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Chelsea’s summer transfer window once again made headlines, combining record spending with significant sales.

After finishing fourth in the Premier League last season, winning the Europa Conference League, and lifting the Club World Cup by beating PSG 3-0 in the summer final, the Blues are back in the Champions League for the first time since 2023.

The club continued to invest heavily, bringing in João Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Jorrel Hato, and Liam Delap, among others, for huge fees.

At the same time, Chelsea balanced the books by offloading players such as Christopher Nkunku, João Félix, and notably, Noni Madueke.

Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s youthful squad has shown promise but also inconsistency.

Two wins against Fulham and West Ham have been tempered by draws with Crystal Palace and Brentford, a reflection of a side still searching for rhythm.

Their return to the Champions League offered a reality check about the demands of competing at Europe’s highest level. While Madueke thrived for Arsenal, a Blues winger struggled.

Noni Madueke: From Chelsea to Arsenal

Madueke was once seen as a cornerstone of Chelsea’s rebuild.

The 23-year-old right-winger scored 20 goals and registered nine assists in 92 appearances during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Explosive when on form, he could change games with pace, dribbling, and direct running.

However, his Chelsea career was defined as much by frustration as by highlights.

The club decided to sell him to Arsenal for £52m this summer, a transfer that drew an immediate backlash from Gunners supporters.

More than 5,000 fans signed a petition under the hashtag #NoToMadueke, questioning the move.

Arsenal pressed ahead regardless, handing Madueke a full 90 minutes on his Champions League debut against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday.

Statistically, Madueke has always been a player who offers high involvement in forward play.

Last season, he averaged 6.81 progressive carries per 90 minutes, a measure of how often he drives the ball upfield.

He also attempted a high volume of shots, posting 1.33 shots on target per 90 minutes with an accuracy rate of 37.5%.

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These numbers highlight both his intent and his end product – a winger eager to make things happen, though not always efficient. One Chelsea winger is like that now.

Chelsea's new Noni Madueke

Chelsea’s 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener showed just how raw this youthful team remains.

Defensive errors – including Trevoh Chalobah’s own goal after Michael Olise’s cross and a clumsy Moises Caicedo foul that gifted Harry Kane a penalty – set the tone for a tough night.

In attack, Pedro Neto was handed the role of left-winger in Maresca’s 4-2-3-1.

It proved a difficult evening. Neto was replaced in the 68th minute after a performance that earned him a 5.8 match rating.

His individual numbers reflected the struggle:

Neto vs Bayern Munich

Touches

25

Accurate Passes

11/14 (79%)

Crosses

1 (0 accurate)

Dribble Attempts

4 (2 successful)

Grounds Duels

7 (2 won)

Possession Lost

9 (2 won)

Source: Sofascore

Neto’s inconsistency mirrored some of the very frustrations Chelsea fans once voiced about Madueke.

He can explode with pace and creativity, but also drift out of games, as he did in Munich.

Across last season, Neto managed 35 matches with ten goal involvements – identical to Madueke’s tally in 32 appearances.

While Neto averaged fewer progressive carries (5.00 per 90) and shots on target (0.67 per 90 at a 28.8% accuracy), he outperformed Madueke in progressive passing distance, covering an average of 96 metres per 90 minutes compared to Madueke’s 82.0.

The data illustrate why Chelsea’s decision to sell Madueke and entrust Neto with a similar role has sparked debate.

Both wingers bring pace and unpredictability, both contribute to chance creation, and both are capable of flashes of brilliance. But the numbers confirm their limitations as well.

Madueke’s higher output in progressive carries and shots suggests a winger more inclined to take risks and force opportunities.

Neto, on the other hand, contributes more in ball progression through passing, reflected in his superior progressive passing distance.

Each offers something slightly different, yet neither has consistently delivered match-winning influence.

When comparing shot creation, the two players are virtually inseparable. Madueke averaged 3.50 shot-creating actions per 90, while Neto produced 3.57.

This parity shows that both are involved in their teams’ attacking buildup, even if their execution varies.

Madueke’s numbers underline why Arsenal were willing to pay a premium despite fan scepticism.

His willingness to carry the ball forward and threaten goalkeepers with regular attempts makes him a high-upside option.

Neto’s profile fits Chelsea’s philosophy under Maresca – linking play, stretching the pitch, and helping transition through midfield – but his display against Bayern revealed how much more is needed to reach Champions League standard.

For Chelsea, the swap of Madueke for Neto feels less like a fresh direction and more like a gamble on a winger with a strikingly similar profile: exciting, unpredictable, and still searching for the consistency required to define matches at the highest level.

Related Maresca must drop Chelsea dud who was as bad as Chalobah vs Bayern

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Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 18, 2025

Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a minor injury for RCB, who picked Yash Dayal, and handed caps to Phil Salt and Tim David

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Mar-20255:47

Kane Williamson on what it takes to be a good IPL captain

Toss Just like 17 years ago at the first-ever IPL match, RCB won the toss and asked KKR to bat first with rain and dew not ruled out at the IPL 2025 opener. RCB were hopeful of not allowing a repeat of a blowout on that night when Brendon McCullum set the tournament alight. This was the first time these two teams were kicking off the IPL season since 2008.Defending champions KKR had a new captain, and wore a new look, with at least the official team sheet not slating Sunil Narine as the opening batter. Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock and left-arm quick Spencer Johnson made their KKR debuts, edging out Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Anrich Nortje, who was nevertheless named in the list of substitutes. Whether KKR were going to open with Narine was going to be revealed in earnest.RCB’s new captain, Rajat Patidar, got off to an auspicious start, calling correctly at the toss. He didn’t quite remember the names of the possible Impact Players, but made what is expected to be the beneficial call in evening games in T20 cricket: chase. However, there was a new aid for the sides defending – a ball change they can claim after the tenth over of the second innings.RCB handed caps to Phil Salt, who represented KKR last year, and Tim David, let go by Mumbai Indians. Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya were their spinners, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who had a minor injury, missed out. RCB instead went with the left-arm pace of Yash Dayal.Kolkata Knight Riders: 1 Sunil Narine, 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Ajinkya Rahane (capt) 4 Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 5 Venkatesh Iyer, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Ramandeep Singh, 9 Harshit Rana, 10 Varun Chakaravarthy, 11 Spencer Johnson/Anrich Nortje, 12 Vaibhav AroraSubstitutes: Anrich Nortje, Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Anukul Roy, Luvnith SisodiaRoyal Challengers Bengaluru: 1 Phil Salt, 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Rajat Patidar (capt), 4 Liam Livingstone, 5 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 6 Tim David, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Rasikh Salam, 9 Josh Hazlewood, 10 Yash Dayal, 11 Suyash SharmaSubstitutes: Devdutt Padikkal, Abhinandan Singh, Manj Bhandage, Romario Shepherd, Swapnil Singh

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo segue atento ao mercado da bola e busca contratações para o segundo semestre. Um nome ventilado nos corredores do CT da Barra Funda foi o do meia Léo Cittadini, do Athletico.

Para os tricolores paulistas apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!

A informação foi publicada pelo jornalista Alexandre Praetzel e confirmada pelo Lance!. A reportagem do L! apurou que o nome foi um pedido do técnico Dorival Júnior, mas a direção do São Paulo não deve avançar nas negociações.

Léo Cittadini tem contrato com o Athletico até o final do ano e já pode assinar um pré-contrato com outra equipe para a próxima temporada. Neste ano, Cittadini soma 12 jogos, sem marcar gols nem dar assistências. Ele vem sendo reserva do Furacão, e não entra em campo desde o dia 21 de junho, justamente contra o São Paulo.

Na carreira, Cittadini começou no Santos, onde foi destaque na conquista da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior de 2013. Subiu aos profissionais e foi bicampeão paulista em 2015 e 2016 no Santos. Depois, passou por empréstimo na Ponte Preta até se transferir ao Athletico.

With a 100% record to maintain, Liverpool travel to newly-promoted Burnley as the undeniable favourites and a certain Alexander Isak lying in wait to make his debut.

Burnley vs Liverpool team news

If Burnley are anything as resolute as they were against Manchester United before the international break, then a shock may still be on the cards. Alas, there is no denying that the prospect of squaring off against the Premier League champions is a different challenge entirely to the Red Devils these days.

Whilst there’s no guarantee that Scott Parker will field the same side as that cruel late defeat against Man United, injury doubts for Jordan Beyer and Connor Roberts, who may join Zeki Amdouni on the treatment table, could yet force his hand.

The Burnley boss told reporters when asked about the challenge that lies ahead in his pre-match press conference: “For us it comes down to control and courage.

“Control in how we play and react in every moment, and courage to step forward and back ourselves against the champions. We’ll need to be disciplined and composed, keep calm in certain moments. And we’ll need to be brave and believe in each other, which is something this squad has in abundance.”

As for the Premier League champions, the mood in their camp couldn’t be much better. New signing Isak is finally a Liverpool player and could be in contention to receive some minutes this weekend – although Arne Slot has urged fans to be patient as he gets up to speed.

The likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez could also complete their returns from injury, whilst the only fresh concern that the Reds have regards Curtis Jones.

The midfielder’s injury may see Dominik Szoboszlai return to his usual role in the middle of the park rather than right-back, where he thrived against Arsenal. And, in turn, Frimpong or Conor Bradley could get themselves an immediate start after the international break.

Burnley (4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Walker; Ekdal; Esteve; Hartman; Cullen; Ugochukwu; Larsen; Mejbri; Antony; Foster

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley; Van Dijk; Konate; Kerkez; Gravenberch; Szoboszlai; Salah; Wirtz; Gakpo; Ekitike

Burnley vs Liverpool recent results

Of course, the last time that these two sides met came in 2024 when Liverpool eased to a 3-1 victory at Anfield. Then, it was goals from the late Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez that saw the Reds wrap up all three points. This weekend, however, the Reds will need to rely on new stars to get the job done.

Burnley vs Liverpool results

Competition

Liverpool 3-1 Burnley

Premier League

Burnley 0-2 Liverpool

Premier League

Burnley 0-1 Liverpool

Premier League

Liverpool 2-0 Burnley

Premier League

Burnley 0-3 Liverpool

Premier League

Without a defeat against the Clarets in their last five games, Liverpool last failed to beat Burnley in 2021 when their 68-game unbeaten run at Anfield came to an end in shocking fashion.

Away from head-to-head records, Burnley have endured an inconsistent start to their Premier League campaign – losing at Tottenham Hotspur, defeating Sunderland and then suffering defeat against Man United.

Liverpool, by some contrast, have won all three of their games but needed three late goals to do so. That, even if only small hope, should hand Burnley some encouragement.

Burnley vs Liverpool predictions and odds

As Premier League champions and the only side with a 100% record this season, Liverpool are undoubtedly the favourites against Burnley, with the odds reflecting that. The Reds are priced at 3/10 by the bookies, whilst the odds for Burnley to pick up a shock victory sit at 8/1 and a draw is priced at 9/2.

Related Liverpool 'lead' race for 'different class' £224,000-a-week Salah successor

The Reds are serious about doing a deal.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Sep 13, 2025

Although Slot’s side have needed late goals to survive a number of scares this season, their visit to Turf Moor should see the return of their dominance and perhaps even the true arrival of Florian Wirtz.

Prediction: Burnley 1-3 Liverpool

كشف مصدر بمنتخب مصر الأول، عن وجود اهتمام من قبل الجهاز الفني، بلاعبين من صفوف نادي بيراميدز، بعد تألقهما في الفترة الأخيرة.

ومن المنتظر أن يخوض منتخب مصر معسكرًا خلال فترة التوقف الدولي، نوفمبر المقبل، من أجل الاستعداد لخوض منافسات كأس الأمم الإفريقية في شهر ديسمبر المقبل، في دولة المغرب.

وعلم بطولات، أن ثنائي بيراميدز، محمود مرعي وأحمد عاطف قطة، يدخلان حسابات الجهاز الفني لمنتخب مصر في معسكر نوفمبر المقبل.

طالع.. خاص | منتخب مصر يتلقى عرضًا لخوض ودية قبل كأس أمم إفريقيا

ويعد الثنائي من أبرز الوجوه الجديدة المرشحة للانضمام لمعسكر المنتخب في نوفمبر.

وتوج بيراميدز ببطولة السوبر الإفريقي للمرة الأولى في تاريخه على حساب نهضة بركان المغربي، بهدف دون رد أحرزه فيستون مايلي.

يذكر، أن منتخب مصر حسم تأهله إلي نهائيات كأس العالم 2026، المقبل، بعد تصدره المجموعة الأولي في التصفيات برصيد 26 نقطة من الفوز في 8 مباريات والتعادل في مواجهتان.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر، في المجموعة الثانية من بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا، مع منتخبات زيمبابوي، أنجولا وجنوب إفريقيا.

Arsenal are on the lookout for promising talent this summer and could now beat Liverpool and Chelsea to one of Europe’s top young talents, according to a report.

Arsenal look to kickstart a summer of note

The Gunners have aspirations of claiming Premier League glory after coming close in years gone by and a big few months is expected by all involved at the Emirates to shift the balance of power that Liverpool currently hold.

Mikel Arteta previously promised a high turnover of players at Arsenal, stating earlier this year: “It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it. The way we planned the first five summers, they were going to be very big, and they were going to have different objectives.

“There were a lot of players with three, four or five-year contracts. So the turnaround of the squad and how you visualise the next five years was very dependent on that.”

Jakub Kiwior and Aleksandr Zinchencko could leave Arsenal to help create room for new blood in North London. A few others may join them, but who has been lined up to sign on the dotted line at the Emirates Stadium?

Understandably, Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres is the Gunners’ main target to strengthen their forward line following his return of 54 goals in 52 matches across all competitions, though he isn’t the only high-profile name linked with a move elsewhere this summer.

Related He's more proven than Gyokeres: Arsenal in talks to sign £63m "monster"

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Posts ByMatt Dawson Jun 15, 2025

Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens could also be on his way to Arsenal if they can see off competition from Chelsea for his signature.

In a crowded market where deals are there to be done, Arteta may have designs on showing their London rivals who the boss is on more than one occasion.

Arsenal readying bid to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato

According to TBR, Arsenal are now readying a bid to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato after holding talks with the Eredivisie giants over a move for the Netherlands international.

Valued at around £40 million, the Rotterdam-born man is also the subject of interest from Chelsea and Liverpool, with the former also taking part in discussions to bring him to West London.

Jorrel Hato’s strong campaign for Ajax in 2024/25 – Eerdivisie (Fotmob)

Tackles won

36

Chances created

18

Long ball accuracy

60%

Duels won

128

Aerial duels won

51

However, he sees the Emirates as an ideal destination to continue his development and is viewed as someone who would fit Arteta’s philosophy ‘perfectly’ over the coming years.

Labelled “fantastic” by Jordan Henderson,, the 19-year-old has been followed by the Gunners over the last four years and the fact that Kieran Tierney has went back to Celtic alongside potential exits for Zinchenko and Kiwior has made the pursuit come to life.

Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly remain as potential left-back options, but Hato would definitely take Arsenal closer to where they need to be if all parties can come to an agreement.

It’s been a hectic off-season so far for Aston Villa, as many members of Unai Emery’s camp consider moves away from the West Midlands.

Emiliano Martinez, Amadou Onana, and Youri Tielemans all reportedly face uncertain futures with the Villans, with plenty of fresh signings then needed to balance the books, even amid a tricky PSR situation.

Some major sales could finance this statement deal; therefore, with the Villans now ready to enter into the intense race for this attacking star’s services.

Aston Villa join race for £50k-per-week ace

As per a new report from The Independent, Villa are now set to enter the race for Manchester United outcast Alejandro Garnacho this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

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The report states that Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Napoli, and an Erik Ten Hag-led Bayer Leverkusen are all keen on the pacey 20-year-old, with a bumper £70m price tag also placed above his head off the back of this frenzied interest.

It is also stated that a big move for Garnacho will only take place on Villa’s end if the likes of Morgan Rogers were to move on.

Whilst he has experienced a bumpy patch of his Old Trafford career under Ruben Amorim, it’s undeniable that the £50k-per-week winger is a top, Premier League-capable talent on his day.

It could even be argued that the Red Devils youngster is a bigger talent than Jhon Duran once was during his electric Villa playing days, with the Colombian also a wide-eyed attacker in his own right that terrorised top-flight defences for fun.

Why Garnacho is an even bigger talent than Duran

Duran’s spell at Villa Park went by in a goal-laden flash, with the clinical 21-year-old only on the books of Emery’s men for 78 games in total.

He definitely left a lasting impression, however, with 20 strikes picked up along the way, despite mainly being utilised as a blistering impact substitute by the Spaniard.

Garnacho once had to be patient himself at the Theatre of Dreams for first team opportunities, as seen in his first five goal contributions for the illustrious club in Premier League all coming from off the bench, before going on to solidify himself as a deserved regular with acrobatic efforts such as this wondergoal against Everton soaring in.

Of course, his spell at United could well be tainted now for good by a public falling out with Amorim, but his consistent numbers for United – away from his stay at Old Trafford turning sour – over many a season shows off his expertise of the daunting level, proving further that he is a more exciting talent at his peak than the dangerous Duran.

Garnacho’s G/A numbers by season for United

Season

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

24/25

57

10

10

23/24

50

11

7

22/23

34

5

5

21/22

2

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Despite being pushed to the exit door, Garnacho is just fresh off collecting 20 goals and assists combined from 57 total clashes last season, with his entire tally for United in the men’s ranks coming in at a very impressive 26 strikes and 22 assists from 144 contests.

Amazingly, that hefty goal tally is six more than Duran would manage at Villa Park, despite the 21-year-old lining up as an out-and-out centre-forward. Equally, the United man has registered 24 goals and assists in 93 Premier League outings, while Duran provided just 12 – none of which were assists – in 55 top-flight games for Villa.

Garnacho, too, also boasts big-game experience, having scored against Manchester City in the FA Cup final and Community Shield last year.

That’s also some weighty experience of the Premier League for an attacker who is still only 20 years old, with Emery hopeful he can work his Marcus Rashford magic on the exciting South American if he relocates to the West Midlands shortly.

After all, Emery managed to help repair Rashford’s own damaged Red Devils career with four goals and six assists heading his way last season, donning Villa claret and blue.

In this example, however, it’s not as if Garnacho’s form has suffered from a horrible dip, with everything pointing in the direction that the “superstar” – as he’s been previously lauded by football content creator Liam Canning – could be a rip-roaring success at Villa Park, much like Duran was.

Related Emery loves him: Aston Villa now one to watch in race for £300k-a-week star

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Posts ByDominic Lund Jun 10, 2025

Arsenal’s recruitment drive is becoming more interesting by the day, with news coming to light on their attempts to sign a highly-rated forward for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal targeting new striker and winger this summer

The Premier League title eluded Arteta by a seismic distance last term, and sporting director Andrea Berta is working to back the Spaniard with new signings to reinforce the squad ahead of a more hopeful challenge next season.

Related Arsenal talks could advance in "next few days" as Berta eyes £59m signing

The Gunners have been in contact this week.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jun 5, 2025

The reasons behind Arsenal’s failed title bid come down to injuries and a lack of potency in the final third, with a plethora of key first-team players, including the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, all sidelined for extended periods throughout 2024/2025.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Gabriel Jesus’ ACL injury, sustained in an FA Cup defeat to Man United, also left Arteta without a senior natural striker for the majority of 2025. Mikel Merino was forced to play in an emergency striker role, and Berta will be determined to ensure Arsenal’s manager isn’t left so short of options next term.

Arsenal are currently working to discover the conditions of deals for both Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, who are fresh off impressive campaigns at Sporting CP and RB Leipzig respectively (BBC).

Meanwhile, extensive groundwork is being laid when it comes to Arsenal’s pursuit of a new wide option, with Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo reported as a top target for Berta. However, talks have currently stalled due to salary demands, prompting the north Londoners to weigh up alternatives (Florian Plettenberg).

According to BBC reporter Sami Mokbel, one of those was Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

The Cameroonian has enjoyed the season of his life under Thomas Frank, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, but it looks highly likely that Old Trafford will be his next destination.

Negotiations have now started between United and Brentford over Mbeumo, but there is still a glimmer of hope for Arteta.

Arsenal tried to sign Bryan Mbeumo before Man United decision

Mokbel reports that Arsenal had “big” interest in Mbeumo and tried to sign him, before the African gave priority to Ruben Amorim’s side. However, if a move falls through, the BBC reporter suggests Arsenal could be there to salvage a move.

“I think Bryan Mbeumo is probably going to be ending up at Man United. I think that probably will happen,” Mokbel told Highbury Squad on YouTube.

“But I do know that Arsenal had a big interest in him and have tried. I think perhaps what Man United put on the table may be more favourable than Arsenal, and I think that perhaps that might be why he’s chosen to go to Man United.

“If the Mbeumo deal, for whatever reason, didn’t happen, I would not be surprised to see Arsenal be there or thereabouts to try to pick up the pieces of that deal.”

Reports suggest Man United have bid around £55 million for Mbeumo, but given Brentford’s valuation is actually around £60 million, there is still work to be done there.

While the 25-year-old only has a year left on his contract, Brentford possess the option to extend it by a further year, meaning they can charge a much higher fee than what you’d expect.

Tottenham Hotspur are now confident they can win the race for a midfield “magician” following their Europa League triumph against Manchester United, according to a report.

Spurs end 17-year trophy drought in Bilbao

Tottenham’s long wait for a trophy came to an end earlier this week, sealing European glory with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, which sparked some wild scenes upon their return to north London.

Ending the 17-year wait for major silverware was of the utmost importance to Ange Postecoglou, who once again delivered in his second season, but his side’s Europa League triumph also secures a return to the Champions League next season, despite their dismal Premier League form.

As such, moving to Spurs should be an attractive proposition for some top players in the summer transfer window, and they are now growing in confidence they can win the race for a midfielder, who is also being targeted by Man United.

Indeed, according to a report from The Boot Room, both Tottenham and United are interested in signing Lille’s Angel Gomes, who is set to be available on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract this summer, and the north Londoners are now confident about winning the race.

The Red Devils’ defeat in the Europa League final means they will not be playing European football of any description next season, which could make a move to north London more appealing for Gomes, who has been a long-standing target for Postecoglou’s side.

"Magician" Gomes could be excellent signing for Spurs

Ange has been plagued with injuries throughout the campaign, with the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison spending time on the sidelines, while there is also a feeling the manager could look to offload fellow midfielder Yves Bissouma in the summer.

As such, it makes perfect sense for Tottenham to bring in more depth in the middle of the park this summer, and the Lille maestro could be an excellent addition to the squad, having received his first England call-up earlier this season.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 24, 2025

Indeed, the Englishman caught the eye of former interim boss Lee Carsley, while he has also received high praise from former teammate Jonathan Panzo, who said: “He’s like a magician,”

“He’s a small player, but his IQ is so smart and he just knows how to get around the pitch.”

Tottenham’s return to the Champions League should ensure they have money to spend in the upcoming window, but signing Gomes on a free transfer would still be a smart piece of business, and a move to north London should be far more appealing than Old Trafford after the heroics in Bilbao.

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

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

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

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

Chelsea targeting defenders in the transfer window

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

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

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

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

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

Why Chelsea have struck gold on Levi Colwill

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

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

Levi Colwill’s PL stats for Chelsea

Metric

2023/24

2024/25

Accurate passes per 90

38.2

67

Clean sheets

4

9

Total duels won per 90

5

4.5

Tackles per 90

2.1

1.4

Possession lost per 90

10

8.9

Via Sofascore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Posts ByDan Emery May 19, 2025