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Newcastle United have yet to make a signing so far this summer and it’s fair to say a large section of the fanbase are getting edgy.

Eddie Howe must bolster several areas of his squad ahead of next season, especially with Champions League football returning to St James’ Park once again.

There hasn’t been a shortage of names linked. From Joao Pedro to Harvey Elliott, Howe is keen on strengthening his attacking options.

It is the defence which perhaps needs the most work, however. Could a deal for Marc Guehi be completed before the end of the window?

Newcastle's pursuit of Marc Guehi

The Magpies have been tracking Guehi for quite some time now, and it remains to be seen whether Howe will be able to make a concrete move to sign him.

Last season, the English centre-back ranked highly across a range of metrics when compared to his peers. Indeed, he ranked in the top 21% for ball recoveries (4.3) per 90 and in the top 20% for blocks (1.62) and in the top 22% for dribblers tackled (0.91) per 90.

He also won an impressive 63% of his ground duels per game in the Premier League last term, suggesting that the defender would make for an excellent signing.

Accurate passes

43.1

Tackles

1.8

Interceptions

0.8

Total duels won

4.9

Possession lost

9.7

Ball recoveries

4.3

Yet, with Liverpool now in talks to land the Englishman, reportedly even closing in on a move, the Toon will have to turn to alternative options.

Newcastle's dream Guehi alternative

According to reports in Italy (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are locked in talks to sign Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini this summer.

The report states that Atalanta don’t want to sell the 21-year-old, but if an offer of around €40-50m (£34m – £43m) arrives, they might have to reconsider.

It won’t be cheap bringing the player to Newcastle, but he could be a dream Guehi alternative, that’s for sure.

The youngster only played six league games last term, but he still won 57% of his total duels per game, as well as averaging 1.3 tackles per game and succeeding with 85% of his passes.

Hailed as a “top talent” by none other than Fabrizio Romano back in 2022, Scalvini could come of age should he make a move to St James’ Park this summer.

While he didn’t play often last term, when compared to his peers during Atalanta’s victorious Europa League campaign in 2023/24, he sparkled across several metrics.

Not only did he rank in the top 2% for tackles per 90 (3.94), but he also ranked in the top 21% for progressive carries (1.31) and in the top 7% for ball recoveries (7.69) per 90.

Pitting those numbers against Guehi last term, Guehi only made 1.79 tackles, 0.65 progressive carries and 4.30 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.

Against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final that season, the Italian notably managed to keep the likes of Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface quiet, winning three of his four duels and losing possession just once.

Should he make the move to Newcastle and replicate that performance on a consistent basis, Scalvini could perhaps be an even better signing than Guehi. That’s for sure.

The next Gordon: Newcastle have made contact to sign "special" £40m star

Newcastle are seeking to bolster their ranks ahead of their return to Champions League football

2 ByRobbie Walls Jun 29, 2025

After a slow start to the summer transfer window for Arsenal, they look as though they’re closing in on sealing two signings.

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s move from Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium won’t exactly be met with much fanfare considering he’s there to play second fiddle to David Raya, but it’s an important move nonetheless.

At just £5m, the Gunners have found a replacement for Neto and due to the price, it frees up money to spend elsewhere, hopefully on a wealth of attacking reinforcements.

The other arrival will see another Spaniard in the form of Martin Zubimendi head to North London. At just over £50m, that move is certainly a more exciting ones but he’s not the only midfielder who could arrive.

Arsenal looking to sign another midfielder after Zubimendi

Last summer, it looked as though Zubimendi was going to head to Liverpool. Sadly for the Anfield side, he did not. Whether or not he regrets that decision based on Arne Slot’s title success is unknown.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, a year on, he will now finally head to England, but it won’t be the red of Liverpool he’ll be donning. Instead, it’s the red of Arsenal.

The Gunners first made their move to sign the Spain international last January when they signalled their intentions to trigger his £51m release clause at Real Sociedad. Since then, an agreement has been tied up that will see the club spend a tiny bit more than that exit clause so they can pay it in instalments.

Zubimendi was reportedly in London over the weekend to wrap up the formalities of his move.

Yet, he could well be joined in the middle of the park next season by Brentford’s Christian Norgaard. That’s according to a number of sources, notably the Athletic’s David Ornstein.

He reported on Wednesday afternoon that Arsenal are “exploring” a deal to sign the Dane and have lodged their first offer, believed to be around €11m (£9m).

Fabrizio Romano furthered those claims by revealing on social media that the 31-year-old “wants to join Arsenal” this summer, so much so that personal terms have already been agreed between player and club.

Since then, BBC Sports’ Sami Mokbel has revealed that an agreement could be reached at £15m, including add-ons. A move appears to be advancing quickly, with Ornstein later reporting on Wednesday evening that the Gunners are now in the process of ‘finalising’ a deal to sign the player. A medical is also in the process of being planned.

Why Norgaard would be a good signing for Arsenal

With Jorginho having left the Emirates on a free transfer, heading to Flamengo, and Thomas Partey increasingly unlikely to sign a new deal, Arsenal need two midfielders.

Zubimendi ticks one box and in the form of Norgaard, although this would be a surprising move, it certainly makes a lot of sense.

Like Kepa, Arsenal would not be spending a bucket load on improving the squad and thus, would be leaving room to spend where it really matters this summer; on a new striker.

So, what could Norgaard offer to Mikel Arteta’s midfield? Well, like the departing Jorginho and Partey, he’s got a wealth of experience and, pivotally, he’s played in England for a long time now.

He signed for Brentford back in 2019 and has since gone on to feature 196 times for the Bees, playing 122 times in the Premier League.

34 of those top-flight outings came in 2024/25 where he scored five goals and also supplied four assists.

A holding midfielder who also chips in with goals and assists, there is reason to believe that Arteta could be signing a more experienced version of Declan Rice here.

Arsenal podcaster, Alex Moneypenny, who has appeared on Sky Sports and BBC Sport, outlines the Dane’s qualities perfectly. He’s a “search and destroyer”, a midfielder who specialises in “progressive passing”.

That’s backed up by the numbers with Norgaard ranking among the best holding midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passing distance. In fact, he ranks almost identically to Zubimendi in this category.

The ability to turn the ball over from deep or in more advanced areas certainly makes him like Rice, as does the ability to progress play. Captain of Brentford too, he’s got the natural leadership skills that Arsenal’s record signing boasts.

But, what do the statistics say?

Goals

0.16

0.13

Assists

0.13

0.22

Goal-creating actions

0.42

0.32

Pass success rate

82%

83%

Progressive passes

4.92

6.11

Passes into final 3rd

4.38

4.36

Tackles

2.52

1.69

Succesful take-ons

0.22

0.42

With the benefit of playing further forward and taking set-pieces, Rice does better Brentford’s captain for assists and successful take-ons. It’s in the passing department where they are most alike.

They complete a similar percentage of their passes per 90 minutes and there’s not a huge difference between the number of those passes that are progressive in nature.

So, while a move of this nature is hardly going to blow supporters away, he’d be a steady pair of hands just like Jorginho was. If he hits the ground running like Rice did too, fans will soon take to the Bees star.

Better than Williams: Arsenal open talks to sign ex-Spurs player for £50m

The dynamic winger could provide Arsenal with another avenue of attack next season.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 24, 2025

The transfer window hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Newcastle United in recent times, with the Magpies notably enduring a protracted saga involving Marc Guehi last summer, prior to also seeing a bid rejected for Anthony Elanga on Deadline Day.

Fast forward almost 12 months, and little has changed in that regard, with a fresh bid for that man Elanga having been swiftly knocked back by Nottingham Forest, with moves for Burnley’s James Trafford and Brighton’s Joao Pedro also proving difficult to get over the line.

With a return to Champions League football looming, Eddie Howe and co can ill-afford another messy summer, having thus far only secured the capture of Spanish teenager Antonito Cordero on a free transfer from Malaga.

Keeping hold of the likes of Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes may be viewed as almost as key as any potential incoming, but the Tynesiders are in need of a squad capable of challenging, not just a starting XI.

With that in mind, there may be reason for encouragement amid the news that Newcastle are in the mix for an exciting Premier League talent.

Latest on Newcastle's transfer search

For all the frustration over the Magpies’ lack of business thus far, it is to their credit that the club are seeking to pursue proven, ready-made Premier League talents, in the form of Pedro and Elanga.

Whether that duo to eventually arrive at St James’ Park remains to be seen, although they would provide Howe with the ability to make an instant impact in the top-flight, without the need for any period of adaptation.

The same could also be said of Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, with journalist Graeme Bailey reporting that Newcastle are among a raft of Premier League clubs to have made a move for the 22-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, the suggestion is that contact has been made after an initial enquiry was lodged, with the Carabao Cup winners said to be watching developments closely, amid the prospect of the England U21 star sealing a departure from Anfield.

Not only would Newcastle have to fend off rival English suitors for his signature, but they may also need to contend with the looming presence of Jurgen Klopp, with the German keen to take Elliott to RB Leipzig.

For whoever does ultimately nudge ahead in that race, the suggestion is that the playmaker would command a fee of more than £40m, with two years left on his existing deal.

Why Elliott would be a good signing for Newcastle

That potential £40m fee may have a few eyebrows raised, should any suitor cough up to meet the asking price, not least with Elliott having started just two league games last term under Arne Slot.

With that being said, Newcastle have previously reaped the rewards of a similar investment, having forked out what at the time looked to be an eye-watering £45m sum for Elliott’s former England youth colleague, Anthony Gordon.

Indeed, the promising forward had scored just seven times in 78 games at Everton, prior to making the switch in January 2023, with the Magpies gambling on his potential, rather than his record at the time.

Despite enduring a trickier 2024/25 campaign, which yielded just nine goals and seven assists in all competitions, the 24-year-old was an electric force the previous season, notching 28 goals and assists in total.

That had come after an initially quiet first six months at St James’, with Gordon appearing to be revived by his performances at the U21 European Championship in the summer of 2023, having scored twice en route to England’s glory.

Elliott, currently something of a bit-part player at club level, has also taken on a talismanic presence for the Young Lions this time around, with the versatile left-footer having scored five goals amid the surge to the final.

That return included a stunning, solo effort against the Netherlands in the semi-final, with the one-time Fulham starlet only rubberstamping why he is a simply “special” talent, in the words of former Reds striker, Neil Mellor.

Games (starts)

6 (6)

Goals

5

Assists

0

Big chances created

0

Key passes*

1.7

Pass accuracy*

82%

Tackles & interceptions*

1.2

Balls recovered*

4.0

Successful dribbles*

0.7

In a similar manner to Gordon on the Blue half of Merseyside, Elliott hasn’t exactly pulled up any trees at Anfield to date, with 35 goals and assists in 147 games, although he has shown more than a flicker of his quality.

Ranking in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as per FBref, Elliott has illustrated what he can do when given a rare outing, with a new home perhaps what is needed for his brilliance to be truly unlocked.

Gordon, once released by Liverpool as a teenager, has dazzled in his new home on Tyneside. Why can’t his compatriot do the same?

Pedro & Elanga upgrade: Newcastle showing huge interest in £40m "machine"

Newcastle are hoping to sign several new forwards in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 27, 2025

Ipswich Town find themselves back in the Championship next term and could now pounce for one of the EFL’s brightest stars in their hunt for promotion, according to a report.

Ipswich Town look to replace Liam Delap

There were some encouraging signs in the Tractor Boys’ Premier League showing last season. Still, ultimately, they didn’t produce enough and find themselves in the second-tier desperate for another bite of the top-flight cherry.

Liam Delap’s £30 million move from Ipswich to Chelsea has given Kieran McKenna plenty of leeway in his hunt for a new centre-forward. At the same time, he will have also been encouraged by George Hirst’s maiden goal for Scotland against Liechtenstein last week.

Atlanta striker Emmanuel Latte Lath emerged as an early contender to replace Delap at Portman Road. Despite only joining Atlanta United in January, he could now be set for a quickfire return to English football.

Addressing their striker hunt, Craig Finbow believes Ipswich could look to recruit two forwards this summer in an attempt to freshen up their frontline before the close of play.

He stated: “It could well be two strikers that they look to get in and that will be the intriguing part. What do we do, do we potentially go abroad, do we go down the lower leagues?

Ipswich Town’s forwards in 2024/25 – how did they all fare?

Liam Delap

Appearances – 40 Goals – 12

George Hirst

Appearances – 29 Goals – 5

Nathan Broadhead

Appearances – 21 Goals – 2

“We’ve done that before with varying levels of success. I’d be quite excited to go abroad and find a striker from there.”

The Tractor Boys could do with some inspiration in front of goal as they head back to familiar waters, and they are now reportedly lining up a move for a shining star who can score and create.

Ipswich Town join the race to sign Kwame Poku

According to Football League World, Ipswich are the latest club to show an interest in Peterborough United forward Kwame Poku. However, they are faced with stiff competition to try and land his services.

Birmingham City are keen admirers of the Ghana international upon their return to the second-tier, while Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers are also lurking in pursuit.

Ipswich hold talks to sign "fantastic" £35k-p/w maestro who McKenna loves

The Tractor Boys are in discussions to sign a midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Jun 9, 2025

Dubbed a “huge talent” by former Colchester United boss John McGreal, Poku shone on either flank for Posh in their unsuccessful bid to win promotion, registering 12 goals and 11 assists in 31 appearances across all competitions.

With his contract at an end, the 23-year-old could walk out of the door at the Weston Homes Stadium for a sizeable compensation package due to being under the age of 24.

Poku is also said to have attracted interest from abroad, so it is fair to say Ipswich may need to work their charm on this one if they have designs on bringing the versatile attacker to Portman Road.

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a season-defining call over whether to stick or twist with manager Ange Postecoglou, who’s just guided the club to their first major trophy in 17 years whilst also enduring their worst ever Premier League season.

Daniel Levy makes Ange Postecoglou decision at Tottenham

The Australian’s side recorded a record-breaking 22 defeats in the league, which is their highest total in a single Premier League campaign, but their triumph in the Europa League was crucial in more ways than one.

Tottenham plotting bid to sign £195k-per-week France forward on loan

Spurs are eager to bolster their attacking options.

ByEmilio Galantini May 31, 2025

After beating Man United 1-0 during a tense final in Bilbao, Spurs won their first European piece of silverware since 1984 whilst putting an end to their 17-year wait for a trophy overall – giving Daniel Levy some major thinking to do when it comes to Postecoglou’s long-term future.

Reports suggest that Tottenham have started doing their due-diligence by opening discussions with managerial targets, in the event they do decide to sack Postecoglou, and an extremely reliable Spurs source, Paul O’Keefe, actually claims that Levy has already made his decision behind-the-scenes.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

O’Keefe has heard from his sources that the Lilywhites chairman knows what direction he wants to take with Postecoglou, but he’s yet to communicate his call to those within Hotspur Way.

Reliable media outlets report that Postecoglou will learn his fate this week (ESPN), with the 59-year-old again suggesting he wants to remain at Spurs.

“I didn’t want us to just enjoy the moment,” said Postecoglou in an interview with Australian Story, during a family holiday in Greece.

“I also wanted us to think about what’s next, you know – don’t settle for this. We’ve got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club’s got a taste for it. Well, let’s make sure we’re back here again.”

Tottenham hold "multiple meetings" with Brentford boss Thomas Frank

According to recent reports, Brentford boss Thomas Frank is becoming a more concrete target.

The “class” Dane’s contract includes an £8 million release clause, which Levy can choose to activate this summer. GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs reports that Tottenham have held “multiple meetings” with Frank, who’s a leading candidate to replace Postecoglou.

Frank has done a solid job with very little resources in terms of transfer investment, an undoubtedly attractive aspect of his CV to Levy, with Man City boss Pep Guardiola also calling him “one of the best”.

“They are an extraordinary team,” said Guardiola. “What they do always makes sense. Every corner is a headache. They are compact. This season, they have a high press. Thomas is one of the best.”

Manchester United are now stepping up their efforts to sign Fenerbahce youngster Yusuf Akcicek, who Jose Mourinho has likened to Raphael Varane.

Man Utd set to strengthen spine this summer

There are a number of positions in the United team that need to be addressed by INEOS this summer, and while the forward line is an urgent priority, additions are needed right through the spine of Ruben Amorim’s set-up.

£90k-p/w star tells Man Utd he'd join regardless of Champions League football

A top INEOS target wants to move to United no matter the result of Wednesday’s Europa League final.

ByBrett Worthington May 21, 2025

Christian Eriksen looks set to leave Old Trafford after the final game of the season on Sunday against Aston Villa. The Denmark international is out of contract, and it appears there are no signs of a renewal.

Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Casemiro has also been mentioned as a player who could be allowed to leave this summer. The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move away in January, but nothing materialised, and since then, he has become an important player for Amorim, especially in Europe. But his £350,000-a-week wages could be a reason why the Red Devils decide to move him on.

Surprisingly, Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford has come into doubt in recent months, with reports even claiming that Amorim is ready to sell the young midfielder, whose current deal expires in 2027.

Changes are also needed in defence, where Jonny Evans will leave and so too could Victor Lindelof, while Lisandro Martinez continues to struggle with injuries.

Man Utd chiefs want to sign £21m Fenerbahce star

According to Turkish Football, Man United are ready to make a move and sign Yusuf Akcicek, a young centre-back who has thrived under Jose Mourinho this season.

The report claims that United now want to step up their efforts having scouted Akcicek closely during the Süper Lig season. Despite the fact the 19 year-old is under contract until 2028, Fener are open to the idea of selling Akcicek, but they will demand at least €25 million, which is roughly £21 million.

The teenager joined the Turkish giants from rivals Galatasaray’s academy in 2019, and has earned his place as a regular in matchday squads this season, with his manager even likening him to Real Madrid great and former Red Devil Varane.

It’s not just United who are interested in signing Akcicek, as Aston Villa are also believed to be interested in the youngster.

Apps

8

Starts

4

Touches per game

37.0

Passes per game (accuracy)

27.1 (93%)

Clean sheets

1

Interceptions per game

0.6

Tackles per game

1.1

Balls recovered per game

1.8

Clearances per game

2.8

Given the likes of Evans and Lindelof may leave United this summer, the Premier League side may see Akcicek as a player who can become their long-term replacement, and he could be brought in for a fairly reasonable price.

Since Mikel Arteta took charge of Arsenal in December 2019, he’s got more things right than wrong.

After all, the club were languishing in tenth place when he was handed the reigns, and he has turned them into perpetual challengers in the Premier League and now the Champions League.

Moreover, while he has made his fair share of dud signings – see wingers from the blue half of West London – he’s been key to securing some of the team’s current stars, like Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes and David Raya.

However, when it comes to one player who was arguably allowed to leave too easily, many fans will point to Granit Xhaka, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club are now looking to sign someone with plenty of similarities to the Swiss international.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other midfielders linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, like Martin Zubimendi and Morgan Rogers.

Transfer Focus

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

The former received the Fabrizio Romano ‘here we go’ treatment on Saturday morning, so he looks like he will be on his way to the Emirates in the summer, and given his vast experience with Real Sociedad and Spain, £51m feels like a fair deal. treatment on Saturday morning

On the other hand, Rogers remains a rumour at this stage, but with 14 goals and 14 assists to his name in 52 games this season, his reported £100m valuation doesn’t feel too absurd.

However, neither of these players could really be described as being similar to Xhaka, unlike Andrey Santos.

Yes, according to a recent report from France, Arsenal are now incredibly interested in signing the Chelsea ace, who’s currently on loan with Racing Club de Strasbourg.

The report claims that French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also keen to secure the Brazilian’s signature this summer but that the Gunners are ‘hard at work’ to bring him to the Emirates.

A price is not mentioned in the story, but according to a report from last month, the midfielder could be available for around £43m.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Santos’ ability and potential, it’s one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he shares some key similarities with Xhaka.

How Santos compares to Xhaka

So, before looking at some of the other reasons Arsenal might want to sign Santos this summer, what about his game makes him similar to how Xhaka was at his best in North London?

Well, the first thing is that, like the Swiss international, the Brazilian talent has the ability to play deeper as a six but is currently thriving as a more box-to-box midfielder who’s involved in everything from defence to attack.

For example, respected analyst Ben Mattinson claimed the Blues gem has “everything you want in a CM,” from “top tackling ability” to a real level of “composure in front of goal.”

We can see this in his underlying numbers, as according to FBref, the 21-year-old sits in the top 3% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals and tackles, showing that he really can do both parts of the role incredibly well, as the former Gunners’ ace did in his final campaign in England.

Furthermore, if underlying numbers aren’t your cup of tea, then he’s got the raw output to back up the praise he’s received for his attacking prowess as well.

Appearances

33

Minutes

2934′

Goals

10

Assists

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.45

Minutes per Goal Involvement

195.6′

In just 33 appearances for Les Bleu et Blanc, totalling 2934 minutes, the 5 foot 11 “duel monster,” as dubbed by Mattinson, has scored ten goals and provided five assists, coming out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.2 games, or every 195.6 minutes.

Ultimately, Santos would play second fiddle to Rice for a while, but given how incredibly well he has played in France this season, he would be the perfect backup.

Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him, as he might just be their next Xhaka.

He's a dream for Saka: Arsenal doing lots of work to sign £67m "monster"

The sensational striker would be a game-changer for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 13, 2025

Enzo Maresca is not short of options at centre-back for Chelsea. The Blues boss has several options when everyone is fully fit, not including Axel Disasi, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa. Youngster Josh Acheampong is also an option at centre-back, as is Wesley Fofana, although he is out injured.

Trevoh Chalobah was recalled to the club in January after spending the first half of the season on loan at Crystal Palace, and he has had a big role to play since returning, having started the last six Premier League games.

Levi Colwill – who has started 32 top-flight games in 2024/25 – has also been a key player, with the likes of Benoit Badiashile and Tosin being options, too.

However, the Blues seem like they will bolster their defensive depth in the summer and bring in a new recruit for Maresca.

Chelsea’s defensive target

If there is one defender who is widely wanted across Europe this summer, it is Feyenoord and Slovakia international David Hancko. The 27-year-old came close to leaving the club last summer, but seems destined to depart in 2025.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from Dutch news outlet Voetbal International, Chelsea are one of the sides ready to make an offer to sign him this summer. The report suggests the Blues ‘want to work on the arrival of the defender’ before someone else snatches him up.

They will face stiff competition, however, with West Ham United the other Premier League side said to be interested in striking a summer deal.

Outside of England, Atletico Madrid and Al Nassr are also strongly linked. In March, a report from TEAMTalk suggested the defender could leave Feyenoord for a fee in the region of £42m.

Why Hacko would be a good signing

It has been an impressive season for Hancko, in a Feyenoord side who have had a good time of things from a defensive standpoint in the Eredivisie. As per Sofascore, they have conceded the second-fewest number of goals, letting in 33. They have also kept nine clean sheets, bettered by just three sides.

Slovak international Hancko has played a big part in that, too. He has played 44 times across all competitions, with 29 of those games coming in the Dutch top flight. He has featured in all of those aforementioned nine clean sheets.

The 27-year-old has also chipped in with goals and assists this term, too. He has scored and assisted four each across all competitions, with one of those goals coming in that famous 3-3 draw away to Manchester City, when his side came from three goals down in the Champions League.

Described as a “freak technician” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, Hancko’s ability on the ball is a standout feature of his game. He can play at both left-back and left centre-back, showing excellent versatility.

In fact, that is like another Chelsea target, Jorrel Hato, who also plays in the Eredivisie for Ajax. According to a recent report from Sky Sports, the West Londoners are ‘seriously considering making a move’ for the 19-year-old.

The Ajax academy graduate has been crucial for the Dutch giants this term. He has featured 47 times in that famous shirt, scoring three goals and assisting six. Just like Hancko, he can play at centre-back or at left-back.

Well, the pair can be compared via FBref, to gain a better understanding of their underlying numbers. Their defensive number are very close, with Hancko averaging 2.17 tackles and interceptions and 4.34 ball recoveries each game. Comparatively, Hato averages 2.88 tackles and interceptions and 4.4 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.

Passes into final third

7.55

3.88

Progressive passes

7.34

4.38

Progressive carries

2

1.46

Tackles and interceptions

2.17

2.88

Ball recoveries

4.34

4.4

Signing Hancko seems like an excellent option for the Blues. He is progressive on the ball, as the stats show, and can play in a couple of positions, which adds to Maresca’s options at the back.

£42m is a fairly sizeable amount of money, but he would certainly increase the technical floor of the squad and become another quality option.

Maresca must unleash 18-year-old Chelsea star who's their homegrown Hato

Chelsea might not have to worry if they miss out on signing Hato

ByJoe Nuttall May 7, 2025

Manchester United are still yet to determine their fate ahead of next season, but may now have a surprise proposal to consider at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim, per reports.

Man Utd's transfer business hinges on Europa League outcome

Nerves are slowly starting to kick in as the Red Devils prepare for their two-legged Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club, a competition that remains their only viable route to Champions League qualification.

Ruben Amorim wasn’t dealt the best hand at Old Trafford after replacing Erik ten Hag and will be given an extended grace period to piece together a squad of his own making. Still, Manchester United have hardly been convincing on Premier League duty.

Ultimately, the importance of the Portuguese boss bringing Europa League silverware back to English shores cannot be understated, especially considering the finances involved.

As a reward for such an achievement, Manchester United could launch a significant bid to sign Southampton’s Tyler Dibling to offer a new dimension between midfield and attack.

However, without the £85.8 million prize pot on offer for winning the Europa League and subsequently qualifying for the Champions League, there may be limited scope for big-money deals to take place.

6 players Manchester United should sign this summer

United are in need of a revamp in the summer.

2 ByBarney Lane Feb 4, 2025

Taking PSR regulations into account, selling one or two star assets could be a scenario the Red Devils will have to consider to ensure their books remain in check.

Manchester United could sell Rasmus Hojlund to kickstart a chain of movement in both directions, though he is unlikely to be the only one at risk of being let go to breathe new life into the club.

Now, Amorim may have another proposal to consider once the summer window opens for business, per recent developments.

Andre Onana in major talks to leave Man Utd for Saudi Arabia

According to Foot Mercato, Saudi club Neom SC have started major discussions over a move for Andre Onana and the Cameroon international is open to leaving Old Trafford for a new challenge in the Gulf region.

Earning over £6 million a year at Old Trafford, the former Inter Milan stopper is said to be ‘unsettled’ in his current surroundings, which isn’t a major surprise when taking into account his patchy form this term.

Andre Onana’s patchy Man Utd form this season – Premier League (26/04/25)

Save percentage

67.7%

Goals conceded

42

Clean sheets

9

Penalty saves

1

Pass accuracy

70.2%

High claims

21

In turn, Manchester United are close to signing Freddie Woodman on a free transfer from Preston North End to populate their goalkeeping pool of talent.

Admittedly, the former England Under-21 international is likely to be brought in to strengthen their homegrown quota, but it may be a sign of changes to come between the sticks as Amorim searches for added security.

Onana is evidently a talented stopper and has enjoyed plenty of highs alongside the lows he has experienced at Old Trafford. Still, it feels like a clean break could be best for all parties.

The international break has finally come to an end, and Tottenham Hotspur are back in action this evening.

Unfortunately, given how poorly Ange Postecoglou’s side have fared in the Premier League this season, that might not be such a good thing for the fans.

However, with some time away, there is every chance the North Londoners could get back on track away to fierce rivals Chelsea, although the manager should drop Yves Bissouma from the starting lineup.

Against Fulham, the Mali international received a paltry 3/10 match rating from Alasdair Gold, who criticised him for his ‘dreadful’ use of the ball and ‘panicked’ passes, enough for him to be hooked at half-time.

Fortunately, the perfect player to replace the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace was just declared fit to play by Postecoglou in his pre-match press conference yesterday afternoon.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Spurs team news

Postecoglou sat down and spoke to the media yesterday and revealed the state of the squad heading into today’s game.

Starting with the bad news, it should come as no surprise that Radu Dragusin is still ruled out for the rest of the season following surgery, although Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso have also been confirmed to be out of contention.

According to the Australian, the pair are “working hard” and “progressing well” but remain “a couple of weeks away” from being in contention again.

Moving from those who are 100% ruled out to those who are very unlikely to feature, and there is just one player in this category: Richarlison.

The Brazilian forward came off in the League Cup semi-final at Anfield in February and hasn’t featured since, but according to the boss, “he’s training with the main training group,” and while it’s very unlikely he features tonight, he could be involved on the weekend.

Finally, the only player confirmed to be back in contention is Lucas Bergvall. He returned from international duty early with an illness, and he should replace Bissouma in the middle of the park tonight.

Why Bergvall should start

So, based on his diabolical performance last time out, it’s not particularly hard to argue for Bissouma to be dropped, but why should Bergvall be the one to come in for him?

Well, despite still being just 19 years old, he has proven time and time again this season that he is more than capable of starting top-flight games for Spurs, and not just that, but thriving in them.

Total Carrying Distance

273.66

Top 3%

Switches

0.77

Top 4%

GCA (Shot)

0.10

Top 5%

Successful Take-Ons

1.83

Top 5%

Shots Blocked

0.67

Top 7%

Interceptions

1.64

Top 9%

Passes Completed

52.52

Top 10%

For example, FBref places the young Swede in the top 3% of midfielders in the Premier League for total carrying distance, the top 4% for switches, the top 5% for goal-creating actions from shots and successful take-ons, the top 7% for shots blocked, the top 9% for interceptions and more, all per 90.

These statistics show that the “generational” talent, as journalist Mitch Fretton dubbed him, could be the complete midfielder one day. Not only is he contributing in the attacking phase, but he’s also more than helping out with the defensive side of the game, which will be important at Stamford Bridge.

Moreover, he’s also contributed five goal involvements across all competitions, which, again, is seriously impressive for a teenager in his first season with a ‘big six’ side.

Finally, starting him over the Bissouma just makes sense from a future planning perspective. If reports suggesting the latter will be moved on in the summer are true, what is the point in playing him over a youngster who could be the future of the team’s midfield?

Ultimately, Bergvall may still be young and relatively inexperienced, but he’s already proven himself to be immensely talented this season and, therefore, has to start tonight.

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The exciting talent could be a game-changer for Spurs.

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