All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United are now making progress in their pursuit of a £50m striker, and there is a feeling he would be keen on a move to Elland Road this summer, according to a report.

Leeds set sights on new striker after Nmecha

With Daniel Farke looking to bolster his forward line, Leeds have already snapped up Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer this summer, although the Hamburg-born striker wasn’t exactly prolific during his four seasons with Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.

Season

Bundesliga appearances

Goals

2021-22

25

8

2022-23

16

4

2023-24

3

1

2024-25

19

3

As a result, the Whites are also working on bringing another striker through the door this summer, with it recently being revealed they are set to make a £17m bid for Besiktas centre-forward Semih Kilicsoy, and a meeting with the Turkish club has been penciled in.

However, it would be a risk for Farke to bring in Kilicsoy as his new starting striker, given that he is only 19-years-old and unproven outside Turkey, and it could be a smart move to bring in a centre-forward who already has Premier League experience.

Last month, it was revealed that Leeds are interested in signing Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of the striker.

Personal terms done: Leeds in talks to land bigger signing than Longstaff

Leeds United have agreed personal terms with a star who would be a bigger signing than Sean Longstaff.

ByDan Emery Jul 17, 2025

According to a report from Leeds United News, the 49ers have now made progress in their pursuit of Muniz, and there are positive signs that he would be keen on making a move to Elland Road this summer.

Although the deal is still some way off completion, the 49ers are hopeful that it will be possible to lure the centre-forward away from Fulham, with the Brazilian now among their top targets.

However, it may take a sizeable offer to get a deal over the line, with previous reports revealing the Cottagers are set to hold out for a fee of £50m.

"Dangerous" Muniz impressing at Craven Cottage

The 24-year-old has now spent two full seasons in the Premier League, during which time he has maintained a solid, if not spectacular goal record, netting 17 goals in 57 appearances.

Marco Silva is clearly happy with how his forward has adapted to life in the top flight too, with the Fulham manager saying: “He’s getting stronger which is really difficult for the defenders to deal with. We know that if we provide for him inside the box then he’s really dangerous as well.”

It would be a real statement of intent if Leeds were able to steal a striker from an established Premier League side, especially considering Tottenham Hotspur are also keen, so it is exciting news that the deal is now progressing.

Manchester United are looking to shape their future under Ruben Amorim and could now have a chance to offload one of their high earners, according to a report.

Manchester United pushing Mbeumo deal over the line

Matheus Cunha’s arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers came early in the window for the Red Devils. However, they are now all-systems-go in their attempts to land Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo.

The Bees have rejected two seperate bids for Mbuemo and are said to be holding out for a fee of £70 million. With the Cameroon international keen to link up with Ruben Amorim, it feels like only a matter of time before Manchester United break through on that front.

That could mean one or two of the Red Devils’ wide options are moved on, and former defender David May believes Alejandro Garnacho could be axed by Amorim alongside teammates Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford after leaving last term on a sour note.

He explained: “I want all the good players to stay at Manchester United but it comes down to whether they themselves want to play here. If you want to go and play somewhere else, you know where the door is.

“The manager will make the decision on Garnacho, on Rashford, on Sancho. If you don’t want to play for this club, you shouldn’t be at the club. These fans will back you 100%, but as soon as you start drifting, well, I wish you well.”

Manchester United’s first five Premier League fixtures

Arsenal (H)

Old Trafford

Fulham (A)

Craven Cottage

Burnley (H)

Old Trafford

Manchester City (A)

Etihad Stadium

Chelsea (H)

Old Trafford

Ollie Watkins has crept onto Manchester United’s hunt for striker. Again, it feels like any move to land the Aston Villa man could be contingent on outgoings, something the Red Devils may now have a chance to conduct if reports are to be believed.

Barcelona set to accelerate Marcus Rashford pursuit

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona have held personal talks to sign Manchester United star Marcus Rashford and the Catalan giants’ top brass believe he would be a marquee signing after missing out on Nico Williams.

The Athletic Club star has signed a new long-term deal at San Mames, leading Joan Laporta, Hansi Flick and company to a mindset where they believe pushing a deal through to sign £300,000 per week earner Rashford would go some way to restoring their reputation on the market.

INEOS make £320m: AI predicts players Manchester United will sell this summer

It could be a busy summer ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 21, 2025

Despite leaving Old Trafford under a cloud in January, the England international thrived at Aston Villa by scoring four times and laying on six assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.

Although it won’t be an easy deal to conduct for Barcelona, their desire to reshape the ‘narrative’ of their summer window could be critical over the coming weeks.

Manchester United need sales to fund a rebuild, so there is scope for a handy deal to occur here between all parties.

The last few seasons have seen Chelsea completely overhaul their squad.

While there have been a few mistakes along the way, it would be fair to say the club look like they now have a team full of incredibly talented players.

Arguably, the most exhilarating of the lot has been Cole Palmer, who, since his arrival from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, has been nothing short of world-class for the Blues.

So, fans should be tremendously excited about recent reports linking the West Londoners to another talent who has won comparisons to the game-changing Englishman.

Chelsea target Premier League signings

Chelsea have already made a few signings from outside England this summer, but, if reports are to be believed, the club are also looking at several stars from the Premier League, such as Joao Pedro and Murillo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could reportedly cost up to £60m, and while that is a significant amount of money, he was fairly effective in limited minutes this season, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2,136 minutes.

Murillo, on the other hand, could cost the Blues up to £80m, but given his incredible performances at the back for Nottingham Forest this year, that once again may well be a fee worth paying.

However, as transformational as these two players could be for Maresca’s side, neither one can really be compared to Palmer, unlike Harvey Elliott.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of a number of teams interested in the Liverpool gem this summer.

Alongside the Blues, the report claims that Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and Borussia Dortmund are all keen on the 22-year-old talent.

However, alongside the intense competition for his services, the West Londoners will have to pay a substantial sum of money to secure their man, with the report claiming that the Reds want at least £50m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Elliott’s ability and potential, it’s one Chelsea should fight for, especially as he’s won comparisons to Palmer.

How Elliott compares to Palmer

In this instance, the primary comparison to Palmer originates from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and came to the conclusion that the Chelsea gem has been the eighth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to Elliott over the last 365 days.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.69

0.68

Goals per Shot

0.06

0.09

Goals per Shot on Target

0.25

0.25

Key Passes

2.44

2.45

Interceptions

0.24

0.31

Successful Take-On %

44.4%

45.1%

Carries into the Penalty Area

1.22

1.15

The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked incredibly closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, goals per shot and shot on target, interceptions, carries into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

However, the similarities extend beyond the statistics, as the young Liverpool gem, like the Blues star, has demonstrated an ability to play in multiple positions, with attacking midfield and right-wing his most played.

Moreover, should this transfer go through, then it would be another example of the West Londoners bringing in a younger talent from one of their rivals who’s just not getting the game time he deserves at the moment.

On top of that, even though he’s had to play a bit-part role at Anfield this season, the 22-year-old “machine,” as dubbed by journalist Sam McGuire, has still got some seriously impressive underlying numbers, which suggests that were he given more regular game time, he could seriously explode.

For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals, the top 2% for progressive passes and passes attempted, the top 8% for non-penalty expected goals, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, there would undoubtedly be some risk in signing Elliott this summer, but there was also plenty of risk in signing an unproven Palmer in 2023, and thanks to their similarities, this feels like a risk Chelsea should take.

Chelsea ready to offer six-year deal to £45m player, talks "now advancing"

The west Londoners could make their next signing soon.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2025

Leeds United chiefs 49ers Enterprises have now been told it will cost just £10 million to sign an “unbelievable” English midfielder this summer.

Lukas Nmecha kicks off Leeds' summer business

The transfer window has now officially reopened after closing for a week, and the Whites haven’t wasted any time in getting a signing over the line. On Sunday afternoon, Leeds announced that Lukas Nmecha has agreed to join the club and become their first new face of the summer transfer window.

The next Gray: Leeds now want to sign "complete" £30m star after Nmecha

Daniel Farke could be about to purchase his next Archie Gray if Leeds United successfully win this versatile youngster.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 16, 2025

The Germany international has joined the Yorkshire side on an initial two-year deal and will arrive on the 1st of July, once his contract has expired at Wolfsburg. Nmecha is already known to English football, having developed in Manchester City’s academy as well as having spells at Preston and Middlesbrough.

Nmecha told Leeds’s media team: “It’s just a great challenge, and I’m really excited to get to know the team. I’ve spoken with the manager many times, and I’m excited to play that style of football that they played in the Championship, even in the Premier League. I saw that there was dominance last season in terms of possession and the goals. I’m an attacking player, so obviously that’s exciting for me.

“Of course, in the Premier League, there are some big boys in there where you can’t play like that all the time, but I think the idea of the manager is to play good football, possession football, and that’s what I’m used to and what I love doing.

“I wish we could get going now, but we still have a few weeks of pre-pre-season, getting the runs in and all that! But I just can’t wait to start training now.”

Leeds told it will cost £10m to sign Champions League midfielder

With Nmecha now officially through the door, the 49ers are turning their attentions to Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff, and according to Football Insider, suitors have been told a bid of just £10 million will be accepted this summer.

It was reported in May that Leeds were plotting a double swoop for Callum Wilson and Longstaff, who is earning £50,000 a week at Newcastle.

Entering the final year of his contract at St James’ Park, the update claims his future “definitely” lies away from Tyneside.

Daniel Farke is keen to add Premier League experience to his midfield this summer, but he won’t have a free run at Longstaff, as David Moyes’ Everton are also keen on the midfielder.

Apps

25

Starts

8

Key passes per game

0.2

Interceptions per game

0.3

Tackles per game

1.1

Clearances per game

0.3

Longstaff, who has been dubbed “unbelievable” by Alan Shearer in the past, has Champions League experience, helping his side qualify for Europe’s elite competition this season and making five appearances in their last European quest, scoring in a 4-1 rout of current champions PSG.

Glasgow Rangers have a lot of work to do during the summer transfer window as they go about building a squad that can compete for the Scottish Premiership title next season.

Russell Martin arrived at Ibrox earlier this summer as the new head coach and the new boss will be aiming for success in his first year in charge.

The Gers manager has inherited a team that ended the 2024/25 season without a single trophy to show for their efforts, which illustrates how big the job ahead of him is going to be, as he is not taking on a side that is ready to hit the ground running next term.

Plenty of work is already going on to alter the make-up of the squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as the Light Blues confirmed the signing of Lyall Cameron on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old Scottish midfielder has joined on a free transfer from Dundee to bolster Martin’s options in the attacking midfield positions next season.

What Lyall Cameron could bring to Rangers

One thing that stands out about Cameron is that he has already amassed plenty of experience in the Premiership at a young age, with 65 appearances in the league since the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

This means that he could hit the ground running at Ibrox as a player who has already played plenty of matches in the division in the last two years, which means that he knows what to expect physically and tactically.

His performances in the Premiership in the 2024/25 season also suggest that the midfield whiz could be an exciting addition to the squad as a player who can make a big impact at the top end of the pitch.

Cameron, who can play as a central midfielder or as an attacking midfielder, ended the campaign with a haul of nine goals and five assists in 33 outings in the league for Dundee.

Shots on target

20

Top 4%

xG

3.80

Top 7%

Goals

9

Top 4%

xA

4.78

Top 10%

Chances created

54

Top 4%

Assists

5

Top 9%

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish maestro ranked highly among his positional peers in the division when it came to scoring and creating goals as an attacking midfielder.

These statistics suggest that Cameron could arrive as an exciting addition, given his ability to make things happen in front of goal, but the Gers are now looking to sign another attacker who would be even more exciting for Martin.

Rangers hopeful of deal to sign new winger

According to STV News, Rangers are ‘hopeful of concluding’ a swoop for Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku during the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Light Blues believe that they are in pole position to secure a deal for the Ghana international, whose contract with the English side expires at the end of this month.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that the Ibrox giants would be due to pay a minimal training compensation fee to Peterborough for Poku if a move goes through as expected, due to his age and UEFA’s cross-border compensation rules.

STV News also reveals that the Light Blues are hopeful of bringing Max Aarons, who came through the Norwich academy during Martin’s time in Norfolk as a player, to the club from Bournemouth, in what is likely to be a loan deal.

If the Gers can finalise a move for Poku on a ‘free’ transfer in the coming days, Rangers could have an even more exciting signing than Cameron for their new head coach.

Why Kwame Poku is more exciting than Lyall Cameron

The 23-year-old’s form for Peterborough in the 2024/25 season suggests that he has the potential to provide even more quality than the former Dundee man at the top end of the pitch for the Gers next term.

Poku, who plays as a left-footed attacker on the right flank, could come in as a direct replacement for Vaclav Cerny, who returned to Wolfsburg this summer, and potentially offer even more of a threat than the Czechia international from the right wing.

The Wolfsburg loanee caught the eye with his performances for the Gers during the 2024/25 campaign, but the Light Blues may be set to sign an even better talent.

Appearances

27

33

Goals

12

12

Big chances missed

3

6

Big chances created

9

6

Assists

8

4

Dribbles completed per game

1.9

1.4

Dribble success rate

47%

46%

As you can see in the table above, the Posh wizard scored more goals per game than the former Rangers sensation, whilst also delivering far more quality as a creator for his teammates in the final third.

This suggests that Poku, if he can translate his form over to the Premiership, could improve the team’s attack next term by offering plenty of quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals, as shown by his output in League One this term.

The left-footed magician, who was dubbed “outstanding” by reporter Lukman Evergreen, has shown that he can score and create goals at an impressive rate, even scoring three more goals and providing three more assists than Cameron managed in the Premiership last term.

This means that Poku could carry an even greater threat than the new Rangers signing in front of goal next season if Martin can get a deal over the line for the Peterborough star in the coming days, as this latest report suggests that they will.

Martin can replace Hagi with Rangers move for "explosive" £10m "weapon"

Rangers can brilliantly replace Ianis Hagi by signing this reported transfer target.

ByDan Emery Jun 17, 2025

The right-sided winger would be an incredibly exciting signing for Martin at Ibrox because of his potential to be an upgrade on Cerny, and his potential to deliver even more quality at the top end of the pitch than Cameron.

It has been all but confirmed that Matheus Cunha is going to depart Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer.

Their talismanic number ten seems set to join Manchester United for £62.5m, the value of his release clause, with Fabrizio Romano giving the move the famous “Here We Go” as recently as Tuesday.

For the Old Gold, losing a player as impactful as Cunha will be a huge blow. He has been pivotal in the past two seasons, helping to keep them in the Premier League. In the top flight in 2024/25, the Brazilian scored 15 times and assisted six goals in 33 appearances.

Dealing with such a sale will not be easy for the West Midlands outfit. However, he might not be the only key player set to leave Molineux this summer. Nelson Semedo could also be on his way out.

The latest on Semedo’s Wolves future

Just like Cunha is going forward, Semedo is pivotal for this Wolves side defensively. The Portugal international has also had a huge part to play for the Old Gold’s survival this season, but could be in line to depart the club, too.

According to a report from A Bola last Tuesday, a Portuguese news outlet, the player has ‘confirmed that Benfica is trying to sign him’ this summer, on what would be a free transfer. His deal at Molineux expires in a few weeks.

Indeed, the report suggests that Semedo has explained a return to his former side is something that ‘appeals to him’ this summer. He came through the academy as an As Aguias player, and was born in Lisbon.

There is no doubt that losing Semedo would be a blow. He played 34 times for the club in the Premier League in 2024/25, grabbing four assists and taking over the captaincy in the second half of the campaign.

He is also one of the highest earners in the squad, on £80k-per-week. If anything, that reflects his importance on the Old Gold, and given Cunha earns £90k-per-week, that seems to be a trend throughout their squad, for the most part.

There is one example of a high earner whose performances at Molineux do not match up to how much he earns. In fact, he is earning even more money per week than Semedo.

The Wolves player earning more than Semedo

Wolves have put in some disappointing performances at times over the past few years, almost getting dragged into relegation fights in the Premier League. One man who has never really shown his best form for the Old Gold is Goncalo Guedes.

Over two seasons for Wolves, the former Benfica academy star has played just 51 times, having been loaned out back to his boyhood side, and Spanish side Villarreal. He has managed just seven goals and six assists in those appearances.

This season was another frustrating campaign for the 28-year-old, who was once said to be “two years ahead of his age” by former Benfica boss Jorge Jesus. He made 29 Premier League appearances, but could only muster five goals and five assists. He also scored twice in the Carabao Cup against Burnley at the start of 2024/25.

Incredibly, Guedes is one of the players at Molineux who earns more per week than Semedo. Like Cunha, he is on £90k-per-week, although it certainly feels like it is not as reflective of performance as it is for their outgoing number 10.

Goncalo Guedes, Matheus Cunha, Pablo Sarabia

£90k

£4.68m

Nelson Semedo

£80k

£4.68m

Hee-chan Hwang

£70k

£4.16m

Boubacar Traore

£55k

£2.86m

Matt Doherty

£50k

£2.6m

It certainly seems like Wolves should look to cash in on Guedes this summer. His returns have not quite been what they would have wanted, and they could recoup some of the £27.5m fee they paid for him, whilst also saving money on wages.

If he does depart Molineux, it seems he will not be the only high-earner to leave. With that being said, it does feel like a case of what could have been for Guedes in that famous Old Gold shirt.

Wolves flop who left Pereira "furious" must never play for the club again

Wolves could be busy during the summer transfer window

ByRoss Kilvington May 27, 2025

Chelsea reached the final of the Conference League courtesy of a 5-1 aggregate victory over Swedish side Djurgarden in midweek.

Ending the season with a trophy could be a catalyst for the Blues to improve even further in 2025/26.

Enzo Maresca will be determined to succeed, but even more importantly, is the fact that he has blooded several youngsters into the team, notably Tyrique George.

With the summer transfer window opening in a few weeks, might the Italian be aiming to sign another talented forward?

Chelsea plot move for Borussia Dortmund starlet

According to reports, the Blues have earmarked Dortmund starlet Jamie Bynoe-Gittens as a player under serious consideration this summer.

The Stamford Bridge side are currently in contact with the Englishman regarding a potential deal and if they secure Champions League qualification, it could help their cause massively.

Previously valued at €100m (£85m), Gittens’ asking price has now dropped to ‘just’ €50m (£42m) as he doesn’t fit the system of Niko Kovač, which could open the door for Chelsea to make their move.

If they did bring the youngster to London, they would be signing one of the most talented wingers in Germany.

Transfer Focus

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

He is certainly a bigger talent than George. That’s for sure.

Why Chelsea must sign Jamie Gittens

Since making his senior debut for the Blues earlier this season, the 19-year-old has now racked up 23 appearances in all competitions.

Not one to be fazed by performing at the highest level, the teenager has scored twice and chipped in with five assists, helping the club reach yet another European final.

He will only continue to get better, especially if Maresca keeps utilising him in this Chelsea squad. Signing Gittens, however, would perhaps take the club to the next level.

Making his debut for Dortmund all the way back during the 2021/22 season, Gittens has made over 100 appearances for the club. A total of 31 goal contributions have been recorded in this time as he has emerged as a player to watch out for in the coming years.

Goals

8

Assists

3

Big chances created

6

Key passes per game

0.7

Successful dribbles per game

2.6

Shots per game

1.7

Hailed as a “wonderkid” by Statman Dave in November 2023, Gittens has the talent to follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, who both made huge moves abroad after shining in Germany.

Despite his tender years, he is already playing like an experienced winger. Indeed, when compared to positional peers, Gittens currently ranks in the top 8% for progressive carries (5.55) and in the top 1% for successful take-ons (3.62) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

This ability to advance the ball into dangerous areas while being able to beat his marker could give Maresca something extra in the final third next season.

George’s emergence from academy starlet to first-team regular shows that the club aren’t going to be totally reliant on the transfer market.

But when a talent like Gittens is available, it would be foolish not to try and sign him. Especially for a fee of £42m.

Eden Hazard 2.0: Chelsea make contact to sign £64m "difference-maker"

Chelsea have reportedly made contact over a deal to sign a star who could be Eden Hazard 2.0.

ByDan Emery May 10, 2025

French heavyweights Marseille and Roberto De Zerbi are believed to be targeting a high-profile Chelsea star, with BlueCo now “seriously” considering his sale this summer, according to reports.

Chelsea keep Champions League hopes alive with 1-0 Everton win

Enzo Maresca and the Blues are still firmly in the chase for Champions League qualification, following a much-needed winning goal from Nicolas Jackson in Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea in constant contact to sign "unbelievable" £223k-a-week Barca star

The Blues are determined to sign a Barcelona player, whose future is now up in the air.

1 ByDominic Lund Apr 28, 2025

Jackson ended his 14-game goalless streak with his first Premier League strike of 2025, clinching a vital three points for Maresca’s side, who are involved in the tightest race for Europe in years.

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Just two points separate third and sixth in the table, with Newcastle United, Man City, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa all competing for a spot in next season’s Champions League draw.

“We’re going to be better and better because the players are going to understand better and better how to play different games,” said Maresca on the improving balance of his Chelsea side.

“We said many times that against teams that press higher there is more space, and we can attack quicker. Against teams that defend low blocks, it’s more difficult, but we need to learn that. For sure this is the reason why I said many times that the fans have to trust us because this team is going to be better and better. It’s a journey, they’re going to learn things.

“The goal, as you said, it’s easy to attack quick because it’s from goal kick pressing. In the moment that you recover the ball, the first option is always in front. It was a good goal.”

Trevoh Chalobah also put in another excellent defensive display, and amid reports Chelsea are targeting a centre-back as one of three main signings this summer, the Cobham academy graduate is making a case for his continued stay in the side.

Now, as per French news outlet Foot Mercato, its potentially a different ace who could be sacrificed to make room in the squad.

Chelsea seriously considering Wesley Fofana sale

According to their information, that man is £200,000-per-week star Wesley Fofana. The Frenchman is on Chelsea’s treatment table for the long-term yet again, undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury in early April, and Maresca will be hoping he can return on time for their Club World Cup campaign.

However, it is now believed that Chelsea are “seriously considering” letting Fofana leave this summer, whether that be on an initial loan or permanent deal, and De Zerbi’s Marseille hold some hope they can tempt him with a move to Ligue 1.

The former Leicester City star joined Chelsea in a deal which could be worth up to £75 million, back in 2022, but while he’s impressed with some performances and runs of form, Fofana’s stay has also been marred by fitness problems.

It will be intriguing to see how much they would demand to sell Fofana outright, given he’s one of the Premier League’s most expensive ever defenders.

A big-name player is “already” in talks to leave Chelsea this summer, and it is believed a move to Saudi Arabia has emerged as a possibility for him as well.

Chelsea set for plethora of summer exit deals in squad overhaul

Enzo Maresca and BlueCo have many important decisions to make with regard to the futures of out-of-favour squad players.

Man City and Liverpool eyeing £165m Chelsea "superstar" with approach made

They are “sniffing around” him

4 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 24, 2025

Chelsea are tasked with finding new homes for the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, David Datro Fofana, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi, who were all allowed to depart Stamford Bridge on loan this season.

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Barring a surprise, all the aforementioned players appear surplus to requirements under Maresca, with journalist Simon Phillips reporting the club may also listen to offers for “many more”.

When taking potential incomings into account, with Chelsea prioritising the signing of a centre-back, winger and striker (Sky Sports), Maresca’s side appear set for yet another busy summer ahead of their looming Club World Cup campaign.

The Premier League confirmed that a special edition summer window will be open from June 1st to June 10th this year, which allows the likes of Chelsea and Man City to bring in fresh faces before the CWC commences.

The window may allow Chelsea to conduct early exit deals in a no-nonsense fashion too, and 2024 summer flop João Félix is yet another player who looks likely to be up for grabs.

The Portugal international made a big name for himself as one of Europe’s rising stars not so long ago, earning a mega-money £108 million move from Benfica to Atlético Madrid in 2019, but he’s since failed to live up to that price tag.

Chelsea re-signed Felix on a permanent deal last year for around £42 million, but Maresca gave the green-light for him to seal a temporary move to AC Milan midway through 2024/2025, where he’s since failed to impress.

Kyle Walker was seen criticising Felix for not passing the ball, and Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed that Milan have no intention of signing the 25-year-old permanently.

Joao Felix "already" in talks to leave Chelsea for Benfica

According to CaughtOffside, the attacking midfielder is making a head start on resolving his long-term future ahead of the summer.

As per their information, Felix is “already” in talks to leave Chelsea as he eyes an “emotional” return to Benfica, but the Primeira Liga isn’t his only potential landing spot.

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League are expressing an interest as well, so Felix has the option of joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East. It would be a disappointing move for him this early in his career, despite the big money which would undoubtedly be on offer.

Former teammates like Álvaro Morata have lauded his “special” talent, but Felix has been critcised for his attitude behind-the-scenes, which appears to be casting a shadow over his obvious ability.

Ipswich Town blissfully shrugged off the grim fact that a Premier League relegation looks a nailed-on possibility before their trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

Amazingly, the travelling Tractor Boys raced into a two-goal lead in the first half to stun the Stamford Bridge masses, but a share of the points was the final outcome for a relieved Enzo Maresca.

Kieran McKenna would have taken a lot of positives out of the entertaining 2-2 draw, knowing that some of the personnel who battled well with the Blues will be around next season when promotion is on the agenda.

What Ipswich's rebuild could look like

Away from the likes of Liam Delap and Leif Davis potentially leaving, McKenna will be hopeful that his tight-knit group stays together for the challenge of instantly returning to the Premier League.

He will certainly be calling upon goalkeeper Alex Palmer as his no.1 in the Championship, with the January signing already well accustomed to the second tier with ex-side West Bromwich Albion, on top of tallying up eight crucial saves in West London.

Moreover, faces such as defender Dara O’Shea should continue to start week in week out under McKenna, with the Irishman tallying up a whopping 11 clearances whenever Chelsea bombed forward.

But, with Delap potentially on his way out, how might the attack look?

Well, both George Hirst and Nathan Broadhead could benefit from more game-time by dropping down a division, with the lively pair in and out of the Ipswich starting lineup this season despite amassing 30 goal contributions between them when automatic promotion glory became reality.

Both players did start the contest at Chelsea and shone, but there’s one new standout talent in the Tractor Boys ranks who’s worth even more than the aforementioned duo and he caused the Blues a lot more bother on Sunday.

The "terrific" talent worth more than Hirst & Broadhead

One problem area for Ipswich next season could be down the right wing, with Omari Hutchinson another first-team figure who might fancy a Premier League stay at a different outfit rather than sticking it out at Portman Road.

With the likes of Wes Burns also injury-prone on the right flank, McKenna might well be calling upon ex-West Ham United man Ben Johnson as a first-team regular in this spot more often in the second tier, having been blown away by his quality up against Maresca’s hosts.

Johnson got up and running for Ipswich in terms of goals when powering home a header past Robert Sanchez, with the versatile 25-year-old also picking up his third assist of the Premier League season when helping Julio Enciso to fire home the opener.

These four goal contributions have come about despite Johnson only making 12 starts for the Tractor Boys in league action, but his impactful cameos here and there have made him a definite worthwhile signing, with the Ipswich number 18 entering the building last summer on a shrewd free transfer.

Games played

19

Games started

12

Minutes per game

61 mins

Goals scored

1

Assists

3

Transfer value now

£6.8m

Now, off the back of his heroics in Suffolk, the 25-year-old’s transfer value – as per Transfermarkt – stands at a sturdy £7m, which is way above Hirst and Broadhead’s valuations in the process who are both worth a lesser £4m in contrast.

Heralded as “terrific” by football scout Antonio Mango when initially cutting his teeth at West Ham, Johnson could become even more important to the Ipswich cause when relegation is confirmed, with his ability to play all over the pitch a useful asset to have across a bumper 46-game campaign.

Both Hirst and Broadhead will also have key roles to play in the second tier, with the near future at Portman Road not all doom and gloom if their wounds are sutured quickly after their one-season Premier League adventure.

McKenna has found an Ipswich "warrior" who's become as undroppable as Delap

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ByKelan Sarson Apr 13, 2025