He might have scored a goal in the Champions League last week, but it seems fair to say that starting Mikel Merino up top has not worked for Arsenal.

The Spanish midfielder saved the day against Leicester City last month, and while he’s done certain parts of the job well, he’s not someone who can be relied on to step into the role amid an injury crisis.

Fortunately, Gabriel Martinelli returned to the team yesterday afternoon and can hopefully start down the middle until the end of the season.

However, with Gabriel Jesus out until next year and Kai Havertz not coming back until preseason at the earliest, Mikel Arteta and Co need to sign a new number nine as soon as possible, and the good news is that recent reports suggest that they may have found the perfect option, a player who’d be a colossal upgrade on Merino.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have drawn up a list of seven striker targets for the summer, with Lautaro Martínez near the very top.

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In fact, the report claims that there is currently speculation that the North Londoners are planning to make an offer for the Argentine superstar of around €120m, which comes out to £101m.

However, as things stand, it’s unclear if that will be enough to tempt Inter Milan into selling their prized centre-forward, who was their top scorer last season and is second on that list this year.

It will almost certainly be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line this summer, but given Martínez’s immense ability, it is one well worth pursuing, especially as he’d be a massive upgrade on all of Arsenal’s choices, including Merino.

Why Martínez would be a game-changer for Arsenal

Now, while there are several reasons Martínez would be a game-changing signing for Arsenal, from his track record of winning major trophies to his slick, free-flowing style of play, the most important is that he is a reliable scorer of goals and provider of assists.

For example, in just 44 appearances for Inter last season, the World Cup winner scored 27 goals and provided three assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.46 games.

In comparison, Jesus produced 16 goal involvements in 36 games, while Havertz hit 21 in 51, equating to a goal involvement every 2.25 and 2.42 games, respectively.

Interestingly, even though the Argentine, who renowned football podcaster Angelo Valdes described as “the best 9 in the world,” has been a little less effective this term, he’s still comfortably ahead, with a tally of 17 goals and six assists in 38 appearances.

In contrast, the Gunners’ Brazilian forward has nine goal involvements in 27 games, and the German has hit 15 goals and five assists in 34 games.

Appearances

38

5

34

27

Goals

17

3

15

7

Assists

6

1

5

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

0.80

0.58

0.33

For his part, Merino actually has the best goal involvement-to-game ratio of the lot, as he’s found the back of the net three times and provided one assist in five appearances up top.

However, two of those goals came against Leicester, while the other and his assist arrived in the 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven.

In the other games, against West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, he looked entirely out of his depth with football.london’s Tom Canton awarding him match ratings of just 5/10 for each encounter.

Ultimately, Arsenal have a number of talented forwards, but none can be described as prolific, and while Arteta couldn’t rely on Merino to step up when he needed him to, Martínez’s incredible trophy haul suggests he very much could be relied upon.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 8, 2025

Well, that was stressful. But three points are all that matter as Arne Slot’s Liverpool hit the business-time road in the Premier League.

The title is the destination, and the Reds are seven points clear once again. Wolverhampton Wanderers are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table and nearly left Anfield with something to prop them away from the drop zone, but Slot has proved that he can win in different ways, perhaps the marker of a champion.

19/02/25

Premier League

Aston Villa (A)

23/02/25

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Man City (A)

26/02/25

Premier League

Newcastle (H)

04/03/25

Champions League

TBC

08/03/25

Premier League

Southampton (H)

11/03/25

Champions League

TBC

16/03/25

Carabao Cup

Newcastle (N)

Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty proved to be the match-winner after the talented Matheus Cunha halved the deficit beyond the hour mark, but it wasn’t Salah’s most impactful display.

The title run-in is going to require big performances from many players, with Luis Diaz getting his name on the scoresheet and putting in a top display with Cody Gakpo absent through injury.

Luis Diaz returns to form

It was a game that lacked verve and initiative from the hosts. In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch was untidy and toiled. Andy Robertson had a tough time producing the fluent and dynamic performance that was possibly expected of him against one of the division’s biggest strugglers. Trent Alexander-Arnold was also messy, albeit with some slick passing interspersed throughout.

But one man certainly stepped up in Diaz. The Colombian has been an important part of Slot’s first season, starting the campaign off prolifically before spending much of his time in a reshaped striking role – it’s a testament to his movement and connectivity, but a damning indictment of Slot’s thoughts on Darwin Nunez.

He bundled in following neat work from Diogo Jota after just 15 minutes and also won the spot-kick that Salah converted. Sure, he was quieter after the break, but this was indicative of the collective

Gakpo has scored in seven straight Anfield appearances but was sidelined after picking up a knock during last week’s draw at Goodison Park. Slot is unsure whether his saluting scorer will be fit for the forthcoming trip to Aston Villa.

Diaz needed to step up, and step up he did. The 28-year-old had gone five successive Premier League matches without a goal – all played at centre-forward – but reminded the world of his quality here. It was a big result, and Diaz came up with the goods.

However, Diaz may not actually be the biggest winner of the event. Indeed, there’s one player who made a statement and could now prove to be Slot’s own – but different – version of Divock Origi.

Slot has found his own Divock Origi

Saying that veteran holding midfielder Wataru Endo is to be Slot’s own version of Origi over the coming months might seem peculiar, but his off-the-bench effort against Wolves showed that he can be a clutch presence for the Anfield side over the coming months.

Make no mistake, Liverpool were dire in the second half against Wolves, fighting off ten shots while failing to take a single shot of their own.

It was a game that demanded Endo’s involvement, and thus he was brought on for Diaz for the final 25 minutes (including stoppage time) completing all five of his passes and winning three ground duels, as per Sofascore, instrumental in clearing away the danger in the final moments, with Liverpool under the kosh.

After such an important effort against a well-worked Wolves performance, Slot may hold regrets over his decision not to introduce the Japanese midfielder sooner in the Merseyside Derby, with Liverpool a goal to the good but threatened by Everton’s tenacity.

In July 2014, over a year before Jurgen Klopp came, Liverpool signed Origi from LOSC Lille for £10m, part of the many-faceted attempt to replace Luis Suarez.

How curious that his signing ended up paying dividends, for Origi sealed Liverpool’s Champions League final victory over Tottenham Hotspur in 2018/19 after bagging twice in the historic 4-0 win over Barcelona – firing many further important goals home besides.

He scored 41 times for the Merseysiders, with Klopp rather generously claiming “he’s one of the best finishers I have ever seen in my life.” Such words carry substance, in fact, with the Belgium international’s composure and self-belief allowing him to come up trumps so many times, to be Liverpool’s source from deep within the wellspring when attacking inspiration had dried up elsewhere.

Now, Endo can be Slot’s own late-game hero. Liverpool were far too passive at the weekend (and maybe against Everton too) but Endo’s “warrior-like cameo,” as reporter Lewis Steele noted, will not be forgotten.

When Klopp signed Endo from Stuttgart for a £16m fee, many Premier League rivals tittered. Liverpool have fumbled bids for Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo, they cried, with the 2023 Anfield exodus the watershed point that would send the club in a downward spin.

But he’s proved himself worthy of a place in this side, playing first for Klopp, now Slot. The 32-year-old is committed and willing to star as a ball-winning presence late on. Slot has opted against using Endo from the outset in the top flight this season but he has played 11 times, called into business when Liverpool need to shore up.

Klopp had a secret weapon in Origi who proved to be a golden ticket toward success in the later stages of games when Liverpool needed to add a dimension.

Endo, an anchoring midfielder with limited technical quality, might be the inverse, but he came up clutch against the Old Gold and has proved that he could be a crucial part of the journey over the business months, maybe the difference-maker in building the points total and staving off Arsenal.

Now worth £15m more: Liverpool have struck gold on their answer to Cunha

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ByKelan Sarson Feb 17, 2025

يقترب الدولي الألماني تير شتيجن، حارس مرمى الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة من الرحيل إلى أحد الأندية التركية خلال فترة الانتقالات المقبلة.

وأصبحت مشاركة الألماني صعبة في ظل اقتراب تعاقد برشلونة مع خوان جارسيا، حارس مرمى الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي إسبانيول والذي سيتم الاعتماد عليه أساسيًا مع وجود تشيزني بديلًا له.

اقرأ أيضًا | 5 أندية تتسابق على التعاقد مع تير شتيجن خلال الانتقالات الصيفية

ونشرت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية أن نادي جالطة سراي يرغب في التعاقد مع الدولي الألماني تير شتيجن ضمن خطة الإدارة لتعزيز الفريق خلال الموسم المقبل.

وكان النادي التركي قد تعاقد مع الألماني الآخر ليروى ساني، قادمًا من بايرن ميونخ، لزيادة كفاءة الفريق وليكن قادرًا على منافسة كبار الفرق على البطولات الأوروبية.

ووفقًا لما ذكرته الصحيفة الإسبانية، فإن جالطة سراي يريد التعاقد مع شتيجن مبدئيًا على سبيل الإعارة لمدة عام مع أحقية الشراء، خاصةً مع إبداء اللاعب الموافقة المبدئية على بدء المفاوضات بين الناديين.

Al-Hilal are reportedly interested in signing Bruno Fernandes following Manchester United's Europa League final loss to Tottenham.

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Man Utd lose Europa League finalBruno admits to uncertain futureAl-Hilal interested in PortugueseFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Sky Sports states the Saudi Pro League team's interest in the 30-year-old is not at an advanced stage at present but that could change as they are playing in the Club World Cup next month and can sign players during a special early transfer window between June 1-10.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Shortly after United's 1-0 Europa League final defeat to Spurs, Fernandes said he will stay with the club until they tell him "it's time to go". That has led to speculation he could be heading for pastures new as the Red Devils try to offload some of their players this summer to fund their warchest. But, head coach Ruben Amorim is desperate for him to stay, so an interesting off-season period lies ahead.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sky add that the Portugal international, whose contract runs until 2027, is on a list of players Al-Hilal are targeting as they prepare for the Club World Cup in the United States next month, with group stage games against Real Madrid, Pachuca, and Red Bull Salzburg to come.

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Fernandes' United will round off a dreadful season when they host Champions League-chasing Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday in the Premier League.

Australian holds UK passport but will be registered as an overseas signing for 2023

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jan-2023

Sam Whiteman’s 193 against South Australia cemented Western Australia’s advantage in the Sheffield Shield•Getty Images

Northamptonshire have announced the signing of Western Australia opening batter Sam Whiteman on an a season-long deal for the 2023 summer.Whiteman, who was player of the final in WA’s 16th Sheffield Shield title in the 2021-22 season and is their current acting captain, will be available for the County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup. Though he possesses a UK passport having been born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, he will be registered as an overseas signing.The 30-year-old has 4,652 first-class runs at an average of 37.90, with 10 centuries. He is currently Western Australia’s second top scorer in the ongoing campaign, which they lead, with 390 at 43.33, and scored a career-best 193 against South Australia in November.As a white-ball cricketer, Whiteman’s returns are comparatively weak – averages of 23.51 and 17.55 in List A and T20, respectively – though he was part of a successful Perth Scorchers outfit in the Big Bash League, and is now representing Sydney Thunder in the ongoing season. He has not yet been capped by Australia, having represented the country at “A” team and Under-19 level. This will be the left-hander’s first taste of professional cricket in the English system.Speaking on his deal with the Division One county, Whiteman said: “I’m really excited to have signed with Northamptonshire for the 2023 season. It’s always been an ambition of mine to play first-class cricket in the UK so to get that opportunity for a large chunk of the campaign is really pleasing. I’m looking forward to joining up with my new teammates in April.”Head coach John Sadler was delighted with Whiteman’s signing, as Northants look to build on their sixth-place in the County Championship and second-from-bottom finish in Group B of the Royal London Cup last year.”Sam comes very highly recommended and is someone we’ve watched closely in recent times.” Sadler said speaking to the club website. “I’m very confident that not only will he score plenty of runs, he’ll add value to us as a group in many ways both on and off the field.”Northamptonshire’s new Championship captain Luke Procter was also excited for what Whiteman could bring: “I’m really looking forward to having Sam with us this season.”He’s a quality bat but he’s also got that leadership experience with WA, they’re flying in the Shield so far so I’m sure he’ll bring a lot value on and off the field too.”

Another game and another disappointing result for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side went into yesterday afternoon’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth knowing they needed to make amends for their defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League during the week.

Unfortunately, it was simply more of the same from the Australian’s men, as they found themselves 2-0 down in the 65th minute and only came away with a point thanks to a superb strike from Pape Matar Sarr and a penalty thanks to a moment of madness from Kepa Arrizabalaga.

There were dismal displays across the pitch for the hosts, with one player looking so off the pace that he probably shouldn’t start another game this season.

Spurs' poor performers

Before we get to the starter in question, it’s worth examining some of the others who let the fans down yesterday, such as Brennan Johnson.

The Welshman remains the club’s top scorer this season, with 14 in all competitions, but as he was on Thursday and against Manchester City, he was utterly ineffective against the Cherries.

In fact, he was so poor that the manager hooked him at half-time and football.london’s Alasdair Gold awarded him a 3/10 match rating at full-time.

Sticking to the right-hand side and, yesterday was another game in which Pedro Porro failed to make a case for why he should still be in the team at the start of next season.

The Spanish full-back was largely to blame for the visitors’ opening goal and then continued to offer practically nothing in defence or attack for the rest of the game.

Unsurprisingly, Gold was left seriously unimpressed with the full-back, giving him a 4/10 match rating and reaffirming that he simply ‘didn’t add much.’

However, another Lilywhites ace was arguably just as bad, an international who should be nowhere near the starting lineup for the rest of the campaign.

The Spurs star who must be dropped

Unfortunately, the argument could be made for dropping a sizable number of yesterday’s starters, but when it comes to someone who could and should be replaced, Yves Bissouma is pretty high on that list.

The Mali international has endured a rather torrid campaign this year, as whenever he’s put in an impressive performance like he did in the League Cup against Manchester City, he’s put in a handful of pretty dire ones, like he did against Bournemouth.

Like Porro, the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace failed to offer any threat whatsoever going forward and was even worse when it came to shielding the backline and putting in the defensive work.

It’s not just us who thought the 28-year-old was shocking either, as Gold awarded him a 3/10 and slammed him for his numerous ‘messy’ mistakes, while journalist Mitch Fretton dubbed him a “Sunday league midfielder,” and worst of all, Postecoglou hooked him at halftime.

That might all sound rather harsh, but when you look at the midfielder’s statistics from the game, it’s easy to see where the criticism comes from.

Bissouma’s game in numbers

Minutes

46′

Expected Assists

0.01

Assists

0

Key Passes

0

Shots on Target

0

Dribbles

0

Lost Possession

6

Foul

1

Yellow Cards

1

Dribbled Past

1

Errors Leading to a Shot

1

All Stats via Sofascore

In his 46 minutes of action, he amassed an expected assists figure of 0.01, didn’t take a single shot on target, didn’t even attempt a dribble, lost the ball six times, committed a foul, picked up a yellow card, was dribbled past once and made an error that led directly to a shot.

Ultimately, yesterday’s game was yet another one to forget for Spurs, and while several players let the fans down, Bissouma was one of the very worst, and with not much of the season left, he shouldn’t be starting another match.

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Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 8, 2025

The ICC has given official sanction to Major League Cricket (MLC), the USA’s big leap into the world of T20 leagues, removing a significant obstacle to the league launching in July this year. A long-simmering dispute between the league’s organisers and USA Cricket, the country’s official cricket administrative body, had threatened to disrupt the league starting this year.However, USA Cricket announced on Thursday night in a brief statement that it has approved MLC as well as Minor League Cricket (MiLC), meaning that both events can go ahead as planned. Crucially, it means that ICC members are now free to issue NOCs (No Objection Certificates) to any of their players picked by MLC sides to participate in the league.”Over the past few months, we have worked diligently with Ace [American Cricket Enterprises, the parent body of MLC and MILC] to ensure that the MLC and MiLC are positioned well to support the growth of cricket in the United States,” said USA Cricket in a press release.USA Cricket had previously given sanction to MiLC, for both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, but soon after the MLC’s player draft, the ICC’s operations department sent a communication to members flagging the issue for overseas players wishing to play in both competitions. “Members may be aware of the following two events that are proposed to be played in the USA,” the ICC had said of the events, both administered by ACE, which signed a 50-year commercial rights agreement with USA Cricket in 2019.Related

• MI New York unveil Rashid, Boult and Rabada in star-studded MLC squad

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“Applications for sanction have been submitted to USA Cricket, but these events have not yet been sanctioned by USA Cricket. Consequently, without a sanction from the host member, both events are currently deemed to be Disapproved Cricket and as such, Members should not issue NOCs to their players to participate in either event.”The draft, held on March 19 at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, saw stars such as Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis and Quinton de Kock sign for teams in the league. In total six teams will play in the 18-day event in Texas that starts from July 13 – as with several other leagues, some of the franchises are owned by owners of IPL franchises.”Last month’s historic MLC Domestic Player Draft in Houston generated incredible momentum for the inaugural Major League Cricket season this summer,” MLC tournament director Justin Geale told ESPNcricinfo following the confirmation that USA Cricket had given sanctioning approval to MLC. “Our six MLC teams will each be announcing a number of marquee international player signings in the coming weeks that will generate more excitement, and we will be sharing news on the schedule, ticket sales and broadcast details soon.”We’re now just three months away from many of the world’s best players taking the field in Texas at an outstanding new cricket venue in Grand Prairie. We can’t wait to bring the American cricket community together there and launch this ground breaking competition.”The dispute between USA Cricket and ACE which caused the delay in sanctioning MLC and MiLC stems from the original short-form agreement the two signed in 2019. In that agreement, ACE keeps 95% of all gross revenues generated by MLC while USA Cricket receives the remaining 5%, but USA Cricket has wanted to revise that for more favourable terms, before a long-form agreement is signed. USA Cricket reiterated that sentiment in Thursday’s press release.”We look forward to working with Ace to provide governance of the tournaments,” stated USA Cricket in the press release. “Finally, we will review our commercial relationship with Ace over the next few months.”

Jhon Duran bailed out a wasteful Cristiano Ronaldo after a dreadful penalty miss as Al-Nassr edged out Al-Khaleej to keep their ACL Elite hopes alive.

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• Al-Nassr beat Al-Khaleej 2-0
• Ronaldo scored after missing from the spot
• Duran was the brightest spark on the pitch

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• AFP
  

  TELL ME MORE

  It was a must-win game for Al-Nassr to keep their Champions League Elite hopes alive. And after a lacklustre first half, they somehow managed to get the three points.

  In the opening 45 minutes, Stefano Pioli's men resembled a Sunday league team who had forgotten their shooting boots. Ronaldo had several opportunities to break the deadlock, but the Portuguese missed the target. His strike partner, Duran, had an empty net to aim at in the 23rd minute, but he somehow managed to hit wide.

  After the hour mark, Al-Nassr earned a penalty after Sultan Al-Ghannam was brought down inside the box. Ronaldo stepped up to convert, but the forward hit the outside of the post, much to the dismay of the home support. Minutes later, he was set up by Duran, but the 40-year-old once again failed to hit the target.

  Just as panic was setting in at Al-Awwal Park, the former Aston Villa star rose highest to head home a cross from Sadio Mane in the 75th minute. Although it was a nervy final quarter for the hosts, Ronaldo's stoppage-time spot-kick put the game to bed.

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• AFP
  

  THE MVP

  Duran emerged as the difference-maker between the two sides, and the Colombian was undoubtedly the MVP of the match. On an evening when both Ronaldo and Mane went missing, the striker rose to the occassion in what was a must-win encounter for Al-Nassr.

• THE BIG LOSER

  Denied a couple of times by the woodwork, it was just not Ronaldo's evening in Riyadh. The Portuguese found himself on the receiving end of several goal-scoring opportunities, but luck was not on his side. Although he did redeem himself marginally in stoppage time from the penalty spot, one would expect better from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

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• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  After this win, Al-Nassr are now just a point behind third-placed Al-Qadsiyah. Ronaldo and Co. must win their final league match against Al-Fateh on Monday and hope that Al-Qadsiyah drop points against Al-Hilal to qualify for the Champions League Elite.

Tottenham Hotspur have scheduled transfer talks with an elite club, as chairman Daniel Levy eyes further forward signings alongside their potential option-to-buy deal for Bayern Munich loanee Mathys Tel.

Tottenham preparing for Europa League second leg against AZ Alkmaar

Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou is pinning all of his hopes on the Lilywhites’ Europa League campaign to make good on his early-season promise of winning silverware during his second full season in charge.

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The Australian watched on as his side fell to a 1-0 defeat in their Last 16 first leg tie against AZ Alkmaar, and with the second leg on Thursday, Postecoglou will be busy plotting how best to set up the Spurs team to overcome this deficit.

Fulham (away)

March 16th

Chelsea (away)

April 2nd

Southampton (home)

April 5th

Wolves (away)

April 12th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Tottenham are 13th in the Premier League table, having lost 14 top flight matches already, and are out of both domestic cup competitions after a very underwhelming campaign blighted by injuries to key players.

To make matters worse for Postecoglou, reliable football.london journalist Alasdair Gold broke overnight news that defender Kevin Danso could be set for a spell on the sidelines after he picked up a muscle injury in Spurs’ 2-2 draw with Bournemouth over the weekend.

The Austria international was signed in a last-minute hijack from Wolves to provide much-needed central defensive cover for previously injured first-team duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, with Danso even emerging as a leader behind-the-scenes at Tottenham since then.

His absence will come as a major blow for Postecoglou, especially considering van de Ven and Romero have proved very unreliable when it comes to availability this term.

Tottenham are reportedly planning to reinforce the squad this summer to avoid a repeat of their disastrous 2024/2025 campaign, with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi a top target for Spurs as they plan to reopen talks.

They also want to bring in more attacking options, and Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman has now become a viable option for them.

Tottenham set to be offered Kingsley Coman in talks with Bayern Munich

According to GiveMeSport, Spurs are set for end-of-season negotiations with Bayern over completing a permanent deal for Tel, and during these sit-down discussions, the possibility of signing Coman will arise.

Indeed, it is believed that Bayern will offer Tottenham the chance to sign Coman during these conversations, as Vincent Kompany’s side are eager to offload the Frenchman and find him a new club.

It is unclear what Spurs’ stance is on striking a deal for the 28-year-old, who has suffered from his fair share of injury problems throughout an undoubtedly illustrious career, but other reports suggest Bayern have set a price tag at up to £34 million.

Levy and co also want more potential forward signings with a permanent move for Tel, so this could be one to watch as we slowly head into the summer. Called “unbelievable” by Rio Ferdinand, Coman has been used more as an impact player under Kompany – scoring six goals and assisting four others in all competitions with half of his Bundesliga appearances coming off the bench this term.

Manchester United are set to make a bid worth around £25m to sign a new forward who is a perfect fit for Ruben Amorim’s system, according to Sky Sports.

Man Utd placing trust in youth as INEOS plan for future

The Red Devils and new co-owners INEOS haven’t had the start to life in Manchester they would have been hoping for. The same can be said for Amorim, with the manager winning just five of his first 16 Premier League games in charge.

Those behind the scenes at Old Trafford have been looking to the future, though, highlighted by moves to sign teenagers Chido Obi-Martin and Ayden Heaven along with 20-year-old Patrick Dorgu.

Obi-Martin has already caught the eye in his limited first-team appearances, resulting in being praised by iconic striker Alan Shearer, who called the forward a “real handful” during the FA Cup defeat to Fulham.

“He’s been a real handful in there you know. He’s certainly offered a lot more than Hojlund has when he was on the pitch. He’s been a nuisance and tough to play against. I like what I see from Obi, I really do. He’s certainly given them a different option to play with.”

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Ruthless from Ratcliffe…

1 ByTom Cunningham Mar 4, 2025

With Obi-Martin potentially the long-term centre-forward solution alongside big-money signing Rasmus Hojlund, United are also looking at bolstering their wide options.

Marcus Rashford and Antony were sent out on loan to Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively during the January window, and one player heavily linked with arriving was Sporting CP’s Geovany Quenda.

Personal terms have reportedly been agreed over a move to Manchester for the 17-year-old, and a new update has now emerged.

Man Utd to make £25m offer for winger compared to Nani – Sky Sports

According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, Quenda is the ‘hot issue’ for the Red Devils and Man Utd are readying a £25m offer to Sporting for the teenager.

The reporter adds that the ‘left-footed right winger has a unique profile that will bring back fond memories of Nani for Manchester United fans’, with Quenda already a senior Portugal international.

Should a move go through, Quenda would sign a long-term contract in Manchester, Tavolieri claims. The 2024/25 season is Quenda’s first in senior football, with the teenager becoming a regular for Sporting, playing as a right midfielder and left winger.

He’s contributed to nine goals in more than 40 appearances, registering an assist in the 4-1 win over Man City when Amorim was still in charge.

Amorim praised Quenda earlier in the campaign, believing he is going to be a “great player” in the future. “He’s a very talented kid, very strong physically, very focused, with his feet firmly on the ground. That’s very important for a young player. I didn’t know he was the youngest ever to score. Congratulations. I think he has to improve a lot in his finishing. The amount of times he comes inside and shoots over the bar. He doesn’t put the ball in the goal well, that’s a detail he has to improve.

“He showed up well there. But that’s what I said at the beginning of the season. He had the opportunity and there was no chance to take him away, to have doubts, nothing. I think he’s going to be a great player, but let’s give it time.”