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Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have built their season on defensive solidity.

Heading into their clash with Arsenal, the Magpies boasted the lowest expected goals conceded (xGA) in the league at 2.5, highlighting just how compact and resilient they had been.

That statistic shifted after Arsenal generated 2.04 xG at St James’ Park, pushing Newcastle down to second-best in the league.

Even so, Howe’s side have only conceded five goals all season while keeping four clean sheets, with only Liverpool and Arsenal managing to find the net against them.

Against the Gunners, Newcastle were disciplined and well-drilled, often forcing Mikel Arteta’s side into less threatening areas.

Yet all that hard work was undone in the 96th minute, when Gabriel Magalhães rose highest to score the winner.

How Gabriel helped to down Newcastle

It was a bitter pill to swallow given how well Newcastle had restricted Arsenal, but Gabriel’s decisive intervention underlined the fine margins at this level.

The Brazilian’s influence was evident beyond his goal. He disrupted Nick Woltemade and marshalled the defensive line with authority.

His performance earned him a man-of-the-match rating of 8.6 – a reminder of just how important he is to Arsenal’s title push.

Even if there was that one blemish with Woltemade, it’s safe to say he’s become a force in the Premier League in recent years.

Gabriel’s journey at Arsenal since arriving from Lille in 2020 has been one of steady progression.

Now 27 years old and valued at around £70m by Transfermarkt, he has cemented his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most commanding centre-backs.

His partnership with William Saliba has been the bedrock of Arsenal’s recent success.

Together they have anchored a backline that has kept 29 clean sheets over the last two seasons, while goalkeeper David Raya has claimed consecutive Golden Glove awards.

Beyond his defensive qualities, Gabriel provides a consistent goal threat.

His headed winner against Newcastle was his 21st goal for Arsenal, a remarkable tally for a central defender.

That ability to contribute at both ends makes him invaluable to Mikel Arteta’s side. Statistically, he remains a well-rounded force.

Gabriel – 2025/26

Matches Played

6

Minutes

540

Goals

1

Tackles

8

Blocks

12

Source: FBref

He completes just over 56 passes per match with a 90.2% accuracy rate, while also contributing 4.79 progressive passes per 90 minutes.

Defensively, he averages 0.95 tackles, 0.46 challenges, and 1.6 blocks per 90, illustrating his balance of proactive interventions and last-ditch defending.

His dominance in the air, as demonstrated against Newcastle, adds yet another dimension to his game.

Having also earned 15 caps for Brazil, Gabriel is now a figure of experience and consistency on the international stage.

If Arsenal are to go one better than last season, his blend of physicality, set-piece threat, and defensive nous will be central to their challenge.

But, do the Toon have their own answer to the big Brazilian?

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse Newcastle's answer to Gabriel

While Gabriel left St James’ Park with the headlines, Malick Thiaw walked away with plenty of admirers after what has been described as an “outstanding” performance.

The 24-year-old German, a £30m signing from AC Milan, is only a handful of games into his Newcastle career but already looks like a player with huge potential.

Thiaw’s numbers against Arsenal painted the picture of a defender unfazed by one of the toughest attacking units in Europe.

He won four of his six aerial duels, cleared his lines eight times, and registered one interception.

Crucially, he was not dribbled past once, underlining his ability to stand his ground in one-v-one situations.

On the ball, he attempted 23 passes, completing 20, showing the composure that made him such an attractive signing.

He sits in the 95th percentile for pass completion among centre-backs in Europe (93.1%), completing almost 59 passes per match.

He averages 4.43 progressive passes per 90, nearly identical to Gabriel’s 4.79, and also attempts more progressive carries, at 0.60 per 90 compared to Gabriel’s 0.38.

Defensively, Thiaw’s 1.19 tackles per 90 outstrip Gabriel’s 0.95, while he also makes 0.70 blocks per 90.

These numbers highlight subtle differences in style. Gabriel excels in last-ditch defending and aerial duels, while Thiaw appears more proactive in stepping out to intercept and more comfortable driving play forward.

Both are commanding presences, titans at the back, but Thiaw’s on-ball security may give Newcastle an edge in building from the back once Eddie Howe’s attacking system clicks.

The prospect of the summer arrival forming a long-term partnership with Sven Botman is tantalising.

Botman’s anticipation and positional discipline, combined with Thiaw’s composure, could provide Newcastle with a defensive pairing to rival Arsenal’s Gabriel-Saliba axis.

Against Arsenal, Thiaw didn’t just look like a stopgap in Fabian Schär’s absence – he looked like a centre-half ready to shape Newcastle’s future.

His performance against the Gunners suggested he has the physicality, intelligence, and technical quality to become one of the Premier League’s standout defenders.

If Newcastle’s rise continues, Thiaw could be at the heart of it.

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Posts ByWill Miller Sep 29, 2025

Sussex have significant lead but last-day declaration would have to be carefully judged in batting friendly conditions

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay06-Apr-2025Sussex 528 and 126 for 3 (Haines 34, Hughes 33, Yates 2-29) lead Warwickshire 454 (Yates 115, Barnard 82, Davies 66, Mousley 63) by 200 runsWarwickshire and Sussex appear destined to start their Rothesay County Championship Division One season with a draw after three sun and run-soaked days at Edgbaston.Sussex closed the third day on 126 for 3 in their second innings, 200 ahead overall, having taken a first innings lead of 74. It is a solid advantage but taking ten wickets quickly on the final day on a pitch offering some turn but which remains batter-friendly would require something special from the bowlers.The match was pretty much consigned to a draw on the third afternoon when Warwickshire, replying to 528, reached 379 to avoid the follow on. They went on to total 454 thanks to Rob Yates with 115 off 159 balls and half-centuries to Ed Barnard, Alex Davies and Dan Mousley. Jack Carson took 4 for 92, a highly commendable effort in the excellent batting conditions.Sussex have a significant lead but, in such conditions, a last-day declaration would have to be very carefully judged as a run-chase would heavily favour the batting side.After Warwickshire resumed on the third morning on 223 for 3, Sussex struck early. Ollie Robinson needs to fire early this season to advance his case for an England recall and he has started strongly in this match with several hostile spells in conditions favouring the bat. He removed the well-set Yates with the 21st ball of the day, a perfectly-pitched leg-cutter which was edged behind.Robinson then unfurled another fine ball which Mousley, still to score, edged to slip, but Tom Alsop grassed the catch. Less impressive was his next wicket-taking ball – a full toss which Ethan Bamber belted straight to midwicket.At 252 for 5, still 127 short of the follow on, Warwickshire needed steadying and Mousley and Barnard provided the necessary stability with a stand of 124 in 32 overs. Mousley exploited his early reprieve to bat attractively but departed furious at himself for missing a sweep at Carson and falling lbw. Barnard struck seven fours and two sixes in an increasingly fluent innings before he fell lbw to a fine ball from Danny Lamb.Kai Smith’s punchy 27 from 32 balls ended when he lifted Carson to long on and Michael Booth fell in similar fashion after Tazeem Ali edged Lamb to second slip.Sussex were left with a session to bat and they spent it enhancing their lead in less than scintillating fashion for the loss of three wickets to the spinners. Yates added two wickets to his earlier century as he had Daniel Hughes caught at slip and Tom Haines lbw, half-forward.Tom Clark offered no shot to a sharply turning ball from Tazeem and was adjudged lbw. The degree of turn in that last dismissal offers some hope of purposeful cricket tomorrow but it will take some monumentally good or careless cricket for this match to yield a winner and a loser.

West Ham United co-owner Daniel Kretinsky could advocate for a “natural winner” to replace Graham Potter as manager, if the poor results continue.

Potter under pressure after "Spursy" performance

Following the 3-0 defeat at home against Tottenham Hotspur, former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has been very critical of Potter, saying: “I don’t want to be disrespectful to a manager, but sometimes you look at things and you think, ‘Do you know what? I’m not sure what he’s bringing to the table as a manager.

“West Ham yesterday looked as Spursy as Spurs have ever been. They looked like when Spurs were at their worst and times under Ange where they looked like they were going to concede for fun.”

As such, the 50-year-old is clearly under mounting pressure, with widespread reports suggesting Nuno is being considered as a potential replacement, alongside former Hammer Frank Lampard, given the job the Englishman has done at Coventry City.

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At the end of August, Jose Mourinho was also named as the leading candidate to replace Potter, and there has now been a new update on the Hammers’ interest in the former Chelsea manager.

According to a report from Claret & Hugh, West Ham co-owner Kretinsky could advocate for the appointment of Mourinho, should the poor results continue.

However, the report also makes it clear that the Portuguese manager has been largely discounted, so it remains to be seen whether Kretinsky would be able to convince the rest of the board to make a move.

"Natural winner" Mourinho could be divisive appointment

The 62-year-old has undoubtedly achieved a lot in football, winning the World’s Best Club Coach award on four occasions, courtesy of lifting Premier League, Serie A and La Liga titles, as well as the Champions League on two occasions.

However, it seems likely the recently-sacked former Fenerbahçe manager would be a divisive appointment, not least because of his links to Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

Not only that, but the former Spurs boss is clearly not the manager he once was, having been sacked by Daniel Levy after just 17 months in charge, while also failing to win a trophy during his recent spell in Turkey.

Consequently, despite being lauded as a “natural winner” by journalist Josh Bunting in the past, it may be wise to avoid making a move for Mourinho, and instead appoint Nuno, given that the 51-year-old transformed Nottingham Forest from relegation candidates into a Europa League side.

Former footballer Karl Henry also praised the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers boss for the job he did at Molineux.

Club America's Alejandro Zendejas delivered a spectacular two-goal performance on Saturday night, punctuated with an audacious chip over Costa Rican icon Keylor Navas that put his side up 3-1 in a commanding 4-1 victory against rivals Pumas UNAM. The 27-year-old's masterful display continued his exceptional run of form in the Apertura 2025 campaign.

• spectacular long-range chip to growing highlight reel

  The standout moment came in the 73rd minute with America already leading 2-1. Receiving the ball approximately 25 meters from goal, Zendejas looked up to see Navas slightly off his line. Without hesitation, the 27-year-old executed a perfectly weighted chip, from just inside the box, that sailed over the outstretched arms of the veteran goalkeeper before nestling into the top corner.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  America's attacking prowess

  The emphatic victory extends Club America's impressive form in the Apertura 2025 campaign, with Zendejas' brace bringing his season total to five goals in eleven matches. The defending champions have now scored 23 goals through their first 11 fixtures, but are still one point behind league leaders Toluca.

• Navas struggles after bright start

  For 38-year-old Keylor Navas, the match was rare off night following a bright start to his Pumas career since joining from Newell's Old Boys in July. The three-time Champions League winner had only conceded four goals in seven matches since he took over the starting job for Pumas. This loss now puts the club in 10th place, having won just three of their 11 league games so far, with four draws and as many losses.

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  América prepare for critical showdown

  Following their dominant performance against Pumas, Club América’s squad now turns their attention to a crucial home match against 13th-placed Santos Laguna on Oct. 4.

Crystal Palace have started off the campaign with a trophy to their name and could now be set to go toe-to-toe with Nottingham Forest to sign a talented midfield operator, per reports.

Crystal Palace lose CAS appeal after winning Community Shield

Oliver Glasner and his club have been involved in a turbulent couple of days that saw them win the FA Community Shield against Liverpool at Wembley Stadium, though the joy of another day in the sun has been blighted by recent developments.

Taking to social media platform X, journalist Ben Jacobs delivered that Crystal Palace have lost their CAS appeal against Europa League expulsion, and they will now have to settle for a place in the Europa Conference League this term.

He said: “Crystal Palace have lost their CAS appeal and will play in the UEFA Conference League this season. Nottingham Forest will replace them in the Europa League. Palace will consider all legal options.”

Nottingham Forest will replace Crystal Palace in the Europa League, igniting more fire between both clubs ahead of their meeting on matchday two of the Premier League season next weekend.

Chelsea await in their opener at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and the Eagles will hope to bring Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss into the fold as soon as possible, even if his arrival depends on Eberechi Eze leaving the club.

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Veteran Raheem Sterling has held talks over a move to Selhurst Park and may be another option to provide a spark of creativity across the forthcoming season.

However, Glasner also appears to be focused on legs in central areas and could now be set to try and trump Nottingham Forest in the process.

Crystal Palace battle Nottingham Forest for Yunus Musah

According to reports in Italy cited via Area Napoli, Rai Sport journalist Ciro Venerato has confirmed Crystal Palace have joined Nottingham Forest in the race to sign AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah.

Napoli are also keen on the United States international and although the Rossoneri could ask for just under £26 million, even a fee of £21.6 million may be enough to prize him away from the Serie A giants.

Yunus Musah in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

40

Goals

0

Assists

3

Capable of playing in a variety of central midfield roles or on the right flank, the 22-year-old is a versatile presence who can deputise where needed. It should be noted that Napoli are looking to sell Giacomo Raspadori before accelerating their pursuit.

Labelled a “complete player” by Stefano Pioli, the AC Milan star completed 21 dribbles and won 19 tackles in the Italian top-flight last term, illustrating why he is a competent operator in several positions.

After losing their Europa League place to Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace could make a statement by bringing him to Selhurst Park as they now look forward after kicking the new term off with an encouraging victory over Liverpool in the Community Shield.

Newcastle United’s pre-season schedule is up and running.

On Saturday, in a behind-closed-doors match at the training ground, Eddie Howe’s team smashed Carlisle United 4-0; Sean Longstaff, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy and youngster Ben Parkinson all on target.

Next up on Saturday, accompanied by 10,000 Geordies, the Magpies will take on Scottish Premiership champions Celtic at Parkhead, which promises to be a slightly more high-profile affair.

Before then, will the Toon Army have another new signing to get excited about?

Newcastle looking to bolster their midfield

So far this summer, Newcastle have signed Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, costing a reported fee of £55m.

This makes him the second-most expensive signing in the club’s entire history, behind only fellow Swede Alexander Isak, but is certainly an exciting addition, considering only two players registered more assists in the Premier League last season than Elanga.

Now, according to a report by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Newcastle ‘have been told’ that a £50m bid for Conor Gallagher would be accepted by Atlético Madrid.

They add that los Colchoneros ‘are not actively looking to sell’ the England international, but would do a deal at the right price, just 12 months after he arrived in the Spanish capital from Chelsea for a reported fee of £34m.

Gallagher made 50 appearances for Atleti, only 27 of which were starts, scoring four goals, most notably on target during the Champions League derbi Madrileño in March, as his side were dumped out on penalties by Real Madrid at the Metropolitano.

Now, could Gallagher be on his way back to England?

How Conor Gallagher would fit in at Newcastle

Gallagher did not establish himself as an every-game starter at Atlético Madrid, but certainly made an impact last season, as the table below documents.

Minutes

2,446

13th

Starts

27

14th

Assists

6

7th

Shots

33

8th

Attempted passes

911

13th

Pass completion %

85.9%

6th*

Progressive passes

77

10th

Goal-creating actions

10

8th

Tackles

57

3rd

Blocks

32

4th

Interceptions

34

4th

Ball recoveries

126

6th

*minimum 700 passes attempted

Despite somewhat limited opportunities, Gallagher ranked highly for all sorts of metrics at Atlético Madrid last season and the fact that the England international ended up in the top ten in terms of shots, assists, passing accuracy, tackles, blocks, interceptions and ball recoveries underlines that he is an all-action, well-rounded midfield player.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Čech asserted that he has “special abilities to be a leader”, while current manager Diego Simeone praised his “energy and intensity”, adding “he brings a lot” both in and out of possession.

So, the question remains, how would he fit in at Newcastle?

The Magpies’ most-used midfield trio last season was Bruno Guimarães alongside Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, so let’s assess how Gallagher compares to that tried-and-trusted triumvirate.

Shots

1

1

0.8

1.2

Chances created

0.7

1.4

0.9

0.8

Passes attempted

44.9

48.3

50.1

37.9

Passing accuracy %

86.59%

83.67%

85.92%

83.76%

Duels contested

12.5

12.8

8.4

13.9

Duels won

6.1

6.3

4.6

6.7

Ground duel success %

51.79%

52.58%

54.79%

40.68%

Tackles

2.5

2.3

1.8

2.2

Interceptions

1.2

0.8

1.2

0.9

Touches

63.4

66.8

65.8

55.4

Ball recoveries

6

5.2

6.1

5.6

The very abbreviated summary of the admittedly gigantic table above is that Gallagher would fit into Newcastle’s team perfectly.

His statistics are comparable to those of Guimarães, Joelinton and Tonali pretty much across the board, particularly when it comes to duels contested and touches per 90, with Gallagher coming out on top for passing accuracy, tackles and interceptions.

The England international’s out-of-possession ability and work-rate would see him seamlessly slot into Howe’s team, even if he’d have to work to earn a starting spot, with Luke Edwards of the Telegraph asserting that the existing trio is the best in the Premier League.

Nevertheless, back in the Champions League, which means a more hectic schedule, Newcastle will require depth, and Gallagher could be just the man they require to get the best out of Guimarães, with the Englishman able to do more of the dirty work, allowing the Brazilian to be deployed higher up the pitch where he can do damage.

As the numbers suggest, the former Chelsea player has all of the tools to enable that to happen.

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SACA added its voice of concern for the deteriorating human rights for Afghanistan women under the Taliban rule

Firdose Moonda12-Sep-2024

South Africa will play Afghanistan in three ODIs in Sharjah•AFP/Getty Images

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has issued a statement in support of promoting the participation of women in cricket as South Africa’s men’s team prepares to play three ODIs against Afghanistan in the UAE.Afghanistan is the only ICC Full Member that does not have a women’s team, with significant restrictions imposed on women in the country under the Taliban government.This is the first bilateral series between the two countries and only the third time South Africa will play 50-over cricket against Afghanistan after meeting them at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. These fixtures are not part of the 2023-2027 Future Tours Programme (FTP) and have been added to the calendar as CSA seeks more competitive opportunities for its teams. SACA welcomed these additions, and said in a statement they “respect the position of CSA in this regard as the national governing body for cricket.”However, SACA, on behalf of the players, wanted to add a voice of concern for the “deteriorating human rights for women under the Taliban rule,” and reiterate their support in promoting women’s cricket everywhere.Related

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“World Cricketers’ Association and SACA do not condone any situation in which women’s players are excluded from competing in our sport,” Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO and WCA board member, said. “Every athlete has the right to equality of opportunity which is protected by international law and set out in the Universal Declaration of Player Rights. That means each player has the right to equality of opportunity in the pursuit of sport, free of discrimination, harassment and violence. A player’s right to pursue sport cannot be limited because of his or her gender. We urge CSA to utilise the leverage available to it through this series to highlight that these rights for Afghanistan’s women’s players must be protected and respected.”CSA is not expected to comment on the statement but as an ICC Member has been part of discussions around the Afghanistan situation. Its outgoing chair, Lawson Naidoo, was on the ICC’s Afghanistan working group. Sources have told ESPNcricnfo that the ICC continues to discuss possible solutions around the lack of a women’s team in Afghanistan, including ongoing conversations around a refugee team based in Australia. The ICC is hesitant to ban the men’s team (like it did with South Africa in 1970 in a stand against racial Apartheid). The ACB, because of the Taliban’s position on women, cannot recognise a women’s team. There are fears from various quarters that forcing the issue of a women’s team on the Taliban government would put lives at risk.The ICC continues to include Afghanistan as a Full Member in its international calendar, though some countries have refused to play against them bilaterally. Australia, in consultation with their government, have postponed two series in as many years against Afghanistan. They continue to play against Afghanistan in ICC tournaments. South Africa have only previously met Afghanistan in major events, most recently at the T20 World Cup semi-final, which South Africa won.On Monday, South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter was asked whether there was any consideration not to play against Afghanistan given the current regime. He passed the onus onto Cricket South Africa, without offering any personal opinion. “To be honest, those decisions are not for me to make. Ultimately, the heads of CSA decide whether we do or don’t play and so that’s the extent of it,” he said.South Africa will play Afghanistan in three ODIs in Sharjah from next Wednesday, before facing Ireland in two T20Is and three ODIs in Abu Dhabi.

Chelsea have just landed a seismic financial windfall after reaching the Club World Cup final, but the expectation remains that they’ll still need to sell a host of players.

Enzo Maresca’s side knocked Thiago Silva’s Fluminense out in the semi-finals on Tuesday evening, courtesy of a stunning brace from new signing Joao Pedro, who put on a sublime display in their 2-0 victory against his former side.

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The win means that Chelsea are guaranteed to bank around £80 million from participating in the tournament, regardless of their next result, having reached the final with five wins from their total of six games played so far.

If Chelsea go on to win the whole thing, BlueCo will get a further £7.5 million – taking their total potential earnings closer to the £90 million mark.

“I am happy for the club,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s CWC prize money.

“But I don’t care, because when I prepare a game, I don’t prepare the game thinking if we win, we have more money. Because it is something for the club, it is not for us, unfortunately. We already have a clear idea about what we need to improve for next season. And hopefully we can have it.”

While Maresca pays no attention to matters like this off the field, it could still prove crucial to Chelsea’s balance sheet.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

The club were recently slapped with a UEFA fine for breaking FFP rules, and their estimated £140 million expenditure over the summer transfer window so far means that player sales are an absolute necessity, even if their CWC earnings could provide more breathing room.

Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, David Datro Fofana, Armando Broja, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke and Djordje Petrovic are all tipped to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with uncertainty also surrounding Nicolas Jackson after Chelsea’s signings of Pedro and Liam Delap.

There is also the matter of £195,000-per-week forward Christopher Nkunku, who isn’t a key starter for Maresca, and he’s attracting notable interest from abroad.

Christopher Nkunku keen to make Germany return and leave Chelsea

According to talkSPORT, Nkunku is keen on a return to Germany with Bayern Munich, who were heavily linked in the January transfer window, and Chelsea are waiting for the Bundesliga champions to make a formal approach.

They won’t have to wait at all for an approach from Saudi Arabia, though, as it is believed that Al-Qadsiah have already made an enquiry to the Frenchman’s representatives.

Nkunku is understood to prefer remaining in Europe, so Bayern appear to be the lead contenders as things stand, but it is suggested that Chelsea could demand around £60 million as they actively seek to sell the 27-year-old.

The squad player is currently one of their highest-earners, so getting him off the books for a reasonable fee could be one of Chelsea’s most imperative exit deals of the summer.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is a man on a mission this summer. While the Blues have reached the knockout stages of the Club World Cup, thoughts are still on improving the team ahead of next season.

Maresca has already signed Liam Delap and Mamadou Sarr this summer, but they won’t be the only arrivals at Stamford Bridge. That much is certain.

With the club set to compete in the Champions League for the first time since the 2022/23 season, the former Leicester manager will be aiming to have a squad strong enough to mount a potential challenge.

As such, he is keeping an eye on developments regarding a few players. Lyon youngster Malick Fofana has been earmarked as a target. As to Xavi Simons, who is ready to make the step up from RB Leipzig this summer.

Signing some of the best young talents on the continent appears to be the philosophy that Maresca is going for, although he will need some experience mixed in along with the youngsters.

One player whom Maresca is desperate to land is Borussia Dortmund talent Jamie Gittens, having tracked him for the previous few months.

Chelsea’s interest in Jamie Gittens

Despite having a wealth of options in the final third, Maresca is looking to make some big changes this summer.

Christopher Nkunku looks destined to leave the Blues after just two seasons, while Nicolas Jackson has attracted attention from elsewhere, notably Arsenal.

If both of these players depart, then the club will be keen on adding replacements to their squad.

Bolstering his wide options is another priority for Maresca, especially considering Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk is set to face a lengthy doping ban, meaning he won’t be able to play for the club.

As such, targeting a move for another winger or two is in the club’s best interests, hence the approach for Gittens.

The Blues had a bid of £42m rejected by Dortmund at the start of June for the Englishman, as they value him at around €65m (£55.5m), which Chelsea have yet to meet.

Positive talks have been held between player and club, but until that asking price is met in the coming weeks, Gittens won’t be making the move to England.

Last season, he registered 17 goal involvements – 12 goals and five assists – across 42 games for the German side, despite falling out of favour slightly during the second half of the season under new coach Niko Kovač.

Indeed, the youngster doesn’t quite fit into the Croatian’s style of football, hence why it looks as though they are willing to let him leave this summer. Of course, this depends on whether Chelsea can meet the asking price.

Still aged only 20, Gittens has plenty of room to develop and challenging for trophies while competing in the Champions League next season will certainly aid him.

Should the Blues secure a deal for the player, he could work wonders alongside another potential signing…

Chelsea discussing move for Premier League forward

Delap won’t be the only forward to make the move to Chelsea this summer. Hugo Ekitiké has been one of the club’s main transfer targets to add depth to this position, while West Ham United player Mohammed Kudus has also been linked with a move.

Transfer Focus

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

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Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are discussing a potential swoop for Brighton and Hove Albion star Joao Pedro.

“Let’s not forget the interest from Chelsea in Joao Pedro,” said Romano when talking on his official YouTube channel.

“He remains a player of interest, and they are having conversations because they like him and are following closely.”

Brighton are looking for a fee of around £60m in order to sanction the sale of the Brazilian.

Gittens remains a priority, but if Maresca is able to sign both the Englishman and Pedro this summer, they could make for a fantastic duo next season.

Why Joao Pedro would be unplayable with Jamie Gittens

When he is compared to his fellow peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the previous 365 days, Gittens has shone in several metrics.

His penchant for beating his marker is evidenced by the fact that he ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90 (3.57), while the winger also ranks in the top 9% for progressive carries (5.53) and in the top 7% for carries into the penalty area (3.06).

Not only does this show he is a handful for defenders, but it allows him space to get into the best positions in the final third.

As such, he would be excellent at providing Pedro with chances aplenty in the Premier League and Champions League next term, no doubt about that.

The Brazilian netted ten goals in the top flight last term, grabbing six assists in the process.

Joao Pedro – Career Stats by Position

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Centre-forward

119

34

18

Left winger

40

14

0

Attacking midfield

27

11

1

Right winger

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Data via Transfermarkt

What was most impressive is that the 23-year-old scored once every 195 minutes for Brighton while finishing the season with a goal conversion percentage of 21%.

He only missed seven big chances, too, suggesting the Brighton star is extremely clinical in the penalty area.

Combining this with Gittens’ desire to get the ball into the box as often as possible, means the pair could shine together next season.

Once hailed as “magical” by commentator Kevin Hatchard for his ability on the ball, Pedro could be the ideal replacement for the likes of Nkunku and Joao Felix, who are both expected to leave.

His Premier League experience means the striker should be ready to slot into the starting XI without the need to settle in.

A fee of £60m sounds extravagant on the surface, but with the club needing players of Pedro’s quality for their Champions League campaign, that is the price Maresca must be willing to pay.

For now, the focus is on going as far as possible in the Club World Cup, especially with $125m on offer for the winner.

The Italian is still looking to bolster his team, though, and he could make a bold statement by capturing Pedro and Gittens.

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Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 28, 2025

Liverpool’s mastery in the transfer market must leave rivals hot under the collar. FSG have their drawbacks, criticised for their frugality, but who can reasonably rail against their formula?

Arne Slot, though, has exceeded expectations this season, winning the Premier League at a canter, somehow replacing the irreplaceable Jurgen Klopp.

It’s frightening to think that Liverpool are now ramping up their transfer plans, rewarding Slot with a deep-pocketed transfer chest which has already led to the signing of Jeremie Frimpong, with his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz lined up for a reported British-record €130m (about £110m) transfer.

With a deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez also in the pipeline, Liverpool fans would be forgiven for indulging in fits of excitement: Slot and the powers that be are investing in a team ready to challenge at the highest European level for many years to come.

However, more is needed in attacking areas if the Reds are to do it all over again next year and keep Mohamed Salah, who turns 33 this month, on his A-game.

How Liverpool can keep Mo Salah firing

Last season, Liverpool won the Carabao Cup and restored their place in the Champions League after a wretched 2022/23 campaign, but failed to secure the biggest prizes.

Salah promised the Liverpool faithful he would put that right, and delivered on his promise by winning the Premier League under Slot’s wing, winning the clean sweep of individual prizes in the process.

It was, all in all, a rather good campaign for the Egyptian King, but there’s no question he was overburdened with responsibility at times, dragging his profligate teammates across the finish line.

Salah no doubt misses the seamless synergy that Jurgen Klopp pieced together when creating one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever frontlines, Salah joined by Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in turning Liverpool back into a superpower over so many years.

Premier League

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29

18

Champions League

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3

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Carabao Cup

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2

1

Now, Liverpool must reward their legendary veteran with new partners in the final third who maintain clinical rates of scoring, of supplying. Whether Salah will secure teammates on the level of Firmino and Mane remains to be seen, but FSG are certainly acting with the intent of achieving just that.

Slot driving ambitious Liverpool deal

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool are considering ‘a fresh approach’ for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon this summer, who is valued at around £80m.

Contacts were established one year ago when Newcastle fretted over ways to circumvent PSR, having failed to qualify for Europe. Liverpool were drawn to the possibility of signing Gordon, but in the end, Eddie Howe’s side found alternative routes to go down.

Now, though, it’s become clear that Anfield’s interest has remained intact, and while the former Everton star would not force his way out of St. James’ Park, a return to Merseyside to sign for his boyhood club would be a big temptation.

Why Anthony Gordon could replicate Mane at Liverpool

Liverpool released Gordon from their academy when he was only 11 years old, leaving him adrift until washing up at Goodison Park, where he made his name.

Newcastle paid Everton a £45m fee to sign Gordon in January 2023, and this was before he made genuine headway. Now, it’s understandable that the Magpies would want to bank nearly double that figure, and if Diaz is sold, Liverpool might just be able to make it happen.

Hailed for his “unbelievable” 2023/24 campaign by teammate Bruno Guimaraes, Liverpool’s interest came after a campaign that saw Gordon post 28 goal contributions across all competitions, earning Newcastle’s Player of the Season.

Despite winning the Carabao Cup and restoring his club’s place in the Champions League, the current season hasn’t been so kind to the England international, with injuries and suspensions disrupting the second half of the term.

The 24-year-old remains one of the most talented wingers in the Premier League, though, having pronounced himself a “nightmare for anyone” he plays against.

With levels still to scale as he makes improvements, Gordon might just be Slot’s long-term solution on the left flank, maybe even becoming Liverpool’s new version of Sadio Mane, with blistering speed and a dynamic danger to his skill set.

Last August, pundit Jamie Carragher actually tipped the Three Lions man to serve as Mane’s heir over on Merseyside, claiming he could make a “frightening” impact.

A player of such physicality and athleticism with ostensibly sharper weaponry than Diaz could certainly make a positive impact, striking a stunning partnership with the evergreen Salah, who will remain at Liverpool for at least two more years.

And if Darwin Nunez is sold and replaced by Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with Liverpool locked in battle with Chelsea for the French forward, Slot might even have his own version of Firmino to complete a deadly new strike-force.

How to define Bobby Firmino? The Brazil forward was the glue which held Klopp’s iconic front three together, effortlessly brilliant and commendably selfless.

Mane and Salah were the goal-getters, but Firmino made it all tick, and given that Ekitike would join Liverpool as an up-and-coming Bundesliga talent, the similarities are clear to see, as Firmino arrived from Hoffenheim a decade ago for £29m.

Ekitike, 22, is a good goalscorer, having scored 22 times for his club this term, but he’s also so much more. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for assists and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Such quality would give Gordon an inroad to a new level of goalscoring success, especially with Salah shaping into one of the game’s superlative wide playmakers in recent years.

Liverpool have enjoyed tremendous success in Slot’s newly-crafted system, but with such signings, they could reach even higher, giving Salah a new attacking partnership for the ages.

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