Dwaine Pretorius, Jon-Jon Smuts, Wiaan Mulder, Junior Dala, Matthew Breetzke, Jason Smith and Bryce Parsons.Durban’s Super Giants squad
Keshav Maharaj (captain), Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan), Matthew Breetzke, Junior Dala, Quinton De Kock, Wiaan Mulder, Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan), Bryce Parsons, Dwaine Pretorius, Jason Smith, Jon-Jon Smuts, Prenelan SubrayenPaarl Royals retain Miller, Ngidi, PhehlukwayoCaptain David Miller, Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo are among a list of ten South African players retained by Paarl Royals for the new season of the SA20 in 2025. Kwena Maphaka and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, rookie signings from the 2024 edition, have also been retained by the Royals ahead of the auction.Dane Vilas, Evan Jones, Wihan Lubbe and Ferisco Adams have been let go to make space in the squad that currently has 11 players, including being seam-bowling allrounder Galiem.David Miller led Royals to the Eliminator in 2024•SA20Royals made the Qualifiers in the last SA20 edition but suffered five straight losses including a nine-wicket thumping in the Eliminator against Super Kings. The new season begins on January 9.”We are delighted to go into the upcoming auction with a very formidable core of capped and uncapped South African players,” Kumar Sangakkara – Royals’ Director of Cricket – said in a press release. “After the disappointment of last season where we faltered towards the latter stages of the tournament, it was important to re-look at the squad and make certain changes.”Paarl Royals squad
David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Bjorn Fortuin, Andile Phehlukwayo, Mitchell van Buuren, Codi Yusuf, Keith Dudgeon, Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dayyaan Galiem (Traded in)MI Cape Town hold on to Rabada, BrevisThere were not too many surprises in MI Cape Town’s announcements. They held on to Kagiso Rabada and Dewald Brevis via pre-signings, and also retained Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, George Linde, Delano Potgieter, Thomas Kaber and Connor Esterhuizen.They let go of Beuran Hendricks, Duan Jansen, Grant Roelofsen and Neelan van Heerden, statement from the franchise saying: “MI Cape Town would like to thank [these] players for their support and contribution over the last 2 seasons and wish them the very best.”Sunrisers Eastern Cape bring in CrawleySunrisers Eastern Cape, the defending SA20 champions, have signed South Africa batter David Bedingham, England opener Zak Crawley, fast bowler Craig Overton, and Netherlands allrounder Roelof van der Merwe for the upcoming season. More on their squad here.

Perry hits 65 in chase but can’t prevent Phoenix’s 12th consecutive women’s Hundred defeat

ECB Media27-Jul-2024Meg Lanning won the battle of the Australians at Lord’s, scoring her first half-century in the Hundred as London Spirit overcame Birmingham Phoenix, despite Ellyse Perry’s innings of 65 in reply.The 16,641 crowd – the fifth-highest in the history of the women’s Hundred – were treated to a competitive affair in the sunshine, momentum shifting this way and that as the big names on both sides took it in turns to stand up and be counted.Phoenix – off the back of 11 consecutive defeats in the Hundred – looked set to spring a surprise and take it deep, and perhaps even pull off a memorable upset, but the required run-rate got away from them and three late wickets for Sarah Glenn sealed the deal for Heather Knight’s side, who have now won two from two this season.”It felt like it got a bit more tricky as it went on,” Lanning said. “Birmingham Phoenix took the pace off a little bit, and the wicket was pretty conducive to that, so it felt like it was a bit more difficult than we had thought but it ended up a competitive total.”With the ball it was about bowling pretty straight at the stumps and taking pace off the ball. We thought Phoenix used that really well so we wanted to do that right from the start, and we were able to hold our nerve when Devine and Perry were going. We just had to hold our nerve and we knew a chance would come.”Earlier, Spirit – wearing a special shirt to mark their partnership with Transport for London – set off like a train. Lanning, Georgia Redmayne and Cordelia Griffith all found the boundary with regularity. Griffith’s consecutive sixes off Emily Arlott, one whipped into the Mound Stand with no shortage of flair, a particular highlight.Off the back of her winning half-century at Utilita Bowl on Wednesday, England captain Knight added to her side’s momentum and ultimately Phoenix would have been happy to restrict Spirit to 147 for 9, with a bigger total looking likely earlier in the innings.The smart money would likely have been on Spirit to defend their total with relative ease but Perry and New Zealand captain Sophie Devine jangled a few nerves with their partnership of 89, especially when Devine dispatched Sarah Glenn for two sixes over the leg-side.The equation with 20 balls left was 40 runs required for Phoenix, but the boundaries dried up and Glenn’s last set of five ensured London Spirit ended day five of the Hundred top of the table with a 100% win record.

Liverpool are marching their way through the summer transfer window like nobody’s business, with the signings made thus far fitting additions to a Premier League-winning team.

It’s a good thing too, for the Anfield side’s domestic rivals are looking to reel in impactful additions of their own as they look to challenge for the top-flight title next term.

FSG will slow down now, though, having signed two full-backs and Florian Wirtz (for a British-record £116m fee) to boot.

And there’s more still to come. The Merseysiders have placed themselves in a strong financial position after biding their time across recent transfer windows and claiming a windfall from sealing the league title.

Where might FSG strike next?

Where Liverpool are planning to strengthen

There’s plenty of noise surrounding Liverpool’s planned signing of a centre-forward, but with Bayern Munich plotting to sign Luis Diaz, we may see a left-sided winger arrive at the club in the coming month too.

The usual rumours linking Liverpool to Anthony Gordon have resurfaced; might we see the Three Lions star playing alongside Alexander Isak, his Newcastle United teammate, at Anfield next season?

After such a fierce wave of activity, Liverpool can now afford to be opportunistic, though there is still a pressing need for a central defender as Jarell Quansah prepares to join Bayer Leverkusen for £35m and Ibrahima Konate’s contractual uncertainty rumbles on.

Liverpool had attempted to bring Dean Huijsen over from Bournemouth, but that one’s off the cards.

Huijsen might have signed for Real Madrid, but Liverpool have shown they still want to sign a centre-back, and there’s one man in particular in Richard Hughes’ sights.

Liverpool agree personal terms for Premier League star

As per journalist DaveOCKOP, Liverpool have reached an agreement on personal terms with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

Transfer Focus

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

Guehi is out of contract at the end of the 2025/26 season and Liverpool are planning to take advantage of the market opportunity, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, with talks been the clubs slated for this week.

Liverpool and Palace are apart on their valuations, so the coming days will prove crucial. The Reds hope to strike a deal for £30m.

Why Liverpool want natural leader Marc Guehi

With so much change taking place at Liverpool this summer, it would be good to sign an experienced Premier League star, and Guehi fits the bill in that regard.

Praised by England U21 coach Lee Carsley for showing “leadership qualities on and off the field”, Guehi may even find himself in contention for the armband down the line, having captained the Eagles in each of his 44 appearances across all competitions last season, leading his side to the FA Cup title after beating Manchester City in the final.

In this regard, the England international might even become Liverpool’s next Jordan Henderson, arriving for a fairly large fee from a Premier League rival after demonstrating authority and influence to marry with the technical quality.

Guehi, it must be said, is one of the most composed and cultured ball-playing centre-halves in the Premier League, actually ranked among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe over the past year for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

His completeness and potential to guide Liverpool through a new era over the coming years speak of a certain similarity to Henderson, especially as he would play alongside a legend in Virgil van Dijk for the next few years as the Dutch captain approaches his twilight. In Henderson’s case, this was applicable to Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool signed Henderson from Sunderland for £20m back in 2011. He had already been capped by England and was considered a hugely promising midfield talent.

No one could have imagined what he would achieve. Across 492 matches for Liverpool, Henderson notched 91 goal contributions and captained Liverpool toward the Premier League, Champions League and many more.

Now, a new leader in Guehi can follow suit. He might be a little older, but the defender can emulate his compatriot, having established himself in a settled Premier League outfit, standing out.

Matches (starts)

25 (23)

34 (34)

Goals

0

3

Assists

1

2

Clean sheets

4

11

Touches*

61.6

64.9

Pass completion

87%

84%

Key passes*

0.3

0.5

Ball recoveries*

4.8

4.3

Dribbles (success)*

0.3 (64%)

0.4 (86%)

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

2.6

Clearances*

3.5

4.6

Duels (won)*

3.6 (60%)

4.9 (59%)

It’s clear that this is a man of consistency and incremental, steady improvements. Regarded as a “monster in defence” by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, the stocky defender won’t just be an exciting addition, but an instrumental one.

Liverpool, having lost Trent Alexander-Arnold and with Andy Robertson potentially on the move too, must ensure that they don’t create too youthful an underbelly to Slot’s title-winning squad, and Guehi will thrive in bringing his wealth of leadership qualities to the fold.

Liverpool might have two of the most talented central defenders in the game, but the Reds need to replace Quansah with a player capable of playing a bigger part, the England U21 star only handed four top-flight starts.

Guehi is clearly an upgrade across every facet, both from a technical standpoint and in regard to his maturity.

Moreover, he’s a natural-born leader, and coming from a divisional rival having carved success for himself, perhaps Slot will see his own version of Henderson welcomed to the ranks in the coming weeks or months.

He betters Isak in key areas: Liverpool make the "next Mbappe" a key target

Liverpool are interested in signing a new striker this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 1, 2025

James Vince completed his fourth Vitality County Championship double-century before Hampshire’s bowlers cemented the host’s advantage on day two.Hampshire captain Vince showcased the very best of his aesthetically pleasing batting to go from 149 overnight to 211. He was able to declare on 505 for 8, following attacking duo James Fuller’s 41 and Keith Barker’s 43, before Barker, Mohammad Abbas and Kyle Abbott chipped away with wickets.Feroze Khushi and Jack Leaning bagged contrasting fifties for the visitors but they ended the day still 299 runs behind on 206 for 6.Vince had turned the shape of day one with a mesmerising century, and came out for a swaggering encore. He reached 150 with the third ball of the day via the first of eight cover drives, each caressing the middle of the bat and whistling to the boundary.It was the kind of Vince innings which had it taken place a decade ago would have created a clamour for an England call-up. But despite 1000 runs last season and back-to-back hundreds, his Test days appear behind him.Ben Brown took his partnership with Vince to 259 – Hampshire’s all-time best against Kent for the fourth wicket – before inside edging onto his pads to loop to second slip, before Liam Dawson was bowled by Joey Evison.Despite Vince’s prowess, this was the first time since 2018 that he had scored two Championship centuries in a season, and he continued to smash the ball around Utilita Bowl. His 200 came up in 262 balls, with only Phil Mead, Gordon Greenidge and Jimmy Adams scoring more doubles for Hampshire.Vince was only quelled on 211 when the tireless Grant Stewart found a trampoline on a length to take the shoulder of the bat through to second slip.James Fuller and Keith Barker took on Vince’s mantel and further upped the run-rate with some aggressive batting either side of lunch. The pair put on an entertaining 69 with both crashing scores in the 40s to keep Kent’s bowlers in the dirt. Both were bowled before Vince called Felix Organ and Kyle Abbott in after an unbroken 35 partnership to declare on 508 for 8.Feroze Khushi, on loan from Essex, was eye-catching in reply. Whether it was the shot a ball, having the ball thrown at him by Mohammad Abbas – who was docked five penalty runs – or insisting that a ball hadn’t carried to third slip.The piece de resistance was a see-it-to-believe-it whipped six over square leg on his way to a 38-ball fifty.But wickets kept falling. Ben Compton was leg before in the third over to Barker while Abbas ended his first four overs having gone for 31 but hit back with a snorter to have Daniel Bell-Drummond caught behind in a wicket maiden.Khushi fell over a full Barker delivery, Evison edged Abbas behind before Barker picked up his third when Tawanda Muyeye dangled to Ben Brown. But throughout, Leaning bedded in and found little problem to slowly take his side away from a complete collapse. His fifty coming in 89 balls and ended the day unbeaten on 73.Harry Finch was sharply caught and bowled by Abbott off the final delivery of the day with Kent miles from avoiding the follow-on.

Glasgow Rangers were dealt a big blow back in April earlier this year when versatile star Dujon Sterling suffered a long-term Achilles injury.

The English star had to be stretchered off during a Europa League clash, and Barry Ferguson confirmed after the game that he would be a long-term absentee for the Gers.

Sterling had to have surgery on the injury and it now remains to be seen when the versatile Rangers man will be available for action again for the Scottish Premiership giants.

He has played 70 times, in a multitude of positions, for the Light Blues since his move from the Premier League side in 2023, and the club could repeat their success with him by signing another player from Chelsea.

Rangers in talks to sign Chelsea defender

The Ibrox giants can find themselves a quality defensive option by raiding Chelsea for another player who is unlikely to break into their first-team squad next season.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

According to football.london reporter Bobby Vincent, Rangers are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Ishe Samuels-Smith from the English side this summer to bolster Russell Martin’s options at the back.

The journalist claims that the Gers have held club-to-club talks with Chelsea to sign the full-back on loan, whilst Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Stoke City are also keen on snapping him up.

Vincent adds that Rangers, and three English teams, are pushing to secure the 19-year-old left-back, who was signed from Everton for £4m in 2023, on loan for the 2025/26 campaign, with his future set to be ‘clearer’ within the next two weeks.

Why Rangers should sign Ishe Samuels-Smith

Whilst it may not be a permanent deal, as it was with Sterling, Rangers should sign Samuels-Smith from Chelsea because he could follow in the footsteps of the last signing from the Blues.

As aforementioned, Sterling has been an incredibly versatile operator for the Gers, playing at right-back, right midfield, defensive midfield, left-back, and centre-back during his time in Glasgow so far.

In Samuels-Smith, Rangers could find another versatile star who can operate in a host of different positions to cover when needed for Martin, as a terrific squad option.

The 19-year-old is yet to make a senior appearance in his career, which makes it difficult to predict what his role in the squad will be, but his positions at youth level for Chelsea and Everton show that he could be called upon in several areas of the pitch.

Ishe Samuels-Smith’s positional versatility

Position

Appearances

Left-back

47

Centre-back

26

Left-midfield

5

Right-back

2

Defensive midfield

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Samuels-Smith is similar to Sterling in the sense that he has the potential to play as a full-back, a centre-back, or as a defensive midfielder, albeit as a left-sided option primarily, instead of a right-sided one.

In terms of his quality, his former Everton coach David Unsworth claimed that he has an “incredible future” ahead of him, whilst analyst Kai Watson believes that he has “elite” potential.

The post above also shows that he impressed Watson at U21 level in the Premier League 2 last season, which suggests that the teenage sensation would arrive at Ibrox this summer full of confidence to take on his first go at senior football.

Overall, as a low-risk loan move, Samuels-Smith could be a smart signing for the Gers as an extremely versatile young talent with the potential to offer value in multiple positions, possibly making him excellent cover for Sterling until he returns from his injury.

Related As dispensable as Propper: English club submit bid to sign Rangers flop

Rangers have received an offer for a player who should be as dispensable as Robin Propper.

Posts ByDan Emery Jul 2, 2025

After three near misses at the Premier League title, it’s a surprise to no one to see Arsenal conducting business in the transfer market to make the jump to being champions.

The Gunners are currently enduring a 20-year drought without a league triumph, a period that is simply too long given the stature and size of the football club.

Mikel Arteta is the latest manager tasked with ending the drought, but the Spaniard may need to make early inroads throughout 2025/26, or he could find himself in danger of losing his job.

If he is to avoid such a situation from occuring and subsequently end the extended period without a title, he will need backing from the hierarchy to aid his quest.

No signings have yet been completed at the Emirates this summer, but numerous deals appear to be heading in the right direction if recent reports are to be believed.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions

Arsenal appear to be edging closer to completing a deal to land Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after Fabrizio Romano confirmed a deal has been agreed with the player himself already meeting Arteta.

However, there could be a delay in a move for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, with the club and player potentially unable to come to an agreement on wages, whilst a fee is also yet to be sorted for the Slovenian international.

Despite the moves elsewhere, work is still being done to land other first-team targets, with AC Milan star Rafael Leao still on their radar, according to Italian outlet CalcioMercato.

They claim that the Gunners are still huge admirers of the Portuguese international winger, who has impressed massively in 2024/25 after registering 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions.

However, whilst the Serie A outfit are reluctant to sell the 26-year-old this summer, they may consider an offer in the region of €90m (£77m) with Chelsea also said to be interested.

Why Arsenal’s £77m target would be a better signing than Rodrygo

Real Madrid star Rodrygo has been another player who’s been firmly in Arsenal’s sights over recent months, especially after it was confirmed he could leave the Spanish giants this summer.

The Brazilian international, who registered 24 goal contributions this season, could be set to leave the Bernabeu this window to find a new adventure after starting just 22 league matches.

Given his talents, it’s no surprise that he’s set to be a sought-after talent this window, with numerous sides across the globe also touted with a move for his signature.

However, the 24-year-old won’t come cheap, with Xabi Alonso’s side demanding a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with the youngster throughout the off-season.

Such a fee could prove to be too much for Arteta’s side, with Leao potentially offering the Gunners a cheaper alternative in their hunt for Premier League glory.

Despite the lower transfer value, the Milan star has managed to outperform Rodrygo in numerous key areas, further highlighting why he’d be a better addition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Leao, who’s been labelled a “superstar” by writer Theo Mwangi, has registered more combined goals and assists than the Brazilian, along with a higher shot on target rate – demonstrating his impressive ability in front of goal.

Games played

34

30

Goals & assists

16

11

Shot-on-target accuracy

44%

37%

Key passes made

2.3

2.2

Passes into opposition box

2

1.2

Take-on success

46%

44%

Carries into opposition box

2.6

2.3

Fouls won

2.1

1.7

Aerials won

57%

30%

He’s also completed more key passes and a higher tally of passes into the opposition box per 90, handing the likes of Bukayo Saka the chance to improve their own tallies in the final third.

His superb levels of performance don’t end there, completing more take-ons and carries into the opposition box per 90, highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet.

Whilst £77m may appear to be a hefty investment, it’s one that could immediately solve a problem position off the left-hand side of Arteta’s attack in North London.

Rodrygo may be the supporters’ first choice this summer, but it’s evident that the Portuguese star is a better and cheaper alternative, having the tools to help lead the club towards title glory next campaign.

Arsenal hold talks with "magnificent" Partey replacement as Arteta drives move

The Ghanaian could leave as contract talks hit a standstill.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

Arsenal are poised to complete the signing of a Premier League star imminently, with the player now undergoing his medicals ahead of his proposed move to N5.

Arsenal trying to convince £55m ace to join, Arteta is speaking to him

The Gunners boss is getting involved.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 4, 2025

Andrea Berta’s appointment is starting to pay dividends, as Mikel Arteta prepares to welcome a host of new signings to the Emirates Stadium.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£5m

Arsenal have already acquired Kepa Arrizabalaga, who officially became Berta’s first signing in a £5 million move from Chelsea earlier this week, with the Gunners also finally sealing a deal for Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

The Premier League title hopefuls are actively trying to sign an attacker too. Arsenal are reported to be in “advanced” talks with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze over terms (L’Equipe), but this won’t have an impact on their efforts for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, as it is believed both players could join them in separate deals (Fabrizio Romano).

All of this comes amid Berta’s pursuit of a new striker as well – likely to be one of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko – with the director having worked extensively on deals for both men simultaneously before deciding which move would be best for the club (BBC).

However, one man who looks certain to land before the likes of Eze, Madueke, Sesko or Gyokeres is Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.

Arsenal recently agreed a deal which could reach £15 million for Norgaard, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming that the necessary paperwork has been exchanged ahead of his switch.

The 31-year-old Bees figurehead is an adept and Premier League-proven player, with reliable journalist Ben Jacobs sharing when supporters can expect him to be announced as a new Arsenal player.

Arsenal expected to complete Christian Norgaard signing next week

Speaking on talkSPORT, Jacobs reports that Norgaard is undergoing medical tests at Arsenal, and has completed the first half of his physical assessments. The Denmark international is expected to fully complete his move next week, so it won’t be long until supporters can officially welcome him.

“It’s Eze plus a left winger, and then you have a number nine as well,” said Jacobs on the club’s transfer plans.

“Add in Norgaard, who has done the first part of his medical, and is expected to complete his move next week.

“On top of that factor in the €60m or so outlay for Martin Zubimendi and Arsenal are getting going. Mosquera is another one they’re very optimistic on.”

Arsenal’s signing of Norgaard has been praised by critics, like former Tottenham director Frank Arnesen, who recently told Danish news outlet Tipsbladest that he’s the full package.

“Christian is a fantastic guy,” said Arnsen.

“I have nothing but good things to say about him. You meet players many times in your life, but I always hoped this one would have a fantastic career. He has got that. He has become captain of Brentford and has done incredible.

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

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

So much change has occurred at West Bromwich Albion in such a short space of time.

It doesn’t feel too long ago since Carlos Corberan was still situated in the Baggies dug-out, with Tony Mowbray going on to face the wrath of the Hawthorns hierarchy after the much-loved Spaniard departed for Valencia.

Fast forward to this summer and Ryan Mason is now tasked with attempting to put West Brom back on the map by guiding them up to the Premier League.

This will be no easy feat for a manager still learning the ropes – but unlike Mowbray – he should have a fully fit Josh Maja at his disposal from the second football gets back underway, which is a definite boost for a team attempting to accelerate out of the traps.

Maja's explosive form for West Brom

Despite only lining up for a mere two league games in total during an injury-ravaged 2025, the former Sunderland marksman would still be crowned West Brom’s top goalscorer of the season when the dust had settled.

Maja bagged a deadly 12 strikes from only 26 clashes, with a clinical brace picked up against Preston North End on New Year’s Day his final meaningful contributions during an up-and-down campaign.

When performing at the peak of his powers, the explosive Maja would constantly be linking up with assist king Tom Fellows to terrorise Championship defences, culminating in the homegrown winger registering a colossal 14 assists.

Mikey Johnston was the second most effective assist maker for the Baggies with a lesser five next to his name, with the addition of a new, entertaining attacker perhaps getting even more out of Maja in the long run when considering their previous blistering exploits in the EFL’s top division.

The "fabulous" talent who could be a dream partner for Maja

Of course, as Fellows became more well-known for being a creative menace, the pressure significantly ramped up on his shoulders.

Consequently, the exciting Hawthorns prodigy would only pick up two goals and three assists across his last eight Championship appearances of the season. To add more context, it would only take Fellows three games right at the start of the season to reach the same assists tally.

This is where former Derby County ace Tom Lawrence could come to the rescue in lessening the burden on Fellows to solely create, with a recent report by TEAMtalk suggesting that Mason and Co. are keen to add the free agent to their ranks this summer, alongside competitors to his signature in Wrexham and Coventry City.

Maja will already be raring to go ahead of next season as he pushes his injury issues hopefully to one side.

But, if he knows he also has Lawrence as a potential teammate feeding him chances, alongside Fellows and many other stars at Mason’s disposal, the potent number 29 will be aiming for an even heavier goal return than the 12 he just managed.

Lawrence’s G/A numbers for Derby
Season	Games	Goals	Assists
21/22	39	11	5
20/21	23	3	2
19/20	40	10	5
18/19	38	7	5
17/18	42	6	8
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Whilst his celebrated stint with the Rams did see him score plenty of audacious strikes – as seen in his 37 goals from 185 appearances – the ex-Derby captain would also go on to amass a healthy 25 assists at Pride Park across five memorable campaigns.

More specifically, 22 big chances would be created on the end of the Wrexham-born forward across his five Championship seasons in Derbyshire, with the potential here for Lawrence to recapture this previous EFL best if he moves to West Brom shortly.

With a thunderous effort like this one up his sleeve also, the “fabulous” midfielder – as he was once labelled by ex-Rams boss Gary Rowett – could even compete with Maja at the top of the goalscoring charts, with Mason fancying his team’s chances at promotion even more if the free agent was to relocate to the Hawthorns.

Wallace 2.0: West Brom want to sign free agent with 50 Championship goals

West Bromwich Albion could soon snap up their next Jed Wallace by landing this experienced Championship performer.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 16, 2025

England take series with victory in second Test, after less than 11 overs on final day

ECB Reporters Network19-Jul-2024

Farhan Ahmed claimed four wickets to seal the second Youth Test•Getty Images

England completed a comprehensive win on the final day of the second Youth Men’s Test at Cheltenham, beating Sri Lanka by an innings and 53 runs.Resuming their second innings on 246 for 7 and facing an impossible task in terms of saving the game, the tourists required a further 78 runs just to make their opponents bat again. Needing to take a further three wickets to wrap up victory in the match and the series, the Young Lions needed only 10.5 overs to finish the job at the College Ground.Eschewing the new ball, captain Hamza Shaikh instead trusted in his spinners, Farhan Ahmed and Charlie Barnard finishing the job without recourse to pace. Nottinghamshire off spinner Ahmed proved especially effective, claiming impressive figures of 4 for 59 from 26.5 overs with seven maidens as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 271.Having summoned stiff resistance the previous evening to carry the contest into a fourth day, Vihas Thewmika fell for a 38-ball 18 in the fourth over of the morning, offering a straightforward return catch to Lancashire slow left armer Barnard, who finished with figures of 2 for 55 from 21 overs.Manuja Chanthuka came and went quickly, falling lbw to Ahmed for one as the home side closed in on an inside-the-distance victory. Ahmed then finished things off, pinning last man Sheshan Marasinghe on the front foot in his next over.Determined to prove a point after having been held to a frustrating draw in a rain-affected contest in the first Test at Wormsley, the Young Lions dominated every aspect of this game to stamp their authority and complete a thoroughly-deserved one-nil series win at one of English cricket’s most iconic festivals.