As Nuno Espirito Santo looks to solve their goalscoring problem, one striker has reportedly “definitely” emerged as a January transfer target for West Ham United.
West Ham's striker problem
It’s a problem that Michail Antonio covered for a number of years and one that Jarrod Bowen is desperately attempting to do without his former teammate, but one that is simply not going away. West Ham simply lack goals. Take away their captain’s output and the Hammers have scored just three goals in seven Premier League games, despite welcoming new striker Callum Wilson in the summer.
On Nuno’s list of priorities, a new striker must sit at the absolute top. Neither Niclas Fullkrug or Wilson are likely to take the role as talisman in years to come, given that they’re both in their 30s, and that should ring alarm bells about the summer transfer window that West Ham just endured.
As much as Graham Potter struggled, it’s clear that the Hammers should have signed a striker at the peak of their powers when they had the chance in the summer.
Bowen
3
Fullkrug
0
Wilson
1
Just who arrives is the question. The likes of Joshua Zirkzee have already been linked with shock moves to the London Stadium in 2026 and there’s no doubt that he could return to his best away from Manchester United. Like Wilson and Fullkrug, however, Zirkzee has not shown the type of form in front of goal that the Hammers need.
Nuno was bought in to solve West Ham’s current problems, but he must be backed with an attacking addition when the winter window swings open. To do that, the Hammers could use the upcoming World Cup and one player’s desire to make Thomas Tuchel’s England squad to their full advantage.
West Ham "definitely" targeting Toney
According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, West Ham are “definitely” targeting Ivan Toney, who could leave Al-Ahli on loan in the hope of winning a World Cup place in January.
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A loan deal would certainly suit West Ham too. It would likely mean a discount on the forward’s hefty £22m-a-year wages in Saudi Arabia and there’s no doubt that the 29-year-old is still capable of finding the back of the net in the Premier League.
After scoring eight goals in 10 games in all competitions this season, Toney would be an excellent addition for West Ham as they look to finally solve their striker problem. Whether the forward is granted a January exit remains to be seen, however.
It is safe to say that Celtic supporters were not best pleased with how the board conducted themselves during the summer transfer window that slammed shut at the start of last month.
A section of the fanbase decided to protest the first 12 minutes of the 2-1 win over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership in the first match after the window closed.
Some Celtic supporters also held up banners, with one reading “sack the board”, during the club’s 0-0 draw with Hibernian in the Premiership last weekend.
This shows that there is at least a section of the fanbase that is not happy with how the club is being run, which comes after they sold and failed to replace Adam Idah on deadline day, followed by the signing of Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer the day after the window.
Celtic have had four goalless draws in all competitions so far this season, including both games against Kairat in the Champions League play-off round, which speaks to their lack of quality recruitment in Brendan Rodgers’ attacking department.
However, few would argue that the signing of Sebastian Tounekti from Hammarby for a fee of around £5m on deadline day has been a good piece of business for the Hoops.
Where Sebastian Tounekti ranks among Celtic's summer signings
The Scottish giants made 11 additions to their squad during the summer window. That is, if we include Iheanacho, despite him being signed 24 hours after the window slammed shut.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Ross Doohan, Hayato Inamura, Shin Yamada, and Callum Osmand have all either rarely touched the pitch or not played a single minute for the first-team this season, which means that they are yet to prove themselves to be among the best signings of the window.
Kieran Tierney returning to Parkhead on a free transfer from Arsenal was a slam dunk of a signing. He is a proven player who knows what it takes to play for Celtic, which means that there was little risk attached to that deal.
Iheanacho, meanwhile, has had mixed success so far. The centre-forward scored goals against Kilmarnock and Red Star Belgrade, but he also missed two ‘big chances’ against Red Star and two ‘big chances’ against Hibernian, which shows that his finishing has been inconsistent.
Benjamin Nygren has a valid claim to be the best signing of the summer so far. The Swedish star is the club’s top scorer in the Premiership, with three goals, and is one of only four players to have registered an assist in the league, per WhoScored.
Shots per game
3.5
1st
Key passes per game
3.0
1st
Dribbles per game
2.5
1st
Crosses per game
1.0
Joint-4th
Interceptions per game
1.0
Joint-4th
As you can see in the table above, Tounekti has pressed his claim forward to be heralded as the best signing of the summer in his first two appearances in the Premiership, already leading the way in the squad for shots, key passes, and dribbles per game.
The Tunisia international also opened his account for the Scottish giants with a strike in the 4-0 win over Partick Thistle in the League Cup last month.
Given that Nygren has added an end product to his performances in the Premiership, with one goal and two assists, Tounekti may have to settle for being the second-best signing of the summer so far.
The success that the Tunisian star has already had at Parkhead, though, could mean that one Celtic attacker is already on borrowed time at the club.
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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Hyun-jun Yang may have to look for a move away from the club during the January transfer window because of the success of Tounekti and what that means for the right-sided attacker moving forward.
Why Tounekti may have ended Yang's Celtic career
It is no secret that the South Korea international was close to moving on from the Scottish giants during the summer transfer window amid interest from EFL Championship side Birmingham City.
The Blues, who signed Kyogo Furuhashi in the summer, had a £3m deal lined up for the right-footed attacker, but they were not willing to wait around on deadline day and opted to sign another former Celtic winger, Patrick Roberts.
Tounekti’s arrival from Hammarby on deadline day came too late in the day for Birmingham to hold out, but that meant that the Tunisia international came through the door and Yang stayed.
A goal against Partick Thistle in the League Cup is his only goal contribution of the campaign so far, and he was left out of the matchday squad for the 0-0 draw with Hibernian last weekend.
Yang, who was described as a “raw” player by Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, has not done enough in his three appearances in the Premiership this season to suggest that he is going to win his place back in the team.
xG
0.36
Bottom 35%
Goals
0
Bottom 3%
Shots
2
Bottom 10%
xA
0.21
Bottom 35%
Assists
0
Bottom 3%
Chances created
1
Bottom 3%
Dribbles completed
1
Bottom 10%
As you can see in the table above, the South Korean attacker ranks poorly among his positional peers in the division in a host of key attacking metrics.
Tounekti has created five more chances (six) and completed four more dribbles (five) than Yang in just two outings in the division, which speaks to the gulf in quality between the two players at the top end of the pitch.
Whilst Tounekti, of course, plays on the opposite flank to Yang, his arrival at Parkhead has meant that fellow summer signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha is having to get into the side by playing on the right wing, whilst star forward Daizen Maeda has also been shifted over to the right.
Therefore, Yang, especially given how close he was to leaving in the summer, is surely on borrowed time because of the success of the Tunisian star, as it has meant that he has dropped down the pecking order in his position as a result of other players having to move across the pitch.
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Unless the former Gangwon star can turn his fortunes around and start to prove that he can deliver consistent quality at the top end of the pitch, a January exit could be on the cards for the winger.
James backed up by Matt Montgomery’s 75 and Josh Tongue’s career-best 55 in Notts total of 579
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay06-Apr-2025Durham 378 and 114 for 3 (Ackermann 45*, O’Neill 2-29) trail Nottinghamshire 579 (James 125, Slater 92, McCann 79, Montgomery 75, Tongue 55) by 87 runsAllrounder Lyndon James led the way with a superb 125 as Nottinghamshire took advantage of a benign batting surface to build a 201-run first-innings lead over Durham, who were still 87 behind on 114 for 3, with Colin Ackermann 45 not out at the close of day three in their Rothesay County Championship season-opener at Trent Bridge.James was backed up by Matt Montgomery’s 75 and fast bowler Josh Tongue’s career-best 55 in a Nottinghamshire total of 579 – their biggest since returning to Division One in 2023.They built on the earlier efforts of Ben Slater (92) and Freddie McCann (79) to enable a handsome Nottinghamshire overhaul of Durham’s 378 on another day of unbroken sunshine in the East Midlands.England fast bowler Matty Potts finished with 4 for 112, but it was Nottinghamshire’s debutant Australian quick, Fergus O’Neill, who made a bid to seize the spotlight again in the final session, taking 2 for 29 in his new-ball spell to go with his first-innings 5 for 81.If James was the star with the bat for the home side, the part played by Montgomery deserves much credit too.Although he had been dropped on 4 off a difficult slip chance on Saturday evening, Montgomery’s solid 146-ball innings guided his side from four down and still 134 behind when he arrived to eight down but 59 in front when an unplayable ball from Potts finally sent him on his way.The South African-born batter, who made 178 against Durham in his fourth first-class match for Nottinghamshire in 2022, suffered a dip in form that merited only four appearances in the Championship side last year and this was his highest score in almost two years.Whether it is enough to keep him in the Nottinghamshire line-up once South African Kyle Verreynne arrives to relieve Joe Clarke of wicketkeeping duties remains to be seen.Montgomery’s partnership with James added 118, frustrating Durham after the removal of nightwatchman Farhan Ahmed by Potts at 319 for 6 put them one wicket away from getting into the Nottinghamshire tail.The departure of O’Neill first ball as Potts claimed his fourth did suggest that Durham would not be in the field for too much longer but once he had seen off his erstwhile England team-mate’s hat-trick ball Tongue was as keen as anyone to take advantage of the bat-friendly conditions.Showing he has a decent cover drive in his armoury, Tongue racked up nine boundaries in his 55 as he overtook his previous best of 45 not out, made for Worcestershire against Nottinghamshire.James, meanwhile, had made his way to 94, content to wait for the right ball as Tongue increased Durham’s frustrations at the other end. The allrounder found his timing and struck the ball cleanly almost from the start. Only when his ninth-wicket partner fell was there a more urgent need to finish the job. A punched four off the back foot took him to 98.Visibly weary by now, he then had the fortune to have no slips in place as he thick-edged Rhodes for his 14th boundary to take him past the milestone for the fifth time in his first-class career, curiously the third time against Durham. A popular figure with spectators and team-mates here, he threw back his head and removed his helmet to acknowledge the applause.His departure for 125, caught off a steepling top edge, signalled a tea interval delayed by the ninth wicket falling, after which Durham faced 30 overs and a deficit that soon grew tougher still with two wickets lost in three balls, leaving them 29 for 2.Aussie O’Neill thudded one into skipper Alex Lees’s back pad before sending Emilio Gay’s off-stump flying as the ex-Northamptonshire man bagged a debut pair.Ackermann and Ben McKinney added 71 for the third wicket but McKinney, dropped at first slip on 33, was caught behind off Tongue for 37 six overs before the close.
GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including several big goals and a bigger penalty miss
As it turns out, Christian Pulisic is human after all. He hadn't been for most of this Serie A campaign. But on Sunday he had his first meaningful misfire of the season – and it turned out to be a decisive.
Pulisic missed a penalty in a marquee game and, as a result, AC Milan could only split points with Weston McKennie and Juventus. Pulisic's penalty miss, of course, was the moment of the match, and it was a rare mistake from a player who has otherwise been so good this season.
Even so, both sides will leave for the international break wondering if there was more for them in this game. In the end, though, a point was all they got. While Pulisic missed his chance for a goal, plenty of other American stars made sure to take theirs.
They ranged from Haji Wright, who has made a habit of scoring, to Patrick Agyemang, who netted his first goal since making the leap to Europe. Noahkai Banks also had a first, too, as he netted his first senior finish to build on last month's USMNT call-up.
Now, most of American soccer's top stars will head back ot the U.S. for friendlies against Ecuador and Australia. Many will be riding a high. Pulisic, meanwhile, will be eager to put this one behind him.
GOAL looks at the major takeaways from this weekend's Americans Abroad.
Getty Images SportNothing between Pulisic and McKennie
It was the game of the weekend. In the end, there wasn't much to get excited about – except, of course, that missed penalty, one that led Milan and Juventus to settle for a scoreless draw.
Penalty aside, Pulisic had his moments. He created a few chances and had one other shot, too. He was nowhere near as decisive as he has been, though, and, ultimately, that one shot – sailed over over the bar – made all the difference.
On the other side was McKennie, who did more defending than anything. Of the players who played all 90 minutes, McKennie had the fewest touches with 38. He tried to make use of those touches, but ultimately didn't impact the game.
This match seemed a measuring stick for both Milan and Juve. Both clubs were well off the title pace last season and both hope this campaign will be different. Milan could have gone top with a win. They instead sit third. Juventus could have leapfrogged Milan if they'd won. Instead, they sit fifth.
The race is tight at the top of Serie A and neither team was able to further their title credential in a game that could have been massive for whoever won, or lost, it. Instead, they'll head into the international break right where they were: hopeful of better, but still having points to prove.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportAgyemang finally gets on the board
Just days after being called up for USMNT duty, Agyemang hit a milestone by scoring his first Championship goal. The score came in the 40th minute with Derby down 1-0 to Southampton on Saturday, and it ultimately proved to be key as Agyemang's side earned a 1-1 draw.
It wasn't anything particularly fancy: a looped ball, a powerful header and a helpless goalkeeper unable to get anywhere near Agyemang's effort from just inside the six-yard box.
It was a big moment for Agyemang, who had already provided two assists to start the season. Derby, who have struggled financially in recent years, spent big on the now-former Charlotte FC striker, indicating that he would be a key part of their attack. After dealing with injury issues post-Gold Cup, Agyemang looks like he may live up to his pricetag, even if this was just his first goal of the season.
Now he'll return for USMNT duty in an ever-tightening striker race. The best way to stay in contention is to score goals. With his combination of size and skill, Agyemang remains an intriguing option for the USMNT attack going forward, even if it might be as a supersub.
Getty Images SportWright on fire with Coventry
While Agyemang's goal was his first of the season, Haji Wright has been lighting up England's second division for weeks. With his finish in a 5-0 win over Sheffield, the 27-year-old striker now leads the Championship with eight goals in 675 minutes.
He wasn't alone. Wright was one of four Coventry City players to get on the scoresheet in the blowout, their third consecutive clean sheet win by at least three goals. Coventry have been blasting through everyone in their path. Wright has been a huge part of that, which is why, like Agyemang, he was included in the latest USMNT squad.
For the USMNT, Wright is able to play either out wide or centrally, and could have done either this summer. But an injury early on in the Gold Cup ruined his run. He's healthy now, though, and he's scoring goals for fun in the Championship.
In Mauricio Pochettino's September camp, Josh Sargent wasn't quite able to translate his club efforts into a standout performance, but can Wright do it this time around?
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Getty Images SportBanks' big goal
The USMNT's strikers weren't the only ones getting in on the goalscoring fun. The team's newest young defender made sure to put his name on the scoresheet, too. Noahkai Banks, the 18-year-old central defender, scored his first senior goal, helping to lead Augsburg to a 3-1 win over Wolfsburg.
That was obviously the highlight. It was a "welcome to the big leagues" moment for a player that, until now, had gotten a few tastes of the Bundesliga, but no real bite.
"It hasn’t really sunk in yet that I was able to help the team with my first Bundesliga goal," Banks said after the game. "It was such a special afternoon for me, my whole family was here. Even my grandma for the first time."
For defenders, goals are bonuses. What matters is what you do on the other side of the ball. Banks was good there, too, putting in a solid shift defensively while completing 43 of his 49 passes. The teenager still needs polishing, but this was a step towards his USMNT ambitions – and a bigger role with Augsburg.
If that can happen over the next few months, Banks may have a World Cup role in his future.
Manchester United felt they were turning a page this summer, refashioning their frontline under INEOS’ guidance and gearing up to free themselves of some flotsam that has clogged up the squad for too long.
But, with days left until the market slams shut, there is concern that the Red Devils still have a mountain to climb under Ruben Amorim’s wing, having been dumped out of the Carabao Cup in unceremonious fashion by fourth-tier side Grimsby Town.
But the window is still open for the next few days, and while United remains intent on ending their interminable goalkeeping woes, INEOS remain hopeful that they might add to the club’s midfield ranks.
The latest on Man United's midfield search
This summer, Man United have made it known that they wish to sign a midfielder, with efforts for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, both up-and-comers valued in the £100m ballpark.
However, neither has come to fruition, which has left Kobbie Mainoo’s hopes of leaving on loan extinguished. Although Amorim does not favour the young England international, letting him leave would snip at the already slight depth in the engine room.
But things could get a whole lot worse.
As per Caught Offside, United skipper Bruno Fernandes is still considering an exit from Old Trafford, having rejected a lucrative offer to join Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League earlier this summer.
The 30-year-old playmaker felt that jumping ship wouldn’t have been right at the time, but his latent desire to leave is still there, and while Saudi interest hasn’t gone away, growing curiosity from the MLS has factored in too.
While this would be a catastrophic blow (or feel like one, at the least), it might end up being a positive on an individual note for a young star such as Mainoo.
Why Fernandes leaving would be good for Mainoo
Amorim’s decision to field a 3-4-3 and stick to it, for better or for worse, effectively means that Man United operate with two central midfielders. Fernandes has been chosen for half of that role, alongside a more defence-minded partner.
This has limited Mainoo to the periphery, and with Carabao Cup football off the cards and the Red Devils away from European football anyway, it’s clear that the 20-year-old is set for a season of bit-part football.
Fernandes’ departure would change that, and perhaps allow him to spread his wings and showcase his quality as a starting member of a struggling system, maybe even stepping up and demonstrating prodigious talismanic potential.
Last season was one of frustration for Mainoo, no doubt, but he was immense when bursting onto the scene in 2023/24, with Paul Scholes even remarking that watching the multi-faceted midfielder is like “poetry in motion”.
Mainoo’s PL record
Stats (* per game)
23/24
24/25
Matches (starts)
24 (24)
25 (19)
Goals
3
0
Assists
1
0
Touches*
49.0
46.0
Pass completion
87%
87%
Big chances created
0
4
Key passes*
0.6
0.6
Dribbles*
1.3
0.9
Ball recoveries*
4.0
3.5
Tackles + interceptions*
2.9
2.6
Duels (won)*
5.0 (52%)
4.4 (45%)
Data via Sofascore
Curiously, Mainoo showcased an uptick in his creative levels last season, even though he struggled to carry the same giddy form from his breakout season into Amorim’s early setup at the Theatre of Dreams.
In that sense, maybe he could indeed step into Fernandes’ boots, bringing a progressive style that stems from his athleticism, physicality and technical quality all.
Mainoo, to be sure, is not an “absolute magician” on the ball like Fernandes is, as described by writer Liam Canning, but he’s got what it takes to become a high-level number eight in the middle of the field, keeping intact that homegrown identity that is woven so deeply into the very fabric of Manchester United.
Fernandes is no spring chicken anymore, and although losing his services would be a detrimental strike against the club’s hopes of progress, Mainoo might view it as the perfect chance to step up and prove his worth.
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Everton’s search for a match-winning centre-forward is heating up.
The club’s recruitment team are pushing hard to secure a signing who can both lead the line with authority and bring a clinical edge in front of goal.
The profile they are targeting is clear: a striker in the mould of Romelu Lukaku – a player who can bully defenders with physicality and convert chances at a prolific rate.
The Toffees have been crying out for a reliable forward since the Belgian’s departure in 2017.
Now, with David Moyes at the helm and a summer recruitment strategy shaped by ambition, Everton appear ready to act decisively.
Everton's looking at signing their new Lukaku
The club have already turned heads with the loan signing of Jack Grealish from Manchester City, adding star quality to their forward line.
But there is a growing acceptance that, without a proven striker to convert those chances, Everton’s attacking rebuild will be incomplete.
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The latest target fits the brief, and reports suggest the Merseyside outfit are prepared to make a significant financial commitment to get their man.
According to Football Insider, Everton have submitted a £37m bid for AS Roma’s powerful Ukrainian striker, Artem Dovbyk.
Dovbyk, 28, has been the subject of widespread Premier League interest this summer, with clubs such as Leeds United, West Ham United and Sunderland all linked to him.
However, Everton appear to be leading the race, aided by the fact that Roma are also owned by the Friedkin Group.
The striker is reportedly keen on a move to England, just 18 months after joining Roma from La Liga side Girona.
His final audition came in a 1-0 pre-season win over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Dovbyk featured for 80 minutes.
The Lukaku Comparison
Everton’s interest in this “elite target man”, as he’s been referred to by European football expert Zach Lowy, comes alongside other forward-thinking moves in the market.
They are keeping tabs on right-wing options such as Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, both of whom could operate alongside the Ukrainian in a new-look attack.
Southampton's TylerDiblingcelebrates scoring their third goal with Mateus Fernandes
Dovbyk’s arrival would also provide valuable mentorship to 22-year-old French striker Thierno Barry, recently signed from Villarreal for £27.6m and boasting a similar physical style of play.
The comparison to Lukaku is an obvious one – and for good reason.
Both players stand at over 1.88 and combine their physical power with an instinctive eye for goal.
Career Goals
Romelu Lukaku
286
Artem Dovbyk
131
Source: FBref
Dovbyk’s stats from his 2023/24 season with Girona underscore just how effective he can be.
The Ukrainian scored 24 goals and provided 8 assists in 36 league appearances, helping the Catalan club secure Champions League qualification for the first time in their history.
According to FBref, he ranked in the 97th percentile for goals per 90 (0.83) and the 97th percentile for expected goals per 90 (0.84), demonstrating the kind of consistency that Everton have been missing for years.
Crucially, Dovbyk isn’t one-dimensional. His link-up play is strong, as shown by his 82nd percentile ranking for expected assists per 90 (0.13), and he is deceptively adept with the ball at his feet, completing 68% of his take-ons.
He also wins nearly half of his aerial duels, adding to his utility as both a hold-up player and a set-piece threat.
When comparing him to Lukaku’s time at Everton, the parallels are striking.
Lukaku scored 87 goals in 166 appearances for the club, registering double figures in the league for four consecutive seasons.
His best campaign, the 2016/17 season, saw him score 25 league goals and claim six assists – earning him Everton’s Player of the Season award.
Like Dovbyk, Lukaku thrived on using his physicality to dominate defenders.
Dovbyk offers a similar promise – a striker who can be the focal point of the attack, hold off multiple defenders, and still find the back of the net with regularity.
The timing of this potential transfer could be transformative for the club.
Moyes’ side start their Premier League campaign on Monday against Leeds United and adding a striker of Dovbyk’s calibre before the window closes would give the squad a major psychological lift.
AS Roma's ArtemDovbyklooks dejected after Lazio's Alessio Romagnoli scores their first goal
The prospect of linking him with Grealish, as well as emerging talents like Barry, hints at an Everton attack that could be both physically overwhelming and tactically versatile.
Furthermore, Everton’s recent struggles in front of goal have been as much about chance creation as finishing.
With Grealish capable of threading passes through tight defences and potential additions on the flanks to stretch play, Dovbyk could find himself in the kind of service-rich environment that allows him to replicate his Girona numbers.
For Everton, this feels like more than just another signing.
It’s a chance to reconnect with an identity that once made them a feared opponent – a team built around a powerful, relentless striker who can decide games almost single-handedly.
In Dovbyk, they may have found their next Lukaku.
Better move than Grealish: Everton looking to sign "unstoppable" £17m CF
As Everton look to bolster their forward options, with Jack Grealish potentially on his way, the Toffees could also sign an “unstoppable” £17m striker
Nottingham Forest are now “starting” talks to sign an “incredible” forward, who could be in line to join alongside Bologna’s Dan Ndoye, according to reporter John Percy.
Nottingham Forest closing in on Ndoye's signature
With Anthony Elanga joining Newcastle United, one of Nuno Espirito Santo’s most important tasks this summer was to bring in a new winger, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed a deal is now in place for Ndoye, with the Bologna forward set to travel to England for a medical very soon.
Given that Elanga is well-known for being a “constant direct threat”, it was important for Nuno to bring in a replacement also capable of driving at opposition defences, and the Swiss winger ranks in the 92nd percentile for progressive carries per 90 over the past year.
Despite the deal for Ndoye recently edging closer to completion, the Tricky Trees remain interested in signing another new winger this summer, and Nuno is now targeting a reunion with one of his former players…
That is according to Percy, who recently reported that Nottingham Forest are now “starting” talks with Fulham over a potential deal for Adama Traore, with the winger emerging as a serious target, given that Nuno is prioritising the additions of new wide men.
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The Fulham forward is regarded as a direct replacement for Elanga, and he could join alongside Ndoye, who is set to sign a five-year deal at the City Ground, having informed Bologna of his desire to leave and play in the Premier League.
"Incredible" Traore could be ideal addition to Nuno's squad
Much like Ndoye, the £65k-a-week Spaniard is a skilled dribbler of the ball, while he also ranks very highly for assists per 90 over the course of the past year, when compared to other wingers and attacking midfielders.
Statistic
Average per 90
Progressive carries
5.08 (86th percentile)
Successful take-ons
2.44 (88th percentile)
Assists
0.36 (89th percentile)
Lauded as “incredible” by journalist Arjun Pradeep, the former Barcelona man is also well-known for his “electric” pace, which could make him an ideal signing for Nuno, given that the manager implemented a counter-attacking style of play last season.
With Forest set to embark on a Europa League campaign in the 2025-25 campaign, it is very important that Nuno has considerable strength in depth, so it would be a smart move to try and get a deal for Traore over the line alongside Ndoye.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is famed for identifying a host of transfer targets and working on potential deals for several of them before deciding which one is best to pursue.
Striker open to joining Premier League rival after "complicated" Arsenal talks
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We’ve seen this throughout the summer window thus far, with Berta simultaneously holding talks over both RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres at one point (BBC).
The ex-Atletico Madrid chief ultimately decided on Gyokeres, who is believed to be on the verge of a move to Arsenal after an agreement in principle was struck with Sporting earlier this week (The Athletic).
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
25/26 – summer
£140m
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg also reported earlier this summer that Berta was holding “numerous” talks over signing a winger, before the Gunners eventually settled on Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, who was officially announced as a new Arsenal player on Friday.
This is simply the way Berta operates, as explained by journalist Ben Jacobs.
“The best way of describing it is that Andrea Berta’s approach is different to Edu. If he was going to a party, he would lay out three or four outfits, try them all on and finally decide what to wear,” said Jacobs on talkSPORT.
“Andrea Berta is out in the market, effectively lining up both deals, whereas Edu tended to pick one and be very meticulous, and then discreetly try and get it over the line, often with a series of bids.
“It was either a very smart tactic because Arsenal had confidence that they would get that man, or it dragged on, and we got more summer sagas. We won’t see that with Andrea Berta.”
Berta’s methods appear to be shining through again in Arsenal’s pursuit of a central attacking midfielder, which is their next priority after Gyokeres and Madueke (Ben Jacobs).
Much has been made of their interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in particular.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
Arsenal have held positive talks with Eze’s representatives, and there’s an expectation that they’re set to formally approach Palace over signing the star playmaker, who bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.
Arsenal praised as Berta targets Xavi Simons as Eberechi Eze alternative
However, Berta is starting to spin more plates in the attacking midfield department, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that Arsenal hold an interest in RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.
The Dutchman only completed an initial £43 million permanent move to Leipzig from PSG in January, but Romano states he’s prepared to leave the Bundesliga side already and top Premier League sides are aware of this.
Simons can play on both the left and more centrally, having starred for Leipzig in both positions for the last two years. In 2023/2024, he racked up 10 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, adding to that tally with 11 goals and eight assists in 24/25.
The 22-year-old can be devastating on his day, and journalist Buchi Laba believes that Simons would be a better signing for Arsenal than Eze.
“For me, I will take Xavi Simons ahead of Eberechi Eze,” said Laba on X.
“He’s a better player, More flexible and for his age, more experience and fits the Arsenal system more.”
Arsenal and other English suitors are apparently hopeful they can sign Simons for £56m (talkSPORT), which would also make him a cheaper option than Eze, with Palace refusing to budge on his £68 million release clause thus far.
Newcastle United know two things: they are set to continue their wonderful journey with Alexander Isak fronting Eddie Howe’s project; Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike will not join them, and instead is set for Liverpool.
It’s a funny one to dissect. On one hand, United have likely missed out on another top target in the final third; Ekitike is a young striker with vast potential, talent scout Jacek Kulig even claiming he “could definitely reach world-class striker levels.”
However, if Liverpool reach their quarry, they are effectively eliminated from any future chase concerning Isak.
The Sweden striker is world-class, but Newcastle still need to sign a number nine with Callum Wilson having left Tyneside at the end of his contract.
Newcastle want new striker
With Ekitike seemingly off the cards, Newcastle have set their sights on Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who scored 20 goals in 2024/25.
Wissa, 28, is valued at £50m and has been confirmed as Howe’s new top target by The Athletic’s David Ornstein. However, with Bryan Mbeumo set to sign for Manchester United, the Magpies might want to find an alternative.
And they have done so. According to Sport BILD, Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez has been lined up by the PIF bosses in a shocking twist. The 25-year-old is expected to leave Jürgen Klopp’s squad this summer, with Saudi Arabian interest being heavy, and the striker is valued in the region of £65m.
Fabrizio Romano has since chimed in to note that Newcastle have not engaged in any talks concerning Nunez, although he didn’t shut the door on a potential move.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez
It might not be the most popular track Newcastle could head down, but there’s meaning in the madness. Nunez’s prime years are ostensibly ahead of him, and he’s younger and more malleable than Wissa.
Howe, more to the point, is one of the sharpest tactical minds out there.
Why Newcastle are considering Darwin Nunez
Make no mistake, this would be quite the peculiar finish to a transfer saga with more twists than a high-octane thriller novel. Certainly, few would see this one coming.
However, Nunez is a maverick, one of the most talented strikers in the Premier League, if not one of the most consistent. Noted for his “chaotic” energy by The Athletic’s Christopher Hamill, the Uruguayan has spent three years on English shores, and he’s been something of a mixed bag.
Missed chances have been a common theme, with 55 such chances squandered in spite of his modest 25-goal return, as per Sofascore, in the Premier League, but he’s also posted a decent return of 66 goal contributions across 143 appearances in a Liverpool shirt, including just 76 starting roles.
Say what you want, but 40 goals and 26 assists marks not a decent haul across 76 starts. The ingredients for success are there.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
It’s worth noting that Nunez’s finishing improved somewhat last season too. He missed eight big chances in the Premier League last term, converting five strikes.
This, at the very least, illustrates a slight upturn in his shooting, something Howe would be sure to work on with him.
And, of course, St. James’ Park has suffered the bitter taste of how effective Nunez can be when on his A-game.
Howe might provide the helping hand Nunez needs to escape from a sorry situation at Anfield, with Newcastle offering the perfect recourse to lift him back up and into the sphere which he has demonstrated is within his grasp.
Nunez’s pace, power and dynamism certainly suggest that he could be United’s own version of Ekitike, and one who might come back to sting the Reds at that. Howe’s flowing, transitional system could offer the conditions Nunez needs to thrive.
Last season was one of individual strife for the striker, but he showed much promise in 2023/24, under Jurgen Klopp’s wing. Across 54 matches, he scored 18 goals and supplied 15 assists for his teammates.
Goals scored
0.53
0.48
Assists
0.28
0.35
Shots taken
4.00
4.70
Shot-creating actions
3.55
3.47
Touches (att pen)
6.88
8.44
Progressive passes
1.86
2.37
Progressive carries
3.27
2.55
Successful take-ons
1.83
0.66
Ball recoveries
3.06
3.32
Tackles + interceptions
0.81
1.10
As you can see, Nunez could more than hold his own in terms of output and performance, if you were to collate the data from the respective campaigns.
But it’s difficult to delineate the specifics, for the circumstances differ. However, Ekitike has not yet plied his trade in the Premier League, and Nunez could offer Newcastle something dynamic and similar to complement Isak, who is surely set to stay now.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
And Ekitike, in any case, is hardly the finished product himself. The 23-year-old scored 12 goals and laid on 12 assists last season, but his finishing and accuracy leave something to be desired even so.
Drawing on FBref’s data again, the Frenchman totalled 0.66 per 90’s worth of xG (expected goals) across all competitions last season, though he scored at a rate of 0.51.
This highlights the improvements needed. His finishing requires sharpening, and the intensity and roughness of the English game may yet foil him in his endeavours.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez
It’s a left-field one, for sure, but the Magpies could do worse, and Nunez has shown the makings of a special striker in England before.
He would also arrive to serve as Isak’s understudy, to challenge him and complement him. The Liverpool star, in this sense, wouldn’t have to worry about the weight of succeeding the Swede from the off, but rather, to learn from him and help him.
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Whether Howe opts for the more clinical and secure name in Wissa remains to be seen, but signing Liverpool’s wantaway striker could complete a sense of circularity about this gripping transfer saga, and one which may just see Howe come up trumps.
He’s Lewis Miley 2.0: Newcastle agree terms to sign "exciting" sensation
Newcastle are looking to strengthen for the present and the future
Celtic find themselves in the hunt for more forward options this summer and have received a shot in the arm regarding their pursuit of a 25-goal striker, according to a report.
Celtic looking to sign a striker this summer
Kyogo Furuhashi departed Celtic in January and there was plenty of contention surrounding the club’s decision not to replace the Japanese marksman despite a last-gasp bid to land Danny Ings from West Ham United.
In the end, Daizen Maeda moved into a central position and Adam Idah earned more seniority through the middle, leaving inexperienced forward Johnny Kenny to plug the gaps on the odd occasion.
Ending the campaign on a respectable tally of 20 goals, Celtic striker Idah is confident he can handle the scoring burden associated with being the leading number nine at Parkhead.
He stated on international duty: “The pressure is a lot and you are expected to deliver. I think with my experience now, you have to put that behind you. You know what you are good at.
“If you don’t score for a couple of games, it is not helpful to listen to an ex-player. I am not really concerned with what he thinks – I am there to do my bit.”
Celtic table bid to sign a star who'd unlock Yang's "world-class" potential
Celtic are reportedly interested in a move to sign a star who could be a dream for Hyun-jun Yang.
ByDan Emery Jun 3, 2025
Without question, Celtic will sign a striker this summer. They face more fixture congestion than most clubs around Europe due to their regular juggling act between domestic and European football.
Now, they may have received a boost regarding their pursuit of a reported target to help fill the Furuhashi-shaped void under Brendan Rodgers if recent developments are to be taken into account.
According to Kicker, Celtic target Youssef El Kachati has rejected a move to Hannover 96 as his contract at Telstar moves closer to expiring, with a decision on his next club expected very soon.
The Moroccan striker was previously thought to have found a verbal agreement over a move to Germany with their sporting director Marcus Mann, but he is now said to prefer a switch to a side that will feature in European competition next season.
Youssef El Kachati in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances
45
Goals
25
Assists
9
Austria Wien have also been mentioned in the race for his signature. Celtic have been watching El Kachati over several months and will have been aware of his exploits that saw Telstar promoted to the Eredivisie for the first time in almost half a century.
It is anticipated that a decision on his future could come sooner rather than later. At this point, top-flight football with the prospect of testing himself on the continent is a better career option than the German second-tier.
Celtic need to bolster their frontline to handle the strain of another jam-packed campaign of action and El Kachati could be a financially advantageous signing that would provide competition centrally and out wide.