All posts by z3u9t.icu

Chelsea started their Club World campaign with a 2-0 victory over LAFC, but it was far from the most entertaining watch from a Blues perspective.

The limited numbers inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium likely didn’t help the drab pre-season feel of the fixture, yet certain performances would have still worried the select few Chelsea supporters watching on regardless, with Noni Madueke noticeably struggling down the left wing.

Enzo Maresca desperately needs more reinforcements down the left channel, therefore, and transfer rumours constantly coming out from Stamford Bridge seem to indicate that fresh blood will soon be purchased.

How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free

Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025 Chelsea still have "world-class" star as top priority

As per an update by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg on social media, Chelsea still holds winning the services of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens as a major priority this summer, but they will have to pay £55m.

Transfer Focus

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

An agreement has been sealed on the player side, according to Fabrizio Romano, but the more time goes on, the more Blues supporters will be anxious that a deal to win Gittens could unfortunately fall flat.

Indeed, other targets are now being sought after on the left, with an enquiry lodged to snap up rising Lyon star Malick Fofana as a way to bolster even more.

However, whilst Fofana is no doubt being looked at as one for the future, Chelsea will be overwhelmed with excitement as to what the Dortmund attacker could be capable of on his expected arrival in West London, with Gittens having already been dubbed “world-class” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley.

How Gittens can be Chelsea's next Hazard

Bursting with energy and an electric dribbler, the young Englishman might well become Chelsea’s next Eden Hazard if everything goes to plan.

Hazard was only a year older than Gittens when making his Blues debut back in 2012, having also been hotly tipped for greatness on the books of Lille. Now, the much-loved Belgian is viewed as a modern-day icon at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca will be aiming to restore Chelsea to their past glories when Hazard was routinely galloping down the left channel, with two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy heading the Blues’ way when the slick 5-foot-9 attacker was performing at his peak.

Adding Gittens could well be a big step forward in allowing Chelsea to compete for top-flight honours once more, with his overall numbers in the Bundesliga lagging behind Hazard’s were when he was about to leave France behind for a new challenge in England.

Games played

194

107

Goals scored

50

17

Assists

53

12

Goals per game

0.25

0.15

Assists per game

0.27

0.11

Hazard was somewhat in a league of his own towards the end of his Lille stay, with a remarkable 38 goals and assists picked up during his final season in France.

But, Gittens has shown flashes of his obvious excellence at Dortmund to be viewed as a potential next iteration of the celebrated Belgian, notably ranking within the top 1% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90 minutes, showcasing he’s one of the best dribblers around, just like Hazard.

12 of his 17 Black and Yellow strikes came in 2024/25, and it included four being hammered home in the esteemed Champions League.

Hazard was equally a dependable performer on the big occasion for Chelsea, with ten strikes next to his name in Europe’s elite competition.

The similarities don’t end there, however, with the former Manchester City youth product also capable of performing as an attacking midfielder or a right winger if needed.

Hazard’s main explosiveness for the Blues did primarily come down the left, but a surprisingly large portion of his goals in London did actually come from the number ten spot, as seen in 21 of his 110 goals for Chelsea coming from this more central position.

With so much hype next to his name – with Critchley further lauding the 20-year-old as “England’s best LW” currently – the worry might well be that Gittens flounders under the intensity of his new spotlight.

Yet, Hazard had even more fanfare surrounding his name when he took the jump from Ligue 1 to the Premier League, with Dortmund’s standout star now desperate to follow in his revered footsteps.

Better than Gittens: BlueCo make approach to sign £50m star for Chelsea

Chelsea love signing a highly-rated winger don’t they, with the Blues seeking to sign a “magnificent prospect” as Jamie Gittens alternative.

1 Jun 17, 2025

Arsenal supporters are set to see a plethora of different stories come to light about Andrea Berta’s transfer activity in the coming months, with Mikel Arteta looking to restructure the squad and build a Premier League-winning side.

When asked about planning for next season, after Arsenal were confirmed as runners-up behind Liverpool, the Gunners boss admitted to getting “goosebumps” when thinking of the summer ahead.

"World-class" player set for medical with new club after leaving Arsenal

He’s departing imminently.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 4, 2025

A lot of noise is centered around their search for a new striker, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko both being worked on by Arsenal (BBC), but the north Londoners could reinforce a host of other areas.

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

Arsenal held talks over a deal for Dean Huijsen, before his switch to Real Madrid, and it is believed that Berta is actively pursuing a new winger as well, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

They appear set to attack the market with gusto after missing out on this year’s title to Liverpool by 10 points, and Arteta has commenced work behind-the-scenes, by his own admission.

“Now, immediately,” said Arteta when he was asked about planning for the new season, after their last game of 24/25 against Southampton (via Sky).

“The moment I start to think about that, I feel goosebumps and excitement. We already have some things that we are discussing and making decisions. Everything that is planned for pre-season and the first few weeks of the season is already done two, three months ago. So we are now really good.

“My day will look already different. There are a lot of things to do, but it won’t be, especially with that feeling in my tummy, that [feeling of] a game is coming up. It will be a different one and that changes everything.”

A lot of planning has also gone into a pre-summer deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

After months of rumoured talks, Fabrizio Romano finally gave his famous ‘here we go’ to the deal recently, and the BBC reported that a medical had been scheduled for the £51 million Spain international.

However, Zubimendi himself threw a spanner in the works with his quotes from this week, telling Radio Nacional that the medical claims were actually untrue.

Arsenal are set to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad

After this message, and a similar denial of Arsenal’s advances from Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay, journalist Graeme Bailey has shared a comforting update on the complex sitiuation which is confusing a lot of supporters.

Speaking to The Boot Room, Bailey said that Zubimendi to Arsenal is in fact a “done deal” – and the club are not worried about the 26-year-old’s surprise interview or the potential for Real Madrid to swoop in.

“Arsenal are aware of the quotes from Zubimendi – but from what I am told, the deal is considered done at the Emirates,” said the reporter.

“They are not worried, they knew these things might come up when Xabi Alonso was appointed.

“From what I am told, this is happening – it is a done deal. But obviously, the fans want to see that picture of him holding the shirt up, signed and sealed. Until that point, speculation is open to continue.”

The “world-class” midfield technician, who’s been a star mainstay for Sociedad and helped Spain seize Euro 2024 glory last year, has been a top target since January, with talks advancing as far back as winter (The Mail).

Losing out on Zubimendi at this stage would be a hammer blow for Arteta, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey and Jorginho confirmed to be leaving.

Mohamed Salah is a player who’s exceeded all expectations at Liverpool Football Club, taking the club to new heights in the eight years he’s spent at the club.

The Egyptian joined the Reds in a £34m deal from Roma back in the summer of 2017 and has since registered over 400 appearances, breaking all sorts of records along the way.

He notched a total of 29 goals and 18 assists in his 38 Premier League outings, matching the record for the most combined goal contributions – highlighting his impact within the final third.

The 2024/25 campaign was the fourth time the 32-year-old had claimed the division’s Golden Boot award, with his efforts undoubtedly leading Arne Slot’s side to title glory.

However, many other attackers on the books have struggled to make a similar impact at Anfield, with the manager needing to delve into the transfer market as a result.

Liverpool’s deals to land new attackers over recent years

The likes of Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez and Luis Diaz have all been signed by Liverpool in the last couple of seasons, costing a pretty penny in the process.

The trio have set the hierarchy back around £180m, but have struggled to deliver to the same level as Salah – scoring just 28 between them, lower than the Egyptian managed alone.

All three of the players have been linked with a switch away from Merseyside over the summer months, showcasing how much they’ve struggled to deliver on a consistent basis.

Saudi Arabia, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have been touted as possible destinations for the current Reds attackers, but it’s unclear if the hierarchy would be willing to allow them all to leave.

However, if they were to leave the club, it would provide vital funds for Slot to land targets he wants to improve the side, leading to noise about potential additions.

The player who could be Liverpool’s best attacker since Salah

In recent days, Florian Wirtz has been labelled as a potential addition for Liverpool, with talks already being held to land the 22-year-old attacking midfielder.

The Bayer Leverkusen star has impressed throughout 2024/25, registering 30 combined goals and assists, with Bayern Munich also interested in his signature this summer.

However, it’s been claimed that the youngster only wants a switch to Anfield this summer, potentially linking up with current teammate Jeremie Frimpong in the process.

Despite the links to Wirtz, the Reds have also been linked with a move for Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez over the last few weeks, with a real emphasis on improving the club’s front line.

The Argentine has also impressed massively this campaign, registering 36 combined goals and assists, offering a versatile option that can play right across Slot’s frontline.

He only joined the LaLiga outfit from Manchester City last summer, but could be on the move again, should any side agree to pay his lofty £126m release clause during the off-season.

Alvarez, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one journalist, has enjoyed the best year of his career, helping Diego Simeone’s side register a third-placed finish in Spain’s top-flight.

Games played

37

35

30

36

31

Goals & assists

23

14

7

18

22

Goals per 90

0.6

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

51%

38%

38%

42%

47%

Shots on target per game

1.3

1

1

1.1

1.2

Take-on success

52%

50%

34%

45%

49%

Aerials won

40%

39%

37%

25%

20%

When delving into his underlying stats, he’s outperformed current Liverpool stars Gakpo, Diaz and Nunez, whilst also being a better option than Wirtz for the Reds.

He’s registered the most combined goal contributions, handing Slot the added dimension in attacking areas to give the side the best chance of retaining their title.

Alvarez has also managed a higher shot on target rate than the quartet, showcasing the clinical edge that he could provide the squad in 2025/26 should he complete a switch to Merseyside.

The £105m fee mooted for his services is certainly a huge investment, but one that could allow him to follow in the footsteps of Salah and become a fan-favourite under Slot.

If he gets anywhere near close to the levels produced by the Egyptian, he will be a sensational signing, one that would allow Slot to have another deadly attacker at his disposal ahead of next season.

Slot's answer to Huijsen: Liverpool enquire about signing £74m "freak"

Liverpool would consider signing a centre-back this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 28, 2025

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that the biggest weakness in Arsenal’s team this season has been in attack.

As things stand, there are three teams who have scored more goals than Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League, with Liverpool putting the ball in the back of the net 83 times to their 66.

So, while signing a new striker understandably seems to be the club’s top priority heading into the summer, they also have to go out and get at least one more winger to help bridge the gap to their rivals.

Fortunately, that appears to be the club’s ambition, as recent reports have touted a serial winner with a move to the Emirates, someone who’d be a massive upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal's winger search

In the last few weeks, a plethora of incredibly exciting wingers, such as Nico Williams and Rodrygo, have been linked with Arsenal.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has racked up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 44 games this season and will be available for around £48m thanks to a release clause in his current deal with Athletic Bilbao.

Rodrygo, on the other hand, could cost up to a staggering £85m, but as he’s managed to score 13 goals and provide ten assists in just 50 games this season, there’s a valid argument to say he’d be worth the outlay.

However, Arteta and Co might want to save some money on a winger to spend more up top or elsewhere, which would help explain the situation around Leroy Sané.

According to a recent report from Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Arsenal are now a potential destination for the German international next season.

Alongside the Gunners, he revealed that the winger has been offered to Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and others in the UK.

The Bayern Munich star’s contract expires at the end of the season, so he’d be available for free and, thanks to his immense ability and experience, could represent a sensational transfer and a massive upgrade on Martinelli.

How Sané compares to Martinelli

Now, while Sané has spent much of his recent career playing off the right, he’s actually spent more time off the left since making his debut, and with Bukayo Saka being as important as he is, that’s almost certainly where he would play for Arsenal.

Therefore, his biggest competition for game time would be Martinelli, but how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, when it comes to their output, it’s the Bayern ace who comes out on top, as in 44 appearances this season, totalling 2348 minutes, he’s scored 13 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.31 games, or every 123.57 minutes.

In contrast, the Brazilian has scored ten goals and provided six assists in 49 appearances, totalling 3403 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.06 games, or every 212.68 minutes.

It’s just as one-sided a comparison when we take a look at their underlying numbers as well.

The “world-class” Bayern ace, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, comes out on top in almost all metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, key passes, passes into the final third and penalty area, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.86

0.47

Non-Penalty G+As

0.90

0.51

Progressive Passes

3.58

2.07

Progressive Carries

4.13

4.89

Shots

3.70

2.07

Shots on Target

1.57

0.93

Passing Accuracy

82.6%

70.8%

Key Passes

1.96

1.56

Passes into the Final Third

1.28

0.46

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.96

1.43

Live Passes

47.9

26.6

Shot-Creating Actions

4.20

2.79

Goal-Creating Actions

0.50

0.25

Successful Take-Ons

2.18

1.35

Finally, on top of having the better numbers in all departments, the “incredible” international, as dubbed by former manager Pep Guardiola, also knows what is needed to get over the finishing line.

On top of winning two Premier League titles with Manchester City, he’s also won four Bundesliga titles, one Champions League, and a host of other cups with FC Hollywood.

Ultimately, Martinelli could remain a valuable squad member, but it’s clear that Sané would be a massive upgrade; therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

He'd be amazing with Rodrygo: Arsenal close in on signing £60m "monster"

The sensational talent will be a game-changer for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 16, 2025

Everton are embarking on a new era under David Moyes and could now land themselves a summer transfer bargain once the window opens for business.

Everton look to make summer window mark

Survival has been achieved with flying colours by Everton and there is only one match now left at Goodison Park before supporters say goodbye to their home ahead of moving to Bramley Moore Dock.

Emotions are running high and there will be plenty of time for sentimental thoughts over the next few weeks, but fans will feel emboldened that the club are headed in the right direction under David Moyes.

Exciting times are on the horizon under The Friedkin Group and plenty of transfer movement is expected on Merseyside, with Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck cited as an ambitious potential arrival.

Gustavo Hamer could also join the Toffees from Sheffield United if Moyes has his way, as the former Netherlands Under-20 international is viewed as an ideal creative midfield option by the man in charge.

Abdoulaye Doucoure heads up a lengthy list of players that could be set to leave Everton upon the expiry of their contract or loan deals, which could be the signal for a sea change to take place in the dressing room.

Everton make first contact in race to sign "talented" ex-Arsenal defender

He could complete a Premier League return.

ByTom Cunningham May 1, 2025

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young are among other potential departures on free transfers, leaving Moyes with some tough choices to make when considering the future look of his group.

While money is set to be available this summer, PSR regulations will keep clubs in check, meaning Everton could be forced to look for inexpensive pick-ups in certain positions to boost squad depth.

Spying an opportunity to land a bargain, the Toffees are now said to be in pole position to land one of England’s most trustworthy strikers.

Everton looking to seal move for Jamie Vardy

According to reports, Everton are looking to sign Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy once he becomes a free agent at the end of the season and are believed to be at the front of the race. Evaluating his profile, Moyes and TFG are said to value the former Three Lions international’s work ethic and capacity to deliver in pressure moments, citing him as someone who could be a leader in the short-term.

Jamie Vardy’s Premier League statistics – 2024/25

Shots

52

Shots on target

23

Chances created

19

Touches in opposition box

106

Goals

7

Assists

3

Becoming a shining light in a grim season for Leicester, the 38-year-old has been labelled “brilliant” by Gary Lineker and still retains a desire to offer something at the highest level.

Financially, Everton would be able to land the veteran on a free transfer, allowing room for manouvre to spend on other areas in need of surgery. Nevertheless, plenty of other clubs will also be in the hunt for £140,000 per week earner Vardy’s signature due to his potent nature, creating an intriguing few months ahead to see who will eventually land his services once the window opens.

There might still be a chance for Arsenal to end the season with a bang in the Champions League, but that hasn’t stopped the onslaught of transfer rumours in recent weeks.

With the Gunners’ need for attacking reinforcements impossible to ignore, it would be fair to say that Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as one of the most significant links.

It’s not hard to see why the club would be interested in signing the Swedish international, as so far this season, he’s scored a simply sensational 52 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances for Sporting CP.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, another striker from the continent has emerged as a target, a striker who may well be a better signing than Gyokeres.

Arsenal's search for a new striker

A number of strikers, such as Ollie Watkins, have been linked to Arsenal in recent weeks.

The Aston Villa ace was a surprise target for the club towards the end of the winter window and is supposedly available again this summer.

The former Brentford ace may be on the older side of players the club likes to target, but with 16 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances this term, he’d undoubtedly make the team more dangerous.

Transfer Focus

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

At the other end of the age range, the club continue to be linked with Benjamin Sesko.

The 21-year-old Slovenian international is reportedly available for close to £58m and has bagged 20 goals and provided six assists in 42 appearances this year.

That said, it could be argued that he still lacks enough experience to make it at a club like Arsenal, which couldn’t be said about Jonathan David.

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the Gunners are one of several teams interested in the Canadian international.

Alongside the North Londoners, the report has revealed that Liverpool, Newcastle United and West Ham United are all keen on the striker, who’ll be available for free at the end of the season.

However, Inter Milan appear to be leading the race for his signature as things stand.

It’ll likely be a complicated deal to get done, but given his ability, it’d be more than worth fighting for, especially as he could be a better signing than Gyokeres.

Why David would be a better signing than Gyokeres

So, the first thing to say is that if you were to base this solely off their goal tally, then Gyokeres appears to be the better signing.

However, what is incredibly important to remember here is that while his output is out of this world, the Swede is playing in the Portuguese league, which is ranked as the seventh best in Europe, while Ligue 1, where David plays, is in the top five.

Moreover, while the former Coventry City was in the Championship just a couple of years ago, the Canadian ace was still with LOSC Lille and still tearing it up.

Appearances

48

40

47

46

Goals

19

26

26

25

Assists

0

4

9

11

Goal Involvements*

0.39

0.75

0.74

0.78

For example, since the start of the 21/22 campaign, the 61-capped goal machine, whom journalist Tony Marinaro dubbed “one of the best strikers in the world,” has scored 96 goals and provided 24 assists in just 181 club appearances.

That means that across four seasons of top-flight football in a top-five league, the New York-born star has averaged a goal involvement every 1.50 games – talk about consistency.

Finally, on top of having a more extensive track record, the 25-year-old would make far more sense from a financial perspective, as a lack of transfer fee would free up so much money to be spent elsewhere, either on wingers, midfielders or even another defender.

Ultimately, either Gyokeres or David would be a good signing for Arsenal this summer, but from experience to cost, the Canadian international would be a better one.

He's like Saka & Salah: Arsenal plan talks to sign £55m Ballon d'Or nominee

The free-scoring international could be just what Arsenal need.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 28, 2025

Liverpool will lift the Premier League title this season – maybe even this month.

Arne Slot will lift the trophy in his first season as first-team boss, and Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will get their hands on it for a second time before gearing up to defend their title after signing much-anticipated contract extensions.

Though Trent Alexander-Arnold looks to be just one month away from finishing his playing career on Merseyside, FSG will be delighted with their success in tying down the outfit’s two biggest legends ahead of Slot’s second term.

Liverpool will be looking to defend their Premier League title while challenging for the other pieces of silverware, which proved too much to secure this year.

New signings will flow through, for sure, but the importance of extending the skipper’s stay cannot be understated and deserves a closer look.

Van Dijk's new Liverpool contract

Van Dijk’s new deal will see him stay as the leader of Slot’s squad for the next two seasons, earning a rather decent salary too, some £400k per week.

The 33-year-old always wanted to remain at the club but for whatever reason talks dragged on interminably. It also bears noting that he was approached by a number of hopefuls – including the lucre of the Saudi Pro League’s heavyweights – but made it clear that Liverpool is his home and that FSG had promised him investment and a project apt for silverware over the next few years.

He’ll go down as one of the definitive defenders – if not the – of his era, inspirational and effective at Liverpool’s back.

With Alexander-Arnold expected to move to Madrid and Robertson in danger of being replaced this summer, Van Dijk could consolidate his Liverpool career with a staggering number of appearances, eclipsed only by Salah and Jordan Henderson since the Klopp era began.

1.

Mohamed Salah

395

2.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

349

3.

Andy Robertson

339

4.

Virgil van Dijk

314

5.

Alisson Becker

292

He’s a true legend and will go down as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s long history. Van Dijk certainly isn’t done yet, but FSG would be prudent to replace him this summer, signing a new star who can be willed into shape over the next few years alongside the Dutchman.

Before finally taking his place.

Liverpool chasing Van Dijk heir

Van Dijk might be staying put, but he’s not getting any younger and Liverpool will need to prepare for his eventual departure. Signing Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen this summer would be a pretty good way to go about that.

The young Spain international has been riding the crest of a wave since transferring from Juventus to England’s south coast last summer, and according to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, has been placed right at the top of Liverpool’s wish list.

Chelsea have made contact with the 20-year-old’s reps but it’s FSG who lead the race at the moment, having held discussions with the player’s camp for several weeks.

A wide range of suitors are keen, though, for Huijsen has been incredible under Andoni Iraola this year and has a £50m release clause that all parties expect to be activated this summer.

Why Liverpool are desperate for Dean Huijsen

Huijsen is young and his data pool shallow, but from the evidence of the past few years, for Roma (on loan) and now Bournemouth, it’s already clear that he’s got the potential to become a superstar.

Dutch-born, Huijsen was reared in Spain before making the move from Malaga’s youth scene to join Juventus’ academy aged 16.

He looked promising, alright, but the Old Lady could do with an extra penny and cashed him in to Bournemouth last summer, claiming £15m for their young prospect.

Huijsen has flourished on English soil, and no mistake. Already labelled a “world-class” player in the making by one analyst, he’s featured prominently for the Cherries this term and indeed attracted the attention of every high-profile club worth their salt as the market beckons.

As per FBref, the rangy star actually ranks among the top 15% of defenders in the Premier League this year for goal involvements, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for interceptions and clearances and the top 20% for aerial battles won per 90.

He’d contrast nicely with Van Dijk over the next couple of years before finally taking the Netherlands captain’s place in the seasons to come.

Matches (starts)

32 (32)

26 (21)

Goals

2

2

Assists

1

1

Clean sheets

13

6

Touches*

89.4

60.5

Pass completion

92%

84%

Ball recoveries*

3.2

3.4

Tackles + interceptions*

2.7

3.0

Clearances*

5.2

5.8

Duels (won)*

4.7 (67%)

3.9 (56%)

It’s also worth noting that Huijsen is a two-footed centre-back who has plied his trade on the left side of the pitch this season, further material for the argument that he should be a priority for the Reds this summer.

Huijsen might not be as commanding in the duel but he shares many technical and defensive qualities with the Anfield captain, thus in good hands to maximise his potential if moving to Liverpool instead of, say, Chelsea.

There is also, of course, the elephant in the corner that is Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool contract.

Konate has been a formidable partner alongside Van Dijk this season, but he’s a meagre year away from free agency and negotiations for an extension have become protracted.

Liverpool won’t want to lose the Frenchman on a free, and thus could cash in this summer, something that might strike Huijsen as compelling, for he would be in with a great chance of slotting right in as Van Dijk’s star partner in the rearguard.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has remarked that Huijsen is “the most in-demand centre-back in the world,” but Liverpool’s current position at the front of the race makes a telling comment on the state of things at Anfield.

It’s a big summer up ahead, and if Huijsen is brought in to shore up an already impressive backline, Liverpool might just be able to reach even higher next year.

Slot's own Saka: Liverpool step up move for "special" £85m key target

Liverpool are set to reward Arne Slot and his squad with a host of exciting signings this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 17, 2025

Manchester United fell heavily by the wayside under Erik ten Hag, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before him; Jose Mourinho, previously, left hot under the collar after his progress unravelled like a spool of string in the wind.

Ruben Amorim has suffered a turbulent time at Old Trafford since replacing his hard-pressed predecessor, but he’s starting to turn a corner. His tactics are sinking in.

Just imagine how high the Portuguese tactician could reach should INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe equip him with a perfect spread of new signings this summer.

However, United have their financial difficulties and will need to sell in order to buy. Signing a striker is among the priorities for the Red Devils, but luckily, neither of Amorim’s recognised centre-forwards have proved they deserve a star role in the years to come at the Theatre of Dreams.

Man United's striking woes

United claimed a point in Sunday’s Manchester derby, which was very much emblematic of the issues presented to both neighbours right now.

Chiefly, the stalemate highlighted glaring deficiencies in attack, especially for the hosts’ part. Rasmus Hojlund toiled once again, replaced by Joshua Zirkzee in the second half. The Dutchman, who was signed from Bologna last summer for £36.5m, “offers a lot more” than his teammate, according to The United Stand’s Beth Tucker.

Even so, he’s not the long-term solution as the star focal frontman.

Minutes played

71′

19′

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

0

Touches

15

11

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

2 (1)

Accurate passes

7/9 (78%)

4/6 (67%)

Key passes

0

0

Dribbles

0/0

0/0

Duels won

1/4

1/2

Hojlund, Man United’s £72m number nine, was a non-entity once again. At least Zirkzee, replacing him with just under 20 minutes left to play, sought to make things happen, sought to take some initiative.

With just three goals from 26 Premier League appearances this season, Hojlund, who is 22, is apt for sale this summer, especially when considering that he’s averaging 0.8 shots per game.

How much Man United could recoup for a player like Hojlund, who is clearly talented but has endured a torrid time of it this year, remains to be seen.

However, the Dane will need to part with his red shirt if things are going to improve. United, for that matter, have identified the perfect replacement for Hojlund, and only by selling him will they be able to pounce.

INEOS make bid for new striker

As per Spanish sources, Man United are very much in the running for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, who has been one of the most prolific players in Europe over the past couple of years.

The Athletic confirmed last week that Arsenal have bumped him up to the top of their wish-list given Newcastle United are staying firm on their £150m valuation of Alexander Isak, but INEOS will hope that Amorim’s connection with the Portugal champions could see a bid from United hold sway.

Gyokeres, 25, is the gold standard, and the Red Devils know it. In fact, the report suggests that they have already offered a €75m (£64m) figure to take him off Sporting’s hands and reunite him with his former gaffer, albeit with Chelsea in the same boat.

Why Man United should sign Viktor Gyokeres

For what it’s worth, former Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart remarked that Gyokeres is “a better version of Haaland,” owing to his more complete and dynamic skill set.

The data, in fairness, takes a step toward backing such an audacious claim up. As per FBref, Gyokeres ranks among the top 2% of forwards across Europe over the past year for goals scored, the top 5% for pass completion and shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive carries per 90.

So then, you see why he’s such a covetous man right now. Given that he fronted Amorim’s system at Sporting, posted 66 goals and 23 assists across just 68 matches for the young manager, you begin to see why INEOS are so desperate to bring him over to Manchester this year.

Such a powerful, precise and imposing number nine must leave Bruno Fernandes giddy at the thought of playing with him. Man United’s skipper, the all-inspiring talisman and all-embracing leader, has been the brightest light to emerge from a dreary campaign, popping up with big moments and providing creative support and defensive relief in nearly every fixture he competes in.

The 30-year-old is so many things for his team, but his chance creation is quite literally second to none, surely something that may tempt Gyokeres to move to Old Trafford and lead the line for Amorim’s side, charged as he would be by Fernandes’ consistent playmaking.

1.

Bruno Fernandes

30

74

2.

Cole Palmer

30

71

3.

Mohamed Salah

31

70

4.

Dejan Kulusevski

27

62

5.

Enzo Fernandez

29

60

While he wouldn’t come cheap, Gyokeres is the perfect profile for United and if signing a striker is neglected this summer, it’s hard to see how Amorim is going to close the huge gap between his team and their rivals.

There’s all the Sweden international’s clinical nature to consider. Sofascore record that he has missed 22 big chances across Liga Portugal and Champions League campaigns this season, scoring 36 goals across the two competitions.

That’s an insane level of composure and success in the ball-striking department. Truly, if such prowess can be translated to the Premier League, United could return to the forefront of the division, especially with Fernandes pulling the strings from behind.

Make no mistake, this is a player of greatness, a player who, in different circumstances, would be heralded with more effusive praises. Instead, he has remained committed to the United cause.

Fernandes has tasted a few pieces of silverware since walking through the gates, but if partnered with Gyokeres in a purring Amorim system, there’s no telling how high this club might reach.

Not just Bruno: Amorim's "key" Man Utd star just showed he’s undroppable

Man Utd played out a 0-0 draw against Man City

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 7, 2025

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers made a bold call to return to Parkhead for a second time in the dugout when he joined the club in the summer of 2023.

He replaced Australian boss Ange Postecoglou, who left to join Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, and has enjoyed an excellent second spell in Glasgow to date.

The Northern Irish boss won the Scottish Premiership and SFA Cup last term, beating Rangers 1-0 with a last-minute winner in the final, and have already won the League Cup so far this season.

Rodgers had left the club in 2019, after an almost three-year stay at Parkhead, and currently has two players who played under him in his first spell, in Callum McGregor and James Forrest.

The former Liverpool and Leicester City head coach managed some terrific Celtic stars between 2016 and 2019, and previously had a midfielder who was the perfect complement to McGregor in the middle of the park – Stuart Armstrong.

The kind of midfielder Celtic need next to Callum McGregor

McGregor has scored eight goals in the Premiership so far this season, but that is an outlier in his career as he has only managed more than seven league goals one other time for the Hoops, scoring nine in the 2019/20 campaign.

Typically, the retired Scotland international is deployed at the base of the midfield as the lone number six, with two central midfielders ahead of him in a 4-3-3 system.

This is the ideal position for the left-footed metronome because of his passing ability – completing 94% of his passes in the league this season – but also because of his lack of pace and dynamism in and out of possession.

Celtic need to have midfielders around him who can run and cover ground whilst also being able to influence matches at the top end of the pitch, which is exactly why Armstrong was the perfect number eight to play in the midfield three with him.

17/18

27

4

4

16/17

31

15

7

15/16

25

4

7

14/15

15

1

4

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish midfielder provided a decent threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a central midfield position for the Hoops in the Premiership, whilst he racked up 28 goals and 25 assists in all competitions.

Armstrong, whose performances earned him a £7m move to Premier League side Southampton in 2018, played 88 games under the Northern Irish head coach and contributed with 22 goals and 13 assists.

The right-footed dynamo provided great physical attributes to go along with his technical skills. Rodgers once hailed his athleticism, saying: “Physically he has everything: he’s fast, he’s strong, he’s powerful.”

Armstrong was, therefore, a complete midfielder who perfectly complemented McGregor by providing energy, pace, strength, and attacking contributions from midfield, and Rodgers has unearthed his new version of the Scottish ace, but it is not Arne Engels.

Why Arne Engels is not the new Stuart Armstrong

The Belgium international, who joined from Augsburg last summer for a club-record fee of £11m, has been a standout in the middle of the park with his ability to contribute in the final third.

Engels has racked up ten goals, with eight of those coming from the penalty spot, and registered 12 assists. This means that he has only managed two goals from open play in his 43 appearances for the Hoops, suggesting that the Belgian ace does not offer a huge goalscoring threat away from the penalty spot.

The 21-year-old midfielder is closer in profile to McGregor than he is Armstrong, though, as he does not provide outstanding strength or pace in the middle of the park, losing 54% of his duels in the Premiership this season.

There is, however, a midfielder in the Celtic squad who is the new version of Armstrong for Rodgers, and it is Portuguese maestro Paulo Bernardo.

Why Paulo Bernardo is the new Stuart Armstrong

The Scottish giants swooped to sign the 23-year-old talent from Benfica on a permanent deal for a reported fee of £3.5m last summer, after spending the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Parkhead.

Bernardo, who has been out of action since the middle of February with an ankle injury, has been unearthed as Rodgers’ next Armstrong because of his similar attributes in the middle of the park.

The Portugal U21 international was once described as a “high-intensity” and “tenacious” player by U23 scout Antonio Mango, which speaks to the energy and strength that he can provide in midfield. That is backed up by the star’s 57% duel success rate in the Premiership this term, as he has won the majority of his physical battles.

This suggests that Bernardo has the Armstrong-esque physical attributes that Engels currently lacks, which helps the former Benfica man to provide a defensive presence for the Hoops.

Appearances

22

22

Big chances created

4

5

Assists

3

3

Pass accuracy

83%

88%

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.4

2.1

Dribbled past per game

0.6x

0.3x

Ground duel success rate

49%

58%

Aerial duel success rate

42%

54%

As you can see in the table above, the £3.5m signing has improved from his first season at the club and has been a reliable and creative figure with the ball at his feet, as Armstrong was, whilst also being excellent out of possession.

Goalscoring is an area for Bernardo to improve on, with seven goals in 69 matches for Celtic to date, but he has already proven himself to be a pretty complete central midfield option for Rodgers when fit and available.

As you can see in the clip above, he does have the instincts to get himself into goalscoring positions and it is down to Rodgers to ensure that the team is creating enough chances for him to add more goals to his game.

Bernardo has already been a terrific addition to the club and emerged as the manager’s new version of Armstrong with his play in and out of possession as a central midfielder, but the Portuguese whiz could take his game to the next level by adding a consistent threat as a goalscorer in the months and seasons to come.

Celtic eyeing move for manager's dream who's been likened to James Milner

He leaves “everything on the pitch”.

1 ByBarney Lane Mar 24, 2025

Chelsea are preparing a pre-summer offer to sign one striker for Enzo Maresca, with his club already looking at replacements if they’re forced to sell him.

Chelsea play FC Copenhagen in Conference League second leg

Tonight, the west Londoners are favourites to overcome Danish minnows FC Copenhagen and stride into the Conference League quarter-finals after their 2-1 first leg win last week.

£250,000-per-week player "could be set" for surprise exit from Chelsea

The Blues are already looking at other options.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 12, 2025

Goals from Reece James and Enzo Fernández handed them a crucial advantage heading into tonight’s face-off at Stamford Bridge, while Gabriel Pereira clawed one back for the visitors and ensured that Copenhagen could still be in with a shot of causing a major upset.

Arsenal (away)

March 16th

Tottenham (home)

April 2nd

Brentford (away)

April 5th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 12th

Fulham (away)

April 19th

Chelsea have won their last three games in all competitions, slightly lifting the spirits around Cobham after a real mid-season slump in form, and Maresca will be keen for his side to make an electric start to the 90 this evening.

“I was surprised, as I said last week because I watched many games, they were off the ball always defending with a line of four and then against us, they were in a line of five,” said Maresca on FC Copenhagen’s performance against Chelsea last week.

“Even in their game two days ago, they were again a line of four. The reason why we were a little bit surprised was because of that, but then we tried to adapt.

“To be honest, I do not know if they are going to be in one way or another way. We will see.”

During his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Maresca also shared an update on striker Nicolas Jackson, and when the Senegalese could be back from injury.

“He could be back, probably after the international break,” said Maresca on Jackson’s recovery. “Him and Noni also. This is good news. Before the international break, we have two games, tomorrow and Sunday, and then we have international break, we can recover energy, recover players and then go for the last [bit of the season].”

Jackson’s return after the international break will be a welcome boost for Maresca, given his lack of available out-and-out centre-forwards, but it is believed Chelsea are planning to sign a new striker to partner him ahead of next season.

Chelsea ready to make £50m offer for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap

According to The Boot Room, Ipswich Town star Liam Delap remains very high on Chelsea’s shortlist of potential alternatives to Jackson and Christopher Nkunku after previous links to the former Man City forward.

The outlet and journalist Graeme Bailey report that Chelsea want to sign Delap as soon as possible, and are very eager to finalise a pre-summer deal for the Englishman, as they grow very wary of rival interest for him.

They’re also said to be planning a £50 million offer for his services as they look to secure his services before the next window, but Ipswich are in no rush to reach an agreement given the potential bidding war for Delap, despite already working on potential replacements for their star striker.

The 22-year-old is Chelsea’s top summer target alongside RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko, but £50 million may not even be enough, as other reports suggest his valuation could shoot up to £60 million.

Delap has scored 10 goals in 27 Premier League appearances for Kieran McKenna’s relegation-threatened side this term, including one against Chelsea back in December.