Category Uncategorized

Leeds United have now reportedly joined both Juventus and Atletico Madrid in the race to sign a Bundesliga talent, having completed their scouting mission.

Leeds eyeing move to sign set-piece specialist

It’s a crucial month on and off the pitch at Elland Road. The Whites have done incredibly well to get themselves on the path towards Premier League survival and the 49ers now have the chance to speed the process up with January additions.

Reports earlier this season suggested that the owners were ready to pull the trigger on Daniel Farke if he failed to avoid defeat against Chelsea and Liverpool. Now, almost a month later, the German looks more secure than ever in Yorkshire after guiding Leeds through a sensational run.

It’s the type of run that should be awarded this month, but Farke’s first focus seems to be keeping hold of his star players – telling reporters: “I speak to my players every day, we are in close conversations, but I have no plans to give any player away from our group because it’s a tight group.

“I don’t believe with working with a big group because it’s important for togetherness, unity and spirit. We can perhaps improve our group a bit more, but no-one close to the first-team group is to leave.”

It seems as though there will be no movement when it comes to outgoings and that leaves any incomings with the perfect chance to steal the headlines.

According to recent reports, Leeds are now prioritising a move to sign Danilho Doekhi from Bundesliga side Union Berlin. The central defender has scored four goals this season, becoming quite the set-piece threat, and would provide Farke with defensive depth.

Alas, he’s not the only Bundesliga name on the Whites’ radar. According to 24Sata, as relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds are now racing to sign Karlo Simic after completing their scouting mission.

Leeds racing to sign Karlo Simic

Battling both Juventus and Atletico Madrid in the race to sign the Wolfsburg teen, Leeds could make quite the statement by fending off such impressive competition.

Related Leeds now very interested in signing £94,000-a-week Serie A striker this month

He could partner Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Posts ByTom Cunningham

The player, himself, is one for the future who could eventually play a crucial part in Farke’s frontline. After scoring 10 goals in nine appearances for Wolfsburg’s U19s this season, Simic would likely head straight to Leeds’ own youth side even if his potential to play first-team football is there for all to see.

Welcoming a player of the forward’s potential at this stage of his career would be shrewd business by all involved at Elland Road, especially if they secure a bargain price.

A “terrific” Premier League player sees Newcastle United as his preferred destination this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim from The Athletic.

Howe discusses Isak's Newcastle future

The future of Alexander Isak has been the summer’s main talking point at St James’ Park, with the Swede pushing for a move to Liverpool ahead of the new season.

Isak has been made to train away from his Newcastle teammates by Eddie Howe, with the manager no doubt not wanting an unhappy player around, and he spoke about the saga over the weekend.

“I think everything is in play. I’ve said many times he is contracted to us. He is our player. The club make the decision on his future. I don’t know what that will be. Of course I have a preferred outcome. I want the best and the strongest squad possible, but I also want players that really want to play for this football club.”

Regardless of what happens with Isak, more signings are needed for Newcastle before the summer transfer window reaches its conclusion, and they have been boosted by the news that one individual would like to play for the club.

Aston Villa star Ramsey keen on Newcastle move

According to a new update from The Athletic, Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey sees Newcastle as his “preferred destination” this summer.

The report states that the Magpies “made an approach for the former England youth international in January 2024”, with Howe described as a “big fan” of his. While West Ham are also keen on signing the 24-year-old valued at £40m, “Newcastle’s project and the chance to work under Howe are thought to carry the greatest appeal” to him.

This is a big positive for Newcastle, should their interest in Ramsey be as strong as it was last year, with the Villa ace a hugely talented footballer.

Granted, he arguably hasn’t quite kicked on as much as some predicted, but Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has hailed his ability, having managed him when he was at Villa Park.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“He’s not following in anyone’s footsteps. Jacob Ramsey is Jacob Ramsey. He will be a terrific player. It won’t be long before the whole country is watching him I’m sure. He is right up there, let me tell you.”

Related He'd replicate Isak: Newcastle make enquiry to sign "complete" £80m striker

With Alexander Isak still hoping to force a move to Liverpool, could Newcastle target a “complete” striker valued at £80m who’d replicate the Swede?

Posts ByBen Gray

Ramsey only started half of Villa’s 38 Premier League games last season, and he could feel that a new challenge is needed at this point in his career, seeing Newcastle as the ideal next step.

Arsenal are quickly looking to complete a £17 million deal for one player who is a target for ex-Gunners star Cesc Fàbregas at Como, with new sporting director Andrea Berta seemingly aware of the growing competition for his signature.

Andrea Berta's transfer goals for Arsenal this summer

Berta’s arrival has prompted reports of serious summer spending at Arsenal.

Related Offer ready: Arsenal keen to bid £30m for "special" Premier League forward

The Gunners are set to move for an attacking midfielder, who plays for one of their Premier League rivals.

Posts ByDominic Lund

GiveMeSport recently claimed as much as £300 million could be splashed on up to seven major signings across the squad, including a new second-choice keeper, left-back, midfielder, left-winger, striker and alternative to Bukayo Saka.

Even two central midfield signings are a very real possibility, as per GMS, with Arsenal in advanced talks over a deal for Martin Zubimendi, who could also be joined by Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes.

The latter is a personal recommendation from Berta, as first reported by journalist Eduardo Burgos, and Guimaraes could be signed for around £60 million if Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Supporters are anticipating a very busy first window for Berta, with the 53-year-old also in the market for a goalkeeping alternative to David Raya.

Neto isn’t a viable long-term option and will return to Bournemouth when his straight loan deal expires, leading them to target Espanyol star Joan Garcia.

The Spaniard played a key role in Espanyol’s push for La Liga promotion last season, and it is believed that Garcia agreed personal terms over a move to Arsenal last year. Even though the transfer fell through, Berta plans to make another attempt for him this year.

Arsenal want to finalise Joan Garcia deal "as soon as possible"

Sources in Spain expect Garcia to complete a move to Arsenal, as per Sky presenter David Garrido last week, and another update has emerged on the 23-year-old from his homeland.

According to a report in Spain, as quoted by Football 365, Arsenal want to finalise a deal for Garcia “as soon as possible”, and the outlet claims that his release clause is actually set at around £17 million right now.

They’re aware of the growing competition for his services, including from Fabregas at Como, who wants the keeper in Serie A (La Razon).

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Interest from Italy and the Bundesliga has apparently created a sense of “urgency” to get Garcia over the line, amid his growing reputation as one of Spain’s most exciting young keepers.

“An uber-athletic keeper with dominant cross-claiming, composure on the ball, standing at 6’3” tall, García is an exciting keeper ready for a step up,” wrote Football Analyst Ben Mattinson on X.

“García is such an athletic GK. His legs are so powerful and springy enabling him to generate more power to reach the ball. Good flexibility, agility and his proactiveness enable him to be an alert shot-stopper in the box and recover to make double saves.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been “alerted” that one club may be open to holding transfer talks over their £60 million striker in January, and they could even allow him to leave on a temporary deal in the winter.

Arsenal draw transfer shortlist as Mikel Arteta targets new striker

The Gunners have been repeatedly linked with a new marksman for a couple of seasons now, with the prospect of a prolific number nine arriving at N5 becoming a reoccurring theme.

Related £239k-per-week forward holds new deal talks as Arsenal look at signing him

The Gunners are reliable contenders to sign him next year.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

Former sporting director Edu Gaspar attempted to bring in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko over the summer window, following the 21-year-old’s impressive haul of 18 goals in all competitions last season, but he snubbed Arsenal’s advances in favour of remaining in Germany.

Arsenal could go back in for Sesko next year, if they think the Slovenia international will be available for transfer this time (Ben Jacobs), but he isn’t the only striker on Arteta’s radar heading into 2025.

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak could be subject to an £80 million bid from Arsenal (CaughtOffside), while it is believed that the north Londoners hold an interest in Sporting Lisbon sensation Viktor Gyokeres as well.

Former Premier League chief scout Mick Brown, who remains well-connected within the game, recently told Football Insider that Arsenal are closely monitoring Gyokeres ahead of a potential move – even if he has doubts over whether he’d cut it for a truly elite side.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Man United (home)

December 4

Fulham (away)

December 8

Everton (home)

December 14

Crystal Palace (away)

December 21

Ipswich Town (home)

December 27

“He’s a player I like from what I’ve seen of him, and I know some of the top clubs have been interested,” said Brown.

“Arsenal are one club who’ve been closely watching him in Portugal, and Chelsea too, but there are lots of clubs interested if he becomes available.

“But I don’t think any clubs would be willing to spend upwards of around £80million on him. It’s a big commitment to a player who, as good as he has been, is playing in a weaker league than the Premier League.

“Even during his time at Coventry, he was a very very good Championship player, but not one you’d say would be a game-changer for a real top side.”

Arteta "alerted" that Brighton could let Arsenal sign Evan Ferguson in January

According to GiveMeSport, another opportunity to shore up their forward options comes in the form of Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson.

Indeed, it is believed Arteta has been “alerted” that Brighton could be open to negotiating a Ferguson loan to Arsenal in January, with the Republic of Ireland international falling behind Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro in Fabian Hurzeler’s pecking order.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

However, the 20-year-old, who commands a £60 million price tag, isn’t somebody who interests the Gunners – with Arteta unlikely to pursue a temporary deal for Ferguson despite being informed that it is an option.

Interestingly, this could disappoint club legend Ian Wright, who heaped praise on the player when Arsenal were linked with him last year.

“When you look at him, the way he plays, his appreciation for the game, his movement and finishing both feet, good in the air and good pace,” said Wright on Premier League productions in 2023.

“He has all the attributes at 18. Very mature in the way he plays. All he has to do is keep doing what he is doing and they are going to start talking about him in million terms because that striker is not allowed. “

One star has now agreed a four-year deal in principle to join Arsenal this summer, as his club hope to make a £15 million profit off his sale to the Gunners.

Arsenal chase second summer signing after Riccardo Calafiori

Sporting director Edu Gaspar and the wider recruitment team are beginning to make more headway in regard to new recruits after a quiet start to the transfer window, having finally confirmed the signing of defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna this week.

Related Barcelona chiefs think their £55m target is prioritising a move to Arsenal

The Catalans are convinced.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract, now joining Mikel Arteta's side for pre-season, where they next face-off against Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and Ligue 1 giants Lyon in the Emirates Cup before the new Premier League campaign kicks off.

Calafiori can slot in at both centre-back and left-back, making him a valuable squad member in terms of versatility, but it is believed Arsenal are still in the market for more upgrades to Arteta's squad with deadline day approaching at the end of this month.

Arsenal have been linked with a new winger and striker, with Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane and Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams attracting their interest, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Arteta has also set his sights on a new midfielder, as uncertainty surrounds Thomas Partey and his future in north London. Arsenal reportedly expect to sell Partey before August 30, with the Ghanaian now in the final year of his contract.

The 31-year-old also endured an injury-hit campaign last term, missing many games due to hamstring and groin problems, which resulted in Partey missing out on a place in Ghana's AFCON squad midway through 2023/2024.

Thomas Partey Injuries

Games Missed (Transfermarkt)

23/24 – Hamstring Injury

25

23/24 – Groin Injury

9

22/23 – Knock

2

22/23 – Thigh Problems

4

The midfielder could well be in his final weeks as an Arsenal player, so it will be interesting to see who comes in to potentially replace him. One player who's been very heavily linked is Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, who impressed for eventual Euro 2024 champions Spain at the recently concluded tournament.

Arsenal reach agreement in principle with Merino on four-year deal

Barcelona chiefs believe Merino is giving "total priority" to joining Arsenal, according to Fabrizio Romano, and HITC now claim that Arteta's side are making real headway in a move for the 28-year-old.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

As per their new information, Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle with Merino on a four-year contract, with there being no issue in regards to personal terms. This comes after the former Newcastle United ace rejected Sociedad's latest proposal to stay, and Arsenal are now pushing to get a club-to-club deal over the line.

The La Liga side are holding out for £25 million to sell, as they aim to make a £15 million profit after signing Merino for just £10 million from Newcastle.

Merino made 45 appearances in all competitions for Sociedad last season, scoring eight goals and assisting five others, but did rack up 14 yellow cards in the process – so his disciplinary record could be one cause for concern.

Celtic may have just been told exactly how to replace Brendan Rodgers after a tricky season at Celtic Park.

Rodgers struggling with the Hoops

All is clearly not well on and off the pitch with last season's Scottish Premiership winners. Ex-Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers took the reigns after the departure of Ange Postecoglou for Tottenham, but it has been a far less impressive campaign than he will have been hoping for, despite now sitting top of the league once more.

Related Journalist shares what he's now heard about Brendan Rodgers' Celtic future

The club’s stance seems fairly firm.

Posts ByHenry Jackson

They finished bottom of their group in the Champions League, winning just a single game and conceding 15 times in their six games, including a 6-0 hammering at the hands of Atletico Madrid, a pair of stats that handed them the second worst goal difference (-10) of any side in the group stage (beaten only by Royal Antwerp, who finished with -11).

Rodgers at Celtic 23/24 vs Postecoglou at Celtic 22/23 (All competitions)

Rodgers 23/24

Postecoglou 22/23

Games

39

53

Wins

25

41

Losses

8

7

Win %

64%

77%

Goals for

84

147

Goals per game

2.15

2.77

Goals against

40

53

There have also been talks of behind the scenes issues that have also played into an overall feeling of discontent at Celtic Park this season, something that stretches far beyond performances alone.

And overall, it has led to plenty of speculation over the future of Rodgers, who could well be leaving his post should things not improve.

Celtic told what to do next

Now, former Aberdeen club chief Keith Wyness has told Celtic exactly how to fix their managerial problem, and has urged them to go for a young dynamic coach from the continent rather than shopping so close to home this time around. Wyness served as CEO for Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, and also worked with Aston Villa (2016-2018) and Everton (2004-2009).

Speaking to Football Insider, he explained that “I think Celtic would be looking outside of Scotland if they were to replace Rodgers". As for who, he felt a longer-term project will be the solution.

“They should go for a young, European manager. I think they’d want to go back to that sort of route. They obviously see themselves as a progressive, forward-thinking club.

“I don’t think they should go for a stop-gap. For me, they should target someone like Roberto De Zerbi. Not him, of course – but someone like him. There are a few around who could be looked at."

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

However, he added that were Rodgers to turn things around and clinch the Scottish Premiership title, he would not be surprised to see him stay at the helm.

“For now, if they win the league – I’m sure it will be business as usual at Celtic and Rodgers will probably remain in post.”

Replacing Postecoglou and following in the footsteps of his popular reign in Glasgow was always going to be a difficult ask, and it one that Rodgers appears to be struggling with. A fresh start could be just what the club needs to rediscover their identity.

Tottenham struck gold with their recruitment into the building this summer, softening the blow of Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich expertly by signing exciting new talents to fit into new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou’s overhaul.

Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro and James Maddison have been early standout performers under the Australian head coach, key components to Spurs’ unbeaten run so far in the Premier League.

Maddison, in particular, has been instrumental, notching up eight goal contributions from ten matches after joining Tottenham from Leicester City for £40m.

The north London hot shots could be in the market for more players this January despite their electric start to this campaign, with Feyenoord attacker Santiago Gimenez linked with Postecoglou’s high-flyers according to reports.

Spurs will have to be cautious in their pursuit of the Eredivisie forward, however, eager to not let history repeat itself.

Vincent Janssen left AZ Alkmaar behind for Tottenham in similar circumstances back in 2016, spectacularly flopping throughout his doomed stay in the English capital subsequently.

Tottenham’s interest in Gimenez

Fabrizio Romano has reported reported, via TEAMtalk that Spurs are interested in the 22-year-old striker as a potential option to strengthen the attack, Richarlison falling down the pecking order even further at the club if this move is pulled off.

The notorious reporter stated: "Something in the region of £39m could be the right fee to make it happen. From what I’m told, Tottenham [Hotspur] scouts have been following the player already last year. They saw that Gimenez is a very good striker… Decisions will be made in the next months.”

Gimenez justifies this price-tag with a sensational 13 goals from just 11 Dutch first-division appearances to date.

Still, Spurs will know too well that potency in front of goal in the Netherlands doesn’t always mean that a similar clinical edge will be apparent when relocating to the Premier League.

Janssen’s nightmare at Spurs

Janssen, who joined Spurs at the same age Gimenez is now, endured a torrid time at White Hart Lane after setting the Eredivisie alight with his goal output.

The misfiring Dutch striker would only manage six goals for Tottenham from 42 appearances, a weak goal return after netting a far superior 32 goals from 49 games whilst at AZ.

The 6-foot forward, who is now 29, has rebuilt his career since this nightmare spell in north London with Janssen the leading man in attack for Royal Antwerp currently.

Gimenez will just pray that he doesn’t fall victim to the pressure of a high-profile move in a similar fashion, hoping to excel in his new surroundings instead of being disregarded as a dud.

Gimenez’s numbers this season

Feyenoord’s lethal talismanic striker continues to be a terrifying prospect for Eredivisie defenders to contain, occupying second spot in the top scorer chart for the league.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The standout display of Gimenez’s season so far came against Ajax, netting three goals against the Dutch titans to give Feyenoord a comprehensive 4-0 win in De Klassieker.

Only registering four shots in the 90 minutes per Sofascore, the Mexico International showcased his prolific nature for his club side to net a devastating hat-trick.

Over the last year for the Rotterdam-based giants, Gimenez has averaged a staggering 8.32 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 minutes according to FBRef – the sign of a striker always waiting for an opportunity to strike from close range, always lurking to finish off a chance.

Tottenham will attempt everything in their power to persuade the 22-year-old to join the North London outfit, hopeful that lightning won’t strike twice when pursuing exports from the Eredivisie and that Gimenez will finally plug the gap Kane left behind up top.

Leeds United’s transfer spending last summer went somewhat under the radar, particularly compare with fellow promoted side Sunderland.

Sunderland’s £162m total very much ended up trumping Leeds’ £98m, with the Black Cats now sitting pretty in the Premier League pile in eighth spot off the back of such a lavish summer.

Daniel Farke’s men will still feel largely pleased with their own activity, though, as the German arguably now has Leeds’ best bargain since Pablo Hernandez at his disposal, as he tries to guide the Whites away from relegation danger.

This is some statement to make, considering Hernandez was purchased for nothing after an initial loan stint, which ultimately led to him becoming a promotion hero in West Yorkshire.

Why Hernandez was a great bargain for Leeds

The Spanish attacking midfielder might well have eventually become synonymous with Marcelo Bielsa’s whirlwind reign at the club, but he was first purchased when Garry Monk still occupied the Elland Road helm.

His first season, on loan from Al Arabi, saw the former number 19 pick up six goals and eight assists as Leeds narrowly missed out on the second-tier playoffs. This would trigger a permanent move on a free transfer, and would ultimately lead to a match made in heaven with Bielsa, come the start of the 2018/19 season.

Across his two seasons in the EFL’s elite division under the iconic ex-Leeds boss, the former-Valencia playmaker would turn into a “silent leader” – as Bielsa once affectionately labelled him – with a jaw-dropping 42 goal contributions mustered up in league action alone.

18 of those would seal Leeds’ triumphant promotion at the close of the 2019/20 campaign, with this unfortunately proving to be the one-time free agent’s peak at Elland Road, as he would only ever amass two assists in the Premier League for his beloved side.

Still, in the words of journalist Phil Hay in 2021, Hernandez is considered “the best signing of the last 20 years” from a Leeds persuasion, and it’s hard to disagree, in an age where money is thrown about recklessly on some notable flops.

That said, at long last, there is a player in Farke’s current ranks who could be deemed the best bargain since the Spaniard’s memorable stay.

Leeds' best bargain since Hernandez

Leeds were fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to snap up Hernandez, with 167 career games in La Liga under his belt, before moving to England, showing off a star with some clear pedigree next to his name.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, entering the ranks in the summer on a free transfer, had this same energy attached, with the Sheffield-born centre-forward once valued at the £60m range when powering home goals frequently for Everton. Pundit Tony Cascarino once even labelled the injury-prone striker as being “unplayable” on his day. Safe to say he looks a little bit like that now in Leeds colours.

Before joining up with Farke’s camp, the 6-foot-2 striker had a respectable 57 Premier League strikes to shout about, but with his last few seasons with the Toffees seeing plenty of injury issues come to the surface, and only three league goals coming his way all across last campaign, the plug was pulled on his Goodison Park adventure.

Subscribe for sharper Leeds transfer and bargain analysis Crave deeper transfer insight? Subscribe to the newsletter for data-led breakdowns, wage-to-impact comparisons and clear takes on bargains like Calvert-Lewin — concise, focused coverage that sharpens how you understand signings.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Everton’s loss is now, very clearly, Leeds’ gain, with the 11-time England international already being showered with the same levels of praise Hernandez regularly received in West Yorkshire, as his new manager now even boldly labels him as one of “the league’s best” attackers on his day, which makes the decision to bring in him for nothing look even more like an absurd masterstroke.

DCL’s numbers for Leeds

Stat

DCL

Games played

15

Goals

5

Assists

0

Wage

£100k-per-week

Wage costs over the year

£5.2m

Sourced by Transfermarkt/Capology

Calvert-Lewin is already five goals down wearing Leeds white with the lofty attacker proving to be a vital fox-in-the-box presence for Farke and Co, having now scored across four consecutive league appearances as the Premier League newcomers have picked up one win and two draws.

This red-hot form makes his wage costs of £5.2m over a full year feel like a splurge worth making, with his goalscoring form potentially keeping Leeds up at the first time of asking, undoubtedly making him the best bargain signed off on since Hernandez’s promotion-winning exploits.

Farke will just hope he can remain fit for the rest of the season to come, as he has already become a crucial first-team presence, when he was once viewed as a gamble to bring in.

Related Leeds flop is becoming a bigger waste of money than Rodrigo & Sinisterra

Leeds United now has a bigger waste of money than both Rodrigo and Luis Sinisterra in this shaky summer signing.

Posts 2 ByKelan Sarson

It’s almost time for Chelsea to return to action.

The Blues will very much undergo a truncated pre-season schedule, having won the Club World Cup on 13 July, surprisingly defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final in New Jersey.

Thus, Enzo Maresca’s team will have just two pre-season fixtures before their Premier League opener, welcoming Bayer Leverkusen to Stamford Bridge on Friday night, before taking on AC Milan in West London on Sunday.

Before then, will the Blues continue to make more signings?

Chelsea's search for even more attacking talent

Fair to say, Maresca has plenty of attacking options at his disposal.

Estêvão Willian, Jamie Gittens, João Pedro, and Liam Delap have all already arrived this summer, but the Blues are far from done yet, with potentially two new forwards on their way.

First, as reported by James Olley of ESPN, Chelsea are close to signing Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig for a reported fee of €50m (around £44m), with the Dutchman eager to make the move.

Meantime, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are still pursuing Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, adding that “no talks” have begun just yet, but the Argentine is “keen” on the move.

Elsewhere, Romano notes that the transfer is “not expected to be imminent” but that Garanacho is prioritising a move to Chelsea, with the Blues focussing on outgoings for now.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Garnacho was told to find a new club by manager Rúben Amorim back in May. Currently part of Man United’s infamous ‘bomb squad’, not with the first-team squad in the US, rather left behind at Carrington, alongside fellow outcasts Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia.

Just a few weeks ago, it was reported that Man United valued Garnacho at £70m. Still, now that it’s public knowledge he has been cast aside, James Ducker of The Telegraph believes he is available for £40m, with Chelsea in pole position to snap him up.

What Alejandro Garnacho would bring to Chelsea

At the start of the window, Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian reported that Chelsea are ‘priori­tising the addition’ of a right-footed left-winger, with Garnacho very much their top target for this role.

​​​​​His performances for Manchester United have certainly caught the eye, with Statman Dave labelling him one of the two “brightest young talents on the planet” as recently as October, alongside Lamine Yamal, which is high praise indeed.

Elsewhere, Kurosh Moghtader of Total Football Analysis labels him a ‘reliable attacking outlet’ who still has ‘room for improvement’, with Andy Mitten of The Athletic believing his ‘work rate’ and finishing have both got better in recent times.

When looking to compare Garnacho to a former Chelsea player of the not-too-distant past, he is stylistically most similar to Joe Cole.

Like Garnacho, Cole arrived from a Premier League rival as a 22-year-old back in 2003, namely West Ham United, having come through the Hammers’ academy, and made quite an impact during his seven seasons at Stamford Bridge.

In Chelsea blue, Cole made 282 appearances, scoring 39 goals and registering 47 assists, winning three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the EFL Cup.

At his best, Tom Mason of The Guardian believes Cole was ‘breathtaking’, praising his ‘creativity, flair, technical ability and vision’, adding that he was ‘always willing to receive a pass and take on the responsibility’.

Meantime, Sam Wallace of the Independent heralds his ‘silky touch’, noting that his best years came under José Mourinho when deployed as a left-winger in a ‘clearly defined’ role.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Well, in Maresca’s current set-up, Garnacho, who was hailed as “electric” by Statman Dave, could certainly thrive in a similar way.

So, let’s assess how Cole at West Ham and Garnacho at Manchester United compare to one another.

Joe Cole at West Ham vs Alejandro Garnacho at Man United comparison

Statistics

Cole

Garnacho

Appearances

184

144

Minutes

13,250

8,359

Goals

18

26

Assists

9

22

International caps

10

8

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table documents, when comparing Garnacho of the present day to Cole just before his move to Chelsea, the Englishman was more experienced, but the Argentine had produced a greater output in terms of goals and assists.

Cole arrived in the summer of 2003 as part of Roman Abramovich’s first spending spree, alongside Claude Makélélé, Hernán Crespo, Adrian Mutu, Juan Sebastián Verón, Scott Parker, Glen Johnson, Alexey Smertin, Geremi, Wayne Bridge, Damien Duff, and many, many others.

Well, 22 years on, Chelsea are adopting a similar approach in the transfer market, and all available evidence suggests that Garnacho could thrive in a similar way.

Related Chelsea looking to do "early deal" for potential £44m-plus striker after Hato

Another centre-forward signing on the horizon?

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

Arsenal are now racing to sign an “exciting” £21m player in the summer transfer window, alongside a number of their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Gunners gearing up for busy summer

As we approach the business end of the Premier League season, it is looking increasingly likely that Mikel Arteta’s side will finish in second place for the third season on the spin, with injury issues doing the manager absolutely no favours.

With that in mind, Arteta has set out to bring in more depth in the summer transfer window, and one position in which he is currently lacking options is striker, with the likes of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres being targeted to fill the gap.

Bukayo Saka’s absence has also exposed the need to bring in new wide options, and the Gunners are now racing to sign Ademola Lookman, while Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi are among the targets in central midfield.

Related Arsenal could now look to hijack Man City move for "world-class" £54m star

The Gunners have joined their Premier League rivals in the race for a defender.

Posts ByDominic Lund

One position which may be viewed as less of a priority is goalkeeper, but with Neto set to return to AFC Bournemouth at the end of the campaign, Arteta may be tasked with bringing in a new back-up option between the sticks.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now racing a number of their Premier League rivals for Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens, with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle United also in the picture.

Lammens has caught the eye this season, given his impressive distribution of the ball and presence in the penalty area, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also placing him on their shortlist.

Amid the widespread interest in the goalkeeper, Antwerp believe they can hold out for a fee of around €20m – €25m (£17m – £21m).

"Exciting" Lammens is one for the future

There is currently little reason to replace David Raya, who is in the prime of his career at 29-years-old, however there are signs the Antwerp goalkeeper could be capable of being a solid long-term replacement.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Freelance scout Ben Mattinson has spoken particularly highly of the Belgian, having been impressed by his ability to stop crosses and distribute the ball.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has also described the 6 foot 4 colossus as “exciting”, and that is definitely how you would describe his last-gasp goal for Club Brugge to progress against Real Madrid in the UEFA Youth League.

Signing a new goalkeeper shouldn’t be a priority for Arsenal this summer, given that any new signing is unlikely to displace Raya in the starting XI, but Lammens could definitely be one for the future.