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It wasn’t a vintage performance from Arsenal last night, but they did what they needed to do against Port Vale and are through to the Fourth Round of the League Cup.

With that said, while much of the team underwhelmed against the League One side, Myles Lewis-Skelly was one of those who didn’t.

For example, he got the faintest of touches on the ball that led to Eberechi Eze’s goal, and then, across the 94 minutes, completed 76 of 78 passes, was successful in 100% of his dribbles, and won 100% of his duels.

It was the sort of showing that should remind fans and pundits alike just how special a talent the Hale Ender really is.

Moreover, it’s a testament to him that he’s already an established first-teamer, as Arsenal had a young prospect who some could say was the original Lewis-Skelly a few years ago, and he eventually left the club for nothing.

Lewis-Skelly's incredible rise at Arsenal

It’s almost hard to believe, but at this point last year, Lewis-Skelly had played just a minute of senior competitive football for Arsenal when he came off the bench against Manchester City in the league.

Impressively, though, and perhaps as an indication of his willingness to get stuck in, the teenager actually received a yellow card early on in that game before he’d even made his debut for telling his teammates to stay down from the sidelines.

His first start for the club came a year ago tonight, however, as Arteta put him in from the start against Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup, and it didn’t take long for him to play a brilliant ball into Raheem Sterling, which led to an Ethan Nwaneri goal.

Over the next few months, the young Englishman would become more and more critical to the team, as persistent injuries to Riccardo Calafiori gave him the time to cement the left-back position as his own.

In fact, the teenager was so impressive in red and white that he was handed his first senior England cap in March of this year, when he made his debut against Albania and scored his first international goal.

The “fearless” academy star, as dubbed by Declan Rice, ended up making 39 first-team appearances last season and already has four under his belt this year, looking like he could really be going to the World Cup in the summer.

In all, Arsenal have an incredible talent on their hands in Lewis-Skelly, and he looks destined to reach the top of the game, unlike another young defensive prospect they had who eventually left for nothing.

Arsenal's original Lewis-Skelly

As with every major club, Arsenal has had numerous promising young academy talents who have struggled to make the transition to the first team.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Unfortunately, that was what happened in the case of the very talented Reuell Walters.

Before joining the Gunners academy set-up in 2020, the 20-year-old ace spent 18 months without a team following a failed move to Manchester United after he left Tottenham Hotspur.

However, that time out of junior football seemingly made no difference to his ability when he did make it to Hale End.

For example, across the almost four years he spent with the Gunners, the Lambeth-born gem made 55 appearances for the U21S, 20 for the U18S and five for the UEFA Youth League squads.

Moreover, he was very highly rated by those in the know, with respected analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “ball-carrying monster” who “loves to drive up the pitch with conviction, brushing off challengers and shielding the ball with his body.”

Mattinson then goes on to claim the youngster’s “passing ability is technically secure” and that he “looks to play long balls over the top of the opponent’s defence to switch play.”

In other words, he was seen as a young full-back who was tough on the ball, could carry it with ease and still had a killer pass in his locker, which sounds a lot like Lewis-Skelly.

However, even though he was an unused substitute on a number of occasions, it was clear that the young Englishman wanted more first-team football. As a result, he turned down a new contract and instead joined Luton Town for free in July 2024.

Since then, he’s made 20 appearances for the Hatters, and while that might not sound like much, he is still young and missed 15 games through injury last season.

Ultimately, it’s now clear that Walters was never going to hit the levels of Arsenal’s recent Hale End stars, but given his age and the skills he has, there is every chance he can still have a great career in the game.

The St. Louis Cardinals (31-33) host the PIttsburgh Pirates (31-34) tonight at Busch Stadium with rookie sensation Paul Skenes on the mound for the Pirates.

Here are two player props to target in plus-money tonight. 

MLB Best Bets Today

Paul Skenes over 7.5 strikeouts (+110) at DraftKings

If you are an MLB fan, you are obligated to always take the over on Paul Skenes K props. 

I kid. Sort of. 

No pitcher’s debut season has been this hyped since Stephen Strasburg in 2010, and so far Skenes has (mostly) lived up to the hype.  

Skenes struck out eight Dodgers in his most recent outing, also securing the win for the Bucs.  If Skenes can K eight Dodgers, I am happy to grab plus-money for him to tally eight punch-outs vs. the St. Louis Cardinals. 

The Cardinals have a 23.7% K-rate vs. righties this season — the 10th highest rate in MLB.

Skenes has exceeded this prop in three of five games started this year and he’s striking batters out at a rate of 12.67 per nine innings. If he makes it through six innings, he easily exceeds this mark. 

Rowdy Tellez over 1.5 Hits +Runs + RBI (+105) at DraftKings

I know, I know. Tellez has been awful this year, but hear me out.

Not only does Tellez tear the cover off the ball (his max exit velocity in the top 2% of MLB), he’s been heating up lately.

In June, Tellez is hitting .529 with seven RBI and a 1.461 OPS. He has hits in six of his last seven games, and he has exceeded this prop in five of those seven.   

Not only that, but Tellez has good career stats vs. Miles Mikolas.  

In 18 career at-bats vs. Mikolas, Tellez is batting .333 and has a 1.091 OPS. Take advantage of the value for Tellez tonight. 

Marcus Rashford has singled out one of his former Manchester United bosses for special praise, with the England international opening up on a more positive time for him at Old Trafford. Rashford rose from academy product to first-team star, marked by a sensational debut season and notably scored 30 goals in the 2022-23 campaign. But inconsistent performances and disciplinary issues led to his departure on loan, first to Aston Villa, then Barcelona.

• Rashford's remarkable revival

  Rashford has found a new lease on life at Barcelona since his year-long summer loan move from Old Trafford, becoming one of the most important players for the Spanish giants, especially in the Champions League, where he has already netted four goals and provided one assist in just three matches. He has also contributed effectively in La Liga, with one goal and five assists, demonstrating improved consistency and confidence. His prolific output translates to a goal involvement every 88 minutes for the Catalan giants, a statistic that reflects his pivotal role in attack. And while Rashford is in superb form for his loan club, he has spoken affectionately about one former United boss whom he loved playing for. 

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  Rashford revelled in life under Ole

  Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who took over as United boss in December 2018, Rashford initially thrived, enjoying some of his most prolific and consistent form as United re-emerged as title contenders, and he felt a strong personal affinity for the Norwegian, defending him publicly when he was sacked in November 2021 and taking responsibility as a player for the manager's dismissal. However, their relationship was tested toward the end of Solskjaer's tenure, with the manager publicly urging the England international to "prioritise his football" amid growing charitable activities. This was reportedly met with disappointment from Rashford's camp.

• 'Very successful period for me personally'

  Rashford told Norwegian outlet of his time working with Solskjaer: "Ole is a fantastic person. I loved playing under him. I can speak for many of the players at Manchester United when I say that we enjoyed playing for him. We played good football under Ole. It was a very successful period for me personally. He is a fantastic person, and I don’t have a bad word to say about him."

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  Bright future with the Blaugrana

  Rashford has spoken about how happy he is after leaving Manchester United and confirmed he would like to stay at Barca beyond the end of his current loan spell. 

  In a recent interview with Barca's YouTube channel, Rashford revealed he’s loving life in Spain and sees his future with the Catalan giants. He said: "I’m really enjoying my time in Spain. The weather is the best part. It’s a very big change. I’m learning every day, I’m really enjoying it. I hope to be here for a long time. I get along really well with Roony (Bardghji), as well as Jules (Kounde) and Frenkie (De Jong). It’s a team where we all blend together. We’re united. The team is fantastic. I just have to be in the right position. I’ll keep trying to do this. We have to keep going like this to be our best. We have a lot more to do this season." 

  He added: "I’m enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game so to play here is an honour. I just believe that things happen when they’re supposed to happen. It’s not the first time I spoke with Barcelona about potentially coming here, but for whatever reasons it didn’t happen in the past, and now is my opportunity to make it happen. I feel like there’s no time like the present now. 

  "People forget this, but 23 years of my life was with Manchester United. So sometimes you just need a change. I think maybe this is the case with me and yeah, I’m enjoying everything. I don’t feel there is much change in me, I just feel it’s a new environment and culture and one I looked forward to coming here. It’s just about me adapting and fitting in as well as possible. I’m so hungry to keep improving."

Tommy Fleetwood has revealed that one Premier League manager is a “very good golfer” who “could be champion” if he was fully committed to the sport.

Team Europe on course to retain the Ryder Cup after dominant display

Team Europe are in a very strong position to retain the Ryder Cup, courtesy of a dominant performance over the past two days, which means they need just 2½ more points to secure a victory over the USA.

Fleetwood has been paramount to Europe’s success, cementing himself as the biggest points producer in the entire competition, having won all four of his matches in the team sessions, while also making headlines after clashing with Bryson DeChambeau on day two.

Away from golf, the Englishman is well-known to be a supporter of Everton, but the 34-year-old has also struck up a relationship with a manager of a different Premier League club, who he believes has the ability to be a professional golfer, if he was fully committed to the sport.

In an interview with Manchester City back in 2018, Fleetwood spoke fondly of Pep Guardiola, saying: “We were introduced through a mutual friend because I had always admired Pep and knew he liked a game of golf,

“I don’t think either of us expected to get on with each other as well as we did but we hit it off immediately; his sense of humour is very similar to mine!

Pep catches the eye at the Icons Series

While Guardiola will certainly have no complaints about his career path, having played for Barcelona, before going on to establish himself as one of the greatest managers of all time, the 54-year-old has proven he could’ve been a handy golf player.

8 of the best quotes from Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola is a constant source of wisdom and entertainment.

By
Barney Lane

Mar 7, 2025

When competing at the Icons Series, the Man City boss chipped in twice from considerable distance, with the second shot from across the water particularly impressive.

Speaking about his love of the sport, Guardiola once said: “I love golf for many reasons. For the environment, the courses you play on. There are no referees there. The rules are for everybody. So when our games are being influenced by the decision of the referee, it is too much. In good ways and bad ways.”

That said, having put in such a dominant performance at Bethpage Black, Team Europe clearly aren’t short of top golfers, with captain Luke Donald almost certain to be lifting the Ryder Cup later today, courtesy of Fleetwood & co.

Nottingham Forest are now making enquiries over a summer deal for an “underrated” forward, who is expected to have an asking price of around £20m, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest gearing up for European adventure

Having managed to qualify for a European competition for the first time since 1996, Forest may need to improve their squad depth in the upcoming transfer window, and they have now started to identify potential targets in a range of different positions.

Despite missing out on Champions League due to the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea on the final day, the Tricky Trees may still be in a strong position to attract quality players from some top clubs, courtesy of securing qualification for the Europa Conference League.

With Morgan Gibbs-White being heavily linked with a move away from the City Ground, however, it may be particularly important to bring in new attacking options, who are capable of providing goals and assists on a regular basis.

According to a report from GiveMeSport, Nottingham Forest have a new target in mind who could fit the bill in that regard, having now started to make enquiries about a potential summer deal for SC Freiburg forward Ritsu Doan.

Forest are now stepping up their pursuit of Doan, but there could be competition for his signature from Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt, with the Bundesliga sides known to be admirers.

Frankfurt are currently preparing an offer for the Freiburg star, so the Tricky Trees may have to move quickly if they are to secure his signature, with an offer in the region of £20m likely to be deemed acceptable by the forward’s current employers.

"Underrated" Doan impressing in the Bundesliga

The Japanese winger enjoyed an impressive 2024-25 campaign in Germany, picking up a combined 19 goals and assists in 36 matches in all competitions, during which time he also received praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Not only that, but the 26-year-old is also willing and able to pitch in defensively, ranking in the 92nd percentile for tackles per 90, and the 95th percentile for clearances over the past year, when compared to other wingers and attacking midfielders.

Nottingham Forest now "want to do" deal for "amazing" £50m Liverpool player

The Tricky Trees are eager to sign a Premier League gem, as they prepare for a European campaign next season.

By
Dominic Lund

May 26, 2025

As such, Doan could be a bargain signing for Nottingham Forest at just £20m this summer, at which point Nuno Espirito Santo may have to bring in at least one new winger, amid recent reports that Manchester United are now considering a move for Callum Hudson-Odoi.

There’s been a curious reaction on social media to Liverpool’s drive to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s talisman, Florian Wirtz.

Far be it from FSG to employ a scattergun approach in the transfer market. Liverpool have only signed Federico Chiesa (for just £12.5m) since August 2023, when Jurgen Klopp built a new midfield.

Now, the Premier League champions are looking to invest, and though it’s true that Liverpool will break the British transfer record if they succeed in getting Wirtz’s signature inked in red, there’s little question he’s a “truly generational talent”, as has been noted by sports media professional Cristian Nyari.

Of course, Arne Slot’s side need more than just a new playmaker. Having already replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold with Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, efforts are being made across a myriad areas.

Richard Hughes must be a busy man, especially since he’s been forced to contend with the potential sale of one of the club’s biggest stars in Luis Diaz.

Liverpool's dream Diaz replacement

Diaz is one of the most valued members of Slot’s Liverpool squad. The Colombian started 38 games across all competitions this season, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists.

However, he’s being pursued by Saudi club Al Nassr, and Barcelona are interested too.

Given that he’s 28 and entering the next-to-last year in his £55k-per-week contract, Diaz is understandably going to want either a new deal or a transfer away.

If Liverpool do cash in, with figures as high as €85m (£72m), it feels like a bit of a no-brainer, with the Merseysiders reportedly considering a swoop for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.

The 24-year-old Gordon would cost a pretty penny himself – £80m pretty pennies, more precisely. However, this could be a stunning long-term capture for a terrific player.

And he’s not the only one being targeted to revamp Liverpool’s left flank.

Liverpool advancing to seal another signing after Wirtz

As per Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are ‘working again this week’ to seal a move for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who has already reached a total agreement with FSG on personal terms.

After a likely weekend breather, the clubs are ready to lock horns in transfer battle once again this week in order to strike the same chord.

The Cherries are holding firm on their £45m valuation of the 21-year-old, a likely sticking point, although Liverpool are “willing to go close to that”, as per correspondent David Lynch, who stressed there is nought to worry about.

Why Milos Kerkez would be a dream alongside Gordon

In March, Kerkez was described by Troy Deeney as being “one of the best left-backs in the world already.” Deeney might not always get his Liverpool-related takes right, but the retired striker is on the money with this one.

The Hungarian prospect joined Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in July 2023 in a £15m deal, since going from strength to strength, nailing down an important spot in Andoni Iraola’s outfit.

And “the frightening thing is he’s not even at his peak yet”, as said by pundit Izzy Christensen. Kerkez’s energy and athleticism will surely prove a game-changer next term, easing the responsibility on the declining Andy Robertson’s shoulders.

Moreover, he could forge a proper partnership with Gordon on that left-hand side, for the Magpies man is potent and electric in his attacking play, but also tenacious and committed to completing his defensive duties.

At his essence, though, Gordon is a forward, and earning Newcastle’s 2023/24 Player of the Year after posting 28 goal contributions across the campaign and leading Eddie Howe’s side through an injury-ravaged season.

Perhaps his struggles to influence Newcastle’s recently concluded campaign stem from Liverpool’s failed approach last summer. In any case, Gordon is a nightmarish opponent to face, and with Kerkez in behind him, FSG would secure a partnership for many years to come.

As per Sofacore, Kerkez won 60% of his ground duels and created eight big chances in the Premier League this season, underscoring his balanced qualities.

Adding to that, the high-flying prospect’s tireless running led to an obscene amount of ground being covered across the campaign (see Sofascore), which is more than can be said for Robertson, who across the whole Premier League campaign managed just 0.2 dribbles per game, succeeding with a miserable 41% of his efforts.

The Scotsman also created fewer big chances than Kerkez with seven, so the new recruit would be fostering a rising creative flair, which could serve Gordon very well indeed.

Across his two full terms with Newcastle in the Premier League, the Three Lions star has scored 17 goals while only missing 19 big chances, which isn’t the most clinical metric in the division but does suggest he’s got a prolific streak about him that Kerkez’s support would only enhance.

Finally, Kerkez ranked among the top 6% of full-backs in the Premier League this year for crosses into the penalty area per 90 (0.73), as per FBref, providing a source for Gordon to latch onto with his loping strides, or indeed to meet the centre-forward fans are hoping to see come through the Anfield gates before the window’s done and dusted.

With Robertson on the way out and Trent already lapping up the Spanish rays, a new creative full-back force is duly needed, and Kerkez certainly fits the bill.

Fuelling Gordon from the defensive area, charging forward when he deems it the right time, Kerkez would be a breath of fresh air for Slot’s side, fixing the biggest chink in the armour and ensuring the Reds have the means to do it all over again next year.

Better than Sesko & Ekitike: Liverpool now looking to sign £60m "monster"

Liverpool are planning to replace Darwin Nunez at number nine this summer.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 2, 2025

Nottingham Forest are still in the hunt for a European place and look to be showing the same ambition in the transfer market as they circle for a talented defender, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest hopeful of statement summer window

Form has dipped at the City Ground over the last few weeks, and some supporters could be forgiven for getting a little twitchy over the Tricky Trees’ chances of Champions League qualification.

However, Nuno Espirito Santo has remained stoic in the face of Premier League rivals’ momentum, and there is still belief that a special ending could be in store for the Nottingham Forest faithful.

Regardless of how the rest of the campaign goes, there is optimism that an exciting summer window could be on the cards to help bridge the gap further after a valiant effort this term.

Showing their ambition, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is on Forest’s radar amid his £30 million relegation release clause, which has also attracted the eyes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

James McAtee could join his former Manchester City teammate after enduring a frustrating campaign at the Etihad Stadium that has resulted in limited minutes for the England Under-21 international.

Marinakis pushing: £25m+ Nottingham Forest target now keen to complete move

Marinakis could get his man…

By
Tom Cunningham

May 7, 2025

While the market is becoming increasingly globalised, proven Premier League operators appear to be the type of profile Nottingham Forest want to attract to enrich their playing squad.

There is also the carrot of arrivals from their own division potentially being homegrown, which is a vital component when it comes to meeting UEFA registration rules.

With that in mind, Nottingham Forest have now spotted another opportunity to try to land a Premier League star who could be on the move this summer.

Nottingham Forest closely pursuing Liverpool's Jarell Quansah

According to TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest are now closely pursuing Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, who is also on the radar of Newcastle United this summer.

The Reds are said to value the England international at £29.7 million and could look to cash in on his services should they add another body to their rearguard during the off-season.

Labelled “absolutely brilliant” by journalist David Lynch, Quansah has made 24 appearances across all competitions this season, becoming a reliable contributor on Liverpool’s journey to claiming the Premier League title.

Nevertheless, he hasn’t been in the limelight as much as he would’ve hoped, which has left the door ajar for a potential exit to put himself in with a chance of regular minutes in 2025/26.

The 2026 World Cup isn’t too far in the distance, potentially amplifying urgency from his own perspective to make sure he is noticed by Thomas Tuchel in the lead-up to the finals.

Nottingham Forest are in a brilliant position to offer him that pathway. Now, it is about whether they can fend off competition from elsewhere for his signature.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta could’ve signed two players in the exact same position this summer, but an injury to one of Mikel Arteta’s men has apparently thwarted those plans.

Arsenal suffer first-leg defeat in Champions League semi-final

On the field, Arteta’s side suffered a setback in their pursuit of a first ever Champions League title on Tuesday evening, with PSG beating them 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

Arsenal set to contact 18-goal star as key issue stops Barcelona signing him

The Gunners are planning to reach out.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 29, 2025

Ousmane Dembélé’s very early goal was eventually enough to clinch a one-goal advantage for the French champions heading into their replay at the Parc des Princes, with Gianluigi Donnarumma making excellent saves from the likes of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Mikel Merino also saw his equalising header ruled out by VAR for offside, so it was close but no cigar for the Gunners, who face an uphill battle to come back against an in-form PSG side on enemy turf.

However, as Arteta said in his post-match press conference, it is only half-time, and we’ve seen far more unlikely European comebacks in recent years.

“You cannot,” said Arteta on needing control against PSG for all 90 minutes.

“This is one of the best, beating all the English teams, the best teams in this country. You cannot dominate this team in 95 minutes. Impossible. Forget about it. You have to understand what it means dominating them and in which area of the pitch. We have to be very clear. Again, what we have to do when we cannot win it, OK, make sure that we take the game well again.”

Arteta is fully aware of the tough task facing his Arsenal side in PSG, who have lost just one Ligue 1 game all season and were unbeaten until last Friday, but there is still optimism from his end.

“I don’t know the percentage, but we have a lot of chances to be in that final,” said Arteta. “As I repeat myself, you have to do something, especially in the competition, to earn the right to be in the final and the time to do it is going to be in Paris.”

Gabriel Jesus injury thwarts Arsenal plan to sign two strikers

Off the field, Berta is planning to sign a striker for Arsenal this summer, as has been reported for quite some time.

However, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, in a piece for The Boot Room, the Gunners could’ve signed two new centre-forwards this summer, if it wasn’t for Gabriel Jesus and his long-term injury.

Jesus could even be out of action for Arsenal until 2026, according to other reports, and this has apparently thwarted the possibility of Berta’s sealing a double-striker deal.

Bailey says that Arsenal could’ve sold Jesus this summer, which would’ve opened the door for two number nines to arrive instead of one, but the Brazilian’s recovery from an ACL rupture means they’ve had to put any plans to sell on hold.

With Berta unable to raise funds and trim wages through Jesus’ sale, the prospect of more than one striker is now impossible.

This is hardly the end of the world, as a prolific star frontman is still fully expected to arrive and compete with Kai Havertz, but it could’ve been an even busier summer in the attacking areas.

Arsenal are “ready to pay” the price needed to sign a Premier League star who manager Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta both want at the Emirates, according to reliable journalist David Ornstein.

Arsenal face PSG in all-important Champions League semi-final

With no games to worry about this weekend, Arsenal are currently anticipating their most important game of the season so far – a blockbuster Champions League semi-final first leg clash against Ligue 1 champions PSG.

Arsenal demand major Thomas Partey concession in talks over new deal

The Ghanaian has arguably enjoyed his best campaign at Arsenal.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 25, 2025

Arsenal blew away Real Madrid in the last round, knocking Carlo Ancelotti’s 15-time European champions out in the quarter-finals via a 5-1 aggregate scoreline, and they’ll take plenty of encouragement from what was a truly dominant display over two legs against one of the continent’s most feared sides.

Luis Enrique’s side pose an equally tough test, if not more so, having enjoyed an excellent Champions League campaign to date whilst remaining unbeaten in Ligue 1.

PSG are the media’s favourites to win this year’s Champions League, but you can never discount an Arsenal side absolutely brimming with quality.

Arsenal's transfer plans for this summer

Away from the pitch, Berta and co are already planning for next season by identifying the club’s preferred summer signings. According to some reports, Arsenal want to reinforce the goalkeeping department, full-back area and in midfield, whilst also potentially signing a new left-winger, right-winger and striker (GiveMeSport).

A new centre-back to rotate with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba isn’t out of the question either, with Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen reliably believed to be a top target for the Gunners.

Arsenal have held talks with Huijsen’s representatives ahead of the summer window, according to multiple media sources, after his excellent debut season in the Premier League where he’s seriously impressed under Andoni Iraola.

The 20-year-old, who actually scored against north London rivals Tottenham earlier this season, will be allowed to leave for £50 million – the value of his release clause.

Arsenal "ready to pay" release clause for Dean Huijsen

Now, as per Ornstein in a Q&A for The Athletic, Arsenal are “ready to pay” Huijsen’s release clause after negotiating with his camp recently. It is also believed that Arteta and Berta are both huge fans of the ex-Serie A centre-back, but they still face stiff competition from rivals.

“It is strong and they remain in contention,” said Ornstein on Arsenal’s interest in Huijsen.

“They are among the clubs (with Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham) who have met his representatives, with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta keen to sign the Spain international. Whether or not Arsenal win the race is unclear because it’s still open and I’m not aware of a front-runner between them, Chelsea and Liverpool to date. Real Madrid has always carried huge appeal to Huijsen, we hear, but so far they haven’t moved on this situation, and I’m sure he is philosophical about that. Previously, I think Kiwior exiting Arsenal was highly possible… that might be less certain following his recent rise to prominence.

“Either way, Huijsen would play a lot of football at Arsenal, and they can now show him many examples of how, under Arteta, players have developed extremely well and become top-level talents. Now, this doesn’t mean he will opt for them; there are pros and cons to each of the suitors, all of whom are ready to pay the release clause. Huijsen and Bournemouth want it sorted sooner rather than later. Let’s see what he decides.”

The Spain international was handed his first senior caps in a very competitive national team as well this season, highlighting just how well he’s performed, and Huijsen now looks set to be one of this summer’s most in-demand defenders.

Manchester City have made a breakthrough in their pursuit of a “sensational” star, as he has now agreed to move to the Etihad Stadium this summer, according to a report.

Man City's summer transfer plans

Man City took a huge step towards Champions League qualification on Tuesday night, with Matheus Nunes’ late goal securing a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa, moving his side up to third in the Premier League with just four games left to play.

Should City achieve a top-five finish, they should be in a strong position to attract some top players this summer, and Pep Guardiola is keen to reinforce his squad in a number of areas, given that his side have fallen way short of their usual standards this season.

With Kevin De Bruyne set to leave at the end of the campaign, a new attacking midfielder will be required, and the Blues are now the favourites to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, in a deal that could amount to a stunning £129m.

Man City now looking to sign ex-Real Madrid defender in £30m+ transfer

City’s defence has been a huge problem this season.

By
Barney Lane

Apr 22, 2025

There have also been suggestions that Guardiola could look to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, with Ederson in line to be replaced, and potential targets include Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens and FC Porto’s Diogo Costa.

There has now been a new update on Manchester City’s pursuit of Costa, with reports from France revealing the goalkeeper has now agreed to move to the Etihad Stadium this summer following initial talks.

Talks are ongoing, with agent Jorge Mendes set to be crucial to negotiations, but the 25-year-old has given the green light to sign for City in the summer transfer window, in what will come as welcome news to Guardiola.

A deal will not be cheap, however, as the Blues will have to fork out the full release clause of €75m (£64m) to secure a deal for the Porto shot-stopper.

Costa could be "sensational" signing for City

Ederson has been a fantastic servant to City, but with the Brazilian set to turn 32 in August, it is time City started thinking about replacements, and the Portugal international could be a fantastic addition to the squad.

It is important for any goalkeeper in a Guardiola system to be comfortable in possession of the ball, and the Switzerland-born goalkeeper appears to fit the bill in that regard, ranking in the 92nd percentile for touches per 90 over the past year.

Not only that, but the Portuguese shot-stopper has been lauded for his “cat-like reflexes” by journalist Zach Lowy, having made some impressive saves during his time with his boyhood club.

Having also been hailed as “absolutely sensational” by journalist Karan Tejwani, there is every indication that Costa could be a success at the Etihad Stadium, so it is exciting news that he has now agreed to join City this summer..