Manchester City broke their transfer record last summer when they spent £100m to bring Jack Grealish to the Etihad Stadium from Aston Villa.
With 39 appearances across all competitions in his debut season at City, the England international scored six goals and delivered four assists.
Now that the season has drawn to a close and City got their hands on a fourth Premier League title in five years, the upcoming transfer window could give Pep Guardiola the chance to further strengthen his squad.
With the transfer window set to open in a matter of weeks, the Sky Blues could replicate last summer’s big-money move for Grealish by securing a deal for Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka.
Saka could be Grealish 2.0 for Man City
A recent report from The Sun named City as potential suitors for the Gunners star should he find himself looking for a move away from north London this summer.
A product of Arsenal’s youth system, like Grealish was for Villa, the 20-year-old has made 183 appearances for the club across their under-18, under-23 and senior teams. In that time, the winger has found the net 45 times and supplied 46 assists, showing just how capable he is of not only scoring goals but creating them as well.
This is a similar output to Grealish, who has 49 goals and 63 assists to his name throughout his club career at youth and senior level.
Labelled a “phenomenal” player by Paul Merson, Saka is currently valued at £100m by CIES, which suggests that it could take a similar sort of fee that City paid for the former Villan to bring the Arsenal gem to the Etihad this time around.
Having played in all 38 of Arsenal’s league games this season, the England international racked up more shots at goal (95) than any of his team-mates, also leading the way for shot-creating and goal-creating actions.
This shows just how much of an attacking threat he is and why he could be a good fit to potentially flourish in a team like City, who have ended their title-winning season with more goals scored (99) than any other side in the Premier League.
If the opportunity to sign Saka becomes available for the recently-crowned champions, City should definitely be in the mix to secure his signature and continue their trend of signing England’s top talents.
In other news – “Work in progress”: Romano relays big Man City transfer claim, it’s awful news for Pep
Liverpool have a track record when it comes to signing players from fellow Premier League clubs.
In recent years, the Reds have added faces such as Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk and James Milner among others to their ranks from numerous top-flight clubs.
One other player that the Merseyside club struck a deal for from another Premier League side is Diogo Jota.
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Back in the 2020 summer transfer window, the Reds bought the winger from Wolves for a reported fee of £41m.
Since then, the Portugal international has been a revelation for Jurgen Klopp’s side, scoring 34 goals in 82 appearances across all competitions.
Now that the next summer window is around the corner, it seems as though FSG could have the chance to replicate their Jota masterclass again with another Premier League talent.
Last week, it was reported that Liverpool are one of the clubs monitoring Eddie Nketiah’s situation at Arsenal, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season and a move away from the north London club looking likely.
This could then give the Reds the opportunity to once again make a swoop to sign another capable Premier League figure.
In 19 league appearances this season, the £9m-rated striker has found the net four times and provided one assist for Mikel Arteta’s side.
He’s also managed to score five goals in five Carabao Cup appearances in this campaign for the Gunners.
According to FBref, in a list of similar players to the Arsenal attacker, Liverpool’s Jota tops the list, which also includes the likes of Roberto Firmino, Kai Havertz, Lautaro Martinez and Christopher Nkunku among others. Fine company indeed for a player who is still relatively inexperienced.
Labelled as a “clinical” player by journalist Kweku Lawrence, Nketiah could give Klopp’s side an extra attacking dynamic to what is already a formidable team going forward.
Taking all of this into account, potentially signing the Arsenal striker on a free transfer this summer could be a great bit of business for FSG and the Reds if he can take his game to the next level and become a more consistent goalscoring threat.
With the chance of winning domestic and European trophies, this could make Anfield a very tempting next destination for the Englishman if he does end up leaving Arsenal in the coming months.
In other news: Liverpool eye bid for exciting wonderkid, he could become a “scary” £127m-rated talent
Newcastle United will reportedly now make a ‘bold’ bid to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Everton in the summer.
The Lowdown: On his way?
Transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that there is a ‘decent chance’ that Calvert-Lewin will end up leaving Goodison Park this summer, with Arsenal thought to be interested in his signature.
The Merseyside club have had a very underwhelming season, and still risk relegation from the Premier League, thus the striker may want to move on to a better team, especially with the Qatar World Cup coming later this year.
The Latest: Newcastle bid
Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, reliable journalist Luke Edwards has revealed that the Magpies will now launch a ‘bold’ bid for Calvert-Lewin this summer, given that they have secured their top-flight status for next season.
That is not the case for the Toffees, who may be forced to sell if they end up relegated down to the Championship – although that does look unlikely barring a monumental collapse from this point.
The Verdict: Keep
Frank Lampard’s team must make sure that they can keep Calvert-Lewin at all costs, especially if they end up staying up.
Dubbed a ‘top striker’ by former Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti, the Englishman was perhaps at his best under the Italian, managing to score 29 goals and make a further six assists in 60 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).
He has unfortunately been plagued by injuries this campaign, but there is no doubting his qualities when fit, and so he would be a very difficult player to replace.
In other news, find out what ‘certain’ EFC claim this injury expert has now dropped here!
That would be more than double what they paid for current club-record signing Joelinton, and would really signify the start of a new era under the Kingdom of Saudi Arabian (KSA) consortium, who may well be looking to make a big statement signing after officially securing Premier League safety this week.
The Latest: Osimhen contact
Writing in his latest piece for Calciomercato, transfer expert Daniele Longo has revealed that the Tyneside outfit have now made contact in the ‘last few hours’ over the signing of Osimhen, along with Manchester United.
They are one of only a select few clubs who can afford to sign the Napoli striker, as the report claims Premier League teams are the only ones with the cash to sign him this summer.
The Verdict: Sign
Yes, it is a lot of money to pay, but at 23 years of age, Osimhen has the potential to become one of the best players in the world, and so the Magpies should fork out the premium price now in order to reap the benefits over the next few years.
Dubbed ‘the most terrifying striker in Europe’ by journalist and African football expert Saddick Adams, the Nigeria international has no fewer than 17 goals and six assists in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt), and will be desperate to prove himself in the English top flight.
Nonetheless, with Erling Haaland destined for Manchester City this summer, the Toon could sign their own big name number nine to really send out a statement.
In other news, find out which ‘absolute beast’ NUFC are now eyeing here!
Pep Guardiola has delivered some early Manchester City team news involving John Stones ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash against Leeds United on Saturday.
The Lowdown: Injury concerns
The 27-year-old was named as part of the starting XI to face Real Madrid in the first leg of City’s Champions League semi-final tie earlier this week, but ended up having to be replaced with just 30 minutes on the clock following a flair-up of the hamstring injury he previously sustained against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Fielding the defender under the European lights was definitely a risk considering the extent of the problem, and unfortunately, it looks like it was one that didn’t pay off, with the Manchester outfit now having to try and secure another three points without the 55-time England international.
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The Latest: Ruled out
City Xtra shared the news following Guardiola’s pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, revealing: “John Stones is ruled out vs Leeds due to injury, confirms Pep Guardiola.”
Kyle Walker will also miss the game, as the manager hinted he may not return this season.
The Verdict: A hammer blow
Stones being unavailable for selection will come as a huge blow for the Spanish manager, who will need all of the backline experience accessible to him with Walker also missing, should City want to get their hands on the Premier League trophy at the end of the season.
Despite the £25.2m-rated star only making 23 starts in all competitions for the Citizens this season, he has still been an absolute rock at the heart of the defence when on the pitch, averaging a pass success rate of 93.5% and winning 2.6 of his aerial duels per 90 minutes, via WhoScored.
Dubbed as being one of the “best in the world” by former Inter Milan defender Ivan Cordoba, Stones will be massively missed in the game at Elland Road, but could come back into contention for the reverse Madrid fixture next Wednesday.
In other news… Manchester City are reportedly at the ‘top of the list’ in the hunt for a new midfielder.
Arne Slot sat and beamed at the reporters in front of him. The mood had shifted considerably from the pre-match press conference only one week before, when Liverpool prepared for the visit of Aston Villa, having lost four Premier League matches in a row.
Now, the Reds have established the foundation of a revival, having beaten off the Villans and then produced a resounding display to sink Real Madrid in the Champions League. The 1-0 win could have been heftier, save for the many saves of Thibaut Courtois between the sticks.
Liverpool looked like themselves, and we haven’t been able to say that all too often this term. Slicker in attack, far more robust and steely in midfield, whilst the defence kept the likes of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe at bay.
Some, such as Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, still feel improvements are needed in defence, and it might be that Liverpool require external reinforcements, having failed in their efforts to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace last summer.
A deal for the England international may yet materialise, but Liverpool have widened their scope.
Liverpool preparing to sign a centre-back
Liverpool have not been at the races defensively this season, shipping far too many goals across the opening months of the campaign. The past few fixtures have indeed rebalanced the equilibrium, but time will tell whether this is a false dawn or a sustained return to form.
Despite summer recruit Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending injury on his debut, the Reds have the resources at the back to achieve their goals this year. However, Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at the end of the term and is being considered by Real Madrid. Virgil van Dijk is here until the end of next season at the least, but the skipper is 34 years old and a replacement will need to be signed.
Guehi was earmarked as the man for the job, but that deal fell through on deadline day after Crystal Palace failed to land a replacement.
Liverpool remain keen, but Guehi, who is a free agent in June, is now being chased by a whole host of top European outfits, and so sporting director Richard Hughes has found an exciting alternative with a wealth of Premier League experience.
And that man is Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, who, according to Italian outlet L’Interista, is emerging as a candidate for the centre-back vacancy on Merseyside. Inter Milan are also keen on striking a deal.
Rumour has it that the 28-year-old is available for a relatively affordable €35m (about £31m) fee, too. FSG will maintain their pursuit of Guehi, sure, but Konsa could be a fantastic alternative, and perhaps even a better fit.
What Ezri Konsa would offer Liverpool
Guehi is a talented Premier League player. He is composed on the ball and adventurous in the right moments. He picks and chooses, and he gets it right.
But he is rivalled in this by Konsa, who has actually been described as “one of the best CBs in the world” by journalist Joe Mulberry. Villa’s Three Lions star is not quite so outgoing with his passing, but he is as sharp as a tack and always aware of his surroundings.
Indeed, Konsa is one of the strongest defenders in the duel out there. By placing him alongside Van Dijk or Konate or whoever, Slot’s side will only improve, sending a tactical throughline into the midfield and then to the attack.
25/26
9
60%
24/25
34
69%
23/24
35
76%
22/23
38
72%
21/22
29
64%
20/21
36
68%
19/20
25
57%
Guehi is a commanding challenger himself, but the 6 foot talent hasn’t always been the most convincing aerially. As per Sofascore, the 25-year-old only won 54% of his aerial duels in the Premier League last year, albeit having improved in this metric across ten fixtures so far this season.
But Konsa is more convincing in this regard, and partnered alongside a more expansive defender beside him, he might even prove the perfect addition to Slot’s backline. The Dutch coach is all about control, after all, and thus Konsa might hold the key to lasting success.
The Englishman is hardly one-dimensional, though. Konsa is so composed and intelligent on the ball, with Aston Villa writer Ryan McKeown hailing him as a “possession-retaining monster” for Unai Emery’s outfit.
In this, he could excel under Slot’s wing, providing a rhythm from defence and into the centre of the park, keeping things simple while ferrying the ball forward consistently.
Moreover, he is accomplished in a four-man backline, whereas Guehi has principally played in a back-three under Oliver Glasner’s wing at Selhurst Park. Guehi is adaptable, for sure, but might it be that Konsa’s playing style would allow him to sail more smoothly into Slot’s project on Merseyside?
Given that he has played a healthy share of football at right-back, Konsa also boasts versatility that could please Slot. Inverted full-backs are becoming more common in football, and the Villa man’s more pragmatic style suits the role he would be designated to perform. No defender in the Premier League boasts a higher pass completion rate this season than Konsa (94.8%).
Liverpool need to sign a central defender in 2026. This much is clear. However, as we have seen this season, an influx of players from overseas has hampered the fluency that was so effectively strung together last year. Konsa has only gone from strength to strength since joining Villa Park from
He has made 208 appearances in the Premier League, and he is at the top of his game. Guehi would be a credit to Liverpool’s squad, but Konsa might be the better fit, a shrewd signing whose skills would raise the level o those Liverpool players around him.
Slot has just found the new Gini Wijnaldum in "special" Liverpool star
Liverpool produced a show-stopping performance to send Real Madrid packing in the Champions League.
Chelsea are now looking to sign an “outstanding” experienced centre-back who’s won 11 trophies, having struggled defensively at times this season.
Blues fall to ninth after Sunderland setback
Enzo Maresca has been forced to contend with a number of injury problems already this season, with the manager particularly light on options in defence, given the absence of Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile, who are both set to be out for quite some time.
Colwill is a long-term absentee, having suffered an ACL injury in the summer, while Maresca has confirmed Badiashile won’t be back for another couple of months, saying: “Benoit will be out until December. He is injured again with a muscle problem. He was doing fantastic, showing how good he is, and we will wait for him.”
That said, the manager is still likely to be concerned by just how susceptible his team have been to conceding chances, with Nottingham Forest missing four big opportunities and hitting the woodwork last weekend.
The Blues got away with it against Forest, but Sunderland made them pay on Saturday, with the Black Cats emerging as 2-1 winners at Stamford Bridge, which means the hosts have fallen to ninth in the Premier League table.
As such, Maresca may need to bolster his backline if Chelsea are to transform into title contenders, and they are now looking to sign Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, who is facing an uncertain future at the Allianz Arena.
That is according to a report from CF Bayern, which states the west Londoners want to sign Upamecano in 2026, at which point his contract with the German club will have expired, having been unable to agree a new deal.
Chelsea now join race to sign "hugely impressive" £70m Champions League forward
A new forward has emerged as a target for the Blues.
ByDominic Lund Oct 26, 2025
With the Blues potentially looking to offload ‘bomb squad’ member Axel Disasi, a new centre-back could be brought in to replace him, and the Bayern defender has been identified as a target, although there could be competition from Real Madrid.
"Outstanding" Upamecano could be exactly what Maresca needs
Jamie Carragher has made it clear just how much he disagrees with BlueCo’s recruitment policy of signing young players, saying: “Chelsea should be title contenders and considered Champions League challengers this season. Instead, their hierarchy seems content to be praised for being the smartest recruiters in the business – the world’s richest development club.”
In fairness, while Chelsea did win the Club World Cup in the summer, the model is yet to translate to success in the Premier League, and more experienced players are arguably needed if they are to become title contenders.
As such, the “outstanding” France international, as lauded by Joshua Kimmich, could be exactly what they need, given that he is experienced at the top level, winning 11 major trophies throughout his career, and the 27-year-old’s passing ability indicates he could be an ideal fit in a Maresca system.
Statistic
Average per 90 (past year)
Passes attempted
89.32 (99th percentile)
Pass completion %
93.4% (96th percentile)
Progressive passes
6.39 (95th percentile)
The £168k-a-week star’s potential availability on a free transfer is an added bonus for Chelsea, who clearly need greater strength in depth at the back, given that 19-year-old Josh Acheampong has emerged as a regular starter.
For a club who have a reputation for moving slowly in the transfer window, the last few weeks have been quite unusual for Arsenal.
In fact, things seem to be changing daily, with the board appearing to do their best to support Mikel Arteta’s side ahead of what could be a make-or-break campaign next season.
For example, in addition to Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arizabalaga, the Gunners are set to announce the signing of Christian Norgaard and appear to be incredibly close to securing the services of the prolific Viktor Gyokeres.
However, not every potential deal has been met with universal excitement, with rumours surrounding Noni Madueke going down like a lead balloon in large sections of the fanbase.
Fortunately, Arsenal appear to be closing in on another, far more popular deal for someone who’d be a dream ten for Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal closing in on a better signing than Madueke
Reports linking Arsenal with Madueke started to pop up midway through last month, but it’s really been in the previous week or two that they’ve become impossible to ignore.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
In fact, it was earlier this week that the Chelsea ace reportedly agreed to personal terms, and then yesterday evening it was revealed that the Gunners had submitted an offer worth £50m for him.
There is no doubt that the Englishman is talented, but with the fee and the fact he’s another player from the Blues, it would be fair to say that the fans haven’t been on board, with journalist Sam Dean asking if there has ever been a response to another potential signing quite like this.
Fortunately, the club to seem to be advancing on a deal for another Premier League star, someone that will be a far more popular addition to the team: Eberechi Eze.
At least that is according to a recent report from journalist Sebastien Vidal, who has claimed that Arsenal are “stepping up their pursuit” of the Crystal Palace star.
Furthermore, he’s revealed that the Gunners have already submitted an offer worth around £45m “plus performance-related bonuses” for the England international, although it remains to be seen if the Eagles will accept it.
It’s likely to be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but Eze has proven he’d be worth it, especially as he’d be a dream ten for Saka.
Why Eze woud be Saka's dream ten
The first and most crucial reason Eze would be a dream ten for Saka at Arsenal is the simple fact that, over the last few seasons, he has developed into a lean, mean output machine.
For example, in 36 appearances across the 23/24 season, totalling 2285 minutes, he scored 11 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 2.11 games, or every 134.41 minutes.
Then, last season, he did even better, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling 3,303 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal or assist every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.
Appearances
36
43
Minutes
2285′
3303′
Goals
11
14
Assists
6
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.47
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
134.41′
132.12′
In contrast, Martin Odegaard was only able to score six goals and provide 12 assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3447 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.5 games, or every 191.5 minutes.
Just imagine how much more effective the Gunners’ talismanic number seven could be playing alongside the Palace “superstar,” as respected analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed him.
Moreover, with the game-winning goal in the FA Cup final last season, alongside strikes in the semi-finals and quarter-finals, the 27-year-old has proven himself to be a man for the big occasion, or, as one analyst put it, “a player born for magical European nights.”
Finally, away from purely football arguments and things that are measurable, it seems like there is a genuine friendship between the two players.
In fact, some reports from earlier this summer claimed that the Hale Ender was pushing for the former QPR star to make the move to the Emirates, and while it’s hard to quantify what this connection actually means for them on a football pitch, it can only be a good thing.
Moreover, with both of them regulars in the England squad, they’d have even more time to learn each other’s game and further solidify what could be a tremendously exciting partnership.
Ultimately, Arsenal should do everything they can to sign Eze this summer, as not only would he be an excellent addition to the squad through his own ability, but he could be just the player to help Saka reach another level as well.
Their new Alexis: Arsenal reach agreement in principle to sign £69m star
Arsenal could be closing in on signing their new Alexis Sanchez.
It’s a good time to be a Liverpool fan. Here’s why.
Liverpool have just won the Premier League, in case you missed it, in the first season since Jurgen Klopp called it a day. FSG were ruled in the court of public opinion to have an impossible task on their hands, and few felt threatened when Feyenoord boss Arne Slot was appointed the iconic German’s successor.
But Slot is now champion of England, and he’s certainly being rewarded for his triumph in the summer transfer market.
Last week, Liverpool announced the signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, having already raided the German side for Jeremie Frimpong.
Wirtz is one of the brightest number tens in world football, and his £100m fixed fee may rise to a British-record £116m.
Now, Milos Kerkez has alighted in Merseyside as he completes the finer details of his move to Anfield. The Bournemouth left-back will sign in a move worth £40m. He is touted as Andy Robertson’s successor.
The young Hungarian has leapt at the chance to sign for Slot’s Reds, but what is it about his take on the full-back game that has prompted FSG to barrel ahead and make him the most expensive wide defender in Liverpool’s history?
Why Liverpool have signed Milos Kerkez
Robertson is a legend, but there’s no question he’s been on the decline. The 31-year-old is being targeted by Atletico Madrid, and Kerkez, a decade his junior, is the perfect heir.
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
While Kerkez, 21, has only been in the English football for two years, he came into his own under Andoni Iraola’s wing last season, starting all 38 of Bournemouth’s top-flight fixtures, scoring twice and laying on five assists.
Athletic, energetic and unrelentingly intense, he’s the real deal, having also been coveted by Manchester City and Real Madrid. Liverpool were always a step ahead, and he’ll help take this wonderful team to the next level.
In a way, Slot has hit the jackpot with the squad he inherited, but we must not forget that Liverpool had gone four years without tasting the Premier League, and he fuelled the fire that hadn’t proved quite enough over the past several seasons.
He deserves a squad fashioned in his vision, and Kerkez fits the bill. However, Liverpool still need a centre-back, and sporting director Richard Hughes has just the player in mind.
Liverpool prepare bid for new defender
According to French journalist Sébastien Vidal, Liverpool are set to table their opening bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi “at the end of the week”, news which follows Fabrizio Romano’s confirmation that FSG are indeed keen after agreeing to sell Jarell Quansah to Leverkusen.
It emerged several days ago that the Merseysiders have a long-term interest in the England international, who is out of contract in one year.
They would be willing to pay £30m, but this is not expected to convince the Eagles to part ways.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, Guehi, who is 24, has just helped Palace to glory in the FA Cup and wants assurances over his playing time, with Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also considered suitors.
How Marc Guehi and Milos Kerkez could work in tandem
Guehi always had some degree of elite potential, having risen through the ranks at Chelsea’s Cobham academy before being sold to Palace for £18m in 2021 after two impressive loan spells with Swansea City in the Championship.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts
Now, he’s “England’s best centre-back” to some, and the online analyst who made that claim could certainly draw on data to substantiate his claim.
Indeed, Guehi won the FA Cup last year but has produced consistently quality performances over a series of years to attract Gareth Southgate’s attention, having featured prominently at Euro 2024, and now Thomas Tuchel’s too.
Solid as an ox and deceptively elegant on the ball, Guehi has the perfect style for ‘Slotball’, protecting Alisson Becker’s goal while subscribing to the ball-playing focus the coach expects.
It’s definitely a stylistic approach that could see him thrive with Kerkez, who has already proven himself invaluable alongside a ball-playing defender in Dean Huijsen, who Liverpool wanted before he signed for Real Madrid for £50m earlier this summer.
Guehi, as it goes, was recorded by data-focused site FBref to be one of the rising Spaniard’s most comparable players in the Premier League last season, ranked as he was among the top 11% of positional peers for goal involvements, the top 9% for through balls, and the top 21% for ball recoveries per 90.
It hasn’t just been a flash in the pan, though, with Guehi also standing out under Roy Hodgson’s wizened wing, injuries limiting his game in 2023/24 when Oliver Glasner first took the helm.
Matches (starts)
25 (23)
34 (34)
Goals
0
3
Assists
1
2
Touches*
61.6
64.9
Pass completion
87%
84%
Key passes*
0.3
0.5
Ball recoveries*
4.8
4.3
Dribbles*
0.3
0.4
Tackles + interceptions*
1.8
2.6
Clearances*
3.5
4.6
Duels (won)*
3.6 (60%)
4.9 (59%)
He’s a top player, praised for his “incredible” footballing ability by teammate Eberechi Eze, and with a clear emphasis on progressing play through dribbling upfield or picking out calculated forward passes, Kerkez could find the dream long-term partner on the left side of defence.
Of course, Virgil van Dijk holds down the fort rather well in that area, but the skipper turns 34 next month as he entered the penultimate year of his Liverpool career, and, as analyst Ben Mattinson so neatly puts it, he’s “one of those versatile CB’s who can play both sides equally as comfortably.”
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehicelebrates after the match
With such striking completeness and a blooming title-winning taste, Guehi would be a worthy addition to the Liverpool cause and the perfect left-sided partner for Kerkez to go from strength to strength under Slot’s watchful guidance.
The next Torres: Liverpool preparing huge bid to sign "frightening" striker
Liverpool aren’t messing around in the transfer market this summer.
Glasgow Rangers are set to confirm their first signing of the Russell Martin era as they close in on a deal to sign right-back Max Aarons from Bournemouth.
Fabrizio Romano reports that all of the documents have been signed to complete a season-long loan move for the former England U21 international, who is set to bolster the club’s defensive options.
Aarons is no stranger to the new Rangers boss because he came through the Norwich academy when the former Scotland international was the club captain at Carrow Road.
Speaking on the Talk Norwich City podcast in May, the 25-year-old defender explained why he thought Martin would become a manager in the future when they trained together.
Norwich defender Max Aarons.
Aarons said: “When he came and trained with us he had an aura. I always knew he would go on to be a manager. I think players who played with him always knew that as well.
“I knew we had to be on it when he was training with us and giving 110 per cent because if not Russ would tell you and I loved that.”
What Max Aarons could bring to Rangers
It is fair to say that Rangers are not signing Aarons at the apex of his career, as he has had a difficult time of things since leaving Norwich to sign for Bournemouth in 2023.
After missing just two games through injury in his entire time in Norfolk, the full-back suffered two injuries that kept him out for 15 matches combined in his first year at the Vitality, which heavily disrupted his progress with the Cherries.
The right-footed whiz only played 23 games in the Premier League in his first 18 months with Bournemouth, before being loaned out to Valencia, where he played five times, in the second half of the 2024/25 season.
However, if Rangers can get Aarons back to his best, then they could have a reliable defender who can also provide quality in possession, based on his impressive displays for Norwich when they won the Championship title in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 campaigns.
Starts
41
45
Goals
2
2
Big chances created
6
5
Assists
6
2
Clean sheets
11
17
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.7
1.6
Duel success rate
58%
53%
As you can see in the table above, the former Canaries star, who was named in the PFA Team of the Year on both occasions, offered a threat at the top end of the pitch whilst also helping his team to keep plenty of clean sheets.
Those performances for Norwich came in a ball-dominant team that won the league title both times, which shows that he can thrive as a full-back in a side that competes at the very top of the league, as Rangers will do next term.
As shown in the clip above, Aarons excels at linking up with teammates to maraud down the flank in transition, helping his team to get up the pitch quickly and effectively to create chances in the final third.
The English whiz struck up an exceptional partnership with Emiliano Buendia on the right flank, as they played at right-back and right-wing week-in-week-out in both of those title-winning seasons for Norwich.
Former Norwich midfielder Emi Buendia.
Buendia was a natural number ten who was utilised as a right-winger by Daniel Farke, with the license to drift infield into central areas to create space for Aarons to bomb on and make runs into the final third.
That partnership clearly helped the full-back to flourish, given his form for Norwich in those seasons, and that is why Martin can make the defender explode again by signing Tyrhys Dolan, who is a reported Rangers target this summer.
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Dolan could also be a bargain signing for the Scottish Premiership giants because his contract at Ewood Park is due to expire at the end of this month, which means that he is set to be available on a free transfer.
It is his quality and versatility on the pitch that Rangers should be most interested in, though, as the wing wizard, who created seven ‘big chances’ for his teammates in the 2024/25 campaign, has the potential to be a Buendia-esque figure ahead of Aarons on the right flank.
Dolan, who was once lauded as “outstanding” by former boss John Eustace, is a versatile attacker who can comfortably play out wide on the right or in a central position.
Right wing
48
5
6
Centre-forward
38
5
3
Attacking midfield
26
6
4
Right midfield
25
4
3
Left winger
17
4
1
Left midfield
12
2
3
Second striker
4
1
1
As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old whiz has predominantly played as a right winger, but has plenty of experience as a striker and as a number ten.
This suggests that he would be perfectly suited to playing a similar role to the one that Buendia played ahead of Aarons at Norwich, as he can start out wide on the right and drift inside to create space for the full-back on the overlap.
Interestingly, Adam Armstrong played a similar tactical role for Martin in the 2023/24 campaign in the Championship, as he started on the right wing before coming infield to play as a striker.
This particular position for Dolan, who scored seven goals and provided six assists this season, would be slightly different, coming into a number ten area instead of playing as a number nine, to make sure that Aarons can thrive as an overlapping full-back.
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Therefore, Dolan could be the perfect signing for the Light Blues to help Aarons explode next season, because of the goals and assists he can provide as well as the positional flexibility to play a unique tactical role.