All posts by z3u9t.icu

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.

Ange Postecoglou's summer rebuild at Tottenham Hotspur looks to be getting underway, with various reports suggesting that the Lilywhites are now closing in on a deal for Brentford's David Raya.

That impending arrival comes as part of what could be a sizeable squad shake-up at N17 over the coming weeks and months, with Postecoglou set to oversee something of a mass clearout ahead of next season, amid the prospect of a host of notable departures.

With regard to those who could follow Raya in bolstering the squad, the Daily Star recently reported that the north London outfit are considering making a £50m move for Manchester United winger, Jadon Sancho, albeit with the Red Devils set to demand close to £60m if they are to part ways.

This follows a previous report from the Guardian that claimed the Englishman's place at Old Trafford is now 'under threat' due to his lack of impact in recent seasons, while Manchester Evening News has revealed that United boss Erik ten Hag is said to be growing 'increasingly impatient' with the former Borussia Dortmund ace.

Having been signed for £73m back in the summer of 2021, the 23-year-old has since gone on to score just 12 goals and provide only six assists in 79 games in all competitions, with those woes notably seeing the winger miss out on a place in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad last year.

That seemingly paints a picture of a player who is simply struggling to perform at present, although Postecoglou and co may be hoping that they can coax the best out of a talent who previously caught the attention during his stint in Germany…

Should Tottenham sign Sancho?

It is easy to forget – amid his current woes – that Sancho was once earning rave reviews due to his consistently stellar displays at Dortmund, having notably been hailed as the "perfect player" by German legend, Lothar Matthaus back in 2018.

Also lauded as "superb" by Bayern Munich star, Thomas Muller, the former Manchester City starlet certainly made his mark in the Bundesliga, having ultimately racked up 114 goals and assists in just 137 games in all competitions while plying his trade at Westfalenstadion.

The aim will be for the 23-cap trickster to try and get back to those heights if he is to make the leap and join Postecoglou's side this summer, with it potentially set to prove a notable coup if the Greek-Aussie can get Sancho fit and firing again.

The wide man's ability to perform at the elite level may also be shown by the fact that he is said to share a number of statistical and stylistic similarities with compatriot, Jack Grealish – according to FBref – with the latter man only recently playing his part in City's remarkable treble-winning campaign.

That likeness between the two wingers – who both operate typically off the left flank – is shown by the fact that the pair can both glide forward with the ball at their feet to devastating effect, with Grealish ranking in the top 3% for progressive carries among his European peers, while Sancho ranks in the top 13% in that regard.

Equally, the two men are also alike due to their ability to impact proceedings in the final third, with the latter man ranking in the top 8% for touches in the attacking penalty area, while the City ace ranks in the top 10% in that regard.

The former Aston Villa man is evidently still riding high following that glittering campaign – as his recent celebration antics would suggest – having notably played a vital role in that glorious success after providing five goals and 11 assists in 50 games in all competitions.

It would then, therefore, be a wise move for Postecoglou to land his own version of the "unplayable" ace – as described by pundit Rio Ferdinand – with the signing of Sancho, with the United man perhaps just in need of a change of scenery in order to get back to his best.

Yves Bissouma has long been touted as one of Aston Villa’s top transfer targets for the summer but in an unexpected twist, it now seems as if they have given up on signing him from Brighton.

What’s the word?

After seeing a bid for the Malian midfielder rejected in January, Villa were widely expected to return for the former Lille man this summer, although reports suggested that Brighton would demand as much as £50m.

Villa were still heavily linked, however, with some reports claiming that he was Gerrard’s top target as he looks to bolster his midfield options ahead of next season.

However, the Athletic’s Aston Villa correspondent Gregg Evans has now revealed the latest on Villa’s interest in Bissouma, writing:

“AVFC may still look for a new No.8 this summer, but BHAFC Yves Bissouma is no longer on the list. Villa have moved on.”

Villa supporters will be gutted

While Villa have already brought in Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer from Aston Villa, Bissouma would have offered Gerrard a box-to-box midfielder with plenty of Premier League experience.

The 25-year-old was Brighton’s best performer in the Premier League last season (of those to make at least 10 appearances) according to WhoScored, averaging an impressive 6.99 rating for his performances.

The same rating would have seen him ranked behind only John McGinn in Gerrard’s side, which suggests that he could have been an excellent addition at Villa Park.

Graham Potter was full of praise for the midfielder after a superb individual performance in Brighton’s impressive 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur last season, saying:

“Tactically Yves was really good. He understood when to cover and when to release and when to put pressure on and then you could see his qualities.

“His high-end actions are Champions League level. I think you saw the full array of his quality.”

Villa’s early transfer business has certainly suggested that they are targeting a European qualification spot next season and Bissouma could have added that extra quality to Gerrard’s midfield.

It is a surprise therefore that the Villans have ruled him out before the transfer window has even officially opened, and Villa supporters will no doubt be disappointed that he won’t be playing in claret and blue next season.

And, in other news… Gerrard now given green light for “fantastic” £10m Aston Villa move, Lange must act 

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Adama Traore to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by 90min, who claim that, with Victor Orta having already made an enquiry regarding a deal for the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger earlier this year, the Spanish sporting director is once again exploring a move for the 26-year-old this summer.

The report goes on to state that both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also keeping a close eye on the situation of the Spain international ahead of a potential move of their own in the coming months, while Wolves are believed to be more than happy to sanction the forward’s sale this summer – with an offer of €20m (£17m) reported to be enough to get a deal done.

An “unreal” signing

While it is true that Traore can often leave a lot to be desired when it comes to his end product, the winger’s progression and retention of the ball would very much place him in the category of being an “unreal” – in the words of Nathan Judah – signing for Orta to get over the line this summer.

Despite FBref data ranking the £22.5m-rated talent in the bottom 8% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the bottom 30% for npxG and the bottom 34% for shots over the past 12 months, it is Traore’s ability when carrying the ball that makes him such a unique option.

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Indeed, FBref data also ranks the £46k-per-week forward in the top 1% for dribbles completed per 90, in addition to the top 3% for progressive carries, the top 15% for touches in the opposition penalty area, the top 25% for shot-creating actions and the top 38% for progressive passes received over the last 365 days.

As such, with the strengths and weaknesses of the player who Judah dubbed “scary” and Cetin Cem Yilmaz labelled a “beast” being evident, should the 26-year-old be deployed in a system that gets the most out of his particular skill set, the Spaniard would undoubtedly be a huge weapon going forwards.

And, if he is available for a figure of just £17m this summer, coupled with Jesse Marsch believing that he can work the forward into his starting XI at Elland Road, a deal for Traore very much looks as if it has the potential to be one of the best signings of the summer transfer window.

AND in other news: Orta could land his next £47m asset as Leeds eye 21 y/o with a “huge amount of talent”

Liverpool are expected to pip Leeds United to the signing of Aberdeen youngster Calvin Ramsay, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Ramsay heading to England

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the Scottish Premiership’s brightest young players in the last 12 months or so, shining with his performances for the Dons.

Ramsay made a total of 33 appearances for the first team this season and has not looked out of place at right-back, with chairman Dave Cormack describing him as an ‘elite’ level talent.

The teenager has been linked with a move to Liverpool a number of times and a fresh update has now acted as a further boost.

The Latest: Liverpool favourites for move

Writing for The Athletic, Leeds journalist Hay claimed that the ‘high likelihood’ is that the Reds will pip the Whites to Ramsay’s signature this summer.

He has made 39 appearances for Aberdeen in total, scoring once and registering an impressive nine assists.

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The Verdict: Great long-term prospect

Bringing in emerging talent is vital for Liverpool in the coming years, allowing Jurgen Klopp to build another great squad and ensure that the team doesn’t all go past their primes at once.

Ramsay fits the bill to perfection and he could come in as an ideal understudy to Trent Alexander-Arnold, learning from arguably the world’s best right-back.

It would also mean Liverpool would be able to offload Neco Williams permanently, bringing in more funds for new signings in the summer window.

In other news, a fresh Liverpool transfer rumour has emerged. Read more here.

Reliable journalist Tim Spiers believes Ruben Neves could yet be torn over whether or not to leave Wolves this summer, after hearing his words on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Neves’ final game?

Wanderers were beaten 3-1 away to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, producing a good performance at Anfield on a dramatic final day of the Premier League season.

Neves started in the middle of the park, making his 33rd league appearance in an excellent campaign, in what may end up being his last-ever game for Wanderers.

The 25-year-old has been continually linked with a summer move to Barcelona and his head may have been turned by their interest, with reports even claiming it’s a move that’s ‘destined’ to happen, but Spiers has shared a possible late twist…

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The Latest: Twist in the tale?

Taking to Twitter after the Liverpool game, Spiers said that it could yet be an emotional issue for the player after hearing what he had to say:

“Neves says nothing decided but mentioned twice that careers are short and dreams need to be lived. ‘I don’t know how it’s going to be. If it was my last game it was really important.’ Clearly would be a wrench to leave. His affection for Wolves and the city is genuine.”

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The Verdict: More likely to leave

While it would be heartwarming to see Neves stay on at Molineux beyond this season, it still feels highly likely to he will find another club this summer, likely one that plays in red and blue in Catalonia.

At 25, he is coming into the absolute peak years of his career and he may simply feel that he has come as far as he can in a Wolves shirt, following five memorable years at the club.

If Neves does leave, he could be remembered as one of the best midfielders to ever play for the club, possessing such wonderful technique and also helping the club return to the Premier League.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting defender. Find out who it is here.

Celtic underwent a significant overhaul during the previous summer transfer window.

This has since turned out to be very beneficial for the Hoops as they recently ended the 2021/22 SPFL season as league champions, bringing their Old Firm rivals’ time as top dogs to an end.

Now that Ange Postecoglou’s debut season in charge of the Bhoys has come to a successful end, the focus at Lennoxtown can now turn to the next window and what sort of business the club will look to do.

With that in mind, it seems as though a clue has emerged that should excite a lot of supporters at Parkhead.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Pete O’Rourke had this to say about the possibility of Celtic dipping into the French transfer market this summer and potentially signing SM Caen striker Alexandre Mendy.

He said: “It’s been a successful market for Celtic in the past, them raiding the French market, and maybe they’ll be hoping they could have more success if they do decide to pursue a move for Mendy as well.

“He looks like a talented player, and Postecoglou is planning ahead and looking to strengthen his squad with their Champions League football in mind next season.”

Great news

The Hoops were linked with a move for the striker last month and reportedly had an offer for him turned down.

With 64 appearances to his name for his current club, the 28-year-old has scored 21 goals and provided three assists along the way.

One player that comes to mind when thinking about players Celtic have signed from France in the past is Odsonne Edouard.

After initially arriving on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, the striker signed permanently a year later for a club-record fee of £9m.

The Frenchman then joined Crystal Palace last summer for £14m after scoring 86 times in 179 appearances across all competitions.

This backs up what O’Rourke had to say about the Hoops being successful when it comes to signing players from France in the past.

Thus, if Postecoglou can pull off another successful summer of transfer business, starting by adding Mendy to their ranks, it would surely be great for the club, particularly if they end up winning more silverware next season.

In other news: Ange can land his next Rogic as Celtic eye 19 y/o star who “generates a lot of threat”

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has urged Tottenham Hotspur to completely forget about the possibility of signing Southampton star James Ward-Prowse this summer, despite calling the player ‘incredible’.

The Lowdown: Spurs monitoring Ward-Prowse

The 27-year-old still has four years remaining on his current contract with the Saints after signing an extension last year, which is set to keep him at the St. Mary’s Stadium until at least 2026.

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However, due to his recent impressive run of form, the midfielder has been attracting plenty of interest, and according to a transfer update published by the Daily Star, it’s claimed that the north London outfit are monitoring Ward-Prowse.

The Lilywhites are allegedly considering a move for him during the upcoming window, but are set to face competition from fellow Premier League rivals Arsenal and Newcastle United.

The Latest: Robinson’s doubts

When asked after that transfer update whether he thinks the ten-cap international could fit into the Spurs starting XI, Robinson told Football Insider: “I’m not so sure about Ward-Prowse.

“Make no mistake about it, his set-pieces are incredible. But I am yet to be convinced about his all-round game.

“Yes, he stands out in a Southampton team but could he stand out in a Spurs team? Could he take Spurs to the next level? Which is competing regularly in the Champions League. I’m not sure he could, if I’m honest. I’d be looking elsewhere.”

The Verdict: Perfect creative outlet

The £100k-per-week ace, who was once hailed an “unbelievable” player by his Saints teammate Oriol Romeu, definitely has the ability to shine in Antonio Conte’s side, and could be the missing piece of the puzzle to give them that creativity in the middle of the park that they have been so desperately lacking.

Ward-Prowse has had a huge influence on the pitch under Ralph Hasenhuttl this season, having scored ten goals and provided eight assists in all competitions for Southampton, as per Transfermarkt, not to mention the fact that David Beckham is the only player to have netted more direct free-kicks than him in Premier League history.

As the Italian boss looks to reassemble his squad ahead of the start of the 2022/23 campaign, two new midfielders are believed to be on his wishlist this summer, and so he could be tempted to bolster his ranks with the maestro in a bid to push for a place in the Champions League and beyond next season.

In other news… Spurs are said to be eyeing up a move for a ‘fantastic’ new transfer target.

Nottingham Forest are hopeful they can be successful in their pursuit of Premier League football next season and are already looking at new additions to strengthen their already great squad.

What’s the latest?

According to the Aberdeen manager, Jim Goodwin, Luke Turner will be made available to leave the club this summer following interest from Nottingham Forest.

He said: “We’ve spoken to Luke and his representatives.

“We felt it was right just to give him the opportunity to go and find something a bit more permanent somewhere else.”

The Daily Record reported on Monday night that an offer of a trial had been made for the defender to prove his worth to the Midlands club.

Cooper will love him

The addition of another youngster in the squad would surely be something Forest manager Steve Cooper would love to see especially when you consider how well so many of the young players in the team are excelling under his management.

Brennan Johnson, James Garner and Djed Spence are three young players who have been integral to Forest’s successes in securing a spot in the  Championship play-off places this season, however, both Spence and Garner are on loan so bringing in new rising talents would be advantageous to the club.

The 6 foot 1 Aberdeen defender has been attracting attention from Nottingham Forest despite not making a single appearance for his Scottish club, but this season he has been on loan to Northern Irish side Cliftonville and is in impressive form making 43 appearances and scoring two goals.

Turner was hailed an “outstanding young talent” by journalist Josh Bunting and was recently dubbed a “revelation” by Cliftonville manager Paddy McLaughlin.

The manager said (via Belfast Live): “Since the day Luke came in the door, he has been a revelation.

“He has put in big performances and he has been really consistent.

“It’s difficult sometimes for young players to be consistently good every week, but he has been a really consistent performer for us at 19 years of age.”

It wouldn’t be the first time Forest has signed a defender from the SPFL club, with Scott McKenna joining from Aberdeen. Now, Turner could follow in his footsteps.

AND in other news: Cooper set for 1st Forest disaster on “outstanding” £20m gem who’s “easy on the eye”

A big Rangers injury claim has emerged over two Ibrox gems as Giovanni van Bronckhorst prepares for a huge European outing.

What’s the latest?

Gers journalist Joshua Barrie has hinted that both Aaron Ramsey and Kemar Roofe could be in the squad for the Europa League clash at Ibrox tonight.

He Tweeted: “Asked Giovanni van Bronckhorst if Ramsey/Roofe will be ready for tomorrow. Says he doesn’t know yet but today will be a “big day” for both. Sounds like there is a chance they can make it.”

It had been reported by the Scottish Sun that the latter is winning the race to be fit for the game, whereas it was unclear as to whether or not the former will be in a condition to be in the matchday line-up.

Supporters will be elated

Ibrox supporters will surely be left feeling elated by this news as it suggests that they may both be in action against Leipzig tonight.

This is a gigantic game for Rangers as they have the opportunity to secure a place in a major European final. They are 1-0 down on aggregate, thanks to a stunning strike from Angelino in the first leg, and will have to overturn that deficit in Glasgow to book their spot in the showpiece clash in Seville.

The Gers beat Braga 3-1 at Ibrox in the quarter-finals to progress through to the last four and Roofe played a crucial role in that game.

He had a goal disallowed by VAR for handball by Borna Barisic, won a penalty – scored by James Tavernier – and then went on to bag the winning goal in extra time as he tapped the ball in from Joe Aribo’s cross.

It was a big performance from the centre-forward and that display illustrates why him being available for action tonight will be a huge boost for van Bronckhorst. He has shown that he can step up in Europe and will, therefore, be a key player if he is fit.

Ramsey, meanwhile, has scored two goals in three starts in the Premiership since arriving in January. He has an eye for a goal from midfield and having him as an option off the bench to come on and win the game late on if Rangers are still in it will surely delight the head coach.

Therefore, fans will be elated by the prospect of both players being in the squad tonight and will be hoping that they have both been able to overcome their respective blows.

AND in other news, Rangers are now set to repeat their awful Gilmour disaster, Gvb will be livid…