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Chelsea’s transfer activity for 2025 is over with the passing of the UK’s deadline day, at least in terms of incomings, but it’s an entirely different story when it comes to potential exits.

The transfer windows in Saudi Arabia and Turkey are still open for business, meaning certain players could still leave Stamford Bridge over the coming week.

Joao Pedro

Noni Madueke

Jamie Gittens

João Félix

Jorrel Hato

Djordje Petrovic

Liam Delap

Lesley Ugochukwu

Dario Essugo

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Mamadou Sarr

Renato Veiga

Estevao

Armando Broja

Kendry Paez

Carney Chukwuemeka

Alejandro Garnacho

Mathis Amougou

Basir Humphreys

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Marcus Bettinelli

Christopher Nkunku

Nicolas Jackson (obligation to buy in 2026)

Alfie Gilchrist

Lucas Bergstrom

Ben Chilwell

Chelsea have already raised £288 million in outgoings, allowing them to make a small £3 million profit despite spending £285 million on new signings this summer (BBC) – and their profits could yet increase as the futures of certain ‘bomb squad’ members remain up in the air.

Raheem Sterling is chief among Enzo Maresca’s unwanted men who failed to secure a move away before the September 1 cut-off, and BlueCo will be desperate to rid themselves of his £325,000-per-week wages at the nearest opportunity.

Despite some reports of Sterling being in advanced talks to leave Chelsea at stages during the summer, a move away for the 30-year-old never materialised, and time is running out for the forward to leave so he can attempt to stake a claim in Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Like Chilwell, who was on around £200,000-per-week and deemed surplus by Maresca, you can’t help but wonder if Chelsea will make the decision to cut their losses and terminate Sterling’s deal so he can leave as a free agent.

Another player who’s firmly out of Maresca’s plans and saw a transfer away fail pre-September is defender Axel Disasi.

The Frenchman enjoyed a solid loan spell at Aston Villa during the second half of 2024/2025, attracting summer interest from the likes of Villa, Wolves, Sunderland, Newcastle and Juventus, but none of the sides stepped up their interest.

According to the BBC, Disasi rejected moves to Bournemouth and West Ham too, but with options in Europe now growing thin, a move to Saudi could be his best bet.

Neom SC make bid for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi

According to a report by Chelsea News, SPL side Neom SC are pushing to sign Disasi and have made a cheeky £17 million offer for the 27-year-old.

While Disasi would prefer to remain on the continent, his choices are to potentially accept Neom’s advances or spend another four months sitting on the side at Cobham.

Chelsea apparently want closer to £25 million if they’re to green-light a sale, and Disasi’s hesitation over a switch to the Middle East means this transfer still has some way to go.

Turkey is also still an option for the ex-Monaco man, but as things stand, there has been no suggestion of interest from that part of Europe.

A “great” Liverpool player has now reportedly held talks with a foreign club’s sporting director over a summer move there, with a four-year deal being offered to him.

Liverpool handed potential fresh Isak boost

The Reds have had a summer transfer window to remember, with the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez hopefully taking them to new heights under Arne Slot.

After smashing their transfer record on Wirtz, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has now emerged as Liverpool’s next dream target, although the Magpies are refusing to budge currently after rejecting an opening offer for the Swede.

A new update from The Athletic‘s David Ornstein does claim that Isak is “adamant he will not play for Newcastle again”, however, adding that even if he stays put at St James’ Park, he has “no wish to reintegrate” with his teammates.

This acts as a boost to Liverpool, who clearly still want to sign the 25-year-old, but the coming weeks have the potential to be unpredictable, as the Premier League champions consider a second offer, hoping that the Magpies’ stance softens at the same time.

While plenty of focus is on Isak, and a possible new centre-back signing, a new claim has dropped regarding the future of a current Reds player.

"Great" Liverpool player in talks with foreign club

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott’s move to RB Leipzig this summer could be edging closer, with the Reds wanting £47m with a buyback option or £56m without during discussions.

The Bundesliga club have now offered the 22-year-old a four-year contract, and it is claimed that “manager Ole Werner and sporting director Marcel Schafer have already held direct talks with the player, outlining their vision for him to become a central figure in the team’s attack-minded system.”

Elliott is a popular figure at Liverpool, helped by the fact that he grew up supporting the Reds, but now feels like the right time for him to enjoy a new challenge, and the report says he is open to an Anfield exit.

The Englishman isn’t a regular starter under Slot, and that won’t change unless there are serious injury problems, and he has reached a point in his career where he needs to be playing week in, week out.

Elliott could be a great signing for Leipzig, and an ideal potential replacement for Xavi Simons, as the report alludes to, with former Liverpool man Joe Cole hailing him earlier this summer.

“I love the kid, he plays football the right way. I am excited for his future. He has done a great job for Liverpool, but if he decides to move on, there are levels to move on again. That passion, he can show every week.”

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ByAngus Sinclair Aug 12, 2025

Whether Leipzig agree to a buyback option remains to be seen, but even if they don’t, this is the right time for Liverpool to sanction Elliott’s exit, allowing him to kick on elsewhere, not to mention ensuring the Reds receive good money for him.

Jamie Carragher is one of the best-known Premier League pundits today, and during his playing career, was one of the best top-flight defenders around.

After progressing through Liverpool’s academy, Carragher would spend his entire career at Anfield, making 737 appearances for the Reds between 1996-2013.

Despite never winning the Premier League, the centre-back would lift two FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup.

Carragher was once asked to name his best Premier League XI of all-time, however, he was excluded from naming Liverpool players, meaning the likes of Steven Gerrard, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk were banned from his team.

20 Best Centre-Backs in Premier League History Ranked

Where does Virgil van Dijk rank?

ByCharlie Smith May 9, 2025 Jamie Carragher’s best Premier League XI without Liverpool stars 11 Peter Schmeichel Man Utd, Aston Villa, Man City

Instead of going with Chelsea’s Petr Cech or Arsenal’s David Seaman, Carragher selected Peter Schmeichel.

Arguably the best the Premier League has ever seen in between the sticks, Schmeichel won all five of his English titles at Old Trafford, but did represent Aston Villa and Manchester City later on in his career.

10 Gary Neville Man Utd

Carragher’s partner in crime as a pundit is Gary Neville, but the two battled it out on the pitch during their playing days.

A Manchester United legend, Neville and Carragher regularly butted heads at Old Trafford or Anfield, however, the Red Devils man is the most successful right-back of all time, winning eight Premier League titles.

9 Vincent Kompany Man City

Arguably one of Manchester City’s best value for money signings came in 2008 when Vincent Kompany joined for just £6m.

The Belgian played a key role in the Citizens’ recent dominance, captaining City to numerous titles. His leadership and world-class defensive ability was perfect for a number of superstar midfielders and attackers in front of him.

8 John Terry Chelsea

An iconic centre-back Carragher partnered with on occasions for England was Chelsea star John Terry.

The former Blues and Three Lions captain has gone down as one of the best central defenders the Premier League has ever seen, winning five titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups and a Champions League.

7 Denis Irwin Man Utd, Wolves

In a selection that might surprise some, Carragher decided to pick Denis Irwin over Ashley Cole at left-back.

A brilliant and arguably underrated full-back, Irwin went under the radar at Old Trafford, winning seven Premier League titles, capable of playing on either side under Sir Alex Ferguson.

6 Patrick Vieira Arsenal, Man City

Patrick Vieira was a no-nonsense midfielder who could do it all for Arsenal and captained the Gunners under Arsene Wenger.

The Frenchman’s box-to-box nature saw him become one of the most powerful midfielders the Premier League has seen, with Carragher knowing just how hard Vieira was to face.

5 Roy Keane Nottingham Forest, Man Utd

Now a partner of Carragher’s on The Stick to Football podcast, Roy Keane was a regular rival of Carragher’s during their playing days.

Known best for captaining a hugely successful Manchester United side, Keane’s leadership helped the Red Devils win seven titles in his 12 years at Old Trafford.

4 David Silva Man City

Finishing off the midfield is David Silva, with the Spaniard lifting four Premier League titles with Manchester City.

Silva’s world-class dribbling ability saw him contribute to more than 200 goals in 436 City games.

Games

436

Goals

77

Assists

136

Trophies

14

3 Thierry Henry Arsenal

Carragher knows just how good Thierry Henry was during his time in England with Arsenal, with the Frenchman scoring nine goals in 18 games against the Reds and Carragher. Now, the pair work together on CBS Sports alongside Micah Richards.

Henry was a huge part of the Gunners’ ‘Invincible’ side and scored 175 league goals in the Premier League in 258 appearances, lifting the title twice.

2 Alan Shearer Blackburn, Newcastle

The most prolific goalscorer in Premier League history is Alan Shearer, who won the title with Blackburn Rovers before going on to become Newcastle United’s record scorer over a 10-year period.

Shearer also won the Golden Boot in the 1994-95, 1995-96, and 1996-97 seasons, coming up against Carragher at Anfield in the latter years of his career.

Southampton have now opened talks to sign an “unbelievable” winger, who could be brought in as a replacement for Tyler Dibling, according to a report.

Saints looking to sign replacement for Dibling amid Everton links

Following the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League, Dibling has been expected to leave the club, and Everton have emerged as one of the most interested parties, with David Moyes’ side having multiple approaches knocked back.

It has been widely reported the 19-year-old is training away from the rest of the squad, amid interest from the Toffees, and reporter Sami Mokbel has recently suggested the youngster could be heading for the exit door this summer.

Mokbel said: “The information varies depending on who you speak to. If you speak to people closer to Everton, they will tell you that the deal has reached an impasse and Southampton are asking for far too much.

“If you speak to those closer to the South Coast, there is a realisation there that maybe Tyler Dibling’s time is coming to an end.”

Amid the major doubts surrounding the starlet’s future at St. Mary’s, Will Still’s side have now set their sights on a replacement, and a report from Football Insider has revealed they have opened talks over a deal for West Bromwich Albion star Tom Fellows.

Fellows has been lined up as a direct replacement for Dibling, who has been the subject of a £40m offer from Everton, and a deal may be relatively inexpensive, with reports from elsewhere revealing the Baggies could look to hold out for just £10m.

Southampton "interested" in £400k+ defender who's been likened to Van Dijk

The Saints have joined the race for a “dominant” centre-back.

ByDominic Lund Jul 15, 2025 "Unbelievable" Fellows could be perfect replacement for Dibling

Losing one of their prized assets will, of course, be a bitter pill to swallow for the Saints, should Dibling complete a move elsewhere, but there are plenty of signs the West Brom winger could be the perfect replacement.

Most notably, the Solihull-born winger chalked up some very impressive attacking numbers in the 2024-25 campaign, picking up four goals and 14 assists in the Championship alone, leading to some very high praise from teammate Karlan Grant.

Grant said: “He’s an unbelievable young player. As soon as he does that step-over, I know the ball’s going to be arriving at the back stick and there’s going to be chances.

At just 22-years-old, Fellows could still have plenty of room to develop even further, but he is already a top winger at Championship level, and West Brom’s potential asking price of just £10m means the forward could be an absolute bargain.

Arsenal’s centre-forward problems can be traced back a number of years. Not since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was in his free-scoring pomp have the Gunners had a top-class central marksman.

Sure, Kai Havertz is a technically sharp and dynamic player, but he’s not an out-and-out striker, and Gabriel Jesus has never quite reached the pinnacle, for one reason or another.

This issue, Mikel Arteta’s most pressing concern, was illustrated across the 2024/25 campaign, with the lack of a prolific focal point proving fatal in the Premier League title race for a third successive season.

24/25

Kai Havertz

9

23/24

Bukayo Saka

16

22/23

Martin Odegaard

15

21/22

Bukayo Saka

11

20/21

Alexandre Lacazette

13

19/20

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

22

Viktor Gyokeres is expected to solve that problem and pose an insoluble question back to the club’s title rivals.

Arsenal's centre-forward plans

An official announcement is not yet upon us, but Arsenal have all but sealed the signing of Sporting Lisbon’s Gyokeres, who is expected to join the Emirates clan in a package worth £64m.

However, fans and indeed the powers that be in north London will no doubt have been rocked by the revelations over on Tyneside, with Alexander Isak informing Newcastle United that he would like to explore his options in the transfer market this summer.

Liverpool are the frontrunners, but BBC Sport have confirmed that Arsenal’s long-standing interest remains intact, and that the Gunners are one of the few outfits who are reported to have the budget to pull off a statement signing such as the Swede.

Newcastle aren’t going to roll over and allow their all-important number nine to leave without earning their due, and have priced him at £130m, which would eclipse the British-record fee Liverpool paid for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.

Isak vs Gyokeres

Whether Arsenal manage to pull off deals for both Isak and Gyokeres remains to be seen, but there’s little question that it’s the man over at St. James’ Park who 99% of a Gunners persuasion would prefer.

Isak, indeed, joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in a £63m deal three years ago (the same ballpark as Arsenal have just paid for Gyokeres), and he has gone on to post 62 goals and 11 assists across just 109 outings for Eddie Howe’s burgeoning team.

Gyokeres, 27, has the statistical analysis on his side, from a goalscoring standpoint, at least. Indeed, the Sweden star scored 97 goals and supplied 28 assists across just 102 Sporting appearances over two years.

It’s certainly nothing to be sniffed at, but Isak is a “world-class” goalscorer himself, as has been said by pundit Alan Shearer, and he’s doing it week in, week out in the Premier League, surely a higher level of competition than the Liga Portugal.

Analyst Raj Chohan has even claimed that the Newcastle talisman is “the best striker in the world”, with his completeness and athleticism capable of rivalling even that of Gyokeres, who is his countryman and a physical machine.

The difference is that Isak is tried and tested, having led Newcastle to an extraordinary Carabao Cup triumph last year, beating off Arsenal in a double-legged semi-final before dispatching Liverpool at Wembley. He took centre stage at both events.

It’s a climactic point of the window for a number of Premier League teams, it feels like. Should Arsenal truly have the financial means to strike a deal for the £120k-per-week Isak, should they not pounce on it?

Bad news for Max Dowman: Arsenal in talks to sign £60m "superstar"

Arsenal are planning to sign one of the Premier League’s biggest talents this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 24, 2025

With a deal agreed to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign another attacking star who is just as quick as the rapid Swede.

What Newcastle could do next after Elanga

The Magpies’ summer is finally turning around. Both James Trafford and Elanga are reportedly set to join Eddie Howe’s side to hand the manager two instant upgrades, whilst PIF’s spending could yet continue. With Champions League football to play next season, those at St James’ Park are seemingly set to hand Newcastle the squad depth that they’ve needed for some time.

For £55m, Newcastle will be welcoming a player who is likely to form one of the deadliest attacking trios that the Premier League has to offer alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. Meanwhile, if the Magpies are looking to compete on all fronts, then the depth that Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy will offer that trio will certainly come in handy.

PIF are reportedly not done there, however. Instead, they’re reportedly keen to make a statement with further attacking incomings amid recent links to the likes of Yoane Wissa and Hugo Ekitike.

He's just like Isak: Newcastle explore move for "unbelievable" £50m star

Newcastle are planning to improve once again after agreeing a fee for Anthony Elanga.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 11, 2025

Either forward would complete the set for Newcastle, who would have a group of six quality attacking options to choose from next season and two for every position.

Alas, those two aren’t the only names still on the Magpies’ reported radar. According to recent reports, those at St James’ Park have also set their sights on signing a Bundesliga star ahead of Chelsea who is just as quick as speed demon Elanga.

Newcastle now interested in £56m Karim Adeyemi

According to Bild, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now racing Chelsea to sign Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund this summer. The German international is reportedly valued at a hefty €65m (£56m) by the Bundesliga giants, which means that the Magpies will have to spend big once again if they are to secure his signature.

Even after welcoming Elanga, Adeyemi’s ability to lead the line and play on both wings has seemingly seen him keep hold of his place on Newcastle’s radar. Whether Newcastle decide to push on and reach Dortmund’s hefty asking price remains to be seen, but there’s no denying that the combined speed between Adeyemi and Elanga is a frightening prospect for any opposition defence.

Last season, the new arrival clocked an impressive speed of 36.7km/h last season to match Adeyemi’s record in 2023 and both could now find themselves leading a rapid Newcastle frontline next season.

It also goes without saying that the Dortmund star is more than just his speed, having scored 12 goals and set up another 11 in all competitions last season to justify the praise of Matthias Jaissle.

The former Red Bull Salzburg coach previously told reporters: “Karim has almost everything a striker needs. His quality and speed are incredible.”

Manchester United are now in a race with Tottenham Hotspur to sign an “unreal” defender who could be available for just £25 million, according to a new report.

Man Utd identify multiple defensive targets after Diego Leon arrival

Man United announced the arrival of Diego Leon over the weekend, who had to wait until he turned 18 to officially join the club. The young left-back became United’s second signing of the summer but is considered to be a player for the future, who will mostly look to impress Ruben Amorim on the training ground and in domestic cup competitions in the season to come.

Despite signing young defenders in the past two transfer windows, Leon may not be the only defender to arrive at Old Trafford this summer. According to a recent report, United are discussing a move to sign Yann Bisseck from Inter.

The German played an important role in Inter reaching the Champions League final last season, and his performances have now caught the eye of United and many other Premier League teams.

Amorim keen: Man Utd in contact to sign 28 y/o free agent in shock move

The Red Devils could make a surprise move…

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 6, 2025

As well as weighing up a move for Bisseck, United are also interested in signing Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta after it became clear the Serie A side could be open to business should they receive an offer of around €60 million, which is roughly £51 million. But the list doesn’t stop there, as the Premier League giants add a new name to their list of defensive targets.

Man Utd now in race with Tottenham for De Winter

According to Caught Offside, Man United are actively monitoring Genoa centre-back Koni De Winter ahead of a potential move.

The report states that Amorim has identified De Winter as a potential target in this transfer window, as he looks to solve the club’s defensive issues. The Serie A side have set a valuation of €30–35 million, which is roughly £25-30 million.

However, United are not alone in their pursuit of De Winter, as Tottenham are also chasing the player, as well as the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Napoli and Roma, but the English clubs are said to have an edge in the race, given their financial muscle.

Apps

25

Starts

23

Goals

3

Clean sheets

7

Interceptions per game

1.0

Tackles per game

1.3

Clearances per game

4.5

Dribbled past per game

0.3

De Winter, who has been dubbed “unreal” by journalist Antonio Mango, joined Genoa on a permanent basis from Juventus last summer after a loan spell at the club. The centre-back, who can also operate as a right-back and a defensive midfielder, played 25 times in Serie A last season, scoring three goals in the process.

De Winter’s potential arrival at Old Trafford could see him be the upgrade to Harry Maguire, who remains a key part of Amorim’s plans, but only has 12 months remaining on his current deal.

Leeds United are now strongly considering a bid for a “brilliant” midfielder, who could be in line to join alongside their move for Sean Longstaff this summer, according to a report.

Leeds stepping up pursuit of new midfielders

Leeds have now reached an agreement on personal terms with Newcastle United’s Longstaff, as revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, with the deal said to be edging closer to completion.

Widespread reports have suggested the Newcastle midfielder is free to leave his boyhood club this summer, with Eddie Howe sanctioning a departure, and a move to Elland Road appears to be an increasingly likely outcome.

However, Daniel Farke may not want to stop there, with some extra quality perhaps needed in the engine room if his side are to avoid relegation from the Premier League next season, and the Championship title-winners have now intensified their interest in a different midfielder.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Leeds are now stepping up their interest in Shea Charles, with the Southampton midfielder catching the eye during a loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday last season.

The Whites tracked Charles’ performances during his loan spell with the Owls, and they were clearly impressed by what they saw, as a move is now being strongly considered, although it is unclear what sort of fee it would take to prise him away from the Saints.

Will Still is also hoping to keep hold of the central midfielder beyond the summer, which could make it difficult for the Whites to get a deal for the £15m-rated maestro over the line.

Charles could be "brilliant" addition to Farke's squad

While the signing of Longstaff makes more sense, considering the 27-year-old is vastly experienced at Premier League level, the Southampton midfielder’s performances in the Championship indicate he could be capable of making the step-up to the top flight.

Not only has the 21-year-old hailed as “brilliant” by members of the media, but journalist Joe Crann believes he could go on to achieve big things in the game.

Perhaps most noteworthy is the Northern Irishman’s defensive ability, performing very well across some key metrics over the past year, when compared to other midfielders.

Shea Charles

Average per 90

Interceptions

1.46 (83rd percentile)

Tackles

2.68 (78th percentile)

Aerials won

1.54 (80th percentile)

However, having recorded five assists in the Championship last season, the former Sheffield Wednesday man is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, capable of contributing on the front foot.

Charles could be a solid signing for Leeds this summer, but Longstaff looks to be a more attainable target, given that Newcastle are more willing to sanction a departure.

Manchester United’s hunt for added attacking reinforcements has been evident this summer, as Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Whilst Matheus Cunha has already arrived at Old Trafford this window, their ambitions of added signings doesn’t appear to be slowing down in an attempt to rise up the Premier League table next season.

It remains to be seen how much funds the manager will have at his disposal from the board, but the 40-year-old has made it desperately clear that he wants a new striker to bolster his frontline.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee remain the only two senior centre-forwards on their books, with the pair’s tally of seven combined goals this season showcasing the need for added options.

With the transfer window now in full swing, it presents Amorim’s side with the opportunity to land their desired targets, making key progress on numerous deals.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Viktor Gyokeres has been the main name on their list given his previous stint under Amorim at Sporting CP, but it appears they have moved onto recent targets over the last week.

Jean-Philippe Mateta, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dušan Vlahović are just three other names mentioned as potential options to provide added quality within the final third.

However, a move appears to be in the pipeline for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, with La Gazzetta dello Sport’s latest update confirming the Red Devils’ interest in the forward.

Their report claims that Amorim’s side are preparing a move for the Italian attacker, who registered 19 goals in Serie A throughout this season.

It also states that the 25-year-old has a £44m release clause that becomes active on the 1st of July, potentially waiting to activate such a deal in the coming weeks.

Why United’s £44m target would be a better signing than Ekitike

Despite the interest in the aforementioned talents, United have also been keen on a move to sign Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké during the off-season.

The Frenchman appears to be a man in huge demand with fellow Premier League outfits Liverpool and Chelsea also firmly in the race for his signature.

Such interest is hardly a surprise given his form in the Bundesliga, after the 23-year-old netted 15 times in his 33 outings during the 2024/25 season.

However, he would be a hugely expensive addition for the Red Devils, given the fact the German outfit are unwilling to budge on their current asking price of around €100m (£84m).

As a result, United may have to look past a move for Ekitike’s signature, with Kean offering Amorim’s side a cheaper alternative due to his pending release clause.

However, they would also be getting themselves a just as impressive option, with the Italian managing to outperform the Frankfurt star in numerous key areas this campaign.

Kean, who’s been labelled “top-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has posted a higher tally of league goals along with a better goal per shot on target record – demonstrating the clinical edge he possesses in the final third.

Games played

31

33

Goals scored

19

15

Shot on target accuracy

46%

38%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Take-on success

44%

43%

Fouls won

1.8

0.7

Aerials won

52%

46%

He’s also completed more take-ons and drawn more fouls per 90 this season, handing Amorim’s side a constant threat who can run opposition defenders ragged.

The Italian’s dominance is also reflected in his aerial success rate, winning more battles than Ekitike, making him a better focal point, something which is pivotal in Amorim’s system.

If the club can land the former Everton star for his £44m release clause this summer, it would be a deal that would finally hand the side the added attacking threat they need – doing so in a bargain deal too.

There’s no denying that Ekitike is an excellent option this summer, but given the difference in price and stats, a move for Kean should be a no-brainer.

Better signing than Ekitike: Man Utd submit bid for "world-class" £60m star

Manchester United could finally get their man after making a huge bid in recent days.

5 ByEthan Lamb Jun 21, 2025

Arsenal are looking to strengthen their squad in almost all areas ahead of another Premier League title challenge next season, but up until now we’ve heard precious little in regard to new defenders on their radar.

Arsenal missed out on Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid

While a new addition to their backline isn’t exactly reported as a key item on Andrea Berta’s agenda, the Gunners did attempt to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, before his high-profile move to Real Madrid.

Star's agents fume over rejected Arsenal bid amid "constant contact"

The Gunners are in touch all of the time.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025

Arsenal were among the elite Premier League clubs attempting to lure the Spaniard, with Liverpool and Chelsea also showing a keen interest before Xabi Alonso’s side ultimately won the race for his signature.

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

All three sides were ready to trigger his previous £50 million release clause at one stage, according to Fabrizio Romano, with Arsenal also presenting a formal contract offer to Huijsen’s representatives (Cadena SER).

After missing out on Huijsen, Arsenal’s pursuit of a centre-back appears to have been reduced to Berta’s backburner, with Mikel Arteta already boasting Jakub Kiwior, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel all able to play at the heart of his defence.

A recent new deal for the latter also mitigates the immediate need for another centre-back, and even if AC Milan formalise their interest in Kiwior and sign the Poland international, any new defender would potentially need to accept their role as a back-up option behind Gabriel and Saliba.

There are reports of Arsenal holding discussions over 19-year-old Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato, who can play at both left-back and centre-back, and he’d be an ideal alternative to Arteta’s star centre-back duo.

A centre-half doesn’t appear completely off the table, with Lille defender Alexsandro now attracting interest from Berta too.

Arsenal hold initial talks over signing Alexsandro from Lille

The 25-year-old made his first senior appearances for Brazil recently after a fine season in Ligue 1, starting both of their World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, and Arsenal have taken note of his exploits in 2025.

According to UOL, Arsenal scouts were present to watch him in action against Paraguay, and Alexsandro is considering an exit from Lille this summer, so he could be available for Berta.

What’s more, Arsenal have made initial contact over signing Alexsandro, and are said to be fans of the defender, but face competition from Serie A champions Napoli.

He has a market value of around £26 million as well, but after his excellent 2024/2025 at Lille, the French side could well demand more after losing both Angel Gomes and Jonathan David for free.