Arsenal have held initial discussions over signing a “special” player for Mikel Arteta, with new sporting director Andrea Berta looking to back him in the transfer market this summer.

Arsenal set to sign new forwards before next season

One of the key items on their transfer agenda is the signing of a forward, both out wide and further up front.

Top target: Arsenal and Berta in talks to seal early deal for £60m striker

The Gunners have a new top target at striker, and negotiations are ongoing to convince him to move to the Emirates Stadium.

1 ByDominic Lund Apr 22, 2025

Arteta has had to cope with fewer options than he’d ideally like throughout 2024/2025, with star winger Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both previously sidelined for extended periods.

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

Strikers Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are also unavailable after suffering long-term injuries, and while the latter could return to action earlier than initially expected, some reports have suggested that Jesus could be out until 2026, as he continues his recovery from an ACL rupture.

Mikel Merino has been utilised as an emergency striker while Jesus and Havertz remain sidelined, with the Spaniard doing pretty well in his unlikely new role. However, Merino is hardly a long-term solution, so Berta is reportedly keen to reinforce Arteta’s attacking areas.

As per GiveMeSport and other media sources, Arsenal want to sign a new left-winger and striker this summer, not to mention a potential alternative to Saka on the right-hand side.

That being said, Arsenal are also keen to bring in a new full-back and midfielders, to cover for the looming departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho on free transfers, so Berta must tread carefully with their budget.

This is where versatile Wolves star Matheus Cunha could be a very useful signing, given the Brazilian can operate in both wide areas and up front as a centre-forward.

His contract also contains a £62.5 million release clause, with Cunha recently admitting that he’d like to take the next step in his career.

Arsenal hold "exploratory" talks over signing Matheus Cunha

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Cunha, but they’re not the only ones, as Man United and Aston Villa are also believed to be among the clubs who are very keen.

Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, writing a detailed piece on his potential next landing spot, writes that Arsenal have held “exploratory” talks over signing Cunha ahead of the summer, alongside United and Villa, with Saudi clubs also lurking in the background and prepared to trigger his exit clause.

The Brazil international, who signed for just £34 million from Atlético Madrid, is said to be a fan of United, so Arsenal could have some convincing to do as he ponders a switch to Old Trafford.

Cunha has bagged a brilliant 16 goals and four assists in all competitions for Vitor Pereira’s side this term, with Wolves’ manager recently branding him a “special” player.

“He is a special player. He can do things that can make the difference in small details,” Pereira said of Cunha.

“Matheus Cunha is a player, in my opinion, who can reach high standards in this league. I hope not [elsewhere] because we need him.”

Crystal Palace are believed to be interested in completing the signing of a “wonderful” player in the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

Crystal Palace set for busy summer

The Eagles will hopefully finish this season by winning the FA Cup, with Oliver Glasner’s side preparing to take on Manchester City in the final later this month, but either way, a busy summer is expected at Selhurst Park. Young Eintracht Frankfurt defender Tamiou Kpebane has been linked with a move to Palace at the end of the season, likely being seen as one for the future rather than an immediate key player.

With Eberechi Eze potentially moving on in the summer, a top-quality replacement could be needed for the Englishman, and Lyon star Rayan Cherki has been mentioned as a target. The 21-year-old has scored 29 goals and registered 44 assists for the Ligue 1 side.

Burnley have sealed promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, incredibly conceding just 16 goals in their 46 league matches, and centre-back Maxime Esteve has been a big reason for the Clarets’ success. Palace are said to be interested in signing the 22-year-old, as Glasner looks to bring in defensive reinforcements.

Crystal Palace set to move for "wonderful" Jobe Bellingham

According to The Boot Room, Crystal Palace ‘will push’ to sign Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham once the window opens in the coming weeks, with Manchester United also battling to acquire his signature. His current club are demanding at least £20m for him.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a superb season for the Black Cats, helping them reach the Championship playoffs and winning the league’s Young Player of the Season award.

Bellingham stands out as a hugely exciting option for Palace, as the teenager looks to forge his own impressive career alongside his brother Jude.

Crystal Palace now looking to beat Wolves to signing of £8.5m striker

Crystal Palace now face a battle to secure the signing of a promising player.

ByBrett Worthington May 1, 2025

At just 19, he already has 87 appearances to his name for Sunderland, performing with maturity at the heart of their midifeld and being hailed by teammate Luke O’Nien.

“Listen, Jobe’s a wonderful player. I’m one of his biggest fans, more than his dad. Don’t tell him that. I think Jobe’s wonderful. He’s a wonderful addition. He even comes in at half-time to give his perspective. That’s how much he’s grown into the game. Even though he’s not playing, he’s in at half-time. We’re asking for his perspective on the game because he’s a leader in our team.”

If Palace could pip United to Bellingham’s signature, it could be a major coup, with the midfielder having the potential to be a key man for the next decade, even though future interest could admittedly emerge from huge clubs.

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and BlueCo are expected to sell their “best player” of 2025, in what would be quite a surprising move given his form.

Chelsea players who could leave Stamford Bridge this summer

A host of stars are widely tipped to leave the club this summer, so there is plenty of work to do in that regard, as many don’t appear to have a long-term future under Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea "ready to negotiate" re-signing £238k-a-week "leader", contact made

The west Londoners are exploring a “shock” move.

ByEmilio Galantini May 8, 2025

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi are all contenders to leave Chelsea, with the loanees seemingly out of Maresca’s plans.

Chelsea will need to find another new home for each of the aforementioned players this summer, with AC Milan already deciding they won’t pursue a permanent deal for Felix, while Arsenal are also set to allow Sterling to return to west London.

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Chelsea will be very keen to find buyers as soon as possible, as they seek to gauge control of their wage bill and stay in line with Financial Fair Play/PSR.

Another key decision awaiting BlueCo is the future of defender Trevoh Chalobah, who has seriously impressed since returning from a loan spell at Crystal Palace.

The Cobham academy graduate was frozen out of Maresca’s pre-season tour and allowed to make a temporary move to Selhurst Park, only for Chelsea to activate a re-call clause in the deal and bring him back amid their centre-back shortage.

Since then, Chalobah has enjoyed a fantastic run in the first-team, starting each of their last six Premier League games. Chelsea have won four out of their last six, drawing the other two, and they’ve conceded just five goals in that time.

It is no coincidence that this run of form has coincided with the 25-year-old’s presence in Maresca’s backline, but it is believed by some that Chalobah could be used in potential Chelsea swap deals for other centre-backs.

Chelsea expected to sell Trevoh Chalobah despite stellar form

Now, The Telegraph’s Matt Law has provided an update on his future, and it appears the Englishman could still part company despite his excellent form.

Speaking on the London is Blue podcast, relayed by The Chelsea Chronicle, Law stated that Chelsea are expected to sell Chalobah this summer, and it is a case of Groundhog Day for Maresca’s “best player” of 2025.

“I suspect that they will try and sell him because I think that’s what the whole bringing him back was about,” said Law.

“I know that they are obviously interested in bringing in one defender. I don’t think it will be two defenders, so I think it will be one defender rather than two unless there are a lot more sales than planned, but I do fear that Trev will be on the up for sale list again. No one can be surprised because it’s the same thing that happens every year.

“I mean, it’s literally, it’s like Groundhog Day with Trev. He becomes the best player of the second half of the season, then they try and sell him.”

This summer is another opportunity for boss Enzo Maresca to make the desired changes he wants to his Chelsea squad to help in their ambitions of edging closer to a Premier League title.

The Italian took the reins last summer and has so far done a commendable job at the helm, still having the opportunity to claim a Champions League place for 2025/26.

He could also secure the club another European title in the coming months, currently in the semi-final of the Europa Conference League, with a clash with Djurgarden on the horizon.

However, regardless of whether they achieve their goals between now and the end of the campaign, the 45-year-old will want new additions to help strengthen his first-team squad.

The hierarchy have already been laying the foundations for the summer transfer window, undoubtedly looking to back the manager in his quest to take the Blues back to their glory days.

An update on Chelsea’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, endless names have been thrown into the mix over a summer move to Stamford Bridge, but as of yet, no deals have yet been completed.

The likes of Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Benjamin Sesko have all been high up on their shortlist as Maresca desperately craves added quality within the final third.

However, another name has now been linked with a switch to West London in the form of Morgan Rogers, with The Independent reporting the club’s interest in the Aston Villa sensation.

They claim that Unai Emery’s side are reluctant to part ways with the 22-year-old, but could be forced to sell to maintain their current PSR standing and avoid a potential points deduction.

The report goes on to state the club’s keen desire to increase firepower, with Rogers doing just that given his record of 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions in 2024/25.

Why Morgan Rogers would revive Palmer at Chelsea

Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s go-to attacker in the final over the last couple of seasons, thriving beyond all imagination after the hierarchy forked out £40m for his signature in 2023.

The England international has notched a staggering 62 combined goals and assists in his 85 appearances for the Blues – with no other first-team member getting near such a record.

However, it hasn’t been all plain sailing for the 22-year-old in recent months, certainly enduring his trickiest period since moving to the Bridge, undoubtedly having an effect on the club’s form.

He’s now gone 16 matches without a goal in all competitions, dating back to the middle of January – by far and away his biggest drought since arriving in West London.

A move for Rogers in the summer window could allow the former Manchester City star to recapture his previous form, linking up with one of his former academy teammates.

His stats at Villa Park this campaign have been nothing short of sensational, undoubtedly enabling Palmer to hit the heights he’s previously demonstrated under Maresca.

Rogers, who’s been labelled as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League” by podcaster and content creator Jamie Kent, has registered 1.5 chances created per 90, along with 3.7 progressive passes per 90 – handing his compatriot the chance to thrive in the final third.

Morgan Rogers’ stats for Aston Villa in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	33
Goals & assists	16
Chances created	1.5
Progressive passes	3.7
Successful take-ons	2
Progressive carries	3.3
Shot-on-target accuracy	37%
Goal per shot-on-target rate	0.5
Stats via FBref

He’s also completed two successful take-ons per 90, whilst posting a staggering 3.3 progressive carries, showcasing his excellent ball-carrying ability in moving into attacking areas.

However, the Villa star has also thrived in front of goal, getting 37% of his shots on target, along with a 0.5 goal per shot-on target rate, subsequently allowing Palmer to increase his own assist tally.

Palmer’s lack of form in recent weeks will be a concern for many, with their chances of success between now and the end of the season potentially falling onto his shoulders.

If he is to recapture his best form in 2025/26, a move for Rogers would be the perfect solution, with a familiar face allowing the England international to resurrect his recent slump.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Emery’s star man would set the hierarchy back, but given his form this campaign, it’s a deal they have to pursue – having the opportunity to develop further given his tender age.

Big upgrade on Gittens: Chelsea plan to enter talks to sign £55m winger

Chelsea could seriously boost their attacking options with this statement buy.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 29, 2025

Glasgow Rangers’ 2024/25 season is finally over. Truth be told, it was over once the Ibrox side were knocked out of the Europa League in April.

For Barry Ferguson, his interim spell at Rangers may have produced a few moments of magic, but he said his goodbyes following the 2-2 draw against Hibs at the weekend.

Now, the 49ers will be looking to bring in a new permanent manager ahead of pre-season. If they get the decision right, the Gers could challenge Celtic for domestic success next season.

Yet another wrong managerial appointment, however, and the club may have to get accustomed to finishing second in the Premiership.

One thing the Light Blues haven’t done well over the years is selling their prized assets when the iron is hot.

This has seen plenty of big-name players leave the club for nothing, or for pennies, since Steven Gerrard departed in November 2021.

Rangers' financial mistakes in the transfer market

Giovanni van Bronckhorst may have sold Nathan Patterson, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey for big fees all within six months of each other but sadly, they have been rareities.

Indeed, these are the only significant sales the Ibrox side have made since returning to the top flight in 2016. Compare this to Celtic’s record in the market, and it is night and day.

Player

Year released

Borna Barisic

2024

Ryan Jack

2024

John Lundstram

2024

Kemar Roofe

2024

Jon McLaughlin

2024

Alfredo Morelos

2023

Ryan Kent

2023

Scott Arfield

2023

Alan McGregor

2023

Filip Helander

2023

Andy Firth

2022

Jack Simpson

2022

Leon Balogun

2022

Jake Hastie

2022

Via Transfermarkt

Two of the club’s biggest commodities – Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos – were somehow allowed to run down their contracts towards the end of the 2022/23 season.

At the time, Morelos was valued at €6m (£5m) and Kent €9m (£7.5m), meaning that if Rangers wished to cash in, they would have got a decent figure for either player.

This proved to be a costly financial decision. As did buying players such as Sam Lammers for £3m and Danilo for a reported fee of £6m. At the time of writing, the duo have only managed to score 14 goals between them.

Hopefully, new ownership means better decisions will be made in the transfer market. With new signings, money should be invested in younger talents who have the potential to generate massive profits in the next few years.

Regarding outgoings, players should be sold when they are at the peak of their powers, thus funding the arrival of more talent, meaning the cycle can continue.

While supporters don’t want to see the club’s best players leave Ibrox, sometimes it is necessary for further improvement.

With this in mind, the new manager could do worse than aim to receive a massive fee for striker Hamza Igamane, especially as he has caught the eye of clubs down south.

The latest on Hamza Igamane's Rangers future

The Moroccan centre-forward was certainly an unknown quantity when he arrived in Glasgow last summer.

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Nearly a year later, he has proved many people wrong, finishing the season with a tally of 16 goals and three assists. The youngster even gained his first senior cap for Morocco in the process.

The Europa League proved to be a happy hunting ground for the attacker, scoring four goas and grabbing an assist across ten games in the competition.

His effort against Tottenham Hotspur looked like it was enough for the Gers to seal all three points, but his performance did generate interest from the Premier League.

Indeed, it was reported after the game that Everton had sent scouts to monitor him against Spurs and were suitably impressed with his display.

Recently, French side Strasbourg have been linked with a move for the striker ahead of the summer transfer window.

If Rangers do decide to sell, they must aim to get as big a fee as possible. Igamane won’t be the only player attracting attention in the summer, as Nicolas Raskin will be in high demand when the window opens.

Why it's the right time to sell Raskin

The Belgian midfielder returned from an injury that derailed his opening weeks of the campaign to emerge as one of the club’s best players.

Raskin was superb throughout the league campaign, managing to create nine big chances for his teammates, while averaging 1.3 key passes and succeeding with 68% of his dribbles per game.

Defensively, the midfielder was imperious, winning 6.6 total duels per game – a success rate of 66% – while also making 2.8 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and recovering 5.6 balls per match.

Operating from the heart of the midfield, Raskin’s abilities at both ends of the pitch have been on display for the Gers and this has attracted plenty of attention in securing his services this summer.

At the start of May, both Aston Villa and Leeds United were reportedly showing plenty of interest in bringing the former Standard Liege midfielder south of the border.

Not looking to repeat previous mistakes in the transfer market, the Light Blues have reportedly valued Raskin at around £20m, meaning they could generate a big profit on their initial £1.2m investment. If a club comes in with an offer of this magnitude, or perhaps even higher, then they must be ready to cash in.

Of course, he could get better, but right now, the iron is hot, and this money could be used to reinvest in the playing squad.

Raskin began to shine during Ferguson’s interim spell between February and the end of the season, leading journalist Scott Bradley to heap praise on the Belgian who said that Raskin “has been a different animal since Barry Ferguson has come in.”

A has a big future indeed, especially considering Premier League sides are keeping a close watch on him ahead of the transfer window opening.

Rangers simply have to sell players when they are just at the peak of their talents. It might not always be possible, but letting quality players run down their contracts isn’t going to work from now on.

Igamane and Raskin are two prized jewels in this current Rangers squad. If the new manager is able to get £40m or more both, it would certainly be considered excellent business.

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ByRoss Kilvington May 17, 2025

Leeds United know that they face an incredibly difficult task of avoiding an instant relegation from the Premier League when they take to the field next season.

The three teams promoted from the Championship have all been relegated from the top-flight in each of the last two campaigns, and the teams currently above the drop zone are concerning to teams coming up.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, both teams who have never been relegated from the Premier League, are currently 17th and 16th in the division, which means that Leeds will have to hope that other teams drop off and decline next term to give them a chance of staying up.

The Whites, who won the Championship title with a 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle on the final day of the season, will have to bolster their squad significantly to make the step up to compete with the likes of West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Fulham.

Daniel Farke and his staff may have one eye on what happens in the play-offs in the next couple of weeks because the club have previously been linked with Gustavo Hamer, who is starring for Sheffield United in the post-season tournament.

What Gustavo Hamer would bring to Leeds United

It was reported last summer that the Whites were interested in a deal to sign the Dutchman from the Blades, and that they went as far as to submit an official offer for his services, but they were unable to snap him up.

Hamer did not join his former teammate Jayden Bogle in switching Bramall Lane for Elland Road and went on to win the Championship Player of the Year award for Chris Wilder’s side with his impressive performances in midfield.

The former Coventry City star, who can provide a threat from free-kick situations, won the award by providing goals and assists on a regular basis for the Blades on their way to a third-placed finish in the division.

Hamer also created four chances and won four of his five duels in his side’s 3-0 win over Bristol City in the first leg of their play-off semi-final last week, off the back of his impressive performances during the regular season.

24/25 Championship

Gustavo Hamer

Appearances

41

xG

5.66

Goals

9

Key passes per game

1.8

Big chances created

11

Assists

7

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the attacking midfielder provided an efficient goal threat whilst also creating 11 ‘big chances’ for his side, which shows the kind of impact he can have at the top end of the pitch.

This means that Hamer would bring goals and assists from an attacking midfield position for Leeds if they were able to sign him from Sheffield United, although that seems unlikely if the Blades win the play-offs and join them in the Premier League.

Farke, however, could have his own version of the Dutch sensation if the 49ers can wrap up a deal for one of the club’s reported transfer targets.

Leeds eyeing deal for Premier League star

According to The Sunday Mirror, as relayed by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are one of a number of teams interested in a deal to sign James McAtee from Premier League giants Manchester City.

The report claims that the 49ers are lining up a move for the England U21 international as they look to bolster Farke’s squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.

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It also reveals that Manchester City are looking for a fee in the region of £25m to cash in on the attacking midfielder, despite his current contract being due to expire next summer.

The Sunday Mirror adds that Bayer Leverkusen, Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, and Crystal Palace are among the other teams keen on a deal for the English starlet, which shows that there is set to be plenty of competition for his services.

If Hamer becomes unattainable due to Sheffield United winning promotion to the Premier League, the 49ers must push to win the race for McAtee as a dream alternative.

Why McAtee could be Leeds United's own Hamer

The Manchester City youngster, like Hamer, is a diminutive and technically gifted attacking midfield player who can provide quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals, whilst buzzing around the pitch to link up play.

Whilst McAtee is slightly different, in that he is a left-footed player who can operate on the right or centrally, rather than the mirrored version that Hamer is, he fulfills a similar tactical role as an attacking midfield player who can make an impact in the final third.

The England U21 international, once dubbed a “special” player by Pep Guardiola, has only started three of his 15 appearances in the Premier League for City this term, but has still plundered three goals and created two ‘big chances’.

McAtee also scored three goals and provided three assists in 20 starts in the top-flight on loan at Sheffield United in the 2023/24 campaign, which came after his season on loan at Bramall Lane in the Championship.

22/23 Championship

James McAtee

Appearances

37

Starts

21

Goals

9

Big chances missed

2

Big chances created

6

Chances created

33

Assists

3

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed dynamo caught the eye in the 2022/23 Championship season with a return of 15 goals and ‘big chances’ created in 21 starts for the Blades.

These statistics show that he is similar to Hamer in the sense that he is a midfielder who can chip in with goals and assists at a decent rate, and they have both proven themselves in the second tier and the Premier League with Sheffield United.

The £25m-rated star has shown that he can find the back of the net efficiently in the top two tiers, given his return of three goals in three league starts for City this term, and that suggests that he could be a difference-maker for Leeds in the final third.

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At the age of 22, McAtee would also arrive at Elland Road with plenty of time left on his hands to develop and improve in the seasons to come, which is why he could be a shrewd investment at £25m, as Farke’s own Hamer and as a quality addition to the squad.

It seemed like forever that Arsenal had been away from the Champions League before their return to the competition in 2023, allowing them to make more memories in the famous competition.

From squeezing through the group stages to making the final in dramatic circumstances, the north Londoners have had plenty of memorable moments under the lights since making their debut in 1998.

Football FanCast has ranked 25 of the Gunners’ best Champions League moments.

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ByStephan Georgiou May 15, 2025 25 2005/06: Arsenal 2-1 FC Thun Bergkamp rescues Arsenal late on

Champions League minnows FC Thun were plying their trade in non-league eight years prior to this fixture and were expected to be rolled over with ease. But it certainly didn’t pan out like that.

Arsenal had to play with 10 men for much of the match after Robin van Persie received a straight red card for catching Alen Orman in the face with his boot.

The Gunners found themselves frustrated by the Swiss outfit and appeared to be heading towards a shock draw before Dennis Bergkamp struck home a dramatic stoppage-time winner to spare his side’s blushes.

24 2000/01: Arsenal 2-1 Valencia Parlour screamer downs Valencia

Arsenal came back from 1-0 down against La Liga giants Valencia to secure a 2-1 victory in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Thierry Henry levelled the score in the 58th minute before Ray Parlour netted a thunderous strike from distance two minutes later to put the north Londoners ahead.

Unfortunately, the second leg saw the Spanish side advance on away goals after winning 1-0 at the Mestalla.

Valencia went on to reach the final before suffering a heartbreaking defeat to Bayern Munich on penalties.

23 2003/04: Arsenal 1-0 Dynamo Kyiv Ashley Cole keeps Gunners alive

Bonfire Night in 2003 produced an electrifying atmosphere at Highbury after Ashley Cole netted an 88th-minute winner to clinch a 1-0 victory against Dynamo Kyiv.

The all-important result kept Arsenal’s Champions League dreams afloat as they went on to win their final two group games to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.

The Gunners reached the quarter-finals before suffering a late 3-2 aggregate defeat to London rivals Chelsea.

22 2005/06: Arsenal 1-0 Villarreal Highbury bids farewell to CL nights

Kolo Toure’s first-half strike was enough to seal a 1-0 win against Villarreal in the semi-finals of the Champions League, in a game that saw a squirrel famously invade the field of play.

It was also Arsenal’s final European fixture at Highbury, so the victory was a fitting farewell to the historic stadium.

Wenger’s men went on to reach the Champions League final after holding the Spaniards to a goalless draw in the second leg at El Madrigal.

21 2002/03: PSV 0-4 Arsenal Gilberto and Arsenal thrash PSV

Arsenal secured a thumping 4-0 away victory against PSV in the group stages of the 2002/03 competition. Gilberto Silva broke the record for the fastest Champions League goal after netting inside 21 seconds.

Thierry Henry scored a late brace and Freddie Ljungberg also found himself on the scoresheet to complete the demolition job in the Netherlands.

Dennis Bergkamp also played in his first European away game in two years.

20 2013/14: Arsenal 2-0 Napoli Mesut Özil truly arrives

The summer of 2013 saw Arsenal obliterate their transfer record to sign Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Özil for a whopping £42.4m.

The German’s first goal in Arsenal colours came in their Champions League opener against Napoli as he beautifully caressed home a side-footed effort from just inside the box.

Özil scored seven goals whilst laying on 14 assists in his debut campaign in north London, so not bad going…

19 2024/25: PSV 1-7 Arsenal Gunners enjoy another great night in Eindhoven

Arsenal’s placing in the revamped Champions League group phase meant a last-16 tie against PSV, who had beaten Liverpool and Juventus on their way to sealing their own knockout stage berth.

But those hoping for a close game were quickly disappointed, as the Gunners raced out of the blocks to lead 3-0 inside 31 minutes.

Arsenal didn’t take their foot off the gas in the second half, putting another four past their opponents to make the second leg a formality. It was their biggest away victory in the Champions League.

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ByStephan Georgiou Mar 5, 2025 18 2001/02: Arsenal 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen Eventual finalists played off the park

Arsenal played the would-be runners-up Bayer Leverkusen off the park as the French trio of Robert Pires, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira all got themselves on the scoresheet.

But it was the Dutchman Bergkamp who scored the pick of the goals as he turned his man on the edge of the area and cheekily dinked the ball over the helpless Hans-Jörg Butt.

Despite a dazzling display by the Gunners, they were dumped out of the competition in the second group phase after finishing third.

17 2007/08: Arsenal 7-0 Slavia Prague Gunners turn on style against Slavia

Wenger’s men completely dominated their Czech opponents as they recorded the club’s biggest-ever Champions League victory. The fluidity of the play was a joy to watch, and some of the goals scored were out of this world.

The Gunners came second to Sevilla in their group that year and reached the last eight of the competition before suffering a 5-3 aggregate defeat by Liverpool. A cruel exit for the north Londoners.

Football purists will certainly enjoy watching this highlight reel below.

16 2005/06: Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid Gunners hold Real at Highbury to complete epic victory

After sealing a historic 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu, Arsenal still had to fend off Real Madrid on their own patch to seal a quarter-final place back in 2006.

In an even game, the Gunners held their own against their fancied opponents once again, with Thierry Henry mesmeric as ever as Arsene Wenger’s side held on.

Madrid came closest when Raul was extraordinarily denied by Jens Lehmann with the goal at his mercy.

Chelsea are now believed to be “strong” contenders to sign one Barcelona star this summer, with news coming to light that the player and Hansi Flick’s side are currently at an impasse when it comes to a new contract.

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Los Blancos are big admirers of the Argentine.

5 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 26, 2025

Chelsea are ready to splash the cash on a centre-back, winger and forward, while it is also believed they could bring in another central defender, left-back, new goalkeeper and attacking midfielder – but all of this will largely depend on their Premier League finish and how many players they can sell (Simon Phillips).

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Chelsea supporters will be particularly keen to see fresh attacking options come in, as they’ve lost a degree of potency since the turn of the year. Christopher Nkunku, João Félix and Carney Chukwuemeka will all likely be sold or loaned out as well (Simon Phillips), while Mykhailo Mudryk is currently banned after failing a drugs test.

Ideally, Chelsea need a versatile attacking player who can cover plenty of bases, both through the middle and out wide.

An ambitious target in this regard, but one who’d arguably be perfect, is Barcelona superstar Raphinha.

The former Leeds United forward is enjoying the season of his life at Barça under Hansi Flick, racking up 30 goals and 23 assists across 49 appearances in all competitions, and he can play across multiple areas in the attacking front three.

Raphinha has been linked with a move to Chelsea in recent days, but a new report from CaughtOffiside claims the Brazil international could cost up to £77 million to prise away from the Camp Nou.

Chelsea now "strong" contenders to sign Raphinha

The outlet also claims both Raphinha and Barça are struggling to reach an agreement over a new contract, as the player’s wage demands are currently too high, and fresh terms can only be agreed if he lowers them.

Their precarious financial situation could even hand Chelsea a chance to tempt him back to the Premier League.

Indeed, it is believed Chelsea are now “strong contenders” to sign Raphinha amid this contract debacle, but BlueCo will have to pay him a high salary as well, with his current take-home being around £206,000-per-week.

Arsenal and Liverpool are also named as frontrunners for Raphinha alongside Chelsea, if an exit does end up being on the cards for him, and there is little denying La Liga’s arguable player of the season would be a major upgrade.

“He’s [Raphinha] unbelievable because he’s always 100% very focused and gives us a lot of strength in the defense, but also in the offence,” Flick told TNT Sports Brasil.

“He’s always the player who starts the dynamic to press, but also when we have space, he started in the right moment in these spaces, and it helps us a lot.

“He also always smiles; this is what I like the most, he’s always positive, and it’s important for him to be positive, this is the big thing – then you have confidence to give 100% on the pitch.”

Chelsea are in ongoing negotiations over the signing of an “incredible” forward, and it is believed winger Jadon Sancho could now be used as leverage to make a deal happen for the player.

Chelsea targeting new winger for Enzo Maresca this summer

A new winger is believed to be one of BlueCo’s main transfer priorities this summer.

£200k-a-week Chelsea ace could now join De Zerbi with sale real possibility

It would be a big decision.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 29, 2025

This year, there will be two separate windows for Chelsea to conduct transfer business, with one open from June 1st to June 10th. This will allow them to sign players before their Club World Cup campaign, which is seen as important by many, given the prize money available.

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Chelsea could obtain a £97 million windfall by winning all of their group stage games and the tournament itself, based on various factors, so it is clear to see why Stamford Bridge officials won’t be taking their participation lightly.

It could be very lucrative indeed for Enzo Maresca’s side, prompting reports that the west Londoners will be active when the pre-CWC transfer window opens.

One of the key items on their agenda is bringing in an exciting new wide player (Simon Phillips), with uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Sancho.

Mudryk is currently serving an on-field ban after testing positive for banned substances, while there are suggestions Chelsea are open to selling Madueke as Eddie Howe’s Newcastle and Aston Villa consider deals.

Chelsea are obliged to sign Sancho on a permanent deal from Man United, after triggering his £25 million clause, with the Blues now guaranteed to finish above 15th in the table.

Chelsea could still opt out of this by paying a £5 million penalty to United, but it now appears they could hatch a different plan for Sancho, involving top target and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens.

Chelsea could offer Jadon Sancho in "separate" swap deal for Jamie Gittens

Chelsea opened talks to sign Gittens earlier this week, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, and now TEAMtalk have shared another update.

The outlet claims Chelsea are in “active talks” to sign Gittens, and preferably want a deal for the Englishman finalised before the CWC commences. While Gittens is valued at around £35 million, they have ways to bring the overall cost down.

Dortmund loanee Carney Chukwuemeka is also valued at £35m, and could head the other way permanently to cancel out the fee needed for Gittens. However, so soon after triggering his £25m clause, TT write that Chelsea could offer Sancho in a separate deal for Gittens as well.

While both transfers would be apart from one another on paper, this is essentially a swap deal, just not in the traditional sense, and it is a further example of just how common player-trading is becoming in the market now – as clubs seek to navigate their way around PSR.

Gittens has been a mainstay for Dortmund this term, despite his very young age, with the 20-year-old scoring 12 goals and assisting five others across 45 appearances in all competitions.

He could well be worth all of this effort, with ex-Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin describing him as an “incredible” one-v-one attacker.

Will Leeds United be able to consolidate themselves as a Premier League-worthy outfit next season after finally breaking free of the Championship’s grip?

It will certainly be easier said than done, however, considering all three promoted teams that went up at Leeds’ expense at the end of the 2023/24 campaign are all tumbling straight back down to the EFL’s top league after a short-lived top-flight stay.

Moreover, Daniel Farke himself has a sketchy track record in the Premier League, having picked up just six career wins at the tricky level, leading to speculation surrounding his future at Elland Road that he could be let go of despite successfully guiding the Whites up to the big-time.

To help in their mission to stay afloat, one of Leeds’ tactics in the summer transfer window could be to poach some of the Championship’s cream of the crop.

Who Leeds could sign this summer

Before looking to bring in some of the EFL’s very best, it might be a case that the Whites look at strengthening courtesy of some Premier League players.

Inevitably, rumours linking Kalvin Phillips with a return have been lingering in the background over the last few months, while last week, West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has reportedly become a target for the club.

But, who else is on their radar?

Well, heading into the 2024/25 campaign, they were persistently linked with Sheffield United playmaker Gustavo Hamer.

Leeds would, of course, snap up Jayden Bogle from the Blades, but this other switch wouldn’t go ahead, with the ex-Coventry City attacker then going on to win the coveted prize of Championship’s Player of the Season at the EFL awards this weekend for his efforts under Chris Wilder’s wing.

Gaining such recognition could well reignite the promoted side’s interest, with Hamer now having to fight it out for a place in the Premier League next season via the playoffs.

It’s a move pundit Lee Hendrie thinks has legs too, telling Football League World: “Obviously (Leeds) were interested (in Hamer), and particularly if the Blades don’t go up, I think that is going to be the key factor, isn’t it? He’s a very good player, and he has had a lot of clubs that were sniffing around him, even before going to Sheffield United. He’s proven that he has got that x-factor, one of the better players in the Championship arguably, in that position, anyway.”

Why Hamer would be a major upgrade on Aaronson

Described as an “unbelievable” player by former teammate Oli McBurnie, signing Hamer could finally see Brenden Aaronson pushed to one side in Farke’s starting lineups.

Aaronson should be commended for slotting back into the Whites set-up this season after his time at Elland Road had become sour but that doesn’t mean an upgrade shouldn’t be sought once their Premier League return is here.

The 24-year-old was loaned out to Union Berlin for all of the 2023/24 season right after his side’s demise down to the EFL, only for the number 11 to notch up nine goals and two assists from 44 Championship appearances the following campaign back among the first-team fold.

Unfortunately for the rejuvenated USA international, he has endured a poor personal end to the season even as his side sit pretty in the league’s top two, with a mere two goal contributions falling his way in the Championship in 2025.

Whereas, Hamer – as seen via his sumptuous free-kick against Coventry back in March – has been a constant menace all campaign long for Wilder and Co, with four of his impressive 16 goal contributions in league action coming during United’s last six contests.

Hamer at Sheff Utd vs Aaronson at Leeds
Stat	Hamer	Aaronson
Championship games played	163	44
Premier League games played	36	36
Champ goals	26	9
Champ assists	31	2
PL goals	4	1
PL assists	7	3
Stats by Sofascore

Shades of a certain Pablo Hernandez – a goalscoring and creative midfielder, Hamer certainly blows Aaronson out of the water with his standout Premier League output.

While goals certainly haven’t been hard to come by for Leeds in 2024/25, he would be a welcome addition to Farke’s ranks if a move whirred back into motion, with Hamer more than comfortable as a number ten option to usurp his ex-Red Bull Salzburg counterpart.

Also equally as lively down the left where he’s predominantly starred this season at Bramall Lane, Hamer would potentially give Farke a whole host of options in attack ahead of the step-up in quality, with this signing one that would undoubtedly boost Leeds in their fight for instant survival.

Farke is brewing a Piroe upgrade in Leeds teen with "masses of potential"

Leeds United could have a top star for the future in this highly rated youngster.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 27, 2025