Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Fiorentina defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, according to French outlet Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness).
The lowdown: Well-traveled star
A product of the youth academy at Utrecht, the 25-year-old made a switch to Feyenoord in 2017 before spells with Belgian outfit Club Brugge, Serie A side Hellas Verona and current club Fiorentina.
The tenacious midfield destroyer has made 57 appearances for La Viola, scoring just once but picking up 12 yellow cards, and has become a mainstay for the Morocco international team.
Now another move could be on the horizon for Amrabat as Spurs boss Antonio Conte begins to plan for the summer transfer window…
The latest: On the radar
As per Foot Mercato, translated by SW, Tottenham are believed to ‘want’ the 34-cap ace who also represented Holland at youth level due to being born in the European nation.
It’s claimed that Spurs are ‘preparing’ for their end of season business and the man tipped to become ‘world class’ by BBC Africa journalist Mohamed Qoutb is seemingly a top target.
The report states that Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have ‘targeted’ Amrabat as Inter Milan also ‘strongly appreciate’ the Moroccan.
The verdict: No brainer
Despite injuries ruling out the combative midfielder for 44 days, so far this season Amrabat has earned a 6.75 Sofascore rating from 22 league outings, winning 2.0 ground duels per game, completing 90% of all his passes and only being dribbled past on 0.3 occasions per game on average.
Ironically, the £8.1million valued man compares stylistically with Spurs youngster Olivier Skipp as well as Leeds United ace Kalvin Phillips and former Liverpool general Lucas Leiva (Fbref) – that last one is perhaps no surprise given his record of picking up yellow cards.
With the futures of Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Winks still in doubt, signing a player of the quality of Amrabat would be a huge boost to the defensive solidity in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium squad.
In other news: Conte admits one thing this season left him ‘very angry’, find out more here
Watford have only managed to win 12 goals in 30 appearances and ended Liverpool’s unbeaten run.
The Latest: Newcastle ‘offered’
Taking to Twitter, Talbot revealed that the St. James’ Park faithful have now been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Sarr this summer, although the Hornets want around £40m if they are to let him go:
“Newcastle have been offered Watford’s Ismaila Sarr. Representatives met with club in London. Told his side would want about £40m. Deal makes sense but striker and centre-back (right-sided) are #nufc priority.”
The Verdict: Too expensive
Given that he currently holds a market value of £24.3m, £40m does seem a bit excessive for Sarr, especially if Watford are relegated down to the Championship.
The North East club will be cautious of the injury problems he has had, and the five goals and two assists that he has managed in the top flight so far this term (Transfermarkt) is not exactly prolific to justify the high price tag.
If they could get him for a much cheaper price, given his Premier League experience and the fact that he is only 24 years of age, it could well be a good signing for the Tyneside outfit, but at £40m they should really be looking elsewhere for now.
In other news, find out which Magpies star is now ‘close’ to returning from injury here!
Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah may already have his mind set on joining Real Madrid instead of signing a new deal, according to former top flight striker Frank McAvennie.
The Lowdown: Salah’s future still undecided
The 29-year-old’s future is an ongoing talking point, having been unable to agree terms over a new deal at Anfield in recent months.
Salah’s current contract expires at the end of next season, meaning Liverpool either risk losing him this summer in a big-money exit, or next year for free.
Real Madrid have been linked with a move for the Egyptian, who was named the FWA Footballer of The Year on Friday, following a stunning individual season that has seen him score 22 Premier League goals to date.
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-30/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]
The Latest: McAvennie drops fresh claim
Speaking to Football Insider, 62-year-old McAvennie claimed that he’s heard Madrid may already be on Salah’s mind – something that is no doubt concerning from a Liverpool perspective:
“I don’t know about Salah staying at Liverpool. I saw somewhere he’s made up his mind wanting to go to Real Madrid, that’s what people are saying.
“That’s the rumour and it makes sense if he doesn’t want to sign this new deal. If it’s not about the money then why hasn’t he signed? Because you can bet Liverpool are offering him loads of money.
“Real Madrid is the club you read about and a lot of players want to move there. If Salah wants to do that then Klopp staying makes absolutely no difference, as brilliant as it is for the club.”
The Verdict: Surely he stays now?
While anyone of a Liverpool persuasion won’t want to feel too confident about Salah’s future, a move to Madrid instead of signing a new deal would now be a big surprise.
The fact that Jurgen Klopp has extended his stay at Anfield should be a huge reason for the forward doing the same, with any top club outside of England arguably a step down at the moment, in terms of quality and trophies.
Salah still feels likely to sign on the dotted line in the near future, although if that failed to materialise and he left in the summer, it would be an enormous blow, considering his status as an undoubted all-time Reds great now, following 155 goals in 247 matches overall.
In other news, Paul Joyce has made an exciting Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.
Tottenham have reportedly made an eye-watering initial offer to sign Real Madrid forward Rodrygo ahead of the January transfer window after contacting Los Blancos president Florentino Perez.
Rodrygo’s once-prominent status at Real has come under serious threat this season, with the Brazilian winger’s reduced role fueling speculation about a potential departure from the Bernabeu.
The 24-year-old’s situation has deteriorated rapidly since Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout. Despite featuring in 13 matches this season, Rodrygo has managed just 359 minutes of playing time in all competitions, less than 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono, Arda Güler and the exit-linked Vinícius Júnior.
More tellingly, he hasn’t completed a full 90 minutes in any game at all this term, suggesting a serious fall down Alonso’s pecking order.
Rodrygo’s career at Real Madrid since joining from Santos
Appearances
283
Goals
68
Assists
53
Bookings
12
Red cards
0
Minutes played
16,512
Rodrygo has started just three of his 13 competitive matches in 25/26, including only one start in his last seven La Liga games, raising serious questions about his future at the club where he’s won two Champions League titles.
The former Santos sensation, speaking to reporters in Brazil’s mixed media zone earlier this week, opened up about his lack of chances and put on a dedicated front.
However, behind-the-scenes, whispers are indicating that a January exit could be on the cards for him.
Rodrygo was attracting interest from Tottenham in the summer, with north London rivals Arsenal also holding talks over signing the South American as far back as May, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.
While a move to the English capital didn’t materialise for Rodrygo, it could well be revisited in January, with ESPN Brasil reporting that he’s privately open to leaving Real after growing dissatisfied under Alonso.
From Tottenham’s perspective, it is believed that Thomas Frank’s side are prepared to spend a club-record fee on bringing Rodrygo to N17, as per reports from Spain, and there’s now been another update on his future, again involving Spurs.
Tottenham make 'initial offer' for Rodrygo after contacting Florentino Perez
As per Spanish media sources, the Lilywhites have approached Perez with a proposal already.
Tottenham are now said to have made an ‘initial offer’ of around £75 million for Rodrygo, with £62 million to be paid in full plus a further £13 million in add-ons. Right now, they’re apparently showing the ‘most interest’ of any potential suitor, with Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici setting their sights on a statement signing.
However, that isn’t to say they’re alone in the race, as other unnamed Premier League clubs have inquired about Rodrygo as well.
The Lewis family recently backed Tottenham with a £100 million cash injection which could be put towards the club’s recruitment drive, and reports of this nature suggest that they’re looking to usher in a post-Daniel Levy era with real aplomb.
Tactically, he offers Frank exactly what the Dane has been missing — creativity.
His strengths include exceptional dribbling, key passing, finishing and crossing ability (WhoScored), providing that spark from wide areas which Tottenham have desperately lacked so far, bar Mohammed Kudus.
Rodrygo’s versatility across the front three would give Frank real tactical flexibility as well, given he’s capable of operating on either flank or even centrally.
The winger scored 14 goals and bagged 11 assists in all competitions under Carlo Ancelotti last term, with Jude Bellingham calling him their most ‘gifted’ and ‘underrated’ player.
Liverpool have won five games in a row this season, first losing the Community Shield against Crystal Palace. It hasn’t been easy. It hasn’t been straight-forward.
But Liverpool rarely take the easy route, and it’s exciting to think that the Reds perch atop the Premier League pile and kicked off their Champions League campaign with three points, having looked below their best.
Florian Wirtz hasn’t yet clicked the pieces together following his £116m move from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, but he will. The German created five chances against Atletico Madrid, and his neat touches and link-up play made a convincing comment on his class.
And, moreover, Liverpool have now integrated Alexander Isak into their playing squad, the Sweden striker joining in a British record £116m deal on deadline day and bringing with him one of the most dangerous striking skillsets in world football.
On Wednesday, he made his debut under the European lights, and he showed plenty of promise.
Alexander Isak's Liverpool debut
Isak looked bright on his Liverpool debut, especially considering he has played a paucity of football across the past three months.
Liverpool know what they have paid for. Last season, the 25-year-old scored 27 goals across all competitions, including the winner against Arne Slot’s side in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Now, he’s Anfield’s, and fans can expect many goals across the coming years, and silverware besides.
He might not have bagged himself a debut goal against the Spaniards, but the Sweden star looked sharp, with signs of an elite partnership with the aforementioned Wirtz evident throughout. One analyst marvelled at the duo, saying their “link-up looks terrifying”.
Minutes played
58′
Goals
0
Assists
0
Touches
25
Shots (on target)
2 (1)
Accurate passes
13/16 (81%)
Key passes
1
Dribbles
1/3
Tackles
2
Ground duels
3/6
This is Liverpool’s now. These are the superstars who have been signed for significant fees to propel Slot’s project even further forward after the Premier League title was so confidently claimed last year.
Liverpool broke any number of financial records this summer, but this was achievable after many years of calculated diligence. FSG are nothing if not prudent, after all.
But this spills into every corner of Liverpool’s wider system, and it’s not just the big-money buys who are shaping the Anfield side’s future, with one teenager in particular boasting the talent to one day become the cream of the crop, perhaps even ahead of Isak.
Liverpool may have a bigger talent than Isak
Liverpool are in good hands. There will be peaks and troughs over the coming years, but it’s pretty nailed-on that the Reds will challenge for the biggest honours nine times out of ten across the coming years.
Isak leads the line, and he’s flanked by so many talented players. One of whom is Rio Ngumoha, the 17-year-old winger who announced himself emphatically at the start of the season.
Liverpool poached one of Chelsea’s prized Cobham talents in 2024 and swiftly integrated him into the youth set-up on Merseyside, with a pathway lit up toward the senior side.
Ngumoha started on the left wing as Liverpool beat Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round last season, and he caught the eye with his snappy footwork and slick dribbling.
But it was against Newcastle United at the start of the current campaign that Ngumoha truly made his name known.
Liverpool had squandered their lead against the ten-man Magpies, and it looked like they were heading for a draw. But up stepped the 17-year-old, off the bench and crackling with energy as he converted Mohamed Salah’s cross-box pass.
Hailed as a “special” player by journalist Bence Bocsak, it looks like this could be a season of numerous achievements for the England U18 star, who is very much on the fast track to the top.
He’s not the tallest, but Ngumoha is stocky and powerful and purposeful on the ball. He is endowed with the athleticism needed for someone of his profile, carrying the ball upfield and into the danger area.
His development must not be rushed, but it’s hard to contain such a thrilling talent. If Ngumoha keeps on as he is, there’s every chance he will meet his high-ceilinged potential and smash through it, becoming a player who dominates and dictates for Liverpool. A talisman for Slot’s side.
1
James Vaughan
16 yrs, 8 months, 27 days
2
James Milner
16 yrs, 11 months, 22 days
3
Wayne Rooney
16 yrs, 11 months, 25 days
4
Rio Ngumoha
16 yrs, 11 months, 26 days
5
Cesc Fabregas
17 yrs, 3 months, 21 days
Development is not a linear thing in football. Salah only achieved worldwide recognition after signing for Liverpool aged 25, while Virgil van Dijk was 26 when he completed his record-breaking move from Southampton to Merseyside.
Isak is the now, but is Ngumoha not too? The teenage prodigy scored the winner at St. James’ Park when Isak was still contracted to Newcastle, did he not?
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak
His emergence stopped sporting director Richard Hughes from moving to sign a new left-sided forward after Luis Diaz’s sale to Bayern Munich.
But it’s more than fair to say that Ngumoha has plenty of potential yet to tap into, and that’s an exciting thing.
As he continues to go from strength to strength, there’s no doubt in Slot and the Liverpool coaching staff’s minds that this is a potential superstar, one who has already proved his worth in one of the best teams in the world and one who, soon, could be rivalling Isak as the superstar in Slot’s Liverpool team.
New Suarez & Gerrard: Slot has unearthed a "terrifying" Liverpool duo
Liverpool left it late once again as they beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
For Newcastle United, strikers have always been at the heart of the club’s identity.
From Alan Shearer’s record-breaking heroics to the short but sparkling spells of players like Demba Ba and Papiss Cissé, Newcastle’s frontmen have shaped eras on Tyneside.
Shearer is the undisputed benchmark, a local hero who scored 206 goals for the club and remains the Premier League’s all-time top scorer. But Newcastle’s striker lineage is full of memorable names.
Ba’s 29 Premier League goals earned him a big move to Chelsea, Cissé’s wonder strikes helped fire the Magpies to fifth under Alan Pardew, and Ayoze Pérez developed from a Tenerife prospect into a Premier League regular.
Even Salomón Rondón, who spent just a single season on loan, left an impression with his strength and work rate, although Mike Ashley’s refusal to sanction a permanent deal frustrated supporters.
Salomon Rondon for Newcastle
Yet the hunt for a true successor to Shearer’s crown has often defined Newcastle’s modern history. In the recent past, one player in particular has carried the burden of comparison: Alexander Isak.
How Isak compares to Shearer's start
When Shearer arrived at Newcastle for £15m in 1996, he did so as the most expensive player in the world.
Shearer was the archetypal English centre-forward. Powerful, commanding in the air, and unerringly ruthless in front of goal.
He embodied grit and consistency, traits that made him one of the most revered strikers in football history.
Isak, meanwhile, represents a new generation. His acrimonious transfer to Liverpool in 2025 for a British-record £125m confirmed his status as one of the continent’s top forwards.
Signed from Real Sociedad in 2022, the Swedish striker gave Newcastle exactly what they had been missing: goals at the highest level.
In just 109 appearances, he scored 62 times and provided 11 assists, his efficiency and composure drawing attention from Europe’s elite.
That included 54 goals across his three Premier League campaigns at St James’. For context, Shearer’s first three seasons at the club – albeit while impacted by injury in 1997/98 – yielded only 41 league goals.
Isak somewhat differs from Shearer in style, however. Where Shearer bulldozed through defenders and imposed himself physically, Isak glided past opponents with skill, pace, and creativity.
He was as comfortable linking play outside the box as he was finishing inside it.
His 23 league goals last season helped Eddie Howe’s side to reach the Champions League last season, stretching defences and creating space for teammates such as Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy along the way.
Like Shearer, Isak thrived under pressure, scoring in big games and shouldering the weight of expectation from a fanbase that reveres its strikers.
Though his time on Tyneside was shorter than his predecessor, Isak proved that Newcastle could still nurture world-class forwards capable of defining an era. Could there have been another player of Shearer-ilk lost along the way, however?
Aleksandar Mitrovic was meant to be Shearer 2.0
Before Isak, it was Aleksandar Mitrović who was one of many players tipped as Newcastle’s long-term number nine.
Signed from Anderlecht in 2015 for £13m, the Serbian striker arrived with raw potential and a reputation for physical dominance.
Matches Played
59
Starts
33
Goals
13
Assists
10
Shots on Target
49
At the time, manager John Carver was bold in his assessment:
Stylistically, the comparison made sense.
Mitrović, like Shearer, thrived on aerial duels, physical presence, and link-up play. But while Shearer channelled his aggression into goals, Mitrović often let his emotions boil over.
The Serbian received two red cards in black and white. It was only after leaving St James’ Park that Mitrović truly blossomed.
At Fulham, he became one of the Championship’s most feared strikers, scoring 111 goals in 206 appearances and breaking the all-time record for goals in a single season with 46.
He dragged Fulham back into the Premier League, becoming a cult hero at Craven Cottage.
His career then took him abroad. At Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, he scored 68 goals in just 79 appearances, forming a lethal partnership with Serbia teammate Sergej Milinković-Savić.
In 2025, he moved again, this time to Qatar Stars League side Al Rayyan, where he hopes to continue delivering elite numbers.
Mitrović may not have fulfilled the Shearer prophecy at Newcastle, but his career proves he was always capable of being a prolific scorer.
He simply needed the right environment to thrive.
Newcastle may have an Ekitike & Isak hybrid in "absolutely ridiculous" star
Newcastle have quietly enjoyed a successful transfer window, even with the late sale of Isak to Liverpool.
Arsenal find themselves in the midst of their most important transfer windows for years and could now beat Manchester United to a statement addition, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Arsenal pushing to sign an elite striker
Make no mistake, Mikel Arteta faces the biggest transfer window of his reign in charge of the Gunners as his side bid to become Premier League champions after pushing their rivals all the way in recent times.
Without doubt, bringing a striker in at the Emirates that is capable of producing defining moments is the Spaniard’s central priority. However, Jack Wilshere doesn’t believe signing a number nine alone will solve all the Gunners’ problems.
Arsenal approach £170k-per-week forward with Berta ready to pay £53m
The Gunners are making “real moves” for him.
3 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025
Of course, injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus hampered Arsenal’s title charge last term. Nevertheless, Arteta is crying out for an old-school centre-forward to take his side to the next level.
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has emerged as a central target for the Gunners. Arteta is personally keen to sign him, but finances may hinder the signing of the Brazil international, who could form a statement pursuit for the club alongside their efforts to land RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Why Arsenal need a new striker this summer
Kai Havertz
Appearances – 36 Goals – 15
Gabriel Jesus
Appearances – 27 Goals – 7
Bolstering other areas will also be in the pipeline for Arsenal, though it can’t be emphasised enough how important a striker is to their tilt at claiming the Premier League title.
Now, reports have emerged suggesting they could have an advantage in the race for one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen.
Romano: Arsenal hold advantage in race to sign Viktor Gyokeres
Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Sporting Clube de Portugal star Viktor Gyokeres would favour a move to Arsenal over Manchester United this summer.
The Sweden international is still firmly on the radar despite the Gunners’ advances to sign Sesko, and the Red Devils now feel it is ‘unlikely’ they will bring the former Coventry City star to Old Trafford.
Commended for his “fantastic” development by Niko Kovac, the Stockholm-born man registered an incredible 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.
Viktor Gyokeres doing his trademark celebration.
Giving his ‘priority’ to the Gunners, Gyokeres, valued at £67 million, is now in clear sight for Arsenal as they desperately search for an elite striker to become the missing piece of the jigsaw under Arteta. Moving forward, it appears they have a good chance of pushing a deal over the line.
Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have been informed that they could sign a high-earning star for below £30 million this summer, with chairman Daniel Levy expected to seek out good-value deals amid the looming threat of a ‘sell to buy’ summer.
Ange Postecoglou preparing for crunch Europa League final
While Spurs face off against Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon, all eyes are instead on their looming Europa League final against Man United next week.
Levy personally wants '40 goals a season' striker at Tottenham next season
The Spurs chairman is a particular fan.
ByEmilio Galantini May 15, 2025
The less said about Spurs’ dismal domestic campaign, the better – following a season of record-breaking lows where Ange Postecoglou’s side surpassed the club’s record for most Premier League losses in a single season (20).
Instead, the Europa League represents a major potential saving grace at the end of what could be Postecoglou’s final term in charge.
Son Heung-min
7.05
Pedro Porro
6.98
James Maddison
6.98
Dominic Solanke
6.88
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
David Ornstein is among the media sources to report that Postecoglou is highly likely to leave Tottenham, even if they win the European final in Bilbao on May 21, but sealing the Lilywhites’ first piece of major silverware in 17 years would be a more-than-ideal send-off.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou applauds fans after the match
Victory against Man United would also work wonders in terms of attracting Spurs’ top transfer targets, as a place in the Champions League group draw for next season would undoubtedly come as a major pull, even after their struggles domestically.
One of the key items of their agenda, in terms of recruitment, is signing a new striker. Richarlison is expected to be up for sale at Tottenham this summer, and in the event Brazil’s number nine departs N17, Spurs or any new manager would need a replacement for him.
Tottenham are believed to be among the contenders for Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who could leave for just £30 million, thanks to a release clause tied in with their relegation from the Premier League.
Levy is also keen on re-negotiating cheaper terms for Mathys Tel’s permanent deal, according to reports in Germany this week, but it is unclear what the 20-year-old’s long-term role would be in the squad right now.
Tottenham informed they could sign Dusan Vlahovic for under £30 million
Now, as per GiveMeSport, Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic is another centre-forward who could be made available for an affordable transfer fee.
The Serbia international, rumoured to be on around £320,000-per-week in Turin, hasn’t exactly lived up to his “superstar” reputation during the second half of 2024/2025 – scoring just two Serie A goals this calendar year.
Juventus' DusanVlahovicduring the warm up
With his contract expiring next summer, and no extension in sight, GMS now report Tottenham have been made aware that Vlahovic could be sold this summer.
It is also claimed that, while Juve ideally want around £35 million, the Old Lady may even green-light his sale for just £20 million – largely due to his sub-par form lately and the fact he’s about to enter the final 12 months of his deal.
This could be a major opportunity for Levy, who’s been linked with a move for Vlahovic in past seasons.
The 25-year-old scored 21 Serie A goals during his best season at Fiorentina, and 16 top-flight goals for Juve just last season, so Vlahovic can be a devastating player when at his very best. The trick for Spurs’ potential new manager next season is getting it out of him.
Ahead of a summer full of potential sales, Aston Villa could now lose one of Unai Emery’s most important players to Barcelona amid reports that he’s now ready to leave the club.
Why Aston Villa may need to sell
After the Premier League received a glimpse of their potential troubles when they sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr in the January transfer window, Aston Villa could be in for a long summer. Failure to qualify for the Champions League would particularly exacerbate their PSR problems to the stage that they may be left with no choice but to sell once again.
Many have had their say on the potential problems that Aston Villa face this summer and former Villans chief Keith Wyness, who now runs a football consultancy which advises top clubs, has been among those.
Aston Villa open talks with £39m "leader" over joining Emery next season
The Villans have every intention of backing their manager.
ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025
Wyness recently told Football Insider: “The issue with PSR is not surprising. They’ve been sailing close to the wind. It’s only been the cleverness of Monchi and the recruitment team which have got them out of trouble so far.
“They’re going to have to do it again. It may be a player sold that the Villa fans are not happy about. That’s where the value will be. When you look at what Emery has done with squad strengthening, the fans will forgive him and allow him to get the resources to go ahead in the market – and meet PSR.”
Just who heads for the exit door with that said is now the big question. Emery’s squad is one filled with talent, there’s no doubt about that, but whether the Spaniard will help open the door for the likes of Ollie Watkins or Morgan Rogers to leave remains to be seen this summer. Instead, it could be another Aston Villa who heads for a summer exit.
Barcelona plotting move to sign Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez
According to reports in Spain, Barcelona are now targeting a move to sign Emiliano Martinez, who is ready to leave Aston Villa for a ‘bigger club’ when the summer transfer window arrives.
The Argentine shot-stopper has rebuilt his career at Villa Park over the years and become one of the best in the world in his position – winning the Yashin Trophy twice. Now, however, with Barcelona calling, the 32-year-old could be set to depart.
What certainly shouldn’t be seen as a positive sign over his future for those at Villa Park is just how emotional Martinez looked following his final home game of the season. The former Arsenal man even looked to be waving a tearful goodbye to the fans.
A player who was praised for an “incredible” save by legend Alessandro del Piero in Aston Villa’s 0-0 draw against Juventus earlier this season, Martinez would be an undeniable loss for those in the Midlands.
Liverpool are now preparing an offer for an “outstanding” £77m striker, who is being targeted by a whole host of Europe’s top clubs, according to a report.
Reds stepping up pursuit of new striker
Darwin Nunez hasn’t been at the races this season, with the Uruguayan picking up just seven goals in all competitions, which is way below the number expected of a £85m player, so it is little wonder that the Reds are now stepping up their pursuit of a striker.
Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui is one option the Merseysiders have in mind, given the Italian’s stellar goal return this season, while they have started work on the signing of West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen, who could be an alternative to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
Last week, it was revealed that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is also on the shortlist, with Arne Slot’s side said to be keen on a move for the forward, with Nunez looking increasingly likely to exit Anfield at the end of the season.
Liverpool could sign dream Trent successor who's 'one of the best in the PL'
Alexander-Arnold’s decision has left Liverpool in search of a new right-back.
ByAngus Sinclair May 6, 2025
There has since been a new update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Sesko, with a report from Caught Offside revealing they are now preparing a bid for the forward, but there could be fierce competition for his signature.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United are also planning to make offers for the Slovenian, while Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain headline the interest from abroad, and a deal is now expected to be on the expensive side.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates
Leipzig are said to have set an asking price of €80m – €90m (£68m – £77m), in light of the widespread interest in the 21-year-old’s signature, although the interested parties have reservations about shelling out a fee in that ballpark.
"Outstanding" Sesko could be "better than Haaland"
Scout/writer Jacek Kulig has praised the starlet in the past, describing him as “outstanding”, while his teammates also hold him in very high regard, having stated he is a better player than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
Speaking in May last year, Sesko told the Gegenpress podcast: “My teammates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most of them even tell me that I’m better than him.”
Much like the Man City star, the Slovenia international is an imposing figure, standing at 6 foot 5, and he has been very impressive in front of goal for Leipzig this season, picking up 13 goals and five assists in 31 Bundesliga outings.
With Nunez falling way short of expectations this season, Slot definitely needs to bring in a replacement this summer, and Sesko produced a stunning goal last weekend that even the most optimistic of Reds fans could envision Nunez toe-poking straight into the fans behind the goal.