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Arsenal legend Martin Keown has lavished praise on another player after the Gunners’ dramatic late win away to Athletic Bilbao.

Mikel Arteta’s side opened their Champions League account for the season with a 2-0 victory in Spain on Tuesday evening, courtesy of goals from super subs Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard — emphasising the importance of strength in depth.

Leandro Trossard

8.1

Gabriel Martinelli

7.9

Jurrien Timber

7.4

Riccardo Calafiori

7.4

Cristhian Mosquera

7.3

via WhoScored

The attacking duo have been linked with Arsenal departures regularly even after the summer window closed on September 1, but their presence in the squad was vital as Arsenal kickstarted their European campaign by beating an in-form Bilbao side.

Martinelli’s burst of pace and excellent close control allowed him to get a yard on Bilbao’s defence, after bringing down a clever flick-on from Viktor Gyokeres, before driving through and slotting the ball home from close range.

The Brazilian then set up fellow substitute Trossard for Arsenal’s deflected second after a great run down the left, wrapping up what turned out to be a hard-fought victory at the San Mames.

It was a match-winning performance by the 24-year-old amid the constant criticism and uncertain future hanging over his head, with Arteta reserving special praise after the 90.

While Martinelli’s performance has understandably grabbed most of the headlines, Keown expressed how impressed he is with summer signing Cristhian Mosquera too.

Martin Keown praises Cristhian Mosquera after Arsenal win against Bilbao

The young Spaniard has deputised for the injured William Saliba to great effect, and is currently making the initial £13 million paid for his signature look like an absolute bargain.

Mosquera played at right-back against Leeds, but in the absence of Saliba, the 21-year-old has looked assured and composed at such a young age. His value has reportedly tripled already, with Keown praising Mosquera after Arsenal’s win in Bilbao.

Amid the noise surrounding Noni Madueke’s electric start at Arsenal, the impressive showings of Martin Zubimendi and Gyokeres’ goal return, Mosquera has perhaps gone under the radar.

Cristhian Mosquera to star for Arsenal

According to some reports, Arsenal believe Mosquera could be one of the best in the world in a few years, and if he carries on like this, the centre-back could hit that landmark sooner than anticipated.

The 21-year-old is good with the ball at his feet, able to play out of defence without panicking and is comfortable in multiple positions — whether that be in the middle or as a full-back.

Last season, Mosquera had the highest true tackle success rate out of any La Liga centre-back last season with over 76.7 per cent — which shows just how strong he is in one-on-one duels (Opta).

Still very young, the ex-Valencia sensation will only get better, and from what we’ve seen so far, the sky really is the limit.

On the hunt for a central defender after solving their striker problem with Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool are now reportedly eyeing a shock candidate this summer.

Ekitike undergoes Liverpool medical

After they broke the British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz earlier this summer, some may have thought Liverpool were done with their big spending. As it happens, however, that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are out to make a statement, and the arrival of Ekitike is only the latest part of an extensive plan.

After agreeing a deal worth an initial £69m, plus £10m in potential add-ons, Liverpool are set to welcome the Frenchman to their pre-season tour of Hong Kong once he completes his medical.

Taking their spending to almost £300m this summer, it would be easy to assume that the Reds are finally done with their spending. Once again, however, that does not seem to be the case.

Anfield chiefs are still reportedly plotting a move to sign Real Madrid’s Rodrygo if luis Diaz swaps Liverpool for Bayern Munich this summer. Meanwhile, they’re also reportedly looking to replace Federico Chiesa with Lyon’s Malick Fofana. And that’s without mentioning their desire to also sign another centre-back this summer.

A better signing than Rodrygo: Liverpool leading race to land £45m star

Liverpool are hoping to make a few more signings in the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 23, 2025

To that end, Marc Guehi has been their main target all summer long. The England international has just one year left on his Crystal Palace deal, potentially allowing Liverpool to land a cut-price deal.

Whether Crystal Palace remain stubborn on their £45m stance will be the big question in negotiations, of course, and Liverpool certainly won’t overpay for the central defender. Instead, they could yet turn their attention towards an unexpected alternative.

Liverpool eyeing shock Charlie Cresswell move

As reported by GiveMeSport, Liverpool are now eyeing a move to sign Charlie Cresswell this summer after the Toulouse defender caught the attention of their scouts.

The former Leeds United youngster has thrived in France and deservedly has the interest of the Premier League champions. Standing at 6 foot 3, Cresswell would – like Guehi – tick the homegrown box for those at Anfield and represents one for the future at just 22 years old.

Minutes

2,592

3,059

Progressive Passes

69

134

Tackles Won

23

34

Aerial Duels Won

98

68

Although Cresswell’s work in possession would need fine-tuning, his 6’3 stature would provide Liverpool with an undeniable asset. Winning almost 100 aerial duels last season, the 22-year-old would provide better aerial dominance than Ibrahima Konate, who won 74 duels last time out.

Praised for an “excellent” tournament with England at the U21 Euros by scout Jacek Kulig, Cresswell is now ready to step back into English football and perhaps come back to haunt former club Leeds.

If Liverpool fail in their Guehi pursuit, then the Toulouse man should be among their top alternative options this summer.

Sheffield Wednesday have now suffered “another blow” regarding the future of a current player, according to an update from reliable journalist Joe Crann.

Grim summer for Sheffield Wednesday continues

This is a dark period in Owls history, with the club’s finances in dire straits and supporters desperately hoping to see Dejphon Chansiri sell the club.

Both Wednesday players and other club employees have seen long delays in their wages being paid in recent months, while Danny Rohl’s future as manager is very much up in the air.

Meanwhile, key players have now departed, including attacking heroes Josh Windass and Michael Smith – their contracts were both terminated – with nothing but negatives on show heading into the new Championship season.

Big changes have to happen at Wednesday as soon as possible, in terms of the ownership and finances, or it is difficult to see anything other than an extremely difficult 2025/26 season ahead of them.

"Great" Sheffield Wednesday player set to leave

Now, according to The Star‘s Crann on X, Sheffield Wednesday defender Akin Famewo is set to be the next player to leave the club this summer, with a move to Hull City edging closer:

“Akin Famewo is in talks with Hull City, and could be their player in the next couple of days. Another blow, although not an unexpected one, for SWFC this summer.”

These setbacks must be so hard to take for Owls fans, and while Famewo may not be an indispensable figure, he has still been a good servant at the back, being lauded by Crann in the past.

Famewo was a part of Wednesday’s squad that reached the Championship back in 2022/23, following a memorable run in the League One playoffs, – he started 15 league matches – and the 26-year-old’s defensive ability will be a miss.

The fact that Hull want to sign him shows that he is valued by other second-tier clubs, and he could prove to be a shrewd signing for them for a number of years. The question at the moment now seems to be, which Owls player will leave next?

Leeds United have enquired over the potential signing of a Premier League player in the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

Leeds eyeing Longstaff and others this summer

Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has emerged a priority target for the Whites ahead of next season, as Daniel Farke looks to bring in players with genuine Premier League experience.

The Englishman is allowed to leave St James’ Park in the coming weeks, with Eddie Howe unable to promise him regular playing time, and he could be a shrewd acquisition for Leeds. In fact, they have even reportedly agreed personal terms with the 27-year-old, although a £12m offer has been rejected by the Magpies.

Longstaff is far from the only player being linked with a move to Elland Road this summer, however, with goalkeeping pair Dominik Livakovic and Angus Gunn thought to be on the Whites’ radar. The former is at Fenerbahce currently, while the latter is a free agent after leaving Norwich City.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa attacking ace Emiliano Buendia has also emerged as a rumoured target for Leeds, with the 28-year-old capable of adding a huge amount of quality in the final third. Now, another Premier League player has been mentioned as an option for Farke’s side.

Leeds enquire over another Premier League midfielder

According to a new claim from Punch Sport [via MOT Leeds News], Leeds have enquired over the availability of Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock this summer during discussions for Longstaff.

The Magpies are reportedly open to the idea of selling the 25-year-old before the new season gets underway, but he prefers the idea of joining a different Premier League rival instead.

The £80,000-a-week Willock could be a top-quality signing for Leeds, and if they could bring in both him and Longstaff, it would feel like excellent business.

Willock has been an impressive servant for Newcastle, scoring 18 goals in 143 appearances from midfield and providing strong box-to-box energy, and he has been likened to Argentina and Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who the Whites were linked with back in 2020.

Appearances

32

Starts

11

Minutes played

1077

Goals

0

Assists

2

Tackles per game

0.9

Key passes per game

0.7

Pass completion rate

87%

His versatility allows him to shine in a more attack-minded wide role, too, which could appeal to Farke, and Howe has spoken glowingly about him during their time working together.

“It’s part of what his game brings [scoring big goals]. He’s got that unexpected ability to do things that you don’t necessarily know what he’s going to do. I’m sure Joe doesn’t know. He’s one of those players who acts off instinct. Those instincts are usually creative and goal driven.”

Willock has proven that he is a top-level footballer, also making 78 appearances for Arsenal before his move to Newcastle, but he will want to be starting games regularly at this stage in his career, which doesn’t feel likely at Newcastle.

£20m "best in the world" GK now Leeds' number 1 target to replace Meslier

Daniel Farke is looking to replace Illan Meslier this summer.

ByDominic Lund Jul 10, 2025

Leeds could be perfect for him in that respect, allowing him to be a star man, and he possesses the natural talent and work ethic to be a crowd favourite at Elland Road.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are beginning to motor in the transfer market and could be about to sink a large chunk of their budget into a star with proven Premier League credentials, according to a report.

Wolverhampton Wanderers begin to build for the new season

Contrary to expectations, Wolves and Nelson Semedo have yet to come to a decision on his future and former Old Gold star Dave Edwards is still holding out hope the experienced star will put pen to paper on a new contract.

He explained: “I wrote in my columns at the end of the season that I was convinced he would leave Molineux. I was gutted about that, but I knew Wolves had done everything in terms of a contract offer to try and keep him.

“It is a lucrative offer that must be very appealing for the wing-back. It is just a bit of a strange situation because you usually think the fans would be a bit more angry.”

Ultimately, Vitor Pereira can only influence things fully in his control, and it appears the Wolves boss is doing everything in his power to ensure new talent arrives with pre-season underway.

Making their presence felt on the market, Wolves have put forward an approach for Atalanta striker El Bilal Toure after his return from Stuttgart, even if seven other clubs are also circling for his signature.

Wolves ready to step up interest and make move for "elegant" £12m colossus

The Old Gold are racing their Premier League rivals to the signature of a defender.

ByDominic Lund Jul 3, 2025

Continuing that theme, Flamengo forward Wallace Yan could also end up at Molineux, though it remains to be seen if the Old Gold will commit to his £34 million release clause.

Putting that to one side, Pereira now reportedly has his eyes on a midfielder who has already shown he has the mettle to handle the cut and thrust of the Premier League.

Wolves eyeing surprise move for Conor Gallagher

According to reports in Spain, Wolves are in the mix to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher and would be willing to pay close to £43 million to bring the England international back to British shores.

Everton are also believed to be attentive to his situation and Diego Simeone could look to offload the former Chelsea man providing an agreement were to bring significant financial strength to the Wanda Metropolitano.

Conor Gallagher’s impressive 2024/25 campaign for Atletico Madrid

Appearances

50

Goals

4

Assists

6

Dubbed “priceless” by former boss Mauricio Pochettino after scoring a double against Crystal Palace in 2023, he also won 110 duels and 32 tackles in La Liga last term.

Famed for his high oxygen levels in the engine room, Gallagher could be pushed further down the pecking order under Simeone due to the arrivals of Alez Baena and Johnny Cardoso in the Spanish capital.

Wolves would have to put forward a convincing proposal to get him on board, though Pereira’s role in their recent resurgence could be enticing for the 25-year-old as he veers towards the prime of his career.

West Brom are showing an interest in completing the loan signing of a “sublime” Premier League player this summer, according to a new update.

West Brom eye signings ahead of Mason's first season

The Baggies will once again be among the favourites to seal a top six finish in the Championship next season, as is so often the case, with new manager Ryan Mason admitting he is excited about getting started at The Hawthorns.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been appointed Head Coach of West Bromwich Albion. This is a huge club with a fantastic infrastructure and an incredible fan base and I am excited about what we can achieve together. Having spoken at length to the board and those at the club I am convinced that Albion is the perfect place for me to be and I can’t wait to get started. I will bring with me a huge amount of enthusiasm, dedication and ambition and look forward to a positive future together at such a fantastic club.”

Mason will know that some new signings will be needed this summer, though, in order to aid West Brom’s promotion push, with Rangers forward Tom Lawrence mentioned as an experienced option who has proven himself in the past in the Championship.

Nottingham Forest left-back Harry Toffolo has also emerged as a rumoured option for West Brom, following his departure from the City Ground, with the Englishman set to be a free agent. Now, another name has been thrown into the hat for the Baggies.

West Brom want to sign "sublime" Premier League ace

According to a new update from The Express & Star, West Brom are considering the loan signing of Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks in the summer window, having joined them for £11.5m seven years ago.

The report states that a lack of regular starts for the Cherries last season means that “a departure from the Vitality Stadium, if only on a short-term basis, is considered a possibility this summer.”

Brooks, who scored for Southampton at The Hawthorns in a 2-0 win last year, could be a brilliant addition for West Brom, even if it’s just on loan, with the 27-year-old a gifted footballer who has been highly-rated for years, being lauded by Eddie Howe back in 2018:

“He has played ever so well for us, he has got a creative flair, non-stop energy and he took his goals really well today. He is a player that can do a little bit of everything, he is very good offensively, is creative, turns well with the ball and is very intelligent. His first goal was sublime and his second was very clever because he was running at an angle and just directed it backwards behind him which was really impressive.”

Appearances

29

Starts

9

Minutes played

952

Goals

2

Assists

0

Shots per game

0.9

Key passes per game

0.7

Pass completion rate

82.2%

The fact that Brooks is struggling to be a key starter for Bournemouth means that a temporary move away could appeal to him, and he has the technical quality to be an influential performer for West Brom, helping inspire them to a return to the Premier League.

Despite already reaching a verbal agreement to sign Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha, Nottingham Forest have reportedly made an approach to sign another Brazilian ace.

Nottingham Forest set to sign Botafogo trio

Evangelos Marinakis has wasted no time before turning towards the South American market yet again at the City Ground. The Greek owner has had previous success when welcoming the likes of Murillo and may have completed another act of genius by reaching an agreement to sign the aforementioned Botafogo trio.

Jesus particularly stands out among the three. The impressive striker could quickly become the air to Chris Wood’s striker throne at the City Ground, having scored eight goals in Brazil throughout the 2024/25 campaign after netting 25 in all competitions in the season prior at both Botafogo and at Shabab Al-Ahli Club.

Meanwhile, if Nottingham Forest fans needed any further introduction to Jesus and Cunha, then one glimpse at the Club World Cup should have given them exactly that. Both players scored in Botafogo’s 2-1 win against Seattle Sounders, whilst Cuiabano also featured from the bench.

All signs point towards excellent business by Nottingham Forest, but the Tricky Trees are not done there. With European football to look forward to next season, those at the City Ground are in their strongest position for a long time to attract some top talents.

It’s not something that Marinakis is keen to waste, either. With three Brazilian talents already on the way, Forest have also been linked with moves for the likes of Yoanne Wissa. The Brentford forward was the subject of interest from the City Ground in January and now that interest has reportedly been reignited.

Meanwhile, Forest aren’t done in South America either amid reports that they’ve made an approach to sign a fourth Brazilian talent this summer.

Nottingham Forest make Romulo Cardoso approach

According to GE Globo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have now made an approach to sign Romulo Cardoso from Goztepe this summer. The impressive forward is still just 23 years old and would be arriving off the back of an excellent campaign which saw him score 17 goals and create another 13 in Turkey.

That said, Forest aren’t alone in the race to sign the forward. Joining them, RB Leipzig and Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are also reportedly interested in signing Romulo this summer. The Bundesliga club will become a particular threat if they are forced to replace Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko in the coming months.

Nottingham Forest negotiations to sign "superb" ace down to just £4m difference

Forest are in talks over signing a new attacker, but the clubs remain apart in their valuation.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 16, 2025

Whether Forest’s growing Brazilian contingent helps to convince the clinical goalscorer will be interesting to see too. The City Ground is quickly becoming the place to be for South American stars on the rise and Romulo could become the latest to make his way to the Midlands.

With contact already made and a number of clubs chasing his signature, Romulo has arguably the biggest decision of his career to make so far this summer.

Liverpool are in the market for forwards this summer, and they’ve already agreed a £100m deal for Florian Wirtz (which could rise to a British-record £116m).

Wirtz, 22, is a “truly generational talent”, as per sports media professional Cristian Nyari, and he’s only going to get better, having led Bayer Leverkusen to the 2023/24 Bundesliga title (winning the division’s Player of the Year), and breathing life into his side whenever he collects the ball, gambolling his way into the danger area.

Liverpool have got themselves a player, all right, and Arne Slot now has an elite-level playmaker in the attacking third of the field – all the more important with Trent Alexander-Arnold signing for Real Madrid.

Though FSG would like to turn their attention toward the front of the pitch, there’s little question that a replacement for Luis Diaz would need to be sourced, should he leave this summer.

It’s for this reason that rumours have gathered apace regarding Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.

Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon

Last summer, Liverpool were offered the chance to sign Gordon as Newcastle sweated over PSR; after failing to qualify for Europe, the Magpies were forced to stare at their jewels and decide which to sell.

Liverpool were curious, but Newcastle found other ways to offset their troubles, selling more outlying members of Eddie Howe’s squad.

Now, the Merseysiders are keen once again, and Newcastle might be open to selling if their £100m valuation is met.

Liverpool are hardly going to meet such exorbitant demands, but if Diaz does leave, with suitors in Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League, then Reds intrigue in their former academy member, who left and joined Everton when he was 11, could take a more solid shape.

Would Liverpool be getting bang for their buck by signing Gordon for such a figure? Would they really? What about an alternative, one who would arrive for a similar fee but pack a far meatier punch under Slot’s wing?

Liverpool leading race for Diaz heir

Liverpool could sign an even bigger talent than Gordon if they advance their long-standing interest in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, with Spanish reports claiming that the Brazilian forward could be sold for €90m (£77m) this summer.

More to the point, the Anfield side are considered alongside Manchester City to be the favourites in the race for the talented winger, though further Premier League sides are keen. Arsenal, in previous reports, have been credited with an interest.

Coming off the back of a difficult year, both Slot and Pep Guardiola believe a poor Club World Cup campaign could leave Rodrygo isolated, and with his valuation slashed toward a more agreeable €75m (£64m) ballpark.

How Rodrygo would perform for Slot

Picture this: it’s a decade ago, and Liverpool have fallen by the wayside under Brendan Rodgers. The staple of Liverpool’s summer 2015 transfer window was the £32.5m acquisition of Christian Benteke from Aston Villa.

Ten years later and Liverpool are among the frontrunners for superstars like Rodrygo, having won two Premier League titles, the Champions League and plenty more across the intervening years.

It was over ten years ago that Liverpool released Gordon when he was a youngster, and though the England international is talented and a boyhood fan of the club, Rodrygo is the superior player, even if he only notched 14 goals and ten assists across 51 matches last season.

That’s not exactly a terrible haul, though the 24-year-old did only score six goals and six assists across the La Liga season, albeit missing just one big chance in front of goal, as per Sofascore, to emphasise his clinical ability.

The crux of Rodrygo’s Madrid malaise is that he’s routinely fielded out on the right, despite feeling the alternate flank as being his best position. Indeed, the right-footer has been far more prolific when playing as a left winger.

Right winger

29

7

4

Left winger

12

6

6

Centre-forward

8

0

0

The problem, however, is that Vinicius Junior holds down the fort in that area, with focal frontman Kylian Mbappe also preferring the left side to the right, as can be observed through his league season heatmap.

Given that Mohamed Salah is staying at Liverpool for the next two years, it hardly seems likely that Liverpool would make a marquee move and bring Rodrygo into the fold just for him to play second fiddle to the Egyptian.

Instead, he could replace Diaz, who, at 28, isn’t indispensable, and prove an upgrade on Gordon, with the 24-year-old also enduring something of a tough term in front of goal for the Toon, equal to Rodrygo in that he posted six goals and six assists in the Premier League.

As Liverpool plan to foray deep into next year’s Champions League knockout stage, putting themselves on a platform to claim number seven, Rodrygo would be the perfect fit, for his pedigree on the biggest stage speaks for itself.

Gordon failed to register a goal involvement across his six games in the 2023/24 Champions League, and while he’ll have the chance to rectify that over the coming year, Rodrygo is tried and tested, hailed as a “special striker” who can “play in all positions” by former Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti.

A fierce blend of speed, skills and strength, Rodrygo would be a statement signing for a Liverpool side who are undergoing a good amount of change this summer. While the Brazil star would be a new part, he’d arrive with a wealth of experience at the highest level, and Slot’s sharp tactics would surely whip him back into an elite standard.

Slot's own Mane: Liverpool enter race to sign "unbelievable" £51m star

Liverpool are presented with a unique market opportunity to sign a talented youngster.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 16, 2025

Arsenal want to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s squad across the board, not just up front, with sporting director Andrea Berta now setting his sights on a Chelsea high-earner.

Arsenal transfer plans beyond talks for Benjamin Sesko

As things stand, when it comes to their striker search, the Gunners appear to be prioritising a deal for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal pull U-turn over selling £265k-per-week star after "shock twist"

The Gunners are prepared to do something “surprising”.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 7, 2025

Arsenal are advancing in talks with the Slovenian over personal terms, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, even if his price tag is proving complex due to a variable release clause, and there is even a possibility that Berta could end up having to pay around £84 million for him.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

That being said, while the 22-year-old appears to be one of Berta’s main items on the to-do list this summer, Arsenal will have to tread carefully with regard to how much they end up splashing out on Sesko.

Alongside the Leipzig sensation, Arsenal are attempting to finally wrap up a £51 million deal for Martin Zubimendi, which is proving far more complicated than initially thought this time last week.

Despite reliable reports of a medical (BBC), and even Fabrizio Romano’s famous ‘here we go’ to the deal, Zubimendi himself has attempted to pour cold water over the transfer’s advancement with confusing quotes.

“My future? It will be a long summer. I don’t know how it will end,” said Zubimendi to Radio Nacional.

“If Xabi Alonso calls me to join Real Madrid? I’ve always said Xabi is my idol, and it was a privilege to have him as my coach at La Real B. If he called me now? I don’t want to talk about that hypothesis, I’d rather talk about the present. It would be disrespectful to talk about that while I’m on national team duty. I posted pics on a Spanish beach while rumors said I’m in London doing medical exams for Arsenal? Yes, I did that to make it clear those rumors were not true.”

As well as a new midfielder, which supporters are hopeful will be Zubimendi, Arsenal are in the market for a second-choice keeper.

Arsenal hold explorative talks over deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga

After missing out on Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia to Barcelona, £150,000-per-week Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga has emerged as an alternative.

Berta could actually snap up a proven understudy to David Raya for just £5 million, due to a release clause in his contract, which must have been written in when Kepa signed a one-year extension last year.

Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni now claims that Arsenal have held explorative talks over a deal for Kepa as they pursue another keeper, and due to his meagre exit clause, you can argue that this would be a snip.

The Spaniard, called “amazing” for some of his performances on loan at Bournemouth last season, would arguably need to take a pay-cut, but this is a move certainly worth considering from Berta’s perspective.

Tottenham Hotspur have held negotiations over signing a colossal centre-back in the last few days, according to reports, with chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange working to strengthen the squad.

Spurs win Europa League but end Premier League season in 17th

Ange Postecoglou’s future hangs in the balance after what was a very mixed season for the Lilywhites.

£165k-a-week Tottenham star has told Levy he's quitting despite Europa win

He’s informed the Spurs chairman directly.

3 ByEmilio Galantini May 25, 2025

According to reports, Tottenham chiefs are currently ’50/50′ about sacking Postecoglou, with the Australian ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy whilst also leading them to a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats this campaign, resulting in a lowly 17th-placed finish.

The emotional high surrounding their first European triumph since 1984 in the Europa League, coupled with Postecoglou’s rousing speech at the trophy parade, will be firmly stuck in Levy’s mind – and the chairman is now faced with an almighty conundrum ahead of next season.

“As much as you try to understand what a trophy would mean to these people, seeing them out there today, is why we do what we do,” said Postecoglou after their Europa League final win.

“That’s the priceless bit, for this feeling. I’m super pleased that these boys could deliver. All good things come through hard work, toil, perseverance and belief. This group have that in spades and I’m so pleased that we could crack that stone and now everyone can enjoy it.

“We had to dig deep, for sure, but what the history books will say is that we’re the Europa Cup winners, and it doesn’t say how we did it, just that we did it. I made family a theme from when I got here because I felt that we needed something to bring us all together and look further than just what everybody wanted. We had to form some sort of unity and the lads have been brilliant. They’ve shared their stories and got closer through the tough times like all families and now they share the reward.”

A decision on Postecoglou will need to be made and quickly, with the first of two 2025 summer transfer windows set to open imminently.

Tottenham hold "negotiations" over signing Pisa defender Francesco Coppola

Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League gives Levy and Lange an almighty boost when it comes to the club’s recruitment drive, with reports suggesting Spurs are more confident they can tempt players like Marc Guehi as a result.

The Crystal Palace star isn’t their only defensive target, either, with Pisa Sporting Club’s rising star Francesco Coppola also on their radar.

The Italy Under-20 international spent 2024/2025 on loan at Serie C side Vis Pesaro, but his performances in the third tier have apparently impressed Spurs scouts – so much so that they’ve approached Pisa over signing him.

That is according to La Nazione, who write that Tottenham held “negotiations” over Coppola in the last few days, but these talks ended pretty swiftly.

Pisa are said to have rebuffed Levy’s advances for the towering 6 foot 5 defender, as they appear determined to keep hold of their highly-promising centre-back. If Spurs are to be successful in their pursuit, they may have to go back in with an offer which proves too good to resist.