All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal are also “in talks” over signing a marquee former PSG player who could come as an alternative to RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with sporting director Andrea Berta seemingly holding discussions for numerous transfer targets.

Andrea Berta's reported approaches as Arsenal target forward signings

In one of his “first acts” as the Gunners’ transfer chief, Berta reached out to the agents of Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams (Ed Aarons), so the 53-year-old has been working extensively on the club’s recruitment drive for quite some time.

When Arsenal could now announce Martin Zubimendi deal after surprise update

The Spain international is on his way to north London.

ByEmilio Galantini May 29, 2025

Since then, it’s been reported that Berta’s held “numerous talks” with a succession of targets for the wide area, including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, with Atalanta star Ademola Lookman and Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma also under consideration at the Emirates (Florian Plettenberg).

Arsenal are described as “very active” in the market, and this is especially true when it comes to their search for a new striker.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

A plethora of reports from Portugal in the last fortnight have claimed that Arsenal have offered a contract to Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres (O Jogo), and while this is yet to be backed up by sources closer to home, Sky Germany believe that Berta has at least held extensive talks with the Swedish international.

However, reliable sources with much more recent information indicate that Sesko is emerging as the primary centre-forward target.

Fabrizio Romano, for example, confirms that Arsenal are in “concrete” initial talks for the Slovenia international and a deal is “on”.

Given Arsenal missed out on Sesko last summer and in January, not to mention his price tag is now mooted at up to £93 million (The Telegraph), it is wise for Berta to carry on testing the water for alternative options as well.

Arsenal also "in talks" over Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké

Eintracht Frankfurt sensation and ex-PSG striker Hugo Ekitike, who’s fresh off the back of an excellent full debut season in the Bundesliga, is being courted by Arsenal as well.

The Frenchman scored 22 goals and racked up 12 assists in 48 appearances across 24/25, with Eintracht valuing him at around £84 million, which still makes him a slightly cheaper deal to do than Sesko as things stand.

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, taking to X, Frankfurt and Ekitike have been planning his exit for months, and Arsenal are believed to be one of the sides “in talks” over a potential move for the 22-year-old.

“Hugo Ekitike and the board of Frankfurt have been planning the transfer of the French striker this summer for several months,” wrote Aouna.

“As revealed in March, some European clubs are already in talks, including Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

“A meeting is scheduled this week between Ekitike’s agent and Chelsea. Frankfurt are already looking for a substitute and opened talks with Jonathan Burkardt.”

His goalscoring exploits in Germany showcase a fierce talent who’ll surely only get better, leaving little surprise Arsenal are also in the race given their dire need for a striker.

Everton confirmed earlier this week that midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure would be departing the club at the end of the campaign upon the expiration of his current contract.

The 32-year-old joined the Toffees in a £20m deal from Watford back in the summer of 2020, emerging as a key player for the first team in recent years at Goodison Park.

The Malian has registered 21 goals and 15 assists in his 167 appearances for the club, being replaced by Carlos Alcaraz in his final appearance on Merseyside last weekend.

He’s already had keen interest from multiple teams in the Middle East, along with Roma and Leeds United, leaving a hole in the middle of David Moyes’ side as a result.

Given his pending departure, it would be a surprise to no one to see the hierarchy delve into the transfer market to replace him, with one name already emerging as a key target.

The latest on Everton’s pursuit to sign Angel Gomes

In recent days, it’s been revealed that Everton are in the race to land English midfielder Angel Gomes this summer after previously being interested in his signature.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a successful rise throughout 2024/25, making his England debut and registering a total of 20 appearances across all competitions for Ligue 1 side Lille.

However, it was confirmed that he would be departing the French side on a free transfer at the end of the season when his deal expires, prompting interest from Moyes’ men.

It’s unclear where the former Manchester United academy graduate would want to move this summer, but given the move to the new stadium, it could prove an exciting proposition for the midfielder.

However, the club could look past a deal for Gomes this summer, subsequently handing more minutes to one player already on the books on Merseyside.

The Everton star who could be the dream Doucoure replacement

Creativity and goals have once again been a concern for Everton in 2024/25, scoring just 41 times in their 37 outings – with only the bottom three scoring fewer to date.

Illiman Ndiaye sits as their top scorer on nine league goals, one clear of centre-forward Beto, with the pair the only two players in the squad to notch over five goals this campaign.

With Doucoure also leaving, it takes away another option in the final third for Moyes, with such an issue needing to be addressed ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The transfer market is one option, but the Scotsman could opt to put faith in youth talent, handing a senior role to 18-year-old academy graduate Harrison Armstrong.

The teenager spent the second half of the season on loan at Championship side Derby County, impressing in what was his taste of senior football in his career.

He made 15 appearances for the Rams, scoring a single goal – with his superb strike against Plymouth Argyle proving to be a crucial one in their hunt for survival.

His underlying stats at Pride Park during his temporary stint in the East Midlands were just as impressive, potentially catapulting him into the first ranks next campaign.

Armstrong registered a 60% dribble success rate with the Rams, completing 2.1 long balls per 90 – subsequently fitting perfectly into the current direct approach in operation on Merseyside.

He also won 72% of the tackles he entered, coming out on top in 4.7 duels per 90, highlighting his workman-like style of play, which could make him a monster hit with the supporters.

Games played

15

Goals scored

1

Pass accuracy

70%

Dribble success

60%

Long balls completed

2.1

Tackle success rate

72%

Duels won

4.7

The youngster could follow in the same footsteps as Doucoure and offer a more advanced option in Moyes’ squad, despite provisionally being a more deep-lying player.

His performances in England’s second tier would’ve encouraged staff behind the scenes at Goodison, potentially doing enough to catapult him into the manager’s plans.

Given his age, Armstrong will need time to develop and get used to life in the Premier League, but it will only aid his development at the club – which could see him become the latest big star to emerge out of their academy.

The next Richarlison: Everton join race to sign "extraordinary" £30m CF

David Moyes is hoping to sign a new striker at Everton this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 20, 2025

The Europa League final can’t come soon enough for Ruben Amorim and Manchester United, with the Red Devils seemingly approaching their remaining Premier League games with a real lack of intent, having again been defeated at home on Sunday afternoon.

Up against a West Ham United side who had started the day below them in the table, the Old Trafford outfit inevitably slipped to a 17th league loss of the campaign, with Amorim subsequently stating that he has been left “embarrassed” by the domestic displays of his struggling side.

The Jekyll and Hyde hosts had swept to a 4-1 win over Athletic Club just days earlier, following a stunning, Mason Mount-inspired finale on Thursday night, although the rigours of England’s top-flight appear to be a step too far for Amorim’s men at present.

Thankfully, their upcoming showpiece opponents, Tottenham Hotspur, are enduring an even more miserable season following their 20th league defeat at the weekend, with next week’s meeting Bilbao set to be a truly desperate tussle for European glory.

As Amorim is fully aware, however, even success on the continent would not rectify what has been a grim 2024/25 for United, with far too many of his charges looking well below par – not least his former Sporting CP warrior, Manuel Ugarte.

Manuel Ugarte's debut season in numbers

By all accounts, the decision to sell Scott McTominay last summer came about amid the club’s pursuit of a new, more defensive-minded midfielder, with Ugarte ultimately replacing the Scotland star, following his £42m switch from Paris Saint-Germain.

While McTominay has since gone on to score 11 league goals as part of Napoli’s Serie A title charge, Ugarte, by contrast, has endured a topsy-turvy first year in Manchester, having netted just a solitary league goal to date.

There have been notable high points – having left Paul Scholes “surprised” by his standout display in January’s 2-2 draw at Anfield – although the Uruguayan has tailed off in recent weeks, having notably wilted in the build-up to Jarrod Bowen’s clincher on Sunday.

As journalist Samuel Luckhurst noted following that 4/10 display, the 23-year-old ‘can cope in Europe but not in domestic competition’, albeit with even his Europa League performances having been dismal of late, particularly during the semi-final tie.

Indeed, those two outings saw the ex-PSG man lose the ball on 27 occasions in total, before being replaced in the second half, with his lack of quality on the ball sparking comparisons to a certain Sofyan Amrabat. Like the Moroccan, however, he is an effective ball-winner, as shown by the fact that he ranks in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles made per 90, across the last 365 days.

Games (starts)

28 (22)

Goals

1

Assists

2

Big chances created

3

Key passes*

0.4

Pass accuracy*

88%

Tackles*

2.7

Interceptions*

1.0

Ball recoveries*

4.4

Dribbled past*

1.4

Total duels won*

53%

At just 23 and a player whom Amorim knows well amid their time together in Lisbon, the hope will be that Ugarte can kick on and prove the doubters wrong next season. It is too soon to write him off just yet, although the same can’t be said for his struggling teammate, Altay Bayindir.

The Man Utd star who Amorim needs to sell

It is not too difficult to find players who have flopped at the Theatre of Dreams in recent times, with the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being a Manchester United player certainly taking its toll.

There are those, however, who simply never look up to the task from the off, with Bayindir being a perfect case in point. As journalist Liam Canning has noted this season, the Turkish international has been simply “horrendous” for the club.

Signed from Fenerbahce for just £4.3m back in the summer of 2023, Bayindir’s lowly status was evident due to his minimal role under Erik ten Hag, even with first-choice teammate, Andre Onana, enduring an error-strewn Champions League run, in particular.

Ten Hag’s unwillingness to deploy the 6 foot 6 stopper saw him make just one appearance in all competitions that season, having shipped two in the 3-2 win over League Two side, Newport County, in the FA Cup.

Even with Onana heading off to AFCON duty in January 2024, there was to be no change in the sticks, with the Cameroonian actually departing late and returning early so that he didn’t miss a single Premier League game.

Fast forward to this season, and it has been a similar story for Bayindir, albeit while having been handed far more opportunities by new boss Amorim, including in the 4-3 defeat to Spurs in the EFL Cup.

That outing saw the 27-year-old concede directly from a Son Heung-min corner, following a meek attempt to keep the ball out, thus exposing just why he has been unable to usurp Onana over the last two years or so.

While that was followed by his penalty shootout heroics against Arsenal in the FA Cup, Bayindir still looked shaky in the early knockings of that clash, with his kicking having been particularly awry.

Those woes on the ball were also highlighted in the 4-1 loss to Newcastle United at St James’ Park, with the towering asset failing to make the most of Onana’s absence, having gifted the ball to the Magpies for the home side’s fourth of the day.

Since then, Bayindir has conceded six in just two outings against West Ham and Brentford, having looked distinctly hapless against the Bees, resulting in Luckhurst suggesting that he is actually United’s ‘third-best goalie’, behind the veteran Tom Heaton.

With reports suggesting that Bayindir could now be sold this summer for a fee of just £6m-£7m – amid the search for a new goalkeeper – it would bring an end to a simply forgettable spell in Manchester.

Yes, he’ll always have that night at the Emirates, although sadly for the £35k-per-week dud, there has been little positivity since then in a United shirt.

Man Utd's £85k-per-week flop is quickly becoming their new Martial

Manchester United may have found their new Anthony Martial this season.

2 ByMatt Dawson May 12, 2025

When all’s said and done, those of a Chelsea persuasion may well look back at the 2024/25 campaign as one of progress and a return to that title-winning feeling.

The Blues are nailed-on favourites to lift the Conference League trophy next month, having also put themselves in the mix for a return to the Champions League after two years away, fifth in the Premier League but with Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa snapping at their heels.

It’s all to play for across these closing weeks, and Enzo Maresca will certainly hope that his team’s talisman, Cole Palmer, can rediscover his form in front of goal after going 17 matches without finding the back of the net.

Chelsea are understood to be gearing up for a big summer, one which could elevate Stamford Bridge back to the forefront of English and European football.

While a striker, centre-back and maybe a goalkeeper too are all priority positions for BlueCo, signing the right silky, right-footed winger could go a long way toward returning to the top.

A player, perhaps, in a similar vein to Eden Hazard.

Why Chelsea need their next Hazard

Hazard is one of the greatest wingers in Chelsea’s history, in the Premier League’s history. The stylish Belgian arrived off the back of a Ligue 1 title triumph with Lille in 2012, signing in a deal worth £32m, aged just 21.

His fleet-footed bursts up and down the left channel, the way the ball stuck to him as if glued; Hazard was a phenomenon, scoring 110 goals and supplying 78 assists across 352 appearances.

Money well spent, not least because he finally departed after winning the Europa League in 2018, joining Real Madrid in a staggering £130m transfer.

It’s saddening to see that he fell by the wayside in Spain, ended up retiring at the age of 32 after posting just seven goals across 76 Los Blancos features.

Of course, Hazard isn’t just fondly remembered for his tricks and flicks; the left-sided forward, who former Manchester United star Ander Herrera once said was “the best player I have played against,” led Chelsea to six major honours across his seven seasons.

Hazard has earned his place alongside the club’s legends, winning two Premier League trophies and two Europa League titles to match, the FA Cup and the League Cup.

Chelsea could certainly make use of a new winger on his level, and they may well find one this summer, with Todd Boehly’s transfer committee lining up a mammoth bid for one of the most exciting up-and-comers in the game.

Chelsea leading race for top talent

According to Caught Offside, Chelsea are ramping up their efforts to sign Juventus talent Kenan Yildiz, who has been all the rage in Turin this season.

In fact, it’s been revealed that the west Londoners are leading the race right now, pushing the hardest to get the deal done despite registered interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool.

Juventus don’t want to let their prized prospect go and have retorted to sniffing suitors with demands of a €100m (£87m) payment, should Yildiz, 19, be allowed to leave.

However, the fifth-placed Old Lady are in the thick of a fight for a place in next year’s Champions League, and should they fail, the Blues will be well placed to swoop.

What Kenan Yildiz would bring to Chelsea

Yildiz hasn’t been performing at the highest level for long, but he’s got the minerals to become a bona fide superstar and could prove to be Chelsea’s poster boy over the coming years.

He could emulate Hazard as a star man in the Premier League, bringing his own brand of intensity and technical skill.

As per FBref, Yildiz ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers performing in Serie A this season for shot-creating actions, the top 15% for progressive passes and progressive carries, the top 8% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for tackles per 90.

His displays drew comparisons to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia by the data-driven site, before the Georgian artist transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in January.

Clearly profiled in a similar mould to Hazard, Chelsea fans would surely get excited if the owners managed to orchestrate a deal.

His alliance of properties create something complete and singular in its strength. Analyst Ben Mattinson has lauded the Turkey international for his “magic” talent, but more gushingly, the Turkish native’s former coach, Sokyan Baskar, has made the bold claim that his protégé is “more talented than Cristiano Ronaldo.”

He’s also shown himself to be positionally dynamic, another string to the bow and one which Maresca will delight in adding to his fold.

Left winger

24

4

2

Attacking midfield

13

2

3

Right winger

7

2

0

There’s no doubt that Yildiz needs to work on his prolificness, but that’s hardly a concern at this maiden stage, not when he’s firing across every other cylinder.

Juventus have actually struggled for purchase in attacking phases this term, ranking seventh in Serie A for xG (expected goals). Dusan Vlahovic is their top scorer in the division, with just nine goals to his name.

Still, Yildiz has made his mark, scoring six goals but missing only four big chances, as per Sofascore, which denoted a natural composure and clinical edge. Moreover, he’s averaging 1.5 key passes per game while proving relentless in the duel.

Hazard joined Chelsea at a young age on a rather sizeable fee, something that could not be replicated with the signing of Yildiz, a “perfectly two-footed” winger, as said by talent scout Jacek Kulig, whose skilful movements and prodigious technical level suggests that he could be moulded into Maresca’s very own version of Hazard.

Better than Sesko: Chelsea leading the race to sign "phenomenal" CF

Chelsea appear to have moved ahead in the race to sign a player who Enzo Maresca loves.

2 ByEthan Lamb Apr 26, 2025

Chelsea have now become favourites to sign a “sensational” player after presenting an enticing contract offer, according to a report this week.

Chelsea target centre-back, winger and striker this summer

As per Sky Sports and other credible media sources, the three main items on BlueCo’s transfer agenda this summer are the signings of a centre-back, winger and striker for manager Enzo Maresca.

Man City and Liverpool eyeing £165m Chelsea "superstar" with approach made

They are “sniffing around” him

4 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 24, 2025

As per journalist Simon Phillips, it may not end there either, with a second centre-back, left-back, new goalkeeper and even an attacking midfielder discussed at Stamford Bridge. However, bolstering these positions will depend on their qualification for the Champions League and how many players BlueCo can sell this summer.

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Chairman Todd Boehly has also been privately pushing the urgency of bringing in versatile players, who can play in multiple areas and help to combat injury issues (Simon Phillips), so it appears the west Londoners could be set for another busy summer of spending ahead of Maresca’s second full season in charge.

The central defensive area is a particular concern for Maresca, with Axel Disasi out of favour, Wesley Fofana consistently on the treatment table and Trevoh Chalobah still likely to leave this summer after his initial loan to Crystal Palace was cut short.

As per widespread information, Chelsea are one of the many contenders to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen this summer.

The Blues are thinking about triggering his £50 million release clause, as per Sky, following the ex-Juventus starlet’s excellent debut campaign in England, where he has stood out as one of European football’s most exciting defensive prospects.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham are all looking at Huijsen, alongside European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Real Madrid (Sky), so there will be plenty of competition as the race for his signature heats up.

Chelsea held very positive talks with Huijsen’s representatives last week, and it was reported at the time that Maresca’s side were feeling much more optimistic about striking a deal for the 20-year-old after these discussions (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea present enticing contract offer to Dean Huijsen

This may hand the club an upper hand in the chase for Bournemouth’s star centre-back, and a report from Spain has now claimed that they’ve moved further.

Indeed, it is believed Chelsea have presented an enticing contract offer to Huijsen, which appeals both on paper and on a sporting level. As a result, they’ve emerged as the favourites to sign him this summer.

The alleged contract would run until 2032, with Chelsea reaching out to propose a seven-year contract. Bournemouth are apparently growing resigned to losing Huijsen this summer, and his next destination could well be London.

Called a “sensational” defensive talent by Ben Mattinson, Bournemouth’s number two earned his first international call-ups for Spain this season, and has started every single league game under Andoni Iraola since mid-December.

Leeds United look likely to make a £15m+ player their first summer signing following promotion to the Premier League.

Leeds preparing for Premier League return

The Whites can officially start preparing for life back in the top fight after winning promotion from the Championship on Easter Monday. Daniel Farke’s side hammered Stoke City 6-0 with four goals from Joel Piroe in the first half, while Junior Firpo and Willy Gnonto also got on the scoresheet.

Burnley’s 2-1 win at Sheffield United later in the day meant the party could get underway at Elland Road, with the players joining thousands of Leeds fans in the celebrations.

Talking on Monday evening, Farke said: “Don’t scare me with the Premier League right now. All the clubs who were promoted are already relegated before we were promoted. It’s important to enjoy it. This club has had tough times in the last years, it’s important that our supporters celebrate it and embrace it.

“We’re back where we belong. The next step is to make this club an established Premier League club. You can be sure I will work with all my skills to make sure we do this. But this is something for in a few weeks. Right now we celebrate the first step, the most important one, to take this club where it belongs. Let’s see what we can do.”

Leeds now considering promotion move for "sensational" England international

Leeds United are already looking to the summer transfer window after smashing Stoke City on Monday.

ByBarney Lane Apr 21, 2025

The 49ers have been working behind the scenes on potential transfer targets, though, with the Whites looking to sign players who have Premier League experience. Now, an update has emerged on one attacker who has that.

£15m+ Manor Solomon likely to be Leeds’ first signing after talks

TEAMtalk shared a Leeds transfer update the day after the Whites officially won promotion, stating that the 49ers are looking to make at least six new signings ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Leeds and Farke want to sign a goalkeeper, a left-back, a midfielder, a winger, an attacking midfielder and a striker over the coming months, but the first addition of the window is likely to be loanee Manor Solomon on a permanent basis.

The report reveals that ‘talks having taken place already with Spurs over a permanent move’, with Leeds ‘optimistic that a permanent arrangement’ will be agreed. Tottenham and Daniel Levy value Solomon at £15m to £20m, and a development over a fee is expected soon.

Games

37

24

Goals

9

4

Assists

11

2

Solomon has starred on loan in the second tier this season, contributing to 20 Championship goals on the left hand side, striking up a positive relationship with Firpo. Farke will be delighted if the 49ers sign Solomon for Leeds on a permanent transfer, with the manager hailing the winger recently, saying earlier this month: “Always a joy to work with. A top character. Yes can be tricky, he’s emotional! Especially when he doesn’t finish a game. But top.”

Crystal Palace are now eyeing a move for a “sensational” midfielder, but there could be competition for his signature from a number of their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Palace keen on a midfielder amid Wharton uncertainty

Had Palace made a better start to the campaign, they could be major contenders for the Europa League this season, although they still have an outside chance of pushing for the European places, given their fantastic form over the past few weeks.

The Eagles are undefeated since February in the Premier League, picking up some impressive victories over the likes of Aston Villa and rivals Brighton & Hove Albion, so it is little wonder some of their key figures are starting to attract attention.

One such player is midfielder Adam Wharton, who has been linked with moves to Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, and should the 21-year-old leave this summer, Oliver Glasner will be tasked with bringing in a replacement.

Crystal Palace battling to sign "amazing" 26-goal ace who may replace Eze

He’s enjoyed an excellent season…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 5, 2025

SC Freiburg’s Martin Rohl is one option for the south Londoners, having emerged as shock contenders for the 22-year-old, alongside Liverpool and Newcastle United, with the German potentially set to be available for £21m.

There is a clear focus on bringing in talented young players at Selhurst Park, and a report from Caught Offside has now revealed Crystal Palace are eyeing a summer move for Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham.

However, a whole host of top Premier League clubs are also in the race for the 19-year-old, with Chelsea currently showing the strongest interest, so it may be a tough ask for the Eagles to win the race for his signature.

Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund headline the interest from abroad, and a move to the latter club could appeal, given his older brother’s impressive stint at Signal Iduna Park, which earned him a move to Real Madrid.

"Sensational" Bellingham would be exciting addition for Palace

It remains to be seen whether the 19-year-old can go on to achieve what his brother Jude has in the game, but he has certainly been showing promising signs at Sunderland in the Championship.

The Black Cats are vying for promotion this season, and the teenager, who is thought to be valued at £20m, has been one of their key players, picking up four goals and three assists in 36 league games.

Not only that, but the young midfielder has caught the eye of journalist Josh Bunting, who previously lauded him as “sensational”, and his performances this season indicate he is now ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

It could be very difficult for Palace to win the race for Bellingham, particularly if European football is not on offer next season, but it would certainly appease Glasner if they secure a deal, given that the manager wanted the youngster last summer, indicating he is a fan.

Former Southampton manager Russell Martin is “still in contention” for what would be a stunning return to St Mary’s.

Though Southampton endured a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign, they were still expected to be strong contenders for an immediate promotion from the Championship. Having established himself with Reims and Lens in Ligue 1, Will Still was appointed as Saints manager in the summer.

Despite his obvious potential as a coach, Still was unable to make things click during what was his first job in English football. After winning just two matches out of 13 in the second tier, Still was sacked by the club who, at the time, were 21st in the league following three successive defeats.

Working as interim boss of the Saints, Tonda Eckert won his first game in charge against Queens Park Rangers. Having been called up temporarily from the Under-21s, Eckert has made a good start to his time in charge as Southampton pursue a permanent successor to Still.

Now, reports have indicated that Southampton, who are eight points adrift of the top six, could look to bring a former manager back to the club.

Martin to return to Southampton?

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Martin is “still held in high regard at Southampton and has admirers in the boardroom”.

Taking over the Saints in 2023 after managing MK Dons and Swansea City, Martin guided Southampton to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.

Wedded to his patient, possession-based brand of football, Martin was sacked by the club in December 2024, in a season that saw the club become the first Premier League side to be condemned to relegation with as many as seven games remaining.

Martin was, in turn, hired by Rangers in the summer of 2025, going onto endure a terrible tenure in charge that lasted for just 123 days. Amongst other reported options, including Frank Lampard and Mark Robins, Martin’s current status as a free agent may mean he is more inclined to take the job.

Football Insider have reported that, whilst Martin being hired by Southampton would be “a surprise, his return has not been ruled out,” as the club do not blame him for the season that they endured in the top flight.

Having been called “unbelievable” by Flynn Downes, who Martin brought to Southampton, the 39-year-old has certainly proven himself at Southampton in the past. Given their current predicament and how badly Martin’s tenure at Rangers went, though, it remains to be seen whether Southampton push further for a reunion.

"Very intelligent" coach interested in Southampton job

Under-fire Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is personally very keen on signing one marquee forward amid a major setback surrounding their chase for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

Thomas Frank under pressure amid woeful Spurs run

Frank finds himself navigating treacherous waters at Tottenham right now, with mounting pressure threatening his managerial position following a dismal run.

The Dane has overseen just one victory from Tottenham’s last seven fixtures across all competitions, culminating in Saturday’s disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to Fulham.

Spurs’ abject home form compounds their misery right now with just three wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2025, and only bottom-side Wolves have a worse record on their own patch this season.

16. Burnley

2

1

3

7

-1

17. Nottingham Forest

2

1

4

7

-5

18. West Ham

2

0

5

6

-9

19. Tottenham

1

2

4

5

-1

20. Wolves

0

1

5

1

10

Particularly alarming are whispers from within the Tottenham dressing room, where players have reportedly grown bewildered by Frank’s constant tactical tinkering.

Some media sources believe that strategies are frequently modified immediately before kickoff or abandoned entirely during matches, leaving squad members confused about their responsibilities (Jack Rosser).

Tottenham have also conceded eleven goals in their last three games, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s unbelievable error gifting Harry Wilson Fulham’s winning goal last weekend.

Frank’s relationship with supporters has also reached boiling point following his criticism of fans who booed Vicario’s mistake, and carried on jeering the Italian almost every time he touched the ball afterwards.

It wasn’t really the best move by Spurs’ boss to add fuel to the fire, considering his popularity was already waning among a lot of supporters, who are also extremely keen for co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange to hire a new manager.

Tottenham could prove 'irresistible' to manager who Levy was urged to hire before Frank

He’s on the verge of leaving his current club.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 2, 2025

Even more worryingly for the north Londoners, credible reports suggest that players feel a ‘growing disconnect’ with the fanbase (The Telegraph), and this quite simply must cease if Tottenham stand any chance of building upon their Europa League triumph in May.

Spurs’ lack of attacking creativity has been subject to plenty of debate too, but the Lewis family are apparently looking to back Frank in January and provide him with major forward upgrades.

It is believed that both FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, who’s been on fire for the last two seasons, and Premier League superstar Semenyo are both on Spurs’ radar heading into next month.

Frank 'intent' on signing Aghehowa as Spurs dealt Semenyo blow

The latter’s contract includes a tantalising £65 million release clause, including add-ons, which will be active in the early stages of January.

Of course, this has piqued real interest from Spurs, with the prospect of Mohammed Kudus on the right and Semenyo on the left coming as a very enticing thought.

However, as per TEAMtalk, Paratici and Lange have now been dealt a crushing blow in their pursuit of the 25-year-old.

The Lilywhites, Man City, Liverpool and Man United are all competing to sign Semenyo in January, but Pep Guardiola’s City side are now casting doubt over a potential move to N17.

This is because they are now the prime contenders with Semenyo ‘keen to engage’ in City talks, dealing Spurs a roadblock and making them outside contenders for his signature.

That being said, Frank personally remains ‘intent’ on signing Aghehowa for Spurs, and there is every reason to believe the Spaniard would be a serious improvement on their centre-forward options.

The 21-year-old has bagged 37 goals in all competitions since the start of 24/25, making him one of Europe’s most lethal strikers right now, but Tottenham will need to fork out around £70 million to make the deal happen.

This would be a club-record deal for Spurs, eclipsing the £65 million they paid for the injury-prone Dominic Solanke last year.

Solanke’s unavailability, concerns surrounding Richarlison and Mathys Tel’s rawness emphasise the need for a new number nine, especially considering Randal Kolo Muani is only at Tottenham on a straight loan.

In terms of pedigree and potential, you could hardly do better than Aghehowa, who’s already been compared to a prime Diego Costa.

As Chelsea thrashed Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League, former Stamford Bridge star Pat Nevin was left in awe of Estevao Willian, who scored a stunning individual effort in a true breakout performance for the young Brazilian.

The Blues started as they meant to go on, almost inviting Hansi Flick’s high-line, baiting Barcelona in. The Spaniards were handed plenty of warning signs, too. Wesley Fofana’s hand spared their early blushes, before the linesman’s flag suggested that Flick had picked his tactic well for the trip to Stamford Bridge. But the inevitable was clear.

Come the 27th-minute, Barcelona and Jules Kounde completed the job that Enzo Fernandez believed he’d done twice prior by finding the back of the net to hand Chelsea the lead. The own goal opened the gate in a half of onslaught that simply did not rest after the break, when West London was treated to the Estevao show.

On a night centred around one of the early 2026 Ballon d’Or favourites Lamine Yamal, it was Chelsea’s youngster who shined brightest to score a wonderful goal in the 55th-minute. The 18-year-old is proving to be one of the best signings of the Todd Boehly era.

Aside from Ferran Torres’ wasted effort early on, Barcelona didn’t have a sniff against Enzo Maresca’s dominant side. This was no 2005 display from the Spanish club. Instead, it was excellency from the hosts in the Champions League as they secured their biggest-ever win against Barcelona.

The impressive victory has made it three wins from five in the Champions League and highlighted them as a potential dark horse. They’ve got plenty of history in European football these days and have just added another night to remember.

Pat Nevin blown away by "utterly brilliant" Estevao

When news emerged earlier this week that Cole Palmer has fractured his toe in a home accident, there may have been understandable concern around West London about where the Blues would continue to find their spark. But Estevao wouldn’t have shared that concern. He saw an opportunity – an opportunity that he’s taken with both hands against Barcelona, of all sides.

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He ended the evening with three chances created, one goal, eight touches inside the Barcelona box and deserved praise from Nevin. The former Chelsea man was blown away by the teenage sensation, telling BBC Sport: “You know what? Start believing the hype! Estevao Willian is EXTRA special!

“The way he goes past the first player, there is no space whatsoever and he leaves him for dead. He did it just by pure skill and fast feet. He still had a difficult angle to overcome to finish it but he leathered it into the net.

“He is going to be absolutely and utterly brilliant. It isn’t a question of if, it is a question of when and how good he is going to be.”

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