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Chelsea remain intent on qualifying for the Champions League, instead of winning the Premier League title, according to a new report.

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• Blues enjoy stunning start under Maresca
• Currently second in Premier League table
• Objectives have not changed

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea have rejected the prospect of winning the Premier League title and remain focused on finishing in the top four under manager Enzo Maresca, the reports. The Blues are currently second in the table, seven points behind leaders Liverpool, and have only lost twice this season.

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  Chelsea can continue their fine form this weekend with a win over local rivals Tottenham, but the board have not altered their expectations; they expect Maresca's side to do everything they can to finish in the Champions League qualification spots and successfully introduce a new style of play.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Chelsea finished sixth last season and were 28 points behind eventual champions Manchester City. Thus, a title challenge of any kind would have to be regarded as significant progress under Maresca's management.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Chelsea will hope to cut the gap on Liverpool to four points with a victory over Spurs this weekend. They then face Astana in the Conference League in midweek.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is personally driving his club's pursuit to sign a "dream" replacement for Richarlison before summer deadline day.

Spurs aim to sell Richarlison and replace him with new striker

Multiple reports from the last week have indicated that Richarlison may not be a Spurs player beyond August 30, which is when the English transfer window will officially close.

Tottenham consider swap move for £162k-a-week forward with Ange "obsessed"

The Australian is desperate for a new attacker.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 1, 2024

According to reliable GiveMeSport reporter Ben Jacobs, Tottenham are determined to sell Richarlison, amid interest from the Saudi Pro League, with fellow respected journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming Spurs are actively looking for a new striker.

After a regrettable debut campaign in north London under ex-boss Antonio Conte, Richarlison bagged 12 goals in all competitions last season, finishing 2023/2024 as their second top scorer behind superstar Son Heung-min.

The 27-year-old, signed from Everton for around £60 million in the summer of 2022, enjoyed a very impressive mid-season purple patch which hugely contributed to his end-of-season haul.

Richarlison racked up nine goals in eight Premier League games from December last year through to February, but despite his flashes of brilliance, Spurs are prepared to offload the South American and bring in a successor.

As the ex-Watford ace's future hangs in the balance, reports have centered around which names could come to Spurs in his stead. These targets would also have the task of replacing Harry Kane, who departed Tottenham for Bayern Munich in a multi-million pound deal last year.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been described as keen on a move to Spurs, according to media outlets like talkSPORT, but it is Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke making more headlines right now.

The former Liverpool striker, who scored 21 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions for Bournemouth last season, is a star player for the Cherries, and it would be a big blow for Andoni Iraola to lose him.

Bournemouth may well be powerless if Spurs or any other club decide to trigger the £65 million release clause in his contract, but some media sources like TEAMtalk believe Tottenham chiefs think that they can do a deal for Solanke at around £60 million.

Postecoglou driving Tottenham move for Solanke

GiveMeSport have an update on the situation this week, and they claim Postecoglou is personally driving Tottenham's move for Solanke, who is believed to be open to this potential transfer.

GMS have different information to previous reports about his price tag, though, as Spurs apparently value Solanke at around £50 million – despite the player hitting double figures last season and still having three more years left on his contract.

The Lilywhites may well find themselves paying a higher fee than £50 million because of this, we believe, but it's clear as day why Tottenham are now very keen on the 26-year-old.

“He’s a dream," said ex-Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil. "As a center forward, I think sometimes his work can go unnoticed because it's difficult to score goals at this level.

“But I'm so pleased he get his goal because you ask him to press, he presses, you ask him to do stuff in possession. He does it, he literally does everything he can. Probably the hardest working centre-forward I've ever seen."

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign one club's 2024 Player of the Year, amid their advanced talks over a deal for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham now in advanced talks to sign Solanke from Bournemouth

This morning, a flurry of reports from reliable media sources shared news that Spurs are now in advanced talks to sign Solanke, with manager Ange Postecoglou now closing in on his desired striker signing.

Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham are eyeing £12 million ace alongside Solanke

The Lilywhites are looking to shore up more key positions.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 8, 2024

Alasdair Gold of football.london claims the 26-year-old, who scored 21 goals in all competitions for Bournemouth last season, has shown a "big desire" to play for the club and this will be a real plus-point for Postecoglou.

David Ornstein, meanwhile, echoes Gold's claim by stating that Solanke is "desperate" to finalise a move to north London, with talks ongoing as Bournemouth agree to sell their talisman for a club-record fee.

Solanke's contract contains a £65 million release clause which is only valid for the Premier League top six, and according to GiveMeSport reporter Ben Jacobs, the Cherries are determined to hold for a fee as close to that figure as possible.

If talks fall through for the Englishman, it is believed Brentford striker Ivan Toney is seen as a concrete alternative Spurs option to Solanke.

"Tottenham now in advanced talks with Bournemouth over a club-record move for Dominic Solanke," wrote Jacobs on X.

"Solanke has a £65m release clause in his contract and Bournemouth determined to hold out for as close to that figure as possible. Spurs hopeful of coming to an agreement with negotiations ongoing. As @talkSPORT reported on Thursday, Tottenham also have a concrete interest in Brentford's Ivan Toney should a deal for Solanke not be finalised."

With Solanke very keen on the move, it will be totally down to the clubs to find middle ground in negotiations. Meanwhile, reliable Tottenham insider Paul O'Keefe has claimed that the Lilywhites have been approached about signing another player amid these talks.

Tottenham offered Celtic's 2024 Player of the Year Matt O'Riley

Celtic star Matt O'Riley, who scored 18 goals and registered 13 assists in 37 SPFL starts for the eventual Scottish champions last season, also bagged their 2024 Player of the Year award.

The Hoops value him at around £25 million, according to reports, and it is believed his camp are trying to get him a move down south. O'Keefe writes this week that Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign O'Riley from Celtic by intermediaries, but as things stand, they're unlikely to take the bait.

Called "top-class" and a joy to watch by Rangers legend Kris Boyd, the Denmark international is attracting serious interest from Brighton, who have apparently opened talks (Daily Mail), so there could be an alternative Premier League landing spot for O'Riley.

Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has urged the Red Devils to sign England centre-back Marc Guehi.

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• Silvestre wants United to sign Guehi
• Amorim looking to add new players
• Red Devils lost last two games

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester United are looking to make changes to their squad in the next couple of transfer windows with new head coach Amorim heading up the rebuild. The club have been linked with moves for Sporting CP's star striker Viktor Gyokeres and winger Geovany Quenda, and according to former France international Silvestre, centre-back Guehi too would be a perfect fit.

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  Guehi, who is currently rated at £70 million (€84.8m/$89m) by Crystal Palace, was came close to joining Newcastle in the summer, although the deal never materialised. Silvestre feels that the England international's strength and passing range would perfectly suit the Red Devils.

• WHAT SILVESTRE SAID

  Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League betting, the 47-year-old said: "Marc Guehi should definitely be on Manchester United’s list as a long-term option in defence. He almost went to Newcastle and is shining at Crystal Palace after proving himself to be one of the best defenders for one of the best nations in the world with England.

  "What he is doing at Palace is proving he can be tested and perform week in and week out. I have been really impressed with his performances and I think he’d fit in really well with Ruben Amorim’s style of play. He is not shy of playing vertical passes and is always alert, he is strong, wins his duels and is good one on one, he’d fit in well at United."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  After two straight defeats in the Premier League, Amorim's men will aim to bounce back this Thursday when they take on Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League. They then make the short trip to rivals Manchester City on Sunday.

Declan Rice would be a "statement" signing for Manchester United, according to Teddy Sheringham, but they don't need Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

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• United told to sign Rice from Arsenal
• Midfielder joined Gunners for £105m
• Amorim linked with Gyokeres reunion

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rubem Amorim's rebuild at Old Trafford should include the arrival of Rice from Arsenal, according to former Red Devils striker Sheringham. The 25-year-old signed for the Gunners last year in a deal worth £105 million ($137.5m), and quickly established himself as a key player under Mikel Arteta.

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  It's hard to imagine Arsenal even entertaining the idea of selling Rice, least of all to a rival. But Sheringham would love to see the England international at Old Trafford and believes he possesses the characteristics that Amorim should be bringing in.

• WHAT SHERINGHAM SAID

  "I said a couple of years ago, Manchester United should have got Declan Rice. If they went out and bought Declan Rice off of Arsenal, that'd make me laugh, because that'd obviously make Arsenal weaker and make Man United even stronger," Sheringham told .

  "He's a proper player that leads by example. That's the type of player that you need in your football club. When you're making a statement about a new manager coming in and buying new players, that is the type of player you buy. Declan Rice all day."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  A more realistic target for United is Gyokeres, who played for Amorim at Sporting CP and has been linked with a reunion in England. But Sheringham doesn't believe his old club should splash the cash on the Sweden international.

  "I don't think it's imperative for United to move for Viktor Gyokeres at the moment when you've got [Rasmus] Hojlund. I think there's other areas he would prefer to nail down," the 58-year-old added. "I think the club need a left-back. Shaw's struggling with his injuries. He seems to get one after another, and you can’t pin your hopes on someone like that.

  "Another really good midfield player would be great, so I think there are other players and other areas to strengthen that are more important to him than buying another centre forward. As I say, Hojlund is showing good stuff."

Chelsea have been hunting for a 20+ goal a season striker since Diego Costa left the club back in 2017, forking out huge fees on strikers such as Romelu Lukaku, with the hope of acquiring a consistent goalscorer.

In their opening game of the season, despite losing 2-0 to Manchester City, Chelsea actually had a higher xG (expected goals), failing to convert their chances, as striker Nicolas Jackson had the biggest chance for the Blues which was saved at point-blank range by Ederson.

Victor Osimhen has been one of the main striker names linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, with consistent updates from Fabrizio Romano stating the club's interest in the Nigerian forward.

Osimhen made 32 appearances in all competitions for Napoli last season, scoring 17 goals, although the Blues could perhaps have their eyes on a dream alternative.

Chelsea transfer news

According to reports from journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea could return in the market for Aston Villa striker, Jhon Duran, who Villa are still open to selling for the right price. The club are said to value him at around £35-40m, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 20-year-old scored against another team linked with his signature this summer, West Ham United, at the weekend, to help Villa snatch a 2-1 victory on their opening fixture of the Premier League campaign.

Duran made 37 appearances for Villa in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals, and totaling 1,103 minutes played, a large portion of those minutes coming in the UEFA Conference League (443).

Chelsea current striker options

The Blues currently have Nicolas Jackson, signed from Villarreal last season for a fee of around £32m, Marc Guiu, the 18-year-old signed from Barcelona for around £5m, and Christopher Nkunku, who despite appearing more regularly playing off of a striker, can also play up front, having arrived back in 2023 for £52m.

Jackson made 44 appearances for the Blues in all competitions last season, scoring 17 goals, and providing six assists in 3,534 minutes played, turning out to be an excellent debut season for the Senegal international.

However, with the injury problems of Nkunku last season, Jackson was heavily relied upon week in, week out, and an addition such as Guiu despite only being 18-years-old, could offer another body in attacking areas to help the squad depth.

Another striker at the club, who has just left on loan to Ipswich, is Armando Broja. He has been included in this comparison to show what attributes Chelsea were missing upfront last season, when they had a strike force configured by these three names.

Whilst Chelsea were creating a solid amount of xG between their forwards, Jackson wasn't finishing at a high rate (was below his xG), as was Broja when given the chance, and as mentioned, Nkunku (who did perform above his xG) was often injured.

This set of strikers are also not known for their aerial threat, Nkunku winning the most aerials per 90 with 2.04, but still losing 1.22 aerials per 90, which is expected for the Frenchman who is only 5 foot 9 and isn't the physically imposing type.

This lack of box threat and clinical finisher did hurt the Blues at times last season, and after seeing it again on the opening game week of this campaign, Chelsea will be keen to address it in the market whilst they still can.

Duran vs Osimhen comparison

This leads us on nicely to the striker links at Chelsea currently, having already discussed two primary targets for the Blues, Osimhen from Napoli, and Duran from Villa.

Both of these players are seen as clinical finishers, Osimhen proving this over a much longer and more esteemed career so far, but Duran showing early glimpses, even having his left foot named a "weapon" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Both of these strikers add exactly what Chelsea are looking for, a box-occupant striker, who gets touches in the penalty area, uses their physicality to bully defenders, wins aerial duels and puts the ball in the back of the net at a high rate.

Duran has shown in his limited minutes that he is extremely keen to pull the trigger, averaging 3.83 shots per 90 and averaging 1.91 of those shots on target per 90, both more than Osimhen in this metric.

The 20-year-old also scored at a rate of 0.16 goals/shot, 0.02 more than Osimhen per 90, and overachieved his xG by 0.28 per 90 last season, which shows the level of clinical finishing Duran can offer at such a young age.

The way Duran uses his body to protect the ball is reminiscent of some of the best and most successful Premier League strikers, their physicality being an important factor for such a competitive league.

His ability to use a stiff arm to hold off his man, bump his back into defenders to create half a yard, and then unleash a rocket of a strike on his lethal left foot is a recipe for success as a striker in the Premier League.

Despite only being 6 foot 1 (still tall), Duran also dominates in the air, having an athletic and powerful leap to meet the ball. The Colombian averages 2.73 aerials won per 90, and this is whilst having some slight timing issues when attacking the ball. If he can improve on that aspect, these numbers would only increase.

As Chelsea continues to build out their talented young squad, that missing piece remains a consistent 20+ goal striker, and in the final week of the transfer window, many would be surprised if the Blues didn't walk away with a forward line addition.

Whether it is Osimhen or Duran, either one would provide Chelsea with the correct striker profile to complete Maresca's forward tool set, having Jackson for certain game styles, but also having a more clinical and physical archetype to turn to, in games that require this sort of player.

Instead of Osimhen: Chelsea plot hijack for Drogba-esque £50m striker

The Blues are ready to finish their summer spending with a flourish…

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 22, 2024

Leah Williamson revealed how she has formed a formidable defensive partnership at Arsenal alongside Steph Catley.

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• Williamson reveals secret behind successful partnership with Catley
• Arsenal have conceded only five goals this season
• Kept seven clean sheets

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners have started the 2024/25 Women's Super League campaign on a solid note as they find themselves on the league table after 10 rounds of games. They have conceded only five goals thus far, the second-lowest in the league after Manchester United, kept seven clean sheets and have lost just one game.

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  Much of Arsenal's stellar defensive performance this season is being credited to the formidable partnership of Williamson and Catley at the heart of their backline. England international Williamson has now revealed how she has formed this successful defensive pair with the Matildas star.

• WHAT LEAH WILLIAMSON SAID

  Speaking to , the 27-year-old said: "I think it’s been great. I suppose we’ve both been around for a while now, so we just play to each other’s strengths. Steph’s a solid player; it’s nice whenever you play next to a centre-back that can cover you as well. It allows you to be front-footed and play like that, so it’s been good.

  "We actually have a joke about our communication because we talk to each other way too much. But like I say, Steph’s an unbelievable player, she’s made my life easy."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  The Gunners are currently enjoying the winter break and will be back in action on January 19 as they take on Crystal Palace in a WSL clash.

Ipswich Town are continuing to ramp up their transfer business in the final weeks of the transfer window as they look to build a squad capable of Premier League survival this season.

Ipswich Town's transfer spree continues

Having managed to secure back-to-back promotions, spending was always likely this summer as Kieran McKenna's side looked to overhaul a squad built largely of League One players.

But the scale of business has been impressive from the East Anglian side. Headed by the arrival of Omari Hutchinson on a club-record deal, nine new faces have arrived at Portman Road, including former England Player of the Year Kalvin Phillips and last season's Championship top scorer Sammie Szmodics.

They are not done yet either, with McKenna's side on the verge of completing a loan move to sign Chelsea forward Armando Broja, a deal which will contain an obligation to buy the Albanian for £30m should they avoid relegation this season.

On the pitch, they face a baptism of fire. The Tractor Boys fell to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in their opening game of the season, and face a trip to reigning champions Manchester City in their second. But off the pitch, there is set to be more business even beyond Broja.

Ipswich Town make £15m bid to sign "unplayable" ace

That comes as Sky Sports have revealed that the East Anglian outfit have made a bid to sign Sunderland star Jack Clarke. McKenna's side have tabled an offer consisting of £15m up front plus further add-ons to sign the winger, who is being chased by a whole host of clubs this summer.

Down to the final two years of his £17,000-a-week deal at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats may be forced to cash in this summer should they wish to extract the best value for the former Tottenham man.

Ipswich could land a bigger talent than Phillips in "incredible" gem

Ipswich Town are looking to the future with this potential swoop.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 22, 2024

Last season, he caught the eye of several clubs, finishing the Championship campaign with an impressive 15 goals and four assists in 40 outings, and earned high praise from weekly watchers of the EFL including Adrian Clarke.

"Jack Clarke is unplayable," Clarke told the What the EFL?! Podcast.

"When he’s in this form, he looks like a Premier League star. It’s someone who is playing in the wrong division. He had 14 dribbles in this game, six shots, I love the run and pass for the Dan Neil goal, scored himself of course."

Now, he could be set to become a Premier League player after all, with Ipswich offering him a route back into top-flight football. It is added that Ipswich are currently "pushing hardest" for his signature, having already seen a bid knocked back this summer.

This summer was a difficult one for Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the club losing two of their most important players in the form of Pedro Neto and Max Kilman.

The pair left Molineux to join Chelsea and West Ham United respectively, but their respective deals made the club a huge profit, with their sales making the club a combined £90m in their battle with the Premier League’s PSR and FFP rules.

However, Gary O’Neil’s side had to dip into the market to find suitable replacements to plug the gaps and improve the squad to be competitive in the league this season.

Deadline day saw numerous new incomings, with Carlos Forbs just one of the new players through the door in the West Midlands, with the winger brought in to replace compatriot Neto.

He was joined by one player who could be a huge addition for the club, bolstering their ranks and providing added quality in one area of the pitch.

Andre’s move to Wolves this summer

With the funds available after the departures this summer, Wolves decided to invest in another youngster to try and improve the options currently available at O’Neil’s disposal.

The club decided to splash £21m including add-ons on Brazilian midfielder Andre on deadline day, with the 23-year-old arriving with high expectations after his stint for Fluminense in his home country.

Despite the midfielder being in the early stages of his professional career, he’s already made 197 appearances for his boyhood club, before making his debut for the West Midlands outfit off the bench against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

The deal for Andre made him the eighth most expensive addition in the history of the football club, but he’s still worth less than one current first-team member who has enjoyed a huge rise after his move to Molineux.

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s market value in 2024

After originally joining the club back in 2020, full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri has excelled beyond all imagination at Wolves, becoming a pivotal player under O’Neil in recent months.

The Algerian endured a tricky time under former boss Julen Lopetegui, looking likely to depart the club, but after the Spaniard’s departure, it gave the 23-year-old a new lease of life, going from strength to strength under the Englishman.

He joined the club in a £10m deal from French side Angers, but a handful of years on from his move to Wolves, he’s seen his market value soar as a result of his displays in the West Midlands.

The “incredible” talent, as described by boss O’Neil, is now valued at £29.4m as per Transfermarkt, a figure that is higher than the fee paid for Brazilian star Andre.

After the closure of the transfer window last week, the youngster will remain at Molineux until January at the very least, giving him the opportunity to build on his impressive form in recent months.

Ait-Nouri has the perfect qualities to play as a wing-back or even a winger with his pace, defensive qualities and his ability to create opportunities in the final third allowing the likes of Matheus Cunha to improve their own goalscoring tallies, having already chalked up one assist this season.

Worth more than Neto & Kilman: Wolves hit gold on “one of the best players"

He’s been incredible for the Molineux side…

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 26, 2024

Kyle Walker could leave Manchester City while two Premier League clubs are reportedly interested in signing Jack Grealish.

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• Walker considering his options
• Two clubs show interest in Grealish
• Man City face West Ham on Saturday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Walker has had an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign with City so far as the Premier League champions have endured a shocking crisis. Pep Guardiola's team have won only two matches in their last 14 outings across all competitions and are currently sixth in the Premier League table after 19 matches.

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  With the chances of defending their league title slowly fading out, the Cityzens might consider making some changes in their squad in the upcoming January transfer window. According to the , veteran full-back Walker is reportedly considering his options and could opt for a new challenge away from Etihad Stadium. Out-of-form winger Jack Grealish, on the other hand, is now being monitored by Tottenham and Newcastle United.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  It has been more than a year since Grealish last scored a goal for the English champions. His terrible form has prompted some extreme reactions from City fans who have called for the English winger to leave the club.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

  Pep Guardiola's side will be back in action this weekend as they take on West Ham at home in the Premier League on Saturday. City will be aiming to build some momentum after picking up a 2-0 win at Leicester last time out.