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Arsenal will get their 2025/26 Premier League campaign underway on Sunday afternoon when they travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The clash will see the battle of the big spenders in the summer transfer window, with both clubs splashing over £200m on new additions during the off-season.

Mikel Arteta’s side have added the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi to the squad, addressing issues within key areas of the side early into the summer.

However, with just a couple of weeks left of the window, further additions could still be expected at the Emirates to further bolster the club’s ambitions of ending the year at the top of the table.

Other positions are still set to be subject to investment, handing Arteta the tools to go one better and finally end their two-decade wait for a top-division triumph.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions this summer

After a long-standing pursuit, Arsenal have once again stepped up their attempts to complete a deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this window.

It’s been reported that the Gunners are in talks to land the 27-year-old, who managed a total of 25 goal contributions across all competitions for the Eagles in 2024/25 – helping them win the FA Cup.

However, he’s not the only forward-minded player currently in their sights, with Real Madrid talent Rodrygo another player they are considering, according to TBR Football.

They claim that Arteta’s side have already held talks with the player’s representatives over a move to the Emirates after being told he’s free to leave Xabi Alonso’s men.

It also states Manchester City are interested in a move for the 24-year-old, with the Brazilian keen on a switch to the Premier League ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Any deal could cost in the region of £78m.

Why Arsenal’s latest target would be an upgrade on Eze

Given Eze’s success at Selhurst Park under Oliver Glasner last season, it’s no surprise to see the player touted with a move to join one of England’s leading sides.

The 27-year-old played a pivotal role in their FA Cup triumph, but their recent demotion to the Europa Conference League could see the player want to take the leap and further his career.

His tally of 25 goals and assists is no mean feat, evidently able to produce the spectacular on a consistent basis – as seen by his strike against the Gunners throughout the recent campaign.

However, a move may not be as straightforward as it seems, with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur also entering talks to land the Englishman ahead of the September 1st deadline.

However, missing out on Eze may not be a huge issue, especially if they land the signature of Rodrygo, who could prove to be worth his current £87m asking price.

When comparing his stats to those of the Palace star in 2024/25, he managed to better him in various areas, subsequently offering Arteta’s side a more potent attacking option.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, whilst notching a better goal per shot on target rate – undoubtedly handing Arteta the added threat he craves.

Games played

30

34

Goals & assists

11

16

Shot-on-target accuracy

37%

26%

Pass accuracy

86%

74%

Key passes made

2.3

2.1

Passes into final third

3.1

1.7

Progressive carries

5.3

2.4

Carries into opposition box

2.4

0.7

Progressive passes

5.1

3.3

He also completed more key passes per 90, with more of which going into the final third, subsequently handing Gyokeres the chances he needs to be a success in North London throughout 2025/26.

Rodrygo’s ability to take the ball into dangerous areas is sensational, completing nearly double the amount of progressive carries per 90 and carries into the opposition box – having the end product to top off his mazy runs – as seen by his tally of 11 goal contributions.

There’s no doubt that the Madrid star would cost slightly more this summer, but it’s a move that would allow the side to land a better talent in the process.

His versatility within the final third would also provide needed depth in multiple positions, with the hierarchy needing to push hard to avoid missing out on his signature.

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Chelsea are poised to register yet another summer sale, which could take BlueCo’s total summer transfer income to the near £180 million mark.

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ByEmilio Galantini Aug 2, 2025

Most recently, young defender Ishe Samuels-Smith completed a reported £6.5 million move to sister club Strasbourg, where he will link up with Chelsea loanees Mamadou Sarr, Mike Penders and Kendry Paez in Ligue 1.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea also sold Mathis Amougou to Strasbourg for around £12.5 million, with Enzo Maresca’s side using BlueCo’s multi-club ownership model to their serious advantage.

Alongside both Amougou and Samuels-Smith, Chelsea agreed permanent exit deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic and João Félix, which have contributed to bringing in an estimated £158 million to the Stamford Bridge coffers.

This series of sales helps to balance out Chelsea’s £230 million spend on recruitment this summer, with their £87.5m windfall from winning the Club World Cup and £80 million earnings from Champions League qualification putting them in a solid financial position.

It could even help Chelsea make more new signings, with journalist Simon Phillips reporting that they remain in the market for a new goalkeeper, centre-back and potentially a striker to replace Nicolas Jackson.

In the meantime, departures remain a crucial theme of Chelsea’s current transfer activity.

Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Tosin Adarabioyo, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Alfie Gilchrist and Jackson stand out as players who could still leave Chelsea before deadline day, with striker Armando Broja now closing in on a move to Turf Moor.

The Albanian has been one to watch for a while, and Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg reported all the way back in June that he was receiving several approaches from Bundesliga clubs.

However, it is now Burnley who appear poised to sign the out-of-favour striker, with BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella sharing an update on the situation.

Chelsea poised for near-£180m boost as Armando Broja nears Burnley move

Fabrizio Romano has already given the ‘here we go’ to this transfer, but Kinsella reports it is not as advanced as that.

Chelsea and Burnley have reached a broad agreement over Broja, amounting to around £20 million, and they’re in advanced talks, but the player and Clarets are yet to find a compromise on personal terms with discussions ongoing.

As Burnley wait for the 23-year-old’s green-light to complete a deal, BlueCo will be praying for this move to go through.

If it does, barring a late disaster, Chelsea will take their transfer total through players sold to around £178 million – gifting Maresca’s side a near-£180 million boost with more players still expected to leave.

Chelsea’s expertise as a selling club is often underrated by critics, and for those who ask why they can consistently spend serious cash in the transfer market, their outgoing activity is a key component.

Manchester United have now held talks over a deal for an “enormous” Bayern Munich target, who they have scouted for quite some time, according to a report.

Man Utd set to strengthen in multiple areas

After finishing 15th in the Premier League table last season, it is little wonder that Ruben Amorim is looking to strengthen all over the pitch, with targets being identified in a number of different positions over the past few days.

Player

Current club

Position

Javi Guerra

Valencia

CM

Benjamin Sesko

RB Leipzig

ST

Emiliano Martinez

Aston Villa

GK

Lucas Beraldo

PSG

CB

John Victor

Botafogo

GK

It may be particularly important for Amorim to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, given that Andre Onana has been subjected to widespread criticism, although there are doubts over whether Martinez would be a suitable replacement.

With the likes of Victor and fellow target Senne Lammens yet to prove themselves at the top level, it could be even more important to have a strong backline next season too, and there has now been a development in Man United’s pursuit of SK Brann defender Eivind Helland.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, United have now held talks over a deal for Helland, who they have scouted for quite some time, but there could be competition for his signature, with Bayern Munich also named as potential suitors.

Brann could be tempted to accept a bid of £8m, meaning a deal would not break the bank, with the Red Devils viewing the 20-year-old as a cost-effective addition to the squad.

"Enormous" Helland has what it takes to succeed in England

The youngster is yet to prove himself outside Norway, so it may be difficult to immediately come in and compete for a starting spot with the likes of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, but the Brann starlet is showing some promising signs.

Data scout Bastian Schmitz has suggested the towering defender has great potential, saying: “He’s a massive talent.

“Helland has an enormous physique, standing tall at 6ft4 and with a broad frame, which means he could already compete physically in the Premier League. Other strengths include his speed and ability to open the game up with his passing.”

Schmitz also notes that the United target is a versatile player, capable of playing in three positions, namely centre-back, right-back and defensive midfield.

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Manchester United appear to have moved on to other targets after missing out on Viktor Gyokeres.

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As such, Helland could be an exciting long-term addition to the squad, and the versatile defender’s potential availability for around £8m makes him a low-risk signing.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is thought to be on the verge of yet another summer transfer deal, following what has been a hectic last few weeks.

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3 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 12, 2025

Mikel Arteta has already welcomed Spanish international duo Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi to N5, with the pair reinforcing his goalkeeping department and engine room, while former Brentford captain Christian Norgaard has also been announced as Thomas Partey’s replacement.

This trio of signings has set Arsenal back around £75 million, not including add-ons, but Berta is poised to splash even more cash in the slow build up to deadline day on September 1.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£75m

Arsenal remain in ongoing talks over a deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, and the prolific hitman has now gone on to strike. He’s actively refusing to return for pre-season training as Gyokeres attempts to force through a move to the Emirates, but the two sides are currently still apart in valuation.

Arsenal are also still in pursuit of Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze. The England international won’t be leaving Palace for less than his £68 million release clause, according to reports, with the Eagles determined to hold out for his full asking price, even if Arsenal have held positive discussions with Eze’s camp (ESPN).

However, while Berta is no closer to striking a potential deal for the 27-year-old as things stand, he is about to make his fourth signing of the summer through another London-based attacker – Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

News emerged on Thursday evening that Arsenal have reached a full agreement to sign Madueke for around £50 million, including add-ons, and Enzo Maresca has since confirmed that the 23-year-old is leaving Stamford Bridge.

Noni Madueke set for imminent Arsenal medical with agreement sealed

Sharing a further update on the situation, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared that Madueke is set to undergo his Arsenal medical this weekend – so it won’t be long before he’s announced as a new Gunners player.

Given their links to Real Madrid star Rodrygo, who is now unlikely to join the club, some Arsenal supporters are dissatisfied with Berta’s decision to go for Madueke instead – especially considering he performed much better on the right-hand side for Chelsea last term as opposed to the left.

According to a poll conducted by Sky Sports, out of 35,000 fans, 70 per cent of them feel that Madueke would be a bad signing for Arteta – but there is reason to believe he could eventually thrive at Arsenal.

Madueke has been revered for his strength and burst of pace by members of the media, with his ability to play on either flank also proving useful. The former PSV Eindhoven star is also still young with plenty of Premier League experience already, and has the potential to get even better under Arteta’s guidance.

Tottenham still have some key transfer business to conduct ahead of Thomas Frank’s first full season in charge of the Lilywhites.

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Spurs believe they can beat their Premier League rivals to the signature of a “electric” striker.

1 ByDominic Lund Jul 7, 2025

Spurs are yet to really make a statement signing this summer. Mathys Tel made his stay permanent for a cut-price fee of around £30 million, and Kota Takai’s £5 million move from Kawasaki Frontale was finally confirmed by the club this morning.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Tottenham have high hopes for Takai, and he will be in and around the first team next season, according to Alasdair Gold, but far more eyes are on whether the north Londoners can strike a deal with rivals West Ham United over the signing of Mohammed Kudus.

Spurs are in ongoing talks with West Ham to agree a move for Kudus after seeing an opening £50 million bid rejected, and he’s the calibre of potential signing which supporters are crying out for as Frank prepares for his first-ever season coaching in the Champions League.

Their pursuit of proven top-level additons is made even more important by uncertainty surrounding the futures of vital Tottenham men – most notably Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero.

The former has attracted rumoured interest from both Saudi Arabia and Los Angeles FC, but any potential exit for the South Korean will likely be delayed until after their pre-season tour of Asia – due to the obvious commercial appeal Son has in the far east (BBC).

Son’s entered the final 12 months of his contract, so chairman Daniel Levy could well be tempted to sell the 33-year-old in the event of a suitable offer.

Meanwhile, reports from Spain and South America have continued to heavily link Romero with a move to Atlético Madrid.

Tottenham in talks to sell Cristian Romero after Atlético Madrid offer

Spanish newspaper AS have an update on the £165,000-per-week defender’s future this week, with Atlético already tabling a £60 million bid, including add-ons, for his services.

This hasn’t met Spurs’ valuation of the centre-back, who won last season’s Europa League Player of the Year award, as Levy demands closer to £60 million all-in.

Nevertheless, Diego Simeone’s side are not giving up or shying away. Atletico are in ongoing talks with Tottenham over signing Romero, who James Maddison called Spurs’ most “underrated” player, and this story is unlikely to go away any time soon.

Simeone publicly confirmed his desire to sign the Argentine in a recent press conference, and there is an expectation that Romero could be more than open to this La Liga switch.

“You’ve got to want to be there, and I’m not sure he wants to be at Spurs,” said pundit Tony Cascarino on talkSPORT.

“I’ve always felt that he’s played his best football that he’s played his best football when he’s had to and when Atletico have made a clear indication they want him. That would be one of his issues [Frank], he’s got to look players in the eye and find out do you want to be at this football club.”

Liverpool are not resting on their laurels after they won the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season in England, having joined from Feyenoord last summer.

The Reds boss has already added Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to bolster his squad, whilst Milos Kerkez is set to be confirmed as their latest signing from Bournemouth.

These moves show that the Reds want to build on their success to push on and compete for even more trophies in Slot’s second season at Anfield.

Of course, signing new stars in several positions also means that some players may have to be moved on to make space in the squad, as Jarell Quansah is reportedly set to leave the club.

Fabrizio Romano claims that Bayer Leverkusen have agreed a deal that could be worth up to £35m to sign the England U21 international this summer.

Why selling Jarell Quansah makes sense for Liverpool

Selling a homegrown, 22-year-old, England U21 international may not make much sense at face value, given that he is valuable for the homegrown quota and has plenty of room left to improve.

However, the Reds are in win-now mode after their Premier League success and with the likes of Alisson, Mo Salah, and Virgil van Dijk in the latter stages of their respective careers.

Unfortunately, Quansah has not proven that he has the quality to be a key player when called upon in the Premier League for Liverpool, given his performances for the team in the 2024/25 campaign.

The English youngster was handed a start against Ipswich Town on the opening day of the top-flight season, but was hauled off for Ibrahima Konate at half-time.

After the match, Slot explained that it was because he lost too many duels, telling TNT Sports: “First thing I said is we don’t have to speak about tactics if we lose so many duels and that was what we did. Not that Jarell [Quansah] lost every duel – many of us lost too many duels. But I think we needed Ibou Konate to win these long balls in the air from their No.9.”

Appearances

13

Starts

4

Error led to shot

1

Error led to goal

0

Penalties committed

1

Ground duel success rate

47%

Aerial duel success rate

41%

As you can see in the table above, losing duels was a theme for Quansah throughout the Premier League campaign, as he lost the majority of his battles on the ground and in the air.

The 22-year-old defender, who has lost 53% of his ground duels in the U21 Euros for England this summer, has not shown enough strength as a centre-back to compete week-in-week-out for Liverpool, which is why cashing in on him makes sense at this moment in time.

Premier League club eyeing up Liverpool midfielder

Quansah may not be the only England U21 international to move on from Anfield before the end of the summer transfer window, though, as Harvey Elliott is now being eyed up by a Premier League.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Football Insider, Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in a move to sign the former Fulham prodigy from Liverpool to bolster their midfield options.

The report claims that the Seagulls are confident that they can agree a deal with the Reds to bring the left-footed star over to the AMEX this summer, and that they are one of the frontrunners to land his signature.

It adds that Brighton are capable of matching Liverpool’s £40m valuation of the English playmaker, and it now remains to be seen when they will make an official swoop for his services.

Why Harvey Elliott would be a bigger loss than Jarell Quansah

Losing Elliott would be a bigger blow than losing Quansah this summer because he is more suited to making an impact on the pitch in the here and now.

As aforementioned, the central defender has been disappointing when called upon at the back for the Reds, which is why it makes sense to move him on, but that has not been the case with the attacking midfielder.

When given opportunities to impress, the 22-year-old star has shown plenty of promise for the Reds, with five goals and three assists in 28 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.

The England U21 international, who has scored two goals in four games at the Euros this summer, also produced four goals and 11 assists in all competitions for the Reds in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.

Non-penalty goals

0.66

Top 1%

Assists

0.33

Top 14%

npxG + xAG

0.60

Top 15%

Shot-creating actions

4.48

Top 23%

Progressive passes

8.80

Top 2%

Passes made

64.76

Top 2%

As you can see in the table above, Elliott has been particularly impressive over the past 365 days when called upon by Slot, ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of attacking and possession-based metrics.

These statistics show that the young attacking midfielder offers a lot of value on the ball as a player who can score and create goals, whilst also progressing the play with his passes, which is why it would be a blow to lose him from the squad this summer.

Whilst he may not be a frontline option who is likely to start 50 games next season, his form in the last couple of years shows that he is a very good squad player who can be relied upon when needed, as a starter or off the bench.

This is why losing him to Brighton this summer would be a bigger blow than Quansah’s move to Leverkusen, as the centre-back has not proven himself to be as valuable to the team.

He'd be unplayable with Gordon: Liverpool submit bid to sign £64m forward

Liverpool are planning to sign a new striker this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 24, 2025

Birmingham City are looking to put themselves in contention for promotion to the Premier League and have made contact to sign a prolific goalscorer from one of Europe’s top-five leagues, according to a report.

Birmingham City line up summer signings

The Blues are looking forward to returning after claiming promotion to the Championship last time out, and it is fair to say there is plenty of progress being made in their hunt for summer signings.

Recent reports have noted that Birmingham are hotly pursuing Leeds United forward Mateo Joseph and it is said that Real Betis and RC Strasbourg are also competing for his signature.

Intriguingly, Joseph hasn’t closed the door to an exit from Elland Road, citing his need for regular game time in a recent interview while enjoying some downtime during the off-season.

He stated: “We achieved our goal as a team, but I personally want to be more involved in the final stretch of the season. I think I need more participation to continue developing as a player.

“The season has just ended, and we have to stop and evaluate. We’ve been promoted to the Premier League. We’ll see what the club says, but I want to play more to continue growing.”

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Birmingham City could land their next Christoph Klarer by signing this gem from Germany.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 18, 2025

Oli McBurnie could also join Birmingham after becoming a free agent following Las Palmas’ relegation from La Liga, albeit competition from all angles exists regarding the Scotland international’s availability.

It does feel like the Blues will arrive into the new campaign with a genuine shot at something more than consolidation. However, if they manage to pull off a deal for their latest target, it could signal they are looking to put themselves in the mix for promotion.

Birmingham City eye ambitious Kyogo Furuhashi swoop

According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Birmingham City have made contact with Rennes over Kyogo Furuhashi’s availability after the Japan international fell out of favour in France.

Despite only joining Habib Beye’s men in January for £10 million, the 30-year-old has barely featured and now appears primed for a quickfire exit.

Labelled “excellent” by Brendan Rodgers, Furuhashi has scored 156 career goals, combining his exploits for club and country and is most revered for his time at Celtic, where he became a pivotal force in helping the Scottish champions claim nine major honours.

The former Yokohama F. Marinos man has endured a difficult few months, but a move to Birmingham could be the perfect tonic to reignite his fortunes as the Blues look to put themselves in contention for a return to the Premier League under Chris Davies.

In what would be a frustrating start to his tenure, the 49ers are reportedly ready to take the decision out of Russell Martin’s hands and sell one of his best Rangers stars for a £19m profit.

49ers looking to commence Rangers business

The 49ers have wasted no time before getting things up and running in Scotland. The American owners have already solved Rangers’ managerial problem by hiring former Southampton boss Martin and the transfer rumours have been coming thick and fast ever since. Reports are even now suggesting that the Gers are closing in on signing Josh Mulligan from Dundee to officially get their business underway.

7 teams now chasing 'breakthrough' Rangers talent with contact already made

Martin could suffer a frustrating blow.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 13, 2025

New Dundee manager Steven Pressley has only added fuel to the fire amid that recent rumour, telling reporters that keeping Mulligan will be “easier said than done” this summer. He said when asked about keeping his young star: “I would love to, but it’s easier said than done.

“We’d love to keep certain personnel. There’s a number of players that I think are pivotal to move this club in the right direction and we’ll be working tirelessly to do so.”

Mulligan isn’t the only name on Rangers’ reported radar, however. Recent reports have also linked both Conor Coady and Flynn Downes with a move to Ibrox. The latter worked with Martin at Swansea City and then Southampton in the Premier League last season and may well reunite with his manager for a third time this summer.

The 49ers’ ambition should come as little shock after chairman Paraag Marathe told Rangers’ website after officially arriving: “We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come.”

Building a side capable of bridging the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership may not come without sacrifice, though, and the new owners are already reportedly ready to sell one key man.

49ers ready accept £20m deal for Nicolas Raskin

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, the 49ers are ready to sell Nicolas Raskin for £20m this summer, making £19m profit in the process. The Belgium midfielder is attracting plenty of interest and, as per O’Rourke, Porto, Fiorentina and Marseille are preparing to test the waters in pursuit of his signature.

Whilst Martin is keen to keep hold of his best players, he is also reportedly well aware that the 49ers could take such decisions out of his hands this summer in frustrating fashion.

Losing a player of Raskin’s calibre certainly wouldn’t be an ideal start to the manager’s reign, but it could be a sacrifice that he has to live with when considering the long-term boost that it could provide.

Dubbed “utterly sensational” by analyst John Walker, replacing Raskin will be no easy task for Rangers if they decide to go in pursuit of major profit this summer.

Since the summer of 2003, Chelsea have spent a staggering €3.86bn (£3bn) on transfers.

According to Football Transfers, this expenditure is the highest of any club across Europe. It’s no surprise, given Roman Abramovich and Todd Boehly’s penchant for splashing cash.

This money has been used to sign players who have gone on to win major trophies and become established Chelsea icons in the process.

Eden Hazard immediately springs to mind. The Belgian arrived in 2012 and helped the Blues win two Premier League titles and two Europa League crowns.

Cesc Fabregas and N’Golo Kanté are two midfielders who enjoyed plenty of success at Stamford Bridge, while defenders such as Ricardo Carvalho, Cesar Azpilicueta and Ashley Cole turned into some of their much-loved signings.

Notice, however, that there is a lack of strikers mentioned. Despite having an almost unlimited amount of cash to spend, the club have very rarely signed a centre-forward who has enjoyed much success in London.

Didier Drogba and Diego Costa are two who come to mind. But, players such as Fernando Torres, Andriy Shevchenko and Álvaro Morata struggled to win over the Stamford Bridge crowd due to their consistent finishing.

Could Liam Delap break the mould? Chelsea’s new number nine looks ready to become Enzo Maresca’s main man next season.

Why Chelsea signed Liam Delap

Following Ipswich Town’s relegation at the end of last term, a clause in Delap’s contract stated that he could move for a fee of just £30m.

“It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.” Said the youngster following his move to London.

It comes after a campaign where he found the back of the net 12 times in 37 games for the Tractor Boys in the top flight.

While he has an undisputable eye for goal, the Englishman shone across other metrics in the Premier League this season.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers, Delap ranked in the top 12% for successful take-ons (1.39) per 90, along with ranking in the top 23% for fouls drawn (1.77) and in the top 14% for penalty kicks won per 90 in the top flight last season, showcasing that he’s difficult to deal with for defenders.

Is the manager looking at bringing in another talented youngster this summer, however?

Chelsea’s search for a striker

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is a player who has been routinely linked with a move to the club over the past few weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

It is a deal that Maresca looks keen on getting over the line, but there is another striker whom the Italian might make a move for.

According to Caught Offside, the Blues are now ready to step up their interest in FC Porto forward Samu Aghehowa this summer.

The eagle-eyed Chelsea fans will remember that the club agreed a fee with Atletico Madrid last summer to sign the youngster in 2024, but the move collapsed at the last minute.

Might it be the second time lucky for the Blues this year? Porto are in no rush to sell one of their prized assets, and he has a release clause of €100m (£85m) inserted into his contract.

With Champions League football secured for next season, Maresca has money to spend in a bid to bolster his attacking options.

Signing Aghehowa this summer may break the bank, but in the long term, it would be worth it. Given his form throughout the 2024/25 campaign, the Spaniard would be an even better signing than Delap, that’s for sure.

Why Chelsea should sign Samu

In terms of debut seasons, Samu’s was incredible. Across 42 matches for the Portuguese side, the 21-year-old scored an impressive tally of 25 goals while grabbing three assists.

It may not have been enough to fire the club to a league title, but he has certainly put himself in the shop window with this current form.

Metric

Aghehowa

Delap

Goals

19

12

Assists

3

2

Shots per game

2.7

1.8

Key passes per game

0.6

0.6

Goal conversion percentage

23%

18%

Scoring frequency

119

218

The Spaniard ended up registering a goal involvement every 1.5 games for Porto last season. Compared to Delap, who recorded a contribution every 2.8 games, it is clear who is the more effective frontman.

When compared to Delap domestically, the Porto striker further establishes his dominance across several key statistics.

Not only did the Spaniard register more goals and assists (22 vs 14) than Delap last season in their respective leagues, but he also recorded more shots per 90 (1.15 vs 1.01), won a higher percentage of aerial duels (52.1% vs 42.6%) per 90 minutes and took more touches in the attacking penalty area (137 vs 92) throughout the whole of last season.

He may cost more than Delap, but given the evidence, the 21-year-old is already better than his English counterpart and could be an ideal long-term solution to this problematic area for Chelsea.

Amid his excellent start to the season with his new club, football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed the striker, saying: “Samu is maintaining his fantastic form for FC Porto. 20 years of age. Pace, physicality, aerial ability, bravery, shot power… Such a complete profile for a striker of his age. A true monster in the making.”

High praise indeed for the youngster and he has a bright future ahead in the game. A move to the Blues would allow the player to continue his development while playing Champions League football.

If Maresca can move on Nicolas Jackson this summer, having options such as Delap and Aghehowa would certainly constitute an upgrade by the Italian, no doubt about that.

Much will depend on how much the club are willing to spend on another centre-forward, but as mentioned, this area hasn’t exactly been a success for the Blues over the years. Might things change this summer? Only time will tell.

Chelsea eyeing £70m Ekitike alternative who's a bigger talent than Delap

Despite having already signed Liam Delap for £30m, Chelsea are interested in another “superb” striker to bolster Enzo Maresca’s attacking options.

ByBen Gray Jun 8, 2025

Manchester United come into the summer transfer window needing to strengthen in every area of the pitch.

From the goalkeeper disaster of Andre Onana, to defensive injuries, an ageing midfield and a toothless attack, INEOS need to spend big.

Spend big, yes, but also spend wisely. That’s not something United have done in recent transfer windows. £82m on Antony and £72m on Rasmus Hojlund speaks volumes there.

So, who could join? Well, Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha looks well poised to move to Old Trafford.

The latest on Manchester United's move for Matheus Cunha

While there is talk of a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, the first order of business looks set to be Cunha.

United have been hot on the trail of the Brazilian attacker in recent months and according to reports, the conditions of a deal to sign him for his £62.5m release clause have now been agreed.

Games

33

38

Goals

15

20

Assists

6

8

Earlier this week it was revealed by a number of sources that permission had been granted for the 26-year-old to undergo a medical with his future employers.

It’s safe to say that Cunha enjoyed a fantastic season in the Premier League. Although discipline did prove an issue, there was no doubting the quality of his play when the ball was at his feet.

Indeed, the Wolves talisman scored 17 goals in 36 outings across all competitions throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

A spellbinding player who strikes fear into a large pool of defenders, it’s actually another player from England’s top flight that Wes Brown thinks would be the most game-changing signing.

Wes Brown wants Man United to sign £30m forward

Another player on the club’s radar this summer has been young English striker Liam Delap.

Son of Rory and a Manchester City academy graduate, it would be quite something if he ended up at Old Trafford. Possessing a £30m release clause, it would be a rather simple move to complete, but it does look as though he is now on his way to Chelsea.

Reports on Thursday indicated that a deal was as good as done, thus preventing Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co from making their move.

Still, it’s a move that Brown, in conversation with Football FanCast, wanted to have seen happen at Old Trafford.

Speaking on behalf of BetVictor, the former defender was asked who would be the most game-changing signing out of Cunha, Mbeumo and Delap. He said: “Liam Delap is a great young player. He has had experience of a Premier League season now and he’s that sort of player that you want to be going for.”

Why does Brown think that? “He will get better and he’s talented,” Brown admitted. “He’s not scoring 25 goals a season yet, but he’s only had one full season. That’s what you’re hoping for as a Manchester United fan, young, talented players who have played in the Premier League and know what it’s about, to build yourself back up with better players.”

Signing proven Premier League players is certainly a wise strategy. You only need to look at the way Arsenal found a way to rejuvenate the playing squad under Mikel Arteta, bringing in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Man City, David Raya from Brentford and most famously, Declan Rice from West Ham, to name a few.

United ought to take influence from this as the Ruben Amorim era looks for greener shoots next season.

Gordon Strachan tells Man Utd to sign £30m star who'd be better than Osimhen

Gordon Strachan was speaking to Football FanCast this week.

ByMatt Dawson May 29, 2025