Nottingham Forest have now agreed a deal to sign an “exceptional” defender, who was at the City Ground yesterday to finalise the move, it has been revealed.
Forest looking to strengthen squad amid Nuno "concern"
Nuno Espirito Santo has repeatedly made it clear that he wants to bring more new signings through the door before the upcoming transfer deadline, recently saying: “There are things that I myself cannot control. What I said is, and I had a long thought about it, is my concern for the squad,”
“These boys last season achieved something fantastic. If we as a club don’t help them in terms of numbers, in terms of quality and talent, everything will go.”
The need for more fresh faces was underlined yesterday, with Forest suffering a shock 3-0 defeat at home against West Ham United, which is unlikely to have done the manager any favours heading into clear-the-air talks with owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis watches on.
There is also well-known to be a rift between Nuno and Edu, with the two falling out over which players to bring to the City Ground this summer, but there is now one deal thought to be edging towards completion.
According to transfer expert Pete O’Rourke on X, Nottingham Forest have now agreed a deal to sign Linfield and Northern Ireland U21 defender Matthew Orr, who was at the City Ground to watch the clash against West Ham on Sunday and finalise the move.
At just 18-years-old, the youngster is likely to be one for the future, but he has already started to catch the eye for Linfield at senior level.
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ByTom Cunningham Aug 31, 2025 "Exceptional" Orr could become "top player"
Linfield midfielder and coach Chris Shields has been left very impressed by the Forest-bound defender in the past, saying: “I remember Matty training – he was a sleight kid then, so I had to do a double take when he came into senior training. I was questioning if it was the same person because he had filled out over a couple of years.
“He’s met everything head on and his skill level at one-on-one defending is one of the best I’ve seen. He’s exceptional.”
Shields is not the only person who has singled the Linfield starlet out for praise either, with manager David Healy saying: “Matthew is a great young talent with a lot of potential to develop into a top player. He has taken his opportunities and his dedication and hard work have paid off.”
Despite still being a teenager, Orr, who shares the same CAA Base agency as Chris Wood, has already established himself as a first-team regular for Linfield, making 37 first-team appearances, so he is clearly a top prospect, who could be capable of pushing for a starting spot at Forest within a couple of years’ time.
Arsenal have an estimated 100 million fans worldwide, with the Gunners one of the most recognisable clubs in the world.
As to be expected, plenty of famous faces support the red side of north London. From rappers to political leaders and sporting superstars, here is a list of Arsenal’s most famous fans.
1 Sir Keir Starmer British Prime Minister
Sir Keir Starmer is a lifelong Arsenal fan and has been a season ticket holder at the Emirates for many years.
After becoming Prime Minister in July, Starmer has been watching Arsenal’s games from a corporate box instead of his regular seat – an arrangement he was forced to defend to the BBC.
“I’ve had a season ticket for many, many years. I’m a regular attender but now, for security reasons, I can’t go in the stands, and therefore the club have made arrangements for me to watch from elsewhere. It’s as simple as that.”
2 Lewis Hamilton Formula 1 driver
Lewis Hamilton has long professed to be an Arsenal fan, so it raised more than just a few eyebrows in 2022 when it was revealed he had joined a consortium led by Sir Martin Broughton that was trying to buy rivals Chelsea.
At the time, the Formula 1 star even seemed to deny he was a true Arsenal supporter.
“I remember 5, 6 years old that I then became a supporter of Arsenal. But my Uncle Terry is a big Blues fan, so I’ve been to so many games with him to watch Arsenal and Chelsea play,” he told the press ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
3 Jay-Z Rapper & entrepreneur
It was Thierry Henry that prompted Jay-Z to start following Arsenal in the mid-noughties.
“I saw him play, and I just thought he was an amazing player,” the rapper and music mogul explained in an interview with Arsenal Magazine in 2010.
“Ever since then I have been a big fan of the club, following you guys, and still today you play the beautiful football that Thierry did. I think he had a real long-term effect on the team.”
4 Piers Morgan Journalist
Piers Morgan isn’t afraid to speak his mind and he never hides his love for Arsenal.
The journalist is regularly at the Emirates with friends and family to watch the Gunners, and he described the club’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League in 2025 as his best moment in his 55 years of supporting Arsenal.
However, when things go wrong in north London, Morgan is also quick to call those at the Emirates out, whether it be players, board or managers.
5 Kevin Costner Actor
Ahead of the 1998 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Newcastle United, Hollywood star Kevin Costner revealed he was a Gooner in an interview with Sky Sports.
Costner told Sky that he first went to watch the Gunners play while shooting the film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” in 1991, and that he has been a fan since.
He’s since been back to watch Arsenal on numerous occasions, including in 2014, when he was in the stands to see Arsene Wenger’s side beat take on Aston Villa in the Premier League.
6 Mo Farah Long-distance runner
Shooting to fame after winning double Olympic gold at London 2012, Mo Farah is another high proifle Arsenal fan.
The 5,000m and 10,000m champion moved to Britain at the age of eight and instantly fell in love with the Gunners. He even previously admitted he would love to be Arsenal’s fitness coach one day.
“One thing I really love is football and I have a good relationship with Arsenal. I started supporting them when I first came to Britain as a kid.
“I liked the way they played. They also had a lot of players from African backgrounds. One day, I’d love to be able to work for them, maybe as a fitness coach.”
7 Anne Hathaway Actress
Anne Hathaway managed to keep her love for Arsenal secret until she let it slip during a junket for her movie “The Idea of You” in 2024.
Between interviews, Hathaway’s co-star Nicholas Galitzine celebrated after checking his phone to find out that the Gunners had gone a goal up against Wolves last season.
Hathaway seemed excited by the news, and after Galitzine had confirmed that it was Leandro Trossard who had scored, Hathaway responded by leaning forward in her chair and professing her love for the Belgian.
8 KSI Influencer and media personality
Media superstar KSI is one of the most well-known names on the internet. He first began making YouTube videos with the Sidemen and has since gone on to be successful in the influencer boxing world and music industry.
He is another who regularly visits the Emirates to watch Arsenal in action, and his drink brand Prime are even in partnership with the Gunners.
9 Christian McCaffrey NFL star
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been an Arsenal fan since watching them play during a pre-season trip to the United States in 2019.
After seeing Unai Emery’s side thump Serie A side Fiorentina 3-0 in the International Champions Cup at the Bank of America Stadium, McCaffrey announced his support for the Gunners in a video on the club’s social media pages.
10 Idris Elba Actor
Idris Elba is another well-known Arsenal fan and has been from a child, with the English actor working with the Gunners on numerous occasions.
Back in 2022, Elba and Ian Wright helped Arsenal with their anti-knife crime initiative by promoting a one-off all-white kit with no red, and he is no stranger to the Emirates.
Newcastle United missed out on one of their key targets this summer, Bryan Mbeumo. The Brentford attacker reportedly chose to join Manchester United over the Magpies, as well as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, although that is a deal that is yet to go through.
So, with the Cameroon star off the table, they turned their attention to another Premier League forward, Anthony Elanga. The Nottingham Forest star had his move to St. James’ Park all but confirmed by Fabrizio Romano with his famous “here we go” tagline. It is a deal that will cost the Magpies £55m.
Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga
Even though one winger is essentially through the door, Newcastle are not stopping there. They are targeting another wide player who could be an even better signing than Elanga.
Newcastle’s next winger target
There are certainly not many options for Eddie Howe out wide. Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon did an impressive job last season, but it is no surprise that they are signing Elanga to help reduce the workload.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Indeed, to supplement that further, the Magpies could turn to Manchester City and England international winger Jack Grealish. Football Insider says that the North East giants ‘are planning to accelerate their interest’ in the 29-year-old this summer.
However, they will face competition for the former Aston Villa star. Everton, who move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium this season, as well as newly crowned Serie A champions Napoli and clubs in Saudi Arabia, are also interested.
Manchester City's JackGrealishduring the warm up before the match
It was reported by Caught Offside at the start of the week that City will ask for £40m to secure Grealish’s services.
Why Grealish would be a good signing
It has obviously not been the season that Grealish may have hoped for in 2024/25. He barely got a look in at the Etihad Stadium and was not included in their squad for the Club World Cup, a competition in which they were eliminated by Al-Hilal.
The Birmingham-born winger played just 32 times for the East Mancunian side across all competitions. That included just 20 Premier League games, and 715 minutes, in which he scored and assisted just two goals.
Yet, let’s not forget the quality that the former Villa star possesses. He played 96 Premier League games for his boyhood club, scoring 15 goals and grabbing 19 assists. That included 18 goal involvements in 26 games during his final top-flight season at the club in 2020/21.
Those are impressive numbers, with Elanga putting up similar numbers in the most recent Premier League campaign, to the ones Grealish notched up five seasons ago.
For Forest last season, he managed six goals and 11 assists in 38 top-flight games.
Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga
He also scored one of the best solo efforts in the Premier League in recent memory, against his former club, Man United. The Sweden star picked up a loose ball in his own half and carried it all the way into the United penalty area, before slotting home past Andre Onana.
Indeed, ball carrying at such an electric pace is a key part of Elanga’s game. Likewise, Grealish is a specialist carrier, although in a slower and more methodical way. The numbers from 2020/21 via FBref suggest his all-around game was better than Elanga’s now.
For example, Grealish averaged 7.08 progressive carries and 7.78 progressive passes for Villa in that campaign. In comparison, the Forest number 21 averaged 3.67 progressive carries and 2.27 progressive passes last term.
Goals and assists
0.66
0.61
Key passes
3.33
1.8
Progressive passes
7.78
2.27
Progressive carries
7.08
3.67
Take-ons completed
2.67
0.9
Ball recoveries
5.14
3.2
If the Magpies can help Grealish find his best form, like what he showed in the 2020/21 season, they may have made an even better signing than Elanga.
At his best, he can be a “menace”, according to Statman Dave, and Howe will be hoping to unleash that side of his game.
Former Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish.
For a Premier League proven, England international, £40m seems like a bargain of a move for the Magpies this summer.
He's more important than Elanga: Newcastle now working to sign £60m PL star
With Anthony Elanga set to join Newcastle for £55m, the Magpies are now chasing an “exceptional” PL star worth £60m, who is a long-term target.
After scouts completed their “due diligence”, Leeds United have now reportedly opened talks to sign a Champions League-level midfielder for Daniel Farke this summer.
49ers pushing on after signing Bijol
Back in the Premier League and ready to end the trend of promoted sides heading straight back down to the Championship, Leeds have already welcomed both Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol this summer. The latter, costing around £19m, particularly stands out as one to watch after swapping Udinese for Elland Road in a big-money move.
After putting pen to paper, the central defender told Leeds’ official website: “This is a big day for me, for my family and I’m happy to be here. Maybe the biggest one of my career so far, but I’m ready for it.
“I work for it and that’s why I’m here, because it’s a big challenge for everyone. It’s a big challenge for me, for the club, and we’re getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League.
“I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there.”
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Not resting on their laurels, however, the 49ers have since set their sight on further reinforcements such as Habib Diarra who would hand Farke a midfield boost. And it seems as though midfield is the ongoing focus at Elland Road with “due diligence” complete and talks now open to sign a Champions League star this summer.
Leeds open talks to sign Douglas Luiz
According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, Leeds have now opened talks to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus this summer as he desperately looks to make his way back to the Premier League just one year on from leaving Aston Villa.
Brown told Football Insider after claiming that Juventus want to sell the Brazilian: “So Leeds may well be interested after speaking to his agent, but they have to know what they’re getting.
Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.
“If they want somebody to get on the ball and help them progress, he can do that. If they want somebody who’s combative and willing to battle in the middle, they’ll look elsewhere. Their scouts will have done their due diligence on him, they’ll know what he can and can’t do, and then it’s up to them to make a decision.”
The former Manchester United scout Luiz as “talented” before revealing Leeds’ talks to secure his signature in the coming months. As signings go, welcoming the former Villa star back to the Premier League would be quite the statement from the 49ers and would instantly negate their need to sign another midfield reinforcement.
Tottenham Hotspur’s long-awaited trophy finally came at the end of this season, but attention has quickly turned to the 2025/26 campaign, with work needing to be done to sustain the success.
Ange Postecoglou led the Lilywhites to a Europa League triumph, but it wasn’t enough to save his job in North London, as Daniel Levy relieved the Aussie of his duties.
He subsequently appointed Thomas Frank, handing the Dane the responsibility of building on the European victory and making the side a competitive Premier League outfit.
He will need to make a quick start to life at the club to prove the owner made the right decision in opting for a change, potentially coming under huge pressure should he fail to deliver.
However, if he is to be a success in the role, he will need backing within the current transfer window, handing him the platform for success during his first season at the helm.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Over the last couple of days, Lyon star Georges Mikautadze has emerged as a key target for Spurs, with the club expected to make an offer for the Georgian forward after their relegation to Ligue 2.
Rodrigo Muniz is another player on their radar this window, but will cost a pretty penny during the off-season, as Fulham are demanding £50m for the Brazilian forward.
However, if either of the players are to move to North London, they will need to be provided with opportunities in the final third, with Xavi Simons a player in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.
Their report claims that the RB Leipzig star is keen on a move to the Premier League this window, but the German outfit are demanding a fee in the region of £60m to part with their star man.
It also states that the Lilywhites have registered a keen interest in the 22-year-old, who managed to register 10 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga this campaign, with contact already taking place as the north Londoners have been ‘updated on Simons’ situation by his representatives’.
Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze
Over the last couple of years, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been constantly on Spurs’ radar, but they’ve never been able to complete a deal for his signature.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
This window remains no different, with Frank already targeting the England international and considering making a move to take the star to North London.
His stock is undoubtedly higher this time around, after netting the winner in the FA Cup final this campaign, securing the Eagles’ first major trophy against Manchester City at Wembley.
However, he does currently have a £68m release clause in his contract, but could face huge pressure to land his services, as North London rivals Arsenal have also entered the race.
As a result, the Lilywhites hierarchy should shift their attention to a move for Simons, with the Dutch international a better option for Frank’s outfit this window.
Xavi Simons celebrates
He would provide the side with a younger and cheaper option, but when comparing the pair’s respective figures from 2024/25, he’s also managed to outperform him in key areas – subsequently making him a higher-quality addition.
Simons, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by OptaJohan, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, and posted more progressive passes per 90 – handing other attackers at the club the chance to bolster their own tallies.
Games played
25
34
Goals scored
10
8
Progressive carries
3.6
2.4
Progressive passes
5.9
3.3
Shot-on-target accuracy
46%
27%
Pass accuracy
79%
74%
Passes into final third
3.3
1.7
Carries into final third
3
1.6
The youngster has also starred with his ball-carrying, registering nearly two times more carries into the final third per 90, showcasing his desire to get forward at any given moment.
Given his age, price tag and difference in figures produced, a deal for Simons should be a no-brainer this window, offering Frank the elite-level talent he craves within the final third.
It would be an expensive addition for the hierarchy, but ultimately, it’s one that’s needed if the club are to reach the next level during the Dane’s tenure at the club.
There’s no denying that Eze is a hugely talented player, but it’s evident that there is a tendency for more expensive fees to be touted for English stars, subsequently making Simons the better option this window.
A better signing than Semenyo: Spurs leading race to land £25m sensation
Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making strides in a move to land a new talent for Thomas Frank.
Newcastle United, like every other Premier League side, found out their fate with the new fixtures getting released on Wednesday morning.
The Magpies will be hoping to start the campaign strongly, looking to build momentum heading into their Champions League campaign and get themselves into the top four.
It will not be an easy start for Eddie Howe’s side. They face Aston Villa away from home, followed by a visit from champions Liverpool as their first game at St James’ Park. To end August, the North East outfit have a trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United.
Howe will need his biggest players to step up and perform at the start of the season, and they might well be adding someone to the squad this summer who can help with that.
Newcastle’s latest transfer target
It is no secret that the Magpies are looking for a new attacker this summer, due to a need to strengthen and a lack of clarity on Anthony Gordon’s future. One Liverpool insider recently revealed that the Reds are ‘in active contact’ with the winger over a move.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Names like Brighton’s Joao Pedro and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga have both been touted but Newcastle could actually look to bring a Manchester United attacker to St James’ Park instead.
Caught Offside report that Marcus Rashford is ‘being eyed up’ by Howe’s side. The Toon side are said to be ‘names to watch in the Premier League’ as the race for Rashford’s signature goes on.
It remains unclear whether this will be a loan deal or a permanent move. Aston Villa, one of the other sides interested in Rashford, had a £40m buy option in his loan contract, so he may well be valued at the same price by United. Other interested parties included Tottenham Hotspur and European giants Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
Why Rashford would be a good signing
After a tough first half of the 2024/25 campaign for Rashford, he really made a strong end to the season during his short stint at Villa Park. The 27-year-old reminded the world why he is such a deadly attacker.
In 17 games for the Villans, the England international scored four times and grabbed six assists. What makes that even more impressive is the fact that he played just 940 minutes, the equivalent of 10.4 full 90-minute games, leaving him with a rate of almost one goal involvement per game.
Of course, let’s not forget the sensational career Rashford has had at Old Trafford. The Wythenshawe-born superstar scored 138 goals and registered 79 assists in 426 games for his boyhood club.
Man United forwardMarcus Rashford
The winger was once described as a “big-game player” by Statman Dave. That is good news for Newcastle, who need that kind of quality with the start to the season they have. They have been on the receiving end of it too. He scored against the Magpies in the 2023 Carabao Cup final.
If the Magpies do sign Rashford, he would arguably be a perfect replacement for Gordon. The Newcastle star scored and assisted 16 goals in 42 games last season, fewer than Rashford’s 20 in 41 games for both United and Villa.
Last season, there were several standout moments for the winger, who could soon depart to Anfield, it seems. He scored in both legs of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, but did miss the final against Liverpool, after a red card in the Premier League.
Their numbers on FBref stack up well with each other, too. For example, Rashford last season averaged 3.55 shot-creating actions per game, compared to Gordon’s 3.74. This shows that both wingers are constantly involved in chances, even if they don’t end up being the one who has the shot, which is a good trait for an attacker to have.
Goals and assists
0.57
0.41
Expected goals
0.3
0.3
Key passes
1.77
1.89
Take-ons completed
1.14
1.41
Shot-creating actions
3.55
3.74
Losing Gordon would be a huge blow for Newcastle, but if they were to sign Rashford as his replacement, he’d be the perfect alternative. The goals and assist numbers from the United star were better last season, and he would keep the same level of directness Gordon offers.
Whether this is a £40m move or a loan deal, it could be the type of signing that keeps Howe’s side as true competitors across all competitions.
He'd be a dream for Isak: Newcastle likely to see bid accepted for £50m ace
Eddie Howe has his sights on a current Premier League winger for Newcastle.
Crystal Palace are now showing interest in an “amazing” player, who is “expected” to leave his current club this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Palace eyeing centre-back amid Guehi uncertainty
Marc Guehi’s Palace future has been a hot topic for quite some time now, with a number of Premier League clubs believed to be keen on the centre-back, including the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and former employers Chelsea.
There may have been feint hope that qualification for the Europa League could tempt Guehi into signing a new deal to remain at Selhurst Park, but there are now doubts over whether the Eagles will even be allowed to play in the competition next season.
The 24-year-old will, of course, be eager to play European football at this stage of his career, so the recent developments are likely to be a concern, although UEFA are yet to make a final decision on the matter and the feeling is Palace will be allowed entry onto the continental stage.
That said, the England international could depart regardless, meaning Palace could be faced with the very difficult task of replacing him this summer, and Romano has now revealed one of the targets they have in mind.
In a recent update on X, the transfer expert has revealed that Crystal Palace have now started to “show interest” in Juventus defender Tiago Djalo, who is “expected” to leave the Italian club after spending the 2024-25 season on loan at FC Porto.
The Eagles are said to have a three-man shortlist of centre-back targets for the summer, and Djalo is among them, but their interest appears to be tentative at this stage, given that they are yet to make any formal moves.
"Amazing" Djalo needs fresh start at new club
The 2024-25 campaign was far from ideal for the 25-year-old, featuring just eight times for FC Porto in the Liga Portugal, which is unlikely to have impressed parent club Juventus, and he is in need of a fresh start at a new club this summer.
Despite failing to make an impact in Portugal, there are some signs the Portuguese defender could be a solid signing for Oliver Glasner’s side, having once been lauded as “amazing” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
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The Eagles have swooped in to sign a Champions League player, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.
ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025
Moreover, the £24k-a-week centre-back showcased his passing and dribbling ability while on loan at Porto over the past year, although he was less impressive from a defensive point of view.
Djalo Statistics 24/25
Average per 90 (vs other centre backs)
Pass completion
93.8 per cent (99th percentile)
Progressive carries
1.76 (99th percentile)
Passes attempted
67.16 (90th percentile)
In truth, however, it will be a tall order for Palace to find any defender capable of replacing Guehi, and it would be a real gamble to pursue a move for Djalo.
Chelsea look certain to enjoy a busy summer transfer window, especially if Enzo Maresca can guide them to the Champions League next season.
While the squad is filled with quality in several areas, a lack of depth, plus a shortage of a truly world-class centre-forward has impacted the Blues at times this term.
The Stamford Bridge side have scored 63 times in the Premier League this term, a tally bettered by the likes of Brentford (ninth) and equalled by Tottenham Hotspur (17th) throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescacelebrates after the match
As such, adding goals to his side will be Maresca’s main priority once the summer transfer window opens in just a couple of weeks.
Chelsea have been linked with their fair share of targets, no doubt about that, but how much will the manager be willing to spend to bolster his first-team squad?
Chelsea’s search for a new striker
One name that is on the list is Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap. Following his club’s relegation from the top flight back into the Championship, his release clause drops down to £30m, which makes him an attractive prospect.
Newcastle United and Manchester United are also keen, but is the talented Englishman a player who could spearhead a potential title challenge? That much remains to be seen.
Another target, and one with a higher ceiling than Delap, is Benjamin Sesko. Chelsea have been routinely linked with a move for the RB Leipzig frontman following his exploits on the continent.
Sesko
Elsewhere, Victor Osimhen remains a target, although he could be an expensive signing should he make the move to London in the summer.
Finally, Alexander Isak is a player who has also been mentioned with regard to a move to the capital. The Newcastle striker is arguably one of the finest players in the top flight, and signing him would signal a major statement of intent.
Isak is approaching the peak years of his career. But if the Blues wish to sign a striker who is just like the Swede, but a few years younger, then they could turn to the Bundesliga.
Chelsea eyeing move for Bundesliga striker
It appears as though Maresca will stop at nothing in order to bring in someone who has a track record for scoring goals.
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 French news outlet RMC Sport, it is claimed that several clubs have made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike with regard to a potential move.
Chelsea are certainly in the hunt, although they face some stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool ahead of the transfer window.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
Due to his strong performances that have led Frankfurt to third place in the Bundesliga, thus securing Champions League qualification, Ekitike is now valued at €100m (£85m), which represents a massive change of fortunes from just 18 months ago.
Back then, he was struggling to make inroads at PSG. Now he is one of the most desirable forwards in Europe.
He has proven his worth in a top-five league. Would a move to Chelsea help him continue his development?
Why Chelsea must sign Hugo Ekitike this summer
Nicolas Jackson has endured a campaign to forget, scoring just 12 goals all season. Marc Guiu is the only other senior centre-forward in the first-team squad and while he netted six goals and showed a lot of promise prior to injury, he isn’t at the level to lead the club’s attack consistently.
Making a move for Ekitike, therefore, is of the utmost importance to Maresca over the next few weeks, that’s for sure.
Analyst Ben Mattinson delivered some high praise on the Frenchman in March this year, saying: “A move in the summer seems inevitable and rightly so, Ekitiké is one of the best strikers out there ready to explode.”
You might say he has already exploded. Throughout the 2024/25 season, Ekitike has scored 22 goals and registered 12 assists in all competitions for Frankfurt.
He ranked sixth in the top flight for goals and assists (23) for the club, while also ranking third for shots per game (3.5) and fifth for big chances missed (16). This last stat is something that will get better with age, as his abilities in the penalty area should improve over the coming years.
Given how well he has performed in the Bundesliga, especially compared to players such as Harry Kane, Ekitike is finally looking like he will fulfil his potential.
The sky is certainly the limit. If he made the move to London, Ekitike could become Maresca’s own version of Isak, especially considering the pair of strikers share similar sorts of qualities.
Why Ekitike could be a younger version of Alexander Isak
According to WhoScored, both Isak and Ekitike like to dribble, while they can count key passes and dribbling as their main strengths. As per FBref, the Newcastle centre-forward is the fifth-most comparable player to the French sensation, across Europe’s top five leagues.
The pair have also registered similar statistics across a range of attacking metrics domestically this season, including goals and assists (23 vs 29), shots on target per 90 (1.55 vs 1.32), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.55 vs 3.07), touches in the opposition penalty area (196 vs 186) and successful take-ons (52 vs 42) for their respective teams.
Metric
Isak
Ekitike
Goals
23
15
Assists
6
8
Shots per game
2.9
3.5
Big chances missed
18
16
Goal conversion percentage
24%
13%
Key passes per game
1.6
1.3
It is evident that the two are extremely similar not only in their playing style but also in their attacking output in 2024/25.
Like Isak, the Frankfurt striker has an insatiable eye for scoring at every possible opportunity. That’s not to say he is selfish, however, as the youngster can also create opportunities for his teammates with ease, evidenced by his 12 assists across the whole season.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
He might cost the club around £85m, but as someone who has the potential to get better and better as time goes on, it may turn out to be a wise investment.
Of course, securing a place in the Champions League is imperative. If so, one of the continent’s most in-demand strikers could be on their way to London.
Chelsea already have a bigger talent than Enzo Fernandez in £18m "monster"
Reports have suggested that Chelsea might lose Fernandez to Real Madrid this summer
Liverpool have “made contact” with a rival Premier League attacker over a move to Anfield in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool in need of Nunez and Jota upgrade
The Reds are expected to have one of their busiest summers in years, with upgrades needed in various positions, despite their Premier League title win.
In attack, a new centre forward is badly needed, with neither Darwin Nunez nor Diogo Jota representing the solution in that area now. The former simply hasn’t kicked on enough in three seasons, while the latter is an injury-prone player who cannot seem to stay fit for a whole season.
Liverpool's DarwinNunezcelebrates after winning the Premier League
Eintracht Frankfurt ace Hugo Ekitike has been linked with a move to Liverpool various times, and could stand out as the most exciting No.9 option this summer, especially considering Newcastle United look highly unlikely to allow Alexander Isak to leave.
Brighton attacker Joao Pedro has also been mentioned as an option for the Merseyside, as has Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz, who could potentially be used in a false nine role, even though it isn’t his most common position. Now, a big claim regarding the Reds signing another attacking player has emerged.
Liverpool make contact with Premier League attacker
According to Foot Mercato‘s Santi Aouna on X, Liverpool have made contact with Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku over a summer move to Anfield.
There would have to be question marks about Liverpool signing the £195,000-a-week Nkunku, considering he hasn’t exactly been a roaring success in a Chelsea shirt since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2023, only making nine starts in the Premier League this season.
Signing the 27-year-old would feel like a gamble by the Reds – one they don’t need to take – even though Thierry Henry has admitted he loves watching him play, and he has been lauded by former Chelsea and England centre-back Gary Cahill, who hailed him as a “very strong” player.
If Richard Hughes and Arne Slot truly feel that Nkunku is the best option to bring in this summer, they need to be trusted, but given his injury record and form at Chelsea, it would be a surprise if that was the case.
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Liverpool’s primary goal this summer remains signing a new centre-forward.
ByAngus Sinclair May 16, 2025
Liverpool would be far wiser to look to sign Ekitike, who is five years his junior and seemingly on an upwards trajectory, following a great season for Frankfurt that has seen him score 15 goals in 30 Bundesliga starts.
Former Tottenham Hotspur managing director, Fabio Paratici, has reportedly pushed one manager to chairman Daniel Levy, and the tactician in question has now officially left his club.
Ange Postecoglou still expected to leave Tottenham this summer
Spurs are gearing up for their most important clash of the 2024/2025 season on Wednesday, with Ange Postecoglou’s side taking on fellow Premier League underachievers Man United in a blockbuster Europa League with everything on the line.
Tottenham in transfer talks with "superstar" who's confirmed he's leaving
Spurs sense a serious opportunity to strengthen their squad.
1 ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025
The victor will seal a place in next season’s Champions League draw, and for the north Londoners, it also represents an unmissable chance to clinch their first piece of major silverware in nearly two decades.
Son Heung-min
7.00
Pedro Porro
6.98
James Maddison
6.98
Dominic Solanke
6.85
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
After a torrid domestic campaign of record-breaking lows, where Tottenham have even lost their highest number of Premier League games in a single season, and currently sit a lowly 17th in the table, Europa League glory could hand supporters something to smile about at long last.
Postecoglou could even save some face and make good on his early-season statement that he ‘always’ wins trophies during his second season in charge.
However, regardless of what happens in the Bilbao final, the consensus is that Postecoglou is likely to leave Spurs at the end of the season.
Tottenham have been linked with a host of managers to replace the 59-year-old ahead of 2025/2026, with Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund) and Edin Terzić (free agent) all mentioned by reports as potential successors to Postecoglou within the last month.
Ex-Sky presenter Richard Keys also recently claimed that Tottenham held talks with former Barcelona boss Xavi, so there appears to be a number of options under consideration by Levy.
There is another readily-available option following a significant development this week – ex-Ajax boss Francesco Farioli.
The highly-rated young tactician, who guided Ajax back to the Champions League, also suffered heartbreak at the end of the Eredivisie season – having blown a seismic nine-point lead to surrender the Dutch title to PSV Eindhoven.
Francesco Farioli exit confirmed after Fabio Paratici tells Tottenham to hire him
Reports in the English media recently claimed that Paratici recommended Farioli to Levy and Tottenham, with the club now handed a chance to appoint the 36-year-old.
In an official statement published on Monday, it has been confirmed that Farioli has decided to leave Ajax. The Italian informed officials of his desire to leave, just one year after taking charge, and Spurs have the chance to move for him without having to negotiate with Ajax.
Farioli is very popular within Premier League circles, and some media sources even suggest that he’s shot to the top of their managerial shortlist. Dutch media have also branded Farioli as an “amazing” tactician, and the general Ajax reaction to his exit has been one of disappointment.
“I find this incredibly disappointing. Francesco and his staff have been a great help to us,” said Ajax director Alex Kroes.
“It’s been an intense season filled with many memorable moments, and we achieved our goal: qualifying for next season’s Champions League. Francesco also played a key role in enhancing the high-performance culture at Ajax, for which we are extremely grateful. This summer was already set to be a challenging transfer window, and it has now become even more so. It is up to us to ensure that a strong new coaching team is in place when pre-season preparations begin on 26 June.”