All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Summers like this are not the norm for Arsenal Football Club.

Aside from 2023, when Declan Rice joined the club, it’s hard to think of very many windows in which the Gunners went out with such conviction to secure their targets.

There are still just under two weeks until the window slams shut and Mikel Arteta has a new starting number nine, a new number six who was courted by some of the biggest clubs in the game, and four more signings to dramatically improve the bench.

Moreover, if that somehow wasn’t enough, the North Londoners are now closing in on Eberechi Eze and have been linked with another youngster who could have just as much potential.

Arsenal target youngster who could be as good as Eze

It’s been quite a dramatic summer of transfers so far this year, but we don’t think anything is going to quite top what happened on Wednesday night.

Transfer Focus

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

With the Arsenal fanbase still coming to terms with the news that Kai Havertz had suffered another injury, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that Berta and Co had gone back in for Eze, despite Tottenham Hotspur agreeing personal terms.

Then, within just a couple of hours, the move was given the Fabrizio Romano ‘here we go’ treatment.

It’s the sort of transfer that could change the club’s season, and yet, it looks like the North Londoners want to make at least one more signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from French outlet L’Equipe, which has claimed Arsenal are interested in Malick Fofana.

The report has revealed that the Gunners are eyeing a move for the Ivorian international, and that while Lyon do not want to sell, they may have to due to their perilous financial position.

With the winger valued at €40m, which is about £35m, it wouldn’t be a cheap deal for Arsenal, but given Fofana’s ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could have as much potential as Eze once did.

Why Fofana could be as good as Eze

Now, we aren’t suggesting that Fofana is as good or as complete as Eze is at the moment, but there are more than a few indications that he could become as brilliant in the future.

The first is his output for Lyon last season.

In 41 appearances, totalling 2280 minutes, the “game-changing” prospect, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, scored 11 goals and provided six assists.

That means that the 20-year-old was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 2.41 games, or every 134.11 minutes, which would be impressive for a seasoned veteran, let alone someone his age.

Moreover, he’s already picked up where he left off, as he provided the assist in Lyon’s one-nil win over RC Lens on the weekend.

The second reason we reckon the young Belgian could be an Eze-esque star in the making is the fact that his underlying numbers are nothing short of remarkable.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for percentage of shots on target and goals per shot, the top 3% for progressive carries, the top 6% for carries into the final third, the top 7% for crosses into the penlaty area and more, all per 90.

Shots on Target %

55.8%

Top 1%

Goals/Shot

0.26

Top 1%

Progressive Carries

6.60

Top 3%

Carries into Final Third

3.28

Top 6%

Crosses into Penalty Area

0.62

Top 7%

Progressive Carrying Distance

150.50

Top 9%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.46

Top 11%

Carries into Penalty Area

2.41

Top 14%

Goals

0.46

Top 15%

In other words, the dynamic winger is elite at bringing the ball up the pitch and into dangerous attacking areas, while also having a brilliant cross on him – sound like anyone else?

Finally, even though the Aalst-born gem is primarily a left-winger, he is more than comfortable playing off the right, or deeper, in wide midfield positions, which would give Arteta more tactical flexibility.

Ultimately, Fofana is already an excellent attacker, but with his output, underlying numbers and ability to play in more than one position, he could end up being as good as Eze one day.

Therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to bring him to the Emirates before the window slams shut next month.

The new Havertz: Arsenal weighing up late move to sign £80m star after Eze

The big-money star could be just what Arsenal need following Kai Havertz’s injury.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 21, 2025

It is starting to feel like it’s now or never for Arsenal this season.

Mikel Arteta has done a brilliant job taking the Gunners from mid-table mediocrity to perennial challengers over the last five years. Still, after three successive second-placed finishes in the Premier League, some are starting to lose patience.

Fortunately, the board and new Sporting Director Andrea Berta and Co are backing him this summer, and have already made several exciting signings, most notably Viktor Gyokeres.

However, with Alexander Isak looking like he might be going to reigning champions Liverpool, the North Londoners might need to find some more firepower from somewhere.

Interestingly, the club have already been linked with just the player this summer, someone who’d improve the team overall and even help Gyokeres reach the output levels of Isak.

Transfer Focus

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

Gyokeres' potential impact at Arsenal

After what felt like months of back and forth with Sporting CP, Arsenal finally got their hands on Gyokeres for around £63.5m including add-ons late last month, and while that is undoubtedly a lot of money, it’s not hard to understand why the club think he’ll be worth it.

For example, in just 52 appearances last season, the Swedish “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored a staggering 54 goals and provided 13 assists to boot.

In other words, the 27-year-old international averaged 1.28 goal involvements every game, or one every 63.40 minutes, which is nothing short of miraculous.

However, two potential problems could stifle his output in England.

The first is the simple fact that Portugal’s top-flight is far more forgiving than the Premier League, with it being ranked as just the eighth toughest in the world by Opta Analyst, coming in behind the Championship and Belgian top-flight.

The second problem is that, unlike the right-hand side, where Bukayo Saka will provide a constant stream of top-quality chances, the Gunners’ left-wing options haven’t been as effective as they needed to be over the last few years.

This is even more of a problem with the former Coventry City star, as when you look at his heat map from last season, it’s evident that, at times, he floats out to the left to interchange and collect the ball from his teammates.

However, the good news is that Arsenal could solve this problem if they go back into the market and sign an international player they were linked with earlier in the window: Morgan Rogers.

Why Rogers could help Gyokeres reach Isak level numbers

While there haven’t been any concrete links to Rogers in recent weeks, he was touted for a move to Arsenal earlier in the summer, although with a potential price tag of up to £100m.

Ignoring the potential cost of the deal for now, it would be fair to say that adding Rogers to Arteta’s current side would make them even more dangerous this season, and in particular, he could help Gyokeres reach Isak’s level of numbers.

We say this as even though he was playing for an Aston Villa side that eventually missed out on Champions League qualification last season, he was still an absolute output “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob.

Appearances

54

Minutes

4496′

Goals

14

Assists

15

Goal Involvements per Match

0.53

Minutes per Goal Involvement

155.03′

For example, in 54 appearances last season, totalling 4496 minutes, the Halesowen-born superstar scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists, which means he was able to average a goal involvement every 1.86 games, or every 155.03 minutes.

On top of being a reliable source of goals and assists, the second reason the Claret and Blue star could be the player to help supercharge Gyokeres this season is his positional versatility.

While the 23-year-old dynamo is more than comfortable playing in the midfield, as a somewhat traditional number ten, he’s just as, if not more comfortable playing off the left, which, as we’ve already mentioned, is an area of weakness for Arteta and Co.

Just imagine a winger pairing of Saka on the right and Rogers on the left; there is no way Gyokeres won’t hit the same numbers Isak did last season playing between those two.

Ultimately, it would be a costly and extremely complicated transfer to get over the line, but if Arsenal want to ensure their new number nine can match the man who may be going to Liverpool, they should do all they can to sign the Villa star.

A new Bergkamp: Arteta has spoken to £100k-p/w star about joining Arsenal

The incredible international could be a game-changer for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 13, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur’s 17th-placed Premier League finish last campaign showcases the job Thomas Frank has on his hands as he enters his first year in charge in North London.

He would’ve certainly faced an easier task had he had Harry Kane at his disposal, with the England international a player who is undoubtedly one of the best to ever ply his trade for the Lilywhites.

The 32-year-old rose through the ranks before making a huge impact on the first team, often being the man the supporters relied on for goals in crucial moments.

Kane ended up registering a total of 280 goals during his stint in the capital, the highest of any player in the club’s history, also slotting in at second place in the Premier League’s record books.

However, after his departure back in 2023, the club have ultimately failed to replace his goals, leaving Frank with such a task during his first window in charge.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new striker this summer

After the Dane’s appointment, Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has been a player who has been hugely linked with a move to follow his former boss across the capital.

Such rumours are unsurprising given his tally of 19 league goals for the Bees last season, leading to Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest also interested in his signature this window.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with PSG star Randal Kolo Muani another player they’re pursuing, according to journalist Santi Aouna.

He claims that the Lilywhites have already entered talks over a deal to land the French forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus.

Aouna also states that Frank’s side face competition from Manchester United for the 26-year-old’s signature this summer, but Daniel Levy is working hard to reach an agreement before the September 1st deadline.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Kane

Two players have mainly shared the responsibility of providing the goals at the top end of the pitch for Spurs since Kane’s departure – Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.

Both have endured their injury struggles over recent times, posting respectable tallies, but ultimately, there’s still huge room for improvement in such an area.

The Englishman, who cost a club-record £65m last summer, and the Brazilian managed to net a combined tally of 13 league goals, whilst Kane scored double that figure on his own last campaign.

Replacing the record goalscorer was always going to be a near-impossible task, but the current lack of goals from the centre-forwards on the books highlights the need for a new talisman this summer.

Kolo Muani would provide the new boss just that, having the opportunity to claim the starting role as his own should he move to North London during the off-season.

He’s previously been labelled as a similar player to Kane by FBref, managing to match or better the former Lilywhites in key areas throughout the recent campaign.

The Frenchman, who’s been dubbed “extremely dangerous” by compatriot Bixente Lizarazu, posted a higher goal per shot on target rate, evidently being more efficient with his chances in front of goal.

Games played

26

31

Goals & assists

12

35

Shot on target accuracy

48%

42%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Key passes made

1.4

1.3

Take-ons completed

1.5

0.8

Carries into opposition box

1.2

0.7

Aerials won

1.2

1

Kolo Muani also completed more key passes per 90, along with more take-ons achieved, highlighting his all-round talent with the ball at his feet, something which could hugely benefit Frank in his quest for success.

However, whilst he’s a technically gifted forward, the former Eintracht Frankfurt star also bettered Kane for aerials won per 90, potentially being the perfect fit for the Lilywhites’ current side.

All the aforementioned stats are undoubtedly important, but ultimately, the fans and manager will want him to provide the goods in front of goal throughout 2025/26.

His tally of 10 goals in just 22 loan appearances in Italy last season showcases that there is certainly a player there, with Frank able to land his own version of the record scorer if he can unlock such talents out of Kolo Muani.

Frank's very own Mbappe: Spurs in talks for "one of the most prolific" CFs

Tottenham Hotspur look set to make a move for a star who could thrive like Kylian Mbappe.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 1, 2025

As Celtic gear up for yet another title defence, Brendan Rodgers now reportedly believes that they hold a key advantage in the race to sign an impressive midfield star.

Rodgers still aiming to "push" for arrivals

Despite welcoming as many as six fresh faces following another dominant Scottish Premiership campaign last time out, Rodgers admitted that he’s still pushing the Celtic board to secure more additions.

He told reporters: “We have gaps in the squad that are very clear. I have to convince the board to really push to get the players in that we really need. Clearly, I’m not doing that job well enough, but I will continue to push and hopefully we can get the players in by the end of the transfer window.”

Celtic make approach to agent of "very offensive" 20 y/o rising talent

Rangers also want to sign him this summer.

ByHenry Jackson Aug 1, 2025

“When you lose important players, you want to fill those gaps. That attacking department is the strength of my team. It always will be. We were very, very good last year in that front in terms of both the score and both the creativity.

“I’m fairly confident that we will do the business that will fill those gaps and with the necessary quality that’s needed to keep the team moving forward, because that’s what we all want. That’s what the supporters want. They want to see a team that’s exciting and that can dominate games and really attack games and that’s our goal.”

Just who those additions will be is the question. It looks as though the Bhoys are at least set to welcome Manchester City youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on loan, but that’s not to say other targets have fallen away from their radar.

Those at Celtic Park have also reportedly set their sights on winning the race to land a bargain deal in the next month and Rodgers believes that they hold one key advantage over the rest of the chasing pack.

Rodgers believes Celtic have advantage in Brownhill race

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rodgers believes that Celtic have the advantage in the race to sign Josh Brownhill this summer thanks to their Champions League place. Whilst the likes of West Ham United and Everton chase his signature, the Bhoys will be able to offer the 29-year-old his first taste of Europe’s elite.

Dubbed “brilliant” by Burnley boss Scott Parker, Brownhill represents one of the few bargain deals still on the market and one that Celtic should go all out to snap up this month.

Derby County have agreed a deal to complete the signing of a “fantastic” Premier League player this summer, according to reliable journalist John Percy.

Eustace continues to eye Derby signings

The new Championship season is getting closer all the time, with John Eustace’s Rams side kicking off their campaign with a trip to Stoke City on August 9th.

It has been a productive summer transfer window to date for Derby, with a host of new faces added to the squad, including striker Carlton Morris and centre-back Danny Batth, who have arrived from Luton Town and Blackburn Rovers respectively, adding quality at both ends of the pitch.

It’s now a case of the Rams putting some finishing touches to their summer business in the coming weeks, giving them the best chance as possible of improving on last season’s 19th-place finish.

Hull City defender John Egan has been mentioned as an option for Derby between now and the end of the window, but they reportedly face competition from Wrexham for his signature.

Derby agree deal to sign Liverpool player

According to Percy on X, Derby have now agreed a deal to sign Liverpool left-back Owen Beck on loan. The 22-year-old, valued at £10m in some reports, is very “keen” to play under Eustace again after time with Blackburn Rovers and will undergo a medical soon.

This is great news for Rams supporters, with Beck an exciting young player who shone in the Championship on loan at Blackburn with Eustace in charge last season, starting 21 matches and averaging 2.6 tackles and 2.5 clearances per game.

Appearances

24

Starts

21

Minutes played

1874

Goals

1

Assists

0

Tackles per game

2.6

Clearances per game

2.5

Interceptions per game

0.8

Key passes per game

0.8

Meanwhile, the Welshman has played three times for Liverpool’s first team, which is no easy achievement, with former Reds Under-23s manager Barry Lewtas heaping praise on him in the past.

“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. In fairness to him I think those levels have been consistent for some time now so I’m really pleased for Owen and really pleased with him as well.”

Derby in transfer race with Wrexham to sign 32 y/o Championship defender

There’s serious competition for his signature…

ByBrett Worthington Jul 16, 2025

The fact that Eustace already knows Beck’s game inside out has to be considered a big positive, too, meaning the Derby boss is bringing in a player who he firmly believes can hit the ground running. He should only get better over time, adding both defensive and attacking quality at left-back.

Tottenham Hotspur are a side that have fallen below the expectations set for them in the Premier League in recent years, as seen by their standings last campaign.

The Lilywhites ended the year in a measly 17th position, only one place above the relegation zone and becoming the first side to survive in the division after losing 22 matches.

As a result, Ange Postecoglou lost his job, with Thomas Frank the man tasked with building on their European triumph and transforming their league form.

The Dane has already wasted no time in the role in North London, targeting countless players who could help improve the current situation at the club.

Whilst no first team additions have yet been agreed, work has been conducted behind the scenes, in an attempt to catapult the side to added success in 2025/26.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a player firmly on their radar in recent days, even making a £50m offer for the West Ham United star, but the offer was swiftly rejected.

The Ghanaian was said to be wanting a move to join Frank’s men this window and The Athletic’s David Ornstein has since revealed that a £55m total agreement has now been struck for the 24-year-old.

However, despite the interest in the former Ajax star, moves have been made elsewhere, with Southampton star Tyler Dibling once again in their sights, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

He claims that the Lilywhites have made an approach for the 19-year-old star, despite suffering relegation back to the Championship with the Saints last season.

He also claims that Nottingham Forest and West Ham are other teams keeping tabs on the teenage star, who could be available for around £55m this summer.

Why Spurs’ £55m target could be a bigger talent than Kudus

Over the last couple of months, Spurs have showcased the attacking threat they possess, registering 64 goals in their 38 league outings last season.

Brennan Johnson ended the year as the club’s top scorer, notching 18 goals across all competitions, including in the Europa League final, subsequently ending the club’s 17-year drought.

Other players such as Dominic Solanke and James Maddison also managed to achieve double figures, highlighting the strength in depth currently at Frank’s disposal.

However, such depth clearly isn’t enough, especially considering the rumours around moves for Kudus and Dibling over the last couple of weeks.

Both would represent impressive options for the Dane, but given the nature of the fees touted for each player’s signature, it is crucial they land the right one during the off-season.

When comparing their respective stats from the Premier League last time out, the Saints’ youngster managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, despite the relegation – highlighting why he’d be a better addition.

Dibling, who’s been labelled “incredible” by former boss Ivan Juric, managed to register a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, whilst matching the Hammers star for goals per shot on target – showcasing the clinical edge he possesses.

Games played

33

32

Goals & assists

2

8

Shot on target accuracy

32%

28%

Goal per shot on target

0.2

0.2

Progressive passes

3.1

2.7

Passes into final third

1.9

1.6

Carries into final third

2.4

2

Fouls won

2.4

2.2

He also managed to register more progressive passes per 90, and more passes into the final third, subsequently having the tools to provide some of the aforementioned talents with added opportunities in front of goal.

The teenager’s dominance doesn’t end there, producing a higher tally of carries into the final third, whilst also drawing more fouls – showcasing the threat he poses to the opposition at any given time.

Whilst £55m may appear to be a huge risk for such a young talent, he’s already showcased he can thrive despite featuring for a side who fell well below the expectations set in 2024/25.

There’s no denying that Kudus would also represent an excellent pickup, but ultimately, Dibling has already outperformed him and has the tools to rapidly develop further, given his tender age.

Spurs eyeing "immense" £40m Kudus alternative who'd be their own Rodrygo

Spurs are looking at a £40m alternative to Kudus.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 9, 2025

In a fresh transfer twist, The Friedkin Group are now reportedly working on a deal which would see Everton sign a £25m South American star with the help of AS Roma.

Calvert-Lewin confirms Everton exit

With contracts officially coming to an end around the Premier League, it’s no surprise that Everton’s transfer business has instantly shown signs of life. The Toffees are reportedly set to sign the impressive Thierno Barry and have also set their sights on a return for former loanee Jack Harrison in two deals that would reinforce their attack following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s departure.

The forward confirmed his departure after failing to sign a new contract in Merseyside, taking to social media to say: “The choice to move on was not simply about me, it was a decision with my family and we spent a long time considering together. We believe it’s the right moment to seek a new challenge and continue growing, but that doesn’t lessen the bond I’ll always have with Everton.

“I’m deeply proud of what we’ve shared, fighting for this club when it mattered most, scoring big goals in crucial moments, wearing the shirt with commitment and pride. My hope is that I leave with your respect, knowing I always sought to uphold the values of this great club.”

Friedkin have, of course, already reacted to that news by agreeing a deal to sign Barry, but they may not be done there on the transfer front. Reports are now suggesting that the American owners want to put their Roma links to sign a £25m defender for Everton.

Friedkin now working on Wesley deal

As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, Friedkin are now working on a move to sign Wesley in a deal that would see the Flamengo defender join Everton and then head straight out on loan to Roma. The Italian club are already reportedly working on a deal for the €30m (£26m) right-back, but it’s the Toffees who could benefit in the long run.

Bigger talent than Barry: Everton chasing £28m ace with a "hint of Haaland"

Following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s exit, Everton are set to sign Thierno Barry, but could they also target another striker who has a “hint of Haaland”?

ByBen Gray Jul 3, 2025

Friedkin own majority stakes in both clubs and are seemingly looking to hand David Moyes and his side a major boost using that ownership. Whether the American owners can pull off a complicated deal remains to be seen, however. On Wesley’s end, there’s no doubt that Everton would be getting a talented player.

A player who has had his critics, as South American football expert Nathan Joyes explained in December, Wesley is still just 21 years old and his “pacey” speed could quickly help him transform into a Premier League star.

Manchester United have already completed one of the signings of the summer transfer window to date, with Matheus Cunha joining in a £62.5m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian was a man in extreme demand, beating the likes of Nottingham Forest and Arsenal to his signature despite the lack of European football next campaign.

He will certainly hand boss Ruben Amorim a new dimension within the final third, subsequently being able to operate in either a centre-forward role or as a number 10.

Cunha thrived at Molineux this season, scoring 15 goals and registering six assists, a tally that would’ve seen him end the year with the most Premier League contributions in the Red Devils squad.

However, despite the big-money addition, more activity is expected in the coming months, with countless top-level talents still on the hierarchy’s radar.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Victor Osimhen has been a player who has been firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of windows, with this summer no different, but a deal appears unlikely this window given his hefty wage demands.

Christopher Nkunku is another player who has been of keen interest over the last few weeks, as the Red Devils have made contact with his representatives over a move to Old Trafford.

However, another name has emerged as a key target, with Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres once again being mentioned with a switch, according to The Mirror.

They claim Amorim’s side are in pole position to land the Swede, after a change of heart which has seen him be open to a move after previously turning down the Red Devils’ interest.

The report also states that he’s desperate for a move after scoring 54 goals in just 52 outings this campaign, leading to a £68m price tag being mooted for his signature.

Why Gyokeres would be a bigger talent than Mbeumo & Cunha for United

As previously mentioned, Cunha has become United’s first big-money addition of the window, but Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo appears to be the next to join the club after the progress made this week.

The Red Devils submitted a bid in the region of £60m for the 25-year-old forward, with the two sides appearing to be edging closer to agreeing on a fee.

A deal should be a formality when the fee is agreed, with the Cameroonian already agreeing personal terms over a £250k-per-week deal at the Theatre of Dreams.

Such a deal would be another excellent one for the club, adding another 20 league goals to Cunha’s tally of 15, with the pair only scoring nine fewer than the whole side managed throughout 2024/25.

However, a deal for Gyokeres would see Amorim’s side land an even bigger talent, considering the Swede’s sensational goal return in the top-flight of Portuguese football.

He’s outscored the pair alone, whilst also massively outperforming the aforementioned duo when delving into his underlying stats from the recent campaign.

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has achieved a better shot-on-target accuracy rate, demonstrating the clinical nature he possesses.

Games played

33

38

33

Goals scored

39

20

15

Shot on target accuracy

52%

43%

40%

Progressive carries

4.3

3.4

3.8

Key passes

2

1.8

1.9

Take-on success

48%

46%

44%

Carries into opposition box

3.1

1.9

2.8

Aerials won

51%

31%

31%

He’s also registered more progressive carries and more carries into the opposition box, showcasing the threat he carries when having the ball at his feet.

The Swede has further demonstrated his impressive all-round ability, completing more key passes per 90, and having the tools to provide others with opportunities in the final third.

It would be another huge addition from the hierarchy this summer, but it shows they mean business in taking the club back to their former glory in the near future.

The prospect of Cunha, Mbeumo and Gyokeres linking up together is one the fanbase should be extremely excited by, handing Amorim the added attacking threat he’s craved since taking the reins.

He's better than Gyokeres: Wilcox plots Man Utd move for £150m talisman

Manchester United have joined a long list of suitors in the race to sign a new striker.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 27, 2025

The South American market seems to be at the heart of Nottingham Forest’s plans this summer, and they have now reportedly made their first move to sign yet another talent after Cuiabano, Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha.

Nottingham Forest focusing on South American incomings

Perhaps hoping to find a star who could reach the same level as the likes of Murillo, Nottingham Forest’s focus has been set on welcoming South American talents this summer. Already, they’ve reportedly reached an agreement to complete a triple swoop for Botafogo stars Jesus, Cunha and Cuiabano and, if reports are anything to go by, they’re not stopping there.

As well as the aforementioned trio, Nottingham Forest have also reportedly received the green light to sign Romulo Cardoso from Goztepe this summer. The impressive striker scored 17 goals in Turkey last season and could now be on his way to the Premier League as a result.

With Jesus already on his way, the arrival of Romulo would instantly add depth to Nuno Espirito Santo’s frontline and potentially even create quite the partnership between the two countrymen.

The striker position will certainly be up for grabs sooner rather than later too, given that Chris Wood is 33 years old and likely to move past the peak of his powers in the coming years.

Even after Romulo, however, it looks as though Nottingham Forest’s search for South American talent will continue. As the Midlands club set their sights on qualifying for European football for a second season on the bounce, Marinakis is clearly keen to ensure that his side’s place in the top half comes as an expectation and not a major shock.

Nottingham Forest make first Kaio Jorge approach

According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have now made their first approach to sign Kaio Jorge from Cruzeiro, who are demanding as much as €30m (£25m) to sell their striker this summer.

The 23-year-old could be the third Brazilian striker that Forest have signed by the time the Premier League season gets underway, with adding fresh faces to Espirito Santo’s frontline a clear priority. Whether they are willing to splash out £25m to sign Jorge when they already have Jesus and have the green light to sign Romulo is the big question, however.

It’s clear to see why Cruzeiro value Jorge so highly, though. The 23-year-old has enjoyed an excellent campaign in Brazil – scoring 10 goals – and has done more than enough to secure a European move.

Nottingham Forest join race for £85m star who’s starred at Club World Cup

He’s a man in demand…

ByTom Cunningham Jun 18, 2025

Meanwhile, although negotiations with Cruzeiro may prove to be tough, Nottingham Forest could enjoy a far easier task when negotiating personal terms with Jorge thanks to the fact that he is represented by the same agent as Midlands-bound Cunha.

Will Newcastle United be busy in this transfer window?

The Magpies snuck into the Champions League places on the final day of the Premier League season, thankful that Manchester United beat Aston Villa simultaneously, given that Eddie Howe’s side suffered a shock home defeat at the hands of Everton.

So, as the Toon Army prepare for a second Champions League campaign in just three seasons, they’re forecast to spend big this summer, with a new winger near the top of their agenda.

Newcastle chasing a new wide-attacker

The Toon are on the prowl to add Premier League-proven players to their squad this summer with reports over the last week or so signalling that they have made an enquiry for Brighton’s Joao Pedro.

Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, one of the fastest players in the top-flight this season, is also on their radar, but perhaps they could seal a better signing than both of those players.

According to a report by Caught Offside, Newcastle are ‘keen’ to sign Justin Kluivert this summer, who they claim is valued at around £50m by Bournemouth, with Manchester United also noted as ‘long-time admirers’.

​​​​The 26-year-old scored 13 goals across all competitions for the Cherries this season, the most he has ever managed in a single campaign across his entire senior career, most memorably bagging a hat-trick at St James’ Park back in January.

Manager Andoni Iraola labelled his performance that day as “amazing”, while Kluivert’s form earned him a recall to the Dutch national team, starting against Bosnia in Zenica last November, thereby earning a first Netherlands cap for over six years.

So now, could Justin follow in the footsteps of his father Patrick by moving to Tyneside?

How Justin Kluivert compares to Bryan Mbeumo

As noted by Lee Ryder of the Chronicle back in January, Newcastle’s dream wide-attacking signing this summer is Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo but, according to David Ornstein of the Athletic, the Cameroonian ‘has decided he wants to join Manchester United’, with the Bees holding out for his £60m valuation.

Following Thomas Frank’s appointment as the new Tottenham manager, Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport now believes that Spurs are ‘interested’ in securing Mbeumo’s signature but, either way, it appears unlikely that Newcastle will land their first-choice target.

So, would Kluivert be the ideal alternative for the Magpies?

Well, safe to say both these wingers really impressed in the Premier League this season, so let’s assess how they compared to each other.

Appearances

34

38

Minutes

2,356

3,417

Goals

12

20

Assists

6

8

Shots per 90

2.19

2.08

Shots on target %

40.4%

43%

Shot-creating actions

3.88

3.80

Big chances missed

6

9

Take-on success %

41.4%

46.8%

Touches per 90

42

47

As the table outlines, Mbeumo did score more goals and register more assists this season, albeit the Cameroonian did finish top of the goals – xG metric in this season’s Premier League, which may suggest his productivity is not sustainable.

Meantime, Kluivert registered more shots and more shot-creating actions on a per-90 basis, while his other statistics are comparable across the board, including shots on target percentage and touches per-90, while missing fewer Opta-defined big chances.

He was also praised for his ‘unplayable’ displays for the Cherries this season, having taken his game to a new level.

Thus, while Mbeumo may be Newcastle’s dream target, Kluivert would appear to be a very exciting alternative.

So, as Howe seeks to bolster his squad, hoping that the Magpies will be able to compete in both the Premier League and Champions League concurrently during the next campaign, Kluivert would certainly add quality to their forward line.

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