Celtic are reportedly closing in on the signing of Albirex Niigata centre-back Hayato Inamura to bolster their options at the heart of the defence ahead of next season.

The 23-year-old defender, who can also operate as a left-back when needed, is set to undergo a medical this week before being unveiled as a new signing.

Brendan Rodgers already has Auston Trusty and Liam Scales as first-team options in the left-sided centre-back role, though, and Kieran Tierney as the first-choice left-back.

This means that Inamura, who has started 15 games in the J1 League this year, could come in as a back-up option initially, with a view to developing into a key performer in the future.

Celtic sign new striker

As well as closing in on a move for Inamura, the Scottish Premiership champions have already completed a deal to sign a new centre-forward.

Transfer Focus

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

Celtic have officially confirmed the arrival of Callum Osmand from Premier League side Fulham, as his contract with the Premier League team is due to expire this week.

The 19-year-old star has put pen to paper on a four-year contract with the Scottish giants, and is now set to compete with Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah for a place in the side next season.

Osmand did not make a single senior appearance for Fulham during his time with the Cottagers, but did rack up an impressive haul of 20 goals in 35 matches at U21 level.

Celtic could land an even more exciting than both Osmand and Inamura, though, if they swoop to sign Peterborough United full-back Harley Mills.

Why Celtic should sign Harley Mills

With both Osmand and Inamura, the Hoops are clearly looking to pad out their squad depth with promising young players who can start as back-ups, but with the potential for them to develop into stars.

They must follow that trend by pursuing a deal for Mills, whom they reportedly made an approach for earlier this summer, as he could be an excellent addition to the team.

The 19-year-old left-back, who scored a “jaw-dropping” free-kick in the EFL Trophy final, would come in with more first-team experience than Osmand, who has not played a single senior game to date, having played 20 times for Peterborough to date.

He would also arrive with a more exciting profile than Inamura, who is a central defender who has scored one goal and provided one assist in his senior career in Japan, as a left-back who can provide quality in the final third.

Appearances

6

Sofascore rating

7.25

Goals

2

Key passes per game

1.2

Big chances created

1

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.2

Duel success rate

67%

As you can see in the table above, Mills produced fantastic performances for the Posh on their run to winning the EFL Trophy in the 2024/25 campaign, with 3 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in six matches, whilst winning the majority of his duels.

These statistics suggest that the teenage talent could be a left-back who can provide quality at the top end of the pitch whilst also being solid and reliable defensively, as an exciting understudy to Tierney.

Therefore, Mills could be a great addition to the squad as depth at the back for Rodgers, whilst having the potential to replace the Scotland international in the future.

Based on his performances for Peterborough at senior level, delivering in the biggest stadium in England, he would arrive with more proven quality in than Inamura and Osmand, which could make him a more exciting signing for the club if they decide to swoop for him.

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أعرب خالد صبحي، مدافع منتخب مصر، عن سعادته بتحقيق الفوز على إثيوبيا في المباراة التي أقيمت ضمن منافسات التصفيات المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

وحقق منتخب مصر، الفوز على نظيره إثيوبيا بهدفين مقابل لا شيء، في الجولة السابعة من التصفيات المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم.

طالع.. حسام حسن: موقف إمام عاشور محسوم.. والناس نسيت ما فعلته مع لاعب الزمالك

وقال خالد صبحي في تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت”:” حصلنا على الثلاث نقاط وتمكنا من إسعاد الشعب المصري كله، أغلقنا هذه الصفحة وسنركز على مواجهة بوركينا فاسو المقبلة”.

وتابع: “انتهينا من شوط، ويتبقى شوط آخر في بوركينا فاسو، وأتمنى التوفيق والصعود من هناك”.

رفع منتخب الفراعنة رصيده إلى 19 نقطة في صدارة ترتيب المجموعة الأولى في تصفيات إفريقيا لكأس العالم، بينما تتواجد إثيوبيا بالمركز الخامس، برصيد 6 نقاط.

ويحتاج منتخب مصر إلى التعادل على الأقل في مباراته المقبلة أمام بوركينا فاسو من أجل التأهل رسميًا إلى مونديال 2026.

Tottenham Hotspur find themselves under new management, but have made a play for a target who is said to have been on their radar for the last 18 months, according to a report.

Tottenham begin search for summer reinforcements

Spurs find themselves with a platform to kick on under Thomas Frank. However, the Dane won’t be under any illusions about the magnitude of the task that lies ahead in the dugout.

Reinforcements at both ends of the pitch have been lined up, and Spurs are reportedly keen to bring Dennis Cirkin back to the club from Sunderland, even if they will need to do some convincing on that front.

Up the other end, former scout Mick Brown has detailed that Alejandro Garnacho could sign for Tottenham if ENIC can put forward a convincing financial package for the wantaway Manchester United star.

He stated: “Tottenham have been keeping an eye on Garnacho’s situation. It’s a move that could suit all three parties because Man United want to sell him, Tottenham will strengthen their team, and he wants to stay in the Premier League.

“But at the end of the day, it will all be decided by the money on offer. In normal circumstances, you’d be totally against selling one of your young players to a direct rival. For Man United, they don’t care where he goes as long as it’s the side offering the most money.

Tottenham Hotspur’s first five fixtures of the new campaign
Paris Saint-Germain (N)	UEFA Super Cup final
Burnley (H)	Premier League
Manchester City (A)	Premier League
Bournemouth (H)	Premier League
West Ham United (A)	Premier League

Kyle Walker-Peters could return to Tottenham on a free transfer after leaving Southampton, and Spurs may now have another bargain up their sleeve after recent developments came to light.

Tottenham eyeing bargain Ko Itakura deal

According to GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham are in regular contact with Borussia Monchengladbach involving Ko Itakura, and he has been on their radar for 18 months in their search for defensive cover.

With one year left on his deal at the Bundesliga outfit and no sign of an extension forthcoming, he could now be allowed to depart for a fee in the region of £12 million and intermediaries have kept Spurs informed about his situation.

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Itakura made 33 appearances across all competitions last season and scored four goals in that timeframe and is capable of featuring in central defence or even in midfield, signifying that he possesses a great deal of versatility.

Of course, Spurs endured something of an injury crisis last season that saw Archie Gray and Djed Spence among others shunted into unfamiliar positions within their rearguard, so there is a clear need for more options to prevent a repeat scenario.

Finding affordable solutions that can add to the group will be the priority, and Itakura certainly seems like someone who could become a valuable contributor in North London.

The Premier League fixtures for the new season were released on Wednesday and, fair to say, they were not kind to Arsenal.

The Gunners will commence their campaign at Old Trafford on 17 August, before also facing Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle all in their first six matches; brutal!

So, ahead of their first scheduled pre-season game against AC Milan in Singapore on 23 July, Gooners worldwide are itching to see their team make some signings, so could their cravings be quelled by the arrival of an “insane” young talent?

Arsenal targeting defensive reinforcements

According to reports in France, Arsenal have “submitted” a contract offer to Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, adding that “talks are progressing well” for the “versatile left-footed centre-back”, who is valued at around £43m.

Hato, who is just 19 years old, made his senior debut for Ajax in the KNVB Beker against Den Bosch in January 2023, accumulating 111 appearances subsequently, starting 48 of the Dutch giants’ 54 matches across all competitions this season, predominantly deployed at left-back by Francesco Farioli, but also utilised at centre-back semi-regularly too.

His Eredivisie form has earned international recognition, earning six senior caps for the Netherlands, currently at the Under-21 European Championships in Slovakia, starting all three of Jong Oranje’s group stage fixtures as a central defender.

So now, could the teenager be on his way to North London?

How Jorrel Hato could replicate Jurriën Timber's success at Arsenal

Just under two years ago now, Jurriën Timber, heartbreakingly, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest, thereby making just one more appearance that entire season, this coming on the final day.

Nevertheless, this time round, Timber established himself as an absolute stalwart in the Arsenal back-line, making 48 appearances across all competitions, very much the undisputed first-choice right-back, while also doing a commendable job on the left side or in the middle when called upon.

Ben McAleer of the Guardian described his performances as ‘commanding’, while Adam Keys asserted that the Dutchman is the “best 1vs1 defender” on the planet right now, following his exceptional performances against Vinícius Júnior and others.

So, while Timber is likely to begin next season as first-choice, above Benjamin White, who suffered his own long-term injury in November, he also offers Mikel Arteta invaluable versatility, affording Gabriel and William Saliba a breather when necessary.

So, could Hato do the same?

Well, let’s assess how the duo compare with each other.

Appearances

50

47

Minutes

4,185

4,207

Pass completion %

88.8%

91.9%

% of dribblers tackled

81%

73.3%

Interceptions

38

59

Clearances

88

86

Ball recoveries

179

235

Touches per 90

63

83

As the table outlines, when comparing Hato’s statistics from this season to those of Timber from his final campaign at Ajax, they are largely remarkably similar, with the teenager coming out on top when it comes to tackles and clearances.

Adam Keys describes Hato as incredibly talented, noting that he would offer Arteta “insane” depth across the entire back line.

Meantime, Domagoj Kostanjšak of Total Football Analysis documents how Hato boasts an ‘excellent duelling frame’, adding that he is ‘very comfortable on the ball’, which allows him to be ‘adventurous and brave’ in possession, while also a more than capable defender, given that he ‘reads the game well’.

On top of this, Ben Mattinson of Breaking the Lines outlines how the Dutchman is extremely ‘technically gifted’ and destined for greatness.

Thus, it is clear that Hato would be an excellent addition to Arteta’s squad, so Arsenal should act fast, before someone else comes in for this ultra-talented youngster.

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Craig Overton and Alex Davies shine as hosts canter home with 22 balls to spare

ECB Media01-Aug-2024A stingy display from Southern Brave’s bowlers paved the way for a comfortable seven-wicket win over winless Manchester Originals at the Utilita Bowl. After restricting the Originals to 116 for 6 the hosts, who were without the rested Jofra Archer, cruised home with 22 balls to spare in front of 10,337 fans.Craig Overton was the pick of the home attack, returning 2 for 11 from 20 balls, while England duo Tymal Mills and Chris Jordan both also claimed two wickets apiece. Brave opener Alex Davies immediately broke the back of the chase with 24 from 12 balls and Laurie Evans finished it off with an unbeaten 25 from 15 balls.Victory moved Brave level with four teams on four points at the top of the table while Originals, without injured skipper Jos Buttler, remain bottom.Brave captain James Vince opted to bowl with the threat of rain but an inspired bowling performance meant the game didn’t last long enough for the wet weather to arrive. Craig Overton quickly removed openers Phil Salt and Max Holder as the visitors managed only 16 for 2 from the 25-ball powerplay.Veteran batter Wayne Madsen tried to piece the innings together with an unbeaten 43 from 37 balls and eventually found some support through Jamie Overton.The pair combined for 57 valuable runs, after Originals were 41 for 4 at halfway, with Jamie Overton swiping one of just two sixes in the innings. Mills bowled Jamie Overton with a slower ball before Usama Mir hit his own stumps to finish a limp innings.Davies got Brave off to a fast start by crashing 24 from 10 balls before Vince had even faced. Tom Hartley got the opener to chip a catch to Paul Walter before steady 20s from Vince and Leus du Plooy kept Brave above the required rate. Evans completed the job alongside James Coles with a misfield handing the hosts the winning runs.Meerkat Match Hero Craig Overton said: “It was obviously a great win. We just needed to bash the top of the stumps for as long as possible and make it tough for their batters. Home games here are massive for us – we need to win them and if we can nick one away then we’ll be there or thereabouts to reach the knockouts.”Vince said: “Al got us off to a rapid start to get us ahead of the game. We didn’t want to let them back into the game – Laurie finished it well for us tonight.”

Opener joined by Jake Libby in decisive stand as Derbyshire suffer first defeat

ECB Reporters Network02-Aug-2024

Gareth Roderick’s 152 not out was a List A career-best•Getty Images

Derbyshire tasted defeat in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup for the first time this season, as Worcestershire Rapids won by eight wickets at the County Ground.Gareth Roderick scored 152 from 139 balls and shared an unbroken third-wicket stand of 161 from 153 with skipper Jake Libby who made 71 not out to take the visitors to 261 for 2 and a third Group A victory.Worcestershire’s 18-year-old fast bowler Jack Home also played a crucial part by taking his best figures of 6 for 51 in only his third senior game to bowl Derbyshire out for 260.Harry Came scored 71 but the hosts collapsed from 110 for 1 to 192 for 8 before Zak Chappell, with 48 from 33 balls, and Daryn Dupavillon added 63 from 45 balls.Derbyshire, who had won their previous three games, started well against a Worcestershire attack that was missing six bowlers through injury and their inexperience showed in the first powerplay.Although Harry Darley’s opening spell contained two maidens, he bowled two no-balls and two wides in his third which cost 14 runs.Came and Reece shared a double-century opening stand against Middlesex last weekend and they laid the foundations for another big partnership by adding 82 from 92 balls in untroubled fashion. But Reece dragged a full toss from Home into his stumps in the 15th over and the introduction of spin checked Derbyshire’s progress.Tom Hinley and Fateh Singh bowled tightly in tandem with Hinley taking a sharp return catch to remove Brook Guest before David Lloyd cut him low to point.The innings started to crumble, literally in the case of Matt Lamb whose bat snapped in half as he pulled Home with the ball lobbing to mid-on.Samit Patel top edged a pull and Yousaf Bin Naeem also fell to the short ball on his senior debut before Ethan Brookes was rewarded for a tight spell by trapping Came lbw. But Chappell and Dupavillon revived Derbyshire with some clean hitting in the closing overs to carry the hosts to a competitive total.They plundered 22 off the penultimate over from Darley before Home returned to wrap up the innings and finish with the best List A figures by a Worcestershire bowler for 19 years.The force was still with Chappell when Worcestershire began their chase and he bowled Ed Pollock off an inside edge in the 5th over. But Roderick was in good touch, stroking nine fours in his 50 which came off 51 balls as he dominated a stand off 84 from 88 balls with Rob Jones.By contrast, Jones never looked in control and after scoring 17 from 35 balls, he steered Chappell to backward point where Sam Conners took a good, low catch.Worcestershire’s hopes rested on Roderick and Libby and the pair played positively without taking risks to keep the target within reach. Roderick took three fours from a Conners over and reached his second century in three games from 101 balls.He brought up the 200 by lofting Patel over wide long-on for six and drove Conners over mid-off to pass his previous highest one-day score of 137 against former club Gloucestershire last year.Libby had played an equally important role and he reached his 50 from 48 balls with Roderick completing his 150 from 136 balls before Worcestershire cruised home with 32 balls to spare.

Chelsea secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup following an extra-time victory over Benfica at the weekend.

Reece James looked like he had powered the Blues into the next round, but a penalty from Ángel Di María sent the clash into an extra 30 minutes.

The game was suspended for a couple of hours, just minutes from the final whistle, due to a storm threat, but Chelsea finally won the clash 4-1.

It may have taken 4 hours and 39 minutes, but Enzo Maresca’s side now face off against PSG for a spot in the semi-final.

Despite the focus being on the tournament and progressing as far as possible, the manager is still keen on bolstering his squad via the transfer market.

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Reports coming from the Athletic claim that the Blues have reached an agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion regarding a move for Joao Pedro.

The proposed deal looks set to be in excess of £50m and the Brazilian has agreed personal terms with the club.

With a medical booked in early for next week, it appears as though Maresca is closing in on signing another key target. Just what will Pedro offer the Blues?

Why Chelsea want to sign Joao Pedro

Maresca is looking to sell both Christopher Nkunku and João Félix this summer, with both players struggling for regular gametime last season.

Nkunku may have scored against Benfica, but with clubs such as Manchester United showing some interest in the Frenchman, it looks as though he might be sold.

Felix played just 20 times for Maresca last season, scoring seven times, but the Portuguese star spent the second half of the campaign out on loan at AC Milan.

Pedro’s arrival suggests one, or perhaps both, will soon be departing Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

The Brighton star is versatile, being able to operate as a centre-forward, second striker or even out wide on the left flank.

Last term, he typically operated in an advanced role centrally, scoring ten goals for the Seagulls and registering seven assists, proving he is adept in front of goal and at creating opportunities for his teammates.

Such were his performances, the 23-year-old ranks highly among his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues.

Indeed, not only does the forward rank in the top 12% for assists (0.28) per 90, but he also ranks in the top 10% for shot-creating actions (3.33) and successful take-ons (1.34) per 90.

Furthermore, Pedro’s ability to get the ball into dangerous areas is evidenced by the fact he ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes (3.6) and in the top 3% for progressive carries (3.05) per 90, indicating that he will offer a lot of attacking qualities for the Blues next term.

It won’t be the only area of the squad that the Italian will be keen on strengthening, however, especially with the added demands of Champions League football next term.

As such, it’s certainly worth Chelsea bringing in a defender or two this summer.

Chelsea's search for a defender

Last season, the club conceded a total of 59 goals across all competitions from 57 matches, and this record will be something Maresca aims to improve next term.

Over the same period, Chelsea scored 120 goals. This suggests that bolstering the defence is surely a bigger priority than adding to the forward line, notably Joao Pedro.

It looks as though the Blues are keen on a defender who played against them just last weekend – Antonio Silva.

Journalist Simon Phillips stated via his Substack that the Blues have been impressed with the youngster, saying:

“Chelsea have tried and made approaches and checks on a number of potential new centre back names this summer so far and still have more to look at and in to. Chelsea have been scouting Antonio Silva of Benfica all season and already have him added to our transfer shortlist alongside his team mate, Tomas Araujo.

“But Chelsea are looking for an out and out centre back and attentions have again turned to the 21-year-old Portuguese international who has just two-years remaining on his contract.”

The centre-back is valued at €32m (£27m) according to Transfermarkt, but Benfica will be looking for a much higher fee than that to sanction a sale considering his release clause stands at around £87m.

Given their defensive issues last term, Silva would be a better signing than Pedro, that’s for sure.

Why Chelsea must sign Antonio Silva

The 21-year-old played over 40 times last season, including all four games at the Club World Cup for Benfica.

At the tournament, Silva averaged a 92% pass success rate, while winning a staggering 80% of his total duels contested, made 2.3 tackles per game and lost possession just 4.3 times per match in the States.

These performances have attracted plenty of attention, and there is no doubt that Silva is only going to get better and better.

Accurate passes

52.3

Tackles

1.5

Total duels won

4.5

Possession lost

7.7

Clearances

4.3

Balls recovered

4

After he burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old with a goal against Juventus in the Champions League back in 2022, Jamie Carragher claimed the defender was “going to be a superstar” and his upwards trajectory certainly suggests so.

When compared to his peers in the Champions League last season, Silva ranked in the top 1% for clearances (7.7) per 90, while also ranking in the top 16% for aerials won (2.36) and in the top 9% for touches in the defensive penalty area (12.91) per 90.

An impressive array of statistics indeed, and considering his ceiling is extraordinarily high, Maresca must make signing Silva a key priority this summer.

Pedro will certainly add plenty of dynamism to the club’s attacking department, but it is at the heart of the defence where the real improvements are required given the problems Maresca’s men suffered last term.

As such, spending whatever it takes to bring Silva from Benfica to the Premier League must be the next move BlueCo are planning.

If he lands his signature, Silva will almost certainly be a better signing than Pedro.

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A big week is on the cards for Arsenal. Andrea Berta has attacked the transfer market with intent and supporters are feeling positive energy heading into the new campaign.

The Gunners have already announced three new signings. Kepa Arrizabalaga has arrived to provide competition for David Raya, joining from Chelsea, while another Premier League talent in the shape of Christian Norgaard has arrived as Jorginho’s replacement.

The headline addition so far has been Martin Zubimendi. The Gunners have been courting the Spaniard for a while and have finally got their man, bringing him in for a £60m fee, officially confirming his signature last week.

But, there’s still much to do for Arsenal. Noni Madueke looks set to arrive after undergoing the final part of his medical on Monday.

It’s also expected Cristhian Mosquera will join from Valencia and Eberechi Eze is reportedly still on the club’s radar.

Still, the biggest deal of all will see a certain Viktor Gyokeres arrive in north London. It’s a move that’s set to make those in the Premier League envious.

Why Arsenal are signing Viktor Gyokeres

Goals, goals and more goals. We can wrap this segment up now, right?

For a long time now the missing piece of the puzzle at Arsenal has felt like a centre-forward. In 2024/25, no player reached double figures for goals in the Premier League. That was the first time that’s happened for the Gunners in over 100 years, dating back to the 1923/24 campaign.

Of course, Arsenal had to deal with injuries to the likes of Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka but their absence only illuminated the problems in Mikel Arteta’s frontline further.

As a result, the club seemingly had two options this summer. To sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko or Sporting’s Gyokeres.

Well, after a deal for Sesko looked as though it was going to be too expensive, Berta and Co decided to push harder for Gyokeres’ signature, pulling the trigger on a move over the weekend.

According to David Ornstein, the Reds are set to sign the Swede having finally agreed a fee with the Portuguese club that will see him move for a guaranteed price of £55m plus an extra £8.6m in add-ons.

That looks could represent a bargain considering the numbers he’s been registering in recent years.

While 2024/25 was a colossal campaign for the 27-year-old, scoring 54 goals in 52 games, he’s not just a one-season wonder.

Gyokeres also scored 43 goals for Sporting in his debut campaign and thrived at Coventry City, bagging 22 in his final year with the Sky Blues.

Arsenal need goals and Gyokeres certainly does them. Still, there’s an announcement reportedly incoming that may generate just as much fanfare.

Arsenal's exciting announcement after Gyokeres

While very few things will top the arrival of a new centre-forward, the renewal of Ethan Nwaneri’s contract would certainly provide just as much excitement.

Indeed, the youngster’s future at the Emirates Stadium has been up in the air in recent weeks, with reports emerging last week that Chelsea were ready to pounce with a new deal for the teenager stalling.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Well, reports in recent days have suggested that Arsenal have overcome any impasse and Nwaneri is now set to put pen to paper on a new deal.

The BBC’s Sami Mokbel revealed on Sunday that Arsenal are ‘set to make’ Nwaneri a formal offer of a new contract, suggesting there is now a ‘will from all parties to reach an agreement’.

Football Transfers further reported that ‘an official announcement confirming his commitment to Arsenal is expected very soon.’

Why Arsenal needed to tie down Ethan Nwaneri

It’s safe to say that Nwaneri is a generational talent. Yes, we know that term gets thrown out more regularly than it should, but it’s the correct phrase to attribute to this young Arsenal star.

Officially the youngest player to ever feature in a Premier League game when handed his debut at the age of just 15, it’s been a slow road to regular action since then.

Arsenal’s youngest debutants

Player

Age at debut

#1 Ethan Nwaneri

15 years, 5 months, 28 days

#2 Jack Porter

16 years, 2 months, 10 days

#3 Cesc Fabregas

16 years, 5 months, 24 days

#4 Jack Wilshere

16 years, 8 months, 12 days

#5 Jermaine Pennant

16 years, 10 months, 15 days

#6 Paul Vaessen

16 years, 11 months, 11 days

#7 Ryan Smith

16 years, 11 months, 18 days

#8 Gedion Zelalem

16 years, 11 months, 29 days

#9 Armand Traore

17 years, 16 days

Data via Transfermarkt.

That’s understandable given his age, but in 2024/25, he became a key part of this Arsenal team, scoring nine goals in all competitions across 37 outings and being rightfully nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award alongside teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly.

He’s one of the best young talents in European football. Only two players 18 or younger, Assane Diao and Lamine Yamal (both 9), scored more than Nwaneri’s four in Europe’s top five leagues last term, rubberstamping his early credentials.

His record so far and indeed his performances, have attracted widespread acclaim.

Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue reckons the teen “can be better than Yamal” in the future, while Joe Cole has suggested that the way he dribbles in and around the penalty area is “like Messi”.

Further celebrated by scout Jacek Kulig as “one of Hale End & England’s biggest jewels”, there are very few young players in the country bursting with as much potential as this kid.

Gyokeres will no doubt attract most of the hype this week but if a deal for Nwaneri also gets announced, don’t underestimate the importance.

With Chelsea circling for Arsenal’s best young talent, getting him tied down as soon as possible will be one of the best bits of business the club secures all summer. It won’t be long before the 18-year-old is starting week in, week out. Arsenal fans be excited.

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Over the last couple of days, Tottenham Hotspur have been splashing the cash in the transfer market in an attempt to build on their recent Europa League success.

Mohammed Kudus joined the club in a £55m deal from West Ham United earlier this week, looking to provide new boss Thomas Frank with the tools for success in his maiden year at the helm.

It’s likely that investment has been provided and injected into the Lilywhites, with more additions expected before the end of the current transfer window.

Numerous areas of the pitch have been subject to interest, including the midfield department, which could also see numerous players depart North London during the off-season.

Any funds that are generated could be massive in their hunt for new additions, potentially handing Frank the best chance of success in his maiden year at the club.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this window

Morgan Gibbs-White has been the main target as of late, with a deal looking likely to be completed at one point after triggering the £60m release clause in his deal at Nottingham Forest.

However, his move to join the Lilywhites has stalled after the Reds threatened legal action against the side after allegedly making an illegal approach for his services this summer.

It remains to be seen if a deal can still be completed, but moves have been made elsewhere, including a deal to land Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, according to GIVEMESPORT.

They claim that Frank’s side have made an approach for the Portuguese international’s signature, after the holding midfielder only made six league starts last campaign.

It also states that he could well be allowed to depart the Bundesliga side this window, as they look to cash in on his services after paying £47.4m for his signature from Fulham last summer.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be more important than Gibbs-White

The situation around a move for Gibbs-White during this window is one that could drag on over a period of time, especially given Forest’s threat of taking legal action.

It’s evident that the Reds have made a huge mistake with his release clause, potentially making such a scene around his departure given the lowly figure he’s available for.

The 25-year-old played a huge role in their ability to reach Europe for the first time in three decades, registering seven goals and eight assists under former Spurs boss Nuno Espírito Santo.

However, given how quickly the move progressed before the Forest hierarchy stepped in, it’s likely the player himself wants to complete a move to play Champions League football for the Lilywhites.

There’s no denying that he would be a sensational addition, but given James Maddison already operates in such a role, along with the need for a deep-lying option, it could make Palhinha a more attractive proposition.

The 30-year-old, who’s been labelled “world-class” by compatriot Ivan Cavaleiro, averaged 1.7 tackles per 90 in the Bundesliga last campaign, winning 70% of the tackles he entered – showcasing his ability to regain possession.

His talents have also been reflected in his tally of 7.1 duels won per 90, 2.7 of which have been aerially, demonstrating the commanding presence he possesses – able to operate as a real ball-winner at the heart of Frank’s side.

Games played

17

Minutes played

667

Pass accuracy

93%

Progressive passes

4.7

Tackles won

1.7

Tackle success

70%

Duels won

7.1

However, he’d also completed 93% of the passes he attempted, making 4.7 progressive passes per 90, having the talent in possession to provide the players in front of him with the tools for success.

It remains to be seen if the player himself would be keen on a move to North London, but it’s evident that the hierarchy are targeting the top-level talent needed for future success.

The need for a ball-winning option in the Spurs side is vital this summer, with a deal for Palhinha arguably a more important one for the club than Gibbs-White during the current window.

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1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 11, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a very intriguing summer transfer window, which has been made all the more important after their qualification for the Champions League next season.

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Emilio Galantini

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Spurs were handed a monumental boost both on and off the field after their triumphant Europa League final win in Bilbao last month, with Thomas Frank set to reap the rewards as he prepares for his first-ever job managing an elite-level club.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025	Average match rating
Son Heung-min	7.00
James Maddison	6.98
Pedro Porro	6.95
Dominic Solanke	6.84
Dejan Kulusevski	6.83
via WhoScored

The financial windfall gifted to Tottenham, not to mention the greater player-pull they now possess as a result of competing in Europe’s most prestigious competition, will play an absolutely pivotal role in attracting the club’s top transfer targets to N17.

However, that isn’t to say that they’re guaranteed to keep their best players.

Son Heung-min may well have already played his final game for Spurs, with sides in Saudi Arabia expressing a serious interest in the South Korean, while Atlético Madrid continue to sniff around star defender Cristian Romero.

The 27-year-old was crowned UEFA’s official Europa League Player of the Season and was vital for Ange Postecoglou throughout the tournament, helping Spurs to end their 17-year wait for a piece of major silverware.

Romero is also a leader in the dressing room, according to teammates like Micky van de Ven, who showered praise on the Argentine for helping his transition to Premier League football.

“For me, he is world-class. He is a leader. He is always one hundred per cent. He is a top-class player with the ball and without the ball when defending,” said van de Ven to Optus Sport.

“I can promise you he is not scared of anyone. He keeps going every game. From day one here he has helped me. He is just a world-class player.”

With Tottenham facing the prospect of losing their imperative defender, who’s reportedly told chairman Daniel Levy he’s keen to leave the club this summer (Marca), reliable football.london journalist Alasdair Gold has taken a look at who could replace him.

Tottenham could replace Cristian Romero with Marc Guehi

As per Gold, Tottenham have been fans of Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi for a “long time”, and he’s a potentially “obvious” candidate to step into Romero’s shoes.

Spurs made a very public £70 million bid for the England international in January, which was rejected out of hand by Palace chairman Steve Parish, who had precious little time to source a replacement for the defender.

Gold warns that, while Tottenham could offer Guehi Champions League football, any move would depend on defensive sales as Frank is currently stocked with centre-backs, and by the time they agree to some sales, the 24-year-old may have already found a new club.

Arsenal are believed to be “very keen” on Guehi, as are Liverpool, so Spurs may even have their work cut out for them in this instance. He’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at Selhurst Park, but Palace will still demand around £50 million, according to GiveMeSport.