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When it comes to producing top-quality players, it’s hard to think of many Premier League teams with a better track record than Arsenal.

On top of numbers, Hale End has also produced a string of players who look destined for the very top of the game.

However, for every player who does make it to the pinnacle of the sport, there are plenty who fall by the wayside.

Unfortunately, that has been the case for one such talent, who was at one point compared to Phil Foden.

Arsenal's Hale End hotstreak

It would be fair to say that this current run of Hale Enders making it into the Arsenal team truly started with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.

Granted, the latter was eventually sold, but his impact in the two and a bit years he was fit under Arteta cannot be overstated, and well, when it comes to the former, what else is there to say?

The regular England international has only just turned 24 and has already made 266 appearances for the club, in which he’s scored 71 goals and provided 71 assists.

The next two academy graduates to make an impact at the club were Ethan Nwaneri and Myles-Lewis Skelly.

The former became the youngest player in Premier League history in 2022 and ended last season with an impressive tally of nine goals and two assists in just 37 appearances.

Lewis-Skelly, however, arguably made an even bigger impact, cementing himself as the manager’s first-choice left-back for some time and scoring on his debut for the senior national team.

Finally, the latest uber-talented teen to make their way out of Hale End looks to be Max Dowman, who has impressed every time he’s made it onto the pitch since his debut in pre-season.

However, a few years ago, many would have expected another name on this list, a player who was compared to Foden.

The Hale Ender compared to Foden

So, to be compared to a player as talented as Foden, the Arsenal youngster must have been looked at as a special prospect.

First Impressions

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While it seems a long time ago now, that is exactly how people perceived Charlie Patino.

For example, in October 2021, Jack Wilshere, who knows a thing or two about being a wonderkid, told the press that the youngster was “going to make a name for himself in the future” and that he was “one who everyone at the training ground is talking about.”

On top of that, scout Brian Stappleton claimed that fellow Arsenal scout Sean O’Connor told him Patino was “the best player who has ever walked through the doors at Hale End.”

Then came the comparison to the Man City star, which stemmed from his attacking ability during his time at youth level and was then highlighted in an article by the Times’ Gary Jacob.

All the excitement around the youngster came to a head when he scored on his competitive debut for the club in a Carabao Cup game against Sunderland in October 2021.

However, as we now know, all the hype around him and the comparisons to players like Foden were soon to be proven to be overblown, as two underwhelming loans to Blackpool and Swansea City began to cast doubt over his true potential.

Team

Blackpool

Swansea

Appearances

37

35

Goals

3

4

Assists

4

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.18

0.22

Moreover, his representatives then told the club that he wanted to leave for more guaranteed game time, but after two middling years in the Championship, there was very little interest in his services.

Eventually, with little other option, the North Londoners agreed to sell the Hale Ender to Segunda División side Deportivo La Coruna for £1m, where he made just eight appearances last season.

However, while he didn’t live up to the expectations placed upon him, there is reason to be hopeful that the youngster can still have a successful career, as so far this season, he has six appearances for the Spanish outfit.

Ultimately, Arsenal have produced exciting talent after exciting talent from Hale End over the last few years, but Patino just wasn’t quite at the level required to become one of those who made it in North London.

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Fabrizio Romano has shared a transfer update involving Chelsea, with BlueCo continuing to make a splash this summer as Enzo Maresca gears up for a crucial 2025/2026 campaign.

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Fresh off their triumphs in the Conference League and Club World Cup, Chelsea have absolutely zero intention of letting up on the trophy front, and there is every reason to believe they could be contenders for the Premier League title next season.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Maresca’s side briefly contended with Liverpool last term before falling away, but the Blues are now making a series of transfer statements in their bid to close the gap.

Having already signed Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro for a total of around £145 million, Chelsea are also in talks to sign RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons right now.

Simons is believed to be their “new attacking priority”, according to journalist Simon Phillips, and a deal for the Netherlands international could even be done for close to £40 million – a far cry beneath the widely reported £65m potential fee.

This is partly backed up by other reliable media sources, like Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, who reports that very positive talks between Leipzig and Chelsea have taken place.

Given the Bundesliga side’s simultaneous negotiations for Carney Chukwuemeka, an ‘unofficial swap deal’ is also very possible here.

Amidst their pursuit of Simons, Chelsea are also very close to ending their search for another centre-back.

Indeed, Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is their chief target in this regard, with Romano reporting that they’re now in ongoing talks to sign the Dutchman.

The player’s own agent even confirmed this story in an interview with De Telegraaf, so this is definitely one to watch for the coming days.

Now, Romano has shared more information on the versatile centre-back, and he has a burning desire for Stamford Bridge.

Jorrel Hato tells John Heitinga he wants to join Chelsea

It is believed that Hato has made it clear to Ajax and their manager, John Heitinga, that he wants to join Chelsea after also agreeing personal terms with the west Londoners.

Chelsea talks with Ajax for Hato are now very advanced, and in more good news for Maresca, their top defensive target could join for just £35 million.

“Chelsea have reached agreement on personal terms with Jorrel Hato and the defender has asked Ajax to leave,” wrote Romano on X.

“Negotiations advancing to final stages, as fee discussed now is around €40m. Hato informed Ajax management and the manager of his clear desire to join.”

The 19-year-old primarily played as a left-back under Franceso Farioli last season, meaning he’d be comfortable operating as cover for Marc Cucurella as well as at the heart of Maresca’s backline.

Hato’s potential signing kills two birds with one stone, and despite his age, the player has plenty of top-level experience already.

Tottenham Hotspur have now made contact over a deal for a “generational” Premier League midfielder, as they love his versatility, according to a report.

Spurs vying to sign new midfielder amid Bissouma uncertainty

There has been a great deal of speculation surrounding Yves’ Bissouma’s future in north London, with the likes of AC Milan and Fenerbahce being named as potential suitors, although the midfielder has made it clear he is keen to remain in England.

With the central midfielder’s contract set to expire next summer, it would make sense for Spurs to get him off the books this summer, while they can still receive a fee, and they have recently stepped up their pursuit of a potential replacement.

Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha is among the main targets, with Fabrizio Romano recently revealing that contact has been made with the Portugal international’s camp, but the Lilywhites also have a Premier League player in mind as an alternative option.

Indeed, according to a report from GiveMeSport, Tottenham have now made contact with Manchester United over a potential deal for Kobbie Mainoo, with his contract situation at Old Trafford still unresolved, potentially opening the door for an exit.

Informal enquiries have been made, in order to assess whether a deal for Mainoo would be possible, with Spurs said to be big fans of the midfielder’s versatility.

The 20-year-old has found it difficult to force his way into Ruben Amorim’s plans, and the north Londoners are hopeful that United will be willing to cash-in this summer, but a deal may be on the expensive side, with the Red Devils reportedly set to hold out for £70m.

"Generational" Mainoo could be better long-term signing than Palhinha

Palhinha was very impressive during his time with Fulham, being lauded as “world-class” by reporter Dom Smith, but the Bayern midfielder is now 30-years-old, making him ten years Mainoo’s senior.

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Not only that, but the Portuguese maestro has failed to kick on since moving to Bayern, making just 17 Bundesliga appearances last term, indicating that he could be better-suited to playing for a smaller club like Fulham.

The United midfielder, on the other hand, has been lauded as a “generational” player by writer Liam Canning, and he has already made 72 first-team appearances for the Red Devils, picking up seven goals and two assists.

The Stockport-born midfielder has also displayed his versatility by regularly featuring in both defensive and attacking roles, but his performances are yet to justify a £70m price tag, and Spurs should try and get a deal done at a lower price.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is reported to be a real admirer of another England international, who’s made his way on to the Dane’s summer transfer shortlist amid all the drama surrounding Morgan Gibbs-White’s potential move to north London.

£43m star "clear" he wants to join Tottenham in talks with club chairman

He’s expressed his desire to seal a Spurs switch.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 15, 2025

Spurs are ready to back Frank with more new signings before deadline day on September 1, after already sealing deals for Mohammed Kudus, Kota Takai and Mathys Tel for a combined fee of around £90 million.

By all accounts, their total expenditure should be around £150 million right now, and it would be if not for the bizarre situation with Gibbs-White.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

After a round of quick-fire talks late last week, Tottenham were ready to trigger the 25-year-old’s £60 million release clause, and his transfer to N17 was so advanced that Spurs booked medical tests for Gibbs-White on Friday.

However, in a stunning twist, Forest then unexpectedly blocked his move, amid a complaint to the Premier League, with Evangelos Marinakis and co believing Tottenham tapped up Gibbs-White and obtained knowledge of his release clause illegally (Ben Jacobs).

Now, Forest are adamant that Gibbs-White isn’t going anywhere (Sky Sports), but Spurs still remain hopeful of eventually getting a deal done.

As Frank waits for further clarification on whether the Lilywhites can indeed get Gibbs-White over the line, with Forest digging their heels in, reports suggest that Tottenham also want to add a new traditional central midfielder to their ranks.

Thomas Frank wants to sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton

According to GiveMeSport, a ‘leading target’ for Frank in that position is Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton.

The England international’s 2024 performances earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for the Euros, and even though his latest campaign was hampered somewhat by injury, Wharton is still regarded as one of the country’s best rising stars.

GMS reports that Frank has personally identified Wharton as a potential Tottenham signing, and what’s more, they might not be deterred by the 21-year-old’s seismic £100 million price tag.

Palace are using Declan Rice’s £105 million move to Arsenal in 2023 as a yardstick for Wharton’s valuation, as they hold the player in similar regard, but this hasn’t completely turned Spurs away. They could yet still open talks for the ex-Blackburn Rovers starlet in an “ambitious” move, even if Daniel Levy would have to completely shatter Tottenham’s transfer record.

In their published set of financial accounts, Levy stated that Spurs ‘cannot spend what they do not have’, but the club’s summer spree thus far has sparked claims of both a cash injection from ENIC and a potential stadium naming rights deal on the horizon (The Telegraph).

Tottenham Hotspur still haven’t made headway in the summer transfer market, but Thomas Frank is at least in place as the new manager, and a forward plan is being put into place.

Of course, there’s no need for concern. Miles of transfer market activity still stretch in front of the Lilywhites, who are in a fantastic position after ending 17 years of searching for silverware with victory over Manchester United in the Europa League, thus securing a seat at the Champions League table.

How does Frank propel this Spurs side forward? Will the Danish tactician take the seeds from Ange Postecoglou’s chaotic, up-and-down tenure and plant them in fertile soil?

The Londoners have a lot to work out, but Frank’s track record denotes his potential at the Tottenham helm. His adaptable and dynamic coaching style will be expected to breed greater consistency than we’ve seen in recent years. To achieve this, his approach must see a big upswing in defensive security.

Why Frank needs to fix Spurs' defence

Last season, Tottenham’s woes were shaped by the defensive calamities which plagued Postecoglou’s system, preventing it from ever reaching its full capacity. That and an overload of injury problems, that is.

16.

Tottenham

17th

65

17.

Wolves

16th

69

18.

Leicester

18th

80

19.

Ipswich

19th

82

20.

Southampton

20th

86

While the loan signing of versatile defender Kevin Danso has been made permanent (along with forward Mathys Tel), Tottenham need to enforce a sharp turnaround in defensive stability and mentality.

Losing Cristian Romero will hamper that. The Argentina international is on Atletico Madrid’s radar and may leave the English capital this month, with Spanish outlet AS revealing the La Liga side are prepared to table a £61m offer.

What happens there is uncertain at this stage, but we do know Frank will have a contingency plan if he does lose his combative centre-half. Interest has been shown in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi through 2025.

However, it’s not just central defenders needed to create a squad capable of competing across multiple fronts. Indeed, Daniel Levy and co are looking toward the flanks.

Spurs lining up new full-back

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Tottenham have been in contact with Sunderland for Dennis Cirkin, four years after the left-back moved from Spurs to the Stadium of Light as a teenager.

Cirkin, now 23, has been an integral part of a Sunderland side that has stabilised itself in the EFL and will now return to the Premier League, though he might yet jump ship.

With Levy holding talks with Spurs’ divisional rivals, there’s a good chance this one might gather pace in the coming weeks, especially as the Black Cats are thought to be sounding out potential replacements.

Why Spurs want to sign Dennis Cirkin

Cirkin has never played a game in the Premier League, but he has established himself as “the best full-back in the Championship”, as has been remarked by journalist Josh Bunting.

After featuring prominently for Tottenham’s development sides, Cirkin has now made 116 appearances for Sunderland, of which 72 have come in the Championship, with eight goals scored and four assists placed.

While a robust physicality and a desire to get forward are staples of the Englishman’s skill set, his defensive roots are forked deep indeed, having averaged 2.5 tackles and 5.6 successful duels per league match last season, as per Sofascore.

His flair and roundedness, partnered with his development further down the English pyramid, even suggest that Cirkin could be Frank’s own version of Dele Alli, who was once such an indomitable force at Tottenham.

Dele joined Tottenham one decade ago, in 2015. He was highly touted, signing him from MK Dons for £5m and beating off fierce competition from clubs such as Liverpool.

An attacking midfielder, Dele transcended his role and became one of the greatest young stars that English football had ever seen, with his former manager, Jose Mourinho, even predicting he would become “one of the world’s best”.

This was hardly baseless; he was named the PFA Premier League Young Player of the Year across his first two seasons at Spurs, having notched 67 goal contributions across his first three seasons in the top division.

And like Cirkin, Dele was more than capable of a wonder strike.

Mourinho has also recognised the former prospect’s skills. Back when the Portuguese manager managed Tottenham, he singled Cirkin out for praise after watching the development side compete in the UEFA Youth League.

Mourinho said: “I couldn’t be at the game but I watched on video our youth team playing in the [UEFA Youth League], and we also have [Dennis Cirkin].

“OK, he’s 17, but he’s a kid with a lot of quality, and I look forward to bringing him to train with us, and to help his development.”

These are players greatly opposed as far as positional value is considered, and Cirkin is older than his teenage compatriot was when he first headed down N17, but Tottenham know the value of signing a player who has cut their teeth in the EFL and would arrive in the Premier League with the expectation that they would look firmly in place among the high-level competition.

Dele’s story might have been a poignant one in recent years, but there’s no question he proved to the masses that those who foster their talents below the Premier League can become superstars in the division.

Cirkin has the advantage of having graduated from Tottenham’s academy, but he’s now in with a shout for returning and jockeying with Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence (who would shift back to the right upon Cirkin’s arrival), and becoming a major player for an exciting new Spurs project.

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1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 4, 2025

Following an excellent campaign last time out, Nottingham Forest are looking to use the summer transfer window to ensure that their European qualification was no blip. And that could reportedly start with the addition of a Bayern Munich midfielder.

Nuno Espirito Santo extends Nottingham Forest contract

Starting as they mean to go on this summer, Nottingham Forest confirmed the news that Nuno Espirito Santo has agreed a new deal with the club and will now remain in charge until at least 2028.

The Portuguese manager has taken the Midlands club to fresh heights in the Premier League and Evangelos Marinakis was clearly keen to ensure that he remains the man for the job at the City Ground.

The Greek owner told Nottingham Forest’s official media channels: “Nuno has made a great impact and performed very well during his time with us so far.

With that contract signed and delivered, Nottingham Forest can now turn their attention back towards the transfer window. Already, it looks as though Jair Cunha, Igor Jesus and Cuiabano are all on their way from Brazilian club Botafogo, who just defeated Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup. But those in the Midlands could yet return to the market.

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Reports are now suggesting that the Midlands club have joined the race to sign a Champions League midfielder who looks destined to return to the Premier League this summer.

Nottingham Forest join £30m Palhinha race

According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest are now eyeing a move to sign Joao Palhinha this summer. The midfielder is reportedly free to leave Bayern Munich for up to €35m (£30m) in what is a cut-price deal considering that the German giants initially paid Fulham as much as £42m to secure his signature just one year ago.

The transfer fee is unlikely to be the main sticking point in any deal. Instead, there may be concerns about Palhinha’s wage demands. If he requests the same £8.5m-a-year contract that he earns at Bayern Munich then the likes of Nottingham Forest could instantly look elsewhere for options.

With Manchester United, former club Fulham, Benfica and West Ham United also in the race for his signature, Palhinha may have a decision to make regarding his salary if he wants to secure an exit away from Munich this summer.

At his best, there’s no denying that Palhinha is capable of making a significant impact with Fulham boss Marco Silva dubbing him “impressive” during his time in West London. Now, however, the Portugal international desperately needs a return to English football to rediscover his top form.

Newcastle United won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League last season, and will surely be looking to raise their game even higher under Eddie Howe’s wing next year.

To do that, they will need to hit the mark in the summer transfer window, which officially opens next Monday. Bryan Mbeumo is involved in a tussle between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, so that’s unfortunately one which St. James’ Park will have to cede, but Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga is fixed on Howe’s radar.

The speedy Elanga, however, is valued at more than £55m by the Tricky Trees, and the Magpies may want to fold their interest, given the perfect alternative has recently been made available on the transfer market.

Newcastle enter race for PL star

As relayed by Caught Offside, Newcastle have entered the race for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who will not sign for Chelsea in a permanent deal after the Blues paid a £5m penalty to sever their obligation to buy clause, worth £25m.

The 25-year-old played his part for Chelsea last season, but Enzo Maresca ultimately wanted to look in a different direction this summer, but that’s not to say Sancho isn’t without his suitors, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur also keen.

There’s no way back for the winger at Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils outfit, so if Newcastle do want to push ahead with a move, they might find negotiations to be comparatively smooth sailing.

Why Newcastle want Jadon Sancho

It certainly wasn’t the worst season in the world for the England international. Across 42 matches in all competitions, Sancho only scored five goals but did rack up ten assists, notably featuring heavily as Chelsea won the Conference League.

In the Premier League, Sancho might have only started 19 matches, but he did clinch seven direct goal contributions, averaging 1.5 dribbles and 1.2 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.

And if you needed further evidence of his qualities, the silky winger finished the 2024/25 campaign ranked among the top 10% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 13% for progressive carries and the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

In the right environment, under the right manager’s guidance, Sancho has proven himself to be one of the most dangerous widemen in football.

Surely, Sancho at his peak outstrips any version of Elanga, whose progress in Nuno Espirito Santo’s system has been remarkable, but perhaps the underlying data doesn’t favour him, only averaging 0.7 dribbles per Premier League game in 2024/25 (winning 39%), as per Sofascore.

His two-footedness adds another layer to the argument of him being a better option than Elanga, with Howe known to enjoy shuffling his forwards across different positions, even fielding Alexander Isak out on the left flank on occasion.

Left winger

176

54

45

Right winger

113

32

44

Attacking midfield

20

5

4

Centre-forward

6

2

1

Arriving in the Premier League as a £73m signing for Manchester United, Sancho has struggled, no doubt, but he was incredible when plying his art with Borussia Dortmund, impressing both domestically and on the biggest European stages.

Even at a lower ebb across the past 12 months (but not his lowest), Sancho has demonstrated a glowing range of qualities. At £25m, surely this represents a better deal than Elanga, who almost matched the Chelsea man for numbers, scoring six goals and assisting 12 more over 43 games?

Given that Forest could be looking to bank north of £50m for Elanga this summer, it perhaps makes more sense to invest in Sancho, who might just find his erstwhile footing on Tyneside, working under Howe’s tutelage to finally realise the potential that once led talent scout Jacek Kulig to hail him as a “phenomenon”.

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Leeds United have now made an offer for an “outstanding” £68k-a-week midfielder, who could be in line to join alongside Habib Diarra, according to a reporter.

Leeds set sights on new midfielder

The Whites are looking to strengthen their squad in a number of key areas this summer, in a bid to avoid an instant return to the Championship, and they are particularly keen to strengthen in the middle of the park, with Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra now of interest.

Indeed, Leeds have now submitted an opening bid of around £22m for Diarra, which the French club are yet to respond to, as they wait to see whether any other clubs are willing to come to the negotiating table with a higher offer.

The Strasbourg ace is not the only midfielder on the shortlist, however, with Daniel Farke’s side also identifying targets from the Premier League, Championship and La Liga, indicating just how keen the manager is to bolster his midfield options this summer.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Yves Bissouma

Tottenham Hotspur

£25m

Shea Charles

Southampton

Unknown

Christantus Uche

Getafe

£21m

A move for Bissouma could make perfect sense, given the Malian’s vast experience in the top flight, making 191 appearances in the competition, but Farke’s side have also turned their attention towards a former Champions League winner.

That is according to Turkish reporter Fırat Günayer, who states Leeds have now made an offer for Besiktas midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the former Liverpool man now willing to leave the Süper Lig side this summer.

A further report goes into more detail about Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future at Besiktas, revealing the Turkish club are now willing to sanction a departure, given his £68k-a-week wages, potentially opening the door for a move to Elland Road.

"Outstanding" Oxlade-Chamberlain has top-level experience

Leeds may need to bring in players with Premier League experience if they are to avoid the drop next season, and the 31-year-old has that in droves, making 235 appearances in the competition, during which time he collected 20 goals and 24 assists.

Jurgen Klopp also lavished his former player with praise during their time working together at Anfield, with the German saying: “Ox is an outstanding player, an outstanding player, was always and will always be.”

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1 ByDominic Lund Jun 10, 2025

Perhaps the most memorable moment from the Englishman’s time at Anfield was when he found the back of the net with a remarkable strike against Manchester City in the 2017-18 Champions League quarter-final.

That said, Oxlade Chamberlain has been in Turkey since the 2023-24 season, which suggests his best days may be behind him, and the central midfielder’s huge wages may also pose a problem for Leeds.

Manchester City are headed to the Club World Cup and expect to bring in a proven Premier League operator to strengthen their ranks before the tournament commences, according to David Ornstein.

Manchester City close to landing double midfield deal

With Kevin De Bruyne moving on to a new challenge elsewhere, Manchester City have wasted no time in finding a replacement for the Belgian icon and look set to wrap up a double deal in midfield before they jet out to the United States.

Pep Guardiola is closing in on AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders and Lyon star Rayan Cherki. The latter is set to arrive for a fee of £34 million after Florian Wirtz opted to move from Bayer Leverkusen to reigning champions Liverpool.

In the case of Reijnders, the final details of a transfer worth £50 million involving the Netherlands international are being ironed out before he officially links up with his new teammates at the Etihad Stadium.

Legendary defensive midfielder Rodri is also back after injury, creating a new-look engine room to take the Premier League by storm next term as the Citizens aim to reclaim the title.

Cementing what he wants his midfield to look like after a period of instability, Guardiola is also set to offer Rodri a new Manchester City contract to stave off interest from heavyweights Real Madrid – that could be worth £300,000 per week.

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ByDominic Lund May 28, 2025

Pressing on in their hunt for reinforcements, City are now closing in on another addition elsewhere on the pitch to equip themselves ahead of their Club World Cup endeavours.

Man City expect to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers

Taking to social media platform X, reputable journalist Ornstein has reported all parties involved – from both clubs to the player’s camp – ‘expect’ a deal to be done that would see Rayan Ait-Nouri arrive at the Etihad Stadium from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

There is still work to be done before a final agreement can be reached, but they appear to be in pole position to land their main left-back target relatively quickly.

Labelled “incredible” by Gary O’Neil, Ait-Nouri has registered five goals and seven assists in 41 appearances across all competition for Wolves this campaign.

Creating 24 chances on Premier League duty this term, the Algeria international provided a regular threat in forward areas for the Old Gold as they managed to secure their top-flight status.

Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake have both shouldered the left-back burden at Manchester City, though bringing in a natural in that position could gift Guardiola the added bonus of being able to move one of them to a central role once all paperwork is completed.

Deemed to be worth around £51 million on the market, signing Ait-Nouri appears to be a shrewd addition by the Citizens ahead of the new campaign.

Celtic ended their season on Saturday and the attention will now turn to the summer transfer window and what they need to improve the squad to go again next term.

The Hoops already know that they might have to bolster their options out wide after Portuguese winger Jota suffered an injury that is set to keep him out for a large chunk of the 2025/26 campaign.

He was forced off with a knee injury during the first half of the 5-0 win over Dundee United and is now set for between six and nine months on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury.

This means that the attacker, who rejoined the Hoops from Rennes on a permanent deal in January, could miss most or all of the first half of next season.

Jota had produced four goals and two assists in seven starts in the Scottish Premiership prior to his injury blow, which illustrates the kind of quality that Brendan Rodgers has lost because of this news.

Celtic may, therefore, be in the market for a new winger in the summer transfer window, which officially opens for business next month, and one forward who is of interest to the club is Sondre Orjasaeter.

Why Sondre Orjasaeter could be a good signing for Celtic

Writing for Sky Sports on Saturday, journalist Anthony Joseph claimed that the club could go back in with a move for the Sarpsborg star this summer.

The reporter added that the Premiership champions had multiple bids turned down for the Norway youth international, before they eventually signed Jota from Rennes.

67HailHail reported during that window that the Hoops had an offer of £4.4m turned down for the 21-year-old starlet because the Norwegian side were holding out for a fee of £7m.

£7m is a significant amount of cash to splash on a young talent who has not proven himself outside of his own country, but his form for Sarpsborg does suggest that the potential is there for him to be an exciting signing for Celtic.

Appearances

28

7

Goals

5

1

Big chances missed

5

2

Big chances created

12

7

Key passes per game

1.9

2.0

Assists

5

2

Dribbles completed per game

2.4

2.7

As you can see in the table above, Orjasaeter has provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals, mainly the latter, in the Eliteserien since the start of last year, which is why he could be an excellent signing to fill the void left by Jota’s injury.

However, the £7m price tag could be a sticking point, particularly with Jota due to return at some point next season, and that is why they could look to an alternative option to forget about Orjasaeter.

Celtic could return for Belgian star

In the aforementioned article for Sky Sports, Anthony Joseph also reported that Royal Antwerp attacker Michel-Ange Balikwisha has been a long-term transfer target for Celtic.

The journalist added that the 24-year-old wizard has been highly recommended to the club by their scouts, who have been impressed by his performances in Belgium.

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Joseph claimed that the Scottish giants could go in with a swoop for the Pro League star in the upcoming summer transfer window, and he could come cheaper than Orjasaeter would.

The Scottish Sun reported in April that the impressive winger is currently valued at £5m by Royal Antwerp, which means that he could be £2m cheaper than the Norwegian whizkid.

With this in mind, Rodgers could forget all about Orjasaeter and save the club £2m in transfer fees by pushing for the board to sign Balikwisha as an emergency replacement for Jota this summer.

Why Celtic should sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha

As per UEFA, Belgium is currently ranked the eighth best European league based on the coefficient rankings, three places above Norway in 11th. This suggests that the standard in Belgium, at least among the top clubs, is better than the standard in Norway.

You could, therefore, put more weight behind Balikwisha’s performances in the Pro League than Orjasaeter’s in the Eliteserien when judging how effective they could be at making an impact at Celtic, particularly in the Champions League, next season.

Whilst the Norwegian starlet has caught the eye with six goals and seven assists in his last 35 Eliteserien games for Sarpsborg, the Belgian ace has delivered similar levels of quality whilst playing in a more challenging league.

One scout, Emir, on X, described the £5m-rated star as a winger who “wins games on his own” and a “no-brainer” signing for top teams because he is ready to take the step to the next level.

Balikwisha’s performances in the Pro League suggest that he is a player who can be a difference-maker in the final third to win matches for his side, with goals and assists.

Starts

27

11

xG

6.46

2.26

Goals

7

4

Big chances created

6

7

Key passes per game

1.5

1.6

Assists

5

3

As you can see in the table above, the Belgian gem has produced 11 goals and ‘big chances’ created in 11 starts in the Pro League this season since returning from injury, which speaks to the kind of quality he can provide at the top end of the pitch.

Balikwisha, who is a right-footed left-winger, has also outperformed his xG in each of the last two seasons in the Belgian top-flight, which shows that he can be an effective and efficient finisher in front of goal.

The Celtic target also produced one goal and one assist in two Champions League qualifiers to help his side qualify for the group stage in the 2023/24 campaign, before scoring one goal in five matches in the group stage.

This shows that, unlike Orjasaeter, he also has experience on the top stage of European football, which could be useful ahead of Celtic’s qualifiers for the competition later this year.

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Therefore, Rodgers must urge Celtic to forget about Orjasaeter by signing Balikwisha, who could provide more quality and experience whilst costing £2m less this summer.