Chelsea are not short of options in attack, and Enzo Maresca certainly has an embarrassment of riches to choose from. The Blues’ key man in forward areas is Cole Palmer, who, despite a lean run of form, has managed 14 goals and nine assists in the Premier League this season.

The other player to hit double figures for league goals is Nicolas Jackson, who has managed ten, as well as five assists. Noni Madueke has also surpassed ten goal involvements in the top flight, too, with 11 to be specific.

If reports are to be believed, the Blues are looking to add more attacking talents to their squad this summer.

Chelsea targeting another teen superstar

One of the most highly sought-after players in world football right now seems to be 17-year-old attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono. The River Plate star has caught the eye during his short career so far, and is now wanted by a multitude of clubs.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from Clarin, via Sport Witness, Chelsea are one of the sides hoping to bring him into the club this summer, continuing their trend of raiding the South American market.

Fellow Premier League side Manchester United are also showing strong interest, and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also believed to be considering a move.

Mastantuono has a reported release clause of £38m, and a move will likely happen when he turns 18 in the middle of August. River are reportedly looking to renew his contract, which could alter his release clause.

Why Mastantuono would be a good signing

Should the Blues manage to bring Mastantuono to the club, it would be another exciting young talent they have managed to add to their ranks. He has impressed in his short professional career for River, and has also been recognised by Argentina at under-20 level.

In 13 games in 2025 so far for the Argentine giants, he already has four goals and two assists to his name. He has featured for 997 minutes, and is currently averaging a goal involvement every 166 minutes, which is impressive for someone as inexperienced as he is.

The other standout thing to note about Mastantuono is his versatility. The River number 30, who is left-footed, can play as a right winger or a number ten, which is certainly something Maresca could lean upon at times.

Football analyst Ben Mattinson described the youngster as someone in the “Palmer mould”. However, he even goes on to make the claim that he is “he best of the lot”, suggesting Mastantono is someone to really get excited about.

Well, Chelsea fans have two young South American talents they can watch in action before too long. The Blues also signed Estevao Willian almost one year ago from Palmeiras, who will join the club for £29m this summer.

He has seven goals and one assist in all competitions in 2025, having featured in 23 matches for the Brazilian giants. Like Mastantuono, he is a hybrid between a winger and a number ten, able to play both positions.

Well, the pair could become a force to be reckoned with in a Chelsea shirt, over the next few seasons. The stats on FBref show just how good they are, and as a duo, they could become unstoppable.

One of the stats that sticks out is their creative passing numbers. Mastantuono averages 2.59 key passes and 5.47 shot-creating actions each game, with Estevao averaging 2.36 key passes and 4.03 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.

Mastantuono & Estevao key stats
Stat (per 90)	Mastantuono	Estevao
Goals and assists	0.49	0.42
Key passes	2.59	2.36
Shot-creating actions	5.47	4.03
Carries into final third	3.33	3.33
Ball recoveries	3.33	4.44
Stats from FBref

There is no doubt that Mastantuono is an exciting talent. Not only do Europe’s biggest clubs want to sign him, but he is putting up excellent numbers in a River shirt already, and has some impressive underlying stats.

If this is a deal Chelsea manage to do, he could be a fantastic addition, and form a deadly partnership with Estevao at Stamford Bridge.

Big upgrade on Sancho: Chelsea confident of signing £35m "wonderkid"

Chelsea are looking to add to their attack before the Club World Cup

By
Joe Nuttall

Apr 30, 2025

The Champions League is the pinnacle of club football, with some of the best players of all time starring in the competition, previously known as the European Cup. But who is the top goalscorer of all time in the famous club competition?

Football FanCast has listed the top 20 Champions League scorers, with a detailed look at the top 11.

All information correct as of 14th May 2025.

Champions League top goalscorers of all time

Rank

Player

Goals

1

Cristiano Ronaldo

141

2

Lionel Messi

129

3

Robert Lewandowski

105

4

Karim Benzema

90

5

Raul

71

6

Ruud van Nistelrooy

60

7

Andriy Shevchenko

59

8

Thomas Muller

57

9

Kylian Mbappe

55

=10

Mohamed Salah

51

=10

Thierry Henry

51

12

Filippo Inzaghi

50

=13

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

49

=13

Alfredo Di Stefano

49

=13

Erling Haaland

49

=16

Eusebio

47

=16

Sergio Aguero

47

18

Didier Drogba

44

=19

Neymar

43

=19

Alessandro Del Piero

43

=19

Antoine Griezmann

43

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Here is a detailed look at the top 11 Champions League goalscorers:

11 Thierry Henry 51 goals

Arsenal icon Thierry Henry got his first taste of Champions League football with AS Monaco, helping the French side to the semi-finals in 1997/98.

The Frenchman would go on to turn out for Juventus and then Arsenal, where he suffered heartbreak in the 2006 final against Barcelona. However, Henry would finally get his hands on the trophy after joining Barcelona, defeating Manchester United in the 2009 final.

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Posts ByMark Marston May 15, 2025 10 Mohamed Salah 51 goals

Mohamed Salah has been at the top of his game for a while now, so reaching a half-century of Champions League is a more-than-deserving accolade for a player of his stature.

The majority of his CL strikes have come for Liverpool, with whom he won the Champions League in 2019, thanks in part to the Egyptian scoring early in the final against Tottenham Hotspur, as well at numerous stages along the way.

9 Kylian Mbappe 55 goals

Kylian Mbappe has been around for ages, and yet he is barely into his mid-twenties. Therefore, it is no surprise that the Frenchman has already racked over 50 Champions League goals – overtaking the likes of compatriot Thierry Henry in the process.

Now at Real Madrid, we can maybe expect the goals to continue to flow for the striker, and with more group stage games these days, there’s every chance he’ll reach triple figures before too long.

8 Thomas Muller 57 goals

Thomas Muller has been a fantastic servant for Bayern Munich over the years, notching 57 goals for the Bavarians at the highest level of European competition.

The German made his Champions League debut back in 2009 and won the competition on two occasions, in 2013 and 2020.

Only Robert Lewandowski has more goals (69) in a Bayern shirt than Muller, putting him in some healthy company.

7 Andriy Shevchenko 59 goals

Best known for his time with Dynamo Kyiv and Milan, Andriy Shevchenko netted 59 times in the Champions League, including a famous hat-trick at the Nou Camp against Barcelona for Kyiv.

Shevchenko, who also turned out for Chelsea, won the tournament with Milan in 2003. The Ukrainian retired in 2012 and went on to manage his country between 2016 and 2021.

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Posts ByFreddie Taylor Sep 25, 2023 6 Ruud van Nistelrooy 60 goals

Powerful Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy turned out for two of Europe’s biggest clubs in Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Upon retiring in 2012, Van Nistelrooy scored 60 goals in the competition and was the top scorer in three separate editions of the tournament, though he never managed to win the Champions League.

5 Raul 71 goals

Real Madrid icon Raul held the record as the all-time top scorer in the Champions League for a number of years and averaged a goal every other game in his 142 appearances in Europe.

The Spaniard lifted the trophy on three occasions with Madrid and became the manager of Real Madrid’s B side in 2019, so he could potentially be a future first-team boss at the Bernabeu.

4 Karim Benzema 90 goals

Another Real Madrid legend who scored plenty of Champions League goals at the Bernabeu is Karim Benzema, who also netted a number of his 90 goals in Europe for Lyon.

Now playing in Saudi Arabia, Benzema netted in a record 18 consecutive Champions League seasons, winning the tournament five times, as well as the top scorer award in 2021/22.

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Posts 1 ByBarney Lane Oct 23, 2024 3 Robert Lewandowski 105 goals

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski became the third player to reach 100 Champions League goals during his time at Barcelona, with the ton secured in their league phase win over Stade Brest in November 2024, 13 years after his CL debut.

Previously of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Lewandowski is Bayern’s top scorer in European football, scoring 15 times in 2019/20, when he lifted his only Champions League trophy.

2 Lionel Messi 129 goals

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi comes in as runner-up on the list, with 120 of his 129 Champions League goals coming for the Catalan giants.

Messi scored against 40 different teams in the competition, which is a record, but it was against Arsenal that he was most prolific, netting nine times against the Gunners.

The Argentine has also represented Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, winning the tournament with Barcelona on three separate occasions, the last coming in 2015.

Sheffield United eased past Bristol City once more at Bramall Lane to reach the Championship playoff final in emphatic style.

Over two legs, the Blades would run out as comprehensive 6-0 victors, with the Robins actually showing some fight in the early stages in South Yorkshire during the second leg, only for Chris Wilder’s hosts to eventually show off their superiority again to clinch a second successive 3-0 win.

Now, Wilder’s side are only one match away from an instant return to the dizzy heights of the Premier League, with the United display overall just oozing class from several standout performers.

Sheffield United's key performers in the second leg

The Blades did have a three-goal cushion to fall back on heading into the late-night clash at Bramall Lane, but that didn’t culminate in the home side resting on their laurels to try and edge out a result.

Instead, the likes of Kieffer Moore and Gustavo Hamer looked dangerous throughout in the attacking areas, with the pair up top sharing out the first two goals courtesy of two assists from a rampaging Harrison Burrows.

The ex-Coventry City man’s effort was helped into the net by a fortuitous deflection, but neither he nor a beaming Wilder on the sidelines would care as United booked their rightful place at Wembley.

Away from those already named ensuring United’s night was straightforward, Michael Cooper did have to stay alert early on when Liam Manning’s visitors came racing out of the traps. In total, the ex-Plymouth Argyle stopper would make six saves to preserve his team’s clean sheet.

But, not every single United face played out of their skin during the second leg victory, with one out-of-sorts attacker now surely fearful for his starting spot at Wembley.

Sheffield United dud could now be axed at Wembley

The beauty of Monday night’s affair was the fact that Wilder could rest a handful of United players here and there, knowing that the 3-0 lead from the first leg gave them an immediate advantage.

Yet, Tom Cannon – who remained on the bench throughout at Ashton Gate – didn’t exactly put in a performance that is now befitting of a start at Wembley when handed his own first-team chance.

Minutes played

62

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

18

Shots on target

0

Accurate passes

2/5 (40%)

Total duels won

5/9

Frustratingly, Cannon’s lacklustre showing against the visitors from Bristol was indicative of his whole goal-shy spell at Bramall Lane to date, with only one goal coming his way since making the £10m move from Leicester City back in January.

Judging by the grim numbers above, the Irishman very rarely looked like adding to his meagre one-goal account, with his shooting all off once more when failing to register a single on-target effort at Max O’Leary’s busy net.

To add insult to injury, his link-up play with the likes of Moore up top was also way off, with Cannon only managing two accurate passes all game, meaning he closed out his dire 62-minute stint with just a 40% pass accuracy next to his name.

The obvious alteration Wilder could make ahead of the final is to bring Tyrese Campbell back into the first team fold, considering it took the ex-Stoke City striker around 20 minutes of action to assist Callum O’Hare’s late goal.

After all, it would be an almighty risk on Wilder’s end to persist with Cannon when other attackers are in a richer vein of form, especially if the 22-year-old’s wastefulness costs his side big time in their one-off shot for immediate promotion.

Premier League ready: Sheffield United have struck gold on incredible star

This Sheffield United star is already Premier League ready ahead of the Blades’ mission to go up via the playoffs.

ByKelan Sarson May 6, 2025

When discussing Manchester United’s long-running malaise, many will point to the end of the Sir Alex Ferguson dynasty as a defining, watershed moment in the club’s fortunes, with the Scotsman’s retirement marking the end of the Red Devils’ domestic dominance.

It could be argued, however, that the slide had begun even prior to Fergie’s exit, with even his own recruitment – while impacted by the Glazer takeover in 2005 – needing to be put under the microscope.

Indeed, cast your mind back to the summer of 2009. United had just romped to a third successive Premier League title, having also been defeated by Barcelona in what was a second Champions League final in a row.

Two league titles and another outing in a European showpiece did follow over the next four years, yet that moment marked the beginning of the end for the last of Ferguson’s great United sides, with Carlos Tevez moving on to upstart rivals Manchester City, while Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a long-awaited, world record switch to Real Madrid.

To make matters worse, the incomings could hardly have been more underwhelming. Ronaldo’s number seven shirt was taken over by an ageing Michael Owen, while options on the flanks were ‘bolstered’ by the signings of Antonio Valencia and, who can forget, Gabriel Obertan.

In many ways, that Ronaldo-shaped void on the flanks has hardly been filled in the years since, despite a plethora of attacking signings. Could that soon be set to change?

Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward

Ruben Amorim’s pursuit of Matheus Cunha has highlighted that the Portuguese is potentially seeking a different profile of player to operate in one of the two number ten berths, with the towering Wolverhampton Wanderers man more comfortable in a central role than on the flanks.

The need for a genuine winger in the 3-4-3 setup can be questioned – a fact highlighted by doubts over Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Old Trafford – although it is not unrealistic to assume that a potential attacking target could be moulded into what Amorim wants from his forwards.

Sometimes, there are options out there that are simply too good to ignore, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue seemingly one of them. As reported in Spain, the Red Devils are believed to be ‘vying’ for the Frenchman’s signature.

Transfer Focus

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

The highly-rated teenager only made the move to Paris from Stade Rennais on a £43m deal last summer, although a dazzling debut campaign at the Parc des Princes has earned unsurprising glances from afar, with INEOS said to have placed the 19-year-old at the ‘centre of their transfer radar’.

The suggestion is that such interest ‘goes beyond’ simply monitoring his progress, although a deal certainly ‘won’t be easy’ – not least if Luis Enrique and co stick to their reported €300m (£275m) asking price.

Something would have to give in that regard if a deal was to be agreed, although a move for Doue could represent United’s best since the days of ‘CR7’.

Man Utd could land their best winger since Ronaldo

Once the home of Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, the Theatre of Dreams has become a real graveyard for wingers, in particular, in recent times, with a raft of high profile stars having come and gone across the last decade or so.

Antony

96

12

5

17

Anthony Elanga

55

4

4

8

Amad

57

12

10

22

Jadon Sancho

83

12

6

18

Alejandro Garnacho

138

25

21

45

Dan James

74

9

9

18

Angel Di Maria

34

4

12

16

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

63

13

11

24

Memphis Depay

53

7

6

13

As evidenced in the table above, marquee moves for the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony – signed for £73m and £86m, respectively – have simply backfired, with United rarely getting bang for their buck.

Perhaps only Marcus Rashford – now out on loan at Aston Villa – has truly impressed for an extended period in the wake of Ronaldo, after chalking up 138 goals in 426 games, albeit with the Englishman’s best work having perhaps actually come in a central role, rather than out wide.

Has there really been anyone close to Ronaldo’s ilk post-2009?

Has anyone come close to the Portuguese’s Ballon d’Or-winning pomp in 2008, when he ravaged all before him?

It is still early days in his senior career, although the teenage Doue is showing signs of potentially emerging as a world-class sensation in his own right, having been hailed as a “superstar in the making” by journalist Julien Laurens.

Likened to his idol, Neymar, amid his switch to the French captial, the former Rennes starlet has already registered 25 goals and assists in 48 games in all competitions this season, including six goal involvements in just 14 Champions League outings.

It is that form on the continent which has notably caught the eye, with Doue memorably rifling home in exquisite fashion in PSG’s first-leg win over Villa, having left Emi Martinez looking utterly helpless in the visiting goal.

Described as the ‘talk of Europe’ by BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty, the in-demand winger also showed flashes of his quality against Arsenal on Tuesday night, having produced a delightful Neymar-esque touch at one stage to control the ball.

Fleet of foot and with a desire to beat his man, Doue perhaps emulates Ronaldo in that regard, with such dribbling prowess evidenced by the fact that he ranks in the top 4% among his European peers for successful take-ons, and in the top 7% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Also comfortable operating on either flank – much like Ronaldo was during his time under Fergie – the rising star looks destined to dazzle for years to come, with French football now boasting another ‘superstar’ to celebrate.

Yes, Amorim’s approach may not necessarily offer a home to a winger in the traditional sense, but Doue – who can also operate as a number ten – would a sensational upgrade in any of United’s attacking roles.

He could even end the long wait at Old Trafford for a Ronaldo-level superstar out wide…

Better than Osimhen: Man Utd close to agreement for "hottest CF in Europe"

Man Utd are ramping up their search for a new centre-forward this summer

ByRobbie Walls Apr 29, 2025

A Premier League club are reportedly desperately trying to keep hold of a key player this summer, with Newcastle United linked with a move for him.

Newcastle need a new centre-back this summer

After a disappointing 2023/24 season, the Magpies have roared back into form this term, winning the EFL Cup and on the verge of sealing a return to the Champions League.

The summer transfer window has to be a productive one for Newcastle, as the likes of Paul Mitchell and Eddie Howe look to work their magic without so may restraints from PSR, with at least one new centre-back at the top of their list of priorities.

That’s not to say that Fabian Schar and Dan Burn haven’t performed excellently this season, with the latter scoring in the EFL Cup final win over Liverpool, but both are now in their 30s, as is the case with Jamaal Lascelles. Sven Botman has also had serious injury problems, so he needs to be managed with care.

Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah has been linked with a move to Newcastle, having confirmed that he will leave the Bundesliga club on a free transfer this summer. At 29, he also isn’t getting any younger, but he could still be a strong signing on the cheap. Meanwhile, AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw has also emerged as a potential target in the past month or so.

Bournemouth trying to fend off Newcastle's interest

According to a new update from Give Me Sport, Newcastle “admire” Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, as they eye a summer move for him, in order to bolster their defence.

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Due to recent developments the Cherries are desperately fending off interest in the 22-year-old, however, having just lost fellow centre-back Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid for £50m.

Zabarnyi stands out as an excellent option for Newcastle ahead of the 2025/26 season, considering how impressive he has been at the heart of Bournemouth’s defence. His partnership with Huijsen has been a big reason why the Cherries have impressed, with Joe Partington heaping praise on them as a pairing.

For that reason, it is wholly understandable why Bournemouth are so hesitant to sell Zabarnyi this summer, considering they would have to completely change their centre-back options.

Hopefully, though, Newcastle can still persuade them to accept a potential offer this summer, with the Ukrainian an ideal young target who has proven himself in the Premier League, even winning 4-1 away to the Magpies earlier in the season.

Nottingham Forest and Evangelos Marinakis could now imminently swoop to hijack Inter Milan’s deal for an in-form forward, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

Nottingham Forest in Champions League race as crucial summer looms

Despite wins for both Chelsea and Aston Villa on Friday night, which dealt a blow to Nuno Espirito Santo and their chances of a top-five finish, Forest remain outside contenders to qualify for next season’s Champions League draw.

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ByTom Cunningham May 13, 2025

A win against West Ham on Sunday is absolutely non-negotiable, but three points from their clash with the Hammers will set up a mouth-watering final day tie at home to Chelsea, where victory over Enzo Maresca’s side could pay dividends if results elsewhere go Nuno’s way.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Chelsea

66

5. Aston Villa

66

6. Man City

65

7. Nottingham Forest

62

Their race for Europe will have a pivotal knock-on effect when it comes to their summer recruitment plans, as the financial windfalls received from Champions League qualification could help Forest splash the cash without having to worry so much about FFP and PSR.

“FFP and PSR plays a big part in the daily talk at Nottingham Forest,” said journalist Pete O’Rourke to Football Insider this week.

“Without Champions League football, it could be difficult for them to hold on to their best players. If somebody comes in with a big bid, and they’re not in the Champions League, it’s going to be very difficult for Nottingham Forest.

“They’ve got an owner who is financially sustainable and very willing to compete at the top. If players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo were to leave the club, their recruitment is going to have to be good, and they’re going to have to pump some money in.

“They’ve got to toe the line with FFP and PSR rules. Gibbs-White may just fall foul of that, and he has been hand-picked by bigger and better clubs across Europe, not just in England.”

Nottingham Forest could "soon" move for Marseille star Luis Henrique

Amid the threat of a sell-to-buy summer, Marinakis and co are on the hunt for astute, quality potential new additions, and Marseille forward Luis Henrique certainly falls into that bracket.

The Brazilian has racked up nine goals and 10 assists under Roberto De Zerbi this season, and it is believed he’d cost around £25 million, which is affordable from the perspective of a Premier League side.

While Inter Milan have been in talks with Marseille over a move, the Champions League finalists are currently falling below Henrique’s price tag in terms of offers, leaving the door open for Forest.

That is according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, who reported on X that Forest could “soon” move for Henrique and hijack Inter’s deal.

Called a “complete player” by De Zerbi, the 23-year-old Henrique is exactly the calibre of star required by Forest to keep competing at the very top.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold already likely to join Real Madrid at the end of the season, the Spanish giants are reportedly readying a stunning £76m bid to sign a second Liverpool star.

Alexander-Arnold closing in on Real Madrid move

Yet to sign a new Liverpool deal, any scenario in which Alexander-Arnold stays put at Anfield would have to come to fruition in the coming weeks with his current contract continuing to tick down. Lying in wait when it does expire is Real Madrid, who look destined to land the bargain of the summer and add yet another sensational talent to a stacked squad.

That said, whilst he will be departing the home of the Premier League champions, Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to be joining the home of the Spanish champions following a chaotic campaign full of disappointment for Real Madrid.

With four games to go, Carlos Ancelotti’s side sit four points behind a Barcelona side they just lost the Copa del Rey final against. And given the mood that Hansi Flick’s side have been in at times this season, their grip on the title seems unlikely to loosen.

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1 ByAngus Sinclair May 1, 2025

What’s more, it may not be Ancelotti’s Madrid at all that Alexander-Arnold joins. The veteran manager has been heavily linked with a move to the Brazil national team as of late in a move that could reportedly see Xabi Alonso head to the Bernabeu as a replacement.

That could yet spell more bad news for Liverpool, however, given that Alonso is a fan of an Anfield star that Real Madrid have already reportedly set their sights on this summer.

Real Madrid readying £75m+ Mac Allister move

Not done with their shopping in Merseyside after Alexander-Arnold, the Spanish giants have reportedly turned their attention towards another key man. According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are now readying an offer worth €90m (£76m) to sign Alexis Mac Allister, who Alonso sees as the perfect fit at the Bernabeu this summer.

The alarm bells will already be ringing around Anfield after Alexander-Anrold’s reported decision, but Mac Allister could yet do what the academy graduate seemingly failed to do and maintain his loyalty to Liverpool.

Recently speaking about his future, the midfielder told reporters when asked about the Real Madrid rumours: “I read the rumours and the news reaches me, but the important thing is the present. I’m fine at Liverpool, I have a lot of respect for the club and I don’t think it’s necessary to talk about other institutions.”

If the Argentine’s importance wasn’t clear enough, then his stunning strike against Tottenham Hotspur before Liverpool raced to a 5-1 thrashing to seal Premier League glory should be more than enough to highlight just how crucial his role is.

There may be a European final to play next week, but that hasn’t stopped a mountain of players being linked with moves to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

One of the most exciting links to come out this week has been to Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who could reportedly be available for as little as £19m.

The young Frenchman has been on fire for Lyon this year, racking up an impressive haul of eight goals and ten assists in 29 league appearances alone.

However, he’s not the only wide player touted for a move to Spurs, and if recent reports are to be believed, Daniel Levy and Co may be planning to go with an incredible alternative.

Tottenham transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at a couple of other wingers linked with Spurs, such as Daizen Maeda and Jamie Gittens.

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 be available for just £25m this summer, which might end up being an incredible deal, as in just 49 appearances for Celtic this season, he’s scored a staggering 33 goals and provided 12 assists.

Gittens hasn’t been quite as prolific, but the fact he’s managed to rack up an impressive tally of 12 goals and five assists in 47 games at just 20 years old suggests he’d be worth the £59m he’d reportedly cost.

Yet, if Spurs really want to ensure they take a step forward in attack next season, they’d do well to act on their interest in Eberechi Eze.

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Spurs are planning to launch a bid to sign the Crystal Palace star this summer.

Interestingly, while the Englishman has a £68m release clause in his current deal, the North Londoners plan to make an offer lower than that.

It could be a complicated deal to get done, but given Eze’s incredible ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a dream Cherki alternative.

Why Eze would be a great Cherki alternative

So, in an ideal world, Spurs would go out and sign both players, but if they can only get one, or Cherki is signed by another team, why would Eze be a perfect alternative, if not the better option overall?

Well, first and foremost, the Palace star is a known quantity with an abundance of experience in English football and, most importantly, the Premier League, making 144 appearances in the competition thus far.

This is important, as while the Frenchman could be something really special, we already know the Englishman is a sensational player and someone who can thrive in arguably world football’s toughest league.

Furthermore, he’d be joining the North Londoners off the back of another stellar campaign with the Eagles.

For example, in 40 appearances, totalling 3142 minutes, the 26-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, has scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists.

Appearances

40

Minutes

3142

Goals

12

Assosts

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvement

136.60

That means the former Queens Park Ranges gem is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 136.60 minutes.

Finally, on top of being able to play off the left and in attacking midfield, the full England international has shown he can thrive in the big moments, as it was his sensational strike from outside the area that opened the scoring in Palace’s FA Cup Semi-Final triumph over Aston Villa last month.

Ultimately, Eze is an undeniably incredible footballer, and if Spurs have the chance to sign him this summer, they have to take it, regardless of what happens with Cherki.

Spurs must sell £60m "monster" who's wanted by the biggest club in the world

The incredible international should be moved on by Spurs before it’s too late.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 13, 2025

Newcastle United find themselves well in the hunt for a strong finish to the Premier League season and could look to pounce for a high-profile star on the market, according to a report.

Newcastle United's pursuit of summer signings

The Magpies have Champions League football firmly in their sights under Eddie Howe and will look to finalise their place in next year’s league phase before turning their attention to the summer transfer window.

Turning the spotlight on one of their direct competitors, Newcastle hope to sign James McAtee from Manchester City in the next few months and will take encouragement from the fact he has one year left on his deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are also in the hunt for his signature, which may pose a challenge in convincing the England Under-21 international that Tyneside is the place to be ahead of next season.

On the same token, talks have taken place over Newcastle making a move for Douglas Luiz with Juventus sporting director Cristian Giuntoli. The possibility of a swap deal involving Sandro Tonali has also been discussed.

Looking to the future, Heart of Midlothian forward James Wilson is a Magpies target, even if he would likely be viewed as one for the future by chiefs at St James’ Park.

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PSR regulations will need to be met by Newcastle alongside every one of their direct rivals in the Premier League. In turn, that may lead to certain positions being prioritised for strengthening, while others could be left on the backburner.

Regardless, plenty of movement is underway in the North East and recent developments suggest that a marquee arrival could be set for a move to Tyneside.

Newcastle United ready to strike for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle United are plotting a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has wowed the Magpies’ recruitment team during extensive scouting missions over the last few years.

Howe would jump at the chance to bring in the Cameroon international if his current employers were willing to sell, though the Bees’ demand of over £60 million may provide food for thought once the summer window opens.

Bryan Mbeumo vs Anthony Gordon – Premier League attacking output in 2024/25
Bryan Mbeumo
Goals	18
Assists	6
Chances created	65
Shots on target	36
Completed dribbles	44
Anthony Gordon
Goals	6
Assists	5
Chances created	50
Shots on target	19
Completed dribbles	35

Labelled “fantastic” by Thomas Frank, Mbeumo has enjoyed a fantastic campaign in front of goal, registering 18 goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.

His versatility is said to be a major reason behind Howe’s desire to land the winger. However, Newcastle are likely to wait and see what continental competition they end up in before stepping up their interest.

Attacking reinforcements appear to be on the agenda at St James’ Park and Mbeumo would be the ideal candidate to ensure the Magpies build from a position of strength.

They may have a season-defining game to come in the Champions League tomorrow night and a second-place finish in the Premier League to secure, but Arsenal seem to be looking ahead to the summer transfer window.

While it’s not been quite as catastrophic as some might have you believe, this year hasn’t gone entirely to plan for Mikel Arteta’s side, so the determination to add some real quality to the squad in the coming months makes perfect sense.

One of the most prominent links, and a player who was touted for a move to the club as far back as last summer, is Nico Williams.

The Spanish international is one of the most exciting wingers on the continent, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club could now have identified an alternative target: someone who shares the same agent as Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal's winger search

Given Arsenal’s need for more goals next season, it’s not been a surprise to see them linked to a plethora of dangerous wingers in recent weeks, such as Rayan Cherki and Kingsley Coman.

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The former is reportedly available for just £30m, which might end up being one of the bargains of the summer, as in just 42 appearances for Lyon this year, the Frenchman has scored 12 goals and provided a whopping 19 assists.

Coman, on the other hand, might be a little less exciting in the eyes of the fans, as while he’s managed to rack up a reasonable enough tally of seven goals and four assists in 39 appearances this year, he has an awful injury record, will be 29 at the start of next season, and would cost around £34m.

So, while he’s had a sensational career, it wouldn’t be accurate to describe him as being a potential upgrade on Williams, unlike the tremendously exciting Jamie Gittens.

Yes, according to a recent report from German publication Ruhr Nachrichten, Arsenal are incredibly interested in the Borussia Dortmund star, who has reportedly told his teammates he will be leaving in the summer and is part of the same agency as Saka.

In fact, while Chelsea are also keen on the young Englishman, the report has revealed that it’s the Gunners who are leading the race for his signature, partly down the clearer pathway to game time and the more stable nature of the club.

It wouldn’t be a cheap transfer to get over the line, with the report claiming that Dortmund will want up to €60m for the player, which is about £51m, but given his ability and potential, that may be a price worth paying, especially as he could be an upgrade on Williams.

How Gittens compares to Williams

Okay, so while Gittens can play off the right – and has even played up top at points – his preferred position is undoubtedly left-wing, which in turn makes it unlikely that Arsenal would sign him and Williams.

So, with that in mind, who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output, even though it is a little complicated, the Dortmund star does come out on top.

For example, in 46 appearances this season, totalling just 2783 minutes, the 20-year-old “wonderkid,” as dubbed by Statman Dave, has scored 12 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.70 games, or far more consequently, every 163.70 minutes.

In contrast, the Athletic Bilbao star has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 44 appearances, totalling 3050, so while he has an average of a goal involvement every 2.44 games, his minutes per goal involvement of 169.44 is marginally worse than his potential rival.

Moreover, when we take a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers, it’s once again a closely run competition in which the Englishman just about comes ahead.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.56

0.47

Progressive Passes

2.14

3.19

Progressive Carries

5.71

5.31

Shots

2.65

1.22

Shots on Target

2.44

0.89

Passing Accuracy

76.5%

70.7%

Key Passes

1.07

1.83

Expected Assists

0.21

0.19

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.22

1.31

Shot-Creating Actions

3.72

5.12

Tackles Won

0.97

0.80

Interceptions

0.51

0.28

Successful Take-Ons

3.93

2.96

Carries into the Final Third

2.81

2.63

Carries into the Penalty Area

3.21

2.63

For example, he comes out ahead for a slight majority of relevant metrics, including, but not limited to, non-penalty goals plus assists, expected assists, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, progressive carries, successful take-ons, carries into the penalty area, tackles won and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, regardless of which winger they do eventually sign, Arsenal will be getting someone who can contribute in the here and now and continue to develop into an even more exciting attacker as time goes on.

However, when it comes down to it, Gittens just about comes out ahead of Williams for output and underlying numbers, so if the North Londoners can only get one, they should go for the Englishman.

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