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Celtic goalkeepers Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain should be sold in the summer transfer window, according to former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Celtic pair out of favour

Joe Hart has been the Bhoys’ undisputed first-choice ‘keeper this season, producing some excellent performances and ensuring that they lie on the cusp of winning the Premiership title.

Two players who have duly featured very sporadically are backup stoppers Barkas and Bain, having made just six appearances between them in all competitions in 2021/22.

The Greece international has been linked with a summer exit in recent days, and it could be the case that both are moved on to pastures new at the end of the season.

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The Latest: McAvennie wants Celtic duo gone

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie believes that both Barkas and Bain ought to be offloaded, claiming that they are no longer at the level required for Celtic. The 62-year-old said:

“You wonder who we will bring in. Hart has been absolutely brilliant, maybe the signing of the season and he been reliable.

“Barkas and Bain are absolutely nowhere near the required standard and they haven’t been for a long time. Getting rid of the both, that’s not a problem for me. I have no issues with that.

“It could even be a younger player to come in and learn from Joe Hart.  One thing I can say, is that I have total confidence that whoever we sign will be quality.

“We haven’t really made a bad transfer since Ange came in, he knows what he is doing. So let’s see what happens but I’m more than happy for Bain and Brkas to move on.”

The Verdict: Time for a new challenge

The main thing for Celtic now is for Ange Postecoglou to build a bigger and more superior squad, ensuring that his side enjoy a period of dominance in Scotland, not to mention returning to the Champions League and holding their own in that competition.

Neither Barkas nor Bain have greatly impressed on the rare occasions that they have been given a chance this term, so it’s understandable by McAvennie is calling for the pair to be offloaded over the summer.

While Hart should be first-choice moving forward, a backup of similar quality to him wouldn’t go amiss, and ideally the Hoops will bring in someone who can be genuinely trusted over a sustained period if the English veteran picks up an injury.

A younger alternative would make the most sense, potentially being viewed as the future first-choice between the sticks and eventually usurping the ageing Hart in the role.

In other news, a pundit has hailed the improvement of one Celtic hero. Find out who it is here.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes that Liverpool could change their stance on having a cryptocurrency sponsor, should a huge offer come along in the near future.

The Lowdown: Reds riding high

The Reds are flying at the moment, picking up a huge 1-0 victory at Newcastle United on Saturday to keep the pressure on Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

Away from the on-field action, Liverpool are also continuing to flourish as a club, with FSG keeping them financially stable, unlike some of those around them, such as Chelsea.

According to a recent claim, the Reds could strike a £70m kit deal with a cryptocurrency platform, with their contract with current shirt sponsors Standard Chartered coming to an end in 2023. This marks a U-turn in the club’s stance after reports in March that they opted against signing a crypto deal, having canvassed the opinions of fans.

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The Latest: Maguire makes crypto claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire claimed that Liverpool could go for that option if it is the most financially viable. He said:

“They might be able to take a small cut for non-gambling company. Make no mistake, crypto is gambling. But they will say that it is perfectly legal and that other clubs are doing it.

“If senior management at Anfield see themselves as being financially disadvantaged by not taking a crypto offer, they will likely do it.

“Given the success that they have had on the pitch, they have probably generated enough goodwill from the fans to override any objections.”

The Verdict: Fans could be divided

Should Liverpool end up striking a cryptocurrency deal over a long period, it is a decision which is likely to split opinion among the fan base.

It is something which doesn’t appeal to everyone from a moral and ethical standpoint, and it could be a decision for which the Reds ultimately receive a lot of flak.

It would arguably be preferable to have a moral mainstream sponsor in the mould of Standard Chartered, but ultimately FSG will likely approach it from a business perspective and do what is best for the club financially.

In other news, a pundit has dropped a worrying Liverpool claim. Read more here.

Arsenal are now open to January offers for one Gunners star, with it being revealed Mikel Arteta will need to offload players and free up space in the squad.

The Gunners are well-stocked in the striker department, with Viktor Gyokeres adapting to life in the Premier League very well since making the move from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window, receiving high praise from Arteta after bagging a brace against Atletico Madrid.

The Spaniard said: “All of us [appreciate Gyokeres] because he makes us a much better team. I think we’ve become much more unpredictable,”

“He’s so physical, opens the spaces for everyone. The way he presses the ball, holds the ball, it’s just phenomenal.”

The 27-year-old, who bagged his fourth Premier League goal of the season against Burnley earlier this month, has certainly started well, while Kai Havertz is now closing in on a return from injury, having not been involved since the 1-0 win against Manchester United back in August.

Consequently, there may be little game time available for Arteta’s other striker, Garbiel Jesus, and there has now been a major update on his future at the Emirates Stadium…

Arsenal now open to January offers for Gabriel Jesus

According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now open to offers for Jesus in the January transfer window, as they need to offload players and free up space in the squad, and the Brazilian is no longer a part of Arteta’s plans.

Persistent injuries have meant the 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, and a return to Palmeiras could now be on the cards, with the Brazilian club willing to bring him back, potentially on a loan-to-buy deal.

The 64-time Brazil international has received high praise from Arteta in the past, with the manager saying back in September 2023: “He is a tremendous player, a really important player for us. He changed our world last season. You could all see that.”

That said, it is probably the correct decision to offload the centre-forward, given that he has been unable to put his injury problem in the rearview mirror, missing a number of games for club and country over the past few seasons.

Gabriel Jesus’ injury record by season

Games missed

2022-23

17

2023-24

17

2024-25 onwards

56

It has recently emerged that the £13.7m-a-year striker has returned to training after an extended period of time on the sidelines, which could be a boost for Arteta, given that the manager has been left light on options at times this season, with Gyokeres and Havertz suffering setbacks.

With Arsenal looking to compete on all fronts, faring well in the Champions League and through to the EFL Cup quarter-final, Jesus may still have a role to play in the short-term, but it would not be the end of the world if Arsenal sanction a January departure.

Gabriel Jesus makes admission on Arsenal's future Arsenal star makes transfer admission and says club "want" to sign him

He’s responded to the speculation around his future.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 14, 2025

Setting lofty ambitions for 2026, Tottenham Hotspur have now reportedly launched their opening move to sign a Barcelona star who earns over £14m a year in Spain.

Tottenham's ambitious transfer plans

When Tottenham Hotspur dismissed Daniel Levy, they set their sights on turning Tottenham into an ambitious club rather than just sustainable. Vinai Venkatesham, chief executive, told reporters when Levy left the club: “We’ve got a massive global fanbase. We saw in May in Bilbao what that next step is. That is competing for and ultimately winning trophies.

Agbonlahor says Frank should be worried about Tottenham star who gives "zero"

The pundit claims he can’t be relied upon.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 4, 2025

“We’ve had a taste of that, and it’s even better than you imagined. You realise the club is even bigger than you thought it was, and you’re hungry for more. That’s what everyone associated with this club is hungry for, more nights like that.”

Since then, Thomas Frank has enjoyed mixed results in all competitions but has managed to stay unbeaten in the Premier League after edging past Leeds United. The Lilywhites sealed victory thanks to Mohammed Kudus’ first Premier League goal for the club, as his strong start continues after his summer move.

It’s the type of successful transfer window that those in North London will be keen to repeat in 2026 and reports are already suggesting that their ambitions are high.

Some have even gone as far as to suggest that Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde is a summer target. The impressive midfielder would be an undeniable game-changer in Frank’s side, but it remains to be seen whether the Lilywhites can lure him to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the famous El Clasico, Tottenham have reportedly made their first move for a Barcelona star.

Tottenham launch first Ter Stegen move

According to Sport in Spain, Tottenham have now launched their first enquiry to sign Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the winter window. The Barcelona shot-stopper is currently out injured with a ruptured patellar tendon and is not expected to return until around January time, but that hasn’t stopped Spurs from making their first move.

In the meantime, the 33-year-old will have just two years remaining on his current deal when the summer arrives, which certainly leaves the door ajar for a potential exit. The big question for those in North London will be whether Ter Stegen still has the quality to step into the Premier League.

For all his experience and place as one of Barcelona’s biggest earners at around €16m (£14m) every year, this is still a player coming back from a major injury in his 30s. Tottenham must take that into account.

Although Barcelona chief Deco recently dubbed the German “great”, the Spanish giants and any on-watching interested parties will only receive a glimpse of the goalkeeper’s current level when he returns from injury. Until then, Tottenham would be wise to proceed with caution.

West Ham United manager Graham Potter could be sacked by the Hammers very shortly, on one condition, with a potential timeline shared by one media source.

Graham Potter under growing pressure in east London

This time last year, David Moyes’ replacement, Julen Lopetegui, was in a very similar situation to Potter as critics and supporters alike called for the Spaniard to be axed following a poor start to 2024/2025.

Now, his successor, Potter, is facing the same pressure. Under the former Chelsea boss, West Ham have recorded their second-worst win percentage since the Premier League’s inception, with Avram Grant’s relegated side from 2010/2011 coming as the only Hammers team to fare worse.

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12, Graham Potter

27.3%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

The east Londoners have also leaked goals left, right and centre — conceding more than any other top-flight outfit thus far — with Potter’s West Ham also looking extremely vulnerable when it comes to set pieces.

Potter did give himself some breathing room with an impressive 3-0 win away to Nottingham Forest, which turned out to be Nuno Espírito Santo’s final game in charge, and the Portuguese is now being linked to the West Ham job after leaving the City Ground.

As well as Nuno, ex-West Ham player Frank Lampard has been mentioned as a candidate to replace Potter, with other reports suggesting Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna was in attendance at the London Stadium during their 3-0 derby defeat to Spurs.

However, any hope of a blockbuster move for big-name serial winner José Mourinho is being quashed by the special one’s imminent move to Benfica, so if West Ham are to sack Potter, they’ll need to decide quickly and avoid the other best-possible free agents being snapped up by other clubs.

Taking that into account, West Ham chair David Sullivan is apparently keen to avoid another Lopetegui-style saga, amid a major concern he has behind-the-scenes.

When West Ham could sack Graham Potter and it may be imminent

That is according to Hammers News, who shared an update on Potter’s future via one of their sources.

The informant, as quoted by HN, reveals that West Ham could sack Potter if they lose to Crystal Palace this weekend.

The 50-year-old’s unceremonious departure would bring his stock down even further after he was sacked by Chelsea, with Potter’s stellar days growing Brighton into an established Premier League side far behind the tactician.

It would be hard to envisage Potter getting another immediate big job if he’s given a P45 after Saturday, but as we’ve seen with ex-West Ham hero Moyes, you can always bounce back in the long-term.

For a free-flowing team that confidently strolled to the Championship title last season, Daniel Farke’s Leeds United have unfortunately misplaced their shooting boots in the Premier League so far.

Indeed, the entertaining Whites fired home a devastating 95 strikes in total last campaign, as 100 points were also tallied up.

Now, from their opening three games up a division, they have just a paltry single goal to shout about, with a mixed bag of four points next to their name.

Farke will just be praying it’s early-season nerves holding his wasteful team back, with lots more expected of Dominic Calvert-Lewin as he acclimatises to his new environment at Elland Road, after becoming synonymous with ex-employers Everton.

Calvert-Lewin's early Leeds struggles

After lining up for the Toffees 273 times across nine seasons, Calvert-Lewin walked away from Merseyside this summer for a fresh opportunity in West Yorkshire.

Everton did try to tempt the ex-Sheffield United striker to stay with a new, extended deal, but Farke and Co proved to be a more enticing next step, as the 11-time England international now attempts to recapture his best form in front of goal after an injury-ravaged few campaigns at Goodison Park.

Leeds will hope they can move past these recurring niggles and reawaken a clinical monster, with journalist Patrick Boyland once labelling the attacker as “outstanding” when he was scoring goals for fun at the Toffees.

In total, an impressive 71 goals would come Calvert-Lewin’s way at Everton, with 16 of those coming during just one Premier League season.

Yet, the early signs at the moment suggest that the Sheffield-born forward is bereft of confidence in front of goal, having endured a nightmare day at the office against Sheffield Wednesday recently.

Staring down the barrel of an embarrassing exit in the EFL Cup to Sheffield Wednesday, Farke would throw on Calvert-Lewin for the final 30 minutes of action, hopeful that he could be the difference-maker on his debut run-out.

Instead, he depressingly fluffed his lines whenever the pressure was ramped up, with four big chances spurned, before he also missed a penalty kick to hand the Owls a shock Cup win.

Farke could well feel it’s necessary to keep Calvert-Lewin on his toes now, knowing he’s still a little rusty, with a rising starlet perhaps pushed up for more first-team chances.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

The Leeds prospect who could compete with Calvert-Lewin

Farke was the manager at the Elland Road helm who brought Archie Gray into the senior spotlight.

Gray would then go on to be a £40m sale to Tottenham Hotspur after seriously impressing throughout Leeds’ promotion-near miss.

Amazingly, the majority of his family members will be hoping for a similar rise for brother Harry Gray, who has already made waves in the first team picture.

With promotion all but wrapped up last season, the former Norwich City boss threw the 16-year-old sensation into the first-team mix, with a memorable eight-minute cameo handed to him against Stoke City in April.

It wasn’t just purely sentiment that gifted Gray a chance to strut his stuff with the likes of Manor Solomon and the other promotion heroes, however, with the teenager already tipped to have an immensely bright future in the game by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Indeed, he boldly stated that he is “one of England’s best prospects in his generation” after briefly lining up against the Potters.

25/26

3

4

24/25

8

3

23/24

11

8

The table above proves that Mattinson’s words aren’t just hyperbole either, with the 16-year-old already up to seven goals from ten games for the U21s at Premier League 2 level, away from collecting a lethal 15 strikes overall at youth level.

Calvert-Lewin could only dream of being in such a rich vein of goalscoring form himself, with a weak three strikes next to his name in the main Premier League last season.

Of course, just for his experience alone, Leeds will continue to try and get a tune out of their new marksman.

But, in the long run, do not rule out Gray making strides in the senior picture, having also been previously branded an “unbelievable” talent by former Leeds favourite Dominic Matteo.

Leeds now want international star who ripped Real Madrid defender to shreds

The Whites have sat up and taken notice of his performance.

BySean Markus Clifford Sep 8, 2025

No Manchester United supporter could’ve envisaged the impact Bruno Fernandes would’ve had at the club after his £47m move from Sporting CP back in January 2020.

The Portuguese international has exceeded all expectations over the last five and a half years, helping the Red Devils claim multiple trophies in such a period.

He’s registered 98 goals and 83 assists in his 290 appearances at Old Trafford, averaging a goal contribution every 1.6 matches he’s appeared in, a truly staggering record for a midfielder.

Fernandes has no doubt been their shining light over recent seasons, managing to register 37 goals and assists this campaign, despite the club finishing in a measly 15th place in the Premier League.

He will want to push the side back up the table next season, but if he is to have any chance of doing so, it’s vital the board back Ruben Amorim in the transfer market this summer.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this summer

Hugo Ekitiké has become the main target within the final third over the last couple of days, after it became apparent that Viktor Gyokeres preferred a move to Arsenal over United.

He’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo advancing after the club agreed personal terms with the Cameroonian international.

However, other areas of the pitch have also been of keen interest, with Amorim’s side making progress on a deal to land Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the Argentine international is now keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, after the hierarchy made preliminary contacts with his agents in recent days.

It also states that Unai Emery’s side need to sell players to avoid a breach of the division’s PSR rules, which could see them demand a fee in the region of £40m this window.

Why Martinez would be United’s best signing since Bruno

The hierarchy at United have constantly tried to inject quality into the side during recent seasons, as seen with their £70m deal to land Casemiro from Real Madrid back in 2022.

The Brazilian has won five Champions League titles during his professional career, but has been unable to add to such a tally, often being an inconstant figure at the heart of the side.

He’s made 125 appearances for the Red Devils, but has often had to resort to minutes off the bench in recent times, starting just 18 league outings this campaign.

Matthijs de Ligt is another player with elite level experience in Europe’s top five leagues, but like Casemiro, has struggled in England, with injuries massively halting his progress under Amorim.

Both players have the pedigree, but their lack of experience in the Premier League before joining have seen them take time to adapt in order to make the desired impact.

The same can’t be said for shot-stopper Martinez, with the 32-year-old pretty much spending his entire career in the British Isles and starring for various different sides.

His figures from his 2024/25 campaign are evidence of the talent he possesses, offering Amorim that world-class goalkeeper he desires amid Andre Onana’s constant disappointment.

Games played

37

34

Goals conceded

1.2

1.3

Saves made

4

3.7

Save percentage

70%

68%

Pass accuracy

78%

72%

Long pass accuracy

49%

36%

Penalty save percentage

50%

25%

Crosses claimed

1.6

0.6

He’s massively outperformed the Cameroonian in countless key areas, including fewer mistakes leading to goals and a higher pass completion rate, offering the side the option to play out from the back should they need it.

Martinez has also starred at international level, winning the World Cup back in 2022, producing a miraculous save from Randal Kolo-Muani in the closing stages – forever writing himself into Argentina history.

He was named FIFA’s best men’s goalkeeper back in 2024, winning the award for the second time in his career, demonstrating the elite level he’s been performing at for the last couple of seasons.

£40m for such a player would prove to be sensational business, offering an immediate improvement on the current goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford.

If he can replicate the performances produced by Fernandes over recent seasons, he would be worth every penny, pushing the club one step closer to returning to their former glory under Amorim.

Dream Gyokeres alternative: £25m "superstar" set to be offered to Man Utd

Man United desperately need to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 21, 2025

Nottingham Forest could now look to sign an “unbelievable” forward as part of a swap deal for Morgan Gibbs-White, according to a report.

Gibbs-White could be heading for Nottingham Forest exit

It may have been a difficult task for Forest to keep hold of Gibbs-White even if they had secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, but having missed out on the top five, it now appears as though the midfielder could be heading for an exit.

The 25-year-old is now considered a dream signing for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, amid Martin Odegaard’s disappointing performances last season, while Manchester City are also considered frontrunners in the race for the Englishman.

The Tricky Trees are not willing to let their star player leave on the cheap, however, with the aforementioned report suggesting they could look to hold out for a fee of £100m for the maestro, who remains under contract until 2027.

A new report from Football Insider has also suggested that Nottingham Forest could agree a deal of a different nature, as they may look to sign Jack Grealish as part of a swap deal for Gibbs-White.

Having been left out of Pep Guardiola’s squad for the final game of the season, Grealish could be on his way out this summer, and a move to the City Ground is a possibility, with transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke adding: “Swap deals are notoriously hard in the Premier League, but we know Morgan Gibbs-White is a major target for Manchester City this summer.

Nottingham Forest make bid to sign "elegant" defender likened to Van Dijk

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are working to strengthen their squad after a terrific season overall.

ByEmilio Galantini May 31, 2025

“If they get an offer which is too good to turn down, Forest might have to let him move to City… to work under Pep Guardiola… you’d probably be thinking that Forest will be looking to double their investment.

“Jack Grealish potentially is a swap deal – [that] might cause unrest if Forest were to break their budget to try and get Grealish in.”

"Unbelievable" Grealish could reignite career at Forest

The England international has been lauded as “unbelievable” courtesy of his contributions for the Three Lions in the past, but he has struggled to force his way into Guardiola’s plans as of late.

As such, it would make sense if City cash-in on their £100m signing this summer, and he could be a solid signing for Forest under Nuno Espirito Santo, if he is able to rediscover his previous form, with the winger often catching the eye during his time at Villa Park.

The 29-year-old was arguably at his best during his Aston Villa days, during which time he regularly contributed goals and assists in the Premier League.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2019-20

36

8

6

2020-21

26

6

12

No Forest fan will want to see Gibbs-White leave this summer, and it could be a risk to sign Grealish, considering he hasn’t been a regular starter for quite some time, but his previous exploits for club and country indicate he is clearly a very talented player.

Liverpool are in the mix to complete the signing of a defensive midfielder who has been hailed as a “joy to watch” in Serie A.

Elliott linked with exit as Liverpool make contact for new midfielders

The Reds’ midfield has excelled this season, playing a big part in Arne Slot’s side winning the Premier League, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai the go-to trio in the middle of the park.

While other positions are more in need of new signings this summer, from left-back to centre forward, a new midfielder wouldn’t go amiss, especially if Harvey Elliott departs.

Rumours have suggested that that may be the case, with the 22-year-old himself hinting at it earlier this week: “It’s been hard with how much I’ve played. I’ve tried as hard as I could and whatever happens, happens. It’s about what’s best for my career. It’s about reflecting and seeing what I can do. I’m here at the moment and I’m focusing on the final game.”

An attacking midfielder who could be about to move to Anfield is Bayer Leverksuen star Florian Wirtz, with the Reds confident of signing the German international.

According to a report last month, Liverpool also made contact with Juventus midfielder Nicolo Rovella, who is currently on loan at fellow Serie A side Lazio.

Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool

Moises Caicedo

Chelsea

Koke

Atletico Madrid

Billy Gilmour

Napoli

Leandro Paredes

AS Roma

Liverpool ramping up pressure on Lazio to sign Rovella

According to Il Messaggero [via Sport Witness], Liverpool remain in the mix to sign Rovella, with Aston Villa also interested in signing the 23-year-old. Manchester City showed interest in him during the January transfer window, but it is the Reds now putting pressure on to get a deal over the line ahead of next season.

Lazio are expected to make his temporary stay into a permanent one straight away this summer, but could then sell him on for profit if they do not make the Champions League this weekend, currently sitting two points adrift with one game to play.

Rovella stands out as an exciting option for Liverpool, proving to be a strong enforcer in front of the defence for Lazio this season.

The Italian has made 30 appearances in Serie A, averaging 2.6 tackles per game, with only Alexis Mac Allister (2.7) averaging more for the Reds in the Premier League in 2024/25. Meanwhile, scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a “joy to watch”.

As mentioned, there are more pressing areas of the pitch for Liverpool to focus on in the summer transfer window, but an out-and-out defensive midfielder could still provide Slot with more balance, coming in as a younger upgrade on Wataru Endo.

Appearances

32

Starts

30

Minutes played

2653

Goals

0

Assists

3

Tackles per game

2.6

Interceptions per game

1.5

Yellow cards

13

He could have a big decision to make regarding his future if Lazio cannot rescue a top four finish this weekend.

Arsenal have had some contact over signing an alternative to heavily-mooted striker target Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports, and it is believed the man in question would cost Andrea Berta a very affordable fee this summer.

Arsenal reportedly advancing on deal for Viktor Gyokeres

Multiple reports from Portugal this week indicate that the Gunners are making serious moves for Gyokeres already, with productive talks held ahead of Berta’s debut summer window at the Emirates.

Arsenal risk Huijsen repeat after Zubimendi update involving Real Madrid

The Gunners have already been hijacked by La Liga’s heavyweights.

ByEmilio Galantini May 16, 2025

A Bola even reports that Arsenal are ready to offer the 26-year-old a four-to-five-year contract worth around £135,000-per-week, as they look to tempt Gyokeres with a blockbuster Premier League move after his scintillating 50-goal campaign.

Primeira Liga

32

38

8

Champions League

8

6

Portuguese Cup

6

4

3

Allianz Cup

3

4

Supertaca

1

2

via Transfermarkt

That same outlet later shared information that Gyokeres has his “heart set” on a move to Arsenal, with Sporting demanding a fee of around £63 million to let their star striker leave, which comes as a major discount on his £84 million release clause.

Reports of this nature are understandably getting supporters excited, especially when factoring in Berta’s need to bring in a prolific centre-forward.

The former Coventry City star would be the ideal player to end Arsenal’s search for a proven front man, but the unpredictable nature of football transfer dealings means we cannot completely rule out the prospect of Mikel Arteta missing out on a move.

Chelsea are also on the look-out for a new striker, and there are suggestions of concerns within London Colney that their English counterparts could launch a hijack attempt by bidding closer to Gyokeres’ release clause (Corriere de Manha).

Some media sources suggest that Arteta actually prefers RB Leizpig starlet Benjamin Sesko to Gyokeres as well, so there could be many twists and turns still to come in Arsenal’s pursuit of a number nine.

Arsenal in contact over signing Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic

There are more alternatives to Gyokeres reportedly being considered by Arsenal, and one of them is Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic.

As per The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are in contact to be kept informed on Vlahovic’s situation, even if he’s further down on Berta’s shopping list.

The Serbia international has hit double figures over his last two campaigns at Juve, and four of his 14 strikes in all competitions this season have come in blockbuster Champions League encounters, so he’s an option capable of performing on the biggest stages.

Vlahovic, after failing to agree a new contract, is also free to depart Turin, and his agents have been reaching out to numerous Premier League sides, including Arsenal, in an attempt to find a new club.

What’s more, Juve could green-light his sale for just £25 million, making Vlahovic one of the potential bargains of the summer.

“I’ve been saying it for a long time,” said ex-Juve striker Roberto Boninsegna about Vlahovic.

“He’s strong, massive, he fills up front, he’s a reference, he’s a ‘left-footer’ full of courage. A good centre-forward.”