All posts by n8rngtd.top

With the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino as the new Chelsea manager on the horizon, the Argentine must begin trimming a hideously bloated squad and attempt to repair the damage inflicted by the brazenly uncalculated Todd Boehly.

The new ownership has splashed extortionate funds on various underperforming players and with possible FFP regulations bearing down the west Londoners, they may need to resort to their wealth of academy talent as their saving grace.

One new signing, who has drastically failed to impress the Stamford Bridge faithful is Marc Cucurella, and his £60m transfer fee has emerged as a horrendous piece of business.

Meanwhile, Ian Maatsen, who spent the season on loan at Burnley has enjoyed an incredible year in the Championship and deserves to be integrated into the future first-team plans by the incoming boss.

Who is Ian Maatsen?

The 21-year-old has made 39 appearances in the second tier and has been an integral cog of a side that scored the most goals (87) and conceded the fewest (35) as Vincent Kompany’s side ruthlessly cantered to the league title.

During this run, the left-back registered ten goal contributions, as well as averaging two tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game, to demonstrate himself as an astute all-rounder with imperious attacking and defensive capabilities.

In a previous loan spell at Coventry, his former teammate Simon Moore showered the youngster in praise and said: “It says a lot about how good he is that even a slightly off day stands out as exceptional.

“It is not normal. The kid is bright, he’s hugely talented, he wants to learn, and he never gives up. Maats has got an exciting future ahead of him.”

In the last two years, the Dutchman has ruthlessly exposed himself to be far too good for Championship football – an intoxicating blend of aggression, athleticism, technique, and tireless drive.

In a 2-1 win against Swansea in January, the full-back netted two wondrous screamers to underline his potency and industrious attacking flair.

Mark Robins has said he “exhibits maturity beyond his years” and this plethora of evidence makes a hugely compelling case for his inclusion in Pochettino’s plans.

Meanwhile, Cucurella has been unable to replicate the frightening dynamism and solidity he displayed at Brighton and is yet to make his mark in the capital.

The Spaniard dismally ranks in the bottom 28% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive carries per 90, and his inability to acclimatise to more pressurised surroundings has inhibited all his potential.

The full-back has simply made far too many errors this campaign, notably stepping wildly out of position which ultimately led to Ben Chilwell's red card against Madrid in the Champions League.

Thus, Pochettino walks into the job, he could seal an immediate masterclass by ditching the underperforming defender for a hungry fresh face.

There has been an update in Manchester United's reported interest in Chelsea playmaker, Mason Mount, with speculation growing that the Englishman could be on his way to Old Trafford…

What's the latest on Mount to Man United?

The Daily Mail reported late last week that the Red Devils were set to launch a £55m bid for the 24-year-old – who has just a year left on his existing deal at Stamford Bridge – while The Athletic's David Ornstein subsequently stated that the midfielder is "leaning towards" a move to United if he is to exit the Blues this summer.

Following on from those reports, journalist Sam Pilger has now revealed on Twitter that there is "increasing confidence" among those at the Theatre of Dreams that a deal for the one-time Derby County loanee can be done ahead of next season.

In his attached piece for Optus Sport, the transfer insider revealed that Mount – who has previously been valued at around £70m – could well be sold by the west London outfit if a new deal cannot be agreed, with Erik ten Hag said to view the 36-cap gem as a 'possible upgrade' on Christian Eriksen.

Should Man United sign Mason Mount?

United have previous for acquiring players from rivals Chelsea, having snapped up the likes of Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata from their top-flight rivals within the last decade.

In the case of Mount, the signing of the Three Lions star would evoke memories of the move for fellow midfielder, Mata, with the Spaniard having joined David Moyes and co in January 2014 on a £37.1m deal.

Much like Mount – who helped his current side to Champions League glory back in 2021 – the diminutive ace also helped the Blues to Europe's prized honour in 2012, having established himself as a leading figure in the capital after providing 90 goals and assists in just 135 games across all fronts.

After falling out of favour under Jose Mourinho amid what was a "difficult" spell – in his own words – the World Cup winner opted to make the leap to Manchester in search of improved game time and would go on to score 51 goals and provide 47 assists in 285 outings prior to his eventual exit last summer.

While a respected servant during his eight-and-a-half-year stint with United, the 35-year-old seemingly never hit the heights that he achieved at Stamford Bridge – as his return of goals and assists illustrates – having spent much of his time at the club utilised in a right-wing berth, rather than in his preferred number ten role.

The fear will be that Mount – who has been hailed as a "little genius" by talent scout Jacek Kulig – could also follow a similar path if he is to make the move this summer, with it also unclear as to which role the Portsmouth native would occupy under Ten Hag.

Despite having featured predominantly as an attacking midfielder during his time with the Blues, the presence of Bruno Fernandes in that role could well see Mount forced to be deployed elsewhere, ensuring that Ten Hag and co may not see the best of his talents.

As such, the Red Devils may well be looking at Mata 2.0 with the signing of the £80k-per-week asset…

Todd Boehly is eyeing up a Chelsea move for Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic this summer as he aims to bolster Mauricio Pochettino's attacking options.

What’s the latest on Aleksandar Mitrovic to Chelsea?

According to Chelsea writer Simon Phillips on his Substack, the Blues are looking at a potential swoop for Mitrovic during the summer transfer window.

The £80k-per-week frontman still has three years left on his contract and Fulham will be demanding a fee in excess of the £22m they shelled out on him back in 2018 from Newcastle United.

Pochettino desperately requires a centre-forward with Premier League experience and the Serbian could be the ideal player to lead his attack next term.

Will Mitrovic be an upgrade on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang?

This season has been, to put it politely, a disaster for Chelsea. They will record their lowest Premier League finish since 1993/94, and having scored just 37 league goals – the joint-fourth-lowest total in the top flight – a striker will surely be top of Pochettino’s wishlist.

Upon his arrival from Barcelona last summer and having scored 92 goals in four years for Arsenal, Aubameyang was looked to as the one who could take Chelsea to the next level, yet the striker has managed to net just three for the Blues across 21 appearances.

In his 15 league matches, the 33-year-old has only posted 1.1 shots per game, created zero big chances, succeeded with just 0.2 dribble attempts per game and scored just one goal, indicating just how poor he has been in front of goal and with the ball at his feet.

Compare this to Mitrovic’s statistics during the same period, and the Fulham striker would almost certainly be a major upgrade for next season. He managed 3.9 shots per game, created five big chances, succeeded with one dribble attempt per game and scored 14 times, and these numbers have given the player an overall rating of 7.15/10, ranking him as the second-best performer out of the Whites squad.

The 28-year-old was dubbed as “magic” by Statman Dave at the start of the year as he matched his own Premier League scoring record. He has since surpassed this tally, and with one match left, could end up scoring more than the 14 already to his name – a decent total having recently returned from a lengthy ban.

With this in mind, Boehly must launch a move for the former Newcastle man, as his experience in the top flight, combined with his current ability, could potentially give the Blues 15–20 goals next term, and this could take them from mid-table mediocrity back towards Champions League contention.

Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing a former Wolverhampton Wanderers flop this summer, who has become one of the most exciting players in Europe.

Unai Emery is looking to strengthen his side in abundance after an emphatic first campaign on his return to the Premier League, guiding the Villans to European football for the first time since 2010.

It will be a busy summer for the Spaniard, with the latest link being a player that could truly take his side to the next level.

Indeed, Portuguese outlet A Bola – relayed by Sport Witness – report that Villa are interested in Sporting CP forward Pedro Goncalves.

The 24-year-old attacker boasts a €80m (£69m) release clause so would cost any willing suitor a pretty penny.

What could Pedro Goncalves bring to Aston Villa?

With 32 goal contributions in 44 total appearances this season, Goncalves will be one to watch this summer after making a significant impact on Sporting’s campaign.

The Chaves-born star scored 18 goals and assisted 14 across the Primeira Liga, the Champions League and Europa League this term, cementing himself as one of the most “dangerous” forwards in Europe – as he was previously described by Portuguese football expert Tom Kundert.

For Villa, the 24-year-old could be a statement signing and could give him another shot at life in the Midlands, after a failed career at Molineux where Wolves gave him little chance to thrive.

Playing predominantly as a left-winger, the Sporting ace could be guaranteed a starting spot and would be a significant improvement on Emery’s current options on the flanks.

Leon Bailey has been threatening on occasions since his arrival at Villa Park from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, however, has contributed just five goals and six assists in 51 Premier League appearances so far – as per Transfermarkt.

Branded as “inconsistent” by Villa legend Gabriel Agbonlahor via Football Insider, the 25-year-old could be banished from Emery’s plans in the instance of Goncalves’ potential arrival.

While the £25k-per-week Portuguese gem has scored ten more league goals this season alone than Bailey has in his two-year Premier League stay, there are more upgrades that the winger can provide to Villa than just goal contributions alone.

The 24-year-old “superstar”, as praised by pundit Jack Collins, has a greater influence on the game around him than the Jamaican, as highlighted by his averages over the season in the league for Sporting.

As per Sofascore, the winger averages 2.3 key passes per game, as well as creating 16 big chances, to Bailey’s 0.9 key passes per game and eight big chances made, communicating that he is a more complete attacking player than the Villa ace.

There is always the question of physicality when a player trades a foreign league for the Premier League, however, Goncalves passes the test statistically, averaging 1.8 tackles per game, with Bailey making just 0.4 per game as per Sofascore.

Villa could sign an explosive talent that would significantly upgrade their options in attack, with the ex-Wolves man expected to be a player in demand, Emery must act fast to get the deal over the line, which could signify the end of the road for Bailey.

Bukaya Saka and Aaron Ramsdale have been spotted warmly greeting Declan Rice on England duty amid strong transfer links to Arsenal.

What’s the latest on Declan Rice to Arsenal?

It seems quite likely that the West Ham United midfielder will be on the move this summer. After all, David Sullivan has confirmed he will be allowed to leave.

Indeed, in the aftermath of the Europa Conference League trophy win, the chairman told TalkSport: “We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going. You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season.

“In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements. It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down.

“It’s cost him £10million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go.

“You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”

And Arsenal are strongly understood to be the favourites to land the midfielder, even though Bayern Munich have also recently been touted as a possible destination.

With that being the case, fans will likely be delighted to see Rice high-fiving Saka before then hugging Ramsdale – all with a big grin on his face – after meeting up with the players on England duty.

Footage from the official England Twitter account caught the interaction.

While Twitter user @karthikadhaigal shared the images on social media too – and you can enjoy them below.

When will Arsenal bid for Declan Rice?

Only adding to all the excitement, with West Ham’s season now officially over, it seems the Gunners will make their move for the midfielder shortly.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently explained: “Arsenal will enter into crucial stages of Declan Rice deal next week. Official bid expected very soon after positive talks in the recent days.

“Gunners feel they’re ahead of Bayern as player priority is to continue in England — but timing will be crucial for Arsenal.”

And let’s not forget that Saka and Rice already appear to have a pretty good relationship having spent plenty of time together with the Three Lions.

For instance, when the Arsenal man signed his new contract back in May, the West Ham captain midfielder said on Instagram: “Congrats brother! Fully deserved.”

All in all, it feels as though this deal is close and after greeting Rice so warmly, perhaps Saka and Ramsdale know the transfer is all but certain to happen.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has wasted little time in attempting to improve his playing squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Kieran Dowell, Jack Butland, and Dujon Sterling are all poised to officially complete their moves to Ibrox at the start of next month, joining on free transfers from Norwich, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea respectively.

The English head coach is looking to bolster his side and one player he needs to replace in the coming weeks, or months, is attacker Ryan Kent.

His contract with the Scottish giants expired at the end of last month and the exciting winger has put pen to paper on a deal to join Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

Who could replace Ryan Kent at Rangers?

Beale could find the dream replacement for the English forward by securing a deal to sign reported target Kwadwo Opoku, who is available for a fee as high as €4.8m (£4.1m).

The 21-year-old dynamo is a wide player who has the potential to be a goalscorer and creator in the final third, in the same way that Kent was for the majority of his time in Scotland.

During his five-year stint with Rangers, the Englishman scored 33 goals and assisted 56 in 218 appearances for the club. He proved himself capable of making a big impact at the top end of the pitch and excelled in the Scottish Premiership.

The former Liverpool prodigy averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.03 in the top-flight in 22/23 and contributed with three goal and eight assists.

Kent showcased his inventive skills with nine 'big chances' created in total and 2.2 key passes per game, which shows that the talented ace regularly opened up the opposition with his passing and crossing.

Opoku's form in the MLS in 2022 suggests that the Ghanaian youngster has the potential to develop into a dream replacement for the 26-year-old.

The 5 foot 7 wizard plundered eight goals and three assists in 20 starts in the league for Los Angeles FC, which indicates that the young whiz can offer a big goal threat from the flanks.

He also created 11 'big chances' for his fellow attackers and this shows that the exciting magician is able to provide a significant creative threat from out wide in the same way that Kent did in the Premiership in the season just gone.

Opoku, whose "flair" was hailed as a strength of his by talent scout Jacek Kulig, produced consistent quality in the MLS and journalist Owuraku Ampofo described his efforts as "magnificent".

He could now carry that form over to the Premiership and take on the pressure of being in the team to score and create chances week-in-week-out for Rangers as their Kent replacement next season.

Leeds United striker Rodrigo's agent is scheduled to hold a meeting regarding his client's imminent exit from Elland Road, according to journalist Beren Cross.

When did Rodrigo join Leeds?

Rodrigo first arrived in Yorkshire back in 2020 from Valencia and he’s since gone on to make 97 senior appearances after becoming a regular feature of the first-team, but there’s a strong chance that he could be set to depart during the ongoing window.

The Spain international will be out of contract next summer meaning that now will be the final big opportunity that the hierarchy have to cash in should they not want to risk losing him for free in 12 months time, and having established himself as their top-performing offensive player last season, he won’t be short of potential suitors.

The Whites will know that they are resigned to losing several of their big names in the coming weeks with stars like Jack Harrison, Tyler Adams and Robin Koch having already been linked with an exit, and if the following update is to be believed, the 32-year-old could be another to follow in their footsteps and seal a move away from the Championship.

Is Rodrigo leaving Leeds?

Taking to Twitter, Cross revealed that Leeds will meet with Rodrigo's representative possibly in the coming days to discuss his departure from LS11 after three years of service. He wrote:

"Rodrigo's agent, his father, set to meet Leeds top brass imminently to get the wheels moving on his exit. United not expected to make it difficult for him to move and get those wages off the books."

Should the 49ers keep or sell Rodrigo?

Leeds obviously won’t want to lose Rodrigo for nothing and the fee that they could potentially bring in for him will be appealing, but the centre-forward is such a standout player at the club so the 49ers should see if he could be tempted to stay by offering him a new contract.

The Nike-sponsored ace, who pockets £100k-per-week, racked up 14 goal contributions (13 goals and one assist) in 31 Premier League outings last season and recorded 66 shots over the course of the campaign, which was higher than any other of his teammates, as per FBRef.

Rodrigo, who has been lauded a “top talent” by CEO Angus Kinnear, also adds wonderful versatility to the squad with his ability to be deployed in seven different positions over the pitch, including all across the frontline and even in the midfield, so retaining his services is something that the board shouldn’t even have to think twice about if possible.

Fulham are expected to open talks over the signing of versatile Fenerbache defender Ferdi Kadioglu, according to reports out of Turkey.

Who will join Fulham this summer?

As per recent rumours, the Whites and manager Marco Silva are getting busy in identifying transfer targets ahead of what will be a crucial 2023/2024 season.

Fulham comfortably avoided relegation last time round and even contended for Europe following a first full campaign back in the Premier League.

Silva’s side wish to upgrade key areas of the squad, defensively, in midfield and further forward, with Man United midfielder Fred, Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne, Coventry City’s Viktor Gyokeres and Norwich full-back Max Aarons.

Fulham star Joao Palhinha, after his own exceptional debut season in England, is said to be a man in demand as well with Man United, Liverpool and West Ham all eyeing up a move for the £90 million man.

It appears there could be a flurry of both incomings and outgoings at Craven Cottage this summer window, and according to Turkish-Football sources, they have their eyes on Kadioglu of Fenerbache.

The 23-year-old, who has been capped for Turkey’s national team, is a player attracting serious interest from Silva and co with Fulham scouts running the rule over him recently.

Most interestingly, club chiefs have been impressed with some of his performances, and it is expected that formal Fulham talks to sign the player will take place.

This is after Fenerbache were contacted by the west London side, and if they can find middle ground on price, it is believed they will commence negotiations.

Who is Ferdi Kadioglu?

Kadioglu is described as a versatile right-back option, who can play on either flank, at wing back and even the winger positions.

Only Attila Szalai played more top flight minutes than the young defender last season, showcasing what an indispensable asset he is for Fenerbache.

During that time, Kadioglu chipped in with three goals and four assists, completing the 22/23 campaign as one of Fenerbache’s best-performing players per 90 according to WhoScored.

The Turk also averaged their joint-highest rate of tackles per 90 at the back, with Emre Sarigul, founder of Turkish-football.com, tipping him to a success way back in 2020.

When we think of the greatest moments in Premier League history, the same, legendary voice comes to mind. And that’s Martin Tyler’s.The commentary legend recently hung up his mic at Sky Sports, calling an end to 30 years on the gantry as English football’s main voice. Thankfully, he is not retiring completely, however, which means we could still here his famous “and it’s live” catchphrase elsewhere across football.Though occasionally accused of being biased, Woking FC supporter Tyler remains one of the best commentators that the sport has ever seen.Where there was a big moment, there was a famous Tyler line.Things will certainly take some getting used to without him, that’s for sure, as the puns dwindle away – some, admittedly, better than others – and the veteran’s endless knowledge is no longer heard on Sky Sports.With that said, however, we’ve ranked Tyler’s most iconic moment, including, of course, a certain Manchester City title win.

5

2012: Chelsea leave it late in Champions League final

Ah, yes, the combination of a questionable Gary Neville noise and Tyler simply screaming the name of the goalscorer. That’s what we call an underrated duo.

With Chelsea heading for Champions League final defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich, Didier Drogba, as he often did, rose to the occasion to equalise in the 88th minute. The Blues then went onto famously win their first ever Champions League trophy, defeating Bayern on penalties.

A special moment deserved special commentary, and it was exactly that from Tyler.

4

2009: Macheda’s late winner

It’s almost difficult not to laugh at this one, but it’s Tyler’s voice break which makes it so special, as a 17-year-old Federico Macheda turned and unleashed an inch-perfect effort into the corner to secure a 3-2 win for Manchester United against Aston Villa late on.

It may have been a false dawn for Macheda’s United career, but the moment at Old Trafford remains one of Tyler’s best in the gantry.

3

2012: Ji shocks Manchester City

The only thing better than an underdog victory is when there’s commentary to match the league-wide shock at the result we’ve all just seen.

In 2012, Sunderland shocked the rest of England’s top flight to defeat league leaders Manchester City on New Year’s Day of 2012, with Ji Dong-Won wheeling away in celebration as the clock hit the 93rd minute.

The goal signalled a famous piece of commentary from Tyler, who screamed Ji’s name, before shouting: “He’s round the keeper, and he’s done it!”

2

2015: Welcome to the Premier League, Anthony Martial

There’s not many Premier League debuts better than Anthony Martial’s. The Frenchman introduced himself to the Premier League in style, slaloming past Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel who never really looked like standing a chance, before expertly firing home.

Tyler made sure to give him the welcome he had earned, too, screaming, “ohhhh yes”, before saying: “Welcome to the Premier League, Anthony Martial!”

It’s the kind of moment that can still give you goosebumps, courtesy of Tyler’s legendary line.

1

2012: Aguerooooooooooo

It was always going to be this one, wasn’t it? Quite possibly one of the most famous pieces of commentary in football history, let alone just the Premier League. It’s almost as if Tyler had written the script for the perfect climax to an incredible season, himself.

It feels fitting that it was the gantry legend who had the pleasure of voicing the most iconic moment of all time in the Premier League.

It’s a moment that we could watch again and again.

West Ham United could do with landing a new player to soften the imminent exit of Declan Rice, having so far been linked with numerous names without actually getting any deals over the line.

Leicester City's Harvey Banes has been repeatedly touted as a target for David Moyes' side, and they may now be in a position to move for the England international.

How much does Harvey Barnes cost?

Leicester's relegation from the Premier League has already seen them lose the likes of James Maddison and Youri Tielemans, with a couple of others – Barnes among them – expected to follow.

The Foxes are certainly not short of interested suitors in the 25-year-old, who is said to be wanted by Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and indeed West Ham.

According to the Daily Mail, West Ham have made an enquiry regarding the one-cap Three Lion, and it has been made clear Leicester are prepared to cash in if his valuation is met.

In what can be considered a big boost for West Ham and the other circling clubs, they are said to be willing to accept £35m for Barnes, having already brought in £40m through the sale of Maddison to Spurs.

Where would Harvey Barnes fit in at West Ham?

Barnes started 32 games for Leicester in the Premier League last season, each of those coming down the left-hand side. The former Barnsley loanee is a player who likes to cut in and find the net from his wide starting position.

That could spell bad news for Said Benrahma in particular, as the Algeria international made the vast majority of his starts out on the left for West Ham last term.

Benrahma did not have the same impact as Barnes in the 2022/23 Premier League, scoring and assisting a combined nine goals to the 14 managed by his possible future team-mate.

Far from being West Ham's weakest attacker last season, Benrahma would be the most natural player for Barnes to replace on the left, with Bowen providing attacking support down the other flank and a new striker leading the line should Moyes get his wish.

Barnes' 13 goals last season places him in the top 1% of all midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for goals scored, as per The Analyst, whereas Benrahma is in the bottom 32% when compared to forwards in the same metric.

Barnes also ranks far higher for shots on target percentage (47.2 v 33.3), as per FBref, and goal-creating actions per 90 minutes (0.47 v 0.22), highlighting just how much more of a menace he is in the final third.

That is not to say Benrahma does not have his own strengths, with his three assists last season two more than Barnes managed, while he is ranked in the top 9% across Europe's elite leagues among his positional peers for chances created.

Barnes is in the bottom 20% of midfielders when it comes to chances created, but it is someone who can put those chances away that Moyes could ideally do with, given his side were outscored by 13 other Premier League teams last campaign.

It is evident that the Englishman is far too good for the Championship, with his ability clear to see for a number of years now. "Barnes is probably one of the biggest talents [at Leicester]," Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said in February 2021.

"I'm not sure if he is respected or appreciated as much as he should be. He is an unbelievable player to be honest, a proper Leicester product."

A Leicester product he may be, but it could well be West Ham fans who get to enjoy seeing him regularly from this summer should Moyes get his wish. That will of much delight to the fans, although perhaps not so much to Benrahma.