All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Looking towards the summer, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly joined the race to sign a Championship star for Nuno Espirito Santo when the transfer window swings open.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

Whilst they’re still sat as high as third in what has been the story of the season, Forest have struggled to find their form since returning from a warm-weather training camp at the beginning of the month.

Having been forced to defeat Exeter City on penalties in the FA Cup, they were then defeated by Fulham before top four rivals Newcastle United made matters worse with a 4-3 victory in a game that saw the Magpies take a 4-1 lead at half-time.

Those at the City Ground will be desperately hoping that a recent blip does not threaten to pick an otherwise incredible season apart, making Arsenal’s visit all the more important.

Victory over the Gunners would see Forest close the gap on Mikel Arteta’s side in second by just three points to perhaps spark hope that their season could yet get even better. With Champions League qualification still the surprise goal, the Midlands club could have European football in their corner as they chase one target’s signature this summer.

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Nottingham Forest are now battling to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough alongside Crystal Palace this summer.

Nottingham Forest eyeing move for "complete" forward after scouting trips

The Tricky Trees are set to battle their Premier League rivals for the signature of an attacker, after watching him in action.

ByDominic Lund Feb 23, 2025

The Boro midfielder is reportedly valued at £20m following another impressive season in the Championship and could yet find himself at the centre of a Premier League race when the window swings open.

On paper, Forest should be best placed to welcome such players given their recent rise, which could yet include Champions League football. But with the ball potentially in Hackney’s court, he will have a decision to make.

"Special" Hackney is one to watch

Still just 22 years old, Hackney looks destined to reach the Premier League with or without Middlesbrough. The defensive midfielder has enjoyed another solid campaign, even as Boro’s play-off ambitions continue to fall away, with Forest now eyeing his signature and the chance to form quite the partnership at the heart of their side.

Alongside Elliot Anderson, Hackney could form a midfield partnership which steals the headlines for years to come at the City Ground – perhaps even on the European stage next season. Described as “special” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Boro star is more than ready to step into the top flight this summer.

Boro’s £20m asking price may seem steep for a player who is yet to even step foot in the Premier League, but Hackney is a worthwhile investment as a midfield talent still approaching the peak of his powers, as Forest could find out this summer.

Leeds United are interested in signing a former Championship star in a cut-price transfer by the 49ers Enterprises.

Leeds transfer rumours as 49ers plan for summer

Even though the 49ers Enterprises are looking to expand their network of clubs by agreeing a deal in principle to take over at Rangers, there is still plenty of work going on behind the scenes at Elland Road.

The Whites, under Daniel Farke, are top of the second tier with 11 games to go and are five points clear of third-place Burnley. A 1-1 draw at home to West Brom ended a run of five successive Championship wins, with a trip to Portsmouth on Sunday lunchtime next on the agenda.

Away from the pitch, Leeds are already being linked with a number of potential targets for the summer, where they hope they’ll be preparing for a Premier League campaign.

A plethora have names have been linked with moves to Elland Road, including Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn and Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale, but there is progress being made on outgoings. A deal has been agreed for defender Rasmus Kristensen to make his loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt permanent, with Leeds set to bring in an initial £5m.

After Kristensen, Leeds have also held talks over a move away or Jack Harrison, who could return to the MLS, whereas Pascal Struijk is wanted by Champions League outfit Feyenoord.

Portsmouth vs Leeds

March 9

Leeds vs Millwall

March 12

QPR vs Leeds

March 15

Leeds vs Swansea

March 29

Luton vs Leeds

April 5

One player who has been linked with Leeds in recent years is Bright Osayi-Samuel, formerly of Queens Park Rangers. The Nigeria international has been with Fenerbahce since 2021, but talks were held with Leeds over a deal to bring him back to England in 2023. Now, a fresh update has emerged.

Leeds interested in signing ex-Championship star for free

According to Africa Foot, Leeds are once again interested in signing Osayi-Samuel, and this time, they may not have to pay a penny.

The 27-year-old’s contract with the Turkish giants is set to expire in the summer, with Leeds and Fulham keen on the versatile right-back’s services.

However, it is Premier League side Crystal Palace who are acting on their interest, tabling a four-year contract to Osayi-Samuel worth £72,500-a-week.

During his time in England with QPR, Osayi-Samuel tended to play in a more advanced role and came in for praise from Mark Warburton, with the former R’s boss hailing the player in 2020.

“I thought he was very, very good. If you remember Bristol City away earlier in the season he gave the full-back a torrid time. He’s been very good in spells in games but today he was consistent from the first whistle to the 75th minute.

“I’m not sure many teams have that blistering pace. As long as he knows how to use it and that’s the key for him learning the game. He’s working so hard. He’s got that sheer pace which terrifies defenders and when he uses it wisely like he did today he looks a real handful.”

Leeds may regret selling a "goal machine" who's now outperforming Gnonto

The former Leeds United talent has starred with regular game time away from Elland Road.

ByEthan Lamb Mar 5, 2025

Leeds may be waiting on securing promotion before making their move for Osayi-Samuel, however, with Palace tabling an offer, they could be pipped to a deal.

For a time it looked as if nothing was going to derail the Cole Palmer train at Chelsea, with the £40m sensation repeatedly putting in statement performance after statement performance for the west London side.

From netting four in one half against Brighton and Hove Albion, to scoring a delightful panenka penalty against Tottenham Hotspur, the England international had been in red-hot form in the early months of 2024/25, following on from chalking up 33 goals and assists in just 33 Premier League games last season.

As to be expected for a player still just 22, that meteoric rise has faltered somewhat of late, with the former Manchester City man having failed to score since the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth back in mid-January.

Those recent woes were encapsulated by a rare penalty miss against relegation strugglers, Leicester City, last weekend, with the Blues talisman in need of his teammates to step up, after carrying the goalscoring burden for so long.

Even when factoring in this slight slump in 2025, the decision to fork out for Palmer back in the summer of 2023 has been an unequivocal success.

How Palmer compares to Chelsea's Premier League greats

There was a time in which rivals Spurs were somewhat mocked by Pep Guardiola as the “Harry Kane team”, with Chelsea perhaps in danger of morphing into the “Cole Palmer team”, considering just how crucial he has become to the club’s recent fortunes.

Indeed, the Blues have lost three of the six games in which Palmer has failed to score in since the draw with the Cherries, having also only narrowly overcome Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Foxes last weekend.

It surely won’t be long, however, before the club’s number 20 comes good again, having already scored and assisted 60 goals in just 78 games for the west Londoners across all competitions.

Player

Goals

Frank Lampard

147

Didier Drogba

104

Eden Hazard

85

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

69

Gianfranco Zola

59

Eidur Gudjohnsen

54

Diego Costa

52

John Terry

41

Nicolas Anelka

38

Willian

37

As for his form in the Premier League, the fleet-footed star is also only just outside the top ten for Chelsea’s leading scorers in the competition to date, having scored 36 times already despite not even finishing his second season at the club.

It surely won’t be long before Palmer pushes himself ahead of the likes of Willian and Nicolas Anelka, once his drought is ended, while he may even have his sights set on reaching the levels of the likes of Eden Hazard, Didier Drogba and the great Frank Lampard, should he see out his current contract.

Tied down until 2033, the Englishman has ample time to cement himself as a true Chelsea great, with Todd Boehly and co having already reaped the rewards for their brave investment.

On a less obvious note, the ownership regime may have repeated that astute business with another key signing from last summer.

Chelsea's best signing since Palmer

It’s fair to say that the addition of Palmer – which came late in the day back in August 2023 – has been followed up by a mixed bag of signings since then, with last summer now looking like a real mess if recent form is anything to go by.

Market Movers

Indeed, Jadon Sancho – who is set to sign permanently this summer – has scored just twice this season, while £46.3m man Joao Felix has already been shipped out on loan to AC Milan.

Renato Veiga has also moved to Italy to join Juventus on loan, while ex-Barcelona teenager, Marc Guiu, has failed to score a Premier League goal and is now sidelined with injury.

Pedro Neto has shown flickers of late, although the Portuguese speedster has still only chalked up three league goals, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been branded “one of the most pointless signings of 2024” by writer Zach Lowy, amid his limited league action.

It could be argued that Boehly’s best signing since landing Palmer has actually been the free transfer capture of Tosin Adarabioyo, with the towering centre-back joining from Fulham following the expiry of his contract.

The oldest outfield player to line up for Chelsea this season, at the age of just 27, the former England youth international mirrors Palmer in having previously risen up through the ranks at Man City, before spending time on loan at West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers, prior to his move to Craven Cottage in 2020.

Lauded as a “special player” by Fulham boss Marco Silva, the experienced centre-back has cemented a regular role for himself alongside Levi Colwill in the absence of Wesley Fofana, having made 15 league appearances this season so far.

Already described as one of the “leaders” in the dressing room by manager Enzo Maresca, the 6 foot 5 titan looks like a real bargain for the Blues, not least considering his market value now stands at €20m (£17m), as per Transfermarkt.

As journalist Lloyd Canfield has only recently stated, the signing of Tosin looks to be an “excellent bit of business”, having shown the value in seeking out a bargain in the market, rather than always being forced into paying top dollar.

Tosin, it must be said, is the not most eye-catching, nor glamourous of talents to have walked in the door in recent times, but – with four goals under his belt already – the Englishman can be pleased with his early impact at Stamford Bridge.

93% passing, 90% duels won: Chelsea star is more irreplaceable than Palmer

Chelsea’s 7/10 star is proving why he is even more important to Maresca’s side than Palmer

ByConnor Holden Mar 14, 2025

Arsenal could now look to hijack Manchester City’s move for a “world-class” defender, having now joined the race for his signature, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on new left-back

Myles Lewis-Skelly has been nothing short of a revelation this season, with the 18-year-old bursting onto the scene and becoming a consistent starter for the Gunners in the Premier League, most memorably scoring in the 5-1 victory against Manchester City.

However, fellow left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko hasn’t been quite as impressive, with the Ukrainian’s performances this season leading to some calls for Mikel Arteta to sanction a summer departure, meaning a replacement may be required.

Arteta is clearly planning for the long-term at left-back, having identified two youngsters as potential targets, with the north Londoners now really keen on signing Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, who is said to model his game on former teammate Jurrien Timber.

Same agent as Havertz: Arsenal now racing to sign "world-class" £54m winger

The Gunners are chasing a forward who’s now unhappy at his current club.

ByDominic Lund Mar 24, 2025

Contact has also been made over a deal for Dinamo Tbilisi left-back Saba Kharebashvili, but there could be stiff competition for the Georgian youngster’s signature, amid interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Up until this point, the majority of Arsenal’s targets have been up-and-coming talents, but a report from Italy has revealed they have now joined the race to sign a more established left-back, with Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso in their sights.

Liverpool and Man City are also keen on Cambiaso, with Pep Guardiola’s side expected to make a summer move, having originally agreed a deal to sign the defender in January before opting against it.

With Bayern Munich also in the race, there may be fierce competition for the left-back, who will not come cheap, with the report revealing Juventus are looking to hold out for €65m (£54m).

Cambiaso could be "world-class" addition to Arsenal's defence

Freelance scout Ben Mattinson believes the Italian could soon become one of the best full-backs in the world, and it is clear to see why, given his ability both in defence and going forward. Mattinson has lauded the 25-year-old as “defensively solid”, while he has also received high praise for his ability to set up his teammates, with Zach Lowy praising him for a remarkable assist last season.

The Juventus star ranks in the 91st percentile for progressive carries and the 87th percentile for successful take-ons, demonstrating his ability to drive at the opposition defence, while he also places in the 88th percentile for shot-creating actions.

With Arteta planning to move Lewis-Skelly into midfield in the future, it makes perfect sense to bring in a top left-back this summer, and Cambiaso’s performances for Juventus indicate he is very much in that category.

Arsenal returned to Premier League action with a bang last night.

Mikel Arteta’s side were not perfect by any means, but aside from a nervous last few minutes, they were comfortably the better team against Fulham and fully deserving of all three points.

Moreover, the game marked the long-awaited return of Bukayo Saka, who hadn’t played a minute of football since his hamstring injury against Crystal Palace back in December.

Unsurprisingly, the Hale Ender, who received a rapturous reception, was as effective as he’s ever been, scoring the North Londoners’ second goal just seven minutes after coming on.

However, while his return is excellent news for the team overall, it probably means a certain player won’t start another game this season.

Arsenal's frontline options

So, with the sensational Saka already looking like his old self, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him start the game against Everton on the weekend.

Appearances

17

5

3

Minutes

1300′

433′

119′

Goals

6

4

0

Assists

11

2

1

Goal Involvements per Match

1.00

1.2

0.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

76.47′

72.16′

119′

After all, his 24 goal involvements in 25 games make him the team’s most productive player this season, and with the tie against Real Madrid coming next week, Arteta will want him as sharp as possible.

So, who’s likely to start down the middle for most of the rest of the campaign, then? Well, there are a few options, like Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard or even Ethan Nwaneri, but after last night, it seems almost set in stone that it’ll be Mikel Merino.

The former Real Sociedad star might be a central midfielder by trade, but since moving up top against Leicester City almost two months ago, he has been surprisingly effective. He has scored five goals and provided one assist in eight appearances as a centre-forward, which equates to a goal involvement every 1.33 games.

Now, nobody is under the illusion that he’s the answer long-term, but the 28-year-old has stepped up when his team has needed him, and that’s goals in back-to-back league games now.

Based on last night’s game, the player to the left of the Spaniard for the next few games should be Martinelli.

The Brazilian has not been particularly impressive this season, but against Fulham, he looked like the player who took the league by storm in the 22/23 campaign and was a constant threat throughout the 90 minutes.

He had Timothy Castagne beat from the very first attack, and while he didn’t get a goal, he did provide an assist for Saka through an utterly ridiculous backheel.

While that will likely be Arteta’s starting attack for the next few games, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Trossard and Nwaneri continue to be heavily involved until the end of the season, which is not something we can say for another attacker.

The Arsenal star who won't start again

With almost all of Arsenal’s fit attacking players already mentioned above, it’ll likely come as no surprise that the player in question is none other than Raheem Sterling.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Chelsea loanee joined the club on deadline day in the summer, and while he told the fans that they were going to “see the best” of him, they’ve seen anything but.

The Englishman has scored just one goal and provided four assists in 23 appearances for the North Londoners.

Worse yet, in his 12 Premier League appearances, the 30-year-old winger has provided just a single assist and hasn’t created a single big chance.

Moreover, since he was hooked away to Leicester almost two months ago, the Kingston-born ace has played just 22 minutes of league football in the four games he’s been eligible to play in.

Appearances

12

6

1

4

Minutes

307′

297′

80′

270′

Goals

0

0

0

1

Assists

1

2

0

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.08

0.33

0.00

0.50

Minutes per Goal Involvement

307′

148.5′

N/A

135′

Now, if he was earning a pittance, then this probably wouldn’t be such an issue, but the Gunners are paying him around £162k-per-week to sit on the bench and offer next to nothing when he comes off of it.

That certainly lends credence to Connor Humm’s assertion that his loan move has been an “absolute waste of time and money.”

Ultimately, it would be hard to describe Sterling’s loan to Arsenal as anything other than a failure. Furthermore, with Saka back in the side and Merino and Martinelli looking good, we can’t see a world where he starts another game this season.

Better than Saka: 8/10 Arsenal star just dropped his best game in years

Bukayo Saka returned to the Arsenal team as they beat Fulham 2-1.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 2, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is currently waiting to find out a player’s feelings about joining the club this summer, following Gunners talks with him in January, and it is even believed he visited the Emirates Stadium that month.

Arsenal urged to sign new midfielder amid Berta arrival

The Italian has a few key tasks on his agenda following his official appointment last weekend.

Arsenal set for talks to sign "underrated" star after Berta decision this week

The Italian is stamping his mark as Edu’s replacement.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 4, 2025

As per GiveMeSport, Berta and the Arsenal recruitment team could splash up to £300 million on seven new arrivals, including a new “second-choice goalkeeper, left-back, defensive midfielder, left-winger and striker”, with the north Londoners also pondering an alternative for Bukayo Saka.

While supporters will be eager to see Berta finally bring the club’s long wait for a prolific striker to an end, the need for a centre-midfielder will be prevalent, as Mikel Arteta is set to be minus two solid options in the middle of the park.

Everton (away)

Today

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Thomas Partey and Jorginho will leave upon the expiry of their contracts on June 30th as things stand, leading to Arsenal’s talks over a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Spain international is apparently “very likely” to join Arsenal and is “almost definitely” happening, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, with talkSPORT pundit Darren Bent suggesting that it is imperative for Berta to reinforce Arteta’s engine room.

“Another midfielder, a holding midfielder,” said Bent when asked what Arsenal need most this summer.

“I love Thomas Partey, I think this season his form has been brilliant but you have to look long term. There’s talk about Zubimendi, I have reservations. I know he’s a good player.

“I thought he was brilliant in the second half of the Euros final when he came on for Rodri but the Premier League is a different animal. You have to be able to run, be strong, get your foot in. But that’s an area I’d look at as well.”

There are suggestions that Arsenal could move for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes as well as Zubimendi, with the Brazilian’s contract also including a release clause.

Another midfield technician they’ve been seriously interested in, with talks already held, is Rosenborg sensation Sverre Nypan.

Andrea Berta waiting on Sverre Nypan decision to join Arsenal

As per GiveMeSport and reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Berta is waiting for Nypan’s final decision on potentially joining Arsenal.

The Norwegian, rumoured to command a price tag of £20 million, visited the Emirates in January and reliable news outlets at the time reported that Arteta’s side held winter talks with Rosenborg over a deal.

The teenager bagged eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions across the 2024 campaign for Rosenborg, even drawing comparisons with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, but he has many other suitors – including Man City (Fabrizio Romano).

“Sverre Nypan is extremely exciting,” said Norwegian pundit Jesper Mathisen to TV2 last year.

“I get a bit of the same feeling as when I saw Martin Ødegaard break through as a boy.”

Manchester City are still on course for Champions League qualification after one of the most unlikely comebacks you’ll see all season.

On Saturday lunchtime, the Sky Blues found themselves 2-0 down at home to Crystal Palace, with the Eagles having a third ruled out for offside, before squandering another gilt-edged opportunity, cutting Man City apart time after time with ease.

Thus, with 25 minutes on the clock, few would have forecast that the Citizens would run out 5-2 winners, as transpired.

Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick got the comeback started and then Omar Marmoush lashed home an equaliser soon after, with second-half goals from Mateo Kovačić and then youngsters James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly completing the turnaround.

So, with six games remaining, the Sky Blues remain in the hunt for a top five finish but, if they’re to make it, Pep Guardiola must give more opportunities to his “top talent” who’s showing flashes of a certain Davild Silva.

What made David Silva such a special player

David Silva arrived at Manchester City in the summer of 2010 for a reported £30m, a big fee at the time, as part of their first wave of eye-catching signings, alongside Jérôme Boateng, Yaya Touré, James Milner, Aleksandar Kolarov, Edin Džeko and Mario Balotelli.

Well, considering he now has a statue outside the Etihad, it’s fair to say Silva departed a Man City legend, with the table below outlining exactly why.

Appearances

436

Goals

77

Assists

131

Premier League titles

4

FA Cups

2

EFL Cups

5

During Silva’s first season in Manchester, he was a key figure in the side that won the FA Cup, beating Stoke 1-0 in the final, thereby securing the club’s first piece of major silverware for 35 years.

The following season, quite famously, the Citizens pipped Manchester United to the Premier League title on the final day, and this has really proved to be just the start of their dominance over the last decade or so.

Former teammate Kyle Walker claims that Silva is the best player he’s ever played with, while ex-Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher told the Telegraph that he believes the Spaniard is Man City’s ‘best-ever player’.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, do the Sky Blues currently have a homegrown youngster breaking into the first team with a skill-set reminiscent of the great midfielder?

Man City's next David Silva

Saturday saw the aforementioned McAtee make his full-Premier League debut for Manchester City, marking the occasion with a goal from one of his 27 touches of the ball, played in behind by Ederson before rounding Dean Henderson and slotting home, before pulling off a spectacular back-flip.

The 22-year-old has been on Man City’s books since the age of 11 and that was his 31st appearance for the first team, although only seven of these have been starts, all in the Community Shield, EFL Cup or FA Cup prior to this weekend.

He did see significantly more game time during a two-season loan spell at Sheffield United, making 75 appearances for the Blades, so let’s assess why he’s being compared to Silva.

Appearances

106

89

Minutes

5,245

6,742

Goals

21

13

Assists

9

27

Shots on target per 90

0.67

0.80

Touches

2,005

4,652

The table emphasises that McAtee still has a long way to go to ever reach Silva’s level, but he certainly has the potential to do so.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “top talent”, impressed by his “electric pace and acceleration” as well as his “high technical” level and “dribbling” ability. Those last few traits, combined with the youngster’s marvelous left foot and low centre of gravity, are certainly reminiscent of Silva in his pomp.

Guardiola, meantime, said on Saturday “I know how good he is…we can rely on him”, so McAtee has certainly proved he deserves more starts during the remainder of this season.

100 touches, 95% passing: Man City star is now as undroppable as Marmoush

Man City’s winter signings made the difference against Crystal Palace.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 13, 2025

Leeds United are now keen on signing a new goalkeeper this summer, and they could bring in a “1-on-1 king” to replace Illan Meslier, according to a report.

Leeds' summer transfer plans taking shape

Leeds have fought hard to secure Championship promotion this season, but they still have a job to do, with the title effectively sealed if they defeat Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon.

Of course, the 49ers will be delighted to have sealed a place back in the Premier League, but the even more difficult task of avoiding relegation is still to come, which means they will need to strengthen the squad in the summer transfer window.

There is a clear emphasis on bringing in players with Premier League experience, having recently joined the race for West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek, while Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure could also be in line to join on a free transfer.

Leeds star who was "really positive" may never play at Elland Road again

Junior Firpo might not be the only Leeds United face who has potentially played their last ever game at Elland Road.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 29, 2025

Not only are the Whites keen to strengthen in midfield, but a new goalkeeper may also be required, given that Meslier has been widely criticised for a catalogue of errors this season.

According to reports from Germany (via Sport Witness), Leeds have now joined the race for a new target between the sticks, namely Finn Dahmen, who has caught the eye with his impressive performances for FC Augsburg this season.

Daniel Farke’s side are keen on Dahmen, who has an English mother, making him a potential consideration for Thomas Tuchel, and a move to Elland Road could line him up for a Three Lions call-up.

It is currently unclear what sort of fee Augsburg would be looking to receive for the goalkeeper, but they could seemingly hold out for a high amount, given just how impressive he has been in the Bundesliga as of late…

"1-on-1 king" Dahmen could be top signing for Leeds

ESPN reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt was full of praise for the 27-year-old after picking up a clean sheet in Augsburg’s 0-0 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt last month, lauding him as a “1-on-1 king”.

The German picked up six clean sheets on the spin in the Bundesliga earlier this year, which is no mean feat, considering he plays for a mid-table side, and he made a number of fantastic saves along the way.

The Augsburg star has put in some top performances over an extended period of time, ranking in the top 1% across a number of key goalkeeping metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Clean sheet percentage

56.3% (99th percentile)

Goals against

0.63 (99th percentile)

Save percentage

85.9% (99th percentile)

There is every sign that Dahmen could be a real upgrade on Meslier, and given the level of his performances this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Tuchel tries to bring him into the England set-up.

Tottenham Hotspur are now prepared to shell out a significant sum for one “impressive” forward wanted by Bayern Munich, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange doing their homework ahead of the summer window.

Tottenham preparing for Bodo/Glimt with Europa League final at stake

Carrying a 3-1 lead into their Europa League semi-final second leg against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, the north Londoners have a major chance to seal their place in the final and potentially clinch a first major trophy in 17 years.

Tottenham: £4m-per-year manager who Levy wants is tempted to replace Ange

He’s now open to joining Spurs.

ByEmilio Galantini May 6, 2025

Uncertainty still surrounds the long-term future of manager Ange Postecoglou, but if the Australian does end up departing N17, he’ll be determined to end his two-year stay on a major high, following the tactician’s early-season suggestion that he always wins trophies during his second term in charge.

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Some bad news for Spurs is that star midfielder James Maddison will be absent from their semi-final clash and most likely the final, with the England international sustaining a serious knee injury.

Postecoglou has some key decisions to make in regard to who starts Thursday’s vital clash in Norway, and their London derby draw against West Ham over the weekend served as an audition for potential starters.

“The beauty about today was that a lot of our guys who haven’t played a lot of minutes recently, we’ve got some real meaningful minutes and I thought we did well on the day,” said Postecoglou after Tottenham’s 1-1 draw against West Ham.

“It’s important for Deki to play. He’s missed so much football with his injury, and he’s just getting back into some rhythm.

“Pape, Archie Gray, the two wingers, Mathys and guys like Djed and Kevin, I just think it’s really important those guys play and have Biss back up again for another 90 minutes and even Richy to play again. It’s been a juggling act for sure to try to get to a position where we’ve got a squad that’s capable of tackling what’s ahead. We’re still cursed with some bad luck along the way, but I was really pleased the guys that got the minutes today.”

Tottenham "ready to pay" £25 million-plus for Tim Kleindienst

Following a 2024/2025 campaign riddled with injuries to key men, Levy and Lange must back Postecoglou or any prospective new manager with fresh faces ahead of next season.

Tottenham are believed to be in the market for a new forward, and another name now attracting their attention is Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst.

The “underrated” and prolific German is enjoying the season of his life, having racked up 16 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, not to mention four goals in six caps at international level.

According to CaughtOffside, who labelled him “impressive”, Tottenham are “ready to pay” £25 million-plus for Kleindienst this summer and potentially sign him ahead of Kompany’s Bayern.

The Bavarians’ interest in him is a clear indicator of just how much the centre-forward has impressed in the Bundesliga this term, but Spurs are not the only Premier League side contending for his services either, so Kleindienst’s future will be an intriguing story of the summer.

Chelsea’s desire to sign a new defender this summer is no secret. After conceding 57 goals across all competitions this term, it is clear another centre-back or two is needed.

Much will depend on just how much money Enzo Maresca has to spend when the transfer window opens.

A few players might be sold in order to balance the books, although if the club achieves Champions League qualification, Maresca will need to strengthen his side.

Several defenders have already been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, although one has chosen Real Madrid instead…

Chelsea targeting defenders in the transfer window

Dean Huijsen was a name on the list of targets for Chelsea, but defender ended up joining Real Madrid, who activated the £50m release clause that was in his Bournemouth contract.

The Blues must move on, and they have already earmarked an ideal alternative to the Spaniard. Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is the latest name linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Hato, who is currently valued at £42m, only turned 19 in March and has the advantage of being able to play either at centre-back or on the left side of the defence.

The chance to play Champions League football with the Blues could give them a boost in their pursuit and he would make for an interesting signing.

Despite showing interest in both of these young, talented defenders, Maresca has someone in his squad who came through the Cobham academy and is valued higher than Hato and Huijsen; Levi Colwill.

Why Chelsea have struck gold on Levi Colwill

Colwill may have had to wait until the 2023/24 season to make his debut for Chelsea after a number of loan spells, but he has been a regular ever since.

Under Maresca, the Englishman has played 36 times in all competitions, even breaking through to earn three caps for England.

Metric

2023/24

2024/25

Accurate passes per 90

38.2

67

Clean sheets

4

9

Total duels won per 90

5

4.5

Tackles per 90

2.1

1.4

Possession lost per 90

10

8.9

Colwill has missed just three Premier League games this season for the Blues and, throughout the campaign, he has won 56% of his total duels per match, kept nine clean sheets and recovered 3.5 balls per game in the top flight.

Furthermore, when compared to his peers in the division, Colwill ranks impressively, notably sitting in the top 12% for passes completed (67.32) per 90, along with ranking in the top 32% for aerials won (2.32) per 90 for Chelsea.

He is still only 22, meaning he could be a cornerstone for the club over the next few years. Indeed, his performances have even seen his value rise exponentially with some reports noting last year that the club now value him at a whopping £100m.

This means he is worth even more than both Hato and Huijsen put together, signifying just how impressive a player Maresca has on his hands.

His performances were praised during a loan spell with Brighton and Hove Albion during the 2022/23 campaign, with talent scout Jacek Kulig claiming he was a “world-class talent”.

If he continues on this upwards trajectory, Colwill could become one of the best players for the Blues over the coming years, and they have certainly struck gold on him.

Chelsea readying huge £70m bid to sign their new version of Mason Mount

Chelsea are reportedly ready to pay the release clause for a star who could be Mason Mount 2.0.

ByDan Emery May 19, 2025