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Where is Alexander Isak going to be playing his football next season? The Newcastle United striker is one of two attackers embroiled in a huge transfer saga involving the Magpies and Premier League champions Liverpool. It is fair to say that his future is up in the air right now.

A new report from David Ornstein explains that the Reds have contacted Eintracht Frankfurt over a possible move for Hugo Ekitike, also a key target for Liverpool. However, Arne Slot’s side have also made a move for Isak. Newcastle are hoping to keep their number nine and also sign Ektiike.

At this stage, it is too difficult to predict which striker will end up where next season. A recent development could see Newcastle move for a different striker altogether.

The latest on Newcastle’s striker pursuit

It will be fascinating to follow this transfer saga, which does not seem like it will come to a conclusion anytime soon. Perhaps the Magpies will instead look to pursue a new target up front, and have been linked with someone from within the Premier League.

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 journalist Graeme Bailey, the North Eastern giants hold a strong interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, and, in the view of Bailey, like the striker ‘an awful lot’.

They are said to be ‘one of several Premier League clubs in talks’ to sign the forward in the 2025 summer window, meaning the competition will be stiff.

Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest are also interested in a deal that could see the striker leave for as little as £40m.

Why Wissa would be a good signing

Perhaps it would be wise for Newcastle to untangle themselves from this Isak and Ekitike saga and focus on someone with a fantastic record in the Premier League, instead. Wissa is certainly that guy, and his top-flight numbers speak for themselves.

The 28-year-old has played 137 Premier League games in his career so far, finding the back of the net 45 times and assisting a further 13 goals. The last two seasons have seen the DR Congo international reach double figures for goals.

The 2024/25 campaign was comfortably Wissa’s best in the Premier League. He featured in 35 games for Brentford, scoring 19 times and grabbing five assists, stepping up in the wake of Ivan Toney’s departure. Impressively, the striker contributed to seven goals in the final seven games of the season.

If Isak is to depart St James’ Park this summer, then replacing him will be no mean feat. Last season, former defender-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports the Swede is the “best striker in the Premier League”, talking in December 2024.

Well, the stats from last season make it easy to see why the Liverpool legend spoke so highly of Isak. He bagged 23 goals in 34 Premier League appearances, as well as that crucial strike in the Carabao Cup final triumph over Carragher’s former side.

Finding an heir to the throne of Isak will not be easy, but perhaps Wissa, an “exceptional” striker according to Jamie Redknapp, could be the guy they’re looking for. They are actually noted as statistically similar players, as per FBef from the top flight last season and some of the stats stand out.

Of course, one of the most important stats for strikers is their shooting numbers. The Brentford star averaged 0.21 goals per shot per game last season, slightly pipping Isak, who had 0.2. The pair averaged the same number of goals per shot on target, with 0.46, too. Wissa’s 0.59 goals per game is not too far off Isak’s tally of 0.75.

Goals

0.59

0.75

Goals per shot

0.21

0.2

Goals per shot on target

0.46

0.46

Goal-creating actions

0.31

0.46

Ball recoveries

2.5

1.88

Aerial duels won

0.93

0.85

This could be a steal for Newcastle, at a price of just £40m. Wissa is undoubtedly one of the deadliest strikers in the Premier League, and only scored four fewer goals last season than Isak managed.

He has the quality and consistency to become the heir to the Swede’s throne and make the Magpies forget all about signing Ekitike this summer.

Elanga's dream CF: Newcastle exploring move for £50m Ekitike alternative

Following the signing of Anthony Elanga, Newcastle are now exploring a move to sign a Premier League striker worth £50m who has a “nose for goals”.

Jul 14, 2025

It’s been an unusually busy summer of business for Arsenal so far this year.

New Sporting Director Andrea Berta is doing his best to help Mikel Arteta’s side finally get over the line in the Premier League or Champions League next season, as his team have already secured six first-team additions.

The two most significant arrivals have undoubtedly been Viktor Gyokeres, who racked up 67 goal involvements in 52 games last season, and Martin Zubimendi, who has been one of the most sought-after sixes in world football over the last couple of years.

Yet, even with all this business, the Gunners appear intent on adding more talent to their impressive squad, and while Eberechi Eze seems to be high on their list, there is another international they’ve been previously linked with who could be an even better addition.

Why Arsenal want to sign Eze

While teams can sometimes keep their interest in players under wraps during transfer windows, that has most certainly not been the case here, as Arsenal’s desire to sign Eze has been very public this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

The Crystal Palace ace has already been in talks with the Gunners, and until the 15th of August, he has a release clause worth around £68m in his contract, although it looks like the North Londoners will wait for that to expire to enter into proper negotiations with the South Londoners.

It’s likely to be an expensive transfer regardless, if it goes through, but it’s not hard to see why the Premier League runners-up are so interested in the Englishman, as he was nothing short of sensational last season.

Appearances

43

Minutes

3303′

Goals

14

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

For example, despite playing for a mid-table side at best, the midfield “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling 3303 minutes.

That means the 27-year-old was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, which is the sort of output that could be a real difference-maker for the Gunners next season.

Moreover, the Greenwich-born ace proved he’s a big-game player by scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final and final of the FA Cup to secure the Eagles the first major title of their existence.

Yet, if the final price tag for Eze remains where it is, or even rises if other teams join the race, Arsenal may want to look at other alternatives, one they’ve already been linked with this summer: Ademola Lookman.

Arsenal could sign Lookman instead

Arsenal have been linked with Lookman several times over the last year or so, with stories from late last month claiming that they had made enquiries about him over a potential £43m transfer.

Interestingly, it initially seemed the Nigerian international would be joining Inter Milan, but Atalanta has now blocked that move, stating he’s free to leave, but not for another Italian club.

In other words, the door has been well and truly opened by the Bergamo outfit, and due to his incredible form over the last few years, the Gunners should be looking to take advantage and make the 27-year-old an alternative to Eze.

In fact, he looks like he’d be a better signing than the Englishman, as when it comes to output, he’s been nothing short of miraculous in Italy.

Since moving to the Serie A side in August 2022, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, has scored a brilliant 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.

Appearances

33

45

40

Minutes

1858′

2809′

2871′

Goals

15

17

20

Assists

8

10

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.69

0.60

0.67

Minutes per Goal Involvement

80.78′

104.03′

106.33

That means the former Everton flop has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes on the continent, which is frankly outstanding.

He’s not just a flat-track bully either, though, as he proved that he relishes the biggest stages last season, when he scored a breathtaking hat-trick against Xabi Alonso’s then-unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.

In short, Lookman is a goalscoring machine and someone who’s got the mentality to win his team the biggest of games.

Therefore, while he might not be the player every fan wants, Arsenal should consider signing him over Eze this summer.

Pre-season games often feel like a non-event, but for those packed inside the Singapore national stadium on Sunday evening, they were treated to the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal.

The Swede wasn’t in the matchday squad after being confirmed as a Gunners player on Saturday but received a warm welcome nonetheless, unveiled in the Arsenal home strip before kick off.

Once the football got underway, it was a classic Arsenal vs Newcastle match, really. The Toon were missing Alexander Isak but Eddie Howe’s men still had that steely never-say-die nature to their play. They were aggressive and dogged but Mikel Arteta’s men prevailed, winning 3-2.

Anthony Elanga opened the scoring for the Magpies early on but Mikel Merino soon scored against his former employers, picking up where he left off last term.

Arsenal were ahead minutes later courtesy of an own goal but in the second half, Newcastle fought back again as Jacob Murphy squirmed an effort past David Raya.

The win was sealed from the penalty spot late in the day when skipper and second half substitute Martin Odegaard converted his spot-kick.

The main takeaways from Arsenal's win over Newcastle

With Gyokeres unveiled to spectators prior to the game kicking off, it felt like this was a match where Kai Havertz needed to make a statement.

While the German didn’t find he net, going closest when heading over from a Merino cross, his link-up play was exceptional as it always is.

It was Havertz who was the provider of Merino’s equaliser. Leandro Trossard played a neat ball into the forward who set it off for the Spaniard to fire past Nick Pope.

Moments later, Havertz was the provider again as his cross from the left-hand side diverted into his own net by youngster Alex Murphy.

The £65m man is yet to find the net in pre-season but a display like this demonstrated why Arteta is such a big fan.

As they did against Milan a few days ago, the Gunners didn’t have any problems creating chances, registering 15 shots but notable moments went begging, only illuminating the need for Gyokeres.

Elsewhere, we saw a first start in Arsenal colours for new signing Martin Zubimendi who looked tidy in midfield again, completing 91% of his passes.

The biggest concerns, however, will lie in Riccardo Calafiori, who limped off injured in the second half and Trossard.

In both pre-season games now, Trossard and Martinelli have struggled to make an impact from the left wing, showcasing why Arsenal have been linked with several wide forwards during the summer.

One player who could replace them is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. The Gunners may well have found their own version of the England international.

Arsenal already have their own version of Eze

After signing Gyokeres, the word on the street is that the next leading target for the Gunners is Eze.

Talks have reportedly been held to bring him to the Emirates Stadium but it’s widely expected that the north Londoners will need to pay his £68m release clause in order to prise him away from Selhurst Park.

A “Premier League-proven magician” in the words of the Telegraph’s Sam Dean, Eze would give Arteta something his current side lacks; ingenuity. Of course, Arsenal have the likes of Bukayo Saka and Odegaard in their ranks, but Eze is someone who possesses the ability to produce something out of nothing. He’d be a fabulous capture.

Yet, Arteta must be cautious. With Eze most at home as an attacking midfielder, what would his arrival mean for someone like Ethan Nwaneri? The Hale Ender is set to sign a new contract with the club this summer but his game time would be damaged if the Palace superstar does arrive.

It may also dampen the game time of a certain Max Dowman, a player who possesses very similar skills to Eze. He’s showcased that in his first two senior games.

Dowman made his senior debut for the club last Wednesday in the 1-0 win over Milan, completing 92% of his passes and only losing a single duel.

Just 15 years of age, the teenager’s ability to create something with a burst of acceleration and dazzling piece of skill is truly a sight to behold.

In that regard, he’s cut from a similar cloth as Eze and his performance from the bench against Newcastle showcased once again why he’s so highly rated.

Within moments of coming on, Dowman burst forward with the ball through the centre of the pitch before arriving on the edge of the area and forcing a smart save from Pope.

The way he glides forward with the ball and manipulates possession is incredible, even winning the penalty from which Arsenal won the game.

Dowman had Joelinton on toast, skipping beyond the Brazilian before the tough midfielder brought him down by the byline.

Minutes played

30

Touches

16

Accurate passes

4/4 (100%)

Key passes

0

Accurate crosses

1/1

Shots on target

2

Shots off target

0

Successful dribbles

2/3

Duels won

6/8

Possession lost

x2

Fouled

x3

Tackles

1

It was a near-impeccable cameo from the teen who left the field having completed all of his passes and won six of his eight duels.

Handed a stunning 9/10 match rating by Football.London’s Rob Guest at full-time, the reporter wrote: ‘Almost had his first Arsenal goal but for a Pope save after troubling the Magpies with a brilliant solo run from midway inside their half. Went close with another effort that tested John Ruddy late on and won a penalty following another driving run. Excellent cameo as he displayed his incredible talent.’

While caution must be urged when hyping up someone as young as Dowman, he really does look like the real deal. Not many can remember seeing someone this good come through the academy at his age. He is a special talent. Dare we even say a generational one, too?

Blessed with electric dribbling, creativity and an eye for goal, scoring 19 times in 23 appearances at youth level last season, it looks like Arsenal have produced their own Eze out of Hale End.

Bad news for Max Dowman: Arsenal in talks to sign £60m "superstar"

Arsenal are planning to sign one of the Premier League’s biggest talents this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 24, 2025

If Mikel Arteta could pick any striker in world football to bring to Arsenal this summer then it’s likely Alexander Isak would be at the top of their list.

The Gunners looked at adding the impressive Swede to their ranks before he actually signed for Newcastle, but were reportedly put off by his asking price.

How foolish they were. Isak has become a genuine phenomenon in the following years, notably scoring as many as 27 goals in 42 games throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

In comparison, Arsenal struggled in front of goal. No player scored double figures in the league and their leading bagsman was Kai Havertz on 15.

Sadly, Isak now looks to be off the table. Liverpool are also dreaming of a move but with a reported £150m asking price and the Toon having secured Champions League football, signing the forward is now a pipe dream.

Arsenal's Isak alternatives

Much of the chatter so far this summer has revolved around two men; Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

Sesko has been of interest for quite some time now but the asking price of both players, as it did with Isak a few years ago, is proving problematic.

Sesko is now thought to have an asking price of between £68m to £85m. That’s according to Sky Germany who still insist that Arsenal have a ‘positive’ feeling a deal can be done.

So, how about Gyokeres? Well, according to reports from Portuguese outlet, Record, Arsenal have put a £55m offer on the table. That isn’t deemed enough by his club, Sporting CP.

Transfer Focus

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

As a result, the report notes that Andrea Berta and Co are set to turn their attention to another striker. That man is Ollie Watkins.

Indeed, it’s speculated that the Gunners have put their efforts to sign Gyokeres on hold and will begin drawing up plans to sign Watkins instead.

It’s stated that talks have already been held with the Aston Villa forward’s representatives.

Arsenal tried to do a deal for Watkins back in January but with Jhon Duran heading to Saudi, a move felt impossible with all bids rejected.

Why Watkins could become Arsenal's very own Isak

Isak hasn’t just been one of the most impressive centre-forwards in the Premier League, but he’s also now one of the best in Europe, notably even heralded as “the best striker in the world” by analyst Raj Chohan.

Indeed, over the last two seasons, he’s been right up there as far as goal scorers are concerned, bagging 44 in 64 matches. The only two players to better that record? Erling Haaland and Mo Salah.

1. Erling Haaland

62

49

2. Mo Salah

70

47

3. Alexander Isak

64

44

4. Cole Plamer

71

37

5. Ollie Watkins

75

35

6. Chris Wood

67

34

7. Yoanne Wissa

69

31

8. Jean-Philippe Mateta

72

30

As we can see, the aforementioned Watkins is also right up there. Now said to boast an asking price of £40m, he could be around £100m cheaper than Isak which is rather incredible considering there isn’t much to separate the two players in the last two years. Indeed, only a few years ago, one prominent analyst on social media suggested that he was “a €100m player” if he could score goals regularly in the Premier League.

While he may not be as prolific as he was in 2023/24, if we add assists to the mix as well, the Villa star – who won the Premier League’s Playmaker Award in 2023/24 for creating the most goals – is a better all-around package.

In the last two seasons, Isak has registered just eight assists but Watkins has as many as 21. Compared to the Premier League’s best in that time, only Salah has more.

1. Mo Salah

28

70

2. Ollie Watkins

21

75

3. Anthony Elanga

20

74

4. Bukayo Saka

19

60

5. Cole Palmer

19

71

6. Jacob Murphy

19

56

7. Son Heung-min

19

65

8. Bruno Fernandes

18

71

So, there is a clear difference in their chance creation, but as far as their other attributes go, they’re very alike.

Crucially, not only are they both Premier League proven, something that neither Sesko or Gyokeres can shout about, they share similar traits such as the ability to play on the shoulder of the last man and run in behind.

In Havertz and Mikel Merino, Arteta has two players who lead the line with their back to goal. They don’t have the pace of Watkins or Isak to run beyond the defence. It’s an attribute they have sorely missed in the last few seasons.

They’re also rather proficient carriers of the ball. Over the last two seasons, Newcastle’s star man has registered 2.71 progressive carries per 90 minutes, actually beating Watkins’ efforts of 1.81 per 90.

They combine that with raw pace, too. During Euro 2024, Watkins was clocked at a top speed of 32.4 km/h while Isak has previously been clocked at 33.6 km/h. In comparison, Merino was the third-slowest player in the Premier League at one point during 2024/25, hitting a top speed of just 29.7 km/h.

How Arsenal's striker targets compare in 2024/25.

So, it’s evident Arsenal need someone who’s a bit more mobile. Isak would guarantee this but with the Swede off the table, Watkins is surely the next best thing as far as proven players in the English top-flight go.

He’s a competent ball carrier, he’s got pace and he’s more efficient in front of goal than the aforementioned Sesko. He’s also far better at creating chances. Over the last two seasons, the England international has amassed 56 goal contributions while Sesko has only managed 34.

If Arsenal want a win-now solution, Watkins is the man.

He's more proven than Gyokeres: Arsenal in talks to sign £63m "monster"

Arsenal could sign a proven elite striker instead of Viktor Gyokeres.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 15, 2025

He was the wrecker-in-chief with the big wickets of Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jun-2024

Gulbadin Naib celebrates after having Marcus Stoinis caught behind•ICC/Getty Images

10.3 to MP Stoinis, top edge and Gurbaz calls for it with two more fielders congregating! Naib brings out his guns to celebrate and the short ball does the trick against Stoinis. Extra bounce, got big on Stoinis, and all it needed thereafter was the three Afghanistan fielders not colliding behind the batter.12.2 to TH David, trapped him in front? Umpire Ahsan Raza raises his finger late. David reviews after a chat. This was a back of a length ball on off that jagged into his pads while . David missed his flick, and he was hit on the knee-roll. No bat involved… and it’s clipping the outside of leg stump! The decision says and Australia are 85/514.4 to GJ Maxwell, BIG BIG WICKET! Noor Ahmad may not have bowled much, but he may have taken the most important catch of his life! Maxwell slices at this length ball outside off, and Noor at backward point dives diagonally forward to take a dipping catch!16.3 to PJ Cummins, slower ball deceives Cummins, that’s Naib’s four! Full ball on off and this doesn’t bunce much. Cummins tries to play across the line but misses. He’s bowled and Naib is off in celebration. However he then takes a tumble, has he hurt himself in glee?

Manchester United have made a start on their summer transfer business ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

Matheus Cunha has become the first signing at Old Trafford from Wolves, with the Red Devils triggering the forward’s £62.5m release clause.

However, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe aren’t stopping there when it comes to more additions, although they may have to raise funds through the sales of players ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Grok, the AI tool on X, has named Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Casemiro as stars who could be sold to raise funds, and it has also predicted five more signings Man Utd could make between now and the end of August.

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Ratcliffe has been ruling with an iron fist.

ByBarney Lane Feb 26, 2025

AI predicts 4 players Man Utd will sign this summer

1 Bryan Mbeumo Brentford (£60m)

After Cunha, Man Utd are looking to sign Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, with the pair potentially playing behind a striker at Old Trafford under Amorim.

Mbeumo scored 20 goals for the Bees last season, his best ever year in front goal, and the Red Devils have already made an offer worth an initial £45m.

However, AI feel as if that figure needs to worth an initial £60m, although reports elsewhere have claimed Brentford want around £70m to part ways with their star man.

2 Viktor Gyokeres Sporting CP (£80m)

Should Mbeumo arrive to partner Cunha behind a striker, Man Utd could look to replace current centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund for Viktor Gyokeres.

A player who Amorim knows well from his time at Sporting CP, Gyokeres has been a goalscoring machine in Portugal but now looks set to return to England.

Man Utd can’t offer the Sweden international European football, however, AI believe a transfer could still go through in the region of £80m, which is thought to be his release clause.

3 Jarrad Branthwaite Everton (Undisclosed)

At the back, Man Utd have been predicted to win the race to sign Everton central defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Currently, Amorim has the likes of Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez, but in his 3-4-3 system, there could be room for another, with Branthwaite a long-term target at Old Trafford.

Reports earlier in 2025 said a £50m offer was being prepared by Man Utd, however, AI don’t state a fee it would take to sign the England international.

4 Antoine Semenyo Bournemouth (£60m)

Finally, another Premier League attacker in Antoine Semenyo has been backed to make the move to Old Trafford.

The Bournemouth forward impressed playing on both the left and right under Andoni Iraola, scoring in both games against Man Utd in 24/25.

Games

3

Wins

2

Draws

1

Losses

0

Goals

2

AI state that Semenyo’s ‘speed, physicality, and goal-scoring ability’ make him a shrewd option to potentially replace the likes of Rashford, Sancho and Antony.

Chelsea have done it. Enzo Maresca’s side have won the UEFA Conference League, beating Spanish outfit Real Betis 4-1 in Poland.

The Blues have made history in winning the title, becoming the first side to have won all three major European titles currently on offer, a historic achievement for the club.

In terms of the game, it got off to the worst start possible for Chelsea. Their LaLiga opponents took the lead just nine minutes into the clash, with left winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli firing a well-struck effort into the bottom right corner past goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

It took Chelsea until the 65th minute to equalise. Cole Palmer set Enzo Fernandez up with a teasing ball. The Argentine midfielder ran onto his cross and headed home into the bottom left corner to score a crucial goal for his side.

From there, the floodgates opened. First, Nicolas Jackson struck, once again set up by the irresistible Palmer. Second-half substitute Jadon Sancho soon got in on the act to make it 3-1. His strike was sublime, bending a shot from the left-hand corner of the penalty area into the top right corner of the Betis goal.

Moises Caicedo’s strike from distance capped off the night for Chelsea, who were unstoppable once they got into their groove. One of the stars of the show was the scorer of the second goal, Jackson.

Jackson’s performance vs. Betis

When his side needed him most, Blues striker Jackson came up clutch with the goal which won them another European title. It was a hard-working night’s work for the Senegal international, who ran the channels diligently and looked to link up play all night long.

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His goal, which saw Chelsea take the lead in the game, was a smart finish. The 23-year-old miscued his effort, surely meaning to head Palmer’s cross home, instead bouncing the ball past Adrian off his chest. However, the run was clever, darting into the six-yard box to put the ball in the back of the net.

Jackson’s performance earned him a 7/10 rating from Standard journalist Malik Ouzia. He explained that, whilst the striker did take a ‘hideous touch’ when attempting to seal the deal late on, he ‘repaid the “debt” he owed his team-mates’ with his crucial strike, having missed the final two league games of the season through suspension.

It was certainly an impressive performance from Jackson, stepping up in a European final when his side needed to. However, he was perhaps overshadowed by another of his teammates.

The Chelsea player who outperformed Jackson

Just over 13 years ago, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba inspired his side to a heroic Champions League final comeback against Bayern Munich. He scored an 88th-minute header at the Allianz Arena, before sinking their opponents with the winning penalty in the shootout, to deliver Chelsea the Champions League.

Well, little more than a decade later, Palmer has just put in a performance worthy of rivalling Drogba’s iconic effort. His two assists breathed life into a flat Chelsea side, putting them into a title-winning position.

Those contributions will be remembered for the next decade, just like Drogba’s have been. His first assist was a delicate cross to Fernandez, who rose highest to nod home an inch-perfect cross.

The second was magical, teasing the Betis defenders, twisting on the spot before turning into space and delivering another perfect cross for Jackson to convert.

It was not just the assists that were exceptional from Palmer, but his overall performance. As the stats on Sofascore show, he ranked highly for several metrics on the night.

For example, no player completed more dribbles than his four, nor did they create as many as his two big chances.

Palmer key stats vs. Betis

Stat

Number

Match rank

Ground duels won

5/8

1st

Dribbles completed

4/6

1st

Assists

2

1st

Big chances created

2

1st

Key passes

2

3rd

Passes completed

32/38

7th

Stats from Sofascore

The Chelsea number 20 was so good, he earned himself a 9/10 for his efforts from Ouzia. The journalist was full of praise for Palmer, describing him as a ‘genius’ following the former Manchester City man’s two moments of magic.

So, the Blues have another European title to their name, and with it, another memorable performance from a genuine superstar. Perhaps Chelsea have found their new version of the legendary striker.

Palmer, player of the match, delivering a performance worthy of rivalling Drogba’s heroics 13 years ago. Sensational.

Related He's shades of Drogba: Chelsea open discussions to sign "the next Mbappe"

Chelsea needs to sign a striker or two this summer

Posts 2 ByRoss Kilvington May 27, 2025

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany is now very eager for the Bundesliga giants to sign a top Chelsea transfer target, with Enzo Maresca’s side facing even more competition for one player they are seriously pursuing.

Chelsea target new centre-back with summer names identified

The Blues are reportedly planning to reinforce the centre-back area this summer, following Wesley Fofana’s long-term injury and an evident shortage in that position.

Chelsea now very keen on signing "superstar" striker; may submit £39m offer

The Blues could be willing to launch a move for a forward, who may now be allowed to leave his club this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 15, 2025

Chelsea activated the recall clause in Trevoh Chalobah’s loan deal at Crystal Palace to bring him back to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, rather than sign a completely new name mid-season, but the Cobham academy graduate isn’t expected to have a long-term future under Maresca.

Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures	Date
Fulham (away)	April 20th
Everton (home)	April 26th
Liverpool (home)	May 4th
Newcastle (away)	May 10th
Man United (home)	May 18th

It is believed Chelsea are likely to let Chalobah go permanently in the summer (BBC), so the west Londoners will be in need of another centre-back to reinforce Maresca’s defensive options, ahead of his second season in charge, where they could be competing in the Champions League.

According to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are expected to ‘go big’ on the signing of a new defender, with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen on their radar.

Stamford Bridge chiefs, according to The Mirror, are even contemplating the possibility of a £50 million part-exchange bid for the former, and could offer Chalobah as part of the deal to re-sign their ex-player.

Meanwhile, Huijsen’s excellent season at Bournemouth, combined with the fact he’ll be available for the value of his £50 million release clause this summer, has piqued interest from Chelsea and other elite Premier League sides.

According to the reliable David Ornstein, Chelsea have reached out to Huijsen’s camp for talks ahead of the summer window, so it appears the Spain international is a firm target for Maresca.

However, following these discussions with Chelsea, competition is growing for the “sensational” 20-year-old’s signature, and Maresca now faces a serious threat from Bayern in pursuit of Huijsen.

Vincent Kompany tells Bayern Munich to sign Dean Huijsen

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Kompany is “pushing” Bayern to sign Huijsen this summer, and the Bavarians have joined the hotly-contested race for his services as a result.

Kompany is said to be a “huge fan” of the former Juventus defender, and they’re believed to be really pressing for Huijsen alongside Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle – with Tottenham also believed to have made contact (David Ornstein).

However, all of them may even be left disappointed, as Huijsen reportedly favours a move to Real Madrid.

In any case, the Spaniard’s next destination is fast becoming one of this summer’s most intriguing transfer stories, and it isn’t hard to see why so many clubs are keen on him after his hugely impressive debut season in the Premier League.

“He is one of the highest quality prospects in European football at this age level,” said Fenerbache boss and former Blues manager José Mourinho.

“He will be a great footballer in the future.”

As Manchester City look to rebuild, Pep Guardiola has reportedly personally requested that the Blues make a statement move to hijack one of Arsenal’s best players.

Man City eyeing Dias upgrade

Whilst the international break at least ceased the Citizens’ misery before they impressively earned their way into the FA Cup last four over Bournemouth, it didn’t take long for injury to strike once more. In a season full of absentees, Erling Haaland became the latest to limp off against Bournemouth and it’s bad news for the Norwegian superstar.

Following their latest injury blow, it remains to be seen whether that will be the final nail in the coffin for Manchester City’s Champions League hopes. Even if that does prove to be the case, however, they’re reportedly looking to make a statement this summer.

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are now willing to grant Guardiola’s request to sign William Saliba from Arsenal this summer in what would be one of the moves of the summer.

Not only would they be signing one of their rivals’ most influential players, but they would also be taking him out of the clutches of Real Madrid, who have been eyeing another free deal upon the Frenchman’s contract expiry in 2027.

Related Better than Hugo Larsson: Man City make £50m star their top summer target

He could cost Man City upwards of £50m

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Apr 1, 2025

If the Citizens are to solve their defensive problems once and for all then signing Saliba should certainly be among their priorities this summer. Whether they’re in a position to lure the impressive centre-back away from the Gunners is another question, however.

"Superb" Saliba is one of the best

At 24 years old, Saliba is at the peak of his powers and that peak has taken him among the best in the world in his position. The Frenchman carries every trait needed to be a top defender in the modern game and represents a player that Guardiola is almost certain to love just as Mikel Arteta does at Arsenal.

Praising his star as early as his Premier League debut, the Arsenal boss told reporters in 2022: “Saliba was superb. For his age, he is built really well. You need the right balance. Physicality in this league is something where you can’t come up short. If you do, you will be exposed.”

Only getting better ever since, there’s every argument that Saliba would become Manchester City’s best defender if he completed a shock move to the Etihad this summer.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

William Saliba

Ruben Dias

Minutes

2,364

1,461

Progressive Passes per 90

4.30

5.56

Tackles Won per 90

1.18

0.43

Ball Recoveries per 90

4.49

3.09

Earning a reported £190,000-a-week at Arsenal, Saliba has proved to be worth every penny and the same would be said if he joined Manchester City in the coming months.

The RCB left-arm spinner keeps the percentages in his favour even on some of the high-scoring venues, a glimpse of which was seen on the opening night of IPL 2025

Karthik Krishnaswamy22-Mar-20251:48

Why were RCB spinners successful?

You always know what you’re going to get with Krunal Pandya. He’s played nine full seasons of the IPL, and his economy rate each time has been there or thereabouts, ranging from a best of 6.82 in 2017 to a worst of 7.98 in 2021.Ravindra Jadeja has finished three full IPL seasons with eight-plus economy rates (not counting his debut season when he only bowled 2.1 overs). Axar Patel has done this three times too. Krunal, never.This isn’t to say that Krunal is better or more consistent than those two. But it says something about him that he has comparable overall numbers in the IPL to two of international cricket’s most respected left-arm spinners, and that he’s done a difficult and sometimes underappreciated job year after year.Related

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Even so, you wondered what exactly Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), his newest employers, were thinking when they gave Krunal the ball at the start of the fifth over on Saturday night, with Sunil Narine on strike. Narine was enduring one of his rare slow starts in the powerplay, and if you’d asked him which opposition bowler he’d want to face at that moment, he’d quite likely have pointed to Krunal and said, “I’ll have some left-arm spin, please.”The first ball of this match-up, slogged with the turn over the wide long-on boundary, may have made you question RCB’s wisdom again. And then, when Ajinkya Rahane swept and chipped Krunal for back-to-back fours to end that over, you may have asked the same question again, with a wider ambit this time, taking in not just this moment in this match, but RCB’s season in its about-to-enfold entirety.On the eve of this IPL 2025 season-opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), RCB head coach Andy Flower had been asked whether he felt his squad was lacking in the spin department. It was somewhat telling that Flower began his answer with these words: “It’s a really good and apt question to ask.”Flower then backed Krunal – they had worked together at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – emphatically to lead RCB’s spin attack through the season.Krunal Pandya struck in each of his second, third and fourth overs•Associated Press”Krunal was a significant part of our targeted players in the auction. He’s a smart and courageous cricketer and he’s got leadership experience as well. So having his nous, he’s a streetwise operator and he’s obviously got class as a left-arm spinner, let alone as an allrounder. That is comforting to have in our group and leading the way in the spin department.”By the time Krunal returned to the attack, RCB needed him to show all the qualities Flower had spoken of. Narine had just departed, but another left-hand batter, Venkatesh Iyer, had replaced him, and KKR were 107 for 2 in ten overs.Now, bear in mind that there’s always a certain messiness to the mechanisms of cause and effect in T20s. There are many, many factors behind why a bowler concedes 15 in a wicketless first over and comes back to pick up 3 for 14 in his next three, and one of those factors is, well, randomness. Things just happen sometimes, you know?You could certainly say that about the ball that began the transformation in Krunal’s fortunes: Rahane c Rasikh Salam b Krunal 56. A ball that wasn’t quite there to be pulled, but one the batter had to try and pull anyway, because this is T20 and you can’t keep waiting for bad balls, and it’s always a bigger risk outside the powerplay with all those fielders on the boundary.But if it was a random dismissal, it was also a very Krunal kind of random dismissal. The ball was fired in from left-arm around to finish at an awkward spot for the batter, at around bail height or just above on leg stump, tucking him up for room. At 98.4kph, it was very much at the quicker end of the IPL spinners’ pace spectrum, so the batter didn’t just have a paucity of room to deal with but a paucity of time as well. Add all that up, and you get a ball that’s hard to get more than a single off – almost always a win for the bowler in this format – and hard to hit for four or six without taking a significant risk.The on-song Ajinkya Rahane was one of the three wickets Krunal Pandya picked up•Associated PressThis is the crux of Krunal’s art. It often involves doing predictable things, which could be – depending on the type of batter he’s bowling to, the conditions, and the field setting – keeping the stumps in play, or bowling outside a batter’s hitting arc, or finding a way to get the batter off strike. But because he knows that the batter knows what’s coming, Krunal has also developed a genius for throwing in the unexpected. He routinely delivers the ball from well behind the crease, for example, and in this match, he delivered a nasty surprise bouncer to the bareheaded Iyer. It was called wide – it qualified both on line and height – but Krunal had made his point, and Iyer immediately called for a helmet.Next ball, Krunal was back to bowling what you might call his stock ball. It was quick – this one clocked 101.9kph – delivered from around the wicket, and angled towards the top of the right-hand batter’s leg stump or the left-hand batter’s off stump, with the chance of a little bit of turn to make things unpredictable. Given that pace, line and length, it’s a hard ball to step out to, a risky ball to sweep, and an unnatural ball to play attacking shots against with either a vertical or horizontal bat.Iyer went right back in his crease, and tried to manufacture a whip through the leg side, with his bat somewhere between vertical and horizontal. All he managed was an inside edge into the stumps.”You have to go with the flow, how cricket is evolving, right?” Player-of-the-Match Krunal said at the post-match presentation, when asked about the pace he was bowling at. “The skillset [that] batters have these days, the ability to hit sixes or hit good shots consistently – so you also have to make sure [of] how can you up your game, you know? So that was one of the reasons, where I wanted to bowl quick, I wanted to give [batters] less time.Krunal Pandya finished with figures of 3 for 29 on his RCB debut•MB Media/Getty Images”And once again, my change of pace […] bowling slow also comes in handy when I use that quick ball.”Krunal’s last ball of the day was another of these quick balls – 103kph – and Rinku Singh, going for a pull that couldn’t really be a pull, because of the diagonal angle of his bat, missed entirely, the ball straightening ever so slightly past the inside edge to hit the top of off stump. The transformation from 1-0-15-0 to 4-0-29-3 was complete.”Sometimes when you play in [front of] so much of crowd, you have to narrow down your focus, right?” Krunal said, when asked about the comeback. “So again, when I came in [for my] second over, I made a very conscious effort to just narrow down my focus where I wanted to bowl, and if I [had] to get hit, I’ll get hit on a good ball. So that was the thought process, and glad that I was able to deliver.”Apart from everything else that goes into his bowling, what sets Krunal apart is his ability to keep the percentages in his favour. It’s essential if you have to bowl spin in the IPL and come away without suffering serious punishment. And he’s managed to do this time and again on the toughest proving grounds. He has an economy rate of 6.98 at the Wankhede Stadium – his primary home ground from 2016 to 2021 – and if that ground is notoriously unforgiving for spinners, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, his new home ground, can be even more unforgiving, and he’s gone at 6.58 there, over seven games.Krunal has always been a survivor, and it was this skill, more than any other, that RCB hoped to tap into when they signed him up. No matter what comes next, they have got the start they wanted from this relationship.