Everton could potentially complete the signing of an “excellent” player for a cut-price fee this summer, with his price tag plummeting as his club search for a route to cash in.
Moyes speaks positively about Calvert-Lewin
The Blues begin their Premier League season with a trip to Leeds United on Monday evening, as they come up against former striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Speaking ahead of the game, David Moyes discussed his former striker in positive fashion, saying he is happy that he has found a new challenge in his career.
“I’m pleased for Dom because I’ve had a really good relationship with him. I didn’t really get a chance to work with him. He picked up the injury – I think it was Brighton – and we only really got him back on the last day.
“I think I had one game or two games with Dom. But we found the financials too much at the time and we chose to move on. “I’m really pleased he’s got himself sorted out and gone to Leeds United and it’s a really good club.”
In terms of possible new signings for Everton between now and the end of this month, a positive update has now emerged regarding their potential pursuit of a long-time target.
Everton in the mix to sign "excellent" midfielder
According to a new report from A Bola [via Sport Witness], Everton are battling Al-Ahli for the signing of Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis this summer.
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His current club are said to be desperate to sell him, with his price tag dropping to as little as £17.2m from £25.8m in recent weeks, and a huge amount lower than his £103.5m release clause, which Benfica were quoting to teams last summer.
Luis has been a target for Everton for some time, with those high up at the club clearly rating him, so to sign him for a hugely cut-price fee before the end of the summer window could be a real coup.
The 25-year-old has matured into a dominant midfielder, winning two Primeira Liga titles for Benfica, among other trophies, as well as winning an incredible 82 caps for Portugal at international youth team level, and being called “excellent” by scout Jacek Kulig.
Portugal Under-21s
12
0
Portugal Under-20s
18
0
Portugal Under-19s
26
0
Portugal Under-17s
16
0
Portugal Under-16s
10
1
Portugal Under-15s
2
0
Moyes would surely love the idea of adding further defensive quality to his midfield, especially with Idrissa Gueye not getting any younger, so the hope is that a deal is struck for the Portuguese.
When a player goes from being described as the heartbeat of one team to a forgotten figure in another, it’s rarely down to a simple drop in talent.
Often, as Chris Wood demonstrated, a change of scenery can make all the difference.
Wood left Newcastle as an apparent misfit, having struggled to make an impact after his move from Burnley, but found a fresh start at Nottingham Forest.
There, he reminded everyone of his qualities, scoring 20 Premier League goals last season and helping Forest to their first European campaign since 1996.
Football is filled with such stories: players who are able to flourish once more under the right conditions. One midfielder currently making headlines fits that mould almost perfectly.
Once a key performer in the Premier League, he has endured a frustrating year abroad, hampered by injury and an unstable tactical environment.
But with several English clubs circling for his signature this summer, there’s every chance he could engineer a comeback in the same spirit as Wood.
Latest on Nottingham Forest's transfer search
The midfielder in question is Douglas Luiz, who swapped Aston Villa for Juventus in a €50m (£43m) deal only to see his first season in Italy collapse into disappointment.
He failed to register a single goal or assist in 27 appearances, missed 20 games through injury, and never looked settled under either Igor Tudor or Thiago Motta.
Transfer Focus
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He played just 45 minutes at the Club World Cup, and Juventus are now reportedly ready to let him go after he missed the opening day of pre-season training – a disciplinary issue that looks set to force his exit.
The Old Lady are now hoping to recoup around €40m (£34m), accepting things haven’t worked out as planned.
According to Corriere dello Sport in Italy, Nottingham Forest have been in direct contact with his camp, sensing an opportunity to acquire a player with proven English top-flight pedigree. The report suggests that ‘a five-year offer with an increased salary is on the table’.
Luiz’s numbers at Juventus paint a stark picture of how things fell apart. He ranked 19th in minutes played with only 841, starting just six matches.
His 0.69 key passes per game put him 9th among Juventus midfielders, while a meagre 0.77 tackles per game ranked him 21st.
Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz.
For a player described by Statman Dave as an “engine in midfield,” these struggles were uncharacteristic.
Instead, he is on the periphery in Turin, his World Cup 2026 ambitions in danger of being derailed. Could he follow Wood in being revived in Nottingham?
Another Forest revival could be on the cards
There is plenty of evidence to suggest that Luiz could thrive again with the right manager, system, and consistent game time.
At Aston Villa, Luiz was the definition of a modern, dynamic midfielder.
According to FBref, stats from his final Premier League campaign in 2023/24 underlined that: an 85.7% pass completion rate while attempting over 71 passes per 90, and nearly four shot-creating actions per match.
He consistently progressed play, averaging 5.49 progressive passes and 2.15 progressive carries per 90.
Defensively, he contributed too, with 1.74 tackles per 90 and almost one block per match, using positional discipline and work rate to cover ground effectively.
The numbers made clear why Villa fans valued him so highly – a player who could link defence to attack seamlessly while breaking up opposition transitions.
Douglas Luiz at the Club World Cup with Juventus.
His last season at Villa saw him start nearly every game, a sharp contrast to the chaos of Juventus, where managerial turnover and persistent injuries destroyed any rhythm.
His 89.5% pass accuracy at Juve, still ranking him fifth-best at the club, suggests his technical quality remains intact. But without a consistent role, he looked lost.
The interest from Forest – as well as from Everton – makes perfect sense therefore.
Both clubs would welcome a midfield presence with ball-winning skills, tempo-setting passes, and Premier League experience.
Forest in particular could look to repeat their Chris Wood rescue mission by offering Luiz a stable platform and a clear tactical purpose. Wood had netted just five times in 39 games at St James’ Park, although has since showcased his prior form at Burnley, where the New Zealander scored 53 goals in 165 games.
Ola Aina with Chris Wood for Nottingham Forest.
As for Luiz also suits the style of English football far more naturally than the slower, more congested patterns he faced in Serie A.
His progressive passing, intensity out of possession, and capacity to make third-man runs all align with how many Premier League teams want their midfielders to operate.
What Luiz needs, just like Wood before him, is a manager willing to make him central to the team’s structure.
Wood rediscovered his confidence and instinct for goals at Forest, showing that a so-called failed signing can become an effective weapon when valued.
It is easy to forget how highly he was rated not long ago.
Leonardo Bertozzi’s prediction that Luiz could be a “leading name” for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup still has every chance of coming true, provided he finds a stable environment to rebuild his confidence.
With a Premier League return looking increasingly likely, fans might yet witness a redemption story worthy of Wood’s – proof once more that the right club, at the right moment, can revive even the most stalled careers.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers recently revealed that the Scottish Premiership champions need to add more goals to their team during the summer transfer window.
When asked about what the Hoops need to do before the start of September, the manager said: “I think it’s bringing goals to the squad. Especially when you score four goals, it seems like you’re okay. But we lost an important player in Kyogo [Furuhashi] in January. He brought us a lot of goals. We lost Nicolas Kuhn. He brought us a lot of goals. Matt O’Riley even last summer.
Celtic'sKyogoFuruhashi celebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup
Ligue 1 side Rennes swooped in to sign Kyogo Furuhashi from the Scottish giants for a reported fee of £10m in January, ending a goal-laden time for the striker at Parkhead.
Celtic hit the jackpot with Kyogo Furuhashi
Ange Postecoglou signed the centre-forward from Vissel Kobe in the summer of 2021, and it is safe to say that it was an incredibly successful move for all parties involved.
Kyogo ended his Celtic career with a return of 85 goals and 15 assists in 165 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, which shows that he was prolific throughout his time at the club.
His best season at Parkhead, by far, was when he plundered 34 goals in the 2022/23 campaign for Postecoglou, though, as the Japan international was a goal machine that year.
Whilst it is unrealistic to expect Celtic to find a new forward who can score 34 goals in one season, Rodgers could finally replace Kyogo by signing Federico Chiesa on loan from Liverpool, as the club are reportedly one of the teams chasing a loan deal for the attacker.
Why Celtic should sign Federico Chiesa
If the Hoops can convince the Italy international to make the move to Parkhead on loan, the £150k-per-week star could be a high-quality addition to the squad.
Liverpool's FedericoChiesaand Alexis Mac Allister
Chiesa primarily plays as a winger but he has also started 87 career club games as a second striker or as a centre-forward, which suggests that he could play through the middle for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
The Italian forward has scored 66 goals for Juventus and Fiorentina, whilst he has also scored seven goals for his country. This speaks to his pedigree and shows the kind of quality that the Hoops would be bringing in.
Chiesa only played 14 times, scoring twice, in all competitions for Liverpool last season, but his form in the 2023/24 campaign for Juventus shows that he has the quality to be a fantastic signing for Celtic.
Starts
25
xG
6.43
Goals
9
Big chances created
12
xA
5.58
Assists
2
As you can see in the table above, the Italian forward, who can play wide or centrally, provided a big threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals in one of Europe’s major leagues.
The 27-year-old star, who was once dubbed “unplayable” by reporter Carlo Garganese, was also incredibly efficient in front of goal, overperforming his xG by almost three goals.
Whereas, Kyogo only scored 10 goals from 14.14 xG in the first half of last season’s Premiership campaign. Chiesa, based on his form for Juventus, could be far more efficient with the chances that come his way if Rodgers provided him with an opportunity to play regularly.
The Italian dynamo is a clinical finisher and creative force who can offer quality out wide or through the middle as a dynamic forward option, who is already proven at a higher level of football than the Premiership.
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Therefore, Celtic should be pushing to win the race for Chiesa’s services as he is a clinical forward who could provide a cutting edge to the team’s attack as a Kyogo replacement this summer.
After a season of tactical adaptation, Newcastle United’s summer transfer strategy is now clearly focused on evolution.
The club is targeting players who can help transition the team into a more progressive, possession-based unit.
Nowhere is this shift more evident than in defence, where the Magpies are exploring options to support one of their most exciting young talents: Tino Livramento.
Since arriving from Southampton, Livramento has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout young full-backs. His versatility was on full display in the Carabao Cup final, where he nullified Mohamed Salah despite playing out of position on the left.
Tino Livramento against Arsenal.
He also played a key role in England’s U21 European Championship success and continues to develop into a modern, forward-thinking defender.
With reported interest from Manchester City, Newcastle are determined to secure his long-term future. The club is said to be preparing a six-year deal that would make him one of their highest earners.
To fully unlock his creative qualities, Newcastle must surround him with players who provide a solid platform behind him. Their pursuit of a new centre-back appears to be aimed precisely at that.
Newcastle chasing their missing piece of the jigsaw
One player who fits that profile perfectly is Marc Guéhi. The Crystal Palace captain is entering the final year of his contract and looks unlikely to extend his stay in south London.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
Newcastle had several bids turned down for the defender last summer, while Tottenham also failed with an approach in January.
With Liverpool reportedly reluctant to meet Palace’s £45m valuation, the Magpies may now have a clearer path to securing his signature. Indeed, according to GIVEMESPORT, the player is now keen on a move away from Selhurst Park.
It’s revealed that the likes of Newcastle, Liverpool and Spurs all have ‘strong’ interest in the player.
What may prove beneficial is that there’s already a personal connection in place. Sky Sports has noted that Guéhi shares close friendships with several Newcastle players, namely Anthony Gordon, Livramento and Lewis Hall who he was alongside at Chelsea.
England's TaylorHarwood-Belliscelebrates scoring their fifth goal with Marc Guehi
That familiarity could ease his transition and strengthen the cohesion within Eddie Howe’s defensive unit.
Guehi & Livramento: A partnership for the future
On the pitch, Guéhi was a model of consistency last season. According to Sofascore, he made 34 appearances, scored three goals, and averaged a match rating of 7.10. While his numbers in traditional defensive areas, such as clearances, tackles, and aerial duels, were impressive, his technical ability sets him apart.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts
According to data from FBref, Guéhi ranks among the most progressive centre-backs in Europe. He sits in the 98th percentile for through balls, the 75th percentile for switches of play, and the 77th for crosses. These numbers point to a defender who’s not only comfortable under pressure but capable of initiating phases of possession.
This makes him an ideal partner for Livramento. According to the same data, the young full-back already ranks in the top percentiles for pass completion, progressive passes, and progressive carries, thriving when given the freedom to push forward.
With Guéhi providing reliable cover behind him, Livramento would have the confidence to consistently move into the final third, knowing that any space he vacates will be managed by a composed and mobile defender.
Valentino Livramento
In a traditional back four, Guéhi’s presence would provide the stability to support Livramento’s attacking runs. In a back five, Newcastle could deploy Guéhi on the right side of a defensive trio with Livramento as a wing-back, offering overlapping runs, and an additional layer of attacking threat.
Either system would benefit from the balance and structure Guéhi brings.
The move would also align with Newcastle’s wider tactical evolution. With hopes of completing a deal for ball-playing goalkeeper James Trafford, it’s clear that Howe is building a team capable of dictating play.
James Trafford for Burnley.
In the words of Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, Guéhi is a “monster” and with his blend of defensive discipline and passing range, fits perfectly into that vision.
Livramento is already among the best young full-backs in the league, but the right partner beside him could help take his game to the next level. Guéhi offers exactly the kind of support needed to make that happen.
For Newcastle, this would be more than just smart recruitment. It would be a long-term investment in a partnership that could define the next phase of their development.
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Leeds United have now “fully approved” the signing of an “explosive” attacking player this summer, according to a key update from journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Leeds submit enquiry to ramp up attacking signings
The Whites are still working hard on potential incoming transfer business, with the opening weekend of the new Premier League season edging closer all the time.
Feyenoord forward Igor Paixao has emerged as a priority target in the past month or so, with Leeds said to have submitted an enquiry regarding the signing of the 25-year-old. Talks have now also taken place over a summer switch to Elland Road for the £34m-rated ace.
Elsewhere, Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens has been linked with a move to the Whites this summer, being seen as an alternative option to Lucas Perri, as they look to bring in an upgrade on the mistake-prone Illan Meslier.
Former Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has already completed his move to Leeds, and Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach has been backed to join him in the middle of the park, too.
Leeds have "fully approved" Paixao signing
Now, according to Tavolieri on X, Leeds are closer to completing the signing of Paixao than ever, with his switch to Elland Road now “fully approved” by 49ers Enterprises.
At this point, it would be a big surprise if Paixao wasn’t a Whites player come the beginning of the 2025/26 season, with significant progress made with this latest update.
The Brazilian has the ability to be such an influential signing for Leeds, bringing quality and threat in the final third, having bagged 26 goal contributions (16 goals and 10 assists) in 34 Eredivisie appearances last season.
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While at his best on the left wing, Paixao is also a strong option on the right flank and in a central attacking role, making him a versatile option, and scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him as an “explosive” talent, likening him to a younger Raheem Sterling.
Paixao is at the perfect point in his career to hit the ground running at Leeds, possessing plenty of experience but also being young enough to improve further.
If he can take his Eredivisie form with him to the Premier League, it would go a long way to helping the Whites avoid relegation back to the Championship.
Chelsea have now approached the agents of a Tottenham Hotspur target, with the west Londoners looking to hijack their London rivals, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
Blues looking to sign winger amid Madueke uncertainty
Madueke has featured regularly for the Blues at the Club World Cup, appearing in four of their five matches up to this point, but it now appears as though the winger could be heading for the exit door, amid major interest from Arsenal.
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That is according to an update from Florian Plettenberg on X, with the Sky Sports reporter revealing that talks are set to take place at some stage this week, while also adding: “Arsenal have reached a full agreement with Madueke until 2030, after making their official bid days ago, as revealed. The 23 y/o winger is currently focused on the Club World Cup with Chelsea. Price valuation: around €60m.”
Of course, Enzo Maresca is already blessed with a plethora of options in attack, with Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro recently arriving at Stamford Bridge, but Romano has revealed that another winger is now being targeted.
Taking to X, the transfer expert outlined Mohammed Kudus as a target for Chelsea this summer, saying: “Tottenham are set to bid again for Mohammed Kudus next week as player’s keen on joining Spurs. Chelsea have also been in touch with Kudus’ camp with more clubs also interested, but Spurs want to accelerate. Thomas Frank already approved Kudus as key target.”
West Ham's Mohammed Kudus
As things stand, Spurs appear to be more advanced in their pursuit of the West Ham United star, but there is certainly interest on the Blues’ behalf, having approached his agents over the possibility of a deal, which could amount to around £70m.
"Electric" Kudus could be ideal Madueke replacement
With Madueke seemingly heading for the exit door, it would make sense to bring in a like-for-like replacement for the England international, and there are indications that Kudus could be an ideal addition to the squad.
Much like the London-born winger, the Ghanaian’s main position is right-wing, while he is also a very impressive dribbler of the ball, having received praise for his ability to drive at opposition defences from analyst Raj Chohan.
Host Dan Woffenden was also enamoured by the forward’s performances in the 2023-24 campaign, describing him as “electric” in February 2024, at which point the West Ham star was leading the way for successful take-ons in the Premier League.
Kudus clearly has the tools to succeed at Stamford Bridge, but there are doubts over whether he would be a necessary signing, given that Chelsea have already spent big this summer, and a deal for the Hammers forward is likely to be on the expensive side.
Glasgow Rangers head coach Russell Martin now has a target to aim for, as he knows that his side will face Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifier next month.
With that fixture on the horizon, it is important that the Light Blues accelerate their transfer business to ensure that they have the best squad possible for the two legs.
Russell Martin watches on whilst in charge of Southampton.
There are still question marks hanging over various positions in the squad, with around a month to go before the first leg, and Cyriel Dessers is one player who faces an uncertain future.
AEK Athens are interested in signing the striker but are reportedly only willing to pay £3.8m, whilst the Light Blues are looking for a fee in the region of £5m.
Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not the Nigeria international will still be at Ibrox when the summer transfer window slams shut, Martin should be pushing for the club to cash in on the striker to make room for a replacement.
Why Rangers should cash in on Cyriel Dessers
The former Scotland international should urge the club to move on from the 30-year-old striker because he does not fit the way that the manager may want his team to be next season.
Former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness described Dessers as “marmite” to Rangers supporters, and claimed that the striker “disappeared” and went “invisible” at times, which means that he may not suit the “tougher” Light Blues that Martin will want.
Wyness claims that the Rangers boss will want a tougher and stronger team that is harder to beat next season, and the experienced marksman’s form in the 2024/25 campaign suggests that he would not fit into that.
Appearances
35
Goals
18
Big chances missed
21
Duels won per game
2.0
Ground duel success rate
34%
Aerial duel success rate
31%
Duel success rate
33%
As you can see in the table above, Dessers offered very little to the team from a physical perspective, as he was dominated in duels on the ground and in the air, and rarely won physical contests during matches.
Whilst the former Cremonese striker, as shown by his 18-goal haul in the Scottish Premiership, did score goals for the Light Blues, his all-round game left a lot to be desired.
That, along with the copious number of ‘big chances’ that he missed, is why Martin should push for the club to strike a deal with AEK Athens to sell the forward.
Striker admits interest in Rangers move
Reported Rangers transfer target Matija Frigan has admitted that he does have some interest in a transfer to Ibrox before the end of the summer transfer window, and he could be a dream replacement for Dessers.
When asked about the possibility of a move to Glasgow ahead of next season, the Croatian marksman claimed that he would “suit” Scottish football.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As quoted by the Daily Record, the striker said: “Rangers? That style of league would suit me. I think I’m a player for that type of football.
“I know about the interest from clubs, it’s good to hear and read such things, but we’ll see. Nothing has been decided yet. Things are in the hands of my agent and when there is something more concrete, we will know. We will weigh everything up and choose the best option.”
The Daily Record adds that the striker is valued at £6.5m by Westerlo, amid interest from Rangers, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Scottish giants are prepared to meet that valuation to sign the attacker.
Frigan, himself, at least, believes that he would be a good fit at Ibrox for Martin, and that is backed up by some of his statistics in the Pro League this season.
Why Rangers should sign Matija Frigan
The Gers should sign the 22-year-old centre-forward from Westerlo before the end of the summer transfer window as a dream replacement for Dessers, as he could provide the physicality that has been lacking at the top end of the pitch at Ibrox.
Frigan, who stands at 6 foot 1, is a more physical number nine than the Nigeria international and would provide more of a focal point for Martin up front, as illustrated by their respective statistics in the 2024/25 campaign.
Appearances
35
39
Ground duels won
42
74
Aerial duels won
28
51
Ground duel success rate
34%
43%
Aerial duel success rate
31%
36%
Fouls won
21
35
Fouls committed
32
31
As you can see in the table above, the left-footed attacker is significantly more physical in the way that he competes for and wins duels both on the deck and in the air for his side.
This suggests that he would be far better equipped to duel with imposing Scottish Premiership centre-backs week-in-week-out, and be reliable when it comes to competing in scrappy games instead of going ‘invisible’, as Wyness claimed that Dessers does.
As shown in the clip above, Frigan brings more to the table than just physicality, as he is also an impressive marksman who can score goals regularly.
He found the back of the net 13 times and only missed 12 ‘big chances’ in the Pro League this season, whilst Dessers missed more ‘big chances’ (21) than he managed goals (18) for Rangers.
Rangers' CyrielDesserscelebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
These statistics show that the Westerlo forward is a “complete” striker, as he was once described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, because he can combine being excellent physically with impressive finishing and a reliable goal threat.
The six ‘big chances’ that he created for his teammates in the Pro League also suggest that the young centre-forward can also provide for others at times in the number nine position.
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Overall, Frigan appears to be a dream replacement for Dessers as a striker who can suit the way Martin wants to play with his physicality, whilst also being a goal threat, on top of the fact that he is eight years younger and has more potential to develop and improve.
Celtic will have to fight hard to keep hold of their best players during the summer transfer window, as teams are already circling around some of their top talents.
According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Italian side Como have made an approach to sign Nicolas Kuhn from the Scottish Premiership champions.
The journalist claims that the German winger is “in demand” and that German outfit RB Leipzig are also among the teams interested in a swoop to sign the 25-year-old star before the end of the summer transfer window.
Joseph adds, though, that the Hoops are in a strong position with the forward because he still has four years left to run on his contract at Parkhead.
Whilst losing Kuhn, who produced 13 goals and nine assists in the Premiership this season, would be a blow for the Scottish giants, Celtic must also be wary of losing their exciting young prospects.
The Hoops have been burned in the past by failing to keep hold of promising young players, and Ben Doak is one notable example of a starlet the club surely wished they had managed to keep.
Ben Doak's soaring market value since leaving Celtic
In the summer of 2022, the Scottish winger turned down a contract with the Bhoys and sealed a transfer to Premier League giants Liverpool on a ‘free transfer’.
The Reds had to pay a compensation fee of £600k for the young attacker, who had made two first-team appearances for the Hoops, and that deal has turned out to be a bargain for the English side.
Doak has only made ten appearances for Liverpool in three years, but played 24 games on loan at Middlesbrough this season and has been capped six times by Scotland.
At the time of writing, Transfermarkt values the 19-year-old winger at a whopping £12m, which is significantly more than the £600k that the Premier League team paid for him in 2022. This means that the Reds got a bargain deal and Celtic were left hard done by, as they did not get good value for his services.
Starts
21
Goals
3
Big chances created
7
xA
4.52
Key passes per game
1.9
Assists
7
Successful dribbles per game
1.5
As you can see in the table above, the teenage talent caught the eye with his performances on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship this season, showing off his creativity on the right flank on a regular basis.
Overall, the Hoops will surely rue not being able to convince Doak to stay at Parkhead because he has thrived since leaving Scotland for a minimal fee, and they must now avoid a repeat of that with Johnny Kenny.
English club bid for Johnny Kenny
According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, English League One side Bolton Wanderers have made an offer to sign the Irish centre-forward.
The reporter claims that Celtic have turned down a bid worth up to £500k from the third tier outfit for the young marksman, as they value him at more than that.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Joseph adds that Bolton are expected to come back in with a second offer to land the former Shamrock Rovers number nine before the end of the summer transfer window.
However, the journalist reveals that the Premiership champions are not actively looking to cash in on the 22-year-old striker, although they could sanction a loan move later in the window if the right move comes up.
The Hoops must, now, maintain this stance because they could find themselves on the wrong end of another Doak repeat if they allow Kenny to leave the club for anywhere near the £500k bid that Bolton have made for him.
Why Celtic must not sell Johnny Kenny
The Scottish giants must keep hold of the Irish marksman and either keep him as part of the first-team squad or send him out on loan to a good level for the 2025/26 campaign, because he is a promising young talent.
Although he is a bit older than Doak was when he moved on from Glasgow, at the age of 22, he is still very young for a centre-forward and has shown plenty of promise already.
Kenny spent 2024 on loan at Shamrock Rovers in Ireland and caught the eye in his home country, scoring 13 goals in 29 Premier Division matches for the club.
The young attacker, who was dubbed “brilliant” by Brendan Rodgers, also impressed on the European stage with his contributions in front of goal in the Conference League in the first half of the 2024/25 campaign.
xG
3.78
Top 8%
xG on target
5.56
Top 6%
Goals
5
Top 9%
Shots on target
10
Top 8%
Assists
1
Top 39%
Dribbles completed
7
Top 13%
As you can see in the table above, the Celtic loanee ranked highly among strikers in the competition when it came to scoring goals and testing goalkeepers with high-quality shots, firing in 5.56 xG worth of shots on target.
His form for Shamrock Rovers led to Rodgers making him a part of the Celtic squad for the second half of the season, and Kenny showed that he has something to offer to the team in his limited Premiership minutes.
Kenny only played 159 minutes across eight games in the division for the Hoops, but still managed to score one goal and provide one assist, with his goal coming in the form of a header against Aberdeen, as shown in the clip above.
His statistics for Shamrock Rovers and in limited game time for Celtic show that he has the potential to develop into an effective centre-forward option for Rodgers, because he has scored goals when called upon, which is why cashing in on him for a minimal fee this summer would be a big mistake.
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Kenny could follow in Doak’s footsteps and soar in the value if he continues to improve and grow as a player if the club allow him to leave for a small fee, and that is why they must either keep him or loan him out this summer to ensure that they benefit from his development in the future.
There was a point during the overtures of the summer transfer window that Liverpool were clear ahead of any hopefuls in the race for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool are considered frontrunners in the race to sign the French forward, but Chelsea and Manchester United are also locked in negotiations with the Bundesliga club and the player’s representatives.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
It’s an open race, and one which the Anfield side will be frustrated that they cannot advance in, given Darwin Nunez still sits firmly in Arne Slot’s squad. The Uruguayan striker is expected to leave the club this summer but, despite interest from Serie A and the Saudi Pro League, real progress has not yet happened.
Luckily, not much should change on the Ekitike front just yet, with his employers standing firm on their €100m (£85m) price tag – a valuation they don’t seem keen to meet.
Since Nunez is all but set to go, it would be wise for the Reds to search for alternatives, and Viktor Gyokeres is a name that has been bandied about.
Liverpool's interest in Viktor Gyokeres
Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League and does have the capacity to double down on their staggering £150m valuation of Alexander Isak.
Thus, alternatives like Ekitike and Sporting’s Gyokeres have been mapped out, and the latter is certainly an attractive option, given he has scored 97 goals across 102 appearances for the Portuguese club.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
Arsenal and Manchester United have both shown more concrete interest than Liverpool in recent weeks, even if the Reds are keen, with the Gunners sure to be emboldened by the striker’s intimation that he would rather move to the Emirates than Old Trafford.
There’s no doubt that Gyokeres would prove an upgrade on Nunez, whose natural talent hasn’t been enough to make things click in England’s top flight, but the former is 27 and Sporting chiefs want his €100m (£85m) release clause met, which would put him in the same park as Ekitike.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
Liverpool reportedly made contact with the Sweden international back in May, though there are concerns that his ridiculous rate of scoring would struggle to translate into Premier League life, and that’s why Liverpool have made contact with an exciting upgrade.
Liverpool open talks for Nunez replacement
As per the latest from TEAMtalk, Liverpool believe they have found a way to offload Nunez and solve their quest for a number nine at the same time.
Indeed, that’s by offering the 25-year-old, along with Federico Chiesa, to Napoli in return for Victor Osimhen, with talks having already happened regarding a potential swap deal.
Osimhen, 26, has just completed a successful loan spell with Galatasaray after a divorce from the Naples side, and his summer transfer is a given.
Valued at £60m, the Nigerian goalscorer is more affordable than the other forwards we’ve mentioned, and if Nunez, Chiesa or both are included in the package, he would be cheaper still.
Why Liverpool should sign Victor Osimhen
Frugality has been something that dissenters have targeted FSG with for a while, but who can say Liverpool’s owners have been anything but ambitious in the market thus far this month?
Even so, there’s a lot going on in the Anfield offices, and the coffers aren’t inexhaustible. Osimhen represents an affordable deal for an elite-level marksman.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates after the match
Ekitike has a high ceiling, but the Frenchman isn’t as refined as Napoli’s man right now, and perhaps Osimhen is also more accomplished than Gyokeres, who has yet to prove himself at age 27 in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Indeed, the rangy centre-forward has been hailed for his “world-class” finishing by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, and that’s something Liverpool have been lacking at the front of the ship to be sure.
24/25 – Galatasaray
41
37
8
23/24 – Napoli
32
17
4
22/23 – Napoli
39
31
5
21/22 – Napoli
32
18
6
20/21 – Napoli
30
10
3
But goalscoring isn’t Osimhen’s sole forte. Powerful, robust and more dynamic than he might seem at a glance, the £83k-per-week striker likes to drive forward with the ball at his feet and make things happen for his teammates.
Make no mistake, Gyokeres is a high-level finisher and complete in his forward play, but Liverpool would be gambling in bringing him to the Premier League over someone more proven in Osimhen. The Premier League champions, after all, need the best of the best.
Napoli star Victor Osimhen
As per FBref, he ranked among the top 4% of forwards across Europe last season for shot-creating actions, the top 18% for progressive carries and the top 16% for ball recoveries per 90.
This shows that he’s mobile and efficient in utilising his athleticism, not just standing as a target man in spite of his prowess in the box.
Silky and stylish and all the rest, Osimhen would be a credit to Liverpool’s first team, bringing a fiery personality and a winning mentality.
Gyokeres is a physical force of a player himself, but he simply hasn’t achieved the same heights as Osimhen despite being a year his junior, and given that he would cost more, Liverpool will need to consider their options carefully, lest they make the wrong choice and hinder their chances of defending their Premier League title with Slot at the helm and indeed struggle to conquer trophies on tournamental fronts.
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Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the third season running, but you’d be blind not to see the progress that Mikel Arteta has driven across the years of his tenure.
Injuries, contentious officiating and plain bad luck all played their part in the Gunners’ setbacks in front of goal this term, but there’s also been a yawning hole at the front of the ship which has impeded Arteta’s pursuit of silverware.
To be sure, Arsenal will be frustrated with having failed to secure a new number nine across the past several transfer windows, but there’s so much to like about this team, balanced, dynamic and youthful.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetalooks dejected after the match
However, to emerge from the looming market without a brand-new centre-forward would be a travesty. Luckily, Arteta, Andrea Berta and co are on the case.
Why Arsenal need a striker
The fact Mikel Merino has been forced into 12 matches as a makeshift striker this season emphasises the injury crisis and need for more firepower at the Emirates Stadium.
Saying that, the fact Merino scored six goals and laid on three assists across those fixtures underscores his quality and Arteta’s tactical expertise.
Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have missed much of 2025 with respective injuries, and Arsenal are ready to sign a new marksman.
Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres is one of the principal targets, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealing two months ago that the Gunners have been developing strong interest in the Sweden international. Sporting director Berta, in particular, is felt to be championing the potential addition.
However, Arteta feels Arsenal’s future is best served in a different direction. Indeed, there’s another name on the list. You know who it is.
Arsenal reach agreement for new ST
As per Arsenal sources, an agreement on personal terms has been reached for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with Arsenal no doubt buoyed by the revelation that exorbitant claims of a £93m price tag are wide of the mark.
Talks are also ongoing between Arsenal and the Bundesliga club, who want a swift resolution after giving Sesko a gentleman’s agreement he could leave in a year when the Premier League outfit came knocking last summer.
With a €80m (£67m) release clause in his contract, as per Sky Germany, Arsenal will need to wrap this one up swiftly, especially with rivals Chelsea and Liverpool both registering their interest too.
What Benjamin Sesko would bring to Arsenal
Arsenal have been searching for a prolific goalscorer for several years now. You’d have to date back to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to find the last time a Gunner surpassed 20 goals in a single Premier League season.
24/25
Kai Havertz
9
23/24
Bukayo Saka
16
22/23
Martin Odegaard
15
21/22
Bukayo Saka
11
20/21
Alexandre Lacazette
13
19/20
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
22
Aubameyang might not be too fondly remembered in north London after joining Barcelona on a free transfer in February 2022, having been stripped of his captaincy due to a disciplinary issue, but who could argue against the Gabon forward’s prowess?
He scored 92 goals and provided 21 assists across just 163 appearances for Arsenal, worth the club-record £60m outlay that was paid to Borussia Dortmund for his four years of service.
To have such a prolific star back in the mix would be a brilliant move for the development of Arteta’s project, and Sesko might just be the man for the job.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates
While Sesko, 22, has yet to reach his peak, the signs of greatness are there. This season alone for Leipzig, he has scored 21 goals and added six assists from 45 appearances, 40 starts.
There’s a reason the 6 foot 5 striker has been dubbed “the next Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with his rangy profile, sinewy strength and electric pace all combining to make him the prototypical modern striker for a top outfit worth their salt.
RB Leipzig
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45
21
RB Leipzig
23/24
42
18
RB Salzburg
22/23
41
18
RB Salzburg
20/21
37
11
RB Salzburg
20/21
1
0
FC Liefering
20/21
29
21
FC Liefering
19/20
15
1
He’s raw, full potential as yet untapped, and thus there would be an element of risk in Arsenal sealing a deal. However, Sesko is one of the most exciting young forwards on the map, hailed as a ball-striking “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson.
But the potential is indeed staggering, and there’s every chance he could become the club’s best striker since the days of Aubameyang, who was one of the most prolific players in Europe during his finest days in an Arsenal shirt.
Perhaps he could even eclipse the former talisman. The Slovenia international has missed 18 big chances across his two campaigns in the German top flight, but he’s also put away 27 goals, as per Sofascore.
Moreover, this term he has averaged 4.1 successful duels per game, indicating an energy and combativeness that will serve him well in the harsh environs of the Premier League.
That and his brutish power. Frankly, the ingredients are all there for a superstar, and if Sesko is already serving prolifically in the Bundesliga, backed up by impressive underlying data, there’s every reason for Arsenal fans to start getting optimistic about a deal being completed.
With the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka all serving chances for him on a silver platter, this might be a move that is lauded across years to come, should Arteta get his man and provide his side with their finest centre-forward since Aubameyang.
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