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Liverpool are reportedly prepared to initiate contract talks with Dominik Szoboszlai, as the club looks to secure the future of the Hungarian. It has been revealed that Arne Slot is eager to tie down the playmaker, alongside teammate Ryan Gravenberch, with the Reds preparing for the long haul.

• Liverpool ready to secure Szoboszlai’s future

  According to Liverpool are preparing to open formal negotiations with Szoboszlai over a new long-term contract. Despite Liverpool’s recent inconsistencies, Szoboszlai has maintained his performance levels and been a benchmark of quality and determination. While summer signing Florian Wirtz continues to struggle, Szoboszlai has started every Premier League and Champions League game this season to cement himself as a vital cog in Slot’s evolving midfield system. 

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  Szoboszlai contract update from Romano

  Romano confirmed on Friday evening that Liverpool have begun early talks over a new deal. Writing on X, he said: "Liverpool have started talks over new deal with Dominik Szoboszlai, after exclusive story 2 weeks ago. The plan was clear: Szobo and Gravenberch to discuss new contracts soon, as talks started with the Hungarian. Club super happy + top performances."

  Szoboszlai and Gravenberch are currently believed to earn around £270,000 a week between them, with both contracts running until 2028. The new deal is expected to extend those terms further by a couple of years and also bring a significant pay rise for both.

• Gravenberch’s rise from undesirable to undeniable

  Gravenberch’s development has been equally impressive. The Dutchman arrived from Bayern Munich for £40m ($53m) and, after a slow start, he has quietly established himself as one of the team’s most reliable performers. The 22-year-old has contributed three goals and two assists in 11 appearances, and he is regarded as one of the most improved players under Slot’s guidance. 

  Meanwhile, Szoboszlai’s performance in Liverpool’s recent 1-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid was hailed by the fans. He put in a brilliant shift while operating as the engine of Slot’s side, and his teammate Virgil van Dijk reserved high praise as he brought out his best against one of Europe’s toughest opponents. 

  "What you see is what you get from Dom," Van Dijk told reporters. "He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible and the quality that he has is outstanding. Like you said, he is learning each and every game and he is developing into the player we all feel like he could be. He is already showing that for the country he is playing for and it is about keeping on doing it for the rest of the season. So far he has had a great start to the season and he has to keep going. Keep your head down and keep performing."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Several contract decisions lined up at Liverpool

  Slot’s new-look midfield has been a work in progress, but the trio of Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister has provided a dynamic foundation. All three are expected to be tied down with fresh deals to fend away suitors, with the Argentine already linked with a move to Real Madrid. This approach is part of a wider strategic overhaul at Anfield as they are prioritising locking down key talents early rather than risking future contract stand-offs; a lesson that they learnt in a bitter way by losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid for just £10m before the Club World Cup. 

  Beyond the midfield, Liverpool have other pressing contract matters to resolve. Centre-back Ibrahima Konate and vice-captain Andy Robertson are both entering the final year of their current deals. Discussions with Konate are understood to be ongoing, while Robertson’s future remains uncertain as the club weigh their long-term options.

  After a brief, turbulent period under Slot, they have begun to find their rhythm again. Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League table with 18 points from their first 10 matches. They are seven adrift of leaders Arsenal, but within striking distance as the season enters a crucial phase before the festive period. Next up is a monumental clash with Manchester City at the Etihad. Szoboszlai is certain to feature, and his tireless presence coupled with his creative force, will once again be key to Liverpool’s hopes.

Chelsea are prepared to make another move for a “fantastic” BlueCo target after already seeing an offer rejected, according to a new report.

Chelsea enjoy big spending summer but still lack in key areas

Last summer, Enzo Maresca’s side marked themselves out as the Premier League’s second-biggest spenders behind champions Liverpool — splashing north of £280 million on new recruits.

Chelsea balanced out this major squad investment by agreeing a plethora of player sales over the course of the window, so much so that they actually a registered a negative net spend and made a small profit.

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

From a purely business perspective, the summer was an undoubted success, and Maresca watched the likes of teenage sensation Estevao – who just scored a winner against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge – Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho all come in to bolster his attacking options.

However, bar the signing of young defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax, Chelsea finished the window short of new options for their backline.

After Levi Colwill’s ACL injury, which is expected to keep him out for most of 2025/2026, Maresca was clear that he wanted another centre-back and publicly urged the club to sign one before deadline day on September 1.

This wasn’t to be, leaving the west Londoners pretty short of quality in a key area, while Chelsea’s attempts to sign another goalkeeper also faltered.

Maresca is believed to be unhappy with his current Chelsea squad (Simon Phillips), but reports suggest that they’re set to try and back the Italian with a proven defender in January (Pete O’Rourke).

Meanwhile, given Delap will take a while to get back up to speed once he returns from injury, Chelsea are also looking at new striker options for the winter market — who’d come in for a cheap fee, on loan or are possibly already owned by BlueCo (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea could even choose to bring in another winger, specifically Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz.

Chelsea to make second Kenan Yildz approach after rejected £61m offer

Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed that Chelsea are “very interested” in Yildiz, and now a report from Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport has shed more light on the situation.

According to their information, Chelsea had a £61m million bid rejected for the Turkey international rejected last summer, but Maresca’s side aren’t resigned to giving up on his signing just yet.

It is believed that Chelsea will make a second approach for Yildiz, with the Old Lady running into some delay regarding his new contract and the Stamford Bridge side sensing an opportunity to take him from Turin.

The 20-year-old was Juve’s star forward last season, racking up 12 goals and nine assists in all competitions, totalling 21 contributions, and he averaged the highest Serie A match rating out of all of his teammates with more than 15 starts (WhoScored).

He’s started this campaign in equally imperious fashion, averaging more shots and key passes per 90 than any other Juve player in the top flight (WhoScored), but Romano says that the Premier League isn’t that tempting for him right now amid renewal talks.

Troy Deeney has slammed Aston Villa’s “ego” problem and called out one of Unai Emery’s key players after their dry spell of form continued last weekend.

Villa winless after opening five games

Very few fans would’ve predicted Villa to be in the Premier League relegation zone after their first five games, but they’re currently occupying 18th place, after drawing three and losing two, scoring just one goal in the process.

Most recently, the Villans came up short at the Stadium of Light, drawing 1-1, despite Sunderland being reduced to ten men in the first half, with Wilson Isidor cancelling out Matty Cash’s opening goal.

The problems have continued to mount at Villa Park, with it subsequently being confirmed that sporting director Monchi is set to leave, in what could be another major blow for Emery, amid widespread speculation surrounding the manager’s future.

As mentioned, one of Villa’s main issues up to this stage has been the failure to score goals, with Ollie Watkins yet to find the back of the net, and Deeney has now singled the striker out for criticism.

The former Birmingham City man said: “The biggest problem is lack of goals, lack of goals from Ollie at this moment in time.

“At this moment in time, you’re the only striker there, you’re the one they’re looking towards and for the start of the season, you’re not delivering.

The talkSPORT pundit also went on to add: “At the moment in time, he just looks off it, he looks comfortable.”

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ByWill Miller Sep 22, 2025

Not only is Deeney unimpressed with Watkins’ start to the campaign, but he is also concerned there may be an “ego” problem at Villa, saying: “It’s a weird one. I thought maybe with [Jadon] Sancho and [Harvey] Elliott coming in, there’d be a bit more dynamism to it. But they must not be fit enough as he’s not putting them anywhere near the starting line-up. It’s an ego thing now, a player-driven ego thing.”

“I think the manager is a very, very good manager, but you have to start looking now and saying: Why are the players trying to play inside the pitch? Why is Morgan Rogers not the focal point?”

Watkins needs to start firing after poor start

No one can deny the Villa striker has been a fantastic servant, having picked up 87 goals and 42 assists in 229 matches, but he must start firing sooner rather than later, having once again put in a poor performance against Sunderland.

The England international missed one big chance and touched the ball just 16 times throughout the match, finishing with a SofaScore match rating of just 6.3.

In fairness, the onus isn’t just on the former Brentford man to start improving, with fellow key player Morgan Rogers also failing to register a single goal or an assist this term, while Shay Given has called Emery out for labelling his players “lazy”.

It is a risky tactic for Emery to publicly criticise his players, but he will be hoping for a response from his side when their Europa League campaign gets underway against Bologna on Thursday.

Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that he can claim his first win as Nottingham Forest manager this afternoon when his side travel to face Burnley at Turf Moor.

The Aussie has already lost his first two outings in charge, losing 3-0 against Arsenal last weekend before falling to a late defeat against Swansea City in the Carabao Cup.

Igor Jesus’ first-half double gave the Reds a 2-0 lead at the break, but three second-half goals from the Championship side knocked the Premier League outfit out of the competition at the first hurdle.

However, the clash against Scott Parker’s side today presents a quick opportunity for the 60-year-old to gain his first victory in the role after taking over from Nuno Espírito Santo.

The volume of additions made by Evangelos Marinakis has handed the new boss key depth in various areas of the squad, with one of the new additions deserving of his first league start.

Why Douglas Luiz needs to start against Burnley

Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz joined Forest on loan with an obligation to buy from Juventus during the summer window, subsequently injecting needed quality into the heart of the side.

He’s had to bide his time in the East Midlands, failing to appear in a single minute of first-team action before Wednesday’s cup defeat in South Wales.

The 27-year-old featured in the defeat for an hour, but demonstrated his composed nature – something which could make him a valuable asset against the Clarets later today.

He won 100% of the duels he entered, whilst also being fouled four times – the most of any player on the pitch – with the opposition often unable to dispossess the former Aston Villa man.

Luiz also completed 86% of the passes he attempted, creating one big chance in the process, showcasing his excellent ability in and out of possession.

However, he shouldn’t be the only player handed his first Premier League start for the Reds, with another talent impressing in the defeat to the Swans in midweek.

The Forest player who can unlock Ange’s first win

After securing Europa League football in 2024/25, there was always going to be added pressure on Forest to be competitive in all of the competitions they entered.

European football, for the first time in 30 years at the City Ground, will give a generation of supporters memories to last a lifetime, but also open the door to adding a third star to their badge.

The ability to qualify for such a competition has undoubtedly aided the club in the transfer market, allowing for numerous high-profile names to make the move to the East Midlands.

Luiz will undoubtedly be one of the biggest, given his recent stints across Europe, but Dilane Bakwa is another player the hierarchy managed to get a deal completed for in the same window

The French youngster joined in a deal totalling £30m from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on deadline day, adding further depth and quality into the club’s already threatening frontline.

However, like Luiz, he’s had to be patient to get his chance to shine, subsequently making his Reds debut off the bench against Arsenal at Emirates, seven days ago.

Bakwa, who’s been labelled “menacing” by journalist Antonio Mango, made his first start on Wednesday and grabbed his chance with both hands – completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted.

Dilane Bakwa – stats against Swansea

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

62

Touches

38

Pass accuracy

86%

Dribbles completed

100%

Passes into final third

4

Chances created

2

Ground duels won

100%

Big chances created

1

Stats via FotMob

He also registered four passes into the final third, whilst creating two chances for his new teammates and often looking a real threat when driving at the opposition’s backline.

The 23-year-old has bags of pace in his arsenal, potentially making him a key player in Postecoglou’s attacking-minded system – as seen in midweek with the Reds’ second goal.

The right-winger has yet another chance to stake his claim for a regular starting role this afternoon, with the youngster more than deserving of the opportunity to start his first Premier League game.

If he and Luiz both start against Parker’s men, there’s no reason as to why Ange can’t claim his first win as manager – kick-starting his reign and allowing the fanbase to forget about their Carabao Cup disappointment.

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كشف ماركوس راشفورد، نجم نادي برشلونة، عن مركزه المفضل مع الفريق الكتالوني، عقب الانتصار أمس الثلاثاء على أولمبياكوس في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

برشلونة تمكن من مواصلة نتائجه الإيجابية خلال الفترة الأخيرة، وحقق انتصارًا عريضًا على نظيره أولمبياكوس بستة أهداف مقابل هدف، في الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة الدوري في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستطاع راشفورد أن يستمر في التألق مع برشلونة هذا الموسم وسجل هدفين رائعين في انتصار البارسا أمس.

ولعب راشفورد في لقاء الأمس كمهاجم صريح في تشكيلة برشلونة الأساسية، مع غياب روبرت ليفاندوفسكي بسبب الإصابة وتواجد فيران توريس على مقاعد البدلاء.

طالع.. بالدي يشيد بلاعب برشلونة أمام أولمبياكوس ويؤكد: نتمنى سحق ريال مدريد مجددًا

وفي تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”، أشار راشفورد إلى أنه يفضل اللعب كجناح أيسر، لكنه ليس لديه مشكلة في اللعب في أي مركز لمساعدة برشلونة.

وقال راشفورد: “أفضل اللعب كجناح، لكن في النهاية يمكنني اللعب في أي مركز لمساعدة الفريق”.

وعن الانتصار على أولمبياكوس، أضاف: “في الشوط الثاني حسمنا الأمور بالصبر وبناء اللعب، كانت مباراة جيدة ونحن مستعدون”.

كما أبدى راشفورد تحمسه الكبير للعب لقاء الكلاسيكو المرتقب أمام ريال مدريد الأسبوع المقبل في الدوري الإسباني، حيث اختتم: “مباراة ريال مدريد مهمة، ولهذا السبب أتيت إلى برشلونة للعب هذه المباريات، أتطلع إليها”.

This Saturday, Spurs will have initially hoped to have paraded a certain England international by the name of Eberechi Eze around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Alas, the boyhood Gooner decided that Arsenal was for him and after the setback of Morgan Gibbs-White a few months earlier, Thomas Frank and Co were back to the drawing board once again.

They ultimately decided on Xavi Simons. The Netherlands international moves to north London from RB Leipzig in a deal worth £51m.

It was a risky play from Daniel Levy, largely because for a long time it looked as though Chelsea would bring him to Stamford Bridge. For once, however, Spurs got their man.

The task now is to bolster the forward line further.

What to expect from Spurs on transfer deadline day

With the arrival of Simons, it remains to be seen whether Spurs look at strengthening Frank’s options further.

They will certainly try to do so and have a number of attackers lined up already. Lucas Paqueta of West Ham has been mooted as a target but now appears to be on his way to Aston Villa instead.

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is another player Levy and the recruitment team could explore. The Nigerian has been pushing for an exit all summer long and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he finally got his move on deadline day.

Transfer Focus

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

There’s also the curious case of Morgan Rogers. Last week it was reported that Spurs had held exploratory talks over bringing the England international to north London. Yet, with a price tag of £80m, it’s an incredibly unlikely deal, particularly this late in the window.

Still, according to TEAMtalk, the ‘dream option for Spurs’ if they fail to secure summer target, Savinho, is indeed Rogers.

Villa have given the Lilywhites no indication that they are willing to sell but Spurs have been exploring the deal since Thursday.

How Morgan Rogers compares to Xavi Simons

After James Maddison suffered a horrendous ACL injury in pre-season, Frank knew he needed to add a new number 10, someone capable of scoring and creating in equal measure.

Maddison may not have been at his best last term but he did still find the net on 12 occasions, registering a further 11 assists in all competitions. Spurs needed someone capable of replacing that output and Simons certainly ticks a lot of boxes.

The 22-year-old scored 11 goals and supplied eight assists in 2024/25, nearly matching the output of Maddison.

Well, in Rogers, they’d secure a player capable of being elevated by Simons. In short, they’d be truly game-changing together.

Since leaving Middlesbrough behind for Aston Villa in January of 2024, the former Manchester City youth gem has been a revelation in the Midlands.

Last season, Rogers scored a Champions League hat-trick, earned his England debut and racked up a whole host of goal involvements.

It was a stunning 2024/25 campaign for the 23-year-old who bagged 14 goals and supplied 16 assists in all competitions. So, based on raw output, he’s an upgrade on the talented Simons but just imagine the thought of those two playing together. Frank’s attack becomes infinitely better overnight.

Goals

0.23

0.42

Assists

0.29

0.25

Key passes

1.47

2.13

Progressive passes

3.55

5.86

Progressive carries

3.29

3.56

Attempted take-ons

4.62

4.18

Successful take-ons

1.91

1.38

Successful take-on %

41.3%

33.%

Analysing the numbers further, we get a sense for the main similarities and differences between the two players.

Simons certainly looks a bit more creative, registering more progressive passes and managing more key passes throughout the 2024/25 campaign. Thus, he’d be a fabulous supply line for Rogers who could play on the left wing next to the Dutchman.

They’d bounce off each other tremendously well, considering when it comes to dribbling and beating a player, Rogers is your man. He’s elite at taking players on and that’s rubberstamped by the fact that he completes over 40% of the dribbles he attempts.

Combine that with the ability to score goals and you certainly have one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe right here. It’s hardly a surprise that Villa presenter Kate Tracey has described him as a “superstar”.

That’s exactly what he is and if Villa could land a sensational coup in the remaining hours of the window, it would send out a huge message to their Premier League rivals. Just imagine Rogers and Simons in the same side. It’s a scary thought.

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Australia remain hopeful that Alyssa Healy will be fit to feature in the day-night Ashes Test at the MCG, and have named her in a 13-player squad, but it will be as a batter only if she does recover in time.Healy was ruled out of the first T20I at the SCG with a stress reaction in the same foot that she injured at the T20 World Cup. With Healy not keeping Beth Mooney will take the gloves for the Test, which may result in her moving down the order, which would increase the chances of a debut for Georgia Voll.If Healy ultimately did not make the Test, then Tahlia McGrath would again stand in as captain.Related

• Healy trains strongly ahead of historic Test, Australia delay selection call

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• Australia show off their depth in dominant Sydney display

• Alex Hartley: Ecclestone 'refused TV interview' after Ashes loss

Allrounder Ashleigh Gardner is expected to recover from her calf strain in time for the Test but is doubtful for the final T20I in Adelaide. Heather Graham has been added to that squad as cover.”We’re pleased with the form of the 13 players that have taken part in the series to date and feel it’s a squad that offers a variety of options when it comes to selecting the makeup of the Test side,” national selector Shawn Flegler said. “Alyssa has been named in the squad as a batter only and we’ll give her as much time as we can to prove her fitness ahead of the match. Ash will continue to be assessed daily… at this stage, she is on track to be available for the Test match.”Mooney’s experience wicketkeeping in longer-form cricket is limited and she is aware it will be a new physical challenge.”I don’t think I’ll be able to walk after if I have to keep but we’re pretty lucky in the Australian team where we’ve got lots of players that can step into different roles,” she said after the first T20I. “But when [Healy’s] been out, I’ve been able to step into that role and got some good feedback along the way, so just happy to do what’s required of the team.”If Voll did debut at the MCG, it would complete a full set across the three formats in less than two months following the start of her ODI career against India and then a T20I debut at the SCG.Beth Mooney on keeping in a Test match: “I don’t think I’ll be able to walk after”•Getty Images and Cricket Australia

“I’m more than happy to try and do a job up the top of the order,” Voll told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday. “I love batting there and batting up the top with Beth Mooney was pretty cool [in Sydney]. I’m more than happy to fit in wherever the team needs.”Megan Schutt has again been named in a Test squad despite often saying her days in the format are over, but the pink-ball day-night element to this game may see her come into consideration for the final XI.The other decision that will need to be made is whether to play both Alana King and Georgia Wareham, who have caused England huge problems in the limited-overs matches.The match will be the first day-night Test at the MCG and the first women’s Test match at the venue since 1948-49.

Australia squad for Ashes Test

Alyssa Healy (capt), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney (wk), Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham

Ivan Toney has shockingly claimed that the Saudi Pro League is "on par" with the Premier League and insisted that Al-Ahli would compete for a top four finish if they competed in the English top flight. Toney left the Premier League last summer when joining Al-Ahli from Brentford. The English forward has already won two titles in his first year in the Middle East.

• Toney compared SPL to Premier League
• Won two titles with Al-Ahli already
• Talks up strength of Saudi football

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Saudi Pro League's biggest star, Cristiano Ronaldo, has repeatedly claimed that the competition should be considered among the top five leagues in the world. He even aimed a dig at his eternal rival, Lionel Messi, by saying that the Saudi league is already better than Major League Soccer in the United States and France's Ligue 1.

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT TONEY SAID

  Former Brentford star Toney has now gone one step further than Ronaldo, claiming that the Saudi Pro League is "on par" with the Premier League. Speaking to , the England international said: "Ronaldo has been around the world and probably knows a lot more than me, as I have only played in the Premier League, the Championship and Leagues One and Two. For me, [the Pro League] is on a par with the Premier League. If [Al-Ahli] were in the Premier League, we’d give it a good go and we’d be close to the top four. It is a quality league and people should not turn their noses up. We saw Al-Hilal play against Man City [at the Club World Cup] and beat them."

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Toney enjoyed a successful first season in Saudi Arabia as he scored 23 league goals in 30 appearances, two short of Ronaldo's tally. Pairing up with the likes of Roberto Firmino – who left Al-Ahli this summer – and Riyad Mahrez in the attack, Toney also helped the club win the AFC Champions League title last season. At the start of the 2025-26 campaign, Al-Ahli lifted the Saudi Super Cup.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR AL-AHLI?

  Toney and Al-Ahli will be back in action this Friday as the Saudi giants take on Al-Ettifaq in a league clash.

The 2024/25 Premier League season was disappointing for West Ham United with the Hammers coming 14th in the Premier League.

Whilst they were never in any real danger of relegation, they would have been hoping for a much better performance across the board. They lost 17 games in total in the top flight.

It could be all change for Graham Potter this summer with some big outgoings on the cards. One of those is Mohammed Kudus, who, as recently as the 6th of June, was reportedly offered to Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.

If someone as prominent as Kudus does leave the London Stadium this summer, they will, of course, need a replacement.

West Ham's potential Kudus replacement

It does indeed seem like Kudus could be on his way out of West Ham this summer and considering his performances since moving to the English capital, he will be hard to replace.

Fortunately, the Irons seem to have someone in mind already.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, if the Ghanaian attacker does leave West Ham in the next few weeks or months, they could be set to replace him with Anderlecht attacking midfielder Mario Stroeykens.

A report from Belgian outlet Votebal Belgie suggests that he has been on the Hammers’ ‘wish list for some time’.

In fact, they are already believed to have made a bid for the talented 20-year-old.

The report suggests West Ham made an £8.5m offer, which was promptly rejected by the Belgian giants. Instead, they could ask for as much as £17.1m to make a deal happen.

Why Stroeykens would be a good signing

Belgium U21 international Stroeykens has certainly made a big impression for Anderlecht last season. After coming through the club’s youth academy, the attacking midfielder has gone on to become a key player.

Last season in all competitions, Stroeykens featured 39 times across all competitions, contributing to five goals and seven assists. After starting the season strong with nine goal involvements in 13 league games, he suffered from a ligament injury, which slowed his progress.

The 20-year-old, who was born in Zellik, just outside of Brussels, would also bring European pedigree to the London Stadium. He played 430 minutes in the Europa League last term, both scoring and assisting in that time. The goal he scored was a sublime effort, showing his excellent technical quality.

Replacing the 24-year-old Kudus would not be easy for Stroeykens. The Ghana international has impressed for the Hammers in the 80 appearances he has made, scoring 19 times and registering 13 assists.

His first season in Claret and Blue saw him score and assist 23 times, including five goals in nine Europa League appearances. However, last term was not as fluid, with the Hammers’ number 14 managing just nine goal involvements.

Despite the struggles Kudus endured last season, there is no doubt about his importance to Potter’s side when at his best. That leaves Stroeykens with a big job to replace him, but as football scout Antonio Mango said, he is a “creative force” and can certainly look to match the output of the Ghana star.

The underlying stats via FBref suggest that the Belgian youngster, who tends to operate as a number 10, can indeed step up in Kudus’ absence.

For example, last term he averaged 1.54 key passes and 6.63 progressive passes each game, compared to 1.08 key passes and 2.74 progressive passes per 90 minutes for the Hammers star.

Stroeykens and Kudus key stats compared
Stat (per 90)	Stroeykens	Kudus
Goals and assists	0.41	0.28
Key passes	1.54	1.08
Progressive passes	6.63	2.74
Shot-creating actions	4.02	3.72
Goal-creating actions	0.77	0.35
Ball recoveries	5.21	4.79
Stats from FBref

Those stats highlight the creativity that Mango was talking about. They certainly suggest that Stroeykens has the ability to step into Kudus’ boots and take on some of the creative burden that will be there if, or when, he leaves.

For just £17m, this could be a brilliant addition for the Hammers, who will be hoping Stroeykens can become a key player for the club in the long term.

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2

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 15, 2025

Arsenal have been in talks over a contract extension for star midfielder Thomas Partey for weeks, but as the clock ticks down towards June 30, manager Mikel Arteta faces the very real prospect of losing him for nothing.

The Ghanaian’s resurgence, after a 2023/2024 campaign blighted by injury, has been nothing short of exceptional.

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Partey was a mainstay under Arteta throughout last season, impressing in a variety of roles at right-back and in midfield, going on to finish the year with 52 appearances under his belt across all competitions.

His stellar form over the last 10 months prompted Arsenal to open talks with Partey over fresh terms, with the club announcing that they were in dialogue about a new deal by not including the African on this year’s official retained list.

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

Arteta also confirmed in a press conference that he wants the £200,000-per-week veteran to remain right where he is, after what was arguably his best-ever season at the Emirates Stadium.

“Yeah,” said the Arsenal manager when asked if he wants Partey to stay.

“In regards to Thomas, consistency-wise, it’s been his best season. I think the way he’s played, performed, his availability has been exceptional, and he’s a really important player for us.”

However, talks have been going since late April, and there has still been no official confirmation from Arsenal that Partey has indeed extended his stay in N5.

Naturally, the 32-year-old is attracting serious interest from elsewhere. Both Fenerbache boss José Mourinho and AC Milan’s Max Allegri have personally held talks with Partey, according to CaughtOffside.

Thomas Partey gives Arsenal ultimatum amid "concrete offers"

The outlet also reports that Fenerbache and Milan have made Partey “concrete” proposals to join them, so Arsenal have major competition in their bid to keep him.

CaughtOffside have shared that Partey’s agent has given an ultimatum to Arsenal during new deal talks, namely that the ex-Atlético Madrid star will leave if they don’t increase their salary offer.

Arsenal are currently determined not to increase their initial offer, so talks are now at a roadblock and in serious danger of collapsing.

Arteta will be hoping for a swift resolution. Even taking into account the pending arrival of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who’s still expected to join Arsenal with a deal agreed, the Gunners are poised to be a star midfielder short if Partey does leave, given Jorginho’s free transfer to Flamengo.

Arteta needs a rejuvenated and star-studded squad if he wishes to close the gap on English champions Liverpool, and losing Partey would be a disastrous summer blow ahead of what is a crucial campaign for Arsenal’s head coach.

The pressure is truly on for him to win a piece of major silverware, five years after their FA Cup final triumph in 2020, so keeping a player of Partey’s quality/experience is a must.