All posts by z3u9t.icu

Despite being the top scorers in the Championship last season, Leeds United put a real focus on strengthening their attack. The Whites found the back of the net 95 times in 2024/25, far more than any other side, but still brought three new forwards to the club over the summer.

They only paid for one of those attackers, with the versatile Noah Okafor joining from Serie A giants AC Milan for £18m. One of their free signings was former Manchester City academy player Lukas Nmecha, who moved to Elland Road from Wolfsburg. Both Okafor and Nmecha have already scored this season.

The same can be said for their other attacking addition this summer, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Calvert-Lewin’s start to life at Leeds

The signing of former Everton star Calvert-Lewin was certainly a huge coup for the Whites. He will bring Premier League experience to a team that need to cement themselves as a Premier League side.

Already, the former Toffees number nine has found the back of the net.

He’s played four times across all competitions for the club, and scored in their 3-1 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend to get off the mark.

Yet, his start to life in Yorkshire has not been as simple as that for Leeds’ new number nine. His debut against Sheffield Wednesday, which saw the Whites crash out of the Carabao Cup, was disappointing. Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Lee Sobot described it as a “debut to forget” for the England striker.

His stats from the 2025/26 Premier League season so far also leave a bit to be desired. In 178 minutes so far, Calvert-Lewin has had four shots, with three of those on target, and missed one big chance.

Whilst he is only a short way into his Leeds career, the former Everton star will be hoping his goal against Wolves can be a catalyst for his form to improve. If not, they may have an academy star waiting in the wings to steal his number nine shirt.

Leeds’ potential future number nine

The Whites’ most exciting academy star in recent seasons is surely Archie Gray. The 19-year-old played 52 games for his boyhood club before moving to Tottenham Hotspur last summer, where he became a Europa League champion.

Well, the midfielder might have some competition when it comes to the best talents at Leeds. His younger brother, Harry Gray, is also on the club’s books and is another highly talented prospect to come out of his family.

Unlike his brother, 16-year-old Gray is a centre-forward and has shone for the club’s academy, leading the line at both under-18 and under-21 level.

He’s also made his first-team debut, with his sole appearance coming last season off the bench against Stoke City in the Championship.

This season, the youngster has been on fire already. Representing Leeds in the Premier League 2, he’s found the back of the net four times in just three games.

He’s also chipped in with two assists, one in the league and the other in the EFL Trophy. Gray even bagged a hat-trick against National League side Scunthorpe United.

Indeed, his record across both the Premier League 2 and the Under-18s Premier League shows the killer instinct Gray has in front of goal. In both divisions combined, he’s scored 15 goals in 21 games.

Games

11

10

Minutes

819

758

Goals

8

7

Assists

0

1

If Gray continues on his trajectory, it is easy to see how he can snatch the number nine shirt from Calvert-Lewin at some stage. He’s already played for his boyhood club, and if he can carry that academy form into first-team football, he could be a deadly centre-forward at the top level.

With his older brother Archie now plying his trade down in North London, there is certainly an argument to be made that the striker is Leeds’ most exciting talent.

Leeds star was an "underrated" talent, now he's Farke's own Phillips

Daniel Farke could now have his new Kalvin Phillips at Leeds United in this underrated star.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 21, 2025

Manchester United are now on red alert over a deal for a “sensational” England midfielder, who is starting to grow frustrated at his current club.

Man Utd looking to bolster midfield options

Football FanCast recently took a look at five ways Ruben Amorim could save his job, after a disastrous start to the season, and starting Kobbie Mainoo ahead of Manuel Ugarte in central midfield made its way onto the list.

Amorim has been reluctant to give Mainoo much game time up to this point, with the 20-year-old failing to start a Premier League match this season, and Nicky Butt has suggested the youngster hasn’t been “respected” by his manager.

It remains to be seen whether the 40-year-old is willing to reintroduce the England international to the starting XI, but it is clear the manager wants to bolster his midfield options regardless, with a number of targets being identified in recent weeks.

Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have all made their way onto the shortlist, but it has now been revealed the Red Devils are also in the race for a different English midfielder.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Man United are now on red alert over a potential deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is starting to become frustrated with his situation at the Spanish club.

Gallagher, an England international, has fallen behind the likes of Koke and Pablo Barrios in the pecking order at Atletico, which could negatively impact his chances of being part of the Three Lions’ 2026 World Cup squad.

Man Utd can hire Amorim upgrade who Fergie dubbed the PL's "best manager"

The future of Ruben Amorim continues to dominate the headlines at Man Utd – is a swift change needed?

ByRobbie Walls Sep 17, 2025

The midfielder is aware that a number of clubs could be in for him this winter, including Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, with journalist Graeme Bailey suggesting a January move could be possible.

Bailey said: “I am told the player would dearly like to make it back into the Atletico Madrid side and that is his priority, but clubs are paying real interest to him and he is very much one to keep an eye on for January.”

Gallagher could be "sensational" signing for Man Utd

A deal for the England international may be relatively expensive, with a £45m asking price previously being touted, but he clearly has what it takes to be a success at Old Trafford.

Unlike Ugarte, the former Crystal Palace man is already proven in the Premier League, making 136 appearances in the competition, during which time he amassed 18 goals and 13 assists.

As such, the 25-year-old, who has been dubbed “sensational” by journalist John Cross, is clearly capable of making an impact on the front foot, but he is also a well-rounded player, as underlined by his performance across several key metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Interceptions

1.52 (88th percentile)

Assists

0.17 (86th percentile)

Tackles

2.43 (73rd percentile)

Gallagher arguably wouldn’t be the flashiest of signings, but he is a proven Premier League midfielder, who clearly gives it his all, having been lauded for his “insane” work rate by Nathan Dyer.

Despite a lack of recent success, Tottenham Hotspur have splashed the cash in recent years, bringing in a number of players for £30m or more.

Numerous managers have been backed in the transfer market, with a plethora of stars being attracted to the project on offer in north London. But who is Spurs’ record arrival? We’ve taken a look at Tottenham’s 10 most expensive signings.

Rank

Player

Fee

Signed from

Year

Dominic Solanke

£65m

Bournemouth

2024

Tanguy Ndombele

£62.8m

Lyon

2019

Richarlison

£60m

Everton

2022

Mohammed Kudus

£55m

West Ham

2025

Xavi Simons

£52m

RB Leipzig

2025

Brennan Johnson

£47.5m

Nottingham Forest

2023

Micky van de Ven

£43m

Wolfsburg

2023

Cristian Romero

£42.5m

Atalanta

2021

Davinson Sanchez

£42m

Ajax

2017

Archie Gray

£40m

Leeds United

2024

Pedro Porro

£40m

Sporting CP

2023

James Maddison

£40m

Leicester

2023

Mathys Tel

£30m

Bayern Munich

2025

Moussa Sissoko

£30m

Newcastle

2016

Sergio Reguilon

£27.5m

Real Madrid

2020

Giovani Lo Celso

£27.2m

Real Betis

2020

Steven Bergwijn

£26m

Ajax

2022

Roberto Soldado

£26m

Valencia

2013

Erik Lamela

£25.8m

Roma

2013

Dejan Kulusevski

£25.6m

Juventus

2023

Here’s a detailed look at Tottenham’s 10 most expensive signings… 10 Archie Gray £40m from Leeds United

Archie Gray appears to be a star in the making which resulted in Ange Postecoglou and Spurs spending big on his services from Leeds United in 2024.

As part of a deal for the youngster, Leeds signed Joe Rodon, but it looks as if a total package for Gray cost up to £40m.

9 Davinson Sanchez £42m from Ajax

Centre-back Davinson Sanchez was a club-record signing when he arrived from Ajax for £42m in 2017.

Mauricio Pochettino was the man in charge when Sanchez moved to England and the Colombia international made more than 200 appearances for the club before leaving for Galatasaray in 2023.

8 Cristian Romero £42.5m from Atalanta

Another defender who cost Spurs big money is Cristian Romero, who arrived from Atalanta in 2021.

The Argentinian has shone for club and country, winning the Copa America and being voted Serie A’s best defender, which prompted Tottenham to spend £42.5m.

Daniel Levy may well have overseen things, but it was perhaps the best thing Nuno Espirito Santo did for the club during his short spell in charge.

7 Micky van de Ven £43m from Wolfsburg

Centre-back Micky van de Ven, who made the move to north London in 2023, signed from Wolfsburg for just under an initial £35m, with the total fee potentially rising to £43m.

He quickly impressed in the Premier League with his pace and power at the back, and all going well, Van de Ven will at least be with Spurs until 2029.

6 Brennan Johnson £47.5m from Nottingham Forest

A deadline day signing in September 2023, Brennan Johnson cost Tottenham £47.5m from Nottingham Forest.

The Wales international, capable of playing anywhere across the front three, signed a contract through to 2028 and will be hoping to repay that fee over the coming years.

5 Xavi Simons £52m from RB Leipzig

After missing out on Eberechi Eze to rivals Arsenal, Spurs then moved to hijack Chelsea’s deal for Xavi Simons in the summer of 2025.

The Dutch attacker signed a five-year deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and took the number 7 shirt after Heung-min Son left for the USA.

4 Mohammed Kudus £55m from West Ham

Another marquee arrival following Spurs’ Europa League triumph in 2025 was Mohammed Kudus.

Signed from London rivals West Ham, Tottenham forked out £55m for the Ghanaian winger and handed him a six-year deal on £150,000-a-week.

3 Richarlison £60m from Everton

After eye-catching spells in England with Watford and Everton, Tottenham decided to spend an initial £50m on Richarlison in 2022, with his transfer potentially totalling £60m including add-ons.

The Brazilian’s first season was a struggle, scoring just once in 27 Premier League games. However, he has shown glimpses of brilliance in north London and is under contract until 2027.

2 Tanguy Ndombele £62.8m from Lyon

Midfielder Tanguy Ndombele became Tottenham’s record signing when he joined in 2019, but his move from Lyon didn’t work out.

Signed by Mauricio Pochettino just months before the Argentinian manager was sacked, it proved to be a poor misjudgement from the Spurs boss.

The Frenchman signed a six-year contract and cost a whopping £55m, while his deal could have reached £62.8m with add-ons. However, after making 91 appearances and struggling in England, Ndombele had his contract terminated in 2024.

1 Dominic Solanke £65m from Bournemouth

Tottenham’s record signing is striker Dominic Solanke, who arrived from Bournemouth in the summer of 2024.

The former Chelsea and Liverpool attacker could end up costing £65m with add-ons, with Solanke under contract until 2030.

Nottingham Forest are now willing to make a £21m bid for a “superb” midfielder, which would be enough to get a deal over the line, according to a report.

Forest eyeing new signings amid Elanga uncertainty

After making an unexpected push for the Champions League places last season, there was also going to be interest in some of Forest’s best-performing players this summer, and the future of Anthony Elanga remains very much up in the air.

Newcastle United, who pipped the Tricky Trees to a fifth-place finish, are now thought to be closing in on a move for Elanga, which would be a major blow, given that the Sweden international amassed 17 Premier League goal contributions in the 2024-25 campaign.

As such, Nuno has been running the rule over potential replacements for the winger, with FC Porto’s Pepe believed to be of interest, having held talks over a deal for the 28-year-old, while Juventus’ Timothy Weah has turned down a move to the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest set to make £20m+ move for EURO 2024 Golden Boot winner

Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign a promising young striker.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 30, 2025

Having missed out on Weah, Nottingham Forest have now turned their attentions to another Serie A player, with a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) revealing they are now willing to make a €25m (£21m) offer for AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah.

Musah is described as being one of the key candidates to leave Milan, with the Italian club looking to raise funds for their own transfer business, and a move to the City Ground could be on the cards, as there is a belief he could shine in the Premier League.

Milan would be likely to accept a £21m offer, but there is set to be competition for the central midfielder’s signature, with Wolverhampton Wanderers also willing to make a bid of the same value.

"Superb" Musah could flourish at Forest

Despite being just 22-years-old, the maestro already has plenty of experience in some major European leagues, making 108 appearances with Valencia, before going on to receive regular game time with current club AC Milan.

During that time, the USA international has displayed his versatility, predominantly featuring in central midfield, but also playing on both wings, perhaps due to his stellar dribbling ability, ranking in the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year.

Scout Jacek Kulig also lauded the American for his “superb” performances at the 2022 World Cup, showcasing his ability to perform at the top level, which could make the Milan ace a solid signing for a Forest side with aspirations of competing in Europe.

Nuno’s side should be wary of Wolves’ interest, but Europa Conference League football being on offer at the City Ground next season could give them an edge in negotiations for Musah.

Everton manager David Moyes will be aiming to bolster his squad ahead of the club’s first season at their new stadium.

So far, the Toffees have yet to make a signing this summer, but there are several positions that need improving ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Much will depend on just how much money Moyes has to spend during the transfer window, and he might have to make a sale or two in order to fund potential moves.

It looks as though the club have been linked with a Juventus star who could turn into the next Iliman Ndiaye for Everton…

Everton eyeing up Serie A star

According to news outlet Foot Mercato, the Toffees are among the clubs interested in making a move for Juventus midfielder Timothy Weah this summer.

The report states that four European clubs are keen on the American, including Tottenham Hotspur, along with a couple of unnamed clubs.

No price tag is mentioned regarding a move, but with Weah having three years left on his current deal with the Serie A giants, Moyes would have to pay a decent fee to sign him.

It is evident that the club need some more attacking reinforcements, particularly on the right wing, and Weah fits the bill.

Not only that, but he could turn out to be another Iliman Ndiaye for Moyes.

Why Everton must sign Timothy Weah

Ndiaye was arguably one of the bright sparks of a season which won’t exactly be remembered fondly.

The Senegal international scored 11 goals for the Toffees last season, and without him, who knows where they would have finished?

When compared to wingers across Europe’s top five leagues, Ndiaye is the tenth-most comparable player to Weah.

The pair registered similar statistics over a range of metrics last term, including goals and assists (seven vs nine), shots per 90 (1.15 vs 1.3), shot-creating actions per 90 (1.98 vs 2.41), shot on target percentage (both 42.9), and crosses (44 vs 38).

This range of statistics proves that Weah could replicate the success Ndiaye enjoyed at the club should he make the move to the Premier League.

Goals

5

Assists

2

Big chances created

4

Key passes per game

0.6

Successful dribbles per game

0.4

Shots per game

0.7

Having another attacking option like the Senegal star would be highly advantageous for Moyes; that much is certain.

Despite his talent, Weah didn’t settle at a club until he moved to Lille in 2019. Across 107 games for the club, he registered 16 goal contributions, and this sealed a move to Juventus.

The 2024/25 season was his most productive. Not only did he find the back of the net six times, but the American also recorded five assists for the Old Lady.

Brendan Rodgers once hailed Weah as “wonderful” during a loan spell at Celtic. Could a fresh start in England finally see the player live up to his potential?

With Ndiaye on the left and Weah on the right, Moyes could have the perfect formula to cause havoc whilst attacking defences throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Everton's new Richarlison: TFG line up move to sign "clinical" £17m CF

Everton are in the market for a centre-forward this summer, and they could find their next Richarlison.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 21, 2025

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin heading for the exit door, Everton have turned their attention towards a La Liga star and are now reportedly ready to match his release clause worth over £30m.

Everton set to lose Calvert-Lewin

Calvert-Lewin’s contract situation is one that has been rumbling on for some time. In truth, however, a new deal has never really seemed likely for the academy graduate, who now looks destined to depart as a free agent at the end of this month.

It puts the Toffees in an interesting position. Whilst they wouldn’t have been desperate to lose an academy graduate, Calvert-Lewin’s form and injury history across recent years have hardly made him the main man in Merseyside, especially with Beto finding his feet under David Moyes in the second half of last season.

2024/25

3

2023/24

7

2022/23

2

2021/22

16

Circumstances have been tough at times, but Calvert-Lewin’s drop-off is undeniable. From scoring 16 goals in one season to finally bursting into life and finding his best form, the forward has managed a combined total of 12 in the last three seasons. For all parties, an exit makes perfect sense.

That said, Everton must still replace the 28-year-old and they seem well aware of that. The Friedkin Group already attempted to make a statement by winning the race to sign Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, only for Chelsea to come calling with an offer that the forward could not and did not refuse.

Now, they’re back to the drawing board. Ahead of a new era, a marquee signing to lead the line certainly wouldn’t go amiss. After missing out on Delap, the big question is just who Everton will turn to in the coming months.

The rumours are coming thick and fast regarding a La Liga star, however, who has a similar release clause to the aforementioned Delap.

Everton ready to match Thierno Barry's release clause

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are now ready to meet Thierno Barry’s release clause this summer which is worth €40m (£34m) this summer. Having initially shown interest in the Villarreal forward, those in Merseyside are reportedly ready to step up their move to commence their transfer business with the La Liga star also keen on a move.

It’s clear to see why Everton are so eager to push on with their move for Barry too. The 22-year-old got off to a rapid start at Villarreal last season, earning the praise of scout Jacek Kulig who dubbed him an “exciting CF investment”, and has since stolen even more headlines.

Everton now gifted chance to sign "excellent" £300,000-p/w PL star on loan

The Toffees could sign a vastly experienced star…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 8, 2025

By the time that last season reached a conclusion, Barry had found the back of the net 19 times in all competitions. If Everton are to welcome a marquee signing to commence their summer business, he should be at the top of their wishlist.

Chelsea are still on the hunt for another striker, despite already signing Liam Delap in time for the Club World Cup, but this is a transfer which may have to wait until further down the line this summer.

Chelsea tipped for second centre-forward signing after Liam Delap

Enzo Maresca’s forward line could look very different by the beginning of 2025/2026.

Alongside Sesko: Chelsea also step up pursuit of another striker wanted by Arsenal

The Blues have ramped up their interest in a “prolific” striker, who is also a target for Mikel Arteta.

ByDominic Lund Jun 10, 2025

Despite scoring in the Conference League final against Real Betis, helping Chelsea win their first major trophy under Maresca in the process, it has been a tough 2025 for Nicolas Jackson.

The Senegalese has scored just one Premier League goal this calendar year and suffered a real downturn in form beyond the turn of the year, combined with injuries and suspensions.

While Chelsea aren’t pushing Jackson out of the door, it is believed that they will listen to suitable offers, with Manchester United, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid all expressing an interest recently (Simon Phillips).

His departure could also prove key to Chelsea making room for another prolific centre-forward after Delap, which is something Stamford Bridge officials are apparently keen to do.

One name has dominated the headlines when it comes to BlueCo potentially bringing in another new number nine – Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike.

Chelsea have held talks with Eintracht over a deal for Ekitike, and even mooted the possibility of players going the other way in a part-exchange.

The Frenchman is also said to be very keen on a move to west London (Simon Phillips), but the sticking point throughout this saga has been Ekitike’s lofty £84 million asking price.

The 22-year-old is fresh off the back of an electric campaign, scoring 22 goals and assisting 12 others in all competitions, which has prompted his side to stand firm over a sky-high price in negotiations so far.

However, according to TEAMtalk, Chelsea may not have to go that high after all.

Chelsea believe £65 million Hugo Ekitike could rival Alexander Isak

As per their information, the club’s recruitment team hold a genuine belief that Ekitike will end up rivaling Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, with Chelsea making him a “high-priority” target as a result.

It is also believed that £65 million could even be enough for Chelsea to sign Ekitike this summer, and their public £84 million valuation is merely “posturing” in an attempt to look strong during negotiations.

The report adds that Chelsea have been in direct contact with the former PSG striker’s camp, echoing other media sources, but the complexity of this deal means this could be one that remains ongoing for a while yet.

In any case, he is clearly highly-rated within Cobham, not to mention the rest of the footballing world.

“I might say something really crazy, but I’ll say it anyway: I think he’s a mix between Neymar and [Kylian] Mbappé. I sincerely think so,” said former Netherlands star Wesley Sneijder.

“He has the grace of Neymar, but also the movements of Mbappé. To suddenly accelerate, that’s something that Mbappé also has. And he’s only 22 years old. There’s really a lot of potential in this boy.”

The summer transfer window is officially open for business in a bizarre change that sees Chelsea able to make signings between now and the tenth of June.

With the Club World Cup being played between the middle of June and the middle of July, a new transfer window has opened to give teams a chance to bolster their squads for the tournament before the second and main transfer window opens up.

Chelsea are already putting work in to improve Enzo Maresca’s options heading into the competition in America, with Liam Delap closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that the England U21 international started his medical on Monday with the club ahead of a move from Ipswich Town.

The £30m release clause in his contract with the Tractor Boys potentially made this an easier deal than it could have otherwise been, as they did not have to negotiate and haggle with the Championship side.

Whereas, other signings this summer may be harder to get over the line due to the competition for top talent, as was the case when they signed Eden Hazard back in 2012.

How Chelsea won the race for Eden Hazard

In the summer of 2012, there was a race on to sign the Belgium international from Lille after he had delivered 20 goals and 18 assists in 38 matches in Ligue 1 during the 2011/12 campaign.

Due to his incredible form with Lille in France, Hazard was one of the hottest young prospects in European football, which meant that there was plenty of interest in his services, but it was Chelsea who landed his signature.

The Belgian starlet explained his decision, saying: “When they won the Champions League I told myself, ‘Why not Chelsea?’ There was a struggle between Chelsea and [Manchester] United but, for me, Chelsea has the best project. It’s a wonderful club.”

His comments show that the club’s success, beating Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, played a significant role in his decision to make the move to Stamford Bridge, instead of joining Manchester United.

Hazard, of course, then went on to produce 110 goals and 88 assists in 352 appearances in all competitions for the Blues during his time in England, before signing for Real Madrid in 2019.

This proves that he was a player who was well worth putting the effort in to beat other clubs to his signature that summer, because he went on to deliver goals and assists at an exceptional rate in the Premier League over seven years.

2018/19

37

16

15

2017/18

34

12

4

2016/17

36

16

5

2015/16

31

4

3

2014/15

38

14

9

2013/14

35

14

7

2012/13

34

9

11

Chelsea could find a Hazard repeat this summer, now, by winning the race to sign another highly-rated young forward from one of Europe’s major leagues.

Chelsea leading race to sign £84m forward

BILD reporter Christian Falk, speaking to Caught Offside, has revealed that Chelsea are leading the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt talent Hugo Ekitike in the summer transfer window.

The German journalist claims that the Blues are already in talks with the player’s representatives about a move to Stamford Bridge, and that they could soon seriously pursue a deal for the striker.

Transfer Focus

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

Falk told CaughtOffside: “Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal were previously considered the top favourites for Hugo Ekitiké. But the three-man competition has now turned into a two-club battle.

“At the moment, Chelsea, who qualified for the Champions League in fourth place, hold the best cards in the Ekitiké poker. Chelsea are already in dialogue with the player’s side and could soon get serious.”

This latest update suggests that Chelsea are the frontrunners to sign Ekitike, who is reportedly valued at around £84m, in the coming weeks, despite interest from two other top teams in England.

Why signing Hugo Ekitike could be an Eden Hazard repeat

The Blues could be getting flashbacks of their deal to sign Hazard because it would be another move for a highly-rated young European talent amid competition from some of the best teams around, and it would be off the back of winning another European trophy.

Ekitike’s quality also suggests that the potential is there for him to follow in the Belgian’s footsteps to become a star for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for many years to come if they can get a deal over the line for his services this summer.

The 22-year-old starlet ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt, which is not entirely dissimilar to Hazard’s haul of 20 goals and 18 assists for Lille before his move to England.

Writer Sam McGuire described Ekitike as a “shot monster” and a “genuine goal threat”, and those comments are backed up by the France U21 international’s output in the Bundesliga this season.

Non-penalty goals

0.49

Top 27%

Non-penalty xG

0.68

Top 3%

xG

0.76

Top 5%

Shots

4.0

Top 5%

Shots on target

1.55

Top 8%

Non-penalty xG per shot

0.18

Top 18%

As you can see in the table above, Ekitike ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in the division for taking shots, finding the target with his shots, and generating high-quality chances.

A non-penalty xG of 0.18 per shot also shows that he takes high-quality shots in front of goal, rather than being wasteful with long-range or low-value efforts.

Ekitike’s haul of 22 goals for Frankfurt also means that he scored at least seven more goals than every player in the Chelsea squad in all competitions, which suggests that he could immediately improve Maresca’s team by offering a huge threat at the top end of the pitch next season.

The next Ashley Cole: Chelsea 'advancing talks' to sign "immense" £46m star

Chelsea are keen to sign a defender or two this summer

ByRoss Kilvington May 31, 2025

Cole Palmer ended the campaign as the top scorer with 15 goals to his name, and the Blues could now repeat their Hazard blinder by signing this French star to be their main man in front of goal for many years to come.

Chelsea have now identified an “exceptional” defender as a priority summer target after holding internal talks, according to a report.

Blues planning to sign two defenders this summer

The Blues still have everything to play for as the Premier League season approaches its conclusion, with the final-day trip to Nottingham Forest set to be crucial in the race for the top five, given that Nuno’s side, Aston Villa and Manchester City are breathing down their necks.

Barring the 2-0 loss at Newcastle United, Enzo Maresca’s side have performed well during the run-in, and the manager has been pleased with the progress Levi Colwill has made, despite admitting he may need to bring in more experienced players this summer.

When questioned about the prospect of adding experience to his squad this summer, much like Jurgen Klopp did by signing Virgil van Dijk and Alisson for Liverpool, Maresca said: “For sure, if you want to close the gap with these kind of clubs then, you have to do things.”

As such, a range of centre-back targets have been identified ahead of the summer, and it is clear the manager is looking to blend youth and experience.

Player

Current club

Potential cost

Mario Gila

Lazio

£25m

Axel Tape

PSG

£0

Ben Nelson

Leicester City

Unknown

Marc Guehi

Crystal Palace

£60m

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea are also stepping up their pursuit of Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, with the defender now considered a priority target following internal discussions about their summer transfer plans.

There is a feeling that a fee of £37.8m – £42m could be enough to get a deal done, so a move for Hato would not break the bank, and he is now rapidly moving up the Blues’ shortlist.

The likes of Liverpool, AC Milan and Arsenal could provide competition for the 19-year-old’s signature, but the west Londoners are looking to move swiftly to ensure they remain in the lead.

Hato could be "exceptional" signing for the Blues

The report states that Chelsea are looking to bring in two centre-backs this summer, and it is little wonder the youngster is now one of their favoured options, given the level of some of his performances for Ajax since breaking into the team at a young age.

Football scout Ben Mattinson has been left particularly impressed by the teenager in the past, stating on X: “Hato is an exceptional athlete for his age whilst being a technical player who can carry through the lines.”

Chelsea looking to sign "composed" defender who Maresca thinks is "perfect"

The Blues have set their sights on a centre-back, with Enzo Maresca believed to be a keen admirer.

1 ByDominic Lund May 18, 2025

Not only that, but the Rotterdam-born defender is an assured passer of the ball, which could make him a good fit for Maresca, ranking in the top 1% for his pass-completion rate per 90 over the past year, when compared to other full-backs.

Indeed, Hato is capable of playing at left-back, having featured there predominantly during the 2024-25 campaign, but he has also featured at centre-back throughout his career, and his versatility would be an added bonus for the Blues.

Arsenal have now submitted an opening offer for an “exceptional” young player, and they’ve had a response, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Gunners set sights on new goalkeeper

After initially usurping Aaron Ramsdale in the starting XI, David Raya has established himself as a key player for the Gunners, making 36 appearances in the Premier League this season, but there are signs that Mikel Arteta has now started looking at bringing in a long-term heir.

Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia is among the main targets, with the north Londoners recently holding talks over a deal for the Spaniard, who would prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of signing for Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Garcia has been a target for quite some time, having initially agreed to join Arteta’s side last year, and while they seem well-positioned to get a deal for the Spaniard over the line, Romano has now revealed that a move has been made for a different goalkeeper.

Arteta's a fan: Arsenal racing to sign "entertaining" Hazard-esque maestro

The Gunners have set their sights on a midfielder, who has been likened to former Chelsea star Eden Hazard.

ByDominic Lund May 11, 2025

In a recent update on X, the transfer expert stated that Arsenal have now submitted an opening offer of £1.25m for Chelsea goalkeeper Freddy Bernal, but the Blues were not convinced by their rivals’ proposal.

The Gunners’ rivals have knocked back the bid, given their eagerness to keep hold of Bernal, who is clearly impressing for the Blues at youth level, having also attracted the attention of several other unnamed clubs.

Arsenal’s remaining Premier League fixtures

Date

Newcastle United (h)

May 18th

Southampton (a)

May 25th

"Exceptional" Bernal catching the eye at youth level

Given that he is just 16-years-old, the Chelsea ace is likely to be some way off a first Premier League start, but he has caught the eye with his performances for the U18s, having been lauded for his “exceptional distribution” by scout Felix Johnston earlier this season.

The youngster was also the only Chelsea youngster to be named in the England U17 squad earlier in the campaign, highlighting his potential, so it is little wonder the Gunners are keen on taking him to north London.

That said, with the Blues knocking back Arsenal’s offer, it seems unlikely they will be able to prise the teenager away from their London rivals, and Garcia could well be a preferable option, considering the 24-year-old is already proven at a much higher level.

The Espanyol star made 35 appearances in La Liga last season, during which time he caught the eye of football scout Ben Mattinson, who appeared to suggest he could be the perfect heir for Raya, given the similarities in their play-styles.