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Already thinking about reinforcements, Queens Park Rangers are now reportedly expected to attempt a summer move to sign a versatile nine-goal forward, who’s worth £2.2m.

QPR transfer news

It was a fairly busy January transfer window for QPR in the end, with Harvey Vale, Esqerdinha, Ronnie Edwards and Min-hyeok Yang all arriving seeking much-needed game time for their respective developments.

Signing three Premier League loanees, the West London club have endured mixed form ever since with a run of two wins in their last four games summing things up.

Sat mid-table in the Championship, that form has been the story of QPR’s season but one they should welcome with open arms given that it has seen them move beyond a relegation battle.

Now that any relegation concerns have been eased, however, Marti Cifuentes should be keen on taking the next step in charge of QPR – starting with summer reinforcements.

The Championship has seen how things can change within the space of one season, with Sunderland being the most recent example, and if those at Loftus Road get things right then they may not have to settle for mid-table mediocrity.

Every Championship Golden Boot winner since 2004/05

From King and Ebanks-Blake to Mitrovic and Pukki, these players bossed the second tier.

By
Charlie Smith

Feb 19, 2025

With that said, they could reportedly turn towards a talented, versatile forward this summer. According to Fotboll Direkt in Sweden, QPR are expected to attempt a summer move to sign Noel Milleskog from Swedish side Sirius this summer.

The West London club reportedly attempted to sign the forward, who can lead the line and play off the right, in the January transfer window before failing to meet his £2.2m valuation.

Now, when the summer arrives, they could return in pursuit of his signature and perhaps even match that price tag to make the 22-year-old one to watch in the remaining months of the campaign.

"Tidy" Milleskog is one to watch

Whilst they didn’t get their man in the January transfer window, QPR could have ample opportunity to make up for lost time this summer. Milleskog, in the meantime, is likely to pick up where he left off in Sweden last season in a campaign that saw him find the back of the net 11 times in all competitions.

Earning plenty of praise as the transfer rumours came thick and fast both last summer and in the winter window, Swansea City fan pundit Jordan Webber described Milleskog as a “tidy player” as he got his name on the scoresheet.

With Michael Frey now 30 years old and likely to move past the peak of his powers sooner rather than later, QPR could certainly do with a fresh face to lead the line and that’s exactly where Milleskog should come in this summer.

Arsenal have emerged as contenders to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid after GOAL reported Chelsea are lining up an offer for the Brazilian.

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• Arsenal exploring options to sign Rodrygo
• Chelsea also considering a bid for Brazilian
• Madrid reportedly demanding £85m for winger

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arsenal are already holding talks about a possible bid for the winger, in Germany reports, with the Gunners exploring all options as they believe getting a deal over the line will be complicated. The north Londoners have even dropped their interest in Leroy Sane to pursue Rodrygo instead.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  GOAL revealed on Tuesday that Chelsea are also preparing an offer for the 24-year-old and have already been in touch with his agent to sound him out about a switch to Stamford Bridge.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Rodrygo's future at Madrid has come into question as he is no longer guaranteed a place in the Madrid starting XI since the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, though he has managed 50 appearances in all competitions this season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RODRYGO?

  A summer exit appears to be a possibility for Rodrygo, but Arsenal or Chelsea will reportedly have to spend around £85 million ($114m) to convince Madrid to sell him this summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo's future is in the spotlight after the Portuguese superstar appeared to confirm his time at Al-Nassr is over.

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• Ronaldo hints at Al-Nassr exit
• Future at Saudi club now unclear
• Forward told to head to Argentina

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After scoring in Al-Nassr's final game of the season, Ronaldo sent the rumour mill into overdrive by posting a cryptic message on social media that appeared to suggest he is set to wave goodbye to the Saudi Pro League side. He wrote on Instagram: "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ronaldo had already been linked with a move this summer and there has been speculation he could sign for a club participating in the Club World Cup. Former Argentina goalkeeper Jorge D'Alessandro has, rather optimistically and perhaps with slight tongue in cheek, now urged Boca Juniors to try and sign Ronaldo and has told chairman Juan Román Riquelme to bring the 40-year-old to the club.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Jorge D'Alessandro told El Chiringuito: "It gives me goosebumps… Directing Boca's attack? Boca needs him. He's going to the land of Leo Messi, Diego Maradona and Hugo Gatti… imagine that! Let Riquelme try it, please! I see him more at Boca than at a Brazilian team. He identifies more with a need, also because of his personality, because of the way he plays… That vertigo that Boca has, next to Zenón, next to Merentiel… I'm going crazy!

  "Boca is truly in an institutional crisis, it is a ship adrift. I think Ronaldo would arrive as a balm for Boca, as well as a chance to improve their footballing level. And for him, it would mean that Argentina would pay homage to him in the place of the greatest, indirectly Messi and directly Maradona.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO

  It remains to be seen where Ronaldo will head next but his future is obviously the subject of much speculation in the wake of his intriguing update on social media. In the meantime, Ronaldo is set to link up with the Portugal squad for the Nations League Final Four and a semi-final tie with Germany on June 4.

Arsenal have held talks to sign a high-profile “monster” in a free transfer for manager Mikel Arteta, according to one reliable reporter.

Arteta “disappointed” after Arsenal failed to make a signing in January

The Gunners’ failure to bring in a new face during the January transfer window has come back to haunt them, with a number of injuries in attack leaving Arsenal without a recognised striker.

Kai Havertz’s hamstring injury during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai has left him on the sidelines alongside Gabriel Jesus, leaving Arteta to use Mikel Merino as a makeshift centre-forward.

Talking after the January transfer window, Arteta said: “We had a clear intention which is always there is a window open to explore the opportunities to improve our squad with players that can impact it.

“We haven’t achieved it so we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring ­ certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that and I think we will.”

Ian Wright says £6m a year star Arteta desperately wants may reject Arsenal

According to Arsenal’s former striker, they could be set to miss out on their star signing.

By
Brett Worthington

Feb 27, 2025

The summer can’t come soon enough for the Gunners to bolster their squad, with a new attacker surely at the top of the Emirates wishlist.

However, as well as a striker, a versatile midfielder is also of interest, with Arsenal recently making concrete moves to secure his services.

Arsenal hold talks to sign Joshua Kimmich

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal have now held talks to sign Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich, who is out of contract at the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.

The Gunners have a concrete interest in the Germany international, who could end up replacing Jorginho, however, Kimmich has more than one offer from abroad.

“For several days, Arsenal FC have been one of the clubs with a concrete interest in Joshua Kimmich and have held talks.

“Gunners would like to sign him on a free transfer as a possible replacement for Jorginho. Kimmich now has received two written offers from abroad. One from the Premier League. That’s the main reason why he is hesitating to sign a new deal with Bayern at least until 2028 and a salary of €20-22m gross/year.

“Kimmich has informed Bayern about the offers. But from Kimmich’s camp, it is said that discussions with Eberl/Freund are still ongoing. For Kimmich an agreement on a new contract remains possible and Bayern are ready to negotiate again, but now only willing to pay the same amount or less.”

Although Kimmich isn’t the striker Arsenal desperately need, he could still be an extremely shrewd signing on a free transfer. Dubbed a “monster” when linked with Liverpool, Kimmich can play as a midfielder, full-back or as a makeshift centre-back if required.

He has 53 career goals under his belt, and his versatility was praised by Jose Mourinho, who even believes Kimmich could play as a No. 10.

“I see him as a top right-back, left-back, centre-back, No.6, No.8, No.10. He has the qualities to be anything! I think he looks to me, very intelligent related to football, very intelligent, understands the moments of the games and understands the difference between positions and understands what he has to do here and what he has to do there. I think he’s phenomenal, an absolutely phenomenal player.”

It’s not been a great week for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side fell to a poor 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League, and then, while it ultimately didn’t matter, a much-changed team drew 2-2 with PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

However, aside from going through to the competition’s quarter-finals, which was all but sewn up the first leg, there was some positive team news: Gabriel Martinelli made his second substitute appearance after missing about a month of football with a hamstring injury.

The Brazilian ace could play a big role for the Gunners in the closing stages of the season, but his place in the team may be less assured next year, as recent reports have linked the club with a potential upgrade.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Bild, as relayed in a report from Spain, Arsenal are interested in Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané.

Transfer Focus

In fact, the report has revealed that it’s Arteta who is pushing hardest for the club to sign the German superstar once his €288k-per-week contract – about £243k – expires in the summer.

Now, the former Manchester City ace has expressed a desire to stay in Munich beyond the end of the season, but no progress has been made on a renewal, leaving the door wide open for the North Londoners and other sides.

While Sané won’t cost Arsenal a fee, he could be a costly addition to the wage bill, but given his immense ability and experience, he is one worth taking on, especially as he could be the perfect Martinelli upgrade.

How Sané compares to Martinelli

The first thing to say is that while Sané has the ability to play off either flank, he’d almost certainly come into the team primarily as an option off the left – his most played position – as with Bukayo Saka and now Ethan Nwaeri, the right seems totally locked down.

Therefore, the German’s primary long-term rival for game time at the Emirates would more likely than not be Martinelli, and for our money, that’s a competition he’d come out on top in.

For example, despite seeing his game time decrease at Bayern this term, the former Manchester City star has still been able to score eight goals and provide four assists in 34 appearances, totalling 1711 minutes.

That means the “world-class” winger, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is averaging a goal involvement every 2.83 games, or, more crucially, every 142.58 minutes.

In contrast, the former Ituano gem has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2421 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.36 games, or every 220 minutes.

The one-sided nature of the comparison only continues when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

The Essen-born star comes out ahead in practically every relevant metric, including but not limited to actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, shots and shots on target, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Martinelli is a talented winger and someone who could still be an important squad player for Arsenal, it’s clear that Sane is the far better winger.

Therefore, Arteta and Co should do what they can to bring him to North London this summer.

32 goals last season: Arsenal must regret selling a "homegrown Osimhen"

Arsenal had their own Osimhen in the Hale End academy.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 14, 2025

Real Madrid star Arda Guler posed with security staff in the pouring rain before scoring in Turkiye's friendly victory over the USMNT.

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• Guler posed for photos after training
• Real Madrid starlet scored against USA
• Turkey next play Mexico

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Guler made time for everyone – security staff included – as the Real Madrid star was spotted stopping for selfies and autographs in terrible weather before his country's international friendly against the USMNT.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Turkiye are yet to start their World Cup qualification campaign, having instead played Nations League games as they sealed a promotion to League A, and took on Mauricio Pochettino's USA on Saturday. After going 1-0 down in the opening minute, Guler equalised midway through the first half and Kerem Akturkoglu quickly followed it up with a second goal on their way to securing a 2-1 win.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  His latest goal was Guler's fifth for Turkiye since his debut in 2022. The 20-year-old got more opportunities during his second season with Real Madrid and his development under incoming manager Xabi Alonso will be exciting to see.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GULER?

  Guler will be involved in another Stateside friendly against Mexico before taking part in the Club World Cup with Madrid later this month.

Paul Dickov has urged Arsenal and Manchester United to pursue Crystal Palace striker Jean-Phillippe Mateta.

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• Dickov says Mateta is a "real handful"
• Ex-City man believes most PL teams need a no.9
• Gunners and Red Devils battling for Gyokeres

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The ex-City striker told BestBettingSites.com that Mateta would be a great fit for any top side in need of a striker, which, in his opinion is every team in the division bar Manchester City with Erling Haaland, and Newcastle with Alexander Isak. Dickov praised Mateta's ability to "get himself in the box", and described the Frenchman as a "real danger". The pull of European football would be enough to turn Mateta's head according to Dickov, who also suggested Palace's potential exclusion from the Europa League due to multi-club ownership rules might compel them to accept offers for their star striker,

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  Dickov name checked Arsenal and Manchester United as two sides that are in desperate need of a no.9. The two clubs are believed to be pursuing a deal for Sporting Lisbon's star man, Viktor Gyokeres.

• WHAT PAUL DICKOV SAID

  Dickov said: "Anybody that's not playing in Europe, particularly in the Champions League, would love to go to a Champions League club. 

  "I think Mateta surprised everybody with his performances and his goals, especially last season and the season before. He's a real handful. We talk about the need for a real No. 9 at Arsenal or Manchester United.

  "I think he'd be a great fit for any of the teams that are on the lookout for a striker like that because he's big, strong, and he holds the ball up ever so well. He gets himself in the box, you know. And there's a real danger when he gets in there.

  "It seems that everyone apart from Man City with Haaland, and Newcastle with Isak, are on the hunt for a No. 9. I think Mateta would be a great signing for anyone. 

  "I think there'll be a lot of clubs looking at what's happening with them given the situation Crystal Palace find themselves in. I think European football – or its absence – is going to have a huge effect on which players Palace can keep, who wants to stay, and who are going to want to leave. Maybe, even, who will have to be sold for financial reasons."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA?

  Everyone affiliated with the Selhurst Park will be holding their breath until their fate is handed down. Should UEFA decide Palace cannot take part in the Europa League next season, a move for Mateta becomes evermore likely.

Given the volume of spending over the last couple of years, cuts have been made behind the scenes and to the playing squad of Manchester United over recent months.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has wasted no time in trimming costs to avoid any financial issues at Old Trafford, with numerous players leaving the North West throughout the campaign to generate funds and clear the wage bill.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka departed in a £15m deal to join West Ham United in the summer, ending his five-year stint with the Red Devils after joining from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2019.

However, his move has enabled the 27-year-old to recapture his best form away from the North West, notching two goals and two assists in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

He’s not the only former United player to depart this season and impress away from the club, with huge regrets undoubtedly over a decision to allow him to depart given his rise to stardom elsewhere.

Scott McTominay’s stats for Napoli in 2024/25

Back in August last year, United decided to sell midfielder Scott McTominay to Italian side Napoli, leaving the side after seven years in the first-team and recruiting a £25m fee in the process.

The Scottish international made over 250 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring on 29 occasions, catching the eye with his box-crashing ability, often producing numerous key goals.

However, his move to Naples has allowed the 28-year-old to take his game to the next level, registering seven goals and two assists in his first 28 appearances for the Italian giants.

Antonio Conte’s side currently sit in second place, just three points off leaders Inter Milan, with McTominay playing a key role in their chances of claiming the Scudetto at the end of the season.

Given his goalscoring run in Serie A, Ruben Amorim must wish the previous management team had kept hold of the Scottish international, but he could unleash his own version of the star in the near future.

The player who could be Amorim’s own McTominay

Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi have been just two of the United youngsters who have been the beneficiaries of the ongoing injury issues at Old Trafford, making the jump into the first-team.

Their positive performances have certainly opened the doors for other youngsters to follow suit in the near future, looking to cement their place in Amorim’s squad.

One player who’s more than deserving of the opportunity is midfielder Zach Baumann, who could follow in the footsteps of McTominay with the 18-year-old possessing a very similar skillset to the Scottish international.

The Ukrainian youngster has developed rapidly over the last couple of years, earning himself a professional contract at Old Trafford, highlighting his impressive displays at various youth levels.

This season alone, the “superb” Baumann, as dubbed by one analyst, the teenager has registered 11 appearances in all competitions, including one in the UEFA Youth League.

He’s capable of operating in either an attacking or defensive midfield role, similar to that of McTominay, but he’s also showcased his ability to be in key positions in the final third, allowing him to find the back of the net.

Baumann has been a regular in the U18 side, notching two goal contributions in his seven appearances, helping the Red Devils youngsters sit second, just a couple of points off rivals Manchester City.

Given the sale of McTominay in the summer, the first team have been desperate for a player of a similar profile to replace him, offering that added threat in the final third despite mainly being a box-to-box option.

Baumann may only be 18, but should he continue on his current trajectory, he could easily force himself into Amorim’s plans, potentially saving the club millions in the years ahead.

Man Utd gem was ahead of Amad, then Ten Hag sold him for just £5m

One Manchester United star unfortunately never managed to maintain his early impressive form at the club.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Mar 20, 2025

Wrexham have completed the signing of Scottish forward Ryan Hardie from Plymouth as they prepare for their Championship challenge.

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• Wrexham signed Hardie from Plymouth
• Completed their first signing of the summer
• Wrexham rebuilding squad ahead of Championship challenge

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned side means business in the transfer market after securing their third consecutive promotion to the Championship. On Monday, they completed their first signing of the summer as they secured a transfer for Plymouth's star forward Hardie, the club confirmed.

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• WHAT HARDIE SAID

  After signing for the Red Dragons, Hardie told the club's official website: "I’m delighted to get the move done, I’m really happy to get it done so early and I cannot wait to get going. To get a full pre-season will be a massive benefit, to get integrated into the squad and learn the way the manager plays and get to know everyone will be important.

  "The last couple of seasons, it’s been good getting experience in the EFL Championship and it’s experience I can lean on now. I’ve enjoyed playing there, and I’ve managed to score a few goals, so hopefully that can continue this season. I love how family-oriented the Club is, the community is all together and it really is a one-club City. Everything is to do with the football, and I’m really excited to be a part of that – I’ll give everything I’ve got for the badge."

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  The Welsh club are also keen on signing of proven Championship midfielder, Barry Bannan, who has been strongly linked with a move away from Sheffield Wednesday this summer. The Owls have been struggling financially, not able to pay players for the past two weeks, which is advantageous for Wrexham

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Wrexham are scheduled to travel to Australia and New Zealand in the second week of July for their pre-season preparations, where they will face three A-League clubs, Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix.

Tottenham Hotspur have shelved new contract talks with a star player in their squad, and he’s now seriously pursuing an exit from the north London club this summer, which could be seen as a concern for chairman Daniel Levy.

Ange Postecoglou facing potential Tottenham sack

As things stand, real uncertainty surrounds the long-term future of Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, following a disappointing second full campaign in charge.

Diego Simeone's private message to Cristian Romero in Tottenham exit talks

The Argentine is being heavily linked with a summer exit.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 2, 2025

Debilitating injuries haven’t helped the Australian, but 14th in the Premier League after 15 defeats in the top flight alone makes for very grim reading from the perspective of a ‘big six’ club.

Postecoglou is now relying on an impressive Europa League run to convince Tottenham not to change managers, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, and Spurs are already expressing a serious interest in Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, among other high-profile alternatives like Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi and Fulham’s Marco Silva.

These next few weeks will be key in determining Postecoglou’s position at N17, and even if the 59-year-old does manage to make history in Europe and keep his job, the former Celtic boss is facing a very real prospect of losing key players this summer.

One of them, according to various reports in the last few days, could be star defender Cristian Romero.

The Argentine is wanted by Atlético Madrid, with South American media claiming that Diego Simeone has personally reached out to him (Uriel Lugt). Their arch rivals Real Madrid have also internally discussed a move for Romero, so it appears the 26-year-old has plenty of temptation away from N17.

Losing Romero would be a blow for Postecoglou and Levy, considering his status as a senior leader in the squad, and it now appears that the defender has fully made up his mind on quitting Spurs.

Cristian Romero "pushing" to leave Tottenham with contract talks cancelled

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Romero is “pushing” to leave Tottenham, and Levy has postponed talks over a new deal for the £165,000-per-week ace as a result.

The player has apparently made it clear to his circle that he’s ready to pursue a new challenge, and he’s set his sights on a move to La Liga specifically. Simeone really wants him at Atletico, as he views Romero as one of world football’s best centre-backs, but Levy won’t let him go cheaply.

The former Atalanta star’s price tag is set at around £60 million, and this could prove to be the main obstacle in place of an Atlético deal for the player. It is also worth noting that Romero is determined to leave regardless of whether Spurs win the Europa League and qualify for next season’s Champions League, so his eagerness to go may even force through a move.

One thing is certain – Tottenham would need to bring an adept replacement for the stalwart who’s been praised for his overall performances since joining in 2021.

“In Romero they have got a phenomenal defender. He makes others around him better,” said former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson to Football Insider three years ago.

“What they have got isn’t enough. They need more but he is certainly the best that they have got. He could play in any side in the top four of the Premier League. He is a Champions League player, a top player.

“If Spurs are going to go places Romero is the type of player they will need to keep and build around.”