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Russell Martin has made it his mission to reconnect Southampton's fanbase by making the Saints exciting to watch again after taking over from Ruben Seles as manager.

If the former Swansea City head coach is to achieve that, he could do with a helping hand from his own bosses when it comes to bringing in new recruits.

Southampton will have to offload some players to help balance the books following their relegation from the Premier League, with skipper James Ward-Prowse the most obvious example.

The future of striker Nathan Tella also remains in the balance following last season's impressive spell on loan in the Championship with Burnley, who are one of a number of sides reportedly interested in signing the striker.

But if Southampton are indeed going to cash in on Tella, they need to have a replacement – even if it is a cheaper alternative – lined up and ready to hit the ground running.

According to the Daily Mail, Martin is eager to bring Joel Piroe with him to St Mary's, but recent acrimony between Southampton and Swansea over a compensation fee for the manager could hinder negotiations.

The report suggests Piroe could be available for £12m which, while not exactly a small amount of money for a Championship team trying to readjust to a smaller budget, would mean effectively swapping the Dutchman with Tella and still having £3m or so left over.

Is Joel Piroe a better player than Nathan Tella?

First and foremost, Southampton would be signing a player that is not only Championship proven but also well known to Martin, having worked together over the past two years at Swansea.

Martin, therefore, knows exactly what Piroe is capable of in the final third. "He is so clinical with both feet, and he is a great technician," the then-Swansea boss said after a victory against Millwall last year.

"But the most important thing he has is the right mentality when he gets around the goal. He shows composure, he is calm, and he just focuses on his technique, something that all top strikers possess."

Piroe had very similar numbers to Tella last season – with the latter playing in a better side – as they scored 19 and 17 goals respectively, though the Burnley loanee did assist five goals to the former Netherlands U20 international's two.

They were also alike in terms of percentage of shots on target (44.4 for Tella and 41.4 for Piroe) and touches per 90 minutes (39.5 v 35), as per FBref, but Piroe came out on top for pass-completion rate (81.5% v 72.6%) and also the number of aerial duels won per 90 (0.55 v 0.43).

Ultimately, there is very little between the two players, with just one month separating them in terms of age. Piroe does have more longevity, though, having scored 22 goals and 19 goals in the past two Championship seasons, while also boasting experience of playing in Eredivisie with PSV.

Sanctioning the sale of Tella is a big call to make, but if Piroe is indeed available for a cheaper price, Southampton would not only be bringing in a proven striker but also helping to further ease their financial issues.

Marcus Rashford's early career is a remarkable tale of a young football prodigy rising through the ranks of Manchester United and making an indelible mark on English football. Born on October 31, 1997, in Wythenshawe, England, Rashford joined Man United's youth academy at the tender age of seven. His exceptional talent quickly became evident as he progressed through the ranks.

Rashford made his senior debut for the Red Devils in February 2016, just days before his 18th birthday, when he was called up due to an injury crisis at the club. In that debut, he scored twice against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League, instantly announcing himself on the big stage.

The young striker's impressive performances continued, and he quickly became a key player for Manchester United. In his debut Premier League season (2015/2016), Rashford scored eight goals in 18 appearances in all competitions. He continued to flourish, setting numerous records along the way, including becoming the youngest player to score in his first Premier League Manchester Derby.

Rashford's early career also saw him break into the England national team, making his senior debut in May 2016. He has since become an integral part of the national squad, playing a crucial role in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and Euro 2020.

With his explosive pace, technical prowess and ability to score crucial goals, Rashford's journey from a young academy prospect to a household name in English football is a testament to his immense talent and dedication to the sport.

Marcus Rashford at Manchester United

Rashford's career at Man United has been nothing short of a fairy tale, characterized by his meteoric rise from the club's youth academy to becoming one of the brightest stars in English football. Since his debut in 2016, Rashford has etched his name into the annals of the club's history with his skill, speed and knack for scoring crucial goals.

His journey at Manchester United began when he joined the club's youth academy at the age of seven. His exceptional talent soon caught the eye of the coaching staff, and he progressed rapidly through the ranks. His big moment arrived in February 2016 when an injury crisis forced then-manager Louis van Gaal to promote Rashford to the senior squad.

Rashford's debut was nothing short of sensational. He scored a brace against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League, and in his Premier League debut a few days later, he repeated the feat with two more goals against Arsenal. The striker's blistering start endeared him to the fans, and he went on to score crucial goals in the league, helping Manchester United secure a top-four finish.

Rashford's early success was no fluke. In his first full season (2016/2017), he scored 11 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions. His versatility allowed him to play across the front line, and his pace and dribbling skills made him a constant threat to opposition defenders.

As a result of his early success Rashford's career at Man United is studded with records and milestones, including being the youngest player to score for the club in a European competition and the youngest player to score for Man United in a Manchester Derby.

At the age of just 23, in his fourth full season for Man United, Rashford scored his 100th goal for the club.

Beyond his on-field exploits, Marcus Rashford has become a symbol of social responsibility. His advocacy for child poverty and food insecurity issues in the UK has made him a beloved figure both within and outside the football world. Rashford's successful campaign to extend free school meals for disadvantaged children during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him widespread praise and recognition.

Despite his remarkable career, Rashford has faced his share of setbacks, including injuries that sidelined him at various points. However, he has always shown resilience and determination, returning stronger each time to continue making an impact for the Red Devils.

By the end of the 2022/2023 season, Rashford record for Man United stood at 124 goals in 363 first-team appearances. It is the 2022/2023 season that is so far the most successful of Rashford's career, having scored 30 goals in 56 appearances in all competitions.

Rashford's Honours at Manchester United

FA Cup (1)

2015/2016

EFL Cup (2)

2016/2017, 2022/2023

FA Community Shield (1)

2016

UEFA Europa League (1)

2016/2017

Marcus Rashford with England

Marcus Rashford's career with England has been marked by his electrifying pace, clinical finishing and his ability to deliver on the biggest international stages. Since making his senior debut in 2016, Rashford has become an integral part of the Three Lions' setup, contributing significantly to England's campaigns in various tournaments.

His senior international debut for England arrived on May 27, 2016, in a friendly match against Australia. His impressive club performances had earned him a call-up to the national team, making him the youngest English player to debut at the age of 18 years and 209 days.

Rashford has represented England in major international tournaments, including the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2020. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he played a key role in England's run to the semi-finals, scoring a vital goal against Tunisia in the group stage. His pace and dynamism added a new dimension to England's attack.

During Euro 2020, Rashford continued to be a valuable asset. Although England narrowly missed out on winning the tournament, Rashford played a crucial role, helping the team reach the final, where they were runners-up to Italy.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Rashford scored three goals but also set a handful of records in the process. His goal after just 49 seconds of coming on as a substitute against Iran became the fastest-ever goal by a substitute in World Cup history, while he was also the scorer of England's 100th goal in all World Cups. Additionally, he became only the second-ever Man United player to score three or more goals at a single World Cup, after Bobby Charlton.

To date, Rashford's England record stands at 16 goals in 53 appearances.

Marcus Rashford's Personal Accolades & Records

Marcus Rashford's remarkable career has been adorned with numerous personal records and prestigious awards.

Key milestones include his debut in February 2016, where he scored twice against FC Midtjylland, becoming the youngest Englishman to score in his first European competition appearance. His first Premier League goals against Arsenal a few days later further cemented his rising star status.

Rashford's consistency led to the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award for Manchester United in 2016. He continued to shine, setting records like being the youngest player to score in a Manchester Derby.

Internationally, Rashford has been an England regular, representing the Three Lions in major tournaments like the 2018 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2020.

Beyond the field, Rashford's advocacy for child poverty issues earned him the Pride of Britain Award and an MBE. These accolades not only showcase his footballing prowess but also his impact on society, making him a true role model and inspirational figure.

Rashford's Personal Honours

Manchester United Young Player of the Year (1)

2015/2016

PFA Premier League Fans' Player of the Year (1)

2022/2023

PFA Community Champion Award (1)

2019/2020

Premier League Academy Graduate of the Year (1)

2019/2020

UEFA Europa League Team of the Season (2)

2019/2020, 2022/2023

UEFA Europa League Top Scorer (1)

2022/2023

Manchester United Goal of the Season (1)

2019/2020

Manchester United Players' Player of the Year (1)

2022/2023

Manchester United Player of the Year (1)

2022/2023

Leeds United loanee Charlie Cresswell has undergone surgery on a fractured eye socket and will miss the rest of the season as a result.

What’s the latest injury news on Cresswell?

Cresswell has been out on loan with Championship side Millwall where he has made 30 appearances in all competitions. The 20-year-old has even weighed in with five goals in the second tier, with Gary Rowett’s side currently in the playoff places.

However, the Leeds defender has missed the last three games after suffering a "significant" injury against West Brom at the beginning of the month. There has now been an update on the player’s condition, one that isn’t good for either Cresswell or Millwall.

Reporter Rich Cawley relayed an update regarding Cresswell in the last 48 hours, stating on Twitter that the Leeds gem has undergone eye surgery and will miss the rest of the season.

He added that Cresswell has a five-to-six-week recovery period, but even if Millwall reach the playoff final, would more than likely miss out due to not being match fit.

What next for Cresswell at Leeds?

Cresswell has enjoyed a positive loan spell at The Den and has been the club’s second-best performer this season, leading the way for clearances and blocks made, as per WhoScored.

His average match rating is actually better than any Leeds player, and the Whites’ survival hopes could well have a say in Cresswell’s future. The youngster was heavily linked with a permanent exit from Elland Road back in January, however, he is still under contract in Yorkshire until 2025.

Leeds have been leaking goals in the Premier League in recent weeks, shipping for against Arsenal, five vs Crystal Palace and six last time out against Liverpool, so if they are relegated, Cresswell may find himself with a chance to break into the club’s first-team plans. He could even look at forcing his way into the first-team setup even if Leeds stay up following his successful loan spell, but that may depend on who is in charge heading into the 2023/24 season.

The England U21 international has done his chances no harm this season, though, being hailed as “excellent” by Rowett and his Transfermarkt valuation increasing to a career-high figure. It is unfortunate that his season is now over, but it’ll be interesting to see where he is plying his trade in the 2023/24 campaign.

Manchester United have some talented youngsters thriving in their academy who could be ready to challenge for a first team spot sooner rather than later.

The likes of Manni Norkett, Marc Jurado, Joe Hugill and Alvaro Fernandez have either shone out on loan this term or impressed in the youth age groups and Erik ten Hag will be delighted that he has a range of talent to cherry-pick over the next few years.

One youngster who has been superb during a temporary move is Amad Diallo.

The winger has been impressive for Sunderland this term, helping them reach the playoffs, and he has scored 13 times for the club, showing much of the promise which convinced United to splash out £19m for him in 2021.

Does he have a long-term future at Old Trafford, however?

Ten Hag may have plans for him next year, although there is another starlet coming through at Carrington which could disrupt Diallo’s development in Mateo Mejia.

Who is Mateo Mejia?

The former Real Zaragoza winger joined United from the Spanish second-tier side in 2019 at the tender age of 16, and he has since progressed through the age groups with swift progress.

Although not as big a goal threat compared to Diallo, his positional dexterity – having played across the front three this season – will allow Ten Hag to have multiple uses for the 20-year-old should he graduate to the first team over the next 12 months.

Four assists from 15 appearances in the Premier League 2 prove he is always creating opportunities for his teammates and this selfless nature will stand him in good stead during his career.

Broadcaster Bolarinwa Olajide even described the 20-year-old as a “wonderkid” before he arrived in Manchester, and he is certainly living up to this praise, with even greater things to come, surely.

Mejia is among a group of youngsters who are ready to make that jump to the next level and gain some first team experience.

Ten Hag signed Antony in order to operate on the right wing, and he isn’t likely to be going anywhere anytime soon, however, if the Red Devils find themselves in a fixture predicament in playing twice a week for the majority of the campaign as they have done this term, then the Dutchman will require a far bigger squad.

Instead of splashing out millions on another winger who will fight with the Brazilian over a first team berth, it makes more sense to ease the Colombian in gently and seeing what he is made off, and he could surprise a lot of people with his ability.

Chelsea were an extremely busy force in the transfer market last summer, bringing in multiple new additions in what seemed to be a new dawn for everyone involved at Stamford Bridge under new ownership.

One of their most high-profile signings was Marc Cucurella, who arrived to much excitement from Blues' supporters for a fee in excess of £60 million, as per Sky Sports.

Nevertheless, he, like many of Chelsea's players have flattered to deceive this campaign, leaving the west London-based outfit sitting 11th in the Premier League table with just three fixtures left to play alongside being dumped out of all cup competitions.

Undoubtedly, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has a lot to answer for this season and the American businessman may live to regret making such an expensive signing with little to show for it in return.

What's the latest news involving Marc Cucurella?

Cucurella has come under fire for his performances at Chelsea this season and was criticised by talkSPORT pundit Jamie O'Hara after the Blues' Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie against Real Madrid, as the pundit said: “Cucurella is a disgrace, absolutely killed Chelsea.”

Daily Mail journalist Kieran Gill also delivered a crushing verdict of the Spaniard in early February and questioned his willingness to try and be progressive on the ball, writing: "Cucurella looks like a footballer devoid of confidence, as if he’s too scared to take the risky option.

One compilation of his ‘highlights’ against West Ham showed a series of moments when, instead of passing to Mykhailo Mudryk on the left wing, he chose safety."

In his time at Stamford Bridge, Cucurella has been an underwhelming presence on the left-hand side of defence, making 33 appearances in all competitions and registering two assists, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored notes that Cucurella has earned an average match rating of 6.55/10 for his exploits on the pitch this term, ranking him 13th out of Chelsea's 32-man squad in terms of the consistency of his displays, demonstrating room for improvement.

Gill's assessment of Cucurella not being brave enough on the ball also stands up to scrutiny, as FBRef details that the 24-year-old ranks in the bottom 10% of full-backs across Europe's top five divisions for successful take-ons completed over the last 365 days, as he has managed just 0.29 per 90 minutes.

Former Chelsea ace Frank Leboeuf even slammed the transfer as he called it a "crazy" decision.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Paul Brown thinks that Boehly and company may have paid over the odds to sign Cucurella.

Brown told FFC: "I think the only regret that Chelsea should have over Cucurella is the price they paid. I think there's clearly a good player there who still has time to make an impact for the club, but it's clear they just paid a figure that was way above his market value to get him. I mean, I think everyone went a bit wide-eyed at the time when those figures came out."

Of course, Cucurella still has time to turn things round at the Blues and can be an exceptionally effective player when on form. As per The Evening Standard, UEFA’s Technical Observer Panel praised him in the aftermath of Chelsea's 2-0 triumph in the Champions League last-16, stating: “Cucurella was fantastic, claiming numerous turnovers in the first half and reading the game intelligently as well as showing aerial strength and an accuracy of distribution which underpinned the victory for Chelsea.”

Nevertheless, a return to consistency needs to be a priority for the former Seagulls ace heading into next campaign as Chelsea look to wash away their memory of a dismal 2022/23.

A new report claims that Everton's decision to terminate the contract of Jean-Philippe Gbamin could now set them back millions.

What's happening at Everton at the moment?

The Blues picked up their first Premier League point of the season on Saturday lunchtime, drawing 2-2 away to Sheffield United in an entertaining contest. While far from a perfect result, especially having taken the lead at Bramall Lane in the first half, there were still positives to take from the game, suggesting that further improvements will be made after the international break.

It has been a fairly good summer in the transfer market in terms of finally adding some attacking prowess, signing Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal and bringing in Beto permanently from Udinese, but there have also been concerns about allowing players to leave without proper replacements lined up.

Some current players also don't feel like they will cut the mustard under Sean Dyche, such as Demarai Gray, who has recently hinted at his displeasure at not playing enough currently, and another individual's time at Goodison Park has come to an end, following a new update.

What's the news on Jean-Philippe Gbamin?

According to Football Insider, Everton's decision to pay Gbamin off is going to be a huge hit to Farhad Moshiri's pocket:

"Everton have paid a high seven-figure sum to terminate the contract of Jean-Phillipe Gbamin, sources have told Football Insider. It was announced on deadline day last Friday by the Merseysiders that the club had agreed with the midfielder to terminate his contract with immediate effect.

"Gbamin, 27, had entered the final year of his contract at Everton, which ran until June 2024. The club had tried to sell him in the summer window but were unable to do so despite a cut-price asking fee of £5million.

"Everton eventually decided to cut their losses by paying off a big chunk of Gbamin’s contract, which was worth more than £100,000-a-week. It is believed that the final cost was, as one source said, a 'high seven-figure sum'."

Gbamin really has become something of a forgotten man for Everton, having joined from Mainz back in 2019, making just eight appearances in that time. He has been loaned out to both CSKA Moscow and Trabzonspor, showing that other Blues manager haven't rated him, and it makes complete sense to get rid of him.

It is pointless keeping unwanted players at Goodison, especially as it can potentially hamper the team spirit within the squad, so it is good to see the club acting fast and disposing of the 27-year-old. Of course, it is a financial hit, which isn't ideal for Moshiri, but sometimes it feels necessary.

Former Everton manager Rafa Benitez did once hail Gbamin for "training well" during their time together at the club, but that is about the highest praise he has received, which speaks volumes about his lack of impact in a Blues shirt.

The 17-time capped Ivory Coast international will certainly go down as a hugely disappointing signing by Everton, considering there were relatively high expectations of him when he arrived and he cost £25m, and it is important that similar errors are avoided when it comes to incomings moving forward.

Fulham and Nottingham Forest are "leading the chase" for exciting young Man City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Who will Fulham sign?

The west Londoners are yet to confirm an official signing this summer despite reports in the media linking them with a host of fresh faces over the last few weeks.

Marco Silva's side are fresh off the back of a positive first full campaign back in the top flight, coming after they secured promotion from the Championship last year.

Fulham contended for a European place and even finished above cross-town rivals Chelsea in the table, so Silva will be looking to build upon the many positives of that campaign.

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, USA international Sergino Dest, Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah, Roma defender Roger Ibanez and Man United's Fred have all been linked with moves to Craven Cottage recently.

Meanwhile, star Fulham players like Joao Palhinha won't be prised away by elite English sides so easily, with Silva and co set to demand around £90 million for him according to some reports in the media.

As clubs eye a move for defender Tosin Adarabioyo as well, it is believed Fulham are chasing the signing of a new central defender, leading to their links with the likes of Ibanez.

Another centre-half attracting Fulham's attention is Harwood-Bellis, with the 21-year-old playing a key role as England's Under-21s won their first European Championship in nearly 40 years recently.

The City starlet was a "star" of Burnley's promotion campaign during his loan spell last season, as explained by journalist Bailey in a column for 90min.

Expanding on his links to Fulham, Bailey claims they're "leading the chase" for Harwood-Bellis alongside league rivals Forest, with both sides emerging as front runners for his signature.

He has just one year left on his contract, which is due to expire in 2024, putting a host of clubs on red alert – including other potential suitors like Newcastle, West Ham and Burnley.

How good is Taylor Harwood-Bellis?

The exciting young defender lead England's U-21s to their first European title in decades.

Harwood-Bellis' stock is only rising, especially after his leading role for Burnley last campaign, with Man City legend and Clarets boss Vincent Kompany holding him in high esteem.

The Belgian heaped praise on Harwood-Bellis' "incredible" drive and insisted that he is only going to get better an better as the years go on.

"I've known Taylor [Harwood-Bellis] for a long time," said Kompany.

"So what everyone can see on the ball or what everyone can see when he goes into his challenges, I think his biggest quality, that is perhaps more difficult to see on the eye, is his leadership and his incredible drive and high standards.

"These kinds of players you can almost be certain are going to improve. Usually when a talent goes wrong it's because there's something mentally not right. With him he's got that more than anyone else. Wherever he is now, in two or three years time he will be a lot better."

City are apparently set to demand around £15 million for his services, a price tag which may well be worth considering given the youngster's obvious quality.

After finishing the 2024/25 campaign on a high, Newcastle United approached the summer transfer window with excitement. But as is becoming habitual on Tyneside, there have been challenges and setbacks.

However, one of Eddie Howe’s superpowers is his ability to weather adversity and rally his club, and so in spite of missing out on Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro and Mohammed Kudus and maybe Matheus Cunha too, the Magpies are beginning to take shape.

A deal with Nottingham Forest has been agreed for Anthony Elanga, worth £52m. A bid for Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford is also ongoing, and that one looks like it will end positively.

Alexander Isak, moreover, is set to remain at St. James’ Park. Even so, Howe wants a new centre-forward, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike confirmed to be on the radar.

However, it’s going to be a difficult deal to pull off, and an alternative option has been earmarked.

Newcastle chasing a new striker

Any interest in a centre-forward on Tyneside is laced with a measure of trepidation. Newcastle fans would love to see a new number nine welcomed to the fold, but not at the expense of Isak’s place in the team.

Luckily, PIF have no plans to sell their £200m-valued talisman. With Callum Wilson having departed St. James’ Park at the end of his contract, securing a new nine is a necessity, not a luxury.

Ekitike might be at the top of the shopping list right now, but he’s simply too expensive at £85m, a valuation Eintracht Frankfurt aren’t willing to budge on.

That’s why Newcastle are setting their sights on Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. According to Caught Offside, the Magpies have joined the growing list of clubs – also containing Arsenal and Manchester United – who are interested in the England star.

Naturally, Villa don’t want to sell, but they have priced the 29-year-old at £50m, and if Newcastle were to table such an offer, they might just find themselves in an interesting position.

Why Newcastle want Ollie Watkins

Consistently one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards over the past few years, Watkins would bring experience and dynamism to a Newcastle side in need of just his profile.

Principally a central striker, Watkins’ high-energy running and ability to play through the lines have seen him deployed on the left flank in Unai Emery’s Villan system. This is perfect for Howe, who likes to shuffle his offensive pack.

The 22-year-old Ekitike scored 22 goals and assisted 12 more across all competitions last season, but he’s still an uncut gem, only really having displayed the full extent of his quality across one campaign at the highest level.

Watkins, conversely, is proven across five years in ostensibly the toughest league in the world.

24/25

38 (31)

16

8

23/24

37 (37)

19

13

22/23

37 (36)

15

6

21/22

35 (33)

11

2

20/21

37 (37)

14

5

The Three Lions star has even been described by podcaster Rohan Jivan as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe”, with his completeness and experience at the highest level exactly what Newcastle need to one-up their previous campaign.

It’s not going to be easy, for sure, but the Toon are now shaping into one of the recognised big hitters in the Premier League, fixed at the top end of the table.

Ekitike is undoubtedly one of the biggest talents in the business, but given his extortionate pricing and indeed the chances that he might not immediately acclimatise to the English game, bagging Watkins to provide instantaneous results might be the best course of action for Howe’s ambitious plans.

Dream Scalvini alternative: Newcastle make approach for "dominant" £25m CB

Newcastle are looking to strengthen at the back this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall Jul 9, 2025

Arsenal may prioritise spending money on alternative areas of their squad rather than paying a significant fee for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest transfer news involving Romeo Lavia?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are keen on bringing Lavia to the Emirates Stadium this summer as Mikel Arteta eyes midfield reinforcements.

Speaking to his Twitter following, Romano delivered an update on the state of play surrounding Lavia's future, stating:

"Arsenal have concrete and strong interest in Romeo Lavia. Relationship is excellent with his camp — talks already took place. Timing will be crucial as Chelsea remain interested. Man United appreciate Lavia but still not advancing. City buy back clause only valid 2024."

In April, Football Insider revealed that it may cost around £45 million for any interested suitors to land the services of the 19-year-old enforcer this off-season, with Chelsea also said to be eager to sign Lavia at Stamford Bridge.

Lavia's buy-back clause that Manchester City have control over from 2024 onwards is rumoured to be set at around £40 million, according to The Daily Mail.

Football London report that the Gunners are also keen on sealing a deal to acquire Rice from West Ham United as a midfield reshape takes priority in north London ahead of next term.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks that due to their pursuit of Rice, any deal for Lavia to join him at Arsenal may fall apart due to their transfer priorities likely involving bolstering different positions rather than securing another midfielder.

Brown told FFC: "I don't think Arsenal will be paying big money for another midfielder if they sign Declan Rice; they have other areas of the pitch they're also trying to improve in. It entirely depends really on what sort of price they'd be quoted. I think at the moment, Lavia is valued at around £45 million and that's probably a bit too high for Arsenal."

Would Romeo Lavia be a good signing for Arsenal?

Lavia is a talented young midfielder who looks to have a bright future in the Premier League and Arsenal may be the ideal environment for him to continue his development moving forward.

In 2022/23, the Belgium international made 34 appearances in all competitions for Southampton, registering one goal and a solitary assist, as per Transfermarkt.

As per WhoScored, Lavia showed maturity for his age in the middle of the park and was a reliable presence in possession for his current employers, maintaining a pass success rate of 86.4% in the English top flight.

FBRef also take into account that Lavia excelled in comparison to his positional peers across Europe's top five divisions regarding blocks, as he has made an average total of 1.90 per 90 minutes over the last 365 days, putting him in the fourth percentile for this metric.

Arsenal have established themselves as a breeding ground for elite talent and Lavia could be the next on their exciting conveyor belt if both parties can make progress in negotiations.

Everton are now believed to have made an approach to complete the signing of a “world class” player who knows the Premier League well but has fallen out of favour at his current club.

A host of players continue to be mentioned as options for the Blues in the summer transfer window, including Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper. The 25-year-old Englishman started all 46 of the Blades’ Championship matches last season, helping them reach the playoff final, but defeat to Sunderland at Wembley ruined their chances of promotion, and he may like the idea of heading to the top flight.

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is another player who could want to remain in the Premier League, following his side’s relegation to the second tier, and Everton have been backed to snap him up, amid their search for more quality in the middle of the park.

Meanwhile, Millwall forward Mihailo Ivanovic is another reported target for the Merseysiders, with the Serb potentially seen as a strong replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Just 20 years of age, he scored an impressive 12 goals in 23 Championship starts last term and could serve as the old fashioned number nine alongside the more elusive Thierno Barry.

Everton make approach for "world class" midfielder

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport [via Goodison News], Everton have made an approach for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, seeing him as an excellent choice to bring in this summer. The Blues are said to have asked for information regarding the 27-year-old, but it is added that no offer has been tabled for him yet.

He joined Juventus for around £42m last summer but was once worth a much higher figure, with Neil Moxley even claiming “somebody’s just having a bit of a laugh” when he was quoted at £60m while thriving at Aston Villa, pointing to Declan Rice’s £105m move to Arsenal as a benchmark.

Indeed, albeit out of form and out of favour in Turin last season, Luiz is a player who has proven his worth at the highest level for many years now, having been such an influential performer for Villa, so he could be a brilliant signing for Everton.

The Brazilian has 175 appearances to his name in the Premier League, as well as 20 goals and 18 assists, with John McGinn heaping praise on his ability, describing him as “world class”, and Jermaine Pennant calling him better than Rice in the past.

“Any team would dream to have Rice, but there are better sixes in the Premier League at the moment. I would say Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, I think he can do everything that Rice can do and better. I think he assists more, he chips in with goals more than Rice. Creativity-wise he’s better, flair is better, he can put in a tackle just like Rice, break up play just like Rice. So I think if someone said to me you can have Douglas Luiz for £60m or Declan Rice for £100m, easy every day of the week, Douglas Luiz.”

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1 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 7, 2025

Luiz is still in his prime, so this wouldn’t be a case of Everton splashing out on a player who has peaked, and his box-to-box style could be a great asset for David Moyes.