All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Goals were up significantly for Chelsea in the Premier League last season, having netted a measly 38 goals in the 2022/23 term – averaging just one goal per game – and scoring 63 in the 2023/24 campaign.

However, Chelsea are still yet to have a striker hit 15+ Premier League goals since 2019/20, when academy graduate Tammy Abraham scored 15 goals in a Premier League season, having been trusted to lead the line by Frank Lampard.

Nicolas Jackson was solid if unspectacular after arriving from Villarreal, making 44 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, scoring 17 goals and providing six assists. It’s fair to say he turned out to be a better option than the costly transfer of Romelu Lukaku…

Romelu Lukaku's first spell at Chelsea

Lukaku was one of the strikers tasked with filling the boots of Didier Drogba, having two spells at the club, and even being compared to the Chelsea legend on multiple occasions, including once by Alan Pardew, who called Lukaku a “full number nine” who could “emulate” what Drogba has done.

Lukaku first joined Chelsea back in 2011, the Blues signing him for around £20m from Belgian side, Anderlecht. The young Belgian was given substitute minutes in his first year, before getting a loan move to West Brom in 2012/13, where he really began to bare his teeth.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast's 'First Impressions' series has everything you need.

The Belgian made 38 appearances for West Brom, scoring 17 goals, providing four assists, and totaling 2,252 minutes played. The following season, Lukaku missed a penalty for Mourinho’s Chelsea in the Super Cup final, before making a move to Everton on loan to continue his progression.

Lukaku again showed his ability to score regularly in the Premier League, scoring 15 goals in 31 appearances, also providing seven assists.

The following campaign, Chelsea decided to cash in on the red-hot striker, selling him to Everton on a permanent deal for around £28m.

Lukaku's second spell at Chelsea

Having spent many years away from Stamford Bridge, playing for Everton, Manchester United, and then Inter Milan, Chelsea decided in 2021 that the missing piece for Thomas Tuchel’s Champions League-winning side was the Belgian forward, who had just netted 30 goals for Inter in 2020/21.

This saw the Londoners break their club record transfer fee, acquiring the striker for a colossal price tag of £97.5m. The Belgian got off to a great start, scoring against Arsenal in their 2-0 victory at the Emirates, putting in a dominant display and bullying the Gunners’ defence.

However, in an interview, Lukaku spoke publicly about his disappointment at Chelsea, having just joined a few months prior, saying he was “not happy” with Tuchel’s system and use of him, before mentioning a return to Inter Milan.

This became the catalyst for the hulking attacker’s demise at the club, with the German boss unhappy with the comments from the Belgian, and Chelsea fans now turning against him.

This saw the now 31-year-old return to Inter on loan in the 2022/23 season, as many deemed his Chelsea career already over.

After multiple loan moves, Lukaku was finally sold this summer by Todd Boehly, joining Napoli for £30m, and eventually shutting the book on one of Chelsea’s worst transfers of all time.

Lukaku arrived instead: Tuchel wanted Chelsea to sign star now worth £152m

It’s safe to say the club made a huge error in not securing a move for the talent.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 18, 2024

Following their excellent start under Arne Slot on the pitch, Liverpool are now reportedly racing to trigger the release clause of a South American talent ahead of the likes of Real Madrid.

Liverpool transfer news

Despite a quiet transfer window, the Liverpool side that Slot inherited from Anfield legend Jurgen Klopp has so far more than proven its worth, with the likes of Luis Diaz and Ryan Gravenberch stepping up under the Dutchman. With just one defeat in all competitions, which came in shock fashion against Nottingham Forest, the Reds, as things stand, have seamlessly transitioned into life under their new manager.

Their 5-1 mauling of West Ham United to reach the last 16 of the Carabao Cup was simply the latest example of Liverpool’s ruthless mood under Slot, even with a slightly changed side. It’s the type of clinical nature that they’ll now want to rediscover in the transfer market to boost the Dutchman’s side even further when 2025 arrives.

Worth as much as Alisson: Liverpool star's value has risen 261% since exit

He’s been the cause of defeat for the Reds since leaving…

1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 27, 2024

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool chiefs are now racing to trigger Kevin Zenon’s release clause ahead of the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United, with the clause thought to be relatively low.

The Boca Juniors star, who primarily plays on the left side of midfield, has entered the radar of several top clubs in a race that is only likely to heat up as time goes by, but that should not discourage the Reds in the pursuit of his signature.

Just 23 years old, Zenon is far from the finished product and is instead the type of player who would be signed based on the potential player that he could become. Given that Liverpool are already blessed with world-class options down their left-hand side, it is the kind of development that they could accommodate at Anfield.

Liverpool don't urgently need "magic" Zenon

With Cody Gakpo and Diaz both going stride for stride so far this season, one position that Slot does not need to see strengthened is the left-hand side of his frontline. Both wingers are going toe to toe each week, with the battle between the two quickly becoming an intriguing one to watch at Anfield, as both hand Slot a positive selection headache.

Two players who are the finished product, Zenon is unlikely to get the game time that he needs at Anfield. With just four goals and seven assists in all competitions for Boca Juniors this season (which started in January), the Argentine’s output does not match that of Gakpo and Diaz, which would instantly leave him lagging behind in the pecking order without an improvement.

That said, at 23 years old, it will be interesting to see whether the Reds decide to invest in Zenon’s potential rather than the unfinished product he currently is. Dubbed “magic” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Zenon could discover his peak through a 2025 switch to Anfield.

With so many interested parties in his signature, Zenon remains one to watch this season.

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side snatched a late winner to collect all three points at the Vitality stadium, creeping up to seventh in the Premier League table, with seven points after four games played.

Chelsea held 67% possession but struggled to create, only managing to generate 0.78 xG, compared to Bournemouth’s 1.78 xG (this includes their penalty). But it was late quality in the box from a substitute that made the difference.

A late winner from Christopher Nkunku, scoring in the 86th minute secured the victory for the Blues. Nkunku is now on three goals for the season in all competitions, despite having limited minutes in the Premier League, totaling 80 league minutes, and 228 minutes overall.

Pedro Neto's poor performance

Pedro Neto was taken off at halftime, having struggled to make his mark on the game. Just 25 touches, including losing possession 10 times, and only managing a 67% pass accuracy, it wasn’t quite coming off for the Portuguese wide man.

The Portugal international was given a 4/10 rating by GOAL, labeling the winger as ‘anonymous’ in the game. The 24-year-old has struggled to make a big impact since joining the Blues this summer, totaling 237 minutes played so far, and only clocking one assist.

Neto made 24 appearances for Wolves in all competitions last season, scoring three goals, and providing 11 assists, totaling 1,729 minutes played.

Jadon Sancho's Chelsea debut

Jadon Sancho made a huge difference when being subbed on for Neto at halftime, providing the winning assist to Nkunku, and gaining himself a 7/10 match rating from GOAL, despite only playing 45 minutes.

The 24-year-old looked confident and motivated in his cameo, despite struggling in the last few seasons for Manchester United. After joining the Red Devils, Sancho only managed 12 goals and six assists in 83 appearances for the club.

Stat

Sancho

Neto

Minutes

45

45

Assists

1

0

Touches

39

25

Dribble Attempts

2/4

1/2

Accurate Passes

24/28

10/15

Pass Completion %

86%

67%

Key Passes

2

1

Ground Duels Won

2/4

1/2

You can see from the stats that Sancho had a much bigger impact on the game, with more touches, more key passes, more dribble attempts, more ground duels won, and, of course, providing the assist for Nkunku.

The English wizard showed poise on the ball, committing opposition defenders, dragging them out to defend him wide, playing lovely incisive passes into dangerous areas, and beating his man when he had the chance, all things Neto struggled to do in the first half.

That level of temperament and IQ of Sancho was perhaps the most impressive; knowing when to recycle play, when to commit his fullback in a 1v1, and when to release the ball to a teammate in a better position than him (usually after dragging a defender out to him).

Sancho has surely done enough to start the next game for Chelsea, picking up the man of the match award, and really showing Maresca what he can offer on that left-wing.

Therefore, the manager must finally unleash the summer signing from the start for the first time when the Blues next take to the pitch against West Ham United next weekend.

Chelsea have spent £252m on a midfield trio of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Roméo Lavia, with all three joining the club during 2023.

Fernandez (who joined first in January) made 40 appearances for Chelsea last season in all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing three assists while Caicedo made 48 appearances last campaign, scoring one goal and registering four assists. He also played a part in the club keeping 11 clean sheets.

Lavia spent the entire season out through injury, missing 43 fixtures through various problems including hamstring and ankle issues, only managing one appearance in the 2023/24 season which lasted 32 minutes.

It's evident the future of Chelsea's midfield looks bright, however, and in Andrey Santos they have another option to slot in before too long.

Andrey Santos' loan spell so far

Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos has returned to Strasbourg on loan for the 2024/25 campaign following a successful loan spell there for the 2023/24 season. Santos made 11 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, scoring one goal and contributing to two clean sheets.

The 20-year-old midfielder was signed from Vasco for around €20m (£16.8m) in January 2023, with the deal being agreed the month prior. The Brazilian youngster had already impressed, captaining his youth national team, and earning a senior call-up.

Impressively, Santos has scored two goals in his first two games this campaign, playing 180 minutes and proving to be a key figure in the Strasbourg side.

Santos vs Fernandez & Caicedo

Both Caicedo and Fernandez could be in trouble as Santos goes from strength to strength and offers an extremely complete midfield profile, described as a "superb" box-to-box midfielder by scout Jacek Kulig.

FBref's "similar players" feature compares Santos to Fernandez, as well as Arsenal midfielder, Declan Rice, which just shows the complete nature of this midfield profile.

So, how do they all compare? We've got the answer.

Goals

1.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

Progressive Carries

2.00

0.67

1.07

1.60

Progressive Passes

5.50

3.67

3.57

7.20

Shots Total

1.50

1.00

0.36

1.20

Shots on Target

1.00

0.33

0.00

0.40

Key Passes

2.50

1.00

0.36

0.80

Tackles

5.00

3.00

3.21

0.40

Blocks

1.00

0.67

1.79

0.80

Interceptions

0.50

0.00

2.14

1.20

These metrics are from the 2024/25 season so are based on minimal data so far. However, this really shows the strong start Santos has made in Ligue 1, coming out on top in six of the nine metrics assessed.

Santos has scored one goal per 90, scoring two in two so far, while also recording 1.50 shots, with one of those shots on target per 90 minutes. This goal threat is far superior to any of the other midfielders here, who haven't scored yet and also aren't known for their goalscoring qualities.

An area these midfielders are known for is their progressive passing and Santos is right up there for those metrics too, averaging 5.50, bettering the numbers of the Chelsea pair, and only 1.70 less than Rice.

Rice and Caicedo are well known for their defensive abilities, and Santos is actually averaging more tackles than both, with five per 90, compared to Rice's 0.40, and Caicedo's 3.21 per 90.

Mix this defensive output with his passing progression (also making 2.50 key passes, the most of all the midfielders here), and you can see why Santos is a hybrid of Fernandez and Rice, which could spell trouble for Caicedo if his form continues.

Chelsea already had their answer to Osimhen in Mourinho's "big-game player"

Chelsea already had box dominator who was their answer to Osimhen

2 ByConnor Holden Sep 4, 2024

Newcastle United could look to the summer transfer window to add even more quality to their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season and now a reliable source has revealed a new target.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Goncalo Ramos?

According to one journalist, Newcastle are interested in signing Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos.

The reporter, who is associated with Football Transfers, tweeted: "Exc: Understand Newcastle are very much interested in Gonçalo Ramos of Benfica – though it's unclear whether a move will be made this transfer window or not."

Who would Ramos replace in the Newcastle team?

There is no doubt that places in the first team have become highly competitive at St James' Park, especially in the forward line where Eddie Howe boasts a number of prolific goal-scoring talents.

Alexander Isak, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson all netted over ten goals for the Magpies last season, with the latter coming out on top with 18 goals scored in all competitions.

The England international has been in a goal-scoring groove over the last 12 months which saw him deservedly earn a spot in Gareth Southgate's World Cup 2022 squad in Qatar – where he delivered an assist for Jack Grealish's goal in a group game of the tournament during his cameo against Iran.

Having said that, the talented striker isn't getting any younger with the 31-year-old due to turn 32 next season and has been lucky this season to not struggle with injuries as much as he has in the past.

As a result, bringing in a worthy successor for Wilson wouldn't be the worst idea for Howe this summer and Ramos could be the next generation of talent to work alongside Alexander Isak to lead Newcastle to trophies and success in the future.

Over 47 appearances in all competitions last season, the 22-year-old – who was dubbed "remarkable" by Gary Lineker – scored 27 goals and registered 12 assists for his Portuguese side, with a goal contribution every 89 minutes. That is an incredibly impressive output that could be massively valuable to Howe next season.

In fact, Ramos – who has a reported price tag of £70m – was the second-highest scoring player in the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season with 19 strikes and a 47% shot accuracy, proving that he is incredibly prolific and a standout performer in front of goal, something he also proved at the World Cup last year.

The talented number nine caught the attention of the world when he replaced his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo in the centre-forward role for Portugal against Switzerland at the World; delivering a stunning hat-trick on his debut in the prestigious competition which led to high praise from ITV pundit Nigel de Jong:

"There was a lot of pressure on his shoulders coming in and replacing Cristiano Ronaldo, but now that's gone,

"What I like about him, he's two-footed. He can play left and right, his touch with his right foot his finish with his left."

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Howe to snap up the services of Ramos in the future as he would provide an alternative to Isak and ultimately become the long-term replacement for Wilson.

Newcastle United are still interested in acquiring the services of England international James Maddison, claims transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Newcastle United transfer news – What’s the latest on James Maddison?

It has been a whirlwind 18 months for Newcastle, going from a relegation battle to finishing inside the top four and preparing to embark on their first Champions League campaign in around two decades.

That new-found success has led to more attention from the footballing world and, unsurprisingly, interest from bigger names.

One of those names, AC Milan star and Italian international Sandro Tonali, now looks to be the newest member of the Toon family after Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Friday that the medical is “already scheduled” and that once the documentation is reviewed, the deal would be “completed.”

However, the player that was linked with a move north before there was even so much as a rumour of the Italian donning black and white, is Leicester City’s, James Maddison.

The Foxes star was a part of the team relegated from the Premier League this year, but that hasn’t put Eddie Howe off of the player once dubbed “world-class” by England manager Gareth Southgate.

Despite links to the Magpies alongside the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, the Telegraph have claimed any notion of them being front-runners is premature.

The publication have also revealed that Newcastle will have to stump up a hefty £60m for the player to be sold, more than the previously expected price tag of just £40m.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Sandro Tonali and James Maddison?

Romano explained that whilst the deal for the AC Milan star was further ahead of the one to get Maddison, the Toon were very much still interested in the Leicester man.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “It’s true that they want Tonali and they are closing in on him. For sure he was on the list at Newcastle alongside of course Maddison, who remains a target for Newcastle and Tottenham.”

How could Sandro Tonali and James Maddison play together?

The double signing of Tonali and Maddison could be a masterstroke by Newcastle’s recruitment department. The pair already appear perfectly suited to one another’s playing style and could complement each other wonderfully.

Over the Italian’s last 50 games, he has played as a defensive midfielder 39 times and a central midfielder just 11. In contrast, the ex-Leicester “monster” – as once described by journalist Josh Bunting – has played as an attacking midfielder 41 times.

Unsurprisingly, the Milan midfielder’s defensive numbers are fantastic.

According to OptaPaolo, his 56 tackles are the most in the squad across all competitions and add to that his 3983 minutes played – also the most in the squad – and Newcastle could have a real engine at the base of their midfield.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe’s top five leagues, the 23-year-old is in the top 11% for dribblers tackled, suggesting he has a knack for snuffing out attacks.

With the Lodi-born midfielder at the base of midfield, Maddison will have the opportunity to maximise his best qualities, his attacking threat.

Also, per FBref, the 27-year-old sits in the top 1% of midfielders for non-penalty goals, total shots, assists, expected assists, shot-creating actions and touches in the opposition’s penalty area, all per 90.

The combination of Tonali’s boundless running and defensive nouse with Maddison’s excellent attacking output could turn Eddie Howe’s midfield into one of the best in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly be set to rekindle their interest in Galatasaray star, Nicolo Zaniolo, having been heavily linked with a move for the promising playmaker in the recent past.

What's the latest on Zaniolo to Tottenham?

According to journalist Nevzat Dindar – via Turkish outlet Milliyet – the Lilywhites are seemingly the frontrunners in the race to sign the 23-year-old this summer, having suggested a fee in the region of €35m (£30m) for the signing of the Italy international.

Speaking about the midfielder's future, Dindar revealed: “Zaniolo is evolving into a world star. English club are asking €30-35m for Zaniolo. Galatasaray are not taking Juventus’ offers seriously at this point. Tottenham are the closest club to sign Zaniolo.”

This follows reports from back in January which claimed that the north Londoners were in talks to prise the 6 foot 3 ace from Serie A giants, AS Roma, with speculation having also been rife last summer that former Spurs boss Antonio Conte was keen to bring his compatriot to N17.

Would Zaniolo be a good signing for Tottenham?

Previously described as a "frightening talent" by CBS reporter, Ben Jacobs, Zaniolo has thrived since making the move to Istanbul during the winter window, having scored five goals and laid on one assist in just 11 games for the Super Lig side in all competitions in the second half of last season.

Prior to that, the versatile asset – who can feature in an advanced midfield role or on the flanks – had chipped in with 42 goal contributions in 128 outings during his time at the Stadio Olimpico, despite having been cruelly plagued by injury in recent years.

While there had been claims that Conte was looking to bring the 13-cap gem in as a possible wing-back option last year, Zaniolo would likely take on a different role in Ange Postecoglou's preferred 4-3-3 formation, with there a potential for him to line up in one of those two attacking midfield berths.

If Postecoglou is able to get the one-time Inter Milan asset in the door, he could well partner the Italian in the centre of the park with another exciting talent in the form of James Maddison, with Tottenham said to now be leading the race for the Leicester City man's signature ahead of Newcastle United.

That left-foot, right-foot combination could well work a treat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season, with Zaniolo able to offer a real goal threat in that central role – as his form in Istanbul of late would indicate – while Maddison can be the man to supply the goods as a creative force, having ranked tenth in the Premier League in 2022/23 for chances created (69).

Having a figure such as the Englishman in the side does appear something of a necessity as Spurs have seemingly "still not replaced [Christian] Eriksen" according to BBC Radio London's Phil Parry, while Zaniolo's desire to get forward can also put him ahead of the club's current options, with Rodrigo Bentacur leading the way among his midfield colleagues with just six goals across all fronts last season.

Therefore, the addition of both Maddison and the Galatasaray whiz could be a dream partnership in the making for Postecoglou and co.

Leeds United's manager search has dragged on now, mainly halted by the progress of Andrea Radrizzani's sale of the club.

With new ownership now in place, and a brighter future promised at Elland Road, the 49ers' first move must be to secure a capable boss who can lead them back to the Premier League of which they struggled away from for so long last time.

To make things more beneficial, it would be useful if this new boss could also work towards keeping the top stars of this current squad before they are slowly picked off by various clubs, seeking a cut-price deal for a top-quality player.

One such example of this would be Wilfried Gnonto, who massively caught the eye in what was his debut year in English football. However, as his starts waned near the end of the season, the Italy international would likely have grown frustrated.

Therefore, to perhaps return to an old option they considered following the sacking of Jesse Marsch, Patrick Vieira might be one of a select few that could keep the 19-year-old in Yorkshire, citing his work with Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise as examples as to why he should stay.

Would Patrick Vieira help Wilfried Gnonto improve?

Whilst the Arsenal hero, and "legend" in the eyes of writer David Ornstein, might have seen his time at Crystal Palace cut short, the 46-year-old remains a man who earned huge success against all the odds during that first term at Selhurst Park.

Many viewed his time at New York City FC and OGC Nice as underwhelming spells, far from the requisite experience to thrive in a league where he dominated as a player. However, shrewd business allowed him to finish 12th and give his fans a trip to Wembley.

Zaha would notch 14 league goals that campaign, with Olise hitting 13 goal contributions in all competitions. It is clear that Vieira's 4-3-3 system is very conducive for wide men, suggesting Gnonto would also thrive.

Not just goal-scoring wide men, the two displayed their creative assets under Vieira too, with the Ivorian registering five assists to Olise's incredibly impressive 13.

By comparison, across all competitions of a tumultuous year for Leeds, Gntono recorded six goals and five assists, dressing his work up in that same flair and outlandish exuberance that has made the Ivory Coast international so loved by Palace fans.

When compared to other wingers across Europe, he even ranks in the top 16% for progressive carries per 90 (4.39) to further emphasise this dynamism, whereas Zaha and Olise registered 3.38 and 3.63 respectively.

Whilst the Italian's performances have understandably drawn interest from across the globe, should he be tempted to stay by this titan of the English game, he could be turned into a truly unplayable star who could propel the 49ers' club straight back into the top flight.

All he needs to do is look at how Vieira's progressed Olise's career at Selhurst Park.

Manchester United still face a waiting game in their search for new owners as 'everything is in the Glazers' hands', according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest takeover news involving Manchester United?

As per The Financial Times, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm INEOS could perform a 'phased takeover' where all six members of the Glazer family retain shares in the club before being weeded out in the coming years gradually.

The report states that despite fan frustrations over the timeline of any potential deal, no agreement is 'expected imminently' and it may still take some time to get over the line.

Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is also in the running to buy Manchester United; however, journalist for The Guardian, Jamie Jackson, has delivered an update on his offer to buy the Premier League giants, stating on Twitter: "As I understand it, Sheikh Jassim is still waiting to hear back from Glazers regarding his last bid for Man Utd".

Sheikh Jassim wants to buy 100% of the club while Ratcliffe is keen to buy an initial 69% of Manchester United, as per BBC Sport.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano thinks that the Glazer family still have full control of the destiny of Manchester United.

Romano said: "Both INEOS Group and the Qatari group are still in there and still working on a takeover behind the scenes, but everything is in the Glazers' hands, so we're still waiting."

What next for Manchester United?

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag will hope his side can recover from the disappointment of their 2-1 FA Cup final to Manchester City last weekend ahead of returning for pre-season following a well-deserved break from action.

The Dutchman will be hopeful of adding some high-profile signings to strengthen his roster, with Chelsea ace Mason Mount and Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane being identified as key targets, as per The Telegraph.

Football Insider also claim that West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is someone that is being courted at Old Trafford and it is believed that Manchester United are 'realistic contenders' to sign the England international.

Rice is valued at £100 million by Hammers boss David Moyes and the Red Devils will also need to beat off stiff competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal to secure his services.

Next term, Manchester United will have designs on being able to put together a title challenge; however, matters off the field may have a say on the level of recruitment they can carry out if their ownership debacle is to drag on into the opening stages of the transfer window.

Liverpool are interested in completing a swoop for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa this summer after the Italian's recovery from a long-term injury…

What's the latest on Federico Chiesa to Liverpool?

That's according to Italian outfit Gazzetta dello Sport (via Paisley Gates), who claim that Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool – with competition from Bayern Munich – will attempt to complete the transfer of the 25-year-old Old Lady star for €45m (£39m).

Chiesa has been plagued with injury over the past few seasons and it remains to be seen whether the Reds hierarchy deem it to be an auspicious move.

However, the £155k-per-week gem is one of the most creative wingers in Europe and could create a new dimension to Klopp's system, with just two years left on his current deal too

Should Liverpool sign Federico Chiesa?

Liverpool's recent transfer activity has been harangued by supporters inside and outside the club alike, with the loan signing of Arthur the only central midfield acquisition last summer despite the glaring need for central reinforcements.

The offensive calibre has been rekindled, if not quite at the imperious best of Liverpool's prime period under Klopp's reign, and Darwin Nunez (£85m), Cody Gakpo (£35m), and Luis Diaz (£37m) have all been signed over the past 18 months, yielding more than a few tantalising flashes of a world-class strikeforce.

Despite the emphasis now fixing on the bolstering of the midfield this summer, Chiesa's name continues to churn around the whirring rumour mill, with reports from January tethering the Italy international to links to Anfield.

And what creativity he would bring to Merseyside, hailed as a "wizard" by broadcaster Roger Bennett for his feats on the pitch and registering ten direct goal contributions from just 11 starts across all competitions following his comeback from a detrimental injury layoff that has left him on the sidelines for, incredibly, 62 matches across the past two terms.

It's a gamble, no doubt, but one that might pay off as Klopp crafts a world-class sheen to a team that has fallen from prominence this season, languishing in fifth place in the Premier League as the campaign pulls its drapes closed.

The rich pool of attacking talent at Anfield would allow Chiesa to effectively manage his game time, while still maintaining a "potent" aura – as stated by Rio Ferdinand – ranking among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of assists, the top 15% for progressive carries and the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

He could make a resurgence to the very forefront on the alternate flank to Diaz, who has endured a similarly injury-stricken time of late, having sustained an injury against Arsenal in October and missing 31 matches as a result.

Diaz, described as a "livewire" by journalist Peter Hall, is one of Europe's most fleet-footed and enterprising wide vehicles around, himself ranking well despite his hampered year, sitting among the top 12% of positional peers for pass completion and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

With such first-rate driving forces down the flanks, Liverpool could reach their zenith once again; Mohamed Salah, imperious goalscorer and devastating offensive phenomenon, has plundered 30 goals and 16 assists this season despite his outfit's woes, but finds fruit cutting inside and wreaking havoc in the danger areas – ranking among the top 1% of peers for touches in the attacking box per 90, and a wide player more suited to a more traditional wing role could pay dividends.

Injecting the fresh dimension that Chiesa would indeed bring could only enhance Liverpool's prospects of success, with the 40-cap international's dynamism perhaps proving the difference between a rekindling of the fire and a resplendent Anfield renaissance next term.