All posts by n8rngtd.top

For much of the last few months, the conversation around transfers and Arsenal has focused on their need for a new number nine.

It’s not hard to understand why that is, as by the end of last season, Mikel Arteta’s side had scored 17 fewer goals than Liverpool and three fewer than Manchester City, despite finishing second in the Premier League.

However, while the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Ollie Watkins would all surely help the North Londoners score more goals, it would also make sense for them to bolster their winger and midfield options.

Fortunately, that appears to be what they are planning to do, as reports have now linked them with a tremendously exciting talent who has won comparisons to Bukayo Saka and Rodrygo.

Arsenal target wide talents

While a new striker is high on Arsenal’s list of priorities this summer, more wide talent appears to be just as important to Arteta and Co, as evidenced by links to players such as Noni Madueke and Rodrygo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could be available for around £50m, and while he won’t necessarily excite the fans, he is homegrown and familiar with the Premier League.

Rodrygo, on the other hand, is neither of those things, but with two Champions League titles to his name and a tally of 25 goal involvements in 53 appearances last season, he feels like he’s be more than worth the £85m it could cost to sign him.

With that said, another exciting talent has now entered the frame, someone who’s not only been compared to the Brazilian but also to Saka.

Yes, according to a recent report from French outlet L’Équipe, Arsenal are interested in AS Monaco gem Maghnes Akliouche.

The report has revealed that while in talks with Viktor Gyokeres’ agent, Andrea Berta also inquired about the 23-year-old, who has the same agent.

The report further explains that should the Gunners wish to pursue the French talent, they’d have to pay the Ligue 1 side around €70m, which is about £60m.

It would be a surprising signing, but given Akliouche’s ability and potential, Arsenal should continue exploring it, especially as he has been compared to Saka and Rodrygo.

How Akliouche compares to Saka & Rodrygo

In this instance, the primary comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo stem from FBref, which analysed players in similar positions in the Champions League this season and concluded that the Arsenal star was the fifth most similar midfielder to Akliouche, and the Real Madrid player was the tenth most similar.

You can gain a better understanding of how these comparisons were made by examining the underlying numbers in which the Frenchman ranked closely to the two internationals. In the Englishman’s case, these metrics included assists, tackles plus interceptions, carries, and more, all per 90.

In the case of the Brazilian, the underlying numbers included metrics such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key passes, goal-creating actions, progressive carries, and more, all per 90.

With that said, while sharing some key statistical similarities with two of the most exciting wingers in the game is certainly encouraging and suggests the Monaco ace has a bright future, it’s not the only argument for why the Gunners should sign him.

Another key one would be his output for last season.

In 43 appearances, totalling 3301 minutes, the brilliant 23-year-old, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig describes as having a “left foot made of gold,” scored seven goals and provided 12 assists.

That means he maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.26 games, or every 173.73 minutes, and also means he would have been the joint fourth most productive player among Arteta’s squad.

Ultimately, Akliouche might not be the most well-known player among Premier League fans, but he appears to be something truly special, and therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to sign him this summer.

£60m Madueke upgrade: Arsenal eyeing "one of the fastest players in the PL"

Arsenal could sign a winger who’s one of the fastest players in the Premier League.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 2, 2025

Arsenal remain in ongoing talks over a potential summer deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with the Slovenian now making an “unusual” demand as he ponders a move to the Premier League.

Arsenal in discussions for £85m Serie A star as "close" circle contacted

The north Londoners have a number of targets they’re exploring.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 20, 2025

Sesko is one of sporting director Andrea Berta’s two prime centre-forward targets, alongside Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and the Italian has apparently laid groundwork over both deals as he works to discover which one would be most doable (BBC).

This is the way Berta operates when it comes to recruitment, and more striker targets like Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké or Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins could still come back into play (Graeme Bailey).

Arsenal have held “concrete” talks over a move for Sesko for weeks, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, but the 22-year-old could end up costing as much as £85 million, with the Gunners currently unwilling to meet Leipzig’s financial demands.

Sesko’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, also told GiveMeSport this week that the forward’s potential exit this summer is far from a foregone conclusion.

“It can be next week, or next year, or in 3 years,” Basanovic said.

“Even if there may be – or will be – a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig. I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club.”

New updates are coming to light by the day, with journalist Duncan Castles now lifting the lid on something pretty unique that Sesko and his representatives are asking for to join Arsenal.

Benjamin Sesko makes "unusual" demand in Arsenal transfer talks

Speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Castles reports that Sesko wants a release clause in his possible Arsenal contract, explaining why this is a pretty special demand given the circumstances of this transfer.

“I understand that Sesko is asking for an exit clause on any deal he agrees with Arsenal, and he would like that release clause to be set at just 20% increase on whatever price they end up paying for him,” said Castles.

“It’s quite unusual to ask for something like that when you’re moving from, let’s say a second-tier European club to one that is perceived as a first-tier club and one of the most financially affluent clubs in European football and I think it’s unlikely that Arsenal would agree to a deal on those terms.”

There appears to be some way to go for the north Londoners to make any significant progress in negotiations for the ex-Red Bull Salzburg sensation, and taking into account his fairly modest goal return of 21 in all competitions last season, it is perhaps wise for Berta to consider turning more attention towards Gyokeres.

The Swede is believed to be very keen on a move to Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano), and his sensational goal return of 54 during 2024/2025 helped Sporting to their first domestic double in 20 years.

Gyokeres’ rumoured price tag comes in at around £80 million, according to The Times, so Arsenal would still need to stump up serious cash, but the 27-year-old may be worth that investment in the long run.

Chelsea chiefs are actively pursuing another new striker for Enzo Maresca, even after their £30 million signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, and Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké is believed to be at the very top of their list.

Chelsea hold talks over signing Hugo Ekitiké after Liam Delap

The Frenchman bagged 22 goals in all competitions last season, making a real mark in his full debut season as a permanent Eintracht player after joining the Bundesliga side from PSG last summer.

Carvalho 2.0: Chelsea ready to make move for £68m "big CB talent"

Chelsea are looking to sign a defender or two this summer

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 13, 2025

This prompted Eintracht to slap an enormous £84 million price tag on the 22-year-old’s head, and Chelsea have been attempting to negotiate a lower fee amid interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Chelsea tried to sign Ekitike before the Club World Cup as well, but a deal proved far too complicated to get him over the line before 7pm on June 10.

However, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, talks remain ongoing for the ex-Reims sensation, and it will likely be a story to watch out for later in the window.

The £84 million valuation will be a crucial element of this saga and Chelsea are very unlikely to fork out that type of fee, even if some within Stamford Bridge apparently believe that Ekitike could rival Newcastle United star Alexander Isak one day.

Former Netherlands star Wesley Sneijder also thinks Ekitike is a hybrid of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, which comes as very high praise.

“I might say something really crazy, but I’ll say it anyway: I think he’s a mix between Neymar and [Kylian] Mbappé. I sincerely think so,” said Sneijder.

“He has the grace of Neymar, but also the movements of Mbappé. To suddenly accelerate, that’s something that Mbappé also has. And he’s only 22 years old. There’s really a lot of potential in this boy.”

If an agreement cannot be found on Ekitike’s final price, Chelsea do have an alternative in the form of Stuttgart talisman Nick Woltemade.

Chelsea exploring conditions of deal for Nick Woltemade

The German is fresh off the back of a productive campaign at Stuttgart, having scored 17 goals in all competitions for the Germans last season.

Woltemade finished 2024/2025 with a higher shot accuracy than any other striker in the Bundesliga (53%), and converted a larger portion of shots at goal than both Ekitike and England legend Harry Kane (BBC).

The 23-year-old could also be available for just £34 million, leaving little wonder BlueCo are now weighing up the possibility of a transfer.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea have started exploring the conditions of a deal for Woltemade, but they face competition from Everton and Stuttgart themselves, who are working to tie their star striker down with a new contract.

Woltemade is also not actively seeking a move away from Stuttgart right now, and wants guaranteed game time as he seeks to fight his way into Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad.

He could take some convincing, but Woltemade has emerged as an intriguing left-field striker option for Chelsea.

Chelsea chiefs have now offered a pacey striker personal terms to join the Blues, with an agreement described as just a “matter of time”.

Chelsea set for UEFA Conference League final

After qualifying for the Champions League and confirming an almighty boost for Chelsea ahead of next season, Enzo Maresca can also sign off his debut season in the dugout with a piece of major silverware.

Premier League star wants to join Chelsea more than Man Utd after U-turn

He’s leaning more towards Stamford Bridge.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 27, 2025

The Italian, bullish in his post-match press conference after their vital 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, told critics to ‘eff off’ after Chelsea sealed fourth spot and a place in Europe’s most prestigious competition for 2025/2026.

Despite their excellent finish to the Premier League season, with Chelsea briefly contending for the title at one early stage and winning six out of their final eight top-flight games to confirm a top five place, it hasn’t been an easy campaign for Maresca overall.

Some tepid performances and results threatened Chelsea’s chase for Europe, with Maresca’s side suffering a damp patch of form soon after the turn of 2025. This prompted some supporters to turn on the ex-Leicester City boss, which in-turn caused concern from critics.

“When the fans turn on the manager, it’s never a good sign and it’s something the board will have taken note of, I’m sure,” said ex-Premier League scout Mick Brown to Football Insider back in April.

“They’ve got the core of what could be a very good squad with a little bit of work and improvement. I expect he will be backed in the summer because everything you hear from Chelsea is that the board are going to stick by him.

“But as I said, when the fans start to turn, it’s never a good sign and questions will be asked.”

While it hasn’t been plain sailing for Maresca, Chelsea can end 2024/25 with the knowledge of Champions League football, and if they beat Real Betis on Wednesday evening, the Stamford Bridge side will also have a trophy to show for their efforts.

BlueCo also have every intention of backing Maresca in the transfer market, and are reportedly turning their attention to sister club Strasbourg in pursuit of a rising star.

Chelsea offer Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha a six-year contract

Reports in France previously stated that Emanuel Emegha was attracting serious interest from Chelsea, and talks had been held with the 22-year-old’s representatives (Foot Mercato).

Now, journalist Santi Aouna has shared an update on the matter via X, claiming that Chelsea have offered Emegha a six-year deal and an agreement is inevitable.

The 6 foot 5 Dutchman has been ranked as the fastest player in Ligue 1 this season, which showcases his serious explosiveness and power as a forward player, and Emegha is said to be valued at £21 million.

This could end up being an astute pre-contract deal for 2026 and an ideal signing for the future, especially considering that he ended this season as one of the French top flight’s top scorers with 14.

Seeking instant upgrades this summer, Manchester United have now reportedly made their first contact to sign an impressive Premier League defender for Ruben Amorim.

Man Utd end Asia tour with victory

After finishing as low as 15th in the Premier League and losing in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, the last thing that the Manchester United squad needed was further humiliation. But defeat at the hands of ASEAN All-Stars and an awkward open-top bus tour through Kuala Lumpur ensured that their moments to forget only continued.

As they arrived in Hong Kong, the Red Devils would have been feeling that same concern that they’ve felt all season, especially when Juninho opened the scoring to put the hosts in front. This time, however, Amorim’s side spared their blushes and came from behind to seure a 3-1 victory, courtesy of goals from Chido Obi-Martin and Ayden Heaven.

With or without that comeback victory, the damage may have been done on Manchester United’s post-season tour, which only extended their misery.

Nonetheless, Amorim was left pleased following the Hong Kong game and singled out his young players for their efforts, telling reporters: “I really like the kids. I think Jimmy [Thwaites], in the last 15 minutes, as a midfielder, he wants to play. It doesn’t matter how many minutes. These kind of young kids are really important. They will have space in our team.

”Of course, it’s a good feeling [for Obi to score twice] but he needs to continue to train really hard because the Premier League is a different world. We have to improve as a team but I’m really pleased with the kids. Ayden proved, in every game for the first team, he is ready to be an option. Of course, he has got to improve.”

Not just Bruno: Man Utd star in talks to leave in another McTominay repeat

Manchester United could repeat their Scott McTominay disaster by selling this star.

By
Dan Emery

May 30, 2025

Away from the tour, meanwhile, those at Old Trafford have also been busy working on some key upgrades, which could see Amorim handed another wing-back to slot straight into his system.

Man Utd make contact to sign Estupinan

According to Ben Jacobs, who was speaking to The United Stand, Manchester United have now made a first approach to sign Pervis Estupinan from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer. The left-back once again played an important part at The Amex, as Fabian Hurzeler’s side finished as high as eighth in the Premier League. Now, as a result, he could be on the move.

Whether the Seagulls allow their £15m left-back to leave is the big question. Hurzeler is well aware of the talent that he has at his disposal and was full of praise for Estupinan when he returned from injury in August, telling reporters: “He missed a lot of content and a lot of technical things also in the preseason. It’s important now to get from a mix between video sessions and then the pitch sessions.

“That’s why I think that he will be a great player for us again, but we shouldn’t put pressure on him because after a long injury the players need time to adapt and that will be important.”

That said, what should make any potential deal easier this summer is the fact that the Brighton star is represented by the same agent as Manchester United defender Leny Yoro – making him one to watch.

If this season has proven anything for Arsenal, it’s that they desperately need another striker in the team.

A combination of lacklustre finishing and a torrent of injuries to key offensive players has left the Gunners 15 points off Liverpool in the Premier League.

Moreover, as things stand, the Reds have scored 17 goals more than Mikel Arteta’s side, which is something that desperately needs to be addressed in the summer.

Fortunately, that’s something the club appear to be working on, as, over the last week or so, their supposed interest in Viktor Gyokeres has seriously intensified, even if they already have a player worth millions more than him in the squad.

​​​​​How much Arsenal have to pay for Gyokeres

Arsenal were reportedly interested in Gyokeres at points last summer, but it’s really been since new Sporting Director Andrea Berta turned up that things seem to be heating up regarding the Swedish superstar.

Moreover, while there remains some disagreement over the exact price that Sporting CP might demand for their prolific striker once the window opens, a recent report from The Athletic has claimed that it will likely be somewhere between £60m and £70m.

While the upper figure would undoubtedly represent a significant financial investment from the North Londoners, it would be hard to argue that it’s not a reasonable valuation from the Portuguese giants.

For example, since moving to Lisbon in 2023, the former Coventry City star has made 100 appearances for the club, totalling 8207 minutes, in which he has found the back of the net 95 times and provided 28 assists.

In other words, the Stockholm-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has averaged 1.23 goal involvements per game since moving to Lisbon, or one every 66.72 minutes, which is frankly absurd.

In all, it’s not hard to see why Arsenal are so interested in signing Gyokeres this year, although even if he joins for £70m, he’ll be competing with someone with an even higher valuation next season: Kai Havertz.

How much Kai Havertz is currently worth

Yes, believe it or not, the player in question is none other than Kai Havertz.

The former Chelsea star joined Arsenal for around £65m in the summer of 2023 but was then placed in the CIES Football Observatory’s top 100 most valuable players in world football earlier this year, with a staggering valuation of €130m, which converts to about £109m.

Now, we know that for some of you, that will seem like an absurd number, and while it is probably a little inflated, it would be hard to argue that the German international hasn’t improved his reputation and standing in the game since his initial move two years ago, so perhaps a fairer price tag would be somewhere in between.

With that said, and while he might still divide opinion, the “magnificent” footballer, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been a handy player for the Gunners, especially since moving up top halfway through last season.

Moreover, prior to his injury in February, the Aachen-born poacher was actually enjoying a decent enough campaign leading the line, racking a tally of 15 goals and five assists in 34 appearances across 2776 minutes of action.

That means the “superb” attacker, as dubbed by Arteta, was averaging a goal involvement every 1.7 games, or every 138.8 minutes, which, again, for a makeshift striker in arguably the toughest league in the world, is not bad going.

Ultimately, Arsenal should still go out and sign Gyokeres as he looks to be a lean, mean goalscoring machine, but in Havertz, the club have a reliable backup who can also do a job in the middle of the park.

He'd be amazing with Rodrygo: Arsenal close in on signing £60m "monster"

The sensational talent will be a game-changer for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 16, 2025

Chelsea will make contact over signing an England star, following internal talks behind-the-scenes at Stamford Bridge “this week”, with Enzo Maresca’s side mapping out their plans for the looming transfer window.

Chelsea have "big" recruitment plans this summer

As per reliable journalist Simon Phillips, BlueCo have “big” plans for the summer, and are aiming to take full advantage of the special edition early window ahead of their Club World Cup campaign.

Chelsea have held talks with £70m rival forward who allegedly wants to join

The west Londoners could go for him this summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 14, 2025

From June 1 to June 10, Chelsea have a limited opportunity to register and officially sign new players before the CWC kicks off, and it is believed that Maresca’s side want a couple of their top targets through the door in that timeframe.

“Chelsea have some big plans that they are working on, and a number of players that they are looking to sign,” said Phillips in a recent Substack update.

“There will also be more significant outgoing deals done, but the decision makers at the top of the club will have a lot of work to do and some huge decisions to make.

“First of all, we’ve heard that the club want to get a couple of their new signings in the door before the competition [CWC] starts so that they can get them in and ready for preseason.”

Unfortunately for Maresca, Chelsea appear resigned to missing out on Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, with Real Madrid steaming ahead in the race and already agreeing a deal with the Cherries to pay his £50 million release clause (Fabrizio Romano).

Chelsea were confident of signing Huijsen and reportedly ready to make him a seven-year contract offer, but the Spain starlet’s representatives are now in Madrid as they negotiate terms with Los Blancos.

This story highlights how quickly the transfer market can evolve, not to mention the magnitude of competition facing Chelsea when it comes to signing their top targets.

Chelsea set for Eberechi Eze approach after internal talks this week

Back at the drawing board, those within Chelsea are believed to hold a serious admiration for Crystal Palace star and England international Eberechi Eze.

The attacking midfielder has a £68 million release clause in his contract, and Chelsea had him on their shortlist as far back as last summer. That is according to Phillips once again, who also writes that Chelsea are set to make an approach for Eze following internal discussions “this week”.

The former QPR sensation could win his first ever major trophy before potentially departing this summer after years of being linked with a move away, as Palace take on Man City in the looming FA Cup final.

Following a haul of 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, Eze has showcased exactly why he’s been coveted for so long, with Fulham boss Marco Silva also lavishing him as a joy to watch.

“Everyone who loves football should enjoy seeing Eze on the pitch,” said Silva. “He is a top, top young player and has so much quality with everything he does on the pitch.”

Liverpool are looking for reinforcements to strengthen their argument to continue winning silverware and they are now looking to fend off stiff competition for one of South America’s most talented youngsters.

Liverpool kickstart their summer transfer business

The Premier League trophy will arrive at Anfield in a matter of weeks and there is little to be despondent about among the Reds’ support, who have taken to Arne Slot after the Dutchman’s magnificent debut season in charge.

Internally, Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have signed extensions to continue their association with Liverpool. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future remains unsolved amid heavy links claiming the Three Lions international could join Real Madrid.

While the wait goes on regarding his long-term plans, Liverpool are eyeing a move for Celtic forward Daizen Maeda to strengthen their forward line following an excellent season for the Japan international north of the border.

Reds scouts have also ran the rule over Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers and it is anticipated that they could make a move to bring the former Manchester City man to Anfield.

Rayan Ait-Nouri is on the radar to provide competition for Andy Robertson after another solid campaign for the Wolverhampton Wanderers man, even if he would cost around £51 million to lure from the West Midlands.

Imagine him & Gakpo: Slot driving Liverpool deal for £60m "game-changer"

Liverpool are set for a shopping spree this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 1, 2025

Several other names will continue to do the rounds and plenty of transfer scenarios are set to be thrown around in connection with Liverpool, given their status as reigning champions under Slot. Tapping into that theme, the Reds have now made an approach to sign one of South America’s brightest talents once the window opens.

Liverpool make transfer approach for Flamengo's Wesley

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool have made ‘informal approaches’ to Flamengo over Wesley as they look to land the Brazilian star following over a year of scouting the full-back. Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona are also in contention to sign the 21-year-old, who the Reds see as an ideal successor to Alexander-Arnold should he depart this summer.

Chelsea are preparing an opening offer of around £17 million for his signature. However, Flamengo are looking to recoup a fee nearer the £29.7 million mark. Negotiations are expected to pick up pace during the Club World Cup.

Labelled “exceptional” by Felipe Luis, the Brazil international has made 125 appearances for Flamengo in total, registering three goals and five assists. His agent has travelled to England previously to hold talks with Manchester City and Liverpool surrounding a potential transfer, suggesting that there could be legs to this story from more than one angle.

Conceivably, the Reds stand a good chance of landing Wesley due to their position as Premier League title holders. Nevertheless, it will be up to the player himself to determine his next career step.

Everton are close to beginning their new era at Bramley Moore Dock and could now move a step closer to completing a free transfer for an established Premier League defender, per reports.

Everton enjoying a peaceful end to Goodison Park era

Safety was the desired result when David Moyes took over at Goodison Park, and it is fair to say the former West Ham United boss has passed his remit with flying colours since returning to Merseyside.

A run of only four losses in 15 matches across all competitions have pulled the Toffees well clear of the drop zone, with their Premier League status secure after a raft of impressive results despite a clear lack of squad depth.

Incredibly, Goodison Park will host just two more Everton matches before being consigned to history as the Blues move across town, which could pave the way for some exciting additions to enter the fold if the Friedkin Group flex their financial muscle this summer.

Nantes winger Moses Simon could be one of first arrivals of the new era for a fee in the region of £12.8 million, offering a potential solution should Jack Harrison return to Leeds United. Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg is also on Everton’s radar, illustrating the calibre of reinforcement the Toffees have in mind to kickstart a new dawn under Moyes.

Shades of Cahill: Everton chasing PL "revelation" to upgrade on Doucoure

David Moyes is looking to strengthen his Everton team in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 24, 2025

Following years in the doldrums, the Blues finally appear to be on the up and have aspirations of progression once they arrive at Bramley Moore, but PSR regulations may limit their scope to spend at a lavish rate. Free transfers may be an intelligent way to attract quality while keeping the books in check, so it won’t some as a surprise to hear that Everton could utilise this mode of transfer action.

Everton make contact over Victor Lindelof move

According to CaughtOffside, Everton have made contact over a move for Manchester United star Victor Lindelof in an attempt to fend off competition from several other clubs for his signature. Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United have also registered their interest, while Inter Milan, Juventus and Benfica are lingering in the distance.

After falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford, £120,000 per week earner Lindelof is set for a new challenge in the prime of his career and has no shortage of offers in his hunt for a new club. His availability on a free transfer combined with experience of the English top-flight is a lucrative commodity for sides to consider heading into next season.

Everton have several players set to see their deals expire on Merseyside and may have a void to fill in the heart of defence, making Lindelof an inexpensive solution providing they can meet his wage demands in negotiations.

Leeds United are interested in signing a “great” new player this summer and have already made contact, according to one Sky Sports reporter.

Leeds preparing for Oxford with Championship promotion a real possibility

The Whites have just four Championship fixtures remaining and are currently top of the table on goal difference ahead of Burnley.

More importantly, though, the gap to third place Sheffield United now sits at five points with the Blades losing their last three games against Oxford United, Millwall and Plymouth Argyle. Leeds still have to travel to both Oxford and Plymouth, with a clash with the former up next on Good Friday.

A third win in a row for Daniel Farke’s side will see them need a maximum of four more points to guarantee promotion, with the manager looking for his side to be more ruthless in front of goal after the 2-1 win over Preston North End last time out.

“It feels pretty good after an exhausting week with three difficult games. It was a priceless three points for us. It was a really good performance and we could have made life easier by taking a few of our chances, it must have been one of our highest expected goals of the season. We should have scored six or seven.”

Leeds join race for "phenomenal" £45m striker who could be "next Harry Kane"

The Whites are set to battle it out for a forward, who has been praised for his finishing by England captain Harry Kane.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 15, 2025

Joel Piroe is currently without a goal in his last eight Championship games, however, with Leeds close to promotion, transfer targets are being identified.

The club are unsure if Piroe and Patrick Bamford are Premier League quality, but someone who the Whites do like is a Germany international who plays in midfield.

Leeds in contact to sign Borussia Monchengladbach captain Weigl – Sky Sports

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Leeds have made initial contact over a deal to sign Borussia Monchengladbach captain Julian Weigl.

Weigl earns a minimum of £50,000-a-week in Germany and has worked under Farke before, with the pair still having a “good relationship”.

The 29-year-old, who can play as a holding midfielder, central midfielder or even as a centre-back, would only move to Elland Road if Premier League football is on offer, Plettenberg adds.

Reports elsewhere from Sky Germany have said it would be an “expensive deal” for the Whites to sign Weigl, who Farke praised back in 2023.

“Julian is a great footballer and person. He could enrich many teams with his qualities.”

Now, it looks as if a reunion between the pair could be on the cards, making this one to keep an eye on.