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Manager Javier Mascherano lamented Inter Miami’s missed opportunity to climb in the Eastern Conference standings after a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Saturday night, just 72 hours after facing NYCFC. While his side still hold games in hand, the dropped points complicated their pursuit of the Supporters’ Shield amid a congested schedule.

Getty Images SportInter Miami let chance slip away

Mascherano credited a strong performance from USMNT goalkeeper Sean Johnson as part of the reason why Miami dropped points Saturday. 

“I think we deserved to win – we had the clearest chances," the Argentine coach said. "We had 15 minutes of confusion in the second half, but the match was under control. I believe their goalkeeper was the man of the match.” 

AdvertisementChicago is next

The Herons now face a tight turnaround, hosting Chicago Fire Tuesday at Chase Stadium. 

“We have to keep going. We have four matches left and we’ll try to win them all to finish as high as possible," Mascherano said. "We’re focused on ending the regular season near the top. Maybe we missed an opportunity today, but we want home-field advantage in the playoffs. We’ll keep fighting for the Supporters’ Shield – we have that obligation."

Getty Images Sport'Not even 72 hours had passed'

The coach acknowledged the heavy workload his team has faced in recent weeks, especially after competing in the Club World Cup.

“It was always going to be a tricky game. Not even 72 hours had passed since the match in New York. It’s a huge physical toll, and we faced a team that hadn’t lost in its last five games,” he said.

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Getty Images SportSupporters’ Shield chances at risk

Inter Miami had controlled their own destiny in the Supporters’ Shield race. Following the draw with Toronto, the Herons will need help from other results – even if they win their remaining four games – to claim the trophy.

The closing days of the transfer window have rarely been straightforward on Tyneside. Newcastle United’s summer has already been defined by turbulence, with Alexander Isak refusing to reintegrate with the squad.

Eddie Howe’s side, who finished fifth last season and are preparing for a Champions League campaign, are under pressure to refine their squad while managing the fallout of internal distractions.

So far, the Magpies have done solid business.

The arrivals of Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, and Anthony Elanga have freshened up the squad with youth and Premier League experience.

Most recently, a £69m deal was struck with Stuttgart for Nick Woltemade, the towering German forward who had been courted by Bayern Munich before Newcastle convinced him to make the switch.

Despite the new additions, the midfield remains an area of particular concern.

Joelinton, one of Howe’s most important lieutenants, limped off in the defeat against Liverpool, raising doubts about their fitness in the weeks to come.

In this context, Newcastle’s recruitment team has set its sights astonishingly high, making enquiries about one of Europe’s most coveted defensive midfielders – a player widely regarded as one of the finest in his position.

Newcastle’s make offer for midfield sensation

According to reports from Spain, Newcastle recently lodged a bid with Real Madrid for France international Aurélien Tchouaméni.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The 25-year-old has long been considered a cornerstone of the Spanish giants’ midfield, and sources suggest Los Blancos wasted no time in rejecting the approach.

Madrid are understood to have already rebuffed a €100m (£90m) bid, setting a firm valuation of over €200m (£185m) to ward off interest.

Club officials, and new manager Xabi Alonso, view Tchouaméni as untouchable.

Having been heavily criticised last season, the Frenchman displayed resilience and tactical maturity, winning back the trust of both teammates and supporters.

He has since emerged as a key figure in Real’s long-term project, combining physicality with intelligence and composure under pressure.

Writer Raj Chohan, speaking on the player’s profile, described him as “one of the best defensive midfielders on the planet.”

For Newcastle, the enquiry was little more than exploratory.

The PIF-backed ownership has demonstrated its willingness to pursue ambitious targets, but the reality is that Real Madrid are unwilling to negotiate at this stage of the window.

Still, the move itself reflects Newcastle’s intent to match their lofty ambitions with equally elite personnel, even if such pursuits appear beyond reach in the short term.

Comparing Tchouaméni and Guimarães

The comparison with Bruno Guimarães is inevitable.

The Newcastle captain has been central to the Magpies’ transformation since his arrival, but many observers might suggest that Tchouaméni represents an even higher ceiling in the defensive midfield role.

Both are internationals – Bruno with 35 caps for Brazil and Tchouaméni with 41 appearances for France, including a starring role at the 2022 World Cup – yet their profiles and statistical outputs highlight differing strengths.

In possession, Bruno offers greater attacking thrust.

Matches Played

38

Goals

5

Assists

6

Progressive Carries

74

Progressive Passes

271

According to FBref, last season he averaged 1.24 shots per 90, with 0.36 on target, and produced 3.66 shot-creating actions per 90.

His progressive passing numbers were also outstanding, with 7.47 progressive passes per 90 and 216.5 progressive passing distance.

These metrics reveal a player comfortable dictating tempo while also pushing Newcastle forward in transition.

Tchouaméni, by contrast, leans more toward control and precision.

According to FBref, he attempted and completed far more passes overall, averaging 62.5 completed passes per 90 at a staggering 92.3% success rate, compared to Bruno’s 40.8 at 82.3%.

His ability to recycle possession without error is invaluable in a side like Madrid, where maintaining rhythm is paramount.

The Frenchman also excels at advancing the ball over distance, with 357.7 progressive passing distance per 90, underscoring his ability to bypass opposition lines.

Defensively, both players bring tenacity, but in distinct ways.

Bruno averaged 2.29 tackles per 90, highlighting his willingness to press and break up play higher up the pitch.

Tchouaméni, however, demonstrated more balance, contributing 1.57 tackles per 90 alongside 1.14 blocks, while also being one of the top midfielders in Europe for aerial duels.

At 1.88m, his physical presence makes him an imposing shield in front of the back line – a trait Newcastle arguably lack when Bruno is deployed as the deepest midfielder.

The statistics paint a clear picture: Bruno is more adventurous, combining flair and playmaking with defensive graft, while Tchouaméni epitomises composure, efficiency, and tactical balance.

Both are invaluable, but in different contexts. For Real Madrid, the Frenchman’s precision and resilience make him untouchable.

For Newcastle, Bruno remains indispensable as captain, though the speculation reflects a desire to add depth and variation at the base of midfield.

Ultimately, Newcastle’s enquiry may have been quickly dismissed, but it speaks volumes about the club’s ambition.

With a Champions League campaign looming and pressure mounting domestically, the Magpies are aiming for world-class reinforcements to complement their growing project.

While a move for Tchouaméni is off the table for now, the intent shown is unlikely to go unnoticed – both in Europe’s elite boardrooms and among supporters eager to see Newcastle compete at the highest level.

Upgrade on Joelinton: Newcastle in talks over signing “one of the best CMs”

Newcastle are looking to make another addition to their midfield ranks…

ByWill Miller Aug 30, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are now closing in on the signing of a “powerful” player this summer after a breakthrough this week.

Martin already under pressure at Rangers

The Gers have made a hugely disappointing start to the Scottish Premiership season, drawing their opening two matches and already slipping four points behind rivals Celtic. It has been a baptism of fire for new manager Russell Martin, who is already showing signs of feeling the pressure at Rangers, admitting that there will be no “quick fix” under him.

“We are at a point now at this club where something needed to change.”The ownership has changed, there’s a new coaching staff, there’s new players, there’s hopefully a new way of behaving in the training ground – properly, every single day, regarding standards and what’s expected at this football club. So it’s not a quick fix and this is not me coming out and making excuses.

“I think we change the manager from year to year and nothing really changes. So now it’s about really changing the culture and the feel of the club day in and day out. That will end up in a good outcome. Good process, good people, will always end up in a good outcome. But maybe not so quickly as everyone wants.”

For things to change for the better at Rangers, more signings are needed this summer, and on the plus side, it looks like one piece of business is now on the cusp of being done.

Rangers closing in on signing of "powerful" ace

According to Chris Jack on Monday morning, Rangers are now “close” to completing the signing of Real Betis centre-back Nobel Mendy, with a fee of around £2m agreed after a breakthrough in negotiations and the player set to sign a long-term contract.

Mendy has been a key target for a while now, and the fact that they have beaten Vallecano to his signature has to be considered a coup. The 20-year-old has the potential to be such an influential long-term signing for Rangers, with scout Kai Watson describing him as a “powerful” player, as well as possessing other key attributes.

The fact that Mendy’s versatility allows him to shine at right-back and left-back is an added bonus for Martin, who will hope that the Senegalese is a big player for him for years to come.

Rangers target now "for sale" with "sky high" record-setting valuation

The Gers need reinforcements after a stumble out the gates…

By
Callum Kemp

Aug 10, 2025

No clean sheets to start the Scottish Premiership campaign hasn’t been ideal, but Mendy will hopefully come in and sure things up.

Sunderland now lead West Ham in the race to sign a brand-new £22 million “magician” after making an approach, according to a recent report.

Sunderland plan to continue spending spree after passing £100m mark

The Black Cats got their pre-season underway over the weekend, beating non-league side South Shields 4-0 in what has been an epic summer for the club so far. Sunderland have added six new players to their squad already this summer, passing the £100 million mark, with midfielder Habib Diarra being the club’s most expensive capture so far.

Contact made: Sunderland prepare bid to sign £25m star who is open to move

The Black Cats are making plenty of impressive moves…

1

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jul 13, 2025

Despite the heavy investment, the Premier League newcomers are not stopping there, as Sunderland are interested in signing Charlie Cresswell from French side Toulouse. The defender is already known in English football, after spending time at Leeds United, and now the Black Cats are keen to bring him back to England in a deal that could cost them as much as £18 million.

As well as looking to improve their central defence, Regis Le Bris and co are also looking at potential new goalkeepers, despite Anthony Patterson impressing last season. Sunderland have made contact with representatives of Aaron Ramsdale and are now preparing an offer to Southampton. The 27-year-old is said to be open to a move to the Stadium of Light, as he would remain in the Premier League, but it could cost Sunderland £25 million to get a deal completed.

Sunderland lead West Ham in race to sign new £22m "magician" after approach

The new arrivals may not even stop there, as according to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, Sunderland have approached Leicester City over the signing of midfielder Bilal El Khannouss.

The report states that as well as the Black Cats, West Ham United and AS Monaco have made enquiries about signing the 21-year-old, who has just suffered relegation with the Foxes. However, it is Sunderland who are considered to be leading the race to sign El Khannouss.

The Moroccan international, who was dubbed a “magician” after his performance against Southampton last season, only joined Leicester last summer from KRC Genk. El Khannouss contributed to five goals despite the Foxes struggling all season at the bottom end of the Premier League.

El Khannouss is still under contract until 2028, and it’s been reported previously that the Foxes would be looking to get around £22 million should he leave during this transfer window. Sunderland have already added a couple of midfielders to their ranks this summer, but El Khannouss’ potential arrival could be another way the Black Cats try to fill the void left by Jobe Bellingham, featuring in an attacking midfield role or out on the wing if needed.

West Ham United have made just three signings so far this summer, with one of those being Jean-Clair Todibo, who joins permanently after his loan spell last term.

With just a few weeks until the start of the Premier League season, Graham Potter still needs to bolster a few key areas, notably his attack department.

The supporters will be hoping a new striker or two arrives in the coming weeks, no doubt about that.

Could Potter, however, make a statement signing from a fellow Premier League side instead?

West Ham holding talks for top-flight sensation

Striker Callum Wilson is reportedly in discussions with the Irons regarding a move to the London Stadium, and this would help boost Potter’s attacking options.

While this deal may be seen as a priority for the club, it appears as though Potter is keen on signing another midfielder.

According to the Metro, West Ham have been in talks with Liverpool this month regarding a potential move for Harvey Elliott. Any move might cost them around £40m.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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The midfielder shone for England at the U21 European Championship this summer, but has made it clear he needs regular game time during the 2025/26 campaign.

It remains to be seen whether Arne Slot has him factored into his plans for the Anfield side. Perhaps a move to West Ham can bolster his World Cup hopes.

If so, Potter might just have his very own version of Cole Palmer – a player whom David Moyes came close to signing back in the summer of 2023, prior to his move to Stamford Bridge.

Why West Ham must sign Harvey Elliott

It would be an understatement to say that last season didn’t go quite as planned for the 22-year-old.

He made just 28 appearances for Liverpool, with only six coming from the starting XI. Despite this, Elliott still managed to score five goals and grab three assists.

His performances for England at the U21 European Championships, however, saw him crowned as player of the tournament. He scored five times as England retained their title.

According to FBref, Palmer is the eighth-most comparable player to Elliott across Europe’s top five leagues, suggesting that the young Liverpool starlet could offer a similar set of skills should he join West Ham. Like his compatriot and fellow left-footer, the playmaker thrives off the right flank or in a number ten berth.

Indeed, the pair registered similar statistics across a range of metrics domestically last term, including shots per 90 (4.12 vs 3.41), shot-creating actions (5.11 vs 5.7) per 90 and goal-creating actions (0.73 vs 0.42) per 90.

Elliott may have played fewer games than Palmer, but when given a chance, the Anfield gem certainly took full advantage. If he can go on to reach the heights of a player who boasts 72 goals and assists in just 97 games for Chelsea, then the Hammers would be on to a winner.

Harvey Elliott’s stats for England at the U21 European Championship

Goals

5

Assists

0

Key passes per game

1.7

Goal conversion percentage

25%

Shots per game

3.3

Successful dribbles per game

0.7

Via Sofascore

Previously hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig as an “outrageous talent” in 2021, Elliott has matured into a versatile player who can operate across a multitude of positions.

Wherever Potter decides to play Elliott, there is no doubt he can offer plenty to a side that struggled for goals last season.

For £40m, it could turn out to be a shrewd piece of business by the Irons as they seek a return to the top half of the Premier League table.

Related West Ham launch approach to sign £25m+ ace who outscored Wilson last season

He outperformed Wilson last season…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jul 25, 2025

Heather Knight said that Dani Gibson personifies the “bravery” and “clarity” that England want in their T20I side ahead of October’s World Cup. Gibson’s nine-ball innings of 22 contained five boundaries, all off international bowlers, and changed the course of the Hundred final at Lord’s to help London Spirit win their maiden title – men’s or women’s.Gibson walked out at No. 5 after Knight had been castled by Shabnim Ismail’s 74mph in-ducker, which left Spirit 56 for 3 off 56 balls, with a requirement of 60 to win off the last 44. She inside-edged her first ball for a single, then hit her next five for boundaries to take the requirement down to a run a ball and change the complexion of the game.”I forget how young she is,” Knight said of Gibson, who turned 23 earlier this year. “We saw the game she played at Lord’s, a reverse-sweep to go and win the game against Australia last year, and that’s the sort of mindset that we want in that England side: the willingness to take risks, take the game on and express what your talent, and Dani epitomises that.”She’s a player that can impact a game in all three facets… she hasn’t gone as well as she would’ve liked with the ball in the last couple of games, but [to have] the character to go, ‘I’m going to go and win this game for us’ was unbelievable. She’s a great ball-striker. She’s got real clarity about how she wants to play and that’s exactly what we want for her. I’m delighted for her.”Gibson, who has batted exclusively at No. 5 after opening the batting last season, had only faced two balls in Spirit’s previous four games heading into the final, following a series of dominant top-order performances.”I was thinking yesterday that our middle order hasn’t faced many balls or had much time in the middle recently,” Knight said. “We talked a lot about trying not to have nervous chasers and really trying to break the back of it. Today’s innings was a real stand-out for her to go in and be that brave, and take the game on. It took the pressure off the rest of the batters.”After steering Ismail past short third, Gibson pulled the third ball she faced through midwicket for four. “It was really important for me to get off to a good start,” she said. “I’ve never actually played the pull shot very well, so I was buzzing with myself. I was disappointed with how I bowled [0 for 16 from 10 balls] and felt like I’d let the team down.”Knight was the second-highest run-scorer in the women’s Hundred this year, and Gibson said she felt the need to take on some responsibility after her captain’s dismissal: “Heather has batted so well for us throughout the comp: it was time for other people to step up… I didn’t want to think about things too much. That’s when I’m at my best: I just wanted to play simple cricket and see where it took me.”Related

• 'Tall Paul' Walter could make BBL return to Brisbane Heat

• Healy: 'Hard to fathom' T20 World Cup going ahead in Bangladesh

• Bangladesh turmoil: ICC mulls back-up options to host women's T20 World Cup

• Charlotte Edwards blames Southern Brave's wooden spoon on slow start

• Dean three-for, Redmayne fifty lift Spirit into first final

Gibson fell with 27 required off the final 29 balls, and Deepti Sharma took Spirit over the line with two balls to spare, swiping a six over long-on. “Deepti has been unbelievable with bat and ball, her clarity and calmness,” Knight said. “Bar today, her intent has been awesome, the willingness to take the game on.”England will head to Abu Dhabi next month ahead of October’s T20 World Cup, and Knight believes that her players will do so with confidence after dominant performances in the Hundred. “I’m really pleased,” she said. “It’s great to see the rest of the girls contributing and I’m very excited to meet up again in a couple of weeks.”Nat [Sciver-Brunt] has been unbelievable. She’s barely got out and the way she’s played has been awesome. It’s really pleasing going into a World Cup. I haven’t probably had the best few Hundreds, so I was really desperate to do well this year. I was really pleased to contribute… I felt quite fresh and really wanted to show what form I’m in.”There is uncertainty over whether the tournament will be staged in Bangladesh as planned due to security concerns amid anti-government uprisings, and Knight is hopeful that a decision will be reached in the next week. “It’s out of our hands, and the focus has been on this competition [the Hundred],” she said.”Hopefully, there will be a decision soon with planning and things like that, and getting things in place – obviously squads [are] being picked. It shouldn’t impact it too much, but it’d be nice to know where it is and get our hands around that and what the conditions are going to be like.”It depends where it is, really. If it’s in the UAE, conditions in October are pretty similar to Bangladesh in terms of pace of wickets and bounce… we won’t have a huge amount of experience there, but obviously we’ve got a training camp in Abu Dhabi. We’ll have to wait and see: hopefully, we’ll find out next week.”

St Lucia Kings have signed South Africa batter Heinrich Klaasen and Afghanistan wristspinner Noor Ahmad for the 2024 edition of the Caribbean Premier League 2024 ahead of the player draft.Faf du Plessis, whose stint with Kings last year was cut short due to injury, has been retained. Namibia allrounder David Wiese and Sri Lanka batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa are also among the overseas retainees.Kings have 12 confirmed players for the season and will have five spots to fill at the draft in July. They have retained the core of Caribbean players, which includes Johnson Charles, Alzarri Joseph, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde and Khary Pierre. Fast bowlers Shadrack Descarte and McKenny Clarke round out their retentions. Colin Munro, who was named du Plessis’ replacement last year, has been released, and so have Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams and Chris Sole.Klaasen has been in phenomenal form in T20s since 2023. He finished as the second-highest run-getter in the SA20 earlier this year and was in top form in the IPL as well with 479 runs in 16 games . His strike rate in the format since 2023 is 176.80. This will be Klaasen’s second stint in the CPL, having represented Guyana Amazon Warriors in 2022 where he made 118 runs in five games.Kings made their fourth consecutive playoffs spot in 2023 but lost in the Eliminator against Jamaica Tallawahs.The 2024 edition of the CPL is set to run from August 30 to October 7. Kings will open their campaign against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on September 1 in Basseterre.

Leeds United are reportedly in pole position to sign a £20m+ attacker who Chelsea wanted to sign last year.

Leeds on the search for attacking additions in Premier League

The Whites are yet to make their first signing of the summer transfer window following promotion to the Premier League, despite the 49ers promising a busy market.

Talking after their Championship title win, chairman Paraag Marathe said that the club would “spend to be competitive in the Premier League”.

Joe Rodon

Tottenham

£10m

Largie Ramazani

Almeria

£10.5m

Jayden Bogle

Sheffield United

£5m

Ao Tanaka

Fortuna Dusseldorf

£2.95m

Isaac Schmidt

FC St Gallen

£2.5m

Alex Cairns

Salford

Undisclosed

Joshua Guilavogui

N/A

Free

Manor Solomon

Tottenham

Loan

Joe Rothwell

Bournemouth

Loan

Daniel Farke and those behind the scenes at Elland Road have a lot to do before 2025/26 season, and attacking additions are required in Yorkshire.

A new number 10 is wanted with Emiliano Buendia, Gus Hamer and Gabriel Sara all linked with moves to Leeds in recent weeks, whereas it remains to be seen if winger Manor Solomon will return on a permanent basis from Tottenham.

Leeds make contact to sign free agent star who scored 23 goals this season

The Whites are looking for some attacking flair after claiming promotion to the top-flight.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 2, 2025

When it comes to a new striker, Leeds have had their reservations over Championship Golden Boot winner Joel Piroe and the experienced Patrick Bamford, leading to rumours of a new centre-forwards arriving.

Forwards with Premier League experience such as Callum Wilson and Jamie Vardy have been mooted as targets, and there has been a new Leeds update on another attacking addition.

Leeds in pole position to sign £20m+ Christantus Uche

According to reports from SER journalist Jose David Palacio, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds are in pole position to sign Getafe attacker Christantus Uche.

The La Liga ace is looking to leave his current employers, and alongside the Whites, Brentford are also at the front of the queue for Uche, who has a £21m release clause in his current contract.

The Nigeria international is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also drop deeper as a central midfielder or turn out slightly further forward as a second striker. At the age of 22, Uche has a career-high €8m Transfermarkt valuation and has been catching the eye over the last 12 months, with Chelsea making contact over a deal last year.

As can be seen, Uche, who actually doesn’t have a weak foot, has had quite the rise in recent years, playing amateur football at the age of 19, but by the looks of things, a move to the Premier League with Leeds could now be on the cards.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou was gifted a rare bit of breathing room after Spurs’ statement performance in the Europa League, but there remains the possibility that he won’t be at the helm next season.

Tottenham in Europa League semi-finals after Eintracht Frankfurt win

A penalty from striker Dominic Solanke, who cooly slotted home beyond the Spurs-linked Kaua Santos in Eintracht Frankfurt’s goal, ended up being enough for Postecoglou’s side to edge into the Europa semi-finals after a hard-fought battle.

Tottenham: Lange personally holds talks over signing £50m player for Spurs

The technical director has a plan.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 17, 2025

Postecoglou earned rare praise after his Lilywhites side put in the dogged, mature display which they’ve sorely lacked all season – shutting Eintracht out with some truly exceptional defending and putting bodies on the line to preserve Tottenham’s slender one-goal advantage.

The atmosphere was hostile right from the off, but while the home crowd did their utmost to unnerve Postecoglou’s side in Germany, Spurs kept their cool and booked their place in the next round, where they will face off against unlikely semi-finalists Bodø/Glimt, who knocked out Serie A side Lazio on penalties.

There is a very strong chance that the north Londoners will put Bodø/Glimt’s fairy tale Europa League journey to an end and become European finalists for the first time since 2019, but even that might not be enough to save Postecoglou.

The Tottenham boss has been under mounting pressure after an historic low Premier League season, where they’ve tasted defeat on 17 separate occasions and currently lie 15th in the table.

Reports in the build up to their quarter-final second leg claimed that Postecoglou could be sacked by Tottenham regardless of their Europa League campaign (The Mirror), and Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is believed to be among the contenders to replace him.

Tottenham have reached out to the representatives of Glasner to express their interest recently, according to media sources in Germany, but face competition from RB Leipzig for the £4.5 million-per-year Palace boss.

John Wenham makes Oliver Glasner claim after Tottenham contact

Speaking to Tottenham News, pundit John Wenham stated his belief that Glasner would be an “exciting” appointment for Tottenham, above other linked candidates like Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Brentford’s Thomas Frank.

“He has an aura about him, the way he charges around on the touchline, I quite like him,” said Wenham.

“He was flying with Palace last season. I know they made a slow start this season, but they lost some key players. However, since then, he has rebuilt well.

“He has led Palace to an FA Cup semi-final, and he is far more exciting than most names that have been linked. Therefore, he is someone I would be happy for Tottenham to appoint. I think with better players he would excel, and I find him more exciting than Marco Silva or Thomas Frank, to be honest.”

The ex-Eintracht boss also guided his former club to Europa League glory in 2022, and is one of the only trophy-winning coaches rumoured to be on Spurs’ managerial shortlist.

His “outstanding record” has also been lauded by Palace chairman Steve Parish, that being said, if Postecoglou ends up winning Tottenham their first piece of silverware since 2008, the club will still have a majorly tough decision to make.

Arsenal are ready to make a “bold” attempt to sign a “dominant” Real Madrid player following approval from Mikel Arteta, which interestingly comes amid the Gunners’ exceptional 3-0 win over Carlo Ancelotti’s men in the Champions League.

Arsenal hammer Real Madrid in statement Champions League win

Tuesday evening was one of Arsenal’s proudest ever nights in Europe, with Declan Rice in particular taking centre stage.

Related The seven words Saka said to Rice before Arsenal's first goal vs Madrid

Declan Rice defied instructions to score Arsenal’s first goal against Real Madrid.

Posts ByMatt Dawson Apr 9, 2025

The England international scored two sensational free-kicks from long-range, curling it beyond the Los Blancos wall on both occasions and past a helpless Thibaut Courtois, who could feel hard done by considering the former Chelsea goalkeeper made save after save in what was a commendable display from him.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Arsenal could’ve won by even more if it wasn’t for the Real shot-stopper’s heroics, but Courtois couldn’t do anything about Rice’s exceptional strikes into the top corner, or Mikel Merino’s finish to round off a superb 3-0 win for the home side.

“I was very convinced because I could sense in the preparation that we were really at it, that we had that belief and that trust that we could create Madrid a lot of problems,” said Arteta after Arsenal’s historic Champions League victory over Real.

“But then it was the theme of the game, make it happen, then you have to make it happen. But you have that mindset and that belief that things can happen and we delivered today. It was a hard time, but we are very happy.

“My feeling was that the team was super convinced, and we had the trust that we could do it because we’ve done it for big periods against the best opposition that you can face in football for two years. And if you can do that, you can do it on the day, and especially with our crowds. At that level, I think it elevates the level of the team, and we have managed to beat them.”

Off the field, it is believed new sporting director Andrea Berta could rival Real for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, and a new report has now claimed that Arteta’s side may even look to raid the Bernabeu this summer.

Arsenal preparing offer for Real Madrid forward Arda Güler

According to a Spanish media source, Berta and co apparently have their eyes on Turkey international starlet Arda Güler.

The attacking midfielder, who can also slot in on the right wing, has been used sparingly by Ancelotti this season. Guler’s chipped in with three goals and seven assists over 33 appearances in all competitions, but he’s predominantly utilised as an impact player off the bench.

Now, it is believed that Arsenal are preparing a “bold” move to sign Guler, and plan to offer around £26 million to tempt Real into selling him. Arteta personally “doesn’t want to pass up” any opportunity to sign the 20-year-old, as Arsenal’s manager believes that Guler is an ideal fit.

Arteta also thinks that Guler could play a similar role to club captain Martin Odegaard, so this could be an intriguing story to keep tabs on amid the Turk’s struggle for game time in La Liga.

“His IQ is at a high level,” said Montenegro manager Robert Prosinecki.

“He is a very dominant player with the ball. He always thinks about attacking.”