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Arsenal may finally have made a breakthrough in negotiations for Bukayo Saka’s contract. 

What’s the word?

Speaking to CaughtOffside, Fabrizio Romano had the following to say on a new deal:

“The talks between Arsenal and Bukayo Saka’s camp have been going on since February. Arsenal consider Saka a key player and think his contract extension is like a new signing, it is a priority for this summer.

“The top English clubs have been monitoring the situation for some time but the good news for Gunners supporters is that Arsenal is the player’s priority: Saka loves the club and there is a negotiation in progress.”

Supporters will be delighted

Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, the youngster has been the talk of north London as Mikel Arteta nurtured him into the first team.

He has repaid the Spaniard back tenfold and looks to further thank him with his signature on a long-term contract.

Saka has quickly become one of the Gunners’ most important attacking assets, and he bagged a remarkable 11 goals and seven assists as he featured in every single one of their 38 Premier League games.

His average SofaScore rating of 7.04 is indicative of a solid performer, yet his pace and trickery make him something of a maverick coming onto his favoured left foot from the right flank.

The England international can score screamers or he can offer up a cultured close-range finish, and at just 20 years of age, he has the world at his feet.

Even after his disappointment at Euro 2020, his manager was quick to jump to his defence and sing his praises: “I think it was great for his career because the football world showed how much they like him and how much they respect him.”

He continued: “Then it’s about giving him that space. What he is already doing is phenomenal and he needs that room.”

To secure him at the Emirates for the foreseeable future is a huge statement of intent and a sign that Saka has bought into the project that Arteta is building. Supporters should be delighted to see that their star boy is set to stick around.

AND, in other news: Arteta can land Arsenal’s own Rio Ferdinand with bid for “magnificent” £18m-rated gem.

Aston Villa have done a lot of early business this summer in Steven Gerrard’s first pre-season in charge, and they may well be looking towards the transfer market again should Douglas Luiz depart the club.

AC Milan are one of the clubs who are said to be very interested in signing the former Manchester City midfielder after an impressive couple of seasons at Villa Park.

However, Gerrard may already have a natural heir for the Brazilian in Finn Azaz, a 21-year-old midfielder who is yet to make an appearance for Villa’s first team since joining from West Brom in 2021.

The youngster did start in Villa’s 4-0 win over Walsall in pre-season last weekend, with Birmingham Live reporter Ashley Preece suggesting that he looked “very tidy” in the Villans’ midfield.

Last season saw Azaz win the League Two Young Player of the Season award after some superb performances for Newport County, for whom he contributed seven goals and eight assists in 45 appearances.

His form earned him the praise of Newport manager Jamie Rowberry, who said: “Finn has been terrific for us. He’s still got elements of his game he needs to improve but you can see what he’s about and what he tries to do.

“He could have made today quite easy for himself but he’s a driven individual and I admire that. He’s capable of so much.”

According to WhoScored, the 21-year-old’s strengths are his defensive contribution, playing key passes and taking long shots. It is therefore easy to see how he could replace Luiz in Villa’s midfield in the future, as he could adopt that deep-lying playmaker role in Gerrard’s side.

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While he has mainly played further forward during his time at Newport, his defensive work rate and 6 foot 1 frame would suggest that he has what it takes to play in a deeper role.

Azaz will certainly get his chances in pre-season, and if Luiz does end up departing this summer, Gerrard might just be tempted to keep the 21-year-old at Villa Park as the Brazilian’s replacement.

AND, in other news… Lange can seal “great talent” as Villa’s fifth summer signing, imagine him & Coutinho

Everton are working on a move for Wolves’ Morgan Gibbs-White, despite the midfielder being a primary target for Nottingham Forest.

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic, who claim that Everton have shown a fresh interest in the player, who spent last season on loan to Sheffield United.

Forest, who have been active in the market since their promotion, are keen to add Gibbs-White to their ranks.

He is seen as a primary target for Steve Cooper.

Everton then followed up their interest on Monday with a bid according to John Percy. He took to Twitter to say: “Wolves have rejected a bid in excess of £20m from Everton for Morgan Gibbs-White. NFFC and CPFC also interested in signing the England under-21 international.”

He could be their new Dele

Since signing on a free transfer from Tottenham, opportunities for Dele Alli have been few and far between.

The former two-time Premier League young player of the year has seen his career stunted after a blistering start, as he struggled to announce himself to the many managers he featured under.

In Gibbs-White however, Frank Lampard could provide ample competition to hopefully propel the 26-year-old back to his old ways, and in the meantime develop his own version of that youngster who burst onto the scene.

Last season for Sheffield United, the man who Wolves rate at £30m excelled in their promotion bid.

He managed 20 goal contributions for the Blades on their way to the playoffs, where they were beaten on penalties by those who now seek to sign Gibbs-White.

Not only this but his average SofaScore rating of 7.16 marks an incredibly high performer across his 35 league appearances.

His performances in the Championship earned him huge praise from his teammates, with David McGoldrick claiming “he’s got the world at his feet”.

He continued: “He’s got all the ability in the world. He just needs to play games and he’s doing that here. He’s expressing himself, got the license and free spirit to go out there.

“We want him to go and create. He’s going to lose the ball sometimes. All good players do that but as long as he’s in the right positions and scoring goals like that I don’t mind what he does.”

If Lampard is willing to give a free role to either him or Dele, both the young and the experienced could push one another to bring out their best performances.

Everton could strike gold if they swoop for this Wolves youngster, and could secure both the Dele of old and the potential new Dele in Gibbs-White.

AND, in other news: Everton plot bid for £50k-p/w “outstanding talent”, he can be Lampard’s very own Lahm.

Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. 

What’s the word?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who had the following to say to GIVEMESPORT on the Argentine:

“The player is pushing with Ajax because Ajax are asking for a €50 million fee and the player is pushing for them to let him go this summer as he wants this Premier League move as soon as possible.”

With Manchester United also interested, Mikel Arteta must act quickly to secure another summer signing.

Supporters will be buzzing

The Gunners appear to have been embroiled in this transfer battle for weeks now, as they trade blows with their bitter Mancunian rivals over who will get the player and the bragging rights.

However, with this newest revelation, it appears the saga draws to its conclusion. The player will join the Premier League, it is just a matter of which club.

If Arteta was to tempt the Argentina international, it would prove a smart coup and add some bite to an otherwise soft Arsenal defence. He won 69% of his total duels last season for Ajax, further outlining his aggressive nature and love of defending.

Boasting an impressive average SofaScore rating of 7.61, it is certain that the defender would add consistency as well as incredible versatility. The 24-year-old can feature across the whole back line, and even deputises in midfield on occasion.

With regards to his nastiness, despite his 5 foot 9 frame, he still loves to get stuck into a tackle. It, therefore, fits the bill that journalist Casey Evans would label him a “bulldog”.

He sits in the 99th percentile for tackles per 90, averaging a further 1.9 interceptions and 2.8 clearances. His gritty and workmanlike play style is married with a capability to progress his team, as he also sits in the 99th percentile for progressive passes per 90.

Supporters can begin to delight in the prospect of this hard-working South American joining the Emirates, however, Arteta will have to be wary that the pull of Erik ten Hag does not tempt his main target away for a reunion at Old Trafford.

AND, in other news: Arsenal favourites to sign “outrageous” £25m “phenomenon”, supporters will love it.

According to reliable journalist James Hunter, Sunderland are now in pole position to sign Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard.

The Lowdown: Burnley move breaks down

A product of the Gunners youth system, the 22-year-old had recently come close to signing for Burnley and even made the trip to Lancashire to put pen to paper on a deal with Vincent Kompany’s Clarets, but the move broke down at the last minute due to not being able to agree personal terms.

And the Black Cats, alongside Championship rivals Blackpool and Millwall, the two clubs where the centre-back had been on loan, were all said to be interested in securing his services.

With the news that the Stevenage-born talent is officially back on the market, it now sounds as if the Stadium of Light outfit are intensifying their efforts in a bid to try and fend off their competitors.

The Latest: Sunderland in pole position

In an article written for ChronicleLive, Hunter claims that Sunderland are now ‘leading the race’ for Ballard, with the club having ‘stepped up their interest’ following Burnley’s setback.

The source further states that whilst the deal is ‘not yet done’, the hierarchy ‘remain hopeful’ that they can convince him to complete the move to Wearside.

The Verdict: Rock at the back

Alex Neil will now be looking to bolster his ranks with some new additions as he revamps his squad ahead of Sunderland’s long-awaited return to the second tier, and Ballard would be an impressive signing to get over the line.

The Northern Ireland international, who’s recently been dubbed an “outstanding” potential signing by journalist Josh Bunting, was an absolute rock at the back for Millwall last season, winning 3.9 of his aerial duels and averaging 3.4 clearances per league 90 minutes, via WhoScored.

Once a teammate of the Black Cats’ Elliot Embleton when they were both on loan together at Bloomfield Road, a reunion for the duo could soon be on the cards in the north east.

Everton will not countenance a double bid for Richarlison and Anthony Gordon, according to Alan Myers of Sky Sports News.

The lowdown

It emerged earlier this month that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in the Brazil international, who is valued at more than £51m (via The Athletic), but it now seems that Antonio Conte’s side have also set their sights on the 21-year-old Goodison Park academy graduate.

The Liverpool-born winger, who is under contract until the summer of 2025, is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt.

Myers also reported that Spurs are ‘putting together a package’ to try and take both players from Goodison Park.

The latest

The reporter shared Everton’s stance on the mooted approach in a tweet on Monday afternoon.

Myers wrote: “My understanding is that Everton have zero interest in entertaining any double bid for Anthony Gordon and Richarlison from any club.”

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The verdict

Richarlison has already established himself as a star at Everton. Last season, he was the Toffees’ top scorer with 11 goals, four clear of his nearest challenger Demarai Gray.

That haul included decisive goals against Leicester City, Chelsea and Crystal Palace during the run-in as the Toffees successfully staved off relegation.

By contrast, Gordon has only played 60 senior games for the club up to this point, netting four times, but losing him would still hurt because he has so much potential. He has been capped seven times by England at under-21 level and was recently named the club’s Young Player of the Season.

Everton are right to stand firm in the face of Tottenham’s interest in the pair. They shouldn’t let their 2021/22 hero and arguably their brightest prospect leave Goodison Park in the same transfer window, as that could leave a cloud hanging over them heading into the new season.

Leeds United will need to pay €22m to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo, according to journalist Santi Aouna.

The Lowdown: Leeds bid

The Whites haven’t wasted any time this summer when it comes to first-team signings, with midfielder Marc Roca now officially becoming the third addition.

Attention has since turned to a deal for Kalimuendo, with The Independent revealing that Leeds have made a bid in the region of €20m (£17.1m).

The 20-year-old forward scored 12 goals in 27 starts in Ligue 1 on loan with Lens last season, and any switch to Elland Road would likely include a buy-back clause.

The Latest: Journalist’s update

Aouna took to Twitter on Thursday lunchtime following the news of the ‘official offer’ that was reported ‘in England’.

He added some more ‘info’, claiming that PSG will now demand a €22m (£18.9m) fee to part ways with Kalimuendo.

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The Verdict: Good move?

European football expert Antonio Mango has hailed Kalimuendo as a ‘superstar in the making’, and should he arrive in Yorkshire, he would provide Jesse Marsch with a much-needed centre-forward option.

Patrick Bamford missed 30 games through three separate issues last season, and there is little depth behind the England international.

The Frenchman would also be able to provide cover on the left wing or in a deeper central role, but it seems as if Leeds will need to up their initial offer slightly to get a transfer over the line.

Transfermarkt currently has a probability of a move going through at 63%, so it looks like this one does have legs, especially with reporters abroad such as Aouna now getting additional scoops on the news.

In other news: £25m: Leeds now want ‘complete’ Phillips replacement; just waiting for Radz green light. 

Nottingham Forest have been boosted in their efforts to sign Neco Williams this summer, with Liverpool reportedly willing to let him leave.

The Lowdown: Forest keen on Williams

Steve Cooper is on the lookout for new signings ahead of Forest’s return to the Premier League, and one player with whom they have been linked is Williams.

The right-back spent half of last season on loan at Fulham, helping them achieve promotion from the Championship, with Jurgen Klopp struggling to give him minutes at Liverpool.

It now looks as though Williams will again be on the move this summer.

The Latest: Williams given green light to leave Liverpool

According to The Mirror, the Reds will allow the Wales international to leave on loan, which could mean that a potential move to Forest is on the cards.

They are mentioned in the report, along with Fulham, with the 21-year-old now behind both Trent Alexander-Arnold and new recruit Calvin Ramsay in the right-back pecking order at Anfield.

The Verdict: Potential Spence replacement?

Williams could be a superb prospective loan signing by Forest, possibly filling the sizeable void left by Djed Spence if he fails to agree a permanent move to the City Ground.

The Liverpool man possesses similar levels of attacking quality and energy, registering two goals and two assists at Fulham last season and being hailed as ‘fearless’ by journalist Henry Winter after an impressive performance for his country last November.

It could be that a temporary move to Forest becomes permanent further down the line, but they should certainly be looking at pipping Fulham to Williams’ signature, given his burgeoning talents and Liverpool’s willingness to loan him out again.

In other news, another fresh Forest transfer rumour has emerged. Read more here

Despite pulling off the sensational signing that is Erling Haaland, Manchester City are looking to build for the future by signing a young French centre-back.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from L’Equipe, via The Mirror, who claim that teenage Le Havre defender Isaak Toure is set to join Pep Guardiola’s side.

It is said that Manchester City faced competition for his signature from the likes of Newcastle United and Marseille, but have “beaten the competition for the prospect.”

As per the same report, it is relayed that Toure had “offers to leave Le Havre last year with interest from Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.”

The 19-year-old will be loaned to Ligue 1 side Troyes for the forthcoming season.

The new Laporte

Having reportedly beaten the competition for his signature, Guardiola may have just future-proofed the City squad for the role of left centre-back, in what seems to be a slightly unorthodox signing from the Spaniard with Toure standing at a whopping 6 foot 9.

If Guardiola is still with the Citizens next year, it will surely be the tallest player that he has managed and by signing a prospect at such a height, it seems that the influence of Graham Potter and Brighton has rubbed off on the managerial great.

Whilst the height of the player makes for an unorthodox Pep signing, it is indeed a move that makes more sense when the other physical components are fairly analysed.

Toure is reminiscent of Laporte in the fact that he is a left-footed centre-back who is not only strong defensively, but possesses strength physically, with talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbing him a “physical phenomenon.”

But whilst the similarity is there, especially considering the French nationality (of which Laporte has switched from), it’s a style of central defender that City do not truly possess, so the acquisition makes for an interesting one tactically speaking.

In other news: Man City submit formal bid to sign “superb” £60m titan, Pep will be buzzing 

David Moyes is reportedly now looking to raid his old club Everton for Michael Keane.

The Lowdown: Poor season

Keane has come off the back of a poor season at Goodison Park, where he was criticised by both pundits and supporters for some of his performances.

In truth, he has lost his way from the player who impressed so much at Burnley, as Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand once likened him to a ‘sponge’ for the way he is constantly hungry to learn and improve, after earning his first senior England cap.

Now, central defender James Tarkowski looks set to sign on a free transfer from Burnley, which could pave the way for Keane’s exit.

The Latest: West Ham interest

As per Football Insider, former Toffees manager Moyes is now interested in bringing to Keane to West Ham United this summer, as the Scot is a ‘big admirer’.

The Hammers have made an enquiry over the Englishman, with the view of potentially acting on their interest now that the window is officially open.

The Verdict: Sell

With Tarkowski set to come in on a Bosman deal, the Blues can afford to let Keane go, especially if they can get a good price for him.

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He is 29 years of age now, and so is likely to decline over the next few seasons, meaning that the summer is the optimum time to cash in.

Keane is currently earning £69,000-per-week, and it would also be handy for Frank Lampard’s team to get those wages off of their books.

In other news, find out which ‘incredible’ star EFC have now reached out to sign here!