All posts by h716a5.icu

Chelsea are making moves for their desired summer transfer targets, with BlueCo reaching out to yet another player who’s keen to leave Bayern Munich.

Chelsea hold talks with Dean Huijsen and Jorrel Hato's agents this week

As per reliable Stamford Bridge journalist Simon Phillips, both Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato and Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen have been subject to approaches from Chelsea in the last few days.

Julian Alvarez is now urging Atletico Madrid to sign £69m Chelsea star

The Argentine is desperate to team up with him in Spain.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 18, 2025

As per the reporter’s sources, writing via his Substack, Chelsea held talks with Hato and Huijsen’s representatives, just before their Europa Conference League loss to Legia Warsaw in west London, with Enzo Maresca on the hunt for new defenders this summer.

Trevoh Chalobah is likely to leave Chelsea again this summer, despite being recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace in January, while Wesley Fofana has been sidelined through yet another long-term injury.

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

Ajax mainstay Hato is able to provide cover at both centre-half and left-back, so the Netherlands international is an astute option, while Huijsen’s £50 million release clause has piqued interest from Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea after his excellent campaign at Bournemouth (David Ornstein).

The competition for both men’s signatures will be fierce, though, so Maresca’s side will have earmarked a number of defensive targets ahead of the 2025/2026 season.

Chelsea must get this summer’s transfer window right, and Maresca also has a chance to bring players in early ahead of their Club World Cup campaign, following confirmation from the Premier League that there will be an additional transfer window open from June 1st to June 10th.

Up to £100 million in prize money will be on the line during this year’s CWC, so Chelsea will be keen to reinforce areas of the squad in time to compete.

Chelsea contact Kim min-Jae with defender keen to leave Bayern Munich

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, it is now believed £198,000-per-week Bayern defender Kim min-Jae is a target for Maresca’s side.

The South Korean, with nearly 70 international caps, is apparently “very open” to departing the Allianz Arena this summer, despite being trusted by Vincent Kompany as a consistent starter.

Chelsea have reached out to min-Jae’s camp for discussions, as per Aouna, but Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have done the same, as both sides look to reinforce their backlines.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to England for years, with Tottenham registering an interest in min-Jae during Antonio Conte’s tenure in charge.

Back in 2020, during José Mourinho’s time at Spurs, it was also reported that Son Heung-min was pushing the club to sign min-Jae – so he’s clearly highly-rated by his peers behind-the-scenes.

While there is certainly more than one issue at Manchester United, much of the current problems can be centred around the long-standing woes of one key position – centre-forward.

Since arriving from Atalanta on a £64m deal back in 2023, Rasmus Hojlund has just scored 24 goals in 88 games in all competitions. Another Serie A import, Joshua Zirkzee, scored just seven times during his injury-curtailed debut campaign in Manchester.

Prior to Hojlund’s arrival, Erik ten Hag had been forced to rely on an injury-prone Anthony Martial for much of 2022/23, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s hasty exit, a fact that led to the shock, short-term signing of two-goal loanee, Wout Weghorst.

The January addition of the Dutchman marked the lowest ebb in United’s search for a stop-gap, short-term striker – following the days of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and Odion Ighalo – while the desire for more long-term acquisitions, like Hojlund and Zirkzee, has also backfired.

Season

Player

Goals

2024/25*

Bruno Fernandes

8

2023/24

Bruno Fernandes & Rasmus Hojlund

10

2022/23

Marcus Rashford

17

2021/22

Cristiano Ronaldo

18

2020/21

Bruno Fernandes

18

2019/20

Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial

17

2018/19

Paul Pogba

13

2017/18

Romelu Lukaku

16

2016/17

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

17

2015/16

Anthony Martial

11

2014/15

Wayne Rooney

12

2013/14

Wayne Rooney

17

2012/13

Robin van Persie

26

That latter pursuit has sparked speculation surrounding the capture of Ipswich Town’s 22-year-old talisman, Liam Delap, although Ruben Amorim’s side need a proven, ready-made goal machine to arrive through the door this summer.

The latest on Man Utd's striker search

Alongside the desire to bring in a new number ten, in the form of Matheus Cunha, the latest reports indicate that the Red Devils are also ramping up their pursuit of Delap, with the Englishman available for £30m this summer, amid Ipswich’s imminent return to the Championship.

The former Manchester City academy graduate has enjoyed a fine season regardless of the club’s collective woes, after scoring 12 Premier League goals, although such a move would still represent a risk, considering he scored just eight times for Hull City in the Championship last term.

With that in mind, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is among those seemingly under consideration as a potential upgrade, while The Mirror have only recently reported that Amorim and co are keen on a deal for Napoli’s Victor Osmihen.

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 the report, the Old Trafford outfit are ‘pushing’ to strike a ‘cut-price’ deal for the Nigerian sensation, with Amorim said to have made the on-loan Galatasaray man his ‘top striker target’.

The belief is that United are keen to strike a bargain £40m deal with the Serie A side, capitalising on the fact that the 26-year-old is set to enter the final year of his current contract back in Naples.

Amorim is said to ‘favour’ a move for Osimhen, ahead of Delap, and it’s easy to see why…

Why Osimhen could be the best signing since Bruno Fernandes

It has been made clear that INEOS are keen on pursuing a youth-centric approach to transfer dealings, a fact showcased with the recent signings of Patrick Dorgu (20) and Ayden Heaven (18), during the January transfer window.

That desire to plan for the future is all well and good, but United are crying out for figures who can instantly hit the ground running in Manchester. No longer can Amorim and co afford to play the waiting game.

Going down the route of signing the likes of Hojlund simply hasn’t worked, with the Old Trafford hierarchy needing to snap up players entering their peak years – much like with the capture of Bruno Fernandes in January 2020.

From his Man of the Match performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers on debut, the Portuguese playmaker has looked every bit a Manchester United player. Fast forward just over five years, and the now-30-year-old boasts 96 goals and 85 games in all competitions for the club.

It could be argued that bringing in Osimhen would represent a signing of similar ilk, with the former Lille man having ripped it up wherever he has been, as evidenced by his career tally of 144 goals in 258 club games.

Previously the driving force behind Napoli’s Scudetto success in 2022/23 – in which he scored 26 league goals – the towering striker is currently thriving out in Turkey, having only recently powered to 30 goals for the season across all fronts.

Lauded as the “best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, Osimhen looks like a centre-forward at the peak of his powers – much like Fernandes represented in his final full season at Sporting CP.

Games (starts)

24 (22)

33 (33)

Goals

21

20

Goal frequency

89mins

147mins

Big chances missed

21

7

Big chances created

10

9

Assists

4

13

Key passes*

1.1

3.2

Pass accuracy*

67%

75%

Successful dribbles*

0.6

0.9

Possession lost*

7.7

22.8

While yet to sample Premier League action, Osimhen has proven himself in France, Belgium, Italy and now Turkey, with it unlikely that he’ll find the jump too great a challenge next term.

In the case of Hojlund, United can hardly be too surprised by his current woes, considering he scored just ten goals for Atalanta prior to moving to Manchester. The promising Dane is a player of potential, but in Osimhen, Amorim could find the real deal.

Indeed, with club legend Gary Neville stating that Fernandes is the only signing of the last decade who has “done more than I thought he would”, perhaps the Napoli outcast could be the best addition since the Portugal star’s arrival.

New Cantona & Berbatov: Man Utd on the verge of signing £90k-p/w "maverick"

Man Utd appear to be closing in on what could prove to be a real marquee move

ByRobbie Walls Apr 22, 2025

Set to return for his second spell behind the scenes at Tottenham Hotspur, Fabio Paratici has reportedly set his sights on signing a Premier League-winning defender this summer.

Tottenham eyeing back-to-back wins

After defeating Bodo/Glimt to take one step into the Europa League final in midweek, Tottenham now have the chance to secure back-to-back victories in all competitions for the first time since beating Manchester United and then Ipswich Town at the end of February. In a London derby no less, Ange Postecoglou has the opportunity to keep his side in the winning habit ahead of a vital second leg in the Europa League next week.

Tottenham in contact with "quick" target as Paratici plots first move back

Paratici has reportedly reached an agreement to return.

ByTom Cunningham May 3, 2025

The Australian spoke about Tottenham’s visit to the London Stadium in his pre-match press conference whilst confirming a number of injury doubts, telling reporters: “Dom is not too bad. He is still a bit sore from last night, but we don’t think it’s anything serious. Obviously, [Solanke is] a doubt for weekend. Madders, we’re a bit more concerned about.

“He was heading for a scan [on Friday]. We’re just wait to hear that outcome. Sonny is working hard. He’s out on the grass every day. We’ll see how he’s going by [next] Thursday.”

With next week’s Europa League trip in mind, it seems unlikely that any risks will be taken by Spurs even as a London derby awaits. Aside from bragging rights over their rivals, the North London club have nothing to play for as they head into their final four Premier League games in a season to forget domestically.

It’s become clearer every weeks that Spurs must welcome a number of reinforcements this summer if they are to turn thing around under Postecoglou and the return of Paratici should certainly help on that front. If reports are anything to go by too, the sporting director is wasting no time before setting his sights on key targets.

Tottenham chasing Eric Garcia deal

According to reports in Spain, Spurs now wants to sign Eric Garcia in what could be a cut-price deal given Barcelona’s financial struggles and also Paratici’s first capture back in the helm.

The former Manchester City defender has endured a mixed spell back in Spain, which included a loan spell at Girona, and could now be on his way back to the Premier League. Spurs aren’t the only side interested, however. They reportedly face competition from Girona, Real Sociedad, Real Betis and Como ahead of the summer transfer window – potentially leaving Garcia with a decision to make.

Of course, the Spaniard already knows exactly what it takes to perform at the highest level in England’s top flight after he became a Premier League champion at Manchester City. And although the Tottenham challenge would throw up different obstacles, that experience would likely go a long way in North London.

It was during his time at The Etihad that Garcia earned impressive praise from manager Pep Guardiola, who told reporters: “Incredibly clear guy, and he’s able to lead the line. He’s so clever. Played incredible attention of that and played well. He’s going to play a lot of minutes,”

Arsenal are second in the Premier League and a game away from a Champions League final. It’s been a good season, right? Right…? Think again.

You may well read this thinking that Arsenal fans are entitled, but the fact of the matter is this has actually been a particularly arduous season.

The club failed to sign anyone in January and as a result, are now paying the price. Injuries have been their downfall at various points in the season, as too have some bizarre levels of officiating. The latest saw Evanilson score with his arm on Saturday. VAR didn’t think there was anything wrong with it.

Then, there has been a remarkable level of underperformance in the Premier League ever since January. To sum up Mikel Arteta’s woes, the club have dropped 21 points from winning positions in the Premier League this term, their joint-most ever in a single season, level with 2019/20.

Meanwhile, for all of the praise set-piece coach Nicolas Jover gets for their attacking set-plays, Arsenal have conceded 38.7% of their league goals from set-pieces this season, the biggest proportion of all Premier League clubs.

So, how do Arsenal go about improving their poor track record? Hard work, of course, but the transfer window must be better optimised than it was over the winter.

Arsenal's plans to sign a new forward

There are plenty of attacking players on the club’s shortlist with Sky in Germany reporting over recent days that new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is pushing for the signing of Sporing striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

The Gunners are still keen admirers of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak but it feels like that deal will be a particularly tough one to get over the line given the Toon’s alleged £150m asking price.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are keen to strengthen in wide areas with the likes of Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams still on their radar and Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz the subject of interest.

Any player they do sign, Arteta will certainly hope he’ll be a great deal better than Raheem Sterling. Sadly, that might not be the case.

Indeed, according to reports in Brazil over recent days, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are two clubs that have made enquiries to sign Antony.

Yes, that’s the Manchester United Antony, the winger Erik ten Hag and Co famously signed from Ajax for £85m.

The Brazilian is on loan at Real Betis in Spain at the moment, and they are also interested in signing him on a permanent basis in the summer.

Another Raheem Sterling for Arsenal

It’s safe to say that the addition of Sterling, arriving on loan from Chelsea on deadline day in the summer transfer window, has been a bit of a disaster.

As the England international penned terms at the Emirates Stadium, the winger suggested that “you will see the best of me.” Sadly, that hasn’t been the case.

It’s been a remarkable fall from grace for the 30-year-old who has made 27 appearances in 2024/25, only scoring once.

Everything Sterling seems to do is done with a lack of confidence and that was apparent when he missed a penalty in the Champions League against Girona a few weeks ago.

Even with Bukayo Saka out injured, the forward struggled to get into the side and has actually only started six times in the league all season.

Antony, unfortunately, would be a repeat of this situation. Notably described as ‘the worst value-for-money signing in Premier League history’ by the Guardian, the flashy winger hasn’t done a lot right since moving to Old Trafford.

2022/23

47

10

5

38

9

4

2023/24

38

3

2

43

10

11

2024/25

33

7

4

27

1

5

Also dubbed as “one of the worst wingers in the league” by one content creator, that’s a statement that his alarmingly poor numbers can back up in recent years.

While Antony has found form at Betis, scoring six goals and registering four assists in 19 games, his record at United has been nothing short of dismal.

Before heading to Betis, the 25-year-old had only scored once this season in a League Cup tie with Barnsley, while last campaign, he scored three goals in 38 outings, only finding the net once in 29 Premier League fixtures. He also ended the league season with the worst conversion rate (2.3%) of any player to score. Need we say any more here?

Antony has shown at Betis that there’s a player in there, but he simply isn’t cut out for English football. Arsenal need to stay well away this summer.

Arteta must axe £27m Arsenal dud who was worse than Odegaard v Bournemouth

Arsenal dropped yet more points, this time at home as they hosted Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.

ByMatt Dawson May 4, 2025

One player has already admitted that he’s decided the best thing for him is to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, and it is now also believed that he could be subject to a marquee offer from the Saudi Pro League.

Daniel Levy set for Tottenham fire sale in 'sell to buy' summer

Chairman Daniel Levy and the club’s recruitment team, which is expected to include the returning Fabio Paratici once his ban from footballing activity concludes, are set for an array of key transfer decisions.

£19m "wizard" privately tempted by Tottenham move after "fresh" discussions

The Lilywhites have made contact.

ByEmilio Galantini May 16, 2025

As per a recent report from The Telegraph, Tottenham are likely set for a ‘sell to buy’ window, so players are expected to head out of the N17 exit door before Levy, Paratici and Johan Lange can ger to work on reinforcing the squad.

Son Heung-min

7.00

Pedro Porro

6.98

James Maddison

6.98

Dominic Solanke

6.85

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Richarlison is attracting serious interest from Everton, and Spurs are considering a sale of the Brazilian after his injury-ridden 2024/2025 campaign (Jorge Nicola) – three years after he made the move to north London from Goodison Park for around £60 million.

Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid are continuing to express their desire to sign star defender Cristian Romero, who is believed to equally fancy a switch to La Liga as he looks to embark on a fresh challenge.

There is also the matter of current loanees who Ange Postecoglou deemed surplus to requirements, with Manor Solomon enjoying a productive loan spell at Leeds United and Bryan Gil impressing on another temporary stint back home in Spain.

The latter has already confirmed his intention to leave the club this summer, stating in a recent interview with Estadio Deportivo:

“That’s something my agent will tell me where things are going, but they [Spurs] told me, and I told them, that the best thing is for us not to continue being linked to Tottenham.

“They bet on me when I was young, and they’ve treated me fairly well, but if I have to go back there, I’ll focus on giving my best as always. I’m calm because no one can have a bad word to say about me not being professional. Without playing, I’ve always trained well, I’ve done what I had to do, so whatever has to happen, will happen. We’ll see where we are next year.”

Bryan Gil set for "dizzying" Saudi offer to leave Tottenham

According to Spanish news outlet La Razon, the 24-year-old won’t exactly be short of offers if he does manage to seal an exit.

It is even believed that Saudi sides could make Gil a “dizzying” salary offer to leave Tottenham, with the Pro League intent on adding to their already-impressive collection of European stars as they continue their mission to build a star-studded, competitive division.

It could be an excellent option for the Spaniard who hasn’t quite ever managed to adapt to the physicality of English football, but if a move to Saudi doesn’t work out, Villarreal and teams in the MLS are also displaying an interest in Gil.

Paratici signed Gil from Sevilla in 2021 after instigating a part-exchange deal involving Erik Lamela, but his signing hasn’t worked out as many hoped at the time.

Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit of a £84m striker, as he is now keen on a summer move to Anfield, according to a report.

Reds set sights on new striker

While Mohamed Salah may have received most of the plaudits, Jamie Carragher has asserted that the Reds having lots of different goalscorers is the reason they won the Premier League title, considering Arsenal have been more defensively solid.

However, the lack of a dependable centre-forward is a real concern for former Red Danny Murphy, who has claimed Arne Slot is no great admirer of Darwin Nunez, saying: “Slot obviously doesn’t fancy him.

“Slot has played a winger, Luis Diaz, ahead of him as a striker at times. That tells you everything you need to know.”

Murphy also states he would be “amazed” if Nunez remains at Anfield beyond the summer, and work has started on bringing in a potential replacement for the Uruguayan, with DaveOCKOP recently dropping a new update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Benjamin Sesko.

Sky Sports: Liverpool may sell "amazing" £50m player after transfer twist

He played in the 3-2 defeat away to Brighton on Monday night.

ByHenry Jackson May 20, 2025

The report states that Sesko is now interested in a move to Anfield this summer, with the Reds holding a serious interest, but a concrete offer may have to wait until after Nunez is offloaded, with Napoli and clubs from Saudi Arabia keen on the 25-year-old.

The Slovenian striker is attracting interest from across Europe, but a deal will not be cheap, with RB Leipzig looking to hold out for a fee of €100m (£84m), although there may be some leeway to negotiate a lower fee.

"Incredible" Sesko admired by Jürgen Klopp

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is known to be a big admirer of the 21-year-old, stating he has “incredible potential” earlier this year, while also detailing that he is happy to have him at a Red Bull Group-owned club.

The forward certainly isn’t short of admirers, with former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell also adding: “Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his 1.95m (6’4″) is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.”

The Reds are known to have a good business relationship with Leipzig, which they will be hoping they can use to their advantage in negotiations, as it is evident that Slot will need to bring in an upgrade on Nunez this summer.

The former Benfica man has just five Premier League goals to his name this season, so it is exciting news that Sesko is now a serious target to replace the striker, alongside a number of other top forwards.

Player

Current club

Potential cost

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

£60m

Hugo Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt

£84m

Alexander Isak

Newcastle United

£150m

Victor Osimhen

Napoli

£60m

Manchester United are now in a transfer race with arch-rivals Manchester City in a bid to sign a “world-class” Paris Saint-Germain player, according to a recent report.

Man Utd ready to cut losses to make room for new signings

The first week or so of the summer transfer window has seen United agree a move for Matheus Cunha and work on a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. But while Ruben Amorim wants to strengthen his team over the coming months, the Portuguese also wants to move players on, as the club looks to bring in money and cut the size of the squad, given there is no European football next season.

£84m Garnacho upgrade: Man Utd in talks for 'one of the best in the world'

Man Utd appear to be seeking a statement replacement for Alejandro Garnacho this summer

ByRobbie Walls Jun 8, 2025

The likes of Antony, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Andre Onana have been tipped for exits, but the two most high-profile departures from Old Trafford this summer could be Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho.

That is because Inter Milan are keen on signing Hojlund, reportedly looking into signing the Dane on loan before getting him on a permanent basis for £38 million next year. The fee is considerably lower than the £72 million United paid in 2023, but his departure could fund a move for a more prolific number nine.

Meanwhile, an exit has been on the cards for Garnacho in the last six months, and now Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the Argentine will be leaving Old Trafford. Since that news, Saudi team Al-Nassr are interested in a deal for Garnacho, should they be unable to agree a deal with Liverpool to sign Luis Diaz.

Man Utd trying to beat Man City to Donnarumma

An exit for both Hojlund and Garnacho would free up money for the Red Devils, and they may already know how to spend it. According to L’Equipe, Man United have expressed an interest in signing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG.

The Italian is under contract in Paris until June 2026, but the French and European champions want to extend that deal and have been trying to do so for the last few months. However, a positive outcome has yet to be reached. Donnarumma has an offer on the table from PSG, but he is said be unhappy with what the current terms.

That has now left the door open for United and City, who are both interested in a deal, and the report claims the goalkeeper has already spoken to some of his teammates about possibly making a move to England.

Apps

154

Goals conceded

152

Clean sheets

51

The 26-year-old, who has been dubbed “world-class” by Carlo Ancelotti in the past, was sensational for PSG in the Champions League. He kept six clean sheets in 15 games and played a crucial role in them getting past the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Liverpool in the knockout stages.

His potential arrival at Old Trafford would be an expensive one, as the goalkeeper earns €244,808 a week, which is roughly £206,000. It would also depend on what happens to Onana, as he’s been linked with a move away, but as of yet, no team has made a significant offer.

Even after Chelsea sealed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for around £30 million, Enzo Maresca and co are still in the market for another centre-forward.

Arsenal plan £51m Chelsea hijack as key target now eyes Barcelona move

Andrea Berta has shifted focus.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2025

Delap made his debut for the Blues against Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup, assisting Nicolas Jackson for Chelsea’s second goal of the game in a 2-0 win, with Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo heaping praise on the exciting striker signing after their match in Atlanta.

“I’ve known Liam for a long time now, and I’ve played against him loads of times. Growing up, you know what sort of players are going to make it and he was always one of those,” said Colwill, via the BBC.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

“To have him in our team, to train against him, to see him score goals – which I know he will – I’m very excited.”

Tosin also drew attention to Delap’s aggression and intensity, with plenty of expectation now on the former Man City starlet’s shoulders after he took the number 9 shirt.

“He’s settled in very well. He’s a good young lad, and we know what qualities he brings,” said Tosin.

“He’s aggressive [when] pressing and an aggressive striker, making sure he’s always there, setting the intensity. Hopefully he scores many goals for us.”

While some doubts surround Delap’s readiness to lead the line, considering he’s still raw and very young, Chelsea are believed to be targeting a second frontman after the 22-year-old’s arrival.

Chelsea have held talks over Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who scored 22 goals in all competitions last season, and tried to secure the Frenchman’s signature in time for the Club World Cup, only for talks to collapse.

However, he remains “one to watch” for the coming weeks and talks are apparently ongoing.

As well as Ekitike, Chelsea are being linked with Brighton star Joao Pedro.

Newcastle United fear Chelsea will hijack Joao Pedro deal

The Brazil international is a wanted man following his impressive stint down south, with Chelsea identifying Pedro as one of their next striker targets before deadline day on September 1.

Now, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has shared an update on the situation.

Crook states that Newcastle are fearful that Chelsea will hijack their deal for Pedro, who Brighton are demanding £70 million for, as they look to reinforce Eddie Howe’s squad for a campaign back in the Champions League next season.

Given the Magpies’ internal concerns, this could be an indicator that Chelsea are still seriously in for Pedro, and the South American certainly falls in line with BlueCo’s recent transfer policy of signing world football’s most exciting talents.

Pedro can also play up front or across any of the attacking midfield positions, but given the already-young average age of Chelsea’s squad and their arguably dire need for more experienced squad members, Stamford Bridge chiefs will certainly be keen to whittle down the 23-year-old’s hefty asking price.

In an attempt to get their summer business going, Aston Villa have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign a defensive target for Unai Emery whose release clause expires soon.

Aston Villa set for tough Newcastle opener

If Aston Villa are keen to find out where their squad is at in the early stages of next season then their opening day Premier League meeting with Newcastle United will hand them the perfect chance to do exactly that. The Villans have been handed a tough start against one of last year’s top five, but Emery will also be well aware that victory over the Magpies would send quite the statement.

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

16/08/2025

Brentford vs Aston Villa

23/08/2025

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace

30/08/2025

Everton vs Aston Villa

13/09/2025

Sunderland vs Aston Villa

20/09/2025

Once the Midlands club have got Newcastle out of the way, they have the chance to enjoy a far more routine run on paper. Away trips to Brentford, Everton and Sunderland represent realistic opportunities for three points, whilst the visit of Crystal Palace should also be seen as a game that the Villans are favourites to win.

It’s the type of start that Aston Villa could need following what could be a difficult summer amid PSR concerns. Despite their growing success over the last couple of years, Villa’s spending in the years prior could yet force them to sell at least one key man in the coming months before they can focus on potential incomings.

That said, their PSR concerns have not stopped the rumours from arriving when it comes to additions. Names such as Jesus Rodriguez have already threatened to steal the headlines and now those at Villa Park have also reportedly set their sights on signing a defensive addition.

Aston Villa submit opening Lucumi offer

According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa have tabled an opening offer to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer. That initial bid was below the defender’s reported €28m (£24m) release clause, however, and is unlikely to be entertained by Bologna anytime soon.

Aston Villa make contact to sign £400,000-a-week player ahead of Arsenal

He’s a Premier League winner…

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 17, 2025

Whether the Villans go again in pursuit of the defender remains to be seen. Bologna certainly hold all of the cards if those in the Midlands decide against triggering Lucumi’s release clause, which reportedly expires on July 10.

Given that they need to be in the market for bargain deals amid their PSR concerns, Aston Villa should think again about returning for Lucumi this summer. For just £24m, until July 10, they can sign a “composed” centre-back who can play with both feet to an “excellent” standard, according to analyst Ben Mattinson.

Chelsea are potentially closing in on their next summer signing for Enzo Maresca after an already-busy transfer window.

£50m Chelsea player in "advanced" talks to leave, could be done imminently

It would be a boost for BlueCo.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 26, 2025

They’re expected to be one of the most active Premier League sides in terms of recruitment and player sales before deadline day on September 1, having already sealed a £30 million deal for Liam Delap whilst trying their hand at a host of other men.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea held talks with AC Milan over signing goalkeeper Mike Maignan before the pre-Club World Cup transfer deadline on June 10, but couldn’t quite find an agreement with the Rossoneri, prompting them to leave negotiations for now.

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike was also a top target for Maresca’s side recently, and they again held negotiations with the Bundesliga side in an effort to acquire him before June 10.

However, Eintracht’s lofty £85 million asking price appears to be a major roadblock as things stand, even if Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg recently insisted that he could still be one to watch for Chelsea as we head later into the window.

Chelsea tried to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens before the CWC deadline too, seeing three bids rejected for the 20-year-old, but talks have been ongoing ever since.

Reports suggest that talks have become much more positive between the clubs, and Chelsea are believed to be closer to signing Gittens despite their many failed offers earlier this month.

Chelsea ready six-year contract offer to Jamie Gittens

Now, as per TEAMtalk, Chelsea are ready to offer Gittens a six-year contract with the option of an additional season – and his signing could be done imminently.

The outlet reported yesterday afternoon that a deal may be struck in the ‘next 24 hours’, with Chelsea apparently “on the verge” of finally reaching an agreement for the Englishman, who’s bagged 12 goals and five assists in 49 appearances for Dortmund this season.

If Chelsea do get Gittens over the line, with talks “now advancing”, he won’t be able to feature for them at the CWC, even if Maresca can add new players to his squad thanks to a unique registration window open from today until July 3.

This is because Gittens has already featured for Dortmund at the tournament, so he’ll have to wait to make his Chelsea debut until after the CWC’s conclusion.

While the ex-Man City youngster is seen as a player with vast potential, there is an err of caution from critics surrounding this potential move, especially for a reported fee of around £45 million.

“I think it might be a slight worry given the [reported] fee that’s being discussed here, £45million,” said talkSPORT’s Olly Clink, when asked about Gittens falling down the pecking order at Dortmund recently.

“I know we live in inflated times, but I think you could argue with some of the transfers Chelsea have made in recent times that they have certainly overpaid. It will be another very long contract again as well for Gittens.

“With any player like this, there is potential that they have maybe a brief period where they’re fantastic, and it’s all very exciting, and they’ve got loads of potential, but we’ve already seen a few of those transfers go wrong for Chelsea already, and with these extremely long contracts it then becomes a little bit more difficult to get them off the books.”