All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United have been handed a potentially huge boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Arsenal this Sunday.

What’s the latest?

In comments made before Leeds’ 4-0 defeat against Manchester City on Saturday (via The Mirror), Jesse Marsch revealed that he expects the centre-forward, who has not featured since rupturing his plantar fascia in the 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in March, to return to the pitch this week – something that would appear to suggest the 28-year-old could be in line for a return to action against Arsenal this weekend.

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Regarding the England international’s recovery from injury, the 48-year-old manager said: “Patrick has been making progress and we are still hopeful we can see him later in the season. I suspect and probably expect that he will be on the pitch next week. Let’s see and we have to be cautious, but we are all optimistic about Patrick at this point.”

Marsch will be buzzing

Considering how important a part of the Leeds side Bamford has proven himself to be in recent years, the news that the striker looks as if he could make a return to first-team football sooner rather than later is sure to have left Marsch buzzing.

While a series of injuries have severely hampered the 28-year-old’s game time this season – having made just nine appearances in the Premier League, over which he has scored two goals – the forward’s returns last time out demonstrated just how crucial he is in the Whites attack.

Indeed, over his 38 Premier League fixtures last term, the £18m-rated hitman highly impressed throughout Leeds’ first campaign back in the top flight, bagging 17 goals, providing seven assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £74k-per-week Englishman average a very respectable SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as the Whites’ seventh-best player in the league – playing a key role in Leeds securing a top-half finish.

As such, should Bamford be able to refind this level of goalscoring form upon his return to action, the centre-forward could well prove to be the difference between survival and relegation back to the second tier of English football come the end of the season.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Leeds dealt setback as early Arsenal team news emerges, Marsch surely livid

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has signed a new two-year extension to his contract which will take him to 2026.

What’s the word?

Klopp has pledged his long-term future to the Reds in a deal which will expire in 2026, a move that is sure to please Kopites everywhere.

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There were talks of him leaving Liverpool upon the end of his previous contract in 2024, with the German explaining as recently as March: “The plan at the moment is to get to 2024 then, ‘thank you very much’.”

Klopp set to continue the Liverpool dynasty

The 54-year-old has revolutionised Liverpool since taking over from Brendan Rodgers in October 2015. The club was arguably in freefall despite an encouraging start under the Northern Irishman and change was urgently needed.

What followed over the next six-and-a-half years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Klopp has built a team of winners, recruiting diligently over time to craft a team which can compete on three fronts to devastating effect.

The Champions League title was won in June 2019 before a maiden Premier League crown was added the following season, despite the attempts of a global pandemic to derail the inevitable.

With Club World Cup, European Super Cup and Carabao Cup trophies all added to the growing list, it is only the FA Cup which has eluded him and his side so far, although they are in the final of that competition this season.

The former Borussia Dortmund manager has plenty of time on his side to continue this excellent Liverpool dynasty and add further silverware to the already bulging Anfield trophy room.

An extra two years might not seem like much, but to the Liverpool faithful around the world it may feel like a lifetime, and now he has even greater scope to cement his place in the pantheon of managerial greats – if he hasn’t already.

Considering just how successful Klopp has been on Merseyside, and how much he is adored by the fan base at large, it is a masterclass from FSG to secure the German for another couple of years so that he can further add to his Anfield legend, while also creating even greater excitement among Kopites.

AND in other news, Liverpool can unearth their new Gerrard by plotting bid for “outrageous” £50m gem…

Micky Van de Ven was left blown away by the performance of a Tottenham Hotspur star in the 2-0 victory against Brentford at the weekend.

Tottenham secure first Premier League win since late October

The pressure has been mounting on Thomas Frank in recent weeks, with it even emerging that Tottenham were considering a move for Barcelona manager Xavi as a replacement, but the Dane may have bought himself more time courtesy of a victory against Brentford.

Spurs breezed to a 2-0 win against the Bees, which was their first triumph in the Premier League since winning 3-0 at Everton at the end of October, with Richarlison opening the scoring after 26 minutes, finding the back of the net for the seventh time in all competitions this season.

Xavi Simons was the creator, and the Dutchman then went on to score his first goal since moving to north London just before half-time, sealing all three points for Frank’s side in the process.

Simons has received heavy criticism for making a slow start to life at Tottenham, with Jamie O’Hara left particularly scathing after the defeat against Fulham, but he clearly has the full support of teammate Van de Ven, who singled the attacking midfielder out for high praise after Brentford.

Simons needs to build on his Brentford performance

Frank will no doubt be delighted the Netherlands international appears to be finding his feet, receiving a SofaScore match rating of 9.5 after registering a goal and an assist against Keith Andrews’ side.

Having finally shown what he can produce, the 22-year-old needs to build on that performance, starting on Tuesday against Slavia Prague, with Spurs set to host the Czech side in their sixth Champions League game.

Forget Simons: Spurs "liability" is now becoming the new Ndombele

This Tottenham star is flattering to deceive in spite of his immense talent.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 6, 2025

Frank’s side have looked bereft of ideas at times this season, with only a Richarlison wonder goal preventing them from suffering an even heavier loss against Arsenal back in November.

As such, Simons needs to step up, and Tottenham will be hoping the former RB Leipzig man can start recording similar attacking numbers to what he did during his time with the German club, registering 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 games.

Tottenham Hotspur travel to face Leeds United in the Premier League this afternoon, looking to return to winning ways after their draw in the Champions League in midweek.

Thomas Frank will no doubt want to return to league action with a bang, after only managing to secure a 1-1 draw against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers last week.

However, on the whole, it’s been an impressive start to life in North London for the Dane, only suffering one defeat in his first nine matches after taking the reins in the summer.

Whilst Daniel Farke’s side are a newly-promoted outfit, they are still a side to be feared, with the Whites unbeaten in each of their last two top-flight outings.

If the Lilywhites are to have the best chance of avoiding a shock defeat at Elland Road, the manager desperately needs to drop one player who’s been extremely poor as of late.

Richarlison’s poor form in recent weeks

After scoring twice in the Premier League opener of 2025/26, there was a sense of excitement building at Spurs that Richarlison could be the man to lead the line under Frank.

While he’s managed to find the back of the net three times in his first six outings, the Brazilian has become a scapegoat in recent outings, given his lack of impact in the final third.

His recent showing against Bodo Glimt in the Champions League was arguably one of his worst of the campaign, only achieving a total of ten touches in his 90-minute performance.

Richarlison also only managed to complete two passes, whilst also losing possession five times – an average of once every two times he made contact with the ball.

The 28-year-old may have had limited opportunities, but he was also wasteful when the ball fell his way, subsequently missing one big chance and costing the Lilywhites a chance of claiming all three points.

The injury situation in attacking areas has been less than ideal for Frank, but he desperately needs to drop the Brazilian and hand one player the chance to flourish this afternoon in Yorkshire.

The player who needs to replace Richarlison against Leeds

Dominic Solanke has been Spurs’ main talisman over the last 12 months, often providing the goods within the final third before Frank’s arrival during the off-season.

The Englishman cost a club-record £65m last summer from Bournemouth and subsequently endured a solid first campaign in North London – scoring 16 goals across all competitions.

However, he’d found minutes hard to come by, only featuring for a total of 31 minutes in the Premier League, with an ankle injury preventing him from putting a consistent run together.

Another option that Frank must consider against Farke’s men is French star Mathys Tel, with the youngster needing a run of games to showcase his talents in North London.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with the Lilywhites, scoring three goals in his 20 appearances – but often struggled for consistency under Ange Postecoglou.

However, the hierarchy decided to fork out £30m for his signature during the off-season, with the board putting trust in the youngster to thrive in the years ahead.

Tel has only made four appearances in the Premier League this season, only one of which was from a starting position, with added minutes desperately needed to allow him to reach his full potential.

Despite his lack of action, he’s been labelled “Thierry Henry-like” by former fan-favourite Jermaine Defoe, further highlighting the talent he currently possesses.

The Englishman stated about his unbelievable ability to glide past his opponent, something which has been reflected in his tally of 67% dribble success rate in 2025/26.

Games played

4

Minutes played

104

Starts

1

Pass accuracy

83%

Crosses completed

0.9

Dribble success

67%

Duels won

6.9

Recoveries made

2.6

He’s also averaged 0.9 crosses per 90, along with 6.9 duels per 90 won – further highlighting his impressive all-round nature within attacking areas in North London.

It may be an unpopular call, but it’s one that needs to be done to give Frank the best chance of finding out his best eleven after taking the reins a few months ago.

Such a decision could give Richarlison the time he needs to recapture his form, which in time could create healthy competition for the Lilywhites within attacking areas.

Spurs already have dream Son heir who's yet to play in the Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur could save themselves millions with a Heung-min Son replacement within their ranks.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 3, 2025

The treble winners have been dismantled. A new era has begun at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.

Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson, Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker and, of course, Jack Grealish. All now yesterday’s news.

They were all crucial in the greatest season in City’s history, but time waits for no one. Following a turbulent 2024/25 campaign, Guardiola has overseen substantial change this summer, ushering in a wave of exciting, bold additions. Old with the old, in with the new.

Success for most managers operates on a boom or bust cycle. Take Jose Mourinho or Antonio Conte, for example, serial winners across multiple different stints, albeit with both men having the tendency to implode.

The very best, like Sir Alex Ferguson – and now Guardiola – have that ability to build, grow, evolve; ride it out even when things begin to get tougher.

Having already phased out one great side containing the likes of Vincent Kompany, David Silva, and Sergio Aguero, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss is doing so again.

The Etihad’s latest array of stars are beginning to shine brightly – there are now new poster boys to get behind…

Man City's new-look side is starting to come together

Heading into the recent international break, there were perhaps questions being asked of just where this City side is at, having slipped to defeats against both Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton, after thrashing Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening weekend.

Following a much-needed reset, the Citizens have returned with a bang over the last week or so, having surged to a deserved 3-0 win in the Manchester derby, spearheaded by the brilliance of Erling Haaland at the top of the pitch, with debutant Gianluigi Donnarumma in sparkling form at the opposite end.

A key figure in that convincing win was also the lively Jeremy Doku, with the fleet-footed Belgian beginning to translate his devastating attacking threat into a consistent end product.

Minutes

77

Touches

48

Assists

2

Key passes

4

Pass accuracy

83%

Dribbles completed

2/6

Total duels won

7/14

Possession lost

17

Fouls won

4

The former Rennes speedster notably skipped past Luke Shaw as if the Englishman wasn’t even there before teeing up Phil Foden for the opener, having also provided the assist for Haaland’s first of the game after expertly fending off Leny Yoro.

Unplayable at his best, the marauding winger got in on the act himself in the midweek win over De Bruyne’s Napoli, skipping his way into the area before firing home from the angle.

Alongside the likes of Haaland and Foden, Doku could be the face of this youthful, fresh outfit. So too can Tijjani Reijnders, with the £46.3m Dutchman notably netting at Molineux on his Premier League debut.

Trickier tests have followed since, although the ex-AC Milan midfielder was back to his best last time out, providing the assist for Doku’s clincher, while also boasting a 93% pass accuracy, as per Sofascore.

While injury has largely kept new men Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki out of action, Reijnders is front and centre.

Guardiola now has a fresh spine to build around, while there is further reason for optimism all across the pitch.

How Doku and Reijnders' market value compares

New signings, of course, are crucial to this Etihad rebuild, although Guardiola can also look in-house in order to find the tools to assemble his next title-winning outfit in Manchester.

While currently ousted from his right-back berth by Abdukodir Khusanov, young Rico Lewis is among those who will likely play a part for the long haul at the club, having only recently committed his future to City.

Despite notable interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest over the summer, the 20-year-old has since signed a new deal at the Etihad until 2030, with director of football Hugo Viana stating that the youngster “embodies everything we aspire to be at Manchester City”.

Once lauded by Guardiola as “one of the best [he’s] ever trained” – having also been dubbed a “wonderful” player by one-time wonderkid, Joe Cole – Lewis has certainly enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks in recent years.

As his recent role on the bench has indicated, his progression hasn’t been perfect – not least amid the debate over his best role in the side – yet to have already racked up 98 first-team appearances by the age of 20 is a testament to his quality.

That quality is also evident amid his soaring market value, with the City hierarchy perhaps right not to have cashed in amid Forest’s desire to seal a reported £25m switch.

Indeed, as per Football Transfers, the homegrown sensation is now said to be worth as much as €75m (£66m). For context, that even exceeds the value of both Doku and Reijnders, with the pair said to be worth €66m (£57m) and €63m (£55m), respectively.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Guardiola’s “little Phillip Lahm”, Lewis is destined to have a bright future in this evolving City squad and starting XI.

Khusanov might have the jersey right now, but such a valuable asset like the seven-cap England international will surely weave his way back into the side before too long. He’s too good not to.

8 key passes: 8/10 Man City man showed why he'll be Haaland's new De Bruyne

On a record breaking night for Erling Braut Håland, Manchester City began their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Napoli on Thursday.

Sep 19, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have splashed the cash over the last couple of years to try and catapult themselves to a Premier League title fight – but so far, to no avail.

The Lilywhites’ 15th-placed Premier League finish last campaign showcases the size of the task Thomas Frank has on his hands, but there’s no doubt he will be backed by the hierarchy in due course.

Just last summer, the board splashed a club-record fee of £65m to land Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth, with the Englishman seen as a replacement for Harry Kane.

Mammoth funds have also been spent on the likes of Xavi Simons and Brennan Johnson, subsequently adding further depth and quality to the club’s attacking department.

However, despite the addition of the former during the recent window, he was also joined by another talent late on in the summer – in a move that will offer further competition for places.

How Frank can get the best out of Kudus

Despite the previous additions made during the summer transfer window, Mohammed Kudus was the most expensive addition made by the hierarchy, costing a fee in the region of £55m.

The former West Ham United star undoubtedly ruffled the feathers of the Hammers faithful with his move across the capital to link up with Frank’s side during the off-season.

The 25-year-old started the clash against Graham Potter’s side last weekend, failing to get on the scoresheet, but proving that he made the right decision after the 3-0 triumph.

His debut against Burnley saw him bag two assists for Richarlison, but he’s failed to register a single goal contribution since the opening day – which could leave the Dane scratching his head for ways to recapture his best form.

Kudus is at his best when driving at the opposition – as seen by his assists against Scott Parker’s men – with Frank needing to give the attacker licence to drive and try and beat the opposition on a consistent basis.

However, the hierarchy may have been better off keeping hold of another talent, given his recent form elsewhere after his transfer away from the capital a couple of years ago.

The Spurs star who’s now outperforming Simons

Back in November 2021, Spurs appointed Antonio Conte as the successor to Nuno Espírito Santo, but the Italian’s time in charge was certainly one to forget for all involved with the club.

Whilst he achieved a 53% win rate in charge of the Lilywhites, his off-the-field antics caught the eye most – often leading to various moments of controversy.

From touchline clashes with Thomas Tuchel, to rants in press conferences, his spell was littered with questionable moments which led to his demise in North London.

His dealings in the transfer market also led to questions being asked, with the sale of Steven Bergwijn in the summer of 2022 one that could come back to bite the club.

The Dutchman racked up 83 appearances for the club, scoring eight times in the process – with his best effort arguably coming in his first outing in the capital.

He scored a superb effort against Manchester City on home soil, securing a 2-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s men back in the 2020/21 campaign before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite making 32 appearances in his final campaign, he would be sold back to Ajax in his homeland – before joining Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad in the summer of 2024.

Bergwijn, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, has scored 18 goals since the start of last season – a tally higher than that of Kudus, who’s only managed five in the same time period.

The Dutchman has also notched nine assists in that time, also outperforming the Ghanaian, who’s only managed six – further highlighting his superb levels of performance since leaving North London.

Transfer Fee

£27m

Appearances

83

Goals

8

Minutes played

3563

Assists

9

Goal involvements

17

Yellow cards

7

His subsequent tallies showcase that he still possesses a whole heap of quality that could’ve been of use to Frank if the previous management teams had kept hold of the attacker.

However, he will forever remain a case of what could have been, with Frank needing to put trust into Kudus to continue his fine start to life under his guidance.

Forget Kudus & Simons: Spurs star is becoming a "superstar" under Frank

Tottenham Hotspur have unearthed yet another top-level star in the Champions League last night.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 17, 2025

Glasgow Rangers made their first signing of the Russell Martin era last month when they confirmed the arrival of right-back Max Aarons on loan.

The former England U21 international will spend the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Ibrox, but Rangers do not have an option to make it permanent next summer, should they wish to.

Aarons will not be the last player to walk through the doors at Ibrox before the end of the summer transfer window, though, as Rangers are also in talks to sign Conor Coady to bolster their centre-back options.

The Scottish Premiership giants are also in the market to sign a new central midfielder, amid interest in Brazilian enforcer Metinho from Troyes.

Midfielder rejects clubs to sign for Rangers

There has not been any advance on their interest in Metinho as of yet, but the Gers are reportedly set to sign a new central midfielder from England.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam, 30-year-old Bournemouth midfielder Joe Rothwell has turned down offers from teams in LaLiga to sign for Rangers.

The reporter adds that the Scottish giants have agreed a deal with the Premier League side to sign the right-footed maestro on a permanent deal, for an undisclosed fee.

McAdams states that Rothwell’s contract with the Cherries is due to expire at the end of next season, and the Gers have taken advantage of that to swoop in to snap him up this summer.

Rangers have beat stiff competition from European sides, in Spain’s top-flight, to plan the midfielder, who could arrive as Martin’s own version of Glen Kamara, who played 193 times for the Ibrox giants.

Why Joe Rothwell could be Glen Kamara 2.0 for Rangers

The Gers sold Kamara to Leeds in the summer of 2023, and now they could finally find a new metronomic, classy, midfield operator by signing this Bournemouth ace.

Funnily enough, Rothwell was signed by the English side to replace the Finland international when he left Elland Road to join Rennes last year.

As you can see by their respective performances for Leeds at Championship level, Leeds landed a like-for-like replacement, as both players excel at progressing play and creating chances for their teammates with their immense passing quality.

The £15k-per-week star was described as a “pure baller” by manager Daniel Farke, and his statistics in the English second tier in the 2024/25 campaign back up that comment.

Passes completed

63.74

Top 6%

Long passes completed

6.44

Top 2%

xA

0.22

Top 4%

Key passes

2.44

Top 1%

Progressive passes

6.64

Top 8%

Passes into the final third

7.40

Top 2%

As you can see in the table above, Rothwell ranked very highly among his positional peers as a passer and as a creator in the Championship, which further backs up how similar he is to Kamara.

The English midfielder ended the season with 5.42 xA and four assists to his name in 24 league starts, which shows that he can create high-quality chances for his teammates at an impressive rate.

Kamara provided a calming presence in midfield with his ability to pass the ball, but the Finnish sensation also offered quality in the final third with a return of 11 assists in all competitions for the Gers.

Therefore, Rangers may have landed Martin his own version of the former Light Blues midfield maestro by winning the race ahead of European sides to sign Rothwell this summer.

Dream Raskin replacement: Rangers to ramp up move for "exciting" £4m star

Rangers are ready to step up their pursuit of a star who could be a replacement for Nicolas Raskin.

ByDan Emery Jul 1, 2025

Crystal Palace have now opened talks to sign a Champions League player on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Eagles have lofty ambitions after FA Cup triumph

Oliver Glasner is expected to remain at Selhurst Park beyond the end of the campaign, despite no doubt catching the eye of some of Europe’s top clubs by leading Palace to FA Cup glory, and Steve Parish has now insisted the board must match their manager’s ambition.

The Palace chairman said: “He (Glasner) will stay here, for some period of time,”

“Of course we want him to stay but things happen in football, clubs evolve and move on and I’d love him to stay but the club has to develop and show the ambition in terms of the things we have to do to move it forward for people to feel part of something. If that all aligns maybe it will.”

With the summer transfer window now fast approaching, the Eagles have started to identify some ambitious transfer targets too, with Paris Saint-Germain forward Lee Kang-In and Lyon star Rayan Cherki entering the frame in recent days.

There has now been a new update on a defender Crystal Palace are keen on in a report from The Sun, which states they have now opened talks over a deal for Atletico Madrid’s Reinildo Mandava, who is set to leave the Spanish club for free this summer.

Mandava’s contract is set to expire this summer, and he is attracting a lot of attention from the Premier League, with Everton and Fulham also being named as potential suitors, although they are seemingly yet to make any formal moves.

Crystal Palace now keen to sign £20m maestro; could join in Guehi swap deal

Palace have set their sights on a midfielder, who could join as part of a swap deal for Marc Guehi.

ByDominic Lund May 26, 2025

It appears as though the Eagles are more advanced than their Premier League rivals in their pursuit of the Atletico ace, having already entered discussions to sign the 31-year-old, with Glasner keen to wrap up a lot of his transfer business early this summer.

"True gladiator" Mandava could be shrewd signing

The report states the Atletico defender is being targeted to provide competition for Tyrick Mitchell at left-back, and there are certainly indications he would be able to do exactly that, given his experience at the top level.

The left-back has made 25 appearances in the Champions League, while also featuring regularly for Atletico in La Liga over the past four seasons, indicating he could be a solid back-up option for Mitchell at the very least.

Average per 90

Tyrick Mitchell

Reinildo Mandava

Assists

0.15

0

Tackles

2.65

2.13

Blocks

1.98

0.96

Clearances

3.14

2.82

Lauded as a “true gladiator” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Mandava is an experienced defender, who could provide depth heading into a congested 2024-25 campaign, given qualification for the Europa League, but Mitchell has proven himself as more of a well-rounded full-back over the past year.

Arsenal are active early doors as we enter the mini-summer transfer window, which is open from June 1 to June 10, and gives Andrea Berta the chance to register new players in quick fashion before pre-season.

Arsenal in "concrete" Benjamin Sesko talks as Berta gets busy

Despite Berta holding extensive discussions over a move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres (Florian Plettenberg), with reports in Portugal also suggesting they’ve made a contract offer to the Sweden international, it now appears RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is the favourite to become Arsenal’s new striker as things stand.

Thierry Henry hails "complete" £114k-p/w star who Arsenal are favourites to sign

The Gunners legend has explained why he’d be a fantastic addition.

ByEmilio Galantini May 30, 2025

Earlier this week, trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano shared information from his sources that “concrete” talks over signing Sesko have started, and this is echoed by Sky Germany’s Plettenberg.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Berta is said to have met with Leipzig director, Marcel Schafer, in London a few days ago, where they discussed the Slovenia international’s future. Arsenal’s focus is currently on Sesko, despite still having Gyokeres high up their shortlist of striker targets, with club-to-club negotiations underway.

Sesko bagged 21 goals in all competitions for Leipzig last term, bettering his tally of 18 from the previous season, and he already rejected a proposal to join the Gunners last summer, as well as offers from Chelsea and Man United, in favour of remaining at his current club.

Arteta is also reported to be a big fan of Sesko behind-the-scenes, with the Spaniard refusing to give up as Arsenal attempt to lure the 22-year-old to north London once again.

Arsenal offered Leroy Sane amid Benjamin Sesko talks

Arsenal also want to sign a new winger this summer, and they’ve been “very active” in the market when it comes to this key goal. Berta has held “numerous talks” with potential targets (Florian Plettenberg), with Bayern Munich’s £242,000-per-week winger Leroy Sane emerging as a key option.

Credible media sources report that Arsenal are looking at signing Sane on a free transfer (The Times), with talks over a new Bayern deal failing to reach a conclusion as things stand, despite the efforts of super-agent Pini Zahavi.

Now, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, answering questions in a Q&A, claims Arsenal have been “offered” the chance to sign Sane on a free deal, alongside Tottenham, but their London rivals are unlikely to take up this opportunity.

“He’s [Sane] been offered to Spurs and Arsenal but could also stay at Bayern Munich,” said Bridge.

“I don’t think Spurs will sign him.”

The 29-year-old possesses great top-level experience from his time at Man City and in Bavaria, scoring a century of goals across those two spells with a further 99 assists in all competitions.

He could be a fantastic alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side, but his desired contract could prove problematic. Sane is apparently after a £192,000-per-week base salary with £2.5 million in bonuses and a signing-on fee to remain at Bayern (Sky and Sport Bild), so it remains to be seen if Berta is willing to give in to those demands.

The Women’s FA Cup has just as much magic as its male equivalent, with the finale’s place at the end of the domestic calendar handing two teams the opportunity to finish the campaign on a high in front of a large capacity crowd.

That has only been heightened by the welcome rise in prominence within the women’s game of late, with the FA Cup final being held at Wembley Stadium since 2015.

While the national stadium has typically only been half full for such occasions in the past, the 2023 final between Chelsea and Manchester United saw over 77,000 witness the Blues secure a third straight triumph through Sam Kerr’s winner.

Large crowds like these are now the norm for showpiece women’s events, particularly at Wembley, with the FA Cup final and England internationals well in the habit of bringing in spectators en masse.

The 2024 final was further evidence of this, with United’s win over Tottenham Hotspur again drawing in over 75,000 supporters.

But who are the most successful clubs in the FA Cup’s history? Here is a look at the history of the competition and a detailed look at the most recent finals.

Women's FA Cup history timeline

1970: Following the lifting of a ban on women’s football, which had stood for nearly 50 years, the first FA Cup tournament is held by the Women’s Football Association (WFA). The National Sports Centre in Crystal Palace hosts the first final in 1971, won by Southampton Women’s FC.

1993: The Football Association takes administrative control of the competition, along with the rest of women’s football in England.

2015: The final is held at Wembley Stadium for the first time, as 30,000 spectators see Chelsea defeat Notts County 1-0.

2023: A world-record crowd attends a domestic cup final, nearly 12 months on from the Euro 2022 final at a sold-out Wembley.

2024/25 Women's FA Cup

The 2024/25 FA Cup takes place on Sunday, 18th May, one day after the men’s event. This year’s women’s final is between Chelsea and Manchester United, in what is a repeat of the 2023 final.

Chelsea are going for a treble after being crowned as unbeaten champions and having won the League Cup back in March, while holders United are defending their FA Cup crown, which was won through their 4-0 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in May 2024.

It has been an exceptional first year in charge for Sonia Bompastor since replacing Emma Hayes, with the Blues’ only defeats this term coming in the Champions League to Manchester City and Barcelona.

Manchester United are looking to end the season on a high after having to settle for third following their 4-3 defeat to Arsenal on the final day of the WSL season.

Women’s FA Cup past winners

18 different clubs have won the Women’s FA Cup, with Arsenal being the record winners, having won it 14 times.

Southampton Women’s FC is the next-most successful club, winning eight times, most recently in 1981.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s record is only bettered by Doncaster Belles, who appeared in 11 out of 12 finals between 1983 and 1994, winning six times. However, the Blues can draw level with them in 2025.

Club

Times won

Last won

Arsenal

14

2016

Southampton Women’s FC

8

1981

Doncaster Belles

6

1994

Chelsea

5

2023

Manchester City

3

2020

Charlton Athletic

3

2005

Everton

2

2010

Fulham

2

2003

Millwall Lionesses

2

1997

Manchester United

1

2024

Birmingham City

1

2012

Norwich City

1

1986

AFC Wimbledon Women

1

1985 (as Friends of Fulham)

Howbury Grange

1

1984

Lowestoft Ladies

1

1982

St Helens

1

1980

Queen’s Park Rangers

1

1977

Fodens

1

1974

Previous FA Cup finals 12th May 2024: Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United sealed their first FA Cup triumph against first-time finalists Tottenham Hotspur in 2024 in a comprehensive victory at Wembley.

Ella Toone got the ball rolling just before the end of the first period, with her long-range rocket adding to her catalogue of big-game goals.

The second half saw Spurs tire and crumble under the wave of United attacks, with Rachel Williams’ header and Lucia Garcia’s double seeing the Red Devils run out deserved winners.

Beth England came closest for the runners-up when her header smashed the bar, but there could be no complaints about the final result as United claimed their first major trophy.

14th May 2023: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United

Chelsea secured a league and cup double in 2023 after battling to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United. Marc Skinner’s side had most of the better chances, particularly in the first half when they had a goal ruled out for offside in the opening minute and forced Ann-Katrin Berger into a number of important saves.

Sam Kerr turned home Pernille Harder’s pinpoint cross in the second half, to which the Red Devils had no reply.

15th May 2022: Chelsea 3-2 Manchester City (aet)

The Blues edged a five-goal thriller against United’s closest rivals in 2022. Sam Kerr nodded Chelsea ahead before Lauren Hemp equalised just before half-time.

Erin Cuthbert’s screamer restored the Blues’ lead and had looked set to be the match-winner until Hayley Raso’s fine finish forced extra time.

Both sides had chances in the extra period, but Kerr took the crucial one in the 99th minute, with her deflected strike handing Chelsea another FA Cup.

5th December 2021: Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea

Postponed due to the pandemic, the 2021 finale took place nearly seven months later than usual. The date chosen for the final came a century after the FA’s ban on women’s football in 1921.

It was Chelsea who once again emerged victorious, as opponents Arsenal came up against an inspired Kerr, who scored twice after Fran Kirby’s early opener to seal a comfortable victory.

1st November 2020: Everton 1-3 Manchester City (aet)

Played in front of no fans during the pandemic-affected 2020/21 campaign, Man City won their third FA Cup in four seasons with an extra-time victory over Everton, who were in the first final in six years.

The 50th Women’s FA Cup final saw Sam Mewis’ header put Gareth Taylor’s team in front, before Valerie Gauvin’s equaliser from a corner took the sides to extra time.

Georgia Stanway’s poked finish left City with one hand on the cup, and she laid the ball on a plate for Janine Beckie to finally put the game to bed and secure a second successive cup triumph.