All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Leeds United supporters have not been accustomed to goal-filled matches involving their beloved side since promotion to the Premier League.

Indeed, Daniel Farke’s Whites are yet to score a goal from open play in league action, with their only strike to date being Lukas Nmecha’s penalty, which won a tight affair versus Everton.

Since then, it’s been many a spurned opportunity from the West Yorkshire outfit, with the free transfer addition of Dominic Calvert-Lewin not even boosting their early-season output.

Leeds might not be so frustrated in this department right now if they had managed to win a deal for Harry Wilson on deadline day, with the Welshman never arriving at Elland Road in the end from Fulham, despite serious efforts to bring him in at the final hour.

Why Leeds failed to sign Harry Wilson

Ultimately, the top-flight newcomers left themselves with too much to do as the clock ticked down, with Fulham deciding last-minute to keep their entertaining attacker around.

Why? Well, the story is a source of frustration as far as Leeds are concerned. They initially met Fulham’s quoted asking price a few days before deadline, but with the Cottagers focused on incomings, the Londoners ended up wanting to re-negotiate a move on the final day of the window.

The Whites did return with an improved offer and while that bid was accepted, resulting in a deal sheet being submitted to get the move signed off, Fulham ultimately decided that they did not want to sell the player, communicating to the hierarchy at Elland Road that a deal was off just minutes before the 7pm deadline.

It was a bitter blow for the Yorkshire side, but it’s understandable that Marco Silva’s men wanted to keep him, knowing full well what he’s capable of at the peak of his powers.

Indeed, the “incredible” number eight – as he was once lauded by Jurgen Klopp – is capable of stunning moments like the one above, culminating in Wilson tallying up 26 goal contributions in total for Fulham in the Premier League.

With a further 30 goal contributions coming his way in the Championship for Silva’s men, Leeds might well have thought they’d struck gold by tempting Wilson to Elland Road, with the Wrexham-born forward also offering depth down either the left or right wing for Farke, amid some gaps in the German’s squad.

However, it just wasn’t to be, as Farke now has to rely on the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James until January.

Leeds did once have a tantalising winger in a similar mould to Wilson, though.

Leeds struck gold with their original Harry Wilson

Farke should hopefully have enough at his disposal to get the goals eventually flowing, with Calvert-Lewin boasting 57 Premier League goals at Everton when performing at full capacity.

He would love to have Crysencio Summerville back for selection if he could; however, notably having managed to get the very best out of the electric Dutchman during his first up-and-down season at the helm.

Arguably, his previous dynamite output in the Championship for Leeds puts him on the same pedestal Wilson once found himself on at Fulham in the second tier.

A bumper 28-goal contributions fell into his lap come the end of a breakout 2023/24 season, which somehow saw the Whites slip up in their bid to return to the Premier League in a jittery playoff final.

Still, Summerville would find his own avenue up to the top-flight with West Ham United, as Leeds were powerless to a £25m bid coming their way, in the wake of promotion failing to be secured.

Games played

89

Goals scored

25

Assists

13

Original fee

£1.3m

Fee sold for

£25m

Percentage increase

1823%

Leeds could let themselves be eaten up with regret here, considering Summerville is now strutting his stuff in London – not too far away from Wilson’s Fulham – with two assists next to his name already this campaign.

But, the table above reinforces the idea that Leeds struck gold on the Feyenoord-born attacker when they did, with Summerville purchased for just £1.3m four years ago.

Taking into account the £25m he was sold for, that is a wild 1823% increase between the two prices, with Leeds then putting their riches to good use to construct a promotion-winning team.

While they may be stunted in the here and now with no Summerville-style figure, with the Dutchman also adaptable like Wilson to play down either flank, time is still on Leeds’ side to beat the drop.

The likes of Noah Okafor, who did end up through the door this summer, could well turn into Leeds’ new, impactful Summerville-like presence down the line, with all hope not lost just yet at Elland Road.

Leeds already preparing January offer to sign £40m Calvert-Lewin upgrade

Leeds United are already preparing a formal offer to sign a star who would replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

1 ByDan Emery Sep 8, 2025

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are convinced they can sign a high-profile Chelsea player for just £35 million this summer, with BlueCo apparently weighing up the possibility of taking a significant loss on his sale.

Chelsea open talks for "new attacking priority" with near-£40m deal possible

He’s already expressed his desire to join them.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 23, 2025

The west Londoners have a glaring need to balance the books after their recent pact with UEFA.

Chelsea essentially agreed to balance out transfers through player sales this summer, or risk not being able to register new signings for their Champions League squad next season (Kaveh Solhekol), and there are many players in contention to leave Stamford Bridge.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Any potential incomings, like their current pursuit of RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, could well hinge on their ability to offload certain squad members.

Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja, Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Nicolas Jackson, João Félix, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Alfie Gilchrist have all been mentioned as players who could depart Chelsea before deadline day on September 1, with versatile attacker Christopher Nkunku also attracting serious interest.

The Frenchman actually racked up 15 goals and five assists in all competitions last term, including some noteworthy displays at the Club World Cup, but Nkunku has apparently been told that he’ll be a squad player next season if he stays.

In terms of potential suitors, Man United are said to have explored a swap deal for Nkunku involving Alejandro Garnacho, and fellow Premier League side Newcastle United have registered an interest in the 27-year-old too (Simon Phillips).

However, according to a report by TEAMtalk, both teams face stiff competition from Vincent Kompany’s Bayern.

Bayern Munich convinced they can sign Christopher Nkunku for £35m

Nkunku actually “100%” agreed personal terms over a move to the Allianz Arena in January, according to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, and it appears the Bavarians haven’t given up hope of bringing the former RB Leipzig star back to Germany.

TEAMtalk claim there is a belief at Bayern that they could sign Nkunku for as little as £35 million – £17m less than the £52m Chelsea paid for him in 2023 – and the report suggests that is actually a very realistic possibility.

United are named as rival suitors in the race for Nkunku, so Kompany won’t have a free run, but Nkunku is believed to remain keen on a move to Bayern with the European heavyweights also “prioritising” a move for him.

Maresca is on record stating he ‘loves’ Nkunku, but the competition for places in his squad means that he could find better luck getting minutes elsewhere.

There is no denying his quality, though, as evident by his return last season, with teammate João Félix calling him a “top player” and a pleasure to play with too.

Sunderland have made an initial £13m bid to sign a “goal machine”, with those at the Stadium of Light wanting a transfer done as soon as possible.

Le Bris makes Sunderland transfer comments after Hearts defeat

Regis Le Bris and his new-look Sunderland side suffered a 3-0 pre-season defeat in Scotland against Hearts on Saturday. New big-money signings Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra and Habib Diarra all featured at Tynecastle, with the new Premier League season just around the corner.

He'd be amazing with Xhaka: Sunderland pursuing "incredible" Isak-esque gem

Sunderland is now pursuing a move for this incredible star who could shine alongside Granit Xhaka.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 25, 2025

Talking after the loss to Hearts, Le Bris spoke to the media and was asked for the latest on potential signings following rumours of a move to sign Granit Xhaka. The manager admitted the club “have to reinforce this squad to be stronger” and described the window as “unpredictable”.

A new centre-forward to rival Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor appears to be on the to-do list, with Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia of interest. Now, a new update has emerged regarding a deal with those at the Bernabeu.

Sunderland make £13m bid to sign Gonzalo Garcia

According to reports in Spain, Sunderland have now submitted an offer to sign Garcia from Real Madrid worth an initial €15m (£13m).

The total package includes another €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons and a 30% sell-on clause, with the Black Cats wanting ‘to close the deal quickly’. Alongside the bid, Sunderland are also giving Real Madrid the chance to re-sign Garcia for €30m between now and 2027, should the Spanish giants give the green light to the proposal.

Garcia recently starred at the Club World Cup, scoring four goals and providing one assist in six games for Real in the USA, being dubbed a “goal machine” in “monstrous” form in the media.

The 21-year-old is capable of playing anywhere across the front three and has broken through into Madrid’s first team after starring for Real Castilla.

A move looks like it could be one to keep an eye on following Sunderland’s bid, especially with the buy-back clause, sell-on clause and add-ons.

For much of the last few months, the conversation around transfers and Arsenal has focused on their need for a new number nine.

It’s not hard to understand why that is, as by the end of last season, Mikel Arteta’s side had scored 17 fewer goals than Liverpool and three fewer than Manchester City, despite finishing second in the Premier League.

However, while the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Ollie Watkins would all surely help the North Londoners score more goals, it would also make sense for them to bolster their winger and midfield options.

Fortunately, that appears to be what they are planning to do, as reports have now linked them with a tremendously exciting talent who has won comparisons to Bukayo Saka and Rodrygo.

Arsenal target wide talents

While a new striker is high on Arsenal’s list of priorities this summer, more wide talent appears to be just as important to Arteta and Co, as evidenced by links to players such as Noni Madueke and Rodrygo.

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 could be available for around £50m, and while he won’t necessarily excite the fans, he is homegrown and familiar with the Premier League.

Rodrygo, on the other hand, is neither of those things, but with two Champions League titles to his name and a tally of 25 goal involvements in 53 appearances last season, he feels like he’s be more than worth the £85m it could cost to sign him.

With that said, another exciting talent has now entered the frame, someone who’s not only been compared to the Brazilian but also to Saka.

Yes, according to a recent report from French outlet L’Équipe, Arsenal are interested in AS Monaco gem Maghnes Akliouche.

The report has revealed that while in talks with Viktor Gyokeres’ agent, Andrea Berta also inquired about the 23-year-old, who has the same agent.

The report further explains that should the Gunners wish to pursue the French talent, they’d have to pay the Ligue 1 side around €70m, which is about £60m.

It would be a surprising signing, but given Akliouche’s ability and potential, Arsenal should continue exploring it, especially as he has been compared to Saka and Rodrygo.

How Akliouche compares to Saka & Rodrygo

In this instance, the primary comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo stem from FBref, which analysed players in similar positions in the Champions League this season and concluded that the Arsenal star was the fifth most similar midfielder to Akliouche, and the Real Madrid player was the tenth most similar.

Assists

0.22

0.24

Tackles + Interceptions

2.58

2.62

Carries

29.2

27.9

Successful Take-On %

37.1%

35.0%

Attempted Long Passes

4.16

4.52

You can gain a better understanding of how these comparisons were made by examining the underlying numbers in which the Frenchman ranked closely to the two internationals. In the Englishman’s case, these metrics included assists, tackles plus interceptions, carries, and more, all per 90.

In the case of the Brazilian, the underlying numbers included metrics such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key passes, goal-creating actions, progressive carries, and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.40

0.48

Progressive Carries

4.16

4.64

Key Passes

1.46

1.65

Goal-Creating Actions

0.45

0.41

Expected Assists

0.16

0.16

With that said, while sharing some key statistical similarities with two of the most exciting wingers in the game is certainly encouraging and suggests the Monaco ace has a bright future, it’s not the only argument for why the Gunners should sign him.

Another key one would be his output for last season.

In 43 appearances, totalling 3301 minutes, the brilliant 23-year-old, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig describes as having a “left foot made of gold,” scored seven goals and provided 12 assists.

That means he maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.26 games, or every 173.73 minutes, and also means he would have been the joint fourth most productive player among Arteta’s squad.

Ultimately, Akliouche might not be the most well-known player among Premier League fans, but he appears to be something truly special, and therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to sign him this summer.

£60m Madueke upgrade: Arsenal eyeing "one of the fastest players in the PL"

Arsenal could sign a winger who’s one of the fastest players in the Premier League.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 2, 2025

Chelsea transfer chiefs appear set to be thwarted by European champions PSG in their pursuit of a top target, with Enzo Maresca dealt his first summer blow as he looks to reshape the squad in his image.

"Huge fan" – Maresca really wants Chelsea to sign £68m Real Madrid target

The Italian views him as a top transfer priority.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

Despite possessing a squad rich with youthful quality, their 3-1 Club World Cup defeat to Brazilian side Flamengo indicates there is still plenty of work to be done on the squad, with Maresca also looking to transform Chelsea into genuine title challengers.

The Italian, speaking in a press conference after Chelsea’s damaging loss – which now makes their next game against ES Tunis an absolute must-win – admitted that he’s currently experimenting with his system and tactics in preparation for 2025/2026.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

“Unfortunately, we conceded two goals in a very short period, a very short moment — and then the red card,” Maresca said.

“Then it’s very complicated to come back into the game. We tried, but congratulations to them. I think we tried to do something different during the game, also for next season, but congratulations to them. Now we have one more game, and we are going to try to win the next one.”

Off the field, one of many items on Chelsea’s to-do list when it comes to summer recruitment is the addition of a new central defender – which has long been rumoured as a priority.

Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Wesley Fofana face uncertain futures, according to some reports, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande among the names on Chelsea’s centre-back shortlist this summer.

However, Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi won’t be moving to west London.

Chelsea target Illia Zabarnyi agrees to join PSG

Zabarnyi was called the Premier League’s most “underrated” defender recently by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, and Chelsea recently knocked on the Ukraine international’s door in their pursuit of another option for the heart of Maresca’s defence.

“He is probably the most underrated player,” said Redknapp.

“I also spoke with Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko, and he mentioned that Illia has everything it takes to reach the next level. Everyone is talking about Dean Huijsen. Yes, he is a fantastic young player, but Zabarnyi plays very aggressively in defense as well. I was genuinely impressed by him. He shows remarkable calmness on the pitch.”

Bournemouth are demanding around £51 million to let the 22-year-old leave, but according to journalist Graeme Bailey, Zabarnyi has agreed terms to join PSG despite Chelsea’s attempts to sign him.

“He really is only focused on PSG,” Bailey told TBR Football.

“I am told that he has agreed personal terms in principle, but there is still some way to go in terms between Bournemouth and PSG. Bournemouth are not too happy with how this is going, but they know the player wants the move and has made that clear.

“When a team like PSG comes calling, even when there is no release clause – it is tough. I can confirm even in the last few weeks since it emerged about PSG, that Chelsea and Newcastle again asked the question, but were also told that he only wants PSG.”

The transfer window may be closing for six days this afternoon, but that won’t stop Arsenal from working on potential deals.

Mikel Arteta’s side finished second in the Premier League for the third time on the bounce this season, and while they managed to make it to the semi-finals of the Champions League, that’ll only fuel the team’s hunger to finally get over the line next year.

The Gunners have been linked to a host of talented players in recent weeks and months, but the one who looks closest to putting pen to paper and moving to North London is Martin Zubimendi.

Yet, as brilliantly talented as the Spaniard is, there is now another international linked with Arsenal, who’d be an even more exciting signing.

Arsenal transfer news

Amazingly, the first reports linking Arsenal to Zubimendi appeared all the way back in January 2023, and while they became a little stronger last summer, they really took off this January.

Transfer Focus

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

It was at the start of this year that Sami Mokbel claimed that the Real Sociedad star would be making his way to the Emirates at some point this summer, but since then, there has been some concern among fans that Real Madrid could turn his head.

After all, there has been no shortage of publications from the midfielder’s homeland claiming that Los Blancos would convince him to turn his back on Arteta and join up with Xabi Alonso.

Fortunately, that all seems to be nothing more than paper talk, as respected journalist David Ornstein revealed this morning that the powers that be at the Emirates consider the move to be “done & signed.” At the same time, Real sources claim that the Spanish giants never truly pursued the player.

In yet more good news, the Gunners have now also been linked to another international star, someone who’d be a more exciting acquisition than Zubimendi: Anthony Gordon.

Yes, according to Ornstein’s latest report for The Athletic, the Gunners are now interested in the Newcastle United star.

He claims that the Toon star has his ‘admirers’ at the Emirates, a claim James McNicholas backs up in the same article.

While no price is mentioned, reports from earlier this month linking the player to Liverpool claim he could cost around £80m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gordon’s ability, it’s one worth fighting for.

Why Gordon will be more exciting than Zubimendi

So, the first thing to say is that when Zubimendi finally makes his way to the Emirates, he will be an incredible signing for Arsenal.

After all, we saw him put in stellar performances for Spain in the semi-final and final of the Nations League, and you don’t get chased by some of the biggest clubs in the world if you aren’t someone special.

However, when it comes down to pure excitement, there is one massive reason why Gordon would provide more of it in North London: his output.

At the end of the day, fans watch football for the goals and attacking trickery which the Newcastle United star should bring to N5 in abundance.

For example, in 48 appearances last season, totalling 3869 minutes, the former Everton star managed to score 12 goals and provide 16 assists, which came out to a superb average of a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 138.17 minutes.

Appearances

48

42

Minutes

3869′

2946′

Goals

12

9

Assists

16

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.38

Minutes per Goal Involvement

138.17′

184.12′

Even this year, when he’s not been at his very best, the dynamic “nightmare,” as he described himself, scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 42 appearances, totalling 2946 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.62 games, or every 184.12 minutes.

Ultimately, while Zubimendi will almost certainly help Arsenal tick and will likely help kickstart plenty of attacks from the base of midfield, it’s Gordon who’ll either finish them or help them along by taking on opposition defenders and getting the fans on their feet.

Therefore, while he won’t be cheap, the club should do all they can to sign the Newcastle star this summer, as he’d be a tremendously exciting addition to the team.

He's a Sesko upgrade: Arsenal stepping up pursuit of £84m "powerhouse"

The incredible goalscorer would be a serious threat at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 9, 2025

Newcastle United are battling a host of clubs for the signing of a “world-class” Premier League player this summer, according to a new transfer claim.

Newcastle narrowing down attacking targets

The Magpies felt too reliant on the goals of Alexander Isak at times last season, so it’s no great surprise to see a plethora of attacking stars linked with summer moves to St James’ Park.

Bournemouth winger Justin Kluivert has been lined up as an alternative to Bryan Mbeumo, should the Brentford ace join United or Spurs instead, with the Cherries star scoring a hat-trick away to Newcastle in a shock 4-1 win there last season.

The Magpies are also believed to have increased their efforts to complete the signing of Brighton striker Joao Pedro, as they look to add depth in central attacking areas ahead of their return to the Champions League in 2025/26.

When it comes to young, long-term options for Newcastle, RB Leipzig wide man Antonio Nusa has emerged as a target for Eddie Howe’s side, with the 20-year-old already bagging 12 goal contributions (five goals and seven assists) in 36 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit. Now, another attacker has been backed to be a potential addition at St James’.

Newcastle battling to sign "world-class" ace

According to a new update from Caught Offside, Newcastle are in the race to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford this summer.

The 27-year-old may be surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, having been loaned out to Aston Villa last season, and the Magpies are battling to snap him up. Villa themselves are keen on a permanent move, while Tottenham, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Saudi Pro League clubs are all mentioned as possible suitors, too.

Rashford has reached a key point in his career, in terms of making sure he isn’t on a permanent decline and overcoming what has been a disappointing year or two at United.

The Englishman is clearly a massive talent who is capable of match-winning brilliance, though, which is why Luke Shaw has had this to say about his club and international teammate in the past: “He is in a really good way at the moment. Extremely confident, very positive. He is world-class, and he can be one of the best players in the world if he keeps going.”

Newcastle have first hand experience of what a menace Rashford can be to play against, with the forward scoring five goals against them, four of which have come in the Premier League.

Dream Mbeumo alternative: Newcastle keen to sign "unplayable" £55m winger

With Bryan Mbeumo seemingly on his way to Manchester United, have Newcastle identified a dream alternative described as “amazing”, worth £55m?

ByBen Gray Jun 15, 2025

Granted, there would be some risk involved if the Magpies took a punt on him, considering he hasn’t looked like the player of old in recent years, and he would be on big wages, but he could explode with a new challenge, needing to move away from United.

Celtic are enjoying a hard-earned break during the off-season, but they may now have an opportunity to offload one star who has recently made an impact under Brendan Rodgers, according to a report.

Celtic set to alter defensive line this summer

The reigning Scottish Premiership champions are usually slow starters in the window, taking a measured approach before deciding where they need to strengthen ahead of the new campaign. Nevertheless, the world already knows that the complexion of their backline will change significantly once Kieran Tierney arrives at Celtic on a free transfer from Arsenal.

With the Scotland international’s emotional homecoming taking pride of place, his compatriot Greg Taylor could opt to leave Parkhead amid interest from Greek giants PAOK.

Formerly of Kilmarnock, the 27-year-old has a two-year deal on the table that is said to be a significant upgrade on his current terms at Celtic, potentially spelling the end to his extremely successful six years in Glasgow.

It remains to be seen if Taylor will accept a new challenge elsewhere. He is still someone the club want to keep around, though they have already started to seek out potential contingency options.

Rodgers could sign Celtic their new Giakoumakis in 25-goal sensation

As Celtic continue their search for a new forward this summer, should the sign a “technically gifted” striker for free, reminiscent of Giakoumakis?

1 ByBen Gray Jun 6, 2025

Peterborough United’s Harley Mills is a Celtic target and the Bhoys have reportedly made an approach for the youngster, indicating that any incoming figure to replace Taylor may be of a youthful mould.

From the outset, Rodgers appears to have settled options in the middle and on the right-hand side of his backline. Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Auston Trusty are established figures and are expected to be around next term.

However, peripheral figures may depart to make room for new blood and Celtic may now have an opportunity to offload one of their fringe stars.

Celtic defender Maik Nawrocki could now exit Parkhead

According to wSzczecinie.pl, Celtic defender Maik Nawrocki could join Pogon Szczecin on loan for the forthcoming campaign despite his growing rapport with supporters due to some encouraging displays of late.

Brought in for £4.3 million back in 2023, the former Legia Warsaw man has struggled for consistent minutes in Glasgow, making only 18 appearances across two seasons in green and white.

Maik Nawrocki’s Celtic statistics in 2024/25 – Scottish Premiership (Fotmob)

Pass accuracy

95.7%

Successful passes

308

Duels won

17

Tackles won percentage rate

100%

Recoveries

11

Dribbled past

1

Labelled “very highly-rated” by Rodgers after joining the club, there has clearly been a breakdown somewhere along the line that has led to limited appearances for the Bremen-born man.

Injuries haven’t helped his case, though many would argue he has been value for more starts at times throughout the campaign. Either way, a return to his homeland would offer that luxury if he were to stay fit.

In turn, Celtic would surely be expected to secure cover at centre-back, unless Stephen Welsh is re-integrated into the first-team squad upon his return from a loan spell at KV Mechelen.

It’s safe to say no Leeds United fan could have envisaged the impact midfielder Ao Tanaka would have had during his debut campaign at Elland Road.

The Japanese international joined the club in a £3.5m deal from German side Fortuna Düsseldorf, a transfer that now appears to be a bargain given his importance to Daniel Farke’s side.

He managed to register 43 appearances in the Championship during 2024/25, scoring five goals in the league, including one against Sheffield United, which was crucial in their promotion battle.

Such displays led to the 26-year-old being included in the Championship Team of the Season, being joined by teammates Jayden Bogle and Daniel James.

If the side are to secure survival in the Premier League next season, they will need to conduct shrewd business, with bargain deals needing to be replicated – just as it was for Tanaka 12 months ago.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer

With just a couple of weeks until the transfer window opens, Leeds have already started work on numerous deals and are targeting various players across the globe.

James McAtee and Sean Longstaff are just two midfielders who have been touted with a switch to Yorkshire this summer, with their Premier League experience likely to be vital.

However, other targets have been on their radar, including Borussia Mönchengladbach star Julian Weigl, that’s according to a report in Germany, via Sport Witness.

The 29-year-old, who’s been a target in recent months, has once again appeared on their radar, with the report claiming that Farke is keen on a reunion after their stint in the Bundesliga together.

It also states that he may be lured to Elland Road by his compatriot with the opportunity to be a regular starter in their hunt for survival, said to be in any negotiations.

Why Leeds’ latest target could be even better than Tanaka

The chances of securing Premier League safety in 2025/26 will be a tough task for Farke’s men, that’s especially if recent seasons in the top-flight are anything to go by.

Each of the last six teams to reach the promised land have all suffered immediate returns to the Championship, such is the gap between the two divisions.

Such a feat highlights the need for crucial investment, prioritising quality over quantity to build on the impressive work conducted by the German in recent seasons.

Transfer target Weigl would certainly do just that, with the 29-year-old having key experience at the top level, as seen by his stint at Borussia Dortmund over a four-year period.

When comparing his stats to those of Tanaka from the current campaign, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, highlighting the quality he possesses.

Games played

33

43

Minutes played

2881

3584

Pass accuracy

90%

88%

% of tackles won

61%

50%

Blocks made

1.7

1.2

Interceptions made

1.5

1.4

Take-ons completed

88%

41%

Aerials won

67%

62%

The German, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Toni Kroos, has registered more passes completed this campaign, whilst completing more take-ons, showcasing the threat he poses in possession.

He’s also managed to win more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst completing more interceptions – handing the Whites an added defensive presence in what’s likely to be a difficult campaign.

Weigl has also won more aerial duels, potentially posing a threat from set pieces, offering a different dimension as the club looks to buck the recent trend in the Premier League.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Mönchengladbach star would set the hierarchy back this summer, but from the stats he’s produced, he could prove to be a superb addition.

If he’s able to get anywhere near the levels produced by Tanaka in recent months, he will be an excellent option in the top flight and potentially provide the difference between safety and relegation.

Better signing than Vardy: Leeds make move for "extraordinary" £13m CF

Leeds are looking for a new striker this summer

3 ByJoe Nuttall May 23, 2025

Arsenal are now in the race to sign an “entertaining” attacking midfielder who’s been likened to Eden Hazard, with Mikel Arteta believed to be a fan of the player, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on attacking midfielder

Injuries suffered by the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz have undoubtedly hindered the Gunners in their pursuit of the Premier League title, but questions also have to be asked about the performances of some of their other key players this season.

Martin Odegaard, for instance, has fallen short of his usual lofty standards, with the Norwegian on course for his worst full season, in terms of attacking contributions, since arriving at the Emirates Stadium, having picked up just two goals and seven assists in the league.

As such, Arteta may feel that new options are required in the attacking midfield area, and sporting director Andrea Berta is personally pushing for the signing of Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-In, with the French club now willing to sell the South Korean.

Arteta has also sanctioned a move for Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, with a £22m offer for the 21-year-old now in the works, having been a bright spark in a very poor Foxes side this season, but another option is now emerging from further afield.

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According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now pushing for the signing of Las Palmas maestro Alberto Moleiro, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Newcastle United also keen.

Moleiro has been closely monitored for months, and Arteta believes the 21-year-old could provide a fresh injection of quality, into an area of the pitch where a lack of depth has been an issue.

The starlet has a €60m (£51m) release clause included in his Las Palmas contract, but there is a feeling the Spanish side would be willing to sanction a departure for a lower price, given that his current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2026.

"Entertaining" Moleiro likened to Hazard

The Spaniard has caught the eye with some of his performances in La Liga this season, picking up six goals and one assist for Las Palmas, while football scout Ben Mattinson has claimed he is an exciting player to watch.

Not only that, but Mattinson has claimed the youngster reminds him of former Chelsea great Hazard, given the way he dribbles, and he ranks in the 84th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders.

Of course, Arsenal should persist with Odegaard as their first choice attacking midfielder, despite the Norway international’s drop-off in form this season, but it would be useful to have a solid alternative option, and Moleiro could be an exciting long-term addition to the squad.