The representatives of a major Arsenal target are set to fly to London for further talks this week, having now reached an agreement on contract terms, according to a report.
Mikel Arteta planning for the summer
Although Liverpool eked out a 2-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday, Mikel Arteta’s side remain in a strong position to mount a title push as we approach a crucial stage of the season.
In truth, another second-place finish would be very tough to take, having narrowly missed out to Manchester City in the previous two seasons, but making up a seven-point gap could prove to be a tall order.
Arteta will be keen to ensure his side set the pace next season, rather than having to chase, and the manager is looking at adding the final touches to his squad, with bringing in a top striker believed to be of particular interest.
Arsenal now make contact for "composed" £50m striker with 20 league goals
The Gunners have made the first move to sign a striker who is the top scorer in his league this season.
ByDominic Lund Feb 16, 2025
Midfield hasn’t been a problem position for Arsenal this season, with Declan Rice and Thomas Partey among their most consistent players in the Premier League, but Arteta is still keen to bring in additional depth in the middle of the park this summer.
There have been widespread reports indicating Martin Zubimendi’s move to the Emirates Stadium is more or less wrapped up, but there has now been a new update on the Gunners’ pursuit of the Real Sociedad man.
According to a report from Football Transfers, Arterta’s side have now struck an agreement with Zubimendi on a four-year contract, having held advanced talks over a summer transfer.
The midfielder’s representatives are set to fly to London for further talks this week, with the deal developing, although he still has reservations about the move due to non-football related issues, such as relocating to England.
Arsenal remain confident they will be able to get the deal over the line, however, with Arteta believed to be the driving force behind the move.
Zubimendi could be a statement signing for Arsenal
The central midfielder, who is expected to cost around £51m, could help take Arteta’s midfield to the next level, given the displays he has put in for Real Sociedad for quite some time.
Former Gunner Kieran Tierney has lauded his ex-teammate as “world-class”, and he has been one of Sociedad’s best-performing players in La Liga this season, averaging a 6.91 WhoScored match rating.
Although the Spaniard is not much of a goal threat, he has impressed across a number of key defensive metrics over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Aerials won
1.76 (91st percentile)
Clearances
2.32 (90th percentile)
Blocks
1.38 (69th percentile)
Interceptions
1.30 (74th percentile)
Partey has put in some impressive performances for Arsenal this season, but the Ghanaian turns 32 in June, and there are plenty of signs the 26-year-old Real Sociedad star could be a solid long-term replacement.
Arsenal are seriously weighing up a transfer alternative to Newcastle United star Alexander Isak who they are convinced will be much cheaper, with the attacker having also enjoyed an excellent 2024/2025 campaign thus far.
Arsenal want Alexander Isak but Newcastle unlikely to sell
The Gunners are reliably reported admirers of Isak, and manager Mikel Arteta in particular is believed to be a real fan.
Arsenal can sign striker with nearly 20 goals this season for £43m in July
The Gunners are still in the market for a centre-forward.
ByEmilio Galantini Feb 18, 2025
Reports as far back as May last year claimed Isak is Arteta’s dream signing for Arsenal, and his admiration for the superstar Premier League striker doesn’t appear to have waned in the slightest.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein stated this month that Isak is top of Arteta’s transfer wishlist, but Eddie Howe won’t be in any hurry to green-light the sale of his key player, even if those around Arsenal believe he is perfect for the club’s system.
West Ham (home)
February 22nd
Nottingham Forest (away)
February 26th
Man United (away)
March 9th
Chelsea (home)
March 16th
Fulham (home)
April 1st
“I’ve always said that Alexander Isak is perfect for Arsenal. He would be at the top of my list of new forwards if he were to become available,” said Arsenal correspondent Charles Watts in late 2024.
“He’s long been mentioned as a potential target, but I don’t believe there have ever been any talks or anything like that.
“The word coming out of Newcastle has always been that Isak has not been for sale and given the money it would take to change that stance, Arsenal have focused attention elsewhere, like on Benjamin Sesko for example. I would love to see Arsenal at least try and have a conversation about a potential move.
Alexander Isak celebrates for Newcastle
“The issue is, however, that Isak’s current deal does not run out until 2028, so Newcastle are still in a very strong position. It would still take huge money to prize him away from St James’ Park.”
The list of potential alternatives to Isak is interesting, with reports claiming Arsenal are still very much targeting RB Leipzig’s Sesko for the summer window after their hopes of a deal faded in January.
As well as the Slovenia international starlet, it is now believed that Eintracht Frankfurt newbie Hugo Ekitiké is on their list of targets.
Arsenal "majorly considering" Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are “majorly considering” Ekitike as a cheaper alternative to Isak, following the Frenchman’s brilliant 24/25 campaign where he’s managed 17 goals in all competitions thus far.
Ekitike was on the fringes of PSG’s first-team before making an initial loan move to Frankfurt in 2024, with the Bundesliga side then opting to make his transfer permanent last summer.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike in training.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a new lease of life in Germany, so much so that his form is now attracting serious interest from both Arsenal and London rivals Chelsea. However, as expected, Ekitike’s club are in no rush to sell him, and will demand a set fee of £60 million to let the forward go before next season.
Interestingly, West Ham were heavily linked with a summer deadline day move for Ekitike in 2023, so this isn’t the first time he’s garnered attention from English clubs.
“There is something very special about him,” said former Reims boss Oscar Garcia. “He’s young, and he has the quality to become a very good player. He’s a young man with a lot of quality but also a lot to improve on, but he works hard in training.”
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is facing repeated calls for his dismissal amid a woeful 2024/2025 campaign, with a well-connected former Spurs scout now sharing when he believes the 59-year-old will be shown his P45.
Postecoglou under more Tottenham pressure after Aston Villa defeat
The problems at Spurs are well-documented, and have been around long before they crashed out of the FA Cup fourth round to Aston Villa last weekend.
Tottenham open to axing £190k-a-week star in previously "unthinkable" sale
It would be a significant move by the Lilywhites.
ByEmilio Galantini Feb 11, 2025
Postecoglou is now relying solely on his side’s participation in the Europa League to end Tottenham’s 17-year wait for a major trophy, but that barely scratches the surface when it comes to describing the Lilywhites’ lacklustre season.
Man United (home)
February 16th
Ipswich Town (away)
February 22nd
Man City (home)
February 26th
Bournemouth (home)
March 9th
Fulham (away)
March 16th
The north Londoners sit 14th in the Premier League table, closer to relegation than European qualification, with Postecoglou’s squad stretched to the absolute bare bones after a plethora of debilitating injuries to key first-team players over the last few months.
A large portion of Spurs supporters were eager to see the return of open, attacking and front-foot football after the pragmatic years of José Mourinho and Antonio Conte, but a lot of the criticism aimed Postecoglou’s way has centered around the perceived lack of a plan B approach.
Luckily for the ex-Celtic boss, Tottenham expect to have a host of first-teamers back fairly soon, including Guglielmo Vicario, left-back Destiny Udogie, midfielder James Maddison, Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert.
These vital re-introductions could prove pivotal to Postecoglou’s job status, especially with Tottenham doing due-diligence on potential new managers behind-the-scenes.
Insider shares Ange Postecoglou sack theory at Tottenham
Speaking to Football Insider, former Lilywhites scout Mick Brown, who is said to remain very well-connected at his ex-employers, has shared his belief about when Spurs could decide to sack Postecoglou – and returning players will greatly determine the timeline.
“They’re putting their eggs in one basket at the moment,” he said. “The thinking is very much ‘we’ll be alright when we get our injured players back’.
“But given the length of time these players have been out of the game, they’ve got to get back up to match fitness, can they do that while still starting games? Then, if they get them all back, and they’re still losing games, what happens then?
“The pressure will only get more intense, and I think that’s when he’ll be sacked, if players come back from injuries and there isn’t an immediate turnaround in form. That’s what they’re expecting and hoping for – players to come back and results to improve.
“If it doesn’t happen, the blame will be placed on the manager. They’ve put so much emphasis on these injured players, so they’re willing to stick with him until he gets them back into the team.
“But if they come back and things don’t go well, it doesn’t bode well for Postecoglou’s position.”
As we enter the second half of the Premier League season, Arsenal are still very much in the race for the title, but Mikel Arteta may feel he has to strengthen his squad this month if they are going to make up the ground on Liverpool.
With Bukayo Saka injured and question marks over Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, the Gunners could look to strengthen in a number of different positions this winter. Let’s take a look at five players who would enhance the current squad.
Imagine him & Nwaneri: Arsenal could sign "unstoppable" Cunha upgrade
Arsenal appear to be targeting attacking reinforcements before the end of the January window.
ByEthan Lamb Jan 6, 2025 1 Nico Williams Athletic Club
Saka is set to be sidelined for more than two months due to a hamstring injury that required surgery, meaning the right-wing position is now a problem one for Arteta.
Ethan Nwaneri was impressive in Saka’s absence, scoring against Brighton & Hove Albion, but Arsenal may be keen to bring in a player already proven at the top level rather than sticking with a hot prospect, particularly in light of the youngster’s own recent injury.
Nico Williams played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph last summer, scoring against England in the final, and he was very impressive in La Liga during the 2023/24 campaign, picking up 14 assists.
The Gunners have reportedly already opened talks with the Spaniard’s agent, and they are ready to trigger his relatively affordable release clause of £48m should he give the green light, so it will be interesting to see if things advance over the next few weeks.
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ByCharlie Smith Dec 28, 2024 2 Randal Kolo Muani PSG
France'sRandalKoloMuanireacts
Although Williams’ release clause should be within Arsenal’s budget, they may be hesitant to commit to such an outlay in the January transfer window, especially considering Saka will be back before the end of the season.
As such, the Gunners could look to bring in a short-term option until the end of the campaign, which makes Randal Kolo Muani an attractive proposition.
The Frenchman is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain this month, potentially on loan, and a move to the Emirates Stadium is very much a possibility.
The 26-year-old is capable of playing on both wings and at centre-forward, making him a versatile option for Arteta in the final third, but signing him would undoubtedly be a gamble.
If the attacker is able to rediscover his form from the 2022/23 season, during which he amassed 29 goal contributions in 32 Bundesliga games for Eintracht Frankfurt, he could be a solid addition to the squad.
However, Kolo Muani has failed to record similar numbers with PSG, and the French club’s willingness to sanction his departure casts doubt over whether he would be a suitable signing this month.
5 players who could leave Arsenal this January
A number of players could be on the move this winter…
ByDominic Lund Jan 17, 2025 3 Matheus Cunha Wolves
Matheus Cunha
Gabriel Jesus has stepped up his game over the past few weeks, bagging five goals in two outings against Crystal Palace and then once more against Brentford, but he wasn’t at his best in Havertz’s absence against Brighton, as Arsenal dropped another two points in the title race.
With that in mind, Arteta may look at bringing in a new striker this month, and one forward who has certainly delivered in the Premier League this season is Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian’s goals keeping Wolverhampton Wanderers above water in the relegation battle.
TalkSport’s Rory Jennings has tipped Cunha to replace the injured Saka this month, having featured often on the wing throughout his career.
The 25-year-old has excelled in a centre-forward role this season, proving himself to be a more reliable goalscorer than his compatriot Jesus, so it would make sense for the Gunners to pursue a move.
The only issue is the deal could amount to as much as £90m based on previous reports, with Wolves unwilling to sell unless they receive an astronomical offer, and the striker is arguably yet to prove he is worthy of an outlay that high.
4 Victor Osimhen Galatasaray/Napoli
Cunha is yet to prove himself over a prolonged period at the top level, but Arsenal have another option in mind who has Champions League experience and played a vital role in Napoli’s Serie A title triumph in 2023.
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen scored 26 league goals in the 2022/23 campaign, as well as five in the Champions League, but his time with the Serie A club came to a bitter end when he completed a loan move to Galatasaray in the summer.
During his time in Turkey, the forward has continued his fine goalscoring form, with former Besiktas man Sergen Yalçın describing him as “undoubtedly the best centre-forward” in the country.
Reports have suggested that the Gunners are plotting a “box-office” deal for the 26-year-old, which would mean paying his release clause of £66m – far less than the £90m it would apparently take to prise Cunha away from Wolves.
Given Osimhen’s experience in the Champions League and title races, he is likely to be a better option than the Wolves star, and his arrival could be a real boost to Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes.
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ByTom Cunningham Dec 17, 2024 5 Jules Kounde Barcelona
FC Barcelona'sInigoMartinezand Jules Kounde celebrate
It appears as though Arteta’s main objective this month is to bolster his attacking options, but a move for a defender is not out of the question, with Arsenal thought to be preparing a £62m offer for Barcelona’s Jules Kounde.
The Frenchman is said to be interested in a move to the Premier League, and there is a feeling that Barca may be forced to cash in for a lower fee amid their financial issues, with a deal potentially possible for around just €40m (£33m).
The 26-year-old is capable of playing at centre-back and right-back, and given just how vital he has been to Barcelona this season, there is every sign that he could push Ben White for a starting spot.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has previously given an overview of the defender’s abilities, tipping him to be one of the world’s best in his position in the future.
While signing a new defender is not a necessity this January, Kounde could be a quality addition, particularly when considering he may be available for a relatively low fee.
Arsenal remain within arm’s length of Liverpool, but if they are to avoid finishing second for the third year on the spin, it could be wise to bring in some new options this January – and Arteta has a number of top players to choose from.
Lahore and Karachi are likely to host seven T20Is between Pakistan and England from September 15 to October 2, PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has confirmed. ESPNcricinfo understands the ECB’s three-member security team is expected to arrive in Pakistan later this month to assess arrangements.Though Pakistan have Multan and Rawalpindi as other venues to consider, Ramiz said that the schedule is “very tight and we can’t go elsewhere”. PCB is yet to announce the fixtures for the series, which will be the first instance of England touring Pakistan in 16 years. Following this series, Pakistan will depart for New Zealand on October 4 to participate in a T20I tri-series (also involving Bangladesh) in Christchurch from October 7 to 14. England, meanwhile, will return to Pakistan following the 2022 T20 World Cup for a three-Test series in November as a part of the World Test Championship.The pitches have been relaid in Karachi and Lahore and are expected to be ready ahead of the series. The tour was originally scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi last October but England had called off their visit following New Zealand’s doing the same at the last minute over security issues.England’s new white-ball captain Jos Buttler had said last week that he does not expect to have his best team available for the series due to fixture congestion. England’s red-ball players are unlikely to be available at the start of the limited-overs series in Pakistan, with England’s third Test against South Africa due to finish on September 12.The upcoming series carries significance as England have not toured Pakistan since 2005 and two of Pakistan’s home series in 2012 and 2016 were forced to be played in UAE. After England decided to withdraw their men’s and women’s teams’ tours to Pakistan last year, Ramiz hit out at cricket’s “western bloc”. The ECB cited bubble fatigue and “increasing concerns about travelling to the region” to pull out of the series.
شهدت تدريبات نادي الزمالك، اليوم، مفاجأة بعودة أحمد سيد “زيزو”، نجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، للمشاركة في المران الجماعي لأول مرة بعد غياب استمر لأسابيع وسط أزمة حادة مع إدارة النادي.
وغادر زيزو، مقر الزمالك، مباشرة عقب انتهاء التدريبات الجماعية على ملعب عبد اللطيف أبو رجيلة.
عودة زيزو جاءت في ظل توتر شديد بين الطرفين، على خلفية اتهامات متبادلة بدأت بغياب اللاعب عن التدريبات دون إذن خلال شهر أبريل الماضي، وقرار إدارة الزمالك بخصم 25% من مستحقاته المالية، متهمة إياه بالتمرد والإدلاء بتصريحات مسيئة، فضلًا عن أنباء توقيعه للنادي الأهلي، ما فجر الموقف داخل القلعة البيضاء.
اللاعب، من جانبه، رفض تلك الاتهامات، مؤكدًا في تظلم رسمي تقدم به عبر محاميه، أنه لم يتغيب دون مبرر، بل كان يخشى على سلامته الجسدية، مطالبًا بتحقيق رسمي للبت في الواقعة، ومعلنًا استعداده الكامل للمثول أمام أي لجنة تحقيق سواء داخل النادي أو في الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم.
كما شدد زيزو على التزامه بالقيم الاحترافية، نافياً قيامه بأي إساءة للنادي أو لمسؤوليه عبر الإعلام أو مواقع التواصل، ومؤكدًا رغبته في إنهاء الأزمة عبر الطرق القانونية والسلمية، بشرط تأمين حضوره للتدريبات والاجتماعات داخل النادي.
ورغم إصرار إدارة الزمالك على تطبيق اللائحة وفرض العقوبات، فإنها أبقت الباب مفتوحًا أمام اللاعب للعودة بشرط التزامه الكامل بالضوابط، وهو ما قد يكون تحقّق اليوم بظهوره المفاجئ في مقر النادي ودخوله غرفة الملابس، في إشارة إلى احتمال احتواء الأزمة.
Enzo Maresca has fully turned things around at Chelsea since his arrival, the Blues finding themselves second in the Premier League after 16 games played, and top of the UEFA Conference League after five games.
In their five Conference League games, Chelsea have scored 21 goals, including an 8-0 victory against Noah. Meanwhile, they have only conceded four goals in five games.
Maresca has shown faith in the squad options he has, including academy graduates, making 11 changes in most games, in order to keep his entire squad fresh, and competing on all fronts.
The same is expected against Shamrock Rovers in their next game, with plenty of rotation set to take place, as one eye is already on the weekend.
Chelsea team news
Wesley Fofana and Reece James both remain out through injury. Whilst neither would likely play in cup competitions, the knock-on effect on the squad means Tosin Adarabioyo is likely to start in the Premier League, meaning he is less likely to also feature against Shamrock.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Benoit Badiashile is also unavailable due to an injury picked up last week, further adding to the centre-back issues when rotating the team, and Mykhailo Mudryk is also out for the time being through suspension, which could see minutes for Tyrique George at left-wing.
João Félix is also a doubt, whilst others such as Cole Palmer and Roméo Lavia aren’t available due to not being selected in the Conference League group stage squad.
Tyrique George
The absence of Felix could be a big one which requires multiple rejigs to Maresca’s plans, as the Portugal international has often taken the Palmer role in this second unit.
Maresca's attacking options
Christopher Nkunku has been playing as a striker in the Conference League, with Nicolas Jackson being rested for Premier League games. The 27-year-old Frenchman has made 23 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 903 minutes played.
But in the absence of Felix, Nkunku would likely drop slightly deeper, playing in his preferred number ten position, able to drop deep, link play, get on the ball more often, and create for others alongside himself. This would see the striker position become available, with Marc Guiu being the player who has benefited from these sparing minutes this campaign.
Stats (per 90 mins)
Nkunku
Guiu
Goals
1.03
1.03
Assists
0.19
0.00
xG
1.09
0.71
xAG
0.26
0.11
Progressive Carries
2.58
1.79
Progressive Passes
3.33
1.43
Shots Total
3.27
5.17
Goals/Shot
0.26
0.20
Key Passes
1.52
1.07
Shot-Creating Actions
4.55
2.86
Aerial Duels Won
0.91
0.00
Guiu has made nine appearances since joining the Blues this summer for a fee of around £5m, scoring three goals, all of which have come in the Conference League, where 224 of his 382 minutes have been played.
The 18-year-old striker has shown his ability to be a nuisance in the box, willing to get his shots off (shown by his 5.17 shots per 90), and pressing with high intensity, always looking to do his part off the ball, as well as on it. Nkunku has shown his creative numbers are far superior, and by dropping him to the number ten position, he will have even more chances to impact the game in this way.
But there is another option Maresca could choose to hand those minutes to upfront, with an academy graduate who has been called “the next big thing from Cobham” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Why Shumaira Mheuka must be unleashed
Shumaira Mheuka made his debut against Astana last week, coming from the bench in the 78th minute, taking one shot (off target) and winning two of his three ground duels.
The 17-year-old has made 14 appearances for the U21 side this season, scoring two goals, providing one assist and totalling 1,003 minutes played.
The young English forward thrives in and around the box, having excellent movement to find himself in dangerous positions, having brilliant ball manipulation in order to shift it himself and find a yard to get a shot away, and also using his body well to protect the ball.
Maresca will have a tough decision on his hands, as Guiu will be knocking on the door for minutes after scoring twice against Astana last week. However, whilst Mheuka might not start the game, it should be a good chance to give him more minutes in the senior team, as he looks to gain his reps and experience this season.
And Mheuka isn’t the only academy graduate in line for some minutes against Shamrock Rovers, as two players, in particular, are even expected to start the game on Thursday night, having also started last week against Astana.
Other academy graduates who could feature
Both Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong are expected to be involved in the Conference League game this week, with Mudryk unavailable, and Jadon Sancho likely being rested ahead of the Premier League game against Everton this weekend.
This will likely see George start in his favoured left-wing position, allowing him the freedom to cut inside on his stronger right foot.
In the absence of James and Fofana (both right-side defenders), extra pressure is on the likes of Malo Gusto and Adarabioyo, which will likely mean they are also rested for the weekend’s game. This could see a second consecutive Conference League start at right-back for Acheampong.
Both George and Acheampong are highly rated by the club, with the latter even signing a new five-year contract yesterday, with Maresca stating he believes “Josh needs to stay close with us rather than going on loan”, insinuating the 18-year-old defender is a part of the plans not only for the future, but also the present.
Exciting times, indeed, in both the short-term and long-term at Stamford Bridge.
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O lateral-direito Rafinha, do São Paulo, analisou o duelo das quartas de final do Campeonato Paulista. diante do São Bernardo, nesta terça-feira (22), às 20h30, no Morumbi. Para ele, será uma partida difícil, mas que o elenco está preparado para o confronto.
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VEJA A TABELA DO CAMPEONATO PAULISTA 2022!
-Sei da responsabilidade de disputar, principalmente o Paulista, o principal do Brasil. Muito difícil, defendendo o São Paulo, atual campeão. Nos classificamos bem, a responsabilidade é grande. Estamos preparados. Agente sabe da qualidade do São Bernardo, mas pensamos em nosso trabalho, o que fizemos até agora. Jogamos em casa, temos uma equipe melhor a cada jogo, estamos preparados e tenho certeza que o Rogério vai nos preparar muito bem para essa classificação – disse o camisa 13.
Rafinha também comentou sobre a evolução do time de Rogério Ceni durante a competição. Após um começo conturbado, o São Paulo conseguiu dar a volta por cima e terminou com a terceira melhor campanha do estadual na primeira fase.
– Faz parte também de vários quesitos da nossa equipe que tá criando corpo. O coletivo deixa o time forte, todo mundo o peso que tem a camisa do São Paulo. O São Paulo tem tradição em decisões. Estamos nessa crescente, é importante fazer nosso trabalho. Temos que ficar com o pé no chão, vamos melhorar muito ainda – falou o jogador.
Rafinha deve ser titular para a partida decisiva diante do São Bernardo. Nesta temporada, o camisa 13 participou de nove partidas na temporada.
Chelsea have made an approach to sign an “elite” player in 2025, coming after chairman Todd Boehly and co were ready to bid £34 million for him in the summer window.
Chelsea map out plans to sign a new defender next year
The west Londoners, despite already having a plethora of central defensive options, are still believed to be keen on bringing in a new centre-back next year.
Chelsea's "best player" a few months ago now considering unceremonious exit
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ByEmilio Galantini Nov 12, 2024
Manager Enzo Maresca has Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo at his disposal, but there are suggestions that Chelsea are looking to the South American market for reinforcements.
Chelsea are very happy with Badiashile as a backup option to Colwill and Fofana, according to GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs, so perhaps Disasi could be the one to make way for another body in that area.
“Understand Chelsea are not looking to sell Benoit Badiashile, who remains highly regarded at Stamford Bridge,” wrote Jacobs on X last week.
Leicester City (home)
November 23
Aston Villa (home)
December 1
Southampton (away)
December 4
Tottenham (home)
December 8
Brentford (home)
December 15
“He’s part of the long-term project and seen as having a bright future. The stats show Badiashile’s passing range is among the best for defenders in Europe, and he is progressing well at Cobham. Chelsea believe Badiashile is providing excellent competition in a highly competitive squad. He is also versatile so can be used as a left centre-back, left-back or even partner Levi Colwill as a right centre-back, as he did against Liverpool when he came on for Tosin.”
Of the central defensive options linked with moves to Stamford Bridge, there are a few standout names, like Nottingham Forest star Murillo. The Brazilian, who has been a key man for Nuno Espírito Santo as Forest enjoy an excellent start to 2024/25, is understandably attracting plenty of interest.
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1 ByRoss Kilvington Nov 5, 2024
There are even suggestions that Chelsea are prepared to offer Trevoh Chalobah in a swap deal for Murillo, so it will be interesting to see how far they are willing to go for the 22-year-old.
According to reports out of Portugal, another name on Maresca’s wishlist is Benfica star Tomas Araujo. CNN Portugal reported very late in the summer window that Chelsea were ready to bid £34 million for Araujo close to deadline day, and now media sources are saying that their interest is still there heading into next year.
Chelsea have made contact over signing Tomas Araujo
According to Tuesday’s edition of O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Chelsea have made contact over signing Araujo, alongside Newcastle United and Crystal Palace. However, the Magpies are named as lead contenders to strike a deal for the 22-year-old as things stand.
The Portuguese ace has an £83 million release clause in his contract, but there is a belief that Benfica could sell him for less than that next summer. In any case, Araujo is fast developing a reputation as an elite-level defender.
“In terms of my initial observations of Tomás Araújo, I have absolutely zero concerns over his abilities in possession,” said recruitment and performance analyst Jack Fawcett.
“Passing range, comfortability stepping into midfield, calmness under pressure and carrying all elite.”
Ruben Amorim has explained why Alejandro Garnacho is only on the bench for Manchester United's FA Cup tie against Fulham.
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Garnacho dropped from Man Utd starting lineup
Showed frustration after being subbed off against Ipswich
Eriksen back in starting XI
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Garnacho expressed his frustration at being substituted in the 43rd minute in the club's 3-2 win over Ipswich Town in the midweek. Amorim decided to replace the Argentine winger with full-back Noussair Mazraoui following Patrick Dorgu's red card. After the substitution, the 20-year-old headed straight down the tunnel and after the break he did not come out of the dressing room and sit alongside his team-mates in the dugout.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Following his poor attitude on the field, Amorim has already revealed Garnacho will pay for dinner for the Manchester United. The winger has also been left out of the starting lineup for their fifth round FA Cup clash against Fulham on Sunday, but his manager confirmed his decision was due to the fact the youngster is carrying a physical issue/
WHAT RUBEN AMORIM SAID
Speaking to MUTV ahead of kick-off, the Portuguese coach said: "Chris [Eriksen] is working really well and Garna has a knock. We cannot risk players at this moment, but because this is a cup game and it is decided today, we have Garnacho on the bench if we need him."
Amorim added: "Garnacho had an issue last game so we are using Eriksen because he is fit. We have Garnacho on the bench if we need him because it is a game that decides if we go into the next stage.
"We are going to try to use the characteristics of Chris, which is quite different from Garnacho. The substitution (last game) was clear, he paid for the dinner and he's ready to go. He's working really well so I hope he continues to have an impact if we need it in the game."
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WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?
After the FA Cup tie on Sunday, the Red Devils will be back in action on March 6 as they host Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 fixture away from home.