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Senne Lammens has been hailed as a "massive upgrade" on Andre Onana after a "dominant" start to his Manchester United career. The Belgian was brought in from Royal Antwerp over the summer and has since made the No.1 shirt his own, with the error-prone Onana shipped off on loan to Trabzonspor after losing the faith of head coach Ruben Amorim.

Lammens helps transform United’s fortunes

Lammens, a relatively obscure arrival from Royal Antwerp for £18 million ($24m) on transfer deadline day, has shifted the mood around Old Trafford. Initially signed with modest expectations, he has quickly cemented himself as the most assured goalkeeper the club has fielded in years. His emergence comes after Onana endured a calamitous run of high-profile errors before being sent on loan to Trabzonspor. Altay Bayındır briefly stepped in, but the Turkey international also struggled under the intensity of Premier League scrutiny. With United drifting and in need of a spark, Lammens was thrown into the spotlight and has responded with composure far beyond his experience, helping Amorim's side re-emerge as contenders for Champions League qualification.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALPaul Parker lavishes praise on Lammens

Former United defender Paul Parker delivered an uncompromising assessment of the club’s goalkeeping transformation, insisting Lammens represents a massive improvement. 

In an interview with Parker said: "Lammens have definitely made a big difference for Manchester United. He is a massive upgrade from Onana. He looks confident and Man United wouldn’t be where they are if they hadn’t brought him in. He is communicating a lot better than Onana, and the most important thing is that he actually looks like a goalkeeper. He can actually use his hands and make saves, which should be the most important thing for a goalkeeper, but Onana couldn’t do that."

Parker, once a key part of United’s early Premier League dominance, added that Lammens’ youth only heightens the excitement.

"He is still very young, so he has a lot of room to grow as well, but I have been really surprised with the way he has come in and dominated in goal," he said. "For me, he has been one of the best signings of the season, and combining that with his potential, I think Man United made the right decision by signing him and letting Onana go."

Sir Alex Ferguson adds his approval

Lammens’ impact has not gone unnoticed by the greatest manager in United’s history. Sir Alex Ferguson, speaking to , highlighted the 23-year-old's maturity between the sticks. 

He said: "There are signs, the manager has had some good signs. Particularly the goalkeeper has been outstanding, he’s only played three or four games and he’s looking really good. Of course, Mbeumo and Cunha, the new players from Wolves and Brentford, they’ve added to it. I hope the manager gets a bit of success because at United you need to have success – the signs are getting better."

United supporters have embraced their new number one with gusto. During the 2-0 victory over Sunderland, which delivered the club’s first clean sheet of the season, the Stretford End chanted:

Lammens, smiling but modest, dismissed the comparison.

He told United's website: "It was really nice to hear it already in the first game [against Sunderland]. I think it is a sign that the fans are happy with me. It feels really good that I can give them that trust."

While fans are already dreaming, head coach Ruben Amorim has cautioned against premature hype.

He said in October: "The first impression in this club is really important; to maintain the level is even more important and is really difficult.

"He’s not [Peter] Schmeichel yet. He’s a young guy with talent. He showed a lot of composure, and the fans liked it. But again, that is in the past; we need to prove in the next game."

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Getty Images SportBournemouth test awaits next

United climbed to sixth in the Premier League table after their 4-1 victory over Wolves. Amorim will look to build on the positive result and get another win when they host Bournemouth next on December 15. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first game this BBL season will be against Melbourne Renegades, who have Mohammad Rizwan in their line-up

AAP10-Dec-2025Mitchell Starc can take some of the credit as Shaheen Shah Afridi arrives in Australia as part of a star-studded Pakistan contingent to lead Brisbane Heat’s depleted attack in the BBL.Afridi, the towering left-arm quick, is a hardened three-format international at just 25, and was taken with the first pick by Heat in June’s draft. A season-ending injury to Spencer Johnson and Michael Neser’s Test duties mean Johan Botha’s side will be leaning heavily on the man who recently took over as Pakistan’s ODI captain.”They [Johnson and Neser] are experienced bowlers for this team and I hope I play my role, that’s why I’m here,” Afridi said on Wednesday. “In all three [disciplines]… fielding, and if I need, chipping in batting as well, I’ll give my best. It’s not a small league and [is] well-renowned as the best league and… the best cricket with the best players.”Related

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Afridi will line up against Melbourne Renegades on his BBL debut on Monday, and will be pitted against the man he replaced as Pakistan’s white-ball skipper, Mohammad Rizwan.Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers), Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars) and Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder) will also feature in the tournament, which begins on Sunday.”First game against Rizzy… a world-quality player. And Babar’s here as well,” Afridi said. “They know me, I know them. Hopefully we play some good cricket here. And we’re really hopeful we get the Pakistani support, and the Asian community as a whole.”Afridi has taken 126 wickets and gone for less than eight runs an over in 96 T20Is, while his Test average (27) and strike rate (52) are up there among the best in the current game.Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are among the many Pakistan players in the BBL this year•AFP/Getty ImagesStarc’s 414th Test wicket at the Gabba last week saw him overtake Afridi’s compatriot Wasim Akram as the most lethal left-arm fast bowler in Test history.”The greats are always great,” Afridi said of Akram, but also talked about the exposure to Starc, ten years his senior, on his first international tour as a 16-year-old, which he said had played a huge part in his own story.Afridi, whose older brother Riaz had already played Test cricket for Pakistan, was plucked from the country’s popular tape-ball circuit for a development tour of Australia, and played Test cricket himself barely three years later.”He [Starc] is a legend and last time when we chatted, I told him I watched his 2015 [World Cup] bowling spell and that’s why I bowled fuller to the batsman,” Afridi said. “I can say he’s a role model for any youngster… he’s been the best for Australia for many years.”

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl must surely be looking forward to the January transfer window after his side were beaten 2-1 by Ferencvaros on Thursday night.

The Light Blues boss arrived after the summer transfer window, led by Russell Martin and Kevin Thelwell, which means that he has not had a chance to bring in any of his own players.

Rangers made 12 signings in the summer, though, and that means that they may have to part ways with a few players to make room for new signings to come through the door at Ibrox.

Players who could leave Rangers in January

Clinton Nsiala and Rabbi Matondo could be candidates to move on because they are the only two senior outfield players who have yet to play a single minute in any competition, per Transfermarkt.

If they want to play regular football in the second half of the campaign, Nsiala and Matondo may need to force their way out of Ibrox, on loan or permanently, next month.

Kieran Dowell, meanwhile, played six games under Russell Martin at the start of the season and has now been linked with a loan move to Hull, which could see him see out the rest of his Rangers contract down south.

Another player who has been linked with a move away from Ibrox in January is Djeidi Gassama. He is a reported target for Spanish side Villarreal, who are said to be ‘exploring’ the possibility of a deal for the winger next month.

Villarreal’s interest in signing the Frenchman presents the Light Blues with an intriguing dilemma ahead of the January transfer window, as they may have a big decision to make.

Why Rangers should sell Djeidi Gassama

Rangers signed the 22-year-old attacker from Sheffield Wednesday for a fee of £2.2m in the summer, and they should ruthlessly cash in on him if the Spanish team are willing to offer a decent profit on that.

The Frenchman’s performances for the Gers this season have been inconsistent, at best, and his recent displays on the pitch suggest that he should be dropped from the team.

Rangers have four more Scottish Premiership matches before the January window opens and he should not start another match for Rohl before being sold to Villarreal in January, as he has not done enough to warrant a starting berth.

Appearances

15

6

Starts

13

6

Goals

1

1

Minutes per goal

1,171

480

Key passes per game

0.9

0.7

Big chances created

1

1

Assists

1

0

As you can see in the table above, Gassama has only produced two goals in 21 appearances in the Premiership and the Europa League, despite starting almost every game, which shows that he has not been reliable in front of goal.

His dismal form in the final third in those competitions came as a bit of a surprise after he started his career at Ibrox with four goals in six matches in the Champions League qualifiers.

The 23-year-old attacker has been unable to live up to the hype that his early burst of goals created, with just two goals in all competitions since the end of the Champions League qualifiers.

Rangers Journal creator Kai Watson said that Gassama has “been a ghost” since those early weeks of the season, and it is hard to argue with that assessment when you consider his form in the Premiership and the Europa League.

Meanwhile, Mikey Moore, who has scored two goals in his last three appearances, and Findlay Curtis, who created a ‘big chance’ off the bench against Ferencvaros (Sofascore), are waiting in the wings to take his place on the left flank.

As Rangers have two other viable left-sided options, in Moore and Curtis, Rohl can afford to take Gassama out of the starting line-up for the next four matches, using him as an impact substitute instead.

This would then give the other two players a chance to prove that they have what it takes to hold down that position moving forward, allowing Rangers to ruthlessly cash in on Gassama if Villarreal come knocking in January.

Selling the French ‘ghost’ could also provide Rohl with funds to bring in his own players in other positions, depending on how much the Spaniards are willing to pay for his services.

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Therefore, placing Gassama on the bench for the next few weeks before selling him in January could be a move that is in the club’s best interests, if Villarreal’s interest is serious.

The New York Yankees may be plotting some changes to the infield.

Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt was seen taking reps at a new position, second base, ahead of the team's game against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday. That could be indicative of a potential test run at the position for the 37-year-old.

With Giancarlo Stanton likely to return from the injured list in the not-too-distant future, New York may be forced to make some adjustments defensively. If Goldschmidt did indeed get some game action at second base, that would suggest Ben Rice, who has served as the team's DH in Stanton's absence, would likely be moved to first base, potentially pushing D.J. LeMahieu to a bench role.

Jazz Chisholm, who played second base in each of his first 29 games this season before missing a month with an oblique injury, returned to the lineup on Tuesday and was slotted in at third base.

Goldschmidt, a longtime first baseman, is in his 15th MLB season and has never played another defensive position in his career. He's made 1,878 starts at first base and 68 as the designated hitter, but has never spent even a single inning at a different position in the field.

The Yankees have not made any indication as to whether Goldschmidt would actually move to second base, but seeing him get some work in at the position prior to Wednesday's game was certainly intriguing.

On the eve of MLS Cup, Jordi Alba admitted that Saturday’s final will carry a unique emotional weight. The Inter Miami left back will retire once the whistle blows, closing an illustrious career he hopes to crown with one more trophy. Facing Vancouver, he says there are no favorites — only a final chance to compete at the highest level.

Getty Images Sport'It’s clear how much the club has grown'

Alba is stepping into unfamiliar territory this weekend. Not because it’s a final – he’s already appeared in over 20 major finalsin his career – but because this one marks the end. When Inter Miami host the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS Cup, the Spanish defender will lace up for the last time before officially retiring from professional football.

Speaking during MLS Media Day, Alba emphasized how different this moment feels.

“I knew this would be a new experience, but an appealing one,” he said. “I reunited with former teammates, and it’s clear how much the club has grown. Reaching a final is historic for Inter Miami, and while I’ve been fortunate to play many of them, this one is special because it will be my last. It’s a final — there are no favorites — but if we perform well, we’ll have our chances.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportA final loaded with emotion

Alba refused to compare Saturday’s match with his farewell at Barcelona, a moment he still remembers as deeply emotional. This time, he admits, the uncertainty comes from not knowing how it will actually feel until it happens.

“It’s different because I know it’s my last game,” he explained. “Of course it’s important – it’s a final – but it means even more for the club. No matter what happens, I’m leaving afterward. Hopefully, I can leave with a trophy. Busi is in the same situation as me. I don’t know how I’ll process it because you only feel those emotions in the moment. My last game with Barcelona was very emotional, but this isn’t just changing teams – it’s not playing anymore, and that makes it even bigger.”

Alba also spoke warmly about Inter Miami’s coach, someone he shares a long history with.

“I was lucky to play alongside him and then be coached by him. It’s a different relationship on the field, but the bond remains just as good,” he said. “He’s done an exceptional job regardless of what happens Saturday. I’m proud to have been coached by him – I learned a lot from working under him.”

Getty Images SportLooking back on a career beyond expectations

Alba also reflected on his trajectory, tracing it from L'Hospitalet to World Cup triumphs and Champions League glory. Over the course of his career, he picked up major honours – including the 2010 World Cup, the 2015 UEFA Champions League, multiple La Liga titles, and domestic cups.

Asked to grade his own career, he didn’t hesitate:
“I’ve had good and bad matches, like everyone, but I’d give my career an excellent grade. From the moment I left L'Hospitalet, everything felt like a dream. I achieved far more than I ever expected. I can’t complain — I accomplished everything I dreamed of and I’m proud of what I learned with every team I represented," he said. 

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Getty Images SportA farewell shared with Busquets

Saturday will also close the book on Sergio Busquets’ legendary career. For Alba, that shared endpoint has added another layer to an already emotional week.

“It will be his last game too,” Alba noted. “But everyone experiences these moments in their own way.”

Still, finishing his journey at home, in front of the club’s fans, feels like a privilege.

“It’s an honor to end my career with a final here,” he said. “It’s been a tough week emotionally. I’ll miss the game, but I never doubted my decision. Once I made it, it was firm and fully thought out. Now I hope the final goes our way.”

Babar Azam bagged a duck on T20I return as a second-string South African side cruised to victory

Danyal Rasool28-Oct-2025Against a second-string South Africa side, Pakistan produced a second-rate performance, with the faultless visitors crushing the hosts by 55 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. South Africa’s top three, shepherded by a half-century from Reeza Hendricks, saw them fly into an advantage they never relinquished, rallying at the death after getting stuck midway to post 194.Pakistan’s response was found wanting in all phases of the game as South Africa’s seamers kept Pakistan on a leash, with Corbin Bosch and George Linde picking up clumps of wickets along the way. Pakistan were derailed both by a mounting asking rate and the fall of wickets, and their defeat was de facto confirmed long before the final wicket fell in front of an emptied-out Rawalpindi stadium.QdK, TdZ and ReezaSouth Africa’s top three of Hendricks, Quinton de Kock and Tony de Zorzi was stellar but is not the first choice for too many – certainly not South Africa’s. But on a batting-friendly surface with small boundaries, the openers, Hendricks and de Kock, set the tone in the second over with Hendricks leaning across to wallop Naseem Shah over square leg for six. It set off carnage in the powerplay with de Kock joining in as the pair found five boundaries in the next ten deliveries.De Kock sliced one against Saim Ayub to give Pakistan a breakthrough, but not a breather, as de Zorzi ensured. The last two overs with the fielding restrictions saw South Africa plunder a boundary every other delivery, and it continued just beyond, too, with a majestic six over cover from de Zorzi fetching the visitors another 15 runs in the seventh. By the end of the seventh over, they had put up 89; it took Pakistan six more overs, for the loss of six more wickets, to get to that mark later.Reeza Hendricks laid down South Africa’s platform with a half-century•Getty ImagesCorbin Bosch torments Pakistan once moreAt the tail-end of last year, Bosch made his Test debut and was the bane of Pakistan’s existence all week, picking up wickets and scoring runs as South Africa trumped Pakistan in a thriller. Much water has flown in the relationship between Pakistan and Bosch since. He was signed up in the PSL, a deal he abandoned to take one up in the IPL. The PSL responded by banning him from the league for a year.Six months on, Bosch returned to Pakistan and in Rawalpindi, made sure he laughed last. With Pakistan desperate to keep up with a spiralling asking rate, they had no choice but to attack the fast bowler as he came on in the final over of the powerplay, with the hosts barely trickling along at just over a-run-a-ball. Babar Azam, facing his second delivery in his first T20I since December 2024, hacked wildly at a hard length delivery, but the pace meant he only caught the splice of the blade. The ball looped up harmlessly to cover, sending the returning fan favourite back into the dug out for a second-ball duck.A bad day for Pakistan’s high-profile starsThere was no visible evidence upon which Babar had been recalled, with his duck capping off a miserable day on which he also dropped a catch late on during South Africa’s charge at the death. He was not, however, the only failure on a day Pakistan littered the board with them.Captain Salman Agha has been under fire for his performances in the format. Coming in to bat at four at the end of the powerplay, he scratched around at the start – as he often does, the required rate climbing every delivery. After two runs off his first six, Bosch darted in a 144kph ball angling back towards the Pakistan captain, rocketing into his front thigh. Agha took a review along with him, there was no reprieve to be found. It finished off a day where he also bowled one over – the one just as the powerplay ended, and gave away 15 wicketless runs.Mohammad Nawaz did well with bat and ball•Getty ImagesLeft-arm fingerspinners shine all roundMuch separated Pakistan and South Africa on the day, but the only thing to unite them was the success each team’s left-arm spinner enjoyed with bat and ball.Linde and Mohammad Nawaz were the most effective men on either side on the day. Linde picked up South Africa’s flagging innings in the final five overs by taking apart Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 16th over, smashing four fours off him in a 22-ball 36 run counterattack.Nawaz, meanwhile, had done the most to ensure South Africa’s middle-overs flagged, breaking the Hendricks-de Zorzi stand in the eighth over, and then deceiving the dangerous Dewald Brevis in his following over. He sealed his bowling spell with the wicket of South Africa’s stand-in captain – Donovan Ferreira – off his final ball to finish with figures of 3 for 26.The two also swam in each other’s slipstream during the chase. Linde came back from Ayub taking him for runs in in his first two overs, tossing a surprise ball out wide from around the wicket. It left Ayub reaching before tamely lofting it to cover, realistically killing off a chase just as the opener came to life. It was the first of three wickets as the offspinner also accounted for Usman Khan and Faheem Ashraf.While the batters crumbled around him, Nawaz timed it beautifully. The game had long gone by then, but he found a level of ball-striking none of his peers were able to reach, smashing four fours and two sixes. When he chipped his 20th ball to long-on to conclude his innings and the game, he matched Linde’s 36 exactly. It was one similarity between a Pakistani and a South African on a day when the visiting collective pulled well clear of the hosts early.

Arsenal have now reportedly joined Liverpool in the race to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace, as contract talks continue to drag on between the striker and the South London club.

The Gunners return from the international break looking to get back to winning ways after entering it off the back of a dramatic 2-2 draw against Sunderland and it doesn’t get much bigger than the North London derby. Up against rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Mikel Arteta’s side will be aiming to prove their title credentials once again and at least maintain their four-point lead at the top.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the derby, Arteta reiterated just how big a rivalry it is, saying: “It’s just different. it’s a big city, but it’s a big rivalry; it’s a part of London that we want to conquer, and they want to do the same.

“There’s been a lot of shifts as well over the years, we’ve been more dominant and it’s just beautiful, especially when we play at home in front of our people, we know what it means to them.

“The energy that they’re going to bring, the energy that the team is going to bring in every single action, it’s just a privilege to play those kind of games. We cannot wait to get to Sunday.”

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 22, 2025

It marks the beginning of a crucial week for Arsenal, who have the small task of playing host to Bayern Munich just days after the Tottenham clash before then travelling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Three points from three in such a run would highlight just how serious the Gunners are about winning major honours.

In their current run, it would also be difficult for many players to turn Arsenal down and that may even be the case for Palace star Mateta.

Arsenal join race to sign Mateta

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal have now joined the race to sign Mateta from Crystal Palace in what could be their second major signing from the Eagles following their recent move for Eberechi Eze.

The Frenchman is set to become a free agent in 2027 and with contract talks yet to reach a resolution, the South London club may be forced to cash in sooner or later – allowing the Gunners to make their move.

A player who’s already been on the scoresheet at the Emirates in the past, Mateta could yet get the chance to wheel away in celebration every week in North London. Such a move would certainly be well-earned, too. From initial struggles, the 28-year-old has become one of the best strikers in the Premier League.

Minutes

959

800

Goals

6

4

Assists

0

0

Expected Goals

8.1

4.6

There’s a reason why Palace boss Oliver Glasner has dubbed his star striker “excellent” in the past and the comparison with Gyokeres shows the level that he’s operating at. If Arsenal want to ensure that their goalscoring problems are ended for good, then they should sign the Palace star.

Arsenal hold talks with £71m ex-Man Utd star after post-Old Trafford transformation

The Spring Hill College Badgers hosted the Mobile Rams for a single college baseball game on Wednesday. With a three-game series against Moorehouse coming up this weekend for the Badgers and a trip to Blue Mountain University on tap for the Rams, both teams may be down a couple players as Wednesday's game ended with a brawl.

Isidro Jimenez was on the hill for Mobile in the bottom of the 11th with two outs and two runners on when he got Badgers shortstop Seth Williams to pop the ball up behind home plate. With the score tied 5-5 they were headed to the 12th as catcher Clint Smith made the catch to end the inning, Except Jimenez celebrated by screaming a lot in the direction of Williams, who did not appreciate it.

Williams and Jimenez got in each other's faces and teammates came sprinting in from both dugouts and chaos erupted.

The announcer said there were "pure haymakers being thrown" and immediately suggested the game was going to be called. According to the local news report on Wednesday night, the game is now under review by the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. On the team websites the result simply says, "SUSPENDED."

Arsenal have been contacted by the representatives of a wantaway Chelsea player, and it is believed he could well be tempted by a north London switch.

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The anticipation of new sporting director Andrea Berta’s first summer window at Arsenal is growing and growing.

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The former Spurs midfielder has made a damning comparison.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 30, 2025

The 53-year-old orchestrated a plethora of high-profile deals during his productive 12-year stint at Atlético Madrid, and he’s now transferring that expertise to the Emirates Stadium in a major boost for Mikel Arteta.

Reports in both England and France claim Berta recently reached out to Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams’ agents for talks, so it is clear the Italian is aiming to make a head start on the first summer window, which opens from June 1st to June 10th.

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

Berta is rumoured to be prioritising the potential signing of a new winger and striker, as well as a new left-back, midfielder and second-choice keeper (GiveMeSport), so we can fully expect some fresh faces to arrive in attack before the beginning of 2025/2026.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard face uncertain long-term futures, according to some reports, while injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have left Arteta desperately short in the centre-forward area.

One player who could actually fill all of their roles, given his versatility, is £195,000-per-week Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.

The Frenchman has bagged 14 goals in all competitions this term, despite being used more as an impact substitute under Enzo Maresca, and he can play as a second striker, centre-forward, left-winger and even an attacking midfielder when required.

Christopher Nkunku could be tempted to join Arsenal after talks

He appears to be on the way out of Stamford Bridge this summer as well, with Nkunku’s representatives holding some talks with Arsenal and other Premier League sides.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who also told The Boot Room that his desire to stay in London could mean that Nkunku may well be tempted by the prospect of a switch to Arsenal.

“His people are touching base with clubs in England,” said Bailey.

“Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all been spoken to in the past few months. Chelsea want to recoup as much of their plus £50m outlay, but that looks difficult at this juncture.

“I am told the player is very happy in London, and so would a move to a Arsenal or Tottenham appeal? I believe it would but as it stands those options are not advanced – but Arsenal and Spurs both have an historic interest in the player. Both want a wide forward, so you could see the fit.

“There is interest back in Germany – Bayern Munich like him, a new deal for Leroy Sane doesn’t rule out them making a move but it is not pressing. Former club RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen also admire him. Atletico Madrid have also shown some interest, as have the Saudi Pro League – who are willing to offer him a pay rise to move.”

The former RB Leipzig sensation was unrivalled during his time in the Bundesliga, and has displayed real quality when given the chance at Chelsea. Nkunku is also a player who could reinforce multiple attacking positions for Arteta, so this could well appeal to the Spaniard, who is known to greatly value versatility.

Liverpool are cruising to the Premier League title under Arne Slot and have now sent scouts to watch a clutch of potential summer targets, per reports.

Liverpool's summer activity begins to gain traction

The Reds have managed to put themselves in pole position to claim the Premier League, but what comes next after celebrating their second top-flight triumph of the modern era?

Slot appears on the surface as a man who won’t be keen for any complacency to creep in, though he has serious work to do regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s contract situations.

Taking internal matters to one side, Liverpool have Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman on their radar as experience on the flanks becomes a priority to bolster depth across the Reds’ front four positions.

Vasco Da Gama star Rayan Vitor could also be en route to Anfield. Nevertheless, his prospective arrival is likely to be categorised as a long-term commitment while he develops at his own pace.

Darwin Nunez could make way for a new centre-forward amid his frustrating campaign through the middle. Diogo Jota and Luiz Diaz have been ahead of the Uruguayan in the pecking order at times, which hasn’t exactly helped his case in trying to win over Slot.

Liverpool ready to sign "powerful" ace who has been compared to Adriano

Arne Slot is eyeing a powerful reinforcement at Liverpool this summer.

BySean Markus Clifford Apr 6, 2025

Exploring options to add extra firepower will stand Liverpool in good stead for next season. Salah’s uncertain situation may create a need for someone to fill his goalscoring boots, so it is only fair the champions in waiting do their due diligence on potential targets.

Now, Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on a quartet that could be on their way to Anfield after the Merseyside giants carried out a scouting mission.

Liverpool watch four Premier League stars, one scores under their nose

According to The Boot Room, Liverpool sent scouts to watch Liam Delap score for Ipswich Town against Wolverhampton Wanderers as the England Under-21 international netted under their nose in a 2-1 defeat for the Tractor Boys.

Intriguingly, the visiting side had Joao Gomes, Andre and Rayan Ait-Nouri under observation from the Reds. The latter doesn’t have a release clause in his contract at Molineux despite previous suggestions to the contrary.

Liverpool’s next five fixtures – Premier League

West Ham (H)

Anfield

Leicester City (A)

King Power Stadium

Tottenham Hotspur (H)

Anfield

Chelsea (A)

Stamford Bridge

Arsenal (H)

Anfield

Rated at £50 million in some quarters, Ipswich striker Delap has become a standout in the top-flight after putting forward a return of 12 goals and two assists in 30 appearances.

Ait-Nouri is a target who Liverpool have had eyes on for a while, and Andre has been scouted previously as the club weigh up midfield additions to elevate their exciting talent portfolio.

Heading into the window, it is interesting to see where Liverpool feel they can find value for money on the market. The Premier League is a difficult industry to get plates spinning in, though the fact they will head into 2025/26 as reigning champions bodes well for business.