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Dominic Solanke has struggled to match the demands placed upon him at Tottenham Hotspur after joining in a big-money transfer back in the summer of 2024.

The Englishman cost a club-record £65m from AFC Bournemouth a little over 12 months ago, but he’s failed to put a regular run together within the first team squad.

He’s made 49 appearances in his two years in North London, only two of which have come in 2025/26, with his outings only totalling a dismal 31 minutes.

Solanke may have netted 16 times across all competitions last campaign, but ultimately, such a record is way below what was expected upon his big-money transfer to join the Lilywhites.

However, the fanbase could have a reason to be excited, with the prospect of the players who Solanke replaced potentially being teed up for a return to the club in the near future.

The latest on Kane’s potential return to Spurs

Club-record goalscorer Harry Kane left Spurs in an £82m deal back in the summer of 2023, joining German giants Bayern Munich in an attempt to win trophies.

It’s safe to say he’s been a success in the Bundesliga, scoring 98 times in his 103 appearances for the club – catapulting Vincent Kompany’s side to the title last season.

However, the 32-year-old could be set for a dream return to his boyhood club in the near future, with the Lilywhites having first priority if he is to move back to the Premier League.

Such news has led to current boss Frank stating that he would welcome the talisman back to North London with open arms – but cast doubt that such a move would happen anytime soon.

Kane is likely to have a release clause worth £56.7m becoming active in the summer of 2026, further generating excitement among the fanbase – understandably so given his tally of 280 goals for the club.

However, regardless of whether he does rejoin the Lilywhites in the near future, the club already have another talent in their ranks who could emulate his success in the capital.

The Spurs star who could be the new Harry Kane

In an attempt to battle for Premier League glory, Spurs have shifted their recruitment focus over the last couple of years, subsequently targeting young talent over recent years.

Lucas Bergvall is just one example of such a talent, joining in a £8.5m deal from Swedish side Djurgarden back in the summer of 2024, subsequently having an immediate impact despite his tender age.

The 19-year-old has since racked up over 50 appearances across all competitions, starring in key moments and arguably being one of Frank’s most important players in the 2025/26 campaign to date.

However, they’ve already got another impressive youngster lined up, with Irish striker Mason Melia set to join the club from St Patrick’s Athletic in the January transfer window.

The 18-year-old has already made a name for himself in his homeland, scoring 12 times and registering three assists in his 30 league outings during this calendar year.

His latest showing against Cork City saw him bag two goals in just 64 minutes, now currently sitting as the division’s second top goalscorer despite his tender age.

Irish Premier Division top scorers (2025)
Player (age)	Tally
Padraig Amond (37)	13
Mason Melia (18)	12
Moses Dyer (28)	10
Owen Elding (19)	10
Michael Duffy (31)	9
Liam Boyce (34)	8
Rory Gaffney (35)	8
Ademipo Odubeko (22)	7
Stats via FotMob

Such form has seen him even be included in the Ireland U21 squad over recent times, subsequently scoring twice in as many appearances – already starring against players multiple years above his age group.

Melia himself spoke glowingly about Kane upon his agreement to join the Lilywhites, stating that the Englishman was a player he looks up to in his career.

The teenager, who’s been labelled “relentless” by analyst Ben Mattinson, is currently averaging 0.5 goals or assists per 90 in Ireland, a simply remarkable feat given his teenage years.

His tally of 1.5 shots on target per 90 further demonstrates the clinical edge he possesses when in front of goal, potentially being a key first-team member in North London for many years to come.

It’s unclear upon his transfer in January whether Melia will be a first-team player or originally link up with the academy – but it’s clear he is a talent who does possess huge amounts of potential. As noted by talent scout Jacek Kulig, he is the “Irish Harry Kane”.

If he can make the same impact as Kane in North London, he will certainly go down as one of the best talents in their history – but he could also link up with the Englishman if he returns to join Frank’s side in the near future.

The best since Kane: Spurs talent could steal the #10 shirt from Maddison

Tottenham Hotspur may already have a star who could be Thomas Frank’s new number ten.

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 23, 2025

Thomas Frank has made an impressive start to life as Tottenham Hotspur manager, suffering only one defeat within his first nine matches since his appointment in the summer.

The Dane’s only defeat came against Bournemouth in the Premier League on gameweek three and are now currently enjoying a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

However, it’s not all been straight-forward for the 51-year-old, with the Lilywhites having to come from two goals down to draw with Bodo Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

His side have scored 17 goals across all competitions in 2025/26, averaging nearly two goals a game to date, highlighting the impressive form of the side in the final third.

Such a record could’ve certainly been bolstered further had the hierarchy kept hold of one player who was sold during Frank’s first window in charge this summer.

Heung-min Son’s successful spell at Spurs

Back in the summer of 2015, few Spurs fans would’ve predicted the superb spell forward Heung-min Son would have at the club after joining from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

The South Korean spent a decade in North London, often being a first-team regular, subsequently racking up incredible figures which made him a huge fan favourite.

The winger racked up over 450 appearances between 2015 and 2025, scoring 173 times, which ranks him fourth in the club’s all-time goalscoring charts.

Despite not starting the Europa League final, he lifted the trophy as captain and helped end the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy in his final outing for the football club.

Son would leave the side this summer in a £20m deal, subsequently joining MLS outfit LAFC, leaving new boss Frank with the near-impossible task of landing a replacement.

Mohammed Kudus was brought into the club during the off-season, but his addition was undoubtedly made to strengthen the options on the opposite flank.

However, the Dane may already have his own version of Son in the near future, with such a talent already on their books in North London – potentially saving the club millions in the process.

The Spurs star who could be Frank’s heir to Son

Spurs have a number of impressive young talents within their ranks at present, highlighting the impressive work of their academy and their recruitment team over recent days.

Graduate Mikey Moore is just one of the players who has made the rise through the youth levels, making 19 senior appearances for the Lilywhites last season despite being just 17.

The injury crisis last season gave him the chance to stake his claim, but he’s been sent on a season-long loan to Scottish side Rangers in an attempt to gain consistent game time to aid his progression.

However, he’s only featured for a total of 215 minutes across all competitions for Russell Martin’s side, with just three of his appearances coming from a starting position.

He’s not alone in being sent out on loan to try and gain valuable experience, with South Korean forward Min-hyeok Yang also spending the 2025/26 out on loan.

The 19-year-old joined the Lilywhites from Gangwon FC back in January, undoubtedly being brought into the club for the future years rather than the present.

Such a deal was undoubtedly an exciting one, with the youngster scoring 12 times in his 38 appearances for his homeland club, prior to his switch to England earlier this year.

Yang would spend the second half of last season on loan at QPR, scoring twice and registering one assist in his 14 Championship outings at Loftus Road.

However, he was once again shipped out to England’s second tier, this time joining Portsmouth on a season-long loan, even netting his first goal for the club against Watford on Wednesday night.

Given his recent spells away from North London, he’s yet to make a single senior appearance for the club, but that could certainly change in the years ahead, given his tender age.

Games played

3

Goals & assists

1

Pass accuracy

75%

Touches in opposition box

5.6

Fouls won

2.8

Recoveries made

4.5

Shots on target

1.7

Chances created

1.1

At just 19, Yang has plenty of time to live up to the potential he’s arrived with, potentially being the perfect option for the first-team off the left-hand side for many years to come.

Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by his compatriot at Spurs, it would be yet another phenomenal piece of business and one that could save them millions if he turns into a potential world-beater.

Spurs flop is proving to be their biggest waste of money since Ndombele

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have made a huge mistake in signing one talent in recent years.

2 ByEthan Lamb Oct 2, 2025

Celtic are set to be extremely busy in the closing hours of the transfer market.

After failing to qualify for the Champions League this week, dumped out by Kairat on penalties in the play-off round, Brendan Rodgers is demanding signings ahead of a Europa League campaign.

Well, he has so far got his wish, with winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha arriving from Royal Antwerp for £5m, while left-back Marcelo Saracchi has also joined on a season-long loan from Boca Juniors, with a £2m option to buy.

However, Celtic supporters’ main focus remains the striker situation, so could the Celts land their number one target, a forward reminiscent of Giorgos Giakoumakis?

Celtic's search for a striker

Somewhat out of nowhere, as reported by various sources, Swansea City have agreed to sign Adam Idah for £7m.

The Republic of Ireland international only joined Celtic permanently for £9.5m last summer, but has yet to nail down a regular starting spot, hooked at half time of the miserable Champions League first leg against Kairat at Parkhead.

Idah successfully completed a medical in South Wales on Friday, but will only be allowed to leave if the Hoops secure a replacement.

So, as reported by the Herald, Celtic’s first-choice target to be just that is Kasper Dolberg.

The Hoops’ opening bid has been rejected, with Anderlecht valuing the Danish international at around £8m, with the Celts ‘yet to match’ this valuation, after initial talks.

Transfer Focus

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

The Belgian club are, somewhat, under pressure to sell, having crashed out of the Conference League on Thursday, beaten 2-0 by AEK Athens, but are ‘reluctant’ to lose their star attacker, so will Celtic make an offer that satisfies the record-34-times Belgian champions?

What Kasper Dolberg would bring to Celtic

Still only 27 years old, it feels like Dolberg – who Peter Bosz once claimed can “become absolute world-class” – has been around forever.

The Dane first burst onto the scene at Ajax, scoring an impressive 45 goals in 119 appearances for the Amsterdam-based giants, a key figure in the side that reached the Europa League Final in 2017 and the Champions League semi-finals two years later.

This form earned him a big-money move to Nice in the summer of 2019 but, despite scoring 11 Ligue 1 goals during his first season in the French Riviera, he did not live up to expectations.

He was shipped out on loan to Sevilla and then Hoffenheim, scoring no goals for los Nervionenses and just two in the colours of die Kraichgauer, but has really rediscovered his best form since moving to Anderlecht two summers ago.

In 95 appearances for the Purple and Whites, Dolberg has accumulated 44 goals, only two players bettered his tally of 18 in last season’s Jupiler Pro League, scoring five goals already this season, on target against Häcken, Sheriff Tiraspol and AEK Athens in UEFA qualifiers.

His form in Brussels has also seen Dolberg work his way back into the international picture, likely to be leading the line for Denmark against Scotland in a World Cup qualifier next Friday night.

So which Celtic striker from the not-too-distant past would Dolberg be reminiscent of?

Well, like the Dane, Giakoumakis joined Celtic in his mid-20s, having bounced around various European clubs, as the table below documents.

Clubs

6

7

Appearances

324

186

Goals

115

57

Assists

31

12

International caps

55

6

International goals

12

1

As the table notes, Dolberg in the present day has achieved far more in his career than Giakoumakis had when he was signed by Ange Postecoglou in August 2021.

Well, the Greek international made quite the impact at Parkhead, scoring 26 times in Hoops, averaging a goal every 97 minutes, picking up the Premiership golden boot during his sole full-season in Glasgow.

Thus, if Dolberg could replicate anything like that, he would be a roaring success, surely representing a major upgrade on the outgoing Idah.

Rodgers can forget Yang: Celtic in talks over late move for £5m sensation

After crashing out of the Champions League against Kairat, Celtic need new attackers, now in talks to sign a £5m Yang Hyun-Jun upgrade.

Aug 28, 2025

After a pretty miserable couple of weeks in which West Ham United lost games against Sunderland, Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers, there is finally reason to be optimistic about this season.

Yes, after weeks of stories about offers being made and rejected, Graham Potter has finally been handed his new midfield star in Mateus Fernandes.

The former Southampton ace cost the club in excess of £40m, but considering how well he played in his first Premier League season last year, that’s not bad value at all.

Moreover, if reports are to be believed, the Hammers are now keen to add another signing to the squad, someone Fernandes would love to play with.

West Ham target perfect teammate for Fernandes

While things aren’t looking great on the pitch at the moment, West Ham’s summer is starting to look like a decent one, at least from an incomings perspective.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, in addition to Fernandes, the club have signed the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters, El Hadji Malick Diouf, and Soungoutou Magassa, who is should be announced before the team play Nottingham Forest tomorrow afternoon.

Moreover, the East Londoners appear keen to make further additions to the squad and are eyeing a move for someone who’d be a brilliant teammate for Fernandes.

At least that is according to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, who has claimed West Ham are interested in Quinten Timber.

The German journalist has revealed that the Hammers are now “exploring” a deal to sign the Netherlands international, who Feyenoord value at £25m, per reports from earlier this summer.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given his quality, Timber would be more than worth it, especially as he’d be a great teammate for Fernandes.

Why Timber would be a great teammate for Fernandes

So, the first, and arguably one of the most important reasons Fernandes will love playing with Timber is his surprisingly decent level of output.

We say surprisingly decent for the simple fact that the Dutchman is primarily a central midfielder, but as his numbers from last season show, he is more than capable of producing goals and assists.

For example, in his 26 appearances last season, totalling 2054 minutes, the “extraordinary” midfielder, as dubbed by Mikel Arteta, scored six goals and provided one assist, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.71 games, or every 293.42 minutes.

Timber’s 24/25
Appearances	26
Minutes	2054′
Goals	6
Assists	1
Goal Involvements per Match	0.26
Minutes per Goal Involvement	293.42′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

While those aren’t ground-breaking numbers, it will be reassuring for the Hammers’ new Portuguese manager to know that the responsibility of producing goal involvements won’t fall solely on his shoulders.

The next reason the Dutchman would be such a brilliant teammate for the Irons’ new ace is his experience and leadership.

Despite still being just 24 years old, the former Ajax prospect has made 105 appearances for Feyenoord and 33 for Utrecht, and has won five senior caps for the Netherlands.

Moreover, he’s also the captain of De Stadionclub, so, in addition to knowing he can contribute with goals and assists, the former Saints gem will be able to rely on the “superb” midfielder, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, for guidance and leadership.

Ultimately, Timber would be an excellent signing on his own, but by playing him alongside Fernandes, West Ham could maximise the potential of both.

Their new Rice: West Ham now exploring move for £17m star after Magassa

The combative star would be an excellent signing for Graham Potter and West Ham.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 28, 2025

Jose Mourinho aimed a playful jibe at Manchester City when being quizzed on the 74 charges that are now hanging over Chelsea. The Portuguese coach, who has taken in two spells as Blues boss, finds himself back at Stamford Bridge for a Champions League fixture. The ‘Special One’ has returned to his homeland as the new boss at Benfica, with the 62-year-old having lost none of his ability to entertain when speaking to the media.

Ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho back at Stamford Bridge

The enigmatic tactician is famed for generating headlines with his behaviour on the touchline and in the press room, with Mourinho having no issue with being centre of attention. He is that again at present as an emotional reunion with a former club – one where he previously delivered three Premier League title triumphs – is taken in.

Chelsea have been back in trophy-winning mode of late, savouring Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs in 2024-25. They have, however, also been stung with 74 charges by the Football Association relating to alleged breaches of regulations concerning dealings with football agents, intermediaries and third party investment in players. Those charges cover a 13-year period from 2009 to 2022, although most relate to the 2010-11 and 2015-16 campaigns – with Mourinho’s last stint with the Blues coming to a close in December 2015.

AdvertisementGettyCharges hanging over Chelsea & Man City

Chelsea are not the only Premier League side to have fallen under a monetary microscope, with City still waiting to discover their fate in a Financial Fair Play (FFP) saga that involves at least 115 historical charges dating back to 2009. They have always maintained their innocence, but various punishments have been speculated on, ranging from points deductions to expulsion from the English top-flight.

Asked about Chelsea’s supposed misdemeanours ahead of a European fixture in west London, Mourinho quipped back with: “Not Man City? I've no idea. I've no idea about it. I've no idea what the charges are, I will try to understand.”

Mourinho will always be a blue & is a fan of Maresca

The outspoken Portuguese added on his strong professional ties to upcoming opponents: “Of course I will always be a blue. I'm part of their history and they are part of mine. I helped them to become a bigger Chelsea and they helped me to become a bigger Jose. When I say I'm not a blue, I'm talking about the job I have to do. There are not many clubs that do these pictures. There is a fear in many clubs about what happened in the past. Sometimes it looks like they want to delete people who made history in the clubs. This shows Chelsea are a big club.”

Mourinho will be locking tactical horns with Enzo Maresca, a man he considers to have done a fine job since inheriting the reins at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2024. He said of the Italian coach, who was one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants at Manchester City before heading out on his own again and guiding Leicester to the Championship title in 2024: “Honestly, I don't know the model. I never studied their model. There was a set period where myself, from the outside, was putting some question marks [on it] because it looked like Chelsea had lost their identity as a club. But what happened in the last season got things back on track. They gave trust to Enzo and gave his ideas. He's fitted in well with the philosophy of the club.”

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Getty/GOALChelsea & Benfica form guide ahead of Champions League clash

Chelsea head into their meeting with Benfica having emerged victorious in just one of their last five games in all competitions. That solitary success came against League One side Lincoln in the Carabao Cup. Defeat was suffered against Harry Kane and Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener, before going down in domestic clashes with Manchester United and Brighton.

Benfica are unbeaten in their opening three games under Mourinho, picking up seven points in the Portuguese top tier, with their iconic boss returning to where it all began for him as a manager back in 2000.

Everton needed to leave Elland Road with a point or with three, and with a positive performance to set the tone ahead of their first full season under David Moyes in his second stint as manager.

But Leeds United made it a winning return to the Premier League with a contentious late penalty from debutant Lukas Nmecha, leaving Moyes hot under the collar as his side built back from an abject opening 45 minutes.

For the second season running, the Toffees have started the campaign with Jarrad Branthwaite on the sidelines, and his brawn and bustle was certainly missed as the Whites sent their opponents packing 1-0.

Everton miss Branthwaite at Elland Road

Everton are considerably better when Branthwaite is in the starting line-up. The England international is powerful and commanding and a seamless partner alongside James Tarkowski, but a hamstring injury ruled him out and might keep him in the infirmary for several more weeks.

Especially in the opening half, Everton were well and truly under the cosh, and Branthwaite would have made a big difference.

There were encouraging signs. Everton’s fluency will improve throughout the season, and they still produced a combative performance against Leeds, winning 51% of the match duels and winning 81% of their tackles, whereas Leeds only won 53% of theirs.

Keane put in a solid display, all in all, and has enough to deputise when called upon.

However, Jake O’Brien flattered to deceive, and though he’s dependable, the Republic of Ireland international showed exactly why they need to spend before the end of the month.

Jake O'Brien showed why Everton need to spend

Sean Dyche’s Everton signed O’Brien from Lyon for £17m last summer, but it was only under Moyes’ wing that he took flight, starting 17 of the 19 league fixtures after the Scotsman took charge.

He did very well, and with Ashley Young having left at the end of his contract and Nathan Patterson injured once again, it looks like the right-back berth is his once again, unless The Friedkin Group complete a signing in the final few weeks of the transfer window.

A solid defender, the 24-year-old is tenacious and composed but struggles to add to the offensive charge, something that was underscored by his involvement against Leeds on Monday evening.

Jake O’Brien vs Leeds

Match Stats

#

Minutes played

90′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Distance covered

10.7km

Touches

60

Accurate passes

12/27 (44%)

Key passes

0

Possession lost

27x

Dribbles

0/3

Tackles

2

Clearances

2

Duels won

7/14

Data via Sofascore

He only completed one of his eight attempted long passes and failed to complete a key pass, losing the ball 27 times in trying to add some attacking impetus.

Leeds vs Everton ratings supplied by Sofascore.

Everton have been linked with Manchester City’s Rico Lewis in recent days, clearly focused on adding a new dimension. It’s clearly needed after the display at Elland Road, even if The Liverpool Echo handed O’Brien a 6/10 match score, acknowledging that he kept Wilfried Gnonto rather quiet.

But he was the weak link in a backline that found itself breached through Tarkowski’s adjudged handball, proving to be even worse than Keane, who kept moving out into the middle of the park and threatening the balance of Moyes’ outfit.

The thing is, O’Brien is a robust athlete and a stern defender, and he’s done a fantastic job since Moyes’ appointment in covering at right-back, but it would be an egregious error on TFG’s part not to sign an upgrade, someone who can naturally play on the right side of defence.

WhoScored recorded that Leeds registered more xG (2.28) than any other team in the Premier League across the opening matchweek.

If that’s not a stark illustration of the need for defenders, players such as a new right-back, then what is?

Related Their new Stones: TFG begin talks to sign "special" £26m star for Everton

Everton still hope to make a few signings before the end of the summer transfer window.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Aug 18, 2025

O’Brien’s a good player, but at times Everton will need a different type of full-back to progress play and add lanes to the attacking flow. Leeds exposed that fact on their return to the big stage.

MatériaMais Notícias

A vitória do Palmeiras diante do Corinthians no último sábado (29), no Allianz Parque, pelo Brasileirão, foi uma partida especial para Raphael Veiga. O meia, recuperado de lesão muscular na coxa, foi titular no clássico e teve uma noite ‘de gala’, balançando a rede e distribuindo assistência. Com o gol marcado, o camisa 23 alcançou a artilharia do Verdão em Dérbis no século.

> Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Veiga se igualou a Luiz Adriano e Romarinho como os maiores artilheiros no clássico desde 2001: cinco gols para cada. Além disso, o meia, que é o maior artilheiro do clube em clássicos no século XXI, ‘desencantou’ e marcou o seu primeiro gol contra rivais nesta temporada.

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Agora, o craque do Palmeiras soma 14 gols diante dos rivais desde que chegou ao clube, no final de 2016. Foram cinco contra o Corinthians, quatro contra o Santos e cinco contra o São Paulo. Atrás dele está o atacante Dudu, que já anotou 12 gols em clássicos.

Veiga é o vice-artilheiro do Verdão no ano com seis gols. Diante do Timão, o meia encerrou um jejum de dois meses sem balançar a rede de qualquer adversário. A última vez havia sido diante da Ferroviária, em fevereiro, na vitória por 2 a 1, pela primeira fase do Paulistão.

> ATUAÇÕES: Em retorno “de gala”, Veiga é decisivo em vitória do Palmeiras no Dérbi pelo Brasileirão

Após a vitória no Dérbi, o Palmeiras se prepara para o seu próximo compromisso: a Libertadores. O Alviverde enfrenta o Barcelona-EQU, na próxima quarta-feira (3), em Guayaquil, às 21h30, pela terceira rodada da fase de grupos da competição continental.

Chelsea’s opening Premier League match is under three weeks away, yet it doesn’t appear as though Enzo Maresca is finished with his transfer business.

Despite adding plenty of talent to his already bloated squad, including the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens, the Italian is still on the hunt for more attacking players.

Over the previous few weeks, Tyler Dibling, Karim Adeyemi and even Real Madrid starlet Goncalo Garcia have all been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge.

While initial links have been established, nothing concrete has been made regarding any of these three players as of yet.

All of Maresca’s attention is being taken up by the potential transfer of Dutchman Xavi Simons.

The RB Leipzig starlet is edging close to a move to the Blues, and given his performances in the Bundesliga since the summer of 2023, could he be the final piece of the attacking jigsaw for the club?

Any move could potentially go through at some point this week, but what exactly will the former PSG sensation bring to Chelsea?

Why Chelsea are trying to sign Xavi Simons

On Sunday, journalist Ben Jacobs gave an update on X regarding the club’s pursuit of the attacking midfielder.

“Chelsea advancing talks with Xavi Simons. Terms now broadly in place,” said Jacobs. “Club-to-club talks ongoing. Chelsea expected to place a first formal offer soon after verbal discussions over numbers. Talks described as positive.”

If all goes to plan, Maresca could be welcoming Simons to Stamford Bridge sooner rather than later, and it will give him more firepower.

The playmaker could cost Chelsea a reported £70m, but on the surface, this could be money well spent by the London outfit.

The Blues return to the Champions League this season for the first time since 2022/23. As such, signing someone who can make a difference in this competition makes perfect sense.

Step forward, Simons. When compared to his positional peers in the Champions League last season, the Dutch starlet was sublime across a range of performance metrics.

Not only did he rank in the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.88), but the 22-year-old also ranked in the top 2% for shot-creating actions (5.91) and in the top 11% for progressive carries (3.22) in Europe’s premier club competition.

With ambitions heightened ahead of European competition next term due to the club’s success at the Club World Cup this summer, signing Simons would give Maresca a chance of taking his team deep in the tournament.

Given that João Félix seems to be moving on in the next few days, with Chelsea recouping the same fee that they paid for him a year ago, there is space for Simons to come in.

Despite his obvious strengths and his growth potential, do the Blues really need to make him a priority signing?

Indeed, it’s arguable that their defence needs more work ahead of the Premier League campaign.

Chelsea closing in on another signing

The links to attacking players seem to grow day by day, but there haven’t been as many defenders linked with a move to the club.

One player whom the club have shown plenty of interest in, however, is Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues “will be in direct contact” with Hato regarding a potential deal. Romano also went on to state that Hato “only wants Chelsea” which should pave the way for Maresca to wrap up this deal as soon as possible.

David Ornstein of The Athletic has further reported that personal terms have already been agreed with Chelsea closing in on a deal that may be worth around £40m.

The squad is heavily stacked from an attacking perspective, but there is no doubt that Chelsea needs another couple of defenders to freshen things up.

As such, could Hato turn out to be an even better signing than Simons ahead of the 2025/26 campaign?

Why Hato would be a better signing than Simons for Chelsea

One reason why Maresca is keen on adding the teenager to his squad is surely due to his positional flexibility.

Over the course of his embryonic career thus far, Hato has played 88 games at left-back and 70 matches as a centre-back.

Games played

11

33

31

Goals scored

0

1

2

Assists

0

2

6

Touches per game

57.4

94.8

67.2

Accurate passes per game

42.6 (91%)

72.8 (93%)

45.2 (90%)

Total duels won per game

3.1

5.5

4.1

Clean sheets

1

5

11

Last season, however, saw the 19-year-old operate on the left side of the defence and he showcased his talents, both going forward and defensively.

In the Eredivisie. The defender helped Ajax keep 11 clean sheets while he averaged 1.9 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and was dribbled past only 0.3 times per match.

Along with his eight goal contributions, Hato also managed to create six big chances in the top flight, while averaging 0.6 key passes per match, thus displaying plenty of attacking intent for his club.

Furthermore, when compared to his positional peers in leagues similar in reputation to the Dutch top-flight over the previous 365 days, Hato ranked in the top 5% for assists (0.21) per 90, along with ranking in the top 11% for touches in the opposition penalty area (2.33) per 90.

On this evidence, Hato would offer plenty at both ends of the pitch for Chelsea, thus giving Maresca a major boost.

There was no doubt that the 2024/25 season was his major breakout campaign for the Dutch giants, one that was largely praised by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

“Jorrel Hato is having an excellent season,” said Kulig. A fantastic mix of complete full-back, playmaking full-back, and ball-playing centre-back. Over 100 games for Ajax and 6 caps for Oranje at 19. Immense quality and experience for such a young defender.”

Simons will bring something extra to the Chelsea attacking department; there is no doubt about that. Still only 22, he will only go from strength to strength in the next few years.

Hato, on the other hand, may well turn out to be the better signing for the Stamford Bridge outfit given that the Blues are already stacked in offensive areas.

By signing both players, it would signal yet another statement of intent by Maresca. Chelsea will surely be a force to be reckoned with this season if the squad can gel swiftly.

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Nottingham Forest have now tabled a new bid for an “exceptional” Premier League attacker who Tottenham also want with Morgan Gibbs-White.

Nottingham Forest suffer Gibbs-White blow

The Reds had so many star performers like last season, from Murillo to Chris Wood, but Gibbs-White is arguably the most prized asset at the club, proving to be such an influential figure since arriving from Wolves.

Sady, Forest are on the brink of losing the 25-year-old this summer, though, with Tottenham triggering the £60m release clause in his contract. He was previously linked with a move to Manchester City, but it now looks as though Spurs have got their man.

It is a massive setback for the Reds, given the quality that Gibbs-White possesses both in and out of possession – he scored seven goals and registered eight assists in the Premier League last season – with Nuno Espirito Santo always speaking highly of him during their time together at the City Ground: “Morgan is a very special player for us. Very important, talented, the work rate on the pitch, but to allow Morgan to have these moments a lot of things happen behind, hard work by the boys and this is very important.”

It’s now a case of Forest using the Gibbs-White money wisely this summer, and a new update suggests that a move for a top-quality Premier League player could be on the cards.

Nottingham Forest make new bid for Premier League forward

According to the reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic on X, Nottingham Forest have now tabled a “fresh offer” for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, as new global head of football Edu looks to strike a cheeky deal of well under the £50m the Bees want for the DR Congo international this summer.

“Nottingham Forest renew pursuit of Yoane Wissa – fresh offer made to Brentford for 28yo Congo striker. Bid falls under £25m NFFC were prepared to pay in Jan window & considerably lower than BrentfordFC valuation; in excess of £50m.”

Interestingly, Tottenham have also held talks with Wissa’s representatives as they look to transform their side with moves for Gibbs-White and Mohammed Kudus.

Wissa could be an outstanding signing for Forest ahead of next season, having shone so brightly throughout the 2024/25 campaign, scoring 19 goals in the league.

The 28-year-old shouldn’t take any time to hit the ground running, having already proven himself in the Premier League, and former Brentford manager and new Spurs boss Thomas Frank lauded his performances during last term.

“15 Premier League goals – wow! That’s exceptional and it’s down to Wissa but also down to how we play and how we create chances and big moments.”

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There are few negatives to Forest signing Wissa, even though at 28 years of age he isn’t necessarily getting any younger, and by the looks of things, a move to the City Ground is one to watch this summer.

Arsenal are making serious moves behind-the-scenes as new sporting director Andrea Berta looks to make a real impression on English shores, with the 53-year-old thought to be closing in on another target.

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The Gunners confirmed Kepa Arrizabalaga’s arrival in N5 earlier this week.

The now-ex-Chelsea goalkeeper comes in as Berta’s first official signing since he replaced Edu in late March, but Kepa is widely expected to be followed by Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who could even be announced as a new Arsenal player on Thursday (Team News and Ticks).

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

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

£5m

After agreeing a deal for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard recently, which could reach up to £15 million, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano now says that all the necessary paperwork has been exchanged for his transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta and co will ideally welcome the signing of Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera as well, as talks remain ongoing with the La Liga side in an attempt to strike their fourth deal of the window. Valencia did attempt to offer the 21-year-old a new contract to ward Arsenal off, but he’s apparently determined to join Arteta’s side.

“Cristhian Mosquera’s plan remains clear: he wants to join Arsenal project despite new contract proposal from Valencia,” said Romano on X.

“Full focus on negotiations with #AFC as personal terms are agreed, and new bid will be needed after opening one for €14m, rejected.”

Berta has many plates spinning right now, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze also firmly on their radar.

Arsenal talks with Eberechi Eze "well advanced"

Earlier this week, it was reported that Arsenal held “positive” talks with Eze’s representatives last weekend, and like Mosquera, he’s pretty keen on the idea of joining.

Now, according to French newspaper L’Equipe, Arsenal’s negotiations with Eze are “well advanced”, and all that is really left to do is trigger the England international’s release clause to strike a full agreement.

This comes after “further moves” in “recent hours”, as the outlet reported on Wednesday afternoon, so it appears Berta and co have upped the ante in their pursuit since their weekend discussions.

It is worth noting that Palace have no intention of accepting an offer lower than Eze’s £68m clause, with Arsenal told the exact price needed to make the 27-year-old their next major signing.

It is currently unclear what the ex-QPR star is demanding in terms of salary, with Eze on a reported £100,000-per-week in south London right now, but it could end up being quite a costly operation overall.

However, after his best-ever season at Palace with 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, there is little denying he’d seriously upgrade Arteta’s squad.

“His journey has been unique,” said pundit Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports.

“He’s had disappointments in his academy life, released from clubs, found a new journey and a different pathway for himself. He’s got to this level and now he’s an England international.

“This kid, no disrespect to Palace, could go on and play for one of the top teams. He’s got that individual brilliance; he’s got the awareness when he’s dribbling to keep his head up and bring others into play. I speak to other players that play against him, and they say he’s such an elusive player, unpredictable in the way that he carries the ball, but also [his strength].”