Glasgow Rangers have made a formal bid to sign another full-back for manager Russell Martin after an Ibrox deal for Max Aarons.
Rangers sign Aarons on loan as Gers announce deal
After confirming a deal which was agreed earlier in the year to sign midfielder Lyall Cameron, the Gers and 49ers Enterprises have moved efficiently to bring Aarons to Ibrox.
Moving to Glasgow on a straight loan deal from Bournemouth, Aarons got straight to work with Rangers and said after penning his contract:
Ahead of Rangers’ Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos and Scottish Premiership opener at Motherwell, Martin and the Gers will be looking at more additions, with further defensive signings on the agenda.
Leicester City centre-back Conor Coady is open to a move to Rangers following contact, whereas Liverpool’s Owen Beck is another transfer target. Talks were thought to be opened by Rangers over a move for Beck, and a new update has emerged.
Rangers make bid to sign Owen Beck
According to DaveOCKOP, ‘Rangers have now made their interest formal with a bid for the 22-year-old’.
Liverpool have held talks with Beck over extending his contract and sending him out on loan, whereas Rangers are interested in a permanent deal for the left-back.
Beck spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers and won their Young Player of the Season award after making 24 Championship appearances. Prior to his time at Ewood Park, Beck also had loan spells at Famalicao, Bolton Wanderers and Dundee United.
The Welshman was actually described as “spectacular” by scout Jacek Kulig, who also compared him to Andy Robertson when coming through Liverpool’s academy.
Elsewhere, former Liverpool U21 coach Barry Lewtas called Beck a “consistent performer” back in 2022. “I thought Owen was fantastic. The progress he has made over his time at the Academy, but certainly the last couple of years, is a credit to him with the work he puts in [and] how coachable he is because he listens and takes on board the information we give him. He has become a real consistent performer for us and in my opinion he was the standout player against Derby.”
Rangers deal agreed: Gers accept bid to sell Ibrox ace without Martin's approval
They won’t be making a profit either.
1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 25, 2025
Now, a move to Glasgow with Rangers could be one to keep an eye on following the update of a formal bid being submitted.
Nottingham Forest have “sealed” the signings of two players from the same club, according to an exciting new update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Nottingham Forest raid South America in transfer market
After a fantastic 2024/25 season in the Premier League, in which the Reds exceeded all expectations and finished seventh in the table, it’s now a case of building on that success and making Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad even stronger moving forward.
Further signings will be needed, albeit ensuring they keep in line with financial rules at the same time, and Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge has been linked with a summer move to the City Ground. The Brazilian has scored 17 goals in 41 appearances for his current club, highlighting the quality he could bring to Forest in the final third.
Nottingham Forest managerNunoEspirito Santo is seen before the match
Another South American attacker, Goztepe’s Romulo Cardoso, has also been mentioned as a possible addition for the Reds before next season gets underway, with the club seemingly feeling that added firepower is needed, especially if Chris Wood fails to hit the same level as he did last term.
The summer transfer window may still be in its infancy this year, but Forest are already acting fast, with two different players now reportedly all but confirmed as new additions.
Nottingham Forest seal double signing
According to a key update from the renowned Romano on X, Nottingham Forest have “sealed” the double summer signing of Botafogo pair Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha.
Reds supporters will no doubt be buoyed by this news, with Nuno being backed in the transfer market by owner Evangelos Marinakis and being handed a couple of exciting signings in very different positions.
Nottingham Forest now rivalling Chelsea to sign "complete" £25m midfielder
He’s a wanted man…
ByTom Cunningham Jun 20, 2025
Jesus could be a fantastic addition to Forest’s attack, having scored one in four caps for Brazil and netted 43 times in 88 appearances for Saudi side Shabab Al-Ahli, also being described as a “special talent” by Bleacher Report.
Brazil
4
1
Shabab Al-Ahli
88
43
Botafogo
57
17
Coritiba FC
49
5
Meanwhile, Cunha is an exciting young centre-back with a bright future in the game, with scout Jacek Kulig describing the 20-year-old as an “intriguing” player who can become “top-class” in the future.
This business immediately strengthens Forest at both ends of the pitch, with Jesus and Cunha representing long-term signings who could mature into massive players at the City Ground as the year pass.
There has been a post doing the rounds on social media, appearing to take aim at Liverpool’s spending in recent times, namely their ability to fork out what were then record fees for Virgil van Dijk and Alisson.
That has been brought into the limelight amid the impending arrival of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz for a reported total price tag of around £126m, with that significant outlay potentially set to eclipse Chelsea’s £115m capture of Moises Caicedo – the current British record.
Caicedo revenge: Liverpool can hijack Chelsea move for "England's best LW"
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz faces an uncertain future with firm interest in his signature.
2 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 5, 2025
Rival supporters should know better, however, with this a club who have certainly received bang for their buck in the FSG era, with Van Dijk and Alisson, in particular, having been central figures in securing a plethora of major honours since their arrival.
As those £75m and £67m deals showcased, respectively, the Anfield side are willing to splash out only at the right time – and for the right player – with the decision to plump for Wirtz no doubt a calculated one, rather than merely a desperate show of strength.
The Merseysiders – who have already snapped up Jeremie Frimpong to boot – appear to have sprung into action after a quiet 24 months in the transfer market, with the imminent addition of Wirtz seemingly not the last of the summer for Arne Slot’s side.
Latest on Liverpool's business after Wirtz
The signing of the German sensation appears to be a matter of when and not if, with the Premier League champions having fended off rival interest from the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich to get their man.
At a time when the Bundesliga’s best talents typically ended up in Bavaria, there has been an element of surprise at Wirtz’s decision to leave his homeland behind, albeit with that perhaps showcasing the strength of the project on offer at Anfield.
Indeed, a third exciting signing of the summer could also be on the way in the form of Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, with the Hungarian full-back seemingly edging ever closer to making the switch.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As revealed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano – writing in his GIVEMESPORT newsletter – there is set to be a final round of talks amid the hope of striking a deal with the Cherries, with the player himself having already agreed to the move.
It is said that the 21-year-old will be ‘next’ after Wirtz’s acquisition, with previous reports outlining that the rampaging left-back will command a fee of around £45m, should a deal be agreed.
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
Part of an exciting Bournemouth side last term, Kerkez could be a dream ‘consolation’ after the Reds missed out on his in-demand teammate, Dean Huijsen.
Why Kerkez could be as exciting as Huijsen
It may appear strange to say for a team that only just stormed to Premier League title glory, although there does appear to be surgery needed at Anfield, particularly with regard to the backline.
Indeed, the controversial exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold has sparked Frimpong’s acquisition, while Kerkez could be a ready-made replacement for Andy Robertson, with just a year remaining on the 31-year-old’s contract.
There has also been talk regarding the signing of a new centre-back, not least with uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s own contract extension, with recent months seeing Liverpool emerge as a leading suitor for the aforementioned Huijsen.
AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsen
Available for £50m due to a release clause in his Bournemouth contract, the 20-year-old Spaniard caught the eye following what has proved to be a solitary season on the south coast, with Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid ultimately winning the race for his signature.
Huijsen – who Jamie Redknapp described as looking “effortless” on the pitch – was the star attraction of Andoni Iraola’s high-flying side, but Kerkez is a standout talent in his own right, having been hailed as a “revelation” by Jamie Carragher.
Federico Dimarco
13
Rayan Ait-Nouri
11
Robin Gosens
10
Nathaniel Brown
10
Alejandro Grimaldo
10
Antonee Robinson
10
Maximilian Mittlestadt
9
Milos Kerkez
8
Emanuel Valeri
8
Sergi Cardona
8
A young and high-potential defender, much like Huijsen, the £45m man started all 38 league games in 2024/25, having chipped in with two goals and five assists in that time from his left-sided berth.
It is that attacking quality that stands out regarding the Hungary international, as he also created eight ‘big chances’ and averaged one key pass per game in the top-flight. Huijsen too is also a real threat in the opposition box, having registered five goals and assists of his own from centre-back.
What is most impressive about their pair, however, is that such forward-thinking quality is backed up by their defensive strength, with Huijsen averaging 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game while being dribbled past just 0.3 times. Kerkez, meanwhile, averaged 2.6 tackles and interceptions, while having been dribbled past on just 0.4 occasions.
For context, the long-serving Robertson averaged just 1.8 and 0.6 for those same two metrics, respectively, having also only registered one assist, showcasing the potential upgrade that could be acquired.
Yes, Huijsen may have been the name on everybody’s lips at the Vitality Stadium of late, although Kerkez – who Opta’s Matt Furniss claimed is ‘on his way to being one of Europe’s best full-backs’ – is equally as exciting.
Dream Huijsen alternative: Liverpool enter race to sign £50m Van Dijk heir
With a deal for Florian Wirtz all but signed, Liverpool are considering a swoop for a centre-back.
Leeds United and the 49ers have held internal discussions over signing a £150,000-a-week “monster” who shares the same agent as Jayden Bogle.
49ers looking at Leeds signings alongside Rangers takeover
The Whites are preparing for life back in the Premier League following a brilliant 2024/25 campaign in the Championship, and chairman Paraag Marathe seemingly has big plans at Elland Road this summer.
Talking earlier this month, Marathe confirmed Farke would lead Leeds in the top flight and promised to “spend to be competitive in the Premier League”.
“Together we are going to build the best squad we can, with every penny we are allowed to spend to be competitive in the Premier League. We are going to attack the transfer market and it’s something I’m really excited about.”
49ers now preparing £15m+ bid to sign "playmaker" who Farke wants at Leeds
The Whites are plotting some intelligent moves under Daniel Farke…
1 BySean Markus Clifford May 30, 2025
As well as looking at summer transfers for Leeds, the 49ers have now announced their takeover of Scottish giants Rangers, with Marathe named as vice chairman at Ibrox.
There have already been transfer rumours regarding Leeds and Rangers, with the Whites thought to be interested in Gers star Nicolas Raskin, who plays as a central midfielder.
However, he isn’t the only central midfield target for the 49ers, who are eyeing up a potential reunion in Yorkshire.
Leeds hold internal talks over Kalvin Phillips return
According to The Daily Mail, who have shared an in-depth transfer update from Elland Road, Leeds have ‘discussed’ a return to Elland Road for Kalvin Phillips this summer.
Sold to Man City for an initial £42m in 2022, Phillips has struggled for game time at the Etihad and has been sent on loan to West Ham and Ipswich Town as a result.
Alongside internal talks for Phillips, Leeds also have their eye on Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Julian Weigl, with Farke a fan after working with the 29-year-old in Germany.
On £150,000-a-week, Phillips, who shares the same CAA Stellar agency as Bogle, Dan James, Joe Rodon, Wilfried Gnonto and Patrick Bamford, could be a risky signing for Leeds, considering he has recently undergone an operation on his Achilles and is set to be sidelined until August.
Games
234
Goals
14
Assists
13
Yellow cards
54
Red cards
4
Minutes played
18,257
Trophies
1
That would rule him out of the majority, if not all of pre-season, and with his lack of game time over the last three years, may not be the best of decisions to come in and rival Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka.
Phillips has been called a “monster” in the past, though, and by the looks of things, a move could still be one to watch, although the injury update could mean the 49ers pass on any transfer.
Crystal Palace are now eager to sign a £20m midfielder, who could join as part of a swap deal for Marc Guehi in the summer, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon.
Guehi could be heading for the exit door
It was widely reported that Palace chose to reject a £70m bid for Guehi from Tottenham Hotspur back in January, and their decision to hold on to their captain was vindicated by their surprise triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
However, the England international is yet to commit to a new contract, with just over a month remaining on his current deal, and it now looks as though he could be heading for the exit door, considering this summer will be the Eagles’ last chance to cash-in.
The 24-year-old defender would be keen on talks to join Tottenham Hotspur, who have now sealed a spot in next season’s Champions League, while there may also be a temptation to join former club Chelsea, with a £60m move possible.
Crystal Palace intensify transfer talks to bring winger to Selhurst Park
The Eagles are building for next term…
BySean Markus Clifford May 25, 2025
However, according to Alan Nixon, the two clubs may also be able to strike a deal of a different nature, as Crystal Palace are now keen on signing Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, who could join as part of a swap deal for Guehi.
Palace would prefer to pay straight cash for Santos, who impressed on loan at Strasbourg this season, and the Blues are now prepared to cash-in on the midfielder for a fee of around £20m, but a swap deal is not completely off the table either.
Santos is "one-man war machine" in midfield
The Brazilian is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea, but there are signs he could now be ready to start for a Premier League side, having made significant improvements to his game during the 2024-25 campaign.
Andrey Santos
On loan at French side Strasbourg, the Rio de Janeiro-born ace picked up ten goals and four assists in Ligue 1, while he is very impressive at winning back possession, as demonstrated by the number of tackles he has completed per 90 over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Tackles
3.47 (97th percentile)
Non-penalty goals
0.32 (97th percentile)
Blocks
1.45 (77th percentile)
Clearances
2.11 (79th percentile)
Having performed well across several key attacking and defensive metrics, the Chelsea gem is clearly a well-rounded player, and the 21-year-old has also received plaudits from football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described him as a “one-man war machine in midfield.”
Santos could be a fantastic signing for Palace this summer, as Oliver Glasner looks to build a squad capable of competing in the Europa League next season, but they should be hesitant about sending Guehi in the opposite direction unless they receive a huge fee for their captain.
Liverpool’s title success may have been unexpected at the start of the campaign, but it highlights the excellent work done by Arne Slot in his first year at the helm.
The Dutchman has created a seamless transition after taking the reins from the departing Jürgen Klopp, claiming the club’s second-ever Premier League title.
Whilst they’ve failed to win any of their last three outings after claiming the trophy, the hard work in the early stages has allowed them to enjoy the last few weeks of the season.
Liverpool manager ArneSlot
However, with just one game left in 2024/25, attention will now undoubtedly switch towards the transfer market, with key additions needed in multiple areas to aid the manager in replicating the success.
The manager has already wasted no time in strengthening his squad, with Jeremie Frimpong edging ever closer to a switch to Anfield, potentially being joined by various other stars in the coming months.
The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings
Alexander Isak has been a name constantly touted with a switch to Liverpool this summer, understandably so given his record of 23 goals in 33 league outings this campaign.
However, such a player comes at a premium, with Eddie Howe’s side demanding a fee in the region of £150m to part ways with their star attacker during the off-season.
Such a figure could lead the hierarchy to different targets ahead of the summer, with work already being done to land RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, according to DAVEOCKOP.
The report states that the Reds have been in talks with the Bundesliga outfit over a move for the Slovenian international, who currently has a £84m release clause in his contract.
It also claims that the 21-year-old would be open to a move to Merseyside, but no formal approach has yet been made despite the keen interest in his signature.
Why Liverpool’s £84m target could be Slot’s own Firmino
Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino was an unknown quantity to many Liverpool supporters before his switch from Hoffenheim back in 2015, but it didn’t take long for him to adhere himself to the fanbase.
The Reds forked out £28m for his services, a fee that proved to be a bargain given his stint at Anfield, registering over 100 goals in his 362 appearances.
He often operated in a false nine position, with his best campaign coming in 2017/18, when he registered 27 goals and 16 assists in his 54 appearances across all competitions.
However, he departed in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer, joining Saudi side Al Ahli, with the Reds desperately missing a centre-forward of his calibre since his move away from Merseyside.
That could all be about to change this window, with Slot able to replicate such a move if they land the services of Sesko – following suit of Firmino in joining the club from a Bundesliga outfit.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates
If he manages to get anywhere near close to the levels produced by the Brazilian for the Reds, he would be one hell of an addition, already showcasing his talents despite his tender age with Leipzig this campaign.
The 21-year-old, who’s been labelled a “monster” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has registered 21 goals in all competitions this season, with four of which coming in the Champions League – highlighting his ability to thrive at the top level.
Arnaud Kalimuendo
Stade Rennais
33
17
Hugo Ekitiké
Eintracht Frankfurt
33
15
Emanuel Emegha
Strasbourg
27
14
Benjamin Sesko
RB Leipzig
33
13
Mika Biereth
Monaco
16
13
Liam Delap
Ipswich Town
36
12
Thierno Barry
Villarreal
34
11
Joao Pedro
Brighton
27
10
His underlying stats have been just as impressive, registering 1.2 shots on target per 90 and a dribble success rate of 55%, handing Slot an excellent all-round option in the final third.
Sesko has also won 57% of the aerial duels he’s entered, handing the side the focal point they’ve often lacked despite their success throughout 2024/25.
It’s likely that the club would be able to negotiate a deal below his £84m clause, with the youngster having all the tools to develop further and become a leading player for the side for many years to come.
If the Reds are to take the next step under Slot and maintain their first-season success, additions will need to be perfect, with the Slovenian offering the manager a sensational option in forward areas.
Time to forget Kerkez: Liverpool chasing "one of the best young talents"
Liverpool are moving fast to wrap up some statement signings after a title-winning campaign.
Setting their sights on a crucial summer transfer window fresh from Championship promotion, the 49ers are now reportedly ready to launch their move to sign an attacking reinforcement for Leeds United this summer.
49ers ready to back Farke with big summer spend
After securing the Championship title with 100 points and a better goal difference than Burnley, Leeds have already commenced their summer plan. Names such as Beto, Jamie Vardy and Caoimhin Kelleher have all been mentioned on the 49ers’ radar as they look to make a statement ahead of the Whites’ return to the top flight next season.
Vardy would be a particularly interesting signing. At 38 years old, it’s easy to assume that his days as a Premier League striker are behind him. Those assumptions have been proved wrong throughout the current campaign, however. In a struggling Leicester City side, the veteran forward managed nine goals in all competitions, with eight of those coming in the Premier League.
Set to become a free agent following the expiration of his current Leicester deal next month, Leeds could do a lot worse than boosting their squad with the addition of a Premier League-winning striker.
Those at Elland Road aren’t shying away from just how difficult the Premier League will be next season, either. Club chairman Paraag Marathe told fans in a club statement after promotion was sealed: “The Premier League is where Leeds belongs, and our goal is to establish a long-term presence there. With that in mind, we have been quietly preparing the club for this moment.
49ers now in talks to sign "great" relegated star in bargain deal for Leeds
He could commence their summer business.
2 ByTom Cunningham May 14, 2025
“The road ahead won’t be easy but we are ready to step confidently into this next chapter. Above all, this is your club and your promotion. I want to thank each and every one of you, along with the players and every member of staff at Elland Road and Thorp Arch, for your tireless commitment in pursuit of this unforgettable moment.”
Leeds ready to launch Geubbels move
If it’s not Vardy, then it seems as though those in Yorkshire still want to sign an attacking addition this summer. According to Berliner Kurier, as relayed by Sport Witness, the 49ers are now ready to launch a fresh bid to sign Willem Geubbels from St. Galen this summer, handing Leeds and Daniel Farke an instant boost.
The Frenchman was reportedly on Leeds’ radar in January before a deal never took place. This time around, however, the Whites have Premier League football to offer and the forward, himself, is open to leaving St. Gallen.
Once tipped for great things, injury problems have often prevented Guebbels from reaching his top potential. After scoring 16 goals in all competitions this season, though, Leeds could offer him a route back to where he belongs at the top level.
It would be quite the story if the 23-year-old managed to fight his way back from obscurity surrounded by injuries all the way to the Premier League, but it remains to be seen whether Leeds can win the race for his signature.
A “tremendous” manager is in a good position to become the next permanent boss of Rangers this summer, according to an important new update.
The latest on Rangers' manager search
The Gers’ season has been an underwhelming one overall, with life under Philippe Clement ultimately a disappointment and Barry Ferguson brought in to bring a feel-good factor back to the club.
While the former Rangers captain managed that, helping his side reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League, they are now out Europe and their Scottish Premiership title hopes are over for another year, and it looks likely that a more experienced manager will come in this summer.
Unsurprisingly, a host of managers have been mentioned as potential replacements for Ferguson in a permanent role, with former Southampton boss Russell Martin thought to be keen on taking charge at Ibrox. While life in the Premier League didn’t go well for the 39-year-old with Saints this season, he is still a talented young manager who adopts a ball-playing style.
A return for Steven Gerrard has also been mooted plenty of times in recent weeks, with the legendary former midfielder guiding Rangers to the title back in 2020/21. Now, a new update has dropped regarding the managerial situation at the club, shedding more light on who could be in the dugout on the opening weekend of next season.
Likely scenario is Gerrard returning to Rangers
According to the Scottish Daily Express, a likely scenario is for Gerrard to return to Rangers as their next manager, having been a front-runner for some time. The 44-year-old is described in the report as being in a good psoition for the role thanks to a search led by 49ers Enterprises technical chief Gretar Steinsson.
Steven Gerrard
Rangers supporters are sure to be split about who they want their next manager to be, but the idea of Gerrard returning to Ibrox will surely go down well with a chunk of the fanbase.
The Englishman led the Gers to title glory four years ago, which will forever make him appreciated, and club legend Ally McCoist spoke glowingly about him after that success.
“I have got to say a tremendous job by Steven and Gary and Michael and indeed most of all the players. It has been a truly remarkable season when you look at the stats, lads. You look at the performances – they’ve lost one game – a League Cup tie in the last minute to St Mirren, They’ve won 28 out of 32 league games and drawn four. The clean sheet record that they’ve got just now; from start to finish, unbeaten so far in Europe, it has been remarkable it really has and thoroughly deserved.”
39 y/o Rangers manager target loved by Guardiola very keen on Ibrox move
Rangers could soon have a new head coach…
1 ByBarney Lane Apr 28, 2025
There would be a risk in bringing Gerrard back, with reunions not always working out with managers, but Walter Smith enjoyed two successful stints at Ibrox, winning three more titles on top of the other seven won previously. If the ex-Liverpool man can come close to matching him second time around, the supporters will be extremely happy.
Over the last few seasons, much has been made of Arsenal’s inability to strengthen their forward line.
Indeed, it’s rather well documented that the only out-and-out striker Mikel Arteta has bought to the Emirates Stadium since becoming manager is Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian now sits on the treatment table with a long-term ACL injury and is joined by Kai Havertz. With Eddie Nketiah sold last summer, it means that Arsenal don’t have a centre-forward available to them.
Mikel Merino has done a sterling job in that role, scoring six times in ten games as a striker, but signing a new attacker in the summer is of utmost importance for new sporting director, Andrea Berta.
However, he must not neglect other areas as he aims to help build a title-winning squad alongside Arteta.
Where Arsenal could strengthen this summer
While fans expect that a new striker will sign on the dotted line in a few months’ time, there is also optimism about improving their midfield ranks.
Indeed, with Jorginho and Thomas Partey both set to leave upon the expiry of their contracts at the Emirates Stadium, there is now reportedly an expectation that Martin Zubimendi will be arriving in a possible £51m deal from Real Sociedad.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, the Gunners may look at bolstering their defensive line again. That’s despite the additions of Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori in the last two windows and the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
One addition could be Barcelona’s Jules Kounde with reports from Spain on Monday noting that ‘two European giants have offered €75m (£64m)’ to prise him away from LaLiga.
France's Kylian Mbappe, Jules Kounde andMikeMaignanduring the national anthems before the match
Indeed, it’s stated that both teams are willing to put a big amount on the table and with Barca’s financial situation still unstable, they would likely be willing to cash in on the Frenchman.
What Jules Kounde would bring to Arsenal
More defenders, Mikel? More? Are you sure? Well, it may not be the worst idea this summer if Arsenal have a big transfer kitty to splurge.
Of course, the priority must be giving Arteta more in attack but they could find themselves short in the defensive department too.
That’s because Takehiro Tomiyasu continues to be plagued by injury, Kieran Tierney is departing at the end of his contract and Oleksandr Zinchenko has been linked with a move away.
Jakub Kiwior is reportedly also attracting interest from Crystal Palace and Lewis-Skelly’s future is seen in midfield.
So, believe it or not, there would be an opening for another defender if all of Tierney, Zinchenko and Kiwior departed Colney in the summer.
Kounde, described as “one of the best defenders in the world” by his former coach Xavi, would certainly tick a lot of boxes.
Arteta loves his defenders to be versatile and in the French star, he’d be getting just that. Kounde broke through as a centre-back but at Camp Nou has become more of a right-back, featuring in that position in all 49 of his club appearances this season.
FC Barcelona'sInigoMartinezand Jules Kounde celebrate
In that regard, he’s a lot like Jurrien Timber, capable of inverting but also bombing forward. Most importantly, he’s also a very good defender.
While positionally, he’s similar to the Dutchman, comparisons can also be made to the aforementioned Lewis-Skelly. So, why exactly is that?
Progressive carries
1.47
2.34
Progressive passes
5.66
4.86
Progressive actions
7.13
7.20
Pass success %
87%
90%
Key passes
1.11
0.47
Passes into final 3rd
5.23
4.77
Shot-creating actions
1.97
1.69
Tackles won
1.51
1.31
While Kounde is a more polished physical player, the key similarity between the two is how progressive they are from their full-back berths, albeit on opposite sides of the pitch.
They love to get involved in all phases of play, whether it be breaking up an opposition attack or getting forward themselves, notably registering a similar number of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in 2024/25.
As seen in the clip below, the piece of play is very Lewis-Skelly-like, tickling the ball past a player and creating a goal-scoring opportunity inside the box.
While the Barcelona defender would be unlikely to play in midfield, as far as full-backs go, they share similar traits.
It’s safe to say Timber would not be dislodged from his right-back spot in a hurry, but having another progressive option in a similar mould to both him and Lewis-Skelly is something Arteta is unlikely to turn down if the opportunity presents itself.
Amazing Kiwior replacement: Arsenal sold Hale End's next best gem for £1.5m
With Jakub Kiwior currently deputising for the injured Gabriel, do Arsenal rue selling their “extremely talented” young centre-back for just £1.5m?
Crystal Palace are looking at signing a forward who has been compared to Kylian Mbappe to potentially replace Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer.
Crystal Palace salvage draw at Southampton as Glasner rumours circle
The Eagles’ run of five wins in a row in all competitions came to an end on Wednesday evening, with Oliver Glasner’s side needing a stoppage-time equaliser to take a point away from bottom of the Premier League Southampton.
Substitute Matheus Franca netted his first Palace goal to rescue a draw, with Glasner “very pleased” to come away from St Mary’s with something.
“I’m very pleased with the point today. I think we all know that we can play better, but today it was really about never losing the belief and to keep going until the final whistle, and this is what the players did. We were missing a few percentage in every phase of the game and we looked a little bit mentally tired, not at our top [level].”
Glasner then urged everyone at the club to ‘stay humble’: “The second thing today, I think, all Crystal Palace staff and fans can learn is to stay humble, that we can’t take it for granted, going everywhere in England and going home with three points. Every point is a good point and today, for me personally, it’s a very good point.”
Palace are on course for another midtable finish, and there have been rumours about Glasner departing Selhurst Park for RB Leipzig.
£17m release clause: Crystal Palace plotting move to sign "aggressive" star
He could replace Marc Guehi.
ByTom Cunningham Apr 3, 2025
Red Bull chief Jurgen Klopp has reportedly made contact with Glasner over a move to Leipzig, however, a fee will be required to take the Austrian away from Palace.
Alongside Glasner, there are also potential departures in the playing squad, including star striker Mateta. The forward has been linked with a move to Man Utd in recent weeks, and by the looks of things, Palace have their eyes on a replacement.
Crystal Palace eyeing move for Ekitike to replace £40m Mateta
Back in 2023, Crystal Palace were linked with a move for Hugo Ekitike when he was somewhat of an unknown figure. Now he is being called the “next Mbappe” after starring in Germany for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Valued at up to £70m, Ekitike is of interest to Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool, however, Palace also have their eyes on the Frenchman.
Eintracht Frankfurt's HugoEkitikecelebrates
As per TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace have joined the race for Ekitike and could make an ambitious move this summer. He appears to be seen as a replacement for Mateta and the report states that ‘Palace would listen to offers in the region of £40m for Mateta’.
Games
39
Goals
19
Assists
8
Minutes played
2,857
The 22-year-old is open to the idea of playing in the Premier League, so a deal could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months.