All posts by n8rngtd.top

From Tony Adams to Ashley Cole, from Cesc Fabregas to Jack Wilshere, and from Bukayo Saka to Ethan Nwaneri, it’s safe to say Arsenal have spawned some of the best young talent in world football over the last three decades.

The Hale End academy is revered around Europe and they’re not slowing down.

The start of Mikel Arteta’s reign was dominated by that man, Saka, and now, a few years into his tenure, it appears as though Nwaneri is beginning to make a name for himself too, starring in the offensive line.

With 15-year-old Max Dowman also causing a stir at youth level, the Gunners certainly look like they’re set up for a bright future.

From the above list, we’ve missed off a few names, perhaps most notably Myles Lewis-Skelly. Sadly for him, Andrea Berta and Co could be about to sign some competition.

Arsenal targeting one of the finest young talents in Europe

A lot of the talk so far this window has been dominated by the elusive striker. Will Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres arrive? Only time will tell.

Transfer Focus

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

That said, it’s important that Berta doesn’t neglect other areas of the pitch, and probably to the dismay of Arsenal fans aplenty, the defence could be bolstered again.

Reports from the Athletic this week suggest that they are looking to sign someone who can play second fiddle to William Saliba and Gabriel with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi earmarked. We’ve also seen less concrete reports suggesting that Arsenal are looking at former Manchester City centre-back, Aymeric Laporte, who now plays in Saudi Arabia.

However, there’s a player who’s a great deal more exciting than both of them; Jorrel Hato.

Arsenal have a long-standing interest in the Ajax star and this summer, he could finally be on the move with a host of clubs interested in prising him away from Amsterdam.

The young Dutchman is attracting the interest of Chelsea, but recent reports from journalist Graeme Bailey this week suggest their London rivals have also held talks regarding a move.

Bailey revealed that Arsenal considered a move for £40m-rated defender last summer and are now considering making a formal bid following ‘successful talks’ with Ajax.

How Hato could replicate Arsenal's great young talents

It’s safe to say that when things have been tough for Arteta at Arsenal, the younger players at his disposal have come up trumps.

It was Saka and Emile Smith Rowe who combined so successfully during the Spaniard’s first year at Arsenal and with injuries decimating the squad in 2024/25, it was Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly who stood up.

The former ended up playing 37 matches in all competitions, scoring nine goals, most notably bagging against Manchester City in Arsenal’s remarkable 5-1 win at the Emirates.

Also on the scoresheet that day was Lewis-Skelly whose meteoric rise has been staggering. He hadn’t made his debut for the club before this season but ended the campaign having dominated Real Madrid, shone against PSG and even scored on his England debut.

Well, Hato, aged just 19, is very much cut from the same cloth as his fellow teenage stars.

Like Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, he made his senior debut as a boy. While Nwaneri was only 15 at the time of his Premier League debut, making him the youngest player in the competition’s history, Hato was only 16 when Ajax gave him his Eredivisie debut.

Since then, the defender – who can play at left-back and centre-back – has risen up the ranks remarkably swiftly.

He’s already played 111 times for the Dutch giants – making him the youngest member of Ajax’s 100 club, and has been described as “one of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Also labelled as an “elite talent” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, Hato evidently has the world at his feet. He’s making a stir just as Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly have. He’s got the confidence and swagger they both have too.

Incredibly, he’s already got amazing leadership skills despite his tender age. He’s captained his boyhood club on several occasions, which is just one of many boxes Hato seems to tick.

Versatile? Check. Leadership skills? Check. Experience in Europe? Check. This would be an amazing deal if Arteta and Co can get it over the line.

He's a lot like Isak: Arsenal in talks to sign amazing upgrade on Sesko

Arsenal are turning their attention to a striker they tried to sign in the winter.

1

By
Matt Dawson

Jun 17, 2025

Already closing in on signing Zepiqueno Redmond on a free transfer, Aston Villa have now reportedly followed that by opening talks to sign another teenage talent this summer.

Redmond completes Aston Villa medical

Welcoming their first striker since losing Jhon Duran in the January transfer window, Villa are set to officially sign Redmond at the start of next month after he passed a medical at the club. The 18-year-old will leave Feyenoord at the end of his current deal this summer, before becoming a free agent and arriving in the Midlands in a bargain deal.

Despite his place as a rising star rather than an established mainstay at the top level, Redmond has already earned impressive praise.

Speaking to reporters, the forward’s former coach at Zwervers, Ricardo Veerman, revealed how talented Redmond was at a young age, saying: “What stood out was that he was younger than the other boys around him. You can tell pretty quickly if a kid has something, but he had something truly special.

Aston Villa now want to sign £25m Chelsea ace as replacement for Martinez

Aston Villa have identified a new goalkeeper who they think could replace Emi Martinez.

By
Brett Worthington

Jun 13, 2025

“He could dribble past defenders with ease and scored a lot — often three times per match, sometimes even more. He was one of the key players, although that’s a funny thing to say about someone that age. Coaches around us were always asking who he was and how old he was.”

Since then, Redmond has risen through the ranks at PSV to earn opportunities in the Eredivisie and Champions League. Now set to become an Aston Villa player, the young forward could be joined by another emerging attacking talent as the Villans look to go two for two in this summer’s transfer window.

Aston Villa open talks to sign Jesus Rodriguez

According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa have now opened talks to sign Jesus Rodriguez from Real Betis this summer. The 19-year-old winger impressed many in Spain last season and even managed to get on the scoresheet twice to only add to a growing reputation.

Described as “fearless” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Rodriguez could become an unexpected replacement for Marcus Rashford if he hits the ground running. The latter is set to return to Manchester United now that his loan spell is over and it remains to be seen whether Aston Villa attempt to secure his signature on a permanent deal.

Rodriguez, at just 19 years old, could offer Unai Emery to perfect solution. Having already signed Redmond, it looks as though Villa’s current focus is on welcoming young talent and the Real Betis star is seemingly next on the list.

A talented winger who has already made his mark on senior football, it’s clear to see why the Midlands club are so interested in Rodriguez.

Leeds United have now made contact with the representatives of a “clinical” striker who has 88 Premier League goals to his name, according to a report.

Leeds stepping up pursuit of new striker

Joel Piroe was the top scorer in the Championship in the 2024-25 season, netting 19 goals, while also showcasing his creative talents by picking up seven assists, but there are doubts over whether the Dutchman should be selected to lead the line in the Premier League.

Piroe has no experience in the top flight, having spent the majority of his career in the second tier, and the Whites are now stepping up their pursuit of a new striker, identifying several potential options from across Europe.

Contact has been made over a deal for Hamburg striker Davie Selke, while Daniel Farke’s side are also in the race for AC Milan striker Tammy Abraham, who, of course, has experience in the Premier League from his time with Chelsea.

According to a report from Leeds Live, however, Leeds have now made an approach for a striker with a more recent track record of success in the top flight, namely Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson, having made contact to discuss a deal with the Englishman’s representatives.

The Whites are said to hold a genuine interest in Wilson, who joined Newcastle from AFC Bournemouth for a fee of £20m, but is now in line to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.

The Newcastle marksman isn’t the only option on the shortlist, however, with Farke’s side exploring a number of different options, as the manager looks to rebuild his squad ahead of their return to the Premier League next season.

A better signing than Phillips: Leeds eye move for "phenomenal" £10m star

Leeds United should prioritise this phenomenal signing over attempting to bring back Kalvin Phillips to Elland Road.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 3, 2025

"Clinical" Wilson has solid track record in the Premier League

Prior to Alexander Isak’s arrival at St. James’ Park, the former Bournemouth man was the main man for Newcastle in attack, and he netted 18 Premier League goals during the 2022-23 campaign, during which Isak struggled with injury setbacks.

The Coventry-born striker has 88 top-flight goals to his name and 143 total for club and country, so his vast experience could be of great use to a Leeds side whose primary goal will undoubtedly be avoiding relegation next season.

Such is the 33-year-old’s attacking prowess, he was once lauded as “clinical” by The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, and if he is able to rediscover his previous form, he could be an excellent addition to Farke’s squad this summer.

That said, there will be concerns over the fact that Wilson has struggled with injuries in recent times, being sidelined for 29 games during the 2024-25 campaign, which meant he managed to score just one goal in all competitions across the entire season.

Manchester City could now sign a £100m attacker in a swap deal, with Matheus Nunes potentially set to be sent in the opposite direction, according to a report.

City eyeing new attackers amid Grealish uncertainty

It was another season to forget for Jack Grealish on a personal level, with the winger picking up just two goal contributions across the entire Premier League season, before being left out of the squad for the trip to Craven Cottage on the final day.

There have been widespread suggestions that Grealish could move on this summer, with Manchester United even emerging as shock contenders for the Englishman, but Pep Guardiola has made it clear the decision not to select him against Fulham wasn’t personal.

That said, having fallen short of expectations last season, Guardiola is planning to rebuild his squad this summer, and City have been linked with moves for a range of different attackers, whose arrivals could spell the end for Grealish.

There has now been a new update on Man City’s pursuit of Gibbs-White, with a report from The Sun revealing they could sign the attacking midfielder in a stunning swap deal, with Nunes potentially heading in the opposite direction to bring down the £100m price tag.

Forest boss Nuno is a big fan of the Portuguese midfielder, with the Blues now prepared to sell the 26-year-old for £35m, should he not be used as a bargaining chip in a deal for the Forest midfielder.

Guardiola admires "exceptional" Gibbs-White

It is no surprise that City are now interested in signing the England international, given that he has received high praise from Guardiola this season, with the 54-year-old describing the Forest star as an “exceptional” player.

Although Forest were ultimately pipped to the Champions League spots, they can still be proud of qualifying for the Europa Conference League, and the 25-year-old was one of the players integral to their success, picking up seven goals and ten assists.

Romano: Man City now prioritising summer move to sign "excellent" defender

He would be an instant upgrade.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 24, 2025

The idea of getting Nunes off the books may also appeal to Guardiola, considering the City boss has been critical of the Portugal international at times as of late, saying: “He can become a good right-back for the physicality. I think he’s not a player to play in the middle because he’s not clever enough, in composure.”

Having secured Champions League football, a move to Man City is likely to be of great appeal to Gibbs-White this summer, and using Nunes as part of a swap deal could work for all parties.

Manchester City are now the clear frontrunners in the race for an “incredible” £100m star, who could be brought in as an alternative to Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz this summer, according to a report.

Man City back out of Wirtz race

BBC Sport reporter Sami Mokbel has now confirmed that Man City have pulled out of the race for Wirtz, given that the total cost to bring the German to the Etihad Stadium would be way too expensive.

As such, the path could now be clear for either Liverpool or Bayern Munich to sign the 22-year-old, and City have moved on to alternative targets, with a fresh report revealing they are well-positioned to win the race for a Premier League star.

Man City now ready to submit formal £29m proposal to sign "pacy" defender

He’s a rising star.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 16, 2025

According to GiveMeSport, Man City are now the clear frontrunners in the race for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, but much like the deal for Wirtz, it will be expensive to bring the attacking midfielder to the Etihad Stadium, given a reported asking price of £100m.

The Englishman is being eyed as a replacement for the outgoing Kevin De Bruyne, who has recently hinted that he could remain in the Premier League beyond the end of the campaign, with the Belgian seemingly open to the idea of signing for another English club.

Gibbs-White is now the top target to replace De Bruyne, but it remains to be seen whether Pep Guardiola’s side are willing to shell out the huge asking price.

Gibbs-White could be "incredible" De Bruyne heir

Replacing De Bruyne will be a daunting task for whichever attacking midfielder City choose to sign this summer, but there are plenty of signs that Wirtz could’ve been a suitable option, given the level of his performances for Leverkusen in the 2024-25 campaign.

That’s not to say the Forest midfielder isn’t a solid alternative option, however, having already proven himself in the Premier League, picking up seven goals and ten assists for the Tricky Trees during their push for the Champions League this season.

Not only are the England international’s attacking numbers impressive, but he has also received high praise for his work-rate from ESPN pundit Janusz Michallik.

As such, there are signs Gibbs-White could be a fantastic heir to De Bruyne, despite arguably not being as flashy a signing as Wirtz, and Man City should look to wrap up a deal before interest in the 25-year-old increases.

Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed another successful season in charge of Celtic, and it could get even better if his side wins the SFA Cup final later this month.

The Hoops travel to Hampden Park to take on Aberdeen at the national stadium with the chance to secure a domestic treble, having already won the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup.

Rodgers led the team to the SFA Cup trophy and the Premiership title in his first season back at Parkhead in the 2023/24 campaign, as he came in to replace Ange Postecoglou in the summer of 2023.

It has been an incredibly successful return to the club for the Northern Irish head coach, whose team won the title with a 5-0 win over Dundee United at the end of last month, and he has had to make some ruthless decisions along the way.

Rodgers is not afraid to make bold or unpopular decisions if he thinks it is the best for the team, and one example of that has been his use of central defender Maik Nawrocki this season.

Why Maik Nawrocki has not been playing for Celtic

The Polish centre-back did not make a single appearance in the Champions League campaign and has only played two matches in the Premiership to date.

He was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Rangers at Ibrox last time out, which is the 28th time that has happened to the defender in the current term. This shows that he has rarely been used by Rodgers despite being available for the entire season.

Nawrocki could not do much more to earn more minutes in the first-team, though, because he took his chances when they came his way against Rangers and Hearts last month.

Due to injuries to Liam Scales, Dane Murray, and Auston Trusty, the former Legia Warsaw star was named in the starting XI for the first time in the campaign against the Gers, and did enough to keep his place against Hearts in the following Premiership match.

As you can see in the table above, Nawrocki put in two outstanding performances at centre-back, as he was incredibly reliable on the ball and dominant defensively, with plenty of defensive actions and impressive duel success rates.

However, the 24-year-old colossus has not played a minute of football in any competition since the full-time whilst went in the 3-0 win over Hearts, and Rodgers has explained why that has been the case.

The Celtic boss explained: “I do always prefer where I can a left-footed centre-half on that side, in all honesty because that allows you to get through the pitch quicker and have more speed playing forward.”

Nawrocki is, of course, right-footed and this has led to Scales and Trusty starting every game since that win over Hearts, as one or both of them have been fit and available since then.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

It now remains to be seen what will happen to the Polish defender in the upcoming summer transfer window, because it seems unlikely that he will be happy with just two league appearances all season.

Whilst Nawrocki is one player who could push to move on from Parkhead of his own volition, there is a player who has played even fewer minutes than the defender who should be moved on by the club – Scott Bain.

Why Celtic should move on from Scott Bain

The 33-year-old goalkeeper has been on the bench in recent weeks, with Viljami Sinisalo deputising for Kasper Schmeichel, but has not played a single minute in any competition this season.

Bain reportedly earns £7.6k-per-week at Parkhead, which is more than Hyun-jun Yang (£6k), Liam Scales (£5k), and Sinisalo (£2.5k), yet has played fewer minutes than Nawrocki in all competitions, as he has not played any at all, domestically or in Europe.

Herald Scotland recently reported that Aberdeen shot-stopper Ross Doohan, who is out of contract this summer, is being considered as a target for the Hoops, as Bain is entering the final 12 months of his deal and could look to move elsewhere.

The 27-year-old ace is reportedly on a weekly wage of £2.7k, which is less than the current Celtic third-choice currently earns, and that means that this switch in goalkeepers could save the Hoops thousands per week, potentially freeing up wages to be used in other areas of the squad.

Doohan could arrive as a cheaper third-choice option for the Scottish giants than Bain, who is earning more than several first-team stars who play regulars, as aforementioned, whilst he has not made an appearance for the club since last season.

The 33-year-old flop played three times in the 2023/24 campaign and pundit Frank McAvennie criticised the goalkeeper, telling Football Insider that having him as an option is “not good enough” for the Hoops.

As you can see in the table above, Bain has only played five league games since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, conceding seven goals in those five matches, and has not played at all this term.

This does not suggest that he has done enough for the club to justify keeping him at Parkhead on more wages than the likes of Yang, Sinisalo, and Scales, who contribute to the team on the pitch, which is why they should ruthlessly ditch him from the squad this summer.

Selling Bain, if there is enough interest in his services from elsewhere, and replacing him with Doohan, who has played 15 league games this season and earns less money per week, could be a shrewd move by the club.

It is now down to Rodgers to be ruthless once again by brutally ditching the veteran goalkeeper from the squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, whilst landing the Aberdeen stopper on a free transfer.

Celtic could sign their next McGregor in shock move for £14m Scotland star

Celtic have been tipped as a possible option for this £13.6m-rated star in the future.

By
Dan Emery

May 8, 2025

Liverpool’s incredible season under Arne Slot is nearly at an end, with the Dutchman making the impossible task of taking the baton from Jurgen Klopp look easy.

Having lost just twice in the Premier League all season, Liverpool have won the title at a canter, moving 15 points ahead of Arsenal after thrashing Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday to seal the deal.

Slot is a tactical genius, an expert in eking every last ounce of quality out of his players. Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are among the standouts in this regard.

However, he’s also found a way to take Mohamed Salah to the next level. The Egyptian forward is a shoo-in for the clean sweep of individual honours in English football after his extraordinary, talismanic campaign – and it’s not even his last on Merseyside, having penned a two-year extension last month.

Two more years of Mohamed Salah

Amid all the happy furore on the red half of Merseyside in recent days, Salah took some time to issue a statement on his social media platforms.

Chiefly commenting on Liverpool’s triumph, it’s curious that Salah should end his message by saying that his side’s efforts and ultimate success “applies to next season as well.”

He’s a natural-born winner, always talented and hungry but chiselled into world-class shape at Anfield, indeed the architect of Slot’s triumph, having posted 33 goals and 23 assists across all competitions this season.

He might be a matter of months away from his 33rd birthday, but Salah is very up at the head of football’s elite table, ranking among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goal contributions per 90 (1.21), as per FBref.

It’s remarkable that Liverpool were able to conquer the biggest prize without having invested, true, but also with the uncertainty around their superstars’ contracts.

Salah, like Virgil van Dijk, will be sticking around for a few more years, hungering toward more silverware and more individual accolades, both of which will surely come in one form or another.

However, he’s not going to stay forever, and while fans have earned a wonderful reprieve from the eventual ending, FSG are bound to be hard at work as they identify a fitting successor, nice and prudent.

Well, news from elsewhere may be music to the ears of Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, with one of the best forwards out there potentially set to leave his club.

It would be quite something if the Reds struck true with this one.

Liverpool could sign their best forward since Salah

With Federico Chiesa flattering to deceive across his debut campaign in Liverpool, there’s a good chance he will be sold or loaned out this summer, with AC Milan interested in bringing Salah’s understudy back to his homeland.

Liverpool need to sign someone who could not only jockey with Salah but succeed him in the coming years. If FSG wish to aim for the stars, they may fancy an opportunistic bid for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo – a player who FSG have expressed considerable interest in over the past few months – who has been frustrated by his role in the Los Blancos attacking hierarchy, competing alongside Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

That’s according to Spanish outlet Marca, who state that the 24-year-old will have no shortage of top European and Saudi-based suitors, with further Spanish sources claiming it would take a fee of €100m (about £87m) to convince Real to part ways.

Described as a “superstar” by his esteemed compatriot Neymar Jr., Rodrygo might be somewhat out of sorts but he’s still one of the best players in the world, ranking among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, as well as the top 14% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

The Brazil star’s Champions League pedigree and influential performances in seasons gone by highlight his quality and indeed the reasoning behind launching a marquee move for the player.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has even gone as far as to pronounce Rodrygo as being among “the best players in the world.”

While he’s only scored six times in La Liga this season, Rodrygo has missed just one big chance, as per Sofascore, averaging 1.6 key passes per game and winning 56% of his total duels.

Such roundedness bespeaks his level, but the ball-striking cleanness is what differentiates him. It’s no fluke, either, proven after a decent individual campaign in the Champions League that led to five goals before being knocked out by Arsenal, missing just two big chances.

Whether Slot would opt to unleash the right-footed Rodrygo on the right flank, as he has been forced to do with regularity over the past few years to accommodate Mbappe and Vinicius, or instead use him in a more natural berth is open to question, but you get the sense an unfettered role as Liverpool’s linchpin in the coming years could see Rodrygo finally maximise his potential.

After all, half of his goals this season have come from the left flank, despite only playing 12 of his 50 matches in the position.

Though Liverpool would have to break the bank to get this one done, with Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Chiesa’s futures all uncertain, this might be one to keep a loose eye on, especially if his situation at the Santiago Bernabeu fails to improve.

The new Gravenberch: Liverpool ready bid for "one of the best in the world"

Liverpool are set to make a bid for a talent who could be Arne Slot’s next Ryan Gravenberch.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 1, 2025

Manchester United were less than seven minutes away from disaster. Seven minutes away from essentially the end to the campaign. Then Old Trafford worked its magic…

The euphoria of Thursday’s gripping 5-4 win over Lyon has still not dissipated, with the debate raging over just where that special night ranks among the litany of magic moments in United’s European history.

Yes, it may not have been a titanic Champions League tussle with a Barcelona or a Real Madrid, yet for those chaotic, final exchanges, it certainly felt like it. Even at their lowest ebb, this United side can still conjure up memories to last a lifetime.

What this result must represent, however, is the start of something, a turning point in the Ruben Amorim regime – for the Red Devils not to go on to lift the Europa League trophy now would be a real tragedy.

Not only would success in the competition mark a fitting way to plaster over the cracks of a dismal domestic season, but it would also bring with it the potential riches that the Champions League can offer.

The difference between securing qualification or not could play a crucial role in the club’s summer transfer business…

Latest on Man Utd's transfer search

Regardless of how this season finishes up for United, the Old Trafford hierarchy are likely to already be plotting just how they can improve the squad next season, with recent reports outlining their apparent interest in Bournemouth star, Antoine Semenyo.

Indeed, Sky Sports have revealed that United are deemed to be leading the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, albeit with there set to be intense competition from almost every top-six Premier League club – excluding Arsenal.

The former Bristol City man – who is said to be valued at around £70m by the Cherries – isn’t the only talent within the top-flight that Amorim is believed to be chasing, with ESPN’s Mark Ogden reporting that the Red Devils are keen on Southampton starlet, Tyler Dibling.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Ogden, INEOS will step up their interest in the 19-year-old sensation this summer, provided that Amorim’s men are successful in their pursuit of Europa League glory.

As per the piece, the England youth international has reportedly been valued at around £100m by the Saints in an attempt to ward off interest, albeit with that said to be an ‘unlikely valuation’ considering their relegated status.

Turning to a player who has been part of a grim campaign at St Mary’s may appear a bizarre move, although all the signs point to Dibling proving a real superstar in the years to come.

Why Man Utd could be targeting their own Cole Palmer

It was recently revealed by United youth coach Colin Little – speaking to The Athletic – that the Red Devils had actually come close to sign boyhood fan, Cole Palmer, as a 16-year-old, albeit with the young playmaker ultimately staying put at rivals Manchester City, prior to his £40m switch to Chelsea in 2023.

Arguably the “best player in the Premier League”, prior to his recent wobble in 2025 – in the words of pundit Jamie Carragher – United will be kicking themselves at having missed the boat on such a talismanic talent.

While Dibling is far from the levels of a player who boasts 63 goals and assists in just 83 games at Stamford Bridge, he has actually been described as “like Cole Palmer” by one-time United man, Dion Dublin, due to the way he plays “free and easy”.

Like his fellow left-footer, the Southampton sensation has that almost kid-in-a-playground quality to him, with such natural brilliance having seen former boss Russell Martin describe the teenager as “the most talented player I’ve ever seen”.

Capable of playing off the right flank, in an attacking midfield role or even as a number eight – much in a similar mould to Palmer – the silky talent memorably dazzled on his first Premier League start against United back in September, having earned a penalty for his side after being hauled down by a desperate Diogo Dalot.

Such a performance – which also saw Dibling sting the palms of Andre Onana with a fierce effort in the first-half – may well have made the Manchester side sit up and take notice, albeit with technical director Jason Wilcox seemingly fully aware of his talents, having handed the youngster his first professional contract during his previous role at Southampton.

With four goals and three assists to his name in all competitions this season, Dibling hasn’t exactly set the world alight, albeit while no doubt hampered by the fact that he is part of currently the joint-worst Premier League team ever.

Semenyo, meanwhile, has 16 goal involvements in 2024/25 thus far, albeit with the Palmer-like quality of his fellow forward ensuring it is Dibling who could represent the bigger talent.

If United are planning to build for the future under Amorim, making the 19-year-old the centrepiece of that project could certainly be an exciting move.

The perfect Rashford replacement: Man Utd in talks over deal for £50m star

Manchester United could forget about Marcus Rashford with a move for one player on the cards this summer.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 19, 2025

Arsenal have a huge summer ahead of them if they are to finally make the step-up and end their generational wait for a Premier League title triumph.

Mikel Arteta has led the Gunners to a second-placed finish in each of the last two seasons, looking increasingly likely to finish in the same position once again this time around.

Additions are needed in the summer if they are to push for a title battle, with squad depth needed in key areas of the pitch to prevent a repeat of the situation that has occurred this campaign.

Injuries have plagued the squad, leading to various players having to operate in unfamiliar roles, restricting the progress the Gunners have made under the Spaniard’s guidance.

However, with the summer rapidly approaching, new sporting director Andrea Berta has wasted no time in identifying targets to improve the squad and help mount their title ambitions.

The latest on Arsenal’s pursuit of new attackers this summer

In recent days, Arsenal have taken the lead in the race for Athletic Club’s Spanish forward Nico Williams, with Barcelona pulling out of the running to land the 22-year-old.

The youngster has been on the club’s radar over the last couple of years, but it appears Berta looks set to reignite interest in his signature over the coming months.

A previous report has claimed that the Gunners are willing to trigger his £50m release clause within his current contract in an attempt to bolster Arteta’s forward line ahead of 2025/26.

However, other names have already been thrown into the mix, with Real Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez the latest name touted with a summer deal to the Emirates.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, Arteta’s men are leading the race for the 19-year-old’s signature but also face stiff competition from Liverpool and Chelsea for the star, who has a £42m release clause.

Why Rodriguez would be better than Williams for Arsenal

Williams will undoubtedly be top of many fans shopping list ahead of the summer transfer window, with his figures at the top level of LaLiga nothing short of sensational.

He would undoubtedly provide the options which the manager has been hunting for in recent months, offering a solution to their ongoing injury issues.

However, the same could be said for fellow target Rodriguez, with the compatriot potentially a better and cheaper alternative than the Athletic Club sensation.

It’s been the 19-year-old’s breakthrough year as a professional, playing a key role in the club’s hunt to claim Europa Conference League glory come the end of the season.

When comparing their respective stats from the current season, Rodriguez has managed to outperform fellow target Williams in numerous key areas – highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be in North London.

The winger, who’s been labelled “outstanding” by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has managed to notch a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical nature in attacking areas.

He’s also managed to complete more take-ons this season, whilst also registering more carries into the final third per 90, highlighting the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.

Rodriguez is a threat at both ends of the pitch, winning more tackles per 90, having the defensive quality and work ethic to regain possession should the Gunners find themselves under the cosh.

Either winger would massively bolster the attacking department in North London, certainly providing the reinforcements Arteta has craved over the last couple of months.

But given the age difference and contrast in quality, the hierarchy must certainly push for Rodriguez’s signature, desperately needing to pursue a move to avoid missing out on him to an English rival.

Imagine him & Gyokeres: Arsenal leading the race to sign £50m sensation

Arsenal could be about to massively improve their forward line ahead of 2025/26.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 17, 2025

An “unbelievable” manager with a release clause of £5m is now Southampton’s first-choice target to replace Ivan Juric, according to reports.

Saints' new manager search underway after Juric departure

It was always going to be a difficult task for Juric to keep Southampton in the Premier League, given the very poor start Russell Martin made to the campaign, but things couldn’t have gone much worse for the Croatian coach.

The 49-year-old oversaw just one win in the Premier League during his time with the Saints, a 2-1 victory against fellow strugglers Ipswich Town in February, and his dismissal was confirmed following the 3-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.

With relegation to the Championship also confirmed, the board’s most pertinent task will be to bring in a new manager capable of winning promotion back to the top flight next season, and a number of targets have already been identified.

"One of the best coaches ever" front-runner to replace Juric at Southampton

The Saints could appoint an impressive young manager as a replacement for Ivan Juric.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 8, 2025

The likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Liam Rosenior and Danny Rohl are all under consideration, with the latter two managers the front-runners for the role. Rohl is eager to leave Sheffield Wednesday, and he could have the opportunity to do so if Southampton are willing to pay the £5m release clause in his contract.

According to a report from GiveMeSport, the Wednesday boss is the Saints’ number one choice to replace Juric, with chiefs starting the new manager search weeks ago.

Rohl has impressed at Championship level with Sheffield Wednesday, and sporting director Johannes Spors is believed to be a big fan, potentially making it more likely the Saints will pursue a move.

"Unbelievable" Rohl could be excellent appointment

The 35-year-old is clearly held in high regard at Sheffield Wednesday, with Josh Windass describing his manager as “unbelievable”, while also claiming he is the “best head coach” he’s played under.

It would be fair to say the German has done a stellar job with the Owls, securing Championship survival on the final day of the 2024-25 campaign, despite his side’s second-tier status looking perilous when he first took over.

Since then, the Zwickau-born manager has stabilised Wednesday in the Championship, with his side currently sitting in 13th place, indicating that he could now be ready to manage a side with aspirations of gaining promotion to the Premier League.

Rosenior is another intriguing option for the Saints, given that his Strasbourg side are on course to qualify for the Champions League this season, but Rohl could be a more attainable option, given the £5m release clause, and there are plenty of indications he could be a success at St. Mary’s.