Manchester United are reportedly preparing to step up their pursuit of River Plate’s 17-year-old sensation Franco Mastantuono, as they look to inject fresh talent into their squad.
According to Give Me Sport, the Red Devils are growing increasingly keen on the Argentine starlet, who has a £35 million release clause in his contract. Mastantuono is widely regarded as one of South America’s hottest prospects and could be a transformative signing for United’s long-term future.
A Rising Star with Huge Potential
Technically gifted and composed beyond his years, Mastantuono has already drawn attention from top European clubs. Manchester United’s interest highlights their ongoing strategy to build a core of young, high-ceiling talents. If nurtured correctly, the teenage midfielder could evolve into a world-class playmaker capable of adding flair and creativity to United’s final third.
A move to the Premier League might be the perfect environment for his development. United have a solid track record of promoting young talents, and Mastantuono could thrive under the right guidance at Old Trafford.
United Must Act Fast
With multiple clubs monitoring his situation, United would be wise to act swiftly before a bidding war drives the price higher. For a club in need of attacking spark, investing in a player of Mastantuono’s calibre could prove to be a bargain in hindsight.
Only time will tell if Manchester United can seal the deal—but landing the Argentine prodigy could be a game-changer for the club’s future.
Inter Milan secured a thrilling 7-6 aggregate victory over Barcelona to book their spot in the final.
Barcelona appeared poised to reach the grand stage at the Allianz Arena after overturning a two-goal deficit to lead 3-2 in the closing minutes. ..Continue Reading
However, Inter struck a late equalizer in normal time before sealing the win in extra time, in what will be remembered as one of the most dramatic ties in Champions League history.
Either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal will face Inter in the final, with the two teams meeting in Paris for their decisive second leg on Wednesday.
PSG holds a narrow 1-0 advantage following their hard-fought win at the Emirates Stadium last week.
While many pundits believe Arsenal has a real chance of mounting a comeback in Paris, Salah has cautioned that they will once again be facing the ‘best team in Europe’ in PSG.
The French champions eliminated Aston Villa and Premier League winners Liverpool on their way to the semi-finals, also thrashing Manchester City during the league phase.
Luis Enrique’s side dominated Liverpool at home but still arrived at Anfield trailing by a goal after Harvey Elliott’s late strike for the Reds.
Despite the setback, PSG responded with a crucial 1-0 away win before triumphing in the penalty shootout to keep their hopes alive of lifting their first-ever Champions League title.
‘I have to be very honest, PSG were playing a very good game in the first leg,’ Salah told French outlet L’Equipe.
‘We were so lucky that Alisson had his best game in the club’s history probably. Then they came to Anfield. We were so unlucky because we hit the post two to three times.
‘That game was honestly 50/50 who deserved it more. No one could say. We played a very good second half. They played a very good first leg. Nobody here would say they deserved it 100 per cent.
‘It was their day and I shook their hands and said to their players after “congratulations, go and win” and that’s it. We faced the best team in Europe in that tie.’
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, meanwhile, expressed his pride at his team after their semi-final defeat to Inter Milan.
‘I’m very disappointed that we’re out – but I’m not disappointed about the performance of my team. They tried everything,’ he said.
‘We’re out, but next year we’ll start again and we’ll make our fans, the club and everyone around us happy.
‘They [Inter] are a really good team, a strong team who defend well but also they have a really good striker.
‘In the second half we were really good. We gave everything but in the end it was like that and that’s what made me a bit sad.’
Manchester United currently have three centre-backs out injured, while two are set to leave in the summer, and Ruben Amorim could do with help in the defensive department once the transfer window opens.
Lisandro Martinez is out till next year with an ACL injury. Even upon his return, the World Cup winner could be set for a position change.
Matthijs de Ligt suffered an injury against Brentford and will miss at least the next two games. Ayden Heaven is also sidelined.
Add Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof‘s impending departures, and all Amorim has are Leny Yoro, an ageing Harry Maguire and an unfit Luke Shaw. Young Tyler Fredricson has impressed but he needs to bulk up.
Defence needs help
Jarrad Branthwaite has been a long-term target for INEOS, who failed with two bids for the Englishman last summer.
Talks of a move have refused to die down amid the 22-year-old’s imperious form for the Toffees this season.
Amid another potential summer approach, Teamtalk have suggested that David Moyes’ return has changed the Merseyside outfit’s outlook with the owners set to back the former United boss in the market.
And Everton will not allow the England international to leave for anything less than £70 million and they will not change their valuation come what may.
Everton not budging
“Everton are point-blank refusing to part with Jarrad Branthwaite for anything less than their valuation this summer no matter which side wants to sign him, sources have revealed to TEAMtalk, leaving Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s big transfer dream facing capitulation.
“Sources have confirmed the Toffees have slapped a £70 million (€82.6m, $93.7m) minimum price tag on the defender – and they’re not budging.”
Lots of clubs were interested in Branthwaite with the centre-back helping the Toffees keep nine clean sheets. But it seems he could be staying put for now.
United have other positions in greater need of reinforcements and it is unlikely INEOS will sanction such an extensive outlay on a centre-back this summer.
The 26-year-old has been at the center of widespread media and fan discussions in recent weeks, culminating in his announcement on Sunday that he will not extend his contract with Liverpool. His current deal runs out at the end of June 2025.
Real Madrid appears to be his next destination, with The Athletic reporting on Monday that the right-back is set to join the Spanish giants as a free agent. Sources in Spain suggest a six-year contract is close to being finalized. ..Continue Reading
In his statement, Alexander-Arnold explained that stepping outside his “comfort zone” was a key factor in his decision to leave the reigning Premier League champions.
Over the past three decades, several high-profile players—including Eden Hazard, Steven McManaman, Gareth Bale, and Michael Owen—have swapped English football for a fresh challenge in Madrid. However, Ronaldo’s 2009 move from Manchester United to Los Blancos remains the most iconic switch.
Despite Alexander-Arnold seemingly set to follow a similar path, he once made his stance clear in an interview with Oh My Goal in 2019, stating that Messi is “the best player of all time.”
In another interview with the Mirror back in 2024, Alexander-Arnold doubled down on his choice, he explained: “It has to be Messi for me, the best player I’ve played, for me the best player that’s ever played the game.”
The right-back added: “I never watched [Diego] Maradona, so I don’t know… to imagine anyone better than what I’ve been able to see… my brain doesn’t comprehend it, there’s no way anyone can be better.”
He continued: “There’s just a different feeling playing against him than I’ve ever felt with anyone else.
“You’re always on red alert when the ball’s near him, I think it’s very rare for a player to have that kind of feeling, to put that feeling into other players. So for that reason, I have to say him.
“For me, I think in many, many aspects of the game, he’s probably the best at any given moment. He can almost do what he wants on a football pitch, so yeah, for that reason, he’s the best.”
Despite admitting that Messi is the greatest of all time, Alexander-Arnold still has huge respect for Ronaldo, and so he should given the fact that the Portuguese is Real’s highest-ever goalscorer and greatest player.
“With Ronaldo being one of the greats, probably one of the best players ever, it’s going to be an honour to hopefully play against him,” Alexander-Arnold said ahead of the 2018 Champions League final, which Liverpool lost 3-1 against Madrid.
“You have to admit he’s [Cristiano Ronaldo] an unbelievable player and he’s done exceptional things in the game,” he added. “The numbers that he does season in, season out are absolutely unbelievable.
“I know a lot about him and the likes of Messi because I watched them on YouTube growing up. You always watch those type of players. But you’ve just got to focus on the game and, if he’s a direct opponent, you have to see what the strengths and weaknesses are and use them to your advantage.”
Everton are reportedly in the race to sign Villarreal winger Nicolas Pepe this summer, with competition heating up from Wolverhampton Wanderers and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Toffees Eye Reinforcement as Pepe Rebuilds His Career
According to Foot Mercato, the Toffees are keen on bolstering their attacking options and have identified 29-year-old Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe as a target. After a turbulent spell at Arsenal, Pepe has found his feet again with Villarreal, registering two goals and four assists in 23 La Liga appearances this season. His standout performance against Osasuna has reignited interest from several clubs.
Pepe, once a £72 million signing for Arsenal, never quite lived up to expectations in North London. Following a season in Turkey with Trabzonspor, the French-born winger made a free switch to Villarreal, where he has shown glimpses of his old form from his LOSC Lille days.
Premier League Return: A Fresh Start at Everton?
Everton’s interest in Pepe is no surprise, especially with uncertainty looming over loan stars Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom. The club needs reliable depth out wide, and Pepe, with his Premier League experience, could offer just that.
However, Everton aren’t alone in their pursuit. Wolves and several Saudi clubs are also monitoring Pepe’s situation, setting up a potential summer transfer tussle. With his top-flight experience and renewed form, a return to the Premier League could be the perfect opportunity for Pepe to reignite his career.
CHELSEA have been linked with a potential move for Ipswich star Liam Delap, and according to reporter Iomie Stanley, the forward has the potential to be one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
Delap has had a decent season for Ipswich in the Premier League this season despite the clubs relegation, and his performances have been linked with a switch to Liverpool and Chelsea.
Now, amid all the speculation and rumours, The existence of a release clause that could cost Chelsea or Liverpool £30 million, Stanley says he could be a great signing for the big clubs as he has the potential to be a top Premier League star.
Stanley told icfootballnews: ‘Chelsea’s pursuit of young talent has been a cornerstone of their transfer strategy in recent years, with the club investing heavily in players who possess both potential and immediate value.
‘Delap could be a shrewd acquisition for Chelsea, particularly as they look to solve their long-term issues in the center-forward role.
‘At Ipswich Town, Delap has showcased his predatory instincts in front of goal. His movement in the box, combined with his ability to find space and finish clinically, makes him a standout among young strikers. Delap’s record at youth levels and his continued improvement in professional football demonstrate that he is not only a promising talent but also a consistent goal threat.
‘Chelsea, who have struggled to find a dependable striker since the departure of Diego Costa, could benefit from adding a player with Delap’s goal-scoring pedigree to their ranks.
‘Standing tall and strong, Delap’s physicality is one of his defining attributes. This strength allows him to hold up play effectively, shrug off defenders, and provide a focal point for his team’s attack.
‘The Premier League’s physical nature demands forwards who can withstand challenges, and Delap’s natural physique makes him well-suited to the rigors of top-flight football.
‘He could complement CHELSEA’s dynamic wide players and creative midfielders by offering a robust presence in the penalty area.
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Manchester United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has questioned Ruben Amorim’s use of Bruno Fernandes.
Despite United’s struggles in the Premier League, Fernandes has been outstanding this season – arguably playing the best football of his career – and has clearly adapted well to life under Amorim.
Fernandes has notched an impressive 19 goals and 18 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions.
Amorim has primarily utilised the skipper in a midfield pivot, but he has also impressed when deployed in one of the two No. 10 roles.
When operating in a deeper role, Fernandes has been instrumental in helping United break the lines and progress up the pitch, while in the No. 10 position, he’s consistently showcased his creativity and vision in the final third.
It remains to be seen in which position his long-term future lies but Rooney feels the Portugal international is less effective when playing deeper.
Speaking on The Overlap, Rooney explained that it isn’t right that defensive-minded players are sometimes allowed to be more involved in attacking play than Fernandes.
“The game now is very much positional. For instance, at United now, the creative players are coming back and the wingbacks are going higher.”
“The attacking players are lower than the defensive players. If you have good attacking players, you want them [higher up the pitch].”
“Like I think Bruno has done really well in midfield, but I want to see Bruno higher, in and around the penalty area where he can shoot and create.”
Rooney added, “You’re ending up with so many defenders up the pitch and your midfield players who are good attacking players filling in at fullback spots and stuff. In some ways it’s OK if you’ve got the personnel.”
“But every team is doing it now and I think it’s a little bit too much.”
United are back in action on Thursday when they host Athletic Club in the return leg of their Europa League semi-final tie.
Featured image Juan Manuel Serrano Arce via Getty Images
After enduring a three-month goal drought, the English forward rediscovered his form, expressing how motivated he was to silence his critics. ..Continue Reading
The 22-year-old now has his sights set on becoming Chelsea’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer. His tally of 37 top-flight goals has propelled him into 10th place in the club’s history, drawing level with Brazilian winger Willian.
Despite joining the Blues from Manchester City just two summers ago, Palmer continues to show why Pep Guardiola’s decision to sell him may have been a misjudgment.
With his career still in its early stages, supporters will hope he remains a prolific force for years to come, having signed a nine-year contract in August 2024 that could keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2033.
Palmer’s milestone has come in just 67 appearances, boasting the best minutes-per-goal ratio of any player in Chelsea’s top 10, averaging a goal every 150 minutes.
For perspective, former striker Nicolas Anelka took 125 matches to reach 68 goals, and Palmer is poised to surpass the Frenchman soon.
His £42.5m signing in the summer of 2023 generated plenty of excitement, but few anticipated he would become such a prolific scorer.
Under Mauricio Pochettino, he quickly took on a talismanic role for Chelsea, netting 22 goals in 34 league matches during the 2023-24 campaign.
Palmer struggled to break into Guardiola’s first team at Manchester City and did not score a single Premier League goal at the Etihad.
His second season in London has been a mix of ups and downs, with less reliance on him under Enzo Maresca’s management.
Palmer started the campaign in excellent form, striking 14 times in 21 appearances, but his momentum slowed after mid-January, leading to a frustrating three-month goal drought.
However, his performance against Liverpool signaled his return to form, with his penalty taking his total to 15 goals in 34 games.
Chelsea’s official media account shared the club’s all-time Premier League top scorers list, offering an intriguing insight into their history.
The rankings emphasized Frank Lampard’s remarkable scoring ability as a midfielder, while also highlighting Chelsea’s shortage of consistent goal-scorers—evidenced by John Terry occupying eighth place.
Rival fans were quick to mock the achievement, pointing to examples of past players from their own clubs who would have comfortably made Chelsea’s top 10.
One supporter highlighted how low Palmer would feature in Arsenal’s: “37 Goals at Arsenal will have you at Number 62 behind (Eddie Nketiah).”
Another similarly pointed out: “Theo Walcott 108 is the 10th all-time PL goal scorer at Arsenal, he has more goals than (Didier) Drogba that is second on this list.”
One fan poked fun at Chelsea: “37 goals gets you into the top 10 of a supposed big club’s all-time top scorers list.”
As did another: “Top 10 in the all-time scorers after two seasons is the most tinpot thing I’ve ever seen.”
Another said: “£7.9 billion spent on strikers and John Terry’s in our top 10.”
While others saw reasons to be optimistic regarding the legacy Palmer can achieve at the club. One fan wrote: “He’s going to retire as a legend here.”
Another said: “Cole is just 2 seasons in at Chelsea and he’s already in this conversation.”
Chelsea are in the race for Champions League qualification, and the win against Liverpool has them sitting fifth with 63 points, three above Nottingham Forest, who face Crystal Palace on Monday.
Chelsea are preparing a €60 million offer to land Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo this summer, according to reports from Fichajes. The Blues see the versatile attacker as a potential game-changer in their bid for Champions League football under new boss Enzo Maresca.
Mbeumo has been sensational this season, racking up 26 goal contributions across competitions. Primarily operating from the right flank, the Cameroonian international could prompt a tactical tweak at Stamford Bridge—possibly moving Cole Palmer into a more central role. Mbeumo’s pace, creativity, and finishing touch would provide Chelsea with much-needed attacking depth and dynamism.
Manchester United Also in the Race
Chelsea, however, are not alone in the chase. Manchester United have also entered the fray, as reported by The Telegraph. The Red Devils are actively rebuilding their forward line after a lacklustre season, and Mbeumo has emerged as a top target alongside Wolves striker Matheus Cunha.
United’s front line, featuring the likes of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, has struggled for consistency. Mbeumo’s proven Premier League pedigree could offer an instant upgrade.
With two English giants circling, Mbeumo is poised for a major step up. Whether he chooses to light up Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford, his next move will surely be one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer.
Manchester United could make a concrete move for Brentford wide forward Bryan Mbeumo this summer, as per reports.
United’s winless streak in the Premier League extended to six games after their 4-3 defeat at Brentford. This time, the Red Devils were undone by their defensive fragility, but Ruben Amorim’s biggest concern this term has been the side’s lack of forward quality.
Apart from the three relegated sides, only West Ham United and Everton have scored fewer Premier League goals than United this term.
It has been widely reported that the Mancunians are interested in the likes of Liam Delap and Victor Osimhen as they look to find a new number nine to spearhead their attack.
Should United fail to get their hands on their main targets, they could reportedly intensify their interest in Mbeumo, who was one of Brentford’s standout stars this Sunday.
Givemesport claim that Mbeumo will become a “more realistic” target for United if they do not manage to land the strikers they want this summer.
It is understood that Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha is the “priority for their vision of signing a new attacker.”
The technically proficient Brazilian is expected to play as one of the two number 10s in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation. However, the ex-Atletico Madrid man is also capable of playing as a centre-forward.
The report suggests United could consider signing Mbeumo to play on the flanks and pushing Cunha more centrally if the likes of Delap and Osimhen don’t arrive.
The Cameroon international has also featured as a striker under Thomas Frank but he thrives on the right flank.
Despite not playing centrally, Mbeumo has cemented himself as one of the Premier League’s most prolific players this season. He has scored 18 goals and registered seven assists so far. As such, his arrival would certainly strengthen United’s attack, irrespective of how Amorim decides to use him.
At this point, however, United are focused on getting the deal over the line for Cunha, as per Fabrizio Romano. The race for Mbeumo’s signature, meanwhile, is described as “open”.
