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Manchester United are now ready to sign a “machine” midfielder this summer, with Ruben Amorim eager to bolster his options in the middle of the park, but a move may only be possible on one condition, according to a report.

Man Utd searching for a midfielder

Given that Casemiro’s days as a Man United player could be numbered, Amorim may be tasked with bringing in a replacement this summer, and a number of potential replacements have been identified.

The likes of Adam Wharton, Hugo Larsson and Joao Gomes are on the shortlist ahead of what is Amorim’s first summer transfer window as United boss, and the manager could have a major rebuilding job on his hands.

A 0-0 draw against rivals Manchester City at the weekend is not the worst result on paper, but it leaves the Red Devils 13th in the Premier League table, having fallen way below expectations, with a Europa League triumph their last chance of having a successful season.

Man Utd make Liam Delap top transfer target as Chelsea ready summer bid

United and INEOS are looking to beat Chelsea to a rising star.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 7, 2025

Winning the Europa League would, of course, grant qualification to the Champions League next season, which could be crucial for Man United’s summer transfer business.

That is according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states Man United are now ready to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, should they manage to qualify for next season’s Champions League, with Amorim eager to bring in a midfield partner for Manuel Ugarte.

Man Utd’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Lyon (a)

April 10th

Newcastle United (a)

April 13th

Lyon (h)

April 17th

Wolverhampton Wanderers (h)

April 20th

AFC Bournemouth (a)

April 27th

The Atalanta star has a price tag of around £52m, so he will not come cheap, and the Italian club are determined to keep hold of him, given the level of his performances this season.

A deal would be easier to facilitate if Amorim’s side secure qualification for Europe’s elite competition next season, given the financial benefits provided.

"Machine" Ederson impressing in the Serie A and Europe

Atalanta are in a very strong position to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and the Brazilian has been one of the first names on the team sheet, making 30 Serie A appearances, during which time he has provided three goals and two assists.

While the 25-year-old is capable of being a threat on the front foot, he is also solid defensively, winning 100% of his tackles and aerial duels against Arsenal earlier this season, in what Statman Dave branded a “top display”.

It is not the first time the maestro has impressed in Europe in recent memory, with football writer Carlo Garganese branding him a “machine” after his performance against Bayer Leverkusen in Atalanta’s Europa League final triumph last season.

As such, Ederson could be a fantastic signing for Man United this summer, at which point it is vital Amorim brings in a midfielder, despite a recent improvement in Casemiro’s performances, with the 33-year-old midfielder making 11 tackles against Man City.

Liverpool are now racing Real Madrid to the signing of a promising defender, and one who former manager Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of, according to reports.

Reds pursuing centre-back with Van Dijk future uncertain

Virgil van Dijk’s future at Anfield remains very much up in the air, with the Dutchman yet to commit to a new contract to extend his stay at Anfield beyond the end of the season.

Losing his captain will be the last thing Arne Slot wants in the summer transfer window, particularly with Trent Alexander-Arnold also seemingly on his way out, with a move to Real Madrid looking increasingly likely.

As such, the Reds will have to remain proactive in the transfer market, in order to make sure they are not left reeling by a potential Van Dijk departure, and one replacement they have in mind is Ajax star Jorrel Hato.

Liverpool could sell their answer to Bellingham after receiving £50m bid

Arne Slot may want to take the bold move toward green-lighting this Liverpool star’s summer sale.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 31, 2025

AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is another name on the shortlist, following the Spaniard’s breakout season with the Cherries in the Premier League, although there will be competition for his signature from Real Madrid.

Huijsen is not the only centre-back Liverpool may have to battle Real Madrid for, however, with a report from Sky Sports revealing the two heavyweights are both interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

A report from Spain has since gone into more detail about the pursuit of Hincapie, stating the defender has a market value of around €50m (£42m).

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield in the past, at which point it was revealed Klopp is a big fan, but it could be very difficult to fend off Madrid in the race for his signature.

"Beast" Hincapie could be an excellent signing

The Ecuadorian has predominantly featured at centre-back throughout his career so far, but his versatility would make him a useful signing for Liverpool, given that he can also play at left-back, which is another area Slot is looking to strengthen.

The aforementioned report makes it clear Real Madrid are also considering a move for Ibrahima Konate this summer, however, and should Van Dijk decide to move on, signing a new centre-back is likely to be a priority, with the Bayer Leverkusen star fitting the bill.

The Esmeraldas-born defender places in the 85th percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, and he is ranked among the best tacklers in the Bundesliga, given his rate of success this season.

Hincapie has proven he could be an excellent signing for Liverpool this summer, but their first priority should be to seal a new deal for Van Dijk, given that it would be extremely difficult to replace the 33-year-old.

An “unbelievable” Chelsea player is now keen to leave the club this summer, with intermediaries involved in talks over potential moves to Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid, according to a report.

Maresca set to reshape squad this summer

Despite confirming the additions of Sporting CP duo Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo, the Blues continue to be linked with a number of new additions ahead of the summer transfer window, with Enzo Maresca clearly keen on reshaping his squad.

However, given the need to abide by the Premier League’s PSR rules, Maresca may have to oversee some departures before spending big on new arrivals, and several players could be axed in the summer.

Joao Felix, who is currently on loan at AC Milan, has now given the green light to join Galatasaray on a permanent basis, with the same report revealing fellow forward Christopher Nkunku could also be in line for an exit.

Chelsea now set to bid to sign Barcelona star with £837m release clause

The Blues could make a big offer for a defender, who is protected by an astronomical release clause.

ByDominic Lund Mar 30, 2025

Speculation has also been mounting over Noni Madueke’s future in west London, with Aston Villa now believed to be in pole position to sign the winger, as the Blues become increasingly tempted to cash-in.

Chelsea could be willing to sanction Madueke’s departure, but they may also have to brace for interest in a player they are less keen to see leave, with a report from The Boot Room revealing Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are interested in Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez would be keen on a move to Spain, with intermediaries currently talking to the two Spanish clubs about a potential deal, but Maresca’s side won’t make it easy, with the maestro’s deal not set to expire any time soon.

The Blues have no plans to green light the Argentina international’s departure, and given that he is contracted until the summer of 2032, they remain in a strong negotiating position.

"Unbelievable" Fernandez has kicked on this season

The west Londoners spent big to get a deal for the £180k-per-week midfielder over the line, shelling out £106.8m, and he has started to justify his hefty price tag this season, having emerged as one of the side’s most consistent performers in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old has also impressed on a number of key metrics for midfielders over the past year, most notably regularly providing goals and assists.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.15 (81st percentile)

Assists

0.23 (93rd percentile)

Progressive passes

6.90 (86th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

4.49 (96th percentile)

As such, it is little wonder some of Europe’s top clubs are queuing up for the “unbelievable” midfielder’s signature, but Chelsea should rebuff any approaches this summer, given his importance to the side.

With Fernandez contracted until 2032, there is little reason to sanction his departure unless he is unsettled, and Maresca will be hoping he is able to build on a much-improved 2024-25 campaign next season.

Things might not be going too well for Ipswich Town at the moment, but their journey over the last few years has been nothing short of incredible.

Kieran McKenna has taken the Tractor Boys from a middling League One side back up to the Premier League for the first time in over two decades, and while it’s slight, there’s still a chance the club could be in the top flight this time next year.

Moreover, while the board have backed him considerably across the last two transfer windows, the Northern Irishman is still relying on some of the players who helped the team out of the third tier.

One of those stars is the brilliant Leif Davis, and while the full-back remains an essential part of the team, Ipswich made just as good a signing in the summer.

Leif Davis' Ipswich career

Ipswich paid Leeds United just £1m for Davis’ services in the summer of 2022, and with how well he’s played in the years since, it might just be one of the club’s best-ever purchases.

In his first campaign with the Tractor Boys, the Englishman made 46 appearances across all competitions, in which he mostly played at left-back and managed to rack up a sensational haul of three goals and 14 assists, was named in the PFA Team of the Year and helped the club win promotion to the Championship.

Despite the big jump in quality, the following season saw the former Leeds ace do even better.

For example, in 44 appearances, which all came at left-back this time, the 25-year-old “animal”, as former manager Scott Parker dubbed him, scored two goals, provided 21 assists, was nominated for the PFA Championship Player of the Year and won the club’s own Men’s Players’ Player of the Year award.

Understandably, this season has been a little more challenging for the Newcastle-born maestro, and in 28 Premier League games, he has been able to amass a reasonable enough tally of one goal and three assists.

Appearances

46

44

28

Goals

3

2

1

Assists

14

21

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

0.52

0.14

Moreover, thanks to his impressive form in prior campaigns and the fact he’s managed to hold his own in the top-flight, Davis’ valuation has risen to €25m according to Transfermarkt, which works out to about £21m.

In all, the unreal full-back has to be considered one of Ipswich’s best signings in recent history, which could be said about another star McKenna recruited in the summer.

Ipswich's best signing since Davis

While Ipswich have picked up a number of very talented players in the years since signing Davis, when it comes down to their best acquisition, it can only be one man: Liam Delap.

The Tractor Boys paid Manchester City around £20m for the Englishman last summer, and while there were some questions over how he’d fare leading the line for a Premier League side, he quickly showed he’s got what it takes to be a star.

For example, while it took him a few games to get up and running, the 22-year-old now has a brilliant tally of ten goals and two assists in just 28 league games this season, totalling 2196 minutes.

Appearances

28

Starts

27

Minutes

2196

Goals

10

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.42

Minutes per Goal Involvement

183′

That means the tremendously exciting “wrecking ball,” as dubbed by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones, has been averaging a goal involvement every 2.33 games, or every 183 minutes, in the toughest league in world football for a team that are more than likely going to get relegated.

Moreover, it’s not just the former City prospect’s output that makes him such a useful player in the starting lineup, but also how he holds up the ball for others and occupies opposing defenders to free up more space for his teammates.

Finally, if the Suffolk side are relegated at the end of this season, then there are two possibilities for Delap’s future.

The first is that he remains with the club and takes the Championship by storm next year, in turn helping McKenna and Co come back up, hopefully at the first time of asking.

Or, the other possibility is that he does leave in the summer but, in doing so, brings in a massive fee, with some reports from earlier this year claiming he could go for as much as £40m.

Ultimately, both Davis and Delap have to be considered among Ipswich’s best signings in recent years, and if the team do beat the drop come May, then they’ll have certainly played their part.

Ipswich Town want to sign new 6ft 6 giant who may replace Kalvin Phillips

He’s the tallest player in his league.

ByCharlie Smith Mar 19, 2025

Man United boss Ruben Amorim has already shared Sporting CP starlet Geovany Quenda’s one major weakness, with Chelsea now putting pen to paper on a £42 million deal for the winger.

Chelsea reach agreement to sign Geovany Quenda for 2026

News broke early this morning that Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Quenda from Sporting, but he is set to remain in the Primeira Liga next season before eventually making the switch to Stamford Bridge in 2026.

Enzo Fernandez stance on joining Real Madrid as Chelsea eye £67m replacement

The club captain is attracting Carlo Ancelotti’s serious interest.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 14, 2025

The Portuguese is also expected to sign a seven-year deal at Chelsea as BlueCo add yet another very promising youngster to their books (Kaveh Solhekol), and one who has even drawn comparisons with Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka.

“Geo is so demanding with himself in the defensive moments,” said former Sporting academy coach, Fabio Roque, to Sky Sports.

Arsenal (away)

March 16th

Tottenham (home)

April 2nd

Brentford (away)

April 5th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 12th

Fulham (away)

April 19th

“To close, to recover fast, to win the defensive duels for his teammates. It reminds me of Bukayo Saka at the beginning of his career when he played as a full-back.

“There is only one Geovany Quenda. He is different from any other player I trained. He can create a mark on football that is totally different. We are talking about, with Lamine Yamal and Estevao Willian, probably the best players in that generation born in 2007.”

This is high praise indeed for the 17-year-old, who’s been a mainstay for his side throughout 2024/2025 with an impressive 43 appearances in all competitions, despite being at such a young age.

In that time, Quenda’s racked up 10 goal contributions (two goals, eight assists), and he was given the starting nod in almost all of Sporting’s Champions League games before they were knocked out by Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea also hijacked Man United’s expected deal for Quenda, with the Red Devils missing out on his signature to their English rivals.

What Ruben Amorim thinks about new Chelsea signing Quenda

However, he is by no means the finished product, and Amorim has already shared the one main weakness in Quenda’s game.

Speaking in an interview with O Jogo late last year, Sporting’s ex-head coach explained that the teenager really needs to work on his end product, as he has a very real tendency to shoot over the crossbar.

“I’ve already said everything I had to say about Quenda,” said Amorim. “He’s a very talented kid, very strong physically, very focused, with his feet firmly on the ground. That’s very important for a young player.

“I didn’t know he was the youngest ever to score. Congratulations. I think he has to improve a lot in his finishing. The amount of times he comes inside and shoots over the bar. He doesn’t put the ball in the goal well, that’s a detail he has to improve.

“He showed up well there. But that’s what I said at the beginning of the season. He had the opportunity and there was no chance to take him away, to have doubts, nothing. I think he’s going to be a great player, but let’s give it time.”

The Portugal Under-21 international can play on both wings and is seen by many as the “biggest wonderkid” in his country right now (Joao Paiva), but this bad habit of blazing the ball over will need to be worked on if he is to be successful in the Premier League.

Leeds United have now suffered a fresh injury concern alongside captain Ethan Ampadu, according to a new update from manager Daniel Farke.

Leeds frustratingly held by West Brom

The Whites had another opportunity to pull further clear at the top of the Championship on Saturday afternoon, as they hosted West Brom at Elland Road.

In the end, though, it proved to be a frustrating day for Farke and his players, with Junior Firpo’s opener cancelled out by a Darnell Furlong header before the break, and the scoreline remained 1-1 in the end.

The result was far from a disaster, though, and Leeds are still in a wonderful position, despite the fact that Sheffield United won 2-1 away to Queens Park Rangers. The Whites are three points clear of the Blades, and perhaps more importantly, eight ahead of third-place Burnley, who have one game in hand.

Injuries can have the potential to define any season, so Farke will be keeping his fingers crossed that as many key players stay fit as possible, but a worrying update has emerged regarding one individual.

Leeds suffer fresh injury blow

Speaking after the West Brom game on Saturday, Farke confirmed that Leeds ace Mateo Joseph has now picked up an injury alongside the influential Ampadu: “[We have] a few concerns over Mateo. He rolled his ankle a little bit. Hopefully it’s not so bad.”

Losing Joseph for a sustained period would be an undoubted blow for the Whites, but the manager does at least sound relatively hopeful about his absence not being too lengthy.

The 21-year-old may not always have been a regular this season, but he has still been an important squad player, chipping in with three goals and assists apiece in the Championship. He has made 23 appearances from the substitutes’ bench, adding quality when opposition legs are tiring, while Whites pundit Kris Smith has lauded him, saying:

“I have no doubt in my mind that Mateo Joseph is going to be a Premier League-quality striker in the near future. I don’t think he’s going to take him that long to get there. But the only thing standing in his way right now, for me, is being given the patience to work through his current weaknesses.”

At 21 years of age, there is still an understandable rawness to Joseph’s game, but he has a high ceiling as a player and would hopefully prove to be a hit for Leeds in the Premier League, as Smith alludes to.

There is still plenty of work to be done in the Championship promotion battle this season, however, and the Spaniard can have a big say in ensuring that his side swiftly return to the top flight.

Farke must brutally axe 3/10 Leeds star who won’t cut it in the PL

The Leeds star had fewer touches than Meslier against West Brom on Saturday lunchtime.

1 ByJoe Nuttall Mar 1, 2025

The sooner he returns from his ankle issue the better, and Farke will hope that he is available for next Sunday’s trip to Portsmouth, in another massive game, especially with Patrick Bamord showing no signs of returning.

Tottenham could bare witness to the departures of some high-profile names this summer, and not everyone will be along for the ride of Thomas Frank’s first full campaign in charge of the Lilywhites.

£50m striker now "pushing" to leave his club, he wants to join Tottenham

Spurs are targeting him despite their marquee double deal for Mohammed Kudus and Morgan Gibbs-White.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 12, 2025

After the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, which was confirmed earlier this week, Spurs now have around 24 non-locally trained men in their squad, which means they may be forced to sell at least one overseas player to comply with UEFA’s 25-man Champions League squad rules (The Telegraph).

The north Londoners have a host of options to choose from in their bid to balance the books, including the likes of Son Heung-min, Bryan Gil, Manor Solomon, Richarlison, Cristian Romero and Yves Bisssouma – who’ve all been linked with exits this summer.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Gil and Solomon are surely nailed on to leave Tottenham after spending 2024/2025 on loan at Girona and Leeds United respectively, and the latter’s sale would also count as pure profit in the eyes of PSR given the Israeli signed as a free agent in 2023.

Richarlison is also said to be attracting serious interest from Vasco de Gama after an injury-ridden season, with their president, Pedrinho, alleged to have personally phoned the Brazilian to gauge his current situation (Leonardo Lacerda).

The most unfortunate potential departures by a country mile would be those of Son and Romero.

Daniel Levy may be forced into the tough business decision of selling Son, amid interest from Saudi Arabia, the MLS and Turkey, given he’s now entered the final 12 months of his contract.

Meanwhile, Romero is rumoured to be keen on a move to Atlético Madrid, who equally want the Argentine themselves, so Tottenham could have to entertain a suitable bid from the La Liga side, if one indeed arrives.

As well as the aforementioned trio of senior first-teamers, another facing an uncertain future comes in the form of £100,000-per-week midfielder Yves Bissouma.

Fenerbahce chief travels to London for talks with Yves Bissouma

Bissouma is rumoured to be a realistic high-profile departure, with The Telegraph reporting that he’s “expected” to leave N17 this summer.

José Mourinho has also earmarked the Mali international as a top target for Fenerbahçe, according to Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, who’s now shared another update on the Süper Lig side’s serious interest.

Sabuncuoğlu, taking to X, now states that a Fenerbahçe representative has travelled to London for talks with Bissouma, so this transfer is now starting to gain traction.

The 28-year-old, like Son, has just one year left on his contract at Spurs, so now absolutely could be the time to sell him.

Bissouma put in some impressive performances during Tottenham’s run to the Europa League final last season, and displayed real flashes of brilliance overall since his £25 million move from Brighton in 2022. However, there have always been concerns surrounding his consistency, even if he has a reputation for being an “underrated” ball carrier.

“Yves is a guy I appreciate a lot,” said teammate Pape Sarr to The Telegraph last year.

“We’ve both come over from Africa, and he gives me lots of advice. He behaves a lot like my big brother. He has such an important role within the team and the club. I always listen to what he’s got to say.”

Arsenal haven’t had the rip-roaring start to the summer transfer window that their fans perhaps wanted, but the cogs are starting to churn as Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta plan to make improvements.

Across the past three Premier League seasons, the Gunners have finished second each time. Some might ridicule Arteta for failing to reach that final level, but were Arsenal not toiling in the pits before they arrived? And have they not rediscovered themselves as a European superpower?

We’re just lacking that special… something. The Emirates side have endured their share of frustration through recent transfer windows, and another disappointing finish this summer could derail a lot of progress.

Time was, Arsenal were defined by their incredible focal frontmen, but that now needs to change. It’s often futile to pinpoint exactitudes in regard to a club’s transfer strategy, but it’s clear that Arsenal’s problems could be halved through the signing of a new centre-forward.

The latest on Arsenal's striker search

Arsenal are planning to sign a new striker this summer. It’s their principal priority. There’s just cause for excitement in regard to Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, but such bids won’t be in lieu of a new number nine.

But we can’t deny that it’s taking its time. The summer saga has centred on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, who is expected to leave Sporting Lisbon but has been left dismayed by his outfit’s stance on his leaving fee.

BBC Sport understand Arsenal have yet to find a breakthrough with Sesko or Leipzig, while the 27-year-old Gyokeres might indeed prove too expensive.

Advancements with either forward may well occur in the coming weeks, but the Gunners may well turn to an alternative option ahead of the beginning of pre-season.

He’s come close to north London before.

Arsenal open talks for new striker

According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal have joined Manchester United in the race for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, with both clubs making contact with their Premier League counterpart.

Transfer Focus

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

Arsenal saw a £40m offer rejected for the England international back in January, but could now return as they look to seal a new striker sooner rather than later.

It’s thought that the Villans value the 29-year-old at £60m, a figure that the north Londoners were unwilling to pay earlier in the year.

If the package can be reduced, there’s every chance a figure could be tabled.

Why Arsenal want Ollie Watkins

The issue with both Sesko and Gyokeres is that neither boasts experience in the Premier League – and that’s an important part of determining who’s the right pick.

In Watkins, Arsenal would sign a player who is proven at the very highest level, having scored 75 goals and provided 36 assists across 184 Premier League matches, who bears the stylistic qualities befitting a Gunners talisman – indeed, skills found in the game of both Sesko and Gyokeres.

But the same could be said for a former star in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who signed for Arsenal in January 2018 for £60m – level with Villa’s asking price for Watkins – and went on to score 92 goals and provide 21 assists across 163 appearances, a remarkable run of prolific performances that led to triumph in the FA Cup too.

In his pomp, the Gabonese icon was electric, intelligent and as clinical as you like. The right-footer also found success when peeling off the left, which is a role Watkins has played many a time for Unai Emery’s side.

The Three Lions star might be a goalscorer first and foremost, but he’s also a well-rounded forward, having ranked among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues in 2024/25 for assists and the top 19% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Moreover, he’s something of a veteran at 29, which is similarly the case with Aubameyang, who joined the Premier League aged 28 and hit the ground running, calling upon all his experience and athleticism to post ten goals and four assists over his opening 13 matches in the division.

While Watkins is coming off the back of a campaign that left something to be desired, he still scored 17 goals and chalked up 14 more assists across all competitions, with his exploits rightly seeing podcaster Rohan Jivan name him “one of the best CFs in Europe.”

This is certainly underscored by his impressive track record (across all competitions) against the Premier League’s historic ‘big six’, having notably bagged six times over 11 matches against Arsenal, a statistic that will no doubt dredge up some off-putting memories for the club’s fanbase.

They say that if you can’t beat them, join them, but in Arsenal’s case, if they can’t stop Watkins from scoring, why not just sign him?

There is, of course, more to it than that, but Watkins’ goalscoring record against high-level opposition does underscore his suitability.

That and a consistent goalscoring record that would see Arsenal return to the striking success of old, when Aubameyang last plied his trade in an Arsenal shirt.

24/25

Kai Havertz

9

23/24

Bukayo Saka

16

22/23

Martin Odegaard

15

21/22

Bukayo Saka

11

20/21

Alexandre Lacazette

13

19/20

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

22

Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe, but they lack the deadly goalscorer of their domestic and continental rivals. Bukayo Saka is world-class, but he’s not an out-and-out striker.

And though Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have been out injured for a while, neither boasts the true clinical edge needed.

Watkins is a veteran, but so was Aubameyang when the mobile, high-speed star came over way back when. Imagine Auba in this current Gunners team? Such dreams may be realised if Watkins signs this summer.

He's a lot like Saka: Arsenal "working on" signing £50m star – Ornstein

The international attacker could add some more flair to Arsenal’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 3, 2025

Manchester United are now believed to be leading the race to sign a hugely young prospect, with the Red Devils ahead of rivals Manchester City in the battle to snap him up.

Mbeumo likes Man Utd player's post

Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as a priority target for United this summer, with the Brentford ace standing out as one of the best right-sided players in the Premier League last season.

Meanwhile, current Bees director of football, Phil Giles, has openly admitted that there is a “significant” amount of interest in the Cameroonian attacker.

“There is significant interest in Bryan. His current preference has been well publicised. He had an unbelievable season, and we expected interest in him. From what I understand, he is also, if needs be, happy to stay at Brentford next year as well. We’ve spoken to Bryan and his representatives. It’s not a given that he’s going to depart this summer. If we get the right offer, there is the potential for a deal to be done, but there is only so much we can say now on that.”

Now, Mbeumo has further stoked the fires ahead of a potential move to United this summer, liking a photo posted by centre-back Leny Yoro on Instagram.

Elsewhere, it looks as though the Red Devils are also looking at the long-term picture, with a new young talent backed to head to Old Trafford.

Man Utd leading race to sign young midfielder

According to The Athletic‘s Laurie Whitwell on X, Manchester United are in pole position to sign Fulham teenager Seth Ridgeon this summer, with talks taking place over a move for him and Tyrese Noubissie “seen as among best in country”.

“MUFC in talks to sign two 16-year-old midfielders seen as among best in country: Seth Ridgeon from Fulham + Tyrese Noubissie from Man City. Competition for both, who have been invited to facilities by academy staff, but United making good proposals.”

A Hojlund & Osimhen hybrid: Man Utd enter talks for "world-class" £44m CF

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ByEthan Lamb Jul 12, 2025

In his story for The Athletic, Whitwell adds that ‘United are believed to lead the race should Ridgeon leave Craven Cottage’ ahead of the likes of Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool. While many United supporters will be focusing on the club bringing in players who could be immediate starters next season, this update is exciting in its own right.

The Red Devils should always be looking to snap up the most eye-catching homegrown talent, as they have throughout history, bringing in Wayne Rooney as a teenager, for example.

Ridgeon, 16, is a potentially special talent, being capped by England at both Under-16 and Under-17 level, and beating City to his signature could feel like a major coup.

England Under-17s

8

1

England Under-16s

7

2

United have fallen down the pecking order in recent years, having been at the top of the football tree for so long in the 1990s and 2000s, but signing the best teenagers around would be a positive step in the right direction.