Newcastle United are planning talks with a “scary” attacking player ahead of a potential move to St James’ Park this summer, according to a new update.
Newcastle plan transfers in line with Champions League push
The Magpies picked up three more important points in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, easing to a relatively straightforward 3-0 win at home to Ipswich Town despite a slow start to the match.
While Newcastle’s season hasn’t always been perfect, winning the EFL Cup was a huge moment in the club’s long history, and qualifying for the Champions League would be another significant achievement for Eddie Howe and his players.
The Magpies sit third in the Premier League table with four matches remaining, and while Nottingham Forest will overtake them if they win their game in hand this week, they are still in a wonderful position to finish in the top five.
Newcastle’s remaining matches are taxing, however, with a crucial home clash with Chelsea on the horizon, as well as trips to both Brighton and Arsenal, so there is still plenty of work to do in the coming weeks. Being in the Champions League will help them attract top names to the club, and one such player has been mentioned as a summer target.
Newcastle planning talks to sign "scary" attacker
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle and Paul Mitchell plan to hold talks with Ademola Lookman over a move to the club, as they look to entice the Nigerian away from Serie A side Atalanta.
The 27-year-old has plenty of potential suitors, however, with new Premier League champions Liverpool mentioned as an option, and Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all in the mix, too. While Juventus also get a mention, they are unlikely to be able to afford the £55m being demanded for his signature.
Atalanta's Ademola Lookman in action with AC Milan'sEmersonRoyal
Lookman could be a brilliant signing for Newcastle ahead of next season, hopefully coming in as competition for Alexander Isak, rather than a replacement for him, The former Everton man has scored 50 times for Atalanta, including 18 goals this season, and the best moment of his career to date was a memorable hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Lookman has been described as “scary in tight spaces” by Tuttosport, while Gian Piero Gasperini has hailed him as “truly extraordinary” and “among the best” there is in the world currently. Indeed, he has been somewhat of a late bloomer, going from failed Everton flop to emerging as a truly top player in Europe now at the age of 27.
Attacking reinforcements are a must for Newcastle in the summer, with more firepower required after arguably too much pressure on Isak’s shoulders this season, and the Atalanta ace could be a perfect addition, given he would also provide depth on both wings.
Romano: Newcastle "keen on signing" £70m "tank" with same agent as Gordon
They’ve wanted him for ages.
By
Barney Lane
Apr 27, 2025
The Nigeria international has Premier League experience, making 96 appearances in the competition, and he is at a great age to come in and be a star man for the Magpies straight away.
Leeds United have an incredibly difficult task ahead of them following their 100-point Championship season that earned them promotion to the Premier League.
The last six teams that have been promoted to the top-flight have been instantly relegated back down to the second tier, including Southampton, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Luton Town, Sheffield United, and Burnley.
Daniel Farke has first-hand experience of how hard it is to keep a team in the Premier League after promotion. He suffered relegation with Norwich City after his first title at Carrow Road, before being sacked during the Canaries’ second relegation straight after promotion.
The German head coach has to be backed by the 49ers in the summer transfer window to ensure that he has a squad that is capable of competing week-in-week-out in the top-flight.
There are some players in the current squad who may not be able to make the step up in quality, which is evidenced by the last six teams failing to stay up, and Dan James is one of those whose suitability for next season is up for debate.
Why Leeds have a Dan James dilemma this summer
The Wales international played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League with his attacking contributions from the right wing, and was nominated for the Championship Player of the Season award.
James also caught the eye with his performances in the second tier during the 2023/24 campaign, only for Leeds to fall short in the play-off final against Southampton.
The former Manchester United forward scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in the Championship this term, after a return of 13 goals and seven assists last term, which shows that he provided a regular threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
There is, therefore, no doubt that James is a star at that level because he has proven himself in a Leeds shirt over the past two seasons, but that does not mean that he is guaranteed to be a key figure in the Premier League for the Whites.
Appearances
33
15
34
24
Goals
3
3
4
2
Conversion rate
7%
18%
7%
12%
Key passes per game
0.8
0.7
0.8
0.4
Big chances created
6
2
5
3
Assists
6
1
4
1
As you can see in the table above, the 27-year-old attacker has already played four seasons of Premier League football in his career, for Manchester United, Leeds, and Fulham, and is yet to score more than four goals in one campaign.
He also failed to create at least one chance per game for his teammates in any of those four seasons, which shows that he did not provide regular quality as a scorer or a creator.
This is why Leeds have a dilemma with James this summer because it remains to be seen if he can finally be a success in the top-flight, but the 49ers could improve his chances of being a success by landing the club’s latest reported target.
Leeds eyeing bargain swoop for Premier League ace
According to talkSPORT, Leeds United are interested in a deal to sign West Ham United right-back Vladimir Coufal in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report claims that the 49ers are looking for more top-flight experience in their squad and have identified the Czechia international as a target ahead of their Premier League campaign.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It also reveals that Coufal, who wants to stay in the Premier League, was told by the Hammers that they would not be extending his current contract at the London Stadium, which means that he will become a free agent, and a bargain signing for his next club, at the end of June.
TalkSPORT adds that David Moyes, who managed the right-back during his tenure at West Ham, is also interested in signing the experienced defender for Everton.
Vladimir Coufal.
The 49ers must push to win the race to sign the 32-year-old full-back because he could be the perfect addition to help Dan James thrive in the top-flight.
Why Vladimir Coufal could be perfect for Dan James
Whilst current Leeds right-back Jayden Bogle enjoyed a fine season in the Championship, scoring six goals and providing four assists, there are still question marks over his defensive abilities in the Premier League.
He started 32 matches for a Sheffield United team that conceded a record 104 goals in 38 games last term, and started 12 times in the Blades team that finished bottom on 23 points with 63 goals conceded in the 2020/21 campaign.
Whereas West Ham have conceded fewer than 60 goals in four of Coufal’s five Premier League seasons with the Hammers, since his move from Sparta Prague in the summer of 2020.
The 32-year-old star has played a key role in many of those seasons, thanks to the defensive stability that he provides at right-back as a solid operator in a back four.
Appearances
20
36
27
28
34
Dribbled past per game
0.6x
1.0x
0.5x
0.6x
1.1x
Ground duel success rate
47%
50%
54%
52%
57%
Aerial duel success rate
60%
52%
65%
49%
56%
Error led to shot
1
0
0
1
1
Error led to goal
0
0
0
0
0
As you can see in the table above, Coufal has not made a single error that has directly led to a goal in his Premier League career, and he has only been dribbled past more than once per match on average in one of those five seasons.
Bogle was dribbled past 53 times in 46 top-flight games for Sheffield United, which suggests that attacking players find it easier to get past the English defender, and that is why Leeds signing Coufal could be perfect for Dan James.
West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal.
Having a right-back who has proven that he can be defensive solid at Premier League level could allow Farke to keep the Welsh forward high and wide on the right flank, giving the team an outlet to hit on the counter attack by using his pace to push teams back and get in behind in counter-attacking situations.
Coufal, once dubbed “outstanding” by Declan Rice, may not need as much support as the defensively susceptible Bogle, on the right, which would free up James to stay further up the pitch when Leeds are defending.
As shown by his famous goal for Swansea in the clip above, the Wales international has electric pace on the counter attack and the Whites could utilise that effectively by ensuring that they have a defensively solid right-back who does not need constant support out of possession.
This is why Coufal, particularly on a free transfer, could be a perfect signing to come in and compete with Bogle for a spot in the team next season.
Their answer to Hamer: 49ers lining up Leeds swoop for "special" £25m star
Leeds could land their own version of Gustavo Hamer in a move for this £25m star.
Fulham have submitted a “very important” bid for a 24-year-old goalkeeper ahead of this summer, according to a claim made by the player’s agent.
Doubts over Marco Silva's future as Fulham prepare for summer window
Marco Silva will know the importance of freshening up his squad in the summer transfer window, in order to take them up another level and look to secure a European finish in 2025/26. It isn’t definite that he will still be in charge of the Cottagers when the new campaign arrives, however, amid rumours of him going to Tottenham or the Middle East.
Tony Khan has spoken glowingly about his manager, perhaps hoping to convince the Portuguese to stay put: “Marco is a huge, huge asset to Fulham Football Club. He is such an amazing person and he is so important to the football club. Marco has a great relationship with my father and myself, and we really love Marco and we want him to stay at Fulham Football Club forever.”
Fulham managerMarcoSilvabefore the match
Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl has been linked with replacing Silva, with the 36-year-old German highly thought of as an exciting young coach, and increasingly likely to leave the Owls in the near future. Southampton also thought to be keen on appointing him, though, following their doomed Premier League campaign.
Fulham make "very important" offer for Paraguayan goalkeeper
Now, a new transfer rumour has emerged, with Fulham tabling a “very important” offer for San Lorenzo goalkeeper Orlando Gill, according to his agent, Mariano Zelaya: “Bologna and Genoa are interested. There’s also a very important offer from the Premier League [Fulham], and there’s also an offer from Brazilian football.”
Gill is a relative unknown to the average football fan, plying his trade in Argentina and still awaiting his first cap for Paraguay at international level. The 24-year-old is a good ‘keeper, though, with Leeds United strongly linked with a move for the 6 foot 5 stopper, as they look to boost their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.
There is no guarantee that Fulham or the Whites will be able to get their man, however, with Zelaya stressing that he may not leave San Lorenzo this summer:
“What I always tell Orlando is to take it slow. He’s at a big club, which gave him the opportunity and visibility. I want him to stay until the end of the year because he’s fighting to be part of the national team. Where a player builds his career is crucial. You have to be very careful where he plays and with which manager. If a player tells me ‘I want to make history with the national team,’ then the responsibility is huge. Today, Orlando has San Lorenzo and his national team on his mind. We’ll work through our options slowly.”
Fulham make move to sign 28 y/o midfielder who could be available for £0
Fulham are looking to beat Premier League opposition to sign a player on a free transfer.
ByBrett Worthington May 8, 2025
If a move to Craven Cottage does materialise, the Paraguayan could prove to be a strong backup option to Bernd Leno, who has started all 36 league games this season.
The bad news is that Tottenham Hotspur picked up their 21st defeat of the Premier League season last night, but the good news is that there is just one more game to go.
In fact, the even better and more consequential news from last night was probably that the North Londoners didn’t lose any more important first-teamers ahead of the Europa League Final next week.
However, with all that said, Ange Postecoglou can’t be particularly pleased with his team, as even though they had some good chances and put in a far better showing than they did on Sunday, they’re still going into their most important game in years off the back of a defeat.
2
Goals
0
1.56
Expected Goals
0.32
2
Big Chances
1
18
Total Shots
3
69%
Possession
31%
579
Passes
260
40
Touches in the Penalty Area
8
5
Fouls
12
15
Tackles
9
Moreover, while some players made a good case for why they should stay in the team, like Wilson Odobert and Son Heung-min, other players most certainly did not.
Odobert & Son's game vs Aston Villa
So, while they might be rather small, let’s start with the positives then, like Odeobert and Son.
Performance in Numbers
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The former moved from the right wing to the number ten position in the absence of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, and while he didn’t exactly blow us away, he offered something fresh.
While he was guilty of a mistimed shot here or a dodgy pass there, the Frenchman was incredibly busy and, at points, interchanged with his fellow attackers in a way that could cause problems for Manchester United on Wednesday night.
It was a performance that left a somewhat favourable impression on the Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, who awarded him a 6/10 match rating.
He gave the same rating to Son, praising him for showing some of his ‘trademark bursts down the left flank’, which at points were the team’s best moves.
Moreover, while his end product wasn’t ideal, journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor argued that he looked “quicker with the ball at his feet than he has in months.”
In all, while it would be hyperbolic to suggest either player was fantastic last night, it would also be fair to say they both showed enough to be in contention to start the final, which cannot be said for one of the other starters.
The Spurs star who has to be dropped
Unfortunately, there were a few players who were rather unimpressive last night, such as Mikey Moore and Pape Matar Sarr, but the starter who has to be dropped ahead of Wednesday is Archie Gray.
Now, it should be said that the former Leeds United gem has generally been great for Spurs this season and has done an admirable job filling in across the backline.
However, just like last weekend against Crystal Palace, the versatile 18-year-old really struggled in the middle of the park.
If he wasn’t making a poor pass, he was struggling to cope with the defensive side of the game, and there was more than one occasion in which the Villans simply bypassed him without much trouble.
Kilpatrick wasn’t particularly impressed with him either, awarding the Englishman a 5/10 match rating at full-time and writing that he ‘struggled to impose himself on the game.’
Ultimately, while it was another night to forget for Spurs, Son and Odobert showed that they might be able to make something happen on Wednesday. On the other hand, Gray reminded Postecoglou that he is not ready to start in the middle of the park.
He'd send Tel packing: Spurs race to sign £19m "future ballon d'Or winner"
The incredible talent would be an unreal signing for Spurs.
Today, Liverpool fans, may well be the day Anfield erupts as Arne Slot’s brilliant squad of brilliant players clinch the Premier League title.
It’s in Liverpool’s hands. This afternoon, the Reds must simply avoid defeat against Tottenham Hotspur to put the trophy out of Arsenal’s reach and officially end four years of Manchester City dominance, tying Merseyside red ribbons onto the cup for a record-equalling 20th time.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Liverpool have consumately steered their way through the 2024/25 campaign, Slot’s first in the dugout, with such balance and equipoise, such quality oozing across every corner of the pitch.
It’s been a long time since Liverpool started a Premier League matchweek below the division’s summit – it was the term’s ninth round of fixtures, in fact, before City stumbled.
Liverpool – Recent Record vs Tottenham at Anfield
Season
Competition
Result
24/25
Carabao Cup
4-0 win
23/24
Premier League
4-2 win
22/23
Premier League
4-3 win
21/22
Premier League
1-1 draw
20/21
Premier League
2-1 win
Sourced via Transfermarkt
Spurs and Liverpool have played out some memorable matches at Anfield in recent years, but this could be the pick of the bunch, should the hosts hold their nerve and professionally get the job done.
Slot and his coterie have managed to keep Liverpool treading above the water on the injury front this season, and there aren’t too many setbacks to disrupt this potentially watershed occasion.
The latest Liverpool team news
Joe Gomez is set to miss out once again as he continues his recovery from injury. The versatile defender is, however, expected to feature before the end of the season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold scored an emphatic off-the-bench winner at Leicester City, but Conor Bradley may well reprise his place at right-back.
Tyler Morton is still out, bogged down by an ongoing shoulder issue. It’s unlikely the young midfielder would have featured anyway.
Fringe stars such as Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa will be hoping for minutes, but with Liverpool in need of a professional performance to clinch the title, Slot isn’t likely to make drastic changes.
However, the Dutchman might make one or two tweaks, with Dominik Szoboszlai in line to be dropped from his position standing proud of the central midfield.
Why Slot should drop Dominik Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai has been a regular feature throughout Slot’s first season at the helm, starting 25 times in the Premier League. He ebbed and flowed last year under Jurgen Klopp, but looks more focused and confident in his football.
Dominik Szoboszlai in the Premier League
Stats (* per game)
23/24
24/25
Matches (starts)
33 (25)
31 (25)
Goals
3
5
Assists
2
3
Touches*
57.5
47.6
Shots (on target)*
1.8 (0.5)
1.9 (0.6)
Pass completion
87%
86%
Big chances created
7
10
Ball recoveries*
5.2
3.8
Dribble (success)*
0.7 (47%)
0.6 (59%)
Tackles + interceptions*
1.5
1.3
Total duels (won)*
2.9 (41%)
2.8 (44%)
Stats via Sofascore
However, Szoboszlai still hasn’t mastered the art of scoring, of creating goals for his teammates. Across 89 total Liverpool appearances, the Hungarian has only scored 14 times and supplied 11 assists.
Having now gone five Premier League games without notching a goal contribution, the 24-year-old should be dropped; Szoboszlai brings a load of energy and tenacity to Liverpool’s first team, but pundit Jamie Carragher has recently remarked that the Reds “can improve” in attacking midfield, citing the minimal output as a potential issue going forward.
While he’s not a dramatic upgrade from a prolific standpoint, the hosts might want to consider unleashing Curtis Jones from the outset against Ange Postecoglou’s struggling side, with the England international’s
Nick Pope is beaten by Dominik Szoboszlai
Jones, also 24, has been hailed for his “special” qualities and “complete” approach by Slot, having played an important role this season as he threads things together in the centre while adding a dimension on the edge of the danger area, driving even further forward when he can.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 7% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goal involvements, the top 2% for pass completion, the top 5% for touches in the attacking penalty area, and the top 20% for successful take-ons per 90.
This is quite the array of strengths across the sweep of the midfield game, certainly highlighting Jones’ ability to influence a match.
With three goals and seven assists across 41 matches in all competitions this year (just 24 starts), Jones’ ball-playing ability clearly lends itself to a playmaking strength that could spark Mohamed Salah and co back into goalscoring action.
It’s no wonder he’s earned his keep in the Three Lions set-up, impressing on the international stage too.
Not only is Jones crisp in possession, incredibly completing 94% of his passes in the Premier League this season, but he’s also proven himself to be a highly efficient ball carrier, succeeding with 67% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.
Getting at this shaky Spurs defence will be crucial later this afternoon, for Liverpool’s frontline haven’t been in the sharpest form as a collective, and they will need support from behind.
Jones has also shown his passion, his devotion, toward Liverpool’s cause, and that is a factor which is bound to come into play against the Lilywhites, with the boyhood star certain to be desperate for a standout performance in a match which could close the title-challenging chapter and indeed send Liverpool back to the top of the English pyramid.
That’s not to say Szoboszlai wouldn’t bring his own brand of burning intensity to the contest, but it may be that Jones is the best option to play alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch in this one, freshening things up ahead of what might just prove to be a momentous day for Liverpool.
Liverpool want world's "best player" in £77m deal who'd be Slot’s own Mane
Liverpool are planning to strengthen Arne Slot’s frontline in the transfer market this summer.
Already thinking about summer reinforcements, the 49ers are now reportedly plotting a fresh Rangers move to sign a relegated Premier League defender at a bargain price.
With the Scottish Premiership season coming to an end, Rangers’ search for a new manager is only likely to heat up. It’s one that the 49ers desperately need to get right after showing plenty of patience in their decision ahead of an all-important summer transfer window.
Just who arrives with that said is the big question. So far, the biggest names mentioned have been Steven Gerrard and Rafael Benitez., whilst Davide Ancelotti – the son of Carlo Ancelotti – has also threatened to steal the headlines as of late.
While he would have been an exciting appointment however, the young coach has decided he will not step into senior management just yet and will instead continue as his father’s assistant when the latter takes up his post as the Brazil national team boss.
Davide Ancelotti set to follow Carlo to Brazil in huge blow for Rangers
The young coach will not make the move to Ibrox this summer.
ByHenry Jackson May 16, 2025
Meanwhile, if those at Ibrox are looking for the manager who’s most eager for the job then interim boss Barry Ferguson may find himself at the front of the queue this summer. He told reporters when quizzed on whether he’s keen to take the job a few weeks ago: “Everybody’s got an opinion, I don’t care about people’s opinion, I know I can do the job.
“I know I’ve got a real good staff behind me. I’ve been asked this question two or three weeks in a row, I think it’s clear, it doesn’t scare me one single bit. I know there’s a hell of a lot of work to be done, everybody knows that. And that’s a challenge that I would meet head on. And I know I would change it.”
As candidates continue to battle it out for the 49ers’ attention, it’s only set to get busier at Ibrox, with the summer transfer window now fast approaching. On that front, it could also be a big few months for the Gers as they attempt to bridge the gap on Scottish champions and Old Firm rivals Celtic.
Rangers plotting Burgess move
According to Rangers Review, the 49ers are now plotting a bargain Rangers move to sign Cameron Burgess from Ipswich Town this summer. The Premier League defender is set to become a free agent at the end of his contract at Portman Road next month, allowing those at Ibrox to come swooping in to land a free deal.
Whilst the current campaign ended in disaster for Burgess and his teammates, with relegation confirmed for Kieran McKenna’s side, the defender looks set to receive a fresh start, no matter what in the coming months.
Ipswich boss McKenna has been full of praise for Burgess since his debut for the club, with his comments back then shedding light on the type of personality the Ibrox faithful would be getting: “I spoke on Tuesday night about Cam Burgess; how he’s conducted himself and applied himself over the last couple of months that I’ve been here. He’s been excellent so I’m happy for him that he’s going to get his opportunity to play on Saturday and then obviously in some more games going forward.”
With a decision to make, the Ipswich defender could now be on his way to the Scottish Premiership and Rangers when his current deal comes to an end at Portman Road.
Mikel Arteta is set for a crucial summer as Arsenal manager in the coming months, needing to make all the right decisions in the market if he is to go one better in the Premier League.
He’s led the Gunners to back-to-back second-place finishes in England’s top-flight, looking likely to end the campaign in the same position once again with Liverpool needing a single point for the title.
If they are to challenge Arne Slot’s men for such a triumph in 2025/26, additions are needed in various areas of the pitch to hand the Spaniard the squad depth he needs.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetareacts
Undoubtedly, a new striker is already high on the agenda given the injuries to the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz – offering the added firepower the side have craved in recent months.
However, numerous other stars have emerged on their shortlist as the summer edges ever closer, some of which could be set for a move to North London if recent reports are to be believed.
The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new midfielders this summer
Over the last few days, huge noise has emerged over a potential deal to land Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad after previously wanting the Spaniard in January.
Reports over the last week or so have seen new sporting director Andrea Berta be extremely confident that the 26-year-old will be their first signing this summer.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi
The defensive midfielder would be a superb addition to the first-team potentially being joined by another LaLiga star at the Emirates ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
According to one Spanish outlet, the Gunners are eyeing three Real Madrid stars to strengthen the squad during the upcoming window, including French star Eduardo Camavinga.
The report states that Arteta’s side are willing to make an offer to test Madrid’s resolve over a potential switch for the 22-year-old, who’s made 35 appearances this campaign.
The Arsenal target who would make Rice unstoppable
Declan Rice has cemented himself as a hero at Arsenal in the last few weeks, with his goal contributions against Real Madrid helping Arteta’s side reach the semi-final stage.
The £105m signing found the back of the net with two free-kicks in the first leg at the Emirates – with his efforts handing the Gunners a 3-0 lead going into the second leg at the Bernabeu.
He also played a key role in the second leg win, claiming the Man of the Match award in both meetings – highlighting his importance to the side in their attempts of securing European glory.
However, since his move in 2023, it’s unclear whether he’s better suited at the base of the side or as an eight and operating in a box-to-box role in North London.
Rice would be able to build on his recent success should Camavinga move to England this summer, having the tools to operate as the deepest of the three midfielders – subsequently allowing the Englishman to star further forward.
The “world-class” French star, as labelled by one analyst, has managed to win 2.2 tackles per 90 at a success rate of 62% in LaLiga to date – having the ball-winning capabilities to thrive in Arteta’s system.
He’s also won a staggering 8.9 duels per 90, 1.8 of which have been aerially, offering a real all-round presence without the ball to help bolster the midfield department.
Games played
19
Goals & assists
3
Pass accuracy
89%
Tackles won
2.2
Tackle success rate
62%
Duels won
8.9
Aerials won
1.8
Successful dribbles
1.2
However, in possession, the 22-year-old has been just as impressive, completing 89% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing 1.2 successful dribbles, showcasing his impressive nature at both ends of the pitch.
Whilst it’s unclear how much the Spanish giants would demand to part ways with the young star, there’s no denying that any move for Camavinga would massively improve the options at the manager’s disposal.
He could certainly make the deep-lying role his very own, freeing up Rice to allow him to have a similar impact as he did in both of the games against Madrid on a more consistent basis.
Worth millions more than Partey: Arteta hit gold on Arsenal "monster"
The experienced international is at the top of his game for Arsenal.
Arsenal may have saved themselves from a potential embarrassment on Sunday afternoon, but that does not change the fact that this summer has to be a monumental one.
Mikel Arteta told us it would be early last month, and while the arrival of Martin Zubimendi is certainly exciting, the area that needs reinforcing more than anywhere else is the attack.
Moreover, while the team’s need for a new striker – or two – is undeniable, a dynamic, direct, and dangerous left-winger is arguably just as crucial to support Bukayo Saka’s efforts on the other flank.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetalooks dejected after the match
The good news is that the board seem to agree, as recent reports have linked the club with one of the most exciting wingers in world football, someone who’d be a massive upgrade on Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal's winger search
Given Arsenal’s lack of threat off the left this season, the last few weeks have seen several top-quality wingers, such as Rafael Leao and Daizen Maeda, linked with the club.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former could reportedly be available for around £85m, and while that is a considerable sum of money, his tally of 12 goals and 13 assists in 48 games this season suggests he’d be worth it.
Maeda, on the other hand, could be the Gunners for just £25m, which might be a steal considering he’s scored 33 goals and provided 12 assists in just 49 games this season.
Daizen Maeda
However, Andrea Berta and Co might be after someone slightly cheaper than the AC Milan star but with more experience in a top-five league than the Celtic ace, which is where Nico Williams comes into play.
According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal is one of several teams incredibly interested in the Spanish superstar.
In fact, he goes a step further, revealing that the North Londoners are ‘at the front of the queue’ for the dynamic winger, and that Berta and Co have already held talks with his camp.
If Arsenal successfully convince the 22-year-old to join them this summer, they’ll have to pay his £48m release clause to get the deal done, but even so, he’d be more than worth it and a significant upgrade on Trossard.
How Williams compares to Trossard
If Arsenal get their way and bring Williams to the Emirates in the coming weeks and months, he’d likely only join with the promise of regular game time, which in turn would put him up against Trossard, but who comes out on top?
Well, when it comes to their raw output, it’s the Spaniard who emerges victorious.
For example, in just 44 appearances, totalling 3050 minutes, the Pamplona-born star has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.44 games, or every 169.44 minutes.
In contrast, the Belgian international has scored ten goals and provided nine assists in 54 appearances this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.84 games, or every 175.78 minutes.
What about when we take a look under the hood, then? Which winger has the more impressive underlying numbers?
Non-Penalty G+As
0.49
0.49
Progressive Passes
3.14
3.80
Progressive Passes Received
11.3
7.57
Progressive Carries
5.69
2.81
Shots
2.67
2.62
Shots on Target
1.12
0.84
Passing Accuracy
70.2%
74.8%
Key Passes
2.08
1.39
Shot-Creating Actions
5.34
3.28
Goal-Creating Actions
0.63
0.44
Successful Take-Ons
3.36
1.25
Ball Recoveries
4.28
3.45
Aerial Duels Won
0.44
0.29
Unsurprisingly, this is another comparison in which the “world-class” Bilbao star, as dubbed by journalist Zach Lowy, comes out on top and quite comfortably at that.
For example, he does better in most relevant metrics, including, but not limited to, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, key passes, ball recoveries, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliamscelebrates scoring their third goal
Ultimately, while Trossard could still be a valuable squad player, Williams is the far superior winger in practically every facet, and he’s eight years younger. Therefore, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the Spaniard this summer.
Shades of Aubameyang: Arsenal lead race to sign "mind-blowing" goal machine
The prolific marksman could be the difference-maker for Arsenal next season.
Arsenal have now seemingly held some initial talks over signing a Real Madrid star, with sporting director Andrea Berta looking to the Bernabeu for potential reinforcements this summer.
Arsenal set for busy first summer window under Berta
According to reliable media sources, like Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have already reached an agreement with Martin Zubimendi to become Berta’s first major signing of the next transfer window, following months of reported negotiations.
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The Gunners are expected to trigger Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause and seal their replacement for exit-bound Jorginho nice and early, with Berta making a fire-start to his tenure as sporting director.
Race for Champions League qualification with 2 games remaining
Points
2. Arsenal
68
3. Newcastle United
66
4. Man City
65
5. Chelsea
63
6. Aston Villa
63
7. Nottingham Forest
62
The 26-year-old’s arrival in north London, as per Ben Jacobs, could even be confirmed by the end of this month, even if there is still an err of caution at the Emirates Stadium.
“Zubimendi, I’m told it is pretty much agreed in principle. I’d be surprised if May ends, and we don’t hear that Zubimendi is an Arsenal player,” said Jacobs.
“Internally at Arsenal, they basically think that one is done. The caution around letting that slip is because Liverpool thought it was done as well.
“Until it’s signed, Arsenal are super cautious, but in terms of contract length, terms, payment around the clause and triggering the clause, all of that Arsenal feel is there and ready to go. It’s a case of saying, ‘OK, let’s get this signed.’ I think we have a very high percentage chance of, in the next few weeks, Zubimendi being confirmed as an Arsenal player.”
After Zubimendi, it is believed Arsenal are looking at signing a second-choice keeper, full-back, right-winger, left-winger and new striker (GiveMeSport), with Mikel Arteta’s side also among the many contenders for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen’s signature.
Arsenal are said to have already made a formal offer to Huijsen, according to some reports from Spain (Cadena SER), as they look to get ahead of Real Madrid and tempt the 20-year-old with an alternative home in the Premier League.
Arsenal make contact over signing Real Madrid striker Rodrygo
According to Diario AS journalist Eduardo Burgos, £202,000-per-week Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is also in their thinking when it comes to attacking reinforcements.
Berta is widely tipped to sign a new striker when the window reopens, with Arsenal having some contact over signing Rodrygo and are among the sides most interested in his services.
The versatile Brazilian, who’s played on the right-wing, left-wing and as a striker under Carlo Ancelotti this season, has 13 goals and 10 assists to his name from 50 appearances in all competitions – so he’d likely cost a marquee fee if Real even entertain the notion of him leaving.
“He is a special striker, he can play in all positions,” said Ancelotti about the 24-year-old. “He is fast, smart and effective one on one. The learning is over. He is a Real Madrid player for all purposes.”
The Champions League is the biggest competition in club football. It is a chance for the world’s best to prove their calibre against the finest leagues and teams in Europe for the ultimate prize of ‘Old Big Ears’ come May or June every year.
As is the case with any competition, it is a marathon rather than a sprint, and Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for most Champions League goals, with 141 in 183 appearances.
However, the way a club starts can often foretell their chances of glory at the end. This came to pass in the first season of the brand new league phase in 2024/25, with three of the top four clubs reaching the semi-finals.
With this in mind, Football FanCast takes a look at the top 12 goalscorers in the Champions League group stage/league phase.
Stats correct as of 14th May 2025.
Rank
Player
Goals
Lionel Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo
Robert Lewandowski
Karim Benzema
Raul
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Thierry Henry
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Mohamed Salah
Antoine Griezmann
Alessandro Del Piero
Erling Haaland
12 Erling Haaland 33 goals
The newest entrant to this list has wasted little time making a name for himself, with Erling Haaland racing into the record books thanks to his incredible knack for goals.
His first Champions League strikes came for RB Salzburg in the 2019/20 season, scoring a hat-trick on his group stage debut against Genk, before scoring five more in the four matches that followed.
Continuing his hot streak for Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City – with whom he won the competition in 2023 – Haaland has already become one of the competition’s best strikers, yet he’s barely 25. If there’s one challenger to the top scorers, it’s him.
11 Alessandro Del Piero 33 goals
Known as one of the great one-club legends, Alessandro Del Piero is another whose talent perhaps deserved more than the sole winners’ medal he earned in 1996. He always favoured loyalty over glory with Juventus, but his 33 goals in the group stages of the Champions League prove his devotion was bettered by his goal-getting instinct.
In the competition’s history, Del Piero is the highest-scoring Italian, with nine goals in the knockouts bringing his total to 42 on the continental stage.
10 Antoine Griezmann 34 goals
Antoine Griezmann may not have got his hands on the Champions League trophy, but his exploits for Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have ensured his place in the competition’s history.
The Frenchman came closest to the trophy in 2016, when his Atletico side were beaten on penalties by city rivals Real. Griezmann missed a penalty in normal time before Los Rojiblancos found an equaliser, though he made up for it somewhat by scoring in the shootout.
With a further nine goals outside of the group stage, he remains one of the best goalscorers that the Champions League has eluded in the modern era.
9 Mohamed Salah 35 goals
Mo Salah was pivotal to Liverpool’s sixth European triumph when his early penalty against Tottenham set Jurgen Klopp’s men on the way to victory in 2019.
On top of this, he has become the club’s top goalscorer in Europe, while across all UEFA club competitions, he holds the record for most goals scored for an English club, previously set by Thierry Henry in 2006.
In the Champions League, Salah has edged ahead of the likes of Sergio Aguero in the group stage, with his contributions for Basel, Roma and Liverpool making him a legend of the competition.
8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic 38 goals
Europe’s finest journeyman, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is known on and off the pitch for his confidence and distinctive maverick personality.
In front of goal, he was a monster, and from 38 group stage goals for seven different clubs, there weren’t too many that weren’t absolutely 10/10 spectacular.
Whether it be with his head, left foot, right foot, or through a volley, rocket, or a swerving, curling strike, Zlatan could score any type of goal from any angle or range.
7 Thierry Henry 38 goals
Also on 38 goals, Thierry Henry had a long and successful time playing in the Champions League.
Before Kylian Mbappe tore up the record books, the Arsenal Invincible was the youngest Frenchman to reach the 40-goal mark, while he remains the competition’s all-time second-highest goalscorer from France with half a century – second only to the marvellous Karim Benzema.
Henry crowned his fruit-bearing European adventure in 2009 when he lifted the trophy with Barcelona after brushing Manchester United aside in the final.
6 Ruud van Nistelrooy 50 goals
Former Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy.
50 goals in the Champions League group stage is quite the jump from 38, especially since there were only six such games each year. But perhaps even more surprising is the fact that Ruud van Nistelrooy is the only Dutchman to make the top 12.
Despite the Oranje boasting a successful bloodline of special footballers, it is the striking endeavours of the Eindhoven product turned Man United and Real Madrid superstar that stand at the very top.
The Ruud Devil, however, is another who never lifted the famous trophy. But in 2001/02, 2002/03 and 2004/05, he finished as the competition’s top goalscorer.
Remarkably, he only ever scored six goals in the knockouts, but everything adds up to an impressive overall tally of 60 Champions League goals.
5 Raúl González 53 goals
Raúl is the highest-ranking Spanish player to feature and is one of his nation’s most decorated footballers.
Raúl became the first player to score 50 Champions League goals when he scored in a 2-1 group stage win over Olympiacos in September 2005 and was also the first to make 100 appearances in the competition. He was also the first player to score in two Champions League finals since the competition’s rebrand, notching in the finals of 2000 and 2002.
It is no surprise, then, to learn that the Spaniard is the fifth-highest goalscorer in the competition’s history, while he is joint-fifth in terms of winning the famous trophy thanks to three triumphs with Real Madrid – the benchmark football club on the continent.
4 Karim Benzema 56 goals
Somewhat overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, in his own right, is one of the greatest out-and-out strikers of all time.
He is France’s top goalscorer in European competition with 90 goals in 140 games, and he is the first in this ranking to have won both the Champions League (five times!) and the Ballon d’Or (2022).
3 Robert Lewandowski 71 goals
Robert Lewandowski’s entire career has been enmeshed in near-misses when it comes to silverware. He should have won the Ballon d’Or in 2020, robbed by a pandemic. Yet, his record proves he’s one of the greatest number 9s ever.
Nowadays, he aims for more glory with Barcelona, even in his mid-thirties. The Poland international will hope to add to his tally group stage goals in 2025/26.
Across all stages of the Champions League, Lewandowski has 105 goals – third in the overall ranking once more.