Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly been offered the chance to sign a noteworthy Chelsea player this summer, and he could prove a very useful addition for Ange Postecoglou or his potential replacement next season.

Tottenham transfer plans amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

Spurs are on course for their worst ever Premier League season, resulting in uncertainty surrounding Postecoglou’s long-term future, and reports suggest the former Celtic boss could be shown his P45 regardless of their campaign in Europe (The Telegraph).

Tottenham: Levy now plotting surprise bid for "underrated" West Ham player

It would be a real head-turner.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 30, 2025

A succession of managerial candidates have been tipped to potentially succeed Postecoglou, but as technical director Johan Lange and Daniel Levy assess Spurs’ options in that regard, they must also begin preparations for the summer transfer window.

West Ham (away)

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Tottenham are reportedly in the market for a forward, and have even been linked with a surprise move for West Ham star Jarrod Bowen this week.

Levy is apparently willing to bid around £51 million to sign Bowen for Spurs, even if this may not be anywhere near enough, but the England international isn’t their only rival player to be mentioned as a possible incoming in the last few days.

Christopher Nkunku holds talks to join Tottenham via agents

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to The Boot Room, £195,000-per-week Chelsea winger Christopher Nkunku is actively looking to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Frenchman, who’s actually scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, verbally agreed terms over a move to Bayern Munich in January (Florian Plettenberg), and looks set to be one of the many men sold or loaned out by Enzo Maresca’s side when the window reopens.

Bailey writes that, while a move to Europe is more likely, Nkunku’s camp have reached out for talks with Tottenham recently, as the ex-RB Leipzig sensation’s representatives attempt to offer him to a host of clubs.

“I am told that a move to Europe is the most likely option – but his people are touching base with clubs in England,” said Bailey.

“Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all been spoken to in the past few months. Chelsea want to recoup as much of their plus £50m outlay, but that looks difficult at this juncture.

“I am told the player is very happy in London, and so would a move to a Arsenal or Tottenham appeal? I believe it would but as it stands those options are not advanced – but Arsenal and Spurs both have an historic interest in the player. Both want a wide forward, so you could see the fit.

“There is interest back in Germany – Bayern Munich like him, a new deal for Leroy Sane doesn’t rule out them making a move but it is not pressing. Former club RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen also admire him.”

The versatile 27-year-old has displayed real quality on occasion since his switch to London, and was a revelation in the Bundesliga. However, this could prove to be a costly operation, especially for a price around £50 million, not to mention his lofty salary.

With Spurs in for a ‘sell to buy’ summer, as per The Telegraph, these factors may well deter Levy.

A position often heavily scrutinised in Enzo Maresca’s system at Chelsea are his wingers, who are tasked with holding the width in the early stages of build-up, pinning opposition fullbacks and looking to isolate them 1v1 at any given chance.

However, the profiles of wingers Chelsea currently have at their disposal aren’t the exact archetype Maresca would favour, apart from Noni Madueke who fits the bill.

Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho are slightly different in style, therefore offering a plan B when needed.

Chelsea looking to improve their attack

Adding another direct type winger who is more akin to Madueke on the opposite side could take Chelsea to another level next season, giving them directness on both flanks to force the issue and create high xG chances.

Transfer Focus

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

So, it will come as no surprise to learn they’re after one of the finest wingers in European football right now.

Indeed, according to reports from Spain, Chelsea are one of three teams who are ‘ready to make a move’ for Barcelona forward, Raphinha, with the Blues identifying the Brazilian winger as a “priority target”. The other two clubs interested are Manchester City and Saudi side Al Hilal.

The Blues were in for Raphinha back in 2022 prior to his move to Barcelona, with the Brazil international opting to join the Spanish outfit instead after leaving Leeds United for a fee of around £55m.

Raphinha has made 49 appearances for the Spanish giants in all competitions this season, scoring 30 goals, providing 21 assists and totalling 3,952 minutes played.

Barca are still on for the treble this season, and achieving this could see the 28-year-old become the front-runner for the Ballon D’or.

How Raphinha could benefit Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer has found himself in a bit of a rut this second half of the season, still having 14 goals and nine assists in 39 appearances this campaign, but going without a goal for the past three months, last scoring against Bournemouth back in January.

This campaign has been very different for the 22-year-old star, often being man-marked and focused on by opposition pressing schemes, limiting his time and space on the ball.

One thing that could help to open up those alleys of space Palmer loves to operate within is the addition of more relentless runners, something the Blues have missed at points this season. This is where Raphinha comes in.

Goals

0.68

0.39

Assists

0.48

0.22

xG

0.56

0.52

xAG

0.48

0.30

Progressive Carries

3.24

4.66

Progressive Passes

3.31

6.26

Progressive Passes Received

10.8

5.28

Shots Total

3.68

3.60

Key Passes

3.03

2.49

Shot-Creating Actions

5.49

5.80

Successful Take-Ons

1.61

1.44

When looking at the Brazilian’s underlying numbers alongside Chelsea’s central creator, you can see the former receives 10.8 progressive passes per 90. This is a big indicator that he is a focal point and outlet for Barcelona, often looking to penetrate the opposition’s defensive line with runs in behind.

This is exactly what Palmer needs in order to stretch the spaces between the opposition’s first two lines of contact, the first being their forwards/midfielders in the pressing unit, and the second being the defensive line.

Raphinha has even been labelled as “the best player in the world” this season by Statman Dave, and his incredible willingness to be direct and run beyond is one of his key characteristics as a player. Not to mention he’s scoring by the bucket load and creating heaps of goalscoring opportunities for his teammates.

Palmer has looked at his best when linking up with Nicolas Jackson and Madueke this season, Chelsea’s two most relentless runners in the front line, willing to run in behind in order to create space for the England international.

As a result, another with Raphinha would only benefit the England international, making it harder for teams to cut off his preferred zones of space.

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PSG have reached out for talks with an Arsenal transfer target’s representatives, which also follows a mammoth bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for the player.

Arsenal riding high off Real Madrid win as transfer plans made

Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Brentford that the Gunners’ sensational 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night will be remembered for many years.

Arsenal hold "high-level talks" to sign "bargain" attacker "in recent days"

Negotiations have apparently taken place this week.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2025

Two stunning Declan Rice free-kicks, followed by a brilliant Mikel Merino finish, downed the 15-time European champions and put Arsenal in cruise control heading into their second leg at the Bernabeu next week.

Brentford (home)

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It was truly a statement performance by Arsenal, who will still be coming down off what was one of the best Champions League nights in their history.

“Nights like we had the other day are going to be remembered for many, many years, and that’s the kind of night that gives you belief,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real.

“It gives purpose to the competition. It brings joy, and then it prepares you for the next one because you are waiting to experience a feeling like this again. That’s the most important thing, in my opinion, that people are looking forward to, to expend this kind of emotion with us.”

After that outstanding victory at the Emirates against Europe’s arguably most feared side, Arsenal fans have been handed real hope that they could even go on to win their first Champions League title.

Such a feat would also allow Berta to attract the continent’s most elite players, with Arsenal on the hunt for a star winger as one of their many reported items on the agenda this summer.

Berta has held talks with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to multiple reports, and the Spaniard is seen as a top target with his £48 million release clause.

However, Williams isn’t Arsenal’s only wide target, and they’ve expressed an interest in West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus.

PSG open talks with Arsenal target Mohammed Kudus after £87m Al-Nassr bid

Arsenal were weighing up a January move for Kudus, according to talkSPORT, but reports at the time claimed that West Ham wanted around £100 million to let him depart mid-season.

As per Africafoot this week, Kudus remains on Arsenal’s agenda, but they face a looming threat from PSG and Al-Nassr, with the latter having already made an £87 million bid to sign the Ghanaian for this summer.

As well as the Saudis, it is believed that PSG have now made contact with Kudus’ representatives, so Arsenal may have to make their move quickly amid this growing battle from abroad for the forward’s signature.

Interestingly, despite West Ham setting a reported asking price of £74 million to sell in the next window, Al-Nassr appear to have gone above and beyond. It will be intriguing to see whether Arsenal decide to do battle with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side and PSG, but it is unlikely considering there are much cheaper, quality alternatives like Williams on the market.

Nevertheless, whoever ends up striking a deal for Kudus will be getting a player of real quality, with Michail Antonio calling his teammate “unbelievable” and a “starboy”.

While the mood following Thursday night’s Europa League win is a jubilant one around Tottenham Hotspur, there is no denying that, domestically at least, this season has been a disaster.

However, it would also be fair to say that there is a real sense of disappointment about that fact, as while injuries have certainly played their part, it feels as if many of the players have not played to their full potential, as while the table might not show it, Spurs have several seriously talented stars in their squad.

For example, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray already look like top-flight veterans, Dominic Solanke can be near-enough unplayable on his day, and in Djed Spence, the North Londoners could have an incredible all-action full-back on their hands.

However, when it comes to the club’s best player, the one other top teams would love to sign, it has to be Dejan Kulusevski, although since taking charge in 2023, Ange Postecoglou is responsible for the Lilywhites’ best signing since the Swede.

Kulusevski's Spurs career

It was in January 2022, under former manager Antonio Conte, that Kulusevski first made his way to N17 on an 18-month loan deal with an option to buy, which was exercised in June 2023, when he joined the club permanently for around £25m.

While not bad by any means, it would probably be fair to say that in his first couple of years in North London, the Stockholm-born star wasn’t particularly remarkable, racking up just 15 goals and 19 assists in 96 games across his first two-and-a-half-seasons.

However, this year has been completely different, as a positional shift, which has seen him move into the middle of the park for about half of his appearances, has seen his productivity explode.

Kulusevski’s Spurs record

Season

21/22

22/23

23/24

24/25

Appearances

20

37

39

44

Goals

5

2

8

10

Assists

8

8

3

10

Goal Involvements per Game

0.65

0.27

0.28

0.45

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, he’s scored ten goals and provided ten assists in just 44 appearances this term, and of those 20 goal involvements, 12 have come in 23 appearances in attacking and central midfield.

Moreover, even when he’s not scoring or providing an assist, the “world-class” international, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been far more influential this year, helping spring attacks from deep and even occasionally helping stop opposition ones from starting.

In all, Kulusevski must be considered one of Spurs’ most important players, but there is another crucial first-teamer who’s undoubtedly been the club’s best signing since the Swedish superstar first made his way to North London.

Spurs' best signing since Kulusevski

While you could make the argument that the likes of Solanke, Bergvall or even Gray have been Spurs’ best signings since Kulusevski, we reckon it’s someone else entirely, someone who is undeniably crucial to Postecoglou’s gameplan: Micky van de Ven.

Yes, for our money, the North Londoners’ best signing since the Swedish international has to be the Flying Dutchman, who joined the club for around £43m from VfL Wolfsburg in August 2023, which might have seemed like a lot at the time, but now looks like a bargain.

So, what makes the Wormer-born titan so special then? Well, there are a few things, but his headline quality, and the one that makes him so important to the manager’s long-term plans, is his electric pace.

For example, it was only last season that the 24-year-old set a Premier League record for the fastest sprint when he hit an unbelievable 37.38km/h in a game against Brentford, and it’s this ability to get back at a pace no defender can match that allows the North Londoners to play such a high line when he’s fit.

In fact, we saw this in the team’s 1-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt last week, when he managed to get back and stop breakaways a couple of times in the first half.

However, on top of his “ridiculous” speed, as analyst Ben Mattinson described it, the former Wolfsburg star has a brilliant sense of when to make a tackle and has the physical strength to take on any attacker he comes up against, leading talent scout Jacek Kulig to brand him “complete & dominant.”

Moreover, his underlying numbers make for some great reading, with FBref placing him in the top 1% of Premier League centre-backs for assists, the top 2% for expected assisted goals, the top 3% for ball recoveries, the top 5% for goals plus assists and carries, the top 10% for goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Van de Ven’s Scout Report

Statistic

Per 90

Percentile

Assists

0.20

Top 1%

Exp. Assisted Goals

0.12

Top 2%

Ball Recoveries

5.87

Top 3%

Goals + Assists

0.20

Top 5%

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.17

Top 5%

Carries

56.09

Top 5%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.20

Top 10%

All Stats via FBref

Ultimately, while this season has been something of a disaster, Spurs have several seriously talented players in their squad, and based on how well he’s played when fit, Van de Ven has to be the club’s best signing since Kulusevski.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Apr 21, 2025

Chelsea are back in talks with a “big” striker who they were secretly very close to signing back in January, according to a new report.

Chelsea's shortlist of striker targets for Enzo Maresca

It is no secret that Enzo Maresca requires a goalscoring centre-forward before the start of next season, with the Italian forced to improvise and get creative since the turn of the year due to Chelsea’s lack of options.

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They had negotiations in the winter.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 10, 2025

Pedro Neto has featured as a makeshift striker in the last two months, while both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku are currently struggling to find their best form.

Chelsea were on the verge of completing a deal for Victor Osimhen last summer, competing with Al-Ahli for the Nigerian’s signature on deadline day, but neither side could get a move finalised – forcing him to settle on a loan move to Galatasaray.

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Osimhen remains keen on joining Chelsea, but according to recent reports, the African isn’t exactly high on Maresca’s transfer shortlist.

Instead, Chelsea are serious about Benjamin Sesko as a potential option, with the Slovenian’s contract including a £62 million release clause, while Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap remain key candidates to bolster Maresca’s forward line.

There are even suggestions that Chelsea could reignite their interest in Mathys Tel, if Tottenham don’t trigger their £45 million option-to-buy clause, but it is Delap’s name which is currently gaining more and more traction.

In the last 72 hours, news emerged that Delap’s release clause will drop to a bargain value of around £30 million if Ipswich are relegated, which could even be confirmed this weekend.

This has understandably piqued interest from a host of top-flight sides who are on the lookout for a prolific number nine, including the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United and Tottenham, but Chelsea are thought to be the most determined to secure his signature.

Chelsea reopen talks with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap

That is according to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, who states that Chelsea are very eager to bring in a striker before the Club World Cup commences in June.

As a result, despite a brief pause in contact, Chelsea have reopened “formal” talks with Delap’s agents as they try to get ahead of the intense competition for his signature this summer.

The Blues are “most serious” about striking a deal for the former Man City gem right now, and they’ve allocated enough funds to their transfer budget to do a deal without having to sell a player.

Phillips adds that Chelsea were secretly pretty close to sealing an agreement for him in January “behind closed doors”. Now, they’re yet again pushing to convince Delap to make a Stamford Bridge, and the 22-year-old is also open to joining Chelsea.

It is clear to see why Maresca’s side are so keen, with the attacking enjoying a sensational 2024/2025 and bagging 12 league goals, which are impressive numbers for a side battling relegation.

“He’s a proper striker, and I think for us as well he’s an outlet,” said Ipswich teammate Alex Palmer.

“He’s a big physical boy. He’s not huge, but he’s got that raw strength. Even build up, he helps us stick and set, so he’s not just a goalscorer. He’s an all-round striker.”

Tottenham Hotspur are in contact with a former Bayern Munich boss to potentially replace under-pressure head coach Ange Postecoglou, according to reports, with the clock seemingly ticking on his stay in N17.

Tottenham likely to part ways with Ange Postecoglou

The prospect of Postecoglou’s departure from north London is gaining more and more traction.

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He’s got credentials.

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This week, The Telegraph reported that Tottenham could relieve Postecoglou of his duties, regardless of whether the Lilywhites end their 17-year wait for a major trophy by winning the Europa League.

Liverpool (away)

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Even an historic night in Bilbao may not be enough to save the Australian, with Spurs on course for their worst ever Premier League season to date. They’re just one loss away from equalling their record for most defeats in a single domestic season, and it is highly likely Postecoglou is bestowed with that dismal record as champions elect, Liverpool, await them next at Anfield.

The 59-year-old has faced an uphill battle all season long, having lost a plethora of key players to injury for extended periods on a consistent basis, but 16th in the table is arguably still nowhere near good enough – even when factoring in their serious bad luck.

Attention is already turning to who could succeed Postecoglou, and there is no shortage of candidates linked to the potentially vacant role.

Mauricio Pochettino would privately love a return to Tottenham, according to reports, while the likes of Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Scott Parker (Burnley) have all been linked recently.

Now, a new name in the form of ex-Croatia captain and former Bayern Munich head coach Niko Kovač has emerged as a managerial target.

Tottenham make contact with Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovač

The 53-year-old was appointed by Borussia Dortmund on an 18-month deal to replace the sacked Nuri Şahin, and he’s since done a solid job, as Kovac attempts to spearhead European qualification after a previously disappointing campaign for the Bundesliga heavyweights.

The tactician, who’s previously won a German title with Bayern and two German cups – one with the Bavarians and one at Eintracht Frankfurt – has now turned heads at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

According to newspaper Bild, via Sport Witness, Tottenham have made contact with Kovac, via an intermediary but not directly with the club, as chairman Daniel Levy casts his net to Europe in search of a new head coach.

Spurs are said to view him as a good fit due to his intense and aggressive style of play, but as things stand, he doesn’t have an interest in leaving Dortmund. If this stance changes, Kovac’s reputation as a true leader appears to be exactly what Tottenham are crying out for.

“He [Kovac] has experience, he was a very good player and was the captain of the Croatia national team,” said Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus.

“He has charisma, he has passion, he knows about football. He was a leader as a player and is showing this as a coach too.”

Manchester United have now made contact over a move for an “unbelievable” striker, whose agent is due to fly to England for talks, according to a report.

Man Utd stepping up striker pursuit

The lack of a reliable goalscorer has been a real problem for Man United this season, once again failing to find the back of the net in the 0-0 draw against Manchester City at the weekend, and they are now stepping up their pursuit of a new striker.

Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap has now emerged as one of United’s major targets, identifying the Englishman as their first-choice option, but given that there is widespread interest in his signature, the Red Devils may be forced to move on to alternative targets.

Another potential signing is Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and United have now taken their first step towards signing the Sporting CP star by submitting a £64m bid, although there could be fierce competition for the 26-year-old from Chelsea and Arsenal.

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Apr 7, 2025

The Gunners are also in the race for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha, according to a report from talkSPORT, which states Man United have now made contact with the Brazilian’s agent ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop.

Cunha’s agent is set to fly to England for in-person discussions with potential suitors, which could include United, although the likes of Nottingham Forest and Arsenal retain an interest.

The 25-year-old is set to be available for a fee of £62m this summer, at which point his release clause kicks in, and he could fit the bill for Ruben Amorim, who is looking for a number 10 for his 3-4-2-1 system.

"Unbelievable" Cunha could upgrade Man Utd's frontline

There is little doubt Amorim will need to bring in a new striker this summer, given that Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have just 14 goals between them in all competitions this season.

The Wolves forward has 15 goals to his name by himself, with 13 of those coming in the Premier League, playing a major role in preserving the Old Gold’s top-flight status, and he has been performing at a very high level for quite some time.

Cunha has proven himself as a reliable goalscorer in the Premier League, which could give him the edge on some other targets from across the continent, so it is promising news that Man United could make a move this summer.

However, it seems a wise decision to make Delap the top target, given that the 22-year-old has also been extremely impressive in front of goal this season, and he could be available for less than Cunha at £50m.

Everton have scouted a 6 foot 5 defender during this season, and they are now potentially interested in a deal that would cost them a relatively small fee, according to a recent report.

Moyes looking to strengthen Everton’s defence this summer

It is potentially a very exciting summer for the Toffees this year, as they end their long stay at Goodison Park and move into their new ground, where they hope it is the start of a new era for the football club.

Everton pushing to sign £12m ace who has told agent to get the deal done

Everton have turned their attentions to an attacking target who is keen on the move to the Premier League.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 24, 2025

David Moyes’ arrival has really turned things around for Everton, and he will now be hoping he can be backed in the transfer window, bringing in players he thinks are perfect for what he wants to achieve next season and beyond.

One area of the team that Moyes appears keen to address is at the heart of his defence, as the Merseyside club continue to be linked with several centre-backs. Indeed, the Toffees have been linked with a shock move for Jarell Quansah from arch-rivals Liverpool. Quansah looks set to leave Liverpool, and Everton are the latest team to join the race to win his signature.

It then emerged on Wednesday that Everton are also looking at signing David Hancko from Feyenoord but face serious competition from teams such as Juventus, who have agreed personal terms with the defender, as well as Bayer Leverkusen and Atlético Madrid. Hancko would be a costly purchase for the Premier League side, as Feyenoord are looking to get £34 million for their player.

Everton now scouting Ghana international Jerome Opoku

Given the hefty price on Hancko, the Toffees are keeping their options open, and they may have a cheap alternative in mind. According to TEAMtalk, Everton have been scouting defender Jerome Opoku this season, and he could be available on the cheap.

The report states that Opoku has been watched while playing for Turkish outfit Basaksehir in this campaign. It is reported that the centre-back, who can also play as a left-back, is keen on a move back to the Premier League after coming through the academy at Fulham.

Opoku could be a player available for a low transfer fee with his contract ending in Turkey in the summer of 2027, and that may have a part to play. The 26-year-old stands at 6 feet 5 inches, meaning he would fit into what Moyes likes as a, tall, aggressive player who is commanding in both boxes.

Apps

27

Starts

24

Goals

2

Clean sheets

7

Interceptions per game

0.9

Tackles per game

1.0

Clearances per game

3.1

Balls recovered per game

2.7

Michael Keane looks set to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires, and talk of Jarrad Branthwaite leaving is still not going away, so Moyes will want to make sure he has options. Should Opoku, who was born in England but represents Ghana at the international level, move to the Premier League, he will have played in England, Denmark, Portugal, and Turkey during his short career so far, experience which would hopefully help him adjust quickly in new surroundings.

Whatever happens in the Europa League over the next few weeks, those at Manchester United will be fully aware that they are once again approaching a crucial transfer window in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

In truth, amid what has been the club’s worst-ever Premier League season, the INEOS regime can’t afford another wrong turn this summer, with new boss Ruben Amorim needing to be handed the appropriate tools in order to revive this sleeping giant.

There had been minimal signs of progress upon the Portuguese’s arrival – namely impressive displays away at both the Etihad and Anfield – although results have spiralled in recent months, with the top-flight now merely an unwanted distraction for those at Old Trafford.

The club’s current standing in the bottom half of the table has showcased that major surgery is needed ahead of next term, with the club reportedly already beginning that operation by ramping up their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha.

That move for the Brazilian sensation certainly won’t be the last move of the summer, if recent reports are anything to go by.

Latest on Man Utd's transfer search

While last summer still appeared to be partly led by then-boss Erik ten Hag, amid the signings of Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui, the common theme of the INEOS era has been youth.

Indeed, the Red Devils managed to edge Real Madrid in the race for Lille teenager, Leny Yoro, while the club have since brought in Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu during the January window.

The Old Trafford side have also dipped into the South American market to land Paraguayan starlet, Diego Leon, ahead of 2025/26, with that a move that could be replicated amid their interest in River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to Argentine outlet Soy del Millio, offers have reportedly been lodged for the 17-year-old superstar, with United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid named as the clubs who have made an approach.

The teenager – who has a €45m (£38m) release clause in his existing deal – would likely represent a signing for the future, however, not least with River insisting that he is set to remain in his homeland until the end of the current league season, which finishes in December.

Whether that is merely a bargaining tool or not remains to be seen, although if INEOS can strike a deal over the coming months, it would certainly be a welcome one.

Why Man Utd could be set to land Di Maria 2.0

From Juan Seba Veron to Carlos Tevez, the Red Devils have no doubt welcomed some high-profile Argentine talents to Manchester in the 21st Century, with the now-veteran Angel Di Maria perhaps one of the more polarising of the lot.

Signed from Real Madrid on a £59.7m deal back in the summer of 2014, the silky left-footer simply never appeared to settle at the Theatre of Dreams, having sealed a hasty exit to PSG just a year later.

At odds with manager Louis van Gaal, the then-number seven could only show flashes of his quality in the red jersey, including his memorable dink against Leicester City in the early stages of the 2014/15 campaign.

As he has showcased elsewhere, Di Maria – who did chalk up 15 goals and assists in just 32 games for United – is an undoubted superstar, as evidenced by his 121 goal involvements in just 190 games in Madrid, alongside 212 goal involvements in just 295 games in Paris.

In many ways, young Mastantuono looks to be the second coming of his compatriot, not least due to his ability to operate on the flanks or in a central role, while waving his wand of a left foot to devastating effect.

Previously described as a “world-class talent” and “one of the most talented players of his age category in South America” by scout Jacek Kulig, the teen playmaker has four goals and two assists to his name in 13 games in 2025 to date, despite his relative youth.

In total, the in-demand talent boasts 12 goal involvements in just 55 games at senior level, with his form across the last year or so seeing him recognised as statistically similar to Di Maria, among those in their position outside of Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.

Di Maria vs Mastantuono – last 365 days

Stat (per 90)

Di Maria

Mastantuono

Non-penalty goals

0.16

0.07

Assists

0.21

0.20

Shot-creating actions

5.09

6.00

Progressive passes

8.46

6.26

Progressive carries

3.89

3.26

Successful take-ons

1,56

3.65

Touches in opposition box

5.81

4.82

Progressive passes received

10.59

10.95

Tackles

0.88

2.28

Interceptions

0.42

0.20

Stats via FBref

That likeness is notably evident with regard to their creative streak, with Mastantuono ranking in the top 12% of his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, while the current Benfica star ranks in the top 2% in that regard.

Equally, the pair are also alike with regard to their record for shot-creating actions per 90, with the younger man ranking in the top 4%, while Di Maria ranks in the top 12% for that same metric.

Such likeness should bode well for the career that Mastantuono can have in the game, and while there may be concerns that he might go the same way as his compatriot at Old Trafford, he surely represents an exciting talent for Amorim to be able to nurture.

Of course, United are in need of ready-made figures who can immediately improve the first-team ranks, although looking to the future is also vital amid INEOS’ long-term project.

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Posts ByDan Emery Apr 29, 2025

Crystal Palace are now in the race to sign a “phenomenal” midfielder, who will cost in excess of £30m this summer, according to a report.

Palace stepping up summer transfer plans

Palace are on course for a solid mid-table finish, but with a number of first-team players’ futures in doubt, including Marc Guehi, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton, they may have to be active in the transfer market to remain competitive next season.

With that in mind, Steve Parish has now set his sights on a statement signing, and the chairman is trying to persuade Marcus Rashford to move to Selhurst Park this summer, rather than completing a permanent move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Not only is Parish keen on a new forward, but the Eagles could also pursue a new central midfielder, and Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham has been named as a potential target, having impressed in the Championship this season.

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Bellingham is not the only Sunderland star Crystal Palace have their eye on, however, with a report from The i Paper revealing they are also in the race to sign Chris Rigg, whose future will be in major doubt if the Black Cats fail to win promotion.

A number of Premier League clubs are set to battle it out for Rigg, with Everton, Liverpool, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur also running regular checks to assess the 17-year-old, who has established himself as a key player for Sunderland this season.

A deal will not be cheap, however, with the Black Cats set to demand a fee way above the £30m Leeds United received for Archie Gray last summer, indicating just how highly regarded the youngster is at the Stadium of Light.

"Phenomenal" Rigg has shades of Roy Keane

Football scout Ben Mattinson is a big fan of the Sunderland starlet, describing him as a “phenomenal” player, who is “capable of moments of brilliance”, while he is also impressive out of possession, according to former manager Tony Mowbray.

Mowbray has claimed the teenager possesses a “Roy Keane-esque type of nastiness”, which may be why former teammate Marco Gabbiadini praised the youngster for his tackling ability, saying: “He is also quite tenacious. He doesn’t shirk out of tackles or challenges. That has been one of the features of his game.”

Having made 38 Championship appearances this season at just 17-years-old, during which time he has scored four goals, the Sunderland star is clearly destined for the top, so it is exciting news that Palace are in the race for his signature.

However, given the level of interest in Rigg, with soon-to-be Premier League title winners Liverpool also interested, it would be a major coup if Palace pulled off a deal.