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Some of Arsenal’s business in the transfer market has been questioned over the last couple of days, especially considering the big money spent by some of their rivals.

Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke are the latest names in the mix, with the Dane already moving to the Emirates whilst the latter appears to be moving closer to a switch across the capital.

The Gunners agreed a £52m deal with Chelsea for the Englishman’s signature, in a move which is expected to see the 23-year-old be a backup to Bukayo Saka.

Such dealings are expected to just be squad additions, with various other key areas of Mikel Arteta’s side in desperate need of investment over the coming weeks.

Various targets have been on their radar in recent times, but it appears as though they could be edging closer to landing a star who could make the difference in their Premier League title charge.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions this summer

The attacking third has been the area of most attention this window, with Eberechi Eze one player who could still move to the club given his £68m release clause.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo remains a key option, with the Brazilian expected to be allowed to depart the LaLiga outfit this window, which could aid the Gunners’ quest for his signature.

Transfer Focus

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

However, work has been done for additions elsewhere, with Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres now at long last set to become an Arsenal player.

The news was reported by a number of sources on Sunday evening, firstly by The Athletic’s David Ornstein who revealed that an agreement in principle has been reached for the Swede to move from the Portuguese side to the Emirates Stadium.

It’s revealed that a deal worth €63.5m guaranteed + €10m in add-ons has now been agreed.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has shared that a “very good phone call with Mikel Arteta” has left the deal “on the verge” of being completed, with Gunners insider Hand of Arsenal revealing that a medical has now been planned.

Why Arsenal’s latest target could be Arteta’s answer to Salah

Mohamed Salah is a player who has caused countless problems to numerous backlines within the Premier League, with every side wishing they had a talent of his quality.

The Egyptian has registered 186 goals in England’s top-flight, with his tally of 29 in his 38 outings last campaign firing Arne Slot’s outfit to the title and losing just four matches.

He’s scored 11 times in his 18 outings against the Gunners, including the equaliser in the 2-2 draw between the sides in North London back in October last year.

His two-year contract extension will see him continue to offer a constant threat to Arteta’s side once again in the near future, but the Gunners could land their answer to the forward this window.

Gyokeres could be just that man, offering the club the clinical and consistent presence in front of goal that they have desperately been lacking over recent seasons.

Their highest league goalscorer last season was Kai Havertz, who only registered nine goals, with no player managing to achieve double figures in England’s top-flight.

The Swede could be about to change that, given his record for Sporting in the 2024/25 campaign, managing to find the net on 54 occasions in his 52 outings across all competitions.

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

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39

Kylian Mbappé

Real Madrid

34

31

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

38

29

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

34

27

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

31

26

Victor Osimhen

Galatsaray

30

26

Mateo Retegui

Atalanta

36

25

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has managed to register 2.2 shots on target per 90, getting 52% of his efforts on target – with such a record handing Arteta the quality he craves in front of goal.

Doubts have been raised about his all-round ability, but he’s showcased his all-round ability, creating 2.1 chances per 90, whilst winning 51% of the aerials he’s contested – subsequently offering that focal point the side need this summer.

£70m may appear to be a massive sum of money for an unproven talent, but his goalscoring record in recent seasons is certainly worth taking a risk on, with the positives outweighing the negatives.

If he can move to England and have a similar impact to Salah, he would be a sensational addition and one that could transform the club’s ambitions of ending their title drought.

Instant Norgaard upgrade: Arsenal make contact for "spectacular" £43m star

Following the signings of both Christian Nørgaard and Martín Zubimendi, Arsenal are now targeting a midfielder who is at a “spectacular level”.

ByBen Gray Jul 12, 2025

West Bromwich Albion have already displayed an outside-the-box approach with their transfer activity this summer.

Whilst Nathaniel Phillips is a well-known name to most Championship fans, Aune Heggebo is definitely more of an unknown entity to the average supporter. Yet, West Brom have gambled on the former Brann goal machine to come good on English shores, having spent £4.7m on the Nordic striker.

It remains to be seen whether Heggebo will go on to be a rip-roaring success in England, but his blistering goal record in his native Norway is definitely encouraging to look at.

Why Heggebo could be a success at West Brom

After all, Erling Haaland infamously hails from the same nation, with the lofty attacker now one of the most feared strikers in world football after beginning his career in Scandinavia.

Of course, nobody will be anticipating Heggebo to storm into his new environment and be as instantly clinical as the Manchester City powerhouse, but the signs are there that he could be a lethal finisher at the Hawthorns if he can manage to navigate the step-up well.

In total, for Brann, the £4.7m forward would power home a potent 51 goals from 146 games, with the Eliteserien outfit no doubt putting up a valiant fight to try and keep their star asset around for longer.

Unfortunately, whilst £4.7m is a steep amount to splash in go, West Brom’s lavish spending has been overshadowed somewhat by near neighbours Birmingham City routinely flexing their muscles.

Across the Midlands, the £10m forked out on ex-Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi around the same time has certainly sent a message to the division’s best clubs.

However, the Baggies could shoot back into the limelight if they manage to get another left-field piece of business over the line, with a new target perhaps going down as Ryan Mason’s very own Kyogo if all clicks into place.

West Brom's answer to Kyogo

Before being renowned as a venomous goal threat with 85 strikes next to his name at Celtic, Kyogo would have been viewed as a bold pick-up by the Hoops, considering the Japanese gem had only ever played in the comforts of the J League, before Glasgow came calling.

West Brom might well look to tap into the Asian markets themselves with their next summer buy, with reports from earlier in the month suggesting that the Championship side had bid £1.1m for Jeonbuk Hyundai attacker Jeon Jin-Woo.

Games played

163

182

Goals scored

32

66

Assists

20

36

Jin-Woo might well follow in Kyogo’s footsteps in establishing himself as a menace up top when making the same daunting geographical leap, having amassed an electric 52 goal contributions plying his trade in Korea for both Jeonbuk and ex-employers Suwon Bluewings.

The brand-new Birmingham buy was able to devastatingly reach double Jin-Woo’s goal tally when starring for the likes of Vissel Kobe, but the two-time South Korea international will surely feel less nervous about taking that next step to the Baggies, knowing others have moved to the United Kingdom and thrived in some challenging environments.

To help the 25-year-old even more, Mason will also have Heggebo available for selection in attack, who will be equally eager to hit the ground running in his fresh location.

It does remain up in the air how well West Brom will do next season, with Mason also being a rookie manager away from their daring summer business, but Jin-Woo could become a firm fan’s favourite at the Hawthorns if he manages to excel in the English game to the same lofty heights Kyogo managed in Scotland.

Dream Johnston upgrade: West Brom submit surprise offer for £1.1m star

West Bromwich Albion could think outside of the box when pursuing a Mikey Johnston upgrade.

2 ByKelan Sarson Jul 16, 2025

“Don’t see any reason as of now why Shakib should not play in Bangladesh in the home series [against South Africa],” Shahriar Nafees says

Mohammad Isam24-Sep-2024The BCB is confident that Shakib Al Hasan won’t have any problems returning to Bangladesh – for the first time since the fall of the Awami League government, of which he was a part – for the Test series against South Africa next month.Shakib, Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketer, was among 147 people named in a murder case in Dhaka last month. He had become a member of parliament in January this year. When Sheikh Hasina resigned as the prime minister on August 5 following massive anti-government protests in Bangladesh and fled the country, Shakib was playing in the Global T20 League in Canada. After that, he has travelled to Pakistan for a Test series, then played a county match for Surrey, and is now in India for another Test series. He was not in Bangladesh at any point during the protests or since. The case in question relates to the death of Mohammed Rubel, who was wounded in the firing during the protests on August 5 and died two days later.Shahriar Nafees, in charge of the BCB’s cricket operations, said on Monday that the country’s caretaker government had clarified that Shakib would not be “harassed”.Related

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Spotlight on off-colour Shakib amid injury murmurs

“I think the honourable chief adviser, law adviser and sports adviser have spoken very clearly regarding Shakib Al Hasan,” Nafees said. “There is a clear message from the Bangladesh government that no one will be harassed unfairly in the cases that have been filed. We believe the interim government has made its position very clear on Shakib. Unless there is an injury problem or a selection-related issue, I personally don’t see any reason as of now why Shakib Al Hasan should not play in Bangladesh in the home series.”Last month, Bangladesh’s law adviser, Asif Nazrul, had also said that he hoped Shakib would not be arrested in connection with the case. “There’s only a case filed against Shakib. I hope he will not be arrested. I have come to know that the police forces have been asked to show as much restraint as possible in case something incredible happens.”Soon after the news about him being named in the case surfaced, Shakib had received support from his Bangladesh team-mates, who had posted messages on their respective social-media accounts. But his silence during the student-led mass protests in July and August has also led to criticism. Many of his national team-mates have, at various points, spoken about the protests and the loss of lives, especially of students, but Shakib hasn’t.Bangladesh, who are currently in India to play Tests and T20Is, are scheduled to play two home Tests against South Africa in October. CSA’s security team completed its evaluation of Dhaka and Chattogram, where the Tests will be played, on Monday and is expected to inform the BCB about its decision later this week.

Leeds United have a “deal in place” for their next summer singing, who was also wanted by Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

Leeds signing tall and powerful players ahead of Premier League return

The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises have so far made six additions to Daniel Farke’s squad, who are currently away in Germany at a pre-season training camp.

Ahead of their Premier League return, Leeds have clearly been looking to bring in tall and physical players, strengthening the spine of their side with centre-backs Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw, alongside midfielders Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach.

Anton Stach

6ft 4

Sebastiaan Bornauw

6ft 3

Jaka Bijol

6ft 2

Sean Longstaff

6ft 1

Lukas Nmecha

6ft

Gabriel Gudmundsson

5ft 9

Left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson and centre-forward Lukas Nmecha make up the signings so far, and more look to be on the way. Stach was the most expensive and most recent signing and said after officially joining:

“I am excited to join such a good team, such a good Premier League team, and I am looking forward to the next season. My style of play, I would say I am an aggressive player. I am good in duels. I am good at anticipating passes from the opponents and it would be good for the Premier League. Now we will see, I will try my best.”

Leeds submit £30m bid to sign "insane" forward who's now keen to join

The Whites have entered negotiations for an attacker.

ByDominic Lund Jul 24, 2025

Leeds have also been on the search for a new first choice goalkeeper to replace Illan Meslier, with Lyon’s Lucas Perri identified as a top target for those at Elland Road.

Newcastle were also looking to sign the Brazilian this summer, but a positive development has now emerged with sporting director Adam Underwood set to get his man.

Leeds agree deal to sign 6 foot 5 goalkeeper Perri

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on X, Leeds now have a “deal in place” to sign Perri from Lyon.

A medical has been booked and it appears as if that could take place in Germany, the same way Stach underwent checks with Whites staff.

Sky Sports reporter Zinny Boswell believes the fee is worth just over £15m, with personal terms also in place for Perri to move to the Premier League with Leeds.

The 27-year-old, who stands at 6ft 5, joined Lyon in January 2024 from Botafogo and made 49 appearances for the French side. He kept 15 clean sheets during that time, 10 of which came in Ligue 1 in 2024/25.

Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca will surely be gutted to lose Perri, considering he lauded him as the “best in the world” just back in March.

Leeds will be delighted meanwhile, with Perri seemingly set to be thrown straight in as number one ahead of Meslier and Karl Darlow.

Hosting India in all three formats and another bumper SA20 serves as a boost to CSA coffers

Firdose Moonda12-Sep-2024Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced profits of R815 million (US$ 45.6 million) for the 2023-24 fiscal year after hosting India for two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is in the December-January period and benefitting from a bumper SA20. As the majority shareholder in the T20 tournament, CSA earned profits of R54 million (US$ 3.02 million) from the event, which boasted a double-digit growth.This comes after losses for the last three reporting periods – 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 which collectively amounted to R538 million (US$ 30.14 million). The turnaround was mostly due to the increased revenue derived from broadcast rights, which make up 54% of the CSA income.The coffers were also boosted by the successful hosting of the 2024 Under-19 men’s World Cup, which was moved to South Africa from Sri Lanka and generated revenue of R54 million (US$ 3.02 million). CSA’s total ICC disbursements for the period were R566 million, (US$ 31.63 million) up from R290 million (US$ 16.2 million) in the previous year.Related

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CSA to address transformation issues holistically

CSA is expected to enjoy another strong financial year in 2024-2025, largely due to hosting India for four T20Is in November. The revenue from those games is expected to be upwards of R150 million (US$ 8.38 million) per match. These figures again underline India’s monetary importance and the incentive other countries have to host them as often as possible. CSA is starting to move slightly away from total dependence on the Indian national team, thanks to the SA20, but it is important to note that all six franchises are IPL affiliates.The biggest beneficiary of CSA’s financial turnaround is the women’s game, which underwent professionalisation at the domestic level last season. CSA has spent R32 million on women’s cricket (US$ 1.78 million). The cost of running professional cricket – the eight division 1, seven division 2 domestic men’s teams and six provincial women’s teams – remains CSA’s biggest expense. They shelled out R633 million (US$ 35.3 million) on these costs, which also underlines one of the major problems in South African cricket: how reliant the domestic system is on CSA. The cost of the national teams amounted to R172.8 million (US$ 9.66 million) or almost a quarter of the domestic expenses.Overall, CSA reported strong performance, in everything from the national teams – the men reached the semi-final of the 2023 ODI World Cup while the women beat Australia in an ODI and a T20I for the first time in the period under consideration – to grassroots cricket. The KFC mini-cricket programme, which targets children between the ages of six and 12 and has produced the likes of Wayne Parnell and Ayabonga Khaka, reported a 20% increase in participation, with over 100,000 children from more than 2000 schools participating. The rate of progression of those players to provincial and national teams is 15%.CSA’s AGM also marked the end of Lawson Naidoo’s three-year tenure as CSA chair. A new chair will be elected at a special general meeting this month. The new chair will be chosen from the independent directors, in other words, not from presidents of provincial unions.

Following Eddie Howe’s approval, Newcastle United have now reportedly opened initial talks to sign a midfield reinforcement who’s already keen on the move.

Newcastle's nightmare summer goes on

Newcastle have just under a month to turn their summer around. So far, the Magpies have welcomed Aaron Ramsdale, Anthony Elanga and young winger Antonio Cordero. Whilst on paper that may sound like a solid list of incomings, the real story is that it’s been a nightmare summer full of rejection for those at St James’ Park.

Howe made his demand clear to PIF that he wanted any business done early and, to the credit of the Newcastle owners, their failure hasn’t been for the want of trying. Initial targets included Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo before all three headed to Chelsea and Manchester United respectively. But it couldn’t go on like this, could it?

Simply put, it could go on and has done ever since. Next on their list of targets was Hugo Ekitike. Lying in wait this time around, however, were the Premier League champions before Ekitike rejected the Magpies and became a Liverpool player.

The same story has since followed Newcastle’s interest in Benjamin Sesko, who has reportedly chosen Manchester United to send Howe and co. back to square one for the umpteenth time this summer.

Newcastle chiefs confident £40m star with "nose for goals" is set to join

Newcastle are confident they will sign a Premier League forward.

ByCallum Kemp Aug 7, 2025

They can’t be knocked for their resilience, however, and those in Tyneside have instantly picked themselves up to go again – reportedly targeting both Nicolas Jackson and Malick Thiaw.

Reports have even gone as far as to suggest that they’ve already had an opening offer worth £26m to sign Thiaw turned down by AC Milan, having stepped up their chase for the centre-back.

Whether that ends their pursuit or they increase their offer is the big question, but the Milan defender isn’t the only new name on Newcastle’s reported shortlist.

Newcastle open talks to sign John McGinn

According to Football Insider, Newcastle have now opened initial talks to sign John McGinn from Aston Villa after receiving Howe’s approval. The Scotland midfielder is reportedly keen on a move to St James’ Park in an instant boost for Newcastle, and could yet be on his way to Tyneside this month.

Whether Unai Emery is willing to bid farewell to his captain is another question, though. Following a quiet summer of their own, Aston Villa are reportedly reluctant to sell McGinn this summer.

Whilst adding another attacker to their ranks should take priority, there’s no doubt that McGinn would add valuable leadership to the current Newcastle squad and replace the departed Sean Longstaff.

Defending champions Western Australia completed an innings win to put them top of the table

AAP04-Nov-2024A week after George Bailey issued a call for Australia’s left-arm spinners to stand up, Western Australia’s Ashton Agar virtually said, “Don’t forget about me”.WA extended their lead at the top of the Sheffield Shield ladder with a comprehensive thrashing of Tasmania in Hobart, with left-armer Agar claiming 3 for 12 in 17.5 testing overs in the second innings.Related

Cartwright catches lucky break as WA grind down Tasmania

Cartwright's ton, late wickets set up Western Australia victory push

The visitors dismissed Tasmania for 98 to win by an innings and 45 runs, with paceman Brody Couch becoming the first bowler to take a Sheffield Shield hat-trick for Western Australia in their history.Couch had Jake Doran lbw, before Lawrence Neil-Smith chopped a ball onto his stumps and Couch clean bowled Sam Elliott. The three wickets came in the first over after tea, killing off any hopes of Tasmania hanging on for a draw after they started the final session at 89 for 6.Agar’s strong performance came after New Zealand left-arm spinners Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel played crucial roles in a historic 3-0 Test series win in India.Just last week Australian chairman of selectors Bailey said left-arm orthodox spin was “an incredible skillset in the subcontinent”, with a series in Sri Lanka next year on the horizon.”Realistically there’s not a huge amount of players in domestic cricket that are doing it, so it is something we are looking to expose,” Bailey said.Agar showcased great variety on the final day and dried up the runs, allowing the pace attack at the other end to also shine.WA, winners of the past three Shield titles, had earlier taken a 143-run first innings lead The hosts resumed at 10 for 2 needing one of their top order to dig in for a big score.It was not to be, as left-arm quick Joel Paris swung a pearler in to Charlie Wakim to trap him lbw without troubling the scorers to the fifth ball of the morning.Nightwatchman Gabe Bell was undone by a perfect left-arm orthodox delivery from Agar that curled in and spun away to hit the top of the off stump. Captain Jordan Silk was unable to get going and was trapped in front by an Agar skidder.Paris, 31, showcased why he is one of the leading exponents of left-arm pace bowling in the country. His 2 for 18 in the second innings complemented the 4 for 45 he claimed in the first. At times he was unplayable on a surface that offered very little.The WA performance was more meritorious considering strike bowler Matthew Kelly was rubbed out after suffering a hamstring injury in the first innings.

Harry Kane explained how Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has built a team that greatly suits him after starring with a brace in their thumping win over Hamburg on Saturday in the Bundesliga. The England captain scored twice and provided an assist, while Luis Diaz, Serge Gnabry and Aleksandar Pavlovic scored the other goals on the night.

Kane praises Bayern's squad building for his style

Kane spoke highly of Bayern's squad construction and explained how manager Vincent Kompany has built a perfect team around him, which enables him to score a lot of goals for the German champions. Since Kompany took charge last season, Kane has scored 49 goals across all competitions, including eight in the 2025-26 campaign.

AdvertisementAFPKane leads German champions to huge win

On Saturday, the English forward starred with two goals and an assist as Bayern Munich beat Hamburg 5-0 at Allianz Arena and maintained their 100 percent win record in the Bundesliga this season. Kane has also provided three assists in the league thus far.

Kane explained how Bayern have built perfect attack

Speaking to the media, Kane said: "This team suits me a lot: the way we play, the way we press, it gives me space and it gives me chances to get on the ball; I have runners in behind."

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Getty Images SportWhen is Kane playing next?

Bayern and Kane will be back in action on Wednesday as they take on Premier League giants Chelsea in their Champions League opener at the Allianz Arena.

Baroda felt Hardik’s absence while Naman Dhir continued to impress in the fifth round of SMAT 2024

Shashank Kishore02-Dec-2024Saurashtra stay alive after blockbuster showSaurashtra smashed 266 for 6, the second-highest total in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history, en route to a 78-run win over Group B table-toppers Baroda. Their fourth win in five games vaulted Saurashtra to second place on the points table, with the top three, Baroda, Saurashtra and Gujarat, all separated only by net run rate.A Baroda attack sans the rested Hardik Pandya, the leading six-hitter in the tournament at this stage, came under fire from Harvik Desai, the wicketkeeper, who set the tone early on, with a 39-ball 76. There were handy contributions from opener Tarang Goel (15-ball 40) and Jay Gohil, who smashed an 18-ball 53 at No. 6.Baroda’s chase was dented early as they were reduced to 29 for 3 inside the powerplay. They managed to limit the damage to their net run rate by finishing with 188 for 8, thereby remaining table-toppers.Related

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Karnataka knock Tamil Nadu outKarnataka quick Vasuki Koushik made use of the early morning moisture in Indore to rip past Tamil Nadu in a sensational new-ball burst that fetched him three wickets in his first two overs. Tamil Nadu, who were reduced to 7 for 4 by then, were bowled out for 90, with Karnataka, fuelled by Manish Pandey’s 42, chasing down the runs in just 11.3 overs.Given how close the table is stacked, with all of Gujarat, Saurashtra and Baroda ahead of them, this was a virtual knockout. The result meant Tamil Nadu will be eliminated from the group stages of a tournament they have dominated in the recent past (they won back-to-back in 2020-21 and 2021-22).Dhir, Ramandeep keep Punjab alivePunjab continue to live on the edge. After clinching a Super Over win two nights ago against Mizoram, they beat Hyderabad by seven runs to keep their slim knockouts hopes alive. Their win on Sunday was fuelled by Naman Dhir, highly rated by Mumbai Indians, and Ramandeep Singh, who was retained by Kolkata Knight Riders before the recent auction.Having scored 196 for 6, thanks in part to Anmolpreet Singh’s 60 and Ramandeep’s unbeaten 11-ball 39, Punjab managed to bundle out Hyderabad for 189, with Dhir picking up his first five-for in T20s. Tilak Varma, the Hyderabad captain, managed just a run-a-ball 9.File photo: Ramandeep Singh’s cameo helped Punjab put up a winning score against Hyderabad•Associated PressThis was a clear case of the scorecard not revealing how one-sided the game threatened to be when Hyderabad were 141 for 8 in 17 overs. Then Chama Milind, the left-arm seamer, unleashed a barrage of sixes in his 22-ball 55 to take the game closer before Arshdeep Singh dealt the final blow to seal victory.Bharat, Bhui lead Andhra’s chargeUnbeaten for four games running, Andhra are in with a good shout of making the knockouts. But their task gets tougher from here on as they still have games remaining against Kerala and Mumbai, both of whom are also in knockouts contention, and right behind them in Group E.On Sunday, KS Bharat and Ricky Bhui combined to help Andhra ransack 222 for 8 against Services for a 23-run win. Opening the batting, Bharat scored a 39-ball 63, while Bhui’s 84 came off just 35 balls and contained five sixes. Services made a good fist of the target with captain Mohit Ahlawat smashing 74 off 37. But an impressive 3 for 26 from Cheepurapalli Stephen eventually restricted them to 199.

Leeds United will host Everton on Monday night as they return to the Premier League for the first time after a two-year absence. Daniel Farke’s side will be looking to get the campaign off to a dream start after a busy summer, where they have made several new additions to their squad.

The Whites have looked to strengthen right across the pitch. They have brought in a new goalkeeper in Lucas Perri, three new defenders, including Jaka Bijol, two midfielders, with one of those Newcastle United academy graduate, Sean Longstaff, and a new centre-forward, Lukas Nmecha, on a free transfer.

However, the Yorkshire side don’t seem to be done there, and are focusing on bringing in more attackers before the window slams shut.

Leeds’ next attacking targets

It was reported on Wednesday that England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin will imminently move to Elland Road on a free transfer. He is set to have a medical after leaving Everton in the summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Calvert-Lewin is not the only new attacker who could be on his way to Leeds. According to Beren Cross of The Athletic, they are said to be ‘showing interest’ in signing AC Milan forward Noah Okafor.

There is yet to be an official approach from Leeds for Okafor, according to Cross, but he is a player ‘Leeds are looking at in the final weeks of the window’, and a late move could be on the cards.

It wouldn’t be a deal that breaks the bank, either. Earlier in the window, Milan were reportedly asking for just £13m for the Switzerland international.

Why Okafor would be a good signing

The 2024/25 campaign was not necessarily an easy one for Okafor. He struggled to break into the Milan team, with injuries disrupting his campaign, and a January loan move to eventual Scudetto winners Napoli was even less fruitful for him.

In total, the 25-year-old made just 21 appearances across all competitions, four in a Napoli shirt and the rest for the Rossoneri.

In that time, he bagged just one goal, an opening-day equaliser in the 95th minute against Torino.

Yet, the forward has shown great promise earlier in his career. He played four seasons for RB Salzburg in Austria before moving to Milan. In 110 appearances, he scored 34 goals and assisted 23.

Two of those seasons, 2021/22 and 2022/23, saw him register double-figure goal involvements, and the underlying numbers stand out. For example, he created 2.3 chances and 2.1 chances, respectively. That is why football talent scout Jacek Kulig called him an “electric” attacker.

Goals and assists

1.3

0.7

Shots on target

1.6

1.1

Key passes

2.3

2.1

Dribbles completed

1.6

1.7

Tackles and interceptions

1.2

0.7

If Okafor does move to Elland Road, he could be the second coming of Wilfried Gnonto. The Italian attacker has had a similar career path to Okafor and offers similar versatility to the Swiss forward.

Gnonto’s numbers across his Leeds career are impressive. The 21-year-old has already racked up over a century of appearances for the club, with 118 to his name. In that time, he’s found the back of the net 22 times and assisted 13 further goals.

The pair have certainly followed a relatively similar career path so far. Like Okafor representing Milan, Gnonto has also been on the books of a Serie A giant from the same city, although he played for Inter’s youth sides.

On top of that, they’ve each played in the Swiss top flight, with the potential new Leeds addition representing FC Basel and Gnonto playing for Zurich. Now, their paths could cross at the same time if the Milan attacker joins Leeds.

Aside from their similar career moves, the players are both versatile attackers. They are able to play on both wings, lead the line as a striker or play in behind another centre-forward, as a number ten or a second striker.

Oh, how Leeds fans would surely love to have the second coming of Gnonto at Elland Road. The Whites’ number 29 has been a key player over the years, so if Okafor can rediscover his best form and replicate Gnonto, it would be a huge bonus.

A dream for Calvert-Lewin: Leeds offer contract terms to sign £24.5m star

Leeds United have reportedly offered contract terms to a star who would be a dream for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

ByDan Emery Aug 14, 2025