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Chelsea are now through to the Club World Cup final after brushing aside Fluminense with ease 2-0 in New Jersey.

After just about getting the better of Brazilian outfit Palmeiras 2-1 in the last round, Enzo Maresca’s Blues managed to progress through to the final stage by beating yet another South American side, as either Real Madrid or Paris St. Germain now await the West Londoners for a chance at pre-season glory.

João Pedro would steal most of the headlines from the straightforward win by popping up with both of Chelsea’s goals on the day, as the brand-new attacker looks to instantly settle into his new environment after leaving Brighton and Hove Albion behind.

How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free

Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025 Joao Pedro's performance in numbers

After clearly impressing Maresca with a lively 26-minute run-out against Palmeiras, the Italian would hand the exciting 23-year-old attacker the first-team reins as Chelsea’s main man up top against Fluminense.

It was an inspired decision from the former Leicester City boss to axe Liam Delap in favour of starting the fresh number 20, with Pedro only needing an hour to score a brace to hand his new employers an uncomplicated passage through to the Club World Cup final.

It was a confident and assured performance from a star who will want to make that sole striker spot his own ahead of the new Premier League season getting underway, with Pedro firing home a clinical 30 goals across his last two seasons at the Seagulls, before Chelsea came calling.

Based on Nicolas Jackson’s selfish miss in the second half, which sent Cole Palmer into a frenzy, he could well make that up-for-grabs position on the pitch his own very soon.

But, he wasn’t the only standout performer as Chelsea’s Brazilian opponents were dealt with comfortably, with this fellow attacker for the Blues sticking out once more, as some now even herald him as Chelsea’s finest player of the entire Club World Cup tournament.

The 8/10 star turning into Maresca's "best player"

Of course, those with connections to Stamford Bridge will be rightly enthused by Pedro’s flashes of excellence.

But, there have been other key individuals for Chelsea across the whole span of the tournament who have stood out even more than the much-talked-about South American, with Pedro Neto definitely fitting into this bracket.

Across his five games in the United States heat, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger has tallied up a crucial three goals, with his goal against LAFC in the middle of last month getting Maresca’s men up and running in the competition.

Whilst he didn’t collect another memorable strike against Fluminense, it wasn’t through lack of trying, with the tireless attacker seeing his only effort of the game be blocked, away from just shining as a vibrant and slick option down the Blues’ left flank when running forward with pace to burn.

Minutes played

68

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Shots

1

Touches

34

Accurate passes

18/18 (100%)

Successful dribbles

4/6

Total duels won

5/8

Amazingly, Neto would complete four successful dribbles across his standout 68-minute spell, with his surges up the field constantly allowing for openings to happen, with Neto also accurately completing every single pass that came his way when feeding the likes of Pedro to shine.

Whilst the former Brighton striker did snatch most of the plaudits come the full-time whistle, Neto wasn’t short of admirers himself either, with journalist Zach Lowy taking to X to declare the Portuguese entertainer as Chelsea’s “best attacker” this tournament and “arguably their best player” full stop.

That is quite the call to make, but it was backed up by The Standard’s Sam Tabuteau post-match, who also declared him ‘Chelsea’s best performer’ in America, amidst a high 8/10 rating for his efforts against Fluminense.

It will be intriguing to see if Neto can kick on after all this pre-season praise when Premier League football returns to West London, with the Club World Cup trophy also perhaps making the trip back to England very soon if all goes to plan.

Bigger star than Estevao: Chelsea hold talks over signing £78m "superstar"

With Estêvão Willian set to arrive from Palmeiras, could Chelsea actually sign a bigger talent by snapping up a “gifted” superstar worth £78m?

ByBen Gray Jul 8, 2025

The Club World Cup might be a mixed bag for Chelsea at the moment, but next season looks rather exciting.

Enzo Maresca will lead his side into the Champions League for the first time, and be hoping for an even better finish in the Premier League.

The best way for the club to help him with that quest is by delivering him the right players over the coming weeks and months, and while they’ve made a good start, there is still plenty of work to do.

Fortunately, the Blues continue to be linked to dangerous forward Hugo Ekitiké, and if recent reports are to be believed, they are now closing in on another attacker who’d be a dream teammate for him.

Chelsea move for attacking reinforcements

The links between Chelsea and Ekitike first started to pop up around late March of this year while he was scoring for fun for German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.

Transfer Focus

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

The links then quieted down for a couple of months before resurfacing again this summer, and based on stories from earlier this month, the club have been in talks to sign the Frenchman for around £84m.

There are, of course, other teams vying with the West Londoners for the forward’s signature, with Liverpool one of the more notable competitors, but if the last twenty years have taught us anything, it’s that the Pensioners are good at getting who they want.

However, while the prospect of signing the Frankfurt poacher is certainly exciting, it looks like the Blues are now closing in on another talented attacker from the Bundesliga.

At least, that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that Chelsea have reached an agreement on personal terms with Jamie Gittens.

However, that does not mean the transfer is sorted, as the Italian journalist reaffirms that an agreement with Borussia Dortmund is yet to be reached.

While Romano does not mention how much the German side want for the dynamic winger, reports from earlier this week revealed that a fee of around £55m could do the trick.

It’s a lot of money, but given Gittens’ ability and potential, this is a transfer Chelsea should be fighting for, especially as he’d be incredible alongside Ekitike.

Why Gittens would be a dream teammate for Ekitike

This was well and truly Ekitike’s breakout year for Frankfurt, as while he’s been good in campaigns prior, he was near enough unstoppable at points for the German outfit this season.

For example, in 48 appearances, totalling 3644 minutes, the young Frenchman was able to score 22 goals and provide 12 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes.

So, with that said, why would Gittens help get even more out of him? There are two primary reasons, and the first is the Englishman’s output.

Across all competitions this season, the most productive, primarily left-sided winger at Chelsea was Jadon Sancho, who managed to produce 15 goal involvements in 41 games but has returned to Manchester United.

After that, it was Mykhaylo Mudryk, who looks unlikely to feature for some time, and then in third is youth product Tyrique George.

Appearances

49

42

15

25

Minutes

2803′

2426′

849′

1131′

Goals

12

5

3

2

Assists

5

10

5

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.34

0.35

0.53

0.28

Minutes per Goal Involvements

164.88′

161.73′

106.12′

161.57′

So, in short, somehow, the West Londoners have found themselves looking short on numbers and quality when it comes to out-and-out left-wingers, which are two issues solved by the Dortmund star, as he racked up 17 goal involvements in just 2803 minutes across 49 games this season.

So, it’s not unrealistic to think that he could both help provide the Frankfurt ace with more goalscoring opportunities and get on the end of the chances he creates as well.

Finally, on top of the output, the 20-year-old “difference-maker,” as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, also has some genuinely impressive underlying numbers that could be useful for his potential new teammate.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons and shot and goal-creating actions from take-ons and then the top 2% for take-ons attempted, all per 90.

This shows that not only is the youngster someone who likes to try and make things happen by himself, but someone who is capable of doing that, and if he’s constantly creating opportunities from out wide, then there will be more space for Ekitike to operate down the middle.

Ultimately, Chelsea should be looking to sign the Frankfurt goal machine, but if they want to get more out of him and dramatically improve their left-hand side, they should sign Gittens alongside him.

Chelsea ready to offer £80k-p/w ace in exchange for "amazing" 17 G/A star

The Blues could have a transfer trick up their sleeve.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 24, 2025

Manchester United’s business this summer is already in full flow, after Matheus Cunha was announced as their first signing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Red Devils forked out a whopping £62.5m for the Brazilian international, who registered 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League this campaign.

However, whilst it may seem like a hefty figure, it’s an excellent deal for a player who can change the club’s fortunes, after a dismal spell in front of goal over the last couple of months – scoring just 44 league goals in 2024/25.

Ruben Amorim doesn’t appear to be done there though, with a striker still high on his list of priorities, leading to numerous names mentioned over a move to Old Trafford.

Liam Delap was seen as the number one target before his subsequent move to join Chelsea, resulting in a shift of focus, with numerous of Europe’s elite still on their radar.

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

Over recent weeks, numerous top-level talismen have been mentioned as options for United, as Amorim looks to land the goalscorer who can catapult the club back up the table next season.

Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitiké have all been mentioned as potential options for the Red Devils, with no deals yet completed for any of the aforementioned stars.

However, that same can’t be said elsewhere, as they appear to be making a move for Juventus star Dušan Vlahović, that’s according to the latest report from FootballTransfers.

They claim that Amorim’s side have entered talks with the Italian outfit over a move for the striker, who currently earns £315k-per-week, according to Capology.

It also states that he’s keen on a move to join United this summer, seeing the switch as an opportunity to take his career to the next level, with a Premier League move the dream for the Serbian.

Why Vlahovic would be United’s answer to Haaland

Erling Haaland has been one of the Premier League’s leading talismen over the last couple of years, often causing United a whole host of problems in the process.

The Norwegian joined Manchester City back in the summer of 2022 from Borussia Dortmund, subsequently going on to score 121 times in his 142 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s men.

He’s managed to score six times in his eight appearances against the Red Devils, including a hat-trick in the 6-3 rout at the Etihad back in the 2023/24 campaign.

Given his record, most sides across England’s top-flight must wish they had their own version of the talisman, with Amorim potentially able to do just that with Vlahovic.

The 25-year-old has been labelled as a similar player to the City star by FBref, with hope that he can transfer his skillset over to Old Trafford should he move in the coming months.

When comparing their respective figures from the 2024/25 campaign, the Serbian has managed to outperform in numerous key areas, showcasing what an amazing addition he would be this window.

Vlahovic, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has registered more progressive carries and more progressive passes per 90 in 2024/25, showcasing his all-round nature with the ball in attacking areas.

Games played

29

31

Goals scored

10

22

Progressive carries

1.4

0.8

Progressive passes

1.2

0.6

Aerials won

2

1.8

Fouls won

0.9

0.4

Take-on success

42%

36%

He’s also won more aerials per 90 and drawn more fouls, subsequently offering Amorim a huge focal point at the top end of the pitch, something which he’s craved since his appointment.

The Juve star has also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, able to play off the shoulder or even drop deeper and complete a mazy run past the opposition.

Such a move would likely cost the club a hefty whack in wages, but it’s one that could hand the side the needed attacking threat they’ve lacked this season.

If he manages to reach the levels produced by Haaland over recent years, it would be a sensational pick-up and one that could catapult the side back up the table.

An Elanga repeat: Wilcox in talks to sell £105k-per-week Man Utd talent

Manchester United may be about to make a huge mistake in selling one first-team star.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 17, 2025

Unfortunately for Chelsea, they missed the boat on signing Jamie Gittens before the Club World Cup. The mini transfer window, which took place before the new look competition begins late this week, shut last Tuesday. The West Londoners only brought in Liam Delap and Mamadou Sarr in that initial window.

Gittens was a huge target for the Blues, with Enzo Maresca’s side set to ‘insist again’ according to Fabrizio Romano, who explains ‘the player wants the move’ at some stage this summer. The two parties have already agreed on personal terms ahead of the proposed move.

That deal will not be the only one Chelsea are working on whilst the Club World Cup goes on. There are other targets the club are trying to sign.

Chelsea’s defensive transfer target

Such is the way of modern football, it is a busy period for Chelsea. Just weeks on from their UEFA Conference League success, they will look to win the Club World Cup and also make signings to strengthen their squad.

Transfer Focus

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

One of those players they are trying to bring in is Jorrel Hato. Romano explained over on YouTube, via GiveMeSport, that Chelsea ‘remain interested’ in signing the Dutchman. They have seemingly had contact with Ajax over a potential deal.

However, they are not the only London-based Premier League side who have made contact. North Londoners Arsenal have been ‘calling to be informed’ about Hato’s situation.

Whichever club it is who wins the race will have to spend a reported £43m on the defender, according to Caught Offside.

Why Hato would be a good signing

Should the Blues bring Hato to Stamford Bridge over the summer, he would be joining the club with a high reputation. Described as a “special talent” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, he is a hugely exciting young player.

A versatile defender, the 19-year-old can play as a centre-back, but did primarily feature as a left-back last season for Ajax. He played 50 games across all competitions, showing attacking nous by grabbing six assists and scoring three times along the way.

In a separate post over on X, Mattinson described Hato, who was born in Rotterdam, as an “exceptional athlete”. That is something that certainly stands out when watching him play, as the video below shows. He is incredibly physical, which has helped him at such an early stage of his career, often allowing him to get the better of attackers.

His numbers going forward are impressive, too. Not only did he register six assists last season, but some of the underlying stats on FBref show just how good he can be in advanced areas.

He is certainly progressive, averaging 3.89 passes into the final third per game, which places him in the top 21% of full-backs from the Eredivisie.

Passes completed

54.11

94th

Pass competition rate

89.4%

99th

Assists

0.21

94th

Passes into final third

3.89

79th

Progressive passes

4.17

64th

Well, perhaps Chelsea fans can get excited about a partnership forming with Hato and Gittens. The Dortmund winger, who is going to the Club World Cup with the Bundesliga side, made some major contributions for his side last term.

In 48 appearances for the German side last season, Gittens managed 12 goals and five assists, featuring as a left-winger in 37 of those games.

One of those goals was a strike away to Real Madrid, in which he became ‘the youngest English player to score’ against Los Blancos, as per TNT Sport.

Just imagine the progression in the final third of Hato combined with the goal threat of Gittens; it could be a match made in heaven for Chelsea. The pair could make each other unplayable, and combine to form a deadly partnership.

On top of his attacking construction, the Blues would be signing a superb young defender. Just as Mattinson pointed out, he is athletic and physical enough to cope with the demands of the Premier League.

For £43m, this could be a bargain for the team on the Blue side of West London. Chelsea would be adding a dynamic young defender who offers lots going forward, and can build an unstoppable partnership with Gittens on that left-hand side.

Better than Garnacho: Chelsea targeting "electric" £49m Gittens alternative

Chelsea are looking to sign a new winger this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 12, 2025

Whoever takes over at Glasgow Rangers as the new permanent manager has a massive job to do.

A summer rebuild is required, which means plenty of ins and outs when the transfer window opens next month.

Ianis Hagi, Leon Balogun and Tom Lawrence all departed Ibrox following the expiration of their contracts, freeing up some of the wage bill.

The Light Blues will also need to sell a few players in order to raise some funds. Could Nedim Bajrami be the first to go?

Latest on Nedim Bajrami's future

According to reports in Albania (as per the Glasgow Times), the midfielder has two options on the table about a summer exit away from Rangers.

A club in Serie A is keen on securing his services, while another is from the Bundesliga. The report goes on to say that it is likely Bajrami will depart the club when the summer transfer window opens.

Having paid £3.4m for him just last summer, the board will be keen on recouping the majority of this fee back, especially as he has three years still left on his contract.

A return of nine goal contributions – five goals and four assists – across 44 matches simply wasn’t good enough, and he often went large spells without producing anything meaningful in the final third.

Whoever arrives as the new manager will see Bajrami as an asset who can afford to be sold to fund future signings.

Ben Davies is another player who must be moved on, especially after enjoying a successful season on loan with Birmingham City.

Why Rangers must sell Ben Davies this summer

Davies spent the entire 2024/25 season on loan at Birmingham and was a key component of the side that secured promotion back to the Championship.

He played 44 times for the club, helping them keep 20 clean sheets in League 1, while also winning an impressive 70% of his total duels and making 6.2 clearances per game.

Accurate passes

67.9

Tackles

1.1

Clearances

6.2

Interceptions

0.5

Total duels won

6.3

Possession lost

9.7

Due to these performances, head coach Chris Davies dubbed the centre-back as “exceptional” and it appears as though they are seeking a permanent transfer for the player.

Back at Ibrox, however, it’s fair to say that he didn’t quite live up to the £4m price tag following his arrival. That much is certain.

When compared to his peers in the 2022/23 Champions League, Davies ranked in the bottom 92% for pass completion percentage (79.6%) and in the bottom 80% for tackles (1.04) per 90.

The following season, he lost possession 12.1 times per game in the Premiership, regularly being outmuscled by opposition strikers. It was clear that the Englishman wasn’t going to be a long-term option at the back for the Light Blues.

Starring out on loan has surely put the £27k-per-week defender in the shop window this summer. Now, all that Rangers need is a club to come in and make a decent offer.

One thing is for certain, especially amid the news that the 49ers Enterprises have completed their takeover of the club. Ben Davies should never play for the Gers again.

Tavernier would love him: Rangers in talks to hire "sought-after" manager

95 days after Philippe Clement’s sacked as Rangers manager, they could finally be closing in on a successor, one who could be a dream for Tavernier.

ByBen Gray May 29, 2025

Manchester United are set for a summer overhaul and plenty of movement is expected in both directions over the next few months, especially in the goalkeeping department.

Man Utd set to make Cunha first summer signing

The Premier League has proven to be an unhappy hunting ground for Ruben Amorim, and it is now abundantly clear that changes will be on the way to restructure his side ahead of next season.

Any notion of a backdoor route to Champions League football via claiming the Europa League was put to bed by Tottenham Hotspur last Wednesday, who prevailed 1-0 in Bilbao courtesy of a scrappy first-half effort from Brennan Johnson.

Andre Onana, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire could all be held culpable for the goal, albeit lapses in concentration in key moments have been a central feature in the Red Devils’ failure to string together consistent results.

Further up the field, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles in the Europa League final indicate that there will be plenty of work done to improve the spine of Amorim’s side.

Matheus Cunha is a prime target to freshen up the forward line and the Brazilian forward is set to make the move to Old Trafford from Wolves in a transfer that is expected to be worth £62.5m. The Red Devils look primed to trigger Cunha’s release clause as he looks likely to become the first summer signing ahead of Amorim’s first full season in charge.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho’s decision to demand a move to Real Madrid has let the cat among the pigeons regarding potential reinforcements.

Man Utd's "outrageously good" flop has been better than McTominay in 24/25

INEOS must terribly regret letting this player leave Old Trafford.

ByAngus Sinclair May 25, 2025

Robust in his assessment of what may come this summer, Amorim believes his side will be able to avoid making the same mistakes once the new campaign commences.

He said: “We are going to avoid a lot of mistakes next season. Now is the time we can use all of that suffering to change things in the summer.”

Casting an eye to the window, Amorim could now be set to deliver on his promise by bringing in a high-profile figure between the sticks.

Man Utd well-placed to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are well-placed to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa if they can sell Onana during the summer window.

Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Saudi Pro League clubs are also in the mix to sign the Argentinian stopper, who could be available for between £35 million to £40 million after switching agencies.

Andre Onana vs Emiliano Martinez – who is the better goalkeeper?

Andre Onana – Premier League (before final day)

Saves

90

Save percentage rate

67.2%

Goals conceded

44

Goals prevented

0.53

Clean sheets

9

Emiliano Martinez – Premier League (before final day)

Saves

95

Save percentage rate

67.9%

Goals conceded

45

Goals prevented

0.42

Clean sheets

8

Labelled “brilliant” by Alan Shearer, Martinez has kept 15 clean sheets in 52 appearances across all competitions this campaign, helping the Villans to put on a strong showing across several fronts.

Now, Manchester United have a task on their hands in convincing the former Arsenal man that a move to Old Trafford is the best course of action at this stage of his career. Onana leaving the club will also be crucial to making that notion a reality. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if that possibility will evolve into a done deal.

Everything now rests on Manchester United lifting the Europa League in Bilbao to salvage some pride.

The Red Devils’ abysmal domestic season in the Premier League – away from potential European success – continued last time out versus Chelsea, with Enzo Maresca’s Blues dishing out a dire 18th loss of the league campaign.

A major revamp is needed at Old Trafford this summer, therefore, with Ruben Amorim needing to get this summer’s vital transfer window spot on.

Man United's busy summer ahead

It won’t just be hectic with a whole load of incomings entering through the door, with reports suggesting that Rasmus Hojlund could be on his way out of the Theatre of Dreams alongside Marcus Rashford.

Transfer Focus

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

But, away from ongoing talk involving who will be leaving the red half of Manchester, and the excitement levels begin to be raised, with both Matheus Cunha and Viktor Gyokeres routinely linked to Amorim’s men to spice up the attacking personnel.

The flashy names being linked don’t stop there though, with a new report from journalist Graeme Bailey revealing that United hold ‘substantial interest’ in 17-year-old River Plate hotshot Franco Mastantuono and have held talks with the player’s representatives this week.

This could be a tricky deal to get done this summer, however, with United having to fork out a high £38m to activate the South American’s release clause, amidst additional interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and various other keen onlookers.

How Mastantuono could be Man United's own Lamine Yamal

If United were successful in their pursuit of the enthralling teenager, Amorim and Co could be about to land their very own version of Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal, with the Argentine winger also making insane waves in his native country.

Much like Yamal at the Camp Nou, Mastantuono has been heavily in the spotlight at River Plate from a very early age.

After all, the Buenos Aires-born attacker is immortalised forever now into the South American club’s rich history, with Mastantuono going down as the team’s youngest ever goalscorer when firing home a strike last year at just 16 years of age.

He hasn’t looked back since that landmark goal, with the left-footed ace now up to seven goals and nine assists in the senior team at River Plate, which included a sublime free-kick finding the back of the net against arch rivals Boca Juniors back in April.

Yamal – who operates down the same right-hand side as Mastantuono – is way out ahead with 24 goals and 34 assists next to his name in Hansi Flick’s starting XI in Spain, but it’s undeniable how similarly electric the two young attackers are, considering the amount of havoc they are both capable of with their dynamite left foot.

Player

Age at debut

Ayden Heaven

18

Chido Obi-Martin

17

Harry Amass

18

Tyler Fredricson

20

Heading to Old Trafford could also be a worthwhile environment for Mastantuono if he wants to advance his game, with a whole host of youngsters developed at the Red Devils for some time now handed their first senior opportunities this campaign under Amorim.

Moreover, the Portuguese boss has also taken a shine to Amad Diallo since arriving, meaning the “crazy” 5 foot 10 attacker – as he’s been labelled by Thierry Henry – could stand a chance at immediate first-team action with both the Ivorian and the South American blistering in style down the right flank.

Winning such a sought-after starlet could also boost United’s reputation after such a harrowing 2024/25 campaign, with Amorim’s approach of shifting on deadwood allowing the Red Devils to hopefully enter into a new era spearheaded by some immense future talents.

Amorim's own Wirtz: Man Utd chasing "future Ballon d'Or winner"

Man United are ready to make wholesale improvements in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 17, 2025

Looking to continue their transfer strategy of welcoming future stars, Chelsea are now reportedly preparing an offer worth £17m to sign a young South American full-back ahead of the summer.

Chelsea aiming to spoil Liverpool's title party

Level on points with sixth-place Nottingham Forest, Chelsea are playing host to the Premier League champions at the worst possible time. The Reds will enter Stamford Bridge with the pressure eased, celebrations continuing and fresh from the first of four guard of honours. For Chelsea, meanwhile, this is simply a must-win game.

Manager Enzo Maresca is well aware of the importance of victory this Sunday too, having told reporters in his pre-match press conference: “The mood is good and I’ve said for a few weeks now that it’s a matter of how we manage emotions until the end [of the season].

“When we win games, we are happy and when we don’t win, we’re not happy. But it’ll be a race until the end and we need to manage the emotions. In this moment, the main thing is to watch ourselves and be focused on ourselves. This is the main point. For sure, there are more clubs involved [in the top-five race] but for us, it’s important to stay focused on ourselves.”

Approach made: Chelsea now ready to splash out £60m to sign "amazing" star

He almost joined Arsenal in January…

ByTom Cunningham May 3, 2025

With games against Newcastle United, Manchester United and most importantly, Nottingham Forest on the final day awaiting Chelsea, it is set to be a frantic few weeks for the Blues. Maresca has arguably been handed the toughest games of his tenure at the most crucial stage of the campaign.

On the pitch, securing Champions League football would signal quite the sigh of relief. Away from the action, meanwhile, it would allow those at Stamford Bridge to get to work in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea preparing £17m Wesley offer

According to Caught Offside, Chelsea are now preparing an offer worth €20m (£17m) to sign Wesley from Flamengo, with talks over a deal set to intensify at the Club World Cup – a competition both sides will be competing in this summer.

As things stand, those negotiations will need to reach a breakthrough regarding the defender’s price-tag, given that Flamengo are reportedly holding out for €35m (£35m), rather than the £17m offer that Chelsea are seemingly preparing.

It should come as no surprise to see Chelsea interested in signing Wesley, given how often they’ve set their sights on South American talent throughout BlueCo’s ownership.

The Blues have already sealed the talented Estevao Willian and could now sign Wesley to go alongside the midfielder. Described as “pacy” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes, the right-back is certainly one to keep an eye on.

An “unbelievable” manager, who has won two promotions to the Premier League, is now on Leicester City’s “list” of targets to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Ruud's time at Leicester coming to an end

Leicester have hardly put up a fight in their bid to avoid relegation, having collected just 18 points all season, and they have taken a significant turn for the worse since appointing Van Nistelrooy, whose record as manager is extremely poor.

The Dutchman has averaged just 0.48 points per match since taking the reins at the King Power Stadium, and it is now looking increasingly likely he will be replaced at the end of the season, with several potential replacements being identified.

Former Southampton manager Russell Martin is the Foxes’ first choice to replace Ruud, and the 39-year-old is believed to be keen on taking over, should an approach be made, while Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl is also on the shortlist.

Leicester City eye move for new 40 y/o manager who has same agent as Vardy

He’s been in the Championship before.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 9, 2025

Having led the Saints to promotion last season, Martin could be a sensible appointment for Leicester, but ex-scout Brown has now revealed a manager with two promotions to the Premier League under his belt is also on the shortlist.

Brown told Football Insider: “Ruud is going to be sacked, there’s no doubt about that.

“I wasn’t impressed by Russell Martin in the Premier League, but he was a big reason why they got promoted in the first place. That’s what Leicester are looking for – a manager to guide them back up straight away.”

“There are a few names on their list, Sean Dyche is one I’ve heard, for example. But it sounds like Martin is the leading candidate for it at the moment, based on what I hear.”

"Unbelievable" Dyche could lead Foxes to promotion

David Moyes’ success since replacing Dyche in the Everton dugout suggests the Englishman may not be the right man to lead Leicester’s long-term project, but there is every indication he could be capable of leading them to promotion next season.

The former Burnley boss took the Clarets up in 2013-14 and 2015-16, winning the title the second time around, while he has also received very high praise from former player Kieran Trippier, who lauded the 53-year-old as an “unbelievable manager”.

One thing that is clear is that Ruud will need to be replaced this summer, with former winger Matt Piper recently criticising the manager, while also insinuating some changes may need to be made to the playing squad, given their lack of effort this season.

“This season they are not good enough, there is no fight, there is no determination, there is no want to wear the shirt, there is no confidence.

“Then there is a manager that goes missing in the dugout. There are major things wrong at this football club and it’s been like this for some time. It’s just not good enough.”

After a dire return to Premier League action on Thursday night last week, Tottenham Hotspur fans finally had something to celebrate yesterday afternoon.

It wasn’t a vintage performance, and there was a moment when it looked like it could end in a draw, but Ange Postecoglou’s side managed to pick up three points at home against Southampton.

One of the stand-out performers for the home side was Brennan Johnson, who scored a brace and won the penalty that Mathys Tel put away in the game’s final moments.

The Welshman now has 16 goals across all competitions this season and is the club’s top goalscorer, so it’s good news that recent reports have touted a player who could be Tottenham’s next Johnson for a move to N17.

Tottenham's transfer targets

With how poorly this season has gone and the number of injuries the team have had to contend with, this summer has to be a massive one for Spurs in terms of incomings, and based on the last few weeks of rumours, it certainly seems like it will be.

For example, according to reports from late last week, the club are looking to bring in some more defensive reinforcements in the shape of Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie, who could be available for £60m and would come with title-winning experience.

On top of that, Daniel Levy and Co appear intent on adding to the attack, with the £60m Eberechi Eze back on their list of top targets.

Transfer Focus

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

The Crystal Palace star has scored six goals and provided 11 assists so far this season and would undoubtedly improve the attacking options at Postecoglou’s disposal next year, as would the most recent star touted for a move to N17: Antoine Semenyo.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, the Lilywhites are incredibly keen on signing the Bournemouth star this summer.

In fact, the report has revealed that Spurs ‘are in a fierce battle’ to secure the Ghanaian’s signature with Premier League rivals Manchester United.

On top of having to contend with the Red Devils, the North Londoners will also have to cough up a significant amount of money to get their man as the Cherries will only entertain selling at around €50m, which is about £43m.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line for Spurs, but given Semenyo’s immense ability, it is worth fighting for, especially if he can be their next Johnson.

Why Semenyo would be Johnson 2.0

So, while we are not saying they are the same player, there are some undeniable parallels between Johnson and Semenyo, especially if the latter moves to Spurs.

The first is that both would have moved to Spurs from other Premier League sides who are outside the traditional ‘big six’ but appear to be on positive trajectories, with Bournemouth looking good for a top-half finish.

The second similarity is that both players can be devastatingly effective from the wing.

Appearances

35

41

Goals

9

16

Assists

6

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.42

0.48

For example, while he hasn’t got as many goal involvements as the Welshman, the “sensational” Ghanaian, as dubbed by journalist Thierry Nyann, has still managed to rack up nine goals and six assists in 35 appearances, totalling 3003 minutes.

That means the 25-year-old is currently averaging a goal involvement every 2.33 games, or every 200.2 minutes.

Finally, while the former Nottingham Forest star has settled into a right-wing role, both players are positionally versatile and have shown an ability to play all over the pitch in the past.

Ultimately, while it could be an expensive transfer to get over the line, Semenyo has more than proven himself in the Premier League this season.

Therefore, Spurs should do all they can to sign him in the summer.

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