أرتيتا يكشف 5 غيابات عن آرسنال أمام بلباو.. ويؤكد: بدوري الأبطال تفشل كثيرًا لتنجح مرة واحدة

تحدث مدرب آرسنال ميكيل أرتيتا، في مؤتمر صحفي قبل مباراة فريقه في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، أمام أتلتيك بلباو، المقرر لها غدًا الثلاثاء.

ويحل آرسنال ضيفًا على أتلتيك بلباو، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الأولى بمرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا 2025-2026.

وكشف أرتيتا عن الغيابات في صفوف آرسنال قائلاً: “جابريل جيسوس، كاي هافيرتز، بن وايت، ومارتن أوديجارد ما زالوا غائبين، للأسف”.

وحول ما إذا كان مارتن أوديجارد مع الفريق المسافر إلى بلباو، أجاب أرتيتا موضحًا: لا، لقد عاد”.

وبشأن تطور إصابة بوكايو ساكا، استطرد: أعتقد أن هناك الكثير من الأمور التي يجب القيام بها، من المبكر جدًا معرفة متى وفي أي أسبوع سيكون متاحًا، لكنه بالتأكيد سيبذل قصارى جهده ليكون متاحًا في أسرع وقت ممكن”.

وإذا كان سيحتاج إلى مداورة اللاعبين هذا الموسم، أفاد: “يعتمد الأمر على جاهزية الفريق ومستوى اللاعبين، للأسف، لدينا عدد قليل من اللاعبين خارج التشكيلة، مما يجعل خياراتنا محدودة في بعض المراكز”.

وأكمل: “لكن نأمل أن نكون قد وصلنا إلى مرحلة تكون فيها المنافسة ومستوى أداء اللاعبين مرتفعين بما يكفي لتحقيق ذلك بكفاءة عالية للفوز بمزيد من المباريات، هذا هو هدفنا”.

وحول إمكانية إراحة فيكتور جيوكيريس، أشار: “حسنًا، لنرَ، في المباراة الأخيرة ضد نوتينجهام، لعب ميكيل ميرينو كمهاجم رقم تسعة، لدينا تروسارد الذي يمكنه اللعب في نفس المركز، ولدينا خيارات أخرى وتشكيلات أخرى يمكننا تعديلها، حاليًا، فيكتور يُقدم أداءً رائعًا، وأنا سعيد جدًا بذلك”.

اقرأ أيضًا | ضربة قوية لـ أتلتيكو مدريد قبل مواجهة ليفربول في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وفيما يتعلق بإمكانية الفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا، أكد أرتيتا: نعم، مثل بقية الفرق التي فعلت الشيء نفسه (عززت صفوفها) وواصلت ذلك وحققت اللقب في مناسبات عديدة، هذا هو الهدف في البداية، لكننا جميعًا نعلم أنها ستكون رحلة طويلة جدًا، الفروق في هذه البطولة ضئيلة للغاية، ويجب أن تكون في أفضل حالاتك منذ اليوم الأول لمنح نفسك أفضل فرصة ممكنة”.

وعن الدروس المستفادة من الموسم الماضي، قال: “أننا جيدون بما يكفي، وأننا قادرون على منافسة أي خصم في يوم المباراة، وفوق ذلك، يجب أن تسير الأمور في صالحنا، يجب أن يكون لدينا فريق كامل جاهز في اللحظات الحاسمة من الموسم، ثم يجب أن تسجل هدفًا في اللحظة المناسبة أو بالقرار الصحيح، وهذا ضروري لأن هامش الفوز ضئيل للغاية”.

وعما إذا كانت الخسارة في نصف النهائي بالموسم الماضي تدفع الفريق للأمام، رد: “حسنًا، هذا هو الواقع، وفي تلك اللحظة التي تشعر فيها بالإحباط، عليك أن تفهم ما عليك فعله لتستعيد توازنك وتبدأ باتخاذ إجراءات فعلية تُعطيك فرصة تحقيق ذلك، وهذا كل شيء”.

وشدد: “نتعلم الكثير من هذه التجربة، الأمر مؤلم، ليس فقط لأنه يتعلق بما نشعر به، بل يتعلق أيضًا بالتوقعات التي خلقناها والقناعة الراسخة التي كانت لدينا داخل النادي والفريق، بأننا قادرون على الوصول إلى النهائي لأننا أظهرنا مستوى عاليًا من الثبات والجودة طوال البطولة، ونتعلم منها ونسعى للأفضل”.

وحول ما إذا كان يشعر أن الفريق جاهز للفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا، أوضح: “الأمر ليس بهذه البساطة، أنت مستعد تمامًا للقيام بذلك وتريد أن تكون أفضل، أشعر بنية واضحة جدًا بأنهم يريدون أن يكونوا أفضل كل يوم، وهذه هي البداية والنهاية، ولا يوجد شيء آخر يمكن التحكم فيه، يجب خلق الطاقة والإيمان بين اللاعبين، والفهم والشعور بأننا قادرون على منافسة أي خصم، وبالتأكيد لديهم ذلك”.

وإذا كان هناك ضغط للفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا، أسترسل أرتيتا: “هذا يُظهر لكم، بتاريخنا الطويل، مدى صعوبة الأمر لأننا لم نفز به بعد، وهذه هي الفرصة، هكذا أرى الأمر، الضغط هو الفرصة التي تزدهر،  يجب أن يكون كل قرار متوافقًا مع هذه المعايير والتوقعات، ولنمنح أنفسنا أفضل فرصة لتحقيق ذلك”.

وبشأن ما إذا كان الخروج المتكرر من البطولة يساعد الفرق في النهاية على الوصول إلى اللقب، أتم: “الأندية الكبرى تحاول سبع أو ثمان أو تسع مرات وتفوز مرتين فقط، في هذه البطولة، ستنجح مرة واحدة وتفشل مرات أكثر بكثير، هذه هي طبيعتها، وهذا هو تاريخ نادينا، وهذا ما نريد تغييره”.

Pep now demands Man City sign £50m star ASAP, confident deal could be done

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has now demanded the signing of a “world-class” £50m star, and there is confidence that a deal could be done, according to a report.

Man City keen on midfielder with Gundogan's future uncertain

Given his age, Ilkay Gundogan is now likely to be in the twilight years of his career, and having already left Man City once, there are now suggestions the midfielder could be closing in on a move to Galatasaray.

Manchester City's IlkayGundoganand manager Pep Guardiola

Gundogan seems keen to continue his career with the Turkish champions, and Galatasaray are well-placed to secure his signature, regardless of whether they are able to get a deal for Victor Osimhen over the line.

The German has, of course, been a fantastic servant to City, with Guardiola previously making it clear just how highly he rates the midfielder, describing him as “exceptional”.

However, the City legend was subjected to some criticism at times last season, and given the central midfielder’s age, it could be the right decision to move him on this summer.

Now, Guardiola appears to have set his sights on a potential replacement for Gundogan, with a report from Spain stating the Man City boss has now demanded the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, having been a long-term admirer.

The City manager has instructed the board to sign Camavinga as soon as possible, having identified him as a priority target, and there is confidence that a deal could be possible, should they submit a significant offer.

Pep's own Mbeumo: Man City accelerating move for £21.5m "monster"

Man City are looking to sign their next new addition in the coming days

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jul 12, 2025

Previous reports have revealed that it could take a bid of around £50m to tempt Madrid into a sale, although the report makes it clear that Xabi Alonso’s side have no plans to cash-in anytime soon.

"World-class" Camavinga could be statement signing for City

After falling way below their usual standards in the 2024-25 season, City are looking to re-establish themselves as the dominant force in the Premier League, and the 22-year-old could help them do exactly that.

Once lauded for his “world-class talent” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the former Rennes man has since gone on to make 180 appearances for Real Madrid, where he has put in some impressive performances.

Of course, every player in a Guardiola system has to be adept with the ball at their feet, and the Frenchman fits the bill in that regard, placing in the 92nd percentile for his pass completion rate per 90 over the past year, while also impressive from a defensive standpoint.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

3.83 (98th percentile)

Interceptions

1.52 (88th percentile)

Clearances

2.31 (85th percentile)

Camavinga could be a statement signing for Man City this summer, and £50m seems like a reasonable fee, given the central midfielder’s ability, making this one to watch.

£134k-per-week duo want to join Arsenal as Berta personally leads talks

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is leading the charge to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s ranks this summer, with the Gunners determined to end their two-decade-long-plus wait for a Premier League title.

Arsenal have "submitted an offer" to sign "strong" £30m Premier League star

The north Londoners are opening talks.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 2, 2025

Berta officially unveiled his first signing as Edu Gaspar’s replacement earlier this week.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

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

Kepa Arrizabalaga is a now-confirmed Arsenal player after completing his medical at the club last week (Sky Sports), and the 30-year-old David Raya back-up joins from Chelsea for just £5 million.

“We are really happy to have Kepa joining us,” said Arteta about Kepa’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium.

“He is a player we know, having come up against him many times in recent seasons. He brings a wealth of experience, which his teammates will benefit from, and he has a real hunger to win.

“Kepa works hard and will elevate our levels. I know he will fit in perfectly, already knowing some of his teammates, and we are really excited about his future with us.”

Arsenal are likely to announce Martin Zubimendi’s signing at some point this week too, with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard also expected to undergo his medical in the next few days (The Athletic).

Arsenal also want to sign a new attacking-midfielder/winger, amid talks for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, but supporters are especially keen to see Berta end the club’s long wait for a prolific star striker.

Valencia'sCristhianMosquerain action with Atletico Madrid's Samuel Lino

While there have been tentative links to the likes of Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, two big names stand out as Arsenal’s top centre-forward targets – RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Sesko, fresh off the back of his best Bundesliga campaign to date, was a top target for Arsenal last summer and in January (Ben Jacobs), with Berta holding talks over the £94,000-per-week Slovenia international again this summer.

Gyokeres, meanwhile, is at the centre of a public fallout with Sporting and president Frederico Varandas, and the 27-year-old is believed to be very keen on a move to Arsenal, whilst being worried that his price tag could jeopardise a move (Record).

Sesko and Gyokeres eyeing Arsenal moves as Berta leads talks

As per GiveMeSport and reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Arsenal’s intentions are clear when it comes to a deal for either man.

Berta has “advanced talks” for Sesko and Gyokeres, as widely reported elsewhere too, and Jacobs says that they would both welcome a move to north London. However, the key for a deal to be done is, of course, down to their final price tags.

Arsenal’s aim is to sign Sesko or Gyokeres for around £60 million, but personal terms shouldn’t be a problem for either really, especially considering the latter is only on around £40,000-per-week in Portugal right now.

Given the likes of Man United are also hunting for a top striker, amid links to Gyokeres in particular, Arsenal cannot afford to dilly-dally for too long here.

مهند لاشين: بيراميدز أعادني لمنتخب مصر.. وحققت أكبر بطولة في قارة إفريقيا

علق مهند لاشين، لاعب منتخب مصر، على التعادل مع بوركينا فاسو سلبيًا، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما، الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة إلى نهائيات كأس العالم 2026.

والتقى منتخب مصر مع بوركينا فاسو، على ملعب الأخير، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الثامنة من مباريات المجموعة الأولى لـ تصفيات كأس العالم.

طالع| محمد فضل يوجه نصيحة إلى حسام حسن بسبب مصطفى محمد: طبطب عليه

وقال مهند لاشين في لقاء مع برنامج ملعب أون، على قناة أون سبورت: “الحمد لله، الله دائمًا السبب في أي خير يحدث، الحمد لله رب العالمين، النتيجة كانت جيدة جدًا، من أول معسكر الحمد لله كنا كلنا حاسين بقيمة المهمة”.

وبسؤاله عن الإصابة التي تعرض لها، تابع: “الحمد لله، هي كانت إصابة في الظهر في مباراة الأهلي قبل المعسكر، وتم استدعائي، كانت فرصة أن أعود للمنتخب، وأقدم أداء جيدًا وأشكر كابتن حسام وإبراهيم والدكتور أبو العلا والدكتور مصطفى لأنهم تعبوا معي بعد الإصابة”.

وكشف: “في المباراة الأولى الإصابة تفاقمت علي في ظهري، لكن الحمد لله قدرنا نسبق الزمن وأكون موجودا، الحمد لله رب العالمين، أهم حاجة إنك تتوكل على ربنا، وتضع أهدافًا صغيرة تحققها، والأهداف الكبيرة ربنا ييسرها لك”.

واختتم: “التركيز في الفترة الماضية مع النادي، وربنا كرمنا وقدرنا نحقق بطولتين مهمين جدًا، آخرهما دوري أبطال إفريقيا، بطولة كبيرة جدًا وأكبر بطولة في القارة على مستوى الأندية، وهذا كان دافعا كبيرا لنا، وربنا كرمني بانضمامي إلى منتخب مصر ونحن في مرحلة مهمة ونحتاج لحسم الصعود”.

James Anderson's seven-wicket onslaught condemns Nottinghamshire to follow-on

England veteran signals readiness for Test farewell with six wickets in opening spell

ECB Reporters Network02-Jul-2024

James Anderson celebrates a wicket•George Franks, via Lancashire Cricket

James Anderson signalled his readiness for next week’s Test farewell at Lord’s by claiming a remarkable seven-wicket haul in his first Championship appearance of the summer, as Lancashire seized control against Nottinghamshire at Southport.Anderson’s haul of 7 for 35 included an opening burst of 6 for 19 in ten overs, as Lancashire were able to enforce the follow-on after three days of the Vitality County Championship match at Southport & Birkdale Cricket Club.Anderson, whose last competitive match was the fifth Test against India at Dharamsala in March, warmed up for his final Test next week as if he had never been away with the best figures in this season’s Championship, as Nottinghamshire were skittled for 126 in reply to Lancashire’s first innings 353 for nine declared.Nathan Lyon took his 800th first-class wicket when the visitors followed-on 227 runs behind and they had reached 84 for two in their second innings by the close needing a further 143 runs to avoid an innings defeat.”To do what he did this morning was pretty amazing to witness,” Lyon said of Anderson’s performance. “Obviously I’ve seen it when I’ve been on the other side, when I’m not standing there saying ‘come on Jimmy’ so that was amazing to watch and amazing to be a part of.”That’s the beauty of county cricket I guess, to come over here and play with arguably the greatest fast bowler to play the game has been pretty special. No disrespect to the other bowler’s playing in this game, the class of what Jimmy brings to the table, the extra zip off the wicket, the extra bounce he gets – and that’s not even mentioning his skills set – that ability to go both ways and also bowl the wobble seam.”It was pretty cool being at mid off and actually have him tell me what he was actually doing, it was good fun.”Keaton Jennings declared once Lancashire had scored the six runs needed for a third batting point and then watched from second slip as Anderson unleashed an astonishing ten-over spell of six for 19 from the Harrod Drive End to destroy the Notts top and middle order line up.If there was a shade of good fortune about his first wicket when Haseeb Hameed via a bottom edge deflected the ball just enough to clip the bails, the rest were the result of Anderson repeatedly hitting a perfect line and length on a good wicket but one that also offered some slight assistance.Will Young was the next to depart when edging behind to wicketkeeper Matty Hurst followed by Joe Clarke caught at second slip for 0, while both Jack Haynes and Lyndon James fell caught fending off rib-high deliveries, the former at short leg and the latter via a glove to fourth slip.Anderson took all six wickets to fall before lunch after Liam Patterson-White edged to give fourth slip another catch, and suitably refreshed the England bowler returned to have Dillon Pennington caught behind in the fifth over of the afternoon, for his 55th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket and 22nd for Lancashire.By then Tom Bailey had nipped in to take two wickets in two balls, ending a 41-run partnership between Ben Slater and Calvin Harrison when the latter edged behind, and having Olly Stone caught at second slip.Last pair Slater and Dane Paterson, who hammered two massive sixes, hit out to add 42 runs for the last wicket – the biggest partnership of the innings – before a direct hit by Lyon ended the innings with Paterson (19) short of his ground, leaving Slater stranded having carried his bat for a valiant 64.The left-handed batter was less fortunate when Notts followed-on, trapped lbw for 17 by Lyon to give the Australian his landmark wicket shortly after the tea interval.And Lyon also broke a determined 31-run partnership off 103 balls between Hameed and Young when he had the Notts captain caught behind for 41.With Lancashire camped around the bat and the batters intent on survival above all else, Young (11 not out) and Clarke (11 not out) safely negotiated their way through to the close and the visitors will have to show similar resolve tomorrow if they are to stave off defeat.

Shamsi: 'We've been put under pressure every game and stood up to it'

Shamsi says SA will have to rely more on spin than pace in the Caribbean leg of the T20 World Cup

Firdose Moonda15-Jun-20242:32

Morkel: South Africa need to have more intensity with bat

South Africa are “testing out all the scores,” as Tabraiz Shamsi jokingly put it when he accepted his Player-of-the-Match award after helping his team pull off another last-ball heist, against Nepal.Although South Africa topped Group D and are yet to lose a match in the tournament, their last two victories have come off the final ball and their match against Netherlands was decided in the penultimate over. “It’s a little bit closer than we’ve needed it to be,” Shamsi said.All four of their games have been low-scoring, starting with their opener against Sri Lanka, who they bowled out for 77. Then, South Africa chased 104 against Netherlands, having recovered from 12 for 4 to do it, and defended 113 against Bangladesh and 115 against Nepal. The first three totals could be somewhat explained by seamer-friendly conditions in New York, which was characterised by inconsistent bounce but the score in St Vincent was the result of what seemed like a misreading of conditions, which were more suited to spin. Captain Aiden Markram summed it up as them being “nowhere near our best and just lacked a bit of intensity and conviction in our game plans.”Related

Nepal captain Paudel: 'We were very close but a little far'

Heartbreak for Nepal as Shamsi scripts stunning turnaround

Amid chaos and randomness, South Africa hold their nerve (for a change)

While he did not isolate the top three, their form remains a concern. Between them, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks and Markram have scored 129 runs from 12 trips to the crease, at an average of 10.75. Only Uganda, Papua New Guinea and Ireland’s top three have fared worse. After being put in to bat against Nepal, their old Achilles’ heel against spin seemed to re-emerge as all seven of the wickets that fell were to Dipendra Singh Airee’s offspin and Khushal Bhurtel’s legspin.There may also have been reflection of an element of facing the unknown in the way South Africa performed against Nepal. This was the first time South Africa and Nepal have met in an international match and Markram conceded that Nepal, “put us under a lot of pressure,” as South Africa also navigated between playing morning games in the USA and a night match in St Vincent. “It has been a bit different because we spent the whole day almost doing nothing and there [in New York], we’d be playing first thing in the morning,” he said. “Moving forward some things may change. It’s one of the big challenges of cricket, being open minded and adapting.”Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks are yet to fire like they can•AFP/Getty Images

For Shamsi, the key to playing in the Caribbean is recognising that there will be a need to shift away from reliance on pace to spin. “Our fast bowlers did a great job in New York but our slower bowlers will have to take up the mantle now,” he said.South Africa came prepared for that, and included three specialist spinners in their 15-player squad. So far, they have only fielded one of them per game, with Keshav Maharaj playing in New York and Shamsi in St Vincent, but Markram conceded they both should have played against Nepal. Left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin has yet to come into the conversation but with a reputation for taking wickets with the new ball, he may also feature in the Super Eight. South Africa were the first team to qualify for that round and Markam is hopeful they can “put a more complete game of cricket together now that we move forward to the business end of the competition.”Ultimately, some may be of the view that may not be what it takes for South Africa to win their first World Cup. Historically – and often despite strong performances in the group stages – South Africa have crumbled in crunch moments and lost games that they seemed on course to win. Now, with three close results, they’ve shown an ability to hold their nerve. “We’ve been put under pressure in every single game and we have stood up to it,” Shamsi said.Importantly, they also found different match-winners. Against Netherlands, David Miller’s 51-ball 59 took them over line, against Bangladesh, Keshav Maharaj’s 3 for 27 did the trick and against Nepal, Shamsi’s 4 for 19 was vital to their victory. Throughout Ottneil Baartman’s performances have been exemplary and added variation to an attack that has sometimes been too one-dimensional.The top order issues aside, South Africa seem to be ticking along well or as Shamsi said: “When this team is rolling, everybody knows their roles.”

Arsenal make "surprise" approach for £300k-a-week forward who Mourinho wants

Arsenal have made a left-field transfer approach amid sporting director Andrea Berta’s hunt for new forwards, with Mikel Arteta’s side moving for one of Jose Mourinho’s key targets for Fenerbahce.

£150k-per-week Premier League star in London after agreeing Arsenal move

Arsenal are about to make a signing.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 25, 2025

The north Londoners want to reinforce their attacking options ahead of a potentially more fruitful Premier League title challenge next season, and new sporting director Andrea Berta has been targeting both wingers and strikers.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

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

Their pursuit of a number nine – likely to be one of Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres as Berta remains working on both deals simultaneously – is grabbing most of the headlines, but Arsenal definitely want a new winger as well.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo is their “dream” target, according to Fabrizio Romano, but the Brazil international’s £205,000-per-week wages and reported £77 million price tag make this move a difficult one to pull off, not to mention the task of convincing him to leave world football’s most elite side.

It may, however, be far easier to negotiate with Man United over a move for outcast Jadon Sancho, who are reportedly desperate to cut the Englishman’s £300,000-per-week salary from their wage bill.

Arsenal make "surprise" approach for Jadon Sancho

As per CaughtOffside, in collaboration with Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, Arsenal have made an enquiry over Sancho, which the outlet states may come as a “surprise” to some.

Arteta’s side are yet to follow that up with formal talks, though, with Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe appearing to be in the driving seat as things stand. The Portuguese has personally spoken with Sancho about swapping England for the Turkish Süper Lig, and if the player gives his green-light, United’s eagerness to sell means this won’t be a difficult deal to do.

If Arsenal are to hijack this move, they’ll have to move in quickly, as Fenerbahçe have also made Sancho a tempting contract offer with high wages – a proposal which he’s “seriously” considering.

The 25-year-old England international finds himself at a crossroads, despite flashes of brilliance during a mixed loan spell at Chelsea. Sancho scored in their Conference League final win over Real Betis, and his overall performances in west London were enough to convince Chelsea to hold talks with the winger over making his stay permanent.

However, they ultimately failed to reach an agreement, leaving Sancho in limbo, with a key decision set to be made on whether to leave England once again. For Arsenal, they must now decide whether to intensify their pursuit or focus all of their attention on the likes of Rodrygo.

If they do try their hand at competing for Sancho, Berta and co will likely want to negotiate a lower salary, as his current £300,000-per-week wages would make him Arsenal’s highest-paid player.

There is also the added complication from Juventus, who are poised to open talks for the ex-Borussia Dortmund sensation (Sky Sports).

Better than Huijsen: Liverpool in the running to sign £70m "monster"

Liverpool are preparing for the 2025/26 campaign by packing Arne Slot’s squad with high-quality additions. After winning the Premier League last term, the Reds are looking to defend their title and challenge for silverware across other fronts.

As you will likely have seen, Liverpool have agreed a £116m deal with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of Florian Wirtz, who has been described as a “game-changer” with a skillset that is “dangerous for every opponent” by former Bayern Munich technical director Marco Neppe.

With Darwin Nunez’s sale expected at some point in the coming months, Anfield will surely welcome a new number nine through the gates, but there are other areas of the field that need attention too.

Indeed, the Reds have already tried to sign one of the best young centre-backs in the world in Dean Huijsen.

Why Liverpool wanted Dean Huijsen

Why did Liverpool want Huijsen? Well, for the same reason as everyone else: the Dutch-born Spain star was immense for Bournemouth after joining from Juventus for £15m, with analyst Ben Mattinson even declaring him “the most in-demand centre-back in the world.”

Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen.

The problem, as ever, was that Real Madrid also wanted the 20-year-old, and when they came knocking, the youngster’s decision was set.

Activating his £50m release clause, Los Blancos have added one of the finest young defenders to their ranks, and Liverpool will now need to turn their attention elsewhere, for more depth is needed in the rearguard following a paucity of defensive signings in recent years.

Ah well, he’s not the only young defender worth their salt playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues right now. In fact, he might not even be the best up-and-coming centre-back from the recent Premier League season.

There’s another, albeit with a bit more experience, who is on Liverpool’s radar and could prove an upgrade on the Spain international.

Liverpool in race for new centre-back

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are still concerned about Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation, with the Frenchman entering the final year of his deal.

Transfer Focus

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

As such, FSG have stayed in the race for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. The 22-year-old has been fantastic over the past couple of years on Merseyside, taking another step in his development since David Moyes was appointed in January.

Liverpool are not alone in their interest. Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the £70m-rated star, while Manchester United have a historic interest and would be certain to make their name known if more clarity were to be provided on the Englishman’s future in the coming weeks.

A move wouldn’t be made until Konate’s future is sorted, but if a breakthrough cannot be found, Branthwaite could become a hot topic on Merseyside this summer.

Why Liverpool want Jarrad Branthwaite

Standing at 6 foot 5, Branthwaite is a powerful and menacing defensive presence, protecting his backline with iron-clad resolve and steel-tipped challenges.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite

Though he’s less at home in a pass-heavy environment than Huijsen, there’s a strong case to be made that the Evertonian could have the brighter future ahead of him, with the Toffees actually valuing their prized possession at £75m when the Red Devils came calling last year.

Looking at the data from the English top flight last year, you can see that while Huijsen outperformed his positional peer from an attacking standpoint, Branthwaite was more confident in the duel and maintained a similar passing crispness despite his tactical deployment.

Prem 24/25 – Dean Huijsen vs Jarrad Branthwaite

Stats (* per game)

Huijsen

Branthwaite

Matches (starts)

32 (26)

30 (28)

Goals

3

0

Assists

2

1

Touches*

63.9

51.9

Pass completion

84%

83%

Key passes*

0.5

0.1

Ball recoveries*

3.3

3.1

Tackles + interceptions*

2.7

2.1

Clearances*

6.1

6.3

Ground duels (won)*

3.6 (56%)

3.9 (63%)

Data via Sofascore

It’s worth noting that more active defensive numbers don’t automatically qualify for superiority as a centre-back. In fact, Branthwaite’s ability to read the game like a scholar and act only when the situation demands is not too dissimilar to Virgil van Dijk’s approach.

Given the Everton man’s left-footedness, he might be the Dutchman’s perfect heir, albeit one who would arrive in contentious circumstances.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk

But no matter. Liverpool, after all, are currently dealing with a potential double swoop from the Toffees for two of their first-teamers: Ben Doak and Joe Gomez have been reported to be on their rivals’ radar.

And for Branthwaite’s part, there’s a subtle undertow to his actions this year that suggests he would be up for the cross-city switch. In March, the English defender expressed concerns after being overlooked by England manager Thomas Tuchel, who once again neglected to call him up for the recent (difficult) camp.

In all likelihood, Tuchel was wary about bringing a defender into the fold whose club-level tactics are at such variance to the on-the-ball style the Three Lions are looking to implement.

Premier League Possession Stats (24/25)

League Rank

Club

%

16th

Leicester

45.4%

17th

Crystal Palace

42.8%

18th

Nott’m Forest

41.2%

19th

Everton

40.9%

20th

Ipswich

40.6%

Data via FBref

Huijsen, sure, has already established a ball-playing game to admire, but Branthwaite isn’t against the kind of tactical principles that would see him hit his stride at Liverpool.

Indeed, when out on loan at PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23, he completed 87% of his passes, averaged 0.3 key passes per game and also completed an impressive 64% of his long balls, as per Sofascore.

Of course, Branthwaite is also just an “absolute monster” of a central defender, as he was called by talent scout Jacek Kulig after his exemplary breakout campaign in 2023/24.

A major player for Everton once again over the past 12 months, Branthwaite has surely proved enough over the past couple of years to convince Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, and the rest of the transfer team that he could be the perfect addition.

Perhaps not quite so attuned to a ball-playing style as Huijsen, the hulking defender may yet sharpen that element of his game, and under Slot’s wing, his overall ability would surely see him prove an upgrade on Real Madrid’s new recruit.

A bigger mistake than Diaz: Liverpool now in talks to sell £50m star

Liverpool should think twice about parting ways with this talented first-teamer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 12, 2025

A better signing than Bijol: Leeds set to bid for £50m "revelation"

Leeds United are close to securing their first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window. The Whites are now back in the Premier League following promotion success in the 2024/25 campaign, and are now seemingly ready to splash the cash in order to survive, something that has been a struggle in recent seasons for newly-promoted sides.

Highly reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano gave his famous “here we go” tagline to Leeds’ move for Jaka Bijol.

The Slovenian centre-back will join the club for £18.7m from Italian side Udinese, as their first major signing of the summer.

Daniel Farke’s side are now lining up their next signing, who could prove to be an even better addition than their new centre-back.

Leeds' next signing after Bijol

It is certainly an early statement of intent from the Yorkshire side. Bijol is an “immense” player according to Sky Sports’ Dougiue Critchely, so for Leeds to have all but confirmed his move to Elland Road is a strong start to the window.

Transfer Focus

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

Things could be about to get even better for the 2024/25 Championship winners. TEAMtalk are now reporting that Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz is a target, with Leeds ‘ready to make a fresh push’ for the 24-year-old Brazilian.

However, this will not be an easy deal to do, with the report describing it as ‘difficult’.

The two clubs are some way apart in their valuation of the striker at this stage. Whilst the West Londoners want upwards of £50m, Leeds are hoping to do a deal around the £35m mark. Thus, ‘there remains lots of talking to be done’ in order for this transfer to progress.

Why Muniz would be a good signing

Bringing Muniz to Elland Road could be a huge addition for the Whites this summer. Crucially, he is a Premier League-proven player, with a track record of scoring goals in the English top flight during his two seasons at Craven Cottage.

Last term, the former Flamengo player found the back of the net on eight occasions in 31 appearances, grabbing an assist along the way, too.

He played just 950 minutes, the equivalent of ten full 90-minute games, meaning he was not far off a goal per game on average.

There is no doubt that Bijol is an excellent addition for the Whites. Pundits like Critchley rate him highly, and he helped keep eight clean sheets in 34 games last season for Udinese, captaining them at times, too.

He will certainly help to strengthen at the back at Elland Road, and will add some more leadership to Farke’s squad. That will be invaluable going into what will be a tough campaign in 2025/26, avoiding relegation.

Jaka Bijol in action for Udinese.

However, perhaps there is a strong case to be made that Muniz will be an even better signing for Leeds, and for one reason. He is a proven Premier League goalscorer, having notched up nine in 2023/24 and, of course, eight last term.

In the last two seasons, all six newly-promoted sides have been relegated, and Leeds have a chance to buck that trend. Well, an experienced top-flight striker will count for lots. They will surely need his goals.

Of those six relegated sides, he was outscored by two Luton Town players in 2023/24, namely Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo, who scored 11 and 10, respectively. Last season, Liam Delap, now a Chelsea player, scored 12 goals, and the evergreen Jamie Vardy outscored him by one.

That said, Muniz was not always a regular starter and did actually score considerably more goals per 90 minutes which bodes well should he become Farke’s number one choice.

Relegated sides’ top goalscorers in last 2 seasons vs. Muniz

Player

Club

Goals

Goals per 90

Liam Delap

Ipswich

12

0.42

Carlton Morris

Luton

11

0.35

Rodrigo Muniz (2023/24)

Fulham

9

0.51

Jamie Vardy

Leicester

9

0.29

Rodrigo Muniz (2024/25)

Fulham

8

0.75

Jacob Bruun Larsen

Burnley

6

0.33

Brereton Diaz/McBurnie

Sheffield United

6

0.25 & 0.42

Paul Onuachu

Southampton

4

0.34

Stats from Premier League

Generally speaking, you need a top striker to regularly score goals and help keep you in the Premier League. Well, Muniz could be the guy for Leeds.

Not only did he score eight times in ten full 90-minute games last term, but his non-penalty expected goals of 0.75 per game as per FBref, was among the best 5% in the top flight.

He has the potential to explode if given a run of games by Farke. He could become a “revelation” in a Leeds shirt, a word football talent scout Jacek Kulig once used to describe him. £50m is a big investment, but it could be worth it if Leeds stay in the top flight.

A Chris Wood repeat: Euro club in talks to sign "dynamite" £13m Leeds star

This Leeds United attacker is in talks to move on from Elland Road this summer.

ByDan Emery Jun 16, 2025

How Emery really feels about Joan Garcia as Barcelona thwart Aston Villa deal

Aston Villa’s first transfer window of the summer is now officially underway, with club president Monchi given a small chance to recruit new players from June 1 to June 10, with the window then reopening again on June 16 through to September 1.

Aston Villa transfer window challenges amid PSR concern

Villa eventually missed out on qualification for the Champions League during a tense final day battle, but Unai Emery does have Europa League football to look forward to, and there is every chance they can go on to win the competition.

Aston Villa submit bid to sign "unique" £21m defender and receive reply

The Villans have launched a move for a right-back…

ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

As we’ve seen from Tottenham’s recent triumph against Man United in Bilbao, it would hand Villa a unique route back into the Champions League for 2026/2027, so Emery will be taking their Europa League conquest very seriously.

Race for Champions League qualification – Final standings

Rank

Team

Points

GD

3

Man City

71

+28

4

Chelsea

69

+21

5

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

It is set to be a big summer for NSWE, as their failure to qualify for Europe’s most prestigious competition next season makes the next two transfer windows ever so slightly trickier – both financially and in terms of attracting the continent’s best players.

There is also the matter of PSR, with Villa announcing substantial losses of £85.4 million for the 2023/2024 season back in April. Reports even suggest that they may have to sell their women’s team to comply with PSR (The Times), but BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty says that any player sales conducted this summer will be carefully thought out.

“Aston Villa may have to do deals to fend off any lingering PSR concerns, but I think the club are in safe hands with the current ownership and those sales will be smart without weakening the squad,” said McNulty.

“We have even seen Morgan Rogers linked with Chelsea, but I do not see Villa entertaining that sort of deal as they want to push on from what Unai Emery has already achieved.”

Mainstay Villa keeper Emiliano Martínez is a key player who’s been repeatedly linked with the exit door recently, with Espanyol star Joan Garcia recently eyed up as a potential replacement for the Argentine.

Unai Emery rates Joan Garcia "highly" as Aston Villa face Barcelona threat

There are suggestions in Spain that Villa have already made an offer for Garcia, whose contract includes a £25 million release clause, but this is yet to gain traction among reliable media outlets closer to home.

To make matters more complicated, Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media sources also state that Barcelona are thought to be very advanced over a transfer for Garcia – so NSWE may now need to launch a hijack attempt.

Commenting on Villa’s links to the “exciting” 25-year-old, and Martinez’s potential exit, a former chief scout at Villa Park, Mick Brown, has shared what he’s heard on the matter.

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown says that Emery rates Garcia “highly” as Aston Villa plot a move for him, with Martinez looking likely to leave the club.

“Emery and Monchi still have strong connections in Spain,” said Brown.

“They’ll be speaking to them about the possibility of the deal because they’ve identified this Joan Garcia as one of their options in goal. In normal circumstances, if you’ve got a goalkeeper like Emi Martinez, you’re going to want to keep him.

“But the financial situation they’re in after missing out on the Champions League, and a bit of interference from his agent, mean they might have to sell. There’s been a lot of talk about his future at the club.

“So with that, they’ve already started looking at players who could come in and replace him.

“I don’t know much about the Spanish goalkeeper, but he’s young and Emery rates him highly, so he could well be the one they go for.”

Game
Register
Service
Bonus