All posts by z3u9t.icu

This summer could, and should, be a seismic one for Arsenal.

Andrea Berta and Co have already added some impressive depth to the side in Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga – not to mention the incoming Martin Zubimendi – but the area of the team that desperately needs reinforcements is the attack.

Moreover, while a new striker is a necessity, it’s just as essential that Mikel Arteta is handed one, or maybe even two, new wingers as well.

Fortunately, the club seem to be on the same wavelength, as recent reports have linked them to a player who has been compared to Bukayo Saka on more than a few occasions.

Arsenal's winger search

Given Arsenal’s comparative lack of cutting-edge wide options, it’s not been a massive surprise to see them linked with several exciting options in recent weeks, such as Antonio Nusa and Anthony Elanga.

Transfer Focus

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

The former is reportedly available for close to £38m this summer and amassed a tally of 13 goal involvements in 40 games last season.

Elanga, on the other hand, could cost as much as £60m, but was that bit more effective for Nottingham Forest last season, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists in 43 games.

However, while there is clear upside in both of these wide talents, neither one has been or could really be compared to Saka, which isn’t the case for Noni Madueke.

Yes, according to David Ornstein, Arsenal are in fact very interested in the Chelsea winger.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Athletic podcast, the respected journalist revealed that the Gunners like the Englishman and are “working” on a deal, which, according to other reports, could cost around £50m.

It might not be the transfer some Arsenal fans would be hoping for, but Madueke has the ability and potential to be something special in North London, and the fact he’s been compared to Saka can only be a good thing.

How Madueke compares to Saka

Now, it should be noted that there are numerous surface-level comparisons that can be made between Saka and Madueke.

These include the fact that they’re both full England internationals, they both play for a ‘big six’ side in London, they’re primarily right-sided wingers, and they both came out of the academy of a North London team.

However, the comparisons do go deeper than that.

In fact, respected analyst EBL was bold enough to argue for the Chelsea ace’s similarity to the Gunners’ star as far back as March 2023, claiming that, he is indeed “very similar to Saka”.

They pointed out that, like the Hale Ender, the former PSV Eindhoven star is particularly adept at lulling an opposition defender into a “false sense of security” by first slowing down with the ball at his feet and then shifiting “the ball to either side” and making the most of his impressive “ball-striking.”

However, that’s not his only avenue for beating opposing defenders, as EBL also highlights his “explosive shift”, which is just a way of describing how he gets around players with a burst of energy when dribbling.

Interestingly, we can see how similar this is to Saka in the numbers, as, according to FBref, the North Londoners’ talisman completed 1.99 successful take-ons per 90 when playing in Europe’s top five leagues or the Champions League, which is the exact same number as the Blues star.

1

Savio

2

Salah

3

Diaz

4

Son

5

Madueke

However, that is not all, as when we look at just the Premier League last season, FBref ranks the “incredible” talent, as dubbed by content creator Matisse Armani, as the fifth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Ealing-born superstar.

Ultimately, while Madueke hasn’t quite reached the levels of Saka, there are some undeniable stylistic and statistical similarities between the pair.

Therefore, if a deal can be struck at a reasonable price, then Arsenal should go ahead and bring the exciting winger to the Emirates this summer.

Saka will love him: £68m "superstar" is now "desperate" to sign for Arsenal

Arsenal could sign Bukayo Saka’s dream teammate this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 3, 2025

While Arsenal supporters have been craving additions in attack this summer, it’s actually the midfield that’s seen the biggest upheaval so far.

Jorginho has departed for Flamengo while Thomas Partey, a player Mikel Arteta reportedly wanted to keep at the Emirates Stadium, now looks set to leave when his contract expires at the end of the month.

Terms haven’t been agreed on a new deal and as a result, the Gunners have had to move fast to secure a replacement.

Martin Zubimendi is widely seen as the replacement for Partey and is set to arrive in a deal worth just over £50m from Real Sociedad.

He’s due to be joined in the middle of the park by Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.

The Dane has been with the Bees since 2019, but Arteta now views him as the player to fill the leadership void left behind by Jorginho.

So, what’s next on the agenda for Andrea Berra and Co?

Arsenal's transfer plans post Zubimendi & Norgaard

Surprise, surprise, Arsenal are in the market for another defender.

Amid links to Ajax wonderkid, Jorrel Hato, it was reported by various sources on Thursday that Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera is now on the club’s radar.

According to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, the Gunners have already opened talks to bring the 20-year-old to England this summer.

That said, it’s not all about the defence and the midfield at Arsenal with Berta ready to strengthen out wide.

Transfer Focus

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

Real Madrid star Rodrygo remains a primary target, but as per journalist Ben Jacobs, they have now added Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to their shortlist.

Eze possesses a £68m release clause, which, according to Arsenal insider Teamnewsandtix, can be paid in three instalments of £20m with £8m in add-ons.

The same source actually reports that the club have already agreed personal terms with the FA Cup, further fuelling that Arteta and Co are extremely keen on signing him this summer.

How Arsenal's new look attack with Eberechi Eze could shape up

If Arsenal were to bring Eze to the club this summer, it would be a landmark moment for the England international, primarily because he’s already spent time in the Hale End academy.

Now 26, the Eagles sensation has become a “superstar” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, having initially been in the Arsenal academy but released at the age of 13.

Speaking about that time previously, Eze admitted:

Well, he now has the opportunity to return and live out that dream as a man, and as one of the most exciting players in the Premier League.

In 2024/25, the Palace no.10 had an outstanding personal season, scoring 14 times and supplying 11 assists across 43 matches. To put that into context, only Kai Havertz (15) scored more goals in the Arsenal side, while only Bukayo Saka (14) and Martin Odegaard (12) provided more assists.

While Eze largely played as an attacking midfielder last season, he can also play on the left flank, thus possessing the ability to help provide depth and additional quality in two key areas for Arteta.

Potentially providing competition for Odegaard behind the striker or taking over from Gabriel Martinelli on the left, he could be game-changing for the shape of Arsenal’s attack.

Games

40

31

43

Goals

10

11

14

Assists

4

6

11

Mins played

2,686

2,285

3,303

Let us not forget that a new striker could join too. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are the two players in the pipeline, but at the moment it feels like the latter is the leading contender to become Arteta’s new number 9, having reportedly fallen out with the Sporting hierarchy.

The scorer of a staggering 54 goals in 52 games last term, the idea of Gyokeres and Eze playing together in the same attack is certainly a mouthwatering one.

The latter is a pure magician on the ball, a player who oozes class and can unlock a defence with a dazzling piece of play, much in the same way Saka can.

Throughout last season’s Premier League campaign, he ranked inside the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the division for successful take-ons, the best 11% for shot-creating actions and the top 18% for key passes.

As a result, he seems like the ideal player to help someone like Gyokeres hit the ground running at Arsenal if both arrive.

Together, they could be dynamite. The big Swede isn’t just a goalscorer either. Capable of running in behind, he ranks among the best 3% of strikers in Europe’s top five leagues and premier competitions for progressive passes received, indicating that he’s always making himself an option for the creative hub of the team he’s playing for.

While some Arsenal fans might be sceptical about signing either Gyokeres or Sesko, there’s no doubting that they’d thrive if partnered with Eze in the final third.

This could be just the duo Arteta needs to really catapult his side to the next level.

A better move than Zubimendi: £68m star "will sign" for Arsenal this summer

The game-changing international could be sensational for Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 26, 2025

Sir Alex Ferguson is arguably the greatest Premier League manager of all time and one of the best that European football has ever seen. But he didn’t get to the very top by being football’s nice guy.

The Scot was ruthless yet brilliant all at the same time, and that’s how his Manchester United side dominated the Premier League for over a decade.

Responsible for creating the so-called hairdryer treatment, Ferguson didn’t just instil fear into opposition players. He created discipline through his fear factor in a Manchester United dressing room full of some of the very best, even if at times that resulted in a stray boot flying across the room before leaving an unforgettable mark on David Beckham’s head.

Even United legend Wayne Rooney couldn’t escape Ferguson’s rule. He recalled how brutal a dressing down from his former manager felt in his 2012 autobiography ‘My Decade’, saying: “There’s nothing worse than getting the “hairdryer” from Sir Alex. When it happens, the manager stands in the middle of the room and loses it at me. He gets right up in my face and shouts.

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ByBen Browning Nov 21, 2024

“It feels like I’ve put my head in front of a Babyliss Turbo Power 2200. It’s horrible. I don’t like getting shouted at by anyone. It’s hard for me to take, so sometimes I shout back. I tell him he’s wrong and I’m right.”

Whether some saw Ferguson’s fury as harsh or not, it got the job done. By the end of his managerial career, the former Manchester United boss went down as one of the most successful managers that English football has ever seen.

Premier League titles

13

Champions League titles

2

FA Cups

5

League Cups

4

Club World Cup

1

Despite winning everything there is to win and instilling a fear factor around the Premier League, however, there was one Chelsea star who did not fear Ferguson or his Manchester United side.

Sir Alex Ferguson: Zola was one of my toughest opponents

It’s a testament to how good he was that Ferguson named Gianfranco Zola as one of his toughest opponents despite squaring off against Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and many others in an illustrious career. It’s praise that the Chelsea legend deserves, though. Unlike others, Ferguson admitted, the Italian didn’t fear him or his side.

Zola only managed to get the better of Ferguson three times throughout his career, but also scored three times against the Red Devils to remain a thorn in their side. Dubbed “fantastic” by the legendary manager, Zola will struggle to find higher praise.

While Arsenal have plenty of talented players in their squad, there is one star who most fans would now class as their best: Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End icon has become a lean, mean output machine in recent seasons, as even though he missed over three months of action this year, he ended the campaign with a sensational haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games.

Unfortunately, Mikel Arteta’s options for off the left have not been nearly as effective, with Gabriel Martinelli chalking up 16 goal involvements in 51 games and Leandro Trossard doing marginally better with 20 in 56 games.

So, with that in mind, it’s hardly been a surprise to see the club linked with a host of brilliant left-wingers in recent weeks, with one of the most notable links being to Rodrygo – although recent reports have now touted a player compared to the Brazilian and Saka for a move to Arsenal this summer.

Arsenal transfer news

As mentioned, the last few weeks and months have seen Arsenal linked with many talented left-wing options, from the versatile Xavi Simons at RB Leipzig to the soon-to-be free agent of Leroy Sané.

Transfer Focus

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

Yet, one of the names that has caused the most excitement among the fans, and understandably so, has been Rodrygo.

The 24-year-old has won all there is to win in the club game with Real Madrid, and according to most reports from the last month or so, could be available for around £85m unless something changes with new boss Xabi Alonso.

However, with the required fee being so high, it’s unsurprising to see the club continue to be linked with other options, and now someone who has been compared to Saka and the Brazilian has reentered the frame in a big way.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have retained their intense interest in Nico Williams.

In fact, the report has now revealed that the Gunners are ‘very close to signing’ the Athletic Bilbao star, despite the La Liga side’s desire to keep him for another season.

The report has revealed that for the North Londoners to get their man, whom Arteta has made ‘a priority,’ they’ll have to pay his release clause, which, according to stories from earlier this week, stands at about £50m.

While it would be a lot of money to spend on a 22-year-old, it would be more than worth it thanks to his ability and the comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo.

How Williams compares to Saka & Rodrygo

So before addressing the other reasons why Arsenal might want to sign Williams this summer, it’s important to examine these comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo and where they come from.

In both cases, they stem from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each.

In this instance, it was concluded that the Brazilian was the most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Spaniard across the last 365 days, while the Englishman was the tenth most similar.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.35

0.32

Non-Penalty G+As

0.45

0.51

Progressive Carries

5.32

5.28

Shots

2.43

2.52

Shots on Target

0.86

0.93

Expected Assists

0.19

0.20

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.31

1.21

Shot-Creating Actions

5.05

4.95

Blocks

0.90

0.84

The best way to understand how these conclusions were reached is by looking at the underlying numbers in which the players rank closely, which, in the case of the Real Madrid star, include metrics like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, passes into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

For the Gunners’ gem, the metrics in which he’s incredibly similar to the Bilbao star include things like tackles won, clearances, carries into the penalty area and non-penalty goals per 90, suggesting he can do some of the defensive work the Englishman so often carries out for the Gunners.

Non-Penalty Goals

0.23

0.26

Tackles Won

0.81

0.78

Clearances

0.41

0.42

Carries

31.4

32.7

Carries into the Penalty Area

2.61

2.66

Aerial Duels Won

0.50

0.52

On top of these flattering and incredibly encouraging comparisons to two of the best wingers around, Arteta and Co should also be going all out to sign the 22-year-old “level-raiser,” as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, because he’s a reliable source of goals and assists.

For example, since the start of last season, the Pamplona-born dynamo has scored 19 goals and provided 25 assists in 82 appearances, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.86 games.

Ultimately, while some fans may prefer the bigger name in Rodrygo, it looks like Arsenal are on track to sign one of the most exciting wingers in the game in Williams, and given his age, there is plenty of scope for him to get even better.

Their answer to Cherki: Arsenal close in on first summer signing for £38m

The incredible prospect could be sensational at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 5, 2025

Manchester United will not be playing European football in the 2025/26 campaign after they lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Europa League earlier this month.

Their only chance to secure Champions League football for next season was to beat Spurs in Bilbao, due to their lowly position in the Premier League, and they failed to do so.

Whilst you could spin that into a positive, as United will not have a busy schedule with loads of European matches to deal with, it could affect the club’s business in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United reportedly held face-to-face talks with Ipswich Town centre-forward Liam Delap earlier this month, but he is now set to sign for Chelsea.

Fabrizio Romano revealed that Enzo Maresca’s side are on the verge of signing the England U21 international for a fee of £30m, thanks to a relegation clause in his contract with the Tractor Boys.

The Italian journalist added that Champions League football was a key part of his decision to join the Blues, which suggests that United losing in the Europa League final played a role in their failure to land Delap.

Why missing out on Liam Delap is a blow for Man Utd

Manchester United missing out on a deal to sign the Ipswich Town centre-forward ahead of Chelsea is a blow because he could have been an interesting addition to Ruben Amorim’s squad in the summer transfer window.

The former Manchester City striker joined the Tractor Boys last year and enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Premier League, despite his team’s relegation back down to the Championship.

Delap scored 12 goals in 32 starts for Ipswich in the top-flight, whilst Bruno Fernandes ended the year as Manchester United’s top scorer in the division with just eight strikes.

The 22-year-old marksman would have arrived at Old Trafford as an upgrade on Amorim’s current first-choice number nine, Rasmus Hojlund, based on their respective performances in the Premier League this term.

Appearances

37

32

xG

9.34

5.24

Goals

12

4

Conversion rate

18%

13%

Big chances created

3

4

Assists

2

0

As you can see in the table above, Delap had a far more impressive season as a goalscorer for his side, accumulating more xG and far more goals despite playing in a worse side, as Ipswich were relegated from the league.

These statistics suggest that he would have improved United’s team by coming in to offer a greater goal threat at the top end of the pitch in comparison to Hojlund, which is why missing out on him is a blow.

A failure to land Champions League football has put an end to their pursuit of Delap, unfortunately, but the Red Devils are now reportedly looking at a forward who could be even better than the Ipswich star.

Man Utd eyeing deal for Premier League forward

According to GIVEMESPORT, Manchester United are ready to pursue a deal to sign Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that they are preparing to target the Cameroon international in the coming weeks after it became clear that they are set to miss out on Delap to Chelsea.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that Brentford value the left-footed forward at a fee of around £60m this summer, which means that the club would have to pay twice as much as Chelsea are due to pay for Delap in order to get a deal over the line for him.

GIVEMESPORT also reveals that Mbeumo is aware of the interest from Manchester United, but that a move is not far enough along for the player to have made a final decision on his future.

The outlet states that United would be willing to pay the £60m price tag if they felt that it would give them an advantage over the likes of Newcastle United, who are unsure about whether or not they want to pay that much for the Brentford star.

Arsenal are also said to be keeping an eye on his situation heading into the summer transfer window, but the Magpies appear to be the biggest competition for his services.

Why Man Utd should sign Bryan Mbeumo

The Red Devils should swoop to sign the left-footed star ahead of Newcastle by paying the £60m asking price because he could be even better than Delap for Amorim.

One of the biggest question marks looming over the Ipswich star is whether the 2024/25 campaign was just a flash in the pan? It was his first season in the Premier League, and he had never scored more than eight goals in a single Championship season previously in his career, out on loan with Preston, Stoke, and Hull.

That same concern would not be there with Mbeumo because he has proven himself to be a very capable Premier League performer over the course of a number of seasons at Brentford.

The 25-year-old star has played in the top-flight since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, following his team’s promotion from the Championship, and has delivered plenty of quality in the final third since then.

After a return of just four goals and seven assists in his first season in the Premier League with Brentford, Mbeumo improved his output as a goalscoring threat for the Bees.

Appearances

35

38

25

38

xG

N/A

9.77

9.81

12.26

Goals

4

9

9

20

Big chances create

4

14

6

17

Assists

7

8

6

7

As you can see in the table above, the £60m-rated sensation has consistently provided goals and assists at an impressive rate over the last three seasons, scoring more goals than United’s top scorer this year in all three of those terms.

Mbeumo, who was once hailed as “unplayable” by manager Thomas Frank, also scored eight more goals and supplied five more assists than Delap in the Premier League in the 2024/25 campaign.

This suggests that the Brentford star could be an even better signing than the England U21 international for several reasons, as he is more of a proven quantity at Premier League level, and has the potential to deliver even more quality in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Amorim's own McTominay: Man Utd make contact to sign "world-class" £50m ace

Manchester United could be about to land a star who could be the new Scott McTominay.

ByEthan Lamb May 30, 2025

Therefore, Mbeumo could be worth the extra £30m that United would have to pay to sign him this summer, which is why they should go ahead with a move to snap him up ahead of Newcastle.

This time last year, Leeds United were full to the brim with nerves as a Championship playoff final awaited the Whites at Wembley.

Thankfully, no such heartache on the biggest stage is plaguing Daniel Farke’s men currently, with any loss to Southampton now a distant memory, considering the second-tier title was wrapped up in style this season by the West Yorkshire giants.

One downside to Leeds winning promotion could come in the form of Harry Gray’s development being hindered, with so much already anticipated of the teenager at Elland Road despite the attacker only being 16 years of age.

Gray's incredible rise at Leeds

Plenty of the hype surrounding Gray does come from his notable namesake, with his brother Archie now on the books of Tottenham Hotspur and a Europa League winner after exploding into life in the senior game with the Whites.

Farke was heavily responsible for the 19-year-old’s sudden rise in the first team, considering he gifted the versatile Spurs number 14 his first senior opportunities at Elland Road, with history now amazingly repeating itself.

Indeed, with Leeds’ promotion virtually wrapped up, the German would start to name the 16-year-old sensation amongst his substitutes, with his first official appearance for his boyhood employers coming against Stoke City last month.

With 11 goals next to his name playing for both the U18s and U21s too, this could well be the early beginnings of a future icon in West Yorkshire. After all, he has already been described as “one of England’s best prospects in his generation” by data analyst Ben Mattinson.

Gray might not be the only rising star that could soon work his way into Farke’s regular first team picture, though, with this fellow Thorp Arch product possessing the potential to be as big a talent as the much-talked-about striker if given time.

The Leeds youngster who could be as impressive as Gray

It isn’t the biggest shock in the world to see the Leeds conveyor belt continuing to churn out more and more top-drawer youngsters with the likes of Kalvin Phillips once beginning his journey with the Whites.

Sam Chambers could be the next prodigy to rise the ranks and make an impression; therefore, with the exciting 17-year-old also gaining his first meaningful senior opportunities this season when given a cameo late last year versus Plymouth Argyle in the league, alongside an FA Cup chance against Millwall in 2025.

These rare slices of senior action would follow on from Chambers thumping home this effort in pre-season action for Farke’s men, with the promising Scotman really catching the eye at a youth level for the Whites for his versatility all across the attacking positions.

Indeed, his ability to maraud down the wings or play as a number 10 has even seen his ever-improving game be compared to that of Jack Grealish and Tyler Dibling by SCOUTED editor Llew Davies, who stated that Chambers “breaks open games, beats presses, creates positive attacking situations. He’s a little bit like Grealish, Emile Smith Rowe and Dibling.”

AM

20

2

3

CM

5

1

0

CF

4

1

1

LM

3

0

0

RW

1

0

0

LW

1

0

0

RM

1

0

0

Chambers will aim to follow in both Grealish’s and Dibling’s footsteps, therefore, as the electric duo were both raw gems themselves once upon a time at Aston Villa and Southampton before their big breaks.

If he can go on to live up to these lofty comparisons, he could even be a bigger talent than Gray, with the future looking very bright at Elland Road as Premier League football returns, alongside yet another generation of stars coming through that look extremely encouraging.

Farke's next Tanaka: Leeds lining up move for "unbelievable" £10m star

Leeds United may be about to sign a star who could follow in Ao Tanaka’s footsteps at Elland Road.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 21, 2025

Since the turn of the century, Chelsea rank first across Europe for transfer expenditure, spending a rather grotesque figure of €3.86bn (£3.2bn).

Having sold players to recoup around €1.96bn (£1.65bn) during the same period, the Blues have a total net spend of €-1,899.67m since 2000.

While the club may have won two Champions League titles and five Premier League crowns during that period, plus winning a plethora of other domestic and European trophies, spending has gone to a new level since Todd Boehly took control.

The Stamford Bridge side did make plenty of exciting signings during the first 12 years of the century. Players such as Didier Drogba, Claude Makelele and Ricardo Carvalho all played key roles under José Mourinho as the Blues emerged as a major force.

Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Oscar saw Chelsea enjoy a successful second act between 2012 and 2017, winning another two Premier League titles and a Europa League crown.

One signing was perhaps lauded more than the rest, especially given how much potential he had upon moving to Stamford Bridge.

Juan Mata looked ready to explode into life in the Premier League upon moving to England. Unfortunately, his time in London was short-lived, but his cult status hasn’t left him.

Juan Mata’s Chelsea statistics

Mata had enjoyed an excellent start to his career. After making his debut for Valencia, the Spaniard accrued over 150 competitive appearances for the La Liga side, scoring 46 goals and grabbing 52 assists in just four seasons.

This form saw him secure a place in the 2010 World Cup squad. He may have only played 20 minutes for Spain during the tournament, but he got his hands on the trophy.

Chelsea made their move a year later, signing the playmaker for a fee in the region of £23.5m, which was certainly a bargain.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2013/14

17

1

3

2012/13

64

20

30

2011/12

54

12

20

During his first season with the club, he played 54 games and registered 32 goal contributions, helping the Blues win the FA Cup and Champions League.

Remarkably, 60 goal involvements were recorded in the season after as Mata emerged as a key attacking threat for the London side. They didn’t win anything, but with Mourinho announced as the new manager in the summer of 2013, hopes were high of further glory.

It was clear he wasn’t going to fit into his tactical system, resulting in Mata making just 11 Premier League starts for the Blues during the first half of the season.

In January, Manchester United paid £37.1m to bring him to the North East, but he left Chelsea as a cult icon for his impressive displays.

With the transfer window set to open in just a few weeks, could Chelsea be about to raid Valencia once again for a talented young player with the world at his feet?

Indeed, a move for Cristhian Mosquera this summer could see him become Mata 2.0.

Chelsea make their move for La Liga sensation

While the club are in urgent need of a new striker or two heading into the transfer market, Enzo Maresca is also on the lookout for a new defender.

According to Caught Offside, Chelsea are keen to step up their interest in Mosquera, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season for the Spanish side.

As per the report, the Blues could be set to initiate talks with the centre-back soon in a bid to secure his signature. Due to the fact that his contract expires next summer, Valencia are only demanding a fee of around €25m (£21m), which is certainly feasible for Maresca.

They face stiff competition from Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig. While Atletico Madrid are also keen. Three of these clubs will take part in the Champions League next term, meaning Chelsea must secure their place in the competition to stand a chance of landing the youngster.

Transfer Focus

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

Although Maresca has plenty of centre-backs at his disposal, Mosquera could soon become a first-choice option for the Italian.

Why Chelsea must sign Cristhian Mosquera

The 20-year-old has started all but one of Valencia’s league matches this season, although the club have underperformed as a whole, looking like they might finish in the bottom half of the table.

Throughout the campaign, the Spaniard exuded the qualities of someone ten years older. Indeed, he has won an impressive 69% of his total ground duels per game in the top flight, along with making 3.4 clearances, 1.4 tackles and losing possession only 0.3 times per match.

These solid displays at the heart of Valencia’s backline have bolstered his reputation, being praised heavily in the process.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig stated that Mosquera is a “magnificent CB in the making” earlier this year. He also stated that the youngster was “one of the most talented U-21 CBs in Europe” following an excellent performance against Real Madrid in April.

When compared to his positional peers in La Liga this season, Mosquera currently ranks in the top 4% for ball recoveries (5.16) per 90, along with ranking in the top 14% for pass completion percentage (90.8%) and in the top 18% for percentage of dribbles tackled (76.3%) for Valencia.

He is certainly still raw and has plenty of development to do over the next few years, but these statistics prove he can mix it with the very best in Spain, no doubt about that.

For a fee of just £21m, Maresca won’t find better value out there all summer. Mosquera has proven throughout the 2024/25 campaign that he is a reliable centre-back,k and his signing fits into the club’s policy of bringing younger talent to London.

Mata enjoyed a wonderful two-and-a-half-year spell with Chelsea after sealing a move from Valencia. Given his growing reputation and talent, Mosquera could certainly go on to enjoy a similar sort of impact at Stamford Bridge should he make the move this summer.

Maresca must act swiftly to secure his signature, especially with plenty of other suitors swirling around the player.

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Liverpool are now confident they’re leading the race for a defender, who has been identified as a top target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Reds set sights on new full-backs

Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the Reds, in a major boost for Arne Slot, but the manager may still be tasked with reshaping his defence in the summer transfer window, as Trent Alexander-Arnold has now confirmed his decision to leave.

With Trent heading for the exit door, Slot may choose to install Conor Bradley as his first-choice right-back, but there have also been links with Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong, with the Dutchman believed to be keen on a move to Anfield.

Not only may a new right-back be required, but Slot could also look at bringing in a replacement for Andy Robertson, with the Scotland international now arguably in the twilight years of his career at the age of 31.

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Jamie Carragher also suggested Robertson was past his best earlier in the campaign, saying: “I just think Andy Robertson, who is an absolute legend, is just hanging on in every game.”

According to a report from TEAMtalk, AFC Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is now the top target for Liverpool at left-back, with his current employers set to hold out for a fee of £45m, amid widespread interest in his signature.

Real Madrid and Manchester City are also keen on the Hungarian, with the Spanish side scouting him this season, but the Reds believe they are still leading the race.

"Mad man" Kerkez could be ideal Robertson heir

The Hungary international has established himself as a vital player for Bournemouth this season, making 36 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he has showcased his attacking threat by picking up two goals and six assists.

Robertson is also very capable on the front foot, having amassed 67 assists during his time with the Reds, so the Bournemouth star could be a like-for-like replacement in that regard, while he has also caught the eye of journalist Zach Lowy.

Bournemouth teammate Marcus Tavernier is clearly a big fan of the 21-year-old too, saying: “He’s a mad man! He’s great, I love that guy to pieces. He brings a lot of energy to the team when it’s quiet and stuff. He has come into the team and been great.”

Having proven himself in the Premier League, Kerkez could be the ideal replacement for Robertson this summer, and Liverpool should look to secure a deal before Real Madrid or Man City step up their interest.

Chelsea are now racing Barcelona for the signature of a highly-regarded young midfielder, who has been likened to Lionel Messi, according to a report.

Blues continue youth recruitment drive

Under BlueCo ownership, there has been a heavy focus on bringing in talented young players, with Sporting CP duo Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo the latest youngsters to be snapped up, and the Blues are showing no signs of slowing down ahead of the summer window.

Talks have now been opened over a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, with the Englishman set to be available for around £43m – £51m this summer, and Enzo Maresca’s side are prepared to double his salary to get a deal over the line.

The west Londoners are seemingly very keen on bringing in a young winger, as they are also pushing to sign Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz, but they may have to fork out as much as £87m to prise the Turk away from the Italian side.

Gittens and Yildiz both have Champions League experience under their belt, while they have also been regular starters for their respective clubs this season, but there are signs the Blues are also keen to take a gamble on more of an unknown quantity.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Chelsea are now in the race to sign Malian youngster Aboubacar Maiga, who is attracting widespread attention from some of Europe’s top clubs, with the Blues ‘determined’ to win his signature.

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Barcelona are also vying to sign Maiga, who has been given the nickname “the Malian Messi”, given that he is well-known for his technical ability, creativity and dribbling, sharing similar traits to the Barcelona legend.

The attacking midfielder is said to be regarded as one of the most exciting wonderkids in world football, given his talent in possession of the ball, while he has also displayed his leadership abilities by captaining Mali U16s.

Blues determined to seal Maiga deal

Chelsea are determined to win the race for the 16-year-old, and if he lives up to his nickname the teenager could be a future star, but BlueCo must make sure to also bring in players capable of making an immediate impact.

Over the past few years, the Blues have brought in a number of talented youngsters, but their transfer business has failed to translate to any real success on the pitch, although they are now in a strong position to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The Blues have clearly identified striker as a position in need of strengthening, given that Nicolas Jackson has been inconsistent, while they may also look to replace Robert Sanchez between the sticks, and several targets have been identified in both positions.

Player

Position

Potential cost

Gregor Kobel

GK

£47m

Yahia Fofana

GK

£15m

Mike Maignan

GK

£67m

Liam Delap

ST

£30m

Serhou Guirassy

ST

£60m

Assane Diao

ST

£43m

Expectant Leeds United supporters packed into Elland Road couldn’t have dreamt up a better Easter Monday if they tried, with the Whites resoundingly beating Stoke City 6-0 whilst their promotion foes in Sheffield United suffered a slim 2-1 defeat away at Burnley.

Off the back of both important results, the West Yorkshire titans are now out of the grip of the Championship and heading back up to the top table, re-entering the Premier League in style, hopeful that Daniel Farke can help Leeds become a top-flight regular again.

This will be easier said than done, but the three-time promotion-winning German will hope his top performers from this brilliant win over Stoke can shine bright when stepping up a division.

Leeds' star performers vs Stoke

The obvious place to start here is with Joel Piroe’s devastating attacking display as Leeds’ main marksman, with the Dutchman staggeringly putting Stoke to the sword with four first-half strikes.

Any worries that he was deep in a patch of poor form in front of goal quickly evaporated, resulting in the ex-Swansea City man now finding himself on a bumper 19 goals for the season and ready for the might of the Premier League.

Moreover, Jayden Bogle was equally gung-ho throughout down the left channel, with the full-back picking up an assist in the big win to play his part in promotion being sealed, as well as hitting the post in the build-up to Piroe’s fourth of a frantic afternoon.

But, there’s one face that is yet to be mentioned that put in another stunning display for the promotion winners. Perhaps he might be Leeds’ next Raphinha in the Premier League…

Farke's very own Raphinha

Leeds will have to be proactive in the transfer market to ensure they stand a chance at consolidating themselves as a Premier League worthy club.

While not every capture the last time they were among the big boys went down a treat, a certain Raphinha was brought in as a statement buy way back in 2020 and it showed that the Whites were serious about staving off an immediate EFL return.

The spectacular Brazilian was nothing short of a sensation in Yorkshire, notching 17 goals and 12 assists in total for the Whites from 67 appearances, with 11 of those strikes coming during the 2021/22 campaign to help keep Leeds afloat in the top-flight.

Now at Barcelona, the Brazilian is among the best on the continent and is in with a genuine shot of winning the Ballon d’Or having scored 30 goals and registered 23 assists across 48 appearances.

Back in the EFL, Farke and Co will now be searching for their next Raphinha and they could find that by making Manor Solomon’s loan move a permanent one now promotion has been sealed.

An underrated but superb servant in helping Leeds earn a place back in the Premier League, the spellbinding Tottenham Hotspur loanee was a standout performer again versus the bewildered Potters.

He got Leeds up and running against Stoke to instantly ease the nerves when combining well with four-goal hero Piroe for the opener and he then supplied Willy Gnonto’s header, looping an inch-perfect cross to the back stick.

As a result, the 25-year-old went on to amass four key passes overall during the one-sided affair.

Firing two efforts of his own on the constantly bombarded Stoke net, the electric number 14 will have trudged off at the end ecstatic that his team were edging closer to promotion, but somewhat irked that he didn’t get to bag another league strike during the 6-0 bloodbath.

Games played

37

Goals scored

9

Assists

11

Big chances missed

6

Big chances created

19

Still, he will be very pleased with his role during Leeds’ promotion success, considering Solomon can boast a hefty nine goals and 11 assists from 37 clashes, resulting in a bumper 19 big chances being created for the likes of Piroe and other consistently on-fire attackers.

A tricky, energetic livewire, Leeds will be looking for a Raphinha-like figure to boost their hopes of beating the drop next term, and they may well find that the Israeli is the best-equipped to live up to the tag.

Handed a 9/10 match rating by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, it will be interesting to see if the winger decides to stick it out with his loan employers this summer to prove himself in the division above. Twisting and turning Championship defences for fun is one thing, but as Solomon has already found out, the Premier League is a different beast.

Once upon a time, Raphinha cost just £17m to obtain, with a £20m move for Solomon in the pipeline, perhaps going down as a similarly golden move, especially if he’s able to translate his devastating second-tier form to the top-flight.

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