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Arsenal’s summer transfer window appears set to undergo many twists and turns before Andrea Berta’s wishlist is fulfilled, with a surprise update now coming to light on one of the club’s top targets.

Arsenal laying groundwork for key summer transfer deals

Berta’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium back in March prompted much excitement, and he’s widely reported to have already laid serious groundwork on key summer deals for Arsenal.

BBC journalist shares "information" about Gyokeres or Sesko joining Arsenal

There’s been a significant update on the Gunners’ striker search.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 4, 2025

Arsenal are working on deals for both Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, before deciding which striker to formally make a move for (Sami Mokbel), and they’re believed to be firm contenders for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The north Londoners were believed to have sealed a deal for the latter, with Fabrizio Romano giving his famous ‘here we go’ and the BBC claiming a medical had been scheduled, but Zubimendi himself has now come out to deny reports that he’s set to become Berta’s first signing of the summer.

“My future? It will be a long summer. I don’t know how it will end,” said Zubimendi to Radio Nacional, via Madrid Zone.

“If Xabi Alonso calls me to join Real Madrid? I’ve always said Xabi is my idol, and it was a privilege to have him as my coach at La Real B. If he called me now? I don’t want to talk about that hypothesis, I’d rather talk about the present. It would be disrespectful to talk about that while I’m on national team duty. I posted pics on a Spanish beach while rumors said I’m in London doing medical exams for Arsenal? Yes, I did that to make it clear those rumors were not true.”

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£81.5m

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£900k

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£156.8m

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£1.8m

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£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

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£208m

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£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

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According to reliable media sources, Berta has also met with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, but his exit is far from certain as well.

The Spain international rejected a move last summer in favour of remaining in Bilbao (The Athletic), and despite many reports to the contrary, he could end up doing the same this year.

Nico Williams could reject Arsenal and sign new contract

According to GiveMeSport, Williams could now snub a move to Arsenal and sign a new contract instead, with Mikel Arteta dealt a significant blow in his pursuit of the winger, who’s privately refused to rule out remaining in La Liga.

Bilbao have apparently engaged in “fresh” talks with Williams over an extension, and Ernesto Valverde’s side are apparently aiming to keep him for a longer period whilst also raising the £50 million release clause in his contract.

Given Arsenal have long been tipped as serious suitors for the 22-year-old, with Berta personally holding talks, this comes as a real surprise considering Williams was thought to be closing in on an almost-certain exit from the Estadio de San Mames in 2025.

Chelsea held talks with Williams’ camp last week as well, according to journalist Simon Phillips, but the Gunners’ London rivals could also be facing a serious setback after this update.

The highly-rated forward bagged 19 assists in all competitions across 2023/2024, playing a key role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, and showcasing his talent often during the second half of last season with some dazzling performances.

Arsenal have been told exactly what it will take for Benjamin Sesko to leave RB Leipzig this summer, as his agent speaks out about reports linking his client with a move away from the Red Bull Arena.

Arsenal offered 21-goal striker who's a "priority signing" for Tottenham

The north London clubs could go head-to-head.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2025

Sesko has just finished a career-best Bundesliga campaign, bagging 21 goals in all competitions, but he couldn’t quite guide Leipzig to a European spot – with the Germans missing out on a place in the Conference League, Europa League and Champions League.

19/20 – winter

£0

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£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

It is the first time Leipzig haven’t qualified for Europe since their top-flight arrival in 2016, and this will surely get Sesko thinking about his immediate future as Arsenal reportedly circle to offer him a route out.

The Slovenia international is a top target for Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, who’s been chasing his signature for 12 months.

Arsenal had a proposal rejected for Sesko last summer, who instead put pen to paper on a contract extension to remain at Leipzig and further his development, with the north Londoners also having an attempt rebuffed in January (Ben Jacobs).

They’re now trying to make it ‘third-time-lucky’ with another move for Sesko, and “concrete talks” have been taking place since late May (Florian Plettenberg). However, as things stand, Sky Germany are reporting that Arsenal are unwilling to match Leipzig’s financial demands for the centre-forward.

With plenty of work still to do, the 22-year-old’s own representative, Elvis Basanovic, has now provided an update on his client’s future in an interview with GiveMeSport this week.

Arsenal told key transfer condition by Benjamin Sesko's agent

Speaking to GMS, Basanovic has revealed the key condition for Sesko to depart Leipzig before summer deadline day on September 1.

The agent claims he’ll only leave Leipzig for a “special” new destination, refusing to clarify whether Arsenal fall into this category. When asked if the plan for Sesko is to find a new club, Basanovic said: “Well, his numbers at his age compared to some strikers with already great careers at his age are confirming my words.

“He will move from RB Leipzig only when we recognise a special club, a special project with a special coach.”

More worryingly for Arteta, the intermediary even suggested that Sesko could stay at Leipzig for years if they deem it the right call.

“It can be next week, or next year, or in 3 years,” Basanovic continued.

“Even if there may be – or will be – a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig. I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club.

“I can understand in very big transfers, there are a lot of different interests, but no matter what, I believe in the football world ‘there’ should be more respect. So that’s why we do things in the right way, or we don’t do them. It’s very simple, even maybe in the media it looks very complicated.”

Chelsea are expected to part company with a host of senior players during the next summer transfer window, as BlueCo look to trim the wage bill and reduce Enzo Maresca’s bloasted squad.

Chelsea players who could be sold this summer

Some big names are currently surplus to requirements and haven’t been named in Chelsea’s squad for the Club World Cup.

"I am told" – Journalist says insiders are shocked by who Chelsea have let go

Many are apparently surprised.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 12, 2025

This includes Renato Veiga, Lesley Ugochukwu, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Armando Broja and Axel Disasi, who are all facing the prospect of having to find new clubs this summer (The Athletic).

Sterling is back from a lacklustre stint at London rivals Arsenal on loan, while Felix also failed to impress during his temporary spell at AC Milan over the second half of 2024/2025.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chilwell is on around £200,000-per-week and has returned from his loan move to Crystal Palace, so Stamford Bridge chiefs will be keen to find him a new landing spot sooner rather than later.

Given their backlog of goalkeepers, and reports Chelsea could still sign Mike Maignan despite their failed June 10 deadline day move for the France international, uncertainty also surrounds the futures of Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic.

Djordje Petrovic wants to leave Chelsea as agent fields calls

According to journalist Simon Phillips, as he’s previously reported, both keepers are indeed up for sale, and Petrovic is now seeking to leave Chelsea in a bid to kickstart his career.

The Serbian enjoyed an impressive spell on loan at sister club Strasbourg last season, with many clubs now blowing up his agent’s phone as they attempt to enquire about his services.

“The club and Enzo Maresca do not believe he is good enough with his feet to be Chelsea number one, that’s it. And for that reason, he’s up for sale,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“And on Petrovic’s side, he is 25-years-old now and will turn 26 early in the winter. He does not want to play second fiddle, and he knows if he stays at Chelsea then there is no guarantee that he will be a regular starter. So he also wants to leave the club if he cannot be guaranteed this.

“So right now, both parties want the same thing and that is for Petrovic to move on this summer, and I’d be very surprised at this point if he’s not sold this summer. He has many clubs phoning his agent right now to ask about a move.”

A section of Chelsea supporters actually saw the deal for Maignan falling through as a blessing in disguise to hand Petrovic a route into the first team, but it appears Maresca doesn’t see a role for him at all due to a perceived lack of effective distribution in his game.

This is despite real praise from his manager at Strasbourg, Liam Rosenior, who called Petrovic a “world-class” shot-stopper.

“We have seen huge progress from Petro,” he said.

“He is a world-class goalkeeper. We see it every day, and it is still paying off today.”

Continuing a frantic summer transfer window, Manchester United have now reportedly been offered the chance to sign a former Premier League midfielder in a shock swap deal which would involve Antony.

Man Utd on the verge of Mbeumo agreement

After the Premier League fixture release handed them the toughest start on paper, some around Old Trafford may already be dreading Manchester United’s return to domestic action in August. Ruben Amorim is unlikely to be among those, however. The Red Devils boss has instantly been backed by INEOS this summer and after already welcoming Matheus Cunha, he is reportedly closing in on welcoming Bryan Mbeumo.

In an instant, Mbeumo and Cunha should transform Manchester United’s blunt frontline which has featured the struggling Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the last 12 months.

Combined last season, Hojlund and Zirkzee managed just seven Premier League goals. Mbeumo alone, meanwhile, reached the 20-goal mark whilst Cunha scored as many as 15 for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

INEOS may not be done there, however. The transfer rumours are still coming thick and fast amid reports that Emiliano Martinez is waiting on Manchester United to make their offer to complete a shock summer move.

The new McTominay: Man Utd moving to sign "one of the best CMs in Serie A"

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ByEthan Lamb Jun 19, 2025

In similar fashion to Cunha and Mbeumo, Martinez would be an instant upgrade on Andre Onana this summer. The World Cup winner has played a crucial role in Aston Villa’s recent rise under Unai Emery, but could now be set to leave amid their PSR problems.

Signing Martinez is not the only blow that United could hand Aston Villa, though. The Red Devils have also now reportedly been offered the chance to sign a former Villa Park fan favourite this summer.

Man Utd offered Douglas Luiz swap deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Douglas Luiz in a shock swap deal for want-away winger Antony. Former Juventus director of football Cristiano Guintoli, who has now left his role, reportedly explored the deal in what would have killed two birds with one stone for INEOS this summer.

Now that Guintoli is no longer at the Italian club, the big question will be whether Juventus are still keen to take a look at such a deal. There’s no denying that Luiz desperately needs a fresh start following a tough first year in Turin, as is the case with Antony at Manchester United, which means that the deal should certainly still make sense for all parties.

Whilst Antony enjoyed quite the revival at Real Betis, the Brazilian remains a player who is likely for the exit door at Old Trafford and United should take full advantage of his rejuvenated form to either cash in or sign Luiz.

It wasn’t so long ago that the Aston Villa sporting director, Monchi, was praising Luiz as a “strong player” and even after a tough year at Juventus, the midfielder remains a player who would improve Manchester United’s midfield.

Leeds United have now submitted a £12m offer to sign an “unbelievable” player, with an agreement also being reached on personal terms, reliable reporter David Ornstein has revealed.

Leeds vying to sign new midfielders

Having missed out on Habib Diarra to fellow promoted side Sunderland, Leeds have been forced to move on to alternative central midfield targets, and it is looking increasingly likely that there could be multiple additions in the engine room.

Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach is of particular interest, with the Whites now growing more confident they will be able to complete a deal for the German, while they have also set their sights on several players who boast Premier League experience.

Newcastle United’s Joe Willock is one of the players on the shortlist, although Crystal Palace may have an advantage in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, given that he is believed to favour a move to the capital this summer.

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Leeds United are in the mix of teams who want to sign a highly rated midfielder.

2 ByBrett Worthington Jul 7, 2025

Consequently, Daniel Farke’s side have seemingly made little progress in their pursuit of Willock, but they are now stepping up their pursuit of a different Newcastle midfielder.

That is according to an update from Ornstein on X, with the reporter revealing that Leeds are “pushing to sign Sean Longstaff”, having recently submitted a £12m offer for his services.

The latest bid is believed to be “close to the limit” before the West Yorkshire outfit decide to move on to other targets, but they are yet to receive a reply from the Magpies.

With personal terms already “in place”, the deal could move quickly if the offer is accepted, with the Newcastle academy graduate keen for his boyhood club to receive a fee for his services, rather than losing him on a free transfer next summer.

"Unbelievable" Longstaff could be ideal signing for Leeds

The 27-year-old wouldn’t exactly be the flashiest of signings, but he could be the ideal addition to a Leeds squad looking to stabilise as a Premier League club, given his vast experience in the top flight.

During his time with the Magpies, the Englishman has chalked up a total of 171 Premier League appearances, while also being dubbed “unbelievable” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has also praised the Newcastle maestro for his work-rate and versatility: “He can play in a variety of midfield roles and it’s that ability to get the best out of Bruno (Guimaraes) in that Newcastle midfield. Bruno plays better when Sean Longstaff is behind him, in front of him or alongside him. He can run all day, he’s a great athlete.”

As such, Longstaff clearly has the quality to help Leeds survive in their first season back in the Premier League, and £12m seems like a reasonable fee for his services.

Arsenal supporters have watched new sporting director Andrea Berta get to work on a flurry of statement transfer deals this summer, with Noni Madueke joining from Chelsea for around £52 million and defender Cristhian Mosquera travelling to London for a medical most recently (Standard Sport).

International captain approves Arsenal exit with talks planned in coming days

The Gunners need to balance out their squad.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 17, 2025

The duo have joined Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard among Mikel Arteta’s crop of brand-new players ahead of what will be an all-important Premier League campaign, with Arsenal seeking to end their 21-year wait for a league title.

Madueke’s arrival, after he put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Arsenal on Wednesday (Fabrizio Romano), has raised eyebrows among supporters – but journalist Charles Watts says that Arteta was really pushing to make the deal happen.

19/20 – winter

£0

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£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

25/26 – summer

£140m

“I know Arsenal are very happy with the price they have paid,” Watts said to CaughtOffside.

“They believe it matches up well to what other players of Madueke’s profile have moved for this summer and are adamant that in a couple of years time people will look on it as an excellent piece of business.

“Mikel Arteta has really been pushing this deal, he believes Madueke can thrive in an environment like Arsenal’s and does not view him as a back-up. He is bringing him in to play a lot of games, whether that be on the right or on the left.”

Now, attention has fully turned to finalising a move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres after weeks of talks.

Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to sign the Sweden international, who will put pen to paper on a five-year contract (The Athletic), but there’s a final round of negotiations happening right now over the add-ons and bonuses involved (The Guardian).

Gyokeres’ agent agreed to waive his fee to help make the transfer happen, and Berta is currently attempting to get him through the door in time for Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the Far East, which begins on Wednesday against AC Milan in Singapore.

Viktor Gyokeres wants to join Arsenal by Wednesday

That is according to Football Transfers, who also report that Arsenal are expecting a breakthrough in the discussions surrounding bonuses soon – which could take the transfer cost up to £69 million.

Gyokeres and Arsenal want him to join up with Arteta’s squad in time for their clash with Milan, and a medical is apparently scheduled to take place for him over the weekend, so all parties appear pretty confident this transfer will be completely finalised in imminent fashion.

The 27-year-old’s arrival would mark the end of Arsenal’s long search for a prolific number nine, and Gyokeres could well be a crucial factor in bridging the gap between Arsenal and English champions Liverpool.

The former Coventry City star is on the verge of returning to England after two years free-scoring in Portugal, with Gyokeres netting an outstanding 97 goals in 102 appearances.

Leeds United are in the battle to sign a high-earning Premier League player this summer, according to an exciting update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Leeds eyeing moves for British pair

The Whites have been linked with two different British footballers in recent days, both of whom could prove to be shrewd acquisitions in their own right.

Firstly, Angus Gunn has been mentioned as an option to come in as an upgrade on Illan Meslier, with the Scotland international available on a free transfer after exiting Norwich City at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock has also been mentioned as a Leeds target ahead of their return to the Premier League, with the Englishman potentially in need of joining a club where he can start regularly. That isn’t the case at St James’ Park, with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton keeping him out of the team.

Now, another British player has been linked with a summer switch to Elland Road, and this one could be even more popular than Gunn or Willock heading to Yorkshire.

Leeds in race to seal Kalvin Phillips reunion

Speaking to LeedsUnited.News, Bailey claimed that Leeds are very much in the race to sign Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City, sealing a memorable reunion with him in the process.

Seeing Phillips back in a Leeds shirt would be so heartwarming, considering what a hero the 29-year-old was at the club, becoming a key starter for England in that time.

The midfielder may still have much to offer Daniel Farke, despite years of injury struggles with City and relegation on loan at Ipswich Town last season.

Dream for Gudmundsson: Leeds in the race to sign "dominant" £22m star

Leeds are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be a dream for Gabriel Gudmundsson.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 11, 2025

Granted, Phillips’ £150,000-a-week and £7.8m-a-year wages would be tough to match, but the hope is that a return to Leeds appeals so much that he could be willing to take a pay cut. The fact that Bailey suggests as much can only bode well, making this one to watch.

Leeds United have only just announced the £12m capture of Sean Longstaff, but another midfield deal looks to be nearing to completion to complement the ex-Newcastle United man’s arrival.

Indeed, it is now being reported that Daniel Farke’s Premier League newcomers will welcome Anton Stach to the building imminently, with the versatile Hoffenheim presence going down as their sixth summer buy for around the £17.4m mark.

Longstaff and Stach might just be the start, however, before another wave of new faces joins very shortly, with attacking signings now looking to be a priority.

Leeds chasing deal for Premier League youngster

Away from Stach offering Leeds more options in midfield alongside the 27-year-old giant, the other signings through the door this summer have mostly been defensive, besides Lukas Nmecha.

Therefore, attack is surely the next part of the pitch due for a makeover, with Rodrigo Muniz reportedly still on the Leeds agenda, on top of new, exciting targets such as Igor Paxiao coming to the surface to gift the Whites more options on the left and right flanks.

Whilst Muniz is a buy that will appeal to Whites supporters everywhere, when assessing his weighty 17 goals in the Premier League, Leeds’ other pursuit of Marc Guiu might well raise some eyebrows.

Football journalist Graeme Bailey claims that Leeds could soon chase a loan deal for the Chelsea youngster to boost their options up top, having looked at him previously.

Whilst Guiu does come highly rated from Stamford Bridge, his lack of Premier League experience would worry those at Elland Road as they jump back up to the gruelling division.

Yet, the Spaniard might well go to be an even bigger talent than Mateo Joseph if he does move to West Yorkshire, which would unfortunately push his fellow compatriot down the Whites pecking order even more.

How Guiu could be a bigger talent than Joseph

Joseph must already know deep down that his Premier League minutes next season are going to be somewhat sparse, considering only 11 league starts were handed to him last season on the way to Farke and Co. sealing the title.

A promising three goals and three assists would come his way, but the 21-year-old hasn’t quite shown enough in these bursts of quality from the bench to suggest he should be pushing for more consistent first-team minutes. Whereas, Guiu at Chelsea might well fancy his chances at being a second-in-command to Joel Piroe, and even more, based on his blistering cameos in West London last campaign.

Games played

16

73

Goals scored

6

6

Assists

0

4

PL appearances

3

3

Amazingly, despite appearing 57 times less for Enzo Maresca’s outfit overall when weighed up next to the 21-year-old’s haul at Elland Road, Guiu finds himself on the exact same goal tally Joseph has next to his name at Leeds, with all six of those efforts also staggeringly coming about last season as Chelsea ran out convincing champions of the UEFA Conference League.

Of course, the quality of the opposition can be questioned here, but Guiu does look ready for more senior chances, with those six goals coming about from just four starts, meaning he’s a far more lethal and composed finisher from limited chances than his Whites counterpart.

With two goals under his belt in the senior ranks at Barcelona, too, the 19-year-old would surely go on to enhance and elevate his game surrounded by the likes of Piroe as a hungry asset wanting to learn more, as opposed to Joseph, who has made his intentions clear on his desire to move on from West Yorkshire.

Once labelled as a “nightmare for centre-backs” to contain by football talent scout Jacek Kulig off the back of his high-energy game, Guiu might well be the perfect impact bench option for Farke to call upon next season, away from landing a more seasoned head such as Muniz.

With all these thrilling new buys in the offing, there might not be a place for Joseph at Leeds very soon, as fresh blood is potentially preferred over the reserve striker.

Even better than Paixao: Leeds hopeful of sealing signing of £50m striker

Leeds United are hopeful of signing a star who is even better than Igor Paixao.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 18, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now lodged an enquiry over a deal for an “unbelievable” striker, who has a price tag of £15m, according to a report.

Wolves keen to bolster attacking options

Wolves have already made major improvements to their frontline this summer, with centre-forward Jorgen Strand Larsen putting pen to paper on a permanent deal, while wingers Fer Lopez and Jhon Arias have also arrived at Molineux.

Larsen in particular could be a fantastic signing, given that the Norwegian scored 14 goals in 35 Premier League games on loan with the Old Gold last season, but it may be important to get another striker through the door, given the uncertainty surrounding Fabio Silva’s future.

As a result, Wolves have now stepped up their interest in a Championship striker, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing they have submitted an enquiry over a deal for highly-rated Millwall striker Mihailo Ivanovic.

However, Millwall are said to be confident about keeping hold of Ivanovic, and the Championship side have set an asking price of £15m, in an attempt to ward off interest from elsewherd, with a number of foreign clubs scouting the centre-forward last season.

Vitor Pereira is keen to bolster his attacking options, following Matheus Cunha’s departure to Manchester United, and the 20-year-old is very much of interest, off the back of an impressive debut campaign at The Den.

Wolves showing interest in signing "fantastic" free agent to replace Semedo

Wolves are now showing a strong interest in a new defensive target.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 28, 2025 "Unbelievable" Ivanovic could be ready for Premier League move

Despite his age, the Serbian youngster was able to make a real impact at Millwall during his first season with the Lions, scoring 12 goals in 37 Championship games, indicating that he may be ready to test himself in the Premier League.

Manager Alex Neil has also been impressed by what he’s seen from the starlet, saying: “Any 20-year-old that leads the line in the Championship and can get nearly [10 goals], and he’ll get double figures before the end of the season.

“If you do that, that’s an unbelievable season and it won’t be surprising me if people start talking about him. I’ve already seen something the other day talking about the top 10 young talents in Europe – he’s one of them.”

It would be a gamble to shell out £15m on Ivanovic, given that he is yet to prove himself over a sustained period of time in the Championship, but he is clearly a very talented youngster, and Pereira could certainly do with bringing in another striker if Silva departs.

Which striker will Newcastle United end up with by the time the transfer window closes on 1 September?

Alexander Isak’s future on Tyneside remains up in the air, having not featured at all for the Magpies during pre-season, while the Swede was reportedly left furious after being told ‘he is not for sale this summer and will not be allowed’ to leave.

Meantime, as they aim to bring a striker in, the Toon Army have missed out on their first two targets, with Hugo Ekitiké instead joining Liverpool, while Benjamin Šeško’s move to Manchester United was confirmed over the weekend.

So now, could Newcastle revisit one of their long-standing targets, rather than being tempted by another available Premier League player?

Newcastle's striker search

After Chelsea signed both Liam Delap and João Pedro earlier this summer, Jason Burt of the Telegraph is reporting that Nicolas Jackson has been told he will be allowed to leave the Blues this summer, with Newcastle his ‘preferred destination’.

Meantime, similar to Isak actually, Jackson is training alone at Cobham, with Chelsea willing to sanction a sale at around £65m.

However, do the Magpies have their sights set on a different Premier League centre-forward?

Well, as reported by Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Newcastle are ‘expected to make an improved offer’ in their attempts to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Earlier in the window, Newcastle saw a £25m bid rejected for the forward, who is valued at closer to £40m by the Bees, but, with the DR Congo international allegedly pushing for a move to Tyneside, could this transfer happen after all?

Why Newcastle should sign Yoane Wissa not Nicolas Jackson

Wissa was, without a doubt, one of the very best strikers in the Premier League last season.

The Brentford forward bagged 19 goals in the league, numbers comparable with the division’s very best, as the graphic below documents.

Junior Béton praised Wissa’s form as “incredible”, while manager Thomas Frank noted that “he is best as a number nine”, adding that his “remarkable” forward possesses a “nose for goals”.

Meantime, Mark Bruce of Breaking the Lines believes he is amongst the most ‘underrated’ players in the division, outlining how he has ‘shown extraordinary perseverance’ to reach the top, but is now ‘flourishing’ at Premier League level.

The question though still remains; how did he compare to Jackson?

Appearances

35

30

Minutes

2,929

2,240

Goals

19

10

Goals per 90

0.6

0.5

Assists

5

5

All statistics below are on a per-90 basis:

Expected goals

18.59

12.34

Shots on target %

62.32%

54.69%

Chances created

0.9

1.2

Big chances created

0.09

0.24

Big chances missed

0.52

0.76

Touches

31.4

31

Touches in the box

5.2

6.2

Average SofaScore rating

7.16

6.92

As the table documents, Wissa scored nine more goals than Jackson in the Premier League, boasting a better goals-per-90 rate as well, impressively doing so for a side that finished six places lower.

The Brentford man also boasted better numbers in terms of expected goals, shooting accuracy and fewer big chances missed, while Jackson did come out on top for chances created metrics.

In conclusion, Newcastle should aim to secure Wissa’s signature, given that he’ll prove to be at least £25m cheaper than Jackson, using the saved money to bolster other areas of the squad, including defence, with Malick Thiaw poised to arrive from AC Milan for around £30m.

Bigger talent than Sesko: Newcastle offered chance to sign £65m "monster"

After Benjamin Šeško chose Manchester United, Newcastle United are now considering” a move to sign a “monster” valued at £65m by his current club.

2 ByBen Gray Aug 9, 2025