Manchester United star Jess Park has withdrawn from the Lionesses squad for international friendlies against Brazil and Australia due to a delayed concussion. The 24-year-old was ruled out of the Red Devils' Champions League win over Atletico before the international break and experienced some symptoms after joining the England camp. Jess Naz has been added to Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses squad in Park's place.
Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli failed with the bat on Friday, spoiling their chances of moving up the Orange Cap table
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Apr-20252:43
Will RCB’s home form hurt their playoff chances?
Purple Cap leaderboardRCB have now lost all their three games at home this season but Josh Hazlewood did his best to change the trend against PBKS, picking up 3 for 14 in what was a low-scoring, 14-overs-a-side contest.With that, he has gone past Kuldeep Yadav of Delhi Capitals (DC), Hardik Pandya of Mumbai Indians (MI), Khaleel Ahmed of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Shardul Thakur of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who all have 11 wickets, as well as the big line-up of bowlers with ten wickets to their names: Prasidh Krishna, R Sai Kishore and Mohammed Siraj of Gujarat Titans (GT), Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mitchell Starc of DC, while PBKS’ Arshdeep Singh, after his 2 for 23 against RCB, is also on ten wickets now.Hazlewood now has 12 wickets. The same as table-topper Noor Ahmad of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who has led the pack since the second day of IPL 2025 when he picked up 4 for 18 against MI. But, while both of them have played seven games each, Noor has an economy rate of 7.12, while Hazlewood’s stands at 8.17, deciding their order on the table.Orange Cap leaderboardNicholas Pooran (LSG) is No. 1, B Sai Sudharsan (GT) is No. 2, and Mitchell Marsh (LSG) is No. 3, as has been the case for a while now. Below them is Suryakumar Yadav (MI) in fourth.Shreyas Iyer, the PBKS captain, had a chance to move past Suryakumar to No. 4, or even to No. 3 edging Marsh, but his 7 in ten balls against RCB kept him in fifth place. Virat Kohli also had a similar opportunity, but scored just 1 in that game, and is still in sixth place.Highest batting strike ratesBest bowling economy ratesMost sixesBest bowling figures in a match
As part of Manchester United’s £200m+ shopping spree this summer, Bryan Mbeumo completed a move to Old Trafford to try and improve the situation within the final third.
The Red Devils only netted 44 league goals in 2024/25, with the Cameroonian scoring 20 in the Premier League alone last campaign – a tally which was 45% of the Red Devils’ total.
Whilst he cost a pretty penny, arriving in a £71m deal including add-ons, he does possess the top-flight experience needed to transform the side after last year’s dismal finish.
The 26-year-old has already hit the ground running for his new side, scoring twice in his opening four outings – including in the recent league clash against Burnley at the Theatre of Dreams.
If Mbeumo is to achieve further success during his spell at United, he will likely star alongside one talent who’s been a constant positive influence despite the slump over the last few years.
Bruno Fernandes’ time at Manchester United
Upon his big-money transfer from Sporting CP in the winter of 2020, no United supporter would’ve anticipated the phenomenal level of output produced by Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese international arrived as an unknown quantity to many, but he quickly showcased his talents, scoring 12 and registering eight assists in his first 22 outings for the club.
Since his debut campaign, the 30-year-old has gone from strength to strength at Old Trafford, now racking up a total of 99 goals in his 254 appearances for the Red Devils.
Bruno has since taken on the role of captaincy under various managers, highlighting the importance to the side and the faith shown in him to take the club back to their former glory.
Despite the failures under Amorim last campaign, the midfield still managed to thrive, notching 37 combined goals and assists – by far and away the highest tally of any player in the squad.
He continued to be a constant creative threat, extending his tally and remaining as the player with the most through balls completed in Europe since 2022/23 – with his tally higher than those of Kevin de Bruyne and Martin Odegaard.
There’s no denying he’s one of the best additions ever made by the recruitment team, with another player joining him in that department, given his own rise at the club.
The United star who’s been the best signing since Bruno
United have been known to conduct some questionable pieces of transfer business over the last couple of years, which has undoubtedly contributed to their demise.
The likes of Casemiro, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund all joined the Red Devils in deals worth £70m or over, but none of which have failed to make a consistent positive impression on the fanbase.
The latter two of the duo both departed the club in the closing stages of the transfer window, further showcasing the poor business conducted by the board over recent seasons.
However, the same can’t be said for defender Noussair Mazraoui, with the Moroccan international cementing himself as a key player since his move 12 months ago.
The Red Devils paid just £12.7m for his signature from Bayern Munich, making him one of the cheaper additions made by Erik ten Hag during his time in Manchester.
Such a move now appears to be a genius one, as the 27-year-old ended the 2024/25 campaign with 57 appearances across all competitions – the most of any player in the first-team squad.
He operated in various roles such as wing-back, full-back and centre-back, showcasing his versatility which made him such an important aspect of Amorim’s system.
Games played
37
Minutes played
2848
Pass accuracy
86%
Dribbles completed
60%
Tackles made
2.2
Tackle success rate
60%
Cross success rate
26%
Duels won
6.8
Mazraoui has already earned himself huge admirers behind the scenes at United, with multiple insiders claiming that the former Ajax star is the best signing made by the club in many years.
His underlying stats in 2024/25 further highlight his impressive start to life in England, leading to journalist Umir Irfan labelling the full-back as “incredible”.
The Moroccan won 2.2 tackles per 90 last campaign, winning 60% of the dispossession attempts he entered – subsequently showcasing his tremendous ability out of possession.
He also thrived with the ball at his feet, completing 86% of the passes he attempted, whilst also completing 60% of his dribbles, which allows him to end the year with two assists despite his defensive role.
£12.7m for a player of Mazraoui’s quality is a tremendous piece of business – especially when taking into account the failures of the players before him who accrued mammoth sums of money.
Should he carry on at such a level in 2025/26, there’s no reason as to why he can’t be as important as Bruno in the club’s hunt for success in the near future.
Ten Hag sold Man Utd's "young Giggs" for just £15m, now he's like Mbeumo
Manchester United made a huge mistake in allowing one talented star to leave under Erik ten Hag.
1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 11, 2025
Crystal Palace are closing in on some late deals and look to be nearing an agreement to bring an exciting gem to Selhurst Park, according to reports.
Crystal Palace secure Europa Conference League qualification in Norway
Despite the trials and tribulations that have followed Crystal Palace over the last few months amid their expulsion from the Europa League, the Eagles will play league phase football for the first time ever this season after a 1-0 aggregate triumph against Fredrikstad FK over two legs in the Conference League.
Oliver Glasner has now added continental qualification to winning the FA Cup and Community Shield at Crystal Palace. Post-match, he lauded his side for the character they showed on a taxing night to complete a ‘huge’ achievement by securing their slot.
He said: “It is a huge achievement to go into the group stage. It was our second goal of the season and we have achieved that by the end of August which is great.
“The first one was winning the Community Shield – which we did – and now, with all of the noise of being demoted to the Conference League, we have done that too. We defended excellently and did not give them a chance but on the other side, we know we can and have to play better in possession, but overall it’s important be in the group stage.”
Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson is on Crystal Palace’s radar after their capture of Yeremy Pino and could arrive to offer further attacking depth in the wide areas.
After a frustrating spell in Italy, the Eagles may also offer Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly another shot at Premier League life before the end of the window amid speculation over Marc Guehi’s future.
Speaking of Arsenal, reports suggest that Crystal Palace could now be about to pinch one of their youth talents if reports are to be believed.
Crystal Palace set to agree compensation fee for Dan Casey
According to News Shopper, Crystal Palace are now close to agreeing a compensation fee to sign Dan Casey, who has rejected the chance to stay at the Emirates Stadium in favour of a move across London.
The 17-year-old, who turns 18 on Sunday, registered 20 goals for the Gunners’ Under-18 side last term and is viewed internally as a direct replacement for Jesse Derry following his switch to Chelsea.
Crystal Palace now make contact to sign "incredible" £20m Guehi replacement
The Eagles have made an approach over a deal for a new defender.
ByDominic Lund Aug 27, 2025
With Derry’s compensation fee set to go to a tribunal, the Eagles could inherit a multi-million-pound sum for his services, meaning a profit could be made should everything go to plan.
Ultimately, versatile gem Casey, who can play in attacking midfield or on the right flank, would likely be one for the future once he is to arrive at the club.
Nevertheless, talent that can be moulded for the future can save millions down the line; hence, why the swoop makes a great deal of sense from a Crystal Palace perspective.
MatériaMais Notícias
Dorival Júnior era a exemplificação de felicidade nos vestiários do São Paulo após a vitória sobre o Puerto Cabello por 2 a 0 na noite desta terça-feira (23), resultado que praticamente encaminhou a classificação do clube do Morumbi na Copa Sul-Americana.
Não era para menos. Mais do que simplesmente a classificação no Grupo D pura e simplesmente, o resultado tornou Dorival como o único treinador do São Paulo a se manter os dez jogos iniciais invictos no comando do Tricolor neste século. E veio após uma verdadeira odisseia, com o clube encarando uma viagem de quase 16 horas da capital paulista à venezuelana Valencia, sem sequer ter tempo para treinar.
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+ ATUAÇÕES: Tropa do Supermouse! Wellington Rato se destaca com gol de falta e comanda vitória do São Paulo
– Não trabalhamos, não treinamos, assim como retornaremos e não conseguiremos fazê-lo também. Mas, ainda assim, a equipe está dando uma resposta muito boa. Jogamos sete jogos fora de casa e apenas três em casa, mesmo assim tivemos resultados importantes, jogadores estão entendendo as dificuldades que estamos passando, enfrentando qualquer situação, passando por cima de tudo para conseguirmos resultados.
– Jogo difícil, estamos vindo de uma sequência muito pesada, com Brasileiro, Copa do Brasil e Sul-Americana. Tivemos uma logística muito complicada para uma equipe de futebol. Saímos de São Paulo praticamente meia-noite de domingo para segunda-feira e chegamos aqui às 17h do dia seguinte, foi quase um dia viajando – completou Dorival.
A maratona foi a principal justificativa do comandante são-paulino para usar a escalação completamente alternativa no duelo desta noite. Segundo ele, mais do que táticas e pensamento no adversário, jogou quem de fato estava bem.
– Tentei colocar quem estivesse melhor clínica e fisicamente falando, pelo desgaste que tivemos, dificuldades da última partida. Alguns jogadores estiveram na partida anterior, a grande maioria não. Isso poderia fazer com que o jogo ficasse um pouco mais igual em razão do desgaste. Acredito que tenha sido a opção correta, mesmo sacrificando alguns jogadores, caso do Wellington (Rato). Foi uma tomada de decisão coerente e fico muito feliz não só pelo resultado, mas pela disposição da equipe dentro de campo.
Sobre a histórica marca, Dorival mais uma vez procurou minimizar o feito individual e enaltecer o comprometimento de todo o elenco.
– Todos estão treinados, preparados e esse é o objetivo. Quando colocamos a situação de uma equipe que se inicia, a equipe que está fora está consciente do que está acontecendo e será treinada. O período tem sido curto e sinto que poderíamos ter tempo maior não só para recuperação, mas adaptação de exigências de cada partida. Os jogadores têm dado uma resposta positiva, têm entendido o trabalho e mesmo com o desgaste dessa viagem, estou muito satisfeito e feliz.
+ Confira os jogos, tabela e a classificação da Copa Sul-Americana-23
He is set to remain with the team until December 2026, a period which includes the ODI World Cup in India and the T20 World Cup in England
ESPNcricinfo staff08-Dec-2024Ben Sawyer has been reappointed head coach of the New Zealand women’s team for two years.Sawyer, who oversaw New Zealand’s first-ever T20 World Cup win earlier this year – they beat South Africa in the final – will remain at the helm until December 2026. This period includes the women’s ODI World Cup in India in late 2025 and the women’s T20 World Cup in England in mid 2026.”I’m stoked Ben’s re-signed with us,” white-ball captain Sophie Devine said. “The work he’s done with the White Ferns group and for women’s cricket in New Zealand has been huge.Related
Ben Sawyer charged with New Zealand's rebuilding process as new head coach
“The team is in a great spot right now, so I think locking him in for another two years and having that consistency will be big for us.”Sawyer, who has worked as an assistant coach with the Australia women’s team in the past, was first appointed New Zealand head coach on a two-year contract in June 2022, which ran through till the end of the India tour in October 2024. His reappointment follows an extensive review process, according to a NZC press release.New Zealand did not start their year well, winning just one in 13 T20Is heading into the T20 World Cup, but they turned things around in the UAE.”We’re so pleased to have Ben sign on for another two years,” Liz Green, NZC head of women’s high performance, said. “He’s unlocked a lot of belief and trust in this group and to have him stay now is massive, both for the current squad, and the long-term planning for the White Ferns. The consistency and stability is important.”Ben’s played a big part in progressing the White Ferns and helping build the women’s pathway. There was a huge amount of growth during that tournament, a result of what Ben and the coaches have been building over the last two years.”New Zealand will next take on Australia in a three-match ODI series that gets underway on December 19 in Wellington. The squad for the series will be announced later this week.NZC also said that the T20 World Cup trophy will be on display at the upcoming matches, “giving fans the chance to see it up close and capture photos”.
Tottenham are currently in ongoing negotiations over selling a high-profile member of their squad, according to a new report.
Spurs boss Thomas Frank gave his first ever pre-match press conference before their friendly against Reading on Saturday, and in his statement to the media, he moved to quash rumours linking some star players with a move away.
Player's camp in talks with Tottenham, Frank convinced he'd join Spurs
The Dane is personally confident they can secure his signature.
2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2025
Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero have both been repeatedly linked with a summer exit, attracting interest from Saudi Arabia and Atletico Madrid specifically, but Frank insists they both remain a part of his plans.
“Two top players, Sonny, been here 10 years, finally got his his well deserved trophy in the summer,” said Frank.
“So important for the team and the club. Cristian Romeo, World Cup winner, Europa League winner, Copa America winner, very, very important for us as well. Both have trained well, setting the standards out there on the training pitch and both will play tomorrow so I’m very happy.
“My expectation is all the players are here and they are training well. That is what I am focusing on and again very impressed by them. They set the standards and train hard. As I said, they are playing tomorrow, that’s a good indicator that they are here.”
Of course, depending on any suitable offers that come in, the nature of the transfer market means we can never completely rule anything out.
Spurs are now starting to move in terms of outgoings, with goalkeeper Josh Keeley completing a move to Luton Town after Tottenham agreed a £1 million deal with the League One side earlier this week, as first reported by Alasdair Gold.
Alfie Dorrington has gone out on loan to Aberdeen again as well, joining young striker Alejo Veliz in securing a temporary transfer away from N17 this summer in pursuit of more game time.
In terms of bigger names leaving, Yves Bissouma has reportedly been told he’s free to leave Tottenham, while great uncertainty surrounds the futures of Bryan Gil and Manor Solomon after their 2024/2025 loan spells elsewhere.
There is also the matter of Richarlison, who suffered from a plague of injury problems last term.
Palmeiras president in talks with Tottenham to sign Richarlison
The Brazil international, who cost Levy a whopping £60 million to sign from Everton in 2022, enjoyed a brief purple patch midway through Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge, but his highlights have been few and far between.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia, Richarlison’s homeland and Turkish champions Galatasaray have all been credited with an interest in the 28-year-old, with a report from The Boy Hotspur now claiming that Palmeiras are taking the lead.
It is believed that Palmeiras president, Leila Pereira, is “personally conducting the negotiations” to sign Richarlison – currently working on payment plans and acquiring more financial resources to meet Spurs’ asking price.
Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Shabab, Vasco de Gama, Fluminense and even Newcastle are named as other suitors for the ex-Watford forward, so he’s a man in demand, and Spurs are apparently keen on selling to reinvest Richarlison’s transfer fee in their own summer recruitment drive.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have now submitted a £25m offer for an “extremely dangerous” forward, who has impressed at the Club World Cup, according to a report.
Wolves looking to sign new forward after Cunha departure
With Matheus Cunha joining Manchester United for a fee widely reported to be £62.5m, Wolves should be able to splash the cash on a replacement this summer, although it will be difficult to find a forward capable of recording similar attacking numbers.
The Brazilian enjoyed two very impressive full seasons at Molineux, regularly providing goals and assists to help propel his side to safety, which was by no means a guarantee for large parts of the 2024-25 campaign.
Season
Appearances
Goals
Assists
2023-24
32
12
7
2024-25
33
15
6
However, there were some concerns over the 26-year-old’s discipline, with former Premier League forward Clinton Morrison singling him out for criticism back in April, saying: “I think he’s got the quality, I’ve spoken about this. I think his discipline is because he’s not playing with the quality of players and he’s frustrated that the calibre that he thinks he is [isn’t there]. It is a lack of professionalism, don’t get me wrong.”
As such, Cunha’s departure could arguably be a blessing in disguise, and Wolves have wasted little time finding a potential replacement, with a report from Spain revealing they have now submitted a €30m (£26m) offer for Fluminense’s Jhon Arias.
Arias’ impressive performances at the Club World Cup caught the Old Gold’s attention, with his side reaching the semi-final before being knocked out by Chelsea, and talks are already underway over a potential move to Molineux.
Wolves battle to sign versatile £17m+ star who created 22 chances in 24/25
The Old Gold are ready to ramp up their pursuit.
BySean Markus Clifford Jul 9, 2025
There is seemingly a good chance the Wanderers could win the race for the Colombian’s signature too, as he has expressed a desire to play in Europe, despite interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
"Extremely dangerous" Arias could be coup for Wolves
Fluminense have little interest in sanctioning a departure, which could pose a problem for Wolves, but should they be able to tempt the Brazilian club into a sale, there are plenty of signs he could be a solid addition to Pereira’s squad.
The 27-year-old is versatile, able to play on both wings and through the middle, and he has been a regular source of goals and assists for Fluminense this season, amassing 17 goal contributions in 34 appearances in all competitions.
Brazil legend Kaka has also been left impressed by the forward, recently saying: “He has been outstanding in the league for some time.
“He’s an extremely dangerous player who can decide a match at any moment. He has stood out in every competition he’s played in, made history with Fluminense with their Libertadores win, and now he’s looking for a major victory at the Club World Cup.”
Consequently, it is exciting news that Wolves have submitted an offer, with Vitor Pereira in need of a player capable of recording similar numbers to Cunha next season.
As Barcelona advance in their bid to sign Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams this summer, the chances of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz moving to LaLiga dwindle considerably.
Earlier in June, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed La Blaugrana had seen a formal approach for the Colombian rebuffed, with FSG unequivocal in their response: Diaz is not for sale this summer.
While transfer stances are pliable things, it does seem silly to let Diaz leave for anything less than a mammoth fee. Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has been touted as a potential successor, but would the Three Lions star truly represent an upgrade, especially as he would cost up to £100m?
Coming off the back of his most productive campaign for Liverpool, and a title-winning term at that, the 28-year-old Diaz has also aroused the attention of Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, who would be more inclined to meet Anfield’s £70m valuation of the star.
If he does leave, Cody Gakpo at least provides Arne Slot with an existing presence on the left wing. Moreover, Florian Wirtz is Anfield-bound, and he’s more than capable of playing off the wide strip.
Liverpool have pulled a blinder in securing Wirtz’s signature. The deal, which could rise to a British-record £116m fee, has been agreed, but not yet finalised, with a medical slated for Friday.
Despite concrete interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich, Liverpool have entered the final stages of a record transfer that should seal their position at the highest rung of a ladder which dangles over the scope of European football.
Typically placed as a central attacking midfielder, the German international ranked among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
He’d raise the level of any forward he plays with, and while Diaz would go from strength to strength alongside Wirtz next season, should he leave, there’s another who may benefit from the Leverkusen superstar’s prowess.
As per esteemed French outlet L’Equipe, Liverpool have entered the race for winger Malick Fofana, though Chelsea are leading the race, having already established direct contacts with Lyon for the 20-year-old.
However, Liverpool have now held talks with the representatives of Malick Fofana too, though they have joined a battle consisting of Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.
Fofana’s fast ascent to prominence in Ligue 1 has caught the eye of several Premier League heavy hitters, and while he’s been priced at €50m (£43m), this stands far lower than what FSG would have to fork out for someone like Newcastle’s Gordon.
Belgian prospect Fofana may still be in the fledgling phase of a promising career, but he’s already proved he has the clean finishing and robust motions of a player capable of succeeding in the Premier League.
Joining Lyon from KAA Gent in January 2024, Fofana scored three times in the French top flight before the end of the 2023/24 term, only starting four matches.
Last season, though, he reached new levels while starting the year as a teenager, posting 11 goals and six assists across 41 matches.
In the French first division, he certainly demonstrated his aptitude, scoring five goals and assisting four more despite only starting 16 times. With only four big chances missed and six big chances created himself, there’s a lot to like, with the speedy star almost economical in his play, making smart choices.
As per FBref, he actually ranked among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues in 2024/25 for non-penalty goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 14% for touches in the attacking box per 90.
As is probably clear, he’s a naturally potent threat, looking to drive up the pitch and into the penalty area with fleet feet before striking on goal. Fofana has been described as a “game-changer” by journalist Antonio Mango, and it’s clear to see why.
The wideman’s performances, interestingly, have seen FBref draw up Gordon as one of his most comparable players, and so for a portion of the fee, surely this would be the track to head down for Liverpool?
He might be unrefined, but Gakpo resides in the Merseyside squad and, more to the point, Wirtz will soon be settled into the way of life at Liverpool, thus providing an electric talent such as Fofana with an elite supply line to direct toward the end of his darting runs.
For a Liverpool side whose creativity levels already rank as the best that the Premier League has seen in recent years, this is a tantalising thought that will become an exciting reality for the Reds faithful.
|
Premier League – Most Big Chances Created |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Team |
BCC |
|
24/25 |
Liverpool |
112 |
|
23/24 |
Liverpool |
102 |
|
22/23 |
Liverpool & Man City |
103 |
|
21/22 |
Liverpool |
97 |
|
20/21 |
Liverpool |
82 |
|
Data via Premier League |
||
Across the past four Bundesliga campaigns, Wirtz has averaged 2.4 key passes or higher per game three times, which is an incredible achievement and a clear depiction of the magic of Liverpool’s new addition.
His genius ball-playing and -carrying skills would be the perfect fit for any player worth their salt, but for Fofana, a raw talent with blistering pace and an already established prolific sense, Liverpool truly could be the perfect stomping ground for him to take the next step in his development, especially as the aforementioned Gakpo will ease any sense of being overburdened.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.Override
If Liverpool sell Diaz and replace him with Fofana, they will be turning a profit while providing Wirtz with a forward to direct his playmaking skills toward for many years to come. What’s not to like?
He's better than Gordon: Liverpool among favourites to sign £77m winger
Liverpool may need to replace Luis Diaz in the transfer market this summer.
4
By
Angus Sinclair
Jun 17, 2025
Chelsea’s capture of Liam Delap was Enzo Maresca’s first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window.
It will likely be the first of many as the Italian looks to sign high-profile stars that will improve his squad ahead of next season.
With Champions League football to look forward to for the first time since the 2022/23 season, Maresca is going to spend in order to be fully prepared for the group stages.
As such, the club have been linked with numerous attacking players in recent weeks. Hugo Ekitike is someone that the manager is keen on bringing to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s Club World Cup fixtures
Date
Opponent
Venue
Monday, June 16
Los Angeles
Mercedes-Benz stadium
Friday, June 20
Flamengo
Lincoln Financial Field
Tuesday, June 24
Esperance
Lincoln Financial Field
Via Chelseafc.com
He could cost around £84m, however, which may prove to be a stumbling block. Samu Aghehowa is another striker on Maresca’s list of targets, but he could cost roughly the same as Ekitike if Chelsea are serious about bringing him to London.
Wide options are also being targeted and Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens is a talent that the Blues are desperate to have before the start of next season.
How much would the German side demand for the Englishman to let him move to the Premier League?
The latest on Chelsea's pursuit of Jamie Gittens
Gittens has been linked with a move to Chelsea over the previous few weeks, and it appears the club are serious about signing him.
According to Ben Jacobs on Sunday, the Blues have had a bid rejected. He said on social media: “Understand Dortmund want around £42m for Jamie Gittens. Chelsea’s opening bid of £30m has been turned down but positive talks continue. Chelsea happy to wait until after the June 10 deadline if no breakthrough ahead of the Club World Cup.”
Less than a year ago, Gittens was hailed as the future of Dortmund and was looking to follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham.
Since Nico Kovac took over as coach, however, the youngster has struggled to fit into his system, and it now appears they are looking to cash in on the winger.
Since making his debut for the club in the 2021/22 season, the 20-year-old has amassed over 100 competitive appearances.
A total of 31 goal contributions – 17 goals and 14 assists – have been registered in that period, establishing him as one of the most promising young wingers on the continent.
While landing a player of Gittens’ quality this summer, do the club need another wide option?
Maresca can already count on the likes of Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, Tyrique George and Mykhaylo Mudryk (when he returns from his suspension) to play on either wing.
Add in the fact that they have signed Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda, it is evident that this area is rather stacked with players.
Instead of spending another £40m-£50m on someone like Gittens, no matter how talented he is, perhaps directing these funds to other areas of the squad should be deemed a bigger priority.
A new goalkeeper, for example.
Chelsea preparing to make move for new goalkeeper
It is no secret that the Blues have struggled to find a consistent number one goalkeeper in recent years.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Edouard Mendy and Robert Sanchez have all held the position over the previous few years, but none truly convinced the supporters, with Kepa and Sanchez notably-error prone.
As such, signing a new ‘keeper this summer should be what Maresca is focusing on.
Well, according to Sky Sports, the Blues have told AC Milan that they are willing to pay a transfer fee in the region of €15m (£12.6m) to secure the services of Mike Maignan.
It’s a fee that could get them close to completing a move with journalist Graeme Bailey reporting on the saga that the Blues now expect to sign the Frenchman in time for the Club World Cup.
The Milan number one has been with the club since the summer of 2021, making a total of 163 appearances for the Serie A side, notably impressing at club level and on the international stage, most recently against German in the Nations League.
If Maresca wishes to improve his options between the sticks, then signing the 29-year-old is clearly a must.
Why Mike Maignan would be a better signing than Jamie Gittens
The Blues have a plethora of wingers available to make an impression under Maresca but their goalkeeping department leaves plenty to be desired.
Last year, Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen were both used by Maresca. The Spaniard made 34 appearances, while Jorgensen played 23 times for the club.
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Across his 34 games, the Spaniard kept just ten clean sheets, conceding 37 goals in the process. Jorgensen managed to keep only nine clean sheets while shipping 22 goals.
To summarise, the Blues need someone who could be the main choice under Maresca. A player that will win them points when the club aren’t playing well.
In that regard, Maignan is the ideal choice. He was hailed as “world-class” by writer Carlo Garganese in 2022 for a stunning performance against Inter Milan.
Across his 163 games for the Italian giants, Maignan has kept 59 clean sheets, working out as one every 2.7 games.
In the Italian top flight last season, the Frenchman made 2.7 saves per game – a 71% success rate – while also keeping 12 clean sheets, conceding 1.1 goals per game, was successful with 95% of his passes within his own half and averaged 46.5 touches per match.
When compared to his positional peers in Serie A, Maignan ranks in the top 10% for passes attempted per 90 (37.02), while also ranking in the top 7% for defensive actions outside his penalty area (1.86) per 90.
That last statistic is important, signifying that the 29-year-old plays quite far off his goal line in order to distribute the ball and stop opposition attacks.
Maignan is now the French number one and with Milan not in any European competition next season after an eighth-place finish in Serie A, joining Chelsea makes sense for all parties.
He will be able to establish himself as the number one ‘keeper at Stamford Bridge while playing in the Champions League once again.
Could they secure his services for a fee just north of £10m? It would be tough, but not impossible, that’s for sure. He could turn out to be a much better signing than Gittens should Maresca get a deal over the line.
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