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Celtic take on Kilmarnock at Rugby Park this weekend and could now be set to hand an unexpected debut to a youngster amid a new injury concern for Brendan Rodgers.

Brendan Rodgers reflects on Celtic's summer window

Undoubtedly, dissatisfaction surrounding Celtic’s lack of efficiency in the summer transfer window has been widespread among supporters, who were left furious at the hierarchy’s inability to equip the Bhoys properly for their Champions League playoff against Kairat Almaty.

With Kelechi Iheanacho and Sebastian Tounekti arriving late on, Rodgers has been left with some solace. Still, many feel that he has been dealt a tough hand with the tools he has available relative to the rude financial health the Scottish Premiership champions possess.

Reflecting honestly on a disappointing summer, the Irishman has admitted his side weren’t ready for their vital European qualification matches, but he retains hope that his ambition can be matched by the board in windows to come.

He stated in his pre-match press conference: “I think the business model of the club is highly successful. What we have to marry that in with is the football. Not just investment, timing of investment.

“It was clear what we needed, and we needed it early. We had these qualification games. Summer 2025 was a critical window for us to get players in to be ready for these games, and we weren’t ready. That made me leave last time. This time I won’t do that, one hundred per cent.”

Coming as a surprise, Celtic are at the front of the queue to sign Yelimay Semey winger Galymzhan Kenzhebek, who is available on a free transfer come the January window.

Either way, Rodgers has to play with the cards at his disposal for the foreseeable future, and he may now be forced into offering a shock full debut to a largely untested teen.

Colby Donovan could be set for full Celtic debut vs Kilmarnock

Continuing his lengthy conversation with the media, Rodgers went on to confirm that Anthony Ralston is currently sporting a moon boot and will spend a period of time on the sidelines.

He stated: “Tony, he’s obviously unavailable and will be in a boot for a little bit longer. So, yeah, hopefully he’ll be back in a little while.”

Given that Alistair Johnston is also out of action for Celtic due to a hamstring problem, Colby Donovan could now be set for his full debut, as he is the only other option Rodgers has that is naturally a right-back by trade.

Praised for his “aggressive” qualities by the former Liverpool manager, the Scotland Under-21 defender has featured twice off the bench this term against Livingston and Kairat Almaty, though the Lennoxtown product has never started for his boyhood club.

Marcelo Saracchi may be called into an unfamiliar right-back berth. However, it seems unlikely Rodgers would utilise the loanee on his wrong side, and Donovan is now in line to start until one of Ralston or Johnston returns.

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of a promising attacker who’s already undergone his medical tests in west London, according to Fabrizio Romano.

£80m Chelsea star tells agents to find him new club after becoming "unhappy"

He’s keen on leaving Stamford Bridge.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 25, 2025

Enzo Maresca’s side return to Cobham for pre-season training on August 4, around three weeks after their triumphant 3-0 Club World Cup final win over European champions PSG in New Jersey.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea will have just 13 days to get up to speed before their opening Premier League game of the new season against Crystal Palace, with Maresca facing unprecedented preparations as he looks to potentially spearhead a title challenge.

Right now, the Blues are working to back their manager as much as possible in the transfer market – having already sealed deals for Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro for a total of around £145 million.

BlueCo are actively working on two more signings, with Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato in advanced talks to join Chelsea after agreeing personal terms and informing the Eredivisie side that he wants to leave.

Alongside Hato, Chelsea are in negotiations with RB Leipzig to sign playmaker Xavi Simons too, with Maresca’s side informing the Germans that they want to sign him and a first offer is thought to be imminent.

To make room for the arrivals of Hato and Simons, Chelsea are expected to sell many players before deadline day on September 1, especially amid pressure from UEFA to balance out their squad through departures.

Chelsea agree deal for Crystal Palace "sensation" Jesse Derry

According to Romano, Chelsea have now also agreed a deal to sign Crystal Palace “sensation” Jesse Derry – who was a man in demand with eight clubs thought to be in pursuit of the teenager.

Derry was closing in on a move to Europe too, but it is believed that Chelsea “hijacked” that switch with a medical even taking place on Friday.

“Chelsea agree deal to sign 18-year-old winger Jesse Derry from Crystal Palace beating 8 European clubs for the England wingers,” wrote Romano on X.

“Medical will take place on Friday as the teenage sensation looked set for a move to Germany before Chelsea hijacked the move.”

The versatile forward was a rising star at Selhurst Park, racking up 20 goals and five assists in just 27 outings for Palace’s Under-18s, but he’s now set to become a new Chelsea player.

It is unclear right now what Maresca and co have planned for Derry, but he’ll likely go straight into the academy before eventually working his way up to the senior team.

Perhaps a loan away could even be on the cards for this dazzling talent as Chelsea secure yet another head-turning prospect.

Arsenal are planning to hold talks with a club chairman about signing another forward, after their £50 million deal for Noni Madueke, with sporting director Andrea Berta making serious statements in the transfer market.

Eze's dream CF: Arsenal in talks to sign £69m "monster" & it's not Gyokeres

Arsenal could still change their mind on Viktor Gyokeres.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 10, 2025

Madueke is poised to make the switch to north London and will become the latest in a long line of deals between both Chelsea and Arsenal. The England international specifically comes as the seventh player to move from Cobham to London Colney in the past six years, not to mention the second in this window alone, following Kepa Arrizabalaga.

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

£75m

After opening formal club-to-club talks earlier this week, Arsenal reached a swift agreement for Madueke, worth over £50 million including add-ons. The 23-year-old agreed personal terms over this move a while ago, but Berta has now managed to convince Chelsea to sell their winger too.

Madueke joins Kepa, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard as Arsenal’s fourth signing in total this summer, and takes the club’s expenditure to around £125 million.

Arsenal are also in advanced talks to sign striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, with there being no sign of this deal collapsing just yet as Berta looks to end their long wait to bring in a prolific goalscorer

The Gunners could yet another attacking midfielder after Madueke too, as links still surround Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The 27-year-old would join Mikel Arteta’s side in a separate deal to his international teammate (Fabrizio Romano), following another electric campaign at Selhurst Park, where he racked up 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Eze’s FA Cup-final-winning goal in a 1-0 win over Man City at Wembley ended the club’s history-long wait for a major trophy, but Palace face the very real prospect of losing their star man before deadline day on September 1.

Arsenal plan to contact Steve Parish over Eberechi Eze deal

The attacking midfielder joined Palace in a deal worth around £20 million from QPR in 2020, and he’s since justified that price tag time and time again.

His value has now more than tripled, with the Eagles holding steadfast in their demands for his full £68 million release clause to be paid.

That is according to The Guardian and journalist Ed Aarons, who also report that Arsenal are planning to contact Palace chairman Steve Parish directly about signing Eze, and he is unlikely to accept any proposal below the clause.

Reports suggest that Arsenal have held productive talks with Eze’s camp already, but formal negotiations are yet to open with the south London club, so this could be one to watch in the coming weeks.

Called a “sensational” footballer by members of the press, Sky Sports state that Arsenal are targeting their ex-academy ace to complement club captain Martin Odegaard in an attacking midfield, rather than out wide.

Leeds United are leading the race to sign a “fantastic” £8.5 million defender alongside the arrival of Sebastiaan Bornauw, according to a new report.

Leeds closing in on third signing of the summer transfer window

The Whites have already made a rather positive start to the summer transfer window by adding Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol to their squad from Wolfsburg and Udinese, respectively, but given the gap between the Championship and Premier League has got rather big for promoted teams in recent seasons, Leeds know they are going to need more arrivals to stand a chance of beating the drop next season.

Leeds preparing bid to sign "powerful" captain for £12m this summer

The Whites have a midfielder in their sights this summer…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 28, 2025

The Yorkshire side are wasting no time in getting their next signing through the door, as according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are close to signing Bornauw from Wolfsburg. It is reported that the Whites have agreed to pay an initial fee of €6 million, which is roughly £5 million.

Leeds are preparing to offer the defender a four-year contract at Elland Road, which could be signed soon. After an injury-hit season last term, the Bundesliga side are taking their final chance to cash in before his deal expires next summer.

Leeds leading Fulham in race to sign Caci

According to BILD’s print edition (30/06/25), relayed by Leeds United News, Leeds are also interested in signing Anthony Caci from Bundesliga side Mainz 05.

The report states that while Jayden Bogle appears to be irreplaceable, Leeds are on the lookout for squad depth, and Caci is a player the Championship title winners like. In fact, not only do Leeds like Caci, but they are leading the way when it comes to signing him, as they can offer him more first-team guarantees ahead of Fulham, who are also interested in signing the right-back.

It goes on to add that Leeds are ready to “dig at” Caci, and they could land the former France under-23 international for just £8.5 million.

Apps

33

Starts

33

Goals

1

Assists

7

Big chances created

6

Key passes

1.5

Interceptions per game

0.8

Tackles per game

1.8

Clearances per game

1.3

The 27-year-old, who has been dubbed “fantastic” in the past, has entered the final year of his contract with the German side, and despite Caci missing just one league game throughout the whole of last season, Mainz would rather receive money for their key defender than see him leave for nothing if a new deal isn’t agreed.

Caci would bring a lot of versatility to Leeds’ defence for the season ahead should he join, as he can also cover at centre-back and right midfield if required.

Liverpool made mincemeat of the Premier League’s finest in 2024/25, winning the title in Arne Slot’s first season at the helm.

Such was their dominance that a late-season sojourn over in the Gulf states was permitted while rivals worked toward positive finishes to the term.

This wasn’t the case for the Anfield side; far from it. However, 2025/26 will bring a new campaign and Liverpool are acting like it, using their pull, heightened by the recent success, to sign Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.

Liverpool like to pluck exciting talents from their divisional rivals, and this summer is proving no different. Indeed, with a fee agreed with Leverkusen for the £34m sale of Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konate’s future uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract, Real Madrid lurking, is it any surprise that sporting director Richard Hughes is hoping to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi?

Why Liverpool target players like Kerkez & Guehi

Liverpool might have broken the British transfer record this month (should Wirtz’s fixed £100m fee be expanded by the £16m in add-ons), but the Merseysiders tend to walk down a less-beaten path, signing up-and-coming talents from clubs settled lower down the Premier League ladder.

Take Andy Robertson, for example, signed from Hull City for just £10m back in 2017. He’s since solidified his name among the division’s all-time great full-backs.

1.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

259

64

2.

Andy Robertson

308

60

3.

Leighton Baines

420

53

4.

Graeme Le Saux

327

44

5.

Kieran Trippier

204

38

And how could we forget Gini Wijnaldum? The Dutchman was the industrious, metronomic heartbeat which kept Klopp’s system ticking, purloined from Newcastle United after their relegation to the Championship.

Shoutout Xherdan Shaqiri, too.

The point is, Liverpool run their club intelligently, identifying players proven in the Premier League and with plenty of scope for growth. Manchester United, with their Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, may well have taken a leaf from their rival.

While FSG are in a position to sign superstars like Wirtz, they haven’t lost track of their roots: Kerkez, signed for £40m, is evidence of his, hailing from the south coast, while the 24-year-old Guehi would also align with this tried-and-tested Merseyside method, having been at the centre of transfer rumours in recent days that suggest Liverpool would be willing to pay £50m to snap him up.

Slot will have had his say in identifying such players, looking to bring them to Anfield, but he is benefiting somewhat from the club’s prowess when Klopp was at the helm. Certainly, there’s one star in particular who aligns with the discussed method who should be the barometer from which to judge an addition’s success.

Liverpool have struck gold on Premier League signing

Like Kerkez and Virgil van Dijk before him, Alexis Mac Allister has proved a stunning signing for Liverpool, joining the club from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth £35m two years ago.

His first term, the Argentina international, who was instrumental in his nation’s 2022 World Cup triumph, filled in as a holding midfielder after the Anfield side failed in a bid to land Moises Caicedo; since, with Slot in charge, he’s moved back into a more expansive midfield role, winning silverware in both seasons on Merseyside.

One constant, however, has been Mac Allister’s brilliance in the centre of the park. The 26-year-old has only gone from strength to strength after switching the Seagulls for the Liverbird, with pundit Joe Cole even declaring him a “superstar” who “can play anywhere”.

Matches (starts)

33 (31)

35 (30)

Goals

5

5

Assists

5

5

Touches*

74.2

55.8

Pass completion

88%

87%

Big chances created

3

6

Key passes*

1.4

1.3

Dribbles*

0.5

0.5

Ball recoveries*

5.9

4.2

Tackles + interceptions*

4.1

3.3

Ground duels (won)*

5.0 (50%)

4.3 (50%)

Take a look at the table above. What do you see? Curiously, Mac Allister has shifted roles under Slot, less active and frenetic in his play, calmed into a controlling force which channels the flow of the coach’s ball-playing vision.

The South American star perhaps said it best himself: “In terms of the change, perhaps with Jürgen I played as a lone five [holding midfielder]. So, the position was very different. I was much more defensive than anything else.

“So, the system has changed a little, but the main ideas are the same. I think perhaps the big change is in having that patience to have longer periods of possession and dominate games more and obviously that creates more chances.”

It’s certainly showcased through the metrics: as per FBref, Mac Allister ranked among the top 20% of midfielders in the Premier League last year for goal involvements, the top 16% for progressive passes, the top 14% for shot-creating actions and the top 13% for tackles per 90.

He’s the real deal, having ballooned in value and technical quality since making the leap. It’s a rise that Slot and co will no doubt hope Kerkez will follow, and Guehi too, should he sign from Palace this summer.

The fiesty midfielder’s progress at Liverpool has even impelled Real Madrid to come knocking on the door, with reports earlier in the year suggesting Florentino Perez would be willing to fork out some €90m (£76m) for the maestro, who has been earmarked as a potential long-term successor to Luka Modric’s soon-to-be vacant locker at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Naturally, this puts him in a much higher bracket than Kerkez and Guehi, but we must caveat that with a firm ‘for now’, as the ball-playing specialist may yet find his new and potential teammates to be rivalling him on the financial scales down the line.

Liverpool know their stuff, work with a calculated eye to sign up-and-coming Premier League stars and bring them up to elite status, when certain other high-station clubs then come sniffing around for fully developed product.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Mac Allister is a perfect representation of that, and soon Kerkez and perhaps Guehi will be too.

Better than Gyokeres: Liverpool in the race for "the new Haaland"

Liverpool are sounding out a series of Alexander Isak alternatives this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 27, 2025

On their re-entry to the Premier League, Leeds United will know that their defence will have to be much firmer than when they last struggled in the top division.

Relegation at the close of the dismal 2022/23 season saw the Whites give up a league-worst tally of 78 strikes, with their respectable haul of 48 goals scored completely pushed to one side by their constant dire displays at the back.

Daniel Farke must be worried that his side will be equally as porous on their return to the top-flight, with Udinese centre-back brute Jaka Bijol now reportedly closing in on a deal to join the growing Elland Road ranks.

However, Leeds might not be done there with standout defensive additions, with a fresh report now linking the newly promoted side to a Premier League-ready left-back.

Leeds interested in move for £5m defender

Responding to the news that Junior Firpo won’t stick it out at Leeds, with the full-back heading in the direction of Real Betis, Farke and Co could now win a new left-back.

Well, according to Football Insider, they have revealed that Aston Villa figure Alex Moreno is now interested in the prospect of signing for Leeds.

While the player is seemingly keen, the Whites should be too, particularly because he’d tick plenty of boxes as they hunt down a cheap replacement for the departing Firpo.

It has been widely reported that Moreno could be available for around the £5m ballpark this summer, with Real Betis, Real Sociedad, and Sunderland all also keen on the 32-year-old, according to Football Insider.

This is a signing Leeds must persist with because Moreno could be an even better buy than Bijol walking through the door in terms of bolstering their defensive numbers, alongside the ageing full-back also being a major threat in attack like Firpo.

Why Moreno could be a better signing than Bijol

Whilst it’s paramount that Leeds find a suitable Firpo replacement, it’s arguably not the most pressing concern that the Whites hunt down plenty of new centre-backs.

After all, Farke already has Pascal Struijk, Ethan Ampadu, and Joe Rodon at his disposal in this position, with the imposing trio just fresh off collecting a combined clean sheet total of 55 during last season’s whirlwind promotion success.

Of course, there’s no harm in adding Bijol to the building, considering the intimidating Slovenian just shone in a top-five European league, notably winning a high 4.8 duels per game, but Leeds only have a waning Sam Byram to call upon in the left-back spot as Firpo heads for the exit door.

Therefore, snapping up Moreno for only £5m feels like a no-brainer move to make and could perhaps be seen as a more urgent deal to get over the line than Bijol’s due to Leeds’ depleted options otherwise.

Games played

55

Goals scored

2

Assists

4

Big chances created

5

Wins

27

Goals conceded

46

Clean sheets

7

Tackle success %

67%

Whilst Moreno hasn’t always been the most stable defensive option in the top-flight with only seven clean sheets collected from 55 appearances to date, he has consistently shown off his class in attack to be a fitting stand-in for the loss of Firpo, with six goal contributions also picked up.

The ex-Barcelona defender did amass a far heftier 14 goal contributions last season, but the Dominican Republic international had struggled in the big time previously, with a lesser four goal contributions tallied up from 43 overall clashes.

Therefore, it could be deemed vital that Leeds seal a deal for the “pure class” left-back soon, as he was once glowing labelled by journalist Lee Clarke.

On the contrary, whilst Bijol would definitely boost Farke’s men in the heart of defence, they are already strong here. Whereas, Moreno would really enhance the Whites’ options on the left channel in the wake of Firpo’s expected exit.

Ampadu 2.0: Leeds ready to pay up for “tremendous” £1.2m star

Leeds United could be about to sign their next Ethan Ampadu with this summer purchase.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 14, 2025

Manchester United’s rebuild this summer is certainly needed, looking to make amends for the 2024/25 campaign, which saw the club finish in 15th place.

Such a finish for the Red Devils’ stature is unacceptable and something in which Ruben Amorim must transform if he is to keep his job at Old Trafford.

The Premier League has often been such a successful competition for the club, but one they have failed to win since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, spanning well over a decade ahead of 2025/26.

Matheus Cunha has already agreed to make the move to join Amorim’s squad, costing £62.5m from Wolverhampton Wanderers, looking to make a huge improvement to the front line in the North West.

However, it appears as though outgoings are needed during the off-season, with multiple players having to be sacrificed to make way for new additions.

The latest on United’s move to sell players this summer

Over the last few days, it’s been confirmed that Bruno Fernandes has rejected interest from Saudi Arabia in favour of staying at United during the summer window.

It was reported that the Portuguese midfielder had been offered a deal in the region of £700k-per-week from Al-Hilal, wanting to stay at the top level of European football at this stage of his career.

However, the same can’t be said for striker Rasmus Hojlund, with the Danish international who looks set to depart Old Trafford during the off-season, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.

The report claims that Serie A side Inter Milan are advancing a move to sign the 22-year-old, after preliminary talks were held between the club and his representatives.

Another report has reported that the Red Devils will demand a fee in the region of £40m this summer to part ways with the forward, who has only scored four league goals this campaign.

Why United’s £40m star would’ve been incredible with Mbeumo

It’s become clear over recent days that Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has chosen a move to join United over the likes of Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The 25-year-old, who scored 20 league goals this campaign, has been a man in demand over recent weeks, understandably so given his form in England’s top-flight.

He looks set to cost a fee in the region of £60m this window, looking to be the next big-money addition during the Amorim era, linking up with Cunha in the final third.

The Cameroonian’s ability in attacking areas would undoubtedly change the club’s fortunes, something which could’ve benefited Hojlund if he were to stay at the club.

Whilst it’s undeniable that he’s been a disappointment after his £72m switch from Atalanta, Mbeumo’s talents could’ve enabled him to recapture his impressive form in front of goal.

The Bees’ winger has created 1.8 chances per 90 this campaign, whilst completing 1.3 crosses per 90 – evidently being able to offer opportunities for those around him.

He’s also registered seven assists, further demonstrating the creative ability he possesses, making him an all-round threat for the Red Devils in the final third.

1.

Paul Pogba

Juventus

£89m

2.

Antony

Ajax

£86m

3.

Harry Maguire

Leicester City

£80m

4.

Jadon Sancho

Borussia Dortmund

£75m

5.

Romelu Lukaku

Everton

£74m

6.

Rasmus Hojlund

Atalanta

£72m

7.

Ángel Di María

Real Madrid

£70m

8.

Mathue Cunha

Wolves

£62.5m

As for Hojlund, he’s managed to win 1.4 aerials per 90 this campaign, highlighting his ability to thrive in the air – something which Mbeumo certainly would’ve aided him with.

There’s no denying that his time at Old Trafford has been hugely disappointing, only registering 26 goals across his two-year stint, which seemingly appears to be coming to a close.

Mbeumo would’ve aided him in his attempts at turning around his fortunes in the side, but given the rumours around his future, it appears Amorim has already lost faith in the Dane.

Such a departure could raise funds for the club to complete a deal for Thomas Frank’s star man, who could operate behind the striker or even as the player at the top end of the pitch, especially with Hojlund’s pending move back to Italy.

Better signing than Cunha: Man Utd eye move for PSG Ballon d'Or contender

Manchester United could land a bigger signing than Matheus Cunha by bringing in this PSG star.

ByDan Emery Jun 3, 2025

It might’ve only opened a few days ago, but the transfer window is already in full swing, and Arsenal need to get a move on.

After three years of coming close but failing each time, Mikel Arteta’s side need to ensure they finally get over the line in the Premier League next season, although to do that, the board need to provide them with some game-changing additions, or they’ll be left behind by their rivals.

For example, Manchester City have signed Tijjani Reijnders, Chelsea are close to signing Liam Delap, and perhaps most worrying of all, Liverpool look dead set on securing the sensationally gifted Florian Wirtz as soon as possible.

Yet, there might not be a need for fans to worry too much, as reports are now linking Arsenal to another tremendously exciting talent who could be their own answer to the Bayer Leverkusen gem.

Arsenal's transfer news

Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other potentially game-changing players Arsenal have been linked to and could still sign in recent weeks, like Eberechi Eze and Rafael Leao.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has a release clause in his current deal, reportedly worth around £68m, which would be a fee more than worth paying, as in just 43 appearances for Crystal Palace this season, the FA Cup winner scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.

Likewise, Leao enjoyed a stellar campaign of his own, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists in 50 appearances, although with a release clause reportedly worth a staggering £145m, he might just be out of reach this summer.

However, there is another, arguably even more exciting, name now linked with the North Londoners: Xavi Simons.

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are one of several teams keen on the RB Leipzig star this summer.

The report has revealed that, alongside the Gunners, rivals including Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all interested in signing the Flying Dutchman, who is valued at about £65m by the German outfit.

It would be a costly and somewhat complicated transfer to get over the line, but given his ability and potential, one Arsenal should fight for, especially as he could be their answer to Wirtz.

Why Simons would be Arsenal's answer to Wirtz

So, there are actually several ways in which Simons could be looked at as Arsenal’s own Wirtz – should this transfer happen – and the first is that he’s already won comparisons to the Leverkusen star.

For example, FBref compared players in similar positions in the Bundesliga this season and came to the conclusion that the German was the fourth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Dutchman.

The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key passes, passing accuracy, passes into the penalty area, tackles and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.48

0.50

Non-Penalty Goals

0.21

0.23

Passing Accuracy

78.6%

78.3%

Key Passes

2.13

2.18

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.51

2.49

Tackles

1.17

1.23

On top of their undeniable statistical similarities, the pair would also seriously improve the attacking output of the teams they may be set to join.

For example, in the league alone this season, the Liverpool target racked up a brilliant haul of ten goals and 13 assists in 31 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.34 games.

It’s safe to say the former PSV star has really showcased why he’s “one of the best 10s in the world” in the words of one analyst on social media, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists in 25 league appearances, which comes out to a still sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.47 games.

Finally, both stars would be moving from the Bundesliga to the Premier League at 22 years old to inject more creativity and cutting edge into two title rivals for next year.

Ultimately, while he might not be as exciting a name, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Simons this summer, as he could very much be their answer to Wirtz.

The dream XI Arsenal could build: £85m star & the "new Haaland" both sign

After another disappointing season, Arsenal have a big summer of transfers ahead of them.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 3, 2025

Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this afternoon was enough to secure the club Champions League football ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Levi Colwill’s strike just minutes into the second half was enough to secure all three points for Enzo Maresca’s men, ending the year in fourth during the Italian’s first season at the helm.

Such an achievement is exceptional, handing the hierarchy a needed boost in the financial department, certainly aiding the current PSR standing and easing any concerns.

The win in the East Midlands was certainly a hard-fought contest, with the side deserving of a place among Europe’s elite, having the opportunity to claim a third European Cup.

However, despite the triumph, numerous players struggled to make the desired impact on Trentside, potentially putting their place in the side at risk over the summer transfer window.

Chelsea’s poor performers against Nottingham Forest

Midfielder Enzo Fernández has been widely linked with a move away from Chelsea in recent weeks, with Real Madrid the main outfit in the race for his signature.

The Argentine struggled to produce his best display in the win, failing to win a single tackle and only managed to complete 70% of the passes that he attempted.

He wasn’t alone in failing to impress, with attacking midfielder Cole Palmer once again disappointing and needing to recapture his best form in 2025/26.

The 23-year-old failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles, and registered a measly completion rate of just 17% from the crosses he put into the box.

However, despite the showings from the aforementioned duo, one other first-team regular was unable to extract his highest performance levels, putting his long-term future at Stamford Bridge at huge risk.

The 5/10 Chelsea star who may never play for the club again

This summer is now likely to be an exciting one for Chelsea supporters, with the manager now able to have the extra funds to make the changes he desires to his playing squad.

He’s done a magnificent job in leading the side to a place in the top five, deserving the chance to land any targets he feels would improve the options at his disposal.

However, he will likely want to move players on in the process, with winger Jadon Sancho still having a huge question mark next to his future in West London over the coming months.

The 25-year-old joined on loan from Manchester United last summer, with an obligation to buy for £25m, but they could pay a fee in the region of £5m to send him back to his parent club.

However, his showing in the East Midlands was one that wouldn’t have satisfied the hierarchy, which could spell the end of his stint as a Chelsea first-team player.

Sancho featured for 62 minutes of the contest, failing to register any efforts on goal and was unable to complete any dribbles, showcasing his lack of impact in the final third.

He also only registered a measly tally of 32 touches, a figure that was lower than that of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who managed a total of 44.

Minutes played

62

Touches

32

Shots taken

0

Dribbles completed

0

Tackles won

0

Aerials lost

100%

Possession lost

6x

The loanee also failed to win a single tackle, whilst losing 100% of the aerial duels he entered, showcasing his inability to impress across all areas of the pitch.

As a result of his disappointing showing against the Reds, he was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by The Standard’s Malik Ouzia – highlighting the disappointing performance he produced.

Such a display will put doubt in Maresca’s mind over his long-term future, potentially saving them £20m to invest in other targets if they send him back to Old Trafford.

It’s safe to say that his time with the Blues has been well below the levels many expected, with the hierarchy needing to make sure that his outing today was his last for the club.

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ByBen Gray May 25, 2025

Celtic romped to a 5-1 win over Aberdeen in their final away match of the Scottish Premiership campaign on Wednesday night, despite playing a much-changed side.

Brendan Rodgers opted to hand opportunities to several players in the comprehensive victory for the Hoops, including the likes of Viljami Sinisalo, Paulo Bernardo, Luke McCowan, Johnny Kenny, and Maik Nawrocki, among others.

Nawrocki made just his third appearance in the Premiership this season and scored the opening goal in the match with a fine header, and he made five clearances, two blocks, and two interceptions.

Rodgers was also quick to point out how well the Polish colossus performed in possession, as the boss said: “I thought he (Nawrocki) played through the lines really, really well, defended well, and obviously, he was very dangerous in the box.”

The former Legia Warsaw central defender was not the only rarely-seen star who caught the eye for the Northern Irish head coach, though, as Irish striker Johnny Kenny made his first senior start for the club and impressed against the Dons.

Why Johnny Kenny could be a future star for Celtic

The Celtic manager was “pleased” for the 21-year-old centre-forward after the reserve striker scored his first goal for the club with a fine header in the second half.

Rodgers said: “Johnny, we’re also pleased for because he works so hard, he is a natural goalscorer. I think when you see his movement for the goal, it’s so, so good and everyone was delighted for him.”

The young attacker did brilliantly to get across his man to redirect the header into the opposite corner from Luke McCowan’s cross to make it 4-1 on the night.

That was one of the five shots that Kenny managed against Aberdeen, which shows that he provided a constant threat in front of the opposition goal, whilst it was one of two shots on target for the forward.

The Celtic striker, who had only made six substitute appearances in the league prior to that game, had not made a single first-team appearance for the club prior to his return from Shamrock Rovers in January.

Kenny did, however, showcase his potential whilst on loan in his home country, with a return of 26 goals and eight assists in 76 matches for Shamrock Rovers in all competitions.

Appearances

6

xG

3.78

Goals

5

Big chances missed

1

Big chances created

1

Assists

1

As you can see in the table above, the Irishman caught the eye in the Conference League during the first half of this season, scoring five goals in six matches, before his return to Celtic at the turn of the year.

Kenny is a young talent who has shown potential to shine in the future for the Hoops, given his performance against Aberdeen and his goalscoring record in Ireland, but he is also 22 this summer and potentially at a crossroads in his career, where he will have to decide whether it is worth fighting for a spot at Parkhead or going elsewhere to be guaranteed regular game time.

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Meanwhile, Celtic could unearth an even bigger talent than the 21-year-old Irishman by continuing to integrate 17-year-old Sean McArdle into the first-team.

Why Sean McArdle could be an even bigger talent than Johnny Kenny

It took Kenny until the age of 21 to make his senior bow for the Hoops. McArdle, on the other hand, has made his Scottish Premiership debut before turning 18.

The teenage talent has come off the bench in the last two matches, since the club were confirmed as champions of the division, as Rodgers has decided that he is ready to play in the first-team.

McArdle made his debut against Hibernian at Parkhead last week before coming on for the final nine minutes against Aberdeen away from home on Wednesday night.

The 17-year-old Scottish ace was praised by Rodgers after his debut, as the head coach said: “I like him, he’s got decent legs, he’s got a nice football brain, left-sided, he’s got culture when he plays, and now he’s got the best role models you can have in some of the players that we have here, like Callum and these guys, to learn from.”

Minutes

9

Passes completed

11/12

Shots

1

Shots on target

1

Chances created

1

Dribbles completed

1/1

Duels won

1/1

Possession lost

1x

As you can see in the table above, McArdle followed up on that praise by delivering an impressive cameo off the bench against Aberdeen, completing 92% of his chances and showing a few nice touches, creating one chance in the process.

After that display, Rodgers praised the teenager once again: “Yes, I liked him when he came on. I like the young players, and any player that you play for Celtic, you have to have personality. And you could see at 17, he comes into the game, he takes the ball, he passes the ball. He’s got a wee edge to him as well that I like.”

The manager was not the only person impressed by McArdle, though, as teammate and experienced midfielder McCowan described him as a “great” player.

This shows that he has gained respect from the manager and at least one of the senior players in the first-team with his performances in training and in Premiership matches, despite being just 17.

McArdle, who scored five goals in 25 Lowland League games this season, could, therefore, be an even bigger talent than Kenny because he has already made more progress than the Irishman did at his age.

Kenny is five years older than the Scottish midfielder and only made his Premiership debut for Celtic at the start of this year, whilst the teenager has played twice in the division already and could establish himself as a regular in the coming years, potentially before he gets to the age the Irish striker is at now.

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To make his breakthrough at such a young age, whilst earning plaudits from Rodgers and McCowan, speaks to his potential and suggests that he could be a future star for the Hoops for many years to come if he continues his progression.