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  • Arsenal news: Perez – Lookman

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    Here is a roundup of the top Arsenal news, gossip and transfer speculation from icfootballnews featuring the likes of Ayoze Perez, Ademola Lookman and Joao Pedro that we think you may have missed…

    Reporter Iomie Stanley has told Mikel Arteta the the players he should look to bring to ARSENAL in the summer  window, as he would like Atalanta star Ademola Lookman to be brought to the Emirates.

    The north London club finished second behind Premier League champions Liverpool this season and failed to add to the single trophy – the 2020 FA Cup – won by Arteta during his five-and-a-half-year reign to date.

    The fact that Arsenal have had to use midfielder Mikel Merino as their main striker even since the January window closed as got many fans hoping that a new forward is signed this transfer window if they want to win some trophies next season.

    And if Arsenal need further attacking options in the summer window after they manage to get a new striker, they might want to delve into that transfer kitty and possibly bring Lookman to the Emirates.

    According to GiveMeSport, the forward has been offered to the Gunners.

    Lookman has been a revelation in Italy, amassing 20 goals and seven assists in 40 appearances this season and Stanley says that he could be an amazing signing for the Gunners, he told icfootballnews: He looked amazing again this season, he has been brilliant since his move to Italian football.

    ‘He has shown pace, quality and the ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis.

    ‘Arsenal have a world class attack, but have players that cannot score the amount of goals that Arteta would like, adding a new striker to the attack will be the number one priority for Arsenal this summer, but maybe another winger will be added too.

    ‘Nobody can tell what Arteta can do, but Lookman is certainly a player that could make an impact in that Arsenal shirt.

    ‘And to be honest, if he wants to come back to the Premier League, ARSENAL would be a very good option for the winger.

    SHOCK AYOZE PEREZ CLAIMED MADE

    Former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes has told CasinoHawks, who offer the latest online casinos, that ARSENAL need to sign ex-Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez.

    Despite missing four months through injury, Kai Havertz is the club’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with just nine goals and they can no longer rely on Gabriel Jesus thanks to his fitness issues.

    Plenty of names have been linked with the Emirates including Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, while reports suggest their striker search is down to two names: RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres.

    However – Former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes has claimed that Arsenal should sign Perez, who spent eight-and-a-half years in England with Newcastle United and Leicester City, yet hit double figures in the league just once.

    He said: “If Arsenal want a striker from LaLiga, a Spaniard who comes to mind right now is Perez.

    “He left Betis for Villarreal, and he’s become desirable for the big teams because he’s scored a lot of goals and is playing very well.

    “Another name is Alexander Sorloth, at the start of the season I thought he was going to be one of the most important strikers in our league,

    “If you dig a little deeper into the search for players who are starting to emerge they’re cheaper, so you have to make that decision.

    “Emerging players are cheaper, but you need players that can instantly perform in the Premier League.”

    IcFootballnews say…

    The Spaniard turns 32 in the summer so it would seem unlikely that ARSENAL would look at him, but this has been the best season of his career by far, with 22 goals in 32 games.

    He is enjoying his football over in La Lia, but despite his impressive season, this is one deal that will surely not happen.

    ARSENAL BACKED TO SIGN JOAO PEDRO

    Colin Kazim-Richards has urged ARSENAL to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton, with the Gunners looking to add a new attacker to the forward line that will add some silverware to the cabinet.

    Pedro was incredible last season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions and has impressed once again this season albeit not being as prolific in front of goal, but he is really rated very highly by many bosses in the Premier League

    Liverpool are one of a number of clubs that have been linked with a possible move for the attacker, as there is alot of speculation about the future of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, who has not impressed boss Arne Slot

    But despite all the interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, Kazim-Richards has urged Arsenal to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton, claiming that he would do really well at the Emirates – He told betideas.com: “Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with Pedro. I think he’s an outstanding prospect.

    “I’ve watched him a few times live, once this season at Arsenal. He stood out for me.

    “He’s the type of player that I think would fit into Arsenal really well and I think he would give them something different to what they already have.

    ‘He’s good. He’s top shelf.”

    IcFootballnews View…

    Joao Pedro has been impressive for Brighton over the past few seasons and is good enough to join one of the big clubs, but to pay £100 million for the man is mad and we are sure that will not happen.

    Brighton could be pricing Pedro out of the chance to join the likes of ARSENAL,, Liverpool or Chelsea with that asking price, but they dont want to lose the player and he may have to put in a transfer request if those clubs do come calling.


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  • Man United defender Matthijs de Ligt reveals he has a “really good relationship” with Ruben Amorim – Man United News And Transfer News

    Man United defender Matthijs de Ligt reveals he has a “really good relationship” with Ruben Amorim – Man United News And Transfer News

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    Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has revealed he has a “really good relationship” with Ruben Amorim and agrees with the Portuguese coach’s assessment that no European football next season will benefit the team.

    De Ligt, 25, joined the Red Devils last summer from Bayern Munich in a deal worth a potential £42 million. Moroccan fullback Noussair Mazraoui also swapped Bavaria for Manchester at the same time as Erik ten Hag targeted two of his former pupils at Ajax in a double raid.

    But while both defenders remain at United, their Dutch coach has since departed, dismissed by INEOS after a 2-0 defeat against West Ham in the Premier League in October last year.

    Amorim, Sporting CP’s manager, was headhunted by chief executive Omar Berrada to replace Ten Hag and arrived in November to take the helm at Old Trafford.

    But the 40-year-old coach has endured a torrid time at the Theatre of Dreams which quickly morphed into a Playhouse of Nightmares for Amorim as he oversaw the completion of United’s worst season in the Premier League era.

    United were 14th in the league table when Amorim took over Ten Hag but dropped one spot to a 15th-place finish. Early exits from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup were capped off by a dismal loss in the final of the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.

    The defeat confirmed there will be no European football at Old Trafford next season – a devastating blow to the club’s revenue at a time when the financial situation is fraught.

    However, there is a more optimistic counterview that less games means more time on the training pitch for Amorim to continue to mould his new squad, as former Red Devil Lee Sharpe told The Peoples Person in an exclusive interview.

    Amorim has expressed this idea of no European football being an “advantage” in a recent interview.

    And it’s mirrored by De Ligt, who believes it is something United can “exploit” next season while revealing he has a “really good relationship” with Amorim as the coach is “really open” with the 25-year-old defender.

    “Every player wants to play as many games as possible,” De Ligt says in an interview with The Athletic.

    “But I think, for the manager, there’s more time to train, more time also to have an intensive tactical session, because you can still train tactical if you play a lot of games but you cannot put the intensity in because you’re playing, every two days, a game.

    “So, I think in that way, as the manager said, it could be an advantage and hopefully we can exploit that.”

    In a glittering career playing for some of Europe’s behemoths, including Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern, De Ligt has only missed out on European football once before. “Well, I experienced it once. It was actually also after a Europa League final.”

    The final in question? When Jose Mourinho’s United side defeated Ajax 2-0 in the 2016/17 season to lift the trophy for the first time in the club’s history. But the year after this absence, Ajax reached the Champions League semi-final under, ironically, Ten Hag, playing a blistering style of football which blew away Juventus and Real Madrid en route.

    “The season after [the defeat to United], we reached the semi-final of the Champions League. So, let’s keep that. A good sign.

    “On a serious note, I’ve been used to playing in the Champions League for my whole career, more or less. This season was the Europa League but it was also really nice. We reached the final and unfortunately, we couldn’t win it.”

    “Next season will be different with less games,” De Ligt concludes. Fans will certainly be hoping so after a miserable campaign which brought the United faithful close to breaking point at times.

    Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images


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  • Chelsea news: Delap – Gila

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    And the reports suggest he may well have played his final game for Marco Baroni’s side, and admitted midway through the campaign that he’s ready to listen to other offers despite becoming a “special” figure in Rome.

    “I am very happy. Since last year, I started playing midway through the season, and everything is going very well. For a player, being a special figure is very important,” said Gila.

    “At this moment, I am happy to be here. After that, whatever happens, I am ready to listen to everything. I have ambitions, and if there are options, I will listen to them and evaluate them. But I am very happy here; the team values me.”

    IcFootballnews Says…

    Chelsea needs to improve that back-line this summer, that was a real issue for the club last season and is probably why they failed to challenge more for the Premier League title.

    Gila is a solid player that CHELSEA have scouted, nobody knows if he will be good enough for the Premier League, but he could be a solid signing that is for sure.

    RODRYGO GREEN LIGHT GIVEN

    It has been claimed in the media once again that Real Madrid will be open to letting long-term CHELSEA and Arsenal transfer target Rodrygo leave this summer, if they receive the right offer.

    Rodrygo has scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists in 50 appearances this season, but Tension has been building between the Brazilian and Real with the winger unhappy with his role in the team with his relationship with his teammates deteriorating significantly.

    The former Santos starlet, who joined Real for €45million in 2018, is ‘angry’ with his diminished role and it has been claimed that he would be open to leaving the Spaniards over the next few months, with reports suggesting that he believes he has played his last game for Real.

    Now, according to AS Madrid could be willing to part ways with the Brazilian forward if a substantial offer arrives. The ultimate decision, however, will rest with both Rodrygo and new head coach Xabi Alonso, who is reportedly scheduled to speak directly with the player soon.

    However, It was claimed Real will be demanding a fee of €100million (£85m) for the player, and he will also look for wages around the £300k-a-week mark.

    icfootballnews says…

    Rodrygo has been world class for a few seasons, he is playing at Real and scoring the goals that big time players should be scoring, but his time at the club is probably coming to the end as the Spaniards look to keep on improving the side.

    However – Arsenal and CHELSEA do not really need to splash the cash and add another winger to that attack, they already have a number of players that can do the job that Rodrygo does and we are sure that a move to the London clubs will not happen.

    If he does leave Madrid, it could be for a move to Saudi Arabia or PSG, that would suit his style of football.

    JOE COLE CONVINCED CHELSEA SIGNING LIAM DELAP

    Former CHELSEA star Joe Cole is convinced the club will win the race to sign Ipswich star Liam Delap this summer, a player that will now only cost £30 million to acquire this summer.

    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.

    Former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell waxed lyrical about Delap’s potential, even likening the Ipswich centre-forward’s game to that of a young Alan Shearer: ‘He fits the bill. He’s young and hungry, he’s someone that the coach here can develop,’ Sidwell responded.

    ‘He kind of reminds me of a young Alan Shearer when he was at Southampton then went to Blackburn.

    ‘He’s robust, he’s an out-and-out number nine, he knows where the goal is, he can score a goal.

    ‘I think that’s a good shout.’

    And Cole, a three-time Premier League winner with Chelsea, chimed in: ‘I’d actually be stunned if he isn’t at Chelsea.’

    icfootballnews says…

    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.

    The price that he could be arriving for, the talent that he has and the chances he will get as a Blues player, he could more than bang in 30 goals a season that is for sure.

    He is surely a player that CHELSEA fans would like to see arrive?

    MORE BIG CHELSEA NEWS AND GOSSIP

    Top Read:  Chelsea hold transfer talks, could complete signing of 16-goal star THIS WEEK!

    Most Read: Vice-President issues statement as Chelsea look to make 54-goal signing this summer!

    Top Pick: 36-goal signing will guarantee Chelsea the Premier League title Enzo Maresca told

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  • Matheus Cunha will bring “explosiveness” to Man United – analysis – Man United News And Transfer News

    Matheus Cunha will bring “explosiveness” to Man United – analysis – Man United News And Transfer News

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    Lies, damned lies, and statistics.

    Modern football exists as much on spreadsheets on laptops as it does in stadiums such is the incredible proliferation of statistical analysis in recent years.

    Clubs like Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion have achieved incredible success, on and off the pitch, by using data to gain significant advantages on clubs with more resources but less knowledge. We’re looking at you Manchester United.

    But this shift towards statistics can often lead to individual data points being used to form narratives which are much more nuanced than on first glance.

    And a recent chart, detailing how Matheus Cunha “spent more time walking” than any other outfield player in the Premier League, is a perfect example of this misrepresentation.

    Data Without Depth

    Tweet: “Matheus Cunha is heading to Manchester United but Opta stats reveal he spent more time walking than any other Premier League player this season.”

    Match of the Day revealed the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward spent 77.1% of his season “walking” – the highest in the league outside of goalkeepers, with four defenders making up the rest of the top five.

    This chart blew up on social media given Cunha is set to join United this summer in a deal worth £62.5 million after an agreement was reached with the Brazilian international.

    It was described as evidence the club were welcoming another lazy player with a lackadaisical attitude to Old Trafford for big money; an illustration the Red Devils were not heeding lessons from the past.

    But the chart omits the fact that Cunha was one of only two players in the ‘bottom ten’ of the Premier League to reach the 20 mark for goals and assists, along with West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen.

    The 26-year-old forward finished the season with 15 goals and six assists without scoring a single penalty. Only five players scored more non-penalty goals than Cunha – Mohammed Salah, Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland, Yoanne Wissa, and Chris Wood.

    The chart ignores Cunha produced these numbers while playing for one of the worst teams in the division, a side who flirted with relegation for much of the campaign before Vitor Pereira’s arrival at Christmas.

    But, being fair, neither Cunha’s attacking threat nor his place in a poor team (though this experience will prepare him well for a switch to Old Trafford) necessarily excuse a lazy attitude on the pitch. He can be an elite goal threat hindered by inferior teammates and still demonstrate a lethargy which could worry United fans.

    The issue is that this chart offers zero insight into what Cunha does for the remaining 22.9% of his time on the pitch.

    “If you want explosiveness…”

    STATSports, an industry leading data analysis group in football, reveals Cunha ranks highly in comparison to his Wolves’ teammates for ‘explosive’ statistics, dispelling the idea of laziness.

    Amongst the senior squad at Molineux, Cunha ranks third for “most sprint distance” and “most sprints”, while clocking in at second for “percentage of his time spent sprinting (per 90).”

    The idea that the Brazilian spends the second most amount of time sprinting for his side while simultaneously spending the most amount of time walking out of any outfield Premier League player shows the issue with analysis statistics in isolation.

    The former paints the picture of a relentless player who simply does not stop running; the latter suggests a story of laziness and arrogance, a player who considers himself ‘above’ running off the ball such is his talent on it.

    As with every black and white story, the truth will lie somewhere in the grey.

    Cunha is an explosive player in attack who can contribute much more in defence. This does not indicate an inherent issue with work-rate, rather the reality of a brilliant attacker playing for a team teetering on relegation. A player who believes he has outgrown his club will often struggle to find the motivation to run for every ball.

    A good example of this situation was Youri Tielemans at Leicester City who eventually moved to Aston Villa on a free transfer, despite excellent performances at the heart of the Foxes’ midfield. Yet there were concerns over the Belgian’s work-rate, most notably from Leicester fans themselves, and other clubs neglected to follow up their interest.

    But it has proven a revelatory signing for Villa with Tielemans arguably Unai Emery’s most important player in the last two season. The 28-year-old midfielder was spurred on by arriving at a bigger club with better players and higher expectations; rather, he felt he was at home.

    It should prove a similar experience for Cunha who is believed to see Old Trafford as a dream move with a firm motivation to help turn the clubs fortunes around.

    Ruben Amorim has repeatedly referenced the need for hard yards since arriving in Manchester n November. Working hard is a pre-requisite to play under the Portuguese coach, as Marcus Rashford can attest to from Birmingham.

    But Amorim has played a key role in identifying Cunha as a target and spoken with the forward over the role he will play for the Red Devils. If the former Sporting manager was in any worried by Cunha’s tendency to walk, United would have walked away from the deal long ago.

    STATSports concludes their analysis of the Wolves Player of the Season by stating, “If you want explosiveness, Cunha gives it to you.” Amorim will be hoping the Brazilian international has an explosive effect on United’s misfiring attack next season.

    Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images


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  • Chelsea news: Fernandes – Gyokeres

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    Here is a roundup of the top Chelsea news, gossip and transfer latest from icfootballnews that we think you may have missed featuring the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Enzo Fernandez and Victor Osimhen.

    Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has dismissed reports that Enzo Fernandez could join Real Madrid this summer, despite all the speculation and rumours surrounding the £106 million signing.

    Ever since the Blues broke some records to sign Fernandez just a few seasons ago, there has been constant speculation and rumours about whether or not the Blues would cash in as the Argentine has not lived upto all the hype surrounding his name.

    The midfielder has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu by reports in Spain and Argentina, and it was reported that Chelsea may actually be interested in getting a deal done over the next few months, but that does not seem to be the case.

    The Chelsea head coach has opened up and dismissed the reports that Fernandez could leave Stamford Bridge he said: “He’s a main player for us. He’s one of the captains, the leaders and he’s been very good.

    “He can be even better next season, starting from the first day.

    “Nothing to say about speculation. He’s focused on us and this is the most important thing.”

    When asked if Fernandez is staying, Maresca said: “Yes.”

    Iomie Stanley told icfootballnews: ‘Fernandez may not be the most exciting player to watch, he may not score many goals or create alot of chances, but he suits the style of Maresca and it is easy to see just why the Italian does not want to sell the midfielder.

    ‘There will probably be a few fans out there that would be hoping Madrid comes in, offers £100 million so that the club can bring in that creative midfielder to hep out Cole Palmer, the attacker has not been his brilliant self this season and he needs help.

    ‘The summer should see some Chelsea signings, probably a bunch of youngsters for the future, but if the Blues really want to challenge Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool next ‘seasons, they need to add some proven top level players and youngsters.

    ‘It will be interesting to see just who Maresca gets this summer for Chelsea that is for sure.’

    VICTOR OSIMHEN CLAIM MADE..

    The likes of Arsenal and CHELSEA have been told signing £64m star Victor Osimhen would ‘almost guarantee’ them the Premier League title, as rumours start that he could finally come to the Premier League.

    Despite Chelsea and Arsenal claiming Champions League football this season, there has been alot of speculation that both clubs need to delve into that transfer kitty and add a striker that has the ability to score 20, 30 or even 40 goals a season.

    The 26-year-old has been one of the most prolific goalscorers in Europe this season, netting 36 goals in 40 appearances to help Galatasaray win the Turkish league title. Before leaving Napoli, Osimhen scored 76 goals in 133 games for the Italian club, starring in their Serie A title win in 2022-23.

    Now amid the round of latest transfer speculation, Osimhen would ‘almost guarantee’ both clubs the Premier League trophy, according to Nigeria assistant manager Daniel Ogunmodede.

    ‘In my opinion, Victor Osimhen is currently the best number nine in the world,’ Nigeria coach Ogunmodede told SportsBoom.

    ‘There are many top strikers in Europe, but no one brings what Victor does to the pitch.

    ‘Any team that signs him is almost guaranteed to win the league title. He’s that influential.

    ‘I’m excited about Victor Osimhen’s achievements in Turkey. Considering what happened [in the transfer market] last summer, making that move was a bold decision, but he’s handled it brilliantly.

    ‘Osimhen deserves all the success he’s getting. He’s hardworking, disciplined, and fully committed.’

    icfootballnews View…

    Osimhen is world class, Osimhen is a man that can score goals, but he is also a player that goes where the money is and that is why he is not playing in the Premier League already.

    There will be alot of speculation and rumours, but at the end of the day, CHELSEA and Arsenal will not want to meet his massive £350k-a-week wages that he wanted last summer, so may a move to Saudi Arabia will probably be where he ends up.

    Chelsea are not so desperate for a striker, but Arsenal need someone like Osimhen that is for sure.

    GYOKERES STATEMENT MADE..

    Sporting CP vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha has opened up on Viktor Gyokeres’ future amid strong interest from the likes of CHELSEA, Arsenal and Manchester United, who are all interested in adding to their squad this summer.

    After a dream outing with Sporting CP in the 2024-25 campaign, where Gyokeres scored 54 goals across all competitions and won two domestic trophies, including the Liga Portugal title, the Swedish striker has attracted interest from several clubs, including the trio of Premier League giants.

    There has even been some reports in the media which have claimed that offers have been made for Gyokeres, although no clubs was properly mentioned, Sporting CP vice-president, however, denied receiving any formal offer as he revealed the club’s stance on their star striker’s future.

    The club chief told reporters: “He has three more years on his contract. At the moment, there are no offers, he has three more years on his contract. I think the answer has been given. [Sporting’s transfer plans] won’t be any different from last year.

    ‘We want to keep the best players and retain talent. We want to continue to be champions, have competitive teams and fight on all fronts.

    “I have been in this role for seven years. In the years when Sporting were champions, we even made fewer sales than in other years … the fact that we are champions gives us a greater ability to retain players and talent.

    ‘Coincidence or not, we have not had to sell any players in those times. Not that we have not received offers, but the market is not under our control, we are always dependent.”

    Reporter Iomie Stanley told icfootballnews: ‘Gyokeres is surely leaving Sporting Lisbon this summer, he is ready to make that big step and play in one of the big leagues.

    ‘He will have a few options, Arsenal would obviously be the choice many would like him to make as they are crying out for striker, CHELSEA have many options but Gyokeres would be an upgrade, while Man United need quality.

    ‘so it will be interesting to see just what the player does.

    MORE BIG CHELSEA NEWS AND GOSSIP

    Most Read: World class La Liga star releases statement as Chelsea eye up early summer deal

    Top Pick: In-demand £70 million striker tells Chelsea ‘he wants to play for club that suits me

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  • Liam Delap rejects Man United’s move in favour of Chelsea – David Ornstein – Man United News And Transfer News

    Liam Delap rejects Man United’s move in favour of Chelsea – David Ornstein – Man United News And Transfer News

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    Manchester United have been dealt a deadly blow in their pursuit of Liam Delap with the Ipswich Town striker prioritising a move to Chelsea, according to David Ornstein.

    Delap, 22, has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in the Premier League after an impressive season for the Tractor Boys, despite their relegation.

    The England U-21 striker has scored 12 goals and provided 2 assists for Keiran McKenna’s side – a strong return considering Ipswich only managed 36 in total this year.

    Delap’s contract at Portman Road contains a £30 million release clause which has put a host of clubs on red-alert this summer.

    United had landed on the 22-year-old striker as their “first-choice” option up front as Old Trafford officials searched for reinforcements to buttress Ruben Amorim’s front line. But the Red Devils were joined by Chelsea, Newcastle United, Everton, and Nottingham Forest in the race, with interest from Germany as well.

    United held “face-to-face talks” with Delap’s representatives last week and had retained optimism over a deal despite a lack of European football next year after the Europa League final defeat.

    The club had also reached an agreement with Ipswich Town over the structure of the payment needed to trigger the striker’s release clause.

    However, Ornstein now confirms the Reds have been “informed” by Delap he has rejected their interest in favour of a move to Chelsea, confirming a report relayed by The Peoples Person yesterday of the striker’s preference towards Stamford Bridge. 

    Tweet: “Liam Delap suitors being informed he is not joining them, amid preference to sign for Chelsea. Sources at likes of #MUFC #NUFC #EFC #NFFC now aware. 22yo on course for #CFC subject to personal terms + release clause requirements being met @TheAthleticFC.”

    The Athletic reporter contends “the 22-year-old will move to Chelsea” once an agreement is struck with Delap and his club over a move, with both expected to be formalities.

    It constitutes a major blow at Old Trafford with the club’s limited budget, as well as the lack of European football, likely to prove major hurdles in pursuits of more-established strikers like Viktor Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen.

    Delap offered a Premier League-proven option in a position of need at a young age and great price with obvious scope for improvement. But it’s this tantalising combination which had put him at the top of other club’s wish lists this summer, with Chelsea having done enough to secure the striker’s signature.

    Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images


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  • Ruben Amorim has made it clear what he expects from his Man United number one next season – Man United News And Transfer News

    Ruben Amorim has made it clear what he expects from his Man United number one next season – Man United News And Transfer News

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    Manchester United’s goalkeeping department is set to be a major talking point this summer.

    Among United’s many struggles in the 2024-25 season, poor goalkeeping stood out as a key weakness alongside their misfiring attack.

    Instead of showing improvement after a shaky first season, André Onana became increasingly erratic, with clear flaws in his decision-making, positioning, and command of the penalty area.

    His ball-playing skills and composure under pressure, the attributes that convinced Erik ten Hag to bring him in, ultimately proved irrelevant.

    Repeated errors have cost United crucial results.

    While Ruben Amorim occasionally turned to Altay Bayindir, his lack of match sharpness after months on the bench meant he too failed to convince.

    Amorim’s requirements for a new number one

    United are expected to move for a top-class shot-stopper this summer.

    Bayindir is set to be sold, and reports, combined with his absence from the squad on the final day of the season, suggest Onana’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain.

    According to Give Me Sport, Amorim has outlined his vision for a first-choice goalkeeper to the club’s recruitment team.

    The former Sporting CP manager is prepared to move away from the modern preference for ball-playing goalkeepers and revert to traditional goalkeeping fundamentals.

    Rather than seeking a contemporary goalkeeper, Amorim wants a dependable presence between the posts.

    He is looking for someone strong in core attributes such as shot stopping, handling, and error minimisation.

    This new custodian must bring calmness and stability to United’s backline, providing assurance and reducing the defensive uncertainty that has plagued the team in recent seasons.

    Onana’s future in doubt

    The profile Amorim is looking for in his number one is precisely what Onana has failed to deliver.

    The Give Me Sport report suggests that United are keen to sell Onana, but they highlight that offloading the £47 million signing from 2023 will not be straightforward.

    His transfer fee, wages, and reputation complicate the prospect of an easy exit.

    That said, INEOS are considering cashing in on him. If they cannot secure a sale, they are expected to bring in a capable replacement for Bayindir, who is set to depart.

    This new addition would provide serious competition for Onana, ensuring that United’s goalkeeping struggles are firmly left behind.

    Featured Image Carl Recine via Getty Images


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  • Rio Ferdinand claims Man United sold Romelu Lukaku too soon – Man United News And Transfer News

    Rio Ferdinand claims Man United sold Romelu Lukaku too soon – Man United News And Transfer News

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    Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed that his former club gave up on Romelu Lukaku too quickly.

    The Belgian forward signed for United in the summer of 2017 for a massive fee of £75 million. He spent two seasons at the club, scoring 42 goals in 96 appearances.

    Nonetheless, once Jose Mourinho was sacked, he fell down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and was sold to Inter Milan in 2019.

    He did get a move back to England with Chelsea 2021 but once again, failed to make a major impact before returning to Serie A.

    The forward had further successful spells with Inter and AS Roma before signing for SSC Napoli in the summer. He scored 14 goals this season as the Azzurri won the title on the last day of the season.

    Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand lamented United’s lack of patience with the Belgian star.

    He claimed, “I need to give a shoutout to a man called Romelu Lukaku. He’s another player who’s left Manchester United [and thrived]. He’s won Serie A again and scored on the night they won it.”

    Ferdinand pinpointed Lukaku’s problem in the Premier League by explaining that people wanted him to be something he wasn’t due to his physical stature.

    He elaborated, “I look at Lukaku and the problem, especially in England, has been everyone looks at what he can’t do or what he’s not so good at.”

    “Just because he’s big and quick people expect him to play in a certain way. His game is about running onto things and running at people.”

    The former defender claimed that United made a “mistake” by not playing “to his strengths” and that they “got rid of him too quickly probably.”

    Ferdinand argued that no player will show off their best work in the wrong system and claimed his record in Italy speaks for itself.

    There is no doubt that Lukaku was and is a natural goalscorer. Nonetheless, his time at Chelsea and United perhaps highlights that he is a player who is certainly better suited to Italy than the specific demands of the Premier League.

    Featured image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images


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  • Manchester United willing to sell Casemiro for just €10m this summer – Man United News And Transfer News

    Manchester United willing to sell Casemiro for just €10m this summer – Man United News And Transfer News

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    Manchester United are prepared to sell ageing midfielder Casemiro this summer, as per reports.

    After the Europa League final defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, Ruben Amorim underlined he is not going to change his philosophy, even if it means losing the United job.

    It seems despite United’s abysmal campaign, the club’s hierarchy are prepared to keep the ex-Sporting CP manager at the helm for another season.

    However, a major overhaul of the current squad is needed this summer to ensure the unwavering Amorim manages to effectively implement his ideas. 

    The absence of European football means INEOS will have to sell a number of players to bring in ideal profiles for their head coach. The situation is expected to lead to Casemiro’s departure.

    According to Fichajes, Casemiro is among the players United are open to selling ahead of the new season, as he is no longer considered an indispensable part of Amorim’s first team.

    The Spanish outlet claim United would be willing to let the 33-year-old leave for around €10 million owing to his age.

    To be fair to the veteran midfielder, he has been a sort of revelation for United in recent months.

    After struggling to break into Amorim’s starting lineup during the Portuguese’s early days at the club, the Brazilian stepped up to establish himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet during the business end of the season.

    The ex-Real Madrid man was also named in the Europa League Team of the Season alongside Bruno Fernandes.

    Still, considering his age and the fact that he is the highest-paid player at the club, it is understandable why United are reported to be keen on offloading him. 

    On the other hand, there’s a real desire to keep Fernandes, 30, at Old Trafford but Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal are pushing to secure his services, having reportedly tabled a massive offer for him.

    Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images


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  • Predicted Man United XI vs Aston Villa: Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven to start – Man United News And Transfer News

    Predicted Man United XI vs Aston Villa: Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven to start – Man United News And Transfer News

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    It is not true that there is nothing to play for as Manchester United take the field for the last Premier League match of their dismal 2024/25 campaign against Aston Villa today.

    The Red Devils could finish as low as 17th and as high as 14th depending on their and others’ results, which means a difference of around £10 million in prize money.

    It’s therefore likely head coach Ruben Amorim will put out a side he thinks can win the game, but he is likely to also lay a foundation for the type of side he wants to start building for the 2025/26 season.

    Andre Onana is one player who could be sidelined after a poor season, giving Altay Bayindir a chance in goal.

    Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are likely to start and represent beacons of hope for next season. Harry Maguire could be the third centre back if Matthijs de Ligt has not recovered from injury.

    With Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans set to leave and Lisandro Martinez injured, it’s possible that Amorim will look to Heaven, De Ligt and Yoro as youthful starting trio going forward, with Maguire, Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui and Martinez as backups.

    Diogo Dalot is a trusted lieutenant so he could play today at right wing back, with Patrick Dorgu on the left.

    Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte could be the central midfield pair. There have been reports of a big offer from Saudi Arabia for Fernandes so if he does not make the starting XI, rumours will spread like wildfire.

    Casemiro, Toby Collyer and Kobbie Mainoo are also options to start the game.

    Up front, it’s likely that Amorim finally pulls the plug on Rasmus Hojlund’s dreadful campaign and gives the even younger Chido Obi a start.

    With Alejandro Garnacho on his way out of the club, Josh Zirkzee and Amad will probably support Obi, although Mason Mount is another option.

    If results give way to sentimentality, Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Christian Eriksen might feature at some point as they say goodbye to the club.

    With all that in mind, here is our predicted starting XI for today’s 4pm kick-off at Old Trafford:

    Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images


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