A worrying injury update has now emerged on a Sunderland star ahead of this weekend’s trip to Coventry City in the first leg of the Championship play-offs.
Black Cats gearing up for play-off clash
The Black Cats have earned the opportunity to end their eight-year absence from the Premier League, courtesy of a fourth-placed finish in the second tier, but they could have their work cut out, given their form heading into the play-offs.
Regis Le Bris’ side are winless in their last six Championship games, losing their last five games on the spin, while upcoming opponents Coventry have fought valiantly in the second half of the season to secure a play-off finish under the helm of Frank Lampard.
While it could be difficult to re-gather momentum heading into the play-offs, Le Bris has insisted that a lack of a prize to play for may have affected his team towards the tail end of the season, saying: “We had nothing to chase and in that situation, it’s very difficult for all the teams in the world.
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“Look at Paris St Germain, for example. They won the title and went unbeaten all season. But as they started to prepare the (Champions League) semi-final, they lost two games in a row.”
The Sunderland boss had been hoping Romaine Mundle would return to selection for play-offs, which could have given his side a much-needed boost, but there has now been a worrying update ahead of Friday’s trip to Coventry.
Le Bris said: “I don’t know exactly who will be available but I don’t think we will quite have a full squad,”
“I think it will be a little bit soon for Romaine and also for Aji to be involved in the first leg. Most of the squad will be available. Romaine and Aji can hopefully be involved on Tuesday night.”
"Brilliant" Mundle could be huge miss for Sunderland
It looks very unlikely that Mundle will be involved this weekend, with Le Bris indicating he may not even be able to be involved in the second leg, and the winger could be a huge miss for the Black Cats.
The 22-year-old has been a key player when fit this season, picking up five goals and two assists in the Championship, and his absence coincides with the major drop-off in form, underlining his importance to the side.
Sunderland’s last five fixtures
Result
Queens Park Rangers (h)
0-1
Oxford United (a)
2-0
Blackburn Rovers (h)
0-1
Bristol City (a)
2-1
Swansea City (h)
0-1
Captain Dan Neil will also be disappointed by the news that the forward is unlikely to play a part in Saturday’s game, having lauded his teammate as “brilliant” in the past.
The news that Mundle is set to be unavailable will be a major concern for Sunderland ahead of the play-offs, especially considering their very poor form heading into the tie against Coventry.
When it comes to world-class players, Tottenham Hotspur have had their fair share in the Premier League era.
For example, while they never managed to get over the final hurdle, the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Mousa Dembélé were unreal under Mauricio Pochettino.
However, go back just that little bit further, and you get to Gareth Bale, who for quite some time was arguably one of the best wingers in world football.
So, fans should be ecstatic about recent reports that have linked the club with another sensational wideman who could be their best winger since the Welshman.
Tottenham transfer news
With just how terribly this season has gone for Tottenham, it’s unsurprising to see the club linked with a host of talented players in recent weeks, such as Marcus Rashford.
The Englishman could be available for around £40m in the summer, which might prove to be a reasonable price for the Manchester United product, as across his time with the Red Devils and Aston Villa this term, he’s produced 20 goal involvements in 41 appearances.
A slightly cheaper and far younger option is Tyler Dibling.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Southampton gem has been one of the few bright sparks for the Saints this season, could be available for about £35m and would fit in with the club’s current crop of young talents.
However, as promising as the Exeter-born prospect is, he’s not going to come in and make an instant impact, unlike Jarrod Bowen.
Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs are keen to land the West Ham United star from their London rivals this summer.
Alongside the Lilywhites, Liverpool have also been credited with interest in the Englishman, and while the Hammers do not want to sell, the two parties could make an offer of up to €60m for the 28-year-old, which is about £51m.
It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Bowen’s immense ability, it’d be one worth fighting for.
Why Bowen would be Spurs' best winger
So, should Spurs get their way and leapfrog Liverpool to sign Bowen this summer, why would he instantly become their best winger in a long time?
Jarrod Bowen celebrates scoring for England
Well, there are a couple of reasons, but perhaps the most important is that he’s a reliable source of goals and assists.
For example, in just 32 appearances this term, he’s scored ten goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.68 games.
In contrast, Son has scored 11 goals and produced 12 assists in 43 appearances, which comes out to one every 1.86 games.
Brennan Johnson has scored 16 goals and produced seven assists in 46 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game.
Appearances
32
43
46
17
Goals
10
11
16
3
Assists
9
12
7
0
Goal Involvements*
0.59
0.53
0.50
0.17
And finally, Wilson Odobert has scored just three goals in 17 appearances this season, which comes out at one every 5.66 games.
On top of the number of goals and assists he produces, the Irons’ “game-changer,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, has also proven that he can handle the most significant occasions, as he scored the winning goal in the 2023 Conference League Final.
Last but not least, while he thrives out on the right, the Englishman is incredibly versatile and can play up top and as a second striker as well as off the left at times, which would allow whoever’s in the Lilywhites’ dugout far more tactical flexibility.
Ultimately, while he might not reach the same levels as peak Bale did, Bowen has the ability and application to be Spurs’ best winger since the Welshman left.
Uh oh: Ange hints £190k-a-week Spurs star could miss Bodo/Glimt with injury
Postecoglou has dropped a worrying injury update ahead of Tottenham’s crucial Europa League tie.
Arsenal have moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign a “unique” target this summer, after sporting director Andrea Berta’s talks with his representatives.
Arsenal identify transfer targets ahead of crucial summer window
Mikel Arteta and Berta appear very likely to orchestrate a major rebuild in the off-season, and they’ve reportedly sealed their first signing of the window already.
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After months of talks, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has reached an agreement to join Arsenal, and the Spaniard appears set to arrive at N5 with Fabrizio Romano even giving his famous ‘here we go’ to the deal.
With Arteta’s side set to formalise Zubimendi’s move by triggering his £51 million release clause, Berta has a key Arsenal item ticked off his agenda nice and early.
2. Arsenal
68
3. Newcastle United
66
4. Man City
65
5. Chelsea
63
6. Aston Villa
63
7. Nottingham Forest
62
However, there is still plenty of work to do for the Italian, as it is reliably believed the Gunners are actively scouring for new forwards. Arsenal are looking at signing a new right-winger, left-winger and striker, with Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams thought to be a top target.
The £170,000-per-week wide player is one of Europe’s most exciting talents, racking up an incredible 19 assists in all competitions last season and helping Spain to glory at Euro 2024.
Williams endured a slow start to the 24/25 campaign but picked up his form over the second half of the season, and his departure from Bilbao is highly anticipated.
In one of his “first acts” as sporting director, Berta held talks with Williams’ camp over a summer switch to Arsenal, according to The Guardian’s Ed Aarons.
Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in race to sign Nico Williams
He would arguably come as the perfect alternative to Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard on the left-hand side, and Williams’ contract includes a tantalising £49 million release clause.
As per journalist Graeme Bailey and The Boot Room, following Berta’s widely reported contact with the 22-year-old’s agents, it is believed that Arsenal remain frontrunners to sign Williams this summer, alongside Chelsea.
While Liverpool, Man City and Newcastle United have also contacted his camp, it is believed Arsenal and Enzo Maresca’s side are ahead of their Premier League rival trio as things stand.
Arteta and Berta appear to have the upper hand, but there is an aspect of caution to this transfer, as reports suggest Williams is set to demand a marquee salary to join any interested suitor – with The Mail even claiming that he wants around £400,000-per-week.
There can be no doubt in anyone’s mind over Williams’ obvious quality at this point, with legendary manager Jose Mourinho calling him a “unique” attacker, but the major obstacle could prove to be financial.
This summer is a huge one for Leeds United, with multiple key additions needed across the squad to bolster the ranks and give them the best chance of Premier League survival.
Daniel Farke has done an excellent job in leading the club out of the Championship, but the real test starts now for the German to build on the success he’s endured in his two years in the role.
It’s been reported that he will have around £100m available to make the additions he wants to the first-team squad at Elland Road, hopefully aiding him in his attempts.
However, to make room for such signings, other players currently on the books in Yorkshire may have to be sacrificed to help with the overhaul of the squad.
One player could be set to depart the Whites in the coming months, potentially putting an end to his long-standing stint as a first-team regular at the club.
The latest on Patrick Bamford’s future at Leeds
Striker Patrick Bamford has been a superb servant to Leeds over the years, netting a total of 60 goals since his big-money arrival from Middlesbrough back in the summer of 2018.
However, he’s missed a large chunk of 2024/25 through injury, restricting him to just 17 league appearances – none of which have come from a starting position.
The 31-year-old has also failed to find the back of the net once across all competitions during the recent season, but hasn’t deterred Wrexham from previously being interested in hanging the experienced ace.
He was utilised as a late substitute towards the back end of the campaign after recovering from injury, but given the promotion to the Premier League, now is the perfect time to part ways with the striker.
It would be an emotional departure given his previous impact in England’s top-flight for the Whites, but ultimately it’s a decision that needs to be made, potentially being joined by another player out of the door in Yorkshire.
Not just Bamford: £20k-per-week Leeds man also needs to leave
The previous six promoted teams from the Championship have all been relegated from the Premier League at the first attempt – highlighting the gap between the two divisions.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkeapplauds fans
Such situations have proven that huge money needs to be spent to bridge the gap between the two divisions, with the Whites not able to carry any passengers in such a league.
It’s an unforgiving league which will punish you if you’re not at your best, something which the club have previously experienced after relegation back in 2022/23.
If they are to be a success, they will have to be brutal and avoid handing a new contract to full-back Sam Byram despite his impressive campaign under Farke this time around.
The 31-year-old, who joined on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, has made 76 appearances during his second stint at Elland Road, offering a dependable option in the backline.
However, ultimately, he’s not a Premier League player, with funds needing to be spent wisely if they are to have the calibre of players needed to avoid relegation.
The £20k-per-week earner has started 16 league matches in 2024/25, registering one goal and one assist, but given his £20k-per-week wages, the hierarchy could save £1m a season to invest in other areas with his departure.
Appearances
36
Starts
16
Pass accuracy
83%
Goals & assists
2
Tackles won
1.2
Duel success rate
55%
Fouls committed
1.2
His contract is set to expire at the end of June, with such a situation providing a timely ending to his time in Yorkshire, allowing for fresh blood to enter the club and improve the squad.
It may prove to be an unpopular decision given his squad role under Farke, but unfortunately for Byram, he’s been a victim of their success this season.
He and Bamford departing the club would allow for space and money in the first-team squad, handing Farke added funds to build a competitive outfit for England’s top-flight next year.
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The transfer circus is now in full swing, it would appear, with speculation raging over just who will be added to Ruben Amorim’s ranks at Manchester United this summer.
After acquiring Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven in January, it looks as if the Red Devils are set to continue this squad overhaul with the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Matheus Cunha.
As has been widely reported, United have held positive contract talks with the Brazilian amid the prospect of striking an early deal, with the 25-year-old available for £62.5m amid the presence of a release clause in his existing deal at Molineux.
While previously linked with a move to Nottingham Forest and Arsenal back in January, it looks as if Amorim and co have now won the race for the former Atletico Madrid man, all being well, with attention turning to the impact that he could make at Old Trafford.
Where Cunha will fit into the Man Utd side
With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee scoring just six Premier League goals between them this season, the addition of a new centre-forward appears to be a real priority this summer, not least with United scoring just 38 top-flight goals collectively to date.
Matheus Cunha
Despite having played through the middle in the past, it would appear that Cunha is not actually being targeted to be the new number nine, amid parallel interest in Ipswich Town talisman, Liam Delap.
In the case of the current Wolves man then, he would instead be needed to strengthen Amorim’s options in one of the new number ten berths, not least with the exiled trio of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony all looking set to depart permanently.
Alejandro Garnacho, meanwhile, is yet to truly convince that he can transition from being an out-and-out winger, while Amad Diallo – who has registered 12 goals and assists in 20 games under Amorim – has notably been hampered by injury over the last two seasons.
With Mason Mount also netting just once in total since his arrival in 2023, and with Bruno Fernandes having dropped into a deep-lying role of late, the options in the number ten role are scarce, hence why Cunha could flourish.
How Cunha compares to PL forwards – 24/25
Stat
Record (per 90)
Ranking
Non-penalty goals
0.56
Top 3%
Total shots
3.56
Top 7%
Assists
0.16
Bottom 46%
Shot-creating actions
4.27
Top 20%
Pass completion
71.0%
Bottom 20%
Progressive passes
4.75
Top 22%
Progressive carries
3.79
Top 31%
Successful take-ons
2.20
Top 16%
Tackles
1.36
Bottom 49%
Interceptions
0.64
Top 20%
Stats via FBref
Having registered 14 goals in the league this season while operating in a similar system under Vitor Pereira, the Brazil international would be a ready-made solution ahead of next term.
That statement signing appears to be needed – although it shouldn’t come at the expense of young Kobbie Mainoo.
Cunha stats
Man Utd's "generational talent" must not be sold
Be it the lack of options in attack – as noted above – or his own struggles as part of the midfield, the Amorim regime so far has brought with it a change for Mainoo, with the academy graduate largely lining up as one of the two ten’s of late.
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From making his first Premier League start as a defensive-minded option in front of the back four against Everton in November 2023, the 20-year-old has since even been deployed as a makeshift centre-forward against Crystal Palace and – more recently – Lyon, with a definitive role still yet to be found.
That transition has largely come about due to Amorim’s claims that the midfielder was “struggling a lot defensively” as part of the midfield two, albeit with the Portuguese coach also praising the youngster for his ability in the final third.
Indeed, last week’s thrilling triumph in the Europa League saw Mainoo net in almost trademark fashion with a delightful, curling effort inside the area, having previously scored in similar style against both Wolves and Liverpool last term.
That impact off the bench has highlighted just why the England starlet can thrive in a more advanced berth moving forward, albeit with the addition of a figure like Cunha only set to hamper his hopes of a regular role in the starting lineup.
For all his injury-related woes this term, it’s worth remembering that Mainoo had enjoyed a stunning emergence in 2023/24, resulting in his key role in the Three Lions’ surge to the Euro 2024 final, having started every knockout stage game under Gareth Southgate.
Described as a “generational talent” by Hojlund, it would be a crying shame for the FA Cup final match winner to be nudged toward the exit door so swiftly, with speculation having been rife regarding his future, amid an apparent stall in contract talks.
Kobbie Mainoo
While there may be a desire to cash in on a player who is valued at around £74m, according to CIES Football Observatory – placing him ahead of the £62.5m-rated Cunha – that soaring valuation also indicates just what a diamond he truly is.
Of course, Amorim’s 3-4-3 system may be better suited to Cunha and the like, yet not being able to find a home for Mainoo in the starting lineup would reflect poorly on the manager.
This is the type of talent that United simply can’t afford to lose.
Imagine him & Cunha: Man Utd eye bid for 'one of the best CMs in the world'
Man Utd appear to be stepping up their transfer search, alongside the signing of Matheus Cunha
Leeds United will need to bolster their squad to give themselves a fighting chance of avoiding an instant relegation from the Premier League next season.
One area of the pitch in which the Whites are set to strengthen is their attack, after Football Insider reported that the club have doubts over Joel Piroe’s suitability for the top-flight.
The Dutch forward, who scored four goals in one half against Stoke City last month, won the Golden Boot with 19 goals in 46 matches in the Championship, but may not have the physicality for the Premier League.
Piroe lost a whopping 73% of his duels with opposition defenders in the second tier, which does not suggest that he would fare particularly well out of possession against top-flight centre-backs.
It was recently reported that the 49ers are eyeing up a summer swoop for Everton centre-forward Beto to bolster their options in the number nine position, which means that the Premier League attacker could take Piroe’s place in the starting XI next season.
Why Beto could be a good signing for Leeds
The Portugal international could be an excellent addition to the squad as an upgrade on the Dutch marksman because he has the technical and finishing qualities to be an effective top-flight performer, whilst also having the physical attributes to thrive at that level.
Of course, Beto is currently playing in the Premier League with Everton, which means that Leeds would be signing a player who has already been there and done it in the division, whilst Piroe is yet to play a top-flight game in his career.
The Toffees marksman is particularly impressive out of possession in comparison to the current Leeds forward, as evidenced by his physical data in the 2024/25 campaign to date.
24/25 Season
Beto (Premier League)
Piroe (Championship)
Appearances
28
46
Ground duels won per game
1.8
1.0
Ground duel success rate
38%
33%
Aerial duels won per game
3.1
0.7
Aerial duel success rate
48%
21%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Beto wins far more duels per game, and with a greater success rate, particularly in the air, which shows that he is significantly more reliable for his team out of possession.
This suggests that the Everton forward would be far more suited to a team battling against relegation, fighting against the odds, week-in-week-out, than Piroe, who was too weak in the Championship, would be.
Beto is not just a physical presence, though, as he has also scored eight goals from 6.63 xG in 13 starts in the Premier League, which shows that he has been an effective and clinical finisher who could provide a reliable option in the final third for Daniel Farke next season.
The Everton striker is not the only attacking addition who could come through the doors at Elland Road, though, as there has been an update on Manor Solomon’s situation.
The latest news on Manor Solomon
According to a fresh report from TEAMtalk, the Tottenham Hotspur attacker is open to holding talks with Leeds United over a permanent move to the club in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Israel international would like to speak with the Whites over another transfer to West Yorkshire because he ‘loved’ his time on loan in the 2024/25 campaign.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
This update from TEAMtalk came as a reaction to a report from Sky Sports Switzerland last week that claimed Marseille are interested in signing the winger from Spurs. That outlet added, at the time, that it would take a fee of roughly £17m to sign the forward from the Premier League side.
TEAMtalk’s latest update states that Solomon would still be keen on talks with Leeds over another move to the club, despite the reported interest from the Ligue 1 giants, which should come as good news to Farke and his staff.
Leeds must, now, press ahead with a swoop for the Spurs loanee because he could be the perfect winger to provide Beto with the service he needs, should the Whites also land a deal for the Everton marksman.
Why Solomon would be perfect for Beto
The Portuguese striker has scored two headed goals, five right-footed goals, and one with his left foot, which shows that the forward is more than capable in the air and can score a variety of goals.
Solomon could be the perfect winger for the striker because he has the ability to consistently create high-quality chances for his teammates, and can create different types of chances, from crosses, passes, and through balls.
The Spurs loanee was a superstar in the Championship for the majority of his time on loan at Elland Road, and his quality was pointed out by a former Leeds boss fairly quickly.
Early on in the 2024/25 campaign, Neil Redfearn hailed the winger’s ability, saying: “He’s got a quality that is better than this level, you can obviously see that. Initially in the first 20 minutes it was like tackling smoke. He was unplayable at times.”
24/25 Championship
Manor Solomon
Appearances
39
xG
8.15
Goals
10
Key passes per game
1.7
Big chances created
21
Assists
12
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Solomon backed up that praise by ending the season with a staggering haul of 31 goals and ‘big chances’ created in 39 appearances in the league for Leeds.
A return of 21 ‘big chances’ created in 39 matches speaks to his ability to consistently unlock opposition defences in different ways, as they were unable to stop him because of the variation in his game.
As you can see in the highlights above, the £17m-rated whiz has the ability to burst down the line to deliver teasing crosses into the box, which could be perfect for a physical forward who looks to get ahead of defenders to bundle the ball in, as he brilliantly assisted Mateo Joseph’s strike.
This suggests that Solomon would be a dream for Beto because he has the quality to ensure that the striker constantly has service in the box, giving him plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net in the Premier League.
Therefore, the 49ers must push to get deals over the line for the Spurs and Everton attackers in the upcoming summer transfer window, in order to give Farke and his team the best possible chance of avoiding an instant relegation back down to the Championship.
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Chelsea can end the 2024/25 campaign in the perfect way on Wednesday night. They face Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final at the Stadion Wroclaw in Wroclaw, Poland, and have the opportunity to finish Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge with a trophy.
The Blues have been the dominant side in the competition this term. According to Sofascore, they have scored more goals than any other side, finding the back of the net 38 times, which is 16 more than their opponents. Their nine goals conceded were only bettered by two other sides, too.
The Blues surely go into this game as favourites, given their form in the competition so far. Indeed, Maresca seems to have much of his first-choice squad available for their final game of the campaign.
Chelsea’s team news vs. Betis
Luckily for the Blues, their final Premier League game of 2024/25 last Sunday saw them avoid any inquiries. That means star players, including Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, will be available for the final this evening.
Further inclusions and absences have been noted, with there two first-team players who will certainly not make the squad this week. They are Wesley Fofana, who is still out with an injury, and Romeo Lavia, who is not registered in the squad.
On a more positive note, Nicolas Jackson will come back into the squad for the finale, given his Premier League suspension is not in effect in European competition. Another player who could return is Christopher Nkunku.
The Frenchman was not involved against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but his record in the Conference League is excellent. He has five goals and three assists in nine games in the competition, so he could make a real difference.
With that in mind, it will be fascinating to see who Maresca lines up with on Wednesday. Given the importance of the game, it seems the likes of Palmer, Caicedo and club captain Reece James will start, in what will surely be a strong lineup.
Robert Sanchez
Goalkeeper
Marc Cucurella
Left-back
Levi Colwill
Centre back
Trevoh Chalobah
Centre back
Reece James
Right-back
Moises Caicedo
Central midfield
Enzo Fernandez
Central midfield
Noni Madueke
Right wing
Cole Palmer
Attacking midfield
Jadon Sancho
Left wing
Nicolas Jackson
Centre-forward
Another player who could be in line to start the game is defender Trevoh Chalobah.
Why Chalobah could start vs. Betis
It has been a curious season for Chalobah in 2024/25. After spending the first half of the campaign on loan at Crystal Palace, he was recalled to Stamford Bridge and has since been an important player under Maresca.
Since returning from his loan spell, the “outstanding” defender, as Statman Dave once called him, has featured 18 times across all competitions, with four of those games coming in the Conference League.
The 25-year-old has helped to keep two clean sheets in that time, playing a total of 245 minutes in the competition. Now, perhaps he will be in line to start the final. He is a player experienced in European finals, having helped Chelsea win the UEFA Super Cup back in 2021, a game which he started and played 120 minutes.
The defensive “monster”, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been called up to former boss Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, although he did not start at the weekend. However, if he does come into the team for the final, potentially for Tosin, he will have the job of keeping Antony quiet.
The Manchester United loanee has been a standout player during his loan spell at Betis. In 25 games, he has nine goals and five assists. Half of those goal involvements have come in the Conference League, so he really does his best work there.
In fact, the Brazilian is similar to Palmer on FBref for this competition. For example, he averages 0.47xGA and 5.02 shot-creating actions each game. In comparison, Chelsea’s number 20 averages 0.48xGA and 4.11 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.
It will be a tough task for Chalobah to keep Antony quiet, but it will surely be crucial for Chelsea’s success. He has proven in the past few months that he has the potential to hurt opponents when given time and space, so Chalobah’s excellent reading of the game will be crucial to preventing that.
Although the winger does operate on the right-hand side, he tends to drift inside a lot and look to cut in on his left foot to get a shot off. Thus, Chalobah may well have to come up against him directly.
However, that is a battle the Chelsea defender should be comfortable handling. His defensive stats for the Blues this season, via Sofascore, are impressive. For example, he averages 1.8 combined tackles and interceptions and wins 1.9 aerial duels per game. On top of that, he has been dribbled past just once in that famous Blue shirt this term.
If he does get the nod from the start, the boyhood Chelsea star has the chance to become a key player for the Blues as they look to win more European silverware. They could become the first side in history to win the three current European trophies. Chalobah has a huge role to play.
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Chelsea appears to be in talks to bring a new striker to the club
This summer simply has to be a seismic one for Tottenham Hotspur.
Ange Postecoglou and his squad turned what could have been an utterly disastrous campaign into an iconic one with their Europa League triumph in Bilbao last week, and now it’s Daniel Levy and Co’s turn to deliver.
With Champions League football secured, the Lilywhites board should be able to push the boat out that bit more in the transfer window and bring in the right stars to ensure their Premier League campaign next year can be just as memorable as their European one this year.
Fortunately, that seems to be happening, as recent reports have linked the North Londoners with one of the most exciting players on the continent and someone who could send Son Heung-min packing.
Tottenham transfer news
Before getting to the young superstar in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other impressive players who have been linked with Spurs in recent weeks and months, such as Marc Guehi and Leroy Sané.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former could cost up to £50m, and while that is a lot of money, he’d bring plenty of experience at the domestic and international level while also potentially being the perfect replacement for Cristian Romero should the World Cup finally move on this summer.
Sané, on the other hand, would be completely free thanks to his contract expiring in June, and while he’s nearer to the end than the start of his career, he’d undoubtedly add something to the Lilywhites attack, as in just 45 games this season he has scored 13 goals and provided six assists.
Leroy Sane celebrates for Germany
However, another more exciting major target for Tottenham has now entered the picture: Xavi Simons.
According to a recent report from ESPN, Spurs are interested in the RB Leipzig star, although they are certainly not the only ones.
Other stories from earlier this month have also credited the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United with an interest in the Flying Dutchman, who could cost around £67m.
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Simons’ incredible ability and potential, it’s one well worth fighting for, especially as he could be the perfect Son upgrade.
How Simons compares to Son
So, the first thing to say is that one of Simons’ biggest strengths is that he can play off the right or in attacking midfield with relative ease, but considering Brennan Johnson has been in fine form in the former and James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski occupy the latter, it seems likely that he’d come in as a left-wing option.
Xavi Simons celebrates
Therefore, one of his primary competitors for game time, and the man he’d ideally be the long-term heir to, is Son, so who comes out on top when we compare them?
Well, when it comes to their raw output, it’s the former Pairs Saint-Germain gem, with 11 goals and eight assists in just 33 first-team appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games.
Appearances
33
46
Goals
11
11
Assists
8
12
Goal Involvements per Match
0.57
0.50
In contrast, the former Bayer Leverkusen star has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 46 appearances for the North Londoners this season, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game.
Okay, what about their underlying numbers from this year? Which winger comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?
Unfortunately for the Chuncheon-born icon, this is another battle he loses, as in most relevant metrics, bar a few here and there, the 22-year-old “game-changing signing,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, comes out comfortably ahead.
These metrics include, but are not limited to, non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, goals per shot and shot on target, passes into the final third and penalty area, expected assists, tackles won, interceptions, blocks, clearances, successful take-ons, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.
Non-Penalty Goals + Assists
0.67
0.64
Progressive Passes
5.86
4.74
Progressive Carries
3.56
4.10
Shots
2.09
2.35
Shots on Target
0.96
1.02
Goals per Shot
0.20
0.11
Goals per Shot on Target
0.43
0.25
Passing Accuracy
78.6%
78.9%
Expected Assists
0.25
0.22
Passes into the Penalty Area
2.51
2.18
Passes into the Final Third
3.31
1.75
Live Passes
44.4
36.5
Shot-Creating Actions
4.52
4.99
Tackles
1.17
0.73
Tackles Won
0.88
0.38
Blocks
0.79
0.47
Interceptions
0.50
0.21
Clearances
0.79
0.73
Successful Take-Ons
1.38
1.24
Ball Recoveries
5.36
3.63
Aerial Duels Won
0.79
0.26
Finally, the Amsterdam-born “superstar,” as dubbed by Mattinson, is a decade younger than the captain, so there is every chance that he’ll continue to get better and better in the coming campaigns, which is a scary thought indeed.
Ultimately, Son has been an incredible player for Spurs over the years, but Simons looks to be better than him in practically every way, so Levy and Co should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.
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If there is one thing Arsenal have really lacked this season, it’s goals.
Mikel Arteta’s side are set to finish second in the Premier League this weekend, but as things stand, they have scored 18 goals fewer than Liverpool.
With their attacking output such an apparent weakness, it’s hardly been surprising to see the Gunners linked with a host of brilliant strikers and wingers in recent weeks, with Rodrygo perhaps being the most exciting of them all.
However, if recent reports are to be believed, the North Londoners might now be looking at a potential alternative to the Real Madrid star, someone who’s been compared to Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal transfer news
Before we get to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other players linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Bryan Mbeumo.
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The former has scored an unreal 53 goals in 51 appearances this season while providing another 13 assists for good measure, so even though he’d reportedly cost the Gunners between £60m and £70m, it would be hard to say he wouldn’t be worth it.
Likewise, Mbeumo has been on fire for Brentford this season, scoring 19 goals and providing nine assists in just 41 games, making his £60m price tag seem more than reasonable.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match
However, another name that has recently entered the picture, and someone who could be an ideal Rodrygo alternative, is Ademola Lookman.
Yes, according to a recent report from Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are looking for a new winger this summer, and the Atalanta star is someone they are interested in.
In fact, Plettenberg claims that talks with the Nigerian international and other players “are in full swing.”
According to stories from earlier this year, the former Napoli star could cost the North Londoners up to £55m, and while that’s a lot of money, he’d certainly be worth it, especially as he’s won comparisons to Saka.
How Lookman compares to Rodrygo and Saka
So, before we get to why Lookman might be an ideal alternative to Rodrygo, let’s examine this comparison to Saka and where it has come from.
Well, in this instance it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, before creating a list of the ten most comparable players.
By doing this, it has been concluded that the Englishman is the second most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Nigerian across the last 365 days.
Lookman & Saka
Statistic per 90
Lookman
Saka
Non-Penalty G+As
0.78
0.79
Shots
3.23
3.39
Crosses into the Penalty Area
0.53
0.63
Live Passes
33.8
33.0
Shot-Taking Actions
5.44
5.93
Interceptions
0.12
0.16
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including but not limited to non-penalty goals plus assists, shots, crosses into the penalty area, live passes, shot-taking actions and more, all per 90.
In short, there are a lot of statistical similarities between the “world-class” 27-year-old, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, and Saka, although were he to join the Gunners, he’d almost certainly have to play off the left – where he is still comfortable – which makes him an alternative to Rodrygo.
So, who comes out on top when we compare the pair’s output from this season against one another?
Interestingly, it’s actually the London-born dynamo who comes out on top, as in 39 appearances, totalling 2826 minutes, he has scored 20 goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an incredible average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games or every 104.66 minutes.
In contrast, the Brazilian international has scored 13 goals and provided ten assists in 50 appearances, totalling 3290 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games or every 143.04 minutes.
Ultimately, Rodrygo would certainly be a statement signing, but should it not materialise, Arsenal may end up better off bringing in Lookman, as he’s both more productive and incredibly similar to Saka.
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After signing Omar Marmoush in the January transfer window, Manchester City have now reportedly opened talks with another Bundesliga star in what would be a repeat of their deal for the Egyptian.
Marmoush's instant Man City impact
Having arrived for a reported £59m in a season that Manchester City couldn’t afford to get things wrong in the January transfer window, the pressure was certainly on Marmoush to perform. You wouldn’t know it, however. The Egyptian has enjoyed an excellent start to life at the Etihad, scoring seven goals in 18 games in a run that includes a stunning 14-minute hat-trick in a 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle United.
Pep Guardiola hasn’t shied away from praising the former Eintracht Frankfurt winger, either, telling reporters last month: “The numbers are really good.
“He arrived in the middle of the season and in a moment when we are not good. Sometimes when you come when everything is fluid and everything is fine it’s easy to adapt. But coming when the team is not playing good, that is a big credit.”
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The Spaniard will be hoping to see Marmoush only continue his bright start as Manchester City head into the final four games of their season. Still battling to secure their Champions League place, the Citizens have put together an impressive run of form at the perfect time and have three Premier League games to keep hold of their spot in the top five.
It will then be all eyes on Wembley as City attempt to avoid an upset and defeat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final. Suddenly, from concerns that they may not even qualify for the Champions League, it’s still possible for the Citizens to finish as high as second and end the campaign with a trophy.
Man City open talks with Hugo Ekitike
Following the success of Marmoush, it looks as though those at the Etihad could return to the Bundesliga once again this summer. According to Bild, as relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City have opened talks with Hugo Ekitike in an attempt to land a Marmoush repeat and a second Frankfurt player in six months.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
The deal, like Marmoush’s in January, will not come cheap, however. The German side are reportedly demanding as much as €100m (£81m) to sell their star striker amid interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and others.
Dubbed “superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ekitike is someone who would stand every chance of thriving in the current Manchester City side, especially given how successful his partnership with Marmoush was at Frankfurt. By taking that into the Premier League, the duo could help take City back to the top of English football alongside Erling Haaland.