The Blaze booked their place in a third consecutive regional women’s final as they defeated Central Sparks by five wickets with two overs to spare in the first of the two semi-finals on Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day at Derby.Sparks England Under-19 legspinner Hannah Baker took 3 for 24 but the experience of England opener Tammy Beaumont (39 off 31 balls) and Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce (44 off 39) put The Blaze in control before a cameo 14 off four balls by Baker’s international captain Josie Groves saw last year’s runners-up across the line.Australian Courtney Webb rescued the Sparks innings from 93 for 6 with an unbeaten 45 from 31 balls after Davina Perrin (32 from 17) and Ami Campbell (21 from 14) had helped put on 54 in the powerplay after legspinner Groves, taking responsibility in the absence through injury of England’s Sarah Glenn, had taken 2 for 16 and left-arm pace bowler Grace Ballinger two for 34.Having been put in on a pitch that looked quite green, the aggressive approach adopted by Sparks openers Campbell and Perrin paid off with runs on the board, although neither survived the opening six overs.Blaze skipper Kirstie Gordon conceded 14 in her opening over but continued to toss the ball up to Campbell, who followed a six and two fours by being caught at long-on. And with the last ball of the sixth over, having been made to suffer as Perrin crashed her for three fours, Ballinger found the right line and length to bowl the 17-year-old.The Perrin dismissal signalled a switch of momentum, Sparks slipping from 75 for 2 in the 10th to 93 for 6 as skipper Eve Jones fell to a good low return catch by Lucy Higham, Kathryn Bryce ran out Abbey Freeborn off her own bowling and Groves bowled Katie George before having Charis Pavely stumped.Em Arlott hit Heather Graham straight to extra cover to make it 114 for 7 but Sparks finished well as Ballinger conceded 13 off her final over despite having Grace Potts caught at mid-off before a last over in which Webb was dropped on 41 and should have been run out on 43.The Blaze plundered 51 from their batting powerplay, putting them well on track despite the loss of Marie Kelly, who hit an unbeaten 89 against Sparks in their final points table match last Wednesday, fell for 8 to a catch at mid-off. By the halfway point, the Beaumont-Kathryn Bryce partnership had added 57 to take their side to 78 for 1.Sparks then made a second breakthrough as seamer George induced a low return catch to dismiss Beaumont for 39 off 31 before Jones’ team temporarily dried up the flow of boundaries, removing Sarah Bryce via a smart catch behind the wicket. But a huge six by Graham off Potts left The Blaze needing just 33 off the last five overs.Graham’s stay was short, perishing to a well-judged catch by Arlott at long-on off Webb, and Baker picked up her third wicket to keep Sparks in the hunt as Kathryn Bryce miscued to mid-on, but Groves crushed any hopes they might have had with three fours off the reel off George to seal victory with two overs to spare.
Everton need to sort out some of their players’ contract situations before it is too late. The Toffees could lose four experienced figures at the end of the month when their contracts expire, according to the Liverpool Echo. Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gueye, Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could all leave on a free.
The report says Gueye and Coleman have both ‘been offered the chance to extend their stays’ at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, although it is unclear what their decision will be. It would certainly be a loss for both to leave, given the experience they provide to David Moyes’ side.
Indeed, if Gueye was to depart the club this summer, the Toffees could already be lining up his perfect replacement.
Everton's Gueye replacement
It will certainly be hard for Everton to replace Gueye this summer. He is a player with bags of experience and is a key figure for Moyes in the middle of midfield. They certainly need to replace him with someone who adds that know-how.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Well, perhaps Everton’s latest midfield target, Fenerbahce star Fred, is the man who can do just that.
According to a report from Turkish outlet Fanatik, the former Manchester United star is a key target for the Toffees. They explain that ‘Moyes wants to see the Brazilian star as one of the key names in the midfield’ in 2025/26.
However, Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho ‘will not give up easily’ when it comes to keeping Fred at the club.
They are reportedly set to ask for £17m to let the midfielder go this summer, although the 32-year-old ‘continues to insist on transferring’, which looks positive for Everton.
Why Fred would be a good signing
Fred’s game has certainly evolved in the last few years, and his time in Turkey seems to sum that up. A genuine box-to-box midfielder, he is someone involved in all phases of the game, and can make an impact in any third.
Fred in action for Fenerbache.
Last season for Fenerbahce, Fred played 45 games, contributing five goals and eight assists, highlighting the impact he has in attack. In the top flight of Turkey, the Brazil international contributed to 11 goals in just 31 appearances.
Of course, let’s not forget the contributions he made in a Man United shirt. A key part of the Red Devils’ midfield for a number of years, Fred played 213 times, scoring 14 times and grabbing 19 assists. 22 of those 33 goal involvements came in his final two seasons at Old Trafford, further highlighting that more advanced role he now plays.
fred-man-united-premier-league-transfers
The 2025/26 campaign is a huge one for those on the Blue side of Merseyside. They are moving into the Hill Dickinson Stadium and will be looking to build on the momentum gathered under Moyes last season.
Well, Fred could be the perfect player to help guide them through these huge months. Described as a “big-game player” by Statman Dave, he is prone to stepping up in those big moments. Take this strike for United in the Europa League back in 2022/23 against Barcelona, during a game in which his side were behind.
The Brazilian would be a key replacement for Gueye next term, if he were to leave. The Senegal international played 37 times in the Premier League, featuring in every single one of Moyes’ games in charge.
He provides experience and a sense of calm at the base of the midfield in that famous Blue shirt, although he does play a slightly different role to Fred. Gueye tends to sit at the base of Everton’s midfield. Last season, he made the most tackles in the top flight, with 133.
Yet, the numbers via FBref from Fred’s most recent Premier League season, compared to Gueye’s stats from this term, are not too dissimilar. For example, the Brazilian averaged 4.75 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes compared to the Everton star’s 5.32 each game.
Progressive passes
5.47
4.26
Blocks
2.73
1.41
Tackles and interceptions
4.75
5.32
Ball recoveries
9.14
5.71
Progressive carries
0.72
0.79
Losing the experience and guile of Gueye in midfield would certainly be a blow to Moyes, but Fred could be an apt replacement. The Brazilian is versatile and can sit a bit deeper to help screen the back four, or can operate in advanced areas to a great degree of success.
Adding experience and Premier League quality for a fee of £17m seems like a good deal for the Toffees. Fred could well be the dream Gueye replacement if he departs this summer.
Moyes' new Doucoure: Everton start talks to sign "magnificent" £13m star
David Moyes could win Everton’s new Abdoulaye Doucoure by securing this star’s services.
Having already signed Fer Lopez, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now reportedly set their sights on welcoming a defensive reinforcement who current star Yerson Mosquera knows well.
Fer Lopez: Premier League is an "amazing opportunity"
After losing both Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri in the early days of the window, Wolves were always likely to spend in the weeks that followed, and they did just that. Signing the young winger from Celta Vigo for around £19m, Lopez will arrive hoping to make an instant impact in the Midlands.
The 21-year-old is well aware of the opportunity that lies ahead too, telling Wolves’ official website after putting pen to paper: “It’s an amazing opportunity for my career to play in the Premier League, and I’m very happy.
“Vitor told me he thought I was a good fit in the squad and when it’s a club like this, you have little to think about. The team did very good when Vitor came and I think he is top, so I’m very excited to be with him.
Wolves set to join Aston Villa and Leeds in race to sign £25m international midfielder
The midfield star is ready to leave his current club.
ByBrett Worthington Jun 23, 2025
“Jorgen told me that to play in the Premier League and with a team like Wolves, it’s amazing, and that the fans were incredible. He told me that I should come, and that with the gaffer and all the teammates, the style of play was going to be very good. We’re going to play good football, attractive football, and I think I can fit in there.”
After Lopez, however, Wolves still have money to spend and it seems as though their focus has turned towards strengthening their backline with the addition of an in-demand defender who Mosquera knows well.
Wolves join Lucumi race
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Wolves have now joined the race to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer as the defender’s £24m release clause approaches its July 10 expiry date.
Jhon Lucumi tackles Lionel Messi.
Joined by Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford, Wolves will have quite the battle on their hands if they decide to turn their interest into a formal offer for Vitor Pereira. Lucumi is a player who’d be worth the chaos, though. Mosquera’s Colombian teammate has enjoyed an impressive couple of years in Italy and has earned plenty of praise along the way.
Praised for his “excellent ball-security” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Wolves should do everything to land what would be a bargain deal for Lucumi this summer. The Midlands club have just over two weeks to sign the Bologna defender before his £24m release clause expires and the Italian club likely increase their asking price.
Arsenal are reportedly working to recruit some high-profile targets behind-the-scenes, and a significant update has now dropped on one of them, courtesy of a Sky Sports reporter this morning.
Arsenal identify new winger and striker as priority targets
Two items at the very top of sporting director Andrea Berta’s to-do list over the coming months are signing a new winger and striker.
Arsenal confirm "very popular" 22-year-old has now joined another club
He’s officially left north London.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025
Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus during the second half of 2024/2025 left Mikel Arteta desperately short of options up front, whilst adding further weight to the opinions of many critics that the addition of a prolific centre-forward is long overdue.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
Mikel Merino did pretty well to cover the aforementioned duo as an emergency striker, but Berta and the recruitment team are eager to ensure that Arteta won’t be left in a similarly precarious position next season, when they’ll be looking to mount a far more successful Premier League title challenge.
Arsenal’s need for more goals is evident by their numbers from last term, with Arteta’s side scoring just 69 in total across their top flight campaign, a far cry beneath the 91 and 88 they’d managed in the two seasons prior.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetain the stands before the match
Berta has laid the groundwork over deals for both Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, according to the BBC and reporter Sami Mokbel, but it appears the latter centre-forward is taking priority right now.
Arsenal are believed to be advancing in talks for Sesko, with Leipzig demanding around £70 million for their star striker as the Gunners look to find middle ground in negotiations.
Arteta and co also want to add further quality out-wide.
Leandro Trossard is about to enter the final year of his contract, while Bukayo Saka’s three-month injury lay-off midway through last season highlighted the need for Berta to bring in an alternative to the England international.
Leroy Sane pulls U-turn over joining Arsenal after Galatasaray agreement
One of their widely reported top targets is out-of-contract Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.
Man City once valued the 70-cap Germany international at around £137 million during his time at Eastlands, but he’s now set to leave Bavaria for zero transfer cost.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal held talks with Sane as far back as April, and more recent reports from this week, via CaughtOffside, claim that the 29-year-old has spoken to Arteta about a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Sane apparently had an offer to join Arsenal on the table, and was thought to be very keen to work with Arteta again and join the Gunners (CaughtOffside).
A contract extension at Bayern was still on the cards as well, until very recently, with the ex-Premier League star informing Vincent Kompany’s side that he won’t be signing a new deal after all.
Now set to leave on a free, while Sane was believed to favour a move to Arsenal, he’s now apparently pulled a U-turn.
Instead, Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray are closing in on a deal for Sane, according to Sky Germany’s Plettenberg in a “breaking” update this morning.
Sane’s top-level experience and proven record of goals and assists from the last few seasons arguably make him one of the bargains of the summer, but he’s still very pricey in terms of salary.
Reports suggest that the former Schalke sensation is demanding a big “mega-money” contract, with Galatasaray seemingly set to pay him big-money.
Sane is close to the twilight phase of his career at nearly 30, and they have other high-profile wide targets to turn to as alternatives – ones which could prove better value for salary in the long run.
Rangers are set to be very busy in the transfer market in the next few weeks.
Ever since Russell Martin was unveiled as the new manager last week, the Ibrox side have been linked with umpteen new signings and rightly so, considering their squad requires a major overhaul this summer.
So, could the Gers’ land an attacker labelled “unplayable” in a move reminiscent of a recent fans’ favourite?
Rangers' interest in a new midfielder
According to a report by Joshua Barrie of the Rangers review, Rangers are ‘interested’ in signing Kwame Poku this summer.
Kwame Poku for Peteborough.
The 23-year-old is a free agent having left Peterborough United, with there unsurprisingly plenty of competition for his signature, including from newly-promoted Championship side, Birmingham City.
Poku began his senior career in non-league, representing Cray Wanderers and Worthing, earning a move to Colchester before joining Peterborough in 2021, making 147 appearances for Posh, most notably winning back-to-back EFL Trophies at Wembley.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony believes he will “be a Premier League star in the future”, estimating that he’ll one day “cost £30 million”, so could Rangers tempt him north of Hadrian’s Wall on a Bosman?
Joe Aribo's Rangers career
Six years ago, in an eerily similar deal, Joe Aribo arrived at Rangers as a free agent, a reported £300,000 in compensation was paid, from Charlton Athletic, who were also in EFL League One at the time.
Aribo would go on to make 149 appearances for the Light Blues, scoring 26 goals and registering 25 assists, most famously breaking the deadlock in the Europa League Final against Eintracht Frankfurt at Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.
A few days later, the Nigerian international helped Rangers win the Scottish Cup at Hampden, but this would prove to be his last outing in a blue jersey, sold to Southampton for £6m in the summer of 2022.
So, could Poku have a similar impact to that of Aribo? Let’s compare the duo to find out.
Kwame Poku 2024/25 vs Joe Aribo 2018/19
Statistics
Poku
Aribo
Appearances
31
39
Minutes
2,364
3,413
Goals
12
10
Assists
11
5
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table outlines, Poku’s statistics this season were actually more impressive than those of Aribo from his final season at Charlton, despite the fact the former sat out three months of the campaign following hamstring surgery in December.
Writer Kai Watson labels the Ghanian international a “strong ball carrier” who is excellent at “cutting in on his left and getting a shot away”, concluding that he would be a “bargain” on a free transfer. Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson, meanwhile, asserts that he can be “unplayable” at times.
Meanwhile, Oliver Walton of Football League World described him as ‘one of the most in-form players in English football’ earlier this season, while Venkatanarayanan of Total Football Analysis outlines how he boasts the best ‘attacking numbers’ across the entirety of the EFL, praising his ‘excellent finishing’.
So, let’s assess that assertion.
Kwame Poku’s EFL League One statistics 2024/25
Statistics
Poku
League One rank
Minutes
2,058
223rd
Goals
12
11th
Goals per 90
0.52
7th
Assists
8
5th
Assists per 90
0.35
1st
Shots per 90
2.71
12th
Goals per shot
0.19
18th
Big chances created
9
28th
Successful dribbles per 90
1.9
2nd
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore
As the table highlights, Poku had an exceptional season at Peterborough, ranked first for assists per 90 and second for successful dribbles per 90 as well, on top of his generally impressive attacking statistics across the board.
Venkatanarayanan of Total Football Analysis also believes his best position is as an attacking midfielder, albeit he can be deployed out-wide, noting that his ‘biggest strength’ is his ability to progress the ball through midfield.
Meanwhile, Fintan O’Reilly of Total Football Analysis labels him a ‘thrilling playmaker’ who is ‘great in tight spaces’ and a ‘very intelligent passer’, destined to go to the very top, so Rangers should do everything in their power to make this deal come to fruition.
Russell Martin considering selling "brilliant" Rangers 22 y/o who wants to stay
He wants to stay at Ibrox, but the decision could be made up for him.
Arsenal have suddenly sprung to life in the last few days.
For much of the last few weeks, fans were beginning to worry that Mikel Arteta’s side were being left behind by their Premier League rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City, who have been incredibly busy in the transfer window thus far.
However, seemingly out of nowhere, the North Londoners appear to have wrapped up deals for Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, and now it looks like they are making progress on a deal to sign Christian Mosquera.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetaduring a lap of appreciation after the match
On top of that, the Gunners are now being linked with Crystal Palace’s incredible Eberechi Eze, although there is another international touted for a move to the Emirates this summer, someone who’d be a better signing than the Englishman.
Arsenal target international talent
Considering Arsenal scored 17 goals fewer than eventual Premier League champions Liverpool this season, it’s no surprise that most of their rumoured targets this summer are attacking players, with a real focus on left-wingers, such as Nico Williams and Eze.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former looked like he could be the answer to the Gunners’ problems in that area of the pitch, but as things stand today, he looks more likely to move to Barcelona than England.
Eze, on the other hand, does feel like a realistic target, as he’s proven himself in the Premier League for years now and has a release clause worth around £68m in his contract, which would make signing him relatively straightforward.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
Yet, if Arteta and Co really want to take the team to the next level this summer and bring in someone who’d represent a real signal of intent, they might be better off signing Rodrygo.
The good news is that they might have the same idea, as, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Real Madrid superstar.
In fact, the report goes a step further, claiming that the Gunners are now preparing to make an offer of around €80m for the Brazilian international, which translates to around £68m.
Interestingly, the club want to stagger the payments into three installments, with the first being around €50m and the next two being €15m each, which is something they might not be able to do with the Palace star due to his release clause.
It would still be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s ability, experience and stature in the game, it’s one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Eze.
Why Rodrygo would be a better signing than Eze
Okay, the first thing to say is that both players are incredibly talented footballers and would, therefore, make excellent additions to Arsenal’s squad.
After all, their raw output from this season isn’t all that far apart, as the Palace star scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 games, totalling 3303 minutes, while the Real monster produced the same goal involvements in 3448 minutes across 53 games.
However, the first real argument for the latter being the superior player emerges when we take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers.
Rodrygo vs Eze
Statistics
Rodrygo
Eze
Non-Penalty G+As
0.51
0.52
Progressive Passes
5.05
3.37
Progressive Passes Received
11.8
5.31
Progressive Carries
5.28
2.40
Shots
2.52
3.48
Goals per Shot
0.11
0.07
Shots on Target
0.93
0.94
Goals Per Shot on Target
0.30
0.26
Expected Assists
0.20
0.16
Key Passes
2.29
2.01
Passes into the Final Third
3.08
1.70
Shot-Creating Actions
4.95
4.69
Goal-Creating Actions
0.42
0.35
Tackles Won
0.65
0.76
Blocks
0.84
0.94
Interceptions
0.51
0.38
Clearances
0.42
0.35
Carries into the Final Third
4.07
1.67
Carries into the Penalty Area
2.34
0.76
Aerial Duels Won
0.33
0.24
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
For example, even though the former QPR star comes out on top in some metrics, like shots and shots on target per 90, he does far worse in the vast majority of relevant statistics.
In fact, not only does the former Santos gem do better in most attacking areas, like progressive and key passes, but also in some of the defensive metrics as well, like interceptions and clearances, highlighting his willingness to do the dirty work and help out his team.
Finally, in addition to being vastly superior in a statistical sense, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, is two years younger and has significantly more experience at the highest level.
For example, he has won two Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and a host of other trophies, so he knows exactly what it takes to play at the very top of the game, which is something the Eagles ace just doesn’t have in his locker.
Ultimately, both players would be excellent signings for Arsenal, but due to his incredible experience, age and superior statistics, Arsenal should be looking to sign Rodrygo over Eze this summer.
Better than Sesko & Gyokeres: Arsenal have "looked at" signing £82m star
The incredible goalscorer would be an unreal addition to Arsenal’s squad.
Only one wicket falls all day as Somerset toil in vain at Trent Bridge
ECB Reporters Network26-Jun-2024Nottinghamshire 360 and 425 for 2 (Slater 168*, Hameed 91, Young 68*, Stone 63) drew with Somerset 470 (Abell 111, Pretorius 95*, Pennington 5-96) Nottinghamshire opener Ben Slater turned the 13th hundred of his career into an unbeaten 168 but a lifeless final-day pitch had consigned this Vitality County Championship match to a draw long before that conclusion was reached with an exchange of handshakes at ten minutes to five as the home side declared on 425 for two.Only one wicket fell in 72 overs on the day, Slater finishing on a score he has bettered only twice in his career, with overseas batter Will Young making 68 not out after Olly Stone had been out for 63 nine overs after lunch, the England fast bowler again showing off his batting skills with a half-century in each innings for the first time in his career.There was too little in the pitch to encourage much interest for the bowlers, however, and it was hardly surprising that Nottinghamshire showed no interest in setting Somerset a target, given that their prospects of taking 10 wickets were almost non-existent.The 13 points they take ensure they remain at a comfortable distance from the relegation places in the Division One table; Somerset’s 15 keep them third.After sharing an opening partnership of 172 with Haseeb Hameed that was broken shortly before Tuesday’s close, Slater found two more long-term companions in Stone and Young.Stone ostensibly joined him as nightwatchman with Hameed’s demise but is making a strong case to be recognised as a genuine all-rounder.The 30-year-old England fast bowler had made only one half-century in 47 first-class matches before surprising onlookers with a very good 90 against Lancashire on this ground in May but now has three in his last five innings.This time he chipped in with 63 to go with his first-innings 83 batting at nine. Not all of his nine boundaries came off the middle of the bat, yet his defence was solid and he had helped Slater add another 136 before Jake Ball, using a belatedly taken second new ball, thudded one into his front pad as he played across the line.Slater, meanwhile, whose stand with Hameed had been the highest for Nottinghamshire’s first wicket since two shared an unbroken 236 against Worcestershire in 2021, was by then into three figures for the first time this season, reaching the century mark with a six and 12 fours, a good proportion of which clunked into the advertising boards on the short Bridgford Road side as the left-hander cut and pulled to profitable effect.When Stone departed, Nottinghamshire’s lead was 198 and, with little in the pitch to excite bowlers of any variety, Somerset could only hope a declaration might keep them in the game.Yet the docile surface meant that realistically there could be only one winner in such a scenario and there was nothing in the way Slater and Young went about their business to suggest that such a course of action was even being considered.Meanwhile Slater – dropped on 21 – pushed on past 150 for the third time in his career, having ticked off that milestone from 317 balls with 19 fours to go with the one six. By tea, at 396 for two, the lead was 286 with 37 overs remaining.New Zealand Test opener Young, whose only noteworthy score in a disappointing season so far was his unbeaten 174 in the drawn match between these sides at Taunton, almost missed out on a half-century, dropped at short midwicket by James Rew, who had handed the wicketkeeper’s gloves to Tom Kohler-Cadmore and later became the ninth Somerset player to have a bowl.
Much will be made of what new Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin does in the transfer market this summer.
Plenty of the Ibrox faithful are writing him off already, but by making astute signings and winning on the pitch, he will be able to get everyone behind him.
The Light Blues have been linked with a few players in recent weeks. With investment coming from the 49ers, this summer marks a critical turning point for the club.
Dor Turgeman is a striker who the club have reportedly opened talks to sign, while former Wolves centre-back Conor Coady is also a rumoured target this summer.
Both would be solid signings and signify that the club mean business ahead of the 2025/26 season, no doubt about that.
The caveat being, however, that the Gers may have to sell a player or two in the process, especially with several prized assets attracting attention.
Hamza Igamane has been on the radar of Everton since late last year. Indeed, the Toffees even sent scouts to watch him perform against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League.
Mohamed Diomande is another who the Premier League side are reportedly keen on signing this summer. The midfielder enjoyed a solid first full season at Ibrox and now clubs from down south are eyeing him up.
It is Nico Raskin who is attracting the most attention following a stunning campaign in Glasgow, however. Will Martin keep the midfielder for another season? Or might he be tempted to strike when the iron is hot and secure a magnificent profit on the Belgian?
Nico Raskin's 2024/25 season in numbers
Raskin won both the Rangers’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards and both were well deserved indeed.
Despite struggling with an injury through pre-season and having to wait until September to make his first appearance of the campaign, Raskin made up for lost time.
He began dominating games alongside Diomande at the heart of the pitch and was even made captain when James Tavernier was injured. He led the club to an impressive 3-0 Old Firm victory at the turn of the year, before scoring and assisting in the same fixture a few months later.
That 3-2 win was the Light Blues’ first at Parkhead since October 2020 and his leadership qualities were regularly on display.
In the top flight, the former Standard Liege starlet not only registered 14 goal contributions, but he also created nine big chances and averaged 1.3 key passes per game.
For someone typically known for his defensive output, these attacking statistics are certainly impressive. From a defensive point of view, the Belgian averaged 2.8 tackles per match, along with winning 6.6 total duels and recovering 5.6 balls per game in the Scottish Premiership.
Metric
Premiership
Europa League
Goals
4
1
Assists
10
1
Big chances created
9
1
Tackles per game
2.8
3.7
Total duels won per game
6.6
6.4
This combination of attacking dynamism and tenacity when looking to win the ball back established Raskin as the club’s bright spark last term.
His performances even led to a debut for Belgium and there is no doubt his future lies away from Scotland.
Nicolas Raskin
Should Martin cash in this summer, the Light Blues could well target someone who is in a similar mould as a player…
Rangers could land the dream midfield target
Brazilian midfielder Metinho has been eyed as a potential signing for the club this summer, as has former Liverpool youngster Bobby Clark.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As reported by TEAMtalk earlier this week, however, Rangers are battling several European clubs in the race to sign Colo Colo starlet Vicente Pizarro.
He won the Chilean Primera División in 2022 with his current club, and they are reportedly demanding a fee of around £4m to secure his services.
Given the fact Rangers could lose Diomande or Raskin this summer, signing another midfielder is high on Martin’s priority list.
Pizarro would be an ideal replacement for the Belgian starlet, as he has exuded similar qualities during his stint with Colo Colo.
Why Vicente Pizarro could be Rangers’ next Nico Raskin
Pizarro tends to operate as a defensive midfielder for his club, making 19 appearances during the current campaign.
While his attacking statistics may not be as impressive as the ones Raskin registered (four goal contributions in 19 matches), Pizarro has excelled in other areas, especially during the Copa Libertadores.
Indeed, when compared to his peers in South America’s most prestigious club competition, he ranks in the top 11% for passes attempted (66.41) per 90 and in the top 16% for pass completion percentage (88.2%).
Elsewhere, the midfielder even ranks in the top 5% for interceptions (2.18) and in the top 12% for clearances (2.62) per 90 in the competition this season.
These statistics suggest that he could be an excellent like-for-like Raskin replacement. Someone who would be able to slot in seamlessly next to Diomande when the 2025/26 campaign starts.
Pizarro was profiled by analyst and content creator, Kai Watson, amid the reported interest in him last month.
He was even dubbed “impressive” by Ben Mattinson last year following a performance for Colo Colo and it is clear that the midfielder would be an interesting signing.
He played 45 minutes for Chile against Argentina in the recent World Cup qualifier, although he couldn’t prevent his country suffering a 1-0 loss.
Given the fact he is already an established international player at the age of 22, it means Rangers could make a big statement of intent by signing him in the coming weeks.
He could turn out to be another player who the club bring in for a relatively small fee that will secure a massive profit in the coming years.
Much will depend on whether Raskin stays or goes this summer. Whatever happens, being linked with players such as Pizarro is only a good sign.
Thelwell now prioritising Rangers move to sign 20-goal ace who Martin loves
Will Chelsea make any more signings before the Club World Cup transfer window closes on 10 June?
On Wednesday, the Blues unveiled Liam Delap, who has arrived from Ipswich Town, after Chelsea activated his £30m release clause.
Now, the West London side have until Tuesday to make any more new signings if they’re to feature at the newly revamped Club World Cup, with the Blues’ tournament opener against Los Angeles FC taking place in Atlanta on Monday 16 June.
So, by the time that fixture comes around at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, could the Chelsea supporters in attendance have another big-money signing to admire?
Chelsea looking to sign Sancho replacement
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Chelsea will not sign Jadon Sancho from Manchester United permanently, choosing to, as outlined by Nizaar Kinsella of BBC Sport, pay a £5m penalty fee, rather than exercising a £25m obligation to buy.
Sancho scored just five goals in 42 appearances for the Blues this season, most memorably bagging a stunning curler against Real Betis in the recent Conference League Final in Wrocław.
The England international took to Instagram to thank his Chelsea “teammates, staff and the fans”, going to say that he was “grateful for the experience” so, while his own personal future is now uncertain, the Blues are searching for an upgrade.
Well, according to a report by Kaveh Solhekol for Sky Sports, Chelsea have been ‘offered the chance to sign’ Mohammed Kudus, who they claim has an £85m release clause in his contract at West Ham United.
It’s reported that Chelsea have not said ‘no’ and are weighing up whether to add him to their list of options this summer. A further report from BBC Sport notes that discussions between the Hammers and Chelsea have already taken place.
The winger currently has an £85m release clause for Premier League clubs and a £120m exit clause for Saudi clubs which could complicate matters.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Ghanaian arrived in East London from Ajax for £38m two summers ago, making 80 appearances for the Hammers to date, scoring 19 goals and registering 13 assists.
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
So, with the Blues on the lookout for a winger, could a move across the capital be on the cards for Kudus?
Why Mohammed Kudus is a Jadon Sancho upgrade
Kudus’ performances at West Ham have earnt widespread praise, with teammate Aaron Cresswell labeling him a “top talent”, adding that he’s “so strong, so quick and so sharp”, while George Addo Jr of BBC Sport is in awe of his “magic feet”.
Meantime, Patrick Boyland of the Athletic outlines how Kudus is ‘versatile’, capable of playing on either flank or centrally, describing him as a ‘prolific and effective dribbler’.
Adam Scully of Total Football Analysis agrees with this, stating that, ‘undoubtedly’, the Ghanaian’s best attribute is his ‘excellent’ dribbling ability, while Ben Mattinson of Breaking the Lines believes he has ‘world-class potential’.
On that evidence, he’d certainly be a great replacement for Sancho, another versatile forward player. The following statistics certainly support these assertions too.
Kudus 2024/25 Premier League statistics
Statistics
Kudus
PL rank
Attempted take-ons
208
1st
Successful take-ons
92
2nd
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com
Given how dismal West Ham were throughout this season, winning just 11 matches and finishing 15th, it is certainly very impressive that Kudus managed to attempt the most take-ons, second only to Jérémy Doku for successful take-ons too.
Nevertheless, the question still remains: would he be an upgrade on Sancho?
Kudus vs Sancho 24/25 PL comparison
Statistics
Kudus
Sancho
Appearances
32
31
Minutes
2,603
1,765
Goals
5
3
Assists
3
5
Note: All statistics below are on a per-90 basis.
Shots
2.61
1.22
Shot-creating actions
3.72
3.57
Attempted take-ons
7.22
4.95
Successful take-ons
3.19
2.30
Progressive carries
3.40
5.20
Touches
52.2
53.7
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and Squawka
As the table outlines, Kudus’ statistics are broadly more impressive than those of Sancho, despite the fact the Ghanian endured an underwhelming season in a very uninspiring West Ham side.
While not quite on the same level for progressive carries, more of his take-ons are actually successful and he’s a constant threat, taking more shots.
Mohammed Kudus for West Ham
As already established, Kudus is a top-class dribbler, so now he just needs the output in front of goal to match, and a move to a better team could be exactly what he needs to take his game to the next level.
Chelsea push to sign second ex-Man City gem after Delap amid £20m discount
The Blues could add to their ex-City contingent again.
Liverpool are marching their way through the summer transfer window, picking up any number of talented recruits to add to Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning squad.
With Milos Kerkez’s £40m move from Bournemouth to Anfield now sealed, sporting director Richard Hughes may well take a breather and ponder whether to target any final brush-ups so Liverpool can remain competitive at the very highest level once again.
With Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong brought over from Bayer Leverkusen, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving to replace Caoimhin Kelleher, you’d think that this might be the case.
Let’s not forget, though, the Reds have had to swallow some degree of setback, with Trent Alexander-Arnold opting against renewing his contract and instead signing for Real Madrid at the end of his contract.
Moreover, interest in Luis Diaz’s signature is rife, and FSG may have to consider signing a replacement this summer.
The latest on Luis Diaz's future
While The Athletic’s David Ornstein has stressed that Liverpool are willing to keep onto Diaz, 28, even if it means running down his contract, Barcelona and further suitors in Saudi Arabia are keen, and the latter might be willing to pay a handsome figure.
Coming off the back of his best season in a Liverpool shirt, the versatile Diaz has proved invaluable for Slot’s side, scoring 17 goals and supplying eight assists across the past campaign.
But he’s not without his flaws, and the Anfield side has lined up long-term target Anthony Gordon as a potential replacement, although he has been priced in the £75m ballpark.
Anthony Gordon for Newcastle
Gordon, to be sure, is a good winger, but Newcastle would want silly money for his sale and an exciting alternative may well have been earmarked by Hughes and co.
Liverpool enquire for Gordon alternative
As per BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, Liverpool are one of the clubs to have lodged an official enquiry for West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus, who is anticipated to be leaving East London this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Speaking on the Latte Firm Arsenal podcast, he said: “My information is that all of the top six in the Premier League have checked in on the conditions of that deal. He’s got an £85m release clause for Premier League clubs but I think West Ham would be willing to go below that.
“They wouldn’t take masses below that but they would be open to a negotiation. There is a long-term interest there [from Arsenal] and as I understand that, there has been an enquiry from the Premier League’s top six.”
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
The Ghanaian star struggled to find his finest form throughout a turbulent season for the Hammers, and, as such, it would not be a huge surprise to see West Ham accept a reduced fee, although the exact figure is undetermined.
While Arsenal have been reported to have had a long-standing interest in the 24-year-old, if Diaz does go, Kudus could be a great fit.
What Mohammed Kudus would bring to Liverpool
West Ham signed Kudus from Ajax for around £38m in August 2023, and he has since posted 19 goals and 13 assists from 80 matches. Despite his incredible quality, however, Kudus has suffered from second-season syndrome.
Five goals and three assists in the Premier League last season hardly denote elite-level output, but then Kudus’ skill set is an incredible thing, boasting power and movement that most wingers can only dream of.
West Ham's Mohammed Kudus
He would need to make prolific improvements next year, but then he surely would in Liverpool’s team, playing alongside Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and the rest.
Given that Gordon only scored six top-flight goals, laying on five more assists, there’s certainly no guarantee that the England international would prove the tonic for which the hole left by Diaz’s absence could be healed.
Curiously, both Kudus and Gordon dipped somewhat in 2024/25 after previously thriving in the Premier League. Both are talented and proven wingers, dynamic and versatile, explosive and electric.
Let’s have a look at their statistics across 2023/24 and how they compare when both are firing on all cylinders.
Matches (starts)
35 (34)
33 (27)
Goals
11
8
Assists
10
6
Touches*
2.3 (0.9)
2.0 (0.5)
Pass completion
82%
84%
Key passes*
1.6
0.8
Big chances created
16
5
Dribbles*
1.5
3.8
Ball recoveries*
3.6
6.4
Tackles + interceptions*
1.8
2.3
Duels
5.3
8.5
Gordon certainly has the advantage in terms of output, and he’s more refined in his underlying playmaking too.
However, Kudus’ fleet-footedness and strength have turned him into something of a duel monster, outfoxing his opponents with blistering speed and sharp shimmies to drive the ball into the danger area.
Is it any wonder journalist Gary Al-Smith has hailed him a “generational talent”? Indeed, even though he flattered to deceive at times in 2024/25, Kudus still recorded the second-highest dribble count across the Premier League term, behind only Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku.
Just imagine this kind of explosiveness in Slot’s system. Diaz, while blessed with such suitable properties, ranked only among the top 39% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive carries and the top 19% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
Gordon, meanwhile, ranked among the top 22% and 46% for the same metrics. What about the Irons speedster? He ranked among the top 3% for successful take-ons, and a glance up at his dribble average across his first Premier League term tells you all you need to know about his capacity as a ball carrier.
If any coach across Europe is capable of getting a tune out of the African sensation’s clinical potential, it’s Slot. Moreover, the Dutch tactician will know exactly how to best utilise Kudus’ talents on the athletic front, using them in conjunction with the creative artistry of the aforementioned Liverpool stars.
It’s a different kind of profile, more unrelenting and chaotic than Diaz’s and indeed Gordon’s.
Given the finances involved in pulling Gordon away from St. James’ Park, Liverpool might want to invest their energy into signing Kudus, especially as he is set to be available for a reduced fee.
He'd be Wirtz 2.0: Liverpool stand a "chance" of signing the "next Mbappe"
Liverpool believe they have a good chance to sign a star who would be a Florian Wirtz repeat.