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Tottenham Hotspur are now keen on signing an “amazing” defender, who is likely to be tempted by a move away from his current club in the summer, according to Graeme Bailey.

Tottenham eyeing defender amid Romero uncertainty

Tottenham have fallen way short of expectations in the Premier League this season, with Ange Postecoglou’s side on course for a 17th-place finish, so it is little wonder that one of their key players has little interest in sticking around beyond the summer.

Back in April, it was revealed that Cristian Romero is now pushing to leave Spurs, with Daniel Levy cancelling talks over a new contract, which means the chairman could be tasked with bringing in a replacement at the end of the season.

AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is among the more ambitious targets, with the Lilywhites recently being linked with a £50m swoop for the Spaniard, who is also wanted by Real Madrid, while they remain keen on signing Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi after making a £70m bid in January.

Huijsen and Guehi have established themselves among the Premier League’s best defenders with their performances this season, but there have also been suggestions that Spurs could make a move for more of an unproven quantity.

According to Bailey, in a report for EFL Analysis, Tottenham are now keen on signing Sutton United defender Jack Taylor, having conducted checks on the 20-year-old this season, alongside a whole host of other clubs.

Teams from across the EFL pyramid are interested in signing Taylor, including Bristol City, Millwall and Portsmouth, with West Ham United and Brentford likely to be the main rival suitors from within the Premier League.

The centre-back is set to enter the final year of his contract, and he is expected to be tempted by a move elsewhere this summer, despite Sutton’s eagerness to tie him down to a new deal.

Tottenham now frontrunners and pushing to sign "incredible" maestro for £0

Spurs are leading the race for a midfielder, despite interest from Manchester United.

ByDominic Lund May 11, 2025 "Amazing" Taylor impressing at Sutton

Given that the defender played in the fifth tier in the 2024-25 campaign, he is unlikely to be capable of making the step-up to the Premier League in the near future, but there are some signs he could be a solid long-term addition to the squad.

Sutton manager Steve Morison expressed his disappointment when the youngster suffered a season-ending injury back in March, saying: “That’s probably his season done. We’re at the backend of the season now so anything over a couple of weeks; you’re not going to get them back, but he’s pulled his groin and it’s gutting because he’s been amazing.”

That said, Tottenham should also look to bring in a ready-made replacement for Romero alongside Taylor, given his inexperience, and there are a number of potential options on the shortlist.

Player

Current club

Potential cost

Dean Huijsen

AFC Bournemouth

£50m

Marc Guehi

Crystal Palace

£60m

Eric Garcia

Barcelona

£17m

Isak Hien

Atalanta

£26m

Piero Hincapie

Bayer Leverkusen

£60m

After confirming the news that Kieran Tierney will rejoin the club following the end of his Arsenal contract this summer, Celtic have reportedly reached an agreement to seal another cut-price deal.

Celtic re-sign Kieran Tierney

Six years on from making the decision to leave Scotland in favour of a move to Arsenal, Tierney has put pen to paper and will rejoin Celtic when the summer transfer window swings open. The left-back has brought an end to a mixed Arsenal spell and, ultimately, one dominated by injuries instead of a flying full-back leaving his mark in North London.

2019/20

19

2020/21

19

2021/22

17

2022/23

N/A

2023/24

21

2024/25

18

Despite missing a total of 94 games through injury during his time at Arsenal and on loan at Real Sociedad, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta made sure to mention the impact that Tierney has had on the dressing room in North London.

The Spaniard told reporters after the left-back scored in his final game for the club: “He said it yesterday, I’m going to score on my last Arsenal match and he’s done it. So credit to him. A special thank you to him. He’s been part of this journey and he’s won with me. It’s true that he went to Sociedad for a few months, but it’s been a joy to work with him.

“A really special character and we wish him and his family all the very best. The doors of this club are open for him. He’s someone very, very liked at the club, in the dressing room and we want to wish him the best.”

Celtic player told to leave with Hoops set to cut contract short

The Hoops have made an intriguing decision.

BySean Markus Clifford May 26, 2025

Whilst Celtic may have their concerns about Tierney’s injury history, they know about his quality more than most and will be desperate to see him get back to his best back in Scotland. It may well be the summer of bargains for the Bhoys too, with another agreement now reportedly reached.

Celtic reach agreement to sign Doohan – Sky Sports

According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Celtic have now reached an agreement to sign Ross Doohan from Aberdeen on a free transfer upon the expiry of his current contract this summer. The goalkeeper will reportedly arrive to replace third-choice option Scott Bain, who will be allowed to leave the Scottish Premiership champions in the forthcoming transfer window.

Although Doohan is unlikely to steal the same headlines as Tierney, he could be an important arrival in his own right. The 27-year-old earned high praise from Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie back in December when he stepped up from his backup role.

Shinnie told reporters after a narrow defeat against Celtic: “I thought he was brilliant. He has waited a long time to get this chance. Unfortunate to lose Dimi obviously but those moments give other people opportunities and I thought Ross did brilliantly when called upon.”

While this season might have felt like one big disappointment for Arsenal fans, their team is still brilliant.

In spite of injuries, suspensions and a lack of cutting edge at points, Mikel Arteta’s side still managed to finish second in the Premier League and make it to the semi-finals of the Champions League and League Cup.

However, that lack of cutting-edge options up top and out wide was likely what ultimately prevented the North Londoners from getting over the line in any of their competitions this season and also explains the abundance of links to superstar attackers that have started popping up in recent weeks.

One of the links in question is particularly interesting, as it concerns an incredibly exciting English talent who has won comparisons to someone else touted for a move to the club: Rodrygo.

Arsenal's winger search

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other wide talents linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, like the aforementioned Rodryo and Kaoru Mitoma.

Transfer Focus

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

The latter is reportedly available for around £80m, and while that is a lot of money, he might be worth it, as not only did he score 11 goals and provide four assists in 41 games this season, but he’s also Premier League-proven.

Yet, the Real Madrid star would undoubtedly be the more exhilarating addition to the team, as on top of producing a better tally of 14 goals and ten assists in 51 games this season, he’s simply the bigger name and would be joining the club from arguably the biggest team in the world.

However, at a reported £85m, not to mention the interest from other parties and the chance he might not even want to leave Los Blancos with Xabi Alonso at the helm, Artete a Co may have to look elsewhere, at a player who’s won comparisons to the Brazilian, such as Jamie Gittens.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides interested in the Borussia Dortmund star, but they are in a race against time if they are serious about signing him.

This is because the report has revealed that Premier League rivals Chelsea have already submitted a £55m offer for the young Englishman and are already in talks over a potential deal.

It’s unclear whether that fee will be enough, but if it’s close, then the Gunners should be doing all they can to get ahead of the Blues, as the 20-year-old’s ability and potential are undeniable, and the comparisons to Rodrygo a big bonus.

How Gittens compares to Rodrygo

Before getting into some of the other reasons why Arsenal should be signing Gittens this summer, it’s important to examine this comparison to Rodygo and where it has come from.

In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, before creating a list of the ten most comparable players.

By doing this, it has been concluded that the Real Madrid star is the fifth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Dortmund ace across the last 365 days.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.31

0.32

Non-Penalty G+As

0.56

0.51

Shots

2.64

2.52

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.22

1.21

Goal-Creating Actions

0.51

0.42

Successful Take-Ons %

45.0%

44.1%

Ball Recoveries

3.20

3.32

Aerial Duels Won

0.25

0.33

The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots, goal-creating actions, passes into the penalty area, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

However, this flattering and encouraging comparison to one of Europe’s most exciting wingers isn’t the only reason the Gunners should be after the 20-year-old.

Another is that, despite still being so young, the dynamic outlet, whom Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley dubbed “England’s best LW,” managed to score 12 goals and provide five assists in 48 appearances, totalling 2790 minutes this season.

That comes out to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.82 games, or mre crucially, every 164.11 minutes of action.

Finally, per FBref, the Reading-born gem sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90, at 3.57, which is just the sort of aggressively direct winger the Gunners could use to help them terrify teams next year.

Ultimately, while it might be hard to get ahead of Chelsea, Arsenal have to try, as Gittens looks destined to reach the very top of the game, at least based on the calibre of player he’s currently being compared to.

Arsenal's own Wirtz: Berta now eyeing "one of the best 10s in the world"

The incredibly gifted attacking midfielder would add some much-needed dynamism to Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 4, 2025

The transfer window has swung back open, and Arsenal need to get to work.

Mikel Arteta’s side may have once again finished the season as the second-best team in the Premier League this year, but as things stand, they are getting left behind by their rivals in the market.

For example, Liverpool have secured the services of Florian Wirtz, Manchester City have signed Rayan Cherki and a host of other talents, and now Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur look ready to battle it out for Bryan Mbeumo.

Fortunately, recent reports suggest that the Gunners may well be fighting to sign a dynamic winger of their own, someone who could be their answer to Mbeumo next season.

Arsenal's winger search

With Arsenal producing the best defence in the league for the second year running, it’s no surprise that almost all transfer rumours around the club have been focused on strikers and wingers.

Transfer Focus

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

Regarding the latter, the North Londoners have already been linked with Real Madrid’s sensational Rodrygo for £84m and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga for closer to £60m.

However, as things stand anyway, neither of those players feel like they are likely to move anytime soon, which can’t be said for Nico Williams.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spanish newspaper Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal remain intensely interested in the Athletic Bilbao star.

In fact, in an exciting development, the report claims that the Gunners ‘are bidding hard’ for the young Spaniard and that they are offering him a net salary of €9m a year, which comes out to around £7.67m and is more than either Bilbao or Barcelona can afford to offer.

Moreover, the story reaffirms prior reports that the club are willing to activate the winger’s €62m release clause, which converts to around £53m.

It’s going to be an incredibly costly and likely quite a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Williams’ ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be the perfect answer to whoever signs Mbeumo.

Why Williams would be a perfect answer to Mbeumo

Now, while Mbeumo is an undeniably talented winger and was one of the best attackers in the Premier League this season, there are a number of reasons why Williams would be a great answer for Arsenal.

The first and arguably most significant reason relates to the Spaniard’s underlying numbers from the last two campaigns, as when we compare them to the Bees ace, it becomes very clear that his ceiling is far higher.

Moreover, while the former Troyes ace does do better in some metrics, like progressive passes and aerial duels won per 90, he comes out a distant second in almost every other area and by quite some distance.

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.65

0.55

Progressive Passes

2.97

3.84

Progressive Passes Received

11.5

9.15

Progressive Carries

5.70

3.42

Shots

2.58

2.15

Shots on Target

0.95

0.86

Passing Accuracy

71.2%

66.4

Key Passes

2.01

1.71

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.72

1.59

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.62

0.39

Shot-Creating Actions

5.05

3.79

Goal-Creating Actions

0.73

0.50

Tackles

1.09

1.07

Successful Take-Ons

3.33

1.31

Ball Recoveries

4.71

4.17

Aerial Duels Won

0.38

0.95

For example, the dynamic “level-raiser,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, does far better in crucial metrics such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, successful take-ons, shots and shots on target, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions and many, many more, all per 90.

Now, if the two wingers were the same age, then we’d still suggest that the Pamplona-born international would be the better signing, but given the fact he is three years younger than the Avallon-born ace, then there is no telling how much the gap will grow in a few years time.

Finally, on top of all of that, the 28-capped international has also proven he can perform in the most high-pressure moments, as he was the one who opened the scoring for Spain in last summer’s European Championship final.

Ultimately, Mbeumo is a great player and will likely do well wherever he ends up, but Williams looks to be the superior winger and, therefore, a perfect answer for Arsenal.

Dream Gyokeres alternative: £40m striker now wants to sign for Arsenal

The free-scoring forward could be the missing piece for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 16, 2025

Thomas Frank has a massive job on his hands at Tottenham Hotspur for the 25/26 campaign.

On top of having to navigate the Champions League, the Danish coach will be expected to lead the team to a far better finish in the Premier League, as well as making a proper dent in the domestic cup competitions.

To ensure the former Brentford boss has the best chance of making his first season at the club a successful one, Daniel Levy and Co need to do everything they can to bring in the right players this summer.

One of the names that has been in the news a lot lately is Antoine Semenyo, although, based on recent reports, Spurs could go after someone who’d be an even better signing.

Spurs moving after Premier League star

Semenyo has seemingly caught the attention of several Premier League sides this summer, from Manchester United to Arsenal, but the links to Spurs in recent weeks appear to be some of the strongest.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s not hard to understand why so many teams would be interested in the Bournemouth star, as he’s proven himself in the league and managed to rack up a pretty impressive haul of 20 goal involvements in 42 appearances this season.

Yet, with reports suggesting he would cost the North Londoners upwards of £70m, the club has also been looking for other exciting options, such as players like Eberechi Eze.

At least that’s according to a recent report from journalist Sebastien Vidal, who has claimed that Spurs are “plotting a move for” the Crystal Palace star.

Vidal mentions that Semenyo and Bryan Mbeumo are also on the North Londoners’ shortlist, as Frank is “pushing for a top winger this summer.”

While a price isn’t mentioned in the story, it has been widely reported this year that the Englishman has a release clause worth around £68m in his contract with the Eagles.

It wouldn’t be a cheap transfer, but given Eze’s experience and ability, he’d be a better signing than Semenyo.

Why Eze would be a better signing than Semenyo

So then, the first reason, and it’s a big one, why Eze would be a better signing than Semenyo is down to his raw output.

For example, the Cherries star’s 20 goal involvements came in 42 appearances, totalling 3562 minutes, which means that he was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 2.1 games, or every 178.1 minutes.

In contrast, the Eagles “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, scored his 14 goals and provided his 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling just 3303 minutes, which comes out to a far more impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

Moreover, the Englishman has proven that he can cope in the most intense and pressurised moments, as he scored in the semi-final FA Cup against Aston Villa and then scored the winning goal against Manchester City in the final.

On top of that, while the 26-year-old primarily played in attacking midfield this season, he’s more than capable of playing out wide as well, which somewhat helps to minimise Semenmyo’s advantage in being able to play on both sides of the pitch.

Finally, comparing the pairs’ underlying numbers only further helps to highlight how much more impactful the former QPR star could be in North London.

While there are some metrics in which he comes out second best, there are far more in which the England international is clearly superior, including things like key passes, successful take-ons and shot-creating actions, which paints the picture of an all-action attack-focused player who’s just as capable starting attacks as he is finishing them.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.53

0.44

Non-Penalty G+As

0.68

0.46

Progressive Passes

3.37

3.06

Progressive Carries

2.40

3.93

Shots

3.25

3.49

Goals per Shot

0.12

0.09

Shots on Target

0.92

1.11

Goals per Shot on Target

0.41

0.27

Passing Accuracy

74.2%

73.4%

Key Passes

2.01

1.29

Passes into the Final Third

1.70

1.38

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.35

1.26

Shot-Creating Actions

4.69

3.71

Goal-Creating Actions

0.35

0.37

Successful Take-Ons

2.33

1.94

Ball Recoveries

5.07

4.44

Carries

29.2

27.5

Ultimately, while Semenyo would be a good signing for Spurs, Eze would undoubtedly be an even better one, and for potentially £2m less, one that feels like a total no-brainer.

Their own Gyokeres: Spurs showing big interest in signing "incredible" CF

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to make a move for a player who’s starring at the Club World Cup.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 23, 2025

Still on the hunt for incomings even with Bryan Mbeumo seemingly on the way, Manchester United are now reportedly battling against clubs in the Saudi Pro League to sign a midfield ace.

Mbeumo waiting to undergo Man Utd medical

After going back and forth in negotiations with Brentford, it looks as though Manchester United have finally taken a step closer to signing Mbeumo this summer. The Red Devils are now reportedly finalising any add-ons in an offer that will exceed the £60m mark, while Mbeumo is now waiting for approval to undergo a medical at the club.

The forward is on course to become United’s second arrival of the window, but he’s unlikely to be the last. If recent reports are anything to go by then INEOS are still on the hunt for a goalkeeper and a striker this summer.

The big question on that front has been just who will arrive to fill that quota. The likes of Emiliano Martinez have been among the headlines on the goalkeeper front, but whether Aston Villa sell one of their star men to a rival even in the face of PSR troubles remains to be seen.

He's better than Cunha: Man Utd close in on signing "phenomenal" star

Manchester United look set to complete their second signing of the summer after Matheus Cunha.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

Meanwhile, when it comes to strikers, it did look as though Ruben Amorim could get a shock reunion with Viktor Gyokeres. United were certainly in the race, reportedly making the Swede their No.1 target, but ultimately he set his sights on Arsenal with negotiations still ongoing.

That may not be the last time that the Red Devils interact with his representatives, however. Reports are now suggesting that another one of their clients are on United’s radar this summer.

Man Utd now battling to sign Ndidi

According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Manchester United are now battling to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City this summer. The experienced midfielder is attracting plenty of interest following the Foxes’ relegation, including from the Saudi Pro League, and is now free to leave the King Power Stadium if his £9m release clause is triggered this summer.

Represented by the same agent as Gyokeres, United shouldn’t find it too complicated to open discussions for a midfielder who could provide Amorim with a bargain solution to his Casemiro problem.

Starts

28

18

Progressive Carries

0.70

0.24

Interceptions

1.20

0.84

Ball Recoveries

4.92

6.20

While Ndidi’s arrival wouldn’t steal the same headlines as Cunha or Mbeumo, it would have importance in its own right. Carrying the ball at a far better standard while proving more effective off the ball, Ndidi is more athletic than the ageing Casemiro and could crucially offer the quality in depth that Amorim requires.

Earning around £75,000-a-week at Leicester, Ndidi wouldn’t exactly disrupt United’s wage bill either. That, alongside his £9m release clause, makes him a viable option for INEOS and the Red Devils in the coming months.

Crystal Palace have now submitted a formal bid for a forward, who is also being targeted by two Champions League clubs, according to a report.

Crystal Palace step up Diomande pursuit amid Guehi uncertainty

Marc Guehi is looking increasingly likely to be leaving Palace this summer, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the centre-back could now be on his way to Merseyside.

The transfer expert said: “For Marc Guehi the conversations continue, and this week there will be more, so get ready for more contacts between Liverpool, the camp of the player and Crystal Palace.”

Consequently, Oliver Glasner will need to bring in a replacement for his captain, and Ousmande Diomande has been identified as a major target, with the Eagles thought to be on the verge of sealing a £47m deal for the Sporting CP star.

Crystal Palace now line up £27m swoop for "terrific" defender and "monster"

The Eagles are looking at making a double signing, having scouted two players at the U21 European Championships.

ByDominic Lund Jul 2, 2025

The south Londoners are believed to have had a bid accepted for Diomande, and he could be a real coup for the FA Cup winners, given that the likes of Newcastle United and Real Madrid have also been named as potential suitors.

However, the centre-back is not the only highly sought-after player that Crystal Palace have made an offer for, with a report from Italy (via Sport Witness) revealing they have now submitted a formal bid for Bologna winger Dan Ndoye.

Two Champions League clubs are also in the running for Ndoye, namely Borussia Dortmund and Napoli, with the latter making an offer of their own, which was deemed not high enough by Bologna.

However, the Italian champions remain interested, having recently made contact with the winger’s agent, which could pose a real problem for the Eagles, as he would rather sign for Napoli than make the move to Selhurst Park.

"Complete" Ndoye could be fantastic signing for Crystal Palace

The £17k-a-week Bologna star’s agent, Lodovico Spinosi, certainly has no doubts about his client’s ability, saying last year: “He is a complete player who, if he manages to be more decisive up front, will be at a top-tier club.”

Since then, the Switzerland international has really managed to kick on, enjoying the best season of his career in 2024-25, picking up eight goals and four assists in the Serie A, while playing a role in Bologna’s Italian Cup triumph.

The 24-year-old scored the only goal of the game to secure a shock victory for his side against AC Milan, and he has also proven himself at international level in the past, scoring against Germany at Euro 2024.

With Eberechi Eze’s future in doubt, amid interest from Arsenal, Crystal Palace may need to sign a new winger this summer, and Ndoye, who is capable of playing on both sides, could be a fantastic addition to Glasner’s squad.

Amid all the chaos surrounding their search for a striker, Newcastle United are now reportedly considering an approach to sign a Serie A defender as an alternative option to Giorigio Scalvini.

Newcastle still eyeing defensive targets

Whilst their biggest priority seems to be signing a striker this summer, even if it’s not Hugo Ekitike who arrives, Newcastle also still have their sights set on a defensive reinforcement. The Magpies once again lacked much-needed depth within their backline at times last season, forcing Dan Burn to step into the centre-back role. But with their PSR concerns eased this time around, they must finally address their central defender problem.

On that front, Eddie Howe’s biggest concern should be Sven Botman. As talented as the Dutchman is, he completed just eight Premier League appearances last season and battled with consistent injury struggles for a second consecutive campaign.

Simply put, if Newcastle are going to compete on all fronts, then they may need a viable replacement for the 25-year-old if he faces the same problems next season.

Knee problems

2024/25

7

Broken kneecap

2024/25

6

Cruciate Ligament surgery

2023/24

28

Knee injury

2023/24

16

Ankle injury

2023/24

2

Missing a total of 59 games in the last two seasons, Botman has gone from a crucial player to an unreliable option for Howe in frustrating circumstances and links to the likes of Scalvini suggest that Newcastle are well aware of that.

Newcastle now enter talks with agents of 19-goal star who PIF chiefs "love"

He would be an excellent Ekitike alternative.

1 ByTom Cunningham Jul 17, 2025

The Atalanta star – still just 21 years old – has reportedly found himself on Newcastle’s radar as they look to welcome a key reinforcement this summer. His name isn’t the only one on the list, however. Alongside him, the Magpies have also reportedly set their sights on another Serie A defender as an alternative option.

Newcastle also considering Savona approach

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle are now considering an approach to sign Nicolo Savona from Juventus this summer. The Italian has plenty of versatility, given that he can play right-back, right-midfield and at centre-back, and would instantly offer Howe crucial competition for a number of roles in his side.

Minutes

1,724

272

Tackles Won P90

0.68

1.33

Progressive Passes P90

3.07

6.67

Ball Recoveries P90

3.75

4.33

Whilst the numbers suggest that Scalvini is the standout option, it is worth noting that the Atalanta man played far fewer minutes than Savona due to injury struggles and, therefore, had less data to base those numbers on. Nonetheless, with the minutes that he did receive, he impressed.

Whether Newcastle value those numbers over the value of recent minutes is the big question. Described as “very interesting” by scout Jacek Kulig last season, Savona is someone that could be ready to step into Newcastle’s backline if needed. The same may not be able to be said for Scalvini, who is just returning to full fitness after a lengthy absence.

Given that Newcastle already have one injury-prone defender in the form of Botman too, welcoming another player who spent large parts of last season sidelined would be an incredible risk.

Chelsea certainly appear to be a team who are aiming for a big season in 2025/26.

Enzo Maresca not only led the Blues to a wonderful triumph at the Club World Cup, but he simultaneously managed to bolster his squad in the process.

In came João Pedro and Liam Delap. Elsewhere, Jamie Gittens was signed to bolster Maresca’s wide options, while Brazilian sensation Estevao will link up with the club ahead of the new season.

It is a summer of change at Stamford Bridge, and the victory stateside will only heighten expectations once the Premier League season gets underway in a few weeks.

The $125m that the club won at the tournament this summer will help fund a few of the summer signings, but Maresca will be looking to sell a raft of players to fund more incomings.

João Felix and Christopher Nkunku could be set to leave the club this summer. As to Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga and Raheem Sterling in the coming weeks.

These players could fetch decent fees, which, in turn, will allow the club to further bolster key positions.

Noni Madueke has also been sold to Arsenal, while Nicolas Jackson is being heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. These two might be the biggest losses.

Chelsea looking to sell more players

Given the imminent arrival of Estevao at Stamford Bridge, plus the presence of Pedro Neto, it was evident that Madueke’s chances of regular game time on the right flank would be limited next term.

When Arsenal began to show serious interest, it was only a matter of when and not if the Gunners would seal the deal.

His sale could earn Chelsea around £50m, which is a remarkable sum for a player who scored seven Premier League goals for the Blues last term.

Jackson has been subject to interest from a host of clubs since the summer transfer window opened a few weeks ago.

Recently, however, it is Manchester United who are keen on securing a move for the Senegal international.

According to reports, United have already held talks with Jackson’s representatives regarding a potential move to Old Trafford.

With Pedro and Delap looking like they will share the centre-forward workload this season, is there any room for Jackson?

Last term, he made just 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring only 13 goals in the process for the club.

His form tailed off towards the end of the season after a decent start, going on to find the back of the net on four occasions after Christmas.

Given his competition for a place in the starting XI combined with his poor form throughout 2025, Jackson could seek a fresh start by moving away from London.

He could easily command a fee of over £50m in the current market, and he wouldn’t exactly be a massive loss to Maresca.

The Blues might have to brace themselves for a potential offer for one of their star players, however, and he would be a far bigger loss than Madueke and Jackson combined…

Chelsea could receive an offer for Cole Palmer

While Maresca is keen on selling several of his first-team players this summer to raise funds, certain players won’t be for sale.

Cole Palmer is one such name. The Englishman is at the forefront of the club’s recent success, and he will have another big part to play next season.

An extraordinary recent report from Spain has claimed that Manchester City are looking to bring him back to the Etihad, just two years after selling him.

Indeed, Pep Guardiola is willing to offer Chelsea £147m to seal a swoop for the former City academy graduate, and he could be the final part of the jigsaw for the Spaniard.

It is highly unlikely that Maresca will even consider such an offer, despite it meaning the club could rake in £100m profit on the midfielder. He is far more important than that ahead of the new season.

What Chelsea would lose if Palmer leaves

For a fee of just £40m, Palmer has arguably been one of the finest signings in the club’s recent history.

Hailed as having a “special quality” in front of goal by Guardiola a few years ago, Palmer soon emerged as one of the finest talents in the Premier League during his maiden season at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer scored 27 goals and grabbed 15 assists for the Blues as they sealed a return to European football under Mauricio Pochettino.

Last season, the former City starlet registered 32 goal contributions across all competitions, particularly shining at the recent Club World Cup.

Indeed, the attacking midfielder was in sublime form stateside. Aside from his five-goal involvements, Palmer averaged 3.5 shots per game, created four big chances while also averaging two key passes each game.

He powered the club to the title, and it sets him up for another wonderful campaign at Stamford Bridge.

This will be the first time the Blues will play in the Champions League since 2022/23, highlighting how important it is for them to keep Palmer.

Metric

2023/24

2024/5

Goals

22

15

Assists

11

8

Big chances created

17

24

Key passes per game

2.1

2.5

Shots per game

3.2

3.4

While everyone has their price, Maresca will surely be ready to turn down any official bid should it arrive in the coming days; that’s for sure.

Jackson and Madueke are certainly dispensable, with the Blues already having players better than them in the current squad.

As for Palmer, there might not be a better attacking midfielder in the whole of England who has offered as much as the Englishman since he moved to London.

There are plenty of weeks left in the transfer window, but every single Chelsea fan will be hoping that their talisman remains at the club. Not just for next season, but for the foreseeable future too.

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Celtic may bring in a new centre-forward to compete with the likes of Adam Idah, Shin Yamada, and Johnny Kenny before the summer transfer window slams shut.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed that the Hoops want to “improve” their “forward” options after his side beat St Mirren 1-0 at Parkhead in their first match of the Scottish Premiership season.

When looking at potential options to add to the club’s striker ranks, the Premiership champions do not have to sign a marquee forward from one of Europe’s major leagues.

In fact, one of Celtic’s most successful striker signings in the past 15 years or so was Gary Hooper, who joined from Scunthorpe United in 2010.

Celtic hit the jackpot with Gary Hooper

In the two seasons prior to his move to Glasgow, the English marksman scored 19 goals in the Championship and 24 goals in League One for Scunthorpe, but he had never played in the Premier League.

The Hoops took a gamble on a player from the lower leagues in England and they hit the jackpot with Hooper, as he went on to be a roaring success at Parkhead.

In 138 matches for the Scottish giants, the prolific forward racked up an eye-catching haul of 82 goals and 30 assists in all competitions, before sealing a move to Norwich in 2014.

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Hooper was an exceptional striker for the Hoops, as evidenced by his sensational goal return, and Celtic can now repeat that masterclass with a swoop for Richard Kone.

Why Celtic should sign Richard Kone

The Scottish giants are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the Wycombe Wanderers star, who is valued at £7m by the English club, as he could be Hooper 2.0.

As was the case when Hooper joined, Kone would arrive at Parkhead without any top-flight or European football under his belt. He has only played at League One level with the Choir Boys to date.

This means that the Ivorian marksman would join as a young, at the age of 22, and hungry striker who has everything to prove, rather than being an experienced forward who may see a move to Celtic as a step down or a last payday.

His form for Wycombe in League One last season also suggests that Kone has the potential to be an effective and exciting number nine option for Rodgers to call upon if the Hoops get a deal over the line for him.

xG

15.89

Top 7%

xG on target

16.84

Top 6%

Goals

18

Top 7%

xA

3.33

Top 8%

Assists

3

Top 32%

Successful dribbles

44

Top 6%

Duels won

240

Top 5%

Aerial duels won

131

Top 9%

As you can see in the table above, Kone outperformed his xG by just over two goals and ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in a host of metrics, as a goalscorer, a creator, and as a physical presence.

These statistics suggest that he could thrive in a Celtic team that creates plenty of chances, as evidenced by the three ‘big chances’ that were created for Idah against St Mirren.

Idah failed to take any of those three opportunities to find the back of the net, but the Wycombe star’s form last term suggests that he would not be as wasteful.

Kone, whose nine-minute hat-trick in League One last season was dubbed “extraordinary” by pundit Gabriel Sutton, could be the lethal and consistent striker that Celtic are looking for, which is why they should be pushing to sign the lower leagues star in a Hooper repeat.

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