Category Uncategorized

DC are unbeaten in IPL 2025, and while RCB have won the same number of games – three – the only one they have lost was at home

Shashank Kishore09-Apr-20252:15

Is 2025 finally going to be RCB’s year?

Big picture: DC’s spinner vs RCB’s middle-order batters the big contestIn three seasons since IPL 2020, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have won at least three of their first four games. Only once, in 2021, they came close to challenging for a top-two berth, but lost out to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on net run-rate despite winning nine out of their 14 games. None of those wins were at home, though – they didn’t play there because of Covid restrictions.RCB have long grappled with the home-advantage question long before it became a raging debate among teams in IPL 2025. The pitch, the altitude, the short boundaries – of which enough and more has been said over the years – make the M Chinnaswamy Stadium a bowlers’ nightmare. And RCB hadn’t really got their bowling right in all those years. They have this season.Which is why their return to the Chinnaswamy for their second home game of the season, against Delhi Capitals (DC) – they lost the first against Gujarat Titans (GT) – coupled with an excellent start is being met with optimism by fans, who haven’t forgotten the remarkable run of late results that took them into the playoffs.Related

Hazlewood eyes the dots as RCB reach unforgiving Chinnaswamy

Mott on Axar the captain: 'He's not taking it all on himself'

Rahul: 'Enjoying my cricket, not thinking about taking it deep'

Rayudu backs Patidar's RCB to make it 18th time lucky

RCB's winning formula comes with a distinct Indian flavour

DC schedule has been less hectic, with at least four days off between matches, allowing players as much time on the driving range as they have had at training. There’s a relaxed vibe around the group that stems from being the only unbeaten team in the competition.In Faf du Plessis and KL Rahul, they have two first-XI batters who know the ground inside out. Not to forget reserve batter Karun Nair.They look well-rounded. They are playing as a team – no batter has scored more than 92 (Rahul), when the season’s best at the moment is 288 and the bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, have almost all chipped in. At this stage, DC look like the team to beat.For RCB, their partnerships for the third to seventh wickets have turned their batting efforts around. Against GT here last week, for example, their Nos, 5-8 were largely responsible for ensuring they recovered from 42 for 4 to 169 for 8, 120 of which came in the last 12 overs.This has largely been down to their handling of spin in the middle overs. RCB have three of the seven middle-order batters in this IPL who average over 40 while striking at more than 150: Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma and Tim David.This facet could be challenged by DC – Kuldeep Yadav taken six wickets at an economy rate of 6.00, while they also have Axar Patel and Vipraj Nigam to lend depth to their spin department.Form guideRCB WLW
DC WWWNew loyaltyDu Plessis, who became an RCB hero after leading them to two playoffs in three seasons (2022 and 2024), is now with DC. He was RCB’s top run-getter in two consecutive seasons (2022 and 2023).Team news and likely XIIsThe Impact Sub is likely to be RCB’s only selection dilemma. Rasikh Salam, picked ahead of legspinner Suyash Sharma, struggled in their previous home game against GT, conceding 35 in three wicketless overs.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable XII): 1 Virat Kohli, 2 Phil Salt, 3 Devdutt Padikkal, 4 Rajat Patidar (capt), 5 Liam Livingstone, 6 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 7 Tim David, 8 Krunal Pandya, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Yash Dayal, 12 Suyash Sharma/Swapnil Singh/Rasikh SalamFaf du Plessis missed DC’s previous game due to a niggle•BCCI

Faf du Plessis, who missed the previous game, is being assessed for a groin strain, but DC assistant coach Matthew Mott said “he certainly looks like he’s moving around a lot better from the naked eye without having to look at him.” If he is fit to return, he will slot back in at the top with Jake Fraser-McGurk. This means Sameer Rizvi could miss out. Left-arm quick T Natarajan is nearing full fitness from a shoulder injury. If fit, he could come in for Mohit Sharma.Delhi Capitals (probably XII): 1 Faf du Plessis/Sameer Rivzi, 2 Jake Fraser McGurk, 3 Abishek Porel, 4 KL Rahul (wk), 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 Axar Patel (capt), 7 Vipraj Nigam, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Mukesh Kumar, 11 Mohit Sharma/T Natarajan, 12 Ashutosh SharmaThe big questionRCB have the second-lowest win percentage (50) at home in the IPL. Since last year, they have won four of their eight games at the Chinnaswamy. All their three wins so far this season have come away. Do they have the squad to win more than they lose at home?In the spotlight: Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell StarcJosh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc will be featuring in the WTC final for Australia in June, but for now, they are on opposite sides. This face-off forms a nice subplot.Hazlewood has the best dot-ball percentage (72.92) among bowlers who have delivered multiple overs in powerplays so far this season. His partnership with Bhuvneshwar Kumar – they are both in the top three for powerplay economy rates – has gone a long way in RCB’s success with the ball. Across eight overs, Hazlewood has picked up four wickets while conceding just 4.6 per over. His most expensive outing so far was at home against GT, when he conceded 1 for 43 off four overs. He’ll hope for better returns on Thursday.Starc has been equally effective, picking up nine wickets at an economy of 8.9. His strike rate of 7.8 is the joint-second-best so far at IPL 2025. Starc is no stranger to the Chinnaswamy, having previously played for RCB in 2014 and 2015. The other player key to DC’s fortunes against a marauding RCB middle order is Kuldeep, whose economy of 6.00 is the best among spinners who have bowled at least five overs in IPL 2025. He has also been in wicket-taking form.Stats and trivia Virat Kohli is going harder in the powerplay than ever before. Since IPL 2024, he’s striking at 162 in his first ten balls, as against 122 in the two seasons prior to that. Kohli has a favourable match-up against Starc, having hit him for 40 runs off just 19 deliveries without being dismissed in the IPL. Bhuvneshwar’s 73 wickets are the most in the IPL during the powerplay. Trent Boult comes second with 64 wickets. Among those who have made at least 200 runs, Fraser-McGurk’s strike rate of 205 is the highest in the powerplay since IPL 2025. Axar versus RCB’s middle order promises to be a good contest. He has dismissed Jitesh twice in three innings, and Tim David twice in eight T20s. Their strikes rates against Axar are just 87 and 81 against Axar, respectively.Quotes”He doesn’t come across as being the only voice. He wants to leverage off others and make sure he’s getting the best out of the people around him.”

Transfer deadline day is always an exciting one for fans all over England, but today could prove to be a huge day for Tottenham Hotspur in their quest to end the window on a positive note.

Up to now, the business conducted by Thomas Frank has been a huge success, spending around £155m on new additions, with Xavi Simons being the latest big-money signing in North London.

The Dutchman joined in a £52m deal last week, adding to the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus and a permanent move to land Frenchman Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.

However, new boss Frank is evidently still hunting for further additions to help boost his chances of securing any form of success in Europe and or the Premier League this campaign.

Numerous names have emerged on their shortlist throughout deadline day, with progress being made on deals to land various top-level European talents.

Spurs’ hunt to land new talent on deadline day

Despite Simons’ transfer in recent days, Spurs have been hunting for the signature of Ademola Lookman over the last couple of hours – potentially costing a fee in the region of £43m.

The Nigerian, who scored 20 goals for Atalanta last season, has been desperate for a transfer this summer, potentially getting himself a move to North London before tonight’s deadline.

However, another name has emerged on their radar in recent hours, with Football Insider reporting the Lilywhites are keen on a late move for Conor Gallagher.

They claim that the Atlético Madrid star is available for €60m (£52m) in the coming hours, with Newcastle United also battling Frank’s side for a potential switch back to England.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kolo Muani

Alongside Lookman, Spurs are negotiating a deal with PSG for the signing of striker Randal Kolo Muani – despite the Frenchman looking certain to join Juventus this summer.

It’s been reported this morning that the Lilywhites are close to agreeing personal terms with the forward over a deal to North London – with a loan with an obligation to buy mooted before tonight’s deadline.

Such a deal has advanced after Dominic Solanke suffered a setback with his current ankle issue, with no timeframe currently placed on his return to first-team action.

Kolo Muani, who scored 10 goals in 22 appearances on loan in Italy last campaign, would offer another impressive option in the final third – potentially being aided by Gallagher in his quest for goals in 2025/26.

Whilst the former Chelsea star is primarily a ball-winning option, he’s also showcased his ability to break the lines and play key passes into attacking areas – having the tools to be a perfect box-to-box talent in Frank’s side.

His underlying stats from the 2024/25 campaign showcase the talent he possesses, with £52m potentially being an excellent price – should he replicate such figures in North London.

The 25-year-old, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist John Cross, ranked in the 89th percentile for tackles won (1.8) and in the 90th percentile for recoveries made (5.9) in LaLiga – showcasing his ability to regain possession should he move to Frank’s side.

However, in possession, the England international also impressed, making an average of 3.5 progressive passes per 90 at a pass completion rate of 85% – tallies which could provide Kolo Muani with constant chances in dangerous areas.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

6

Pass accuracy

85%

Progressive passes

3.5

Passes into final third

2.5

Tackles won

1.8

Interceptions made

1.1

Recoveries made

5.9

2.6 of his progressive passes last season were made into the final third, further showcasing his talent with the ball at his feet, offering added ammunition for the Frenchman should he join the Lilywhites.

£52m would be another huge investment from the Spurs hierarchy, but it’s a deal that could add further quality into Frank’s already impressive midfield department.

If he can replicate his numbers from LaLiga last season, it would be a sensational pickup and one that could allow Kolo Muani to adhere himself to the supporters in the process.

Frank's next Wissa: Spurs close to agreeing terms to sign £50m star

Tottenham are set for a frenetic finish to the summer transfer window.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 1, 2025

Crystal Palace sold Eberechi Eze to Arsenal earlier this month and may well have found their replacement for the Eagles legend, per Fabrizio Romano.

Crystal Palace look for reinforcements amid Marc Guehi uncertainty

There is no secret that Crystal Palace are a club with in-demand players this window, and it is fair to say that Marc Guehi’s future at Selhurst Park is uncertain amid interest from Liverpool in taking the England international to Anfield.

Arne Slot’s men have remained focused on landing their target over the last few weeks, and Romano’s latest update on his future via X has made it clear that if he does leave South London, a move to the Premier League champions is the only possible outcome.

He stated: “Despite reports on Man City and more clubs, Marc Guehi situation has not changed: Liverpool is his favorite destination. Guehi wants LFC, talks still ongoing for deal to happen before end of the window. If not possible with Palace, Liverpool will be on it for 2026.”

With his future still very much up in the air, Crystal Palace have transfer plans of their own involving Conor Gallagher as reports gather that they are about to spring a late move to bring the Atletico Madrid midfielder back to Selhurst Park.

Lucas Paqueta is also on the Eagles’ radar, even if if would be hard to envisage West Ham United selling to a London rival, though stranger things have happened in the world of football.

Crystal Palace want to complete £40m double deal to replace Eberechi Eze

The Eagles are ready to plough their summer budget into attacking reinforcements.

1 BySean Markus Clifford Aug 25, 2025

Speculation will continue to escalate as the window reaches fever pitch, though Crystal Palace fans will be doubled over with excitement amid reports that they could now be about to shatter their transfer record.

Crystal Palace in advanced talks to sign Yeremy Pino

Once again addressing his followers on X, Romano has confirmed that Crystal Palace are in advanced talks to sign Villarreal star Yeremy Pino for a fee in the region of £43 million, which would smash their transfer record.

Talks are still ongoing to fully agree a deal and nothing is signed and sealed yet, though they do appear to be closing in on a replacement for fan favourite Eze that will command nationwide attention.

Labelled “unique” by Antonio Mango, Pino has scored 22 times for Villarreal and laid on 23 assists in 173 appearances and featured in both of their opening La Liga fixtures this term against Real Oviedo and Girona.

After the heartbreak of Eze joining Arsenal, Crystal Palace are set to go all out for a quality alternative and supporters will be keen to see how he settles into life at Selhurst Park.

The MET office has delivered an update amid fears Liverpool's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid could be postponed due to extreme weather. A yellow weather warning was issued ahead of the match warning of gusty winds that could disrupt travel and cause power outages.

• Harsh weather condition in Merseyside

  The MET office's initial forecast carried a warning of strong winds interrupting road, rail, and ferry travel, with coastal communities put on alert for spray and waves as the weather front moved in. The forecast was put in place from Sunday evening to Monday, which raised concerns over the midweek Champions League game at Anfield.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Fresh update from MET Office

  Fortunately for Liverpool and Atletico fans, the MET Office has issued a new update confirming that severe weather conditions will subside before the ball is kicked at Anfield on Wednesday evening. The heavyweight European encounter is expected to go ahead as planned with no further formal warnings issued.

• Liverpool protecting perfect record

  Arne Slot's Liverpool side have begun their Premier League title defence with four consecutive wins, including a narrow 1-0 victory at Burnley last time out. In stark contrast, Diego Simeone's Atletico have only won one of their opening four La Liga matches and are currently down in 11th in the table.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Atletico missing key players

  Atletico will head to Liverpool without star striker Julian Alvarez and USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso. While the former Manchester striker suffered a knee injury in the club's 2-0 win against Villarreal at the weekend, Cardoso picked up a sprain during Monday's training session, and both men were left out of Simeone's final 22-man squad.

What to do with Rasmus Hojlund? On one hand, the Dane is a talented young striker who cost Manchester United a sum of £72m in 2023; on the other, he flattered to deceive across the 2024/25 campaign, wholly unconvincing.

Ruben Amorim took the wheel of a sinking ship when he replaced Erik ten Hag last November, but there’s no denying the Portuguese tactician failed to get the desired tune out of his Red Devils troops.

United finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. The whole team lacked fluency and confidence, but Hojlund did himself few favours, scoring just three goals across 32 league games, averaging only one shot per game, as per Sofascore.

His woes have led to the expectation, or at least anticipation, that he will be offloaded this summer, and while Inter Milan have registered their interest this summer, talks are on standby; Jason Wilcox, technical director at Old Trafford, is unsure whether he will be signing off the 22-year-old’s departure, who reportedly wants to stay put.

While Hojlund’s future remains up in the air, it’s clear that INEOS and Amorim are congruent in their view that a new, high-performing centre-forward is needed.

Let’s have a look at the latest.

The latest on Man Utd's striker search

They started with Liam Delap. Man United were very much among the clubs interested in the Ipswich Town striker after his side’s relegation from the Premier League, thus unlocking his £30m release clause.

But it was Chelsea who activated the clause and added him to their ranks.

Still, United’s signing of Cunha and prospective transfer for Mbeumo could redefine Amorim’s frontline, and therre are other number nines who could be enticed by this resurgence-chasing team.

Sadly, it doesn’t look like that striker will be Viktor Gyokeres, who is on strike at Sporting Lisbon as he looks to engineer a move to Arsenal, which is now entering the final stages according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners’ shortlist came down to two, and they can’t have both. Therefore, a door has been opened for United to make a stunning swoop.

Man Utd in contact for new striker

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Man United are among the contenders for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who is valued at €90m (roughly £78m).

It’s that substantial price tag which effectively ended Arsenal’s long-standing interest in the Slovenia international, instead pushing ahead with the deal for Gyokeres.

It may prove to work out just fine for the Red Devils, though, for Sesko’s camp have made contact with United as they look to secure the 22-year-old the high-profile transfer he craves.

However, Wilcox will need to work swiftly if he’s to lift the mood on the red side of Manchester, with Bailey confirming Liverpool and Newcastle United are also informed on Sesko’s situation.

Why Man Utd must sign Benjamin Sesko

Sesko will be aware that signing for Man United this summer would mean a season without continental competition. But then Leipzig failed to qualify for Europe last term, and the Devils have ambitious plans that the rangy forward would help realise.

Described as “the new Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Sesko’s clinical nature, his pace and his physicality all combine to offer similarities to the game of Manchester City’s world-class goalscorer.

Sesko might not be as complete as Gyokeres (yet), but he’s the making of a world-class striker, with analyst Ben Mattinson even saying earlier in 2025 that he has a “superior profile” to the Sweden star.

It might not look like that at face value, with Gyokeres scoring 97 goals and supplying 28 assists across 102 matches for Sporting Lisbon, winning the Liga Portugal in each of his two terms.

Furthermore, the 27-year-old proved his quality in the Champions League last year, dispatching a stunning hat-trick against Manchester City while under Amorim’s wing.

But Gyokeres is no spring chicken and has yet to compete in one of Europe’s top five divisions. Sesko, however, is competing in a tougher league, with less dominance to exert his authority.

Thus, it could be surmised that the Slovenian would produce a lofty tally of his own, were he playing as Sporting’s number nine in Portugal.

Benjamin Sesko – German Bundesliga Career
Stats (* per game)	23/24	24/25
Matches (starts)	31 (17)	33 (30)
Goals	14	13
Assists	2	5
Touches*	19.1	30.7
Shots (on target)*	1.5 (0.8)	2.1 (0.9)
Big chances missed	8	10
Pass completion	67%	68%
Big chances created	1	5
Key passes*	0.4	0.6
Dribbles*	0.5	1.2
Duels won*	2.5	4.1
Data via Sofascore

Clearly, passing isn’t his strong suit, but Sesko’s strength and movement as a frontman are things to be admired, having made real headway across the physical aspects of the game.

He’s getting better and better, and it’s certainly intriguing to note that only 18 big chances have gone begging across his past two Bundesliga campaigns, having scored 27 goals.

In fact, Sesko’s 39-goal, eight-assist return for Leipzig, across two seasons, has come over just 87 matches in all competitions, 62 of which came from the outset.

With Matheus Cunha and hopefully Bryan Mbeumo too flanking Amorim’s central striker at the Theatre of Dreams next season, Sesko would have the experienced, Premier League-proven teammates to bolster him and help him realise his potential.

And that potential is vast. Who knows whether Sesko would hit the ground running – or Gyokeres, for that matter – but Amorim is looking to turn Old Trafford back into a hothouse for development and success, and Sesko could be the perfect man to lead the line for many years to come.

The new Carrick: Wilcox racing to sign "incredible" £86m CM for Man Utd

Manchester United are interested in a deal to sign a midfielder who could be their next Michael Carrick.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 13, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to grant a discounted transfer away for one of their star players, with chairman Daniel Levy and the Lilywhites recruitment team conceding their inability to demand a large fee.

Tottenham advancing move for £24m defender after 'emerging' as favourites

Spurs have been told what it would take to get a deal done.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 23, 2025

Spurs boss Thomas Frank oversaw an unprecedented two pre-season friendlies on Saturday, as two separate first-team sides took on Wycombe Wanderers at the Hotspur Way training ground and Luton Town at Kenilworth Road respectively.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Frank’s reason for this was to give as many minutes to his players as possible, before flying out for their pre-season tour of Asia, and Spurs are reportedly just as busy off the field as they are on the grass.

Levy and technical director Johan Lange sealed the signing of Mohammed Kudus in a £55 million deal from West Ham earlier this month, following on from their signings of Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel and Kota Takai, with Spurs in the market for further upgrades.

Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White was a key target for Frank in that regard.

The England international had been booked in for a medical just over two weeks ago, but his once-imminent move to N17 was blocked by Evangelos Marinakis. Despite Forest’s threat of legal action for an alleged ‘illegal’ approach, Tottenham were thought to still be prioritising a deal for Gibbs-White.

However, following a sensational Saturday night twist, the 25-year-old is now poised to stay at Forest and has even put pen to paper on a new three-year contract – dealing a hammer blow to Frank and Levy in their search for a number 10.

As the club attempt to get more new attackers over the line, with Brentford striker Yoane Wissa also a target for Spurs, uncertainty surrounds the future of legend Son Heung-min.

The South Korea star will be a key centre-piece on their tour of the Far East, given his status as an heroic figure in that part of the world, and reports suggest that Tottenham won’t be able to sell Son until they return from Asia as a result.

In any case, Son has plenty of suitors in the meantime.

Tottenham in talks with Los Angeles FC over selling Son Heung-min

Chief among them is MLS side Los Angeles FC, with renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming that Steve Cherundolo’s side have made an approach to the 33-year-old.

Now, GiveMeSport have an update on this, and the outlet reports that Tottenham are in talks with LAFC over selling Son as negotiations between “all parties” continue.

What’s more, Levy and co are prepared to sell him to the States for as little as £15 million. This is to make his exit as smooth as possible in a bid to honour the player’s decade-long service, with Spurs chiefs conceding that they’re unlikely to get their £35 million valuation from an MLS side.

The “superstar” does have interest from Saudi Arabia, but Son isn’t particularly keen on a move to the Middle East.

Called one of the Premier League’s most underrated ever players, supporters will be sad to bid goodbye to Son, but winning the Europa League last season was a perfect way to call time on his memorable Tottenham career.

“What he brings to the team. Goals, of course, but his energy, his assists, the way he plays the game with a smile on his face,” said Robbie Keane to talkSPORT in 2022.

“For me, he’s the most underrated player in Premier League history. He could play for any team in the world.”

Arsenal’s transfer plans include the potential signing of a Premier League star before summer deadline day on September 1, with sporting director Andrea Berta identifying one Aston Villa star as a key long-term target.

Mikel Arteta is gearing up for what will be a vital 2025/2026 season.

Arsenal told key Benjamin Sesko transfer condition as agent makes statement

He’s expressed what it will take for the Slovenian to leave Leipzig this summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 19, 2025

The Spaniard, discounting Community Shields, has been pursuing his second piece of major silverware since their 2020 FA Cup triumph at Wembley, even though Arsenal have backed him to the hilt with a net-spend of around £487 million in that period.

The pressure is well and truly on Arteta to deliver glory after many years building the project, even if they have come mightily close to ending their two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title on a couple of occasions.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)	Money on new signings
19/20 – winter	£0
20/21 – summer	£81.5m
20/21 – winter	£900k
21/22 – summer	£156.8m
21/22 – winter	£1.8m
22/23 – summer	£121.5m
22/23 – winter	£59m
23/24 – summer	£208m
23/24 – winter	£0
24/25 – summer	£101.5m
24/25 – winter	£0

Man City’s imperiousness is largely to blame for Arsenal’s lack of title celebrations over the last three years, with injuries to key players and a lack of cutting edge resulting in Arteta surrendering the crown to Liverpool last campaign.

The north Londoners will need to back their manager again with new signings over the coming months, if they hope to close the large gap between them and Arne Slot’s champions.

According to various reports, Arsenal are attempting to sign a new striker, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres both at the top of their wishlist (BBC).

Bukayo Saka’s long injury lay-off midway through 2024/2025 hamstrung Arteta’s chances of ever catching Liverpool, while Leandro Trossard is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, so Arsenal remain in the market for a winger too.

A few interesting names have been linked in the last few weeks, including Real Madrid star Rodrygo, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, but the latter is closing on on a move to Barcelona after agreeing personal terms (The Athletic).

An alternative to the highly-rated Williams, who was rumoured to be a top target, comes in the form of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

The England international could be just as difficult to prise away from Villa Park, but according to Football Transfers, Unai Emery may have to cash-in.

Aston Villa could be forced to sell Morgan Rogers to Arsenal

The outlet claims that Villa may reluctantly sell Rogers if they recieve a £50 million-plus bid from Arsenal, indicating that a deal could be there for Arteta thanks to their rival’s PSR concerns.

Berta has apparently identified the former Middlesbrough star as a long-term target, and Villa are already pushing ahead with their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in response, as they weigh up Rogers’ replacement.

Villa anticipate an Arsenal bid for Rogers this summer and are increasingly concerned they’ll lose the 22-year-old, so this could be one to watch.

There is little denying that one of the Premier League’s most impressive sensations from last season would be a stellar capture, either.

“There’s no doubt he’s an exceptional player,” journalist Charles Watts said about Rogers’ links to Arsenal.

“Arsenal saw that first hand last season, especially in the game at Villa Park at the start of the campaign when he gave them all sorts of problems. The expectation is that Aston Villa might have some PSR difficulties that they will have to navigate this summer having failed to qualify for the Champions league and it could be that they are forced into a sale of a player they would ideally not want to let go.

“Rogers is one of those players who has been mentioned as a potential departure and that’s no surprise given the way he has developed since moving from Middlesbrough.

“When it comes to Arsenal, I think he would be a welcome addition should they interest firm up into anything more concrete.”

Leeds United are going to be playing Premier League football next season and will have to use the summer transfer window to build a squad that can compete at the top level.

Daniel Farke can look at what one of his predecessors, Marcelo Bielsa, did in the 2020/21 campaign, when the Whites stayed up in the top-flight and finished in the top half.

The Argentine head coach helped the club to avoid relegation, and set them on their way to avoiding the drop in the 2021/22 season too, and the players he had at his disposal played a key role in that.

Stars like Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford Rodrigo, and Raphinha may have stolen the headlines, but Mateusz Klich went under the radar with a return of four goals and five assists in the Premier League from a midfield position.

Leeds make first offer for midfield target

Leeds are active in the current summer transfer window to bolster their squad and are reportedly eyeing up a deal for a star who could be Farke’s own version of the Poland international.

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 L’Equipe, the Championship champions have submitted their first offer, worth around £22m, to Strasbourg in an attempt to sign central midfielder Habib Diarra.

The report claims that the French side have not yet responded to the bid, but they are waiting to see if any other teams come in with counter-offers, amid interest from clubs in Germany and England.

Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Evening Post has confirmed that an offer has been made, but adds that other targets in that position are felt to be more likely at this moment in time.

Why Diarra could be Klich 2.0

If Leeds can get a deal over the line for Diarra, then Farke could have his own version of Klich in the Premier League next season, because he is a well-rounded midfield star who can impact games in and out of possession.

The 21-year-old talent, who talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed will have a “huge future” in the game, played regularly in Ligue 1 for Strasbourg in the 2024/25 campaign and caught the eye with his displays in the middle of the park.

Diarra played 29 Ligue 1 games or more in each of the last three seasons, which shows that he has plenty of top-flight experience in a major European league, and this term was his best so far from a performance point of view.

Appearances

30

35

Goals

4

4

Big chances created

9

3

Assists

5

5

Dribbled past per game

0.4x

1.3x

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.1

1.4

Duels won per game

3.3

2.4

As you can see in the table above, his performances in Ligue 1 this season were incredibly similar to Klich’s in the Premier League when Leeds avoided the drop in the 2020/21 campaign.

These statistics show that Diarra could emulate his impact at the top end of the pitch by delivering a respectable number of goals and assists from a box-to-box midfield position, whilst potentially being even more creative when you look at the ‘big chances’ that he created.

The chart above further illustrates the similarities between the two players, particularly when it comes to scoring and creating goals, which suggests that he could be a very similar player to Klich for Farke.

Diarra’s ability to combine defensive work, as he is rarely dribbled past, with his attacking output suggests that he could be a very valuable player for the German boss in the Premier League, as he could impact games at both ends of the pitch.

He must go before Bamford: Leeds have told £11m flop he will now be sold

Leeds have told this flop that he must leave this summer, and the dud must go before Patrick Bamford.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 9, 2025

However, the Yorkshire Evening Post did report that other midfield targets are more likely, so it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites will be able to get a deal over the line for this star.

Manchester City’s strong end to the season continues.

On Friday night, the Sky Blues beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 at the Etihad with, who else, Kevin De Bruyne the only scorer.

Having now won four Premier League games on the spin, Pep Guardiola’s team now have second place well within their sights, widely expected to continue their winning streak on Saturday, considering they’ll be facing rock-bottom Southampton.

Despite this recent upturn in form, which includes reaching a third successive FA Cup Final, Guardiola still insists that this season has been a disaster, hence why he’s planning to spend big this summer, so could he go shopping within the league?

Manchester City's midfield target

The Blues are lining up a big-money move this summer with the likes of £100m-rated Morgan Gibbs-White now in their sights and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz also a target.

That said, could it be another Premier League star who Pep and Co turn to?

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, according to a report in Spain, Manchester City ‘have submitted’ an offer of £55m to Tottenham Hotspur for the services of James Maddison, who they claim is viewed as the long-term ‘successor’ to the outgoing De Bruyne.

Maddison would surely add a touch of creativity and vision to Man City’s midfield, something that has been lacking throughout this season.

The 28-year-old England international joined Spurs from Leicester City for a reported fee of £40m two summers ago but, with Tottenham currently down in 16th, no European football next season could force them to sell key assets, unless they’re able to win the Europa League of course.

So, would Maddison be a good signing for Manchester City, and which recent move would this be reminiscent of?

How Maddison compares to Jack Grealish

Of course, the Sky Blues are no strangers to signing high-profile English international attacking midfielders from within the Premier League, breaking the then-British transfer record to secure the services of Jack Grealish for £100m in 2021.

Now coming towards the end of his fourth season at the Etihad, Grealish’s Man City career can be split into two distinct parts, as the table below outlines.

Grealish’s Manchester City career in numbers
Statistics	21/22	22/23	23/24	24/25
Appearances	39	50	36	31
Minutes	2,730	3,487	2,114	1,520
Goals	6	5	3	3
Assists	4	11	3	5
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the numbers emphasise, during Grealish’s first two seasons in Manchester, he was a regular starter and key contributor, but this has certainly not been the case during this campaign or the last, starting only one Premier League fixture since Christmas.

So, would Maddison be able to replicate the form of great Grealish should he make the move to the Etihad?

Well, let’s compare the duo this season to help answer that question.

Grealish vs Maddison 2024/25 comparison
Statistics	Grealish	Maddison
Appearances	31	45
Minutes	1,520	2,717
Goals	3	12
Assists	5	11
Goals – xG	+0.1	+4.2
Shots on target %	32.3%	46.6%
Pass completion %	87.7%	81.5%
Attempted take-ons	37	106
Take-on success %	37.8%	41.5%
Big chances created	3	8
Progressive carries	92	62
Progressive passes	71	221
Touches per 90	36	66
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table highlights, Maddison’s statistics this season are almost universally more impressive than Grealish’s for every metric included.

He’s certainly a more progressive passer, while simply on goals and assists alone, the Spurs star – who is “unbelievable” in the eyes of Sky Sports pundit Darren Ambrose – has a lot more end product.

The one problem could be that Maddison’s season may actually be over.

Ange Postecoglou stated that he is “concerned” his star midfielder could require knee surgery, which would be a major blow because, as Jack Pitt-Brooke of the Athletic argues, he might just be Tottenham’s most-important player, given ‘how good he is at finding those pockets of space’.

Thus, any potential summer sale would be a massive blow for Spurs but, on the flip side, this would be a major coup for Man City.

He'd be amazing with Haaland: Man City pushing to sign £100m "magician"

Erling Haaland could be boosted in attack if Manchester City snap up this exciting star.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 4, 2025

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been vital to their success over the last few years, cementing himself as one of the best defenders in world football.

The Dutchman, who’s out of contract at the end of the season, has won five major honours during his time at Anfield, including a Premier League and Champions League triumph.

The 33-year-old will go down in club history for his showings in Merseyside, making over 300 appearances for the first team, with many hoping he can add to his tally next season – but the hierarchy will need to sort his contract scenario out as soon as possible.

Whilst the £75m forked out for his signature back in January 2018 may have appeared to be a mammoth sum, he’s been worth every penny, catapulting the Reds to their various levels of success.

His big-money move is one of the biggest deals in the club’s history, but they could be about to land a move just as impressive in the summer, massively strengthening Arne Slot’s first-team squad in the process.

Liverpool preparing £115m bid for Premier League star

According to one Spanish outlet, Liverpool are preparing a £115m bid to land Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak this summer, but face huge interest from elsewhere.

Arsenal and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in recent times, with the Magpies massively reluctant to offload their key man this summer.

The Swede has thrived this campaign, notching 24 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions, including in the Carabao Cup final against Slot’s side – denying him his first trophy since taking the reins.

The report states that Eddie Howe’s side do not want to sell their star man this window, but understand the Reds’ interest is serious, with the 25-year-old potentially able to leave should they fail to achieve Champions League qualification.

Whilst it would be a club-record transfer, matching the English record in the process, a move for Isak would massively improve the current attacking department, making Slot’s side an even bigger threat in 2025/26.

How Isak compares to Liverpool’s current striker options

Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota have often shared the responsibility of leading the line for Liverpool in 2024/25, but have often struggled during key moments.

The Portuguese striker may have notched the winning goal in the Merseyside derby last week, but has failed to deliver on a consistent basis, only scoring nine goals across his 31 appearances in all competitions.

As for Nunez, he’s also been a disappointment this campaign, evidently not being the man to take the Reds to the next level under the guidance of the Dutchman.

His tally of seven goals in his 42 appearances throughout this season, works out to just one in every 4.5 outings – a record simply not good enough if the club are to continue their dominance in the Premier League.

Such form could see Slot turn to Isak in the summer window, with the 25-year-old massively outperforming the aforementioned pair this year – highlighting the elite-level talent he possesses.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “the best striker in the world” by one analyst, has massively outscored the pair, offering another dimension to the club’s forward line.

He’s also managed to complete more take-ons and also completed more passes he’s attempted, offering an all-round number nine, something which the Reds have desperately lacked in recent years.

Games played

26

20

25

Goals & assists

25

9

7

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

30%

39%

Pass accuracy

74%

70%

71%

Shot-creating actions

3.3

3

2.2

Take-on success

49%

39%

38%

Progressive passes

2.8

2.6

2

Whilst the touted fee would be a mammoth investment from the hierarchy, it would be a deal that would be worth every penny – taking the side to new heights under Slot.

Although competition will be high for his signature this summer, the club’s current league standing and European qualification could give them the edge in the race – making him the biggest deal since Van Dijk and arguably the most important for their ambitions of reaching the next level.

Liverpool must boldly sell "priceless" star earning more than Diaz & Jones

Liverpool, heading for the Premier League title, are set for a summer of change.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 5, 2025