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Over the years, Tottenham Hotspur has been the home to numerous incredible attacking midfielders – many of whom have captured the hearts of the fanbase during their respective periods at the club.

James Maddison is just one of the current players who has starred in such a role, racking up 16 goals and 19 assists for the Lilywhites in 75 outings – with six of his efforts last campaign helping them towards Europa League glory.

Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen both shared the responsibility in such a role during the Mauricio Pochettino era, with the latter undoubtedly going down as one of the club’s best-ever additions.

The Dane cost just £11m back in 2013 and helped the club reach the Champions League final back in 2018/19 – registering 27 goal contributions in his 51 appearances that season.

However, current boss Thomas Frank now has his own version of a young superstar to rely on – with the talent potentially able to add himself to such a list in the years ahead.

Spurs’ move to land Xavi Simons this summer

After a summer of disappointment in trying to land a new number ten, the fanbase’s patience was rewarded late on in the window, after completing a £52m transfer to sign Xavi Simons.

Whilst it appears as though the Dutchman may have been third choice, a deal for his signature could prove to be a bargain if he can build on his recent success with RB Leipzig.

The 22-year-old has registered over 15 goal contributions in each of his two full seasons in Germany – handing Frank the ammunition he’s craved within forward areas.

A move for his signature was only made possible after missing out on Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White, potentially being a blessing in disguise, with Simons a player with huge potential to improve, given his tender age.

However, he may have found first-team minutes hard to come by – especially if the hierarchy has kept hold of a player who was previously on the books in North London.

The former Spurs star who was the original Simons

Since taking the reins during the off-season, boss Frank has struggled to rely upon a recognised number ten, with Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski both currently out with injuries.

Pape Sarr has often filled the void over the last couple of weeks, but has done so in featuring in an unfamiliar role, with the Senegalese star more suited to a deep-lying role.

However, a deal for Simons could allow the youngster to return to his natural position, which in turn could offer a more balanced midfielder for Frank’s 4-3-3 system.

The manager may have been able to navigate such injury woes in the early stages of the campaign had the club kept hold of Giovani Lo Celso a couple of years ago.

The Argentine originally joined the Lilywhites on loan for the first half of the 2019/20 campaign – before linking up on a permanent basis just a few months into his spell. It was a colossal deal, signed for £55m, the same price the Lilywhites shelled out to land Mohammed Kudus this summer.

He does possess a similar career path to Simons, subsequently being on the books of PSG before moving to another European outfit, which led to their respective transfers to join Spurs.

Lo Celso racked up 90 appearances over a three-year spell in North London – scoring a crucial goal against Manchester City a couple of years ago, which helped the side claim one of their famous results against Pep Guardiola’s men.

The Argentine featured 24 times in his final year at the Lilywhites – before being sold in an £8m deal to return to his former outfit Real Betis.

Such a move has allowed for the 29-year-old to recapture his best form, scoring ten times and registering four assists in the last two years – helping the LaLiga side reach the Conference League final in 2024/25.

Games played

34

Goals & assists

12

Pass accuracy

85%

Chances created

2.7

Shots taken

2.1

Successful dribbles

1.3

Tackles won

1.4

Duels won

59%

Successful crosses

1.5

Whilst he ultimately failed to reach the levels many expected him to in North London, he was still a superb option for the first-team, potentially being offloaded too prematurely.

Many supporters will be hoping Simons doesn’t suffer the same fate – needing to replicate such form from his time in the Bundesliga if he is to be a success during his time playing under Frank.

Levy let Spurs star leave for £0, now he could've been Frank's new Mbeumo

Tottenham Hotspur may have offloaded one of their former stars way too prematurely.

4 ByEthan Lamb Sep 3, 2025

Jamie Carragher claims Erling Haaland has become the “greatest goal-scorer to ever play in English football”, with the Manchester City striker being ranked above the likes of Alan Shearer, Harry Kane and Ian Rush. The Norway international has been in blistering form this season, taking his goal tally for club and country to 18 when netting another match-winning effort against Brentford.

• Haaland's record: Goal numbers for Man City & Norway

  Haaland has found the net on nine occasions through seven Premier League appearances in 2025-26, moving him clear of the chasing pack in the race for a third Golden Boot. The 25-year-old’s overall output for City stands at 136 strikes in 155 games, while his record-setting tally for Norway has moved on to 48 from 45 caps. His numbers are similar to those once posted by all-time greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

  Haaland appears to be on course to rewrite the history books, with a 10-year contract being committed to at the Etihad Stadium that is set to take him through to the summer of 2034. If that deal is to be seen out, then a place in English football folklore will be safely secured. Carragher believes the powerful frontman will go down as the best to grace the English game.

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• Getty
  

  Carragher claims Haaland is English football GOAT

  Former Liverpool and England defender Carragher told when assessing Haaland, who displayed more brute strength and unerring finishing ability when seeing City to a 1-0 victory over Brentford: “I think we're watching the greatest goal-scorer to ever play in English football. I honestly can't remember Jimmy Greaves, Dixie Dean and all those players from years ago. But I think of Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Harry Kane and Ian Rush for my club Liverpool. There's a difference for me between a great centre-forward or striker and a goal-scorer. I think what we're witnessing now is something we've never seen before in our game and don't forget, this is a club where the goal-scorer beforehand was Sergio Aguero, one of the greatest we'll ever see. This is on a completely different level to Aguero. He's the best.”

• Family life helps to make Haaland even better

  Haaland is showing no sign of slowing down, despite all that he has already achieved, with the birth of his son in December 2024 giving the formidable Norwegian even more to play for. He told when asked if he is in the best form of his career: “You can say so, I’ve never felt better than I do now. I think it’s about preparation first of all, getting ready for the games and I spoke so many times about it before, you can be physically ready but you need to be mentally ready as well.

  “To be honest with a kid I think it makes me even better because I actually disconnect more than ever, I don’t think about football at all. Sometimes when you’re younger you think of this and that and maybe worry a little bit about things. But now when I go home I relax even more so I think I need to give a shout out to my son.”

  City boss Pep Guardiola, who has distanced Haaland from any transfer talk, said when giving the Blues’ fearsome No.9 his own big billing: “I said one month ago he is the best and that year we won the treble, I don’t know how many goals he scored – maybe 50 million goals. But now he signed a contract for many years – we have to find him more, but he is more involved in the game, not just in the finishing, he is more on the ball and he work a lot his ethic, pressing and I am really pleased and I hope this week with Norway he can score more and come back fit for the Everton game.”

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• Getty Images
  

  World Cup target: On course for first international tournament

  Haaland will form part of the Norway squad that is set to face Israel in a World Cup qualifier next weekend. They sit top of their qualification group at present, with Haaland looking to grace the first major international tournament of his career when FIFA’s flagship event heads to the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

MatériaMais Notícias

Enquanto o Santos está no mercado à procura de um novo treinador após a saída de Odair Hellmann, o coordenador esportivo do clube, Paulo Roberto Falcão, assumirá o comando de forma interina. Ele já estará à frente da equipe no treinamento desta sexta-feira (23) e a tendência é que comande a equipe no duelo contra o Flamengo, neste domingo (25), pelo Campeonato Brasileiro.

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Falcão tem histórico de treinador, ainda que alguns hiatos alternados com a carreira de comentarista em alguns veículos de comunicação. O último trabalho dele, no entanto, foi em 2016, quando dirigiu o Internacional por cinco partidas e saiu sem vencer uma partida sequer. O Colorado caiu pela primeira vez, e até então única, na história naquela temporada.

+ Santos vai buscar novo técnico! Confira treinadores estrangeiros livres no mercado

Falcão dirigiu o Inter em outras duas oportunidades, em 1993 e 2011. Além da equipe gaúcha, ele também trabalhou no América/MEX (2012), seleção japonesa (1994), Bahia (2012) e Sport (2015). O primeiro trabalho dele como treinador foi na Seleção Brasileira, entre 1990 e 1991.

E ainda que o último trabalho do coordenador esportivo do Santos como técnico tenha sido há sete anos, ele tinha o desejo de voltar a atuar nessa função. Tanto que no ano passado fez uma excursão para a Europa para se atualizar.

A informação de que Paulo Roberto Falcão assumirá o Peixe de forma interina foi publicada inicialmente pelo ‘ge’ e confirmada pelo Lance!.

Mesmo com o histórico de Falcão como técnico, ele dificilmente será efetivado, mesmo em caso de uma sequência de bons resultados no seu período como ‘tampão’. A diretoria santista, com a participação de Paulo Roberto, busca um novo treinador. Fábio Carille é o favorito, mas como está empregado e o seu contrato com o V-Varen Nagasaki, do Japão, tem uma multa considerada alta, o retorno dele para o Peixe é visto como improvável. Roger Machado, no mercado desde setembro do ano passado, quando foi dispensado do Grêmio, surge como plano B, mas segue aguardando contato da diretoria santista.

MatériaMais Notícias

Através dos seus perfis nas redes sociais, a lateral-esquerda Tamires se desculpou com a torcida do Corinthians por supostamente ter usado uma chuteira na cor verde, que remete ao Palmeiras, maior rival corintiano, no clássico contra o Santos, pelo Campeonato Paulista, na noite da última quinta-feira (1º).

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansCorinthians deve ter time alternativo para enfrentar o América-MG pelo BrasileirãoCorinthians02/06/2023CorinthiansClassificação do Corinthians na Copa do Brasil teve preleção calorosa de Luxemburgo; confiraCorinthians02/06/2023CorinthiansBruno Méndez ganha aliado importante na busca por renovação no CorinthiansCorinthians02/06/2023

A jogadora disse que não entendeu que o calçado era verde – a tonalidade era facilmente confundível com o azul -, mas não quis se justificar, mas se desculpar com a Fiel.

+ Benja acerta com nova emissora: veja as movimentações da imprensa esportiva em 2023

– Quero deixar aqui as minha sinceras desculpas se ontem no jogo do Santos x Corinthians pareceu que eu estava de chuteira verde. Pra mim ela não era verde, mas não quero aqui ficar me justificando, e sim dizer a todos os corinthianos que prometo não jogar mais com essa chuteira, e que em nenhum momento foi minha intenção desrespeitar ou ferir as tradições do clube – escreveu a jogadora.]

continua após a publicidade

+ Todos os jogos doBrasileirãovocê encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe os jogos do Timão

Tamires é a grande líder do elenco feminino do Corinthians. Ela está no clube desde 2019 e já ganhou três campeonatos Paulistas (2019, 2020 e 2021), uma Copa Paulista (2022), quatro Brasileiros (2020, 2021 e 2022), duas Supercopas do Brasil (2022 e 2023) e duas Libertadores (2019 e 2021) com a camisa corintiana.

+Veja horários e todos os confrontos das próximas rodadas do Brasileirão

Até o momento, o clube alvinegro não se pronunciou sobre a situação. Em 2021, o Timão multou o atacante Jô em um episódio parecido, onde o jogador disputou uma partida contra o Bahia, em Salvador, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro daquele ano, com uma chuteira que possuía um tom esverdeado semelhante ao equipamento utilizado por Tamires no episódio recente.

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Ben Stokes has credited England’s “more dominant cricket” for securing their first series win in New Zealand since 2008, with Black Caps captain Tom Latham ceding his side were unable to cope with the pressure they were put under by the tourists.England needed just three days to secure a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, rounding out a thrashing of 323 runs at the Basin Reserve on Sunday afternoon. It comes a week after winning the opener at Hagley Oval by eight wickets.England arrived on day three on 378 for 5 in their second innings, already leading by 533. Joe Root’s 36th Test hundred eventually set New Zealand an improbable 583. They were bowled out for 259.The bulk of the work had been done on day one. England battled seaming conditions by sprinting to 280 all out inside 55 overs thanks to a remarkable 123 from Player-of-the-Match Harry Brook. They then channeled those same conditions to dismiss New Zealand for 125 in their first innings, with Brydon Carse’s 4 for 46 and Gus Atkinson’s 4 for 31 (including a hat-trick to finish the innings) leading the charge.Related

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• Stats – England's first series win in NZ since 2008

Stokes asserted it was England’s aggressive nature that allowed them to boss this match, and the series so far, particularly when up against it. Here, they were 43 for 4 before making it to 280. It was reminiscent of the first Test, when they rallied from 71 for 4 to make 499 – courtesy another Brook century – after New Zealand had posted 348.”To play the more dominant cricket over the days we have played so far,” answered Stokes when asked how this first away win in New Zealand for 16 years had been achieved.”In this Test in particular, on day one we were 43 for 4 to be here on the winning side on day three is quite phenomenal. We got bowled out in fifty overs (54.5) but we had 270 runs on the board which was a good score on that day one-wicket, and then we obviously had time left with the ball to be able to make some inroads. To score 270 and take five wickets at the end of day one (New Zealand closed on 86 for 5) really set this game up.””We back ourselves to be able to go out there and change games and we feel that there needs to be a bit of impetus put into the game, particularly with the bat.”As a bowler you want to be able to plonk it on a length and plonk it onto the top of off stump over and over again. But sometimes when a batter is brave enough to take you on and knock you off your length, it’s very hard to commit to still doing that.”Latham begrudgingly agreed with the sentiment. Though New Zealand knew what to expect – this was their seventh meeting and sixth defeat against England in the Bazball era. They were unable to halt the tourists’ – especially Brook’s – intent.”It’s the pressure they are able to put you under, especially with the bat. I think on day one it was offering enough for our bowlers and the way Harry played in that innings was outstanding.”Credit where it’s due. The way he played puts you under pressure from ball one. He played some incredible shots that you don’t necessarily see from other teams around the world.”Meanwhile, Stokes was unwilling to be drawn on whether Jacob Bethell has emerged as a challenger to Ollie Pope’s regular position at No.3.Following Jordan Cox’s broken finger, sustained on the final morning of England’s warm-up match in Queenstown, the decision was made to move Pope to six to allow him to keep wicket, with Bethell, the spare batter, brought in at first drop.Jacob Bethell seamlessly slotted into No.3 in New Zealand•AFP/Getty Images

Bethell struck an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls to take England over the line in their chase of 104 in the first Test, and bettered it with 96 in the second innings at Wellington. He missed out on what would have been his first professional century in just his 22nd first-class appearance.Pope has also excelled lower down the order. A vital 77 last week was followed by an equally important 66 here, both in rebuilding, fifth-wicket first innings stands with Brook, of 151 and 174, respectively.Pope has stated he wants to return to three, where he has been throughout Stokes’ tenure. But a conundrum is on the horizon with Bethell’s excellence and the return of Jamie Smith, who missed this tour for the birth of his son, Noah, who arrived last week.Stokes side-stepped the question, but heaped praise on the 21-year-old Bethell for the way he has stepped up a level in an unfamiliar role.”I know there was a bit made of Beth batting at three with his inexperience and the lack of first-class cricket batting up the top of the order.”But me and Baz don’t think like that. You’ve got a young lad with so much potential and so much talent, why not let him go out there and expose himself to Test cricket at its toughest.”As a young lad, I was devastated for him to not get that three figures. But I walked in and I said to him, “it’s only four runs, isn’t it?” And his response was “Yeah, but it would have been flair if I smacked that through the covers to bring it up.” Class. I think he’s proved a lot to a lot of people and proved why we rate him so highly.”

Celtic legend Chris Sutton has raised concerns regarding the lack of transfer activity at Parkhead as the Hoops prepare to kick off their Scottish Premiership campaign on Sunday.

The Bhoys cruised to their 55th top flight title last season, leading rivals Rangers by a wide margin for practically the entire season, but it’s fair to say their summer hasn’t been quite such smooth sailing.

Star winger Nicolas Kuhn has left Glasgow to join Serie A side Como, along with experienced leadership figure Greg Taylor, who joined Greek side PAOK on a free transfer, although Kieran Tierney’s return should go some way to filling that void.

Benjamin Nygren

£1.7m

Nicolas Kuhn

£16.5m

Shin Yamada

£1.5m

Gustaf Lagerbielke

£2m

Kieran Tierney

Free

Kwon Hyeok-kyu

£200k

Ross Doohan

Free

Greg Taylor

Free

Callum Osmand

Free

Scott Bain

Free

Hayato Inamura

Undisclosed

Luis Palma

Loan

Maik Nawrocki

Loan

Adam Montgomery

Loan

Josh Clarke

Loan

Jeffrey Schlupp

End of loan

While the Hoops’ model has long been to develop and sell players like Kuhn before replacing them with cheaper, younger assets, the fact they are yet to make a marquee signing just days away from the beginning of the season is certainly a concern.

Sutton: Celtic need signings before Champions League qualifiers

Celtic will play the first leg of their Champions League qualifier on August 19-20, coming after league matches against St Mirren and Aberdeen and a cup clash with Falkirk, and Sutton believes Brendan Rodgers will be disappointed with the lack of business.

“If you look at the squad going into the season, it’s still a little bit light,” Sutton said in quotes shared by the Press Association.

“Brendan Rodgers, everything I’ve seen him hint and say, he feels the same. The fact that Brendan talked about ambition, he is always quite calculated in what he says and the words that he uses. I think that’s a little warning shot across the bows to say ‘we need to bring players in’.

Celtic's major signings so far: in pictures

“It’s fair to say the squad aren’t as strong right now as they were at the end of last season, and that’s not ideal. But there’s still plenty of time left in the transfer window.

“If you look back at last season, Celtic won the league in the first half of the campaign. They won 16 of their first 18 games, set off like a house on fire and there was real momentum going into the season from pre-season. It doesn’t quite feel like that at the moment.

“And they didn’t have the burden of the Champions League qualifiers last season and we know how enormous they are for the club.

“Celtic have been in this position before where they are signing players when the Champions League qualifiers have already begun. That’s not ideal.

“You want players in so you can work with them, so they get the idea of the way that the team works. You don’t want them learning on the job when the Champions League has started and then missing out. We know how massive these games are. If you’re slightly off it, then you can get beat.”

He continued: “I’m not saying it’s easy. It’s never easy for Celtic and Rangers in the market they are in. We know what Celtic’s model is in terms of bringing players in.

Frimpong 2.0: Celtic have made approach to sign "impressive" £4m star

Celtic have made their move to sign a young starlet who could be Jeremie Frimpong 2.0.

ByDan Emery Jul 29, 2025

“We will find out at the end of next month whether Celtic have done enough. It’s OK for pundits to say ‘the board need to do more’ but at the end of next month if Celtic bring another few players in of quality which is going to lift the squad, all well and good.

“If not, then clearly people are going ask questions about why they are weaker now than they were at the end of last season.”

The standards were set right from the word go under Arne Slot, with the title-winning Dutchman memorably hooking young Jarell Quansah at the break during Liverpool’s opening day win over Ipswich Town back in August.

A rising star under Jurgen Klopp, the 22-year-old had been tipped by many, including BBC pundit Nedum Onuoha, to be the successor to teammate Virgil van Dijk, both positionally and as captain, having made 34 appearances in all competitions in 2023/24.

Under the new regime, the England U21 star seemingly failed to recover from that afternoon at Portman Road, having made just three further starts in the Premier League last time out.

Sidelined to the periphery under Slot, the academy graduate has since been surprisingly shown the door this summer, albeit with the Reds able to take in a handsome £35m fee, following that intriguing switch to Bayer Leverkusen.

Whether that proves the correct course of action in the long term remains to be seen, although in the short term it has left the Merseysiders noticeably short on depth at centre-back – a fact only heightened by the situation surrounding Ibrahima Konate.

The latest on Ibrahima Konate's future

Liverpool’s last senior signing in the centre of defence, Konate has enjoyed an impressive four-year stint at Anfield, having notably started 30 league games as Slot’s men romped to the title in 2024/25.

Almost a guaranteed starter alongside Van Dijk in recent times – not least with Joe Gomez hampered by injury last season – the Frenchman should seemingly be content with his current standing at Anfield, right?

Well, according to recent speculation, it would appear not, with prior claims suggesting that the 26-year-old is demanding a sizeable increase on his current £70k-per-week salary.

Mo Salah

£400k

Virgil van Dijk

£350k

Florian Wirtz

£195k

Andrew Robertson

£160k

Federico Chiesa

£150k

Alisson

£150k

Alexis Mac Allister

£150k

Ryan Gravenberch

£150k

Darwin Nunez

£140k

That uncertainty has been increased as the former RB Leipzig man only has 12 months remaining on his existing deal, with the latest reports coming out of Spain indicating that he could be willing to run down that contract, in the hope of joining Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid.

Amid the prospect of that free transfer exit, further Spanish reports have claimed that Liverpool could even be open to selling Konate this summer should he continue to refuse a new deal.

Such a prospect has only heightened the need for a replacement…

Liverpool's search for a centre-back

The leading figure to usurp Konate’s place alongside Van Dijk appears to be Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, with prior reports suggesting that personal terms have even been agreed with the Eagles skipper.

With just a year left on his own deal at Selhurst Park, Guehi is also at something of a crossroads in his career, albeit with it yet to be seen if Palace will cash in, having rejected multiple bids from Newcastle United last summer.

Amid the need to also consider alternatives to the 24-year-old, journalist David Lynch has named Parma’s Giovanni Leoni and Wolfsburg’s Konstantinos Koulierakis as two players who the Reds are keeping tabs on, with the young pair said to have been ‘watched’ by those at Anfield.

Links to Leoni – who has been compared to Madrid’s Dean Huijsen – have already emerged this summer, while in the case of the 21-year-old Koulierakis, he was tipped for a move to Merseyside earlier this year.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, reports back in February indicated that the Greek sensation could command a fee of around €40m (£34m), having only joined the German side last summer.

Why Konstantinos Koulierakis could be Liverpool's new Konate

Raiding the Bundesliga for the brightest and best has been a theme of Liverpool’s recruitment in recent years, be it Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz this time around, or Dominik Szoboszlai and Konate under the Klopp regime.

In the case of Konate, the contract rebel was just 22 when the Reds forked out a similar fee to what is being touted for Koulierakis, with the £35m man also arriving as a hot prospect from the Bundesliga four years ago.

With 132 appearances under his belt at Anfield, it’s fair to say that such a deal has proven to be a successful one, with journalist Rory Smith describing him as “outstanding” last year, while noting that his talents perhaps go under the radar.

An exit may, unfortunately, lie in store in the near future for the Les Bleus star, although in Koulierakis, a worth replacement could well be found, with the former PAOK man lauded as a truly “standout” prospect by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Also hailed as one of the “biggest talents” in Greece by scout Jacek Kulig, the Crete-born titan enjoyed a promising 2024/25 campaign, having made 30 Bundesliga appearances during his debut season in Germany.

While the left-footer typically operates on the opposite side to Konate, there are similarities to be seen in their defensive prowess. Indeed, the youngster averaged 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game last term, as per Sofascore, while his Liverpool counterpart averaged 1.8 in that regard.

At 6 foot 2, Koulierakis is also a towering presence like the 6 foot 4 Parisien, with the pair winning 59% and 66% of their total duels in 2024/25, respectively, to further illustrate their ball-winning dominance.

In contrast to a figure like Guehi – who boasts 132 Premier League appearances to date – the Wolfsburg man is a relatively raw talent, although having seen the success of nurturing Konate in recent times, why not repeat the trick this summer?

Slot's new Gravenberch: Liverpool interest growing in "special" £85m talent

Liverpool are among the frontrunners in the race for this talented star.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 11, 2025

So far, this summer has been a brilliant one for Chelsea.

The Blues are the last English side at the Club World Cup and stand a great chance of winning it all.

On top of that, the fans haven’t had to wait very long for the club to bring in some exciting players, with the likes of Liam Delap and Mamadou Sarr already through the door.

Moreover, João Pedro completed his medical yesterday afternoon. However, if reports are to be believed, he could have some serious competition next season as the West Londoners are now linked with a goalscorer who’d be an even more exciting signing than the Brazilian.

Chelsea target goalscoring machine

With Champions League football back on the agenda for Chelsea next season, the Blues have been linked with a plethora of incredibly exciting attackers in recent weeks, such as Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho.

Transfer Focus

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

The former is reportedly available for around £60m, and managed to rack up a haul of 19 goal involvements in 33 games this season, while the latter could cost up to £60m and recorded a tally of 21 goal involvements in 58 games.

However, while both players would surely help improve the West Londoners’ squad and offensive options, neither one plays up top and therefore wouldn’t really be competition for Pedro, unlike Hugo Ekitiké.

Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic, Chelsea have maintained their interest in the Eintracht Frankfurt star from earlier in the season.

The report claims that the prolific Frenchman is still ‘being monitored’ by the Blues, despite the signing of the Brighton ace.

A potential price is not mentioned in the story, but according to reports from late last month, the 23-year-old is valued at €100m by his club, which is around £85m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but one Chelsea should pursue, as Ekitike would be a more exciting signing than Pedro.

Why Ekitike would be a more exciting signing than Pedro

What is it that excites football fans more than anything else? Goals, goals and more goals.

Therefore, the first and arguably most important reason why Ekitike would end up being a more exciting signing than Pedro is the simple fact that he is a far more effective scorer and assister of goals.

For example, in 48 appearances this season, totalling 3644 minutes, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists for good measure.

Appearances

48

30

Minutes

3644′

2136′

Goals

22

10

Assists

12

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

0.56

Minutes per Goal Involvement

107.17

125.64′

That means he was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes.

In contrast, the former Brighton star scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2136 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.76 games, or every 125.64 minutes.

Okay then, after goals, what else do fans want to see when they watch football?

Well, for our money, we reckon they want to see attackers running at, taking on and beating opposition defenders, either through intricate skill or marauding strength.

Interestingly, this is once again another area in which the Frankfurt star, whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” comes out on top.

According to FBref, he outperforms the new Blues ace in successful take-ons, carries into the final third and into the penalty area, all per 90.

Therefore, he’s not only likely to score more goals than the Brazilian, but he’s also likely to cause more mayhem for the opposition’s backline to boot.

Ultimately, both strikers would be excellent additions to Chelsea’s squad, but from everything we’ve examined here, it looks like Ekitike would be the more exciting signing.

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Sticking to the recent trend of targeting Premier League rivals, PIF are now reportedly evaluating a move to sign an impressive attacking midfielder for Newcastle United this summer.

Newcastle still chasing Elanga and Trafford deals

Having already signed Antonio Cordero on a free transfer to get their business underway nice and early, Newcastle are now pushing on in an attempt to make some impressive statements. Chasing deals to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and James Trafford from Burnley, the Magpies are aiming to swoop in and weaken their Premier League opposition.

Both are long-term targets and both are players that would hand Eddie Howe instant upgrades within his side. Newcastle’s chase to sign a fresh right-wing option has particularly been no secret in the last 12 months and, after missing out on Manchester United-bound Bryan Mbeumo, Elanga’s arrival would make perfect sense.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Anthony Elanga

Jacob Murphy

Starts

38

35

Goals

6

8

Assists

11

12

Successful Take-ons

25

35

The Swede would push Jacob Murphy all the way for a starting place and offer Newcastle instant strength in depth – something they crucially lacked the last time that they featured in the Champions League.

Even if Trafford and Elanga arrive though, Newcastle may not be done there when it comes to shopping in the Premier League. The Magpies are seemingly in a ruthless mood and have now turned their attention back towards Brentford. Having missed out on Mbeumo, PIF are now reportedly eyeing a summer swoop to sign one of the Bees’ star midfielders.

PIF evaluating Damsgaard move for Newcastle

According to Caught Offside, PIF are now evaluating a move to sign Mikkel Damsgaard for Newcastle this summer. The Danish midfielder is not someone Brentford are keen to lose, but every player has a price and the West London club reportedly value the 24-year-old at €50m (£42m).

Tottenham Hotspur are also sniffing around a deal amid their move for Thomas Frank, with the Bees boss hoping to take a couple of his star players with him to the North side of London.

Damsgaard is a talent who took a few years to discover his best form after initially bursting onto the scene at Euro 2020. Described as “brilliant” by scout Jacek Kulig five years on from that tournament, however, he’s finally at the peak of his powers at Brentford.

Only Mohamed Salah, Elanga and Newcastle’s Murphy assisted more goals than the Dane last season, who could join the latter and perhaps even the Forest star as well, forming quite the creative partnership at St James’ Park.

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Reportedly earning just £35,000-a-week in West London, Damsgaard would hardly break the bank in Tyneside and represents another target who knows exactly how to navigate the challenges of the Premier League. Like Elanga and Trafford, he ticks every box for Newcastle.

Nottingham Forest are ready to make a sizeable offer to complete the signing of a new centre-back this summer, according to reports in the player’s homeland.

Nottingham Forest's Champions League hopes damaged

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side blew a wonderful opportunity to jump back to third in the Premier League on Thursday night, losing 2-0 at home to Brentford. Forest’s performance looked nervy throughout the evening, with the team and the supporters aware of the magnitude of the occasion, and they simply couldn’t produce the desired display and result.

The Reds’ defeat leaves them sitting sixth in the league table with four matches remaining, as they prepare to make the trip to Crystal Palace on Monday evening, which is another tough game against a side who have just reached the FA Cup final.

Granted, Forest are only behind fifth-place Chelsea on goal difference – a top-five spot will seal a place in next season’s Champions League – but Nuno’s men are clearly wobbling and are in need of a big result.

Nottingham Forest willing to make offer for Gatti

According to TuttoSport [via Sport Witness], Nottingham Forest are willing to make a big offer to sign Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti this summer. Everton and West Ham are also mentioned in the report, though it is stated that the 26-year-old is happy to stay put at Juve, despite it being financially beneficial to move on and earn more than his current £42,000 per week.

It looks as though Forest will need to present quite the package to both Juve and Gatti to tempt them into a move, and if the situation changes he could be a fantastic addition at the heart of the defence.

Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo have been outstanding throughout this season, forging a great understanding at the back, but increased competition for places is still essential in that area, especially if one of the centre-backs leaves this summer.

Gatti is now an experienced player who has made 103 appearances for one of the biggest clubs in Europe in Juve, and Danilo once described him as “humble”, saying: “Gatti is an example for all of us, a humble boy who works a lot. He has had difficult moments, but he is strong, and he showed Juventus until the end.”

Federico Gatti’s 2024/25 Serie A stats	Total
Appearances	28
Starts	26
Minutes played	2188
Goals	1
Assists	0
Clearances per game	2.6
Aerial duel wins per game	1.3
Pass completion rate	95.2%

Gatti’s quality on the ball is highlighted by a 95.2% pass completion rate in Serie A this season, while his defensive expertise is oultined by an average of 2.6 clearances per game in the competition.

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For now, it looks like Forest will have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements, but the hope is that Champions League qualification gives them a better chance of signing Gatti.