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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in making a move for Barcelona midfielder, Franck Kessie, with the Ivorian maestro currently facing an uncertain future in his current home despite only joining the La Liga side last year.

What's the latest on Kessie to Tottenham?

According to Spanish outlet, Sport, the Lilywhites – as well as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich – are said to be keeping tabs on the 26-year-old, with the Catalan outfit believed to be anticipating 'movements' from those interested parties.

The report suggests that 'everything could happen very quickly' once Xavi Hernandez's side make their return from their current pre-season tour, with the playmaker potentially set to be up for grabs for as little as €15m (£13m).

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

The former AC Milan sensation only made the move to Camp Nou a year ago following the expiry of his contract in Italy, although after being restricted to just seven league starts last season, a change of scenery could be in order.

How good is Franck Kessie?

This apparent interest from those at N17 has come amid reports that Danish midfielder, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could be on his way to Atletico Madrid after three years in north London, with Ange Postecoglou and co already identifying possible replacements.

Among those who Spurs are believed to be considering is England international, Conor Gallagher, albeit with the 23-year-old – who previously spent time on loan at Crystal Palace – having been valued at around £50m by rivals Chelsea.

With Kessie – who has been lauded as the "real deal" by journalist Antonio Mango – likely to cost just a fraction of that fee, it would be wise to consider the one-time Atalanta ace as a dream alternative to Gallagher, ahead of next season.

While the younger man has built his reputation on being a "box-to-box" asset – as per writer Zach Lowy – the Barcelona ace also appears to have that knack for impacting the game at both ends of the pitch.

The 59-cap international has showcased his willing desire to get forward of late as he ranks in the top 12% among midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for touches in the attacking penalty area and in the top 12% for progressive passes received.

While Gallagher is ahead in both of those metrics – ranking in the top 3% and the top 4%, respectively – it does show that the pair share that knack for bombing forward from their midfield berths, with that seemingly a trait that Postecoglou is looking for, hence his interest in the Chelsea machine.

The two men also share a similar record with regard to goal contributions at their respective clubs, with Gallagher scoring three goals and providing one assist in 45 games at Stamford Bridge, while Kessie has scored three goals and registered three assists in 43 games for La Blaugrana.

The £149k-per-week menace does also boast the benefit of his prior experience at Milan, where he registered 53 goals and assists in 223 games in all competitions, while Gallagher's most successful stint to date saw him score eight goals and register five assists in 39 outings while on loan at Selhurst Park.

With Kessie having clearly already proven himself at an elite club – despite struggling for game time in his current home – it would seemingly be a real bargain to be able to secure his signature for a measly £13m, particularly in contrast to Gallagher's sizeable price tag.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Bayern Munich will make another bid for Harry Kane having seen their first two offers rebuffed by Tottenham Hotspur.

Is Kane leaving Spurs?

Tottenham's biggest decision of the summer transfer window is whether or not to sell Kane.

As his contract doesn't expire until next year, the ball is firmly in Spurs' court with the Lilywhites not needing to let Kane go if they don't want to. However, given that he would leave the club on a free transfer next summer, Daniel Levy may be tempted to cash in on the wantaway striker while the opportunity is there.

Kane will not sign a new deal with Spurs when his current contract expires, leaving the club with an enormous dilemma.

Bayern Munich are currently favourites to sign Kane, who has made it clear he is eager to join the German champions, but have seen two bids rejected by Spurs for the soon-to-be 30-year-old.

While Spurs are not willing to put a specific price tag on Kane, it is likely that Bayern would need to cough up somewhere around the £100m mark to give up their star striker.

According to Romano, Bayern are readying a new proposal for the forward, although the Italian doesn't quote a potential fee.

Speaking on his YouTube channel: "Sources feel that, despite the rumours [with Manchester United] we're having in the last few days, Bayern remain the big favourites on Kane. Bayern will do a new bid for Kane.

"Bayern feel that Kane wants to go there and Tuchel is pushing a lot. So, Bayern are the big favourites for Kane and Man United remain focused on Rasmus Hojlund."

Tottenham's willingness, or lack thereof, to let Kane leave will likely impact the speed and practicalities of a move to the Allianz Arena. However, Bayern's growing optimism and persistence may make it difficult for Spurs to keep rebuffing their advances.

If Kane does leave, it will then be up to Ange Postecoglou to replace the forward – an unenviable task to say the least.

Kane scored 30 goals in 38 games last season in an underwhelming Tottenham side and his lack of consistent game-defining strikes next year doesn't bear thinking about for Spurs supporters.

Tottenham have been linked with the likes of Jonathan David, Dusan Vlahovic and Victor Osimhen should Kane depart and Levy will be forced into an expensive transfer to fill the hole Kane would leave behind.

Could Kane join Man United?

Despite Man United's increasingly concrete pursuit of Hojlund from Atalanta, recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils could revive their interest in Kane following Spurs' willingness to get some sort of transfer fee for their striker.

It's reported that Tottenham owner Joe Lewis is keen to move Kane on due to his lack of interest in signing a new contract, which could leave the door ajar for United to hijack Bayern's pursuit.

However, when speaking about Bayern's interest in Kane, Romano has suggested that the Red Devils are "not negotiating" for the number nine despite Erik ten Hag's admiration of the Spurs player.

United feel that the combination of Kane's high price and Spurs' unwillingness to sell to a Premier League rival would make a deal near impossible to pull off.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to sell defender Davinson Sanchez to Spartak Moscow after accepting their bid, but they're waiting on his green-light.

Who will leave Spurs this summer?

As new manager Ange Postecoglou slowly but surely reshapes the team in his own image, bringing in three major signings since his appointment, certain Spurs squad members could be shown the door.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, playmaker James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon have all joined the club for a combined fee of over £60 million.

That's not even counting the fees to sign Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski on permanent deals after their loans, which would take Tottenham's total summer outlay to around £117 million.

The Lilywhites aren't done there, either, as reliable media sources claim they're chasing two senior centre-back signings this summer.

Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo, Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, Galatasary's Victor Nelsson and Juventus star Gleison Bremer have all been linked with moves to Spurs recently.

To fund these swoops, it's imperative Tottenham offload more fringe players after Harry Winks, who left to join Leicester City around the same time Spurs signed Maddison.

Of the players who could make way, Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Tanguy Ndombele have all been previously mentioned as candidates – depending on pre-season (The Telegraph).

Meanwhile, Denmark international Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is reliably believed to be nearing the exit door after agreeing personal terms with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid (The Times).

There have been claims this week that Sanchez, who is attracting serious interest from Spartak Moscow in Russia, is also "very close" to departing.

This is echoed by The Athletic and journalist Charlie Eccleshare, who say that Tottenham have indeed accepted Spartak's £12.9 million bid for the Colombian.

As Postecoglou's side agree to sell Sanchez, the issue isn't club-to-club, but rather the player himself – who is still yet to agree personal terms and hasn't yet decided whether he will make the move.

The 27-year-old apparently holds reservations over a move to the Russian Premier League, so there is currently scepticism as to whether he will join Spartak.

If Sanchez does give the green-light, it is believed that two other defenders could follow him out the door – namely Japhet Tanganga and Wales international Joe Rodon.

The latter duo have been made available for either a loan or permanent sale as Postecoglou continues to orchestrate an overhaul.

How good is Davinson Sanchez?

The former Ajax star came under fierce criticism from sections of the fanbase last season and hasn't quite lived up to his £40 million price tag.

That being said, he's had his bright moments, with former Spurs manager Antonio Conte even praising his reliability and attitude at one point over 2022/2023.

Conte claimed he is a "reliable player" to have in the Tottenham squad, namely because of his attitude and application despite not being selected regularly.

“I want also to tell Sanchez. He played his last game in the starting 11 two months ago. He worked very hard and very well. To see him tonight to have this performance, makes me and my staff very happy,” Conte said.

“When we have players like Sanchez and Joe Rodon. A reliable player who doesn’t play but works very hard, the staff are very happy.”

Southampton are thought to be in pole position to sign Sunderland forward Ross Stewart this summer, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon.

What’s the latest Southampton transfer news?

The Saints and new manager Russell Martin have made a start in the transfer market ahead of the 2023/24 Championship campaign, with two new faces already brought in.

Former Swansea left-back Ryan Manning has made the move to St Mary’s on a free transfer to reunite with Martin, whereas young midfielder Shea Charles has arrived from Manchester City. Further new arrivals look to be of interest to the Saints and Martin, though, and a new attacker is seemingly on the cards.

Martin currently has four centre-forward options on the books in Che Adams, Paul Onuachu, Adam Armstrong and Sekou Mara. However, Adams is into the final 12 months of his contract and is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs, so the Scotland international could be on the way out before the September 1 deadline.

Should he depart, it appears as if another Scot in Stewart could come in and fill the void left by Adams, with rumours claiming the Sunderland man wants to join the Saints.

The 72 relayed a new update from Nixon’s Patreon page on Sunday regarding Southampton and a move for Stewart.

It is believed that the Saints are in pole position and therefore the front runners to secure the forward’s services this summer, despite his recent injury issues.

Who is Ross Stewart?

Stewart, hailed as "incredible" by Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, began his career in Scotland, representing the likes of St Mirren and Ross County.

He made the move to Sunderland in 2021, though, and has impressed when fit for the Black Cates, helping them win promotion to the Championship during the 2021/22 campaign.

Primarily a centre-forward, Stewart can also play on the wing if required and has scored 40 goals in 80 appearances for his current employers. However, as mentioned, the forward has struggled with injury recently, missing large parts of the previous season with an Achilles issue that required surgery.

Stewart is into the final 12 months of his deal, though, with Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray recently admitting he is unaware if the forward will sign a new deal.

“I don't sit across the table with Ross or his agent and discuss that sort of thing. All I know is we could do with him.

"In an ideal world Ross signs a new contract and the team looks so much stronger."

It looks as if the player is keen on swapping Sunderland for Southampton over the coming weeks, and following Nixon’s update, a move could well be one to keep an eye on heading into the new season.

Aston Villa have reportedly held talks over a move to sign Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson this summer.

What’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

Unai Emery is set to be backed by NSWE ahead of his first full season in charge with a “huge” transfer budget, and the club have already spent €33m on Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

Midfielder Youri Tielemans has also put pen to paper on Villa Park terms this summer after his Leicester City contract expired, and it looks as if attention is now on a new attacker.

Villa have reportedly had an opening €45m offer for Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby turned down, with Joao Felix another player of interest. Contact has been made for the Atletico Madrid forward, however, Villa have competition from Manchester United and Newcastle United, so it looks as if they could turn their interest to Johnson.

The Daily Mail provided an Aston Villa transfer update on Thursday regarding Johnson, claiming talks have taken place over a move for the Wales international.

Forest have already rejected a £30m offer from Brentford for the forward but are thought to be willing to sell, should a bid in the region of £40m be submitted.

Johnson has serious admirers within Villa Park and is believed to be keen on a move to the Midlands after encouraging noises emerged from the player’s camp.

How good is Brennan Johnson?

Johnson shares the same agency as Jacob Ramsey and is just 22 years of age who can play as an attacking midfielder, winger or striker. He has progressed through the youth ranks at The City Ground and appears to be at the peak of his powers with a career-high €38m Transfermarkt valuation.

In total, Johnson has made 105 senior appearances for Forest, scoring 29 times and registering 12 assists. He enjoyed a productive first season in the Premier League last year as well, helping the Reds to safety in the top flight with 11 goal contributions in 38 games. Steve Cooper lauded Johnson as a “fantastic player” and a “great finisher” back in February after netting the winner against Leeds.

“He’s a fantastic player, we know he’s got qualities and is a great finisher. The guys didn’t get loads of service at the top end of the pitch but, sometimes you just need one moment.”

As per FBref, Johnson has been compared to the likes of Michail Antonio, Odsonne Edouard and Danny Ings over the past 12 months and ranks in the top 12% of forwards for progressive carries, top 9% for crosses and top 1% for tackles in the defensive third, showing how he could bring more than just goals to Villa Park.

Should a £40m move go through, Emery could be getting a player who may only get better in time, while also providing the Spaniard with an alternative option or potential partner to Ollie Watkins. Johnson could turn out in a wide area, behind Watkins or as another centre-forward, and by the looks of things, a move will be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur are also targeting Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi this summer but face competition from a host of Premier League clubs.

Who are Spurs signing?

The north Londoners, boosted by new manager Ange Postecoglou's official arrival last weekend, have already made some serious summer moves.

Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro have put pen to paper on permanent deals from Juventus and Sporting Lisbon respectively, while the likes of Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison joined them from elsewhere this window.

Maddison, who signed for £40 million from Leicester City, has ended Tottenham's long-wait for a playmaker in the mould of Christian Eriksen – while Vicario's arrival could allow long-serving number one Hugp Lloris to depart.

Former Fulham loanee Manor Solomon is also said to be having a medical today ahead of a proposed free transfer to Spurs, coming after a FIFA ruling which allows the Israeli to depart Shakhtar Donetsk before the actual expiry of his contract.

It is widely believed that the signing of a star centre-back will follow these transfers, with the Lilywhites enduring a woeful 2022/2023 season in terms of goals conceced.

No other top flight side above 15th leaked more at the back than Spurs last season, a fact Postecoglou will be fully aware of as he seeks to bring back faith in the Tottenham cause.

Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo and Clement Lenglet from Barcelona are the centre-backs most heavily linked with a move to north London as of now.

However, according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, coming from a "well-placed source", Tottenham chiefs firmly have their eye on Guehi of Palace as well.

The England international, who impressed under both Patrick Vieira and Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park last campaign, is also attracting interest from Newcaste, Liverpool and north London rivals Arsenal.

Spurs are among the sides ready to battle for Guehi, as this report suggests, but a deal could be hard to do given the Eagles could demand in excess of £60 million.

What's been said about Marc Guehi?

As per WhoScored, the 22-year-old was a mainstay for Palace last season, having featured over more league minutes than any other Palace player.

Guehi averaged the highest passing accuracy (85.5%) of any Palace player too, indicating he could fit into Postecoglou's system as a brilliant ball-playing defender.

The defender averaged their joint-highest rate of blocks per 90 and second-highest number of clearances on average, just behind fellow centre-half Joachim Andersen (WhoScored).

Guehi's quality isn't lost on Club Brugge keeper Josef Bursik, who called him an "absolute tank" when asked to pick the strongest player in England's Under-21 squad a couple of seasons ago.

"Easy, Marc Guehi. He’s an absolute tank,” Bursik said.

“It’s like having a brick wall in front of you, he’s massive.”

Meanwhile, Hodgson has also praised Guehi for his ball-playing ability and composure on the ball.

“Marc Guehi and (Joachim) Andersen are very good players," Hodgson explained.

“They’re good defenders and good on the ball, which is very useful because it helps you start attacks, switch play and develop the composure you need to build attacks up.

“They’re both very useful to the club and would be to any club because they’re good players.”

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Leicester City gem Harvey Barnes, as Eddie Howe bids to bolster his attack this summer.

It’s due to be a busy transfer window for the Magpies, who have powerful financial backing and a new-found pull due to qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since the 2002/03 campaign.

The signing of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan fired Newcastle’s transfer dealings off to an impressive start, and the North East side could keep up the momentum by securing the signature of Barnes.

What’s the latest on Harvey Barnes to Newcastle?

As reported yesterday by the Daily Mail, Newcastle are ‘back on the trail’ of the Leicester winger, who has seen his future become a topic of interest for a number of Premier League clubs.

The report states that West Ham, Aston Villa and Tottenham have ‘enquired’ over the 25-year-old’s availability, with an exit from the King Power almost certain following the Foxes’ relegation.

The report speculates a £35m price tag has been put on the forward, making him an affordable option for the Magpies.

What could Harvey Barnes offer to Newcastle?

Despite enjoying an impressive season in the final third, netting 69 goals in 38 Premier League games, Howe is reportedly looking to add firepower to his attack this summer.

After scoring 13 goals in 34 appearances, Barnes stood out as a key player in Leicester’s underwhelming side, sparking rumours that he will depart with the aim to remain in the Premier League.

It’s clear to see why clubs are circling the Englishman, who was a constant threat for the Foxes on the flank, excelling as one of the league’s most dangerous wide men.

Signing players from abroad can be a risk, with there being some anxiety about whether the individual can adapt to the physicality and demands of the English top tier.

The bonus with signing Barnes is the fact that he is a ready-made Premier League proven talent, hailed as “unbelievable” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Newcastle, like every club, have had to be patient with some talent as they adapt to the league, one being Miguel Almiron who has taken some time to show glimpses of his full potential after trading the MLS for the Premier League in 2019.

Last campaign, the Paraguayan finally signalled that he was at home on Tyneside, scoring 11 goals in the league in his best individual campaign since his arrival.

The 29-year-old managed to net just nine goals in his first three and a half years in the Premier League, repaying the patience of those around him last term.

Introducing Barnes could be productive for the former Atlanta winger, who could set the tone for the level wide players should be operating at, in the bid to inspire Almiron to remain consistent through competition.

Despite scoring 11 goals, the winger scored just two between January and the end of the season, showing his problems with consistency.

Deployable on either side, Almiron could form some healthy competition with the Leicester sensation, installing a raised level of performance in the attack.

The two are very similar in their ability, with Barnes displaying the edge in front of goal, averaging 0.43 non-penalty goals per 90 to the Newcastle star’s 0.40, via FBref.

Howe could introduce fuel to the fire of his attack by signing Barnes, who in any regard would be an upgrade to the side, adding significant depth and power to the Magpies’ front line.

Arsenal just fell short in the hunt for the Premier League title last term, finishing five points behind Manchester City after a poor final few fixtures.

There was nothing wrong with their attacking qualities, as they managed to score 88 league goals, and they even had the joint second best defensive record in the division, however, the Gunners conspired to concede 18 goals during the final 11 fixtures, which saw the momentum shift in favour of City.

It was no coincidence that William Saliba was missing for these games having suffered an injury against Sporting CP in the Europa League and Mikel Arteta had to utilise Rob Holding at centre-back.

The defender must surely be ditched this summer as he ranked in a lowly 17th position in the squad for average rating via Sofascore while also ranking 16th for tackles per game and 15th for interceptions per game, clearly suggesting he isn’t of the required standard if the club want to win the title next term.

With this in mind, the Gunners have been linked with a move for Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio according to Spanish news outlet AS (via Football 365) and Arteta may just be able to secure a bargain, with the centre-back available for a fee of around €45m (£39m) as per the report.

Could Arsenal sign Goncalo Inacio this summer?

A move is within the realms of possibilities, however the North Londoners face competition for the 21-year-old alongside Newcastle United and Liverpool.

Making him the focus of their attention could be a shrewd move by Arsenal, especially judging by his statistics over the previous year, with his passing ability and forward-thinking mentality having the potential to suit Arteta.

Across the next eight competitions on the continent, Inacio ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes per 90 (9.04), progressive carries per 90 (1.9), passes attempted per 90 (88.63) and successful take-ons per 90 (0.65), demonstrating that he can bring the ball out from the back with ease and is always keen on starting attacks from his own half, something which Arteta looks for in his defenders.

In contrast, Holding doesn’t even rank in the top 10% across Europe’s big five leagues for any of these metrics, suggesting that Inacio would be a major upgrade on the Englishman and improve their strength in depth.

The 6 foot 1 starlet was even described as being “underrated” by journalist Zach Lowy a couple of years ago, but with his numbers over the previous year ranking him highly across a range of metrics, Arteta would certainly render this praise obsolete.

An update has emerged on Manchester United and their pursuit of a deal to sign Mason Mount during the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Mason Mount to Manchester United?

CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the Red Devils are set for discussions with Chelsea over a possible deal to sign the England international in the coming days.

The reporter told Caught Offside:

"Manchester United haven’t yet walked away from pursuing Mason Mount and there will be further club-to-club talks this week.

"Their latest £50+5m offer, despite being officially rejected, remains on the table. There is frustration from Manchester United that it wasn’t accepted given Mount only has a year left on current his Chelsea deal.

"Manchester United still want to get a deal done, so this could yet prove a big week, but they refuse to accept Chelsea’s £58+7m counter. This should come as no surprise. Manchester United have never been willing to pay more than £60m for Mount."

Would Mount be a good signing for Manchester United?

The 24-year-old maestro has the potential to be an exceptional addition to Erik ten Hag’s side as his previous form indicates that he could be the manager’s own version of Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne.

Mount is coming off the back of a disappointing Premier League season.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.05 across 24 league outings and contributed with three goals and two assists for the Blues.

The Chelsea academy graduate did not make a big impact in the final third on a regular basis and would not be a worthwhile signing for the Red Devils based on that form, as at least five United players managed more goals or assists last term.

However, Mount's exceptional performances during the 2021/22 season would indicate that he is worth taking a gamble on.

The 5 foot 11 dynamo averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.43 – a score that would place him second in Ten Hag's squad in 2022/23 – across 32 league appearances and chipped in with an outstanding 11 goals and ten assists from his midfield position.

FBref have listed De Bruyne as one of the most similar players to the English whiz based on their respective displays that term, as the Belgian phenomenon scored 15 goals and assisted eight in 30 top-flight matches for City, and they both ranked in the top 7% of players in their position for progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League that season.

This shows that both players are creative playmakers that have the quality to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis while also being able to progress the play at an outstanding rate with their passing ability to get their teammates into positions higher up the pitch in order to give them a greater chance of being able to make things happen in the final third.

No United player, aside from Marcus Rashford, scored more than eight league goals during the 2022/23 season, and no one produced more than eight assists.

Therefore, the potential is there for the Blues magician, who was once hailed as "outstanding" by ex-Arsenal attacker Paul Merson, to be a De Bruyne-esque player in midfield for Ten Hag with his goal contributions and progressive play, if the manager can help him back to his best.

The departure of club legend N’Golo Kante has been confirmed, and with the exits of Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek seemingly on the horizon, Chelsea’s midfield requires a thorough overhaul.

Enzo Fernandez, the Premier League’s record signing, has his place in the starting lineup already cemented and Mauricio Pochettino will work closely with the hierarchy to find his perfect partner.

But this process has already been complicated – Manuel Ugarte has opted to join Paris Saint-Germain, Brighton are demanding an extortionate £120m fee for Moises Caicedo and Arsenal are aiming to complete a double swoop for Romeo Lavia and Declan Rice.

The Blues may be pushed to seek alternatives and Sandro Tonali has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

What’s the latest on Sandro Tonali to Chelsea?

According to The Athletic, Newcastle has submitted a bid in the region of €50m (£43m) for the AC Milan man, but the report states that Chelsea still retains a serious interest.

It will take a monumental effort for the Blues to secure this outlandish coup as he is of insurmountable importance to the Rossoneri, and Eddie Howe’s side has the added bonuses of being able to offer a far more stable environment and Champions League football.

Who can Sandro Tonali replace at Chelsea?

The 23-year-old has made a mammoth 48 appearances in all competitions this year and has notched 12 goal contributions.

In the league, he has averaged 1.9 tackles per game and 1.8 key passes per game, as well as registering the third-best rating in the Milan squad.

In the 2020/21 season, the Italian made 36 Serie A appearances as Milan secured their first Scudetto since 2011.

Described as “extraordinary” by his former manager Eugenio Corini, the 14-cap international will captain Italy at this month’s U21 European Championship this summer.

A player of pedigree, reputation, and potential would deservedly start at Chelsea, and he could shift Conor Gallagher, who has dramatically divided opinion throughout the campaign.

In a recent interview, the Englishman said he loves Chelsea and is looking forward to working under Pochettino, all but confirming he will stay, but he is yet to convince fans of his quality or consistency.

Disappointingly, the former Crystal Palace man recorded just the 19th-highest WhoScored rating in the squad and his lack of conviction and composure on the ball has become a defining factor of his tumultuous term.

Darren Bent has described Gallagher as looking like a “fish out of water” in West London and his ability to play in a possession-based outfit is under scrutiny. Indeed, he placed 15th in the squad for pass success rate and compared to Tonali, succeeded with 1.3 tackles and just 0.6 key passes per game in the top-flight last term.

That said, even if Chelsea managed to sign Tonali, Gallagher’s athleticism and energy make him a valuable squad member, and he could be effectively utilised on a rotatory basis.

Though, with any chance of securing regular minutes surely out of the question, it would be a transfer that predominantly represents bad news for the England international with Tonali appearing to be a more attractive option that could dominate under Pochettino.