The loss to Liverpool has certainly made things more complicated, but Arsenal still have a great chance to win the Premier League this season.
Moreover, despite the narrative some in the media are seemingly desperate to spin, Mikel Arteta’s side were just as good as the defending champions, and were it not for a freak free-kick, would be level on points with them.
That said, while the Gunners were defensively excellent against the Reds, they were a little underwhelming in attack, although Viktor Gyokeres didn’t really get the service he needed to make an impact.
Fortunately, the team will only grow more familiar with his fame in the coming weeks and months, and if his form over the last few seasons is anything to go by, he should be scoring for fun in no time at all.
With that said, Arsenal may well have been able to save the £68m they spent on him had they not sold a youngster a few windows ago.
Why Arsenal splashed the cash on Gyokeres
While there were several problems Arsenal had to contend with last season, from chance creation to a never-ending list of injuries, one of the big ones was simply putting the ball in the back of the net.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
So, if you were Andrea Berta and you wanted to help solve that problem, you’d probably go out and sign the most prolific player in the world last year, which is precisely what he did.
From January 1 to December 31, 2024, Gyokeres scored a staggering 36 goals in the league alone, more than any other player in any other top-flight league around the world.
Perhaps even more impressive than that, though, is the fact that the Swedish “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored a staggering 54 goals and provided 13 assists across 52 appearances last season.
In other words, the 27-year-old international averaged 1.28 goal involvements every game, which is nothing short of miraculous.
In all, it’s not his build-up play nor his passing ability that caused Arsenal to splash the cash on Gyokeres; it was his unreal ability to wallop the ball in the back of the net.
Yet, while his transfer will probably work out, it might not have been necessary had Arteta and Co shown faith in a former youngster at the club.
The Arsenal youngster who could have been their homegrown Gyokeres
For all the talents that have made it into the first team over recent years, such as Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skell and Bukayo Saka, Arsenal have let their fair share of young stars leave.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.
The likes of Donyell Malen and Eberechi Eze were let go as youngsters, but in this instance, we are talking about Mika Biereth.
The Danish poacher joined the club’s youth setup from Fulham in the summer of 2021 and, within a few years, had been out on several loans, the most successful of which was at Sturm Graz, who he was sold to for around £4m in the summer of 2024.
To say the 22-year-old hit the ground running upon making the permanent move would be a massive understatement, as in the first half of this season, he ended up scoring 14 goals and providing five assists in 25 appearances.
Such an awe-inspiring start to the campaign was more than enough to convince AS Monaco to spend just north of £10m on him in the winter window.
Despite now playing in a top-five league for the first time, the “outrageous” talent, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, thrived on the French Riviera, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists in 19 appearances, totalling 1366 minutes.
In other words, the free-scoring forward, whom Arteta sold for a pittance, scored 27 goals and provided eight assists in just 44 appearances, totalling 3337 minutes last season.
Appearances
44
Minutes
3337′
Goals
27
Assists
8
Goals Involvements per Mat
0.79
Minutes per Goal Involvement
95.34′
That comes out to a monstrous average of a goal involvement every 1.25 games, or every 95.34 minutes across the 24/25 campaign.
Now, we are not claiming that Biereth would be as good a striker for the Gunners as Gyokeres could end up being this summer, but it’s clear that they probably would have been better off keeping him around.
AS Monaco's Mika Biereth celebrates.
After all, his output last season was undeniably Gyokeres-esque.
Berta must axe "clunky and indecisive" Arsenal dud who earns more than Eze
It’s time for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal to move on from the big-earner.
Manchester United have made surprise “contact” to sign a new striker who has been likened to Arsenal’s summer signing Viktor Gyokeres.
Man Utd sign Sesko after Gyokeres snub
In what has been a productive summer transfer window at Old Trafford, INEOS brought in Matheus Cunha from Wolves before landing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, two players who are set to feature heavily in behind a striker.
Attention then turned to a new centre-forward, and the Red Devils were linked with Gyokeres, who worked under Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP. The Sweden international only wanted Arsenal, though, and eventually got his move to the Emirates, opening his Premier League account with a brace against Leeds United.
United, meanwhile, splashed the cash on Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal worth more than £70m. The three marquee attacking signings have set INEOS back £200m, however, Sesko is still awaiting his first Premier League start and goal.
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Rasmus Hojlund’s future is also up in the air at Old Trafford, amid rumours of a move to Serie A side Napoli which has resulted in United being linked with making another signing in the final third before the September 1 deadline.
Man Utd make surprise Randal Kolo Muani "contact"
According to Caught Offside, Man Utd have made a surprise attempt to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain.
The French forward is valued at €60m (£51m) by the Champions League winners and spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus. The Serie A side are yet to reach an agreement to sign Kolo Muani once again, which led to the Red Devils exploring a move.
However, unfortunately for INEOS and Amorim, Kolo Muani is not open to an Old Trafford transfer. A source told Caught Offside:
The 26-year-old scored 10 goals in 22 appearances for Juventus last season, and has been compared to Gyokeres and other high-profile forwards by Football Transfers.
Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa
Alexander Sorloth
Atletico Madrid
Christopher Nkunku
Chelsea
Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal
Ademola Lookman
Atalanta
Should Man Utd move Hojlund on, it’ll be interesting if the Red Devils explore a move for another striker after signing Sesko, but it looks as if that man won’t be Kolo Muani.
The mood on Tyneside is restless. Newcastle United, still in a state of shock after a summer of transfer near-misses and a simmering fallout with star forward Alexander Isak, are moving swiftly to secure attacking reinforcements before the window closes.
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Their opening Premier League fixture against Aston Villa looms large, but Eddie Howe will go into it without a conventional striker to lead the line.
The club’s prolonged stand-off with Isak – who has refused to reintegrate with the squad following Liverpool’s interest – has left the Magpies scrambling for a replacement.
Isak’s £140,000-a-week pay packet continues to be honoured, but his unwillingness to train or play has created a pressing need for a solution.
Benjamin Šeško’s decision to join Manchester United has already stung, and while Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson remains a player of interest, Newcastle’s focus has now shifted to a target who has the scoring touch to immediately slot into Howe’s plans.
After completing the £40m capture of Jacob Ramsey and bringing in Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale on loan, Newcastle’s hierarchy is confident of landing one more key piece.
Someone who could channel the spirit of a Tyneside great from the 1990s.
The latest on Newcastle's striker search
That player is Yoane Wissa.
According t and the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, the Brentford striker is expected to sign for the Magpies, ‘in the coming week’, ensuring a conclusion is near in this long-running saga.
That has been corroborated by talkSPORT, with Newcastle increasingly confident of agreeing a deal in the near future, as the Bees demand a fee in the region of £40m.
Brentford, having already rejected two bids, are close to sealing a £42.5m move for Bournemouth forward Dango Ouattara as Wissa’s replacement.
The Bees have endured a turbulent summer, losing manager Thomas Frank along with key figures Mark Flekken, Christian Nørgaard, and Bryan Mbeumo, and are reluctantly preparing to part ways with one of their most consistent performers.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Wissa, who turns 29 in September, enjoyed the best season of his career last year—scoring 19 goals and providing 5 assists in 35 appearances.
Only Mohamed Salah netted more non-penalty goals in the Premier League.
It’s this presence in the air, coupled with composed finishing, that has drawn comparisons to Les Ferdinand.
Like ‘Sir Les,’ Wissa is joining from a London club at the same age Ferdinand arrived on Tyneside in 1995, following his arrival from Queens Park Rangers.
Ferdinand’s two-year spell yielded 41 goals in 68 games and a near-miss in the Premier League title race, cementing his place as one of Newcastle’s most beloved forwards.
Wissa will be eager to follow that example—both in goal output and connection with the fans.
Why Wissa could be a risk worth taking
Although his age means he falls outside Newcastle’s preferred recruitment profile of 24 and under, the urgency of replacing Isak has shifted priorities.
Howe values Wissa’s proven Premier League pedigree and believes his experience will help mentor younger players like William Osula and Sean Neave.
Isak vs Wissa 2024-25 stats (timeless)
From a sporting perspective, Wissa’s arrival appears a shrewd fix to an urgent problem.
Newcastle need goals and a presence in the box – all qualities the Brentford forward provides.
His market value of €32m (£28m), as per Transfermark, suggests the £40m fee is reasonable in the current climate, particularly for a player who has hit double figures in two of his four Premier League seasons.
Yoane Wissa celebrates for Brentford
According to FBref, the DR Congo international is equally comfortable running the channels as he is holding up play, with data showing he outperformed Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland in pass completion (76.5%) and produced more shot-creating actions per 90 minutes than Dominic Solanke.
He also averaged 34.1 touches per game – more than Liam Delap or João Pedro – demonstrating his ability to stay involved in build-up play.
However, there are caveats. Wissa missed six games last season with an ankle injury and could be absent for several weeks in early 2026 due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
For a side aiming to challenge on multiple fronts, including a return to the Champions League, any prolonged absence from an already limited frontline could disrupt momentum.
Still, with Isak’s future all but sealed away from St James’ Park, Newcastle have little choice but to act.
Wissa’s eagerness to join, despite interest from Nottingham Forest and Saudi Pro League side Neom SC, speaks to the pull of Champions League football and the club’s trajectory under Howe.
The Magpies’ approach this summer has been aggressive.
Backed by their Saudi ownership, they have addressed several key areas, adding defensive stability through Thiaw, creativity via Ramsey, and depth in attack with Elanga.
Landing Wissa would complete a transfer window that, while not without its frustrations, could set Newcastle up for another strong campaign.
The Les Ferdinand parallels will inevitably bring a weight of expectation, with the pair notably alike due to their prowess in the air. The ex-England international scored 13 headers during his time at St James’, as per Transfermarkt, while Wissa scored four in the Premier League alone last season.
Ferdinand’s heading ability, powerful frame, and relentless work rate made him a perfect fit for Kevin Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ and Wissa will be measured against that yardstick from the moment he steps onto the pitch.
If he adapts quickly and delivers the kind of form he showed last season, Wissa could do more than just replace Isak – he could write his own chapter in Newcastle’s modern history.
And should he hit the ground running, the Toon Army might just have another hero to salute from the Gallowgate End.
He's like Isak & Wood: Newcastle have explored move to sign £65m PL striker
Newcastle United turn to Scandinavian striker amid Alexander Isak saga fallout
As they prepare to step up their chase for Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United are now also reportedly keen to sign a talented midfielder who former star Michael Carrick labelled “terrific”.
Man Utd readying first Sesko offer
Despite missing out on European football last season, Manchester United have maintained their attraction this summer and have welcomed both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as a result. Both attacking additions had other options, but chose to hand Ruben Amorim two instant upgrades in his Old Trafford frontline.
It’s a decision which some may question, but one that Sesko could now follow. According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are now readying their first bid to sign the RB Leipzig star, who favours a move to the Red Devils over Newcastle United this summer.
Whilst many have suggested that United have simply won the bidding war to sign players such as Cunha and Mbeumo, Amorim has insisted that money has not been the deciding factor.
He told reporters: “Cunha and Bryan, they had different solutions [offers]. They had Champions League offers. And they wanted to come here. People that say that they come here because of the money… that is a lie. That I know for sure. So, I’m really happy with that.
“That is the key point. They have to want to come here. I think what we can do to the fans is that we want players who have proved [themselves] already.”
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Even with Sesko potentially following suit, however, Manchester United’s business may not be done there. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve also set their sights on signing a midfield talent this summer.
Man Utd keen to sign Hayden Hackney
According to GiveMeSport, Manchester United are now keen to sign Hayden Hackney ahead of interest from Tottenham Hotspur this summer. The Middlesbrough midfielder is keen to leave the Teesside club and is willing to wait it out for the likes of Spurs and potentially United to come calling in a deal worth around £20m.
Of course, if the Red Devils want to know more about the England U21 star then they could turn towards Michael Carrick for answers. The former Old Trafford star worked with Hackney for three years at Middlesbrough and was often full of praise for the 23-year-old.
Hayden Hackney for Middlesbrough.
The former Boro boss told reporters after the midfielder signed a new contract at the club in 2022: “I think it’s the right thing, it’s fair from both sides,” said the head coach.
“Hayden has been terrific since I came and the couple of games before that he played really well. That’s kind of how it works, you get rewarded for your good work. He fully deserves it. He’s been a credit to himself and his family with the way he’s handled it.”
Will Manchester City be back on top of the Premier League next season?
Last time round, Pep Guardiola’s team endured a nightmare campaign, losing 17 times across all competitions, seeing their historic sequence of four successive Premier League titles come to an end.
Manchester City manager PepGuardiolareacts
As they aim to change that, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Sverre Nypan have all been signed so far this summer, but are the Sky Blues now aiming to make a marquee addition that could restore their position of dominance?
Manchester City seeking a statement signing
Even by the usually astronomical high standards, the Premier League’s biggest clubs have been spending an enormous amount this summer already, and we’re not even into August yet, as the table below documents.
Liverpool
5
£294m
Chelsea
8
£227m
Arsenal
6
£187m
Manchester United
2
£136m
Manchester City
5
£125m
Tottenham Hotspur
6
£124m
Please note: all information is correct at the time of publication
As the table documents, all of the Premier League’s traditional heavyweights have spent big this summer, most notably Liverpool.
The reigning champions have already splurged almost £300m to sign Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké, Miloš Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giorgi Mamardashvili, but a report by Mark Ogden of ESPN claims they’re willing to spend as much as £165m to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle, with the Swede pushing for the move, which would be quite the statement signing.
In response, reports in Spain claim that Manchester City have ‘made an initial offer’ of £170m to Chelsea in an attempt to re-sign Cole Palmer, adding that he is valued at closer to £250m by the Blues, which would smash the world-transfer record of €222m held by Neymar.
Palmer joined the Citizens’ academy as an eight-year-old, making just 41 appearances for the first team, 28 of which came as a substitute, thereby leaving for Chelsea two summers ago for a reported fee of £42.5m, in search of more opportunities.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Well, from Man City’s point of view, this has turned out to be one of the great modern-day transfer market mistakes, given Palmer’s form in West London, with former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison asserting back in December that “he is the best player in the Premier League… of that there is no doubt”.
Now though, is Guardiola leading a sensational attempt to bring Palmer back to the Etihad?
How Cole Palmer's return would transform Manchester City
Just before his move to Chelsea, Palmer scored in both the FA Community Shield against Arsenal and the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla but, even so, no one could’ve forecast the impact he would make at Stamford Bridge.
As the table below outlines, few have been more productive in front of goal in the Premier League since he joined Chelsea.
Mohamed Salah
47
28
75
Erling Braut Håland
49
8
57
Cole Palmer
37
19
56
Ollie Watkins
35
21
56
Alexander Isak
44
8
52
Jarrod Bowen
29
14
43
Son Heung-min
24
19
43
Bryan Mbeumo
29
13
42
Bukayo Saka
22
19
41
Matheus Cunha
27
13
40
As documented, only Mohamed Salah and Erling Braut Håland have registered more goals and assists across the last two Premier League campaigns than Palmer, made all the more remarkable by the fact that just three of his goals have come since Boxing Day, emphasising his incredible form beforehand.
Worth also noting that he’s accumulated four more than the aforementioned, in-demand Isak, despite the fact the Swede is a centre-forward. In all, the Englishman has provided 57 goals and assists in 89 Premier League games, only just behind Isak’s return of 63 goal involvements in 86 outings in England’s top-flight.
Palmer was also instrumental as Chelsea won the Club World Cup earlier this month, scoring twice against Paris Saint-Germain in the final, and the Conference League, with Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian describing his second-half performance against Real Betis in Wrocław as ‘astonishing’.
Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout asserts that he is a Premier League “legend in the making”, while his manager, Enzo Maresca, described him as a “top player” who is “not normal”.
Chelsea'sColePalmercelebrates with the golden ball trophy
Selim Ben Hmida of Total Football Analysis outlines how Palmer is at his best when deployed as an ‘advanced playmaker’, given his ability to shoot from distance, create chances and drive into space.
Thus, while Isak is looking likely to be a frightening signing for Liverpool, Palmer would be a transformational acquisition for Man City, should they manage to re-sign him, given that the England international and Håland would surely form an unstoppable duo.
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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.
Manchester City had a catastrophic 2024/25 campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side went trophyless, finishing third in the Premier League and losing the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. It was far from the dominance they have shown under the legendary Spanish manager over the past few years.
Naturally, it has been a busy summer transfer window already for the East Mancunian outfit. The Citizens have dipped into the market four times to strengthen in all areas of the pitch and improve their fortunes ahead of next term.
Manchester City manager PepGuardiolabefore the match
Indeed, Goal noted the prices for three of their four signings so far, with Marcus Bettinelli joining from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee. Rayan Cherki cost £34m from Lyon, Tijani Reijnders was £46m from AC Milan, and Rayan Ait-Nouri joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £31m.
Those four are options for Guardiola’s side going into the first three games of the Premier League season. They start off with a trip to Ait-Nouri’s old hunting ground at Molineux, before hosting Tottenham Hotspur and travelling down to Brighton and Hove Albion for the final game of August.
But, what might the rest of City’s side look like ahead of their first game of the season against Wolves and beyond? Well, here’s a look at what their dream squad could look like in 2025/26 if everything goes according to plan.
The goalkeepers Ederson stays as City's number 1
City made one signing in the goalkeeper department already, with Bettinelli joining from West London giants Chelsea. He joins Ederson and Stefan Ortega as shot-stopping options for Guardiola next season.
Brazil international Ederson was the first choice last season, and conceded 26 goals in as many Premier League games, keeping ten clean sheets along the way. He did struggle with injuries at times and was sidelined for eight games in total.
One of the real upsides to Ederson is his ability with the ball at his feet. This is perhaps best showcased by the fact that he assisted four goals, including this sublime ball to Erling Haaland against Chelsea, which was well finished by the striker.
As for Ortega, the 32-year-old played 13 Premier League games, but conceded 18 goals in that time. In the Champions League, he kept a clean sheet in both appearances last term. He is certainly an excellent number two for Guardiola to have at his disposal.
Full list of goalkeepers – Ederson, Stefan Ortega, Marcus Bettinelli.
The defenders New full-back options for Pep on both sides
If there is one area of the pitch that City are certainly not short of options, it is in defence. They have incredible versatility, with Josko Gvardiol being the best example. He predominantly played as a left-back last season and chipped in with six goals across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt. In reality, he is more naturally a centre-back.
He is one of three main options at left-back for City, with Ait-Nouri also offering an excellent attacking outlet. He contributed four goals and seven assists for the Old Gold last season. Nico O’Reilly is a less experienced option, but he excelled last season, too. Naturally a number 10, he managed five goals and two assists in all competitions.
On the right flank, City have recently been linked with Denzel Dumfries by one Spanish outlet. He is said to have a £21.5m release clause, with City currently deciding whether ‘to take a chance’ on the Dutchman. His contributions in the Champions League semi-final last season, across both legs, were memorable.
With Kyle Walker now officially a Burnley player, Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis are the only other right-backs at the club. Both like to invert into midfield, which is no surprise for Nunes, given he is, by trade, a midfielder.
At centre-back, City have not made any new inclusions since the January window, where they signed Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.
Ruben Dias played 44 times last season and Manuel Akajani 40, suggesting they are the first-choice options for Guardiola. However, he still has the experience of John Stones and Nathan Ake to call upon.
Full list of right-backs – Denzel Dumfries, Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis
Full list of centre-backs – RCB (Manuel Akanji, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey); LCB (Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake)
Full list of left-backs – Josko Gvardiol, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nico O’Reilly
The midfield Rodri's return and KDB's replacement
The huge news in the centre of the park for City recently is that Rodri is back from his long-term injury. The current Ballon d’Or holder misses several months of the season, making just eight appearances. His involvement, or lack thereof, was noticeable in City’s torrid campaign.
City’s new addition in midfield this summer is Reijnders, who featured three times in the Club World Cup, with Nico Gonzalez, a January addition, also an option for the East Mancunians. He was dubbed a “mini Rodri” earlier in the season by his manager.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
There is plenty of experience in the middle of midfield, too. Treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan is remaining at the club this summer. He played 54 times in 2024/25, two more than new club captain Bernardo Silva.
City also have Mateo Kovacic to call upon, who played a huge role last season in Rodri’s absence. Kalvin Phillips is still at the club, but after spending the last one and a half seasons out on loan, it doesn’t seem likely he will stay.
In the number 10 spot, this is where things get interesting for City. Kevin De Bruyne has now, of course, departed the club, joining Napoli, meaning someone has to step up in his absence, not at all an easy thing to do.
Perhaps that will be Phil Foden. The England international was not at his best this season, contributing to 13 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances. However, there is no doubt about his quality. This is a former PFA Player of the Year we are talking about. He could be the guy City are looking for to step up in De Bruyne’s absence this season.
Alternatively, City had been linked with Morgan Gibbs-White. Football Insider claimed the player ‘has agreed personal terms’ ahead of a possible move but he’s now on his way to Spurs instead
The 25-year-old was sensational for Forest last season, scoring seven times and grabbing ten assists in just 34 league games. That included a superb headed effort against Leicester City.
With Gibbs-White seemingly off the table, Foden is not the only option Guardiola has in the number 10 role. Youngsters Oscar Bobb and Claudio Echeverri, who made his debut in the FA Cup final, are also attacking midfielders he could call upon. The future of James McAtee, who scored seven times last season, is up in the air.
Full list of central midfielders – Rodri, Tijani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic.
Full list of attacking midfielders – Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, Claudio Echeverri, James McAtee
The attackers Versatility and a new look front 3
One of the best things about this City team is the versatility they possess, and that is personified throughout the attack. Number nine, Erling Haaland, is the player who can only play in one role. Of course, when you have someone of his quality up front, that is no problem. He scored 34 goals in 48 games last season.
Omar Marmoush, however, is an incredibly versatile player. Another January signing, the Egyptian attacker can play on either flank, as a centre-forward or a second striker. He played 25 games for the Citizens in 2024/25, scoring eight times and assisting three.
On the right-hand side, City fans can surely get excited about watching Rayan Cherki. The 21-year-old Frenchman is an electric attacker who can play as a number 10 or on the right wing. Last season for City and Lyon, he contributed to 13 goals and 21 assists in 48 games.
Just look at his underlying numbers on FBref from the last 365 days. He averaged 8.88 progressive passes and 6.8 shot-creating actions per game. Both of those numbers place him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers.
Goals and assists
0.95
97th
Progressive passes
8.88
99th
Key passes
3.69
99th
Shot-creating actions
6.8
99th
Take-ons completed
2.5
90th
Brazilian Savinho is another option on the right-hand side for Guardiola. He managed to score three goals and registered an impressive 13 assists in all competitions, and can also play on the left-hand side if need be.
Speaking of the opposite flank, Real Madrid star Rodrygo, described as a “future icon” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, could be on his way to the Etihad Stadium. TBR Football recently confirmed that the Brazilian’s representatives ‘have now been in discussions’ with City over a move.
It would not come cheap, with one Spanish outlet suggesting Los Blancos would want upwards of £77m for their winger. In 2024/25, he scored 14 goals and assisted 11, including six Champions League goals, bringing his tally for the competition up to 25.
Jeremy Doku is another option for City on the left. A brilliant one-vs-one winger, he contributed to 17 goals last season and adds a unique element to Guardiola’s attack. Jack Grealish would also be someone who can slot in on the left-hand side, but he fell out of favour at City and seems set to leave the club.
Full list of strikers – Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush.
Full list of wingers – Rayan Cherki, Savinho, Rodrygo, Jeremy Doku.
Bigger talent than Reijnders: Pep driving Man City move for £43m sensation
Following the arrival of Tijjani Reijnders, Man City still want to bolster their midfield options, reportedly interested in making a £43m signing.
After announcing the arrival of Simon Adingra to add yet another impressive talent to their ranks, Sunderland have reportedly turned their attention towards an experienced goalkeeper this summer.
Adingra: Sunderland project is "really exciting"
Ask even the most optimistic Sunderland fan whether they expected the Black Cats to spend big this summer and the answer is almost certain to be a resounding no. Those at the Stadium of Light have entered the Premier League ready to lay down a statement, however, and become the first in six promoted sides to avoid the drop at the first time of asking. And the arrival of Adingra should play a large part in that.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion winger told Sunderland’s official website after sealing a move worth an initial £20.5m with add-ons: “It’s a pleasure to be here, and I cannot wait to get started. The Club and the project are really exciting.
“I spoke with everyone and their interest in me made the decision easy – I wanted to be part of Sunderland’s future. Playing in the Premier League has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so to continue doing that is incredible. It’s a big challenge ahead – we’ll be facing top players and strong opponents – but I’m ready for it.”
After losing his starting place under Fabian Hurzler at Brighton last season, some may be quick to forget just how talented Adingra is, but he’ll be keen to send some timely reminders next season.
Sunderland set to sign another new star, £18m fee agreed and medical booked
The Black Cats have wasted no time.
2 ByTom Cunningham Jul 10, 2025
As impressive as the winger’s arrival is, though, the Black Cats are still not done in the summer transfer window. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve turned their attention towards a fresh shot-stopper.
Sunderland join race to sign £20m Ramsdale
According to GiveMeSport, Sunderland have now joined the race to sign Aaron Ramsdale, who has asked to leave relegated Southampton this summer. The goalkeeper reportedly has a release clause worth just £20m following the Saints’ relegation, handing those in Wearside the opportunity to swoop in should they please.
Southampton's AaronRamsdalelooks dejected after the match
Signing an upgrade on current No.1 Anthony Patterson has been on Sunderland’s wishlist all summer. Reports even went as far as to suggest that the Black Cats were closing in on an agreement to sign Djordje Petrovic earlier this month. But with that deal yet to get over the line, the door has swung open for Ramsdale to hand Regis Le Bris a fresh alternative.
Starts
30
31
Clean Sheets
3
10
Saves P90
4
3.55
Save Percentage
67.6%
78.9%
It’s a difficult choice for Sunderland. Whilst Petrovic enjoyed an excellent campaign on loan at Strasbourg, who finished as high as eighth in Ligue 1, Ramsdale was often doing his best to help Southampton avoid major humiliation. And the numbers reflect that in many ways.
Rightly praised as “excellent” by Joe Hart at St Mary’s last season, Ramsdale could finally end his trend of frustrating relegations by swapping Southampton for Sunderland this summer.
Liverpool have been focusing their efforts to improve their forward line on three central targets in recent weeks, but Fabrizio Romano has revealed the one they are “working” on a deal for.
Florian Plettenberg revealed this week Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitike are “three concrete options” for Liverpool this summer after sporting director Richard Hughes completed checks on all of the forwards.
Isak is seemingly the dream target for both Liverpool and probable title rivals Arsenal, although Newcastle United are set to demand £150m for his signature in a bid to ward off suitors this summer.
Ekitike meanwhile has been quite publcily priced at £85m, while Osimhen could leave Napoli for around £64m after an impressive loan spell at Galatasaray.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates after the match
Darwin Nunez is expected to depart Anfield this summer, with interest from Italian sides and the Saudi Pro League, although talks over a move to Napoli have reportedly slowed in recent days due to Liverpool’s demands.
Arne Slot made no secret of his desire for Nunez to step his game up last season, revealing he was unhappy with his work rate after a miss in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa: “A miss that I can accept. What is harder to accept, his behaviour after the chance. That miss is got too much in his head where he is the usual Darwin that works his a** off.”
Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool "could" offer swap deal to sign £40m+ England star
The Reds are still seeking reinforcements.
ByTom Cunningham Jun 30, 2025
The Dutchman, together with Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, are seemingly determined to land a new number nine before the new campaign gets underway, and Romano has revealed the one they are currently going for.
Liverpool "working" on deal for Ekitike
Speaking on his YouTube channel on Monday evening, Romano revealed Liverpool are discussing a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Ekitike, though it does depend on what happens with Nunez.
Ekitike has scored 26 times in 64 appearances during his two years in Frankfurt, but really stepped up to an elite level in 2024/25, registering 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
The young Frenchman could be lethal in Liverpool’s new look front line, as explained by scout/writer Counter Pressers on X: “Hugo Ekitike with Florian Wirtz behind him would be unstoppable. After years of watching Darwin Nunez, we deserve to watch someone of Ekitike’s technical level.”
Indeed, the 23 year-old seems to have more nuance to his game than Liverpool’s struggling star, averaging more passes at a higher completion rate and more dribbles than the former Benfica man, all while scoring more goals too.
0.48
Non-penalty goals per 90
0.34
0.29
Assists per 90
0.17
22.90
Passes per 90
18.41
75.3%
Pass completion
69.1%
1.9
Succesful take-ons per 90
0.68
The former PSG starlet could transform Liverpool’s status as champions into total domestic dominance if his relationship with Wirtz hits the ground running.
Pep Guardiola is pushing Manchester City to offer one of his current players in exchange for a Real Madrid star, according to a recent report.
Cherki looking to create his own Man City legacy
The Blues have been very busy in the early part of this transfer window, bringing in four new players. They have added Marcus Bettinelli to their squad as another goalkeeper option, along with Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves, Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Rayan Cherki from Lyon.
Olympique Lyonnais' RayanCherkiapplauds fans
City have seen Kevin de Bruyne leave the club and join Napoli this summer, and therefore, signing someone with Cherki’s creativity was crucial. However, the French attacking midfielder has stressed he is “not De Bruyne”, and he is keen to “write my own story” at the Etihad.
“I’m not Kevin De Bruyne; he is the legend. I’m here to help the team and to write my own story. I hope to win all the time with the team.
“When you see Rodri, he won the Ballon d’Or here – it’s clear that with Manchester City it’s possible, and I am here for this.
Man City now "close" to completing signing of "crazy" 15 y/o attacking gem
He is a player with a massive future.
ByHenry Jackson Jun 13, 2025
“When I spoke with Pep, he wanted me – he was very, very clear. Pep told me, ‘when you have the ball, you are free’, which is very good for me because it’s my first quality to help the team.
“The system, the club, the city is very good. I want to win, and I think Manchester City wants to win it all.”
Pep wants Rodrygo to join Man City overhaul
Cherki may not be the last of the new attackers arriving at the Etihad in this transfer window, as according to a report from Spain, Pep wants Man City to offer Jack Grealish to Real Madrid in exchange for Rodrygo.
Grealish has been left out of City’s Club World Cup squad, as his time at the club appears to be coming to an end. Guardiola is keen for the Englishman to get another big move and sees him as someone who can help bring Rodrygo’s price down, which currently stands at £84 million.
However, this report does state that Real Madrid are not interested in signing Grealish, and Xabi Alonso has already made it clear to the Brazilian forward that he is a key part of his plans going forward.
Rodrygo
Grealish
Apps
30
20
Starts
22
7
Goals
6
1
xG
4.0
1.1
Goals per 90
0.28
0.12
Assists
6
1
xAG
3.0
1.8
Assists per 90
0.23
0.12
Progressive carries
113
69
Grealish, who earns £300,000 a week at City, is already wanted by teams such as Newcastle United and Aston Villa, with the Magpies said to be the ones leading the race to secure his transfer.
Last season, Grealish played just 20 times in the Premier League, scoring one goal and registering one assist in the process. Meanwhile, Rodrygo, who has been dubbed a “magician” by Statman Dave, scored six goals as well as assisting a further six in 30 La Liga games.