Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is attempting to have his say on the club’s summer recruitment plans, and the Italian has his eyes on one player in particular to reinforce a key area of the squad.
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The west Londoners could make their next signing soon.
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Maresca’s side want to strengthen a number of areas before their manager’s second full season in charge at Stamford Bridge. Over the last week, Chelsea have been holding talks with Borussia Dortmund officials over Jamie Gittens, and it is believed by some that a deal could soon be done.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
Alongside Gittens, Chelsea are reported to still be in the market for another centre-back, which perhaps indicates that at least one of Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, Renato Veiga or Tosin Adarabioyo could be sold.
Even after their £30 million deal for Liam Delap, there are many suggestions that Chelsea could look to sign a second new striker as well, following widely reported talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal for Hugo Ekitiké.
As well as this, Chelsea could still bring in another goalkeeper. As per journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are looking to sell both Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez this summer, with a move for AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan not completely off the table despite failing to reach an agreement before the Club World Cup.
Barcelona keeper Marc-André ter Stegen has been linked in the past week too, so their hunt for a shot-stopper could still be one to keep an eye on.
Enzo Maresca asks Chelsea to sign Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa
According to journalist Christian Martin, speaking to DSports, £150,000-per-week Aston Villa number one Emiliano Martínez is now said to have major admirers at Chelsea, including Maresca.
Best Young Player winner Argentina's Enzo Fernandez,GoldenBall winner Argentina's Lionel Messi,GoldenGlovewinner Argentina's EmilianoMartinezandGoldenBoot winner France's Kylian Mbappe pose
Maresca is “asking” Chelsea to make a move for Martinez, and goalkeeping coach Willy Caballero has also given his seal of approval to the potential transfer.
“They want him as their starting goalkeeper,” said Martin.
“Enzo Maresca is asking for him, Willy Caballero, who is part of the coaching staff and trains the goalkeepers, has already given his approval. For now, Chelsea is a very reliable and precise option.”
The Argentine World Cup winner boasts both top-level quality and proven experience on the biggest stages. After becoming a leader at Villa, there is every reason to believe the 32-year-old could be tempted by the prospect of Champions League football next season and becoming Chelsea’s new number one.
Unai Emery’s side are also under pressure from PSR to sell big-name players before the start of the next football financial year, which begins on July 1, so a deal could well be had here.
Having lay dormant over the last year or so, Liverpool’s recruitment team have sprung into life this summer, enjoying a simply remarkable start to the window to only bolster Arne Slot’s already imperious outfit.
In deals akin to a Football Manager save, the Anfield side have moved swiftly and efficiently to strengthen their hand, having already confirmed marquee deals for Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez – alongside the goalkeeping duo of Armin Pesci and Freddie Woodman.
Florian Wirtz
That has all come before the start of July, with the Premier League champions impressively improving, rather than weakening, their ranks, even amid Trent Alexander-Arnold’s eventual departure.
And there could be more to come yet. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, now with just 12 months remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, remains a top target for the Reds. A replacement for the seemingly departing Darwin Nunez will also need to be found.
Elsewhere, meanwhile, doubts over the future of Luis Diaz could spark the need for a new option on the flanks, with work already being done on that front…
Latest on Liverpool's search for a winger
Had things worked out differently, the Merseysiders may well have signed off on a particularly statement deal a year ago, with a move for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon – which would have seen Joe Gomez head in the opposite direction – failing to come to fruition.
Despite subsequently adding Federico Chiesa to the fold instead, the desire for a new winger has certainly not abated, with recent reports suggesting that Liverpool could be among a raft of clubs in the mix for Lyon starlet, Malick Fofana.
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 TEAMtalk, while it is Everton who appear to hold the strongest interest in the 20-year-old, Liverpool – alongside the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea – have also made an enquiry too, ahead of a potential swoop.
The race for the Belgian’s signature is said to be ‘open’, with top-flight clubs lining up to pounce on Lyon’s current woes, following their recent relegation from Ligue 1.
Lyon's Malick Fofana
That dramatic drop into France’s second tier has left suitors hoping that they can secure Fofana’s signature for below the previous €50m (£42m) asking price, ensuring a potential bargain could be up for grabs.
Why Liverpool should pounce for Malick Fofana
For all the wisdom of looking within the Premier League for a ready-made figure like Kerkez, there is a real intrigue over plucking an exciting young talent from abroad, with the Reds already raiding the Bundesliga for one of their brightest stars, in the form of Wirtz.
Still just 22, the £116m man has arrived in English football off the back of a stunning stint at Bayer Leverkusen, having registered 122 goals and assists in just 197 games for the German side. In the words of The Athletic’s Bundesliga correspondent, Seb Stafford-Bloor, the playmaker is “already one of the best footballers [he’s] ever seen live”.
What also stands out regarding the rising star is his innate versatility, having showcased his ability to feature off either flank, as a number ten, or even as a false nine for both club and country to date.
That flexibility is seemingly shared by the “explosive” Fofana – as hailed by data analyst Ben Mattinson – with the former Gent ace having also operated on the left or right wing in his senior career thus far, as well as a centre-forward or attacking midfielder.
Where the Belgian is also akin to Wirtz is in their dribbling prowess, with the Lyon man ranking in the top 2% of his peers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, while his German counterpart ranks in the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.
Jamie Gittens – Borussia Dortmund
8
4
12
Kenan Yildiz – Juventus
7
5
12
Eliesse Ben Seghir – Monaco
6
3
9
Malick Fofana – Lyon
5
4
9
Antonio Nusa – RB Leipzig
3
4
7
Jean-Matteo Bahoya – Frankfurt
2
3
5
Jesus Rodriguez – Real Betis
2
1
3
Mamadou Diakhon – Stade Reims
2
1
3
Yan Diomande – Leganes
2
1
3
Bazoumana Toure – Hoffenheim
0
3
3
Of course, the latter man is the superior talent – as his record of 22 goals and assists in the league showcased last term – but Fofana has also dazzled when given the chance, providing five goals and four assists in Ligue 1 in 2024/25, despite starting just 16 games.
That solid return has ensured that Fofana ranks in the top 10% of his European colleagues for non-penalty goals, at an average of 0.47 per 90, with that actually placing him ahead of Wirtz, who averaged 0.38 for that same metric.
Much like the ex-Leverkusen man ranked among the brightest stars in the Bundesliga, Fofana is a diamond in his own right in Ligue 1, having even been noted as being ‘Eden Hazard-like’ due to his ability to weave his way past defenders.
And so, having already forked out for one exceptionally exciting talent in the form of Wirtz, Liverpool and Slot could now raid another of Europe’s top five leagues in similar circumstances.
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While the Premier League’s elite have been spending money by the bucketload – Liverpool and Manchester City, we’re looking at you – Arsenal have been idle.
Should we be surprised? Not really. Over the last two transfer windows, the Gunners have failed to improve their forward line and efforts to finally sign a striker so far this summer have been fruitless.
Two names dominate the headlines with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres at the forefront of their minds. The trouble is, both deals look complicated.
Reports from Sky Germany suggest that Arsenal are unwilling to pay RB Leipzig’s asking price for Sesko, while it was claimed in Portugal a few days ago that they have paused their efforts to sign Gyokeres, instead looking at Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Signing a new centre forward isn’t the only thing on the agenda for Andrea Berta this summer.
Arsenal’s hunt for a new winger
Due to a number of factors, chiefly Bukayo Saka’s workload and the inconsistent form of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal need a new winger this summer.
Unfortunately, it now looks as though it’s unlikely that’ll be Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish sensation, Nico Williams.
The north Londoners have been interested in the 22-year-old for over a year now but the wide attacker is prioritising a move to Barcelona, his dream club, instead.
As a consequence, interested parties in the form of Arsenal and Chelsea have ‘cooled’ their interest in the words of The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
With that blow fresh in the mind, it looks as though Arsenal have been ramping up their efforts to sign Real Madrid star, Rodrygo.
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That’s according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who took to social media on Tuesday afternoon to reveal that Mikel Arteta and Co have a ‘genuine interest’ in the Brazilian.
Exploratory talks dating back to May have already been held with the player’s representatives but it will take a fee of around £77m to convince the Spanish giants to sell.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo
Madrid have a new manager in the shape of Xavi Alonso and it appears as though the former midfielder isn’t too keen on Rodrygo. Consequently, Arsenal should do all they can to convince the player to jump ship.
How Rodrygo compares to Nico Williams
Williams has swiftly been thrust into the limelight over the last year when aged just 21, he was one of the players of the tournament at Euro 2024 as his nation won the title.
The left winger was fabulous throughout, most notably scoring the opening goal in the final against England.
Since then, however, he’s failed to truly kick on, even if the frightening potential still lurks within.
Williams has never been a rampant goalscorer, finding the net on just five occasions in the league this season.
Rodrygo, on the other hand, would be capable of offering Arteta the added goals he needs his side to produce if they are to challenge for the title and Champions League.
Last season, Martinelli and Trossard managed to score just 16 goals between them in the 73 Premier League matches they featured in. Well, in his own last 73 LaLiga matches, Rodrygo has a better record than both players combined, scoring 20 times.
While 2024/25 wasn’t his best campaign, shoved out on the right-hand side to accommodate Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, this is a player who is far more comfortable in front of goal than someone like Martinelli, and crucially, Williams too.
You only have to cast your minds back to 2022/23 when the Brazil superstar found the net 19 times, bettering Martinelli’s best season haul of 15, which coincidentally came in the same campaign.
Another string to Rodrygo’s bow is not just his versatility – able to play up front or on either flank – but his creativity.
Games
159
141
141
125
Goals
50
33
35
28
Assists
30
18
26
29
Goals per game
0.31
0.23
0.24
0.22
G/A per game
0.42
0.36
0.43
0.45
Analysing the data, Williams is also a particularly creative individual, thriving in that area more than his goalscoring.
However, Arsenal are still proficient creators of chances. What they need is someone capable of sticking the ball in the back of the net and Rodrygo has done that on a far more regular basis in all competitions since 2022 than Martinelli, Trossard and Williams.
Last term, no player in red and white reached double figures for goals. Kai Havertz was their top scorer with 15 and they ended the campaign with Mikel Merino playing as a makeshift striker.
On that evidence, Arsenal need a centre-forward, but they also need more contributions from elsewhere on the pitch. Madrid’s “world-class superstar”, as he’d been described by teammate Luka Modric, would certainly help in that regard.
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Arsenal are looking at signing one of Europe’s best young prospects this summer.
Brentford are keen to bank maximum value on their star forward, the £60m-rated Bryan Mbeumo, this summer, meaning Newcastle United have hope yet in pipping Manchester United to his signature.
However, Mbeumo has intimated his desire to sign for Old Trafford, and thus Eddie Howe and his transfer coterie will need to turn toward alternative targets.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match
Having already missed out on Man United-bound Matheus Cunha, a bounce-back is needed, for sure. And Newcastle might just be centring on the perfect new forward.
Newcastle lining up new forward
Though Tynesiders will be relieved to hear The Athletic’s David Ornstein declare there’s “no chance” Alexander Isak will be leaving the club this summer, the need for more firepower is evident.
That’s why, as per Sky Sports report Rob Dorsett, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is on Newcastle’s shortlist, with Howe in particular desperate to bring in such an attacking profile.
The 24-year-old is expected to leave the AMEX this summer – amid admirers in the Premier League and in Europe – and Brighton will do business if their €70m (£59m) valuation is met.
Why Joao Pedro would be perfect for Newcastle
Though Pedro attacks from a central berth, and Mbeumo is a principally right-sided forward, he could regardless fill in a hole at St James’ Park, should Callum Wilson depart at the end of his contract later this month.
Brighton forward Joao Pedro
Joining Brighton from Watford in a deal just shy of £30m in June 2023, Pedro has scored 30 goals and provided ten assists across 70 appearances in all competitions.
Across his two years on the south coast, the former Hornets star has converted 19 goals in the Premier League, only missing 17 further big chances, as per Sofascore.
Moreover, Pedro drifts out to the left before arcing inward, suggesting Howe could utilise the Brazilian across central and wide berths, maximising his dynamic and skilled approach and indeed his suitability at Newcastle, with the manager apt to field such flexible players as Anthony Gordon across different parts of the frontline.
Centre-forward
119
34
18
Left winger
40
14
0
Attacking midfield
27
8
1
Right winger
5
0
0
As per FBref, he also ranked among the top 1% of Premier League forwards this season for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90. Such qualities have led the data-driven site to draw him against the two aforementioned forwards.
Yes, the £50k-per-week star’s creativity and ball-playing skills are not unlike those of the dynamic Mbeumo and indeed Cunha, whose exploits with Wolverhampton Wanderers have led journalist Nathan Juddah to describe him as a “maverick” and a “flawed genius”.
Pedro’s countryman, indeed, created 13 big chances in the English top flight, and given United only finished eighth for big chances created this term, you can see why Howe is demanding such a profile.
Moreover, his discussed clinical quality aligns with that of Mbeumo, who has been hailed as “one of the best wingers in the Premier League” by The Athletic’s Jay Harris after scoring 20 top-flight goals across the year.
This player, a veritable conglomeration of Newcastle’s desired profiles, would be perfect for Newcastle, aiding Isak and, through his “magical” talent on the ball, as has been noted by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, he might just hit the ground running.
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Eddie Howe wants to sign some new forwards at Newcastle this summer.
It’s been a tale of two halves for Everton this season.
The mood was dour when Sean Dyche’s side dragged themselves to the Premier League campaign’s midpoint, 16th after successive losses against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, their 15-goal haul better only than Southampton, a team that have since failed to pull themselves from the pit of the division, utterly miserable throughout.
A different trajectory for David Moyes’ Everton, though. The Scottish manager replaced Dyche shortly after those aforementioned defeats and has now sealed a 13th-place finish, far more optimism, far more fluency, and a new sense of hope that simply wasn’t there during the Farhad Moshiri era.
Everton manager DavidMoyes
However, Dyche left the club in a somewhat stable fashion. No doubt, he needed to go, but defensive foundations had been laid and solidified, and one or two positive additions were welcomed last summer – namely, the £15m signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille.
Moyes will also thank his lucky stars for Jarrad Branthwaite, who has grown into his role as one of the country’s most talented defenders over the past few years.
Jarrad Branthwaite is Everton's biggest star
A formidable presence, Branthwaite might only be 22 years old, but he’s shaped into one of the most powerful and precise centre-backs in the Premier League.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Described as an “absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig last season, Branthwaite has continued to prove himself Everton’s defender par excellence, more athletic and accurate than James Tarkowski and with an underrated technical side too.
Dyche and Moyes’ tactical approaches preclude fluid ball playing with the regularity that Branthwaite perhaps wants (he will be frustrated at having been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad), but interest from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United make a telling comment on the high regard he is held in by possession-focused outfits.
Matches (starts)
35 (35)
30 (28)
Goals
3
0
Assists
0
1
Clean sheets
12
8
Touches*
52.2
51.9
Pass completion
80%
83%
Ball recoveries*
5.2
3.1
Tackles + interceptions*
3.3
2.1
Clearances*
4.5
6.3
Duels (won)*
5.3 (68%)
3.9 (63%)
As you can see above, he’s maintained a brilliant level across the past two campaigns, and it’s no surprise he was absent through injury during the 2024/25 season’s opening, when Dyche’s Toffees were at their nadir.
But would you believe it, he hasn’t actually been Everton’s best defender this season. Moyes will thank his stars for Branthwaite and Ndiaye and so on, but Jake O’Brien may well have been the most astute signing of them all.
Why Jake O'Brien has been even better than Branthwaite
When analysing the role O’Brien has played for Everton this season, it becomes clear that he’s been an instrumental part of the club’s success in steering away from relegation danger and erecting a framework for a promising new era under the wing of The Friedkin Group.
Jake O'Brien celebrates for Everton
Everton signed the Republic of Ireland international from Lyon last summer for a £17m fee, but he failed to make more than a smattering of appearances for Dyche, playing two cameos in the Premier League before Moyes’ first match in January against Aston Villa.
Since coming off the bench at Goodison Park on that day, the 24-year-old has started 16 top-flight fixtures, principally at right-back, missing just one game due to injury.
He’s scored crucial goals in 1-1 draws against Brentford and West Ham United and has kept four clean sheets, winning 55% of his duels and averaging 4.3 clearances per game, as per Sofascore. He hasn’t made a single error.
Typically a central defender, O’Brien’s emergence on the right has been something of a masterstroke from Moyes, with Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman, who have a combined age of 75, both approaching the end of their contracts and lacking the powerful physicality and mobility of this rising star, whose defensive roots actually align with Moyes’ vision too.
Hailed “an absolute revelation” for the Merseysiders by TNT Sports commentator Adam Virgo, O’Brien has indeed proved his positional dynamism, his roundedness and his willingness to provide his services in any way Moyes sees best fit, and to a high standard at that.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 13% of Premier League full-backs this season for goals scored, the top 2% for clearances, the top 5% for aerial battles won, and the top 7% for long passes completed.
Everton's Jake O'Brien
That final metric, his ranged distribution, is an interesting one. The 6 foot 6 O’Brien might be perfunctorily categorised as a hulking defender, good in the air and solid against onrushing forwards, but lacking on the technical side.
However, this simply isn’t the case. His crisp forward passing opens up a dimension for Moyes, who is rooted in his pragmatic style but open to advanced tinkering, creating a layered style that has worked a treat for Everton as they prepare to transition to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Jake O'Brien
It’s probably fair to say that Everton would have been in a spot of bother, had Moyes failed to: a) recognise O’Brien’s potential as a moonlighter at right-back or b) find he had the Irishman in his squad to begin with.
O’Brien has been brilliant, adding a defensive dimension that has kept Coleman and Young on the back burner. With Nathan Patterson unreliable on the fitness and, consequently, form fronts, his performances have maybe even been instrumental.
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With Abdoulaye Doucouré set to leave Everton after Sunday’s visit to Newcastle, does David Moyes already have a ready-made replacement?
Liverpool are making some shrewd moves in the market as they look to build on winning the Premier League title and could now strike for a world-renowned star with talks having already taken place, per a report.
Jeremie Frimpong set for Liverpool medical
Arne Slot and his squad are still basking in the glory of becoming top-flight champions, but there has already been significant movement on the transfer front at Anfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, which has pivoted focus to who could potentially replace the academy graduate’s phenomenal attacking output at right-back.
Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies in action with Bayer Leverkusen'sJeremieFrimpong
Reports suggest Jeremie Frimpong is the answer and is set to undergo a Liverpool medical on Monday before he completes his £29.5 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Commenting on the Reds’ transfer plans this summer, Slot stated: “So, there’s always an ongoing process and we have to make sure that we are prepared if we can strengthen the squad.
“But it’s difficult to strengthen this squad. There’s a reason why we won the league – because we have so many great players.”
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The Dutchman may have a point. However, it would be naive not to expect Liverpool not to try and capitalise on their status as Premier League champions.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has become a known target at Anfield, giving an inkling towards the type of smart recruitment that is expected to occur at Anfield this summer.
Typically, Liverpool have a distinctive style of adding to their squad that is more in line with squad synchronisation as opposed to star appeal.
However, there can be room for both if the Reds’ latest pursuit under is anything to go by.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Florian Wirtz hold discussions
According to The Mirror, Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has held talks with Liverpool boss Slot to discuss his summer transfer plans as interest begins to mount in the Germany international.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also touched base to find out more about where he envisages landing and the Citizens are said to be plotting a double swoop for the 22-year-old and Tijjani Reijnders before the Club World Cup.
Labelled “world-class” by Gerhard Struber, Wirtz has registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions this season, which may go some way to explaining why his valuation sits at a figure in excess of £100 million.
Becoming one of the most talked about stars in Europe, he has excelled as the foil for the main attacker and could now emerge as a source of creative inspiration for the likes of Mohamed Salah should he move to Anfield.
Having said that, Manchester City’s hunt to replace Kevin De Bruyne could be a roadblock as he deliberates before deciding on his next desitination.
Celtic were crowned champions of Scotland for the fourth time in as many seasons when they beat Dundee United 5-0 at Tannadice Park at the end of last month.
The Hoops ran out 5-0 winners against the Tangerines away from Parkhead to clinch the title, thanks to two goals apiece from Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn after an own goal from Ryan Strain.
Brendan Rodgers has now won the league title in both of his seasons since returning to Glasgow in the summer of 2023 to replace Ange Postecoglou in the dugout at Celtic Park.
The Northern Irish head coach will be aiming to make it a hat-trick next season, but he will have to do it without one of his star players for a significant portion of that campaign.
Jota hobbled off in the win over Dundee United, and it has since been confirmed that he suffered cruciate ligament damage, which is set to keep him out of action for between six and nine months.
This means that the Portuguese dynamo, who joined from Rennes in January on a permanent deal, could miss a significant chunk of the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Why losing Jota to injury is a big blow for Celtic
Losing Jota to a long-term knee injury is a big blow for Celtic because he is a top-quality forward who has proven, across two spells, that he can make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch in Scottish football.
The Hoops reportedly splashed £8m to sign the winger from Rennes in January, 18 months on from his £25m move to Al Ittihad from Parkhead, to bring him back for a second stint in Glasgow.
As you can see in the graphic above, Jota provided a consistent threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Scottish giants in his first two seasons at the club under Postecoglou in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns before his big-money exit.
The 26-year-old talent scored four goals, created three ‘big chances’, and registered two assists in seven starts in the Scottish Premiership this season, prior to his injury.
Goals
0.63
Top 3.8%
Expected Goals
0.48
Top 5.8%
xG on target
0.67
Top 3.8%
Shots on target
1.42
Top 3.8%
Assists
0.32
Top 19.2%
Expected Assists
0.37
Top 7.7%
Chances created
1.89
Top 25%
As you can see in the table above, Jota ranks highly among his positional peers in the division as both a goalscorer and as a creative threat from the left wing, which illustrates just how impressive he has been since returning to Celtic.
These statistics, along with his form from his first two seasons at the club, speak to how much of a blow it is to lose him for up to nine months, because Rodgers has lost a fantastic talent who can score and create goals consistently.
Celtic, however, could land a perfect replacement for Jota in the upcoming summer transfer window by swooping for one of their reported targets.
Celtic's interest in £7m forward
The Daily Record recently reported that the Hoops had an interest in Sarpsborg forward Sondre Orjasaeter, and that they tried to sign him at the start of the year to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.
It was also claimed that the Norwegian outfit value the winger at around £7m, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Bhoys are willing to splash that kind of cash on him this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Back in the January transfer window, 67HailHail reported that the Scottish giants made an offer of £4.4m to sign the impressive youngster, only for the bid to be turned down by Sarpsborg, who value him at £7m as aforementioned.
Celtic must react to the news of Jota’s long-term injury blow by reigniting their interest in Orjasaeter to bring him to Parkhead as a perfect replacement for the Portuguese winger in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Why Sondre Orjasaeter would be the perfect Jota replacement
Positionally, the 21-year-old talent could be an ideal signing to come in for Celtic because he is a right-footed forward who predominantly plays off the left flank, like Jota.
Similarly to the Hoops number seven, Orjasaeter is also a slim winger who uses his pace, agility, and technical ability to drive his team up the pitch by taking on opposition defenders.
Jota
The Sarpsborg star has averaged 2.3 completed dribbles per game in the Eliteserien in the 2025 campaign, and averaged 2.4 completed dribbles per match in the 2024 season.
No Celtic player, meanwhile, has completed more than 1.9 dribbles per match. This suggests that Orjasaeter could come in as the dribble king for Rodgers on the flanks, consistently taking on full-backs to create dangerous moments in the final third.
The £7m-rated Celtic target’s form in the Eliteserien – Norway’s top-flight – since the start of last year also suggests that he has the quality to make a big impact when he gets into those dangerous positions.
Appearances
28
4
Goals
5
0
Big chances missed
5
1
Big chances created
12
4
Key passes per game
1.9
1.8
Assists
5
1
Dribbles completed per game
2.4
2.3
As you can see in the table above, Orjasaeter has created 16 ‘big chances’ in his last 32 appearances in the league for his club, an average of one every other game.
Meanwhile, with 35 league games on the board for Celtic this season, Alistair Johnston (15) is the only player with more than 11 ‘big chances’ created for the Hoops this term.
This suggests that the Sarpsborg magician has the potential to be Celtic’s main man for creativity if he can carry that form over to Scottish football for Rodgers next season and beyond.
Therefore, Orjasaeter could be the perfect replacement for Jota for many reasons, including his position, his style of play, his dribbling skills, and his creativity, which is why the club must press ahead with a swoop for him in the summer transfer window.
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Manchester United have contacted the representatives of an “elite” player ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford this summer, according to a new transfer update.
Man Utd must replace under-fire players
Ruben Amorim will be targeting lots of new signings in various areas of the pitch ahead of next season, bringing in players who can perfectly suit his style of play. There are individuals who simply need to be improved upon if United are to make a big jump up the Premier League table, with an upgrade on Andre Onana required in goal. The Cameroonian has enjoyed good moments in a Red Devils shirt, but he makes too many mistakes to be the long-term option between the sticks.
Manchester United'sAndreOnanaduring the warm up before the match
Similarly, changes are needed down the middle of United’s attack, with neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee looking like they will lead the line competently enough for years to come. Both remain relatively young, in fairness, but a world-class striker would make a huge difference.
Napoli ace Victor Osimhen has been mentioned as an option for Amorim, with the Nigerian expected to leave permanently having spent this season on loan at Galatasaray, while Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui has been backed to come in as an alternative choice.
Man Utd make contact with agents of Joan Garcia
According to Cope [via Sport Witness], Manchester United have made contact with Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia’s entourage over a summer move to the club, as they look to nail an upgrade on Onana.
The 23-year-old is described as a standout player for his side this season, and there is hope that the Red Devils could sign him for as little as £21m, triggering his release clause in the process. That figure will rise to £25.5m in the final 15 days of the summer transfer window, though.
Espanyol's Joan Garcia makes a save
Meanwhile, Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza has admitted that a move away isn’t out of the question, saying: “There’s a lot of noise, but nothing is happening. There’s no firm movement like there was in the previous [summer] window. There may be movements because he’s a top-level goalkeeper, but we’re calm, and most importantly, the kid is very calm.”
Garcia could be just what United are looking for this summer, with the Spaniard an impressive young ‘keeper already proving himself is one of Europe’s top leagues. He has started 32 games in La Liga for Espanyol this season, winning five Man of the Match awards from WhoScored in the process, and analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as “elite”.
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His coach, Manolo Gonzalez, has even compared him to Lionel Messi: “Joan Garcia is going to be a global reference, no doubt about it. I really hope so, because he deserves it, both for his ability and for who he is. It’s like when Barcelona had Messi. There were tough matches, and Messi would resolve them. Well, we have that in goal with Joan Garcia.”
All this points towards Garcia being a fantastic addition for United ahead of the 2025/26 season, and given his age, he could be a regular for the next decade if the move is a successful one.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is preparing to table an official bid for one “top” and “underrated” player, which is expected to arrive before the end of this 2024/2025 campaign.
Arsenal plan for summer window amid Champions League campaign
Mikel Arteta and his squad are fresh off the back of a stunning 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this week, courtesy of two sublime free-kicks from Declan Rice and a fantastic Mikel Merino finish.
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The historic night in north London gifts Arsenal real hope they could go on to become favourites for their first ever Champions League title, but first they must finish off the 15-time champions of Europe on away turf.
Brentford (home)
April 12th
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
April 23rd
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
The three-goal cushion hands Arteta’s side major breathing room, but Real have shown a tendency to mount dramatic comebacks in Europe over the years, so you can never discount Los Blancos and Arsenal will need to put in another rip-roaring display.
The semi-finals are within touching distance, and if they go on to win the competition, this campaign would be seen as a major success despite their failed Premier League title challenge, so there is still everything for Arsenal to play for.
That being said, Arteta will be desperate for his team to put in a much more successful shift for the league next season, as Arsenal look to end their two-decade-long-plus wait for a domestic crown.
When it comes to this, Berta’s influence will be crucial, and the transfer chief is said to already have big plans to reinforce the squad this summer.
Arsenal could make up to seven major signings across the squad, as per GiveMeSport, and one of Berta’s key aims is to bring in a prolific striker.
RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko, Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Ipswich Town ace Liam Delap and Sporting CP marksman Viktor Gyokeres have all been repeatedly linked, but it is the latter who appears to be gaining most traction.
There are even murmurs that Arsenal are ready to hand Gyokeres a £192,000-per-week contract to join them, while the reliable David Ornstein has claimed the Gunners are growing more and more keen on the Swede.
Andrea Berta preparing Arsenal bid for Viktor Gyokeres
According to an update from Portugal, courtesy of A Bola, club-to-club talks could begin pretty soon as well.
They report that Arsenal are “already” preparing a bid for Gyokeres, which will land before the end of 2024/2025, and Arteta’s side are currently the most “serious candidates” for his signing in England, ahead of Man City and Liverpool.
Given the presence of Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich in the race for his signature, Sporting are convinced that there will be an auction, which could inflate his final price to near his release clause of £87 million – despite his starting price of £61 million.
Gyokeres, for his part, is “attracted” by the Arsenal project and is keen on joining. Berta will also have £202 million to splash on three big-name signings this summer, including the Sporting star, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Called a “top player” by Arsenal keeper David Raya, there are those who believe Gyokeres is also “massively underrated”, which is a pretty understandable verdict considering he’s yet to secure a big move despite his ridiculous profiency abroad.
Echoing last season’s heroics, the 26-year-old boasts 44 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions, with another 11 assists to boot. Surely now is the time for clubs to take the plunge.
Chelsea took another big step towards Champions League qualification last night, with Enzo Fernández’s second-half strike securing all three points over Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s men now occupy a place in the Premier League’s top four with just eight games to go, looking to end the league season on a high alongside a potential Europa Conference League title.
Whilst it wasn’t a vintage game, a triumph over your London rivals is always a good result, with points on the board being the crucial factor at this stage of the campaign.
The Blues welcomed back numerous key players during the victory, undoubtedly boosting their credentials of returning to the biggest competition in European football.
One of which managed to impress in West London last night, finally looking back to somewhat near his best after a tricky few weeks compared to his usual high standards.
Chelsea’s star performers against Tottenham
Midfielder Moises Caicedo enjoyed another superb display at the heart of the Chelsea side, with his British-record £115m fee now looking to be a bargain.
The 23-year-old featured for the entirety of the contest, winning four tackles and nine duels – with both of his subsequent figures the highest of any player on the pitch.
Attacker Cole Palmer was recalled to the starting eleven after missing the clash with Arsenal before the international break – finally ending his unheard-of drought within the final third.
The England international had gone eight games without a goal and an assist before setting up Fernandez, who landed the match’s winning goal in the 50th minute.
However, despite the performances of the aforementioned duo, one player is undoubtedly becoming the club’s most important player, with any hopes of landing Champions League qualification falling onto his shoulders.
The Chelsea player who’s becoming their most important player
There’s no denying that over the last couple of years, Palmer has constantly been the player to deliver the goods for Chelsea, often getting the side out of various tricky scenarios.
However, his recent drought is evidence that other players need to come forward to help Maresca achieve his ambitions of leading the club back to where they belong.
Argentine midfielder Fernandez has done exactly that over the last couple of months, notching 14 goal contributions since the start of November – undoubtedly the best run of his Blues career.
Questions were raised about his talents after the hierarchy forked out £106.8m for his signature in January 2023, but his showing last night was further evidence that he was worth the big money fee.
The 24-year-old took the armband with Reece James on the bench, with his performance just that of a captain, managing to complete 91% of the passes he attempted.
Minutes played
89
Touches
61
Passes completed
41/45 (91%)
Goals scored
1
Tackles won
1/1 (100%)
Interceptions made
1
Recoveries made
4
Fernandez also registered 61 touches and made nine passes into the final third – looking to have a positive impact on proceedings at any given opportunity.
Defensively, the former Benfica star was just as impressive, winning 100% of the tackles he entered, whilst making one interception and four recoveries, helping the side register another clean sheet.
His goal was the cherry on the cake of a phenomenal outing, with The Express’ Alex Turk handing him a 7/10 match rating to reinforce his positive display in West London.
He’s certainly stepped up his game under Maresca in the last couple of months, with the Italian now reaping the rewards of the faith he showed in the midfielder during his tricky start to the campaign.
Such showings could prove vital between now and the end of the season, with Fernandez potentially playing a crucial role in any success the club endures between now and the end of May.
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