All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

The start of Rangers’ competitive season is fast approaching.

In just ten nights’ time, the Gers will commence their Champions League campaign, entering in the second qualifying round, thereby needing to come through three ties to get into the group stages for only the second time since 2010.

So, before that massive tie, will Russell Martin add to his six summer signings?

Rangers looking to add a new winger

In an otherwise generally miserable campaign, Václav Černý starred for Rangers last season, scoring 18 goals in 52 appearances for the club, on target six times during their run to the Europa League quarter-finals, meaning only Bruno Fernandes, Kasper Waarst Høgh and Ayoub El Kaabi bettered his tally in the competition.

The problem though, is the fact that the Czechia international was only on loan from Wolfsburg, and will not be returning, leaving a rather large void in the squad, one that’ll require replacing.

Thus, according to a report by Sky Sports News, Rangers are ‘close to finalising a deal’ to sign Sheffield Wednesday winger Djeidi Gassama.

Manager Martin stated that the deal is “all done at our end”, stating that he “fully expects” the move to be completed “very, very soon”, adding that Gassama provides something “different to what we’ve got”.

Transfer Focus

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

Andrew Newport of the Daily Record claims that the 21 year old will cost £2.5m, with controversial Owls’ owner Dejphon Chansiri ‘stalling’ in an attempt to create some sort of bidding war, thereby driving up the price, even though the EFL Championship side are ‘desperate to raise funds’ as they risk going into administration.

Nevertheless, this all suggests a deal will be finalised sooner rather than later.

How Djeidi Gassama will improve Rangers

Gassama first caught the eye playing for Paris Saint-Germain’s youth teams, scoring five goals in eight UEFA Youth League matches for les Rouge-et-Bleu in 2021/22, spending the following season out on loan at Belgian club Eupen, before making a surprise move to Sheffield Wednesday two summers ago.

The French youth international scored just 12 goals and registered four assists in 84 appearances for the Owls, but his performances have earned plenty of plaudits.

He was named Supporters’ Player of the Year last season, while writer Kai Watson labelled him “clinical in front of goal”, adding that he is an “exciting player to watch​​​​​​​”, who “loves carrying the ball” and is “capable of producing moments of brilliance​​​​​​​”.

Meantime, analyst John Walker is impressed by his dribbling ability too, stating that supporters should be “very excited” about this addition.

So, let’s assess how his statistics compare to those of Černý.

Appearances

47

52

Minutes

3,197

3,933

Goals

8

18

Assists

1

9

Shots

1.5

2.6

Shooting accuracy %

46.94%

55%

Chances created

1.2

2.1

Take-ons completed

2

2.1

Dribble success %

44.6%

51.3%

Touches

44

55.2

Touches in the box

4.7

5.6

Average SofaScore rating

6.9

7.39

As the table outlines, Černý’s statistics are universally more impressive than Gassama’s, but there are caveats.

The Czech winger was playing for a dominant team in Scotland, outlined by his touches and touches in the opposition penalty area statistics, while Sheffield Wednesday finished 12th in the EFL Championship.

The encouraging aspect ahead of Gassama’s move to Ibrox is the fact his numbers are very similar to Černý’s, attempting a near-identical number of take-ons per 90, with a similar number being completed, emphasising their stylistic similarities.

Thus, still only 21 years old, he is clearly a high-potential player, and one who could certainly arrive at Rangers and make a big impression.

Better than Gassama: Rangers "weighing up" move for "dangerous" starlet

Rangers are on the hunt for a winger or two this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 11, 2025

They might not have officially announced any signings yet, but Arsenal have finally started making moves this summer.

For example, last week reports claimed that Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga are set to sign for the club.

On top of that, reports from earlier this week claimed that Martin Zubimendi was in London to finally complete his long-awaited move from Real Sociedad.

Finally, there has been an abundance of stories linking Arsenal to the incredible Eberechi Eze in recent days.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, the club could now be nearing an agreement to sign another attacking gem who would be an even more exciting addition to the team than the Englishman.

Arsenal close to signing goalscoring monster

With Arsenal creating the best defence in the Premier League for the second campaign running this season and still finishing second, it’s hardly a surprise to see them linked with an exhaustive list of incredible attacking talents in recent weeks.

The likes of Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Crystal Palace’s Eze have all been touted for moves to the Emirates, and while all feel like realistic targets, it’s the latter who has been the subject of more reports in recent days.

The England international has a release clause worth around £68m in his current contract, and according to Fabrizio Romano, he was involved in talks with the Gunners over the weekend.

Transfer Focus

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

The Eagles’ gem would undoubtedly be a seriously exciting addition to Arteta’s squad, but it now looks like the club might be closing in on another attacker and someone who’d be that bit more exciting a signing: Benjamin Sesko.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Slovenian international and that they are now ‘edging closer to an agreement with RB Leipzig’ for his transfer.

The report goes on to reveal that even though the German outfit want a fee in excess of €80m for the striker, which is about £69m, the two sides may be ‘nearing a compromise’ worth around €75m, which converts to about £64m.

Despite that news, the Gunners are still intent on signing Viktor Gyokeres too, with advanced talks also in place for the Swede.

Why Sesko would be a more exciting signing than Eze

Now, while Arsenal should try to sign both players this summer, there are two intertwined reasons why we think Sesko would have a greater impact than Eze, and therefore be the more exciting addition: his goal-scoring instincts and where he plays.

We say this because the Gunners’ biggest problem last season was not creating chances, but finishing them.

According to Understat, the Premier League runners-up produced an expected goals figure of 73.57, but scored just 69 goals.

Now, while one way to address this problem is to create more goal-scoring opportunities, bringing in a more clinical number nine seems far more straightforward than changing how the team approaches games, which is where the Leipzig star comes into play.

For example, in 33 league appearances this season, he scored 13 goals from an expected goals figure of 10.84, whereas Kai Havertz scored nine from a figure of 11.83, and Gabriel Jesus managed three from a figure of 3.38.

In short, the “monumental” Slovenian poacher, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is far more effective in front of goal than the Gunners’ current crop of forwards, and even more clinical than Eze, as he scored his eight league goals from an expected goals figure of 1.88.

Finally, if we simply compare the Leipzig star’s overall output from this season to the Palace star’s, we once again see that he’s a better source of goals and assists, which is what the North Londoners need next year.

Appearances

45

43

Minutes

3258′

3303′

Goals

21

14

Assists

6

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.6

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

120.66′

132.12′

For example, the former RB Salzburg monster scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or every 120.66 minutes.

In contrast, the Greenwich-born dynamo scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling 3303 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal or assist every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

Ultimately, Sesko is far more clinical than Arsenal’s current centre-forward options and a better source of goal involvements than Eze, and therefore, would be the more exciting signing this summer.

A big upgrade on Eze: Arsenal discussing move to sign £80m "nightmare"

The international attacker would be brilliant for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 1, 2025

Insofar as anything is conclusive during the first few weeks of the summer transfer window, Liverpool have been issued a rather unequivocal no in regard to Alexander Isak.

Arne Slot would love nothing more than to front his project with Newcastle United’s “world-class assassin”, as Isak has been referred by pundit Alan Shearer, but PIF want a package in the region of £200m to free him from his £120k-per-week contract.

It’s not going to happen, in all likelihood. However, that doesn’t mean Liverpool will shelve their interest in a new number nine. There are alternative options on the market.

Liverpool are spending liberally this summer, no doubt, but this is hardly a scattergun approach from Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes; more so, the execution of meticulous planning.

The expeditious nature of their activity highlights FSG’s thought-out strategy, with the club-record signing od Florian Wirtz the perfect representation of that fact.

Why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz

Wirtz is now officially a Liverpool player. Last week, the Merseysiders agreed a £100m fixed fee – which could rise to a British-record £116m – for Bayer Leverkusen’s star man; now, the Premier League champions have officially announced their marquee move.

After some protracted negotiations, Wirtz is finally Liverpool’s and will bring his “truly generational talent” – as has been said by sports media professional Cristian Nyari – to Slot’s side, a daunting thought for the club’s rivals both domestically and abroad.

But not for Liverpool. While Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave for Real Madrid upset more than a few, here we have a surpassing playmaker of a different breed, one who could spearhead years of sustained success.

And while Liverpool might not be able to secure Isak’s services this summer, there’s every chance that Wirtz could be leading the supply line for another first-rate centre-forward.

Liverpool lining up new striker

Several alternatives are on the line for Liverpool, including Hugo Ekitike, but as per Rousing the Kop, Liverpool have identified Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as the perfect option to sign this summer, should Isak remain out of reach.

Osimhen, who completed a successful loan move with Galatasaray last season, is looking to leave Naples this summer and is believed to have a £60m release clause in his contract.

The Turkish giants are looking to bring him back for good, while suitors in the Saudi Pro League continue their long-time bid to bring the 26-year-old over to the Gulf.

However, Liverpool could give him a place at the front of one of football’s most exciting projects.

Why Liverpool want Victor Osimhen

With Darwin Nunez set to depart – curiously, Napoli are chasing a deal for the Uruguay star – Liverpool could find they have a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Serie A champions for their profitable number nine.

After scoring 37 goals across 41 matches for Galatasaray last year, winning the Turkish Super Lig, the rangy and powerful frontman has kept his instruments sharp as he targets a statement move.

Osimhen has proven himself by now as one of Europe’s most reliable goalscorers, and though the Premier League would ostensibly present him with the highest calibre of opposition, across the span of a season, that he has faced in his career, with Wirtz by his side there will be more than enough support to maintain top levels of scoring.

24/25 – Galatasaray

41

37

8

23/24 – Napoli

32

17

4

22/23 – Napoli

39

31

5

21/22 – Napoli

32

18

6

20/21 – Napoli

30

10

3

Osimhen’s complete attacking skill set and unflappable mentality suggest that not only could be a dream for Wirtz, but he’d ensure even the most ardent of Liverpool-supporting Isak fans are able to forget about Newcastle’s talisman.

Having spearheaded Napoli’s Scudetto-winning season of 2022/23, Osimhen established himself as one of the game’s true elite, even labelled as “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave back in February.

Isak might be a bit more dynamic in his mobility, but the Nigerian is hardly a sluggish forward, having ranked among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe last season for shot-creating actions, the top 18% for progressive carries, the top 16% for ball recoveries and the top 9% for aerial battles won per 90, as per FBref.

He’s a “transitional monster” described by analyst Ben Mattinson, with incredible off-the-ball awareness and positioning that should see him rake goals in by the dozen at Liverpool, with the likes of Wirtz and Mohamed Salah creating chances for him.

As per Sofascore, Wirtz, who is principally a central attacking midfielder but has the capacity to drift across most attacking areas, assisted 12 goals and created 17 big chances across the 2024/25 season.

In fact, deeper examination shows the German maverick to have averaged 2.1 key passes per game across his entire campaign, for club and country, which is a truly remarkable feat and the perfect illustration of how he will enhance the performance of someone like Osimhen.

To put that in perspective: Alexander-Arnold has averaged 1.9 key passes per fixture across the span of his own career – and, frankly, we all know just how peerless his playmaking has been at Liverpool.

Wirtz has proven himself across several seasons in the Bundesliga, winning the division’s Player of the Year award in 2023/24 after playing an instrumental part in Leverkusen’s invincible prize-winning campaign.

He’s only just getting started, and if allowed to forge a relationship with Osimhen, there’s no telling how deadly Liverpool could be next year.

He could surpass Salah: Liverpool now prepared to sign another £100m star

Liverpool are in the market for a centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 19, 2025

It is practically indisputable that Arsenal are in the market for a new striker this summer, and Mikel Arteta’s side have now been handed the chance to get one over on arch rivals Tottenham by signing a key target of Thomas Frank’s side.

Arsenal make contact to sign trophy-laden £400k-per-week ex-Man City star

He’d be quite the addition to Arteta’s dressing room.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025

New sporting director Andrea Berta is currently busy attempting to negotiate agreeable terms on a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but find themselves some way off the Bundesliga side’s asking price of around £68-85 million, according to Sky Germany’s (Florian Plettenberg).

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

Arsenal negotiations for Sesko have been ongoing since late May, but if a deal cannot be struck for the Slovenia international, Berta does have other reported striker targets on his shortlist.

Arsenal have also worked on a deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is currently keen on a move to north London and open to joining other high-profile Premier League suitors like Man United.

“Viktor Gyökeres prefers a move to the Premier League, and would welcome an Arsenal bid,” reported Ben Jacobs on X recently.

“Arsenal still deciding between Benjamin Sesko and Gyökeres. Andrea Berta simultaneously advancing both deals. Gyökeres would be open to Manchester United. There has been no formal rejection, but a deal to date has also never been at an advanced stage, despite suggestions.

“United have not made any formal approach to Sporting. Swedish striker one of several striker options discussed. Gyökeres believes he’ll still be allowed to leave Sporting for €70m. Arsenal have always been one to watch, but it will depend on Berta now because he is also in ongoing talks for Sesko at the same time, with a bid for one of the two targets expected soon.”

Either centre-forward would be an upgrade on Arteta’s current options. Sesko is fresh off a career-best Bundesliga campaign at Leipzig, while Gyokeres has just guided Sporting to their first domestic double in 20 years after scoring 54 goals in all competitions.

However, Arsenal now also have a new left-field option.

Arsenal offered Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat

According to website Just Arsenal, Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat has been put forward to Arteta’s side.

Vanat scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, helping Kyiv to lift the Ukranian Premier League title whilst ending the season unbeaten. He also finished 2024/2025 as the division’s top scorer with 17, and this has attracted some attention from England.

It is now believed that Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Vanat, who has a reported £17 million release clause in his contract. Arteta doesn’t view the 23-year-old’s signing as an urgent need right now, but is fully aware of Vanat’s quality, so it’s apparently a situation they could revisit later in the window.

However, if they do decide they want him, Arsenal will need to be wary of rival interest. Manchester United, Leeds United, Everton, and Tottenham are all keen on Vanat, with the latter even viewing him as a “priority signing” for new manager Frank.

Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign FC Nordsjælland forward Benjamin Nygren, whose contract expires at the end of this year, on a permanent deal this summer.

The right-sided attacker could become the second official signing for the Hoops in the off-season, after the club confirmed Kieran Tierney’s arrival on a free transfer from Arsenal earlier this week.

Celtic's transfer priorities this summer

Following the much-needed signing of Tierney to fill their gaping hole at left-back, with Greg Taylor out of contract this summer, Celtic appear to have turned their attention to the wide areas.

Nygren is ‘expected’ to sign for the Scottish giants to bolster their options on the right flank, but they are also looking for a new forward on the left side of the pitch.

It was recently claimed that the Hoops are in talks with left-winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s representatives over a move from Royal Antwerp, and the Scottish Premiership champions are in negotiations with Sarpsborg over a move for Norwegian flanker Sondre Orjasaeter.

This makes it clear that Celtic are after a right-footed left-winger – Balikwisha or Orjasaeter – to go along with the signing of Nygren, who is a left-footed right-winger.

New wingers are not the only signings on the agenda for Brendan Rodgers this summer, though, as the Northern Irish head coach is also looking to improve the depth of his midfield.

Celtic believe they can land bargain deal for Premier League star

According to West Ham United-focused outlet Claret & Hugh, Celtic are interested in a deal to sign Scotland international Andy Irving, who is for sale, in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hammers are open to offers for the 25-year-old central midfielder, as ‘almost everyone’ is for sale at the Premier League side.

It reveals that the Hoops believe that they can land the left-footed maestro for a ‘bargain’ fee, although no exact price tag is mentioned, because he was rarely used by Graham Potter in the 2024/25 campaign, playing just ten times in the top-flight.

Passes made

60.00

Top 8%

Pass accuracy

90.0%

Top 16%

Long passes made

3.89

Top 5%

Long pass accuracy

87.5%

Top 4%

Cross accuracy

50%

Top 11%

Touches

87.78

Top 6%

Irving showcased his quality in possession, as shown in the table above, by ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of key passing and possession-based metrics in the limited minutes that he had on the pitch.

Claret & Hugh adds that the Scottish midfielder is ‘open’ to a move away from the Premier League club in order to go in search of regular first-team football, which is why a transfer to Parkhead could be one that ‘suits all parties’.

Irving, who made his Scotland debut earlier this month against Liechtenstein, appears to have the on-ball qualities to perfectly suit playing in a Celtic team that averaged 75.1% possession per game in the Premiership in the 2024/25 season.

His desire to constantly get on the ball and make passes, short and long, whilst being efficient in doing so, could make him a good fit for Rodgers’ dominant Hoops midfielder, which is why this is a deal that could make a lot of sense for both clubs and the player.

More exciting than Tierney: Celtic expected to complete "no-brainer" deal

Celtic are expected to seal the signing of a star who would be more exciting than Kieran Tierney.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 14, 2025

Scott Parker might well be known to many in the Premier League as a former goalscoring hero on the books of West Ham United, but his managerial career in the top league to date has been anything but a smooth sailing experience.

Indeed, the 44-year-old has only ever collected nine wins from the dug-out when taking control of a top-flight team. Still, after guiding the Clarets to automatic promotion in style with only two defeats from 46 Championship clashes last season, he will fancy his chances at rewriting this negative narrative.

He will certainly be helped in his efforts to keep the Lancashire side afloat if he is given plenty to spend this summer transfer window, with a new target who has previously set the EFL alight now catching the eye at Turf Moor.

Burnley add 20-year-old star to shortlist

Whilst Leeds United explore moves aplenty with Aaron Ramsdale and Emiliano Buendia linked, the Whites’ fellow automatic promotion winners haven’t been overrun with rumours of their own.

Danny Ings has been speculatively linked with a return to the Clarets, alongside Chelsea outcast Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also being tipped to make the move from West London, but one new rumour involving ex-Birmingham City star Jordan James has emerged.

Journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that Burnley are taking a look at the now Rennes midfielder as a possible replacement figure for Josh Brownhill, with the newly promoted outfit prepared to splash £12m to land the 20-year-old’s services.

Whilst James could come in and replace Brownhill, considering the experienced Clarets ace is being linked with a switch to Everton among other established top-flight destinations, Parker will pray that the former St. Andrew’s product could actually bounce off the 29-year-old well, with the youngster perhaps going on to be as influential as Tom Cairney once was in the heart of Parker’s midfield at Fulham.

Games played

63

Goals scored

10

Assists

4

Games missed through injury

47

How James could be Parker's next Brownhill

Despite missing 47 games of Parker’s tenure through serious injury, the much-loved Cottagers servant would still manage to pick up a hefty tally of ten goals and four assists from 63 games under his methods.

Much like Cairney, James has shown for ex-employers Birmingham in the Championship that he has a similar eye for firing home an effort or assisting a teammate, leading to Rennes boldly picking him up for a sturdy £8m fee.

In total, the 20-year-old would pick 12 goal contributions for his boyhood side from 105 clashes, with a hope now on the Wales international’s end that a return to England results in him becoming a Premier League established performer for Parker’s relegation-threatened side.

After all, whilst Cairney did shine in glimpses under the 44-year-old’s guidance, he hadn’t yet made a full name for himself in the top flight. Now, at 34 years of age, the Fulham veteran has added 144 Premier League clashes to his glittering career resume, with James presumably eager to make similar waves if he does relocate back to England.

CM

40

3

2

DM

21

0

0

AM

16

3

1

LM

10

2

0

RM

9

0

0

The table above further reinforces the idea that James could become Parker’s next iteration of Cairney in time, with the Clarets target capable of playing all across the midfield positions much like the Fulham captain, away from simply offering up the same goal-threat as the number ten.

Labelled as a “standout” young player when on the books of the Blues by journalist Josh Bunting, it will be intriguing to see how seamlessly the 20-year-old makes the transition up to the bright lights of the Premier League.

Yet, if there’s one figure that should be able to get the best out of James, it’s Parker, considering he was once a wide-eyed starlet himself in the middle of the park trying to cut his teeth, away from previously working with Cairney.

Dream Burnley XI after promotion: Egan-Riley replaced & £30m star arrives

Scott Parker will want lots of new signings through the door at Burnley after their triumphant return to the Premier League.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 1, 2025

After a terribly disappointing season, Arsenal need a massive summer.

Fortunately, Mikel Arteta has made it pretty clear on multiple occasions now that the club are very much planning for one as they look to make the right additions to get them over the line in the Premier League next year.

For example, one of the most prominent links in recent days has been to Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo, who’d undoubtedly be the calibre of player to help take the Gunners to the next level.

However, that’s not all, as recent reports have now linked the club to another international who’d be a dream teammate for the Brazilian and has even won comparisons to Erling Haaland, of all people.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other needle-moving stars Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks, like Nico Williams and Antoine Semenyo.

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 cost the club around £50m due to a release clause in his contract, and as he’s managed to rack up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 44 games this season, that feels like a more than fair price.

Likewise, Semenyo would cost the Gunners around £70m, and with a haul of 11 goals and seven assists in 41 games for Bournemouth, he’d undoubtedly be worth the money.

However, to really get the most out of Rodrygo next season, the North Londoners would probably be better off signing an exciting centre-forward, someone like Benjamin Sesko.

According to a recent report from an Arsenal insider, the club have maintained their intense interest in the RB Leipzig star ahead of the summer transfer window.

In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the Slovenian international is now the North Londoners’ “first choice” for that striker position.

A price is not mentioned in the report, but stories from earlier this month claimed that due to the 21-year-old’s impressive performances this season, his release clause could now be at £75m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Sesko’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be an ideal teammate for Rodrygo and has been compared to Haaland.

Why Sesko would be perfect for Rodrygo

So, before getting to why Sekso would be an ideal teammate for Rodrygo, let’s examine this comparison to Haaland and where it has come from.

Well, in this instance, it stems from respected talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described the Slovenian international as the “new Erling Haaland” in May 2021, and based on what’s happened in the years since, it’s not hard to see why.

For example, like the Manchester City star, he moved from the domestic league in his own country to RB Salzburg, where he was good enough to earn a move to one of the Bundesliga clubs most known for developing youngsters.

On top of that, he is a physical beast, standing at 6 foot 5 and somehow still being relatively fast, and then there is his attacking ability, which is also what would make him a perfect teammate for Real Madrid’s Brazilian star.

For example, so far this season, the goalscoring “monster,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has put the ball in the back of the net 21 times and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or one every 120.66 minutes.

Moreover, according to Understat, his 13 Bundesliga goals have come from an expected goals figure of just 10.84 this season, and as he scored 14 league goals from an expected goals figure of 8.60 last season, it’s fair to say he’s clinical in front of goal.

So, just imagine someone of his stature and goalscoring ability alongside Rodrygo; the Brazilian would see his assist tally soar, while the Slovenian would surely hit that 20-goal-a-season mark.

Ultimately, Arsenal need to sign a new striker this summer, and, from age to ability and potential, Sesko looks to be the perfect candidate.

Odegaard upgrade: Arsenal racing to sign "one of the best 10s in the world"

Arsenal could replace Martin Odegaard this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 23, 2025

As Tottenham prepare to take on Manchester United in Bilbao in a Europa League final that will save one side’s season from disaster, we sat down with former Spurs midfielder and top flight manager Gus Poyet to chat about the two men in the dugouts.

Pressure mounting on Postecoglou

No doubt aware of the importance of the showdown in Spain not just for Tottenham but for his own future, Postecoglou has been in no mood to joke around with reporters in the build-up to the final.

Asked about a comment by Ruben Amorim that the Red Devils couldn’t possibly lose to the Lilywhites a fourth time this season, the former Celtic boss responded: “I’m sure in there, there’s some Portuguese humour. There’s a little irony there. I’m sure Ruben doesn’t think that way. We’ve had some good games against United this year and last year, and we have come out on top, but it’s the final of a major tournament.

“I think the one thing you don’t look at is previous head-to-head comparisons. They become irrelevant, it’s all about who performs on the day.”

There have indeed been widespread reports that the 59 year-old will be sacked if Spurs do not end their wait for a trophy next week, and speaking to Football FanCast in partnership with BetBrain, former White Hart Lane midfielder Poyet insisted the game is bigger for Ange than for his Portuguese counterpart: “I would think Ange (has more pressure), because of his words a few months ago when he said ‘I always win a trophy in my second season.’

“When you commit like that, it’s a big commitment because it’s not easy, especially at Tottenham. Now, the opportunity is massive, so it will be amazing if he wins it.”

Tottenham hold talks with big-name coach who Benitez thinks is very clever

He’d be an ideal replacement for Postecoglou.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2025 Amorim regretting "dream" Man Utd move

However, with United also toiling domestically, sitting just one point ahead of Tottenham with an abysmal goal difference of -11, the Uruguyan revealed there may be some regrets seeping in for the former Sporting CP boss: “I think for Amorim, it (winning the final) would be a plus to have an OK season. Maybe personally for him it would be important.

“But for the club, Man United, we all dream of managing one of those big clubs, but when you see what is happening he’s probably thinking ‘What did I do?’, and that’s a really bad feeling.”

Matches

25

Wins

6

Draws

6

Losses

13

Points

24

Goals for

30

Goals against

41

Indeed, the 40 year-old’s top flight form has been nothing short of embarassing – by his own admission – having gathered just 0.96 points per game since arriving in November of last year, which would return just over 36 points in a full campaign. Since the switch to a 20-team competition in 1995/1996, the average points needed for Premier League survival has been 37.86, meaning the Red Devils are well and truly in relegation form since Erik Ten Hag was replaced.

Former Glasgow Rangers chairman Dave King has confirmed that a takeover of the club is expected to be finalised in the middle of June, ahead of the summer transfer window.

The US health insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises are poised to take control of the Light Blues in just over a month, which will mark the start of a new era at Ibrox.

Results on the pitch in recent seasons suggest that a new direction and new leadership have been a long time coming, as Celtic have won the Scottish Premiership title in each of the last four seasons.

The Light Blues, who held their rivals to a 1-1 draw last time out, are going to end the 2024/25 campaign without a single trophy to show for their efforts, and with Barry Ferguson in interim charge after Philippe Clement was dismissed earlier this year.

Rangers will be on the lookout for a new manager to lead the club into a new era under the 49ers, and there are already plenty of names being floated around.

One popular suggestion has already been ruled out as a contender, though, as it has been revealed that Steven Gerrard will not be the new Rangers manager.

Why Steven Gerrard will not be the next Rangers manager

The English head coach is currently a free agent, having left Al-Ettifaq earlier this year, and this means that the Gers would not have to pay any compensation to bring him back to Ibrox.

Despite being an attractive target, having also won a Premiership title for the Light Blues during his previous spell as the manager in Glasgow, the 49ers will not be pursuing a deal for the English boss.

TEAMtalk recently revealed that the new owners want to appoint a manager who does not have any links to the club, as they want a fresh face to build a new philosophy and way of playing to lead the team forward.

The report claimed that the 49ers are planning to build the club gradually, and their first move is going to be to appoint a manager who can lead a long-term project at Ibrox.

TEAMtalk’s article does not explain outright why they do not want anyone with prior experience at Ibrox, but it could be to avoid complacency and to avoid emotions dictating decisions.

It is the kind of ruthless decision that suggests that they could also be ruthless with underperforming players in the summer transfer window, particularly when it comes to the ones who are near the top of the wage bill.

The top ten earners at Rangers

Rangers have failed to win the league title in each of the last four seasons. This means that they have underperformed for several years, and suggests that the squad is not good enough.

James Tavernier, who has registered four goals and ten assists in the Premiership and the Europa League this season, is reportedly the top earner at Ibrox on a weekly wage of £30k.

As the captain and a regular starter who contributes with goals and assists on a regular basis, it is hard to argue that he does not provide value for money at this moment in time.

James Tavernier

£30k

Vaclav Cerny

£27k

Cyriel Dessers

£27k

Danilo

£26k

Jack Butland

£25k

Rabbi Matondo

£23k

Dujon Sterling

£22k

Tom Lawrence

£22k

Ianis Hagi

£21k

Nicolas Raskin

£19k

As you can see in the table above, though, there are some players who are not performing well enough this season to justify them being among the top earners at the club.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Jack Butland is one of those players who have not done enough on the pitch in the 2024/25 campaign to make his £25k-per-week wages worthwhile for the Light Blues.

The 49ers should, now, be ruthless in the summer transfer window by attempting to move on from the former England international, so that he is not part of the new era at Ibrox, as will be the case for Gerrard.

Why Jack Butland should not be a part of the 49ers era at Rangers

Rangers will need to make brutal decisions on players in order to improve the squad and to ensure that they can compete for major trophies next season, which means that they will have to make some bold calls on stars who have not hit the heights they once reached.

Butland enjoyed an excellent debut season with Rangers after his move from Crystal Palace on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, as he kept 25 clean sheets in 58 appearances in all competitions for the club.

The current campaign has not gone as smoothly for the experienced shot-stopper, though, as he is currently the second-choice behind Liam Kelly and has only kept 14 clean sheets in 42 appearances.

Unfortunately, errors, like the one in the clip above, have become too commonplace for Butland, who was once described as “error prone” by journalist Luke Hatfield.

The English goalkeeper conceded 1.32 more goals than expected, based on the xG of the shots against him, and kept two clean sheets in his ten outings in the Europa League this term.

Appearances

38

26

Save percentage

71%

67%

Clean sheets

18

10

Error led to shot

1

2

Error led to goal

0

2

Penalties committed

0

1

As you can see in the table above, Butland’s form in the Premiership has also declined after his impressive debut season in Scottish football between the sticks, as he has been an unreliable presence in goal for the Light Blues with his mistakes.

He has been far too ‘error prone’ in the top-flight, with five errors that have led to shots, goals, or penalties for the opposition, and has kept eight fewer clean sheets, which has led to him losing his place to Kelly.

Therefore, the club must be ruthless with Butland and attempt to move on from him in the summer transfer window because his performances suggest that he should not be a part of the new 49ers era at Ibrox, as his performances have not aligned with his place in the wage bill.

Rangers can forget Gerrard & Rose by appointing "world-class manager"

With Steven Gerrard and Marco Rose the current front-runners to be the new Rangers boss, should the 49ers appoint a “world-class manager” instead?

ByBen Gray May 7, 2025

It is now down to the new owners, once they are in place next month, to make that call and to recruit an upgrade on him before the start of next season.

Setting their sights on reinforcements with or without promotion to the Premier League, Sheffield United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a defensive reinforcement whose quality they know all about.

Sheffield United set for key play-off battle

With Burnley and Leeds United already promoted and left to battle it out for the Championship title, Sheffield United must turn towards the play-offs and Wembley success if they are to take their place in the Premier League for next season. That is, of course, easier said than done though. The play-offs are rarely routine and have the chance to throw up the kind of shocks that the Blades will be desperate to avoid.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder reacted to the disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion recently, telling reporters: “Congratulations to Daniel (Farke) and Scott (Parker) and their two teams, for those clubs to have the ability to reach 100 points shows you what the division is like, and we’ve finished up the third best team in the division.

Sheffield United eyeing Wilfred Ndidi as £9m relegation release fee emerges

He has a lot of admirers…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 30, 2025

“The season went to the 44th game and I thought we had a right go, created some chance, but the goals have killed us, it was two poor goals, and the penalty hands the initiative back to them, despite us always carrying a threat.

“We’ve had to learn on the job and the season doesn’t end here, we’d have had to get 95+ points, so it is an insane season. The players will learn from this because we’ve fallen short.”

After officially finishing third, Wilder’s side will now square off against sixth place in the Championship play-offs, which will be Coventry City if nothing changes on the final day this weekend. With Millwall, Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough all forming the chasing pack, however, Sheffield United will only know their fate at the end of this weekend’s fixtures.

Sheffield United join Ciaron Brown race

Away from the action, the Blades have seemingly commenced their summer plans even without knowing their fate. According to Graeme Bailey for EFL Analysis, Sheffield United are now racing to sign Ciaron Brown from Oxford United this summer but face competition from both Norwich City and Middlesbrough for his signature.

Those at Bramall Lane will be hoping that their place as promotion hopefuls this season and hopefully a top flight club in the coming weeks will tempt the versatile defender.

Brown is a versatile centre-back that Sheffield United know all about too, having witnessed him pocket the talented Ben Brereton Diaz in Oxford’s stunning 1-0 victory over Wilder’s side last month.

As per Fotmob, Brereton Diaz was hooked after 59 minutes, having created just one chance and taken just two touches in the Oxford box. Brown, meanwhile, enjoyed an excellent game and ended the afternoon without being dribbled past once and with 15 clearances to his name as his side kept an impressive clean sheet.

Praised for his “fantastic attitude” by former Oxford boss Liam Manning last season, Brown may now have done enough to earn a big move this summer.