All posts by z3u9t.icu

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson has reacted to reported interest from Everton in Burnley defender James Tarkowski. 

The lowdown: Multiple admirers

A recent report from i News claimed that the Toffees had joined top-flight rivals West Ham and Newcastle United in their desire to sign the Clarets centre-back.

The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer (Transfermarkt), fuelling prominent interest from multiple suitors.

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After a ‘source’ at Goodison Park told Football Insider that Frank Lampard would be keen on bringing in Tarkowski, one of the defender’s former team-mates has taken a closer look at the potential Everton swoop…

The latest: Tarkowski a ‘top player’

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson – who also works as a pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live – explained whether or not the Burnley centre-back would improve Lampard’s ranks.

The 42-year-old said: “Tarky is a top player. Everton will be in the race to sign him.

“I played with him at Burnley and he is a great professional. He has the right mentality on and off the field. He is a very good player.

“Is he a top-level centre-half? Probably not. But he will certainly push on from Burnley into a side in the top half of the league. He is strong, good in the air and a lot better with his feet than people give him credit for.

“Looking at Everton’s current options he would be an improvement on what they’ve got. His leadership qualities would also help them in the dressing room.”

The verdict: Reinforcements needed at Everton

Having conceded 56 goals in the Premier League this season – more than 12 other teams – there can be little doubting that improved defensive options are required for the Everton squad. This is particularly true considering Yerry Mina’s constant battle with injury, after the Colombian powerhouse was forced off once again against Leicester over the weekend.

Despite the struggles at relegation-threatened Burnley, Tarkowski has earned an impressive 7.17 Sofascore rating this term, averaging 6.9 successful duels, 5.3 clearances and 1.8 tackles per game. That would rank him first for clearances and joint-fifth for tackles among the current Everton squad.

Heralded by his former boss Sean Dyche as an ‘outstanding’ operator, it’s no injustice to suggest that the twice-capped England international is something of a throwback to the era of the no-nonsense defender, and he would be a superb addition to Lampard’s options based on the aforementioned statistics.

In other news, find out what ‘serious upgrade’ Everton are now eyeing

Liverpool have bought out their sell-on clause from Kaide Gordon’s transfer from Derby County, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Gordon impressing at Liverpool

The 17-year-old made the move from Pride Park to the Reds in February 2021, with the striker considered one of the most exciting prospects in the country.

Gordon’s first-team playing time at Liverpool has been understandably limited but he has still managed four appearances – including one in the Premier League –  scoring once in that time.

A fresh update has now emerged regarding the youngster’s move to Anfield.

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The Latest: Liverpool buy out Gordon sell-on clause

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Romano confirmed that Liverpool have paid £500,000 to get rid of the 20% sell-on clause which originally existed in the deal. The journalist revealed:

“Excl. Liverpool have bought out the sell on clause from Kaide Gordon’s transfer from Derby County. #LFC Been told Liverpool & Derby County have agreed £500,000 for the removal of the 20% sell on clause which appeared in the original deal.”

The Verdict: Massive future ahead for Gordon

This is yet more shrewd work from Liverpool in the transfer market, ensuring that they don’t have to pay Derby a substantial amount should they eventually sell Gordon in the future.

However, the hope is that the teenager becomes a superstar at Anfield and that the Reds will never actively want to sell him, with Virgil van Dijk hailing him as a ‘great talent’.

The 17-year-old has looked the part whenever he has been given a chance, possessing a great left foot and an eye for goal, while a tally of seven goals and three assists in 10 appearances for Liverpool’s under-18s further outlines his potential.

In other news, one Liverpool player is likely to leave permanently this summer. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Juventus forward Paulo Dybala, who is set to leave the Serie A club as a free agent this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to ESPN journalist James Olley, who claimed that United – along with Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle – have “made contact” with the Argentine’s representatives.

The 28-year-old has been at Juventus since joining from fellow Italian club Palermo in 2015 but is expected to be seeking a new challenge this summer.

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United supporters will be buzzing

The red half of Manchester already know that Ajax boss Erik ten Hag will be taking over as United manager in the summer, with the English juggernaut in need of a serious rebuild.

This season has been a major disappointment for the Red Devils, who currently sit sixth in the Premier League table but could plausibly go into next season without European football.

With numerous players set to depart upon the expiry of their contracts, a major overhaul of the squad will be required if Ten Hag is to have any luck making his first season in the Old Trafford dugout a success.

The likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani and Nemanja Matic are all expected to depart Manchester as free agents this summer, whilst further outgoings are also likely. Therefore, bringing a player of Dybala’s stature to Old Trafford would certainly be a wise move.

Playing as a second striker for the majority of matches, the Argentine has scored 14 goals and registered six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions for Juventus this season. To put that tally into perspective, United’s next-highest scorer after Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted 23 goals, is Bruno Fernandes with nine.

Moreover, the 28-year-old’s total goal contributions for the Turin club is impressive, with 114 goals and 48 assists in 288 matches, averaging one goal contribution for every 1.8 appearances.

Dybala’s availability on a free transfer will almost certainly be a factor in the Red Devils’ interest too, even though it is expected that Ten Hag will have a transfer kitty of around £200m at his disposal over the upcoming summer transfer window.

There is no doubt that the Argentina forward would add serious quality to United’s squad, and signing him would certainly have Red Devils supporters buzzing ahead of a massive transfer window for the club.

AND in other news: Ten Hag eyes MUFC move for “explosive” £29.7m-rated star, £215k-p/w duo set to be axed

Manchester United have now joined the race to sign a “phenomenal” midfielder, who recently put in an impressive performance at Old Trafford.

Man Utd stepping up pursuit of new midfielder

Man United have set out to sign a new central midfielder in the January transfer window, and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes is the object of their desires, with it recently being revealed the 24-year-old has said ‘yes’ to a move to Old Trafford.

INEOS are now working on a deal for the Wolves star, with David Ornstein revealing the Old Gold may choose to cash-in during the January transfer window, as his value may decrease if they are a Championship club by the time summer comes around.

The need to bring in a new central midfielder may also be exacerbated if Kobbie Mainoo moves on, with it now emerging that talks over the 20-year-old signing a contract extension have been put on hold, amid interest from reigning Serie A champions Napoli.

However, it would be understandable if Wolves were unwilling to sell Gomes, given that he has been one of their key players this season and remains contracted until 2030, and the Red Devils have now joined the race for a potential alternative.

That is according to a report from talkSPORT, which names Man United as potential suitors for Everton midfielder James Garner, who is also being targeted by Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.

The Toffees have little interest in sanctioning a departure, however, and have recently stepped up talks over a new contract, with Garner’s current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

David Moyes is personally keen to keep hold of the central midfielder, and it is no surprise, given that he recently played an instrumental role in his side’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford.

Garner impresses in shock Everton win at Old Trafford

After Idrissa Gueye was shown a red card for an altercation with teammate Michael Keane on Monday night, United would’ve been expecting to take all three points, but they were unable to take advantage of their numerical superiority.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal of the game just before the half-an-hour mark, with Garner grabbing the assist, while also making three interceptions and one clearance to keep Ruben Amorim’s side at bay.

Man Utd have advantage over Chelsea in race for "midfield sensation" Assan Ouedraogo

He has a massive future in the game.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 25, 2025

Hailed as “phenomenal” by pundit Trevor Sinclair, a deal for the Englishman wouldn’t break the bank at £20m+, and he has outperformed Gomes across some key defensive statistics over the past year.

Key defensive statistics per 90 (past year)

James Garner

Joao Gomes

Interceptions

1.41 (85th percentile)

0.81 (34th percentile)

Blocks

1.41 (77th percentile)

1.31 (68th percentile)

Clearances

2.19 (80th percentile)

1.37 (40th percentile)

That said, both Garner and Gomes aren’t experienced at the highest level, and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni would perhaps be a more exciting addition to the squad, with the Spanish side’s asking price recently being revealed.

Liverpool are now reportedly exploring a deal to sign Jarrod Bowen after West Ham United shared what it would take for them to sell their star man in 2026.

Those at Anfield have set their sights on another attacking addition with their summer spending yet to come good. Club-record signing Alexander Isak has scored just one goal in all competitions and has largely faced fitness issues during his time at Anfield so far. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz – although gradually improving – is yet to find the back of the net.

After Isak: Liverpool's "next Michael Owen" is destined to be the club's #9

Arne Slot has an emerging 17-year-old star at Liverpool who could take Isak’s number nine shirt off him.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 12, 2025

Suddenly, after a major spending spree, the Reds have looked out of ideas going forward at times. On paper, an attacking blend of Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitie and Cody Gakpo should result in endless goals. In reality, however, it’s a combination which simply hasn’t worked so far.

Former Manchester United defender and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville didn’t hold back after Liverpool’s recent 3-0 defeat against Manchester City either, claiming that Wirtz is a “problem” for Arne Slot.

The November international break has handed the Premier League champions some much-needed reprieve and it’s a break that must see Slot come up with a solution for his side’s problems.

As much as Neville has criticised Wirtz, the truth is that the German hasn’t been Liverpool’s greatest problem in recent weeks. No player in the Premier League has created more chances than the former Bayer Leverkusen man in all competitions, yet the numbers show that he’s got just one assist to his name. For the most part in recent weeks, he’s played his part.

Instead, the big problem lies with those ahead of him who have been wasteful. It’s sparked concerns that Salah could be past his best and those at Anfield are already reportedly eyeing his replacement as a result.

Liverpool exploring Jarrod Bowen move

As reported by Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Liverpool are now exploring a move to sign Bowen ahead of 2026. Whilst West Ham are expected to turn down any advances at this stage, they would reportedly consider selling their captain if an interested party submitted an ‘irresistible’ offer.

Liverpool proved that they’re not afraid to splash the cash in the summer just gone, so the Hammers’ stance should give them a glimmer of hope that they could yet sign Bowen, who shares an agent with Andy Robertson.

As for the forward, himself, if anyone deserves a big move it is him. Bowen has dragged West Ham to European glory, kept them in the Premier League and become an undisputed legend at the London Stadium. Now, if Liverpool come calling, he should grab hold of the opportunity with both hands.

The 28-year-old has already experienced what it’s like to score at Anfield with West Ham, but could yet get the chance to celebrate in front of The Kop week in, week out in 2026.

Jurgen Klopp called Bowen his “favourite player” in 2023 and could watch from afar as the West Ham man completes a move to Merseyside three years later.

Liverpool and Arsenal scouting new right-back who pocketed Gakpo

Do not pinch yourself, Sunderland fans, your beloved team does actually sit in a mind-blowing fourth position in the early Premier League standings right now.

Ever since Regis Le Bris’ transformative appointment last summer, the Black Cats have found themselves slowly but surely rising to absurd new heights, with a dramatic promotion via the playoffs, now being met with an incredible five victories from their opening nine top-flight contests.

The Wearside underdogs even got the better of Chelsea last time out in the Premier League to secure that amazing top-four position, as a last-gasp Chemsidine Talbi effort left Robert Sanchez rooted to his spot.

The Black Cats’ away end was anything but stationary, though, as flailing arms galore were seen at Stamford Bridge, as the hardened travelling masses try to grow used to their side competing with the big boys, and even beating them.

It’s been quite a breakneck journey for Le Bris and Co. since the ex-Lorient boss was handed the Stadium of Light reins back in the summer of 2024, with the Black Cats very much putting the transfer market to good use in signing some fantastic gems over the last year or so.

Sunderland's best signings since Le Bris joined

There would have been plenty of apprehension in the air when Le Bris was first announced as Sunderland boss, as the then-Championship underachievers gambled on a managerial option that had never taken charge of an EFL game before.

Thankfully, their left-field thinking paid off, with Wilson Isidor undoubtedly sticking out as one of the Frenchman’s finest bits of business since moving to England.

Already, Isidor has shown he can cut it in the Premier League with four top-flight strikes next to his name, with the sweetest effort of them all arguably being this instinctive effort that got the ball rolling for Le Bris’ men in West London.

With 13 Championship goals also under his belt, which ensured the glory of promotion was achieved, he is certainly a firm fan’s favourite now, after also being seen as an out-there purchase when initially joining the ranks on loan from Zenit St. Petersburg.

Isidor’s fellow compatriot in Enzo Le Fee is also in this conversation, with Le Bris flexing his Ligue 1 connections to bring in the ex-Roma midfielder in January, proving to be a crucial moment in their hunt for promotion.

Without Le Fee’s added star quality, the Black Cats might well have come up short in their goal to finally return to the Premier League, with two assists picked up from their three cagey playoff matches, resulting in the number 28 being seen as an ice-cold customer on Wearside in tense moments.

Le Fee entering the building on loan and then staying put permanently arguably paved the way for Sunderland to be very ambitious this summer, with faces such as Omar Alderete leaving the glamour of La Liga behind for a chance at Premier League success with Sunderland, a wild thought when the Black Cats were once marooned in the second tier.

Of all the standout purchases this summer, Granit Xhaka is surely the one that sticks out the most, with the Swiss international a regular once upon a time at Arsenal, before becoming a Bundesliga-winning warrior with Bayer Leverkusen.

It almost felt too good to be true; therefore, when the 33-year-old battler ditched Germany for Sunderland this summer, with there surely being a catch along the way.

Yet, Xhaka has proven to be a fine wine on his return to England, with the £13m summer buy currently ranking fifth in the division for big chances created (four), despite being in the supposed twilight years of his career.

Chipping in with three assists, too, it must still be hard for Sunderland fans to come to terms with the spectacular talents their side can now convince to move to Wearside, with Le Bris commenting after the Chelsea win that his brand-new captain is “setting the standards” for everyone around him.

While Xhaka is rightly stealing the headlines for being a masterstroke of a signing, there is another figure who has slipped under the radar, who could be deemed as an even better signing that Le Bris has pulled off, away from the number 34’s wild return to England.

Sunderland's best signing under Le Bris

If Xhaka were to have an off-day, the Frenchman thankfully has fellow midfield talent Noah Sadiki to call upon, with the summer signing from Belgium yet another face who has been “incredible” this season, as he was recently labelled by journalist James Copley.

In the heart of defence, though, Sunderland are arguably not blessed with the same levels of depth, with an ageing Luke O’Nien perhaps not cut out for the pressures of the Premier League, in reserve.

Thankfully, ever since his £9.5m arrival to the building during the action-packed summer transfer window, Nordi Mukiele has been a trustworthy component of Le Bris’ side in this spot on the pitch, with the assured number 20 already being referred to as a “colossus” by journalist Andy Sixsmith, off the back of him looking near faultless since entering the Black Cats ranks.

While Xhaka has also looked equally imperious and confident, he already knew all the rhymes and rhythms of the unforgiving division, having been put through the wringer at Arsenal.

Games played

7

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Touches*

65.1

Accurate passes*

32.6 (81%)

Tackles*

3.0

Ball recoveries*

3.7

Clearances*

7.4

Total duels won*

7.3

Clean sheets

3

Mukiele, on the other hand, only knew Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga before his switch, but has since stepped up to already be seen as an undroppable part of Sunderland’s unfolding success story, as can be seen by looking at his phenomenal Premier League numbers to date.

Amazingly, despite the ex-Gunners midfielder also holding a fierce reputation for being a “monster”, as he was once labelled by Arsenal-based writer Connor Humm while still at the Emirates, Mukiele has managed to win more duels on average this season with a commanding 7.3 duels conjured up, next to Xhaka’s slightly lesser 6.2.

To further back up the argument that Mukiele is Le Bris’ best bit of business since leaving Lorient behind for Wearside, the 27-year-old has also been vital so far this season with his ability to be adaptable and versatile for his team’s cause, with a goal even coming his way against Wolverhampton Wanderers in mid-October, when drafted out to a right-back spot to fix some injury concerns.

Landing such a committed character for just £9.5m, which is also cheaper than the modest amount forked out to win Xhaka, surely means he is a frontrunner to be seen as Le Bris’ smartest move since becoming Sunderland manager, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley even stating last month that he “can’t believe” the Premier League newcomers managed to pick him up.

The concern, too, with their captain is that he is 33 years of age, with more seasons on the agenda where he’s running himself into the ground – past this campaign – perhaps a tall order.

Whereas, Mukiele has time on his side, with a hope that his full-blooded efforts just continue on, as Sunderland strive to remain near the top of the Premier League tree for as long as possible, courtesy of their never-say-die number 20.

Le Bris can axe Traore for £18m gem who’s "grown into the Sunderland shirt”

Regis Le Bris could be looking to replace Bertrand Traore with this Sunderland star.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 25, 2025

Birmingham City’s summer transfer business had seemingly gone quiet in recent weeks after some whirlwind activity in and out of the door early on at St. Andrew’s.

However, the typical chaos associated with the West Midlands side could soon be back on the menu as the Blues edge towards two new deals being completed.

Football League World was the outlet that exclusively dropped the news that Chris Davies and Co were very close to landing the signature of Werder Bremen attacker Marvin Duksch, whilst speedy developments elsewhere have now revealed that ex-Derby County centre-back Eiran Cashin is undergoing a medical to come to the Blues on loan.

Cashin will undoubtedly strengthen an already valiant Birmingham side at the back ahead of Championship football returning to St. Andrew’s, with the 23-year-old’s main footballing education to date coming in the EFL’s division when battling week in week out for the Rams.

What Cashin can bring to Birmingham

Whilst he has found his time at Brighton and Hove Albion to date to be fraught with difficulties, as seen in his two minimal appearances in the Seagulls’ first team picture, the Irishman was a firm fan favourite when he was still plying his trade at Pride Park.

In total, Cashin would go on to make a mammoth 144 appearances for his boyhood side, as his final campaign donning Derby white resulted in him being pushed to his limits as he secured safety for the second-tier strugglers.

Still, the mature 23-year-old gave his all across the full campaign as John Eustace’s men just about kept their heads above water, with a crucial two goals coming his way from 39 Championship appearances, away from also averaging an imposing 6.8 duels won per second-tier match-up.

He shouldn’t be fazed by the prospect of returning to the division, therefore, as the “colossal” centre-back – as he was glowingly labelled by ex-Rams manager Paul Warne – now attempts to fit in next to his new, towering teammates at the back in the form of Christoph Klarer and Krystian Bielik.

Whilst Cashin is a standout buy on the surface, he is only used to that dog-fight mentality in the second tier, with a bigger talent than the former Derby number six now potentially on the agenda as they attempt to make their transition back to Championship life look as smooth as possible.

Birmingham targeting a bigger talent than Cashin

You would anticipate, for the amount of cash that has been thrown about, that the ambition in the Birmingham camp is to take the EFL’s elite division by storm, as opposed to just seeking out immediate safety.

If Mateo Joseph were to finally arrive on the scene at the Blues after being linked consistently with a statement switch this summer, he would want to be competing near the top-end of the division, too, with the £10m striker just fresh off a Championship title success with Leeds United.

The Spanish hotshot’s electric form off the bench for Daniel Farke’s champions last season would surely excite the Birmingham masses as to what he could be capable of at St. Andrew’s, with a blistering six goal contributions coming his way from just 11 league starts.

With Kyogo Furuhashi already at Davies’ disposal, alongside the incoming arrival of Ducksch adding in more firepower, throwing in Joseph into the mix too would make the Blues’ attacking options a real sight to behold.

Arguably, that final addition of the “dynamite” forward – as he’s been labelled by U23 football scout Antonio Mango – might just be the signing Birmingham need to get done to believe they can mount a shock promotion charge when the exciting 2024/25 season kicks off, knowing Joseph has been done and done that in the tiring division before.

Obviously, Cashin will also be a valued addition defensively, as Birmingham navigates the initial step-up.

But, Joseph could be that forward-thinking spark that helps the Blues to step it up a notch, away from merely securing survival.

He's a dream for Kyogo: Birmingham close in on signing "extraordinary" star

Birmingham City would get over Alfie May’s exit even quicker by signing this new attacker.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 24, 2025

Hoping to spark their transfer window into life to follow up on Thierno Barry’s pending arrival, Everton have reportedly entered the race to sign a Championship star.

Who Everton are targeting after Barry

With Barry reportedly on his way to complete a move worth around £30m from Villarreal, it won’t be long until Everton are able to shift their focus towards further incomings. Just who those targets are is the big question. As things stand, names such as James McAtee and Takefusa Kubo remain the most interesting and the Toffees could yet push on to land two more attacking reinforcements.

Everton now want to sign new Premier League 26 y/o with Moyes a "big fan"

The Toffees are in the market for reinforcements.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 9, 2025

McAtee particularly stands out. The Manchester City graduate desperately needs to leave the Etihad in search of consistent game time and entering a new era with Everton at The Hill Dickinson Stadium would hand him exactly that.

Whilst he was forced to play a frustrating role last season, McAtee still impressed whenever given the opportunity to thrive under Pep Guardiola. So much so that the Spaniard had nothing but positives to say about the 22-year-old after he scored a hat-trick against Salford City in the FA Cup.

Even after that praise, however, McAtee’s future looks destined to come away from the Citizens. Of course, the last time that City sold a young player like McAtee, Chelsea gained an incredible player in Cole Palmer, who is now one of the best that the Premier League has to offer.

Whether Everton can repeat Chelsea’s genius for McAtee remains to be seen, but midfield reinforcements seem to be the Toffees’ priority with or without the Man City gem this summer.

Everton join Hayden Hackney race

According to Sky Sports, Everton have now joined the race to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough this summer after making initial enquiries over his availability.

Joining a hectic race to sign the £25m midfielder, the Toffees may finally hand Hackney a well-earned path to the Premier League and land an impressive replacement for the departed Abdoulaye Doucoure in the process.

Minutes

3,792

2,564

Progressive Passes

440

38

Tackles Won

56

28

Ball Recoveries

281

150

To say that Hackney is ready for the Premier League would be an understatement. Even as Boro failed to secure a spot in the playoffs last season, he dominated the Championship in the middle of the park both in and out of possession and recently helped England U21s to a European Championship triumph.

It’s no surprise that former manager Michael Carrick was so full of praise for his star man, telling reporters after Hackney won the Young Player of the Year award in 2024: “I’m not taking any credit for Hayden Hackney winning the Young Player of the Year award.

“He’s a talented lad and more importantly he is so down to earth and humble. He’s willing to listen and he’s a very fast learner, so anything you tell him he takes on board straight away.”

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is personally leading the charge to sign a “powerful” player, with an offer now ready to be submitted, according to a report.

Berta taking hands-on role at the Emirates

Having laid the foundations, the Arsenal hierarchy believes now is the time for the team to start winning silverware, and Berta has a big role to play, with the Italian regarded as a master negotiator, capable of being involved in multiple deals at once.

The 53-year-old is taking a hands-on role at the Emirates Stadium, attending training sessions and press conferences, while also putting in work behind-the-scenes to secure agreements for the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi.

There have been some disagreements with Mikel Arteta, however, especially when it comes to which striker they should bring in, with Berta keen to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, while the manager would prefer to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Berta is simultaneously working on moves for both strikers, indicating a decision is yet to be made as to which striker is the preferred option, and the north Londoners are also keen to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch.

That is according to a report from Super Deporte (via Sport Witness), which states Berta is now leading the charge for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, who has recently been identified as a key target by Arteta.

Saka will love him: Arsenal agree initial fee to sign £60m "monster"

Arsenal could be growing closer to signing a new striker.

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Such is Arsenal’s level of interest, they are now ready to submit an offer in the region of €20m – €25m (£17m – £21m) for Mosquera, with around €3m – €5m (£2.6m – £4.3m) of the higher amount based on bonuses relating to performance.

Berta is said to be key to the deal, with the sporting director retaining a long-term interest in the 21-year-old, having also targeted him during his time with Atlético Madrid.

"Powerful" Mosquera could be ideal centre-back signing

With any new centre-back signing unlikely to immediately take Gabriel or William Saliba’s spot in the starting XI, it would make sense to bring in a younger centre-back, capable of replacing one of the first-choice options on a long-term basis.

The Valencia star is showing very promising signs in La Liga, having now established himself as a key player, missing just one La Liga game last season, while the defender has also received high praise from former youth coach Miguel-Ángel Angulo.

Angulo said: “He’s characterised by a physical condition and good technical qualities, powerful in the air, and mature for his age.”

Having also received plaudits from Statman Dave, Mosquera is clearly an exciting young player, who could provide Arsenal with the depth to compete on all fronts next season, before going on to stake a claim for a regular starting spot.

Newcastle United are active in the hunt for reinforcements and internal discussions are ongoing at St James’ Park over a potential move for an exciting attacker, according to a report.

Newcastle United discover opening Premier League fixtures

The Premier League fixture schedule has landed ahead of the new campaign, and it is fair to say Magpies fans will be salivating over the prospect of their side being back in competitive action.

Facing Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Liverpool within their first few matches won’t be easy, but there will be plenty of confidence within the camp that a strong platform can be built ahead of another enthralling season.

With a trip to Villa Park first up, intrigue will start to grow over potential activity in the North East over the next couple of months. Simon Jordan believes Newcastle’s position of relative strength should be more of a talking point as they gear up to go to battle in the top-flight.

He stated: “I think the answer to the question is where is there not an intriguing story? Look around the league. Look at all the teams that are in there. Look at Newcastle.

“Newcastle are now in the Champions League. They have got the spending restrictions probably back into play now and they can go again hard.”

Joao Pedro has emerged as a key target for Newcastle in their mission to juggle domestic football and Champions League participation, with talks open over a move for the Brazil international.

Roma’s Evan Ndicka could join Howe’s revolution, but it appears that extending their pool of depth across the front four position has become the main priority for the Geordies if recent reports are anything to go by.

Newcastle discuss West Ham United man Mohammed Kudus

According to The Athletic, Newcastle have internally discussed a move for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus amid uncertainty over his future at the London Stadium.

Previously, reports came to light detailing that Magpies owners PIF feel they can afford a swoop for Kudus as a cheaper alternative to Brentford star Bryan Mbuemo.

He'll make Isak better: Newcastle set to hold talks over signing £60m star

Newcastle are finally starting to slam down the pedal in the summer transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 17, 2025

The Ghana international has a release clause of around £75 million. However, it is widely acknowledged that he won’t move for as high a fee, and Newcastle appear to have taken encouragement due to the fact his name has been mentioned in the corridors of power.

Labelled “brilliant” by Graham Potter, Kudus registered five goals and four assists last campaign in 35 appearances across all competitions, which isn’t bad going given the Hammers endured a disappointing season.

Making his presence known in attack, the 24-year-old created 31 chances in the Premier League and fits the bill as a versatile attack-minded addition for Howe due to his ability to function on either flank or through the middle.

Newcastle’s targets are beginning to evolve this window and Kudus is now near the front of their mind amid his potential availability.