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Heading into their showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford at the weekend, Sunderland might well be judged as the favourites to pick up another early Premier League win over their hosts, despite the stature of their opponents.

Whilst it has been well documented in recent years, the drastic slide at the Theatre of Dreams, the Black Cats will still feel amazed that they’re four points ahead of Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils when making the trip down to Manchester, with just one defeat from their opening five league clashes lifting them all the way up to fifth in the early standings.

Regis Le Bris has managed to turn the one-time promotion nearly-men into a well-oiled unit in the daunting top-flight, with the defence – in particular – gaining many a plaudit, even so soon into the 38-game marathon.

Sunderland's incredible defence

Glancing at the Premier League table briefly, only two teams in the entire rest of the division have a sterner defensive record than Le Bris’ men, with Arsenal and Manchester City only leaking three goals so far this season.

Despite their newly promoted status having the potential to work against them, the Wearsiders have only given up four goals themselves, with both Omar Alderete and Robin Roefs sticking out as two standout aspects of this water-tight defence.

Alderete’s tough approach to proceedings – which has seen him average a commanding 4.3 duels won per league clash away from powering home this header against Nottingham Forest – has already resulted in Sunderland-based journalist Andy Tomlinson heralding him as an “unbelievable” signing, with the Paraguayan making his transition to the testing English game look effortless so far.

He has undoubtedly been backed by Roefs, constantly putting in game-changing displays, with the Dutchman coming up trumps with six huge saves last time out to deny Forest a goal in a 1-0 away win.

Slight rumours are swirling in the air that Mukiele, who is yet another sterling defensive signing, could be ruled out of the Black Cats’ upcoming trip to Old Trafford, with injury concerns being spoken of.

Yet, even if this gossip is proved to be true, Le Bris will know he does have some substantial depth to call upon, in the form of another particularly valuable defensive titan…

The "stunning" star worth more than Alderete & Roefs

With Luke O’Nien returning back to the squad at the City Ground after injury, it does feel as if Sunderland have strong reinforcements all across their backline, in case the newly formed unit does have to be unfortunately broken up.

Daniel Ballard also coming back into the first team fold only heightens the depth at Le Bris’ disposal, with the Northern Ireland international not looking out of place whatsoever this season when thrown into Premier League action as one of the more long-standing servants at the Stadium of Light.

Before Alderete and Roefs could properly settle into their new environment, Ballard was already leaving his mark on the intense division with this bullet header finding the back of the net on the opening day.

Amazingly, this commanding effort was the 26-year-old’s seventh goal for the club, with the ex-Arsenal man pulling on Sunderland red and white now a colossal 93 times, having been hailed as “stunning” by journalist Josh Bunting.

Purchased for just £2m back in 2022 as Sunderland regularly settled for mediocrity in the Championship, it’s staggering to see the journey the authoritative number five has gone on with the club, with his value now far exceeding his modest initial price tag.

Ballard’s Sunderland record
Stat	Ballard
Games played	93
Games missed with injury	71
Goals scored	7
Assists	2
Promotions	1x
Value when signed	£2m
Value now	£9.4m
Sourced by Transfermarkt/Football Transfers

Even with the centre-back’s injury setbacks seeing him miss a whopping 71 games over his four seasons to date on Wearside, Ballard’s value – as per Football Transfers – currently sits at a healthy £9.4m.

To further add to the intrigue, both Alderete and Roefs, despite taking to English shores like a knife through butter, have worths that come in slightly under Ballard’s bumped-up valuation, with the South American just shy of his defensive counterpart at £9.3m, while Roefs sits at £6.6m as a shrewd pick-up.

Therefore, while all the new defensive purchases continue to steal the limelight, Le Bris will have full faith in Ballard remaining resolute at the back throughout the challenging season to come when thrown into action.

Not Isidor: Sunderland "monster" is becoming the club's modern day Phillips

Regis Le Bris could now have his very own Kevin Phillips at Sunderland in this monster.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 30, 2025

The tour comprises three one-day games and two four-dayers

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Apr-2025

Nick Kelly was among the debutants against Pakistan•Getty Images

Nick Kelly and Joe Carter will captain New Zealand A on their upcoming tour of Bangladesh with the squad also featuring recent debutants Rhys Mariu and Muhammad Abbas.Kelly will lead the one-day side which will be play three 50-over matches before handing over to Carter for the two four-day games.Kelly, Mariu and Abbas all made their debuts against Pakistan in the series which finished earlier this month. Allrounder Abbas was particularly eye-catching with the fastest ODI fifty on debut from 24 balls. Kelly and Mariu were the two leading run-scorers in the Plunket Shield.Carter, 32, impressed on New Zealand A’s last visit to the subcontinent, in India during 2022, averaging 60.40 and scoring two centuries, including a career-best 197.Wicketkeeper Mitch Hay, who made an unbeaten 99 against Pakistan in Hamilton, is part of the squad alongside allrounder Josh Clarkson.The pace attack also features players with international experience in Zak Foulkes and Ben Lister. Legspinner Adi Ashok, who was in the squad against Pakistan having previously played in 2023, has also been included.”For several players it will be their first time experiencing subcontinent conditions, which will be a great challenge and opportunity to further their skillsets,” Bob Carter, who will coach the side, said.The one-day games take place on May 5, 7 and 10 in Sylhet followed by the first four-game from May 14-17 at the same venue before the second takes place in Dhaka from May 21-24.New Zealand A squad vs Bangladesh AMuhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Matt Boyle, Joe Carter (red-ball captain), Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Curtis Heaphy, Nick Kelly (white-ball captain), Jayden Lennox, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu, Dale Phillips

Thomas Muller became Germany’s most successful player after winning the Canadian Championship with Vancouver Whitecaps, who defeated local rivals Vancouver FC 4-2 in the final. Muller had previously been tied on titles with Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos. However, he downplayed the achievement, saying he plays for the love of the game and not for trophies.

Muller’s record achievement

Muller has now won 35 titles in total, his latest coming with Vancouver Whitecaps winning the Canadian Championship, moving ahead of former team-mate Kroos, who ended his career on 34. While Kroos has six Champions League titles with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Muller has two with Bayern. However, Muller has won 13 league titles compared to Kroos’s seven across the two clubs. The latter retired in 2024, while Muller left Bayern to join Whitecaps in the summer of this year.

AdvertisementImagnMuller’s comments on the historic achievement

In an interview with , Muller said he believes the comparison with Kroos is not entirely fair, given his former co-star has more Champions League titles. He said: "I'd rather say: 'Germany's most successful title hoarder.' The question is always: How do you weight these titles? One player wins the national championship more often, while the other has more Champions League victories to his name.

"Statistics are a nice thing, nothing more and nothing less. I don't play football for my 'title legacy,' but because I simply love being on the pitch."

Muller’s contribution

Muller provided an assist for the Whitecaps in the fifth minute before slotting home a penalty in the 10th to give his team a 2-0 lead. He was eventually substituted in the 79th minute to a standing ovation.

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Getty Images SportThe MLS challenge

With the Whitecaps level on points with San Diego at the top of the Western Conference of the MLS, Muller has a strong chance of reaching the playoffs as a top-seeded team and will look to further extend his illustrious trophy cabinet. They take on San Jose Earthquakes this weekend.

“He’s bowling with full rhythm today, too. He’s also putting work in the gym and isn’t complaining of any pains”

Danyal Rasool18-Feb-20252:13

Rizwan hopes to see more ICC events in Pakistan soon

Pakistan have been handed a boost ahead of the Champions Trophy opener, with fast bowler Haris Rauf expected to be “fully fit” against New Zealand, according to their captain Mohammad Rizwan.”Haris bowled 6-8 overs a couple of days ago, and bowled a fair bit yesterday too,” Rizwan said at the captain’s press conference on the eve of the tournament. “He’s bowling with full rhythm today, too. He’s also putting work in the gym and isn’t complaining of any pains. We think he’s fully fit.”Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in his chest while bowling in the opening game of the tri-series against New Zealand on February 8, and was in a race against time to be fit for the start of the tournament. He did not play the remainder of the series, though ESPNcricinfo understands that was more out of an abundance of caution than an indicator of the injury’s severity.Related

Babar's form in focus as Pakistan begin title defence

Jamieson replaces Ferguson in NZ's Champions Trophy squad

At the Champions Trophy, Shaheen Afridi sees a chance to make history

A critical test for ODI cricket and Pakistan as hosts

After the press conference, Rauf was seen bowling in the nets during Pakistan’s final practice session before the tournament at the National Stadium. It clears Pakistan up to play what they view as their first-choice bowling lineup, one that features Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Rauf. The three played together in an attack that ultimately ended up on the wrong side of a result against New Zealand in the opener of the tri-series. They play the same side tomorrow in the Champions Trophy curtain-raiser as Pakistan prepare to host their first ICC tournament since 1996.”We suffered for 10 years when no side came here,” Rizwan said. “But Pakistan still produced solid results. So we have no doubts about our ability.”However, it is hard to escape the idea that Pakistan go into their first game as relative underdogs. New Zealand beat them twice in the tri-series, going unbeaten across the tournament to lift the title. They went on to demonstrate their all-round ability, defending a total against Pakistan in one game before easing to two chases in games against South Africa and Pakistan. At the same time, they brushed aside injuries to fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears, retaining their fast-bowling threat, while reigning Pakistan in through the middle overs with a varied array of spinners.”There are ups and downs and certain deficiencies in our side,” Rizwan said. “We are aware we need to bring about certain improvements in our professionalism and consistency.0:57

Urooj: Huge responsibility for Pakistan to defend the title at home

“We tried to learn from the tri-series, which is why we batted first in the final to work out where our weaknesses lie. We used that series as a training experience. We hope we’ve learned enough to cover for those weaknesses tomorrow.”But along with the usual cheery optimism, Rizwan’s statements were laced with a kind of naked hunger he has rarely let slip in the past. Wearing his religion on his sleeve, he tends to resign himself to “the will of Allah” as he often says. It can take the pressure off, a valuable skill for a Pakistan captain, but today, Rizwan seemed to teeter on the edge of fantasising how much he wanted to win an ICC event, and how good it would be to win this one at home.”We’ve come so close a few times,” he said. “We need to work out how to get that extra one per cent to win those big matches. No one can guarantee that success, and we’re still in search of that final step where we lose big games or tournaments.”Every player is desperate for this title. And we’re doing everything we can to work out how to win. I don’t think any country works as hard as we do.”It’s uncommon to hear Rizwan speak with that kind of edge. Soon enough, he was back to his usual gregarious self, talking about how “all 15 players were captains” and the value of team performances over individual brilliance. But then again, perhaps that is the “extra one per cent” Pakistan, and Rizwan, are so desperately hunting for.

Leeds United were not short of goals last season in their sensational Championship campaign. The Whites were the dominant side in England’s second tier, reaching 100 points and finishing top of the table on goal difference, ahead of fellow centurions Burnley.

Daniel Farke’s side were the dominant team in front of goal, scoring 24 more goals than any other side. In total, they found the back of the net 95 times, and it was that clinical instinct that helped them become the dominant force they were last term.

After already signing one attacker this summer, Felix Nmecha, now the Yorkshire side are looking to add to their depth in forward areas by dipping into the transfer market once again.

Leeds' next attacking target

With Nmecha already through the door, Leeds’ focus has shifted to wingers. They failed in a bid to sign Igor Paixao from Feyenoord, with the 25-year-old making the move to French side Marseille. Interestingly, this could have opened the door for Leeds’ next move to materialise.

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 recent report from TEAMtalk, Farke’s side are looking to bring Marseille and England under-21 international Jonathan Rowe to the club.

Having targeted him last summer before his move to France, they are now ‘reigniting their pursuit’ of the former Norwich City star.

Described as a ‘key objective for the 2025 summer window’, a move for 22-year-old Rowe is not going to be straightforward. Leeds are one of four Premier League sides that want to sign the forward this summer, with Marseille said to be looking for a fee of £17m.

Why Rowe would be a good signing

After impressing in the Championship for Norwich a couple of seasons ago, Rowe got his big move to Ligue 1. In a Marseille shirt, he showed great promise under former Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Last term, the London-born winger played 30 games for the nine-time French champions, scoring three times and assisting four. However, he managed just 846 minutes, equivalent to nine full 90-minute games, resulting in an impressive average of 0.7 goal involvements per game.

The Norwich academy graduate previously shone in the 2023/24 Championship campaign. Playing on both the left and right wing, he scored 12 goals and assisted twice in 32 appearances, including this sublime strike against Hull City on the opening day of the season.

He showed that he’s “got that bit of magic” for the Canaries, as noted by then-teammate Shane Duffy. Could he well have shades of Raphinha about him?

If Farke had the pick of any former attacker to add to his squad this season, he’d surely choose the former Stade Rennais star.

The Brazilian has been sensational for Barcelona this term, with their manager Hansi Flick saying “he’s in the running” for the Ballon d’Or.

Before his big move to La Liga, the Brazilian spent two memorable seasons at Leeds. He played 67 times for the club, scoring 17 goals and assisting 12.

His final goal came away to Brentford on the last day of the 2021/22 season, which helped keep his side in the Premier League.

Well, Farke can’t have Raphinha this term, but there are similarities between a deal for Rowe, and one for the Barca star back in 2020. Not only would the pair have both moved to Elland Road from Ligue 1, but they can both operate on each flank and as a number nine.

Statistically, they put up strikingly similar numbers from their sole seasons in France. As per FBref, Marseille star Rowe averaged two key passes and 3.33 progressive carries per 90 minutes, compared to 2.11 key passes and 3.11 progressive carries each game for Raphinha.

Rowe and Raphinha key stats in final season before Leeds
Stat (per 90)	Rowe (2024/25)	Raphinha (2019/20)
Goals and assists	0.67	0.44
Key passes	2	2.11
Shot-creating actions	4.24	4.39
Goal-creating actions	0.78	0.26
Progressive carries	3.33	3.11
Take-ons completed	2.22	2.32
Stats from FBref

The stats suggest that Rowe could become Farke’s own Raphinha. Not only would both players have joined from France’s top flight, but the stats behind those campaigns are remarkably similar, as is the versatility they offer.

For just £17m, this could be a fantastic way for Leeds to upgrade their side and add more threat in attack at Elland Road.

Farke's answer to Sesko: Leeds offered chance to sign £93k-p/w "leader"

Leeds United have the chance to snap up their own Benjamin Sesko with this transfer.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 6, 2025

Afghanistan have now won each of their bilateral ODI series against Zimbabwe bar the one in 2014, which was split

Himanshu Agrawal21-Dec-2024

AM Ghazanfar now has two five-fors in his 11 ODIs•ACB

Sean Williams slog-swept Rashid Khan in the 24th over of Zimbabwe’s innings, but the ball ballooned off the top edge for Hashmatullah Shahidi at midwicket. Shahidi looked to catch it with a reverse cup, but dropped the ball – possibly because of the sun in his eyes – and invited the loudest cheers until then from the sparse crowd at Harare Sports Club.They didn’t have much going for them, really, since Zimbabwe were 89 for 8 at that stage. Williams, on 33 at the time, went on to score 60 at just under a run a ball, and dragged his side to 127 in 30.1 overs. Afghanistan wiped out the target of 128 with eight wickets and 23 overs in the bank. Sediqullah Atal followed up a knock of 104 from the second ODI with 52 off 50 balls in the third, hitting four fours and two sixes on the way, and Afghanistan completed a 2-0 series win over Zimbabwe after the first ODI was washed out.That gave Afghanistan their sixth successive ODI series win over Zimbabwe, who are yet to beat them in a bilateral series in seven attempts – the first one, back in July 2014, was shared 2-2.The chase began with just 15 runs from the first six overs, as Zimbabwe kept it tight. But Atal drove and got a top edge for four off Richard Ngarava in the seventh over, and that got Afghanistan going. Although Abdul Malik, the other opener, took his time, Atal attacked from the other end to raise the fifty stand in the 11th over. The partnership ended at 83 when Ngarava had Malik chopping on for 29, before Brian Bennett took a blinder running and diving to his left to send Atal back. Shahidi and Rahmat Shah, however, didn’t have any bothers finishing the job.[File photo] Sean Williams was the only Zimbabwe batter to take the fight to Afghanistan•Getty Images

But Afghanistan’s win on Saturday was set up by 18-year-old offspinner AM Ghazanfar. He bowled his quota of ten overs unchanged starting from the seventh, and finished with 5 for 33, his second ODI five-for in just 11 games. Shahidi chose to bowl first after winning the toss, and his bowlers proved the decision right. Afghanistan’s seamers were getting appreciable swing even after the powerplay, while their spinners almost magically turned the ball both ways.Eight of the ten wickets went to Ghazanfar and Rashid, who got 3 for 38. That, though was aa result of both batters not reading them well, and the on-field umpires making debatable calls – perhaps not reading the bowlers well either. In a series where the teams don’t have DRS to turn to, Craig Ervine and Ben Curran walked back unhappy. Even Sikandar Raza shook his head on being given out lbw off Rashid, but whether he did that because he was disappointed with the umpire or with himself… who can tell.Zimbabwe’s innings featured a mini-collapse as well as a big crumble. But before either of those, Afghanistan’s new-ball bowlers Fareed Ahmed and Azmatullah Omarzai kept a tight leash on opening batters Curran and Joylord Gumbie. Twenty-two of the first 28 balls were dots; there were four more to start the seventh over, after which Zimbabwe lost three wickets for five runs in next to no time.It started with Gumbie top-edging an attempted sweep off Ghazanfar to short fine-leg. Next over, Omarzai got one to seam away from Ervine, who was squared up as the ball went past. Ervine was given out caught behind, but there was no visible nick. Ghazanfar then got his second when he trapped Curran in front for 12 in the ninth over, although the first impression was that the ball was heading down the leg side.Rashid Khan picked up three wickets, but played second fiddle to his junior colleague, AM Ghazanfar•Afghanistan Cricket Board

Senior hands Raza and Williams briefly rebuilt thereafter. Williams had 21 runs off his first 22 balls, including three fours and a six, after 14 overs. But come the 16th, Raza’s wicket triggered a period where Zimbabwe lost five wickets for 29 runs. He was hit on the back leg by one which turned in from Rashid, and was adjudged lbw for 13. In his next over, Rashid had Bennett lbw with a googly as well, as Bennett played down the wrong line.Ghazanfar then got two more back to back, almost in identical fashion. He cleaned up both left-hand batters Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wellington Masakadza in the one over, the 19th of the innings, and each time, going around the wicket, the carrom ball fi the trick. Both batters swung across the line, and left a big gap between bat and pad for the ball to hit the off stump. On the hat-trick ball, Ghazanfar beat Newman Nyamhuri on the outside edge, with Shahidi placing as many as three slips for the right-hander.Williams, meanwhile, continued ticking at the other end even as he kept running out of partners. He whacked Rashid for four over midwicket, and slogged him for six over square leg, while Ghazanfar completed his five-for by having Nyamhuri top-edging to slip in between.Williams added 30 for the ninth wicket with Ngarava, and brought up his 36th ODI fifty when he hammered debutant seamer Bilal Sami to deep backward point. Williams had also bashed birthday boy Sami for a four and six off consecutive balls in the 14th over.But when going for a reverse sweep against Rashid in the 28th, Williams ended up tickling one to slip, where Mohammad Nabi caught him. Zimbabwe’s innings lasted only another 15 balls, in which Ngarava and Trevor Gwandu added eight runs. The defeat capped off a year in which Zimbabwe’s collective batting average was at its lowest at 14.22 (with a minimum of nine batting innings).

The past several transfer windows saw minimal activity from Liverpool, but that didn’t stop Arne Slot from replacing Jurgen Klopp and winning the Premier League in his first year at the club.

But having achieved such staggering success last term, the Dutch coach has been rewarded by FSG with a series of impressive signings this summer, with Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz all joining the title-winning side.

Wirtz, in particular, has the potential to become a superstar on Merseyside. Signed from Bayer Leverkusen (after Frimpong) for a British-record £116m fee, the 22-year-old has been described as “the best midfielder in the world” by former Werkself striker Patrick Helmes.

To surpass this incredible acquisition would be a Herculean task, but Liverpool are inclined to try, with sporting director Richard Hughes looking to bag a forward.

Liverpool's summer transfer plans

After a move to Napoli collapsed, Darwin Nunez’s future is currently uncertain. Liverpool want a new centre-forward, and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is the dream.

However, the Sweden star has been priced at £200m, which should put him beyond FSG’s reach.

However, with Luis Diaz mooted for a move away from Anfield this summer and having agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich, perhaps the Reds need to prioritise a bid for a left-sided forward.

And according to reports from Spain, Liverpool could be set to shatter the footballing world with a formal offer for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who is valued at €130m (£113m) by Florentino Perez.

While there is an expectation that Vinicius Jr, 25, will finalise a new deal with Los Blancos sooner rather than later, the protracted nature of the talks could lead Liverpool to swoop in and secure an incredible addition.

What Vinicius Junior would bring to Liverpool

While Liverpool have struck gold with the signing of Wirtz, they might hit an even richer stream through the signing of Vinicius Jr, who has been called “the best player in the world” by Perez in the past.

While there was a fair share of controversy (putting it modestly) around the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, the dynamic forward did win The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2024 after missing out on the apex of individual accolades.

Joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in the Brasileiro Serie A for £39m in 2018, making him the most expensive under-19 player in history, Vinicius Jr has since become a superstar on the global stage, one of the most marketable and decorated rising stars of his generation.

Across the past year, he ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 13% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, underscoring the elite danger that could see him surpass even Wirtz at Anfield.

24/25

58

22

19

23/24

39

24

11

22/23

55

23

19

21/22

52

22

17

20/21

49

6

5

19/20

38

5

3

18/19

31

4

9

The Brazil international is a remarkable player, and his sustained brilliance over the past four seasons illustrates his world-class level, which is maybe even higher than Wirtz’s, even though the German has notched 69 goal involvements for Leverkusen across the past two seasons, winning the Bundesliga Player of the Year for 2023/24 aftet his outfit’s invincible, title-winning campaign.

Wirtz is the real deal, but he needs to do more at this stage of his career to reach Vinicius Jr’s level, with any far-fetched deal to sign the Madrid superstar set to see him arrive with a pre-existing reputation as a Ballon d’Or contender, a platform Wirtz still needs one final push to reach.

Described as a “legend in the making” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Vini Jr. could be a stunning signing for Liverpool, making a real signal of intent.

While the Reds have already secured a marquee arrival in the form of Wirtz, the South American might just prove to be the cream of the crop, should he arrive in the coming weeks.

A Gakpo upgrade: Liverpool ready to submit bid for "world-class" £86m star

Liverpool will need to replace Luis Diaz if they sell the Colombian this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 14, 2025

Arsenal chiefs have their eyes on an England international star for manager Mikel Arteta, with sporting director Andrea Berta leaving no stone unturned in his chase for fresh Gunners talent.

Arsenal transfer latest as Berta looks to make big impact

The north Londoners are working on a busy transfer window and have held talks over numerous targets.

Arsenal enter race to sign £25m Sesko alternative who's "like Haaland"

The dangerous international would be an excellent signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 17, 2025

The pending arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is expected to be finalised soon, with the La Liga side ultimately delaying his exit so they can register his transfer as part of the next financial year, starting in July (David Ornstein).

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

Nevertheless, regardless of Zubimendi’s cryptic comments causing quite a stir in the last few weeks, Arsenal are still fully expected to sign Zubimendi this summer after months of talks.

The Spaniard could be joined by one of two heavily linked strikers – Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko – who’ve both been at the centre of Arsenal talks as Berta works on deals for both of them (BBC).

Arsenal are also chasing a new winger, even if Nico Williams is likelier to join Barcelona as things stand, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo still being targeted by Arteta as they look to add further quality in the wide area (Football Transfers).

Amidst all of this rumoured activity, there are some reports sharing information that Arsenal are considering the signing of another defender.

Reports from Brazil in the last few days revealed Arsenal’s interest in signing Lille centre-back Alexsandro, who’s just made his first two senior starts for Brazil, but another highly-rated international is also in Berta’s thinking.

Arsenal targeting Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi

That man is Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, who looks almost certain to leave Selhurst Park this summer.

The England star is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at Palace, giving Eagles chairman Steve Parish until September 1 to make any significant money off his sale.

Parish actually rejected an ambitious £70 million bid for Guehi in the January window, which came from Tottenham, so they’re still unlikely to be pushovers when it comes to parting company with the “sensational” 24-year-old.

Reports suggest Palace could still demand up to £60 million to sell, regardless of his contract situation, but Arsenal are showing an interest in signing Guehi, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

“He’s now into the final year of his contract, so if Crystal Palace aren’t able to persuade him to sign a new deal, this is one of their last chances to cash in,” said O’Rourke to Football Insider.

“Right now, I wouldn’t say there are any clear favourites for him. I think it’s an open race. We know Newcastle are long-term admirers, so I’m sure they’ll be monitoring the situation.

“Arsenal have also shown a bit of interest as well. A lot of it will come down to the player and what he wants to do. If he was to go to Arsenal, there’s no guarantee that he would be a regular starter, and that might not be what Guehi wants especially heading into a World Cup year.

“That’s something that’s going to play a part.”

The Palace captain’s pace and composure on the ball make him a very enticing potential signing for Arsenal, but given the presence of both William Saliba and Gabriel, he’d struggle to break into Arteta’s first team regularly enough.

Arteta also already has Riccardo Calafiori and Jakub Kiwior as back-up options, even if the latter has been linked with an exit, which makes you seriously wonder if the mooted £60 million fee for Guehi would be far better spent elsewhere.

Looking to get their summer business underway, Everton are now reportedly battling to sign a Premier League winner who would instantly become their highest earner.

Everton set to miss out on Liam Delap to Chelsea

Although the summer transfer window is yet to officially get underway, Everton have already reportedly been handed their first rejection courtesy of Liam Delap. The Toffees presented their project to the Ipswich Town star in an attempt to convince him that a step towards David Moyes’ side would suit this stage of his career rather than an instant jump into the Premier League’s top six. As right as that argument could prove to be, however, it was not enough to convince the talented striker.

Set to turn Everton and Manchester United down as well as others in favour of a move to Chelsea this summer, Delap’s decision will disappoint those in Merseyside who would have seen their frontline transformed.

Moyes even confirmed Everton’s interest in Delap earlier this month, telling reporters when asked about Delap: “He spoke to three or four clubs. He’s given us our opportunity to pitch our case. We’re probably a little bit behind the black ball but hopefully, you never know what happens.”

Now, however, the Toffees must turn to alternative options in pursuit of improving Moyes’ frontline this summer. And whilst names such as Gustavo Hamers have already been mentioned, Everton could first push to sign a Premier League-winning attacking addition when the transfer window swings open.

Everton keen on signing Liverpool "monster" who could rival Branthwaite

Everton are lining up a couple of audacious transfer swoops this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 27, 2025

It would be some statement from the Friedkin Group and one that could instantly ease Everton’s Delap woes.

Everton now looking to sign Jack Grealish from Man City

According to The Boot Room, Everton are now battling AC Milan and a host of other clubs to sign Jack Grealish this summer, with Manchester City willing to allow the attacking midfielder to leave on loan in the coming months. Alongside the Toffees and Milan, Aston Villa, Napoli, Newcastle and West Ham are also keen, as are clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The former Aston Villa star has won all there is to win at the Etihad, including three Premier League titles, but may look back on his spell at Manchester City with slight frustration, having never truly hit the heights that his £100m price tag suggested he could. Now, after being left out of Pep Guardiola’s squad on the final day of the Premier League season, an exit seems increasingly likely.

That said, even on loan, a deal to sign Grealish may not come cheap. If he completed a summer switch to Everton, for example, then he would instantly become their highest earner by some distance at £300,000-a-week.

Everton’s highest earners compared to Jack Grealish	Salary per week
Jack Grealish	£300,000
Jordan Pickford	£125,000
Idrissa Gueye	£120,000
James Tarkowski	£100,000
Michael Keane	£80,000

Earning over double what Pickford earns at Everton, the pressure would certainly be on Grealish to perform. In regards to how difficult a deal could be to complete, meanwhile, things are likely to be made that much easier by the fact that the Manchester City man is represented by the same CAA Stellar agency as Jordan Pickford.

Everton and rival Premier League club West Ham United are fighting to complete the signing of a “brilliant” player this summer, according to a new transfer rumour.

Who are Everton linked with?

There is plenty of optimism in the air among Blues supporters about a productive summer transfer window lying ahead, with plenty of funds set to be made available for new signings.

Everton have been linked with sealing a reunion with John Stones, amid doubts over his Manchester City future, which could prove to be extremely popular. Granted, his injury problems have been well-documented at times, but he would feel like a statement signing by Moyes.

Another City player, this time James McAtee, has also been mentioned as an option, with the Englishman unlikely to be able to force his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans moving forward. He could be ideal for the Blues, adding creativity in attacking areas.

With reported Everton target Liam Delap off to Chelsea, Tammy Abraham is considered an alternative option for Everton, as he potentially looks to seal a return to the Premier League this summer. The former Chelsea man has fallen out of favour at Roma, spending this season on loan at AC Milan, scoring just three goals in 28 Serie A appearances for the latter.

Everton battling West Ham for Brownhill

According to a fresh claim from Claret & Hugh, Everton and West Ham are locking horns over the signing of Burnley Player of the Year Josh Brownhill this summer, as the Clarets look to keep hold of him after their return to the Premier League.

It is described as a “straight shootout” between the two clubs, even though Leeds United get a mention in the report, with the Blues linked with signing the 29-year-old multiple times in the past and Moyes thought to be a big fan.

Brownhill feels like a player right at his peak, following an outstanding season for Burnley that saw him score 18 times in the Championship from midfield, playing a huge role in their promotion from the Championship.

The fact that Moyes wanted him during his time at West Ham can only bode well, as the update states, and the Englishman would bring box-to-box quality to Everton’s team, being hailed by Clarets manager Scott Parker early in the campaign.

“There are not enough words to compliment Browny. He’s a driving force in this team, he’s got brilliant box habits and he’s always in and around the right areas. He’s got huge quality and he’s now got nine for the season, so he’s been fundamental for us.”

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Granted, some may look at Brownhill’s age and wonder if a younger option should be the priority, but he could offer plenty for the next three or four years, coming straight in as a key starter, as Moyes plans for both the short-term and long haul on Merseyside.