Manchester United have now entered shock talks to sign another “unbelievable” forward after Matheus Cunha, according to a report.

Man Utd pursuing new forwards despite agreeing Cunha deal

Man United’s deal for Cunha is now edging closer to completion, with Fabrizio Romano recently confirming that a £62.5m fee has been agreed, with the Brazilian poised to sign a contract until 2030, which includes the option for an extra year.

It will be welcome news that the Wolverhampton Wanderers star is still keen on a move to Old Trafford, despite the fact that European football will not be on offer next season, but he is not the only forward United have their eye on.

In fact, a whole host of strikers have been identified as potential targets for the Red Devils, given that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggled in front of goal throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Moise Kean

Fiorentina

£44m

Liam Delap

Ipswich Town

£30m

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

£64m

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace

£50m

According to talkSPORT, Manchester United and INEOS are also stepping up their pursuit of a different Premier League forward, having now entered shock talks over a deal for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo has just one year remaining on his contract with the Bees, which means his current employers may feel the need to cash-in this summer to avoid losing him on a free, and the London club are expected to hold out for a fee of around £50m.

Thomas Frank has also admitted that Brentford would consider a sale this summer, saying: “I would like to keep him, but we are a selling club so if someone comes in with the right price.”

Mbeumo could be "unbelievable" signing for Man Utd

Ruben Amorim desperately needs a proven goalscorer, considering Hojlund and Zirkzee amassed just seven Premier League goals between them during the 2024-25 season, and the Cameroon international certainly fits the bill in that regard.

After scoring in his side’s final game of the season against Wolves, the France-born winger reached the 20-goal mark, taking his total to 29 goals and assists in all competitions, which is a fantastic return.

Related Man Utd also ready to pay £44m release clause for "king of kings" after Cunha

The Red Devils are now willing to trigger the release clause for another striker to partner up with Cunha at Old Trafford.

Posts ByDominic Lund May 26, 2025

Journalist Sam Tabuteau has also lauded the 25-year-old for his “unbelievable” attacking numbers, which undoubtedly played a big part in being nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award.

That said, while Mbeumo is capable of playing at striker, the former Troyes man is more accustomed to playing on the wing, so Man United should look to bring in an out-and-out centre-forward alongside him.

It remains to be seen whether Viktor Gyokeres will be keen on a move to Old Trafford, given that Champions League football is not on offer, but the Swede would be an exciting signing, having now scored a remarkable 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP.

Form Virgil van Dijk to Alan Hansen, Liverpool have had some of the greatest centre-backs of all time, but striker Chris Wood once revealed the toughest defender he’s ever faced is not one of their decorated legends.

The role of the enforcer in football has changed as the game has changed, with referees nowadays taking a much sterner view on two-footed tackles and late challenges.

‘Let them know you’re there’ was once a common phrase used in football dressing rooms up and down Britain, whether it be Sunday league or the Premier League, as dominant centre-backs and tough-tackling midfielders used intimidation as a tactic.

Premier League's toughest players in pictures

For Liverpool, those tackles were often performed by the likes of Jamie Carragher and Javier Mascherano, with former Manchester United winger Nani once revealing why a tackle by Carragher left him in tears: “When I saw my leg for the first time, I thought my season was finished. That is why I was crying.

“Afterwards, the doctor saw my leg and said I had been lucky because it just needed stitches and I would be out for two or three weeks. He is surprised that I could recover even quicker.”

The Sky Sports pundit only received a yellow card for the tackle on Nani, which in today’s game would have been met with a straight red and a hefty ban.

Toughest players in Premier League history ranked by Alan Shearer

10. Diego Costa

9. Jaap Stam

8. Vinnie Jones

7. David Batty

6. Stuart Pearce

5. Patrick Vieira

4. Nemanja Vidic

3. Roy Keane

2. Julian Dicks

1. Duncan Ferguson

Towards the end of Carragher’s Liverpool career the Reds signed several centre-backs with a view of becoming his successor, and perhaps one of the most beloved by fans was a 23 year-old from Slovakia called Martin Skrtel.

Chris Wood: Skrtel the toughest defender I've ever faced

Manager Rafael Benitez was thrilled when Liverpool signed Skrtel in January 2008 for a transfer fee of £6.5m, telling fans their new defender was “aggressive” and “very competitive”.

Wood, who played against Skrtel when he was a young striker at Leicester, went one further in an interview on the Premier League’s YouTube channel in 2021. He said that for all of the legendary centre-backs to grace Anfield and the Premier League as a whole, it wasn’t greats like Van Dijk who gave him his toughest test.

Skrtel left Liverpool in 2016 to sign for Fenerbahçe, and despite not winning many trophies during his time on Merseyside, is remembered fondly by Liverpool fans.

Related 20 Best Centre-Backs in Premier League History Ranked

Where does Virgil van Dijk rank?

Posts ByCharlie Smith May 9, 2025

The former Slovakia international played 320 times for Liverpool, scoring 18 goals and winning the League Cup in the 2011-12 season. Interesingly, despite being yellow carded 51 times, he only ever received one red card in England, as he was sent off in a 4-0 defeat at Tottenham in September 2011.

Leeds United are reportedly keen on completing the signing of a 24-year-old goalkeeper this summer, being seen as an alternative to heavily linked targets like Sam Johnstone and Caoimhin Kelleher.

Leeds eyeing new goalkeeper this summer

The Whites may have only recently sealed promotion from the Championship, but focus will already be on life back in the Premier League next season and what surgeries in the squad are required.

Indeed, Leeds need to conduct plenty of business in the transfer market, in order to have a squad that is capable of coping in the top flight, with a new goalkeeper near the top of Daniel Farke’s wishlist, due to Illan Meslier continuing to be an error-prone player and 34-year-old Karl Darlow not being the long-term solution between the sticks.

Wolves ace Johnstone is one rumoured target for the Whites, having had to generally play second fiddle to Jose Sa this season, with the Englishman no doubt keen on being first choice elsewhere and regularly being on the pitch during the peak years of his career.

Meanwhile, Liverpool stopper Kelleher has also been linked with joining Leeds, with the Republic of Ireland international behind Alisson in the pecking order and highly unlikely to oust arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. He could be an excellent signing, having played his part in the Reds winning the Premier League title this season, starting 10 league games.

Leeds planning offer for Orlando Gill

Writing on X, journalist Uriel Lugt claimed that “offers will arrive” for San Lorenzo goalkeeper Orlando Gill this summer, and Leeds are one of those sides “interested” in snapping him up. While his club are in no rush to sell him, their head could be turned if the right bid arrives. The 24-year-old’s current contract runs until December 2027, but the Whites look like they are going to try and entice him away from the club long before then.

Gill is certainly a lesser-known option for Leeds compared to those mentioned above, currently plying his trade in Argentina with San Lorenzo. That’s not to say that the Paraguayan wouldn’t still be a good choice for the Whites, though, having kept nine clean sheets in 18 appearances for his current club at senior level.

Johnstone or Kelleher would arguably still be more of a surefire bet for Leeds, however, having both not only proven themselves in the Premier League, but also represented England and Ireland at international level.

Farke needs to bring in a ‘keeper who can hit the ground running from the opening day of the season, and there is more chance of one of them making more of a seamless transition from their current club to Elland Road, compared to a player who hasn’t yet tasted English football.

Leeds now make approach to sign "fantastic" £25m Premier League attacker

He could be a great signing for the Whites this summer.

By
Henry Jackson

May 11, 2025

That said, Leeds’ recruitment team need to be trusted if they ultimately see the 6 foot 5 Gill as the best choice to sign in the summer window, during a potentially exciting period in which Paraag Marathe is reportedly ready to give Farke as much as £150m to spend on new signings. Bringing him in as second choice feels more likely, though, given his lack of experience at the top level.

Burnley didn’t blow anyone away in attack during their recent promotion-winning feat out of the Championship as their rock-solid defence instead stole all the plaudits.

That is understandable considering the Clarets only leaked a seriously impressive 16 goals all season long, but only 69 goals would actually be scored by Scott Parker’s men on the flip side.

To add context, Leeds United were crowned champions ahead of Burnley purely because of their heftier goal difference, helped by their mammoth 95 strikes.

Therefore, upon their re-entry into the top division, Burnley could be on the hunt for a new, potent attacker to call their own, with Parker praying he can uncover his next Aleksandar Mitrovic in the process, having worked alongside the lethal Serbian at previous employers Fulham.

Mitrovic's potency under Scott Parker

Mitrovic is the very definition of a modern-day legend at the Cottagers, having ended his 206-game association with the West London side by bagging a ridiculous 111 strikes.

30 of those would come under the bumpy reign of Parker, before the now Al-Hilal attacker became an even more ice-cold finisher of chances when Marco Silva took on the managerial reins after the 44-year-old’s dismissal.

Still, the deadly 30-year-old first kicked on donning Fulham white under the guidance of Parker with the Clarets boss arguably also playing a key part in Dominic Solanke’s development at AFC Bournemouth prior to his major switch to Tottenham Hotspur.

Off the back of this, Burnley could be tempted to go after an experienced striker to lead the line next season, knowing he has been as clinical as Mitrovic when previously performing at the peak of his powers.

Parker could sign his new Mitrovic

Most of the chatter involving Burnley this summer has honed in on the alarming amount of potential outgoings as both Maxime Esteve and Josh Brownhill reportedly continue to be eyed up by higher up suitors.

Thankfully, rumours involving who they could add to their promotion-winning squad are also now coming to the surface, with former hero Danny Ings being lined up for a stunning Turf Moor return.

Before the “phenomenal” veteran – as he’s been previously labelled by pundit Noel Whelan – would go on to cement himself as a Premier League distinguished striker for the likes of Aston Villa and Southampton, the 32-year-old first burst onto the scene as a dangerous goal machine in Lancashire.

After ripping up the Championship with Burnley by firing home 21 goals – much like Mitrovic had shown on the books of Fulham – Ings would get his first big break in the Premier League with the Clarets during the 2014/15 season, with a temptation surely on the ageing attacker’s end now to return to his ex-side shortly to try and recapture his frightening best and help Parker’s underdogs beat the drop.

24/25

West Ham

15

1

2

23/24

West Ham

20

1

1

22/23

West Ham

17

2

2

22/23

Aston Villa

18

6

0

21/22

Aston Villa

30

7

6

20/21

Southampton

29

12

4

19/20

Southampton

38

22

2

18/19

Southampton

24

7

3

17/18

Liverpool

8

1

0

15/16

Liverpool

6

2

0

14/15

Burnley

35

11

4

As can be seen looking at the table above, when Ings isn’t in and out of the treatment room with injuries, he is a reliable goalscorer at Premier League level which is what Burnley are crying out for after a mediocre campaign in front of goal in the league below.

It will all just rest on whether Ings can break free of his recurring injury issues, but with Parker’s track record with Mitrovic, he could well be an ideal figure for the 32-year-old to shine under.

The nervous Clarets will also be able to land their ex-number ten on a free transfer, meaning it could go down as a very shrewd deal if he rolls back the years on his return.

Their best ST since Wood: Burnley could now sign "clinical" PL star

Burnley could pick up their best striker purchase since Chris Wood with this summer deal

ByKelan Sarson May 25, 2025

Leeds United are said to have made an approach to sign a “fantastic” Premier League player in the summer transfer window.

Leeds eyeing signings for Premier League return

The Whites have secured their return to the top flight from the Championship, and it’s now a case of finding the right signings to bolster their hopes of survival.

In each of the past two seasons, the three promoted clubs into the Premier League have gone straight back down, so Leeds will be hoping they can buck that trend in 2025/26 by signing some top-quality players. With that in mind, 49ers Enterprises are thought to be willing to spend around £30m each on a new goalkeeper, centre-back and central midfielder, and have set further funds aside for a new striker.

Following Illan Meslier’s inconsistent form, Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone has been mentioned as an option to strengthen between the sticks. The Englishman has struggled for playing time at Molineux this season, so may jump at the opportunity to join Daniel Farke’s side.

A Kalvin Phillips reunion has also been mooted in recent days, with the Englishman’s career nosediving since leaving Elland Road for Manchester City, with injuries hampering him and a place back in Leeds’ midfield an enticing proposition.

Leeds want to sign "fantastic" Man City starlet

According to a new report from The Sunday Mirror [via MOT Leeds News], Phillips isn’t the only subject of interest at the Etihad, as Leeds have made an approach for City attacking midfielder James McAtee, seeing him as an exciting target this summer.

City value the 22-year-old at £25m and an exit is on the cards at the end of the season, with the Englishman only having one year left on his current deal. The Whites are set to battle Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen for his services.

McAtee could be exactly what Leeds are after ahead of next season, in terms of being a young player with lots of potential, but also already picking up some Premier League experience. In a star-studded City squad, the midfielder has still managed 15 appearances in the league this term, scoring three times in the process, and Pep Guardiola has described him as a “fantastic” player.

McAtee seemingly doesn’t have a long-term future at the Etihad, however, with too many elite players ahead of him in the pecking order, so a move to Leeds this summer could be an ideal outcome for all parties.

He would come straight in as a key starter for the Whites, rather than warming the bench for City, and his ability to shine in both a central attacking midfield role and out wide on the right flank would surely appeal to Farke.

"Sensational" Leeds target now ready to quit PL club as 49ers plot move

He could solve their biggest problem…

ByTom Cunningham May 11, 2025

At 22, this is the right time for McAtee to become a regular starter in the Premier League, rather than wasting his best years as a substitute, and the 18-cap and seven-goal England Under-21 international should be considered a priority option for Leeds.

In what could finally see him realise his potential, Leeds United now reportedly have a genuine chance of signing a £13m+ forward who was once deemed a player destined for the very top.

Leeds preparing for Premier League

It’s a big summer for Leeds and the biggest since the arrival of the 49ers. They must get things right, too. They’ve already seen what can go wrong when promoted clubs either fail to spend or fail to recruit wisely, and they’ll be desperate to end a two-year-long trend of instant relegations in the top flight. So far, ahead of the transfer window, the extent of the task doesn’t seem lost on the 49ers, either.

Chairman Paraag Marathe has already set his ambitions high ahead of a return to the Premier League, claiming that he wants Leeds to become one of the biggest clubs in Europe and not just survive.

Leeds considering swoop for "incredible" striker who'd be their new Wood

Leeds are reportedly considering a move for a star who could be Daniel Farke’s own Chris Wood.

ByDan Emery May 21, 2025

He told reporters following Leeds’ promotion: “This was really hard to do. Two years of getting to this point, but all that hard work and all that difficulty, makes right now that much more rewarding and makes today so special. I hope I never forget this moment. I want to live in this moment as much as I can.

“This is a journey, this is not the end. We have to keep going, this is what Leeds does. We are going to have some difficulties, but we are going to get where we want to go and we are going to be one of the best clubs in all of Europe.”

Amid recent reports linking Leeds with moves for the likes of Jamie Vardy and Caoimhin Kelleher, it seems as though Marathe’s talk is far from cheap. It doesn’t end with Kelleher and Vardy, either, with another name now mentioned as a potential target.

Leeds could sign former wonderkid Kasper Dolberg

According to Voetbal Krant, Leeds now have a genuine chance to sign Kasper Dolberg this summer. The Anderlecht forward has become somewhat of a forgotten name in recent times, but it wasn’t so long ago that he was tipped to be the next best thing. Now 27 years old and fresh from a revived season in Belgium, the Dane could get the chance to step back into the limelight.

Having scored 24 goals in 44 games for Anderlecht this season, Dolberg will reportedly cost Leeds over £13m if they want to secure his signature this summer. The move would, of course, come with its risks given the false dawns that the forward has enjoyed, but following an excellent campaign it could be one worth taking.

Included on TuttoSport’s Golden Boy top 10 alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele in 2017, Dolberg should be desperate to get back into similar conversations sooner rather than later.

Manchester United have now held face-to-face talks over a deal for a “powerful” forward, according to The Athletic, with the deal for Matheus Cunha now edging towards completion.

Man Utd now closing in on signing Cunha

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Man United are closing in on their first summer signing, as personal terms have almost been agreed to bring Cunha to Old Trafford, in what is expected to be a £62.5m deal.

The Brazilian is said to have “accepted the project” on offer at United, having been keen on joining for quite some time, and there is an expectation the forward will be brought to play in the number 10 role, which means Ruben Amorim is still tasked with bringing in a striker.

Amorim’s current striker options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have fallen way short of expectations this season, netting just 17 goals between them, despite chalking up a combined 98 appearances in all competitions.

Player

Rasmus Hojlund

Joshua Zirkzee

Appearances

50

48

Goals

10

7

As such, it should be no surprise the Red Devils are now stepping up their pursuit of a new striker, and The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell has now revealed that chiefs have held face-fo-face talks with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

Delap has an active £30m release clause following Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League, making him an attractive option for some top clubs, with Chelsea also expected to enter negotiations over a deal.

The low release clause means United will be able to sign the Ipswich forward regardless of the outcome of Wednesday’s crucial Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, which will decide whether Amorim’s side qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Man Utd submit offer to sign £150k-p/w Premier League star alongside Cunha

INEOS are looking to sign another Premier League player once they wrap up a deal for Matheus Cunha.

4 ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025 "Powerful" Delap could be perfect signing for United

It is a bonus that Man Utd will be able to sign the 22-year-old regardless of whether they are triumphant in the Europa League final, and there are some other signs that he could be an ideal addition to the squad.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has singled out the Englishman for high praise this season, saying: “He’s a pivotal player for [Ipswich], there’s no denying that. I think he’s had a very good season.

“He’s got big strengths, very strong, powerful runner. Certainly knows where the goal is. He’s always had a lot of potential.”

Not only that, but Amorim is clearly in need of a consistent goalscorer, given Hojlund and Zirkzee’s struggles, and the Ipswich star has a solid goal record in the Premier League, considering he has played in a poor team, netting 12 goals.

Delap could take his game to the next level by signing for a top club, and a fee of just £30m is a bargain for a striker of his quality.

Liverpool’s mastery in the transfer market must leave rivals hot under the collar. FSG have their drawbacks, criticised for their frugality, but who can reasonably rail against their formula?

Arne Slot, though, has exceeded expectations this season, winning the Premier League at a canter, somehow replacing the irreplaceable Jurgen Klopp.

It’s frightening to think that Liverpool are now ramping up their transfer plans, rewarding Slot with a deep-pocketed transfer chest which has already led to the signing of Jeremie Frimpong, with his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz lined up for a reported British-record €130m (about £110m) transfer.

With a deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez also in the pipeline, Liverpool fans would be forgiven for indulging in fits of excitement: Slot and the powers that be are investing in a team ready to challenge at the highest European level for many years to come.

However, more is needed in attacking areas if the Reds are to do it all over again next year and keep Mohamed Salah, who turns 33 this month, on his A-game.

How Liverpool can keep Mo Salah firing

Last season, Liverpool won the Carabao Cup and restored their place in the Champions League after a wretched 2022/23 campaign, but failed to secure the biggest prizes.

Salah promised the Liverpool faithful he would put that right, and delivered on his promise by winning the Premier League under Slot’s wing, winning the clean sweep of individual prizes in the process.

It was, all in all, a rather good campaign for the Egyptian King, but there’s no question he was overburdened with responsibility at times, dragging his profligate teammates across the finish line.

Salah no doubt misses the seamless synergy that Jurgen Klopp pieced together when creating one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever frontlines, Salah joined by Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in turning Liverpool back into a superpower over so many years.

Mohamed Salah in 2024/25

Competition

Matches

Goals

Assists

Premier League

38

29

18

Champions League

9

3

4

Carabao Cup

5

2

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

Now, Liverpool must reward their legendary veteran with new partners in the final third who maintain clinical rates of scoring, of supplying. Whether Salah will secure teammates on the level of Firmino and Mane remains to be seen, but FSG are certainly acting with the intent of achieving just that.

Slot driving ambitious Liverpool deal

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool are considering ‘a fresh approach’ for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon this summer, who is valued at around £80m.

Contacts were established one year ago when Newcastle fretted over ways to circumvent PSR, having failed to qualify for Europe. Liverpool were drawn to the possibility of signing Gordon, but in the end, Eddie Howe’s side found alternative routes to go down.

Now, though, it’s become clear that Anfield’s interest has remained intact, and while the former Everton star would not force his way out of St. James’ Park, a return to Merseyside to sign for his boyhood club would be a big temptation.

Why Anthony Gordon could replicate Mane at Liverpool

Liverpool released Gordon from their academy when he was only 11 years old, leaving him adrift until washing up at Goodison Park, where he made his name.

Newcastle paid Everton a £45m fee to sign Gordon in January 2023, and this was before he made genuine headway. Now, it’s understandable that the Magpies would want to bank nearly double that figure, and if Diaz is sold, Liverpool might just be able to make it happen.

Hailed for his “unbelievable” 2023/24 campaign by teammate Bruno Guimaraes, Liverpool’s interest came after a campaign that saw Gordon post 28 goal contributions across all competitions, earning Newcastle’s Player of the Season.

Despite winning the Carabao Cup and restoring his club’s place in the Champions League, the current season hasn’t been so kind to the England international, with injuries and suspensions disrupting the second half of the term.

The 24-year-old remains one of the most talented wingers in the Premier League, though, having pronounced himself a “nightmare for anyone” he plays against.

With levels still to scale as he makes improvements, Gordon might just be Slot’s long-term solution on the left flank, maybe even becoming Liverpool’s new version of Sadio Mane, with blistering speed and a dynamic danger to his skill set.

Last August, pundit Jamie Carragher actually tipped the Three Lions man to serve as Mane’s heir over on Merseyside, claiming he could make a “frightening” impact.

A player of such physicality and athleticism with ostensibly sharper weaponry than Diaz could certainly make a positive impact, striking a stunning partnership with the evergreen Salah, who will remain at Liverpool for at least two more years.

And if Darwin Nunez is sold and replaced by Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with Liverpool locked in battle with Chelsea for the French forward, Slot might even have his own version of Firmino to complete a deadly new strike-force.

How to define Bobby Firmino? The Brazil forward was the glue which held Klopp’s iconic front three together, effortlessly brilliant and commendably selfless.

Mane and Salah were the goal-getters, but Firmino made it all tick, and given that Ekitike would join Liverpool as an up-and-coming Bundesliga talent, the similarities are clear to see, as Firmino arrived from Hoffenheim a decade ago for £29m.

Ekitike, 22, is a good goalscorer, having scored 22 times for his club this term, but he’s also so much more. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for assists and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Such quality would give Gordon an inroad to a new level of goalscoring success, especially with Salah shaping into one of the game’s superlative wide playmakers in recent years.

Liverpool have enjoyed tremendous success in Slot’s newly-crafted system, but with such signings, they could reach even higher, giving Salah a new attacking partnership for the ages.

Related A new Mac Allister: Liverpool set sights on signing "dangerous" £35m star

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be Alexis Mac Allister 2.0.

Posts ByDan Emery Jun 1, 2025

Aston Villa faces an important summer ahead. Throughout the transfer window, Unai Emery will be keen on attracting yet more high-profile players to the Midlands.

While it will be the Europa League, rather than the Champions League, that the club will partake in next season, Villa’s stature as one of the Premier League’s elite sides will help massively when the window opens.

Despite a promising season, the club failed to end its 29-year wait for a major trophy, and this is clearly the next step in the Spaniard’s project.

A solid core has been built, no doubt about that, but there are several positions which need to be strengthened before the start of 2025/26.

As such, what could the club’s dream starting XI look like when the league season begins in August? Well, we’ve taken a deeper look.

1 GK – Lucas Chevalier

It appears as though Emiliano Martinez is set to leave the Midlands after five years as the club’s number one.

Throughout that time, he has kept 70 clean sheets across 212 matches, helping Villa qualify for the Champions League in the process. Manchester United have shown previous interest in the goalkeeper, and he will have no shortage of offers this summer.

His replacement could be Frenchman Lucas Chevalier. Emery has targeted the £40m Lille shot stopper as the ideal man to replace the enigmatic Argentinian from next season onwards.

Given his excellent form in Ligue 1, it could be a shrewd move by the manager.

2 RB – Matty Cash

Cash may not be the flashiest player, and in time, he will be replaced as the starting right-back. This summer, however, Emery may well focus on other positions.

He made 38 appearances last season, registering three goal contributions. The English-born full-back will turn 28 in August and still has a few years left at the very top.

3 CB – Diego Coppola

Jacob Tanswell of the Athletic claims that the club could prioritise signing a right-sided centre-back this summer. According to reports, Emery has earmarked Italian defender Diego Coppola as a player who could fit his system well.

His superb displays for Hellas Verona – winning 60% of his total duels and making 5.7 clearances per game in Serie A – have led to Villa showing plenty of interest in him.

The best part? He would only cost £8.5m.

4 CB – Pau Torres

Pau Torres will likely continue to be one of the starting centre-backs for Villa next season.

The 28-year-old is at the peak of his career and could continue to go from strength to strength under Emery in 2025/26.

5 LB – Ian Maatsen

The Dutchman made 45 appearances for Villa last term, playing in ten of their Champions League fixtures.

Emery must ensure he is the starting left-back from next season, as Maatsen will only continue to get better.

6 CM – Youri Tielemans

Throughout the whole squad, Tielemans was arguably Villa’s most improved player last season.

Indeed, he was named Supporters’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season at Aston Villa’s End of Season Awards.

15 goal contributions were registered across 53 matches. If he carries that type of form into next term, he will be unstoppable.

7 CM – Amadou Onana

The Belgian midfielder showed glimpses of his quality after moving from Everton, but he will be keen to avoid injury issues next term.

He managed just 34 games for the club, but he still managed to score five times in all competitions.

8 RW – Tyler Dibling

Villa have shown interest in Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, who could cost around £55m this summer.

Despite the Saints suffering relegation from the Premier League, the 19-year-old was one of their brightest sparks. Across 38 games, he scored four goals and registered three assists.

He succeeded with 1.4 dribbles per game in the top flight while also creating three big chances. Despite the price demanded by the Championship side, the teenager could turn out to be an impressive long-term star for Emery as he bids to improve his options out wide.

9 AM – Morgan Rogers

Rogers’ 2024/25 season was arguably one that turned him from a talented attacking midfielder into a player in high demand.

Not only did he score 14 goals in all competitions for the club, but the Englishman also recorded 15 assists for Villa.

Four goals were netted in the Champions League, proving that he has what it takes to perform at the very highest level. Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing the player, but Emery will be doing all he can to keep hold of Rogers for as long as possible.

10 LW – Jadon Sancho

Marcus Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa, but it doesn’t look as though he will return permanently, amid his desire for a switch to Barcelona.

They are looking to target a move for Jadon Sancho instead according to reports, with the winger returning from his temporary stint at Chelsea.

With his future at United all but over, Sancho could gain plenty of game time should he choose a move to the Midlands this summer. Interest is also high from the likes of Napoli and AC Milan.

No price has been mentioned as yet, but if Emery can work out a deal that benefits all parties, signing Sancho – who is valued at £31m by Football Transfers – may be a wise piece of business.

Chelsea are one of the busiest Premier League sides this transfer window, with just days remaining for Enzo Maresca and BlueCo to register new players in time for the Club World Cup.

Who Chelsea could sign after Liam Delap

The Blues have already sealed their first signing of the summer after shaking hands on a deal for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap (Fabrizio Romano), who joins in a £30 million deal, but Chelsea are by no means done following the Englishman’s arrival.

Chelsea inform £170k-a-week star they're ready to pay his £50m release clause

The Euro 2024 winner is a serious target for Enzo Maresca’s side.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 3, 2025

Work is happening behind-the-scenes at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea attempting to bring one or two more signings through the door before they kick off their CWC campaign on June 16 against Leon (Simon Phillips).

Rank

Team

Points

GD

Man City

71

+28

Chelsea

69

+21

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

It is believed that the west Londoners are laying the groundwork on potential deals for wingers and attacking midfielders as one key item on their agenda. Chelsea held talks with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams last week, and informed the Spaniard’s camp that they’re prepared to pay his £50 million release clause.

As well as the 22-year-old, Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jeremy Doku (Man City), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Max Tillman (PSV), Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund), Alejandro Garnacho (Man United) are all reportedly on Chelsea’s shortlist of wide-attacking targets.

Chelsea are expected to sign a centre-back too, amid links to Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, and they’re currently in talks with AC Milan over a deal for French international goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The 29-year-old’s contract expires next summer, and this situation has alerted Chelsea to a potential upgrade on Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.

However, there is still a major gap when it comes to price, so the west Londoners are prepared to walk away and stick with what they have if Milan don’t lower their demands.

That being said, even if the clubs are failing to find common ground right now, Chelsea do have the player’s approval.

Mike Maignan gives green-light to join Chelsea from AC Milan

According to Football Italia, Maignan has given his green-light to join Chelsea, with the Frenchman approving a switch to Cobham as he ponders life after the San Siro.

The outlet adds that a formal bid is expected to arrive from Chelsea “in the near future”, and if they can reach an agreement on Maignan’s final asking price, he could depart the Rossoneri “in the coming days”.

There is no doubt he would be a stellar addition between the sticks, with Liverpool star Alisson believing Maignan is in the “elite” bracket of keepers. Milan are also eyeing up Torino number one Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in the event they do lose their star shot-stopper.

This saga definitely appears one to watch over the next week, and it could prompt BlueCo to undergo a major goalkeeping reshuffle considering Chelsea’s backlog of five keepers already on their books.