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Newcastle United are active in the hunt for reinforcements and internal discussions are ongoing at St James’ Park over a potential move for an exciting attacker, according to a report.

Newcastle United discover opening Premier League fixtures

The Premier League fixture schedule has landed ahead of the new campaign, and it is fair to say Magpies fans will be salivating over the prospect of their side being back in competitive action.

Facing Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Liverpool within their first few matches won’t be easy, but there will be plenty of confidence within the camp that a strong platform can be built ahead of another enthralling season.

With a trip to Villa Park first up, intrigue will start to grow over potential activity in the North East over the next couple of months. Simon Jordan believes Newcastle’s position of relative strength should be more of a talking point as they gear up to go to battle in the top-flight.

He stated: “I think the answer to the question is where is there not an intriguing story? Look around the league. Look at all the teams that are in there. Look at Newcastle.

“Newcastle are now in the Champions League. They have got the spending restrictions probably back into play now and they can go again hard.”

Joao Pedro has emerged as a key target for Newcastle in their mission to juggle domestic football and Champions League participation, with talks open over a move for the Brazil international.

Roma’s Evan Ndicka could join Howe’s revolution, but it appears that extending their pool of depth across the front four position has become the main priority for the Geordies if recent reports are anything to go by.

Newcastle discuss West Ham United man Mohammed Kudus

According to The Athletic, Newcastle have internally discussed a move for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus amid uncertainty over his future at the London Stadium.

Previously, reports came to light detailing that Magpies owners PIF feel they can afford a swoop for Kudus as a cheaper alternative to Brentford star Bryan Mbuemo.

He'll make Isak better: Newcastle set to hold talks over signing £60m star

Newcastle are finally starting to slam down the pedal in the summer transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 17, 2025

The Ghana international has a release clause of around £75 million. However, it is widely acknowledged that he won’t move for as high a fee, and Newcastle appear to have taken encouragement due to the fact his name has been mentioned in the corridors of power.

Labelled “brilliant” by Graham Potter, Kudus registered five goals and four assists last campaign in 35 appearances across all competitions, which isn’t bad going given the Hammers endured a disappointing season.

Making his presence known in attack, the 24-year-old created 31 chances in the Premier League and fits the bill as a versatile attack-minded addition for Howe due to his ability to function on either flank or through the middle.

Newcastle’s targets are beginning to evolve this window and Kudus is now near the front of their mind amid his potential availability.

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Sunderland are in talks with OGC Nice over a deal to sign Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bulka this summer.

The Black Cats are interested in a swoop for the former Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper to bolster Regis Le Bris’ squad, as he would come in as competition for Anthony Patterson.

If they can sign the Ligue 1 star, the Premier League side will also need to bolster the defence in front of him, but Chris Mepham is unlikely to be a part of that.

Journalist Graeme Bailey reported earlier this month that a move back to the Championship is more likely than a permanent return to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland eyeing up new centre-back

Whilst a deal for the Bournemouth central defender seems unlikely, given Bailey’s report, the Black Cats reportedly have their eye on another centre-back option.

Transfer Focus

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

According to the Sunderland Echo, Sunderland are eyeing up Lyon defender Duje Caleta-Car as a potential signing to bolster their squad before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Croatia international – who is valued at £6m, according to Football Transfers, has been transfer-listed by the French club, despite starting 17 of his 19 appearances in the league this season.

It adds that Lyon have been relegated to Ligue 2 following a financial audit, which could provide Black Cats with further encouragement in their pursuit of Caleta-Car, but that they are set to appeal that decision.

Why Sunderland should sign Duje Caleta-Car

The newly-promoted side should pursue a deal to sign the Croatian giant this summer because he could come in as an upgrade on Mepham, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland will need strong defenders to protect their goal, which could be guarded by Bulka, as they battle against relegation next season, and the Lyon titan’s performances in Ligue 1 suggest that he would offer more to the team than the Wales international would.

Caleta-Car, whose former boss Ralph Hasenhuttl claimed he has a “big presence” on the pitch, also caught the eye for his country recently, winning seven of his nine duels and making eight clearances combined in a 7-0 win over Gibraltar and a 5-1 win over Czechia.

As you can see in the table above, the Croatian star’s defensive performances in Ligue 1 this season were simply better than what Mepham produced in his last season in the Premier League.

These statistics suggest that Caleta-Car would be far more dominant defensively, particularly in aerial battles, whilst also making more interventions, with tackles, interceptions, clearances, and blocks, each game to stop attackers from troubling the goal.

The Lyon defender would also arrive with Premier League experience under his belt. He started nine matches for Southampton in the 2022/23 campaign, winning 57% of his duels and making 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game.

Caleta-Car – who transfer insider Dean Jones lauded for having “major quality” – was not available enough to make a telling contribution to their season, though, and they were relegated from the top-flight that term.

Romano: Sunderland in talks to sign "superb" player loved by Luis Enrique

The Black Cats are in the hunt for a new stopper.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 26, 2025

However, his form for Lyon since returning to France suggests that he does have the quality to be an impressive performer in a major European league, particularly in comparison to Mepham.

Therefore, Sunderland should pursue a deal to sign the Croatia international after a move for Bulka this summer to improve their defensive options, whilst removing any need to bring Mepham back on a permanent transfer.

Manchester United have now made a bid worth £30 million to sign a “monster” striker in this transfer window, according to a recent report.

Man Utd chasing multiple targets as they search for a new striker

The Red Devils are continuing to work on a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, a transfer saga that has lasted all summer so far. United return to pre-season training next week, and the hope is that they can have a deal wrapped up for the Cameroon international by then, but he may not be the only attacking signing either.

Worth £40m less than Gyokeres: Man Utd to offer huge salary to unexpected striker

The Red Devils are beginning to motor in the market…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 30, 2025

Given the struggles in front of goal last season, it is no surprise that United are in the market for a new striker to replace Rasmus Hojlund. It was reported over the weekend that United have placed Genk striker Tolu Arokodare on their list of targets after he scored 23 goals in 45 matches last season. The forward is not as well known as the likes of Victor Gyokeres and Dušan Vlahović, and for that, he could cost the Red Devils just £20 million this summer.

As well as keeping an eye on Arokodare, United have held talks with the representatives of Moise Kean and have now been offered the chance to sign the striker from Fiorentina.

A report states that he could be available for £44 million after finding his form once again back in Italy, but any deal rests on Ruben Amorim, as he has yet to decide whether he wants the Italy international.

Man Utd table £30m bid to sign Ivan Toney

The list of potential new strikers arriving at Old Trafford this summer doesn’t stop with Kean, as according to a report from Spain, Man United have now made an opening bid of €35m (£30m) to sign Ivan Toney from Al-Ahli.

The report states that United have decided to act quickly and make a move for Toney, as they believe his experience in English football and his physical strength could make him a success at Old Trafford.

It goes on to add that contacts between both clubs and the player’s entourage have already taken place, and now United chiefs are confident they can complete a deal for the English international in the coming days, as Toney would welcome a move back to England and the Premier League.

Since moving to Saudi Arabia last summer, Toney, who has been dubbed a “monster” by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, has scored 23 goals in 30 Saudi Pro League appearances. The 29-year-old also scored a further six in the AFC Champions League Elite campaign.

While Toney, who earns a staggering £400,000 a week, may be older than United’s current first-choice striker Hojlund, the 29-year-old has proven in the Premier League and in Saudi Arabia that he has a better killing instinct than the Denmark international.

During the 2023/24 season, Toney netted 20 league goals in the Premier League, which is far greater than what Hojlund has managed in the last two campaigns combined.

As everyone expected it to be, this summer has been nothing short of a whirlwind for Chelsea.

Alongside their incredible performances at the Club World Cup, which they are a game away from winning, the Blues have been as busy as ever in the transfer window.

The likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens have all joined Enzo Maresca’s side before preseason has even begun, and it looks like they might want to add one more forward to the mix in Hugo Ekitiké.

The French dynamo has been linked with the West Londoners for quite some time this summer, and it looks like the club might be making another sale to free up funds for his £85m price tag, and no, it’s not Noni Madueke.

Why Chelsea want Ekitike

It might sound rather simplistic, and it probably is, but it’s undeniable that one of, if not the main reason Chelsea want to sign Ekitike this summer is his output.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, in 48 appearances last season, totalling 3644 minutes, the former Paris Saint-Germain prospect scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists to boot.

That means the 23-year-old averaged a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes, which is the sort of productivity that could fire Maresca’s men up the table.

On top of his brilliant ability to score and assist goals, the “next Mbappé,” as journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed him, also has some impressive underlying numbers to his name.

For example, FBref ranks him in the top 4% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries and successful take-ons, all per 90.

Overall, Ekitike looks to be a complete and seriously dangerous forward who’d undoubtedly improve Chelsea, but due to his massive price tag, the club might have to make some sales before signing him.

Fortunately, that seems to be what they are doing, as, alongside Madueke, one of their attackers is nearing the exit.

The Chelsea star set to leave

The big exit story regarding Chelsea over the last week or so has undoubtedly been that of Madueke’s.

After all, it is yet another example of Arsenal buying a player the club do not mind losing, and for a massive fee of around £52m.

However, while the Englishman has understandably caught all the headlines, he’s not the only attacker who looks set to leave.

At least, not according to a recent report from Portugal that has claimed João Félix is nearing a return to his former club Benfica.

The report has revealed that following positive talks with the player and his camp, the Liga Nos giants are working on a deal to bring him back to Lisbon on a permanent deal.

The final price the Blues will receive for the player is being kept under wraps per the story, but some reports suggest it could be around €20m – £17m.

Although that isn’t a lot, removing his £130k-per-week wages will help the signing of new talents like Ekitkie.

The former Atlético Madrid ace only joined the West Londoners for £45m last summer, but following an underwhelming first half of the campaign in which he produced nine goal involvements in 20 games – four of which came in the Conference League – he was sent to AC Milan on loan.

Unfortunately, the Viseu-born ace struggled to make much of an impact at the San Siro as well, and ended his stint there with just four goal involvements in 21 games.

Ultimately, it is a shame that it hasn’t worked out for the Portuguese international, but this deal feels like the right move for all parties involved.

He gets the chance to reignite his career, Benfica get their hands on someone who could still be special, and Chelsea can recover some money to spend elsewhere.

More dispensable than Madueke: Chelsea star agrees personal terms to leave

It would be great business for Chelsea.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 10, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta still has his eyes on an array of exciting attacking talents, amid the club’s widely reported pursuit of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and after their £50 million deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

Arsenal star in talks to leave the Emirates; it could free room for Rodrygo

Rodrygo could be on his way to Arsenal this summer.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 14, 2025

Mikel Arteta’s side have made a serious statement of intent with their deals so far, having also signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, with Arsenal appearing determined to bridge the gap between themselves and Premier League champions Liverpool.

Madueke passed his Arsenal medical on Monday morning, and the England international will soon be joined by Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera. The Spaniard has flown to England today as he begins his own medical with Arsenal, according to Sky Sports, after the Gunners reached an agreement to sign him for around £17 million, including add-ons (Fabrizio Romano).

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also finalising a potential £64 million deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with Arteta on the verge of finally seeing a prolific number nine join his side after what seems like years of waiting (The Athletic). The north Londoners are apparently hopeful they can fully close this deal in time for their pre-season tour of Asia, with Arsenal flying out to Singapore on Saturday.

After Gyokeres and Mosquera, there are many reports that Arsenal remain in ongoing talks with Eze.

Arsenal held positive discussions with the England international’s representatives recently (ESPN), and according to trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, they’re still in contact as they maintain their pursuit of his signature.

Now, as per another reliable reporter, talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, Arsenal are set to approach Palace over a deal for Eze, with club-to-club talks set to get underway after two-week-long negotiations on the player’s side.

Arsenal hold "genuine" Rafael Leao interest with Eberechi Eze

Arsenal apparently plan to speak with Palace as early as this week, and he’s viewed by Arteta’s side as a possible central attacking signing.

Their deal for Madueke will not impact their move for the 27-year-old, who scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions last season. They think of Madueke as a separate signing capable of playing both on the left and competing with Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side, with Jacobs even suggesting that they’re still keen on more left-wing options.

Writing for talkSPORT, Jacobs reports that Arsenal hold a “genuine” interest in AC Milan star Rafael Leao as one target on a star-studded three-man shortlist.

Leao has a £152 million release clause written into his contract, which is active from July 5 to July 15 of every year before his deal runs out in 2028, but Arsenal are very unlikely to trigger that considering both the expense and how it expires today.

The Portugal international is one of Milan’s star players, scoring 12 goals and racking up a further 13 assists over his latest season at the San Siro. However, a potential move for Leao hinges on either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli leaving the Emirates, which is no surprise considering they’ve just signed Madueke.

Bringing in another big-name left-winger would be yet another showcase of real ambition from Berta, but questions will surely be asked about how it could disrupt the dressing room – as Arteta may struggle to hand out adequate game time.

Michael Olise received glowing praise from Dayot Upamecano, Antoine Griezmann and Didier Deschamps after his starring performance for France.

• Olise scored in France's 2-0 win over Ukraine
• Upamecano and Greizmann hail his exceptional talent
• Olise's third goal in seven appearances

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Olise was at the heart of the action as France began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a solid 2-0 victory against Ukraine on Friday. The 23-year-old made his mark early, scoring the opening goal in just the 10th minute – his third goal in only his seventh international appearance. His strong performance drew immediate and widespread acclaim from his team-mates and the national team coach, cementing his growing status within the squad.

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  WHAT WAS SAID?

  Following the match, the praise for Olise was effusive, with his team-mates highlighting his unique technical ability and versatility. Upamecano, who plays alongside him at Bayern Munich, spoke glowingly about the young winger, saying: "He's a magician. His technical level is very high. He can do everything. He can score, set up, and even defend."

  Veteran French striker Griezmann was equally impressed, emphasising the positive impact Olise has on the team's attacking play.

  "With every touch of the ball, he makes an attacking impact. He's a player who will do a lot of good for our team," the Atletico Madrid star said.

  National coach Deschamps also joined the chorus of praise for his new star, recognising his talent and quick adaptation, adding: "Michael is brilliant. He's technically gifted, runs a lot, and moves cleverly. He has everything. He's doing very well for Bayern Munich and for us as well."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The praise for Olise goes beyond a single performance. It reflects a player who has truly found his stride since his high-profile €53m (£46m/$62m) move from Crystal Palace to Bayern in the summer of 2024. At club level, Olise has been in scintillating form, scoring four goals in his last three matches for Bayern after a stellar debut season in Germany. His seamless transition and immediate impact for club and country have solidified his place as a permanent fixture in Deschamps' squad since his debut in September 2024.  

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  WHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE?

  Olise is expected to continue his key role for France in their second World Cup qualifying match against Iceland on September 10 at Parc des Princes.

Ademola Lookman has been warned he faces a tough road back into the Atalanta first-team after he was left out of the squad again on Sunday. The Nigerian has been at odds with the club after his dramatic attempts to force a move to Inter in this summer transfer window. Manager Ivan Juric called it a tense situation as he asked for more "humility" and wants his players to have a "sense of belonging."

• Lookman absent again as Atalanta thrash Lecce

  The attacker was again left out of the squad altogether as Atalanta claimed their first Serie A win of the season by beating Lecce 4-1 in Bergamo. The game came two days after Lookman met with club president Antonio Percassi, CEO Luca Percassi and sporting director Tony D'Amico to discuss his situation at the club following his attempts to force a summer transfer, but it remains unclear if he will be welcomed back into the team.

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  Juric explains why Lookman was left out against Lecce

  It had been reported that Lookman may make it to the squad for Sunday's match, but Juric refused to relent and explained his decision after the game.

  "Lookman won't be called up; it's a bad, unpleasant situation," he told reporters. "We need spirit, fighting spirit, humility, hard work, and a sense of belonging. Our players need to be like this; I want a different level of humanity."

• Lookman included in Champions League squad

  Lookman tried to force his way out of the club as Serie A rivals Inter made an offer. After Atalanta refused, he handed in a transfer request and publicly criticised the club, accusing them of breaking a promise. Atalanta hit back with the claim that the agreement to sell him for a certain price only applied to non-Italian teams and the player remained on strike for some time. The 27-year-old has since been training alone, but has been included in the Champions League squad, suggesting he could still play a role under Juric.

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  Atalanta visit PSG for Champions League opener

  Atalanta are set to face the reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain as they kick off their Champions League campaign on September 18. However, Juric's side are missing their starting star forward, Gianluca Scamacca, who is out with a quadriceps injury and is expected to return in late September.

Nottingham Forest now hold a strong interest in signing a “superb” defender, who is also a target for Premier League rivals Manchester United, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest's ambition underlined by Gibbs-White renewal

Evangelos Marinakis has made no secret of the fact that he has big aspirations for Forest, and Morgan Gibbs-White made it clear that the owners’ ambition was one of the main reasons he decided to extend his contract, despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

With the Tricky Trees set to take part in the Europa League next season, it is important they have tied Gibbs-White down to a new contract, and one of the key tasks to follow will be bringing in a replacement for Anthony Elanga.

Bologna’s Dan Ndoye has emerged as the main target, and the deal is now edging closer to completion, with Fabrizio Romano giving his trademark ‘here we go’ on Monday afternoon.

As such, Nuno Espirito Santo can perhaps now turn his attention towards strengthening other areas of his squad, and the Europa League side have now joined the race for a defender.

That is according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), which reveals Nottingham Forest now hold a strong interest in signing Fiorentina’s Pietro Comuzzo, who is also being targeted by Man United and Sunderland.

Given Comuzzo’s impressive performances last season, he is attracting strong interest from the Tricky Trees, although none of the interested Premier League clubs have submitted an offer as things stand.

Should Forest decide to formalise their interest, it could take a big offer to prise the centre-back away from Fiorentina, as the Italian club value him at £38m.

"Superb" Comuzzo could be ready for Premier League move

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described the 20-year-old as “superb” last season, while also praising his composure and consistency, and for good reason, given that the youngster managed to hold down a regular spot in the Fiorentina starting XI.

Nottingham Forest now "join the race" to sign £50m+ Premier League forward

The Tricky Trees are now in the race for the signature of a forward, journalist Sebastien Vidal has revealed.

1

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 27, 2025

The Italian made 44 appearances in all competitions, which is no mean feat at such a young age, and he scored a remarkable goal in Fiorentina’s 3-2 victory against Udinese back in May.

Comuzzo is showing very promising signs at Fiorentina, and he could be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, but a £38m asking price is a little on the pricey side, given that the starlet is yet to prove himself at the highest level.

And with that, Darwin Nunez is gone. Liverpool have taken the riches of Saudi and could now look to force through a move for Alexander Isak.

The Reds have spent a colossal amount already this summer, that is no secret. Florian Wirtz arrived in a British record £116m deal from Bayer Leverkusen and Hugo Ekitike has also arrived for over £70m.

Yet, Isak, valued at £150m by Newcastle United, would be their biggest move yet. It’s just a pity for their sake that the Toon have no desire to sell their prized asset between now and September 1st.

Still, Isak isn’t the only priority target for the remaining weeks of the summer window.

Liverpool's priority targets

A move for Isak would be simply lovely, of course it would be, but despite the sale of Nunez – who departed for £46m – it would take something special for Newcastle to be convinced to sell.

The same feeling is felt when assessing the Bradley Barcola situation at PSG. Liverpool admire the winger (who doesn’t?), and could make their move after Luis Diaz headed for Bayern Munich.

However, the French sensation isn’t planning to force through a move as Isak has, and PSG are in no hurry to sell one of their key players.

One might argue that Liverpool look fine in forward areas, but at the back they need options. Marc Guehi could be that.

Transfer Focus

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

This saga has been rumbling on for most of the summer now, so much so that over a month ago it was reported that the Crystal Palace centre-back was close to agreeing personal terms with the Anfield side.

Since then, things have gone quiet but the England international remains on Liverpool’s radar.

A new report from the Daily Mail this weekend suggests that Liverpool are due to hold further talks with Palace over signing Guehi after Sunday’s Community Shield.

The defender is in the last year of his deal at Selhurst Park and a year on from when the Eagles rejected a £65m bid from Newcastle, he could now be on the move for a fee of £45m.

Hear us out, Guehi is more important than Isak

Isak would be an almighty statement, don’t get us wrong. This is a player who Jamie Carragher described as “the best striker in the Premier League” and scored 27 goals in all competitions throughout 2024/25.

In the Premier League last term, only a certain Mo Salah found the net more regularly.

Yet, the sensational Swede isn’t the be-all and end-all as far as Arne Slot’s title hopes are concerned. Why? Well, Liverpool have already signed Ekitike – a player boasting immense potential – and they have Cody Gakpo who can play up top.

Of course, looking at Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, the Reds could do with a talismanic focal point but let’s not forget the aforementioned Salah. He’s still around and he’s ready to have a big season in front of goal again.

As for Barcola, we can make a similar argument here. Liverpool may require another wide option after Diaz left Merseyside behind but they do have options. Once again, both Ekitike and Gakpo could play in that role.

But, in defence, Liverpool look rather barren. Out wide they have strengthened significantly with Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong bolstering the full-back areas but with Joe Gomez injured, Jarrel Quansah having left and Ibou Konate potentially off to Real Madrid, things do look sparse in central defence.

Indeed, throughout pre-season so far, we’ve seen Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni and Ryan Gravenberch all start games as a centre-half.

For a team harbouring ambitions of retaining their Premier League title, this isn’t okay. After all, let’s look at Arsenal. While they’ve had problems building a cohesive attack, their defensive depth is remarkable.

At right-back they have Ben White and Jurrien Timber, at left-back they have Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly. In the middle William Saliba, Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera and Jakub Kiwior make up a fantastic quartet.

At Anfield, they can only dream of such defensive luxuries. However, with the arrival of Guehi, it would suitably strengthen what looks like Liverpool’s biggest weakness heading into the new season.

Isak and Barcola would be captivating additions but the Palace captain is a ready-made option who would immediately strengthen the backline at Slot’s disposal.

Already described as “England’s player” during the last European Championships by analyst Ben Mattinson, Guehi is most notably an excellent reader of the play, ranking inside the best 4% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for passes blocked with 0.96 per 90 minutes.

Guehi is also brilliant and bringing the ball out from the back. Only 20% of positionally similar players in the continent’s best divisions have registered more successful take-ons over the last year. Is it really any surprise that reporter Bobby Manzi suggested he is a “monster in defence”?

At the age of 25, he’s also approaching his prime and it feels like he’s got the best years of his career ahead of him.

So, while Isak and Barcola would be statement additions that send shockwaves through the rest of the Premier League, Guehi must be the priority. Liverpool’s backline looks incomplete but the Crystal Palace stalwart would complete the jigsaw.

Better than Barcola: Hughes leading Liverpool bid for £120k-p/w "wizard"

Liverpool are preparing to launch another marquee move in the summer transfer market.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 9, 2025

Cesc Fabregas claims that Como sensation Nico Paz is getting Lionel Messi-esque treatment from Serie A rivals. World Cup winner Fabregas once played alongside Messi at Barcelona, with opponents eager to keep the ball away from him as much as possible. Paz is, much like his Argentina international team-mate, considered to be another match-altering talent.

• Real Madrid academy graduate Paz starring in Italy

  Paz, who started out in the academy system at Real Madrid, has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most destructive creative talents in the Italian top-flight. As a result, he is attracting plenty of attention.

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  Full Argentina international in World Cup year

  Much of that is positive, with senior international recognition coming his way ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but new challenges are being presented. Paz is having to find ways of influencing games when being denied time and space.

• Just like Messi: Paz gets similar treatment

  Messi has been able to achieve that over the course of his remarkable career, with records tumbling around the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, and Fabregas is pleased to see a player at his disposal being treated in a similar manner.

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  Fabregas puts Paz in Messi category

  Ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Barca star Fabregas, who is now in charge of Como, has told reporters of Paz: “If you ask me, when every team played against Barcelona, surely they didn’t want Messi to touch the ball. He would score three goals per game.

  “I don’t know. This is a positive thing for Nico. I mean, this will happen more. I said it at the beginning of the season, I told him too. This tells me now that they look at you differently. They want to compete against you in a different way.”