Chelsea have already wasted no time in addressing one of their biggest issues of the 2024/25 campaign, helping Enzo Maresca in his quest to take the club back to their glory days.

The Italian has already landed the signature of striker Liam Delap, joining the club in a £30m deal from relegated Ipswich Town after triggering his relegation clause.

Hugo Ekitiké is another name that has been on Chelsea’s shortlist over the last couple of months, as the club look to add key depth to the centre-forward role ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The Frenchman has caught the eye in the Bundesliga this campaign, scoring 15 times in his 33 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt, leading to rumours around his long-term future.

However, he isn’t the only other forward being considered by the hierachy this window, with multiple other targets already on their radar ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for a new attackers this summer

Delap is understandably a player who will improve the options at the manager’s disposal, but, it appears as though Chelsea are also further looking to bolster the front line.

Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Emanuel Emegha are just three players who have been touted with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer in recent weeks.

However, they’ve turned their attention to another target in the former target, Samu Omorodion, reigniting interest in the Spanish forward, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

The journalist claims that the Blues have made a bid for the 21-year-old, who’s scored 25 goals across all competitions this season, with his valuation undoubtedly rising as a result.

He currently has a £84m release clause within his deal at Porto, but the report doesn’t make it clear how much Maresca’s side have offered, despite looking at a potential move for the forward in the coming months.

Why Chelsea’s £84m target would be perfect with Kudus

Despite the interest in new strikers this summer, wingers have also been high up on Maresca’s list at the Bridge – looking to add further depth to the club’s already potent front line.

Mohammed Kudus is the latest name in their sights, with the Ghanian set to leave West Ham United this summer after being offered to the West London outfit as of late.

It’s been reported that the 24-year-old currently has an £85m release clause in his current deal until the middle of July, but it’s likely that Graham Potter’s side would part ways with him for a lower fee.

He could potentially link up with Samu at the Bridge should the pair both make the switch to join the club, handing the manager the added quality he’s desired as of late.

When delving into their respective stats from the current campaign, the Porto talent has managed to thrive in numerous key areas – with the Spaniard having the ability to link up with Kudus and take the club to new heights.

The 21-year-old, who’s been labelled “unstoppable” by one analyst, has scored 19 goals this season – a tally that would’ve been the highest in the Blues squad, potentially thriving with Kudus, given the 25-year-old’s tally of 1.1 chances created per 90.

He’s also managed to win 52% of the aerials he’s entered – handing Maresca an all-round option within the final third at the Bridge, able to make the most of the Ghanian’s threat in attacking areas whoch has seen him complete 26% of crosses in 2024/25.

Games played

30

Goals scored

19

Shot-on-target accuracy

39%

Pass accuracy

78%

Aerials success rate

52%

Fouls won

1.3

Goals per 90

0.8

Aerials won

1.9

Take-ons attempted

1.6

Samu has also managed nearly a goal per game this campaign, with his talent in the final third undoubtedly handing the side the added goal threat they’ve craved in recent months.

Despite the signing of Delap, it’s clear that the manager still wants another body in the attacking department to help push his side to the next level in his quest for Premier League glory.

Whilst Samu would be another hefty investment from the hierarchy, it’s one that would hand the club the added goal threat Maresca has been searching for, potentially creating a deadly partnership with Kudus in the process.

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Despite soaring up to the Premier League in dramatic fashion, Sunderland have found their summer so far to be testing.

Indeed, their playoff final goalscoring hero Tommy Watson has already departed the Black Cats for pastures new at Brighton and Hove Albion, with a second high-profile exit in the midfield ranks perhaps on the cards with Jobe Bellingham potentially moving on to German behemoth Borussia Dortmund.

To make matters even worse, Dan Neil has also been subject to many rumours surrounding his immediate Stadium of Light future, with a third quickfire departure surely too much for Sunderland to stomach.

The latest on Neil's future at Sunderland

On top of their homegrown captain allegedly eyeing a move away, standout defender Trai Hume is also finding his name to be on many a summer shopping list, as the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers begin to circle for the energetic Northern Irishman.

Whilst Hume leaving would obviously be a crushing blow, a trio of midfield exits would really deplete Regis Le Bris’ midfield options ahead of their Premier League venture, with reports suggesting that Neil is of interest to Serie A giants AS Roma for around the £15m region.

Bellingham might well steal most of the headlines in the midfield department, but Neil was the necessary glue for Le Bris last season in the middle of the park, leading to the 23-year-old only missing two league clashes all campaign long.

Averaging 5.7 ball recoveries per league match also shows off his relentless drive for the team, with a hope now that an equally spritely midfielder can come in and plug the gap of Neil if Sunderland’s worst fears are realised.

Sunderland's next "outstanding" version of Neil

Whilst losing the long-standing Black Cats servant would hurt in the short term, any wounds opened up by his exit would soon be sutured by a Premier League-ready midfielder entering the building.

As per a report from TEAMTalk earlier this month, Le Bris’ newly promoted side could target Tommy Doyle as a way to boost their reduced midfield numbers, with the report stating that the ex-Manchester City youngster could be available for as little as £3m after finding himself surplus to requirements under Vitor Pereira at current employers Wolves.

Before he tumbled down the pecking order at Molineux, Doyle did prove himself as a promising top-flight star with the Old Gold, as seen in his 50 Premier League appearances to date for Wolves, away from hammering home sublime strikes like the one above last year in the FA Cup.

Neil, of course, also has a fierce effort in his back pocket – with a hefty total of 12 goals and 20 assists next to his name on Wearside – with Doyle further showing off his similarities to the Roma target when previously shining bright in the Championship on loan at Sheffield United.

Games played

44

31

Goals scored

2

3

Assists

3

4

Touches*

57.5

43.3

Accurate passes*

36.6 (84%)

24.5 (78%)

Big chances created

4

6

Total duels won*

4.8

2.3

Looking at the numbers, Doyle would amazingly better Neil’s output on the temporary books of the Blades, with the Manchester-born ace also winning a respectable 2.3 duels per league clash when last battling away in the second tier.

He has since taken to the step up of the Premier League relatively well, with one of his former youth coaches in Mark Kennedy even once comparing his midfield game to that of Steven Gerrard’s when labelling Doyle as “outstanding.”

Ideally, Sunderland would keep Neil around for their daunting jump up to the top-flight, with Kristjaan Speakman revealing that there is a “conversation” to be had over the midfielder’s contract, as well as that of Dennis Cirkin.

But, if he does fancy a new challenge away from his boyhood side, Doyle could well step in and replace Neil adequately, with his game potentially elevated under the fresh methods of Le Bris.

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Burnley are preparing for life back in the Premier League and could now be in the lead to sign a proven international defender, according to a report.

Burnley ready to break cycle of newly-promoted clubs in Premier League

Many newly promoted sides of the past have found it difficult to transition to life in the Premier League after claiming promotion, which is something the Clarets are desperate to change at Turf Moor.

Speaking ahead of their return to top-flight action, Nedum Onuoha believes Burnley should use Brentford as an example of how to survive and grow among the elite of the English pyramid over the next few years.

He explained: “It sounds a bit dull if you are a Burnley fan, but stick with the process. Clubs that manage to maintain their identity, can end up doing well. Brentford, for example. They never really deviated away from the model that they have, and now they’re an established Premier League side.”

Nevertheless, signings are necessary for the EFL Championship runners-up to build a squad that can live up to that feat. CJ Egan-Riley could be set for the exit door, and Burnley are now plotting an ambitious swoop for Liverpool’s Joe Gomez that could total £25 million.

Rennes midfielder Jordan James is also on Scott Parker’s radar. This development may become an ideal trade-off between youth and experience if Josh Brownhill leaves Turf Moor, signalling that there is plenty of work going on behind the scenes in Lancashire.

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The revolving door of transfer speculation never stops and Burnley are now reportedly in the lead to win the race to sign a talented defender with top-flight experience.

Burnley could win the race to sign Chris Mepham

According to Graeme Bailey in conversation with EFL Analysis, Burnley could trump Sheffield United and Sunderland to sign Chris Mepham, potentially on a free transfer with his contract at Bournemouth set to expire at the end of this month.

The Wales international earns £35,000 per week and spent the campaign on loan at the Black Cats, scoring once in 40 appearances as they also claimed promotion via the playoffs.

Chris Mepham’s campaign for Sunderland in numbers – EFL Championship (Fotmob)

Tackles won

31

Aerial duels won

109

Interceptions

34

Recoveries

138

Blocks

3

Dubbed “superb” by Dan Ballard, Bournemouth also have an option to extend his deal for a further 12 months despite his contract being set to run out, though Bailey anticipates that Burnley could skip to the front of the queue in any case.

He stated: “It could be one of those promoted teams. Do we see Burnley coming in for him? They may have to lose Maxime Esteve, and they’ve lost CJ Egan-Riley already. I wouldn’t rule Burnley out of the running on that one.”

Whether Bournemouth do activate his extension clause or not, the Clarets appear to be well in the race to bring Mepham to Turf Moor and he would be an ideal fit given he has made over 60 Premier League appearances across his career.

Liverpool are now leading the race to complete the signing of a “great” player in the summer transfer window, according to a new update from Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool eyeing signings on either flank

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have been a legendary full-back pairing for the Reds over the past seven or eight years, but there is a changing of the guard at Anfield this summer.

Sadly, Alexander-Arnold has opted to leave Liverpool in order to almost certainly join Real Madrid, which unsurprisingly hasn’t gone down well with many supporters, while Robertson isn’t the force he once was at left-back – no surprise, considering he is now 31 and has years of relentless running behind him.

Jeremie Frimpong is set to arrive from Bayer Leverkusen, potentially coming in as a right-back, but he is also more than capable of taking up a more attacking right-sided role. It remains to be seen how Arne Slot will use him, and if Conor Bradley will be first-choice right-back moving forward.

Meanwhile, Milos Kerkez has emerged as the strongest option at left-back, following an excellent season with Bournemouth, although Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato have also been mentioned as options. Manchester City have reportedly been looking to hijack a move for Kerkez, though, being seen as “genuine rivals” for his signature.

Liverpool in pole position to sign Kerkez after talks

Taking to X on Sunday, Romano said that Liverpool are in pole position to sign Kerkez from Bournemouth this summer, with talks continuing to head in the right direction:

Kerkez really does feel like the natural fit to come in and be Liverpool’s new first-choice left-back, ticking so many boxes, in terms of what Slot will be looking for.

The 21-year-old Hungary international is strong at both ends of the pitch, bagging seven goal contributions (two goals and five assists) in the Premier League this season, as well as averaging 2.6 clearances and 1.4 tackles per game.

Milos Kerkez’s 2024/25 Premier League stats before the final day	Total
Appearances	37
Starts	37
Minutes played	3,251
Goals	2
Assists	5
Clearances per game	2.6
Tackles per game	1.4
Interceptions per game	1.2
Key passes per game	0.9

In fact, Kerkez’s performances haven’t been lost on Slot, who has said he has enjoyed a “great season”, while football talent scout Jacek Kulig called him “amazing” after Bournemouth beat Manchester City earlier in the season.

At this point, it could be a surprise if the Cherries star didn’t join Liverpool, in a summer transfer window that is already threatening to be legendary.

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If the Reds manage to sign Kerkez, Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and a top-quality striker, it will be significant business that may only make them far stronger heading into next season.

While they were less successful on the trophy front than the current Tottenham Hotspur team, it would be fair to say the side Mauricio Pochettino built was the best the club has seen in the modern era.

From front to back, the team was filled with simply sensational players who really should have won at least a couple of major honours during their time in North London.

The likes of Harry Kane and a younger Son Heung-min would give opposition defenders nightmares, while Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld did the same to opposition attackers.

However, arguably, the most talented player in that squad was Mousa Dembélé, and now it looks like Ange Postecoglou might be brewing his own version of the Belgian.

Mousa Dembélé's Spurs career

Dembélé joined Tottenham in the summer of 2012 from fellow Premier League side Fulham for a fee of just £15m, which, in retrospect, has to be looked at as one of the deals of the century.

It didn’t take long at all for the former Cottagers star to settle into life with the Lilywhites, scoring his first goal for the club on his debut – a 1-1 draw at home to Norwich City.

He finished his first campaign in North London with two goals and five assists to his name in 44 appearances, and while he looked the part, he only improved when Pochettino took charge ahead of the following season.

Under the Argentine, the Antwerpen-born titan became the all-action “monster,” as dubbed by Eric Dier, that he’s remembered as today.

It was practically impossible to get the ball off of him, and if he didn’t have it, you could be sure that he’d do everything he could to win it off the opposition – usually to great success.

The 37-year-old icon was the engine of that Spurs side, and to say his teammates appreciated him would be a massive understatement, with Kyle Walker once describing him as “the best player I’ve ever seen play football” and Harry Kane simply calling him “incredible.”

After making 249 appearances for the club, in which he scored ten goals and provided ten assists, the midfield maestro finally left in January 2019 to join the Chinese Super League.

Appearances

249

Starts

181

Minutes

16115′

Goals

10

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.08

Minutes per Goal Involvement

805.75

However, some of his teammates would have liked him to stay for the rest of that season, as Kieran Trippier would later claim that Spurs could have won the Champions League with him still in the side.

He might have done what the club’s new Dembélé did for them against Manchester United on Wednesday night.

The Spurs star becoming their new Dembélé

Okay, so the first thing to say here is that we aren’t arguing that anyone in the current Spurs squad is as good a player as Dembélé was, as that would be absurd.

Chalkboard

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However, there is one youngster who starred on Wednesday night and has some of the characteristics that could see him develop into the team’s modern version of the Belgian: Pape Matar Sarr.

The Senegalese international joined Tottenham under Nuno Espírito Santo’s reign for around £14.6m, and after spending the 2021/22 season on loan with the French side, made his way to North London, where he has continued to develop since.

Much like the club’s former number 19, the 22-year-old is primarily a central midfielder but has the ability and flexibility to play in defensive midfield and, even on occasion, slightly further up the pitch.

In terms of his style of play, the “sensational” dynamo, as dubbed by Spurs content creator tehTrunk, is constantly on the move, be that darting forward to help out in attacks or covering ground to help out the defence, and while he’s not quite as safe on the ball, you’d have described the former Lilywhites star in a similar way.

We saw all of these characteristics in Bilbao, with Spurs writer Alasdair Gold awarding him a 9/10 match rating at full-time for his ‘constantly running display’ and how well he did ‘to break up United’s play.’

Ultimately, while we would never say Sarr is on the same level as Dembélé, we do think there are parts of his game that are quite similar, and with another few years of development, he could get close.

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A “special” Liverpool player has now been linked with a shock move to a Premier League rival this summer, following an on-air claim by Sky Sports News.

Liverpool set to sell first-team stars this summer

So much focus is on the players the Reds could sign before next season, from Florian Wirtz to Milos Kerkez, but there are also a host of players who could leave Anfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has already departed for Real Madrid, while on the opposite flank, Kostas Tsimikas could be the man to make way at left-back, assuming Kerkez arrives from Bournemouth. Caoimhin Kelleher is also reportedly closing in on a move to Brentford, as he searches to be a No.1.

Further up the pitch, Harvey Elliott has been linked with a move away, even potentially being part of a swap deal involving Bayer Leverkusen superstar Wirtz. The 22-year-old Liverpool attacker has struggled for playing time this season and may feel a new challenge is best for his development.

While Mohamed Salah has committed his future to the Reds, all of Arne Slot’s other attackers – Federico Chiesa, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez – have all seen their futures thrown into doubt to differing extents, ahead of potential big changes to the squad. Now, another exit update has dropped regarding another player.

Everton want Liverpool winger Ben Doak

According to some “breaking” news on Sky Sports on Monday morning, Everton are interested in signing Liverpool winger Ben Doak in the summer transfer window, in a move that would cause some shock waves across Merseyside.

Seeing a player move from Liverpool to Everton, or the opposite for that matter, is so rare, which is why this Doak update comes as a surprise. The Scotland winger spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Middlesbrough, in order to aid his development, and he bagged 10 goal contributions (three goals and seven assists) in the Championship. He is a huge young talent, being hailed by Jurgen Klopp during their brief time together.

For that reason, Liverpool selling the £30m-rated Doak, especially to their local rivals, would have to be considered a risk, given how high his ceiling could be.

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That said, if Slot and Richard Hughes don’t feel he has it in him to make the grade at Anfield, they need to be trusted, even though it would be preferable to sell him to someone else other than Everton.

The transfer window has only been open for nine days, but Arsenal are already embroiled in something of a saga.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko since last summer, and while he remains in Germany at the moment, things are begging to move.

Reports from late last week revealed that the Slovenian striker wants to move to the Emirates, but is he really the answer for Mikel Arteta’s side?

While that remains to be seen, the club are still on the lookout for alternatives, and now reports are linking them to someone who could be an upgrade on Sesko.

Arsenal's striker search

Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other strikers linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Jonathan David and Julian Alvarez.

Transfer Focus

Expand Collapse

Due to his contract with LOSC Lille coming to an end this month, the former would be a free signing, and a great one at that, as in 49 appearances this season, he scored 25 goals and provided 12 assists.

Alvarez was equally effective this term, racking up a tally of 29 goals and seven assists in 54 appearances, but with a release clause reportedly worth £126m in his current deal, it seems unlikely that he’d be on the move this summer.

Fortunately, another striker has now entered the picture: Samuel Omorodion Aghehowa.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several teams currently interested in the Porto star.

The report claims that alongside the Gunners, Chelsea, Manchester United, Aston Villa, and others are set to ‘battle it out’ for the 21-year-old goalscorer.

However, on top of dealing with the competition, the North Londoners will need to stump up a lot of cash, as the report has revealed that Porto want at least €75m – £63m – for their star striker and that they are in no rush to sell as he has a €100m – £84m – release clause in his current deal.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Samu’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be an upgrade on Sesko.

How Samu compares to Sesko

So, if Arsenal’s reported interest in Samu continues to grow, and things get to a point at which they have to choose between him and Sesko, who’d be the better signing?

Well, if we are going to compare strikers, the first port of call is their raw output, as, ultimately, that is what matters most for players in their position.

Interestingly, it’s the young Spaniard who comes out on top here, as in just 42 appearances, totalling 3175 minutes, the “inevitable” 6 foot 4 goalscorer, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, put the ball in the back of the net 25 times and provided three assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.5 games, or every 113.39 minutes.

In comparison, the Leipzig star scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or every 120.66 minutes.

Okay, what about their underlying numbers, then? Who comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Samu vs Sesko

Statistics per 90

Samu

Sesko

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.51

0.40

Non-Penalty G+As

0.72

0.61

Progressive Passes

1.12

1.74

Progressive Carries

0.92

1.78

Shots

3.10

2.50

Shots on Target

1.15

1.10

Passing Accuracy

77.8%

67.6%

Expected Assists

0.09

0.06

Key Passes

0.68

0.72

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.40

0.34

Shot-Creating Actions

1.75

1.93

Goal-Creating Actions

0.36

0.34

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Season

Well, it’s more bad news for the Slovenian star, as while he does do better in some areas, such as shot-creating actions and progressive passes, he comes out second-best in the majority of relevant metrics.

For example, the Melilla-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by Mattinson, does far better when it comes to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while both players look to be hugely promising strikers, Samu simply does better when we look at their raw output and underlying numbers, so Arsenal should probably do what they can to bring him to the Emirates this summer, as he seems to be an upgrade on Sesko.

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Nottingham Forest are set for a quick summer turnaround and are now closing in on a triple signing to bolster squad depth at the City Ground, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest eye extra bodies to juggle upcoming schedule

Despite a valiant push for a top-five finish and subsequent Champions League qualification, Nuno Espirito Santo will be the first to admit that his side ran out of steam towards the end of the Premier League season.

Two wins in their final six top-flight matches wasn’t enough to guarantee a shot at Europe’s elite competition, but a place in the Europa Conference League was still a magnificent outcome in the end all things considered.

Nevertheless, making sure they have enough to go the distance now appears to be the priority ahead of next term, and the Tricky Trees’ pursuit of Manchester City star Jack Grealish could grease the wheels for an exciting ride over the next few months.

On the flip side, Morgan Gibbs-White is reportedly wanted by the Citizens as part of a swap deal involving both England internationals, illustrating that high-profile interest in key performers is never far away after a campaign to remember.

Nuno has made it clear that a new winger could be brought in at the City Ground, judging by recent signals, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-in and Freiburg wide-man Ritsu Doan also in the discussion.

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Rennes captain Adrien Truffert could come in to widen Nottingham Forest’s pool of options at left-back. On the same token, centre-back could be an area where work occurs amid links to Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah.

Wasting no time on recruitment, the Tricky Trees are now close to a triple deal that could see both their forward line and rearguard concerns addressed.

Nottingham Forest poised to sign trio of Botafogo stars

According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are set to sign Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano from Botafogo in a triple deal to kickstart a busy summer in the East Midlands.

Jesus is a striker by trade and can also operate on either flank, while Jair is a central defender and Cuiabano is a left-back capable of roaming further forward when needed.

Nottingham Forest-linked trio’s statistics in 2025 – all competitions
Igor Jesus	Jair Cunha	Cuiabano
Appearances – 23	Appearances – 17	Appearances – 21
Goals – 7	Goals – 0	Goals – 2
Assists – 1	Assists – 1	Assists – 3

Labelled the “complete package” by Tim Vickery, Jesus has been capped four times by Brazil and is the star performer of the trio, as Sky Sports report he is “one of the most exciting strikers in South America”.

Brighton & Hove Albion saw two bids turned down for Cuiabano earlier this year, but he too appears poised for a move to the City Ground. Off the back of Botafogo’s title-winning success last term, Nottingham Forest have spied an opportunity to offer three of their key assets a shot at Premier League stardom, which many will herald as astute business if even two of them hit the ground running next term.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is desperate to bolster his attacking options this summer, and Hugo Ekitike is a major target.

The Blues face competition from Manchester United, however, as the Red Devils have entered the race for the young Frenchman.

This could put Maresca on high alert, and he will do everything he can to try to lure the Eintracht Frankfurt striker to Stamford Bridge.

He isn’t the only transfer target to emerge from the Bundesliga, as news has emerged about their potential interest in a current RB Leipzig starlet.

Chelsea could target Bundesliga sensation

If a move for Ekitike does go through, Maresca will be keen on linking up with players who will be able to provide him with plenty of chances in the final third.

Of course, Cole Palmer will be ideal for him, but how about having a talent like Xavi Simons available?

Writer Bobby Vincent stated during a Q and A for football.london could perhaps be a target.

“As for Xavi Simons, I’ve heard his name mentioned a couple of times this summer as a potential option but nothing absolutely concrete yet,” said Vincent.

“He is someone who has cropped up in the past as well, so there is definite interest there.”

The Dutchman is still only 22 years of age and would make an ideal long-term option for Maresca, especially as he could work wonders with Ekitike.

Why Chelsea must sign Xavi Simons

Last season in the Premier League, Palmer created 24 big chances. Next on the list were Enzo Fernández with 13 and Pedro Neto with 11. These were the only players with over ten big chances created.

By signing Simons, Maresca would be getting a player who will be able to generate plenty of opportunities for Ekitike, who scored 22 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt this season.

Indeed, across 25 domestic matches last season, the youngster created 12 big chances, while also averaging two key passes per game and recording seven assists for Leipzig, which speaks to the kind of quality that he could provide the French striker with in front of goal.

Metric

Bundesliga

Champions League

Goals

10

0

Assists

7

0

Big chances created

12

4

Key passes per game

2

1.4

Successful dribbles per game

1.3

1.4

Via Sofascore

It is no wonder he has been hailed as a “fantastic talent” in the past by talent scout Jacek Kulig. Now, Simons is finally delivering on his massive potential.

While Leipzig may have underwhelmed in the Champions League last season, Simons, who has been hailed as a “pocket rocket” by analyst Raj Chohan, shone from an individual perspective.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in the tournament, the 22-year-old ranked in the top 2% for shot-creating actions (5.91) and total shots per 90 (2.69) while also ranking in the top 9% for successful take-ons (1.88) and in the top 12% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.49) per 90.

This set of statistics proves that Simons is among one of the finest attacking midfielders on the continent when it comes to creating chances, which is why he would be a dream signing alongside Ekitike as they could link up in the final third with the Dutchman creating chances for the striker to tuck away.

It could be a dream duo for the club next season, and if the club go far in the Club World Cup, there will be money to spend.

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Chelsea could have the chance to reignite a move for a former target

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 14, 2025

After Pep Guardiola revealed the news that Kyle Walker will not be at the Club World Cup as he prepares to leave the club this summer, Manchester City have reportedly made one particular target their no.1 priority.

Kyle Walker set to leave Man City

Following a loan spell at Milan, Walker is set to leave Manchester City on a permanent basis this summer. The veteran defender looks set to bow out as one of the best defenders to play for the Citizens and will forever have his part cemented in their history books. After eight successful years, however, he’s set to bring his Manchester City career to an end.

Guardiola confirmed the news that the defender will not be at the Club World Cup, with Fabrizio Romano then revealing that he is on course to depart Manchester City in the coming months.

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This would certainly steal headlines…

ByTom Cunningham May 23, 2025

Walker’s exit should come as little shock. For all of his impressive work in Manchester, the England international was beginning to fall away from his best form before his loan spell away at AC Milan. Often at the centre of moments to forget for Guardiola’s side, a departure always seemed inevitable.

By the time his exit is confirmed, however, fans around The Etihad won’t remember Walker for this season’s defensive blunders. Instead, they will remember a right-back who became a mainstay in one of, if not the most successful side in Premier League history.

Replacing such a player should be among City’s priorities this summer in a task that certainly won’t be easy. Without Walker, Guardiola has been forced to turn towards some surprising options at right-back, including the likes of Matheus Nunes and the impressive Nico O’Reilly.

If the Spaniard wants to take his side back to Premier League glory after a season away, he will know more than anyone how important it is that City welcome a right-back this summer.

Man City prioritising Livramento move

According to Romano, Manchester City are now prioritising a move to sign Tino Livramento from Newcastle United this summer and have made the right-back their No 1 target.

The former Chelsea youngster has impressed at St James’ Park ever since arriving, but nailed his place down in Eddie Howe’s side ahead of Kieran Trippier once and for all this season. Now, he could be on his way to The Etihad if City get their way.

At 22 years old, Livarmento’s best years are yet to come and may well come under Guardiola as has been the case for several stars over the years. As Walker prepares to leave, the Newcastle man, who Howe described as “excellent” in April, should be seen as the perfect heir to his Manchester City throne.

Clearing £75,000 a week from their wage bill whilst welcoming a player who could spearhead a new era at The Etihad would, in many ways, represent an ideal way for Manchester City to commence their summer spending.