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Celtic have moved quickly to bolster their playing squad during the summer transfer window and several moves have officially gone through on Tuesday.

Kieran Tierney agreed to return to Parkhead earlier this year, and his move has finally gone through upon the expiry of his contract at Arsenal, which came to an end on Monday.

The Scotland international, who left the Hoops to sign for the Gunners back in the summer of 2025, is not the only player officially arriving on Tuesday, though, as Ross Doohan has also joined on a free transfer from Aberdeen.

Celtic have also taken advantage of a contractual situation to snap up a deal for 19-year-old centre-forward Callum Osmand, whose deal with Premier League side Fulham expired on Monday.

The teenage striker has joined from the Cottagers’ U21 side, but has taken the first-team squad number of 19, and is set to compete for a place in the squad.

What Callum Osmand's role at Celtic will be

The young striker could arrive at Parkhead to fulfill the role that Johnny Kenny played for the Scottish Premiership champions in the second half of last season.

Brendan Rodgers decided to integrate the Irish forward into the first-team squad after his loan spell with Shamrock Rovers, and the 22-year-old forward scored one goal and provided one assist in eight Premiership outings, starting one game.

Celtic have already rejected an offer of £500k from Bolton for the Irishman, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will still be at Parkhead by the end of the summer transfer window.

An exit from Glasgow for Kenny in the coming weeks would open the door for Osmand to take up his role as the back-up centre-forward in the squad.

24/25

22

11

4

23/24

29

21

6

22/23

21

11

2

21/22

1

0

0

As you can see in the table above, the Welsh striker enjoyed a prolific career at youth level for Fulham, scoring 54 goals for the U18 and U21 sides combined.

However, he is yet to make a senior appearance for any club to date, which means that it remains to be seen how he will adapt to first-team football. This is why a back-up role initially could make a lot of sense for the teenage talent.

Osmand, though, may not be the only centre-forward to come through the door this summer, as the Hoops may also look for a long-term replacement for Kyogo Furuhashi as an immediate starting-calibre option.

Celtic opted against signing an immediate replacement for the Japan international in the January window, but they should now swoop for a senior addition, and Bojan Miovski is a player who could make a lot of sense.

Why Celtic should sign Bojan Miovski

The Daily Record recently reported that Celtic have shown more interest in signing the Macedonia international than Rangers in the past, and that they would be a more likely destination for the forward.

They have been linked with an interest in signing the former Aberdeen star, who is valued at £9m, from Girona, but it remains to be seen whether or not they will press ahead with a swoop for his services.

The Premiership champions should pursue a deal for the £9m-rated striker because he is a proven performer in Scotland who could hit the ground running as a starting-calibre option, competing with Adam Idah for a place in the starting XI.

This would leave Rodgers with Idah and Miovski as his two senior options, with Osmand as a back-up, and that would free up Daizen Maeda to play out wide.

Miovski’s form during his time at Aberdeen in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns suggests that he has the quality to come in as a better striker than Osmand, who is yet to make his senior bow.

The 26-year-old star’s return of four goals in 22 appearances in all competitions for Girona may not excite supporters, but a poor year in the Spanish top-flight does not paint the full picture.

Miovski plundered 44 goals in 98 outings for Aberdeen in all competitions during his two seasons in Scotland, which included a haul of 32 goals in the Premiership.

The left-footed marksman, who was once dubbed a “complete number 9” by journalist Josh Bunting, is a proven goalscorer in the Premiership, which suggests that he could provide an instant threat in front of goal for the Hoops next season.

Appearances

37

38

Goals

16

16

Conversion rate

23%

15%

Minutes per goal

181

197

Big chances created

6

4

Assists

2

2

As you can see in the table above, the Macedonia international was a consistent performer in front of goal for the Dons in the Scottish top-flight, firing in 16 goals in both of his seasons at Pittodrie.

Daizen Maeda, with 16 strikes, was the only Celtic player who scored more than ten league goals last season, which suggests that Miovski would be one of the biggest goal threats, if not the biggest, within the Hoops squad if he can get back to that form.

The Girona forward also has a record of four goals in nine games against Rangers in his career to date, which suggests that he could be a fearsome opponent in the big games for Rodgers next term.

Overall, Miovski is a proven Premiership performer in the prime years of his career, at the age of 26, which is why he would come through the door as a much better striker, in the here and now, than Osmand, who has not proven himself in any league at senior level to date.

More exciting than Inamura & Osmand: Celtic could sign "jaw-dropping" star

Celtic could land a signing that is more exciting than Callum Osmand and Hayato Inamura with this star.

ByDan Emery Jun 30, 2025

This is why Celtic should swoop to rescue the centre-forward from Giorna before the end of the summer transfer window, to provide Osmand with a fantastic attacker to learn from next term.

After spending big on Matheus Cunha and soon Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United have now turned their focus towards much-needed sales and are reportedly negotiating the departure of a £200,000-a-week star.

Players Man Utd could sell this summer

After finishing 15th and failing to qualify for European football, many expected Manchester United to endure a difficult summer transfer window. So far, that has not proved to be the case, however.

Instead, INEOS have been splashing the cash – first welcoming Cunha for around £63m and then pushing on with an offer worth over £60m to sign Mbeumo from Brentford. But those arrivals are unlikely to come without sacrifice this summer.

On the exit front, the Red Devils must get busy and open the exit door for several players – starting with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford. Both players are almost certain to leave Old Trafford this summer, but there remain question marks over their next destinations.

In an ideal world, Aston Villa would have the finances to sign Rashford on a permanent deal following a successful loan spell in the second half of last season, but the reality is that their PSR issues are likely to provide an obstacle in the way of any potential deal.

Instead, reports suggest that United could be forced to rely on interested parties such as Barcelona to come swooping in.

Meanwhile, Garnacho’s next destination could come closer to home this summer amid interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea. The Blues could reportedly come calling for a player that Ruben Amorim desperately wants out even if it is to the Blues.

Be it Rashford, Garnacho or one £200,000-a-week star, the Red Devils simply must undergo a significant clear-out before the end of the summer transfer window.

Man Utd now negotiating "complex" Antony exit

As revealed by Real Betis chief Manu Fajardo, Manchester United are now in “complex” negotiations to sell Antony to the Spanish club in a big-money deal this summer. The winger endured a revived spell on loan at Betis in the second half of last season and is now keen to complete a return to the La Liga side.

Farjardo told local reporters as relayed by Sport Witness: “We all have to be aware that this is a very complex operation. Given the player’s level and his recent career at Real Betis, it’s not an easy transaction.

“But, as long as Antony hasn’t committed to a third party, we, with the utmost humility, will play our cards to be able to opt for Antony. I insist, despite this being a complex operation, we will try to carry it out in different ways without compromising the club.”

INEOS in contact for "phenomenal" £86m star who wants to join Man Utd instead of Arsenal

He’s reportedly made a shock transfer U-turn this summer…

ByTom Cunningham Jun 27, 2025

As the Betis sporting director reiterated, it won’t be an easy deal to sign Antony – not least because of his £200,000-a-week salary – but it is one that they’re still negotiating nonetheless this summer.

Newcastle United have now enquired about signing a Champions League winner, as they battle two other clubs for his signature this summer.

Newcastle eyeing move for World Cup finalist

The Magpies are being linked with possible new signings on a daily basis, with Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani the latest attacker to be mentioned as an option, and discussions already underway.

Alexander Isak’s future at St James’ Park doesn’t feel completely secure currently, amid rumoured interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool, but even if the Swede stays, more competition is needed. Muani could be ideal in that respect, having scored nine goals in 31 caps for France, also appearing in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina.

Manchester City ace Jack Grealish has also been backed to join Newcastle this summer, with former scout Mick Brown talking up a move to St James’ Park.

“Newcastle are still keeping a close eye on Jack Grealish. There’s been a lot of talk about Everton, but I think they’re still very much in the mix. Of course, they’re not the only club interested because everybody knows about Jack’s qualities and what he can bring to the side when he’s at his best.”

Newcastle enquire about signing Grealish

Now, according to an interesting development from Give Me Sport, Newcastle have “enquired” about Grealish, having been linked with him in recent days, as mentioned.

While Everton and Napoli are also mentioned as potential suitors for the winger, he “wants to see if there are any other takers for his talent”, as he looks to make sure he is part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the 2026 World Cup. He also wants to play Champions League football next season, something PIF can offer, after winning the competition with Man City in 2023.

This summer feels like the right time for the £300,000-a-week Grealish to depart City and enjoy a new challenge, with his performances there going flat and playing time coming at far more of a premium in recent times.

The 29-year-old wasn’t even included in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the current Club World Cup, so the writing appears to be on the wall for him.

He's an Isak clone: Newcastle start discussions to sign £50m "superstar"

Newcastle have enquired about signing their next Alexander Isak.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 23, 2025

Opinion may be split on whether Grealish would be the right choice for Newcastle, with some perhaps feeling that his best days are behind him, but it is also easy to see him flourishing in fresh surroundings.

David Moyes once called him the “best player in the Premier League”, such was the level of his performances, and Guardiola lauded him during pre-season last summer.

“What I’ve seen so far here, one week in the pre-season on tour, I loved it. I don’t care how he performs, it’s every session his commitment and his trying, against Barcelona he made five or six shots, he was aggressive with the ball, that’s all, after that his quality will do the rest.”

Champions League

2022/23

Premier League

2023/24

Premier League

2022/23

Premier League

2021/22

FA Cup

2022/23

Club World Cup

2023/24

UEFA Super Cup

2023/24

A tally of just 17 goals in 157 appearances for City doesn’t reflect too well on Grealish, but if Newcastle could have the swaggering Aston Villa version of him, forever taking risks on the ball and lighting up games, he could be an extremely popular figure at the club.

It’s only ten days now until Birmingham City know their exciting full set of Championship fixtures ahead of the eagerly anticipated 2025/26 campaign.

Chris Davies will be praying that his super-confident Blues side can win on the opening day to get their season off to the best possible footing, with a hope in the air that Birmingham can thrive in the second tier after making League One promotion look like clockwork.

To help make their transition up a league as smooth as possible, Birmingham will be prepared to spend in the transfer market to upgrade their team, with a deal potentially back on the cards for a former star to return to St. Andrew’s.

Birmingham still interested in former ace

As per a new report from Birmingham Live’s Alex Dicken, a spectacular reunion deal for Demarai Gray to return to the West Midlands shouldn’t be written off just yet.

Dicken states that Birmingham are believed to still possess an interest in the entertaining 28-year-old winger, but he also reveals that there are many obstacles in the newly promoted side’s way in trying to get a statement deal over the line.

The obstacles include his lavish £76k-per-week wage at Saudi employers Al-Ettifaq – as per Capology – on top of the fact Dicken states that a number of Premier League clubs are also eyeing up the former Everton attacker.

But, Birmingham – who could seal Gray’s signature for £8m – have been successful in the past when going after outlandish deals deemed too unlikely to happen.

That was seen in Jay Stansfield’s £15m deal last summer – with Gray’s potential arrival onto the scene also perhaps culminating in him striking up an enthralling attacking duo with another target on the Blues’ ever-extending shopping list in Joe Gelhardt.

Why Gray could be brilliant alongside Gelhardt

Both Birmingham targets have shown flashes of their excellence at the very top of the English football pyramid, with Gray’s sublime strike against Arsenal just one of 19 goals the Jamaica international notched up in the Premier League.

Still in the infancy of his career, Gelhardt does still have eight-goal contributions next to his name in the elite division when he was deemed the next big thing coming out of Leeds United’s esteemed academy, meaning the pair together at St. Andrew’s could bring about a sense of class to proceedings, having tasted such lofty heights previously.

Leicester City

169

13

14

Birmingham

78

8

4

Everton

75

12

6

Al-Ettifaq

50

4

5

Bayer Leverkusen

12

1

2

Looking at the table above, Gray could also gift Gelhardt chances galore to score from if the pair are to don Birmingham blue together very soon, with the experienced 28-year-old forward up to 31 assists now from his varied playing days.

Even when he hasn’t been firing on all cylinders at current employers Al-Ettifaq, a frustrated Gray has at least been trying to carve out openings, with a healthy four big chances created by the ex-Blues attacker in Saudi Pro League action last season, despite no assists coming his way.

Whilst his teammates in the Middle East might not be finishing off his moves, Gelhardt could soon be the perfect companion to Gray based on his impressive Championship numbers last campaign with Hull City, with a promising five league strikes picked up from only 19 starts, while also spurning just one big chance.

With the aforementioned Stansfield also close by, both the “electric” winger – as he’s been glowingly labelled in the past by journalist Scott Saunders – and Gelhardt could really enhance Birmingham’s attacking numbers ahead of their second-tier adventure officially kicking off.

Stansfield 2.0: Birmingham now showing interest in “special” forward

Birmingham City could be about to land their next Jay Stansfield by signing this exciting attacker.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 15, 2025

Aston Villa have now submitted a bid in the region of £40m for a “top” goalkeeper, with Emi Martinez looking likely to be heading for the exit door, according to a report.

Martinez's days could be numbered at Villa Park

Martinez has taken his game to the next level at Villa Park, scooping up the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award for the second time in three years last December, while also recently winning Premier League Save of the Season for a fantastic stop against Nottingham Forest.

As such, Unai Emery will no doubt be hoping to keep hold of his goalkeeper beyond the summer, but it appears as though the Argentina international could be heading for pastures new, with Manchester United and Atletico Madrid expressing an interest.

According to a report from Spain, Martinez has now ‘confirmed’ that he will leave Villa this summer, which means a replacement will be necessary, and recruitment chiefs haven’t wasted any time identifying a suitable heir.

Aston Villa book medical to sign forward who Emery feels can be next Duran

He’s agreed a four-year deal at Villa Park.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 1, 2025

It is added that Aston Villa have made a bid of around £40m for Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who could be the ideal replacement for their current shot-stopper, given his impressive performances in Ligue 1 throughout the 2024-25 season.

There is a belief that Chevalier could be a good fit in Emery’s squad, and negotiations over a deal are now underway, with news of whether the Villans’ move is successful expected to come in the next few weeks.

"Top" goalkeeper Chevalier is "similar" to David Raya

Football scout Ben Mattinson was left impressed by the Lille shot-stopper during the 2024-25 campaign, singling him out for high praise and comparing him to Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

It is little wonder the Frenchman is held in very high regard by Mattinson, given that he ranks in the 81st percentile for his save percentage per 90 over the past year, while also putting in some top performances for Lille in the Champions League last season.

The 23-year-old made a number of “world-class” saves to keep Borussia Dortmund at bay in March, which will no doubt go into the compilation alongside several fantastic stops in Ligue 1.

Aston Villa will no doubt be looking to bring in a goalkeeper who is proven at the top level to replace Martinez, and Chevalier certainly fits the bill in that regard, so it is exciting news they have now submitted a bid to bring the Lille star to Villa Park.

Chelsea have reportedly opened club-to-club negotiations over signing a £100 million striker for Enzo Maresca, with their opening bid already submitted as BlueCo attempt to move quickly in the transfer market.

Chelsea shortlist striker targets as summer transfer talks begin

It is no secret that the west Londoners, amid their chase for Champions League qualification, are looking to sign a centre-forward when the window reopens.

Chelsea really looking at signing £25m "new name" who agreed to join Arsenal

He’s shook hands on personal terms with the Gunners last year.

ByEmilio Galantini May 23, 2025

Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku boast just two Premier League goals between them since the turn of the year, while Marc Guiu is inexperienced and coming back from injury, emphasising their need for a proven option up top.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

Man City

68

+26

Newcastle

66

+22

Chelsea

66

+20

6

Aston Villa

66

+9

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+13

According to journalist Simon Phillips this week, Eintracht Frankfurt starlet Hugo Ekitiké, RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko and Napoli outcast Victor Osimhen are just some of the strikers under consideration by Stamford Bridge chiefs – but all will likely command a marquee fee and considerable wages.

Ipswich Town star Liam Delap is also set to make a decision about joining Chelsea, amid interest from Man United, with Fabrizio Romano backing up other reports that the Blues have held talks with Kieran McKenna’s number nine.

Another player to be linked this last week, Brighton star Joao Pedro, is now emerging as a more serious potential target as well.

The Brazil international has racked up 10 goals and seven assists in all competitions under Fabian Hürzeler this season, and the jury is out on whether he’d really improve Maresca’s current options, but ex-Premier League scout Mick Brown has heard that he’s keen on a switch to Cobham.

“I hear he’s spoken to people around him about a move, and he would be interested in Chelsea,” said Brown to Football Insider.

“He wants to make a step up from Brighton as they’re going to miss out on European football again. It’s just a case of whether they decide he’s the right man for the job.”

Chelsea open talks with Brighton over signing Joao Pedro

Despite claims Pedro would cost around £60 million, there are also suggestions that Brighton intend to hold firm on a marquee £100 million price tag, so the 23-year-old could end up being a very expensive option.

However, that doesn’t mean Maresca’s side won’t at least try their hand, as shared by Brazilian news outlet Ge Globo and their journalist Cahê Mota from Rio de Janeiro.

He reports that Chelsea have opened talks with Brighton over signing Pedro, and they’ve already made an offer of around £50 million for the striker. Chelsea are attempting to “speed up” these negotiations ahead of the Club World Cup, with discussions also expected to intensify next week as they try to tempt the former Watford ace with a move.

It remains to be seen whether their initial bid of £50m will be enough, as Brighton and Tony Bloom are widely known to be tough negotiators when it comes to selling their star players to Chelsea, as evident by the transfer fees they acquired for Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella.

However, we believe BlueCo would be unwise to splash anywhere near £100m on Pedro, considering they have other, more prolific striker targets who could turn out to be much better value for money.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is now personally keen for the Gunners to sign a Premier League rival star, with the transfer target in question also “pushing” to leave this summer.

Mikel Arteta's rumoured transfer ideas to strengthen Arsenal

Arteta recently had to affirm to the press that both him and new sporting director Andrea Berta are on the same page when it comes to the club’s recruitment strategy, following some reports of disagreements between the pair.

Big-money Arsenal star is very quickly becoming their new Xhaka & Ramsey

Arsenal may well have found their new Aaron Ramsey this season.

1 ByMatt Dawson May 19, 2025

Naturally, while Berta’s arrival from Atlético Madrid is seen as an undoubted boost for the north Londoners, following 12 successful years in La Liga, Arteta will have his own ideas on how to reinforce his squad this summer.

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

Journalist Simon Phillips even reported last week that Arteta would prefer Arsenal to sign RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko over the heavily-linked Viktor Gyokeres, coming after the Slovenia international rejected their advances last year.

The 43-year-old, as per Spanish media sources, is also a big admirer of Athletic Bilbao attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet, who’s scored 17 goals in all competitions and could leave Bilbao for the value of his £67 million release clause.

Now, as per The Sun and journalist Anthony Chapman, £195,000-per-week Chelsea winger Christopher Nkunku is attracting Arteta’s personal attention as well.

The France international isn’t exactly a mainstay under Enzo Maresca, despite scoring 14 goals in all competitions, and this has led to reports that Nkunku is eyeing an exit from Stamford Bridge when the window reopens.

Mikel Arteta thinks Christopher Nkunku would be a good Arsenal signing

Chapman reports that Arsenal are “lining up a move” for the versatile forward, who can play almost anywhere in the attacking third.

It is also claimed that Arteta sees Nkunku as a potential “good” signing for Arsenal this summer.

One thing worth noting is that, barring his sky-high salary, Nkunku may turn out to be a fairly astute deal. Chelsea have apparently set his price tag at around £35 million, and are willing to make a £17 million loss by shipping him out of the door, just two years after signing him for £52 million.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry heaped praise on the ex-RB Leipzig sensation in 2022, admitting back then that Nkunku is a player he loves watching, and it would appear that Arteta is in full agreement. Of course, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea would be willing to sell to a direct rival.

A former Premier League manager, who once did “fabulously well” in the top flight, now wants to replace Michael Carrick as Middlesbrough boss, according to a report.

Carrick's future in doubt after missing out on play-offs

Boro were well-positioned to reach the play-offs for large parts of the campaign, but a poor finish to the season ultimately ended up costing them, winning just one of their last six Championship games, meaning they ended up in 10th place.

Those at the Riverside Stadium had been hoping to end their eight-year exile from the Premier League, but having missed out on a shot at promotion, questions are inevitably going to be asked about Carrick’s future.

After the 2-0 final-day defeat against Coventry City, the 43-year-old insisted he expects to remain in the role next season, saying: “I’m carrying on. We’ve got a good squad. My focus is carrying on to what I can say to the boys today, tomorrow, moving forward to get ready for another good season.”

Middlesbrough lead race to sign "outstanding" Blackburn star on free deal

Boro are looking to win the race.

BySean Markus Clifford May 5, 2025

However, according to a report from EFL Analysis, the manager’s future is now in doubt, given that his side were too inconsistent throughout the campaign, and former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil is interested in replacing Carrick in the Boro dugout.

O’Neil has thrown his name into the ring and made it clear he would be keen on taking over, with Boro chief Steve Gibson set to assess Carrick’s future over the course of the coming days and weeks, having already considered replacing him mid-season.

At that time, Steve Cooper was among the main options on the shortlist, and Middlesbrough are still interested in the former Leicester City boss, alongside England U21 coach Lee Carsley.

O'Neil did "fabulously well" in the Premier League

The 41-year-old’s time at Wolves did not end the way he would’ve liked, being sacked with his side in 19th place, but his impact after originally taking over at Molineux suggests he could still have a lot left to give as a manager.

Rio Ferdinand was left particularly impressed by the former Wolves boss last season, saying: “I think Gary O’Neil [has stood out], I had Wolves as relegation candidates at the beginning of the season. I think O’Neil has come in and done fabulously well, him and Shaun Derry have been brilliant and changed things around there.”

The English manager, whose preferred formation is 3-4-2-1, also led AFC Bournemouth to Premier League safety in the 2022-23 campaign, and his experience in the top flight could serve him well as Middlesbrough manager.

That said, O’Neil has no experience managing a team with aspirations of fighting for promotion, so it would be a gamble for Boro to appoint him this summer, especially considering Cooper, who led Nottingham Forest to the Premier League, is also available.

2025 is set to be a year of mass overhaul in terms of Manchester City’s squad.

Numerous sky blue stalwarts are set to be moved on, while the Citizens have already spent big in the January transfer window to recruit younger players, with this forecast to be just the start.

So, with arguably the club’s greatest-ever player amongst those heading out the exit door, could Man City’s “best academy player” be poised to make an impact at first team level?

Kevin De Bruyne's Manchester City farewell

Following Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, Kevin De Bruyne now has just two matches left at the Etihad, hoping to depart by hoisting silverware aloft, ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest at Wembley.

The Belgian revealed last week that his departure was the club’s decision, stating that he was “a bit surprised” not to be offered a new contract, refusing to rule out the possibility of staying in Europe, perhaps even joining a rival Premier League club.

Jamie Jackson of the Guardian describes De Bruyne as Man City’s greatest-ever and most-decorated player, so he will certainly be a difficult man to replace, but do the Sky Blues have a youngster or two ready to fill his rather large void?

The Manchester City youngster who could replace De Bruyne

In recent weeks, James McAtee has seen his role increase in importance, starting Man City’s last two home games, scoring his first-ever Premier League goal for the club during the comeback 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace.

However, back in January, it was reported that the 22-year-old was unhappy with his lack of first team opportunities, pushing for a move to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, who were very interested, but this move was blocked by Pep Guardiola.

Once again, James Ducker of the Telegraph is reporting that Nottingham Forest are now targeting a move for McAtee who, despite those recent starts, could be forced to move in search of more regular first-team action.

So, could it be a different Manchester City youngster who gets properly integrated into the first team picture?

Given that he’s only 17 years old and yet to make his senior debut, Divine Mukasa may not be a name you’re familiar with just yet, but you surely will be soon, and these statistics emphasise exactly why.

Man City U18s

45

3,479

19

26

Man City U19s

9

495

Zero

4

Man City U21s

4

77

Zero

1

As the table outlines, Mukasa has been starring at under-18 level this season, with only Nicholas Oyekunle (Southampton), Lucá Williams-Barnett (Tottenham) and teammate Reigan Heskey having scored more goals in the U18 Premier League this season.

This has led to journalist Nassali Sandrah labelling Mukasa “the best academy player in Europe”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout is impressed by his ‘passing, vision, ball control, creativity, dribbling and first touch’, all useful attributes!

So, while Mukasa may not be ready just yet to become a regular fixture in the Manchester City first team, he certainly appears to be a star in the making.

Even better than Costa: Pep has already sold "world-class" Man City GK

As Manchester City’s interest in Diogo Costa continues, did Pep Guardiola sell an even better goalkeeper?

ByBen Gray Apr 23, 2025

Declan Rice’s magical free-kick double reignited Arsenal’s season as they thumped European champions Real Madrid on a historic Champions League night at the Emirates Stadium.

The England midfielder’s superb brace was even more incredible considering he had never scored a direct free-kick in his senior career.

Now a hero in N5, he joins a list of great free-kick goalscorers for the Gunners. Here, we rank some of the best free-kicks scored by those in red and white down the years.

10 best Premier League free-kicks of all time (Ranked)

David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have scored two of the best free-kicks in recent history, but who has scored the greatest in the PL era?

ByLewis Thompson Jun 15, 2024 9 Mesut Ozil v Liverpool 2014/15 Premier League

Arsenal were flying when they took on Liverpool at the Emirates in April 2015, with Arsene Wenger’s side coming into the game on a six-game winning streak.

Backed to see off the Reds as they looked to overtake Manchester City in second place, the Gunners went ahead just before the break through Hector Bellerin.

Minutes later, Arsenal were awarded a free-kick on the right-hand side, with Mesut Ozil standing over it.

And despite placing it on the ‘keeper’s side, the German doubled Arsenal’s lead with a superb effort, which set the Gunners up for a 4-1 victory.

8 Cesc Fabregas v Aston Villa 2009/10 Premier League

With their title bid threatening to falter, Arsenal were struggling to break down a stubborn Aston Villa team that had been a thorn in the Gunners side.

Level on points with their opponents at the time, it was a must-win game. But with Arsenal toiling, a less-than-fit Cesc Fabregas was summoned to give the home side the advantage they craved.

Around 25 yards out, the captain stepped up to put his team in front with a superb curling effort that Brad Friedel could do nothing about.

7 Robin van Persie v Sunderland 2007/08 Premier League

Robin van Persie’s strike against Sunderland would probably still be travelling had it not nearly shattered the Emirates crossbar back in 2007.

His thumping early free-kick against the Black Cats was past Craig Gordon like a bullet, and was one of those you could watch over and over again.

The Dutchman then popped up late on after the Gunners had dropped a two-goal lead to take them to the top of the table.

6 Thierry Henry v Roma 2002/03 Champions League

Thierry Henry had such a knack for scoring great free-kicks, he could have his own ‘best of’ compilation.

But one of his finest has to be his clincher in the Stadio Olimpico against Roma in the Champions League, which not only secured a superb away win in the second group phase for Arsenal, but a magical European hat-trick.

Goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli had absolutely no chance.

5 Mikel Arteta v Aston Villa 2011/12 Premier League

Some free-kicks just stay hit, and Mikel Arteta certainly proved this against Aston Villa in the 2011/12 season.

During a routine victory for the Gunners, Arteta put the icing on the cake with a screamer into the net from miles out.

Shay Given appeared to have been expecting a shot into the opposite corner, but once he’d made the wrong decision, the ball was already past him.

4 Declan Rice v Real Madrid 2024/25 Champions League

This may be fresh in the memory, but Declan Rice’s first strike against Real Madrid was befitting of the occasion, not to mention a thing of beauty.

Having spotted the potential to curl one around the outside of the wall, Rice’s strike lit up the Emirates, handing Arsenal the lead over the European champions.

It was also Arsenal’s first direct free-kick goal since Martin Odegaard scored against Burnley in September 2021. The relief and ecstasy was tangible.

For the moment alone, it will likely be a special memory for years to come.

3 Thierry Henry v Wigan 2005/06 Premier League

Thierry Henry was up to his old tricks against Wigan in 2005, producing a superb free-kick – with a cold celebration to go with it.

Having built a reputation for taking free-kicks quickly, referee Graham Poll made it very clear he had to wait for the official’s whistle.

Clearly disturbed by this, Henry responded by placing an inch-perfect free-kick in off the post, leading him to ask the referee, “is that enough?”.

2 Santi Cazorla v Hull 2013/14 FA Cup

Arsenal had often been accused of lacking leaders, and when the Gunners were 2-0 down to Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup final, it looked like those concerns would re-emerge as their trophy drought threatened to extend further.

But after being handed a free-kick, Santi Cazorla scored perhaps his greatest Arsenal goal under the Wembley arch by torpedoing a strike past Allan McGregor in the Tigers net.

It set Arsenal up for the dramatic comeback that won them the trophy, and gave the supporters a moment to treasure forever.

1 Declan Rice v Real Madrid 2024/25 Champions League

The term ‘top bins’ has been around for a while now, but this may well be the ultimate epitome.

Having just scored a screamer past Thibaut Courtois in the Real Madrid goal, Declan Rice lined up what he hoped would be another screamer.

Buoyed by his earlier effort, Rice smashed home an all-timer to double the Gunners’ lead on the night and score what is surely the best free-kick the club has ever seen, with the ball arrowing into the top corner.

When you consider the importance, the opposition and the perfect execution, it is going to be hard for anyone to top this.

Ranking The Top 10 Free Kicks Of All Time

Football Fancast runs down the top ten best free kicks in football history.

ByAlex Roberts Dec 10, 2023