Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

And just like that, Tottenham Hotspur have made history.

After everything that has gone wrong this season, after all the losses in the Premier League and domestic cups, Ange Postecoglou’s side walked out against Manchester United last night and left the pitch as Europa League champions.

It wasn’t exactly a game of the highest standard, but we don’t think a single player or fan associated with the North Londoners cares, as their 17-year trophy drought is finally over.

1

Goals

0

1.01

Expected Goals

0.85

27%

Possession

73%

1

Big Chances

3

3

Total Shots

16

5

Saves

0

22

Fouls

10

187

Passes

512

1

Shots on Target

6

Moreover, while the quality wasn’t necessarily present, there were plenty of hearty and heroic performances from the men in white, including one starter who must surely now be worth a fortune.

Spurs' star performers vs United

So, before we get to the player in question, it’s only fair we look at some of the other Spurs starters who left it all out on the pitch last night, such as Brennan Johnson.

The Welshman can sometimes go missing in games, and while he wasn’t exactly a constant threat in Bilbao, he managed to score the all-important goal and, as a result, etched his name into Tottenham folklore.

In short, the former Nottingham Forest star was fully deserving of the 8/10 match rating he got from the Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick.

The same score was given to Cristian Romero, who wore the captain’s armband until Son Heung-min came on late in the second half, and he more than led by example.

While perhaps a little too heated at times, the Argentine dealt with Rasmus Hojlund with ease, then managed to keep Joshua Zirksee relatively quiet and walked away with the Man of the Match award.

Finally, the often-maligned Yves Bissouma also deserves some serious credit for his complete display in the middle of the park.

The Mali international helped to mop up United’s middling attacks and even split their defence open with a brilliant pass on the odd occasion, in turn justifying the 8/10 match rating he got from Kilpatrick.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

Yet, there was another starter from last night who was the pick of the bunch, someone who is a £101m superstar in the making.

Spurs' £101m superstar in the making

While there were some other starters who did themselves proud last night, like Richarlison and Pedro Porro, the incredible player we want to talk about is none other than Micky van de Ven.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe

The Flying Dutchman was utterly superb for Spurs last night and was arguably even more impressive than his defensive partner, so much so that considering Romero was valued at around £101m late last year, we reckon the former Vfl Wolfsburg gem isn’t too far off a similar valuation.

It was a masterclass of performance, with the 24-year-old making five clearances, completing 100% of his passes, blocking two shots and, most crucially, making a goal-line clearance from Hojlund’s header after Guglimle Vicario fumbled the ball from a cross.

Unsurprisingly, we were not the only ones massively impressed with the titanic defender.

For example, Kilpatrick awarded him a 9/10 match rating at full-time, writing that he was ‘composed and commanding at the back’ throughout the game.

Then, respected talent scout Jacek Kulig went a step further and labelled him as “one of Tottenham’s absolute heroes,” which, considering the context of his display and what it means for the club going forward, is pretty hard to dispute.

Ultimately, there were heroic performances across the pitch for Spurs last night, but for our money, anyway, Van de Ven was the pick of the bunch, and if Romero has a valuation of up to £101m, it’s just a matter of time until he does as well.

He'd send Tel packing: Spurs race to sign £19m "future ballon d'Or winner"

The incredible talent would be an unreal signing for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 16, 2025

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.

This summer is massive for West Ham United if they are to right the wrongs of this season and push on under the guidance of manager Graham Potter.

The Hammers currently sit in 17th place in the Premier League, just one place above the relegation zone, and are lucky not to be in a scrap to maintain their top-flight status.

It’s certainly been a year to forget, with the 49-year-old unable to change the club’s fortunes after taking the reins from Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked after just six months in charge.

The former Chelsea boss has the summer window to try and transform the Hammers’ fortunes and push the side back up towards the European spots in 2025/26.

With the opening of the market rapidly approaching, groundwork is already being laid ahead of a huge period for the club – needing to make the right signings if they are to progress.

The latest on West Ham’s hunt for signings this summer

In the last couple of days, West Ham have entered negotiations with the representatives of left-back Junior Firpo over a potential deal this summer.

The Dominican international is currently on the books of Leeds United, but looks set to depart the Whites with his contract set to expire at the end of June.

The defender, who’s registered 14 combined goals and assists this season, isn’t the only player on their shortlist, with midfielder Morton Frendrup also on their radar, according to GIVEMESPORT.

Their report claims that the Hammers’ hierarchy have already made contact with Genoa over a deal for the 24-year-old, who could be available for £17m this summer.

It also states that he’s one of a number of options being considered for the upcoming window, but face competition from fellow Premier League outfit Brentford for his signature.

Why West Ham’s £17m target would be an upgrade on Soucek

Tomas Soucek has been a regular in the heart of the West Ham midfield this season, registering 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring on eight separate occasions.

However, despite his excellent record for the Hammers, he could be set to depart East London during the off-season, with newly-promoted Leeds just one potential destination.

It’s unclear if Potter will be wanting to cash in on the Czech international during the coming months, with his future in the capital certainly up in the air to say the least.

Should he leave, it would be a blow given his output across the field, but it would allow the manager to land an upgrade in the form of Genoa star Frendrup.

When comparing their respective figures from the current campaign, the Dane has managed to outperform Soucek in various key areas – highlighting how much of a bargain he would be at £17m.

How Frendrup compares to Soucek in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Frendrup	Soucek
Games played	33	32
Goals & assists	2	9
Pass accuracy	85%	73%
Progressive passes	3.1	2.7
Tackles won	3.1	1.6
Interceptions made	1.4	0.7
Blocks made	1.9	1.3
Stats via FBref

Frendrup, who’s been labelled a “midfield machine” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has starred in possession, completing more of the passes he’s attempted along with more progressive passes – aiding other players within the final third.

He’s also dominated without the ball, winning nearly double the number of tackles per 90, along with more interceptions made – handing Potter the added quality he desires out of possession.

Since the departure of Declan Rice, the side have desperately needed the ball-winning presence in front of the back four, undoubtedly having an impact on their league standing.

Frendrup could provide just that for the Hammers, but the hierarchy will need to act quickly to avoid missing out on such a talent given the interest from elsewhere.

The £17m fee touted is a bargain in today’s market, with the Dane having all the tools to push the club back towards the European spots in the 2025/26 campaign.

He'd make Bowen unplayable: West Ham in the hunt for £30m "wrecking ball"

West Ham are eyeing up a new striker this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

May 8, 2025

Arsenal’s transfer plans continue to evolve as we approach the first mini-window deadline on June 10, and while it remains to be seen if the Gunners officially confirm any new signings before that cut-off date, Andrea Berta is conducting plenty of work behind-the-scenes.

Mikel Arteta has admitted that the club are set for a “busy” summer window, after they missed out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by 10 points, and they appear set to add to their £487 million net-spend on transfers since the Spaniard first took charge.

Related Arsenal talks could advance in "next few days" as Berta eyes £59m signing

The Gunners have been in contact this week.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jun 5, 2025

A lot has been made of their need for a new striker in recent weeks, with Arsenal currently working on deals for both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, before they decide which centre-forward is their most viable option (BBC).

Arsenal scored just 69 Premier League goals in 2024/2025, which is far a lesser number than the previous two seasons where they fiercely challenged Man City for the title, so supporters are understandably keen for Berta to solve their striker problem soon.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Bukayo Saka’s three-month injury layoff midway through the campaign also hamstrung Arteta’s options out wide, so Berta is believed to be actively working on signing a new winger as well.

Arsenal were in talks over a deal for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, but that has since stalled due to wage demands. Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma is believed to be among the alternatives on Berta’s shortlist, but they face stiff competition from Bayern Munich.

Interestingly, reports from Turkey in the last seven days have revealed that Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz is another target for the wide area.

Arsenal prepared to make "bold" bid for Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz

Turkish football.com reported late last week that Yildiz was emerging as a “prime target” for Arsenal, and that same outlet has provided a further update.

The 20-year-old can play on both flanks and as a second striker, with that versatility appealing to Arteta.

According to their information, Yildiz is a top contender to reinforce Arsenal’s attack in the eyes of Berta and his recruitment team. What’s more, Arsenal are ready to make a “bold” bid for Yildiz this summer, with Juve setting an asking price of around £86 million.

It is unclear whether Arsenal are willing to get anywhere near this number with any proposed offer, but it’s evident why they’ve taken a serious liking to the Turkey international.

Yildiz bagged nine goals and seven assists in all competitions last term, finishing the season as Juve’s highest-performing player by average match rating in Serie A (WhoScored).

Since leaving Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side, Marcus Rashford and Antony have played important roles for high-performing sides on the European scene.

Rashford hasn’t been at his rip-roaring best with Aston Villa, but the game-changing winger has still played his part for a side that sit on the cusp of a return to the Champions League, victory at Old Trafford this afternoon standing in his way. He’s scored four goals and provided six assists from 17 games for the Villans.

At Real Betis, Antony looks not like a man reborn but a different player altogether. The right-sided forward became something of a whipping boy for his struggles at the Theatre of Dreams after joining from Ajax in an £86m deal, but has hit nine goals and five assists since moving to Spain in January.

However, these aren’t the only former Red Devils, those having toiled in existing memory at Old Trafford, who have been remade elsewhere, with Scott McTominay forging an incredible campaign for himself over in Italy.

Scott McTominay's Serie A season

Less than a year after leaving Man United and joining Napoli in a £25m deal, McTominay has won the Scudetto and been crowned the Serie A MVP.

It’s been quite the year for the Scotland international, who has long played the bit part at Old Trafford but has been reborn as a bona fide superstar in Naples, the architect of their second league title in three years.

Scott McTominay – Past Six Seasons (league stats)
Season	Apps (starts)	Goals	Assists
24/25 – Napoli	34 (33)	12	6
23/24 – Man Utd	32 (18)	7	1
22/23 – Man Utd	24 (10)	1	0
21/22 – Man Utd	30 (28)	1	1
20/21 – Man Utd	32 (24)	4	1
19/20 – Man Utd	27 (20)	4	1
Stats via Transfermarkt

The 28-year-old never quite brought it all together in the Premier League, but he’s channelled his innate goalscoring ability and reinforced his underlying metrics, averaging 6.1 successful duels and 4.2 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.

It’s exactly the type of midfield robustness that has been lacking for the Red Devils this term, and McTominay’s success will not have been lost on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

However, he’s not the only former Manchester United star performing under Antonio Conte’s wing right now, and you could stake an argument for Romelu Lukaku having been even better than his Scottish teammate.

Romelu Lukaku has been outrageously good

Lukaku first moved to Italian football in August 2019, signing for Inter Milan in a deal worth £74m, leaving Man United.

He didn’t have a terrible spell at Old Trafford by any stretch, but the 32-year-old, then 25, failed to capture the magic of his time with Everton, who the Glazers paid an initial £75m (rising to £90m), two years earlier.

Scoring 42 goals and adding 15 more assists across 96 matches, Lukaku made inroads in his first year but struggled across the 2018/19 season, only bagging 15 goals from 45 fixtures in all competitions.

He’s been something of a nomad across his storied career, but who can say Lukaku hasn’t left an indelible mark on so many of his clubs?

Now, Napoli have been added to that list, with the number nine’s return of 14 goals and ten assists across the league campaign proving instrumental in the title-winning success. This means that he produced more goals and more assists than the Scottish midfielder, which is why he was even more influential and even better for the Italian outfit.

Football writer Muhammad Butt even took the time to draw praise to Lukaku amid the effusions directed McTominay’s way, hailing the “outrageously good” Belgian for his talismanic role across the campaign, bagging his second Serie A title after winning the 2020/21 edition with Inter Milan.

His goal against Cagliari on Friday night, following McTominay’s acrobatic opener, was certainly ‘outrageous’, and a reminder that he’s not just a poacher.

Here is one of the finest centre-forwards of his generation, and he underscored his legacy with a stunning season under Conte’s wing, a manager who has fallen in love with the nine and sought to make use of his talents across a number of different environments.

McTominay might have won the MVP, but Lukaku will no doubt feel that his prolific season may have warranted the vote angling his way. Ah well, the title will soften that so-called blow.

Not just Garnacho: Amorim must sell Man Utd dud who's a "serious problem"

Manchester United are in need of a serious overhaul this summer, with numerous players needing to be sold.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

May 24, 2025

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.

Newcastle United have made contact with the agents of a teenage talent in France who is also wanted by Liverpool, according to a new report.

Newcastle trying to address defensive issues ahead of the new season

After a season out of European football, the Magpies can now look forward to the 2025/26 campaign knowing they are back in the Champions League. Strengthening in the forward areas seems to be a high priority for Eddie Howe and co. this summer, but addressing their defence will also be on their list of jobs.

Newcastle now eye deal for "world-class" 28 y/o who Barcelona want to sign

There have been a new development.

1 ByHenry Jackson Jun 3, 2025

Jamaal Lascelles is out of contract at the end of this month and looks set to leave, while their remaining defensive options are all in their 30s, excluding the seemingly injury-stricken Sven Botman.

Fabian Schar and Dan Burn are both 33, and given the Magpies are going to be dealing with Champions League football now, Howe is going to want more fresh legs, as the games will come thick and fast next season.

Newcastle have already been linked with one defender in the past week, as they have joined Aston Villa in the race to sign Amir Murillo from Marseille. The Magpies hope the fact they are in Europe’s biggest competition and Villa are not will help them sign Murillo, who is said to be valued at around £21 million. Meanwhile, last month it was reported that Newcastle had made contact with AC Milan over a move to sign centre-back Malick Thaw.

Newcastle contact agents of teenage defender

The options for a new centre-back don’t stop there for the Magpies, as according to Moroccan outlet Le360 Sport, via Sport Witness, Newcastle have met with Stade Rennais defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal over a move to St James’ Park.

The report states that the Magpies and Liverpool are both interested in signing the 19-year-old defender this summer. That despite the fact that Aït Boudlal has yet to play a senior game for Stade Rennais and played just nine times for Amiens while on loan there for the last six months of the season.

The centre-back, who can also play left-back, has already met with Newcastle, but he has an offer on the table, and it’s not from the Magpies. Liverpool are said to have made a concrete offer to sign Aït Boudlal, but it is unclear how much that offer is. The 19-year-old’s options don’t stop in England either, as OGC Nice as well as two teams from La Liga are also keeping a close eye on his situation.

Apps

9

Starts

8

Assists

1

Big chances created

1

Interceptions per game

0.7

Tackles per game

1.6

Balls recovered per game

3.6

Clearances per game

7.9

Duels won per game (success)

4.4 (58%)

It’s unclear how much Stade Rennais would want for their defender, but according to Transfermarkt, Aït Boudlal is valued at around £420,000, which is a fee that both Newcastle and Liverpool would have no problem paying. Newcastle may not see Aït Boudlal as a player who will instantly become a regular in their team, but he is someone who could learn on the fringes, with the hope of becoming a top defender in the next couple of years as Howe’s current options decline.

Leeds United have now opened talks with the entourage of an “incredible” player with 10 England caps to his name, according to a report.

Leeds looking to avoid drop by building experienced squad

Upon their return to the Premier League, Leeds’ main aim next season will be to avoid an instant return to the Championship, and it looks as though Daniel Farke is planning to avoid the drop by building a squad with a wealth of top-flight experience.

Indeed, the Whites have been linked with players in a range of different positions, many of whom have proven themselves over a number of years in the Premier League.

Target

Current club

Position

PL appearances

Yves Bissouma

Tottenham Hotspur

CM

191

Aaron Cresswell

West Ham United

LB

312

Jamie Vardy

Leicester City

ST

342

Callum Wilson

Newcastle United

ST

239

Aaron Ramsdale

Southampton

GK

183

The interest in Ramsdale comes about amid doubts over Illan Meslier, who was dropped for Karl Darlow during the promotion run-in, but the Southampton shot-stopper, who is available for £25m following the Saints’ relegation, is not the only English goalkeeper on the shortlist.

According to a report from Leeds United News, Leeds have now approached the entourage of Newcastle United’s Nick Pope, who has emerged as a top target for Farke now that Caoimhin Kelleher has decided to make the move to Brentford.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey also dropped a further update on Pope’s St. James’ Park future, saying: “Pope, he’s on a very good contract there and age is not on his side. It depends where Leeds want to go with it as well.

“Do they go experience or young? I think they are assessing all options. He’s a very solid option.

“Clearly he’s going to be on the radar, but I don’t think they have 100% decided which way they’re going to go just yet.”

"Incredible" Pope could be exactly what Leeds need

Meslier simply cannot be trusted, with the 25-year-old costing Farke’s side 10 points in the Championship last season, and there is every indication the Newcastle goalkeeper would be a more reliable option between the sticks.

The England international, who has 10 caps to his name, has proven himself in the top flight across spells with Burnley and Newcastle, making a total of 221 Premier League appearances, while also catching the eye in the Champions League.

Leeds expected to submit bid for "incredible" £10m ace "in the coming days"

The Whites are set to make a move for a defender in the very near future…

3 ByDominic Lund Jun 4, 2025

Journalist Liam Kennedy was left particularly impressed by the £60k-a-week goalkeeper’s performance in a 0-0 draw against AC Milan in September 2023, claiming the Magpies “wouldn’t have got a point without his incredible performance in goal”.

There is clearly a strategy to bring in proven Premier League players this summer, and Pope certainly ticks that box, while his Champions League and international experience indicates he could be a real upgrade on Meslier, who has been far too error-prone.

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.

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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.

Manchester United have held talks with the entourage of a “world-class” striker, who is now keen to seal a move to the Premier League, according to a report.

Man Utd set sights on new striker

Man United have already signed Matheus Cunha, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo remains of interest, but there is clearly a determination to bring in a new out-and-out centre-forward this summer, with an approach being made for Viktor Gyokeres.

That is according to Sky Sports, with United now said to be exploring the conditions of a potential deal, given that manager Ruben Amorim is a “big fan” of his former player.

Reports from elsewhere have suggested the Red Devils are preparing a bid for Gyokeres, but it remains to be seen whether the 27-year-old would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, considering European football will not be on offer next season.

The Sweden international is not the only option on the shortlist either, with Man United also holding talks with the entourage of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to a report from The Boot Room.

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Osimhen is said to be determined to seal a move to the Premier League this summer, having rejected a move to the Saudi Pro League, and Amorim’s side engaged in discussions to bring the Nigerian to Old Trafford last month.

The centre-forward has no future with his current club, meaning he is expected to move on this summer, with Liverpool also in the race for his signature. The 26-year-old is protected by a relatively hefty £63m release clause, however, Napoli could accept an offer in excess of £50m.

"World-class" Osimhen could be real coup for Man Utd

The former Galatasaray loanee’s track record speaks for itself, having scored goals wherever he’s been over the past few seasons, most recently leading his side to the Turkish Super Lig title with a phenomenal return.

Season

League appearances

Goals

2020-21

24

10

2021-22

27

14

2022-23

32

26

2023-24

25

15

2024-25

30

26

The Lagos-born striker has been lauded as “world-class” by football writer Matt Barlow, and he picked up six goals and two assists in the Europa League last season, indicating that he has a lot left to give in Europe, so it is little wonder he turned down a move to Saudi Arabia.

Rasmus Hojlund has recently suggested he is going nowhere this summer, saying: “I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. I’m looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I’m fully dedicated to the project that’s underway.”

However, with the Dane scoring just four Premier League goals last season, it would make sense to bring in an upgrade this summer, and Osimhen has proven he could be exactly that.