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It’s been non-stop for Chelsea fans this summer.

One moment, Enzo Maresca’s men are winning another game in the Club World Cup, and then the next, they’re welcoming in yet another new signing.

The latest player to join the Blues is set to be João Pedro, who has reportedly completed his medical today.

The West Londoners aren’t done there, though, as if reports are to be believed, they are linked with another Premier League star who could be a dream teammate for the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace.

Chelsea target Premier League stars

While Chelsea have already made several brilliant additions to their squad this summer, the Conference League Champions look determined to add more, and they’ve been linked with a few stars from the Premier League, such as Mohammed Kudus and Emiliano Martínez.

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 has just come off a fairly lacklustre season with West Ham United in which he racked up just nine goal involvements in 35 games, but that hasn’t deterred the West Londoners, as reports from earlier this week claim that they made an offer worth around £50m for his services.

No such offer has been made for Martínez, but he could be available for a fee of around £45m, which might just prove too good to ignore for a World Cup-winning shot-stopper.

However, there is another Premier League ace who has seemingly caught the attention of the Blues this summer, someone who very much could join Maresca’s exciting project: Alejandro Garnacho.

At least that’s according to a recent report from The Athletic, which has revealed that Chelsea are still interested in the Manchester United ace.

The report claims that the Argentine came up in discussion between the two sides.

A potential price for the 20-year-old is not mentioned in the story, but according to reports from late last month, he could be available for around £60m.

It might not be a popular transfer, but Garnacho has shown a great deal of ability and potential at United over the last few seasons, so it is one Chelsea should pursue, especially as he could be a dream teammate for Pedro.

Why Garnacho would be a dream for Pedro

There are two key reasons why Garnacho could prove to be an excellent teammate for Pedro at Chelsea, and the first is all about his output.

While the young winger is undoubtedly guilty of making the wrong decision in games every now and again, it’s important to remember he is still just 20 years old, and when you take that into account, his output this season is nothing short of remarkable.

For example, in 58 appearances for the Red Devils, totalling 3,568 minutes, the young “superstar,” as dubbed by football content creator Liam Canning, scored 11 goals and provided ten assists.

Appearances

58

Minutes

3568′

Goals

11

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvements

169.90′

That means the exciting prospect was able to average a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or every 169.90 minutes for a United side that many would consider far and away the worst in the Premier League era.

In other words, if he’s able to produce 21 goal involvements in a team like that at his age, just imagine what he might be able to achieve with the West Londoners in the coming years and with a striker like Pedro alongside him.

Now, the second reason he could prove to be an ideal teammate for the former Brighton ace is down to his style of play.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and touches in the opposition’s penalty area and the top 7% for carries into the penalty area, all per 90.

These three statistics help to demonstrate how effective the Madrid-born gem is at getting the ball into dangerous areas, specifically the penalty area, which should be music to the ears of the former Watford poacher, as he could have a consistently brilliant supply of chances thanks to these traits.

Ultimately, it might not be a game-changing transfer in the present, but Garnacho has shown enough this season to suggest he could develop into a special player; therefore, Chelsea should do what they can to sign him, for their own sake and Pedro’s.

Chelsea offered £337k-per-week ex-Aston Villa star with decision made

They once came close to signing him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 1, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have already signed Mathys Tel in a £30 million deal from Bayern Munich, but they’re by no means done there, as new manager Thomas Frank seeks to bring in another wide player.

Tottenham plan bid for "top" £60m attacker after talks in the last week

Spurs have reached out to him.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 25, 2025

Spurs face the very real prospect of losing Son Heung-min this summer after 10 years of faithful service, with chairman Daniel Levy poised to demand around £50 million for the Lilywhites legend as he looks to make a significant sale.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Time will tell whether any interested sides are willing to pay that amount for a 32-year-old with just one year left on his contract, but in the meantime, Spurs are very much in the market for a potential replacement, with Timo Werner also returning to parent club RB Leipzig.

Technical director Johan Lange and the Spurs recruitment team have been linked with a host of top wide players, including the likes of Man City outcast Jack Grealish, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling, Lazio’s Gustav Isaken and West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus.

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is also reliably believed to be a top target for Tottenham, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is a name to be regularly mentioned over the last fortnight.

The Cameroonian is fresh off the back of a productive campaign under Frank, where he bagged 20 goals in all competitions, and reports claim that Tottenham held talks over signing Mbeumo as they looked to compete with Man United.

However, since then, United have submitted an improved £60 million bid for the forward, and they’re believed to be closing in on a deal for him as things stand.

Tottenham match Bryan Mbeumo offer

Interestingly, according to former Brentford manager Martin Allen, Tottenham have “matched” the £60 million proposal for Mbeumo.

Speaking to Tottenham News, Allen claims that Levy and co are ready to pay that price, but the wages on offer at United mean that the African is still far more likely to join United as things stand.

“From what I’ve been told, Tottenham have matched the offer of Manchester United of £60million,” said Allen.

“However, the wages available at Manchester United, I’m led to believe, is £240k-a-week, Tottenham won’t pay that. The player will go where the biggest salary is.

“I know Thomas Frank is a big supporter of Mbeumo, but I think he’ll end up going to United.

“At £60m and £240k-a-week, it’s as good as a done deal.“

Both United and the Bees apparently remain in talks over add-ons, which could take the deal to around £63 million (Standard Sport). The negotiations are at a crucial stage, but given the sometimes-wacky nature of football transfers these days, you can never definitively rule out a late Spurs hijack until the paperwork is signed.

An English manager has never won the Premier League. In fact, the only Brits to get their hands on the illustrious trophy have been Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Kenny Dalglish. But that’s not to say England hasn’t been blessed with some of the most talented and charismatic coaches football has ever seen.

The fact that English football proudly created managers like Alf Ramsey, Bob Paisley and Brian Clough only for their successors at the top level to later create such a dismal Premier League record makes it all the more bizarre.

In the Premier League era, Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan particularly stand out, but the truth is that England’s best products came before the top flight received a new lick of paint.

Before Robson and Keegan, the likes of Ramsey and Paisley etched their legacies into English football history. Paisley’s name still echoes around Anfield as one of the most successful managers in their incredible history, whilst Ramsey remains the last manager to win silverware with England – winning the 1966 World Cup.

Bob Paisley

Liverpool

Sir Alf Ramsey

Ipswich, England, Birmingham

Sir Bobby Robson

Fulham, Ipswich, England, PSV, Sporting, Porto,

Barcelona, Newcastle

Kevin Keegan

Newcastle, Fulham, England, Man City, Newcastle

Roy Hodgson

Inter, Blackburn, Udinese, Finland, Fulham,

Liverpool, West Brom, England, Crystal Palace, Watford

Out of all those names, from Paisley to Hodgson, one manager who doesn’t get enough credit at times is Keegan. But the iconic David Ginola wasted no time before giving his former boss his flowers.

Ginola: Keegan made Newcastle feel "invincible"

The man who took Newcastle United closest to the Premier League title, Keegan is unfortunate to be known for his famous “I would love it if we beat them” rant, but the story behind that infamous interview is even more dramatic.

Labelled “The Entertainers”, Keegan’s Newcastle side finished second and third in their first seasons back in the top flight before going toe-to-toe with Ferguson’s Manchester United side.

Ginola and Les Ferdinand were among those to arrive in a £16m spending spree, and the Magpies soon found themselves 10 points clear at Christmas.

By the time that March arrived and United came to town to secure victory, however, Newcastle’s lead had been cut to just four points following the beginning of a collapse. Stan Collymore then famously closed in at Anfield a month later to hand Keegan another defeat.

English football clubs with the most major trophies

Which club can claim to have the proudest history when it comes to winning trophies?

ByRoss Kilvington May 21, 2025

It was then Ferguson’s suggestion that Nottingham Forest could hand Newcastle preferential treatment due to their meeting for Stuart Pearson’s testimonial which sparked Keegan’s infamous rant. In the end though, as much as he wished it to happen, Newcastle could not find a way to beat United to the title in the 1995/96 campaign.

Arsenal find themselves in the midst of their most important transfer windows for years and could now beat Manchester United to a statement addition, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal pushing to sign an elite striker

Make no mistake, Mikel Arteta faces the biggest transfer window of his reign in charge of the Gunners as his side bid to become Premier League champions after pushing their rivals all the way in recent times.

Without doubt, bringing a striker in at the Emirates that is capable of producing defining moments is the Spaniard’s central priority. However, Jack Wilshere doesn’t believe signing a number nine alone will solve all the Gunners’ problems.

Arsenal approach £170k-per-week forward with Berta ready to pay £53m

The Gunners are making “real moves” for him.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025

Of course, injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus hampered Arsenal’s title charge last term. Nevertheless, Arteta is crying out for an old-school centre-forward to take his side to the next level.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has emerged as a central target for the Gunners. Arteta is personally keen to sign him, but finances may hinder the signing of the Brazil international, who could form a statement pursuit for the club alongside their efforts to land RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Why Arsenal need a new striker this summer

Kai Havertz

Appearances – 36 Goals – 15

Gabriel Jesus

Appearances – 27 Goals – 7

Bolstering other areas will also be in the pipeline for Arsenal, though it can’t be emphasised enough how important a striker is to their tilt at claiming the Premier League title.

Now, reports have emerged suggesting they could have an advantage in the race for one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen.

Romano: Arsenal hold advantage in race to sign Viktor Gyokeres

Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Sporting Clube de Portugal star Viktor Gyokeres would favour a move to Arsenal over Manchester United this summer.

The Sweden international is still firmly on the radar despite the Gunners’ advances to sign Sesko, and the Red Devils now feel it is ‘unlikely’ they will bring the former Coventry City star to Old Trafford.

Commended for his “fantastic” development by Niko Kovac, the Stockholm-born man registered an incredible 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

Giving his ‘priority’ to the Gunners, Gyokeres, valued at £67 million, is now in clear sight for Arsenal as they desperately search for an elite striker to become the missing piece of the jigsaw under Arteta. Moving forward, it appears they have a good chance of pushing a deal over the line.

Newcastle United are now in pole position to complete the signing of a “fearless” attacking player this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Newcastle focusing on signing attackers

Eddie Howe will be eyeing reinforcements all over the pitch ahead of next season, but adding extra firepower to the attack is vital, even though Alexander Isak appears more likely to stay than leave.

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has been a leading candidate to come in and strengthen the right-hand side of Newcastle’s attack, despite Jacob Murphy enjoying a fantastic 2024/25 season there. The Bees winger scored 20 times in the Premier League, but now appears set for a move to Manchester United after David Ornstein revealed the player’s preference is Old Trafford.

A separate update has already emerged regarding a potential alternative to Mbeumo, with journalist Pete O’Rourke saying West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus is a backup option.

“Newcastle can afford a deal for Kudus. As it stands, Bryan Mbeumo is their top target for that right-sided forward position. Kudus is on their list and has admirers within the Newcastle hierarchy, and is somebody they feel could come in and strengthen their attacking options.

“He obviously has that release clause of around £75million, but I don’t think many Premier League clubs will be willing to pay that. Due to West Ham’s situation, his suitors feel they can get him for a cheaper fee.”

Newcastle lead the race to sign "fearless" star

Now, according to Calciomercato‘s Daniele Longo [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are in pole position to sign Fiorentina striker Moise Kean this summer, with the 25-year-old having a £44m release clause in his contract. The Magpies are reportedly “very interested” in acquiring the Italian’s signature, with Napoli also believed to have made an enquiry about him.

Kean represents a good choice for Newcastle – one who could come in as an upgrade on the ageing Callum Wilson, providing healthy competition for Isak next season.

Newcastle already sold Kudus & Mbeumo hybrid who can 'reach Mane's level'

Newcastle are pursuing Mohammed Kudus and Bryan Mbeumo this summer – but have they already sold an alternative?

ByRobbie Walls Jun 1, 2025

Granted, the Italy international didn’t fare well in the Premier League the first time around – he only scored twice in 32 appearances in the competition for Everton – but he has matured as a player since then, being hailed as both “fearless” and “courageous” by Thomas Tuchel, who lauded him during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain.

Kean is now a more established footballer than he was in England in his first stint, netting seven times in 21 caps for Italy, so Newcastle would be wise to make a move for him.

Appearances

32

Starts

31

Minutes played

2712

Goals

19

Assists

3

Shots per game

3.3

Dribbles per game

1.4

Key passes per game

0.6

He is coming into his best years and will take some of the pressure off Isak, following a campaign that saw Kean score 19 times in 31 Serie A starts, highlighting his prolific nature for Fiorentina.

Manchester City are looking ahead to another season of Champions League football next campaign and could now aim to beat rivals Manchester United to a talented midfield addition, according to a report.

Man City looking to challenge for Premier League title in 25/26

Pep Guardiola will be more aware than anyone that his side need to improve on what ended as a trophyless season just gone. However, they will have a chance to bounce back swiftly at the Club World Cup next month.

Chelsea and Manchester City provide Premier League representation at the United States-based tournament, which could carry a bounty worth nearly £100 million for the competition winners.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has promised an aggressive recruitment drive will be underway at the Etihad Stadium following a first campaign without silverware since 2017, serving as a warning to top-flight competitors.

He stated: “It’s a lot of lessons learned. I can assure you, this club will do everything possible to come back to the standards that we know we all can achieve.”

Talks have been held over a deal that could see Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri move to Manchester City, with the Algeria international high on their left-back shortlist heading into the window.

Man City make offer for "insane" £50m star who's "said yes" to Etihad move

The Blues are now stepping up their pursuit of a midfielder, with the deal “almost done” on the player’s side.

ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

In addition, AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders could be a Citizen before the Club World Cup, indicating the priority is to bring through a swift stream of arrivals to replace outgoing figures such as Kevin De Bruyne before the competition begins.

Now, Manchester City have set their sights on beating Manchester United to another operator in the engine room as they aim to go from strength to strength.

Man City making £42m offer to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson

According to reports in Italy via Sport Witness, Manchester City are offering around £42 million for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, and he is said to be at the top of Guardiola’s summer shortlist.

Hugo Viana has been assigned the specific task of bringing the Brazil international to the Etihad Stadium, while the Serie A outfit have reportedly lined up Celtic’s Arne Engels as a replacement should a deal go through.

Ederson in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

49

Goals

5

Assists

2

Manchester United have been in the race to sign Ederson and have made contact over a swoop for the midfielder, who has also been linked with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool in recent weeks.

Labelled “powerful” by Tiago Nunes, the 24-year-old won 161 tackles over the course of the campaign on league duty, lending credence to his reputation as a dogged operator in the engine room.

With Rodri back and Mateo Kovacic also capable of playing in a holding role, it remains to be seen where Ederson would fit in at Manchester City if a deal were to come to fruition in the summer window, but it looks as if it will be one to watch.

If Manchester United are to claim silverware for the third season in succession, then once again the Red Devils will largely have Bruno Fernandes to thank for that success, with the club’s talismanic skipper simply dragging his side to the Europa League final.

The 30-year-old has scored seven times in the competition this term – six of which have come in the knockout stages – alongside chalking up five assists, with the Portuguese’s ice-cold penalty notably kickstarting the stunning late comeback at home to Lyon.

Of course, as the captain of a side currently residing in 16th in the Premier League table, the playmaker is not exempt from blame. No player in the current squad is above criticism.

And yet, the murmurings surrounding a potential offer from Saudi Arabia for the former Sporting CP star have only served to reinforce just how vital Fernandes is to this struggling side. As Ruben Amorim put it, he is “one of the top players in the world”.

Perhaps the modern-day equivalent of the great Bryan Robson, a shining figurehead in a far from glorious era for United, Fernandes deserves to be part of a side truly challenging for Premier League and Champions League glory.

Premier League

34

8

10

Europa League

13

7

5

FA Cup

3

2

1

EFL Cup

3

2

2

Community Shield

1

0

1

Total

54

19

19

First, however, major surgery is needed to strengthen the side around him…

Latest on Man Utd's transfer search

After the dismal Erik ten Hag-led transfer policy, which revolved around Eredivisie-based or Dutch imports, it would appear that the INEOS regime are seeking a change in tact this time around, amid reports that the club are ready to raid the Premier League for high-profile talents.

Indeed, the two leading candidates to arrive at Old Trafford this summer appear to be Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap, with the exciting pair – who have scored 27 league goals between them – looking set to depart Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ipswich Town, respectively.

Aside from that duo, however, Football Insider are also reporting that Amorim and co are now in ‘pole position’ to sign Bournemouth sensation, Antoine Semenyo, amid the Ghanaian’s standout season on the south coast.

Transfer Focus

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

As per the report, the chances of United landing the 25-year-old are ‘likely to be boosted’ if they secure Europa League glory next week, with the club potentially needing to fend off Arsenal and Newcastle United in the battle for his services.

This comes amid recent speculation which suggested that INEOS were willing to fork out £38m to sign the former Bristol City man, albeit with it yet to be seen whether the Cherries would accept anything less than their £60m asking price.

If United can win the race for the forward’s signature, he could represent the perfect addition to help revive Amorim’s limp forward line.

Why Semenyo could thrive at Man Utd

As the defeat to West Ham United showcased, this is a Manchester United side devoid of energy and athleticism. As Amorim himself admitted, there was a real “lack of urgency” from his charges.

A particular problem, something which the 40-year-old has also regularly pointed to, is the club’s struggles with ‘physicality’, a factor that has perhaps explained the difference between their success domestically and on the continent.

Bringing Semenyo into the fold could then go some way toward changing that dynamic, with the 25-year-old a simply explosive and electric presence in attack, having been described as “almost unplayable” at times by journalist Ed Aarons.

As former Bristol boss Nigel Pearson stated in the past, the 6 foot 1 ace is “very difficult to play against” due to his “pace and power”, having scored nine league goals this season while operating as a striker or on the flanks.

A player who can stretch a difference with a searing run in behind, Semenyo could then strike up a devastating partnership with that man Fernandes, with United’s “creative machine” – as hailed by Kevin De Bruyne – simply a master at picking out his teammates with a lofted or threaded pass to unlock a defence.

That was notably evident with regard to the Portuguese’s relationship with Marcus Rashford in the past, having jointly contributed to 26 goals alongside the Englishman, while notably providing six assists for his exiled teammate in the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign.

Interestingly, Rashford is actually noted as a similar player to Semenyo among those in their position across Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref, thus further outlining that he has the attributes to potentially thrive in partnership with Fernandes next season.

While the captain’s long-term role in the side is yet to be decided, he is a creative weapon wherever he is deployed, be it as a number six or a number ten, having again topped the division this term for chances created (88).

All he needs now is teammates to properly thrive on those opportunities. Could Semenyo fit the bill?

Man Utd could sign £150k-a-week Aston Villa star if Bruno Fernandes leaves

He has enjoyed an outstanding season for his current team.

2 ByHenry Jackson May 12, 2025

Liverpool are basking in the glory of clinching the Premier League title and could now put forward an offer for an elite midfielder to bolster their engine room, per reports.

Liverpool look to build on claiming Premier League title

Summer is around the corner and Arne Slot likely won’t be hanging around as he seeks to build a dynasty at Anfield that keeps his side at the top of the English football pyramid.

Everyone associated with the Reds will carry immense pride when looking back on their Premier League title victory, but standing still isn’t an option for FSG and company, who are likely to face a rejuvenated set of divisional rivals in 2025/26.

Looking to make a mark in the market, Liverpool could land Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup for little over £25 million after the Serie A outfit decided to put the Denmark international up for sale.

Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller is also on Slot’s radar, lending credence to the idea that strengthening the engine room is a key priority for the Dutchman in his mission to balance both their domestic and European exploits.

Momentum is an important quantity in football and something Liverpool will be desperate to maintain, though refreshing a squad is sometimes necesarry to ensure hunger doesn’t wane during the second year of a project.

Liverpool’s minimalistic transfer approach in 2024/25

Federico Chiesa

Arrived from Juventus

Giorgi Mamardashvili

Arrived from Valencia (loaned back)

Inriguingly, Slot chose to go with the options already at his disposal, bar Federico Chiesa, upon his arrival. His bravery to stick with a tried and tested bunch proved to be a masterstroke, but there is always room for further enhancement.

With that said, Liverpool are now preparing an offer for one of Europe’s most well-known midfielders in a pursuit that could make headlines across Europe.

Liverpool prepare to submit offer for Frenkie de Jong

Per reports in Spain, Liverpool are preparing to submit an offer just over the £34 million mark for Frenkie de Jong in light of his uncertain situation at Barcelona.

The La Liga giants are said to be open to a sale in light of their economic circumstances, which has alerted the Reds alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.

Man City set to fend off Liverpool hijack and win race for £73k-a-week star

They have been working on a deal since January.

ByHenry Jackson May 3, 2025

Slot values De Jong’s fluidity in possession and potential to anchor the midfield with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister highly, and the fact he is out of contract in Catalonia come 2026 may hasten the process. Labelled “incredible” by Marc Casado, the former Ajax man has registered two goals and two assists in 40 appearances across all competitions this campaign.

Reported to earn £310,000 per week at Barcelona, De Jong is an experienced operator with experience of thriving at the highest level, making him a logical target for Liverpool should he fancy the prospect of a new challenge.

Ultimately, his current employers’ finances may dictate how this story develops, but it is definitely one to keep an eye on in light of Slot’s growing Dutch contingent of players at Anfield.

Liverpool are interested in completing the signing of a “really fantastic” Premier League midfielder this summer, according a new transfer report.

Liverpool's midfield in need of defensive nous

Arne Slot’s side may have stumbled of late, including losing 3-2 away to Fulham on Sunday afternoon, but they are still in a wonderful position to win their second Premier League title.

Liverpool have excelled in midfield throughout the season, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai making up Slot’s go-to trio in the middle of the park. Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott have also been good options, but there is still a feeling that one more signing is needed there this summer.

Atalanta ace Ederson has been linked with a move to Anfield in the summer transfer window, with the Brazilian potentially exactly what the Reds need. His tenacity in front of the midfield could add more balance to the team, as well as allowing more rotation and increasing the competition for minutes.

VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller has been mentioned as an option for Liverpool in recent months, too, with the 24-year-old registering five assists in the Bundesliga so far this season, also winning three Man of the Match awards from WhoScored.

Liverpool eyeing move for Premier League midfielder

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara is a target for Liverpool this summer, with Chelsea and Arsenal in the race to snap him up, too.

In fact, the Reds are “actively monitoring” the 25-year-old, with Inter Milan another team who are mentioned as potential suitors. As much as £51m could be required to prise him away from Villa Park.

Kamara could be absolutely ideal for Liverpool this summer, adding the defensive quality and energy that Slot wants alongside the guile of the likes of Mac Allister and Gravenberch in the middle of the park.

Appearances

19

31

Starts

14

31

Minutes played

1200

2658

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

3

Tackles per game

2.3

1.8

Clearances per game

2.1

1.6

Pass completion rate

89.1%

89.4%

The Frenchman has averaged 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League this season, which is superior to Gravenberch’s tally of 1.8, and Villa manager Unai Emery is a big admirer.

“He has talent, but he works and he helps the other players on the field, he provides the cover and he has such versatility. He has played as a centre-back, a midfielder, a right-back, and he is always ready to do it, always focused on his new task. He is really fantastic and I appreciate this versatility a lot, and how he is showing us that his mind is open to everything we are trying to do.”

Not just Robertson: FSG must now sell "world-class" Liverpool star

Liverpool’s 26-game unbeaten run in the Premier League was ended on an error-strewn afternoon at Craven Cottage.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 7, 2025

Kamara isn’t out of contract at Villa until 2027, so Liverpool may not find it easy to sign him, but the five-cap France international stands out as a great option, especially as he has already proven himself in England, making 63 appearances in the Premier League.

Since the arrival of Graham Potter, West Ham United have opted for a more defensive approach, often starting in a back five, looking to have extra solidity in the side.

However, this has come at a cost, with the Hammers only scoring 33 goals this season, ranking 16th in the Premier League for goals scored per game.

West Ham are only averaging 47.4% possession, and whilst it is a big increase from last campaign’s 40.1% possession average, it still ranks 15th in the Premier League in this metric. The Hammers also only average 12.9 shots per game, ranking 12th in this metric in the division.

It is clear Potter himself knows his side has to improve, but getting to the summer and allowing him to invest in some players to help implement his style of play to a better degree would be a huge positive, with links already beginning to emerge for some summer targets.

West Ham targeting the next Kudus

According to reports from journalist Graeme Bailey, West Ham are interested in FC Twente star, Sem Steijn. Other Premier League clubs such as Bournemouth, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Wolves are also scouting the youngster, who has been excellent in the Eredivisie this season.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has made 39 appearances for FC Twente this season, scoring 26 goals and providing six assists in his 3,129 minutes played. Whilst English clubs have already sent scouts to watch the young midfielder, reports also suggest interest is emerging from Germany and France.

As we know, West Ham have already had success when buying from the Eredivisie, signing Mohammed Kudus back in 2023, joining from Ajax for a fee worth around £38m.

Why Steijn could be the next Kudus

Since joining the club, Kudus has made 72 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 17 goals, providing eight assists and totalling 5,634 minutes played. His form has tailed off in the 2024/25 campaign, but his debut Premier League season was certainly explosive, showing exactly what the 24-year-old has to offer.

Goals

0.37

0.75

Assists

0.17

0.16

xG

0.23

0.29

xAG

0.14

0.03

Progressive Carries

3.99

1.03

Progressive Passes

2.96

3.21

Shots Total

2.52

2.96

Key Passes

1.14

2.05

Shot-Creating Actions

3.52

2.05

When comparing the underlying metrics of Kudus in his first season at West Ham and Steijn’s current season in the Eredivisie, the 23-year-old comes out on top in five of the nine metrics analysed, offering better goal output, generating more xG, taking more shots, making more progressive passes and more key passes per 90.

Football Wonderkids on X (formerly Twitter) labeled Steijn a “ruthless” goalscorer, which is something the Hammers desperately need, even if it doesn’t come from the centre-forward. Adding that extra goal threat will only improve the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Kudus too, having a big overall impact on the side.

Whilst not all things are linear, Kudus’ integration from the Eredivisie to the Premier League could be a good sign for West Ham when recruiting “Twente’s biggest jewel” – in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig – with the Hammers clearly hoping if they do choose to sign the 23-year-old, he could come and have an instant impact.

Best signing since Bowen: West Ham struck gold on £90k-p/w "game-changer"

West Ham have struck gold on their “game-changer” who is easily their best signing since Bowen.

ByConnor Holden Mar 31, 2025