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De Bruyne-Liverpool link-up on the cards as Napoli 'enter race' for South American
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F07%2Fluidaw.jpg "Liverpool's Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez pictured on February 15, 2025")
Liverpool outcast Darwin Nunez reportedly has a new suitor in the shape of Napoli, who are trying to sign the Uruguayan to complement the possible arrival of Kevin De Bruyne.
Antonio Conte's side - who are three points clear of Champions League finalists Inter Milan at the top of the Serie A table - are said to be in talks over a swoop for Manchester City great De Bruyne in the summer window.
The 33-year-old is apparently opening up to the idea of a move to Naples, although he was briefly linked with a shock transfer to Anfield too, speculation that was quickly shot down.
Napoli will not have to pay City a single penny for De Bruyne, although the Belgium international would still command a hefty wage and signing-on fee as a free agent.
'Advantage' vs. 'parasitic marketing' as Arsenal, Man Utd face Gyokeres competition
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F43%2Fviktor-gyokeres.jpg "Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres in action on September 17, 2024")
Arsenal and Manchester United have purportedly been dealt a setback in their pursuits of Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, as a La Liga giant may have a key advantage in the race.
The Sweden international is expected to be on the move this summer after flexing his attacking muscles in Portugal, where he has come up with an outrageous 52 goals in 49 appearances this season.
A transfer to either the Emirates or the Theatre of Dreams is thought to have been Gyokeres's most likely next career move, and it was claimed on Thursday that his preference was to join the Gunners.
New Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is leading the charm offensive to sign the former Coventry City man, whom he also tried and failed to strike a deal for while he was working for Atletico Madrid.
'Agreement' ruins City's De Bruyne succession plan, and club legend is to blame
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F48%2Fflorian-wirtz.jpg "Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz on November 26, 2024")
Manchester City are seemingly about to concede defeat in their efforts to sign Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz, who has apparently reached an agreement with another European giant.
The Citizens were thought to have earmarked the Germany international as an ideal successor to Kevin De Bruyne, who will be ending an illustrious 10-year spell at the club when his contract expires this summer.
Wirtz recently confirmed that he was open to leaving Leverkusen and taking the next step in his career, ostensibly putting Pep Guardiola's side on red alert, but they were always bound to face stiff competition.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been heavily linked with the 22-year-old, who boasts a terrific 57 goals and 63 assists from 195 appearances for Xabi Alonso's side in all tournaments.
Amorim's new favourite: Man United star 'could retire at Old Trafford'
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F18%2Fcasemiro-alejandro-garnacho-bruno-fernandes.jpg "Manchester United trio Casemiro, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes on August 10, 2024")
Casemiro could reportedly see out the remainder of his career at Manchester United, with Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim viewing the midfielder as vital when it comes to his plans to rebuild the team.
The 33-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford last summer and again in January, with the Brazilian struggling for minutes in the early stages of Amorim's time as manager.
However, Casemiro's recent form in the Europa League has been strong, playing a vital role in Man United reaching the final, and according to The Sun, it is now possible that the midfielder could see out his career at Old Trafford.
The report claims that Amorim 'has been working closely' with Casemiro, as he is viewed as an important player in the dressing room, while his experience could help the club in its bid to return to former glories.
"Ingredients of a saga" - Arsenal sent world-record Saliba transfer demand
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F19%2Fcwws.jpg "Charles Watts/William Saliba composite")
Arsenal should not be considering any bids of under £100m for Real Madrid-linked William Saliba during the summer transfer window, Gunners expert Charles Watts feels.
The Gunners are facing a critical decision when it comes to the Frenchman's future, as his contract is up in the summer of 2027, although The Athletic claims that sporting director Andrea Berta has now opened talks with his camp over a new deal.
Both Saliba and Mikel Arteta have talked up the France international's happiness in North London, but the Real Madrid pull can be hard to ignore, as Liverpool have discovered with the exit of boyhood star Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer.
Asked by Sports Mole whether Arsenal should consider selling Saliba this summer if there are suggestions that he will not sign a new contract, Watts did not shoot down the prospect, but he expects Los Blancos to wait and see whether the 24-year-old will become available on the cheap rather than making a move now.
Alonso to raid Premier League for 'second' defender after Alexander-Arnold
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F45%2Fxabi-alonso.jpg "Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso at a press conference on November 4, 2024")
Xabi Alonso is expected to target Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen for Real Madrid in the summer transfer window according to reports.
The current Bayer Leverkusen boss announced that he would be leaving the Bundesliga club at the end of the season amid speculation that he will be the successor to Carlo Ancelotti at Real.
Alonso will take over a side that has endured a mixed campaign, as while they could still win La Liga, they fell below their standards in the Champions League when they were eliminated by Arsenal in the quarter-finals.
Los Blancos will certainly look to back Alonso in the transfer market, and the club seem destined to secure the services of Trent Alexander-Arnold when his Liverpool contract expires in the summer.
United set for transfer battle with 'plotting' Newcastle for Bundesliga defender
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F10%2Fruben-amorim_1.jpg "Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim during his side's match against Real Sociedad, on March 6, 2025")
Manchester United have reportedly braced themselves for competition for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, who is of interest to Newcastle United.
The Red Devils advanced into the final of the Europa League after brushing aside Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final on Thursday, and they will face Tottenham Hotspur on May 21 for the trophy.
Manager Ruben Amorim will know that winning the competition will book his side a place in the Champions League next term, but he will also hope to qualify for the tournament in 2025-26 through league placement.
His team are currently 15th in the top flight with just 39 points after 35 matchweeks, and they are guaranteed to finish with their lowest ever points total in Premier League history.
Slot faces defensive crisis with Premier League side in 'frame' for centre-back
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F01%2Farne-slot.jpg "Liverpool manager Arne Slot pictured on January 5, 2025")
Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah has reportedly drawn interest from Premier League side Nottingham Forest, with a fee in the region of £29m thought to be enough to secure his services.
Reds boss Arne Slot has performed excellently in the Anfield dugout, winning the league in his first season in charge, but he may have to prepare for a busy transfer window ahead of the club's 2025-26 title defence.
There are significant question marks about a number of players in the squad, with the likes of Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz all being linked with moves away.
In defence, right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool upon the expiry of his contract in the summer, while centre-backs Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez reportedly have suitors.
Permanent Man City transfer to go through in "not too distant future"
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F15%2Fjacob-wright_1.jpg "Manchester City's Jacob Wright on September 25, 2024")
Manchester City midfielder Jacob Wright is closing in on a permanent transfer to Norwich City, according to the Championship club's sporting director Ben Knapper.
The 19-year-old joined the Canaries in January on a loan deal until the end of the season which included a £5m option-to-buy clause.
Wright has been on the books at Man City since joining their academy at the age of eight, working his way through the club's youth ranks before signing a scholarship in July 2022.
The Premier League title winner at Under-18s level was given his first-team debut by Pep Guardiola in Man City's 5-0 FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town in January last year and made a cameo substitute appearance in a Champions League home win over Copenhagen.
Chelsea, Man City-linked attacker 'open to leaving' Aston Villa
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F10%2Fjacram.jpg "Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Jacob Ramsey pictured on August 7, 2024")
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers is reportedly prepared to leave the club amid interest from Chelsea and Manchester City.
Rogers has established himself as a key part of the Aston Villa side since he joined the club from Middlesbrough in February 2024.
The 22-year-old has been in fine form in his first full season with the club, scoring 14 goals and providing 13 assists in 51 competitive appearances.
As a result of his impressive performances, the attacker has forced his way into the England setup, having earned four caps since he made his international debut in November.
Liverpool attacking duo attracting 'serious interest' from Saudi Pro League
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F10%2Fdarwin-nunez.jpg "Darwin Nunez celebrates scoring against Southampton for Liverpool, on March 8, 2025")
Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are reportedly seriously interested in signing Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz from Liverpool this summer.
Nunez is widely expected to leave Liverpool this summer, having struggled to produce his best form on a consistent basis since he arrived from Benfica in 2022.
The Uruguayan has been restricted to just 17 starts in 44 competitive appearances this season, mustering seven goals and seven assists for the Merseyside club.
Meanwhile, Diaz also faces an uncertain future at Anfield despite contributing 16 goals and eight assists in 47 competitive matches this season.
Arsenal, Man City 'make contact' over move for Real Madrid attacker
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F18%2Fvinicius-junior-rodrygo.jpg "Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo on August 18, 2024")
Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have reportedly made contact over a potential move to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid this summer.
Rodrygo has scored 68 goals and provided 50 assists in 267 competitive appearances since he joined Real Madrid from Santos in 2019.
The Brazilian has helped the club win multiple honours during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, including three La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies and a Copa del Rey.
However, there is a possibility that Rodrygo's time at Real Madrid could be coming to an end amid speculation that he is 'seriously considering' leaving the club this summer.
Potter reacts as West Ham confirm four players will leave at end of season
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F19%2Fdanny-ings-aaron-cresswell.jpg "West Ham United's Danny Ings and Aaron Cresswell on January 7, 2024")
West Ham United have announced that Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings will all leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the season.
All four players have made a combined total of more than 800 first-team appearances for the Hammers and were part of the club's historic Conference League-winning squad in 2023.
Thirty-five-year-old Cresswell will leave West Ham after 11 successive seasons with the club in the Premier League - the longest unbroken top-flight career of any individual player at the club in the Premier League era.
Cresswell joins the Hammers from Ipswich Town in July 2014 and the experienced left-sided defender has made 366 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 37 assists.
Man City 'to rival Liverpool' for South American Alexander-Arnold replacement
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F06%2Fwesley.jpg "Flamengo defender Wesley on August 15, 2024")
Liverpool reportedly face competition from Manchester City in the race to sign a potential alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
At the start of this week, the long-serving right-back confirmed that he would be departing the Merseyside giants on a free transfer at the end of the season.
While the England international's decision has divided opinion among the fanbase, the Premier League champions are left needing to find a replacement for one of the best homegrown talents in their history.
Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong is one player who may be targeted by Arne Slot and Liverpool's recruitment team, but they may need to cast their net far and wide before settling on a chosen player.
"Trickery and guile" - How Lookman compares to Williams amid Arsenal links
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F19%2Fcwam.jpg "Charles Watts/Ademola Lookman composite")
Arsenal could do worse than give Ademola Lookman another shot in the Premier League amid reports that they are considering signing the Atalanta BC attacker this summer, expert Charles Watts has told Sports Mole.
The Gunners' lack of a killer forward proved fatal in their 3-1 aggregate loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals, a result that ensured they would be going trophyless for the fifth season running, barring the 2023 Community Shield.
Prior to Wednesday's second-leg loss to Luis Enrique's men, rumours emerged that Arsenal had expressed an interest in Lookman, who only managed 11 goals and six assists in 96 Premier League games during spells with Everton, Fulham and Leicester City.
However, the 27-year-old has blossomed into one of Serie A's deadliest attackers since joining Atalanta, and Watts is confident that Lookman could bring something different to an ailing Arsenal attack, as might Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.
New favourite 'emerges' for Williams after Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona speculation
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F11%2Fnico-williams.jpg "Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams pictured on March 13, 2025")
Bayern Munich have reportedly moved to the head of the queue for Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams.
The 22-year-old has again been in strong form for Athletic during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 11 goals and registering seven assists in 44 appearances in all competitions, and there is widespread speculation surrounding his future ahead of the summer transfer window.
Barcelona activated the €58m (£49m) release clause in his contract last year, but Williams decided to remain with Athletic.
The forward had been hopeful of leading the Lions to Europa League success this term, with the final being played at their own stadium, but the La Liga team were knocked out in the semi-finals by Manchester United.
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