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Chelsea remain active in the transfer market after a busy window for the Blues so far, with Enzo Maresca’s side fully expected to add more star quality to their squad before the next summer deadline day on September 1.

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Posts 1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 16, 2025

BlueCo added both Mamadou Sarr and Liam Delap to their contingent of stars for the Club World Cup, taking advantage of the pre-CWC window which closed on June 10, only to reopen again on Monday.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

This mini-window allowed clubs like Chelsea to bolster their sides in preparation for the tournament, with FIFA appearing determined to ensure that some of world football’s finest are on display over the next few weeks.

Chelsea kicked off their CWC campaign on Monday with a 2-0 win over MLS side Los Angeles FC, but showcased their skills in front of a largely empty Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with just 22,137 fans in attendance for the clash.

Delap made his debut and grabbed an assist, with goals from Pedro Neto and Nicolas Jackson making sure Chelsea got off to the perfect tournament start in Atlanta.

The CWC is rather controversial considering the complete absence of rest for these players. Pre-season for 2025/2026 is set to begin immediately after the competition ends, and given the 2026 World Cup is next year, Chelsea players won’t be resting much next summer either.

However, with £97 million worth of prize money on offer if Maresca’s side win the competition, it is no shock at all that Stamford Bridge chiefs are keen for them to take the CWC as seriously as possible.

To lighten the load, Chelsea could add new signings to their squad midway through, with a unique player registration window open from June 27 to July 3.

That being said, if you already play for a rival team in the CWC, you’re unable to swap clubs – so Chelsea wouldn’t be able to register top transfer target and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens.

Chelsea talks "to follow" for Jamie Gittens after player agreement

Chelsea had three bids rejected for Gittens before the CWC in a desperate attempt to get him over the line in time before 7pm on June 10 (Florian Plettenberg), ultimately failing to reach an agreement with Dortmund.

Since then, it’s been reported that Chelsea are still expected to go back in for the 20-year-old, even if he can’t play a part for them during the CWC, with Fabrizio Romano sharing another update on the saga.

Romano writes via X that Chelsea are set for new talks to sign Gittens, who’s already agreed to join Maresca’s side.

While some reports have suggested that Dortmund value him at around £60 million, the reliable Ben Jacobs has now shared that he could leave for £47 million, in what is a boost for Chelsea.

“Eventually, this deal is expected to get done because Gittens wants to move, and they [Chelsea and BVB] are not actually far apart as some had suggested,” he told The Football Terrace.

“We heard €70m or more, but the number I’m told is €55m, up by €5m from what Chelsea originally thought would get the deal done. And it’s not just the number but the structure of that deal as well.”

Chelsea are convinced a marquee Brazilian would be a star for Enzo Maresca next season, and a move for the player is expected to happen “soon”.

Chelsea agree Liam Delap deal as BlueCo continue forward search

Earlier this week, Chelsea reached an agreement over the signing of Ipswich striker Liam Delap, with the Englishman, barring any unexpected surprises, looking set to become their first completed deal of the summer.

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Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini May 29, 2025

The 22-year-old had alternative offers on the table, particularly from Man United, Newcastle and Everton, but Delap started to give his preference to Chelsea after they qualified for the Champions League (talkSPORT).

Race for Champions League qualification – Final standings

Rank

Team

Points

GD

3

Man City

71

+28

4

Chelsea

69

+21

5

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

Reports then began emerging that Delap had fully agreed to join Chelsea after being convinced of the project, with Maresca now also said to have played a “crucial” role in convincing the ex-Man City starlet to choose a Stamford Bridge move.

Delap is now also set for a medical at Cobham ahead of a £30 million switch from Portman Road.

While Chelsea are closing in on the Englishman, this doesn’t appear to be the end of their search for new forwards. Now that they’ve qualified for the Champions League, and with many squad members potentially leaving to raise even more funds, there is a chance that Chelsea sign two strikers this summer.

As well as this, BlueCo are targeting a winger, as heavily reported, and one name high on their transfer shortlist is Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

The Brazil international is valued at £84 million by Real, following his 23 goal contributions over 50 appearances last season (13 goals, 10 assists), so Chelsea would need to invest significantly in his capture as they also “push” for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké (Florian Plettenberg).

Chelsea convinced Rodrygo would be a star for Enzo Maresca

Spanish newspaper Diario AS, and their reporter Eduardo Burgos, share some interesting details on Chelsea’s links to the 24-year-old.

Chelsea believe Rodrygo could be one of Maresca’s “crown jewels” next season, envisaging a key role in the squad for him. While London rivals Arsenal have already held informal discussions over the £202,000-per-week attacker, Chelsea are expected to do the same “soon”.

Burgos writes that Chelsea are intent on making a “statement” this summer and anticipate a very busy window, especially after confirming their spot in the Champions League, and Rodrygo “ticks all the boxes”.

“Rodrygo, so underrated,” said Jude Bellingham about his Real teammate.

“For me he’s probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad. The things he can do with the football — we’ll be messing around and he’ll flick the ball up somehow and you’re like, ‘How do you do that?’. I’m trying to do it, twisting up my ankles and everything like that. He’s a pleasure to play with.”

Liverpool have been extremely busy in the transfer market even before the window has officially opened, and there is also a chance they could convince a £49m forward to become their fourth signing of the summer.

Liverpool to put icing on title cake with three new signings

Reds supporters have been treated to a dream week, as the Premier League trophy was hoisted by a Reds captain in front of a fully packed Anfield for the first time, having celebrated their previous top flight title behind closed doors.

The fun didn’t stop on Sunday either, as thousands of supporters took to the streets of Liverpool to celebrate their heroes at Monday’s parade.

Away from the action on the pitch, FSG, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have already been hard at work to ensure they capitalise on their domestic dominance, with three signings close to completion.

Florian Wirtz is expected to join from Bayer Leverkusen, with a first bid of over £80m submitted and the player keen to join, while his teammate, wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, is all but signed, sealed and delivered having already completed his Merseyside medical.

Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is expected to become their third capture of a busy summer period – he has agreed personal terms and the clubs remain locked in talks over a possible £45m move.

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Posts ByDominic Lund May 21, 2025

But with Darwin Nunez expected to move on this summer as well as doubts over the futures of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, there could also be movement on a fourth new face in the shape of a £49m forward.

According to a report from Spain, Liverpool are now Real Madrid’s biggest rival in the race for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and there is a feeling he is tempted to ignore the interest from Spain and move to Anfield.

Williams is willing to listen to offers from English clubs, and being part of a Reds frontline which may soon include Wirtz is seen as exciting by the speedy Euro 2024 winner.

Bilbao are desperate to keep hold of the winger, but they could be powerless to prevent a departure if the £49m release clause is paid in full, although there is a feeling those at Anfield would have to dish out hefty wages to win the race for his signature.

"Electric" Williams could be perfect Luis Diaz heir

Diaz is yet to sign a new contract, with the Colombian now approaching the penultimate year of his deal, and interest from Barcelona could pose a problem for the Reds, with Hansi Flick reportedly a huge fan of the tricky winger.

Williams however has been a key player in Bilbao for quite some time despite only being 22 years of age, making 166 appearances for his boyhood club and picking up 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season.

Much like Diaz, the Spain international also likes to drive at opposition defences, ranking in the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, making it no surprise La Liga’s official media channel called him “electric”.

Statistic

Average per 90

Successful take-ons

3.32 (98th percentile)

Progressive carries

5.70 (92nd percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.24 (89th percentile)

Slot may be hoping that Diaz is tempted to extend his stay at Anfield, having scored 13 Premier League goals this season, but Williams is clearly a solid long-term replacement, with similar pace and directness and potential to even better the Colombian’s end product as he approaches his prime.

Leeds United are gearing up for another tilt at top-flight football and Lee Hendrie has given his thoughts on their pursuit of an exciting reported target.

Leeds United prepare for their return to the Premier League

Daniel Farke secured the Championship title in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season and will now be ready to push forward in his hunt to position his side for Premier League survival.

Now, his focus after the summer break will turn towards recruiting talent to help them on their way, something Lee Sharpe believes the Whites have to perfect if they are to stave off relegation next term.

He stated: “Leeds need to recruit wisely and rotate the starting 11 more this time around. Two years ago, they didn’t rotate the team enough, which meant they would tire in the last 15 or 20 minutes of games. As long as they get the basics right, they’ll give themselves a good chance.”

Manchester City star James McAtee and soon-to-be free agent Jamie Vardy could arrive at Elland Road. However, competition for their services will be fierce from elsewhere.

Motherwell’s Lennon Miller has been identified to strengthen Leeds’ engine room. Again, he may prove to be a difficult capture in a crowded market where talent is only available at a premium.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 24, 2025

Recent years have provided plenty of lessons for the Elland Road hierarchy to learn in the lead-up to their top-flight return. Determined to make sure Leeds remain on a sustainable footing in the Premier League, Farke and the 49ers Enterprises have now turned their attention to a talented operator who has filled Lee Hendrie with intrigue.

Hendrie: Mateus Fernandes would be a "really good fit" for Leeds United

According to pundit Hendrie, speaking to Football League World, Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes would be a ‘very good fit’ for Leeds should he move to Elland Road this summer. Leeds have been linked with a move for the £30m midfielder, as have Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

He stated: “He’s another very good player that I think would fit the bill for Leeds for how they play. He’s got a little bit of everything.

Mateus Fernandes in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

43

Goals

3

Assists

5

“I think he would be a really, really good signing for the football club, I really do. I watch the signings that they brought in over past seasons: flamboyant, skill – he’s got that in abundance.

“I think it’s inevitable he leaves the football club. I think it would be a really good fit for Leeds, and for him. Obviously, Premier League, and an exciting team that he could end up playing in where you might get a bit more out of him. Very, very good player, and it would be a good signing for Leeds.”

In a disappointing campaign for Southampton, midfielder Fernandes has created 31 chances on Premier League duty, illustrating his capacity to show himself at the highest level even when things aren’t going swimmingly for the collective.

Leeds will need players with that level of resilience next term, and the Portugal Under-21 international is certainly someone who fits the bill heading into the window.

Whilst Birmingham City did splash out some serious cash to land Jay Stansfield last summer, the Blues did also operate rather shrewdly before the 2024/25 campaign got underway.

The eventual League One champions didn’t go overboard when landing potent goal machine Alfie May, with the decision to fork out a respectable £775k for the 31-year-old’s services more than paying off, considering the ex-Charlton Athletic man would go on to bag 17 strikes in all competitions.

Already, Birmingham have displayed this astute approach once more by recently snapping up Phil Neumann on a free transfer, with another rumour now suggesting that Chris Davies’ men aren’t finished there with savvy purchases.

Birmingham could soon land another golden deal

Unsurprisingly, the Tom Wagner-backed Blues have also been linked with some star names ahead of Championship action returning to St Andrew’s.

Indeed, Che Adams has been heavily linked with an audacious move back to the second-tier side, alongside Kwame Poku also being tipped to swap Peterborough United for a fresh location in the league above.

But, one move that is slipping under the radar in contrast is Birmingham’s hunt for Kanya Fuijmoto, with journalist Sebastião Sousa-Pinto revealing via his social media that Davies’ men are now moving towards an advanced stage in their attempts to sign the Japanese ace on a free transfer having already submitted a bid for the player.

If they were to land the Gil Vicente midfielder for nothing, this might go down as yet another golden deal where Birmingham don’t lavishly break the bank.

Further, Fuijmoto has the potential to be as popular as Tomoki Iwata in the midfield department at St. Andrew’s, with Iwata once a rather unknown entity to Blues fans – much like his fellow Japanese counterpart – before he more than exploded into life.

How Fuijmoto could be Birmingham's Iwata 2.0

Away from sharing the same nationality, the pair also possess a similar eye for goal and carving out chances centrally.

After all, Iwata would close out his debut campaign in England with a high eight goals and two assists from 47 overall contests.

Akin to the former Celtic man, the Vicente number ten would pick up five goals and five assists himself from 31 games over the same time span, with a hope in the air that he can potentially adapt to the hustle and bustle of Championship life well by putting in similarly electric performances in attack.

He could well offer more competition to the aforementioned Stansfield in the number 10 spot just behind the main centre-forward, therefore, alongside also being capable of slotting into a more traditional central role next to his Japanese compatriot based off his numbers below.

Iwata’s league numbers (24/25) vs Fujimoto’s (24/25)

Stat – per 90 mins*

Iwata

Fujimoto

Games played

40

30

Goals scored

6

5

Assists

1

5

Touches*

67.1

34.6

Accurate passes*

49.7 (89%)

20.3 (83%)

Big chances created

4

8

Big chances missed

1

3

Stats by Sofascore

As can be seen looking at the table above, both players in question stand out as classy operators on the ball.

A “silky” midfielder – as he’s been previously lauded by analyst Ben Mattinson – he is more of an attack-oriented body that will push forward, compared with Iwata who will likely sit back and then burst into attack when necessary.

This could well be an intriguing partnership to watch next season as they work out each other’s varied games, with the extra addition of Fujimoto perhaps boosting Davies’ men even more in the forward areas as they embark on an initially challenging Championship step-up.

Whatever does happen, at least Birmingham aren’t dropping lots of money on the 25-year-old’s services.

But, as was shown with Iwata – who entered for around the £800k range – sometimes these are the deals that end up being the standout swoops.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson May 15, 2025

Rangers are reportedly in pole position to hire an “outstanding” manager as their next boss this summer, according to an interesting update on the situation.

Rangers continue search for next manager

The Gers drew 1-1 at home to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon in the final Old Firm derby of the season, as the 2024/25 season draws towards its conclusion. Rangers are continuing their search for a permanent new manager, with Barry Ferguson seemingly unlikely to be given the job after his current stint in an interim role, with various names mentioned as possible options to come in this summer.

Marco Rose has been one of the names mentioned in recent weeks, having most recently managed RB Leipzig earlier in the season, also winning two Austrian Bundesliga titles during his time in charge of RB Salzburg.

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard has continued to be talked about as a front-runner to return to Ibrox ahead of next season, having guided them to league title glory back in 2020/21. The Liverpool legend could potentially jump at the chance to have a second spell as manager, as the Gers look to narrow the current gap in quality between themselves and Celtic.

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Posts ByBen Gray Apr 30, 2025 Rangers favourites to win Rose race

According to a new claim from Football Insider‘s Pete O’Rourke, 49ers Enterprises’ “links” with Red Bull means Rangers are the favourites to hire Rose as their new manager despite interest from elsewhere. The report adds that it puts them “above other clubs in the race to secure his services” in the coming weeks and months, with the appointment described as a “real possibility”.

There is certainly plenty to like about Rose, in terms of Rangers picking him as their No.1 option to come in, not least his aforementioned two title wins with Salzburg. The German, who likes to adopt a 4-4-2 formation, has succeeded at the highest level, including managing one of Europe’s biggest clubs in Dortmund 46 times, and former Germany international Marco Reus has lauded him in the past.

“We have had a very open, good and close relationship built on trust right from the start. Marco Rose has done an outstanding job so far, and he will continue to do so in the future.”

The Red Bull connection can only be a good thing for Rangers, if it helps entice Rose to Ibrox, and it’s now a case of them deciding if he is a better option than Gerrard.

Marco Rose’s key managerial stats

Matches

Points per game

RB Leipzig

124

1.85

Borussia Dortmund

46

1.85

Borussa Monchengladbach

88

1.61

RB Salzburg

114

2.35

Opinion among Gers supporters will likely be split in that respect, but Rose’s record speaks for itself, and he could prove to be an inspired appointment.

It’s far from an ideal situation, but it has come to the stage in the season where Premier League action is more of a hindrance than anything else for Manchester United, with Ruben Amorim needing to find a way to keep his players motivated domestically.

With a crucial Europa League first-leg tie against Athletic Bilbao just a matter of days away, the Red Devils are faced with an unwanted trip to Bournemouth later today, having notably slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

There is a sense that Amorim’s men have almost thrown in the towel on the Premier League front, following that 15th loss of the campaign, although the meeting with the Cherries could be another useful exercise to at least test out those on the fringes.

Man Utd’s remaining fixtures – all competitions

Date

Opponent

Competition

Sunday 27 April

Bournemouth (A)

Premier League

Thursday 1 May

Athletic Bilbao (A)

Europa League

Sunday 4 May

Brentford (A)

Premier League

Thursday 8 May

Athletic Bilbao (H)

Europa League

Sunday 11 May

West Ham (H)

Premier League

Friday 16 May

Chelsea (A)

Premier League

Sunday 25 May

Aston Villa (H)

Premier League

Equally, one form of motivation could be the current rumblings regarding potential transfer targets – namely Matheus Cunha – with the final weeks of the season providing a perfect audition period for a number of first-team and academy stars.

The changes Amorim could make vs Bournemouth

The trip to the south coast may also allow members of Amorim’s ranks to stake their claim for involvement in Thursday’s pivotal European encounter, with positions certainly up for grabs all across the park.

Indeed, there is now real competition in the defensive unit, not least with the academy duo of Tyler Fredricson and Harry Amass having caught the eye against the Old Gold a week ago.

That youthful pairing could again feature this time around, with Amorim likely not wanting to take a risk with the likes of Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro, particularly with Diogo Dalot the latest defender to be struck down by injury.

Meanwhile, following a rare rest against Vitor Pereira’s side, Bruno Fernandes may be called upon to try and ignite the Red Devils this afternoon, with the Portuguese skipper still leading the way for goals and assists this season at Old Trafford.

That pursuit of goals – and the absence of Joshua Zirkzee – could see Chido Obi handed a first senior start following his summer switch from Arsenal, with the 17-year-old a wise replacement for Rasmus Hojlund, considering that he is ineligible to feature on Thursday night.

Chalkboard

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

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The teenage Dane could well be joined in the attacking unit by another man who came off the bench last time out, with Mason Mount running out of time to stake his claim for one of the two number ten berths.

The Man Utd star who could soon be replaced by Cunha

The suggestion is that Cunha – should a deal progress – will be brought in to play in one of those two roles off the main centre-forward, with the Brazilian catching the eye with 26 league goals across the last two campaigns combined.

If United are to fork out to meet his reported £62.5m release clause, such an outlay would suggest that the 25-year-old will then be a regular fixture in Amorim’s starting lineup next term, leaving the likes of Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and, of course, Mount to fight it out for the other playmaking berth.

With Fernandes dropping deeper of late, there has been something of a vacancy in the number ten role, although even then the returning Mount has still been restricted to a substitute berth, with that limited action set to be impacted even further if Cunha is to arrive.

Mason Mount – best PL season at Chelsea (21/22)

Stat (*per game)

Record

Games (starts)

32 (27)

Goals

11

Big chances missed

4

Assists

10

Big chances created

10

Key passes*

1.8

Pass accuracy*

85%

Tackles*

1.3

Interceptions*

0.4

Successful dribbles*

0.6

Stats via Sofascore

While it is evident that the Englishman is being gradually eased back into the action following his recent absence – having only returned last month following an almost four-month spell on the sidelines – now is the time for Amorim to finally unleash the former Chelsea man from the outset.

Indeed, following what has been an injury-hit two years at Old Trafford – which has yielded just one goal and one assist in total – Mount now needs a run of games to stake his claim and justify the public faith that his new boss has placed in him.

Since first walking in the door, Amorim has repeatedly singled out the £55m midfielder for praise, having hailed the England international as a “proper footballer” back in late November.

While Mount’s cruel injury blow in the early knockings of the December Manchester derby has since hampered his progress, his recent return to fitness has afforded him a month or so to now kick on and finally begin to justify his exorbitant price tag.

Currently looking like another victim of United’s infamous number seven curse, the 26-year-old “pressing monster” – as lauded by Statman Dave – needs to showcase why he could represent a potential partner to Cunha, and not the man whom the Brazilian will replace.

Changes are likely to be in store this afternoon, and Mount’s recall to the starting lineup needs to be one of them. It’s approaching now or never for his stop-start Manchester United career…

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Posts ByRobbie Walls Apr 24, 2025

On Tuesday evening, the Emirates Stadium stood witness to perhaps its greatest result for a home team. Arsenal were the victors, defeating Real Madrid 3-0.

It was a remarkable display of football. The 15-time winners of Europe’s great competition, the Champions League, had been swept aside with relative ease.

Declan Rice was the hero, banging in two stupendous free-kicks to send north London into chaos.

Well, this time around, it was a rather more sedate affair. Brentford were the visitors to the Emirates and they were here to disrupt Mikel Arteta’s momentum.

The Gunners took the lead through makeshift right-back Thomas Partey, only for Yoanne Wissa to equalise. The game ended 1-1.

It marks a continuation of a poor run of form for Arsenal in the Premier League. The title race may have been done and dusted a few weeks ago but the run has still been a disappointing one, winning just two of their last seven league outings.

Still, they remain in Europe and are a game away from a semi-final spot.

Arteta will likely already know his team for the second leg in Madrid in Wednesday but did anyone stake their claim on Saturday evening?

Arsenal's best players against Brentford

This was a patched-together Arsenal side, make no mistake about it.

Despite the result, Arteta was right to rotate ahead of a trip to the Bernabeu but that did mean the likes of Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mikel Merino dropped out.

As a result of those absentees, Leandro Trossard was handed a start as the central striker, Partey featured at right back, Kieran Tierney was on the left and Oleksandr Zinchenko came into the midfield.

Both full-backs very much caught the eye. Tierney, unfortunately, had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half but did well at the back. As for Partey, there was no denying his opening goal.

The man of the hour, Rice, broke from a Brentford corner, galloping forward like a racehorse beyond the halfway line. His pass had to be timed to perfection and indeed it was.

Partey was to his right and ran onto the ball, firing past Mark Flekken in the Bees net.

The Ghanaian enjoyed a fine evening at full-back, standing in for Timber and Ben White who picked up another injury in training. Rice was a machine in the middle again, but they weren’t the only two standouts from the draw on home soil.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Expand Collapse Arsenal defender is now undroppable

When Gabriel hobbled from the field during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham a few weeks ago, fear spread like wildfire through the fanbase. Rightly so, too.

The Brazilian has been one of, if not the best player at the club this season. He’s been a rock at the back and a menace from set plays, proving to be an asset in both boxes. He’d barely missed a minute of football either.

Yet, here was Arsenal’s third big hamstring injury of the season, following in the footsteps of Saka and Kai Havertz. The prognosis was that the centre-back would miss the rest of the season.

In his place has stood Jakub Kiwior, the Polish defender who hasn’t exactly set the world alight when handed rare opportunities this season.

Prone to a nervy moment, the former Spezia man now well and truly deserves his flowers. Indeed, across his last 19 starts in all competitions, Arsenal have not lost a single game, winning 13 matches and drawing six.

He saved his best performance for Madrid in midweek, putting a nervy error in the first half beyond him to deal with the threat of Kylian Mbappe and Co superbly well.

Kiwior’s last 19 starts for Arsenal

Wins

13

Draws

6

Defeats

0

Goals conceded

13

Clean sheets

9

Against Brentford, despite not keeping a clean sheet, he was also in top form.

It wasn’t the most eye-catching of displays but he came through the game ably, notably winning every single one of his four contested duels and completing 94% of his passes. It was a supremely composed display, building from the back and holding onto the ball well further up the field.

To sum up that influence in possession, only two players on the pitch registered more touches of the ball; William Saliba and Jorginho.

Handed a 7/10 match rating by Football.London at full time they wrote that “there is a sense of calm that previously was not there when he first came.” That sums things up rather nicely.

Previously, supporters didn’t want to see Kiwior anywhere near the starting lineup but he has very quickly become as undroppable as the likes of Rice and Saliba.

He will never be raved about from up on high but this is an underrated squad player who’s now played exceptionally well in recent weeks. The Pole will deserve his place in the starting lineup against Madrid in a few days’ time.

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Posts 7 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 10, 2025

Newcastle United find themselves firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification and could use their position of strength to target a talented defender in the summer window, per reports.

Newcastle United's summer transfer plans begin to accelerate

The Magpies have put themselves in a commanding spot to secure a top-five Premier League finish and showed no sign of complacency in a ruthless 4-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.

With Nottingham Forest and Chelsea both dropping points, Newcastle have climbed to fourth in the table and have the chance to overtake Nottingham Forest in midweek should they inflict the same fate on Crystal Palace at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe deserves major credit in a season where the Geordies have also managed to break a 56-year trophy drought. While he recovers from a recent illness, there is a heightened motivation among the group to cap a fantastic campaign ahead of the summer window.

Should Champions League qualification be achieved, exciting arrivals are expected on Tyneside to take matters to the next level in the North East. According to reports, Sevilla star Dodi Lukebakio is on Newcastle’s radar and may be attainable due to his current employers’ openness to a deal being done.

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Posts ByHenry Jackson Apr 13, 2025

Dominic Calvert-Lewin could join the Magpies on a free transfer should he opt not to stay at Everton, signifying that a striking addition could be high up on their wishlist to replace Callum Wilson.

Not having Europe to contend with this campaign has afforded Newcastle more time to recover, but that won’t be the case next term amid their guaranteed involvement on the continent. Now, they have turned their attention towards a potential reinforcement at the other end of the field.

Newcastle United eyeing deal for Facundo Medina

According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle want to sign RC Lens defender Facundo Medina, and he could see Tyneside as an attractive destination due to their involvement in European competition next season.

Crystal Palace, Everton, Aston Villa, AS Roma and Bayern Leverkusen are also in pursuit of the Argentina international. Due to severe financial problems at his Ligue 1 employers, he is set to be sold for just north of £30 million this summer.

Facundo Medina’s statistics in Ligue 1 – 2024/25

Duels won

95

Interceptions

30

Chances created

23

Recoveries

145

Aerial duels won

30

Pass accuracy

88.3%

Labelled a “defensive leader” by Arnaud Pouille, Medina has registered a solitary assist in 27 appearances across all competitions this season. Following interest from Marseille earlier in the year, it is suspected that the 25-year-old will leave for a new challenge, and Newcastle could now have a real opportunity to bring him to St James’ Park.

Jamaal Lascelles has been given an unannounced extension, and Fabian Schar will also stay on next campaign. Either way, Medina’s versatility would make him a smart addition to help cope with the strain of a congested fixture schedule, capable of playing centre-back or left-back.

This season just keeps going from bad to worse for Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite no longer facing such a severe injury crisis, Ange Postecoglou’s side continue to disappoint the fans, and Thursday night’s dismal Premier League defeat to Chelsea was just another nail in the manager’s coffin.

There were dire displays across the pitch from the visitors, with club captain Son Heung-min perhaps being one of the most disappointing of all.

The South Korean superstar still has a role to play going forward but can’t be expected to start regularly next season, which might well be the club’s opinion, as reports are linking them to an international who could be a dream replacement.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

With how diabolically poor this season has been for Tottenham, Daniel Levy and Co have to go big in the summer and bring in a whole host of first-team quality players, regardless of who is in the dugout.

The good news is that seems to be their plan, as they have been linked with a number of serious stars, with one of the most consistent being to LOSC Lille star Jonathan David, who’s out of contract in the summer and has already amassed a tally of 33 goal involvements in 42 games.

Interestingly, the North Londoners have also been linked with Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, who didn’t start on Thursday night but has enjoyed a relatively impressive season thus far, racking up a haul of eight goals and four assists in 29 appearances, and would certainly add some more dynamism to the Lilywhites’ attack.

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However, the most exciting link of them all is to another Englishman in London, Eberechi Eze.

Yes, according to reports from Spain, Spurs have maintained their interest in the Crystal Palace star, and alongside Manchester United, they are leading the race to secure his services.

However, on top of beating the Red Devils to his signature, Levy and Co will have to stump up at least £60m to get their man.

It would be a lot of money to spend on one player, but given Eze’s immense ability, it would undoubtedly be worth it, especially as he could even be the club’s perfect Son replacement.

Why Eze could be a dream Son replacement

So, the first thing to say is that yes, Eze’s most played position is attacking midfield, but he is no stranger to playing off the left, and when you combine his appearances in left midfield and at left wing, it comes out to 80.

Moreover, five of his ten senior England caps have come at left wing and one in left midfield, so while he has spent much of this season in the middle of the park, he’s still a natural out wide, which is vital if he is to replace Son as a regular starter next season.

With that cleared up, then, why would the Palace ace be a good replacement for the South Korean superstar?

Well, the first big bonus is that despite playing for a team outside the traditional ‘big six’, the former Queens Park Rangers’ gem has proven himself to be a reliable scorer and assister of goals.

For example, in just 31 appearances last season, the 26-year-old “wizard,” as dubbed by Declan Rice, scored 11 goals and provided six assists, which came out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.82 games.

Eze’s recent form

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

31

32

Minutes

2285′

2547′

Goals

11

6

Assists

6

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.54

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvementw

134.41′

169.8′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

This year, the Greenwich-born maestro has scored six goals and provided nine assists in 32 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.13 games.

Finally, on top of his impressive level of output, the £100k-per-week dynamo’s underlying numbers also make for pleasant reading.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 3% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for total shots, the top 12% for shot-creating actions, the top 14% for successful take-ons, the top 15% for key passes and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Son is still a useful player and someone who could play a role in the squad for a few more years, but Spurs need someone more impactful and reliable to start consistently on the wing next season, some like Eze.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 4, 2025