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Arteta 'convinced' that midfielder will join Gunners instead of Real Madrid
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F01%2Fmikel-arteta.jpg "Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on January 1, 2025")
Arsenal are said to be convinced that they will sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window.
The Londoners were held to a 2-2 stalemate by Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday night, meaning they can no longer surpass league-leaders Liverpool's points tally of 79.
Boss Mikel Arteta will be concerned that his side have dropped 18 points from winning positions in the the top flight, more than they had in their two previous campaigns combined (17).
The Gunners seem destined to finish second for a third consecutive season, and Arteta will be keen to strengthen the squad to finally push his team over the line.
Slot snub: Reason for Nunez omission as 'matter of time' before striker signed
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F05%2Fliverpool.jpg "Darwin Nunez of Liverpool on January 31, 2025")
Liverpool have reportedly benched Darwin Nunez in recent weeks in order to avoid having to pay a performance-related add-on to Benfica.
The Reds need just one more point to claim the title following Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, and the 2024-25 season looks certain to be one of the club's most successful in the Premier League era.
However, forward Nunez has not enjoyed a particularly fruitful campaign, and it would not be surprising if he headed for the exit door.
The Uruguayan striker was signed by the Merseysiders in the summer of 2022 from Benfica for an initial fee in the region of £64m, with potential performance-based add-ons taking the sum closer to £85m.
United's 'number one' striker target revealed by Ornstein as Osimhen linked
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F09%2Fvictor-osimhen.jpg "Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen celebrates on September 21, 2024")
Manchester United have reportedly settled on Liam Delap as their number one striker target ahead of the likes of Victor Osimhen, David Ornstein has revealed.
United were beaten 1-0 by Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, with the Red Devils failing to score for the third time in four Premier League games.
Striker Rasmus Hojlund started up front but failed to make an impact, and having scored just three Premier League goals this term, it would be surprising if the club did not look to sign a new number nine.
However, while United have been credited with interest in Napoli forward Osimhen, journalist Ornstein has dismissed the reports and claimed that Ipswich Town's Delap is the side's preferred candidate, telling NBC Sports: "In the striker position, it's Liam Delap of Ipswich Town as their number one target.
Real Madrid-linked attacker drops Barcelona transfer hint
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F08%2Fnico-paz.jpg "Como's Nico Paz on January 20, 2025")
Real Madrid-linked attacker Nico Paz has hinted that he would be open to a future move to Barcelona after he admitted he would love to play alongside Lamine Yamal.
The 20-year-old is currently plying his trade with Como after joining the Italian side from Real Madrid last summer.
Paz has largely impressed with performances for Cesc Fabregas' side, contributing six goals and seven assists in 30 Serie A appearances this season.
The Argentina international is already being linked with a move away from Como despite being under contract until the summer of 2028.
Arsenal midfielder 'receives Flamengo proposal' amid Saudi links
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F17%2Fjorginho.jpg "Arsenal's Jorginho with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Martinelli on March 9, 2025")
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has reportedly received a proposal from Flamengo ahead of his expected exit this summer.
Jorginho has made 78 competitive appearances for the Gunners since joining the club from London rivals Chelsea in January 2023.
However, the Italy international has been on the fringes of the Arsenal squad this season, as demonstrated by the fact that he has been restricted to just nine Premier League starts this term.
Having found regular game time hard to come by, it has been apparent for some time that this will be Jorginho's final season as an Arsenal player.
Kerkez transfer decision date 'revealed' amid Liverpool, Man City, Real Madrid links
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F15%2Fmilos-kerkez.jpg "Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez on January 18, 2025")
Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid have reportedly found out when summer transfer target Milos Kerkez will make a final decision on his future at Bournemouth.
The 21-year-old left-back has been a standout performer for a Cherries side who currently sit eighth in the Premier League table and are still in contention to qualify for Europe for the first time in their history.
Kerkez has made a total of 69 appearances for Bournemouth across all competitions since joining from AZ Alkmaar for a reported £15.5m in 2023, chipping in with two goals and six assists in 33 Premier League games this season.
Although Kerkez is under contract at the Vitality Stadium until June 2028, the Hungary international is allegedly expected to leave Andoni Iraola's side this summer.
Barcelona 'will listen to offers' for Raphinha as asking price is revealed
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Fraphinha.jpeg "Barcelona's Raphinha in action on January 21, 2025")
Barcelona are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Raphinha, but will demand a hefty fee to part ways with the attacker this summer.
Raphinha has been a standout performer for the Catalan giants this season and his impressive performances have put himself in contention to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
Only Robert Lewandowski (40) has scored more goals across all competitions for Barcelona than Raphinha (30), who has also provided 23 assists in 50 appearances.
The 28-year-old has played an integral role in Hansi Flick's treble-chasing side who are bidding to win the La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Champions League this season.
System signing: Man United 'must pay £67m' for Leipzig star
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F09%2Fxavi-simons-benjamin-sesko.jpg "RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko celebrate on September 19, 2024")
Manchester United have reportedly been informed that they will have to come up with an offer in the region of £67m in order to sign RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons during this summer's transfer window.
The 21-year-old has been in impressive form for Leipzig during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 10 goals and registering six assists in 29 appearances in all competitions, including nine goals and five assists in 21 Bundesliga matches.
There is currently a host of speculation surrounding the Dutchman's future, with Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Man United said to be among the clubs keen on his signature during the summer market.
According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Leipzig would want in the region of £67m to allow the Netherlands international to depart this summer, but no bid has been submitted at this stage of proceedings.
Aston Villa 'open' to Watkins offers amid interest from Premier League quartet
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F17%2Follie-watkins.jpg "Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins on April 12, 2025")
Aston Villa are reportedly braced to receive offers for Ollie Watkins this summer amid interest from four Premier League clubs.
The 29-year-old has recorded 86 goals and 41 assists in 218 appearances for the Lions since joining the club from Brentford in 2020 and has established himself as an important first-team player at Villa Park.
However, Watkins has lost his regular starting spot up front in recent weeks, as manager Unai Emery has preferred using January loan signing Marcus Rashford, who has started six of Villa's last eight games in all competitions.
Watkins recently admitted that he was left 'fuming' after being left out of the starting lineup for both legs of Villa's Champions League quarter-final tie with Paris Saint-Germain, while he also began as a substitute in Villa's 2-1 Premier League defeat to top-five rivals Manchester City on Tuesday.
Amorim 'willing to sell' two first-team regulars at Man United this summer
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F16%2Fruben-amorim.jpg "Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim on April 10, 2025")
Manchester United are reportedly open to selling both Casemiro and Alejandro Garnacho during this summer's transfer window despite the pair being important players for Ruben Amorim in recent months.
Casemiro struggled for action in the early stages of Amorim's time at Man United, but the Brazilian has been a key player of late, particularly in the Europa League, and he provided three assists in the team's 5-4 win over Lyon last time out.
The 33-year-old had initially been left exposed in Amorim's 3-4-3 system, but a change of position for the Brazilian has seen him thrive, and he is a certainty to start next week's Europa League semi-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao.
Garnacho, meanwhile, has made 51 appearances for Man United this season, scoring 10 goals and registering nine assists, but there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future of late.
Newcastle 'primary suitors' for Chelsea-linked Ligue 1 striker
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F14%2Femanuel-emegha_1.jpg "Netherlands Under-21 international Emanuel Emegha on October 14, 2024")
Newcastle United have reportedly emerged as the club who are showing the most interest in one of Strasbourg's star players.
Sitting in fifth position in the Premier League table with a game in hand on third-placed Manchester City, the Magpies are pushing for Champions League qualification.
However, as well as facing the prospect of having to fend off interest in their key men, Eddie Howe will be in the market for several fresh faces during the summer transfer window.
With Callum Wilson potentially departing St James' Park on a free transfer, fresh competition for Alexander Isak will be sought by the Englishman.
Two Premier League clubs 'interested' in £45m Chelsea outcast
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F42%2Fjoao-felix.jpg "Joao Felix of Chelsea, October 2024")
Two Premier League clubs are reportedly contemplating whether to make an approach for Chelsea forward Joao Felix.
Having been purchased for £45m last summer, the expectation was that Felix would become an important part of Enzo Maresca's squad at Stamford Bridge.
Instead, after just nine starts, 11 substitute outings and 364 minutes of Premier League football, the Portugal international was loaned to AC Milan in February with the potential of a permanent switch to San Siro.
Felix has since been desperately disappointing in Italy, netting just once in seven starts and nine substitute appearances, and the 25-year-old will return to Chelsea at the end of the season with his career in limbo.
Chelsea have 'advantage' over PL rivals in race for £50m defender
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F52%2Fdean-huijsen.jpg "Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen with Milos Kerkez on December 5, 2024")
Chelsea have reportedly emerged as the frontrunners to secure a deal for one of Bournemouth's star defenders during the summer transfer window.
Despite their recent indifferent form, the Cherries have been one of the surprise packages of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
However, while some shrewd pieces of business have left Andoni Iraola's side in the mix for European qualification, the downside is bigger clubs circling for their respective signatures.
Both Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen have played key roles in Bournemouth's campaign, the South Coast outfit possessing the joint-fourth best defensive record in England's top flight.
McKenna's man? Ipswich 'preparing' new deal for attacker amid PL interest
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F13%2Fkieran-mckenna.jpg "Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna during his side's match against Crystal Palace, on March 8, 2025")
Ipswich Town are reportedly prepared to offer striker George Hirst a new deal amid interest from Leeds United and Burnley.
The 26-year-old has played a bit-part role for the Tractor Boys on their return to the top table of English football for the first time in two decades.
Hirst has largely played second fiddle in Kieran McKenna's mind to Liam Delap, who is expected to leave Portman Road at the end of the campaign.
Despite this, the former England youth international has made 21 appearances in the Premier League this term, scoring twice and providing one assist.
Rashford future: Aston Villa, Man United or elsewhere?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F11%2Fmarcus-rashford.jpg "Aston Villa's Marcus Rashford celebrates on February 28, 2025")
Marcus Rashford will reportedly not make any firm decision on his future until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Manchester United forward joined Aston Villa on loan in the final stages of the January transfer window, and he has impressed for Unai Emery's side, making 17 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering six assists in the process.
As it stands, the England international will return to Old Trafford this summer, but Villa have the chance to sign him on a permanent basis for £40m at the end of the season.
According to BBC Sport, Rashford views it as 'unlikely' that he will represent Man United again due to the difficult nature of his relationship with Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim.
Calculators out: Man Utd 'planning three sales' to finalise £92.5m deal for duo
Manchester United are prepared to offload three first-team players during the summer to secure the signings of Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap.
The Red Devils are set for a major attacking overhaul during the off-season following a woeful Premier League campaign under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
Man United are said to be receiving interest for Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund, who could make a switch away from the Theatre of Dreams this summer.
Amorim's troops are currently occupying 14th spot in the Premier League standings, 10 points away from Brighton & Hove Albion in the lowest of the top-half places.
Amorim's priority: Man United 'lining up' summer move for Palace star
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F08%2Fadam-wharton-eberechi-eze.jpg "Crystal Palace duo Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze on February 2, 2025")
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly determined to bring Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.
The 26-year-old has been in strong form for Palace during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring seven goals and registering 11 assists in 36 appearances in all competitions, including three goals and eight assists in the Premier League.
Eze has a contract at Selhurst Park until June 2027, but it is understood that he could be on the move during this summer's market, with Manchester City and Liverpool believed to be admirers of the England international.
However, according to The Sun, Amorim is desperate to win the race for Eze, with the Man United head coach believing that he would be the ideal signing to operate as a number 10 in his 3-4-3 formation.
Hojlund asking price 'revealed' as Man United 'target' Cunha, Osimhen, Eze
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F35%2Frasmus-hojlund.jpg "Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund on July 27, 2024")
Manchester United would reportedly be willing to sell Rasmus Hojlund for just £30m during this summer's transfer window.
The 22-year-old has had a difficult 2024-25 campaign for the Red Devils, only managing eight goals and four assists in 45 appearances in all competitions, while he has just three goals and one assist in 28 Premier League outings this term.
Hojlund showed positive signs during the 2023-24 campaign after arriving from Atalanta BC, managing 16 goals in 43 appearances, but it has been a struggle for the Denmark international during the current season.
Man United are expected to sign at least two attackers during the summer transfer window, including a centre-forward, with Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Ipswich Town's Liam Delap both believed to be targets.
Leeds United 'in battle' with Wolves to sign MLS defender
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F17%2Fdembo-saidykhan.jpg "Dembo Saidykhan in action for Gambia Under-20s in 2023.")
Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly identified a defender contracted to an MLS club as a potential summer transfer target.
Earlier this week, Leeds thrashed Stoke City by a 6-0 scoreline to ensure that they will be one of two teams - the other being Burnley - that have earned automatic promotion to the Premier League.
While the Lilywhites and Clarets remain in a battle for the Championship title, a certain level of focus will now be turned to their upcoming business in the transfer market.
Although Leeds and many other clubs are likely to target players who are ready to compete in England's top flight, bargains and talent with potential will also be on their radar.
Real Madrid 'willing' to pay 'in excess of £103m' for Arsenal superstar
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F17%2Farsenal.jpg "Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, Gabriel and Declan Rice on November 30, 2024")
Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to pay in excess of £103m in order to sign Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka this summer, with the Englishman regarded as a potential replacement for Rodrygo.
Saka missed a lot of football earlier this season due to a hamstring issue, but he has still made 30 appearances for the Gunners during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 11 goals and registering 14 assists in the process.
The 23-year-old was a standout player for Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and he got his name on the scoresheet in the second leg of the last-eight affair against Real Madrid, with his performance even more impressive considering that he missed an early penalty in the clash at Bernabeu.
According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid are huge admirers of Saka, with senior figures at the club alerted by his performance against them in the European Cup.
Dortmund 'make decision' over summer move for Chelsea midfielder Chukwuemeka
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F17%2Fcarney-chukwuemeka.jpg "Borussia Dortmund midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in April 2025.")
Borussia Dortmund have reportedly decided how they wish to proceed with the future of Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.
Having failed to seal a loan move during the summer, Chukwuemeka remained at Stamford Bridge and was left to settle for 130 minutes of action spread across five substitute appearances in the EFL Cup and Conference League.
As a result, a temporary switch elsewhere in the winter transfer window was always on the cards and the 21-year-old would end up at Dortmund looking to kick-start his career.
Chukwuemeka's progress at Westfalenstadion has been hampered by niggly injuries, yet he has still made two starts and eight substitute outings in all competitions.
Decision made: Vinicius' Real Madrid future 'clear' amid reports of £255m Saudi bid
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F07%2Fvinicius-junior.jpg "Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior on February 11, 2025")
Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior is reportedly on the verge of agreeing a new long-term deal at Bernabeu.
The 24-year-old has become one of the leading players in world football during his time with Real Madrid, making the move to the European giants from Brazilian team Flamengo in the summer of 2018.
Vinicius boasts a record of 105 goals and 79 assists in 311 appearances for Los Blancos, including 20 goals and 14 assists in 46 outings in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign.
There has been criticism of the Brazil international, though, due to some underwhelming performances in the latter stages of the Champions League, particularly over the two legs of the quarter-final loss to Arsenal.
Transformative signing: Man United 'pressing ahead' with £40m bargain move
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F17%2Fruben-amorim.jpg "Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim on April 17, 2025")
Manchester United are reportedly pushing for the signing of Napoli's Victor Osimhen, with the Nigeria international regarded as the English club's leading striker target during this summer's transfer window.
The Red Devils will prioritise the acquisition of a new forward in the upcoming market due to Rasmus Hojlund's ongoing struggles, and Ipswich Town's Liam Delap continues to be heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
While Delap is a genuine option for the 20-time English champions, it is understood that Osimhen is the club's leading target, with Man United head coach Ruben Amorim a huge admirer of the 26-year-old.
There will allegedly be a £63m release clause for non-Italian clubs in his Napoli contract this summer, but according to The Mirror, Man United believe that a deal could be done for a fee in the region of £40m.
"Play Conor Bradley": Why Alexander-Arnold should be benched after Leicester win
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F17%2Fdavid-lynch-and-trent-alexander-arnold.jpg "Conor Bradley should be chosen ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold when the title is won")
Trent Alexander-Arnold should be benched as soon as the Premier League title has been won, Reds expert David Lynch has insisted.
Liverpool managed to get the better of Leicester City on Sunday thanks to Alexander-Arnold's late winner, with the right-back coming on as a second-half substitute for Conor Bradley.
While the defender has helped the Merseysiders win numerous points this season and bring the club to the brink of Premier League glory, fans may be seeing the last of him at Anfield given he has been strongly linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher argued on Sunday that Alexander-Arnold should be taken out of the XI as soon as the title has been officially won, a sentiment shared by Lynch when he told Sports Mole: "I agree with with Jamie Carragher in the sense that until the title's won, you pick whatever your best team is.
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