Liverpool are believed to be keeping tabs on a Vinicius Junior-esque starlet with a massive future in the game, according to a new transfer update.

Liverpool close in on title as transfer rumours ramp up

The Reds need just one more win to seal the Premier League title, following Sunday’s 1-0 triumph away to relegated Leicester City. They could even be crowned champions on Wednesday evening, should Arsenal lose at home to Crystal Palace, which feels unlikely.

Away from the on-pitch action, Liverpool continue to be linked with new signings, ahead of what promises to be a busy summer at Anfield. Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, should he depart for Real Madrid.

Bryan Mbeumo has also been mentioned as an option for the Reds for many months now and the Brentford ace is still being discussed as a summer target. A £50m bid for the Cameroonian is reportedly likely to be accepted by the Bees at the end of the season.

Liverpool are thought to have made contact with RB Leipzig ace Xavi Simons over a switch to Anfield, too, even though he only joined permanently from Paris Saint-Germain in the January transfer window.

Liverpool keeping tabs on Leicester teenager Monga

According to a report from Spain, Liverpool are eyeing a summer move for Leicester City teenager Jeremy Monga, who is considered one of the brightest young prospects in English football.

Chelsea and Manchester City are also thought to be interested in signing the winger, who recently became the first-ever player born in 2009 to play in the Premier League, and the second-youngest appearance-maker in the competition’s history.

Monga is a player who is being talked about as a special prospect, with scout/writer Jacek Kulig heaping praise on him and even comparing him to Madrid superstar Vinicius.

“Very positive on the ball, unpredictable, and confident of his skills. Doesn’t hesitate to use his weaker left foot and is capable of dribbling, passing, and scoring comfortably with it. Player has the potential to become a key player in a top European club.”

Liverpool should always be looking to sign the biggest young talent around and Monga could be an exceptional signing, maturing into a sensational player over time.

To have already played in the Premier League at the age of just 15 is an incredible achievement, and he was even introduced as a late substitute against the Reds on Sunday, making his second senior appearance in the process.

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Monga has already made a combined 23 appearances for Leicester at Under-21 and Under-18 level, shining way above his own age group, so Liverpool pipping rivals to his signature could look like a masterstroke over time.

Rangers have now made their first move to keep hold of a midfielder, and they think he’ll stay, according to a new report.

Latest on Rangers’ manager search

The Gers have five games left to play before Barry Ferguson’s interim spell in charge of the club comes to an end. Celtic have all but secured the Scottish Premiership title, so apart from pride, there is very little for Rangers to play for in the league, but for Ferguson, it is a chance to further show his credentials as a manager.

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The Scotsman is likely to be in the running to become the next permanent Rangers manager, but given who else is also being linked with the role, he could come up short.

According to a recent report, former Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is open to the idea of becoming the new Rangers manager. However, the Portuguese will only move to Scotland if he is backed by the 49ers in the transfer market. The Gers are yet to officially make a move for Mourinho, but it could be one they are tempted to do, given all that he’s achieved in the game.

It’s also been reported by TEAMtalk that Steven Gerrard is now ready to return to Scotland and Rangers. Gerrard managed the Gers for three years and guided them to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021, and he now wants to add to his success in Scotland. However, as it stands, the race to become the new Rangers manager very much remains an open case.

Rangers make first move to keep midfielder at Ibrox

But while the 49ers continue their search for a new Rangers manager, the club are also working on keeping some of their talented players. According to The Rangers Review, relayed by Ibrox News, Rangers are set to offer a new contract to midfielder Bailey Rice, and they now expect him to agree to the terms.

The report states that talks between Rangers and Rice are at an early stage, but it is expected that Rice will sign a new deal with the club. The young midfielder is under contract until the summer of 2026, but the Gers want to secure his long-term future at Ibrox and therefore want to tie him down to a long-term deal.

The 18-year-old joined Rangers’ academy in 2022 and has made 10 first-team appearances so far, with him getting his first European start in the first leg of the quarter-final tie against Athletic Bilbao. Rice has been in and around the first team all season, but Ferguson has decided to give the midfielder more of a regular chance to impress.

Bailey Rice’s 24/25 Europa League stats

Apps

3

Starts

1

Touches per game

19.3

Big chances created

1

Key passes per game

0.7

Tackles per 90

0.3

Balls recovered per 90

1.3

Rice has appeared three times in Europe this season for Rangers, playing 45 minutes against Manchester United, where, after the game, Rio Ferdinand labelled the midfielder “wonderful” after his impressive performance.

“I’ll tell you what. I like Rice. He’s come on and looking composed, and that left foot looks like it has a bit in it. He’s seeing pictures, playing, and executing. That is a wonderful pass.”

A Wolverhampton Wanderers player who has been praised by Vitor Pereira recently is looking to leave Molineux this summer, it has been claimed.

Wolves transfer rumours as Pereira plans for 2025/26

The Old Gold are on course to remain in the Premier League after a crucial come-from-behind win over relegation rivals Ipswich Town last time out.

Goals from Pablo Sarabia and Jorgen Strand Larsen took Wolves to 32 points after 31 games – 12 clear of Ipswich in 17th.

Talking after the victory, Pereira said: “I’m very happy for the club, the supporters and the team because we deserved it. Today they scored first, but we had some chances. In the second half, we increased our level and we started to feel we came here to win. It’s not time to wait, it’s time to play, press them and win the game. I was very happy with that.

“I don’t care if we lose, I just want my team pressing and putting more pace on the ball and changing one or two things. It’s a result because we played with quality in second half, creating opportunities.”

Over the last few weeks, there have been numerous transfer rumours coming out of Molineux as Pereira and co plan for his first full season in charge in the Midlands.

Reports have claimed that West Brom star Grady Diangana would be open to joining Wolves, whereas another winger in Jadon Sancho is also of interest to the Old Gold.

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Contact has been made by Wolves over a deal for Sancho, however, with incomings, there is also expected to be outgoings. Fabio Silva could be one who leaves on a permanent basis, with Wolves wanting £25m to sanction a full-time exit.

Sam Johnstone looking to leave Wolves this summer

Now, according to The Telegraph, relayed by Molineux News, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is eyeing a move away from Wolves over the coming months.

Signing a new goalkeeper is a priority for Wolves and Pereira, with Johnstone keen to exit after arriving for £10m last summer.

The 32-year-old has made just 10 appearances this season keeping one clean sheet in the process. However, Johnstone has come in for praise from Pereira recently, who said he was “very happy” with the shot-stopper.

“He’s competing with Sa, Daniel, and King. He’s competing every day. He plays at a good level with his feet. For me, it’s important.

“He’s a goalkeeper that can control the space in the back of the defensive line. He has good skills on the goal, good skills outside to control the crosses. He’s a good goalkeeper.

“We have four good goalkeepers. Very hard workers. With the personality to be leaders and to help everybody in the club. I’m very happy with them.”

Now, it seems as if a move away from the Midlands for Johnstone is one to keep an eye on.

Mikel Arteta has been in the hot seat at Arsenal for over five years now, and it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say the club today is practically unrecognisable from the one he took over in December 2019.

He’s led the North Londoners from mid-table mediocrity into one fighting for Premier League titles and who have just smashed Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League.

While much of this incredible turnaround has been down to the Spaniard’s methods, tactics and philosophy, it has also been helped by his signings, like the club-record acquisition of Declan Rice.

The £105m man, who was utterly sublime against Real Madrid, has arguably been Arteta’s best signing since taking the job, but if recent reports are to be believed, he could be about to secure the services of another international star who’d be the best signing since the Englishman.

Arsenal transfer news

It’s no secret that Arsenal’s priority heading into the summer is to sign a new striker, and as things stand, one of the names most heavily touted for a move to the club is Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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The Swede is supposedly available for a fee as low as £58m, which may prove to be a bargain considering he’s scored 44 goals and provided 11 assists in 44 games this season, but he’s not the only target.

Another name constantly linked with the Gunners is RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, who could be available for around £67m.

The Slovenian hasn’t been as productive this season, racking up 25 goal involvements in 39 games, but is just 21 and playing in a top-five league.

However, there is another striker now supposedly high up on the Gunners’ wishlist, someone who’s an output machine and has plenty of experience in the toughest competitions: Lautaro Martinez.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, the Inter Milan forward is now one of the North Londoners’ top targets.

In fact, the report has claimed that Arteta and Co are ‘preparing an offer’ for the Argentine, an offer which could be as much as €150m, which is about £129m.

It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Martinez’s immense ability, one well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be Arsenal’s best since Rice.

Why Martinez would be Arsenal's best signing since Rice

So, the first thing to say is that since Rice’s arrival was announced in July 2023, Arsenal have made other impressive additions to the squad, like David Raya and even Mikel Merino, but it would be fair to say that none have had quite the impact he has.

For example, he’s already made 94 appearances for the first team, scoring 14 goals, providing 18 assists, and helping transform the midfield as a six and then eight.

In short, removing him from the team would have a detrimental impact, so for a future signing to be the best since his arrival, they’d have to be pretty game-changing, which is just what Martinez would be.

The clearest example of why he’d have such an impact on the team is his utterly stupendous level of output from the last few seasons.

For example, since moving to Inter Milan in July 2018, the World Cup-winning monster has scored a staggering 148 goals and provided 49 assists in just 323 appearances, totalling 22597 minutes.

Appearances

323

Starts

259

Minutes

22597′

Goals

148

Assists

49

Points per Game

2.08

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

Minutes per Goal Involvement

114.70′

That means the 27-year-old, whom renowned football podcaster Angelo Valdes described as “the best 9 in the world,” has averaged a goal involvement every 1.63 games, or every 114.70 minutes, for almost seven years.

Just imagine that level of consistent output leading the line for Gunners with Bukayo Saka to his right and Martin Odegaard behind him; he’d transform their attack.

Ultimately, while it would cost an extraordinary amount of money, Arsenal should do what they can to bring Martinez to the Emirates this summer, as he’d be their best signing since Rice.

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Manchester United are now leading the race to sign a £30m “monster”, who scored at Old Trafford earlier this month, according to a report.

Man Utd eyeing new attacking midfielder

One of Man United’s main aims this summer is to strengthen their attacking options, and it appears as though they are now closing in on a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha, with work ongoing to finalise a contract agreement.

Cunha is expected to be brought in to play in the number 10 role, but the Brazilian is not United’s only target in that area of the pitch, having made an approach for River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono, who has a €45m (£38m) release clause in his contract.

Earlier this month, it was revealed the Red Devils are also in the race for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who could be allowed to leave Lyon on the cheap this summer, given the difficult financial situation the French club find themselves in.

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There has now been a new update on Man United’s pursuit of Cherki, with a report revealing they are now leading the race for the Lyon star, alongside Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who are also frontrunners for his signature.

Bayern Munich and a number of other top European clubs are in the race for the attacking midfielder, and there is a feeling he could be available for a relatively low fee, with Lyon setting an asking price of around €30m -€35m (£25m – £30m).

The 21-year-old is ready to move on this summer, and he has set his sights on a move to the Premier League, with a view to continuing his development, having already made significant strides this season.

"Monster" Cherki enjoying incredible campaign

The Lyon forward appears to have developed considerably in the 2024-25 campaign, having amassed a remarkable 12 goals and 19 assists in 41 matches in all competitions, with one of those goals coming at Old Trafford in his side’s 5-4 Europa League loss earlier this month.

Freelance scout Ben Mattinson has also lavished the Frenchman with praise, describing him as a “creative monster capable of magical moments”, and he has performed incredibly well across a number of key metrics for attacking midfielders over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.59 (99th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

6.68 (98th percentile)

Progressive passes

8.97 (99th percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.72 (92nd percentile)

There is every sign that Cherki could be a fantastic signing for Man United this summer, although signing a new striker should be a priority, given that a deal for Cunha, who is set to play in attacking midfield, is now edging closer.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have failed to deliver this season, netting seven Premier League goals between them, and it appears as though Man United are now willing to cash-in on the Dane this summer.

According to broadcast giant ESPN, Arsenal are demanding a major concession from Thomas Partey as talks continue over a new contract for the midfielder.

Thomas Partey could now stay at Arsenal with talks ongoing

The £200,000-per-week star has stayed relatively injury-free throughout an impressive 2024/2025 campaign which has seen him dazzle in multiple roles under Mikel Arteta.

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Utilised at right-back during the absences of key players, as well as partnering the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield to great effect, Partey’s been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers throughout the season.

Last term, the Ghana international could barely get a look-in due to fitness issues and falling down Arteta’s pecking order, and was widely tipped to leave the club four years after his £45 million transfer from Atlético Madrid.

However, this campaign, Partey has made more appearances than in any of his previous seasons at the Emirates Stadium, now proving indispensable to Arteta.

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

Partey’s resurgence has now sparked the club into action, with Arsenal opening talks to extend the 31-year-old’s contract as his current terms are due to expire this summer.

Arteta has confirmed to the press that he wants to keep Partey at the club for next season, with sporting director Andrea Berta now handed the task of agreeing an extension.

“Yes, there is progress with all the players. I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to decide and to talk about,” said Arteta when asked if there has been progress over a new deal for Partey.

“The intention is very clear. I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward.”

If contract talks go south, Barcelona are among the clubs eyeing a Bosman deal for Partey, so the African won’t be short of prestigious options.

Arsenal demand major concession from Thomas Partey in contract talks

As per ESPN, it is now believed that Arsenal will demand one major concession from Partey in “any” deal for a new contract, despite his exceptional form.

The suggestion is its pretty non-negotiable, with the concession being that the midfielder will need to take a pay cut to remain in north London.

This comes as Arsenal attempt to finalise a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and Berta is widely rumoured to also be negotiating fresh terms with the likes of Bukayo Saka, so it appears the club wish to trim their wage bill where possible.

Partey is keen to remain at Arsenal, according to credible news outlets like The Telegraph, but it remains to be seen whether he’s willing to be paid less than his illustrious teammates – especially considering he’s put in consistently outstanding performances throughout 2024/2025.

With their return to the Premier League on the horizon, Leeds United have now reportedly made their first enquiry about signing a Champions League winner for a club-record £40m fee.

Leeds set for crucial summer

As celebrations gradually begin to end around Yorkshire, all eyes will be on the summer transfer window. It’s one that the 49ers simply cannot afford to get wrong and one which must see them spend if they are to keep Leeds in the Premier League at the first time of asking.

For two consecutive seasons now, all three promoted sides have suffered instant relegation from the top flight. Southampton, Ipswich Town and Leicester City failed to learn from Luton Town, Sheffield United and Burnley before suffering themselves as a result. Now, Burnley, Leeds and one other club must avoid following that same path. They must break a concerning trend.

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To do that, the 49ers will need to ensure that Daniel Farke’s side are robust enough for the Premier League. Compared to their style in the Championship, Leeds will have to suffer out of possession if they want to enjoy any success next season, whilst they may need to avoid falling into the trap of adopting the same modern style in possession that could yet earn Southampton an unwanted record.

The transfer window will, of course, play a large part in what happens next at Elland Road. If rumours are anything to go by, then the 49ers are ready to spend too. The likes of Beto have particularly threatened to steal the headlines this week as the Whites look to bolster their frontline.

The Everton forward endured a slow start to life at Goodison Park but has shown his quality under David Moyes. If Leeds want robust then he’d certainly offer that. Meanwhile, in the goalkeeper department, those at Elland Road have set their sights on the opposite end of Merseyside and signing an instant upgrade on Ilian Meslier.

Leeds make first enquiry to sign Kelleher

According to Graeme Bailey for Leeds United News, Leeds have now made their first enquiry about signing Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool, who are reportedly set to demand as much as £40m to sell their goalkeeper this summer.

With Alisson Becker staying put and Giorgi Mamardashvili on his way from Valencia, the Irishman is heading for the exit door at Anfield, potentially allowing Leeds to take advantage for what would be a club-record transfer fee.

He may be Liverpool’s second-choice, but Kelleher hasn’t exactly seen his opportunities limited in recent seasons with Alisson continuing to struggle on the injury front. Any concerns that he wouldn’t be good enough to step up have quickly been put to bed in that time too, including against Real Madrid when he saved Kylian Mbappe’s penalty in a 2-0 victory back in November.

On a night to remember, Kelleher earned the praise of Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who dubbed his shot-stopper “outstanding”. For £40m, Leeds would be getting themselves a goalkeeper who’s ready to become a No.1 and an impressive one at that, after winning the Champions League, Premier League and domestic trophies throughout an excellent Liverpool tenure.

A 27-goal star, who Arne Slot called “unbelievable” earlier this season, has now been identified as a dream signing for Liverpool this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Reds ramping up pursuit of new striker

Darwin Nunez is looking increasingly likely to head for the exit door in the summer, and the Reds are now stepping up their pursuit of a replacement for the Uruguayan, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen emerging as a contender to lead the line next season.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are also named as potential targets for Slot’s side, while they are also keen on signing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has flourished in the role of striker for the Bees at times this season.

Mbeumo has been one of the most prolific forwards in England, netting 18 goals, while also providing seven assists, indicating that he is a well-rounded attacker who could be a fantastic option for Slot, but another Premier League star is also in the Merseysiders’ sights.

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That is according to Romano, who recently told GiveMeSport that Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is Liverpool’s dream target for the summer transfer window, even though a move will be extremely difficult to facilitate due to his importance to the Magpies.

A move may not be possible until later in the summer, if at all, and a deal will also be dependent on the Reds’ transfer budget, with previous reports suggesting the Magpies could be set to hold out for a fee as high as £150m.

"Unbelievable" Isak could take Liverpool to next level

Heading into the EFL Cup Final against Newcastle back in March, Slot was well-aware of the Sweden international’s attacking capabilities, singling him out for high praise.

However, the Liverpool boss was unable to nullify the 25-year-old, who scored in his side’s 2-1 triumph, writing his name in folklore by playing a part in ending his side’s 70-year trophy drought, and he has regularly been on the scoresheet in the Premier League too.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premier League

32

23

6

FA Cup

2

1

0

EFL Cup

6

3

0

Having amassed 27 goals in all competitions, the £120k-a-week forward is clearly a top-level striker, and there is every sign he could be a huge upgrade on Nunez, who has scored just five times in the Premier League this term.

Liverpool have been quiet in recent transfer windows, which means FSG are in a position to hand Slot a war chest this summer, and splashing the cash on Isak could help establish the Reds as major Champions League contenders for many years to come.

What did we witness last night at Old Trafford? Manchester United reached the Europa League quarter-final in the most incredible circumstances, beating French side Olympique Lyon 5-4 on the night, and 7-6 on aggregate, in what will go down as an all-time classic at Old Trafford.

It’s hard to know where to begin describing the action, but United were 2-0 up at half-time, thanks to goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot. However, they let that lead slip in the second half, with Lyon clawing it back to 2-2 on the night, taking the game to extra time.

The French side, who were down to 10 men after Corentin Tolisso was sent off for a second bookable offence, went 4-2 up on the night in extra time. The impressive Rayan Cherki scored their third, and Alexandre Lacazette the fourth, from the penalty spot.

However, this is Man United; they are never down and out. With 114 minutes on the clock, Bruno Fernandes pulled one back for the Red Devils, also with a penalty, before Kobbie Mainoo equalised in the 120th minute of the game. Enter Harry Maguire, who gave United a 5-4 lead in the 121st minute. His fantastic header met Casemiro’s cross and rifled into the back of the net, winning the game for the Red Devils.

It was an extraordinary night, with Mainoo making a huge impact off the bench.

Mainoo’s stats vs. Lyon

United fans will always get behind their academy graduates, so for Mainoo to score the equaliser in an instant classic, it must have been special for the United midfielder, who actually played at centre-forward, and the fans. What a goal it was, too.

Getting on the end of a smart touch by Casemiro, the England international showed exceptional composure to bring the ball down with the outside of his right foot.

He then created space and took a couple more touches, shifting the ball into a favourable position to shoot, before he let fly. Mainoo’s strike nestled in the far right corner, a sublime goal in extraordinary circumstances.

Tyler Fell, a journalist for GiveMeSport, was incredibly complimentary of Mainoo, giving him a 7.5/10 for his efforts against Lyon. The journalist praised the United number 37 for his ‘phenomenal’ effort.

After a performance like that, the 19-year-old surely has to become a more prominent starter under Ruben Amorim, especially now that he’s over his recent injury issue. The same can certainly be said for another of United’s top performers in the historic clash with Lyon.

The player who should be a key starter under Amorim

You might struggle to find a performance with as much character this season as the one Leny Yoro put in against Lyon. After scoring a crucial first goal in the first leg last week, he was sensational at Old Trafford on Thursday, putting his body on the line and showing excellent ability with the ball at his feet.

Fell clearly thought that Yoro was excellent against the French side. Just as he did for Mainoo, the GiveMeSport writer gave him a 7.5/10, exclaiming that he ‘defended heroically’ and ‘used his pace to bail his side out’ if Lyon found a way past United’s defensive line.

Indeed, the 19-year-old’s stats from the game show just how well he played. As per Sofascore, Yoro had 66 touches of the ball, made nine clearances and won four out of his five attempted tackles.

Touches

66

Pass accuracy

93%

Passes completed

43/46

Clearances

9

Ground duels won

5/9

Tackles won

4/5

Interceptions

2

Chances created

1

Described as a “generational” player by writer Liam Canning, it felt like a statement performance from the United number 15 against Lyon. In high-pressure moments, he was there, throwing his body on the line to stop the opponents from finding a way through.

It was a colossal showing from the teen sensation, who showed once again why he should, and has, become such a key player under Amorim. United have made it to the semi-finals of the Europa League, where they face a tough tie against Athletic Club.

It certainly feels like Yoro will be a pivotal part of this Red Devils side if they are to go all the way and lift the trophy in Bilbao at the end of the season.

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With Real Madrid setting their sights on William Saliba, Arsenal would now reportedly consider selling their star defender for the chance to sign a talented midfielder from the Spaniards in return.

Real Madrid eyeing Saliba move

After a disappointing season which could yet end without a trophy, it could be all change in the Real Madrid technical area this summer. Recent reports have indicated that Carlo Ancelotti is in negotiations to become the new manager of the Brazilian national team, which would likely see Xabi Alonso make his way to the Bernabeu ahead of the next campaign.

With Alonso possibly arriving, the Spaniards could yet be in for a busy summer transfer window too. Already, they’re in negotiations with Trent Alexander-Arnold over a free move upon the expiry of his current Liverpool contract at the end of the season and have now also reportedly set their sights on Saliba.

Recent reports in Spain have suggested that the Frenchman is on Alonso’s list of targets should he step into the Madrid technical area in the coming months. Following another season without a Premier League title and with Arsenal’s Champions League fate hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen whether Saliba will be able to turn down the lure of the Bernabeu.

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If that does prove to be the case, then there’s no doubt that his departure will be a major blow. At the same time, however, it looks as though the Gunners will at least aim to get something in return.

Arsenal now considering Saliba sale on one condition

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal would now consider selling Saliba to Real Madrid if they got Aurelien Tchouameni in return. Mikel Arteta is reportedly a big fan of the Frenchman and may yet have the perfect chance to welcome him to North London.

What his arrival would also do is replace Thomas Partey, who is currently on course to leave Arsenal as a free agent upon the expiry of his current contract this summer.

Filling that gap in the middle of the park should be among the Gunners’ top priorities, especially if they are to finally claim Premier League glory next season. And there’s no doubt that Tchouameni should be a top candidate to do exactly that.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Aurelien Tchouameni

Thomas Partey

Minutes

2,364

2,437

Progressive Passes

149

165

Interceptions

42

32

Ball Recoveries

124

120

Dubbed “strong” by Ancelotti earlier this season, Tchouemeni has matched and even outperformed Partey in a number of areas this season. At the sacrifice of Saliba, Arsenal could land an instant upgrade in midfield.

Whether it is worth losing one of the best centre-backs in European football to boost their midfield is a question that those at The Emirates must ponder, however.