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Arsenal are set to complete the deal to sign Chelsea forward Kai Havertz "this week", according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

How much are Arsenal paying for Kai Havertz?

As per The Guardian, the Gunners have agreed to sign Havertz from Chelsea for a fee of £60m, plus £5m in add-ons, with Mikel Arteta said to be a long-term admirer of the forward, as the manager thinks he can help bridge the gap to Manchester City.

The £150k-per-week attacker likewise believes Arsenal is the best place to help him build his career, a view shared by Jurrien Timber, another player who the north Londoners have recently made an "official proposal" for.

It remains to be seen whether Ajax are willing to part ways with the defender, however the move for Havertz is now edging closer to completion, as reported by Romano on Twitter.

The transfer expert has now claimed the 24-year-old has "already completed the first part of the medical tests" to become an Arsenal player, with the deal set to be completed "this week".

All that remains before the move becomes official is the contracts to be signed on the club's side.

How many goals has Havertz scored?

The Germany international has not exactly been prolific since arriving at Stamford Bridge for £75.8m in 2020, recording just nine goals in all competitions last season, despite most commonly being utilised as a striker.

Having averaged just 0.2 goals per 90 over the past year, the former Bayer Leverkusen man has underperformed his expected goals by a considerable margin, indicating that he is a poor finisher, which is also reflected by the number of opportunities he wasted last season.

The Chelsea forward missed 14 big chances in the Premier League, and his finishing must improve if he is to be played as a striker by Arteta, however he does have other qualities, including his ability to bring his teammates into the play.

During his time with Leverkusen, the Aachen-born forward picked up 31 assists in 150 appearances, indicating that he could be a creative force in advanced midfield, should Arteta choose to play him in a deeper role.

Having been described as a "unique" and "physically commanding" player by members of the media, Havertz clearly has the talent to be a success in the Premier League, but he must improve his finishing if he is to displace Gabriel Jesus in the starting XI.

Aston Villa have added additional Spanish firepower to the club by recruiting Monchi as president of football operations, to work alongside former Sevilla colleague Unai Emery.

The duo are expected to have a busy summer at Villa Park, with a host of talent already linked to the club.

The Spaniard could unleash some magic in the Midlands by signing one player linked with Villa, if reports are to be believed.

What’s the latest on Jadon Sancho to Aston Villa?

As initially reported by Football Transfers last week, Aston Villa are speculated to hold an interest in Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho.

The report suggested that United would be willing to sell the Englishman for a fee around the £60m mark, with his current contract running until 2026 with an option for an additional year.

Earlier this week, journalist Rudy Galetti revealed to GIVEMESPORT that the 23-year-old is a “main target” for the club, in a move that could be monumental to Villa.

What could Jadon Sancho offer to Aston Villa?

Lauded as “unbelievable” by journalist Liam Canning, the misunderstood talent could be a revelation signing for the Villans, and perhaps their biggest one for years.

There’s little denying the talent that the Englishman possesses, despite his difficulty in finding his feet in the Premier League after making the switch from the Bundesliga in 2021.

In his two seasons in Manchester so far, Sancho has contributed 15 goals and assists in 55 Premier League appearances, numbers incomparable to his final two Bundesliga campaigns in which he recorded 54 in 58 appearances for Borussia Dortmund.

His first full breakthrough in the 2018/19 season saw him record 30 G/A, scoring 12 and assisting a monstrous 18, nearly double the number of goal contributions in one term than he has in two campaigns at Old Trafford, via Transfermarkt.

Something isn’t ticking for the Englishman in Manchester, making him a valuable target for Villa should Emery have the capability to unlock his talents in the Premier League.

Hailed as a “phenomenon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Monchi could deliver Villa Park with his first marquee signing in Sancho, who has all the ability to thrive under Emery as the leading man.

While the goals and assists haven’t arrived in the Premier League, in his game playing actions the numbers show glimpses of the player that graced Signal Iduna Park.

As per FBref, the Londoner averaged 4.70 progressive passes and 1.76 successful take-ons per 90 in the last year, highlighting his innate ability to act as a traditional wide player.

Emery identified the desire to equip Villa with a “specialist winger” in January, which he could land by signing Sancho, who is a player with all the attributes to thrive as a technician in Villa’s squad.

Taking a step back may be the best option in the search for his form, at a club where he would be regarded as an innovator under a manager that has a reputation for getting the best out of young stars.

Hearts will be hoping the Steven Naismith era will enable the club to reach the next level and perhaps even lift a trophy, with, aside from two Championship titles, the 2012 Scottish Cup remaining their last major trophy win.

He will have the entirety of the summer transfer window to sign players and vastly improve his squad, and with the qualifying stages of the Europa Conference League fast approaching, the 36-year-old may have to start his business sooner rather than later, especially if he wants the Tynecastle outfit to repeat their group stage heroics last term.

There is a good core to the Hearts side, with a reliable goalkeeper in Zander Clark, talents such as Toby Sibbick and Barrie McKay across the defence and midfield, while striker Lawrence Shankland scored 28 goals last season remarkably.

One player that will be hoping to have a more productive season in 2023/24 will be defensive midfielder Peter Haring, who saw his playing time last term limited due to suffering a concussion and missing 26 games across all competitions.

Will Peter Haring be a key player for Hearts next season?

The 30-year-old joined the Jambos back in 2018 and has since gone on to play over 100 games for the club, helping them reach three Scottish Cup finals during that time period, albeit losing each one.

During 2021/22, he showed his importance to the team by ranking in the top ten out of the whole squad for tackles (1.5), interceptions (0.7), clearances (1.2) and key passes per game (0.7), indicating that he was a vital member of the first team as they finished third in the Premiership.

Due to the aforementioned injury problems, he started just 15 matches last term which affected his performances as he achieved a Sofascore rating of 6.72/10, creating zero big chances and making only 0.4 key passes per game as he averaged 60 minutes a match.

Naismith will be hoping to get him back to his best following a full pre-season, and he lauded the 30-year-old as he signed an extended contract with the Edinburgh side.

He said: “Having played alongside Pete I know all about his strengths and qualities so it’s great news for the club that he’s going to be here next season. He was a big miss to the team when he was out injured but he’s come back and made an impact because he’s influential both on and off the pitch."

These words will surely give him a confidence boost and there is no denying how effective he can be in the midfield when fully fit. That is something Naismith will be counting on when the 2023/24 campaign kicks off in a matter of weeks.

Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter could still be in contention to become Leeds United's next manager, according to a key update from journalist Ben Jacobs.

Who's likely to take charge of Leeds?

There is a constant search going on to find the Whites' new boss this summer, as they prepare for life back in the Championship after three years away.

A host of different names have been thrown into the hat over the past couple of weeks, whether it be Steven Gerrard, Carlos Corberan or Scott Parker, among others, and Rodgers and Potter have also been named as potential candidates to come in.

The pair were sacked by Leicester City and Chelsea earlier in the season, respectively, and will no doubt be champing at the bit to get back into management.

While it has appeared unlikely that Leeds would be able to entice either of them to Elland Road, given the Whites' relegation, a new update does give them some fresh hope.

Are Rodgers and Potter in the mix?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs said that both Rodgers and Potter are still in the conversation to take charge of Leeds, even though their preference is to remain in the Premier League:

"There are obviously a few candidates that Leeds are looking at at the moment. We're hearing growing talk of names like Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter.

"I think both of those would see themselves as Premier League managers, but Leeds are a big club and in a year might be in the Premier League again, which is why Leeds may feel that they have that opportunity."

To get either Rodgers or Potter would be a major coup for Leeds, considering they are arguably seen as two of the best British managers around, even if things didn't end well for them at Leicester and Chelsea.

In many ways, it could be a major show of their own self-confidence if they decide to take charge of the Whites, in terms of backing themselves to get back into the Premier League straight away, and accept that they will spend one season managing in the second tier of English football.

It does still feel likely that Rodgers and Potter will be more unattainable than others, though – Gerrard will be desperate to test himself again and Corberan is still young, for example – but it is encouraging to see their names in the mix still, highlighting how big a club Leeds are.

Chelsea have opened talks to sign Paris-Saint Germain superstar Neymar for Mauricio Pochettino, according to le10sport journalist Alexis Bernard.

Who could Chelsea sign this summer?

After a very underwhelming and regrettable 2022/2023 Premier League campaign, which saw the west Londoners finish in the bottom half, it is the task of Todd Boehly to back new manager Pochettino to turn the tide.

Chelsea are also without European football next campaign and must convince star players that they can become successful at Stamford Bridge.

According to recent reports, it appears they’re could be targeting upgrades in a variety of different postions, including a new goalkeeper, star striker and central midfield reinforcements.

The likes of Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Manuel Ugarte have been linked for the latter position most recently, while AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan is apparently among the targets for in-between their sticks.

Dusan Vlahovic and Tammy Abraham are attracting interest for the striker role, but according to a report by le10sport and Bernard on Twitter, it appears Brazil superstar Neymar is another big name on their radar.

According to the French reporter, Chelsea have opened discussions with PSG over the 31-year-old, and the Ligue 1 giants are willing to entertain their advances.

There has been “official contact” to sign Neymar, who are apparently open to idea of selling their forward, with Chelsea making moves behind-the-scenes.

Who is Neymar?

The former Barcelona star has over 120 caps for Brazil and is among their highest goalscorers of all time, having also won a plethora of honours at club level.

Called a “special talent” by pundit Danny Murphy, Neymar’s trophy cabinet boasts a Champions League winner’s medal, a huge array of European league titles and even an Olympic gold medal (Transfermarkt).

Pochettino, commenting on the attacker during his PSG managerial days, heaped real praise on Neymar for his contribution at the Parc des Princes – having been left “thrilled”.

“I’m very happy with his state of mind, his mentality, and everything he brings to the team,” Pochettino said of Neymar (Le Parisien via Tribuna).“He is a creative player, and, as with any creative player, you expect magic every time he touches the ball.”These players have a higher energy expenditure than others. It’s not easy and I’m thrilled with what he’s doing.”

Chelsea, despite all the riches expended since Todd Boehly's arrival, boast a squad far from the finished article.

Mauricio Pochettino is the man who has been tasked with solving the puzzle presented in west London, as a willing challenger to unearth the numerous high-potential stars at Stamford Bridge.

However, to do so he must first foster the correct environment, likely having assurances that he will be given time to work his magic. The success he earned in transforming Tottenham Hotspur did not come overnight, and the same is certainly the case for his latest managerial venture.

He will need to add some key additions of his own in the coming summer window to build upon a year where 17 new players were welcomed and two managers have been sacked.

Whilst investing in this high-risk high-reward strategy has allowed them to stockpile some of Europe's finest young talent, a few key positions remain bare.

Naturally, a centre-forward will be high on the list of priorities, but a true defensive midfielder will be just as imperative to unlock Enzo Fernandez. Therefore, it will please fans that earlier in the week it was reported that Chelsea had opened talks with Sporting CP over the signing of Manuel Ugarte.

The touted €60m (£52m) price tag would mark a small sum if it meant unleashing their British transfer record signing.

Would Manuel Ugarte be a N'Golo Kante upgrade?

In acquiring a player who operates with a defence-first mindset, the Uruguay international could act as a screen for the back four to allow their Argentine maestro to truly thrive.

Although his 7.17 average rating has been upheld by 1.1 key passes and 2.5 tackles per game, in pushing him from the six role into the eight, he could add to his two assists in 18 starts, via Sofascore.

After all, his potential new teammate has mustered 3.9 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game too (via Sofascore) and therefore ranks in the top 1% for tackles and the top 3% for interceptions per 90 when compared to other midfielders across Europe.

Whilst writer Raj Chohan might have been lambasting the midfielder when branding his choices on the ball as "aggressive", it is this mindset that arguably makes him such a combative and frightening presence defensively in the engine room. Regardless, his 92% pass accuracy suggests otherwise.

Such defensive excellence could easily earn comparisons to the enigmatic N'Golo Kante, who is rarely seen around these parts nowadays due to his persistent injury problems.

The ageing ace has been ravaged with ailments since his move from Leicester City, yet when fit represents one of the division's most relentless midfielders.

Last season showcased this, as he started 21 games and managed to maintain a 7.12 average rating.

This was a figure supported by 2.3 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, which was impressive but highlighted a decline from times gone by, via Sofascore. He is admittedly nowhere near the level of his potential 22-year-old successor, who Pochettino will surely prefer.

Given the youthful revolution Boehly has seemingly planned, the 32-year-old is a prime example of those who need replacing in west London and the sooner the club can find his successor, the better because he cannot be trusted like the Kante of old, as evident above.

Few fit the bill more appropriately than Ugarte, to graciously take the mantle from this legendary midfield enforcer, who is a shadow of the player who managed 4.7 tackles per game back in the 2015/16 term.

Newcastle United have been urged to make a move for departing Liverpool star Roberto Firmino.

What’s the latest on Roberto Firmino's future?

After eight years, 361 appearances, and 189 goal involvements, the 31-year-old played his last game at Anfield and scored in a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa last weekend as he seeks a new challenge in his career.

Eddie Howe has done an incredible job at Newcastle and after a tense stalemate against Leicester City on Monday night, the club secured Champions League football for the first time in 20 years.

This monumental achievement, coupled with its insane financial muscle, means the club is able to attract the top players in the world.

As such, Firmino’s name has been chucked into the mix as a possible superstar, who could add some attacking flair to Newcastle next season.

When asked about the Brazilian’s next destination, reputable journalist Dean Jones suggested he should join the Magpies: “If he showed a desire to stay in the Premier League and was open to what Newcastle were going to do with him, then absolutely, I think that could be a path to explore.”

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given echoed this view and described the £180k-per-week man as a “top player”, who could do “really well” for a couple of seasons on Tyneside.

How would Roberto Firmino fit in at Newcastle?

The former Hoffenheim magician has been an indispensable component to Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp, playing a vital role in the club’s European Cup in 2019 and their first Premier League title the following year.

Often operating as a false nine, the forward would act as an intricate and skilful playmaker, playing provider to the ruthlessly efficient Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah.

This role was noted by Clarence Seedorf as similar to a current Real Madrid stalwart saying: “He is a bit like Benzema at Real Madrid, he knows how to play a little deeper and goes on the wings. He is a number nine who knows what is needed for the team.”

With this unselfish, inventive, and intelligent style of play, the 55-cap "machine" – as per one journalist – can provide a beacon of support for Alexander Isak, as they could form a devastating partnership.

The Swede has often appeared as an inverted left forward, similar to Mane’s role on Merseyside, and has decorated the Premier League with magical elegance and supreme technique, epitomised by a wondrous assist when he danced around the Everton defence at Goodison Park.

The prodigy has already netted ten goals in 21 appearances in his debut campaign in England and with the added support of Firmino next term, he could evolve into an even more productive asset.

Hailed as “brilliant” by Jamie Carragher, the joyous technician has been described by Klopp as someone with an “incredible football brain”, whose contribution “is not possible to replicate.”

It would be an extraordinary statement if the Magpies secured this coup and one that could just elevate Isak even more too.

Celtic have the chance to end to their season with one last victory this afternoon as they welcome Motherwell to Parkhead for their last Premiership match of the campaign.

The Hoops clinched the league title after their 1-1 draw against Dundee United in midweek but will still want to bow out with a win in front of their home crowd this time around.

With that in mind, here’s how we feel Ange Postecoglou could line his side up for their final game of the campaign.

In goal, having kept 19 clean sheets in 34 league appearances this term, it seems likely that Joe Hart will start once again to see if he can add another shutout to his tally.

For the back four, we predict that Postecoglou will stick with the same quadruple which started in midweek, with Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers as the two centre-backs, leaving Greg Taylor on the left and Anthony Ralston on the right.

Moving on to midfield, it seems a certainty that club captain Callum McGregor will lead his side out one more time this season.

Elsewhere throughout the tam, we think that the 56-year-old Hoops boss will make five changes in total from Wednesday night.

For the two remaining midfield places, we predict that David Turnbull will replace Matt O’Riley to see if the Scotsman can add to the five goals and five assists that he has delivered this season in the league.

Praised in the past by Alan Hutton for his “phenomenal” performances, Turnbull certainly has what it takes to secure a win for his side with his knack for scoring and creating goals.

For the final midfield position, after the club recently announced that Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton will be leaving Glasgow after today’s match, we can see Postecoglou giving the Australian his final start for the club.

This would lead to Reo Hatate coming out of the side. Having been slammed in the past for a “nasty” tackle that he committed earlier in the season by former referee Steve Conroy, the Japanese midfielder could be used as a substitute on this occasion or just given an early rest.

In attack, we think that the Celtic boss will make even more changes and completely swap out the three who started on Wednesday.

Therefore, we predict that Jota and Daizen Maeda will start on the wings on either side of Kyogo Furuhashi through the middle.

In other news: Postecoglou must axe wasteful £14.5k-p/w Celtic ace, he’s holding the team back

Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan is set to leave the club alongside Fernandinho this summer, claims the Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan.

The Lowdown: Gundogan’s City career

The Germany international signed for Man City in the summer of 2016 from Borussia Dortmund for a fee in the region of £20m.

Since then, the 31-year-old has gone on to have an illustrious career with the Sky Blues. In 252 appearances for the club, the midfielder has scored 47 goals and has produced 33 assists.

However, Gundogan has found game time to be less regular this season due to a mixture of injuries and the good form of his teammates. As a result, he has started just 20 league times during the 2021/22 campaign.

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The Latest: Gundogan set to leave

Taking to Twitter, Mike Keegan shared the shocking news that Gundogan is set to follow Fernandinho out the Etihad exit door this summer:

“EXCLUSIVE: Ilkay Gundogan is set to leave Manchester City this summer. Club say no talks until season end but understand position made clear. Situation with Guardiola first signing ‘very amicable’. Player took jet to Madrid this morning.”

The Verdict: Big loss

Described by teammate Joao Cancelo as a “phenomenal player”, the German’s presence and experience will be heavily missed in Pep Guardiola’s midfield, especially with Brazilian general Fernandinho also departing.

This is illustrated by his incredible underlying stats. As per FB Ref, Gundogan ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty expected goals and non-penalty expected goals plus expected assists; furthermore, he ranks in the 98th percentile for shots, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received.

With just a year left on his current contract, a whole host of European clubs will be lining up to secure the midfielder’s signature on the cheap this summer.

In other news: Manchester City: Fabrizio Romano shares details on first summer exit

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has been dealt a major injury blow as pre-Leicester City team news emerges.

The Lowdown: Spurs men absent…

The Lilywhites have had to contend without a fair few players recently as Conte aims to guide his side to a top Premier League four place and qualification for the Champions League.

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Spurs sensation Oliver Skipp, most recently ruled out for the rest of 2021/2022, joins the likes of youngster Japhet Tanganga and Republic of Ireland international Matt Doherty on the sidelines (Transfermarkt).

Having to improvise without those defensive options, it appears Conte will be without yet another player from his backline as news emerges on Sergio Reguilon.

The Latest: Conte without Reguilon…

As confirmed, the Spaniard will miss today’s clash against Leicester with a groin injury.

His absence leaves Conte with Emerson Royal and Ryan Sessegnon as the most likely starts at wing-back, while the Italian could also turn to January signing Dejan Kulusevski in a makeshift role.

The Verdict: Hammer blow…

Being without yet another option comes as a hammer blow for Spurs given their crucial chase for a coveted European qualification spot.

The riches that come with Champions League participation could help to back Conte in the summer transfer market and ultimately convince him to stay in north London amid his links to Paris-Saint Germain.

Tottenham making a top-four place is absolutely vital ahead of next year and being without Reguilon, who has been called a ‘quality’ player by ex-Leeds striker Noel Whelan, will not be the best start to May.

In other news: Spurs ready to make major bid for ‘world-beater’ who told friends he was keen to join! Find out more here.