All posts by h716a5.icu

Liverpool are in a ruthless mood this summer and after welcoming Florian Wirtz for a British-record fee, Richard Hughes is reportedly set for talks to sell one of Arne Slot’s star and has already contacted his potential replacement.

Liverpool not done after record Wirtz deal

Unlike in the past, Liverpool are not just sitting back and admiring their silverware. They’re gunning for more. Jeremie Frimpong arrived first to replace Trent Alexander-Anrold, but the biggest headlines were still to come as Wirtz followed his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate to Anfield in a British-record £116m deal.

The German is ready to take the Premier League by storm too, telling Liverpool’s official media channels: “I’m really excited to have a new adventure in front of me. This was also a big point of my thoughts: that I want to have something completely new, to go out of the Bundesliga and to join the Premier League.

“I will see how I can perform there. I hope I can do my best. I spoke also with some players who played there and they told me that it’s perfect for me and every pitch is perfect, you can enjoy every game. I’m really looking forward to playing my first game.”

Even after Wirtz, however, Liverpool are not done there. It has been a summer full of business for Richard Hughes, who is making up for lost time following a quiet debut year in Merseyside. Up next looks set to be Milos Kerkez, whilst reported talks to sell one star man could lead to another big-money incoming.

Liverpool set to hold talks to sell Nunez

According to Fabrizio Romano, reporting on Saturday afternoon, Liverpool are set to hold talks with Napoli next week over the sale of Darwin Nunez. The Italian club reportedly see the forward as their dream target and are now looking to learn more about the details of a potential move.

The sale of the struggling forward could be good news for those in Merseyside, who have reportedly already contacted Hugo Ekitike over a deal to replace Nunez this summer.

Liverpool hold talks to sign "fantastic" star loved by Jordan Henderson

The Reds are making more moves on the market.

2 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 21, 2025

When speaking about the Frenchman, Romano recently told the Market Madness Podcast: “Well, I think for Ekitike this could be a possibility to go to Liverpool, because there were calls from Chelsea two weeks ago. Man United, in recent days, also made contact with the agents to understand the situation.

“But for Liverpool, this is also a possibility. Liverpool also spoke to the agents. Also, Liverpool considered Ekitike an interesting opportunity. And so that’s the name I would keep in their shortlist.”

Minutes

2,563

1,133

Goals

15

5

Assists

8

2

Expected Goals

21.6

5.8

As the numbers show, Liverpool would once again be landing an instant upgrade this summer to continue what is likely to go down as their best-ever transfer window, even if the Frenchman could cost £85m.

Nottingham Forest now want to sign a “great” £8.5 million ace as a possible replacement for Anthony Elanga, according to a new report.

Newcastle still chasing Elanga 12 months on

During the 2024/25 season, Forest had many players step up and perform at a very high level on a consistent basis, with one of those players doing just that being Elanga. The Sweden international bagged five goals and registered nine assists in 36 Premier League games in his debut campaign with the club, but he found a new level last season, scoring six goals to go with 11 assists.

He was a big contributor to Forest reaching the Europa Conference League, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed, as teams from around the Premier League begin to circle – it was revealed last week that Newcastle United had made contact with the Reds over a possible deal for Elanga.

The Magpies were interested in a deal last summer, and now Eddie Howe has returned in the hope of getting his man this time around. Howe is said to be a big admirer of the winger and has made him his number one target this summer.

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However, they are not alone in their pursuit, as Arsenal have now joined the race to sign Elanga. Journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed the Gunners are one of several sides interested in the Forest attacker ahead of the transfer window reopening next week.

The report adds that teams such as Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all been watching the Swedish international ‘closely’. Forest are determined to keep hold of Elanga, but have reportedly placed a £60 million price tag on his head.

Forest want to sign £8.5m Moro as possible Elanga replacement

The mounting interest in Elanga will have the board worried, and according to Spanish outlets, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing winger Raúl Moro from Real Valladolid.

The Spanish side suffered relegation from La Liga last season, but despite his team’s struggles, Moro had a breakout season, netting four times in 33 La Liga games. The report states his ‘impeccable’ form hasn’t gone unnoticed, as Forest as well as AFC Bournemouth keep a close eye on his situation.

The report states that no offers have arrived for the 22-year-old as of yet, and despite Valladolid suffering relegation, they have placed a €10 million asking price on the winger, which is roughly £8.5 million.

Apps

33

Starts

26

Goals

4

Shots per game

1.4

Assists

5

Touches

34.7

Big chances created

8

Key passes

1.3

Succ dribbles

1.7 (45%)

Ground duels won

2.9 (48%)

This isn’t the first time Moro, who has been dubbed “great” by scout Jacek Kulig, has been linked with a move to England. Back in December it was revealed that both Liverpool and Manchester City were interested in signing the former Spain under-21 international, but it remains unclear if they are both keeping an eye on his situation.

As much as a collective team effort is obviously at fault for Manchester United horribly underperforming this season just gone, their woes in attack certainly stick out as a major point of concern.

Rasmus Hojlund would only manage to bag a dire four goals in Premier League action for Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils, whilst another scapegoated striker in Joshua Zirkzee also blew hot and cold throughout the campaign when tallying up just three strikes himself.

Therefore, one summer priority must surely be to bring in a fresh sharpshooter, with Ipswich Town menace Liam Delap once on United’s ever-expanding shopping list subsequently.

Unfortunately for the 15th-placed underachievers, Delap has seemingly chosen Chelsea as his next onward destination over Old Trafford, leaving Amorim’s men to hunt elsewhere.

Man Utd make approach for Premier League striker

Staggeringly, United could get over the rejection of Delap by poaching one of Chelsea’s main strikers.

Indeed, a new report from Football Transfers suggests that United have made an approach for hit-and-miss Blues attacker Nicolas Jackson, with Red Devils technical director Jason Wilcox allegedly playing a big part in wanting to bring the ex-Villarreal man to Old Trafford due to his desire for an athletic centre-forward.

It is also stated further into the report that Chelsea are reluctant to negotiate a sale, but if Delap were to come in and make that starting spot his own, the £55m-rated striker might be potentially more swayed to move to the Theatre of Dreams.

If everything were to click into place for the inconsistent 23-year-old in his new potential location too, he could go down as an upgrade on the much-talked-about former Manchester City ace.

Why Jackson could be an upgrade on Delap

After all, Delap might well be the talk of the town at the moment by bagging 12 league strikes last season, but he’s only ever experienced that one solitary Premier League campaign across his fledgling career.

On the contrary, Jackson has been around for one season longer in the demanding English game, and despite missing a colossal 19 big chances during an up-and-down 2024/25, the Senegalese striker found himself only two shy of the 22-year-old’s total for the Tractor Boys with ten league goals.

Games played

35

30

Goals scored

14

10

Assists

5

5

Shots*

2.3

2.5

Shots on target*

1.4

1.2

Goal conversion %

18%

13%

Big chances missed

24

19

On top of that, the Blues’ number 15 also showed off his sometimes red-hot form in front of goal during his debut season, with a mightily impressive 17 goals and six assists coming his way across all competitions, away from his 13 strikes in Premier League action alone, just bettering Delap’s output.

It will just rest on whether Jackson can become even more clinical donning United red, but he would surely be chomping at the bit to prove any Stamford Bridge doubters wrong if a move is signed off on.

Of course, there is also surely a worry on Chelsea’s end that Delap’s heroics for Ipswich are just a lightning in a bottle moment, with the bright lights of a new West London environment perhaps working against the potent Tractor Boys number 19.

United will just be praying the “unbelievable” attacker, as he’s been labelled glowingly in the past by pundit Peter Crouch, can hit his stride making the switch up North, making their failed attempts to land the £30m target less painful in the process.

If he manages to come out of his bumpy stint at Stamford Bridge stronger for it, he could be just what United are searching forward to head into a hopeful, new era under Amorim.

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ByEthan Lamb May 30, 2025

Premier League bound Burnley are now starting to turn their attention towards the transfer window, and they are keen on signing a Liverpool star who could replace the exit-linked Maxime Esteve in a record deal.

Esteve set for possible Burnley exit this summer

The 23-year-old joined the Clarets on a permanent basis last summer after joining on a loan deal six months before. While the Frenchman was unable to stop Burnley from being relegated to the Championship in the 2023/24 season, he was exceptional in this campaign, playing 46 times in the Championship as Scott Parker’s side won automatic promotion to the top flight.

Esteve started every single league game, during which he impressively made five clearances per outing, and not only was he a key player in Burnley keeping 30 clean sheets but he also boasted a 91 per cent pass accuracy, building play from the back.

He could be Parker's next Cairney: Burnley looking at signing £12m star

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His performances throughout the 2024/25 season have not gone unnoticed, as both West Ham and Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for the defender in the last couple of months. Now, a new report from French outlet L’Equipe has revealed that Palace hold a strong interest in Esteve and have made him a priority signing ahead of the new campaign.

However, they face competition from Bayern Munich, who are also interested, as manager Vincent Kompany is the one who brought the defender to Turf Moor.

Burnley keen on signing £25m Liverpool star Gomez

So, as Esteve is heavily linked with a move away from Turf Moor, the Clarets are assessing potential replacements, and according to Empire of the Kop, Burnley are interested in signing Joe Gomez from Liverpool.

The report states that Liverpool are open to letting their defender leave Anfield this summer and wouldn’t stand in his way if he made it clear he wanted to leave. The Premier League champions have set a price tag of £25 million for Gomez, who still has two years left to run on his current contract.

Liverpool’s position on Gomez has now alerted teams from the Premier League, with Burnley among the teams keen on a potential deal. However, the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth, Leeds United and Sunderland are also informed of his situation.

Apps

149

Goals

0

Assists

5

Burnley, as well as the other teams, believe they can sign Gomez, who has been dubbed “priceless” by former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman, for less than the £25 million quoted. Even still it would likely be a record deal for the Clarets, surpassing the £15m+ they spent on Zeki Amdouni.

Signing a new defender may become a high priority for the Clarets this summer if Esteve does depart, and the bonus of signing a player like Gomez is that not only does he have a wealth of Premier League experience, but he is someone who is very versatile across the back four, capable of playing both full-back positions to a high level.

The one factor that may go against Burnley is that Gomez, who has the same agent as current Burnley player Marcus Edwards, may prioritise a move to Newcastle or Villa, as they can offer European football next season.

The summer transfer window officially opens for business next month and it remains to be seen exactly where Celtic will look to strengthen their squad.

A new centre-forward could be on the agenda for Brendan Rodgers after the club opted to sell Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes in January without sourcing a replacement for him.

Whilst there is no reported interest from Celtic in this player, there are now quotes from a former Hoops number nine who would like to play for the club for a second time.

Former Celtic star would love to play for the club again

Speaking to the Daily Record, Greek forward Giorgos Giakoumakis revealed that he would “love” to play at Parkhead again before the end of his playing career.

The 30-year-old Cruz Azul attacker, who joined the Mexican side for a reported fee of £7.8m in 2024, left the Scottish giants to sign for Atlanta United in February 2023 during Ange Postecoglou’s time at the club.

Transfer Focus

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

Giakoumakis told the Daily Record: “You want to set the fire? I would love to play for Celtic again. I don’t know if that’s a utopia or if it could happen again – but who wouldn’t?

“Even if you don’t know what it feels like to be there, when you’ve already been there, you know exactly what it means.

“So if someone played for Celtic and he was successful and you ask him a couple of years after, ‘Would you play again for Celtic?’ and he tells you no, he’s a stupid guy. He’s so dumb.”

Of course, there is no credible source suggesting that Celtic would be interested in bringing him back to Parkhead. However, he could be an interesting addition to the squad this summer.

Why Celtic should consider re-signing Giakoumakis

When he initially joined the Hoops from VVV-Venlo in the summer of 2021, Alex McLeish suggested to Football Insider that Giakoumakis could be a “Henrik Larsson-type character” who could blow everyone away, describing him as a “special” signing.

Whilst the Greece international did not live up to that hype, as Larsson scored 224 goals for the club, he did have a huge impact in the short-term, akin to how Larsson scored 15 goals in 28 games in his first season at Parkhead.

Appearances

21

19

Starts

11

4

Goals

13

6

Minutes per goal

81

114

Assists

1

1

As you can see in the table above, Giakoumakis was Larsson-esque in his first Scottish Premiership season at Celtic with an incredible return of a goal every 81 minutes on average in the league.

The lethal finisher did not get as many opportunities, as shown by his four starts in 19 games, in his second season at the club, though, and then decided to move to the MLS.

Giakoumakis 22 goals in 38 MLS matches for Atlanta United before his big-money move to Cruz Azul, which shows that he was also a level scorer in America when given regular game time.

Therefore, the 30-year-old striker could be a Larsson-type signing once again for Celtic in the sense that he could arrive at Parkhead to make an instant impact as a big goalscoring threat for the club, which is why they should consider a move for the experienced marksman.

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In a move that could help make room at Old Trafford for fresh faces like Matheus Cunha, Inter Milan are reportedly ready to table a loan-to-buy deal to sign a struggling Manchester United player.

Man Utd working on Cunha deal as summer plans ramp up

The Red Devils may be as low as 16th in the Premier League and below Wolverhampton Wanderers, but that has not stopped them from getting their summer transfer plans underway. The Manchester United name still carries enough weight to lure some top talents to Old Trafford and it looks as though Cunha could be among those on their way this summer.

A deal made simple by the fact that Cunha has a release clause worth around £63m in his Wolves contract, Manchester United will be desperate to waste no time and secure the Brazilian’s signature as soon as possible.

Manager Ruben Amorim certainly needs no reminding just how poor the first six months of his reign has been and admitted his embarrassment about Manchester United’s Premier League position following defeat against West Ham United.

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The former Sporting Club boss told reporters: “How a manager of Manchester United is supposed to feel in that position – embarrassed, and it’s hard to accept. I think everybody has to think seriously about a lot of things here. Everybody is thinking about the final. The final is not an issue in this moment in our club.”

The upgrades must start with Cunha, but they must not end there for Manchester United, who are set for an incredibly important summer full of incomings and perhaps several outgoings.

Inter Milan ready to strike Zirkzee deal

Whilst Cunha is reportedly on the way in, one forward could be on his way out of Old Trafford. According to Corriere Dello Sport, Inter Milan are now ready to strike a loan-to-buy agreement to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United this summer. The Italian giants are even reportedly willing to show how serious they are by inserting an obligation to buy in their offer.

Following a tough start to life at Manchester United, Zirkzee could be set to leave just one year on from arriving. And whilst such a decision may seem ruthless from the likes of Amorim and INEOS, it’s one that they must make if they are to finally turn the club around back towards success.

What’s more, if Zirkzee’s exit means that United eventually recoup the £34m that they initially spent to sign the forward last summer and make room for the arrival of Cunha, then it’s one they simply must sanction.

Minutes

2,483

1,402

Goals

15

3

Assists

6

1

Expected Goals

8

4.8

A player who earns £105,000-a-week on Manchester United’s wage bill, the numbers do not make for pretty reading for Zirkzee when compared to the impressive Cunha and that should force the Red Devils’ hand this summer.

Liverpool football club has been the home to countless attacking talents over the years, helping numerous managers claim various levels of success at Anfield.

Roberto Firmino will undoubtedly go down as one of the most underrated strikers in Premier League history, thriving beyond all imagination on Merseyside after joining from Hoffenheim back in 2015.

The Brazilian forward managed to notch a total of 111 goals in his 362 appearances for the club, helping the side win the Premier League back in 2020 under former boss Jürgen Klopp.

However, fast forward to the present day, current manager Arne Slot lacks that centre-forward presence, with current options Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota likely to be moved on during the summer.

Such dealings would leave a huge hole at the top end of the pitch, which would see the Dutchman need to dip into the transfer market to bolster his forward line during the transfer window.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Given the achievements Liverpool have claimed in 2024/25, it’s no surprise to see countless players linked with a switch to join the club to aid their ambitions of replicating the success next season.

Jonathan David, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen have all been linked with a move to join the Reds over the last couple of weeks – with all three undoubtedly offering Slot a new dimension in the final third.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix, in the form of Brighton and Hove Albion talisman Joao Pedro, that’s if Ben Jacobs’ latest update is to be believed.

He states that the hierarchy has been monitoring the 23-year-old star, who’s netted ten goals for Fabian Hurzeler’s outfit across all competitions this campaign.

Jacobs also confirmed that the Brazilian star has constantly impressed behind the scenes, which could lead to a move being prepared ahead of the upcoming window.

Why Liverpool’s latest target would be Slot's own Firmino

Given Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker, Pedro isn’t the only name to be linked with a switch to Merseyside, with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké another name previously mentioned.

The 22-year-old has been an all-round threat in the Bundesliga this year, notching 33 combined goals and assists in his 46 appearances for the German side.

Such form has put multiple clubs on red alert, including the Reds, with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal also previously in the race to land his signature.

However, Ekitike could cost a small fortune during the summer, with Frankfurt demanding a fee in the region of £80m to part ways with the French international.

When comparing his stats to those of Pedro throughout 2024/25, the Brighton gem has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – potentially being Slot’s own Firmino, given the Brazilian connection, but also their similar playstyle.

The Seagulls star, who’s been labelled “sensational” by talent scout Antonio Mango, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate, thus able to follow his compatriot given his clinical edge in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more passes into the final third, whilst winning more aerial duels – handing Slot a superb option like Firmino given Pedro’s ability to drop into pockets whilst still offering a threat in the 18-yard box.

Games played

27

31

Goals & assists

16

22

Progressive passes

3.6

1.9

Shot-on-target accuracy

38%

37%

Passes into final third

1.9

0.8

Aerials won

48%

47%

Fouls won

2.1

0.5

Pedro has also completed more through balls per 90, allowing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz to further improve their own tallies, which will certainly bolster the chances of retaining the Premier League.

Whilst both options would be stellar signings for the Reds this summer, it’s clear that the Brighton star would be the better out of the two names – already having the experience of featuring in England’s top-division.

It’s unclear how much a deal would set the hierarchy back, but it would be worth every penny, having all the tools to emulate Firmino’s success on Merseyside and take the side to new heights.

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It feels like it is going to be a big summer of change at Glasgow Rangers as they look to bounce back from what has been a disappointing campaign on the pitch.

The Light Blues are heading into the final few matches of the season with little to play for, as the league title has already gone to Celtic and they have an interim head coach, in Barry Ferguson, in the dugout at Ibrox.

A new sporting director, Kevin Thelwell, will be in place in the summer, and a takeover involving Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers group is edging closer.

Rangers could also make changes to their playing squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, moving on players who need to be upgraded on.

One player the Scottish giants should be aiming to replace is wasteful centre-forward Cyriel Dessers, who has missed a staggering 59 ‘big chances’ in the Scottish Premiership and European competitions since the start of last season.

The Gers should try to recruit a striker who can be more effective in front of goal, and they could do that by looking closer to home, as they did with the signing of Kris Boyd.

Why Kris Boyd was a massive success at Rangers

The Scottish centre-forward came up through the youth ranks at Kilmarnock in the early stages of his career and proved himself to be an excellent goalscorer in the top-flight.

Boyd scored 62 Premiership goals across four-and-a-half seasons in the first-team at Killie, having emerged from the academy, and that convinced Rangers to swoop in for him in January 2006.

Because he was a proven goalscorer in the Premiership, it was not too much of a gamble by the Gers, and they were rewarded with consistent goalscoring from the Scottish forward.

Boyd was not a player coming from a foreign league and had all the relevant experience needed to be an instant success at Ibrox, which is backed up by his goal return during his first spell at Ibrox.

09/10

31

23

5

08/09

35

27

5

07/08

28

14

1

06/07

30

20

1

05/06

17

17

0

As you can see in the table above, Boyd consistently scored goals at an impressive rate in his four-and-a-half seasons at Ibrox between January 2006 and the summer of 2010, before his move to Middlesbrough.

The Scottish centre-forward led the Gers to two Premiership titles, in the 2008/09 and 2009/10 campaigns, and his success in Glasgow showed that the club can find top talents from within the Premiership, rather than having to look further afield for their big signings.

With this in mind, Rangers could find their next version of Boyd as they are reportedly looking at a striker who is currently shining in Scotland.

Rangers lining up move for Premiership star

According to the Chronicle Live, Rangers are one of a number of clubs interested in a swoop for Hearts centre-forward James Wilson in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The reports that Premier League side Newcastle United are considering a move for the 18-year-old talent after his breakthrough season in Scottish football this year.

It states that both Rangers and Celtic have ‘checked’ the attacker out, suggesting that they have sent scouts to watch him in action, ahead of the summer.

The Chronicle Live adds that there are other Premier League teams in England who are keen on the youngster, which means that there will be plenty of competition for his services ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Transfer Focus

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

It states that he has a market value of £1m but it remains to be seen exactly how much Hearts would demand for their star youngster in reality.

Rangers, however, should push the boat out to bring him to Ibrox ahead of the other interested parties because he could follow in Boyd’s footsteps at Ibrox.

Why James Wilson could be Kris Boyd 2.0

The 18-year-old talent does not have as much first-team experience as the player-turned-pundit had when he arrived in Glasgow from Kilmarnock, as this is his first season of regular senior football.

However, Wilson could be the next version of Boyd as another young, hungry, Scottish centre-forward who has already shown his quality in the Premiership.

As you can see in the clip above, vastly experienced goalkeeper Craig Gordon believes that the striker is a “special talent”, having worked with him at club and international level.

His opinion is particularly valuable because he has been part of title-winning teams in Scotland with Celtic and knows what players need to be successful at the top of the Premiership, which suggests that Wilson is on the right track.

Appearances (starts)

20 (15)

Goals

5

Big chances missed

4

Conversion rate

26%

Big chances created

2

Assists

1

As you can see in the table above, the teen star, who only turned 18 in March, has already scored five goals and created two ‘big chances’ in 15 starts in a struggling Hearts side this season.

He has also, notably, only missed four ‘big chances’. Whereas, Dessers has missed 20 ‘big chances’ to go along with his 13 goals in the Premiership, which suggests that the Jam Tarts youngster is more clinical in front of goal.

Now, imagine if Wilson had the ‘big chances’ that Rangers have created for Dessers throughout this season. The Scotland international could improve his output and improve the team’s effectiveness in front of goal with his finishing quality.

Therefore, the Hearts starlet could be Kris Boyd 2.0 for Rangers as another young Scottish striker with the quality and potential to be an excellent goalscorer for the club for many years to come, if they can win the race for his signature in the summer transfer window.

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Chelsea have now become favourites to sign a “sensational” player after presenting an enticing contract offer, according to a report this week.

Chelsea target centre-back, winger and striker this summer

As per Sky Sports and other credible media sources, the three main items on BlueCo’s transfer agenda this summer are the signings of a centre-back, winger and striker for manager Enzo Maresca.

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As per journalist Simon Phillips, it may not end there either, with a second centre-back, left-back, new goalkeeper and even an attacking midfielder discussed at Stamford Bridge. However, bolstering these positions will depend on their qualification for the Champions League and how many players BlueCo can sell this summer.

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Chairman Todd Boehly has also been privately pushing the urgency of bringing in versatile players, who can play in multiple areas and help to combat injury issues (Simon Phillips), so it appears the west Londoners could be set for another busy summer of spending ahead of Maresca’s second full season in charge.

The central defensive area is a particular concern for Maresca, with Axel Disasi out of favour, Wesley Fofana consistently on the treatment table and Trevoh Chalobah still likely to leave this summer after his initial loan to Crystal Palace was cut short.

As per widespread information, Chelsea are one of the many contenders to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen this summer.

The Blues are thinking about triggering his £50 million release clause, as per Sky, following the ex-Juventus starlet’s excellent debut campaign in England, where he has stood out as one of European football’s most exciting defensive prospects.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham are all looking at Huijsen, alongside European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Real Madrid (Sky), so there will be plenty of competition as the race for his signature heats up.

Chelsea held very positive talks with Huijsen’s representatives last week, and it was reported at the time that Maresca’s side were feeling much more optimistic about striking a deal for the 20-year-old after these discussions (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea present enticing contract offer to Dean Huijsen

This may hand the club an upper hand in the chase for Bournemouth’s star centre-back, and a report from Spain has now claimed that they’ve moved further.

Indeed, it is believed Chelsea have presented an enticing contract offer to Huijsen, which appeals both on paper and on a sporting level. As a result, they’ve emerged as the favourites to sign him this summer.

The alleged contract would run until 2032, with Chelsea reaching out to propose a seven-year contract. Bournemouth are apparently growing resigned to losing Huijsen this summer, and his next destination could well be London.

Called a “sensational” defensive talent by Ben Mattinson, Bournemouth’s number two earned his first international call-ups for Spain this season, and has started every single league game under Andoni Iraola since mid-December.

Chelsea have now joined the race to sign an “unbelievable” defender, alongside two of their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Blues looking to bolster defensive options

As we approach the summer transfer window, it is becoming clear the Blues will look to bolster their defensive options, with AFC Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen of particular interest, having recently made contact over a deal for the 19-year-old.

However, with Real Madrid also interested in Huijsen, it could be tricky to win the race for the teenager, meaning the west Londoners may have to move on to other targets, with versatile Barcelona defender Jules Kounde thought to be among them.

Kounde could also be brought in to play at right-back, with Enzo Maresca also keen to strengthen in the full-back area this summer, despite already being relatively well-stocked in that position.

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Reece James and Malo Gusto are already on the books at Stamford Bridge, although Maresca’s side are arguably a little weaker on the opposite side of the defence, given that Marc Cucurella is one of the only options at left-back.

According to a report from Spain, Chelsea are seeking a solid alternative to Cucurella, and they have now joined the race for AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez, who is also a target for Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

A huge transfer battle could be on the cards this summer, with Hernandez’s contract set to expire in 2026, which means AC Milan could look to cash-in this summer, although they may not hold out for a huge fee.

The “unbelievable” Frenchman’s valuation is around £30m, which seems like a reasonable figure for the left-back, given that he has proven himself in the Serie A over the course of a number of seasons.

"Unbelievable" Hernandez could be Cucurella upgrade

Cucurella has been impressive on the front foot at times this season, having picked up four goals and two assists in the Premier League, but there are signs Hernandez could be capable of providing even more of an attacking threat for the Blues.

The 27-year-old has amassed 34 goals and 45 assists in 256 appearances for Milan, while also ranking highly across some key attacking metrics over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.10 (80th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.83 (98th percentile)

Progressive carries

3.34 (92nd percentile)

Freelance scout Ben Mattinson is a big fan of the France international, describing him as “probably the best” attacking left-back in the world, while members of the media have stated the defender has “incredible speed”.

Hernandez could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea, and the Blues shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to sign him for the bargain fee of just £30m.