In a move that would instantly replace Mohammed Kudus, West Ham United are now reportedly in contact to sign a Premier League-winning attacker who Graham Potter wants at the London Stadium.
Potter "very pleased" to sign Diouf
It may have taken the sale of Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur for them to get going on the transfer front, but get going West Ham have. The Hammers announced the arrival of El Hadji Malick Diouf to welcome their first big signing of the summer and Potter instantly expressed his delight.
Now that they’ve got going with their spending, West Ham may not stop there. Reports are now indicating that those at the London Stadium have made their first move to sign the £300,000-a-week attacker on loan.
West Ham make contact to sign Grealish
According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, West Ham have now made their first approach to sign Jack Grealish, who has been shown the door at Manchester City this summer. Potter is reportedly a fan of the £300,000-a-week international and the Hammers could yet welcome his arrival in what would be an excellent addition.
West Ham have experienced Grealish’s quality first-hand more times than they’ll care to admit and the London Stadium even saw him find the back of the net for Man City in a frantic 2-2 in the 2021/22 campaign.
Although Grealish has struggled in the last 12 months at Manchester City, he is still very much a player capable of making all the difference when at his best.
Even as he has continued to fall down the pecking order at The Etihad, Pep Guardiola has been full of praise for the West Ham target. The Spaniard previously told reporters last season: “I’m pleased for Jack.
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“Jack has the sense of the street, a player from the street. Most of the players, for our fault – the manager – are so academic. Jack is one of those players that came to fight in these stadiums when the people shout; he is a fighter.”
Newcastle United haven’t quite got going in the summer transfer window, but Eddie Howe has a plan and is beginning to put it into action.
Despite missing out on a host of top targets, the Tynesiders will be confident that they can make something meaningful out of a transfer window that is preceded by the Magpies’ success in winning the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League.
They will need to recover from the slew of setbacks which has seen them miss out on Dean Huijsen, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Joao Pedro.
Mbeumo
And things are gathering pace on that front.
Newcastle looking to kickstart transfer window
Newcastle have reportedly launched a fresh attempt worth £50m + to sign Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga and their pursuit of new talent isn’t going to stop there.
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is also anticipated to be on the verge of joining the St. James’ Park ranks, having been hailed for his “world-class” level by manager Scott Parker earlier in 2025.
With a goalkeeper and a new winger potentially ticked off, it’s over to the midfield. While it isn’t regarded as the highest priority by Howe and Co, the opportunity to sign Matteo Guendouzi might be too good to resist.
As per reports in Italy, translated by Sport Witness, Newcastle have joined Aston Villa and rivals Sunderland in preparing a bid for the Lazio midfielder, who is valued at €50m (£43m).
Guendouzi, 26, is a valued member of Maurizio Sarri’s squad, but financial concerns may force them to cash in.
Why Newcastle want Matteo Guendouzi
France international and former Arsenal star Guendouzi never hit his finest form when cutting his teeth as a Gunner, however, he was always regarded as a “monster in the making” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
He completed 66 fixtures under Unai Emery’s wing before moving back to his homeland. A stint with Marseille led to rehousing in the Serie A with Lazio, where he has now performed for the past two campaigns, featuring prominently.
His combative and progressive mix of qualities, hardened by his time in Italy, suggests he could be Howe’s next version of Sandro Tonali, who served as an inimitable maestro for Newcastle last season.
Guendouzi, indeed, ranked among the top 10% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 19% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.
Press-resistant and confident in their roles, Guendouzi would add competition for the Italian, who was so instrumental for Newcastle’s incredible resurgence last term.
Indeed, with Sean Longstaff potentially being sold, the need for such a signing is underscored.
Matches (starts)
36 (28)
37 (37)
Goals
4
1
Assists
2
3
Touches*
53.4
68.3
Pass completion
86%
91%
Big chances created
4
3
Key passes*
0.8
1.2
Dribbles (success)*
0.6 (59%)
0.4 (60%)
Ball recoveries*
4.9
4.7
Tackles + interceptions*
2.3
1.9
Duels won*
3.7 (54%)
2.8 (50%)
Both players operate so fluidly in the middle of the park, and Guendouzi could add the perfect bit of depth to ensure Newcastle pull their weight across domestic and continental competitions in 2025/26.
Newcastle have already hit the jackpot with one midfield signing brought over from the Italian scene; might they strike gold once again?
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Tottenham Hotspur will be wanting to right the wrongs of this season’s failure in the Premier League, which saw the club finish just one place above the relegation zone.
Despite winning the Europa League, it was the Lilywhites’ lowly league standing that spelled the end for Ange Postecoglou in North London, subsequently being sacked after two years in the role.
Daniel Levy wasted no time in appointing Thomas Frank from fellow top-flight side Brentford, but it’s crucial that the Dane is handed time to transform the side next campaign.
Alongside the players currently on the books, additions are also needed during the current window to help the 51-year-old in his quest for success during his tenure in charge.
Work appears to be conducted behind the scenes to help the new manager in the market, which could see moves made for various targets this summer.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer
In recent days, Spurs have appeared to be stepping up their efforts to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo this summer, after it was confirmed the club are set to make a bid for his services.
He’s not the only attacker on their radar, with OGC Nice striker Evann Guessand another option under consideration ahead of Frank’s debut campaign at the helm.
Antoine Semenyo scores for Bournemouth
However, another name has now entered the mix, with one Spanish outlet claiming that the Lilywhites hold serious interest in a move for Boca Juniors striker Miguel Merentiel.
The report claims that the 29-year-old’s agent is aware of interest in the forward after he scored a tremendous solo effort against German champions Bayern Munich at the ongoing Club World Cup.
It also states that no formal offer has yet been made, but the hierarchy are monitoring a move for the Uruguayan, who has netted 43 goals in the last three campaigns.
Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s answer to Gyokeres
Spitting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the most sought after talents throughout this summer window, looking almost certain to leave the Portuguese outfit ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
Various sides across the globe have been touted with a move for the 27-year-old’s signature and, unsurprisingly so given his record of 54 goals in his 52 outings this season.
Manchester United appeared to be the most likely destination given his previous stint under Ruben Amorim, but it now looks as though the Swede is pushing for a move to join North London rivals Arsenal.
Such a move will likely hand Mikel Arteta’s side an added attacking threat next season, with Spurs needing to make a move to land their own talisman this window.
Frank could land his own version of Gyokeres in the form of Merentiel, with the Boca talisman labelled as a similar player to the goalscoring sensation, according to FBref.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats, the Uruguayan has managed to match or better the Swede in various key areas, looking to be a shrewd addition for the Lilywhites this summer.
Merentiel, who’s been labelled “incredible” by journalist Johannes Skiba, has matched the Sporting star for goals per shot on target, but bettered him for shot-on-target accuracy – taking advantage of more opportunities that fall his way.
Games played
22
33
Goals & assists
10
46
Shot-on-target accuracy
62%
52%
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.4
Passes into final third
1.7
0.5
Take-on success
60%
45%
Carries into final third
1.6
1.3
Progressive passes made
3.2
2.1
He’s also completed more progressive passes and completed more passes into the final third, having the all-round ability to provide those around him rather than relying on teammates creating chances for him in the final third.
The Boca star’s talents are further demonstrated with his take-on success and carries into the final third, showcasing his desire to take the ball forward at any given opportunity – therefore handing Frank’s side an added threat.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the 29-year-old would cost this summer, but it’s evident that he has all the tools needed to thrive in the Premier League.
If he can add further goals to his game in North London, he would be an excellent option for the Lilywhites in their quest to be competitive in Europe and England’s top flight next campaign.
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With a medical now scheduled, Crystal Palace are reportedly set to get their summer transfer business underway by signing a Champions League-level free agent.
Crystal Palace awaiting Europa League verdict
It looked as though Crystal Palace could be in for arguably their most exciting summer ever after qualifying for the Europa League by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final. That joy has quickly turned into potential heartbreak, however, with John Textor’s involvement in the club throwing the Eagles’ European place into doubt.
UEFA has rules in place against owners holding stakes in multiple clubs in the same competition. This means that Textor’s share in both Lyon and Palace could see the South London club given the boot. As per the rules, they could also be refused a place in the Europa Conference League due to David Blitzer’s share in both Brondby and Crystal Palace.
It has sparked quite the debate and one that Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest have attempted to weigh in on by writing to UEFA about potentially taking Palace’s Europa League place. The Midlands club qualified for the Europa Conference League but would move up to the Europa League if Palace were to lose out.
Those at Selhurst Park are insisting that they are an entity which operates individually and Textor, himself, has reiterated just how little involvement he has at the club in the past, saying: “As proud as we are to have been a part of the resurgence of Crystal Palace, it remains true that Crystal Palace is an independent club, run by a man with a steady hand, who has achieved a level of sustainability that is incredibly uncommon in today’s Premier League.”
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Nonetheless, with or without European football, the Eagles have reportedly pushed on in pursuit of their summer targets and look likely to commence their business in the face of potential heartbreak.
Crystal Palace set to sign Walter Benitez
According to The Athletic’s Matt Woosnam, Crystal Palace are now set to sign Walter Benitez on a free transfer following the end of his contract at PSV Eindhoven this summer. The Argentina goalkeeper is reportedly set to undergo a medical at the South London club, who have managed to fend off late interest from Everton to get their business underway.
A veteran shot-stopper who was playing Champions League football just last season, Benitez is expected to provide backup for Dean Henderson and could even challenge the Palace No.1 for his starting place next season.
PSV's Walter Benitez saves Raheem Sterling's effort for Arsenal.
The Argentine’s arrival follows Matt Turner’s return to Nottingham Forest to end his loan spell at Selhurst Park. Opening a space for a new option to deputise Henderson, Palace have chosen experience rather than an up-and-coming option.
At 32 years old, meanwhile, Benitez is set to step into the Premier League for the first time and could even get the chance to feature in the Europa League if Palace win their ongoing battle.
Celtic are reportedly eyeing a move for an impressive defender in the summer transfer window, as Brendan Rodgers looks to perfect his squad for a chance at Champions League glory.
Celtic eyeing signings after Rodgers admission
Back in April, Rodgers made it clear that a busy summer was needed at Parkhead, even though his side were once again coasting towards the Scottish Premiership title.
“We always want to improve the team, improve the hunger in the team. Because one of the ways to succeed and guard across what I’ve been talking about, is you need the freshness. It’s either that or the manager goes. It’s as simple as that. You cannot be at a club for a long period of time with the same group of players. And, likewise, the same group of players need a different voice maybe. But, at this moment, it will be about improving the squad.”
Celtic continue to be linked with potential signings to bolster their chances of further success in Europe, with a move for Nordsjaelland attacker Benjamin Nygren thought to be on the verge of being completed.
Meanwhile, a reunion with former striker Odsonne Edouard has also been mooted, having been loaned out to Leicester City by Crystal Palace last season. The 27-year-old scored 87 goals in 179 appearances during his first stint at Celtic, and given his age, he could be an excellent signing this summer.
Celtic eyeing surprise move for defender
According to The Herald‘s reliable journalist Stephen McGowan, Celtic are “working on a surprise move” for Japanese defender Hayato Inamura. The 23-year-old currently plays for J-League side Albirex Niigata as a left-sided centre-back, but he can also play on the left side of a back four, which is a bonus in terms of squad depth.
Inamura isn’t a household name like Edouard, but that’s not to say that he couldn’t be a shrewd acquisition by Celtic ahead of next season.
At 23, the Japanese talent is a young player who is still improving, so the Hoops could be getting his best years, potentially even keeping him for a decade if he proves that he is up to the challenge of consistently performing for one of the biggest clubs in Britain.
Inamura has made 33 appearances for Albirex Niigata, and given Celtic’s penchant for signing Japanese players throughout their recent history, they should be trusted in seeing him as a sensible signing.
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His versatility is a clear positive, allowing him to flourish in two different positions – the fact that he is left-footed also adds balance to the squad – and while he may not be a regular starter from the off, he could be a solid squad option who can develop into a key man over time.
It’s all change at Tottenham Hotspur at the moment.
Despite leading the club to their third European title in the Europa League last month and ending their almost two-decade trophy drought, Ange Postecoglou was officially given the boot on Friday afternoon.
While this is undoubtedly a divisive decision among the fanbase, it’s not hard to see why it was made, as the Australian oversaw just 11 wins out of a possible 38 in the Premier League this term.
Interestingly, while no announcement has been made just yet, it is looking increasingly likely that the man to replace Ange will be Brentford boss Thomas Frank, and that could be very good news indeed for a certain youngster in the squad.
Spurs' winners and losers under Frank
Before getting to the player in question, let’s take a look at some of the potential winners and losers at Spurs under a possible Frank tenure, starting with those who might not be so lucky, like Brennan Johnson.
Brentford managerThomasFrankbefore the matc
Now, it might sound mad to suggest that the club’s top scorer this season could be in trouble next year, but if Frank is able to convince the board to sign Bryan Mbeumo, as reports suggest he’s trying to, then there is every chance the Welshman’s game time would dramatically decrease.
Likewise, it could be the end of the road for Yves Bissouma, becuase as well as he played in the club’s Europa League run, he’s shown himself to be a liability in the league time and time again.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
You only need to look at games like Fulham away, when he was hooked at halftime and given a 3/10 match rating by Alasdair Gold, or at home against Chelsea when he lost his head and gave away a needless penalty.
However, it’s most certainly not all doom and gloom, as there are more than a few players we think could flourish under the Danish manager, such as Lucas Bergvall.
The 19-year-old was incredible for much of this season and even won the club’s Player of the Year award.
So, when he recovers from his injury, it’s not inconceivable to imagine him taking yet more steps forward under Frank.
Likewise, while Dominic Solanke wasn’t exactly prolific, he’s been one of the club’s hardest-working attackers this season and an integral part of the frontline.
Therefore, under a manager who helped turn Brentford into a lean, mean goalscoring machine, we could see him turn the former Bournemouth man into a seriously dangerous striker.
There is another Spurs ace who could become something really quite special under the incoming boss, someone he wanted to sign in West London.
The Spurs gem Frank could transform
If you were following Tottenham’s transfer dealings last summer, then you’ll have probably worked out that the player in question is none other than Archie Gray.
Before making his way to North London, the former Leeds United gem looked destined to join Brentford, with reports in late June claiming that the player had agreed personal terms with the Bees and was set to have a medical.
However, the Lilywhites swooped in and picked up the incredibly talented youngster for around £30m just a few days later.
While he missed out on him last summer, we can only imagine that Frank is just as excited, if not more, about the teenager’s potential now and the chance to finally work with him.
There are a few reasons why we think the Dane could help turn the 19-year-old ace into the “future £100m” superstar that data analyst Ben Mattinson claimed he could be.
The first is that after spending this season being moved around here, there, and everywhere, there is a real chance for the Durham-born midfielder to actually play in, well, midfield.
Moreover, while he didn’t spend a whole lot of time there in 24/25, he was still able to produce some fairly impressive underlying numbers for someone so young.
Shots on Target %
100.0%
Top 1%
Shots Blocked
0.73
Top 4%
Clearances
2.81
Top 5%
Passes Completed (Medium)
28.09
Top 7%
Pass Completion % (Medium)
92.8%
Top 10%
Progressive Passing Distance
285.69
Top 13%
Dead-ball Passes
4.86
Top 13%
Carries
45.28
Top 13%
For example, according to FBref, he sits in the 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for percentage of shots on target, the top 4% for shots blocked, the top 5% for clearances, the top 7% for medium passes completed, the top 13% for progressive passing distance, carries and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, while it’ll take some time for the “sensational” prospect, as dubbed by one analyst, to reach his full potential, we have no doubt that Frank will be a brilliant manager for Gray to do it under.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers managed to enjoy a comfortable end to the campaign and have now made an approach to bring a talented youngster to Molineux this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Wolves transfer rumours with Cunha set to join Man Utd
The Old Gold spent a portion of the campaign flirting with relegation from the Premier League. However, Vitor Pereira made sure that no such thoughts managed to enter their psyche in the West Midlands and secured safety with plenty of time to spare.
Thanking supporters for their crucial role in backing the team, the Portuguese boss has promised to add to his Wolves squad this summer to ensure a repeat scenario doesn’t unfold next term.
He stated: “Our supporters, they are fantastic. I’m very proud of them, very proud of my team, proud of our work, proud of our club, all the staff, all the efforts that everybody did to finish the league in the situation that we know we can build on in the future.”
Matheus Cunha may be on his way to Manchester United, though Pereira has already profiled Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss as an ideal Wolves replacement for the Brazil international.
A bid of around £22 million should be enough to entice him away from the King Power Stadium, and he is far from the only star lined up at Molineux now the window is around the corner.
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Lazio defender Mario Gila could also pitch up at Wolves if they can see off competition from Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion for his signature.
Plenty of movement is underway as the Old Gold build for next season, and they have now reportedly made an approach for a highly-rated talent.
Romano: Wolves make approach for Liverpool's Kieran Morrison
Taking to social media platform X, renowned transfer specialist Romano has reported that Wolves have made an approach for “highly rated” Liverpool winger Kieran Morrison.
Said to be on their shortlist, there is also competition from around Europe for his signature as the summer window kicks off in earnest.
Capable of operating out wide or in a central role, the Northern Ireland Under-19 international has registered five goals and six assists in 27 appearances for Liverpool’s youth development squad this season.
It feels unlikely that Morrison would immediately become a first-team figure at Molineux, though his versatility and scope to develop would be an attracting commodity looking towards the future.
Under contract at Anfield until 2027, it remains to be seen what type of fee he could command if he were to leave the Merseyside giants. However, it may be worth noting that a sale would likely count as pure profit for Liverpool, indicating that a move could go through before the PSR deadline.
In a move that would instantly boost their attacking options, Aston Villa now reportedly want to sign a Premier League rival who put on an impressive performance in front of Unai Emery earlier this season.
Aston Villa's summer plans taking shape amid PSR concerns
It’s a big summer for the Villans. Even if they don’t have Champions League football to offer, those in the Midlands must maintain the level of Unai Emery’s side and they must do so whilst complying with PSR rules. That’s what may hold them back, however. According to recent reports, Aston Villa will likely have to sell before buying this summer if they want to avoid breaking any profit and sustainability rules.
To that end, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast over just who Aston Villa could sell this summer to avoid any potential sanctions. Among those mentioned is Morgan Rogers. The talented midfielder has enjoyed an excellent season in the Midlands, attracting plenty of interest as a result, and his sale would certainly ease Villa’s concerns.
Given just how impressive he’s been this season, though, it seems unlikely that Villa will be desperate to part ways with Rogers to a Champions League rival such as Chelsea this summer.
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However, such a sale would at least allow sporting director Monchi to welcome a number of fresh faces and potentially get permanent deals over the line for Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford.
Those in the Midlands club are seemingly in for a busy summer on all fronts, with new targets beginning to emerge and star players finding themselves on the radar of several rival clubs.
Aston Villa eyeing "unbelievable" Joao Pedro
According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa now want to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, who are set to demand as much as €60m (£51m) to sell the Brazilian this summer. The forward hasn’t quite been as consistent as last season, but that hasn’t stopped him from leaving his mark in the Premier League, with 10 goals and six assists to his name.
Emery should already be more than familiar with the 23-year-old’s quality too, after getting a first-hand glimpse when Pedro created both of Brighton’s goals in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Villa Park earlier this season.
Brighton’s asking price should come as little surprise, either. Pedro is clearly rated highly at The Amex and Fabian Hurzeler’s praise has reflected that this season. The Seagulls boss told reporters back in November when asked about his forward after a 2-1 win over Bournemouth: “In possession he is unbelievable. He makes the difference for us today.
“It’s also very important to see how he works against the ball. He invests a lot out of possession. He does a lot of work in the shadow and the work that is unseen. That’s why it is very good to have him as a leader on the pitch.”
Manchester City are reportedly in pole position to pip Liverpool to the signing of an “excellent” player in the summer transfer window.
Busy summer of transfers expected at Man City
By City’s high standards, this season has been a huge disappointment, even though there is an FA Cup final against Crystal Palace to look forward to later this month. Pep Guardiola’s side’s defence of their Premier League had faded by Christmas, and they also failed to reach the Champions League knockout rounds.
For that reason, a big summer is needed when it comes to new signings, as City look to bring in fresh faces who can take them back to the top of the league, with older heroes such as Kevin De Bruyne moving on.
Kevin De Bruyne
Monaco youngster Eliesse Ben Seghir has been linked with a move to the Etihad ahead of next season, with the 20-year-old winger already scoring 15 times in 80 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.
Meanwhile, Hugo Larsson has been mentioned as an option to bolster City’s midfield, with younger legs required after a tough campaign for the likes of De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic. The Eintracht Frankfurt ace has been a key man this season, averaging 1.4 tackles per game across 30 Bundesliga outings as well as providing goals from midfield.
Man City leading race to sign "excellent" defender
According to a new report from Football Insider, Manchester City are leading the race to sign Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso this summer, sitting in pole position ahead of Liverpool, who attempted to hijack the deal in recent days.
The update states that Guardiola’s men are “in the driving seat over the deal as things stand and have been working on the deal behind the scenes since January”.
Aston Villa's Leon Bailey in action with Juventus'AndreaCambiaso
The £73,000-a-week Cambiaso could be a fantastic signing for City, given his ability to play in either full-back position, as well as being able to drift into midfield and affect games.
The 25-year-old Italy international has a 91.8% pass completion rate in 30 Serie A appearances this season, with his quality on the ball ideal for Guardiola, and journalist Zach Lowy has described him as “world-class”.
Full-back is a position that must be targeted by City in the summer window, with Kyle Walker’s best days behind him on the right and Josko Gvardiol not necessarily a natural left-back despite his brilliance, and Cambiaso fits the bill to perfection.
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He is technically superb, versatile and at a good point in his career, and if Guardiola can sign him over Liverpool, it would be a statement of intent ahead of next season.
Levi Colwill has been a regular fixture for Chelsea this season. The 22-year-old, who is a full England international, has featured 32 times in the Premier League and, more recently, twice in the UEFA Conference League, and will now be looking to guide the west Londoners to a trophy and a top-five finish.
That said, the Cobham graduate hasn’t been without his critics, having notably been “bullied” in the defeat to former club Brighton, in the words of Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, while regularly drawing the ire of supporters.
In the league alone, the youngster has made three errors leading to a shot, one error leading to a goal and given away one penalty, as per Sofascore. He also ranks in just the bottom 46% for tackles, the bottom 13% for clearances and the bottom 31% for blocks per 90 among his centre-back peers in the top-flight, as per FBref, further exposing his defensive woes.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill
With that in mind, Chelsea have actually been linked with a new defensive signing this summer, perhaps to potentially dislodge Colwill – even amid Enzo Maresca’s faith in him.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Dean Huijsen
It seems like Chelsea, along with several other big clubs in the Premier League, are going to try and sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen. The Spaniard has been incredibly impressive this season, and given he has a £50m release clause, a move seems inevitable.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen
Well, Chelsea will be one of the sides vying for his signature, according to TEAMTalk, with the Blues the team ‘who have offered Huijsen the more tempting financial package’, in order to convince him to switch the South coast for West London.
However, Liverpool are also in the race, and several other European heavyweights, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, have also been linked at various times during the race for Huijsen’s signature.
Bournemouth's DeanHuijsencelebrates after the match
As for why Chelsea want to sign Huijsen, well, he has been excellent at the back for Bournemouth this term, and was described as a “gem” by Sky Sports commentator Bill Leslie earlier in the season.
He has featured 29 times in the top flight this term, scoring three goals in that time and recording seven clean sheets so far. The young Spain international has certainly made a big impression, hence every major club in Europe has been linked with him.
If Chelsea can’t get this deal over the line, then they might not have to worry too much. The Blues actually have a perfect in-house alternative to Huijsen.
Chelsea’s in-house Huijsen alternative
If Huijsen has impressed for the Cherries this season, then Josh Acheampong has certainly made waves for Chelsea, despite the fact he has had far less of an opportunity in the first team at Stamford Bridge.
Described as a player with “elite potential” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, the 19-year-old has featured 11 times across all competitions for the Blues this term. Six of those games have come in the Conference League, where he has played 495 minutes so far.
The underlying numbers via Sofascore from Acheampong’s performances in the Conference League this term show just how well he has played. For example, he makes an average of 2.5 tackles and interceptions and wins an average of 0.9 aerial duels per game.
Passes completed
453
82.4
Pass accuracy
95.6%
95.6%
Long balls completed
7
1.3
Tackles and interceptions
14
2.5
Aerial duels won
5
0.9
The other thing that really stands out about the youngster is his ability on the ball. The 19-year-old, who can play as a right centre-back or a right-back, is clearly tidy in possession, as his 95.6% pass accuracy in the above table shows.
Not only that, but the London-born defender reads the game superbly, and can use his physicality to his advantage in defensive situations. Just look at this piece of defending in the Conference League, where he is able to use his strength to shepherd the ball to safety.
There is no doubting Acheampong’s ability. He has all the tools to become a genuine superstar, capable of playing in multiple positions across the back four, which is ideal for Maresca as he plans his defensive options for next season.
He is a player Chelsea will surely look to integrate into the first team in 2025/26. At the very least, if they do miss out on Huijsen, they are in safe hands, even more so, perhaps, than with Colwill at the back.
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